Nugatory Vigil

The four adventurers sat at a round table,helmets and masks off,waiting for their food and cider.

"While we wait for our order to arrive i'd like to discuss our provisions.We won't last long on salads and omlets,you know."-Reynald broke the silence.

"No problem,there's a forest nearby.We should be able to find some game there.I take at least one of you knows how to skin an animal?"-Dismas replied,glancing an Paracelsus.

"You offend me sir Dismas!"-she huffed in dismay-"You know better than to accuse me of such ineptitude!I doubt the townsfolk will approve of our dietary choices though."-she noted.

"That's too bad then.I'm not gonna eat grass and flowers because of some multicolor horses."-Dismas stated.

"We could always make a fire on the outskirts of the forest,and prepare our meals there."-Junia proposed.

"With that settled,our next issue is with funds.That last dungeon gave us quite the haul,but i doubt it will last long."-Reynald continued.

"Even if we conserve as much as possible,we still need to pay for treatment at the local sanitarium,we need to eat and a place to sleep in.We have to find a source of income."-he concluded.

"We don't need to sleep *right now*"-Julia commented-"I don't know about you,but i feel pretty rested from our little camping stop."-everyone nodded in agreement.

"I completly agree with Reynald on the sanitarium though,it would be nice to see a medical professional,no offence Para."-she finished.

"None taken.I think i have come up with a solution to our monetary problem."-she said with a sly grin.

"We're listening."-Reynald replied.

Para gestured for the group to get closer.

"If these ponies are at least partly as gullible and ipressionate as that yellow one,we can convince them the dungeons are of huge danger,and we're the only one's who can protect them."-she whispered conspiratorially.

"We may need to exaggerate the danger,but still,it's a great way to keep getting money,while doing what we do best-exploring the dungeons.From what we've seen,these are way tamer that those back home."-she continued.

"We weren't too deep though.It took us,like,three rooms to reach the exit.I think it's safe to assume that,the deeper we go,the harder the dungeons will become.The first few expeditions back at the Hamlet were easy too.And while i do think we can easily scam them out of some money,i'm afraid we'll need some help after awhile"-Dismas said.

"I propose the following:We find a local authority figure,explain the situation to them without too much exaggeration,and offer our services.If they accept,we get paid *and* get all the loot for ourselves.If they decline,we can still make trips to the ruins,but without their approval."-Reynald stated.

"It's a win-win situation."-he concluded.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"It is settled then.As soon as we're sober,we find an authority figure,explain the situation and hope for the best."-Reynald concluded.

"But before all that,the cider is here!"-Junia proclaimed loudly,seeing the waiter approach their table with a stand containing a barrel with a tap.

"That's all we have for now,i'm afraid."-he apologised-"But we are getting a new shipment of cider in a few days,i've reserved a barrel just for you!"

"Thank you very much,Mr..."-Junia thanked him,but stumbeled on his name.

"Midnight Hooves,and no need to thank me,it's my job after all!"-the stallion chuckled.

"Your omlette and salat will be ready in a minuite."-he said before turning to serve other guests.

The cider was surprisingly good.It was stronger than the beer back at the Hamlet,and it tasted better too.

"Bugger me,this is the best thing if drank in a long while!"-Dismas exclaimed,downing another pint of cider.

"Agreed,even the communion wine doesen't come anywhere near this!"-Junia concured.

"I just wish there was a working brothel here..."-she muttered to herself.

Para stared at her friend with a wild grin.

"D-did i say that out loud"-the flustered Vestal said,blush spredding across her cheeks.

"Yep,and if you *really* need company,you can always ask me,i know a few tricks that can help you blow off some steam~"-Para was interrupted by a slap to the back of the head.

"Come on,leave the girl alone,or at least get a room.We came here to unwind after all!"-Reynald chuckled,embarassing the Vestal even further with his comment.

To Junia's delight Midnight arrived with their food.

"I see you are having fun!I wish you an exiting evening,if you have any complaints or suggestions,i am ready to listen."-he smiled,putting a pencil in his mouth,and a small notebook in his hoof.

"Everything was fine,but we found the lack of a brot-"-Paracelsus was tackled to the floor by a very flustered Junia.

"EVERYTHING WAS FINE THANK YOU."-she yelled with a very red face before quietly adding.

"D-do you have a room to spare?".The waiter was startled by the unexpected action,but replied.

"I'm afraid we don't.Anything else?"-he questioned the two men.

"Nothing,i hope you can excuse our friend's behavior,she's usually much calmer."-Reynald apologised.

"No worries,such is to be expected when somepony orders cider.I am more amazed at how is she still standing,anypony else would've been out cold by now..."-he mused as Junia helped the target of her assault get up.

"If that is all,i may excuse myself,i have other guests to attend to."-the staliiomn waved a goodbye and left.

Many hours passed by just eating and drinking.When everyone was satiated,it was story time.

"Man,i wish William was here,his hound would help us big time with finding some game."-Dismas broke the silence.

"His dog is also pretty cute,such a good girl!"-Junia replied.

"Have i ever told you about that one time he save our asses and almost died?"-Reynald said.

Everyone shook their heads.

Reynald was leading the expedition.This time their target was the horrible Swine King.This foul abomination has long since plagued the warrens with it's presense,and so the Heir ordered to end it's life.He,along with Alhazred,their resident occultist,a houndmaster by the name of William,and Jingles the Jester have made their way to the hideous being,and found themselfs trying to kill it.

The creature itself was a revolting mass of flesh.It's guts fused to the floor,chunks of flesh were missing from it's arms,bones protruding from it's back.A metal crown adorned it's head,a pulsating brain poking out of the ring of the crown.

The King swung his giant meat cleaver as soon as he heard a squeal.His aim was abysmal,but his attacks shook the ground with each strike.A small swine was standing behind the King,coordinating it's attacks.Laika sank her teeth into the putrid flesh,ripping it out before retreating to her master's side.Jingles played an inspiring tune,before slashing at the creature with his sickle,leaving a large bleeding gash in the creature,before retreating to dodge a strike.The thing was blind,relying on the little one to coordinate it's moves.The damn thing was well protected though,the Swine Kng guarded it well.They resorted to killing it first and dealing with the little bugger later.They were tearing it apart,with only minor wounds to show for it, when the cleaver came crashing down on the houndmaster.

The king lifted his cleaver,and the man went up with it.Reynald rushed to the swine while it was distracted and plunged his sword into it's brain,killing it.The King wailed one last time,and dropped the cleaver to the ground.While Jingles dealt with the smaller swine,Alhazred rushed to the injured man,kneeling next to him,waving Reynald to come closer.

The crusader winced at the sight of the injury.William's shoulder was split open,bleeding profusely.He could see the muscles and bone through the broken wound.Even with medical attention,his chances of survival were astronomical.

"If you want our friend to live,place these candles around him and light them."-the occultist instructed.

Reynald did as he was told.The hound was sitting next to her wounded master,whining.

Alhazred began chanting something unontelligible while tracing the wound with his hand.

The bleeding stopped as the flesh became mallable like clay.Alhazred began guiding the flesh towards itself,closing the wound.

"When he finished,William was unconscious,but alive."-Reynald concluded.

"Wow,Alhazred is really good at what he does!I don't think i would've been able to heal William fast enough..."-Junia replied.

"That guy is still creepy though.The things he mumbles in his sleep are...*Unnerving* to say the least,and that means something coming from me!"-Para said ,shuddering from the thought.

Dismas raised an eyebrow."And why do you know what he says in his sleep?"-he inquired.

"He fell asleep during one of our camps,and i decided to listen,maybe he'd say something interesting or incriminating,you know?Big mistake."-she replied.

"I'd say we head out to find an authority figure of this little town.Just don't forget to pay our bill."-Reynald interjected,stopping any further discussion of Para's eavesdropping.

The group devided their 1500 bits bill among eachother,and Junia went to the bartender to pay.

"Can you point me to the direction of the town's mayor or government representative?"-she inquired politely after paying.

"There's Mayor Mare,but if you want something important to be done,talk to Twilight Sparkle.She's our local librarian and the personal student of Princess Celestia.She lives it the town's library.It's the big tree,you won't miss it."-he replied.

Junia thanked the stallion and rejoined her friends.The lack of headgear on Reynald and Paracelsus head's confused her,but she didn't comment on it.

"I asked the bartender about who we need to find,and he pointed me to one "Twilight Sparkle".Apparently she's a big deal,being a student of some monarch and the town's librarian.We need to go to that big tree we passed on our way here."-she said to her companions.

"I don't think we should be messing with royalty yet,she could kill us with a single ord-"-Dismas was interrupted by a loud voice.

"DON'T MOVE A HOOF,YA HEATHENS!"-Applejack yelled,spotting the group.

Mane six were making their way through town,when they noticed a commotion near the Golden Oak library,and decided to investigate.They saw a large group of ponies,around ten of them,trying to get into the building.Some of them seemed so determined to get in,they were ready to kick down the door.

"What is going on in here!Why are you trying to break into my house"-Twilight yelled,startling a few ponies.

"All we wanted is to talk to you,ÿour highness,but your assistant said you were off,so we hoped to wait for your arrival in the library!Forgive our rudeness!"-one stallion replied.

Twilight was taken aback at the mention of her title,but still replied."You are forgiven,but there's no need for formalities,you can keep calling me Twilight Sparkle.Now,what was so important as to warrant a break-in?"-she questioned,fearing she already knew the answer.

"It all started yesterday,when a group of strange creature came to our town while we were busy cleaning up the mess from the Everfree."-he explained.

"It was around 10 in the evening,so most of us were too tired to care,a lot of wierd stuff happens in Ponyville,so as long as they weren't harming anypony most let it slide.I myself was at the Cafe Hay at the time,resting after a day of hard work."

"They were quite loud"-he continued-"but they looked very tired,so i assumed they deserved some time to rest and blow off some steam."

"The reason for why i'm here is the following:when they were making the order,they tried to order MEAT!"

Everyone except Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy gasped.

"This doesn't mean anything!You do know that griffons eat meat too,and they can live with ponies,no problem!"-Rainbow interjected,to her surprise.

"A-as far as we know,there are trees in the crystal empire that grow a crystal substance that's very close to real meat,that's how meat-eating species live alongside ponies in Equestria."-Fluttershy added.

"If only that.Later that night i tried to eavesdrop on their conversation,on the occasion they were up to something."-he replied.

"That's not a nice thing to do,but please continue."-Twilight scolded the earth pony.

"They were discussing their provisions.That salads won't last them long,and if they won't get meat,they'll...they'll go to the everfree and hunt the animals there!"

It was Fluttershy's turn to gasp.

"They talked about it so nonchalauntly...Like it's a normal thing to do!"-he exclaimed,getting a few approving shouts from the crowd.

"And you tried to break into Twilight's home because of such trivial thing?While they sound...crude,we must give them the benefit of the doubt!"-Rarity said.

"I'm with Rarity on this one!They may eat meat,but i knew of a certain griffon who also eats meat,and she was super-duper fun!Her name was Gilda and...Okay,maybe that's not a very good example,but dragons eat meat,and Spike's a dragon!You are not afraid of him,are you?"-Pinkie chimed in,bobbing in place as she talked.

"Don't worry about them,we're currently trying to fix the situation!I assume they're still at the cafe,right?"-Twilight inquired.

"Y-yes,as far as i know..."

"We'll be off then.Don't stress yourself over this!"-she said before rinning towards the cafe with the rest of the mane 6.

"Ah am still not sure about giving these fellas the benefit of the doubt..."-Applejack muttered to herself.

The lavender alicorn was out of breath by the time she and her friends got to Cafe Hay.She *really* needed to lay off of those hayburgers.While undoubtedly delicious,they were certainly bad for her figure and health.

She finally remembered why she was there when she heard Applejack yell,and turned to look at the entrance of Cafe Hay.There,just a few meters away from the door stood four figures,with a look of surprise and amusement clear on their faces.

The first figure wore what seemed to be a knight's armor,with a leather-looking chestpiece,a cross stitched to it,and a belt on it's waist.It's mane was short and dark,and it's eyes were green.It looked over the mares with an evaluating gaze.It's hand was placed on the hilt of its sword that was holstered on the creature's waist.

The second one wore a black longcoat with fur adorning the creature's neck.It looked the most agitated out of all of them,ready to jump at the slightest provocation.It's brown eyes darted frantically,trying to predict where the attack will come from.In its right hand was a very sharp-looking dagger.

The third one was the polar opposite of the second.Its blue eyes stared with a burning interest at each mare surrounding them,but it's face was stoic as it fixed its dark hair nochalauntly.It wore a coat that covered its whole body,with what seemed to be a medicine bag strapped to its waist.Right next to a wierd-looking wavey knife.

The last one was smiling wide at the sight of the ponies.Its brown eyes were full of excitment as it stared at the mares in amazement.It wore a brown battle dress,with a chestplate covering its shoulders.Its hood has fallen,revealing a set of long blonde hair.It carried mace in its left hand,which was lowered to the ground,and a book in its right one.

"They were ready for us... it is a trap!"-the second figure screamed to the others in a panicked voice.If Twilight's judgement was correct,he was a male.That meant the first one must be male too.

"Don't be so quick to judge Dismas,we weren't exactly inconspicuous."-the blonde replied.Just as Twilight suspected,the voice was female.That meant the third one was also female.

"I have to agree with Junia here,this town looks quite small,the rumors spread fast."-the blue-eyed figure said.

"Bullshit!People don't send six brigands to investigate a rumor!"-he turned to face the ponies,and his eyes focused on something,or rather somepony.

"The yellow one is here too!I told you we should've stayed away from her,but no,Junia just *had* to ask for directions.I can't believe i was stupid enough to think she wouldn't come back with reinforcements."

Twilight remembered Fluttershy's story,before she heard Rarity's voice.

"I will not stand being called a brigand by such ruffan!Have you looked in the mirror lately?Talk about being a hypocrite!"

"Yeah!And don't you dare accuse Fluttershy of anything,we're her friends,of course she told us about it!"-Rainbow Dash replied,glaring daggers at the man.

"Now,now,there's no need for further hostilities,how about we all calm down and talk it out?"-Twilight interrupted,taking a few steps towards the man.She stopped when the man pointed a wierd elongated object to her.

"That's about close enough, thank you."-he threatened.Twilight was about to ask what that object was,when a lasso yanked it out of the man's hand.

"Don't you dare threaten mah friends!"-Applejack roared,striking with her lasso once more,trying to tangle the man.

This time however,he was ready for it.With a swift strike,he slashed the lasso and rushed to grab the lost object.

Before he could reach it however,he was engulfed in a purple aura, and was levitated into the air.Twilight noticed the same wierd heavyness she felt when picking up the letter.The purole alicorn could barely hold him with her magic,and he wasn't doing her any favours with his thrashing and flailing.

"LET ME GO YOU CURSED HORSE!I wish to at least DIE like a man."-he screamed.

"By the light Dismas,we can talk it out if you just calm down!"-Reynald interjected,looking at him sternly.

"I wil,but on one condition."-he sighed,before stopping his flailing,and looking Reynald in the eyes.

"When we die i reserve the right to say *i told you so*."

"Deal."-Reynald said with a chuckle.

"Alright,now,since you calmed down i will let you go,do you promice not to act out again?"-Twilight looked at Dismas sternly.

"Yeah,sure,i promise not to stab you,unhand me this instant!"-he spat out.

Twilight let him fall to the ground as she took a step back.

"Now,i'm going to pick up my dagger and pistol,would you be so kind as to not suspend me in the air with your witchcraft?"-he questioned mockingly.

"Just don't try anything funny,and i won't kick your flank,it's *that* easy!"-Rainbow Dash said as he picked up his equipment and moved closer to his friends.

"You?Kicking my... flank?That's almost funny.HAve you ever considered being a Jester?You already look the part..."-he retorted.

"Oh,you're gonna get it now!"-Rainbow said before being interrupted by a loud scream.

"Stop this bickering at once!Rainbow,you should know better than to provoke a cornered animal!"-Fluttershy said,surprising everypony,including herself.Rainbow Dash frowned a little and lowered her had,muttering something resembling an apology.

"Applejack!They have done *nothing* to deserve such treatment!You know we should give them the benifit of a doubt!".Applejack covered her face with her hat.

Fluttershy turned to glare at Dismas."And you Mister!I don't know what happend to warrant such a responce,but this is no wasy to talk to somepony you don't know!I'll gladly listen to anything you have to say,if you'd be more polite and respectful!"

"Come at me again and I will split your gullet."-Dismas muttered,before positioning himself behind Reynald.

"Don't worry,he didn't really mean it.He is under a lot of stress,he's usually much more approachable!"-Junia tried to diffuse the situation.

"Now,if you forgive Dismas for his outburst,we are more than willing to talk."-Reynald continued.

"We're looking for one Twilight Sparkle,do you know her?"-Paracelsus added.

"Y-yes,that's me."-Twilight stuttered,shocked at the man's comment.

"Oh,splendind!We have some important information we're willing to share with you.I suggest we move somewhere more...private."-the Plague Doctor continued.

"Follow me to the library.I am trusting your friend not to act on his threat though."-she said after a moment of hesitation.

"Don't worry,he can be a little short-tempered,but he knows how to handle himself."-Junia reassured Twilight.

With a little protest from the rest of the mane 6,they made their way to the library.

Dismas was furious.How could they believe these ponies?He expected Junia to believe the mares,but Paracelsus?She should know better.And Reynald?He saw the purple one hold Dismas in the air with her witchcraft like it was nothing!But the one he had felt the most hate towards was the farm pony.How dare she embarass him in front of his friends with such a disarming attack?If the purple one didn't stop him,he would've surely stabbed the orange pony!The realisation hit him like a brick.She was just protecting her friend,and if the Highwayman wasn't so paranoid,he would've noticed that.And his threat towards the yellow pony was completly unwarranted.She just wanted to talk to him,and he threatened to kill her.He knew he had to apologise."Fuck me."-he muttered to himself.

The group was standing inside the library.As soon as everyone was inside,Twilight closed the door with her magic,sat on the floor.Everyone followed her.

"Now that we're away from anypony who might listen in,how about we get to know each other!"-the lavender pony said.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle,and these are my friends..."-she proceeded to introduce the main six.

"Nice to meet all of you."-Reynald started.

"I'm Reynald,i serve the light with my sword,that is to say,i am a warrior."

"Now let me introduce my friends.This is Dismas,but you already know him.Don't pay his outburst no mind,he's much more approachable under normal circumstances."-Dismas wave his hand with an apologetic look.

"This is Paracelsus,she's a professional doctor,and a generally nice person.Just ignore her pranks and there should be no problem."-Paracelsus turned to the ponies,staring at them,professional interest clear on her face.

"And last but not least,Junia.She's our healer,you'd be surprised what a small prayer could do in the heat of battle."-the Vestal was grinning with glee,looking over the ponies.

"Now,we've got some important information for you,so let's get to it.".Reynald started.

"We have come from the catacombs beneath the castle in the nearby forest,exactly how we got into said catacombs is not important right now.In these catacombs we encountered a couple of hostile undeads."

"The Castle of the Two Sisters?"-Twilight interrupted."But it doesen't have any catacombs beneath it!As far as i know,at least...And what do you mean undeads?"

"We were hoping to ask you about the ruins beneath the castle,but it seems you know even less than we do.Four skeletons attacked us,which isn't a problem by its own,but we've already dealth with similar things,and we're seeing a pattern here."

"We've once found ourselfs in a very similar situation,and believe me when i say it wasn't a pretty one."-Dismas continued after Reynald.

"There was a ruined estate,deadly dungeons,a small town,so far-we've seen the same thing here."

"But that is not why we're telling you this."-Dismas stated.

"But why then?What could be so important!"-Rainbow Dash interjected.

"Underneath the manor,in the darkest dungeons rested the worst evil to ever exist,the reason behind the corruption that plagued the lands near the estate.The Heart of Darkness."-Paracelsus continued.

"It was the reason behind every monster that inhabited that diseased land."

"We believe that your town and,perhaps,your entire world is in great danger if our theory is true."-she concluded.

Nopony was impressed by that statement.Rainbow Dash was the first to respond.

"Yeah,big deal.We've had a bunch of things threaten Equestria and we've managed to beat them all!And besides,why are you four here,and not back home helping with that heart thing of yours?"

"Because we've killed it."-Junia responded.The ponies were taken aback by the matter-of-fact statement.

"It wasn't easy,mind you,but we've managed to slay it."

"But why!?Couldn't you at least try to reason with it?Try to find out why it was evil?"-Fluttershy interjected angrily.

"Now listen here,i will not take any shit from a bunch of peace-loving horses.We did what we had to,that thing could not be reasoned with and if it ever got strong enough to escape the dungeons,all of humanity would be doomed.So forgive me for not trying to talk with it."-Dismas retorted.

Everyone was silent for a moment,before Twilight broke the silence.

"S-so you think that something as terrible as that thing is under our castle?But if you managed to... deal with it,and get out of there alive,it must have some kind of weakness!"

"No one said we got out of there alive."-Para responded.

Everypony were shocked.

"B-but ya'll are standin' here right now!Are you saying you aren't...alive?"-Applejack tensed up.

"I would't rule out the possibility,but it certainly didn't feel like dying,more like being torn apart and put back together."-Reynald argued.

"H-how do ya know what it feels like?"-she pressed on.

"Let's just say he had some first-hand experience,and leave it at that."-Dismas cut the line of questioning short.

"Well,if it's as important as you say it is,i'll request and audience with the Princesses immidiately.Spike,i need you to send a letter!"-Twilight called out to her assistant.

"While i do that,i would appreciate it if you stay at the library for now,can you do that?"-she asked.

The four adventurers looked at eachother and nodded.

"There is one problem though."-Para said,holding her index finger in the air.

"And what would that be?"-Twiligh inquired.

"We have reserved a barrel of cider at the local tavern,and they will be getting a new shipment in a few days and we'd be devastated if we had to miss it!"-Para put a hand in front of her face dramatically.

"Ah believe ah can help ya with that.I'll make sure Big Mac delivers a barrel to the library tomorrow."-Applejack answered.

"Are you telling me you can supply us with cider directly?"-Para asked cautiously,eyes glinting.

"Sure ah can,mah family owns the Orchad after a-"-her explanation was cut short by a hug from a plague doctor.

"I love you orange horse."-she said,letting Applejack go after a few seconds.

"Woah,slow down there fellar!It's Applejack,by the way."

While Twilight was preoccupied with writing and sending the letter,the rest of the ponies were busy dealing with the guests.

Junia was conversing with Pinkie,looking happier than ever.The pink pony was explaining how she'd throw a party for each of them,once the whole ordeal was over.At some point Rarity approached Reynald,asking him about the peculear ornament on his armor.He,in turn,asked her about the 'tatoo' on her flank.When she explained the 'cutie marks' to him and mentioned her career as a fashion designer and a seamstress, he asked her about fixing a few tears in his cloth,to which she proposed making entirely new set of dresses,at a later time,of course.Para was still thanking Applejack from the bottom of her heart,praising the cider as the best drink she ever tasted.Applejack,was quite embarrased from the praising,but answered any questions about her orchad and family that the plague doctor occasionally asked.

Dismas,in the meantime was deep in thought.He knew he lashed out ,quite unnecessarily, at the yellow pony,but his pride was preventing him from apologising in front of everyone.He looked around,and after seeing everyone occupied and not paying attention to him,he sighed and headed towards Fluttershy,who was conversing with Rainbow Dash at the time.

"Hey there,Fluttershy,is it?May i have you for a few words?"-he said approaching the two.Rainnbow Dash was glaring daggers at him,while the yellow pony seeme to shrink in place.

"I won't do anything to hurt her,i just want to talk."-he replied to Rainbow's silent accusation.Before she could protest,Fluttershy spoke up.

"It's okay Rainbow,i'll be fine."-she replied to her friend."What did you want to talk about?"-she adressed the highwayman.

"I'd like to talk eye-to-eye,but i doubt it'll be possible."-he shot a glance at Rainbow,who was adamant on not leaving her friend.

Dismas swallowed his pride,but continued.

"I really want to apologise for my actions earlier.I didn't mean what i said,it was kind of stressfull,that is all."

To his surprise,a warm smile appeared on Fluttershy's face.

"I forgive you,from my experience it's never a good idea to pressure a cornered animal,no offence for the comparison."

"None taken,i just hope we could put this behind us."-Just as Dismas said that,Twilight called to attention.

"Everypony,I recieved the answer from the Princesses,they agreed to meet our new friends personally!If we head to the trai station now,we'd be there in 2-3 hours!"-she concluded.

Noone protested,and everyone began making their way to Ponyville train station.