//------------------------------// // Chapter 31 Vengeance and Complications // Story: True Black // by Leonofsweden //------------------------------// 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