//------------------------------// // One Roaring Night to Remember. // Story: Vive Las Pegasus // by Inkquill //------------------------------// Vive Las Pegasus. By Inkquill. Based on the work of Attomicpuffin. After an excited eye-goggling first class tour of the city’s world famous multi-colored avenues of casinos, flashing lights, hotels, restaurants and every which other conceivable means of indulgences, with Bubble Berry snapping picture after picture for his every engorging scrapbook, and having made a quick swing by designated hotel Eris had been so meticulous in choosing for their stay, the intrepid party of comrades at last arrived at their destination, the L’Oiseau Rare, one of the the city’s many and most renowned clubs. Barbara had opted to stay at the Hotel and get settled in, so it was only the guys and Eris that stood in line, waiting to enter the esteemed boudoir of flashing lights and roaring musical accompaniment. The whole gang had dressed appropriate for the occasion. Not too classy, but just enough to show the establishment some courtesy, or at the very least, satisfy Elusive’s impulsive fashion disorder. Eris however felt as if she was about to crawl out of her skin as she could feel a sharp heat running up her spine and into her shoulders. She bit her cheeks and lips with a droll sigh as she caught glances out of the corners of her eyes staring at her and whispering to one another. She shook her head with a huff, turning back to her friends as the line progressed. She really shouldn’t be surprised if she got a few odd looks, she mentally told herself, being well… her, but still she didn’t like being the subject of random pony’s gossip. Her eyes drifted down to Butterscotch, who was standing next to her and wearing a casual teal blue lapel that matched his eyes perfectly, along with a light green cravat that was folded neatly into the confines of his collar. He looked so handsome… “I don’t know Rainbow, are you sure about this?” Dusk asked as the line steadily decreased, “I’m starting to have some second thoughts about this.” Rainbow Blitz only rolled his eyes with a smirk as he hovered over the crowd. “Oh come on Dusky, don’t be like that, trust me it’s going to be a great time.” As the two went back and forth over if’s and do’s, Eris meanwhile fidgeted in her spot. She could practically feel the ponies eyes pressing against her, and she was beginning to feel ever more uncomfortable. For the occasion, she had decided to wear a classic red sequin dress that she thought accented her long body and if she was to be so modest, shapely curves, nicely. However the more she stood there, the more she felt like the ponies around her were judging her, nitpicking everything they could and it was making her feel quite anxious. It was then that she felt something press against her left hip. She looked down to find Butterscotch leaning up against her and she could see that he was quivering. Leaning down she met the stallions gaze with some concern. “You okay Butterscotch?” She asked. Butterscotch sighed and said, “I’m… I’m okay. It’s just… eh… there’s so many ponies here. Way more than I thought there’d be.” Eris paused for a second before she replied. Finally, she wrapped an arm over his shoulders and flashed him with a warm, comforting grin. “Hey, just don’t think about them. They’re… they’re not important. The only thing that’s important right now is getting in the club and turning it on its head.” She mused with a chuckle. “Oh, goodness, we’re not really going to turn it upside down are we?” Eris shook her head with a sigh, “Look… don’t worry about it so much, you got me and the guys remember? And… I’m sure as tartarus not going anywhere.” Butterscotch chuckled, “Yeah… you're right… I’m just being silly.” “Just stick with be Butters, and everything will be just fine.” Eris said with a playful smirk. Butterscotch couldn’t help but blush at that, “Thanks Eris…” He said looking up at her with the sweetest glance, “Let’s just stick together.” “Like peanut butter and oats.” Eris mused. He chuckled, bumping her side with his, “Great, now I’m hungry.” The two of them shared a laugh just before they heard the stallion at the front door of the club call out ‘NEXT!’, and with that, they entered. Eris for some reason felt as if she could feel bubbles or rather butterflies filling her stomach as Butterscotch took the lead, taking her lioness paw in his hoof and urged her to follow suit. Oh I’m in so much trouble, she thought to herself. It was then that they hear a commotion rise up behind them. Looking back they saw as a large white carriage with equally extravagant visual appeal as the one they had arrived in pulled up to the club. Butterscotch, Eris and the rest watched as a practical legion of personal body guards poured out of the carriage and divided the crowded, making a clear path to the entrance way. “What’s going on?” Dusk asked. Is inquiry was shortly answered as an elegantly decorated hoof stepped out of the carriage and onto the red carpet leading up to the club, followed shortly by the full figure of an ivory white unicorn mare. Golden locks of honey-sewn hair flooded down her neck and pooled over her shoulders, with a single red rose tucked neatly behind her ear. She wore a lavish blue sapphire bow tie which accented her eyes quite nicely. “Oh sweet Solaris, please no.” Elusive huffed as he stared at the mare as she walked towards the entrance way. “What is it Elusive?” Butterscotch asked. “Do you know that mare?” Elusive crossed his forelegs and huffed, “Unfortunately. THAT mare is the very same one that gave me Tartarus back during the Gala. Her royal snobbery, the Lady Blue Belle.” “Oh yeah I remember you telling us about her.” Bubble said, “The way you talked about her she sounded like a really meany pants.” “Yes, well I don’t like to harbor any real ill will to anypony, especially mares, but she manipulated my allegiance to chivalry! She made a complete mockery of me.” The group watched on as ponies began to take picture after flashing picture of the noble mare as she entered the club. Eris, along with Elusive, eyed her with much more heated glares. She had heard of the noble mare before and from what she could tell from first appearances, this Blue Belle was certainly somepony who enjoyed being at the center of things. And also, why in tartarus was she getting a VIP escort into the club while she and the literal Elements of Harmony had to wait in line, not to mention they had the Prince of Friendship with them! Who the hay did this mare think she was? “Well let’s just hope we don’t have to see to much of her while in the club.” Said Eris, “Lets just focus on having a good time.” “Yeah… Eris is right.” Butterscotch piped up. “Tonight's about us, let’s just try to have fun.” Inside the club, the heavy, thruming beat of swelling music filled their ears. In general layout, the building was spread out in a circular pattern, centered around a grand dance floor, surrounded by two adjacent wings designated for tables, booths and tables where ponies could enjoy a light meal and drink before returning to the exuberant dance floor rotunda. At the far end was a practical shrine to the art of modern acoustics technology, with ceiling high speakers roaring out their tunes and energetic light shows. “IS THIS LOUD ENOUGH FOR YA?!” Rainbow shouted out to the rest with a chuckle. “Oh... why is it so loud?” Butterscotch asked as he tried to shelter his ears. After maneuvering through the sea of ponies they finally found a table large enough to booth all of them. Elusive marveled at the quality of their seats leather furnishings and wood work of the table, while Dusk and Rainbow flagged down a waiter to choose from the cider selections. “Hmm… I think I’ll just gave an ice tea for now, and then maybe go with a Cinnamon Snap Delight afterwards.” Dusk said looking the menu over. “Give me Flaming Apple Cocktail, extra fizzy.” Rainbow said excitedly, “Daddy doesn’t plan on flying after this.” “Oh! Well, actually, the drinks are on the house.” Said the waiter. “The owner made it quite clear. Your highness and your friends don’t need to worry about paying.” Eris cocked her head at this, “Say what? Who’s the owner?” “That honor would have to be mine,” said an illustrious velvet voice. Eris and the rest turned to see the marble white unicorn they had seen prior standing there before them. “Blue Belle.” Elusive said with a droll tone. “YOUR the the owner of this place?!” Said Eris. “Guilty as charged,” she replied with flattered smile. “Along with a few other minor establishments here in Las Pegasus. But let me just say that it is simply an honor to have the Elements of Harmony, especially the Prince of Magi~” “Friendship,” Dusk interjected. “Friendship, actually.” Blue Belle paused for a moment, “Ah… yes Friendship, of course.” “Ah yes, well thank you very much for the free beverages,” Elusive said trying to maintain his composure. “Now if you don’t mind, we were just about to order some appetizers.” “Oh my dear Elusive, you're still angry with me aren’t you?” Blue Belle said with a hurt tone. “Well not to be rude, but you did treat me demonstrably poor last time we crossed paths.” “I know, my behavior was horrible. And you we’re being the most chivalrous of gentlecolts.” “Oh! And another~ wait, what did you say?” “ I said it was so insensitive of me. You we’re so polite and courteous, and I just trotted all over you. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but if you could find it in your heart, it would really mean the world to me. ” The sincerity in Blue Belle’s voice caught Elusive off guard. We she truly apologetic for that night at the Gala? He felt his inner knight stir in his chest. “Oh~ well… that’s, that’s very kind of you to say… I’ll, I accept apology.” “Oh thank goodness,” Blue Belle exclaimed with delight, taking a humble curtsy. “Please, if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask. My staff will be more than happy to serve each of you.” However, when she rose from her curtsy and composed herself, her eyes just by chance were met with the rich teal blue of Butterscotch’s, causing her to pause for a moment. “Oh… my, you must be Sir Butterscotch.” She began sweetly, “My, if I can be so forward, I simply must say that the rumors of your charming complexion have done you no justice.” Butterscotch felt his cheeks flush with heat and color at the mare’s complement, while Eris felt a very different kind of heat welling up in her chest. “Oh, uh… well thank you.” She said shyly, reaching out his hoof to shake hers. Blue Belle, who was wearing a tender, soft look of admiration took his hoof in hers. Butterscotch then noticed Elusive gesturing to him out of the corner of his eye, signaling him to kiss her hoof. Being quick about it, he rested his lips upon her hoof as was the custom and gave an awkward smile. “Please, forgive my effrontery, but would you honor me with a dance kind stallion? It would be a delight to get a chance to know more about you.” Butterscotch felt his cheeks flush even more, feeling as if they were about to combust in flames at any moment. He looked to his friends to find them all smiling and nodding in approval, of course with Elusive being much less enthusiastic, however Eris was finding it quite hard to stomach seeing some gaudy fru-fru mare asking her dearest Butterscotch to dance, as the ever deepening grooves in the wooden table were emphasizing. “Oh, well.. Um…” Butterscotch began nervously, “Well I uh, thank you, but… oh dear…” He felt almost literally like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. Glancing over at Eris, he silently called for her aid. His eyes emanating with the ‘help me’. Eris felt a flood of relief as she read the stallion’s signal, and jumped into action. “Oh, woefully I must be the bearer of bad news,” She grinned slightly as she wrapped her arm about Butterscotch’s shoulders, pulling him close to her, striking a dramatic, sorrowful pose and speaking with the most pitiful lilt in her voice. “But I’m afraid that dear Butterscotch won’t be able to join you this evening.” “What?!” The other five exclaimed, glaring at her with inquisitive looks. “Yes,” she continued. “Dreadfully sorry, but as it would seem that our dearest Butterscotch has already entrusted me with the dance of the evening. Perhaps some other time maybe.” Blue Belle, along with the other five stallions present sat there in mild disbelief for a while as the Dracongequus mare’s words sank in, while Butterscotch could only smile awkwardly between the two. Finally, Blue Belle spoke. “Hmm, pity. Perhaps another night then. How long will you fine stallions be in town?” “The full week mademoiselle,” Elusive interjected. “We’re here to see the grand performance of the Shim and Sham show. The one with the absolutely gorgeous white lions.” Blue Belle nodded with a smile. “Ah yes, such a great show. And the full week? Splendid! That will give us plenty of time to get to know each other better, and to make amends. But for now, please enjoy the club, and as my waiter has said, everything is on the house!” “Oh no, you don’t have to do that…” Dusk started, but Blue Belle simply held up her hoof in response. “I don’t want to hear any of it.” She said, “You are my guests, and you’re royalty. Two for two, it’s the least I can do.” “Just remember, if there’s anything, and I mean… anything, you need.” She said batting her eyes towards the cream colored Pegasus and setting her calling card on the table. “Please, do not hesitate to call me. Anyway, you fine gentlecolts… and madam enjoy your night. I must be off, sadly.” “Yes… sadly.” Eris replied under breath. And with that, the esteemed noble mare disappeared into the crowd. “What pray tell was that?!” Elusive exclaimed, giving Eris a dumbfounded look of confusion and shock. “Now, I know she was a royal thorn in the past, and I know that I’ve expressed my distaste for her in the past… even though I did my very best to win over her with my charm and chivalry… but here she was being completely sweet and sincere. Honestly Eris, that was just rude of you.” Eris rolled her eyes, “Honey, please~!” “Hey, hey!” Rainbow said, “Come on Elusive, let’s not get too sidetracked here and remember why we came here, am I right guys?” “Gentlecolts?” Said a waitress, holding out a tray of tall, decorative glasses of fizzing green liquid. “Her Ladyship Madam Blue Belle sent these, on the house.” “Um… what’s that?” Applejack asked, giving the waitress a questioning look. Though not quite fast enough as Bubble Berry had already down his glass, licking his lips in delight. “Mmmmpgh~! Oh my goodness AJ, these are tasty! They taste just like apples.” Bubble said taking another glass in his hooves. “What are these?” “Their one of our signature drinks, a Granny Smith on the Rocks.” The waiter replied with a smile. “... not really sure how I feel about that name.” Applejack replied. The waiter looked at the farm stallion a bit confused, “Well… um, anyway, yes, they’re the club's specialty. But just fair warning, they’re a bit~” “Hot flanks!” Rainbow exclaimed as he tasted one of the fizzing green drinks himself, cutting the waiter off, “These are awesome! Bring more of these and keep them coming!” “Yes well… the tartness of the green apples adds a much sharper flavor and aftertaste, though you really shouldn’t~” “Well I’m up for round two!” Rainbow exclaimed looking to the waiter with a smile. “Come on bud, don’t waste time, lets get another round up in here.” Sensing that he wouldn’t be allowed to finish his sentence any time soon, the waiter bowed his head and passed each of the stallions and the draconequus their drinks before heading off to the kitchen to fetch more. “Alright, find out the hard way.” He said under his breath. After a long, laugh-filled session of round after intoxicating round, the merry group of friends were now beginning to feel the full effects of the Rare Bird’s signature beverage, as the growing stack of empty glasses could emphasize. Bubble had taken to the stage and joined up with the DJ, working the dance floor up into a wild pandemonium of moving bodies, while Elusive and Dusk shine laughed together uncontrollably over seemingly unimportant things. Blitz and AJ were locked in a heated arm wrestling contest. When either of them lost, the loser had to take a sip of their… what was it? eighth? ninth? They couldn’t really remember. Eris had meanwhile lounged back into the book seat now also feeling the effects of the alcohol kick in, and had now taken up conducting a little light show circus of prancing pink elephants over the table, while a perpetually giggling Butterscotch laid across her stomach as if she was an living bed. “He hehe hehe… hehhehe, hic! Hey-yey.. Er-hic-s.” Butterscotch managed through his heated giggled and uncontrollable hiccuping. Eris, who was very well hammered, looked down at the little Pegasus in her lap with half lidded grin of delight. “Yesss my dearest~” She cooed in a somewhat slurred fashion. Butterscotch giggled, nuzzling his snout into her warm breast, “I justs-s hic! I just wanted to-hic-thank youu~ for suggesting this… we all really neededd it… your ss-so s-sweet.” Eris couldn’t help but giggle like a school filly as she felt her face heat up and her heart pound heavily in her chest as her mind was beginning to shut down, allowing the thick fog of the drinks to creep in. “Hey-y Butters…” She cooed into his ear. “Hmm?” “I have a s-secret I want to tell you~” Butterscotch giggled, “Oh a secret? Tell me?” Eris felt so warm inside, feeling his body on hers. So warm, so soft… “Wellll~” However she was cut off as Bubble Berry ran over to the group carrying another tray of Granny Smith on the Rocks. “Okay everypony! Who’s ready for more!?” Eris shook her head and reached over to grab another glass, as did everyone else. “Wait!” Bubble exclaimed before they could take a sip of their beverage. “A toast! To Eris, and the wonderful night!” They all raised the classes shortly after. “To Eris!” “D’awww thanks guys,” She slurred. “Really it was nothing.” Bubble quickly downed his drink before his ears twitched with the rising music. “Oh! Elusive, come on, I love this song!” Elusive shook his head trying to clear his mind. “Ohh… I don’t know Bubbles… not really up to pair if you know what I-hic!” He didn’t really get to finish as the pink colored stallion took him by the hoof and peeled him off his seat, dashing over to the raving dance floor. The others laughed to themselves and downed their drinks like they were nothing, and sure enough, were flagging down a waitress for more. Eris however was beginning to see how her stallion compadres were beginning to act. “Hey, guys… we’ve had a lot to drink uh… I think we should stop.” Rainbow Blitz looked up at Eris with an arching brow. “Oh? What’s the mat-hic-ter Eris? Can’t handle any mo-hic-re?” “What? No, just I’m even starting to feel a little drunk… I just think we should slow down.” “Hah! Ah think ah hear a challenge!” Applejack spoke up, slamming his cup on the table, “No pony can out drink meh!” “What? No, just I’m even starting to feel a little drunk… I just think we should slow down.” “Hah! Ah think ah hear a challenge!” Applejack spoke up, slamming his cup on the table, “No pony can out drink meh!” “Care to test that ego eh AJ!?” Rainbow smirked. “How ‘bout it guys!? Let's see who can drink de most!” “Oo! Count us in!” Bubble Berry exclaimed, dragging Elusive short behind. “Eh… I’ll sit this one out.” Eris said, reclining into her seat. “Oh!? What’s the matter Er-hic-is, chicken!?” Eris’s eyes then shot open and she sat up, glaring the rainbow colored stallion right in the eye. “What ya say punk?!” Rainbow narrowed his eyes and smirked. “Chicken, chicken, bock bock~” Eris narrowed her eyes, “The Goddess of Chaos is not a chicken!” “Prove it then!” Applejack said sliding a drink over to the draconequus. Eris grind and picked it up. “Its go time boys!” The others laughed and began to work at their drinks. Eris brought the fizzing, sour-sweet liquid to her lips and let it wash over her tongue. One more couldn’t hurt right?