Remember Vigil.
If there is one thing I know for a certainty, it is that our world has order; it has patterns and it has designs. I am not talking about the simple schemes and plans of, for want of a better word, ‘mortals’, but I mean that the World itself has an agenda of its own.
I do not mean it's sentient in the truest sense of the word, more that it moves and creates in accordance with an overarching ideal, an end goal that it strives towards. I don’t pretend to understand what that purpose may be, but I do know I was created to enact part of that mysterious design.
It does not matter that I do not know all the details of my creation, why I was chosen to bear the form that I do, or why my appointed task is so important. I serve my purpose to the best of my ability, which I say not in arrogance; has yet to find me wanting.
I am aware of others with similar assignments, gifted agents of the World we live on, that have their clear designs also. There are the sisters, whose role it is to direct the sun and moon. I do not envy them, but nor do I pity them either: They fulfil their assigned duty as I do.
There are others of course, with their own responsibilities to a greater or lesser degree than mine; as I said, the world creates what it needs to fulfil its purposes. Some are from the dawn of time; they have been so since the start like me, while others have been elevated from the mortals who live on our world, destined for great things from before their birth.
As I stand and fulfil my duty and design, I sense one of these ‘elevated’ approaches and I must admit I am curious. Why would they come to me now? Many others have stood before me, always seeking what I am duty bound to guard. I do have a name, although very few know it, for my role has keeps alone for years on end, hidden away in a quiet corner of our world.
I sense the power and strength of the one who approaches, it reminds me of the two sisters for it is of the same source and further more; it is akin to the magic that resides in me. Though many have sought the item I guard, it has been many a year since the last visitor and I find myself curious.
It has often been my own failing; I was not created with curiosity in mind, but it is one of the aspects of myself that I contend with continually, for I do not know exactly what it is I guard. I know only that it is necessary, but at the same time incredibly dangerous. Thankfully my own failings have never lead to me be remiss in my duty; I have never once seen the object of my protection.
The new visitor approaches now, I can almost see them with my ‘natural’ eyes through the billowing dust clouds that rage about my ‘home.’ It is their approach that has stirred me from my solitary contemplation, it does not matter to me that years may have passed since I last moved, for I am timeless.
I hear the howling wind as my ears begin to perform their duty as I do mine and slowly I shift my long immobile muscles. It is good to move again, my frame is not stiff or in pain for as I said before, I am timeless: It is part of my nature to be able to stand dormant until I am needed.
That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the sensation of movement, feeling the pull and flow of power as I extend my wings; feel the joyful sensation of magic flowing from my core as it moves to my horn. It causes me to smile as the long dormant aspects of life heed my call for action.
The ‘elevated’ is closer now, I can feel their resolve and I am pleased by it; their cause is a noble one. Far too often I have had to use my considerable might to strike down those who would seek what I guard for darker ends: Their bones now litter this place.
Sadly noble intent is not the only thing that is required here, of the few that I have judged worthy to pass, none have had the strength to bear what they sought. This also pains me, for it is my firm hope that what I protect has great worth when used correctly.
Maybe this time it will be different? Never has an ‘elevated’ come before me in search of my charge. This one is like a bright star that shines out in the darkness of a beautiful night and I feel a long abandoned emotion; excitement. I ready myself to perform my duty once again as the billowing dust clouds reveal the visitor for the first time.
Twilight strained her eyes as she pressed through the dust storm that enveloped her. The cloth wrapped around the Princess’ head shielding Twilight from the worst of the cloud’s buffeting. The old scroll had hinted that there was a mythical book of knowledge here somewhere and Twilight was determined to find it.
The other princesses were counting on her to discover a cure for the curse that had afflicted so many ponies and she would not let them down. It was hard to tell anything for certain in this storm, but Twilight thought she caught sight of crumbled pillars and decrepit ruins all around her.
Whatever this place was, it was ancient and lent credence that her research had been correct. She had tried to use her magic to soothe the tempest raging here, but it resisted every attempt: The vortex was clearly magical in nature, more evidence that she was on the right track.
Shapes loomed out of the swirling dust, which could have possibly been statues at one point, but time and the ever howling wind had stripped them of any detail; leaving only vaguely equine shapes to stand sentinel over the dust bowl this place was.
Twilight regarded the black stone in an attempt to get her bearings, so easy to get lost in this place and that’s why she’d instructed the others to remain behind. Twilight had also unearthed dark rumours of the guardian of this place, both it and the true name of this place having long since passed from living memory.
The alicorn pressed onwards, more feeling her way forward, than by any true navigation. Twilight must go on, so many were depending on her, but it felt like she was pressing through the storm just to wander in circles. All the half-seen landmarks looked identical, one black rock or weather beaten statue looking like all the others she had passed.
She was on the verge of sitting down to rest in the lea of one such statue when she felt ‘it’; a change in the texture of the air. It was subtle, but it was there: A faint trace of hidden magic which was only now making itself known.
It was a tiny thing, but in this world of swirling dust and heat Twilight was grateful for any point of reference. With fresh determination she forced one hoof in front of the other, homing in on the 'beacon' that had appeared for her.
Eyes stinging from the relentless dust (which to her growing annoyance resisted every attempt to be blocked by spells or barriers of any kind) Twilight forced her way through the rising wind, every hoof step an effort in its own right; whatever force was behind the storm did not want Twilight to reach her destination.
The wind pulled at her coverings, it slammed itself into Twilight’s face as if desperate to block her from going forward; but she would not be dissuaded. Bowing her head, Twilight forced her way through the storm, which only grew more intense with every step.
Just as she feared that she would be blown back, the wind stopped and with weary eyes Twilight looked up to see the world before her was now clear. Suspicious but nevertheless grateful, she took an uninhibited step forward and felt something crunch under her hoof.
Looking down Twilight saw that her hoof had crushed a brittle skull and she danced back in horror. The crushed bone looked like a unicorn’s head and with a sinking feeling Twilight’s gaze swept the ground before her. What Twilight had first taken to be more rocks were in fact bones and the feeling of fear and repulsion threatened to overcome her.
There weren’t just pony skeletons either; as Twilight looked further afield she saw buffalo, griffon and even dragon bones littering the calm clearing before her. The howling wind was muted here, as if she had stepped into a room and closed the door, leaving the raging storm behind.
Looking up Twilight saw that the sky above her was clear and blue, confirming the initial impression that she was now in the eye of the powerful vortex. Tearing her gaze away from the remains that mixed freely with the pale dust, Twilight saw a small building ahead.
This squat structure was made of the same dark rock as statues before, but whereas the other stone was weather beaten and eroded, this collection was immaculate. The sense of powerful magic residing here was stronger than ever and Twilight knew she’d found what she was seeking.
The building consisted of a sloped pyramid, only with a flattened top. This structure was located at the end of a small, statue lined avenue, the rock carved into forms of many of the worlds creatures: A pony here, a griffon there and all depicted in war attire.
The pyramid itself had a sturdy looking doorway, housing a set of sculpted bronze doors and upon its flattened summit was the statue of an alicorn. It was a powerful stallion, clad in war plate of a bygone era and Twilight felt her gaze drawn to the massive round headed hammer that rested at the creature’s side.
The feeling of being watched crept over Twilight as she cautiously stepped forward, being careful not to crush any more bones that littered the plaza. Twilight felt the nature of the ground change as she approached the lined avenue, looking down she saw that the same dark stone was cut into a paved path half buried in the dust.
Hesitating as she focused on the dead creatures all around, Twilight faltered for a moment. The scroll had hinted at some guardian here, but so far there was no sign. As she probed with her magical senses Twilight didn’t detect any dark magic here, certainly powerful, but not of evil intent.
This didn’t reassure her as the vision of aged bones surrounded Twilight. Taking a fortifying breath she placed a hoof on the pathway leading to the pyramid. Nothing happened and Twilight was about to relax when the ground below her trembled. Looking up she felt a blazing source of magic unveil itself, it was the same power that guided her here, but now unmasked, the strength of it caused Twilight to shield herself protectively with her wings.
“Another comes to seek that which is held within, many have done so and yet none have found what they wanted,” The voice was deep and resonant. It echoed around the expanse like thunder and caused Twilight to shrink back.
“Why do you seek that which I guard?” The rumbling voice sounded out again as Twilight forced herself to look up: The alicorn statue was now revealed to be alive and was hovering with slow beats of his armoured wings, the hammer Twilight had seen earlier levitating at his side in a white magical glow.
Swallowing the fear that threatened to stifle her, Twilight called out in return, her voice sounding weak and insignificant against the challenger's, “I am on a quest for a cure: A curse of living stone has claimed a number of my people and I seek to undo the damage done.”
The challenger came forward slowly, his wings beating steadily until he was only a few meters in front of Twilight, “I sense no lie in you elevated one: I am glad you speak the truth for I have been forced to destroy far too many in the course of my duty.”
The large stallion landed with grace, his armoured horse shoes clattering on the stony pathway. As he touched down the ever present dust of this place fled from his presence, revealing the intricately carved paving stones below. Soon the rock was clear of the grit and bones of ages, revealing the monument in all its glory.
Twilight swallowed again, as the power of this alicorn washed over her; she had no doubt that should he wish it, he could obliterate Twilight; but to her amazement she didn’t feel frightened anymore, there was a regal manner to this pony who in some indescribable way felt '[right'.
It was like unto Celestia or Luna’s power, but also different in its own way. It didn’t escape Twilight’s attention that under all that armour the stallion was powerfully built, making other fully grown ponies she had met look like foals in comparison. He dwarfed Twilight and would probably eclipse even Celestia’s noble stature.
Where he had first appeared to be made of dark stone, this new comer’s coat was now pale, though not as white Celestia’s, his eyes were a golden yellow and he regarded Twilight through the encompassing helm atop his head with an almost eager stare.
“I...er thank you Mr?” Twilight asked quietly.
“I am ’Vigil’ elevated one, your name?” The resounding quality of the stallion’s voice had gone and he spoke with a deep confident tone.
“Twilight Sparkle your....um.....highness?” She replied in an uncertain manner, not sure how to address the alicorn before her.
Vigil let the hammer he carried rest on the ground before removing his helmet with his hooves and shaking out his red mane; which floated with power just like Celestia and Luna’s. “Just Vigil princess, I hold no position or royal status.”
It dawned on Twilight that Vigil was 'speaking' words she didn’t know, but nevertheless understood their meaning. Twilight nodded slowly before addressing him, “Okay Vigil, I assume you’re the guardian of this place?”
Vigil smiled at her timid tone, “Yes I am; does that surprise you?”
Twilight scrunched up her muzzle, “It’s just that the scroll I read stated that the guardian of this place was a terrible creature who had slain thousands. You’re not what I expected that’s all.”
Vigil’s eyes became pained, “Well in that regard your scroll was correct, I am terrible, powerful and have slain many who have come here.” He indicated the bones that lay scattered all around, “But that doesn’t mean that I enjoyed it; or that it was not without good cause.”
Twilight took a step away from the other alicorn, her fears starting to return as Vigil freely admitted his actions, “You did kill them, all of them?”
Vigil watched Twilight with a sad expression, “I do what I have been created to do Twilight Sparkle: I safeguard the object within that building from those who would misuse it, that it is not a pleasant duty, I don’t deny.”
“They all came here with evil intent?” Twilight gasped, hardly believing that so many creatures would do such a thing.
Vigil sighed unhappily, “Not all of them princess, a few I allowed to pass for their intentions were noble like yours.” Twilight was yet again taken aback as a single tear rolled down Vigil’s cheek, “But what they sought was too much for them to bear and it destroyed them.”
Twilight felt a chill run through her despite the hot air, “What you protect is that dangerous?”
Vigil nodded solemnly, “It contains many secrets Twilight, the nature of our world and of great things best left unknown to mortals.”
The princess paused for a moment, “Has anyone survived coming here?”
Once again Vigil looked grim, “A few turned back, fearing the price was not worth the potential reward.” Twilight stood and thought for a moment; weighing up what the risks and if she was up to the task before her. Vigil just stood silently as she deliberated and the wind howled distantly.
Finally Twilight reached a decision, “I must find a cure for this curse and this place holds answers which I need.”
“Then I wish you good fortune elevated, I am most curious to know what is held within that pyramid,” Vigil stated and Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You don’t know what’s in there?” The amazement was clearly written on Twilight’s face.
Vigil smiled grimly, “It has never been my duty to know, and those I met after have not been in a state to tell me about my charge.” Twilight faltered again as uncertainty gripped her, not even this powerful creature knew exactly what awaited her beyond the bronze doors of the pyramid.
“But I see the strength of mind within you Twilight, if anyone could survive this encounter then I believe it is you,” Vigil assured her, “Just focus on why you’re doing this, banish any other desires in your heart and let your noble course guide you.”
With this statement Vigil ignited his horn and a white glow enveloped the bronze doors. With a creaking the embossed surfaces opened outwards, revealing the darkness within. Twilight regarded Vigil who stood impassive off to one side of the avenue and bowed his head before motioning for Twilight to proceed.
She studied his noble features for any sign of duplicity, but finding none Twilight made her steady way forward towards the now open portal. As she did so Twilight caught site of Vigil’s cutie mark; a profile depiction of the metal helmet which he’d removed from his own head.
Stopping only a moment at the entrance, Twilight looked back to Vigil who nodded with encouragement. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath Twilight steeled herself before stepping over the threshold and vanishing into the darkness within.
Vigil stood outside and studied his helmet carefully, the piece of armour was suspended in the stallion’s magical grip. He’d worn that helm for so long, ever standing at his post and ensuring his duty was fulfilled.
The march of years presented the many, many faces he’d seen. There were so many that they blurred into a long procession that led away into the past. What struck him most keenly was that none of ones he had allowed to enter came close to lasting as long as Twilight had already done.
Vigil recalled the boastful unicorn, which had fled wailing from the pyramid after only a minute inside and then the determined griffon who had doubled that time, but still paid the price of his sanity. These were the faces that saddened Vigil the most; for they had been trying to do good, but had reached beyond their capacity.
This Twilight was special however; her alicorn status was evidence of that alone, but Vigil sensed there was more to it than that. The World had chosen her for great things and destiny danced around Twilight like a beacon of hope.
That a mortal had been elevated was a special occasion in itself, but Vigil felt in his core that Twilight was like a linchpin and huge events pivoted upon her. The idea excited him, but was not a role he envied, his duty was simple and direct; he did what was needed, even if it was not a happy task.
It was not guilt which he felt as he gazed at the helm before him, for Vigil lived with the certainty that the World in its wisdom had appointed him to such a task. Not the creatures that lived and moved upon it, but the World itself.
He absentmindedly checked the position of the sun above, his cousin’s orb was making its stately way across the blue sky and Vigil’s estimation of Twilight grew, she’d been in the pyramid for a full hour now. He knew she wasn’t dead as Vigil sensed her magical power burning brightly within.
That unbidden curiosity that Vigil thought of as his character flaw welled up again, if she could endure what was within that building as an elevated mortal then surly Vigil could? He recognised the feeling for what it was; a trap for his own pride. Of course he could endure what the vault held, that wasn’t the point. The point was he was not meant to know what was within, it was not meant for him.
Even my cousin Luna, during her period of madness had not come seeking what lay within this place and I suspect that it was not intended for any of the 'first ones' at all. Vigil thought as the helmet slowly rotated before him, it’s ‘T’ shaped vision slit turning once more to face the alicorn.
Vigil’s musings were interrupted as a tremor shook the ground and casting aside his ponderings he refitted the helm upon his brow. The ground shook a second time and Vigil felt the nature of the power held within the pyramid change; that was something that had never happened before and his pulse quickened at the thought.
Could Twilight have done it? Could she have mastered what Vigil had spent so many, many years watching over faithfully? The excitement grew in his ancient heart as a stumbling figure appeared in the shadowy doorway once more.
He was confronted by Twilight, she looked haggard and exhausted; but what mostly struck Vigil was the look of profound disappointment on her muzzle. Twilight emerged blinking into the light and gazed around the assembled statues in a daze.
“Twilight, are you alright?” Vigil asked as his hope turned to concern.
The female alicorn focused her unsteady gaze upon Vigil before nodding slowly, “I’m....I’m alright, you weren’t kidding when you said that it was powerful.”
Vigil despite himself had to ask, “What was it?”
Twilight fixed him with a piecing look and he took a step back, “Vigil, I will not describe what I found there; it’s best you remain ignorant of what you guard.”
A flash of annoyance flared in Vigil’s heart, before the certainty of Twilight’s eyes convinced him that what she said was true. Twilight leaned against the door frame and sucked in a huge lungful of air as concern formed on Vigil’s face.
“You didn’t find what you sought, no cure for this curse you spoke of?” Vigil pressed as he did his best to steady the trembling Twilight.
She shook her head, but smiled, “Yes and no Vigil, the cure is not here,” Twilight paused for a moment as she caught her breath again, “But it has pointed me in the right direction.”
Vigil nodded as he felt the stirring power within the pyramid begin to settle once more. It was becoming clear to him that his duty was far from done; the object, whatever it was, still needed guarding. Twilight had not overcome it, but had managed to gleam some secrets from his charge.
“So your quest leads you on then?” Vigil asked levelly.
Twilight nodded again as she straightened herself and regained her hooves, “It does Vigil and I’m sorry I ever thought of you as a monster, what you do is more important than you could ever realise.”
Vigil followed her gaze to the piles of bones that littered the ground before Twilight explained further, “Keep those who are dark of heart away from it and don’t give in to your own curiosity, far too many will pay the price should you do so.”
The words struck Vigil like an anvil and he felt the dread certainty held within them: Brief visions of fire, death and carnage on an unprecedented scale flashed before his eyes and he staggered at the sight, his own deeds solemn paling in comparison.
As he recovered from the sudden onslaught, Vigil stared at Twilight with new found wonder, “I...I understand.”
A fresh sense of purpose flowed into Vigil and the duty that had weighed so heavily on his shoulders felt lighter that it had for centuries. Without conscious thought he bowed before Twilight who smiled weakly, “Oh don’t be like that Vigil, I hate it when I get 'bowed to', just keep doing what you have been and know that I am eternally grateful for the noble service you provide, in doing only what is needed.”
Vigil smiled in return, “I wish you good fortune on your quest Twilight; may the sun and moon ever smile upon you.”
Twilight began to make her unsteady way along the paved path leading from the pyramid and Vigil watched her go with a feeling of reverence. A thought suddenly occurred to him, “Twilight, could you please pass on my best wishes to my cousins? It has been so long since I spoke with them, I fear they have forgotten me after all this time.”
Twilight paused and turned her head back to stare at him, “Vigil, they could never forget you and though they do not announce your presence to the world for reasons you understand, Celestia and Luna always think of you fondly.” She smiled genuinely before adding, “And now I know of you, so will I.”
With her piece said, Twilight straightened and without even looking back stepped once more into the swirling clouds of dust, leaving Vigil to his solitary duty once again, though now sure in the knowledge that he wasn't forgotten.
Yes the World does indeed know its creations, it know their needs as well as their purposes. I have been firmly reminded of such by my most recent encounter, it saw my resolve wavering; that I tired of my duty and needed to be shown just how important those chosen are.
We bare the weights that others cannot, we fight the battles that need to be fought so that the mortals of our world can have a chance of peace and happiness. Never again will I see my duty in the same way and it took one of less power, but more heart than me to show me this.
Even as I feel my form stiffen and my charge grown dormant again I think on these revelations. I wish Twilight could have found what she wanted here; but as with most things in this life we are given what we need, not what we want.
The dust storm closes in once more and I stand guard as I have always done; it is who I am, it is what I was created for and even though the world outside may not openly know my name, I know that those who matter to me do. I am Vigil.
The End.
