//------------------------------// // Chapter 27 Trouble on the Horizon // Story: True Black // by Leonofsweden //------------------------------// 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