The night seemed to drag on for Barrier as he wandered about through the ballroom, nobles chatting about or dancing to the classical musical that played.
At least these ponies still have good taste in music. Barrier smirked as he took a swig. So I guess the modern nobles aren’t too terrible.
Barring strolled past some more chatting ponies, eventually making his way to the bandstand. It was then Barrier noticed a familiar face playing on her cello. “Hello, Octavia.”
“Good evening, Barrier,” Octavia replied without taking her eyes off of her cello. “How are you doing? It’s been a while since your last letter came in.”
“Yeah...” Barrier sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Things are a bit messed up back home, mostly due to a drunken screw up on my part.”
Octavia chortled as she continued playing. “If I had a bit for every time Vinyl said that…”
“Well, it’s nice to see you’ve got a job here.” Barrier offered her a small smile but was unsure if she noticed. “In my day, musicians would have killed to get hired to play at the gala.”
“Is it wrong that I honestly can’t tell if you’re being serious or hyperbolic with that comment?”
“It’s entirely possible that some could have. A lot of things happened back then.” Barrier took quick swig of his flask before offering it up the the gray mare. “Care for a drink? It’s good stuff.”
“No, thank you,” Octavia replied, a thankful smile on her lips. “I appreciate the offer, but I need to stay on point.”
“Fair enough.” Barrier shrugged before stowing the flask away. “Well, hope you have a good night, Octavia.” He offered her a wave before pivoting around and walking away.
I’m starting to think maybe I shouldn’t have come here. Barrier sighed as he trudged past several ponies, not noticing the scent from the room he was approaching. At least in Vanhoover, spending the night with Fleet and Windy would keep me occupied. Now all I’ve got is my thoughts, reminding me how alone I am after my fuck up.
Still, at least I know I can help Celestia and the kids are probably having a good time. At least they haven’t gotten into tr—
“FIRE!!!” A mare screamed, snapping Barrier from his thoughts, allowing his reflexes to take over. Charging forward with his horn flaring, Barrier made his way to the entryway where he was gobsmacked by the sight. There was a pack of ponies running away from a snack table that was engulfed in flames. Pillars were being knocked over by some of the fleeing ponies, with a pegasus in a rainbow dress doing everything she could to keep the pillars from tumbling to the ground.
Barrier grit his teeth, trying to focus his magic, only to be knocked aside by the running pair of Hat Trick and Winter Gem, causing him to unleash his magic upon one of the large, ornate windows.
“Sorry, sir!” Hatty yelled, looking over his shoulder.
Barrier tried to get back up, only for Moonstone to collide with him, sending them both sprawling to the ground.
Cobalt flew over the pair, continuing her pursuit of the running couple. The thestral dive bombed at the two as they were coming up on the burning table… unfortunately for the flying mare, the two turned away at the last second, causing her to crash into the table’s edge, upending its contents.
Smaller flaming pastries flew over the guests, with some hitting tables and curtains, setting them ablaze, while a large cake was sent hurtling towards a white unicorn stallion, who grabbed a mare in an elaborate pink dress, using her to shield him from the cake, much to her fury.
“Urgh… son of a whorse…” Barrier groaned as he pulled himself up. “This can’t get any wor—”
A loud boom echoed through the hall of screaming ponies before a flood of animals poured in, making the calamity become a catastrophe.
“YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE ME!” A roughed-up looking yellow mare bellowed out so loud, Barrier wondered if she’d somehow harnessed the Royal Canterlot Voice.
“Oh for Zacherle’s sake,” Barrier grumbled, slapping a hoof against his head. With a tired sigh, he spotted Twilight and her friends rushing out, with Rarity pausing to smash a glass shoe before following suit.
“What the Tartarus did these kids get themselves into?” Barrier growled as he made his way towards the exit, chugging down the last droplets in his flask which only served to make him grumble even more.
“At least I was planning on heading to a bar anyway.” Slipping the empty flask back into his cummerbund, the glaring unicorn strode past the palace gate and took an immediate turn towards the direction that would lead him to the Phoenix Fire.
***
Barrier nosed his way through the front door, where he saw the sight of a familiar black stallion in a brown coltson behind the bar.
“Been a while, Barry.” The silver-maned stallion smirked as he leaned upon the bar. “Showin’ up at this time of night, huh? Do I even want to know?”
“Just some craziness from this year’s gala, Trigsy,” Barrier casually replied as he made his way to one of the bar’s larger booths.
“Oh? I can only imagine what this year’s dumb crap has to be.” Curiosity was written all across Trigger’s face. “Got any names? Ya know we like our ribbin’ here. Regulars got bits on the line with high stakes.”
“Artillery Punch. Three of’em, to start. Then we can talk about that… mess.” Barrier smirked as he took a seat.
“Someone is setting his priorities tonight.” Trigger rolled his eyes as he began to pour and mix Barrier’s three drinks. The glass was soon engulfed in an amber light and floated over to the charcoal stallion.
Just as Barrier had thrown back the first glass, the door was pushed opened by a winded and disheveled Hat Trick and Winter Gem.
“Well, look who it is!” Barrier called out and loudly banged the glass on his table loud enough to draw the attention of every patron in the establishment, glaring at the pair that immediately began sweating bullets. “Would you two mind explaining what you were doing to have two guards chasing after you?”
“Oh, well… um…” Gem bit her lower lip and scratched the back of her neck. “Well, it was kinda loud and crowded for Hatty and I in the ballroom, so we decided to—”
“Rut in Princess Celestia’s bathroom, right?” Barrier smirked at the shocked blushes on their faces, which drew a chuckle from the bartender and a few of the other patrons.
“Point is, we tried to go somewhere we shouldn’t, and those two chased after us.” Hatty moved past Gem, slipping into the booth.
“Did you two have anything to do with that fire?” Barrier took a swig as Gem slipped in at Hatty’s side.
“No. Why would we start a fire at the gala?” Winter sighed as she rested her chin on the table. “We just wanted to have some good, not so clean fun.”
The door opened once more, this time the ones that entered were a disheveled Swiftsword and Spearmint, with the former sporting a wide grin of satisfaction.
“Good evening, my friends!” Swift gave the group a wave as she strolled over to the three. “How did your night go?”
“Bleaurgh…” the three groaned in unison, much to Swift’s surprise.
“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.” Swift frowned as she slipped into the booth, sitting at Barrier’s side.
“Well, how’d things go for you with that guy that you were chasing after?” Barrier asked, leaning back against the back of the booth.
“That went most wonderfully!” Swift beamed, nearly bouncing in her seat. “Once I had managed to corner the stallion in the gala, Spearmint stepped in to represent him in the duel. I accepted and was treated with one of the most exhilarating duels I’ve ever had! Sword against spear! Steel against steel! It’s been so long since I was so satisfied!” She was positively giddy as she leaned against Spearmint, drawing a blushing smile from her.
Barrier’s eye rose as after taking a quick sip. “And what about the stallion that offended you?”
The blue unicorn chuckled, pulling away from the minty mare. “With Spearmint bested, I told that scoundrel to surrender. He did so through a river of tears. I let him leave no worse for wear, but he would need to replace his trousers. Though Spearmint did have him charged with sexual harassment for me.”
“You’re lucky no one got hurt, Swift.” Spearmint growled, pulling on the unicorn’s shoulder. “The only reason why you’re not arrested is old laws about dueling like that are still on the books. Do I make myself clear?”
“Quite, my friend.” Swift’s voice had changed in an instant, going from jovial to serious. “I give you my word, should such an offense happen again, I will follow more modern protocols.”
“See that you do.” Spearmint sighed as she rubbed the sides of her temples. “Anywho, since my shift’s over…” She hopped up in her seat, calling towards the bar. “Hey Trigger, could I get a Neigh York Zombie?”
“Coming right up,” the hatted stallion replied with a wave just as the entrance opened once more, revealing the pair of Forge and Snow.
“Hey guys, over here!” Gem called out, offering the pair a warm smile. The two quickly came over, taking their places at a booth next to their friends. “So, how’d your night go?”
Forge chuckled from his booth as he took in the sight of her and Hatty. “I’m guessing better than yours. Did some guards catch you before you could spend some ‘private time’ together?” His tone was laced with amusement, making the couple in question give an ever so slightly blush, but remained quiet.
A mischievous laugh came from Swift as she grinned knowingly at the pair. “Your silence only damns you.”
“So what did you two get up to?” Barrier set his drink down, slapping Hatty’s hoof away as he tried to reach for it.
“Not too much,” Snow replied relaxedly as he leaned into the booth. “We tried some of the fancy food and drinks, danced a bit, and then we went outside to enjoy the fireworks until we heard somepony yelling about a fire.” The pegasus’ eyes briefly darted towards Forge, making him nervously scratch his neck.
“Did you two make any fireworks of your own?” Gem winked at the pair, making Snow roll his eyes at the innuendo.
“No. I don’t really know much about making explosives and I thought something like that on the palace grounds would get us in trou—” Forge was cut off when Snow started whispering in his ear, making the unicorn groan in annoyance. “Shut it, Gem.”
The collection of ponies chatted amongst themselves with a wide assortment of drinks and snacks being tasted for nearly twenty minutes, until a griffin and pony that were leaning closely together, grinning widely, walked in.
“You two are late,” Barrier spoke up, having just finished his third drink. “What took you so long?”
“Oh, you know,” Verdant singsonged as he and Erica took a seat at Forge’s booth. The cobalt stallion tried to move away from the griffin, but Snow’s hoof on his shoulder held him in place. “We were enjoying our time at the gala, dancing and enjoying the food and company.”
“Uh-huh,” Barrier casually nodded while Swift, Hatty and Gem gave the pair a knowing look. “And what did you think when that dessert table caught fire and a bunch of animals came running in?”
“Wait, what happened after we…” Erica looked over to Barrier’s group, a blush swiftly spreading as she realized not only was she caught, but that the ponies could easily deduce what she and Verdant had done.
“Alright, we’re busted,” the hen sighed as she slumped against the booth’s pleather seat. “I got bored so we decided to go out and do something else.”
“And what pray tell did you do?” Forge inquired, curious as his friends seemed to realize something he didn’t.
“Oh Forge,” Verdant grinned, leaning into Erica’s side with an affectionate smile, “A gentlestallion doesn’t ask.” He chuckled as the hen’s wing draped over his back.
“At least you two decided to not to make your mischief at the gala.” Barrier swirled his drink around, the happiness of the couple making him reflect on what he had lost. “Glad you two had a good time.”
“Well, it sounds as if all of us who maintained our self-control had a good evening.” Swift gave Hatty and Gem a cheeky smile which they countered with a glare. “This calls for libations! Barkeep, I’d like to request a round of your finest sweet drinks for my friends and I!”
Trigger let out a heavy sigh and glanced at Barrier. “Your squad’s killin’ me, Barry. Libations! Sweet drinks?” He placed a collection of mugs on the countertop as a mischievous grin stretched across his muzzle. The stallion plucked a blue bottle with his magic and made a sweeping pour. “I’m not a buckin’ juice bar, but I think I’ve got the perfect Moonlight to celebrate… your self-control.” In a flash of his horn, the drinks vanished from the counter and reappeared before the gathering’s eyes.
“Here’s a toast to us!” Swift cheered as she raised her mug into the air which was soon joined by the rest. “May we have many more a wonderful night such as this!”
“Hear, hear!” The group all clinked their mugs together just as the front door opened once more. The sight of two mares at the door made Hat Trick and Winter become pale.
“I swear, the prince is lucky that mare didn’t break his nose for that equine shield trick he pulled,” Moonstone chortled before coming to a halt, her pupils dilating upon spotting her former quarry.
“Could have been worse, at least he didn’t catch…” Cobalt trailed off, seeing Hatty and Gem trying to slink under the table to hide. “You!” the large thestral barked and snorted before she charged forth and leapt onto the table.
“Umm… hello ladies…” Hatty gulped nervously as the hulking mare glared down at him and Gem. “M-might I offer you something to drink?”
“Oh-ho-ho, boy.” Moonstone chuckled as her magic picked up her fellow guard who was now grinning wickedly. “You’re going to regret that offer, Purple Curple.”