Tears Of A Beggar

((Happy Birthday Bro, hope you have a great day!))

Three days had passed since Viv had let go of his past. Three

days since he'd been living with Picker and Slender. Now as Viv

grew more comfortable around the pair, he began to question how

they'd survived being homeless. Picker had promised to "Show him

the ropes" as soon as he could. What did he mean by show him the

ropes? What was he planning? Vivs profound curiosity grew with

his boredom. All he did, day in and day out, was sit in that

alley. He began playing with the rats, which were actually quite

tame. By the second day, he already had 3 new little friends. At

night, Viv would gaze dreamily up towards the night sky. He was

always mesmorized by the gleam of a star, or the flare of a

hurtling comet. It had made his mind wander to the endless

possibilities that stalked the far reachs of the universe. He

would have dreams of alien worlds, of new species, species

without hate, without prejudice. Viv wanted to see those places,

to discover this far off land. But for now, all he could do was

gaze off into the endless wonders, of the night sky. Finally, on

the fourth day of Vivs new life, Picker had approached with a

small box. Viv glanced towards the small object that lay before

him, "Whats this for?" Pick placed the small box before Viv,

giving him a tired smile. "This is what were going to use to

catch the bits in, Silly Filly." Viv cocked an eyebrow, still

unaware of what Picker had been planning. "Were going to be

catching bits?" Viv looked up towards the sky, "I didn't know it

could rain bits!" Picker chuckled before patting Vivs shoulder.

"No Viv, it isn't raining bits, were begging for them." Viv

stared down towards the box, begging? Why would Picker ever do

such a demeaning act? But before Viv could pose another question,

Picker began towards the street. "Try to keep up Viv, I don't

wanna loose ya in the crowd!" He called back, not slowing his

pace. Viv hesitated. What if somepony made fun of him? How could

he handle such humiliation? Closing in on the exit, Picker slowed

to a halt. Turning to face Viv, he gave a genuine smile that

calmed his worries. There was something about his smiles that

made Viv feel loved, like he mattered in someponys life. Viv gave

a smile back, and quickly made Pickers distance in no time.

Trotting close behind him now, they both entered the streets

bussling community. There was a steady flow of ponys coming from

either side of the street, all hurrying for their destinations

around town. Viv made sure to keep close to Picker, it would be a

whole new nightmare to loose him now. Trotting a few hoofsteps,

Picker stopped and sat down against a building. Gently placing

the box before him in the street. Viv looked around at the

streets occupants. Most were preceding by without a care. Viv

glanced towards a mare wearing a puffy white scarf with a purple

hat, she stared in disgust at the pair. Viv looked down at

himself, ashamed of the dirt and grime that had accumulated

around his coat. He began to walk back towards the alley, but

stopped at the sudden sound of a "Chink". Turning around, he

stared blankly towards the box, which now housed 5 bits inside.

Viv looked towards Picker, a nervous expression planted upon his

young face. Picker glanced up from his position to motion for Viv

to sit next to him. Looking about the street, Viv paced carefully

next to Picker and sat down. "Whats the matter kid? Richys

bumming you out?" Richys, that was a word Viv had never heard

before. "What's a richy?" Viv asked, a bit of childish curiosity

behind his words. Picker raised his hoof to a group of lavished

looking ponys. "The high class, they give ponys like us looks

cause they think we aint nuthin but garbage, some more trash for

the city to clean up,(Another pony tossed 3 bits into the box)

But don't let em bother ya, they're just a bunch of spoiled

whinners who don't appreciate what they got." Viv took a moment

to absorb Pickers words, it was all too true. Sitting there,

watching the crowds pass with Picker made Viv realise something,

that something was that this city was full of jerks. Ponys who

didn't care what they had, and critisized other ponys like Picker

who were just trying to survive. "I see..." Viv trailed off,

staring at the diversity of the city.