INTRO and INFO
This an MLP AU set in post-industrial Equestria long after the Main 6. The story it's self has nothing to do with them, and takes place after a war between many countries that Equestria remained neutral in.
Gallopians are typically stockier then the average Equestrian, and have a very recognizable accent. On top of that, they're names often sound very different from Equestrian names, and their young get their cutie marks much later into their childhood.
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It wasn't a secret. Crime has and always will be a problem, there's nothing even the Princesses can do to completely stop it. Most people define crime as lying, cheating, stealing, and many other unpleasant activities and actions. Of course, it's not like that for everyone. For me, crime of the burglaring persuasion is how I live, the only way I can live. While most ponies go around thinking all is well and good, but it's not. To properly explain, you'd have to see it from my point of view.
My name is John Collagens, I'm 23 and an orphan, but the cops like to call me 'child of illegal immigrant scum'. The only 'family' I have is a mare I call 'Aunt' Darla, she was a friend of my mom, who died shortly after arriving in Equestria. Darla, my mom, and I are from a country called Gallopia, just East of Equestria. We are all 'illegal immigrants', here on an account of trying to escape a war going on in our homeland when I was a baby.
Equestria it's self wasn't the problem, in fact, the Princesses let the Gallopians trying to escape the war in. The problem was with the residents of Equestria, and even though my people were allowed to stay by the very royalty that ruled this country, the ponies hated us, and still do. Police violence is a problem, they'll often make false accusations and arrest Gallopians with no reason. I live in Manehattan, it's a hot bed of action, and has a large population of Gallopians. Gangs rule the streets at night, and fight over what we call 'pecking grounds'. 'Pecking grounds' are idealistic places for stealing, hustling, and exchange of illegal goods. I myself stay away from the selling and use of those certain 'illegal goods', but I've been known to pick-pocket.
I know what your thinking, I must be some low-life scum with a sob story, but you are far from right. I don't want to pickpocket or be involved with gangs, and I don't take pity lightly. Around here, ponies are less likely to hire a Gallopian, which technically counts as racism. I do what I do out necessity, I do it because Aunt Darla can't work. About a year ago, Aunt Darla was run over in a horrible taxi accident. Her leg was broken, and didn't heal just right. The limp she has won't prevent her form doing most jobs, but a Gallopian with a limp is an absolute no when ponies are hiring. I work as a messenger/delivery boy for the black market, and I'm currently trying to save up bits so we can afford to move out of Manehattan.
I don't even care if I go to an university or not, I just want Aunt Darla to have that cottage on a hill like she's always dreamed.