I am not quite sure how long I had slept - but from the sound of it, it was still raining outside when I started to slip back into the waking world. My ears - one ear, I had to remind myself, as the other was still limp - perked ever so slightly at the distant sound of a rumble. Thunder? Possibly. It certainly made sense, though I wondered if I had slept over it, or if it was only rolling in now.

One other thing I noticed was the fact that I was... oddly warm. Not overly so, but considering I had been covered in mud and water, I had expected to be freezing. But instead, I was not only somewhat dry aside from my eyes, but definitely warmer than I had any right to be considering what I had put myself through last night. Or night before last. Hard to tell. Though I still couldn't figure out why I was warm, and why my eyes were still damp and wet and why something was-

My eyes shot open upon the realization. Something had been dabbing them. And that was when I realized I could see again. Not perfectly, mind you, I could still feel irritations, and some areas were still blurred. Still, I could keep them open, and could see more of my surroundings. Or would've seen more of my surroundings, if my gaze hadn't been greeted by pair of bright, golden yellow eyes, that looked about as startled as I felt. I kept staring back at them, slowly starting to make out other features - small muzzle, dark, ashy grey fur as a mane, dark indigo coat with some grey freckles... This was a foal. A small unicorn foal who's horn was glowing in similar yellow glow as the eyes.

Neither of us dared to move at first - I think we both were just shocked. The foal because I had woken up like that, and me because, well, quite frankly I hadn't expected another living creature to come up so close to my face. Let alone a kid. However, when the sense of danger passed finally, and I started to understand the situation - this kid must've been cleaning my eyes for whatever reason - I relaxed a bit, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Which came out as loud sigh. Louder than I had meant. Loud enough to send the little foal jumping up and away from me, the glow of their horn dying as they squeaked. Something light and soft fell to my face, which I shook off easily - it was the rag the kid had been using to clean me. I looked down at it, then up to see where the foal had ran off to. It was still relatively dark in the shack, and the little pony had perfect camouflage colors for hiding in this type of place. Didn't take long from me to spot the two bright eyes again though, as the little one was staring at me from behind some old, broken crates.

This situation was slightly absurd, if you asked me. However, I didn't think the foal was a threat - seeing as they had just cleaned up my eyes. Not only that, but my body was covered with a blanket. Sure, it was moldy, and had some holes on it, and wasn't exactly big enough to cover everything, but a small cover was still better than none. That was not all - the wrists of my hooves were covered in makeshift bandages, covering the bruising and raw skin that had caused slight pain before I went to bed. Couldn't tell much what had happened to my ear, but with slight shake of my head I could still feel it being there. Just not moving anymore.

My thoughts were cut off. Something rolled against my hoof, and I looked down - noticing a bottle of Sparkle Cola. The original contents had been emptied a long time ago, but I could see some water in it. Looking back up, I caught a glimpse of the little unicorn pulling back behind a crate, staring at me. Guess they were trying to be friendly, but couldn't trust the big scary buck just yet. Smart kid. I would've shared the same distrust, if it wasn't for all the little things the unicorn had done while I had been sleeping. I bit down on the neck of the bottle, taking a swig - the water was quite dirty by the taste of it, but it still soothed my throat. My stomach let out a small rumble, reminding me that I couldn't live off of water, but it was the only thing it was going to get now.

With a sigh, I placed the bottle down, laying my head next to it to look at the foal. I was still very, very tired, and definitely needed more rest. I could push myself up, maybe, but the floor was just so comfortable right now, and honestly, going back out in that rain and possible storm was not an option for me right now. Not now that I could think straighter, anyhow. The foal returned my gaze, not daring to move much from their little spot. I figured, it was up to me to be the social one in this case. Perhaps get some answers. Or at least to thank the little fella.

"Hello there."

By Celestia’s sun, my throat hurt. My voice was strained, and I instantly regretted not drinking more right away. The foal however, perked upon hearing me talk. Guess that was all the confirmation they needed to know I wasn't going to pillage or hurt them. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a cloak, that hid their flanks, and worn, leathery wraps around their front hooves. A small burlap sack hung from their back, though it seemed mostly empty. A scavenger, perhaps? The ashy mane was in a messy, bushy bun, which I surmised was to keep said bush out of their eyes.

The foal stepped a bit closer, head kept low, eyes fixated on me. I attempted a smile, but winced a bit. Still, I wanted to know more about my current situation. "I reckon it were ya who patched me up?" The foal nodded shyly, making a bit of a smile. I returned it, this time not grimacing from pain or exhaustion. "Well thank ya kindly. Sorry for barging in to ya house like this, didn't realize someone was living here until I was already in." - I was starting to get into a chatty mood. I had missed talking to, well, anyone who was half decent, and the little dark foal seemed to be relatively interested in what I had to say. Speaking of them, they made a wider smile - one tooth was missing I realized - and seemed generally more relaxed, as they trotted closer to me, sitting down. Such a small little thing they were. Couldn't quite tell if the unicorn was a filly or a colt even from this distance, and quite frankly didn't care. The kiddo had helped me out, that made them a good pony in my books.

"So, ya got a name lil one?"

There was a moment’s pause, pondering, and then a head shake. I hadn't expected that quite honestly, and the foal could probably see that from my expression. Making a face I couldn't quite place my hoof on, I finally guessed what was going on. With a sinking feeling, I had to ask to make sure. "Got no kin that coulda named ya?"

The little droop of the little one’s head was enough of a response. I blinked, slowly. It was a story I had heard again and again, in the Equestrian wasteland. This fella was lucky to still be alive I figured. Not many foals survived on their own like this - jaded thinking, but it was the truth. I didn't like that truth.

"Got no kin either." - I started. If I kept talking, maybe that would cheer the foal up a bit. They did lift their head a bit to look at me, curiously. "I used to. Lived in lil' farm. Tough living, but earnest, big family where everyone pulled their weight. That meant a lot of weight in my case." - I let out a weary laugh, and even the foal giggled at that a bit. "But they gone now. I might be the last one of my kin. So I know what it's like squirt - being all alone." - I hoped my expression and tone were enough to convince the little one. Which it seemed like it did, as they sat there for moment, and then... moved to my side, curling down there, gently nudging me with their muzzle.

Couldn't help but chuckle - I had tried to comfort the unicorn, but somehow our roles had switched around. I didn't mind, having a bit of company was completely fine by me. Helped me forget some of my worries, lifted a weight off my shoulders so to speak.

We had fallen asleep, me and the foal. I realized this much when I had woken up hours later, and the little bundle was still against my side, snoozing quietly. I couldn't hide my smile, before I removed my blanket to cover the foal, then tested my legs. Shakily, I got up, surprised that my body hadn't shut down completely. That sleep had done wonders, restoring my strength to a point where I could at least walk a little bit. So, that I did, heading towards the door. I wasn't going to go far, just wanted to peek out, and get a taste of that fresh air after the rain. Muzzle out, I took a deep breath, before stepping forward and looking high up at the skies. The cloud cover was still there - of course it was - but it seemed a bit lighter than usual. If that wasn't a good omen, I don't know what was.

Staring into the clouds, my original peril started to creep back into my mind - reminding me that I would have to get back on the move. Soon, preferably. The rain had surely slowed down my pursuers, and having that deep slumber was going to make sure I could make it to the next rest stop, continue on until they'd get bored of chasing me. It was a bleak thought, which got interrupted when I felt a tiny bump against my hind leg. Looking behind, I saw the foal had woken up and followed me to the door, the blanket still covering them partially. I couldn't help but to chuckle a bit, and smile at the little bean that had managed to brighten my night. And morning. But I had to be honest with what was going to happen... But did I really want to leave this fella here, all alone? At the mercy of the elements and the Wastelands?

"I'll have to leave soon." - I finally started. The foal tilted their head, making a heart-breakingly sad but understanding face. I lowered my head - I had only now noticed how small this foal really was, barely above my knee height - to talk a bit more clearly with the little one. "I am being chased by some very bad ponies. So I have to keep moving. And it's going to be dangerous, if I ain't smart." - I had to stress that point as much as I could. The little foal nodded a bit, eyes widening in wonder. I, on other hoof, was munching my lower lip a bit before I gave my offer.

"If ya want, ya can come with me. I understand if ya don't wanna, but since ya helped me I reckon I should offer at least."

I didn't expect the reaction I got. The foal’s eyes lit up, and they dashed back inside the shelter. At first, I thought that meant they wouldn't come, but then a soft glow emitted from the room and I heard the little clip clop of their tiny hooves. Looking closer, I noticed the foal galloping back, levitating the sack I had noticed earlier. I couldn't help but to chuckle a bit, lower my head again to let them to hang it around my neck. I could carry it way better than the foal could, that was for sure.

And with that, we were set to move out. The little unicorn had pulled some pre-war foods out of the sack, offering me one of the cans - which I gladly accepted, grinning happily at the little one. Though I probably should find a proper name for them, shouldn't I?

"Now, what should we call ya? Speckle Nose?"

The tiny unicorn bounced next to me, poking their tiny tongue out at that name. I couldn't help but to laugh at that, starting to suggest names as we walked on the dirt road, enjoying the taste of fresh air and the company of each other...

Author's Note

Footnote, level up. New perk added - Foal at heart.This perk greatly improves your interactions with children, and opens up new dialogue in certain situations.