True Black

Chapters

Chapter 2 The Summoning
Chapter 3 Harsh World
Chapter 5 Fight or Flight
Chapter 7 During The Night
Chapter 8 Can You Die Twice?
Chapter 9 Escape From North Bay
Chapter 10 New Days
Chapter 11 Surprise In The Wood
Chapter 12 Questions in North Bay
Chapter 13 I Love You! It's Just...
Chapter 14 Why Can't They Just Leave us Alone
Chapter 15 Thank You
Chapter 16 Getting to Know Raven
Chapter 17 Not Without My Pup
Chapter 18 Welcome to Everfree
Chapter 19 Darkness in North Bay
Chapter 20 Family Meeting
Chapter 21 The Officers Club
Chapter 22 Bright Sky
Chapter 23 Sanctuary…
Chapter 25 Sanctuary Days?
Chapter 26 Past and Present
Chapter 27 Trouble on the Horizon
Chapter 28 Sanctuaries End
Chapter 29 The Way Home Is Long
Chapter 30 The Beginning of Vengeance
Chapter 31 Vengeance and Complications
Chapter 32 Consequences
Chapter 33 Anger Issues
Chapter 34 A Good Morning?
Chapter 35 Growing Conflicts
Chapter 36 Movements in the Shadow
Chapter 1 Preparations
Chapter 4 A Nice Day?
Chapter 6 In to The Garden of Shadows
Chapter 24 Sanctuary Days

Chapter 2 The Summoning

True Black

Chapter 2

The Summoning

26th of March.

He was moving through the ethereal fields, existing in a world of light. Even while running through the deepest forest with the thickest canopy, there were no shadows. Everything exuded light, and warmth. He had existed here for an eternity, never knowing anything else. This was his reality, his world. When he reached the den he was greeted by his sister. They did not call out to each other since they did not have lungs, and air did not exist to breathe. They were being´s of energy and light and communicate with thought alone.

“Everything is well brother?” The female spirit Wolf asked.

“Everything is well sister.” The male spirit Wolf answered. Then his gaze became warm and loving, out of the den behind his sister tumbled the pride and joy of all spirit Wolves. The eternal pups. Across the ethereal planes they were hailed as some of the most pure and innocent spirits in existence. Nothing brought more joy to the spirit Wolves then watching them tumble around in there endless antics. They had no other purpose than to spread love and joy through their play and merriment. The two spirit Wolf siblings had been their guardians for as long as they can remember. And it filled both of them with pride to be entrusted with such responsibility. From across the plain they could now feel their pack returning from their energy hunt. Then he noticed the disturbance. He looked up at the hill not too far off. A pillar of pure darkness had appeared. It felt alien, wrong and evil. He lowered his head defensively as the feeling of wrongness intensified. Immediately the siblings started to gather the eternal pups. As the last one was ushered into the den his sister looked up at him.

“One is missing.” She stated. He immediately set off, knowing exactly where it would be found. To the pure and innocent puppies the alien feelings emanating from the black pillar could not be comprehended. For them, it would seem interesting and fun, and something more or less impossible not to investigate. He was running across the fields now, faster than he had ever moved before.

****

The crowd had gathered around the summoning site. All of the fifty soldiers in camp were there, except for those unlucky enough to have duty this night. Lightning Strike and the Praetorian smith were standing next to Black Star closest to the circle. A little bit behind them stood a plane wooden table. On it lay Black Star´s notes, calculations and checklists. The Praetorian mare also had the mythril scales, her tools and a variety of collars and harnesses. There was quite an exciting buzz going through the crowd as the pillar of light shot towards the sky. Mist had formed along the ground in quite a large radius around the summoning site, and in the mist you could see faint movement. Spirits, Black Star realized with excitement. But as the minutes passed by the excitement started to die down. None of the spirits would approach the summoning site. They would look at it and jump away. They saw stags, lions, a great eagle and beings they had no idea as to what they were. But none would approach the circle. Black Star was getting frustrated.

“Well I wouldn't go near that thing either, not with those chains looking like that! Getting caught by them would most likely be quite painful!” Black Star heard the booming voice of Bender say. He was standing beside the Praetorian now, and had obviously answered a question. She looked back to the summoning site and noted the purple glowing chains that were now wriggling forth from the center of the circle. They did look nasty she considered. And she had designed everything to be as efficient as possible in the summoning. Nothing would be able to wriggle free from those she thought proudly. Just then, something small stumbled past her hooves. She couldn't see what was moving through the fog. It was a small spirit but it was acting strangely. Jumping around, spinning around in a circle chasing its tail. She could clearly hear a couple of laughs from the crowd as it continued to play. Then the chains seem to notice it, slowly they wriggle towards it, rising up like snakes ready to strike. And all of a sudden everyone around the site was dead silent. Finally the little spirit seemed to notice the approaching chains. But instead of fleeing, it just sat there watching them curiously. She heard a gasp beside her.

“That's a Child! That's a Wolf Cub!” Bender´s voice boomed out. Lightning grabbed Black Star head and yanked it towards her.

“Stop the summoning!” She ordered sharply. Black Star looked at the cub, to the chains and back at Lightning. She was right, a cub would probably not be able to tell them much about the world it came from. That would be a terrible waste of effort and money.

“I can’t… I never figured I would want to stop the summoning.” She said quite calmly. Lightning looked curiously at Black Star. She had not expected her to sounds so… Cold and detached from the situation this little spirit was in.

Just then a chain struck out and several cries were heard throughout the crowd. Something flew past Black Star, moving so fast that the mist was blasted out of the way as it shot forward. The chain was knocked back violently. A great Wolf was now standing protectively over the pup. It picked the cub up with its mouth, and turned to flee. But a second chain had already lashed out wrapping tightly around its torso, pulling it backwards. Three more chains shot out towards the Spirit Wolf. Two wrapping around its hind legs, while the last one went for the pup. The Spirit Wolf defiantly batted the chain away with its right paw, only to have it ensnared in the chain. With a great heave of its neck it threw the spirit pup out of the reach of the snake like things. Before the pup landed, another Spirit Wolf deftly caught it in the scruff of the neck. Black Star looked on excitedly as a realization came to her.

“They live in families.” Black Star said and scribble down this new fact. Just then more puppies spilled into the mist and were heading towards the trapped Spirit Wolf. The newly arrived Wolf frantically tries to stop them. Not until the trapped Wolf shook its head violently did the puppy´s stop, they were obviously communicating. Then they all started to backup, as he was once again being dragged towards the circle. He was struggling so hard his whole body was shaking, the Spirit Wolf even left visible claw marks in the physical world while it was being dragged backwards.

Then more Spirit Wolves started to form in the mist around the summoning site. Some tried to get close to him but were driven back when the chains lashed out after them. As his back legs were finally brought inside the summoning circle the Wolf convulsed and raised its head to the sky. All the spirit´s jump back, and even in the physical world everyone cringed. The hearts of the onlookers skipped a beat as they ethereal cry of anguish and pain ripped through their souls. Angry and terrified voices were now starting to ring out demanding that Black Star stopped the ritual. She could not fathom why though. Don't they understand how much knowledge and insights the specimen could possibly bring to all of pony kind, it was unfortunate that it was in pain. But there was always a price to pay in the pursuit of knowledge.

More chains were lashed around it, forcing it downwards towards the ground. All the crystals were now glowing angrily. Flames leapt out from the edge of the summoning circle. And the runes had turned from eerie blue to blood red. In the middle of the spirit you could now see that bone was starting to form. The Wolf once again started thrashing wildly. It shook frantically as more and more of the skeletal structure was completed. Then tissue started to form on the bones. Muscles, sinew and entrails were starting to form without the protection of a skin. The chains were now being colored red where ever they rubbed against the thrashing form of the Wolf, it must be in absolute agony. But the biggest shock for the onlookers didn't come until the throat and lungs were connected.

From the Spirit came forth a scream that was not meant for mortal ears. Almost all onlookers fled at this point, a few managed to looked away whilst staying put, and the truly unlucky ones couldn't tear their eyes from the poor creature. Black Star was the only one who willingly looks at the Spirit Wolf while she scribbled down observations. Also she noted as the physical form became more complete, it differed from the Wolf´s already in their world. Lightning, the Praetorian smith and Bender were amongst the few still remaining at the summoning sight. All the onlookers were very pale and had shifting expressions of horror on their faces. Only Black Star and the Praetorian seemed to be able to stomach the site before them. The chains once again tried to force the Wolf low on the ground. But it would not lie down, it would not surrender. It was then Black Star felt a presence at her side. Both she and Lightning looked to their left as an enormous Wolf walked past them. When it came within reach of the chains the lash out and wrapped around its right front leg. With a mighty heave the Wolf pull back on the chains and they snapped.

“Alpha… I'm too far gone… you cannot save me… please… the pups… get them out of here! Don't let the eternal pups be tainted by this profanity!” It roared out in anguish and pain. The Alpha turned its head towards the rest of the Wolves, they immediately picked up the pups and disappeared. Black Star was looking proudly at her own brilliance. She had designed the circle to not only give the spirit a physical form. But also imbue it with the language of the Celestial Empire. It probably didn't know that as it talks to its Alpha it would also be heard in the physical world. Everyone still at the summons looked at the bound and more or less complete, but skinless Wolf. It looked up at the Alpha, he was clearly distraught.

“Now… go… leave me… I am there Guardian… if this is my fate… then so be it…” The chained Wolf croaked out. The Alpha Wolf turned its head as it looked at its brother desperately.

“I am happy… it was me… and not the pups… that ended up here…” The spirit said as it was once again yanked towards the ground evoking howls of pain. They Alpha nodded and said something to the bound Wolf in front of it.

“I… would live through this… for eternity… as long… as the eternal pups were safe!” It growled in defiance. The Alpha stood up and looking on its brother proudly.

“You… you would do that… for me?” The Wolf said as skin was finally starting to form. The Alpha shot its head towards the skies in what must be a howl. Immediately Black Star´s eyes started running. The ethereal howl ripping through her soul, filling her with such feelings of loss and sorrow, it almost made her crumble to the ground. Around her she saw many ponies do just that. She noted that everyone was crying around her. Even down in the camp tears were gushing forth from every pony as the howl continued. When the Alpha stopped it looked down benevolently, at the now physical Wolf before it. Whatever the effect of the howl had been on the ponies, it had definitely strengthened the trapped Wolf. It was now standing upright again, and one of the restraining chains had even snapped.

“Thank you my Alpha…” The obsidian black Wolf said. At this the Alpha Wolf bowed its head in front of its lost brother. It stood up and turned its head towards Black Star. No, not towards. It was looking her straight in the eyes. The yellow light emitting from its eyes was piercing the death within her. And for a brief second the yellow eyes turned red, and then she heard a voice in her head.

“You will forever be despised in the realm of light mortal.” it stated. Then it turned and disappeared. Black Star looked after it in disbelief. How could it possibly have talked to her? There wasn't just the language barrier she realized. To connect with her mind it would also have to break through the barrier separating the realms. Even if it was severely weakened right now inside the summoning circle. Outside the Alpha spirit Wolf would have to make the breach by itself. Black star´s eyes shone, she would have to do more research on this topic. She heard a thump and turned towards the now physical Wolf in the summoning circle. It had finally given out, lying down on the ground and breathing heavily. The Wolf had only fought as long as its brothers and sisters were present. He didn't want the last thing they saw of him, be his defeat. Its newly formed eyes opened for the first time. It looked around itself, while growling in hatred at everything it saw. Black Star turned towards the Praetorian, to her surprise tears was still flowing from the Praetorian´s eyes. She wiped her own eyes out of reflex and then spoke up.

“I think we'll go with a collar.” Black Star said calmly. The Praetorian mare's sharp blue eyes met her milky white with a stare bordering on loathing. She took an involuntary step back, and looked to Lightning for support. But Lightning eyes looked upon her with a mixture of disbelief and sadness.

“What…” She wondered.

“Send him back…” Lightning said. Black Star mouth just hanging open, she looked between the two in utter shock at what they were saying. Didn't they understand what possibilities lay before them and all pony kind?

“I still can't… The summoning circle won't let the spirit go until it feels that it's been anchored by the collar.” She said.

“Can't you just let the magical run out?” Bender asked from behind the Praetorian.

“No… It is now drawing energy from the spirit itself. Leaving it in there will destroy it sooner rather than later.” She answered. Bender looked away.

“That might be preferable for it.” He said sadly. Black Star was now shaking her head at the three around her.

“No! Definitely not. Then all this would have been for nothing. It's very sad that it's been through such an ordeal. But to let this chance slip through our hooves would be an even greater crime against it!” She said with determination in her voice. The other was still looking doubtfully at her. She turned towards the Praetorian smith.

“You have your orders. I need that collar.” She stated. The Praetorian sneered and walk away to carry out her duty. As she looked back to Lightning her chest actually hurt a little. Lightning was looking so disappointedly at her. And Black Star couldn't understand why, her experiment had been a resounding success. Sure it had been a little gruesome at times. But what they stood to learn from this could hardly be measured. But now she felt unsure about the price of this knowledge for the first time in her life, as she watched Lightning walk away from her.

“I still think you should let it die…” Bender said then turned around to leave before she could answer. Black Star looked towards the Praetorian smith, she had started assembling the collar, but was obviously not in a good mood. She sighed and walked up to the summoning circle to see what it was they had truly caught. She slowly walked around it. Now that she was observing it in its complete form, she could see that it definitely was not a Wolf from the pack. And most likely not one of the species living anywhere. The spirits paws were much bigger, and the claws on them were truly wicked. Also it looks like the spirit would be able to manipulate them quite well. Not like a Griffin claw, but better than a normal Wolf. At least the front pair, the back pair was much more in line with the common Wolf, aside from being bigger. The body was also larger, especially across the chest. Even with the added difficulty of gauge its height when lying down, she was pretty certain the spirit would be taller than a normal Wolf as well. The coat was truly black, she couldn't remember if she had ever seen something black shimmer like it did. The coat looked as if every single hair in it had been coated with a thin layer of oil. Once she completed the full circuit, she looked at the head. Following the proportions of the rest of the body this too was of course more massive. But the most stunning thing about it was the two keen bright yellow eyes looking back at her.

“I will…” The spirit croaked out before it fell unconscious. Black Star looked at it with apprehension. She was pretty sure about what it was about to say. With a rustle of metal against metal the now complete collar landed beside her in a heap. She turned her head towards the praetorian who was still glaring at her.

“What's your problem? I've only done what I was ordered to do, same as you!” Black Star asked with quite a bit of anger in her voice. The way every pony has been looking at her was making Black Star uncomfortable. The Praetorian narrowed her eyes.

“One who does not know what true pain is… Should not bestow it upon others. Whatever great achievement you would have us believe happened here, I am less for having been a part of it.” The Praetorian said coldly turned back towards the camp. Black Star looked after the mare in shock. Then she got angry again. How could she say that? She had no idea how many hours of painstaking work she had to go through to get to this point. And how old was she anyway. No more than twenty, tops.

“Like someone her age would know what true pain was.” Black Star thought and snorted angrily at the mare. She picked up the mythril collar and couldn't help but marvel at it. The scales interlocked, but still allowed free movement, truly it looked like she was holding a piece of silver colored Dragon hide in her hooves. The design was quite wide and would cover more or less all of the spirits neck. She levitated it into place on the spirit, as the two edges came together. They immediately merged with each other, forming a continuous loop with no start or finish.

“Now for the unpleasant part.” Black Star thought as she activated the three different enchantments in the collar one by one. First the enchantment was in the leather, this would bind the collar to the spirit. Immediately the spirit Wolf's eyes shot open. A pained scream emerged from the Wolf, as it started to thrash around in the chains grip. Once again the whole camp stopped dead as every pony cringed at the sounds coming from the hill. The enchantments in the leather burned away all fur beneath it and started to merge with the skin of the Wolf. It literally became a part of the spirit Wolf. After this she activated the first half of the scales, they would ensure that the spirit Wolf would perish if the collar was ever destroyed. The second half of the scales were the ones that actually anchored it in the physical plane. Once the collar had a firm hold on the Wolf, the summoning circle powered down and released it from the chains that disintegrated into the air. The spirit Wolf immediately struggled to find its footing. After much trouble, it stood wobbling on all fours.

“I must say I'm surprised, according to my calculations you should be out for a few days after the summoning.” Black Star said looking at some notes that were now floating beside her. At this the Wolf charged her. Her horn was surrounded by a dark aura, but she never had to cast a spell. The Wolf stumbled head over heels, to land at her hooves unconscious once again. Black Star looked down at him and smiled.

“Seems as though my calculations were correct after all…” She said sweetly to the Wolf. It did not stir, or even twitch an ear. Satisfied that he was out, she proceeded to cost a powerful mind spell on him. Her horn once again gained its black aura, her whole face contorted while she worked through the complicated spell. When it was released onto the Wolf, his face contorted into a painful grimmer before once again going slack. Black Star was breathing heavily now, it had been an extremely hard day, but she was ecstatic about the day's results. She had brought a new spirit into the world. Her name would forever more be mentioned together with Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever's, and even more satisfying, they would be mentioned as equals. She was grinning from ear to ear.

****

Thanks to Laughing Luna for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 3 Harsh World

True Black

Chapter 3

Harsh world

27th of March.

North Bay is a medium sized provincial town, more or less as far north in the Celestial Empire you could get along the coast and still claim to be within its borders. Only Stalliongrad which is situated inland, closer to the mountains, was a small margin further North and not by much. With North Bay being the largest town for miles around the coast, plus the fact that it has a well-protected harbor for larger ships. Meant that it functions as the main trade route, more or less all of the merchandise that ends up going further north to the Griffin kingdoms went through North Bay. Meaning there was good opportunity to be found in town. Even though it was a cold and harsh place to live, it had everything you needed and more.

Unfortunately, during the last two weeks the whole town had been rather subdued because there had been a sudden and tragic death amongst the town’s little fillies. Cherry Blossom had been on her way home when the accident occurred; she had taken a shortcut through a construction site after doing some errands for her mother that evening. One of the support beams must have broken and she was buried by the rubble; the ponies that found her at the scene said it had been quick and painless. Zig Zag however, thought that had just been something the grown-ups said to make themselves feel better. It hadn't worked for Cherry Blossom´s mother, Cherry Tree, though. She hung herself in the woods that same night. Zig Zag watched the empty bench across the street. That's where she had been sitting just two weeks ago, happy as can be while she showed Zig Zag her new Cutie Mark. The two of them had always been friends. One thing they had in common was that neither one of them knew who their fathers were. When they turned out to be the last two around their age not to have a Cutie Mark, their bond became even stronger as they stood back to back against the town bullies.

Zig Zag still blamed himself for not being with her when she had needed him. He had seen her that day around noon, but he was too busy with his work for them to play even though she asked him not to leave her alone and if she could tag along while he worked. But he still had much to do; she would have slowed him down more than he would have felt was worth it. Zig Zag was always helping his mother with delivering and finding merchandise for his mother's store, checking what the competition´s prices were, and also keeping an eye on the harbor to see if any new and exciting merchandise had arrived. He was always on the move, never still, which had made him a very fast and light-hooved colt. Zig Zag took a haggard breath and for the hundredth time that day, he looked down at the only picture of Cherry Blossom that existed as far as he knew. It had originally been a small painting, depicting her and her mother as they smiled out at the world. Cherry Blossom´s green eyes were so happy, complimented by her beaming smile. Her red coat was stunning; it went surprisingly well with her well-kept green mane and tail. Around her neck hung a small necklace designed to resemble a cherry blossom.

That small, beautiful painting had originally been hanging in the main common room of the inn her mother was running. When the time came to clean out their belongings, Zig Zag found the painting torn to pieces in the middle of the room. Once he found a fragment of the painting that almost fully depicted Cherry Blossom, he immediately snatched it up.

Everyone had always noted just how lucky Zig Zag was to have ended up with someone as cute as Cherry Blossom, especially since he was a little small for his age. His coat was light blue, while his short and messy mane and tail were a darker shade of blue. And just like Cherry Blossom, he too had the most stunning green eyes. It was just another of the many things that had always tied them together. She had even confessed to liking the black marking Zig Zag had on his rump. Cherry Blossom thought they looked a lot like the ones on Empress Nightmare Moon´s own flank. The only difference being hers was purple while his was black. He rolled up the picture carefully, and tied it back into its hiding place in his tail. Down the street he saw one of Iron Boot´s soldiers, as he liked to call his underlings. He was trying to get close to Zig Zag without drawing too much attention, though failing miserably.

Apparently two weeks was the allotted time one had to mourn the passing of a close friend before the town bullies saw you as fair game again. Now being the oldest blank flank in the city, they had not wasted any time pointing out the fact. He didn't care about that either, but then they hit the rawest nerve they could. First calling Cherry Tree something awful, and then insinuating that the same happened between him and Cherry Blossom.

He couldn't remember what happened next. Apparently Zig Zag had given a feral cry and launched at Iron Boot with murder in his eyes. Since Iron Boot was taken completely by surprise, he hadn't been able to get the smaller filly off of him. And it was also one of the few times he had ever seen Iron Boot without his gang around him. The next thing Zig Zag remembered was being dragged away from Iron Boot when some city guard arrived at the scene. Iron Boot would of course not let this go un-punished; the whole gang had been chasing him ever since. Iron Boot and his boys had a reputation to uphold after all. Zig Zag wasn't too worried about any of it. He was after all the fastest colt in North Bay. Not even the older colts or fillies could catch him, if he saw them coming. And the one closing in now he had seen coming a mile away. Wanting to impress Iron Boot he obviously thought he was going to bring Zig Zag in himself. Just as the bully reached for what he thought was an unaware victim. Zig Zag spun around, connecting a back hoofed kick cleanly with a side of the bully, using him as a springboard to take off down the street. The bully hadn't even tried to chase after him, he was still lying on the ground clinching his side while Zig Zag disappeared around a corner.

****

Black Star looked up from her paper work. She was almost done with the report to Chief Decurion Avarice, when the spirit stirred in the corner of her research tent. It was actually bigger than the command tent Decurion Lightning Strike stayed in. There were bookshelves along the walls, two work benches with different experiments bubbling away and of course the big steel cage in the corner. Black Star rose from behind her desk, and trotted up to the cage. The spirit rose up with his back to her, obviously not understanding where it was.

“Good morning.” She said in a pleasant tone. The next thing she knew the spirits teeth were clamped around the bars just in front of her face. She gave an involuntary screech and fell backwards. Glaring up at it, she snorted.

“Well if you're not going to be civil… Sit down!” She commanded. The spirit gasped, trying to fight the command, but it felt like shards of glass were being pushed around in his now physical head. After just a few seconds he sat down, with a breath of relief. He opened his yellow eyes, and through them shone everything he wanted to do with his tormentor. Black Star couldn't help but shiver; she stood up and approached the cage a little more carefully this time.

“Good… Now that we know that you do what I tell you to, let's have a little talk, shall we?” She said calmly. The spirit didn't answer, or give any indication that he wanted to talk with her.

“I'm trying to be nice here… What's your name?” She asked as sweetly as she could. The spirit didn't even react.

“Well this isn't working.” Black Star thought.

“Have it your way. Answer my questions truthfully.” She commanded. “Now what is your name.” She asked again. The spirit once again started to shake and grimaced in pain. He resisted almost thirty seconds this time, before he broke.

“Ahhhh! It can't be expressed with sound!” He burst out, and collapsed to the floor. Black Star raised an eyebrow at this.

“Really… Well I guess I'll name you then. Mmmmm… Lobo? Yes! Lobo will do nicely.” She said. “And what species are you?” Now it was Lobo who looked a little bit annoyed at her.

“Okay… so I'll name your species as well then.” Black Star said while she rolled her eyes. After some consideration she looked back at him. “Your species will be known as Dire Wolf's.” She announced happily. “Now then, instead of me asking you questions you can’t answer, why don't you just tell me what you can about your realm.” She said. Lobo looked unhappy about telling her anything about the realm of light. Then he realized she hadn't commanded him to tell her everything. This meant he still had the option to choose what he told her if he acted quickly.

“We the… Dire Wolf's, we are the protectors of the realm. As such we are allowed to siphon energy from all the other species in it.” Lobo said while he grimaced. She started to scribble down what he said on a piece of parchment.

“Siphon energy… Could you elaborate on that?” Black Star asked. Lobo sighed and continued.

“When we hunt for energy, we find our prey, corner it, and then absorb what we need from it.” He said.

“Absorb what you need… Does this kill the prey spirit?” She asked and looked at him.

“Not very often. It is seen as bad manners to absorb all the energy from someone else.” He answered. “If we don't weaken the prey too much, it will gather energy for itself again. And we will be able to hunt it some other time.” Lobo continued.

“Well that sounds…” She was interrupted by a large rumble. At first she thought Lobo had growled at her. But he was looking just a surprise as her. Then his stomach rumbled loudly again. Lobo looked quite perplexed as he spun around, trying to figure out what was going on with his new body.

“Well speaking of energy… It seems you need some.” Black Star said with a smile.

“What is wrong with me… what are you doing?” Lobo asked and looked accusingly at her. She shook her head, turned around to fetch some food for him when she suddenly realized something she'd overlooked. Lobo was a carnivore, he needed meat, and that was something they were woefully short on. She looked apologetically back at him.

“You are hungry… If your stomach is growling, it means you need to eat, to gather energy, so to speak.” She said putting a hoof to her chin as she tried to figure out what to do.

“The trouble is you don't eat anything we ponies eat, probably the closest place to get meat… would be a Griffin village, it would take a couple of days to get that here though.” Black Star calculated in her head. Lobo would probably not have any problem surviving without food for a while. But another's thought occurred to her. This could be a very good test.

“Follow closely behind me, and do not attack any ponies, unless specifically ordered to do so by me. Do you understand?” She commanded.

“Yes…” Lobo answered glaring at her. Satisfied with the answer, Black Star´s horn was surrounded by a black aura, and the door to the cage swung open. Lobo looked at the open door, and then he cried out and crumpled to the ground. Black Star grinned and looked at him.

“Thinking about hurting me where you?” She asked knowingly. Lobo just gave her a flat looked.

“Yes.” He answered. She chuckled a little.

“You probably shouldn't do that. It will hurt quite a lot if you thought's linger too long on the subject.” She stated.

“I noticed…” Lobo said dejectedly.

“Good… Let's go.” Black Star walked away without a second glance back. She levitated the tent flap out of the way as she walked out. She was greeted by a glorious sunny day, realizing she'd been working through the night and more or less the whole day as well. She should probably also get something to eat. Black Star turned around to see what was taking Lobo so long, ending up staring into his yellow eyes mere inches away. She jumped back and almost fell over. Her eyes wide as saucers and quite a bit on nerved. How can something so big move so quietly? She looked down at his paws, they were probably a lot better for sneaking then hooves. She frowned at him.

“Don't sneak up on me like that.” She ordered him. Lobo just looked at her.

“I wasn't sneaking. I just walked behind you, like you told me to.” He answered. That was even more unnerving for Black Star. Realizing Lobo hadn't even tried to be quiet. A shiver went down her spine as she thought about being stalked by him. Whatever creature he set his eyes upon wouldn't stand a chance. And she was about to let him loose in the forest to hunt. She gathered herself again.

“Well don't do that again. Now follow… On second thought, walk beside me when in my presence from now on.” She ordered and set off through the camp. As she walked through the camp it ground to a halt. Every pony was staring at Lobo, while he moved silently beside Black Star. Every pair of eyes that Lobo met quickly looked away. He cringed his nose at the smells that constantly assaulted it; they were repulsive he thought. And the physical feel of everything, was disgusting to him. He started to growl menacingly at everything.

“Lobo be quite.” Black Star ordered.

“So I'm not even allowed to express my distaste for this prison of flesh you have bound me in?” Lobo asked with a snort in Black Star's direction. She looked flatly at him.

“There is nothing wrong with your physical form.” She stated as if he was criticizing her work.

“It's physical! It's completely wrong! It's repulsive! It's disgusting! And I can't take the smell of AHHHHHH!!!” Lobo screamed out and collapsed on the ground.

“If you continue thinking about killing me… I might not let you feed tonight.” Black Star stated as she turned around to look at the Dire Wolf who was still twitching on the ground. Lobo snarled and forced his thoughts away from massacring every living thing around him at the moment. The pain stopped. He opened his yellow eyes and let them bore in to Black Starts.

“You tear me from my home, my world… And I'm not even allowed to fantasies about killing you?” He said with his words dripping of malice.

“No. Now pick yourself up; you still have to hunt, and I need something to eat as well.” She stated. As he stood up, a pony with wings came up beside Black Star. This made Lobo raise an eyebrow. He had never seen a pony with wings before. Of course he had never seen a pony with a horn either, but there were many hooved creatures with horns and antlers. Wings though, that was a new one for him.

“Is it safe to let him wander around like this Black Star?” Lightning Strike wondered.

“Absolutely, the mind control spell on him is one of the strongest I know. Even though something is going on inside of him that I do not fully understand yet, I have been able to establish that he cannot actively use magic. In which ways a Dire Wolf differs from a normal one will still take a little research to confirm.” She answered. Lightning looked up at the Dire Wolf who was once again standing. Their eyes met. And for the first time since coming to the material realm Lobo thought he actually saw something in the eyes that were watching him. It was not the cold look of ownership, which met him when he looked into Black Star´s eyes. It was not pity either, but a sense of sorrow at what had been done to him. This surprised Lobo somewhat; of course he knew every pony wouldn't be like Black Star, but it would make it easier if he thought they were like her. Especially when he was ripping them all too pieces later. Lobo cried out, and forced his thoughts to cool down. Lightning looked at him with concern.

“Is something wrong with him?” She asked. Black Star chuckled.

“No… He just thought about killing us again. And the fact that he's hungry is makes him a bit touchy.” She answered and looked at Lobo with that smile he was starting to hate very much.

“We don't have anything for him to eat do we?” Lightning wondered.

“Of course not, he's a carnivore. I thought about going to the griffins for some meat, fish or whatever it is there eating. Then I realized it would be much easier just to let him hunt.” Black Star said triumphantly. Lightning nodded, but still looked a bit concerned.

“If you think it’s safe, I'll go along with it. Have him come to the command tent when he's done. I would like to talk to him.” Lightning said and walked away. Black Star nodded and walked up to Lobo.

“You heard Decurion Lightning Strike. Go hunt, and then find her in the command tent. When she releases you, come back to me.” She ordered him. Lobo had never thought he would be glad to follow one of her orders, but since it meant leaving these wretched creatures for a while, he was all for it. One second he was standing in front of Black Star. Then in less than ten seconds flat. He had disappeared out of the camp, passed the forge where Bender and the Praetorian barely caught a glimpse of him, before he disappeared into the shadows of the forest. Black Star like most of the ponies in the camp was staring after him, and then they started looking nervously at each other. The speed at which he moved was breathtaking. And the way he effortlessly glided over the ground without making a sound. It was absolutely, terrifyingly, beautiful. She was grinning again, something she found herself doing a lot lately.

“I love my work.” Black Star thought. They would have to assess his combat abilities soon. And she was truly looking forward to it. Even though he had no magic, she suspected it would be a thoroughly entertaining event.

****

Zig Zag was walking briskly through the alleys and the shadows in North Bay. He had lost Iron Boot, Second Wind and Gale Force after they had bumped into each other at the market. As a precaution he had also taken a roundabout route to his home. He had seen Iron Boot´s older brother Iron Helm looking at the front of his mother's store earlier in the day. He was always more than happy to help his little brother kick some flank. He came to the end of the alley. For most ponies, especially a colt, this would be a dead end. Zig Zag was a very agile and spry colt. He took a running start, turned towards the corner where the high wall met the left house. Jumped up and bounced off the house, then the wall, then the house again, and finally grabbing onto the top of the wall, and pulling himself up on top of it. He looked back smiling. He didn't know anybody else who could do that. If that wasn't a special talent, he truly had no idea what was. A bit annoyed he looked back at his blank flank. Just then something smashed into the side of his head. Blinding lights fill his vision, as he tumbled over and fell down on the other side of the wall. With a heavy thud, he impacted the ground. He moaned painfully, slowly he raced a hoof to the side of his head. As he looked at it he noted that there was quite a lot of blood. He tried to get up, the world started spinning so much he just tumbled right over again. He heard a vicious laughs coming from down the alleyway he'd landed in. At the end of the alley he could see the back of his house. If you went in the front you would come into his mother's store.

“HAHAHAHA!!!! Did you guys see that throw! That was worth a second cutie Mark! Told you we didn't need to run after the blank flank, not when we knew where he was going!” Iron Boot said mockingly as he stepped up to Zig Zag and glared down at him.

“How is the blank flank feeling? Did you hurt your little head?” He asked with mock concern before slamming his front leg into Zig Zag stomached. The air was knocked out of him, and he started coughing and wheezing. Iron Boot wasn't even close to being finished with him. He roughly grabbed Zig Zag´s throat and pulled him up to his knees.

“You really shouldn't have pulled that stunt earlier today. Making me look bad is going to cost you... A lot!” Iron Boot hissed through clenched teeth, and hit Zig Zag across the snout while holding him up. Blow after blow whipt his head from side to side, without him being able to do anything about it. When Iron Boot finally stopped it was mostly because his hoof was starting to hurt too much. Zig Zag was hanging limp in his grasp. Behind Iron Boot both Second Wind and Gale Force were looking worriedly at each other.

“I think he's had enough…” Second Wind said carefully. Iron Boot just glanced back at him with two pinpricks for eyes. The glare actually made Second Wind jump back. Iron Boot smiled manically at him before returning his attention to Zig Zag. He shoved Zig Zag against the wall. Slowly he glided down into a sitting position, with his head lolling to one side. Needless to say he was unconscious. His entire face was puffy, and blood was flowing freely from his head wound, nose and mouth.

“We should go.” Second Wind said as he and Gale Force turned to leave. Then they heard something scrape against the ground behind them. As they both turned back to Iron Boot they saw him holding an old wooden plank over his head. With disbelief and horror they watched as Iron Boot started his wild swing towards Zig Zag. As fate would have it, just as the swing started, Zig Zag began toppling over to the side. The rotten plank connected with the wall where his head had been just a second before, then exploded into a shower of splinters. For the onlookers, it seemed as if Iron Boot´s swing had connected to the side of Zig Zag´s head, sending him flying to the ground. Iron Boot looked at his now useless stick, and then threw it on top of Zig Zag with disdain.

“Damn blank flank.” Iron Boot said and turned towards the exit of the alley. He walked past Second Wind and Gale Force who were both staring at Zig Zag´s unmoving body. Second Wind took a tantalizing step towards the unconscious or most likely dead colt.

“Come here now!” Iron Boot´s voice commanded from behind them. Both Second Wind and Gale Force watched each other worriedly, and then they turned to follow him, not wishing to suffer his wrath. As the trio came out of the alley a sharp voice halted them.

“What have you been up to?” It asked. Second Wind and Gale Force looked up with terror written across their face´s. They looked as if they had just been caught red-handed at the scene of a murder. Iron Boot just glanced up at the city guard who was standing at the entrance to the store of Zig Zag´s mother. He had plain steel armor covering parts of his legs, back and chest. On the chest the insignia of the city nobles was painted. It depicted a ship with full sales in silhouette against the rising sun. The stallion was grey with a white main and tail. The most noticeable thing about him was his iron grey eyes. Upon seeing who it was Iron Boot put on a crooked smile he answered.

“Nothing father. Just kicking some blank flank.” He said and walked towards his dad. Iron Rod nodded with a smile spreading on his own face.

“Was it the one that lives here?” He asked. Iron Boot nodded without a second's hesitation.

“Good! I think I can use that to my advantage right now.” He said as he walked in leaving the three colt's behind him. Just as he was about to close the door he called out.

“Boot´s if you see Short Sword anywhere, tell him to come here.” He told his son and closed the door firmly, and then he flipped the open sign to closed. As he walked further into the store, he heard a familiar voice call out.

“Just a minute I'll be right out!” Sounded a cheery cry from the back of the store. A couple of seconds later Bright Sky trotted out to stand behind the counter. She was a very nicely formed Pegasus. Her coat was sky blue, the mane was well-kept and framed her face very nicely with its two tone purple shades, and the tail was cropped a bit shorter than what was considered stylish. She didn't like too much wind drag when she flew. And it was easy to see where Zig Zag had got in his eyes when you looked into her bright green once. As Bright Sky saw who it was she faltered for a second, before she put on her smile again.

“Good day captain Iron. How can I help you?” She asked. The smile that answered her was not a pleasant one.

“I'm here to collect the tax” he answered. Bright Sky just stared at him.

“But… They have already collected this month taxes.” She said nervously. Captain Iron dropped to smile and walked up to the counter, and fixed her with his gaze.

“The old one yes… But you see… a couple of months ago the taxes were raised. And even though you have received many warnings to pay them, you still have not done so.” He explained. Bright Sky couldn't believe what she was hearing, and frantically shook her head.

“No no no… This is the first I've heard of it.” She said. Captain Iron raised an eyebrow in mock surprise.

“Really… It says in our records you have received ten warnings now.” He said grinning. Bright Sky´s nearly collapsed at being told this. She looked at the captain with terror across her face.

“No please! You have to believe me this is the first time I've ever heard of it! Please!!!” She begged. Missing ten payments meant she was basically a criminal. And everything she owned could be claimed by the nobles. The captain grinned at her, and walked around the counter to stand snout to snout with her.

“Well… Since you never been a criminal before, the city guard might be able to look the other way this once.” He said and grabbed her under the chin.

“There is after all… Many ways for you to show your appreciation for the services the city guard provide.” He said letting his eyes linger on her flank, at the same time as he started to caress the side of her head. Bright Sky´s eyes widened in shock. All of a sudden she realized what was happening. She was basically being offered the choice between losing everything she ever worked for, and on top of that joining a forced labor camp, or becoming a tail lifter for the city guards.

“NO!!!” She shrieked and tried to get away. Iron Rod yanked her back and slammed her into the wall behind the counter, one hoof on either side of her so she was securely pinned there.

“Now calm down. I haven't told you everything yet. There are of course some very good benefits for you in this.” He said calmly. “One, you'll never pay taxes again, not even the old ones. Two, you and your son will get even more protection from the city guard in the future, you'll most likely never have another shoplifter in here again. And three… Little Zig Zag won't have a tragic accident.” Captain Iron informed her. Upon hearing the last thing Bright Sky´s heart almost stopped.

“What… What do you mean accident?” She asked while a chill was running down her spine. The captain was smiling sweetly at her.

“You see… you are only offered this opportunity since we just had a spot on our staff open up. Cherry Tree was unfortunately not very cooperative in the end. And here you are without a husband, and still so young and beautiful.” He said while his hoof caressed her chin. She tried to pull away, but he held her in place.

“Now don't be difficult… We would hate having to make another example of you.” He said with a very stern voice. Bright Sky looked at him through tear filled eyes, as she asked the question she was dreading the answer to.

“What happened to Cherry Tree?” She said while fighting to keep her composure. Captain Iron looked pleased.

“Glad you asked. You see she was being difficult. We try to keep her on the straight and narrow. Every so often she would lash out on some poor guard with something pointy and sharp. Unfortunately she didn't really care much about the punishment we gave her for it, at least not until we started punishing her daughter instead.” He said with an evil grin. Bright Sky was now staring at him, mouth open, as the implications started to align in her head.

“The first time we only gave Cherry Blossom a good old-fashioned beat down in front of Cherry Tree. That kept her in line almost half a year if memory serves. The second time we broke Cherry Blossom leg while Cherry Tree had to watch of course, her daughter was desperately pleading and screaming for mercy right up until the leg cracked. That bought us at least two years of fine manners from her.” he said as if he was reminiscing about the good old days. Then his eyes turn to Iron as he looked straight into hers.

“But then that bitch actually cut one of us quite badly. So as you can see we needed to make a good example of her. After we beat Cherry Blossom until she was unconscious. We dragged the two of them to the construction site. You should have seen Cherry Tree face ass the roof collapsed on her daughter. We actually had to knock out quite a few support beams for that to happen. After that all we had to do was give her a bit of rope and lead her to a tree in the Forest, she took care of the rest willingly.” Captain Iron said with the coldest smile she'd ever seen. Tears were streaming down Bright Sky´s face as she tried to comprehend what she was hearing.

“Now do we have an understanding miss sky?” Iron said while looking down at her body like if he was inspecting cattle. She desperately tries to cover herself using both her wings and hooves. The captain looked annoyed, and started to push her wings back out of the way. Before she knew what had happened. Bright Sky had slapped Captain Iron across the snout. He was no glaring angrily at her, slowly he turned his head back to face her fully.

“I see you don't quite understand yet. This will cost you your son's first beating, but since you're new to this I won't make you watch it.” He said with a crooked smile.

“No! Please leave Zig Zag alone... I will do what you tell me... I promise….” Bright Sky said and forced herself to spread her wings for him. He drank her in and looked pleased, as he ran a hoof along the edge of her wings.

“That's very smart of you. Now unfortunately I have business elsewhere that I cannot postpone. But when Short Sword arrives later, you better take him to cloud nine. He’s been a real rock for me these last weeks. So I really want him to have a good time.” Iron said and gave her a light and playful pat on her cheek. Bright Sky couldn't look at him, but she nodded.

“Good… You'll probably find your son out back soon. One last thing Miss Sky, if you’re thinking about going to the nobles and voice your complaints about this. Don’t bother, most of them actually see this as a good and cheap morale booster for the stallions in the guard. So try not to make us angry again. Neither of us will like it… Or at least you won't.” Captain Iron said and started walking towards the front door. As soon as it closed behind him Blue Sky was running towards the back. She flung the door open and stepped out into the alley. At first she was relieved to see that there was no one there, but then she heard labored breathing a bit further in amongst the shadows. As she came upon the battered body of her son she froze at the horrible sight of him. Zig Zag was lying so still, and fighting for every breath. Bright Sky´s whole body was shaking so much she could hardly lift him up onto her back. He was bleeding, and his whole face was completely puffed up. Tears were streaming down her face as she carried him into their home.

“I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry… I should have listened… I shouldn’t have hit him… this is my fault… why did I make him angry?“ Bright Sky said through her sobs to the unconscious Zig Zag. Had her mind not been so clouded emotionally at the moment, she might have wondered how somepony was able to beat him so severely, in such a short amount of time.

****

Lobo came gliding through the shadows under the canopy of the forest. The fur around his muzzle was dripping with the blood of his last kill. He was both disgusted and exhilarated by his need to feed. The pleasure he had felt when tearing into the red succulent meat, was more or less beyond his comprehension. Up until that instant he had only experienced pain in this world. The insight that there was such a thing as pleasure, made his continuing existence slightly more bearable. He was nearing the edge of the forest, having been gone from the camp for quite a while.

Black Star had ordered him to feed, but not to be quick about it. So he had been a picky eater to say the least. Beginning with hunting down two small rabbits, just to get a feel for this new body. With a new understanding of how his body moved, Lobo began the search for a meal that would be more fitting for him. After turning his nose up at many of the forests creatures, he found something that perked his interest. It was a great bore. And looked to be in the prime of its life, the bore had longing gleaming tasks that would pose a threat to most predators. For Lobo this made the bore a hunt worthy of his time. Unfortunately it had ended too quickly. Because of the bore being as fit and strong as it was, it never expected to be the target of a hunt. There was no predator large enough in this forest, nothing that could pose a threat to him, at least as far as it knew. So when Lobo attacked, the bore was caught completely off guard. He had torn out its throat before it even knew he was there. Lobo sighed as he thought back on the hunt. He would have to find something more challenging next time. Perhaps one of the… He stopped dead in his tracks and growled fiercely at the pain that shot through his head. He shook himself then pressed on.

After just a few more minutes the edge of the forest was insight. Despite being a spirit from the realm of light. He had found himself to be quite comfortable in the shadows. The darkness easily pierced by his eyes. Many times the only illumination under the canopy was his two glowing orbs. As he stepped out of the forest he felt a new, but at the same time old sensation. He shuddered as energy began to pour into him. His true self that was trapped inside of this shell of flesh was feeding. He turned around, and gazed at the sky. There hung the source of this exquisite light. Light more or less exactly the same as the light of his home realm. It was moonlight. He felt it coursing through him. Just as when his physical body had eaten, some of the energy had been transferred to his spirit side. Now that his spirit was feeding, it also shares its meal with his physical aspect. Some small bruises and cuts he had on his body from the hunt began to heal more rapidly. Also scars and injuries from the summoning that had healed badly began to fade and realign better. Lobo stood there swaying in pure bliss for a while. When he finally had his fill of moonlight, he lifted his head towards the sky and gave the moon a long song ass thanks.

As he turned around and gazed down at the camp, he could see many ponies staring up towards him. He growled a bit and started walking towards the camp. Immediately almost every pony scattered into their tents. Lobo gave a short laugh. Then he noticed two silhouettes that stood in the shadows outside the camp by the forge. They had not moved at all, and were definitely aware that he was heading towards them. This peaked his interest, when he came up alongside he stopped. The two ponies calmly look back at him. The stallion was quite a large specimen of the pony breed, almost as tall as he was. The mare was smaller in stature but held his gaze with even less on ease then the stallion.

“You're not going to run away?” Lobo asked.

“No…” The mare answered. There was no uncertainty in her quite charming voice. An image flashed in front of Lobo´s eyes, he had seen this one before. All his memories of that summoning night were quite fuzzy, but yes she was there. And she was angry at someone… Black Star…

“So you're not scared of me?” Lobo said and grinned a bloody smile.

“Of course I am… Only an idiot wouldn't be scared of you, but if I were to run from you now, I would only trigger your hunting drive wouldn't I.” The mare answered. The light emitting from Lobo´s eyes flashed a bit bright.

“You seem to know a lot about Dire Wolf's, at least for a pony.” He said as he studied her intently. The great stallion at her side noticed this, and obviously didn't appreciate what he saw. He took a small step to stand in front of the mare. She looked at him quite annoyed, then shoved him aside. The stallion look back at her, snorted and went inside the forge.

“I know about predators. I have studied many of their techniques for killing. And I can tell every fiber of your body wants me to run and give you a good chase.” She said with the same calm voice as in the beginning of the conversation, but Lobo could hear her heart racing. If it was out of fear, or excitement at the prospect of testing herself against him, he couldn't tell. His smile grew wider as he walked off into the camp, leaving the fascinating mare behind him. He slid silently between the tents, and tracked the scent of the winged pony back to its origin. As he neared the opening of the command tent he could hear voices coming from inside.

“I'm telling you I don't know where it is. I told it to go hunt, but I sure didn't expect it to take this long.” He heard Black Star say, and she was quite annoyed.

“Why do you insist on calling him it? You told me his name is Lobo, this it stuff you’re doing is starting to bug me.” The other pony answered.

“Don't start with that again. He is my experiment, and once my research is complete the Army can have it. Until then I'm in charge of IT.” Black Star said darkly, then she sighed. “Can we please stop talking about this. I came here to relax a bit, and all we've done is bicker back and forth. I thought we were on the verge of starting something… Nice.” She continued sadly. Lightning didn't answer but Lobo could hear that they were both moving further into the tent.

“Perfect timing.” Lobo thought. He had been ordered not to sneak up on Black Star, but she never said anything about sneaking around her. He stepped in through the opening, and immediately saw that two mars. They were heading towards a rather thin looking bed in the furthest corner of the tent. He raised an eyebrow, they wouldn't both fit on that little thing unless one was on top of… Ooh! He silently lay down in front of a much cluttered wooden table and watched them. They had still not noticed him as they came up to the side of the bed, they looked at each other a little bit timidly.

“We might get in trouble for this.” Said Lightning while their muzzles were getting closer to each other.

“I don't care…” Answered Black Star and they locked into a kiss. Lobo couldn't help but grin.

“Now that's just adorable.” He said in his deep voice. Both Lightning Strike and Black Star yelped while they tumbled over the bed to fall in a heap on the other side. Black Star flew up to her hooves as she realized who it was.

“I ordered you not to sneak up on me!” She yelled furiously at him. Lobo snickered a bit.

“I didn't sneak up on you, I'm lying in the middle of the floor. I came in here almost a minute ago, neither one of you noticed me, since you were otherwise occupied.” He answered calmly. All the while Black Star was literally shaking with rage. She sneered quite viciously at him.

“Pain!” She suddenly called. Lobo immediately felt pain starting to pulse through his body. It wasn't much compared with other thinks he'd already felt, but it was still hard to keep a straight face. Noticing this Black Star narrowed her eyes at him.

“That would have most ponies rolling on the floor, but don't worry we can fix that for you to tough guy.” She sneered and then called out. “Pain! Pain! Pain! Pain! Pain!!!” Lobo was now quite literally rolling on the ground screeching and crying out. Every time she had called out pain, the agony Lobo felt double. By the sixth time he was almost back in the summoning circle again. There was nothing he could do as he shook and jerked on the floor, unable even to gather a breath and beg for mercy.

“Stop this! Stop this now!” Cried Lightning Strike from where she stood on the other side of the bed.

“Why!?” Black Star asked, then her eyes went round as she felt something cold against her throat. She glanced down and saw a dagger being pressed against a flash. In the corner of her eye she could see the Praetorian mare standing with the handle in her mouth.

“Because someone who doesn't know pain should not inflict it upon others. Now stop hurting him.” The Praetorian hissed at Black Star.

“Cease pain!” She called out. Immediately Lobo became still, he continued breathing heavily where he lay on the floor.

“Now get that thing away from my throat!” Black Star demanded. The Praetorian mare obliged her, but still looked at her with loathing.

“You're a sadist. Maybe not to ponies, but everything else is fair game for you isn't.” She spat at Black Star while she walked over to Lobo. He didn't say anything, but in his eyes shone the “thank you” he would not voice.

“No one talks like that to me! This isn't personal! There is always sacrifices needed in the pursuit of knowledge!” Black Star said defensively.

“That's okay if you're the one paying the price!” The Praetorian answered angrily. “But you're not are you… And what did you learn from this?” She wondered. Black Star didn't miss a beat.

“I have learned that it has a high threshold for pain.” She said with a grin. The Praetorian glared back at her.

“Threshold? You idiot! Let me teach you something!” She hissed and walked up so she was right in front of Black Star.

“Pain is something that is measured against what you already experienced!” The Praetorian said as she reversed the grip on the dagger, and then unceremoniously stabbed it into her lower leg. She let it stay there as she lifted it in front of Black Star who was looking at her like she was mad.

“For me this is quite annoying, but nothing more really. To someone who hasn't experienced much pain though.…” She said as she is fluidly yanked the knife out of her leg, and quickly drove it into Black Star´s. She screamed out and collapsed to the floor clutching at the wound while tears were flowing from her eyes.

“It would probably be the worst thing that they ever felt in their life.” She scoffed as she recovered her blade, and started to head for the exit without any signs of discomfort. When Black Star was finally able to think straight again, she cast a menacing glance after the Praetorian who still stood at the opening looking back at her. She was about to say something when the Praetorian cut her off.

“That was your first lesson about pain, bookworm. Don't make me give you another.” She warned and trotted out from the tent.

“Bitch!!! Come back here!” Black Star called after her. She struggled to rise and hobbled towards the opening on three hooves while her horn was surrounded by a black aura.

“Stop.” Called Lightning from behind her. Black Star turned around and looked at her.

“She's stabbed me!” She cried out in disbelief. Lightning once again gave her that look that said she had expected more from her.

“And it was a good lesson for you… You shouldn't be so callous about what you do with him. You seemed so intelligent, dependable and warm to every pony, don't tell me I've fallen for a front.” Lightning words cut a lot deeper in Black Star than the dagger had.

“No, no please… This here is... just work, this is not… Me…” She stammered as she wobbled back towards Lightning. Lightning Strike looked sadly at her.

“I'm a soldier Black Star; I've never hurt someone just because I can. What you just did was completely on called for. Now go get that scratch looked at.” Lightning said and pointed Black Star towards the exit. She looked perplexed, and then she heard a little chuckle. Both mares turned towards the forgotten Dire Wolf in the room.

“Well there might be one or two of you ponies that I would not kill immediately if I had the chance… Or maybe not…” Lobo said and showed them a toothy grin. Both mares felt a shiver run down their spines at the sight of it.

“I know you've had a bad time here…” Lightning didn't get any further.

“BAD TIME!!! I was torn from my world! My pack! Forever! End you’re calling it a BAD TIME!!!” Lobo growled fiercely as the now familiar pain started piercing his skull.

“We are not all… We didn't know it was going to turn out like this.” Lightning said apologetically.

“And that means what to me! You think that makes it all right! That some of you didn't know what was going on! NO!!! She knew exactly what was happening!” Lobo growled as he glared at Black Star, and even through the stabbing pain in his head he somehow managed to get to his feet.

“I didn't know that it was going to be that bad…” Black Star defended herself.

“Liar… I will… Tear you limb from limb… One day… With… a smile... while I'm doing... it!” He grunted out through the pain. As the last word left his tongue his eyes rolled up and Lobo fell unconscious to the ground.

“You really don’t know when to quit.” Said Black Star and hobbled up to the Wolf. She tested her injured leg and found it to be too painful to support the weight. Then she frowned as she realized she would have to carry him back to his cage. She sighed and enveloped him in her black aura.

“Don't, let him sleep here until he wakes up, and get him a place of his own.” Ordered Lightning. Black Star looked surprised.

“But my research… I need it close to me. I need to keep an eye on him.” She said pleadingly.

“He's no threat to us, you said it yourself. He really doesn't even need any more reason to hate us. The first thing he sees when waking up every day shouldn't be metal bars. Now leave him, and go see to that scratch of yours before it gets infected.” Lightning ordered. Black Star was about to protest, but Lightning cut her off with a stern look. Black Star muttered to herself and hobbled out of the tent. With a heavy sigh Lightning moved over to the bed to lie down. After staring off into space a couple of minutes, she slammed her hoof down.

“Buck!!!” She yelled. “This had almost been such a lovely night to.” Lightning thought, and turned around to try and get some sleep.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 5 Fight or Flight

True Black

Chapter 5

Fight or Flight

29th of March.

She was pacing around the forge, absolutely furious. She had never been so furious at another pony in her entire life. How could she possibly deny her? She was most likely the best soldier in this sorry camp. White her being a Praetorian for crying out loud, the best of the best. And still Black Star couldn't see the benefits of having her in the combat exercise. She stopped suddenly as realization hit her. Of course she could see the benefit; Black Star was just denying her because she could. Not being allowed to participate in the exercise would make the job of reporting on Lobo´s prowess all the more difficult. She gave a snort in frustration while marking Black Star as a pony she absolutely hated. She grabbed her hammer and smashed it down on the anvil making it sing out that lovely metallic sound. Relief flooded into her as she smashed the hammer, so she continued to bash the anvil as if it were her tormentor. She took a couple of deep breaths as the fury was ebbing out of her.

“You know, Praetorian, it works better if you have a piece of metal there on the anvil.” Bender's voice boomed out while still keeping a calming tone. She looked up and saw the big brown stallion with his red, fiery main and eyes standing just a couple of meters away. She must really have been angry for Bender to get that close to her without her noticing him. He was looking at the dark purple mare, with her deep blue mane and even deeper blue eyes and sighed.

“Feeling a bit on edge girl?” He asked.

“Now what could possibly have given you that impression?” She answered in that singsong voice of hers.

“Well girl there might have been a clue or two.” He said and walked up closer to her.

“I told you before to just call me Praetorian.” She scolded him.

“Why not just tell me your name?” Bender wondered.

“There’s no need for familiarities. I’ll have you know that I won't be staying here for very long.” She answered. Bender just smiled back at her, which for some reason made her feel a little better. It wasn't until now that she noticed that he was covered in some sort of armor. Curious, she stepped up to him so she could take a closer look. There was a tough fabric closest to the coat; on top of that there was: ring mail, another layer of tough fabric, more ring mail, and then ending with a third layer of fabric. She looked puzzled at the construction of it. The fabric had the same brown color is his coat, which was why she had missed it when he was standing in the shadows. Bender saw her interest and did a little circle in front of her. Immediately she noted how easily he could move in the armor. Bender grinned back at her proudly, as he showed off his work.

“It’s of my own design, and it's quite comfortable. I can move faster and it’s twice as effective at stopping arrows when compared to regular steel armor.” He informed her and stopped in front of her again. She started walking around him with a calculating look.

“Everything is always twice as good as the last model when the inventor explains it. I'll remain skeptical for now.” She answered him.

“Come on Praetorian! I'll even give you a lifetime warranty on your first order.” He said but could barely keep a smirk of his face. He knew all Praetorians had to wear their mythril armor, so he could play the scrupulous sales pony part all he wanted. She looked at him with a playful little grin, catching on to what he was doing.

“Wow… A lifetime warranty, on the armor you say. So if it doesn't work I can just come back again and… Oh wait I'll be dead if I ever need to use the warranty won't I?” She said with a smile. Bender put a hoof to his head and looked stricken.

“Oh darn! You found me out girl! That warranty usually gets them every time!” He said with a chuckle as he walked past her and grabbed a two hooved War Hammer from a collection he had stored at the back of the forge. Bender tested its weight before he gave a satisfied grunt and walked over to the anvil. He then proceeded to quickly wrap it in a lot of padding, so it ended up resembled a big pillow on a stick.

“What are you doing?” She asked as she trotted up to him. She wouldn't admit it, but she was beginning to get annoyed at the smith’s casual treatment of her. Bender never deferred to her simply because she was a Praetorian, most others would. No other pony she'd met would dare talk to her like Bender calmly did ether. Although come to think of it… that might not be a bad thing. Bender looked up at her a bit unhappily.

“Making myself ready for the worst idea in history… Well that might be stretching it a bit, but it's a bad idea.” He stated. Her eyes went round as it all clicked into place.

“You're fighting Lobo!? But you're a smith!” She exclaimed. Bender raised an eyebrow at her.

“So are you, and I'm actually a Sellsword. Or more correctly, I used to be. My special talent is using hammers, be it to shape metal or crushing skulls… It doesn't seem to matter. I'm quite proficient on both accounts. I do prefer to use my skills in metallurgy; it's less messy. Nowadays I only offer my services to one pony in the entire empire.” He answered while he hefted the war cushion on his back. She let her eyes roam over him once again. She could see all the scratches, patches and repairs the armor had sustained over the years. It was quite obvious that it had been through more than one battle.

“So who is this pony who can so easily obtain your services?” She asked perhaps a little more sweetly than she had intended. He looked up at her with a smile.

“I didn't take you for the jealous type girl!” His voice boomed out happily. She cringed a little bit at this, but at the same time she couldn't deny that she disliked such competition for Bender.

“I just want you to tell me it's not Black Star.” She said defensively. Bender's eyes went round in shock.

“Buck no!!!” He said quite adamantly as he winced at the thought. She looked at him approvingly.

“So it's Lightning Strike, I saw the way you looked at her that first evening. You love her don't you?” She asked a little apprehensively. He smiled while looking back at her.

“Well of course, we grew up together after all. Our two families have been friends for generations. Even though we're not brother and sister by blood, we still see each other as such. Which is why I'm surprised that she even asked me to do this. She, more than anyone, knows this cannot end well.” He answered her. Now she was really curious.

“What do you mean not end well? Are you afraid you'll get clobbered?” She asked in a very teasing voice. Bender just looked flatly at her.

“Let's just say holding back isn't my strong suit.” Was all Bender said before he trotted out of the forge leaving her alone again. As she looked longingly after him, she caught herself thinking of how lovely his flank had looked while working at the forge. She shook her head to get rid of the images flashing through it.

By the moon! I'm not really thinking about him in that way! Get a grip girl! She scolded herself. Then she got even more annoyed.

Great! Now am even calling myself girl! Buck that stallion! I need to get out of here soon. She thought as she hefted her own weapon to her back and walked after him.

****

Black Star read through the letter again. Chief Decurion Avarice had answered her report on the summoning of Lobo more or less immediately by expressing his overwhelming delight at her quick results and by apologizing for not being there that evening. He decided to tell her the truth of it which was that he had actually not expected her to succeed the first time. Black Star was taken aback by that. The thought that she would not make it work had never entered her mind. The fact that Avarice was willing to spend this amount of resources to pull all this together, on something that he actually didn't think would be successful, was baffling to her. It quite frankly boggled her mind completely, but the line of thought that had really made her heart pump was near the end of the letter. She looked down at those tantalizing sentences again.

Could you possibly summon a spirit into a body that already exists? With spirits being eternal entities, could you perhaps research what would happen to the host body in such a summoning?

Those last few lines were alluring. She lowered the letter while looking straight ahead. Black Star´s brain was railing with the ideas this had brought to her. Spirits were ageless beings, so would this also be applied to the body that housed it? Could that possibly turn out to be true? That would mean if she summoned a spirit into her own body she would become immortal like the empresses! As long as nothing destroyed her body she would never die of old age. She most likely wouldn't even grow old! This might actually work! But then she frowned when something occurred to her. Not all spirits were ethereal like Lobo. For example Discord was a spirit, but he still had a body of his own according to legend. Trying to summon a spirit that already had a body into your own would be… bad. And even with a spirit like Lobo there were still problems.

"Had I summoned Lobo into my own body, we would constantly battle for control over it. By the looks of things, his will is very strong." Black Star thought. She was not at all positive that she would win such a battle for dominance. Most likely it would end up with her own awareness being thrust into the subconscious depths of her own mind. Shuddering at the thought, she then immediately put her intellect to solving the problem at hoof. It didn't take long for Black Star to start making progress. After a while she was smiling again. There would have to be some experimentation with Lobo to see if this could theoretically work. She really, really, really loved her work right now.

****

Lightning Strike, Bender and the Praetorian mare were standing on the top of the hill where Black Star had summoned Lobo. Just like at the summoning, more or less the whole camp was standing around the hastily prepared exercise ground, eagerly awaiting the promised spectacle. It consisted of four spears thrust into the earth. Ditches had been dug between the spears to further emphasize where the border of the exercise ground was drawn, each side about fifty meters long. Lying down in the middle of the square Lobo waited patiently for whatever was to come. His ear twitched at the familiar hoof beats of Black Star as she trotted up the hill. He gave a short growl and stood up. She didn't even spare him a passing glance while she walked up to Lightning Strike.

“I'm sorry I'm late. I was caught up in my work.” Black Star apologized, without really sounding like she meant it, while examining the Praetorian mare at Bender’s side; her distaste for the mare was poorly hidden. Then her eyes looked puzzled as they lingered on Bender in his strange armor and the big cushion on a stick he had on his back.

“Why are the two smiths here?” She wondered as she turned back to Lightning. Lightning gestured with her hoof towards Bender and the group of soldiers behind him.

“Bender is part of the exercise by my order. First we will send in the four soldiers behind him in order to see how Lobo handles himself against a squad of ordinary soldiers. If they are unable to defeat him, I will send in Bender to face Lobo.” She explained.

“Why don't you send in Bender first? He's just an earth pony. Four trained soldiers have to be better than one earth pony at fighting.” Black Star wondered out loud.

“You’re too quick to judge other ponies, Black Star. I brought in Bender for your benefit.” Lightning Strike answered not even trying to conceal the growing irritation she was feeling towards Black Star right then. Lightning even looked as if she had offended her personally.

“Okay I trust you… Even though I don't understand what he could possibly do that four soldiers couldn’t.” She answered and started walking out to Lobo. As she neared him he gave his usual grunt in pain. She rolled her eyes before coming to a halt in front of him.

“Still?” Black Star asked. Lobo just looked coldly at her.

“Always…” He answered. She gave a snort of annoyance.

“You are to participate in this exercise to your full capacity. You're not allowed to permanently injure or kill your opponents; however, you are allowed to exercise brute force within those parameters. Lightning Strike will be in command of this exercise. Am I understood?” Black Star ordered Lobo by the means of her mind control spell.

“Yes.” Was all he answered. She gave him that smile he hated and walked away. Lobos watched Black Star as she made her way back to Lightning, exchanged a few words, and then stood to the side as Lightning approach the edge of the square.

“Lobo you will face four ponies to begin with. If you passed that test, Bender will be your next opponent. As long as you're inside the square you're allowed to attack and defend according to the parameters you were given. Any attack that would most likely be lethal outside of the exercise will be deemed a finishing move, and the participant receiving it will be deemed dead in the exercise. Any questions so far?” Lightning said calmly.

“No!” Lobo shot back, as he noted that four ponies were now standing ready at the edge of the square. One was a grey Pegasus with an indigo mane and tail; she had on a light armor for increased agility in the air. Her weapon of choice was a long spear. Then there were two heavily armored earth ponies. A brown pony and beige pony both sporting blonde manes. The brown one had a double headed axe while the beige carried a great bastard sword. The last pony was a rose colored unicorn with a black mane. Her choice of weapons was two short swords. To his relief, Lobo could see that all the edges of the weapons were blunted, but it would still hurt quite a bit to be hit by them; the axe and the bastard sword could probably break a leg or his skull if he wasn't careful.

“Okay then, take your positions!” Lightning strike ordered. Lobo’s four opponents spread out. One pony to each side of the square. Lobo stood so he faced the Pegasus; she would most likely be the fastest and the first to engage. This left Lobo with the problem of having the unicorn at his back and the two earth ponies to either side. He widened his stand in the middle, eyes focused on the Pegasus while his ears flicked to every sound the others made. There was so much tension in the air that it could be cut with a knife, as all the spectators watched in anticipation. Some bets were even being placed on the outcome.

“Begin!” Lightning Strike shouted. At once the Pegasus shot forward with her spear leveled straight at him. To her apparent surprise Lobo launched straight for her as well, obviously not opting to wait in order to dodge the attack as she had expected him to. Losing her nerve at the unexpected charge, she came to a halt in the air, barely managing to catch Lobo´s strong jaws on the shaft of her spear. She was slammed down onto the ground on her back with her wings spread wide. Lobo had landed on top of her, grinning with her spear between his shining teeth.

The blood drained from the mare´s face and time seemed to slow to a halt just as Lobo´s jaws clamped down and shattered the spear shaft she had thrust in between his teeth. She was looking her death in the eye, and she knew it. Then he was gone from her view before she felt a sharp pain from her lower left hoof. With a heave Lobo launched the Pegasus through the air, so that she crashed into the unicorn coming the other way. They both tumbled backwards. The only things left were the two blades cluttering down to the ground since the unicorn had lost her magical hold on them.

Lobo´s ear twitched to the right. He shot forward just as the bastard sword came crashing down where he'd just stood. He slipped under the axe as it swung towards his skull; the draft from it ruffled his fur as he continued on. He could deal with the earth ponies later once the two real dangers were taken care of.

Now though it was Lobo’s turn to be surprised. The Pegasus took off into the sky with the broken shaft of the spear fastened under her front right leg’s armor so it now functioned as a wrist weapon. The unicorn however was still struggling to regain her balance. Not wanting to give the mare any chances, Lobo gave a quick nibble on her horn, knowing that it was apparently very sensitive. Had he not been restrained he would have ripped it out of the pony’s skull, but the nibble was enough to make her buckle to the ground again. He immediately clamped his jaws around her neck. Unceremoniously dragging her kicking and screaming backwards, letting her go to switch his hold for a finishing bite on her throat.

But before he could pretend to kill the mare his ears picked up a rustle of feathers behind him. Lobo immediately rolled to his left since the earth ponies were almost upon him on the right. The Pegasus had aimed to drive her spearhead into Lobo´s back, but she ended up shoving it into the stomach of her friend instead. Since it was very blunt, it didn't penetrate, but judging from the howls it still hurts like buck.

“Dual Wield you’re eliminated! Get out of there!” Lightning Strike called from the side. The unicorn staggered out of the square, one hoof clutching her stomach. The remaining three ponies gathered in the middle back-to-back, while Lobo prowled around them. They were now looking at him fearfully, not letting him out of their sight for a second. Lobo on the other hoof was grinning quite happily, looking at his remaining chew toys.

“Are you three just going to stand there and wait for him?! Your outnumber him three to one. Use your numerical advantage!” Lightning Strike barked out from the side.

The three remaining ponies gave each other a quick glance and a nod. The Pegasus once more launched into the sky, while the two earth pony squared off towards Lobo weapons held ready. They broke to the sides in opposite directions in order to circle around so that they could pounce on him from different angles.

Lobo kept his eyes on the axe wielder since he had been the one closest to landing a hit on him so far. His ear twitched around picking up the sounds of the approaching Pegasus. Lobo smoothly spun around clapping his jaws around the front hoof closest to him. Which was also the hoof holding the makeshift wrist-blade.

For some reason he couldn't understand why she looked surprised that the ‘third time’s the charm’ rule failed to work when she used the same attack for her third attempt. Using her own momentum against the Pegasus, Lobo sent her crashing into the charging stallion. Although the axe wielder only made a grunt as he bit down on the axe, rolled around once, and was then up on his hooves again.

The Pegasus mare however was not getting up this time. Slamming into a heavily armored earth pony was like hitting a wall at full speed. Already having taken quite a beating she was now lying unconscious on the ground. Not hesitating for a second Lobo grabbed the unconscious mare around her right back hoof. Spinning around and hoisting her up in front of him, just as the bastard sword came roaring down towards them.

The strike was a full force blow intended for Lobo, so the beige earth pony mare had no chance of stopping the blow. Being so fierce it even ripped the Pegasus mare out of Lobo's jaws, smashing her into the ground again. There was a collective sharp intake of breath around the exercise grounds. The beige mare stood frozen to the spot, unable to take her eyes off her friend gasping on the ground. It gave Lobo all the time he need as he shot forward to close his jaws around her throat.

Yanking sharply backwards he left four visible scratch marks where his canines had connected with her throat. The beige mare dropped the sword from her mouth and frantically clutched at her throat, thinking that Lobo really had ended her life. He then continued with an uppercut that hit her lower jaw squarely, whipping her head upwards.

As he lazily turned his head towards the last opponent Lobo could hear the beige mare collapse behind him. The stallion axe wielder looked desperately from side to side as he slowly backed up. Lobo started walking after him.

“Stop right there Lobo! Cleaver you can… Cleaver! Cleaver stop!!!” Lightning Strike’s voice rang out but to no avail. Cleaver's axe found its mark at Lobo's neck as he lunged for Lobo when he’d been told to stop. There was a sharp metal clang as the axe connected with the mythril collar. Lobo didn’t move an inch at the impact. Cleaver was staring into the two yellow eyes that were now only inches away. A warning growl could be heard from Lobo as he stared back. Cleaver let go of the axe and it fell to the ground. Lobo looked down on the axe and then up to the brown stallion again.

“Did you forget that you ponies made my neck and throat more or less indestructible? That wouldn't have worked even if your axe was sharp.” He stated with a sinister laugh. The stallion simply turned around and fled. As he came outside the exercise field he received several gloating comments from spectators.

“See to the wounded! And the next bastard with an ill-advised comment towards one of the participants in today's exercise will face Lobo alone!” Lightning Strike barked out at the crowd. Immediately several soldiers were hauling away the three injured ponies, so they could be tended to in the medical tent. They took extra care with the Pegasus mare since she obviously had several broken ribs. Black Star gave a low whistle.

“They didn't land one hit on him… his position as Guardian in his home realm wasn't just for show. I can’t see how Bender will fare any better all alone, just being an earth pony and all. Sure he's big, but Lobo will make mincemeat out of him in ten seconds flat.” She said in approval, feeling personally responsible for Lobo´s fating prowess. The Praetorian mare snorted, and she cued her Lightning Strike grind her teeth together.

“Lobo does have openings in his defense. A more experienced fighter could probably exploit that.” The purple mare stated and looks towards Bender. What she saw made her pause; he stood at the edge of the exercise field trembling, but the look in his eyes was not fear. It was definitely something else. Excitement and anxiety in more or less equal measures.

“This is a bad idea Lightning, I will not be able to control myself for long against him.” Bender said not letting Lobo out of his sight for a second as he paced around in the square exercise area. Lobo was also looking back at Bender with a wide grin. This had turned out to be much more fun than he had expected.

“Suck it up Bender! You better not lose it in your sister’s camp! Now show these bastards what a real warrior can do, brother!” Lightning ordered while giving him a hard punch on his flank. Black Star looked on with wide eyed surprise from Bender to Lightning. Then she mentally face hoofed as she realized why Lightning had been so annoyed with her when she badmouthed Bender by saying he wasn’t good enough to participate in Lobo´s combat trial. Black Star just had to go and insult her own love interest’s family, didn’t she!

“Well it could still end up with angry sex.” Black Star thought with a mischievous smile. Then she frowned when she thought about it. There had been nothing in Lightning Strike´s personal file that Chief Decurion Avarice showed her about Lightning having a brother. She would have to ask about that later tonight. Once again focusing on the present, Black Star could see that Bender and Lobo were now facing each other on the field. Bender hefted his war cushion from his back, then proceeding to rise up on his hind legs holding his entire weight on his hind quarters alone.

"No wonder he has such nice flanks…" The Praetorian mare thought as a serene smile she didn't notice spread across her face.

“Are you both ready?” Lightning strike asked. Letting the head of the war cushion falls to the ground with a thud, he rested some of his weight on the solid shaft and nodded. Lobo shook his head vigorously and then grinned.

“Begin!” Lightning shouted. Lobo just launched straight for Bender, jaws wide open. Bender snorted and caught his teeth on the shaft of his war cushion. His massive hind legs straining under Lobo´s weight as they came to a standstill, but they held firm. Then he showed how truly powerful they were, as he slowly step-by-step started to push Lobo back. Lobo grinned up at Bender, and then clasped his jaws down on the shaft of the war cushion, intending to shatter the handle. When that didn't happen, Lobo´s eyes went wide, as his teeth hit something solid in the center of the wooden shaft. He yelped, and jump backwards working his jaw from side to side to alleviate the pain.

“This is a war hammer I've made myself! The core of the shaft is solid metal! You won't chew through that so easily!” Bender's voice boomed out with not a small amount of satisfaction.

Lobo growled in response and started to prowl around Bender to try to find an opening. The stallion followed the Wolf in his slow circle while continuing to balance on his hind legs and keeping the war hammer at the ready in front of him. Lobo picked up speed as he continued to circle around. When he broke into a full run, Bender could no longer keep up since only moving on his hind legs made him slower. As Lobo got a full view of Bender's back he shot in towards the opening.

In an instant, Bender twisted around, bringing the war hammer overhead and crashing down straight towards Lobo. He came to a screeching halt, as the war hammer smashed into the earth inches in front of his nose. He proceeded to jump over the obstacle, but was met by a buck to the side of his head, sending him tumbling back. Lobo staggered at the power of the blow.

He was up in an instant, eyes ablaze with both fury and excitement. He was done playing now. This was a prey worthy of his full attention. Through narrowed eyes Lobo looked at the stallion in front of him. He was obviously very strong, but Lobo was faster. He did however move with much more ease than the other soldiers. Bender was actually moving as if he was dancing, although this dance was much more deadly than the usual sort.

He moved in more carefully this time, keeping his eyes focused on Bender and trying to read his movements. The problem was Lobo wasn't allowed to permanently injure Bender, or kill him. Fighting with this handicap made it quite difficult, but truth be told, he had a feeling Bender was actually returning the favor a little bit. If Lobo wasn't mistaken, Bender could actually have hit him with his second to last attack. Even with the padding on the war hammer that would probably have crushed his skull, at least judging by the strength this particular stallion seemed too possess.

All of a sudden Bender gave a battle cry, and lumbered towards Lobo. Bender wasn't quick in moving from place to place, but once an opponent was within his reach, he would begin his deadly ‘dance’. The war hammer came swinging towards Lobo. He ducked left, and then rolled right, rolled further right again to avoid getting stomped on, jumped up over the next blow, landed and ducked under a kick. The instant Lobo saw a small opening towards Bender's throat, he went for it ending up with the shaft of the war hammer once again between his jaws.

Bender immediately started pushing him backwards. Lobo´s eyes lit up when he realized he didn't need to play Bender's game of push and shove, immediately pulling Bender towards him, adding his own strength to Bender's momentum. Lobo rolled over on his back pulling his opponent over him, kicked up with his hind legs, and sent Bender flying through the air.

The stallion gritted his teeth as he made himself ready for the impact of hitting the ground again. He smashed down hard on his back. The impacts making him lose his breath. Ignoring the fact that he was choking he forced himself up again.

As he looked towards Lobo, I'll he saw was Lobo´s wide open jaws coming towards him. Bender didn't have time to do more than shove his left hoof down Lobo's gullet. Lobo´s eyes went wide as the armored hoof was forced down his throat.

Gagging and coughing he back pedaled desperately, almost throwing up as the hoof was yanked out. Through blurry eyes Lobo looked up at Bender who was winding up for a ferocious blow with the war hammer. His eyes were pinpricks, and he had a manic smile across his face.

This was not the Bender who had been holding back on his blows, as not to injure Lobo earlier in the fight. He could feel the alarms screaming in his head, the Bender before him was truly aiming to kill him.

Lightning strike was screaming for Bender to rein himself in, but he wasn't responding to any outside stimulation anymore. Bender only had his senses set for the fight and his opponent now. Lobo ducked left, but still received a glancing blow that sent him tumbling. He was up on his paws immediately again, and Bender was already bearing down on him. All of a sudden Lightning Strike appeared between them hoofs raced high and wings spread wide.

“Bender stop it right now!!!” She yelled as the great stallion as he came to a halt before her. Bender still had his war hammer raised as he looked down on Lightning, trying to decide if he should kill her or not. His whole body was shaking while he fought to hold himself back. Then he let out a great scream, turned around and threw the war hammer in a great arc to land with a thud between Black Star and the Praetorian mare who both jumped to the side. When he looked back at Lightning, his eyes had returned to normal, but Bender was not happy.

“I'm told you this would happen! I almost lost it again! I could have killed him! I could have killed you!!! What were you thinking coming between us?!” He bellowed at her with fear in his voice.

“I'm… I'm sorry I shouldn't have made you do this. It's been years since you fought last. I thought it would take longer for you to… you know…” Lightning said apologetically as she folded her wings and stood down on all fours again. She walked up to him and put a calming hoof on his chest.

“It doesn't work that way! You of all ponies should know that…” He said quite frustrated.

“I'm sorry, I won't ask you again. And just wanted you to… Impress.” She said and cast a glance at Black Star. Bender followed her glance and snorted.

“I think you got that the wrong way around… She has to impress me if she wants to be with you, and you should watch yourself with her. I know she ticks off almost every box you like in a mare, but if you haven't noticed she has a couple of drawbacks as well.” He stated as he looks down at her with concern.

“I know how to take care of myself you know. And I think she's worth it. It might not happen overnight, but I'll turn her around. Besides you’re one to talk, falling for a Praetorian of all things.” She said and gave Bender a playful punch on his shoulder, before heading back towards Black Star.

“This exercise is over! Lobo you take the rest of the evening off. There's going to be a full moon tonight, so it will probably be a good time to hunt if you feel up to it. You can look for me in the morning.” She called back to the Dire Wolf. And besides, with what she was planning to do to Black Star, she wanted to be sure he would not be back until morning at the earliest. Bender turned around to look for the Dire Wolf, and almost jumped when he noticed that he was sitting beside him.

“Buck it Wolf! It's true what they say about you. Big as a house quite as a mouse…” Bender said with something of a strained smile on his face. Lobo looked at the great stallion a bit apprehensively.

“You were really trying to kill me in the end, weren't you?” He asked. Bender looked away and sighed.

“It's nothing personal. I kind of lose myself in a fight, and to tell you the truth, even I was surprised that it happened that fast. There is something about fighting you; it just taps into the primeval side of me straight away.” He stated as he walked away down towards the camp. On the way down many of the soldiers approached him. Giving him their voice of approval, while stating how lucky the Wolf was that the fight was interrupted. Bender agreed that it was a good fight, but promptly reminded them that Lobo couldn't fight to his full potential. Lobo didn't know why, but the fact that Bender wasn't gloating about his apparent victory actually made him feel a bit grateful. Was his ego so easily bruised? He huffed and turned around. Lightning gave him the night to himself, so he wasn't going to waste it thinking about ponies, when he could be out hunting.

****

The moon had risen, but it was covered by a thick layer of clouds. It didn't bother Lobo though. The hunting had been poor, but he wasn't hungry. All he wanted was to be free from the ponies for a while, walking around in the woods. Suddenly he became aware of something following him again. He growled in annoyance, but as the scent of his pursuer reached him, he realized it wasn't who he thought it would be. Lobo moved into a clearing and sat down waiting for her to catch up. When the purple mare cleared the underbrush, she halted.

“So how long have you known?” The Praetorian mare wondered.

“I knew something was following me for most of the evening, but it was just now that I caught your scent.” He said with a grin.

“Well at least…” She didn't get any further, as the full moon finally broke through the cloud cover. From the moment the first rays of moonlight landed on his body, Lobo felt complete and utter happiness wash through him. The world around him fell away; he could now almost feel his entire pack around him so tantalizingly near, giving him strength.

The Praetorian was just staring at Lobo with mouth agape in shock at the pure beauty of the scene. His fur had changed color from obsidian black, into moonlight silver, practically shining as if he was made of physical moonlight. Even the eyes emitted eerie light, and he looked so at peace and serene, it was breathtaking.

For the first time since the summoning, anyone could see without a doubt that he was a spirit from the realm of light. The clouds once again passed in front of the moon, causing the transformation to end with him fading back into his original black color. She took a couple of careful steps towards Lobo. He hadn't fully seemed to come out of his moonlight induced stupor, turning his head towards where the moon should be, Lobo gave a melodious howl in thanks that was so filled of sorrow and loneliness; it almost made her burst out in tears. She was standing beside him now.

“What… What was that?” She asked. Lobo turned towards her.

“I was feeding…” He said slowly and calmly.

“Feeding? On moonlight?” She wondered. He put his head to one side while he regarded her. It actually had the effect of making him look quite endearing despite his otherwise sinister appearance.

“Yes. Moonlight is more or less the same as the light of my home realm. So I can absorb it and gain strength.” He explained. The mare looked thoughtfully at him.

“What kind of strength?” The purple mare asked.

“As far as I've noticed, almost all of my injuries disappear if I'm in direct moonlight for a prolonged period of time.” Lobo stated and slowly turned towards the hidden moon again. This was a staggering revelation. The Praetorian was pretty sure that not even Black Star knew this about Lobo. At least she thought she didn't.

“Does Black Star know this?” She asked carefully. Lobo growled while he thought about ripping Black Star's throat out. Then his eyes shot wide open in realization. There was no pain in his head when he thought of harm towards Black Star, no shards of glass pushing through his mind. He was free to think what he wanted again. The light from the full moon had been much more intense then just a night before. Did the healing from a full moon go deeper? Maybe he was free to do more than think about hurting ponies now. Slowly looking up at the mare standing beside him, he smiled widely at her…

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 7 During The Night

True Black

Chapter 7

During The Night

30th of March.

Black Star was furious; she'd never been so angry at another pony in all her life. She was walking around, loudly cursing in the command tent. She snapped her eyes back to Lightning who was lying on the bed in the corner, watching Black Star work herself up again. Half the night had gone, and she was still not showing any signs of coming down.

“I told you we couldn't trust that praetorian! She has obviously escaped with the research subject! But once I've told Chief Decurion Avarice about this, she'll be sorry she was ever born!!!” She shouted out at no one in particular. Lightning Strike had stopped listening hours ago. There was really no reasoning with Black Star right now.

“I still don't see what she has to gain by taking Lobo… Or even how she would be able to do it.” Lightning Strike said as she looked at her mare friend pacing about. Black Star snorted in annoyance.

“Praetorians have freaky powers! Even if they're not unicorns! It's not natural I tell you!! She did something to take him away; I bet she's even sitting somewhere laughing about it RIGHT NOW!!!” She said, her voice getting increasingly fearsome towards the end.

“She most definitely is not!” A booming voice came from behind Black Star. She turned around and saw Bender stepping into the tent. Black Star glared at him.

“And how would you know that smith?!” She asked in a threatening voice. Bender just looked at her, and Lightning could see he was having difficulty keeping from laughing straight in her face. Then a serene and goofy smile spread on Bender's face, which made Lightning Strike´s eyes go round.

You’ve got to be kidding me! Lightning thought, since she knew what that goofy smile meant.

“Because she's asleep in the forge right now.” Bender's voice boomed out as he came back to his senses. Black Star's eyes shut open in surprise, and then her face contorted in anger again.

“I'll tear her apart!” She growled and stomped towards Bender. He just raised a hoof and blocked the exit. Black Star eyes stared daggers at him.

“Get out of the way; that’s an order...” She said in a low voice, looking as menacing as she possibly could. Bender just raised an eyebrow and snorted at her.

“I'm not some soldier you can order around, Missy. I'm an independent blacksmith and Sellsword, so you can take your bucking order, and shove it up your flank!!!” He growled at her. Black Star took a couple of steps back in surprise; she wasn't used to being told no and certainly not in the manner Bender just did.

“I was here to tell you something important… But seeing as you can never behave yourself, I think I'll just leave again.” Bender continued in an annoyed tone of voice. He turned around but was immediately stopped by a hoof on his shoulder.

“Look… I'm really sorry, okay Bender… It's just… I'm wound up right now. You have no idea of the implications that losing my specimen right now has. I might be on the verge of something incredible right now… Something that will make Lobo´s summoning pale in comparison. But I need my specimen here if I'm to continue my work. So please… If you know something, tell me.” Black Star said. Bender looked at her rather surprised. It wasn't the best apology he had ever heard, but still, the fact was that she tried, so it would be rather rude to just throw it back in her face. Besides with one look towards Lightning, he knew she would smash his teeth in it he didn't accept this peace offering.

“Alright… Hammer Sssssooort of heavy…..” Bender averted himself when he realized he was about to give them Hammer Song´s name, which she had explicitly told him not to do before she dozed off. Both Black Star and Lightning looked curiously at him. He gave a couple of fake coughs, and then plastered a very bad looking smile across his face, trying to look innocent.

“The praetorian came back earlier this evening, just after the Sunset. And she was quite roughed up. Lobo had knocked her out in the forest last night when she went after him, trying to speak to him one-on-one. When she came to this evening, she made her way back here and is now recovering at the forge.” Bender said.

“What do you mean he knocked her out? Lobo can’t hurt anypony.” Lightning said as she rolled out of bed.

“That's the mistake she made, also assuming that was the case. So she was completely cut off guard when he attacked her. She figures he’s probably just been playing along, or he was finally able to break the spell somehow. Anyway, she wanted me to tell you that he is loose and won't be coming back. Unless he's hungry…” Bender told them. Black Star stared at him in disbelief. The mind control spell she had put on Lobo was the most powerful she knew. How could he possibly have broken it without being able to use magic himself? Was his will truly so strong that he had been able to overpower the spell?

“Did she say anything else? Please, every little detail is important.” Black Star stated. Bender thought back on what Hammer Song had told him.

“She said he didn't want to kill her. That it would be a waste of energy since he wasn't hungry. And that the only reason he knocked her out was that he didn't want anypony to know in which direction he was going.” Bender said. At hearing this, Black Star seemed puzzled. Her face contorted slightly, as if in deep thought. Suddenly a mischievous look spread across her face and glanced towards Lightning Strike´s command table. Quickly she moved over to the table where Lightning Strike had her maps and reports spread out.

“Did that help any?” Bender asked while he and Lightning Strike made their way over to the table as well.

“Oh yes! Definitely…” Black Star said while she studied the maps. Bender looked a bit perplexed.

“How…” He wondered. Black Star looked up at him, then shook her head and looked down at the maps again.

“The fact that he'd knocked her out so she wouldn't know which direction he took, means that he has a destination in mind. And since he’s thought about where he's going, we can figure out what he's been thinking.” She stated confidently. Lightning and Bender looked at each other with the sort of expression that said, yeah right. After having studied the maps a while longer, Black Star smiled.

“Since we know he has a destination in mind, I assumed he had been looking at a map, and I was correct. It's this map to be exact.” She said while indicating the detailed map of the Northern Territory's. Lightning raised an eyebrow.

“How do you know that?” She asked. Black Star chuckled and indicated four barely visible marks on the map just below North Bay.

“He was a bit careless while he was studying the map. This mark was not left by a pony… He's going to North Bay.” She said and smiled at them. Both Bender and Lightning bent down to study the marks then let their eyes roam over the rest of the map.

“But there are the same marks under Stalliongrad as well.” Bender said and indicated them with his hoof.

“Yes but the ones under North Bay are more prominent, which means he's leaned in closer when he looked at North Bay. Putting more weight on his paw while studying it, thereby revealing which one he's more interested in. It's probably because North Bay is by the sea. Being new to this realm, he's never seen the ocean. He’s probably curious about it and wants to see it for himself; I think he’s also interested in what normal ponies are like. Therefore he is heading for North Bay where he can see both. We’re actually quite lucky that he knocked out that Pretorian. If he hadn't, I would never have looked over your maps for clues.” Black Star stated proudly. Lightning Strike looked at the small marks that had apparently given Lobo’s intentions away. She had known Black Star was intelligent, but the way she figured out all this from the fact that Lobo had knocked somepony out when he escaped was quite impressive.

“I want ten of your best soldier's to be ready at first light. The subject has a one day head start on us. But the fact that it doesn't know that were following it gives us an advantage. I have a few preparations to do until tomorrow.” Black Star said merrily as she walked towards the exit. When she had disappeared out into the night, Bender looked back at his sister, but whatever he was about to say, disappeared from his mind when he saw what a devilish grin she had while she looked at him.

“You did it, didn't you? You got together with that praetorian! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! From the moment I heard you didn't buck her across the Empire when she touched your tools, I knew you liked her! But it's even more isn't it; you're truly in love aren't you?!” Lightning Strike said with a big grin across her face. Bender took two steps backwards at her rather blunt, although joyous, statement.

“No! I don't… mmm… I mean, what happened is… Dammit!” Bender was trying to wiggle himself out of this awkward situation and failing miserably.

“Ah, you can tell me. Is she any good? Do you think she's open-minded?” She said with an evil grin and a sultry gaze in her eyes. Bender looked down at her, horrified.

“You keep your hooves off of her! She isn't playing on your team, you know.” He said sharply.

“That's just because she hasn't tried it! Yet…” She said teasingly.

“Lightning!” Bender growled menacingly.

“I'm just messing with you, Bender. What else is a little sister for?” She said with a heartfelt smile. Bender raised an eyebrow as he looked down at her.

“Funny you should ask. I'd like to be released from my contract, get all my back pay and a glowing recommendation from Decurion Lightning Strike for any future work I might be inclined to seek.” He said with a smirk. Lightning strike looked a bit sadly at him, but she was still smiling.

“So you're going with her. Good… I've never seen you like this around a mare before. And you're probably the only stallion that wouldn't end up in the hospital when she punches you; I've seen a few of them, and she's got a vicious left hook. Come to think of it, I actually think she tried to floor you a couple of times for real.” She said as she put her hoof to her chin while she was thinking.

“Ah, they're just signs of affection. You know, like little love bites.” Bender said getting a dreamy look in his eyes. Lightning scoffed and walk away.

“Yeah right, little love bites… Do little love bites would seriously injure a normal pony? Remember the love bite she gave you at the forge, the one that actually made you flinch? She was definitely trying to floor you that time. You should have seen the look on her face when you didn't collapse from that, Bender.” She said with a chuckle. Bender looked back at his midsection where a bruise could still be seen.

“Yeah that was a good one! Almost reminds me of my mom… Oh sweet Celestia I didn't just say that!!!” He said with a horrified look in his eyes. Lightning almost collapsed on the floor because she laughed so hard.

“I'm going to miss hearing you blurt out things like that. You could always make me smile no matter what, and besides, we did have a good run this time; how long has it been?” She wondered.

“I'd say about three years.” Bender answered.

“That must be a new record for the two of us I think… I'll have everything ready by tomorrow.” Lightning answered with a sigh. Bender nodded and headed for the exit. Just as he was on his way out, he heard Lightning behind him.

“Remember that there is always a place by my side big brother… Don't take any stupid work.” She said eyeing him seriously. He looked back at her with an amused expression.

“Now when have you ever known good old Bender to do something stupid?” He asked. The way Lightning gawked at him made Bender burst out laughing.

“Seriously though, I know you've got my back. And remember that all you ever have to do is call, and I'll come running, little sister.” He said and gave her a wink as he left the tent. Lightning looked after him, filled with feelings of both joy and sorrow. She was happy that both of them seem to have found a special somepony but also sad that life once again was splitting them up.

****

He had been running all night and dawn was fast approaching, only stopping when he'd captured something edible. The Wolves in this world were famous for their stamina, but Lobo was in a completely different league compared to them. Not too surprisingly, he had also come to the conclusion that it was easier travelling by night. It was much too hot during the days when the sun was out, and the light made the risk of being spotted higher. Then there was the added effect he received from the blessing of the moon when travelling by night. Having his ethereal self constantly feeding and healing his physical self was a truly powerful blessing. His two sides has started to interact with each other on a deeper level than before as well, most likely because of what happened to him last night under the full moon, unaware of its benefit. Now that his ethereal and physical sides were starting to merge more with each other, this would most likely make it much more difficult for him to ever leave this physical realm again and return home to the realm of light.

Lobo grunted while he looked down from the cliffs, out across the endless stretch of water. He had become curious about the ocean when overhearing some of the soldiers back at the camp talking about how much they had wanted to see it again. Some of them had grown up along the coast, and they sorely missed it now that they were so far inland. Upon seeing it, he could understand why. It looked spectacular, how the ocean reflected the moonlight overhead on its pitch black surface. Not to mention the smell, it was almost overpowering, but it was a fresh, appealing smell. But the biggest reason for wanting to come here was that Lobo had learned that all adults in this realm had once been pups… Or rather foals as these ponies call their young. It was fascinating for him. He himself had always been what he was, from the second he was created; he had always been the guardian of the eternal pups. And the eternal pups were just that, eternal. They would never grow up. So the thought of seeing one of these foals that could turn into a grown-up, was a rather intriguing prospect. He had really missed looking after the pups, and the thought of seeing anything that would remind him of them brought a smile to his face.

Lobo once again raised his head to take in the splendid view, while he kept feeding off the plentiful moonlight on this clear night. It was hard to admit, but he had never felt so alive, as when he was running through the landscape under the moon. He turned his head and looked towards the sleeping city of North Bay situated further down the coast. Slowly he started walking towards it. He would find a good place to hide and rest at the edge of the city. Once the sun rose tomorrow, he would see what these ponies were truly like now that he was free from Black Star and the rest of them back at the camp.

The only thing Lobo regretted about his rather impromptu escape was something he realized while he made his first kill on the run. While he was mauling a rabbit and fantasizing that it was Black Star he was ripping to bits, he suddenly understood that it could have been. Lobo could easily have just walked back to the camp, gone to her research tent, walked up to her, and before Black Star knew what was going on, ripped her throat out. He became frantically angry when he realized what an opportunity he had wasted. He had already been on the move for hours, so returning now would be detrimental to his efforts. They might already be looking for him by now. Lobo had kept a furious pace for quite a while after understanding that he had most likely wasted the best chance he would ever get at killing his tormentor. Somewhat reluctantly he had to admit that the ponies were not all the monsters he had thought them to be, once he had come to terms with this thought, he had started to show more interest in the rest of the pony soldiers at the camp. He decided early on that listening in on their conversations and paying more attention to what happened around him couldn’t hurt. Now he will find out what ponies think of him when they didn't know who or what he was. He left the cliff behind and disappeared amongst the shadows of the forest again, moving silently towards the sleeping city in the distance.

****

Longbow was moving quite fast past the ten soldier ponies in the guard, towards the front of the escort where Chief Decurion Avarice was walking. As soon as she had arrived back from scouting the last bit of their journey for their small contingency, she had been informed that Avarice wanted to see her. Longbow had a wicked grin across her face because she knew it meant she would be doing something important for the Empire again. From the first day of recruitment she had been trained as a scout and trailblazer. Longbow´s moss-green coat and lighter green mane made her blend in naturally with her surroundings; she kept her mane braided down towards her back so that it would not inhibit her purple eyes while aiming her bow. Her exceptional skill with the bow had also earned her interest from Avarice himself, as his go-to problem solver. Every time she had been on a mission from Avarice, Longbow had earned a promotion after a threat towards the Empire had been neutralized permanently. So when he had asked her to join him on this excursion, Longbow hadn't hesitated for a second. As she reached Avarice’s side, he called for a halt and motioned with his head for her to follow him. She looked longingly at him while she followed him. His immaculately shaped black armor fit him perfectly and complimented his already regal look, especially as it contrasted quite nicely against his dark grey coat. Against his dark grey coat, Avarice´s indigo-blue mane and tail should have looked out of place, but the tail was kept clean and immaculate while his main spread out across his black armor, adding to the feeling of cold, calm power radiating from his startlingly pink ice. Finally the crests on his helm proved his status within The Grand Army. The two of them walked away from the squad so they would be able to talking in privacy. As they stopped she stood in front of him and gave a smart salute.

“Vexillarius Longbow reporting, Sir!” She said.

“At ease Longbow. Now I have a task for you. I'm sure you've heard about the rumors that there is an uprising in this area.” Avarice asked.

“Yes… Something about civil unrest in Stalliongrad.” Longbow answered. Avarice nodded and looked her straight in the eyes.

“Yes and it's been gathering momentum. Until recently, we couldn't understand where they got their Intel from, but on our way here I received the report that explained it all. It seems that the so-called rebels have managed to get their hooves on a Praetorian armor set, or they've made a very good copy. One of these rebels has been impersonating a Praetorian quite successfully. Although they were stupid enough not to realize that a Praetorian up here in the North would be quite suspicious. When intelligences started coming in about the stray Praetorian walking around asking the wrong questions, it didn't take command long to figure out what was going on.” He said with a smile. Longbow nodded as her magic grabbed the Longbow off her back and levitated it in front of them.

“So do you want me to bring this fake in for questioning?” She asked while she was checking to make sure that the Longbow was in perfect condition.

“No… Just kill the imposter and bring in the armor so no one else can use it. According to the reports, he's been spotted in this area a couple of times, so I want you to stay in this area and kill him the next time he presses by.” Avarice answered. This made Longbow looked questioningly at him.

“You don't want me to at least interrogate him? We could probably get a few answers about these rebels.” She asked. Avarice just shook his head.

“No, they have already been rooted out back in Stalliongrad. Whatever information he might have is already useless. If you feel merciful, you may give him a quick death.” He said.

“As you wish. That will actually make my job easier.” Longbow said while she levitated an arrow against the string of the bow. She drew back, and grinned at Avarice. They had played this game before, and he had to admit that he liked this game of hers. He levitated a dry piece of wood from the ground and made it spin between them.

“I always think about my subordinates when giving out a mission. Four from my escort will also join you.” Longbow looked noticeably disappointed. “Don’t frown like that. I know you like working alone, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Most likely you will kill this fake Praetorian with your first shot, but I always prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” Avarice said as he surprised her buy flinging the spinning piece of wood straight up as far as he could.

“Yeah yeah I know… But that fake Praetorian is as good as dead already.” Longbow said as she released the arrow up into the night. There was a loud thump above them. And a few seconds later the piece of wood landed with an arrow through it.

“I know that is your special talent, but I still find it fascinating how you can do that even in the dark of night.” Avarice said.

“Well it was quite easy this time. As you threw the target up it blocked out some of the stars up there. All I had to do was aim where the star used to be in order to hit the target. Often what you can’t see is just as important as what you do see.” She said with a grin.

"Don't get too cocky Longbow; it's been the downfall of many a great pony. Now you know what you have to do, get to it.” Avarice ordered. Longbow saluted and disappeared into the night. Upon seeing her leave, four soldiers scrambled to follow her, but when they reached the edge of the Blackwood's they stopped and started looking around themselves like a group of lost foals. After a few seconds Avarice rolled his eyes and sighed heavily.

“Didn't you forget something!!!” He bellowed out into the night.

“Ponyfeathers! Almost got away too…” He heard a curse from deep inside the dark woods.

“For Celestia´s sake! Get your flanks in gear!!!” Longbow called back. The four soldiers almost tripped over themselves as they tried to catch up to her. Avarice chuckled as he thought about the hell Longbow was without a doubt going to put those four soldiers through.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 8 Can You Die Twice?

True Black

Chapter 8

Can You Die Twice

31th of March.

They both gasped as the ice cold water washed over them. Sputtering Bright Sky tried to take in her surroundings. What was happening? Where was she? Finally her eyes fell on a wet and shivering Zig Zag, and the previous night came crashing down upon her. From the other side of the bars of their cell came a sniggering.

“Wake up sleepyheads! Can’t be late for your own executions!” Bright Sky heard a masculine voice say through her drug-induced stupor. She looked up and saw none other than Iron Rod standing on the other side of the bars with an empty bucket in his mouth. She glared at him while she tried to get up, and then her eyes went wide at the realization that her body wasn't responding.

“Wait… What is going on? The poison… Why aren't we…” Bright Sky found herself interrupted by Iron Rod,

“Dead?” Iron Rod finished for her, smiling as he did so.

“That wasn't poison I gave you; it was only a sleeping agent and muscle relaxing drug.” he said while he put the bucket on the floor. Bright Sky couldn't believe what she was hearing.

“Why?” She asked confounded.

“Why not? The other guards were very tired of your earsplitting screaming and hollering last night. You didn't even stop after they roughed you up as a warning, so they decided to come down here and force that stuff down your throat if you didn't drink it of your own free will. That's when I saw a marvelous opportunity. I bet them that I could make you drink it voluntarily, and as an added bonus, I could have you give it to your son as well. Thereby giving us a quiet and peaceful night, and at the same time, making the two of you easier to deal with today. Excuse the pun, but I made a killing last night.” Iron Rod said with a vicious grin while he leaned against the bars of the cell. Bright Sky tried to force herself up on her hooves, but had to give up when she could barely pull her legs in under herself. Breathing heavily, Bright Sky once again looked up on Iron Rod who was still standing there watching her struggle in silent amusement.

“You’re a monster… you stole the last hours my son and I had together for a stupid bet!” She hissed at him while fresh tears started rolling down her cheek.

“It's just business, nothing personal, and you would have gotten knocked out no matter what, so why not make a few bits on it?” he said with a sigh to emphasize just how little he cared for her retort.

Nothing personal?! How can you be so callous and evil?! I thought I killed my son! There is nothing more personal than that!!!” Bright Sky screamed at him as she almost made it up onto her hooves again before collapsing.

“How should I act then? Would you like me to lie on the floor while begging for your forgiveness? Don't make me laugh… I would never get it, and I wouldn't last very long in this business if I crumbled every time a plan went out the window. Besides, it´s much easier to hang a pony when you know they hate your guts. You're not the first and definitely won't be the last mare to be caught on the wrong side of a noble pony’s attention.” Bright Sky gave him a shocked expression, and Iron Rod couldn't help but shake his head at her. “You didn't think it was my idea to bring you in, did you? Young Lord Silver Pot took note of you in the markets, and promptly demanded you be made available for him as soon as possible. Even if you won't believe me right now… I'd say you got the easy way out of this mess if it wasn't for the fact that you're dragging your son with you. What some of them so-called nobles do to you mares up at the officers club even I find… disgusting…” He said quietly. Bright sky looked at him not knowing how to react to what he said. Then she grimaced and forced herself up by clinging to the bar of the cell.

“Up there I would at least have had the chance to take one of them with me…” She hissed venomously at him before once again sliding down on the floor. No matter how much she wanted to, she just couldn't keep herself on her hooves.

“You got spirit girl, I'll give you that. I think it will only be another hour or so before you can stand on your own again, so we should probably get started soon.” He said and disappeared down the corridor. Bright Sky just remained there on the floor of the cell boiling over with anger but unable to do anything about it, and she didn't have enough energy to keep the anger going for long. She had never felt so weak and helpless. Beside her, Bright Sky heard shallow breathing and realized that Zig Zag was still lying in a wet puddle. She rolled over, and with great difficulty, she managed to pull him up onto her chest so that he no longer had to stay on the cold floor. She could see how Zig Zag´s eyes fluttered as he tried to force himself back to full consciousness. But since he was much smaller, the dose he had gotten during the night was still affecting him heavily. Bright Sky looked at her son as he fought to keep himself awake, despite the bleakness of their situation. The easy thing to do would just be to stay asleep all through this horrible ordeal, but not Zig Zag, he was always a fighter.

“You are such a brave little colt… You never given up, do you…” She whispered. To her surprise she heard a weak answer.

“Save… promise… won't… let them… hurt you…” Zig Zag croaked out as he looked through foggy eyes at his mother, not really comprehending where he was. She felt so much love for her son then it hurt in her chest. Bright Sky wanted to cry, to scream, to just do anything to try and express how much she loved him at that moment, but she was so emotionally and physically exhausted that she couldn't. In the end, Bright Sky just hugged him tightly; it was all she could do for him in this dark and cold place.

****

Hammer Song squeezed her eyes together as she tried to ignore the beam of blinding light that was aiming straight for her. With an annoyed grunt, she gave up and looked for the source of the irritating light. The first rays of the morning sun were shining straight in through the open door of the forge, and then across to the bed when she was lying.

“What idiot left the door open?” she wondered out loud. She was just about to go up and do something about it, but Hammer Song noticed that somepony was holding onto her. Somepony big, warm and comfortable was pressed up against her back. It wasn't a blanket that was keeping her warm despite the open door; it had been the embrace of Bender still sleeping behind her that had kept her cozy through the night. She let out a pleasant sigh.

Oh… it was that idiot. She thought happily, and all of a sudden the light in her eyes didn't seem so annoying any more. Hammer Song settled down into Bender's comfortable embrace again. The next twenty or so minutes passed pleasantly, then she could feel him stirring behind her. He nuzzled in even closer and started to tentatively nibble on her ear.

“Morning my little Hammer…” he whispered softly, or at least as softly as he could. Just then, a trumpet blast was heard outside bringing the both of them to look up.

“Are we expecting new troops?” Hammer Song asked.

“No… But then again I'm not Lightning´s secretary. And besides, it's nothing to us anymore. We should just pack up and start heading for Everfree Forest.” Bender answered in good humor while Hammer Song got out of the bed to have a look outside at what was going on. Halfway towards the door she came to an abrupt halt.

“We?” She said in confusion as she looked back at Bender, who had an annoyingly goofy smile across his face.

“Yeah… I've never actually been there. Thought I'd see the sights; they do say there is some beautiful… art and stuff down there.” Bender said while his eyes glided over her curves in quiet appreciation. It wouldn't be long before she strapped on her armor again, so he had to take his chance to really look when he could. She gave him a smug smile and swayed a little extra with her flank as she walked out. But when she stood outside, she felt a bit confused. Why had she acted like a little filly when Bender tried to be all lovey-dovey? Normally she would have stomped a stallion into the ground if he said something like that to her, without a second thought. Hammer Song hated such blatant flirting because it felt so insincere, but for some reason when Bender said it in his gruff voice, it made her feel all tingly inside. Before she fell asleep last night, she had convinced herself that she had only needed the emotional support then and there, and that she wouldn't put too much value in it. But now that Bender told her he wanted to tag along, Hammer Song found the idea very appealing.

I hope he isn't turning me into some sissy mare. Then again I could always fix that by just breaking his neck. She thought more or less as a joke. She looked down at the camp of neatly laid out tents, and through the wide path in the middle, a column of six guards were following some high-ranking officer. She tried to get a good look at the crests on his helm, and before he disappeared into the command tent, she was quite sure it was the crest of a Chief Decurion. What was a pony of such rank doing way out here in the middle of nowhere? And why were there only six soldiers in his honor guard? There should be at least ten; did they come under attack on their way here? Hammer Song looked closer at the soldiers still standing outside the command tent.

No… They don't look like they've been in a skirmish. That's odd. She thought to herself just as Bender came out of the forge. He walked up to her and nuzzled her lovingly. As a thank you, he received a sharp elbow in the ribs.

“Lay off it lover colt… Can you find out what's going on down there while I get my equipment together?” Hammer Song said and indicated the ponies by the command tent. Bender just nodded and started to walk down towards the camp.

****

As soon as Lightning Strike heard the trumpets sound, she immediately started strapping on her armor and cursed while doing so. She had been spoiled lately, Black Star helping her every morning with her magic. She was barely able to get all of her equipment on before the tent flap was pushed to the side, and a quite regal looking pony entered. His custom-fit armor gleamed like polished obsidian and looked even darker black against his grey coat. His pristine, indigo mane and tail contrasted sharply against his armor and coat. But his most startling features were his pink eyes. As they regarded her, she felt a chill run down her spine; she had never thought that pink eyes could look so… cold. Upon seeing the crests on his helmet, Lightning Strike knew who was standing before her. She didn't even need to see the King chess piece cutie mark on his flank.

“Chief Decurion Avarice… What a pleasant surprise.” She said and saluted.

“As you were Decurion Lightning Strike.” Avarice said and trotted into the tent, still inspecting her quite closely. She was truly a fine looking Pegasus. Her yellow coat had an almost golden shine to it and went very well with her two-tone blue mane and tail, and her stunning blue eyes looked as if they came from the depths of a glacier. Once again Lightning got a very uneasy feeling about being so closely scrutinized. Even with her armor on, Avarice could see she was even better looking than the reports on her had indicated. There was no way Black Star would be able to resist her, especially since she had a weakness for Pegasus ponies. Although… where was Black Star? Avarice had been certain he would find both of them in here upon his arrival. The fact that she wasn't here didn't sit well with his future plans. He had picked Lightning Strike to be the leader of this camp for two reasons. Sooner or later Black Star would realize that her work would not be for her own benefit, and when that happened, he would need something to keep her in check. Since she had no family he could threaten, he hoped that her lover would be a viable option. The same went for Lightning Strike who, unbeknownst to her, was one of his main rivals for future advancement in The Grand Army. But unfortunately Lightning had no family on record that he could use as leverage against her, so if he could get the two fillyfoolers to fall for each other, he would be killing two birds with one stone. He came to a stop in the middle of the tent and looked over at Lightning Strike who was still standing at her map table.

“Where is Black Star? I hear congratulations are in order.” Avarice said with a smile. There was a small flash of apprehension written on Lightning Strikes face, one which most ponies would probably not have seen, but it was as obvious as the sun on a clear day to Avarice.

“Yes… Black Star was quite successful in summoning Lobo. But unfortunately we've had a complication since then.” She said calmly keeping her nerves in check.

“Lobo?” wondered Avarice.

“The dire wolf spirit that was summoned, he´s managed to escape.” She said flatly. Lightning could see the jawline on Avarice clenched tightly for a split-second, but otherwise he looked like he had been told what they would have for lunch.

She's lost my best chance for immortality! If it gets away, I'll skin her alive, roast her slowly over an open fire before I bury her still screaming in her coffin! He thought and tried to figure out how to keep her alive throughout the whole experience while he continued the conversation.

“That's very unfortunate… How did he manage this?” Avarice asked calmly.

“We actually don't know. But he managed to break free of Black Star's strongest mind control spell, and then he knocked out the Pretorian as he escaped. There are some positive developments however. Black Star has already worked out that he is heading for North Bay. She and a contingency of ten soldiers will leave at any moment to chase after him.” Lightning Strike informed him. Avarice turned away from her and closed his eyes; she could almost see the gears starting to turn his head.

Of course Black Star was already on the spirit’s trail, she'll never let him escape. But I still need her and Lightning Strike to grow close to each other. That will not happen if they're separated. He thought.

“That will not do… You will accompany Black Star as well, and you will bring a contingency of twenty soldiers. I will not have it been known later that he escaped simply because we didn't send enough pony power. Now bring Black Star here immediately. I'll have a look at who's going with you in the meantime.” He ordered and waved Lightning out of her own command tent.

This will actually make my other errant here easier… Avarice thought with a small smile and started looking for the names of ponies he had made sure were stationed at this camp.

Lightning Strike frowned a bit at his rather rude behavior but gave a salute and walked towards the exit. All of a sudden there was a bit of shouting outside. Then a meaty smack was heard, followed by silence. Oh this can NOT end well. Lightning thought to herself. There was a roar that Lightning recognized as Bender's, and then all hell broke loose.

“What is going on out there?” Avarice shouted in annoyance. Lightning Strike gave a short laugh and looked back at him.

“I would say your personal escort just picked a fight with the camp´s smith.” Lightning Strike answered.

“Well if he’s stupid enough to pick a fight with six soldiers, he deserves a good beating.” Avarice said just as one of his soldiers flew in through the tent´s opening and landed in a heap in front of Lightning hooves. After came Bender with a happy grin across his face. There was a small streak of blood running from his nostril, and a faint imprint of a hoof could be seen on the right side of his muzzle. Avarice looked at the enormous brown stallion, with his fiery red mane and tail. As Bender turned towards them, he noted that the smith’s eyes were red as well.

“Sorry about that Lightning sir, I'll just pick up the trash for you.” Bender said while making his mock salute and walked over to the soldiers sprawled on the ground. The soldier was currently occupied with looking around himself, not understanding what had just happened. Bender got a good hold on his armor straps, and then hoisted him up like he was a little colt. He then proceeded to send the soldier flying towards the tent’s exit just as two of his friends were trying to come in from the other way. There were cries of confusion and anger as the three soldiers came to a crashing halt outside the command tent. Bender made a move to step outside again but was halted by Lightning Strike.

“Let them be, we don't want any permanent injuries out there, and that will definitely happen if this continues.” She told him with a harsh voice. Another one of Everest soldiers came in to the tent, this time with a drawn sword in his mouth.

“Halt! What do you think you're doing! Coming into my command tent with a naked blade! You better put that away or I will have your head on a spike by the end of the day!” Lightning Strike roared at him. The soldier hastily put away the blade and back about again. Avarice looked a bit annoyed as he took it all in; that soldier was supposed to be loyal to him and him alone, yet he had followed Lightning Strike’s order without even looking towards Avarice for confirmation. He could clearly see now that she was a threat towards his future endeavors and career advancement. There were only two options he could see, either bring her to kneel before him, which would be very beneficial for him, or if she proved troublesome, he would have to get rid of her permanently.

“But that was fun! You sure I can´t play some more?” Bender bellowed out quite joyfully.

“Why are you here, smith?” Avarice asked in quite an annoyed voice. The earth pony smith looked over at him without a hint of fear at the tone of voice Avarice had used, which made him even more annoyed at this no rank earth pony smith.

“Well I was ordered to be here in the morning, so here I am.” Bender answered and turned away from Avarice like he wasn't there. He stopped and gave his miserable excuse of a salute to Lightning Strike, even though Avarice was the highest ranking officer in the tent.

It's just a stupid earth pony that doesn't know any better… So why is he so intimidating! Calm down… Avarice thought while he took a deep breath, although he was unable to stop grinding his teeth. Lightning Strike grabbed a saddlebag and hoisted it up across Bender's back.

“I'm sorry that I'm losing you Bender; you're the best smith I know. Still, family is family, and I wish you all the best luck with yours. Here's your back pay and the rest that was promised, and you're welcome back to my service any time you like.” Lightning Strike said when all she really wanted to do was give Bender a fierce hug to send him on his way. Bender gave Avarice a rather annoyed look now, since it was obvious they couldn't let it be known they were brother and sister in front of this pony.

“Thank you Lightning Sir… I will always keep that in mind.” Bender said and then quickly left the tent with quite a sour expression on his face. Lightning sighed as her stepbrother disappeared for what would probably be a long time, without being able to truly say goodbye.

“I'll go get Black Star then…” Lightning Strike said and felt her mood lighten up a bit at the thought that she would not actually be alone this time.

****

Bright Sky was now able to stand on shaky legs. The first thing she did was to get Zig Zag up on the plank bed, where he was lying on his side and quietly taking in his surroundings. She staggered up to him and coiled herself around his tiny body, trying to give as much warmth to him as she could. He was now completely awake, but still paralyzed by the drug. One would think that when they were once again conscious they would start talking to each other non-stop, telling each other how much they love the other and that everything would be all right. But they hadn't. They already knew they loved each other more than words can express, and to say everything would be all right would be a lie. Deep down they had started to accept that they were both going to die very soon, and there was nothing they could do about it. Zig Zag managed to turn his head towards his mother with a loud grunt. Seeing this, Bright Sky looked down at him lovingly and gave him a tender nuzzle to encourage him, showing him how proud she was of his accomplishment. Then there was a loud squealing sound as the door to the cell block was opened. They could hear many hooves moving across the stone floor, getting nearer to their cell. As to sound got closer, the two of them started holding onto each other harder.

“I love you so much honey…” Bright sky said in a whisper.

“I love you too mum…” Zig Zag answered as three ponies came into view in front of their cell. It was the three hang-ponies of North Bay: an earth pony, a pegasus and a unicorn. They were all covered in black, from muzzle to hoof. All three stopped as they looked at the occupants of the cell. The unicorn hang-pony looked at Bright Sky and then saw Zig Zag. At seeing the young colt, she more or less did a double take. The unicorn looked questioningly at her fellow hang-ponies and then back to the colt in the cell. Looking as perplexed as one could through a black mask, they seemed to be having a silent conversation between them with little nods and grunts. The pegasus hang-pony disappeared out of view and returned shortly after shaking his head. There was a miserable sigh shared between them, and then they moved up to the cell door. The heart rates of Bright Sky and Zig Zag were now skyrocketing.

“No, no, no, don't get any closer!” Bright Sky cried out as the three hang ponies entered their cell. She tried to wrap herself around Zig Zag in a futile effort to protect him. He was quickly yanked away from her in a blue aura of magic. With a feral cry of rage, Bright Sky managed to jump after him but was slammed down onto the floor by the pegasus and earth pony.

“Mum! Mum! Mummmm… mmmm… mmmm… mmmm…” Zig Zag continued calling for his mother even as his jaw was being tied shut with rope.

“Get your filthy hooves off of my son!!!” Bright Sky screamed, while she desperately tried to get out from under the two hang-ponies. Then she completely froze as she saw Zig Zag being lowered to the floor just inside the door. What had made her freeze up was the image of her son on the floor in front of her, jaw tied shut and a noose secured around his neck. Zig Zag was staring wide-eyed down at this plain-looking piece of rope that would soon end his short life.

“Noooooooooooooo! You can’t do this! He was just protecting me! He's just a colt! You can do this!!!” Bright Sky wailed as she tripled her efforts to get free from the hang-ponies. When she had totally spent all of what little strength she had left, she could only lie panting and covered in sweat on the floor. The unicorn hang-pony moved to stand in front of Bright Sky; beside her floated another hang noose and a small piece of rope to tie around her muzzle.

“How can you do this?” She asked pleadingly, but the unicorn did not seem to notice the question as she moved forward.

“For buck sake answer me!” She roared at the hang-mare, giving her an angry look filled with hatred and contempt. The unicorn finally met her eyes, but in those empty blue eyes, Bright Sky only saw indifference towards her. There was, however, a small flicker of remorse when the hang-pony cast a quick glance back at Zig Zag. Then as an answer to why she would not speak to Bright Sky, the unicorn hang-mare opened her mouth to show that she had no tongue. Bright Sky jerked her head back from the empty mouth in front of her. And in those few seconds when she was utterly shocked, for not remembering something, she already knew, the unicorn hang-mare had tied Bright Sky´s muzzle shut and slipped the hang noose over her head in a fluid well practiced motion. To become a hang-pony, one would have to be sentenced to death while there was an empty place amongst the current hang ponies, one which corresponded with your species. You would then be offered to have your tongue cut out and then be sterilized, after which you would be allowed to live on as an executioner.

Bright Sky had now been dragged to her hooves; to keep her from struggling, Zig Zag was placed across her back. This made it impossible for her to put up any resistance without throwing her still partly-paralyzed son on to the floor. After Zig Zag had fallen off the first time, she realized this and meekly walked behind the hang-ponies as they led her towards the exit of the dungeon. As Bright Sky staggered out on the courtyard, the two of them could see that it was a gloomy morning that held a quiet promise of rain. It all looked so utterly beautiful for the two of them that they couldn't fathom it as they stared at the beautiful world around them. They were promptly ushered to the infamous black wagon. It had a pretty simple design. A flat wooden bottom with an equally simple flat wooden roof, thick wooden bars was all that held the roof up. The entrance was a hatch that could be raised at the back of the wagon. It had four wheels and a harness at the front for a pony to pull it. Finally it was, of course, completely painted black. The only ones who ever occupied it were criminals sentenced to death. And now here was Bright Sky and Zig Zag roughly being shoved inside to be given their last ride, up to Mass Grave Hill and the gallows there. The two of them quickly made their way to the center of the wagon where Bright Sky sat with Zig Zag protected between her front hooves. It was customary to drive the wagon one lap around the city so that all could see what happened to those who did not follow the laws of the Empire and the nobles. A tradition that was quite common with being transported in the black wagon was for onlookers to throw everything from rotten fruit to stones at whoever occupied the wagon. At the one hanging, she had seen herself; she had, with deep regret, been one of those young idiots throwing trash at the stallion who had occupied the wagon that particular day. And now she was the one looking out through these bars, waiting in pure terror for the first stone to be cast towards her and her son. From the entrance to the guard barracks, several guards now came out. At the head of them came captain Iron Rod. Both Bright Sky and Zig Zag glared at him. He met their eyes for a few seconds before having to turn away.

“Sorry about the gag order… You two just know too much.” Iron Rod said and walked off.

“Okay! Get ready! And stay sharp during this one!” He bellowed to the rest of the ponies gathered in the courtyard. The three hang-ponies took their positions. The earth pony in front pulling the wagon, with the Pegasus on the roof keeping a lookout, and finally the unicorn helped along behind it with her magic. Then the city guards encircled the wagon. Three up front, three to either side, then three to cover the rear. This was unusual; normally only six guards followed the wagon, but Bright Sky wasn't thinking about this. All she did was lean protectively over her son while the rest of the world faded into a blurry nothing around them. With a jerk, the wagon started moving forward, and the first raindrops of the day fell from the sky.

****

Lobo woke up rather abruptly when something hit him on the front of his nose. It didn't hurt anything, but it was quite a surprise as he looked around. Nothing… That's when he realized there was a lot of noise coming from above him. He looked up into the branches of the tree he was sheltering under and was rewarded with a big water droplet right in the eye. He growled viciously and stood up on all fours, while he once again looked up to see if there was someone throwing water at him. But he couldn't see anything, and the noise was getting louder and louder up there, while the water droplets were starting to rain down around him more quickly. He looked around himself in confusion. Water was falling everywhere, and even though he didn't know what was going on, a word popped into his head explaining what it was.

Rain… It's raining... So this is what those soldiers were talking about when they said they had been lucky not having much rain so far while being this far north. Lobo thought as he started to take in his surroundings. This rain stuff was fascinating to him. How could so much water materialize out of seemingly nowhere? He got up and moved out to study it closer. As he walked around, he took a deep breath, realizing that he really loved the smell of newly fallen rain, but Lobo found himself frowning when he thought about what this would do to a trail if you try to follow it during a hunt.

I can’t smell anything except the rain. If I tried to follow a trail in this, I would lose it quite quickly. He thought and looked about himself. And all of a sudden rain wasn't such a fun thing anymore when he thought about it; he had to agree with the soldiers that rain wasn't always so pleasant. With a sigh he looked towards the city in the distance. Being wide awake now, there was really nothing to it. He started to head for North Bay.

****

The black wagon was rolling out of North Bay, and it had gathered a lot of ponies behind it. Curiously enough, almost no pony had thrown anything at them. There had been the occasional rock or fruit lobbed against them along the way, but whoever had thrown at them, had stopped immediately upon seeing Zig Zag shivering between Bright sky´s hooves. The one group of drunken stallions who had tried to throw rocks at them in earnest ended up on the wrong side of a bad beating from the mob now following the black wagon. The ponies following them weren't paying much attention to Bright Sky, though it was quite clear they were all shocked to see Zig Zag sharing her fate. Subdued mutterings and hushed conversations could be heard around them, wanting to know the story about why there was a little colt in the black wagon. Slowly, they rolled up towards Mass Grave Hill, and the end of their journey together. Bright Sky could now see the stage-like execution area in front of them. It was raised up about a meter from the ground, and all its sides were covered so no one would have to smell or see what lay underneath. In the middle of the ten by ten meter square stage stood the gallows, two thick, wooden pillars with a simple beam across the space between them. Between the pillars was a black square painted on the floor. As they both could witness their end approaching; Bright Sky and Zig Zag clung desperately to each other. The black wagon was being backed up towards the side of the stage. The wagon and the stage were more or less perfectly level with each other. When the gate was raised, the three hang-ponies stood outside, motioning for the two of them to come out. Bright Sky just looked back at them, wondering if they were actually so stupid as to think she would aid them in anyway. The three black-clad ponies shook their heads and then got to work. Zig Zag was once again enveloped in a blue aura and floated out to hover beside the hang-mare unicorn. Bright Sky came charging after him, but was easily reined in by the pegasus and earth pony. Now standing there on display being soaked in the ever-increasing rain, Iron Rod came up on the other side of the stage. He looked out over the unusually large crowd of ponies before he started the announcement.

“I see we have gathered quite a crowd today! Not surprising considering we are executing the youngest murderer in North Bay history!” He bellowed out over the crowd. Both mutterings and cries of disbelief could be heard throughout the gathered ponies.

“The colt Zig Zag stabbed and killed a city guard while he was doing his sworn duty! He was about to arrest the criminal Bright Sky when the colt Zig Zag ended his life!” Iron Rod shouted out to the crowd. There were some much muffled murmurings running through the masses at hearing this.

“Bright Sky who happens to be the Zig Zag´s mother was being arrested for refusing to pay her taxes! In a desperate attempt to avoid her debt to the Empire, Bright Sky offered to lift her tail as payment to the city guards who came to arrest her! To their everlasting shame and stupidity, they accepted! In the moment they had let down their guard, Zig Zag killed one of them, while Bright Sky killed the other!” Iron Rod continued to bellow out his accusations. Bright Sky, who was standing between the two hang-ponies, was shaking with rage as she listened to the lies Iron Rod fed to the crowd. Zig Zag was also struggling to escape the magical hold keeping him aloft. All of a sudden a voice cut through the air.

“That's not what happened! One of the guards was about to kill the colt when she defended him!” It rang out from somewhere in the crowd. Bright Sky immediately recognized the voice of her neighbor. He had been one of the witnesses who had seen the end of that fateful evening. Now even more voices were raised that this was wrong and somebody should do something. Iron Rod looked a bit annoyed as he tried to locate the source of the voice that had challenged his account of what happened.

I thought all the witnesses had been taken care of… He thought.

“I don't know what you think you saw Citizen! But the fact is still crystal clear! They have both killed city guards, no matter how you cut it! And the punishment for that is hanging! The Empire's laws are absolute! No exceptions! It doesn't matter if you're a young mother or a colt!” He bellowed at the crowd and waved for the hang ponies to get on with it; they would have to do this quickly or things might turn violent. There was a murmur of disapproval, but still, nobody dared do anything. There were, after all, twelve armed city guards standing between them and the stage. And even though they felt sorry for the colt for having such an awful mother, many in the crowd still believe the mare deserved to hang when they factored in all of her crimes into the equation. So it all ended up with some half-hearted shouts of disapproval, and a lot of shuffling about.

Bright sky was now being shoved towards the gallows. She tried to resist, but there was nothing she could do. Without much difficulty she was pushed onto the black square, and then the rope was secured to the beam above her. There she was left standing, rigid as a board and shaking like a leaf while she looked wide-eyed out at the crowd, who were just standing there, staring back at her in silence.

How can this be happening to me? I have always been a good pony. Diligent, hardworking and caring, but now I'm about to be hanged, as a common criminal. All because some young Lord ling I've never met had an itch between his legs. This just isn't fair, this just couldn't be happening. Bright Sky thought desperately.

Tears welled up in Bright Sky eyes as she looked towards Zig Zag. He was now fighting savagely to escape no matter how pointless his struggles were. Desperately trying to come to his mother's rescue. Just when their eyes met, the floor disappeared from beneath her hooves. Bright Sky´s wings strained against her bounce, but to no avail. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't. And finally there was the absolute look of horror she saw in her son’s eyes as she started falling; it was indescribable.

Don't look please don’t lo- SNAP! CRACK!!!

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 9 Escape From North Bay

True Black

Chapter 9

Escape From North Bay

31th of March.

Lobo had almost reached North Bay when he heard something in the distance. As his ears twitched towards the direction of the noise, even though the rain had dulled his perceptions, he could make out that it was a pony shouting loudly. Since the whole idea of him being there was to observe and study how ponies acted in general, he altered his course and headed towards whatever was happening over there. Slowly he glided between the trees, carefully moving through the shadows under the tree canopy so that nopony would notice his approach. As he came up to the edge of the forest, he looked out over a gathering of ponies. They were all watching five ponies standing on what looked like a stage. Three of them were completely enrobed in black. After taking a closer look, he discovered that the three of them represented one of each species of pony. Between two of the black-clad ponies stood a sky blue Pegasus mare with a two-tone purple mane and tail, her wings tightly secured to her sides while her muzzle was firmly wrapped in rope. Finally Lobo looked closer at the last pony up on the stage; he was apparently in charge of the whole thing. The stallion had plain steel armor covering parts of his legs, back and chest. On the pony’s chest he could see an insignia painted. It depicted a ship with full sails silhouetted against the rising sun. The stallion was grey with a white mane and tail. Lobo settled down behind some cover while he continued to look at what was happening; whatever it was, he started to suspect it would not be pleasant for the bright blue pony that had her wings tied down and her muzzle wired shut. Lobo once again focused his attention on the gray pony in charge and whatever he was blathering on about.

“…the punishment for that is hanging! The Empire's laws are absolute! No exceptions! It doesn't matter if you're a young mother or a colt!” Lobo heard the armored stallion shout out at the crowd while he started waving at two of the black clad ponies. They immediately started shoving the winged tied mare forward. She resisted as much as she could, thrashing and staggering while the two relentlessly pushed her onward. For Lobo it was obvious that the mare did not have full control of her extremities. The blue pony was shoved in between two wooden pillars with a crossbeam connecting the two of them. There was a black square painted on the floorboards where she now stood. A rope tied round her neck was secured to the crossbeam, but she still had a lot of slack in the rope.

Well at least she'll still be able to move around a little. Lobo thought, although he couldn't figure out what the ponies were up to. Whatever it was, the blue mare was terrified. He had never seen any pony shake so much or look so frightened before. She was looking out over the crowd, silently begging them to save her from whatever was coming. Finally the sky blue mare looked over towards the black-clad unicorn whose horn was glowing in a faint blue. Just then the floor beneath her hooves disappeared. He didn't care much for ponies in general, but the look of utter horror showing on the mare´s face will definitely stay with him for a long time. Lobo saw how her wings tried to snap open despite being tied down, and she was clearly screaming through her tightly secured muzzle. Just as her head reached the same level as the floorboards, the rope grew taught, and she was jerked to a sudden halt. Lobo shoots up on all fours in surprise. He was now growling menacingly while he was staring down at the dead mare swinging slowly back and forth at the end of the rope. Her now glazed-over eyes stared up into the sky she would never again fly through, the last tears she had cried in life slowly running down her cheeks. There was quite a diverse reaction to what had happened in the crowd. Most were just standing there in the rain, silently watching the spectacle. A few were openly crying while proclaiming that this surely must have been a mistake, but the reaction that was making his hackles rise were the ones who were stomping their hooves and hollering in delight. Lobo could only snort in revulsion.

What kind of ritual is this? Do they do this every morning? I thought I had seen the worst of ponykind at the camp with Black Star. Obviously these ponies are far more savage than I ever gave them credit for. He thought while the pony in charge once again strode forward to address the crowd.

“Justice has been dealt!” He cried out. Behind him the black-clad pony with wings now walked forward, holding a sword in his mouth. With a quick swing, he cut the rope that was wrapped around the dead mare's neck; the sky blue pony disappeared down into the black pit. Then he quickly reset the trapdoor.

“Proceed with the next prisoner!” The armored, grey stallion ordered sharply. Immediately, the black-clad unicorn started moving forward. From behind her, a very small pony came into view. It was light blue with black marks around the back of his romp. His mane and tail were also a darker shade of blue then his coat, and they were quite messy and short. The little pony was just hanging there in the air beside the unicorn, more or less catatonic and not moving a muscle. Completely empty eyes were staring down through the floorboards, as he came to rest in the middle of the black square, where the blue mare had stood just moments before.

That must be one of their pups. Lobo thought while he studied the little pony. Then the realization of what was about to happen slowly dawned on him; his entire form grew rigid. Every hair on Lobo´s body rose up, and a fury he had never felt before in his whole existence coursed through his entire being. His mouth grew into a vicious snarl.

THEY’RE GOING TO KILL THE PUP!!! Lobo had finally fully comprehended the situation and stood there in utter horror and disbelief. The small fact that he had referred to the foal as a pup in his own mind still hadn't registered with him. All he could think was that there was a pup in mortal danger, so there was only one thing he could do. He set off at full-tilt from his safety amongst trees heading towards his new charge.

****

Iron Rod heard a wet smack when Bright Sky´s body landed down in the pit, but he noted that she hadn't fallen very far.

This pit is getting full. We'll need to dig a new mass grave and move the gallows… Well at least the hang ponies will have something to occupy them during the next week. He thought while he looked back to see the trapdoor being secured again. Then he looked over towards Zig Zag and steeled himself. The colt was now just hanging in the air next to the unicorn hang mare, completely still, catatonic and broken.

Right now it will be more merciful for him to just get this over with. Iron Rod thought.

“Proceed with the next prisoner!” Iron Rod ordered sharply. Immediately the unicorn trotted forward with Zig Zag floating beside her. She put him down in the middle of the black square and was about to secure the rope around the crossbeam when she heard screams of panic and fear rise from the back of the crowd. She looked up only to see an enormous black shape launch itself over the guards in front of the stage. It landed squarely in front of her; its teeth, for it definitely had such, clamped down on her horn. She didn't even have time to scream before the enormous beast yanked it right out of her skull. She flopped down on the floor and jerked spasmodically a few times before she died. Iron Rod was completely stunned and left in silence as the enormous beast turned around towards him. He could now see that it was a massive Wolf. It was larger… much larger than any Wolf he'd ever heard of. The Wolf's yellow eyes were bored into Iron Rod, making him take several steps back. But the most noticeable thing, excluding his size, was the enormous war plate collar it had around its neck, being designed to resemble dragon scales. It moved so fluidly with him; one would think it was part of his skin.

By the moon! What is that thing! It must be as big as Empress Celestia! He thought.

The hang mare’s horn still protruded out from the side of its jaw, on the base of the horn, parts of her skull and some brain matter still clung to it. The enormous, black wolf just dropped the horn and let it clatter against the wooden floor, quickly moving over to the colt. Iron Rod was then completely shocked when instead of gobbling the colt up in one big bite, as he thought it would, the Wolf instead tentatively and tenderly removed the hang noose from the colt’s neck, and then the gag from around his muzzle. Zig Zag was still just standing there, staring down into the boards, not really having noticed anything going on around him.

“Guards to me!” Iron Rod now bellowed. Immediately the twelve guards, who had thus far just been standing around gawking, scrambled up on the morbid stage and fanned out around the Wolf and the colt. Lobo looked around him with burning eyes of hatred, while a low relentless growl came from him. All the guards were sweating profusely as they shuffled around him.

“In the name of the silver-seas duchy, you are under arrest, Wolf! Now step away from the colt!” He bellowed angrily. Lobo continued to growl while looking around himself; there were too many ponies here, and he would not be able to handle them all while still keeping the pup safe at the same time. This realization made his lips curl up even more; he wanted to rip every one of these ponies’ throats out. Suddenly, Lobo noticed that Iron Rod had a very foreboding smile across his face.

“Dump them! We’ll finish them off when they're down in the pit!” Iron Rod shouted. Behind Lobo, one of the hang ponies hit a switch on the floor. There was a click beneath his paws as the trapdoor fell away underneath them, but Lobo was bigger than these ponies. His back paws were still on solid ground away from the trapdoor. His front paws were able to catch on to the edges of the trapdoor with his claws digging into the wood, while his head shot down and caught the pup across the shoulders before it disappeared down into the pit. Now as Zig Zag was hanging there over the pit in the black wolf´s jaws, the sharp pain of having Lobo´s teeth digging into to him, across his shoulders and down his side, snapped him out of his mental shutdown. The two of them looked down at the horror that lay beneath them: a pit that was more or less full of the bodies of ponies in different stages of decomposition. Even through the rain, the retched stench of it was almost overwhelming for Lobo. And there in the center, on top of all the filth, lay Bright Sky, her neck at an odd angle and her sightless eyes staring up at them. Zig Zag once again started screaming and fighting violently.

“Let me go! I have to save mum!!! Let me go! Let me go! I have to save her!!! I have to!!! LET ME GO!!!” He screamed while Lobo jaws clamped down tighter around him so that he would not fall. With a powerful shove of his front legs, he pushed himself away from the dark abyss to land safely behind it. He once again looked around him at the stunned expressions of the guard ponies. They couldn't believe that the two of them had not fallen down into the pit. The pony leaders’ lower jaw was literally quivering in fear. Lobo growled menacingly at them all, making them take a step back even though every single one now had a sword in his or her mouth. He so wanted to kill every one of them, but the safety of the pup came first, so without a second thought, he set off, leaping straight over the head of their leader to land on the now mostly empty ground in front of the gallows. Every civilian in their right mind had fled back towards North Bay. Only a few drunks, a scholar too nosey for his own good, and Iron Boots were still there, staring at them as they landed. Zig Zag´s and Iron Boots’ eyes met, and then he saw the shining necklace hanging around Iron Boots’ neck. Lobo had softened his grasp around the pup now so as not to hurt him. With a ferocious snarl, Zig Zag twisted out of Lobo´s grip and flung himself on the scared witless Iron boot.

“That's my necklace!!!” He screamed as he bowled into the bully. But he was still very weak, so the initial charge was more or less all he had in him. The only thing Zig Zag had managed was to make Iron Boots stumble a bit. But he wasn't really after him right now. Zig Zag clamped his teeth down on the silver necklace just as Lobo´s jaws once again closed around him in a secure hold. Lobo set off towards the woods once again caring his precious, little load. Behind them, a stunned Iron Rod once again came to his senses.

“After them! Don't let them escape!” He roared at the other guards. The four pegasus guards that were with them flung themselves into the air in hot pursuit. He had received a good head start while the stunned pegasus had been busy gawking after him before they started their chase. And although they were clearly gaining on the Wolf, they were not catching up as fast as they thought they would. Just before they could catch him, he disappeared into the woods. Lobo knew that once he was in there, there was no way for them to keep up with the agile Dire Wolf. The pegasus burst through the canopy in an attempt to follow him from above, but by the time they looked down, they had already lost him amongst the shadows. They flew around aimlessly searching for a few minutes, before giving up and headed back to the execution stage. If all they were to receive at the end of this day was a flogging, they would count themselves lucky.

****

Lobo was breathing heavily after the mad dash to escape those crazy ponies of North Bay. He was back up at the cliff where he had been the night before, although he kept himself and his charge well hidden amongst the shadows of the trees now. He carefully laid the pup down on the ground in front of him. It had curled up into a ball and continued to keep its eyes closed, but his tears had never stopped flowing from them.

“Don't be afraid little pup… I won't hurt you…” Lobo whispered soothingly. The little thing shivered a few times and then cracked one of his green eyes open a little bit. Upon seeing the enormous wolf standing over him, both his eyes shot open in terror, and he quickly backpedaled until his rump hit a tree. Zig Zag was staring wide-eyed at Lobo while taking in little gasps of air through his clenched teeth. He still had Cherry Blossom’s necklace clamped between them. He looked at the black Wolf with its piercing, yellow eyes; there was no way it wasn't going to eat him. Then Zig Zag realized that he didn't really care if the wolf ate him. His mother was dead… He had seen her lying there at the bottom of that pit. The image had been burned into his mind; he just couldn't rid his mind of how his mother's eyes had been looking up to him as if pleading for him to rescue her and accusing him for his failure.

It's all my fault… I couldn't save her… Zig Zag thought and sank down on the ground, not really caring what would happen to him anymore. As his head lolled to the side, he could look out over the ocean between the trees. The rain was still falling heavily, making the whole world grey and colorless. The pendant fell out of his mouth and came to rest on the ground in front of him. He looked at it while he slowly continued to tumble down into an endless abyss of sorrow and sadness.

Oh yeah… You're dead to Cherry Blossom… He thought as he slowly got to his hooves and staggered off in a random direction. Lobo watched the little pup worriedly; he had seen too much for someone so young, for someone of any age truth be told. He saw the little pendant the pup had left behind on the ground. He had risked a lot to get a hold of it, so it must hold significant value to him. Lobo walked over and picked it up, then followed the little pup as it staggered through the trees. All of a sudden he stopped, shuddering slightly. A blood-curdling scream rose out of his throat. All the impressions and emotions of the day had finally caught up to him, and the little pup just couldn't cope with it. He fell onto his side, stiff as a board, and gave another bloodcurdling cry of pain and sorrow before going quiet as he slipped into unconsciousness. Lobo was already standing above him to protect him from the rain. He looked down at the little pup feeling completely useless since he couldn't do anything to console the pup. All he could really do was be there when the pup wakes up and hope that he somehow made it through all this with some of his sanity still intact. He noted that the pup was now shivering, so Lobo put his nose against the pup’s nose, feeling that he was quite cold.

We need shelter from the rain. Lobo surmised. He himself had never been cold since arriving on this physical plane, but then again he was a Dire Wolf and possessed one of the most insulating furs amongst all the species inhabiting this world. Carefully he lifted the little pup off the ground again and set off to find shelter. After searching for about an hour, he found what he was looking for, an overhang from a cliffs provided excellent shelter from the rain. Lobo quickly curled into a ball with the pup in the middle to keep him warm and dry. He settled down for a long wait to see if the pup would wake up again. He looked at the pup nestled to his side, as it slept in blissful oblivion.

Don't worry little one… I will guard you… I won't let those ponies touch even a hair on your head. Lobo thought while his ears constantly scan for any noise that would betray an intruder.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 10 New Days

True Black
Chapter 10
New Days

1th of April

It was almost midday before Lightning Strike and Black Star could finally leave the camp with their squad. The camp was now left in the capable hooves of Avarice. He had made a couple of changes to the soldiers coming with them. Some of the changes Lightning had not been too happy with. Two of her best defensive unicorns had been held back by Avarice, as well as one of her most trusted Pegasus scouts. Even though his reasoning for it was sound, she still thought that there were now lacking defensive qualities in the squad, and why Offshoot could not come with them, she never really got any good explanation for at all now that she thinking about it. Avarice had waved her concerns away rather brusquely. He felt it would be better with all-out offensive, the sort of smash your problem into the ground quickly and be done with it attitude. She had begrudgingly agreed to the plan, especially after Black Star stated that this was not a big issue, since twenty-two ponies against one Wolf was clearly overkill anyway. Lightning didn't share their opinion though. Both Avarice and Black Star were clearly looking at this like a field battle, which was a scenario she really couldn't see happening. Lobo would definitely not wait for them on an open field; especially not long enough for them to form up into any kind of formation. If they caught him in the city of North Bay, Lobo would most likely run. And if they bumped into each other on the open field or in some forest, Lightning felt that he would most likely start picking them off one by one from the shadows. Even after voicing her concerns, Avarice had still felt his approach was better and overruled her. Anyway Lightning didn't felt like arguing with them, to tell the truth she was quite happy with what had happened, mostly because of who was walking beside her right now. She glanced over at Black Star with quite an amused smirk across her face. Avarice had insisted that they pack as lightly as they conceivably could in order to make their pursuit of Lobo as fast as possible. This meant they more or less only had the armor and weapons they could carry on their backs, and that the only shelter they had with them were eleven small, two-pony tents. And since she and Black Star were the two highest ranking officers in the group, they were more or less expected to bunk together. The thought of her and Black Star squeezing in together in that little tent every night positively made her feel like she was flying. Suddenly looking down, her eyes widened.

Oh buck! Lightning thought when she noted that she was several feet off the ground. She snapped her wings in and came back to the ground with little thump. Black Star was eyeing her curiously.

“What was that about?” she asked knowingly. Lightning gave a little smirk.

“Oh nothing… just… thought I saw something.” she said while giving Black Star a good once over with her eyes. She couldn't believe how pearl-white Black Star’s coat was, or how well it went with her black mane and that little blood red streak running through it, or how unfathomably seductive her white eyes were when she looked at her the way she did right now. Black Star smiled back at Lightning Strike.

“Right… something interesting?” she asked innocently. Lightning lifted her eyes to meet Black Star's gaze.

“Definitely…” she answered and gave Black Star a little peck at the chin. She smiled widely as they continued trotting down the path. Lightning could now hear little whispers behind them. She glanced back at the soldiers marching behind them. Every mare and stallion that had been whispering snapped their head forward when they noticed Lightning looking at them, one of the stallions even fired off a very fake smile and started sweating copiously when he met her eyes. Lightning turned her head back and looked straight ahead.

“Maybe I should refrain from doing that in the open; I think I just blew our cover.” she stated. Black Star just sniggered and looked over at her.

“I haven't said anything, mostly because I thought it was quite cute the way you try to keep quiet when we're together… But more or less the whole camp has known about us for a week now.” Black Star said while she giggled. Lightning gave her quite an annoyed look before turning her head back towards the rest of the squad. Every single pony following Lightning and Black Star was looking in every direction possible, except theirs. She huffed, and then started to smile wickedly at Black Star.

“Well no need to keep quiet tonight then…” Lightning teased and then shot up into the air. She spun around so she could address the whole squad.

“Okay, listen up you maggots! You all know we’re heading for North Bay! But if we keep up this measly pace, we’ll be lucky to arrive within three days! That's time we do not have the luxury of losing! We will be travelling at a steady gallop from here on out. That should cut our travel time down to two days. If I hear one complaint during the day, whoever makes it will be the one guarding the campfire tonight! Got it!!!” Lightning bellowed. Twenty speechless ponies were watching her and slowly nodded.

“Good! Now move out!!!” she ordered and dropped back to the ground to set off at a steady gallop. Behind her she heard a couple of annoyed grunts, but no pony dared voice a complaint.

****

“I still can't see why I couldn't pull the wagon? You’re just being stubborn and you know it, Hammer.” Bender's voice rang out through the woods. Hammer Song rolled her eyes and looked back at the great big stallion walking next to her. Why was he being such a nag about this? He had been like this all day, ever since she shoved him aside from the harness that morning when they left camp.

“I'm not some dainty little mare, Bender! I pulled this thing from Everfree to here, if you don't remember. And now you're telling me I'm not strong enough to pull it back?” she said, a bit annoyed. Bender eyed her angrily.

“That's not what I'm saying and you know it! I just want to pull my weight around here is all. In case you have forgotten, my stuff’s up on the wagon as well.” he said and gave a snort. Hammer grunted. That was true; there was actually more stuff on her wagon now than when she came up to this sorry excuse for a camp in the middle of nowhere.

“Alright, we'll pull it every other day.” she said in the end. Bender immediately started strutting beside her, exceedingly pleased with himself for having won his first argument with Hammer Song since they had met. She couldn't help but smile while she looked at him; he was such an enormous giant of a stallion, but still he remained this little, adorable oaf of colt on the inside. It was quite staggering to her, and she liked him so much. He wasn't at all the type of Stallion she thought she would be attracted to. She looked straight ahead again. If they kept a good pace throughout the day, they would be able to reach a decent camping site where three major paths connected at the end of the woods. One road led to North Bay and the coast, the other headed towards Stalliongrad up closer to the mountains, while the middle one, which was the one they would use, headed down through the Empire towards Everfree. It would probably take them around two weeks to reach The Royal Pony Sisters’ Castle and the praetorian´s headquarters. Hammer Song had not been looking forward to the return trip home. It had been a long and boring walk to get her up North, but as she eyed the stallion walking next to her, she couldn't help but smile. No matter what happened, it would most likely be a much more enjoyable return trip.

“You know I have a face as well. It's not too bad looking if I to do say so myself.” Hammer Song heard Bender say teasingly. She snapped her eyes away from Bender's flank, which she had been gawking at without realizing it. She gave a sheepish little smile and walked up to him.

“Really? I hadn't actually noticed.” she answered him and proceeded to give him an exaggerated examination of his face.

“Hmmm… Not that great to be honest; although, there are some parts I like.”
Hammer Song teased him and pressed her muzzle onto Bender's, giving him a long kiss. When they broke apart, Bender was completely at a loss for words, as he looked down at her. She gave him a little wink and then continued to walk along the path.

It's not even fair; I'll have him wrapped around my hooves at the end of the day. But then again, I don't think he will mind it at all, not with what I have planned for tonight. She thought and then smiled devilishly.

****

Zig Zag woke up and carefully rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he gave a big yawn and stretched his hooves before flinging the cover off of himself. He jumped down onto the floor of his bedroom, and gave himself another stretch, then walked across the sparsely decorated room that was his bedchamber. He stopped at the top of the stairs, and looked down into the kitchen where he could see his mother preparing breakfast. Zig Zag smiled widely and trotted down. Bright Sky saw him coming down the stairs, and beamed happily at him.

“Morning honey, did you sleep well?” she asked. Zig Zag nodded and walked over to sit down at his place at the dinner table. He was still a bit fuzzy because he had just woken up, but he was still rather surprised when he realized Cherry Blossom was sitting across from him at the table. He had not seen her sitting there while he came downstairs, although he decided not to think about it too much, instead sighing happily as he watched his mare friend. He couldn’t help but admire her glossy red coat and always well-kept green mane. However most of all he was now drowning in her stunning green eyes, while she smiled timidly back at him. Bright Sky came over carrying a plate, putting it down in front of him. Zig Zag looked at it enthusiastically when he realized it was his favorite dish, carrot and cauliflower pie. He grinned widely while he started eating. When he was halfway through his breakfast, he notices that Bright Sky and Cherry Blossom were both standing at the back door, making themselves ready to leave. Zig Zag looks at them curiously.

“Aren't you guys going to eat?” he asked looking at the two empty chairs at the table. Bright Sky had picked up Cherry Blossom and was now cradling her as she looked back at him.

“No honey. We don't need to eat any more.” she said while she looked at him quite sadly.

“Why not?” Zig Zag wondered. Cherry Blossom giggled in Bright Sky's embrace.

“Because we are dead, you silly colt…” she said with her typical little laugh. Zig Zag’s eyes went wide at the statement Cherry Blossom had just given, not believing a word of it; they were after all standing right in front of him, very much alive. Then he saw something move on the plate in front of him. He looked back down at the half-eaten pie and screamed. Maggots, cockroaches and all sorts of vermin were crawling in and out of the pie. Zig Zag violently shoved himself backwards tumbling onto the floor. As he looked up, he screamed even more fiercely, Zig Zag backpedaled until his rump hit the bottom of the stairs. Bright Sky was now standing pressed up against the back wall of the kitchen with Cherry Blossom in her embrace. But Cherry Blossom was now completely mashed up with several broken bones sticking out of her; she was almost smashed beyond recognition, and completely covered in blood. Bright Sky was holding her tenderly against her chest, while she looked at Zig Zag, her head tilted at an impossible angle as it rested against her shoulder. And the wall she was now part of was not made of wood. It was decomposing bodies of ponies all staring at him with a hollow eyes. All the corpses started to moan, hissing and screeching while they tried to get out of the wall so they could get him as well. Bright Sky and Cherry Blossom were slowly being pulled in amongst them. His mother smiled sadly at him.

“Remember honey, you have to find Silver Pot; this was his fault.” she said in her usual loving manner.

“Find him for us.” she said pleadingly. Terrified, Zig Zag turned around to run up the stairs. But there was no staircase there, only another wall of corpses reaching out for him. He tumbled backwards, turning around he could now see that all the walls were made of screeching and moaning corpses that were reaching for him. He felt something wet drip down on top of his head, making him looked up. The ceiling was completely covered in dead ponies, some with their intestine hanging out, dripping blood and other fluids down upon him. He screamed again, and looked desperately back towards Bright Sky and Cherry Blossom, but they were not there anymore.

“Mummy! Cherry! Don't leave me! Please don't leave me!!!” He cried out frantically, but nothing answered him except the moaning and screeching corpses. All of a sudden he felt how the floor became slick and unstable. He just sat there hyperventilating with his eyes closed. He knew that the moment he opened them it would all be over, the dead ponies would get a hold of him and they would tear him apart. He could feel the slick rotting hooves and cold muzzle poking and prodding him, trying to make him open his eyes. He fought it for as long as it could. But when he felt several sets of teeth clamped onto his flesh, his eyes flew open, and he stared straight into the hollow eyes of a corpse. All around him the dead ponies smiled, and then they rushed him and pulled him down into darkness; while he gave one last blood curdling scream.

****

Lobo was still lying curled up around the pup, to protect it from the storm that was now raging around them. It was a good thing they found shelter before the storm's full fury was unleashed. What had begun as a slow rain had turned into a downpour, and when the wind started howling around them, even Lobo found it was good they had not been caught out in it. He wasn't too worried about himself, but the pup would surely have suffered. Remarkably, and a bit worrisome, it had been asleep for close to twenty four hours now, and he had been awake the whole time. Lobo raised his head to have another look around; he would not allow anything to sneak up on them unnoticed. Not that he was really expecting to find anything, but that still didn't mean he'd stop keeping a close eye on their surroundings. Lobo had come to the conclusion that the storm was a blessing in disguise, because no pony would be foolish enough to go out searching for them in this harsh weather. His stomach growled, with a deep sigh he shifted a bit. He would have to hunt soon. It had been almost two days since he captured anything edible, but he still didn't want to leave the pup in case it woke up. Just then Lobo felt movement when the little thing started to squirm at his side, the pup was finally waking from its slumber, but instead of a gradual return to the world of the living, the pup bolted straight up, screaming its lungs out, while frantically looking around itself until its green eyes settled on him, as he looked down upon the pup with his yellow ones. The little thing’s eyes grew wide as he stared at Lobo in terror; he shot up onto his hooves scrambling to get away from the beast, never breaking eye contact with it.

“Please don't run. It's not safe for you out there little one.” Lobo said quickly. Zig Zag sat frozen in place not knowing what to do, he looked at the enormous black monster while he continued to hyperventilate.

“My name is Lobo. What's yours?” he asked. Zig Zag tilted his head in confusion, and then finally it clicked that the great black monster was actually talking to him. He looked around himself still not sure what he should be doing.

“Ehhh… Zig Zag…” he answered in a trembling voice. Lobo nodded slowly and smiled at his newest addition to the litter. Immediately Zig Zag’s eyes went wide as they were drawn to Lobo´s gleaming teeth, and he stumbled back a few steps more. Lobo lost his smile when he realized it had frightened the pup.

Right… probably shouldn't smile at him. More or less every single pony I've smiled at has had that exact same reaction. He thought and felt a little guilty. He countered by putting one ear down, and then tilting his head. That had been quite effective a couple of times, when he didn't want to seem to threatening. And it appeared to be working with the pup; Zig Zag’s ears came back forward, as he looked at the now not so overwhelmingly terrifying monster.

“Sorry… I keep forgetting your species doesn’t have teeth like mine. I know they are quite scary if you haven't seen them before.” Lobo said while he slowly rolled over on his back. Zig Zag finally felt a little more at ease, when he looked at the big monster with its paws and legs sticking out in every which way. Their eyes met again, and for the first time since waking up, Zig Zag started to believe that maybe this big black beast wasn't out to hurt him after all.

“That's better. You don't have to be afraid of me; I won't hurt you like those ponies.” Lobo said as he tried to put Zig Zag more at ease around him. Of course the mention of ponies had the opposite effect on Zig Zag, his face fell, while the memories of what had occurred the day before came crashing back into the forefront of his mind.

“Mum!!!” Zig Zag cried out, at the same time as tears started flowing. He sank down onto the ground.

“I'm sorry ma'am… I couldn't save you… It's all my fault…” Zig Zag sniffled while curled up into a ball again.

“No!!!” Lobo said harshly. Zig Zag jumped at the tone of his voice, once again looking at the black beast fearfully.

“No…” Lobo repeated much more softly and continued. “I do not know how the two of you came to be in that situation, but I cannot conceive any way of you being responsible for what happened.”

“But… But… It has to be…” Zig Zag wailed, and then he started to tell Lobo about everything that had transpired during the last week, and even about Cherry Blossom and how it was his fault that she was dead, since she had asked if she could stay with him just before she died, and he had said no, because he had too much to do right then. At the end of the story, Zig Zag had his face buried into Lobo's fur covered chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Lobo was completely horrorstruck; he had thought his own existence had been a living nightmare. But upon hearing what this little pup had gone through, his heart had shattered completely. Lobo tenderly hugged the little one, and even though he realized Zig Zag didn't know all the facts that had led to their supposed executions, there still was one thing he knew for sure.

“Listen to me, Zig Zag. It was not your fault that they killed your friend or your mother, and she would be very proud and happy that you are still alive.” Lobo said in no uncertain terms. Zig Zag looked up at him through tear filled eyes.

“You think so…” he asked.

“I know so. She sounds like a brave and wonderful mother, and she would never want anything bad to happen to you. It sounds like it was mostly Iron Rod and those city guards’ fault.” Lobo said as soothingly as he could. Zig Zag face turned into a vicious snarl at the mention of their mere names.

“They should die!!! All of them! Especially Iron Rod!!! Why didn't you kill him!!! He was right there and you just ran away!!!” Zig Zag started screaming, while he hammered his front hooves into the side of Lobo´s face. He snapped his head away in surprise, and gave an involuntary little snarl. Nonetheless Zig Zag just stayed where he was, staring at Lobo, demanding an answer. Lobo suppressed his flash of anger very quickly.

“I had to protect you. If I had tried to kill any of them after I saved you, you would most likely be dead right now.” he explained. Zig Zag did not seem happy with the answer.

“Then I'll go back! They should die! Mom said so herself!!!” he screamed, and turned around. But before he even had a chance to take one step out into the storm, Lobo picked him up and turned him over onto his back. He held him down with one enormous paw, looking straight into the pup’s eyes from above.

“And how would you achieve that, pup? Do you know how to hunt properly? I have seen what ponies are capable off, and as you are now, you'd be dead within minutes of stepping back into that place. How do you think your mother would react to that?!” Lobo growled down at Zig Zag. It worked for a second, and then Zig Zag anger got the better of him again, as his need for vengeance overruled all other thoughts.

“I don't care! They killed my mother! You don't know what it feels like to lose everything!!!” he screamed up at the Wolf. Lobo froze as images of his home realm assaulted him. The Alfa Dire Wolf, his pack, his twin sister Lupus and most of all the eternal pups themselves. His whole body shook in anger and frustration, while he remembered how he was ripped out of his home by Black Star, and that he most likely would never be able to return to it again. For the first time in his life, Lobo felt tears running down his snout, while he growled viciously down at the little pup, which had unknowingly stabbed him very deeply indeed. Zig Zag could see how Lobo´s demeanor and mood had switched completely, and now lay trembling beneath his paw. With a last growl, Lobo let go of him, and moved in to the inner cliffs wall of their overhang shelter.

“Fine, go get yourself killed! See if I care!!!” he growled angrily, and lay down facing the wall. Zig Zag slowly got to his hooves, while he looked at the big wolf who was now trying to stare a hole into the cliff face, while he was lost in guilty thoughts.

Nice going growling at the pup! Get it together Lobo… He’s hurt, scared and most of all he's just a PUP! And who am I kidding… I'll never let him go back there to get killed… He thought while he looked back over his shoulder at the pup was now standing at the edge of the shelter, looking out into the storm a bit apprehensive.

“Unfortunately you, or even the two of us, are not the only ones who have lost everything…” Lobo said in a sad voice. Zig Zag turned back towards the Wolf when he realized what Lobo had said to him.

“What do you mean the two of us? You're so big… No one can take anything from you.” Zig Zag said as his childish logics deduced this to be true. Lobo gave a short laugh at the innocence of the statement.

“I wish it were so…” Lobo answered, and then absentmindedly clicks the metal scales around his neck with his right paw.

“You might think that I'm big and strong and free… I may look free but that's only because I carry my prison with me everywhere I go.” he said as he turned around to face the pup, then Lobo starting to tell the story of how he ended up being a physical Dire Wolf, leaving out the more gruesome parts of course. At the end of the story Zig Zag was sitting in front of Lobo with big, round eyes. He broke eye contact with Lobo and looked closely at the scales around Lobo's neck.

“Sorry… I didn't know.” he said timidly. Lobo nodded.

“It's okay; we've both been through a lot recently, without any of it being our own fault.” he answered.

“Yeah… That's why I can't let them get away with what they did to mum.” Zig Zag said with determination in his eyes. Lobo looked down at him a little bit annoyed.

“You can't go back there.” he said sternly. Zig Zag hopped up on his hooves.

“I have to! I can't let them get away with this!” he shouted at Lobo. The Wolf gritted his teeth; he had to think of something to keep the pup from jumping headlong into an early grave. Then it hit him.

“I guess I'll have to teach you then.” Lobo said. Zig Zag looked curiously at him.

“Teach me what?” he wondered.

“I'll teach you everything I know about hunting and fighting. I'll teach you things ponies never could. And when you're strong enough… I will even come back here with you.” Lobo said, it was all he could think to offer the angry pup, to keep him from running back there. He just hoped it would be enough. Zig Zag was looking out into the storm while the gears in his head were turning. He wanted to kill them now; the thought of Iron Rod being alive back at North Bay was making his insights feel like they were being scrubbed with sandpaper. At the same time, deep down he knew Lobo was right. He would die if he went back now. Zig Zag gritted his teeth in frustration.

They should all die… They all laughed at mum! He thought, and in his mind, he could see the entire crowd, clapping their hooves and hollering in delight at the site of his dead mother. He hated them all so much he could barely keep it contained. Since he had been staring down into the floorboards after his mother had been hanged. He didn't know that the clapping and hollering he heard afterwards was the result of a few drunken ponies in front of the execution stage, so his hate was slowly starting to spread to every pony in North Bay. He looked back at Lobo with an inner fire lighting his eyes.

“You promise to teach me everything you know?” he asked. Lobo looked at the little pup a bit apprehensively; he knew he would most likely regret this promise one-day. But if this is what it took to keep Zig Zag from getting himself killed right now, then so be it.

“Yes, I will teach you how to survive.” he said with no uncertainty.

“Okay I'll stay for now…” Zig Zag answered. Lobo nodded his approval and then gave a big yawn. He was so tired after being awake for so long, and the tension between the two of them hadn't helped either.

“Good… Now I need to rest for a while. When I wake up again will start your training.” Lobo said as he lay down on his side to get comfortable.

“But I'm not tired! I want to start now!” Zig Zag demanded loudly. Lobo gave a fierce growl in warning.

“I have been watching over you for a night and a day now, so this time you will guard my back as I sleep, it's the way of the pack to help and protect each other, which seems to be quite a fair trade if you ask me.” Lobo stated while he looked at Zig Zag. Lobo would most likely wake up long before anything dangerous could get close to him, but giving the pup a purpose right now would only be good for him, otherwise he will probably do something stupid.

“Okay…” Zig Zag answered. Lobo grunted his approval, and settled in for a long-overdue rest.

****

Zig Zag was incredibly restless, as he looked over at the sleeping Wolf for what must have been the thousandth time that minute; he was almost hopping with pent-up frustration. The storm was still raging around them, so he couldn't really go anywhere, and Lobo had been sleeping for at least an hour now. Zig Zag wanted nothing more than to go back to North Bay and make all the ponies pay for what had happened to his mother. He was starting to hate them all more and more, and he was even feeling resentful that he was a pony himself. Why couldn't he be a big powerful monster wolf like Lobo, or a griffin maybe?! He started to explore the area under the overhang again, trying to find something to do. The overhang they were hiding under was about eighteen meters wide, and stood about ten meters out from the cliff face. As Zig Zag moved along the inner wall, he saw something gleaming on the ground. As he went over to investigate, he found that it was something very sharp. Deciding to have a closer look, he took it with him out into the gloomy light of the day; Zig Zag could now see that it was a piece of flint shaped as an arrow head. It had probably been there for a long while, but it was still wickedly sharp. He grinned as he looked at it, figuring he would probably be able to hurt a pony pretty badly with this. Although his hate originally focused on Iron Rod and the rest of the city guard, it was now spilling out over every pony back home. They had done nothing to help them, and even applauded when his mother died. It hurt so much inside thinking about it that he didn't know what to do.

Why should any of you ponies get to live! I hate all of you. Why do I even have to be a stupid pony myself… Zig Zag thought as he eyed the piece of flint. He looked back at Lobo wishing he was just like him. Then he got an idea, maybe he couldn't be like Lobo. But there were other races he might be able to make itself look like. Zebras were more or less just earth ponies with stripes after all, a little too similar now that he thought about it. And there was another flaw with his idea; he realized he didn't know which way the stripes on a Zebra went. Were they horizontal or vertical? Zig Zag looks back at Lobo, feeling a bit envious. He was so big and strong, and looked so fearsome. Then Zig Zag got a very determined look in his eyes, and got to work. It didn't take long for the paint to be almost overwhelming, but Zig Zag welcomed it because he found it made the emotional pain on the inside more manageable, and it also stopped him from thinking about his mother or Cherry Blossom while he was flooding his mind with the physical pain instead. Relentlessly, Zig Zag continued, so he could keep his horrific memories at bay. After what felt like an eternity, he was done with the first one. Zig Zag was giddy and almost laughed straight out since he was practically high on the adrenaline and endorphins his body was releasing so he would be able to deal with the pain coursing through his brain.

One done… Three to go… Zig Zag thought, feeling a bit lightheaded. He chuckled as he felt the tears running down his cheeks, he caught his breath, and then continued his painful work.

****

Slowly Lobo´s eyes fluttered open; it took a couple of seconds to realize that the pup was standing in front of him in the fading light. Doing something that resembled wagging his tail. Lobo yawned before looking out over the now visible ocean and realized that the storm had died down quite a bit. And the rain had also stopped completely.

“Come on we have to start training now!” Zig Zag said joyfully, as he bounced in anticipation. Lobo looked at the pup with a bit of concern; his eyes were completely blood shot, and the lines down his face told him that the pup had been crying a lot. But that wasn’t all that surprising, considering what he's been through the last couple of days. Still there was something off with him, Lobo couldn't put his paw on it, but there had been something. Zig Zag now gave Lobo the biggest smile he could, and Lobo's eyes went wide and he stared down at the young pony.

“What have you done…” Lobo asked in horrified disbelief. Zig Zag smiled even brighter while proudly displaying the four new canines he had carved out of his four corner teeth.

“See! I'm not a pony anymore! I'm just like you now!” he exclaimed joyfully.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 11 Surprise In The Wood

True Black
Chapter 11
Surprise In The Wood

1th of April

This was just too good to be true; it was only the eve of the first day she'd been searching, and already Longbow had spotted the false Praetorian walking down a path through the forest, together with some muscle-bound stallion wearing what looked like cheap quilted armor. But what had actually made Longbow jump for joy was that they were heading towards the intersection where she had made the other soldiers in her little squad wait for her. She didn't need them tagging along and slowing her down while she searched for their target. Once Longbow understood the situation, she had quickly made her way back to join up with them. The four of them were now well hidden on opposite sides of the little campsite that was obviously used by many travelers as a night stop.

Longbow herself was well hidden inside the edge of the woods with a clear line of sight into the campsite. While she lay there waiting for her unsuspecting prey, Longbow could feel the anticipation building. Finally she heard the two of them coming down the path towards the trap. As they came out of the forest, she could finally have a closer look while they stepped out in to the fading sunlight. Longbow almost felt her chin hit the ground. The fake Praetorian mare looked far too young… How can anypony believe that she was a proper Praetorian?

Although she had to admit, that shining, silvery Praetorian armor did look very authentic. Still, she would have to have been picked up by the praetorians more or less immediately after completing basic training—which never happened, almost never anyway. And finally there was the biggest mistake this fake had made. She was obviously trying to pass herself off as a Praetorian smith, judging by the hardware they were dragging behind them. But that meant she was supposed to be a smith herself, not that she had a smith tagging along with her.

Longbow almost giggled. If they were this stupid, they would both be dead before any of them even knew what was happening. She could take the shot now, but she opted to wait. Once the two of them were in the camp, she would take down this fake Praetorian. Besides, it would be a bit more challenging at that range for her, and the sound of her arrow striking home would also be the signal for the four waiting soldiers to attack the stallion.

She withdrew an arrow and levitated her bow in front of her as she started to zero in on the target. They had finally stopped, but to Longbow´s annoyance, the stallion was blocking the mare completely from view. But she wasn't worried, she would wait for a good shot to presents itself and then let fly.

****

Bender looked around himself while he helped Hammer Song to step free from the harness. His red eyes scanned their surroundings methodically until his ears picked up what was wrong.

“Hammer it's too quiet… I don't like the way this feels.” Bender said as he continued to look around. Hammer Song nodded; she had been aware that something was out of place for a while now. Somepony was following them, maybe thinking to steal from their supplies during the night.

“I think we might get a visitor tonight…” Hammer said in her singsong voice while she sidestepped to stand closer beside him. Bender just grunted, indicating that he also come to the same conclusion. It was funny; the two of them had only known each other for a couple of days, and already it seemed and felt like they had been together for years. She gave him a peck on his cheek, and then walked around him to fetch the tent from the other side of the wagon.

“Hammer! Could you get my fl…” Hammer luckily stopped and turned her head back, so she could hear what Bender wanted. More or less simultaneously, a loud thump sounded right next to her. She turned back and bumped her forehead against a still quivering arrow. She quickly traced the arrow’s path through the air just in time to see another projectile heading towards her.

No! Was all she had time to think, when she realized she would not be able to dodge the arrow speeding towards her head. Suddenly she was slammed into the ground, when Bender tackled her out of the way. The arrow took him in the left shoulder; immediately he cried out in an ear-shattering roar. Hammer Song looked up just in time to see Bender catch another arrow that was intended for his neck by letting it strike right through the underarm of his left hoof. This time he didn't even make a sound as the arrow struck him. Hammer Song became enraged. Whoever this archer was, he was dead!

SPEED, BLOOD AND DEATH! Hammer thought loudly in her head as the world around her seemed to slow down. Of course the world wasn't moving slower, for it was she who was moving much faster, as her flesh binding spell was now activated. Hammer cast a last glance towards Bender as he moved in slow motion into his peculiar fighting stance, looking of towards his left side, and then she was off towards the hidden archer. She withdrew her two-bladed short sword from its sheath in a fluid motion. It was a special weapon Hammer had fashioned herself. Two short swords forged together with a single handle in-between them. As she clutched her teeth onto it, with a firm hold around the handle, Hammer Song could see another arrow speeding towards her from the forest. Whoever the archer was, he was good. The fact that this pony managed to get off a shot at her, even before she had covered half the distance to the edge of the woods, clearly showed that the archer was able to both aim and fire very rapidly. But the arrows were no problem at all for Hammer Song. She could clearly see them coming towards her now, so dodging was easy.

She arrived at the edge of the forest in little under three or four seconds, which should be completely impossible for a pony. The moment she entered the gloom of the woods, Hammer Song could see a stunned looking unicorn archer in the midst of grabbing another arrow with her magic. But it did not matter how fast the unicorn was. She would never be able to fire before Hammer Song reached her. She angled her sword straight at the mare’s chest, letting her speed and momentum do the job for her. The sword slipped right through the leather armor the archer was wearing and continued through her flesh. The power of the thrust was so excessive that Hammer Song impaled their attacker onto the tree she was shoved up against. The mare’s magical grip on her bow and arrow fizzled out, and they fell slowly towards the ground.

Still, stop and calm… Hammer Song thought as the world around her started moving at a normal pace again. She let go of her sword, and looked at the mare that had attacked them. She was a female unicorn, not much older than herself by the looks of it, very well camouflaged with her moss green coat, and lighter green mane and tail. Her two purple eyes were shriveled up in unfathomable pain while they stared into Hammers blue ones. Slowly the impaled mare’s two front hooves came to rest upon the blade that was pinning her against the tree. She looked down at it with gritted teeth, as a dark red liquid starting to run down its length. The sword had passed straight through her chest and out of her back. In other words she was already dead; the mare’s brain just hadn't caught on yet. The purple eyes once again found her own. They had finally understood what was happening, and the look of total disbelief in them was painful to watch, like she had finally understood some cruel joke been played on her. With a trembling hoof, she reached towards Hammer Song, who immediately took two steps back. The green mare tried to speak, but she only managed to cough up a lot of blood instead. She forced herself to take a grueling breath.

“You’re…” The mare gasped for breath. “supposed to be… fake….” the green mare managed to gurgle out before her hoof felt limp to her side, the blood that had so far been pouring out of her stab wound and mouth was beginning to slow down into a trickle, as her heartbeat became weaker and weaker. Gradually the light in her eyes dimmed, and then her head slumped forward onto the sword that was now all that kept her upright. Hammer Song was breathing heavily.

Supposed to be fake? The thought perplexed her while she studied her assailant. She looked at the bow and her armor with a frown; they looked very familiar. Then it finally hit her, they were both of Grand Army Scout issue. The leather armor was dappled to help blend in with its surrounding, and the longbow was of a very rare and finally made issue, only presented to the best of the best pony archers.

So why had… all of a sudden Hammer Song realized she was hearing shouts, screams and sounds of battle. She whirled around with fear in her chest.

“Bender!” she shouted.

There were more attackers? Of course there were more attackers! One lonely archer would never attack two heavily armored enemies by herself! Hammer Song thought and immediately grabbed onto her sword and yanked at it… Nothing, she pulled even harder. Still nothing, the weight of Longbow's body made it almost impossible to pull it out of the tree, since it was now wedged tightly in there. Hammer Song gritted her teeth on the blood-soaked handle, then placed both her front hooves onto Longbow´s body and pulled for all she was worth. Just when she thought it was starting to give, she lost her grip on the now slippery handle and crashed to the ground. She flew up on her hooves, desperation starting to build in her chest while she heard the ongoing battle behind her.

“Bucking sword!!!” she screamed and flew at it again.

****

Hammer song had disappeared. He never saw what had happened to her.

These bastards must have taken Hammer! Bender thought furiously through the red haze he was now moving in. It happened so fast, after the first arrow to the shoulder, battle frenzy took him completely. On pure instinct he was able to shield himself from the second arrow that was aimed at his throat that time. Since he was already in his so-called battle frenzy, Bender didn't feel a thing anymore, no pain, no fatigue, nothing except the primal rage and instinct of kill or be killed. He saw movement out of the corner of his eye. As Bender turned towards it, he could see an enemy closing in from his left with a sword pointed straight at him. This fool obviously thought Bender was completely immobilized on the left side, already having two injuries there.

He reared up, and looked down at the enemy with pinprick eyes and a manic grin across his face. As the other stallion came charging at him, fully intent on getting a quick kill under his belt, he was completely oblivious to how Bender´s left hoof raced up in anticipation of its strike. With a devastatingly powerful blow, Bender struck the flat of the enemy’s blade from the side. The point of the sword dug into the side of the cart, coming to an abrupt halt, which shoved the handle straight down the other stallion's throat until the cross guard stopped him dead in his tracks. The impact of the cross guard shattered the stallions jawbone, so he was now toppling over unconscious. Although Bender wasn't done with him, his right hoof racing down after his hated adversarial. Connecting to the side of the helmet, with all of Bender's weight and power behind the crushing blow, the helmet and the skull inside it was stomped into the ground. Most of what was left inside of the helmet came shooting out like an overripe tomato when it caved in between Bender's massive hoof and the ground.

With a savage roar Bender came up on his front legs, and bucked as hard as he could, catching the soldier who thought Bender hadn't noticed him trying to come up behind completely off-guard. This sent the soldiers flying through the air, into the next enemy following behind him. They both came down in a loud crash. The stallion that had been bucked in the side tried to get up, but found that he couldn't. He couldn't even breathe anymore. Looking down in wide-eyed horror, the stallion could see that the armor, which was meant to protect him, was now actually killing him. The armor had been so dented by the brutal impact that it was now impossible for him to breathe with it strapped on. And the fact that he had most likely broken several ribs did not help him either. Finally his body reacted to what had happened; his brain was immediately flooded with pain, almost knocking him out. Desperately he tried to undo the straps and buckles on his armor to free himself, but failed miserably, since he was an earth pony it took a long time to get out of the armor even if he wasn't injured. The stallion looked pleadingly up at his fellow soldier, who stood in front of him levitating a spear while staring intently at Bender. With a savage roar he raced off into battle again, unknowingly leaving his desperate friend behind to slowly be suffocated to death by his own armor.

Bender could see how the spear wielder charged at him. As usual, Bender couldn't stop smiling while the battle raged around him. And what a glorious battle it was turning out to be; he hadn't felt so alive since his less battle in Rapture alongside his father while there were still working as mercenary in the gryphon kingdoms. Right now though, Bender got the feeling he was forgetting something important, but try as he might he couldn't think of anything he might be missing, Bender couldn't concentrate on anything except how to crush the enemy in front of him. All of a sudden another soldier smashed down on top of him. It was a Pegasus he had hadn't noticed.

The annoying little thing had tried to stab him with a wicked-looking dagger in the back, but only managed to cut through the top layer of the quilted armor, exposing the first layer of ring mill below as it skidded off to the side. Bender reared up and crushed the Pegasus between himself and the wagon. The Pegasus cried out a muffled scream. Meanwhile the unicorn took the chance to thrust his spear towards Bender who tilted ever so slightly, letting the spearhead grace his side, exposing more of his ring mail armor, and then stab right through the leather armor of the Pegasus behind him. There was wans more a scream from the Pegasus who then went rigid as a board, before he slumped over as his whole body went limp. Bender was just about to throw himself onto the unicorn spear wielder, when a magic bolt caught him straight in the chest. Bender was thrown back into the wagon with such force that the whole contraption tilted up on two wheels, before coming crashing down again, the magical bolt would usually knocked out, if not straight up kill any pony not able to magical shield itself.

But to the disbelief of the unicorn Bender was already getting up again, grinning like a mad pony and looking at him with those horrible pinprick eyes, while smoke was slowly rising from his scorched chest. The unicorn was charging up another attack, when a blur past just in front of him. The next thing he knew blood was spraying out of his open throat. His eyes rolled up under his eyelids as he fell to the ground. Hammer Song was now standing by the side of the wagon, breathing heavily while leaning on it for support. Hammer dropped the dagger she had taken off Longbow`s body, and looked up just in time to avoid getting her head smashed into the side of the wagon by Bender. He looked at her with his pinprick eyes and manic smile, clearly not recognizing who she was.

“Stop!!! Bender it’s me!!!” Hammer Song cried out in her musical voice while Bender raised his hooves for another attack. Bender's eyes immediately went back to normal, a gurgled scream trying to make its way out of his throat and through his gritted teeth, while he looked at Hammer Song in complete shock.

“GHHHHAAaaaaaaa!!!” he roared and then fell to the ground unconscious. Hammer Song just stared at Bender, not understanding what had just happened to him. Bender had been moving around and fighting without a problem, even with all his injuries just a second ago, but the moment she said stop, he had just collapsed to ground unconscious. Hammer looked around for any more would-be attackers. Once she was certain no more attacks would come, she looked down at her unconscious coltfriend and sighed. Even if she didn't understand what had happened to him. She at least knew one thing for sure. The two of them needed to get out of there right now.

****

Zig Zag went tumbling into the grass again. He finally came to a halt flat on his back with a groan. Slowly he rolled over onto his stomach and looked up; Lobo was now walking towards him slowly shaking his head.

“No, no, no… You have to be more mindful of where you place your paws. I heard you approach from a mile away.” Lobo scolded Zig Zag, although in a very mild and soothing voice.

“Naaha! I was like, totally quiet this time!” he shot back quite annoyed. Lobo smiled at Zig Zag who it seemed was no longer afraid of him when he did so. Zig Zag got up on his hooves and shook himself off, and then trotted up to Lobo, still frowning a bit. Lobo put one of his paws on his head and ruffled his dark blue mane a bit. That's when he thought of something. Zig Zag was, as a matter of fact, not a wolf… Maybe he didn't know how to sneak properly just by instinct. He looked around himself and spotted some tricky looking bushes Zig Zag could sneak through, while Lobo would still be able to observe how he was doing it.

“You see those bushes over there? Try to get through them as quietly as possible.” Lobo said. Zig Zag watched them curiously; he gave a little nod, then trotted up to them and started making his way through. Lobo studied his movement and immediately saw that he was doing a lot of things wrong. Realizing what a bad technique Zig Zag was actually using, Lobo was now almost impressed with how little noise the pup made in spite of this. Zig Zag exited the bushes and happily trotted over to Lobo, quite pleased with himself.

“See, I'm totally awesome!” he said with a big smile, showing his new and still-sore fangs. Lobo sighed sadly; he hadn't known how to react when he discovered what the pup had done to himself while Lobo was asleep. In retrospect he was furious at himself; he should never have left the pup alone while he slept. He knew Zig Zag was distraught, although Lobo had only envisioned him running away while he was resting, so he would have had to track him down again once he woke up. But he had clearly underestimated just how depressed the pup was, since Zig Zag had been able to do something like that to himself. Lobo had decided then and there that from now on he would only sleep while Zig Zag slept. He gave a little grunt. What Zig Zag needed now was time to heal, and a lot of things to occupy his mind.

“Actually that was quite horrifically… bad… I think I lost count of how many twigs and dry leaves you stepped on while you were going through. And you're much too harsh when he stomp your hooves down. You need to settle them carefully on the ground before putting weight on them. If you were a wolf, you would be a very hungry one.” he said in a teasing manner. Zig Zag looked infuriatedly at him.

“Then you do it if you think it's so easy.” Zig Zag countered. Lobo nodded quite pleased with the fact that Zig Zag wanted to see how it was done correctly without having to suggest it himself. Lobo started stalking around Zig Zag without making a noise. Even though Zig Zag knew he wasn't in danger, the sight of Lobo moving around him still sent a chill down his spine.

“Now look at my paws; what are they doing?” Lobo asked. He could just tell Zig Zag the answer, but making the pup figure it out himself would most likely make the lesson stick better. Zig Zag watched intently while Lobo continued moving around him. But he couldn't really see anything except how he crouched down low, and moved really quietly. Lobo stopped, still in a stalking position.

“Don't try to see everything at once, pup. Look at my paws to begin with. That's what is important right now; body posture and weight distribution will come later when you got the basics down.” Lobo told Zig Zag and then started moving again very slowly. Now as he concentrated on solely the correct manner, he was finally able to see something. Every time Lobo's paw came down, it slowed significantly before making contact with the ground. And even when he had put his paw down, he didn't put his weight on it immediately, thereby letting anything under it settle quietly. Zig Zag perked up at his discovery, and immediately told Lobo.

“Good… What else can you see? There is one more thing that will immediately make you better at prowling.” he informed the pup. Zig Zag immediately starting searching for this new technique. He looked, and he looked, but he couldn't see it. He looked at the front paws, the back paws and right and left. But he still couldn't figure out what he was supposed to see.

“Ahhhhh! There is nothing more! You just teasing me aren't you!” Zig Zag vented. Lobo shook his head patiently while he continued round and around.

“There is something important. Look at my paws again. But not at how I put them down. You still haven't seen the big lesson that will make it all a lot easier for you.” Lobo said. Zig Zag rolled his eyes, and then once again started to study how Lobo moved.

“You're just looking at me… See what I do.” Lobo prompted. Zig Zag looked at Lobo quite confused now.

“But looking and seeing are the same things?” he said, baffled. Lobo just shook his head.

“Just looking at something won't help you very much, but truly seeing… to truly be able to see your opponent’s strength and weaknesses, to read their movements and intents, then act accordingly. That is the difference between just looking at something and truly seeing. Now try to see why I never step on something that will give me away.” Lobo said. Zig Zag looked puzzled, but continued to watch intently. Then he almost facehoofed. It was so obvious and basic that Zig Zag almost laughed. Lobo was always meticulous about where he put his front paws, but he never ever glanced back like Zig Zag constantly did to see where his back paws were placed. Because every time Lobo brought his front paws forward again, he always placed his back paw exactly where his front paw had previously been. Therefore he automatically knew he would not step on something that would give away his position. Zig Zag excitedly blurted out his findings and Lobo smiled proudly at him. Zig Zag then started sneaking around Lobo and their surroundings. Lobo´s jaw almost dropped. Zig Zag´s entire body movement had more or less become a mirror image of his own. He snuck in and out of bushes, between narrow trees, all the while being more or less soundless, compared to what he had achieved before, he implemented his new understanding of prowling perfectly. Zig Zag stopped in front of Lobo, and then pounced straight at him. Lobo caught him in a warm embrace and tumbled backwards as if he had been caught unaware. He continued to tumble around, while Zig Zag squealed in delight.

“Ohhh!!! You got me there little one! You were very good this time, I'm very proud of you, Zig Zag.” Lobo said happily, but he immediately felt Zig Zag tense up. Lobo instantly looked down, worried that the pup might have hurt himself while they were tumbling over in their play. As their eyes met, Zig Zag´s were full of tears.

“What is wrong little one?” Lobo asked worriedly. Zig Zag looked away.

“No pony except… mom… ever said they were proud of me before…” he answered and looked back at Lobo, his face shriveled up as he started to cry loudly.

“I miss her so much!!!” he howled while he bawled his eyes out. Lobo hugged him fiercely, tears started to flow from his own eyes.

“I know you do little one… I know…” Lobo said soothingly, while gently rocking the desperately crying pup protectively. Zig Zag wept for a long while before he finally started to quiet down again. All through Lobo simply held him, letting him wail all he wanted. Now that he had finally started to gather himself again, Lobo carefully looked down at his little charge with unquestioning love and devotion, which quite frankly baffled him a bit. He had not thought he would grow this attached so quickly. He sighed and ruffled the little one’s mane again.

“Well Zig Zag… we will have to start moving again. We're still too close to those bad ponies for us to be safe here. And since you've been doing so well in training today, I will carry you for a while. Do you think you can hang on if I put you on my back?” Lobo asked. Zig Zag looked up that Lobo, and then nodded a little bit. Lobo smiled down at him.

“Good.” he said, and shifted his body to make it easier for the pup to climb up between his shoulder blades. Lobo rose up and set off. In the beginning, Zig Zag twisted his hooves around tuffs of fur to hang on, but after a few minutes he noticed he didn't have to hang on at all. Zig Zag fit perfectly in between Lobo's shoulder blades, which were constantly working on either side of him. It was almost like he had a little seat there, which was custom fitted for him to lie down on. Moreover Lobo ran so smoothly over the ground that if it wasn't for his surroundings swishing past him, Zig Zag would have thought he was lying on the most comfortable bed in the world. As he sank down into the warm and comfy fur beneath him, it didn't take long for the emotionally exhausted Zig Zag to fall asleep. Lobo soon noticed the pup’s steady breathing, and the fact that he had fallen asleep while they were on the move. Grinning widely, Lobo continued heading further north. According to the map he had been looking at in Lightning Strike´s command tent, he would soon be able to leave the land belonging to these accursed ponies if he continued in this direction along the coast.

Whatever was on the other side of that border, it can't possibly be any worse than this. Lobo thought, and quietly prayed to the Alpha that he was correct.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 12 Questions in North Bay

True Black
Chapter 12
Questions in North Bay

3th of April

Black Star and Lightning Strike came over the last crest of a seemingly endless line of hills; finally they could see the bustling city of North Bay in the distance. The spirits of every pony in the company picked up and consequently so did their speed towards the city and its promise of their first hot meal in two days. Just before they arrived at the city gates, they ran past a hill where two black clad ponies were busy deconstructing a stage of some sort. A shiver ran through Lightning when she realized they were two of the city's hang ponies, and what they were taking down was the gallows. That meant that pit below was now full, and that the gaping hole a few hundred meters away, was the new location of the dreaded stage. The company had slowed to a trot now; finally they made a halt at the side of the road outside one of the city gates. Lightning Strike inspected the condition of her troops; they were all quite tired from the long run but otherwise okay, but she couldn't afford to cut them any slack right now.

“Okay, listen up! I want two ponies monitoring every gate in and out of this city at all times. Those not on lookout duties will set up a makeshift camp here outside the Elite City gate, and then secure food for the rest of the company. When that is done with, rest as much as you can if you're not on monitoring duty. While you take care of this, Vexillarius Black Star and I will gather information from the city guard. Stay sharp out here everypony! We don't know when we will be called into action!” Lightning strike ordered, then made a sharp turnabout and trotted off with Black Star.

As Black Star and Lightning Strike trotted through the so-called Elite City gate of North Bay, their spirits were quite high. Especially Black Star since she believed they would be able to track down Lobo within hours of arriving there; such a large wolf could not move unnoticed through any city, not even one as big as North Bay. Word would undoubtedly spread, and they knew exactly where to look for those rumors. The two quickly made their way through the elite district, with all its fancy houses and very clean streets where only the rich and powerful were able to live or even move about. From there they came in to the merchant district of North Bay. Here the streets were a lot livelier and not as wide or well-kept, but still clean, since no merchant wanted it to look dirty or unkempt outside their store. It just wouldn't be good for business.

After asking for some directions, they made their way to the heart of North Bay, and the city guard compound. It was a massive Bastion meant to inspire awe and fear in any who thought about causing trouble. The two of them trotted through a set of massive iron gates, and stepped out onto the inner courtyard of the Bastion. One heavily armored door clearly led down into the dungeons. Beside the door waited the black wagon for whoever would be next to take their last ride to the gallows on its hard, black, wooden floor. Off to their left, another entrance was marked as the entryway to the barracks, and to their right was the door they were looking for. It was finally decorated, and above it hung a sign which spelt out “North Bay city guard command center” in gilded letters. They opened the door and stepped in; inside they found a small waiting-room with a bored looking city guard stallion waiting behind a desk. Behind the stallion was a spiral staircase leading both up and down through the building. There was also a wooden door leading into the rest of the building on the first floor. Along the walls in the waiting area, benches were placed; on them sate pony´s waiting to have their grievances or complaints heard by the attending guard pony. Lightning and Black Star trotted up to the board looking stallion behind the desk.

“Have a seat, and we'll get to you when we can,” the stallion said without looking up from the paperwork he was obviously not very interested in.

“I believe whoever is in charge will make time for us,” Lightning said in a sharp voice. The stallion gave a quite frustrated sigh.

“Look, have a seat, and… and... wow!” the stallion said as he finally looked up to see who was addressing him. He pushed the report he was pretending to read away from himself, and stood up brushing his mane back with a hoof.

“You should have said you were from The Officers Club. Are you two here with Sharp Edge? Or do you have an appointment with one of the officers?” the stallion asked, and looked longingly at the two of them as he came around his desk with a sweet smile on his face. But his smile started to fade as he got up close to the two beautiful mares. They were giving him quite cold looks, something a mare from The Officers Club would not do. The stallion stopped in front of them and carefully gave each one a closer inspection. The unicorn had a pearl white coat, jet black mane and tail with blood red streaks running through them. On top of her head was a long and sharp looking horn. The Pegasus’ body was golden yellow with a two-tone blue mane and tail. His eyes widened a bit when he realized how immaculate and functional their black armor was. That did not look like a make-believe strip of armor at all. It slowly dawned on him that the two mares standing before him were definitely not tail-lifters from The Officers Club at all. Which meant… the whole stallion went rigid.

“Sorry… I… Eehhhh… Oh crap.” He took a breath to calm himself. “How may I help you, miss!?” he said a bit too forcefully, while he stood to attention in front of Lightning Strike. He was now sweating bullets, since the two mares were still glaring at him, most likely having realized just what he had implied, when he thought the two of them were from some sort of officer’s club.

“I am Decurion Lightning Strike of The Grand Army. And this is Vexillarius Black Star, my second-in-command. We're looking for information about a black Wolf who might have been seen around your city.” Lightning Strike said coldly. The stallion gulped. Not only were these mares from The Grand Army, but they were also quite highly placed upon the command ladder as well.

“Wolf? No… Wait yes!” the stallion suddenly blurted out quite enthusiastically, realizing he might have information that would save his tail, despite this little embarrassment.

“I believe captain Iron Rod had a run-in with a large, black wolf two days ago,” he said. Lightning Strike and Black Star looked quite pleased with this bit of news. Even though they could not be sure it was Lobo, it was a fairly high probability that it was.

“Where is this captain Iron Rod now?” Lightning strike wondered.

“Right this way, Decurion,” said the stallion while turning around smartly, and led the two mares up the staircase. They came to the second floor, where he turned left down a corridor.

“If you would follow me please, I think I saw his wife walking past just five minutes ago, but he will surely see you anyway,” the city guard hastily said, as if Iron Rod had a choice in the matter. They walked to the third door down the hall. Here the stallion stopped and knocked insistently on it.

“WHAT IS IT?!” shouted an annoyed voice from inside the room.

“Captain Iron Rod! You have a Decurion, Lightning Strike of The Grand Army, here to see you, Sir!” the stallion shouted through the door. Lightning Strike didn't bother waiting for a reply and simply shoved the stallion aside before she opened the door and stepped in to Iron Rod's office.

“There are rumors flying around about what happened to Cherry Tree and that new mare you were supposed to be bringing… in.” said a fancy but provocatively dressed mare as Lightning and Black Star entered. She glared at the two of them for barging in on her conversation. The mare was a light brown unicorn. Her dark blue mane was tightly tied back into a nicely made ponytail with light blue ribbons at the back of her head, two of which sensually fell down the side of her face and were then tied back into her ponytail, framing her features very nicely indeed. This brought to light her sharp, blue eyes even better. Her dark blue tail was full and well cared for; it also had the same light blue ribbons tied into it which gave her an even more refined look. The air about her was very much that of a noble pony, but since she was married to captain Iron, she would most definitely not be one. The mare in question turned back to the captain after she had given the two new arrivals an appraising look.

“Find whoever is spreading these rumors and shut them up. Otherwise more of the mares and stallions at the club will start getting stupid ideas into their pretty little heads, and that's not good for business. We'll talk more about this when you get home.” she said as she headed towards the door. When she walked past Lightning Strike and Black Star, they both felt a shiver run down the spines, as they met the cold, calculating blue eyes of this mare. She stopped and gave them both a sweet smile mixed with a seductive look. It was easy to see that she somehow had a position of power and influence within North Bay, and she was use to ponies fearing her and her influence.

“I've never understood why beautiful mares join The Grand Army… You could both live a life in absolute pleasure and luxury, instead of being out there crawling around in the mud for no good reason. Such a waste…” she stated with a sigh and then continued out through the door and down the hall.

“You have to excuse Sharp Edge; my wife has been a little stressed lately since she lost a few of her… employees.” Iron Rod said and motioned for Lightning Strike and Black Star to sit down in front of his desk. The grey stallion with his white mane and tail was looking curiously at his two visitors.

“So what can I help a Decurion from The Grand Army with?” he wondered.

“I understand you had a run-in with a Wolf,” Lightning Strike said. At this Iron Rod stiffened a bit, as the memories of said Wolf came to the forefront of his mind.

“Yes… A beast of a Wolf interrupted an execution two days ago.” he replied with a frown.

“Interrupted an execution?” Black Star wondered out loud. Iron Rod nodded.

“We were executing a pair of murderers when a black Wolf jumped up on stage. He killed our unicorn executioner, and then freed the criminal we had not hanged yet, running off with him into the woods.” he said and tried to gauge the reaction of the two mares. Lightning turned to Black Star who was looking quite confused while she was thinking. Finally she shook her head.

“That doesn't make sense, why would he save some pony from being hung? We know he hates us, well most of us anyway… What precisely happened?” Black Star asked.

“Like I said, we had just executed the pony, Bright Sky, when this Wolf jumped up on the stage and killed one of the executioners by ripping her horn out of her skull; he then freed Zig Zag and ran off with him before we had a chance to stop them. There's not much more to say…” Iron Rod said with a shrug of his shoulders.

“So he witnessed this mare, Bright Sky, being executed. And then decides to rescue her husband from sharing her fate? That doesn't sound like something he would do at all.” Black Star said thoughtfully.

“Sorry… but there is one mistake in that sentence… Zig Zag wasn't Bright Sky's husband… he was her colt, and the youngest murderer every in North Bay´s history. At least that we know of,” Iron Rod said as a matter of fact. Both Lightning and Black Star were now staring at Iron Rod.

“WHAT!!!” they both burst out simultaneously.

“You were executing a KID!!! Well that explains everything… I'm surprised Lobo didn't rip you all apart. It's been his job for… I don't know how long, to protect the pups of his own species,” Black Star said, quite appalled by the thought of executing a little colt by hanging.

“Oh yeah… We would have been more than capable of capturing him if he hadn't fled. We were twelve city guards against one Wolf, and therefore I would say the odds were pretty much in our favor,” Iron Rod countered. Black Star was now eyeing him curiously.

“Twelve guards for an execution? That sounds a bit excessive… What exactly had the two of them done?” she wondered.

“They killed two of our fellow city guards,” Iron Rod stated. Now Black Star was looking even more baffled.

“A mother and her little colt, killed two city guards??? You want to try that again without the bullshit?” Black Star said with a look that clearly stated she did not believe a word of it. Iron Rod reclined a little bit in his seat.

“Look, you have to take the circumstances into account. The two guards were there to bring Bright Sky in for evading taxes. She offered to do some… favors, in exchange for them to make the problem go away. During the act, she and her son killed the two guards in cold blood,” he said defiantly. Black Star was now glaring at him.

“Are you sure you want to stick to that story?” she wondered. Iron Rod was now glaring back at her.

“I don't know what you're on about, but that's what happened,” he answered fiercely.

“So let me get this straight. This beautiful, young mare made a deal with these two guards to have her tax records swept clean, and then killed the same two guards that were supposed to help her get out of losing everything she has, and on top of that, being tossed into a forced labor camp? There are some serious holes in your logic there, captain. I would suggest coming up with a new cover story,” Black Star said with contempt.

“How do you know she was beautiful?” Lightning Strike wonders offhoofedly, while looking at Iron Rod with murder in her eyes.

“Believe me… She was most likely quite the looker,” Black Star said and glanced towards her marefriend. Iron Rod was now staring dumbfounded at the two mares in front of him.

Who the hell do these two think they are! Coming in here making my life difficult! How dare they visit my city and start pushing me around!!! Iron Rod thought furiously.

“Do you mind if I have a look at the records?” Black Star suddenly asked coldly.

“What?” Iron Rod said shocked.

“The records that show she wasn't paying her taxes,” Black Star clarified. Iron Rod was now starting to look quite pale. Black Star only smirked at having caught him so red-hooft in his lies.

“Don't bother trying to come up with an excuse; I think I already have a clear picture of what's going on here, so was it you… no… probably some noble pony wanted to have his way with her? Because I'm really having trouble seeing you as the brains of this little outfit. You're just a grunt, aren't you?” she wondered. Iron Rod had once again gone back to just staring angrily at Black Star, willing her to shut up, but it was Lightning Strike who now spoke up when the implications of what Black Star said finally settled into her.

“You and your sleazebags buddies killed an innocent mare, because she wouldn't lift her tail for you?” she asked, having serious trouble containing her fury.

“No! She wasn't innocent… look she was already on board with working as a tail lifter for us. The two guards that were killed tried to get a free ride. She resisted, her kid walks in while it was happening and kills one of the guards, and then she killed the other. All in front of the street full of witnesses. They would both be alive today if no pony had seen them do it. Working for us grants you quite a lot of protection, if you don't buck up too badly that is. In this case my hooves were tied,” he stated defensively.

“Look, captain… we're not here to sort out your domestic issues within North Bay, no matter how much I would like to drag you out and hang you by your own entrails from the city wall. We just don't have time to deal with this right now. Besides, even if we kill you, your replacement would sit in that chair in a matter of hours, so what's the point? Now tell us what you know about the Wolf that disappeared with the colt,” Black Star said, cutting off Iron Rod who was getting ready to fire off more explanations and excuses for what had happened. Black Star could clearly see the wheels turning in his head, trying to figure out how to best handle the situation. He gave a frustrated mumble.

“Alright… All we know is that he disappeared north, most likely along the coast. Unfortunately, the storm yesterday made it impossible for us to search for them. But now he could be anywhere between North Bay and the borders of Feliniss, or even Rapture for all I know,” Iron Rod said, looking nervously at the two mares, seeing that they had not been very impressed with this information.

“Is that all?” Black Star asked disappointedly.

These bucking mares are turning into a big problem. I'll just have to make them understand who it is they're messing with. Make them see just how many ponies I have got covering my back, heck… once they realize I even got a few North Bay noble pony's protecting me, they'll most likely run for the doors with their little tails neatly tucked between their legs. He thought confidently, and felt himself relax a bit.

“Yes… that's all.” Iron Rod answered while he tried to loosen his sword from its scabbard discreetly with one hoof. Before he could even blink, Lightning Strike had knocked him off the chair, onto the floor, and she was pressing a dagger’s blade against his throat. Iron Rod stared up at the enraged mare with pure terror in his eyes. She looked coldly down at him, as if she was watching a worm. She slowly took the blade away from his throat, whilst still pinning him to the floor. Leisurely, Lightning hid away the dagger in its hiding place, just below the neck lining of her black armor. She gave a disgusted snort.

“You’re a laughable excuse for a city guard! You actually thought you stood a chance against either one of us, let alone both? You're so lucky I just didn't slit your throat! But unfortunately, Black Star is right; we don't have time to deal with the bureaucracy that would ensnare us if we kill you!” Lightning screamed straight into Iron Rod's face, which had gone just as white as his mane.

“Ooooo… look you made him wet himself,” Black Star said and giggled a bit sadistically.

“You have got to be kidding me?!” Lightning cried out and jumped off Iron Rod as if he carried the plague. He immediately crawled as far away from the two of them as he possibly could in his little office, ending up in the far corner of the room. As he turned back towards the two mares, which would most likely be frequently featured in his nightmares from now on, he saw them both standing at the door looking at him.

“Thank you for your cooperation, captain; it will be noted in our report to headquarters,” Lightning Strike said and walked out. Black Star meanwhile smiled sweetly back at him.

“Have a nice day, captain. I hope you die screaming,” she said, giving him a wink as she followed Lightning. Iron Rod just couldn't stop shaking. He had never been so scared in his life, and he had been in some pretty rough situations. Cautiously he managed to get up on all four hooves again, feeling the wetness running down his legs he groaned.

At least no pony has seen me like this… Iron Rod thought just as two dark silhouettes walked in through the door. He screamed loudly and collapsed back to the floor, shielding himself with his hooves, thinking it was Lightning Strike and Black Star coming back to finish what they started. Instead, when Iron Rod looked up, he saw his second-in-command Short Sword standing in the doorway together with his elder’s son Iron Helm, who had just joined the city guard this morning. Both of them were just staring at him, jaws hanging agape.

Perfect, the two of them just had to come and see me now… Iron Rod sulked as they both rushed forward to help him up.

****

Lightning and Black Star were slowly making their way out of North Bay. They hadn't said much since leaving Iron Rod, who they both suspected was still lying in his little corner trembling. They were slowly making their way through the crowds of ponies, towards the more southern of the two intersections between the merchant district and The Elite District.

“I feel like I need a long, hot bath after being in the same room as that creep…” Black Star finally said.

“What are you complaining about? You never touched him, did you!” Lightning countered with a grunt of disgust. Her whole face contorted as he thought about Iron Rod, who was clearly part of the seedier side of North Bay society.

“I should've cut his throat!” she hissed and looked towards Black Star, who seemed to have her attention caught on something else. She had a far-off look in her eyes, and her horn was glowing faintly. Finally Black Star looked back at Lightning and motioned for the two of them to go down a less crowded street.

“We both know that wouldn't do much damage to the organization he works for. Somepony else would've taken his position within a matter of hours. Even if he thinks he’s a big fish, it’s only because he’s swimming in a very small pond. Furthermore I think…” Black Star’s horn flashed in a dark aura. “that you know more about what goes on in North Bay than your husband does, am I right?” Black Star asked a stunned looking Sharp Edge, who had just had her invisibility spell disabled by Black Star. Though it didn't take long for Sharp Edge to compose herself again, slowly she took a couple of steps towards the two other mares.

“As a fellow unicorn, I must say that was a good cloaking spell. Unfortunately for you, I'm highly attuned to black magic. I could sense your magic presence the moment we walked past you back there,” Black Star said with a smirk as Sharp Edge stopped in front of them, looking less than happy. She had realized that they were on an almost empty side street, with no easy escape route available to her. And since one of her intended targets was a Pegasus, simply outrunning them wouldn't be possible either. If they caught on to what she had planned to do to the two of them, they would kill her on the spot. Hopefully a city guard patrol would not be too far off if this turned ugly.

“Really now… That was quite rude, just unmasking me like that,” Sharp Edge said and took on a mischiefs look, as if she was just about to play a joke on them. Both Lightning and Black Star could still see that she was sweating a bit under that fancy outfit of hers.

“So am I right? That captain back there would have been replaced quite swiftly if we killed him, wouldn't he?” Black Star asked coldly, making sure Sharp Edge understood she was not interested in idle chitchat. Sharp Edge started to have a bit of trouble keeping her smile in place.

“Yes, he would have… Although I'm glad you didn't, even though he's a bit of a dolt; he is quite finely cut, if you didn't notice. The fact that he looks good enough to marry saves me a lot in bribes to the city guards,” she answered.

“So you're the boss of this little operation?” Lightning asked and took a step towards Sharp Edge. She, however, held her ground, while shaking her head.

“Oh heavens no, I am just… what did you call it, a grunt. I’m simply the supervisor of the Officers Club, making sure business runs smoothly and that the customers are… well taken care off,” Sharp Edge said sweetly.

“So you run a brothel is what you're basically saying,” Black Star stated. Sharp Edge looked like she had been highly offended.

“The Officers Club is not some lowly brothel! It's much more than that. My family has been running it for generations; we provide any entertainment you can dream of to those who can pay for it. Lovemaking, in all its forms, is of course a big part of the business, but we also have all kinds of prize fighting for example, even to the death if you paid well enough. And of course there are all sorts of betting, on anything you can think of, and some you don't want to, quite a few of the bets the nobles have amongst themselves are quite… sordid.” Sharp Edge said with an evil glee. Both Lightning Strike and Black Star once again felt a chill run down their spines, while they kept a wary eye on the mare in front of them. She had gotten very confident all of a sudden. And the reason why was heard just behind them.

“Miss Sharp Edge! Pleasure seeing you again, it's been far too long.” said self-assured male voice. Lightning and Black Star both looked back; there stood a sand-colored unicorn. His body was soft and rounded, not that he was fat, but he had most likely never seen a day of physical labor in his life. His main and tail was both dyed silver. Draped across his back was a silver, comfortable and warm looking mental; hoof-stitched into it was the family crest, a ship with full sales against the sunrise. His silver shoes finished off his ensemble. Tired looking brown eyes watched the two of them, without any real spark in his gaze. On his upper lip he spotted a small moustache, and under his chin a small goatee could be seen. Not to break away from his ongoing theme, they were also dyed silver. If somepony didn't know any better, they would think he was trying to get some point across. Sharp Edge smiled a warm and pleasant smile, which looked truly genuine. Most likely because there were four guards standing at attention behind the noble pony.

“Why if it isn't Lord Silver Pot! What an honor to see you here amongst us lowly commoners. What brings you out this wonderful day? Is it something I can help you with?” she said lovingly. Silver Pot brightened up when the beautiful mare focused her attention on him, and she hadn't called him Young Lord, which he hated. It reminded him that it was still his father who was the head of the family. And after his father, there were two elder brothers and one elder sister to get past in order for him to succeed his father when the old bugger finally died. Which, to put it frankly, was unlikely to ever occur. And one of his elder siblings might be careless enough to have an accident, but not all three; they were all of the Silver Seas noble line after all, so they knew how to watch their own backs. Silver Pot was studying the two mares that were with Sharp Edge. They were, quite frankly, breathtaking, but he was a bit disappointed when he noted that the black armor they were wearing was not the strip off kind. He himself would have enjoyed slowly peeling of them. So the two of them were most likely not the latest edition to the stables in The Officers Club. He gave a disappointed little sigh, and then looked at the crests on their helmets raising an eyebrow.

A Decurion and a Vexillarius from The Grand Army… Silver Pot thought.

“My, my Sharp Edge. You're certainly keeping fine company this morning. May I enquire who they are?” Silver Pot asked and smiled at her two companions.

“My pardon´s Lord Silver! Let me introduce you to Decurion Lightning Strike and… I'm sorry I never got your name my dear.” she said sweetly and looked at Black Star.

“This is my second in command Vexillarius Black Star, and unfortunately we are both hard pressed on time. It was a pleasure meeting you Lord Silver Pot, but since you're here now, I believe we can entrust Miss Sharp Edge safety to your capable hooves.” Lightning Strike said with a somewhat forced bow that Black Star followed more smoothly.

“I would be delighted to keep her company, and I did have an enquiry for you, Miss Sharp Edge, about what happened to certain… entertainment I had wished for.” Silver Pot said with a bit of annoyance in his voice. All of a sudden Sharp Edge didn't look so comfortable with being left alone with young Lord Silver Pot. Content with the knowledge that Sharp Edge was most likely about to have some trouble, Lightning Strike and Black Star trotted off feeling a little better for knowing it.

****

Avarice was trotting through the camp, feeling quite good about how things were turning out. With no small amount of satisfaction, he had seen to it that all ponies that could possibly be a hindrance for him in the future, were now stationed in this camp, together with some of his most loyal ponies. There were a total of twelve targets that need to disappear, before he left this Celestia forsaken camp and went after Black Star, so that they could catch the fugitive spirit, and then finally get around to making him immortal. Avarice smiled brightly at the thought, when he suddenly heard a shout of alarm off towards his left. A few seconds later, several ponies came rushing by with a Pegasus slung across one of their backs. From the side of the Pegasus jutted a crossbow bolt.

“I don't know what happened! It just went off and…” Was all Avarice could hear while they rushed past him. He could see that the unlucky victim of the accident was Offshoot, Lightning Strikes favorite Scout. And one of the ponies on his list, Offshoot had just truly been unlucky. He bumped into Avarice outside of Neighjing, where Avarice was making some under-hooved purchases and enquiries, when Avarice was supposed to be somewhere else entirely. It had been many years ago, and so far Offshoot had kept his mouth shut about what he saw and heard that day, mostly because he knew what would happen to his loved ones if he talked. But now Avarice was moving into the final phase of his plans, so he could no longer take the chance that something from his past would come back and ruin it all now. When the ponies carrying Offshoot disappeared into the medical tent, Avarice realized this was a perfect opportunity to say hi to an old friend. A few fond memories began to play in his head as he made his way over to the now more or less deserted observation tents, stopping in front of the one he had secured for his colt-hood friend.

This one deserved my private attention after all. Avarice thought as he swept the canvas aside. He could now see her sleeping soundly on a makeshift hospital bed. He smiled and walked in, still gazing at her. Thorn had always been so beautiful while she slept, and it would seem time hadn't changed much about that. The bright pink Pegasus with a purple mane and tail rested with bandages covering her torso. Using a quick spell, Avarice muffled all sound coming in and out of the tent so that the two of them would be able to talking freely. He then walked up to her, and as his shadow fell across her face, some primeval sense towards danger quickly woke her up. She blinked repeatedly before her eyes finally focused on him.

“A… Av… Avarice???” Thorn stuttered with her pink eyes wide in surprise.

“Hello, Thorn.” he said in a soothing voice. Thorn watched him warily, knowing full well one could never be truly sure what Avarice was up to just buy the way he looked or behaved. When she noticed the crest on his helmet, Thorn once again had a puzzled look flashing across her features.

“Wow… You've certainly come up in the world, I remember when the two of us ran on the streets of Bridlelon, dodging guards and picking saddlebags,” Thorn said and smiled sweetly at Avarice. He chuckled happily and sat down beside her bed.

“Yeah… Those were the good old days, weren't they. Just you and me against the world,” Avarice answered and put his hoof under her chin, giving it a loving caress. Thorn relaxed quite a bit and smiled up at him. She tried to get up, but winced when her painful ribs reminded her why she was in bed to begin with.

“Here, let me help you with that…” Avarice said and covered her torso in his magic. Slowly, the pain Thorn felt started to fade away; she eased down into the bed contently, and started breathing a lot easier.

“Thanks… My ribs were killing me.” Thorn´s uttered happily. Avarice nodded and carefully patted on her chest.

“I can believe you, being used as a pony shield does not sound like a pleasant experience,” he said with a wicked grin.

“Don't remind me… If I ever get my hooves on that Wolf I'll buck him right in the nuts!” she said, grimacing at the memory, or at least the few memories she had left of the event. Thorn looked up at Avarice again.

“Enough about me, how did you become so high and mighty?” she wondered.

“Years of planning, and painstaking work,” Avarice answered.

“Well, do you think you can help your old mare-friend out? A promotion and some extra pay would be nice,” she said and winked at him. Avarice just smiled, but didn't answer.

“Come on Avarice, for old time’s sake. We've had more than a couple of wild nights together. I don't think there's anypony else who knows you as well as I do, from back in the day. I would even bet a month’s pay that most ponies nowadays think Avarice is your real name.” Thorn said with a chuckle. Avarice turned away with a deep sigh.

“And that's the problem, my dear…” he said as he watched the exit. Thorn all of a sudden got a very uneasy feeling.

“You know my past, what I have done and who I really am… and unfortunately for you, I also know what you will do with that information once I reach my true goal.” Avarice said and turned back looking Thorn straight in the eyes, and his eyes were now cold, so very cold. Thorn tried to get up, only to find that her body would not respond anymore. She looked back up at Avarice, fear plainly written across her face, as she comprehended what was the most likely outcome of her situation.

“Avarice please! We can make a deal! Honestly... I'll do whatever you want! I won't tell anypony anything!!!” Thorn screamed while Avarice levitated Thorn’s own dagger out from amongst her armor in the corner of the tent. He looked back at her a bit sadly.

“I know you won't,” he said and placed the dagger over her heart. Thorn was now thrashing her head back and forth, desperately trying to make her body move.

“Avarice please! Please! Please don't! Please… Avarice… ” Noticing that begging for mercy wasn't getting her anywhere, Thorn started screaming.

“HELP! HELP! ANYPONY! HELP! PLEASE HELP ME!!!” she screamed through her tears.

“Don't worry, Thorn. I have numbed your entire body. You won't feel a thing.” Avarice said tenderly.

“Fuck you, Avarice!” Thorn roared and then gritted her teeth.

“You know something, Thorn… You are the only pony in my life I almost loved… Do you have any idea how special that makes you?” Avarice wondered and stole a quick kiss. Had she not been so completely cut off guard, Thorn would have chewed his face-off, but now all she could do was look up at him completely bewildered and horrified.

“Thank you…” Avarice said while he plunged the dagger into Thorn’s heart. Her eyes became as big as saucers as she watched the blade disappear into her chest. Like Avarice had promised, she didn't feel anything. Her body just shook once, then her head fell down on top of the pillow, and just like that, Thorn was dead. Avarice side, and then stole another tender, and longer kiss then earlier. Slowly he made his way around the bed, gently stroking her still form as he went. Once on the other side, Avarice dumped Thorn´s body out of the bed; she landed with a thud on the ground, face down in the dirt. Her back-hooves still tucked inside the sheets on top of the bed. It now looked like she had tried to reach for something, and then taken an unlucky stumble, landing on her own dagger. Satisfied with Thorn´s new position, Avarice removed the sound muffling spell, and trotted out of the tent. He walked a couple of meters and then sat down, taking a few deep breaths. The air was crisp and clean, the skies were clear, some birds were singing off in the distance, and nothing seemed out of place in the world.

It is a great day to be alive… Avarice thought with a serene smile across his face. He then started to make his way back towards the command tent, whistling a happy little tune as he went.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 13 I Love You! It's Just...

True Black
Chapter 13
I Love You! It's Just…

3th of April (Evening)

Hammer Song had been pushing herself hard throughout the day. Ever since the attack, she had been on full alert, not even stopping to sleep once. Finally it was starting to show on Hammer as she was staggering down the Empire's Road. She stopped, breathing hard while feeling her legs shaking underneath her.

“H… Ha… Hammer…?” She heard a weak croak from behind her on the wagon. She immediately perked up and wiggled out from the harness. She trotted around to the back of the wagon. Bender looked at her through gritty, red eyes. When he finally saw Hammer, he tried to speak again, but it only ended up coming out as a rustling cough.

“Don't try to talk, you idiot! You've been out for two days now…” Hammer Song said roughly, but with so much emotion evident in her soft voice that she could barely keep it contained. Hammer reached for a water-skin bottle and held it up to Bender’s lips so he could drink. She would never admit it to any pony, least of all him, but after she had gotten the two arrows out of Bender, and proceeded to strip off his now ruined armor, she had become truly terrified. She finally laid her eyes on the full extent of the magical burn covering his chest. Just how Bender had been able to stay conscious, let alone continue to fight after taking a hit like that, was beyond her. The unicorn must have put more or less all of his magical power into that one shot.

Luckily if there was one thing the blacksmith knew how to treat, it was a burn. She had whipped together a salve every apprentice knew by heart after their first month at a forge, treating the blisters and burns they were constantly inflicting on themselves while there were learning their craft. It was made out of beeswax, honey and finely ground willow bark. The ointment was also generally known as Smith´s Salve, and was used on more or less all forms of cuts and scrubs throughout the Empire. The beeswax was for consistency while the honey made it antiseptic; finally the willow bark numbed the pain of the burn. She had smeared the salve across his entire chest, after that Hammer had hauled Bender up onto the wagon which had been a monumental undertaking, Bender weighed a ton... Hammer Song had probably never met a pony as big or dense as Bender, and by that she didn't mean he was stupid, far from it, he was just so darn physically dense, it was ridiculous. She took the now empty water skin away from Bender’s lips; he had greedily sucked down the whole bag.

“What happened?” he asked looking at her.

“We were ambushed; we fought and kill them… But you did take quite a few hits.” Hammer Song said while she lovingly stroked the brown stallion’s red mane.

“I didn't hurt you, did I? I think I remember hearing your voice.” Bender asked worriedly. Hammer shook her head and smiled at him.

“No but you did try… Why did you do that by the way?” She wondered now that she had actually stopped to think back on it. Bender let a heavy sigh escape him.

“Well it's something that runs in the family. We have a sort of… gift… or curse. Depending upon how you see it.” Bender said. Hammer was now watching him intently.

“I'm a berserker.” he stated. Hammer gave a little laugh, but stopped when she understood he was actually being serious.

“Wait… that's just an old mare’s talel you tell little colts at night about the north pony heroes of old…” Hammer said defensively. Bender shook his head.

“No, we are quite real… Not many left though, there is me and… Actually don't know anypony else since my father died,” he said with a sad smile.

“You're serious? You really mean it… you're a living fairytale?” Hammer asked, still not convinced. Bender frowned at her.

“I wouldn't call it a fairytale, and it's not magic… It's more a state of mind than anything else,” he said and dragged his hooves under him.

“What are you doing? You have to rest!” Hammer scolded him, while he inched himself off the back of the wagon.

“You said I've been lying still for two days. I have rested quite enough; every muscle in my body feels stiff and sore,” he complained and winced as his hooves hit the ground.

“Honestly, Bender! You had an arrow in your shoulder, one through your hoof and the burn on your chest is enough to keep most ponies down for a couple of weeks.” Hammer continued to scold him. Bender grunted as he limped away from the persistent mare.

“If you haven't noticed, I'm not most ponies, but I have to admit, my chest feels like it's still on fire.” Bender said through gritted teeth. Hammer Song immediately grabbed the jar of Smith's Salve and moved up to Bender.

“Sit!” she ordered. He immediately obeyed, knowing there was no way he'd get away from her, and to be honest, he knew he needed it. Carefully Hammer Song started to apply the ointment to all of his wounds. After a sharp intake of breath, Bender didn't voice any more complaints about the treatment.

“Soooo… You were telling me something...” Hammer tried to prod him to continue where he had left off. He grunted and nodded.

“Yeah… You can say there´s a gift side and a cursed side of the coin… As long as I can control it, I'm moving around in the red haze. I can still choose who to fight; I feel no pain, no fatigue and no fear. Not even fear inducing magic has any effect on me when I'm in the red haze,” Bender said and then gave a heavy sigh, looking off into the distance.

“But…” Hammer wondered.

“But if I lose it… if I go completely berserk…” Bender gave a heavy sigh. “I truly love you, Hammer, but I might still kill you when I end up like that,” Bender said, looking down into the ground, not wanting to see Hammer Song´s reaction. He felt her hoof under his chin, as she slowly raised his head up. She locked her lips together with his in a tender kiss. As they pulled apart, Hammer continued looking into his eyes.

“But you didn't hurt me… I said stop, and you did.” Hammer told him with a smile. Now it was Bender who looked at her completely bewildered.

“What…” he whispered. Hammer was still smiling at him. There was no chance he would listen to anyone when he was that far gone in his rage; not even Lightning could pull him out of it when he went completely berserk.

“What do you remember of the fight?” she asked. Bender´s face scrounged up as he tried to recall what happened during the ambush.

“I fought off a bunch of them… Then the unicorn came at me. He grazed my side with a spear. And then there was… a bright flash… nothing more.” Bender said, now understanding that was when he had been struck in the chest by the magic bolt. Hammer nodded.

“Yes that sounds right… I killed that unicorn before he could strike again. And then you came at me; the look in your eyes was truly terrifying. It didn't take long to understand you had no idea who I was; I was just something you need to kill in order to survive… I screamed for you to stop, and your eyes went back to normal. Then you gave a painful shriek and fell unconscious.” Hammer Song informed Bender. He shook his head in disbelief.

“No… that's not po…” All of sudden he remembered a clouded memory of hearing Hammer Song’s voice calling out to him from the darkness, bringing him back up from whatever depth in his subconscious he disappeared down into while he goes berserk. Bender looked at Hammer with wide eyes, realizing the truth of her words. She had stopped him after he had gone fully berserk.

“You… You can bring me back! Your voice it can calm me down…” Bender said while a huge smile spread across his face.

“You can stop me from killing… my friends… or family….” he said, tears starting to run down his cheek, as he thought back on the last battle he and his father participated in. Back then he had come to his senses after the battle, staring down at his father's lifeless body. For hours he just held him, while he screamed out into that cold night. That was four years ago, and Bender hadn't participated in any battle since. Only willing to touching a weapon if he was at a forge. It had taken Lightning a lot of persuasion to make Bender engage Lobo during that combat exercise almost a week ago, and as he had predicted, it nearly ended in disaster. Hammer Song, seeing Bender break down in front of her, immediately understood that he had most certainly killed loved ones in the past, under the influence of a full berserk. She wiped away his tears.

“It's okay, Bender… I'll never let you hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it ever again.” she soothed Bender gently, giving him a little nuzzle and a quick peck on his chin.

“But why did you faint afterwards? You looked fine up until I said stop.” Hammer wondered. Bender blushed a bit, being reminded of having fainted like some noble mare.

“Well… just because I don't feel anything while I'm in the red haze, it doesn't mean I don't feel it when it ends. The pain from every injury sustained during a battle comes at me at once when I return to normal… so I tend to… collapse quite often after a battle is over.” he said apologetically. Hammer nodded, it was quite obvious when she thought about it. Bender had been able to fight through all the injuries as if they weren't there, simply because he didn't feel them. But when she snapped him out of the red haze, the amount of pain he felt must have been staggering. Hammer swayed a bit on her hooves, making Bender looked at her with concern.

“Are you okay, Hammer?” he asked. She nodded and applied the last of the ointment to his wounds.

“I'm alright… Just really, really sleepy,” Hammer said with a tired laugh, while she looked behind them up the road she had just walked down; there was no sign of pursuit.

“Let's pull the wagon off the road, and we’ll camp hear for the night. I haven't slept for two days now, and even though you just woke up, you still look like crap…” Hammer said with a giggle. Bender huffed, but had to agree that he did look like a proper mess.

“Well you don't look like a million bits yourself, so I guess we can call it even,” he answered teasingly and gave her a little playful nuzzle. Hammer gave a little huff and walked away, mumbling something about this being the last time she would save his sorry flank. With a bit of difficulty, the two of them managed to push the wagon in amongst a couple of trees. They spread a blanket out on the ground beside it and settled down. Bender lay on his back, so that the cool evening air could soothe his burnt chest. Hammer dosing next to him, nuzzling up to Bender's side. It wasn’t long before they fell into much-needed sleep.

****

Avarice was pacing around the command tent. The news about the two tragic deaths in camp had spread during the evening, and the mood amongst the soldiers was now low. But this wasn't what troubled Avarice, not in the slightest. There were, after all, ten more accidents to come; he was going to have most of the soldiers believing this camp was cursed before the end. When he finally gave the order to pack up and follow Black Star, every pony would be quite eager to do so; hence it was all going according to plan.

The thing that had Avarice concerned was that Longbow had not been heard from since he had sent her after the Praetorian. She should have been back by now, so something had obviously gone wrong, which made him quite angry. She was, after all, one of his more useful tools, so to lose Longbow now was quite aggravating. He wasn't too worried about the Praetorians, since they were a part of a frowned-upon research they couldn't really go to anypony with their complaints or suspicions. If they told any of the Empresses about him, they would automatically expose themselves as well. Therefore he believed he had nothing to fear from them right now. Though he made a mental note to gain some sort of leverage over them in the future. They were still ponies like everypony else, so there had to be something he could use to his advantage.

Taking a deep breath, Avarice relaxed, convinced that he had everything well in hoof at the moment. He looked outside the tent at the pleasant evening that was currently unfolding. It was time for the evening meal by the smell in the air, so most soldiers would now be sitting at their campfires. Avarice gave a little chuckle while he put on his best sad face. It was time to play the part of the concerned leader, trying to boost morale after the heavy news of the day. With maybe a little bit too much spring in his step, he trotted out to indulge to stupid masses.

****

Nineteen Grand Army soldiers were standing at attention outside of the Elite Gate of North Bay. One soldier, the fastest long-distance runner amongst the Earth ponies, had been sent back to deliver the information they have discovered in North Bay to Avarice. Lightning Strike watched the rest of her unit as they waited to hear what she had planned before they started their pursuit of the spirit Wolf. She looked over at Black Star who was standing level to her on her right side; Black Star gave a slight nod.

“Okay, mares and stallions! We have reliable information that Lobo is currently heading north. Most likely travelling along the coast, together with a colt he picked up here in North Bay. This is to our benefit, since it will drastically slow him down from now on. From now on, this colt is an additional target. If you're unable to catch Lobo, try getting your hooves on the colt. Black Star believes that the wolf will come to us if we have the colt in our custody. BUT HE IS NOT A HOSTILE! You will bring the colt in as gently as possible! He's had a rough couple of days and he doesn't need you maggots making it worse! We will leave as soon as our supplies are delivered to us. All land bound units will move up the coast as quickly as possible while we Pegasus start searching the coast immediately, using the search pattern Black Star has worked out for us. Am I understood?!” Lightning roared.

“Yes, Decurion Lightning Strike!” the soldiers yelled in unison. Both Lightning Strike and Black Star grinned at each other. The hunt was on…

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 14 Why Can't They Just Leave us Alone

True Black
Chapter 14
Why Can't They Just Leave us Alone

10 of April.

The last rays of the day's sun broke through the canopy as Lobo tore through his juicy meal of a buck for his evening meal. Since he was quite absorbed in the pleasure of eating his meal, he was quite surprised when something suddenly tackled Lobo in the middle of his back. He couldn't help but lash out at the intruder. Fortunately he was able to stop himself in the nick of time, and Zig Zag ended up staring into Lobo´s wide open, blood-dripping muzzle. Slowly, Lobo pulled back, and stared angrily down at him.

“By the Alpha! Are you trying to get yourself killed!” He growled at Zig Zag, who was getting up on all four hooves again, grinning with immense satisfaction.

“Haaa! Don't try to sneak out of this! I caught you completely off gaurd! You owe me that surprise you promised me!” Zig Zag proclaimed loudly while skipping around Lobo in an extremely happy manner. Lobo couldn't help but smile proudly. Zig Zag had improved dramatically over the last two days. He actually had to concentrate now to keep track of where Zig Zag was, or else he would lose him in the undergrowth of the forest. Although Zig Zag still had not been able to sneak up on Lobo himself, at least not until now. Ever since the first lesson, Zig Zag had not improved very much beyond a certain point, not until Lobo realized what the problem was almost three days ago. Each time Zig Zag stepped on a rock or gravel or any hard surface, it was impossible for him not to make a noise—his hooves simply could not be stealthy on anything solid. He would give away his position immediately. Between the two of them, Lobo and Zig Zag had come up with a simple solution; Lobo had, after some horrible failures, crafted crude and poorly made leather moccasins, or at least they were supposed to resemble that. In the end, they had at least managed to patch together something that was now muffling most of sound the pup would otherwise make, even if they were only flaps of leather securely tied around Zig Zag´s hooves. There were also enough material left on that particular prey to make Zig Zag a very rudimentary cape that now hung rather stiffly over his back, since they didn't have any tools to work the leather properly with to make it soft and tangible. But it was still better than nothing, giving Zig Zag some much-needed protection from the weather, which was slowly but surely getting colder the further north they travelled. The would-be moccasins were the important bits though and had an unexpected benefit of giving Zig Zag better traction on all surfaces, making it easier for him to run up tree trunks, boulders or any vertical surface you could think of. Some of the balancing acts the young pup was pulling off left Lobo more than a little impressed. It was almost as if he had a special talent for it and, as a result Zig Zag´s ability to sneak up on someone undetected, was now one par with many of this world’s best hunters. Lobo looked upon Zig Zag and his crude workmanship quite proudly. When the bouncing pup came to a halt in front of him, he looked expectantly at Lobo who nodded a “yes” to Zig Zag.

“Right you are. Even though I believe this originally belonged to you, I still think you will be happy to have it back,” Lobo said as he began to untie something secured in between the scales of his metal collar. After fiddling for a little while, he was holding a thin, silver chain in his paw. As Lobo let it dangle in front of Zig Zag, the little pup could finally see a small, silver pendant, resembling a cherry blossom, hanging from the chain. Zig Zag´s eyes went round as he stared in disbelief at the necklace he thought he had lost, once belonging to Cherry Blossom.

“How… How did you get that?” Zig Zag asked hoarsely.

“Actually you got it yourself when we escaped from North Bay, although you did drop it along the way. I saw it and picked it up, since I figured it must have some sort of value to you,” Lobo answered a bit apprehensive when he saw how strongly Zig Zag had reacted to the pendant.

This might not have been such a good idea after all, Lobo thought. With lightning speed, Zig Zag snatched the necklace away from Lobo, and held it clutched to his chest as tears started to run down his cheeks.

“Are you okay, Zig Zag?” Lobo asked with concern as he watched the pup once again breaking down in front of him. After a few sobs, Zig Zag managed to gather himself again. He looked up at Lobo with a sad but grateful smile and nodded.

“You… have no idea how much this means to me… thank you...” Zig Zag said with barely a whisper. Clumsily he tried to secure the pendant around his own neck, Lobo carefully moved closer and helped him.

“Did it belong to your… mother?” Lobo asked softly when the necklace was finally hanging securely on Zig Zag who shook his head and looked up at Lobo.

“No… It was Cherry Blossom´s… She was my best friend back in North Bay. At least until they killed her…” Zig Zag spat, with fury now burning in his eyes in place of the sadness that was their moments ago. He looked back in the direction of his former home. He would become faster, stronger and more fearsome than even Lobo, and then he would return to North Bay. And hunt down every last pony responsible for what happened to his mother, Cherry Blossom and Cherry Tree. He wouldn't let any of them escape with their lives. Zig Zag turned back to Lobo expectantly.

“Are we going to start training more than just sneaking soon?” he asked.

“If you like… I'll just finish eating, and then we will see what we can do,” Lobo answered. He moved over to his kill, sat down, and waited for Zig Zag to start moving away. Lobo soon realized that Zig Zag wasn't going anywhere; he looked back at the pup a bit uneasily. He was just sitting there, eagerly waiting for him.

“Ehhhh… I need to finish eating,” Lobo stated. Zig Zag just tilted his head a bit, a habit he seemed to have picked up from Lobo.

“Well I'm not stopping you…” Zig Zag answered. Lobo felt a little taken aback, while he looked from Zig Zag to his kill, which did look a little bit like a pony.

“Well yeah… you see the blood and…” He didn't really know how to expresses his concerns about Zig Zag seeing him eat, but Zig Zag cut him off.

“I know you eat meat, and since you take care of me now, I'll end up seeing it sooner or later. Besides, I have already seen worse…” he said sadly, Lobo felt a lump form in his chest.

“Yes that's true… But still, this must make you feel a bit uneasy,” Lobo asked hesitantly.

“I've actually watched you eating the last two times. That's how I knew I could sneak up on you this time,” Zig Zag said with a proud smile. Now Lobo was quite surprised to learn this.

“Ha! You've come along better than I give you credit for,” he said with a mischievous smile. Zig Zag gave a little sigh of relief; he thought he might get into trouble for having spied on Lobo, but he was actually looking proudly on Zig Zag´s achievement.

“Very well pup, suit yourself,” Lobo said as he began tearing into his food. Zig Zag in the meantime started to graze on whatever there was to eat for him in the clearing.

****

On a cloud not too far away from the glade, a grey pegasus soldier waited patiently for her Scout partner to come back with news about the duo they had spotted from above. She was growing restless; the hunt for the two fugitives had gone on for much longer than anticipated. They were almost at the border to Feliniss, and each of the different search parties was now running on empty. A soft rustle of feathers behind her announced her partner’s arrival. She looked back at him expectantly as he landed.

“It's definitely them,” the beige stallion announced happily. The mare gave a sigh of relief.

“Finally! By the moon´s grace... Alright then, get your sorry flank over to our last stop and inform Decurion Lightning Strike that we found the target. And then get somepony out here to relieve me…” the mare said and failed to suppress a jan. The stallion gave a playful hoof to the back of the mare’s head.

“Don't you dare fall asleep! I'll personally stuff you down the wolf’s gullet if he's gone when I get back!” he said sternly, yet with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

“How are you going to stuff me down his gullet if he's gone when you get back?” the mare asked, looking at the beige stallion as if he was the biggest idiot ever. From the back edge of the cloud, he slowly glanced back at the mare when he heard her retort.

“Smart flank…” he said with a smile, as he jumped off the edge of the cloud. The grey mare turned her attention back on to the wolf who was currently stuffing his face.

Nowhere for you to run now, wolf… she thought with a satisfied grin. She had nothing personally against him. But orders were orders, so this wolf was coming back with them, willing or not. Now all the pegasus squadron would have to do was keep an eye on the two fugitives until those unbearably slow ground huggers that were the unicorns and earth ponies could catch up.

****

13 of April.

Zig Zag was breathing hard while he jumped over a fallen tree. Between his teeth a stick was tightly secured; it was supposed to represent a dagger. Risking a quick peek behind him, Zig Zag could see that Lobo was closing in fast. Just as the wolf's jaws were about to clamp down on the colt, Zig Zag bounced off another tree in his path, making a ninety degree turn that his pursuer could not match. Lobo dug his claws into the ground, leaving wide furrows as he came to a grinding halt. Grinning, he looked up as the pup disappeared through a thicket, where Lobo would not be able to follow.

“Good! You’re getting faster, and your evermore erratic movements are making you extremely difficult to catch now! Also the way you are constantly using your small size as an advantage is quite clever!” Lobo called after his pupil, circling the thick undergrowth Zig Zag was now hiding in.

“But you still have to learn that you cannot hide, at least not for long! You need to keep moving if you want to survive!” Lobo barked out. The two of them have been play fighting for almost three days straight. Zig Zag was insatiable, only stopping when he had to eat or sleep. And to Lobo´s delight, Zig Zag was quite good. Having been bullied for most of his life, he had learned how to take care of himself, and with a few suggestions from Lobo, Zig Zag was quickly turning into quite a capable fighter, in spite of his young age. A soft rustle from above him made Lobo look up, only to see Zig Zag trying to sneak from the branch of one tree to the branch of another.

How did you get up there?! Lobo thought while he coiled his legs beneath him and then launched himself straight up. Zig Zag let out a yelp when a set of jaws clamped onto the branch beneath him. Lobo pulled it down towards the ground. Zig Zag stared slack-jawed at him while grasping on for dear life as Lobo touched down on the ground, the branch still in his jaws.

“You… you wouldn't…” Zig Zag said nervously. Lobo smiled at him and then let go. The branch immediately catapulted a screaming Zig Zag into the air. As he reached the highest point of his trajectory, he took a deep breath and then once again started screaming as he was now plummeting towards the ground. Mere moments before impact, Zig Zag was caught by Lobo, who jumped up to catch him against his chest. When they were both safely on terra firma again, Zig Zag opened his tightly shut eyes, blinking a couple of times while he looked around. A huge grin suddenly split his face.

“Again!!! I want to do that again! That was awesome!” he squealed in delight. Lobo chuckled while shaking his head.

“You’ve got guts pup, that's for certain. One of the hardest things for you will probably be learning to control that,” he said and gave Zig Zag a playful nudge.

“Ahhhh! No! Stop! You're messing up my mane!!!” Zig Zag squealed even though he didn't really mind.

“I think this will be enough for today, or else I will end up running you into the ground... Let's go back to that clearing we ran through earlier, and rest for a while,” Lobo suggested. Zig Zag nodded in approval since he was quite tired, even though it was only noon and the sun was still standing high in the sky. The two of them had reached the border between the Empire and Feliniss the day before. Unfortunately they had not been able to cross, because it turned out that the border was a river, and the bridge down at the coast had failed catastrophically quite recently, by the looks of it, making it impossible for them to continue. Lobo and Zig Zag were now following the river inland, hoping to find some other way into Feliniss.

As they reached the clearing, Lobo curled up into a ball in the middle of the small meadow, leaving just enough room for Zig Zag to squeeze in between his front paws, thereby keeping him warm and comfortable while they rested. In the beginning Zig Zag had been a bit uneasy with sleeping so close to Lobo's quite frightening set of teeth. But now there was no place in the world where he felt as safe as when he curled up to rest next to Lobo´s massive jaws. It didn't take long for the two of them to doze off in the pleasantly warming sunshine.

****

Lightning Strike and Black Star were slowly moving in on their quarry. The pegasus squadron found them almost three days ago, but it had taken them this long to catch up then more or less half this day to get into position. Finally everything was in place, and they could confront Lobo.

“Our greatest weapon against him is magic, so I will challenge him first with the support from the eight unicorns. You and the eight pegasi in the squadron help keep him contained while the two remaining earth ponies capture the colt, once we have the colt, Lobo will most likely give up to keep him safe I think,” Black Star said, repeating the plan for what must have been the fiftieth time.

“What if he calls our bluff, that we are willing to hurt the colt?” Lightning wondered.

“We'll just have to do this the old fashion way, and beat him into submission,” Black Star said with a grin. Lightning shook her head; Black Star almost looked like she wanted Lobo to call their bluff.

“Okay… But remember, first will try to talk to him, we might be able to end this without bloodshed,” Lightning said trotting forward. Black Star immediately and eagerly, following behind.

****

Lobo´s eyes shot open. He raised his head to take in his surroundings. Something had disturbed his sleep, but he didn't know what. Then he realized what it was, there was no sound at all coming from the forest around them. His nose started working frantically as he sniffed the air. And then he smelled it, her stench! His tormentor, she was here! Lobo quickly rose up on all four and frantically shook Zig Zag with one paw while looking around them.

Zig Zag wake up… You have to wake up now! Zig Zag!” Lobo said fearfully, shaking the pup more firmly. Zig Zag came to, blinking up at Lobo in confusion. He and never seen the big wolf act like this before.

“What's going on?” Zig Zag asked while still lying on his side.

“We have to run! We have to…” Lobo didn't get any further, because a golden yellow, female pegasus wearing all black and exquisitely made leather armor, landed not too far in front of them, her ice blue eyes watching them with something akin to pity. There was a bright flash next to her, and when Lobo and Zig Zag could see again, a pearl white unicorn with similar black chainmail armor was standing next to the pegasus, her white eyes looking upon Lobo with hardly concealed anticipation and aggression. The growl that now filled the once calm glade was literally shaking the air with its ferocity. Zig Zag had gotten up and now stood, looking worriedly out from between Lobo´s front paws at the two soldiers standing in front of them. Lobo frantically looked around, only to realize they were already surrounded. At the edge of the glade, unicorns were standing guard while above them pegasi were circling around, keeping a wary eye on the two of them.

“Give it up, Lobo! We've got you completely surrounded!” Black Star said with a smirk. Lobo growled even more fiercely while he lowered himself protectively over Zig Zag. Seeing this, Lightning crouched down and tried to look under Lobo at the little colt.

“Hi there, little one…” Lightning said soothingly. Zig Zag’s ears perked up at hearing the pegasus’ calm voice, and peaked out a bit further from his hiding place beneath Lobo. Lightning gave him a comforting smile.

“Hi… I know this must be scary for you… You see the two nice ponies behind me?” Lightning gestured to two earth ponies in full war plate, standing a few meters behind her. Zig Zag looked at the black-armored ponies, and thought they looked anything but nice.

“They will take you someplace safe while we talk to Lobo for a while, and then we can all leave here together. Doesn't that sound nice?” Lightning said enthusiastically, with a little too much honey in her voice, thinking the colt would be eager to come with them given the choice. But when Zig Zag´s face contorted into anger and disgust, Lightning understood that the colt would not be easily convinced. Zig Zag jumped out and took on a fierce stance in front of Lobo.

“Leave together? Ha! You’ll kill me the first chance you get! Just like you did with mom, Cherry Blossom and Cherry Tree!!!” the little colt screamed angrily at them, and then gasped for breath, the torment in his eyes almost unbearable to watch.

“Look we're not from—” Lightning tried to make the colt understand that they were not from North Bay, but was cut off.

“I hate all you guard ponies! Lobo´s been kinder to me than anyone! Except mom and Cherry Blossom! And you killed them! Like you were going to kill me! But he saved me! And Lobo´s been nicer and more of a dad to me than any pony ever has! And I won't let you hurt him!!!” Zig Zag screamed in his shrill little voice, while taking on a fighting stance more or less mirroring Lobo behind him. Lobo however quickly scooped up Zig Zag, and once again stood vigil over him, growling at the two mares. Many of the soldiers surrounding the two fugitives were shuffling about, not really sure how to handle the situation. The story about the little colt, who had been sentenced to death because he tried to protect his mother, had spread like wildfire amongst the soldiers, and even if the law said he was a criminal, not a single one of them could fault him for what he had done. And all had agreed they would not return the colt to North Bay, but keeping him with them, until it could become a part of The Grand Army one-day. The only one not looking at the colt right then was Black Star; she was still completely focused on Lobo and her research.

“Look Lobo! We really don't want to hurt the kid! But if he stays with you, there is no getting around that! So be a smart wolf and give up! It's time to go home!” Black Star called to him. At hearing her last word, Lobo´s face contorted in anger.

“I can never go home because of you!” he roared at her. Black Star was about to step forward and put an end to this charade, but a hoof slammed quite hard into her chest, making her stumble backwards. She caught herself, and looked up at Lightning, shocked, who was glaring at her.

“What by the bloody moon do you think you're doing!?” Lightning Strike yelled angrily.

“I was just going to…” Black Star tried to say, but was interrupted.

“My orders were primarily to try and talk to him calmly! There is still a chance this can end before everything escalates any further! Now sit down, and wait for orders.” Lightning Strike said with an unnerving calm, despite the harshness of her tone. Black Star just stared with wide eyes at Lightning, never having seen this side of her before. Well actually she had, but it had never been directed at her before. Lobo took this opportunity to whisper to Zig Zag.

“Listen carefully… You have to run, as far and fast as possible,” Lobo said quietly. Zig Zag looked up at him, horror stricken.

“No I'm not leaving you.” Zig Zag answered with determination, and desperation. Lobo growled down at him.

“I will have to fight them, and I cannot do that with you here. If they catch you, it will all be over. So you have to run, I will find you… no matter where you go, I promise!” Lobo said while looking Zig Zag in the eyes, making sure he understood there was no discussing this. And without another word, Lobo picked up Zig Zag and set off towards the edge of the clearing. The soldiers around the meadow were taken completely off-guard; they had only seen the wolf slowly gliding through their camp, so when Lobo now showed the full ability of his physical prowess, he was almost two thirds of the way out of the clearing before anypony knew what was happening. Black Star gave as shrill yell when she realized Lobo had mysteriously vanished, and Lightning Strike looked back and cursed.

“Stop them!” she ordered sharply, and immediately every pony in the clearing was rushing in towards Lobo and Zig Zag. Several magical bolts came flying at them. Taking a page from Zig Zag´s book, Lobo began jumping erratically back and forth between them. Just as they reached the edge of the clearing, Lobo's left back paw was caught in the telekinetic grip of the closest unicorn. He growled angrily as he was being pulled in by the unicorn. Then many of the ponies got a déjà vu feeling, as Lobo swung his head, tossing the colt just out of the clearing, once again saving a youngster from a perceived deathtrap, like back at the original summoning of him, by sacrificing himself instead of the pup. Zig Zag rolled a couple of times when he hit the ground, then quickly came up on all fours and skidded to a stop, looking pleadingly back at Lobo in the clearing.

“Run!!!” Lobo roared and to his satisfaction saw the little pup takeoff between the trees. Lobo came to a halt, so he turned around only to see the unicorn that had thoughtlessly dragged him up close, grinning down at the wolf, immensely pleased with his accomplishment.

Big mistake! thought Lobo as he kicked the unicorn with his free hind leg, straight across his face. The magic holding Lobo fizzled out immediately as the unicorn yelped loudly, while clamping his hooves to his now ruined features. Not wasting a moment to pity the pony, Lobo was off again. This time he was just past the tree line when something grabbed him roughly around his tail. He gave a loud yelp, then dug his claws into the soil and pulled himself free. He was, however, rewarded with a searing pain in his tail when he looked back, half fearing that it had been ripped clean off. But it was still there, only now more or less naked, most of its fur still suspended in the telekinetic grip of a unicorn.

A rustle from above made Lobo flinch to the side, just as the pegasus slammed down on the ground where he would have been. He dodged round the next tree, only to see a bright flash behind him, followed by a searing sound, when the magical bolt slammed into said tree. Two more pegasi came crashing through the canopy in front of him, so he immediately bolted off to the left again, and then realized that he slowly but surely was being herded back towards the clearing where Lightning and Black Star would be waiting for him. Taking another page out of Zig Zag's book of tricks, Lobo ran up the trunk of a tree, letting his speed and momentum carry him as high as possible before kicking off back in the direction he had come from. Beneath him he could see the stunned looks of two pegasi, now running in the wrong direction.

Just as Lobo was about to land, a surprised-looking unicorn emerged from the undergrowth right beneath him—most likely the very same unicorn who had just stripped most of the fur from his tail. The unicorn's eyes went round when he saw the flying wolf coming at him. He didn't even have time to make a sound, much less erect any type of magical shield, before Lobo slammed down on top of him. The black chainmail armor the unicorn had on would protect very well from cuts and stab wounds, but against blunt trauma, or in this case being crushed by Lobo´s weight and momentum of a gigantic wolf, it offered little defense. Several loud cracks announced that the unicorn's rib cage was now completely shattered, as he was unceremoniously stomped into the ground sideways. He started coughing up blood while he looked back at the wolf that immediately disappeared amongst the trees, closely followed by the two pegasi who didn't even spare him a glance. When he tried to take another wheezing breath, pain surged through his body. It was becoming more or less impossible to breathe now, as both his lungs were punctured by the bones of his shattered rib cage.

Lobo spared himself the sight through his escape. Shouts and calls for support were heard all around the dieing stallion. The edge of his vision was starting to close in on itself. Tears were flowing down his face as the cold realization that he was dying finally hit. The grief-stricken soldier thought of his wife and little filly back home. They would soon have their foremost bread bringer and provider taken from them, when some unknown Grand Army official comes to inform his wife that she is now a widow. Because of this, she would no longer receive her husband's pay; he was, after all, no longer a part of The Grand Army. At least he had died in combat, so his family would receive what was considered a reasonable last pay for his sacrifice, and that would be that, they'd be on their own. The stallion gritted his teeth at the unfairness of it all, then he coughed again and grew still.

****

Zig Zag ran like he had never run before. Behind him, two earth pony stallions were chasing him. But he was clearly losing them. Their initial sprint had recovered some ground with Zig Zag, but now their heavy plate armor was quickly wearing on their stamina, and the fact that they tended to crash through obstacles instead of dodging them was slowing them down even more. After only a few hundred meters, Zig Zag had left his pursuers in the dust. He wasn't really aware of what direction he had been running, so when he jumped over a particularly thick patch of shrubbery, he ended up hitting the brakes as hard as he could when he saw what was waiting on the other side. His hooves dug into the ground as he came to a screeching halt. Slowly he looked straight down over the edge he was now teetering on, down into the whitewater rapids below him. He took a deep breath to calm himself, and then heard a loud thud behind him. Zig Zag spun around, only to face a smiling pegasus mare. She was wearing black leather armor that covered most of her dark grey coat, but what captivated Zig Zag were her startlingly blue eyes. She gave a shrill whistle, which was immediately answered by two similar sounding whistles from somewhere in the woods. She took a step towards Zig Zag, causing him to flinch after recalling that she was the enemy. Because she was a pegasus mare, Zig Zag had inadvertently thought of his mother and had momentarily dropped his guard. Now he frantically looked around himself for a possible escape route.

“Hey kid! Why don't you just make it easy on yourself? That was a good run, especially for an earth pony. You're quite fast, and that's high praise coming from a pegasus. So just take it easy and relax, no one is going to hurt you, kid,” the mare said, trying to sound reassuring. Zig Zag just snorted.

“Like I haven't heard that lie before!” he said defiantly, taking the fighting stance Lobo had taught him. Seeing this, the mare also took on a more aggressive posture.

“Look kid! I don't want to hurt you! But… I've got my orders, and I'll break your damn legs one by one if that's what it takes to drag you back,” she said angrily when the colt didn't do what she told him to do. Just then, the two earth ponies came crashing through the thicket behind them, startling the pegasus mare. Zig Zag seized the opportunity and bolted.

“Damn it you two! I had him cornered!!!” she roared back angrily at the two guilty-looking stallions who had inadvertently let the colt to escape. Furiously she took wing after the fleeing kid. Even though Zig Zag was a very fast runner, he was still no match for a pegasus on-the-fly. Even though she missed her first attempt to grab him, she succeeded on the second try, as she was now able to anticipate his movement. She was finely flapping lazily a few meters off the ground, holding Zig Zag straight out in front of her, grinning at him.

“There… Are you going to be a nice lit” AHHHHHHHHHHH! “HE'S BITING ME!” the pegasus mare screamed while frantically trying to shake Zig Zag loose from the little gap he had found in her armor. She pinned him under one hoof against her body, while tearing the other one free from his mouth. The mare looked with wide eyes at the little bite mark she now had on her lower front leg. Her features darkened, and she slammed her hoof across Zig Zag´s snout, causing a slight trickle of blood to fall.

"That's it! No more missus nice pegasus!!!” she roared at him, clapping him firmly to her chest before taking off into the sky. The pegasus mare proceeded to do barrel rolls, corkscrews, loops and sharp turns that never seemed the end. Even though he had always loved flying with his mother, especially when she had let loose, it had never been anything close to this. Zig Zag had nonetheless learned a few tricks from his mother, about how to squeeze and contract muscles in the body in certain ways so that the blood stays where it’s supposed to be. When they finally came to a halt above the river, Zig Zag´s head was tittering from side to side as he gasped for breath; he couldn't even get his eyes to focus on anything. The pegasus mare once again held him out in front of her, snickering at him.

“My my… You are a tough one aren't you, kid! I've had earth ponies who passed out for half what I just did to you. But no worries, I can still kick it up a notch or two for your next ride,” she said with a laugh, grinning widely at him.

“Lay off the kid, Thunderhead! Or I'll buck your teeth in when you get back down here! You hear me!!!” one of the earth pony soldiers roared up at her. The pegasus mare looked down with a pouty face.

“But I want to play with him… He's my new favorite toy! And I am going to see how much he can take before he passes out!” she said with a giggle and looked back at Zig Zag expectantly. In the meanwhile, Zig Zag had been able to regain his bearings while the mare prattled on about what she was going to do with him. When their eyes met, he was glaring at her, and showing his new canines in what he hoped would be a threatening display. Whether it was that the mare was actually frightened or just surprised didn't matter. She held him out a little bit further from herself, giving Zig Zag just enough space between them to execute his plan. His back hoof came straight up, connecting cleanly with a pegasus mare jaw. Her head snapped up viciously from the power of the blow, and the next thing Zig Zag knew, they were both plummeting towards the fast-flowing and frothing water below.

Maybe that wasn't such a good idea… Zig Zag thought surprisingly detached from the situation, while he heard the panicked shouts from the two stallions on the shore line, helplessly watching the two of them plummet towards their watery graves.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 15 Thank You

True Black
Chapter 15
Thank You

13 of April.

Raven was moving carefully through the damp and cold forest. She had been thrown out of their newest hideout that morning because there had not been anything for the three Warriors to eat. Raven thought this was completely unfair, but what else was new in the world? The four of them had been living off of scraps for over a month now; the three Warriors were useless when it came to hunting, and she was still too young to be a good provider for any wing, especially as its sole female. Now though, things were getting desperate, and they no longer cared at all that their punches and constant yelling didn't solve anything. They just wanted someone to take their frustration out on, and little Raven was the only safe target for their pent-up anger and frustration. All morning Raven had been looking for anything they could eat, but there just wasn't any prey around the caves, so she had moved further away into the lowlands, eventually ending up alongside the river. The Warriors had warned her repeatedly since arriving here that under no circumstances was she to cross it. But right then she hadn't cared for the warnings one bit. She had leapt into the air, and flapped her wings angrily until she disappeared amongst the trees on the other side of the river. Here there were clear signs of animal life, and in merely an hour she had almost chased down two good-sized rabbits. Why the Warriors had told her not to cross a river when there was so much prey here, she could not understand. Most likely they were just making life difficult for her… But then again, all of them were more or less starving now. So that didn't make any sense either.

All of a sudden she heard something approaching, and it was approaching fast. She quickly hid up in a tree, where she would be able to observe whatever came her way, and she also had a good vantage point up-and-down the river. Raven made herself ready to jump down on whatever potential prey that might now be approaching. To her surprise, it flashed by in an instant. Only too came to a screeching halt, tittering on the edge of the cliff, almost falling over into the raging rapids below. Finally Raven could see that it was a small pony. She had never seen one before, but she had heard about them. All gryphons felt that the ponies were small and pitiful beings that should rightfully be trembling beneath their claws. And they would be… If it wasn't for their two empresses that is. It was well known by every gryphon that the only thing keeping any of the five Gryphon kingdoms from conquering all of the Celestial Empire were the two accursed alicorns and their freakish magic which the gryphons could not compete with. Raven had to agree. If this was a typical pony, not even she would have any trouble taking them out. She was just about to sneak down and confront the pony, when a shadow came down from above and landed right behind the pony she had seen. Raven froze where she was. This one was much bigger and had wings and proper, black leather armor. The small pony spun around and looked fearfully at the new arrival.

That's right… There are different species of pony… Raven remembered.

The ones with wings were pega… pega… something, the little one must be a regular one, and then there were the accursed unicorns, Raven thought. Unicorns were the pony species that every gryphon loathed. A shrill whistle was heard from the winged one, and almost immediately two answered in the forest behind Raven. She hadn't moved a muscle since the little pony rushed past her, and she wasn't about to make herself known now, especially when more ponies were apparently coming this way.

“Hey kid! Why don't you just make it easy on yourself? That was a good run, especially for an earth pony. You're quite fast, and that's high praise coming for pegasus. So just take it easy and relaxed, no one is going to hurt you kid,” the grey pegasus said.

That's right! pegasus and earth ponies, I knew it was something with a P… Raven thought, proud of her rather limited knowledge. The little earth pony, that she now realized was a youngster, took a fierce fighting stance and glared back at the pegasus.

“Like I haven't heard that lie before!” the little, blue earth pony growled back. Raven felt herself starting to root for the little fellow. He had a very colorful blue coat and a darker blue mane. The pony youngster was also missing half of his right ear, and the cloak and whatever it was covering his hooves made him look like they had been patched together by some hatchling without working claws, pretty shoddy quality.

“Look kid! I don't want to hurt you! But… I've got my orders, and I'll break your damn legs one by one if that's what it takes to drag you back,” the pegasus pony said while taking a step towards the little one. Raven was quite shaken by the threat; it didn't go together at all with what she had heard about the ponies. They were all supposed to be scared and panicky things, but Raven actually felt a little intimidated by the pegasus below her. Just then, two new arrivals came crashing through the forest, startling the grey pegasus mare who took a quick look behind her. That was all the little, blue pony needed to make his escape. Raven perked up at seeing his escape.

“Dammit, you two! I had him cornered!!!” the pegasus screamed at the two new arrivals before taking off after the little pony. Raven froze as she saw the pegasus surging after the blue pony. She was fast, Raven had never seen anything take off so fast before. Raven immediately understood that the little pony didn't stand a chance. And just as she had feared, in only two tries the pegasus was hovering a bit off the ground with the little pony in her hooves. Raven thought it was over now, but apparently the little pony had other plans.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! HE'S BITING ME!!!!!” Raven suddenly heard the pegasus scream. Then the pegasus shouted something else and took off straight up into the air. The aerial maneuvers the pegasus now performed were breathtaking; she was so agile and could turn so sharply that Raven understood she wouldn’t stand any chance at all against her in aerial combat. She even doubted that any of the Warriors back at the cave would stand a chance against this opponent in a one-on-one aerial fight. The Warriors were definitely stronger than this pegasus, but that didn't matter at all if they could never land a hit. Suddenly the aerial flight display ended almost back where it all began—with the pegasus mare lazily flapping her wings, above the river, in front of her two earthbound companions.

“My my… You are a tough one aren't you, kid! I've had earth ponies who passed out for half what I just did to you. But no worries, I can still kick it up a notch or two for your next ride,” Raven faintly heard the grey pegasus say. But she could clearly see on the little pony’s facial expression that he wasn't doing too well at all. He looked like he would be passing out any second.

“Lay off the kid, Thunderhead! Or I'll buck your teeth in when you get back down here! You hear me!!!” one of the two heavily armored earth ponies shouted up at the pegasus.

“But I want to play with him… He's my new favorite toy! And I am going to see how much he can take before he passes out,” the grey pegasus answered with a giggle. This made Raven furious; she had suffered something similar herself, and it was not a pleasant experience. Then she heard a loud crack, and to her surprise saw how the pegasus mare’s head snapped up violently. Immediately both the grey mare and the blue little pony started falling towards the rapids below.

Not good! Was all Raven thought as she launched out from her hiding spot and sped towards the rapidly descending ponies. As Raven neared the two of them, she realized something important. She would only be able to catch one of them, so she focused her sharp, golden eyes on the little blue pony, and sped past the two panicked earth ponies below.

****

Zig Zag finally realized the situation he was in, he had literally kicked himself out of the sky. And he felt surprisingly calm about it.

I'm coming, mom… He thought a bit solemnly. But then it was almost as if he could hear something screaming from the depths of his inner self.

NO! You have to live! You have so much left to do! So much left to experience! And you have to find Silver Pot and Iron Rod!!! The voice inside of him screamed. Sheer panic coursed through his veins as Zig Zag´s survival instincts kicked in. He let out a gut-wrenching scream as the water came rushing up towards him.

A movement registered in the corner of his eye. Zig Zag turned his head and saw a gryphon coming towards him with outstretched black claws, flying as hard as it could. He could easily recognize one because they were often visiting North Bay´s Harbor from time to time, working on the trading ships. This one had a dark, golden brown coat, while its head was covered in grey, black-tipped feathers. The gryphon sported a black beak, and the feathers around its eyes were also black, contrasting its golden eyes stunningly. Zig Zag somehow knew it was trying to rescue him, and stretched out his right hoof towards it. Their eyes met, and in the gryphon’s he could see growing panic that was now mirroring his own.

Just when the gryphon was about to catch him, Zig Zag splashed down into utter darkness. The first thing that hit him was the shocking cold, almost instantly sapping the air out of his lungs, but his survival instincts would not let him waste any of the precious air he had left. Water like this might be called white rapids, but there was nothing white about them. Suddenly he slammed into something hard, most likely a boulder on the bottom. Zig Zag grit his teeth at the pain, while he was being dragged across its rough surface by the pressure of the water. He was swept further downstream, his lungs now screaming for air. He had no idea what was up or down anymore, never being still and constantly tumbling about, and smashing into obstacle after obstacle. He was just about to pass out when the water pressure around him decreased, and before he knew it, Zig Zag burst through the surface. Finally above water, he continued to gasp for each breath, until he was once again pulled beneath the surface.

In an effort to curb his struggle, he let himself be carried along with the flow of the rapids and try to protect himself by curling into a ball. Then he was hit ruthlessly in the side, yelping in pain, only to realize he was now able to breathe, the current having tossed him partly up onto a rock in the middle of the roaring rapids. Although the water was already trying to tear Zig Zag off his little perch again, something soft then hit him from the rear, pushing him up a little bit more on the rock, but also towards the side. He was quickly losing his grip and began to slide off the rock in that direction instead. He was immediately pinned against the freezing cold stone. It was uncomfortable, but he was no longer in immediate danger of falling off the rock. Zig Zag looked behind himself to see what was holding him in place. To his surprise, it was the grey pegasus mare.

“Hold onto me…” she croaked out between coughs. Zig Zag tried to hold on as best he could, but the freezing cold water was sucking the life right out of the two of them. He was losing all strength, and even with added support of the grey mare, he knew he would not be able to stay on the rock for long. He looked over at her. She was in agonizing pain, and when Zig Zag saw her back, he understood why. Her left wing was mangled almost beyond recognition. The grey mare followed Zig Zag´s eyes then gritted her teeth when she understood what this most likely meant. With her strength giving out, she ever so slowly started to slip off the rock on the other side. When she looked back at Zig Zag, she had a sad smile on her face, but in her eyes he could see fierce determination, as if she had come to some final decision. She knew they both would die if things continued like this.

“You better make it, kid…” the grey mare said calmly and clearly, and then pushed off from the rock, while she simultaneously pulled Zig Zag up on top of it. Before he realized what had happened, the mare was gone, once again pulled down into the rapids. Zig Zag now lay on top of the rock, shivering violently. He could see that he was bleeding with scrapes and cuts all over his body, but he couldn't feel anything anymore. He fought to remain conscious, but was rapidly losing that battle as well. Without noticing, Zig Zag started slipping off his perch. He was abruptly brought back to consciousness when sharp claws dug into his shoulder and dragged him up onto the boulder again. He hissed through clenched teeth, and glanced up to see that the gryphon from earlier was now dragging him up towards herself.

****

Raven was overjoyed that she had found the little pony again; how he had been able to get up so high on the rock she had no idea, but it had made him easier to spot. Taking a firm grip on him, she took off and started making her way back towards the shore. As she flew, Raven could hear the pony’s teeth clattering, and his whole body was shaking uncontrollably.

“Hang on!” Raven called down to him. She could now feel just how cold he was, even through her talons; it was almost like gripping a piece of ice. The little pony managed to glance up at her.

“Th thh thh th ththank y y yyoyou…” Zig Zag managed to stutter out just before he finally lost consciousness. Raven looked down at him with wide eyes. No one had ever thanked her before, least of all any male. They landed on the far shore; even though he had lost consciousness, he was still shivering violently.

He needs shelter and warmth! Raven realized and remembered passing a small cave further up in the Highlands when she came down. The pony would most likely die from exposure if she tried to make it all the way home. With the extra cargo, she would most likely not make it before nightfall anyway, and a night outside this far north could be deadly, even if he wasn’t soaked through. Shifting the pony up on her back, Raven took off again towards what she hoped would be a suitable place to shelter for the night. As she worked her powerful wings, she took note of the fact that the pony weighed more that she had expected. He might be smaller than her, but he was quite the solid build. The river disappeared behind them, and she flew up towards the more rocky terrain and landscape of her home.

Feliniss and all of the five Gryphon kingdoms were ruled by a harsh mountain climate. Snow covered them more or less year-round, and the many high peaks disappeared up amongst the clouds. Even the coastline was often sheer cliffs that disappeared down into the black depths of the ocean. It didn't take Raven long to arrive at the little burrow she had spotted before. She quickly checked that nothing was already in there, and then brought the little pony into their temporary shelter. He had stopped shivering now, which was a troubling sign; it meant his body was shutting down and giving up the fight to keep warm. In other words he was dying in front of her eyes. Raven immediately removed the wet pieces of leather covering his back. She looked at it and snorted; she had never seen such crummy workmanship in her life. And the three remaining leather bags covering his hooves were even worse. She tossed them with disdain into a heap on the other side of the small cave. Raven looked around herself, and then realized she had nothing to light a fire with. She spun around in place looking for anything that might burn. Raven had to make a fire or he would die! But there was nothing here that could keep him warm!

Or is there? Raven thought and looked at the little pony. She quickly moved over, and lay down next to him. Carefully she reached around and hugged him in a cautious embrace. She gave a squawk when she felt how cold he was, and then quickly wrapped her wings around them both. After a couple of minutes, the little pony didn't seem to be so horribly cold against her torso anymore. And as warmth started to seep back into him, Zig Zag subconsciously snuggled into her chest and cupped his hooves around her as much as he could. If Raven had been able to blush, she would most likely have lit up the entire cave right then, but she soon snuggled into the embrace quite happily herself. Since both Raven and Zig Zag were exhausted from the day’s events, it didn't take Raven long to join Zig Zag in a deep and comfortable sleep.

****

Lobo was breathing hard; he finally managed to lose all of the ponies, but he still knew where they were, since he made sure to keep them all up wind. Keeping track of them would not be a problem even though darkness had now settled over the forest, where Lobo so far had led the ponies in a fruitless chase throughout the day. Always being careful not to lose the ponies completely, until now that is. By constantly making sure they could keep up, and even engaged him in combat a couple of times, he ensured his pursuers would keep chasing him. At least until the time came when he could finally turn the tables on them. And that time was now; finally he could see the glorious moon slowly rising above the horizon.

Eagerly Lobo moved to a gap amongst the trees, where the moon light could reach him unhindered. As soon as the rays hit Lobo´s tired and wary body, it was almost as if all the fatigue simply seeped out of Lobo´s aching muscles. Energy poured in to him, and the scrapes, cuts and scratches started to itch quite a bit when the healing was accelerated by the blessing of the moon. It was not a complete full moon, but close enough to give him more energy than usual. He watched in fascination as black fur slowly but surely started to cover his tail again. Smiling viciously, Lobo sniffed the air for his first prey.

This is going to be a good hunt… Lobo thought while he filled his lungs with the rapidly cooling night air. He turned around, and began heading back towards his pursuers, who unfortunately for them, thought they are still the hunters. Not realizing they no longer had the upper hoof on Lobo, they had spread out far too widely to cover ground in their search after him, a mistake that would cost them dearly.

It is time to thin the heard! Lobo concluded with a cold grin across his face.

****

Lightning and Black Star both stood uneasily while they listened to their surroundings, it had grown far too quiet as time passed by. It had been three hours since the moon ascended, and ever since then, things had started to take a turn for the worse. Reports from the pursuing units had become increasingly grim and further in between. Ponies had started to disappear without a trace if they were separated from their groups, even for just a split second. Now it had been a full half an hour since they last saw any pony. Lightning shifted nervously looking around herself.

“I don't like this… We need to retreat, or at least regroup,” she stated. Black Star snorted, clearly annoyed and unwilling to consider the prospect of them being on the losing side.

“Maybe they finally have him cornered? They might be bringing him down right now,” Black Star said in an attempt to sound hopeful.

“Then they would have sent somepony to inform us and bring more backup to the confrontation!” Lightning Strike said angrily, ignoring Black Star’s attempt at subtle hope. Black Star looked away without answering.

“Send the signal to regroup,” Lightning ordered. Black Star, having had quite a bad day in her opinion, had all that anger she needed to fuel such a spell, and then some. Consequently when the spell was released, and enormous, yellow fireball shot up into the sky directly above them, working as a beacon for all their troops to rally towards. Lightning watched in awe as the giant fireball continued to rise up into the clear night sky, almost like it was a miniature sun trying to show just how bright it could burn against the darkness.

****

Light Blast was the last of the unicorn's left. He was breathing heavily while constantly checking his surroundings. Above him, the cowardly pegasus just circled around, calling out useless warnings about the fact that he wasn't alone. There were only five of them left now, down from fifteen soldiers. But before they realized what was happening, more than half had disappeared when the bastard wolf started picking them off one by one. Every time they thought they knew where the Wolf was, he would ambush them from another direction. A bright light lit up the sky in the distance, and all of a sudden, the stallion felt a small sliver of hope.

I have to make it! Light Blast thought and set off towards what would most likely be a last stand. He was running through the cold forest without any thought of being stealthy. Nimble Breeze’s fate had already shown that was not an option against this particular enemy. Movement caught in the corner of Light Blast´s eyes, making him look towards his left side. Two glowing eyes met him; the dire wolf was running parallel with him a few trees away. Panic immediately seized Light Blast, and he galloped off through the forest faster than he thought his exhausted body would still be capable off. He was so close now, only a couple of hundred meters left, when a searing pain announced the fact that the wolf was finally upon him.

Light Blast cried out as the wolf’s teeth sank into his left rear leg, just above the knee. His chain mail armor stopped the powerful teeth from sinking in too deep, but the power of the bite still threatened to snap his bone in half. He was yanked up into the air, the dire wolf simply flipping him over and allowing him to tumble forward into a tree. Quite disoriented, Light Blast tried to get up, only to feel a heavy weight settle on top of him, and then teeth digging into his throat. To Light Blast´s surprise, the wolf didn't simply rip his throat out, but instead began to asphyxiate him. He instinctively tried to force the Wolf's jaws open with telekinesis, but he was far too disoriented and unfocused to do much about his situation. His already oxygen-starved body quickly gave out, and he sank into unconsciousness.

****

Lightning Strike and Black Star could now see four pagasus ponies heading towards them; they landed behind their commanders at the same time as a shrill cry sounded from the forest. Both Lightning and Black Star started too gallop towards the outcry, only to be stopped by calls from behind them.

“No! It's no use, he’s already had it!” one of the pegasus ponies yelled after them. Lightning only stared back at them.

“You mean to tell me you're all that's left?!” Lightning wondered in disbelief. The pegasi looked uncertainly at each other, and then stared into the ground.

“Yes…” the same pegasus answered. Just then a rustle could be heard from the edge of the dark woods. And from the shadows emerged Lobo, dragging an unconscious unicorn stallion. The dire wolf stopped and tossed the unicorn towards Lightning Strike and Black Star. As he came to a halt, the little group of ponies drew a relieved sigh, as they could still see his chest moving up and down. Lightning took a careful step towards Lobo.

“You didn't kill him… why? What did you do with the rest of my soldiers?” she asked carefully. Lobo looked her straight in the eyes.

“I didn't kill him because it would be a waste of energy when I can't eat him, and unless they pissed me off, I left the rest of your soldiers breathing as well,” Lobo answered. Once again Lightning was surprised at how lenient Lobo could be under these circumstances, and gave a slight nod in contemplation, but before she could continue questioning him, Lobo answered the question she was about to ask.

“Don't get your hopes up though… most of them pissed me off. Not so many of your winged friends, but almost every one of your spike heads,” he said with a grin, looking at Black Star when he said spike heads. She glared back at him.

“You monster!” Black Star stated angrily. Lobo raised an eyebrow at her statement.

“You… are not allowed to use that word on any creature but yourself. And every kill I'll ever make in this realm will be laid squarely at your hooves… Monster!” Lobo growled back at Black Star, who was now literally shaking with rage.

“This has gone on long enough! You should have allowed me to do this from the beginning, Lightning! Now all of you stay out of this; I can't protect anyone who interferes!” Black Star yelled, and then she was engulfed in a fierce glow. Five more glowing balls sprang into being around Lobo. When they fizzled out, Lobo was facing six identical Black Stars, standing in a ring around him. The shock was plain to see on Lobo´s face, but then he bolted into the forest before Black Star could gather herself enough to cast another spell. She gave a cry of frustration and chased after.

“No! Stay here!” Lightning Strike screamed after her, but it was too late, Black Star had already bolted into the woods.

“Damn it! Everypony after them! Don't you dare lose her!” Lightning ordered in an uncharacteristically shrill voice, and sprang into the air. The four remaining pegasus soldiers followed her immediately. As it turned out, following Lobo and Black Star couldn't have been easier. Bolts of lightning and magic were lighting up the forest beneath, whereever the two combatants currently were located. But the pegasus squad couldn't see any sort of opening that would allow them to help Black Star. All they could do it seemed was observe and hope for a favorable outcome for them.

****

Lobo ducked under another blast, and then ran through one of the fake Black Stars, making the image flicker until he was completely through. They had been at this for a while now. He could hear a hoarse laugh behind him, when three more Black Stars gave chase.

“Hahaha!!! You'll never find the real me, you dumb dog! Now just give up and come along quietly!” Black Star called from behind him. Lobo calmly smiled inwardly as he heard the strain in her voice, then jumped out of the way of another lightning bolt that sped past him. It was time to go on the offensive. Lobo disappeared around a tree, and when Black Star arrived moments later, he was gone. She just stood there, confounded with her mirror duplications around her, looking in every which way. Five Black Stars started to move ahead and fan out.

In the meantime, two yellow eyes following the procession from afar finally focused on the Black Star second-most to the right. Lobo launched himself out of his ambush and past the image Black Star had left behind as a decoy. But the second he passed it, all five Black Stars in front of him started to turn. But it was too late to escape completely. She did manage to avoid getting her throat ripped out, and merely ended up getting tackled to the ground. Lobo growled in frustration. He had thought the images of Black Star were only images, but she was apparently able to see what they saw. Black Star on the other hand, couldn't understand how Lobo had been able to pick her out amongst the copies. The truth was Lobo had known who she was all along. Her images may look identical and sound perfectly like her, but only the real Black Star gave off that stench he hated.

They now lay in a tangled mess of hooves and limbs. Just when Black Star´s horn lit up, Lobo stomped his claws down upon it, pressing it hard into the dirt of the ground beneath them. Black Star cried out in pain as the pressure on her horn put a lot of strain on her skull. Her throat was once again exposed, and Lobo went for it, but was abruptly stopped when something smashed into him from the side. He growled fiercely, while he struggled with his new adversary. It was a much heavier pony covered in black plate armor. The stallion snorted angrily at Lobo as they came to a halt with the dire wolf on top. Now Lobo was furious and leaned down to finish this quickly so he could focus on Black Star. But once again he was interrupted, this time by a hard buck to his side, sending him tumbling off his intended victim. He quickly came up on all fours again. Looking back, Lobo could see two heavily armored earth pony stallions that were now blocking his way to Black Star, who was slowly rising back to all four hooves. A rustle was heard from above, and then Lightning landed beside Black Star.

“Are you okay?” Lightning asked worriedly.

“Yes…” Black Star answered shakily, while carefully checking to see that her horn was still were it was supposed to be. Then she glared over at Lobo.

“I… underestimated him…” she said a bit self-critical. He had just taken out more or less their whole company, yet still she thought she would dominate him with a few parlor tricks. Like most unicorns, Black Star had put too much faith in the superiority of magic.

“Where is the colt?” Lightning asked the two stallions. The two of them had slowly backed away from Lobo, and were now standing just in front of their superiors.

“We… we lost him, sir… and Thunderhead is most likely dead as well,” one of the stallions replied. Lightning Strike uttered a string of curses while Lobo grinned in satisfaction that Zig Zag had managed to get away. But the grin instantly disappeared when he heard the next bit of news.

“They both fell into Ice Flow River. We never saw Thunderhead again, but a young gryphon managed to fish out the colt. We just caught sight of them as they disappeared into Feliniss, but I don't think he will be alive for long. The colt was in the river for quite a while, judging by how far we had to run down stream in order to catch sight of them,” the second stallions said solemnly. Lobo´s heart was thundering in his chest now.

“No!!! Zig Zag´s okay! He has to be!” Lobo roared in defiance and set off towards the river, all thoughts of vengeance against Black Star having disappeared instantly. He had a much more important task now, finding Zig Zag and making sure he was all right. All the ponies were just staring after him, completely shocked by his outburst. Lightning was the first to gather herself and quickly sent the remaining pegasus soldiers in pursuit, even if they wouldn't be able to do much more than follow him to the border. Black Star, Lightning Strike and the two earth pony stallions remained where they were.

“He really cares for the colt, doesn't he?” Black Star said carefully.

“I'd say that's a given,” Lightning answered.

“Damn it! We should have focused on the colt instead… Lobo is far too dangerous now without a magic leash. I hope the colt survives somehow. He’s most likely our best chance of getting any kind of leverage over Lobo again,” Black Star said with a disappointed huff. The other ponies just watched her silently.

“You could have said that you hoped the colt survived because he's a little colt… and doesn't deserve to die like that,” Lightning pointed out in a scolding voice. Black Star looked up at Lightning and then the two stallions who were both staring at her.

“Well obviously that too of course!” Black Star burst out, and then smiled sheepishly. Both the stallions huffed and walked away, while Lightning just shook her head.

“I hate it when Bender is right…” Lightning said with a sigh.

“Huue?” Black Star uttered, not hearing what Lightning mumbled.

“But I'll make a decent pony out of you even if it kills me,” Lightning stated and gave a surprised Black Star a quick kiss on the nose before following the two stallions. The second Lightning turned away from Black Star, the happiness from the kiss left her when she remembered they most likely had a lot of injured and most likely dead ponies laying around the forest, in need of being found as quickly as possible.

This is going to be a long night… Lightning thought, and then started giving orders to Black Star and the two earth stallions in preparations for the upcoming search.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 16 Getting to Know Raven

True Black
Chapter 16
Getting to Know Raven

14 of April.

Raven woke up abruptly, only to find a sniffling and struggling pony in her embrace. He was thrashing about with tears running down his cheeks.

“No… no… mom… don’t hurt mammy… NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” The little pony´s scream almost made Raven's heart stop. He bolted up, looking frantically around himself. When his eyes locked with hers, and he realized they were still in a tight embrace, Zig Zag screamed again, making both of them bolt away in opposite directions. Zig Zag stood pressed up against the back wall of the small cave, with a look of panic and bewilderment in equal measure, while Raven looked fearfully at him from the front of the cave, wings spread wide in a defensive posture. Then something peculiar the little pony had screamed struck her.

Why was he crying for his mother? Shouldn't he be crying for his father or brothers? Raven thought curiously. The little pony seemed to have calmed down after the initial shock of seeing her. Raven carefully folded her wings, and then took a small step towards the pony.

“Are you okay?” she asked. The little colt hung his head, and took a ragged breath.

“Yeah… It was just another nightmare,” Zig Zag answered and looked around himself.

“Where are we? And who are you?” Zig Zag wondered as he looked up at Raven again. Raven had her first real good look at the little pony since his cape was no longer covering his back, his body was as blue as a clear sky, except for a little patch on his back and flank that was black just like his hooves. His mane was swept back, dark blue and quite messy, half his right ear had been cut off she also noted approvingly, since it meant he was most likely some kind of a fighter. But the thing that made Raven feel a little lightheaded and almost made her catch her breath, were his eyes. They were stunningly green, like two emeralds looking back at her; all gryphons have yellow eyes, so to see such a spectacular color looking back at her was staggering. Although the sadness in them made it hard to keep eye contact for long. Raven coughed a bit and glanced off to the side.

“I'm… ehhh… Raven… I fished you out of the river yesterday, and then I brought you here so you wouldn't… freeze to death,” she informed him. Zig Zag was also looking at her quite curiously. He had seen gryphons before, but never one with Raven’s coloration. Her plumage was dark grey with black tips, while her body was covered by a dark, golden-brown coat, just like her ears which were long and curved. Raven's fur looked quite shaggy and warm. Her talons and beak were both black, which Zig Zag had never seen before on any gryphon visiting North Bay. And the completely black feathers around her eyes made the gold in them pop out quite vividly when he made eye contact with her.

“By the way, who are you?” Raven then asked, looking anywhere except at the little pony.

“Ohhh! Sorry… I'm Zig Zag!” he answered, blushing and rubbing his back hooves together in embarrassment for not having introduced himself. Raven on her end was once again stunned by the colt. She had known him for less than a day, and still he had already thanked and apologized to her. A male gryphon would never in his life offer such pleasantries to a female gryphon. Raven looked curiously at Zig Zag, wondering if he had maybe hit his head a little too hard in the river. But all his cuts and bruises were on his body; his head had survived surprisingly well, considering what he's been through.

“Well if you're feeling all right, then we should probably start heading back to the rest of my wing,” Raven said and turned around to walk out of the small cave.

“You don't live here?” Zig Zag asked innocently, while he trotted over to reclaim his possessions, which lay heaped on the floor of the cave.

“No I don't live here! Why would you even think that?” Raven said with a bit of annoyance in her voice. Zig Zag heard it and looked back at her.

“Sorry… I just don't know a lot about gryphons. I have only seen a couple of you from afar in North Bay,” he said apologetically. Raven looked curiously back at Zig Zag.

“North Bay? Isn't that the first pony city on the other side of the border? What are you doing all the way up here in Feliniss? Did you steal some apples?” she said playfully, looking back at him with a grin.

“No…” Was all Zig Zag answered while he fastened his cloak around himself again. Not hearing the strain in Zig Zag's voice, Raven continued.

“So what did you do? Break a window?” Then Raven recalled Zig Zag murmuring something about his mother before he fully woke up.

“Or maybe your mom didn't want you and ran off,” she said, not knowing how cruel her joke was. The reaction was instantaneous. Zig Zag shot across the cavern in the blink of an eye. He smashed into the side of her with all the strength he could muster. Raven, not being ready for such a reaction, was caught off guard. They both tumbled out of the cave entrance coming to a halt with Zig Zag on top of Raven, staring down at her with tears running down his face.

“Don't you ever talk about my mother! You hear me!!!” Zig Zag roared straight down at Raven. His green eyes looking down at her were no longer the beautiful pools of emerald she had seen earlier. They were now deadly pools of venom staring coldly down at her with malicious intent. Raven lay frozen where she was. She was bigger than Zig Zag, and she shouldn't have any trouble throwing him off herself. But throughout her short life, Raven had always been taught, quite painfully at times, to always obey a male. Then it occurred to her that Zig Zag was a pony, and the rules most likely didn't apply to him, still… a lifetime of oppression made it quite hard for her to put up any form of resistance. Zig Zag had now calmed down just as fast as his tempers had flared. He was looking down at her, tears still dripping from his muzzle onto her chest. He collapsed and just lay there crying. Raven didn't know how to react; this was so far outside of her experience, so she just continued laying there. Finally Zig Zag gathered himself, and slid off Raven's chest. He took a couple of careful steps away and sat down.

“Sorry… Just don't say that again,” Zig Zag said with his head hanging.

“Right…” Raven answered hoarsely. She came up on all fours again, and looked over at the still-sniveling colt.

“What… What happened to you?” Raven asked, now with concern in her voice. Zig Zag looked back at her.

“You don't want to know…” he said sadly.

“Yes I do!” Raven stated fiercely. She then took a step back in fear when she realized that she had just disobeyed his order of not asking about his mother again. She stood with eyes closed, bracing herself for the inevitable strikes that were surely coming. When nothing happened, she carefully opened one of her eyes. Zig Zag was just sitting there, looking out over the low country that was spreading out before them.

“I don't think you will like my story…” he said. Raven snorted.

“You're a male, a little, colorful pony from the warm South, what could you possibly have to complain about?” Raven said, quite convinced that no pony's life could be as hard as a gryphon´s, especially hers. With a sad smile, Zig Zag began telling his story, in a flat and distant voice, as if it had happened to somepony else. How his best friend had been murdered. About how he had killed the would-be rapist of his mother, how the city guards then stormed in and dragged them off to the dungeons to be hanged the next day because of it, and how he had to watch his mother die at the end of a rope.

“That's when Lobo came and saved me…” Zig Zag said, still looking out at the scenery, having not moved a muscle during the entire story. Raven had also been sitting completely still, barely able to breathe, while she listened to the story Zig Zag was telling.

“Lobo? Who is that?” Raven asked in a very squeaky voice she hardly recognized as her own.

“He's…” Zig Zag stopped. What was Lobo to him? He had called him dad when they were confronted by the ponies chasing after them yesterday. And the more Zig Zag thought about it, the more he wanted it to be true. He wanted Lobo to be his dad, so Zig Zag made his mind up right then and there.

“He's my dad,” he said firmly.

“You have a dad? Why weren't you living with him?” Raven asked curiously. Everything Zig Zag had said so far, about living with his mother, and being friends with a girl. It was so far outside their norm of gryphon society, she had a hard time believing it could be true.

“Well we actually met the first time there… When he saved me from being hanged like my mother,” Zig Zag told Raven. For the first time, Raven thought that things were starting to fall into place. Zig Zag´s dad must have been living in another city. She looked at him, and thought he was probably nearing the age where he would start training to become a warrior or learn what ever trade their family had. His father probably came to claim him, only to find out he was about to be killed. So he had saved his son and now they were trying to escape.

“So where is your dad now?” Raven wondered.

“He's fighting the bad ponies on the other side of the river so they won't follow us anymore. He sent me ahead so I wouldn't get caught,” Zig Zag said, looking towards the horizon. Raven could see the concerned look on his face.

“Were they the ones who caught you at the river?” Raven asked, thinking his dad must have used him as a decoy so that he could get away himself if their pursuers had caught Zig Zag at the river. Zig Zag nodded.

“That was some of them… I only had time to count twelve. They caught us while we were sleeping, and the pegasi in the sky where flying around all the time, so it was hard to count them properly,” Zig Zag said. Raven felt an ice lump form in her stomach. His dad hadn't used him as a decoy; he had sacrificed himself to make sure he could escape. Although she didn't have the heart to tell Zig Zag that right now. Then she realized something and looked curiously at him.

“You can count? How old are you?” she asked. Zig Zag looked surprised by the question, he had just told her some of the most horrific things in his life, and then she asked him about his age?

“I'm thirteen. And my mom taught me to read and count. Otherwise I wouldn't be much help around her store,” he said. Now Raven was gawking at him.

Thirteen! How can he be thirteen! I'm thirteen, there's no way we're the same age, he's a lot smaller than me. Wait a minute… how can his mother own a store! And she taught him how to read? Why had she been allowed to learn how to read? She must have been the most important mare in North Bay to receive such treatment… But that doesn't make sense, they had just killed her. Even if she was just a girl, it doesn't make any sense to allow her to learn something like that, and then waste it by killing her… Raven thought frantically, not being able to make anything fit into her preconceived norms of society. Zig Zag had watched Raven's facial expression go from surprised to confusion and then finally pure disbelief.

“Well, how old are you?” Zig Zag asked in return. It took a few seconds for Raven to realize Zig Zag had asked a question.

“I'm thirteen as well… at least that's what the others tell me…” she answered.

“Can you read?” he then wondered.

“Of course I can't read! I'm a girl!” she yelled at him like he was an idiot. Zig Zag just looked surprised.

“What has that got to do with anything? Cherry Blossom was a girl and a year younger than me, and she could read. She and her mum were running an Inn, at least before they were killed,” Zig Zag said, sagging a bit as he thought about Cherry Blossom.

“Can all ponies read?” Raven asked, feeling this was the only logical conclusion to why girls were allowed to learn how to read. Zig Zag shook his head.

“No… Most ponies don't know how to read; mostly it is noble families, and some merchants, who can read. My mum was a merchant; she taught me as soon as I was able to learn,” Zig Zag answered. Raven once again looked confused, then she shook her head, she wasn't going to solve this here and now she realized. She took a deep breath and then looked up towards the snow-covered mountains.

“Well if we want to make it home, we'd better get going. I don't feel like spending another night outside. You never know who or what might find you,” she stated and flexed her powerful wings. Zig Zag was almost spellbound by them. Having grown up with a pegasus mother, that feeling of being shielded beneath a wing, or just having it stroke up against him, had always given him a sense of security nothing else could. Zig Zag gave himself a little shake, to clear his head of the funny feelings. Raven jumped up and hovered in the air with big, powerful strokes. And Zig Zag was once again spellbound by the site.

“Do you… think you can carry me all the way?” he suddenly asked. Raven stopped flapping and landed next to him. She could see that he was looking at her with admiration shining in those emerald eyes of his, and responded by puffing out her chest a bit more. Raven didn't know why, but she really enjoyed the way he looked at her right now.

“Sure I can! No problem whatsoever!” she boasted. Zig Zag sprang up on all four hooves enthusiastically.

“Really… you mean it! That’s awesome!” Zig Zag almost squealed in delight. Without any warning, he jumped up on Raven's back, and held onto her like he had done with his mother so many times before. But for some reason it felt very different, not just because Raven's upper body and head were covered in feathers. No… mostly it was because he once again got that funny, tingling feeling throughout his body. Raven also had to catch her breath when she felt the little pony press firmly against her back. She was once more thankful for the fact that gryphon´s couldn't blush, as she looked back and laughed a bit uncertainly, because of the surprising warmth rushing through her body.

“Hehe… are… are you ready?” she wondered, and felt Zig Zag embrace her even more firmly. A shiver went through her again, she really liked the way he was holding onto her like that, firm but tender. Zig Zag gave a little nod to indicate he was ready. Raven spread her wings, flapped them a couple of times to test the balance with Zig Zag on her back, and then leapt into the air. With a few powerful strokes, they were off towards the relative safety of her temporary home.

****

Lobo pulled himself out of the water, coughing loudly. After finding where Zig Zag´s scent trail ended, he had kept running downstream, to find a place he could cross the fast-flowing river. After a while Lobo turned around a bend in the river, to finally see it calm down and widen in front of him. Without any hesitation he plunged into the water, starting to make his way across. Half way across, he was quickly made aware of one problem, metal collars did not work well as a flotation device. Lobo had to work frantically to keep himself afloat. And in the end, he had been dragged down to the bottom, but thankfully it had been quite shallow on the northern bank of the river, and having more or less made it all the way across when he went under, Lobo had been able to keep going along the bottom. With a last desperate effort, he crawled out of the river, retching water from his lungs, only to collapse on the rocky shore, gasping for breath. No longer having the benefit of the blessed moon shining down on him, it took a while for him to catch his breath again.

I'll have to watch out for water in the future, I'm definitely not particularly buoyant. Lobo thought while he struggled up on all fours, and then gave himself a violent shake to get rid of the water in his pelt. Looking behind him, Lobo could see four pegasi hovering over the river. But they were not following him any further.

They really do take those lines on the maps seriously. Lobo concluded, wondering just how a red line on a piece of paper could have such a profound effect out here in the middle of nowhere. He snorted and started back up the river, hoping to find some kind of scent trail he could use to track Zig Zag.

You better be alive when I find you, Zig Zag, or I swear I'm going to kill you! Lobo thought angrily, although his anger was aimed at himself and not the pup. He once again picked up his pace, having no time to waste.

****

Raven and Zig Zag had only been in the air for about forty minutes before Raven had to land again. She was breathing heavily, and even though Raven was standing on solid ground, she felt the world was moving at an alarming rate.

“I—gasp—just need to—gasp—catch my breath…” Raven said feeling she had to apologize for taking a break. Zig Zag had jumped off her back and was eyeing her worriedly. He hadn't really thought about it until now, but Raven looked very thin for a gryphon.

“It's okay. We can walk for a while,” he said soothingly and leaned in to make sure she was doing all right. That's when Raven's eyes got caught on something dangling from Zig Zag´s neck, poking out from beneath his ragged mess of a cloak. It was a small, silver pendant, depicting a flower of some kind, the gleam in the silver made Raven follow the swinging back and forth, almost reverently. One of her claws had almost grasped it before she caught herself. Zig Zag watched the claw now hovering in front of his chest suspiciously. Raven’s namesake wasn’t just from her black feathers after all; she really liked shiny things. Smiling a very strained smile, Raven pointed towards the pendant instead.

“Why do you have a thing like that? It looks a little too cute and dainty for a boy…” Raven said in a hopeless attempt at liberating him from his adorable trinket, a most insulting object to a gryphon male. Zig Zag only put a hoof on the pendant, and pressed it against his chest, his mind drifting off to a happier time in his life. It felt like a different life altogether, even if it all had only been a few weeks ago.

“It belonged to Cherry Blossom… She was my mare friend in North Bay,” Zig Zag said, his eyes now looking straight down at his hooves.

“Mare friend… does that mean she belonged to you?” Raven asked a little curiously, at the same time as she felt somewhat annoyed, though she didn't know why.

“Belonged to me? What do you mean by that…” Zig Zag asked looking a bit disturbed by what Raven had said.

“Yeah… Did you claim her? Did she belong to you?” Raven tried to clarify by talking a bit slower. Maybe the pony was just timid, thinking she would be offended for not being his first mate… Raven's eyes shot wide open and she gasped, as she looked at the little blue pony.

MATE!!! Where did that come from?! Raven thought, shocked at herself. Zig Zag´s face had in the meanwhile scrounged up in a very angry expression.

“NO SHE DID NOT!!! Cherry Blossom didn't belong to anypony but herself! How can you even say something like that? You’re a girl yourself!” he said angrily, now that he had some inclination to just what it entailed for a mare to be owned or sold by someone else. Raven on the other hand, couldn't comprehend that Zig Zag, who obviously had feelings for this mare, wasn't making sure no other male could claim her whenever he felt like doing so. The two of them just had such a different upbringing; they were talking straight past each other. That was when Raven made the giant leap of questioning her own point of view.

“Wait… What would happen to a mare that hasn't got a male claiming her?” she wondered. Zig Zag just looked at Raven with a raised eyebrow.

“Nothing… She would just go about her business herself, like my mom,” Zig Zag informed Raven. Raven could feel her head spin, and then she continued with her bold questions with the one that would have earned her a severe beating among her own species. At least if a male heard it.

“What… what would… a mare do if she didn't like her male?” Raven asked carefully, taking a small step back, if it turned out it was all just a setup.

“She would throw his lazy flank out, that’s what! A stallion that can't treat his mare right isn't a stallion at all! That's what my mom always told me,” Zig Zag said adamantly. Raven's head was quite frankly being overloaded, just the thought of being able to tell a male no, it was staggering! She just couldn't comprehend the possibilities or the freedom it entailed.

“Wooow…” Raven uttered, staring blankly out into space. Then she fell unconscious in front of a now panicking Zig Zag. Both the physical and mental stress on Raven over the last day had been quite high, and she hadn't even had a decent meal in over a month. So it wasn't a surprise to her that she had finally reached her limit.

“Raven! Raven! Are you okay, Raven!” Zig Zag yelled while he jumped around her, not knowing what to do. Once again Zig Zag reflected on how thin the gryphon female seemed to be.

She needs food!!! Zig Zag thought frantically, and galloped off to find something... anything!!!

****

Jaggar came out of the cave they had claimed as home… at least for the moment. He and his two younger brothers, Lynx and Ocel had been their own wing all of their lives. It had been a good and carefree life, always taking what they wanted and then moving on. Yes, it had been good, at least until a month ago when their luck finally ran out, because they made a grave mistake in Rapture. Setting there ravenous sights on a very high-end looking mansion, situated high up on a lonely mountainside near the border to Feliniss.

They had broken in, and started looting the place, though it had turned out not to be on guarded. Had it not been for Raven spotting the patrolling wing approaching, they would all have been caught inside the mansion. Instead they had enough of a head-start to make a narrow getaway. But not before noticing that the gryphons following them all belonged to Rapture´s military. When they could finally catch their breath, and started examining what they had stolen, the horrible mistake they had done finally dawned on them. Most of the exquisitely made merchandise had a royal seal on it; they had robbed the King of Rapture himself. The secluded mansion being one of the Kings favorite holiday getaways, just for him and his friends to let loose on a weekend when they felt like it, which actually wasn't that often. Usually only his closest family and friends were allowed to come there with him, and a select few of his harem would always accompany him there as well. And as you might imagine, the hunt for the three bandits had been relentless ever since. For over a month the bandits had been forced to move from hideouts to hideout in order to keep alive. They also had to abandon all their ill-gotten loot, armaments and weapons, to increase the speed at which they traveled. All they have left, was a few measly coins, and an assortment of daggers, which was secured around their lower bodies within easy reach of their claws. And then finally, after many close calls, they made it into Feliniss.

Although they were in a bad way now, both he and his two brothers were starving, and that useless girl of theirs had only come up with one excuse after another as to why she was unable to bring in food for the three hungry Warriors. Well they had made things clear for her a couple of days ago. If she didn't bring back anything that they could eat, she was not to come back at all. Jaggar looked out over the valley below them; his sharp eyes couldn't pick out anything that might be the girl returning. He gave a harrumph of annoyance, both of his brothers turning towards him.

“I guess we need to find another one,” Jaggar said angrily. Both his brothers gave annoyed squawks in reply.

“I can't believe it! First we are chased by Rapture´s military for a month! And now we have to find a new girl as well! This is ridiculous!” Lynx complained loudly.

“Well… she did last longer than any of the others…” Ocel said thoughtfully.

“That doesn't excuse her for going and croaking when we needed her most! You have always been too soft on this one! I was half expecting you to give her a piece of your food any day now…” Lynx said with a wicked smile. Ocel just looked calmly back at him, which annoyed Lynx to no end. Satisfied that his calm attitude had been more effective than anything he could possibly have said, Ocel turned towards Jaggar.

“So what's the plan?” Ocel asked his big brother. Jaggar huffed and continued to look down into the valley. Finally he had come to a decision.

“We should head out now… we'll move down into the low lands, hopefully finding something to eat along the way. If not, we'll just have to steal something in the first village we find,” he told them, and spread his wings in a clear sign to get ready. His two brothers immediately moved up to his left and right, shooting up into the sky as one.

****

It had been a slow morning. His whiskers twitched from side to side while he watched the promising meadow spreading out in front of him. Even with the frost during the night, the sturdy grass here looked surprisingly enticing. His ears twitched as they tried to pick up any sound, making sure nothing was around. Carefully he hopped out onto the meadow; once again making sure nothing was nearby before starting to eat happily. Suddenly a noise from the other side of the meadow made the rabbit freeze. He glanced over towards its source, only to see a small pony standing there, eyeing him warily.

The rabbit looked curiously at the fellow herbivore, and even though he noticed it was a little bit tense, it didn't cause the rabbit too much of a worry. So it started to grace again. When he looked up the next time, the pony was much closer to him. He stopped mid chew, took a small jump away from the pony, while continuing to look at him cautiously. The little blue pony had frozen as well, looking at the rabbit with his head tilted to one side; The pony suddenly looked like it had an idea.

He looked back, in the direction he came from, then bent down and started grazing a bit more at ease. Seeing this, the rabbit relaxed, and looked around again to make sure they were still alone. Most likely the little pony had escaped from something, so he would have to be on his guard from whatever was chasing the pony. But now with the two of them there, there would be a total of four eyes looking out for any approaching carnivore, or even worse, gryphons—a predator he was all to familiar with. A shadow fell over the rabbit, and when he looked back towards the pony, he was only met by darkness descending on him.

****

Zig Zag cringed a little bit as he stomped his hoof down on the rabbits head. One of the back legs was jerking spastically, so he pressed down harder and gave his hoof a firm twist, ending the rabbit’s life with a crunching sound. Zig Zag lifted his hoof again to see the rabbit’s lifeless eyes looking up at him.

“Sorry, Mr. Rabbit… but Raven needs to eat…” he said apologetically, then bent down and picked up the lifeless body. He tossed it over his back, and started heading back towards Raven.

****

Raven came to, only to realize she was lying alone on the ground. The realization that she had been left behind by Zig Zag frustrated her to no end, and it felt like a weight was settling over her chest.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Thinking a male would actually care enough to help you! Raven thought angrily, while a single tear ran down her beak. She managed to stumble back on all fours again, gritting her teeth at the cold reality that Zig Zag had just left her once she was no longer useful.

Why? I thought you were different… but guys are all the same! Doesn't matter where they come from! Or which species they are, they’re all… Just then she heard the unmistakable sound of hooves hitting stone. Raven turned around, only to see Zig Zag trotting happily towards her.

“Hi Raven! Are you feeling better now?” Zig Zag asked while he came closer. Raven was, however, too stunned to reply. He was back, he hadn't left her… And then she felt her jaw drop when she saw what was lying across his back.

It's that damn rabbit!!! I never even got close to catching the thing! First sign of trouble, and it was back down in its hole so fast that I could barely see it… And he caught it, when I couldn't? Raven thought, perplexed, now looking at Zig Zag with a lot more respect than before. So far she had only thought he was the nicest male she'd ever come across, but now it seemed he could pull his weight as well. It was too bad she hadn't been able to catch it before, seeing as the rabbit belonged entirely to him. Raven was eyeing the rabbit hungrily, and then her stomach growled fiercely. Zig Zag heard it and lightened up.

“Here! I got something for you while you were sleeping!” Zig Zag said happily, he laying the rabbit down in front of Raven. She was looking down at it wide-eyed, once again extremely happy she couldn't blush through her feathers. Did he have any idea what this gesture meant between gryphons? If a male gryphon gave food to a female gryphon, especially raw meat. It meant he wanted her to produce a strong clutch of eggs for him, with many strong warrior sons for him to claim when they were old enough. Zig Zag had felt extremely proud when he presented the rabbit to Raven, but when she just stood there looking at it without moving a muscle, he felt he might have done something wrong.

“You… You don't like it? I could get you something else if you want…” Zig Zag said with sorrow in his voice, thinking he had somehow displeased Raven. She looked up at Zig Zag and saw his disappointed look as he started to turn away.

“No!!! I love it!!!” Raven shouted out desperately when she realized she had left him hanging. Zig Zag stopped and turned back to her.

“Really? You mean it?” he asked carefully, not daring to look her in the eyes.

“Oh yes! It's just that… you know what… never mind. Thank you Zig Zag,” Raven said tenderly, lifting the rabbit up with one of her claws. She didn't have anything to skin it with, and being ravenously hungry, Raven didn't feel like wasting any of it anyhow. So she bit of the head in one mighty gulp, and swallowed it down happily. Zig Zag smiled at her when she began to eat.

“I'm actually a little hungry myself, and I saw a patch of good grazing, a bit further down the valley. You can come down and get me when you feel a bit better. Or just wait here and I'll come back,” Zig Zag said to Raven. She looked up from her meal, and smiled at him.

“I'll wait for you here then,” Raven told him. Zig Zag nodded and set off so that he could fill up his own belly as well. Raven watched him leave and felt that funny, tingling feeling once again rush through her body, and she was also feeling strangely lightheaded while her heart pounded. Putting the symptoms down to being hungry; she descended on the rabbit with ravenous intent.

****

Chief Decurion Avarice was staring down at his list quite happily. There was now a red line running across every name on it, and outside all the soldiers were running around panicking, looking for spirit wolves in the shadows and mist when the accidents started too increase at an alarming rate, every time with a deadly outcome. The rumors that spirit wolves had been seen running through the camp at night had flared up immediately. Most of the soldiers were now convinced that Lobo's family was to blame for all the accidents that were happening and that they were seeking revenge for stealing Lobo away from them.

Avarice had done nothing to quell such beliefs, since they played perfectly into what he had hoped to achieve. When the last name had been crossed off his list yesterday, he had immediately ordered that the camp was to be abandoned. The soldiers had been all too happy to comply. Avarice looked down at the map in front of him. According to Lightning Strike´s and Black Star's last report, they were nearing the border of Feliniss. Hopefully the two of them will have caught the wolf by now, but just to make certain, Avarice planned to lead the rest of the troops up towards Ice Flow River to cut him off. The Wolf would most likely not try to cross the frigid, glazier-fed river and would therefore be caught in a pincer move between Avarice and Lightning Strike´s forces. Satisfied with the laid-out tactics, he folded the maps into their storage chest.

He walked out of the command tent, and was satisfied to see, that it was the last tent needing to be taken down. He moved aside to let the soldiers proceed with his order. Not even five minutes later, the whole company was ready to leave.

“Move out! We’ll be going straight north from here! And stay safe, everypony! We don't know what we will run into out there!” Avarice proclaimed in his most supportive voice he could muster. As one, the whole company began moving forward. Avarice smiled to himself.

This is working out better than I could possibly have hoped for… By the way things are falling into place for me, Black Star will be ready to make me immortal even before I reach them at the border. Avarice thought happily, and moved up to the front of the marching column.

****

The three bandits were just gliding along, not wanting to waste any energy by flapping. They were all tired and in a bad mood. Lynx happened to glance down, only to see a very familiar shape, lying stretched out on the ground below.

“Well look at that! It's Raven! I wonder if she's alive?!” he shouted to both his brothers. It didn't take long before all of them had their eyes on her.

“Let's check it out! If she's strong enough to follow, she can come, otherwise just forget about her!” Jaggar shouted, and shot Ocel a meaningful glance while the started to descend on the worryingly still form of Raven. When they touched down, they made a startling discovery: rabbit bones that were picked clean. Fury lit up the eyes of the three bandits as they closed in on the sleeping female. Raven was jerked straight up by Jaggar and then smashed back into the ground, her wings pinned now that she was on her back. She tried to scream, but her airways were cut off by the bandit leader’s iron grip around her throat. She looked up, fear clearly written across her face, completely frozen where she lay while Jaggar brought his beak down inches from her head. Raven tried to turn her face away from Jaggar´s beak as he repeatedly snapped it shut just above her eyes.

“What do you think you're doing?! You've been stuffing your worthless face here, girl! While us tree are starving in the cave!” Jaggar roared down at her, his grip around her throat tightening. Raven's eyes were beginning to bulge, and she frantically grasped at the powerful claws that were slowly but surely killing her. The three bandits were so preoccupied with Raven that they didn't hear the fast-approaching Zig Zag behind them. He jumped up and used Jaggar´s hindquarters as a springboard to propel himself forward over the gryphon. Jaggar, sensing something tapping his rump, looked up only to be met by two back hooves solidly connecting with the side of his head. Despite Zig Zag being no bigger than the head he collided with, he still managed to stun Jaggar who wasn't expecting the blow at all. Jaggar lost his grip on Raven as he stumbled forward, but managed to catch himself before he fell. Zig Zag landed nimbly beside Raven, glaring up at Jaggar.

“Get off of her, you big bully!!!” he screamed at the giant gryphon. Jaggar looked down at the little, blue pony in disbelief. Zig Zag also looked around himself, realizing he really hadn't thought this through... again. The three enormous gryphon now had the two of them surrounded.

It was easy to see they were all brothers. They all had the same build, and the same golden-brown, scruffier-looking coat covering their lower half, although the bigger one was a few shades lighter brown. Their razor-sharp front talons and vicious looking beaks were all yellow, with their eyes all being a darker shade of gold. Their only distinguishing factor from each other was their plumage, which for the oldest one was white with red highlights at the end of the feathers, and red feathers around his eyes. The middle gryphon was also white but with yellow highlights at the end of the feathers; he also sported yellow feathers around his eyes. And the smallest—small being a relative term right now—had white plumage with orange highlights, and orange around his eyes. All three also had belts around their midsection, with several dagger hilts sticking out.

“A pony!? Where did he come from?!” Lynx wondered out loud. Zig Zag turned his head and looked at the middle gryphon warily.

“It doesn't matter. We can probably sell him back to those softies for quite a profit,” Ocel said enthusiastically. Zig Zag immediately turned towards the smallest gryphon, with a very worried look.

“No… Look at him; he's dressed like a beggar... Actually I have seen beggars with better cloaks then that. He’s worthless, they would probably throw him right back in our faces if we try selling him to someone,” Jaggar stated.

“Then what should we do with him?” Lynx asked. Just then all three of the gryphons’ stomachs growled. They looked at each other, then down at the pony. They all smiled as a silent agreement was made between them.

“I think I have an idea…” Jaggar said with a vicious grin across his face. Zig Zag was staring up at the three gryphons, wide-eyed, having had no trouble understanding what that idea might be. Raven, who had gathered herself again, reached out and pulled Zig Zag towards her.

“No! Please don't! I will…” Raven's pleas were cut off.

“You keep your beak shut, girl! If you do what I tell you, I might even let you live through this!” Jaggar roared down at her. Raven held on to Zig Zag, who was frantically looking around himself, not knowing what to do.

“Now get out of my sight! And while you're gone, make sure to gather enough firewood for a nice little barbecue,” Jaggar said while eyeing Zig Zag hungrily. Zig Zag paled considerably, his suspicions confirmed. He pressed himself back against Raven, who was now embracing him fiercely. Raven raised her head towards Jaggar, with hate burning in her eyes.

“NO!!!” she squawked fiercely, and shot straight up, still holding Zig Zag tightly in her embrace. The three male gryphons just stared after Raven with jaws wide open. Had Raven just outright refused to do what a male told her to do?

“Get them!!!” Lynx shouted, and the three of them took off simultaneously.

“I want them both alive! I'm gonna make that girl slowly cook the pony herself! Then I'm going to rip her freaking wings off, and leave her here to rot!!!” Jaggar roared, while they chased after the fleeing juveniles.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 17 Not Without My Pup

True Black
Chapter 17
Not Without My Pup

14 of April.

Lobo moved in on the opening to the cave, the scent of Zig Zag was thick in the air. There was also something else, a predatory scent, and he didn't like it because of the danger that might pose to Zig Zag.

“Zig Zag! Are you in there?” Lobo called out hopefully, as he walked up to the cave entrance. But there was no answer, carefully Lobo slipped in to have a look around. It turned out to be quite a cramped dwelling, but he did find proof that Zig Zag might still be okay. On the floor of the cave, three of his moccasins lay in a heap, but what was encouraging was that his cape was missing. The fact that the cape wasn't there lead Lobo to believe that Zig Zag had to be wearing it. He concentrated more on the other scent of the cave; it had a definite undertone, which he had learned to connect to females. So the predator Zig Zag was with was a female. Lobo tried to place the scent, but he had never come across anything like it before, so all he could do was remember it for later.

Most likely the scent of that gryphon the pony was talking about… Lobo thought and looked around.

Realizing there was nothing more to do in the cave, Lobo moved out once again, and looked about. As he sniffed around the entrance and beyond, in front of his mind's eye, Lobo could see his adoptive pup and something else moving around outside; there had been a small struggle of some kind, judging by the tracks. From the looks of things, they had been sitting down for some time before they both took off together into the sky. Lobo gave a wine in frustration.

Perfect… How am I going to track him now? Lobo thought angrily. It had taken him a long time to find the cave without much of a real scent trail to follow. He had been fortunate just to pass it downwind, so the scent had led him back here, to what ultimately seemed to be just another dead end. Lobo turned his gaze up towards the Highlands. Judging by their general direction of travel, they were headed towards the mountains. Squinting his eyes, Lobo concentrated on something up in the sky just below the clouds. He almost leaped for joy when he saw some creature with wings swooping down and holding a little blue speck securely against its chest.

But his joy was short-lived when three similar creatures, now all resembling gryphons, came out of the clouds behind them. The three bigger gryphons were clearly chasing the smaller one, which was holding on to, what he suspected was Zig Zag. One of the big gryphons dive bombed towards the smaller one, but it just managed to twist out of the way and take off into the distance. Lobo immediately started running towards the flying creatures, but soon realized they were heading in the other direction. Since the ground here was rocky and uneven, there was no way for him to keep up with the airborne beings. Roaring in frustration, Lobo lost sight of them when they disappeared over the next ridge. Even though it was clearly foolhardy, Lobo picked up his pace, the fear for Zig Zag´s life pushing him on in his pursuit after him.

****

Raven dodged out of the way of Ocel once again, only to veer straight into the path of Jaggar. She snapped her wings in, narrowly avoiding Jaggar´s outstretched claws. She caught herself again and powered on through the sky. The adrenaline pumped through her system, giving her the strength she never knew she had. But despite her best efforts, the three bandits were slowly but surely closing in on her, and driving the two of them towards the ground. Her room for error was rapidly shrinking after each dodge away from her pursuers. Raven looked frantically around herself, trying to keep track of all that happened around them.

“Stop this insolence right now, Raven!” Lynx roared after her furiously. But Raven knew what stopping meant, the worst beating she would most likely ever receive, and even more importantly, Zig Zag would die. She clutched him harder to her chest, while her arms screamed at her to let go of the weight that was pulling her down. Stubbornly she pressed on, pumping her wings as fast as she could.

****

Jaggar screeched out his anger. Raven had somehow been able to dodge them for over half an hour, and they had covered quite a distance in that time, but finally she was starting to make mistakes, her fatigue taking its toll on her agility. Just as she managed to dodge one of his attacks again, both Lynx and Ocel moved in on her simultaneously. She saw and avoided Ocel but missed Lynx completely. So when he latched onto her back, she screamed out in pain and fear. Since she could not defend herself with her own talons, because they were holding onto Zig Zag, Lynx had free rein to pummel her with punch after punch.

The two gryphons and pony started plummeting towards the ground. In the last second, Lynx pushed off from Raven, giving her a final shove towards terra-firma. Raven still managed to snap her wings open in the last moment, most likely saving their lives as they crashed into the ground. The two youngsters tumbled head over heels, before they came to a stop. The little pony surprisingly enough started staggering up on all fours, taking a stance that clearly showed he had not given up. Raven just lay panting while she tried to pull herself together again.

Jaggar slammed down mercilessly on Raven's back, making her screech out in pain. He continued to strike her repeatedly between her wings, right on the vulnerable pressure points at the small of her back. Zig Zag managed to roll out of the way when Ocel tried to pounce on him from above, but Lynx caught his right back hoof and hoisted him up into the air, looking smugly at him. He did lose his smirk quite rapidly once Zig Zag curled up and sunk his teeth into Lynx’ exposed wrist.

“Ahhhhh! Why you little…” Lynx squawked angrily as he let go, then he looked at the four puncture marks on his wrist, and back at the fierce little pony in front of him, cocking a brow at the site.

“Bros… Is he supposed to have those?” Lynx asked and pointed at the small canines now visible in Zig Zag´s determined expression.

“I don't think so…” Ocel answered as he came up to Lynx side. Jaggar stopped pummeling Raven, and rose off her back while she gave a barely audible whimper. She stayed put, her wings still trembling and stretched out on either side of her body, nearly unresponsive. All she could really do was gasp for breath, since the agony running through her back and wings almost made it impossible for her to breathe. Zig Zag watched with dread as the three gryphons now stood in front of him, eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and hunger.

“It doesn't matter! I still think he will be pretty tender… You two gather some wood for a fire while I tenderize this little morsel, just to make sure," Jaggar said and started to move in on Zig Zag. Lynx and Ocel were more than happy to oblige their brother. Even though they were more or less starving, sinking as low as eating a pony was highly frowned upon, even in gryphon society, so not having to do the deed of killing the pony themselves was okay with them. They looked around and realized they were on a rocky field, not a branch or bush in sight of even their excellent vision. They both gave an annoyed squawk.

“We'll have to go down to the low lands then. It will probably take us an hour to get there and back," Lynx stated quite annoyed at the prospect of one more flight.

“Then get going! I'll take care of these two in the meantime," Jaggar said with a little too much ill-willed anticipation. Nodding, the two younger brothers took off, and started to head back the way they came from. Jaggar now turned his full attention back to Zig Zag.

“So you want to do this the hard way or the easy way? If you're a nice little pony, I'll make it quick and painless for you," Jaggar said with a grin. Zig Zag glared at him.

“I won't let you hurt Raven anymore! And I won't die just to fill your belly either! If you don't let us go, my dad will hurt you when he finds you!” Zig Zag said fiercely, slightly amusing Jagger.

“Woo I’m trembling! A little pony is going to come looking for me, of all the things that could happen! That is the worst possible thing!" he exclaimed dramatically.

“If I ever come across your dad, I'll make sure he joins you in my belly!” Jaggar said, laughing at Zig Zag.

“My dad is a lot scarier than you! So you better watch it!” Zig Zag yelled back at Jaggar.

“Enough of this… time to prepare the main ingredient for Raven´s last cooking lesson!” Jaggar said and launched for the little pony. Zig Zag surprised Jaggar by shooting straight forward, underneath him, skidding to a halt behind him. Jaggar landed where Zig Zag stood only a moment before and looked back.

“You're a quick little thing!" he exclaimed in surprise, “Good! That will make this much more interesting!” While still laughing, he pounced after Zig Zag again and again. Zig Zag skipped, hopped and dodged around the gryphon, who was now starting to put a bit more effort into the chase. Jaggar had thought this little game would be over quickly; however, he was now starting to get increasingly frustrated. Even though Zig Zag could not get away from him, Jaggar did not seem to be able to land a hit on the little colt either. Finally he squawked angrily. Taking off into the air, he pulled out one of his knives from its sheath on the belt around his waist and then dove at Zig Zag, who managed to dodge the initial attack easily. But then Jaggar lashed out with his dagger, landing a vicious cut across Zig Zag´s flank. Zig Zag cried out as he stumbled and collapsed just in front of Raven, clutching his now bleeding left flank. Raven immediately seized him and dragged Zig Zag in towards herself. They both lay there together as the shadow of Jaggar settled over them both.

“Now isn't that precious… You finaly found yourself a willing male, Raven?” Jaggar said disdainfully as he loomed over them.

“Please, Jaggar… don't do this… We’ll find something to eat soon. Or a village, or something. Just please don't hurt him…” Raven begged with tears running down her beak. Jaggar grabbed the feathers on top of her head and viciously jacked her up towards him.

“Listen to you! Telling a male what he can and cannot do! Do you know what… I won’t just rip you wings off, Raven, I'll make you eat a piece of the runt before we leave you here to rot as well!” Jaggar roared down at the terrified looking Raven. Then he burst out in a wide grin.

“At least then he'll be with you to the end," he said, immensely satisfied by his sense of humour. Zig Zag hobbled inbetween Jaggar and Raven on three legs, and steadied himself as much as he could.

“I won't let you!” Zig Zag screamed and puffed out his chest. Jaggar simply slapped him aside, sending him tumbling again, leaving a red trail in his wake. He came to an abrupt halt as he slammed into something soft and tall. Whimpering, Zig Zag looked up, only to see the yellow eyes of Lobo looking down at him.

“Zig Zag!” Lobo exclaimed happily at having found his pup, but upon seeing the shape he was in, Lobo stance changed completely, suddenly becoming more fierce and intimidating. Zig Zag, seeing his surrogate father, wrapped his hooves around his leg and bawled out loud.

“DAD! HE'S GOING TO EAT ME! AND HE’S GOING TO KILL RAVEN! AND YOU HAVE TO SAVE HER! PLEEEEEASE SAVE RAVEN!!!” Zig Zag wailed out as he buried his head against Lobo´s leg, finally able to let go of all the fear and anguish he had kept pent up inside. That was all Lobo needed. He launched forward, as if he had become fury incarnated, aiming straight for Jaggar. The gryphon launched into the air, barely avoiding the snapping jaws of the monstrous, black wolf. Jaggar screeched loudly down at the wolf, while he circled above their heads, studying the new arrival. The wolf was massive. Jaggar had never seen a wolf for himself before, but according to what he had heard, they were only supposed to be a little bigger than a pony. This one was as big as he was! The wolf even had some sort of metal war collar covering his entire throat and neck, so he would most likely knew how to handle himself in a fight. Besides, those burning yellow eyes clearly showed what the wolf wanted to do with Jaggar if he caught him. And he only had to glance at the wolf´s teeth, being on clear display for him, to know the wolf would have little problem in tearing him apart. Jaggar was now boiling with fury at being denied his two prizes.

“If you leave right now, I might let you live, wolf!” Jaggar called down to the intruder. Lobo´s response was to leap after the gryphon, teeth snapping shut just below him, immediately making Jaggar fly up even higher.

“I said leave! Don't you know a gryphon always beats a lone wolf in a fight, you stupid mongrel!” Jaggar called down, increasingly frustrated.

“THEN COME!” Lobo growled back, his whole body shaking with rage.

“Yeah! Let's see you stick your neck out when you're not the biggest thing around!” Zig Zag tauntingly called up at Jaggar from beside Lobo. They were both now glaring up at the gryphon side-by-side. Jaggar screeched again as he circled the trio on the ground, before taking off after his two brothers, finding a tactical retreat being the best option right then.

“You will regret this, wolf!" he called back; Lobo answered him with a howl, proclaiming victory and the claim to the territory. With a last growl, he turned his attention back to Zig Zag.

“Are you okay? Let me look at you," Lobo said worriedly. After a quick once over, making sure Zig Zag didn’t have any life-threatening injuries, Lobo let Zig Zag limp over to check on Raven. She was still lying dead-still, her body hurting too much to really move anywhere anyhow. Raven watched Lobo with both fear and curiosity as he came close. Zig Zag timidly smiled at her, and then nuzzled carefully against her beak. This brought Raven out of her temporary fixation on Lobo, and brought her attention back to a battered-looking Zig Zag in front of her. The reaction he received was not what he had expected.

“What were you doing you idiot?! Standing up to Jaggar like that, instead of trying to get away! That was the most stupid, idiotic, boneheaded and unbelievably moronic thing I have ever seen!!!” Raven yelled at a now very confused looking Zig Zag. Then she grabbed onto him and pulled him into a fierce hug before taking a sigh of relief.

“Thank you…" she whispered to him. Zig Zag relaxed a bit and returned the hug.

“Any time…" he whispered back.

“No! If you worry me like that ever again, I'll beat the crap out of you!” Raven stated and gave him a flick on the ear. Zig Zag gave a little yelp, and started rubbing his ear.

“And who might this be?” Lobo asked, although he already knew the answer from her scent. Zig Zag bounced up enthusiastically, while he looked between Lobo and Raven.

“This is my new friend Raven! She saved my life when I almost drowned in the river! She picked me up and we flew away, then those others started to chase us. But she was such a wickedly good flyer, they couldn't capture us… until they did… but they cheated! They hit her wings,” Zig Zag´s eyes widened in a flash realisation,“Oh my gosh, your wings!” Zig Zag cried out at the end of his rant, and tenderly started to examine them. Every time he nudged them, Raven couldn't help but whimper. And she felt very exposed, unable to move her wings while they were spread out on the ground beside her.

"Then I thank you, Raven. Any friend to Zig Zag is a friend to me… I'm Lobo by the way," Lobo said from where he stood behind Zig Zag, watching what he was doing. Raven nodded in response, and hissed as a new wave of pain went through her body at even such a slight movement. After a careful examination, Zig Zag gave a sigh of relief.

“There is nothing broken, at least that I can see, so you should be able to use them… Can you?” Zig Zag wondered.

“No… not for a couple of hours at least. Jaggar went for the pressure point between my wings… a punch or two usually grounds me for half an hour. But I've never been hit like this before; I don't know how long it will take before I can fly again," Raven said apologetically, not even wanting to think about the possibility that she might have permanent damage inflicted by Jaggar´s beating.

“Can you fold your wings for now?” Lobo wondered. Raven merely shook her head; she was more or less paralyzed in her whole torso, just continuing to breathe was a challenge.

“No…" she whispered sadly. Zig Zag slipped off his cape and laid it in front of Lobo.

“Can you rip that into long strips that we can tie together?" he wondered.

“Of course… Why?” Lobo asked while he started ripping the leather.

“So that we can bandage her wings, that way they won't drag along the ground… That would probably be very painful," Zig Zag answered while he started tying the leather strips together as best he could.

“Well that's the point of it… It's quite a common punishment for a gryphoness, if we don’t attend to a male quick enough. They force us to walk around with our wings dragging along the ground. It's both painful and humiliating," Raven said with a shudder. Zig Zag looked at her with a horrified expression, an image flashing by him of his mother having to drag her wings like that.

“That's horrible!” Zig Zag shouted out angrily.

“What is with the beings in this realm? Why are they always so horrible towards each other, even within their own species?” Lobo asked no one in particular, and gave an angry grunt while he tore apart the last piece of leather. Raven was quietly watching the two of them work. Even though she had been terrified of Lobo when she first saw him, here he was helping Zig Zag tend to her… two males were helping tend to her? She just couldn't wrap her mind around it. Usually in a situation like this, she would have received a kick or two for being lazy when there were males around for her to tend to, not the other way around. Zig Zag and Lobo had finished their makeshift bandage and now stepped up to Raven. Zig Zag looked down at her apologetically.

“This will probably hurt a bit…" he whispered while he carefully ruffled Raven on top of her head. She smiled a little at him.

“I'm not some helpless girl… I'm used to pain…" she answered as a matter of fact. Zig Zag got a very sad look in his eyes.

“You shouldn't be… No one should," he said, and moved to Raven's right-wing. As he once again carefully inspected them, he noticed they were built a little different from pegasus wings; nonetheless, it didn't take long at all for him to figure out exactly how they folded together. Carefully and tentatively Zig Zag held them up against Raven's side then told Lobo to keep the wing in place while he continued with the other one. Her left wing folded up even better and with much less discomfort. Finally, they carefully bandaged the wings so they were secured to Raven's sides. Now she was finally able to sit up without her wings screaming in agony since they were no longer dead-weights, dangling uselessly down by her sides. She inspected the makeshift bandaging.

“How did you know how to do this? You haven't got any wings…” Raven asked curiously. Zig Zag got a faraway look, and his proud smile vanished into a cold nothingness.

“My mum was a pegasus… She sprained her wings every now and again, and since I was the only stallion in the house, I took care of her and the shop if she couldn't do it," Zig Zag answered. Raven cursed herself a bit…

“Sorry… I didn’t mean to bring up any sad memories…" she said looking away.

“No, it's okay… I don't want to forget a single moment I spent with mom... And it keeps me focused. I'll find the ones that did it. I will make them pay... will make them suffer… I will make them scream!” Zig Zag shouted, shivering with unbridled fury and breathing raggedly while he looked off into the distance. He was watching the exact spot where if one continued long enough, North Bay would be found. Raven looked startled by the change in the little pony. He had looked truly terrifying for an instant.

“Well… first we have to get out of here; those gryphons will be back soon. Raven… you can't move very well right now I gather, same goes for you, Zig Zag,” Lobo said and looked one with a frown at the slash that was marking his pup´s flank.

“Those gryphons will come for us again, and I would like to keep that encounter from happening until night has fallen," Lobo said, lying down in front of Zig Zag and Raven. The pup immediately understood what he wanted, and scrambled up to lay down between Lobo´s shoulder blades. Raven just stood still and watched, waiting for them to start moving off so she could limp after as best she could.

“You too, Raven," Lobo said.

“What…” Raven said, eyes going wide. Was she hearing him right? Did he want her to ride on top of him like Zig Zag? That would be so humiliating for a gryphon male, she couldn't even comprehend it.

“Come on, Raven! It's fun!” Zig Zag called out to her. Slowly, Raven moved forward, not just because of the awkwardness of the situation, but because it simply hurt too much to move fast. Carefully, she climbed on top of Lobo, clinging onto his lower back. Lobo turned his head back towards her with a raised eyebrow.

“That's not going to work, Raven. You have to sit up by my shoulders with Zig Zag," Lobo told her. Raven's jaw dropped, her heart hammering in her chest. Just the thought of being so close to Zig Zag made her head swim for some reason. She made her way slowly up towards him, and tried to position herself beside him, although she quickly realized that wouldn't work either. Raven and Zig Zag´s size difference wasn't too great; she was almost one and a half times bigger then him, and had about ten kg in body mass on him. Even though she would be considered thin for a gryphon at the moment. That left only one possible way for both of them to stay between Lobo´s shoulders. Ever so slowly, Raven settled down on top of Zig Zag with her arms out front. Zig Zag had gone a bit stiff now, though he didn't protest. They could each feel the others heartbeat racing wildly, and as they looked at each other, they shared a little nervous chuckle because of their close proximity.

“You… are you… okay?” Zig Zag wondered, since he could feel just how tense Raven was. She glanced nervously at him; while she tried to support most of the weight on her hind legs and lower for arms, not putting much pressure on Zig Zag underneath her. That all failed miserably as Lobo suddenly stood up. Immediately, Raven pressed herself firmly against Lobo, pinning Zig Zag between them.

“Okay, let's go," Lobo said and set off. Zig Zag shot Raven a timid looking, since they now had their heads level beside each other while they rode atop the dire wolf.

“Are you okay?” Raven questioned worriedly. She could feel his back rubbing against her chest. When Zig Zag turned towards her, Raven could clearly see he was blushing a little bit.

“Yeah… It's fine," he called back. Then Zig Zag surprised Raven by actually cuddling in more against her. Being so close to her just made him feel safe for some reason.

“It feels… nice actually…” Zig Zag whispered so low Raven almost missed it. Her heart raced at hearing that, and she subconsciously closed her arms around him a bit more. Raven soon found she just couldn't stop smiling, at least not while she was holding onto Zig Zag.

****

It had been almost two hours since the three of them set off from the stony field. They didn't have much choice but to head for a pass barely visible on the distant horizon. Zig Zag had, as usual when resting on Lobo's back, fallen asleep. Leaving Lobo and Raven to talk amongst themselves. It didn't take long for Lobo to realize just how hard it was to be born a girl in the gryphon’s society. The only word he knew that could remotely describe their situation would be slaves. And all because of their gender. He thought back on his sister, who was still in the realm of light, guarding the eternal pups. He wondered if the Alpha had elevated a replacement for him, or if she was now their lone Guardian. He felt ,without a doubt, she would be up to the task either way, and it was quite frankly impossible for him to think off her as anything but an equal. The way the gryphons were doing things just baffled him.

“So, how did you end up with those three dirt bags?” Zig Zag asked, surprising both Raven and Lobo, who both thought his inactivity meant he was sleeping. Apparently, he had only been quiet while he listened.

“They stole me when I was little…” Raven said, cringing a bit at the memory.

“Stole you?” Lobo asked, before Zig Zag could voice the question.

“Yeah… My little brother and I were walking down to play at the stream back home. He wasn't able to fly yet, which meant he wasn't a proper male. Otherwise, we would never have been allowed to play together…” Raven´s head sank a bit as she remembered the only male she had ever cared for in any sort of way.

At least until I met Zig Zag… She thought, and held onto him more firmly.

“While we were playing, Jaggar and his brothers found us. When they started shoving me into a bag, my little brother tried to resist… but there was nothing he could do. They just shoved him up against a tree, and then slammed a dagger down in front of him. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but he was shivering, so they just laughed and left him there. I was hoping the warriors from my home village would find us… but they never did…” Raven said with a sigh.

“That's just terrible! Why didn't you try to escape? They couldn't keep an eye on you all the time,” Zig Zag asked while he nuzzled up against her.

“It wouldn't have made a difference. If I fled, the first male I encountered would just order me to follow him. And that would be that… nothing would have changed, I would just exchange one group of male´s for another. Even if I were to be accepted by village, I would never be able to gain any sort of status amongst the other gryphon females because I hadn't been bought or won in a challenge or given as a gift. I would just be a free range, and therefore no male would really be interested in me, except for a night or two…” Raven said sadly. Lobo couldn't help but growl at what he had heard.

“That's just… revolting," he more or less barked out.

“Well, you don't have to worry about that any more Raven. You're with us now, and we won't let that happen to you, ever!” Zig Zag proclaimed fiercely, and then gave Raven a little peck on the side of her beak, like his mother used to do when he was upset. Then they both froze when they realized what he had just done, the color on Zig Zag face turning quite red as he blushed. Why had he done that? It had just happened. He timidly looked up at the very stunned looking Raven.

“Hehe… Sor-” Zig Zag was cut off by a loud screech. Lobo stopped dead in his tracks, looking up towards the twilight sky. Just beside a loan cloud, a little dote could be seen.

“It's Ocel!!!” Raven screeched. Both Lobo and Zig Zag squinted their eyes at the little dot in the sky.

“How can you tell?” Zig Zag asked. Raven looked at them curiously.

“He's right there… there's nothing in the way to conceal him. He's out in the opening and he looks quite pissed judging by how he is glaring at us… You can't see that? You two must be blind as bats," Raven said. Lobo gave a grunt.

“Vision isn't my primary sense, although I can see quite well in the dark. Which is why I wanted to postpone this fight until after nightfall,” Lobo answered, while Raven and Zig Zag slid off his back. He also wanted the blessing of the moon to keep him going; Lobo was starting to get quite tired, not having slept in over twenty-four hours. Not to mention he had participated in a drawn out battle, and then the long search for Zig Zag after that. He growled in annoyance, while two more dots became visible in the sky, closing in from opposite directions.

“They have seen us… we won't be able to lose them now!” Raven said, the beginnings of panic stting into her voice. Lobo put a calming paw on her shoulder, careful not to touch her wings; they weren't hurting as much anymore but were still very sensitive to any contact.

“You two just stay close to me, and we will get through this," Lobo said while he watched the three gryphons starting to descend towards them. It didn't take long before Jaggar, Lynx and Ocel came to a stop in the air, just out of reach for even Lobo.

“You're right, that thing is huge!” Ocel exclaimed while he studied Lobo. Zig Zag and Raven were both hiding beneath the dire wolf´s frame, although both were peeking out to see what was going on around them.

“Well if it isn't the tramp and the snack!” Jaggar exclaimed joyfully. The warning growl from Lobo could literally be felt vibrating through the gryphons’ chests.

“These two are under my protection; you will not touch a hair on their heads!” Lobo growled up that the hovering trio. Ocel raised one claw into the air, twirling it about a bit.

“Excuse me… Raven doesn't have any hair on her head! Does that mean we can beat her up again?!" he called down tauntingly while he eyed Raven. She immediately withdrew beneath Lobo, shivering violently with fear, thinking she might be at risk of being shoved out. Suddenly, she felt the hoof against her side; she snapped her head towards it, only to see Zig Zag´s warm and caring eyes looking at her.

“Don't worry! We'll make it! Dad is here now, he won't let those meanies get anywhere near us! All we have to do is look out for each other," he said with fierce determination. Raven looked deep into his big green eyes, and just knew he was telling the truth; as long as they had each other, the two of them would be okay. She gave a nod, and then once again looked out from under Lobo. The three gryphons had pulled apart, and now had them surrounded on three sides. Lobo was frantically watching each one of them, trying to spot weakness.

Wings… yes, thin elongated claws… yes, eyes and ears… yes… Lobo thought, as he started to mark off possible targets in the upcoming fight. Suddenly, Lynx threw something towards Raven and Zig Zag with tremendous speed. Lobo was barely able to snatch it out of the air, just before the blade sank into the side of Zig Zag. At the same time a loud clang announced Lobo had been hit on his neck. Had he not bent to catch the knife aimed for Zig Zag, that knife would have sunk into his shoulder. The knife instead bouncing off his cursed collar, only to land on the ground in front of him. Behind Raven, a third knife from Ocel sunk into the ground, just inches from her hindquarters. Lobo growled fiercely while blood started to seep out between his teeth. He had cut his tongue quite badly on the blade he caught; Lobo slowly looked up towards Jaggar again while continuing to growl, then he increases the pressure on the blade, until it very reluctantly bends at a hilt. Lobo dropped the now bent knife on top of the one which had bounced off his collar. Blood continued to seep out between his teeth, so he cleared his mouth by spitting on the ground.

“What's the matter wolf? Knife got your tongue?” Jaggar called down and laughed. Lobo didn't answer; the cut had made it too painful to even try shouting some response.

“The other´s aren't worth bothering with! Just finish the wolf so we can settle down, and have our little barbecue!” Jaggar called to his brothers, who both squawked in agreement. Then, as one, they were all rushing in towards Lobo. Time immediately seemed to slow down around him; Jaggar was descending straight towards him, with a knife held in front, ready to strike. No finesse at all just a frontal charge. The same went for Lynx to his right, but Ocel was still keeping his distance on the left. Holding another knife at the ready in his right claw. Lobo launched straight up, to meet Jaggar, who he deemed the biggest threat. Jaggar turned in the air and lashed out with his knife, scraping loudly against the Mythril collar protecting Lobo's throat, before biting into his shoulder. Lobo, however, didn't care about a little more pain, as his teeth were aiming straight for Jaggar´s throat. In the nick of time, Jaggar realized Lobo could reach him, and thrust his free claw in between Lobo´s teeth, saving his life. But the cost was grim; since they were heading in opposite directions, the force with which Lobo now wrenched the claw away was increased, ripping two of the three front index fingers clean off.

Jaggar crashed to the ground screeching in pain, clutching his now mangled and bleeding claw. Simultaneously, Lobo landed behind him, only to be tackled in the side by Lynx who stabbed his knife into Lobo's back. He roared out, twisted and bit into Lynx wing which was in easy reach, and with ferocious power, Lobo pulled Lynx off his back and down in front of him. Lynx did have the strength and the grip to stay put, but when the choice is, let go or lose your wing, the outcome is a given every time. Seeing what had happened, Zig Zag jumped up on Lobo's back, who continued to fight with Lynx, gripped the knife handle sticking out, and pulled with all his strength. The knife came lose, and Zig Zag jumped off Lobo, twisting around in the air to narrowly avoiding the dagger Ocel had thrown at him. Jaggar once again managed to stand up, screeching in fury and pain. Just as he was about to launch at Lobo, who was now pre-occupied with fighting Lynx, he felt a sharp pain across his throat. Looking back to his right, he could see Raven clutching a bloody dagger in her claw, the dagger he himself had thrown at Lobo just a minute ago. Jaggar sank down on the ground, feebly trying to prevent his lifeblood from flowing out of his open throat. He tried to call for help, but all the sounded was a wet gurgle. He looked up at the shadow now standing over him; Raven was there, looking down at him with contempt. She bent down, so she was just next to Jaggar´s ear.

“I have dreamt of this, but I never dared hope…” Raven whispered happily, and then slammed the dagger up under Jaggar´s beak, straight up into the brain. He gave a quick jerk and collapsed where he lay. When Raven looked up, she could see Lobo and Zig Zag finishing off Lynx who, while he was busy fending off the jaws of Lobo, had received a dagger thrust into his exposed left side from Zig Zag. After that, Lynx was unable to defend himself anymore. Lobo quickly ripped out his throat, so that he also lay gurgling at Lobo´s paws. Lobo stood quietly and watched Ocel who was still hovering above them, unable to understand how everything had gone so wrong, so fast. Zig Zag slowly went and retrieved the knife he had thrust into Lynx side, ensuring Lobo's victory in that struggle. Seeing that the two of them were both ready for him, Ocel´s eyes then fell on Raven who was now standing alone, and unprotected. With a screech of unbridled rage, he descended towards her.

“If I can't have you no one can!!!” Ocel screamed loudly, and looked at Raven with madness burning in his eyes. Still being too battered to move quickly, Raven knew she would not be able to avoid Ocel´s charge. Just as he was about to strike home, Raven was tackled aside by Zig Zag. They both went tumbling off to the side, while Ocel crashed down where Raven had just stood, thrusting his knife deep into the soil. Not having thought past the prospect of killing Raven, Ocel was completely caught off guard when Lobo fell upon him. A terrible ripping sound was all that was heard, and then the third throat that evening lay open to the cool and clear air of the slowly settling night. Ocel lay on the ground, while his life ebbed away, the last thing he saw, was Zig Zag helping Raven to stand up again, before giving each other a fierce hug. Ocel´s eyes widened in disbelief, and he struggled to stretch out his right claw towards them.

Noooo… she's mine… she's supposed to hatch… my son´s… Ocel thought, just before his claw fell to the ground, and he was dead. Lobo coughed and stumbled off to the side, and away from the carnage of their little battlefield. He had received several injuries but none of them were fatal. Just excruciatingly painful. Zig Zag came up to him, while he lay down to rest.

“Are you okay dad?” Zig Zag asked while he rubbed his head against Lobo's.

“Yes pup, don't worry…” was all Lobo answered since his tongue hurt too much to say more. Zig Zag nodded and turned toward Raven, who had joined him at Lobo's side.

“Are you okay Raven?" he asked. Raven smiled at Zig Zag.

“Yes, definitely," she answered and pulled him into another embrace.

“I have never been better…” Raven whispered, and started to carefully preen Zig Zag´s mane. Zig Zag, never having received this crucial form of affection from a gryphon before, became quite tense for a few moments. Then he melted into Raven's chest, while she continued with the very pleasurable experience.

“Wooow… That's just feels… wow…” Zig Zag said dreamily. Raven just smiled down at her brave little stallion.

“I thought you might like that…" she said and continued to tenderly preen him. To tell the truth, Raven actually didn't know why she had started preening Zig Zag, she had never preened anyone else before. But right now, it just felt right.

“Any time…” Zig Zag whispered back, while he started to drift off to sleep from the tender nuzzling he received. Lobo watched the two youths contently from where he lay. They had both miraculously come out of the scuffle unharmed, and what more could he possibly ask for right now than the knowledge that they were both safe from harm for the time being. Lobo then shifted his gaze towards the horizon, where the first signs of the moon rise could be seen. It was going to be a full moon tonight, and he sorely needed it. Lobo took a ragged breath, and then turned his head towards the sky, watching curiously while snow started to descend around them.

****

Thanks to Meeester and Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Author's Note

Well sorry everyone for taking so long with this chapter, but finally we managed to get it out there. Unfortunately I have to announce that Meeester will no longer be a main editor for this story. You guys have no idea how much you owe him, for making my story somewhat readable. Unfortunately he just doesn't have time anymore, having to focus more on schoolwork and other stuff. But I would like to send you off with a big thank you Meeester for all the help you have given me!

Now I would like to introduce my new main editor for this story Syvvak. I would really like to thank you for taking over after Meeester, since they are some big shoes to fill. But I welcome you with open arms, and hope for good cooperation in the future. And just like with Meeester I hope you will be relentlessly whenever you notice me being a lazy writer, by glancing over stuff that should really be explained better.

So once again, thank you Meeester for all your help, and welcome to the show Syvvak!

Chapter 18 Welcome to Everfree

True Black
Chapter 18
Welcome to Everfree

15 of April

Bender took in the sites around him, trying not to look too much like a gawking tourist. They had just gone across the stone bridge over the ravine situated in front of the three gates that finally led into The Royal Pony Sisters’ Castle grounds, Bender only being let through at Hammer Song’s firm insistence. It had taken them more than two weeks to make the journey back to the Everfree Forest, having to go slow because of Bender's injuries, and also to make sure no pony was following them or lying in wait in another ambush.

Finally, he and Hammer had made it safely all the way, only for Bender to get in to trouble with the Royal Guards at the first wooden gate since they didn't like the way he looked for some reason. But they knew better than to argue with a Praetorian, especially since Hammer Song was well-known, being one of only two current Praetorian smiths. After passing through the wooden gate, the guards at the iron and steel gates caused them no trouble.

On the other side of the gates that were part of a massive round wall with several guard towers on top of it, everything had been cleared away in front of the castle except for grass and stone pathways that lead up to the castle itself. It was all done so they drew the eye towards the castle; the intended effect was to make the castle look powerful and intimidating for any visitor, a function it performed admirably. The enormous compound of the castle itself stood proudly against the untamed wilderness, surrounding everything on the other side of the ravine.

The castle was made mostly of large, white stone blocks, whilst the domed roofs of the multiple towers and the angled roof of the monastery-like main entrance gave the impression of being made of smooth, polished ebony; it almost looked like metal from its high polished shine. Covering the edges of the roofs, walls, windows, and entrances was pure undiluted gold. The front double-doors themselves were massive, large enough to admit even the legendary dragon without it having to lower its head. Even though they were so enormous, the doors were still made out of nothing but mahogany and studded with half orbs of gold from top to bottom. At the center of each door, golden knockers in the shape of pony heads could be seen gleaming in the sunlight. But even if the two doors were awe-inspiring in themselves, what truly caught Bender's eyes were the two blue glass windows situated above them. They ran from the door frame up to the roof high above. It was like watching two slices of the sea, just hanging there in the air between the windows framework.

They didn't enter via the main door, Hammer instead showing Bender a side entrance, taking them straight in to the main garden complex. This would be a quicker way for them to reach the Praetorian compound. Inside the garden, the only evidence of civilization was the walls surrounding them. There were no torches, no magic lights, no statues, and no limiting passageways. It was just like a giant meadow; beautiful rare flowers bloomed all over in some unclear design, a couple of crystal clear ponds full with oddly colorful fish. The ponds could be seen throughout the gardens, like little oases of blue in a sea of green. Eventually there were some old weather-beaten, yet strangely majestic, trees. The only trees apparently allowed inside of the castle walls, they formed a canopy from the sky in one section of the garden. Or, they did when they were in bloom each winter, with their pink colorful flowers blocking out the sky overhead.

“It's pretty impressive, isn't it?” Hammer Song asked knowingly, remembering how she felt her first time seeing everything. Bender managed to close his mouth and look over at Hammer.

“I thought all the stories were exaggerated… But they truly aren't even close to doing this place justice at all...” Bender said reverently while he continued to shift his gaze around, taking in all the little details of how it was all constructed and put together.

It must have taken centuries to complete all this, Bender thought as they continued walking on towards the Praetorian’s main compound, situated behind the castle itself. They were nearing the edge of the area where the strangely shaped trees stood, when an enormous black unicorn with wings slowly walked out from amongst them. She was enormous, easily towering over even Bender. Her dark astral mane and tail filled with sparkling stars swayed serenely in the wind while she walked. Her black pelt shone like obsidian, her unmistakable crescent moon cutie mark standing out against the purple splotch on her flank. On her chest rested a large black crest inlaid with a crescent silver moon, and, to remove any doubts, the alicorn was adorned with a sapphire-encrusted silver crown bearing rounded spikes. For the second time in a few minutes, Bender's jaw dropped when he realized who he was looking at; Empress Nightmare Moon had just graced them with her presence. Bender immediately fell into a low bow, although to his credit, he was able to continue looking up towards his Empress. Hammer Song made a much more graceful curtsy, as she recognized her Empress’ presence. Nightmare Moon, for her part had stopped, and was looking back behind her.

“Twilight, are you coming?” Nightmare Moon called back. As Bender and Hammer Song look behind the night Empress, they could both see a small lavender colored unicorn approaching on unsteady legs. Her main and tail were navy-blue with a purple and pink stripe running through them. On her flank, a pink and white six-pointed Starburst was visible, surrounded by five smaller white starts. Her lavender coat was marked by a big bruise on her cheek, and large bruises beginning to cover her stomach. Even though she was moving stiffly, she still tried her best to catch up to Nightmare Moon.

“Yes master… I'm coming!” she called out, sounding surprisingly happy considering the state she was in. Nightmare Moon looked at the little unicorn, deep in thought. As Twilight finally caught up to Nightmare, she sat down stiffly awaiting her master's wishes. Empress Moon looked down at the little unicorn with a sigh.

“Go to your room and rest for now Twilight. I will send a servant to fetch you if I need you,” she said to the little lavender unicorn. Twilight bowed her head.

“Yes master,” she answered, and stiffly started making her way towards the castle and her room. Immediately, Twilight perked up thinking of all the wonderful books she would now have the remainder of the day to study to her heart's content. Once Twilight had moved away, the Empress turned to look at the two ponies in front of her. The male earth pony was quite a large specimen, with impressive physique. He had a brown coat, fiery red mane and tail, and also, to her surprise, red eyes.

Just like Daunting Hooves eyes, Nightmare thought, although that's where the similarities ended. As she checked the ponies flank, she could see he had two hammers crossed over each other. This made sense when she saw who he was with. The Praetorian, Hammer Song; one of their two smiths. The dark purple earth pony mare stood at attention in front of Nightmare, waiting for orders. Her solid dark blue mane and tail pressed was slick against her with sweat, most likely from pulling the wagon behind her all day in that lunar steel armor. The Empress’ eyes shifted back to the stallion bowing before her.

Of course, a future Praetorian smith. Looking at him, he will have no trouble making the cut to enter the Royal Guard´s, he will most likely be a Praetorian within two or three years, Nightmare Moon thought, her gaze shifting to the wagon behind Hammer Song, which would be perfect for collecting the garbage she had left in the garden. She also spotted two more Royal Guard´s walking past them, a little ways behind the cart.

“You two! Attend me!” Nightmare called out. The two golden armored white Pegasus guards both snapped their heads towards their Empress, and then hastily made their way over to stand at attention beside Hammer Song.

“I want you to go collect a worm I left in the garden. He is someway in amongst the trees. I the worm is still alive, take him to the infirmary. Then, I want him stripped of all rank, and tossed out of the Royal Guard. He offended the honor of the Royal Guard greatly and I will not stand to have him in my sight again,” Nightmare Moon ordered.

“Yes Empress!” Hammer Song and the two Royal Guards barked out in unison. Satisfied that they understood what she wanted them to do, Nightmare Moon slowly walked away, without another glance back. As she disappeared out of view, Bender let go of a breath he didn't know he was holding, and slowly staggered up on all four hooves. The two Royal Guards and Hammer Song were already on their way into the trees. Hammer stopped and looked back at Bender, still spellbound by the fact that he had just been in the presence of Empress Nightmare Moon.

“Come on Bender, move your flank! We have to find the idiot that managed to piss off Empress Moon like that!” she called back to him. This brought Bender back to reality, and he immediately started following Hammer Song in amongst the trees, helping her navigate the wagon between them. It didn't take long for them to find what they were looking for; on the ground laid the crumpled form of Zephyr. He was wheezing in short, shallow breaths, and continuously stuttering out nonsense. His golden armor was completely collapsed in on itself, breaking bones, crushing his rib cage and making it more or less impossible to move or even take a full breath. It was quite a horrific sight, and the four ponies standing around him could all see there was nothing anypony could do at this point; he was slowly fading away. All the while, he stubbornly continued to gurgle out jibber-ish about something none of them could hear. Hammer Song, being the one with the highest rank in the small gathering, leaned in to try and make out what he was saying.

Gasp- “slave…” -gasp- “just…” -cough!- “a slave…” gasp… “she's nothing…….” A very strenuous gurgled and wheezing exhale was then followed by utter silence. Hammer looked down at him, with a critical eye, and then carefully put the tip of her snout against Zephyr´s throat, trying to find a pulse… nothing. She stood up shaking, her head as she looked at the others.

“He's dead,” Hammer stated flatly.

“Zephyr… you stupid idiot. We told you to leave the slave alone,” the closest of the Royal Guards said quietly.

“Slave? That little unicorn was a slave?” Bender asked out loud.

“Yeah… Nightmare Moon's personal slave. And Zephyr has been hounding her ever since she arrived here more or less daily. Forcing her to do things he felt was beneath him, or could get him in trouble and then gloating to the rest of us about it,” the other guard filled in.

“Any pony with half a brain can see that Empress Moon is quite fond of her little slave. She is teaching her magic and all sorts of things. The slave is most likely going to be Nightmare´s right hoof in the future. Hence, if Empress Moon happened to find Zephyr roughing her up or maybe even worse, she wouldn't be very pleased about that at all,” The first Royal Guard continued as he lifted up one of Zephyr´s hooves. When he let it go, it just fell back to the ground, lifeless. The Royal Guard just shook his head as he confirmed Hammer Song's diagnosis of death.

“Eeyup… dead as a doornail,” he stated, looking towards Hammer Song.

“Look, even if Zephyr wasn't the best pony in the company, he’s still Royal Guard, so we would appreciate it if you could let us Royal Guards handle this on our own. He did have a few friends amongst his fellows, and they would most likely like to take care of this from here on out,” the Royal Guard Pegasus said as he watched Hammer Song, who only nodded her consent.

“I understand… had it been a Praetorian, we wouldn't want you guys taking care of it either. We'll leave you to it. Come on Bender, we have a lot to take care of ourselves anyhow,” Hammer said, and started heading for the Praetorian compound once again.

****

It didn't take Hammer Song and Bender long to make their way over to the Praetorian’s compound, which stood separate from the rest of the Castle. The two of them quickly stored the contents of the wagon in the giant forge beneath the building. Just as they finished stowing away their gear, Bender was introduced to Forge Strike, who was a surprisingly skinny looking unicorn stallion of considerable age, more or less completely grey from top to bottom, except for his shining and sharp sky blue eyes. Forge Strike was also the current master blacksmith amongst the Praetorians.

After eyeing Bender critically for a few minutes, he had demanded to see some of his work. He wasn't about to let some amateur run around the forge unsupervised. Hammer Song said that they couldn't stay and show Forge Strike any of Bender's work themselves, since they both had to report to Daunting Hooves immediately, but that he was welcome to look at anything they brought down earlier. Most of what they had brought down, not made of Lunar Steel, was Bender's work after all. They had left him rummaging through the pile of wears.

As they walked through the compound, Bender was struck by the cozy and almost lovable atmosphere in the building. The Praetorians he saw were trotted about wearing the absolute minimum, smiling and chatting animatedly with each other. And every single Praetorian they encountered was looking at him openly and curiously. Civilian visitors weren't unheard-of, but extremely rare. As they were about to move into a hallway, Bender and Hammer Song almost collided with two Praetorians going the other way.

“Hi Song! Haven't seen you in a while- Oooo… who's the stallion?” one of the two female Praetorians asked, putting her hoof against Bender´s still bandage chest.

“Never thought you'd be one to bring home entertainment for us,” the mare said, giving Bender a smoldering look. Hammer Song gave the outstretched hoof slowly stroking Bender a playful flick with her own hoof.

“Hooves off, Dawn! He’s mine and I'm not sharing,” Hammer Song said teasingly, moving to stand between Bender and the two mares now blocking their way out into the hallway. The two mares gave Hammer Song a pouty-faced look, and then swung their heads back towards Bender.

“Are you going to let her do that? Just let her refuse you the best time ever in your life? You do want to come with us, don't you?” the other mare then asked, giving Bender an evil little grin while she put her hoof over her friend´s neck and pulled her in close to herself while they awaited his answer. Bender was staring wide-eyed at the two mares, sweating profusely as he felt the jaws of the bear trap about to snap close on him. No matter what he said right now, he'd piss off somepony you really didn't want to be angry with you. Just as he was about to decline their very generous offer, Hammer Song actually gave a little laugh.

“Come on True Shot; don't tease him like that, everypony knows you and Crimson Dawn are together. Have been for ages now,” Hammer Song said, smiling at them.

“Ahhhh… he didn't know that Songbird! You're no fun…” True Shot said with playful annoyance, as their little game came to an abrupt halt.

“Not right now girls. We have to go see Daunting Hooves immediately, so we'll have to catch up later,” Hammer Song said while she pushed through the door. True Shot and Dawn both gave Bender a curious look.

“You mean both of you? He's not just here for fun then?” Dawn asked, now truly curious, eying Bender as he tried to squeeze between the two mares in the doorway without there being too much touching. Which turned out to be impossible, especially since both the mares started running one outstretched hoof each along either side of his body sending a little pleasurable shiver along his spine.

“No! I'm actually going to recommend he becomes a Praetorian!” Hammer Song called back, already having trotted halfway down the hallway. Bender froze where he was, standing between the two smiling mares.

“WHAT?!” he exclaimed, surprised. Dawn and True Shot both covered their ears with their hooves because of the sheer volume of Bender's surprised outcry. He smiled sheepishly at the two mares before starting off down the hallway after Hammer Song.

“Hammer! I thought I was just going to work to at the forge like I always do when I'm with a company,” Bender called after Hammer Song while he tried to catch up.

“Doesn't work like that here Bender.” Dawn and True Shot heard Hammer’s answer as they disappeared around the next corner.

“Hehe… She's got that behemoth wrapped around her little hoof,” True Shot said, almost giggling.

“I knew getting out of the forge for a couple of weeks would be good for her, but I never dream she'd actually come home with a special some pony… our young friend is growing up nicely, isn't she?” Crimson Dawn said happily.

“Most definitely.” True Shot said while the two of them started walking off again.

****

The Prefect’s office was quite a messy place, since it also functioned as Daunting Hooves’ bedroom. Various items were strewn all over the place. How he could find anything in this clutter was beyond Bender, but obviously the white pegasus made do. He had a black mane and tail and, to Bender's surprise, red eyes. Bender had never met another pony with red eyes except his father. But the most noticeable thing about Daunting Hooves was actually what wasn't there; he had no cutie mark on his flank. The leader of the Praetorians was a grown up blank flank, although Daunting Hooves didn't seem to care. Even when he had caught Bender staring a couple of times, he had just smiled at him.

Hammer Song was at the end of her report of what had happened up North, and on their way home. She told him about the fact that Nightmare Moon had just killed Zephyr, his nephew, for apparently attacking Twilight Sparkle, her personal slave. The Prefect stood quietly for a while, just absorbing the information and rearranging it in his head. Finally, he turned back to Hammer Song and Bender.

“This ‘Avarice’ will have to be taken care of; no one attacks one of us and gets away with it unscathed! But… even if neither of you like Black Star, she seems to be a very knowledgeable unicorn, and therefore quite useful. I'm surprised I've never heard of her before, judging by what you have described. I suspect Avarice is keeping her hidden away like his own little secret weapon,” the Prefect said.

“Well, she's a real piece of work that one, if you don't mind me saying so,” Bender said loudly. Daunting Hooves gave a little smirk.

“My dear Bender, Black Star is dating your sister; I don't think you would have approved her even if she was Empress Celestia herself,” the Prefect stated bluntly.

“Even so… I don't like her,” Bender answered stubbornly.

“Duly noted…” Daunting Hooves said with a smile.

“Speaking of Lightning Strike, I have heard a lot about her, and all of it positive. We have been keeping a closer eye than usual on The Grand Army as of late,” Daunting Hooves said with a bit of concern. Bender missed this, occupied by bursting with pride that someone as high up as the Prefect of the Praetorians, apparently knew how good of a Decurion Lightning Strike actually is.

“What would happen if we asked her to turn against Avarice?” the Prefect wondered.

“If she knew what I know now, she will slice him up herself,” Bender said without any hesitation. This seemed to go over well with Daunting Hooves.

“Good. Now, this spirit Black Star summoned. What did you call it, a Dire Wolf? I would truly like to meet him. Since he let you live when he could have killed you Hammer, it seems he's not just a mindless beast. Not to mention the fact that he is a highly placed Guardian in his own realm. It's too bad he escaped; he might have become very useful for us in the future,” the Prefect said, disappointed.

“Though, I have a feeling we won't have heard the last of him,” he added thoughtfully.

“Now, that leaves only you Bender; what are we to do with you? Hammer Song here says that you're good enough to be one of us, even without taking your superb blacksmithing capabilities into consideration. But that still leaves one problem… We, more or less, only recruit from the Royal Guard. If we were to induct you straight into the Praetorians, it would draw too much attention to us right now that we do not need, and there's nothing I can do about that,” Daunting Hooves said apologetically as he started to rummage through his desk.

“You mean you’re kicking him out; even after all I've told you he's done for us?” Hammer Song said sadly, and a bit bitterly.

“Actually, that should be, what he has done for you, Hammer, not the Praetorians as a whole… although to answer your question, all I said was that we only recruit from the Royal Guard. Now where is it…” Daunting Hooves said while he continued to rummage through his desk, scrolls and notes flying in every which direction.

“Ahh! Here we go!” the Prefect exclaimed, rolling out a scroll on the desk. He took a quill in his mouth and wrote on it before he quickly rolled it up again.

“It should take two, maybe three, days for this to go through all the bureaucracy of a transfer, so. in other words. you have a little over forty-eight hours to pass the entry qualifications for the Royal Guards, Bender. It will be a nice little challenge to see just how good you are,” the Prefect said with a cheeky little smirk. Both Bender and Hammer Song looked at Daunting Hooves questioningly, and then they both started to smile as well.

“You know, I feel very patriotic now that I think about it; I would very much like to join the Royal Guard,” Bender said while he grinned back at Daunting Hooves.

“Good! Could you show him the way there Hammer Song?” the Prefect asked as though he didn't know the answer.

“I'd be delighted to; I even think I'll stick around, just in the background to keep an eye on things,” Hammer said, nuzzling against Bender.

“That would be a wonderful idea, especially since you’re the only one can control him if he gets a little upset,” Daunting Hooves said, and waved them both out with a hoof. They gave the Prefect two snappy salutes, turned around and walked out of his office. Daunting Hooves smiled to himself, quite at peace with the whole situation up North.

Those two could become quite useful… Daunting Hooves thought, as he added a few more pieces to the game board in his head. Three for the enemy, at least for now; two of them might become powerful pieces on his side of the board. Then, he added Bender beside Hammer Song. Together, they formed a whole that was greater and stronger than its two pieces would have been separately. And lastly, a free spirit… which he suspected could become quite the wild card. He liked it when something new happening in the game. The Prefect made his way out the door, one more thing he had to do; look into just what the hell his nephew had done to Twilight Sparkle.

I should probably go and give my congratulations to Legate Artillerus for not having to worry about that idiot nephew of mine anymore… Daunting Hooves thought a little bitterly, though he would of course say it in a much more tactful way. He had never been particularly close to Zephyr; having mostly been keeping an eye on him as a favor to his brother. Even so, he had seen some potential in the stallion, and it was a shame he couldn't keep his nose out of trouble.

****

18 of April

Bender stood up from his deep bow, back straight, shoulders square and chest puffed out, highlighting his impressive physique. The golden armor he now wore looked even more impressive than it usually did on a Royal Guard. Bender had just recited the Oath of the Royal Guards, proclaiming his loyalty to the two empresses of Equestria. Celestia was sitting on the throne, looking at Bender a bit more intrigued then she usually did at one of these tedious oath ceremonies. She gave a smile, which looked and felt completely genuine.

“Then, on behalf of me and my sister, I accept your oath of fealty, and I bid you take your place amongst your fellow´s, my dear stallion!” Celestia proclaimed loudly, and immediately several Royal Guards standing at attention behind him stepped up to Bender and welcomed him amongst their rank. Numerous jokes and laughs were traded, before Legate Artillerus was suddenly standing before Bender. Legate Artillerus and Bender were easily the two biggest stallions in the entire Royal Guard now, Artillerus still being the tallest at one hundred eighty centimeters, but Bender wasn't far off with his one hundred seventy two. Bender, however, was much more butch and solidly built, while Artillerus had more of an athletic build; more elongated, but well-muscled. Bender had a hard time believing the stallion was fifty-two years old even though his coat, mane, and tail had turned grey with age. The Legate still looked like he could wrestle with the best of them. He had plain steel bracers on his legs and a red robe with a blue sash about his waist. His one good eye was a deep brown, and it now looked at Bender critically. The other eye, Legate Artillerus had lost in a battle long ago. Over the scarred empty eye socket, a gold eye patch could be seen with the symbol of the Royal Guard on it; a star in between the sun and the moon.

“You should feel honored, to be allowed serving in the Royal Guards stallion. And it pleases me to see that there are still virile specimens to be found in the Empire. Serve loyally and faithfully and I'm sure you will find as much fulfillment here as I have,” Legate Artillerus more or less barked out at Bender.

“I will Legate Artillerus,” Bender answered, and gave a snappy salute. Artillerus nodded once and then moved off to catch up to Celestia who had already left the throne room.

“Come on Bender, we have to be back at the training grounds for the morning roll call,” one of his fellow guards in the squad had been placed in called back to him, as they were also starting to move out of the throne room. Bender quickly made to follow them, and it didn't take his new squad long before they were back at the Royal Guards training ground where they all fell into neat rows and stood at attention, Bender being placed in the last row to left as the newest member.

Onto the training ground walked their commanding Centurion. After the important business of making sure everything was nice and shiny, Bender could see a Praetorian walking up to the Centurion in charge of the morning inspection. To his surprise, he recognized her as Crimson Dawn, one of Hammer Song's closest friends. She gave the Centurion a scroll, then step back as he unrolled it.

“You Praetorians here to try and steal another one from us…” the Centurion said teasingly while he unrolled a scroll and started reading. His face then turned in to a frown.

“Are you joking?” the Centurion asked a bit gruffly.

“I'm just here to collect him; if you have a problem with that, you have to take it up with one of the high commanders,” Dawn replied neutrally. The Centurion gave an annoyed grunt, then looked back towards Bender.

“Tesserarius Bender! Up center on the double!” he bellowed. Bender immediately moved to comply, standing at attention before the Centurion and Crimson Dawn, who gave him a little smile.

“Looks like you have been selected for Praetorian training if you should accept. Personally, I think you should wait. You haven't even gone through basic training for the Royal Guard yet, and from what I have heard about the Praetorians training, you should go through ours before you try theirs,” the Centurion said with a bit of concern in his voice.

“Thank you for the warnings Sir, but I am a smith at heart, and a Praetorian smith is what I want to be,” Bender said with a nod to the Centurion, who raised an eyebrow.

“Well that actually explains a lot… they have been looking for another smith to add to their ranks. Very well… Tesserarius Bender you are to accompany Imagnifer Crimson Dawn back to the Praetorian training grounds for evaluation. Good luck, you will need it…” the Centurion declared, motioning for Dawn and Bender to leave the training ground. Bender gave a salute, and then followed Crimson Dawn out of the Royal Guard compound. As they walked, Bender could feel many eyes following him, and with a bit of apprehension he realized many of them looking at him with concern. As he and Crimson Dawn neared the Praetorians training grounds, Bender finally spoke up.

“Couldn't help but noticing… Many were looking at me like I was going to the gallows,” he said as they stopped in front of the gates leading into the training grounds. Dawn looked back at him over her shoulder with a crooked little smile.

“Well… deaths do occur during training from time to time,” she said as she pushed the double doors open.

“Well, that's nice to know,” Bender answered while he stepped through the double doors, and then froze when he saw what was waiting on the other side. The doors slammed shut behind him, and he stood face-to-face with every Praetorian who wasn't on active duty. All of them smiling widely at him.

“Well what do you know… A good old-fashioned beat in,” Bender said, grinning back at them.

“He's got balls that for sure!” Bender heard some pony call from the mass of ponies in front of him.

“Hammer are you here!” Bender bellowed.

“Yes honey! I'll be kicking your flank just like everyone else!” Hammer Song melodious voice rang out, followed by several laughs.

“Did I ever tell you I love you?” Bender asked loudly.

“Yes! And I'm still going to kick your flank snuggle bum!” Hammer answered to a roar of laughter this time.

“Worth a try!” Bender yelled, and then rushed the Praetorians head-on. He gave a mighty battle cry, just as he clashed with the first of them.

This is going to be so much fun! Bender thought while the red mist started to descend in front of his eyes. He knew he could let go completely, and Hammer Song would still be able to stop him from killing anypony. He would be able to truly let go and see what he could accomplish for the first time in his life.

****

Bender gave a low moan as he woke up in a warm and comfortable bed, immediately feeling that he was not alone. He turned his head, winching a bit at soreness, and saw Hammer Song lying next to him. She opened her eyes when she realized Bender was moving.

“Hello there snuggle bum…” she said and smiled at him.

“Don't you ‘snuggle bum’ me traitor. I know it was you who kicked my hooves out from under me near the end! I think…” Bender answered in mock anger, then planted a fierce kiss right on her lips.

“That was a damn good take-down, and, because of it, that's the last kiss you get from me this week!” Bender said and made to rise up out of the bed. He was quickly yanked back, giving a little outcry as his body protested against the fast movement. Then, Hammer Song´s lips were on his and she held the kiss for a long time, Bender not feeling too much like complaint though. Finally, they broke apart.

“If you won't give me any snuggle bum, I guess I'll just have to take them,” Hammer said while caressing the side of his cheek, and then gave him another quick peck on his nose before she got out of the bed.

“I hope I'm not interrupting,” Bender and Hammer heard somepony say from the door. They both looked over to see Daunting Hooves standing there and smiling at them.

“Not at all Sir! Just having one of those lovey-dovey moments Sir!” Bender said happily. Daunting Hooves chuckled as he saw the lovely crimson color spreading on Hammer Song’s cheeks. She hadn't told the Prefect they were involved when she gave her report three days ago, although he definitely knew by now. It still felt a bit awkward to be caught so red-hooved by him.

“Well Bender… You got yourself quite a lot of fans out there today with your little entry performance. Normally, it is to show just how far behind us Praetorians normal ponies are. We play with them until they literally fall down unconscious from exhaustion. But then it is true; you are not a normal pony yourself. I checked the records for our entry exams, the most I could find, any initiate managed to knock out, was two Praetorians on their first day… You get six before they knock you unconscious. I have never seen any pony take punishment like you before, and still keep on going,” the Prefect said enthusiastically.

“I can't feel any pain when I'm in the red mist, and all the restraints a body places on itself to protect from injuries are lifted as well. The deeper I go into the red mist, the less restraints my body keeps in place. Which means that eventually I can use all of my muscle’s actual strength. Although, that doesn't mean a good enough blow to the side of my head won't knock me out anyway,” Bender said, and felt the sore bump throbbing away there.

“That's quite a gift you've got, if you don't mind me saying so,” Daunting Hooves said.

“Well there is a flip-side to it… If I go completely berserk, I will kill anyone who's within my reach. Unless Hammer Song is there to calm me down,” Bender said and looked lovingly at his marefriend. She nestled up against him quite happily.

“Well, let's make sure you two are placed together from now on shall we. By the way Bender, welcome to Everfree. You're well on your way to becoming a Praetorian,” Daunting Hooves said with a smile.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 19 Darkness in North Bay

True Black
Chapter 19
Darkness in North Bay

16 of April

Sharp Edge was trotting through the streets of North Bay, the harbor district to be more precise, covered almost completely head to tail by an exquisitely made dark blue cloak, walking between the rows of warehouses in the fading light of the day. She was moving boldly ahead, mostly because she was furious. She had had a bad day, losing one of her most promising young tale lifters yesterday, and truly realizing she had managed to escape her when they couldn't find the young mare anywhere in the city during the search. She wasn't the only one either; during the last few weeks, two of her most profitable mares and a young pleasure colt had mysteriously managed to vanish from the Officers Club. Something had to be done about this new threat towards her establishment.

Sharp Edge heard a noise from behind and stopped.

“Well, well… what have we got here boys? I do believe it's a little mare walking all alone in a dangerous part of town… Why don't you just come with us, it is of course for your own protection, little girl?” Sharp Edge could hear a little chuckle as she started to turn around. As she locked eyes with the leader of the three, he paled considerably. His two underlings did not seem to comprehend who they were standing in front of. The youngest of them even started walking towards her, with clear arousal shining in his eyes, but he cried out suddenly when he was harshly jerked back by the lead stallion.

“Ahhhh! What gives? That hurt!!!” the young one complained loudly, and was then harshly shoved down behind the two others who had both recognized her.

“Shut up, you idiot! That's the boss’ wife!” the lead stallion shouted down at the youngling. Actually, she was their boss, but they didn't need to know that. They were part of the recruiting outfit prowling the streets of North Bay, looking for young gullible mares to bring back to the Officers Club for… training. She also had mares working for her in a similar fashion, although they were mostly looking for stallions, and on some occasions colts and fillies. The sordid taste of the nobles and wealthy in North Bay, and the rest of the Empire for that matter, were quite varied after all. And the Officers Club catered to each and every one of them.

“Very sorry about this Miss Sharp Edge! We didn't know it was you…” the lead stallion said, almost shaking where he stood Sharp Edge saw with satisfaction. She sneered back at them.

“Do you see my cape?” she wondered. The three stallions looked at it, a quite intricate shadow design in a marginally darker blue woven into the cape, which was only visible now at close range.

“Yeah… sure we do.” The lead stallion’s answer was a bit apprehensive.

“Does it look like anything your usual quarry can afford?” she asked in an annoyed voice. The three stallions looked at the cape again.

“Well ehhh… no… maybe not,” the stallion said.

“Of course not, you idiot! This is a high-quality Gryphon made cloak, imported from the Gryphon kingdoms. The three of you couldn't buy this even if you put together your entire measly life earnings. Had it not been me here, you would have been about to assault a noble mare. And for that, the three of you would have ended up at the bottom of the bay before the night was over!” Sharp Edge screamed back at them. Her horn lit up while she used the anger she had inside of her for a fire spell. Three cries of pain sounded through the evening. The stallions were all looking at their right shoulders where a vertical burn mark could now be seen. The lead stallion looked back at Sharp Edge with fear in his eyes while the two others clearly had no understanding of what that mark meant.

“I see this is your first transgression. Learn from this or by the time you get your third, you three will not be in need of learning anymore. Am I understood?” Sharp Edge asked with steel in her voice. The lead stallion nodded furiously. She gave a snort and continued towards her destination further down the street. Behind her, Sharp Edge heard the youngest stallion’s angry voice.

“What just happened?! Are we just going to let that bitc-” SMACK! The youngest stallion was cut off by a vicious blow across his muzzle.

“Shut up! Don't you get it! You get three strikes then you’re dead! So shut the fuck up or I will brand you a second time myself!” the lead stallion yelled at the semiconscious youngling now lying sprawled on the street.

Well, it seems he knows how to keep his underlings under control. That's at least something I guess, Sharp Edge thought while she neared her destination. It was quite a large rundown looking warehouse, some planks missing here and there across the face of the building and only inky blackness could be seen in the gaps. She moved up to the rickety looking door and knocked on it firmly five times. She could hear a chair scrape against the floor on the other side when some pony stood up. Whoever it was moved up to the door and open a little shutter so the pony inside could view whoever stood on the outside. Sharp Edge met two well-known blue eyes on the other side. They widened in recognition of her, and immediately the door swung open to let her enter. She pulled the hood back from her head the minute she was inside.

“Mistress Sharp Edge, it's a pleasure seeing you again! I must say you do look lovelier every time I see you,” the enormous Pegasus said as he gave a deep bow that would have satisfied even Celestia herself. Sharp Edge smiled fondly back at the Pegasus.

“It's a pleasure seeing you too, Killer Blow; it has truly been too long since last time. Unfortunately, I'm here on urgent business today and then I'm off again. Where is Iron Rod?” she asked while the well-muscled Pegasus stood up again. Killer Blow was something very rare in North Bay; a retired prizefighter. He had come to the arena looking for excitement, fame and money. The first two he had found in plenty, but he was not very good with money, throwing it around himself as if it would never end. So after a few years of retirement, he had come back and started working for Sharp Edge again. Not as a fighter this time, but as a trainer, bodyguard, and talent scout. Without Killer Blow working for her, the prize fights in North Bay wouldn't be half as brutal or drawn-out as they were now. He matched the fighters up perfectly to get as much entertainment out of them as possible. Therefore, Killer Blow was a highly valued member of her staff and received every possible benefit he could wish for.

“He's down in the arena… there's been a bit of trouble with the match-up. Jagged Knife got himself injured this morning so we've brought in some whelp of a pickpocket Iron Rod fetched from the dungeons two days ago as a replacement. That's why I'm heading out right now; we will most likely need another fight after this one to keep the crowds happy,” Killer Blow informed her, starting out through the door. Sharp Edge remembered something and called out to the disappearing Pegasus just as the door closed. It didn't even take a second before the enormous dark blue head popped into view again.

“Yes?” he wondered.

“The whelp, he was a pickpocket? If he was, then he’s the brother of the girl I got from Iron Rod at the same time,” Sharp Edge said. Killer Blow´s face scrunched up as he thought.

“Yes… I think their whelp mentioned something about a sister before I left. He thinks he's going to earn their release by fighting here. He doesn't realize he's already a dead pony. He might survive a month or two,” Killer Blow said with a grin. Sharp Edge shook her head a little disappointedly.

“Too bad… He was quite good-looking if I remember correctly; I was thinking about adding him to one of the exhibits in the lower levels of the officers’ club, we're a few stallions short at the moment,” she said with a sigh. Sharp Edge heard a gruff laugh from the doorway.

“Ha! Guess he was lucky ending up here than! I would take death before that fate any day of the week,” Killer Blow said with a crooked smile before he disappeared out the door again.

“Yeah… You're probably right,” Sharp Edge answered the now closed door before she turned around and made her way to one of the shabbiest looking doors at the backs of the run down warehouse office. She opened it to reveal the staircase, leading downwards in a spiral. The further down she went, the wider and better made the stairs became. Finally, she ended up in front of a large door; it was a very finely carved wooden door. She opened it with a spell only she knew. Everypony else who wanted access needed to have a special enchanted key which only she could create.

The moment she stepped over the threshold, she was met by the sound of the roaring crowd and many laughing and hooting ponies. It was quite hard to believe that most of the crowd in this room were nobles and the wealthy elite of North Bay. If you listened to them from a distance you would think they were hoodlums and ruffians watching some random street fight.

Sharp Edge smiled when she took note of just how fully packed with spectators tonight's event was. The whole cavern was constructed like an underground Coliseum, with no expense being spared to ensure that the spectators were comfortable, sitting mostly on enormous silken cushions while young and beautiful mares were walking around serving drinks, food, and themselves if the spectator was so inclined. The wealthier onlookers were lounging about on the progressively higher and wider steps surrounding the sandpit ring where two stallions were currently fighting hoof to hoof. One of them Sharp Edge recognized as Steel Hooves; a true thoroughbred killer who loved what he was doing. Against him stood a young and, in comparison, scrawny looking stallion. Sharp Edge gave an annoyed grunt when she realized that he truly was a beautiful specimen, even with the black eye he currently had.

What a waste. He would have brought in a lot more profits in my service. Well, it's not too late… I'll see what Iron Rod thinks about me taking him after tonight... Not that he has a choice, Sharp Edge thought while she started to make her way towards the VIP balcony at the back of the arena. She could see her husband standing there studying the fighters. To her annoyance, she could also see someone else; young Lord Silver Pot. He had made another one of his special requests and she had not been able to come up with it so far, a fact he would no doubt be eager to point out. Hoping she would go unnoticed while the fight lasted, Sharp Edge came up beside her husband.

“Iron Rod we have to talk,” she said in a whisper. Iron Rod looked up at her and smiled broadly.

“Honey! Pleasure seeing you here with us this fine evening!” Iron Rod proclaimed loudly. Sharp Edge jaw muscles grew taught as bow strings when the whole bloody VIP section turned to look at them. And, of course, Silver Pot saw her and started to make his way over to them. Sharp Edge began to furiously grind her teeth together as she gave Iron Rod an angry stare, declaring that she was not happy.

“I was trying to keep a low profile you buffoon,” she hissed at him, making Iron Rod recoil, and then she showed a bright smile to Silver Pot, who had finally made his way over to them.

“Lord Silver Pot! How lovely to see you again. It's been too long,” she said, smiling brightly at him. Silver Pot chuckled and raised an eyebrow at her.

“I do believe I was at your establishment just two days prior,” he said with a smirk.

“I know… and we missed you terribly yesterday when you weren’t. The girls back at the club just can’t stop talking about you,” Sharp Edge said without even blinking. It was, after all, technically true; she would just not mention that it was because they were all singing with joy every night he didn't show up. There was no stallion in all of North Bay that was as feared, hated, and loathed amongst the mares of the Officers Club as young Lord Silver Pot. He gave a little approving chuckle.

“Yes, I have proven my virility on several occasions have I not?” Silver Pot stated with a smug look on his face.

Yes… you have permanently damaged and even killed quite a few of my finest mares over the years… Short Edge thought bitterly, not because of the indescribable pain and suffering he had caused or the tragedy of young girls dying beneath Silver Pot's hooves, but because of the constant hassle she had of replacing them before they were properly used up.

“That you have, my Lord. Now, I have some boring business to discuss with my husband, and I would not want to keep you from the fight. Please, do not let me keep you from partaking of the entertainment,” Sharp edge said, bowing politely.

“Speaking of business… How goes my special request?” Silver Pot asked before Sharp Edge could even raise her head.

By Nightmare’s wrath! Why did he have to see that damn bitch with the three star cutie mark on her flanks? Sharp Edge thought while she frowned down into the ground. The instant she looked up again, her radiant smile was back in place.

“We are looking… But a young mare with a star cutie mark is extremely rare. But don't worry; no matter where in the Empire one of my contacts may find one, we'll make sure she's brought to you,” she said, and made another curtsy. At hearing this, Silver Pot nodded.

“Good, and when it comes to the delivery… A little fire in the encounter wouldn't hurt, I think. Makes the whole act more exciting after all, don't you agree?” he said with a grin.

So you want the mare restrained just enough so she can resist you, but not fight you for real while you rape her… Sharp Edge thought. This would be quite a risky order to fulfill, and had it been any pony else she would probably had backed out already. But you don't say no to Silver Pot without there being dire consequences further down the road.

“So true, my Lord. We will make sure she's properly restrained, after your specifications,” she said, nodding in agreement.

“Excellent! Then I bid you a good evening Miss Sharp Edge,” Silver Pot said and moved away without sparing her a second thought. Her smile vanished the minute the young Lord turned away from her and her husband. The two of them retreated to the back of the VIP section so they could talk a bit more freely.

“They got another one…” Sharp Edge spat angrily. Iron Rod looked troubled at the news.

“That makes what? Three tale lifters gone from the Officers Club in just little over two weeks… This is getting out of hoof,” he answered.

“Then why haven't you done anything? It's your job to keep us out of the public awareness; ponies are very good at looking the other way when they don't want to see, but that only works if it isn't staring them in the face!” Sharp Edge hissed angrily. Iron Rod grunted in frustration while he was thinking.

“All I've managed to uncover is their name. They call themselves Bright Sky´s… Apparently, some sort of consortium made up of lower and middle-class ponies. There are definitely one or more merchants with them since they are so efficient at smuggling the girls out of the city without any of our ponies noticing how they do it,” Iron Rod stated.

“Wait… Bright Sky? Wasn't that the name of the Pegasus Silver Pot wanted a couple of weeks back?” Sharp Edge said, recognizing the name. Iron Rod just nodded.

“That mare´s execution has caused us nothing but grief… And before you say it, I'm keeping a close eye on all her known business associates and friends. Although, Bright Sky´s best friend was already one of your girls back at the club before she died. You remember Cherry Tree?” he continued. Sharp Edge nodded.

“I had my eyes on her daughter as well; at least, before your goons put a stop to those plans,” she said, feeling more and more annoyed at the string of bad luck she had had lately.

“What's done is done and there's nothing we can do about that now, and both those morons are dead now anyhow. But if I had put my hoof on it, I'd say that's where the trouble started,” Iron Rod said with a sigh. Just then, there was some sort of commotion at the front of the VIP balcony. Lord Silver Pot was glaring angrily at the young messenger colt belonging to the Silver Seas family´s staff. The young colt was cowering beneath Lord Silver Pot's fury.

“They expect me to just come running when they send their little dog to fetch me!” he yelled at the little colt.

“I'm… I'm… I'm sorry my Lord! But Lord Silver Sails was quite insistent on your presence at the family meeting tonight…” the little colt said, trembling on the floor. At the mention of his father's name, Silver Pot gave pass.

“My father will be present… that changes things,” Silver Pot said, although he was still quite visibly annoyed. Then, he shone up and removed a small purse from beneath his trademark silver cloak. He looked down into the pit at the two combatants, who were still dancing around each other trading blows, even though it was mostly the young stallion Quick Hooves who was landing blow after blow, using his superior speed to good advantage. Still, Steel Hooves didn't look particularly bothered by any of the bucks or punches he was receiving. He just trotted on, trying large, over-flamboyant moves that often failed but looked quite spectacular while he executed them.

“Steel! I have other business to attend to, could you skip to the ending of this? If you kill the boy within ten seconds the purse is yours!” Silver Pot called down to the two combatants on the sand floor. Steel looked up at the coin purse levitating beside the unicorn with a glint in his eye, while Quick Hooves did not seem to understand what was happening. This was his first fight in the arena, and he had been told it was an exhibition fight; first to get knocked out looses. He had fully expected to lose, although nothing more than that.

Before Iron Rod could intervene, Steel Hooves shot forward and pinned Quick Hooves head against his own chest. He then used his whole bulk by heaving himself over the back of the smaller stallion. Quick Hooves didn't even have time to realize what was happening before a loud snap reverberated through the arena, like a dried twig had been split apart. As Steel Hooves landed on the other side of his opponent, still holding onto the head, Quick Hooves body collapsed to the ground. After a final twist, Steel let go to reveal his newest masterpiece. Quick Hooves was now on his stomach; his head had been twisted completely around and was now staring up at the roof with dead eyes.

“Bravo! Very nice! You have always been good at entertaining your betters,” Silver Pot said with somewhat of a manic smile across his face, while he enthusiastically clapped his hooves together. Around the arena, ponies were clapping along, albeit not very enthusiastically. Only some of the higher nobles in the audience dared to not clap along with Silver Pot.

“As agreed upon, here is your reward,” he continued, and smugly tossed the coin purse down into the arena. It landed some way from Steel, so he had to trot over to collect it. As he picked it up, he noticed it was considerably lighter than he had expected. Keeping a straight face, Steel look at what the life of the young stallion was worth. It was definitely not enough; more or less the same he would be receiving for the exhibition fight itself. Steel felt his whole body tense up against the underlying insult towards all fighters this measly sum represented. But he knew the game he now had to play. He tied the coin purse again, and then made a deep bow towards Silver Pot.

“Surely, I find it hard to accept such a sum for my small contribution to your pleasant evening; your generosity is truly boundless,” Steel said and stood up. No one else knew the sum what was actually in there, so he would make it seem that he had received a king's ransom. Not to help that bastard Silver Pot in anyway, but to protect the honor and value of the fighters in the arena. Steel then made a sharp turnabout and calmly walked out of the arena.

Silver Pot followed the fighter as he exited. He had truly thought he would cause a scene when he saw the comparatively small amount of money in his purse, but there was apparently more to the brute than he originally thought. Giving a disappointed little sigh, about not being able to play more with the lives of the commoners today, he left to attend the meeting with his family. As soon as the door closed behind him Sharp Edge and Iron Rod looked at each other and sighed deeply.

“I truly hate that pony… The kid had already gathered quite a following amongst the noble mares, and some of the stallions, attending tonight. Many of them have asked for his services in the future. He would only have to become a half decent fighter before he could start bringing in some serious gold as a pleasure stallion at the Officers Club,” Iron Rod said. Sharp edge gave a approving nod.

“I see we have both been thinking along the same lines… Now, back to business. What do you intend to do about Bright Sky´s?” Sharp Edge wondered.

“I have put Iron Helm in charge of that. He's been following up on leads on anyone who knew Bright Sky,” Iron Rod informed her.

“That bleeding heart? Why would you put our good for nothing son in charge of such an important task? He couldn't even keep any of the mares in check back at the officers club,” she said with a sneer as she thought about her eldest son.

“How many times have I not wished that Iron Boot got that horn on top of his big brother’s head? Iron Boot would at least have the balls to use it properly. Even without magic he's still more of a help to Velvet Rope and me then his good for nothing big brother is, or ever will be,” Sharp Edge said with a sigh, as she thought about her failure at raising her eldest son. In the beginning, he had shown interest in the family business but suddenly, and without any reason she could understand, he had just plain refused to help her anymore.

“Don't sell him short honey; he's actually taken to being a city guard like fish take to water. Iron Helm has personally brought in quite a few troublemakers already. Whatever is keeping him from being rough with the girls at the club, it obviously doesn't apply to stallions and mares causing trouble throughout the city. And he is intelligent, not even you can say he's not,” Iron Rod said at the defense of his oldest son. Sharp Edge just scowled, but did reluctantly nod her head a little bit.

“Yes, he is smart, and I do love him. And that what's making it even harder when he will not use his potential to further the family business. If Iron Helm would just put his smarts to helping Velvet Rope, I don't think there's anything the two of them would not be able to achieve on the behalf of the family,” she said, hurt evident in her voice.

“He might not want to help out at the Officers Club, but we can still use him on the outside. And the fact that he can see the world outside the walls of the Officers Club will do him a lot of good. He can see that it isn't just puffy clouds and rainbows out here either,” he said confidently.

“Okay. He can continue the investigation, but make sure he doesn't get sidetracked, and for Nightmare Moon's sake, crush this infernal organization as fast as you can,” Sharp Edge said, stomping her hoof for extra emphasis. Iron Rod nodded and looked around himself, quickly noticing that several of the nobles and wealthy ponies of North Bay were starting to head for the exit. Quickly, he stepped up to the edge of the VIP balcony.

“Ladies and gentlestallions! If it pleases, you we have sent for two more fighters since the last match was a bit short. Until the match starts, you are all welcome to enjoy some free drinks and refreshments at the house’s expense,” Iron Rod proclaimed loudly to the audience. Many nobles immediately started waving down serving mares and began ordering the most expensive things they could think of. But a surprising amount of ponies were still heading towards the exit. Sharp Edge looked at them and quickly came to a conclusion of what they would want. She moved up next to her husband.

“Of course, this offer extends to the serving staff themselves; you are welcome to use them anyway you want until the match starts!” she proclaimed loudly, and heard a collective gasp from the many serving mares around the arena. This had the desired effect, and immediately the young serving mares were beginning to be ushered into the more private and darker parts of the Coliseum, often surrounded by multiple stallions and mares, all eager to partake in the generous and time-limited offer.

“You know… not all of the serving mares here tonight were tale lifters from the Officers Club,” Iron Rod said, as he watched one of the young mares being shoved in behind some pillars, for a small measure of privacy, by three excited looking stallions and an eager looking noble mare.

“Well, they will be after this night... Speaking of which, I have to head back to the club now,” Sharp Edge said, and started heading for the exit. All around her she could hear how low moans and grunts starting to emanate from many dark nooks and crannies around the arena. Sharp Edge smiled a bit ruefully when she realized that a full-blown orgy was probably in the making, and that the two fighters would most likely be fighting in front of half empty stands. But that was of little consequence, since the second the fight starts, every pony still engaged in the orgy would have to pay full price for it. The smile on her lips grew even wider. This little trip down to the main arena would most likely turn out to be quite profitable. With a happy bounce in her step, Sharp Edge pulled up the blue hoody of her exquisitely tailored cloak and started to head back to the Officers Club.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 20 Family Meeting

True Black
Chapter 20
Family Meeting

16 of April

Silver Pot entered the private gardens surrounding the mansion belonging to the Silver Seas main branch family. The gardens were exquisitely maintained; every hedge, bush and tree cut and shaped into some form or another, varying from abstract to animals. Everything was placed and made out in neat rows, or shapes that could be seen from above like images on the ground. Between all the vegetation lay marble stone pathways, wide enough for four ponies to walk abreast. Silver Pot paid no heed at all to the splendor around him; it was mostly his mother's hobby to have a formidable army of earth ponies tending to the gardens at her command. It was quite a status symbol to have such a large, and well maintained, garden this far North, and she loved showing her visitors around amongst the lush vegetation, often having lunch or tea parties on one of the many patios found throughout the garden. And as a rule, anything his mother liked, Silver Pot hated.

He walked up to the front door, made entirely of mahogany, with intricate silvery inlays depicting the family shield; a ship with full billowing sails against the rising sun. The whole of the mansion was styled in a Gothic theme, with many gargoyles surrounding the roof around the entire structure, forever guarding their home from their enemies. The whole feeling of the place was dark and foreboding. His horn lit up and he smashed the door open violently, sending the servant about to open it flying and landing with a pained grunt, holding her now bleeding muzzle.

“Make way, you blundering peasant! Can't you see I'm in a hurry?!” Silver Pot bellowed angrily down at the whimpering mare. Behind him, the little messenger colt who had been sent to find him followed fearfully, hoping he would not draw the attention of his Lord. Silver Pot trotted through the dark corridors lit only by torches, as was the tradition in their family. The many flames providing both light and a measure of warmth in the cold months of winter. Silver Pot had always felt it was stupid and outdated, there were plenty of spells would provide better light than a living flame, but it was tradition and his father had refused to budge on the issue. As he neared the family lounge, he could hear several heated voices coming from the room. He realized, to his surprise, that the whole family was actually there, even his two younger sisters. They were twins and the apples of his mother's eyes; therefore, he hated them both with a passion.

When he entered, all heads turned towards Silver Pot. He studied the faces of his family. His parents, Duke Silver Sails and Duchess Salt Wind, were standing together near the hearth. His father had a saffron colored body with a mane and tail of a silvery white, the proper color for a Silver Seas family member. He looked upon his son whit disapproving dark blue eyes, his cutie mark was three ships against a sunset. Silver Pot's eyes then fell upon his mother, whose looks he shared more than he wanted to. She had a sandy coat, her mane and tail a dark, stormy ocean blue with a lighter blue highlight. The same colors he had inherited from her; he had the same sand colored coat, but only the lighter blue in his mane and tail. Those main colors were not befitting a member of the Silver Seas family he had always felt, but he had gotten around those problems by dyeing his mane and tail a gleaming silver. So, now, he was the most silver colored pony out of all of them. Silver Pot had also inherited his mother's brown eyes, although they were quite fetching on him, at least according to himself. On his mother's flank one could see a swirling vortex, which was an indication of her affinity for elemental magic, especially wind based. Both his parents were now looking back at him without showing any kind of emotion at all.

Closest to his parents stood their ever-present shadow, there eldest son Young Lord Silver Cutter, firstborn and heir to the Silver Seas Duchy. Silver Pot had always had the opinion that if he would have received just half as much attention from his parents as his dammed older brother, he would make twice as good an heir than he ever would. Silver Cutter's coat was light saffron, very similar to their father, and his mane and tail were purely white, like a proper Silver Seas pony’s should be; white all the way to a silvery grey were all proper Silver Seas mane and tail colorations. The only thing he had inherited from their mother was his brown eyes. On the side of his flank, one could see his cutie mark, which was a ship cutting through the stormy sea. His brother was looking at him would open distaste; they had never seen eye to eye and they never would.

On a large, extravagant red silken pillow on the other side of the hearth from his parents, his elder sister lay daintily with her front hooves crossed. Lady Silver Light was the only one in his family Silver Pot had ever felt any kind of kinship with; although, that ended abruptly when she was married off to some pony in the Blacksalt Duchy. Silver Pot had never even bothered to learn his name since he was the reason Silver Light disappeared when they were younger. When the dammed stallion had died in a shipwreck a year and a half ago, she had moved back to her family. But, during the eight years she had spent away from them, she had changed quite a bit, and now even Silver Light was looking at him with the same disdain as his elder brother.

She was actually the reason why there were so many nobles in North Bay at the moment; she was receiving marriage proposals left and right. Silver Pot had actually talked to quite a few of the hopeful stallions done at the arena earlier in the evening. Some of them had actually been quite fun to hang out with, and he would be supporting them in the upcoming selection. His sister was, after all, quite fetching, with her bone white coat and silvery grey mane and tail. She had inherited their father’s dark blue eyes, and on her flank could be seen and orb of fire, showing her affinity for fire-based elemental magic.

Sitting on a similar pillow next to his older sister was one of his younger sisters, Silver Spark if he wasn't mistaken. He cringed when he noticed that she was smiling towards him, which was never good. And where was the other one? The twins were never seen apart.

“Good evening, dear brother. Delighted you could finally join us.” The tender voice surprised him. He gave a small cry and jumped to the side, raising his hoof ready to smash it into who ever had snuck up on him. Luckily for him, he was able to hold his strike as his lay his eyes on his youngest sister Lady Silver Flash. She laughed at his reaction and trotted over to lie down next to her twin. The two of them were always lying or standing pressed up against each other in what he himself always felt was an overly friendly manner. But it had always been said there were one mind in two bodies. They would often have wordless conversations between themselves and, when they were speaking normally, they often finished each other's sentences.

They had both inherited their father's deep saffron colored coat, but not his mane and tail coloration. Instead, they had their mother’s stormy ocean blue and, even worse, they didn't have the decency to cover it up by dyeing it silver like he did. The two also had the same cutie mark's; silver colored theatre masks, one happy and one sad. The only thing that made it possible to tell them apart where their eyes. Silver Spark´s left eye was dark blue, while her right was brown. Silver Flash´s left eye was brown, while her right was dark blue. They were so similar everywhere else that if they had their eyes closed you couldn't tell one from the other. Silver Pot glare at the two of them before making his way into the center of the room. He waited for two seconds before he turned his head back towards the entrance, where the little messenger colt stood at attention.

“Well!” Silver Pot growled agitatedly. The little colt perked up not understanding what was asked of him.

“Am I to sit on the floor you stupid little imbecile?!” Silver Pot wondered sarcastically. The little earth pony colt, finally understanding what Silver Pot wanted, shot across the room and dragged out a silken cushion for him, which were situated not two pony length from where he was standing. When the little colt finished his task, and was about to retreat to the door again, he was rewarded with a vicious kick for his troubles. He cried out in pain, tumbling over a couple of times before coming to a stop clenching his stomach and groaning in pain.

“Brother!” his three sisters cried out simultaneously. His elder brother just shook his head, while his parents gave a deep sigh each.

“What? You have to keep them on a short leash or they will never learn, will they?” he said as he sat down.

“That was uncalledl for!” both the twins yelled angrily while their horns lit up and levitated the little colt over to them. The little colt was still clutching his stomach and trying not to cry in front of his gathered masters. He was laid to rest in front of the twins, who immediately started to fuss over him. Stroking and patting him as they tried to comfort the little colt, who was finally starting to be able to breathe again.

“There, there little one… are you okay Swift Find?” they both asked the little colt. Finally, he looked up at them and nodded while a little tear ran down his snout. Never the less it didn't take long before Duchess Salt Wind gave a little cough, and looked at her youngest daughter's. Even if the colt had been treated unkindly, it was still unseemly for the two Noble Ladies to be fussing over him like they did. Silver Spark and Silver Flash immediately knew what their mother wanted and shooed the little colt's towards the door with a last little affectionate tap on his rump.

“Servant…” Duchess Salt Wind said, not unkindly.

“Yes Duchess?” Swift Find said respectfully, to which Duchess Salt Wind nodded approvingly and smiled kindly down at him.

“Why don't you go down to the kitchens and get yourself something nice to eat. Then you will be free for the rest of the evening,” she said and waved him away. Swift Find shone up immediately.

“Thank you Duchess!” he answered joyfully and scampered off to a long overdue meal. Swift Find was the latest edition to the household staff; he had an uncanny ability to find anything you asked for quite rapidly. This evening, he had out done himself when the usual runners Silver Pot's father would send after him had been unable to locate his son. At first, when the twins had proposed sending the little colt after Silver Pot, his father had scoffed at the idea. But, when the last runner had returned empty hooved, he had reluctantly sent the colt out to fetch his wayward son. And here he had returned, not an hour later, together with Silver Pot. This little servant would definitely become quite useful for him in the future. He would have to make sure nothing bad happened to such a valuable servant, especially since he, apparently, was on Silver Pot’s ever-growing list of things he hated. Duke Silver Sails looked at his gathered family and then tapped his hoof against the floor. All eyes fell upon him immediately.

“I've called the family here tonight, to discuss you son…” Duke Silver Sails said coldly, and let his eyes rest upon Silver Pot. Silver Pot looked around himself, for ones very uneasy about being in the spotlight.

“Alright… What is this about?” he asked defensively.

“Do you even have to ask 'little' brother?” Silver Cutter said with a frown. The two just glared at each other.

“It's about your… hobbies…” his mother said while she looked away from her son.

“What about my hobbies?” Silver Pot asked, now having trouble keeping his emotions in check.

“Ohoo… dear brother… You're not half as clever as you think when it comes to hiding your masochistic tendencies towards the tale lifters you fuck at the Officers Club,” his two youngest sisters said to him in unison while they smiled pleasantly, as if they had just talked about the weather. Silver Pot eyes grew wide, both at the audacity of his little sisters telling him something like that and mostly at the fact that they even knew. He had been so careful, bribing the right ponies to keep the lid on the more extreme sides of his entertainment.

“I don't know what you're talking about,” he said, although his body language screamed otherwise. His father gave a grunt of annoyance.

“I don't really care what you've done with those tale lifters, disgusting as it might be, but now it's starting to reflect very badly on the Silver Seas family name, especially when it's becoming common knowledge. Starting tomorrow, you are forbidden from visiting the Officers Club. And you will make sure these rumors about you are thoroughly stomped out in the mean time. Do I make myself clear?” his father said with a voice cold as the sea in winter. Silver Pot looked back at his father, first with fear, but then with anger.

“You forbid me?! Why?! I'm not the only one who's visiting, if you think that the case!” Silver Pot roared glaring at his brother.

“If I remember correctly it was you who introduced me to the Officers Club when you thought it was time for me to lose my virginity! And, as I remember, you were there even more than I was in the beginning, dear brother…” Silver Pot growled defensively.

“There is a difference from visiting a few times as a young stallion discovering his sexuality. Quite another to have the luxury suite referred to as the Silver Pot’s Chambers at the club, and not only there but throughout the whole noble district no less,” Silver Light said with disdain. Silver Pot glared at his big sister malevolently.

“You're one to talk sister! You've been there as well; and don't look so shocked. I've seen you in there moaning like any common mare beneath one of their pleasure stallions!” he shouted at her. Silver Light turned completely crimson while she tried to keep herself from turning Silver Pot into a smoldering pile of ash on the floor. A loud crack now sounded through the room when their father stomped his hoof firmly into the marble floor.

“You will never utter those words again Pot or, by Celestia, you will find yourself on the next trading vessel heading for our most remote office in Feliniss!” Silver Sails yelled in utter fury. But Silver Pot was too caught up in his own anger to realize he had already stepped over the line. He sneered back at his whole family.

“Of course dear father… I was obviously mistaken,” Silver Pot said sarcastically.

“It was most certainly another mare with a bone white coat, silvery grey mane and tail, paired with an orb of fire showing on her flank! After all, from the angle I was standing, I couldn't see her eyes. They were most likely green or purple!” Silver Pot spat out and then disappeared in a flash of light as he teleported away from his family. The whole family was now staring open-mouthed at the now destroyed silken cushions occupying the space where Silver Pot had just been.

“Father, we have to do something about this! We can let him continue destroying our good name! And now he's even attacking us openly within the family!” Silver Cutter said harshly while he trotted over to his sisters, two of which was currently comforting the third. Although the twins were looking curiously at their elder sister. They both knew their big brothers had been at The Officers Club, but the fact that she had been there as well was news to them. And they were already thinking of ways they could use that to gain whatever they wanted from her in the future. Silver Cutter came up and carefully nuzzled Silver Light who was looking away from the rest of them.

“Don't worry sister. We'll make sure he keeps his mouth shut about this,” he said trying to comfort her. Silver Light snapped her head back towards him.

“You think I give a damn what our scum of brother says! I would have no problem at all discrediting him in front of all of North Bay; he would be nothing but a laughing stock by the time I was finished with him! No… what pisses me off is the simple fact that when a stallion goes to the officers club it is seen as completely natural. They’re stallions after all, they have needs! But, by the moon, if a mare does the same thing she's immediately seen as some sex craving loborn slut!” Silver Light stated fiercely and looked at each one of her family members, daring any one of them to say they hadn't just thought that about her.

When she received no answer, Silver Light gave an angry huff and walked out. The twins gave each other a little look and then hurried after their big sister. She had just become a lot more interesting than either of them ever thought possible. That left only Duke Silver Sails, Duchess Salt Wind and Young Lord Silver Cutter to discuss the solution of the current problem. Silver Sails levitated a particularly fine vintage of wine over towards them, together with three wine glasses. He opened it and served the three of them before setting the flask back on the little golden drinks wagon. They each took a sip before they started.

“Well, I guess that does it…” Silver Sails said with a heavy sigh.

“What do you mean, dear?” Salt Wind wondered.

“He'll be on the first ship heading for Feliniss after the winter storms have ended… won't he?” Silver Cutter said happily, unable to suppress a smile. Salt Wind looked at her husband and son hoping in vain that they were joking.

“You can't… He won't last a day in Feliniss without seriously offending a Griffin!” she said pleadingly. Even though Silver Pot was the black sheep of the family, he was still her son.

“I know…” Silver Sails said carefully. Salt Wind looked at him through narrowed eyes.

“You're not expecting him to return home are you father… personaly I'd actually be surprised if he last half a day,” Silver Cutter said with a crooked grin. His mother looked away and took a deep swallow of wine while she gritted her teeth.

“I'm hoping he will come back. I have been too lenient with him, I see that now; I should have done this long ago. Now, he will either return to us wiser about the world around him or he will not return at all,” Silver Sails said, and took a little sip of wine himself. Salt Wind drained the rest of the wine, and put the empty glass down on the edge of the hearth.

“I think I’ll go see how the girls are doing…” she ventured and trotted out of the room to find the children they were not about to send towards their untimely deaths. The two stallions watched her leave.

“I'll be having cold nights this year I think,” Silver Sails uttered, a little discouraged.

“There's nothing to be done about it, and sending Silver Pot to Feliniss is actually a best case scenario I would say. We don't have any trading trips into Feliniss planned right now. It will take a couple of months to pull sufficient trading supplies together for a trip to be worthwhile. If he doesn't get his act together we might have to intervene sooner than that… and more harshly,” Silver Cutter said, glancing at his father. His father only nodded in response, knowing there was noting further to say on behalf of Silver Pot.

“Yes… If he does anything more to embarrass the family, it might be best if he had a little accident on his way home from that cursed club. I know you want to do it, but you will not make a move until I say so,” Silver Sails said flatly, then drain the hole wine glass and then smashed the exquisitely shaped crystal into the fire of the hearth chattering it. Silver Cutter cud only do so much not to grin openly, he mite acturly have a plan or two that while insure that Silver Pot won't be a torn in the families side for much longer.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 21 The Officers Club

True Black
Chapter 21
The Officers Club

16 of April

Sharp Edge was trotting up towards her home; The Officers Club was more of a home to her then the supposed real house her family shared a few blocks away. The Officers Club was quite an impressive building; it was three stories high, all the outer walls were painted in a crisp salmon color, while the window seals were painted in gold, highlighting their frames. Through the windows you could see red velvet drapes hanging open on the first floor. Although, on the two upper floors the drapes were all closed. The entire second floor was a resting area of sorts for any of the mares not currently with a… connoisseur. Any noble or wealthy patron could walk around on the second floor and pick out whichever mare or stallion he or she might fancy a closer encounter with, for the right price of course. On the third floor, three large VIP apartments were lavishly furnished and decorated around a large circular bed capable of holding several ponies at once. The whole floor was magically shielded to prevent any unseemly sounds or sights to be seen or heard from the outside world.

The third floor was only for the most wealthy and important ponies, although that was not where most transactions took place. That was down below the main building, in the spacious caverns below the small mansion. A distant relative from the past had happened upon them while building the main structure. At some point, while excavating his basement, he had fallen through the floor. At first, the space had only been used as storage, but it wasn't long before some ancestor started sneaking down there to enjoy himself with a mare or two in complete privacy, away from the prying eyes of the public. And from that humble beginning, The Officers Club had eventually been born.

As Sharp Edge pushed the exquisitely made mahogany door open, she was met by the most wonderful smells any cook could ever produce. The whole first floor was only a front, but there was no better front the one that actually functioned. To most of North Bay, The Officers Club was known only as the best restaurant in the whole city. She moved through the bustle and noise of the restaurant, waving in greeting to those who merited her attention, as she headed, slowly and gracefully, towards the staircase that led both up and down into the basement.

In front of the staircase stood a guard pony with an unpleasant scar running across his face. Like most of the hired muscle around The Officers Club, he was a former fighter from the arena. Although, he had not been fortunate enough to retire without serious injuries but, because of it, he now looked ferocious enough to persuade most noble pony's not to cause any trouble in front of a velvet rope leading to the VIP section. The only way for any pony to gain access to the real entertainment provided by the The Officers Club was to be brought in by someone who was already a member. This pony would vouch for the pony seeking entrance, making sure no unseemly rumors would start spreading. If that should happen anyway, both the one spreading the rumors and who ever vouch for him would both be thrown out at the club. And they would also find themselves in hot water with many of the nobles and wealthy elite in North Bay. A very troublesome position, to be avoided at any cost, if you had any plans about continuing to live in, or even close to, North Bay.

The burly guard immediately recognized Sharp Edge and opened a path for her so she could descend into the basement. Both at the bottom and at the top of the staircase the second line of defense waited. They were thick and finally made doors which would only open if you knew the correct spell, which so far only she did, or you were in possession of an enchanted key which would gain you access. As she passed through the first door, she entered the first small room in the basement. Here, two more guards were situated, waiting for orders to intervene if something got out of hoof. Sharp Edge didn't even look at who they were this night, only passing straight through into The Officers Club proper.

As soon as the second door closed behind her, she was met by the gorgeous site of a wide selection of breathtaking mares and stallions. Some were so dressed up they would rival the noble mares that came in to browse amongst them, while others were so provocatively dressed that first time visitors would often just stop and stare at them, jaws hanging open while they drooled. The thing that marked out ponies as pleasure mare or stallion was that only they would have some sort of a black leash round their necks. Every mare or stallion moving around down here with the black leash around their necks was for sale, no matter how exquisite or noble they may appear. And down here were still only the day-to-day mares. The truly beautiful mares and stallions were all situated on the second floor where the VIP could appreciate their splendor, undisturbed by common customers.

As Sharp Edge walked through the giant lounging area, she corrected some who didn't cast a sultry enough gaze towards her, or who were not displaying themselves to their full potential. She corrected how a few of them stood, then made a particularly delicate looking flower sit more daintily to make her more attractive to those customers who are looking for that in there consort for the night. She sighed quite happily as she watched over her herd. This was truly her art gallery, and she loved it. A true masterpiece of beauty, flesh and sexual lust.

From across the room, Sharp Edge noticed her most precious treasure. She was radiant, even surrounded by beauty. She still made ponies pause to have a second look. Her body was a light chestnut brown that shone like it had been polished, her mane and tail were a striking iron grey, which sparkled lightly while she moved, as if she had thousands of little metallic prisms in her mane and tail. Her eyes were dark blue and stunning. Had Sharp Edge herself looked half as lovely at the age of fifteen she would most likely have been married to the Silver Seas Duke himself by now. She had to keep herself from giving a happy little whiny while Velvet Rope, her only daughter, walked up to her.

“Greetings mother. Did the trip down to the arena go well?” she wondered innocently. Sharp Edge had just marveled at her transformation this last year, from a little filly to a breathtaking young mare who was now helping her full-time at The Officers Club. Velvet Rope had taken to the training as future mistress of The Officers Club like fish takes to water. All the disappointment she had ever felt about her eldest son Iron Helm’s shortcomings was made up infinitely by her wonderful daughter. She gave a little sigh as she opened the door to her office, which was an extravagant bedroom with a lot of paperwork lying around the place. For some reason, she had found that her patrons found it much easier to talk to her about their sexual desires if they were in a bedroom setting. They would divulge their wildest fantasies to her, and then she would make sure they get to experience them. Once again, for the right price of course. She walked in and splayed herself on the lavish bed, giving a content little groan as she was finally able to relax.

“Ohhh… my ever inquisitive child, it went splendidly,” she said and rolled over to watch as her daughter closed the door behind her.

“Really! So we will be able to take care of those Bright Sky ponies now?” Velvet Rope asked while she trotted over and lay down next to her mother. Sharp Edged gave a grunt of annoyance, and then stared up at the exquisitely painted ceiling.

“You just had to remind me of that, didn't you dear? No… they will be a thorn in our side for a little while longer. Although, Iron Rod seems to think Iron Helm will be the answer to our troubles. He's apparently a very good guard pony,” Sharp Edge said with uncertainty. Since Iron Helm was a unicorn, she had hoped he would help Velvet Rope around The Officers Club. It had always been tradition in the family for the oldest mare to inherit the club while her brothers, be they younger and older, helped her run it from the shadows. Like most young stallion's, Iron Helm had been very enthusiastic the first time she had brought him there, but suddenly, and without any reason she could discern, he had just started to refuse helping with anything around The Officers Club, going so far as not to even partake of any of the mares she presented to him. For some time she had suspected he was attracted to stallions instead, but the first one she sent to him came back with a bloody muzzle and a message that he was definitely not into stallions. Velvet Rope was now lying against one of the enormous cushion looking back at her mother with a curious gaze.

“Well… ever since he started working for father, he has become more interested in what goes on around here,” Velvet Rope said carefully. This got Sharp Edge’s ears to perk up.

“Really? In what way?” she asked.

“Well, he's been coming around at lunchtime and even after work sometimes, even going so far as to ask me to help him with a mare a couple of times,” Velvet Rope said and grinned at her mother. This was truly news for Sharp Edge. She had not heard any of this. Was he finally starting to come around? Maybe he was just a late bloomer.

“Why haven't you told me any of this?” she asked her daughter, a little annoyed.

“Well… he said if you knew, you would start tossing mares after him non-stop every time he came around here. And he still mostly here just to see us after all,” she said with a well knowing smile at her mother. Sharp Edge gave a sigh.

“You kids know me much too well… Alright, I won't interfere. As far as he's concerned, I don't know he's here partaking of the stock. Although, I must say, I'm relieved he’s finally starting to stallion up,” Sharp Edge said with a little giggle and her daughter giggled along with her.

“Yes, he has been quite a stiff one, in all the wrong ways, hasn't he? Now… no more avoiding the subject. How did the meeting with father go?” Velvet Rope wondered. Sharp Edge smiled broadly.

“Well, at first, it went quite badly… you're bumbling idiot of a father, announced to the whole arena that I was there, so, naturally, I ended up talking to the waste of space that is Silver Pot…” Sharp edge said with a groan.

“Ohhhh… You poor thing, was he still going on about his little special project?” Velvet Rope wondered.

“You have no idea how he just went on and on… and guess what! Now he wants to rape the mare as well when we deliver her. I'm telling you, this deal is going to bite us in our flank if we are not careful,” Sharp Edge said forebodingly while she gestured with her hooves to indicate just how fed up she was with Silver Pot´s special orders. Velvet Rope giggled a little bit where she lay, watching her mother.

“What's so funny…” Sharp Edge said and looked at her daughter with a mischievous smile.

“Oooo… I just had a little thought that made me laugh,” she said teasingly to her mother.

“Well, don't keep me in suspense. If you have an idea then let me know,” Sharp Edge encouraged her daughter.

“Well, it was not an idea, actually, just an image. What if we found an old crone, out in the middle of a desert or on a mountaintop, with that darn heavenly cutie mark on her flank? We could present her to him… it would be quite the conquest for him I'd say!” she said without being able to stop laughing. Her mother's eyes were big as saucers as the pictures started running through her head, and then she to burst out laughing. As they stopped, Sharp Edge dried tears from her eyes.

“Ooooo… thank you Velvet. You always know how to make me laugh,” she said and leaned over to give her daughter a little lite kiss on her forehead.

“You are welcome mother…” Velvet Rope said smiling up at her. Sharp Edge nodded and rose out of the bed.

“Well anyhow, after all that, your father informed me that Iron Helm is heading the investigation into whoever is behind Bright Sky, and he's actually making headway. But then, Silver Pot, of course, managed to ruin the evening even further by killing off one of the most beautiful stallions I've seen in quite a while. You should have seen him Velvet… Even you would have been tempted to try him out,” Sharp Edge said and wiggled her eyebrows at her daughter.

“Really… that nice looking? Too bad you couldn't bring him home then; we are, after all, short a few pleasure stallions at the moment,” she responded with a giggle.

“Yes… he was the brother of that mare your father brought here a couple of days ago,” Sharp Edge said, waving her hooves dismissively.

“What a coincidence, the sister was actually why I came looking for you when I heard you were back,” Velvet Rope said, in a more businesslike tone, from where she lay on the bed. Sharp Edge motioned for Velvet to continue.

“She has been quite difficult… not doing what she's told, outright refusing some customers, and generally just being a pain in my flank. Since she is a pickpocket, she knows how things work here amongst the shadows, so to speak. So my normal threats of retribution don't really work on her. Soft Hooves knows we can't beat her too badly or it will decrease her value as a pleasure mare. I just don't know what to do with her…” Velvet Rope said with a frown. Sharp Edge smiled at her daughter while she tittered lightly.

“I see it's time for another lesson. Why don't you go collect this wayward mare? And then I'll show you something much more effective than physical threats towards most stubborn mares,” Sharp Edge said with a wicked smile. Velvet Rope shone up immediately.

“I'll go get her now then,” she said, as she jumped off the bed and quickly trotted out of the door. Not ten minutes later, she was back with a magic leash around the neck of a quite fair looking orange earth pony. She had a black mane and tail with white highlights in them. The way she walked showed she had grown up using her feminine beauty to get ahead in life and now she was in the perfect setting to use those talents. Under Sharp Edge’s careful guidance, she would most certainly becoming an A-list mare. She smiled pleasantly at the orange mare who glared back at her defiantly.

“So you're the one running this brothaAHHHHhhh!” The mare was cut off by Velvet Ropes activating the enchantment embedded in the black velvet collar around the mare's neck, sending a quite painful electric shock throughout Soft Hooves’ body. Velvet Rope sighed as she cut the current running through the mare now fidgeting on the floor.

“You see? She even speaks without being spoken to…” Velvet said, looking dejectedly at her mother.

“There, there daughter… she's one of the first you've been put in charge of, and you've been doing splendidly so far with your other charges,” she said, comforting her daughter’s bruised ego. Sharp Edge once again moved over to lie down on the bed while she watched the orange mare struggle up on her hooves again.

“Damn, that stings…” Soft Hooves muttered, mostly to herself.

“And still you make us do it to you… but I guess that is one way to show you're not afraid of pain. But then, you should know you're not the only one we can hurt, little girl,” Sharp Edge said with a twisted grin. Soft Hooves frowned back, not at all intimidated.

“Little girl? I'm older than your bitch of braAHHHHggghgghghghghhhhhhghhhhggghhh!!!” Soft Hooves suddenly found herself suspended in mid air, currents running through her body over a hundred times stronger than the measly little collar ever could produce. Sharp Edge was glaring at the worthless mare who had dared to even try insulting her daughter. A twisted smile spreading on her lips while she watched Soft Hooves convulse and seize, suspended by the harsh magic attacking her body. They started hearing gurgled outcries and incomprehensible noises emitted from the mare being tortured, most likely trying to beg for it to stop. Finally, Sharp Edge’s horn ceased glowing and Soft Hooves thump down in front of the bed gasping for breath. Velvet Rope had watched curiously while her mother had used the spell.

“I haven't seen that one before… All that and it didn't even leave any permanent marks on her! Will you teach it to me?” she asked excitedly.

“That's actually what we will be doing next week my dear. But remember, you are still young so it will most likely be awhile before you can use it effectively,” Sharp Edge said to her now beaming daughter.

“Don't worry mother, I will make it work,” Velvet Rope said, grinning down at Soft Hooves, who was finally starting to come around again. She made eye contact with Sharp Edge, and the absolute fear that now resided in them was wonderful to behold.

“Now, where were we… Oh yes, we were discussing your little brother, weren't we?” Sharp Edge said while she smiled down at the now shivering mare before her.

“Wh… What?” Soft Hooves croaked out, even more fear filling her eyes.

“Well, he just went through the exact same thing you did. Although, he has no idea why it happened. From now on, every time you are disobedient or troublesome, your brother will be getting zapped like that… or worse,” Sharp Edge said with a smile.

“No! You can’t!” Soft Hooves said once again with fire in a voice. Sharp Edge’s horn immediately shone up again, glowing even more the last time. Soft Hooves whole body ceased and she gritted her teeth in anticipation of the pain that was to come… nothing. Carefully, she opened her eyes and saw that Sharp Edge’s horn was still going fiercely. Suddenly, realization dawned on her.

“NONONO!!! Please don't hurt him!!! I'll do whatever you want, just please stop hurting my little brother!!!” Soft Hooves cried out in anguish. Sharp Edge’s horn immediately seized crackling with magic. Soft Hooves looked up at her new mistress with tears running down her eyes.

“Good! With that out of the way, I think an appropriate punishment for your insolence will be that you are the main prize for the leash game this evening. This will mean you will most likely end up in the bed with some drunken slobbering galoot of a sailor or guard pony instead of, as we had intended this evening, the luxury suite on the third floor. And if I hear you have made that galoot unhappy in anyway, your little brother will be screaming his head off for the rest of the night! Am I clear, my little tail lifter?” Sharp Edge said, looking harshly down at the crying and trembling form of Soft Hooves.

“Ye… Yes Mistress…” she managed to croak out between sobs.

“Good! You're finally learning… Velvet, be a dear and go make sure Soft Hooves is prepared for tonights entertainment,” Sharp Edge said as she dismissed the crying mare in front of her.

“Of course mother. Come along now, we have to get going if we are to make you look skimpy enough for the leash games,” Velvet Rope said with quite a lot of malicious intent. Soft Hooves followed behind Velvet with her head hanging low.

“Yes Mistress Velvet…” Soft Hooves uttered just before the door cut Sharp Edge off from the continued conversation between the young mare and her daughter. She gave a content sigh and sunk into the exquisite fabrics of her bed, feeling a happy tingling all over her body. It was a feeling she only got after she had completely crushed the hopes any mare or stallion might hold onto that they would be able to escape one day. It was just such a wonderful thing to see the realization dawning in their eyes that they were never going to leave The Officers Club. They might leave it physically, of course, but even on their occasional day off, or because they were recuperating from a particularly violent client, even when they were calmly trotting through the streets of North Bay, deep down they would always know, all of them were constantly at the beck and call of her whims. It was a feeling of power she could not get anywhere else. And Sharp Edge loved it!

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 22 Bright Sky

True Black
Chapter 22
Bright Sky

16 of April
Late evening

“Is this wise…” the light grey Pegasus asked while he looked around himself uncertainly. His black mane and tail were cropped short. His gleaming golden eyes shone as he looked at all the wealthy patrons surrounding them, while they two of them set in an inconspicuous corner off to the side of the restaurant, near the entrance to the kitchens at the back.

“Where would they least expect the two heads of Bright Sky's to have a meeting? If not in The Officers Club itself, so just calm down Shadow Flight,” the dark brown unicorn answered. His white mane and tail contrasted sharply against the black of his much older friend. His two iron grey eyes looked back at the light grey Pegasus.

“Still, Iron Helm… It feels like we're pushing our luck,” Shadow Flight said. They both grew quite well the serving mare arrived with a cup of coffee for both of them after their meal. As soon as she left, Iron Helm picked up on their conversation again.

“Any word on Rosebud?” Iron Helm wondered. Shadow Flight nodded while he took a careful sip of coffee.

“Yes… She's made it out safe and sound. She will be brought down to one of my business partners in Bridlelon. My contact is the owner of quite a few stores in the city, and all she knows is that Rosebud is a young friend of mine, looking to make a new start after a tragic accident killed off her family, except for one older sister that will hopefully be joining her later. The letter I received after my initial request clearly indicated she would be more than willing to help settle little Rosebud into her new life away from the tragedy of her old,” Shadow Flight said with a smile. Iron Helm nodded approvingly.

“Excellent! And speaking of Red Rose, we might have to move on her sooner than we had planned. One of the more sadistic Lords have been eyeing her a bit too close of late. I'm starting to get worried she will be dragged down into the deeper parts of the caves. If that happens… not even I can get her out,” Iron Helm said with a frustrated sigh. Shadow Flight watched Iron Helm worriedly.

“What goes on down there?” he wondered. Iron Helm frowned and looked away.

“You truly don't want to know… Trust me,” he said dejectedly.

“I've heard whispers and rumors… But is it really that bad?” Shadow Flight asked, hoping the answer would not be yes. Because some of the rumors were just too… cruel.

“No… It's much much worse,” Iron Helm said, a shiver going up his spine. A single tear rolled down his snout, while, once again, the memory that would never stop haunting him played in front of his eyes. Shadow Flight saw the powerful reaction Iron Helm had towards the mention of the deeper caverns.

“I have actually wondered… Why did you turn against you family, my young friend? Your siblings certainly don’t seem to share your… sense of right and wrong, if what is said about them holds true,” Shadow Flight asked. Iron Helm just sat quietly, looking deeply into his cup of coffee.

“It's all right… You don't have to tell me. It iss quite personal, I imagine,” Shadow Flight said, shifting a bit on the cushion he was sitting on.

“My best friend… the only mare I ever truly loved. She died down their… In those disgusting caverns… and I couldn't do anything to save her,” Iron Helm whispered through gritted teeth. Shadow Flight’s eyes widened in surprise when he heard what Iron Helm said.

“What do you mean? Why couldn't you help her?” Shadow Flight wondered. Iron Helm flinched, even though the question had not been asked forcefully.

“Well, I didn't know what had happened at first. It was rumored she had run away from home eight months earlier, and I believed it. She had it rough at home. Then came my fifteenth birthday… and mother introduced me to what's really going on below The Officers Club. At first it was so exciting…” Iron Helm said with self-disgust.

“Can you imagine… A fifteen-year-old stallion with hormones coursing through his body, and all of a sudden presented with the most beautiful mares in the city at his beck and call… I was a monster… Just like my little brother is now,” he said cringing at the memory of what he done during that time.

“But then, one night… I took a wrong turn down in the caves. Ending up in front of a private gallery belonging to the honorable Lord Steel Hull… and there… as the centerpiece of some twisted and grotesque sexual art installation… I found my best friend. I screamed through the bars, while I desperately tried to find a way in… trying to get her attention. But she was too far gone, drug down into nothing but an empty shell. She didn't even react to my shrieking calls… might actually have been dead already, I just couldn't tell without being able to reach her…. She was, however, carried out of the cell undoubtedly dead some hours later... in a filthy potato sack… to be dumped... out at sea... where no one would ever find her. Shining Eye´s was fifteen and a half when her light disappeared from this world...” Iron Helm said in a whisper, with a far off look in his eyes, and tears streaming down his cheeks.

Shadow Flight could hardly believe what he had heard. He looked uneasily around himself. Even though they were sitting in a private corner, quite well removed from the rest of the restaurant, this was not the place to express such emotions. It had been stupid of him to ask that question, especially here of all places. Just then, Iron Helm shook himself, dried his tears, and then looked back at Shadow Flight without a single emotion showing on his features. Shadow Flight stared at Iron Helm completely bewildered by the transformation.

“Don't look so surprised Shadow Flight. If there’s one thing you learn growing up inside these walls, it's how to keep your emotions in check when you need to,” Iron Helm said coldly.

“I'm... I'm sorry I pried into your past… I had no idea… And here I thought what happened to Bright Sky and little Zig Zag was bad… But now I am almost thankful that she at least wasn't dragged down there before they killed her,” Shadow Flight said sadly, and then he remembered something.

“Lord Steel Hull… Wasn't he killed a couple years ago? The whole city was in an uproar about it,” Shadow Flight asked, now looking carefully at Iron Helm, who smiled without any warmth at all in the expression.

“Yes… He was so surprised when his robber didn't seem to have any care at all for his worthless money; he was begging me to stop while I slowly gutted him in that dark alley. I took my time about it, drawing it out as much as I could... The look in his eyes when I finally asked him if he had ever stopped when any of his special art projects begged him to… ohhh… the crystal clear realization that I was only there to slowly kill him,. It was such a wonderful thing to see the fear in his eyes,” Iron Helm said with a manic smile across his face, which managed to send shivers down Shadow Flights spine. Even though Iron Helm tried to be a good pony, he still had his parent’s blood coursing through his veins, and the darkness that came with that heritage. In the end, it all came down to that single moment in the caves which turned him into a monster that now only preyed upon other monsters.

“Well, good evening, son. Fancy seeing you here. And who is your friend?” a pleasant female voice asked from beside them. Iron Helm's face immediately went back to normal, while Shadow Flight almost jumped out of his seat. Besides them, stood one of the most beautiful mares in North Bay; Iron Helm's mother, Sharp Edge. She was a lighter shade of brown than her son, and her dark blue mane was tightly tied back and became an exquisitely made pony tail at the back of her head with a light blue ribbons was tied into it. Two loops of it sensually fell down the side of her face before they disappeared back into her ponytail, framing her features very nicely. Her tail was voluminous and well cared for, with the same type of light blue ribbons tied into it. I all gave her a very refined look. On her flank could be seen a purple velvet coin purse, with a knife resting against it. The thing that really had Shadow Flight spellbound was Sharp Edge very alert and intelligent looking dark blue eyes.

“Good evening, mother. This is Shadow Flight, a very good informant of mine. He's been helping me with the case concerning the Bright Sky movement,” Iron Helm said without missing a beat.

“Really! That's wonderful to hear. I have a few minutes free right now. Do you mind if I sit down?” she asked pleasantly, although it was not a request.

“Certainly mother! By all means sit down,” Iron Helm said as he levitated another cushion over to the table for her to sit on. Sharp Edge made herself comfortable, while simultaneously studying Iron Helm´s new friend. He was older than Iron Helm, that much was certain. Her son was only nineteen, and his informant was somewhere around thirty she'd wager. Sharp Edge clapped her hooves together, and immediately, three glasses of wine appeared in front of the table’s occupants.

“Now then, my son… please enlighten me to what you've been doing lately,” Sharp Edge commanded while taking a small sip from her glass. Iron Helm shrugged a bit.

“Not much to say really… It's still early in the search; although I've managed to find and permanently shut up two of them. And that would not have happened without Shadow Flight here, even though I first thought he was one of them. Since he was actually the neighbor of the original Bright Sky when she was alive, he was very high on my suspect list in fact,” Iron Helm said offhoofedly. Shadow Flight couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could Iron Helm shine a spotlight on him like this? Was he crazy? Shadow Flight started sweating bullets as he once again found himself under the scrutiny of Sharp Edge.

“Really… now that is interesting,” Sharp Edge said while she watched Shadow Flight twitch uncertainly under examination.

“Yes, but I decided to dig deeper, and that was lucky since it turned out they were not very close at all. Actually, they were in quite a fierce competition for customers. I also learned, through prolonged observation, that Shadow Flight here is one of the most talented smugglers in all of North Bay. There are not many ways in or out of the city he does not know of, especially if you don't want others to know that you're moving something,” Iron Helm continued without giving his partner a second glance. Shadow Flight’s whole face had turned white.There was no way Sharp Edge would not figure out the two of them were behind the disappearance of her girls now. But, right then, she gave a little cough to indicate to her son just how close to a state of panic his acquaintance was in. Iron Helm lazily looked over to his friend and tapped his hoof against the table to get his attention.

“Relax Shadow Flight; my mother would have known everything about you in something like two hours from now, whether I told her or not. And I had already planned to introduce you to each other. I think she will be interested in your services from time to time in the future. And she will not use any of this against you as long as you keep being useful to me,” Iron Helm said with a bit of a dark undertone. Shadow Flight just nodded rapidly.

“Hehe… That's good to know… You… You could warn me next time you are just going to blurt out my occupation to the whole world though… it would be very much appreciated,” Shadow Flight said with a little bit of annoyance in his voice towards the end. Sharp Edge couldn't help but give a little giggle while she levitated a wine glass in front of Shadow Flight so that he could take a little sip.

“Now, now. Don't you worry Shadow Flight, my son is quite right. And if you truly are as good as he seems to think you are, then I will most definitely be interested in your services as well. What do you know about my establishment?” Sharp Edge wondered. Shadow Flight glanced uneasily over towards Iron Helm, who just gave a single nod.

“Probably more than I should… A part of my businesses is information after all,” Shadow Flight said carefully. Sharp Edge features changed immediately from the hospitable restaurant owner she usually presented in public, as her true business face came out.

“Good, that will make this much easier, and it is also good to know that your information is once again safely under our control, since you are now in our service. I trust you know what would happen if you disappoint me?” Sharp Edge wondered.

“Yes… Mistress Sharp Edge… That is part of the reason why I have been a little bit fiddly so far…” Shadow Flight answered her. As he used the word mistress, Sharp Edge eyes shone up. She just loved hearing that word. She just couldn't get enough of it. She smiled pleasantly back at her new business acquaintance.

“That is understandable then, but, like my son said, as long as you serve us well, our business dealings will be quite profitable for you,” Sharp Edge said delightedly.

“Then it's an honor to make your acquaintance Mistress Sharp Edge,” Shadow
Flight said, while he swallowed down some bile at the back of his throat and bowed respectfully to her. Sharp Edge just clapped her hooves together happily.

“Ohhhh… I'm so happy you´re finally starting to make some worthwhile friends, my son. Now, I have some things I have to take care of, but it was a pleasure meeting you Shadow Flight,” Sharp Edge said and gave an ever so slight nod towards him, before trotting away. Shadow Flight watched her leave and then gave a huge sigh of relief.

“What was that all about? Something tells me this was the real reason you brought me here tonight,” Shadow Flight said accusingly.

“Yes… And I'm sorry I sprung that on you like that, but if you had reacted in any other way then you did, my mother would truly have grown suspicious. But don't worry, you did exactly what I hope you would, and now we will both be able to work from the inside of The Officers Club,” Iron Helm said with a smile.

“That will be a great advantage for us, but don't get me wrong... I'm still pissed off about this,” Shadow Fight huffed, although he couldn't help but grin at his devious young friend. “So we will take them down from the inside... you have a plan I hope?”

“Yes… It will unfortunately take a couple of years before our organization is strong enough to tare this place down to its foundations. Until that day comes, all we can do is rescue as many mares as we can along the way. Red Rose being the one in most need right now, I will bring her to you within the next forty-eight hours,” Iron Helm said.

“Good. I'll go make sure everything is ready for her to join her little sister in Bridlelon, at least to begin with. I still think they will need to move further away to be truly safe,” Shadow Flight said a bit thoughtfully.

“I will leave all those arrangements to you my friend, and let there be a Bright Sky tomorrow,” Iron Helm said raising his glass. Shadow Flight looked down at his own glass, not having any magic to lifted it with he simply took the whole top of it into his mouth, turned his head up, and gulp all the wine done in one go. After he put the glass back down, Shadow Flight looked back up at Iron Helm with a grin.

“Yes, let there be a Bright Sky tomorrow,” he said, repeating the words Iron Helm had just uttered. He trotted off with a determined look across his face, eager to start the wheels turning on another rescue attempt.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 23 Sanctuary…

True Black
Chapter 23
Sanctuary…

17 of April

The winds howled around Lobo, Raven and Zig Zag as they struggled through the ever increasing snowfall. The further up amongst the mountains they pushed, the harsher the weather was becoming. It was, of course, no problem for Lobo or Raven; they both had fur and plumage to cope with the cold weather. But the same could not be said for little Zig Zag. The first problem was that his coat just wasn't thick or long enough to insulate him properly. And the second was his size; being only a small colt, Zig Zag´s body just wasn't big enough to retain body heat as effectively as his two companions. Not wanting to slow Lobo and Raven down, he kept quiet about it, but it became impossible to hide the fact when his teeth started clattering together uncontrollably.

Lobo finally understood what was happening. He tried to curl around Zig Zag to share his body heat, but Raven beat him to it. She embraced Zig Zag in a fierce hug and then tenderly wrapping her wings around them both, unable to suppress a little smile. Upon seeing his little pup glanced nervously, but appreciably, up at Raven, who was still looking fondly down at Zig Zag, Lobo had just smiled himself. Instead, he opted to settle down next to the two of them, effectively using his considerable bulk to shield the two youngsters from the frigid wind. They continued resting like this for a couple of hours until Zig Zag reluctantly confessed that he was finally warm again. After this little setback, Zig Zag had been made to ride Lobo for most of the time, where he could bury himself quite deeply into Lobo´s thick and insulating coat, only coming down when he finally grew too restless. Once on the ground, his pent-up energy would mostly be spent on generally annoy the Gryphoness now accompanying them. But no matter how fiercely Raven growled sometimes, one could still see she liked the attention Zig Zag was giving her.

During the time they had so far spent together, Zig Zag and Raven had clearly formed a very close friendship. Lobo would almost always see them right next to each other, and, when they weren't, they were always within visual range of the other. Which, of course, didn't limit Raven too much since her eyesight was incredible, so it was Zig Zag´s field of vision they went by. The only time they weren't close together was when Raven ventured out to scout the area around them.

The first night the three of them had spent recovering, had been a night of discovery. As the full moon rose, Lobo´s coat shifted into its glowing moon shining shade. This prompted shouts of surprise and delight from both Zig Zag and Raven, and even more so when they saw his wounds starting to close in front of their eyes. When Lobo found out he was actually glowing a bit, he was quite surprised himself. And relieved that he had learned of it now, instead of when he was sneaking up on something potentially dangerous.

The second thing they had discovered was just how good Raven was at manipulating items with her talons. Before Lobo or Zig Zag had even thought about it, Raven had gathered up the thick leather belts and daggers that formerly belonged to the three bandit brothers. She had then, under the curious attention of Lobo and Zig Zag, quickly turned two of the belts into a cross chested harness. To this harness she had secured the two best daggers they now possessed, their handles jutting out over either one of Zig Zag´s shoulders from his back, and within easy reach for him. After practicing furiously, he was now able to quickly draw and tuck the blades away again in a smooth quick motion. When Raven then offered to secure the last belt with several knives around Lobo´s midsection, she had been surprised by him declining the offer, making it quite clear the belt and knives would serve Raven much better than him. When she had been about to protest, by saying a male should always be armed, Lobo had wiggled his claws at Raven, showing that, even though they were quite dexterous, they would be nowhere near as efficient at handling the knives as her own talons would be. He had also told her that he trusted his own fangs more than he trusted any pony or Gryphon made weapon.

Raven was floored by the offer for her to arm herself in this way. Then, she once again realized that Lobo and Zig Zag probably didn't know the significance of what the gesture meant to a female Gryphon. Still, it showed they trusted her a lot even though they just met each other, and she vowed to herself that she would make sure she was worthy of the trust.

This was one of the thoughts running through Raven's head while she was returning from one of her scouting trips. She was just about to descend down and scared the bejesus out of Zig Zag, when a flash of reflective light caught her eye just off to the left of where Zig Zag and Lobo were walking; well Lobo was walking, Zig Zag was stubbornly burrowing through the snow beside him. Raven’s attention, however, was firmly on a small wing of five well armored Gryphons who were attentively watching Lobo and Zig Zag walking past beneath them from a ledge. The wind was in their favor, so Lobo would not be able to pick up their scent. Raven started to carefully descend towards them, when one of the Gryphons produced a bow and took careful aim towards Lobo. Icy lines of fear latched themselves around Raven's heart and, before she knew what she was doing, Raven was dive-bombing towards the whole wing of Gryphons, with a knife held at the point of the blade. She knew she would not make it in time, so she threw the knife with all her strength, aiming for the Gryphon with a bow. Lucky for her, she was not proficient enough with knives yet to hit what she was aiming at, at least not while travelling at such speeds she was at that moment. The knife slammed into the earth just in front of the Gryphon aiming at her friends. He and the rest of the wing reared back, squawking in anger and surprise. Raven slammed down moments later, spreading her wings in a defensive posture, while she glared at them.

“I will not allow you to harm the one who claims me!” Raven squawked fiercely at them, while she tried to keep her anger out of her voice, but failing. The five Gryphons all stared back at her slack-jawed, then the one with a bow, the leader she presumed, got a very flustered and angry expression. Raven had emphasized the importance that Zig Zag openly laid claim to her whenever they met other Gryphon's. Or else it would be within their rights to just take her away with them. Reluctantly, Zig Zag and Lobo had agreed to go along with what they thought was a rather condescending practice.

“Move aside female! Or I will have you beaten between the wings until you can´t fly for a month!” the lead Gryphon roared at her. As an answer, Raven retrieved her thrown dagger from the earth and held it out in front of her at the ready. The four males took this as a great offence from her, so each one drew their scimitars simultaneously, while the single female Gryphon with them was still just staring at Raven from behind them, completely bewildered by her behavior. Just as the four males were about to move in on the troublesome girl, she could feel a presence at her back, and she drew a relieved breath as Lobo's massive shadow seemed to fill up space between her and the advancing Gryphons, who had all just stopped dead in their tracks. A deep growl now filled the air; to any of the other Gryphons it was a sound that filled their hearts with dread. To Raven, it was a sound that made her feel giddy with joy: Lobo and Zig Zag had arrived. And she knew, with all her heart, that now nothing could threaten her without paying a dire price for it.

“Are you okay Raven?” Lobo´s fearsome voice asked in a rasping growl.

“Yes… I’m fine,” Raven said without letting her eyes leave the five Gryphons in front of her. Zig Zag landed beside Raven with one of the daggers firmly clenched between his teeth. He looked at the Gryphon's in front of him; they were all wearing finely made plate armor, the weight of which would have made it more or less impossible for any Pegasus to fly. The only one who had leather armor on was the female Gryphon at the back, apparently not worthy of having the same protection as her male counterparts.

“Who are these guys? They don't look like the bandits we killed earlier,” Zig Zag asked Raven. This statement made the Gryphon's in front of them take a somewhat more defensive stance, while they studied the three strangers in front of them.

“There well armored, so I'd say they are most likely the warriors of a nearby village. But if that's the case, I don't know what they're doing all the way out here,” Raven proclaimed loudly.

“Quite girl! You do not speak without permission in the presence of males. So shut up, or I will have you beaten senseless once we've brought you back to the village!” the bow carrying Gryphon roared at her.

“You can touch me! I'm already claimed!” Raven spat back in defiance. Once again surprising the five Gryphons who just couldn’t believe the nerve of this girl, to speak against a male in such a fashion.

“I see no one with the rights to claim you, girl! Now get over here and be quite!” he spat back. Immediately, a deep rumbling growl once again started to emit from Lobo while Zig Zag jumped out in front of Raven.

“You won't lay a claw on Raven! If you even try, I'll slit your throat!” Zig Zag yelled at the Gryphon's in front of him. The lead Gryphon laughed out loud, as he reared up so he could freely aim his bow at Zig Zag.

“You're challenging me to the right of claim? You're not even a Gryphon! But if you like, I'll take you on. I think it will be good for you to learn some manner,” the lead Gryphon said with a sinister look in his eyes. Zig Zag smiled, this was exactly what they wanted. Raven had told them that they would most likely have to defend their rights to keep her, and that the challenge would most likely be issued towards Zig Zag. But, since Lobo had adopted him, he would, according to Gryphon law, have the right to take Zig Zag´s place in a challenge for claim.

“I accept!” Zig Zag said fiercely. The lead Gryphon raised an eyebrow at this, clearly not expecting an acceptance of the challenge. Finally, he gave a little chuckle when he understood this was actually happening.

“Very well… I'll teach you a lesson you will not soon forget pony!” the lead Gryphon said, handing his bow and scimitar over to the Gryphon next to him and then stepped out in front of the group spreading his wings in a threatening display. Raven had removed Zig Zag´s daggers. All fights for claim of a female were fought unarmed. The general consensus being that no female could ever be worth the loss of a male. Despite this, death still occurred from time to time. Just as Zig Zag was about to step forward, Lobo's growl could be heard from behind.

“You cowardly! Challenging my pup while I stand here! And in full armor while he is wearing nothing but a weapon harness!” Lobo growled at the Gryphon leader. This caught all of the Gryphons off-guard, and they started looking repeatedly from the little blue pony to the enormous black Wolf.

“Very funny, Wolf… I will, however, allow you to take the pony’s place, since he is obviously rather outmatched… and I do not have proof to disclaim your parenthood of him, though I highly doubt it,” the Gryphon replied with a sneer.

“It's true. Lobo is Zig Zag´s father.” Raven stated calmly, while Zig Zag burst out in a wide grin, showing off his canines to the now stunned Gryphons. They were, of course, not real; Zig Zag had filed his own teeth in a fit of desperation, trying to escape the pain in his soul by flooding his mind with pain from something else. It had all happened while he tried to come to grips with the loss of his mother. Although, Zig Zag have slowly come to realise that he never truly will be able to do so. But the Gryphon´s didn't know that his canines weren’t real from birth, and they now seemed to give Lobo´s claim some real weight behind it.

Lobo walked out to stand in front of the Gryphon challenger. Rising up to his full height, Lobo stared at the Gryphon, clearly relishing the upcoming fight. The lead Gryphon squawked in anger, showing he would have rather taken the female from the little pony instead. Slowly, the two combatants started to circle each other. The remaining Gryphons backed off, as did Zig Zag and Raven.

Lobo now truly looked at his adversary; he was much better equipped than any of the bandits they had fought a couple of days ago, and in much better condition, with heavy muscle clearly visible. This lead Gryphon was wearing a large breastplate with attached shoulder pads covering his upper torso. Heavy plate mail shielded the outer and inner thighs of the lead Gryphon, the other Gryphons had chainmail leggings instead of plate. Once again excluding the female amongst them, who only wore leather. This meant the lead Gryphon would be very well protected, but it also meant he would tire quickly and be quite slow, or so Lobo hoped.

Suddenly, the Gryphon charged, slashing at Lobo with his right talon. Lobo slid below the strike like flowing water. Many of the Gryphons cheered as they thought the blow had actually connected, but the cheers got caught in their throats when Lobo´s teeth sunk into to neck of their leader just above the neck lining of his armor. But, to his credit, the Gryphon leader reacted fast and Lobo only came away with a few feathers between his teeth. But the message to the Gryphon leader was clear; I'm much faster than you! Lobo´s eyes were saying while he glared at the Gryphon and spat out his feathers on the snow covered ground.

“Not bad… I'll actually have to put some effort into this,” the Gryphon wing leader said with a huff, and started to prowl around Lobo in the other direction. Lobo just stood there, waiting for him, and it seemed to make the Gryphon quite agitated. A lone Wolf was supposed to run from any Gryphon in a fight, at least if they knew what was good for them. But since The Pack Lands was far from Feliniss, he had never fought or even seen a Wolf before. Although what he had heard didn't go too well with what was standing in front of him, he was definitely not supposed to be standing shoulder to shoulder with a Wolf. That much he knew. And who had ever heard of a Wolf mating with a pony? Something definitely wasn't right here and he didn't like it one bit.

The Gryphon had almost made a complete circle when he had finally had enough. Once again, he charged in towards Lobo, but this time he reared up on his hind legs, freeing both talons to slash at him. The Gryphon continued to stand like this, keeping its balance with the help of his wings. Lobo immediately recognized the fighting stance; it was the same one Bender had been using when they fought in Lightning Strikes camp. But the Gryphon was much more maneuverable when he stood like this, he was able to lean to impossible angles, only to recover with a couple of strokes of his wings. Lobo was now only able to concentrate on defenses. As strike after strike rained down towards him, he was barely able to dodge them all, some even gracing the fur on his head and shoulders.

Finally, Lobo got tired of it and decided to test the strength of the Gryphon. Catching either talon against each of his claws, they were now both standing on their hind legs while trying to push the other over backwards. Although the Gryphon did not possess the unbelievable strength that Bender had displayed, it soon became apparent that the Gryphon was still stronger. Both his bulk and the fact that he was wearing heavy armor, gave him a clear advantage Lobo could not counter. Slowly but surely, he was starting to get pushed back. He tried to pull away, but the Gryphon would not let go when it was so obvious he was surely going to win this contest. Lobo then remembered just what he had done with Bender to get out of a similar situation. Without any warning he quickly shifted from push to pull. Just like Bender, the Gryphon wing leader came flying towards him, unable to stop the momentum. Lobo rolled over on his back, and kicked straight up with his hindquarters, sending the Gryphon sailing through the air behind him. But, unlike Bender, the Gryphon leader just spun around in the air and came down on all fours, squawking angrily at him. Lobo only halfway through standing up himself, could only watch as the Gryphon wing leader came in an all-out charge, grinning viciously as he was convinced he was about to end this fight, and lay claim to the unusual looking female.

Lobo, however, immediately reacted as he had always done whenever facing an impossible situation; he attacked head on not caring what might happen to him. Catching the Gryphon completely off-guard, he took the wing leaders attack willingly, receiving long bloody furrows across his face for his trouble, the Gryphon only missing Lobo´s left eye with mere millimeters, as Lobo pushed his head through the grasping talons. As he came through, Lobo´s jaws closed around the Gryphon´s throat in a vice-like grip. The Gryphon could do nothing as Lobo pushed back with all his strength, toppling the Gryphon over on his back and slamming him down onto the ground in a loud clatter of armor and thrashing limbs. The Gryphon immediately seized Lobo´s upper and lower jaws and tried to pry them open, only for a warning growl to sound from the enormous Wolf.

“Yield, or I will tear your throat out!” Lobo warned savagely. The Gryphon wing leader immediately let go of Lobo´s jaws, holding his palms up in a calming gesture. Lobo let go a little bit so that air could once again flow through the Gryphon´s throat. The wing leader immediately took a couple of ragged breath, while glaring angrily at him.

“I… I yield… the female is yours!” he proclaimed as loudly as he could. Upon hearing this, Lobo let go, carefully watching the Gryphon who cautiously felt around the throat to make sure there were no life-threatening injuries.

“Good! Now with that little dispute out of the way, why did you try to attack us? We haven't done anything against you,” Lobo asked. The Gryphon stood up watching Lobo warily.

"We're having a bit of a problem with our neighboring villages at the moment. We have had a very productive year when it comes to rearing hatchlings, while the three villages around us have had dismal failures all around. This leading to them thinking they can come and steal some of our hatchlings to bolster their own numbers. Losing a couple of females would be no problem, but they've actually stolen three males from us so far! We thought you might be working for one of them, so we wanted to ask you a few questions. The shot we were aiming at you was only a warning shot… to get your attention,” the Gryphon wing leader said defensively.

“Liar! You would never risk as steel arrowhead for a warning shot. There is too much of a risk that it would be ruined if it hit a rock in the frozen ground,” Raven spat out. Upon hearing this, Lobo narrowed his eyes at the wing leader, who was glaring at Raven willing her to shut up.

“Thank you, Raven. That was very informative. Now shall we try this again? You're saying that your neighbors are stealing your hatchlings…” There was a low growl of disapproval from Lobo, the thought of pups of any kind being in danger made the hair on his back rising in anger. He had to take a deep breath and calm himself before he continued.

“If what you say is true, and they are stealing your hatchlings, I would be willing to help in your defense of them, as long as you provide for the three of us while we stay with you,” Lobo said, and looked the wing leader in the eyes. The Gryphon looked curiously at Lobo, trying to decide if he truly meant what he said. If this Wolf was a mercenary, and they managed to hire him for such a low price, then it would at least be worth the bother of bringing him back to the village for the elders to decide what to do. If nothing else, they might still be able to lay claim to that exotic looking female he has with him.

“Very well… You may come back to our village. Robin! You will show our guests the way back to Crown Peak. In the meantime, the rest of the wing will accompany me on the remaining sweep of our territory. We should still make it back before you reach the village. Once you arrive there, all of your questions will be answered by the elders. If there are any immediate concerns, Robin will address them if she's capable of doing so,” the wing leader said. Lobo nodded.

“That sounds acceptable for now… My name is Lobo, by the way. My pup's name is Zig Zag and the Gryphoness he… claims… is named Raven,” Lobo said with almost a palatable distaste of how he had to introduce Raven as more or less their property.

“Then I bid you good day and goodbye Lobo. My name is Panther, and I'm the leader of this wing. Depending on what the elders say, I will be very interested in talking to you later tonight,” Panther said and spread his wings. Immediately, all of the male warriors stood in a V-formation behind him and, as one, they all shot up into the sky. Left behind was a rather disappointed looking female Gryphon. All of a sudden, she felt a little tap on the side of her front leg. Robin jerked aside, ready to strike whatever had managed to sneak up on her. But as her eyes fell on the little blue pony now smiling up at her, she stopped mid-strike.

By my wings! Where did he come from??? Robin thought, and looked over towards Lobo and Raven who were both still sitting in the same place discussing something between them, while Raven looked at the injuries Lobo got in the fight over her.

“Hi! I'm Zig Zag! You must be Robin! That's a neat looking armor you got… Isn't it difficult to fly around with a spear all the time? How far is it to the village? Have you ever been in a battle? I have and I don't like it, although I didn't have a choice either… You think there is any armor in my size? Dad! Can I get some armor?!” the energetic little pony yelled while he scampered off back towards his two companions. Robin just stood there, one of her claws still raced ready to deliver a strike that would never fall, and her jaw hanging open.

I hope he's not like that all the way back home… Robin thought with a shudder, she had never really liked hatchlings. And this one seemed like a real claw full. Although, as he scampered back, Robin noticed that half his right ear was gone, and he spotted a nastily looking scar across his left flank.

Has that little kid truly been in a battle? Robin wondered perplexed.

Well I guess I'll have a few hours to find out, maybe this trip won't be such a bore after all… Robin thought hopefully while her three charges walked towards her.

****

The four of them had been travelling for a couple of hours. Zig Zag had been placed on Lobo´s back more or less immediately, and fell asleep within half an hour of them setting off. Robin watched the Dire Wolf in fascination as he seemed to glide along the ground. At first she thought he’d set off at a far too high pace, but, after awhile, she had realized he wasn't even straining himself. Beside her, the strangely colored Gryphon female was flying along with her. Robin had never seen any Gryphon with her coloration; Raven had completely black talons and beak, together with the grey feathers that turned black towards the ends. The only common features she possessed was her dark golden-brown shaggy looking fur, and her two gold colored eyes. Carefully, Robin maneuvered in closer to Raven.

“So, what's the deal with those two and you?” Robin asked carefully while they lazily flapped their wings, trying not to outpace the two on the ground. Raven looked back at her, giving her a searching glance before replying.

“Zig Zag saved my life when the three Gryphon males I was with at the time tried to kill me… Zig Zag given me some food when I passed out in front of him, because I hadn't really eaten anything in a month. Then the three of them found me with the remains of the rabbit, and decided right then and there to kill me for my insolence. If Zig Zag hadn’t come back right then and bucked Jaggar´s face in… I would be dead right now for sure. And Lobo… is Zig Zag´s dad, and both of them are the nicest males I have ever met,” Raven said, and looked down at the Wolf and, more specifically, the sleeping colt, and then sighed fondly.

“Wow… I hadn't expected that little rogue to be such a… wait a minute… you're really into him, aren't you?” Robin asked with a mischievous grin. Raven shot a surprised look back at Robin.

“What?! No way! I mean sure he's… nice… and kind… and so brave…” Raven said while timidly casting a glanced down at the sleeping form of Zig Zag, once again unable to suppress another affectionate sigh.

“Oooo… You got it bad girl, I can see it as plain as daylight. But still… Isn't he a little young for you?” Robin asked uncertainly. Raven's eyes immediately left Zig Zag and watched Robin, not understanding what she was on about. Then she realized it and gave a little laugh.

“No… We're the same age actually, he's just smaller because he's a pony. But don't think less of him because he is small, Zig Zag is quite the warrior and hunter… I have personally seen him kill a Pegasus guard who was chasing him, not to mention when he stood up against three Gryphons by himself to save me. That was just after he brought me a whole rabbit he personally hunted down by himself,” Raven said, fidgeting nervously with her talons at the memory. Robin's eyes shot wide open in surprise.

“WOW!!! He wasn't kidding when he said he had claimed you then! I've heard a lot about stallions and their… prowess, but planning a family when he´s that young?” Robin said quite shocked. Raven smiled timidly at Robin shaking her head.

“He doesn't know what that gesture means to us Gryphon´s. He realized I was starving so he did something about it. For him, it was just an act of kindness, nothing more,” Raven said rather disappointedly. Robin looked at her knowingly.

“But you wished he had known… don't you?” Robin asked while she smiled at Raven. After thinking carefully for a while, Raven nodded a little bit.

“Yeah… he's so different… both of them are… they’re just too good to be true. Especially Zig Zag… guess what the first thing he ever said to me was?” Raven asked with a grin. Robin just looks at her confusedly.

“I don't know… Hello maybe?” Robin answered. Raven smiled and shook her head.

“No he said… thank you… The first thing Zig Zag ever said to me was thank you.” She answered almost reverently. Robin was now also looking down at the sleeping little colt.

“I have to agree… he does sound too good to be true,” Robin said with a searching glance downwards, wondering if she could maybe make the little pony claim her as well. No… that would just be awkward, she was almost twice his age, and three time his size after all. The two of them continued talking as they flew, and it was easy to see that Raven had been the only female in her last wing. She told Robin almost anything she wanted to know, so it wasn't long before Robin knew more or less everything Raven knows about the Wolf and the pony, although Raven did keep a few facts to herself. Soon, they moved on to talk about the hardships of their lives so far and what they hoped their futures might bring, slowly making their way back towards Robin´s village.

****

Avarice marched into the makeshift camp focusing solely on two of the ponies waiting at attention for him. His scouts found the small encampment earlier that morning, and as he was now walking up towards Lightning Strike and Black Star. His fury was boiling so hot inside of him he wouldn't have been surprised if the ground caught fire wherever his hoof made contact with it. He came to a halt in front of them glaring.

“Report!!!” Avarice roared. Lightning Strike winched and then took a deep breath.

“Lobo escaped Sir…” she said, trying to keep calm. Avarice looked behind her fuming; every single soldier he had sent with her was loyal to him, voluntarily or not, so it was a great blow to see so many missing. Out of the nine Pegasus, six now remained. And the unicorns had fared even worse, with only two out of nine having survived. Surprisingly, both the earth ponies were still alive; Avarice had always been looking down his nose at earth ponies, seeing them as inferior to the two other races. His face contorted into a frown as his eyes snapped back to Lightning Strike.

“Well that's bleeding obvious! You've lost half of the ponies under your command! What happened!!!” he yelled. Lightning Strike immediately launched into a detailed report of what had happened during their pursuit of the Dire Wolf. As she finished, Avarice gave an annoyed grunt.

“So we have clearly underestimated the spirit Wolf by some magnitude…” Avarice said, his mind already working on a way to turn this disaster around. Lightning Strike and Black Star both stood dead still in front of him, waiting for him to come to a decision. Finally, he looked back at Lightning.

“What have you done so far?” he wondered.

“I have sent a message to the Kings Court in Feliniss requesting permission to cross the border in pursuit of an escaped prisoner,” Lightning informed Avarice. He gave a snort.

“Do you have any idea how long something like that will take? And even if it gets through within a month they will never approve it. Don't you think they will most likely hunt him down and keep him for themselves now that they know we want him?” he asked while smiling without any trace of warmth, like he was talking to a stupid little child. Lightning was about to answer when Avarice just cut her off.

“Don't answer that, you will only hurt yourself… Besides, we don't need their permission to pursue the spirit Wolf anyway,” he said confidently. Both Lightning Strike and Black Star's jaws were left hanging open at his statement.

“But, but, but… going in without permission would be seen as a declaration of war!” Lightning Strike burst out desperately. She had known Avarice was very keen on getting his hooves on Lobo, but going so far as declaring open war on a Gryphon Kingdom, especially the one they had the friendliest contact with, was way beyond anything he had a right to do. Avarice once again looked at Lightning Strike as if she was thick in the head.

“Honestly… How the heck could they be thinking about promoting you?” Avarice muttered to himself before he continued.

“Who said anything about going into Feliniss? We will just use those Gryphon´s sensational greed to our advantage. Put a substantial bounty on him and every damned one of those money hungry Gryphons in Feliniss will be working for us within a fortnight!” Avarice said with a smug smile. Lightning Strike and Black Star both looked stunned. That was actually quite a brilliant idea; why hadn't they thought about it? Avarice now focused on Black Star.

“How goes your research? Have you continued your studies since last?” he asked pointedly. Black Star snapped to attention.

“Yes sir! But I have encountered some problems in the research I have not been able to overcome yet,” she informed him.

“Then what are you doing here? Get your research tent set up and get back to work!” Avarice yelled at her. Black Star immediately scrambled away to carry out her orders, leaving Avarice alone with Lightning Strike. Avarice gave her a long searching look.

“You have been quite a disappointment my dear… Do you think you can handle this from now on… or would I be better served promoting somepony else to your position?” Avarice asked coldly. Lightning Strike winched at his harsh words.

“No Sir! I will do betters Sir!” she answered him.

“See that you do! Now get out of my site and get this camp set up properly!” he roared at her, sending Lightning Strike scrambling just like Black Star had done moments earlier. Avarice looked after Lightning Strike with a sinister smile across his face. Even though he had lost ten ponies, he had most likely gained Lightning Strikes future obedience through this failure of hers. So this whole fiasco would most likely work to his advantage after all. He trotted away through the chaos that was a camp in the making, whistling a happy little tune as he went along, once again at ease with how things were turning out.

****

Lobo, Zig Zag and Raven were escorted by Robin towards their new lodgings once they had arrived at Crown Peak, which was aptly named it turned out. The whole village was situated on the flat bottom of a long dead volcano; it's jagged and half collapsed natural walls around the village making it look like a sinister shaped crown at the top of the peak as they arrived.

The meeting with the village elders had been long, tedious and drawn-out. Finally, it had been decided that Lobo would be hired on as a guardian for the female half of the hatchlings so that the Warriors of the village could concentrate on training the younger males without the nuisance of having to worry about females getting in the way. Lobo had accepted, at a price of food, lodging and more and better armament for the three of them.

They had been issued a room at the local inn, and, as they walked into it, they could clearly see it was not one of the more expensive rooms. There were four serviceable beds in the room, one in each corner. At the head of each bed was a rickety looking night table, and at the foot a good-sized chest to stow whatever valuables the current occupants in the room might have. In the center of the room stood a surprisingly sturdy looking table. As they all filed into the room, Lobo jumped up on the first bed next to the door, this way the first thing any intruder would face would be Lobo himself. Raven, seeing what Lobo had done, took the bed furthest from the door, and was then pleasantly surprised when Zig Zag jumped up on the same bed and made himself comfortable right next to her. Raven quickly draped one of her wings over him and Zig Zag respondent happily by snuggling up close to her. Robin has stopped just inside of the door, and was now looking fondly at Zig Zag and Raven. It was clear as day that the both cared a great deal for the other. Lobo was also smiling widely at the sight of them.

“Well, this is your room. And you will also receive your food here at the inn. Now, if you excuse me, I will go to the smith and see what I can scrounge up for you three. I will bring back all I can and then we'll see what fits,” Robin said, and then turned around and left. Once she was gone, Lobo turned towards Raven.

“I know you couldn't speak in front of the elders or anyone else for that matter, but I would like to hear your thoughts now… can we trust them?” he asked her. Raven just rolled her eyes.

“They are Gryphons, so no... we can't. But they've hired you for a very low price Lobo… therefore, they will most likely keep us around, seeing as they get so much out of the deal. But then again… the fact that you're so cheap to hire, will also work against us, since they won't expect very much loyalty from you at such a low price,” Raven said thoughtfully. Lobo nodded.

“I thought as much… unfortunately, I do not know what a reasonable price for my service is, and I'm mostly doing it just to protect the hatchlings here anyway. No one should be separated from their parents at such a young age…” Lobo said sadly while his eyes rested on Zig Zag and Raven who both could only nod in agreement. Raven's stomach all of a sudden gave a loud growl. Zig Zag and Lobo both smiled at her obvious embarrassment.

“Well, I'll go see if I can get the three of us something to eat,” Lobo said merrily.

“No, I'll do that!” Raven said a little alarmed, thinking herself lax in her responsibilities.

“No, you two rest for now. Besides, I really want to have a sniff around this place. I have to learn which scents belong here, that way I'll know if something is out of place in the future,” Lobo said as he walked out of the room. Zig Zag and Raven were now left alone, and, after a few minutes, the silence started to get oppressive.

“Zig Zag… Can I ask you something…” Raven suddenly wondered. Zig Zag watched her curiously and then nodded.

“Do you know anything about your… natural father?” she asked. Zig Zag eyes went wide at the question.

“No!” he said fiercely, almost making Raven flinch back. After a few moments, he gave a sigh and looked out of one of the two windows in the room.

“Well… Maybe a little. Mom… Mom said he was a very brave pony. The first time they met, he had actually saved her from some ruffians who wouldn't take no for an answer when she and Cherry Tree had gone out for a drink one evening. He was an earth pony and still stood up against two unicorns and a Pegasus by himself. He then escorted mom and Cherry Tree home. Mom thought he would ask to come in or be compensated in some other way, but the moment she was safe at her door he had only walked away after wishing the two of them a good evening,” Zig Zag said, still gazing out of the window. Raven was almost holding her breath, she realized that this was something very personal that Zig Zag wouldn't tell just anyone.

“Two weeks later, they had bumped into each other again while she was out doing errands. They sat down to have lunch together and talked for awhile… It had ended up with him asking her out… after that, every time he came back to North Bay they would get together. She never told me what he did, but he was often only able to stay short periods of time. Apparently, he had a dangerous job, and she definitely didn't want me to follow in his hoofsteps. That's why she never told me too much about him even though she loved him... they had been together almost three years when he suddenly didn't come back like he usually did. It was at the same time she realized she was pregnant with me, and, for a couple of years afterwards, she kept hoping he would come home one day. But, after four years, she understood that, because of his job, he was most likely dead, and the rest is, as they say, history,” Zig Zag finished his narrating.

“Well, he does sound like you… being brave… and protecting the ones in need,” Raven said, and pressed him firmer towards her with her wing. Zig Zag turned towards Raven with a sad little smile.

“Yeah maybe…” he answered.

“She didn't tell you anything else? How he looked maybe?” she wondered.

“Mom mentioned he was really big for his age, even as earth ponies go. I think she said he had a brown coat, and that the most noticeable thing was his really bright red mane, and his eyes were actually bright red as well if I remember correctly… mom always said she would tell me all about him when I was old enough to understand... but that will never happen now I guess,” Zig Zag said with tears running down his cheeks. Raven carefully hugged him while Zig Zag once again gazed out of the dirty window, trying to imagine what his would be father might look like. But, no matter how much he tried to see a pony, he always ended up with Lobo standing beside his mother, and they were both smiling back at him.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 25 Sanctuary Days?

True Black
Chapter 25
Sanctuary Days?

29 of April

Zig Zag was once again staggering backwards while one of the other young gryphon Warriors advance on him. Slash after slash rained down, and all he could really do was guard against each blow as it fell. Just like the other young warriors, Zig Zag was standing on his two back hooves, while trying to lash out with his front. This was of course a great disadvantage for him against the other pupils, since he didn't possess wings, which would help him keep balance and increase the range of movement while seeking an opening on his adversary. Not to mention that he was, by far, the smallest and weakest warrior in training. Zig Zag ducked down under a blow, only for his adversary to spin around and swept his hooves out from under him, with one of his outstretched wings. Before Zig Zag could so much as react again, he was pinned on his back with one claw painfully digging into the side of his neck. His adversary leaned in grinning viciously.

“Pathetic! Why don't you just crawl back to your daddy and hide behind his tail; it would seem that's the only thing you will ever amount to pony,” the gryphon youth hissed down at him, before bursting out in a harsh laugh together with all who had been watching the match up. The young Gryphon jumped off him and walked away without a backward glance.

Zig Zag staggered up on all hooves again while coughing as he sucked in air through his very sore throat. Slowly, he staggered over to his place in the circle around the training court, and lay down in order to watched the next matchup. There was quite a large gap in the circle, both to his right and on his left, when you compare it to the spacing between the other young warriors sitting in the circle. But Zig Zag didn't mind this, especially since he truly hated most of them anyway. After only one day here, he had been about to walk away and continue training just with Lobo teaching him, especially since they wouldn't allow him to fight the way he wanted to, the way Lobo was teaching him. He had to stand beside the other Gryphon youngsters, and practice lunges and strikes with his front hooves, trying to repeat the same movements they were doing and constantly being told just how unsatisfactory his attempts were by the lead warrior trainer.

He had fully intended to walk away that first day, and never return to this for him meaningless training. But then just as he left, Zig Zag heard one of the youngsters laughing loudly as he joked with his friends, about the fact that a pathetic little pony could never survive even half a week of gryphon warrior training. Zig Zag had gritted his teeth at that, and the next day he was, to the surprise of all the other gryphon youngsters, sitting in the training circle, waiting for them to arrive.

Every day since then, Zig Zag had willingly taken the punishment dealt to him by the other gryphon youngsters. And, even after Raven had urged him to quit, because much of the standing one had in gryphon society came from how well you’re doing in Gryphon warrior training, and if Zig Zag continued getting pummelled like this, the two of them would pretty much be at the bottom of it, he stubbornly carried on. Raven had then turned to Lobo in order to make Zig Zag quit the gryphon warrior training, and instead concentrate on his and her private training with Lobo. However, to her dismay, Lobo had actually supported Zig Zag´s decision, saying there was more to warrior training then winning sometimes, facing a better opponent and losing could be more beneficial in the long run.

So, here he was, openly ridiculed by his peers, but constantly studying their movement and behaviors, truly looking at his opponents, and smiling inwardly at all the openings he was slowly, but surely, finding. Maybe he never won a fight, but he was most definitely learning.

****

Raven was eyeing the target intently, to the point where nothing else really existed for her. She felt the balance of the knife in her talon, flipped it up into the air, only to catch it deftly again on the way down. She lashed out with it, sending the dagger spinning through the air towards the inner circles of the target. With a satisfying thud, the tip of the dagger sunk into the wood of the target. She grinned with satisfaction as she saw it quiver, just two rings out from absolute dead center.

“You seem to have a knack for that Raven. Don't think I've seen you miss that shield once today, or have you?” a voice sounded from behind her. Turning around, Raven could see Robin standing in the doorway leading out behind Redwing´s shop, onto the makeshift training ground for the female gryphon´s who were allowed to learn such thing as combat. Raven smirked and puffed out her chest while she twirled another dagger in the air, before sending it downfield, to sink into the wooden shield with another satisfying thud.

“Nope… I hit the shield every time now,” she said, beaming back at Robin.

“Then I suggest you start making it more difficult, or you will never improve beyond this point,” Robin said pointedly, and walked over and removed the shield from its current placement. She then proceeded to walk over to a pendulum, where she mounted it, and then sent it swinging back and forth.

“There… Try it now,” Robin said, while she walked away. Raven looked at the now swinging target, and raised another knife in her talon. She let fly only for it to sail by the shield with mere inches.

“Damn it!” Raven exclaimed. Robin, however, had a pleased smirk.

“That was actually a lot closer than I thought you'd get… Try it again!” Robin ordered. Raven's feathers bristled a bit at being so openly ordered to do something by another female, before she narrowed her eyes at the target, and sent another dagger spinning through the air, his time striking one of the outermost circles painted on the wooden shield. Smiling like she had just vanquished an entire army by herself, Raven turned towards Robin, only to be met by a hard leather ball striking her right between the eyes. Raven cried out and clutched her now throbbing forehead.

“What the hell do you think you're doing?!” Raven yelled at Robin, who only chuckled teasingly while she playfully tossed another leather ball between her two talons.

“Just because you concentrate on your target, doesn't mean you can let go of your surroundings,” Robin said, and tossed the ball at Raven. She, however, deftly caught the ball in midair, and then sent it screeching back towards Robin´s face. Instead of catching it like Raven did, Robin just tilted her head and let it pass her by.

“See that… That's called ducking. And it is what you're going to be doing every time I throw one of these babies at you from now on. If I see you getting tunnel vision staring at some targets or other, the next thing you'll notice is the ground meeting your face. Got it?” Robin said with an evil smirk. Raven was looking oddly at Robin now.

“I know I should be thankful that you willing to teach me like this… but right now I still want to clock you!” Raven said heatedly. Robin burst out in a big smile.

“Well, that's why I like you kid! You've got fire in you, and what are a few ridiculously hard balls to the cranium between two friends. Besides… I don't have any other apprentice to torture at the moment, so you have my undivided attention all the time. Aren't you lucky?!” Robin said and burst out laughing. Raven just rolled her eyes and gave a groan of annoyance. The next thing she knew her face met the ground and stars were dancing in front of her eyes.

“I told you! Don't lose track of your surroundings, even for a second. From now on, it doesn't matter if you here, at home, or just walking about town. Your ass is mine! You will learn to keep a sharp eye out for trouble, or you will suffer brain damage in a few days… It's one or the other,” Robin said while she sent the next projectile towards Raven, which she managed to dodge this time.

****

The two gryphon youngsters peered in through the dark window, with difficulty they could make out the big wolf laying on one of the beds sleeping soundly. They grinned at each other and scampered off.

“Are you sure about this, Tigero? He won't be able to do anything about this?” the younger of the two gryphons asked.

“Quit your worrying, Snowy… You saw him; he will be sleeping in there until nightfall. Besides, I heard my dad talking with one of the elders. He said it was a shame he wasn't younger like me… Or else he would have taken that female from the little pony long ago. If someone his own age challenges him, the Wolf won't have any right to interfere,” Tigero said with a smirk. Snow Leopard nodded back merrily.

“Yeah, we've been thrashing him all week in training! Taking his female, however, that should really rattle him up!” Snowy answered while they both smiled at their brilliant plan for tormenting the little pony.

****

“Hi Redwing! Are they out back?” Zig Zag chirped in a happy voice as he trotted into the leather armorers shop. She was currently in the process of making leather belts, something all gryphons used, no matter if they were male or female.

“Good day, Zig Zag. They’re are out back, just walk on through,” Redwing said, smiling quite happily at him.

“Thank you!” Zig Zag called just as he disappeared into the back of the store. Redwing just looked after him; no matter how many times he thanked her, she just couldn't get over the fact that he did so… She gave a little shake of the head at the peculiarities of ponies before returning to her work.

Zig Zag trotted out of the door and into the sunlight, and immediately rolled on to the ground when he noticed something speeding towards him from the side. A loud thud sounded when the object hit the door frame behind him. Zig Zag came up on all fours ready to fight whatever had attacked him. Robin was standing off to the side clapping her talons together and smiling broadly.

“Did you see that Raven? That's how you’re supposed to do it! Though, I have to apologies to you, Zig Zag. I thought it was my mother coming out to have a look and wanted to show Raven that you always have to be ready for anything. But you still managed to show that wonderfully well… You really have been through some tough spots haven't you?” Robin said, while she walked up to Zig Zag.

“You might say that…” Zig Zag answered. Robin nodded and turned around and sent another ball flying towards Raven, who had just thrown a dagger at the same time. The dagger hit the shield and stayed there quivering, while Raven ducked under the ball flying towards her. She looked back with a smug grin.

“I could see that one coming from a mile away Robin!” Raven said smugly.

“Yeah, yeah… You won't see the next one coming at you, I can tell you that much!” Robin called back. Just then, two shadows shot over the house, and the next thing any of them knew, two young gryphons slammed down on either side of Raven.

“Take that crappy armor off, girl! Now that you're my female, you won't need it anymore!” the larger of the two said gruffly. Raven just stared at him, mouth hanging open.

“What are you doing, Tigero?!” Zig Zag yelled, since he immediately recognized who they were. The two gryphon youths turned around and leered at him when they saw who it was standing in the doorway.

“Oh, look who it is! How lucky! Now we won't have to search all over the village before we drag you out of hiding!” Tigero said with a laugh. Zig Zag was now fuming, he was boiling, and he was quite simply completely enraged. The two gryphon youths now looked at the little pony with a bit of apprehension; they had never seen him look anything like this before in any of their training sessions. But then, Tigero steeled himself and reached for Raven, grabbing her around the back of her neck, and then pulling her in close to him grinning at Zig Zag.

“Don't you dare touch her!” Zig Zag roared and set off towards Tigero. Before Tigero knew what had happened Raven had twisted loose from his grip and backed off and Zig Zag now stood between the two of them growling. Tigero looked at Zig Zag with surprise; one second he had been at the doorway and the next he was in front of him. Tigero became infuriated at the brashness of this little runt; he reared up and then slammed his talons down into the ground in a clear challenge of claim. Zig Zag immediately followed suit accepting the challenge.

“Zig Zag no! Wait!” Raven squawked out.

“It's too late, girl! He's already accepted!” Tigero proclaimed eagerly.

“Meet me out-front. I want everybody to see this!” Tigero yelled down at Zig Zag, while he took off into the air, and flew over the roof of the house. Zig Zag immediately bolted after the gryphon screaming in rage. Raven, Robin and Snow Leopard were left behind to scramble after Zig Zag through the building. When they burst through the front door, they could see how Zig Zag and Tigero were already squared off in the middle of the street. Plenty of gryphons had stopped what they were doing in order to watch the two youths settle their disagreements through a battle of claim. Many of the grown-up gryphons were shouting their support of Tigero, who was strutting about cockily, while eyeing his smaller opponent.

“You should just lay down and be done with it pony! You were brave to accept the challenge, so I might even go easy on you!” Tigero proclaimed loudly and laughed, hearing several of the spectators laugh along with him. Zig Zag just stood there, in his low fighting stance on all fours, then slowly began prowling around inside of the circle of spectators.

Tigero cocked an eyebrow at this and then rose up taking the preferred stance of the gryphons. A deathly quiet descended on the street, now that it was obvious that the fight was truly going to take place. As Zig Zag and Tigero continued circling around each other, it was quite obvious Tigero was getting more and more frustrated by how Zig Zag was behaving.

“Why aren't you taking your stance? Quit crawling around on the ground like that so we can start fighting properly!” Tigero suddenly roared. Zig Zag just snarled back at Tigero.

“This isn't a game, Tigero… I'm fighting you for real this time. So that means I'm fighting you my way. I will not lose anybody I care for again! Not ever again! You hear me!” Zig Zag screamed while barely holding back tears at the thought of losing Raven. Tigero just looked at Zig Zag with disbelief, before his face contorted in anger.

“Yeah right! Like that would change anything! Do what you will pony, I'm still going to beat you into the ground!” Tigero yelled heatedly and flew at Zig Zag. Zig Zag dodged the attack easily, coming up on all fours again, and shot forward towards Tigero, who was in the middle of turning around to face Zig Zag, who shot past him. When Tigero stood ready again, facing the place where he thought Zig Zag would be, there was nothing there. Instead, he gave a shrill cry when Zig Zag smashed his hooves in right between Tigero exposed wings, exactly in the spot Zig Zag had seen Jaggar mercilessly strike Raven again and again. Now, Zig Zag was doing exactly that. Even though he was smaller and weaker, hitting the nerve cluster between the wings of Tigero meant he didn't have to hit hard at all. Tigero collapsed to the ground screaming in agony, and then he started frantically rolling around to get the pony off his back. Zig Zag jumped off and then saw Tigero standing up again on shaky legs.

“You damn insect! I'll tear you apart!” Tigero roared, but he was severely hampered by his drooping wings now. Zig Zag had no problems with rushing forward just as Tigero once again stood on his hind legs, and, before Tigero understood he was under attack, Zig Zag had thrown himself shoulder first into the right knee of Tigero, which he currently had most of his weight resting on. Zig Zag heard a satisfying pop as the joint jumped out of alignment. If Tigero was screaming before, he was now howling in pain and agony while he collapsed. He began clawing at the ground, trying to crawl away from Zig Zag while at the same time clutching his damaged knee. Zig Zag walked furiously up to Tigero with a look of absolute revulsion on his features.

“You were going to take Raven away just in order to make me miserable? You lucky my dad told me not to hurt anyone in this village too badly… or I would slice off your wings right now!” Zig Zag growled down at Tigero who was now looking up at him, pure terror written across his face.

“What… what was that…? You've never even… been close to standing up to anyone in training…” Tigero forced out through his gritted beak.

“That's because I have always been forced to fight like you guys! And, even though I was the worst of us all, it still didn't mean I wasn't learning! Every fight I did, every fight I saw, I could see more and more of where your weaknesses were! Do you understand? I will only give this warning once? If you ever try to take Raven from me again, I will kill you…” Zig Zag growled down at Tigero, who craned his head away from the snarling pony. Raven walked up behind Zig Zag. She was in complete shock about just how ferocious Zig Zag had been in the fight and, even now, going for each opening and weak point, without a second’s hesitation. And Raven now also knew just how to make sure nobody ever tried this again. She put her talon on Zig Zag´s shoulder like she was holding him back.

“Let him go Zig Zag… You don't have to kill this one. No one is dumb enough to try this again,” Raven said loudly, looking around herself at the gawking faces in the audience. Zig Zag snorted through his nose, and then, finally, he too looked up at his surroundings, realizing a whole crowd had gathered. He paled a bit at the site and stepped back. Slowly, he turned around and started to trot towards Redwing’s shop. Just before he entered the store, Zig Zag stopped and looked back towards Raven.

“Come on, Raven… You still haven't finished with your training yet,” Zig Zag called back and disappeared into the store. Raven smiled widely; Zig Zag had once again affirmed that he wanted her to learn fighting, and this time in front of the whole street full of gryphons. Raven had received more than a few snarky comments about the fact that some pretty little thing like her shouldn't wear armor or play at being a warrior. Those comments would most likely stop now that her male had so openly shown that he trusted her so much as to let her learn how to defend herself. Zig Zag most likely still didn't understand just how much that trust for her signified within gryphon society. But she still knew that Zig Zag´s trust in her was more genuine than any gryphon male would ever be, and she loved him for it…

Yes… I do love Zig Zag! My heart truly belongs to him… And Zig Zag´s heart belongs to me! Raven thought happily and looked down at Tigero who still hadn't moved from the spot where Zig Zag had left him. Their eyes met and she gave an evil smile.

Time to cement Zig Zag´s reputation in this village. Either this will make sure no one dares to challenges Zig Zag ever again, or he will have five more challenges before nightfall. Raven thought as she held Tigero´s gaze.

“You know… just because Zig Zag isn't use to fighting like us gryphons in some silly little training ring doesn't mean he still can't kill any one of you so-called warriors in training whenever he feels like it… After all, it was certainly not a joke, when I said that he's seen more battles and conflicts then the rest of you village youngsters put together. Also, a little word of advice Tigero… I've seen Zig Zag kill for less than what you just pulled. And the reason I cried no when you challenged him before… It wasn't because I was worried for Zig Zag… It was because I thought he would kill you outright, and, therefore, making continued employment for this village difficult,” Raven said in a cold, even voice, before she turned around and followed Zig Zag into the shop.

Behind her, she could hear murmurs and exclamations of disbelief, and more than one voice of an adult gryphon warning some hatchlings nearby to stay away from the strange little half-wolf half-pony creature. Raven couldn't help but feel pleased about the whole thing. She had never understood just what her stallion was truly capable of; she had actually tried to embellish what she knew about him in order to better his standing in the village behind his back. But now, it turned out she hadn't been embellishing him enough. What he had done had been so much more than she had told others he could.

And even better, many of the ones who had been teasing her for having such a little weakling for a male claiming her had also seen the fight. Within gryphon society, having a seemingly weak male lowered Raven's standing amongst the other females. But some of the ones who had been harassing her lately have now witnessed how seemingly easy Zig Zag had taken out one of the village most promising young warriors. This little display has solved a lot of problems for both of them; no gryphon youngsters would openly mock either of them anymore. And even some of the older gryphons would probably guard their tongue, even if Lobo wasn't around.

****

It was early evening when Lobo woke up; he jumped out of the bed and gave himself a good stretch before walking out of the room to find Zig Zag and Raven already waiting for him in the common room. Lobo smiled at seeing the two of them. He himself hadn’t really been able to do much more than be there for Zig Zag while he tried to come to terms with what had happened to his mother and friend. But ever since Raven joined their little group, Zig Zag had begun to smile much more, and more genuinely at that. Lobo looked away and walked up to see what was on offer to eat this evening… It was barely tolerable fare. The quality of the food in this inn was definitely not something to brag about quite frankly, this place was a dump compared to any of the other establishments in the village. He growled a bit, before taking a helping and walking over to sit down with Zig Zag and Raven. Ever since they had noticed him entered the room, the two of them had been sitting quietly together, both having a somber expression visible upon their features. Lobo looked at them as he sat down on his haunches.

“Sooo… What have you two been up to?” Lobo asked suspiciously. Just then the front door of the inn opened. Revealing an eager looking Panther, who was always wearing his armor, and behind him came elder Leonard, who looked less enthusiastic about being there.

This can´t be good… Lobo thought when he saw how Zig Zag and Raven tensed up. Both the enthusiastic looking Panther and the older hunched over Leonard, made their way over to stand at their table.

“Good evening, Panther… Evening, Leonard,” Lobo said as he welcomed the two gryphons. He and Panther had formed something that could resemble friendship between themselves, or at least mutual respect. Leonard, however, still had trouble not looking down his beak at them as he stood there.

“Evening Lobo, Zig Zag…” the two gryphons replied, not even glancing at Raven to indicate they knew she was there. She might as well have been a colorless shadow. This made both Lobo and Zig Zag grit their teeth, neither one of them able to comprehend how something as inconsequential as gender could render her invisible. Lobo did, however, notice that Panther was looking at Zig Zag with some interest, which he had never done before.

“So, what brings you here this evening?” Lobo wondered. Panther looked back at Lobo with quite a triumphant expression.

“Well, you know how we've been talking about you joining us warriors for evening training during the week?” Panther asked, and, once again, glanced over at Zig Zag, eyeing him curiously.

“Yes…” Lobo replied.

“Well, I finally managed to get the elders to agree, with one additional little change… We would like Zig Zag to come with you as well,” Panther said, smiling broadly at the two of them. Lobo did somewhat of a double take at the statement, especially since he had heard that Zig Zag had been struggling in training against the other young warriors to be.

“You want both me and Zig Zag?” Lobo wondered curiously.

“Yes… After what happened today, it would only be prudent to make sure your… pup does not harm any of the other youngsters in the village,” Leonard said, a bit annoyed. It had, after all, been his idea for Tigero to try and take Raven from Zig Zag. Lobo´s ear perked up as he looked over towards Zig Zag with a raised eyebrow.

“Really… So what prompted the confrontation?” Lobo asked.

“One of the youngsters in the village became interested in acquiring Raven as his own female. He even tried to make a spectacle of it by having the fight in the middle of the street, although the outcome was far from what he had planned. Zig Zag thoroughly proved that the rumors about him being a capable warrior were not at all exaggerated. In fact… if what I've heard about the fight is true, Zig Zag went easy on him, only grounding him, then dislocating one of his kneecaps,” Panther explained. At the news that somebody had tried to take Raven from them, Lobo frowned worriedly, but when the outcome was made clear, Lobo instead beamed with pride, before he once again became annoyed.

“If there will be any more attempts at taking Raven from us… Then perhaps it is better that we leave your village altogether,” Lobo mused out loud, while he looked at Raven and Zig Zag.

“You don't have to worry about that; I've made quite clear that Raven belongs to you two. And, even if I hadn't openly proclaimed that I will be your second from now on, I doubt anyone would be brash enough to challenge either of you,” Panther said grinning.

“Second?” Lobo asked.

“It means if anyone challenges either of you, Panther has the right to intervene by demanding they beat him first, before either of you has to accept the challenge,” Raven said, quite stunned.

“And, since I am one of the best Warriors here, you won't have to worry about being challenged any time soon,” Panther said with a proud smirk.

“Thank you, Panther… that will undoubtedly make our stay here much more comfortable,” Lobo said with a smile and a nod towards the gryphon.

“To be quite honest, I'm doing it for myself… I really want to fight you again, but under more pleasant circumstances than last time,” Panther said, while he looked eagerly at Lobo, who only grinned back at Panther.

“Careful, Panther… That was almost a compliment there,” Lobo said and chuckled.

“So, we are in agreement then? You two will join the adult gryphon warriors in training from now on,” Leonard said expectantly. Raven immediately started to carefully tick with her talon against the top of the table, a gesture both Lobo and Zig Zag knew meant she wanted to say something. Lobo glanced over at her and smiled.

“What do you say, Raven? Sounds like a good deal?” Lobo asked her out right. Both Leonard and Panther got shocked expressions on their faces, when they suddenly seemed to notice Raven's presence for the first time.

“Well, the offer is certainly beneficial to both us and them… But they stand to gain more than we do, after all, there are plenty of gryphons for us to fight, but only you two for the training they want to undergo… I would say we are entitled to some further compensation,” Raven said nonchalantly, not even looking at Leonard or Panther while she spoke to Lobo and Zig Zag, who both nodded approvingly at her conclusion. Leonard was, however, fuming in indignation.

“That is a very valid point you brought up, Raven,” Lobo said and looked back at Leonard.

“I can’t believe this! We are inviting you to train with true warriors, and then you want us to pay you tribute!” Leonard more or less shouted, while he glared at Raven for having the nerve to even suggest such a thing. Angrily, he spun around and started heading for the door, but was stopped by a talon on his shoulder. He tried to shrug off Panthers hold, but Panther only held on firmer and leaned in close and whispered. Although they didn't need to bother with it, since Lobo´s sensitive ears could pick up what they said quite easily anyway.

“Leonard… We have the other elder’s permission to negotiate a price, we will hear them out, or by my talons, I will make sure every warrior knows why they cannot spar with Lobo tomorrow,” Panther whispered, looking sternly at Leonard who was only glaring back.

“I will not sit here in negotiate with a female at the table…” Leonard hissed in dignified.

“Alright… so the two of them don't know how to handle a female correctly, they will learn this when she stabs them in the back. But there's only so much a warrior can learn fighting the same opponent again and again, therefore, the potential experience gained by fighting these two… It's a chance we cannot turn away from so easily,” Panther hissed back. Leonard took a deep breath before nodding.

“Alright, we'll hear them out,” Leonard said, as they turned back to the table.

“We might be willing to make some small alterations to your contract…” Leonard uttered reluctantly. Lobo smiled broadly at him.

“Good… We want an all-inclusive stay at the Golden Talon Inn, instead of this dump for the rest of our stay here. The fare in this establishment is not really… satisfactory,” Lobo stated, while gesturing to his still untouched food plate in front of him. Leonard looked at the plate and actually cringed a bit.

“Golden Talon Inn… That's the most expen…” Leonard was cut off by a slight elbow in the side from Panther, indicating what his thoughts on the price were. Leonard grumbled a bit at the treatment but held his opinions to himself.

“I will set it up for you… There will be a room available for you there tomorrow,” Leonard stated.

“Then we are in agreement Leonard and Panther… we will see you tomorrow then,” Lobo said and bowed slightly too each one of the gryphons. They both returned the bow, although one looked extremely pleased and the other looked like he had just swallowed a bucket of burning coals. Both Leonard and Panther then promptly left the inn, having no more business there. Lobo was looking after them until he heard both taking off into the air. He then turned a grinning face towards Zig Zag and Raven.

“So… What have you two been up to?” Lobo asked knowingly. Zig Zag couldn't help but beam with pride as he started to retell the events of the day. Without even really thinking about it, Raven slowly scooched up against Zig Zag and draped her wings across his back, and ,without even noticing it, Zig Zag then pressed in even closer to Raven while continuing his story. Lobo, however, watched on in quiet amusement at what was clearly happening between the two of them.

****

“We are scarred,” the Prefect said, while a searing sound of meat burning could be heard throughout the sparsely lit space. Bender gritted his teeth as long as he could, then the cries of pain reverberated up from the compounds dark forge, where his flesh binding ritual was taking place. It was only lit by the main forge at the back that still held several white hot wrought-iron rods in its fiery embrace. After this ritual, Bender would be a true praetorian. Seven runes had been carved into Bender's side, normally five would suffice, but, because of his special gift, two more had to be added. When the runes were finally carved into him, a unicorn had poured magic and meaning into the deep rune shaped wounds. And now the ritual was entering its final stage, with the runes and magic being permanently branded into Bender's flesh. Daunting Hooves and seven other ponies, all of whom were wearing praetorian mythril armor, stood around Bender, who was being pressed down on his side, screaming as the first of the seven branding irons was being pressed into his side with a hissing sound. The only thing that had kept him from going berserk already was the fact that Hammer Song was kneeling in front of him, making sure he could see her, while she continuously calmed him down. Making sure he did not slip too far into the red haze.

“We are wounded,” Prefect Daunting Hooves proclaimed loudly, as the second brand was pressed into Bender side. Once again, he screamed his lungs out. He could not escape into his berserk state of mind, where he would feel no pain. No… He would feel every agonizing second of the dark ritual. The stench of cooked flesh was now becoming quite overpowering in the enclosed space. The third brand was pressed into his side, making Bender howl in agony again.

“We are monsters,” Daunting Hooves continued, when the third brand descended on Bender, who somehow managed to scream even louder them before. The brand was pulled away after several excruciating seconds, seconds that seemed to last for hours, if not days.

“We are abominations,” Bender heard somepony say, although he could not remember who the speaker was. The fourth brand was pressed in, and now Bender started to react out of instinct. Struggling to flee from the pain, to get away, but he was firmly kept where he was by the praetorians around him. All of them were pressing down on him; still, they were barely able to keep him in place.

“And you…” the voice proclaimed, as the fourth brand was removed.

“Are one of us!” it said proudly, while the fifth, sixth and seventh brands were pressed into Bender side simultaneously. Bender now gave a silent scream while his whole body shuddered. Then, he fell into the blissful black of unconsciousness.

****

Black Star cursed loudly, and then slammed her research notes down on the table in the middle of the command tent, drawing the attention of both Lightning Strike and Avarice.

“Why won't it work?!” she groaned loudly. Lightning Strike just stayed where she was; she had seen this seen several times since they made their new camp here at the Feliniss border. Avarice frowned in disapproval while he made his way over to Black Star.

“What is it now?” he asked annoyed. Black Star took a deep breath before looking at him.

“No matter how I theorize or how I run the numbers… It just won't work. I just can’t find a way to make the spirit´s magical energies sustain a host’s body. At least, not with the information I have at my disposal right now,” Black Star said miserably while she looked up at Avarice. He in turn started grinding his teeth a few seconds, before managing to relax again. With a strained sigh, Avarice released the handle of his sword, which he was seriously contemplating shoving through Black Star’s useless brain… but alas, she was still the best tool he had for this particular area of research.

“Well then, we'll just have to hope we can secure the spirit again soon,” Avarice said with a frosty undertone to his words. Just then, the flap to the command tent was lifted aside, and a pegasus scout made his way inside, looking quite eager. Avarice immediately shone up; since no one looked that eager if they had bad news to deliver.

“Report!” Avarice ordered.

“We found him, Sir! We have intel confirming that the dire wolf is currently located in the Gryphon village of Crown Peek,” the scout said. Avarice burst out in a wide smile.

“Excellent! You and one other Scout will go undercover to this village immediately; you have full authority to negotiate a price for the delivery of the Dire Wolf to us with the gryphons of the village. There will be quite a reward for you if you pulled this off, am I understood, scout?” Avarice asked.

“Yes sir! I won't fail you sir!” exclaimed the scout, who saluted and then quickly made his way out of the tent to get started with this new mission. Avarice just couldn't stop grinning.

Finally, things are starting to move in the right direction again, he thought, while he looked back at a now beamingly happy Black Star. Off to the side, Lightning Strike gave a heavy sigh, as she felt the little pang of disappointment that the wolf had been found again. She just couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was taking place here was wrong on more than one level. She needed to have a serious talk with Black Star soon. Lightning only had to get her away from Avarice for a few minutes, which, so far, hadn’t happened since he arrived at the camp.

The two of us haven’t even been allowed to sleep alone in our own tent for crying out loud! Lightning thought annoyedly, while she eyed Avarice who was speaking happily with Black Star about the new possibilities for research that would open up when Lobo was finally back where he belonged.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 26 Past and Present

True Black
Chapter 26
Past and Present

30 of April
The Royal Pony Sisters' Castle

The world was fuzzy when Bender opened his eyes. It took a few second for his vision to focus, and, when it did, he was looking into the most serene thing he could possibly imagine. Hammer Song lay across from him, facing him on the bed, still sleeping as the early morning’s light danced across her body. Her dark blue bangs lay haphazardly across her dark purple features. He couldn't help but smile broadly before leaning in and kissing her on her purple forehead. As he pulled back, his red eyes met her now open blue ones. She looked rather surprised for a few seconds, until she to burst out smiling.

“Morning…” Bender whispered.

“Morning you big softy,” Hammer said back, and then scooted in closer to him. Bender made to embrace her, but stopped and winced when his freshly scarred side reminded him of what had happened the night before. With a hiss of pain, he looked down at his bandaged side and groaned.

“That stings,” Bender said, giving up all thoughts of doing more than breathing at the moment. Hammer Song just shook her head.

“Most ponies would describe it as the worst pain they have ever experienced,” Hammer said, stroking her hoof along Bender's chin. Bender just gave a sad smile.

“Not even close…” he said in a sure voice. This caused Hammer Song to look strangely at him, trying to determine if he was serious.

“Are you serious… What could possibly even come close to the pain of flesh binding?” she wondered.

“Losing the ones you love,” he answered with a sad look.

“Your father?” Hammer Song asked.

“Well, dad's death hurt me, but with our line of work, it was always a possibility it would happen to one of us sooner or later. Mom's death scared me more… because it was so unexpected, and still slow at the same time,” Bender said with an exaggerated sigh.

“What happened?” Hammer prodded.

“She became ill; I was still very young, barely more than a colt. Never knew what it was that kill her; only that she went from the strongest mare I ever knew, to a bedridden skeleton in a little under six months,” Bender said, tears starting to run down his snout. This time, Hammer leaned in kissing Bender softly on the tip of his muzzle.

“Sorry… I shouldn't have pried,” Hammer Song said as she pulled back.

“Don't worry; it was a long time ago. Besides, I'm absolutely certain she would have loved both you and Sky, you two were the best things to ever happen to me,” Bender said and smiled widely. Hammer Song on the other hand just looked back at Bender.

“Sky?” Hammer Song wondered. Bender's face froze, and then grinned sheepishly trying to look innocent.

Whoops!… Bender thought, the stare he got in return from Hammer told him he should really spill the beans now, unless he was keen on some more serious bodily harm.

“Alright, alright… Bright Sky was the first love of my life,” Bender said carefully, while he looked at Hammer Song.

“I'm listening…” she prodded.

“Right… So, we met when she was fifteen and I was fourteen, although she didn't know I was younger than her, I have always been pretty big for my age,” Bender said with a smirk at the memory of how Bright Sky looked when she realized she was dating a stallion younger than herself.

“Anyhow, we grew very close over the next two years, every time I and my father weren’t working a contract somewhere, I returned to North Bay so we could be together. But then… we got a long-term contract all the way up in Feethers, you know one of the five Gryphon kingdoms. Shrye and Feethers had proclaimed open war against each other, and I and my father were hired on to strengthen Feethers defenses. It was only supposed to last for a season or two… But we got stuck in a drawn out siege for almost six years. And when I finally managed to get back to North Bay…”

****

A little more than seven years ago

Bender walked down the streets of North Bay, towards a very specific shop in the merchant district. He couldn't believe how much he had missed the site of other ponies. The sounds, and the smells, and just the feel of knowing they were around. But, more specifically, Bender had missed the site of a bright blue Pegasus named Bright Sky. Thinking of her had been one of the few things that helped him get through the hell that had been his life for the last couple of years. He couldn't wait to gaze into her green eyes again, and run his hooves through her two-toned purple mane. His heart was racing at the mere thought of it. In his mouth, he was carrying a large bouquet of flowers that they could munch on together with a bottle of wine. He closed in on the last corner which would take him onto her street. Just as he strode around the corner, he could see her coming out of her store. He stopped, completely spellbound by the site of her. Then, she called out in a loud voice.

“Zig Zag! Time for dinner! If you are late you won't get any dessert you hear me young colt!” she bellowed out into street. Bender stopped in his tracks, having just taken one step towards her. Out from an alley, just next to Bright Sky's store, a little light blue earth pony scampered out worriedly. He came to a screeching halt and turned around.

“I've got to go eat! See you tomorrow, Cherry Blossom, okay?!” the little colt shouted to a filly that was following him only a meter behind. The little red filly, with a surprisingly well-kept green mane and tail, winced at the colt's loud shouting.

“Jeez, Zig Zag… I'm right here you know, and I'm not deaf… or, at least, I wasn't,” the filly answered, rubbing her ear and looking a bit cross while the colt scampered up to Bright Sky, who lovingly nuzzled the little one. Bright Sky then quickly looked up. Cherry Blossom had already begun to trot down the street, presumably to get home to her own dinner.

“See you tomorrow Blossom! Say hi to Cherry Tree for me!” Bright Sky called after the filly.

"Okay, I will!” the filly replied, without turning back. Bender had, in the meantime, pressed himself against the wall next to him, trying to hide in the small shadow it cast in the noon sun.

So, she’s got a little colt. What did I expect? I have certainly not been living celibate since we saw each other last. Dad did warn me something like this could have happened, and anyhow, it would be quite alright to have a little… Bender thought process was cut off as a light grey Pegasus with a black mane and tail landed in front of Bright Sky. He gave her a quick peck on the lips, to which Bright Sky turned crimson red, before telling her something in a hushed tone. Then the stallion gave a laugh, and walked past her into the store, Bright Sky following with a somewhat fumed look on her face.

Bender was now leaning heavily against the wall, his breathing ragged. He was barely able to breathe while his heart hammering away in his chest. And it hurt… It hurt so much. Nothing had ever cut him so deeply; no burn had ever scorched him so harshly. He slid down the wall, unable to keep himself upright. He had dropped the flowers on the ground and the bottle of wine was slowly rolling away from him while he pressed himself against a wall gasping for breath.

Come on, get a grip stallion! You knew this could happen! Dad warned me… He… He warned me, Bender thought desperately, while he slammed his hoof down into the ground again and again, cracking the earth beneath it.

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!!! he thought every time he slammed his hoof down. But the pain just wouldn't go away. Suddenly, Bender realized he was seeing a very familiar red haze in the corner of his eyes.

Oh no! No, no, no, no, no, no!!! Bender thought desperately as he realized he was about to slip into his berserker rage. He grunted as he fought it off, trying to keep calm, but failing.

I got to escape or I will kill that damned stallion! And Celestia knows how many more! Bender thought, as he got to his hooves and started running towards the city gates. He ran like he was possessed, which, quite frankly, he was. Those ponies unlucky enough not to see him coming were unceremoniously sent flying. If a stand was in his way he exploded through it, followed by exclamations and curses. Calls and whistles for the city guards were sounding behind him as he ran.

I have to get out of the city! I have to! Please let me make it!!! Bender thought while he ran screaming and crying through the streets of North Bay. Puzzled citizens looked worriedly after the fleeing stallion.

Why, Sky?Why? Why? Why couldn't you? Why couldn't you wait for me? Oh, by the Moon, it hurts! Why does it hurt so much!?! was the last thing he thought before the red haze over took him, just as he passed out through the city gates of North Bay.

****

Back in Bright Sky´s house

Bright Sky was slowly walking into the kitchen, frowning a bit at Shadow Flight who had taken a seat at the dinner table. Zig Zag was still up in his room, leaving whatever treasures he had found during the day for later inspection that evening.

“Why did you do that? Somepony could have seen that, and then you will get in trouble with your wife,” Bright Sky said, rather cross at Shadow Flight who was just smirking back at her from the other side of the table.

“Actually, I'm counting on it,” he replied with a mischievous smile.

“What?!” Bright Sky yelled in surprise. Shadow Flight just laughed at her reaction.

“Sorry, Sky, it's just we are trying for another foal at the moment, and the last time we succeeded, she got pregnant after we had had rather marvelous make up sex. So, when you said you would make me dinner for helping you moved those crates, I just had to go for it,” Shadow said with a grin. Bright Sky just looked at him in disbelief.

“That's just crazy…” Bright Sky blurted out.

“But I bet it's going to work!” Shadow Flight said self-assured.

****

Present-day

Bender had just finished telling the story of how he had lost the first mare he ever loved to Hammer Song. She had become quite a lot calmer when she realized how long ago it was since it had taken place.

“So… Did you ever go back to her? You know to say hi?” Hammer Song wondered.

“No, she made a new life for herself. She didn't need me coming in their wrecking everything. I told Bright Sky, if I didn't return within three years… It most likely meant I was dead. And it had almost been six years before I finally made it back. Once I had calmed down, which only took a year or two; I was actually quite happy for her, that little colt looked quite healthy. So, if she was lucky enough to find a good stallion, and have a healthy little colt… Who am I to come stomping into her life again, uprooting everything she's made, just to make myself happy? No… they are probably still living in North Bay right now, a nice, quiet life, without all the turmoil I would have brought in my wake,” Bender said with a sigh. Hammer Song was smiling at him.

“It was actually quite noble of you, and I can't say am displeased it turned out this way. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here right now, would we?” Hammer said, and then kissed Bender deeply. They broke off their kiss, pressing their foreheads against each other.

“Yes, had I known you were waiting for me in the end… I would not have changed a thing,” Bender answered back.

“He's quite a smooth talker, isn’t he?” Bender and Hammer Song heard a female voice saying from the door leading into the room the two of them were sharing. Hammer Song looked towards it and blushed profusely when she saw who it was, Bender on the other hand just grinned at them. In the doorway stood the two best friends they had amongst the rest of the praetorians; Crimson Dawn and True Shot, both were smiling at them. Crimson Dawn´s red wings were spread out behind her, shielding the room from view, as if trying to give Bender and Hammer Song some small amount of privacy.

“He's telling you about how he used to make out with another filly, and you end up kissing him for it? Maybe I should try that…” Crimson Dawn said with a smirk, while she looked over at her marefriend. True Shot, on the other hoof, just answered with a well-placed kidney punch in Dawn´s side, causing her to immediately double over.

“If you tell me yours, I'll tell you mine, but I bet I've got a whole lot more than you anyway,” True Shot said, an evil glint in her eyes, before the orange unicorn bolted down the corridor so that Crimson Dawn would not be able to retaliate.

“Get back here!” Crimson yelled after the hysterically laughing True Shot, while they both galloped out of the barracks. Bender and Hammer Song just shook their heads at the antics of their friends before giving each other another quick kiss before they then rose to face another day.

****
15 of May
Crown Peak

Zig Zag dodged to the left, taking a glancing blow from a wooden practice halberd. The force from the blow was still enough to send him tumbling off in the dirt, before rolling up on four hooves again and digging in his newly forged claws into the soil, leaving deep furrows as he came to a skidding halt. Had he not been wearing armor, that blow would have broken his ribs, despite the axe head being made of wood. Zig Zag was breathing heavily, mist forming from his breath in the cold mountain air as he, once again, made eye contact with his sparring opponent. The burly gryphon warrior gave a grunt in approval at Zig Zag´s quick recovery from the blow he had received. Slowly, he started moving around the gryphon, trying to find some way of approaching without ending up facing a similar fate again. Lobo was sitting off to the side carefully watching, and having some trouble with fighting his instinct of rushing in and tearing the gryphon in question apart. Zig Zag hadn't won a single mock battle since he started accompanying Lobo to the grown-up warrior gryphon’s practice sessions.

They were held every three days, so that one would have the time to heal aching limbs in between each practice. And Zig Zag had had plenty limbs aching for the last two weeks. The gryphons participating here were not some young hothead trying to get even for some imagined slight; Tigero had been much too overconfident, not thinking for a moment that Zig Zag might not have shown everything he could do. These gryphons, however, were seasoned gryphon guards of Crown Peak, and his reputation had now preceded him. They had all been too aware of the speed he possessed, therefore, the fiasco Tigero had suffered did not repeat.

On the contrary, Zig Zag had been truly hard pressed not to end up a laughing stock during the first week. But once he had survived the first week, he slowly, but surely, started to be able to read his opponents intentions. So he no longer had to rely solely on his reaction time when trying to duck, and being able to start his movements a few hundredths of a second earlier made all the difference in the world. During this last week, the gryphon warriors had seldom been able to land a hit on him. The last few days he had even started landing hits of his own. The only time they were able to get close to striking him now was when he faced a new weapon. Like the halberd his current opponent was using. Zig Zag wanted to test the speed of his opponent’s weapon, but had instead been surprised by its reach. Zig Zag grunted in annoyance, and then pulled out one of his wooden knives.

Zig Zag darted in again, jumping over the halberd as it came sweeping towards him. The gryphon reversed grip and thrusted the spear end of the halberd at Zig Zag, who barely managed to dodge the attack by rolling to the side. Immediately, the warrior followed up with an overhead swing which sent the axe head crashing down towards him where he lay hazardously on his back. Zig Zag´s breath got caught in his throat. In the last instant, he rolled over backwards and spread his rear legs wide just as the axe head crashed down between them. He sat there wide-eyed, one leg on each side of the axe head which ended mere centimeters from his unmentionables.

The gryphon gave a slow whistle at the fact that Zig Zag had managed to actually avoid his last attack. This brought Zig Zag back to reality again. He quickly rolled over backwards once more, and he pushed off with his front hooves so that he landed several feet back and finally out of reach of the halberd. The gryphon once more took his ready stance, while Zig Zag started prowling around him, looking for an opening. Zig Zag tried to think of a way to get past the defenses of his opponent, but, no matter what he thought up, he just wouldn't be able to get past the reach of the halberd… Unless…

Clutching his teeth down on the wooden dagger in his mouth, Zig Zag smiled as a completely crazy idea jumped into his head. Zig Zag once again shot in towards the gryphon who smiled wickedly down at him. His opponent again started with a sweeping blow, although from the left this time. Zig Zag managed to duck under it and was well prepared for the following fast thrust attack which he easily rolled out of the way of, coming up on all fours at the ready. So this time, when the gryphon overheads strike came, Zig Zag intentionally waited until the last second to skip just enough the right, for it crashed down beside him. He now used the axe head to launch himself up towards the overbalanced gryphon, who was leaning heavily on the halberd to keep balance after his strike.

Skipping once on the shaft of the halberd, he quickly reached a stunned looking gryphon and dragged his wooden knife across his throat as Zig Zag lept over his opponent's’ right shoulder, leaving a red streak of paint where the cut would have been. When he landed, Zig Zag could hear gasps all around the training ring. He turned and looked at his completely frozen opponent. The gryphon slowly raised his right talon, feeling the paint on his throat. He held up the talon in front of him and saw the red on it. As he turned his head towards Zig Zag, the pony was surprised to see a smirk spread across the gryphon features. He gave a little chuckle before bursting out in a wide smile.

“That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen that actually worked!” the gryphon said, while he grinned down at Zig Zag. All around the ring, spectators were now screeching and hollering their approval of Zig Zag's bold move. His opponent now walked up to him and extended a talon in greeting.

“Greetings, Warrior Zig Zag! My name is Cougar; it's a pleasure to finally see your true potential starting to shine through,” Cougar said, while he shook the hoof of a stunned looking Zig Zag. None of the warriors had ever introduced themselves to him before. So far, they had only acknowledged his existence when they were paired up with him for a sparring match. And now Zig Zag realized why, he wasn't truly one of them until he had won his first match, which he just did! He had just won his first match ever!!! Zig Zag was now grinning, almost bursting with pride. Many gryphon warriors were now closing in on him, eager to welcome the newest member of their ranks. Beside the ring, Lobo was also bursting with pride at Zig Zag´s achievement. Beside him, Panther sat and chuckled in disbelief of the display he had just seen.

“I must admit that was truly something else, even if it was just a fluke. But with the raw talent your pup is clearly possessing, he will have a bright future as a mercenary, that's for certain,” Panther said and nodded in approval. Lobo gave a little huff and looked over towards Panther.

“I have seen him do similar things before, maybe not in a situation like this, but believe me when I say he's fully capable of repeating that move again,” Lobo stated confidently. At this, Panther raised an eyebrow as he looked over towards his newest friend.

“Really… Are you sure that's not just a father's pride speaking?” Panther said, while he playfully nudged Lobo in the side. Lobo, however, didn't answer, since he was too busy grinning, seeing how happy Zig Zag was in the center of that ring of warriors, who were all patting him on the back while trying to outshine each other in their attempts at congratulating him. Although Lobo did notice there was quite a few of the gryphon who did not approach Zig Zag, and even glared at him and then towards Lobo when they thought he didn't notice. He memorized their faces since it was quite obvious that not all of the gryphon´s appreciated having him and Zig Zag amongst them.

****

North Bay

A cloaked and hooded assassin ran down the darkening back streets of North Bay. The stars were starting to come out, indicating it would be a glorious night for a well-paid job. The assassin had been sent to North Bay quite rapidly from Neighjing at the request of somepony very highly placed within the city.

No one had told the assassin this, but it wasn't hard to figure out. Both because of the speed and class of transportation they had procured for the job. And there was also the fact that target was very highly placed as well. The cloaked figure now looked up towards the rooftops above.

Wings flared out, and the assassin shot up towards the vantage point. Landing in position, almost without making any sound at all, the assassin started surveying the surroundings, before carefully removing a heavy crossbow from under the black cloak. Putting it into position, while looking down from the roof, keeping an eye on the entrance to the restaurant the intended target often frequented, and settled in for a long wait.

After only a couple of hours, the assassin finally caught sight of the quarry clumsily scampering down the street, most likely thinking himself the master of stealth. But his ridiculously silver colored moustache and goatee proudly proclaimed who he was. Carefully, the assassin took aim with the heavy-duty crossbow.

Breathing in, breathing out, - THUNK!

****

Iron Helm looked up with a satisfied smirk; the bolt he fired had struck the hooded figure right in the head. From above, he could see Shadow Flight descending on the still figure. He landed a few meters behind their target, carefully moving in and poking the body several times with a dagger before wrenching the hood back from the dead assassin. He looked at the body for a few seconds, then shook his head and flew over to where Iron Helm was situated on a nearby rooftop.

“Why are the psychos always so darn good-looking?” Shadow Flight muttered as he landed beside Iron Helm.

“So it was a mare I take it?” Iron Helm said in a teasing voice. Shadow Flight just grunted and nodded stoically. They both watched as a figure moved up towards the entrance of the Officers Club.

“I wonder who her target was,” Shadow Flight said, just as Silver Pot pulled back the hood of his head. Both Iron Helm and Shadow Flight almost gagged at realizing they had just saved the life of one of the biggest pieces of shit in the city.

“I didn't need to know that…” Shadow Flight hissed between clenched teeth, while he watched Silver Pot happily enter the establishment.

“For once, I find myself not minding having been just a few seconds late. Even though it would have raised a hornet’s nest throughout the city, which would not have been beneficial to us right now,” Iron Helm murmured.

“Still, it doesn't change that the assassin is perfect for our needs. You have managed to make it look like I was the intended target haven't you?” Iron Helm wondered.

“Of course, I couldn't find out who had actually hired her, or who her target was. So, most likely, no one else will be able to either. The false leads I left all over North Bay will strongly indicate that you were the intended hit when this investigation is finished,” Shadow Flight muttered.

“Good. That means we just caught another one of Bright Sky's supposed members, or at least the assassin bought by them to rid themselves of the biggest thorn in their side right now… namely me,” Iron Helm said with a smirk.

“Shouldn't we bring her to Sharp Edge now?” Shadow Flight wondered. Iron Helm shook his head.

“No… We'll wait until Silver Pot is gone again. Both my mother and little sister will most likely be very annoyed by then, so, when we come in bearing another dead affiliate to the Bright Sky's organization, it will put us in so much better light for brightening her day then it would if we brought the assassin in straight away,” Iron Helm said, and settled in to wait for the most opportune moment to present his morbid gift to his mother.

****

Back in Crown Peak

Raven was slowly gliding over the village, keeping a sharp eye out for Zig Zag, who she hadn't seen all day. And it was now making her really agitated; for a while, she had heard several of the younger girls in the village talking behind her back about moving in on Zig Zag when she wasn't around. She hadn't been too worried about it, since it had mostly been young hatchlings cooing about how cool they thought Zig Zag was after he had defeated Tigero. But what she heard today was something that really set her beak on edge. She swooped down towards the Golden Talon to see if he had returned home from today's training. As she landed, the scene from a little earlier that day played again in her head.

Raven had been given the day off by Robin, and, of course, she should have heard the alarm bells going off right there. But, happy to have a day for herself, she had flown off to enjoy it. After going through several shops, and annoying peddlers to no end, she had sat down to enjoy a crispy grilled gecko. Raven had just swallowed the last of her tasty morsel, when a hard smack sent her sprawling to the ground. As her eyes realigned, they focused on a much too familiar leather ball rolling to a stop in front of her.

Robin! Raven thought angrily and grasped the leather ball firmly in her talon. But before she could stand up again, two female gryphon youngster´s her own age walked past the table she had been sitting at, not seeing that she now laid on the ground behind it.

“Did you hear? Zig Zag actually beat Cougar today!” the female with blue highlights in her feathers said. At hearing this, Raven almost burst with joy over what Zig Zag had accomplished.

“Really? He sure is a fierce little thing, isn't he?” the female with pearly white feathers answered.

“Yeah, it's too bad he's almost always with that skinny new girl though,” the blue one said with a pout.

Skinny? Raven thought with a raised eyebrow before looking back at herself. It was true though, Raven was much thinner than most girls her age. But that wasn't because she was weak; it was because of how hard she had had it growing up. Every fiber of muscle Raven had on her body was slender in build, although tough and hard likes steel wires. Of all the girls in the village, she was definitely the one that most resembled a lean agile predator. Not surprising, for the reason that it was exactly what she was. Not like most of these village girls, who could at least stuff their faces every day. She turned her sharp eyes back on the two girls, and started to prowl after them.

“Well, it doesn't have to be that way.” The white feathered one giggled.

“What do you mean? He seems rather protective of her, if you ask me. Almost likely he really cares for her or something,” Blue feathers said.

“Yeah right… why would he care for her? She never does anything for him as far as I can tell. All that girl ever does is train with Robin all day, and Robin is almost as bad as that black-beaked freak. Thinking she is a male or something just because she's got armor on. It's not natural, I tell you,” White feathers huffed, undignified.

“Yeah, all right, those two are a bit weird. But that still doesn't explain how we can get in on easy street with the pony as our claimer,” Blue feathers shot back. The other gryphon girl smirked back at her companion.

“All we have to do is make him doubt, make the pony think she's into some other male gryphon. Then he might not be so fast in trying to protect her when some other male gryphon tries to claim her again,” the white feathered female said with a smirk. Her friend stopped as she thought about the plan.

“You know what, that might actually work,” Blue feathers finally said. Raven could now feel the blood in her veins starting to boil.

“Of course it will work! And when he’s all sad and down because of that black-beaked freak leaving him, we'll be there to comfort him ourselves, and wrap the little pony around our talons. After that, we won't have to worry about anything anymore,” White feathers said with a self-assured smirk.

“All we really have to do is show him how much better we can take care of him, at least to begin with. I bet you he will forget all about that black-beaked fre-” a rock-hard leather ball smashed into the side of white trashes face, who, a second later lay sprawled on the ground. Blue feathers gave a gasp in shock as Raven strode past her, only to yank her friend off the ground and smash her mercilessly against the building next to them. The gryphoness’ pristine white feathers were now completely ruffled and contrasted sharply against the black volcanic rock the building was made of. Raven´s golden eyes were staring into the now terrified gryphoness’ eyes as she pinned her in place.

“If you call me freak one more time, you'll be wearing your entrails as a necklace!” Raven roared at the girl, who only managed to squeak in reply.

“And the same goes if I even so much as see you on the same street as my Zig Zag. Do you freaking get me?” Raven hissed out. The pinned young gryphoness nodded frantically.

“Good, now get out of my sight,” Raven growled, before shoving her straight into her blue feathered friend. They crashed down in a heap, where they both lay just staring back up at her. Raven growled again taking one step towards them. Both of the gryphoness’ frantically scampered up and flung themselves into the air, quite eager to get away from the murderous rage of Raven, who continued to glare after their retreating silhouettes.

Raven shook her head to clear it from the memories before shoving the door open and walked into the Golden Talon. What she saw once she'd gone inside almost made her drop her beak on the floor. The whole place was packed full with most of the gryphon warriors of the village. Many of them drunk off their asses and laughing loudly at each other's jokes. But what really grabbed Raven's attention was Zig Zag who was sitting at a crowded table, surrounded by more than one young gryphoness. Raven felt her innards churn at the site of them, a frown spread across her features, while she carefully started to move in closer.

She moved forward close to the walls, in the shadows that hid her so well because of her black beak, talons and feathers combined with a dark brown coat. She edged closer to Zig Zag and his unwelcome company. Frowning, Raven listened in on the conversations going on around her.

“…think you'll be able to dump one of your daughters on the little runt?” Raven heard one drunk warrior slur to another while she passed by. Frowning even more, Raven started to realize what was going on here.

“…told my little hellcat to follow the little pony all night! If they’re seen leaving together, he will be the proud owner of her in the morning! And I'll have one mouth less to feed come next winter!” Raven heard another gryphon exclaimed merrily, to the roaring laughter of his two companions, both then proceeded to slapped him on his shoulders. Raven’s frown deepened as it became all too clear what was happening. She glanced over towards Zig Zag and could now clearly see that he was quite intoxicated. It was customary for a new young warrior to be presented with the offer of claiming some of the best daughters from his new brothers in arms. But as Raven looked at the gryphon girls around Zig Zag, she could clearly see they were not even worthy of being in his presence. Most of them were far too old, and had most likely been scorned by the rest of the village males. Zig Zag wasn't being offered anything; he was most definitely been misled into relationships without him even knowing it. Frantically, Raven started to look around to see if she could locate Lobo.

Where are you, you damned Wolf! Zig Zag needs you here right now! Raven thought angrily, but to her disappointment, she couldn't locate him anywhere inside the tavern. Frustrated, Raven realized that he was most likely being kept busy somewhere else. It would be up to her, to lay claim to her male!

With this realization, Raven started heading towards Zig Zag. Suddenly, something loomed up before her, cutting her off from her goal. Glaring, Raven looked up at quite a large female gryphon now blocking her path.

“Move!” Raven hissed. The female in front of her raised an eyebrow while she looked down at the clearly smaller Raven in front of her.

“Look… I've been told to keep you away from here until this is all settled. So do yourself a favor, and walk away right now and you won't get hurt,” the burly looking female gryphon in front of her stated. Raven looked at her, truly looked. The female gryphon in front of her was clearly bigger, but she wasn't bigger in a good way. As Raven looked her over, she could see that her opponent was just fat, and most likely counted on her sheer size to intimidate most of her opponents into never even confronting her. Coming to this understanding, Raven's eyes turned to steel, while she shoved her angry face straight in front of the now quite surprised looking female.

“Look here Miss Blubber, I'm rather annoyed right now, and you really don't want to get in my way,” Raven said calmly. The other females face now contorted into anger. She pushed Raven backwards, and then made to follow up with quite a clumsy strike towards Raven's face. Raven deftly caught the blow with her right talon, and then likewise caught the next blow in her left. So the two of them now stood on their hind legs, pressuring against each other. The bigger female leaned against Raven, clearly thinking this would be enough to make her point. Raven, however, only dug the claws of her back paws into the floorboards beneath her. Her opponent now started to grunt, as she put real effort into her attempt at dislodging Raven. Around the two of them, many of the male warriors had now started to realize what was happening. More than a few cat meows could be heard from the crowds around them.

Raven's face hardened; she just did not have time or patience to play nice right now. She moved her talons so that the points of them rested against the innermost joints on her opponents fingers. Then, she ruthlessly pressed straight down. Several loud snaps could be heard reverberating through the now very quiet tavern. Her opponent immediately shrieked loudly in pain, as her body finally understood that Raven had broken her fingers. Raven let go and the burly female gryphon tumbled backwards clutching her mangled fingers against her chest, while squawking in pain.

“I told you not to get in my way,” Raven said, and strode past her whimpering opponent. Zig Zag had finally realized that Raven was in the room as he slammed down a now empty jug on the table. He had apparently been challenged to drain the entirety of it´s content in one go. And, by his smiling expression, Zig Zag had succeeded.

“Hi, Raven!” Zig Zag shouted merrily, while waving excitedly to her, even though she was just a few feet from the table now. He had clearly not registered what had just happened. Raven smiled happily back at him while she shoved her way in between two females at the table. Still smiling, Raven tapped against the table three times with one of her talons. To her relief, Zig Zag immediately seemed to sober up a little bit, as he recognized the signal Raven used when she was about to say something important.

“I heard what you did today! What do you say we go up to the room, and I'll show you a few other things real warriors like?!” Raven proclaimed loudly whilst smiling down at Zig Zag, who was now looking back at Raven, trying to figure out what she just said. Then his eyes became wide as saucers. He paled, as his ears falling flat against his head, paired with an expression of utter disbelief at what he heard plastered across his features. Upon seeing Zig Zag´s reaction, many of the warriors around the tavern burst out laughing, then started slinging rude jokes and encouragements at a now blushing Zig Zag, who was unable to do anything else but stare straight down into the floor. After a few minutes, he was finally able to carefully look up at Raven again. She smiled sweetly down at him, and tapped her talon three times again. Zig Zag ears snapped to attention.

“Come on Zig Zag! Let's get out of here!” Raven said, looking straight into Zig Zag´s eyes, willing him to understand that they needed to leave. Slowly, Zig Zag nodded and moved over to Raven, who immediately draped one wing over his back to steady him. As they walked through the crowded tavern, Zig Zag continued to receive taunts and encouragement in equal measures. And a few males even burst out, “Now that how a female is supposed to treat her warrior!”

Slowly, the two of them made their way up to their new room at the Golden Talon. As soon as the door closed behind them, Zig Zag spun around looking curiously at Raven.

“What's going on Raven?” he wondered, quite heatedly.

“Relax ZZ, I had to get you out of there, or else we would have woken up tomorrow with who knows how many gryphon girls on our throats,” Raven said, while she walked over to gaze out of the window.

“Whaaat?” Zig Zag drowned out, once again making it clear he was definitely a bit tipsy.

“If you would have been seen leaving with anyone of those girls, even if nothing was to… happen between you and them. You would officially be laying claim to them from now on,” Raven said, matter-of-factly. Zig Zag´s eyes once again became like saucers.

“What!!!” he burst out rather crossly.

“Figured they didn't tell you that…” Raven said with a sigh. Zig Zag, on the other hand, looked stricken. Raven watched him curiously.

“What is it?” Raven wondered.

“I… I thought… I thought they wanted to be friends,” Zig Zag muttered solemnly. Seeing how crushed he was, Raven slowly went over to him and gave him a reassuring hug. When they separated, she looked down at him with a little smile.

“Sorry… They were only trying to get close to you because they were told to do so. But don't worry, you'll always have me, and I certainly love you for who you are,” Raven said and proceeded to ruffled the fur on top of his head. He laughed playfully before looking at Raven again.

“I really love you too, Raven,” Zig Zag answered, and flung himself around Raven's neck in a tight embrace. She sighed contentedly and returned the hug. She hadn't been completely honest though; many of the gryphoness who had been down there really wanted to be with Zig Zag because of how well he had been treating all girls in the village, but she wasn't about to share him with anyone… not anyone. Suddenly, she looked down at Zig Zag who was clinging rather fiercely to her now.

“Why… why is the room… spinning so much…” Zig Zag uttered miserably.

Wow… He looks a bit green; maybe he is a little more drunk than I- Huuuuuurl!!! Raven jumped back from Zig Zag, who threw up right in front of her.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Raven exclaimed, before her eyes widened and she launched herself forward catching Zig Zag just before he was about to face plant in his own sick. Raven pulled him aside and looked down at him. Slowly, Zig Zag’s eyes refocused on her. Zig Zag then proceeded to grin stupidly.

“I looove woooooou,” Zig Zag said with a giggle, before slumping against Raven's chest and promptly fell asleep in her arms.

“Fantastic,” Raven said, as she gave an annoyed grunt before dragging him over to a bed, dumping him unceremoniously there so that Zig Zag could sleep it off until the morning.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 27 Trouble on the Horizon

True Black
Chapter 27
Trouble on the Horizon

5 of June

“No! No! No! Don't you dare tell me that you haven't made any progress again!” Avarice roared in the face of a terrified Black Star, who was standing pressed up against the research table behind her.

“I'm sorry! I just can't do any more work without Lobo here to experiment on. And, according to my calculations, even if he was here, it most likely wouldn't work anyway,” Black Star said, desperation seeping into her voice. Her usually perfect red-streaked black mane looked more or less like a rat's nest after having gone several nights in a row without sleep. She had been studying, calculating and theorizing non-stop since Avarice arrived in the makeshift camp besides Ice Flow River.

“What do you mean by that?!” Avarice bellowed.

“It's like I first theorized: if you put a foreign spirit in your body, you will only end up fighting with it for dominance and control. There wouldn't be any real upside to it; you would not gain the spirits immortality,” Black Star said, shivering in front of Avarice, who was literally shaking with rage. His horn lit up, and Black Star could feel her throat constricting. Had she been in a normal state of mind, and not completely sleep deprived, she would have shrugged off Avarice telekinesis with little problem. But, as tired and unstructured as she was that moment, she couldn't do much more than pathetically trying to grasp the magic with her bare hooves. She gasped for air but could not get any oxygen into her lungs. At this moment, the tent flap was cast aside and Lightning Strike burst into the tent drawn by the commotion. She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw Chief Decurion Avarice strangling Black Star.

“Chief Decurion! What is going on?!” Lightning Strikes voice thundered through the research tent. Avarice instantly let go of Black Star, who fell down coughing to the ground, he turned around, without so much as a glance towards her, and headed for the exit. Lightning immediately moved up to help the still wheezing and coughing Black Star back on her hooves. Avarice disappeared out of the tent, cursing loudly over the inadequate ponies he had around him. Lightning Strike frowned after him, but knew there was nothing to be done for it right now. She looked worriedly back down at Black Star, who was leaning heavily on her.

“Look… I don't know what's going on between the two of you, or what research it is he has you doing, but you need to give him something. It doesn't matter if you're lying through your teeth, you hear me? Give him what he wants for now. And once we get back to North Bay, we can make sure that bastard never holds command again,” Lightning Strike said while she hugged Black Star tenderly and kissed her on the forehead. Black Star nodded indifferently, before looking up at Lightning with tears in her eyes.

“I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I have, I have never seen him like this before,” Black Star said and shivered.

“Don't worry; I won't let him hurt you. And if push comes to shove, we'll just have to relieve him of command ourselves,” Lightning Strike said soothingly. Black Star nodded and stood up again, taking some strength from Lightning Strikes words, before once again wobbling on her hooves. Lightning tenderly draped her yellow wing over Black Star's back, supporting her as she moved her staggering marefriend towards the bed in the corner of the research tent.

“You need to sleep, my star.” Lightning eased Black Star down on the narrow bunk as she spoke.

“No… I need to… I need… continue… working…” Black Star murmured, fighting desperately to keep her eyelids open.

“Shhhhhhhh… Sleep now my love,” Lightning Strike said affectionately, while she caressed Black Star´s messy mane. It didn't take more than a few seconds before Black Star had fallen asleep. With a deep sigh, Lightning sat down beside the bed, looking at a finally sleeping Black Star. She couldn't remember how many days it had been since her marefriend slept properly. She slowly gazed up towards the tent flap with narrowed ice blue eyes. Something would have to be done about Avarice. He had been getting more and more out of control lately, and, by the looks of it, it was only getting worse.

Outside, Avarice had stormed off, and now burst into the command tent. Once inside, he realized he was not alone. In front of him stood the two Pegasus Scouts he had sent into Feliniss after Lobo.

“Report!” Avarice barked. The two Scouts jumped visibly at Avarice’s harsh voice.

“Sir! Yes Sir! We have an agreement with the elders of Crown Peak for the delivery of Lobo the Dire Wolf for the agreed-upon price you suggested, plus the added price of keeping the pony known as Zig Zag as a slave, and the female gryphon Raven who currently belongs to Zig Zag will also be awarded to the elder council. If you find these conditions agreeable, you can sign this contract, and Lobo will be delivered here as soon as they've managed to set a trap to subdue him and his companions,” one scout informed Avarice, and promptly presented the finely made leather scroll to Avarice for signing. Avarice ripped the scroll out of the grasp of the Pegasus with his magic, rolling it out in front of him, and quickly read through it. When he was finished, he just gave a snort.

“Why do they think I would care what happens to the colt or the gryphon girl? As long as I get Lobo, I don't care what they do with those two,” Avarice said absentmindedly, while signing the contract. He tossed it back to the Scout who deftly caught it again.

“Get back to Crown Peak on the double; I wanted that Wolf in our custody yesterday!” Avarice barked and the two Scouts immediately flew out of the tent with two quick ‘yes sir’s as they left. Finally, Avarice was able to calm down a little bit.

By Celestia, at last something might be salvaged from this frustrating situation, Avarice thought and trotted over to the map table. Having a look at where a suitable exchange meeting could take place.

****

10 of June

Prefect Daunting Hooves stood in front of the cluttered desk in his office, looking at six praetorians in front of him; Hammer Song and Bender among them. The others were two female unicorns by the name of Fire Will and Piercing Mark, and two Pegasus stallion's named Cloud Cleaver and Sky Chase. Making it so that the squad had an even number of all species. All, with the exception of Hammer and Bender, were veteran praetorians with distinguished service records. Daunting Hooves looked over the newly formed squad, lingering on Bender who looked like he was about to receive a birthday present before moving on.

“Praetorians, I have put together this squad for a special mission up North. You six will carry word about the happenings in the Empire to Nightmare Moon wherever she may be, and then aid her as much as you can. That will be the top priority of this mission,” Daunting Hooves said, as he came to a halt in front of Bender again, who now had a scowl across his features. The Prefect looked thoughtfully at Bender, before addressing him.

“Any problems with those orders, Praetorian?” Daunting Hooves asked, looking straight into Bender's red eyes. One of Bender's eyes twitched a bit.

“No Prefect… No problem at all,” Bender said through clenched teeth.

“Good! Now, you're secondary objective, if Nightmare Moon doesn't have anything better for you to do, will be to take out Chief Decurion Avarice, who has actively tried to eliminate members in the Praetorians. This attack will not go unanswered. Your third objective is retrieving Decurion Lightning Strike and Vexillarius Black Star from Chief Decurion Avarice command structure. Both of which will be put to good use in Nightmare Moon´s ongoing campaign. And the final objective, although this one is a bit of a long shot, will be to get in contact with the Dire Wolf known as Lobo. And if possible get him to join with Nightmare Moon as well. Do you understand your objectives?” Daunting Hooves wondered, while coming to a halt in front of the six Praetorians again.

“Yes, Prefect!” came six sharp replies.

“Good, are there any questions?” The Prefect asked.

“Yeah, I understand why we want Avarice dead, but I don't understand why we want the other two to come back with us. Wouldn't it be easier just to kill them?” Sky Chaser wondered. The next second, his light blue body was being crushed into the floor by Bender's considerable bulk. His nostrils flared as the brown coated earth stallion’s red eyes bored into Sky Chaser´s turquoise ones. Hammer Song put a gentle hoof on Bender's shoulder.

“Calm down, Bender.” Hammer Song's melodic voice pierced Bender’s ears.. Blinking twice, he slowly got up off of Sky Chaser, who was coughing and wheezing on the floor.

“Jhees Bender what the hey!” Sky Chaser said angrily.

“Lightning Strike is my sister, and you're wondering why we shouldn't kill her!” Bender bellowed straight in Sky Chaser face. Sky made an exaggerated motion of wiping his features, before standing up again.

“Sorry, just wondering was all…” Sky answered. Bender just looked at him and gave a snort. During the whole event, not a single one of the other praetorians had even so much as glanced towards Sky Chaser and Bender’s little scuffle. Daunting Hooves sighed.

“Well, since you brought it up, we have it on very good authority that Decurion Lightning Strike would most likely join our side if given the choice. Also, when looking for information about Vexillarius Black Star in the central archives, I found absolutely nothing, meaning someone has stricken her records clean of any achievements or reprimand she's ever had. And if somebody went through so much trouble to keep her hidden, that makes me all the more inclined to gain her services for our side. Besides, we have first-hoof accounts about just how brilliant, albeit somewhat misguided, Vexillarius Black Star actually is. Does that answer your questions, Sky? Oh, wait a minute… This isn't a democracy; your opinion doesn't mean anything at all to me, does it?” Daunting Hooves said as he stepped up to Sky Chaser, who grinned sheepishly back at Daunting Hooves.

“No, probably not, Prefect,” Sky replied.

“May I ask a question Prefect? Not one like noodle brains here, but the real question on the mission?” Fire Will asked. Daunting Hooves walked past Bender and Hammer Song to stand in front of the leaf green unicorn with a light orange mane and tail. He looked down at her questioningly.

“This better be good Fire Will,” the Prefect said.

“It's about the wolf; why is he so special? Why would we care about one measly little wolf?” Fire Will asked.

“Hammer Song, if you would,” Daunting Hooves said, stepping back from Fire Will.

“Lobo is no ordinary wolf; he's a new species known as Dire Wolf. The most notable difference from ordinary wolves is the fact that he stands just as tall as a gryphon. Also, he's not truly of this world; he was summoned by Black Star from a plane of existence known as the Realm of Light, where it is surmised he was actually the Guardian of what the Dire Wolf's themselves value above all else; the eternal pups. Having such an important guard position within the realm means he's quite the warrior. Not only that, but, during my time in the camp, he somehow managed to break free from an extremely strong mind control spell, suggesting he might actually be able to use magic as well,” Hammer Song said, while she continued staring straight ahead. A low whistle could be heard from Fire Will.

“Okay, you get my vote, this being a democracy and all,” she said with a grin. Cloud Cleaver and Sky Chaser both gave a little chuckle. Then Cloud Cleaver cleared his voice, the white Pegasus with a golden-yellow mane looked over towards Bender and Hammer Song.

“We all know why we’re doing this now, but that still doesn't explain why the two green hooves are with us,” Cloud Cleaver asked with a little smirk. Bender looked over towards the white Pegasus.

“‘Green hooves’? I bet I've seen more combat than the rest of you put together, Tiny.” Bender's voice rang out surprisingly calm, like he was just making a statement.

“Yeah right…” Fire Will mutter to herself.

“Actually, he isn't too far off the mark there. He's had quite an active career. Still, fighting as a praetorian will not be the same,” the Prefect interjected.

“There are never two fights that are the same. That's what dad always told me and I have come to agree with him,” Bender said with a nod. Daunting Hooves only smirked at that.

“Well then, we are all on the same page, isn't that wonderful? Though, you haven't said a word yet Piercing Mark… Do you have something to add like the rest of your new comrades?” Daunting hooves asked, and walked up to the dark brown unicorn with a red mane and tail. If one didn't know any better, they would have sworn she was related to Bender because of the similar coloration. Piercing Mark stood silent for a while, then, when everybody thought she wouldn't answer, she spoke up.

“I understand why Hammer Song is with us, she has undoubtedly shown she possesses a lot of information about the Dire Wolf. But having Bender with us when his sister is in the line of fire does not seem like a wise move Prefect,” Piercing Mark answered quietly. There was a stunned silence in the room, but Daunting Hooves only smiled.

“Bender is the Praetorian amongst us who has to most combat experience with Lobo, and both he and Hammer Song are, as far as we can tell, at least on neutral hooves with him. Lobo had a chance to kill Hammer Song at the end of their last encounter, but he choose to let her live. So having two familiar faces amongst you if you find him will most likely outweigh any risk they might pose in other situations. They are also both smiths, something Nightmare Moon will surely need during the coming war,” Daunting Hooves said while he took a hold of Piercing Mark´s jaw and raised her eyes up towards himself.

“That was a very good question my dear. I was right when I thought you would be a suitable leader for this merry little band. Piercing Mark will, from now on, be in command of the rest of you; with Hammer Song as her second. Now, you will all train together henceforth, so you can learn each other's strengths and weaknesses. Once we know more specifically where to send you, and you've also become something that resembles a working team, you will be off on your way to meet up with Nightmare Moon. Any questions?” the Prefect asked, only to be met with dead silence.

“Then you've got your orders, Piercing Mark. I wish you luck, dismissed,” the Prefect said with a satisfied glint in his red eyes.

****

17 of June

Lobo was slowly circling Panther, who had his rapier out and constantly leveled at his adversary. Panther had learned that nothing but the fastest weapon would do against Lobo. The two of them had evolved a fierce but friendly rivalry; they delighted in the challenge they found in fighting each other, and it had become something of a highlight and tradition to save Panther and Lobo's matchup as the last one of the day if they were pitted against each other. The entirety of the gryphon warriors around the training ground were cheering Panther on loudly, while Zig Zag and Raven hollered as hard as they could, trying to make their voices heard as they cheered for Lobo.

“Come on, Dad! Get that fluffy chicken!” Zig Zag shouted loudly, making more than a few of the gryphons around them look at him with more than a little irritation. Lobo launched himself in against Panther, who immediately went for Lobo´s chest. Lobo instantly caught the thrust on his steel briefs, letting the sword glide harmlessly along his protected for limb. Panther twisted around so that Lobo flew past him, immediately following up with a riposte. Lobo, however, was well aware of what Panther was after, and had himself twisted around to catch Panther’s rapier blade between his teeth, locking it in place. Now grinning widely up at Panther who fruitlessly tried to yank his blade free. Suddenly, Lobo let go, causing Panther to lose his balance for a second. That was all Lobo needed and he was on Panther in a flash. He gripped the talon holding the rapier between his canines, and twisted it around, causing Panther to cry out and letting go of the weapon. In the next second, Lobo´s jaws were once again closed around Panthers windpipe. A muffled groan could be heard from Panther as he once again held the palms of his talons up towards Lobo, admitting defeat.

“Yaaaaaay! Dad the best ever!!!” Zig Zag cried out ecstatically, while Raven just stood beside him smiling at his exuberant jubilation. Lobo let go of Panther who held out his still somewhat sore right talon, and grasped Lobo´s likewise extended paw.

“Well fought, Warrior Lobo,” Panther said, as part of the ceremonial ending to the training bout.

“Well fought, Warrior Panther,” Lobo responded as they shook each other's limbs to symbolize friendly parting.

“I almost had you there…” Panther said a bit annoyed. Lobo just grinned back.

“Not even close. What does that make it, eighteen to four in my favor I think?” Lobo said with a little smirk. Panther just chuckled.

“Rub it in why don't you. Although, I have to admit, we were quite even in the beginning, but now… you're just getting faster and stronger as we go along,” Panther said with a bit of envy in his voice. And it was true; every time Lobo was injured and then healed during the night in the revitalizing moonlight, he had noticed that he seemed to become even stronger and tougher after every healing. Every injury he suffered only made him grow back even sturdier. What would have broken his legs a few months ago, now only left him with some sore bruises to nurse.

“Well, I have you to thank for that; you make sure I stay light on my paws, or I will suffer for it,” Lobo said, while the two of them headed over towards Zig Zag and Raven at the edge of the training ring. That Zig Zag was constantly bringing Raven along to the training grounds was also another thing many of the gryphons around them were quite annoyed with. Females had no place at the warrior training ground. End of story. It had turned out, though, that there was no law against it, but it was just something other male gryphon just wouldn't think of doing.

“That was great! Can you teach me that! Oh, I loved how you just like swept around and whoosh, caught it right when he thought he had you! Come on! Teach me! Teach me! Teach me!” Zig Zag shouted bouncing like a little energetic rubber ball in front of Lobo. Lobo only settled one of his enormous paws on Zig Zag´s back so that he would calm down.

“Sorry, son. But it's time for me to start the night patrol,” Lobo said, looking off towards the sunset.

“Aaaaah… None of the other villages have even tried to sneak in for a month! They know they can't get in undetected now that you're here! You and the other warriors have sent them running off with their tails between their legs so many times I don't think they'll ever come back,” Zig Zag said dejectedly. Both Lobo and Panther laughed at the looked Zig Zag gave them. Raven tentatively draped her wing over Zig Zag´s back, squeezing him against herself.

“Come on, Zig Zag. It's been a long day. What you say we go home and go to bed, I'm just beat,” Raven said while she lowered her head and nuzzled up against Zig Zag´s cheek. Zig Zag flushed red.

“Oh… Okay…” he said dreamily. Many of the gryphon´s around them rolled their eyes, thinking they knew what was going to happen when the two of them got back to the Golden Talon. And, even though they were sharing the same bed every night now, neither one of them were really ready for more than just cuddling up and sleeping through the night in each other's loving embrace. They trusted each other completely, and could not find peace unless they knew the other was sleeping next to them. The two youngsters quickly made their way from the practice ground. Lobo and Panther looked after them with mirth.

“They sure are an odd pair, but as long as he is happy with it, it’s okay I guess,” Panther said mostly to himself. Lobo raised an eyebrow as he look towards his friend.

“Raven is quite happy with it, as well,” Lobo said.

“Huuu? Yes… well… I guess that's nice for the girl,” Panther said, not really understanding what that had to do with anything. Lobo just sighed. There truly wasn't anything just he and Zig Zag could do to change the way the whole gryphon society was built. One of Lobo´s ears twitched when he heard someone approaching them from behind. He turned around in time to see Elder Leonard approaching them.

“Well, if it isn't the two champions of Crown Peak,” Leonard said with a strained smile as he looked at the two of them. Lobo's nose twitched as he smelt a scent that was new on the elder’s person.

“So, what did the ponies want?” Lobo wondered. There had been a few pony merchants arriving and leaving Crown Peak throughout the months, but it was still a rare enough occasion to warrant an enquiry. Leonard gave a nervous cough, before smiling brightly back at the two of them.

“Oh nothing, just some messenger ponies delivering the final pieces of a good transaction for the village. Nothing for you to worry about; it's all boring economics you know,” the elder reassured Lobo. Lobo nodded, even though the smell of new ponies always set his nerves on edge. He looked over towards his friend.

“Come on, Panther. The two of us have the outer perimeter tonight. You take the air and I'll sniff them out on the ground,” Lobo said with a grin.

“Once again into the breach!” Panther said with exaggerated gallantry, almost making Lobo burst out laughing, and then shot up into the sky, whilst Lobo seemed to merge with the shadows around him as he disappeared out on patrol. Left behind stood a now widely grinning elder Leonard, who was watching off towards the road where Zig Zag and Raven had disappeared, and started to laugh quietly.

Yes… a very good deal indeed you stupid Wolf. Soon we will be rid of you. And then your son will be pulling carts for us in the mines for the rest of his miserable life, and the female will make an excellent addition to my household. But first, we will make sure we don't need you anymore, Leonard thought, almost unable to contain his delight.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 28 Sanctuaries End

True Black
Chapter 28
Sanctuaries End

17th of July

Lobo had fallen asleep only an hour earlier, after coming home from the night patrol, when a series of loud cries from hatchlings sent him up on his paws; ears standing erect as they took in the bone-chilling sound. Without a second thought, Lobo flew off the bed and out of the room, downstairs, through the common area, and out into the early morning light. He skidded to a halt as he took in the scene. In front of him several wagons were being loaded with young hatchlings, all crying tears of fear and dismay as they were wrenched from their mothers and sisters. To Lobo’s shock, it was not some unfamiliar raiding party that was doing it, but the village’s own warriors! Lobo snarled loudly, momentarily halting all movement around him before the warriors, unperturbed by his outburst, returned to their task of loading up the village’s hatchlings.

“What is going on?!” Lobo roared, visibly furious.

“Lobo you're still up! Excellent! Why don't you and Zig Zag follow me? We have important matters to discuss now that our business is concluded,” called a very pleased looking elder Leonard. Lobo turned around, seeing a newly awoken Zig Zag and Raven coming out of the Golden Talon. Zig Zag was sporting a frown at the sight before him while Raven had a look of defeated apathy over her.

“Zig Zag, Raven!” Lobo called, gesturing for them to follow. Elder Leonard stopped and turned back towards Lobo.

“I said you and Zig Zag, Lobo, this is a meeting between males. Some frilly little female has no place being with us while we discuss business,” the elder stated firmly. Lobo was just about to protest when Raven put her talon on his shoulder.

“It's okay, you two go ahead. I was heading over to Redwing´s anyway and Robin said she has something new she wanted me to try,” Raven said, masking her inner anger with a reassuring smile towards Lobo and Zig Zag.

Lobo gave a grunt of annoyance, but nodded. Raven gave a little nod and took off into the sky, leaving the heart-wrenching scene behind as she soared into the distance. Zig Zag, looking after her, wanted nothing more than to stay with Raven instead of listening to some boring old gryphon go on and on about what he thought the two of them should be doing differently around the village. Zig Zag gave a sigh, following after Lobo who was walking behind Leonard and still growling angrily at what he saw around them.

It wasn’t long before they were all in the village council chamber. Leonard taking his seat up on the dais, where he could look down at Lobo and Zig Zag.

“Well… I must admit you two have really earned your keep around here. I had my doubts when we contract the lot of you, but it was an investment that really bore fruit,” stated Leonard smugly.

“What is happening out there? Why are you loading up the hatchlings?” Lobo asked angrily. Leonard looked down at the Wolf as if he had trouble understanding the question; it must have been obvious what was going on out there.

“We are loading them up because we sold them, of course.” Elder Leonard stated flatly and coldly.

“What!?” Both Lobo and Zig Zag burst out simultaneously, shock and revulsion displayed upon their features.

“Well what did you think you're doing here Wolf? You were hired to safeguard our resources so that the other villages would have to pay for what they wanted.”

Lobo was taken aback by Leonard’s referring to the hatchlings as ‘resources’. The use of this cold, uncaring term to describe the living youngsters he had worked so hard to protect did not sit well with him at all.

“We have now finally sold every hatchling the village doesn't need, and at a premium rate to boot! The fact that not a single hatchling disappeared after we hired you is quite astounding. Never would have thought you could be so useful Wolf,” Elder Leonard said with a smirk. Lobo’s growls were now much more menacing.

“That was not what I signed on for! I took this job to make sure the hatchlings wouldn't be separated from their families!” Lobo growled, his facial expression and intonation betraying his rapidly escalating anger.

“Oh no! That was never our intention! What would be the financial gain in keeping so many female hatchlings come next winter? No, no, far better to sell them to someplace they might actually be useful. And don't worry too much; we're only selling the hatchlings from the low ranking females. You should actually feel quite proud Wolf, those female hatchlings will gain much higher status in their new village than they could ever have gained here in Crown Peak, given who their mothers were,” Elder Leonard said matter-of-factly as he proceeded to lazily scrape out some dirt from underneath one of his talons.

“Although while we're speaking of being useful, we no longer need your services in this village, Wolf. So, after tonight you will have to pay for your own food and board. Although I don't think you have to worry about that either when I think of it…” Leonard said in an unnerving tone, leering down at Lobo and Zig Zag. Before either one of them even had a chance to process what had been said, Lobo yelped loudly; spinning around to see three darts jutting out from his left hind leg.

“Dad!” Zig Zag cried out as several village warriors dropped down from the beams high up in the ceiling. Zig Zag managed to dodge two of them before running straight into the third which slammed him down into the floor, pinning him mercilessly. Zig Zag cried out loudly, his limbs near the breaking point.

Lobo tried to swing around, only to realize his hind legs weren’t answering. He stumbled about, having trouble even standing upright.

“What… what... what's happening?” Lobo said weakly, his whole body now shaking from just the strain of standing.

“We are just filling out another order we recently received. Some ponies are paying a very handsome amount of money for you, and when they also threw Zig Zag and Raven into the deal, we just couldn't say no any longer,” Elder Leonard said with an apologetic expression before he burst out laughing.

Lobo stumbled off toward Leonard, although he was now surrounded on all sides by warriors. Some were leering down at him menacingly while others didn't look so comfortable with the situation. Lobo suddenly stopped in his tracks. He just stood there breathing raggedly, not even noticing Leonard walking up to him. Finally, Lobo raised his head with a huge effort and met Elder Leonard cold eyes, struggling simply to keep his own eyes open.

“What are you made of Wolf?” Elder Leonard asked with genuine curiosity in his voice.

“That dose should have knocked you out instantly… oh well… I guess I'll just have to help it along,” Leonard said indifferently. He then grabbed the scimitar of the nearest guard and, in one lightning-fast motion, slammed its hilt into the side of Lobo's head. The fierce blow sent him sprawling to the floor where he laid still, blood oozing from the fresh wound. A shrill cry of anguish filled the room as Zig Zag once again thought he had been made an orphan.

“No! Nooooooooooo! Not again! Dad! Please dad! You can´t leave me! Not you too!” Zig Zag wailed sobbingly from where he was pinned to the floor. He struggled wildly, not caring at all about how much pain it was causing him. This time though, almost not a single gryphon Warrior could look at the little pony without feeling at least a little bit of guilt. He was, after all, a proper young warrior; most likely with a bright future. The thought of him ending up in the dark tunnels of the mines, a mere slave, didn't sit right with quite a few of the Warriors who had been training with him over the last few months. Lobo was different, they wouldn't have to see him after today, but Zig Zag´s unavoidable spiral down into oblivion would be happening right before their eyes.

“Tie the pony up outside for now, we'll introduce him to the mines later. Right now we need to concentrate on loading up the Wolf and securing him properly. Make sure to move fast, I don't want wing leader Panther finding out about this until it's too late. He’s scheduled to come back from guarding the mining camp at high noon today. The Wolf must be gone by then, or Panther will most likely cause trouble. He has grown a little too attached to this… thing,” Elder Leonard said with disdain and started heading towards the exit. On the way he stopped next to the still sobbing Zig Zag, glaring down at him.

“Can someone gag him please, I don't want to listen to any more of his annoying sobbing,” Leonard said and continued on, content with hearing his orders being carried out behind him.

****

Raven stood ready, waiting for Robin to begin. They had done this a few times now. Last round she only missed four out of ten targets. To tell the truth, Robin was a bit annoyed by this incredible feat. She had been sure this challenge would be too difficult even for Raven with her ridiculous amount of talent when it came to wielding knives. She had made ten wooden plates which she would throw up randomly into the air. Raven's job was then to hit said plates with her knives. To add to the difficulty, she wasn't allowed to have them out when she began either. All her knives were in their sheets when she started. Robin eyed Raven warily before she started throwing the plates up in the air. One, two, three plates were quickly followed by thud, thud and thud as they rained down with daggers stuck in them. As the tenth plate dropped to the earth, Robin looked around herself and counted. With a little bit of a smirk Robin looked back at Raven.

“Only five this time… You're slipping,” Robin said with a hint of reproach. Raven only glared back at her.

“Do it yourself if you think it's so damn easy!” Raven said a bit agitatedly. Robin gave a sigh and quietly cursed herself for being so short-tempered with Raven this morning. After all, they both knew why they were in such bad moods. Fully two thirds of all the female hatchlings in the village were on their way to their new homes, probably sobbing the whole way, and many crying sisters and mothers would need comforting tonight. But that was for later; right now she had a talented student in need of more training.

“Look, I'm sorry... We both know if I tried, I'd consider myself lucky to hit two plates. You on the other hand, my young apprentice, you have the potential to hit all of them one day,” Robin said, looking over at Raven with a serious expression. Raven was a bit taken aback, not used to receiving praise of any kind, except from Zig Zag that is.

“Th… thanks, I think. I mean, you really think so?” Raven asked clumsily, still processing Robin’s unexpected compliment in her mind. Robin gave a little nervous laugh.

“Oh believe me, I've been training for years. Then here comes you, a little stick of a girl, and in only a couple of months surpasses any warrior I've ever seen when it comes to knife throwing. Don't get me wrong, you've been working your butt off at it every single day since you came here so I did expect you to become better, but this...,” Robin trailed off and gestured at the impaled targets spread around her, “This is beyond anything I could ever dream of in such a short time.” Robin walked up to Raven and put her right talon on her shoulder reassuringly.

“You're truly talented Raven, but don't let that get to your head; you still have a lot to learn. And you will only learn it through hard work,” Robin said, squeezing Raven's shoulder a bit to emphasize that she meant every word of what she said. Raven looked more or less stunned now. At the sight of her now blushing, dumbstruck young apprentice, Robin could not help but grin widely.

“By my wings kid, you should see the look on your face right now! Now clean up out here and I'll get some lunch ready for us. You can come in when you're done,” Robin said and walked into Redwing’s store. Raven smiled a bit as she walked over to retrieve her daggers. Just as she was finished sheathing the last dagger, she heard a gryphon land behind her.

“Well if it isn't today’s grand prize, playing at being warrior.” Tigero’s malicious voice snarled out from behind her. Raven spun around to see the smirking gryphon leering back at her, flanked by his ever present shadow, Snow Leopard.

“What do you want Tigero? Didn't Zig Zag give you enough of a beating last time?” Raven shot back, earning a murderous stare from Tigero before he burst out in the most sinister smile she had ever seen.

“Zig Zag? Zig Zag??? Where have I heard that name before… Oh yeah! He is the new slave the elder Council just bought for the mines, isn't he?! They got him at the same time they sold that damn Wolf back to the little ponies! Which means you are now free for anyone to claim!” Tigero burst out, smirking triumphantly. Raven’s lower beak fell open in shock.

“What!” she shrieked, glaring furiously at the male gryphon.

“If this is a joke Tigero, I'll make sure Zig Zag beats you into a pulp!” Raven growled. Tigero and even Snowy burst out laughing at that threat.

“No, the only thing he will be doing is pulling carts for the rest of his miserable life. Don't worry though, I'll bring you down into the mine so we can laugh at him every day,” Tigero mused out loud. Raven was now shaking with rage.

“Anyway take off though silly toys of yours. It's time for you to start acting like a proper gryphoness. And unless you accept me as your claimer, you’ll end up being elder Leonard´s new plaything,” Tigero said self-assuredly, holding out his right talon towards Raven expectantly. Not even she could be dumb enough not to accept his offer now, he thought amusedly.

“You're my female now, girl! So you will learn your place or-” Tigero collapsed to the ground, jerking violently, before he could even finish the sentence. Snow Leopard looked down at his friend in shocked astonishment. From his left eye protruded a dagger which Raven had thrown from across the training ground. When he looked up again, he was met by Raven´s elbow which connected cleanly with his lower beak. His head snapped back, and he immediately collapsed to the ground. Fortunately for him he had only been knocked unconscious by the enraged gryphoness.

Raven was standing over them breathing heavily, her anger still boiling inside. She reached down and yanked the dagger free from Tigero’s skull. He was now most definitely dead.

“Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! What on all my feathers am I going to do now?!” Raven roared, thinking aloud to herself as she paced around.

“The first thing you are going to do is calm down,” Raven heard someone say harshly. She looked towards the back entrance of the store where she saw Redwing standing in the doorway. Behind her, a shocked Robin was gawking out as well. Redwing slowly walked up to Raven and gently grabbed hold of her head, holding it firmly while she looked into Raven's eyes.

“I just came back from an errand. Lobo has been tied to the top of a wagon and is currently being transported by two Pegasi southward away from the village. There are also two gryphon Warriors with them. Zig Zag is being led toward the mines on the north side of the mountain by another warrior. If he's taken into the mines, you will have no chance of rescuing him. Do you understand girl? Save him before he gets to the mine and then flee from this place.” Redwing stated calmly, as if it was the easiest thing in the world to do. Raven nodded that she had understood.

“Never in my life have I believed for a second in something as ridiculous as love. I mean honestly, look around us! How could a female ever truly love a male? Then I saw you and Zig Zag together… you two can't lose each other. Now GO!” Redwing exclaimed, while tears ran down her cheeks. Raven shot up into the air heading north. Before they were out of sight, Raven looked back and saw Redwing and Robin standing side-by-side smiling up at her.

Thank you! I'll never forget you two! Raven thought while tears ran down her own cheeks. She then faced forward, increasing her speed. Zig Zag needed her and not even the five kingdoms combined could stop her from reaching him!

****

“Come on pony quit being so damn difficult!” the gryphon shoving Zig Zag along barked, annoyed. Zig Zag had been making life extremely difficult for the guard. Even though the pony was tied up pretty securely, Zig Zag would still buck and squirm every time the guard tried picking him up. This had resulted in the gryphon warrior having to walk him toward the mines for fear of Zig Zag, who seemingly did not care what would happen when he suddenly stopped at the end of the fall, did not wrench himself out of the warrior’s grip mid-flight.

The gryphon walked behind Zig Zag, poking him with his sword every time Zig Zag stopped hobbling forward. Tears were dripping from Zig Zag’s eyes while he tried to put up as much resistance as he could. Why he resisted he didn't know; Lobo was gone and Raven was supposedly captured as well. He was alone in a hostile village which was going to mercilessly work him to death over the next couple of years. They crossed the last ridge, and now Zig Zag could see what would be the last thing he ever would in his life. It was a small encampment, surrounding an opening into the mountain. There were many guard gryphons around, making sure none of the slaves could escape. To Zig Zag’s surprise, most of the slaves were also gryphons although he could also see several ponies and even a Zebra inside of the compound; all toiling away at pulling carts in and out of the mine.

“Welcome to your new home pony!” the gryphon exclaimed derisively as he walked up next to Zig Zag who just glared back at him, making the gryphon chuckle a bit.

“Don't worry, it's not as bad as you think. We even feed you… most days anyhow,” the guard mused mockingly and laughed out loud.

Zig Zag seized the opportunity to buck his tormentor as hard as he could. The gryphon shrieked out in pain, then struck Zig Zag so hard that he lifted off the ground and landed heavily beside the trail leading down into the mining camp. Zig Zag groaned through his tied muzzle as he tried to stand up again, only for the gryphon to smack him down with a closed fist again, and again, and again. When the guard finally stopped, Zig Zag just lay still where he was, blood slowly running out of his nostrils.

“You will soon learn that making us guards angry is not a good thing, pony,” the guard hissed at Zig Zag. Just then something landed beside the two of them with a loud thud. The guard looked up in surprise and jumped off of Zig Zag.

“What is going on here Serval?! What are you doing with Zig Zag?!” Panther shouted angrily. Upon hearing the familiar voice Zig Zag pried one eye open, looking at the wing leader Lobo had become friends with during their time at Crown Peak. Panther looked down worriedly and started to undo the ropes that were tying Zig Zag’s muzzle shut.

“Sorry Wing leader, but you probably shouldn't do that. We both know how fast that little bugger is. If he gets loose, the two of us will have one hell of a time trying to chase him down again. He sure isn’t happy about being our newest slave for the mines!” Serval exclaimed. This made Panther freeze where he sat hunched over Zig Zag. Panther looked Zig Zag in the eyes, seeing the tears running down from them.

“Zig Zag… What is going on? What happened?” Panther asked in a strained voice. Zig Zag looked back at Panther and a little spark of hope lit up inside of him.

“They… They poisoned dad… They are going to hand him over to the bad ponies back home. Leonard said I had to stay here and become a slave in the mines. And Raven…” Zig Zag sobbed, “I don't know where Raven is!” Zig Zag shouted with his cracked voice before spitting out some blood onto the ground to clear his airways. Panther’s talons closed into a fist around the ropes he had untied from Zig Zag´s muzzle, his facial expression shifting to that of pure and unmitigated rage.

“Leonard you freaking bastard. I knew you were up to something, but this…” Panther hissed, then ripped off the rest of Zig Zag´s bindings in absolute fury.

“Wing leader! You can't do that! The whole elder council, not just Leonard, has approved of this course of action; there is nothing you can do!” Serval exclaimed with a look of desperation, trying to make Panther see the futility of what he was doing. Serval only received a backhanded slap across his face. Completely surprised, Serval stumbled several steps back before catching himself again.

“Zig Zag is coming with me, and when I'm through ‘talking’ with elder Leonard, we will either be going to get Lobo back, or so help me Leonard will have made the last miserable decision of his life!” Panther roared. He turned back to Zig Zag and gently lifted him up onto his back.

“Hold on, I'm going to straighten this whole thing out right now!” Panther promised forcefully and determinedly, while Zig Zag clambered on as best he could. They shot up into the air, Panther flapping his wings and gaining altitude rapidly.

They had only flown for a couple of minutes before Panther suddenly felt a sharp pain in his lower back, making him screech out in surprise. Looking back he saw a dart sticking out of his hindquarters. Immediately, he felt the numbing effect of the poison starting to spread throughout his body. Cursing loudly, Panther immediately started gliding back towards the ground, finally landing a bit clumsily. Serval set down at the same time, holding a blow pipe in one of his talons. Panther reached back and yanked out the little dart. He looked at it and then glared over at Serval.

“What do you think you're doing?!” Panther yelled, although it didn't come out as forcefully as he had wanted.

“Sorry wing leader, but the council thought you might do something stupid. I really didn't want to do that to you, but you left me no choice. You have clearly become too friendly with that Wolf, and the new slave is going to start working the mines today.” Serval stated calmly but contemptuously. Panther spread his wings in a defensive posture, but they immediately started to sag.

“Damn it! I won't let you do this!” Panther protested, just as his back legs went out from under him.

Zig Zag, still very groggy from the beating he had received, tumbled off Panther’s back and rolled onto the grass behind him. Slowly and cautiously, Serval started walking forward towards Panther and Zig Zag; they both might seem incapacitated but he wasn't taking any chances. Panther looked up angrily at Serval and noticed something flash in the sky behind him. In the next instant Raven slammed down on Serval´s back, punching two daggers hilt deep into his armors wing slits. Serval screamed loudly as the two of them tumbled onto the ground. Raven ripped the daggers out and smashed the butt end of each of them into either side of Serval’s head, causing him to immediately lose consciousness. Raven stood up, panting heavily as she narrowed her eyes at Panther.

“Get away from him!” Raven hissed towards Panther, who answered by slumping down onto the ground next to Zig Zag. Seeing this, Raven looked over at him suspiciously. Zig Zag now managed to get up on all fours and stumbled over to stand in between Raven and Panther.

“Wait Raven… he was trying to save me…” Zig Zag said and sat down again, still woozy from those blows to the head. This seemed to calm Raven down a bit. When she saw that Zig Zag seemed really hurt, she immediately ran forward; catching him in a firm embrace. They sat like that for a while, just feeling each other's presence, until a weak voice beside them made itself heard.

“You need to go… Lobo… you need to get him… Even if they won't reach the pony border for quite a while, it won't take long for the elders to realize something’s gone wrong and send more Warriors to secure him… You need to free him before the day is over!” Panther directed, struggling with every word, as he looked at the two of them with a soft smile.

“I'm sorry I can't help, but this sedative will most likely make me useless for the next twenty-four hours. At least take these as a parting gift,” Panther said then slowly managed to get two finely made daggers out from his weapons belt. He laid them down between himself and Zig Zag, who promptly picked them up and slid them into place on the back of his armor. Zig Zag had been allowed to keep his armor since quite frankly no male gryphon in his right mind would want it and because the mine was a dangerous place to work and having the armor to minimize this risk of injury would make him a more efficient worker.

“Thank you Panther. I'll tell dad what you did for me…” Zig Zag promised solemnly.

“Thanks… I would like for Lobo to know I did not betray his trust... I did not know this was happening…” Panther struggled to say while he tried to keep his eyes open.

“We will tell him.” Raven stated reassuringly. Panther nodded and smiled.

“You are a tough female Raven, it's too bad I couldn't win you that first night… Although at the same time, I'm glad I didn't… Now go… You two don't have any time to waste.” Panther said while trying to wave them away. Both Zig Zag and Raven nodded. Zig Zag climbed onto Raven's back and once again held on as best he could. With a last look back at Panther, they could see that he was now sleeping soundly. Zig Zag tightened his hold on Raven.

“I was so worried about you… I thought I might have lost you… forever,” Zig Zag said and nuzzled into Raven's neck. Raven looked back at him smiling.

“You will never loose me ZZ! I… I… I love you! And I will never let you go, as long as there is breath in my body,” Raven stated firmly. Zig Zag smiled back at her and then kissed Raven firmly on the side of her beak.

“I love you too Raven, and I will never let you go either.” Zig Zag said as he once again nuzzled into her neck.

“Now… let's save dad!” Zig Zag exclaimed. Raven beamed back at him and nodded eagerly.

With a single mighty leap, the two of them were away down the mountainside. They would have to take the long way around since they could not go back to the village, but it would hopefully still be a few hours before anybody knew they were gone. And before that they should hopefully have already found Lobo again since he was being pulled on a wagon along the ground. They couldn't have gotten too far… could they?

****

Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit

Author's Note

Hello every pony! Leon here, unfortunately Syvvak is having some difficulties right now, and won't be doing any editing for me the next couple weeks. But don't you worry, I have got a fantastic editor to step in and fill his shoes. So give a round of applause for Pen Perfect for making my work readable! Thank you very much Pen, for taking this on, and the advice you gave me just during this chapter has been highly appreciated. Your input has been spot on, and I really appreciate it when I get honest no-nonsense critique, keep up the good work Pen and will see you in the next chapter! Leon out!

Chapter 29 The Way Home Is Long

True Black
Chapter 29
The Way Home Is Long

17 of July

The first thing Lobo felt was that he was strapped down on something moving. The jolts and bumps of the almost non-existent path down from the mountains made it difficult for whoever it was dragging him along. He tried to rouse himself, but he was simply too tired. It didn't take long for him to fall back into a deep slumber.

A few minutes later, or maybe a few hours, there was no way he could tell, Lobo once again stirred on top of the wagon he was strapped down on. He opened his eyes only to realize he was blindfolded. This quite frankly puzzled him since he had no trouble smelling the two ponies pulling the wagon, nor hearing the Gryphons flying above keeping look out. He knew they were Gryphons because they came down to report every now and again. For the next few hours Lobo just lay still, listening to his captors talking and complaining and letting his body slowly burn through the sedative keeping him down. It didn't take long for him to realize that even though they were working together, both the Gryphons and the ponies did not trust each other.

“Dammit, why did we have to be the ones pulling this bastard wolf back to Avarice camp. Pegasi are meant to fly, not pull wagons!” One of the ponies in front of Lobo muttered. This made Lobo’s attention jump tenfold, that name seemed very familiar.

“Pipe down and pull! If we're lucky this will be enough to repay our debts to him and I'll finally be able to leave his service.” The other reprimanded, but was quickly met with a snort.

“Are you stupid?! Avarice will never let anypony go; we're all stuck under him until we die! The only thing we can really hope for is that we don't mess up and make him kill our families as well!” The first one answered harshly.

Avarice? Lobo finally realized where he remembered it from... It was on more or less every letter at the camp he'd been captive in! That was the name of the pony that, besides Black Star, was directly responsible for his manifestation in the physical realm!

“Look I know you’re new around here, so I'll tell you this once; as long as Avarice has anything on you… you will never leave his service. I don't know how he got his hooves on you, but with me, I happened to stand out, a cut above the rest. As a reward, Avarice promoted me into his little private outfit. I couldn't have been happier, I thought my career was going places and the money I make is good so my family back home is living well as long as I'm in his service. But just as you found out last month, if you ever question him or try to leave his service, he pulls out the list with all your loved ones on it and recites exactly what will happen to each of them if you don't do precisely what he says, or if he should find himself dead for some reason… He's a monster and he has every single one of us under his hooves. So don't go around thinking you will ever get out! He will crush those hopes ruthlessly… like he did with me.” The first voice continued. Once again there was an uneasy silence.

“But… but he said he would reward me for this! He said he would give me something special if we pull this off!” The second voice said desperately.

“You don't get it do you? The “reward” he's talking about is that he will mark your family down for a quick and painless death if his hold order isn't sent to the assassins he has placed all over the empire! Do you understand me-” the soldier was abruptly cut off as something slammed down just next to the wagon.

“What the- AHHHH!!!” One of the ponies in front of Lobo screamed. He then heard frantic scrambling as the other one tried to get out of his harness, but that quickly stopped as Lobo heard a gurgling sound in front of him.

“Raven! Get down here! Don't take him on by yourself!” Lobo’s heart leapt into his throat as he heard Zig Zag´s voice call out. That's when he noticed there was a lot of screeching and shouting above him.

“I will cut your wings off female! And then I'll nail you to the city gates and leave you to rot!!!” A male Gryphon voice roared. Zig Zag scrambled up on top of the wagon and made his way over to Lobo. The thick ropes that were tying him down were cut away before his blindfold was removed. Lobo winced as light flooded into his eyes. He tried to get up but couldn't manage more than a small stumble to the side. Another shriek sounded as Raven and a Gryphon warrior, who Lobo recognized as Cheetah, crashed down in front of them. After the tumble Raven ended up on her back, trying not to get stabbed in the neck by her own dagger, which Cheetah slowly but surely was pressing down on her.

“Raven!” Zig Zag cried out and set off at a blistering pace towards the two combatants. Raven's arms were shaking in the effort of trying not to get stabbed by Cheetah, who mercilessly bore down on her with the knife. In the last instant Zig Zag plunged his own dagger into the exposed neck of Cheetah who was fully concentrated on Raven. Zig Zag´s momentum immediately flung Cheetah off Raven and she quickly scrambled up on all fours, spreading her wings in a defensive posture while Cheetah and Zig Zag rolled off together. Zig Zag ripped his dagger out of Cheetah´s neck and back pedaled until he stood beside Raven who was breathing heavily. Cheetah looked up at the two of them with fury in his eyes which soon turned to disbelief as the blood continued to pour out of his neck. In the end, Cheetah was looking at them from the ground with eyes begging for mercy, begging for help; but there was nothing anybody could do. He took one last ragged breath before finally the light in his eyes faded.

Behind them, Lobo was trying to get himself off the wagon and over towards his two wards. With a loud thump he tumbled off the side and hit the ground, making Zig Zag and Raven turn towards him. Zig Zag immediately ran up to Lobo´s side, while Raven set off towards the Pegasi of which one was still alive; the Pegasus who was still tangled in his harness. His back hooves were bleeding intensely from where Zig Zag had cut through his rear ankle tendons. His fellow soldier lay beside him dead with a cut throat.

Zig Zag had come at them from behind, sneaking up silent as a shadow and springing his surprise attack by cutting the first ponies back legs out from under him. Then as his fellow soldier looked over in alarm, Zig Zag had shot around him on his now blind side and cut his throat before he even knew what was happening.

The still living Pegasus now looked up at Raven, who was slowly prowling towards him, and redoubled his efforts trying to get out of the harness, a task which proved very difficult with only his front hooves now working. Zig Zag did not pay Raven and the Pegasus any attention as he neared Lobo on the ground.

“Dad! Are you okay?” Asked a worried Zig Zag when he came to a halt beside Lobo, who slowly managed to stand up.

“Yes, I'm fine… whatever they… injected me… with…” Lobo shook his head to clear it further “...makes it hard for me to move, or even keep myself awake. But it's not as bad as it was before... once the moon is up it will sort itself out.” Lobo said shakily while he leaned on the wagon.

“No! No! Please don't!” Lobo and Zig Zag heard the last Pegasus cry while he was held down by Raven who was standing over him menacingly with her dagger at the ready.

“Wait!” Lobo called out. Raven halted just as she was about to end the life of the Pegasus. Questioningly, she looked back towards Lobo.

“He has information we need…” Lobo said and made his way forward. He sat down shakily besides Raven, looking down at the now terrified Pegasus. In the corner of his eye Lobo saw Zig Zag sit down on the other side of Raven. He leaned in against her and put his head against her side. Raven answered by draping her wing over his back, before they both sighed contently. Lobo turned back towards the now visibly trembling Pegasus.

“Let's have a little talk shall we.” Lobo said coldly as his piercing eyes locked with those of the Pegasus.

****

18 of July

The quarter moon was shining down between the branches on the resting trio. Lobo was looking up at the small shiver of moonlight that was helping him burn through the last of the sedative in his system. They had travelled as far as they could before Zig Zag and Raven more or less collapsed. They had both been through alot the last day, while he had only slept through the whole ordeal. He cursed himself for it as he looked down at his son, for that was what Zig Zag had become, and Raven, someone Zig Zag had come to love as much as if not more than Lobo, locked in a tight embrace. And he was glad for it, that he was allowed to see the joy the two of them brought each other. He would not fail them again, he would keep them safe for as long as he lived. Lobo, for what felt like the hundredth time that night, glanced down at the two of them. Zig Zag and Raven lay in each other's embrace, sleeping soundly, while he was curled protectively around them, keeping them warm and waiting for the fast approaching dawn. Already he could see it was getting lighter on the horizon.

Lobo had heard more than one Gryphon during the night flying past above them. However this did not concern him as they were useless at night. No matter how well they could see during daytime, the night was not their element and all they had accomplished was to tire themselves out in in a fruitless search. Lobo looked at the horizon again; the twilight hours were approaching, time to get moving.

“Son… Raven… We have to get going.” Lobo said as he carefully shook the two of them awake.

“Just five more minutes mom! And then I'll-” Zig Zag eyes flew open. He shot up on all fours, twirling around frantically.

“Mom! Mom! Wait com-” Zig Zag´s cries for his mother were silenced by Raven who clamped down on his muzzle, looking worriedly in all directions. Lobo gave a ragged sigh.

“The same nightmare again?” Lobo asked worriedly. Zig Zag had calmed himself down again, in the tender embrace of Raven. Slowly he shook his head.

“No… It was different this time.” He said, swallowing while tears ran down his cheeks. “They were both there again… but we didn't end up in the pit this time. Mom… she said… I have to go back, I have to find them. I have to find Iron Rod and Silver Pot.” Zig Zag said and looked up at Lobo with a determination in his eyes Lobo had never seen before. He gave a sigh and shook his head, but before he could say anything Zig Zag pressed on.

“You promised dad… You promised you would help me find them. They have to pay! They killed mom, Cherry Blossom and Cherry Tree... They have to pay…” Zig Zag stated, all the while still looking up at Lobo with fire in his eyes.

“You're right, I did promise that didn't I…” Lobo said looking away, not at all at ease with where this was heading. He knew the promise he had made to Zig Zag to keep him from doing something even more stupid, than filing his own teeth, when he had been at his most depressed state of mind. And now it had come back to haunt him.

“I will keep my word… We’ll go back to North Bay and find the ponies that were responsible for what happened to you and your loved ones.” Lobo said reluctantly. Zig Zag came forward and embraced one of Lobo´s forelegs.

“Thank you… You don't know what this means to me.” Zig Zag said. Lobo closed his eyes as he put a comforting paw on Zig Zag, all the while thinking about Black Star.

“Unfortunately I think I do… At least a little bit, I may never see my family again… But at least I know they are still alive and safe. So when I try to think about what you went through… I cannot fault your desire in the slightest son.” Lobo said in a low voice. Finally the sun peeked over the horizon, and Lobo felt the blessing of the moon withdraw from him.

“Now then… Our knowledge of where the ponies will be waiting for us will make it a whole lot easier to get back to North Bay without being spotted. We'll stick to the forests as much as we can which means we'll have to head-on down towards the coast. Once there we’ll follow it south and make our way back to your home. This unfortunately means you can't fly, Raven. The moment you rise above the tree line, it is more or less a given our Gryphon ‘friends’... will see us.” Lobo said with disdain and hurt in his voice. Zig Zag looked up at his father.

“Panther is still your friend dad… He saved me, and protected me until Raven found us. If it wasn't for him I would be a slave in the Gryphon mines right now.” Zig Zag said and looked up at Lobo, who looked back down at him in disbelief. Then a small smile crossed his lips while he gazed up towards the mountains.

“Thank you my friend… I will not forget this debt if our paths should ever cross again.” Lobo stated as a true smile spread across his features. Zig Zag in the meanwhile was leaning back against Raven when something Cherry Blossom had said to him in his dream came back to him. He turned around, looking at her intently. At noticing how Zig Zag was looking at her, she actually began to fidget a bit. His eyes were emitting so much trust and affection; she could feel her chest warming up as her heart rate increased.

“Ehh… Are… Are you okay ZZ?” She asked, not really knowing how to react. Zig Zag nodded as a smile spread across his features.

“Yes… I'm very much okay.” He said and then leaned in to give her a peck on the side of her beak. If her face wasn't covered in feathers, Raven was pretty sure she would have lit up the forest a bright red. Zig Zag leaned back, also fidgeting a bit, before speaking up again.

“I would… I would like to give you something.” Zig Zag said and craned his neck to open one of the little hidden pockets in the neck lining of his armor. Slowly he pulled out his silver chain with the cherry blossom pendant hanging from it. He looked back at Raven, who was staring wide-eyed down at him.

“I… I would like you to have this.” Zig Zag said, taking Raven's left talon in his hoof. He carefully secured the silver chain, wrapping it several times around her black wrist so that it became a bracelet instead of a necklace.

“But… this is really important to you.” Raven objected. Zig Zag nodded.

“Yes, it may be important to me, but you're even more so…” Zig Zag said while blushing a bit. He looked up into Raven's eyes; all she could do was look back at him in wonderment.

“Sometime in the future, you can give me a bracelet as well… and then… we could maybe belong to each other for life.” Zig Zag said, looking at her nervously. This was when Raven understood what Zig Zag was offering her here. He had told her that he, a male, now willingly belonged to her by giving her this token as proof of his affections. It also meant that she, a female, still had a choice; if she wanted to say no, she could. But if she instead wanted to be with him, all Raven had to do was to find a bracelet worthy of Zig Zag and present it to him in return. Raven swept Zig Zag up in a fierce hug, wrapping both her forelimbs and wings around him.

“I will! I will find a bracelet for you too! I promise!” Raven shouted happily, before she remembered they had to be quiet, and leaned down, pressing her forehead against his.

“I will find you the best bracelet in the world… Then we'll be together forever.” Raven whispered to Zig Zag who was now fiercely pressing himself in against her.

“I know you will…” Zig Zag whispered back happily. Lobo was sitting beside them grinning from ear to ear. He knew they had to start moving soon, but giving Raven and Zig Zag a few more minutes couldn't hurt their chances too badly… could it?

****

21 of July

Avarice was heading towards the established meeting point earlier than expected. He had been roused from his bed by the news that a Gryphon messenger had arrived at the camp. Avarice, Black Star and ten more soldiers were now closing in on the agreed-upon location. When they came down to Ice Flow River, Avarice and Black Star could see six Gryphons and one of the scout Pegasi he had sent to retrieve Lobo, who he immediately noticed, to his great infuriation, wasn't there. He narrowed his eyes, wondering what tricks the Gryphons were up to now. It wouldn't surprise him in the slightest if they tried to weasel out more money.

“What is the meaning of this!? Where is the Wolf!?” Avarice asked with venom in his voice, not even trying to hide his growing irritation. One elderly Gryphon, clearly not part of the wing of warriors stepped up to Avarice glaring down at him.

“He escaped because you did not give us enough information to work with! Several of our warriors are dead because we did not know the Wolf could use magic! He must have somehow enhanced the little pony child with him, giving it speed and agility beyond anything reasonable. And the Wolf must also have performed some sort of mind control on the Gryphon girl as well. When I sent two youngsters to inform her she was now part of my household until the council had a chance to decide what to do with her, she answered by killing one of them and then chased after our new pony slave. No sane Gryphon girl would turn down the chance to serve in the highest household of a village, only to chase after a mere slave! She has obviously been bewitched somehow, and is now under the complete control of those two savages! And had we known this, we would have been able to act accordingly! This whole fiasco is because you ponies didn't warn us properly! We demand compensation for the losses we have suffered because of your incompetence!” Elder Leonard roared down at Avarice whose mind at the last utterance almost went blank with rage.

Avarice looked up at the elder Gryphon with barely controlled hatred displayed on his features. If there was one thing that really ticked Avarice off, it was being called stupid by what he saw as a lesser being, and essentially that was everything not itself able to use magic. His horn lit up and he telekinetically slammed Leonard mercilessly into the ground, pinning him there. The elder gave a shriek of dismay and fear as he looked up at the enraged unicorn.

A metallic ringing sound rang out through the air as the entire wing of Gryphon warriors simultaneously drew their swords and charged down towards Avarice. He glanced up at them in annoyance.

“Filthy Gryphons…” Avarice murmured in disdain, slamming them all down on the ground as well with his immensely powerful telekinesis. He grinned as he looked at the shocked expression on Black Star´s face as he alone pinned an entire Gryphon wing to the ground with ease.

Telekinesis was after all a pitiful and week magic all unicorns mastered as a birthright. Very few could lift more than a teacup or a sword, but he had been blessed with far more power than that. Most civilian unicorns could only lift a bag of flour or two at tops with their telekinesis, and if they were a bit gifted they could lift something equivalent to their own weight. But Avarice was for some reason different, when it came to telekinesis, he was a prodigy.

He had also been smart enough not to showcase his abilities too often if he didn't need to. After all, he loved the look of shock and horror when he tore another adversary apart who thought he would be easy pickings. This was especially when it was a unicorn as they often believed themselves superior to him because of his lack of spell knowledge, which most highborn were gifted with through study, and Avarice had thoroughly enjoyed killing each and every one of them who did not bow down to his will.

He was the king of the hill, and no one would be left alive who challenged that. He could lift far heavier things than any unicorn he had ever encountered, and also far more objects at the same time.

Black Star just continued gawking at the display of power before her. She had thought that Avarice had lost control when he strangled her in the research tent given the strength he had used on her. She now realized he had been in full control the entire time otherwise her head would quite literally have popped off her shoulders. The thought made her pristine white coat turn a shade lighter.

Avarice’s own soldiers finally moved in to secure the temporarily restricted warriors. When he saw that all the Gryphon's had a sword or a spear pointed at their necks, Avarice let go of his grip on them, satisfied with the fact that none of them post a threat any more. Slowly he turned his attention back to elder Leonard who now looked up at the unicorn in pure terror.

“You should know your place Gryphon. I can kill you whenever I want, remember that. Now let's continue this discussion is the civilized beings we are.” Avarice said with a truly malevolent smile across his face. Elder Leonard only response was to nod vigorously.

“Good, now let's start with the important things. Do you know where the Wolf is right now?” Avarice asked.

“No… We only found the bodies of the guards we sent to secure his transport here. We've only been able to find a few tracks indicating his heading back towards the border. The only witness to the escape itself is your Pegasus soldier. It was through him we learned what the Wolf truly was, and how valuable he is to you.” Leonard quickly answered. Avarice narrowed his eyes and looked over at the clearly wounded Pegasus lying on the ground. He walked up to him with a frown.

“On your hooves soldier! You're in the presence of your superior!” Avarice ordered.

“I'm… I'm very sorry sir! I can't! My rear tendons are cut…” The pony Scout whimpers from where he lay. Avarice just snorted.

“Very well… What happened?” Avarice said without even a hint of compassion towards the wounded scout in front of him. The pony immediately launched into an explanation about how the little colt and Gryphon girl, who had both been reported as being the Wolf's friends, had killed the others transporting Lobo back towards the camp. At the end of the Scouts explanation, Avarice was looking down at him with a quite visible twitch in his right eye.

“You're telling me that two children caught four fully grown and seasoned soldiers completely off-guard and made away with a more or less fully sedated Wolf?!” Avarice said in disbelief.

“When you say it like that, it sounds a bit incredible… but yes.” The scout said now visibly trembling under the gaze of Avarice. To the Scouts surprise Avarice actually burst out laughing. But it was not a pleasant laugh; it was dark and foreboding.

“So… Why did they leave you alive?” Avarice wondered. The scout swallowed nervously.

“T… th… they… t… th… they w… wa… wanted i… in… information… s… si… sir.” The scout stammered out.

“And what did you tell them?” Avarice wondered as he bent down to look straight into the eyes of the terrified pony.

“E… ev… everything they wanted to know.” The scout said hoarsely. Avarice face contorted into a truly horrific grimes.

“Know that your family will die screaming.” Avarice stated calmly.

“No! Plea-” The scout was abruptly cut off when Avarice snapped the pony’s neck in his telekinetic grip.

“Pathetic…” Avarice stated derisively as he turned his attention back to elder Leonard, who was staring at the unicorn in open shock.

“Now then Gryphon, we were talking about compensation for you… How about I let you leave these premises alive?… Would that be adequate compensation for you?” He wondered as he made his way back towards the now visibly shaking elder Leonard.

“I'm… I'm an elder of Crown Peak.” Leonard finally said, and steeled himself for what was to come.

“And threats… will not be taken kindly to. You can kill me here unicorn, but when we don't return there will be an outcry throughout Feliniss before too long. You would start a war over this little… misunderstanding?” Leonard said with a surprisingly steady voice, given the predicament he found himself in at the moment. Avarice gave a little crooked smile, his eyes flashing with mirth.

“Well when you put it that way, it would be quite bothersome if this little misunderstanding escalated further… Since we are all showing such a cooperative spirit, I will give you fifty daeums to show your village you manage to get a good deal out of this. What do you say?” Avarice wondered.

“Fifty daeums? That's outrageous! I will never accept such a sum as compensation for our dead warriors! It's an insult!” Elder Leonard shot back defiantly.

“Oh you will accept it quite happily, don't you worry. Black Star up front now!” Avarice yelled. A still shocked looking Black Star snapped to attention. Her gaze had been fixed on the scout Avarice had killed just minutes before. Black Star had slowly been growing more and more afraid of Avarice lately, but this brutality he had started to display more and more openly truly made her terrified now. Swallowing nervously, Black Star quickly made her way over to stand in front of Avarice.

“Yes chief Decurion.” Black Star said carefully.

“Make sure these Gryphons leave our presence thoroughly convinced they have made a good deal, and also make sure they have a compulsive need to suppress all knowledge of Lobo and ourselves in the future. I'll go back to camp in the meantime and start reorganizing our lookout positions since the Wolf now knows where they are thanks to blunder Pegasus over there.” Avarice ordered and walks away without as much as a glance back.

“Yes sir…” Black Star responded while her horn was surrounded by the black aura of her magic as she concentrated on the spell to rewrite the memories of the Gryphons into something more favorable.

****

27 of July

Lobo, Zig Zag and Raven were finally at Ice Flow River. In the space of little more than a week, the trio had made their way back towards the border. First heading straight out towards the coast, they had seen a few Gryphon scouts but these encounters had been few and far between. This was most likely because the Gryphons assumed they were heading straight for the border back into the Celestial Empire instead of taking the long way around. Finally, Lobo was once again looking down at the flowing water that almost took his life the last time he encountered it. As he gazed down at the water, he felt something he was not used to; uncertainty and maybe even a bit of fear. Lobo suppressed the lurking feeling as the three of them continued on to the edge of the woods, where they finally stopped and looked over the vast expanse of water in front of them. This far down towards the coast, the water flow was much calmer; however it was also much, much wider. Lobo felt his whole body go rigid as he saw the expanse of water he would have to cross in order to get to the other side. Raven and Zig Zag didn't seem to notice Lobo’s apprehension. Zig Zag even gave a laugh as he jumped into the shallow water to test the temperature, something he immediately regretted as he gave a shrill, girlish shriek and swished past Raven and Lobo so fast all they saw was a little blue blur.

“Bugger that’s cold!” Zig Zag proclaimed loudly as he rubbed his hooves together. All four of which were now wet up to the knees. Raven gave him a scoff.

“Well Dhuuuu… It's not called Ice Flow River from nothing. Even during high summer the water here is still freezing cold. Don't you remember how it was last time?” Raven asked Zig Zag.

“Well… Actually no, I don't remember too much before waking up in the cave with you.” Zig Zag said while a blush started to spread on his cheeks.

“Oh… Well okay. Glad you remember that at least. Now hop on ZZ, so we can get across within the next thousand years.” Raven replied with a grin, as she lowered herself so that Zig Zag could easily get up on her back. If Zig Zag was blushing before, he now lit up the forest while he carefully made his way up on her back and settle down, wrapping his front hooves around her neck and making sure his rear hooves weren't in the way of her wings. Lobo was still standing stock still, staring out over the surface of the water. Before he knew what was happening, Raven and Zig Zag took off into the air, heading for the other shore.

“Wait!” Lobo called after them, but it was too late. None of the two youths heard him as they sped through the air. It didn't take long for them to touchdown on the other side. They settle down beneath a couple of trees along the shore, waiting for Lobo. But as the time went on without a sign that Lobo was making his way over, they were both starting to get impatient.

“Where is he?” Zig Zag wondered.

“I'll take a look.” Raven said and took off into the air. As she climbed she could see the other shore line more clearly, and it didn't take long for her to see Lobo pacing along the shore, back and forth. Raven frowned and went back down to Zig Zag, who was watching questioningly up towards her. As she settled down he came up beside Raven.

“So?” He wondered.

“He’s still on the side, just walking back and forth…” Raven said perplexed.

“Really? Well go see what´s keeping him.” Zig Zag said.

“Okay, be back in a minute.” Raven answered and started to make her way back across the river. Zig Zag watched her fly off. Immediately after, the two hilts on his daggers started to glow with a soft yellow light. With a swoosh, both his daggers were suddenly pressed against his neck.

“What!” Zig Zag burst out, and immediately heard a chuckle from behind him.

“Wow, I really have to thank you guys for making this so easy for us.” A female voice said from behind.

“Now you just stay nice and quiet and this will all turn out just fine.” The voice said mockingly from a lot closer this time. In the corner of his eyes Zig Zag could now see a canary yellow unicorn with a red mane and tail step into view. She was wearing black ringmail armor. Zig Zag then heard something on the other side of him, and carefully glanced in that direction as well. A green Pegasus with a black mane and tail was merrily trotting up towards him, wearing a similarly black leather armor.

“This couldn't have turned out better if we planted it ourselves.” The Pegasus mare said with a laugh, stepping up to Zig Zag who was now glaring back at them.

“Oh look at him; he's a cute little one!” The Pegasus burst out as she looked more closely at the little colt in front of her. Zig Zag answered by snarling up at her, savagely enough to make her take a step back in surprise.

“What the frick?!” The Pegasus mare snapped indignantly while the yellow unicorn laughed at her reaction.

“Oh by Celestia! Don't tell me that little runt actually scared you!” The yellow unicorn said to the now fuming Pegasus.

“What! No! I mean didn't you see his teeth? He's got like freaking fangs or something!” The Pegasus said defiantly, then walked up to Zig Zag and unceremoniously pried his mouth open for a closer look.

“Settle down colt! You don't want Fire Starter to accidentally cut your throat do you?” The green Pegasus mare said angrily, which made Zig Zag remember that he actually had his own two daggers pressed against his throat at the moment. He froze but continued to growl, while the Pegasus curled up his lips to show his fangs more clearly to her unicorn friend.

“See? He’s got freaking fangs!” She said, looking back at the yellow unicorn.

“Yeah, yeah, Whoopi do, he's got freaky teeth. Now get your flank in gear and get some reinforcements down here. That Gryphon and the wolf will most likely be here any minute now and we don't know for sure that keeping the runt prisoner will guarantee the spirit’s cooperation. And even if I don't foresee any problems keeping them at bay with my fire magic, I really don't want to be left alone here for too long.” The unicorn snapped at the green Pegasus.

“Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I'll be back in-” the Pegasus was cut off by the unicorn.

“Don't say when you will get back you idiot!” The unicorn shouted angrily at the Pegasus, who looked back at the unicorn, gave a snort through her nose and took off into the sky.

“Pegasi… Always got their heads in the clouds don't they? Just makes it so darned annoying to deal with those freaking air heads, don't you think?” The mare said testily while she walked up to Zig Zag who was still standing with the daggers pressed against his throat. He glared over at the unicorn.

“My mom was a Pegasus actually…” Zig Zag muttered in a hiss.

“Oh don't be like that!” The female unicorn said while she closely looked over Zig Zag for the first time. And her gaze actually softened a bit as she did so.

“Wow… you are actually quite cute in that little armor of yours.” The mare gave a crooked little smile.

“I bet all the mares back at camp will be fighting to use you as their personal hot water bottle each night.” The yellow unicorn said and chuckled. Zig Zag’s jaw dropped open at that statement, causing the unicorn to actually burst out laughing before she eventually took a deep breath and once again looked down at Zig Zag.

“Now why don't you just rest for a little while? And when you wake up I'll make sure you’re nice and comfy until the rest of the unit gets hear.” The unicorn mare said putting her horn against the side of Zig Zag´s head while she cast a sleeping spell on Zig Zag who immediately fell unconscious to the ground.

****

Raven landed next to Lobo with a questioning look.

“What's keeping you?” She wondered, Lobo only looked off into the distance, not meeting her eyes.

“I… I can't swim…” Lobo said hesitantly.

“What! But! How! You got across the last time didn't you?” Raven said incredulously, not believing a word of what she just heard. Lobo finally turned towards Raven, glaring at her.

“I didn't actually make it last time! I had to drag myself along the bottom of the river in the end and I almost didn't make it. I almost drowned!” Lobo barked out. Raven took a frightened step backward, at seeing this Lobo’s ears flattened against his skull. Lobo quickly pulled back, angry with himself for having lashed out like that.

“I'm sorry Raven, this situation, it's… frustrating.” Lobo said with a deep sigh while he looked out over the water again, shuddering a little at the sight.

“It’s okay, don't you worry… So how are we going to do this then?” Raven wondered.

“I don't know. Everytime I try to go into the water I just freeze at the edge.” Lobo said annoyed. Raven couldn’t suppress a little chuckle, and was immediately met by two burning yellow eyes glaring at her.

“Well I'm glad this is so amusing.” Lobo grumbled.

“I'm sorry it's just, the big bad Wolf is afraid of a little water!” Raven said and laughed a little more, earning a growl in warning from Lobo.

“Okay, okay, I'm done!” Raven said and punched Lobo playfully in the side. Lobo gave an indignant humph before returning his attention to Raven.

“So what should we do? Any ideas?” Lobo asked.

“A few actually, just follow me and I will have you across in ten seconds flat.” Raven said with a big smile. Encouraged by this Lobo followed her up into the woods again.

Twenty minutes later they were both back, Lobo dragging a huge log behind him while Raven was in the last stages of producing a very makeshift rope made up of different plant fibers. With a last heave, Lobo rolled the log down into the water, making a big splash.

“There we go! Now just climb on top of the log, grab onto this rope, and I will pull you across in no time.” Raven said happily while Lobo hesitantly complied with Raven's idea. The log sank down quite a bit with him on top of it, but it was able to barely accommodate the weight of his mythril collar and the steel plate guards he now had strapped to his forelegs. Lobo was now clinging onto the log rather desperately since he realized he would not be able to reach the bottom if he rolled off. Raven came to a hover above him and tossed down one end of the makeshift rope, which Lobo immediately clamped his teeth around.

“Hey… Not too hard there, you don't want to bite through the rope.” Raven called down. Hearing this Lobo relaxed his grip a little bit, but still kept the rope firmly gripped between his jaws. Seeing that all was well, Raven proceeded to flap her wings more intently, and slowly but surely she was tugging Lobo across. It took a lot longer crossing this time, and soon Raven's wings started burning quite badly. The instanct Lobo could see it was shallow enough for him to stand; Lobo was bounding through the water and up on the opposite shore. He gave himself a firm shake to clear his coat of water, and then happily look over at a heavily painting Raven who had landed beside him now on shaky legs.

“Thank you! Thank you so much Raven!” Lobo said and in his exuberance gave her a long slobbering lick up the side of her face.

“Gaaaah! Ah geez… Wolf slobber! Thanks a lot…” Raven stated, giving Lobo and annoyed look while she used her arm to wipe off some of the slobber. Lobo grinned sheepishly down at her.

“Sorry… It's just, thanks; you have no idea how relieved I am right now.” Lobo said, looking a bit bashful because of what he just did.

“No, I think I have a good idea about that. But that was a lot harder than I thought it would be… I didn't think about the fact I had to pull you against the current the whole time.” Raven said while she started to look around.

“Well yeah… Sorry about that. And I really do appreciate this, thank you very much again Raven.” Lobo said as he too started to take in his surroundings.

“Zig Zag! Where are you!... That's funny, I left him right here.” Raven mused out loud while she continued searching for her coltfriend. Lobo’s nose was now twitching as he picked up a scent he did not like it all. He immediately took on an aggressive stand, and a menacing growl emitted from his throat. Raven tensed up as she noticed Lobo´s change, yanking out a knife which she held at the ready in front of her.

“What is it?” Raven wondered worriedly. Lobo took a couple more whiffs in the air before carefully moving forward.

“There have been ponies here, and I'm pretty sure they have taken Zig Zag.” Lobo stated angrily before he ran in amongst the trees. Raven immediately took to her wings following him as best she could. She didn't have to follow him far though, just a hundred meters in there was a small clearing where a fire was now burning in the middle. And at the fire two figures could be seen; one was a canary yellow unicorn with a red mane, the other was Zig Zag. He had a thick leather strap wrapped around his neck which was securing him to a pole that was hammered into the ground. Zig Zag was lying on his side apparently sleeping soundly, with his head against her side, while the mare playfully stroked her hooves through his dark two tone blue mane. The yellow unicorn mare finally noticed Lobo who had frozen at the site of his foster son in such a predicament. Raven had instead shot past Lobo, complete rage blinding her to any consequences that her actions might cause.

“Let him go you bitch!” Raven screeched as she barreled down towards the mare. The unicorn’s horn started to glow and immediately the campfire in front of her rose up into a wall of flame. Raven desperately flapped her wings to gain altitude and avoid the fire. As she rose up, the yellow unicorn once again came into view on the other side of the wall of flames. With a screech of anger, Raven let one of her daggers fly. Just before it sank into the mare's neck, a yellow shimmer surrounded it, making it hover in the air. The unicorn smirked up at Raven, but then gave a shrill scream that was more or less immediately cut off. Lobo had burst straight through the wall of fire and closed his massive jaws around the unicorn's throat. The two of them tumbled off together along the ground. When they finally came to a halt, Lobo had managed to put out the fires that had shortly been burning in his fur. Raven noticed the yellow mare was still alive, feebly hammering away at Lobo´s jaws while he growled angrily.

“Quit fighting or I will snap your neck right now!” Lobo spat down at the struggling mare who answered by clinging onto Lobo, trying to ease the strain on her neck. Lobo rose up fully, the unicorn dangling helplessly from his jaws, giving off agonized wheezing sounds while she fought for breath.

“He won't wake up!” Lobo heard Raven panically shout from the campfire, where she was now standing holding onto Zig Zag´s sleeping form and tugging angrily at the leash he had been outfitted with. Lobo then heard a small chuckle from the unicorn mare dangling from his jaws. Lobo growled viciously and let her fall to the ground, where she lay sputtering and coughing.

“Wake him up now!” He roared at the mare.

“No…” The unicorn managed to wheeze out between coughs. Lobo unceremoniously rolled her onto her back and put a massive paw on her chest. He leaned in closely locking gaze with the yellow unicorn as he bared his teeth at her.

“Who are you kidding Wolf? If anything happens to me the kid will remain in a coma forever.” The unicorn said looking at Lobo with a grin. The gears in Lobo’s head started turning and it didn't take long before an even more vicious grin spread across his own features.

“Hardly… Even if your spell could somehow be permanent, which I highly doubt, I can just kill you hear and then find another unicorn to counter the spell you cast on him. So right now this is just a question of how slowly and painfully you want to die.” Lobo stated coldly as his yellow eyes burned with the inner fury emanating from him. The yellow mare beneath him bleached visibly.

“You… You wouldn't dare!” The unicorn screamed as her horn started to glow. The campfire once again rose up as if a living thing, and started to stretch over threateningly towards where she had left Zig Zag tied up.

“I will burn him alive if you even try!” She threatened Lobo while she tried to get out from under his paw.

“That would be difficult considering he's over here with me!” Raven stated smugly from where she sat at the tree line with an unconscious Zig Zag still in her grasp.

“What? But that collar was secured with magic! How in Celestia did you get it off him?!” The mare sputtered in disbelief, only to realize that Zig Zag was still safely secured to the poll as intended. The thing was Raven had simply dug up the entire poll, which was now lying next to them on the ground. The yellow unicorn slowly looked back up at a fuming Lobo, an uneasy smile spreading across her face.

“That still doesn't change the fact that I will not wake him up…” She said, resigning herself to what was to come. Lobo growled down at her, then lifted her up and slammed the mare viciously into the ground, then did so again and again and again and again. When Lobo finally stopped, the yellow unicorn was coughing and breathing weekly, a thin line of blood escaping from the corner of her mouth.

“You will, or I'll start eating you alive! And I will even carry you with me so that I can make it last for days.” Lobo said with cold intent in his voice. If the mare had been frightened before, she now bore a look of pure terror. She tried to use her magic, but the pain and fear worked in tandem to shatter what little concentration she managed to put into her spells. All she managed was some pathetic fire sparks that barely cinched Lobo´s fur.

“You… You wouldn't dar-” Lobo´s teeth snapped close around her left ear before he viciously yanked it off, and gulped it down in front of a now frantically shouting and cursing unicorn. After several desperate gulps of air the yellow unicorn looked up at Lobo with eyes as big as saucer plates. Blood pouring out from the wound on top of her head where her left ear used to be, she held her left hoof pressed against the wound trying to stem the blood flow a bit.

“You are threatening the well-being of my pack pony… There is not much I would not dare right now.” Lobo said coldly as he snapped his teeth around the hoof she was holding pressed against her skull. The mare’s eyes widened in panic when she realized what was about to happen.

"No! Please understand I can't let you get away, I've got orders! It's nothing perso-” there was a sickening crunch as Lobo´s teeth close completely around the appendix, before ripping the now mangled flesh off without a second's hesitation. The mare stared at the stump that was left where her hoof use to be in disbelief, then her body caught on to what had just happened, resulting in a blood curdling scream that could be heard for miles around the clearing.

Funny how it's never something personal, at least not until you yourself start losing something in the process… Raven thought while the unicorn started to beg for mercy, thrashing back and forth in a desperate attempt to escape from Lobos harsh grip on her.

****

Later that evening some miles away.

Zig Zag’s eyes opened slowly as the spell keeping him unconscious was removed. The first thing he noticed was the two bloodshot pink eyes that belonged to the yellow-coated unicorn. He jerked his head back as he looked at her. Perspiration was pouring down across her face and she was breathing heavily. Zig Zag sprang to his hooves and backpedalled away from her until he hit something big and soft behind him. Two forearms encircled him, making Zig Zag shout out in surprise. But he quickly relaxed when Zig Zag saw he was in the comfortable embrace of Raven. Zig Zag looked back at Raven, meeting her worried gaze. He finally let out a sigh of relief when he noticed Lobo standing on the other side of the disheveled unicorn.

The yellow mare slowly rolled onto her back again, still panting heavily, while cradling the stump that was left of her missing hoof. Once she finally became coherent again after the shock of losing her hoof, she had given into all their demands. Unfortunately she had not been able to perform the magic needed to cancel the spell she had cast on the little colt. Luckily for her Lobo realized it was not just a trick from her to buy more time, but that the fear and pain running through her veins was thoroughly incapacitating any attempt at using magic. He had unceremoniously tossed her across his back, told her that if she made a noise, she was dead, and started to make his way through the forest, followed by the Gryphon girl who was carrying the unconscious colt across her own back. Albeit the Gryphon girl was a lot tenderer with the transportation of the colt than the Wolf was with her. Finally composed again she looked up at Lobo with an empty expression.

“There… The brats awake. Now kill me and be done with it…” Fire Starter said, trying to sound like she wasn't scared. She didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing her cringe at what she knows was coming.

“Is that really what you want, you want me to end your pain?” Lobo asked while looking at the mare in front of him. She looked up at him with a sneer.

“Of course that's not what I want! I want to live you stupid mongrel! But don't play with me wolf… We both know what's going to happen, I no longer serve any purpose for you, of course you will kill me, so just do it already!” Fire Starter yelled angrily before she exposed her throat to Lobo while clenching her eyes shut, at least hoping for a fast and clean death. When nothing happened for almost a full minute, she gave out a pained shriek before staring up at Lobo, tears starting to flow from her eyes.

“Fuck you wolf! You won't even let me die with what little dignity I have left? You damned monster!” Fire Starter spat out before she turned her head away from Lobo, trying to quell the sobs that were now starting to emanate from her.

“I will let you live, because I want you to take a message for me to Black Star and Avarice.” Lobo stated. At the mention of Avarice name Fire Starter tensed up visibly. She turned back towards Lobo.

“Tell them they don’t need to hunt me, I will come for both of them soon enough. Now rest until the morning. Once we have left, you can crawl out and make a fire or something. That will make it much easier for them to find you.” Lobo said before he left Fire Starter in her own little corner of the cave they were in, moving over to Raven and Zig Zag.

“Are you really going to let her live?” Raven asked as she hugged Zig Zag a little tighter to her, eyeing the yellow unicorn menacingly.

“Yes, she is no longer a threat to us and she will also deliver a message from me which will hopefully make sure Black Star and Avarice follow us more carefully and thus more slowly in the future.” Lobo answered while he settled down, putting himself between Fire Starter and his small pack. Raven did not seem satisfied at all by this, eyeing the unicorn with a skeptical look before pushing the dark thoughts out of her mind.

Looking down at his foster pup, he could see that familiar expression on his face, the one he got when he was lost in deep thoughts. Lobo leaned in and nuzzled the side of Zig Zag´s cheek.

“What is it little one?” Lobo wondered. Zig Zag looks up at his father worriedly.

“I didn't stand a chance dad… She just used magic on my daggers and that was that, they had me… How can I possibly compete with something like that?” Zig Zag stated dejectedly. Lobo side, and put his paw under Zig Zag´s chin, lifting it up again.

“Stay out of their reach, until you have a clean shot at them. One thing I've noticed about fighting the horned ones is that they often and foolhardily depend completely on their magic. They have to concentrate and focus for a spell to work. Give them a little pain or surprise them, and their horn will just sputter uselessly. And that's when you go in for the takedown.” Lobo said and playfully tapped Zig Zag on the jaw. Zig Zag´s whole face scrunched up while he thought.

“But I never saw them coming, how can I dodge what I cannot see?” Zig Zag wondered.

“Use your ears pup! That's what they’re there for! Well mostly…” Lobo said and rubbed Zig Zag´s right ear, which was only half there thanks to the city guard who had cut half of it off. As he rubbed it tenderly, Zig Zag leaned heavily into it, giving a content little sigh.

“Just because you live in a city for a couple of months doesn't mean you can forget what I taught you in the forests. If you use only one of your senses you will most definitely be taken by surprise. I use my nose mostly, that doesn't mean I don't look or hear. For you it's your eyes that are your primary sense, learn to always use your ears and nose as well. And you will not be taken by surprise again my son, remember that.” Lobo said soothingly to the still somewhat brooding Zig Zag.

“Yes dad…” He finally answered after thinking for a long while.

“Good, now since you have clearly shown you're not on your hooves right now, I will take you down every time I manage to sneak up on you undetected. And that will go for you too Raven.” Lobo stated and looked up at a surprised Gryphon.

“What!” She exclaimed, while Zig Zag grumbled a bit, knowing there was a couple of tough days of training ahead of them.

“You need this training as well Raven. How many times have I sat down next to you, only for you to flinch when you finally noticed me?” Lobo asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well… yeah… It may have happened once or twice.” Raven reluctantly admitted.

“Very good, then it is settled. If I manage to sneak up on any of you from now on, you ‘will’ regret it.” Lobo said with an evil grin. Both Zig Zag and Raven clung a bit tighter to each other at the sight of the big wolf glaring at them while chuckling menacingly.

Off in the corner, Fire Starter had been listening intently; hardly able to believe what she was hearing. She might be able to get out of this whole mess without Avarice killing her after all.

****

27 of July

Lightning Strike and Black Star had been able to spend the whole night together and alone in the research tent. Avarice had become much more lenient towards them once Black Star started to make progress in the studies she was conducting for their superior. They lay entwined in each other's hooves on the narrow bed they now shared. Black Star was still sleeping soundly, while Lightning Strike’s thoughts were being turned towards the problem that was Avarice. She had been trying to gain support amongst the soldiers to have Avarice removed from command. But she had been met largely with stonewall resistance and more than a few whispered advices that she should drop this issue if she knew what was good for her and her family. When she had made clear that she didn't have any family, many had looked upon her with something akin to jealousy, which she had found hard to believe. But as she worked her way through camp, it slowly dawned on her that Avarice had an iron hoof grip on the entire company mostly through fear. However, she had also discovered some of them were here because they liked making others suffer, and in this company they were free to do so from time to time.

As these thoughts went through Lightning Strike’s head, she finally understood in what kind of predicament she and Black Star were in; and it was bad, very, very bad. Carefully she leaned in and kissed Black Star, holding the kiss tenderly until she felt Black Star´s lips responding to it. After holding the kiss a while longer she finally pulled back, looking down at the mare she loved. Her pristine white coat, her long black mane with red streaks running through it, and those milky white eyes that many found disturbing, but she only found endearing. They both gave a deep sigh as they looked at each other.

“Morning my love.” Lightning said and gave Black Star a quick peck on the nose for good measure.

“Good morning honey.” Black Star answered and encircled Lightning with her hooves so she could snuggle up against her body. Black Star then started kissing Lightning along her neck, making Lightning giggle at her antics. Reluctantly Lightning Strike makes Black Star stop and sits up on the edge of the bed.

“Is… Is something wrong my beloved?” Black Star asked worriedly while she sat up behind Lightning Strike.

“You even have to ask?” Lightning answered with a heavy sigh. Black Star encircled Lightning Strike with her hooves from behind, and rested her head on Lightning’s shoulder.

“No…” Black Star finally said.

“We are in trouble here honey. Avarice has this camp completely locked down. More or less every pony I've talked to seems to want nothing more than to leave Avarice services, but the mere mention of doing so makes them pale visibly. Then they start avoiding me like the plague, not wanting anything to do with me unless duty makes it unavoidable. Taking the command from Avarice before we are back in North Bay will be tricky… if not impossible. I think we should consider fleeing if things get worse. Just what you told me he did to the Scout who failed to bring Lobo back shows that he is completely nuts. Imagine what he will do when he realizes you have been feeding him false information about your research… I'm… I'm afraid Avarice will actually kill you.” Lightning Strike said while she leaned back into Black Star´s embrace.

“Shhhh… I'm a big filly Lightning, if push comes to shove I’m more powerful than Avarice and I know how he will attack me as well. Even though he has his telekinesis, I still have a lot more raw magic than him, especially now that I'm no longer working myself ragged with the research.” Black Star said soothingly. Lightning Strike looked back at Black Star with a frown.

“You are powerful and book-smart, I'll give you that. But you don't become Chief Decurion without knowing how to handle yourself. Avarice definitely knows how to kill ponies. And he has something you're sorely lacking, experience in the field and ruthlessness against his fellow ponies. Don't think your power alone will give you an easy victory.” Lightning Strike said, scolding Black Star’s constant knack for underestimating others.

“Alright, alright… I will study up on more offensive spells. If the need ever arises to remove Avarice from command, I will be ready.” Black Star said testily.

“Good… Now we nee-” suddenly the tent flap was flung open, cutting Lightning off in whatever she was about to say. In the brightly lit opening one of Avarice’s personal guards was now standing, staring over at the two mares on the bed with poorly hidden desire in his eyes at the site of them in bed together.

“Report!” Lightning Strike ordered quite venomously, promptly snapping the unicorn stallion out of his daydream.

“Yes Decurion! Sorry Decurion! Chief Decurion Avarice wants your presence in the command tent at once. We have just received confirmation that the spirit Wolf is heading down into the Empire again. And with additional information from Fire Starter, which the messenger arrived with, we now have a plan of action for obtaining the spirit once again. We are leaving immediately in the pursuit of said quarry.” The stallion informed Lightning Strike.

“Tell Chief Decurion Avarice I'll be there momentarily. Dismissed!” Lightning Strike barked, making sure the stallion knew he's no longer wanted in their presence.

“Yes Decurion!” The stallion answered before making a snappy salute and hastily leaving the tent.

“Damn mongrel… Although, this will be very good for us. Avarice will not be able to keep an eye on us twenty-four seven when we are on the march. If we are presented with a chance, I say we make a run for it.” Lightning Strike said, looking Black Star deep in her eyes, silently begging her special some-pony to quite frankly abandon her life's work. Black Star knows what is on the line, but still she finds it difficult just thinking about leaving her research. After an oppressive silence, Black Star finally nods.

“Yes… for you… I will run with you and-” Black Star tries to reply, but is silenced by a deep, long and passionate kiss from Lightning Strike, and all of a sudden the thought of leaving her research behind doesn't seem so terrible any more.

****

Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 30 The Beginning of Vengeance

True Black
Chapter 30
The Beginning of Vengeance

5 of August

The two of them were breathing heavily. They had put their plan into action yesterday. Avarice made sure to always keep Black Star close to him as they pursued Lobo. The dire wolf had been spotted by a Pegasus Scout heading inland, back towards their original campsite. The fact that the little earth pony he had with him before wasn't with the wolf anymore made Avarice suspicious though. So he left Lightning Strike behind at the coast to continue searching for the little pony, since he was most likely hidden away there. Avarice still believed that if they could get their hooves on the little colt, Lobo would be as good as theirs again.

Four days ago they had spotted the wolf, this time much closer to them. The second Black Star saw him she knew he had been waiting. Lobo had also seen them and took off through the trees. Avarice had ordered an all out pursuit, and it wasn't long before Black Star managed to get herself separated from him in her apparent eagerness to chase down Lobo. A very convenient tumble later she had also been separated from her squad members, who were all fully occupied with chasing the elusive quarry which was just somewhere tantalizingly close in front of them. However Black Star knew what would come of this chase. She felt guilty for leaving the rest of them to their fate; which she suspected would be a bloody end for the majority of them if Lobo were to let them catch up to him. Black Star was now completely sure that this little maneuver from Lobo was only meant to draw them away, and that the quarry they should be chasing was back with Lightning Strike at the coast.

But that was not the reason Black Star made her way back to the coast as fast as she was physically capable of travelling.

Even at her breakneck pace, It took her three days to get back and then another day to find the mobile camp that was now the central hub of the search for the little colt. Once there she had quickly made herself invisible, snuck into camp, and left a message for Lightning Strike detailing where she would be waiting for her at midnight.

It had then been a tense wait for Black Star a couple of miles down the coast. Finally at midnight, Lightning Strike had landed at their designated rendezvous point. There had been a session of frantic kissing and love proclamations between the two of them before Black Star settled herself onto Lightning Strike’s back. They were determined to use this first night and day to fly as far as they could before having to stop and rest.

Avarice had already been in contact with Lightning Strike about the fact that Black Star was missing. They knew that the second someone realized Lightning Strike was gone as well, Avarice would start to hunt after them. They both knew what they had to do; get back to North Bay so that they could report on Avarice actions and hopefully relieve him of command within The Grand Army. If everything went as planned and Avarice was investigated and found guilty, the obvious choice for his replacement would be Lightning Strike. And this suited Black Star perfectly since she would with no doubt be able to go back to her research, this time without having to worry about any pony trying to interfere in the work, and at the same time be able to stay together with her lover.

So here the two of them were, making their way back towards North Bay along the ground. Since they had both seen numerous Pegasus Scouts fly by, they knew they could not risk continued flight. Lightning Strike might be an above-average flyer… Okay, a far above average flyer. But even for her it would be impossible to avoid being spotted while carrying Black Star on her back. And once they were seen the search would be concentrated around them and Avarice’s forces would close in on them like a net, making a confrontation unavoidable. A confrontation Lightning Strike and Black Star would most definitely lose, if for no other reason but the sheer numbers standing against them. For this reason they had no choice but to keep low and avoid being spotted, at least until they reached the point where they would be able to bolt for the safety of North Bay without being caught, even if they were spotted.

Even though they were confined to the ground they had still been making good progress, only stopping to sleep or eat some of the light rations Lightning Strike had brought with her to keep the two of them going during their escape. They were both sitting down leaning happily against each other while they were nibbling on their dry but energy rich biscuits. Black Star suddenly gave a little sigh.

“If this is what you perceive as food, I think I will handle the cooking from now on… That only leaves you the washing, grocery shopping, gardening and cleaning the house of course… Oh! And you have to wear a cute little maid's outfit while you're doing that by the way!” Black Star said merrily while she grinned over at Lightning Strike.

“Ha! You wish! And if you don't like my well prepared meal then give it here!” Lightning countered and reached a hoof over towards Black Stars half eaten biscuit.

“NO!” Black Star yelped, snatching her biscuit away protectively which only made Lightning grin.

“Thought so…” She said and leaned in, kissing Black Star who was completely caught off guard but quickly started answering the kiss herself. As they separated, they both gave a sigh of satisfaction. They returned to eating their dry and tasteless biscuits. As they finished they both rose up to stretch their legs a bit.

“Well let's get going.” Lightning Strike said and started to trot forward, but soon realized Black Star wasn't following. She turned around to see what was keeping her beloved, only to see Black Star looking at the markings on a nearby tree.

“Come on! We got to move!” Lightning Strike called over. With a last hard look on the markings going down the length of the tree trunk, Black Star followed after Lightning.

“We have to be careful, those were the markings of a full-grown Manticore sharpening its claws, and they were freshly made.” Black Star said as she came up alongside Lightning, who cocked an eyebrow and look back at her marefriend.

“And how would you know that? I haven't paged you as the outdoors type.” Lightning Strike said teasingly.

“I'll have you know I've read all three books on the subject of tracking in The Grand Army archives, and the markings on that tree clearly indicate that they were left by a fully grown Manticore who was marking its territory. I am not as in the dark about the outside world as you might think Lightning.” Black Star said with a humph, hurriedly trotted out in front of Lightning Strike and quickly increasing the distance between them.

“Remember to watch both ways before you cross the street honey!” Lightning called after Black Star with a wicked grin across her face. Black Star twirled around to give her annoying marefriend a piece of her mind. But she stopped in her tracks when her hoof hit something on the ground. Whatever it was, it zipped off into the underbrush along the ground and then, strangely enough, up into the tree she was standing next to. The same moment she looked up, a log pointing straight down smashed into the left part of Black Star's hindquarters. With a shrill scream of agony that seem to cut through the very soul of Lightning, Black Star fell to the ground wailing and started to crawl forward in desperation, trying to get away from the pain. Before she had even made it two inches, the log that had just broken her pelvis, crashed down on top of her with a sickening thud, before slowly rolling off a now semi-conscious Black Star who only managed to take short ragged breasts.

“Black Star!!!” Lightning Strike screamed in terror as she rushed forward. She came to a screeching halt, looking down at her beloved in horrified disbelief. The second Lightning touched Black Star´s shattered body, she wheezed out in agony, a small trickle of blood running out of her mouth.

“Nonononono!!!” Lightning screamed at the unfair world around her, she looked at the traitorous log now lying still beside them. It was most likely a trap set to deal with the Manticore who was trying to lay claim to the area, which meant there was a pony population nearby. Some idiot had just left the log suspended up in the air until the trip wire was sprung. And now her beloved Black Star was lying on the ground, her pelvis fractured, and most likely several ribs broken. Had Black Star been facing the other way, her head would have been crushed. Lightning Strike’s mix of desperation and rage boiled over and she started slamming her hooves into the cursed log again and again.

“You stupid mother bucking piece of shit log! Why! Why!!!” Lightning screamed while she hit the unyielding surface over and over. Finally a pained wheeze brought her back to reality.

“Lightning……” Black Star said in a whimper. Lightning was immediately back at Black Star´s side, softly caressing her mane.

“I'm here honey… I'm here…” Lightning said soothingly while trying to keep herself from crying openly. Black Star smiled at her marefriend.

“You… You have to go… Leave me… Save yourself…” Black Star wheezed out before she fell unconscious. Lightning Strike just shook her head.

“You stupid mare… We escaped to be together… I will never leave you.” Lightning Strike said soothingly to the now unconscious Black Star. Slowly and ever so carefully, Lightning Strike managed to get Black Star up along her back, so that she supported as much of Black Star's mangled body as she could with her own. Lightning knew she might be making her injuries worse, but they had no choice; they had to find a place to hide so that Black Star could recover enough to resume travelling again. If they stayed where they were, they would both most likely be discovered and die at the hooves of Avarice. Slowly and carefully, Lightning Strike started to walk off in amongst the trees, looking for any place that could serve as a concealed camp.

****

Zig Zag turned his head back towards where they just came from and tilted it curiously, perking his ears upright while Raven ran on a couple of pieces more before realizing that Zig Zag had stopped.

“What is it ZZ?” Raven called back, looking a little peeved.

“Didn't you hear that?... It sounded like somepony screaming.” Zig Zag answered worriedly. They both stood still for a little while trying to hear something more.

“It's probably nothing ZZ, and if it was somepony getting hurt, it was most likely one of our pursuers. So we should thank our lucky star they messed up.” Raven said thoughtfully. Zig Zag nodded and walked up to Raven, giving her a little nozzle which she happily returned.

“You're right, but this means they are close to us again. Last time it was only a Pegasus Scout in the sky. If they got ground troops this close to us, we need to pick up the pace again.” Zig Zag said with a frown to which Raven nodded, and together they once again started running through the forest.

“How long until we get to the cave Lobo told us to meet him at?” Raven suddenly asked. Zig Zag scrounged up his face as he tried to calculate how far they had to go.

“I'm not entirely sure, but probably close to four or five days if we could just run straight there. But with us having to dodge and hide all the time… I don't know…” Zig Zag answered.

“Fair enough, there's no point in really thinking about it anyway. All we can do is keep moving… And hope Lobo is waiting for us when we get there.” Raven said with a hint of worry, which Zig Zag picked up on immediately.

“Don't worry! Dad will definitely be there, he promised not to take any unnecessary risks and no pony can ever catch him if he doesn't want them to!” Zig Zag proclaimed confidently. Raven only smiled at him and nodded, and with that they increased the pace a little bit more.

****

7 of August

Lobo was running through the woods at a blistering speed. He had been away from his two young wards much too long. And the worry he felt was not going to subside until he saw them safe again. He had led his pursuers in a merry chase in the woods around that cursed hill where he was summoned to this realm, picking off a few of the less careful soldiers as he went. He had been both surprised and annoyed that Black Star had not been amongst them. He had been very confident that she would be, and thereby give him a chance to claim revenge on her. Therefore when he had realized that she was not there, and furthermore was not going to make an appearance, Lobo had quickly made sure to lose his pursuers and start heading back towards Zig Zag and Raven. He was now close enough to start smelling the salt of the ocean in the wind. Suddenly he came to a grinding halt as a new smell assaulted his senses. Lobo put his nose in the air and breathes in deeply, making sure he is not mistaken. His eyes snap open, and a wide sinister smile spreads across his face.

“Black Star…” Lobo whispered with grim satisfaction. Much slower and more carefully he starts heading off in the direction the smell is coming from. After having followed the scent on the wind for quite a while he finally found its source. His nostrils are assaulted by the scent of blood. He eagerly sniffs around, picking up the scent of another pony as well.

Lightning Strike and Black Star both… But no others? Lobo thought curiously as he started to follow the trail clearly marked by their scent. He slowly followed the winding scent trail through the trees.

After having carefully tracked it for little over an hour, Lobo finally came across what looked like a small makeshift camp. It was hidden in amongst a particularly tight circle of trees, preventing anyone from spotting it from the sky, and also hidden well in the thick underbrush of the forest. As he snuck closer, Lobo could hear the whispering voice of a pony. As he got closer, he could make out that it was Lightning Strike. Lobo stopped just at the edge of what looked like a small room made of vegetation. The walls were the thick underbrush of the forest and the roof was the branches overhead. At the far end Lightning Strike sat leaning over what Lobo assumed was Black Star. Teeth bared he carefully made his way forward towards his prey.

But before he had even taken two steps, he was found out, although it was just pure luck on the pony's side. Lightning Strike had reached back for something behind her, which made her eyes fall upon the black Dire Wolf now inside of their hideaway. Her eyes went wide in shock and she sprang to her hooves, drawing her short sword in a fluid motion and standing at the ready in a defensive posture, her wings spread wide. Lobo took two steps forward standing up to his full height.

“Move… it is not you I want… but the black hearted one behind you.” Lobo stated coldly.

“Never! You cannot have her! You hear me Wolf! You will have to go through me! And don't you dare think that will be easy!” Lightning Strike barked back, looking defiantly into Lobo’s yellow eye’s. A pitifully weak sounding voice suddenly emanated from behind Lightning.

“Don't… Lightning… please run… let them have me…” Black Star´s feverish voice croaked out.

“Shut up! I won't ever leave you! We're going to escape together! So just pipe down and stop asking me to leave!” Lightning Strike shouted back at Black Star with tears running down her eyes, which nonetheless never left Lobo. Lobo’s ears perked up when he heard the labored breathing coming from Black Star, and understood she must be quite hurt. In other words, it was a perfect opportunity to finally finish her off for good.

“You have denied me her blood once before pony, it will not happen a second time. Move! Or your life will be forfeit!” Lobo growled at Lightning, whose only answer was to defiantly dig her hooves in further, clearly stating her intention to fight. With a snarl Lobo launched forward, but Lightning Strike was something Lobo truly hadn't faced before, a being that was quite obviously faster than he was. In Zig Zag Lobo had an opponent that could turn, twist and dodge much better than he could. But he was still physically faster, but in Lightning he was quite outshone in that department by some magnitude.

Lightning became a whirlwind, flashing around him, and opening cut after cut across his body. For every three blows he managed to dodge or deflect with the steel bresers on his for legs, he would have a new cut open on his face, chest and sides. With a frustrated and angry roar Lobo finally did the only thing he could think of doing. Catching Lightning Strikes short sword between his jaws, resulting in a grinding sound when the metal was pulled against his teeth as he clenched down on the metal. Lightning Strikes eyes went wide when she realized what had just happened. Lobo and she were now literally standing cheek to cheek, with Lobo´s right yellow eye boring into Lightning Strike´s left blue one. With a vicious yank Lobo tore the sword out of Lightning’s grip. For even as Lightning Strike was faster than Lobo, he was much stronger than her, and when it came to the strength of their jaws there wasn't even a comparison. Lightning jumped back to give herself some space, while Lobo tossed her sword into the dense foliage behind him with a contemptful snort. He turned back towards Lightning Strike who now stood at the ready with her dagger instead.

“Give it up, I'll let you walk if you walk away now, otherwise I'm through playing with you!” Lobo growled threateningly, a threat that seemed somewhat off since he was bleeding from several new wounds across his body.

“And you'll find my dagger buried in your skull if you come any closer wolf!” Lightning Strike shot back defiantly.

“I did give you a chance!” Lobo snarled as he menacingly began walking forward. Lightning slowly backed up until she was once again standing just in front of Black Stars ragged form.

“Dam it Lobo! Stop! We're not with Avarice anymore! We're trying to escape just like you! So please stop!!!” Lightning Strike yelled pleadingly while Lobo continued his steady advance.

“Please Lobo I love her! You can´t take her from me! Please understand!” Lightning Strike once again pleaded, to which Lobo stopped, but the look he gave Lightning only made her shiver.

“Stop… Please… You love her… Funny how things come full circle sometimes.” Lobo said while his gaze hardened even further.

“Stop… Please… Don't leave us! We'll be good we promise! We love you!!!” Lobo screamed with a primal fury Lightning Strike had never seen the likes of before.

“That's what the pups called out to me while they were being taken away so they didn't have to see what was happening to me! Did that stop you from tearing me from my loved ones! From my family!!!” Lobo shouted straight into the face of a stunned looking Lightning Strike. She remembered those small little pups; especially the one Lobo had saved from his own fate. Had they really been screaming for him as they were being carried away? Lightning felt a lump of pain forming in her chest just at the thought about it; she thought that the pain of being turned into a physical being was what had hurt Lobo the most. But as she look behind her at Black Star, with the real threat of losing her hanging over their heads, she could perhaps for the first time understand just how much they had truly hurt Lobo when they ripped him from his world. Lightning Strike met Lobo’s still glaring eyes with a sorrowful look.

“And what you felt that time… Is why I can’t step aside now… No matter how righteous your anger towards Black Star may be, you still have to realize something; Black Star was ordered to do that, so she never had a choice.” Lightning answered in a subdued voice.

Lobo immediately launched forward, the time for talking was over, and there was nothing more to say. As he aimed for Lightning's throat he already knew he would miss, but his plan extended much further than his first blow this time.

He knew he could not beat her with his usual means of fighting. This time he would have to power through his opponent, and rely on pure strength and endurance. As Lightning ducked away from Lobo´s jaws, she twirled around aiming her dagger blow just above the lining of Lobo´s Mythril war collar. But even as Lobo knew he couldn't dodge Lightning Strikes counter attack, he did have some control over where it struck. So in the last second he managed to shift his body so that the dagger plunged into his shoulder instead.

Lightning Strikes eyes went wide when she realized she had missed her target, and then she felt Lobo´s jaws close around her now exposed neck. With a mighty heave, he yanked her back, and proceeded to swing her in a wide arc, slamming her headfirst into the soil of the ground. Before Lightning even had a chance to really register the pain of the first blow, she was airborne again. Lobo spun around, swinging Lightning overhead, and slammed her down hard on her back and wings. The air exploded out of Lightning Strikes lungs; she fought desperately to regain her bearings. But Lobo, unwilling to give her a chance to do so, clasped down firmly on her throat, cutting off her airways. Lightning Strike started to struggle desperately, which only made her suffocation faster, and it didn't take many seconds before her oxygen starved body lost consciousness.

“Noooo… please… take my life… kill me… not… her… Lobo… please…” Black Star’s wheezing voice pleaded while she dragged her broken body towards Lobo, tears streaming down her face. He looked up at Black Star and gave a warning growl. He could still feel Lightning Strike’s heart beating faintly. She had never done anything cruel towards him and had even acted kindly towards Lobo, in the manner of speaking, even when she really didn't have to. He had never wanted to kill Lightning, she only happened to be in love with the wrong pony at the wrong time. Slowly he let go, and wheezing breath could be heard emanating from Lightning. Although she remained unconscious, and would most likely stay that way for quite a while, she was alive. With a grunt Lobo reached back, pulled the dagger out of his shoulder, and tossed it off into the underbrush as well.

“Thank you…” Black Star whispered with tear filled eyes and a sad smile across her face, since she knew she was looking at her death walking towards her. Black Star slowly closed her eyes one last time, and waited for her inevitable end. Suddenly she was kicked onto her back; pained gasps escaping from her while her eyes shot wide as pure agony laced through her body at the harsh treatment to her broken ribs. Once the initial flood of pain subsided a bit, she was able to focus her eyes on Lobo who was looking down at her thoughtfully. Thinking he wanted something from her, Black Star steeled herself and spoke.

“I'm so sorry… what I… did to you Lobo. I'm sorry…” She wheezed out. Lobo only growled down at her before moving back to her hindquarters. He roughly lifted one of her hind legs straight up, forcing the broken pieces of her pelvis to grind against each other. The unbridled scream of torturous agony that tore from Black Star´s throat was deafening. Lobo let the leg fall back to the ground with a snort. As her leg landed on the ground again, the new wave of pain made her lose what little content she had left in her stomach. When Black Star was finished dry heaving, Lobo grabbed her by the chin and forced her to look up at him through bloodshot eyes.

“I suspect killing you now would actually be downright merciful…” Lobo said with disgust in his yellow eyes as they pierced Black Star’s own.

“I unfortunately don't have the time to stay and make sure you die a slow and horrible death, so I hope you will linger like this, in pain for quite a while before death finally claims you dark one. But before I leave you in your suffering, I will add my own final gift.” Lobo said with a dark smile, and pressed his claws hard down on her exposed flank, dragging them painfully across her cutie mark, leaving bloody furrows in his wake. Black Star screamed out as he once again pressed down on her broken pelvis. Lobo then took a claw full of dirt from the ground and rubbed it into the wounds he had just made on Black Star’s now bleeding flank. She hissed in pain as the filth was rubbed into her open gashes.

“Hopefully that will fester nicely; I bid you a horrible death Black Star. But I will at least leave you with a chance to say goodbye to your beloved, a mercy you never extended to me.” Lobo stated coldly and turned around coming face-to-face with a once again conscious Lightning Strike. She was glaring right up at him and even though her body was shaking badly as she rose to her hooves, due the punishment she had taken during their fight, Lightning Strike seemed determined not to let him pass.

“Why? The two of us are trying to bring Avarice to justice, you should be helping us Lobo… Why would you do this when we are trying to flee from him as well?” Lightning wondered and looked at Lobo with a strange mixture of sorrow and anger. Sorrow at what had happened to him, and anger at what he had just done to Black Star, even if she could see his reasons why.

“And the two of you are of course fleeing from him because you realized what he was doing to me was a horrible crime?” Lobo asked. Lightning Strike cringed a bit, but there was no way to lie about this, and she suspected Lobo would see through it immediately if she tried.

“No… Avarice is crazy, killing our own whenever it pleased him to do so, and when Black Star realized that the reason you were brought to this world turned out to only be false hopes… We knew he would lose it and kill her and by extension me… because I would not stand idle while he tried killing Black Star.” Lightning said hotly. Lobo just snorted at the answer.

“As I suspected… Spend your last days together well. But know this Lightning… Should Black Star somehow survive her injuries, then the moment I find out she's living happily somewhere, I will come for her… I will come, and I will rip her throat out. Right now it's enough for me to know that she is suffering, there is after all things much worse than death.” Lobo stated and shoved Lightning aside as he walked past her and disappeared into the thick underbrush without a glance backwards.

“Lightning…” Called Black Star´s weak sounding voice. With a last look to make sure Lobo was really gone, Lightning Strike made her way over to her beloved. She sank down beside Black Star, and lovingly strokes her disheveled black and red mane.

“I have to move you back to your bed… this will hurt.” Lightning said gently.

“Yes… Do it…” Black Star answered while she gritted her teeth, and clasped her front hooves around Lightning Strike’s neck. As carefully as she possibly could, Lightning moved Black Star, although that did not stop Black Star from screaming out until she was laid to rest on the makeshift bed of branches, grass and moss. Lightning Strike looked over Black Star's cold sweat-covered form for further injuries, before taking a closer look at the new and filthy wounds Black Star now had on her flank. With a grimace she picked up her empty water container.

“I'll go get some water to clean your wounds out… I'll be right back.” Lightning said, but just as she was about to leave, Black Star's outstretched hoof held her back. Lightning turned back to see her beloved’s tear filled eyes.

“I… I won't ask you to leave again…” Black Star whispered apologetically.

“Good...” Lightning said with a nod and a sad smile.

“I love you so much…” Black Star uttered weekly trying her hardest to keep her eyes from closing.

“I love you too.” Lightning Strike answered and bent down to tenderly kiss Black Star’s dry lips. As they separated they could both see the adoration they held for each other shining through their eyes. Lightning Strike carefully wiped away the tears from Black Star’s cheeks. And with one final nod she set off to find some much-needed water, while Black Star slipped back into blissful unconsciousness.

****

12 of August

It had taken much longer than they would have liked, but finally Zig Zag and Raven had made it all the way back to the rocky outcrop that Lobo and Zig Zag had sheltered under as they fled from North Bay. It felt strange for the little pony to come full circle here. It had been several months, but truthfully it felt like an entirely different lifetime altogether. He was so weak and helpless back then compared to how he saw himself now. And now Zig Zag was finally back with realistic hopes of claiming justice and rightful vengeance. Furthermore, even if he still wasn't powerful enough to do it by himself, he also had Lobo and Raven backing him up. Carefully he and Raven headed into the shadows under the rocky outcrop. Suddenly Zig Zag froze in place, and Raven followed suit immediately afterwards when she noticed how her male had reacted. A satisfied grunt answered them.

“Good, you are much more attentive to your surroundings now my son.” Lobo’s voice told them approvingly. Zig Zag immediately shone up and bounced over towards his surrogate father who had been waiting nervously for the two of them to arrive during the last two days. Neither of them knew it, but at one point they had passed each other by only eight hundred meters and, if the wind had blown in the other direction, Lobo would have found them then and there.

“Dad! I knew you'd make it!” Zig Zag cried out joyfully as he slammed into a fierce hug at full speed, almost toppling Lobo over in his exuberance. The giant black wolf couldn't help but laugh as well.

“Come on guys… Don't you two get all mushy on me now!” Raven said teasingly as she walked up to the two of them, although she wouldn't mind getting a few of those hugs from Zig Zag herself. With a last squeeze Zig Zag let go of Lobo´s head which he had been clinging on to, and fell back down to the ground. Or at least what he had thought was the ground, because it didn't take long for him to realize he was sitting on fur, and that it was sticky with blood.

“Oh sorry… Didn't mean to step on your dinner dad.” Zig Zag said apologetically and hopped off the dead creature. He had long ago accepted that his dad was a predator and meet eater, and that the same thing went for Raven. On closer Inspection Zig Zag saw that it was a deer he had been standing on.

“Oh dear… Dad caught a deer!” Zig Zag said and playfully elbowed Raven in her side. A painful groan escape from both Raven and Lobo simultaneously.

“You did not just pull the oh deer joke, did you?” Raven asked while trapping Zig Zag in a headlock and giving him a friendly but forceful nuggy. Lobo sighed contently as he could finally breathe out now that Zig Zag and Raven were once again with him. And seemingly no worse for wear either.

“So did anything interesting happen while I was gone?” Lobo wondered.

“Naaa… They weren't even close to finding us, a few Pegasi flew overhead a couple of times and there was one ground patrol near us once, but they screwed up and hurt themselves somehow. All we heard was one of them screaming.” Zig Zag told Lobo proudly.

“Good, now then Raven are you hungry? There is more than enough for you here as well.” Lobo said cheerfully and indicated to Raven that she should dig in to the deer. After hesitating for only a second Raven began to eat. She had slowly but surely begun to get over her initial reaction to being offered meat by a male. In gryphon society, when a male offer a female meat, it meant he wanted her to visit him during the next night so that they could produce a new clutch of eggs, hopefully with many male warriors in it. For Zig Zag and Lobo it was only an expression of their love and care towards Raven. Zig Zag in the meantime happy climbed up on top of Lobo’s back where he proceeded to nestle down into his thick coat and promptly fell asleep to the sounds of bones cracking between teeth and beak. He hadn't slept so well in ages.

****

15 of August

The three of them stood stock still as they looked out from amongst the trees overlooking North Bay. Something major had clearly happened since they left. They could see a camp of soldiers outside every city gate, and they were not from a force any of them recognized. Zig Zag knew about The Grand Army and so did Lobo, but the soldiers occupying the city clearly did not belong to them. Scars of battle could be seen along the city walls and many of the city gates were in the midst of being repaired. Raven hadn't been too put off by the fact that there had been a battle between two city rivals, which was what she thought had happened. No, what Raven had been astonished by was just how vast the city of North Bay was compared to anything she knew. She thought Crown Peak had been a large city, but as she looked down on North Bay, she could see that Crown Peak was barely the size of a single one of this city’s districts. Lobo looked back towards Zig Zag and Raven.

the“Stay here and keep out of sight, I will have a closer look. Then we'll decide what to do from here on out.” He said and made to move on.

“No! I want to come with you; I need to find them now!” Zig Zag said in a very hard no-nonsense tone. Raven cringed a bit at the change Zig Zag had undergone during the last three days. They had stayed at their shelter to rest up and recuperate, and every day Zig Zag had complained that they should be moving towards the city already. He seemed to have only one thought in his head, to find Iron Rod and Silver Pot. And Raven was becoming worried that he was blinding himself to all but his thirst for revenge. The closer they got to the city, the more it seemed to consume his every thought. And it left her worried that her male would do something… stupid.

“NO! You stay here pup! I will have a sniff around and then we will retreat for the night, so stay here.” Lobo growled warningly at his son. This made Zig Zag come around a bit. Lobo now only called Zig Zag a pup when he wanted to make a point, or if Zig Zag had on the rare occasion disappointed him somehow. As Zig Zag reluctantly sat down next to Raven, Lobo gave an affirmative nod, before moving off towards North Bay.

“Come on ZZ, let's move back into the trees a bit, we don't want to be spotted.” Raven said as she draped one of her wings over Zig Zag’s back. Surprisingly enough Zig Zag shrugged off her wing with a grunt of annoyance, before starting to head off along the tree-line.

“You stay here Raven, there is a place I need to go.” Zig Zag said with a hollow voice. Raven immediately shot forward, blocking his path.

“Hey! Hey! Lobo told us to stay here; I don't think running off right now is a good idea ZZ.” Raven said pleadingly, but the moment she met Zig Zag’s eyes she knew she wouldn't be able to dissuade him from the course of action he had decided on; he had a look in his eyes that would send a chill down the spine of even a gryphon warrior. Wherever it was he wanted to go, nothing would stop him from getting there. With reluctance Raven stepped aside, allowing Zig Zag to walk past. But instead of staying behind like Zig Zag wanted, Raven immediately started to follow him. She knew what that look meant, and if something happened she would have to be there to stop him from doing something he would regret later. With a few extra quick steps, Raven took her place beside her male.

They had carefully been moving off in the same direction for almost ten minutes now when Zig Zag suddenly froze in place. In the distance one could make out what looked like the crest of a hill. Zig Zag was staring at it intently, his face blank of any expression, which was very unusual for him. He was always smiling or laughing unless he was serious about something, in which case he got the look of absolute focus that was almost scary, even if it wasn't focused directly on you. But this blank slate Zig Zag showed as he gazed at the strange hill… It truly disturbed Raven. Without a word Zig Zag started trotting along again. Raven carefully made her way up beside him.

“What are we doing here ZZ?” Raven wondered.

“I'm going to see mom…” Zig Zag replied in a dead tone voice.

“Your mom? Isn't she… Oh….” Raven cut herself off when she understood that Zig Zag was most likely heading towards her grave. No wonder he had wanted her to remain behind. He wasn't really thinking straight right now; Raven had a suspicion that if there was a camp of soldiers between him and where he was going, Zig Zag would most likely just walk straight through it, not even noticing their presence. She would have to keep him safe, and for some reason it also felt right for her to go with him to visit his mother. If this was important to him, then it was important to her as well.

Zig Zag trotted on through the shadows of the forest, with Raven constantly keeping a look on their surroundings. He was feeling very melancholy, and didn't seem to be able to focus on anything but Mass Grave Hill in the distance.

“Hold on, Zig Zag… Something’s going on out there.” She warned with her sharp gaze locked on something just past the tree line out on a field up ahead. Without even having to think about it, Zig Zag crouched down and quickly began stalking forward, Raven following closely behind him.

As they reached the edge of the forest, Zig Zag kept still as his eyes fell upon the two ponies they could see from their position. One of them at least was a unicorn, which was easy to see because whoever it was was currently using magic to dig into the ground. The pony in the company of the purple unicorn lay whimpering on the ground a few steps away. As the whimpering pony raised his head Zig Zag’s whole body tensed. He would never forget the features on that face, his white mane and grey coat. Zig Zag was about to rush forward but was immediately stopped when Raven's talons grasped him firmly, holding him back.

“That's Iron Rod!” Zig Zag said angrily. “Let me go! He's one of the ones that killed my mom!”

“No!” Raven hissed back. “We don't know who that is with him. They could be dangerous, and Lobo told us to stay hidden!” She continued, feeling that there was something off about the whole situation. Thankfully Zig Zag stopped struggling, but he was still fuming over the fact that Raven had stopped him. Still, he had to reluctantly agree that it might be a good idea to find out more about what was going on. So he perked his ears trying to listen in on what they were saying.

“Please, I’ve told you everything you wanted. Let me go.” Iron Rod begged. The purple unicorn, they could see she was purple even though she was wearing a cloak, didn't answer but simply continued digging into the ground with her magic.

“I promise. I’ll change! It was all because of Sharp Edge! I didn’t have any choice really! Just spare me! PLEASE!” The guard captain sobbed and pleaded.

“No…” Was the only answer the unicorn gave him.

Zig Zag couldn't help it, but he was beginning to like the situation; the total command the purple unicorn was showing over his former tormentor, her total disregard for his pathetic pleas for mercy. Zig Zag only wished it was he who was doing it, or at least that he was out there with her. The mare ceased digging, and instead picked up Iron Rod in her magic.

“Wait! What are you doing?!” He screamed in panic. The purple unicorn didn't answer, instead merely dropping Iron Rod into the hole. She then took a large circular piece of wood, more or less the same size as the pit she had just dug out, and lowered it down on top of Iron Rod who now began screaming in pure terror as he was buried alive. The small grin Zig Zag had unknowingly been sporting suddenly disappeared when he realized he was about to lose his own chance for revenge on Iron Rod. A sudden rage at not being able to hurt him made Zig Zag bolt forward. He left a cursing Raven behind him as he galloped towards the purple unicorn.

“What are you doing?!” he yelled as he came to a screeching halt in front of the young mare who looked back at him indifferently. Raven then appeared beside him, wings spread wide in a defensive posture, watching this stranger nervously.

“Taking out the trash.” The unicorn answered with the same coldness she had spoken to Iron Rod with, which sent a shiver down Raven's spine.

“More efficient this way. It doesn't pile up. The worms will eat it.” The purple mare continued as if she was holding a school lecture she truly wasn't interested in giving. Raven was disturbed by this cold attitude. She’d seen more than her share of horrible individuals, but no one so callous as to speak of another as nothing more than garbage in a literal sense. This pony could be a real threat to her male, and she did not like that.

“Who are you?” Raven asked sharply, which earned her a look from the unicorn, as their eyes met Raven could see a cold fury in the mare´s own eyes.

“Twilight Sparkle.” The mare answered while giving Raven a quick look over.

“You're not with the Rapture soldiers.” Twilight stated. At the mention of the gryphon kingdom Raven's eyes widened.

“What? No!” She responded in surprise. Now Zig Zag took a step forward, trying to assert his presence to Twilight.

“Why did you bury him alive?” Zig Zag wondered, still feeling cheated out of his own revenge.

“I came back to this city to find him. To kill him.” He continued solemnly. This seemed to catch Twilight's attention; she turned her gaze on the little blue colt.

“I was in his office being analyzed for potential in the Officer’s Club. I think I have a right to self-defense.” Twilight stated firmly. To which Raven cringed.

Since when does self-defense mean burying someone alive? Raven thought as she glared suspiciously at the unicorn. The feeling that they shouldn’t be anywhere near her was growing worse. Like they were standing before a predator much higher up the food chain than themselves. Twilight was definitely dangerous, and a large potential threat to her beloved. Raven was surprised to see that Zig Zag seemed to relax somewhat after the lavender pony’s explanation; couldn't he see the potential threat Twilight posed to them? Raven's answer came almost immediately.

“I guess it's fine then…” Zig Zag reluctantly admitted with a sigh.

“But I still wanted him…” He whined. Not too surprisingly, Twilight evidently didn't care for his opinion and turned to walk away.

“Wait, where are you going?” Zig Zag asked and took a few tantalizing steps after her.

“To kill everyone at the Officer’s Club.” Twilight answered bluntly.

“I'm coming with you.” Zig Zag stated and made to follow Twilight.

“No. You are a foal of what? Thirteen? I won't be responsible for you.” Twilight rebuffed, and started to walk away from Zig Zag and Raven.

“We’re fourteen!” Zig Zag corrected her assumption, but was completely ignored by Twilight who continued on with not so much as a glance back. Growling in annoyance, Zig Zag began following despite Twilight's wishes. Behind him Raven reluctantly started to follow as well.

“Zig Zag, we shouldn't be involved in this. It's dangerous, and Lobo told us to wait.” Raven said, trying to steer Zig Zag away from the obviously disturbed unicorn.

“No.” Zig Zag answered with steel in his voice.

“These are the ponies responsible for what happened to my mother and I. I won't let them all be killed by someone else.” Zig Zag said with deep, burning hatred evident in his voice.

“If you insist on coming I won't watch your back.” Twilight suddenly said while they were heading back towards North Bay. Raven's feathers bristled at the condescending statement. Just because she was a unicorn and a magic wielder didn't mean she had the right to look down upon them, and especially not her male.

“Like he would need your help anyway.” Raven grumbled before gritting her beak because she sure didn't like the feeling of where this was heading.

****

Lobo was almost in all-out panic mode. He had tried to gain access to North Bay, but not even he could sneak in undetected. All he had been able to do was move between the different camps in front of the city gates and listen in on conversations between soldiers. What was strange however was that, in addition to ponies, there were also several gryphons moving about in the camps.

They did not seem to get along very well; Lobo had seen more than one scuffle and argument break out between the two species. Almost every time it was over some slight towards a female pony or simply the mention of the name Twilight Sparkle in a conversation between the two factions in the camps. Lobo had been able to use the unease between the soldiers to easily sneak in close and listen in on their arguments.

Lobo now knew that the ponies had an uneasy, at best, alliance with the gryphons who were at the moment present throughout the city. This new Lunar Republic Army was apparently under the command of some Empress Nightmare Moon and her faithful slave or servant or apprentice… there had been many titles attached to this one pony named Twilight Sparkle, and no one seemed to be able to agree on which one was correct. There was also another leader frequently named called Magus and a third called Masque Raid. But almost all quarrels and fights throughout the camps seemed to circle around Twilight Sparkle. All the ponies seemed to idolize her, while the gryphons seemed to curse the very mention of her very name.

But none of this was what had Lobo so worked up, but rather the discovery that Zig Zag and Raven weren't where he left them. He sniffed the ground frantically until he picked up their scent trail and started to follow.

As he raced through the darkness quite as a living shadow, a new scent caught his attention. It was… strange, not like any other scent he had smelt before. It was similar to a pony, but still definitely not. Lobo first intended to ignore it, but quickly realized that the scent was getting stronger the further he followed Zig Zag and Raven´s trail. And if whoever this was had anything to do with Zig Zag and Raven disappearing, Lobo would make short work of whoever it belonged to.

With a low growl, Lobo set off towards the edge of the forest. As he came to the tree line he could finally see the pony, as it turned out. Lobo’s eyes suddenly widened when he realized just how big this particular pony was. Even Bender wouldn't hold a candle to her when it came to size. She was tall and even more regal looking than any gryphon Lobo had ever laid eyes on. As she briskly trotted through the night she appeared to be solidly black, except for her mane and tail that seemed to merge with the night sky that was visible through the clouds behind her. He sniffed the air again…

Female… And she's got a horn which means she's a unicorn. I will have to keep out of her magical range until I got a clear shot at her, then I might be able to get some answers about what's going on here. Lobo thought as he started to stalk after the pony. Suddenly she halted and Lobo immediately crouched down trying to melt into the shadows of the night. He watched her head slowly turn towards where he lay, until he could literally feel her eyes upon him.

She found me? This might be more diffic- Lobo thoughts were interrupted when he was harshly yanked up into the air by a powerful force. He tumbled through the air towards the strange unicorn out on the open field. In the last instance Lobo managed to turn himself around and land on all fours in front of the female pony. As he looked up at her from his crouched down position, the mare slightly raised an eyebrow as she took him in. Then her features hardened considerably. Lobo himself was also taken by surprise, since he now saw that this pony possessed both a horn and a set of wings as well as azure colored eyes which were slitted vertically. So, it wasn't just her size that was strange about this pony.

“And what are you doing here wolf? Come to see how we fare since you abandoned us? You will not find easy prey.” The intimidating mare said warningly as she narrowed her eyes at Lobo, who straightway could feel a very uneasy chill start to creep up his spine. The statement that he had abandoned the ponies in anyway made his lips curl up, exposing his canines.

“Abandoning implies I was on your side to begin with. I may have been an unwilling servant for a time, but I'm no longer a slave to you ponies. Nor shall I ever be again.” Lobo growled warningly back up at the now curious looking mare.

“Whatever your reasons for being here you will leave, or you shall contend with me.” She commanded just as condescendingly as Black Star used to do, which sent a wave of anger through his body that cancelled out the feeling of unease he had while standing in front of this… creature. Lobo growled threateningly while his whole body prepared for battle.

“No pony has beaten me yet.” Lobo told the dark mare as he launched for her. She, however, quickly dodged away quite gracefully and glared back at Lobo who started prowling around her, trying to find an opening so he could hopefully end this quickly. There was a sudden spark from her horn which made Lobo flinch, but nothing seemed to happen as he surveyed his surroundings.

A misfire? Lobo thought surprised. Whoever this pony was, she obviously wasn't very good at magic, but he wasn't about to give her another try. He launched for an opening on her left flank, but before Lobo really understood what had happened he was punched quite viciously in the side, the punch somehow making his whole body go numb. An energy field extended from the pony’s horn as she swung down. Lobo dodged back, but was still caught a bit by the energy field which opened a long but shallow cut down his side. Gritting his teeth, Lobo now watched as the mare started to walk around him instead with a mischievous little grin on her face. Lobo countered every move she made, so that he always presented his front and as little a target as he could, while growling continuously.

“I’ll admit, you’re impressive, but you are a fool. I admire the tenacity it takes to fight me, but the night is my domain. To challenge me now is death certain.” The dark mare stated which in turn made Lobo grit his teeth in anger.

“The night belongs to no one. All manner of creatures use it.” Lobo snarled back defiantly. The black mare scowled down at him.

“Who are you, pup?” the mare suddenly asked, somehow thinking her bigger size made her Lobo’s elder.

“My name is Lobo, and I was never a pup.” He answered while he simultaneously swept a claw towards the mare’s front hoof hoping to catch her unaware. It almost worked since it seemed her reaction time was suddenly much slower than before. If it wasn't for the wings, Lobo would have gotten her. She had reared up, and as he launched for her now exposed belly she beat a single time with the great wings, making a gust of wind that forced Lobo back down. The mare then slammed her forehooves onto his shoulders pinning him to the ground. Then an impossibly large force slammed down through his body. Lobo could feel several bones throughout his body crack and break while his shoulder blades were shattered. The pain racing through his body was almost too much for it to register in his brain.

Through the pain induced haze, Lobo saw the dark mare´s horn light up again as she swung it down to end his life. But as she contacted with his mythril war collar, the blade was deflected leaving a long bloody gash along Lobo’s back. He howled in pain, and then tried to close his jaws around the now exposed throat that for a second hovered so tantalizingly close in front of him. In the last instance, the mare jumped back in order to put some distance between the two of them. On her face Lobo could see pure shock, at least until she understood what his war collar was actually made of. Still, her blow had been serious enough to actually tear off a small chunk of the more or less impervious metal.

Suddenly, the full moon burst through the cloud cover and bathed Lobo in its rejuvenative light. Immediately, the full effects of the lunar blessing began coursing through his body. This had actually been why he wanted to pull back from North Bay this particular night; it is after all very hard to sneak through camps and alleyways if you are constantly at the risk of lighting up like a bonfire every time the moon shines down on you. But it now once more turned out to be his saving grace, healing his wounds incredibly fast as his coat turned moonlight white. It wasn't long before he was standing again facing a very surprised looking pony.

“I told you.” Lobo said with a grin. “Many creatures use the night.” As soon as he finished his statement the mare’s whole demeanor changed. She seemed to have connected the dots as to what was happening, and she clearly didn't like it.

“And you are proven a fool again for revealing your gain. I told you, the night is my domain.” She responded darkly. Suddenly, Lobo felt as if he was standing in front of the Alpha of light himself. The mare’s eyes started glowing brightly azure, and immediately the stars in the sky began to disappear one after another. Lobo looked on in stunned fascination while the pony in front of him showed just how powerful she really was. As the moon's bright glow disappeared, everything was cast into pure darkness. The only thing one could see was this nightmare´s glowing azure eyes, and then they too were gone.

Lobo for the first time truly felt fear. This was not a foe he could do anything against, his only option was to flee, and hope he could get away. He had to find Zig Zag and Raven and take them away from this madness. Lobo took off in the direction he knew the woods were, hoping that since he could not see her, she could not see him. This hope proved fruitless though when suddenly something shot up from the ground and connected viciously with his lower jaw. A few teeth broke from the impact that flung him into the air so hard that he landed on his back. Before he had even had a chance to understand what happened, pain shot through his entire body and he writhed and howled in agony over the magical attack that was frying his nervous system.

The spell ceased abruptly, and light returned to the world, although Lobo wasn't aware enough to register it, as he just lay panting on the ground. The moon was also once more blocked, so he was not receiving any help from it at all. Suddenly he became aware that something was standing above him. Before he knew anything else, his rib cage broke inward. Lobo howled in pain, at least what he thought was pain, because the next thing he knew it felt like something was inside of him, squeezing everything together. His eyes were wide, and he couldn't even scream this time as unbelievable pain rocked the entirety of his being.

“Empress, stop!” Something called out an impossible distance away. And suddenly the pain that was threatening to obliterate his mind ceased. Lobo took one wheezing breath before another source of pain made itself aware when the mare pressed down on his broken rib cage with her hoof.

“What are you doing here?” This nightmare pony above him asked cautiously of whoever had interrupted her.

“We were sent here by the Prefect to assist you, AND to see about possibly gaining Lobo’s allegiance for your cause.” Another female voice answered.

“You know this wolf?” Nightmare queried.

“Yes. Please, your majesty, allow us a chance to explain.” The praetorian answered. After a bit of hesitation, Lobo felt the hoof pinning him down lifting off of him, allowing Lobo somewhat less restrictive but still painful breathing.

“I am an empress no longer.” Nightmare corrected while she slowly peeled away the cloud cover so that the full moon could once again shine down on Lobo. He felt the welcomed change as his fur turned white once more. The blessing of the moon coursed through his body, and soon he was able to stand up again. He looked over towards whom he now realized was the Empress he had heard mention of earlier during the day. Nightmare Moon, undisputed ruler of the night, and he now knew that it was true. Lobo studied her while she stood looking off into the distance, apparently preoccupied with something else. When she finally turned back to look at him, she once again seemed surprised to find him standing up, even if he was still showing just how much the battle had taken out of him.

“Follow me.” She ordered and started heading back towards the city. Lobo reluctantly followed, he didn't have to be told what would happen if he did not. As he walked behind Nightmare Moon, six more fell in besides him, three on either side. As he looked them over for the first time, Lobo was surprised to see that there were two faces he recognized.

“Bender? Hammer Song?” He said in obvious surprise as the two of them grinned back at him.

****

Zig Zag and Raven fearfully glanced up at the sky, which had gone completely black for a few minutes. Had it not been for Twilight lighting her horn with magic the two of them would have been left in complete and utter darkness while they made their way through the streets of the Elite District. The fact that Twilight had not even dignified the sky with a glance had been oddly comforting for the two following her. If the pony leading them did not get spooked by this strange event, then perhaps it was not such a big deal after all. Zig Zag had drawn strength from the purple mare’s calm and collected reaction to whatever it was that had happened. And Raven had in turn stayed calm because Zig Zag had seemed to not care about the strange happenings, therefore neither would she. So the three of them proceeded ever onwards towards the Officer’s Club.

“ZZ… Are you sure about this? I mean… I don't think she's completely right in the head.” Raven suddenly whispered worriedly as they rounded another street corner.

“Look… I have to do this! And I think… I think that if we stick with her, we will have a much bigger chance of pulling this off… I simply can’t stand back and do nothing when the ponies that killed my mother just disappear one after another… I have to be involved, or I will never be able to let this go.” Zig Zag said heatedly while they continued up the street. Raven gave a sigh but nodded.

“All right… just… just remember to stick close to me ZZ… So we can help each other when we need to.” Raven said and finally dropped her attempts at persuading Zig Zag not to follow this somewhat terrifying unicorn. Both Zig Zag and Raven had been surprised when they came to the city gate leading into the Elite District. Even if the camp outside the gates had been asleep, the guards at the gates had first made to challenge them when they approached, but upon laying eyes on Twilight they had all immediately bowed their heads in respect and ushered them through without even asking who the three of them were, or why the three of them were seeking entrance to the city so late at night. Zig Zag had only been relieved that it was so easy getting into the city, but Raven had furrowed her eyebrows in deep contemplation while she looked at their escort. Whoever this Twilight was, she was most definitely someone of note.

Finally they had reached their goal, a three-story salmon colored building, Its window sills were painted gold, and red velvet curtains could be seen just inside as warm and welcoming light emanated out through the windows. Zig Zag had often ran past this building without giving it a second glance while running errands for his mother, now however, knowing what was inside of it… he wanted nothing more than to tear it down brick by brick until nothing remained.

Twilight proceeded to walk in through the mahogany door and left it open for the two of them to follow. As they walked through the door they stopped behind the purple unicorn. The door closed behind them with a little click, and all of a sudden Raven felt extremely trapped for some reason. Zig Zag on the other hand looked around himself with a frown. There were no customers in the restaurant, only five servants, one bartender and four guards could be seen inside the lavish dining hall. Zig Zag looked rather surprisingly at the guards… Last time he had seen a city guard they had seemed so large and terrifying… Now, after months of training against gryphon warriors in Crown Peak, they did not seem as terrifying as he remembered. A Pegasus waiter mare walked up to them with a smile on her face.

“Do you have an appointment, ma’am?” She asked politely, Twilight´s eyes focused on the waiter.

“No.” She answered coldly, but the waiter did not seem to react to it, or she was accustomed to being spoken to in that way.

“Well, that´s alright. I don’t think I've seen you around before. What's your name and connections?” The waiter wondered.

“Twilight Sparkle.” The young unicorn answered, while simultaneously pulling out her sword with telekinesis. Before anyone knew what happened, Twilight's sword was lodged halfway through the waiter's skull. She then calmly proceeded to extract the weapon, and transfer the handle to her mouth, freeing her horn for spell casting.

Both Zig Zag and Raven first stood dumbstruck while Twilight disappeared in a flash of light. On the other side of the dining hall the remaining waiters were all screaming and started heading for the kitchen exit, while the guards were now all staring at the two remaining at the entrance. A second flash announced Twilight's arrival in front of the kitchen exit, where she immediately stabbed the barkeeper through her throat, and broke the neck of the nearest waiter with telekinesis. The four guards who had all been moving towards Zig Zag and Raven halted their advance when they once again became aware of where Twilight was. The closest guard immediately started running towards her.

“What's going on?!” A voice cried out from the kitchen. Twilight swirled around towards the kitchen door and impaled her rapier through the exiting cooks head. Unfortunately, the blade wedged firmly into the open door behind the cook. She had to abandon the sword where it was to dodge out of the way of the earth pony guard, who stomped his front hooves down where Twilight had stood just a second before. In a swift motion, the much stronger earth pony yanked Twilight sword out, and stormed into the kitchen after her. Zig Zag and Raven were brought out of their shocked stupor just in time to register that three guards were still heading towards them.

“Let's finish these two off first, and then we can help Landslide fuck that psycho mare up all night long. It has after all been a long time since Sharp Edge allowed us to use and torture a mare to death, but I think she'll make an exception for this one!” The only Pegasus guard said with a sadistic grin, while the three of them approached what they thought would be a quick warm-up fight. His two earth pony companions also grinned just as much as they spread out to tackle the two youths from different directions. None of them took the time to look carefully at their opponents. Had they done so they might have noticed just how well armored and equipped their supposed easy prey were. Zig Zag and Raven gave their opponents there first surprise, when instead of turning tail and running, the two youngsters sprinted in towards them.

“What!!!” The Pegasus exclaimed as both the youngsters came at him snarling; the little blue colt wielding a knife in his mouth while the blackish gryphoness launched up into the air.

The Pegasus who had instinctively jumped up to avoid the surprisingly fast little colt was caught in midair by the furious gryphoness who immediately crashed back down to the floor, using him as a shield to soften her impact. With a kick the Pegasus launched Raven over himself. She, however, twisted around in the air and landed on all fours again, coming to a screeching halt as she dug her talons into the red carpet covering the floorboards.

As the Pegasus guard stood up glaring back at Raven, he suddenly got a very questioning expression on his face when he felt something sticky and hot trickle down his chest. Slowly he glanced down to see the hilt of a dagger protruding from just above his armors neck lining. He looked back up at Raven with a shocked expression, since he hadn't even felt any pain… yet. Once he became aware of the dagger, the pain asserted itself with a vengeance. His whole face contorted, and a pathetic whimpering sound escaped from him while he staggered off a few steps to the side. He tried to reach up and extract the dagger, but was abruptly stopped by Raven who had simply walked up to the shocked Pegasus and unceremoniously stabbed another dagger into the side of his neck. The Pegasus fell limp immediately, and crashed to the floor. Raven retrieved her two daggers and started to make her way over to help Zig Zag.

Zig Zag had, after missing his first blow towards the Pegasus, spun around to face the two remaining earth ponies. The first one tried to simply crush Zig Zag with his hooves, but Zig Zag easily avoided the clumsy strikes. After all the training he had undergone, especially with his father, these two ponies almost seemed to be moving in slow motion compared to what he was used to.

With a bubbling laugh, Zig Zag bounced around the two guards who had now both drawn their swords and were feebly trying to hack at him while cursing loudly. Zig Zag dodged easily under a table. The earth pony closest to him carelessly grabbed the edge of the table and flipped it over in his anger, inadvertently leaving himself wide open for Zig Zag who immediately seized the opportunity. Like a loaded spring, he shot up and cut the stallion’s throat in one swift motion. With a gurgled scream the guard stumbled backwards, trying to stop the blood flow, before collapsing to the ground in a heap. Bloody bubbles now started to form in the wound on his slit throat as he struggled to take his lasts breaths. The only remaining guard pony screamed in absolute rage and bore down furiously on Zig Zag, only to have a dagger bury itself into the side of his head. He didn't even have time to register that something had happened before he collapsed and came to a screeching halt in front of Zig Zags hooves.

Zig Zag looked over towards Raven who stood halfway between him and the dead Pegasus guard; she was twirling a second dagger between her talons while she looked skeptically at the guards around them. Zig Zag in the meanwhile noticed how Twilight had emerged from the kitchens and was heading towards the stairs in the back of the restaurant, so he re-sheathed his dagger and proceeded to recover Raven's as well.

“Are you okay ZZ, not that those guys were much of a problem. That idiot Pegasus guard didn't even draw his sword. He was so sure he was going to beat us into submission easily.” she said when Zig Zag came up to her and handed the last of her daggers back to her. She slid it into place at the front of her chest armor after having wiped the blade off on a tablecloth next to her.

“No, these guards were really slow… I mean, I could see what they were going to do from a mile away… By the way, did you see what happened to the last waiters?” Zig Zag wondered while they moved to catch up to Twilight at the stairs.

“They got out during our fight, together with some ponies from the kitchen…” Raven answered and looked worriedly over towards Twilight.

“Good, I don't think any of them were at fault for what's happening here… They seem so terrified… and meek.” Zig Zag muttered. Raven only nodded in agreement since they were almost within hearing range of Twilight now and she definitely did not trust that unicorn. As soon as they came up to her, Twilight spoke up without even looking towards them.

“Did you let the chefs or waiters get out?” She asked while shifting her gaze between the stairs leading up and the once leading down, obviously trying to decide which way to go.

“Yes.” Raven answered quite agitatedly.

“You shouldn't have. Chances are they knew exactly what was going on up here.” Twilight reprimanded.

“That doesn't make killing them right.” Zig Zag said trying to defend his special some gryphon.

“Right and fair are two different things.” Twilight respondent before making up her mind about where she wanted to go next.

“You two head upstairs. I'm going to see what's below.” She said and descended without another word. Zig Zag and Raven looked at each other, and then they both shrugged and took the stairway leading to the second floor.

As they got up, they heard a loud crash of wood splintering from below. Twilight it would seem had just powered through whatever it was blocking the path down below. Zig Zag and Raven stood in front of the door. They tried to open it but it was locked, furthermore there did not appear to be a keyhole to open said lock.

“There has to be some way of opening it?” Zig Zag uttered frustratingly and tried hitting the door for good measure, but to no avail.

“I'll go check on that Pegasus guard; he was after all standing by the stairs when we entered.” Raven said and launched herself off the top of the stairs, gliding back down towards the dead Pegasus lying on the floor in the middle of the dining hall. Just as she landed several ponies started pouring up from the basement, looking positively terrified, their provocative and exquisite clothes making perfectly clear what they were. As the first of the tail lifters saw her standing over the body of the dead guard they froze, all the while more and more came up behind them. There was soon a small crowd looking fearfully at her and all around the room. Obviously waiting for somebody to come and stop them, and punish them for leaving their rightful place. With a heavy sigh Raven called over to them.

“You girls better get moving! As you might have noticed that crazy mare down there isn't really thinking straight, I wouldn't be here when she gets back up!” Raven called over to the quivering mass of mares and a few stallions still standing fearfully in front of the landing to the stairs for some reason. This seemed to have the effect of snapping a few of them out of their stupor, and several of them bolted towards the exit. Raven continued searching through the Pegasus guard until she found a key ring with several keys and also a velvet bag containing some sort of round sphere, and to her delight a small coin purse containing several shining coins. She grabbed all of the items and returned up to Zig Zag. As soon as she landed and looked back at the door, she realized she could have left the key ring since there was still no keyhole. That left the velvet bag; she examined it and held it up towards the door… nothing happened. She tried opening but it was still locked.

“Oh come on! This has to be it!” Raven growled in annoyance.

“Here let me see…” Zig Zag said and grabbed the bag from Raven, but since he grabbed the bag in the bottom corner, the little rock tumbled out of the bag as soon as he had pulled it out of Raven's grip. The round rock bounced up against the door, tapping it lightly. A small click could then be heard from the door itself which then opened a little bit. Zig Zag and Raven looked at each other and gave another little shrug at their quite random discovery. Raven quickly retrieved the little enchanted rock and put it and the key ring in one of her armor pockets.

“Okay let's go do this, don't let your guard down Raven… Actually stay back in the shadows and watch my rear.” Zig Zag said and opened the door.

“Is this really the time and place for that?” Raven said with a little evil smirk. Zig Zag looked back at her with a deadpan expression, at least until he understood how what he said could be interpreted, which made his cheeks blush before he pushed Raven backwards.

“Euuuu! You know what I mean Raven!” He hissed back at her, which only made Raven grin all the wider.

“Don't worry; I got your back ZZ.” Raven finally said. With a quick nod between them, Zig Zag carefully made his way in through the door, while Raven stayed back in the darkness with a knife ready in her talon. As soon as he came through the door, he entered a lavishly furnished room covered in red velvet, in the room were many displaces of tools of a garnish and sexual nature, even on the walls and in other types of showcases.

Some of them he understood quite well how they were supposed to work; others he simply had no idea what they were, or how they were supposed to be used. More disturbingly though, quite a few of the items looked like they were meant only to inflict pain and discomfort. Especially several of the very wicked looking whips, some of which even had barbs and several ornamental but sharp looking knives. Zig Zag felt a shiver go down his spine.

Why would anypony want to use something like that? He thought while he carefully walking out into the open area in the middle of the room. Suddenly, on the furthest side of the room several very attractively looking mares raised their heads up from what looked like a large bed covered in impossibly soft looking pillows, which they had more or less drowned beneath. When they first saw him they all had a look of confusion on their faces. But then one of them giggled a bit and whispered something to the others which made them all smile seductively over at him before standing up.

There were five of them, all of them dressed to instill sexual lust in whoever looked upon them. Zig Zag almost felt sick to the stomach when his eyes fell upon the youngest looking of them. She couldn't be more than one maybe two years his senior, and still she was trapped in this hell, forced to pleasure who knew how much older noble stallions and mares. As one they all walked up towards him swaying their flanks quite a bit trying to look eager at the prospect of being with him, all the while letting out cute little giggles.

Zig Zag stood firm trying not to think of just how beautiful they were. The youngest one approached him carefully while smiling sweetly at him. She was an orange colored Pegasus with a pink mane and tail, and two gorgeous purple eyes. She was squeezed into a very tight black corset, and her real legs were covered by black legs net stockings. All of it made her look absolutely ravishing.

“Hi there, are you here to make us feel good?” She asked while tilting her head to the side, trying and succeeding to look enticing. Zig Zag couldn't help but feel something stir inside of him while he blushed furiously, something the mares around him seemed to notice.

“Ohhh look at the little fella, he is just so adorable. I bet it's going to be his first time!” One of the older mares said and swished her tail provocatively in his direction.

“What! No! I mean… I haven't … That's not why… I'm… I'm…” Zig Zag stammered out while he fell back onto his rump and his brain slowly but surely started to shut down. He wasn't ready to face something like this, he just couldn't handle it. Give him some angry gryphons or pony guards trying to kill him and he would react immediately and decisively. But in this situation, faced with five beautiful mares thinking he was another customer, he was left completely speechless and powerless while they started to close in on him, seductive smiles on each of their faces.

Suddenly too powerful talons grabbed him from behind and pulled him back in to be covered by large black wings, which shielded him from the advancing mares. All five of them jumped back giving little shrieks of alarm and surprise as they were suddenly blocked by a vicious looking gryphoness staring back at them.

“Hoofs off my stallion!” Raven hissed out warningly at the mares. The five of them were all just gawking back at Raven, who was protectively holding Zig Zag close to her, while continuing to shield him with her wings.

“Any of you try anything I'll rip your throats out!” Raven yelled at them, making the five mares take a few more steps back. Hooves sounded from the stairs behind Raven as two guard stallions came thundering down at the sudden commotion from below. All the mares suddenly laid down flat on their stomachs cowering in fear.

“What's going on down here?! I thought we had an agreement; we take one of you for ourselves during the night, while the rest of you mares service whoever comes up here without any fuss, and we would leave you alone down here to do what you please while you're free!” The guard bellowed angrily, at least until he saw the gryphoness standing protectively over something between himself and the five tail lifters. A smirk suddenly formed on the guards lips and he turned to his partner who now stood beside him.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” The first guard said with a smirk.

“I don't know… Definitely doesn't look like a patron, so most likely she is the newest plaything in our stables.” The second guard said with an equally vicious smirk.

“Why don’t you come with us little birdie, and we’ll give you a good first night to kick start your time with us on a positive note.” The first guard continued while he walked forward eyeing Raven curiously.

“I've never fucked a gryphoness before, this will be interesting. I've heard you birds are quite wild in the sack.” The stallion closing in on her grunted in approval. The sentence had hardly left his lips when something shot out from beneath Raven swings. The blue blur passed underneath him, only for a pain the likes of which he had never experienced before beginning to race through his body. There was a loud thud underneath him, and as he looked down he could see his own entrails lying on the floor. He stared uncomprehendingly at the mess below him, before his eyes rolled up into his skull and he fell down on the floor, dead. The five mares were now shrieking in horror as they backpedalled towards the bed they had risen from just moments earlier. Zig Zag stood behind the now deceased stallion with a knife in his mouth, breathing heavily as he glared at the now stunned looking guard in front of him.

“Anypony lays a hoof on my Raven and I will cut them to shreds!” Zig Zag bellowed furiously, this only managed to snap the remaining guard back to reality.

“You darn insect! I will crush you like a bug!” The guard screamed, but only managed to take two steps before collapsing to the ground with a dagger sticking out of his forehead. Raven snorted while she re-sheathed the dagger she didn't have to use since the first one hit its mark. Together the two of them turned back towards the five mares that were now lying huddled together on the bed, whimpering in fear. Zig Zag motion for Raven to stay behind while he carefully walked up to the bed.

“I'm sorry that we scared you, but I think you need to leave now. The way outside is open for you, you can leave this place and never have to come back again.” He said with a reassuring smile while he stood on his hind legs peeking over the edge of the annoyingly high bed. If it wasn't for the fact that they had just seen him disembowel another pony, the five mares would have sworn he was the cutest little thing that they had ever seen. Now they looked at him with fear, while their eyes travelled between him and his gryphon friend who had, despite his wishes, walked up behind him while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

“Look girls, we are not here to hurt you, we are here to save your sorry asses. Get it through your thick skulls already.” Raven said, a bit of annoyance evident, from behind Zig Zag. Finally, the little orange Pegasus mare seemed to comprehend what was happening and carefully took a few steps towards Zig Zag, while looking carefully at him.

“Why… Why would you do that? No one else has ever cared what happens to us?” The little Pegasus asked timidly. Zig Zag’s gaze fell down and he sighed heavily.

“My mum… The ones who run this place killed her when she didn't do what they wanted her to do. So I'm here to pay them back. Twilight already buried Iron Rod alive, so now I only need to find Silver Pot and make him pay in full as well.” Zig Zag said through gritted teeth as he looked up at the five mares with a fire burning in his eyes. They all looked at each other at the news that Iron Rod was apparently dead. And then back at the little colt standing before them.

“Are you serious? He's dead… And you and your friends are going to kill everypony responsible for this place?” One of the older girls said with a twinkle in her eyes. Zig Zag looked back at her and nodded.

“Yes, we have already taking care of all the guards downstairs, the way out is clear for now, so you should really get going.” Zig Zag said and motioned with his hoof towards the open door at the other side of the room. As if a spell had been broken, the five mares frantically scrambled out of the bed heading towards their possible freedom. But before the young orange mare set off she leaned in and kissed Zig Zag hard on the mouth, to which Raven gave an angry screech. As she pulled back she looked him in the eyes, tears streaming down from her own.

“Thank you! Thank you so very much!” She said voice almost cracking with joy, “if you are looking for Silver Pot, he's here tonight, up the stairs in the VIP apartment at the end of the hall, he's… he's not a nice stallion, and he is with Soft Hooves right now… Please save her, he was in a very bad mood today. There's no telling what he'll do to her, so please save her if you can!” The young mare said before giving Zig Zag another quick kiss on the lips before bolting off after her older friends. Zig Zag just stared out into space before a manic smile spread across his lips.

“He's here? HAHAHAHA! HE'S HERE!” Zig Zag screamed in absolute joy and bolted towards the stairs leading up to the third floor.

****

Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 31 Vengeance and Complications

True Black
Chapter 31
Vengeance and Complications

Nightmare Moon, Lobo and the praetorians had entered back into the city of North Bay via the Silver-Seas Estate private entrance, not wanting to give up too much of the city's layout to the Wolf whom Nightmare did not trust. Lobo had first been stoic and quiet even after discovering the familiar faces of Bender and Hammer Song. Even though they were the ponies he had gotten along with the most, with the exception of Zig Zag of course, he still didn't trust them enough to initiate a conversation at the moment. His thoughts and attention were also completely captivated by Nightmare Moon.

Once she had shown her true power, Lobo had felt like he was standing in front of the Alpha of light himself. Yet Nightmare had felt like the complete opposite when she was blocking out the night sky. Instead of emitting light she had been swallowing it, letting nothing escape, and it truly terrified him, much more than the sight of some cursed river ever could. Lobo gave a little snort at the thought, which made Nightmare turn around to glare at him. She in turn had been very intrigued by this strange being she knew nothing about, something that didn't happen very often.

The praetorians had wanted to start explaining the current situation but Nightmare had cut them off immediately, insisting that this was no subject to be spoken of in the open.

But now, when they were finally walking through the immaculately kept gardens of the Silver-Seas Estate, Nightmare saw a serviceable spot for this discussion; a white painted gazebo which was standing in the center of what looked like a small little hedge labyrinth. One could easily see over the low hedges, so reaching the center was little challenge for a grown-up whereas for a colt or filly it would be an adventurous undertaking. This place would serve well as the arena for their little conversation, so she came to a halt.

“Piercing Mark.” Nightmare Moon said with an air of command in her voice. Immediately the praetorian in question was kneeling in front of her.

“Yes my… Nightmare.” Piercing Mark answered a bit unsurely since she had been told not to address Nightmare Moon as Empress, but at the same time had not been given a substitute honorific with which to address the former Empress.

“You and your second-in-command will follow us and explain this situation while the rest of your company secures this area. I do not wish to be disturbed whilst we discuss these matters.” Nightmare Moon ordered and walked off towards the gazebo, gesturing for Lobo to follow her. He immediately did so, albeit reluctantly.

“Hammer Song with me, ground troops patrol the outer edge of the play labyrinth edge in a clockwise rotation, Pegasi keep the sky clear and circle around counterclockwise. Nothing gets through without permission from Nightmare Moon, understood?!” Piercing Mark barked at the rest of the praetorians behind her.

“Yes mam!” They answered simultaneously and set about their tasks while Piercing Mark and Hammer Song quickly followed Nightmare Moon and Lobo. When they had all seated themselves comfortably in the gazebo Nightmare turned towards Lobo.

“So Wolf… Why are you hunting around North Bay?” Nightmare Moon asked in a not too friendly manner. Lobo couldn't help but give a little growl in warning. She may be more powerful than him, but he wouldn't allow himself to be intimidated like a little pup. If this pony wants to play hard, then he could answer with the same coin. It wasn't like he was about to tell her everything she wanted to know just because she told him to do so. When Nightmare realized no answer was forthcoming, she gave an annoyed snort and turned towards Piercing Mark.

“Well then Piercing Mark, it looks like you’re up first. Please explain how this wolf is apparently flesh-bound!” She said without concealing her anger at discovering that the praetorians had obviously been doing some experiments on the side which had produced some disturbing outcomes. Unless her sister had a hoof in this, which before all this began Nightmare would've thought would be preposterous. But as she thought about it now, that was a real possibility.

“Of course your grace, we will tell you everything we know. However I am not the one who knows the most about Lobo amongst us. Hammer Song, if you would.” Piercing Mark answered respectfully and gestured for Hammer Song to step forward, which she did and fell into a low bow in front of the former Empress.

“Arise Hammer Song, and proceed with the explanation.” Nightmare said and gestured for Hammer to rise to her hooves again, which she did and immediately launched into the retelling of what had happened in Avarice’s secret research camp. Hammer Song did not get far into the story however, before Nightmare Moon's eyes shot wide in alarm.

“You are a spirit!” Nightmare yelled, and the next thing Lobo knew a magic blast sent him flying through the white wooden lacework of the gazebo. He bounced twice before coming to a grinding halt. His head ringing, Lobo staggered up on three legs. His left foreleg with which he had taken most of the brunt force of the blast hung limp and burned. The whole left side of his chest had suffered the same, showing severe magical burns. However, since he had been flung out into the garden the full moon was once again shining down upon him. He started to heal even before he bounced off the ground for the second time. As Nightmare slowly advanced towards him, horn glowing and eyes locked on the now moon white Lobo, he could already feel strength returning into his mangled limb while fur regrew to cover his newly healed skin.

“The only spirit to exist in this realm before you destroyed the civilizations of this world, reduced it to anarchy, created abominations and cruel creatures, one of which I fight even now, and nearly killed the planet itself. I have no interest in putting up with another like him." Nightmare Moon hissed out towards Lobo, who was now standing on all fours again, growling viciously and readying himself for another, and quite possibly his last, fight. Then Hammer Song suddenly stood in between them and once again bowed low before Nightmare Moon, showing her unguarded back to Lobo.

“Please your grace! Lobo is not evil! He could have killed me once before, but he chose to let me go and even made sure I wouldn't freeze during the time I was unconscious. He did this despite what had been done to him in Avarice camp. So please your grace, at least hear me out before you pass sentence.” Hammer Song said while looking pleadingly up at Nightmare Moon, who was still eyeing Lobo warily.

“I cannot take such a chance child…” Nightmare said, but then seemed to think of something. “Although perhaps… I will spare your life for now Lobo, if you submit to a blood oath.” Nightmare said while she stood up to her full height, wings spread wide in a clear show of dominance while she looked down at the still crouching and battle ready dire wolf. Lobo’s eyes narrowed in defiance.

“I would rather die than become a pony slave!” Lobo roared back, but then he came to think about Zig Zag and Raven, and he couldn't help but feel an unquenchable desire to live so that he would be able to continue protecting the young ones that still needed him. The thought flashed through his head, and for a split second he had looked hesitant about his statement. Most would have missed it, but not Nightmare Moon. She saw that he had something he desired to do, and this piqued her interest further. If this wolf had something he wanted, depending on what it was, then she could possibly use it to control him even if she didn't demand obedience through the blood oath.

“Then I will not demand your service, but you will swear to not oppose me, and you will tell the truth when I ask it of you, nor should you ever try to destroy this world. It does not matter if you believe yourself incapable of doing such harm, you will swear it or I will destroy you here and now.” Nightmare Moon said in a now calm but commanding voice. Lobo gritted his teeth while he thought it over. He looked around himself only to verify that escape was impossible. He had the eyes of six praetorians fixed on him, not to mention the draconic eyes of the very ruler of the night, and understood he would have to do this or perish. With a sigh he pulled himself up to his full height, staring straight back at Nightmare.

“You leave me little choice since I can’t afford to be destroyed right now. It's actually almost funny… for the first time I find myself with a real means of ending my existence permanently in this realm, freeing my spirit from from this cursed collar, and here I am turning it down.” Lobo said with a self-reprimanding laugh. This statement made Nightmare lift one eyebrow while she regarded the wolf.

“You wish to commit suicide? That is a feeling I have not gotten from you so far wolf.” Nightmare said questioningly.

“In the beginning I would have welcomed an end to my existence, but the longer I am here, the more I find myself starting to cling to this new life of mine.” Lobo said actually looking a bit puzzled at the admittance. Nightmares features softened a bit even though she was still very wary of this new spirit. Still Lobo did not act or seem anything like Discord, who had never once cared for anything but his own amusement, no matter how many lives it cost.

“It is called a survival instinct, more or less all physical beings have it to some degree, and in most cases the only thing that can override this instinct is when one protects one's offspring or loved one.” Nightmare said narrowing her eyes at Lobo.

Could that be it? Has he already found some she wolf to bond with? She wondered.

“Survival instinct… Is that what it's called? If I also possess that, it would actually explain a lot of my conflicting emotions lately.” Lobo mumbled still lost in his own contemplations.

“Very well, it's decided then, Piercing Mark! Find something to collect some of our blood in… on second thought your helmet will do nicely I think. Now let's get this over with, and then we can continue with our little talk.” Nightmare said as she turned back towards the now somewhat battered looking gazebo.

****

Zig Zag scrambled up the stairs, not caring if he would run into another guard. As soon as he had cleared the last steps, he could see that he was now in a small room. In the middle of it was a circular couch, where another mare lay splayed out, staring up at the roof while waiting for the inevitable continuation of the ‘fun’ the two guards stallions were having with her while waiting for their only VIP customer for the night to make any further demands. Be it more toys for his entertainment or a new mare if the current one broke, either request would make little difference… that pig would be granted anything he wanted.

It was sad to say, but Gentle Wave was actually happy that the rooms here were magically soundproof. Otherwise she would most likely have to listen to poor Soft Hooves screams throughout the night, while suffering through her own torment that was yet to come at the hooves of the guards. She finally heard some pony making his way up the stairs, and quite eagerly to it sounded like. Whoever this new patron was, he had come to a screeching halt at the top of the stairs. Lazily she looked over towards him, only for her eyes to widen in surprise. A very young blue earth colt in a leather armor outfit was standing there, looking back at her just as surprised as she was. A thought suddenly sent a very real chill down Gentle Waves spine.

Oh no! Don't tell me this is Soft Hooves little brother, Gentle Wave thought desperately. Soft Hooves had often said it was the only thing that made her do what mistress Sharp Edge told her to do, the promise that her little brother would be kept safe. Gentle Wave felt her heart skip a beat when she thought she understood what was about to happen.

Don't tell me that sick son of a manticore is going to have her own little brother watch while she's being violated… Although that sounds exactly like something Silver Pot would enjoy, and by the look of this little guy's get up, Silver Pot might even be planning on forcing the little colt to participate in torturing his own sister. Gentle Wave thought sadly while she stood up and trotted over to the little colt. Without even saying a word she gave the little fellow a hug he would very much need shortly. She sighed and looked down at the very surprised looking youngster, he was such a cute little thing even with only half of his right ear left. He had most definitely been through some scrapes growing up so far, so Gentle Wave lightly stroked at the side of his head while she tried to look comforting, since this night was going to be indescribably horrible for the siblings.

“Did Silver Pot send for you?” Gentle Wave asked softly. But at the mention of the name a vicious snarl emanated from the little pony. Gentle Waves eyes went wide, as she looked down at the transformed little colt. Where only moments before an unbelievably cute little youngster had been standing, now in its place a frothing snarling monster with fangs was staring back up at her. Gentle Wave yanked her hooves away from him and stumbled backwards until she was lying on her side up against the sofa she had just been lying on.

“No… He has not sent for me.” The little blue earth pony said with so much hatred, it felt completely out of place in someone so young. Gentle Waves lower lip actually began to tremble with fear as she looked upon the youngster.

“Who… Who are you? What are you doing here?” She finally managed to ask.

"My name is Zig Zag and I'm here to kill him for what he has done to Cherry Blossom, Cherry Tree and my mother. I will not rest until he has joined Iron Rod in a shallow grave.” Zig Zag said with a snort. Gentle Waves was now just staring at Zig Zag with her mouth hanging open. What he had said was the most preposterous thing she had ever heard; this little runt thought he was going to kill Iron Rod and Silver Pot. How many ponies had not wanted to do just that in the past? They were both too well protected and too powerful, and should somepony be stupid enough to try it and succeed, they would have to deal with a very angry Sharp Edge afterwards. And that was just pure suicide. There have been some who tried before but no one ever succeeded, and here stood this little colt, stating with all the confidence in the world, that he was about to go into Silver Pot’s VIP chamber and do just that. Gentle Wave couldn't help but actually burst out laughing.

“What?” Zig Zag wondered indignified.

“I'm sorry it's just…” she laughed once more and wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.

“That was a very good joke; I even think I will be able to keep myself happy through my next few sessions with that one… But seriously, don't say something like that out loud in the future, or you will end up in a lot of trouble Zig Zag.” Gentle Wave then said in a serious manner. Something flapped behind Zig Zag and in the next instant a black Gryphoness landed next to him. Upon seeing Gentle Wave the Gryphoness put a protective wing over Zig Zag’s back, while glaring menacingly at her.

“Is this one giving you any… trouble ZZ?” Raven said looking suspiciously at the pink earth pony with the blue wavy mane. Beside her on the floor lay the discarded armor of the two guards downstairs, together with what she was supposed to be wearing.

“No she's just having trouble understanding that what I'm saying is true.” Zig Zag said while nuzzling into Ravens feathery neck. Gentle Wave was just lying there gawking at the two of them.

“It's true… All you said is true?” Gentle Wave asked in a disbelieving voice.

“Yes, we've killed all the guards downstairs, if you hurry you can flee right now.” Zig Zag said and pointed back at the stairs. Gentle Wave sat stock still for a few seconds, then her eyes went wide, and she immediately shot up on her hooves and bolted for the stairs. Zig Zag and Raven both watched her disappear down the staircase.

“You're welcome!” Raven called after her with a snort.

“Don't be like that Raven, she's been a… pleasure slave for who knows how long. How would you react if you all of a sudden had a chance to escape?” Zig Zag wondered with a little frown on his face. Raven gave a little sigh after thinking it over.

“I would most likely run for the door as if my tail was on fire.” Raven said while nodding, and folded her wings back up again.

“Exactly, now let's do this, stay behind me again and cover my back.” Zig Zag said while the two of them moved over to the large double doors at the end of the corridor leading into the biggest and most lavish of the VIP apartments. Just like before the door was locked, but they quickly found the enchanted key on one of the guard armors left by the sofa.

As soon as the door opened, a pained scream emanated from within. Zig Zag darted in with a dagger in his teeth, Raven once again taking to the shadows. Quickly Zig Zag passes from one room to the next until he stands at the threshold of the room the pained screams are coming from. As he peaked in through the small gap in the doorway he bit down hard on the handle of his dagger at what he saw.

On a lavish bed lay a portly sand colored unicorn merrily drinking red port wine out of a silver goblet while his telekinesis was holding a leather whip, which was brought down repeatedly on the back of an orange earth pony mare causing her to shriek out at each strike. The mare was standing on her back legs whilst holding up a cauldron above her head as she was continuously struck across the back. One side of the cauldron was supported by a small ledge on the wall, while the other side was only prevented from tipping over her as long as she could hold it up herself. Zig Zag wondered why she hadn’t just dodged away, until he saw that she was bound to the handle of the cauldron. If she collapsed there was no way for her to avoid being covered by the bubbling liquid inside of it, and by the looks of things she had stood there for quite a while. The young mare was shaking with the effort of just standing up. Several red streaks were crisscrossing her back, and Zig Zag could also see several hoof shaped bruises that clearly indicated she had been struck repeatedly even before the whipping began. The silver maned unicorn halted the whip while taking a dainty little sip from his beverage of choice and chuckled.

“I must say my filthy little earth pony, you are thoroughly entertaining. I played this exacting game with a lovely Pegasus two weeks ago and she collapsed after only four strokes of the whip. Although to be fair those wings of hers were a bit of a disadvantaged in this particular game, being so sensitive and all that. You should have heard her scream when the boiling wax covered them… It was quite arousing.” Silver Pot said while looking over at the gasping Soft Hooves with a smug smile. Zig Zag could feel himself starting to tremble with rage, but like his dad had taught him, he kept his cool and started looking for a perfect opportunity to attack.

“Say whatever you want about you little peasant filth, especially you earth ponies, you have quite remarkable stamina sometimes. Let's see now, first it was the hooves on approach with ten blows, which you survived without barely flinching I might add, bravo,” Silver Pot said and gave her a mock applaud.

“Then there was some lovely intercourse since I had gotten a little work up, which you handled admirably considering your position. Which led to the whip. And I most admit, that session I truly thought was going to get you to kneel, but once again you managed to surprise me. Which leads os to the now, because now I truly feel ready for another go now.” Silver Pot said and stood up from the bed, the silver goblet still floating beside him as he sauntered up to stand behind Soft Hooves. He set the silver goblet down on a table placed next to them, and instead picked up a very expensive looking knife which he used to drag along her body without cutting her, so far at least. Suddenly he stood up on his hind legs behind her, adding his own weight to her already sore shoulders, making her gasp in desperation.

“You are so filthy and sweaty my dear, but I guess that can’t be helped right now though. The rules are the same as last time my lovely; you spill a single drop of wax on me during my fun, and you won't live to see another sunrise. That stuff up there is burning hot after all, and believe me you will be begging for a soothing bath in it if any of it touches my pristine mane. Nod if you have understood.” Silver Pot hissed out while dragging the knife across her cheek to emphasize his point. Soft Hooves immediately gave a strained whimper and a little nod in confirmation.

“Good! Now to add a little bit to the challenge for you, I think I will take you where the sun don't shine this time.” Silver Pot said and reached down between his thighs fiddeling around. This was the opening Zig Zag had waited for. The door slammed open as he rushed forward, dagger at the ready.

But Silver Pot was apparently more accustomed to attempts on his life then Zig Zag would have guessed. Silver Pot immediately dropped the knife from his telekinetic hold, and instead sent out a force wave towards Zig Zag which sent him off course to the side of his intended target. But Zig Zag still managed to nick one of Silver Pots back legs, which made him scream out as if his whole hoof had been amputated. Not even Fire Starter had screamed as much when her hoof was actually bitten off by Lobo.

Silver Pot was rolling around on the floor while Zig Zag came to a screeching stop, as he turned around however, Silver Pot found the source of his own personally unparalleled pain. And his whole being stood up in fury at the indignation this little pathetic colt of an earth pony had dealt him. His horn lit up and Zig Zag was sent flying into the wall across the room. With a loud thud and with a pained wheezing he stuck there while Silver Pot stomped up towards him completely red in the face with anger.

“EXACTLY WHO ARE YOU PEASANT!? YOU DISGUSTING LITTLE MAGGOT!!! I WILL HAVE YOU TORTURED FOR WEEKS, NO, MONTHS FOR THIS OUTRAGEOUS ATTACK UPON MY PERSON! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM!!!” Silver Pot screamed into the face of Zig Zag, who was hanging helplessly in his telekinetic grip. Zig Zag looked up with a snarl, and screamed back at Silver Pot.

“SILVER POT! The biggest piece of filth this city has ever produced! AND YOU ARE THE MURDERER OF MY COLTHOOD FILLYFRIEND AND MY MOTHER!!!” Zig Zag roared back at a now stunned looking Silver Pot, but it didn't take more than a second before his rage took over again.

“You mean you attacked me because I killed two whores?! HA! That's a laugh! Do you have any idea how many of these worthless mares I have killed for nothing more than my own pleasure and amusement, do you?! I could kill every single one of them if I wanted, and do you know what would happen if I did?! NOTHING!!! I am Lord Silver Pot and it is my given birth right to do as I please with you filthy commoners!!!” He screamed and spat Zig Zag in the face. In the next instant, Silver Pots magic fizzled out, and he screamed even louder than before. Right in his silver pot cutie mark, one of Ravens daggers had sunk in all the way to the hilt. Zig Zag tumbled down on the floor, and both he and Silver Pot looked back towards the doorway, where they could see Raven standing, having just tossed said dagger.

“Zig Zag!” Raven called out and made to move towards him.

“Help the mare! Get her out from under their! Silver Pot is mine!” Zig Zag instead called back, pointing out the still desperately struggling Soft Hooves under the bubbling cauldron of wax. Then Zig Zag once again focused on Silver Pot who was desperately trying to get the dagger out of his flank. But since he couldn't focus his magic through the pain, he was now about to try pulling at the dagger with his bare hooves. But the moment he touched the daggers handle, he collapsed to the floor, gasping and crying out in pain. Zig Zag ran forward and connected a vicious kick to Silver Pots snout, causing a wide spray of blood to shoot out of Silver Pots mouth, only for him to bounce back down on the floor again, where he lay sputtering and coughing blood. Zig Zag glanced up towards Raven who had just sliced off the restraints that were securing Soft Hooves to the handle of the cauldron. An idea flashed through Zig Zag’s head, and he grinned.

“Don't move yet!” He called over to them and bit down on Silver Pot’s lush mane, unceremoniously dragging him kicking and screaming towards where the two females how both now stood struggling with their burden side-by-side.

“What! Why not, this thing is…” Both the girls shouted out in annoyance, before they saw Zig Zag dragging Silver Pot towards them. As they understood what he was about to do, an absolutely vicious grin spread across the mare’s features. Zig Zag finally stopped with Silver Pot now lying on the floor under the cauldron. Silver Pot looks up, his eyes widening in horror when he realizes where he is. Zig Zag quickly bounced away just as Raven and Soft Hooves let go and jumped back to avoid the bubbling hot wax. The entire content of red sticky boiling hot liquid splashed down on Silver Pot who immediately started rolling around shrieking, trying to get the burning fluid off of him. Soft Hooves darted forward, not caring at all about the wax still being extraordinarily hot, and started stomping down on the Silver Seas noble pony, who despite this continued howling and begging for mercy.

“You! Sick! Fucking! Filthy! Inbreed! Bastard! Of! A! Chamber! Pot! I! Will! Fucking! Kill! You! You hear me!!!” Soft Hooves screamed while stomping down as hard as she could on Silver Pots prone body between each shout. Finally Raven put a talon on the furious mares shoulder.

“It’s okay, I don't think he's getting up again.” Raven said and pulled her away from Silver Pot who was now lying on the floor wheezing for breath with what looked like at least one leg and several ribs broken, all the while still covered in piping hot wax. Soft Hooves slowly calmed down and seemed to be able to gather herself again, before looking back at Raven and Zig Zag who were both watching her with understanding and acceptance of what she had done. She smiled and nodded back at them.

“Thank you, whoever you two are. My name is Soft Hooves.” She introduced herself while giving Silver Pot another kick to the ribs for good measure. He immediately wheezed out in absolute agony, to the immense satisfaction of Soft Hooves.

“I'm Zig Zag and this is my special somegryphon Raven.” Zig Zag replied, gesturing towards Raven who was standing beside him and once again draping one of her wings across his shoulders.

“I came back to North Bay this evening to settle a score with that piece of filth over there. He is responsible for getting my colthood friend and her mother killed, before killing my own mother as well…” Zig Zag said while he slowly walked up to the now pitifully whimpering stallion. Silver Pot desperately tried to fend off the little nightmare colt with his only working foreleg. Zig Zag took out one of his knives and viciously stabbed it through the leg, pinning it to the floor. Silver Pot again screamed out in agony. Zig Zag walked up to his face and grabbed it between his hooves. As their eyes met, Silver Pot could see immense hatred burning inside of the little colt, and with such ferocity it quite literally left him speechless. Something Zig Zag had no problems with, as he grinned down at the now powerless noble stallion and his long awaited retribution.

“You killed every pony I loved… You almost killed me… But unfortunately for you, my dad saved me, and he taught me what I needed to get my revenge on you. And now that I can finally see the fear in your eyes… it will be a memory I will cherish for as long as I'm alive.” Zig Zag said and dragged the three dagger tips secured to his hooves across Silver Pots throat. Silver’s eyes went wide in disbelief as he felt his lifeblood starting to pour out of the three slashes across his throat. He gurgled and struggled to breathe while the carpet beneath him turned into the darkest red he had ever seen. It wasn't long before the light in Silver Pot’s eyes faded, and he lay still on the floor. Zig Zag wiped off all his daggers on Silver Pots mane, before replacing them in the holders on his back. With a deep breath of contentment, Zig Zag started heading for the door. Raven and Soft Hooves followed closely behind him, talking animatedly between them.

****

Lobo lowered the helmet after having drunk its content. As he looked down into the helmet, he noticed there was still a little blood left on the bottom, so reflexively his tongue darted out to lap it up. He was a carnivore after all, and the taste of blood was always welcome. Although come to think of it, it was a bit disturbing that half of it was his own blood. With a snort at the thought, Lobo tossed the helmet back to Hammer Song who looked down at it, trying not to show what she truly felt about what she had just seen.

“Now then wolf, repeat after me.” Nightmare Moon said sternly as she kept a wary eye on Lobo.

“I, Lobo, do hereby pledge my life in service of Nightmare Moon." She said, but was immediately met by a low warning growl, and two piercing yellow eyes meeting her own.

“Right, no service, it was only a slip of the tongue. That particular line is part of my normal blood oath.” Nightmare said matter-of-factly, while she thought up a new oath that would satisfy them both. She finally nodded and looked back at Lobo.

“I, Lobo, swear to not directly oppose Nightmare Moon.” She began.

“I, Lobo, swear to not directly oppose Nightmare Moon.” Lobo recited reluctantly.

“To speak truth when she asks it of me.” Nightmare continued.

“To speak truth when she asks it of me.” He followed.

“Nor shall I ever try to destroy this world, or its civilizations.” She finally said, and narrowed her eyes when Lobo actually chuckled at the last part.

“Nor shall I ever try to destroy this world, or its civilizations.” Lobo said, finishing the oath when he was done chuckling. Nightmare Moon's horn flared brightly, and Lobo clutched at his chest as he felt his heart actually stop for a few moments. With wide eyes he looked up at Nightmare Moon before giving off an annoyed growl. Whatever this magic was, it had clearly affected him somehow and quite deeply at that.

“Breaking anything in that oath will slowly kill you wolf. First there will only be a little pain as a reminder. But if you persist with your action, you will die, so I advise you not to try. Now then, speak truthfully, did you come here alone?” Nightmare said and raised an eyebrow as she waited for the response with anticipation, since she was fairly certain he had a mate with him. Lobo grimaced; he didn't want to tell her about Zig Zag and Raven. But his chest started to feel like it was on fire, and his heart rate was dropping rapidly. The threat of him dying if he did not follow his oath was clearly not a hollow one.

“No…” Was all he answered though, it was a true answer, but did not give any additional information. Nightmare snorted at his stubbornness.

“Are you really going to force me to be that specific in my questions? Alright, so be it. Tell me everything about whoever you came here with.” Nightmare said with a stern look. Lobo was quiet a few seconds longer this time before relenting.

“I came here with my adopted son Zig Zag and his Gryphoness friend Raven…” Lobo said as he began retelling everything he knew about the two of them from what had happened to Zig Zag’s loved ones before he rescued him from being hanged in the last instant and how Zig Zag had suffered through nightmare’s every single night since that day to how they saved Raven and the events at Crown Peak. He finished by explaining that they have returned here to find and kill two specific ponies who bear the brunt of responsibility for everything that happened to Zig Zag and his mother.

As he finished the retelling both Hammer Song and Piercing Mark sat with stern faces, trying not to betray the actual outrage they felt after hearing the story. Even Nightmare sat quietly, deep in thought.

“And who are these two ponies that bear the guilt of young Zig Zag’s suffering?” Nightmare Moon finally asked after having pondered about what she just heard.

“Iron Rod and Silver Pot…” Lobo said in a low growl. At the second name Nightmare tensed up and her eyes narrowed considerably.

“Silver Pot…” Nightmare Moon voiced the name with loathing, while her memories played back what happened that morning to her Twilight.

“If even a quarter of what I have managed to gather about him during this day is accurate, then I do not doubt for a second that what your son claims is true.” Nightmare said with a scowl. This particular stallion of the Silver-Seas family tree was looking more and more like a branch that needed to be cropped. And if she played this well she could use him as an example that within the Lunar Republic, nopony could hide behind a title like they had been able to do in the Celestial Empire.

Yes, I will use this insect to win me the common ponies of North Bay, and make him pay for touching Twilight like that in the process. She thought with more than a little satisfaction, before frowning. Her plan unfortunately called for her to keep the insect safe until it was time for the spectacle of crushing him beneath her hoof. She glanced over at Lobo, who was looking at her intently.

If this wolf is hunting for him, he won't survive long… Nightmare thought with a sigh.

“I will make sure he's brought to justice, but I cannot allow you to go on a vendetta against him. I will make an example of him, to show what will happen if somepony tries to attempt something similar in the future. He will suffer, on that you have my solemn promise.” Nightmare said while she looked intently at Lobo, making sure he understood this was not a request. Lobo snorted back at her.

“It's not me you have to worry about. When Zig Zag finds him, and he will, his life will end, and there is nothing you can do to stop that.” Lobo said with a confident smirk. Nightmare raised an eyebrow at Lobo’s statement.

“I do believe keeping a colt from killing one of the members of the main Silver-Seas family branch is quite within our ability, he's just a child after all.” Nightmare remarked. The glare that Lobo shot back at Nightmare would have made any other being shiver.

“Zig Zag sadly stopped being a child in many ways the minute his mother was killed before his eyes. So don't you dare underestimate my son. I actually have to put in effort when we train, or else I will not be able to catch him. Not a single one of your pony soldiers I have killed so far has even made me work half as much to catch them as Zig Zag does every time we spar… He even won the reluctant respect of Crown Peak’s Gryphon warriors while training with them, and you should know what Gryphons think about anything that isn't a Gryphon.” Lobo said with genuine pride sounding in his voice.

Nightmare looked at him incredulously, trying to picture this fourteen-year-old colt that apparently could go hoof to talon with a Gryphon warrior. But the only thing she could come up with was a monstrously big stallion, rippling with muscles like the extinct berserker bloodline of old earth pony stock. She could not however see how this colt could achieve something like that without being a Unicorn. Magic was after all the only thing Gryphon could not counter, which was why they hated Unicorns above all other pony breeds.

“Very well… I will talk to your son at an opportune time once he's been brought in. Cloud Cleaver!” Nightmare called, and immediately the white Pegasus with his golden mane and tail was standing at attention in front of Nightmare Moon.

“At your service your eminence.” Cloud Cleaver said respectfully, even though he had a little smile across his lips, as if somepony had just told a funny joke.

“I want you to organize a search of the woods south of North Bay. You are looking for a blue earth pony colt of fourteen with a two tone blue mane and no cutie mark. He will also have a black feathered Gryphoness with him. They are both to be brought back here, but remember they are considered friendlies. If they resist, then you are allowed to use more persuasive means, but do not harm them under any circumstances.” Nightmare ordered. Cloud Cleaver nodded that he had understood and took off to organize the search for the lost children. When Nightmare turned back to face Lobo, she saw to her surprised that he was smiling widely.

“What, pray tell, is so funny?” Nightmare asked.

“They won't find him, Zig Zag has been avoiding your soldiers for weeks now, and he's quite good at it. Just because he is small, do not take him lightly. Although your soldiers might be able to catch a glimpse of Raven… But if they do, I pity the fool that tries to bring them back against their will. It would be much easier if you just let me go and collect them myself.” Lobo said with a chuckle. Nightmare narrowed her eyes at him.

“I don't think so Lobo. You will remain close to me or one of the praetorians at all times. I do not trust you wolf, make no mistake about that, and until that changes you will stay where I can keep an eye on you. Now, tell me all about yourself wolf.” Nightmare ordered.

Lobo gave another growl in annoyance before starting to tell Nightmare everything; his former position as High Guardian of the eternal pups together with his sister and what that entailed; the fact that he might actually be as old, if not older, than Nightmare Moon herself; the fact that he could not use magic; and finally that the blessing of the moon was a gift from the Alpha just before he was torn from his world.

Lobo himself did not know for certain how the blessing worked, but he would guess that the Alpha of light somehow removed the limitations of absorption that all spirits naturally have. By doing this, the Alpha made it possible for Lobo to absorb any and all light he may encounter that was of a similar nature to the light of his home realm. So far the only such source he had found was moonlight.

“…Had the Alpha not done so, my spirit side would slowly but surely have starved to death over the next thousand years, give or take a century or two. It would have been a most agonizing way to die, but now I am able to replenish myself every time moonlight shines upon my physical being. It also had the unexpected side-effect of healing this physical body I was forced to grow when I arrived here.” Lobo said and finally fell quiet.

Nightmare Moon had been paying rapt attention to all Lobo has said throughout his explanation. As far as she could tell, Lobo seemed to be a being of honor who valued the innocence and potential of children far above all other things in the world, something Nightmare felt she could perhaps use to make Lobo a willing and potentially very useful ally.

All in all, she felt more at ease now than when she brought Lobo to the Silver-Seas estate earlier. There was untapped potential in him, an ace in the hole so to speak. The praetorians were right, if she handled this correctly, Lobo and his little pack could very well become some of the first new members of the Lunar Republic they find in North Bay.

“It has been a long night. Let us retire, and we will all speak again at breakfast. Lobo you will stay with the praetorians for the time being, and don't worry, you will be notified immediately when Zig Zag and Raven are brought here. Piercing Mark, make it so that the praetorians and Lobo are settled somewhere close to my quarters in the mansion.” Nightmare Moon said as she stood up.

“Of course you grace. It will be done.” Piercing Mark said and made a snappy salute. Nightmare gave a small nod to Lobo who seemed somewhat surprised, but then gave a similar nod in return. With something that seemed like approval at this, Nightmare then turned and made her way towards the mansion.

****

Zig Zag and Raven watched as Soft Hooves made her way out of the front door to the Officers Club. They hadn't said much to each other after coming down to the first floor again, what could be said in this kind of situation really? Other than that they were both satisfied by the fact that Silver Pot had ceased to be and would never bother anypony else again.

Soft Hooves had simply said goodbye by giving the both of them a hug each. The hug had caught Raven off-guard, making her feathers bristle for a few seconds before accepting the whole situation as some pony touchy-feely thing. She didn't mind so much when it was Zig Zag, but other ponies she wasn’t so keen on getting close to. As Soft Hooves separated from them she gave another thanks and happily said she had to go find her little brother now. On this, Raven and Zig Zag wished her good luck and, with a nod, Soft Hooves was off into the night.

“So… what now?” Raven asked.

We should probably try to get back to dad…” Zig Zag responded flatly. Even though he had already accomplished what he came back to North Bay to do, he just felt increasingly empty inside. Where before his rage and hatred filled the gap after his mother and filly friend now only emptiness seem to reside.

“I don't know if we can. We probably won't be let through the gates without Twilight with us. Also the Pegasus and Gryphons on the ramparts won't simply let us fly out either, so unless Twilight helps us out of here… I think we’re trapped.” Raven answered.

When Zig Zag remained quiet she glanced down at him, only to find Zig Zag staring blankly off into space. He seemed… small, empty and utterly lost. Raven moved over and draped a wing over him, pressing him close against her. This seemed to snap Zig Zag back to reality as he glanced up at Raven, looking like he only now realized she was there as well. A soft smile spread on his bright little face. He leaned against her and nuzzled into Raven's feathery chest with a content sigh. Raven, finally seeing a little bit of his old self, happily put her arm over Zig Zag’s shoulders and held him close while she tenderly started to preen his mane.

“So… Did you hear what I said before?” Raven asked while they sought comfort from each other.

“Twilight, Pegasus and Gryphons on the ramparts, trapped, yada-yada… Yeah I heard. We could just go to my old place for tonight, and then go back to dad tomorrow.” Zig Zag said with a yawn. Raven frowned.

“Ehh ZZ… I don't think-”

“Hey.” Raven was cut off by Twilight calling out. She had somehow managed to get up the stairs without the two of them noticing. Both Zig Zag and Raven's eyes went wide at the site of her. Twilight was completely covered in blood splatter, her face her chest her legs and hooves and…

That's not a hoof… Both Zig Zag and Raven thought simultaneously as their eyes went even wider. Her right front hoof was missing, and in its place was something that resembled Raven’s talons… But still definitely not like Ravens talon, it seemed to be made out of stone to start with. Twilight was panting visibly; she looked ready to drop at any moment.

“You don’t have to, but if you want someplace safe to sleep then follow me.” Twilight offered, and turned to leave. Zig Zag and Raven looked at each other for a moment and then exchanged a quick nod, before following after her. North Bay was after all not a safe city for a single mare to travel through alone in the night, especially not if the mare looked like she would be knocked over by a light breeze. So they silently followed Twilight. Raven also had a suspicion that Zig Zag’s backup plan had a big flaw in it… but right now was not the time to get into that.

As they walked through North Bay, Zig Zag’s eyes became wider and wider when he realized where they were heading. As they reached the gates into the Silver-Seas estate, the guards on duty paled visibly at the sight of Twilight. But they made no move to stop her or Zig Zag and Raven since they were obviously with her. As they walked through the pristinely managed gardens up towards the massive structure in the center of it, Zig Zag could not shake the feeling that he was being watched by the creepy looking gargoyles lining the roof of the gothic building. Twilight let them inside, and then led them to a room where she promptly left them, walking away without a word. Zig Zag and Raven looked at the now closed door.

“There is something seriously wrong with her… but she is obviously someone important.” Raven finally said to which Zig Zag only nodded. They turned around and looked longingly at the big soft fluffy bed in the center of the lavishly furnished room. They were both having trouble just keeping their eyes open, so without further discussion Zig Zag and Raven made their way up onto the bed where they both immediately cuddled in close to each other. Just as Zig Zag was about to fall asleep Raven whispered to him.

“Are… Are you okay Zig Zag, you've been a bit… not yourself lately…” Raven asked tenderly. The question was so general and all-encompassing the Zig Zag first didn't know how to answer.

“Yes… No… I don't know… I just feel…… I don't know what I feel.” Zig Zag finally admitted quietly.

“Okay… We'll figure it out later; just know that I will always be here for you ZZ.” Raven said comfortingly and they both held on a bit tighter to each other.

“I… I love you Raven…” Was the last thing Zig Zag uttered before he fell asleep. Raven held onto him protectively while her heart hammered away in her chest.

“I love you too ZZ…” She finally said and wrapped her wings around them both, before joining Zig Zag in much-needed sleep.

****

Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 32 Consequences

True Black
Chapter 32
Consequences

16 of August

Lightning Strike carefully made her way back towards her and Black Star's hideaway camp. It had been eleven days since Black Star was seriously injured by the log trap and nine days since Lobo paid them a visit, adding his own piece to the misery of Black Star’s existence. But luckily she had somehow pulled through those first crucial days afterwards and when her fever finally broke yesterday, Lightning Strike could at last breathe out in relief. Black Star would make it, and now they could once more think about moving forward.

Lightning had not been sitting idle for those days. Whenever she hadn't been taking care of Black Star she had been constructing a stretcher she could now pull behind her with Black Star on it. Although it would still be painful for her, Black Star was at least not likely to die from being transported anymore. Lightning Strike would only have to gather a few more supplies, and then they would be able to leave tomorrow. So with a happy bounce to her step, she finally pushed her way in through the last of the greenery obscuring their retreat.

“I got the water beloved, we should-” KRAK!

****

Bender and Hammer Song paused outside the door leading into Lobo’s room. They looked at each other with a frown before Hammer turned away with a bit of a queasy look on her features.

“Are you okay there?” Bender asked with a questioning look. Hammer nodded.

“Yeah… Just feeling a bit nauseous this morning is all.” She said and took a nervous swallow. “Probably something I ate yesterday, some of those last field rations weren’t looking too hot you know.” Hammer said and put a hoof to her mouth, taking a big swallow to keep whatever was trying to make its way up down where it was supposed to be.

“Probably… Everypony hasn’t got my constitution after all.” Bender said and playfully punched Hammer on her shoulder. “So are we ready for this?... He didn't look like a happy puppy when we put him in here last night.” He noted with a nod towards the door they were standing in front of.

“Well he was beaten senseless by Nightmare and then had his freedom become quite restricted, not to mention he has no idea where is little kids are…” she huffed, “So yeah, I can see why he's a bit annoyed actually.” Hammer Song admitted as she reached for the door. Carefully she swung it open and looked inside. It was quite dark; the two large windows having thick heavy curtains dragged in front of them, making the whole room appear almost as a cave, or a den…

“Lobo are you in here?! Nightmare wants us all at breakfast, so get your plot in gear and look lively!” Bender called loudly. Immediately two yellow glowing orbs opened deep in the darkness. After studying them for a moment, Lobo stood up from beside the bed, which he for some reason had not been sleeping in, walked up to the two of them, and gave an annoyed growl. But then his nose started to twitch. He leaned in closer to Hammer and took a couple of deep sniffs, and got a very puzzled look as he took her in.

“You smell differently from before… In the camp… didn't know ponies could do that, change their scent like that. But it's not too much though. I would still be able to track you.” Lobo said as if he was talking more to himself than the two standing in front of him. Then he suddenly smiled quite widely, showing off is quite impressive array of teeth.

“Ahh… Now I see, that might explain it... Shall we go?” Lobo said with a smirk on his face as he took off. Both Bender and Hammer Song looked at each other with blank expressions before they hurriedly took off after the black Wolf. As the two of them caught up, they fell into step on either side of him. It didn't take long before they strode in through an open archway into a lavishly furnished dining room. At the center of it was a long table, at the head of which Nightmare Moon sat and discussed some topic or other with two other ponies. They had a very refined way of sitting and occasionally gesturing while they talked to Nightmare.

The stallion had a saffron colored coat, with a silvery white mane and tail. The mare had a sand colored coat, with a mane and tail that were stormy ocean blue with a light blue highlight running through them both. As the mare turned to see who had entered, her brown eyes froze at the site of the big black Wolf standing between the two praetorians. When the stallion seemingly asked the mare something and didn't receive an answer, he frowned, and looked over with his dark blue eyes, only to end up in a similar situation as his wife.

“Do come in Lobo, and have a seat, let me present Duke Silver Sails and Duchess Salt Wind. They are the heads of the Silver Seas family, and it is under their roofs we are currently residing.” Nightmare Moon said as she indicated the two ponies across from her. Lobo smoothly walked over towards them, their eyes getting wider and wider as he approached and they realized just how big he really was. Lobo stopped a few meters away since he could clearly see the unease in their expressions. He was towering over them just like Nightmare Moon herself would have, and every instinct in their bodies told them to flee. But with the tremendous effort of will, both the Duke and Duchess made a small nod with their heads.

“Well… Yes… It's a pleasure, Lobo was it? I must say, a few wolves make an appearance every year in North Bay bartering for supplies and selling their wares… But I have never seen a specimen quite as… impressive as you before.” Duke Silver Sails said with as neutral an expression as he could manage. After standing quietly for a little while silently observing the two ponies in front of him, Lobo finally gave a little nod as well.

“Pleasure…” Lobo replied and walked around to the other side of the table, making to sit down next to Nightmare.

“That seat is for my student… Please do choose another.” Nightmare informed Lobo with a little bit of bite to her voice. Lobo glanced up at Nightmare and gave a snort before moving two places down the table as a rather shallow form of protest. Nightmare gave a little grin as she obviously understood the little rebuke. She wouldn't admit it, but she enjoyed being around other beings who didn't openly fear her but still had enough sense to obey when she told them to do something. She looked down towards the other end of the table where all the praetorians now sat and enjoyed their own morning meal. Just as she was about to continue, another pony arrived at the dining hall.

“Young Lord Silver Cutter, please do join us.” Nightmare said indicating a plush cushion next to his parents. He was a lighter saffron color than his father, and also had a pure white mane and tale. His brown eyes however were clearly inherited from his mother. Young Lord Silver Cutter carefully made his way over to the table, eyeing the big black beast sitting across from his parents all the way. He took a seat on the cushion indicated to him, and once again looked over at Lobo. Just as he was about to ask something, several voices could be heard coming from the corridor outside of dining hall. As they got closer one could make out what they said.

“-Hadn't been slept in all night according to the maids.” A young female voice said conspiratorially. A loud snort sounded in from the hallway.

“I'll give you two one guess as to where he has been during the night. The Silver Seas coffers will probably receive another hefty bill for his indulgences during the next day or two.” A slightly older but still young female voice said in disgust.

“Yes… He does seem to ehh… eat out a lot doesn't he.” Said another young female voice that sounded almost exactly the same as the first, at least if you didn't possess Lobo’s extraordinary hearing. His ears perked up as the three owners of the voices turned the last corner and entered the dining hall, where they all came to an abrupt halt. They had been expecting two guests at the breakfast table this morning, namely Nightmare Moon and Twilight Sparkle. But there was quite a lot more than that present, and one of the unexpected and more exotic individuals in particular drew all the three mares’ attention to him. Finally the most mature of the three ponies step forward and gave a little bow to all at the table.

“Morning your Majesty, it honors us to join you at breakfast this morning.” She said as her two younger sisters also bowed behind her. Nightmare rolled her eyes, but didn't correct the young lady, instead motioning for them to join them at the table.

“You are very welcome Lady Silver Light and you two as well Lady Spark and Lady Flash.” Nightmare greeted them. Lady Silver Light immediately made her way over to the table and sat down next to her brother. Lobo studied the bone white mare with the silver grey mane and tail. She moved with grace and dignity, while cautiously eyeing him. Finally the two ponies looked at each other, and then smiled as if some unspoken message had passed between them.

They both had the saffron color of their father's coat but also possessed the stormy ocean blue mane and tail of their mother. As they moved up towards the table Lobo could see that they had a certain bounce to their step, and a very mischievous look in their eyes. Surprisingly enough they made their way around the table to sit on either side of him. He looked to either one of them in turn while they grinned up at him, waiting for the explanation of whom and what he was as it was clearly a tale worth hearing. As Lobo looked closer, he could finally see a difference between the two of them. Silver Spark’s left eye was dark blue and her right brown. While in her twin sister Silver Flash they were mirrored giving them a distinguishing feature from each other.

“So now that everypony is here, let me introduce you to Lobo the dire wolf. He is very new to this realm of Eden. In his home he held the position of something akin to The Legate. While still being an active Royal Guard, his position directly translated would be Guardian of the Eternal Pups, and it is the highest position of honor among his kind, except for his Alpha of course. He also has an adopted son named Zig Zag, and daughter named Raven. The two of them will hopefully be joining us during the day.” Nightmare informed the Silver Seas family members, although many of the praetorians’ ears had also perked up in interest when Lobo was mentioned.

“And I would also like to introduce you to my new honor guard at the far side of the table. They have just arrived last night together with Lobo and they are answerable only to me. As you might have surmised from their armor they are all praetorians, except for Lobo of course who you already know is a guest from a faraway place.” Nightmare said as she finished the introductions. Lobo had been about to correct Nightmare Moon about the way she had introduced his status in the pack back home but remained quiet when she looked at him pointedly, clearly stating that he should remain quite. She had done him the favor of not introducing him as a prisoner, but rather a foreign dignitary with quite high social standing. This for some reason made the ponies around the table relax visibly, especially the so-called noble ones. Social standings were apparently very important in this world.

“I am sorry Nightmare, but there seems to have been a small misunderstanding. Only Zig Zag is my son. Raven is his beloved and most likely future mate.” Lobo corrected trying to speak as softly as he could. At the mention of future marriage Duchess Salt Wind shone up, this was a subject nobles knew very much about.

“Oh how lovely, how old is your son my dear Lobo?” She wondered with a smile while looking at her own children, especially the three females.

“He is fourteen and so is Raven.” Lobo answered a bit unsure.

“Oh isn't that darling, it isn't often you find two of an age to pair up. What dory did your son’s marriage to this lovely mare bring?” Salt Wind continued to ask innocently.

“None… They love each other, have saved each other's lives on more than one occasion, and I couldn't be happier for the two of them. Also, Raven is not a pony, she is a Gryphon.” Lobo stated. This announcement seemed to startle all of the Silver Seas family members.

“What! A Gryphoness! That's just unseemly…” Lord Silver Cutter said while trying to suppress a small shudder. “What could he possibly see in such a creature?” He said almost as an afterthought. A warning growl emanated from Lobo.

“The composition of my pack is none of your concern pony so let’s leave it at that, because I can see this discussion will not make anyone here happy.” Lobo said warningly.

“Yes, quite right. Discussing the marital differences between our cultures is perhaps best left for a later date.” Duke Silver Sails said with a well practiced diplomatic voice.

“But we want to know if young Zig Zag is cute?! And how come he's with a Gryphon girl?” Both Lady Spark and Lady Flash burst out simultaneously while pouting before they looked up at Lobo with mischief written across their faces.

“Don't even think about messing with those two youngsters.” Lady Silver Light warned, failing to suppress a small smirk.

“Aehhh, sister!” Lady Spark said pleadingly.

“We just want to have some fun. And think about all the things we can teach them.” Lady Flash followed up with an evil smile, indicating that what they wanted to teach was definitely nothing the youngster should be learning yet. Lobo gave a resigned sigh while he listened to the two young ladies talk around him about how fun it was going to be having two youngsters in the house that they could spend time with.

****

As the cold water hit Lightning Strike’s body she flew up with a gasp and frantically looked around in panic. Through her pounding headache she could hear screaming, a scream that sounded all-too-familiar.

“Black… Black Star!” Lightning called out while she stumbled up onto her hooves. She immediately stumbled off to the side, smashing her already sore head against some unyielding metal bars.

“Well, well… you're finally up traitor.” A cold and dangerous sounding voice said from just a few inches away. Lightning jerked her head back, and gazed up through hazy eyes at the leering form of Avarice towering above her. When Lightning was finally able to take in more of her surroundings, she realized she was locked in the cage Black Star had formerly used to secure Lobo during his first days after the summoning. Another scream pierced the air and Lightning Strike finally saw its origin. They were back in Black Star’s research tent, and Black Star herself now lay splayed out on her own research table behind Avarice.

She was being ‘treated’ by the camp’s medical ponies. Lightning watched in horror as her beloved’s front legs were unceremoniously broken by two of the medical staff, once again sending Black Stars tormented screams ripping through Lightning’s ears.

“Stop! What are you doing?! STOP IT!!!” Lightning Strike yelled as she crashed into the bars of the cage trying to get to the ones who were hurting her marefriend. Avarice only answered by chuckling menacingly.

“Oh don't worry your little head Lightning. We were just worried that the fractures were healing wrong, so we decided to break them apart again.” He said with a smirk.

“But she never broke her front legs!” Lightning Strike shouted angrily while she clutched onto the bars of the cage, utter rage shining from her eyes.

“Oh really? Sorry about that…” Avarice said and turned around.

“Lightning here says the front legs were never broken…” Avarice said thoughtfully, and then a vicious smile spread across his face. “You better break the back ones as well, just to make sure we do get the right ones.” He ordered them nonchalantly.

“NO!!! Please don-” A bone chilling Snap and Crack followed by a piercing wail from Black Star announced that all her limbs were now broken. Tears flooded from Lightning Strike’s eyes as she helplessly had to listen and watch while Black Star was being tortured right before her eyes.

“Don't worry Lightning, she doesn't have to move around to continue the research now does she? And besides, she will have you to take care of her as long as you are good little mares.” Avarice said and floated chains in through the bars. The hoof-cuffs snapped on around each one of her hooves before chains secured them to each other so that Lightning would only be able to shuffle about with very small steps. She glared at Avarice with pure hatred while she waited for the wings to be secured as well. This did not happen though. Instead, Avarice grabbed Lightning by the mane telekinetically before flinging the cage door open and proceeding to drag her out by her mane, kicking and screaming all the way.

“Well, you seem to be quite lively still.” Avarice said chuckling.

“I'll kill you! I'll kill you for this I swear it!” Lightning Strike screamed as she fruitlessly struggled against his immensely powerful telekinetic grip. In answer Avarice actually burst out laughing.

“It's such a delight when my toys are feisty.” He said very pleased with the situation, “Unfortunately I seem to have forgotten my wing restraints at home…” Avarice said while he looked like he was once again trying to think his way out of a very difficult situation. Lightning knew this was bull, they had several wing restraints with them in the inventory belonging to the company.

“Yes… that would work very well I think.” He finally said, looking down at Lightning with absolute glee. He then immediately proceeded to push her down flat on the ground, and force her wings open wide. Lightning Strikes eyes became pinpricks as she suddenly realized what was about to happen.

“No! NO!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!” She screamed as Avarice started to tear out feathers in ragged clumps. The pain was like ripping out your mane, only ten times worse, and he hadn't even reached her primaries yet. Lightning wailed and screamed while more and more of her feathers were torn away. After what seemed like an eternity she was suddenly released, but she could do nothing but continue lying there panting. The pain was finally starting to subside, but she still couldn't move. She felt so… naked and violated. A Pegasus’ wings were the foundation of their entire being, the very thing that made them free, made them who they were. And Avarice has just… just… Lightning Strike gulped as she finally forced herself to look back at her formerly feathered wings and let out a desperate cry of anguish. She was grounded, truly and totally grounded. She was… useless.

“Good, this should keep the two of you from trying anything foolish again. As soon as the medical staff has finished splinting Black Star’s legs I'll leave you two to rest up a bit. But I warn you, do not try my patience again; I will not be this merciful next time, am I clear?” Avarice said while glaring down at Lightning Strike, who was finally starting to become aware of her surroundings again. All she could do was give a small nod through her strained breathing and tears.

“Excellent. Now that you two know your places, I hope you will bring me some encouraging results shortly.” Avarice said before he turned around and skipped happily out of the research tent.

****

Breakfast had proceeded much more pleasurably after the initial friction between Lobo and the Silver Seas noble family. Both Lady Spark and Lady Flash had been peppering him with questions about Zig Zag and Raven in anticipation of the arrival later during the day. Although Lord Silver Cutter had also become interested in the conversation once Lobo told them that he had personally been training Zig Zag to become a predator or warrior and that his determination and tenacity had served him very well, even gaining the respect of several adult Gryphon warriors at Crown Peak where they had spent almost half a year. This time Lady Silver Light had cut into the conversation, wondering if this was where Zig Zag and Raven had first met each other.

“No… I was not present when they met the first time. Three bandit Gryphons were about to kill Raven when Zig Zag came back after having been off grazing while she ate the rabbit he had caught for her. They fought their way free from them, and made a run for it.” Lobo said while he ate the last of the grilled fish he had been presented as breakfast, fish being the closest thing to meat the Silver Seas had to offer a meat eater.

“Wait… You're telling me a fourteen-year-old colt charged three fully grown Gryphon bandits when he was alone, and unarmed?” Silver Cutter asked in disbelief. Lobo raised an eyebrow as he looked back at the young Lord.

“No… He was thirteen at the time.” Lobo said after he had swallowed the last morsel on his plate.

“There is no way he could have survived that.” Silver Cutter stated matter-of-factly.

“He did, and he has the dagger scar across his left flank to prove it, though I will not deny it was a close thing. Had I arrived but a few minutes later, they would both have died. Now fortunately, it ended up three against three so we tore those Gryphon bandits apart.” Lobo said while looked around for anything more to nibble on, the fighting and constant healing last night having left him quite hungry.

“Wait, wait… three against three… Do you mean to tell me the mar- I mean, the Gryphon girl fought as well? Aren't they supposed to be… pacified in their culture?” Silver Cutter continued protesting, finding the story more and more unlikely.

“Yes, Raven is quite the capable warrior on her own. Given the Gryphon culture and her past, which was even harsher than normal for females, I cannot begrudge her feeling a bit of animosity towards her own race… Come to think about it she is very much like Zig Zag in that aspect.” Lobo said and looked over at Silver Cutter who just snorted.

“So a pony that hates ponies and a Gryphoness that hate Gryphons… Suddenly they seem perfect for eachother.” He said with a sneer. Lobo growled in warning.

“Zig Zag only hates the ones that killed his mother, and Raven has already avenged herself on the ones who stole her away from her family when she was a hatchling. Raven is probably the better off of the two so far, but they are both healing their wounds through each other. So do not presume to know something when you clearly don't.” Lobo said annoyed with the somewhat snotty young Lord.

“Very well, but I think we should keep the girls away from him either way.” Lord Silver Cutter said while he looked at the twins.

“What!” They both burst out and began glaring daggers at their older brother.

“You honestly think we can keep them from those two youngsters now that they know who they are? Your little suggestion here has just made them all the more irresistible. You have more or less guarantee that they will go looking for them now.” Duchess Salt Wind said while hiding her mirth.

Silver Cutter rolled his eyes as he realized he had indeed just made his little sisters become what he didn't want them to be; even more interested in socializing with those two youngsters, none of which had a very good background in his opinion. If he had his say in the matter, those two would not even be allowed on the grounds of the Silver Seas estate. Who knew what kind of violent and barbaric behavior those two would be getting into and what dangers they would be putting his, in his opinion, innocent little sisters into while they did so.

Just then, a very tired and disgruntled looking purple unicorn entered the dining hall. Twilight walked a few steps in before realizing she was not alone and stopped while taking in the scene before her. She swallowed and looked around a bit nervously before walking up to her usual seat next to Nightmare Moon who had been watching her worriedly. Lobo however was eyeing the mare intently. She had two very distinctive and familiar scents on her, namely Zig Zag’s and Raven’s.

“Twilight…what happened to your hoof?” Nightmare asked while Twilight sat down. She first looked confused before moving her gaze down to her strange new appendage, as if she had just realized that it was not the same as it used to be. She took a deep swallow.

“It was cut off.” Twilight answered with a bit of apprehension.

“Last night?” The black alicorn wondered.

”Y-yes” she answered shakily.

“By who?” Nightmare pressed on.

“M… May be excused? I'm not hungry.” Twilight muttered attempting to dodged the question.

“No. You came here because you are hungry. I only wish to know who harmed you, Twilight.” Nightmare Moon said firmly but still with a hint of kindness and worry. The young unicorn fidgeted trying to look anywhere but at Nightmare herself, like she was trying to hide something she didn't want Nightmare to know.

“Mmn… They’re dead.” Twilight finally responded.

“Who were they, Twilight?” Nightmare pressed her apprentice. Whose first answer only was to grit her teeth, and then when Twilight realized there was no escaping what was to come she relented.

“A mare named Sharp Edge and her foals. They ran a whorehouse here that a guard captain tried to press me into…I killed them…All of them.” She explained, refusing to meet her teacher’s eyes. Around the two all went quiet, not a sound was heard throughout the dining hall. Finally, Twilight looked up at the very stoic looking Nightmare Moon.

“I'm sorry.” Twilight whimpered pathetically, trying to supplement herself in front of her master.

“Can I have a moment alone with my apprentice?” Nightmare spoke out loud. It was not a request, and all the ponies around the table immediately abandoned their breakfast to leave the two of them alone. Only Lobo remained wanting his answer to why Twilight had Zig Zag’s and Raven's scent on her.

“That goes for you too, Lobo.” Nightmare informed a little more harshly to inform Lobo that he really wasn't wanted at the table right now. He was about to protest when the look in her eyes told him this was not the time to test Nightmare Moon's limits. Silently he rose up and strode out after Bender and Hammer Song.

“I would have preferred you brought this-” was the last Lobo was able to catch before he was too far away to overhear them anymore. As he caught up to Bender and Hammer Song, he shot out in front of them glaring angrily at them from one to the other.

“I was to be told immediately when they were brought here, now where are they!?” Lobo growled viciously. Both Bender and Hammer Song looked at Lobo with naked surprise. Behind Lobo the rest of the praetorians had also stopped dead in their tracks, eyeing him ready for a fight if need be.

“What are you talking about Lobo? And you better lay off looking at my mare like that if you know what's good for you!” Bender stated and took a heavy step out in front of Hammer Song, who immediately elbowed her way past Bender glaring just as angrily back at the wolf has he had looked at her.

“Don't think I'm an easy target just because I messed up last time, you won't catch me off-guard again.” Hammer stated confidently. Lobo just smiled viciously.

“If you three are done trying to piss out your territory, perhaps you can tell us what seems to be the problem instead Lobo.” Piercing Mark said with authority as she stepped up beside Lobo, looking at him sternly.

“Zig Zag and Raven are here and I had to find out about it by smelling them on that mare back there with Nightmare.” Lobo growled. All the praetorians gave each other confused looks.

“Cloud Cleaver! Did you bring in the children travelling with Lobo last night?” Piercing Mark wondered as she turned towards the stallion in question. Cloud Cleaver only shook his head.

“No, we did not find them; as a matter of fact there are still search patrols out looking for them in the forest north of here.” Cloud Cleaver informed Piercing Mark.

“I see, are you sure you are correct in your assumption Lobo?” She asked next looking back at the wolf, whose only answer was a very annoyed growl.

“Right… If they arrived last night they should have been brought in by Twilight, in that case all we have to do is ask the maids and servants. If somepony was brought in, they would know.” Piercing Mark surmised and trotted off down the hall, Lobo and the rest of the praetorians following her.

It didn't take long to be directed by some servants to a room that was unoccupied the night before, but now clearly wasn't since the door was closed and unoccupied rooms were always left open. As they stopped in front of the room in question Lobo took a few sniffs and confirmed that Zig Zag and Raven were indeed in there. A great sense of relief settled over him, but as he reached for the door handle he suddenly halted. He slowly turned his head looking at the expectant expressions of the six praetorians behind him, obviously thinking they were going to follow him inside. Lobo gave a polite cough.

“Sorry but… I don't think my wards would enjoy having six praetorians burst in on them on expectedly first thing in the morning. Thank you for helping me find them but I think I can handle it from here.” He said pointedly looking back at Piercing Mark. A few disappointed groans could be heard from the ponies, they were after all quite curious about the little colt and his Gryphon-filly-friend. Piercing Mark coughed a bit louder than Lobo had, snapping the rest of the praetorians out of their disappointment.

“You heard him; Hammer Song stay with Lobo today, the rest of you have the day off to recuperate from the march here, unless Nightmare Moon has need of us of course. I will be staying with Nightmare as her shadow today, unless she orders me otherwise. Tomorrow we will continue with our teamwork training, sparring matches, two versus two. Dismissed!” Piercing Mark ordered. And within the blink of an eye, Lobo was left with only Hammer Song and Bender in the hallway. Bender was looking a bit hesitant as he scratched himself behind the head with one hoof.

“Ehhh… I think I'll go down to the city… you know to… check on something.” He said a bit bashfully.

“You going to check on that old mare of yours aren't you…” Hammer Song said with an exaggerated pout on her lips. “You're not running away on me are you?”

“No, no… I just want to see that she’s still okay you know. I'm not even going to make myself known. That would be a bit too awkward I think…” Bender said thoughtfully.

“Okay, just be careful you don't frighten her to death if she sees you. And keep in mind, if I see you walking around with some other mare I’ll cave your skull in.” Hammer Song said in that lovely voice of hers and with that cute little smile that made Bender go week in the knees every time. He grinned stupidly back at her.

“Right… No strolling about with any pretty young mares but you.” Bender said with a smile and started heading off down the corridor. As soon as he disappeared around the corner Lobo reached for the door. But before he could open it, the door swung inwards on its own, revealing an angry Raven in the doorway.

“Can you ponies be quie-” her beak dropped open when she saw Lobo standing in the doorway with his paw ready to open the now open door.

“Hi Raven…” Lobo said as he put his paw back on the floor.

“Is that dad!” An excited voice yelled from inside the room.

“Yeah!” Raven shot back, and in the next instant a blue blur smashed into the massive wolf.

“We got them dad! We got them all!” Zig Zag cried out while he clung to Lobo like he hadn't seen him in a hundred years, burying his face in his black fur. Lobo put one of his paws protectively over Zig Zag’s back, and patted him lovingly.

“You did what my son…” Lobo whispered.

“I got them… the ones that killed mom and my friends. They're all dead.” Zig Zag told Lobo sounding both excited but hollow at the same time.

“Are you two okay? You didn't get hurt did you?” Lobo asked worriedly.

“No, all the guards thought we were just some stupid kids, so they didn't know what hit them when the three of us walked in.” Raven said as she walked up to Lobo now having gathered herself from the initial surprise.

“This Twilight and you two?” Lobo asked.

“Yeah, that was her name. She brought as here last night, after everything was over. Haven't seen her since then though and we were getting hungry.” Raven answered.

“But you are both okay right? That's the only thing that matters right now.” Lobo said while he gently lowered Zig Zag back to the floor where Raven immediately put a wing over his back.

“Yeah… We're okay, I think.” Zig Zag said still sounding… subdued.

“You think?” Lobo pressed. Zig Zag looked up at his adopted father not knowing how to express himself.

“I just… I feel…… I thought it would hurt less now… but it doesn't.” Zig Zag said in almost a whimper. “Will it ever stop?”

“I… I'm not sure ZZ.” Lobo answered honestly, having just as little or as much experience with losing family as his son. Zig Zag nodded forlornly, accepting the statement.

“Now, not that I'm not happy you manage to achieve your vengeance son, but why did you leave the forest when I explicitly told you not to?” Lobo breathed softly. Zig Zag cringed a bit beneath Raven’s wing.

“We were on our way to the grave of Zig Zag’s mom when we bumped into Twilight, and everything kind of spiraled out of control from there.” Raven said while she pressed Zig Zag closer to her.

“That might be so, but it still doesn't explain why you two left the forest to follow a complete stranger.” Lobo pressed. Zig Zag took a few steps towards his dad while he looked up at him.

“I had to go with Twilight. She had just killed Iron Rod and said she was going after the rest at the Officers Club. I had to go with her, or else I would never have been able to let this go dad. And no matter what, I will never regret being a part of it. Especially not after seeing what I saw in there.” Zig Zag said while he looked firmly up at Lobo, who sat thoughtfully for a while before nodding.

“Very well my son, I'm glad you're okay and that it all worked out for you in the end… Still, you should not have left the forest. You should have remained hidden.” Lobo fussed lightly.

“You must be Lobo’s children.” The voice of Nightmare suddenly said from behind them, startling everyone. Lobo and Raven remained standing, but Zig Zag fell into an instinctive bow, at least until he noticed that his dad and Raven were still standing and stood up as well.

“What's it to you?” Raven asked a bit aggressively.

“I would advise you to watch your tongue, hatchling. Who I am should be obvious, and respect is due.” Nightmare Moon said while she stared down her young Gryphon, which made Lobo growl warningly, but Nightmare ignored him completely.

“Now you are Raven, and you, colt, are Zig Zag, correct?” She asked.

“Yes ma’am.” Zig Zag answered wearily, not trusting Nightmare after seeing how his father had reacted to her.

“Good. Hammer Song, pass on my congratulations to your compatriot for locating them.” Nightmare said turning to the up until then completely forgotten praetorian mare.

“He didn’t find them, ma’am. They were just here this morning.” Hammer Song told Nightmare.

“What?” Nightmare asked surprised.

“We came here last night with a mare named Twilight Sparkle.” Zig Zag explained. Nightmare took a deep breath at the information, and closed her eyes to brace herself for what that implied. After a moment she finally spoke again.

“Then you had a hoof in the incident at the Officer’s Club last night, didn’t you?” Nightmare stated.

“Yes, and I don’t regret it. I killed the ones responsible for my mom’s death.” Zig Zag said with conviction.

Nightmare Moon gritted her teeth as she opened her eyes to stare down at the colt. Last night, she had a hard time imagining that such a young earth pony was as capable of a warrior as his adoptive father claimed. Yet now, studying him, she could see it. He wasn’t heavily built at all, only just enough. He was small, fast, and surprisingly well-armed. If he were indeed trained right he could be a terror in a fight. She could believe he was a part of the massacre.

“That was foolish.” She stated tersely.

“Why? Because you wanted to protect Silver Pot?” Zig Zag growled convinced this was just another case of nobles trying to protect each other.

“DO NOT!!!” Nightmare shouted, her voice echoing throughout the hall, before regaining control over herself. “…assume I valued that sack of dung to any extent. After the way he touched my Twilight I would have been glad to see him burn……But slaughtering the entire Officer’s Club in the middle of the night is unacceptable. The point of the Lunar Republic, of this rebellion that you have wandered into, is to establish a more free and equal society. If the first thing that happens in this city after we have taken over is a mass slaughter in what most believe was a restaurant how do you think the public will react?”

“If it’s about equality then their reaction should be the same as when my mother died! Besides, those bastards deserved it!” Zig Zag argued angrily.

“Zig Zag…” Lobo cautioned his son, noticing just how agitated the obsidian mare was becoming. It did little good, as the ruler of the night let loose on Zig Zag.

“Whether they deserved it or not is a moot point! They were bound to and had every right to a trial! And who are you to say what they did and did not deserve?! You do not know all that they did or thought, whether they were true monsters or not! Even if they were you can not go out and deal whatever judgment you feel like to whomever! If you treat them as the filth you perceive them to be and act purely on your OWN desires and emotions then what does that make you?! Silver Pot?” Nightmare said coldly.

As she raved, she had leaned down to glare into Zig Zag’s eyes. Her glowing turquoise orbs flared with her anger, and the full weight of millennia of wisdom and experience backed it. Zig Zag tried to show anything but the fear, hurt, and anger he felt. Refusing her statement completely and desperately trying to find some argument. In the end, Zig Zag could not find an answer and he broke Nightmare Moon’s paralyzing gaze by turning and running. Raven sent Nightmare an angry scowl before chasing after her coltfriend. As the alicorn stood back up her attention was diverted to Lobo by a vicious growl.

“You will not talk to my pup like that again!!!” He warned, eyes glowing with fury. Nightmare Moon stared back stoically.

“As a father you need to know that sometimes your children need discipline and rebuking, not assistance. This is as much your fault as theirs.” she harshly replied. Lobo’s lips curled up to show his teeth.

“For all your speech of equality, you sure talk down to those around you, pony. Who are you to say such words about something you know nothing about? …How to react to the death of your family?” The wolf questioned, before he stalked off after Zig Zag and Raven. Nightmare huffed, and without so much as a further look after the wolf, the former empress marched off.

Hammer Song looked between the two receding figures, once again completely forgotten by all; she gave a sigh before following Lobo, while her thoughts drifted off to Zig Zag. Hammer gave a snort when she thought she had put together what had just happened.

Nightmare had been quite calm and collected while dealing with Twilight it would seem, even with all the frustration she was most likely feeling, only to bump into Zig Zag and find out he had done the exact same thing. Nightmare had let all the frustration she had kept back from Twilight spill over on the little colt instead. And that's just… wrong. If anything Twilight should have been the one receiving that tongue lashing as she was much older and should have been much more capable of controlling herself. Transferring that responsibility onto a fourteen-year-old colt faced with the murderers of his family? That just wasn't fair, but what else was new in the world. As Hammer Song exited out into the gardens she saw Lobo and Raven curled up around a sobbing Zig Zag.

“She said I was like Silver Pot! SILVER POT! That... that BITCH!!! I hate her!” The little colt wailed out, drawing more than a couple of startled look from working ponies around them at the strange comment, especially coming from such a young colt.

“Don't worry about what Miss big flanks said ZZ, we did the right thing! None of those monsters will ever hurt anyone again, and that's thanks to us and Twilight.” Raven said while she lovingly ran her black talons through Zig Zag’s two tone blue mane. He sniffled a bit more before nuzzling up against Raven, who immediately started to preen him with her beak.

“Thanks Raven… I… I think I want to go and visit mom now…” Zig Zag said pleadingly. Raven only nodded and helped him up on his hooves again. Lobo stood up as well giving the two youngsters space.

“Will you two be okay? I believe there are a few things I need to straighten out with Nightmare.” Lobo said looking back towards the entrance of the building.

“Yeah… we'll just… I'll just… I don't want to stay here right now; me and Raven will just head out, if that's okay?” Zig Zag asked.

“Yes, just… try and stay out of trouble, and if you need me remember to howl and I'll be there as fast as I can.” Lobo said a little worriedly, while he ruffled up Zig Zag’s mane with his paw. Although he was concerned, he trusted them completely to look after each other and knew that Raven may be even better suited than him to help ZZ deal with his emotional scars. Zig Zag nodded and started heading towards the gate leading directly out of the city. As Raven made to follow, Lobo held her back.

“Raven… please do try and make sure he stays out of trouble…” Lobo requested while looking apologetically down at the young Gryphoness. Raven just chuckled and nodded.

As she moved to head after her beloved, Raven turned back to Lobo.

“Why can't you ever ask me to do something simple… Like raising the sun or something?”

****

Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 33 Anger Issues

True Black
Chapter 33
Anger Issues

16 of August

As Lobo walked through the halls of the mansion, he doggedly followed the scent trail formed by Nightmare Moon’s passing. Behind him Hammer Song followed, looking nervously at the quite visibly agitated wolf.

“I don't think you should seek Nightmare Moon out right now Lobo she needs-” Hammer was cut off by Lobo’s harsh growl.

“She attacked a pup of my pack, pony… I will have words with her whether she likes it or not.” He retorted.

“She didn't exactly attack him… she yelled at him a little and-” this time Lobo shoved Hammer Song up against the wall, staring angrily down at her.

“She called him Silver Pot! Do you have any idea how many times I've heard my son scream that name out while he has one of his nightmares!?” Lobo shouted at her while glaring down with teeth bared.

“She. Had. No. Right.” Lobo punctuated each word before letting go and continuing down the hall. Hammer Song took a big swallow before following after Lobo again, staying quiet this time. It didn't take long for them to arrive at a door Lobo could smell Nightmare Moon behind. He put his paw against it, and saw that Hammer made to follow. He turned towards her.

“You stay here, this is private.” Lobo said coldly.

“Look I have to-”

“Keep an eye on me when Nightmare Moon can't… believe me she will know where I am.” Lobo finished for Hammer in an angry whisper. Hammer looked uncertainly at the black wolf before nodding and sitting down to guard the entrance. Lobo took a calming breath before opening the door and walking in. As he strode into the lavishly furnished office he immediately saw Nightmare sitting regally at an ornate desk, fully concentrated on some scrollwork.

“You should knock.” She advised warningly without even looking up at Lobo, seemingly not in a mood to deal with him presently.

“And you should show more consideration for those around you, especially the younger ones.” Lobo huffed.

“Shouldn’t you be looking for your children?” She asked, still refusing to face him and ignoring his comment.

“They didn’t go far, and of the two of us I’d say you’re the one who needs to keep an eye on their child.” Lobo growled warningly back at her.

“Well, I would’ve been able to intervene last night if someone hadn’t interrupted me.” Nightmare bit back, glancing at the spirit briefly. “Twilight has never been a child to me anyway. She’s different.”

“Oh, so she’s different. That explains everything.” Lobo laughed sardonically.

“And for the record you’re the one that stopped me from reaching Zig Zag, and even if Twilight is not a child, ZIG ZAG IS! Yet you still tore into him in front of everyone, while you let her go without so much as raising your voice! Where’s this so called ‘equality’ that you spoke so adamantly about?” Lobo asked now glaring at Nightmare.

“You assume that just because I didn’t yell I let Twilight off the hook?!” Nightmare snapped as she whirled to face the wolf and dropped down into an animalistic and aggressive stance, clearly starting to get more than a bit agitated.

“They both received the same!” Nightmare said defensively.

“Really?! Tell me how! You rave at a child for vengeance against the killers of his mother and friends, the owners of a whorehouse, while you leave your precious apprentice to slink off to Alpha knows where! Even though SHE’S mostly to blame for this!!! Had she not taken Zig Zag into the city the three of us would’ve been in and out without anyone being the wiser, and the city bereft of two ponies no one would miss!!! Instead, YOUR apprentice brings my children into a massacre!” Lobo barked, prowling toward the black mare with teeth bared and hackles rising.

“At least YOUR son has shown enough sanity to be responsible for his own damn actions! Do you think I don’t know this is Twilight’s fault?! Of course I do! She has shown more than irresponsibility with this! After everything she’s been through I can draw no other conclusion than that my beloved servant is losing her sanity! How the FUCK do you suggest I react?!” Nightmare screamed as she began to twitch in desperate need of something to take her rage out on. Lobo stumbled quite badly in his approach, clearly not having expected that answer.

“My son…is responsible enough…and you…and Twilight…is what?” He tripped over his words, flabbergasted, before regaining his composure.

“Even if that’s true, and your Twilight has a problem, that still doesn’t give you the right to unload your frustrations out on Zig Zag like you did.”

“That doesn’t mean I was wrong!” The alicorn yelled simply. Despite Lobo’s somewhat calmer tone, Nightmare was still in a rage, clearly nearing the end of her patience.

“So what? I know you were right! But I was handling it my way because it was my son, and I was doing a hell of alot better than YOU did! He needed time to reflect and think, not your holier-than-thou crap shoved down his throat! No wonder Twilight is going insane…” Lobo said through gritted teeth, thinking that if anything would get a rise from Nightmare, naming this Twilight would.

Nightmare Moon’s eyes shrunk at the comment and began to glow ominously. Her entire body shook with rage, and her heart ached at the sheer amount of anger coursing through it. Lobo had crossed the line.

“Get out…” She whispered viciously, literally only seconds away from ripping the wolf’s head off with her magic. Lobo grinned back at her. That had worked even better than he had hoped it would.

“Doesn’t feel good, does it? Not when you’re on the receiving end of the barbs. Just think about how a fourteen year old pup would take it, or anyone without our existential experience to draw on.” Lobo stated as he looked Nightmare straight in the eyes. The alicorn was not to be tested, though. With the roar of an Ursa Major, she leapt upon him, pinning him to the ground by his forelegs.

“Your highness, what’s wrong?!” Hammer Song yelled in panic, as she rushed in from the hall where she’d been waiting. Nightmare ignored the praetorian completely.

“TAKE! IT! BACK!” She screamed into Lobo’s face, amplifying her voice with magic half in the intention to deafen him.

“TWILIGHT HAS NOTHING TO FEAR FROM ME! SHE KNOWS SHE CAN TRUST ME! I HAVE ONLY EVER PROTECTED HER! I NEVER HURT HER! THAT WAS MY SISTER! NOT ME! TWILIGHT…isn’t…afraid. I-I never…hurt her…” Nightmare speech broke apart, as she neared the end of her raving. Her voice trembled, and hot tears slipped down onto Lobo’s face. Even then, though, her livid glare did not lessen one bit, but Lobo glowered right back at her.

“Good! Take it out on me! I can handle it, unlike some little foal!!!” He spat up at her. The black alicorn’s face twisted and contorted in sheer rage, as she howled like a banshee.

“Your majesty, no!” Hammer Song shouted, and rushed forward to intervene.

The next thing Lobo knew he crashed into Hammer Song like a boulder, sending them both off into the corner of the room. He shook his head, and then felt something grab him by the tail. With a heave, Nightmare reared up and threw him across the room onto the bed with enough force to snap its legs. He gritted his teeth, but as he felt the fracture now in his tail, he couldn't help but yelp out in pain.

Without any chance to recover, Nightmare's telekinesis catapulted him painfully into the opposite wall of the room, where the magic fizzled out and let him drop painfully onto the dresser beneath him. Groaning in pain, he rolled over onto the ground with a heavy thump. Only for the furious alicorn to force him back up to his paws with her magic, keeping him in place while she walked up to stand in front of him. She turned and pulled both her rear legs back, before bucking him square in his chest.

Lobo felt a horrifying crunch as his ribs gave way, injuring many of his internal organs. He was once again sent flying across the room only to slam into the desk Nightmare had been sitting at when he entered earlier. Lobo collapsed onto the floor in a haze of pain breathing raggedly. Still heaving angrily, Nightmare approached his now broken form and snarled in his face.

“Take. It. Back!” She demanded. Coughing up blood, Lobo’s voice came out in a pained wheeze.

“I…truly am…sorry…I…used your feelings for Twilight…but you needed it…in more ways than one.” He spoke between gasps for breath and groans of pain. The towering mare began to calm down, his agony and sincerity seeming to break through her anger, and her bestial scowl slowly melted. Seeing his opening Lobo steeled himself to speak up.

“Tell me, Nightmare…” He began before taking another gasp. “If you had thought…that I had killed Twilight…would you have stopped before…I was a red smear…on the floor?” Lobo wondered curiously. The alicorn knew in that instant what the wolf had intended. She loathed it when she was outsmarted. Nevertheless, the point was made. For all her questioning of Twilight and Zig Zag’s self-control, she had reacted in the exact same way.

“No…” She answered, as she sat down and glared at Lobo, daring him to explain his point. To emphasize this, the moment Lobo opened his mouth again she used her magic to yank his ribcage back in place, eliciting another yelp.

“Don’t move. I’m not that good a healer.” She advised, as she bent her power to restore him. Lobo was aware enough to take the hint, and remained quiet while Nightmare healed him to the best of her ability, reattaching the bones and checking for internal damage. Another groan soon filled the room, and the clatter of hooves signaled the praetorian standing back up.

“Are you okay, pony?” Lobo grunted.

“Yeah, I’m good…” Hammer Song answered in confusion at seeing Nightmare now apparently healing him.

“Then you can wait outside, Hammer. There’s no threat to either of us in here.” The wolf dismissed.

After a moment, the clip-clop of hooves along the floor and the thump of a closing door announced that the praetorian had left, albeit reluctantly. Still, the alicorn remained quiet. She did not speak once, until at last she was done.

“I did what I could for your tail, but it wasn’t much. Your ribs should hold, but they aren’t fully healed. So don’t do anything else stupid.” Nightmare warned Lobo, slapping him upside the head for his gall.

“Right…No picking fights with any sort of Alpha I encounter.” He replied with a smirk, as he climbed back up to his paws.

“You were a fool for starting this in the first place. You knew I was in a foul mood, and yet you egged me on.” The obsidian mare retorted.

“I’ll admit that, but you needed to vent. I could literally feel the aggravation and anger radiating off of you. You would have snapped on someone sooner or later.” Lobo pointed out.

“Not as violently, I assure you.” Nightmare huffed indignantly.

“And how would I know that?” Lobo asked pointedly. “From all that I’ve seen of you, you can be very violent.”

“Nevertheless, my wellbeing is my own concern and not yours. Now are you done here?” Nightmare wondered.

“Almost.” He answered. “Just as your wellbeing is none of my concern, my pack’s wellbeing is none of yours. I’ll leave you to your own devices from now on if you leave us to ours.” Lobo said and looked pointedly at Nightmare. The former empress quirked a brow at the request. All of this just to make her leave his children alone? Well, she hadn’t been listening earlier so perhaps she was equally to blame for this incident.

“Fine. So long as they don’t interfere in my plans I’ll leave the foal and hatchling be. If they do, however, I expect you to set them straight. Understood?” She offered.

“Yes. As long as you go through me in the future, I’ll keep them in line. Assuming I agree that they need reprimanding, of course.” Lobo answered, as he started to stiffly make his way to the door. He heard Nightmare sigh as he left, apparently not knowing what to make of him. As he staggered out through the door he was met by the stoic eyes of Hammer Song. He sat down with a grunt.

“So… did you two have a nice conversation?” she asked, somehow keeping a straight face. Lobo grinned back at her.

“Couldn't have gone better.” He answered. Hammer Song just looked at him as she raised an eyebrow. Clearly showing what she thought about that. Lobo stiffly stood up again and started making his way down the corridor, Hammer Song falling in beside him.

“So what now?” She asked.

“Now we find Zig Zag and Raven again.” Lobo answered as he limped on.

“Okay so… down to the city then I guess?” Hammer wondered.

“That sounds about right. They probably won't be coming back here in a hurry, and I don't want to leave them alone for the entire day if I can help it.” Lobo said.

“We should find Bender then, he's already down there and he knows this city pretty well. He said he was going to have a look around the merchant district trying to find an old friend. If we find him before your kids I'm sure he'll help us in the search.” Hammer Song said as she laid out her search strategy. Lobo didn't really mind her planning, all he had to do was cross Zig Zag and Raven’s path once and he would be able to follow the trail from there.

“Very well, lead the way my good mare.” Lobo said and gestured for her to take the lead. Hammer snorted at his gesture.

“Don't think I'm letting you off the hook just because you got your flank kicked just now.” She said, to which Lobo looked curiously at her.

“You owe me a rematch for what you did to me outside of the camp before you took off!” Hammer said indignantly. Lobo almost stumbled at that.

“What?!” He asked.

“We're going to have a sparring match as soon as you are healed up, and then I'm going to hoof your flank back to you again, got that!” Hammer Song shot back at him just before she walked out of the mansion. Lobo gave a sigh and shook his head, but then he gave a good hearted laugh as he began to follow Hammer out into the city of North Bay..

What a strange species these ponies are, but they sure are entertaining to be around…

****

The two of them had been walking for some time now. Slowly but surely they made their way to Mass Grave Hill, taking a very circuitous way to get there. Raven had tried to talk to Zig Zag on several occasions, but only been met by absolute silence. Unbeknownst to her, he had been walking the exact same route that the black wagon took him and his mother around the city as they spent their last time together before their executions were to take place.

As he followed the path only he could see, Zig Zag remembered every second they spent together that day. Every tender hug, light kiss on his forehead and reassuring caress from a mother saying goodbye to her son for the last time. He remembered the sound of her heart beating as he was pressed against her chest and the empty look in her eyes as they finally settled down for the inevitable. He had walked on through the city without seeing anythingl, lost in thought and pain and longing. Longing for the colt-hood he would never have, a mother who he would never again see and a life he would never be able to live.

Raven felt a shiver go down her spine as they finally reached the execution stage on top of Mass Grave Hill. She watched in silence while Zig Zag stoically climbed up on it and walked over to the gallows frame in the center of the stage above the trapdoor which lead down into the mass grave below. Hesitantly Raven moved up after him, feeling her heart thumping away as she did so.

Zig Zag stood still besides the gallows frame; dragging one hoof over its wooden surface while he sombrely took in his surroundings. He frowned, it was all wrong. The city was too far away and the trees too near. Without a word he hopped off the stage again, moving around until the distances around him melted together with those in his memories so that a coherent picture was formed. As he looked down he could see the grass was growing very tall, meaning there was a lot of nourishment in the soil below… Zig Zag fell to his stomach and tenderly caressed the ground.

“Hi mom…” He whispered. Behind him Raven carefully made her way over, but stopped several meters away, giving him some privacy in this very personal moment.

“I'm back…” He said as he put his head against the ground, as if he was trying to coddle his mother through the soil while the first tears started to flow from his eyes.

“I got them… Just like you wanted mom.” Zig Zag continued in a hoarse voice that was starting to break apart.

“Well Twilight got Iron Rod, but I made Silver Pot pay for what he did to us and Cherry Blossom and Cherry Tree…” He said and tried to smile but failed miserably as tears now flowed in earnest down his cheeks.

“I made him pay mom! He was screaming while I made him pay for what he did to us!” Zig Zag cried out.

“But you're still gone!” He wailed. “You're gone! And you're never coming back!!!” Zig Zag screamed and then broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably as he hammered his hooves into the ground again and again.

Raven rushed forward, embracing him in both forearms and wings while he screamed out the pain he'd been keeping pent up for far too long. Zig Zag desperately clung to Raven while he wailed, the pain inside of him ripping him to pieces. Raven held him as firmly as she could, lovingly rocking him back and forth while he fought for breath through his uncontrollable sobbing. And even though she would never admit it, she too was crying at the sight of her beloved in such a state of anguish.

“She's gone Raven! Mom’s gone! They're all gone!!!” Zig Zag cried in his now broken voice while he clung ever harder to Raven.

“Shhhh… I know, I know ZZ, but you'll be okay, I promise, you'll be okay… I will never leave you… Neither will your dad.” Raven said, desperately trying to comfort him as they sat there in each other's embrace. She didn't know how much time passed, and it didn't matter. Raven would stay with Zig Zag to the end of time like this if that's what it took for him to feel better again. She would never leave him; Raven swore it by her wings and talons, no matter what she would never leave Zig Zag as long as she still drew breath.

After what felt like days, Zig Zag had finally calmed down somewhat. He was still crying silently, and he looked a complete mess, while Raven was continuously stroking her talons through his mane, something which she knew he enjoyed quite a bit. Finally, Zig Zag looked up at Raven and, as their affectionate gazes met, he could finally give her a little soft smile in thanks for being there for him.

“I love you Raven… You know that don't you?” Zig Zag said meekly. Raven gave him an extra tight hug.

“Yes, and I love you too ZZ, more than anything.” She said in a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would shatter Zig Zag at that moment. After sitting quietly for another few moments Zig Zag spoke again.

“I know mom would have liked you a lot… I wish you could have met her.” He said sadly. Raven only smiled down at him.

“Thank you ZZ, it means alot to me to hear you say that.” She answered. Zig Zag nodded before he stood up again. Raven felt both happy that he was finally pulling himself together and yet also a bit sad that their time cuddling was over. She looked up at Zig Zag who was now standing in front of her. He was gazing back towards North Bay.

“Come, there is still one more place I want to go to today…” Zig Zag said while he started to move off towards the city. Raven nodded and stood up before following her colt friend further back through the shattered memories of his former life.

****

Lightning was laying on one of the two small beds off to the side of the research tent. Next to her lay Black Star, still sleeping from the sedatives she had been given after the medical staff had ‘tended’ to her injuries. She lay on her side, her legs firmly splinted. Black Star’s wounds had been expressly tended to. If you were to disregard the fact that most of them weren't present when they started the treatment, one would most certainly be grateful to the medical staff for the very professional end results. It was very easy to see they were quite experienced in tending to broken bones, how many of those broken bones they had caused themselves Lightning Strike only shuddered to think about.

A soft moan brought Lightning out of her dark thoughts, and she was met by the hazy white gaze of Black Star. Lightning immediately stood up, albeit with immense difficulty since her hooves were now chained together, and shuffled over to Black Star, carefully nuzzling her before wiping her once again sweaty forehead.

“Easy love… How do you feel?” Lightning asked and then immediately grimaced at probably the most obviously stupid question she had ever asked.

“It… hurts…” Black Star said through gritted teeth.

“We are… We are going to die aren't we?” She then said quietly while tears started running down her cheeks. Lightning immediately nuzzled into Black Star's neck trying to reassure her.

“No, no we're not, we'll get out of this, you will see… We will make it.” Lightning said trying more to make herself believe it than Black Star at that moment. She was met by pained wheezing from Black Star instead.

“It… It hurts so much!” She said tears now starting to flow in earnest from her eyes.

“Oh by Celestia it hurts!” Black Star said and gritted her teeth even more, trying to bear with it. Lightning Strike immediately started to shuffle painfully slow over towards the research table, her chains rattling all the way.

“Hold on! They left something so that you would be able to sleep for now! Just hold on!” Lightning called desperately back to Black Star who was beginning to hyperventilate. After what felt like an eternity, she had grabbed the medicine of the table and made her way back to Black Star. Once she had swallowed the concoction, it still seemed like forever and a day before she finally closed her eyes and fell down into the blissful darkness of unconsciousness again. As soon as Lightning was sure Black Star was sleeping, she hung her head and started crying quietly.

They were in deep trouble, in worse trouble than she had ever been in her life, and the chance of the two of them getting out of this alive… It really did not bear thinking about.

****

As Raven followed Zig Zag through the streets of North Bay, she was once again struck by just how much bigger the city was compared to any Gryphon town. They had made their way through The Noble District, where many fancy looking ponies had looked the other way in disdain, pretending not to see them. As soon as they entered The Merchant District this changed somewhat, the first looks they got from most ponies was a look of uneasiness since most believe them to be a part of the invading army that had just captured their city. However, that soon turned into curiosity when the onlookers realized how young the two supposed warriors were. The ponies didn't react too much to Raven since she was often as big as they were, even though she was only fourteen and rather thin for a Gryphon even of her age. But with Zig Zag one soon realized he had to be much too young to be wearing what he was wearing. Many angry whispers were spreading behind him, wondering if the Lunar Republic employed colt soldiers.

Raven noted that Zig Zag had slowed down considerably as soon as they came into The Merchant District, looking longingly at the streets and houses around them and often remembering one thing or another that had happened at almost every single one of them. Sometimes he saw himself playing with Cherry Blossom, others he could see himself walking beside his mother as they were out on some errand or another. As the two of them neared one particular intersection,a little smile spread across Zig Zag’s face as he remembered how he and Cherry Blossom had snuck out together to go to a carnival fair. What neither of the them had known was that both Bright Sky and Cherry Tree were following behind them, snickering to one another at the adorableness of Zig Zag and Cherry Blossom’s first unofficial date… At least until Cherry Blossom had leaned in and given Zig Zag his first kiss, at which point Cherry Tree had stormed in with the fury of a Manticore, grounding her daughter for a week before hauling her home.

At the time both Zig Zag and his mother had been stunned by her strange outburst, but knowing what he knew now it wasn't a strange reaction at all. Zig Zag gave a little sigh and was just about to move on when his now ever vigilant ears picked up something familiar from an alleyway a little way off; the sound of muffled crying. With gritted teeth Zig Zag moved over and looked into the alleyway.

It didn't take more than a fraction of a second for Zig Zag to take in the scene. A small grey unicorn colt, probably the bastard child of a noble and a few years younger than himself, was lying pinned on his back beneath one of Zig Zag’s old and most hated bullies, Gale Force. In front of them laughing while he slapped the defenseless unicorn colt repeatedly across his muzzle was Second Wind. The two brothers had been Iron Boot’s left and right hooves when it came to running his gang of bullies and lowlifes.

Zig Zag snuck closer in complete silence while Raven immediately and now automatically took up position to cover his back from the plentiful shadows of the alleyway. As he got closer he could hear what was being said while the two olive-green Pegasi continued to torment their latest victim.

“Come on wimp! Cough it up!” Second Wind said through a wicked grin while he gave the first true punch to the grey little unicorn who immediately cried out in pain.

“Don't think that just because Iron Boot is off somewhere you can keep what you steal to yourself! You still got to pay the fee, or Gale Force here will get a little mad and break your silly little horn right off your head, then you'll definitely never learn any magic!” Second Wind said and stood on the little nub of a horn the little unicorn colt had on his head. The unicorn immediately cried out and started begging for mercy.

“Please! Please! I promise I'll steal whatever you want! Just don't hurt me anymore! I'll pay you just like I did Iron Boot!” The little colt said through his sniffling. Second Wind just scoffed.

“You wish! Because of all the crap that's been happening lately, our expenses have gone up, so you will steal twice as much as you did before under Iron Boot, got it!?” Second Wind bellowed at the now visibly shaking unicorn.

“But, but I could barely scrape together that much! My mom is sick, and my little sister needs to eat! Please you can’t do this!” The young unicorn cried out.

“Not our problem buddy, you better pay up or-”

“Get. Off. Him.” Zig Zag growled menacingly at the two bullies, who both stumbled to their side in surprise and alarm. The little grey unicorn immediately seized the chance and sprang to his hooves, taking shelter behind Zig Zag, not knowing who he was but definitely thankful for that fact he was there.

Both Gale Force and Second Wind were staring at Zig Zag for a good minute before they finally recognized who it was. Immediately the two of them grinned at each other upon recognizing their leader’s number one thorn in the side.

“Why if it isn't Zig Zag back from the dead, but even so you're still a blank flank I can see!” Second Wind said with glee, although his smile faded when he didn't even get a hint of a reaction from Zig Zag.

“What’s the matter with you, chicken shit! Did Iron Rod’s last beating leave you slow in the head or something?” Second Wind continued his taunting, but was once again met by Zig Zag’s stoic expression. Before all this had happened he would have most certainly been neck deep in fighting Second Wind by now, but as he looked at the two Pegasus brothers, they didn't even seem worth the trouble. Zig Zag just looked back at the little unicorn taking shelter behind him and gave him a reassuring little smile.

“Why don't you go home and take care of your little sister and mother.” Zig Zag said comfortingly. The little unicorn colt just looked apprehensively between him and the now glaring Pegasus brothers behind him.

“Don't you worry about them okay… Raven! Do you have three bits for some food?!” Zig Zag called out, and immediately three bits came sailing through the air of the alleyway. Zig Zag easily caught them between his lips. He barely had to move his head to catch them in the first place, which made it very simple for him. With a broad smile he passed them over to the grey unicorn who was staring up at him in disbelief.

“Buy some vegetables and make your family a good soup tonight, soup is good for sick ponies I hear.” Zig Zag said when he had passed the coins over to the little colt. He nodded and gave Zig Zag a bright smile before he fled out of the alleyway as fast as he could. In the meantime, Second Wind and Gale Force both removed Billy clubs from their saddlebags.

“Do you have any idea how much trouble you are in now Zig Zag?! Before we were just going to make you pay for all the payments you missed… But now we’ll have to make an example of you, you filthy son of a tale lifter!” Second Wind hissed at Zig Zag who went completely rigid at the last sentence. Both the Pegasus brothers thought Zig Zag had gone stiff because he had been frightened, and were now leering at Zig Zag. But when he finally started to slowly turn his head back towards them, they felt a shiver run down their spines. Zig Zag had a vicious snarl across his face revealing his new canines, but what truly shook the two bullies was the absolute and terrifyingly cold fury emanating from his eyes.

“Raven! Make sure they don't fly out of here, but stay out of this otherwise! They are mine!” Zig Zag barked out in a commanding voice, startling both Second Wind and Gale Force into taking a step backwards. They hadn't expected him to stay and fight, always before he had taken off running the second he had a chance. But here he was challenging the both of them at once, and even though they knew they were both bigger than him, it still made them uneasy.

“Okay runt! If you want to play at being a hero, we'll just have to put you back in your place!” Second Wind snarled at Zig Zag while he and Gale Force took off in opposite directions intending to flank Zig Zag and end this quickly.

Raven watched from the shadows while the two idiots tried the oldest trick in the book and failed miserably. They were now charging in from opposite directions, there clubs held high in preparation for their strike.

“Now we have you runt!” Second Wind yelled.

“You won't get away from us this time!” Gale Force bellowed confidently just before Zig Zag, in the last possible instant, dodged and quickly rolled out of the way. The two brothers ended up colliding head first with each other, dropping their clubs as a result. As the two of them sat there groggily shaking their heads to clear them, Zig Zag watched in disbelief. Was this truly two of the three bullies he was so afraid of just a year ago? They were pathetic. Their movements were slow and clumsy, and he could more or less see what they intended to do a week in advance! They were nothing more than untrained brawlers, if he was judging them generously. Second Wind and Gale Force had finally cleared their heads and were now glaring angrily over at Zig Zag, who was still staring at them in disbelief.

“You think you're clever smart ass?!” Second Wind called over.

“No more nice ponies! Your dead!” Gale Force shrieked.. And then the two idiots both turned their heads away from Zig Zag and began rummaging through their saddlebags for something. Zig Zag had to physically keep himself from making a rather loud face hoof at that moment.

I can kill them now… so easily… They won't even stand a chance. He thought with a smile and reached back towards his left dagger hilt. But then Zig Zag stopped himself just inches away from it.

No… No I'm not a monster; mom wouldn't want me to be a monster. I have already had my revenge, I have already killed Silver Pot and helped bury The Officers Club for ever… if I kill these two ponies the same way…… I will probably never be able to stop killing. And then I will truly be just like HIM! Zig Zag thought in disgust.

I won't let Nightmare be right about me! But even though I will not be a monster, I am still far from being a nice pony; I am still willing to do what I deem necessary for the greater good. He thought and turned to face the two brothers. They had finally been able to retrieve what they sought after. Second Wind had a large dagger clutched between his teeth while Gale Force, always being the more aggressive of the two, had a crummy looking short sword. They were just about to charge when Zig Zag spoke.

“Listen up you two! I will only say this once!” He bellowed, causing the two brothers to halted in their tracks and stare at him, stunned by the sheer force in his suddenly very commanding voice.

“This meeting will be your first warning. I will give everypony one chance to change, which is frankly more than most deserve. If you cross me again after this day, I will kill you. If I hear you force someone to steal for you again, I will find you, and I will kill you.” There was a small flash on Zig Zag’s flanks that he himself didn't notice.

“If I hear that anyone is being oppressed or kept in chains unjustly, I will find them and I will free them! I will break the chains of unjust servitude and slavery whereever I find it! Now make your choice! Walk away and I will not hunt you down… Or come at me and receive your first and only warning!” Zig Zag said with deadly seriousness resounding in his voice as he stared the two Pegasus brothers down. Both Second Wind and Gale Force were now looking at Zig Zag as if he was a crazy pony. Then their expressions scrounged up in absolute fury.

“FUCK YOU ZIG ZAG!!!” They both bellowed and charged. Zig Zag easily dodged both their clumsy attacks, while at the same time delivering a vicious kick with his right back hoof to Second Wind’s face. Second Wind fell back whimpering and clutching his now bloody snout while his dagger went skidding away from him across the ground.

Gale Force immediately swung at Zig Zag hoping to catch the little colt off-balance. But his short sword only met the ground where Zig Zag had previously been standing. Gale Force yanked it free again and turned to find Zig Zag waiting against a wall just a few meters away. He smiled back at Gale Force and made a motion for him to come at him. With a ferocious bellow Gale Force did just that.

But to the surprise of Gale Force, Zig Zag took off towards the opposite wall on the alleyway and, as he reached the wall, simply started running up the face of it. Gale Force grinned, thinking that Zig Zag had forgotten he was a Pegasus. He spread his wings and launched off the ground. When Zig Zag had reached as high up the wall as he could, he pushed off with all his strength, aiming straight for Gale Force.

Zig Zag deflected a powerful blow with his front leg guards, and then chomped down viciously on his left wing. With a ferocious yank, Zig Zag ripped the wing out of its socket, severely dislocating it and sending the two of them crashing towards the ground. Zig Zag deftly moved up on top of the now screaming Pegasus just before they suddenly stopped on the ground with a bone-shattering impact. Zig Zag heard several satisfying cracks from Gale Force’s rib cage while his own landing was considerably softened thanks to the fact that the Pegasus’ body took the entire hit for him.

Zig Zag rolled off the now unconscious Gale Force and looked over to a now horrified Second Wind, who was still sitting on his rump clutching his bloody muzzle, looking with wide eyes of disbelief at the martial display he had just seen. Zig Zag started walking over towards him. Second Wind backpedaled hastily until his back struck the damp wall of the alleyway. As the little blue colt sat down in front of him, Second Wind almost wet himself when out of the shadows a black Gryphon seemingly materialized. It came up behind Zig Zag and then tenderly placed one of its wings over his back before… snuggling him? Second Wind stared at Zig Zag and the Gryphon, his features betraying pure, unadulterated terror while his heart hammered away in his chest.

“So you won't kill them?” The now obviously female Gryphon wondered out loud.

“No Raven… They are not even worth the effort.” Zig Zag answered her. The Gryphoness smiled at hearing that.

“Good… I was beginning to worry you were turning into something… bad. Even though I will still stay with you no matter what you may become my beloved, I still prefer the happy go lucky colt that saved me from the three bandit brothers.” Raven said and ran a talon through his messy two tone blue mane quite lovingly. Zig Zag however still continued to stare down at Second Wind.

“So… Do you remember what I said before?” He asked. Second Wind couldn't find his voice, so he merely nodded.

“Good, then hope you never see me again.” Zig Zag said coolly, and without any warning spun around and delivered a hard kick to the side of Second Wind’s head, sending him sprawling onto the ground, knocked out cold. Raven tittered a bit.

“Well that was disappointing, I thought I would at least have to chase one of them down.” She said while she followed Zig Zag out of the alleyway.

“Sorry, I'll remember to let you have something to play with the next time.” He answered her and gave Raven a playful bump on the shoulder.

“You better!” She said with a huff.

“Now where were we heading again?” Raven asked.

“Home…” Zig Zag said. Raven halted in the middle of the street looking at Zig Zag a bit unsurely.

“You don't think there'll be a problem with that?” Raven asked.

“What do you mean?” He questioned in turn.

“Do you honestly think your home will be left alone with your entire family assumed dead?” Raven said apologetically. Zig Zag’s eyes went wide. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind, but now that he thought about it, it sent a chill down his spine.

“No… No they can't!!!” Zig Zag yelled and started running down the street.

“Wait!” Raven called after him, and launched into the air in order to keep up with the fleet hoofed pony.

****

Lobo and the two praetorians Hammer Song and Bender walked through the city, receiving many curious looks wherever they went. Lobo and the mare praetorian had found Bender strolling along with Twilight earlier, which had made Hammer Song start teasing and playing quite viciously with Bender ever since as she overdramatically questioned when he had decided to leave her just for the chance of a later promotion through his new marefriend. Bender had tried to refute Hammer’s take on the situation, but had little success in doing so. They had finally settled down a bit after Hammer Song gave Bender a smack to the back of the head when he finally confessed his whole diabolical plan of trying to climb the command ladder faster by getting together with one of their possible new commanders.

“Well just so you know, you're going to have to make it up to me tonight Mr two timing!” Hammer Song said in mock indignation. Bender just sighed.

“Yes honey… So how long?” He asked. Hammer seemed to intently think it over before answering.

“Two maybe three hours should do it.” Hammer said with a mischievous smile.

“What! Come on, that is a lot even for a stallion like me… you can at least be reasonable?” Bender protested meekly. Hammer Song just pouted with her lips, looking hurt.

“Oh I see… You are just going to wear yourself out being with Twilight during the evening, aren't you?” She said overdramatically again, and then followed up by wiggling her eyebrows at him.

“Come on Hammer, it's nothing like that!... Oh all right! Two hours, but not a minute more!” Bender finally caved in.

“Yay!” Hammer Song celebrated by clapping her hooves together enthusiastically.

“I do love it when you give me a good looooong back massage Bender.” Hammer said teasingly, before nuzzling him lovingly and giving him a quick peck on the cheek. Immediately Bender shone up like it was his birthday, and a goofy smile spread across his features.

“Love you Hammer.” He said and gave her a big bear hug, causing her to grunt while a few of her vertebrae popped back into place.

“Oh thanks, I needed that… Although next time give me some warning will you, you big oaf!” Hammer answered and punched Bender in the shoulder to emphasize the point. He just smiled back at her and gave her a big kiss on the lips. Lobo just shook his head.

“I haven't been here long… But by the reactions others are giving you, I would say the way you express your feelings is a bit unorthodox.” Lobo said while he looked at two mares running away giggling from the three of them, pointing back towards Bender and Hammer Song.

“Maybe? But it works for us so why should we care what others think? Besides when we were back at base, I would say we were two of the more mellow ones amongst the praetorians.” Bender said, and then received another whack to the back of the head.

“Bender! That's not something you should be spreading around. That is praetorian business, something nopony else has a need to know about.” She said looking harshly back at him. Bender rubbed at the back of his head and grinned at Hammer again.

“Sorry… It's just you know, it feels like he is one of us, or at least a good friend.” Bender said with conviction. This made Lobo raise an eyebrow.

“Friend?” Lobo stated questioningly.

“Oh come on Lobo, we have sparred with each other. And now we also have the same enemy. That makes you a friend in my book. Besides, I like you for some strange reason!” Bender proclaimed loudly and smiled back at the black Wolf. Lobo grinned back and felt quite at ease with the statement.

“Well I can't say I dislike you either… I don't know why but there is just a feeling like there is some sort of special connection between us, and more than just what happened back at the camp too... Maybe it is this friendship you're talking about.” Lobo said thoughtfully, and then received rather hard punch on the shoulder making him growl involuntary. He looked over at Bender with a bit of a scowl.

“If you try giving me a peck on the cheek as well, I swear by the Alpha I'm gonna bite your head off!” Lobo said and grinned over at Bender. The praetorians just answered by giving a hearty laugh before continuing down the street. He stopped and turned back towards Lobo and Hammer Song with a wide smile.

“Well I was in the middle of something before you two pulled me away, so if you don't mind I'll get back to that. I'll see you two back at the estate for the evening meal!” He called before he disappeared around the next corner. Suddenly Hammer Song gave an annoyed stomp.

“Darn it! I was gonna tease him more about Twilight before he left!” Hammer Song said with disappointment at letting Bender slip away so easily.

“You will see him later tonight. And speaking of that I think we should head back there right now actually.” Lobo said forlornly.

“What? Weren't you going to find Zig Zag?” Hammer Song asked surprised.

“Yes, but the problem is we've already passed several sent trails from him and Raven, all heading in different directions, which is something he usually does when he wants to be left alone. Sort of a discrete sign for me not to follow him. I'd actually say our best chance of finding him would be to sit down in one place and wait for him to pass by again. But I frankly don't feel like sitting out in the open, getting stared at by every pony who walks past us. So we might as well head back to the estate. That is at least one place we know for sure they will come to eventually.” Lobo said with a sigh and started walking back towards the Silver Seas estate, Hammer Song trailing behind him.

****

Zig Zag sprinted around the last corner onto the street of his former home. He darted around several startled ponies in his way, before coming to a screeching halt looking up in horror at the door leading into his former home. His jaw just hung open at the sight, and primal fury started to boil up within him as he read the sign now hanging above the door. ‘City Guard Housing Quarters 37’, it read in big, gold colored letters. Zig Zag’s face contorted in absolute fury.

“You inbred murdering thieves! I'll kill you!” His young voice screamed as he picked up a stone from the street and was just about to throw it up and buck it in through the expensive former shop’s window when Raven landed behind him. She grabbed hold of Zig Zag just before he could send the stone flying, preventing him from going through with the action.

“Wow! Easy ZZ! Don't be stupid! We are in enough hot water as it is!” She yelled while desperately trying to clutch him close to herself as he struggled to get free.

“Get off me Raven! That's my home! They killed my mom and stole my home! I'm gonna rip them apart! I'm gonna make them pay for this! They aren't fit to set a hoof in there!!!” Zig Zag shrieked as he continued to struggle to get free. Suddenly the door slammed open and a young looking city guard stumbled out rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“What by all hells is all the noise out here about?! I have to get up and do the nightshift in a few hours so can you all just shut up, or do I have to drag you off to the Bastion to get some sleep!!!” The very newly awakened and very angry young guard bellowed out onto the street. At seeing a target for his anger Zig Zag redoubled his struggles, almost making Raven loose her grip on him. Just as she was about to lose the struggle that had now drawn the guard’s attention a black shadow landed behind them and seized the two of them up in a very fierce stranglehold from behind.

“There you two are! You know it would be much easier if you tried getting in through the right door! Which is the next-door over you numbskulls!” The stranger proclaimed loudly while quickly dragging the two stunned youths along with him. The guard at the door eyed them suspiciously as they went. With a bit of effort the stranger flung the aforementioned door open and pushed the two of them in through it before slamming it shut behind them. Zig Zag now knew who the light grey stallion with the black mane was, and therefore decided to remain quiet while motioning for Raven to calm down, since she had a dagger clutched in her right talon aimed at the stranger. Shadow Flight stayed at the door for a while listening to make sure the guard didn't decide to come over demanding answers, but apparently the bed back inside had been more alluring for him.

Slowly Shadow Flight turned his golden eyes towards the little blue colt he had long since thought dead, and just looked at him with a mixture of astonishment and guilt before it turned to deep sadness as he turned to face them fully.

“By the moon above… How are you still alive Zig Zag? The last I saw of you, you were being carried off in the jaws of the biggest wolf I have ever seen…” Shadow said in astonishment.

“You mean dad?” Zig Zag answers.

“What?…” Shadow Flight said in surprise.

“Lobo saved me when he realized those ponies were going to hang me after… after mom.” Zig Zag said in a cold voice, sorrow and anger once again flaring in his eyes and his lips curled up to reveal his canines in a vicious frown. Shadow Flight’s eyes grew like saucers at the sight of them.

“By the moon’s holy light colt, what did that wolf do to you?! He did this didn't he?! He mutilated you!” Shadow Flight spat out as he knelt down and forcibly widened Zig Zag’s jaws to have a closer look at the pointed teeth in his mouth. It was now Zig Zag’s turn to be taken completely by surprise.

“Whgaeht?” he tried to exclaim while his mouth was being held open.

“That wolf is going to pay for this!” Shadow Flight said in a dangerously low voice while he narrowed his eyes. Zig Zag wrenched his head free and glared back up that his former neighbor.

“Dad saved me! He took me in as if I was his own pup and taught me everything I needed to know to get revenge! And he's never ever hurt me! I did this to myself! Because I didn't want to be a stinking pony anymore! Not after what they did!!!” Zig Zag shouted angrily up at a now very stunned looking Shadow Flight.

“If you say anything bad about my dad again, so by the Alpha, I'll buck your teeth out!!!” Zig Zag snarled up at him. Shadow Flight backed a few paces motioning with his fore-hooves to calm down.

“Easy easy! What's gotten into you Zee?” He wondered out loud.

“What's gotten into me?! I'll tell you what's gotten into me!” Zig Zag yelled and then launched into the retelling of everything that happened to him, albeit a rather condensed version screamed in a rather angry voice. Towards the end of what felt like his millionth retelling, Zig Zag was finally able to calm down again. And having Raven there calmly running her talons through his mane helped a lot.

“-And then I arrived here to see that those filthy guards have stolen my home… I would definitely have done something very stupid if Raven hadn't stopped me.” Zig Zag said and nuzzled back into Raven to show his appreciation.

“Well Lobo did tell me to keep you out of trouble you know. I don't know how I would have explained how you ended up in another rampage just the day after your first.” She answered and pulled him into a wing hug. Then she suddenly gave him a fearsome nuggy.

“Do you have any idea how much trouble I would have been in if you did that?! Your dad would have torn my head off if you got into that much trouble again this fast!” She mocked teasingly while continuing to torment her beloved coltfriend mercilessly. Zig Zag’s laughter finally rang through the air as he tried to get away from Raven’s iron grip. Shadow Flight had been completely speechless throughout the retelling. And as the two youngsters burst into laughter in front of him, he couldn't help but wonder at the resilience of the young.

But then again what choice did they have? They would either succumb and be buried by their tragedy, or stand up and fight against it with whatever means they could. Shadow Flight couldn't help but feel his heart go out to the two of them, it was clearly obvious to him which option they had chosen. Then his features grew solemn again as he thought about what Zig Zag said about the happenings at The Officers Club. He hadn't been too specific, but Shadow Flight could at least gather that this Twilight Sparkle mare was mainly to blame for what happened there.

Shadow Flight had been devastated earlier that day when he received the word that Iron Helm had been killed in an all-out massacre of The Officers Club the night before. It was not anywhere near public knowledge yet, but somepony with his connections and knowhow was always amongst the first to find out about anything that went on in the city of North Bay.

But what truly infuriated Shadow Flight was the fact that it wasn't just the guards and the patrons who were killed. Iron Helm’s death was one thing since nobody else really knew how noble he was, and how much he risked in this fight against The Officers Club. But the girls! No, he couldn't forgive that! One of the girls that had been killed was Rose Petal. And a more innocent and lovely mare one would have to look far and wide to find. And in just two days from now there had been arrangements made for her to disappear and start a new life in a faraway duchy. But now this Twilight Sparkle had snuffed her life out just as coldly as any patron would have.

No… She will not get away with this… I will not allow it! Shadow Flight thought with a cold anger seething inside of him.

“Zig Zag, do you think you can take me to this ‘Twilight’? I would like to… I have some information she might be interested in.” Shadow Flight said looking pointedly at Zig Zag who tilted his head to the side while thinking.

“You could just tell me, and I'll tell her later if you want.” Zig Zag said looking back at him expectantly. But that wasn't what Shadow Flight wanted at all.

“No, ehhh… It's a bit of a grown-up thing you see… And… Yeah, I know you have grown-up a lot getting a cutie mark and all, but this is still something I need to tell this Twilight in person.” Shadow Flight said while he rubbed the back of his head, hoping Zig Zag would go for it.

“Huuu!” Zig Zag instead uttered with a blank expression before he turned and looked at his blank flank, only to discover that it certainly wasn't blank anymore. His eyes shone up in surprise and delight while he started spinning around trying to get a closer look at it.

“I've got a cutie mark! Raven I've got a cutie mark! This is so AWESOME!!!” Zig Zag proclaimed loudly and then proudly displayed his newly discovered cutie mark for her to see.

It depicted a dagger with its blade pointing upwards, around the dagger was wrapped broken chains trying to keep it down, but failing. Zig Zag was grinning from ear to ear knowing exactly what it meant, and feeling happy that this was to be his destiny in life. He would find any and all cruel chains of servitude and slavery, and break them. Raven’s chains were the first he broke, and The Officers Club’s destruction was his second and quite considerable assortment of chains he destroyed.

But the most important chains broken this day were the ones he severed when he didn't kill Second Wind and Gale Force earlier. Because that meant he had broken the chains that bound him to vengeance and moved on to become something more, something able to free a lot more ponies or whoever needed him in the future.

“Well I see you just received them then. I think congratulations are in order. What do you to say we go grab a bite to eat, and then we can all go see Twilight and you can show it off to her as well?” Shadow Flight said smiling widely.

“Yeah that would be great! But I still have to do something about getting my home back from the city guard. There has got to be someone back in the estate that can help me…” Zig Zag pondered, “Still… Until then showing Twilight my cutie mark would be awesome!” Zig Zag exclaimed enthusiastically, which made Raven frown a bit.

Why would ZZ want to show his cutie mark to her? She isn't his mare or anything… There isn't something going on between them is there?! Raven thought with a little panic before her eyes narrowed while a picture of the mentioned mare came up to her mind's eye. She had a hard time judging it, but the purple unicorn might be something a stallion would find attractive. Frowning even more, Raven prowled after Zig Zag with her tail flicking agitatedly back and forth. Not noticing anything of this in his excitement at having discovered his cutie mark, Zig Zag happily followed Shadow Flight out onto the street again.

I might have to nip this mare in the flank quickly, before Twilight gets any stupid ideas about my stallion… Raven thought grumpily. If all else failed, she would maybe have to challenge Twilight to the rights of being first mate, so that Raven could establish dominance in their relationship with Zig Zag.

I hope you know when to lie down pony, because I won't let anyone come between me and ZZ! She thought as a low annoyed screech escape from her.

****

After the three of them had had a bite to eat at his favorite watering hole, The Shadowy Hoof Inn, Shadow Flight along with Zig Zag and Raven began heading back towards the Silver Seas estate. He had managed to keep up appearance, keeping his smoldering anger towards Twilight Sparkle under wraps while they were eating. But now as they finally reached the gate leading in towards his target, those feelings were starting to burn hotly again.

The bitch killed him… The one real friend I truly had… And she killed him! Shadow Flight thought while his eyes darkened at the thought of meeting Iron Helm’s murderer. After his failure at helping Bright Sky and Zig Zag when they were ensnared by The Officers Club, Shadow Flight had been completely inconsolable at how powerless he apparently was. Despite all his connections, both in the underworld and the ones within the guard and legal business partners he had, nothing he did had been able to stop the execution of Bright Sky. Afterwards, Shadow Flight had drowned himself in self-pity and alcohol for his miserable failure, and had it not been for his life and two daughters, he would most likely still be drinking himself into stupor each night.

But then Iron Helm had found him and after a brief struggle they had realized they were both after the same thing. They had started working together, and formed a resistance group now known as Bright Skies, saving many mares and one stallion from the clutches of Sharp Edge. And the two of them had been damn good at it too, slowly but surely gaining momentum and more support amongst the public. All the while keeping their secret identities under wraps, which is a feat not easily done; especially when you're up against such a well rooted organization as The Officers Club. Only for this air head of a mare to come in and kill him without even knowing who and what he truly was!

She won't get away with this! I will not forgive her for this, never! Shadow Flight thought angrily just as they walked through the gates. Raven didn't seem too interested in finding Twilight and simply kept her attention focused on Zig Zag who was looking around for a bit. Then he brightened up as he spotted her lying on a stone bench a little ways off from where they were. Raven didn't seem pleased that he looked at Twilight in that apparent manner. Zig Zag, oblivious to Raven’s growing concern, bounced off towards her, eager to introduce Shadow Flight to her.

“This is her, Shadow Flight. The mare that helped us.” Zig Zag introduced with a friendly smile when they arrived in front of her. She gave a tired huff before she stood up and looked over at them a bit guiltily.

“Zig Zag. Raven.” She greeted nervously.

“You’re Twilight Sparkle? The mare who brought Zig Zag to that club last night?” Shadow Flight asked with more than a hint of anger in his voice.

“Yes.” The unicorn answered cautiously.

“How could you?! Do you have any idea what could’ve happened to him or Raven?!! They’re children for Celestia’s sake!” Shadow Flight yelled feeling his righteous fury surfacing.

“Shadow, what’re you doing?! We’re not helpless, and we knew the risks! I couldn’t just let her go after the ones that killed Mom by herself, though. I had to be there.” Zig Zag interjected, feeling quite annoyed by how Shadow Flight had inadvertently made Zig Zag and Raven out to be defenseless children who didn't know any better. But Shadow Flight hadn’t even registered that Zig Zag said anything as he continued on.

“And don’t you dare tell me you did it with the best of intentions, because I know that’s a load of shit! There were more than one waitress dead!” Shadow Flight almost screamed.

“What do they ma--” Twilight tried to ask.

“They were tail lifters too you idiot!” Shadow Flight interrupted, fuming with anger.

“But Zig Zag and Raven tell me you killed them! They weren’t just caught in the crossfire either! You actively hunted them down! Not only that, but you killed Iron Helm as well!” Shadow Flight yelled at the now frowning Twilight.

“He was on OUR side, but I guess shouldn’t expect some two-bit psychotic bitch that enjoys the suffering of others to know or care!” He roared. This caught Zig Zag’s attention quite a bit though.

“You were FRIENDS with one of THEM?!” Zig Zag exclaimed in horror, not really catching that he was apparently on their side, but instead concentrating on him being from The Officers Club, so his face contorted into a snarl while he looked back up at Shadow Flight.

“He FOUNDED the Bright Skies! We were slowly freeing everyone enslaved in that damned club, and delivering them to safe lives in another duchy. In the long run we would have destroyed that filth pit. Without slaughtering the ones we were trying to save, might I add!” Shadow Flight tried to explain to the young colt now staring angrily at him.

“Slowly.” Twilight sniped vindictively.

“You, shut up!” Shadow Flight barked, drawing a scowl from Twilight.

“Like you were doing them any favors, coming in there and slaughtering everyone in front of them! Do you have any idea what they’d been through, what kind of hell that place was!? They’ve suffered enough, and they certainly didn’t need a massacre committed right in front of them to add on top of that! It’s because of ponies like you that they wound up there in the first place, you irresponsible sociopathic mon-”

“QUIET!” Twilight ordered. Shadow Flight’s jaw snapped shut instinctively at the command. Only now did he notice that several soldiers had surrounded him during his rant. He looked to his side to check that Zig Zag and Raven were alright for the first time since they arrived, but to his surprise they were now standing beside Twilight instead. Raven merely sat by Zig Zag with a scowl on her face, but the young earth colt stared at him with a mixture of disbelief, betrayal, and anger. Zig Zag and Twilight were actually both intently glaring at him. He opened his mouth to ask Zig Zag what was wrong. However he didn't get the chance, as he once again heard Twilight’s compelling voice.

“I have had enough of this! I am not proud, and I know I was wrong! But if you think I’m going to just stand here and listen to some stupid little nopony prick yell at me about it then you’re dead wrong! Do I know what they’ve been through?! I grew up in Stalliongrad alone! All my life I have had to scrape and struggle to survive! I’ve been beaten, arrested, enslaved, and…” She took a big swallow before continuing on, “…Raped! I know what they’ve been through a hell of alot better than a little nine-to-five average piddly little cunt like you. Oh, and as for your ‘friend?’ He held me down while his little brother cut off the bottom half of my leg. So don’t try to tell me he was some righteous hero. He was just like the rest of them. Now, fuck off.” Twilight snarled back at him. Shadow Flight’s mouth was left gaping not knowing how to react. He had been here to tell her off, and now she was chewing him out? He just stood there while he tried to regain his composure. Noticing that he wasn't moving Twilight turned and barked out an order to a group of soldiers close by.

“Escort him out.” She ordered and immediately two burly earth ponies gave a salute and began to push the still stunned Shadow Flight out from the Silver Seas compound. As he was pushed outside of the gates he gave them an angry yell as he tumbled onto the ground. He picked himself up glaring back at the now closed metal door.

This isn't over Twilight Sparkle! Don't think you're safe just because you have walls around you! This isn't over by a long shot!!! Shadow Flight thought while he clenched his teeth together and disappeared into the deepening shadows. Back inside things had calmed down considerably.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know he’d do this. He said he had some information you’d want to know.” Zig Zag apologized, attracting Twilight’s attention.

“It’s fine, but I would appreciate you two keeping last night a secret from now on. Besides, I should be the one apologizing. I know I wasn’t… pleasant to you, to put it lightly.” The unicorn sighed. Zig Zag looked up at her thoughtfully, and then he smiled serenely.

“Thanks to you I got my revenge. As far as I’m concerned there’s nothing to forgive.” Zig Zag said with conviction.

“And you Raven?” Twilight wondered, casting the so-far quiet gryphon a hopeful look. Raven didn't really know how to answer, she still wasn't sure if Twilight was a potential competitor for Zig Zag’s affections.

But still… Raven thought as she look at them now somewhat apprehensive looking Twilight. She gave a smirk and nodded to herself.

“So long as you treat ZZ better from now on I’ll forgive you.” She answered.

“Deal.” Twilight agreed, relief flowing through her. But her ease fled when Raven stalked right up to Twilight’s face, staring down at her intimidatingly despite being several years younger.

“But remember this, he’s mine. So keep your hooves to yourself mare. I’ve got my eye on you.” Raven warned in a whisper, fully intent in protecting her status as first mate to Zig Zag if needed. Twilight blinked in confusion. She didn’t recall ever hinting at being interested in Zig Zag at any point. He was definitely a bit young as well, and she wasn’t… ready for something like that right now.

“I’m… not interested?” She whispered in an attempt to put Raven at ease.

“Good.” Raven responded with a triumphant smirk, convinced she had defended her rights to ZZ from a very powerful and alluring young competitor for his affections. And if Twilight knew how to keep her hooves to herself, there really was no reason they could not be civil now that their individual statuses had finally been made clear between them.

****

Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 34 A Good Morning?

True Black

Chapter 34

A Good Morning?

****

Lobo’s ears twitched when he noticed several pairs of hooves heading in his direction. Lazily he lifted his head and looked over towards the entrance to the center of the small play labyrinth just as Piercing Mark, Hammer Song and a Praetorian, one whom Lobo hadn't spent any time with before, entered. The new Praetorian had a leafy green body and a light orange mane and tail. As they got closer to Lobo, he saw that she had spotted bright pink eyes that were constantly looking about, and for some reason she seemed to have a constant scowl across her face.

“Ah, well that explains it, we couldn't find your kids in the mansion but I see they’re here with you.” Piercing Mark said walking over towards Lobo, who was lying protectively curled around Raven whom had in a similar fashion curled up around Zig Zag during the night, leaving Zig Zag snuggled up between them in the middle of a ring of black fur and black and grey feathers. The conversational statement seemed to rouse the two youngsters from their sleep, or at least Raven. Zig Zag just ended up on his back, his little legs stretching out in every which way, before a content sigh escaped him as he drifted off back to sleep. Raven only gave an annoyed huff and turned away from the approaching ponies to snuggle in closer against Zig Zag, draping a wing over him. Lobo smiled down at his young wards.

“Yes, they found me out here last evening. And after a long conversation between us, they sort of fell asleep at my side. I sure didn't mind the company during the night, especially since the three of us haven’t really been able to spend any time together since arriving here in North Bay. And so many important things occurred in such a short time too. So when they fell asleep next to me I just couldn't bring myself to wake them up and send them away.” Lobo said as he carefully bumped Zig Zag with his nose. The little colt bravely struggled against the inevitable fate of waking up for as long as he could before a whining proclamation could be heard.

“Daaaaaad… I don't waaaaanna… Five more minutes…” Zig Zag protested, then started to giggle despite his best efforts, since his little legs unsuccessfully tried to fend off the dire wolf’s infamous morning snuggle attack. This brought a squeal of delight from Hammer Song which seemed to surprise both Piercing Mark and the new pony.

“Ooooo… That's just so adorable!” Hammer proclaimed, making Zig Zag snap his eyes open at the realization they weren't alone. His head popped up from between Lobo and Raven with a mortified expression, looking even more like the cutest little thing Hammer Song had ever seen. She was now positively gushing at the adorableness of him and his little armor outfit and-

“Okay… who are you? And what have you done with our Hammer Song?” The new Praetorian asked with a smirk. Hammer looked back over at her with a bit of annoyance.

“What pray tell do you mean by that Fire Will?” Hammer said in a dangerous low voice.

“Well usually when you see something that sugary cute, you end up smashing it into oblivion just for existing.” Fire Will said and promptly noticed how Raven reflexively pulled Zig Zag closer to her where they lay under the protective gaze of Lobo.

“Well maybe I should hammer you into oblivion if you don't think I'm me then?” Hammer Song said with a grin. Fire Will just raised an eyebrow then smiled wickedly back at Hammer.

“So you think I'm cute? Well maybe Bender will be open to a three-way if you ask him nicely? But even if he isn't I still wouldn't mind-”

“Ahem!” Lobo proclaimed loudly as if he was clearing his throat, and both Hammer Song and Fire Will looked over to see the wide eyes of both Zig Zag and Raven staring back at them in rapt attention and anticipation of whatever might come next. They both gave a little cringe as they noticed the piercing yellow eyes of Lobo promising retribution if that conversation carried on any longer.

“Hehe… right… kids… So anyway, we were wondering how you are feeling today Lobo? Did the moon heal you up during the night?” Hammer Song asked after having gathered herself again. Fire Will beside her was pointedly looking in any direction except towards Zig Zag and Raven. Lobo stood up and gave himself a thorough stretching and then proceeded to shake himself fully awake. Zig Zag mirrored his actions beside him, forcing Hammer Song to bite her own lower lip in order to not start gushing at the cuteness of it all over again.

“Yes, Nightmare Moon promised me a clear night to help me heal and she delivered, so I’m fully recovered.” Lobo said while he twisted his neck a bit, earning a loud crack from it as a reward.

“Would you mind joining us for morning training then? It's going to be some friendly sparring and you still owe me a rematch?” Hammer Song said excitedly. Lobo thought about it for a minute. He decided that since Hammer Song probably wasn't going to let this issue drop he might as well get it over with.

“Alright, I will indulge you Hammer.” Lobo grumbled as he stood up. Both Zig Zag and Raven shawn up at this.

“Yay! Dad is going to eat you for breakfast pony!” Zig Zag said while clapping his hooves together in excitement. Lobo snorted at the statement, but still gave his son a little grin as the two youngsters started to follow him past a now glaring Hammer Song.

“I changed my mind… this little runt isn't cute at all!” She hissed down at Zig Zag as he passed, which only earned her an extended tongue in response. Behind Hammer Song both Piercing Mark and Fire Will were having a hard time keeping themselves from snickering.

“Oh! And you can tell the Pegasus up in the trees that’s been watching me all night that the next time I sleep outside, he could just start a fire to keep himself warm and comfortable. After all, no one ever said you had to watch me covertly! Not that any of you could actually do that!” Lobo called back with a smirk. A loud rustle amongst the leaves of a nearby tree sounded and a turquoise mane on top of a light blue head popped out looking very annoyed.

“You could have said that like eight hours ago!!!” Sky Chaser shouted angrily after the receding wolf. When he looked down towards his fellow Praetorians he could see that they were all now laughing their flanks off at his expense.

****

Zig Zag and Raven looked on in quiet awe while the Praetorians sparred with each other. They were working two on two in battle pairs supporting one another. It was easy to see how their cooperation meant that they were more than the sum of their parts when working together this closely. They covered each other's blind spots and also exploited any opening that would present itself on the enemy. But since both sides were now made up of Praetorians, the fights were quite drawn out and exhilarating to watch. Zig Zag had thought he had seen the epiphany of combat training when he was training with the gryphons of Crown Peak. But compared to what he saw now, those warriors were just happy little amateurs.

Zig Zag winced as the white Pegasus, Cloud Cleaver if he remembered correctly, crashed down on the back of Fire Will, causing her to collapse onto the ground with Cloud on top of her smiling devilishly. He was apparently about to taunt her before delivering the ‘death’ stroke, only for his grin to suddenly be wiped off his face as a flat leather wrapped arrow smashed into his forehead right between his dark blue eyes. He toppled off backward with a yelp clutching his hooves to his now throbbing forehead.

“Cloud Cleaver you’re dead! And never let me catch you doing something stupid like holding off our death stroke again! Not even in training!” Piercing Mark bellowed from fifty meters away where a now frowning Sky Chaser looked back in annoyance. He thought he had expertly dodged one of Piercing Marks shots only to discover he wasn't the intended target. Now as Fire Will once again got up on her hooves he faced a two on one engagement. And no matter how cocky he could seem sometimes, he knew it was a very slim chance he would get out of this one ‘alive’.

Raven chuckled at the foolish stallion who was still clutching his aching forehead before cheering on the two mares that were now closing in on the last Pegasus, both smiling wickedly at him. He answered by launching up into the air, barely avoiding two rapidly fired arrows following him, before shooting off into the distance, giving himself adequate space to build up speed for his next attack.

Zig Zag and Raven moved off knowing that this fight was over, and focusing with more interest on the one that was about to start. Lobo and Hammer Song were now standing facing each other a little way off to the side. Bender was apparently occupied this morning, being Nightmare Moon's shadow; watching her back while trying not to get under her hooves as she went about whatever business she needed doing. This had been the primary reason why Piercing Mark had allowed Hammer Song to challenge Lobo this morning, since her combat partner was not available for the exercise anyway. She was now grinning widely at the massive black wolf in front of her.

“So, let’s go over the rules one last time. Only the use of blunted and leather wrapped weapons is allowed; no lethal magic either, which is no problem for either one of us; and there are no limitations to the battlefield, meaning you can't just jump out of some ring and be done with the match.” Hammer Song said with an evil smirk. Lobo only raised an eyebrow at her.

“Why do I get the feeling you're enjoying this way too much Hammer?” He said with a huff.

“You have no idea how much it infuriated me the way you caught me off guard last time! So this time I'm going to stomp your butt into the ground!” Hammer yelled over at him with glee.

Zig Zag and Raven just looked at each other. ZZ grinned while Raven looked a bit apprehensive before then they took a deep breath each.

“Give me an L!” Raven called loudly.

“L!” Zig Zag bellowed.

“Give me an O!” Raven continued shouting.

“O!” Zig Zag answered.

“Give me a B!” She then called.

“B!” Zig Zag yelled.

“Give me an O!” She roared at full volume.

“Ooooooooooooooo!” Zig Zag howled in a piercing and clear voice, startling more than a few of the Silver Seas Estates guard ponies who had inexplicably found something very important to safeguard within sight of the Praetorians training exercise as well as a few servants and gardeners who had also stopped by to watch the spectacle. Many of them were now watching Zig Zag fearfully, starting to whisper amongst one another that he truly was a wolf-pony half breed somehow conjured up by dark magic and malicious intent.

“And who is that?!” Raven hollered heatedly.

“That's my dad! And he's going to pound you into the ground so hard your great grand foals are going to feel it!!!” Zig Zag finished loudly and gleefully. Lobo just face-pawed while Hammer Song chuckled merrily at what she thought was completely adorable.

“That was so lame… I can’t believe I agreed to do that.” Raven whispered to Zig Zag whale she fidgeted at the attention they were now getting.

“Nah! That was awesome!” Zig Zag burst out happily.

“Shall we?” Hammer wondered as she looked back at Lobo.

“Might as well…” He answered. Grinning widely Hammer looked over towards Raven again.

“Hey Raven! Can you toss one of your blades up? When it lands we start this!” She yelled. Raven to her irritation now quickly became the center of even more attention, and as she tried to act calm and cool under the scrutiny, she fished out a dagger and twirled it between her talons before sending it up skywards. Everyone watched as it reached the apex and started heading back down again. With a loud thud, the dagger landed just in front of Raven on its pommel and bounced up a bit into the air again. Instantaneously Lobo and Hammer Song set off towards each other, while Raven deftly caught the dagger out of the air and re-sheathed it in one fluid motion.

****

“Did you see that sister?” The saffron colored mare said while she watched through the second story window out on the sparring wolf and Praetorian.

“Hmm… What?” The strikingly similar mare beside her answered absentmindedly while watching the purple praetorian earth mare dreamily.

“Pay attention, will you sister dear.” Lady Silver Spark reprimanded and brushed her ocean blue mane out of her mismatched brown and blue eyes.

“Sorry sister, I was just thinking about what that purple praetorian mare might look like without her armor on… and in my bed…” Lady Silver Flash said while she put her chin on her hoof and continued looking out of the window dreamily.

“Really sister this…” Silver Spark trailed off as she watched the mare in question nimbly dodge out of the way of the wolf as he launched for a perceived opening.

“This isn't a time to be thinking about… that… even though she's quite dreamy looking. Nevertheless the mare is quite clearly over the moon for that big earth pony Praetorian stallion she's always with.” Silver Spark said with a sigh. Silver Flash scrounged up her face in disdain at the thought of all the stallions that were always pestering her and her sister about marriage.

“I will never understand what some mares see in those stallion buffoons, surely the soft curves and lines of a mare are more sensual and beautiful in every aspect of the words.” Silver Flash said and turned towards Silver Spark with a coy smile.

“Right you are sister, but still I ask again, did you see what that female gryphon did just now?” Spark asked with a raised eyebrow while she regarded her twin.

“Well you know I did not… So what grabbed your attention when looking at our avian friend? Apart from her predatory grace and splendor…” Silver Flash answered.

“Honestly sister, are you planning on turning into a bad copy of our dearly ‘beloved’ pig of a deceased brother? The way you have been ogling mares as of late one can't help but wonder.” Silver Spark reprimanded. Silver Flash winched as if she had been burned by the words.

“SISTER! Don't even joke about that! Even though I know he wouldn't dare do anything to us… I still felt a shiver go down my spine every time he entered any room we were in. Especially when the two of us were left alone with him; I've seen him look at us in a disturbing manner more than once sister and I bet you have as well. I'm sorry to say it, but I will not miss him at all.” Flash said with a disgusted frown.

“Sorry Flash… that was not very nice or fair of me to compare you to him… And as to the mourning of our brother, I daresay that just like with you, my mourning has already ended.” Silver Spark said apologetically while giving Flash a little nuzzle in apology.

“Don't let mother catch either of you saying that.” A voice said from behind the twins who both snapped around in alarm to find their big sister Lady Silver Light standing just behind them.

“She stubbornly refuses to believe Silver Pot was too far gone to be salvaged. Still clinging to the idea that he was just misunderstood and needed to find his rightful place in the world… But I guess it is a mother’s right to refuse the ugly truth about their children no matter how obvious it may seem to anypony else. So make sure you guard your tongues around her. Both when it comes to Silver Pot and your alternative preference in mates. If father or mother realizes what you two have been doing when you send away all your potential husbands… Well I don't need to say what will happen.” Silver Light said while she moved up to gaze out through the window at whatever it was her little sisters were looking at.

“We know…” Flash answered with some dread.

“Father will marry us off immediately to whichever stallion noble would benefit the Silver line the most, since he would know we will never accept any of the suitors willingly ourselves.” Spark said forlornly.

“Exactly… I love you two more than anypony else in the family and it is quite frankly a miracle you've managed to put off marrying some noble brat for this long. But you are both twenty years of age now and voices are being raised for the two of you to get married immediately amongst other noble houses. Father and brother have talked about the issue of you two more than once, and even mother is having thoughts about simply ordering you to accept a suitor soon.” Silver Light informed her two younger sisters.

“We know this big sister… We've been able to keep one step ahead of everyone’s attempt to marry us off thus far. But as you say… This won't last forever, unless Nightmare Moon’s rebellion succeeds.” Silver Spark said while she looked at her twin sister who nodded enthusiastically.

“We will be able to break free from this accursed fate of being married off under the rule of her Lunar Republic. We will both be able to pick any two mares we want to be with ourselves and even stay in North Bay if we so choose. Thus we will aid Nightmare in any way we can in her endeavor.” Silver Flash announced happily. Silver Light looked long and hard at her two younger siblings before giving them a small nod and a sad smile.

“Plan for the worst but hope for the best my little sisters… That is all I have to say on the matter. All too well do I know the fate of us Noble Ladies when it comes to the issue of marriage seeing as I’m soon-to-be engaged for a second time. Now please excuse me, mother is still distraught over our brother’s... “untimely” death. And it is my duty as eldest daughter to tend to her during her grief-stricken days of mourning.” Lady Silver Light said stoically as she turned around and walked out of the little study that belonged to the twins. Neither one of Spark or Flash missed the little hint of saying their mothers grief-stricken days, and nothing of her own feelings, making it even less uncertain what she felt about the matter. The twins both turned back to the window looking down at the spectacle still taking place below.

“Now… you were saying earlier dear sister?” Silver Flash reminded her twin.

“Right… I saw the female gryphon toss one of her daggers into the air and make it land on the pommel before catching it again as it bounced off the ground.” Silver Spark elaborated while the two of them focused their attention on the black gryphoness who was desperately holding onto a young little colt who apparently wanted to join in the match between Lobo and the Praetorian mare.

“So… I should clap my hooves together because?” Flash wondered.

“Because it takes some skill to choose which side a dagger lands on when tossed up like that, she did it on purpose so as not to damage the dagger’s edge when it struck the ground.” Spark said with a smile as she watched the two youngsters.

“And… You're not thinking what I think you're thinking… are you?” Flash wondered looking at her twin thoughtfully.

“We might be able to use them for more than just annoying our big brother.” Spark said while she nodded encouragingly. Flash only smiled. At once they turned around and started heading off into the estate looking for said brother in order to set their plans of annoying him to no end in to motion. But now plans to gain their freedom down the line were also starting to form as they walked giggling down the dimly lit hallways of a house in supposed mourning.

****

The spectators around the two combatants had slowly become completely quiet. Where before shouts of encouragement had been sounding from them, now almost frightened ponies could be seen staring in open awe at the fight taking place. Lobo and Hammer Song had gradually been stepping up their display and were now going all out, Lobo dodging and weaving like flowing water around his opponent whilst Hammer Song kept coming straight in, attack after attack tearing up the ground where she passed. The rest of the Praetorians had also joined the ranks of spectators, but were watching much more appraisingly at how the two combatants held their ground. Beside the Praetorians Zig Zag and Raven were also looking on in stunned silence now, because finally the two youngsters realized just how much Lobo had been holding back while training them. But what was really sending chills down most of the spectators’ spines was that both the combatants were grinning widely while they fought.

Lobo had just managed to dodge one of Hammers rush attacks again. He had moved the fighting in amongst a couple of stout trees in the garden ensuring that Hammer could not use her full speed which he had found quite problematic to counter. Lobo thanked his lucky star he had actually fought against Lightning Strike on his way to North Bay. Otherwise his eyes would never have been able to follow the movements of his current opponent. Hammer Song was without a doubt faster than Lightning Strike in a straight line. But Hammer had one huge disadvantage. Her attacks followed a very straight path once she had set off, the momentum she carried making it difficult for her to change course. She could veer and dodge on her set trajectory, but changing her course took a lot of effort.

Hammer Song was nonetheless grinning, Lobo was all she hoped he would be and more. Most every fight she entered was over after her first real attack. But to her immense satisfaction Lobo had managed to dodge out of the way at the last hundredths of a second even when she activated her flesh binding that gave her an immense boost in speed. After Hammer Song’s first real attack both of them had been staring at each other in stunned surprise. Hammer Song because Lobo had actually managed to dodge her, and Lobo because of the speed Hammer Song had suddenly displayed. The wolf had then burst out in a wide grin and set off to find any obstacle that could slow her down.

Once Lobo entered the small grove the fight had been quite spectacular, vicious, brutal and completely impossible to stop watching. Hammer Song was now breathing heavily, the fight had gone on for much too long for her liking and it was becoming obvious Lobo had much more stamina than she did. He was still looking annoyingly alert and energetic. And even more disturbing to her, he had seemed to be getting faster and faster the longer the fight had been going on, as if he was slowly but surely adapting to her speed which should be completely impossible without flesh binding for any normal living being.

But then again you are not normal are you? Hammer Song thought as she gritted her teeth and lined up for another rush. Lobo was once again grinning back at her which was quite frankly starting to piss her off.

“This ends now pony!” Lobo called back challengingly. Hammer raised an eyebrow at him before snorting through her nose in defiance.

“You got that right wolf! I will skewer you this time for sure!” She called back and once again activated her flesh binding spell before setting off at a blistering pace. The world around seemed to slow down as she sped forward. But to her surprise, Lobo didn't seem to be dodging aside this time; instead he stood there waiting for her it seemed.

Just as she turned her head in order to align the blunted sword to deliver a strike against him, Lobo stomped down on a thick broken off branch that was lying just in front of him. The other end bounced up and caught Hammer Song square in the chest. The air was driven from her lungs as she came to an almost abrupt halt, while her dropped sword continued forward from the momentum alone. Lobo twisted around it at the same time as the branch broke in half from the enormous force that was placed upon it. The damage was however already done and Hammer Song went tumbling to the ground, rolling a couple of times before coming to a full stop. She gasped trying to catch her breath and bearing, only to feel a big weight lie on top of her. She turned her eyes up only to see Lobo bend down and deliver a mock nip at her throat, indicating he would have ripped it out had it been a real fight. Hammer Song gritted her teeth in fury before taking a deep breath.

Still, stop and calm… She thought as the mental commands stopped her flesh binding spell. As the world around her once again began to flow at a normal pace she looked up at the now very smug looking Lobo.

“Get. Off. Me. Now.” Hammer Song punctuated harshly completely fuming in indignation. She had had no misconception about the fact that Lobo would be a tough opponent, but never for a second had she actually thought she would be the one to lose the encounter.

“Oh don't be like that pony. That was a much better training session than I ever got at Crown Peak. You were much more than a challenge to me… You were a real threat.” Lobo said trying to make her feel better while he happily jumped up and started to strut off towards the only two who were now cheering loudly amongst the spectators. Everypony else except for the other Praetorians were looking at both Lobo and Hammer Song like they were monstrosities.

The fight had been utterly terrifying for everyone watching it; no mortal being without magic should be able to do what the two in front of them had just done. And even though Hammer Song was sweating quite a bit and breathing heavily, Lobo still seemed like he would be able to go another round if he so chose.

Zig Zag was oblivious to everyone else's reaction and now jumped excitedly around Lobo loudly proclaiming how awesome he was whilst Raven settled for giving Lobo a friendly punch on the shoulder. Without warning Lobo then playfully snatched up Zig Zag and proceeded to give him a fierce nuggy while his son squealed out in protest.

Hammer Song finally got to her hooves and immediately stumbled off to the side. A steady hoof grabbed her and kept Hammer Song upright while her pounding head slowly stopped spinning again.

“What, pray tell, do you think you were doing out here?” A very stern sounding Piercing Mark wondered, not making any secret of her cold fury as she locked eyes with a now stunned looking Hammer Song.

“I… what?... I was-”

“You were making a fool out of yourself, and in so doing out of all Praetorians.” Piercing Mark hissed at Hammer who tried to take a step back but stumbled and ended up sitting down on her butt instead.

“I… I didn't-”

“You didn't think?” Piercing Mark mocked and looked away from Hammer in disdain.

“Even a blind pony could see that clearly.” She continued in a low dangerous sounding hiss as she turned back to face a now thoroughly cowed Hammer Song, who was still having trouble staying upright.

“Feeling a bit dizzy are we? That tends to happen when somepony over uses the… gift too much. Or have you forgotten what powers it? For Celestia’s sake it’s the first thing you learn as a greenhorn amongst us praetorians!” Piercing Mark fumed even more, clearly very dissatisfied with Hammer Song’s performance against Lobo.

“But he-”

“He avoided your first attack while using the gift? Well boo-hoo, try another move you numbskull!...” Piercing Mark exclaimed, suddenly getting a very calculating expression before she looked back at Hammer with apprehension.

“You do know another one right?” She wondered. The clenched jaw from Hammer Song told piercing mark all she needed to know, and she didn't know if she should laugh or cry.

“You don't, do you… You have only taught yourself one attack with your gift?” Piercing Mark said in a deadpan voice.

“But I never miss with it!” Hammer Song tried to defend herself, only to realize how stupid that statement was right then. Piercing Mark only raised an eyebrow at her before scuffing at the statement.

“He was getting faster somehow! He must know some magic after all!” Hammer Song continued desperately trying to find a reason for her utter failure.

“Stop it! You're only digging a deeper hole for yourself…” Piercing said with a sigh. “You were much faster than him each time you used your rush attack. The difference in the end was that Lobo was constantly becoming better and better at reading your very limited movements. The last five times he dodged your attacks even before you set off, because he knew what you were doing even before you did.” Piercing Mark continued with an ever deepening frown.

“He also tricked you into coming after him amongst the trees which you should know from his story earlier is his preferred terrain to fight in. He led you around as if he had a leash around your neck through the whole fight. And all you had to do to get out of that was to take a step back, relax, look at the situation, and then act… But no! You just smashed your head against a wall again and again hoping it would fall down before you caved your own skull in!” Piercing Mark yelled reprimandingly at her subordinate, who just sat there taking the tongue lashing.

“Well guess what Hammer Song! You weren't banging your pretty little head against a silly little wall! You were banging it against a freaking mountain you plothead! By all that is holy Hammer! Even Bender is more flexible in his fighting style while under the full influence of his berserker rage! Lesson one in basic training; one doesn’t overuse the gift in battle or you will die! Lesson two in basic training; don't be predictable when you fight or you will die! Lesson three in basic training; adapt and be mindful of your surroundings! Use it to your advantage in any given battle! Or you will die!!! Now tell me Hammer Song! Which of the three first lessons in basic training did you not break just now! I know you were mostly recruited as our next smith! But by the moon this display was utterly pathetic!!!” Piercing Mark shouted straight in the face of a very pale Hammer Song.

“I'm sorr-” Smack! Hammer Song was silenced by a stinging hoof to the side of her face.

“You will show me four new ways to attack while using your gift before we leave North Bay, or instead of following us when we go after this Avarice you will be marching back to headquarters alone to redo everything from day one of basic training… Do you understand me little filly.” Piercing Mark said in a very stern and cold voice.

Hammer Song could do nothing but nod where she sat shaking in anger at the tongue lashing she was getting. Yes, she had clearly underestimated Lobo and made more than one mistake. But she had already understood that herself, she didn't feel she needed this humiliation in front of her peers. She would have figured this out and made corrections to it herself. After all Hammer Song was definitely not a pushover, there probably wasn't a warrior in the city that could take her even without her using the gift. You wouldn’t even get in through the door of the Praetorians if you were a bad fighter, even if she was primarily a smith.

“Good, now get out of my sight, I will decide how to increase your training regime later.” Piercing Mark finally concluded and watched as Hammer Song slowly trotted off towards the mansion in a very foul mood. Whoever had the misfortune of ending up on the wrong side of that today…

Sorry Bender you’re probably not getting any cuddles tonight… Piercing Mark thought with a sigh and looked over towards Lobo and his young ones. He was still roughhousing it with Zig Zag who just then jumped at him. Lobo reflexively caught Zig Zag with his left paw and body slammed the little colt into the ground, eliciting a few cringes on the faces of her fellow Praetorians who were all watching on in somewhat morbid fascination. Piercing Mark herself thought Zig Zag would stay down from that rather hard-hit, but to her surprise he rolled up on all fours and once again started darting around Lobo who laughed while the two circled each other. Piercing observed how Zig Zag was moving around his father in a fluid, soft and quiet way that would make just about any rogue fighter she had ever met green with envy.

And he's still just a colt… The potential in him is almost frightening. Piercing Mark thought just as Zig Zag took another rather harsh hit from Lobo making even her cringe as the big black wolf picked Zig Zag up in his massive jaws afterwards. Thoughtfully she trotted up to the three of them.

“That was quite a display Lobo.” Piercing Mark commented as she stepped up besides the wolf. Lobo dropped Zig Zag who immediately bounced away before turning around and growling playfully at his dad in a mock challenge.

“Why thank you, I must say I truly did enjoy that. I have never faced an opponent like her before. It was quite exhilarating.” Lobo answered and was then immediately tackled from the side by Zig Zag who had no qualms about taking advantage of his distracted dad. They both tumbled off together, Lobo laughing out loud while Zig Zag playfully scratched his metal claws against Lobo’s collar. Zig Zag was quickly caught between Lobo’s jaws again and rather harshly slammed down by the Dire Wolf who then immediately placed a big paw over the back of the now thoroughly stunned colt.

But once again it didn't take more than a half a second before Zig Zag was fiercely struggling to get out from under his dad’s grip. Several gasps of shock were once again heard from spectators still lingering around. Several of them had without thinking taken a few steps forward in worry at how harshly Lobo treated the little colt before stopping at hearing the now loudly laughing Zig Zag.

“Stop! Stop! HAHAHA! Stop! I give! I give! Stop tickling me, dad!!!” Zig Zag squealed out as Lobo had rolled him over on his back and was now mercilessly tickling his son’s neck that was still exposed even though he was wearing his leather armor.

“Hmmm… Your son is a lot tougher than his tender age and size might let on, but still I would recommend you stop doing that particular move on him from now on, you could seriously harm him even if he is wearing armor.” Piercing Mark informed Lobo from where she sat observing the strange interactions of this very peculiar family.

“Really? I'm not hurting you am I son?” Lobo asked worriedly as he let go of Zig Zag. The colt sprang readily to his hooves and shook himself vigorously before standing up proud.

“No I'm fine!” he winced a little, “Well… sometimes it might have hurt a little bit maybe… although it really doesn't hurt too badly at all anymore!” Zig Zag said while he looked around thoughtfully, trying to remember when it stopped hurting too much being tossed around by Lobo like that. Not really remembering he just gave a shrug before skipping off towards Raven.

“Come on Raven let's go get some breakfast, I'm hungry!” Zig Zag proclaimed loudly as he passed her. Raven grinned widely and followed him.

“Sounds like a plan ZZ. Do you think they have meat here?” Raven then asked tentatively as the two youngsters started to walk off together.

“If they don't we can hunt something down later if you like.” Zig Zag said comfortingly to a now even more grinning Raven. The comment made more than a few ponies around them turn and look questioningly and a bit fearfully at them.

Raven however didn't mind, she loved it when they were hunting together, it was after all a very Gryphon thing to do, and one Zig Zag had taken to with surprising vigor once he noticed just how much Raven liked it when he came along.

“Your son seems to be something of a prodigy when it comes to combat, especially given his age, and that's not just because of the reports Nightmare has discussed with me when it comes to what happened at The Officers Club. But the way he moves around so silently on his hooves without even thinking about it himself… I believe you have been quite harsh with him in your training if I'm not mistaken.” Piercing Mark said as she watched Zig Zag and Raven disappear into the mansion. Lobo grunted as he thought.

“I don't know to be honest… I've never tried to train anyone like this before. But he has never complained while we train so I don't think so.” Lobo answered and looked back at Piercing Mark. She stood quietly thinking it over.

“Thinking back on what you told us that first night in the gazebo, I do not think Zig Zag was able to realize just how bad his body was hurting when you started training him after his mother's death. He was most likely completely numb to physical pain judging by how he filed his own teeth in a desperate bid not to be a pony anymore… He was surely on the verge of a complete mental breakdown. It might actually be that your insane training style was exactly what he needed at the time. Not giving him a second to think too much about just how much he had lost, but instead concentrating on staying alive and learning the skills you have obviously taught him well.” Piercing Mark said and looked over to a now completely stumped Lobo.

“So… You think I was really hurting him back then, but he just didn't complain about it at all?” Lobo said looking even more worried and sad.

“I'm sorry to say it, but yes… A sane pony without such emotional trauma as to make themselves not even register physical pain, and most likely welcome it if he could, as some form of righteous punishment for his imagined wrongs in failing his mother… Yes, anypony else would have most likely been broken by your way of solely teaching by doing. I still say it's a miracle he survived judging by what he's been through. And the fact that your little tussle just now was apparently just fun and games… even though he is an earth pony, that treatment would have left most any colt his age and even grownups seriously injured.” Piercing Mark said pointedly.

“I truly didn't know I was that harsh on him… What should I do?” Lobo wondered anxiously as he thought back on just how hard he had actually been pushing Zig Zag, even though he had often asked for it himself.

“I think you should step back for a little while and let him find his own way for maybe a month or three before picking it up again at a more controlled pace. You can of course still teach him and train him a little bit. Just not at the same rate and intensity you have been doing so far, or his young body will most assuredly break sooner rather than later… He doesn't need to be constantly kept occupied anymore in order to keep his sanity intact. That female Gryphoness is keeping him more than distracted for the time being, and meeting other ponies his own age or at least younger than full adults would do Zig Zag some good too I believe.” Piercing Mark said in way of advice. Lobo nodded while he sat quietly mulling it over.

“Thank you for telling me this… I truly do not know what I'd have done if I seriously hurt my little Zig Zag.” Lobo said and looked over at Piercing Mark gratefully. She gave a short nod and then gestured for them to move towards the estate.

“Don't mention it. It would have been a waste to injure such a promising young warrior and possibly even cripple him needlessly. Now let's move into the dining hall and join the rest for breakfast. I do believe we will be the last two to arrive at this rate.” Piercing Mark said as she trotted off with Lobo following closely beside her.

****

Duchess Salt Wind sat fuming at her husband's right hoof, the Duke was thankfully back in his rightful place at the head of the table this morning since her former Empress Nightmare Moon was not joining them. Most importantly that little murdering street rat she had with her would not be attending either, staying at her master's feet like the good little attack dog she was.

“…and then she had the gall to think she could possibly apologise for what she had done!” The Duchess said harshly not caring that several of the Praetorians further down the table cast questioning looks towards her, it being quite impossible not to overhear what she was half yelling. Furthermore, much of it this morning had been about how she wished to see Twilight Sparkle dangle at the end of a rope as soon as possible.

“I know it is difficult for you dear, but try to keep your anger within while in the company of our guests…” Duke Silver Sails said without any real reprimand in his voice, gently tapping his wife's hoof on the table.

“Privately you can say whatever you like. But we still have our duties to take care of in and around the city, as well as a new power base to build now that we're no longer guaranteed ruler ship of North Bay. Hence you lashing out at Nightmare Moon's apprentice will not further our course in the slightest. Therefore I implore of you my dear, try to bear with it for the time being.” Silver Sails said comfortingly to his fuming wife.

“She murdered our youngest son! And then I have to watch that… that… horrid thing that did it stroll about with her head still attached to her shoulders in my very own home! She should be in the deepest darkest dungeon there is in the Bastille being well taken care of by the worst tortures the city guard has to offer! Why am I the only one reacting to this affront against our family that is the mere fact she is here amongst us!” Duchess Salt Wind hissed out while glaring at the rest of her family furiously. Duke Silver Sails’ jaw tightened as he was finally nearing the end of his patience.

“Wife! I know you are despairing at the loss of a child… But so am I, and the rest of us as well!” He said rather harshly indicating the gathered family around the breakfast table who were all finding their own food very interesting at the moment.

“Don't you dare think he was lost to us when he died at that mare’s hoof in The Officers Club. He was lost to us long before that and well you know it! We should have been keeping him under a much firmer hoof when we first noticed he was turning into a… a…” The Duke’s jaw clamped shut. Even if he knew what he was about to say was true, it was still hard for him to say it out loud.

“Monster… He had turned into a true monster and it is our fault for allowing it to happen… I have spared you from knowing the worst that he has done over the years. For Celestia’s sake he personally hated you for nothing more than the mere fact he had inherited most of your coloration, and the things I've heard him do to many of those poor souls trapped beneath The Officers Club is just… sickening beyond measure. Now we will try to bear our loss with dignity and do our duty for North Bay in the meantime.” Duke Silver Sails finished and looked at his wife quite harshly, daring her to disagree.

“He… He could have been brought around! Given enough time, and… and… guidance…” The Duchess tried to argue but trailed off to herself. She had not been completely sheltered from Silver Pot’s nightly activities, but surely he could be brought around again? Surely he could…

"I am sorry mother, but Silver Pot was a complete disgrace to this family. Would it not been seen as unbecoming for me to do so, I would kiss that mare’s hoof in thanks for dealing with a problem we would have to take care of ourselves sooner or later.” Lord Silver Cutter stated coldly as he looked over the table at his now once again fuming mother. Duke Silver Sails groaned inwardly, she had been so close to calming down and his ever hotheaded son had to go and say something like that. Although when it came to his brother, Silver Cutter never could keep his mouth shut.

“CUTTER!!! You will show some respect for your brother’s memory!” Salt Wind shouted and hammered her right hoof into the table making several plates and cups jump up quite a bit in the air, not to mention making several of the occupants around the table flinch.

One particular movement of a wing sheltering something further down the table brought her eyes upon the two children belonging to the foreign dignitary Wolf. She had totally forgotten that they were at the table this morning. The sight of the very pale faced colt now sheltering under the Gryphoness’ wing awoken the motherly side within her.

She reigned in her temper and tried to smile at them. She had heard they were also at The Officers Club that night; apparently having been brought there by Twilight herself.

As the Duchess understood it, Twilight had dragged a kicking and screaming Iron Rod outside of North Bay, only to return later in the evening without him and apparently having found the two youngsters outside the city looking for their father or something, at least that’s what Duchess Salt Wind believed. But instead of doing the decent and obviously right thing by bringing the two children straight to their father at the Silver Seas Estate, she brought the two youngsters with her to witness a massacre.

The two of them must have been so frightened seeing all that at such a tender young age… The Duchess thought sadly. With that she stood up and walked over to the two of them. As she drew closer to them she could see the black Gryphoness eyeing her warily, while the green eyes of the little blue colt grew larger and larger. As she stopped behind them the Gryphoness was now looking at her with open hostility, which was not surprising considering her savage upbringing in the Gryphon society so Duchess Salt Wind decided she could forgive her that. The little colt was adamantly staring down at his own hooves too frightened to meet her gaze.

“I’m sorry I scared the two of you my little darlings… I know it's neither of your faults what happened over at The Officers Club. You two were just dragged along by that horrible mare and happened to end up at the wrong place at the wrong time. Both you and your father are very welcome in our midst.” Salt Wind said comfortingly as she patted the little blue colt on his head.

“Eh… okay… thanks… I guess?” Zig Zag stammered out as he sat rigid while Silver Pot’s mother patted him lovingly on the head. All the while she instead remembered doing it to somepony else seemingly not too long ago as he came running into her bed chambers crying when he woke up after a bad dream.

In the meanwhile Zig Zag’s mind was thundering with his new revelation. How could he have missed this? It was so obvious! Silver Pot! Silver! It was right there in the name for crying out loud! Zig Zag was sitting at a breakfast table together with the family of the pony he had just killed!!! Cold sweat was starting to run down his back.

“Now then… I think I will retire for now, if you need me for anything ‘dear’ husband, I will be in my chambers to grieve our son properly. Daughter will you accompany me for the day?” Duchess Salt Wind said and started heading for the exit of the dining hall.

“Of course mother…” Lady Silver Light said quickly looking over towards her father who nodded at her while giving her a look that plainly said ‘keep her out of trouble if you can’. So Silver Light quickly stood up to accompany her mother. When the two of them exited the dining hall they almost bumped into a Praetorian, the leader of this particular group if memory served, and Lobo who were both entering the dining hall at the same time as they were leaving. The Praetorian immediately moved aside and bowed respectfully as was proper, while Lobo eyed the two of them curiously before giving a little nod in way of greeting. The Duchess Salt Wind and Lady Silver Light returned the nod before continuing on their way.

Lobo stepped into the dining hall and felt the rather oppressed atmosphere still lingering within. The Silver Seas family had once again started talking quietly amongst themselves at one end of the table, while at the other the Praetorians had done the same. Sitting somewhat in the middle but more towards the praetorians, Zig Zag and Raven shone up as they looked over towards Lobo, Zig Zag even going so far as to look extremely relieved to see his adopted father. Lobo wasted no time in moving over in sitting down next to them.

“How are you two this morning? Do they have anything good to eat today?” Lobo asked while he looked down at the two of them with a reassuring smile. Raven still had a wing draped over Zig Zag’s back in a comforting gesture, and Zig Zag was happily leaning into her embrace. Both now seemed to relax even further.

“They do have a lot of pony food, but the only thing I really found somewhat appetizing is the fish, although they really don't know how to cook it properly.” Raven said with a grunt and then gulped down a piece of said fish.

“They are herbivores so the art of cooking meat will not be natural to them… and I do believe they do a bad job on purpose in the hopes that would make us eat vegetables instead. I can probably ask if you could be given access to the kitchen if you want to cook your own food from now on?” Lobo said thoughtfully as he looked over towards the Silver Seas family, noticing that the Duke and his son were looking at him curiously while the two youngest daughters of the Silver Seas family were seemingly far more interested in Zig Zag and Raven.

Lobo remembered Piercing Mark’s thoughts that maybe ZZ and Raven would benefit from knowing some ponies a bit younger so seeing the twins show interest in them made him glad. In the corner of his eye Lobo could see Duke Silver Sails motion for him to join the main family at the head of the table. Not really knowing what to do in this situation Lobo opted to accept the Duke's offer.

“Looks like the Duke wants to talk to me. Do you two want to come with me?” Lobo asked since he could still see that Zig Zag seemed a bit apprehensive.

“No… I'm fine here I think…” Zig Zag answered. Lobo nodded and made to walk away when Zig Zag’s hoof stopped him.

“Ehh… there's something… I need to tell you later dad.” Zig Zag whispered.

“Okay son… after breakfast then.” Lobo answered and patted Zig Zag on the head. ZZ however quickly brushed the patting paw aside in a bit of annoyance.

“Why does every pony keep doing that?” he whined only for Raven to get a predatory grin on her face as she immediately started to pat Zig Zag on the head, earning her a death glare from him.

“Sorry… couldn't resist.” Raven said happily.

“Ha. Ha. Ha… Funny…” Zig Zag replied drily while Lobo shook his head and walked up towards Duke Silver Sails offered seat. Zig Zag followed his progress, and when he sat down and started conversing with the Silver Seas family they leaned in towards each other.

“We are in serious trouble if they ever find out I killed Silver Pot and not Twilight…” Zig Zag whispered anxiously.

“Then don't talk about it again while we’re here, the less we talk about it, the less a chance they'll find out about it…” Raven said.

“Oh, the family already knows-”

“But don't worry, father decided not to tell our dear mother since-”

“She isn't really thinking straight right now...” Two female voices said from just behind ZZ and Raven. They both slowly turned their heads two see Lady Silver Spark and Lady Silver Flash standing behind them smiling pleasantly.

Zig Zag felt his heart rate starting to rise and Raven stared daggers at the two sisters making no secret of what would happen if they made the wrong move. Instead the twins merely laughed quietly but pleasantly at the two youths.

“Why don't you two come with us after we are done with breakfast? I'm sure we can find something fun to do away from all the grown-ups.” Lady Silver Spark said and made a point of emphasizing the word grown-up by rolling her eyes in a bored manner. Seeing they really didn't have much of a choice in the matter, both Zig Zag and Raven nodded at the twins.

To say that breakfast was a bit awkward after that would be an understatement. Zig Zag and Raven constantly evaded answering most of the questions Lady Silver Spark and Silver Flash asked, no matter how good-natured their questions might have seemed. Raven didn't know why but she truly didn't trust these girls, the front they tried to present was just too perfect and happy. Zig Zag on the other hoof just felt very fearful now that he knew that this was Silver Pot’s family.

He had never really stopped to think about it before; he couldn't even remember where he had heard the name Silver Pot the first time. Just that his mother and Cherry Blossom constantly told him to kill Silver Pot and Iron Rod in every nightmare he had since… that day. And now he was sitting here with Silver Pot’s family after he had killed him. All of them must want to murder him now if they could… surely?

“Well then, now that we are all finished, will you two accompany us to our room for some pleasant conversation?” Lady Silver Spark happily asked as breakfast was winding down. Several of the Praetorians were in the midst of leaving, as were their father and big brother although the latter of the two was eyeing Zig Zag and Raven with disapproval clearly showing.

Thankfully Zig Zag didn't notice because Lobo had just joined them and so he launched into explaining his fears about staying where they were.

“Dad! They know… they know I did it, we have to leave!” Zig Zag tried to whisper but failed miserably. Lobo nodded calmly at a now completely stunned looking Zig Zag.

“I know, the duke told me a few interesting things earlier… It's not really important, but as long as you don't tell Duchess Salt Wind anything you are completely safe and under the protection of Nightmare Moon. Apparently we are now members of the Lunar Republic.” Lobo said trying to sound comforting. Although the truth was he felt quite worried as well about the situation. He just didn't have a good enough handle on things right now to form an opinion if this was a good or bad development.

“Oh… okay.” Zig Zag answered a bit bewildered.

“You see there's nothing to worry about, now let's have some fun!” Lady Silver Flash exclaimed happily. Lobo gave her a little smile and nodded at Zig Zag and Raven.

“Why don't you two give them a chance, if you need me all you have to do is howl and I'll come running. I was also told the Praetorians wanted to discuss something with me, and then later when Nightmare Moon returns she wanted to talk to all of us about something having to do with a personal matter of mine. I don't really think you'll find any of those conversations interesting, so you might as well go have some fun with some ponies more your own age.” Lobo said and made a little motion for them to follow the Silver Seas twins, both of whom stood waiting a few paces away.

“Alright… I guess we can do that.” Zig Zag answered and looked up at Raven for confirmation.

“Yeah sure, but if they get any funny ideas about moving in on ZZ they got another thing coming to them.” Raven said as she narrowed her Gryphon eyes on the two Noble mares who both grinned back at her with a now very mischievous look in their eyes.

****

As the two noble mares lead their new friends through the winding hallways of the mansion they both snickered and laughed while they poked good fun at their younger followers. Even though they already knew it to be true, they still had a hard time believing Zig Zag and Raven were the same age, given that Raven was more or less the same size as a fully grown pony. Although when one compared her to a mature Gryphon it was easy to see that she still was a youth.

“I must say that was a truly lovely story.” Lady Silver Flash said in good humor as she looked back at the now slightly blushing Zig Zag.

“I agree, to think the first time you two saw each other one ended up saving the life of the other only for the favor to be returned again and again for as long as you've known one another.” Lady Silver Spark cooed and dramatically laid her head to the side, putting her hoof against her forehead.

“It's just so romantic I could faint on the spot!” She said dreamily making Zig Zag turn an even brighter shade of red while Silver Flash grabbed Raven around the neck pulling her in close with a conspiratory look on her face.

“So how far have you two gotten? Snuggles? Kissing? Ohhh have you two been playing doctors yet?!” She said and then laughed at the horrified face now looking back at her.

“Okay that's it!” Raven shouted angrily and briskly shoved Silver Flash off of her, making the noble mare stumble a few paces back.

“I've had it up to here with you two! By my wings if you two don't stop it I am likely to do something very stupid!” Raven proclaimed dragging her claw over the wooden floor leaving deep grooves in it for emphasis.

Neither Silver Flash nor Silver Spark paid Raven any mind as they both sauntered off to stand at the door at the end of the hall just a few meters away.

“Oh don't you worry Raven-”

“we are only teasing you two a bit-”

“and besides we are here now-”

“so if you and Zig Zag wouldn’t mind-”

“I think we can have a rather lovely conversation inside-”

“and no more teasing you Raven, we promise.” The two twin sisters said between themselves and smiled innocently back at Raven and Zig Zag. Their horns lit up and opened the door into what looked like a rather large and extravagantly furnished room.

Looking at each other rather uncertainly Zig Zag finally decided to accept the offer and stepped forward through the doorway, followed immediately after by Raven. Both Silver Spark and Silver Flash enthusiastically clapped their hooves together and entered behind them closing the door firmly.

A blue aura once again encased the door ensuring only family members could now unlock it, and that no sound would be heard in or out of the room. Immediately several servants who had been tending to ‘very important maintenance’ in the corridor went on their way, only leaving one to wait for when the two youngest Silver Seas family members would come out so the chaperones could once again make sure they would not get into too much trouble.

****

As soon as the door closed both Lady Spark and Lady Flash’s expressions changed, taking on a much more serious and calculating look. They glanced at each other.

How long?

Twenty-five to thirty minutes tops?

Most likely thirty I'd say.

We'll have to time this well.

Naturally, although that doesn't mean we can’t have fun in the meantime?

Agreed.

Good.

The silent conversation between the two twins took only a heartbeat as they nodded to each other and put on two pleasant smiles.

In the meanwhile Zig Zag and Raven were busy inspecting the unbelievable riches on display in the room. Two of the most eye catching things were the giant beds on the opposite sides of the large chamber, one for each sister obviously. They were both enormous with silken sheets and tall gilded posters at each corner holding up untold length of the richest velvet fabric Zig Zag had ever seen, even surpassing what he had seen at The Officer's Club.

But when he got closer, the real piece de resistance became apparent. Because as he looked up towards the roof of the bed, or at least where it was supposed to be, he was staring out into an endless and clear night sky slowly drifting past. It was an incredibly intricate illusion cast onto the fabric itself.

“Beautiful isn't it?” Lady Flash whispered into Zig Zag’s ear making him jump up in surprise. He had been completely lost at the site of the impossible beautiful illusion above the bed, not noticing the now widely smiling Lady Flash walking up to him.

“Yes very… It reminds me of when Raven and I used to look at the stars up in the mountains of Feliniss. It's almost as good looking…” Zig Zag said, still observing the recreated night sky.

“Both me and my sister are very adept at illusions…” Lady Flash then whispered into Zig Zag’s other ear making him bump into Lady Flash who was on his other side. He gave a little annoyed look towards the two sisters and then turned where Raven had gone to, only to see her standing on the other side of the room with Lady Spark looking up into the roof of the other bed.

“Wait… What?” Zig Zag said in confusion as his head began whipping back and forth between what he thought were the two sisters. The first Silver Flash who had spoken smiled down at him, while the second shimmered and disappeared. Zig Zag only stood and looked at where Lady Flash’s illusion of herself had just stood. The illusion had been so real; he had even felt her… It's… breath on his ear when she whispered to him. Silver Flash looked down at Zig Zag and his cute little confused expression, she couldn't help but giggle some more. Lady Flash truly wouldn't have minded having him as a little brother, thinking of all the cute dresses she could force him to wear. She and her sister would have so so much fun teasing him all day long!

“Wow… That was cool! Never seen anything like that before.” Zig Zag said quietly.

“No, most likely you wouldn't have. Not many have the talent and education needed to undertake high magical spell casting outside of the noble families.” Lady Flash said with a giggle at how adorable this little colt could look when he wasn't aware of it, especially since he was always trying to look fierce whenever a chance presented itself.

In the meanwhile, Raven and Lady Silver Spark had moved over to the lounging area of the sisters’ bed room.

In front of a big double doorway leading out onto a quite large balcony Raven now set herself down on some heavenly soft pillows situated around a low dark mahogany table. Through the open doors Raven could see that the view was stunning, looking out over the ocean and a little bit of the harbor which was visible above the city wall which didn't reach as high as the balcony. Silver Spark gracefully made herself comfortable on the pillow just next to Raven just as Raven herself looked over towards Zig Zag and saw how close Silver Flash was standing and leaning in towards him, almost pressing up against him?!

“Hey! ZZ… ehh?… come over here and look at this view… it's really… good?” Raven said a bit awkwardly trying to come up with a reason to get him away from the other mare. Suppressed giggles sounded from the other side of her. With a bit of annoyance Raven looked over towards Lady Spark.

“Ohhh, please don't mind me. And for the record, of the two of you in here you are the one in the most danger of succumbing to some frivolous activities.” Lady Spark said with a wide grin.

“What...” Raven answered looking somewhat perplexed. Quick as a whip, Lady Spark leaned in and gave Raven a quick peck on the chin. Raven stared back at the mare in open shock while Lady Spark giggled sweetly.

“You my dear Raven are much more aligned to mine and my sister’s tastes when it comes to a potential mate.” Spark’s said and wiggled an eyebrow at Raven. Raven suddenly looked crestfallen as it all snapped into alignment as her brain worked out what Lady Spark’s was hinting at.

“WHAT!!!” She shrieked and tumbled off the pillow only to bounce away quicker than Lady Silver Spark had ever seen anything move, before taking shelter behind a very surprised looking Zig Zag.

“Stay the heck away from me!” Raven screeched out towards Silver Spark who now lay on her back laughing her flanks off.

“Sister! What did you do now?” Silver Flash said with a sigh and sat down beside her sister on the pillow Raven had just vacated.

“Oh it was so precious! I gave her a little peck on the cheek and boy you should have seen the look on her face! Priceless!!!” Lady Spark explained and then started rolling around laughing again.

“We said we were not going to tease her anymore sister, remember?” Lady Flash said pointedly. Silver Spark immediately stopped laughing and quickly rolled onto her stomach again.

“Right… sorry about that Raven. I won't do it to you again.” She said but failed to suppress a couple more giggles before managing to gather herself completely. Raven questionably looked out from behind Zig Zag at the quite intolerable noble mare before reluctantly following Zig Zag over to them and sitting down on two opposite pillows at the table, hoping it would at least afford some protection from the two sisters on the other side.

“Now… to put it bluntly, we would like to acquire your assistance in some rather delicate situations that have arisen for us in the city below.” Lady Flash said in a no-nonsense manner. Both Zig Zag and Raven looked at each other and then back to Silver Flash.

“Not to sound disrespectful, but with what you both apparently know I've done, why would you possibly want to acquire my services? If not to make sure I fall into some trap or another equally bad end?” Zig Zag asked while Raven's wings spread just a little bit in anticipation of having to take action.

“Please Zig Zag… If we want you dead we sure as horse shoes wouldn't have invited you here where you could both potentially harm us. And when it comes to our deceased brother… The only regret I have when it comes to him is that I never told him how much I truly loathed him to his face before he died.” Lady Flash said with disdain clearly showing on her features. Zig Zag was about to answer when he was cut off by Lady Spark.

“None in this family liked Silver Pot, and we know for a fact father and big brother were actually planning on sending him on a voyage to Feliniss in a month or two, with the sole hope he would actually get himself killed by one of their gryphon warriors when he undoubtedly would trample on some gryphon’s honor and be challenged to a duel. Both father and big brother were quite certain Silver Pot would enrage the gryphon enough to ensure that said duel would only end in his death. So as you can clearly see my dear friends… you have nothing to fear from this family, except mother of course since she's decided to forget he became older than ten.” Lady Spark said honestly as she watched the two youngsters.

Several minutes past while Zig Zag and Raven mulled over what they had just been told. Finally they both seemed to relax somewhat, since they really couldn't see any point for the two noble mares in front of them to lie at this point.

“Okay… so… hi… ehhh… I'm Zig Zag, and I killed your brother I guess.” Zig Zag said still somewhat apprehensively as he looked at Flash for any kind of reaction from her. Both sisters however smiled back at him pleasantly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Zig Zag, and you too Raven.” Lady Spark answered.

“Now to why we brought you two here, we would very much like to acquire your services while you are here in North Bay. To… you know… run errands and collect stuff that belongs to us when say… the holder of said stuff doesn't really want to give back what is rightfully ours.” Lady Flash said innocently while her facial expression said something entirely different.

“Wait! Wait! You want us to be your… debt collectors or something?” Raven asked disbelievingly.

“Don't you rich ponies have big meatheads that do that for you?” Raven then asked pointedly.

“Ohh… Got a sly one here!” Lady Silver Spark said and looked appreciatively at Raven, who immediately pressed herself a little bit closer to Zig Zag, that little peck on the cheek still in fresh memory.

“Yes, the Silver Seas families do have both legal and let’s say… less legal means to gather what is ours. But they all answer only to our father and big brother at the moment since mother is unavailable. And even if we could get one of them to do this for us, father would find out about it for sure, something we very much don’t want to happen.” Silver Flash explained.

“Why?” Zig Zag wondered. Both Silver Flash and Silver Spark looked at him with a very flat expression.

“Do you want your father to know everything you've been up to?” Silver Flash asked already knowing the answer.

“Actually… I don't have anything I'm afraid to tell dad about.” Zig Zag said looking back at the two now very surprised looking noble mares. The shock on their faces was plain to see, it was probably the two first genuine expressions Zig Zag had actually seen the two sisters make since meeting them that morning. Quite clearly, the thought that Zig Zag would have given that answer had never crossed Spark or Flash’s minds for a second.

“You… You’re serious aren't you?” Silver Flash said still having trouble understanding the concept of not wanting to hide something from your family.

“Yeah, so what? Can't you tell your mom and dad when something is bothering you?” Zig Zag wondered innocently. Lady Spark actually burst out in a little uncontrolled laughter before gathering herself again.

“No… dear Celestia no… it would end very badly for us…” Silver Flash whispered under her breath, not really saying it to any pony but herself.

“Yes well anyway!” Silver Spark said pointedly.

“The reason we brought you two here; it's because we want to talk to you undisturbed about securing your services as our exclusive operatives so that the rest of the family doesn't know what we're doing twenty-four seven. It is rather stifling let me tell you!” Silver Spark continued as she steered the conversation back to its intended purpose.

“Right now what we need from you two is to go get a little pendant we happened to give to a former friend of ours. Both my sister and I were very close to her until she decided to try and use this item as leverage to gain influence over us. It is partly our own fault since we didn't research the gemstone we gave her closely enough. We thought it a mere trinket when in reality it was a family heirloom. Needless to say when we informed our friend we wished to have it back she did not react in the way we had hoped, even when we assured her she would be given something else instead.” Silver Flash said clearly distraught at the memory.

“This little upstart decided she could use the pendant to hold over our heads, as my sister said, to make us do favors and stuff for her we were not completely comfortable with. And she hasn't stopped either, the demands this mare is making of us are getting more and more out of hoof, soon we will not be able to comply anymore… and if she goes through with her threats and exposes our secret to our family… we would most likely be married off before the end of the month, willing or not.” Silver Spark said looking pleadingly back at Zig Zag and Raven who were both staring back at the twin sisters not known what to make of the situation.

“So… Now you know the position we are in, we would turn to you two primarily and not some two bit thug for hire down in the city who would most likely use the information he learned against us in a similar way further down the line anyhow.” Silver Flash said now mirroring Silver Spark’s pleading look. Zig Zag and Raven looked at each other questioningly. Then Raven turned back towards the noble mares.

“Okay, I think I can see the situation here, but what is to stop us from making the same demands you fear others making of you in the future?” Raven questioned carefully.

“Oh, you will of course be compensated handsomely as long as you work for us have no doubt!” Silver Spark said gesturing absentmindedly with her hoof. Then they both got a very stern look as their gazes fell on the two youths sitting across from them.

“And if all else fails we could always tell mother who really killed Silver Pot after all. Mother may not be able to touch Twilight Sparkle because of Nightmare Moon, but you two?” Silver Flash said in a dangerous voice making it inevitable where that particular thought would end. Both Zig Zag and Raven's eyes went wide when they realized the threat they had just received from the two mares in front of them, but before they could say anything Lady Spark continued.

“But we do not believe that would be necessary at all so calm yourselves, the rewards for working for us alone will keep you quite happy with the arrangement, so do we have an accord?” Spark’s wondered looking primarily at Zig Zag with a raised eyebrow.

“Well… maybe… I don't know? Can we think about it?” Zig Zag tried. The two sisters narrowed their eyes at him, and then they grinned mischievously.

“No, we need your answer before you leave this room, and if you take too long I guess we'll just have to torture the answer out of you!” Both Silver Spark and Silver Flash proclaimed loudly at the now completely horrified looking Zig Zag and Raven. Raven didn't have a chance to react before her whole body was encased in a magical glow pinning her in place, while Zig Zag went flying through the air to land on his back between the two sisters who both looked down at him with absolute glee.

“NO! GET OFF OF HIM OR I'LL KILL YOU BOTH! YOU HEAR ME!!!” Raven bellowed from where she was pinned in place. Silver Spark who was obviously keeping her there looked back at her with a smile as Raven’s beak was clamped shut by telekinetic force.

“Ohhh, so protective! But seriously Raven, don't let anypony outside this room ever hear you say that, or pastries won't be the only thing cooking in our ovens tonight.” Lady Spark said with a dangerous glint in her eye.

“Now then our little victim, it's time to force an answer from you, willing or not!” Silver Flash exclaimed happily. Then both Flash and Spark bent down towards Zig Zag and started blowing raspberries on his exposed neck making him squeal out in surprise, before starting to laugh uncontrollably. Every time Zig Zag would cringe to protect his neck from one sister he inadvertently exposed himself to the others merciless onslaught. Giggling and laughing like a mad colt, it wasn't long before a squirming Zig Zag finally caved under the sister’s ruthless torture.

“Yes! HA!HA! Yes! I'll do it!!! HA!HA! Stop! Stop! HA!HA! I'll do anything you say just stop!!! HA! HA!” He squealed out between gasps for air and laughter in utter defeat. The sisters set back up proudly while looking down at their newly sworn-in agent, who still lay gasping for breath at their feet.

“It makes us very happy that with managed to come to this arrangement.” Lady Silver Spark said with a big smile. Both twins now looked over to Raven who was just sitting there frozen in bewilderment, beak hanging open.

“So? Are you in or do we need to torture you as well?” Lady Silver Flash said with a big grin while wiggling her eyebrows at Raven.

“NO! Definitely not! If ZZ is in then I’m cool with it!” Raven said hastily, although she didn't look happy about it at all.

“Ahhh… Can't we do it anyway sister?” Lady Flash wondered out loud while now pouting at her sister, making Raven immediately take a couple of steps back from the two crazy mares. Just then the door to the twin’s bedroom opened rather harshly, and in the doorway stood a very stern looking Lord Silver Cutter. When his eyes fell upon a very exhausted looking Zig Zag lying between Lady Flash and Lady Spark, his eyes became pinpricks.

“What in the name of Nightmare is going on in here?!” He bellowed angrily, making Zig Zag pop his head up looking around in surprise at the sudden outburst. He was immediately yanked away by a powerful telekinetic force and ended up hovering in front of a very angry and protective big brother.

“Know your place peasant! Or I will have to teach it to you!” Lord Silver Cutter yelled and gave Zig Zag a back-hooved blow across the cheek. Or at least that's what he thought he would do. When his blow connected with Zig Zag Silver Cutter’s hoof simply stopped dead in its tracks. The colts chin had scrounged up but his head hadn't moved an inch from the strike. Silver Cutter stared in shock for a second before a growl sounded from a now very angry Zig Zag, who then lashed out and bit down hard on Silver Cutter's hoof, which had still been pressed against his chin.

“AHHHH!” Cutter yelled out in pain as the magic suspending Zig Zag fizzled out, he fell to the floor and immediately bounced off. After a string of curses had left Lord Silver Cutter he looked around fully intent on finding the now absent upstart. Without warning a growling voice sounded through the room.

“Strike a Wolf you get bit!” Zig Zag’s very angry voice declared without really giving away where he was.

“You will be whipped for this colt! You defile my sisters and attack my person! You are lucky I don't demand a duel of honor and end your pathetic life!” Lord Silver Cutter yelled in absolute fury.

“BROTHER!!!” Both sisters now yelled angrily back at him.

“Don't worry little sisters; I will take care of this!” Lord Silver Cutter called back, missing completely why his siblings had a yelled at him.

“Stay your hoof brother! Or we will tell farther you have attacked a guest at this house without provocation!” Lady Silver Spark called hotly over towards her still enraged brother. But the statement at least managed to get his attention.

“What?” Silver Cutter said uncomprehendingly.

“You burst into our room uninvited, saw something completely innocent, drew the wrong conclusions in your perverted little brain, and then promptly attacked our guest who has been nothing but a gentle colt this whole time!” Lady Silver Flash called out angrily making her brother take a few steps backward.

“But… But-”

“No buts brother! Go to father and tell him what you think you have seen! And then we will set it all straight and inform him of your bumbling idiocy! Now leave! Or do we have to throw you out ourselves? You know that either one of us alone is more magically inclined then you are dear brother…” Lady Silver Spark said letting the last part hang menacingly between the brother and two sisters. Finally Lord Silver Cutter stood up straight looking down at his younger sisters. With a snort he looked over towards Raven and found that Zig Zag now sat at her side looking at him without fear. This truly annoyed him more than he wanted to admit. Silver Cutter turned his gaze back towards his sisters.

“I'll be keeping an eye on this. If I see even the slightest hint of something going on I will be on you like a-” Silver Cutter looked over towards Raven. “Hawk…” He finished and then turned around smartly and walked out slamming the door behind him. Lady Silver Flash and Lady Silver Spark looked at each other grinning.

That worked perfectly sister!

I know! Even better than we could have hoped it would sister. Both Zig Zag and Raven will most likely be very thankful for us intervening on their behalf, showing they can clearly trust us to have their backs covered even against our own family.”

And Silver Cutter will most likely get the idea to have a ‘practice’ match with Zig Zag instead of a full on dual in about five minutes or so, when he realizes that challenging ZZ to a duel will only end up with him or his second having to face Lobo in combat instead.

With how angry he was, big brother will most likely try to implement that plan as fast as he can.

Maybe even today if we're lucky!

And if Zig Zag can last more than three minutes while sparring with big brother we might have to think about extending Zig Zag’s service to us on a more permanent basis.

The silent conversation between the twins once again only took a heartbeat before they turned back to their two young new friends, who were both looking at them curiously and quite gratefully.

“Well then… Why don't you two stay here for a little while until brother has had a chance to cool off a bit? And when you do leave, I suggest using Raven wings and leaving from the balcony since brother will definitely have somepony watching the door now.” Lady Silver Spark said and smiled at Zig Zag and Raven who both looked at each other before giving a little shrug in indifference.

“Yeah sure, we don't have anything better to do since dad is busy.” Zig Zag answered.

“Wonderful! Now let's see what kind of games we have here that we can play.” Lady Silver Flash announced happily as she trotted off towards a bookcase where several kinds of board games were on display.

****

Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 35 Growing Conflicts

True Black
Chapter 35
Growing Conflicts

****

17 of August

As Lobo walked down the dimly lit hallways of the gothic mansion, the soft clopping of hooves accompanied his own ever-silent paws on the way. Piercing Mark cantered next to him, while the rest of the praetorians followed closely behind the leading duo. Finally, much further back and dragging her hooves, Hammer Song reluctantly tagged along.

Piercing Mark glanced back towards the very glum-looking pony. With a sigh, she slowly dropped back towards the dark purple earth pony. To say that Hammer Song had been sullen since her defeat to Lobo that morning, and the ensuing chewing out by Piercing Mark, would be putting it lightly.

But, if necessary, Piercing would do it again, despite knowing how hard Hammer Song would take it, because there was nothing that angered her more than seeing an obvious talent not reaching its full potential. Hammer Song was clearly talented well beyond your average blacksmith, but she was too focused on that area of her training, and was subsequently letting her combat skills go lax.

So when the dark brown unicorn finally let Hammer Song catch up, Piercing Mark stepped in beside her second-in-command. At first, the earth pony mare would not meet Piercing Mark’s gaze, thinking she was in for another reprimand. Finally Hammer steeled herself and looked up at Piercing Mark questioningly.

“What?” Hammer asked shortly, before thinking the better of it and adding, “...Sir?”

“I know you had a rough morning Hammer, but it's well past time you pull yourself together again,” Piercing stated. “Do you want Nightmare Moon to see you like this when you step into the meeting chamber?” Hammer Song just snorted and kept on walking in silence, causing Piercing to look over at the stubborn earth pony disappointedly, until another approach dawned on her.

“Or perhaps the better question is would you like Bender to see you like this? He is waiting for us there as well you know.” That comment got a reaction out of Hammer, who stopped in her tracks, while giving her superior a heated glare. Piercing Mark slowly stopped as well and turned slightly to meet the angry expression on her subordinate’s face. With a smug expression, Piercing Mark continued forwards.

“I thought not. Now get a move on! We’d better not be late for this meeting with Nightmare Moon,” Piercing Mark said in a rather harsh tone. “There are topics to be discussed and plans to be made. I will need you at your best during these deliberations. Is that understood?” Hammer Song ground her teeth together at that, but raised her head and followed.

“Understood Sir. I will do my best Sir,” Hammer Song replied with as much calm as she could muster. She came to a halt in front of Piercing Mark, the brown unicorn having stopped in front of a large set of double doors at the end of the hallway. With an encouraging nod, Piercing Mark put her hoof against Hammer Song’s chest, making sure her subordinate was paying attention.

“Good. Leave your troubles at this threshold for now. For the next hour we will think of nothing but how to bring this Avarice to his knees. He will rue the day he crossed the praetorians! Besides, by any account, both you and Bender have quite a personal stake in this. For that, I swear that whatever help you may need to rectify your shortcomings, I will make sure you receive. I will personally train with you every day if that's what it takes.” Piercing Mark said fiercely, as she met Hammer Song’s blue eyes with her own light purple ones. After a few moments of silence Hammer Song answered with a crisp salute.

“Sir, understood Sir!” Hammer barked back with a firm voice and a small grin.

“Good, now let's go. Nightmare Moon waits for no pony,” Piercing Mark said as she pushed the door open and entered.

****

As Black Star opened her eyes, she was immediately filled with a feeling of wrongness. She looked around, trying to make out where she was. As she tried to move, a dulled pain shot through her body. She winced and looked down at her front legs to see them firmly secured and stretched out in front of her on a table.

Oh… right, we got caught. They broke my legs and… and-

“Lightning…” Black Star croaked out as she remembered flashes of what befell her beloved. At least, she thought it had happened, she couldn't be too sure seeing as she’d been pretty busy screaming in absolute agony herself. In the short time she had woken up, she once again had trouble doing anything except concentrate on her own torment.

On the other side of the research tent, in whatever camp they now found themselves, Black Star could hear something stir. The rattling of chains announced something moving towards her at a slow pace.

Finally, Lightning Strike’s short, messy, two-tone blue mane came into sight. Her golden yellow coat looked unkempt while her ice-blue eyes were bloodshot, tired and haggard from lack of sleep.

Black Star’s breath caught in her throat as she beheld Lightning’s side; her fears for her loved one were confirmed. Lightning Strike’s beautiful wings were stripped clean of all feathers, leaving two naked and frail-looking protrusions where the majestic feathered wings had once been.

As their eyes met, Lightning Strike managed to smile lovingly at Black Star, tied down to the table before her.

“Hey… How are you feeling?” Lightning whispered hoarsely as she came up and tenderly nuzzled her beloved.

“I'm fine…” Black Star answered while looking at Lightning’s wings. “How are you?”

Lightning cringed as she followed Black Star’s gaze and looked back at her stripped wings.

“I'll… I'll be fine,” Lightning shakily answered. “They’ll grow back eventually, and if I get a magic healer it might only be a… few months...” Lightning tried to sound light-hearted, but the strain in her voice and the look in her eyes betrayed how hard she had really taken the mutilation Avarice had forced her to endure. Not to mention that even if her feathers did eventually grow back, she knew there was still the risk that her flight capabilities would be hampered for years to come.

“It's… It's my fault! I'm so sorry Lightning… If I hadn't-”

“No! This isn't your fault!” Lightning interrupted, looking down at the unicorn with fierce determination. “Don't you EVER say this is your fault, you hear me?”

“But if I hadn't set of that trap…” Black Star whimpered where she lay on her side, looking up at her lover with pleading eyes. Lightning Strike sighed sadly before pressing her forehead against Black Star’s.

“It could just as easily have been me, my star… It was just sheer dumb bad luck and nothing more. So please love, don't blame yourself. No matter which way you look at it, this is not your fault. The blame lies squarely with Avarice, and no one else,” Lightning Strike said and slowly lifted her head again so she could lay a gentle kiss at the base of Black Star’s horn.

“We'll get out of this. You’ll see; everything will be all right,” Lightning Strike lied, knowing it was what Black Star needed to hear right then. In response, the white-coated mare looked up through her messy black mane, with its beautiful red stripes running through it, and nodded.

“I love you,” Black Star croaked out. Lightning smiled reassuringly.

“Love you too, my star,” Lightning cooed back. “Do you need anything? Are you thirsty?”

Black Star nodded, and Lightning Strike once again began the arduous journey across the research tent to fetch the water jug from the provision table.

As she finally made it across, Lightning had to take several deep breaths to quell the desperation she felt within herself. She couldn't break down here; she couldn't show weakness. She had to be strong... strong for Black Star. For if she wasn’t… they were both sure to die.

Slowly, and with a final shuddering breath, Lightning retrieved the water and a single piece of stale bread, their entire allotted rations, on a wooden tray before making her way back. She’d left the bread untouched and had only taken some of the water. Because one thing Lightning new without a doubt was that Black Star was in far greater need of the food than she was.

When she was almost within sight for Black Star, Lightning once again put a smile on her face.

Be strong for her Lightning... you have to be strong… She thought as their eyes met and she walked the last few meters back to her beloved, all the while smiling reassuringly down at her.

****

“You two take care now, and we’re terribly sorry we forgot about our prior engagement,” Lady Silver Flash said apologetically.

“Oh, that's no problem,” Zig Zag replied, not minding too much while Raven was more than happy to leave. “I guess we'll see you two later.”

“You will,” Lady Silver Sparks said, sounding mischievous. “We have plans for you two this coming week, and I dare say, you’re both likely to enjoy them.”

“Yeah okay… That doesn't sound creepy at all,” Raven muttered while Zig Zag made himself comfortable on her back. The two of them were, as the twins had suggested, leaving by way of the balcony.

“Take care now, and stay out of trouble,” Both Lady Spark and Flash said at the same time while Raven spread her black wings and shot up into the sky with Zig Zag grinning widely.

As soon as Zig Zag and Raven were out of earshot, the twins turned around and started heading for the exit of their room.

“We should probably have a word with father now,” Lady Silver Flash said.

“Indeed, thereby making sure our dear old brother knows Zig Zag is once more within his reach. Given the state he was in when he left, he’ll most likely start looking for the little fighter immediately,” Silver Spark continued, chuckling a little.

“Oh I can’t wait!” Silver Flash cooed, “This afternoon promises to be most entertaining.”

And with that, both sisters, with happy smiles gracing their beautiful features, opened their door and began making their their way through their extensive home to find their father.

****

As Raven glided peacefully over the vast commons of the Silver-Seas Estate, Zig Zag looked out over the impeccably trimmed botanical garden landscape. It was no secret that he loved flying with Raven, and she, in turn, loved making Zig Zag happy.

“Hey! Look over there, isn't that…” Zig Zag’s face scrounged up, “Twilight! I think...” Zig Zag pointed off to the side. Raven turned her head, following where her colt friend was pointing. The female gryphon´s much sharper vision locked onto the unmistakable form of Twilight Sparkle sitting in a secluded part of the garden, almost all the way out towards the Estate’s back boundary wall. Seeing the unicorn sitting by herself, Raven suddenly got an idea, as she glanced down to the silver bracelet Zig Zag had given her before they reached the city.

“Let's go see how she's doing,” Zig Zag said, tapping Raven on the shoulder.

“Yeah, okay,” Raven answered and changed course, veering towards the purple unicorn.

When they came in for a landing, Zig Zag jumped off before Raven even touched down; rolling once before coming to a skidding halt right in front of Twilight. She, however, was too deep in thought to notice the two new arrivals.

“Hello! Any pony home?” Zig Zag asked, playfully waving his hoof in front of Twilight while Raven walked up behind him.

“Ghhaa!” Twilight blurted out when she finally became aware of her two uninvited visitors. Simultaneously, both were unceremoniously knocked away by a powerful telekinetic force wave from the startled mare.

With two thuds, both youths crashed down a respectable distance away from the purple unicorn. Shaking his head, Zig Zag looked up at a now-irritated Twilight while Raven groaned a bit beside him as she too made her way up on all fours again.

“By Nightmare’s blessing you two! Don't ever surprise me like that! I could have really hurt you just now!” Twilight said agitatedly while she looked at Zig Zag and Raven a bit awkwardly.

“Wow, that was…” Zig Zag gave a small shake of his head to clear it, “...almost as fun as training with dad.”

“Ouch,” Raven added.

“Sorry. You two just startled me when you snuck up like that,” Twilight said while telekinetically helping brush off both Zig Zag and Raven.

“Snuck up? We couldn't have been more obvious unless we were banging on drums while we landed!” Raven said, quite annoyed at the rude welcoming they’d received.

“Yeah, you seemed kinda lost in thought,” The young colt remarked before looking at Twilight and, more specifically, where her left hoof used to be. “What were you thinking about anyway?” Zig Zag wondered, leaving the conversation topic choice up to Twilight.

“It's nothing you two need to worry about, okay?” She answered, staring off to the side and pausing, before turning back to the youngsters with an accusing look. “And what are you two doing all the way out here anyway?”

“Well, we saw you sitting here alone while we were flying over the gardens, so we decided to come over and say hi!” Zig Zag explained enthusiastically, before glancing sideways and rubbing his back hooves together as he added, “Seeing as we really haven't seen each other since, you know, the club...” He’d been unsure as to whether or not Twilight still found the subject a bit sore, but by the way the mare grimaced, he understood it still was.

“Look, I really am sorry I brought you two into that-”

“Don't be!” Zig Zag said firmly, cutting off Twilight’s intended apology mid-sentence and looking rather pointedly at her as he continued, “I chose to come with you. I knew where we were going and I would do it again if given the choice a second time.”

Seeing the determination in Zig Zag’s eyes, Twilight sat in silence for a few moments before a soft smile spread on her lips as she nodded her understanding.

“Thank you Zig Zag; I really needed to hear that,” She replied, looking rather sadly at the little blue colt. “You’re a lot older on the inside than you look on the outside, aren’t you?” Twilight surmised, before looking over at Raven and adding, “Both of you are.”

“When you've been through what we two have, you don't have a choice but to grow up fast,” Zig Zag countered with a melancholy tone to his voice.

“I think you’ve been through a lot yourself, if you don't mind me saying so,” Raven said looking at Twilight knowingly with her piercing golden eyes.

“Yes…” Twilight said, shivering as some rather unpleasant memories resurfaced, “you could say that…”

“Don't worry though; you can pull through it,” Raven offered, before looking down at Zig Zag with devotion shining in her eyes. “You just have to find someone to put your trust in, a rock you can lean against: everyone needs that. Especially when it comes to those of us who’ve lived through… bad stuff…”

“The two of you are lucky to have found each other, Raven,” Twilight said with a sigh. “Not everypony is lucky enough to find what you two already seem to have.”

“Isn't there any pony you would want to be with?” Zig Zag asked curiously, the rather blunt question making Twilight blush a little bit . All the while, her unbidden thoughts were drawn straight towards a certain black-coated, former Empress with a star-filled mane.

“Maybe… I don't know.” Twilight muttered, still unsure of where she stood in regards to her turbulent feelings.

Seeing an opening to ask her own question, Raven stepped up to Twilight while she looked back at Zig Zag.

“Well, when it happens it happens. I'm sure there’s a male worthy of you somewhere out there,” Raven said, trying to be comforting. “But in the meantime, you might be able to help me with… something…” she trailed off, looking over towards Zig Zag a bit nervously again.

While Raven worked up the courage to divulge her issue, Twilight struggled to understand why the two friends, who were supposedly younger than her, seemed to be advocating finding a special somepony for herself.

“I have a question, and it's rather personal. But... could you help me find a bracelet for ZZ?” Raven asked, glad that her feathers were hiding just how much she was blushing at the moment.

Behind her, Zig Zag wasn't as lucky; his whole face was now bright red as he looked up, wide-eyed, at Raven.

“Raven? Are you sure? You really…? I mean…” Zig Zag almost started stammering.

“Yes… I want to be yours,” Raven answered a bit coyly, surprising Twilight, convinced as she was that emotion was well beyond the rather coarse gryphoness.

“Would you two mind filling me in? I think I'm missing something here?” Twilight asked while she looking back and forth between Zig Zag and Raven.

In response, Raven slowly raised her black right talon, showing the silver chain wrapped around it: its little cherry blossom pendant hanging down beneath.

“This… This belonged to ZZ. He gave it to me even though it really means a lot to him,” Raven said, having trouble conveying just how much that meant to her. Her gaze fell with reverence to the simple but emotionally priceless piece of silver as she added, “He also told me… If I ever give him a bracelet in return, he would happily be mine forever.”

Twilight was now eyeing the little silver pendant with much more interest.

“That’s… really quite a beautiful gesture,” she said, as she smiled down at a still furiously blushing Zig Zag. “I've never heard any pony doing something like this before, but I sure wouldn't mind receiving a bracelet like that myself.”

“So… will you help me Twilight?” Raven asked nervously. Twilight couldn't help but smile.

“Of course I will. I would be honored to help you find something suitable to gift your chosen male,” Twilight said, adapting to the way gryphons usually referred to the opposite gender.

“All right! This should be so much fun!” Zig Zag burst out happily, while he bounced around in excitement.

“Hold it right there, young stallion,” Twilight scoffed in a mock scolding voice. “This is a thing between us girls. You will stay right here while Raven and I head out on the town,” Twilight said with a playfully evil smile.

“Awwwww… I want to go too!” Zig Zag protested.

“No, this is going to be just me and Raven. Otherwise, it won't be a surprise when she gives it to you,” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow.

“But I already know you're getting it for me…” Zig Zag said, confused.

“But you don't know how it's going to look and that will be the surprise,” Twilight answered as she started to walk off, dragging a somewhat perturbed-looking Raven behind her.

“Well okay then. See you two later, I guess…” Zig Zag said irritably as he walked off in the other direction, kicking a rock rather harshly off into the undergrowth of the well-trimmed hedges.

Meanwhile, Raven was now watching Twilight rather questioningly.

“Are you sure this is such a good idea? I mean, two females walking alone through town?” Raven asked hesitantly. Twilight looked over at the gryphoness for a few seconds, trying to figure out why she looked so concerned: before it clicked.

“This isn't one of the Gryphon kingdoms, Raven. It doesn't matter if you walk alone here; no male has the right to claim you as his own without your consent. We're not barbarians here, you know.” Twilight said reassuringly. But Raven, remembering the Officer’s Club, couldn’t help but doubt that statement.

“If you say so…” Raven murmured uncertainly, while she followed the purple unicorn towards the Silver Seas Estate exit.

****

The meeting had been going quite smoothly, as is often the case with meetings when most participants are in complete agreement. Piercing Mark sat at Nightmare’s right hoof with Hammer Song, as the praetorian unit’s second in command on this mission, coming next.

The two of them had been then followed by the rest of the praetorians in no particular order. They were spread out around the table, with the exception of Bender, who was still on duty as Nightmare Moon’s shadow.

Therefore, even if it was completely redundant in this setting, the very large brown earth pony stood at attention a few steps behind the former Empress: ready to defend Nightmare at a moment’s notice should anyone be foolish and tried to inflict bodily harm upon her.

At Nightmare’s left hoof sat Lobo, quietly observing the meeting as it progressed. He hadn’t said a single word the entire time. He was content to just listen in on the plan to find this Avarice who, he was now sure of beyond the shadow of a doubt, was the one responsible for the present mess of a situation.

Nightmare Moon sat in quiet thought while she went over all that had been said before giving her final orders on how to take care of the debacle. With a final nod, she looked up at everyone gathered.

“It is final then: as soon as we have confirmation on a direction to strike out in, you will all head out to confront and kill Avarice,” Nightmare stated with finality. “Kill Avarice exclusively, if possible. I want as many of his soldiers as possible to join the Lunar Republic; we are in dire need of any reinforcements we can get our hooves on.”

“I understand; we will try to keep the casualties to a minimum ma'am.” Piercing Mark acknowledged, “There was also the matter of the two special cases we mentioned.”

“Of what you told me about Lightning Strike, she will become a very valuable asset indeed as an already proven commander. Similarly, Black Star will be a high-priority asset, as a potential trainer and teacher to any newly recruited unicorn of sufficient talent. They are to be brought back unharmed,” Nightmare Moon ordered, only to hear a repressed snort to her left.

“I am well aware of your feelings towards Black Star, Lobo. But you will ensure she is brought back unharmed,” Nightmare said firmly, while she turned towards the black direwolf. “Am I understood?”

“Sure, if she still alive from our last encounter, I won't cause her any more harm,” Lobo said flatly, as all eyes around the table now turned towards him.

“I do believe you need to explain the statement Lobo. Have you been in close contact with Black Star since you escaped from Crown Peak?” Nightmare Moon asked.

“I have... I believe I left her for dead on my way here. I found her and Lightning Strike in a somewhat rudimentary hideaway. My intent was to end her life then and there, but I realized she would suffer more if I left her to die from her wounds.” Lobo said coldly, while Nightmare Moon began glaring at him.

“And you have not told us this earlier because...?” Nightmare wondered.

“You never asked. And the longer it takes for us to find them, the higher the odds she’ll be dead,” Lobo said without batting an eye.

“And what of Lightning Strike? I doubt she stood idle while you almost killed Black Star.” Piercing Mark asked.

“I-” Lobo ducked to the side just an instant before a giant Mithril-clad hoof swung through the air where his head had just been. Bender’s blow instead connected with the table, splintering the area where he impacted. Lobo continued his movement, rolling further out of the way before coming up on all fours, ready for another strike.

The attack, however, never came. Instead, Bender remained rooted in place, shaking with rage as he tried to control his berserker impulse.

“Calm down, Bender,” Sounded the melodic voice of Hammer Song through the air. As if by magic, Bender stopped shaking while he stared down at the floor. With a final snort that sent visible blasts of air from his nostrils, Bender looked up at Lobo.

“You’d better pray to the moon your next words are that my sister is okay, wolf... or there will be a reckoning you will not walk away from, you hear me!?” Bender’s booming voice said, in a tone that left none questioning his certainty.

“She was fine; she even woke up before I left again,” Lobo answered, as Bender’s hooves ground into the floor at Lobo’s casual reply.

“You stay away from me, wolf,” Bender said uncharacteristically and dangerously quietly. The way he said it sent a pang of sorrow through Lobo, even though he didn't know what, he understood that something budding and precious had just been destroyed between them. At least for the time being.

“Bender… I had no choice: she wouldn't move.” Lobo tried.

“Lightning was more or less the only pony to give a crap about you when you came to this world! She could have left you completely at Black Star’s mercy! But she didn't! Then you have the gall to attack her!?” Bender asked, betrayal clear in his voice.

“She was protecting that Demon! The one who tore me from my pack! My home! My world!” Lobo retorted, his voice carrying just as much hurt and betrayal. “What would you have done in my place?!”

“I would-”

“Enough!” Nightmare Moon boomed out in the Imperial voice, bringing everything to a halt as she looked back and forth between Bender and Lobo: her face a very irritated mask.

“Bender, you are relieved. I did not ask for you to act. This breach of conduct would be enough to warrant severe punishment were it not for our current circumstances. I will be lenient this one time because of your proximity to Lightning Strike. But I will not tolerate something like this again,” Nightmare stated coldly, while staring down intensely at Bender, who had trouble meeting her gaze. “Am. I. Clear?”

“Yes ma'am.” Bender managed.

“Good. Now be gone from my presence: I do not wish to see you for the rest of the day,” Nightmare ordered. Bender bowed his head and headed for the door. As he reached it he stopped and looked back.

“Ma'am …” Bender began carefully.

“Yes?” Nightmare answered from the meeting table, not even turning to look at him.

“If I am being spared punishment due to our state of being sorely pressed for time in our current endeavor, I would take it upon my return when I'm not needed in the field,” Bender said in a firm voice. Nightmare Moon looked over at the giant earth stallion and noticed his red eyes gleaming with determination.

“Are you sure Pretorian? The punishment is twenty lashes for an infringement of this severity,” Nightmare stated.

“I am,” Bender replied. Even though no pony saw it, Nightmare Moon's features actually softened for a split second. It wasn't often she met ponies like this: who stood for their mistakes when they made them.

“Very well. Upon your return, you will receive twenty lashes,” Nightmare said, some of the frigidity now gone from her voice.

With a final bow to Nightmare, the red-maned stallion disappeared through the door.

“Fire Will, take Bender’s place,” Piercing Mark ordered. At once, the light orange unicorn Pretorian stood up and moved to stand behind Nightmare Moon's right shoulder.

“Now then...” Nightmare began, looking quite crossly down at Lobo, who was once again sitting next to her, “you will tell us everything about this encounter you had with Lightning Strike and Black Star. And I do mean everything.”

****

The young mare and gryphoness wandered slowly through the merchant district, talking softly while they walked from shop to shop, looking for the one bracelet that would tell Zig Zag that Raven wanted to be his for the rest of her life.

What neither of them noticed was just how much attention they were getting from ponies and gryphons alike as they made their way down the well-kept streets. Even though Twilight was wearing her enchanted hooded mantel, it was still clear to anypony that beneath the garment, a rather fetching young mare was hidden.

As for the gryphons now patrolling the city in the service of Nightmare Moon, their gazes were all drawn to the fine-looking gryphoness with the unique plumage as she walked by.

“So, are you starting to get an idea of what you’re looking for?” Twilight asked, while she and Raven entered another silver merchant’s store.

“Yeah, I’m starting to…” Raven said, looking down at some of the bracelets on display. “I actually know what I want and it’s why I asked you to accompany me in the first place.”

“Oh, really?” Twilight asked, looking questioningly at the black-featured gryphoness. “What were you thinking?”

“Welcome ladies!” a voice called out happily from further in the store. Moments later, the store owner appeared in the threshold that lead to a small smithy in the back, where he made his merchandise. However, he stopped and started grumbling when he saw that it was not any of the noble mares visiting his shop as he had hoped. Instead, a little frown spread on his features as he entered the store proper, glancing towards the burly earth pony guarding the front door to make sure he was paying attention. “Can I help you two?”

Both Twilight and Raven huffed at the obvious change in the store owner’s demeanor. They’d received identical reactions from all of the silver and gold smiths they had visited in the merchant district.

“Yeah… you can take a hike for now,” Raven said rather tersely. The shopkeeper looked flatly at the two, whom he presently viewed as no more than unimportant ruffians loitering in his store.

“I don't think so madam,” The store owner replied in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

“Ignore him Raven. You were saying?” Twilight prompted, taking the increasingly annoyed gryphoness’ attention away from the arrogant-looking stallion, who was now beginning to look upon them with suspicion.

“I want something like Zig Zag gave me,” Raven answered, looking back at Twilight and once again showing the silver chain with the little silver cherry blossom pendant. “But I’d like a silver feather or a feather of my own as a pendant instead.”

“I like that idea,” Twilight agreed, while she inspected Zig Zag's gift once more. “Making it your feather would definitely make it more personal.”

“Yes, and I was wondering if you could enchant the pendant to always find me if ever I'm separated from Zig Zag,” Raven asked hopefully.

“What? Why would you want that? What if you want to be alone because… you know… you two have had a fight or something? He would basically be able to find you whenever he wanted, whether or not you wanted him to!” Twilight blurted out, eyes wide, unable to understand why Raven would want something like that. After all, the purple mare herself had always valued her independence and ability to disappear when needed; especially while she was living alone in Stalliongrad. When she thought about it though, she hadn't really been that independent lately…

Look, I know you ponies probably won't be able to understand why I want this. But knowing that Zig Zag will always be able to find me, it will definitely be worth any little headache that potential drawback could ever cause in the future,” Raven said firmly, looking the unicorn in the eyes and trying to make her understand how she felt about this.

After thinking about it for a moment, Twilight smiled and nodded.

“Just as long as you know what you want, it is possible to make a pendant like you requested,” she said, nodding to herself while she thought of how to make it happen. “It would actually be better if it was physically your feather in the pendant to make it work.”

“I don't know anything about magic really, but I did hear something like that was doable. So… will you?” Raven asked pleadingly. Twilight nodded and smiled even wider.

“Of course. I might not understand your reasoning, but if it’s what you really want, then I’ll do it for you,” Twilight answered reassuringly. “After all, this is your gift to give."

“Thank you!” said Raven and strode over to the snarky shopkeeper.

After some rather lively negotiations, Raven and Twilight were finally leaving, having bought a silver chain similar to the one Raven had around her wrist, but a little thicker. One of Raven’s smallest feathers had also been fastened to the silver chain as a pendant.

All smiles, the two females stepped out of the silver shop, but immediately came to a halt at the sight that greeted them. Standing spread out in front of the door, waiting for them to emerge, stood a whole wing of gryphon warriors grinning back at them. Or rather, at Raven.

“Now, this can only end well…” Raven muttered under her breath as the obvious leader of the group strode forward.

****

Bender stomped through the gardens of the Silver Seas Estate, trying to smother his burning temper. The knowledge that Lobo had attacked his beloved step sister was infuriating. But more infuriating still was the fact that attacking Lobo would be counterproductive, for he was currently their best bet at finding her quickly.

He had come to that conclusion sometime after leaving the meeting behind. But the fact did nothing to help his bad mood: if anything, it was having the opposite effect.

And to make things worse, somepony was shouting at him from off in the distance.

Wait, what? Bender thought as his attention was brought back to the world around him. As he quickly realized the shouting wasn't directed at him, Bender’s first thought was to walk off in the other direction. But when he heard a very high-pitched yell responding to the first, he stopped with narrowed eyes.

That sounded like a kid! Bender thought a bit apprehensively, as he cantered towards the disturbance. Just a few moments later, he spotted two young mares he had been thoroughly briefed on by Piercing Mark.

With a surprisingly high degree of stealth for his size, Bender carefully snuck up behind Lady Silver Flash and Lady Silver Spark. Both noble mares were peeking out through the bushes at something in the open field that was on the other side of the hedge they stood concealed behind - completely oblivious to the fact that Bender was now standing behind them.

“Sister, big brother is being a bit aggressive, isn't he?” Lady Flash whispered, while continuing to spy on whoever was on the other side.

“Well I didn't expect Zig Zag to cause brother such difficulties; I thought he would have beaten Zig Zag by now. But he hasn't come close to landing a hit yet,” Lady Spark answered, while the familiar sound of combat could be heard through the hedge.

Intrigued, Bender raised his head up as high as he could to peer over the obstacle the sisters had to look through. As he finally registered who was on the other side, his eyes went wide in surprise.

Lord Silver Cutter and Lobo’s little brat? What's going on here? Bender wondered, while he saw the little blue colt dodge under a vicious blow from the Silver Seas noble. He narrowed his eyes as he took in the fight in front of him: the little colt, in his snugly fitting leather armor, had been given a broken-off broom handle as a weapon. Meanwhile, the clearly infuriated noble stallion had a practice metal sword with blunted edges.

But blunted or not, the blows Lord Silver Cutter was trying to land would seriously harm the little colt if they connected.

He's… he’s really trying to hurt the kid?! Bender thought, feeling both angry and revolted before looking down at the two spying noble mares keeping low to the ground in front of him.

“What's going on here?” Bender asked sternly, making both Silver Flash and Silver Spark shriek in surprise as they spun around.

The first thing they saw in their semi-crouched position, were the well-polished, mythril kneecaps of what they realized was a very large pony. With wide eyes they both craned their heads up, and up, and up, until they looked into the very stern face of Bender who was glaring down at them.

“You two better fill in the blanks for me, or something very bad will happen here to one of the stallions out there very soon. If you would be so kind as to be quick about it, my young ladies, that would be appreciated,” Bender stated rigidly.

In a last-ditch effort to appear innocent, the young ladies tried to smile disarmingly up at the giant earth pony Pretorian: something they shortly realized had no effect on him as his ruby red eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Bugger it,” Both the twins said simultaneously, when they understood they had finally wound up on the wrong side of trouble.

****

The lead gryphon strode forward, his head held high confidently. He was very well-built and his well-kept scale armor gleamed in the soft spring sunlight of the day. He was the very image of a true gryphon warrior. Even though she didn't want to admit it, Raven found him quite handsome to look upon. But that outlook was shattered the moment he opened his beak.

“Come here female; let me have a look at you,” The male gryphon said with anticipation.

“No. I am already claimed by the one I love. I will not go with you,” Raven answered fiercely.

“Oh good! I would hate for something as marvelous as you to be won easily. I would not be able to boast of how I acquired you through a fierce battle of claim otherwise,” The gryphon wing leader said with a laugh, followed immediately by the laughter of his fellow warriors.

“Sorry to burst your bubble, wing leader,” Twilight said, although she truly wasn't, “but Raven is a citizen of the Lunar Republic. She is under the protection of our laws and customs, so you cannot claim her against her will, regardless of your traditions back home.”

The laughter from the gryphons died abruptly at Twilight's words. They looked towards her as if only now realizing she was there to begin with.

“The males in this… Lunar Republic really needs to teach their females how to behave correctly,” A relatively small gryphon warrior off towards Twilight's right side said scornfully.

“Do you have any idea who you’re talking to, female!? You should feel honored to even be in his presence!” Came a very angry shout from her left.

Twilight looked the Gryphon wing leader up and down as if considering his fellow warriors words.

So this is apparently a gryphon of some renown. Even though I have never asked for the position I have been given in the Lunar Republic Army, perhaps it is time I start using it. Twilight thought, as she stood up straight and glared back at the wing leader.

“Perhaps it is you who do not know who you're standing in front of Gryphon; I am Twilight's Sparkle, Magus in the Lunar Republic Army and Nightmare Moon’s right hoof! And for all intents and purposes, I am your superior officer!” Twilight shot back at a now completely stunned-looking wing of Gryphon warriors.

The shock of her statement lasted only for a moment before several of the warriors’ facial expressions contorted into anger.

“What!?” One of them shouted.

“So YOU are the accursed female!” Another one screeched, and a moment later, the sound of several weapons being drawn was heard. With the support of his entire wing behind him, the gryphon wing leader puffed up even further and slowly drew his own rapier before levelling it at Twilight.

“I am taking that female as is my right! If you know what's good for you pony, you will stay out of this. I won't hesitate to make an example of you otherwise,” He threatened. As he started to walk towards Raven while still glaring at Twilight, when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye he instinctively knocked something out of the air with his rapier.

The clang of metal made him look down at what his well-honed reflexes had intercepted. His eyes widened when he saw the gleaming blade of a dagger lying next to him on the ground. When he looked back to find its owner, he saw Raven, ready to throw another one at a moment’s notice.

“You impudent female! I see I will have to teach you proper respect first!” The gryphon wing leader shouted in rage. “Now drop those toys and I might still go easy on you!”

“I said stand down, wing leader!” Twilight barked out harshly.

“And I told you to get out of my way female!” He screamed back raising his talon to bash the purple unicorn aside.

Twilight’s horn lit up, and the next thing the gryphon knew, he was lying on the ground, face pressed against the unyielding cobblestone streets beneath. His prized rapier, the very symbol of his leadership, bounced and skidded away from him to stop at the unicorn’s hooves.

“Looks like I will be collecting these by the hoof full while your kind acclimatize to our way of doing things,” Twilight said nonchalantly, while she picked up the rapier in her telekinesis, all the while keeping the wing leader pinned to the ground with ease.

When the other gryphons understood what had just happened, a mighty roar of anger and indignation sounded from the rest of the furious gryphons around them. As one, they all surged forward: intent on showing just what happened to any female who dared oppose the will of any male, especially their leader’s.

Without breaking eye contact with the pinned leader, Twilight’s horn flashed even brighter, leaving the entire wing pinned to the ground an instant later, their weapons clanking loudly as they all bounced and skidded along the ground.

With poorly hidden contempt, Twilight stepped up and leaned down so that she was face to face with the terrified gryphon leader.

“I am your superior officer, Mr. So-called wing leader,” Twilight said, condescendingly. “Still, you think to physically assault me? Most of you gryphons seem to be even less intelligent than I give you credit for! It's a good thing I met my friend Raven here, or I would have written all gryphons off as brainless beings.” She snorted and stood up straight again, while letting the wing leader’s rapier fall to the ground in front of him.

She then formed one of her now-trademark force field discs, letting it hover well within his vision while several dark thoughts were making their way through her head. Twilight had truly started to hate all male Gryphons and their constant disrespect of all things not masculine.

I could break all his legs, his ribs, cut off his wings and leave him in a broken heap! She mused, while she looked into the increasingly terrified eyes of the wing leader, who had finally stopped struggling. But just as she was about to go through with her plan, the image of Nightmare Moon's disappointed expression, after finding out what she had done at the Officer’s Club, popped into her mind.

The image was almost enough to break her concentration on the magic pinning the gryphons. Twilight shook her head to clear it, before taking in her surroundings.

None of the Gryphon warriors were struggling any more. They were now looking at her with a mixture of fear and reluctant awe. None of them had actually believe the reports about the purple unicorn that served as Nightmare Moon’s slave and right hoof.

As Twilight looked around further, she could see several civilian ponies looking at her with a range of emotions: fear, admiration, awe and respect were reflected in the onlookers’ eyes.

But most of all, it was Raven’s worried expression that really cased Twilight to change her outlook on the situation. Of all who were present, Raven was the only one who truly knew what could happen if Twilight truly lost it again, and the reality of that possibility was reason enough to be very concerned and even afraid.

No! I can’t do that again; I can't let my feelings rule me so completely. I won't be a slave to my own emotions! Twilight thought angrily.

Strong feelings are inevitable, and they’re even used as fuel for magic, but they cannot be allowed to rule me! I must rule them! She berated herself further.

They are mine to use; mine to control. I can never master magic and help Nightmare to my fullest ability if I cannot even master my own feelings. With this final thought, Twilight took a deep breath and felt her whole body relax, as if a great weight had been lifted off her back. Furthermore, another peculiar sensation shot up her left foreleg.

As she looked down, Twilight realized that her new stone fist had unclenched for the first time since it had been attached to her by the strange creature she had created.

She looked at the alien appendage as its fingers twitched erratically; sending information through the nerve endings that she wasn't really sure how to interpret.

After opening and closing the hand a few times experimentally, she curled it into a fist, making it easier to walk on again.

When Twilight looked back up, she could see the Gryphon wing leader looking at her stone fist in horror.

He had thought it was just some badly crafted prosthetic limb made to look extra intimidating and frightful. After watching it twitch and move however, he realized that the limb wasn’t just for show: it was a fully functional part of her body. That understanding of what he was seeing sent a chill down his spine so strong he was surprised his beak wasn't chattering.

“You know… I could kill you all, right here and now,” Twilight said coldly. “But you’re supposed to be our allies, so that would most likely be frowned upon.”

She reached out with her newly-functioning appendage, making the stone fist open and then close reluctantly around the gryphon’s rapier lying on the ground. She truly didn't have any fine motor control over the limb. Luckily, what she wanted to try right now didn't call for anything but physical strength. Twilight didn't even know if it would work at all, but it was an experiment, and she had always liked experiments.

She put the stone thumb against the flat side of the blade and began to increase the pressure.

More… More… More! Twilight thought, while she exerted all the strength she could through the limb. Suddenly, with a metallic squeal, the gryphon-forged blade bent, eliciting astonished gasps from several of the pinned gryphons.

With a satisfied smile that the experiment worked, Twilight let the now useless rapier fall to the ground.

When she looked up, she could see that several of the Lunar Republic’s soldiers had now arrived on the scene and were looking at the pinned gryphons with far too much enjoyment to really be healthy for future cooperation. But that would have to be an issue she dealt with later.

“Arrest these traitors!” she ordered the soldiers, who immediately saluted her and jumped to it. When each Gryphon had its wings secured and front legs chained together, Twilight finally released her hold on them.

“Both Nightmare Moon and your Gryphon Superiors will be made aware of what has transpired here. You will be allowed to defend yourself, but until then I suggest you make it easier for yourselves and everypony else and go quietly to your cells,” Twilight stated calmly. She looked the wing leader over, as if to make sure that she hadn't accidentally hurt the gryphon: something that was met with a few snickers from around the now-secured Gryphon wing.

With a great deal of reluctance, the wing leader nodded before being led away by the Lunar Republic soldiers as their march towards the Bastille began.

“Thank you.” Twilight heard a voice say from behind. As she looked back over her shoulder, Twilight could see Raven standing there, looking appreciatively at her. With the first real honest smile that she could remember in months, Twilight tilted her head at Raven.

“Don't mention it; it's what friends do for each other, after all,” She said in a motherly tone. Raven almost burst out laughing at the look Twilight was giving her.

“Ah man, you’re just such a dork aren't you?” Raven said teasingly, as she started heading back towards the Silver Seas estate.

“What?!” Twilight uttered in surprise, before her eyes narrowed. “Hey! What's that supposed to mean?” She called after the retreating Raven before taking up pursuit.

****

Zig Zag came out of his roll, then immediately skipped backwards, narrowly avoiding the practice sword swung at him. When he looked up, Zig Zag could see that the sword had gotten stuck in the ground, due to the sheer force behind the strike.

“By Nightmare’s holy wrath!” Lord Silver Cutter yelled in frustration, while his gaze locked onto Zig Zag again. “Stop jumping around, you insolent brat! I’ve fought Pirates on the high seas who’ve accepted loss with more grace than you! It is obvious you cannot defeat me, so just give up and take what's coming!”

Zig Zag breathed heavily, concentrating on regaining stamina during one of Silver Cutter’s many miniature breaks in which the lord once again demanded he stop trying to defend himself. The longer he kept this break going, the better.

“And you are nothing but a thrice Celestia-forsaken bully! And I know how to deal with bullies!” Zig Zag shouted, making Silver Cutter sputter in indignant rage.

“You uncivilized savage! I will make sure you learn your proper place before this evening is over. And if I so much as catch you looking at my little sisters again…” Lord Silver Cutter growled out menacingly. “Then it doesn't matter who adopted you peasant; I will make sure you disappear. My sisters will not be tainted by some low-born, loose harlot’s son!”

Zig Zag had gone completely rigid at the Lord's last words. Smiling viciously, thinking the colt had finally realized what position he was in, Silver Cutter arrogantly stood up straight, looking down towards the little blue colt. Just as he was about to walk up and demand Zig Zag prostrate himself in submission to his better, a voice, so low he barely heard it, rasped back.

“What… did you just say?” Zig Zag uttered, letting the broken-off broom handle, he was given as a weapon during the practice fight, fall to the ground.

“What was that?” Silver Cutter asked, feeling himself slow down for some reason he couldn't understand.

“What… did you say… about my mother?” Zig Zag growled out in something that much too closely resembled the growl from a wolf for the young Lord's liking.

“Your mother?” Silver Cutter wondered out loud, not even remembering what he said just a few moments ago.

“My mother was killed…” Zig Zag said in a cold, dangerous voice, “...because she would not lower herself into being your brother's toy! AND YOU DARE CALL HER A LOOSE HARLOT!?!” Zig Zag screamed in fury.

Startled, Silver Cutter jumped backwards at the hate directed towards him from the little colt. Next thing he knew, Zig Zag was flying at him with a real dagger clasped between his teeth.

Lord Silver Cutter’s horn flashed just before the steel could reach his throat, leaving Zig Zag to slam into the magical shield that was now separating them.

With a groan, Zig Zag fell backwards while his dagger fell off to the side. Silver Cutter just stood there behind his magical shield, contemplating just how close he had been to actually being injured, or maybe even killed, by this little insignificant colt.

Finally, he snapped out of it, and ground his teeth together in righteous indignation.

“You! You actually tried to-” the young Lord was abruptly cut off by empty, humorless laughter from the little colt that was staggering up on his hooves again. Finally, he stood straight, mimicking the way Lord Silver Cutter had stood earlier. He turned towards the noble stallion, blood running from his muzzle, and a crooked grin across his face as he looked through the shield still flickering between them.

“I win…” Zig Zag said confidently. Lord Silver Cutter’s eyes went wide at the statement.

“What?” Silver Cutter answered, completely flabbergasted.

“No magic except levitation… I win,” Zig Zag stated, once again completely derailing Silver Cutter’s thought process. The lord’s features then darkened considerably as he glared down at the impudent little earth pony.

“You attack me with a sharpened dagger during a practice match, with the intent to kill, and still claim victory?” Silver Cutter asked in stunned disbelief.

“What dagger?” Zig Zag asked, as he looked towards his weapon on the ground.

Following his gaze, Silver Cutter’s eyes landed on a small silvery spade the earth pony gardeners used to dig up weeds. Even though it was made of metal, it did not have honed edges. At worst, it would have left a very nasty scratch on him.

But in his mind, in the heat of the moment, it had looked like a sharp and deadly dagger aimed for his throat. With wide eyes, Silver Cutter looks back towards Zig Zag.

“You… played me?” Silver Cutter almost whispered in disbelief.

“I win…” Zig Zag said, his tone again devoid of any real joy. “Thank you for the practice, but I think I'll take my leave now.”

“Oh, one last thing. If you ever mention my mother again, I will make sure you disappear,” Zig Zag said while baring his fangs. “Have a nice day, Your Lordshipness.”

“You think this is over you low-born curd?” Silver Cutter said, while his face contorted in anger at having been played by this uppity little commoner brat. “You will be lucky if you can ever walk again when I'm through with you!”

Zig Zag cried out as he was grasped viciously in Silver Cutter’s telekinetic hold and yanked towards the enraged unicorn. As the grip around his throat tightened even further, he panicked and started to struggle even more - which only led to his suffocation going faster when his need for oxygen increased. Right before he blacked out, Zig Zag thought he heard voices crying out from miles away.

The next thing he knew, Zig Zag was gulping down sweet wonderful air into his burning lungs and throat.

When he was finally able to comprehend what was going on around him again, Zig Zag realized he had the hooves of one of the Silver twins protectively around him, pressing him to her chest. While in front of them the other twin was now holding a magical shield.

As Zig Zag then looked beyond the magic shield, he could see an enormous earth pony in gleaming silver armor standing over a now-whimpering Lord Silver Cutter.

“Are you okay?” The Silver twin holding him asked nervously. When Zig Zag tried to answer, the only sounds that escaped his muzzle were a few croaks and wheezes.

“By the Empresses… brother was really going to…” The second Silver twin whispered, mostly to herself, while she looked back at Zig Zag, eyes wide in shock.

On the other side of the magical shield, Lord Silver Cutter was once again standing up, but only on three legs. He was using his right forehoof to cover half of his rapidly swelling face while he glared back at Bender through his left eye.

“I will have your head for this, guard!” Lord Silver Cutter yelled.

“Hardly,” Bender stated coldly. “Only Nightmare Moon can command me, and this colt is under her hospitality and protection, which means it is therefore my obligation to ensure his safety. Make the wrong move, my Lord, and I will snap your neck like a twig.”

“You will listen to-” Bender cut the noble of.

“You have two choices. First one is that you will be known as a poor loser who lost to a little earth pony colt in a practice bout.” Now, Bender's red eyes hardened and stared right into Silver Cutter’s brown ones. “The second is that you don't drop this right now and end up a broken heap of pony awaiting Nightmare Moon’s verdict. But do try to remember this bit of advice; whatever she says, I doubt your survival if the black direWolf hears of what you tried to do to his son,” Bender said, as he looked over towards the still somewhat groggy blue colt.

“This… this is not the end of this!” Silver Cutter said, stomping his free hoof and began backing away.

“It most certainly is,” Bender stated with finality, while the fuming Lord turned towards the Silver Seas estate, leaving as quickly as he could.

With a snort, Bender turned back towards the Silver twins and glared down at them, causing both of them to fidget where they stood. They both looked nervously back towards Zig Zag, who was hovering behind them. Another layer of magic enveloped him that drowned out the sound around him, even though he didn't really notice at the time.

Bender sighed. He might be furious with Lobo right now, but he sure as hell shouldn't let that anger be redirected at his adopted son. He should have acted sooner, but to be frank, the colt wasn't doing too badly on his own up until the end.

“We will make sure he's okay,” Silver Spark said, while she carefully levitated a wheezing Zig Zag in her magic. “We won't let him out of our sights from now on,” Silver Flash continued.

“Drop the act ladies; I know what happened here, no matter what story you told me earlier. It's the oldest trick in the book when it comes to sister-brother pranks. But mark my words, if I catch wind of something like this happening again…” Bender said in a cold voice. “I will not be content with just the aggressor; I will make sure the instigators get what's coming to them as well.”

With that, the giant earth pony Pretorian turned to leave, but was halted.

“How could we know it was going to go so far?” Silver Flash asked desperately, “Brother has been in many duels before, but none have ever gone like that.”

“Let me guess: he was fighting other nobles for sport or trivial matters?” Bender muttered angrily.

“Well… maybe, we can’t remember all of them…” Silver Spark said a bit nervously. With a snort of frustration, Bender turned around and stomped up to the two noble mares, who shrank back from him.

“You truly thought your brother, one of the highest ranking nobles in the entire former empire, would have a duel with a low-born commoner on equal and fair terms?” Bender asked in disbelief. “For Celestia's sake, he gave the colt a broken-off broom handle to defend himself with!"

“Well… brother is just… okay… when you say it like that...” Silver Spark stammered out, trying to make her case sound less foalish and failing miserably.

“Surely, you must know that most nobles… are not very noble.” Bender finished, before turning around and walking away, leaving both Silver twins in a very unfamiliar situation: having to rethink their own actions and feeling somewhat less than pleased about the outcome.

****

Thanks to Evanescyan for the Pre-read/Edit
Thanks to mikemeiers for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 36 Movements in the Shadow

True Black
Chapter 36
Movements in the Shadow

****

17 of August

The sun was slowly setting over North Bay. Nonetheless, the streets were still bustling with activity, vendors in the commercial district shouting out their wares while commoner and noble pony alike made their way from store to store. The nobles walked in the middle of the street where it was cleanest, while the commoners were pushed out towards the edges where it was more muddy. This, unsurprisingly, was because of everything in the gutters flowing down towards the harbor outlets.

Which is why there was more than one raised eyebrow, at least amongst the nobles, when they saw a smaller-than-average purple unicorn of most certainly questionable breeding. She walked boldly down the center of the street with a mostly black Gryphon female clad in leather armor accompanying her, the two talking animatedly between themselves.

Raven and Twilight had decided to take a long route home, walking slowly but happily, both feeling giddy and relieved after escaping that close call with the Gryphon wing. Although the close call was different for the two females, Raven had feared she was about to be taken away from Zig Zag, while Twilight’s fears had been about what would have happened if she had massacred the Gryphon wing.

Thanks to Raven's main way of coping with fear and nervousness was to laugh and joke about it. She had slowly brought both herself and Twilight out of the brooding moods.

This was much to Twilight’s relief. She had a feeling that if she had been left to her own devices, she would've ended up back on that secluded bench before too long, all the way in the back of the Silver Seas estate, endlessly thinking about what she could have done differently.

As time went by, Raven had opened up more and more to Twilight. While they walked through the city, Raven ended up telling Twilight about her years at the claws of the Gryphon bandits that stole her from her home when she was just a little hatchling.

In return, Twilight started to confide some stories from her own childhood: mostly about how she struggled to survive all alone on the cold streets of Stalliongrad.

“It almost sounds like it was a lucky break for you, being caught for stealing a book from Nightmare Moon,” Raven said with something akin to a smirk on her face.

“Maybe. For a while it was actually… I can't even describe just how good it was, Raven.” Twilight’s whole expression darkened. “But I should have known… nothing so good lasts forever.”

“What happened?” Raven wondered.

Twilight’s only answer was to turn away, looking out towards the harbor and the glittering sea beyond. Raven was quick to understand it was a bad subject.

“It's okay, you don't have to tell me; I can see it's a sore topic,” She said in an effort to smooth over the question.

“Thanks… it's nothing I really want to talk about,” Twilight replied with a careful smile.

“No problem. If you ever change your mind, I'd be happy to listen,” Raven stated and bumped Twilight on the shoulder with her talon. When Twilight looked up at Raven again, she gave the female Gryphon a once more genuine smile.

“Excuse me my l- lady… No wait, ma'am? Or is it Sir?” A nervous voice stuttered just in front of Twilight and Raven.

Twilight and Raven looked forward but found nopony. Looking down, they discovered a small earth pony colt. He had a gray coat and black mane and tail, but what stood out most about him was the fact that he was wearing a silvery silken vest, proclaiming him to be a servant of the Silver Seas main family.

“Oh, you can call me Twilight,” She said reassuringly while smiling down at the little anxious colt. “What is your name?”

“Ehh… my name?” The colt answered timidly, seemingly surprised at even being asked such a question. “Qu… Quick Find,” He stammered nervously, rubbing his back legs together. “Lady Silver Spark and Lady Silva Flash request that you and Lady Raven return as quickly as possible, there was an incident at the Estate. Zig Zag is unharmed, but your presence is still wanted.”

“What!?” Raven shouted, stepping forward and glaring down at a cowering Quick Find. “What happened?”

“Raven! You're scaring him; he is just the messenger for nightmare’s sake!” Twilight rebutted harshly, pulling the enraged Gryphoness away from the colt with her telekinesis. “Now calm down so we can head back and find out what's going on.”

“Thank you for delivering the message, Quick Find,” Twilight said, smiling down at the colt as she levitated a few coins to him. “Now let's move, Raven.”

After a few moments of complete bafflement at receiving any sort of reward from the rumored vicious and bloodthirsty warrior mage, Quick Find sprinted up alongside her.

“Let me show you the way my lady!” He said happily as he scampered up in front of her. “I know all the shortcuts in North Bay! Almost anyway!”

“No offense pony, but we don't have time for that!” The gruff voice of Raven spoke up from behind them, “You better keep your lunch down Twilight!”

As both Twilight and Quick Find looks behind them, they saw Raven coming at them, wings spread wide.

Catching Twilight around her midsection Raven started pumping her powerful wings. Lifting both of them up into the air, Quick Find could hear Twilight shriek loudly as they took off towards the Silver Seas estate with all the speed Raven could muster.

****

The Pegasus skipped from roof to roof as he followed the little earth pony colt. He had been tailing Twilight Sparkle and Raven through the city from the moment he was informed they had left the Silver Seas estate earlier during the day.

It had not taken him long to pick up the trail, then follow them from a distance as he observed and tried to learn what he could about this mare who had killed his only true friend.

If it wasn't for the fact that he was still uncertain of to what he wanted to do about this Twilight Sparkle, Shadow Flight would most like have either killed her himself, ruined any possibility of the future she wanted, or put a price on her and let others do his dirty work.

Then the Gryphon wing had challenged her and Raven, and the display of power he had been shown was staggering to say the least. Shadow had immediately scratched the option of challenging her directly; the only chance he would’ve ever have in a fight would’ve been to take her completely unawares.

Besides, killing had never really been his forte, that was more his wife’s line of work, and she wasn’t in town at the moment. He was a master thief, smuggler and information broker. Therefore taking on such a high caliber target, as he now suspected Twilight Sparkle to be, would most likely end up with him making a mistake and getting himself killed instead.

All the same, his biggest hindrance was that he wasn't sure what he wanted to do with her. He was furious that she had killed Iron Helm and some of the innocent mares during the massacre of the Officers Club. Still, she had destroyed it, ripping that cancer out of the city by its roots, which had been his and Iron Helm’s own goal in the end. Not only that, but his friend had stated on more than one occasion that he would actually give his life to make sure that place died. So in some regard, Iron Helm had gotten his wish.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Shadow Flight looked down at the street at the colt that had striking similarities to himself. Honestly, they could easily be mistaken for father and son, having the same gray coat, his being a bit lighter, together with a black mane and tail.

With a frown, Shadow Flight realized he could no longer see his quarry. Spreading his wings, he shot off along the rooftops, his black hood and cloak flapping in the wind. As he came down a particularly alley with a very bad reputation, Shadow Flight could see the little colt happily trotting along.

Oh crap! Why in the Empress’s name would he go in there? Shadow Flight thought while he scurried to catch up. Does he know what he is doing or…

In that moment, Shadow Flight saw two figures enter the alley behind the little colt.

No… he’s in over his head. Shadow Flight groaned to himself.

****

Quick Find trotted through the alleyway, looking nervously around himself. If he was right, then this should be a good shortcut back to the estate. He hadn't tried it before though, so he wasn't certain. However, only a few steps in, he began to suspect this had been a mistake.

He stopped and intended to make a quick retreat back the way he'd come, only to find his way blocked by two unsavory-looking ponies. Having no other option Quick Find resumed trotting forward, trying to keep some distance between him and his followers.

As the little gray colt reached the halfway point, three more ponies rose up from the shadows in front of him, blocking off any escape route Quick Find could see.

They quickly gathered around the scared-looking colt, his back against one of the alleyways walls, as the leader of the group stepped forward and glared down at him.

"Well, if it isn't a snooty little belly crawler from up on high," the grisly-looking earth pony said to the amused snickers from her followers. "Are you lost little colt? Last I heard, belly crawlers don't belong here, unless they pay for using our alleyways, that is."

"What?" Quick Find replied before making the mistake of continuing. "But I work for Duke Silver Sails; all of North Bay belongs to him."

The whole group, except the leader, burst out laughing uproariously. The brown earth pony leader leaned in and put her right hoof next to Quick Find's head as she looked sternly into the colt’s eyes.

"Really? Not sure if you’ve noticed, but do you see the Duke's self-important plot around here?" the earth pony hissed down at the now-cowering Quick Find. "That little silk vest you have there might give you free run in the nicer parts of the city, but don't think it is some kind of free pass around here."

"Ya!" a male voice bellowed.

"Pay up hoof-licker!" another female added.

"So, what do you say colt? The easy way or the broken spine way?" the lead mare asked, a false smile promising nothing but trouble adorned her muzzle.

"Ho... How much?" Quick Find asked nervously.

"How much he asks," the leader said with a chuckle that the whole group joins in on. "That's cute..." she used her hoof to raise Quick Find's cheek and then gave the scared and very surprised colt a little nuzzle. Abruptly, the mares overly friendly demeanor flipped. She leaned in, putting her whole weight down on the colts head, pinning him hard against the unyielding stone surface of the alleyways wall, causing him to cry out in pain and fright. "You can get stripped down to your coat and we might let you keep your mane and tail if we feel generous!"

"I might hold off on that if I were you..." a new voice Quick Find had never heard before said conversationally from above him.

Apparently, no one else recognized it either, because as its owner dropped down, the gang members all jumped back in surprise.

"Who the hell are you?" the mare leader spat at the gray Pegasus stallion, after which she suddenly seemed to recognize him. "Wait, I know you. The big boss wants to find you."

At hearing this, Shadow's left eyebrow rose in a silent question.

"Killer Blow is starting up something new, and he knows you’re on the level from back in the Officer's Club. He wants to speak with you about a possible position," the mare said with a wide grin.

Hearing this, Shadow Flight could feel his insides turn to ice.

No... The Officers Club can't start again! Not with what Iron Helm gave up to stop it last time! I won't allow it! Shadow though while keeping his face neutral, not showing any of the horror he felt at the news.

"Sounds like I need to see your boss. Where can I find him?" Shadow asked with what he hoped looked like a carefree smile.

"Good, he will be pleased to hear it. Now, is the kid with you?" the mare asked, looking back towards Quick Find.

With narrowed eyes, Shadow looked at Quick Find, willing him to understand the importance of him playing along right now by staying quiet.

"No, but he's important for a task I'm working on. So keeping him in one piece would work well to get me in the right mood for that meeting with your boss." then he smiled wickedly at the brown mare. "And I’ll give you some free advice on why you should leave him be."

With that, Shadow draped a wing over the back of the surprised mare and led her in amongst her friends, making sure to wink back at the colt. Quick Find tried to overhear what this Shadow was telling these street muggers, but to little success.

After a surprised exclamation and some very perturbed grumblings, Shadow Flight brought the brown mare back, and she was looking at Quick Find with more than a little apprehension. She glanced at Shadow, who motioned for her to continue, before once again meeting the colt’s eyes.

“So yeah… No hard feelings kid, just… don't come back here again, you hear!” The mare said sharply before nodding to the rest of the gang as they headed off to wait for another prey with less consequences attached to it.

With a swift motion, Shadow Flight swept Quick Find up onto his back and before the little colt knew what was happening, they took off into the sky.

“Ahhhhhhhh!” The surprised youth shrieked; now understanding fully why Lady Twilight had done so earlier.

“Wow…” Shadow muttered while he glanced back at his panicky passenger, “Quite a set of lungs you got there…”

“Ahhhhhhh!” Quick Find continued.

“Yeah… That's going to get old real quick,” Shadow Flight muttered while looking for a safe place to land.

With a few adjustments to their course, Shadow Flight landed on a slated roof. As he looked back towards the kid, he saw that the colt was not situated on his back anymore. Looking around himself, he discovered Quick Find practically glued to a chimney not far from where they had landed.

“How did you get over there so quickly?” Shadow Flight wondered, rather impressed.

“I… I needed to find something to hold onto,” Quick Find answered with a shudder. “I… I really don't like heights.”

“Yeah?” Shadow Flight said with a chuckle. “I kind of noticed.”

Quick Find lowered his head in what looked like shame, to which Shadow Flight tittered reproachfully.

“No, none of that moping. Most earth ponies don't like heights. It's nothing for you to feel bad about, so stop,” The gray stallion said while he walked over the rickety roof with, to Quick Find’s annoyance, the grace and agility native to the Pegasi.

“O… Ok… Okay,” Quick Find stuttered, but did look a little better for hearing that. “Thank you for saving me; I think I might have been in real trouble back there if you hadn't arrived when you did.”

“Don't mention it, but don't think I did it for free either.” At hearing Shadow Flight say this, Quick Find tensed up noticeably. He looked from the Pegasus over towards the edge of the roof and then back again with fearful eyes.

“Hmm… You got good risk analysis; you understood pretty quickly that you made a mistake when you went into that back alley. Now here, you understand what the most dangerous thing for you is as well,” Shadow Flight said in almost a lecturing manner. “You'll do well once you have learned how to move about these parts of the city. But until then, I believe you will need my services, or at least my name as a deterrent. But as I said, it isn’t free.”

“Well, eh… I… don't really have any money,” Quick Find said dejectedly, once again looking towards the edge of the roof with worry.

“Money?” Shadow Flight gave a little snicker. “No my boy, you have something far more valuable than that.”

“I do?” The gray colt asked, looking surprised.

“Information,” Shadow Flight answered, dead serious. “I'll make sure ponies around here know to stay away from you. Of course it's not a one-hundred percent safety guarantee. You'll still need to keep your head up, but it's a lot better than nothing. So when I come see you in the future, you will tell me what I want to know or find it out if you don't.”

“Wait… you want me to spy for you?” Quick Find wondered a bit apprehensively.

“Quick on the uptake too; I like you more and more kid,” Shadow Flight said with a friendly expression. “You don't need to worry about the spying either; most of what I want to know would be made public knowledge a few days later anyhow. It would just pay to know it earlier is all.”

“Most of it?” Quick Find stated dubiously.

“Yes, most of it,” Shadow Flight affirmed, not elaborating anymore on that subject.

Quick Find looked around again, realizing he really didn't have much choice at the moment.

“What do you want to know?” He wondered still clinging to the smoking chimney.

“Everything,” Shadow Flight answered with a grin. “I want to know everything; because no matter what, one thing is always true… knowledge is power.”

****

Raven came to a skidding halt on the Silver Seas twins balcony, Twilight unceremoniously flying off her back and coming to a rough stop as she slid into the far end of the marble edifice.

Without even pausing to see if her passenger was okay, Raven threw the balcony doors opened, rushing in to find Zig Zag sitting quietly, relaxing with a cup of tea in front of him.

Across the table, Lady Silver Spark had frozen where she sat, teacup halfway to her mouth as she stared back at Raven with wide eyes.

“ZZ! Are you okay! What happened?!” Raven yelled worriedly as she stormed up to her colt friend and started to look him over to see if he was hurt in any way.

“He's quite okay Raven; there was no permanent damage from the duel,” Lady Silver Spark informed before taking her interrupted sip of tea.

“DUEL!” Raven yelled snapping her predatory eyes onto Silver Spark.

At that precise moment, two Silver Seas Pegasus guards shot in through the open balcony doors, tackling Raven to the ground.

“I said halt intruder!” One of the Pegasus guards yelled in fury, pulling his sword and aiming it at Raven’s throat.

“Stand down!” Lady Silver Spark ordered sharply.

“What?” The guards looked up in confusion, only now realizing they were in the bedroom of two of their masters. “Excuse us mistress,” They both said, bowing their heads. “We will remove this unseemly intruder from your presence immediately my lady.”

“I would like to see you try gelding!” Raven hissed.

“What! I'm not-” a tapping with a knife against the guard’s inner thigh made him pale quite considerably.

“None of you three will do any such thing! Firstly, Raven is our guest, and you will release her this instant,” Lady Silver Spark ordered now even more sharply. “And Raven, you will not castrate any of our family employees.”

“You're lucky…” Raven snorted as she removed her knife from a very relieved Pegasus guard.

“Of course my lady, excuse our intrusion,” The two guards said respectfully, while they pulled back from a still-fuming Raven.

“Then are we to understand her accomplice-”

“Excuse me…” A somewhat annoyed voice sounded from the opening out onto the balcony. “I assume these belong to you two.”

Above Twilight’s head, three more Pegasus guards were hanging suspended in her telekinesis, all three looking more than a little embarrassed as they floated there helplessly.

“Why, yes Magus Twilight,” Silver Spark said with a bit of awe. “You… You can just put them down anywhere.”

With that being said, Twilight levitated the three guards over to their two compatriots and dumped them on the floor in a clatter of swords and armor.

Collecting herself, Silver Spark waved the guards off, dismissing them from her presence. With more than a few grumbles, the guards filed out into the hallway, closing the door behind them.

“And that's why I said we should enter through the main gate!” Twilight grumbled rather crossly as she walked up and took a seat at the table.

“Well we didn't have time!” Raven squawked as she got up on all four again. “ZZ could have been hurt, or worse!”

“What was that noise, oh… you are all back. How lovely,” Lady Silver Flash said with a smile as she exited the in-suite bathroom.

“There was a little misunderstanding with the guards; Raven seems to have taken a shortcut in getting here this evening,” Silver Spark informed.

“Well what did you expect?!” Raven said angrily as she lays down, curling herself protectively half way around Zig Zag on his cushion. “You call us back, saying ZZ is injured-”

“No, what Quick Find said was, and I quote, ‘Lady Silver Spark and Lady Silver Flash request that you and Lady Raven return as quickly as possible, there was an incident at the Estate. Zig Zag is unharmed, but your presence is still wanted.’ ” Twilight stared back at Raven, who couldn't meet her gaze now, looking away with a frown.

From below the wing that was now covering his back, Zig Zag look up at Raven with a smug little expression.

“Yeah, yeah… laugh it up ZZ. If you don't get that smug look off your face, I won't preen your mane for a week,” Raven said looking smug.

“Yeah, right… You’re the one asking to get her wings preened all the time,” Zig Zag shot back.

“As interesting as this all is to know, can we stop with the, who's preening who, talk,” Twilight said looking a bit uncomfortable.

“Oh, it's young love,” Silver Spark berated Twilight.

“Assuredly. Let them be; this is actually getting interesting,” Silver Flash continued while looking at Zig Zag and Raven in rapt attention.

Zig Zag and Raven, now aware that they were the center of attention, awkwardly cleared their throats. Raven then looked down at Zig Zag.

“So what was this duel about? Was some Gryphon male trying to claim me again?” Raven wondered in annoyance.

“No, not this time,” Zig Zag answered while shaking his head. “It was Silver Cutter; he was really angry with me for some reason.”

“Ah…” Silver Flash said looking a bit sheepish. “That might have been us. You see… brother thought you were getting too close to us, that there was some sort of interest between us and you, and we didn't really straighten out those misunderstandings.”

“What!” Both Raven and Zig Zag exclaimed. Twilight only groaned as she shook her head.

“Let me guess,” The purple mare cut in, looking sternly at the Silver twins. “You two thought it would be fun to watch your brother and Zig Zag fight, only for it all to get out of hoof. Am I right?”

“Yes. We have to admit, we thought it would be entertaining. But we did not realize brother would do what he did,” Silver Spark said apologetically looking over towards Zig Zag. “We thought it would be like any of the other duels he has participated in. However, it did not turn out like that at all, especially not after he lost the fight.”

At hearing this, Twilight became quite surprised, looking at the young colt with wide eyes. Raven however, only ruffled his scruffy blue mane with a talon, grinning widely.

“I should've known you'd beat his pompous ass,” Raven said happily as she hugged Zig Zag to herself.

“Then what was the incident you were talking about earlier?” Twilight wondered. “And why is Zig Zag bruised around his throat if he was the winner of the duel?”

“Because I was stupid and acted careless,” Zig Zag berated himself. “I behaved like I used to do at Crown Peak when fighting the Gryphon Warriors in practice. After the match, I turned around and walked away, thinking that would be the end.”

“Wait…” Twilight said comprehension dawning. “Lord Silver Cutter attacked you after the duel was over?”

“Yes. Our brother acted very cowardly. He's paying dearly for it now,” Silver Flash informed bitterly. “He has become quite the laughing stock when this debacle became common knowledge. That big praetorian, Bender, saw the whole thing. He informed his fellows, who immediately informed Nightmare Moon. She was furious and informed our parents that their hospitality was somewhat lacking. We believe he's receiving quite a telling off right at this moment.”

“A telling off?” Twilight asked with a frown. “He should be facing charges of assault.”

“Well I never made any charges against him,” Zig Zag said with a smirk. “He wanted to break my bones, thinking it would frighten me. I went for something far more precious to him; his pride and honor. Besides, I'm a commoner, he's a noble… nothing would've come of me accusing him of anything anyway. Still, though I didn't plan for this all to happen, it worked out quite well in the end. Cutter won't be able to lay a hoof on me from now on. Everyone, including my dad, Nightmare Moon and his own parents will be watching him.”

The whole room fell silent again, the Silver twins looking at the two-tone blue colt with a new sense of respect. They had not foreseen that he, a low-born, had been playing along in the game they thought themselves so good at. The trap Zig Zag had sprung on their brother was quite simply brilliant. Especially now, when they became aware of the fact that he had somewhat planned for it to happen.

Twilight, on the other hoof, looked at Zig Zag with renewed interest. There was far more to Zig Zag then she had initially guessed. Now finding herself more curious and interested, she resolved to start getting to know him and Raven better, both of them having surprised her positively a few times now. There was also something she thought she could teach Zig Zag that would help quite a lot in the future.

“Zig Zag, would it be all right for you if we had a practice fight tomorrow after breakfast? There is something I might be able to teach you, and it will definitely help you against unicorns in the future if my theory proves correct,” Twilight said with a friendly smile.

“Yes of course, I'd be happy to,” Zig Zag answered happily before looking back at Raven. “As long as you show Raven as well.”

“Of course I will show Raven as well. It's an idea I have thought about for a while. It's all really simple, having to do with the telekinetic hold dynamic of unicorn magic. If you counter the concentration ratio and exponentially subtract against added elements to…” Twilight trailed off as she looked up to see two very non-comprehending expressions on Zig Zag and Raven, although the two Silver twins seemed to be quite interested in what she was saying. “I'll just show you all tomorrow…”

“Yeah, that sounds better.” Raven deadpanned before her stomach suddenly growled.

“Are you hungry Raven?” Zig Zag immediately asked with concern.

“A little. We haven't eaten anything since breakfast after al,” Raven said as a bit of an afterthought.

“Well, do you want to go hunt then?” Zig Zag wondered, sounding quite at ease with the idea, which surprised both Twilight and the twins. “We haven't hunted since we came to North Bay, and I doubt they will have any real meat on the table for you tonight either.”

“You're probably right, and the ponies here don't really put in an effort to prepare the fish they do have for me and Lobo. I think we both ate it because we were just too hungry not to,” Raven answered with a frown. “Perhaps your dad would like to join us? He didn't look too pleased with the food last night either.”

“That's a great idea!” Zig Zag said and bounced up on his little hooves in excitement. “Let's go find him right now! This will be really fun!”

“Why don't you two just go down to the harbor district?” Silver Flash offered, “There are a few Gryphon run taverns that prepare food for the Gryphon sailors. None of the sailors ever buy anything fish related prepared by a pony. Not too surprising considering a pony cook never taste tests any of the fish they prepare.”

Twilight, Zig Zag and Raven all stared at Silver Flash with rather blank expressions. Seeing the perplexed looks they were giving her, Silver Flash leaned back a bit apprehensively.

“What?” She asked.

“Did you seriously just suggest Zig Zag take Raven, a Gryphon female, to a den of most likely violent and drunken Gryphon sailor males?” Twilight asked in a deadpan.

“U-um…” Lady Silver Flash’s cheeks turned a bit red when she realized what the likely outcome of that scenario would be. “No, that is… That might not be such a good idea on second thought.”

“You think?” Raven asked more than a bit annoyed. “Zig Zag and I would have to kill three or four males every time we visited. Even then, they most likely wouldn't get the point of leaving us alone. I'd rather not draw too much attention to myself; it's never good for a female Gryphon in the long run.”

“I think that's a bit exaggerated Raven, but it would most definitely not be a good idea. Especially not after what has already happened today.” Twilight said thoughtfully, missing how Raven started waving her claw for Twilight to stop talking.

“Wait, what? What happened today?” Zig Zag asked looking up at Raven a bit worriedly.

“A wing leader tried to claim Raven as his own female, obviously against her will.” Twilight continued, still completely oblivious to Raven's reluctance at the subject. “No need to worry though; they're in the dungeons, and I don't think Nightmare Moon will be too pleased when she hears about this.”

“I wish they could just leave us alone,” Raven said without much hope of that actually happening.

“This happens often?” Silver Spark wondered from where she sat, levitating her teacup to take a sip.

“You have no idea…” Raven answered with a grown.

“We have heard a little bit about such practices amongst the Gryphons from our brother and father. It seems quite barbaric, if you ask me,” Silver Flash commented with a frown.

“Not that the forced marriages of most nobles are any better,” Silver Spark rebuked her sister. “We are starting to get to the end of our rope when it comes to delaying just that.”

“You don't know how lucky you are…” Silver Flash continued as she gazed over towards Zig Zag and Raven, who still had her wing draped over Zig Zag’s back. “Being able to be with some pony you really have feelings for.”

“How lucky they are?” Twilight said rather sharply. “Do not talk about what you know nothing about. Nothing in most commoners’ lives ever go the way they want. The only thing they might have, and that's far from being a given, is the choice of who they want to be with. Most things in your lives, however, have gone precisely according to your wishes. The only thing you do not have control over is who you marry,” She said with a bit of a scowl. “I hardly think there was a single mare or stallion in The Officer's Club who wouldn't have given their horn, wings or even their hooves to be in the position you two have been in all your lives.”

Looking quite shocked at the response from Twilight, both the young noble mares rubbed there forelegs together apprehensively, not really being able to meet the eyes of any of the three, so-called, commoners in the room.

Twilight, although being elevated because of her position beside Nightmare Moon, was still strictly speaking just a slave, albeit a very well-treated one. Lobo, Zig Zag and Raven were only better protected within the Lunar Republic by the diplomatic status Nightmare Moon has proclaimed over Lobo, extending to Zig Zag through adoption and to Raven by means of eventual marriage to Zig Zag. They had all been granted the protection afforded under Lunar Republic law, cementing Raven's right not to be claimed by any Gryphon males not of her choosing. But if one really gets down to it, the legality of it all was probably quite flimsy at best.

“Okay then…” Zig Zag said as he stood up and headed for the door. “Ready to go Raven?”

“You bet,” Raven said with a smile as she followed. “See you tomorrow Twilight.”

Twilight waved her hoof at them as they disappeared out the door. When it closed she looked over to the twins. Both of them looked back at her with interest.

“I don't know what you two have planned for them, but it's obvious you're interested in them as more than just company,” Twilight said as she looked sternly at the young noble mares.

Both Lady Silver Flash and Lady Silver Spark tensed up a bit under Twilight’s scrutiny. They looked at each other and then gave a sigh.

“Okay you're right. We want them to be our personal guards, that's why we didn't intervene when our brother challenged Zig Zag. We thought that if he gave a good show, which he definitely did, father wouldn't be too much against Zig Zag and Raven guarding us when we leave the estate,” Silver Flash said earnestly while Silver Spark nodded her agreement.

“Every servant and every guard is ultimately owned by our father, so we can never do anything without it getting back to him, unless we sneak out on our own. This has caused a few problems for us lately, but we still don't want to use any of father’s guards, they are… quite invasive and never let us talk to any pony. Unless they're on a very short list of suitable company, at least according to our father,” Silver Spark explained with a frown.

Twilight sat in thought before finally giving a small huff.

“I understand what you're getting out of it now,” Twilight answered as she looked up at the two sisters. “But remember, they are both still very young, despite how mature they may act. Don’t lead them into a situation they cannot handle. You will have to protect them as well in a way; moving amongst nobles, even young ones, is not something they know how to do. If I hear they get into trouble because of this little arrangement you're trying to make, I will not be happy.”

“We understand Magus Twilight,” Silver Spark said before Silver Flash continued. “We just want to get out from under our father’s hoof for a little while; we won't be having them doing anything crazy: just protect us at a few parties and a couple get-togethers at the most.”

Twilight gave an affirmative nod and stood up.

“Then I'll see you both tomorrow, Lady Silver Spark, Lady Silver Flash,” Twilight said and gave them both a small but respectful tilt of her head.

“And a pleasant evening to you to Magus Twilight,” Both the sisters chorused.

With that Twilight headed out to find her master, leaving the two nobles alone to talk amongst themselves.

****

Thanks to Cyanhyde for the Pre-read/Edit

Thanks to Mikemeiers for the Pre-read/Edit

Author's Note

…Yes I'm alive.

Chapter 1 Preparations

True Black

Chapter 1

Preparations

24th of March.

The sound of thunder was rolling in over the neat rows of tents in the Grand Army camp. Black Star turned her head towards the mountains. It was scheduled to be a calm evening. But this close to the Northern border, rogue weather often reared its ugly head. She returned to her work with the summoning area. The immaculate runes between the two circles began to glow with an eerie blue light as she placed the last of the twenty hoof sized magic crystals around the edge. A smile appeared across her pearl white face. She had often received compliments comparing her coat to that of Princess Celestia, at least in fruitless attempts by stallions to bed her. Even though her coat color was similar, her mane and tail was not. Hers was black with a blood red streak running through it, and it also lay flat against her head covering half of her face. Black Star's cutie mark was three black stars, which made a few ponies apprehensive thinking she was connected to the heavens. Privately she laughed about it, knowing it only signified her talent for black magic.

It had taken her almost a week to complete all the preparations and rune work for this spell. Not to mention her extensive study of the intricate work left behind by Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever. Tonight all her hard work would come to bear fruit. She was interrupted by a sound behind her. Black Star turned around as a beige Pegasus stallion with a yellow main came to a standstill before her on the hill. He gave a smart salute. She noted his plain black armour with only the required full moon insignia painted on the chest.

“Yes eques,what is it?” Black Star asked the unknown soldier.

“Vexillarius Black Star! Message from Chief Decurion Avarice! He regrets to inform you he will not be able to make it for the ritual. But you are to proceed anyway and report your findings to him.” As the eques finished, he looked at Black Star and grimaced a little when meeting her eyes. Since he was a messenger, he didn't know that she could see. Black Star was used to this and didn't bother to inform him that his assumption was incorrect about her milky white eyes. She often gained valuable information this way, and had survived on more than one occasion because ponies had underestimated her when they thought she was blind.

“Understood… Inform him about my sorrow of not having Chief Decurion Avarice here for the ritual. I understand he's very busy.” She answered the messenger and waved him away. The messenger saluted again out of habit and took off. Black Star inspected the summoning area again. She wouldn't admit it but she was a little bit annoyed. What could possibly keep the Unicorn from witnessing what was about to happen this night. The summoning of a spirit had never been done before. If she succeeded this would be a monumental achievement for pony kind. With a snort of annoyance she turned around and started walking back to the encampment.

She walked through the camp towards the command tent, once again she noted how all stallions and even some mare's let their eyes slide over her flank as she went by. All things said, Black Star was quite a looker and she knew it. She had been the talk of the camp ever since she arrived two weeks ago. But since everyone knew Black Star was here at the order of some high and mighty ponies. Only Decurion Lightning Strike had got to know her here in person. As she arrived at the command tent she halted outside the flap.

“Decurion Lightning Strike, it´s Vexillarius Black Star. May I enter?” She called out.

“Enter.” Lightning Strikes voice immediately rang out. She floated the flap out of the way and walked in. Lightning Strike looked up from her maps and reports. The slightest hint of a smile flashed across the Pegasus´ face for a second. Her coat was golden yellow, the mane was a two tone blue that was swept back, and the tail cropped short to lessen wind drag. Black Star saluted. Lightning Strike waved a hoof dismissively looking a bit annoyed. She had liked this mare from the get go, especially when she understood just how intelligent she was. Lightning Strike actually had a hard time believing Black Star was only a Vexillarius. In her opinion, she knew a couple of Decurion that should probably swap rank with her.

“At ease… I get enough of that formal crap from the rest of those useless bastards here in this camp. How is your work progressing?” She asked. Now it was Black Star who flashed a smile across her face.

“All is ready. We can proceed once the Praetorian smith arrives with the required mythril.” She informed Lightning.

“Excellent! The Praetorian arrived an hour ago... Don't give me that look. It was better you finished up your work before going and bugging him about what he is supposed to do. He should be set up in the foundry by now.” Lightning said and stood up. The black armour she wore was immaculately polished. The moon inlay on her chest was pure silver, and the crest on her helmet made it clear she was a Decurion. They walked out together, and proceeded towards the edge of the camp to where the foundry could be found. It was on the exact opposite side of camp in regards to where the summoning spell would be performed. As they arrived they could hear the ring of a hammer hitting metal. But it did not belong to the praetorian who was sitting quite still observing the camp smith. He was a large muscular earth pony stallion. His coat was Brown, and his main was fiery red, just like his eyes. Two hammers were crossed on his flank. He was huffing angrily while the hammer rang against the armour he was currently making. As he dumped it into the trot of water, it made a hiss and sent up a large puff of steam.

“Evening Bender! You seem to be in a particularly good mood today!” Lightning calls to the smith. Bender looked up with murder in his eyes. But it disappeared when he saw who was standing before him. He smiled and gave something that could probably be passed for a salute. Smith's often worked for the Army, but was seldom an official part of it. The rule of thumb was that if you were a good smith you would most likely be employed by the Army. This was the case with Bender.

“Evening Lightning Sir!” His voice boomed. Lightning smiled at his attempt at being courteous. Then her eyes fell on the Praetorian, and were surprised to find it was a mare earth pony. She was in good trim even for a soldier, but not so muscular as she thought smith´s would automatically become. She had a very dark purple coat, the mane and tail were dark blue just like her keen eyes. On her flank Lightning could see a shield with a sword and a hammer crossed on top of it. And most remarkable, she seemed to be quite young. Her mythril armour shone brightly and was in excellent condition.

“Praetorian.” Lightning said and made a small tip of her head as a greeting. The Praetorian answered with a slight nod as well.

“So it's true then! This whiff of a girl walks in here brash as you like, and start rearranging my tools, then tells me I'm no longer in charge of my forge!” Bender´s voice boomed in annoyance as he stared at the girl. The Praetorian looked back at Bender with steel in her eyes. This would have made most ponies quiver with fright. But old Bender was not your average pony. He snorted back at her.

“You're lucky I didn't buck you half way across the Empire girl!” He roared in her face before stumping off. The Praetorian looked after him quite curiously. It wasn't everyday you found someone brave or stupid enough to stand up to one of them.

“You touched his tools? You are lucky to be alive, he must like you.” Lightning said with a laugh. The Praetorian once again looked towards the stallion who was stomping off to Gods know where.

“I pity the poor sod that gets in his way tonight.” Lightning said as she stood in front of the Praetorian.

“Now I assume you have been informed about what's going to happen here?” she asked. The Praetorian stood up and nodded. Lightning raised an eyebrow at her.

“Are you mute or something?” She asked.

“No… But I seldom talk unless I have to. I seem to have a peculiar effect on ponies.” The Praetorian answered. Both Lightning and Black Star gawk at her. Her voice was wonderful. It sent shivers down their spines and they could swear little glass bells were playing in the background. It was precisely the opposite of what you would expect a Praetorian to sound like.

“By the moon! Are you sure you're not supposed to be a singer or some such thing?” Black Star asked without thinking. The Praetorian snapped her eyes at Black Star who immediately took a step back. The Praetorian narrowed her gaze suspiciously at this.

“You're not blind. That's a cunning deception.” The Praetorian stated.

“Let me introduce Vexillarius Black Star. She is the second in command here at the moment.” Lightning said in ways of introduction. Once again short nods were exchanged.

“Black Star is also in charge of the summoning and will instruct you in what she needs you to do with the mythril.” Lightning said while taking a step to the side and let Black Star stand beside her. The significance of this little move was not lost on the Praetorian. Black Star was clearly no ordinary Vexillarius, being allowed to stand beside the Decurion at what could almost be seen as equal footing.

“I have orders to do all I can to help you. All you have to do is tell me what you need.” The Praetorian answered with a wave of her hoof to the side, there her hammer leaned against bars of mythril and the hammer seemed to be made of the same ore. The hammer in particular caught Black Starts interest, it practically shone with a powerful incantation to help with the smiting of mythril. Black Starts eyes widened at the sight of it. The value of the mythril in front of her was frightening to think about. Together with the twenty crystals at the summoning site, she was using up more money than a normal pony could earn in a lifetime.

“Very good… I need you to hammer out scales. On half of them I needed you to put these runes, and on the other half these ones.” Black Star said while pulling out a parchment with the two rune designs on them. The Praetorian eyed the design Black Star wanted on the scales. After a few moments of consideration she looked up.

“The scales will be quite large. You are not planning to do anything to fine with them?” She asked.

“No depending on what we summon the scales will be attached to either a leather collar or a harness to keep the spirit anchored on the physical plane.” Black Star answered hopefully.

“That won't be a problem.” The Praetorian said while she grabbed her hammer and walked off to prepare the forge. Lightning Strike and Black Star turned around and started on their way back into the camp. When they were in the command tent again Lightning turned to Black Star.

“You really don't know what you are going to summon?” She asked.

“Yes I do, a spirit! I may not know exactly which kind of spirit. But if my theory holds I should be able to anchor any spirit on the physical plane.” Black Star answered with a smile. Lightning just looked dubiously at her.

“So for all we know you could summon a squirrel spirit.” She said with a teasing voice.

“Of course not! I'm not leaving it entirely up to chance! I've been able to narrow it down to something that will be suitable as a warrior!” Black Star defended herself adamantly. Lightning was grinning at her.

“Well I really need to get back to work. Inform me when everything is prepared. I may not be a unicorn but I definitely want to see this.” Lightning said as she sat down behind her desk.

“Understood.” Black Star answered and gave a salute. As she left Decurion Lightning Strike command tent she was smiling as she always did after talking to her. Lightning might not be a unicorn, but it made her happy that at least one pony appreciated what she was trying to accomplish here.

****

26th of March.

The hammer was still ringing against the anvil as Black Star once again walked into the forge. She couldn't believe it had taken two days to shape the mythril into scales. The last piece was almost done, when she had placed the enchantment on it, the summoning of the spirit could finally commence. She eyed the praetorian smith through the shimmering air. The temperature in the foundry was immense. But still the mare had worked tirelessly, only taking short breaks for food and rest. Sometime during the first day Bender had once again appeared at the forge. After studying how the mare worked around the forge he had wandered off, only to reappear again with a heavy apron to shield him from the intense heat needed to forge mythril. Without missing a beat he had start helping with what he could. He was once again holding the mythril scale with tongs. Changing angles and twisting it perfectly for each of the Praetorian mare´s hammer blows. Lightning Strike had adamantly proclaimed that Bender had finally found true love. Although she was laughing at the time she said it. With a hiss Bender dunked the last scale into the water tub. When he brought the scale out, both smith's inspected it thoroughly.

“I'll give it to you… You're a half decent smith girl!” His voice boomed as loudly as ever. The Praetorian punched him quite hard in his side, although it barely made Bender flinch, he smiled wickedly at her.

“Same to you old man. Without your help, it would probably have taken me three days to complete all the scales.” She admitted somewhat reluctantly. He nodded and put the last scale back on the anvil.

“It was my pleasure! Couldn't let a chance to work with mythril just pass me by now could I? And it gave me an excuse to look at you all day as well.” Bender said and skipped to the side just in time to avoid another punch. Black Star walked up to them while she was shaking her head.

“So it's all done?” She asked even though the evidence was right in front of her.

“Yes… And I'll bring all the equipment I need to attach the scales to any piece of leather you want. The final assembly should be done at the summoning site. Part of the deal for the mythril was that I could return with a detailed report on your work.” The Praetorian reminded Black Star. She nodded while she examined the last scale. Even though she hadn't asked for anything artistic, the outside look like a miniature dragon scale. The inside was smooth with the Runes exquisitely stamped in to the surface of the mythril. Black Star was more than pleased with how the work had turned out.

“You're more than welcome Miss… You haven't told me your name?” Black Star suddenly realized.

“Praetorian is just fine.” She answered. Black Star looked to Bender who just shrugged.

“I just call her girl!” He boomed with a grin. Then he winched painfully as her hoof connected squarely with a kidneypunch.

“Right… will meet up at the summoning site in an hour. Anyone that wants to watch is welcome.” Black Star announced proudly and walked away to inform Lightning Strike that the show was about to begin.

****

Thanks to Laughing Luna for the Pre-read/Edit

Thanks to DJDemitri for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 4 A Nice Day?

True Black

Chapter 4

A nice day?

28th of March.

Zig Zag stirred in his bed, groaning when opened his eyes to take in his surroundings. Sitting up he felt how sore and stiff his right shoulder was, and his face felt like somepony had been punching it over and over again. Carefully lifting a hoof to it and winched at the soreness, then he remembered. Somepony had been punching him over and over again. He gritted his teeth.

"Iron Boot…" He whispered. As his memories were starting to come back to him, he watched them in disbelief as if they were happening to somepony else. Had Iron Boot really been trying to kill him? That was not the normal bullying he usually did; that was something else completely. Zig Zag had never been afraid of Iron Boot and his bullies. Today was different though. Right now he was terrified. Sliding out of bed with a grunt as his right shoulder protested against caring any weight, but he forced himself to ignore the pain. Then slowly making his way out of the room. When he neared the stairs to go down into the kitchen he heard something below. Stopping at the top of the stairs, hearing a voice he did not recognize. As quietly as Zig Zag possibly could he snuck down until he saw the back door. His mother was standing with a city guard he did not recognize.

"I must say for someone new, you are quite good, I'll tell the captain to save you for us more appreciative ponies. That'll keep you away from most of the riffraff we do have in the city guard." The stallion said and smiled at his mother. His mother nodded and gave him a rather strained smile in return.

"That would be appreciated… And tell the captain I won't forget what he told me." Bright Sky said to the guard as he left. She closed the door and put her back to it, then slid down to the floor. The mask she had been holding up in front of the guard fell away. Zig Zag had never seen her look so… vulnerable, as when the tears started rolling down her cheeks. Bright Sky held her eyes closed so she couldn't see Zig Zag quietly coming down the stairs. He didn't know what to do with reaching the bottom, sifting down while watching his mother slowly and repeatedly bump the back of her head against the door.

"Ma'am… Are you okay?" Zig Zag asked carefully. Her eyes snapped open as she heard his voice. She dried her eyes quickly and stood up.

"Honey you're up? How are you feeling?" She asked to avoid answering his question. Zig Zag looked down at the floor.

"I'm fine…" He lied. She gave him a sad smile, and walked over to the kitchen counter.

"So sweetie… What do you want for breakfast?" She asked as she put a trembling hoof on a piece of carrot. Zig Zag could see she was clearly not okay.

"Carrots and Dandelions would be nice…" He said and smiled, immediately regretted it since it stung quite badly in his face to do so. Bright Sky saw him wince at the pain and looked away, thinking she was the cause of it. Zig Zag looked out of the window in the back of the kitchen. It was still dark out, so it had to be very early in the morning. He rose and walked up to his mother.

"You want any help?" Zig Zag asked wishing nothing more than for her to say yes.

"No… Why don't you sit down honey?" She answered him. He disappointedly obeyed her, and walked over to sit down at a table. Sitting quietly and watching as his mother prepared breakfast.

"Who was that earlier?" He suddenly asked without ever realizing it himself. They both jumped at the crash when the plate she had been carrying over to the table shattered on the floor. She was holding her hooves to her mouth, but then quickly gathered herself again.

"That was no one… just… no one… please no more talking about him." She said as she bent to pick up the shattered plate. Zig Zag looked down at the table.

"Sorry…" He said sadly. Bright Sky prepared another helping and walked over to the table to sit with Zig Zag. She watched him slowly eat his breakfast. When he was done, she leaned over and ran her hoof through his messy blue mane.

"What you say we take the day off… Do something nice, just you and me?" She suggested with a smile. Zig Zag looked at her curiously.

"But the ships from the South are scheduled to come in today." He reminded her.

"Oh don't you worry about that. Not being first in line for once won't kill us." She told him as she leaned back. That wasn't what she usually said; always being first was more or less the foundation of her business. But right now Zig Zag wanted nothing more than to spend the day with his mother.

"Okay…" He said and smiled at her without winching this time. She smiled back and gathered up his plate.

"Why don't we start with sleeping in today? Then maybe head out to the park to eat something nice after?" She wondered. Zig Zag wasn't really sleepy at all, but could easily see his mother clearly was. Right now he would do anything he could for her.

"Yeah." Was all he answered and followed her up the stairs. At the top of the steps Bright Sky turned left towards Zig Zag´s room. She waited at the side of his bed while he jumped in, and then lay down beside him. Zig Zag immediately scooted in close to her. She wrapped her hooves around him in a tender and loving hug, like she used to do after he'd had a bad nightmare. And just like before Zig Zag immediately started listening to her steady breathing and soothing heartbeat. It didn't take long for his mother to start drifting off. Just when he thought she was asleep, a very soft voice drift done to him.

"Don't worry… I won't let them hurt you, I'll do anything to keep you safe…" She murmured half asleep. This made him smuggle in deeper into her embrace. Despite Zig Zag not being to sleepy, it didn't take long for both of them to drift off into the land of dreams. Where nothing bad had ever happened to either of them.

****

He awoke with a start, flying up to take in his surroundings. As Lobo realized he was not in the cage, and that Black Star was nowhere to be seen he visibly relaxed. This was still the command tent, and he was alone. This surprised him, in a good way. Giving himself a good long stretch, and then a vigorous shake of the head. Lobo immediately felt much more alert. He walked towards the exit, but then a familiar pain started nagging in the back of his head. He stopped just inside the exit and grunted quite annoyed. Lightning Strike had not released him from their talk, so he couldn't leave the command tent.

With a snort he went back in front of the cluttered table. It didn't take long for him to feel bored and restless. He paced around, until he happened to glance down at the table, and saw the maps, scrolls and documents, but what captivated him was that strange scribbling seemed to have meaning. As he started to read the scrolls he quickly became quite fascinated. He had never seen anything like this in his own realm. Apparently when Black Star instilled him with the language of the Celestial Empire, It had not only been the spoken but also the written. After reading through some notes and scrolls he quickly gathered that there were about fifty soldiers stationed in this temporary camp. They had all been sent here to keep Black Star and her research safe. On the orders of some Chief Decurion Avarice, whoever that was. The name Avarice was more or less stamped on everything he read.

Lobo muttered to himself and started inspecting a map instead. He could see the surrounding areas for quite some distance. To the north he saw some imaginary line running through the landscape, called a border. If he recalled correctly, that was also one of the pretenses for this camp being here, to check on the border. It appeared to hold great value to the ponies. There were also some small settlements around. And on the coast there was a large town called North Bay. Until now he hadn't fully understood just how many of these ponies there were, and he noted that this map was a small one when comparing it to the one lying beside it. On top of this map, on the coast he saw one small dot marked North Bay; between the two maps he got somewhat of an appreciation of how vast this Empire was. There must be a staggering amount of the ponies in this realm.

His ear twitched as he heard someone approach from outside. He quickly went around a table to lie down where he´d been sleeping, striking a rather regal pose as he waited. When Lightning Strike walked in she halted as they made eye contact.

"Well that's a surprise, finding you here wide-awake, doing nothing." She said and walked in dropping another scroll on the table.

"And what should I be doing?" Lobo asked curiously.

"Go out and enjoy the day… It's almost noon." Lightning answered with a wave towards the exit. He shifted his gaze to it and then back to her.

"I can't." Was all he answered. She looked curiously at him now, since she saw nothing stopping him from walking out of the tent.

"Come again?" Lightning said and walked up to him.

"Black Star ordered me to stay here until you release me… You have not done so. Therefore I am trapped here right now. Don't get me wrong though, the minute you let me go I have to find her again. So I'm not complaining about the situation." He explained. Lightning raised an eyebrow at this.

"She really does have complete control over you." She said. Lobo looked uncomfortable as he broke eye contact with her. After staring at the floor for a couple of seconds then he looked back with empty eyes.

"I hate Black Star with all my soul, but if she orders me to lick her hooves with a smile on my face… I would have to do it." He stated with a shudder. Lightning actually looked a bit disturbed at the thought.

"That is too much power for anyone to have over another. But at the same time I must confess that I am relieved. Without that control you would kill me right now wouldn't you?" She asked without hesitation. Lobo actually gave her a long searching look before he replied.

"I actually don't know about you. Black Star… yes without a second thought. You and that purple one with the knife… No, I don't think so. Don't get me wrong will never be friends. But I don't hate you enough to kill you, unless I'm hungry that is." Lobo said and grinned at her. Lightning actually gave him a little smile, she hadn't expected to hear that. And it really seemed like he meant it as well.

"We better keep you fed them." She answered him as she trotted towards the exit. She stopped and looked back at him. He hadn’t moved a muscle.

"This was a better talk than I thought it would be. One less thing before I releasing you. We are going to be testing how good you are at fighting against us ponies. There will be a little combat exercise tomorrow morning." Lightning told him. Lobo just looked flatly back at her.

"So I'm to be a punching bag to see how much I can take before a fall?" He wondered.

"No you will be allowed to knock your opponents around as much as you want. As long as you don't kill or permanently injure them, there won't be any repercussions for your actions during the exercise." She explained. At hearing this Lobo looked positively giddy.

"I think I will enjoy this… exercise." He announced with a positively glowing smile on his features. In a smooth motion he rose and started walking towards her.

"I bet you will…" She said to him as he walked past her out into the bright day.

****

In the afternoon sun, Zig Zag and Bright Sky were sitting down at the docks watching as a ship pulled into port. It had been a truly wonderful day. Neither of them waking until the sun was high in the sky. They had promptly walked to the park to enjoy a second breakfast while they lazily gazed at ponies running by. Besides themselves, only a few upper-class ponies could be seen enjoying themselves in the same way.

After this Bright Sky had bought him a new ball, which they immediately started playing with. Throwing, kicking and bouncing the ball back and forth between them for almost an hour. In the end they had to stop when a particular high nosed butler demanded that they cease with their activities, so that more civilized ponies could enjoy themselves in peace and quiet. His mother stuck her tongue out at the Butler who scoffed in horror at her behavior.

Then she had grabbed him with a laugh and launched into the sky with him squealing in delight and clutching his new bal. Zig Zag loved it when his mother took him for a flight. He had never admitted to it, but he'd always been a bit disappointed that he didn't inherit his mother's wings. Going so far that he even tried making fake wing out of twigs and leaves once, it had ended up with him face planting on the floor in his room after launching off his bed. Afterwards he actually thanked the Sun that he hadn't gone with his first idea, which had been to launch off the roof of the house. What he had inherited though, was her agility and lightness. This combined with him still being as strong as befitting all earth pony's, made for a very potent mixture in the end.

They had landed at home again after some aerobatics, so that he could drop off his new ball before they went out for dinner. To his surprise and delight Bright Sky had opted for them flying again, though this time he rested on her back, snuggly hugging her neck. They had flown into the finer parts of North Bay, to one of the finer inns around the whole city. Even though they opted to sit down in the corner out of the way, the waiter who approached them had first given them a look as if he wondered whether or not they were lost. Although when she asked for the meal of the day, and paid up front, they didn't voice any complaints.

After the best meal he'd ever had in his life, the two of them slowly walked down to the harbor where she had bought him another delicacy. Crushed ice with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Zig Zag was completely ecstatic as he sat with his hooves of the edge of the dock, eating the best thing he'd ever tasted. His mother looked lovingly at him, and giggled a bit when he got a brain freeze because he gobbled it down too fast.

"Take it easy honey, it won't run away from you." She said putting a hoof around his shoulder. Normally he would be quite fidgety about such open affection from his mother, at least in public. But not today, today he was just overjoyed to be with her. The sun had almost set before they started walking home. As they walked through the darkening streets of North Bay, Zig Zag kept looking behind him. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being followed. Just as they turned in on their own street they both heard someone approached from behind them. When they look back Zig Zag immediately saw his mother tense up. Out of the darkness the shape of Captain Iron Rod materialized in front of them. Bright Sky took a protective step in front of Zig Zag, although he peeked around her to glare at the captain. Since he was Iron Boot´s father, he might have found out what happened, and come to apologies. Captain Iron looked at him with a smirk on his face, before turning his attention to Zig Zag's mother.

"Why don't you send the kid home? We have a few things to talk about." He said and smiled at her. Bright Sky nodded slowly, and then turned to Zig Zag.

"Why don't you go home honey, I'll be there in a second." She said in a quiet voice. Zig Zag shifted his gaze back and forth from his mother to Captain Iron´s. He did not like the way Iron Rod was constantly letting his eyes roam over his mother.

"No… I'll stay with you!" He said defiantly while puffing out his chest. Iron´s just looked at him curiously, then chuckled and turned back to his mother.

"Do we need a repeat of yesterday?" He asked. Bright Sky panic at that and shoved Zig Zag quite violently backwards. He tumbled to the ground and groaned as he looked up. His mother looked terrified at what she'd done, but then quickly steeled herself.

"Go home now!" She barked at him. Zig Zag looked completely distraught as he quickly scampered off towards the front door of the house. Bright Sky looked pained as she saw him run off, wanting nothing more than to run after him. She turned back to Captain Iron who was eyeing Zig Zag as he disappeared.

"Your kid is quite the brave one, stupid but brave. We might have to keep an eye on him as a potential future city guard." He said and gave her a mocking smile. Bright Sky shivered at the thought. Had somebody told her that her son would be a city guard a week ago, she would have been really proud, but knowing what she knew now, she could barely keep her dinner down.

"What… What do you want Captain?" She asked carefully. He stroked his hoof along her chin. He liked the way she tried to keep a brave front for him. She shivered a bit at the contact but held firm. He smiled fondly at her then put his hoof down.

"I've talked to Short Sword about you. His review was quite… spectacular. It pleases me immensely to have another A-list mare in our stables." He said happily as he continued looking her over.

"Now being on the A-list gives you certain perks. One is that your time is your own as long as the sun is up. But when the sun sets you will be at home, or at the officers' club where you will have a room set aside for you. Seeing as you have a kid at home, I'd suggest you start using the room immediately. Even if you stay quiet during the act, we do have a couple of screamers in the ranks. The second is that you work every third night. That means you're free today and tomorrow. Now there is of course one exception to the rules. When somepony comes to you with one of these..." Iron´s said as he brought her a square coin. It looked to be made of bronze and had a sword half way pushed into its sheath on both sides. Bright Sky looked at it curiously; she'd never seen a coin like that before.

"There are twenty of these in the entire city. If you receive one of them, it doesn't matter which time of day or night it is, or if it's your day off. You do whatever that pony tells you to do immediately and without question." The captain said snatching the coin back.

"Now you've shown yourself to be an intelligent mare, so I don't think I'll have to repeat myself." He said with a satisfied smirk. Bright Sky looked at her own hooves and nodded.

"Good! I'll be expecting you at the officers' club the day after tomorrow." He said and surprised her by darting his head forward and licking up the side of her muzzle. She jumped back in fright and looked at him with big round eyes. He took a deep shuddering breath and looked back at her longingly.

"I'm truly tempted to use my coin right now, but then again the wait will make it all the more sweeter when I finally take you." He stated. Then he abruptly turned around and started trotting down the Street happily whistling as he went. Bright Sky staggered a couple of steps before she had collected herself again. She trotted the last way home quite briskly. As she neared the door she could see Zig Zag looking at her through the shop window. She couldn't meet his eyes and turned away ashamed of what she had done earlier. He had only tried to help her and she had screamed at him. She opened the door and stepped in. Zig Zag turned towards her with a said expression on his face.

"He's a bully mum. If we don't stand up to him it will just get worse." He said knowingly and started walking towards the back of the shop. Bright Sky just stared after him; how could he say that so easily, after what had happened to him just a day before? A single tear ran down the side of her face at the realization of just how brave and wonderful her son really was. She heard him walk up the stairs, while she stood and looked around her. All of a sudden she realized it. All of this, the store, the city, it didn't matter at all. She would gather as much resources as she could. Then they would flee from North Bay. She would be branded a criminal here, but it didn't matter since they could live somewhere else, under the rule of a different noble family. With a new found hope she followed after her son, she found him already curled up in his bed. Bright Sky looked at him from the doorway intending not to disturb him. When she turned to go back to her own room she found she just couldn't. The thought of sleeping in that bed again… Carefully Bright Sky walked up to Zig Zag and snuggled in beside him, and once again embraced him in a tight hug.

"Don't worry. We'll get through this. And I'm sorry I shoved you before." She said to him. At hearing this Zig Zag turned around and snuggled in closer to her.

"It's okay… I know you were only scared, but I can take care of myself; I'm really fast you know." He said bravely as he lay there protected in his mother's embrace. She smiled down at him and kissed him on his forehead.

"Thank you." She whispered as the day came to a close just as it had begun.

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit

Chapter 6 In to The Garden of Shadows

True Black

Chapter 6

In to the garden of shadows

30th of March.

Bright Sky looked at the Sun as it neared the horizon much too fast for her liking. Soon she would be expected to appear at the officers' club to be used as a plaything by whoever wanted her. She steeled herself. All she had to do was survive this night. Bright Sky had managed to gather as much money as she could without raising suspicion during the day. She would try to get a lot more tomorrow as they fled from North Bay. Bright Sky had first thought to flee before this terrible night happened, but she realized she and her son would not get enough of a head start to make it over the Silver-seas’ Duchy border if somepony was sent to capture them. When they left tomorrow, it would hopefully be two days before somepony in the city guard missed them. She let out an exhausted sigh. Zig Zag was out somewhere doing the normal things he was expected to do. His mother had not told him they were fleeing, so he was acting the same as always. Bright Sky herself had struggled during the day, jumping at every little sound, and constantly feeling that somepony was watching her even though she was alone. She looked up at the door to her shop as it opened; the bell jingled its little tune. In came three rough looking city guard ponies. Two were earth ponies, with grey coats and Indigo manes much too similar not to be brothers. The third one following behind them was a rather young looking pegasus with a beige coat and black mane. Bright Sky´s heart got caught in her throat as they slowly walked up to her, giving her very sultry looks. Were they here to collect her? That can't be right; it's got to be one if not two hours until the Sun sets. The apparent leader of the group, stood across from her at the counter. Without taking his eyes off her, he placed something on the counter between them.

“Hello beautiful! Me and my boys here would like to play with you for a couple of hours.” He said with a grin. The color drained from her face as she looked down at the square coin between them. It had a dagger halfway out of its sheath on it. She grimaced and looked closer at the coin in front of her. There was something wrong with it; she couldn't put her hoof on it but… Oh buck no! She glared up at three stallions in front of her.

“What do you think you trying to pull?! This is fake!” She shouted at them. The Pegasus backed up a bit, but the two brothers stood firm, narrowing their eyes at her.

“I paid good money for this coin, so you'd better put out!” The ringleader stated unwaveringly, while he glared at her. Bright Sky flipped the coin over to reveal the flat surface on the other side. A real coin should have dagger images on both sides, and were also of much better quality, both in regards to material and hoof work put into them.

“Then you've been duped, this is a fake, and a bad one at that.” She said and shoved the coin back towards him, thinking that was that. He raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Really…” He said as he looked at her. Then his hoof lashed out and struck her across the face. She reeled back and hit the wall behind her with a thud before sliding down to the floor. She looked up at the stallion in shock. He was now peering down at her from behind the counter.

“How long have we been doing this?” He calmly asked his brother.

“Little over a year now.” The brother answered as he too looked down at her where she sat clutching her snout.

“How many times have one of these dumb tail lifter noticed that the coin is fake?” The ringleader wondered.

“I think she's the fifth.” His brother answered with a smirk.

“And how many of them were stupid enough to voice a complaint?” He wondered sarcastically.

“Two!” The brother answered gladly.

“Whatever happened to those two?” He said and looked at his brother.

“The first one is only having soup for dinner nowadays, and I believe the second one is dead.” He said coldly as they both looked back down at Bright Sky who was pressing herself against the wall, as the taste of her blood draining from her snout began to flood her mouth.

“Did you hear that? I hope you did. Because if you start mouthing off again, or complain in the slightest, I won't be held responsible for what I do to you.” He stated as he walked around the counter. Bright Sky desperately tried to crawl away.

“Oooo we got a live one! I love it when they resist in the beginning!” He said with a laugh and grabbed her by her back hoof. He quickly dragged her out from behind the counter, not releasing her until she was lying on the floor between them. The ringleader unclasped the straps that were holding his breastplate in place and let it fall down to the floor with a clang. Bright sky jerked at the sound, and as she looked up at him, she could see a vicious, raw scar run across his chest. Around his neck dangled a silver necklace resembling a cherry blossom. Immediately she knew who was standing above her. These stallions were the ones who had brought about Cherry Tree´s and Cherry Blossom´s tragic death´s just a few weeks ago. The fear running through her was beyond anything she had ever felt before.

“No! Not you!” She wailed and tried to crawl away again. The second brother quickly stamped his hoof down between her wings pinning her to the floor.

“No! No! No! Ahhhhhhh!!!” She cried as he increased the pressure on her back, causing her wings to spasm. She was barely able to breath with his weight pressing down on her. The doorbell suddenly chimed again in its marry little tune as it opened. Bright Sky looked towards the door hoping there would be somepony to help her, only to realize it was only the youngest guard leaving.

“Where is he going?” The brother pinning her to the floor wondered.

“Let him go. He's still a green horn; he doesn't have the balls for this yet.” The older stallion said with a laugh.

“So how should we do this? Should we take turns? Or just go both at once?” The brother pinning her to the floor wondered as he took off his helmet and let it fall to the floor. Just as it landed the doorbell chimed a third time. As one all three turned towards the entrance thinking that the young guard had decided to come back, only to see a stunned Zig Zag standing there. His eyes worked frantically to take in the scene before him. Then his face curled into a snarl so vicious it was hard to believe it was a colt that was standing in front of them.

“Let go of my mum!!!” He yelled shrilly as the door closed behind him. Both of the brothers looked rather surprised, but then they laughed and looked at each other.

“Are you having the same feeling of déjà vu that I am?” Wondered the older brother.

“Yeah… This is just like with the inn owner a couple of weeks back, when her daughter walked in on us.” The younger brother answered and chuckled cruelly. Zig Zag´s young mind was absorbing every minute detail he was just given, but he couldn't really make all the connections that were needed. Still he knew he had just heard something important. Although he didn't have time to think about that right now, all that mattered right now was helping his mother escape from the two stallions. Just as he was about to charge the stallions, the leader who had just removed his breastplate drew his sword and pointed it towards his mother.

“Now you just sit down quietly in the corner and enjoy the show, or your mum won't live very long.” He warned Zig Zag, The coldness in the eyes that were looking at him told him the guard wasn't joking. Zig Zag just froze where he was, he didn't know if he should obey, flee or attack the guard. When the ringleader saw him hesitating, he pressed the point of his sword onto Bright Sky´s shoulder, making her cry out.

“No stop!” Zig Zag yelled helplessly where he stood.

“Then get your ass into that corner!” The ringleader ordered pointing into the furthest corner of the shop. Slowly and hesitantly Zig Zag moved over and sat down. His mother was looking at him through tear filled eyes, and then she gritted her teeth.

“I'll do whatever you want… just please… don't make my son watch this.” She pleaded and looked up at her captors. They both looked down at her, then each other. The brother pinning her to the floor nodded. The older brother stabbed the sword into the floor just beside her head. She looked into her own startled eyes as they look back at her through they reflection in the gleaming surface.

“You’ve got yourself a deal.” The stallion said as he released the sword then trotted over to Zig Zag.

“Let's go take a look at your room shall we?” The stallion ordered as he loomed over Zig Zag. With fearful eyes, he looked over to his mother. She reassured her son that he should do as he was told. Slowly he stood up and walked into the kitchen. Just as he turned up the stairs, he cast a glance towards the back door, seeing that it wasn't locked. With somewhat of a plan forming in his head he walked up the stairs, turning right, he walked in to his room, and then sat down in the middle of the floor. The stallion came closely behind him carrying one of the chairs from the kitchen. He eyed the room critically as he walked up to the window to peer down at street below. Satisfied that that wasn't a way out he just turned around. As he closed the door he shoved the chair under the handle, preventing the door from being opened from the inside. Before the stallion was even half way down the stairs, Zig Zag was standing in the open window looking for the quickest way down that wouldn't involve him breaking his legs. After dismissing some terrible ideas, he found a route that might just work and took a deep breath. He leapt towards their neighbor’s lantern holder. Barely managing to hook his front hooves over it, he swung under it and released just as the lantern gave way. The forward momentum managed to carry him to the flatbed of the wagon their neighbors had always parked there when they were not using it. He landed and rolled twice, before crashing into the front of the wagon. He gritted his teeth as he laid there and caught his breath again. That was one of the most awesome stunts he had ever pulled. He stood up and jumped down from the wagon, then hurried over to their back door. Slowly and quietly he opened the door just enough for him to slip in. Looking at the kitchen counter he could see a frying pan and the handle of a knife within easy reach for him. As he neared them he could hear voices from inside the store.

“So that's it. If you stick to our rules we all walk out of here happy.” One of the stallions said merrily.

“I'll do whatever you want, just don't hurt Zig Zag...” His mother sobbed in desperate defeat.

“Don't worry. The only reason we killed those Cherry girls was because that bitch was stupid enough to cut me. You can’t blame me for losing my temper after that; all I did was asked how much it would cost to fuck that pretty little thing when she walked in on us.” The older brother said. Zig Zag´s eyes went round at hearing those words.

“No… They couldn't mean... Cherry Blossom!” He thought as anger started to well up inside of him. Then he remembered what he had heard earlier.

“Are you having the same feeling of déjà vu that I am?” The one with the scar on his chest had asked.

“Yeah… This is just like with the inn owner a couple of weeks back, when her daughter walked in on us.” The younger brother had answered. Something clicked in Zig Zag´s mind. Slowly he released the handle of the frying pan and grabbed the chef’s knife instead. Silently he snuck up to the doorway and looked into the shop. The two stallions were standing side-by-side peering down at his mother who was lying sprawled on the floor in front of them.

“Well I'll go first this time. Besides I really want to feel how tight that sweet little ass of hers truly is.” The older brother said and grinned horribly down at Bright Sky. She shuddered at his words. When she didn't move, the younger brother roughly grabbed her by the tail, and lifted her flank up so that she was now easily accessible for the older brother. Although he only had time to take one step towards her before his eyes went wide, and he cried in agony.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Get it out!!! GET IT OUT!!!!!!” he screamed so loudly that all of North Bay must have heard him. When he fell down on the floor, Zig Zag yanked the knife out of his rear. The older brother was now lying on the floor clutching his own flank as blood started to pool beneath him. He was still screaming his lungs out. The younger brother was dumbstruck while he looked at Zig Zag standing behind his brother with the bloody knife in his mouth.

“Let go of my mum!” He growled fiercely around the knife handle. The younger brother cast a quick glance towards the sword, which was still impaled in the floorboards between him and Zig Zag. But before he could even make a move towards the sword, Zig Zag was standing in front of it daring him to come closer. He released Bright Sky and took a couple of steps backwards.

“Now, now there is no risen this has to get unpleasant for any pony.” He said with an uneasy smile plastered across his face.

“Unpleasant… Unpleasant!!! You were going to rape my mum! How is that not unpleasant!!!” The colt growled at him. Silently the younger brother cursed himself, for having left his own sword at home, thinking he wouldn't need it. They were just coming here for a quick rut before turning in for the night. Nothing special just some fun and games, now here he was, standing face-to-face with a psychopathic colt, with a knife in his mouth. Bright Sky had managed to get up on her hooves again. She was still in a haze as she looked around. She saw that the last guard had backed up halfway to the door. Zig Zag was standing with a bloody knife in his mouth. And when she turned back to the now quiet and still guard on the floor, she could see how large the pool of blood behind him was starting to get and how pale he was looking. Around the injured brother’s neck rested Cherry Blossom´s silver necklace; it still gleamed in the setting sun that streamed into the shop through the windows.

“Why did you kill Cherry Blossom…” Zig Zag suddenly asked the guard. The guard gulped and eyed him carefully, then backed up another step.

“What's it to you…” He asked.

“Cherry Blossom…” Bright Sky said from where she stood. Slowly she bent down and retrieved Cherry Blossom´s necklace off the dying guard with a snort of disgust. Then walked over to Zig Zag and hung it around his neck instead. She wiped a little blood splatter from his muzzle, and then looked up at the guard again.

“…Was his mare friend.” She finished shooting daggers into the guard with her eyes. Zig Zag was staring down at the necklace, now hanging around his neck, finally realizing why it had looked so familiar. It was the necklace Cherry Blossom had in his picture of her. This meant that these two must have stolen it off of her dead body. He felt anger flood into his being once again. Just then the door flew open, in came captain Iron Rod, followed by three other city guard ponies and the young guard who had left them earlier.

“Back Stab! What do you think you’re… doing……” Iron Rod just stopped mouth hanging open, while he took in the scene in front of him. Zig Zag with a bloody knife and Bright Sky standing behind him now looking absolutely terrified. The brother of the dead guard spun around.

“They killed my brother!” He yelled and grabbed the sword of the guard nearest to him, spun around and charged Zig Zag. With a feral cry he swung at the colt with all his might. Even though Zig Zag managed to block it, the knife went flying from his grasp. As the stallion swung down, Zig Zag rolled away a second too late. Half of his right ear was cut off. Screaming as he came out of his roll, he clutched the side of his head and looked up to see the stallion standing above him, ready to deliver the final blow. But the blow never fell, since a sword came shooting out of the younger brother’s throat from behind. Bright Sky let go of the handle and scooped up Zig Zag into her embrace, while the stallion collapsed on the floor. She backpedaled into the far corner of the shop, still holding her son firmly in her grasp. Iron Rod just couldn’t believe his eyes. Two of his guards had just been killed by a colt and a mare. And what was worse, ponies in the street where locking in on the mayhem from all of the noise. He gritted his teeth as he knew what he had to do.

“Take them!” He ordered. As one the guards closed in on the mother and son. There was nothing they could do to escape. Zig Zag was yanked out of his mother’s hooves and ruthlessly pressed into the ground. Behind him his mother was given the harsher treatment of the two, roughly tying her hooves together. Zig Zag screamed while he tried to fight his way loose. Iron Rod walked up to him and kicked him across his snout. His head snapped back from the force the blow, but he could still hear his mother scream while he sunk down in the black oblivion of unconsciousness.

****

Bender was pacing around the forge. The girl had been gone for almost twenty-four hours. In the beginning, he hadn't been worried at all. She was a Praetorian, so she could definitely take care of herself. Now at the end of the day though, he was starting to get... well, worried. He didn't think she just up and left, or at least he hoped she wouldn't have. Especially when Lightning claimed he was in love with the mare a day or so ago, though this did annoy Bender quite a bit. As always, it seemed that his sister knew him better then he knew himself. It wasn't until Bender started suspecting that she truly was gone, that he understood how much it hurt his feelings that she just left him without a word. He grabbed a hammer and smashed it against the anvil. Then he did it again, and again, and again, until he felt his temper started to settle.

So it really does work without metal in between… Bender thought as he looked at the hammer and realized something.

“This is her mythril hammer! She wouldn't leave without that!” He said loudly to himself.

“You got that right.” Bender heard an unmistakably beautiful voice say behind him. He spun around to see that the mare, who had been consuming his every thought for the entire evening, was now standing in the entrance to the forge.

“GIRL!!! Where have you been! Everybody's been looking for you! They think you ran away with Lobo!” He bellowed as loudly as always, while he trotted up to her. But before he could continue booming questions at her, she stumbled in and almost collapsed in his outstretched hooves. She was breathing heavily, and now that she was in proper light, Bender could see the battered up state she was in. She looked up at him with an annoyed expression on her face.

“Stop calling me GIRL! My name is Hammer Song…” She said as she was finally able to relax in his hooves. Bender stared down at her but couldn’t help smiling widely.

“That's a lovely name…” He whispered, probably for the first time in his life. Hammer Song looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Wow… When you whisper you actually sound like a normal pony.” She heckled him. He chuckled, but then he looked at her with concern in his eyes.

“What happened to you Hammer?” He asked. She just smiled at him without saying anything. Bender looked confused.

“What?” He wondered.

“You called me Hammer… Everybody else usually goes with Angel Song or Songbird or some such nonsense. But not you… I like that.” She said and put her head against his chest.

“That still doesn't tell me why you look like you do…” Bender said accusingly. Hammer Song sighed understanding that he wouldn't let up.

“I fought with Lobo… and lost badly.” She answered.

“What! But he can’t hurt a pony! Black Star did something so that he experiences extreme pain when he tries to injure anypony.” Bender stated in disbelief.

“I thought so as well, but it seems he's just been playing along, or he managed to break the spell’s hold on him. Whatever the case, he really did a number on me.” She said with quite a bit of annoyance.

“I should have known something was off… He just sat there waiting for me in the middle and forest, and I just walked straight up to him.” She berated herself.

“Hear you go Mr. Giant Wolf!!! My neck is particularly vulnerable if I look away like this!” She continued her self-criticism, and mimics the way she had been looking off in another direction just as he attacked her. Bender’s eyes went wide as he saw the bite marks on her throat.

“By the moon Hammer! How did you survive that?!” He asked, with both anger and worry in his voice. Hammer Song looked back at him.

“He didn't want to kill me… That's the only reason I'm here now. I was completely caught off guard. Didn't have a chance to think about defending myself before he'd put me through the ringer. I actually think he enjoyed letting loose on my sorry flank, but in the end he told me he liked me for putting a dagger in Black Star´s leg. Lobo also indicated that it would be a waste of energy to kill me if he wasn't going to eat me; apparently he wasn't hungry last night. Wasting energy is a big no-no where he’s from.” Hammer Song said and groaned a bit when she tried to get up again. Bender knew better than to offer her a hoof in assistance. She would have just glared at him.

“He even buried me a bit under twigs and leaves in order for me to stay warm while I was unconscious. Quite thoughtful, if you disregard the fact that he had just smashed my head against a tree.” She said as she stood up. Bender cringed as he now understood why Hammer Song had such a big bulge on the side of her head. She limped over to Bender's bed and fell on to it, for she was quite clearly exhausted. Rolling over in the bed so that she now faced Bender, she looked at him thoughtfully.

“I'll have to leave tomorrow. Central command needs to be informed about what's happened here. Black Star really has to be on a shorter set of reins… Chief Decurion Avarice is an idiot if you let her continue on like this. Or this is all…” Hammer Song didn't finish her chain of thought. Carefully she looked over to Bender, trying to figure out how much she could or should tell him. She sighed and turned around. Bender hadn't really been listening though, looking over at her he felt a bit empty inside, knowing that she was going to leave tomorrow. It almost made him feel sick in the pit of his stomach. She gave an irritated snort from the bed.

“Do you need an invitation? I'm still freezing cold from lying in the Woods for almost twenty-four hours. Would it be too much to ask for that you to get your flank over here?” Hammer Song wondered as she looked over her shoulder at Bender. He grinned sheepishly at her and walked over to the bed.

“Not at all ice cube.” He said as he lay down beside her, wrapped his hooves around her carefully, and then held her tightly to his chest. He sighed contently.

“No funny business.” Hammer Song warned. Bender raised an eyebrow behind her, huffed and then settles in for the night. Just as he was about to fall asleep he heard a voice.

“Why aren't you feeling me up?” Hammer Song wondered.

“You said no funny business.” Bender answered bluntly.

“You're an idiot.” She retorted. He gave a little laugh and then tentatively started kissing her on the back of her neck. She sighed blissfully while a shiver ran through her. Bender settled his head on one hoof and looked at her.

“I'm not stupid you know… I'm just a little bit unlucky when I think sometimes.” He said in a tender voice. Hammer Song couldn't completely quell the laugh she tried to suppress. Then she turned around and looked up at him, while he gazed down to her.

“Yeah… Very unlucky…” She stated before their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

****

Zig Zag groaned as he once again joined the world of the living. He was vaguely aware of screaming and banging on metal as he started to take in his surroundings. He was lying on hard, damp planks, which was a very uncomfortable bunk, in a wet and cold cell. He realized It was pitch-black, dark enough that it didn't really matter if his eyes were opened or not. He groaned again and wished that whoever was making the noise would just quit, so he could sleep. Then his eyes flew open when he recognized that it was his mother screaming after him.

“Ma’am…” He croaked out.

“Zig Zag! Are you okay?!” Bright Sky called out to him desperately.

“My head hurts…” He said and sniffled a bit.

“Don't worry, I’m right here honey.” She said a little more at ease now that she could finally hear him. Zig Zag rolled over and immediately smacked into the ground as he fell out of his narrow flatbed. He grimaced as he felt the soreness in his joints when he staggered up off the floor. The memory of him being pinned to the ground in the store came back to him. The city guards had not been holding back just because he was a colt. Slowly he looked around in the darkness.

“Ma’am… Where are we?” He asked even though he knew the answer. There was silence for a while before his mother responded.

“We are… We are in the dungeons honey.” She answered. Zig Zag was finally starting to pinpoint where his mother's voice was coming from. He staggered towards it, but he was stopped when he hit the bars of his cell. He leaned against them and peered into the inky blackness.

“What's going to…” Was all Zig Zag was able to say, before they heard a key turning in a door further down the gloomy corridor. Both Bright Sky and Zig Zag turned away from the light spilling in from the now open door. A dark silhouette came walking down between the cells towards them at the end of the hallway. As it stopped they could finally see that it was captain Iron Rod. Bright Sky was lying on the ground leaning against the bar of her cell, just like Zig Zag. He himself wasn't too worse for wear, even though he spotted a big new bruise covering the left side of his face where Iron Rod had connected with his kick, and half of his right ear was still missing. Bright Sky, on the other hoof, had been roughed up pretty badly. She had scratches, bruises and sores covering her body. Her wings were tied down tightly to her back. She looked pleadingly at the captain through the bars of her cell. Iron Rod only looked down at her and sighed.

“You two just had to kill them… You should have just let them have you. I would have punished them severely afterwards.” He said as he stepped up to Bright Sky´s cell and looked down at her. She looked up at him, her eyes burning with hate.

“Like you did after they killed Cherry Tree and Cherry Blossom? If I recall correctly you were there as well.” She answered as if her words were venom.

“I wasn't aware of the situation until it was too late… When I arrived on the scene Cherry Blossom was already dead. Cherry Tree was a raving wreck, so I did the best I could out of a bad situation.” He said coldly.

“So you killed Cherry Tree as well? That was the best way to solve the situation? Don't lie to me in here! you guards were just protecting yourselves!” Bright Sky stated.

“Yes we were… The killing of Cherry Blossom was an accident. Apparently she struggled too hard and broke her neck in the process, so we made it look like she had an accident. But believe me when I tell you Cherry Tree was completely crazy by the time we let her hang herself, and we did let her hang herself.” He said the last sentence with a bit of extra force to underline that he was sincere.

“What kind of monster are you! It wasn't noble or something of you to let her kill herself?! You were the cause of her pain! You killed her! You killed them both!” Zig Zag was smashing the bars of his cell at this point, infuriated by Iron Rod’s words. Iron Rod didn't even spare him a glance, while he continued talking to Bright Sky.

“Unfortunately the two of you won't have that luxury.” He stated and looked away down the corridor. Bright Sky felt like she’d just been hit by thousand gallons of ice cold water. And Zig Zag was staring wide-eyed up at Iron Rod after understanding what he had meant.

“No! No! No! Blame it on me! Hang me! But let Zig Zag go!!!” Bright Sky wailed. Iron Rod at least had the decency to flinch.

“Can’t do that… There are too many witnesses, so you are both going to hang in the morning. The laws are crystal clear on the punishment for murder, especially when the ones you kill are from the city guard; there is nothing I can do about that.” He stated flatly. Now Bright Sky’s anger flared up and she threw herself at the bars. Behind Iron Rod, Zig Zag had started to wail loudly as the despair inside of him was starting to overwhelm him. He had only been protecting his mother, how could that be punishable by death?

“Buck you! It is your fault we are in here! You and all your bucking guards! You all should hang! Not us!!!” She screamed while she jerked at the bars trying to get at the captain.

“Be quiet or I'll just leave you in the dark again.” He said. She glared at him.

“Go!!! I never want to see you again!!!” She screamed in his face.

“I don't think so! Since I'm here to deliver a small bit of mercy!” He said sharply. Bright Sky stopped her frantic struggle, and looked searchingly at him with something akin to hope her eyes.

“You… You’ll let us go?” She asked uncertainly. Iron Rod lifted an eyebrow at her question, and then shook his head.

“No… can’t do that. But I can give you this; and I’ll allow you both to be in the same cell this last night.” He said as he showed her a small flask with a green liquid in it. She looked at it for only a second before she turned away with her hooves at her mouth.

“You have to use it pretty quickly. The next guard that comes in here and see you two together will probably separate you again. I'm just the captain of the merchant district after all, and the high commander and the rest of the guards are quite rallied up about you two killing two of us.” He explained as he looked at her while holding the flask between them. She looked back with tears flowing down from her eyes. She knew he was telling the truth; it was a kind of mercy, a sick and degraded kind of mercy. She had only been to one hanging in her lifetime. It had been while she was still young and curious. Bright Sky had only needed to see one to know that she never wanted to see another. The thought of her and her son ending up on the short end of that rope tomorrow was just unthinkable. She put her back to the bar as she slid down to the floor again. She held her hooves around herself, in an attempt to contain the sobs wrecking her body. Taking several deep breaths in the effort to regain control of herself, she had to do this a couple of times before she had composed herself enough to try and speak again.

“Will… Will it hurt?” She wondered.

“Not too much I believe… I've never used it myself after all.” He said.

“Pity…” Bright Sky answered absentmindedly. Iron Rod just snorted behind her, and put the flask down just inside the bars of her cell. He then went over to the door and put a key in the lock. He looked down at her.

“Don't do anything stupid.” He told Bright Sky as he open the door. Leaving it wide open he proceeded over to Zig Zag´s cell. He looked in at the little colt. If looks could kill, Iron Rod would have been dead instantly. He put the key into the lock then looked down at Zig Zag and met his gaze squarely.

“You get one chance to be with your mother.” He said as he opened the door wide so that it was a straight run from one cell to the other. Zig Zag slowly walked out of his cell. When he was just outside he kicked the cell door as hard as he could. Iron Rod not expecting this was hit by the door straight into his muzzle. Cursing loudly at the split lip he received, he glared at Zig Zag, but he was already inside his mother's cell, with the two of them clinging desperately to each other. Iron Rod licked his lips, then walked up and locked the door behind them.

“Remember you won't have long… an hour or two at the most.” He said, and then turned around and walked away. Bright Sky and Zig Zag couldn't get close enough to each other. They were holding on so hard it actually hurt, making it almost impossible to breathe.

It’s just not fair. He’s so young, and already he’s going to die. Bright Sky thought as she clung to him. Then their cell was once again plunged into an inky gloom, but the light didn't disappear completely this time. Iron Rod had left the door at the end of the corridor a little bit open, just so that a small ray of light ran down the length of the corridor. It wasn't much light, but as her eyes got used to the darkness, she could once more make out the shape of Zig Zag in her hooves. Beside her she could also see the light reflecting off the surface of the glass vial. Apparently Zig Zag was able to make out where she was looking.

“Not yet…” He said softly to her and rested his head on her chest. Bright Sky tentatively kissed him on his forehead and then laid her head on top of his. For the first time since he was let into her cell, they were both able to relax a bit. Just sitting there, wrapped in each other's embrace. Listening to each other´s breathing in the darkness. Zig Zag having his head on his mother's chest, also listened to her calming heartbeat.

Padump…

He didn't know if he´d been listening to his mother's heartbeat for ten minutes or an hour when he felt a vial being pressed to his lips. It was tilted back, and a sweet liquid filled his mouth. He swallowed it down, and then once again clung tightly to his mother with trembling hooves. Bright sky suppressed a shuddering sob before she drank down the rest of the liquid in bottle. When it was empty she flung it out of the cell hearing it shatter against the floor in the corridor. She embraced her son again and started to rock from side to side, as she tried to calm both him and herself.

“I'm scared…” Zig Zag whimpered in her embrace.

“Me too…” Bright Sky answered through her sobs and gave him a quick squeeze. Holding Zig Zag tenderly in her hooves, with tears streaming down her face Bright Sky began to sing, as the poison started to take effect on them.

“Come now my child I'll take thee away, into a land of enchantment… come little child, the times come to play here in the garden of shadows…” Bright Sky sang as she started to feel pain in her stomach. She looked down at her son, seeing him gritting his teeth.

“Follow sweet child, I'll show thee the way, through all the pain and sorrow…” She continued as tears flowed down Zig Zag´s cheeks. He pushed in further into his mother's embrace.

“Weep not poor child, for life is this way, murdering beauty and passion… Hush now dear child, it must be this way, too weary of life and deceptions…” She sang while she felt how Zig Zag slowly went limp in her embrace.

“Rest now my child, for soon we'll away, into the calm and quite…” She continued, her voice barely holding together. Zig Zag opened his eyes, to glance up at her one last time. He smiled such a content and sad little smile before his head lulled against her chest.

“Come now my child… I'll take thee away… into a land of enchantment… come little child… the times come to play… here in the garden… of shadows……” Bright Sky finished as her head fell down on top of her precious Zig Zag, and all that was left was silence.

Come now my child…

****

Thanks to Meeester for the Pre-read/Edit
If you want to hear my inspiration for Bright Sky´s song, listen here!

Chapter 24 Sanctuary Days

True Black
Chapter 24
Sanctuary Days

18 of April

There came a rapid knock on the door. Raven quickly jumped out of bed and made her way over to open it, while Zig Zag groggily looked around himself. He gave a big yawn, and then he proceeded to stretch the way Lobo usually did when he woke up. He stood up with his back legs straight and his front two legs stretched as far forward as they could reach, as if he were doing a very deep bow. Zig Zag even mimicked the clawing motion Lobo did with his own two front hooves. He then proceeded to stand up on his front hooves while stretching his back legs one at a time. To end it all, Zig Zag jumped off the bed and gave himself a good shake. As he glanced over to the now open door, he could see both Raven and Robin watching him curiously.

“What?!” he asked defensively. Robin had burst out in a wide grin.

“Well… nothing… nothing at all,” she said while looking at Zig Zag as if he was one of the most adorable things she had ever seen. Raven, however, was looking at Robin with narrowed eyes.

“Right… you want something?” Raven asked the older gryphoness.

“Hmm... oh right! I was able to scrape together some things you might find interesting. If you two would follow me, I have set it up down in the common room,” Robin said and made a beckoning motion with a talon. Zig Zag and Raven immediately followed, their curiosity now peaked. As they made their way down, they could hear loud noises of crates being dragged or dropped on a wooden floor. When they entered the room, Zig Zag could see several female gryphons unloading bits of armor and weaponry on the floor in the middle of the common room. Every single gryphon halted what they were doing at the sight of the little pony that was now merrily trotting up towards this literal treasure trove. For the Gryphons though, the pieces in the boxes were all mismatched armor, and, more often than not, practice pieces for some of the apprentices at the forge. This said, a gryphon blacksmith apprentice could put out some truly fine quality work, if you knew what you were looking for. And, unbeknownst to any of the males, Robin had managed to sneak in some really nice pieces of armor as well.

“Wow! Is this all ours?” Zig Zag wondered enthusiastically, while he was smiling from ear to ear and his tail was switching from side to side behind him. Many of the Gryphons around them were once again slowed to a complete halt when Zig Zag´s canines became visible.

“No, don't be silly. You three will be allowed to take the pieces you need. The rest will be brought back to the forge again,” Robin said with a little giggle, while Zig Zag bounced around checking one piece of armor after another.

“Ohhhhh! Look at this!” Zig Zag called back to Raven while he vigorously tried to pull out a big chest piece from one of the crates. Raven and Robin made their way over to him. Zig Zag tried to pull it out a couple of times more before giving up; that thing was really stuck in there.

“I think that's a little too big for you, Zig Zag,” Robin said with a little smirk, while she made her way over to another crate. After rummaging through it a little bit, she pulled out a solid piece of steel. It was a piece of plate armor meant to protect the thigh of a gryphon, but if Robin had any eye for it, which she did, this piece would probably work very well as a back armor for Zig Zag. She walked over to him and put the heavy piece on his back, and strapped it on with two straps around his midsection. She then produced a vicious looking dagger and proceeded to smash it point first into Zig Zag´s plate covered back, so hard as to making him grunt in effort to stay on his hooves. A loud ringing noise reverberated through the room. Raven viciously grabbed ahold of Robin’s wrist, giving it a quick twist so that Robin dropped the dagger with a squawk.

“What the hell!” Raven roared at Robin while the daggers point dug into the floorboards where it landed. Robin had hit Zig Zag a lot harder than what had been necessary for a demonstration.

“Take it easy! It was all in good fun! I just wanted to see how ‘you’ would react…” Robin said looking pointedly at Raven. Zig Zag thought that the question was directed at him.

“No problem! I've been training with my dad! That hit was nothing!” he said proudly and turned around, only to see Raven glaring at Robin. Raven gave an annoyed huff.

“Well… see that you don't do that again,” she said heatedly, while giving a last little twist to Robin’s wrist before letting go.

“Okay! Okay! No more jokes…” Robin answered, while she walked over to another crate and started looking through it intent on finding some more armor she could hopefully strap onto Zig Zag’s small frame.

****

Lobo was slowly heading back to their recently acquired room. His little excursion to the kitchen had become quite a trip when it turned out they had nothing for Zig Zag to eat. He had walked back to where he had met the gryphon elders, to make this oversight known. But, when he had arrived, he had been denied access, been told that the elders had gone home for the day, and that he would have to come back tomorrow. He had growled fiercely at the two guards, because his sensitive ears could easily pick up noise from inside the building indicating they were clearly still there. Just as he had been about to demand being let through, he saw the elders take off from the roof of the building. The two guards had stood with smirks, looking up at the receding elders. They both turned towards Lobo grinning, but when they looked back to where he had been standing, Lobo was gone, as if he had just melted back into the shadows. Both of the two guards now looked at each other a bit uneasily, the wolf had been standing right in front of them, and they didn't even notice when he had moved away.

Lobo, for his part, was quietly stalking one of the elders back to his home, moving quickly through the dark streets, which seemed to suit him perfectly. The whole village of Crown Peek was made out of dark volcanic rock, which Lobo blended into almost seamlessly even when he wasn't walking in the deepest shadows. The only thing giving him away was his damned mythril war collar. Just as the Gryphon elder landed in front of his door, Lobo made himself known.

“Elder Leonard…” Lobo said calmly. Leonard given squawk in surprise as Lobo seemingly materialized out of a shadow on the other side of the street. Leonard gathered himself quickly and gave an annoyed look towards the Wolf.

“Who told you where I live?” he demanded to know. Lobo walked up towards Leonard in a way that made him feel very uneasy. He had been sneering openly down at the wolf from the raised elder table, surrounded by gryphon guards on all sides. Now, when he was alone with the wolf, it was quite easy to feel that the power balance had shifted dramatically.

“No one told me… I'm a wolf, there is nothing that can hide from me when I want to find it,” Lobo continued just as calmly. This truly sent a shiver down Leonard´s spine.

“Do you want something, Wolf? Or are you just here to threaten me? Which, I must emphasize, is a very bad move on your part,” he said, trying to sound calmer than he was.

“I'm not threatening you… I only told you the truth. No one told me where you live elder. And I just wanted to find you, since our agreement has already been breached,” Lobo said and looked pointedly at Leonard. The elder lifted an eyebrow at this, not really seeing how that could be so.

“If you do not like your room, Wolf, you should have specified a standard when you negotiated for it,” Leonard said forlornly and tried to wave Lobo away, thinking that was the end of the matter. Lobo had made his way over while they were talking, and now shut to door forcibly in front of Leonard, who was startled and jumped back wings flared in a defensive posture.

“I do not care about the room, but my pup is hungry! And the contract clearly states food is to be made available for the three of us. I just wanted to be courteous enough to give you a chance and rectify your mistake, before I solve the issue myself! If I remember correctly, the contract never specified in which manner I was allowed to obtain said food while I'm in the village. Something you should really have specified at negotiations. Because the way I'm going to go about that in a couple of minutes… will be quite costly for you and the village,” Lobo stated with steel in his voice. Leonard took a step back while he narrowed his eyes at Lobo; one could clearly see the gears started turning his head. After quickly deliberating with himself, he gave an annoyed squawk.

“Very well… Wait outside, I think I have some grain and other garnishing that might be suitable for a pony to eat,” Leonard scoffed, while he walked in and close the door firmly behind him. Some harsh commands were then yelled throughout the building. It didn't take long before the door opened a little bit and small gryphon girl exited holding a basket filled with grain, bread and other flowers and plants. The little girl held out the basket trembling towards Lobo.

Didn't even have the guts to give the basket to me himself… Lobo thought, and then smiled down at the little girl. He gently took the offered basket from her.

“Thank you, young one. You are a brave little one, aren't you? I hope you have a pleasant evening,” Lobo said, giving a little bow to her and then disappearing in amongst the shadows. The young gryphoness just stood there completely stunned, trying to looking after the giant wolf. A creaking sound was heard behind her as the door was once again pushed open to reveal a second small gryphoness looking worriedly at her sister.

“Are you okay sis? Did he hurt you?” she asked apprehensively. The first young gryphoness just shook her head.

“No… he… thanked me?” she said, still not believing what had happened.

Lobo , meanwhile, had taken the long route home, checking the perimeter of the village while carrying the basket in his jaws. And, even though he wasn't exactly trying to be stealthy, not a single one of the guards had noticed his passing. Gryphons were clearly not a nocturnal species, something he had suspected from the first time he met Jaggar´s eyes on that rock covered field. They had quite spectacular eyesight, but they only work in daylight. Which was quite perfect, since all of the hatchlings had so far been taken during the night. So the fact that he could see in the dark would be a monumental advantage against any future gryphons who would dare come here to abduct another one. Satisfied with his first exploration, Lobo walked into the common room of the inn, carrying a sturdy meal for all three of them.

To his surprise, he found Raven and Robin standing amongst crates and pieces of armor strewn about. In front of them stood a statue of metal, but it suddenly lurched forward.

“Dad! Look at this! Isn't it perfect? You could drop a mountain on me and I wouldn't even get a scratch!” Zig Zag said confidently. Lobo almost dropped the basket he was holding, before giving an aggravated grunt and shaking his head. He carefully put the basket down on the nearest table, and then took a fighting position. Zig Zag immediately understood what was about to happen, and took on a similar one. As Lobo shot forward, Zig Zag tried to jump out of the way like he always did, but the weight of the armor only made him stumble to the side. Lobo seized him easily in his jaws, then proceeded to pick him up and slammed him down hard on his back. Zig Zag was completely out of it already; Lobo had one paw on his stomach pressing down hard, while the other now tilted his head back exposing his throat. Before anybody could act, Lobo had Zig Zag in a vice grip cutting off his air supply some. Zig Zag desperately tried to get loose and quickly understood it was quite impossible.

“I give! I give! I give!” Zig Zag wheezed desperately. Lobo immediately let go, and stood looking down at his pup who was frantically panting where he lay.

“Take it off Zig Zag… That armor will kill you, no doubt about it. The one reason you're alive today has been your agility… Weighing yourself down like that will only kill you all the quicker,” he said, looking harshly at the two gryphonesses, who had obviously tried to dress him like a gryphon warrior. They were both, in return, gawking at him, not having expected Lobo to go on an all-out attack against Zig Zag like that. It had been ferocious and quite frightening to observe, but they quickly understood that that was the usual means of how Lobo was training Zig Zag. Slowly, the two of them moved to assist Zig Zag in stripping off the armor they had so painstakingly put together.

“Then… What would you like from us?” Robin asked carefully. Lobo thought for a while before answering.

“I want a light leather armor for Zig Zag, something that will give him protection without weighing him down, and, the most important thing, keeping him warm. Make sure it’s got good insulation, and also… do you remember the bags Zig Zag had on his hooves when you met him, Raven?” Lobo asked.

“Yeah… What about them?” she wondered.

“Could you make something like them… But even better?” Lobo said hopefully. Raven just rolled her eyes.

“Yeah… in my sleep,” she answered.

“Good! Make them and a good set of leather armor for him,” Lobo told her, walking over to one of the boxes containing plate armor.

“Wait… You want me to make the armor? Isn't it better for someone's who is actually good at it to make them?” Raven asked. Lobo looked at her questioningly.

“I thought you did a very good job with that weapon harness earlier,” Lobo answered.

“Ohh that… That was just an emergency patch job. I'm sure one of the gryphons around here would be much better than me. Who do you think we should go talk to?” Raven asked Robin who burst out in a smug grin.

“Well, that would be me! Or my mother… We're the ones who make all of the leather armor for us girls. I made this myself,” she said, and showcased the armor she was wearing. Raven started to inspect it closely, and finally nodded her head.

“This is good work… If you could make something like this for Zig Zag… What am I saying! Zig Zag will be bullied to no end for just being a pony! Making him wearing leather as well… Let's just say it will not be good. It's almost unheard of for males to where only leather armor voluntarily! For Pete’s sake, it is seen as an insult if a male gives another male leather armor as a gift!” Raven said, while looking accusingly at Lobo.

“Nonetheless, that's what he will have, if they start bullying him, he'll just have to stand up for himself, and it will be good training,” Lobo said with a hint of a smile. Zig Zag took a deep breath.

“Just do it Raven… Dad´s right, I have to stay quick and agile. And it's not like I can´t take care of myself,” he said with a sly grin towards Raven and Robin. The two gryphons just nodded.

“Okay Zig Zag… If you come to mine and mum´s workshop we will most likely be able to come up with something good in about a week,” Robin said enthusiastically.

“Good! Then you three know what you have to do during the next week; leather armor for both Zig Zag and Raven. Do remember to send the bill for all the work to the elders. It is, after all, part of my deal with them,” Lobo said with a wicked grin. Robin´s eyes almost sparkled when she thought about that.

“Don't you worry, Lobo! We'll make the best leather armor Zig Zag could possibly get anywhere,” Robin said while she walked up to Zig Zag and gave him up a playful punch to the shoulder, which actually sent him stumbling.

“That just leaves you, big guy! What do you want?” Robin said and started to rummage through the boxes of armor, looking for the breastplate Zig Zag had tried to dig out in the beginning. Lobo, meanwhile, pulled out two steel bracers and drop them in front of him.

“This will do nicely. I'll find myself wanting to block a blow every now and then, but, so far, I have been unable to do so. This will put an end to that without weighing me down too much,” Lobo said and smiled at Robin’s shocked expression.

“Are you sure… not even chainmail or a helmet?” Robin asked, while looking at all the armament she had worked all day to drag over here, apparently completely unnecessarily. Robin looked back towards Lobo while Raven fastened the steel bracers to his front legs.

“No, this is quite all right. I'm just like Zig Zag in this way; my strength is my agility, speed and endurance. All three would be hampered by too much armor,” he informed Raven, who just gave a sigh in defeat.

“Alright… I'll make sure someone comes and removes all this crap later, and I'll come collect you two tomorrow. My mum is going to be positively giddy about making armor for a male. Even though you're just a little pony,” Robin said with a smirk while she exited the inn.

“She's right you know… Zig Zag will get pummeled the first day he walks through town wearing leather armor…” Raven said worriedly.

“They'll have to catch him first. Something not easily done and I speak with experience on the matter,” Lobo said confidently, and then looking down at Zig Zag who was in the middle of inspecting the steel bracers now adorning Lobo´s front legs.

“You might have forgotten something important… we’ve got wings,” Raven said, spreading hers out to put extra emphasis on her words.

“And there are a lot of nooks and crannies for Zig Zag to use in this village where a gryphon will not be able to follow. Besides… I will keep a close eye on you two until I'm convinced we are safe here. Most of my work will be at night, so I will be able to keep you safe for a little while during the day as well. But you two will have to start working together, to keep one another safe, when I'm not around,” Lobo said with serious tone, while he looked at Raven and Zig Zag who were now both sitting in front of him. Raven immediately draped a wing over Zig Zag who responded by pressing himself against Raven.

“I think we might be able to swing that,” Raven said with an almost-purring sound emitting from her.

“Yeah! No problem!” Zig Zag proclaimed loudly, full of confidence. Just then, both their bellies decided to loudly proclaim their displeasure of being empty. Lobo smiled down at them both.

“So, would you two be interested in joining me for an evening snack?” Lobo asked, while raising an eyebrow. The two wide smiles and sparkling eyes looking at him was all the answer he needed. He quickly picked up the basket with food for Zig Zag and walked into the kitchen of the inn. He came out moments later with two oversized piece of smoked meat.

“Memmlitmmhmmlp?” Lobo mumbled.

“What?” Both Zig Zag and Raven answered simultaneously. Raven, however, walked up and removed the two pieces of meat Lobo was carrying.

“Thanks… And I said a little help,” Lobo informed them with a grin. Zig Zag immediately bounced forward so that Lobo could place the basket on his back, before reclaiming one of the large chunks of meat from Raven. Then, with each one carrying their own long overdue meal, they retreated back to their room for the evening.

****

23 of April

Zig Zag jumped out of the bed, startling the still sleeping Raven. Today was a special day, not only because he was finally going to receive his armor from Robin and Redwing, but also because he was fourteen today Even though no one else knew, it was still somewhat of a connection to his mother. However, at the thought of his mother, Zig Zag came to a shuddering halt in the midst of his joyous celebration. Raven looked curiously at him, seeing the dramatic change from happy to unbelievably sad. She immediately knew what had caused it.

“Thinking about your mom?” Raven asked carefully. Zig Zag nodded.

“Yeah… Me and mum would have gone to Cherry Blossom and her mum's place today…”he answered, while tears started to flow down his cheeks. Raven groaned a bit at the display, still holding a bit to her gryphon way of thinking. Still, she patted the bed indicating he should jump up to her. Without a second thought, Zig Zag did so and buried his head against Raven's chest while her wings closed around him in a comforting embrace. Raven knew he was missing his home something fierce, or at least the ponies that used to live there. She also knew he still had nightmares every night, since she often woke up holding onto a still sleeping, but crying and struggling, Zig Zag.

He is at least not waking up screaming any more… Those screams still make my blood run cold… Raven thought sadly.

“So, why did you do that? Was it something you two did often?” Raven wondered. Zig Zag shook his head.

“No… It's… It's my birthday today, and we would go celebrate together with friends, have a nice meal and I would get a present or two… ” Zig Zag said with a far-off look in his eyes, while memories of happier days played in front of them.

“Birthday? Is that like the day you were hatched or something?” Raven wondered.

“You've never had a birthday?” Zig Zag asked in disbelief.

“Well, no… I don't remember which day I was hatched,” Raven said defensively.

“Well, others have to remind you in the beginning, at least until you're old enough to remember it by yourself,” Zig Zag told her, as a matter of fact.

“Well, excuse me… I wasn't exactly in a loving environment when I grew up. There was no one there to tell me when I hatched. Besides, we don't really celebrate that anyway,” Raven said quite heatedly.

“Ohh… right… sorry…” Zig Zag said apologetically before he shone up again.

“You want to share my birthday? It would be awesome! We are both going to receive our armors today, so that will be like perfect birthday presents for our celebration! And we would both turn fourteen the same time! It will be amazingly super-duper fun!!! ” Zig Zag said gleefully while he smiled at Raven, who, for her part, didn't really understand what the big deal about birthdays was. But the fact that Zig Zag had forgotten to be sad was enough for her to go along with his shared birthday plan.

“Sure… that sounds nice,” Raven said, now smiling at him. Zig Zag burst out in a big grin, and then promptly jumped down on the floor, once again excited about going to get their armor. Raven just giving a little shake of her head before following him.

It didn't take long for the two of them to make their way through the village, ending up at Robin and Redwing´s leather armor shop. Of course, they produced a lot more than just armor, since that was a rather limited market. Both Robin and her mother were running the store, but the owner of the shop was Redwing´s husband, Iron Beak, who was also the village smith and had his forge located just across the street. The first few days Lobo, Zig Zag and Raven lived in the gryphon village, both Lobo and Zig Zag had been stared at openly. And even more so when it was made clear that the gryphoness walking alongside Zig Zag was firmly claimed by him. And anyone who had a disagreement with this would have to take it up with his father, the giant black wolf that was now helping them guard their village each night. Most likely, Lobo was the only reason none of the male gryphons hadn’t tried to make a move on Raven, who was constantly drawing the attention of many a young gryphon boy around town. Both Zig Zag and Raven had, so far, just ignored the open stares from the villagers. And all that was far from their minds right now as they walked into Redwing´s store and bid her and Robin a good morning.

“So are they done?” Zig Zag asked, practically bouncing on the spot.

“Well, Raven's armor has been done all along since it's more of an off the hook armaments, but we still wanted you two to have them at the same time,” Redwing said with a smile, while she looked at the enthusiastic little pony.

“You armor is over there, Raven. Why don't you strap it on while we help Zig Zag with his.” Robin pointed towards a plain, but functional looking, leather armor mounted upon a mannequin in the corner of the shop. Raven nodded and headed over. Meanwhile, Zig Zag was helped up on a worktable. This would make it much easier for the two gryphonesses to assist Zig Zag with donning his armor.

“Now then, just like your father asked for, we have made these light, durable shoes for you. As you can see, we have made some improvements against what you wanted, we have modeled them after your fathers own paws,” Redwing said proudly, showing the underside, which had a big pad at the back, and three smaller ones at the front, simulating the way Lobo looked under his paws almost completely. This little fact made Zig Zag shine up with excitement. The four shoes were quickly secured to his feet. He tried them against the hard surface of the table and noticed quite excitedly just how well they muffle the sounds when his hooves made contact.

“Now, this I must admit is my daughter’s doing. She pointed out the fact that you're a male, and is therefore allowed to have steel in your armor. We, therefore, inserted three steel rods in your leather bracers. There is one rod running down both edges horizontally, and one running down the middle, giving the bracers a much higher defensive capability while remaining very light. We also took the liberty of adding three dagger tips at the bottom of the front two bracers giving you a weapon that will always be at the ready,” Redwing said, while she and Robin strapped the leather bracers onto Zig Zag´s legs. He, in turn, looked down at them, completely awed. The three dagger tips were angled slightly downwards so it actually looked like he had three claws sticking out from his hooves. Zig Zag just couldn't help but grin widely.

“And, finally, the main piece of the leather armor, which I must say I'm quite proud of, I hope you will agree on that soon. It's a two-piece armor, with the first being the chest and underbelly piece,” Redwing said, and brought out a chest piece that ran all the way from his throat, down across his under belly, and didn't stop until just in front of his unmentionables. They also enclosed up two thirds of his sides and neck. Deftly, Redwing and Raven secured straps across his back, so it now fit snugly against him. Nodding their approval, they brought up the last piece.

“Now, here's the clever part. As you can see, you have a whole row of steel clasps running down the sides of your lower armor piece. So when I apply the upper piece to your back, I can hook it into whatever clasp fits for the moment, and thereby ensuring you can grow with this armor for a couple of years at least,” Redwing said, beaming with pride at her ingenuity. Zig Zag just didn't know what to say, he had expected something cool, but this!

“Wow! Thank you! Thank you so very much! This is great!” he said, while spinning around on the table trying to look at all of himself at once. Redwing and Robin were practically bursting at the praise they were receiving, not being used to receiving it from a male. Even if it was just a little pony, it felt incredibly satisfying.

“Now, now, calmed down Zig Zag. We're not through with the armor orientation yet. As you can see, the inside of the armor is very well insulated with thick wool, just like Lobo wanted. Although, that much insulation would be a problem in summer. Therefore, we have made it so you can remove the wool when it becomes too hot. And all the ridges you can see running through the armor are inserted steel rods, once again adding much more protection against slashes and blunt trauma, without adding too much weight. We also took the liberty of exchanging your daggers with two that my husband made. They are both of better quality than the ones you had, and, since they are exactly the same, you won't have to get acquainted with two different daggers. This will make it much easier to learn and handle both of them quickly. They both have integrated holders on your back armor, so you'll be able to draw them out just like you did with the weapon harness. And, in the front of your neck lining, there are also a few hideaway pockets where you can store various items you want within easy reach,” Redwing said proudly while she simultaneously uncovered two beautifully crafted daggers on the table in front of him, and then slipped them into place on his back. Zig Zag quickly made sure he could reach both of the dagger handles, and made a few practice swings with each one of the daggers. To his surprise, and delight, they were both better balanced and lighter than his old ones. Finally, he looked up at Redwing and Robin, grinning from ear to ear.

“I don't know how to thank you for this! This is better than I could ever dream of… I bet even Iron Rod will run screaming when he sees me in this!” Zig Zag said with almost palpable hatred showing across his face, while he uttered the name. Both Redwing and Robin looked at him curiously, never having seen that expression on the little pony before.

“Who's Iron Rod?” Robin asked. Zig Zag looked away but did not answer, since he still had problem uttering their names if they didn't happen to slip into a sentence without him thinking about it.

“He's one of the creeps that murdered his mother in front of him… That's why he’s training so hard, so he can go back home and take revenge on them,” Raven said from behind, while she stepped up to Zig Zag. Her eyes went wide upon seeing him.

“Wow, that's some really good looking armor you got there… you look… fierce!” Raven said with approval. Zig Zag studied Raven´s armor in return, noticing it was more or less exactly the same as Robin’s. She had four plain looking leather bracers on each of her legs, and her chest and back piece was a much simpler one piece where she had to insert her head and then carefully thread her wings through two openings to allow her flight. But the thing that really made her stand out was the fact that she had every dagger the three bandit brothers had previously owned strapped about her person. Two were secured at the front of her chest, two jutted out over her shoulders in a similar fashion to Zig Zag, that she had one dagger strapped to each one of her front legs, and the same with the rear. To finish it all off, Raven had a dagger secured against either side of her just beneath the wings so that they would be hidden when she had her wings folded. Zig Zag was gaping at her.

“You look like a damn weapons arsenal!” he said with a mischievous grin. Raven gave Zig Zag a playful punch in the side.

“Yeah! So you better watch it from now on!” Raven warned him, the flick him on the forehead. Zig Zag gave a little yelp, was just about to rubbed his forehead when he realised that would be a bad idea, since he now has three very sharp claws on his hooves. Redwing and Robin both looked horrified at what Raven had done, thinking she would be in serious trouble now. But they were once again reminded of just how different Zig Zag functioned compared to gryphon males when he burst out laughing and surprised them all by pouncing on Raven. It didn't take long for Zig Zag to end up on his back, being tickled viciously in his still exposed armpits.

“HAHAHAHAHA!!! I give! I give! I give!” he screamed out, laughing. Raven let him go while grinning down at him. Redwing and Robin just shook their heads at the whole thing now, although there were secretly feeling a bit jealous at Raven for having found such a caring male pony willing to claim her. Both Lobo and Zig Zag had quickly become popular amongst the gryphon females around town, simply because of the fact they treated all the females with dignity and civility.

“Happy birthday, Raven,” Zig Zag suddenly said to her. Raven smiled down at him quite lovingly.

“Happy birthday to you too, Zig Zag,” she answered.

“Birthday? Was that?” Robin wondered. Both Zig Zag and Raven groaned simultaneously.

“You gryphon´s really don't celebrate that?” Zig Zag asked forlornly.

“Told you…” Raven said.

“Well… today I was born fourteen years ago. Had I still been home… My mom and my friends would have celebrated by having an extra nice dinner, and maybe give me a gift or two. So, when I found out Raven didn't know hers, I thought we could celebrate both our birthdays together. It was perfect since we were both getting our armors today. We could both celebrate together, so the fun would be doubled!” Zig Zag burst out grinning like a mad pony. All three of the female gryphons were giggling at Zig Zag´s quite contagious enthusiasm.

“That really sounds nice actually… Wait here a moment, I think I might have something for you,” Redwing said, and she disappeared back into the shop. She came back a couple of minutes later, and held out two bottles in front of Zig Zag, who looked carefully at them.

“What is it?” he wondered.

“It's to help with your revenge. The pink bottle contains a slow acting poison, which will kill, very painfully to boot. If you coat your daggers with this, it won't matter if you only manage to scratch this Iron Rod; he will die screaming in agony within twenty-four-hours,” Redwing said with an evil grin. Zig Zag´s eyes were almost sparkling while he looked mesmerised at the little pink bottle. Carefully, Redwing place the bottle in Zig Zag´s left-most hidden pocket situated around his neck. Then, she held out the other bottle in front of him.

“Now this green bottle contains the antidote to that poison. One third of the content of this bottle is enough to counteract it without any future problems. In other words, you have three chances if you happen to poison yourself by accident. Do you understand?” Redwing asked carefully. Zig Zag nodded and then watched as Redwing placed the green bottle in his right most hidden pocket. Afterwards, she ruffled Zig Zag´s mane while smiling down at him.

“Happy birthday Zig Zag. I hope my gift will serve you well in your hunt for justice,” Redwing says, feeling quite good about giving him this valuable and rare gift.

“Thank you Redwing… I'm sure they will,” Zig Zag said smiling up at her with true gratitude for the gifts.

****

Thanks to Syvvak for the Pre-read/Edit