An Unusual Afternoon Break (Red Charge)

[rocket]

The celestial sun was illuminating the noble streets of Canterlot, the warm sun usually draws a smile on everyponies' faces; although smiling was a rare thing in public. Every pony walked with their chins up, along with a cold and sever look coming from their eyes.

Among the noble ponies, a tall and large figure was slowly walking by; it was wearing a customized golden armor covered with scratches and a little amount of dirt. The black and iron colored mane was long, in a curly-spiked way, creating a wind-blowing effect. The heavy wings also had armored parts. The only thing missing in that set of armor was the helmet, exposing the ex-royal guard's face. A little smile was visible on the tired face, always looking forward in search for a cheap and quiet place to have a drink.

Rocket walked many times the streets of Canterlot during his years of service. Many times he walked those streets, and many times he was glanced at by others because of his size.

At last! He found what he was looking for: a cafe called Le Sabot d'Ivoire. (The Ivory Hoof)

The second he entered, he heard a friendly and delighted voice that had a very strong french accent:

"Bienvenuuue, Welcooome! Mister Silver, it iz a pleazure to see you again!"
"Hello Gaston! So nice to see you again. How's life my friend?"replied Rocket, with his deep and calm voice.
"You know what wee say, la vie est belle! Now, vat will it be tooday?"
"The usual, a nice cup of tea and little chocolate biscuits with it. I will be at the same table.
"Very well, mai friend!"said Gaston.

Rocket walked towards a little table near the window that showed the streets of Canterlot. It was a habit to watch other ponies walking by while having a drink. Maybe by curiosity, or just like all soldier's first thoughts: to watch over.

He sat down with a little "THUMP" on the ground, because of his armor and body's heavy weight combined. While Gaston was preparing Rocket's order, the ex-guard closed his eyes and thought about the busy morning he had: escorting a business pony in Manehattan as a body guard. But nothing "fun" happened, just the usual never ending wait... He sighed, his eyes still closed, listening to his surrounding, almost like meditation. He just hoped no one would disturb him, with the exception of Gaston.

[Red Charge]

This was it, Percheron would not be able to stay in Canterlot much longer. If what he was told by the barons was correct, the Stars were more than aware of who had trained them. It would only be a matter of time until Valkyrie would convince Princess Luna to declare him an outlaw. He had made this last day a day of arrangements, getting the final things ready before he departed towards the Cult's base.

He could still show in face in public, and that was a blessing, because otherwise he would have much trouble protecting his property from being seized by the Kingdom. With the vast majority of it now transferred away from his own hooves and into the safe keeping of a friend's, the Kingdom could not seize his assets.

He was just about to turn and walk out of Canterlot when he noticed a pony observing him from the window of a restaurant. He bore armor similar to the royal guard. Was he aware that Percheron was suspected of training the barons?

[rocket]

"Your tea iz readee, my friend!"shouted Gaston with a typical french accent.

Rocket's short meditation was interrupted by the ponies warning, who joyfully trotted towards the pegasus with the cup of tea. But before he gave the cup to Rocket, something caught his attention.

There was another pegasus outside, standing still in the moving crowd, looking at Rocket, who didn't noticed him yet before looking in Gaston's same direction.

"Uh, Gaston? Is everything alright?"

"Wha? Oh yes yes, of courze! It seems there iz a fellow pegasus outzide looking at you. Oh, iz he a friends of yours?!"

Rocket didn't had time to answer as the waiter trotted outside towards Percheron. He greeted him with a quick hoofshake and speaking loudly:

"Bonjour, monsieur! Enchanté! My name iz Gaston, waiter of the Sabot d'Ivoire! How are you? Beautiful day huh? Are you a friend of Rocket Zilver? Are you-"

Gaston gasped when he had a more close look to Percheron. He remembered about the famous undefeated dogfighting champion.

"Ma Celestia!! Are you the one and only?! Oh my, oh my! I've heard about you, monsieur! Please, do come in!! I have someone to introduce you to!

Without letting the time for Percheron to answer, he gently pushed him from behind inside the cafe and brought him directly to Rocket, who was confused of what just happened.

"May I introduze you to Rocket Zilver, ze best pegazus friend in aaaaall of Canterlot! I'm sure you two will bee great friendz and-

"Gaston!! The customers are waiting!!"roared a voice in the kitchen, probably the boss.

"Oh uh, right away chef! If you'll excuze me, gentleponiez!"said Gaston while giving (at last) Rocket's tea and running back to the kitchen.

Silence was finally back in the cafe. Rocket was confused, but amused at the same time. Gaston, the most extravagant waiter.

He looked at Percheron with a polite smile.

"Excuse my friend, he can be very direct. Heh heh."

"My name is Rocket, well now that Gaston already said it. I don't quite remember seeing you before, you are?..."

Ever since Rocket left the royal guards, he spent more time in loneliness and nature, or simply being too busy with his little jobs that made him travel through Equestria; thus making him unaware of the events happening in the country.

[Red Charge]

Percheron was highly discomforted being ushered in such a manner into the restaurant, and then being faced with the supposed guard pony. With a sigh of resignment he introduced himself, "Percheron." Without, of course including his surname. Ever since he was disowned by his family he has not bothered using the name too much. Although occasionally it did still come in handy on occasion.

"Pleasure to meet you Rocket Silver but..." He looked around, he already caused a scene, and leaving now would be suspicious. "Is there anything I can do for you friend?"