//------------------------------//
// MLP : SH - 3 Gridlock 
// Story: MLP : Shattered Heart 
// by gutterratt 
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Three : Gridlock

I would love to have seen the look on his face when he found out his special little box is missing. That's one disadvantage to my line of work, I can't stick around to see the results. I imagine it would be quite amusing to witness. Sometimes I am tempted to, but I know it might take them a while to notice and I can't stick around all day. They usually aren't expecting somepony to steal something from them when they hide it away so well or put it in a large safe. Ah well, I'll just have to settle for enjoying my spoils. 

I wonder just how valuable these mustang shards are, I mean, are they just some new slang for a diamond? An opal? What if they really are part of some old relic that once belonged to Equestrian royalty? Now that would be interesting. Unfortunately, I would have to wait until I got home to unlock the box and find out. I wouldn't want somepony to interrupt me and try to take what is now rightfully mine. Finders keepers after all and I would like it to stay that way. 

With my saddle bags comfortably full of reclaimed property, I made my way down the streets of Canterlot with a smirk on my face. I stayed as hidden as I could, ducking behind parked vehicles or moving to the shadow of a building. It was still dark out but the light of the morning sun was unmistakable as it barely began to peek out of its hiding spot over the horizon. There were still guards patrolling the streets and I had no intention of being interrupted on the journey home. 

As I came to the front of an apartment building slop rained down in front of me, barely missing my head. I looked up to see a mare emptying a bucket of excrement out her window. She almost hit me with that! She could have at least checked to see if anypony was down here before dumping it. I glared at the mare as she took the bucket inside and shut the window. She's lucky I'd rather get home than make a pitstop to get revenge. If I wanted to, I could steal everything she owned.

Moving on, I saw an opportunity to reach the thieves' highway; the rooftops of the city that will provide me an easier route to my destination. It will also help me avoid all the guards roaming the streets. Next to a slave mare that was chained to a wheelbarrow was a stack of wood right in front of the carpenter's shop. It was tall enough for me to climb up and the mare shouldn't be a problem. She was too busy shoveling shit to pay any attention to me. 

I suppose I could have just used my rope arrow again. However, I have found that using the same arrow too many times causes the rope to fray, the point to dull or the rod to crack. I really needed to restock my quiver, I have been neglecting it so I only have the one to use today. I had already used it several times in the past week so I'm not sure how well it would keep without getting maintenance soon. I just hope I won't have to use one on the rest of the way home. 

I trotted over to the stack of wood and eye'd the mare as she glanced at me. Neither of us said a word to each other as I climbed on top and made my way up to the roof of the building. From here I could see a straight path to the entrance of the metropolis and I easily navigated the tiled roofs to my destination. 

Once I reached the buildings that marked the border entrance, I climbed down. Landing on the other side of the gate, I made sure the guards couldn't see where I had just come from. I could hear them chatting, not about me but about more foals they needed to have removed from the city. Those who, by the demands of their ever important paperwork, were deemed exiled until they could correct whatever issue conflicted with the King's strict rules. They were apparently very eager to kick kids out tonight, I wonder why. They also mentioned a coffin birth. I have no idea what that is but apparently it's an omen for the citizens or something. Unimportant, moving on. 

I walked out into the open as if I had just exited the inn that is supposed to be for traveling merchants and I walked down the steps. The view from the path around the city's waterfall was the same as last night, only brighter. The sun was slowly creeping upward, waking those of the earth below it. The illumination brought stains on the marble flooring to my attention. They were a deep dark red color and they began most of the way down the stairs, continuing along the path. Some were beginning to be cleaned off by the mist of the falls and would probably be gone by midafternoon. 

It wasn't long before I found the source. The little filly was lying still on the floor. It appears she had fallen down the stairs and her injured leg had ruptured. Seeing it up close, it was rather disgusting. It was swollen to unsettling proportions and missing all of its fur. It was a mixture of purple and black that was splattered with blood, obviously none of the filly's natural colors. The original wound that caused the source of the infection was blackened and further up the leg were popped blisters that oozed with puss. Glad I have a strong stomach or I may have vomited. I recognize this, the infection has turned to gangrene and the filly would likely die if she wasn't dead already. Poor thing. 

I dipped my head to her some out of some deep seeded need to offer at least my respect for trying to survive before I moved on. 

Estuary Slums is surprisingly lively for this early in the morning. I don't like it. Not only does their feeble attempts at building structures make the place even more of a maze than the city is, but now there are ponies everywhere. I know that as long as I keep my hooves to myself, these ponies aren't going to raise any kind alarm. I have been through here a multitude of times over the past couple of decades and they've never given me any kind of trouble. They just make it more of a pain in the flank to maneuver around. Not only that, this place is a town of beggars so I'm not going to be surprised if I get stopped on the way to the train. 

I made my way through the makeshift city, careful not to step on any of the foals roaming underhoof. Trying to not raise any suspicion, I made sure to not wander too close to anypony's camp. This was made all the more difficult by about a dozen ponies all speaking to each other and blocking most of my path. As I tried to find another route, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation. 

"Will you be able to make it tonight?" a slate gray pegasus stallion asked. 

"Don't worry about us, we'll make the schedule. What about you? You're going to be preoccupied if it's savable." a peach colored mare asked in response.

"I have ponies for that." The gray pegasus replied, "Besides, we have plenty of time. Find Dodge and Bean, they can help me prepare him for the journey."

"Yes sir." she replied with a salute. 

The stallion, who seemed to be in charge, turned to a young white colt with a brown vest. "Do we know if Stratta made it in?" he asked the foal.

"Uh, yes sir." the young pony said as he rubbed the scar on his muzzle, "He got in a couple of hours ago but no word on if he found what he was looking for yet."

"Hmm," the pegasus took a moment to think, "I doubt he'll find anything, I keep telling him that's a flawed plan. Just, make sure you get word to me if there are any developments. We all know how, uh… eccentric he can be and I want to provide him with support if he needs it."

The colt scrunched up his face. "Shouldn't you have sent him in with support to begin with?" he questioned.

The stallion gave him a smirk as he replied, "Can't get anything past you, can I? Guess what, you're his backup. If anything happens, you'll let me know and I can get the others to go help him. This way the big ponies can do other things and only help him if he needs it. I trust you, now go on."

The colt gave a proud salute and ran off towards the Canterlot city entrance. 

After that, they began talking about the city's sewage problems and the ponies who were captured by the King's guard. It was then that I actually inspected them a bit further. I could see that each of them had a small patch sewn into the sleeve of their clothing. It was a silhouette of an alicorn rising into the sky with a bright sun behind her. I recognize this patch, they all belonged to that rebel group, the Solar Nation as they call themselves. 

I'd rather not stick around them. Even though I could eavesdrop some more to see if they were going to cause any mayhem, giving me ample thievery opportunities, I'd prefer to stay out of their shenanigans. If the guards raided their little rebellion parties, rallies or riots, I might get caught up in the bedlam and be thrown in prison just as the rest would be. Treason such as they were causing to the crown resulted in interrogation followed by an execution. I like where my head was, thank you. 

Finally finding a path through, I could see the train platform just ahead of me. Unfortunately, just as I had expected, I was stopped in my tracks by one of the residents of the makeshift village. She was a skin and bones mare with a patchy pink coat and she was marked as a slave even though she had no chains. Strange, I wonder how she escaped her master, they never usually just let them go. 

She trembled as she spoke, "E-excuse me, sir. Might you have a little food or a bit or two to spare?" 

It was obvious she wasn't accustomed to speaking with strangers. Doesn't matter anyway because I'm not about to help her. I didn't have any food on me and I wasn't about to part with any more of my bits that I had to. She was an adult pony, she would have to figure it out on her own like I did. The world is a harsh place and if I spared something for this pony who's to say I won't need it later? Toughen up lady. 

I folded my ears in annoyance and I walked around her but I heard her follow me.

"W-wait, please!" she called out to me, "My little one, she's so sick. I need to find a doctor. Even information on one that might help us would be appreciated."

Great, more foals. And they're even sick too. I don't understand what she expects from me. Sure, her kid might get my sympathies but I have no obligation to help. I looked behind me, back to the mare and spotted a filly peeking out of a sizable hole in a raggedy tent. The second I made eye contact with the child, she ducked down and out of sight. I furrowed my brow. She didn't look sick. Maybe that wasn't her foal, there were lots of kids around here after all. 

 "I don't have anything." I told her. I saw the look of hope drain from her face as she looked downcast. She nodded in understanding and walked back into the maze. 

I didn't even get two steps up to the train platform before I was interrupted again. There was a tug on the end of my cloak. I clenched my teeth and turned around, ready to berate somepony for putting hooves on me. Well, not on me, on my clothing but, it's basically the same thing. 

To my surprise, the pony that pulled at my cloak was the little filly I had seen in the tent. I took a step back. If she really was sick it was most likely the plague and I definitely did not want to catch it. 

She glared up at me. The small ball of yellow and feathers actually had the gaul to glare at me. Color me impressed, not many actually have the guts to do that. "You got a saddlebag?" she asked. 

I just stood there and blinked at her in confusion. 

"You got saddlebags! I can see 'em under your cape." she accused. Observant little wiseass. "The way they carry you're lyin' to mamma. You do have stuff and you can spare a coin or two!" Correction: Obnoxious little monstrosity. 

I scoffed. "My property is none of your business." I told her, "I have no reason to give you anything of mine."

"My baby sister is sick, you'd let an innocent child die 'cause you're greedy? Shame on you!" she countered and finished in a sing-song tone.

Great, the guilt trip treatment. This is exactly why I hate foals. "I'm not giving you anything!" I repeated, hoping she would get the hint this time. I didn't steal anything from them so how on Equus is she making me feel so bad? I'm not responsible for their situation, I didn't cause them strife or get the kid sick. It's none of my business! I didn't feel this way until the damned filly came over. It's always the stupid foals, why are they always inclined to pester me? It's like I'm a magnet to them!

"And why not? Mamma says it's important to share!"

Her mother finally rushed over to protect her filly from my glare. "I'm so sorry!" she said in panic. 

"Mamma!" the filly protested as she squirmed in her mother's grasp. 

I then saw the mare glance up at me, look back to her daughter then back at me with wide eyes. She grabbed her filly tighter, screamed, "Rat!" and fled into her tent. 

The chatter of the village died to a low murmur at the cry. I looked around and saw eyes casting their suspicions at me. Most of the ponies quickly made their way back to their camps to hide away from the potential danger. I'm not surprised. Rats are blamed as the main carrier of the plague. In truth, it wasn't the rats but the fleas that they carried. None of my rat friends had ever brought sickness into my place of dwelling so I was never worried. Then again, my rats never fed off of corpses or lived in filthy places like this. No matter what any other pony thought of my rodents they would never change my opinion. I needed to leave this place; I didn't need to draw any more attention than I already had. 

I stepped up onto the trainstation's belvedere and trotted over to the ticket booth. "One to Ponyville." I said.

The stallion behind the glass protected counter moved the newspaper from in front of his face, cocked an eyebrow at me and just stared. 

"I need a ticket to Ponyville." I said again. 

The ticket pony's expression flattened. "No, you don't." he told me. He then shifted the newspaper back in front of his face. 

In frustration, I threw seven bits onto the counter. "Yes, I do. Now give me the damned ticket." I demanded. 

As he continued to ignore me, I glared daggers at the newspaper that obstructed my view of him. His paper shield was blocking the full effect of my irritation. Asshole. I swiped my bits off the counter and stormed off. As I walked away, I could hear him grumbling about me thinking I could get away with bringing a rat onto his train. What the hell did he know about rats that made him have so much authority over them? 

I grit my teeth in resentment and paced on the decking behind the booth, hidden in the shadow of the small structure. Dealing with ponies was not something I enjoyed. They usually prevented me from doing the things I desired, demanded things of me or they wanted to shoot me. I try to refrain from having to do any sort of business with them if I could but, sometimes it was unavoidable. This was one of those times where I didn't gain anything from the interactions. Today I only received guilt and frustration, not things I could put into my saddlebags. This was unacceptable. 

There was nothing I could do about the small family no matter how bad I felt for the sick filly or how angry I was that they alerted the entirety of Estuary Slums to my presence. The only thing I could do at this point was to find a way to rectify my issue with the judgemental stallion behind the glass. 

Examining the building, it was just the same as all the other railway terminals I've come across. I knew it was, I've seen it plenty of times before. It was a small square building with a single door on its side and a large glass pane in the front. I knew inside was just enough room for the pony, storage under the counter and a few cubby boxes for mail. There was no way I could sneak inside and steal a ticket, damn. I guess I'm going to have to be a stow-a-way instead. 

I had done it before, hiding out on the train for a free ride. It was easier to not get detected if I rode on the roof. Then again, the train tunnel down the mountain might not be tall enough for me to not become splattered pulp. Hiding inside the cabin was easier at night; most of the attendants didn't have the best night vision and I was able to hide pretty decently. With the sun rising, this may be more difficult than I would like. 

There was a shift in one of my saddlebags and a clatter on the ground beside me. I looked over to find that Thief had shoved one of my trinkets out of the bag. 

"Hey!" I scolded her, "Don't push things out of there young lady!"

I moved my cloak so I could see her poking her head out of my bag, looking as innocent as could be. I shook my head at her and picked up the piece. It was a charm that I stole just yesterday and I had neglected to put it away like I usually do. The beauty had a pure gold cast around a brilliant sapphire gem. The other smaller gems around it created the bust of a unicorn, using the sapphire to be the vast majority of the head.

I used my cloak to try and shine it up some. Unfortunately I don't have my proper tools to polish the charm like it deserved, they are all at home. That's one of the first things I'm going to have to do, I'm slacking if I let something like this go untended. I went to put it back into my saddlebag but Thief wouldn't let me. She pushed it away with her paws, I tried again and she bit the metal.

"Hey, stop that!" I told her, "You know better, we don't chew on things like this." She just wiggled her whiskers at me. The adorable little nuisance. "You're lucky I like you."

I was about to put it in my other saddlebag when I noticed the little yellow filly peeking her head around the corner. She was staring at the trinket in my hoof. My ears flattened. "I'm not giving this to you, go away." I demanded.

Her attention then turned to me and she stepped out so I could see her better. "That don't look like yours." she accused.

"That's none of your business." I snorted. 

"How's about we make a deal then." she offered, "I hear you need a ticket, I want that shiny thing. I'll get your ticket and you give me that."

Was she serious? This was definitely not worth the price of admission. This filly didn't even look like she or her mother owned a single bit to their name. "I doubt you can get it." I told her. 

She held her hoof out to me. "Gimmie your bits."

"That wasn't a part of your offer." I replied. 

"Just gimmie!" the filly demanded. 

I looked at the charm that was still in my hoof. Was I really willing to part with such a piece just for a train ticket? In any normal circumstance the answer would be a hard no but this was a damned kid. Yet again, my morals were twisted because this pony was so much smaller than I was. Not to mention she's impressively determined to help her sick younger sister even in the face of a stranger like myself. Usually, most citizens are fearful I may be a slaver or a mercenary. 

Glancing up at her, she was glaring at me and waving her hoof, waiting for the bits I was supposed to give her. I sighed, turned my head away from her and relented. "Fine." I said reluctantly. I disturbed Thief's comfy spot as I rooted around for the bits and pulled them out. I watched myself hoof them over and then she bolted away around the corner. 

As I waited, I stared at the pendant I still held in my hoof. I silently apologized to the brilliant piece of metal and gemstones that I wasn't able to care for it like it deserved. I sat down on the wooden deck and tried to shine it once more with the end of my cloak. Am I really going to part with it? I'm still torn on the issue. I could just give her nothing, take the ticket from her and be on my way but then she might rally the townsfolk against me. Actually, maybe not considering how they hid themselves at the mention that I had a rat with me. I can imagine the expression on her tiny little face if I told her no. Scrunched up in anger or sadness, crying because I denied her help. I grit my teeth at the thought. I hadn't even told her no and she was already making me feel bad. 

I looked up as I heard hoofsteps. The filly was trotting around the corner again with the pass between her teeth. She stopped a fair distance from me and spat it at me. Being made of paper, the gesture didn't have the effect I think she meant it to have as it floated gently downward. The filly held her hoof out again. "I got it now gimmie!" she demanded.

I glanced down at the item in my hoof. Hesitantly, I set it on the wooden deck and slid it in her direction. Gleefully she picked it up with her teeth and ran off. I grimaced. She definitely wasn't going to care for the treasure the way it should be. I sighed. I had no control over that now. Well, unless I steal it back. Hm, maybe. 

I walked over and picked up the slip. Looking it over, I saw she actually kept to her word. She could have easily swindled me just now with a blank scrap of paper. With how soon my ride would arrive according to the time stamped on the pass, there wasn't any time for me to retrieve my rightfully stolen property. Damn. 

With that, I sat in the shadow of the small structure and waited. Not much time had passed before the long, low bellow sounded to announce the arrival of the locomotive. After it pulled into the station and came to a complete stop, I casually strolled over to the door and glanced at the stallion who refused to let me board his train. He was still reading his newspaper. Good, no objections. 

Per the norm, my ticket was punched, I found a seat so I could stare out the window and Thief explored the cabin. Luckily, this time I didn't fall muzzle first into the floor. There were several more passengers getting on then there had been on my last ride so the train took longer at the station and I had a moment to find a seat. 

The land passed me by through the window and the sun was shining brightly just over the horizon. There wasn't much of anything that caught my interest this time. Shame, it's hard to find some kind of entertainment over the couple of hours that I know I have to wait. I'm a patient pony though, so I don't mind. 

When we pulled into the Ponyville station, I waited for a moment. Thief knew that a stopped train meant she had to come back to me. It was a few seconds later when I saw her scamper in my direction and climb my leg to reach my withers. With my companion aboard, I departed. I could hear somepony arguing outside but paid it no mind as my thoughts were on the locked chest within my saddlebag. 

I should have been paying more attention because the instant I stepped hoof off of the train I had a gun barrel pointed into my face. I really don't appreciate the gesture, not to mention I hate guns. They're too… thoughtless. With my bow, I have to decide which type of arrow to use, determine how quickly I want my arrow to fly with how much I'm pulling back on the string, exactly how on point I need it to hit, not to mention I must factor in wind resistances. With a gun it's just a point and pull the trigger and sometimes they go off by accident; bows can't fire an arrow without it being deliberate and calculated. I also am not a fan of the smell of cordite. I'd really rather not get shot today if I can help it. 

The pony who threatened me was a very light yellow earth pony mare with a pink and green striped mane. She was trussed up in a leather made garb that was studded with flat metal sheets, allowing for easier movement than full steel armor. She had the symbol of the rebels painted onto her chest plate and her stance told me she held some kind of authority within their ranks. 

"What's your business in Ponyville?" she pressed as she gave me an icy stare. 

Ignoring her, I decided to look around and see what had these idiots on edge. Maybe I could find something to my advantage that would help me solve this predicament. Two of the station's benches were broken and another was completely demolished, its wooden planks lying all over the place. The glass that protected the pony within the ticket booth was shattered to pieces except the few jagged pieces that still framed the window sill. I could see blood pooled on the counter and dripping on the ground but whoever was injured was nowhere to be seen. The body of the sick pony that had been there earlier was motionless from the several bullet wounds she had and I assumed nopony dared to touch her corpse. More blood splatters dotted the landscape leading to the massive Ponyville gates and there were blackened patches most likely from explosions. Some of the townsfolk were outside trying to repair a sizable hole in their wall and there were twice as many guards as when I had left, all of them on high alert. The train conductor was arguing with several of the guards but I ignored their conversation as the mare spoke again. 

"Start talking or I'll start shooting!" she commanded. 

"I'm no threat to you, your friends or your little rebel group. I'm just going to the Everfree Forest." I told her.

"Why do I not believe you?" She narrowed her eyes. 

"Because you just got attacked, I'm in a cloak and you're a paranoid idiot?" I offered. As soon as the snarky words left my muzzle I knew I should have just kept my mouth shut. 

The mare seethed. "Dusty, Silver, take him to Canary. I want to make sure he's telling the truth. If he's not, we have ourselves a new piñata." Great, I get to spend time in a box with the nutjobs. Ugh, can't I just go home already?

Two of the ponies behind her saluted and stepped forward. One was a tan earth pony buck with a straw colored mane while the other was a nervous dappled blue-silver pegasus mare. The stallion stood to my left and the mare to my right. The commander stepped aside and they escorted me away from the train.