Humani Victoria

Chapter 28~ To Stalliongrad I went...

            "One thousand paces forward and not one step back."

                                                                                                  ~Joseph Stalin

Castle of the Two Princesses, Canterlot, Equestria, Wednesday, 27th of February, 7:00am, 2206

"Your team has been briefed then?" Princess Luna inquired.

"Yes ma'am," Captain Nightshade confirmed. "Although it would help if we actually knew what we're looking for."

"I'm afraid that's not an option, Captain," Luna stated. "The smaller the circle the better, my sister wants to keep knowledge of this artifact secret for now."

"I understand that ma'am but..."

"But?"

"It's just... No offence meant ma'am but sometimes I think you're a tad too submissive to Princess Celestia," Nightshade said, getting a furious look from Luna but he cut her off. "Please hear me out ma'am, I understand you love your sister but the way I see it you and her are suppose to be equal in rule, I may be imagining it but I think Celestia has gotten too comfortable calling all the shots in your absence."

"Nonsense!" Luna exclaimed. "I follow my sisters direction simply because I see the wisdom behind it!"

"Do you though?" Captain Nightshade asked. "You never keep secrets from me ma'am, except when Celestia asks you to, I think that you're too eager to please her because... Well, you feel guilty about your actions all those years ago and you think by blindly following your sisters' wishes you can gain her forgiveness."

"You presume much Captain," Luna said angrily, her eyes just barely conveying the raw power age had at her disposal, but Nightshade met her gaze steadily.

"I don't say this to upset you, I say this because I consider you a friend," he said, softening Luna's gaze. "I will continue at your side and follow your orders, my soldiers are at your back my lady, but I implore you to consider what I have told you."

Nightshade gave Princess Luna a bow and cantered off, leaving the Princess to her thoughts. The Captain of Night exited out of the Hall of Harmony and out of the palace, into the courtyard, where his team was waiting, all of them engaged in their own conversations before their Captain approached.

"You've all got an understanding of your mission then?" Nightshade asked.

"Yessir," Blossom said, magically running a brush through her ice-blue mane. "What did the Princess say about giving us more info?"

"She as selected to keep that intel to herself," Nightshade replied. "But I think if we're patient then our Princess shall come around."

"Preferably sooner," Blossom replied, now brushing her dark blue coat. "How can she expect us to operate effectively without knowing all the facts?"

"Curiosity is one thing but that sort of talk is uncalled for," Nightshade said harshly. "We may not have all the facts but we have enough, protect the Human called Jason and his companions as they search through Stalliongrad."

"But searching for what?" Sunshine cut in as he sheathed one of his many daggers. "And why have we never heard of a Human before? Seems like something we should know about as apparently this one is our ruler's new pet project."

"Is that how you feel?" Nightshade asked. "And how about the rest of you? Do you all she the same feelings?"

"I think I understand why Princess Luna wants to keep this from us," Sunshine said. "Some things need to be kept confidential yeah? Why is this any different?"

"It isn't," Silver Shot said, adjusting his black stetson. "We're the best team in all ó N.I.G.H.T, even without all the facts we can still operate effectively ain't that right?"

"Either way we have our orders," Nightshade stated. "I have to stay behind, can I trust you lot to perform this mission despite being out if the loop?"There was a chorus of confirmation and Nightshade grinned.

"That's what I like to hear, dismissed."

                                                                       ~~*~~

The train chugged along the tracks leading up to Canterlot, Jason stared out the window at the valley in which Ponyville sat in as it steadily got father away from them, a sight he was tiring of quickly. Not many passengers were taking the trip to the capital that day so Jason and the Mane Six essentially had a whole car to themselves, a fact that they took advantage of with spreading themselves out rather than cramming into one compartment. Jason himself was sitting alone with his boots laying on the seat across from him when Applejack slipped in and sat down.

"Howdy," she greeted.

"Hullo," Jason said back.

"How're you holdin' up?" AJ inquired.

"Fine," Jason said neutrally.

"I can tell when you're lying Jas," Applejack said said in concern. "Your keepin' it bottled up, just like I did last harvest remember? I was too stubborn to accept help and I ended up blowin' up, I don't want that to happen to you."

"This is different," Jason insisted. "I'm not bottling it up, I'm dealing, grieving you know? You don't need to worry I just need time to bounce back."

"If you say so, but remember you can always come to me if you need to talk."

"Yeah, sure," Jason said, turning back to the window.

The train ran around the mountain several times before entering the tunnel just before they came across Canterlot in all its glory, although every time Jason visited the city it seemed to loose its charm. With one last long whistle the train pulled into Canterlot station and screeched to a halt before spilling its passengers into the city, Jason and the Mane Six stepped off and made a beeline towards the castle. The guards out front let them in without question, the sight of Jason and Twilight were familiar to them at this point. Celestia was waiting in the main hall, apparently deep in her own thoughts, she did brighten up as Jason approached though.

"I'm glad you could all make it here as quickly as you did," She said.

"We should really mix up where we meet," Jason commented, crossing his arms. "It's to the point now that I'm considering reserving a seat on that train."

"Duly noted," Celestia said. "But moving on, I said in my letter that I was sending all of you to Stalliongrad but I assume up you're wondering why."

"Just a tad," Jason quipped.

"Well it seems that a Lost Artifact lies within Stalliongrad's borders," Celestia said.

"Really?" Jason said in surprise. "How'd you work that out so fast?"

"Luna's agents are very skilled," Celestia said, sparking her magic and making a map appear out of nowhere and levitated over to Jason "But that's not the point, we believe that a Lost Artifact lies within Stalliongrad, now I need to know, does the area around the city have any significance to Human history?"

"I see Rome's on the map now," Jason commented, taking the map in his hands. "It's that a public thing now?"

"Relatively public," Celestia said. "I couldn't stake a claim to the land without being public about it, Rome is in fact on the map now but I've cut it off to anyone not authorized, I'll consider opening the city to the public once it's been explored in its entirety, Sir Red Hill of the Solar Knights is leading the excavation of the city."

"Right, of course, so Stalliongrad then..." Jason said looking over the map. "Well it seems that Stalliongrad consists of at least part of the territory that used to be a country called Russia, as for the area calling it historically significant would be an understatement."

"How so?" Twilight piped in.

"Well long story short Russia was home to several significant revolutions and a important part of some... Major wars. " Jason said, rolling up the map.

"I think you'll need to elaborate on some of that," Celestia said.

"Yes, right, well," Jason said, feeling rather uncomfortable about discussing such a topic. "I'd rather not."

"Of course," Celestia said, sensing that the topic was getting uncomfortable. "So it's settled that all of you will travel to Stalliongrad and-"

"Now hold on a sec," Jason cut in. "Why are we being sent to Stalliongrad? You said Luna's agents discovered the possibility of a Lost Artifact there, why can't they find it? Or anybody else? You have soldiers to spare and loyal knights to command don't you?"

"The last time we went on an expedition the Lost Artifact was in a Human facility that only opened for Human's," Celestia said.

"The last time we went on an expeditions Roseluck died along with Green Breeze and countless of your loyal soldiers," Jason countered, shutting Celestia up. "I'd rather not repeat that experience."

"Stalliongrad is an allied territory," Celestia argued. "There is little chance of opposition there."

"Little chance is still a chance," Jason quipped.

"Please Jason," Celestia pleaded. "Now that I know we can find these artifacts we must do so before someone else does."

Jason sighed heavily and rubbed the bridge of his nose, as much as he hated to admit it Celestia did have a point.

"Alright, alright," Jason ceded. "But after this I don't want any part of your search, at least for a while alright?"

"I can accept that," Celestia agreed. "And you be pleased to know we're doing things a little differently now, I can't just march an army into Stalliongrad can I? So instead I'm sending you along with one of Luna's teams. They'll keep you safe and assure your activities go unnoticed by anyone."

"Is there a reason we need to go unnoticed?" Jason questioned.

"There are others who may be searching as well, namely the Gryphons," Celestia explained. "Additionally I don't think the Duke of Stalliongrad would appreciate my snooping around in his territory so it's best he doesn't know." Jason exchanged glances with Applejack and Twilight respectively before turning back to Celestia.

"Fine then," Jason conceded. "We'll head off then."

"Luna's team is waiting for you outside," Celestia said. "Get to know them and get each other up to speed, and be careful."

"When am I never?" Jason said with a grin then followed the Mane Six out the door. Jason lagged behind the group as he lost himself in his own thoughts, he only broke out of it when he heard his name being called but not through his ear, h heard the voice in his head.

Jason stopped and looked around and almost immediately noticed Princess Luna standing off to the side, slightly concealed in the shadows. Jason told his friends to go ahead without him and approached Luna.

"You look like you need to say something," Jason commented.

"Not here," Luna said softly. "Walk with me."

Jason walked along side Luna down the deserted hallway, no servants, no guards, no tourists inhabited the hall, no one to overhear them.

"Something has been recently brought to my attention," Luna began. "I wanted to discuss it with you?"

"With me?" Jason asked. "And where does this newfound trust come from?"

"Don't flatter yourself, I still don't trust you completely," Luna said harshly. "But, I believe that you need to be aware of this as it does somewhat effect you."

"Fair enough," Jason said. "So what's on your mind?"

"My sister," Luna stated. "I have been made aware that in my absence she has become... Controlling, paranoid even, there are those who believe that my sister is become too secretive and deceptive."

"Well she is one-half the ruler of Equestria," Jason said. "I can understand exercising some control."

"Ruling is not the same as controlling, Jason," Luna said with a shake of her head. "But I'm afraid I have been enabling her, I am... Too eager to please Celestia because of the guilt I feel in my heart."

"It's okay that you want to make your sister happy," Jason said. "But I do think you have a point l especially if you're correct in her being deceptive."

"She has been, I believe she told you my agents discovered a possibility of Lost Artifacts in Stalliongrad?"

"Yes."

"They did no such thing," Luna said. "In reality my sister discovered the whereabouts of the Lost Artifact by using another one, The Orb we call it, Celestia used it to look into the future and scry where the Artifact was."

"She saw into the future," Jason said. "Huh."

"What is it?"

"Nothing, nothing," Jason said. "But... Why'd she lie? I mean you're the one who doesn't trust me and here you are telling me Celestia's the liar?"

"She lied because she doesn't fully trust anyone with the information," Luna said. "Celestia was... Very lonely when I was gone, without me around and all her mortal friends lost to time she had no incentive to interact with anyone. She was Equestria's ruler and that was it, because of this she must have become secretive, finding no value in trusting her subjects and thus retreated within, then I returned home and... And nothing changed, because she hadn't forgiven me, because I had betrayed her, because I could not be trusted. And thus we went on with a false pretence of perfect siblings before you came, when you did my sister simply latched onto you, a person who somewhat understood her plight and had never wronged or betrayed her and despite the acts of your race she trusted you, but still she hides things from both of us, old habits die hard I suppose."

"You're saying your own sister doesn't trust you?" Jason asked in concern, seeing the barely-contained emotion in Luna's eyes.

"I'm saying that my sister is hurting and there is nothing I can do about it," Luna said, her voice finally cracking. Without hesitation and acting purely on instinct Jason scooped up the Alicorn into a comforting hug, Jason felt Luna stiffen immediately and he realized that hugging someone who had slaughtered hundreds of his kind without thinking. Jason was right to worry as every fibre of Princess Luna's immortal being screamed at her to obliterate what she had for so long perceived as her enemy. Something stopped her though, perhaps it was because she realized he was trying to help, perhaps it was also because she knew that of her short list of trustworthy people this lone Human was one of the top names, or maybe it was simply because she was so vulnerable at that moment.

Still stiff as a board Luna accepted the hug, it was comforting in a strange way but she didn't dare hug back as she was still trying to decide how she should feel or relate to this sort of contact with a Human.

"Thank you," Luna said stiffly, reining in her emotions. Jason sensed her discomfort and quickly released her, there was a moment of awkward silence before Jason cleared his throat.

"So now that I know all this what do you want me to do about it?" He asked.

"You are the only one she'll really talk to, so I want you to do just that," Luna said. "At every opportunity, whenever you can, talk to her and try and pull her out of her shell that she's put herself in."

"And what makes you think I'll have any effect?" Jason asked.

"You may not but you're the only option at this moment," Luna said. "All I ask it that you try."

"Fine, I'll do what I can."

"I suppose that's all I will get," Luna said. "I thank you, now you must go join your friends before they miss you."

"Yeah sure," Jason said, turning to leave. He walked off with his head a buzz with thoughts, he did spare one glance behind but saw that Luna had gone, only the shifting shadows left in her wake.

Jason joined his friends outside who were conversing with what must have been Luna's team, there was three of them and they all seemed relatively professional.

"Well, you must be Jason," One of them said, a dust-coloured pegasus stallion in a black duster and stetson. He looked Jason over as he lovingly polished the crossbow in his hooves. "Name's Silver Shot but ya'll can just call me Silver, I'm our teams marksman and- "

"I can see that," Jason cut him off. "And your friends?"

"That's Sunshine," Silver said, pointing to the dark yellow pegasus who was clad in leather and at least a dozen daggers."And then there's Blossom," Silver pointed to the dark blue unicorn who was chatting up Rarity.

"Nice to meet you all," Jason said. "I think we're all ready to go, what about you?" Before Silver could say anything back Applejack got Jason's attention, Fluttershy and Rarity was standing with her.

"About that Sugarcube," AJ said. "I'm afraid Rares, Flutters, and I can't come this time, we all have our own commitments back in Ponyville and I'm afraid we can't shirk off work any longer, I hope y'all understand."

"Yeah, I understand," Jason said. "You all have lives of your own, no worries, the other three will keep me company." Applejack stepped closer and Jason kneeled down to her level so they could speak.

"Y'all keep safe ya' hear?" Applejack said softly. "I haven't forgotten what happened in Rome, and neither have you, so keep outta trouble okay?"

"I'll try," Jason said, accepting the hug that Applejack offered before her, Rarity, and Fluttershy said their goodbyes and headed back towards the train station.

"And then there was three," Jason said once they had gone. "I guess it'll be just us then?"

"Hey, it'll still be awesome," Rainbow said. "Let's get going! Stalliongrad is waiting!"

                                                                     ~~*~~

Snow fell relentlessly onto Stalliongrad's grey stone streets, the many statues that depicted the heroes of the Northfolk were coated so completely one could barely recognize their faces. Most of the residents that lived in the frozen city state didn't mind the cold much so the grey streets still held many ponies who were going along with their day to day business, so the priest was able to move along without being noticed which served his purposes nicely.

Then again he wasn't exactly hiding, anyone who looked at him could see his tailored black priest cloths and would know he was a stallion of faith. However the Alicornist Church didn't like anyone who hadn't taken their oaths knowing of their business, thus the priest was thankful for the crowd and thick snow to conceal his movements.

Eventually he made his way to the far eastern edge of the city, where his home and place of worship stood out of sight and out of mind. It was a humble little chapel all things considered, especially compared to the cathedrals that the Church of the Two Princesses had, but the Northfolk of Stalliongrad were not particularly faithful and so any church that found itself setting up shop there was on its own. The Alicornists had managed to place this small church in any case, with a flat top and wide base, it was made out of cut grey stone like everything else in the north but it was still home to the priest.

He pushed open the small wooden door and stepped into the warm welcoming encompass of the chapel, the priest closed the door against the cold and had barely begun to remove his scarf when one of the Chapel Brothers ran over to him.

"Father Snow!" The colt called.

"Brother Spark?" Snow asked. "What is the matter my child?"

"Her Holiness just had a vision," Spark gasped. "She divined that a party of Equestrians is travelling to Stalliongrad in search of the blade."

"They wouldn't dare!" Snow said. "Was she able to divine whom these heretics are?"

"She did not but I think we can assume that the Church of the Two Princesses has its ignorant hoof in this."

"I agree," Father Snow said. "Brother, make sure the blade is secure and send word to the rest of our brothers, we must be prepared to defend our church, I will remain here and pray for our victory."

"Of course Father," Spark said, bowing and taking off. Meanwhile Father Snow approached the far end of the church where nineteen shrines were arranged in a semi circle, Snow knelt before them.

"For our salvation I pray..." He began. "In the name of Celestia, Luna, Erotia , Mars, Drax, Kronos, Nemesis, Aethra, Ignis, Solaire, Morpheus, Gaia, Belivas, Osiris, Conspira, Dispono, Hecate, Lyr, and Soragnavir... Please, grant is your children victory over these heretics..."

                                                                      ~~*~~

The train pulled into Stalliongrad's station with its usual hiss and whistle, the snow was coming down hard and one could barely see more that two meters in front of them.

"Let's keep our heads down," Silver said. "I know a place we can hide out and get information, but let's take some back streets, I want as few ponies as possible noticing Jason."

Silver Shot poked his head out as the trains doors as they opened, he saw very few people on the platform and the worsening blizzard gave them some ample cover. With quick movements they left the train and then purposefully moved onto lesser-used paths with Silver guiding them along. The blizzard tore are their cloths and drained the warmth from their faces and in Jason's case fingers and toes. Mercifully Silver's hideout wasn't far from the train station. He pushed open the heavy wood door and lead them into what looked like a tavern but it was empty besides what must have been the owner, he was an ugly old stallion with a balding head and black beard like coarse wire, he sported many scars across his face and muzzle including one that went through his left eye, blinding it and turning the whole ball white.

"The sun rises at midnight," he croaked out through a thick northern accent.

"And the moon dominates at midday," Silver responded.

"Your entrance into city was noticed by all," the old stallion croaked critically. "I expected more subtly from a Nightcrow, yet you come galloping to the north like a knight riding to war."

"There wasn't much choice, you know the roads, it would have been folly to travel this far north with winter upon us," Silver cut back. "But be ready to send a fast message anyway and those knights of ours will come riding into the north."

"You say so, but Stalliongrad is strong and the North will not yield."

"Alright, enough you two," Blossom cut in. "We don't have time for this, will you help us or not gramps?"

"I help," Gramps grunted. "Not for South though, only for the gold I am given."

"We'll take what we can get," Blossom said. "I suppose the rooms are upstairs."

"Yes, but I no innkeeper, you find own room and cook own food, I spend time protecting house from Grey Guards," Gramps gave one look at Jason that said everything he thought of the Human but the Northerner spat it out anyway. "Freak" and then he left.

"Well he was cheerful," Jason said. "So what do we do now?"

"We ain't doing anything," Silver stated. "Me and Blossom are heading out to gather some Intel from a few choice contacts, Sunshine will stay behind with you lot to keep you out of trouble."

"Now wait just a minute!" Rainbow cut in. "You don't expect us to just sit here with our hooves up our asses!"

"Whoa, language," Jason said.

"Don't say you wouldn't agree!" RD said.

"I certainly do," Twilight added. "If only to gather more information I am also very interested in the history and culture of Stalliongrad."

"Yeah! And these grumpy-wumpy north-folk need to know how to party!" Pinkie declared.

"Fine! Fine," Silver relented. "I suppose you three can walk around a bit but only if you use fake names and don't draw attention to yourselves, as for you Jason I want you to say here."

"Say what now?" Jason asked.

"You heard me, it's one thing to let a few foreigners loose in the city, it's another entirely to let a fucking Old God go wondering around Stalliongrad, so yes you're staying out."

"Fine, whatever," Jason said sullenly. "Go have fun then, I'll just stay here."

                                                                       ~~*~~

Silver shivered uncontrollably as he trudged through the empty streets of Stalliongrad, it had been a harsh enough winter in Equestria, here in the north your eyeballs could freeze in your skull if you weren't careful. Silver defiantly wasn't enjoying it, he was born in the southern plains, where flat grasslands gave way to scorching desert that continued on for an eternity interrupted only by hopeful little oasis's, the northfolk had no idea what an oasis was.

The Night Agent struggled into the centre of the city, from there he tried to search for an inn, partly to gather information there but mostly to get out of the cold. His efforts were in vain however as the wind worsened and picked up great wafts of snow that obscured Silver's vision to the point where he was practically blind, the howling of the wind in his ear was as loud as a hundred war drums and the bitter cold was like a dagger in his heart. He was caught in a blizzard Silver realized and he felt a spike of fear, like the great duststorms of the south a blizzard could swallow you up until there was nothing left, just the wind, a few meters of snow and a frozen corpse a few months later when spring came.

Not willing to accept that fate Silver forced his frostbitten legs to move, he couldn't see where was he was going but moving was better than sitting on his ass and freezing to death, eventually he hoped he would walk into a building and find a haven to warm himself in. That hope waned as he continued to slog onward without an end in sight, he could see no buildings not even the shadow of one and fearfully Silver wondered if he was even still in the city but his more rational mind told him that he was probably still basically where he had been and had somehow missed every building so far. Still the intensity of this blizzard was odd, even unnatural and it sent a chill down Silver's spine that had nothing to do with the temperature.

Over the screaming wind Silver's ears picked up something else, the crunch of snow under hoof that he knew wasn't himself, someone was nearby!

"Hello!" Silver called out. "Is anyone there? I'm lost! I could use some help!"

The hoofbeats quickened, then stopped, then started again in a completely different spot. There was several of them and from the sound of it and they were surrounding Silver, the agents felt another shard of fear enter his heart, he was not used to being the one in the dark fearing beings in the shadows but he stood his ground none the less.

"I'm warning you!" Silver shouted, taking out his crossbow. "Back off and you won't be harmed."

The hoofbeats stopped but the wind picked up, it was deafening, the constant drone of rushing air in his ear. It blocked out everything else and was frankly driving Silver a bit mad, he was so focused on the wind he never heard them coming. Before he could move, the hoofbeats were upon him and a blunt object hit him in the back of the head and Silver's world became nothing but darkness and cold.

                                                                     ~~*~~

Blossom pushed the door open into the warm crowded tavern, the scent of sweat, grog, and other unsavoury things assaulted her nose. Choking back a cough Blossom entered, the room was packed with large imposing males, most of them looked like miners who had just got off work, the rest were just local drunks warming themselves. Blossom made her way to the bar were the barkeep eyed her, he was a large grey stallion with a furious pot belly and heavy jowls, his short black mane lay flat on his head and his unimpressed steel-grey eyes sized her up.

"What's yer poison lass?" He grunted.

"Information," Blossom said back.

The general din of the crowd lessened slightly when she said that, many eyes turned to look at Blossom and she felt them on her, she didn't acknowledge them though for to do so would be her end. The northerners would tear you apart should you look at them the wrong way.

"And why would a pretty little southern flower like yourself want information?" The Barkeep belched.

"Why isn't the question," Blossom said, placing a Bit on the counter. "It's 'what do you want to know?'"

The Barkeep eyed the bit for a few seconds and looked like he was going to take it before he looked up at someone behind Blossom.

"Brother Spark? What are you-" that's all Blossom heard before a cloth was put over her mouth and nose and she was dragged into a heavy drug-induced slumber.

Meanwhile, outside the blizzard had lessened considerably and a pink ball of void energy bounced through the white streets in search of merriment. Pinkie Pie's mind raced with the party possibilities that could go down in Stalliongrad, Freezing Your Behind Party? Or a Welcome To Stalliongrad Party? But then that would be throwing a party for herself, oh! How about a Colder Than Celestia's Cu-

"Psst! Hey! You!" A voice said from besides her, Pinkie turned and spotted a smallish Stallion lurking in an alleyway, he was clothed completely in black robes and a heavy cloak, his face hidden behind a black hood.

"Want some candy missy?" The shadow stallion said, holding out a hoof full of brightly wrapped sweets.

"Do I?!" Pinkie exclaimed, swiping the candy and stuffing the whole lot in her mouth wrapper and all. She chewed and swallowed then stood smiling for only a moment or so before her head his the snow with a thump!

                                                                       ~~*~~

Twilight entered the library, it had been hard to find as it just looked like every other building in Stalliongrad; cold and grey stone. The only indication was a metal sign bolted to the front that simply read: library, so Twilight entered and was met with a pitifully small collection of books, it was barely the size of Twilight's own collection which was a personal one stuffed inside a small library in a small town.

The books were guarded by an elderly library, she was grey with a black mane and tail and bland grey eyes hidden behind thick half-moon glasses. She stared at Twilight as she approached with a look that was half boredom and half disgust, at what she was disgusted at Twilight had no idea.

"Um... Hello," Twilight said uncertainly, bartering no response from the librarian. "I was wondering if you could point me towards the history section."

"No history," the librarian grunted. "History of Stalliongrad still being written."

"But... You became independent nearly a century ago!" Twilight exclaimed. "Surely there's something!"

"No history," the librarian shrugged, Twilight stood dumbstruck for a few moments before she heard the door open behind her, the cold air ruffled her fur and then the door closed again.

"Brother Ice the answer is still no," the librarian said tiredly towards whomever had entered.

"Now now Ms. Ink you're being unreasonable," a smooth voice said from behind Twilight, she turned and saw that the newcomer was a handsome young unicorn stallion with white fur and a light blue mane, his crystal blue eyes had a twinkle in them that Twilight couldn't quite place.

"Rules are rules," Ms. Ink said. "The Duke himself has ordered it, so no, I cannot out your holy books in stock."

"But surely it's important to spread the good word of the nineteen?" Brother Ice argued. "Lest the good ponies of Stalliongrad fall into sin or worse... Worship false Gods."

"No means no," Ms. Ink said stubbornly.

"Alas," Brother Ice said sadly, he then took notice of Twilight who had been observing the encounter. "Pardon our little show here my dear, I've been trying to convince our good librarian here to add some of the church's books  to her collection?"

"What sort of books? And which church?" Twilight asked curiously.

"Well books spouting the almighty word of course! 'The Secrets of Hecate' 'Words of Solaire' or 'Children of Belivas' to name a choice few, all are available in Their Blessed Alicornist Church not a kilometre away from here."

"Alicornist church? Isn't that the belief in eighteen identified gods and goddesses that take the form of Alicorns?" Twilight asked.

"That is correct my dear, you are quite informed for an Equestrian," Brother Ice paused. "You are an Equestrian yes? Your accent suggests so."

"Yes, I can on the train this morning," Twilight said.

"Really? Along with those Night agents and the Human?" Brother Ice asked coldly.

"Yeah that's ri-" Too late did Twilight realize her folly, her ears dropped and her eyes widened as Brother Ice's horn glowed and Twilight's world became a blinding white light.

                                                                       ~~*~~

Sunshine sat in one of the seats that wasn't too broken, of course he got stuck with guard duty it was just typical. He was the greenest of the team an thus got stuck with these sort of jobs, deep down Sunshine understood why this was so, they had to make sure he could follow orders and get things done even with the boring jobs, it made sense but that didn't mean Sunshine had to like it.

It was all he could do to not scream like a filly and run when the rainbow Pegasus crashed through the window.

Rainbow Dash burst through the old dirty window, shattering the glass everywhere in tiny deadly shards. She hit the ground with a very unhealthy thump!, she skidded a ways across the floor until Rainbow rested not three meters away from where Sunshine was sitting in shock. Rainbow was clearly injured, she was covered in tiny but deep cuts across her body from the window including one across her forehead that bled into her eye and her left wing stuck out at an odd angle.

After getting over the shock, Sunshine rushed to his hoofs and went over to Rainbow Dash, her eyes were closed but she moaned in pain softly and twitched all over.

"Miss Dash?" Sunshine called urgently. "Can you hear me? Can you speak? What happened?"

Rainbow muttered something weakly that Sunshine couldn't catch, he lowered his ear to mouth as she muttered the bone-chilling words.

"Run, it's a trap."

As she spoke the front door burst open, in came dozens of soldiers. Their armour was a heavy grey iron that covered almost all of their body, the parts that weren't covered were wrapped in thick grey cloth. All of their faces were hidden behind full helms that covered all of their faces besides their eyes that peered out from small slits, at their hips were heavy broad iron blades that looked like they could easily hew a Manticore in half.

"The Grey Guards," Sunshine hissed to himself.

One of the guards came in dragging something with him, he tossed it just in front of Sunshine and Rainbow. It was groaning and covered in bruises and cuts, the odd angles of its limbs suggested severely broken bones.

It was Gramps.

"Sir," one of the Grey Guards said, his voice echoing in his helmet giving it a disturbing metalling tilt. "What should we do with this scum?"

The stallion who the guards must had been addressing stepped forward, his black helmet plume and grey cloak marked him as an officer. He looked over Gramps as a lion might look over its wounded prey, he lifted his hoof and stamped down hard Gramps's already broken hind leg. The old stallion barely had enough life in him to cry out, but he did, tears welled in his old eyes and sweat glossed his blading head to a shine.

"Mercy sir," Gramps croaked pathetically. "Please."

The Grey Captain shook his head.

"No mercy for the traitorous," he said cruelty. "Kill him.

Instantly a Grey Guard stepped forward, drew his blade and pierced it right through Gramps's neck, almost decapitating him. Gramps gurgled on his own blood for a moment before dying right there, the Grey Guard retracted his blade and sheathed it without bothering to wipe the blood from it. Gramps's blood began swiftly spreading across the floor, washing over the Grey Guards iron hooves and staining Rainbows feathers.

Sunshine jumped to his hooves and drew a dagger and the Grey Guards just laughed.

"It's no use Night Agent," the Captain taunted, before Sunshine could reply he was hit in the back of the head by something heavy. He fell to the floor right on top of Rainbow who moaned in pain, Sunshine's vision swam and tunnelled but he managed to hear what the Captain said next.

"And don't think your Forerunner friend will escape, we saw him exit through the window, he will not get far."

Sunshine gave one last hopeful thought before he lost consciousness, if all else failed they would need someone to get word back to Canterlot.

Run Jason, run as fast as you can and don't look back.

                                                                        ~~*~~

Like hell I'm sitting here on my ass.

As soon as Jason heard everyone leave he opened his bag and began to change. He had noticed the moment he had stepped off the train that his current clothing wasn't enough to keep him warm. Luckily Rarity had made him some thicker winter gear a few weeks ago and Jason thought this was a good opportunity to use them, so he dressed in thick dark grey pants, high-topped black boots, wooly long-sleeved black sweater and a thick black longcoat overtop.

After securely strapping his knife and gladuis to his side Jason moved over to the window, Sunshine would obviously see him if he tried to just walk out the front door so the scenic route was necessary. Jason popped the window open and swung his legs over, he landed in the snow with a soft woof! before getting up, dusting of his hands and continuing on his way.

As he went Jason didn't see anyone about, so he didn't bother hiding too much, however he wasn't walking in the middle of the street either. Mostly he stuck to the alleyways, always checking around corners and watching his back, he may have been going against what Silver had said but he wasn't stupid. Eventually though his mind began to wonder, he thought about how much history had taken place in this city, it appeared that none of the buildings were Human made however judging from the map the city only partly encompassed what used to be Stalingrad. Perhaps the remains of Moscow or some other Russian city was hiding out in the tundra or buried in the snow? The thought excited Jason and made him forget his surroundings.

Which is how they got him.

It began as a prickling feeling down the base of his spine but little by little Jason began to realize he was being followed. He tried to rationalize it, maybe they were just heading the same direction as he was? That theory was squashed as they continued their pursuit as Jason twisted and turned and even went back the direction he came from. He had to face them, the question was where? An alleyway was too small and didn't have enough room for him to move, but the street would allow them to surround him and block his escape, unfortunately for Jason he never got to make the choice.

Suddenly out of every alley came a Grey Guard, they fixed their cold eyes on Jason and drew their swords, shouting for him to halt and surrender. Not one to follow directions Jason gave chase, he weaved through the streets heading in no particular direction all the while hearing the thundering iron hooves of the Grey Guard not far behind him, their heavy armour seemingly to impeding their speed.

It wasn't long until they caught up, they surrounded Jason in the middle of the street, broad iron blades pointed at him waiting to send Jason to the beyond. Desperately he looked for an escape, the street was blocked, so were the alleyways, but... Wait, there! A older stallion in black robes leaned out from a large wide building with huge doors, he beckoned to Jason and he was all too happy to oblige. Throwing some snow up to distract the guards, Jason slipped past them and into the building where the stallion in black slammed the door shut and bolted it securely.

"Thanks," Jason said as he gasped for breath.

"No trouble my son," the stallion said, he was an older unicorn with a fading white mane and pale fur, his eyes a crystal blue. "Why were the Grey Guards chasing you?"

"No idea, but I don't like it," Jason said, looking around. "I'm Jason by the way and... What is this place?"

"I am Father Snow and this is my church," Father Snow said. The church was made up of a signed large rectangular room with six pews set in rows facing a half-circle alcove where seventeen shrines stood on small pedestals above rows of candles.

"What sort of church?" Jason asked uneasily, feeling nervous for some reason. Father Snow didn't answer, he simply moved over to the shrines with Jason in tow and began magically lighting the candles.

"You will be safe here," Father Snow said almost absentmindedly. "They would not dare desecrate this holy place."

"I guess the church is very respected then?" Jason asked.

"Hardly, the citizens in this city mock to the beliefs of the Alicornist Church," Father Snow said. "The Grey Guards however, they have all converted by way of persuasion, that's how I got them to lead you here, Forerunner ."

The side doors burst open and scores of Grey Guards marched in and levelled their swords at Jason who stood in shock.

"I thought it would be harder to capture you, Old God," Father Snow said as the guards relived Jason of his weapons. "Obviously the legends have exaggerated the grandness of your people, you three bring him down to the ritual chamber, the rest of you assure we are not disturbed."

There was a chorus of 'yes father' and Jason was corralled by three grumpy Grey Guards through a side door a down a long set of stairs, Father Snow lead the way with his horn a glow in the dark.

"You should feel honoured," Snow said. "No outsider has seen this before."

"Somehow I don't feel very lucky," Jason said as they went further into the dark.

Eventually they came to a heavy wooden door which one of the guards pushed open, they entered a large circular room with what looked suspiciously like an altar in the centre. It was a black slab of polished obsidian with the likeness of a prancing Alicorn on the sides, lain on top of the altar was a long thin ornate wooden box that seemed mildly important. To the left of the altar was Jason's friends and the three Night Agents, all of them looked beat up especially Rainbow Dash who was covered in cuts, they were all bound and gagged and were looking at Jason with wife fearful eyes.

"Let's not waste any time, bring him over to the altar," Father Snow commanded, ruffly the Grey Guards pushed Jason over to the altar so his back was to it, meanwhile Father Snow was fiddling with the wooden box.

"I suppose you are wondering why I brought you all here?" The Father said.

"The question had crossed my mind," Jason said shakily, staring down the edge of a grey blade.

"You were spotted upon your arrival, hard to miss an Old God wondering through Stalliongrad is it? When word reached my ears that the rumours about a Human still alive were true, my mind filled with the possibilities, you see the Alicornist Church like any church depends on the faithful and those are in short supply these days. We are blessed enough to have the vast majority of the Grey Guards on our side but in the south we have barely a presence, the Church of the Two Princess dominates there but slowly we have been growing our influence, do you know how?"

"Uh, hard working missionaries?" Jason asked.

"No, the favour of the Gods themselves, as long as we appease them we are blessed with more and more followers," Father Snow explained. "And how to we keep their favour? Not through praying day after day, no, the Gods desire more tangible proof of our devotion, they require blood."

Father Snow finally opened the box and carefully extracted an ornate dagger, it was long and straight, made out of polished black metal with a smooth crosspiece and a hilt inlaid with red jewels.

"Cain's Blade," Snow named it. "The holy relic of Nemesis the God of revenge, imagine his blessings when we sacrifice a Human in his name, we will be blessed indeed."

Jason began to move but of the Grey Guards held him down with a harsh magical grip, Jason was lifted off his feet so he was lying on his back on top of the altar. Jason struggled to no avail as Father Snow stood over him and hoisted Cain's Blade over his head.

"The Gods of today take revenge on the Gods of Old," Father Snow said as he prepared to strike, Jason tried to move, to cry out, to do anything, but he couldn't. This is how he would die, struck down by a mad priest thousands of kilometres from home, Jason closed his eyes and waited for the blow to come.

But it didn't.

The Gods are more cruel than that.

Father Snow's throat opened up like a burst balloon as a metal-encased claw ripped it open from behind, he feel to the floor as Jason felt the magical grip on him release. The Grey Guards didn't have time to react as Gryphons piled in and ripped them apart with ease, in a matter of seconds Jason and his friends went from one group of captures to another.

"Found it sir," one of the Gryphons said, delicately holding up Cain's Blade and placing it in the box. "Pity we had to kill these ones, such faith in them."

"Right Gods, wrong faces," another said.

"Sir!" One said addressing his commander, a bored-looking Gryphon in plate steel armour and a red cloak with a sword at his hip. "These ones are Night Agents."

"Mmm," the Gryphon Captain mused. "Kill them, I know for a fact they won't talk even under harsh torture."

Still stunned by the arrival of the Gryphons Jason had no time to react as swords where shoved through the three Agents's chests, Subshine, Silver, and Blossom all gave death gurgles before their executioners pushed them off their swords before the three slumped down on the ground.

"Now for these three," The Captain continued, looking over Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie. "Clearly not Night Agents, government officials perhaps? Researchers? Civilian consultants? No matter, we shall take them with us for questioning."

"And the Golden One milord?" Another asked who was holding his blade to Jason's throat.

"I hadn't planned on him being here but I suppose it gives us a chance to deal with him," the Captain said as if Jason was an annoying pest. "He is an oddity and a nuisance, let us dispose of him but... We cannot just kill him here, too much risk of his body being found, no... I have a better idea, give him his weapons."

Still with a blade to his throat Jason was handed back his knife and gladuis which he carefully strapped to his belt, fighting wasn't an option there was too many, all he could do was wait it out.

"Now bring the unicorn over here." A Gryphon grabbed Twilight by the mane and dragged her before the captain, all the while she screamed against her gag and tears streamed down her cheeks. The Captain reached into a travel bag he carried with him and pulled out what looked like a single shackle with jewels ingrain into it.

"You recognize this don't you unicorn?" The Captain asked Twilight, removing her gag. "Identify it."

"T-that's a... A Mage Shackle, they're forged by the Diamond Dogs of the Crystal Mountains, used for nullifying and... C-controlling a Unicorn's magic, they're illegal in Equestria."

"But not in Stalliongrad," the Captain said with sick amusement, he placed the Mage Shackle on Twilights horn and placed his claws on the jewels in a peculiar way.

"Now, Human," the Captain spat. "it is said that your people could survive anything, let us see if that is true ,shall we? I rather doubt it though, your blood will freeze and your flesh will shatter, I hope the Gods make it painful."

Jason had one last look at Twilight who tearfully whispered 'I'm sorry' before there was a flash of purple and Jason's world become dominated by unyielding white, bitter cold, and the howling scream of wind in his ear.

He screamed.