//------------------------------//
// The Shadows of Night Pt.2 
// Story: The System 
// by The System 
//------------------------------//

"So, about that plan of yours, Celestia. What was it?"

"The idea was that we were to split up in four groups-"

"No good. Too many Vastha Nerada. Daring, you've got a plan, right?"

"Uhm..."

"Does anyone have an idea that might work?"

All the guards avoided eye contact with the System.

"Okay then. Here's a plan: follow me and do what I say. Now lets go!"

System ran down the steps past the guards and Daring, and headed for the forest.

"All of you, do what he says. I need to stay here and solve the problem with the Vastha Nerada."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

They all headed for the System, who was still making his way to the forest.

Daring, however, didn't leave.

"I want to stay and help."

Celestia looked at her.

"Very well."

(-- The System and the Soldiers --)

System stopped at the edge of the forest, and set his lantern down. The guards finally managed to catch up with him.

"System, what are you doing?"

"Hmm? Oh, just resting my legs. Give me a moment."

"We might as well rest, too."

They all began to put their lanterns and sit down, just as the System got up.

"Ok, so here's the plan. Nightmare Moon is in the middle of this forest, so we need to get to her. The problem is that the Vastha Nerada have infested the forest, which means that if you made one wrong step, you're done for. So, to tell them apart from the actual shadows, we have to use the lanterns to rid of the darkness. If a shadow still shows in the light, avoid it. Any questions?"

One of the guards raised a hoof.

"Yes?"

"What's a Vastha Nerada?"

"That's not important. Now, lets roll out!"

System grabbed his lantern and headed into the forest, as the guards followed quickly after him.

System's plan worked out perfectly. Using the lanterns, he and the guards avoided stray shadows and other obstacles. They finally reached the clearing, where Nightmare Moon was waiting for them.

"Ah, how nice of you to join us! I was expecting you."

System began to approach her. "Give it up, Nightmare Moon. It ends tonight."

"Even when I'm gone, they'll still be here."

"Oh, the Vastha Nerada? I'm planning on getting them out of here as soon as possible."

He looked down and stopped walking. A large ciruclar shadow surrounded her, and she appeared a darker tone herself. "No..."

"Oh, yes."

"But that's impossible! The Vastha Nerada would never make allies!"

"They would now."

System was suddenly thrown back by her powerful magic, landing near the soldiers. She began laughing maniacally.

"What happened?"

"She's controlling all of the Vastha Nerada. She's has them under her spell."

"So what do we do?"

System went absolutely silent.

"System!"

"Run away. Just run."

They just stared at him.

"Just run!"

They all quickly left the area, leaving the System behind.

"Time to make history."