One for a Doorstep, Two for a Garden. (Concluded)

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall looked up to the forest and frowned in silence while the rest of the ponies around her tensed up. Lightning Heart seemed more confused then anything. She sighed and pushed him aside with a hoof before trotting up in front of her forces. The name meant nothing to her, but the fact that the creature spoke in their language was something to appreciate. She stopped just in front of the veteran she had blocking Lightning, and glanced behind her, "Keep your weapons ready, soldiers. If it comes to it; attack on my order. Not a second before!" she snapped at them before turning back to the mare in front of her. It would be an interesting night.

With her hooves planted firmly on the ground, she looked up at the mare and called out, "Captain Nightfall of the Royal Lunar Guard. I am the commanding officer of this outpost. What reason do you have for coming to this place?" With the volume that she used, there was no real way that it could possibly sound polite. But it sounded formal, and rang with the command and authority of her position. It wasn't just Nightfall speaking, it was the Captain speaking; the officer who was protective of her soldiers. The mare represented a threat to those who worked with her, and she was going to deal with that problem the best she could, with minimum casualties.

Longshot took a moment to hit Lightning in the head as hard as he could, with a blazing glare painted on his face. While the hit was certainly hard enough to stumble Lightning to the side, the sharpness of the pain managed to snap his brain back to reality. It took a few moments of confusion for him to realize that something was wrong even before he turned around to see what everypony was looking at. Having no weapon, Lightning panicked, and quickly bolted inside the building where he felt safest. Nightfall couldn't really complain. He had been compromised before, and she didn't want to risk him endangering the rest of her ponies.

Lightning sprinted inside, and up the stairs to the officer's room. Not even stopping for the door, he slammed into it and stumbled inside, sprawling out on the ground. He quickly composed himself and picked himself up, turning to see Effervescence. He gave an embarrassed smile, then hurriedly made his way past him without asking any questions as to who he was or why he was there. Instead, he made himself seem as calm as possible, and walked up the stairs to the roof as hurriedly as he could without running. At least on the roof, he could watch what happened without being close to the mare that had played his brain like an instrument.

[Xelliea]

"Well, so much for not wanting to break the door." was all that went through Evy's head at first, before he started to think more about the absolute panic in which the recruit had entered the office. The speed he'd crashed through the door, indeed his very presence in the officer's quarters meant that something was very wrong. A recruit wouldn't have done any of what Lightning had done unless he was fearing for his life, as, with somepony like Night in command, he might lose it as punishment. Still shocked by Lightning's explosive entrance, Evy decided to talk to the pony. He wanted to see if he could calm him down, and maybe get some information at the same time. And so, he slowly followed the path Lightning had taken up to the roof, and gingerly made his way over to the spooked guard.

I'm not sure if we've met... my name's Effervescence. I think I heard Nightfall call you.. Lightning? Right? Evy paused for a moment, looking down to the events taking place below. Hmm... typical. I just get here, and all this happens. I guess you creatures like her popping by all the time, but... what exactly is going on? Although he wasn't a coward, Evy was beginning to think it best to stay up on the roof and watch what was going on below. Neither Night, nor the stranger looked like they were looking for a fight, and, not the most graceful speaker, it was better to leave the talking to Night. But he was waiting with baited breath for the guard to tell him more about the odd avain-mare, if only to understand what in Equestria was actually going on.

_____________________________________

Yiirace walked forward a few paces until she was standing directly in front of Nightfall, and almost standing in the entranceway to the outpost. Hey, can't a pony visit? She spoke in a slightly humorous manner, attempting to defuse the situation, but still held some poise to show she wasn't there only to crack a few jokes. But... now that you ask, I do have a reason for being here. Her eyes flashed crimson, just as they had a few minutes ago in the forest. She looked deep into Night, but still her expression showed no ill intent, almost catching your average pony off guard. Yiirace knew the captain would be much harder to crack. Her hypnosis could be quite easily resisted if the situations were correct. First, those suspicious of Yiirace would have a better chance of blocking it out, this excluded those in a stupor of fear, like Lightning had been. Second, while the gaze affected nearly everypony, for those with a great sense of loyalty, it was easy to break out of.

The gaze never actually controlled the target, rather only making them consider Yiirace as their best friend. But if they we're willing to betray their loyalty, even for a best friend, then they could view the situation from another angle, and from that angle, they could see what was going on. And if they realised they were being tricked, they could break from the trance. Yiirace realised there was little chance of hooking the officer before her in. Considering this, the mare glanced over to the other ponies in the outpost. Apart from the two on the roof, all the others were right here. Oh, it was like opportunity was breaking down door after door.

Systematically, she glanced around to the other guards, her eyes constantly a dim crimson. A couple of them looked like veterans, and they'd probably fall into the same category as the captain. However, over half of them were recruits, and she only needed a few temporary allies... I have heard... legends of a night princess in this land. Perhaps you could... tell me more about her? What confused Yiirace, however, was what exactly was this mare in front of her meant to be. She knew a bird-mare like herself was hardly a common sight, in fact she, to her knowledge, was the only one. However, a bat mare? Perhaps this was the result of one of her uncles meddling, but the captain had no otherworldliness about her, it was just the wings. Yiirace found herself transfixed on them. Regaining her focus, she coughed a little to clear her throat. As I was saying... about your princess?

[ForgottenExistance]

Lightning felt a lot safer up on the roof with the other two recruits who were already armed and prepared. But he admitted that he would feel so much better if he were safely in Canterlot. The whole experience was a little too much for the poor Unicorn, who was both ashamed that he had been manipulated in such a way, and terrified of the winged mare. He looked up at Effervescence and gave a little embarrassed smile, "Uhh... Yeah. Lightning Heart, nice to meet you. And honestly, sir, I have no idea what happened. But that mare did something to my mind, and frankly, I just want to be anywhere that isn't in front of her. I don't know who she is, or where she came from... But I reeeeaaaaaaly doubt that it's anything good," he said hastily before taking a peek over the edge of the rooftop to look down at the scene. He quickly recoiled and went back to the other edge of the roof, putting as much distance as he could between himself and the mare. It was understandable, considering the fact that he had been her plaything for a few terrifying minutes.

Nightfall seemed both unaffected and un-amused in the same span of a few seconds. Her loyalty to her cause and duty were higher then that of what she would grant even her best friend. And considering the fact that she was already suspicious of the mare, and prepared to tear her beating heart from her chest, she wasn't changed by the manipulation in the slightest. Her green orbs narrowed slightly as she glared up at the mare, trying to take it all in and figure out the best course of action. She didn't know how much damage one mare would be able to do to the outpost. But if she could affect recruits as easily as she affected Lightning, then there would be plenty to be worried about.

She was silent for a few seconds, simply staring at her with anger and suspicion. She only responded after a few moments, "Yes... Her name is Princess Luna. If you do not already know more, then you do not need to know more. She is the Mistress of the Night, and that is all that I will say on the subject," she exclaimed shortly, making it very clear that it was all she was going to say on the subject. Backing away a step to give herself a braced position, she turned her gaze to the mare's neck, "Now... Either make your move, or leave this place. There is no reason for you to be here, and I will not have you threatening my soldiers with your presence!" she exclaimed boldly. She was really ready to take on that mare by herself if need be, just to keep her soldiers safe. Unless the mare did something to prove that she was not hostile, then she would be braced, and prepared to kill.

Only two of the recruits aside from Lightning were as steeled as she was. Smokejaw, the clumsy and forgetful archer on the roof, and Longshot, the Earth pony who had been on a patrol with Lightning. Smokejaw was far too enamored with his commanding officer to be swayed from his loyalty, and held her in as high regards as one would hold a war hero. He thought she could take down an army by herself, which meant that he wouldn't venture far from her side for any reason. And Longshot had seen the monster within the forest before. He saw what it had done to Lightning, and was now prepared to throw a spear directly in between her eyes. She liked to play mind games, but he mused to himself that she couldn't play mind games with a spear in her skull. Of course, such morbid thoughts only served to make him more edgy, and more likely to jump the gun...figuratively speaking.

[Xelliea]

Yiirace rose an eyebrow. My, the captain was a rude one. And she hadn't even done anything past asking a question... well apart from playing with the recruits' minds like a kitten with string, but come one, what was a creature like her to do? Make my move? Well, if you insist. She chuckled, her expression and tone more sinister than she had been since she'd arrived. Dear friends, please... drop your weapons. Her smirk grew as she saw a number of the guards around her follow her hest. However, she'd given the command for more than just a headcount. In the same breath, she continued. Restrain every guard holding a weapon. Don't lay a hand on the captain, I need to thank her for such a warm welcome. In one swift motion, Yiirace leapt forward, pushing Night to the floor. Whatever strength Night might have used to fight her off seemed to begin to fail her, and within moments she may have not had the strength to stand.

Around Yiirace's front hooves, a faint grey aura seemed to pulse, thin tendrils of the mist seeping into Night's body. Leaning down close, close enough that her beak pricked Night's ear slightly, she whispered. Checkmate. This was another one of Yiirace's powers that ran through her veins. Thankfully, it was only temporary, and Night's strength would return less than a minute after contact was broken, but for now every ounce of it was suppressed, making her effectively paralysed. She could still talk, look around, make expressions and even perhaps struggle slightly, but beyond that, there was nothing she could do. However, the effect was a double-edged sword. While it would take much longer, the magical aura would also slowly sap Yiirace's vitality and strength, and even now she could feel it ebbing away. However, it would be a couple of minutes before she would have to break contact, and that would be long enough to ask some questions.

________________________________________________________

Evy stood torn. He wanted to run as fast as he could down to help the officer, as peaceful negotiations had clearly broken down, but he didn't much feel like ending up with the same fate as Lightning had faced. From all the way up there, he had no way of telling if the gaze could be resisted, or if Night just hadn't be targeted. He could tell it was something to do with eye contact, and, as such, he could use that to his advantage. Quickly, he hopped up, hustling back into the officer's room. He noticed quite a number of containers around the room, and the desk had a few draws. He began to rapidly search through the room, looking through various draws full of random junk, trying to find something he could use. Hey, Lightning, would you mind helping me search this place. I need something to stop eye contact. Mirrors, maybe? Even glasses might do the trick. He quickly gestured for the recruit to come into the room and help him look, his expression showing how little time he wanted to lose.

_________________________________________________________

As I was saying, about this... 'Luna'. Yiirace still stood over Night, while her new 'friends' struggled with the still aware guards. My mother watches everything, from here to the other side of the world, and she told me of a princess of the night. There was little anger in Yiirace's voice, rather she spoke as if one were telling a story, just purely to inform the listener. She has told me that it is because of the "dark Alicorn of the night" that one of her brothers fell. If this 'Luna' is the Alicorn of the night, as you've told me, then I am left in an odd position. Tell me, little bat mare, if one of your family were slain, what would you do?

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall didn't have time to take a lethal attack on the mare, and she had recognized it before she had even been pounced on. But she had enough experience to know how best to position herself to give herself a secret edge when she had even a moment of respite. As the mare was tackling her, she had enough sense to re-position her hooves so that one of them was almost flat against the mare's underbelly, and the other almost touching her own hoof. The trick here being that, as soon as the mare shifted her weight, she'd be able to flick the manual switch of her gauntlet blades, which usually required momentum to open. While it wouldn't be a deadly strike when she actually got the chance to hit the switch, it would do enough to allow her to roll out from under her. Granted, the entire plan relied on the mare shifting her weight.

The Captain laid there, gathering what strength she could. She didn't resist or fight, instead she concentrated every single ounce of what power she was capable of towards tensing up her hoof to close the few inches to her gauntlet's switch. But in the mean time, she endured the mare's questions in silence, glaring up at her. At her question, she spoke simply, "I would stay loyal to my cause, no matter what happened to my family. For those out to seek vengeance should remember to dig two graves," she spoke with narrowed eyes. She didn't believe in the concept of vengeance, because it often caused more pain then it solved. If that was all that the mare was out for, then she would gladly leap at the chance to kill her.

Smokejaw was on the roof with only one recruit who wasn't completely loyal to Nightfall. When that recruit laid down her weapon and went to grab him, in a panic, he turned and bucked her with both hind hooves straight in the face. Unfortunately, this sent the recruit over the edge of the roof, and sent her sailing to the ground below. It wasn't a fatal drop, but it would keep her out of the fight for the rest of the day. He hesitantly looked over the edge, "Uh-oh.... That can't be good..." he spoke quietly, a little wide eyed at the fact that he had actually managed to do that. He hesitantly levitated his bow and notched an arrow with his magic. From that distance, he could probably hit the mare, but he hadn't had much practice with the bow before. And with his clumsiness, he wasn't sure he wanted to take the chance with how close the mare was to the Captain. Instead, he'd wait for a good shot.

Lightning blinked, then quickly nodded and followed Effervescence down into the officer's room, "Right! Right! Uhhh...." he mused to himself. He started scurrying around, looking through boxes, sorting through what he could with his magic. The dull yellow stallion had actually been through the boxes before, without the Captain's knowledge of course. He knew that there were a few things that could help block eye contact, but nothing as useful as glasses. He knew that there was a box of flight gear, including polarized goggles, but he didn't know if those would work. But nonetheless, he sent the box over to the center and cracked open the top. He also sent over the few medium sized wall mirrors, which were meant as replacement parts. They'd be awkward to use, but they'd work.

Longshot frowned and started backing up with the other two veterans, making an intended triad back-to-back-to-back position. Though a few recruits might not do much damage, the fact that they didn't want to hurt the indoctrinated recruits would definitely hinder their ability to stop them. The two veterans had flickering loyalties though, and soon wound up falling to the ground, fighting a mental battle that was far more difficult then any physical battle. Longshot on the other hand had to smack back his friends with the blunt end of his spear awkwardly, keeping his back to the wall of the outpost as he defended himself. It rendered him useless to the Captain at the moment.

[Xelliea]

Yiirace raised an eyebrow after Nightfall made her comment, as if to mockingly seem ponderous. Maybe. Still, revenge isn't my primary goal here. I only wish to herald mother's arrival in Equestria. If she then chooses to exact revenge... well, that's not up to me. In truth, Yiirace didn't wish to harm Night at all. However, she knew the captain would be very dangerous unhindered. So, for the moment, she kept her pinned. What she did find irritating was the captain resisting her gaze. If only she'd let herself go under for a moment, Yiirace could get what she needed and go. But no, the captain had to be difficult. Again, her azure eyes flashed crimson, but she knew there was little chance of it affecting the captain, so she instead decided to continue to stand over the pony.

She looked up, glancing around to her new friends. Wonderful... recruits really are useless, aren't they. Very well, it's not like I'm getting anywhere with you. She rolled her eyes, and, in a swift motion, spread her wings and took to the air, most likely evading Night's blade in the process. The enervation effect was noticeable, but she could still fly with not too much worry, albeit with the occasional glitch. From where she hovered, she looked down upon the captain. It would be a short while before Night could move again, and so, at the moment, she could do little but lie there. Yiirace chuckled to herself. It hadn't gone as she'd expected, but, all in all, her plan was going well.


She eyed around the outpost. There were three recruits around the place that still were under her spell. If she came at the right angle, she could probably reach them all in a single swoop. Outstanding. I'm going to the Precursor's Feather. Give chase, I dare you. Not one for dares? Then be one for loyalty. In a rapid dive, she flew down over the outpost. She managed to grab two of the indoctrinated recruits, not fancying her luck with the spears enough to try and grab the other one. Instead, she hovered with the two ponies easily held above the ground.

Closing her eyes, most of the hairs on her body began to vibrate a little. Her goal was quite a way into the forest, and she didn't trust her ability to fly though a forest, holding two ponies and still a little enfeebled. Instead, she'd try to use a power she hadn't used for years: teleportation. She didn't know exactly where her goal was, but she'd end up much closer to it than she currently was. She could feel her body become more loose, while the magic started taking quite a toll on her. Squeezing her eyes shut in concentration, trying to think past the headache, she could feel the magic close to working. I hate turbulence... She mumbled to herself, and, in a blink, she was gone.

____________________________________


Hearing more noise from outside, Evy expected the worst. He quickly ransacked a couple of the boxes that Lightning had passed him, chucking most of the contents over the room. But, that could be cleaned up later. Right now, he needed to find something useful. Looking into the box containing the flight supplies, he pulled out a pair of goggles. From the look of them, they'd do the trick with disrupting a magic gaze, at least Evy was pretty sure of it. He quickly donned the goggles, before quickly chucking another pair in the box to Lightning. we don't need you going all chummy with her again. Thanks for the help, anyway. I'll need to put in a good word for you back in Canterlot, right now, though...

Sure that Lightning was at least trying to follow, he started to run as fast as he could down the stairs. Within moments, he was barrelling through the door on the ground floor and out into the night air. However, by the time he was out there, the mare was gone. Grunting to himself, he noticed Night lying almost paralysed. He ran over to her, trying to check that she was, at least, still breathing. Ni... Captain, what happened out here?

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall took her chance, and put all the strength she could into closing the distance to the manual release switch the moment the mare atop her moved. Though she managed to deploy the blade, it was a moment too slow to do any real damage, and would only have clipped the mare's flesh at most. Even then, two small blades wouldn't do too much damage, especially when they weren't magically augmented. But the result still proved that, even incapacitated, the Captain would fight to the bloody end if it came to that. She had determination, that wasn't even remotely in question.

Though, now that the mare was gone, that left Nightfall in a very awkward position of laying on the ground paralyzed for the time being. While she could feel her strength slowly coming back to her at the lack of parasitic magic, she knew that it would still take a little while before she could stand on her own. Until then, she waited patiently for somepony else to come and at least roll her onto her feet. And, as though on que, Effervescence came into her view. She responded with a dissatisfied groan, "The damned thing got away, took Ship Shape and Cliff Diver with her. Help me up, I still can't feel my legs..."

Lightning was quick to don the pair that was thrown at him, and adjusted them to his head awkwardly. When they were set, he turned and quickly started following Effervescence without a word, rather embarrassed that he had brought up the topic of his forced indoctrination. But he readied his magic as he burst out into the night air, prepared to let loose a lethal blaze of concentrated magic at the mare. Instead, he was greeted by Nightfall laying on her back with one of her gauntlet blades pointed up at the night sky, Patchworks laying deadly still at the base of the outpost, and Longshot getting up after having been beaten around a bit by the two recruits who had been attacking him.

Not wanting to be the cause of any magic-related incidents, he quickly diffused his magic, and trotted up with Effervescence to see how the Captain was doing. Meanwhile though, Longshot got up with the aid of one of his spears, and went to check on the veterans who were still recovering from the mind games that the mare had played on them. While they weren't exactly harmed, they were pretty shaken up, and weren't able to get up on their own because of how badly their legs shook. Sometimes the mind could do more damage than the body.

Smokejaw was quick to sprint down the steps of the outpost three at a time, and wound up tripping at the last few steps on the first floor. He fell into a clumsy roll, and wound up recovering after a few dazed moments of laying on his face. He quickly pulled himself to his feet, then sprinted out of the outpost and around the side to where Patchworks, the recruit he had bucked off the tower, was laying. It was a sorry sight, he had several broken ribs and landed on his shoulder in a way that had managed to dislocated it pretty badly. His eyes were closed and a trickle of blood pooled on the ground near his mouth, but despite it all, he was still drawing breath. Unfortunately, the irony of the situation was that Patchworks was the only specialized medic on-station. Smokejaw looked up and called out in a panic, "Uhhh...Somepony?? I think we need some help over here! He isn't looking that good!" he exclaimed, not quite sure what to do in that situation.

[Xelliea]

Noticing Nightfall was almost paralysed on the floor, Evy sped as fast as he could to her. The enervation was slowly draining off, and the captain's strength was visibly returning to her. Still, it took both Evy and Lighting to get her back on her hooves. Leaning her against one of the nearby wooden walls and making sure she wouldn't fall over before she could recover from the attack, Evy turned his attention to Somkejaw's panicked shouting. Lightning, can you look after the captain for a moment? Not really waiting for, or worrying about, a reply, Evy sped over to Patch's unconscious form. Smoke had a reason to panic. While he wasn't dead, the recruit would be out for a long time, if he ever woke up at all. Looks like he's got quite a bit of internal damage. I don't think his lungs are damaged, since he's still breathing, but he needs care.

Evy did his best to give directions to Smokejaw. The Night Guard was far from a medic, but he'd seen a few ponies injured in his time. Seeing Longshot out of the corner of his eye, he quickly asked if the recruit could fetch some bandages, or anything at least like a bandage, trying to ask both politely, but with a sense of urgency at the same time. Across from him, Night's strength had likely fully returned to her at this point. Evy hoped as much. He wasn't one for giving orders or directions, and certainly didn't envy the jobs of the officers. The faster Night was back up, the faster order could be returned to the guards of the outpost who were still present and standing.

Once he was confident Patchworks was at least stable, he dashed over to the captain, his face still full of clear panic. He took a moment to calm himself a little, being almost bordering on a panic attack. Captain, y-you said that... thing took off with a couple of recruits? Although he'd only been at the outpost for a little while, Evy felt a certain responsibility for the recruits, especially after two had been kidnapped. Where did she go? We have to go after her... He paused for a moment, then corrected himself, and added. ...ma'am


__________________________________________________

*Pop*

Yiirace came back into existence... somewhere. It was definitely still in the forest, but it was in no way her intended destination. She rested down the two recruits she held, both of whom seemed in a slight stupor after the teleportation. As her mother had commanded, Yiirace was to find a location called the Precursor's Feather. It didn't help that she had no idea where that was, or what it looked like, so it was little surprise her teleporting was off. Sitting down for a moment, she cared to a few feathers that had been burnt in transition. She pondered exactly why she was here. She certainly didn't want any of this, and would have much preferred staying at home. She couldn't understand why her mother needed her to do any of this anyway. She knew something about heralding her into Equestria, but what did that mean?

Whomever had killed, or 'caused the death of', her uncle, sure, she felt angry toward them, but she had no wish for revenge. The captain had made a point. And, as she sat there, the words "For those out to seek vengeance should remember to dig two graves" played over in her mind. Still, she had a job to do, and she wasn't going to give up. So, looking skyward and uttering a brief prayer, she got ready to move again. Well, as soon as her two new 'friends' could even walk in a straight line.

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall struggled in silence to her hooves with the assistance of the two other ponies, and quickly leaned against the wall. She cursed herself under her breath for having let the mare gain the upper hand, but focused on regaining control of her body. It was like trying to move after being still for a long night's rest, as if all her muscles were stiff and full of pins. But she had to push through for the recruits, because they just lost two of their comrades to some sort of freakish monster. In silence, she forced herself to raise the hoof that her activated gauntlet blade was on. With effort, she forced her limb to make a quick flick, which snapped the blade safely back into its resting position, filling the air with a metallic click.

Lightning however was quite panicked. He could only manage a brisk nod to Effervescence's request, and returned to the Captain's side to make sure that she was okay and able to hold her own weight. She didn't understand why the mare hadn't just killed Nightfall though, she had the upper hoof. It baffled him, but not as much as why she had stolen away Ship Shape and Mountain Diver. They were recruits! Fresh from boot camp! Why would she want to take them when they could barely find their way around the base, let alone around the forest?

Longshot looked up at the request, then nodded and responded with a short ye'sir before disappearing into the outpost to find the medical supplies. It wasn't that hard of a search, and he returned a few moments later with the kit clutched between his teeth, and his spear slung across his back. He wasn't going to take any chances in disarming himself while that mare could still be anywhere. He skidded to a halt next to the wounded Patchworks, and quickly set the kit down, throwing open the cover to allow the other ponies to access the bandages and other minor medical equipment within. It was a trauma kit at most, there was no heavy surgery tools that would help them save a mortally wounded soldier. But it was enough that they could stabilize Patchworks for the moment. There was no telling if he would ever wake up though, it was a helluva far ways to fall.

Smokejaw just tried to do as best he could, but under such pressure, his clumsiness became quite apparent. He fumbled with the bandages as he tied off any open wounds, and tied very messy splints onto broken bones. But the quick and nervous work was still enough to get the job done for the time being. Though, Smokejaw looked three tones more pale then he should have been. Really, it was a result of the fact that he was scared witless that he might have accidentally killed his comrade in the worst way possible.

It didn't take all that long for the two recruits to regain their balance. Though they were still under her thrall, and had no idea where they were or what they were doing, they were rather at ease with the situation. They saw her as a good friend, so Ship Shape and Cliff Diver both trusted her entirely. When they were able to stand, Cliff Diver, the tan pegasus, stepped up and fluffed her wings slightly while she spoke, "So, what's the situation 'cap?" she asked briskly, though with enough of a tone to it to suggest that it was a friendly question. Ship Shape stayed silent behind the shorter pegasus, looking around with his wide grey eyes as he examined the area.

Nightfall looked up at Effervescence after a brief moment, then pushed off of the wooden wall and stamped her hoof down, "Calm down, soldier! You can't do anything for them if you're panicking," she snapped off at him before stepping off to the side. The few ponies who were still lucky enough to be able to stand were gathered mostly in front of then, except for Smokejaw, who was currently looking after Patchworks. With narrowed eyes, she looked over each and every one of them, lingering on their features for long enough to tell which ones were wounded, which ones were traumatized, and which ones were compromised. It was a sorry scene. She stood in silence for a long moment before speaking, "Soldiers! You have just faced a monster and survived to tell the tale. You lost comrades, sustained wounds, but each and every one of you is still alive right now. If anypony wants to leave, now is your only chance. Because if you stay, you will accompany me on the most important mission of your lives. This is no longer a guard detail, gentlecolts! We are now on a rescue mission!" she barked at them, taking instant control of the situation with the sheer command in her tone. It wasn't the harsh bark of a Drill Sergeant in basic training, but it was the commanding and inspiring sharp tone of somepony who genuinely cared for her soldiers and her cause.

"These soldiers are your kin! They are a brother, and a sister! They had your backs through training, and now you will have their backs when they need it!" Nightfall continued without missing a beat, working herself up to the situation. She was all Captain in that moment, there was no question that she would risk her own life to go out on her own just to save the other recruits, "I will head into the forest in hopes of finding them, regardless if any of you come with me or not! My only request is that if you stay, then you will protect this outpost with your very lives!" She concluded, stamping an armored hoof down for dramatic effect. Though Effervescence seemed to be on the edge of freaking out, she had hopes that at least he would join her. An Earth Pony could quickly cover ground in the forest, while any Pegasi, herself included, could easily provide a bird's eye view. She'd need both races if she hoped to ever find the lost recruits.

[Xelliea]

As soon as Night had made a request for his presence on the rescue mission. He felt that, somehow, their kidnapping was a little his fault. If he'd come charging out all guns blazing, as it were, maybe he'd would have been able to turn the tide. He'd never know, but it didn't matter now. What did matter was that his presence could aid in the rescue of the two recruits, and that was why he was ready to stand by Night till the end. Having listened to the captains speech, he was glad when he could see most, if not all, of the others guards were also willing to come. Pausing for a moment, Evy decided to add something to the end. Captain, if I may? I've only been here a little while, and I've seen quite the show. If it had been me fighting that beast, I don't know if I'd still have the guts to stand here. But you all do. What does that tell me about you, all of you? It tells me you value duty above all. Sure, you may have quite the strict captain, and sure you might be stationed in a little outpost in the middle of nowhere. But, I think that's made you the ponies you are today.

He stopped, quickly giving Night an a look to say sorry if she thought the strict comment was rude. We don't really know what we're going up against, heck, we might end up in a world of trouble, but, and I tell you now, valour and duty burn like stars in all of you, and I know we'll save... Evy didn't finish his sentence. In fact, he seemed to stop all together. He didn't move, he didn't speak, he was totally still. If that wasn't odd enough, from the corners of Night's vision, she could see that it wasn't only Evy. It was like every guard in the outpost was frozen in an invisible block of ice. It didn't even stop there. Whatever had happened, it had frozen everything around the captain, even leaves falling from the trees. However, despite all this, Night could move just fine.

In the odd atmosphere, there was an audible yawn, one that was clearly fabricated. In front of Night, there appeared an animal. A hyena to be precise. It was leaning on one of the nearby walls, almost uncannily for a simple creature. Its eyes rolling, they eventually rested on Night. Having a bad day? As it spoke, it got up to its paws, and slowly walked over to stand in front of Night. I'm sorry, miss Nightfall, nopony should have to lie around and watch their friends be kidnapped. As if like a desert mirage, the animal shook its fur a little, and an exact copy of it appeared at its side. In turn, it began to speak too. All this, it's really unfair, but at least she's got time to think now, eh brother?

Instead of speaking to Night, its words were to the original. They weren't at all mocking in their words, and in fact seemed almost kind. All the time in the world, and maybe some more. And, hey, we just want to talk to you. They both turned back to the captain, each wearing a warming smile that twisted into a grin at the corners of their mouths. We might be able to help you. We can help you get those recruits back home safe.

_____________________________________________________________________

Although the time freeze had affected Yiirace and the two recruits, they did more than just wait around before it came into effect. We have... orders to find a very special location in the forest. This was technically true, and as long as she didn't mention who the orders came from, now that the two recruits saw her as a friend and leader, it was a perfect response. The prayer she'd uttered before slowly caused the usual tingling sensation, but this time it was a little different. It covered a much broader area, instead of pinpointing where the target was. That meant she'd have to search for quite a while, but at least she had a lead of the direction. Eastward it was, then.

Orders say it's east from here, but we'll have to do a little looking about. If you can fly, we'll be heading to the air to look from above. It should be in a clearing, and there'll be a giant statue of a feather. That's all I know. She felt a little off using these ponies like this, but it had to be done, and they wouldn't help her of their own free will. So, they had to stay under her thrall. But the sooner she could find her goal, the sooner she could stop feeling so bad.

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall had been listening to Effervescence's speech with curiosity, and more then a fair ammount of patience. She didn't take offence to it when he had called her strict. It was a well known fact that she was very strict, so she wasn't about to go around denying what was clearly the truth. What mattered to her more was finding the recruits as soon as possible, so the whole time that Effervescence spoke, she shuffled her weight slightly on her hooves, eager to get out there and find her lost soldiers. The sooner they got out there, the sooner they could find them, and the sooner they could be done with this whole situation.

When he suddenly froze however, she blinked a few times and looked around at the frozen scenery. But, somehow, she still found herself able to move while the rest of the world came to a standstill. Though this was a surprise to her, it was nothing in comparison to the surprise she felt when she heard a voice come up from behind her. She quickly lept around, her wings flaring out in a show of her surprise. In silence, she raised her left hoof slightly off the ground, read to attack if need be. But the hyena didn't seem to be hostile at the moment.

Keeping her gauntlet blade ready, she silently stared at the creature, eyes narrowed before she spoke, "Whatever help you have to offer, I require it. Any cost to find my lost soldiers," she said in a brisk tone. Even though she wasn't one for trusting random strangers, and especially not in strange situations like that, she would take any help she could get when it came to finding her comrades. Her duty was her first priority, and she had a high duty to those under her command.

Of the two recruits, only Cliff Diver was a Pegasus, and she nodded quickly at the mare's order. Before the time freeze took place, she jumped up into the air and took off to go scout as fast as she could, while Ship Shape stuck by the mare's side, waiting for the return of his comrade. While he couldn't fly, he could still run quite fast, and would have no trouble keeping up with the two flight-capable mares. Though, Cliff Diver froze in mid-air in a very physics defying position, which would have been amusing if the situation were different.

[Xelliea]

Although they were taken aback at first by Night's surprise, the two Hyenas seemed to both spout smiles once the captain had told them she was willing to accept their help. After all, why were they there if not to help? It had taken a lot of effort to effectively stop time, but it seemed that all was well, and it was worth it after all. Staying silent for a while, as if both in thought and an attempt to heighten suspense, the two animals whispered something to each other, then both replying with simultaneous "aaaah"s of understanding. Way we see it, you've got quite the situation on your hooves. Two recruits under your care kidnapped... not to mention the big nasty trying to summon her even nastier mother. The first Hyena spoke, saying the last part rapidly, as if at the end of an advertisement on television. As the first finished, the second interjected. I mean, if miss feather features gets her way, it won't just be two recruits in trouble.

The first gave the second a mock frown, before continuing. And, as you've seen, she's got some big flashy powers. I'm not even sure all of you could take her, do you, brother? Her glanced to his clone, who shook his head, giving a little pout. So, we want to help you. After all, who wants to bow down to a bird brain? So, here's what we offer...

_________________________________________________

For a moment, such a moment that could be missed with the slightest blink, a jolt came down from the heavens. Like pseudo-lightning, it arced forward, striking Yiirace as she stood frozen. However, there was damage, and, for a while, it was like nothing had happened. Then, as if waking from a dream in which you've just hit the bottom of a great fall, Yiirace broke back into awareness. While time still remained frozen, she could find she was actually able to move. It was when she actually realised the flow of time had stopped, and that nothing else moved, that she started to panic. She knew what this meant, even if whomever was still ambulatory didn't. Concentrating for a moment, she released a jolt, like the one that had hit her, from her horn. It split in mid air, colliding with both of the frozen recruits.

Despite being in mid air, Cliff Diver didn't fall. Having been separated from the time freeze, she would have experienced no change, as if nothing had happened, and would be continuing her flight as normal. How she would react when she saw no breeze blowing and no leaves falling, that was a different matter. Calling out to them both, Yiirace tired for them both to hear her. This is bad. This is really really bad. I hoped... I really hoped this wouldn't happen. Please, friends, we need to find our goal soon, or things will get really ugly. Perhaps, if she explained the situation, the two recruits would follow her even of their own free will. However, right now, as much as she would have liked to set them free, it was too much of a risk.

_______________________________________

... power. Power to rival hers, and then so much more. You saw the things she could do? You'd be able to do all that, and more. The two spoke at the same time, in unison, both speaking in a spectacular and magnificent manner. There were no lies about what they were saying, they truly had the power she needed to save the recruits. Only thing they didn't mention, was that power had quite the tendency to corrupt. But then again, why worry her with such trivial details? Oh, but perhaps we should mention, there is a cost to this. After all, we're here on business. In return for the power, which you may use for as long as you wish, we get a soul, and the body it inhabits, for each pony you save. So, two souls, if you recover the recruits. Now, I know that might seem steep, but it's the written price, no haggling. Think it over, and you can say no. We won't force you into anything.

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall blinked a few times, staring at the two of them in silence. The price was high... they wanted two souls, and the bodies that they occupy. That would be fine, except for the fact that she only had one soul, and one body. She wasn't about to sacrifice another life for the sake of two recruits. But she was indeed responsible for them, and would have to get them back, no matter the cost. After all, in her corps, no pony was ever left behind. They offered power, enough to fight back against the mare that had previously over-powered her, and had taken over the minds of her comrades like they were puppets. She knew that if she fought her again, then the resulting fight would not be without casualties. It would be a bloody and destructive fight.

But Nightfall was weary of magic, and everything that had to do with it. In silence, she looked down at the gauntlet that housed its dual blades, and considered her options in silence. It wasn't a moment later that she looked up, her brows furrowed and ears going back, "No." she declared boldly. Returning her hoof to the ground heavily, she continued, "I will save the recruits, but of my own abilities. I will not ask or command any of those under me to give up their body and soul for this cause, and I will not allow you two heathens to take over the body of a Guard Captain. Such an act would be treason!" she exclaimed before lowering herself, lest the two creatures decide to attack her for her defiance. She wasn't about to agree to a sketchy magic trade off, and could see what chaos could come from them taking her body and soul.

Though Cliff Diver had been surprised to find everything frozen, she only spared a worried glance at the mare before darting off to scout for the destination they needed to reach. She had long-since learned to not mess with things of magic, and wouldn't question anything that had to do with it. With the world being frozen, she could only assume that it had to do with magic, and wasn't going to start panicking. Instead, she focused on the job she was given, and set off as fast as she could across the forest skies to find the ruins, bound and determined to be done with it as fast as she could.

Ship Shape looked around, a little wide eyed at the world for a few moments, before he quickly turned towards the mare with a questioning look on his features. He was silent for a few more moments before he spoke quietly, "Ma'am? What's going on here?" he asked skeptically, continuing to worriedly glance at the frozen world. It set him on edge to see everything so still and quiet, and he couldn't help but stay low in a defensive position. He was beginning to be concerned about the mare in front of him too, because she wasn't telling them why they had to get to the ruins, and why the world was frozen. What happened that made her so on-edge? He was only a recruit, he wasn't ready for some sort of battle with a creature that could freeze time! Panic began to set in as he waited for what seemed like hours for the mare's response, even if it only took seconds for her to respond.

[Xelliea]

Chapter II - Dictum

Oh Nightfall, Nightfall, Nightfall. You really do put us in a hard spot. We want to help you, after all. The creature's tone was both sincere and playful at the same time. While it was very hard to read him, either of them, it looked like they were thinking a lot of things over in their heads. Then, in another odd vibration, a third Hyena split from the first one, all of them grinning at Night. We like you. You've got a sense of duty, a sense of honour, and, above all, a sense of family, even for those who aren't in yours. To us, that's the most important thing. So, allow us to talk for a moment. Let us think all this over. The three formed a circle, whispering to each other. Their speech seemed to be masked with magic, and no matter how Night might have tried to hear them, she never would make out more than a few words.

Well, I know that... No, I mean... We can still... If she... Okay, okay... After that, there was nothing for a while. It was unclear if it was that a few words came through the mask, or if the creatures wanted the words to be heard. Though their words were masked, their expressions weren't. They quickly darted from thoughtful, to scathing, to understanding, to grins. Whatever they were speaking about, they all seemed very interested in it. The creatures themselves where quite odd. Was it that they were all the same creature, appearing in three places? Were they different entities? Were they a single creature with three personalities that each thought on their own? It wasn't clear. Then again, it wasn't clear what they were in the first place. Even if they were Hyenas... Hyenas couldn't freeze time.


Okay, we've come to an conclusion. The three turned all at once to face Night, all looking rather smug with whatever they had come up with. Way we see it: we want Yiirace beaten, you want her beaten. We're on the same side. I mean, if one of your recruits was in a battle, you wouldn't charge them two bits for a spear to fight with, would you? They spoke in a very matter-of-fact manner, seeming quite sincere. So, we're going to give you the power. No cost. I know, I know, it seems odd we've just changed our mind, but you can trust us. Call it all part of a family feud.


Before we give you the power, best we tell you a bit about it. For the weak willed, the power can be a little overwhelming, it can turn you into something horrible. However, you should be fine. This wasn't exactly true. The corruption of their power drilled into the mind of anypony. It hid in the back of their mind, telling them they could do anything, slowly dissolving morals and cares. But, that didn't have to be mentioned. You'll have the hypnotic gaze, although it won't work on bird brain herself, it can counter her gaze. You'll be able to teleport, enfeeble through touch, fly through the air with no effort. And, our own personal touch: you can freeze ponies for a few moments if you touch them with your wings. You'll also have enhanced strength, intelligence and motor skills. Not to ridiculous levels, but noticeable. The stronger powers will slightly sap your vitality, but you'll recover after their use. At that, they stood silent, almost looking into Night to see what she was thinking, waiting for a response to their offer.

_____________________________________________

Yiirace began swooping through the skies with Cliff, panic growing. As she flew, an idea came to her mind. She still felt bad for forcing these recruits to help her, but she had to be sure they'd help before she could release them. If they were involved with all this, then finding the feather was the best thing to do now, for everypony. There was one thing she could do, however, that might help ease her conscious. She could, thought touch, contact others telepathically, for a while. She could, perhaps, talk to the deep mind of the two ponies, the mind that was still free. She didn't want to waste time, but, then again, time wasn't moving at the moment. Please, friends, stand with me a moment. She swooped down, landing on a soft grass patch. Once the two ponies had come to her side, she sighed, then pressed a hoof against each recruit.

In her own mind, Yiirace could feel herself connect. It was like a sensation of one's brain being dunked in cotton wool. I think... you can hear me. Listen, because I need to ask you something. She was slightly worried. She was hoping this would ease her mind, and make stop the distraction of guilt. However, what if they begged for freedom. It would make it worse than ever. Very soon, one of your friends is about to become something dark. It's all my fault, I know, but listen, please. They'll become worse than I could ever be, and a threat to us all, including themselves. Unless we find what I'm searching for, things will get really bad. What I want to ask is: If I free you, will you continue to help me, knowing it's for your friends?

[ForgottenExistance]

Nightfall watched the three creatures with skepticism, keeping her guard up. She was alone, and essentially facing three hostiles with the use of powerful magic. That, in itself, was a situation that spelled death. So, while she knew that if they attacked her she would be done for, she also knew that they wouldn't be spending so much time talking to her if they simply planned on killing her. But she never averted her gaze from the three, and refrained from blinking as much as she could. It might not have been the most desirable situation for her, but as long as she could keep them in her sights, then she'd at least have that small comfort.

It was strange to see the three creatures speaking among themselves, since it was like watching somepony have an argument with them-self. It just wasn't a natural thing to witness, and she couldn't help but feel more than a little creeped out at the situation. While they spoke though, she went over the situation in her mind, recalling every little detail of the events leading up to the precarious situation that she found herself in. She reminded herself of every moment, from the arrival of Effervescence to the point where the mare left with her recruits. It was the recruits that she was fighting for, and she wasn't going to let them down. They trusted her, and they had paid the price. It wasn't going to be stood for, and she would do everything she could to get them back. Even if it meant dealing with these monstrosities of magic in front of her, it was all for the benefit of her Guard.

Nightfall didn't trust the deal that they were presenting her with. It seemed far too good to be true, and it seemed like it would cause more damage than it would solve. But her recruits were her duty, and she wasn't one to fail her duty. So she listened, and she watched the beings of magic as they spoke of their deal. And as she listened in silence, she didn't think of what she would do to Yiirace when she got her hooves on her. Instead, she remembered her duty and what she owed the recruits. She thought about everything she would do for Luna's honor and safety, and if it involved dealing with these creatures, then she would endure it. Trusting these creatures was like trusting a house built upon the sand; there was no reason to logically put your trust in it. So, while they may be useful in getting her recruits back, she wouldn't owe them anything, or associate herself with them when this matter was done.

Nightfall considered everything they said, and listened in silence until they were finished. They spoke of overwhelming power for the weak willed, and they spoke of the skills she would possess. Of course, the first thing that she thought of when they spoke of such corruption was her mother's ever-present lessons, and what she would say. You owe your life to the Mistress of the Night, your duty is to her and her alone. You've taken on ten ponies at once and lived to tell the tale. You've led campaigns, defended your home, and earned your position. But all of that pales in comparison to what you face. Your skills, your luck, your wit and your faith would be enough to take on this creature, were it a being with no magic. Take their offer...and remember to whom you owe all your feats and abilities to. Allow Her to guide your path.

Nightfall had no trouble imagining the dogmatic words her mother would have suggested in such a situation, and she had to admit, it was correct. With the magic that Yiirace possessed, she'd be nearly helpless. Even though she now knew how the mare operated now, she still had no defenses against the magic. Taking a faithful breath, she straightened her posture and nodded once to the blasted creatures, "Very well. I will accept your offer, for however long it takes to return my soldiers," she stated, looking from one to the other with a slow gaze. The Captain had little choice in that situation. She could face the mare once again, and likely be paralized in the same way as before. Or she could use the power, and face her on even grounds.

Cliff Diver had been fine with silently swooping across the skies, searching for the ruins with as much speed as she could muster. However, when the mare spoke, she quickly dove to the clearing, and landed heavily in front of her, standing at attention while she waited for Ship Shape to return. He wasn't quite as fast as they were, but he could cover the terrain swift enough to catch up with them. A few moments passed before he ran into the clearing and skidded to a halt in front of the mare and his comrade, where he quickly stood at attention alongside the other Guard. They didn't say anything, instead waiting for whatever commands the mare might have for them. They were surprised to find that she pressed her hooves to their heads however, and blinked each a few times in surprise.

Cliff Diver was silent for a few moments while she considered with as much concentration as she could manage through the haze of the touch. It was a strange feeling, to not be sure which thoughts were her own and which were being placed there by the mare in front of her. But, she knew that if the mare wasn't the worst threat out there, then that meant that things would get much worse, especially if the pony who was going to become something dark was trained and experienced. Of course, she didn't have much choice in the matter, because she felt that if she were to argue the situation, she'd just have her brain pulled around again. She managed a dazed response of, "For my friends? Aye..."

Ship Shape was far more skeptic however, and couldn't think of any way that the situation could turn out positively. Instead, he stayed silent and let it play out as it would. He didn't want to have anything to do with the mare to begin with, and would much rather be somewhere else. Anywhere else, for that matter. Being in the desert wastelands would be a better place then having to be within even a mile of the blasted mare! If he could move of his own accord, he would most certainly run the other way, as far as his own legs would carry him.