Foresight stared into the inky depths of the pool, its stillness utterly the opposite of the raging storm inside herself. Had she sent Twilight to her death? What if she’d understood the riddle incorrectly?
Outwardly Foresight kept up her well practiced calm, it wouldn’t do to let the others know of her unease. She’d been so sure with the magic of her divining spell flowing through her mind. But now left to her own devices Foresight felt the creeping doubt crawling up from her soul.
So many things about this place weren’t what they seemed, how could she be sure that her spell was the answer? The power that had blocked Foresight’s attempts, that had been an unexpected development. She hadn’t driven it off, it had simply let Foresight be.
As the minutes piled onto each other Foresight felt certainty melting away. She hated the waiting, that was always the worst. With nothing to do but wait the mind has far too much time to think about all the things that could go wrong.
It certainly didn’t help when all those around you were having a similar problem. With Foresight’s brief sharing of Twilight’s mind her own resolve had been shaken. Her confidence had taken a blow that left Foresight unable to muster the most basic of shields against the minds of those around her.
Most didn’t even bother to hide it behind impassive glances or fake smiles anymore. The ponies all around Foresight suspected she’d led them into a trap, or more accurately their Princess into one.
She knew it was the fear talking; this place got to you. Even Foresight with all her practice at the mental arts was susceptible the gnawing oppression of these tunnels. She was weary, the bone deep exhaustion of the soul more than the body. The constant threat wore you down until everything looked bleak.
It dawned on Foresight that she missed Twilight already. There was something about her, the almost tangible hope that Twilight produced. Foresight could easily understand why others followed her so easily.
“You’re my hope Foresight,” The old words reopened a wound in Foresight’s core as the similarities sparked off a fond memory. They’d been spoken so many years ago by a pony that had made Foresight’s heart soar. Back when she’d honestly believed that an ice heart and a pegasus could really be….
The crisp crackle of spreading ice shook Foresight from her revery. The still water had clouded over while she’d been deep in thought. The glinting sheen of ice caught the dying embers of the distant sun above.
Shaking herself down Foresight saw that unsurprisingly the others had backed away again. Their eyes were wide with distrust, their thoughts accusatory. Only Impasse stayed by her, his own ravaged form all but immune to the cold she produced.
His own black, empty eyes were full of more solace for Foresight than the fearful stares. It must have been her own imagination that told Foresight that he looked to her with empathy. She knew only too well he ‘felt’ nothing. Still the impression persisted as Impasse watched Foresight, flying in the face of all she knew. Maybe just a shared understanding?
“It’s been nearly an hour now and no word from her highness,” Boldstorm stated flatly, “Time to send in the troops I think.”
Foresight gave a sharp intake of breath. The hostility and venom behind Bold’s thoughts cut Foresight all the more deeply for they only added to her own fears. She turned her gaze away from Impasse and looked Bold directly in the eyes. “Twilight told us to wait two hours Captain, I intend to follow that through.”
His face said it all, Foresight didn’t need the angry mutters from the others to tell her of the rising danger. She could feel the fear and reproach simmering just below the surface, their target clear.
“Captain, listen all of you. This place is twisting your minds. Please, surely you’ve all felt it and know what I mean. Impasse and I are not your enemy,” Foresight tried but she already saw her pleas falling on deaf ears.
“You’ve been giving a lot of orders for an ‘attached adviser’ miss. Seems to me you’re the only one here who ain’t having trouble,” A burly earth mare stomped forward.
‘Thorn Strike’ Foresight lifted from her mind, the rude habits of old resurfacing in this charged air. At her side was a vicious looking griffon whose storm grey feathers covered a lean physique.
‘Spear Tip’ had a typical predators mind, all focus and anticipation. Foresight inwardly cringed at the instinct there, the need to chase down and revel in the catch. Griffons weren’t evil creatures, in many ways noble and brave. Foresight could see in Tip those qualities too, she also saw the subtle stoking of his fiery heart and the need for blood by the magical discord all around.
“What, nothing to say to us little ice heart?” Thorn derided.
Foresight met her angry gaze with one of her own. It would do no good to argue with Thorn. The hurt of loss was upon her and it raged like a caged animal in Thorn’s heart. Slowly Foresight convinced her own face to soften, “It’s hard for all of us Thorn, just calm down and….”
Foresight saw the hoof’s swing in Thorn’s mind moments before she made her move. Still it caught Foresight’s cheek with a blow that left her reeling. Pain exploded across Foresight’s jaw and she tasted the blood on her tongue. Impulsive actions were always harder to predict.
The second jab was just fast, but with forewarning the dark unicorn was able to lean out of it’s way as many of the surrounding soldiers cheered. Foresight’s protectors turned to an angry mob by the stresses placed upon them.
Not all of them of course. As Foresight narrowly evaded another blow she reached out to find most of the soldiers were in various states of indecision. Bold, whose certainty had been fraying since their arrival shied away at this new turn of events. When they needed his leadership the most he could only second guess himself, no help there.
“You’ve been a poison since you arrived!” Thorn shouted, her heavy frame looming over Foresight as she brought back her hoof for another swing.
Foresight desperately tried to break through the cloud of madness that had engulfed Thorn’s mind. Something vital had snapped inside and the pent up rage was now surging forth. Foresight had images of a pegasus, thrashing on the ground his mind undone by (in Thorn’s mind at least) an underhoof and cruel fate.
Tempest had been more than just a comrade, Foresight could see that now. It was the kind of loss that drove ponies to do very foolish actions and in her weakened state Foresight knew she’d have no way of swaying Thorn now. Spear Tip was another matter however.
Foresight let her power flow, necessity for survival overshadowing the potential threat of the chaotic magic all around. With the tiniest encouragement Foresight altered Spear’s perception just enough. What had begun as a dive for her own throat changed into a sideways barging action that knocked Thorn aside, the pair tumbling and rolling across the ground in a tangle of claws and hooves.
Deep gashes opened across Thorns green coat until with a confused stare Spear Tip leaned back, his horrified expression clear. His own talons dripped with blood and he let out a cry of anguish as Foresight felt her own legs tremble. Even that little nudge had take more effort than Foresight could truly muster.
Thorn for her part raged all the more. Her hooves flew up to connect with Tip’s beak to the accompaniment of a terrible crunch. She paid her friend no heed as he toppled backwards, blood streaming from his shattered beak. The others all backed away as the now bloodied mare struggled to stand.
“You witch! You monster!” Thorn bellowed, heaving herself upright before baring down on Foresight again. “I knew we couldn’t trust you!” Lowering her head and pawing at the ground Thorn broke into a gallop.
Foresight was too tired now, she’d pushed herself too far and with a gasp she felt her own legs buckle. Even as she saw the floor coming up to meet her, Foresight caught sight of another shape moving to block the charging Thorn.
The pale body of Impasse interposed himself, his own form solid and unshaken. The floor struck Foresight heavily, knocking the last of the wind from her lungs and sending shooting pains across her ribs.
Thorn suddenly blocked, slowed before glaring at Impasse, all trace of sanity vacant from her rolling eyes, “And you! You freak! We’re all risking our flanks out here for a monster like you? We should put you back in whatever hole you climbed out of!”
Foresight read the intent in what was left of Thorn’s mind and tried to scream a warning. Not for Impasse but for Thorn, “Do….Don’t you’ll...”
Thorn resumed her charge and time seemed to slow as the world spun around Foresight. The sounds became distant as with terrible inevitability Thorn rushed forward, Impasse not moving an inch as she closed the distance.
A distorted scream of fury escaped Thorn’s mouth as she flung a hoof up and around. The blow drifted with galactic slowness until with a sound of pulverised stone it connected with Impasse’ face.
He didn’t even flinch as chips and fragments exploded outwards. Foresight closed her eyes not wanting to see the results of the impact, a sudden silence descending across the scene. The shocked minds all around Foresight stopped, as frozen as the tinkling of shards clattering against the floor. “I’m so sorry Thorn, please understand I could not let you hurt Foresight.”
Foresight forced her eyes open even as the world around her spun. Thorn was standing there, her own expression one of utter confusion. The rage behind her eyes seemed shaken by Impasse’ strange reply. He turned his head slowly until one eye regarded Foresight.
Impasse’ already marred visage was now cracked and split, Thorn’s blow having fractured his cheek and sent several cracks spreading from the point of impact. Foresight knew what a terrible risk he’d taken in that last act, for both he and Thorn.
“You….” Thorn began before horrified gasps escaped from the crowd. Several mares screamed while stallions wailed. Still confused Thorn made to turn around when she suddenly stopped, glancing down at her foreleg.
Foresight could see from here the tiny splinters of stone that had embedded themselves in Thorn’s leg and the relentless spreading of grey that seeped from them. In utter terror Thorn screamed and frantically scraped with her other leg in a desperate attempt to remove the shards, but only succeeded in scoring further marks in both limbs.
The ponies all around pulled back as, with dreadful slowness, the curse spread further. Thorn’s afflicted leg became too heavy for her to lift and she wept pitifully as her other forelimb soon followed. Their combined weight dragging Thorn down and she toppled, back legs kicking desperately.
Foresight wanted to turn away, knowing the end that was coming but she couldn’t. Thorn began to gasp and strain on the ground as the petrification reached her chest. The muscles locked as the stone transformation advanced, unhindered by cry or struggle.
Of all the ponies present only one approached Thorn, his hoof steps sounding like deep drums in Foresight’s ears. Without a word the abused Impasse stood over Thorn and to the surprise of the others leaned down until he could look into Thorn’s terrified eyes.
“I’m sorry that this happened to you, but know I will not let you suffer,” Impasse reached forward as Thorn continued to make a choking sound, her lungs no longer able to move and Foresight saw a tiny measure of gratefulness mixed with her fear. At the end there was no anger there, only shocked shame before, and with a sickening crack, Impasse twisted.
Foresight screwed her own eyes shut at the sound and she felt the overflowing ache of all those around join her as Thorn’s struggles ceased.
When Foresight finally managed to open her eyes again Thorn was gone with only a statue in her place. The mare had simply been scared and angry and certainly didn’t deserve such an end. Impasse for his part simply stood there and regarded each Equestrian in turn, “For your own sakes, listen to Foresight. She has been keeping you as safe as she can this whole time. Avoid the trap this mare fell into. Let this be a lesson to heed our warnings.”
Shouts and cries erupted all around and Foresight could feel the outrage bubbling up again. It was like a black slime that swept over those present and only deepened their loathing of both Impasse and herself. The glares of all pierced Foresight and she felt the outrage turn to a desperate need for vengeance, hot and wrathful.
Foresight tried to push herself upright, willing her own hooves to take her weight. But it was no use. Impasse continued to stare about them, his eyes as cold and empty as ever. Yet again Foresight thought she saw the tiniest flicker of sadness and chided herself for being foolish.
“Thank you Impasse, it’s been an honor to serve you,” Foresight sent in a resigned manner. She had no desire to see further hurt come to those around her and so wouldn’t fight them anymore.
“The honour has been mine Foresight, maybe it is better….” Impasse replied before a huge fountain of water erupted from the pool behind them. Everyone shrank back this time as with wings beating slowly Twilight emerged, water cascading from her and a look of utter fury in her eyes.
Astonishment smothered Foresight even as the water doused her, the liquid stiffening to form a crystal sheen on her coat. Before she could recover her wits a glowing purple sphere encased both Foresight and Impasse. This was quickly followed by a booming voice that seemed to shake the walls.
“I cannot believe you all! I’m gone for less than two hours and you end up killing each other! Have you so little confidence in our nation? My vouching for Foresight and Impasse not enough for you all?” Twilight’s anguish was like a new star, only it froze instead of warmed.
“There are enough things here trying to kill us all without you adding to them!” Twilight continued, tears flowing down her cheeks and mixing with the water that still clung there.
Suddenly the fears and worries of this place, were blown away in a wash of arcane force that caused the walls to crack and several chunks of stone to rain down on the assembled crowd. Even these were caught in a purple glow, their descent halting before being hurled aside to shatter on the already ravaged murals.
All those present awoke as if from a nightmare, blinking in the sudden glare to see the madness that had nearly swallowed them all. They were friends, colleagues and above all allies.
All hung their heads in shame as Twilight’s disappointed gaze swept over them, unable to meet her glowing eyes. She alighted on the now fractured stone floor, the various inscriptions and carvings dissolving as if time had devoured them in a heartbeat, “I only wish I could have returned sooner.”
She made her slow way over to Thorn, the earth mare’s solid stone body revealed clearly for all to see. “This place shall claim no more lives, it’s magic is now undone and remade anew.” Even as Twilight spoke the patterns and glyphs reformed, their substance utterly changed until all traces of the clinging malice was gone.
Foresight could only stare in wonder as the oppressive darkness was replaced with comforting light, “Bu...but how?” She managed to stammer before Twilight slowly turned her head to regard her, “I have been in the Vault and I now know where we must go and what we must do.”
Foresight smiled gratefully up at Twilight, “It’s good to have you back but what of the beast that guards the Vault and the Vault itself for that matter?”
The glow faded in Twilight’s eyes and in some manner looked slightly diminished to Foresight. Where as before Twilight had been radiant and dazzling, now she was just plain Twilight, “It’s quite a tale and although I can’t tell you all of it I will explain what I can…..”
Twilight was utterly lost, the glittering trail of magic had winked out and left Twilight at the foot of a looming wall. The tumbled down stonework lay half buried in the dust but every so often a section was just visible through the storm.
Twilight peered left and right, taking in the general dilapidation and wondered why she’d been lead here. There had been no sign of the shimmering alicorn that had confronted her since she’d set hoof in this desolate place. She doubted he’d finished with her yet, no doubt toying with Twilight for some reason.
With the tunnels behind her, Twilight had grown more confident about the magic she used. Not that it had done her much good. The ever present dust refused to be stopped by any spell she knew, working its way into every little nook and cranny of her being. Instead Twilight had fashioned a makeshift mask out of spare cloth, which at least kept the intruders out of her mouth and nose.
Peering around the closest of these stone outcrops Twilight saw nothing special about where she’d been led. The flat expanse looked just the same as all the other landmarks Twilight had passed. Ruins and time worn statues the only thing to be seen among the perpetual grey light here.
Twilight tried to pick a direction, assuring herself that if she focused on a certain landmark she’d at least make some meaningful progress. Positioning herself just past the wall she picked the tallest spire of rock looming out of the squall and headed for it.
Her hairs prickled as she pressed forward and the wind decided to take an interest in her once more. It grew in severity, rising and buffeting Twilight this way and that as if trying to spin her around. The harder the wind tried to dissuade her, the more Twilight felt she must be going in the right direction.
Gritting her teeth and bowing her head Twilight worked her legs, determined to put one hoof in front of another even as the wind grew to a tempest. Twilight dared to use some magic, lending it’s strength to her own.
She made brief headway until like a raging beast the wind redoubled its own efforts until Twilight was fighting to even keep her footing. The only sounds she could hear was the howling gale that pressed into her.
Her strength faltering Twilight looked about for shelter and found it in a solid looking statue of a dragon. Its coiled form was carved low, the sand piling upon the windward side, but leaving a small lee in which the gale held no sway.
The poor beast’s head had fared far worse than the rest of its body. Broken off at the neck the dragon’s head was half buried, the snout rearing up out of the dust. Carved as if snarling definitely the dragon seemed to glare at Twilight like she was the cause of its woes.
Tired and sick of the constant dust Twilight paid its threatening expression no heed. She sidled into the small pocket of relative calm before sinking to her haunches. Catching her breath Twilight frantically tried to think of what to do next. She’d trusted her gut so far on this solo attempt and all it seemed to have done was lead her in circles.
Was the mysterious alicorn trying to help her or hinder Twilight? She certainly didn’t get the impression of anger or malice in her brief encounters. Yet its actions were certainly hostile. It seemed to push Twilight to the very edge of endurance each time and when she was about to fail suddenly gave a helping hoof.
It was a strange theory, one that bore testing if Twilight was going to press on any further. Feeling slightly silly, Twilight released a very theatrical sigh, “Oh it’s too hard I may as well give up….” She paused, ears pricked for any sign of response.
The wind continued to howl, the sand continued to swirl and Twilight chuckled to herself she…then she felt it. A spark, a flash of magic that continued to glow in her mind like the point on a compass. Aha! I’m onto you now, who ever you are!
The wind instantly sprang up to meet Twilight, but this time she had the assurance of knowing where she was going. The shining beacon of magic was like a lighthouse in the storm and Twilight stubbornly refused to be stopped.
It was with no small trace of satisfaction that Twilight saw she’d been heading in the right way before, the looming shadow ahead was exactly where the beacon was leading her now.
The wind screamed its plea for her to stop, tearing at the makeshift mask and pulling at Twilight’s coat like a mad creature. Still she pressed onwards, her conviction giving her more strength than any magic could muster.
It was if a wall had been placed to block Twilight’s progress, a solid barrier of force that tried its uppermost to hinder each and every step forward. Twilight’s progress slowed to a crawl until with a final shout of defiance Twilight felt the wind suddenly stop. It was so sudden that Twilight almost stumbled forward.
Her ears rang in the sudden silence, the muting of wind leaving no time for her to adjust. Steadying herself Twilight looked up and saw for the first time the clear blue sky above. All around was the tempest driven dust, but right here the air was still. It was as if Twilight was in a giant pale funnel, the walls of the storm still raging all around.
In the clear air Twilight saw that before her was a half obscured avenue of black stone. Lining either side of the walkway were further statues. At first glance their almost regal forms must have represented a significant selection of the world.
Zerba, griffons, dragons, ponies and many many others stretched away either side. They were carved with armour adorning their bodies and stone weapons held in their assorted appendages. This all led the view to a distant pyramid, which seemed oddly small for such an avenue.
Still carved out of the same dark stone, but whereas all the previous architecture had been worn and battered the scene before Twilight was immaculate barring the slight covering of dust and rocks. The pyramid itself was flat topped and even as Twilight peered at it she saw as its summit a familiar form.
A muscular alicorn statue dominated the building, his wings outstretched as if in the act of diving down. His fore hooves supporting the weight of his frame and his mane billowing out behind himself. Twilight couldn’t be sure of course, but it was very similar to her other encounters.
“This must be the Vault,” Twilight whispered to herself as she put a hoof forward with a crunch.
Twilight froze before allowing her gaze to travel down to where she saw the bleached skull of a unicorn, its brittle dome had crumpled under Twilight’s weight and with horror she saw that what was first taken as rocks were in fact bones. There were thousands of them and not all of them pony either.
She back peddled quickly and frantically shook her hoof trying to dislodge the last few fragments that clung there. If this was really the Vault then in theory the monster that guarded this place would not be far away.
Looking about anxiously Twilight saw no sign of any beast or monster, in fact she saw no sign of any living thing at all. Only the light glinting off a large set of embossed doors that must have been the entrance to the Vault.
She still felt the magical beacon, its pulsing throb almost like a heartbeat. It was definitely coming from the pyramid ahead. It was then Twilight hesitated, now she was here the sudden fear that Twilight was still being toyed with welled up.
This was all far too easy after the last few challenges and so with cautious steps Twilight began her advance towards the pyramid. She’d only gone a short way when a sudden movement in the air caused Twilight to halt. The dust and bones of eons were flowing away. Moving as if a wind blew them outwards, but no such wind was there.
The black path below was suddenly revealed, and as Twilight looked she saw the same crawling script was written into every paving slab. No doubt further entreaties to turn back and leave at once. The dissolution of the centuries continued until the whole monument stood as if it was carved only yesterday.
Twilight panted, sweeping her gaze back and forth as she searched for any sign of danger but still none came. After allowing the stillness to settle Twilight took another hesitant step forwards.
The sudden blazing power dazzled Twilight as the ground below her hooves trembled. It was as if the beacon that had guided Twilight was now a incandescent star and shielding her eyes she looked up to see the statue atop the pyramid was gone.
Instead there was now a terrible, glowing figure: The same alicorn stallion Twilight had seen before only this time in the flesh. He was descending with powerful wing beats, his ember red mane streaming out from his armoured head. It flowed and danced just like Celestia’s, the golden yellow motes that Twilight had been confronted with earlier twinkling within.
As he drew closer Twilight could see his coat was off white, mostly hidden under a well fitting suit of armour which glinted like polished silver. His golden yellow eyes regarded Twilight with interest, their colour matching the glow about his horn.
Held within his magical grip was a large hammer almost the size of Twilight herself, its rounded head made from the same silvery metal as the stallion’s armour. Its haft was carved from a deep chestnut wood and around it were woven bands of dark cloth. Similar cords trailed from just under the hammer’s head, tiny symbols jangling as the stallion touched down on the ground.
Twilight felt the strength of the being before her and was staggered by it. She had no doubt in her own mind that should he decide to be hostile she would stand little to no chance against him. Not just in magical might either, muscles moved under the segmented plate he wore and Twilight could see just how impressive he really was.
His chest and powerful legs would not have looked out of place on a buffalo such was their scale, yet he also held himself with a regal grace that reminded Twilight of Celestia. There was a similarity about the face and eyes that reminded Twilight intently of the royal pony sisters in fact, although clearly a stallion.
The feel of his magic, now unmasked, was also akin to the royals too now that Twilight could study it clearly. Almost the same, but different in subtle ways as well. He also seemed to shared Celestia’s need for theatrics and with his grand entrance concluded the blazing magic dwindled.
He stood there for a long moment, his eyes studying Twilight in an unreadable manner, the hammer still gripped in the golden glow. Twilight returned to scrutiny, staring resolutely into his own eyes that glinted from within the ‘T’ shaped helmet he wore.
Finally the stallion spoke, his voice deep and resonant. A pleasant baritone that was edged with the faintest hints of sadness. Twilight didn’t understand the words, sounding alien to her in their steady flow but she did understand their meaning, “So another comes seeking the Vault and its secrets. Why do you want what is within?”
Twilight paused, the odd sensation of hearing a strange language and yet understanding it at the same time a little disconcerting. Twilight straightened up, her horn barely level with the base of this pony’s neck, “I’m here looking for a cure that has cursed many of my people. A state of living stone that I hope to undo.”
Her challenger came forward slowly, his armoured shoes sending slight trembles through the rock as he stepped purposefully towards Twilight. His curious stare continued to bore into Twilight and she was unable to see if he liked what he saw.
“You’re no common visitor ‘Elevated’ one, I’m surprised you made it this far,” He began to slowly circle Twilight who shuffled to keep him before her.
“Elevated? You mean these?” Twilight spread her wings in explanation.
Still the other’s expression didn’t change or even acknowledge that he’d heard Twilight’s reply, “I can see your intent is good, but tell me what makes you think you’re able to bear the weight and responsibility of what I guard?”
Twilight’s ears flattened, “You’re the monster, the beast that stands watch over this place?”
Her opposite paused as if considering her question, “I am the protector, but I assure you I am no monster. My name is ‘Vigil’ and I do what I must to keep this place safe from those who would use the Vault for evil means.”
Twilight remembered the bones that had covered the ground round about and swallowed. “You killed them? All of them?”
Vigil looked pained, “Not all. Some came here with noble purpose, like I sense in yourself, but they were overwhelmed by whatever is in the Vault.” Twilight was surprised to see a tear welling in Vigil’s eye, “Death can be a mercy as well as a punishment.”
“So you’re not going to stop me from entering the Vault?” Twilight asked cautiously.
Vigil paused again before laughing without humour, “Stop you? Certainly not. I would dearly like to see some good finally come of this place. I’ve guarded the Vault since the earliest days of this world, Elevated One, and would be glad to see my task ended. I dearly wish to see my cousins again.”
Twilight felt like she’d been hit by his hammer, “But the traps, the random magic and all the deadly obstacles?”
“I never said I made this place, only that I was placed in charge of keeping it safe. I know no more about the contents of the Vault than you do Elevated,” Vigil replied slowly, “The Vault contains knowledge that if gained by those with power already could spell the end of the world, or perhaps its salvation I know not either way.”
Twilight’s fear was replaced by astonishment, “You have no idea what you guard?”
Vigil nodded, “It was not meant for any of the ‘First Born’, why do you think my cousins never come to visit me? The temptation would be too great.”
Twilight frowned, “Cousins? You do mean Celestia and Luna right?”
“That’s correct Elevated,” Vigil confirmed, “Even during her time of madness Luna wouldn’t dare set hoof here.”
Things began to make more sense to Twilight now. The traps and anti magic nature of this place were indeed to keep out royal alicorns and other powerful beings. If the wrong hooves got hold of what was in the Vault then it could be disastrous.Yet….
“But if you wanted me to succeed here then why didn’t you help me sooner? Why let me and others suffer when you could have done something?” Twilight felt her anger rise as she thought of Tempest and no doubt the thousands of others who came here with good intent only to be killed.
Vigil looked confused “I offered you no help? I only knew of your presence when you appeared in the desert out there.”
Twilight shook her head, “No? The glowing lights, the magical beacon. Someone has been guiding me here! It must have been you, I saw your likeness in the tunnels it….” Twilight trailed off as Vigil’s blank stare proved his ignorance.
“I do not know of what you speak, it seems another wishes you to reach the Vault as well. Either way I will not bar your passage, “ Vigil announced and Twilight was surprised to see him smile.
She gave Vigil a sidelong glance before making her way towards the bronze doors. Vigil fell in besides Twilight and she was once again struck by his scale. Vigil took only one step for every three of her own, “Celestia and Luna never told me anything about you. Are you really their cousin?”
Vigil laughed heartily his mirth booming in its strength, “Is it so hard to believe? There are more first born than just Celestia and Luna little Elevated.”
“Twilight,” Twilight replied with a snort.
“Little Twilight then,” Vigil continued, “Has the past been so thoroughly forgotten. Are there not tales of the world’s beginning and of the first Council of Harmony? “
Twilight felt her doubt returning, “Well no. Most of the history I know of is of the founding of Equestria. There’s some stories about a time before that, like how Hearth’s Warming Eve came about. You seem to know about Nightmare Moon at least.”
Vigil looked pained, “Well I guess it’s Celestia’s prerogative to run her realms as she see fit.”
The pair walked in silence for a while, the statutes either side marking their progress towards the pyramid ahead. “Do I call you sir or something like that?” Twilight finally asked and Vigil gave her an amused glance.
“Me? No, I have no title or the such. I am Vigil, just Vigil. It describes my duty and me all in one,” He was smiling but Twilight felt an undercurrent of disquiet.
“You’re all alone here?” Twilight asked softly and saw the brief wince on Vigil’s face and knew she’d hit the mark.
“It’s the way things have to be sadly, I was made to guard the Vault and no other would be up to the task. You have seen that this place is not the easiest place to find.” Vigil waved an armoured wing and Twilight could see the great care and workmanship that had gone into the metal.
Studying further Twilight caught sight of Vigil’s flank and the depiction of his own helmet was Vigil’s cutie mark. “Also the visitors I tend to get are seldom happy to see me,” Vigil concluded as they at last reached the doors.
Up close Twilight saw the carvings more clearly now. They covered the large doors from base to summit and unlike the stone work had a far more wholesome quality to them. “Well this is where I leave you Twilight, I hope you find what you need within.”
Twilight frowned, “But surely you can help me further? You’re…”
Vigil held up a hoof, “I am a First Born as I told you. I was not meant to see what is held within the Vault. Maybe if you are the first to survive the ordeal then you can tell me about it?”
Twilight swallowed as Vigil’s words pressed home. She wasn’t out of danger yet. With a heavy grace the doors swung open silently to reveal only darkness within, “Remember Twilight, stay true to your purpose and only look for that which you need. Most of all trust your heart.” Vigil cautioned as the doors began to close behind her.
“Good fortune to you Elevated,” were the last words Twilight heard before the darkness swallowed her completely.