Humani Victoria

Chapter 23- Shadows In The Dark

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness."

                                                                                          ~Eleanor Roosevelt

The Sky, North-Western Equestria, Thursday, 14th of January, 11:27pm, 2206 AC

The cold air breezed through Ironbeak's primaries, creating the necessary lift to keep him in the air. With a gentle flap the Gryphon banked right, he could smell the sea now, he was almost home, all he had to do was cross the Caedes Straight which was the water border between Equestria and Gryphonia. Unfortunately the salty air of the sea had a negative effect of the Gryphon's thick feathers making flight near impossible, so he would have to negotiate a passage on the ferry there.

Ironbeak squinted, his eagle eyes could see far even in the dim light of the stars and moon. In the distance was a small collection of lights, the docks, he would have to lower his altitude, flying in at hight would get him much too much attention than he could afford on this mission.

As Ironbeak dived down below the tree level, he felt a bubble of pride swell in his feathered chest. Him, on a mission from the High King! It was a huge honour, the information he carried would benefit the Kingdom so much! Perhaps the High King would commend him on his efforts personally! maybe promote him! Or make him a Knight of the Sky! Maybe even...

The sound reached Ironbeak's ears through the wind gusting past him, immediately he flared his large wings and slowed down. His claws touched down on the cold, hard earth with nay a sound and he scanned around the dark forest. He had heard something, he was sure of it, rustling bushes, snapping twigs, someone was following him.

"Who is there?" Ironbeak called "I am an Agent of his majesty High King Bloodbeak the Eighth! And I demand you show yourself!"

No answer came although Ironbeak hadn't really expected one, he scanned the dark foliage around him and found nothing. He began to relax, perhaps this covert business was making him paranoid? He shook his head and ruffled his feathers, he was just about to spread his wings and fly when he was tackled to the ground by something.

Ironbeak yelled in surprise and rolled away from his attacker, he managed to quickly bring himself onto his four legs. When he did so he found he was surrounded by at least ten Ponies clad in dark leather armour, cloaks, and hoods, all of them pointing long daggers at him in either their mouths or magic.

"Surrender," one of them said, who held his dagger in an ice-blue magical grip "By order of the Two Princesses."

"Who are you?" Ironbeak demanded, drawing his longsword "who are you to command an agent of the Gryphon King?"

"We are Agents of Night," the lead Pony said "And we demand you surrender now or face dire consequences."

"Never!" Ironbeak yelled, brandishing his sword "I will never surrender to you Equestrian scum!" He couldn't let these Equestrians take the information he held! The High King was counting on him! It was his duty! If the Equestrians got their claws... Hooves! On what he had then the whole Kingdom could be at risk!

"Have at you!" Ironbeak called and swung his sword at the lead Pony who quickly blocked his strike with his dagger and in another moment extreme pain exploded on Ironbeak's back and he screamed. The Gryphon's body slumped to the ground as he quickly lost feeling in most of his body, his sword clattered to the ground and his breathing came in shallow huffs. The lead Pony approached him, his dagger sheathed and his hood down revealing a dark blue coat, purple mane, and green eyes.

"You asked me who I am," the stallion said softly "now I ask the same of you."

Ironbeak growled weakly "the first of many," he said angrily "I am a loyal servant of the High King and more of my kind will come, your lands will be taken by them and your false goddesses will face their judgment!" Ironbeak was slipping but he managed to breathe out two last words "Hail Gryphonia!" He cried before his heart fluttered out and the was gone from this world.

Captain Nightshade sighed and sent out a silent prayer for the Gryphon to have safe passage to the next life, he opened his eyes after a moment or two "search him," he ordered.

Immediately his men sifted through the Gryphon's bags, out of the bags came several items: a water skin, a compass, a few preserved rations, and a sealed letter.

"Captain Nightshade," the stallion who had grabbed the letter said and passed the letter to the Captain.

Nightshade looked over the seal with the light from his horn, it bore the likeness of a flying Gryphon with a wreath behind it, the seal of the Gryphon King. Captain Nightshade broke the seal and read what was inside:

My King, we have found it....

                                                                     ~~*~~

The Royal Palace, Canterlot, Equestria, Friday, 15th of January, 12:56pm, 2206 AC

There were advantages to running the night court instead of the day court, Luna had heard horror stories from her sister about obnoxious nobles, whiny subjects, and tax balancing across the board. Princess Luna's court was much different though, the nobles and loyal subjects were asleep and the taxes had been balanced already, in stead, the night court spent it's time guarding the night by those who would take advantage of the darkness. Instead of tax reports, Luna read reports of criminal activity and gave out the necessary orders to deal with the problem.

Luna sparked her magic and picked up the stack of reports, her Night Agents had been diligent, nothing escaped their gaze. Laying the stack down she sifted through them one by one.

Mmmmm.... Some breaking and entering attempts, salt dealers have sprout up in Trottingham, it seems the Thieves Guild was taking jobs again, I shall have to deal with that swiftly before they can acquire funds to build themselves up again....

Luna sighed sadly, there was so much crime nowadays, despite popular belief of a low crime rate. The scum of Equestria never showed their faces in her sisters bright sun but hid themselves in Luna's ever-present shadows, that was the job of the Night Agents, to hunt down the ones who would hide in the dark to evade the law. Thus why no one was aware of the raging problem gripping the nation, crime, it seemed, was Princess Luna's domain.

Luna's thoughts were interrupted by a knocking at her door, it opened to reveal Captain Nightshade, the Commander of her Night Guards. He was wearing the dark leather padding and cloak that her Night Agents wore when on assignment, he saluted Luna.

"At ease, Captain," Luna said "you bring news?"

"I do, ma'am," Nightshade responded, lowering his salute and stepping inside, he closed the door behind him "me and my team picked up the trail of a Gryphon flyer who had flown in from Southern Unknown, he didn't check in at any city while passing through Equestria and he was nearing the Caedes Straight when we caught him."

"Interesting," Luna mused "what was a Gryphon doing in the Southern Unknown? Charting the Southern Sea perhaps?"

"Not so, your majesty," Nightshade said "when he resisted, we were forced to out him down but not before he claimed to be an agent of the Gryphon King, he was also carrying a letter that you might find interesting, although it makes little sense to me."

Nightshade reached into his saddlebags with his magic and produced the letter, Luna took the parchment in her own magical grip and read the script.

My King, we have found it, in the Southern Unknown just as I predicted, the city is more beautiful than any of us could have imagined. The Eternal City of Rome... It lives up to it's name my liege, our team is searching the ruins as you read this but I fear that we will not be able to search the entirety of the city before the Equestrians discover our activities.

Because of this I humbly request you send additional support with an armed escort to the Southern Unknown, but not of Silver Guard but mercenaries perhaps? We do not want your influence to be discovered in this, that is why I sent this message with my most trust courier, Ironbeak, he's a good lad, he will serve as our correspondent.

I also suggest sending our support not through Equestria but through Tauria, the Bulls are no friends of the Ponies and will keep our secrets from them. With luck, and blessings from our Ancestors, we can find what the Forerunners hid in their most glorious city.

Your loyal servant, Steelwing

"Clearly the Gryphons are launching expeditions into the Southern Unknown," Nightshade said, as Luna looked up from the letter "But for what? What is this 'City of Rome' that they speak of? And the Forerunners? I don't know, and I don't like it when I don't know, what should we do ma'am?"

Princess Luna looked at Captain Nightshade, her mind was racing, she needed to speak with her sister immediately. But she couldn't just leave her trusted captain in the dark, could she? Celestia would not want this information getting out even to a trusted servant, with a pang of guilt Luna thought up what to do.

"Wake my sister," Luna ordered "tell her to meet me in the Hall of the Elements."

Nightshade saluted "yes, ma'am! But..." He faltered "what should my team do... Ma'am?"

"Speak to no one about your encounter with the Gryphon, and this one, tell your team to do the same," Luna commanded, feeling a pang of guilt "then destroy any records about the Gryphons in the Southern Unknown, tell your team to go dark."

"Go dark?!" Nightshade exclaimed "isn't that a little... Extreme?"

"You have your orders Captain," Luna said solidly "now carry them out."

Nightshade saluted "yes, ma'am!" He said a bit uncertainly, before walking out with a confused look in his eyes.

Luna sighed as the Captain closed the door, he was a good soldier, she didn't want to keep him out of the loop. But her sister was adamant on keeping any information about Humanity from the common citizen or even her loyal soldiers, both for the protection of Jason, and for the protection of they're citizens. Curiosity when regarding Humans was dangerous for all, regardless of intent.

Luna got up from her desk and exited her study, tucking the letter under her wing, she began walking down the main hall. Her metal-encased hooves echoed on the marble floor, and the moonlight that streamed through the windows glistened in her ethereal mane.

Rome... The Eternal City... Yes, yes I've heard of it. Old stories from Kronos and... Father, the city of power, a symbol of and age long past and the centre of the greatest Human empire to ever exist. What do the Gryphons hope to find there? More importantly, what did the Humans leave there to find?

Luna walked into the Hall of the Elements with a heavy heart, not even the inspiring images of the windows cheered her mood. She came to the centre of the hall and looked up, the stained image of her alter-ego, Nightmare Moon, being purged by the Elements of Harmony and their bearers. It had been a dark time in her life, but one she pulled through, Luna shivered slightly in déjà-vu, the situation she found herself in; secrets kept from her loyal soldiers, Human artifacts propping up, it bore a chilling resemblance to the events that lead up to her fall.

Celestia came into the Hall, her Royal Regalia was absent as she had been sleeping, but she appeared to be awake and alert.

"Sister, the Captain seemed distressed, what is wrong?" Celestia said as she reached Luna, the Night Princess pulled out the letter from under her wing and magicked it over to Celestia.

"This was taken from a Gryphon courier near the Caedes Straight," Luna explained as Celestia read the letter "the courier was put down, so the letter never arrived."

"This is troubling," Celestia said "the Gryphons finding a Human city? This cannot bode well."

Luna nodded "The Eternal City of Rome," she said "have you ever heard of it?"

Celestia thought "yes, those old stories that father used to tell us, The Empire of Rome, remember?"

"I do," Luna said, nodding "but what do they hope to find there? What is there to find?"

"I don't know," Celestia admitted "but.... I know someone who might."

"Who would..." The Luna realized "Jason."

"He's a Human, chances are he knows something about this city, and what it might contain."

Luna shook her head "you put too much trust in him, sister, I don't understand it."

"He has done nothing to constitute mistrust," Celestia defended "what I do not understand is your attitude towards him.

"He is a Human," Luna reminded "you seem to forget that Humans cannot be trusted."

Celestia glared at her sister "you judge him by how he was born, but not how he lives? Jason has demonstrated himself to be trustworthy, friendly, and... A good friend."

"All of which could be part of a ploy to deceive you," Luna argued "sister I am only worried for your safety, what reason does he have to be loyal to us? We swore long ago to defend our lands from the Human menace, he is simply the same enemy in a smaller form."

Celestia grit her teeth angrily "He. Is. Not. Our. Enemy." She said, before taking a few deep breaths to calm herself "your feelings towards Jason are moot, we need his help, in the morning we shall summon him here and discuss our next course of action."

Luna wasn't happy "so be it," she said bitterly.

                                                                     ~~*~~

Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville, Equestria, Friday, 15th of January, 7:45, 2206 AC

Celestia sun hadn't risen yet, the winter nights were much longer after all. And thus the entirety of Ponyville was still shrouded in darkness, one that wasn't broken by the bright stars or the luminous moon. Usually at this time the residents would be waking and beginning their morning routine, however, the Ponies had not yet come across the idea of daylight savings time.

Jason's body woke him up automatically, as it did every day, give or take an hour or so. Stretching, Jason sat up in his bed and pulled the covers off of him, he felt a snap on his back as he stretch out the kinks. Grabbing one of his fingers Jason pulled the appendage back until he felt a similar crack, he did so for each of his fingers and toes. He had gotten into the habit a few weeks ago and had thus done it in the mornings or whenever he was bored, Band Aid said it wasn't healthy for his joints but Jason couldn't find a real reason to stop.

Standing up Jason went over to his closet, he had acquired quite the wardrobe, curtesy of Rarity's fashion skills of course. Including a new outdoors outfit, tough-fabric pants, and a light t-shirt, Jason put these on and laced up his boots quickly, he also took the time to clip on his knife and place Roseluck's necklace over his head.

Quietly as he could Jason descended the stairs, he had also gotten back into the habit of going out in the mornings. Not for jogs though, but for a refreshing stroll to clear the grogginess from his head.

Jason cleared the stairs and was heading for the door when he heard a commotion upstairs, muffled voices, and the familiar sound of pattering feet. Twilight's bedroom door opened to reveal Spike who was holding a scroll clenched in his claws, he made towards Jason and was followed quickly by a bedraggled Twilight.

"Spike, I really think I should read that too," Twilight way saying.

"I told you, it's not for you, it's for Jason!" Spike argued grumpily.

"And how do you know that?" Twilight countered, following Spike down the stairs.

"I just know, okay?" Spike reached Jason and shoved the scroll into the Human's hands.

"There! That's from Princess Celestia, for your eyes only," Spike said, shooting an annoyed glance and Twilight.

Jason raised an eyebrow and unfurled the scroll, Celestia's writing greeted him.

Possible Human artifacts found, head to Canterlot immediately.

Jason eyes widened slightly but he quickly got his expression under control "Celestia wants me to head to Canterlot as soon as I can, she.... Didn't say why."

Twilights ears perked up "oh! Well this is unexpected, I'll get the girls and we can leave once we're together."

"Uh..." Jason said "well... It didn't say for all of us to go, just... Me."

"I'm sure Celestia meant all of us," Twilight said nonchalantly, summoning a brush and running it through her messy mane.

"But... Uh... I..." Jason stuttered, trying to think of a legitimate reason for Twilight and the rest of his friends not to come with him.

"Just forget it dude, once she's convinced she won't change her mind," Spike said.

"You might as well go wait at the train station," Twilight suggested "see what time the train to Canterlot will be arriving."

"But... I... You... Fine," Jason submitted, he grabbed his brown long-coat off the hook near the door, threw it on, and exited the library. Jason hardly paid attention to anything around him as his mind was otherwise occupied, Human artifacts? Where? How? What were they? The implications of this discovery were huge. Celestia will want to cover this up, Jason realized, she'll want to find this artifact and and store it away from the public eye. Why she feared anyone discovering the truth about Humanity escaped Jason, although.... He could imagine the reactions of his friends if they discovered the truth, that his race almost destroyed their future, that Humans were gone, and that Jason had kept the truth from them.

Jason cut off this line of thought before it dragged him into a more depressing place, he reached the train platform without realizing he had made it there. Looking around Jason saw no one there besides the service-pony sitting in his booth, Jason approached him and asked when the next train to Canterlot would be coming. The stallion said the next one would be arriving at around eight and leaving at eight-twenty, Jason thanked the Pony and sat down on one of the many benches.

The girls arrived not ten minutes later, all of them tired and cranky, besides Pinkie Pie of course.

"Oooooh! I wonder why the Princess has summoned us?! I bet it's something super duper important! Like the main plot! But the readers will have to wait fooorreeevvvverr! Because the Professor ate too many of those yummy-yummy-in-my-tummy Mint Patties! And he's getting that meanie acid reflux so he has to-"

"Yes, yes, Pinkie," Rarity interrupted tiredly, her main and make-up perfect despite her grumpy demeanour "but could you please not get going this morning? It is too early.."

"Okay!" Pinkie exclaimed, jumping up and down.

Rarity flinched "and please, do not yell..."

"Okay.." Pinkie whispered.

The trains whistle could be heard and the locomotive came around the bend, it's wheels screeched as the train slowed and came to a halt in front of the platform, giving another whistle as to boast it's arrival. The conductor poked his head out of the front of the train and called out.

"All aboard who are coming aboard!" He yelled, the doors to the train opened, twenty or so Ponies exited the train and were replaced by Jason and his friends. The train waited there for only a few moments before it led loose a whistle again and began to chug along towards the capital. The ride was quiet as they were all very tired, only Pinkie Pie was awake and aware, but she was abiding by her friends wishes and remained quiet, residing to bounce up and down the length of the train car the entire trip.

Their train arrived at Canterlot just as the sun was kissing the marble buildings, All but Jason and Pinkie Pie had fallen asleep, Jason roused them from their nap as the train stopped in front of the station.

"Come on, we're here and Celestia will be waiting for us," Jason said, shaking them each awake.

Rainbow yawned hugely "why couldn't the Princess summon us after twelve?"

"I must admit, this is an inconvenient time to travel," Rarity added. Jason didn't offer any responses, instead he lead them off the train, into the streets, and towards the palace. Only the occasional resident passed by them or a Royal Guard patrolpony at times, both would give their little group a strange look before hurrying on their way.

Applejack trotted up next to Jason "so did the Princess say why she wanted us to head here so quick like?"

"Uh, no, she didn't," Jason said unconvincingly, Applejack narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"Jason, what are ya' hidin'?" Applejack asked slowly.

"Oh look! There's the palace! Best not keep Celestia waiting!" Jason said, quickening his pace and pulling ahead of Applejack.

"Hey! Git back here!" Applejack called in annoyance, but Jason was already at the main gates of the palace. The two guards looked at Jason, holding their spears steady.

"What business do you have here?" One of them asked.

"Princess Celestia invited me, she said it was urgent," Jason explained.

"He speaks the truth, the Captain told me to let in the strange two-legged creature," the other guard said, getting the attention of his companion.

"Your only tell me this now?" The guard said in annoyance.

"It didn't seem important until now," the other guard said nonchalantly.

Jason cleared his throat "so, uh, can we go in?"

"Oh, yeah sure," the guards lit their horns and the gate swung open "go right in."

Jason nodded his thanks and entered the palace grounds, followed quickly by the girls who hand caught up with him. Applejack seemed annoyed but held her tongue, as Jason approached the steps to the palace the doors opened revealed an armoured figure. It was a guard of some sort but adorned in purple armour with gold trim and a helmet with a large plume, he carried a sword at his side as well.

The newcomer stopped at the foot of the stairs and stared at Jason who had stopped as well, the two stared at each other as if sizing up one another before Twilight's voice broke the impasse.

"Brother!" She exclaimed, trotting pass Jason and towards the newcomer.

"Brother?" Jason questioned, but his went unanswered as Twilight's apparent brother removed his helm, revealing a blue mane, he magicked the helm to the ground and embraced Twilight when she reached him.

Jason walked closer and cleared his throat, getting Twilight's attention.

"Oh!" She said, breaking away from her brother "I'm sorry, Jason, this is my brother Shining Armour, Captain of the Royal Guard."

"Twilight never mentioned a brother, and certainly didn't mention you being the captain of the Royal Guard," Jason extended his hand and gave friendly smile "pleasure to meet you."

Shining Armour shook Jason's hand "strange, she mentioned you enough in her letters," he said "nice job with the Diamond Dogs by the way."

"Um, thanks?" Jason said, dropping Shining's hoof, Twilight cleared her throat awkwardly.

"So why are you here, Shiny?" she asked.

"I was ordered by Princess Celestia to escort... Jason, to her, although she didn't mention you and your friends being here."

"Oh, I'm sure it just slipped her mind," Twilight said, although she sounded like she was trying to convince herself.

"Right... Well if you'll all follow me, I shall take you to the Princess," Shining Armour replaced his helmet and gestured for them to follow, before making his way up the stairs with Jason and the girls in tow.

Shining Armour lead them inside the main hall and then immediately to the left, down a familiar hall, the Hall of the Elements. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were down towards the centre of the hall length, discussing something in hushed tones, they turned towards the group as they approached.

"Twilight?" Celestia said surprised "I... Didn't expect you and your friends to come as well."

"Why? You asked us here didn't you?" Twilight asked.

"Well... I..." Celestia uncharacteristically stuttered "I... Had only asked Jason here, to discuss a.... Sensitive matter, not that you are not welcome! But perhaps you are your friends could grant us some privacy?"

Twilight's eyes were filled with barely concealed hurt "O-of course Princess! Um... Well... Just... Uh..."

Luna jumped in "Captain? Perhaps you should lead Twilight Sparkle and her companions to the dining hall? Get them something to eat, and then head back here, we have things to discuss."

Shining Armour saluted "yes, ma'am!" He lowered his hoof and laid it on Twilight's shoulder "come on," and lead her and the girls from the hall.

"Why did she come?" Celestia asked tiredly.

"She insisted," Jason answered "and we could have avoided this if you would just tell her the truth."

"You know why I can't do that," Celestia dismissed.

"No, I really don't," Jason said in annoyance, turning towards the Princess "and it is getting harder and harder to keep it from them."

"We must keep the truth from them, for their own good," Celestia countered.

"It will cause more harm the longer we keep it from them!" Jason said angrily "not to mention how hard it is to lie about my own goddamn species!"

Celestia was taken aback at the outburst "I-I didn't..."

"Of course you didn't," Jason said bitterly, before taking a deep breath "why did you call me here?"

Celestia was still shocked so Luna stepped forward "We have a single question, Human, and you will answer it to the best of your ability, understood?"

Jason turned his head slowly to Luna, he was not in the mood for her tone "I understand," he spat "Alicorn."

Luna took an angry step forward "why you insolent little-" she was cut off by Celestia stepping between them.

"Have you heard of a city called Rome?" She asked.

Jason blinked, taken by surprise at the question "what?"

"Have you ever heard of a Human city by the name of Rome?" Celestia repeated.

Jason raised his eyebrows "Uh... Yeah?" he said uncertainly, Luna came out from behind Celestia.

"What do you know?!" She demanded, Jason remained silent and looked at Celestia.

"Tell us please," she said gently.

Jason sighed and rubbed his forehead, a migraine was forming, he could feel it "Rome is arguably the most famous Human city to have ever exist, called 'The Eternal City' by its original citizens, and has been the centre of three of the most historically significant events in Human history."

Celestia and Luna exchanged glances "and what events would those be?" Celestia asked.

"The first would be the rise of the Roman Empire, which was the first civilization to unite the western world under one banner, a task that seemed impossible beforehand. Their rise was followed of course by their fall, which plunged their former empire into despair and chaos before the Renaissance came, a time of culture and technological boom that heralded in what most people consider the third golden age of Humanity."

Celestia and Luna looked at one another again, a silent message seemingly passing between them.

"But your letter mentioned possible Human artifacts, what does this have to do with that?" Jason asked.

Celestia looked at Luna who stepped forward "About nine hours ago a team of my Night Agents captured a Gryphon courier travelling from the Southern Unknown, he carried a letter addressed to the High King of Gryphonia, it made tell of the city of Rome and made a request of additional support there to help search the ruins for artifacts."

Jason blinked "I don't get it, what's the problem?"

Celestia shook her head "I suppose you wouldn't understand, during the war Humanity got into the habit of taking magic from the Alicorns and turning it into weapons."

"I thought Humans couldn't use magic?" Jason asked "I mean, I certainly can't."

"Somehow, the Humans found away to channel powerful Alicorn magic into single items, staffs, orbs, blades.... Scrolls, to use against us."

"What makes the Gryphon's so sure that there's Human artifacts in Rome? It's an ancient city and from what you've told be, Humanity long abandoned these lands for the west continents."

"Yes, but, it appears Rome is located in the Southern Unknown." Celestia explained.

"What's the 'Southern Unknown'?" Jason asked, Celestia sparked her magic and a map appeared in a flash of gold, she levitated it over to Jason.

"The land masses that border the Southern Sea, the ones that have 'Unknown' written over them, that is what we call the Southern Unknown," Celestia explained "It was never properly explored by Ponykind, not even Alicorns, during the war the Humans moved into there and the North and Eastern Unknown's but never attacked from there."

"But... That doesn't make any sense," Jason said "You told me that they attacked from overseas, but if they controlled all that land... Why didn't they attack? Why didn't you attack?"

"Why the Humans didn't attack we never knew, why the Alicorns never did was because we were too preoccupied by their western assault and we saw no immediate threat from those lands." Celestia said "but we did surmise that they had several research facilities in those areas that were experimenting and developing magical weapons to use against us."

"So there's a high possibility there could be one of these facilities in Rome," Jason concluded "but I still don't see why the Gryphon's finding it would be a problem, couldn't you simply speak to their King and stop their expeditions?"

Celestia shook your head and gave a rueful smile "you are smart Jason, but you are no politician," she laughed, getting a glare from Luna, Celestia cleared her throat and regained her professionalism "anyway, the Kingdom of Gryphonia and Equestria are... Not on the best terms, the Gryphons believe that Ponies have spread much too far, as we control four independent countries as you can see there."

Jason looked back down at the map "so if they do find an artifact, they would use it against you."

"Exactly," Celestia said.

"So what should we do?"

"Well first," Luna cut in "tell us the location of Rome."

Jason glared at her and looked at Celestia.

"Please," she added.

Jason nodded and gave a spiteful smile to Luna who looked on in fury, Jason turned back to the map "See this peninsula here?" He said, pointing to Italy "It's called Italy, and even though is has a less detailed shape than I can recall, I think I can remember where the city was located," Jason pointed to around the centre of the Italian peninsula "if I'm correct, it should be around here, built on a swamp, the city was huge, bigger than Canterlot do It wouldn't actually be that hard to find."

"A swamp?" Luna asked "that seems foolish."

"Maybe to you," Jason countered "but to the Romans, it was a show of ingenuity."

"The point is," Celestia interjected "that the Gryphons are on the verge of possibly obtaining dangerous Human artifacts that they will use against us, what are we to do?"

"The answer is obvious," Luna said "we must send our own forces to counter the Gryphons, we must confirm that there is no risk of an artifact falling into their claws and secure any artifact that happens to be in the city."

"That is a reckless decision," Celestia said "Engaging Gryphon forces openly could spark a war between us, something I will not allow."

"Ah, but you forget," Luna countered "the letter made a request for additional forces to be sent, but mercenaries instead of military, this leads us to believe that it is only mercenaries searching the city at this time. Sending troops against independent mercenaries... That is completely within international law."

Celestia opened her mouth but closed it again, she looked at Jason for help.

"I hate to admit it, but I do agree with Luna," Jason said "if you want to prevent the Gryphons from getting Human artifacts, this is your only option."

"Fine," Celestia conceded "when Shining Armour returns we will have him gather up his best stallions."

"I shall tell Captain Nightshade to do the same, this operation will need a touch of subtly after all," Luna said, before trotting off and disappearing around a corner.

"There's one more thing," Jason said "I want Twilight and her friends to come with us."

Celestia shook her head "Jason I can't do that, this will be dangerous and risky, I'm not even okay with letting you go but I need to help navigate, if the element bearers were to go they would undoubtedly come to harm, not to mention find out the truth."

"That is exactly why I want them to come," Jason "you cannot keep protecting them and you cannot continue lying to them, I won't tell them the truth right now, I don't even think I could tell it to their faces, but when they see how far the greatest Human city has fallen... They'll figure it out."

"And they shall ask," Celestia said.

"And I'll tell the truth," Jason said "whatever the consequences."

Celestia thought for a solid minute "you are right," she admitted "I only hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive us."

"Trust me, so do I," Jason said.

"Now, I shall summon Shining Armour and the bearers," Celestia said, her horn glowed and flashed for a second, it was another three minutes or so before Shining Armour arrived with the Mane Six in tow.

"You summoned us Princess?" Shining said as he reached Celestia.

"Indeed I did Captain, it appears we have an expedition on our hooves," Celestia said.

Shining Armour's ears perked "an expedition?" He asked.

"Yes, you see, not ten hours ago we received information that a party of Gryphons has travelled to the Southern Unknown and has come across the remains of a Human city," Celestia began.

"A Human city?!?" Twilight cut in "How?! Where?! Is it in habited?!"

Celestia raised a hoof to stave off the flow of questions "let me explain," she said "the Human city is called 'Rome' and it has been abandoned for the better part of a millennia, however many Human-created artifacts may have been left behind, and the risk of them falling into Gryphon possession is too large for us to do nothing, because of this I am ordering an expedition into the Southern Unknown to find and explore the city of Rome."

The girls seemed excited, Shining Armour stepped up dutifully "what are your orders, ma'am?"

Celestia smiled faintly "I want you to round up your best troops, anyone who has experience working in uncharted wilderness like the Unknown."

"Right away, ma'am," Shining said, turning to leave but Celestia stopped him.

"One more thing, Captain," she said and Shining turned to her "Jason here will be going with you, he will be your navigator and your advisor when in the city, you will respect his words and advice at all times."

"Are... You sure that is a wise decision your majesty?" Shining questioned "putting an untrained civilian in a commanding position?"

Jason had to admit, he kinda agreed.

"Jason has demonstrated his resourcefulness and courage," Celestia assured "and he is the only one with any knowledge of these lands, this is necessary Captain."

"Of course, Princess, I shall gather my forces immediately," Shining Armour saluted and trotted out of of the Hall.

"And us Princess?" Twilight asked eagerly "What will we be doing?"

Celestia let out a faint sigh that only Jason could here "after some... Extensive consideration," she said hesitantly "I have decided to send you along with this expedition... If you are willing that is," she added the last part with a hint of hope in her voice.

"Of course Princess!" Twilight said eagerly "right girls?" The other five mares gave their consent with varying levels of enthusiasm.

"Then perhaps you should all catch the next train to Ponyville? Pack supplies for the trip and come back here within the hour," Celestia suggested.

"Good idea, Princess," Twilight said "coming, Jason?"

"Nah," Jason said "I think I'll stay here, just grab my bag and bring it would ya'? And tell Roseluck where we're going."

"Okay," Twilight said "let's go, girls," with Twilight in the lead the Mane Six trotted off.

"I'll head to the dining hall and grab some food, then I'll find Captain Armour and meet these troops of his," Jason said.

"Of course," Celestia said, she paused "...I wish we did not have to meet like this all the time."

"Me too," Jason said.

"Try to be careful when your out there," Celestia said.

"....Why?"

"No one has been there since ancient times, Jason," Celestia said "the land has grown wild and untamed, something festers in the dark, Jason, I can feel it."

"Something scarier than a Human?" Jason joked.

"Perhaps," Celestia mused "not everything fears Humanity, Jason."

Jason smiled "well, we'll have to change that, won't we?" he began walking down the hall "don't worry about me, I know what I'm doing.

Celestia sighed and looked after the Human "It is not you whom I worry for."

                                                                   ~~*~~

Jason walked out of the palace with a full stomach and a clear head, in the courtyard Shining Armour was standing front of about forty stallions, formed into rows and adorned in cloaks, saddle bags, and light brown padding. Next to him stood a light green Pegasus in the same getup.

Shining turned as Jason approached, he too had changed from his heavy armour into brown padding and a cloak.

"So these are who're coming on the expedition?" Jason asked.

"Yep! Best scouts in the Royal Army, isn't that right Green Breeze?" Shining Armour said, looking at the Pegasus.

"Yes, sir! The five-hundred and first is the best scouting battalion in the business!" Green Breeze boasted "I understand that your going to be our navigator, is that right?"

"Yeah, although calling me a navigator is giving it a stretch, I only know vaguely were our destination is," Jason admitted.

Shining Armour and Green Breeze exchanged worried glances "you mean to tell me you've never been to this... What was it? Rome?" Green Breeze hissed quietly.

"I know where it is, but not the exact coordinates," Jason said, starting to loose confidence in their ability to find the city.

"Then how in Celestia's name are you planning on finding on finding the bucking city?" Green Breeze whispered angrily, glancing behind him to make sure that his troops couldn't overhear them.

"Well... I... Uh..." Jason stuttered, Green Breeze was right, Jason had never even been to Rome. His knowledge of it's location was based off of his occasional glance at a world map and the one geography class he had taken a few years back, Celestia had grossly overestimated his ability to navigate through Italy and it might just be their undoing.

And yet, Jason couldn't find it in him to go back into the palace and tell Celestia he couldn't do it, he imagined the look on her face; distressed and disappointed, she expected much more from Jason and he was loath to disappoint her on that fact.

"Well... It's a big city... We will probably see it from kilometres away," Jason said, convincing himself as much as Green Breeze.

"Great... So we're on an expedition with a navigator who doesn't know where he's going, to a city that I've never heard about, into the bucking Southern Unknown... This is just lovely," Green Breeze groaned, Shining Armour glared at Jason.

"Why didn't you bring this up to the Princess?" He asked angrily "If we get lost in the Unknown, I'll have your weird little head, you heard me?"

Jason frowned "we won't get lost," he said with confidence, although in the back of his mind he knew he was deluding himself "the peninsula we're heading into was one of the most developed places in the world during it's glory days, I'll be surprised if we don't find a road heading straight to Rome."

"That's a faint hope to hold onto," Shining said "if I wasn't under orders I would be pulling this op."

Jason sighed, and was about to retort when he caught moment out of the corner of his eye, a dark blue Pegasus in dark padding and cloak trotting up to them, Shining Armour turned his glare to the newcomer.

"Captain Nightshade," he greeted curtly.

"Captain Shining Armour," Nighshade said back.

"What are you doing here?" Shining asked bluntly.

"Orders from Princess Luna," Nightshade explained "your going to be having one of my teams along with you on your expedition."

Shining Armour gave an almost inaudible sigh "we don't need any of you Night Guards on this expedition, the scouts have it covered."

"Night Agents," Nightshade corrected "and Princess Luna feels like a touch of subtly will be needed on this mission, especially if we encounter the Gryphons."

Shining Armour groaned "fine," he said "so where is this team of yours?"

"Right over there," Nightshade pointed to the far right side of the courtyard to where a group of nine Night Agents were standing around conversing quietly "same team who tracked the Gryphon courier, Princess Luna insisted that this operation is of great importance."

Nightshade turned to Jason and gave him a friendly smile "you must be Jason, I've heard a lot about you," he said, extending his hoof "mostly good, I promise."

Jason shook the stallions hoof, while also trying not to stare at his frankly terrifying lizard-esque eyes. Trying to to be rude Jason cleared his throat "nice to meet you, you must be the Captain of the Night Guards?"

"Captain of the Night," Nightshade corrected "it stands for Nocturnal Intelligence Gathering for Homeland Territories, for some reason everypony thinks were called 'Night Guards' when we're actually Night Agents."

"Understandable," Jason said, dropping the stallions hoof "so are you going to be coming along with us?"

"As much I would like to, somepony has to stay behind and keep everything in order," Nightshade explained "but my team has my second in command, Sargent Moonshine."

Jason snorted slightly at the name, but managed to cover it up with a sneeze.

"Anyway," Nightshade said "I have business to attend to, pleasure meeting you Jason," with that Captain Nightshade flared his... Bat wings, and flew off.

When the Captain had flown away Jason turned to Shining and Green "okay, so what the fuck was up with his eyes and wings?"

Shining Armour and Green Breeze exchanged amused glances "he's a bat pony," Shining explained casually.

"...A bat pony," Jason repeated.

"Yep," Shining Armour said "when you join the Night Guards, you swear fealty to Princess Luna and her night, in return she places and enchantment on you to grant you the eyes of a cat that can see in the dark and the wings of a bat to fly silently."

"...Does the Day Guards have something similar?" Jason asked.

"Solar Guards," Shining corrected "and we do, sort of, Princess Celestia enchants the Solar Guards with the Light of Sol she calls it, so whenever we stand in sunlight we are fuelled by the suns energy and light, our magic is boosted and our strength is doubled."

"Huh, interesting," Jason mused, he glanced at the main gates and spotted a familiar colourful group heading towards them.

"Looks like Twilights back," he said.

The Mane Six came through the main gate sporting saddlebags and travelling cloaks, Twilight trotted up to Jason wearing a deep purple cloak with swirling runes on its tail. In her magical grip she carried Jason's small green day bag and passed it to him.

"I told Roseluck about where we are going," Twilight said.

"She wasn't happy?" Jason asked.

"She wasn't happy," Twilight confirmed.

"Wanted to come with us?"

"Wanted to come with us."

"And you said no right?"

"Well..." Twilight hesitated "about that..."

"So what is this city called again?" Roseluck's voiced echoed from the main entrance, she trotted up to the ranked guards and pushed through them with quick apologies given as she push through "oh, hello Jason," Rose said, she walked up an nuzzled Jason's leg. She was adorned in her own saddlebags and dark red cloak that matched her mane.

"Uh... Hi... Rosy," Jason said, kneeling down and giving her a quick hug "but... Uh... What're you doin' here?"

"Well I'm coming with you of course," Roseluck said a bit too cheerfully "after all, you wouldn't go traveling into the Southern Unknown with the girls and not me, right?"

Jason gulped "of course not."

"Good," Roseluck said with a smile, behind her Rainbow Dash was snickering silently and making a motion with her hoof that looked suspiciously like she was cracking a whip.

"Train is here," Shining Armour called out "grab your equipment and mount up, we make for Appleoosa and we hoof it from there, move out!"

The troops didn't take long and soon Jason and the girls were sitting in their own booth, listening to the gentle click-clack of the trains wheels, and Twilight's barrage of questions. Roseluck had fallen asleep with Jason as her pillow and the other five mares conversed with each other, leaving Jason to quench Twilight's thirst for knowledge.

"So Jason," Twilight said eagerly, leaning forward in her seat "what do you know about thus city, Rome?"

"Well," Jason began "it was often called The Eternal City, everyone thought it would stand forever, and apparently so far it has, in its glory days Rome was the centre of the largest Human Empire to have ever existed, the Roman Empire. The city has also played host to numerous social, religious, and political reforms that shook Human society, Rome is... The greatest Human city to have ever stood."

"Wow," Twilight "but... If the city is so important historically and culturally, why would the modern day Human's not reclaim it?"

Jason refused to meet her gaze "I couldn't tell you," he said with a controlled voice.

"Mmmm... Well maybe we'll find answers when we get there? We might even find other Humans there!" Twilight said excitedly.

"Yeah, maybe," Jason said with a decisive lack of optimism.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked worriedly "aren't you excited that you could possibly meet more of your kind?"

"Of course I am," Jason lied "I just don't want to get my hopes up just to be disappointed."

"Jason," Twilight said, in a slightly motherly tone "it's okay to have hope."

Jason slowly smiled "your right, it is."

"Besides," Twilight said "the city is still standing isn't it? That's pretty impressive for a city founded before recorded history."

"Yeah, I suppose it is."

They arrived in Appleoosa at around midday, the grass plains had given way to dusty desert and orchards of apple-trees similar to that of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Mah cousin Braeburn owns these orchards," Applejacked piped in "basically runs Appleoosa he does."

The train slowed and pulled into the station with a hiss and a whistle, immediately Shining Armour's troops and the Night Agents began unloading themselves and their gear.

"You have and hour and a half for a quick lunch!" They heard Shining call "after that we will be moving again meal or no meal!"

"Come on! Ah can introduce ya'll to Braeburn," Applejack said, jumping from her seat and gesturing for them to follow, each of them followed in turn with Jason and Roseluck taking up the rear as Jason had to wake Rose from her slumber.

Applejack lead them off the train and into Appleoosa proper, the town had the look of an old western movie. With dusty wooden buildings with thatch roofs and a dirt roam leading through the town, as Jason watch a tumbleweed rolled through the middle of the road and disappeared behind a building.

No signs of life came from the buildings, the place was a ghostown.

"Where is everyone?" Jason wondered out loud, before anyone could answer the farthest building opened up to reveal a light orange stallion clad in a brown Stetson, jacket, and a strap around his middle that held a lasso and a large knife.

"Cousin!" the newcomer said, trotting towards them.

"Braeburn!" Applejack said back, meeting him half way and embracing him "come meet mah friends!" She said, leading Braeburn towards them.

"Of course! I'm Braeburn and-" Braeburn's green eyes alighted on Jason "what're you?!"

Applejack slapped Braeburn on the back of his head, knocking the Stetson right off his head, revealing fiery orange hair underneath.

"Hey!" He said but caught Applejack's meaningful look "oh... Um, I mean... Who're you?" Braeburn said in forced politeness.

"That's Jason," Applejack said as Braeburn retrieved his hat "and this is Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Roseluck," Applejack pointed to each of them in turn.

"Well, it's mighty nice to meet ya'll!" Braeburn said, his hat squarely on his head "and welcome to Aaaapplleeoooooossssaaaa!" He exclaimed, rearing up and flailing his front hooves before hitting the ground again.

"So where're the townsfolk Brae?" Applejack questioned.

"Oh! They're all harvesting the last of the apples before winter gets here," Braeburn said "come on I'll show ya'll!"

Braeburn led them past the sheriffs office and into a large orchard where the apple trees were spaced apart evenly, only half a kilometre in they spotted more and more cowboy-looking Earth Ponies harvesting the apples.

"Apples are in high demand during the winter," Braeburn explained "so the last few harvests are really important."

Jason was about to ask a question but a distant rumbling reached him ears, the sound quickly became louder and louder and he could here several of the townsfolk yell in warning.

"STAMPEDE!" Braeburn yelled "GET BEHIND A TREE!" Braeburn dived behind the nearest Apple Tree, in a panic Jason grabbed Roseluck and did the same, hoping that the girls did the same.

A thought came to Jason "what the fuck is stampeding?!"

His answer came in huge, furry beasts running past them in the hundreds and heading towards the town.

"Buffalo!" Roseluck exclaimed.

Rome will have to wait.