Zig Zag Love

The sun baked the yellowed grass of the plains. The grass is trampled underhoof of a marching army. At first they appeared like regular ponies however their coats were touched by bands of light and darkness. The striped Zebras assembling pieces together by ropes and pulleys finished erecting the last of their war machines.

They were lead one of their own donned in golden armor that glistened in the sun. She turned toward her army. “Those walls are not to repel us but to trap our brothers and sisters therein! Tear down the symbol of people's oppression! Liberation!”

With a wave of her hoof, the arms of a hundred catapults swung into action.

A city is under siege. Griffin troops ran along the walls. Black spheres pelted at the walls. As the orbs sunk into the earthen works they exploded blasting apart the walls and the Griffins that attended them. Shrill shrieks and caws could be heard as the hybrid birds died. The Griffins that survived the barrage retaliated with meager cannonade and crossbow fire. At the highest keep of the city palace fortress the desperate situation is surveyed.

“Commander Ironbeak, the city is lost we must evacuate before we are overrun!” cried a tan feathered female Griffin officer.

A brown feathered Griffin with a dark head and silver cape spoke. “No! It will not be known that it was here, and under my command that the Griffin Kingdoms' advance was thwarted. I will not lose to savages!”

Above soaring  through the skies were two great metal ships. Emblazon on each of their hulls was the sigil of the Griffin Kingdoms, a golden hawk wreathed in a dark circle of feathers. One of the airships docks upon the top tower of the city’s battlements. The second ship circled covering the first. A white headed and brown feathered Griffin with a flowing red cape walked down the boarding ramp.

Ironbeak exhaled in relief. “Thank Odin, you've arrived. Prince Reagle the savages encroach! Have you brought only two War Wings?”

“Cousin Ironbeak, why have the Zebras have come so far? You were supposed to hold them outside the city not hide behind the city walls.” Reagle looked downwards at his cousin.

Ironbeak shuffled touching his claws nervously. “Prince Reagle, we were up against Zebra Zerkers. They feel no pain in combat.”

Reagle looked through a spyglass provided for by an attendant. He saw the Zebra war works and catapults. He noticed the line of infantry had red banners but were not assembled in formation. Reagle looked to see that a group of Zebras scattered from a single stray cannon shot.

“Cousin, you've been had.” Reagle chuckled. “These aren't the Infamous Zebra Zerkers. Their battle lines aren't organized. Nor do real Zerkers scatter from cannon fire.”

Ironbeak scratched his beak in embarrassment.

“Come cousin, we have a battle to win!” said Reagle jubilantly.

Zebras galloped away as bombs exploded in front of them. The shadow of the two griffin War Wings darkened the ground. Smaller war balloons followed after. Zebras engineers tried to take apart their most forward catapults however abandoned the effort when the shadows of the War Wings were cast upon them. The wooden catapults were blown apart in splinters.

A Zebra mare in golden armor shouted motioning with her hooves. “Withdraw, we live to fight another day!” She spat angrily as she stared upwards at the sky and the airship. “We almost had them…”

Overhead aboard the bridge of Reagle's War Wing, the scattering Zebra troops are observed as tiny dots on the land.

“Haha cowards they're running. We've won!” chirped Ironbeak.

Reagle was far more reserved. “They use hit and run tactics. They've done their damage. Their Commander is smart.” Reagle pointed to some Zebras disassembling a catapult. The Zebras carried between the large wooden parts. “You see their siege weapons are portable.”

Ironbeak sneered. “So we just let them go?!”

“No, not this day.” smiled Reagle.

As the Zebras retreated towards the horizon, clouds dispersed from which four more War Wings emerged. The Zebra infantry stopped as they gaped at their change in fortune. The War Wings spread out and formed a wall of fire as they bombed the sand and soil.

A Zebra lieutenant with an eyepatch trotted to his Commander. “We're surrounded. We cannot escape. What shall we do?”

Another Zebra warrior spoke up. “We fight to death like the brave Zulu Zakar!”

“We are with you, Commander!” cried shouts in the ranks.

“Liberation or death!” shouted a voice.

“Give the order!” screamed another.

The Commander in golden armor, her voice quivering she spoke to her expectant soldiers. “I cannot ask you to or bear to see more of people die. My orders stand! The enemy has us, this will not be a fight but a slaughter if we resist them now. Live to fight another day. We will surrender.”

“How is this possible?” asked Ironbeak.

“Lazy, you've come to rely too much on our unnatural advantages and have forgotten we can manipulate the clouds. It's in the classic war manuals.” said Reagle proudly.

“I thought you only had two War wings personal command. Where did you muster the others?” asked Ironbeak.

“Oh those belong to my father.” said Reagle proudly.

“King Hawkmor is here!?” cried Ironbeak aghast.

Two War Wings dock, stepping across the boarding bridge was a large Griffin of extreme height. As he entered the other War Wing, Prince Reagle and Ironbeak bowed.

“Reagle!” said the large Griffin hugging heartily his smaller son. His claws were massive.

“Father!” chirped Reagle warmly as he squirmed under the choking hug.

King Hawkmor released Reagle. “A splendid victory son, using clouds to hide our ship! I almost wanted to be on the ground see the look on those Zerkers' faces.” exclaimed.

“Cousin Ironbeak was mistaken, those weren't the famous Zerkers that defeated Lord Helmsford.” said Reagle modestly.

“Don't be so humble son. We've captured so many of them without so much as a feather ruffled! We must party to celebrate!” chuckled King Hawkmor. King Hawkmor then turned to Ironbeak with a grimace. “You however will not be joining the celebrations. Letting the enemy come so close, and set up siege no less!” Hawkmor poked a claw at Ironbeak's head.

Ironbeak bowed. “Forgive me, my liege.”

“It wasn't all his fault, he thought he was up against Zerkers.” said Reagle in defense of his cousin.

Hawkmor relented. “Alright then, Ironbeak you will permitted to join the festivities-”

Ironbeak looked upwards.

“-as a drinks server! Hohohohoho!” Hawkmor laughed.

The herd of Zebras were surrounded by Griffin soldiers with crossbows. A War Wing above them had bomb bay doors as insurance.

“Drop your weapons! Surrender without resistance or be destroyed!” shouted a Griffin officer with tan feather colors.

The Zebra infantry dropped their spears to the ground, even those spears with white flags tied to them.

“Now, bring forth the Commander of your rabble!” shouted the Griffin officer directing with her crossbow.

The Zebra Commander was about to stand up before she was pushed down and hidden by a squad of her own soldiers.

“Please Commander you mustn't reveal yourself. Give me your armor. You must live.” said the zebra with the eyepatch.

“Assegai? They'll execute you.” the Commander recoiled at the request.

“We have contacts and converts in the city, but they'll be of no help if you are identified.” said Assegai.

“Do you all accept me abandoning you?” said the Commander her voice in a pain toned.

The Zebras that shielded her nodded.

“We shall for now accept our slavery and Griffin claw with docile décor, so that the day you return we might rise in rebellion.” spoke one Zebra smiling.

“I understand, our original mission is of greater importance.” said the Commander.

“Hurry Commander.”  said Assegai offering the Commander a common infantry helm.

The Zebra mare slipped off her golden armor.

The Griffin officer tapped her crossbow impatiently. “If the Commander does not step forward, we will execute you all.”

Assegai stepped forward in the golden armor.

“I am the Commander.” said Assegai.

“Good.” Griffin officer smirked. “Kill him!”

“I die free!” cried Assegai as crossbow bolts buffeted him.

“Assegai!” cried the Zebra mare. She was pulled by her own soldiers as tears streamed from her eyes.

In the palace grounds of the city Griffin dignitaries and nobles chatted as they engorged themselves on appetizers. Zebra servants walked the halls catering to the event. Reagle opened a side window on the grand hall. He looked about and sighed when it seemed safe. Stepping in, his entrance into the banquet hall was not unnoticed.

“There he is, Reagle, The Whirlwind Prince!” the shrill cries of a dozen female Griffins greeted the young prince with their wings popped out. Reagle was instantly swarmed by the bundles of feathers.

“Prince Reagle, tell us of your conquest of those savages?!” chirped a white feather female Griffin.

“Was the battle bloody?!” asked a tan Griffin with dark head feathers.

“Can I touch your wings?!” cried another grey Griffin female.

“Please ladies!” said Reagle backing away slowly.

A single Griffin shoved all others aside with a sweep of her wings. “Back away! He's mine!” like Reagle the female griffin was an idealized version her race with a white head and brown feathered body.

“Gilda!” Reagle cried as he was tugged away by her strong claws.

Reagle was lead by Gilda to a drinks fountain. Gilda coughed gesturing with her eyes to some glasses. Reagle nodded and took a bottle pouring drinks for the both of them.

“So I heard what you did up there, not bad.” said Gilda.

“Yeah, Gilda. It was nothing.” said Reagle rubbing his head in embarrassment.

“You should be at the helm. You'd end this war in ten second flat.” smirked Gilda.

“Hey, dad's not bad.” said Reagle.

“Be more ambitious.” said Gilda.

Reagle brow raised upwards. “Are suggesting that I-”

“Hey no one's suggesting anything. I'm just saying I'd like to be Queen before my feathers start falling out.” said Gilda.

“I'm not doing that.” said Reagle sternly.

Gilda noticed Reagle's rigid stance. “Hey lighten up. I was joking. That's why I like you Mr. loyal and Cool.” said Gilda.

Reagle relaxed a bit. “Dad's going to cover the war front for a while…Gilda, I was wondering whether we could spend some time together.”

“I'm going overseas to visit an old friend from my exchange student days.” said Gilda folding her claws.

“I thought we could hang out.” said Reagle softly.

“We will, dude. We got the rest of our lives for that.” sighed Gilda with a minor twinge of exasperation.

“I guess I'll be seeing you then.” said Reagle touching his claws nervously.

Gilda pulled Reagle close by the neck scruff feathers. “Don't dare cheat on me or I'll clip your wings!” said Gilda poking Reagle in the chest with her claws. Gilda pecked Reagle with a forceful kiss before shoving him backwards. Gilda stormed off with a satisfied smile.

“I wouldn't dream of it!” smiled Reagle.

Reagle walked about the party grounds trying to hide behind food and ice sculptures. He looked to where his father was. King Hawkmor was surrounded by dignitaries that feigned laughter at the King's antics and jokes. Zebra servers walked about with drink trays. Reagle frowned when he saw the chains on the Zebras' legs. Hiding out behind an ice sculpture of his father he noticed a drinks tray dangling in front of him. Reagle grabbed a drink from a tray then noticed that his server was a Griffin.

“Cousin!” chirped Reagle.

“Reagle!” Ironbeak jumped up spilling the drinks tray on himself.

The clattering tray and shattering glass attracted everyone's attention. Nobles were giggling behind cuffed claws. Ironbeak sat in shame.

Ironbeak spoke. “You bird brain! I didn't want to be noticed!” Ironbeak's feathers were soaked. The center of ridicule, Ironbeak hid his face behind his claws.

The laughing stopped when Reagle grabbed a drinks tray from a Zebra servant. He took the glasses one by one and splashed them on himself. The room became silent.

“Refreshing!” shouted Reagle proudly.

A female Griffin noble spilled her own drink on her person followed by several others.

“Sorry, cousin. Father's sense of humor can go overboard sometimes. Here let me help you.” said Reagle offering claw and helping Ironbeak up.

Ironbeak scratched his beak and blinked his eyes in astonishment.

“Come let's get cleaned up.” said Reagle.

Outside in the garden, a Zebra servant sprayed Reagle and Ironbeak with a hose. The water washed away the drinks from their bodies. Reagle laughed as he was sprayed.

Ironbeak spoke. “Reagle why'd you do that?”

“They'd like to laugh at you but they wouldn't dare laugh at me.” Reagle smiled.

“No I mean… why?” asked Ironbeak.

“Hey we're all one nest here. You're family, cousin.” said Reagle tapping Ironbeak's side with his claw.

“Thank you, Reagle.” said Ironbeak unable to look Reagle in the eyes.

Walking away from the party, Reagle flew about in order to further dry his body. His wings were waterproof but not so much the rest of his Griffin body. He yawned as he landed on one of the palace balconies. Walking to his room, he found a Zebra servant waiting for him.

“Hey, I didn't order room service.” said Reagle.

“Prince Reagle, a gift from Ironbeak, his compliments for the defense of the city.” the Zebra servant opened the door.

Reagle stepped in. Sitting on the bed on Reagle's room was a Zebra mare. Wrapped around her chest was a big bow like a present. Reagle blushed however he looked sadly at the manacles on her forelegs.

The Zebra servant tossed Reagle a key. “Enjoy.” smirked the Zebra servant walking off.

Reagle stood in the moonlit room staring at the Zebra half bathed in shadow and her own stripes.

Reagle rubbed his forehead. “Very tasteful cousin.”

“I'm all yours, My Prince.” said the Zebra mare turning and allowing Reagle to see her back.

“No thank you.” said Reagle.

“What?” said the Zebra mare. She tried once more in more seductive tone. “I hear you like conquering Zebra lands. How about conquering me?” She batted her eyes.

Reagle's wings stood up but he walked backwards. “Umm, no.”

“Do you prefer males?” The Zebra mare flicked her tail in slight frustration.

Reagle gulped then composed himself by adjusting his cape collar. “No it's not that.”

The Zebra mare mumbled to herself. “The reports said he positively lecherous.” The Zebra redoubled her efforts. She flicked her tail and spoke demurely. “I live to serve, anything you desire.”

Reagle scratched his head feathers. Walking close he noticed puffy under eye bags of the Zebra mare. There was a tiny glint on her cheeks of recent moisture. “Have you been crying?” said Reagle tenderly.

The Zebra mare recoiled at Reagle's observation. “I…” said the Zebra mare gasping.

“Did they hurt you and force you to do this?! You can tell me.” said Reagle sternly.

The Zebra turned her body towards Reagle. “Don't you Griffins wish to make slaves of us all? Is that not why you advance your forces into our land?”

“I don't believe in the institution of slavery. It's not right.”  said Reagle angrily gripping his claws. “I'm sorry for what they have done to you. I'll see justice done to them.” said Reagle bowing. Reagle grabbed the key in his claws. “Look I'm going to set you free. Please hold still.” kindly Reagle approaching the Zebra mare.

As he got closer too late did he notice her shackles were never locked.

She drew a knife hidden by the bowtie and pounced. Reagle assumed a battle stance and grabbed her forelegs by his claws. She smiled with the dagger in her mouth. Muscles rippled behind the Zebra's coat, she forced Reagle unto the ground.

“You're strong!” remarked Reagle with the knife nearly to his throat.

“You're weak.” grinned the Zebra mare.

“Is that so?!” Reagle propped his wings on the floor and with that pushed the Zebra off of him.

Reagle smirked drawing a dagger hidden in a holster that was underneath his wings. “So the Zebra Tribal Confederation sends an assassin, which tribe?” asked Reagle.

“I owe you no answer.” said the Zebra lunging.

Reagle readied himself however the Zebra slammed him against the wall. His free claw as pinned by a powerful hoof.  Reagle looked to see his bodkin embed into the Zebra mare's leg. “You sacrifice a limb to take my life?” said Reagle choking with the Zebra's dagger held to his throat.

“Don't struggle.” said the Zebra.

“You underestimate pain!” Reagle made a twisting motion with his dagger.

The Zebra snorted unimpressed. “You underestimate me. Is that all?” said the Zebra staring Reagle down.

“You don't feel any pain! A Zerker?!” Reagle gasped. His opponent had him.

The zebra mare drew another object hidden by the bow strapped to her chest. It was a syringe. The needle was plunged into Reagle's neck. He felt woozy and the room began spinning as he was released onto the ground.

“Zaza, are you done yet? The guards will not be drugged out for long.” said a voice.

“It is done.” said the Zebra mare.