The Lonely Mercenary

I awoke with a start as the cabin jerked up and down. It was dark, I was staring at a sleeping Pony. She laid on the seat across from mine. She was laying on her stomach with one foreleg hanging off the seat. Her head was turned facing me. Mouth agape, drool found its way out and down the side of the seat. I could hear her faint snore over the rather loud ones coming from my right.

I sat up and turned towards the noise. There was Vinyl Scratch, snoring away like she owned the train. Her mane hid her face from view. I smiled and slowly stood up as to not wake the two sleeping Mares from their slumber.

I opened the door to the cabin as quietly as possible. I turned around giving one more look at the peaceful scene. I sighed softly and walked through the empty halls of the train carts. The sounds of soft breathing and semi-loud snores came from each cabin I passed.

I reached the end of the train and stepped out the door. The wind was loud, violently rushing around me as the train chugged on its path to its many stops.

‘First stops in Canterlot. The train will need an hour or so to refuel and re-supply. I could go see OP, if he’s still there.’
The wind grew colder as the moon started its decent. The sun would soon take its place in the sky. I turned around and walked back into the train cart. All was still silent as I made my way back. I paused at my door, looking down the hall that went to the front of the train.

I gave a quick yawn and kept walking down the hall. More snores, more sleeping Ponies. I reached a cart that was alive with lights and Ponies of all kind. ‘The Bar’ I smiled deviously. I gave a glance around the room.

‘Tables, more tables, drunk Pony, tables, aha! Bar!’ I trotted over and took a seat at the counter. It was a pretty fancy bar for a train. I waved the bartend over.

“What can I get for you sir?” He said it rather politely. “What kind of wine do you have?” I asked tilting my head with an unimpressed expression. He turned around and looked up and down the wide variety of colored bottles that hung from the wall.

“You name it, we most likely have it.” He said turning around. He was a little irritated at me. I thought for a moment.
“Do you have any ‘Pere de Famille cabernet sauvignon‘?” I looked up at him smiling.

He turned around and looked over the wall once again. He paused and pulled out two bottles.

“We have a new bottle, or one that’s been aged for sixty years.” He placed them in front of me. I studied the red wine closely. The older one was lined with dust, the label worn down. “How much for the older one?”

He raised a brow in confusion. “Everything is free sir. It was all paid for when you purchased your ticket.” I smiled greedily returning my gave to the wine. “I’ll take both!”

The bartend reached underneath the counter and placed a fancy looking glass in front of me.

“Which would you like first sir?” I thought for a moment. ’Best save the sixty year old one for later.’ I tapped the newer bottle, he picked it up and uncorked it. He poured it into the glass and pushed it closer to me. “Enjoy sir.” He placed the bottle down and walked away.

I leaned in and took a deep breath, taking in its sweet aroma. I lifted the glass and took a drink. A small smile fought its way to my face. ’Yep, a great tasting wine indeed.’ I finished the first glass and poured another.

The sun was just raising above the horizon. Its bright rays hitting her face, causing her face to scrunch up and try to turn away. She rolled over, darkness filled her vision once again. If it wasn’t for the loud and obnoxious snores coming from behind her, she might have been able to go back to sleep.

“Ugh…” She groaned using her foreleg to push herself into a sitting position. She looked over at the source of the noise. She found Vinyl, leaning against the wall, sleeping away. She couldn’t help but smile at her. But something wasn’t right.

‘Where’s Foxx?’ She wondered as she stood, stretching her stiff, aching muscles. The Mare looked out the window. The sun was peaking over the hills, highlighting the sky with a beautiful array of colors. Her smile grew and she turned to face the other sleeping Mare. Her expression softened, Vinyls mane was loose due to the lack of gel. It flowed naturally over face.

Octavia gave her a soft kiss at the base of her horn before leaving the cabin. She started walking towards the front of the train. ’I wonder where I can get breakfast at?’

I finished my last glass of the Red wine. I stared at the older bottle. Still fresh and unopened, I took it and span it a few times. I was bored to say the least. I ate breakfast a bit ago, and the wine I drank hasn’t effected me in the slightest. All I had to do, was to talk to this drunk Unicorn that decided to sit by me.

We talked for a good thirty minutes before I realized it would be more fun to kill myself over and over again. I was about to get up and leave but he did it first.

“It…it was good tal..talking with you partner!” He slurred as he tried to walk away. I made no effort to look at him, or respond. But then he mutter under his breath. “Wow…What a cute Mare…”

This caught my interest. Not because of there being a cute Mare, but because he might try to talk to her. And, quite frankly, it would be funny to see him get hit, or just flat out turned down.

But when I turned my gaze to the door behind me, I saw a familiar Mare coming through the door. Yeah she was cute, I’ll give him that. I got up and walked over to her, tripping the drunk Pony on the way. “Oops. Sorry mate.” He didn’t respond, he simply passed out where he hit the floor. I chuckled as I reached the Mare.

“Hey Octavia! Good Morning.”

She looked up at me and smiled. “Oh, good morning Foxx. I was wondering where you went off to.” I stopped a few paces from her. I gestured over to the bar. “Hungry?” She nodded and walked past me. I followed her with my eyes, which placed themselves on her cutie mark. “A Treble Clef? Explains the Cello.”

She turned her head. “Hmm? Did you say something?” I pointed at her flank, this probably wasn’t going to end well. Put she didn’t seem to mind what was happening. Maybe it was to early to fully comprehend. “Your Cutie Mark, a Treble Clef right?” She glanced at it. “Yeah, How did you know? The average Pony doesn’t usually know what its called.”

I smiled, “I like music. And, I’m not an average Pony.” I whispered in her ear. She rolled her eyes smiling and took a seat at the counter.

I made my way over to the counter once again. Sitting next to her, she looked over a menu the bartend dropped off for me. She looked at the menu, glancing at the bottle of alcohol on the wall. I picked up my bottle and shook it by her head. Her ears perked up and she turned to me.

“Drink?” I offered. She took it and looked it over. “What kind?” She smiled as she read the label.

“Pere de Famille cabernet sauvignon, aged sixty years. Haven’t opened it yet. Would you do the honors?” I jokingly said. She smiled even bigger and nodded without looking away from the soon to be drained bottle.

I waved the bartend back over. “Another glass, and the corkscrew please.” He reached under the counter again and pulled the two items out. Octavia ordered her meal and moved the menu away.

She took the corkscrew in one hoof, and the bottle in the other. She uncorked it faster than the bartend and poured us the drinks. “Damn your fast at that. Drink a lot of wine?” She grabbed her glass. I did the same. “I usually open a bottle after a concert for my ensemble and I.” We raised our glasses, “To the good things in life, music, friends…” She gave the cutest giggle I’ve ever heard. “And wine.”

We clanged glasses, “Yes, and wine.” I repeated. We took a drink and looked out the window. Canterlot was coming into view. I turned to her, about to speak. But was interrupted by the sound of classical music being played over the speakers.
I closed my eyes and smiled. I brought my glass to my lips and took another drink of the best wine I have ever tasted. “You have great taste in wine. Do you drink it often?” I opened my eyes and looked over at the grey Mare.

“Not as often as I’d like. Its my favorite drink, but I dislike the cheap brands.” She smirked, “I know exactly what you mean! The cheap stuff isn’t made with quality ingredients, and in my opinion, isn’t made right. I didn’t take you to be the wine drinker type.” She poured herself another glass as her meal arrived.

“I’ve always loved wine, everything else never really tasted as good to me.” I started to smile. “My Father always said, ’If you weren’t a Mercenary, you’d be a Canterlot Noble.’ I never understood what he meant. But now, I can kind of see what he means.” My smile turned sad, I stared into the red liquid that inhabited my glass.

Her body turned towards me. “What do you mean?” I drank the remaining wine from my glass and refilled it. “He found me on the streets of Canterlot, so we believe I’m from there.”

“What?! You’re an orphan? I’m so sorry…”

I smiled reassuringly. “Don’t be. I haven’t had the best life, but it beats being dead. Now, my Father, OP, always called me ‘Canterlot Fancy Pants’ if I messed up. Heh, as I grew up, I took a liking to all kinds of wine. I dressed fancy like all these rich, posh, Ponies. And would listen to classical music whenever I could. I know that doesn’t make me the same as any Pony from Canterlot. But to us, Ponies from there always dressed nice, drank wine, and listened to classical. Us Mercenaries were different. Dressing in tactical appeal, drinking whatever came our way. And listened to hard rock, or anything to get us pumped up. I was the complete opposite from them.”

I took a drink and set my glass down. She was quiet, and I didn’t say anymore. As it was, I didn’t know why I just shared that with her. “So…You like Classical music? Who’s your favorite Composer?” I felt myself blush. “Well…I don’t really know any Composers.” I nervously scratch the back of my head. “I just listen to the music and enjoy it.”

She chuckled. “That’s fine. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the way you are. I like those qualities in a Stallion. If your different than everypony else, so be it.” Her eyes widened as she realized what she said. She turned away in an effort to try and hide her ever so red cheeks.

I smiled. “Thanks Octavia. I…I’d love to hear you play sometime.” I faced her, putting a hoof on her shoulder. It took a second, but she turned around and smiled. “Of course! Why don’t you come to my concert then? Of course, I’ll also play for you once we get to Manehatten if you’d like?”

I gave her a warm smile. “That would be amazing. Thank you.” I got up and grabbed the bottle of wine. “I’m going back to the cabin. See you there.” She waved and I trotted out the door.

It was about midday. The train had made its first stop in Canterlot and was delayed for a few hours. We sat patiently in our cabin, waiting to be on our way to Manehatten. I sat there, looking into the nothingness that comprised the cabin walls. An empty bottle of wine in my hooves.

I looked over at Octavia. She was just smiling out the window. “See anything you like?” I asked, trying to make conversation. She just continued to stare out, oblivious to me and my question.

“That’s cool.” I stated flatly. “Hey I’m gonna go out!” I said loudly. This caught her attention.

She shook her head, looking at me. “Huh? Sorry, say something?” I smiled and stood up. “I’m gonna go out for a bit. I’ll be back before the trains ready to leave.” I opened the door and walked out.

“Oh, um. Well, be careful then. Wait! If the Princess is after you, wont she have you arrested for being here!?” She quietly screamed at me, as to not wake the once again, sleeping Vinyl.

“Don’t worry, I’m me, remember!” She looked confused. “What in Tartarus is that supposed to mean?” I face hoofed. “Oh yeah…You haven’t known me for that long. That excuse wont work…um. What’s the worst that can happen?”

I closed the door and trotted off the train. I always despised Canterlot. But yet, here I am. Once again. Wondering the streets.

The streets were filled with Posh looking rich Ponies. I spotted some kids looking suspicious coming out of an ally way. I stopped at a café table and watched as one Filly went running across the street.

She weaved in and out of the crowded street. Until finally, she collided with a fancy looking Unicorn Mare. The Unicorn screamed and lit up her horn. I watched as the little Filly and a coin purse was levitated up into the air. The Unicorn was yelling at her and started looking around. Probably for a Guard.

‘Well, best help out.’ I got up and trotted over to them. The Unicorn continued to yell at the now, saddened Filly. “What seems to be the problem here?” I asked in a serious tone.

They both looked over at me. The Unicorn levitated the purse back in her saddle bag.

“This Foal tried to steal my purse from me!” She was pissed. A little to pissed. I looked at the Filly. A Pegasus like me. Most likely didn’t know how to fly. “Is that true? Did you try to snatch her purse?”

She stayed silent. “Well?!” I raised my voice, causing the Filly to flinch. “Ye..yes sir…”

A tear fell from her eye. The Unicorn didn’t let her enraged gaze fall from the Filly. I extended my left wing over the Unicorn.
“I’ll take care of her Ma’am. You go about your business.” The Unicorn nodded, letting her magic grip go of the little Pegasus. I collapsed my wing as she walked off, he head held high in justice. ’Ha, justice my ass.’

I looked at the Filly. She sat there, looking over at her friends. Wondering if she should make a run for it or not. “So. What’s your name kid?” She looked up at me.

“Names Night Flash…” She was black with a golden mane and tail. “Well, let me tell you what you did wrong Night.” I sat down, opening my wing.

“First,” I placed the coin purse in front of her. Her eyes widened in surprise. “You were to rough.” I smiled as she stared at the purse. I pushed it next to her. “Second, you made it to obvious. If your gonna hit a busy street like this, make it look like an accident.”

“How?!” She yelled up to me. “Position yourself in your targets path. Walk towards them like you’d walk down the street normally. Then, make sure you don’t give them a choice in running into you.” I said smiling as she looked up, listening intently.

“Leave them some room though. Just enough for them to brush of bump into you. Then strike. Reach in. Reach out.” I motioned with my hoof. “If you grab something, good. If not, there’s always next time.”

I placed a hoof on her head. I rustled up her mane. “Now get out of here. And don’t forget what I told you.” She started running off but quickly turned around.

“Wait! What’s your name?” I smiled at her. “Black Foxx. Oh, and if you want to learn to fly.” Her ears perked up. “Go to the flight school here in Canterlot, find an instructor named Ruby Wings. Tell her I sent you.”

“Thanks Black Foxx!” She ran over and hugged my leg before running off with the purse full of money. I opened my wings and gave them a few flaps.

I winced a little. ’Still kind of hurts. But I can fly.’ I took off slowly and flew above the buildings of Downtown Canterlot.
I flew with my eyes closed, I missed the feeling off wind blowing through my mane. I opened my eyes and smiled at the site.
The royal castle stood in front of me. Towering over the city.

I looked at the tallest tower. There sat Celestia, sitting on the balcony. Enjoying the days sun. ’Oh I could get in so much trouble…’ A smile dawned across my face.

“But, its so worth it!” I flew around the castle.

It was a no fly area. So I had to land behind it and walk part way in. Its was the same path I took the last three times I stole the crown. Climb over the hallway, sweep through the gardens, climb some more walls, and fly up the back of the tower.
But this time, didn’t go as planed. I climbed over the hallway and jumped down into the gardens.

I tumbled as I landed, getting the attention of a passing Guard. “Halt! Explain your….presence….” He lowered his Bow.
I looked up to see one of those Demon Pegasus. The ones with bat wings. He was a night Guard. He was looking at me with a confused face, “Black Foxx? What the Hay are you doing here?!” He shouted in a whisper.

I looked him over. His cutie mark was a Crescent Moon with a Bow and Arrow in the center. “Arcus? Arcus Luna?”
He looked around panicked. “Dude, what are you doing here!? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” I hoof bumped him. “Na, just gonna go say hi to Celestia up in her room. But look at you, Night Guard!”

“That’s Princess Celestia! And Captain of the Night Guard. Thank. You.” He corrected. “What you do for Luna to get that position?” I teased.

“Princess Luna! And my relationship with her has nothing to do with my title!” He stomped the ground. Obviously a touchy subject. I smiled at him.

“So you did get with her. I knew you liked her, but damn, when you make it official?” He couldn’t help but blush. “I…I made it in the Night Guard a few years back. The Princess took notice of my skills and assigned me as one of her personal Guards. One day a jumped in front of a magic bolt that was meant to kill her… Nopony knows how I survived. But after that, she made me her escort. For the past two years, I’ve never left her side. And during those, I confessed my love to her. And we began our relationship.”

I pulled him into a hug. “Congrates dude. I know I always gave you a hard time about it. But I always knew you could do it. But…why are you out here if your supposed to be Guarding the Princess?” My question was soon answered by a third voice around the corner.

“Arcus? What’s the matter?” Princess Luna walked up next to him.

We both froze. Eyes widened in fear. She was shocked at my presence, but didn’t cause a scene. “Arcus dear, who is this Pony? And why is he here?”

“This is…um….” I spoke up for him. “The names Black Foxx ma’am. Ex-Mercenary, and friend of Arcus here.” He looked at me like he was about to kill me. I just smiled at him and looked up at Luna.

“A friend? Your name does sound familiar. Have you talked about him before Arcus?” He flinched as she said his name. “N..no Princess. Not by name.” She tilted her head at me. Her expression was calm and hard to read. “Why does his name sound familiar to me?”

“Well, its probably because I’m the one who stole your sisters crown those three times.” I explained nonchalantly. As I realized what I said I looked to see Arcus staring at me with fear in his eyes.

‘Yep, I’m dead…’

I looked to the Princess, her lip quivered. And her eyes twitched. ’Shit…’ I closed my eyes, expecting the worst. I heard a loud thump. I opened my eyes.

The Princess threw herself back and was now laughing harder then any other Pony I’ve known before. She clutched her sides and rolled around in the grass laughing hysterically.

I looked at Arcus, who had the same confused look as I did. I let out a sigh of relief as she got up. Trying her hardest to control her laughter.

“That was you?! I’ve never seen my sister so mad in my life! It was most enjoyable! Tell me, what are you doing here today?” She was smiling at me. And it was a little intimidating.

“I was just on my way to speak with your sister now. Let her know how I’m doing, scare her a bit…” I smiled at her. “I think that’s fine. She should be in her room at the moment. Would you like an escort?”

I shook my head. “No, I would like a magic cancellation spell. In the event she tries to stop me from leaving. Or, tries to arrest me again.” She smirked and lit up her horn. “There should be no Guards patrolling outside for another few minutes. You should be able to fly there.”

“Thank you. I’ll send her your regards.” I walked past them. “Have a nice day Princess Luna. Captain…Luna…”A laughed at the last part and flew off. I flew straight there, slowing once I got close to the top.

“HEY THERE TIA!” I screamed from above.

“AAAAHHHH!!!!” She flailed and lost focus of her magic. Causing her tea cup to shatter on the ground. “Wha…Black Foxx!!!” She took a defensive stance.

“Relax Princess. I just wanted to say hi.” I lowered myself in front of her. “Thanks for the house and stuff. Oh, and I got all my memories back.” I smiled at her. Her horn started to glow as she threatened me.

“I should have you arrested for trespassing! Why are you here!?” She yelled loudly. A few guards came into the room.
“Oh, I don’t think you could.” She made her horn glow brighter and a puzzled look came to her face. “What? Why is my magic not working?”

I chuckled a bit. “Luna set me up pretty nice. You’ll understand when you speak to her.” I dropped to the balcony she stood at. She put a hoof out to stop the Guards from interfering.

“Besides, I’m retired now. I’m done with that Mercenary stuff. I just came here to thank you for the second chance. After I get the mess I’m in sorted out. Well, I got a lot to atone for.”

I heard the faint sound of the trains whistle coming from across the city. “I must be going unfortunately. I’ll come by for tea some other day. Tata!”

I flew up and dived down the towers edge. When I glanced back at the balcony, I could see a smile on Celestias face. Though she still probably hate me. I adjusted my angle of flight and made my way towards the train.

I flew next to the moving train looking for my cabin window. When I came upon it, I saw two extremely worried looking Mares. I pulled back, landing on the rear cart. I opened the door and walked the halls back to my cabin.

I opened the door with a “Surprise!” And, I got an apple thrown at my head in response.

“Oh my Goddess! Foxx! Vinyl, apologize!”

“Oops…sorry Foxx. You scared me. Where have you been!?” I stared at her, blinking blankly. The sun was setting in the background, and I was pretty tired.

I sat down on the floor and rested my head on the seat Vinyl sat at. I yawned, “I’ll tell you tomorrow…night…” And like that I fell asleep.

Both Mares looked down at me smiling sweetly. “Night Foxx. must have had a busy day…” Vinyl Said.

Octavia added. “Good night ’Canterlot Fancy Pants.’”