Humani Victoria

Chapter 26~ Trust

"There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself."

                                                                                                          Louis XIV, King of France

"Jason, I'm so sick of you."

Roseluck's eyes were filled with contempt that was totally uncharacteristic of her, there was the sound of gunshots and her body was suddenly riddled with holes that spewed blood like a tap. Her mouth dribbled the liquid as well as her burning eyes, soon Rose was picked up by a screeching Gryphon that took her into the swirling tornado of death birds.

The Gryphon's dived down and pecked at Jason's flesh with shining metal beaks, the tore whole chucks is his flesh until the bone could be seen. The Gryphon's disappeared, carrying Roseluck and a lifeless Green Breeze along with them, suddenly Jason's wrist were bound and hid back exploded into hot pain, a raspy laugh coming from behind him.

"You must learn, Pony-Friend-Thing," the voice said, lashing him again. "Learn that you are weak."

"This is just to make you stronger," a deeper and more familiar voice said. "You have to learn how to endure pain if your going to get anywhere in life."

The whip cracked again and reality faded away.

Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Monday, 18th of February, 5:37 am, 2206 AC

Jason jolted awake, sucking in a sharp breath to satisfy his racing heart. This had not been the first nightmare he had experienced since Rome, it seemed every time he closed his eyes Jason would be tormented, it was something he would just have to get used to. With a sigh, Jason decided that he wouldn't be getting back to sleep, so he might as well go for a walk. He sat up and pushed the expensive silk blankets off of himself. After Celestia recounted the truth- All of it -to Twilight and her friends they had left, with Jason staying behind at the request of Celestia, plus they both figured that the Mane Six needed time to process what they had learned.

Jason pulled on a pair of simple brown pants, a green t-shirt, and strapped on his boots. He wondered over to the desk that sat against the far right wall, on it laid his combat knife and the Roman Gladius. Jason hooked his knife into the backside of his belt and took this opportunity to examine the sword. It was short and straight, meant for the close-quarters combat that the Roman's excelled at, it's crosspiece was short and its pommel was light. It was a weapon meant for close scraps rather than straight-on sword duels, still it would probably prove useful at some point, so Jason figured he might as well get comfortable using it, he strapped it to his side.

On he way out Jason grabbed his brown longcoat, winter was setting in and while it was not as harsh as it would be in Jason's previous home right about now it still chilled the bones. The drowsy guard jumped in surprise when Jason suddenly walked out of his room. The guard offered to accompany him, but Jason waved off the stallion.

"Just taking a stroll, I won't go far," Jason said. "Thanks anyway."

The guard nodded and shifted into a more comfortable position, his eyes almost immediately beginning to droop again. Jason grinned to himself as he traversed the empty castle halls until he turned into the main hall and out the front door. Celestia raised the sun at six, so only the moon's light reflected off of the light layer of snow that had fallen during the night. Jason's boots crunched softly in the snow as he passed a few castle staff who were clearing the stuff from the courtyard, they offered friendly waves before getting back to work.

Jason exited through the main gate and casually strolled down Canterlot's incline, he marvelled at how quiet the usually bustling city was at night, it was slightly eerie. The only ponies that Jason passed were the occasional patrol of Night Guards... Er... Night Agents, that moved in small groups without the aid of a torch or lantern, they offered Jason no acknowledgment other than a look before they faded back into the shadows.

Jason strolled out to one of his favourite spots in Canterlot, a small park with a single tree that still clung to some of its orange leaves. Jason sat down on the bench next to the tree and stared out into the night sky, admiring the twinkling stars and a bright crescent moon, as much as he and Luna didn't get along Jason had to admit, she was truly the master of her domain.

At some point, Jason had drowsed off on the bench. His sleep seemed short to him, as he started to awake later. Rubbing his eyes Jason looked at the sky, the moon had moved to somewhere behind him and the horizon showed the approaching light of the sun, and as Jason sat watching the dawn, he was bathed in warm comforting light of the Earth's life-giving star.

Guess that means Celestia's awake.

Jason stretched and enjoyed the sunrise as best he could, he would have to head back to the castle soon, but not too soon. Just as Jason began nodding off again, someone cleared their throat just behind him, Jason started and turned to see a Day Guard standing behind him.

"Pardon me sir, but Princess Celestia has requested you to join her for breakfast in the dining hall," the Guard said.

"Of course, tell her I'm on my way," Jason said, the Guard nodded and cantered off.

Jason sighed and stood up, stretching his back and getting a satisfying crack! in the process. He gave the tree a pat goodbye before heading back up the hill. Luna's Night Agents had disappeared, replaced by the far more friendly Day Guards who were starting their first set of rounds for the day. On his way to the castle Jason spotted several shopkeepers readying their stores as well as market stalls being set up, selling everything from jewellery to fine materials to rare enchanted items of unknown ability.

Jason arrived back at the castle, he was let in by a pair of guards who recognized him. He strolled through the halls and opened the door to the dining room, Celestia sat at the end of the long table and waved him over. Jason sat down next to her and was quickly served a plate of mixed fruit and nuts, Jason sighed internally as he longed for the sweet taste of bacon.

"Have a good sleep?" Celestia asked, taking delicate bites of her crisp hay.

"Good enough," Jason lied, earning a look from Celestia.

"Okay, okay, I had a nightmare."

"I see," Celestia pursed her lips in concern. "Have you been having these often?"

"Every now and again, but is gotten more frequent since Rome," Jason answered.

"Because of Roseluck?" Celestia asked, Jason refused to meet her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I know it's a sensitive topic but...."

"Don't," Jason said harshly. "I'm dealing, just... Let's not talk about it."

"Just know that her body was recovered and returned to her sisters in Ponyville," Celestia said.

"How did they take it?" Jason said in worry.

"About as well as you are, which is to say not very well at all."

"I said I'm dealing."

"Yes, but you cannot shoulder your pain forever Jason," Celestia pressed.

"Look, I don't want to talk about it, I'm fine, lets just change the subject," Jason said. "What are your plans with Rome anyway?"

"Fine, you should know that we have been sending troops into Rome via teleportation gates and they have been working non-stop in recovering the staff as well as searching and securing the rest of the city," Celestia said. "With luck we can stake a claim to the land and ensure that anything there doesn't fall into the wrong hooves."

"That's good I suppose," Jason said absentmindedly, playing with his food.

"Jason... How have you been feeling of late?" Celestia asked.

"I said I'm fine, I'm dealing," Jason said harshly.

"It's not that, I've been thinking-"

"Always a bad sign," Jason said, getting Celestia to crack a smile.

"Quite, but I've been thinking about that scroll you found in Rome, the one that resurrected those dead soldiers? I've seen another like it."

"The one your father used?" Jason asked.

"The very same," Celestia stated. "That one was Human-made as well and I can't help but think that there may be other scrolls hidden in other parts of the world, and what power they hold? Not to mention if there are any more Lost Artifacts hidden away with them?"

"If there are, then we need to find them," Jason said. "Like you said, if anyone gets their hands on one of those scrolls, or another Alicorn artifact, that could spell trouble for everyone."

"I agree," Celestia said. "I shall see about searching for other Human locations and artifacts, perhaps we can turn something up, but that's not why I asked how you were feeling."

"Then why did you?"

"I had a thought, when my father used that scroll, it claimed his life in payment, I can't help but wonder what the Resurrection Scroll did to you."

"I feel fine," Jason said.

"Yes, but do you feel normal?" Celestia asked. "Have you felt anything different since you used the scroll? Think hard as anything the scroll did could hinder you health." Jason racked his brain for any noticeable changes, there was one.

"Well... I have been feeling... I don't know, more energetic?" Jason said uncertainly. "Like there's a lot of energy going through me but not really doing anything, if that makes sense."

"Mmm... I wonder..." Celestia hummed, she then sparked her magic and before Jason could react he felt his hair get pushed back slightly, like a light wind had blown through it.

"You... Just... used magic on me..." Jason stuttered, astonished. "How?"

"The scroll," Celestia said. "While it was a Human construct, the principles behind it are rather simple, the scroll contains a pre-made spell that when opened castes the spell inside, using whomever opened the scroll as a catalyst for casting the spell."

"For a non-magical being like a Human, this means that their body is suddenly rushed with magical energy, thus the body can either reject or accept the new energy, yours did the latter and you became connected to the magical fields."

"So I can be affected by magic now?" Jason asked.

"It seems so, congratulations, you are now a magical being," Celestia said casually, leaning back and taking a sip of her tea. Jason took a moment to think about that, he would have to be more careful around Unicorn's and any other magic-users in the future, still he felt like he was a part of something that up until now everyone had been a part of, but him.

"So, besides having to remember not to piss off Twilight, what else does being magical mean?" Jason asked.

"Well..." Celestia began. "Are you at all familiar with the Laws of Magic?"

"I'm going with no."

"I guess Twilight hasn't rubbed off on you yet," Celestia said with a smirk. "Anyway, magic is governed by laws like anything else, the first of which states very clearly that all magic must manifest, magic cannot simply be static, it must be used in some way."

"In Earth Ponies it gifts increased stamina and endurance, not to mention a connection with the land, in Pegasi it makes them as light as air and allows them to manipulate weather to their will, and Unicorns can cast powerful spells with varying affects," Celestia explained. "That's why many Unicorns experience what's called 'magical build-up' when they do not cast spells for too long, it's their magical energy trying to manifest, left unattended magical build-up can cause severe headaches, major brain damage, even death."

"Sounds terrific," Jason said sarcastically. "So what? Will I be able to cast spells?"

"I'm uncertain," Celestia said. "This is the first time in my experience that a Human has become magical, you could gain the ability to cast spells, or perhaps gain something closer to Earth Pony magic, you may even develop something completely unique, we'll have to wait and see."

"Maybe I can ask Twilight help me try and cast some spells, at least once she's talking to me again."

"She'll come around, Twilight isn't one to hold a grudge," Celestia paused. "But about these nightmares of yours, you said they have become worse and more frequent since Rome?"

"Yep," Jason said, taking a sip of tea. "Why?"

"Well, you used that scroll in Rome and became connected to the magical fields in that instant," Celestia said. "Meaning any magical affect in the area would affect you too."

"...The Staff of Morpheus," Jason concluded.

"The staff indeed, Shining Armour and the soldiers who survived the journey have been experiencing nightmares not unlike your own, and I'd wager Twilight and her friends may be suffering from the same plight," Celestia said. "Fortunately my sister can lift the shadows from their minds, and now that you are magical as well then she may be able to do the same for you."

"Do you really think that's a good idea? Letting her muck around in my dreams?" Jason asked in a rather loud tone.

"I understand that you and Luna aren't exactly fond of each other, but my sister would never misuse the Dream Magic, never has, never will," Celestia insisted. "Besides, you saw what the Staff did to those Gryphons, not to mention your fellow Humans before them, if you leave this unattended it could progress into something worse."

"Alright, I get it, doesn't mean I have to like it," Jason said.

"I suggest talking to Luna directly about it, she's never dream travelled into a Human's mind before, best she knows, before she stumbles upon it by accident," Celestia said. "And... Try to be nice? Please?"

"Alright," Jason said in defeat, then added. "How do you convince me to do these things?"

"I have my ways," Celestia said with a smile and a wink. "Now go on, Luna should still be awake, you can catch her if you hurry."

Jason nodded, got up from the table and walked off. He was a fair ways down the hall before he realized he had no idea where Luna's chambers were, rolling his eyes Jason found the nearest guard and asked if he knew where the Night Princess was.

"Of course sir," He said. "Just follow me."

The guard led Jason to the northern quarter of the castle, where he had never been before. They climbed a winding set of stairs that lead up to the topmost floor of the castle, then it was a few short turns until they entered a long dimly lit hallway, at the end of which was a small, yet ornate door inscribed with swirling runs and several depictions of stars and the moon cycle.

"Here we are sir," the guard said as they reached the door.

"Thank you," Jason said, making to knock.

"...just as a word of advise, sir," the guard said suddenly. "Princess Celestia and Luna tend to be the... Jealous types."

"...and what does that have to do with me?" Jason asked, turning to look at the guard.

"Nothing sir, just try and avoid making either of them... Upset," the guard said. "Good day," and then he left.

Jason shrugged "weirdo," he said before knocking on Luna's door, he was rather surprised when it opened instantly and without anyone behind it.

Luna's Chambers were as dim as the hallway, the dark blue curtains were drawn tight against the sunlight that would otherwise stream through the windows, the only real light coming from the abundance of candles. The entire room was a large circle, with a slightly raised platform next to the windows and two doors on the other side of the room, one leading left the other straightforward. Bookshelves, star charts, and paintings hung from the walls or sat on top of the thick purple carpet, as Jason stepped in he noted how the carpet absorbed his footfalls so little sound was made.

Jason couldn't see Luna anywhere, he did however notice a painting that remained on a stand, seemingly because it had recently been painted. It depicted the darkening dusk... Or perhaps the dawn? Jason couldn't really tell, but the colours used and expertise behind the strokes certainly captured the beauty of a sunrise, or sunset, which caught Jason's eye.

"I think it turned out rather well, do you?" A voice said.

Jason jumped and resisted the urge to draw his sword, he turned to see Princess Luna sitting down facing the doorway, a small table in front of her with a teapot, a few pastries, and a steaming cup of tea on it. Luna herself blew gently at her own tea, before taking a small sip, looking sideways at Jason.

"Do not be shy, come sit, have some tea with me," Luna said, gesturing to the other end of the table were a small sitting cushion had appeared without Jason's notice.

"You haven't answered my question," Luna said, as Jason sat down.

"Sorry?" Jason said as he took hold of the tea cup in front of him.

"My question," Luna repeated. "I had asked you if you thought my painting turned out well."

"I...uh..." Jason stuttered. "I thought it was good, you used mixed colours well... I guess."

"And do you think it is a dusk or dawn?" Luna asked, locking her eyes with Jason.

"I don't know, I was going to ask you," Jason said, experimentally sipping his tea, the brew immediately filled him with all the warmth of a campfire.

"But what do you see," Luna asked, leading slightly forward.

"Uh..." Jason said, glancing at the painting again. "Dusk I suppose, the oranges look more like they're fading than getting brighter."

"Ah, interesting," Luna said, leaning back. "So, what brings you to me?"

"Oh, uh..." Jason stuttered, forgetting his purpose after being asked his artistic opinion. "Celestia, suggested I came to you for help."

"Help? With what?"

"Nightmares," Jason said. "I had them before but they've gotten worse since Rome, Celestia thinks I've been affected by the Staff of Morpheus."

"Indeed!" Luna said. "You spoke to Celestia about this?"

"Yeah, the scroll I used, apparently using it floods me with magic."

"Yes, yes that does make sense," Luna agreed. "The other members of your party have been affected by the machinations of Morpheus, it seems you have as well."

"Who's Morpheus anyway?" Jason asked. "Another Alicorn?"

"He was," Luna said, looking down. "Many considered me and him to be similar yet opposites, while I preside over night and give good dreams to my subjects, Morpheus was the Alicorn of nightmares and fear."

"Before the war we would get into minor squabbles, he would sew seeds of fear into the minds of our kin, always claiming that a dose of fear was good for them," Luna continued. "We were often at odds with one another, but when war broke out Morpheus used his power to terrorize our Human enemies, and even his own soldiers."

"He gave his soldiers nightmares depicting Humans, they became so afraid that they would lash out violently at the mere night of your kind, and it worked for a time," Luna explained. "But he was overrun in what's now the Gryphon Kingdom, we assumed Morpheus had been captured or killed and his staff now in the hands of the enemy."

"They sent it to Rome," Jason realized. "The scientists there had been experimenting with magic, they created the Resurrection Scroll so they had probably ended up becoming magical, so when the Staff was brought over..."

"It drove them all mad," Luna concluded. "Poor souls, I can not imagine the torture they faced."

"But you can reverse it right?" Jason pressed. "I don't fancy loosing my mind." Jason said in a rather comic way.

"Mmm, I have never entered a Human's dream before," Luna mused. "I would imagine it would be different than a Pony's."

"I wouldn't know," Jason shrugged. "But it's worth a shot isn't it?"

"But do you trust me to try?" Luna asked.

"Sorry?"

"Do you trust me?" Luna repeated. "I would be entering your mind, your dreams, perhaps seeing things that you would rather no one see, I will only do it if I have your confidence."

"Well... I..." Jason stuttered, unsure of how to answer.

"I understand if you don't," Luna said. "Most wouldn't, and I haven't been exactly... Cordial with you."

"That's kinda an understatement,"

"True," Luna agreed. "The point is my sister trusts you and you have proved a valuable ally, despite the... History, between our two races it would be foolish and selfish of me to hold that against you, I apologize."

"...Well, I guess I understand," Jason admitted sadly. "You fought my kind for what must seem like forever, you associate evil with Human."

"You are correct, when I first saw you I had to resist an overwhelming urge to attack," Luna said. "To work alongside you is something I have trouble comprehending."

"Celestia seemed to be able to understand rather easily," Jason said a bit bitterly.

"She always hated the war, but never Humans," Luna explained. "In fact, I think she was secretly fascinated by your kind, rather like our father, but she never acted on for fear of rejection from some of our kin."

"Why would she be rejected?" Jason asked. "I mean I know they were your enemies but what's the harm in curiosity?"

"Well... You must understand that the Alicorns were not exactly united," Luna said. "Many Aligned Alicorns simply refused to fight, and many objected to the Unaligned being forced to fight."

"Aligned Alicorn's?" Jason asked.

"Has Celestia not explained this to you?" Luna asked.

"Let's go with no."

"Well... How to explain this," Luna mused. "You see, like Ponies today, Alicorns had what are now called 'Cutie Marks'... Where this band came from I can't say, but unlike modern Ponies, Alicorns didn't get their marks for just anything."

"Today a Pony may find that they are talented in any mundane thing, from gardening to woodworking, but Alicorns always found their mark in something cosmically significant, something profound. The moment they do said Alicorn realizes their place in the universe, they become a God of their domain, a master of it, this is what all Unaligned Alicorns strived for, but unfortunately they were made to be soldiers, the numbers of our ranks while the Aligned were generals."

"So after the war what happened to the Unaligned Alicorns?" Jason asked.

"They were left alone, most of the Aligned departed this world, ascended to the non-physical realm of Eitheruim, leaving the Unaligned and the Dragons to inherit the planet," Luna explained. "Me and my sister hid ourselves away, too ashamed to face our kin again, we slumbered for a millennia, without any guidance the Unaligned never ascended they began to fade into three forms, Pegasi, Earth Ponies, and Unicorns, and thus we come to today's world."

"So now you and Celestia are the only two Alicorns left?" Jason asked.

"Well no," Luna asked. "There are in fact three Alicorns, Princess Cadence being the third."

"Cadence..." Jason repeated. "And how come this is the first time I've ever heard of her?"

"Well... It didn't seem important before."

"Another Alicorn isn't important?"

"Until now," Luna corrected. "Suffice to say that Cadence was not around during the war."

"What? Really? How?"

"Well Cadence has only been an Alicorn for about eighty or so years now," Luna explained. "Before that she was a mortal Pegasus."

"Wait, so how'd she become an Alicorn then?"

"Much like how Unaligned Alicorn's became Aligned, Cadence mastered and completely understood a comically-significant concept," Luna said. "Thus the ancient magic took hold and her mortal body was dissolved and she was reborn as an Alicorn."

"So, what's she the Goddess of then?" Jason asked.

"Cadence is the Goddess and embodiment of Love," Luna said. "Somehow she came to completely understand love and all it entails."

"Are there any other Ponies-turned-Alicorns I should know about?" Jason asked.

"Cadence is the only one that has succeeded, though others have tried," Luna said. "Celestia hopes others will follow her path and perhaps with more Alicorns on Equus we can coax our kin back down from the heavens."

"Weird," Jason said. "Well, I've made up my mind, you can start reversing my nightmares."

"Are you sure?" Luna asked. "This is a rather... Personal thing."

"I'm sure," Jason said. "Just... Don't make me regret it."

"And you won't," Luna said. "Expect more restful sleep in the future."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Jason said, placing down his relativity untouched tea. "I should be heading back to Ponyville now, hopefully Twilight is willing to talk to me... Not to mention Lily and Daisy."

"For what it's worth, I do think you did the right thing," Luna said. "The secret of Humanity's demise should not be one, and despite by sisters worry I predict that her efforts to keep the knowledge hidden will be in vain."

"Well, thanks anyway," Jason said, standing up. "Have a nice day."

"And you as well," Luna said, sipping her tea contently as Jason left her chambers.

Jason returned to his own room only to discover that he really didn't have much to pack in the first place. Only his small day bag that contained the map Celestia had given him and his compass, both of which were already packed away so Jason simply grabbed the bag and walked out.

When he came out onto the courtyard Jason spotted a familiar face, Shining Armour seemingly taking a stroll when he noticed Jason. Shining approached him.

"Heading back to Ponyville then?" He asked.

"Yeah I've spent too much time here, time to get things back to normal," Jason said.

"Whatever that is," Shining said. "Make sure Twilight is okay for me would you? I don't think she's completely recovered from what happened."

"Yeah, but I don't think she'll talk to me," Jason said.

"She's not really the grudge type," Shining assured.

"You're like the third person to tell me that," Jason said.

"That's because it's true."

"Yeah, okay," Jason said unconvinced. "Well I best be going."

"Wait a sec," Shining stopped him. "If it's any consolation, I'm sorry about Roseluck, I should have stopped her or... I don't know, I feel partly responsible."

"Don't," Jason sighed. "I don't want you beating yourself up about it, I'll deal with this my own way."

"You say I don't need to beat myself up about it, what about you?" Shining said. "You need to move on Jason, I've seen a lot of good soldiers loose their way because of one bad incident."

"Yeah, well I'm not a soldier," Jason said harshly, walking off.

"That's exactly my point," Shining sighed, but Jason was already out of earshot.

The market was already in full swing when Jason passed through it, stalls selling everything from fabric to precious gems. A large crowd filled the marketplace, Ponies from all walks of life browsed and bartered happily for their desired items, the crowd was thick but it strangely parted in at if Jason who walked unhindered through the market.

The morning train had just pulled in, spilling out a fresh batch of newcomers to the capital. Just as they exited, Jason entered in after them along with other commuters. Jason got himself a seat and spent the trip staring out the window as the train sped forth.

Celestia's sun bathed the landscape in its light, the light was reflected back by the fresh white snow that covered the ground. Jason enjoyed none of it through as it sped by, the light seemed harsh and the snow was a shadow to the giant drifts that Jason was accustomed to at this time of year, not to mention he was dreading what was to come.

The train arrived in Ponyville much faster than Jason would of liked, he stepped off reluctantly out onto the familiar sight of the small town. Jason sighed and made his way towards Golden Oak Library, the tree seemed a lot more ominous as it seemed more grey than Jason remembered.

Steeling himself Jason knocked softly, half-hoping that no one would answer, his hopes were crushed when Spike opened the door.

"Oh, it's you," He said unhappily, giving Jason the Dragon-Stink-Eye. "Twilight's in the book room... She's still upset, by the way."

"Yeah, I'd figured as much," Jason said, stepping in and meeting Spike's angry glare with his own steady one. "I'm sorry, by the way, for lying to you."

"You shouldn't be telling me that," Spike said harshly, turning his back. "Like I said, she's in the book room."

Spike pattered off, leaving Jason feeling worse, if that was impossible. He closed the door and walked into the library proper, it was quite as usual with the only sound being Jason's own footfalls. He turned into the main book room to find Twilight right where she ought to be, sitting down on her plush cushions reading a large tome with a neutral expression on her face.

Jason stood in the doorway awkwardly, think what, if anything, to say. There were so many things he wanted to say, that he was sorry, that he would tell the truth for now on, that he would do anything to gain Twilight's trust back. All these words died in his throat when he was faced with the sight of her, they were replaced by a small but rather rude clearing of the throat.

"What's Celestia doing about Rome?" Twilight asked neutrally, not even looking up.

"She's teleporting troops there and having them secure the city, and she's planning on staking a claim to the land leading up to and including Rome," Jason answered.

"Good, that way no one else will get hurt," Twilight commented.

"Yeah... I guess so, but Twilight I-"

"Roseluck's body arrived this morning but I had already told her sisters, Daisy and Lily... They aren't doing so well."

"Maybe I should drop in on them? Make sure they're doing okay."

"Probably not the best idea, they were blaming you last time I saw them."

"Well..." Jason stuttered. "I'll think about it but Twilight I really wanted to say-"

Whatever Jason was about to say was interrupted as Twilight magically slammed the book that she was reading startling Jason, Twilight stared intensely at the cover before speaking.

"I'll give you one chance," She said shakily. "To tell me exactly why you lied to me."

Jason was caught off guard for a moment, the emotion behind Twilight's words hit him hard with all the sharpness of a blade.

"I-it.." He stuttered. "At first it was because Celestia asked me to, when we first met down in the basement, she told me the whole story, then asked me to keep it from you and everyone else, all of whom I haven't even met yet."

"I wanted to tell you, but I was... Scared, I thought you'd hate me not only for lying, but also because my people were almost responsible for the extinction of what would eventually become your species... I don't know how all of you would handle it."

Twilight sighed, she placed a hoof on the cover of the tome in front of her as if caressing it. She sparked her magic and took hold of the book then levitated it over to Jason who took it in his hands, Twilight magic tickling as it flowed freely through him.

"On the subject of Humans and Humanity by Starswirl the Bearded," Jason read output. "...what? I don't understand."

"It's technically an illegal book," Twilight said. "I found it hidden away and had been reading through it looking for a clue to where the remaining Humans were, but now... Well... You know."

Jason looked on in shock, Twilight had been breaking the law simply to help him. She had risked serious consequences just so she could help Jason, this fact pushed the spear of guilt deeper into Jason's gut.

"Knowing what I do now makes the book obsolete," Twilight was saying. "Starswirl was one of the greatest scholars in history, he had no idea that he was searching for something that had been hidden away by his own Princess."

"Twilight I'm so sorry," Jason said. "I had no idea-"

"You would tell me wouldn't you?" Twilight said fiercely, locking her eyes with Jason's. "If the Pri-Celestia was hiding anything else from me?"

"Yes!" Jason said. "I don't want any more secrets."

"You say that," Twilight said coldly. "But how can I ever believe you?"

Her words stung like a whip and Jason struggled to keep it all contained within, even so he could fell the beginning of tears form in his eyes.

"...I'll just... Go and check in on Daisy and Lily like I said."

"I think that's best, and feel free to keep the book."

"Right," Jason said in a broken voice, before turning back the way he came, dropping the book and his bag in the hallway and leaving the library.

Roseluck's flower shop was in the market square which wasn't really in swing at the moment, few stores were open and fewer market stalls were set up with merchants trying half-heartedly to sell their wares. In a small town like Ponyville a death of one of their own affected everyone, even those who hadn't known her well.

The flower shop was predictably closed as well, the windows dark and a small sign saying to seek out a different florist. Jason walked in to the darkened store, no candles were lit so the only light came from the window which showed that the normally diverse selection of flowers had all been replaced by roses. The entire store was dominated by the flower, every pot, vase, cup, every available centimeter was full of the red flower, something else was obvious as well; the roses were dry, pedals had fallen off and most of them had long since run out of water.

All of the roses were dead.

Jason heard a sound coming from the back room, it sounded like sobbing. Carefully he walked across to the far door that was left slight ajar, he pushed it open soundlessly. Lily was sitting there, softly crying her eyes out, in front of her on a table was a white sheet with a familiar shape under it, more dead roses surrounding the lump, Jason's throat tightened as he quickly realized what he was looking at.

Lily must have heard him, because her ear twitched and she turned her sorrowful gaze towards Jason. He braced himself for what she had to throw at him but instead of angry yelling he surprisingly got panicked whispering."

"What are you doing here?" Lily hissed. "Get out!"

"Lily I just wanted to say I'm so-"

"It doesn't matter!" Lily cut in. "You need to go! If Daisy sees you-"

"Then I'll apologize to her too, this is my fault after all," Jason said. "And... I wanted to pay my respects."

"Fine! The funeral is later today, at two o'clock, feel free to come," Lily said, now trying to push Jason back through the door. "But you need to go now!"

Jason finally started complying, he began backing out of the room and back into the store proper. As he did he passed the stairway that lead up to the second level of the building, where the bedroom must have been, atop the stairs was Daisy.

She looked at Jason with one of the most angry glares he had ever seen, her teeth were grit to the point of cracking, her eyes burned into Jason and every inch of her spot pure disgusted fury.

"You..." Daisy said then she launched herself down the stairs, before Jason could react she landed in front of him, pivoted, then bucked Jason hard in the gut. Sending him flying at least a meter onto his backside, Jason was too stunned to do anything as Daisy began her tirade.

"How dare you show you show your face here! How dare you!" Daisy shouted. "YOU MONSTROUS DISGUSTING UNNATURAL CREATURE! YOU TOOK MY SISTER AWAY FROM ME! HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOUR FACE HERE! GET OUT!"

Jason got to his feet an ran from the store, Daisy yelling every obscenity in the dictionary at his back. Jason stumbled off, not knowing where he was going, all he knew was a racking pain that took hold over his body as he ran.

                                                                                                ~~*~~

It was a small funeral, in relative speaking. Few people actually showed up, Daisy and Lily of course and Twilight and her her friends, a few other townsfolk. There was also what appeared to be priest, a kindly old unicorn stallion adorned in golden white robes decorated with the likeness of the sun.

A grave had already been dug and a coffin constructed, two undertakers stood by the coffin waiting for their cue. They were two pale thin unicorns, dressed sharply in dark suits and hats, they didn't seem affected by the somber scene they found themselves in, in fact one of them lit a pipe and began to smoke contently.

"The sun represents new beginnings," the priest began. "Do not think of death as the end of something beautiful but think if it as the beginning of something even more so, Roseluck was a good mare, a strong mare, she brought joy and happiness and beauty with her delicately cared for roses, let her find peace in the sun's warm embrace and may her spirit be blessed by the Two Princesses so it may find itself in Elysuim, amen."

The undertakers took that as their cue and lifted the coffin magically, they lowered it into the hole carefully. One by one everyone there paid there respects, some simply gave a nod of acknowledgment, others prayed, most left flowers- particularly roses -on the coffin. Daisy and Lily were last, the former using the latter for support as she let tears freely flow from her eyes, the two sisters produced a beautifully arranged bouquet with daisies, lilies, and of course roses all included in it, they placed it on Roseluck's coffin before Daisy broke down completely and Lily with the consoling help of the priest had to nearly carry her back.

The undertakers didn't seem to care and once everyone had done their bit they took hold of the mound of dirt that had been displaced and pushed it into the grave, burying Roseluck and crushing the flowers. The crowd didn't remain long after that, Daisy and Lily were the last to go with the priest offering to help them with their grief, spiritually of course.

A minute passed, the graveyard grew silent again. Until the sound of snow crunching under boot could be heard through the tranquil silence, Jason walked over to Roseluck's grave, in his hand were a rose and a maple leaf, entwined at the stem, Jason placed them at the gravestone and stood back up.

He stared at the gravestone for a moment, it was simple and cheap, grey stone with the words having been magically carved into it. Here lies Roseluck, sister to Daisy and Lily, Daughter of Snow Pedal and Rose Pedal, a caring sister and friend. Under the words was a depiction of Roseluck's cutie mark and a small rune the priest had put there to ward off evil spirits.

"I never wanted this for you," Jason said, seemingly to no one. "But I guess that doesn't really matter does it?"

"Ever since I came here, I felt like I didn't belong, I still sorta do, but you, my friends, you all changed that, I was happy. But then I let you down, I failed to protect you, Daisie's right... It's all my fault."

"... I might not have been able to save you, but I will save everyone else," Jason said intently. "No else dies because of me, I swear it, but it's just..."

It had begun to snow, a gentle snow but with big flakes. The snowflakes landed on Jason's cheeks, melting instantly and running down his face in a stream of liquid from his eyes.

"It's just..."

The snowflakes kept coming, on and on in a constant stream that flowed from Jason's eyes. He caught one with his tongue and he tasted salt.

"It's just.. I wish it hadn't been you," Jason said finally, and as he chest tightened he knew he could linger any longer. Steeling himself Jason brought his chin high, gave a respectful nod forward before turning on his heel and walking away, wiping the melted snowflakes from his eyes.

                                                                                                 ~~*~~

Celestia cantered down the rather dark hall, rare was it that she found a reason to visit her sister in her chambers. They usually talked at meals or when free moment was at hoof, but recently that had only cause to speak when pressing matters vied for their attention.

Celestia reached the ornate door, she didn't even have to knock as it swung open magically to reveal Luna carefully putting paint to canvass, it brought a small smile to Celestia's lips.

"It's nice to see that your getting back into the habit Luna," she said, walking over to her sister who was totally engrossed in her work. "You were always the better artist."

"You sell yourself short," Luna said, dipping her brush into her bottle of blue. "You just need to practice more, I've missed your particular style."

"Maybe I'll get back into it eventually," Celestia said.

"I look forward to it, but you didn't come just to talk art did you sister?"

"You right, forgive my delaying," Celestia said. "Jason and I had a conversation before he left, I assume you two did as well?"

"We did," Luna stated, putting her brush down and turning to her sister. "He asked me to help him with his nightmares, which means you confirmed that he is indeed magical?"

"He is now," Celestia answered. "We just need to wait until his newfound magic manifests itself."

"That should be an interesting thing to witness," Luna said.

"Indeed," Celestia agreed. "But there's something else, we also discussed what happened in Rome, we agreed that if an entire city survived this long, not to mention a Lost Artifact and a Human research facility, who to tell what else is out there?"

"You want to go searching for the Lost Artifacts," Luna realized.

"And any Human sites left standing," Celestia said. "It is clear that there are those that wish to seek them out and we cannot allow anything to fall into the wrong clutches."

"Then I shall send out my Night Agents," Luna said. "They will seek out theses artifacts for us."

"No, we must not be that obvious," Celestia said. "There are... Other ways we can seek out the Lost Artifacts."

"...I know what you speak of sister," Luna said cautiously. "But you cannot be that desperate."

"I am," Celestia stated, sparking her magic. Suddenly Luna's chambers faded away and the two princesses found themselves in a torch-lit stone hallway, just in front of a set of large double doors inset with intricate glowing runes.

"Elders preserve me," Luna said, sparking her own magic, together the sisters deactivated the runes and the doors slowly opened.

Inside was a large circular room, lit by magical green torches. In the center was an ornate pedestal designed to look like a dragon's hand, it clasped a dark orb that seemed to be completely black, the orb gave off an eerie green glow.

"Are you sure about this sister?" Luna asked, as they approached the Orb. "You know that using it can do you your mind."

"Lesser minds perhaps," Celestia countered. "But I am prepared, it will not dominate my mind."

"Just be careful, we do not know enough about it yet."

"I shall be careful," Celestia said, lowering her horn to bear with the Orb. When it made contact the Orb filled with swirling greyish greening smoke, images began to fade in and out of sight.

"Reveal to me the artifacts that are lost," Celestia said wispily, as if in a trance. "And show me what mountains I must cross."