//------------------------------//
// Chapter 33 Anger Issues 
// Story: True Black 
// by Leonofsweden 
//------------------------------//


True Black
Chapter 33
Anger Issues


16 of August

As Lobo walked through the halls of the mansion, he doggedly followed the scent trail formed by Nightmare Moon’s passing. Behind him Hammer Song followed, looking nervously at the quite visibly agitated wolf.

“I don't think you should seek Nightmare Moon out right now Lobo she needs-” Hammer was cut off by Lobo’s harsh growl.

“She attacked a pup of my pack, pony… I will have words with her whether she likes it or not.” He retorted.

“She didn't exactly attack him… she yelled at him a little and-” this time Lobo shoved Hammer Song up against the wall, staring angrily down at her.

“She called him Silver Pot! Do you have any idea how many times I've heard my son scream that name out while he has one of his nightmares!?” Lobo shouted at her while glaring down with teeth bared.

“She. Had. No. Right.” Lobo punctuated each word before letting go and continuing down the hall. Hammer Song took a big swallow before following after Lobo again, staying quiet this time. It didn't take long for them to arrive at a door Lobo could smell Nightmare Moon behind. He put his paw against it, and saw that Hammer made to follow. He turned towards her.

“You stay here, this is private.” Lobo said coldly.

“Look I have to-”

“Keep an eye on me when Nightmare Moon can't… believe me she will know where I am.” Lobo finished for Hammer in an angry whisper. Hammer looked uncertainly at the black wolf before nodding and sitting down to guard the entrance. Lobo took a calming breath before opening the door and walking in. As he strode into the lavishly furnished office he immediately saw Nightmare sitting regally at an ornate desk, fully concentrated on some scrollwork.

“You should knock.” She advised warningly without even looking up at Lobo, seemingly not in a mood to deal with him presently.

“And you should show more consideration for those around you, especially the younger ones.” Lobo huffed.

“Shouldn’t you be looking for your children?” She asked, still refusing to face him and ignoring his comment.

“They didn’t go far, and of the two of us I’d say you’re the one who needs to keep an eye on their child.” Lobo growled warningly back at her.

“Well, I would’ve been able to intervene last night if someone hadn’t interrupted me.” Nightmare bit back, glancing at the spirit briefly. “Twilight has never been a child to me anyway. She’s different.”

“Oh, so she’s different. That explains everything.” Lobo laughed sardonically.

“And for the record you’re the one that stopped me from reaching Zig Zag, and even if Twilight is not a child, ZIG ZAG IS! Yet you still tore into him in front of everyone, while you let her go without so much as raising your voice! Where’s this so called ‘equality’ that you spoke so adamantly about?” Lobo asked now glaring at Nightmare.

“You assume that just because I didn’t yell I let Twilight off the hook?!” Nightmare snapped as she whirled to face the wolf and dropped down into an animalistic and aggressive stance, clearly starting to get more than a bit agitated.

“They both received the same!” Nightmare said defensively.

“Really?! Tell me how! You rave at a child for vengeance against the killers of his mother and friends, the owners of a whorehouse, while you leave your precious apprentice to slink off to Alpha knows where! Even though SHE’S mostly to blame for this!!! Had she not taken Zig Zag into the city the three of us would’ve been in and out without anyone being the wiser, and the city bereft of two ponies no one would miss!!! Instead, YOUR apprentice brings my children into a massacre!” Lobo barked, prowling toward the black mare with teeth bared and hackles rising.

“At least YOUR son has shown enough sanity to be responsible for his own damn actions! Do you think I don’t know this is Twilight’s fault?! Of course I do! She has shown more than irresponsibility with this! After everything she’s been through I can draw no other conclusion than that my beloved servant is losing her sanity! How the FUCK do you suggest I react?!” Nightmare screamed as she began to twitch in desperate need of something to take her rage out on. Lobo stumbled quite badly in his approach, clearly not having expected that answer.

“My son…is responsible enough…and you…and Twilight…is what?” He tripped over his words, flabbergasted, before regaining his composure.

“Even if that’s true, and your Twilight has a problem, that still doesn’t give you the right to unload your frustrations out on Zig Zag like you did.”

“That doesn’t mean I was wrong!” The alicorn yelled simply. Despite Lobo’s somewhat calmer tone, Nightmare was still in a rage, clearly nearing the end of her patience.

“So what? I know you were right! But I was handling it my way because it was my son, and I was doing a hell of alot better than YOU did! He needed time to reflect and think, not your holier-than-thou crap shoved down his throat! No wonder Twilight is going insane…” Lobo said through gritted teeth, thinking that if anything would get a rise from Nightmare, naming this Twilight would.

Nightmare Moon’s eyes shrunk at the comment and began to glow ominously. Her entire body shook with rage, and her heart ached at the sheer amount of anger coursing through it. Lobo had crossed the line.

“Get out…” She whispered viciously, literally only seconds away from ripping the wolf’s head off with her magic. Lobo grinned back at her. That had worked even better than he had hoped it would.

“Doesn’t feel good, does it? Not when you’re on the receiving end of the barbs. Just think about how a fourteen year old pup would take it, or anyone without our existential experience to draw on.” Lobo stated as he looked Nightmare straight in the eyes. The alicorn was not to be tested, though. With the roar of an Ursa Major, she leapt upon him, pinning him to the ground by his forelegs.

“Your highness, what’s wrong?!” Hammer Song yelled in panic, as she rushed in from the hall where she’d been waiting. Nightmare ignored the praetorian completely.

“TAKE! IT! BACK!” She screamed into Lobo’s face, amplifying her voice with magic half in the intention to deafen him.

“TWILIGHT HAS NOTHING TO FEAR FROM ME! SHE KNOWS SHE CAN TRUST ME! I HAVE ONLY EVER PROTECTED HER! I NEVER HURT HER! THAT WAS MY SISTER! NOT ME! TWILIGHT…isn’t…afraid. I-I never…hurt her…” Nightmare speech broke apart, as she neared the end of her raving. Her voice trembled, and hot tears slipped down onto Lobo’s face. Even then, though, her livid glare did not lessen one bit, but Lobo glowered right back at her.

“Good! Take it out on me! I can handle it, unlike some little foal!!!” He spat up at her. The black alicorn’s face twisted and contorted in sheer rage, as she howled like a banshee.

“Your majesty, no!” Hammer Song shouted, and rushed forward to intervene.

The next thing Lobo knew he crashed into Hammer Song like a boulder, sending them both off into the corner of the room. He shook his head, and then felt something grab him by the tail. With a heave, Nightmare reared up and threw him across the room onto the bed with enough force to snap its legs. He gritted his teeth, but as he felt the fracture now in his tail, he couldn't help but yelp out in pain.

Without any chance to recover, Nightmare's telekinesis catapulted him painfully into the opposite wall of the room, where the magic fizzled out and let him drop painfully onto the dresser beneath him. Groaning in pain, he rolled over onto the ground with a heavy thump. Only for the furious alicorn to force him back up to his paws with her magic, keeping him in place while she walked up to stand in front of him. She turned and pulled both her rear legs back, before bucking him square in his chest.

Lobo felt a horrifying crunch as his ribs gave way, injuring many of his internal organs. He was once again sent flying across the room only to slam into the desk Nightmare had been sitting at when he entered earlier. Lobo collapsed onto the floor in a haze of pain breathing raggedly. Still heaving angrily, Nightmare approached his now broken form and snarled in his face.

“Take. It. Back!” She demanded. Coughing up blood, Lobo’s voice came out in a pained wheeze.

“I…truly am…sorry…I…used your feelings for Twilight…but you needed it…in more ways than one.” He spoke between gasps for breath and groans of pain. The towering mare began to calm down, his agony and sincerity seeming to break through her anger, and her bestial scowl slowly melted. Seeing his opening Lobo steeled himself to speak up.

“Tell me, Nightmare…” He began before taking another gasp. “If you had thought…that I had killed Twilight…would you have stopped before…I was a red smear…on the floor?” Lobo wondered curiously. The alicorn knew in that instant what the wolf had intended. She loathed it when she was outsmarted. Nevertheless, the point was made. For all her questioning of Twilight and Zig Zag’s self-control, she had reacted in the exact same way.

“No…” She answered, as she sat down and glared at Lobo, daring him to explain his point. To emphasize this, the moment Lobo opened his mouth again she used her magic to yank his ribcage back in place, eliciting another yelp.

“Don’t move. I’m not that good a healer.” She advised, as she bent her power to restore him. Lobo was aware enough to take the hint, and remained quiet while Nightmare healed him to the best of her ability, reattaching the bones and checking for internal damage. Another groan soon filled the room, and the clatter of hooves signaled the praetorian standing back up.

“Are you okay, pony?” Lobo grunted.

“Yeah, I’m good…” Hammer Song answered in confusion at seeing Nightmare now apparently healing him.

“Then you can wait outside, Hammer. There’s no threat to either of us in here.” The wolf dismissed.

After a moment, the clip-clop of hooves along the floor and the thump of a closing door announced that the praetorian had left, albeit reluctantly. Still, the alicorn remained quiet. She did not speak once, until at last she was done.

“I did what I could for your tail, but it wasn’t much. Your ribs should hold, but they aren’t fully healed. So don’t do anything else stupid.” Nightmare warned Lobo, slapping him upside the head for his gall.

“Right…No picking fights with any sort of Alpha I encounter.” He replied with a smirk, as he climbed back up to his paws.

“You were a fool for starting this in the first place. You knew I was in a foul mood, and yet you egged me on.” The obsidian mare retorted.

“I’ll admit that, but you needed to vent. I could literally feel the aggravation and anger radiating off of you. You would have snapped on someone sooner or later.” Lobo pointed out.

“Not as violently, I assure you.” Nightmare huffed indignantly.

“And how would I know that?” Lobo asked pointedly. “From all that I’ve seen of you, you can be very violent.”

“Nevertheless, my wellbeing is my own concern and not yours. Now are you done here?” Nightmare wondered.

“Almost.” He answered. “Just as your wellbeing is none of my concern, my pack’s wellbeing is none of yours. I’ll leave you to your own devices from now on if you leave us to ours.” Lobo said and looked pointedly at Nightmare. The former empress quirked a brow at the request. All of this just to make her leave his children alone? Well, she hadn’t been listening earlier so perhaps she was equally to blame for this incident.

“Fine. So long as they don’t interfere in my plans I’ll leave the foal and hatchling be. If they do, however, I expect you to set them straight. Understood?” She offered.

“Yes. As long as you go through me in the future, I’ll keep them in line. Assuming I agree that they need reprimanding, of course.” Lobo answered, as he started to stiffly make his way to the door. He heard Nightmare sigh as he left, apparently not knowing what to make of him. As he staggered out through the door he was met by the stoic eyes of Hammer Song. He sat down with a grunt.

“So… did you two have a nice conversation?” she asked, somehow keeping a straight face. Lobo grinned back at her.

“Couldn't have gone better.” He answered. Hammer Song just looked at him as she raised an eyebrow. Clearly showing what she thought about that. Lobo stiffly stood up again and started making his way down the corridor, Hammer Song falling in beside him.

“So what now?” She asked.

“Now we find Zig Zag and Raven again.” Lobo answered as he limped on.

“Okay so… down to the city then I guess?” Hammer wondered.

“That sounds about right. They probably won't be coming back here in a hurry, and I don't want to leave them alone for the entire day if I can help it.” Lobo said.

“We should find Bender then, he's already down there and he knows this city pretty well. He said he was going to have a look around the merchant district trying to find an old friend. If we find him before your kids I'm sure he'll help us in the search.” Hammer Song said as she laid out her search strategy. Lobo didn't really mind her planning, all he had to do was cross Zig Zag and Raven’s path once and he would be able to follow the trail from there.

“Very well, lead the way my good mare.” Lobo said and gestured for her to take the lead. Hammer snorted at his gesture.

“Don't think I'm letting you off the hook just because you got your flank kicked just now.” She said, to which Lobo looked curiously at her.

“You owe me a rematch for what you did to me outside of the camp before you took off!” Hammer said indignantly. Lobo almost stumbled at that.

“What?!” He asked.

“We're going to have a sparring match as soon as you are healed up, and then I'm going to hoof your flank back to you again, got that!” Hammer Song shot back at him just before she walked out of the mansion. Lobo gave a sigh and shook his head, but then he gave a good hearted laugh as he began to follow Hammer out into the city of North Bay..

What a strange species these ponies are, but they sure are entertaining to be around… 


****


The two of them had been walking for some time now. Slowly but surely they made their way to Mass Grave Hill, taking a very circuitous way to get there. Raven had tried to talk to Zig Zag on several occasions, but only been met by absolute silence. Unbeknownst to her, he had been walking the exact same route that the black wagon took him and his mother around the city as they spent their last time together before their executions were to take place.

As he followed the path only he could see, Zig Zag remembered every second they spent together that day. Every tender hug, light kiss on his forehead and reassuring caress from a mother saying goodbye to her son for the last time. He remembered the sound of her heart beating as he was pressed against her chest and the empty look in her eyes as they finally settled down for the inevitable. He had walked on through the city without seeing anythingl, lost in thought and pain and longing. Longing for the colt-hood he would never have, a mother who he would never again see and a life he would never be able to live.

Raven felt a shiver go down her spine as they finally reached the execution stage on top of Mass Grave Hill. She watched in silence while Zig Zag stoically climbed up on it and walked over to the gallows frame in the center of the stage above the trapdoor which lead down into the mass grave below. Hesitantly Raven moved up after him, feeling her heart thumping away as she did so.

Zig Zag stood still besides the gallows frame; dragging one hoof over its wooden surface while he sombrely took in his surroundings. He frowned, it was all wrong. The city was too far away and the trees too near. Without a word he hopped off the stage again, moving around until the distances around him melted together with those in his memories so that a coherent picture was formed. As he looked down he could see the grass was growing very tall, meaning there was a lot of nourishment in the soil below… Zig Zag fell to his stomach and tenderly caressed the ground.

“Hi mom…” He whispered. Behind him Raven carefully made her way over, but stopped several meters away, giving him some privacy in this very personal moment.

“I'm back…” He said as he put his head against the ground, as if he was trying to coddle his mother through the soil while the first tears started to flow from his eyes.

“I got them… Just like you wanted mom.” Zig Zag continued in a hoarse voice that was starting to break apart.

“Well Twilight got Iron Rod, but I made Silver Pot pay for what he did to us and Cherry Blossom and Cherry Tree…” He said and tried to smile but failed miserably as tears now flowed in earnest down his cheeks.

“I made him pay mom! He was screaming while I made him pay for what he did to us!” Zig Zag cried out.

“But you're still gone!” He wailed. “You're gone! And you're never coming back!!!” Zig Zag screamed and then broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably as he hammered his hooves into the ground again and again.

Raven rushed forward, embracing him in both forearms and wings while he screamed out the pain he'd been keeping pent up for far too long. Zig Zag desperately clung to Raven while he wailed, the pain inside of him ripping him to pieces. Raven held him as firmly as she could, lovingly rocking him back and forth while he fought for breath through his uncontrollable sobbing. And even though she would never admit it, she too was crying at the sight of her beloved in such a state of anguish.

“She's gone Raven! Mom’s gone! They're all gone!!!” Zig Zag cried in his now broken voice while he clung ever harder to Raven.

“Shhhh… I know, I know ZZ, but you'll be okay, I promise, you'll be okay… I will never leave you… Neither will your dad.” Raven said, desperately trying to comfort him as they sat there in each other's embrace. She didn't know how much time passed, and it didn't matter. Raven would stay with Zig Zag to the end of time like this if that's what it took for him to feel better again. She would never leave him; Raven swore it by her wings and talons, no matter what she would never leave Zig Zag as long as she still drew breath.

After what felt like days, Zig Zag had finally calmed down somewhat. He was still crying silently, and he looked a complete mess, while Raven was continuously stroking her talons through his mane, something which she knew he enjoyed quite a bit. Finally, Zig Zag looked up at Raven and, as their affectionate gazes met, he could finally give her a little soft smile in thanks for being there for him.

“I love you Raven… You know that don't you?” Zig Zag said meekly. Raven gave him an extra tight hug.

“Yes, and I love you too ZZ, more than anything.” She said in a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would shatter Zig Zag at that moment. After sitting quietly for another few moments Zig Zag spoke again.

“I know mom would have liked you a lot… I wish you could have met her.” He said sadly. Raven only smiled down at him.

“Thank you ZZ, it means alot to me to hear you say that.” She answered. Zig Zag nodded before he stood up again. Raven felt both happy that he was finally pulling himself together and yet also a bit sad that their time cuddling was over. She looked up at Zig Zag who was now standing in front of her. He was gazing back towards North Bay.

“Come, there is still one more place I want to go to today…” Zig Zag said while he started to move off towards the city. Raven nodded and stood up before following her colt friend further back through the shattered memories of his former life.


****


Lightning was laying on one of the two small beds off to the side of the research tent. Next to her lay Black Star, still sleeping from the sedatives she had been given after the medical staff had ‘tended’ to her injuries. She lay on her side, her legs firmly splinted. Black Star’s wounds had been expressly tended to. If you were to disregard the fact that most of them weren't present when they started the treatment, one would most certainly be grateful to the medical staff for the very professional end results. It was very easy to see they were quite experienced in tending to broken bones, how many of those broken bones they had caused themselves Lightning Strike only shuddered to think about.

A soft moan brought Lightning out of her dark thoughts, and she was met by the hazy white gaze of Black Star. Lightning immediately stood up, albeit with immense difficulty since her hooves were now chained together, and shuffled over to Black Star, carefully nuzzling her before wiping her once again sweaty forehead.

“Easy love… How do you feel?” Lightning asked and then immediately grimaced at probably the most obviously stupid question she had ever asked.

“It… hurts…” Black Star said through gritted teeth.

“We are… We are going to die aren't we?” She then said quietly while tears started running down her cheeks. Lightning immediately nuzzled into Black Star's neck trying to reassure her.

“No, no we're not, we'll get out of this, you will see… We will make it.” Lightning said trying more to make herself believe it than Black Star at that moment. She was met by pained wheezing from Black Star instead.

“It… It hurts so much!” She said tears now starting to flow in earnest from her eyes.

“Oh by Celestia it hurts!” Black Star said and gritted her teeth even more, trying to bear with it. Lightning Strike immediately started to shuffle painfully slow over towards the research table, her chains rattling all the way.

“Hold on! They left something so that you would be able to sleep for now! Just hold on!” Lightning called desperately back to Black Star who was beginning to hyperventilate. After what felt like an eternity, she had grabbed the medicine of the table and made her way back to Black Star. Once she had swallowed the concoction, it still seemed like forever and a day before she finally closed her eyes and fell down into the blissful darkness of unconsciousness again. As soon as Lightning was sure Black Star was sleeping, she hung her head and started crying quietly.

They were in deep trouble, in worse trouble than she had ever been in her life, and the chance of the two of them getting out of this alive… It really did not bear thinking about.


****


As Raven followed Zig Zag through the streets of North Bay, she was once again struck by just how much bigger the city was compared to any Gryphon town. They had made their way through The Noble District, where many fancy looking ponies had looked the other way in disdain, pretending not to see them. As soon as they entered The Merchant District this changed somewhat, the first looks they got from most ponies was a look of uneasiness since most believe them to be a part of the invading army that had just captured their city. However, that soon turned into curiosity when the onlookers realized how young the two supposed warriors were. The ponies didn't react too much to Raven since she was often as big as they were, even though she was only fourteen and rather thin for a Gryphon even of her age. But with Zig Zag one soon realized he had to be much too young to be wearing what he was wearing. Many angry whispers were spreading behind him, wondering if the Lunar Republic employed colt soldiers.

Raven noted that Zig Zag had slowed down considerably as soon as they came into The Merchant District, looking longingly at the streets and houses around them and often remembering one thing or another that had happened at almost every single one of them. Sometimes he saw himself playing with Cherry Blossom, others he could see himself walking beside his mother as they were out on some errand or another. As the two of them neared one particular intersection,a little smile spread across Zig Zag’s face as he remembered how he and Cherry Blossom had snuck out together to go to a carnival fair. What neither of the them had known was that both Bright Sky and Cherry Tree were following behind them, snickering to one another at the adorableness of Zig Zag and Cherry Blossom’s first unofficial date… At least until Cherry Blossom had leaned in and given Zig Zag his first kiss, at which point Cherry Tree had stormed in with the fury of a Manticore, grounding her daughter for a week before hauling her home.

At the time both Zig Zag and his mother had been stunned by her strange outburst, but knowing what he knew now it wasn't a strange reaction at all. Zig Zag gave a little sigh and was just about to move on when his now ever vigilant ears picked up something familiar from an alleyway a little way off; the sound of muffled crying. With gritted teeth Zig Zag moved over and looked into the alleyway.

It didn't take more than a fraction of a second for Zig Zag to take in the scene. A small grey unicorn colt, probably the bastard child of a noble and a few years younger than himself, was lying pinned on his back beneath one of Zig Zag’s old and most hated bullies, Gale Force. In front of them laughing while he slapped the defenseless unicorn colt repeatedly across his muzzle was Second Wind. The two brothers had been Iron Boot’s left and right hooves when it came to running his gang of bullies and lowlifes.

Zig Zag snuck closer in complete silence while Raven immediately and now automatically took up position to cover his back from the plentiful shadows of the alleyway. As he got closer he could hear what was being said while the two olive-green Pegasi continued to torment their latest victim.

“Come on wimp! Cough it up!” Second Wind said through a wicked grin while he gave the first true punch to the grey little unicorn who immediately cried out in pain.

“Don't think that just because Iron Boot is off somewhere you can keep what you steal to yourself! You still got to pay the fee, or Gale Force here will get a little mad and break your silly little horn right off your head, then you'll definitely never learn any magic!” Second Wind said and stood on the little nub of a horn the little unicorn colt had on his head. The unicorn immediately cried out and started begging for mercy.

“Please! Please! I promise I'll steal whatever you want! Just don't hurt me anymore! I'll pay you just like I did Iron Boot!” The little colt said through his sniffling. Second Wind just scoffed.

“You wish! Because of all the crap that's been happening lately, our expenses have gone up, so you will steal twice as much as you did before under Iron Boot, got it!?” Second Wind bellowed at the now visibly shaking unicorn.

“But, but I could barely scrape together that much! My mom is sick, and my little sister needs to eat! Please you can’t do this!” The young unicorn cried out.

“Not our problem buddy, you better pay up or-”

“Get. Off. Him.” Zig Zag growled menacingly at the two bullies, who both stumbled to their side in surprise and alarm. The little grey unicorn immediately seized the chance and sprang to his hooves, taking shelter behind Zig Zag, not knowing who he was but definitely thankful for that fact he was there.

Both Gale Force and Second Wind were staring at Zig Zag for a good minute before they finally recognized who it was. Immediately the two of them grinned at each other upon recognizing their leader’s number one thorn in the side.

“Why if it isn't Zig Zag back from the dead, but even so you're still a blank flank I can see!” Second Wind said with glee, although his smile faded when he didn't even get a hint of a reaction from Zig Zag.

“What’s the matter with you, chicken shit! Did Iron Rod’s last beating leave you slow in the head or something?” Second Wind continued his taunting, but was once again met by Zig Zag’s stoic expression. Before all this had happened he would have most certainly been neck deep in fighting Second Wind by now, but as he looked at the two Pegasus brothers, they didn't even seem worth the trouble. Zig Zag just looked back at the little unicorn taking shelter behind him and gave him a reassuring little smile.

“Why don't you go home and take care of your little sister and mother.” Zig Zag said comfortingly. The little unicorn colt just looked apprehensively between him and the now glaring Pegasus brothers behind him.

“Don't you worry about them okay… Raven! Do you have three bits for some food?!” Zig Zag called out, and immediately three bits came sailing through the air of the alleyway. Zig Zag easily caught them between his lips. He barely had to move his head to catch them in the first place, which made it very simple for him. With a broad smile he passed them over to the grey unicorn who was staring up at him in disbelief.

“Buy some vegetables and make your family a good soup tonight, soup is good for sick ponies I hear.” Zig Zag said when he had passed the coins over to the little colt. He nodded and gave Zig Zag a bright smile before he fled out of the alleyway as fast as he could. In the meantime, Second Wind and Gale Force both removed Billy clubs from their saddlebags.

“Do you have any idea how much trouble you are in now Zig Zag?! Before we were just going to make you pay for all the payments you missed… But now we’ll have to make an example of you, you filthy son of a tale lifter!” Second Wind hissed at Zig Zag who went completely rigid at the last sentence. Both the Pegasus brothers thought Zig Zag had gone stiff because he had been frightened, and were now leering at Zig Zag. But when he finally started to slowly turn his head back towards them, they felt a shiver run down their spines. Zig Zag had a vicious snarl across his face revealing his new canines, but what truly shook the two bullies was the absolute and terrifyingly cold fury emanating from his eyes.

“Raven! Make sure they don't fly out of here, but stay out of this otherwise! They are mine!” Zig Zag barked out in a commanding voice, startling both Second Wind and Gale Force into taking a step backwards. They hadn't expected him to stay and fight, always before he had taken off running the second he had a chance. But here he was challenging the both of them at once, and even though they knew they were both bigger than him, it still made them uneasy.

“Okay runt! If you want to play at being a hero, we'll just have to put you back in your place!” Second Wind snarled at Zig Zag while he and Gale Force took off in opposite directions intending to flank Zig Zag and end this quickly.

Raven watched from the shadows while the two idiots tried the oldest trick in the book and failed miserably. They were now charging in from opposite directions, there clubs held high in preparation for their strike.

“Now we have you runt!” Second Wind yelled.

“You won't get away from us this time!” Gale Force bellowed confidently just before Zig Zag, in the last possible instant, dodged and quickly rolled out of the way. The two brothers ended up colliding head first with each other, dropping their clubs as a result. As the two of them sat there groggily shaking their heads to clear them, Zig Zag watched in disbelief. Was this truly two of the three bullies he was so afraid of just a year ago? They were pathetic. Their movements were slow and clumsy, and he could more or less see what they intended to do a week in advance! They were nothing more than untrained brawlers, if he was judging them generously. Second Wind and Gale Force had finally cleared their heads and were now glaring angrily over at Zig Zag, who was still staring at them in disbelief.

“You think you're clever smart ass?!” Second Wind called over.

“No more nice ponies! Your dead!” Gale Force shrieked.. And then the two idiots both turned their heads away from Zig Zag and began rummaging through their saddlebags for something. Zig Zag had to physically keep himself from making a rather loud face hoof at that moment.

I can kill them now… so easily… They won't even stand a chance. He thought with a smile and reached back towards his left dagger hilt. But then Zig Zag stopped himself just inches away from it.

No… No I'm not a monster; mom wouldn't want me to be a monster. I have already had my revenge, I have already killed Silver Pot and helped bury The Officers Club for ever… if I kill these two ponies the same way…… I will probably never be able to stop killing. And then I will truly be just like HIM! Zig Zag thought in disgust.

I won't let Nightmare be right about me! But even though I will not be a monster, I am still far from being a nice pony; I am still willing to do what I deem necessary for the greater good. He thought and turned to face the two brothers. They had finally been able to retrieve what they sought after. Second Wind had a large dagger clutched between his teeth while Gale Force, always being the more aggressive of the two, had a crummy looking short sword. They were just about to charge when Zig Zag spoke.

“Listen up you two! I will only say this once!” He bellowed, causing the two brothers to halted in their tracks and stare at him, stunned by the sheer force in his suddenly very commanding voice.

“This meeting will be your first warning. I will give everypony one chance to change, which is frankly more than most deserve. If you cross me again after this day, I will kill you. If I hear you force someone to steal for you again, I will find you, and I will kill you.” There was a small flash on Zig Zag’s flanks that he himself didn't notice.

“If I hear that anyone is being oppressed or kept in chains unjustly, I will find them and I will free them! I will break the chains of unjust servitude and slavery whereever I find it! Now make your choice! Walk away and I will not hunt you down… Or come at me and receive your first and only warning!” Zig Zag said with deadly seriousness resounding in his voice as he stared the two Pegasus brothers down. Both Second Wind and Gale Force were now looking at Zig Zag as if he was a crazy pony. Then their expressions scrounged up in absolute fury.

“FUCK YOU ZIG ZAG!!!” They both bellowed and charged. Zig Zag easily dodged both their clumsy attacks, while at the same time delivering a vicious kick with his right back hoof to Second Wind’s face. Second Wind fell back whimpering and clutching his now bloody snout while his dagger went skidding away from him across the ground.

Gale Force immediately swung at Zig Zag hoping to catch the little colt off-balance. But his short sword only met the ground where Zig Zag had previously been standing. Gale Force yanked it free again and turned to find Zig Zag waiting against a wall just a few meters away. He smiled back at Gale Force and made a motion for him to come at him. With a ferocious bellow Gale Force did just that.

But to the surprise of Gale Force, Zig Zag took off towards the opposite wall on the alleyway and, as he reached the wall, simply started running up the face of it. Gale Force grinned, thinking that Zig Zag had forgotten he was a Pegasus. He spread his wings and launched off the ground. When Zig Zag had reached as high up the wall as he could, he pushed off with all his strength, aiming straight for Gale Force.

Zig Zag deflected a powerful blow with his front leg guards, and then chomped down viciously on his left wing. With a ferocious yank, Zig Zag ripped the wing out of its socket, severely dislocating it and sending the two of them crashing towards the ground. Zig Zag deftly moved up on top of the now screaming Pegasus just before they suddenly stopped on the ground with a bone-shattering impact. Zig Zag heard several satisfying cracks from Gale Force’s rib cage while his own landing was considerably softened thanks to the fact that the Pegasus’ body took the entire hit for him.

Zig Zag rolled off the now unconscious Gale Force and looked over to a now horrified Second Wind, who was still sitting on his rump clutching his bloody muzzle, looking with wide eyes of disbelief at the martial display he had just seen. Zig Zag started walking over towards him. Second Wind backpedaled hastily until his back struck the damp wall of the alleyway. As the little blue colt sat down in front of him, Second Wind almost wet himself when out of the shadows a black Gryphon seemingly materialized. It came up behind Zig Zag and then tenderly placed one of its wings over his back before… snuggling him? Second Wind stared at Zig Zag and the Gryphon, his features betraying pure, unadulterated terror while his heart hammered away in his chest.

“So you won't kill them?” The now obviously female Gryphon wondered out loud.

“No Raven… They are not even worth the effort.” Zig Zag answered her. The Gryphoness smiled at hearing that.

“Good… I was beginning to worry you were turning into something… bad. Even though I will still stay with you no matter what you may become my beloved, I still prefer the happy go lucky colt that saved me from the three bandit brothers.” Raven said and ran a talon through his messy two tone blue mane quite lovingly. Zig Zag however still continued to stare down at Second Wind.

“So… Do you remember what I said before?” He asked. Second Wind couldn't find his voice, so he merely nodded.

“Good, then hope you never see me again.” Zig Zag said coolly, and without any warning spun around and delivered a hard kick to the side of Second Wind’s head, sending him sprawling onto the ground, knocked out cold. Raven tittered a bit.

“Well that was disappointing, I thought I would at least have to chase one of them down.” She said while she followed Zig Zag out of the alleyway.

“Sorry, I'll remember to let you have something to play with the next time.” He answered her and gave Raven a playful bump on the shoulder.

“You better!” She said with a huff.

“Now where were we heading again?” Raven asked.

“Home…” Zig Zag said. Raven halted in the middle of the street looking at Zig Zag a bit unsurely.

“You don't think there'll be a problem with that?” Raven asked.

“What do you mean?” He questioned in turn.

“Do you honestly think your home will be left alone with your entire family assumed dead?” Raven said apologetically. Zig Zag’s eyes went wide. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind, but now that he thought about it, it sent a chill down his spine.

“No… No they can't!!!” Zig Zag yelled and started running down the street.

“Wait!” Raven called after him, and launched into the air in order to keep up with the fleet hoofed pony.


****


Lobo and the two praetorians Hammer Song and Bender walked through the city, receiving many curious looks wherever they went. Lobo and the mare praetorian had found Bender strolling along with Twilight earlier, which had made Hammer Song start teasing and playing quite viciously with Bender ever since as she overdramatically questioned when he had decided to leave her just for the chance of a later promotion through his new marefriend. Bender had tried to refute Hammer’s take on the situation, but had little success in doing so. They had finally settled down a bit after Hammer Song gave Bender a smack to the back of the head when he finally confessed his whole diabolical plan of trying to climb the command ladder faster by getting together with one of their possible new commanders.

“Well just so you know, you're going to have to make it up to me tonight Mr two timing!” Hammer Song said in mock indignation. Bender just sighed.

“Yes honey… So how long?” He asked. Hammer seemed to intently think it over before answering.

“Two maybe three hours should do it.” Hammer said with a mischievous smile.

“What! Come on, that is a lot even for a stallion like me… you can at least be reasonable?” Bender protested meekly. Hammer Song just pouted with her lips, looking hurt.

“Oh I see… You are just going to wear yourself out being with Twilight during the evening, aren't you?” She said overdramatically again, and then followed up by wiggling her eyebrows at him.

“Come on Hammer, it's nothing like that!... Oh all right! Two hours, but not a minute more!” Bender finally caved in.

“Yay!” Hammer Song celebrated by clapping her hooves together enthusiastically.

“I do love it when you give me a good looooong back massage Bender.” Hammer said teasingly, before nuzzling him lovingly and giving him a quick peck on the cheek. Immediately Bender shone up like it was his birthday, and a goofy smile spread across his features.

“Love you Hammer.” He said and gave her a big bear hug, causing her to grunt while a few of her vertebrae popped back into place.

“Oh thanks, I needed that… Although next time give me some warning will you, you big oaf!” Hammer answered and punched Bender in the shoulder to emphasize the point. He just smiled back at her and gave her a big kiss on the lips. Lobo just shook his head.

“I haven't been here long… But by the reactions others are giving you, I would say the way you express your feelings is a bit unorthodox.” Lobo said while he looked at two mares running away giggling from the three of them, pointing back towards Bender and Hammer Song.

“Maybe? But it works for us so why should we care what others think? Besides when we were back at base, I would say we were two of the more mellow ones amongst the praetorians.” Bender said, and then received another whack to the back of the head.

“Bender! That's not something you should be spreading around. That is praetorian business, something nopony else has a need to know about.” She said looking harshly back at him. Bender rubbed at the back of his head and grinned at Hammer again.

“Sorry… It's just you know, it feels like he is one of us, or at least a good friend.” Bender said with conviction. This made Lobo raise an eyebrow.

“Friend?” Lobo stated questioningly.

“Oh come on Lobo, we have sparred with each other. And now we also have the same enemy. That makes you a friend in my book. Besides, I like you for some strange reason!” Bender proclaimed loudly and smiled back at the black Wolf. Lobo grinned back and felt quite at ease with the statement.

“Well I can't say I dislike you either… I don't know why but there is just a feeling like there is some sort of special connection between us, and more than just what happened back at the camp too... Maybe it is this friendship you're talking about.” Lobo said thoughtfully, and then received rather hard punch on the shoulder making him growl involuntary. He looked over at Bender with a bit of a scowl.

“If you try giving me a peck on the cheek as well, I swear by the Alpha I'm gonna  bite your head off!” Lobo said and grinned over at Bender. The praetorians just answered by giving a hearty laugh before continuing down the street. He stopped and turned back towards Lobo and Hammer Song with a wide smile.

“Well I was in the middle of something before you two pulled me away, so if you don't mind I'll get back to that. I'll see you two back at the estate for the evening meal!” He called before he disappeared around the next corner. Suddenly Hammer Song gave an annoyed stomp.

“Darn it! I was gonna tease him more about Twilight before he left!” Hammer Song said with disappointment at letting Bender slip away so easily.

“You will see him later tonight. And speaking of that I think we should head back there right now actually.” Lobo said forlornly.

“What? Weren't you going to find Zig Zag?” Hammer Song asked surprised.

“Yes, but the problem is we've already passed several sent trails from him and Raven, all heading in different directions, which is something he usually does when he wants to be left alone. Sort of a discrete sign for me not to follow him. I'd actually say our best chance of finding him would be to sit down in one place and wait for him to pass by again. But I frankly don't feel like sitting out in the open, getting stared at by every pony who walks past us. So we might as well head back to the estate. That is at least one place we know for sure they will come to eventually.” Lobo said with a sigh and started walking back towards the Silver Seas estate, Hammer Song trailing behind him.


****


Zig Zag sprinted around the last corner onto the street of his former home. He darted around several startled ponies in his way, before coming to a screeching halt looking up in horror at the door leading into his former home. His jaw just hung open at the sight, and primal fury started to boil up within him as he read the sign now hanging above the door. ‘City Guard Housing Quarters 37’, it read in big, gold colored letters. Zig Zag’s face contorted in absolute fury.

“You inbred murdering thieves! I'll kill you!” His young voice screamed as he picked up a stone from the street and was just about to throw it up and buck it in through the expensive former shop’s window when Raven landed behind him. She grabbed hold of Zig Zag just before he could send the stone flying, preventing him from going through with the action.

“Wow! Easy ZZ! Don't be stupid! We are in enough hot water as it is!” She yelled while desperately trying to clutch him close to herself as he struggled to get free.

“Get off me Raven! That's my home! They killed my mom and stole my home! I'm gonna rip them apart! I'm gonna make them pay for this! They aren't fit to set a hoof in there!!!” Zig Zag shrieked as he continued to struggle to get free. Suddenly the door slammed open and a young looking city guard stumbled out rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“What by all hells is all the noise out here about?! I have to get up and do the nightshift in a few hours so can you all just shut up, or do I have to drag you off to the Bastion to get some sleep!!!” The very newly awakened and very angry young guard bellowed out onto the street. At seeing a target for his anger Zig Zag redoubled his struggles, almost making Raven loose her grip on him. Just as she was about to lose the struggle that had now drawn the guard’s attention a black shadow landed behind them and seized the two of them up in a very fierce stranglehold from behind.

“There you two are! You know it would be much easier if you tried getting in through the right door! Which is the next-door over you numbskulls!” The stranger proclaimed loudly while quickly dragging the two stunned youths along with him. The guard at the door eyed them suspiciously as they went. With a bit of effort the stranger flung the aforementioned door open and pushed the two of them in through it before slamming it shut behind them. Zig Zag now knew who the light grey stallion with the black mane was, and therefore decided to remain quiet while motioning for Raven to calm down, since she had a dagger clutched in her right talon aimed at the stranger. Shadow Flight stayed at the door for a while listening to make sure the guard didn't decide to come over demanding answers, but apparently the bed back inside had been more alluring for him.

Slowly Shadow Flight turned his golden eyes towards the little blue colt he had long since thought dead, and just looked at him with a mixture of astonishment and guilt before it turned to deep sadness as he turned to face them fully.

“By the moon above… How are you still alive Zig Zag? The last I saw of you, you were being carried off in the jaws of the biggest wolf I have ever seen…” Shadow said in astonishment.

“You mean dad?” Zig Zag answers.

“What?…” Shadow Flight said in surprise.

“Lobo saved me when he realized those ponies were going to hang me after… after mom.” Zig Zag said in a cold voice, sorrow and anger once again flaring in his eyes and his lips curled up to reveal his canines in a vicious frown. Shadow Flight’s eyes grew like saucers at the sight of them.

“By the moon’s holy light colt, what did that wolf do to you?! He did this didn't he?! He mutilated you!” Shadow Flight spat out as he knelt down and forcibly widened Zig Zag’s jaws to have a closer look at the pointed teeth in his mouth. It was now Zig Zag’s turn to be taken completely by surprise.

“Whgaeht?” he tried to exclaim while his mouth was being held open.

“That wolf is going to pay for this!” Shadow Flight said in a dangerously low voice while he narrowed his eyes. Zig Zag wrenched his head free and glared back up that his former neighbor.

“Dad saved me! He took me in as if I was his own pup and taught me everything I needed to know to get revenge! And he's never ever hurt me! I did this to myself! Because I didn't want to be a stinking pony anymore! Not after what they did!!!” Zig Zag shouted angrily up at a now very stunned looking Shadow Flight.

“If you say anything bad about my dad again, so by the Alpha, I'll buck your teeth out!!!” Zig Zag snarled up at him. Shadow Flight backed a few paces motioning with his fore-hooves to calm down.

“Easy easy! What's gotten into you Zee?” He wondered out loud.

“What's gotten into me?! I'll tell you what's gotten into me!” Zig Zag yelled and then launched into the retelling of everything that happened to him, albeit a rather condensed version screamed in a rather angry voice. Towards the end of what felt like his millionth retelling, Zig Zag was finally able to calm down again. And having Raven there calmly running her talons through his mane helped a lot.

“-And then I arrived here to see that those filthy guards have stolen my home… I would definitely have done something very stupid if Raven hadn't stopped me.” Zig Zag said and nuzzled back into Raven to show his appreciation.

“Well Lobo did tell me to keep you out of trouble you know. I don't know how I would have explained how you ended up in another rampage just the day after your first.” She answered and pulled him into a wing hug. Then she suddenly gave him a fearsome nuggy.

“Do you have any idea how much trouble I would have been in if you did that?! Your dad would have torn my head off if you got into that much trouble again this fast!” She mocked teasingly while continuing to torment her beloved coltfriend mercilessly. Zig Zag’s laughter finally rang through the air as he tried to get away from Raven’s iron grip. Shadow Flight had been completely speechless throughout the retelling. And as the two youngsters burst into laughter in front of him, he couldn't help but wonder at the resilience of the young.

But then again what choice did they have? They would either succumb and be buried by their tragedy, or stand up and fight against it with whatever means they could. Shadow Flight couldn't help but feel his heart go out to the two of them, it was clearly obvious to him which option they had chosen. Then his features grew solemn again as he thought about what Zig Zag said about the happenings at The Officers Club. He hadn't been too specific, but Shadow Flight could at least gather that this Twilight Sparkle mare was mainly to blame for what happened there.

Shadow Flight had been devastated earlier that day when he received the word that Iron Helm had been killed in an all-out massacre of The Officers Club the night before. It was not anywhere near public knowledge yet, but somepony with his connections and knowhow was always amongst the first to find out about anything that went on in the city of North Bay.

But what truly infuriated Shadow Flight was the fact that it wasn't just the guards and the patrons who were killed. Iron Helm’s death was one thing since nobody else really knew how noble he was, and how much he risked in this fight against The Officers Club. But the girls! No, he couldn't forgive that! One of the girls that had been killed was Rose Petal. And a more innocent and lovely mare one would have to look far and wide to find. And in just two days from now there had been arrangements made for her to disappear and start a new life in a faraway duchy. But now this Twilight Sparkle had snuffed her life out just as coldly as any patron would have.

No… She will not get away with this… I will not allow it! Shadow Flight thought with a cold anger seething inside of him.

“Zig Zag, do you think you can take me to this ‘Twilight’? I would like to… I have some information she might be interested in.” Shadow Flight said looking pointedly at Zig Zag who tilted his head to the side while thinking.

“You could just tell me, and I'll tell her later if you want.” Zig Zag said looking back at him expectantly. But that wasn't what Shadow Flight wanted at all.

“No, ehhh… It's a bit of a grown-up thing you see… And… Yeah, I know you have grown-up a lot getting a cutie mark and all, but this is still something I need to tell this Twilight in person.” Shadow Flight said while he rubbed the back of his head, hoping Zig Zag would go for it.

“Huuu!” Zig Zag instead uttered with a blank expression before he turned and looked at his blank flank, only to discover that it certainly wasn't blank anymore. His eyes shone up in surprise and delight while he started spinning around trying to get a closer look at it.

“I've got a cutie mark! Raven I've got a cutie mark! This is so AWESOME!!!” Zig Zag proclaimed loudly and then proudly displayed his newly discovered cutie mark for her to see.

It depicted a dagger with its blade pointing upwards, around the dagger was wrapped broken chains trying to keep it down, but failing. Zig Zag was grinning from ear to ear knowing exactly what it meant, and feeling happy that this was to be his destiny in life. He would find any and all cruel chains of servitude and slavery, and break them. Raven’s chains were the first he broke, and The Officers Club’s destruction was his second and quite considerable assortment of chains he destroyed.

But the most important chains broken this day were the ones he severed when he didn't kill Second Wind and Gale Force earlier. Because that meant he had broken the chains that bound him to vengeance and moved on to become something more, something able to free a lot more ponies or whoever needed him in the future.

“Well I see you just received them then. I think congratulations are in order. What do you to say we go grab a bite to eat, and then we can all go see Twilight and you can show it off to her as well?” Shadow Flight said smiling widely.

“Yeah that would be great! But I still have to do something about getting my home back from the city guard. There has got to be someone back in the estate that can help me…” Zig Zag pondered, “Still… Until then showing Twilight my cutie mark would be awesome!” Zig Zag exclaimed enthusiastically, which made Raven frown a bit.

Why would ZZ want to show his cutie mark to her? She isn't his mare or anything… There isn't something going on between them is there?! Raven thought with a little panic before her eyes narrowed while a picture of the mentioned mare came up to her mind's eye. She had a hard time judging it, but the purple unicorn might be something a stallion would find attractive. Frowning even more, Raven prowled after Zig Zag with her tail flicking agitatedly back and forth. Not noticing anything of this in his excitement at having discovered his cutie mark, Zig Zag happily followed Shadow Flight out onto the street again.

I might have to nip this mare in the flank quickly, before Twilight gets any stupid ideas about my stallion… Raven thought grumpily. If all else failed, she would maybe have to challenge Twilight to the rights of being first mate, so that Raven could establish dominance in their relationship with Zig Zag.

I hope you know when to lie down pony, because I won't let anyone come between me and ZZ! She thought as a low annoyed screech escape from her.


****


After the three of them had had a bite to eat at his favorite watering hole, The Shadowy Hoof Inn, Shadow Flight along with Zig Zag and Raven began heading back towards the Silver Seas estate. He had managed to keep up appearance, keeping his smoldering anger towards Twilight Sparkle under wraps while they were eating. But now as they finally reached the gate leading in towards his target, those feelings were starting to burn hotly again.

The bitch killed him… The one real friend I truly had… And she killed him! Shadow Flight thought while his eyes darkened at the thought of meeting Iron Helm’s murderer. After his failure at helping Bright Sky and Zig Zag when they were ensnared by The Officers Club, Shadow Flight had been completely inconsolable at how powerless he apparently was. Despite all his connections, both in the underworld and the ones within the guard and legal business partners he had, nothing he did had been able to stop the execution of Bright Sky. Afterwards, Shadow Flight had drowned himself in self-pity and alcohol for his miserable failure, and had it not been for his life and two daughters, he would most likely still be drinking himself into stupor each night.

But then Iron Helm had found him and after a brief struggle they had realized they were both after the same thing. They had started working together, and formed a resistance group now known as Bright Skies, saving many mares and one stallion from the clutches of Sharp Edge. And the two of them had been damn good at it too, slowly but surely gaining momentum and more support amongst the public. All the while keeping their secret identities under wraps, which is a feat not easily done; especially when you're up against such a well rooted organization as The Officers Club. Only for this air head of a mare to come in and kill him without even knowing who and what he truly was!

She won't get away with this! I will not forgive her for this, never! Shadow Flight thought angrily just as they walked through the gates. Raven didn't seem too interested in finding Twilight and simply kept her attention focused on Zig Zag who was looking around for a bit. Then he brightened up as he spotted her lying on a stone bench a little ways off from where they were. Raven didn't seem pleased that he looked at Twilight in that apparent manner. Zig Zag, oblivious to Raven’s growing concern, bounced off towards her, eager to introduce Shadow Flight to her.

“This is her, Shadow Flight. The mare that helped us.” Zig Zag introduced with a friendly smile when they arrived in front of her. She gave a tired huff before she stood up and looked over at them a bit guiltily.

“Zig Zag. Raven.” She greeted nervously.

“You’re Twilight Sparkle? The mare who brought Zig Zag to that club last night?” Shadow Flight asked with more than a hint of anger in his voice.

“Yes.” The unicorn answered cautiously.

“How could you?! Do you have any idea what could’ve happened to him or Raven?!! They’re children for Celestia’s sake!” Shadow Flight yelled feeling his righteous fury surfacing.

“Shadow, what’re you doing?! We’re not helpless, and we knew the risks! I couldn’t just let her go after the ones that killed Mom by herself, though. I had to be there.” Zig Zag interjected, feeling quite annoyed by how Shadow Flight had inadvertently made Zig Zag and Raven out to be defenseless children who didn't know any better. But Shadow Flight hadn’t even registered that Zig Zag said anything as he continued on.

“And don’t you dare tell me you did it with the best of intentions, because I know that’s a load of shit! There were more than one waitress dead!” Shadow Flight almost screamed.

“What do they ma--” Twilight tried to ask.

“They were tail lifters too you idiot!” Shadow Flight interrupted, fuming with anger.

“But Zig Zag and Raven tell me you killed them! They weren’t just caught in the crossfire either! You actively hunted them down! Not only that, but you killed Iron Helm as well!” Shadow Flight yelled at the now frowning Twilight.

“He was on OUR side, but I guess shouldn’t expect some two-bit psychotic bitch that enjoys the suffering of others to know or care!” He roared. This caught Zig Zag’s attention quite a bit though.

“You were FRIENDS with one of THEM?!” Zig Zag exclaimed in horror, not really catching that he was apparently on their side, but instead concentrating on him being from The Officers Club, so his face contorted into a snarl while he looked back up at Shadow Flight.

“He FOUNDED the Bright Skies! We were slowly freeing everyone enslaved in that damned club, and delivering them to safe lives in another duchy. In the long run we would have destroyed that filth pit. Without slaughtering the ones we were trying to save, might I add!” Shadow Flight tried to explain to the young colt now staring angrily at him.

“Slowly.” Twilight sniped vindictively.

“You, shut up!” Shadow Flight barked, drawing a scowl from Twilight.

“Like you were doing them any favors, coming in there and slaughtering everyone in front of them! Do you have any idea what they’d been through, what kind of hell that place was!? They’ve suffered enough, and they certainly didn’t need a massacre committed right in front of them to add on top of that! It’s because of ponies like you that they wound up there in the first place, you irresponsible sociopathic mon-”

“QUIET!” Twilight ordered. Shadow Flight’s jaw snapped shut instinctively at the command. Only now did he notice that several soldiers had surrounded him during his rant. He looked to his side to check that Zig Zag and Raven were alright for the first time since they arrived, but to his surprise they were now standing beside Twilight instead. Raven merely sat by Zig Zag with a scowl on her face, but the young earth colt stared at him with a mixture of disbelief, betrayal, and anger. Zig Zag and Twilight were actually both intently glaring at him. He opened his mouth to ask Zig Zag what was wrong. However he didn't get the chance, as he once again heard Twilight’s compelling voice.

“I have had enough of this! I am not proud, and I know I was wrong! But if you think I’m going to just stand here and listen to some stupid little nopony prick yell at me about it then you’re dead wrong! Do I know what they’ve been through?! I grew up in Stalliongrad alone! All my life I have had to scrape and struggle to survive! I’ve been beaten, arrested, enslaved, and…” She took a big swallow before continuing on, “…Raped! I know what they’ve been through a hell of alot better than a little nine-to-five average piddly little cunt like you. Oh, and as for your ‘friend?’ He held me down while his little brother cut off the bottom half of my leg. So don’t try to tell me he was some righteous hero. He was just like the rest of them. Now, fuck off.” Twilight snarled back at him. Shadow Flight’s mouth was left gaping not knowing how to react. He had been here to tell her off, and now she was chewing him out? He just stood there while he tried to regain his composure. Noticing that he wasn't moving Twilight turned and barked out an order to a group of soldiers close by.

“Escort him out.” She ordered and immediately two burly earth ponies gave a salute and began to push the still stunned Shadow Flight out from the Silver Seas compound. As he was pushed outside of the gates he gave them an angry yell as he tumbled onto the ground. He picked himself up glaring back at the now closed metal door.

This isn't over Twilight Sparkle! Don't think you're safe just because you have walls around you! This isn't over by a long shot!!! Shadow Flight thought while he clenched his teeth together and disappeared into the deepening shadows. Back inside things had calmed down considerably.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know he’d do this. He said he had some information you’d want to know.” Zig Zag apologized, attracting Twilight’s attention.

“It’s fine, but I would appreciate you two keeping last night a secret from now on. Besides, I should be the one apologizing. I know I wasn’t… pleasant to you, to put it lightly.” The unicorn sighed. Zig Zag looked up at her thoughtfully, and then he smiled serenely.

“Thanks to you I got my revenge. As far as I’m concerned there’s nothing to forgive.” Zig Zag said with conviction.

“And you Raven?” Twilight wondered, casting the so-far quiet gryphon a hopeful look. Raven didn't really know how to answer, she still wasn't sure if Twilight was a potential competitor for Zig Zag’s affections.

But still… Raven thought as she look at them now somewhat apprehensive looking Twilight. She gave a smirk and nodded to herself.

“So long as you treat ZZ better from now on I’ll forgive you.” She answered.

“Deal.” Twilight agreed, relief flowing through her. But her ease fled when Raven stalked right up to Twilight’s face, staring down at her intimidatingly despite being several years younger.

“But remember this, he’s mine. So keep your hooves to yourself mare. I’ve got my eye on you.” Raven warned in a whisper, fully intent in protecting her status as first mate to Zig Zag if needed. Twilight blinked in confusion. She didn’t recall ever hinting at being interested in Zig Zag at any point. He was definitely a bit young as well, and she wasn’t… ready for something like that right now.

“I’m… not interested?” She whispered in an attempt to put Raven at ease.

“Good.” Raven responded with a triumphant smirk, convinced she had defended her rights to ZZ from a very powerful and alluring young competitor for his affections. And if Twilight knew how to keep her hooves to herself, there really was no reason they could not be civil now that their individual statuses had finally been made clear between them.


****


Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit