The Light through the darkness

Astral slowly trotted through the many alley ways of ponyville trying his best to avoid the wave of pure breeds trotting up and down the streets; since the last thing he needs is to cause a scene. Pulling down his hood further he continued further into the city hoping to make it toward the food district before night fall. He always hated heading into the city and would rather avoid it all together, but the food district was one if not the best location in ponyville to score the best possible edibles that could last you a whole month or more if you ration.

It was a very risky thing to do for many thestrals and a few pure breeds. Even with the dangers that came along with it was always well worth the reward. The food you gathered there was sometimes the only food you can guarantee yourself at anytime during some of the more harsher months when food became very scare, but along with that many guards were posted around the distinct to ensure any unauthorized thertrals or undeveloped ponies gain access. Astral luckily had a contact to get him inside.

Taking a peek from his hood he seen that he was starting to approach the distinct. Quickly decking into apartment complex he started trotting forward to the other side of the complex until he reached the last door and stopped. Looking both ways he made sure to check that he was the only one in the hall along with no other following him before doing the secret knock. After performing the knock a pony from the other side of the door slid open a metal slot then allowed him entrance.

Astral! Good to see you again, old comrade. I see that your back once again to use the tunnel to enter the food district, though do you have the bits in exchange for my services...?

Astral grunted under his breath before tucking his muzzle under his leathery wings then pulling out a modest bag. He made his way toward a small table and placed the bit bag down then stepped back to his original position.

The pony grabbed the bit bag and started feeling the weight. After done the pony opened the bag a little to see the gold bits and closed the bag with a small satisfaction written over their face.

"Storm,' please allow whisk through. Nice doing business with you whisk; Please comeback anytime to once again use my services and before I forget...I heard they stepped up the patrols around both inside and the outside perimeters since last time, so please be mindful Whisky. The last thing I need is to lose one of my precious customers.

Astral grunted back in response before disappearing into the tunnel. The last thing he wanted was more hurdles to jump over, but nonetheless he will survive no matter what!

Astral made his way through the small tunnel while letting his mind wonder over minor annoyances. One of them was having to pay that pony a sack of bits to get into the food district, but out of all the other ways this was one if not the best ways to enter unlike the others though the emission fee was pretty costly. Another was having to salvage around ponyville for warmer clothes since winter was approaching, then the biggest one was always food.

Finally at the end of his rambling he made it to the other side of the tunnel where he came face to face with another pony who helped him out of the tunnel and told him to wait with the others until it was time for them to head out. Astral slowly trotted toward the far corner of the room then surveyed the area seeing other ponies in similar shape. Some were on the edge of collapsing, starving, and a hoof full were dead from reality with their milky white iris's. Done with looking around at the others occupying the room Astral pulled out a worn map of the food district.

Astral started to go through many escape routes trying to figure the best possible choice, but every choice was bound to fail and it was not helping in the slightest with the added extra security. So in not knowing where the guards were patrolling at he might just have to wing it once he's inside. Letting out a sigh Astral put away the map right before the head pony told them it was time to head out. Getting up on his hoofs he don the hood while slowly making his way through the crowd already knowing the routine.

Getting in line he waited for his turn before exiting the crude shack within the alley once given the green light. He quickly quickened his pace headed toward the more lively district to blend in with the crowd before the guards swept through these certain alleys. Nearing the market he quickly decked behind a dumpster after hearing voices approaching. He heard them stop just on the other side of the dumpster chatting about little things at first before something caught his attention.

"Shesh, Why does the commander have so many of us out on patrol tonight? It seems a bit overkill since it's usual quiet at this post."

"Rookie, where you at this mornings briefing? If not then I'll make it brief. The commander caught word that they'll be half breeds and undeveloped ponies sneaking in tonight to source out food for the up coming winter. "

"Wait, really! Like that's insane. They surely know what happens to them if they were caught! Especially tonight of all nights."

"Hardly a surprise, Rookie. This winter is going to be pretty harsh from what I heard compared to last year. I expect it's why they are risking it since food will be scarce if that's the case. Now lets continue on with the patrol."

Astral let out a breath from the close encounter he almost had in being caught. Still he couldn't believe what he heard from the patrol about the information they received. Tonight's raid just reached a all time high then what he wanted to deal with plus what are the chances his contact was the one to tip them off or is getting raided as he speaks. Shaking his head he tells himself knows not the time; now it's making sure to get enough food to last then flee the heck out of here before security becomes alerted by any of the others.

He was on a time limit which was ticking by before his escape becomes inevitable with that in mind he hastily joined the crowd navigating his way towards his destination while shielding himself from onlookers.