//------------------------------// // Chapter 32 Consequences // Story: True Black // by Leonofsweden //------------------------------// 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