Tears Of A Beggar

After nearly a day alone, Viv awoke in his makeshift bed. The smell of garbage was overpowering, a horrid stench that burned his nose. The dumpster was almost completely dark, only a single ray of light portruded from a crack on the lid. Rubbing his sore head, he began to recall the events that led him to his dire situation. How could that guard have been so mean? The mere thought, a royal guard, sworn to protect the ponys of Equestria, tossing him into a dumpster like trash? Viv sat there, lost in doubt, he promised himself that would be the last time he'd ask a guard for help. A sudden rumble from his stomach snapped him out of his trance, he was starving. He began to rumage through the garbage, but in the darkness, he was completely blind. Pushing his hooves against the can, he attempted to lift the lid off, but his hunger mixed with the size of the lid was a no-go. Not giving up, he gave it everything he had. his back hooves began to slide on the garbage, but Viv wouldn't stop. He would eat, and he would survive. Still trying to push the lid off, a sudden wave of light hit Vivs eyes. He fell backward from the redirection of energy. Raising a hoof to his eyes, Viv heard a low raspy voice break the silence "Hey Kid, you alright?" Slightly opening his eyes, Viv saw the tall figure before him. The stallion had a dark blue coat, with a black mane. His eyes were grey, bloodshot almost. It made him look, old. "What are ya doin here kid? It aint safe in these alleys here," Raising a hoof, he offered to pull Viv from the can. Suspicious of the new face, Viv eyed his hoof. Could he trust this pony? Would he just hurt him like the guard. Vivs eyes trailed to the Stallions face. The older looking pony gave him a soft smile, the wrinkles underneath his eyes deepening. "Its okay, I aint gonna hurtchya. My names picker, nice ta meet ya, What's your name little fella?" Staring into his eyes, Viv gained confidence. The pony looked friendly, and something in his voice calmed his worrys, "Viv..." He let out in a shy voice. Grabbing onto Pickers hoof, Viv was slowly lifted from the dumpster and set down onto the pavement. "What were ya doin in there?" Picker rasped out, coughing as he talked. He didn't look too healthy from the looks of it. "Mummy left me here..." Viv grew nervous talking to the stranger. Even though he seemed kind at heart, Viv was always taught to keep safe from strangeponys. "She just leftchya?" He sounded surprised, his eyes widening into a worried stare, "Here kid, lemme take you back to her," Turning about to leave the alley, Picker took a few steps before realizing Viv wasn't following. "Whats the matter?" Viv looked at the cold cement that he stood upon, "Mummy doesn't want me anymore..." Picker sat down infront of Viv, attempting to comfort the abandoned colt. "Why wouldya say sumtin like that little fella?" Viv's tears began to drip again, his stomach growling. Picker had noticed the sound of his hunger, "Come on kid, lets go get some grub," Leading Viv deeper into the alley, Picker took a slow, but steady pace. His front hooves seemed to be in strong condition, but his back leg was shaking. Viv followed feverishly, awaiting the delicious food that he imagined so brightly in his head. Fresh carrots! Or maybe some ripe apples, it would have made his mouth water if he wasn't so thirsty. When the two finally reached their stop, a bright glow from a burning trash can lit up the otherwise dark alley. There was one other pony sitting at the fire, a small framed, but otherwise tall stallion. He seemed younger than Picker, but even more dirty. He raised an eye to Viv as he saw him approach, "Hey Pick, who's the kid?" Smiling, Picker introduced the frightened colt. "This here is my little buddy, Viv, his momma left his here, and he doesn't know were he is!" A surprised face replaced Viv's nervous look. How could Picker tell he was lost, had he met his mother, or had he been in the same position as Viv was once? Another rumble from his stomach brought him to his senses, "Mister Picker, can I have some food?" Smiling, Picker gestured towards his friend to grab a tin can. "Hey little fella, call my Pick." Catching the tin can in his mouth , he placed in infront of Viv. "It aint much, but it's all we got." But Viv didn't care. He scarfed down the tinned apples in gulps. "Woah, lookie here, we got us a champion eater!" Pick said, smiling brightly to Viv. Somehow, Viv liked it here. It might have been dark, smelly, and hidden away, but it felt like Home. Something that he needed most right now. Home.