//------------------------------//
// Chapter 34 A Good Morning? 
// Story: True Black 
// by Leonofsweden 
//------------------------------//


True Black


Chapter 34


A Good Morning?



****


Lobo’s ears twitched when he noticed several pairs of hooves heading in his direction. Lazily he lifted his head and looked over towards the entrance to the center of the small play labyrinth just as Piercing Mark, Hammer Song and a Praetorian, one whom Lobo hadn't spent any time with before, entered. The new Praetorian had a leafy green body and a light orange mane and tail. As they got closer to Lobo, he saw that she had spotted bright pink eyes that were constantly looking about, and for some reason she seemed to have a constant scowl across her face.

“Ah, well that explains it, we couldn't find your kids in the mansion but I see they’re here with you.” Piercing Mark said walking over towards Lobo, who was lying protectively curled around Raven whom had in a similar fashion curled up around Zig Zag during the night, leaving Zig Zag snuggled up between them in the middle of a ring of black fur and black and grey feathers. The conversational statement seemed to rouse the two youngsters from their sleep, or at least Raven. Zig Zag just ended up on his back, his little legs stretching out in every which way, before a content sigh escaped him as he drifted off back to sleep. Raven only gave an annoyed huff and turned away from the approaching ponies to snuggle in closer against Zig Zag,  draping a wing over him. Lobo smiled down at his young wards.

“Yes, they found me out here last evening. And after a long conversation between us, they sort of fell asleep at my side. I sure didn't mind the company during the night, especially since the three of us haven’t really been able to spend any time together since arriving here in North Bay. And so many important things occurred in such a short time too. So when they fell asleep next to me I just couldn't bring myself to wake them up and send them away.” Lobo said as he carefully bumped Zig Zag with his nose. The little colt bravely struggled against the inevitable fate of waking up for as long as he could before a whining proclamation could be heard.

“Daaaaaad… I don't waaaaanna… Five more minutes…” Zig Zag protested, then started to giggle despite his best efforts, since his little legs unsuccessfully tried to fend off the dire wolf’s infamous morning snuggle attack. This brought a squeal of delight from Hammer Song which seemed to surprise both Piercing Mark and the new pony.

“Ooooo… That's just so adorable!” Hammer proclaimed, making Zig Zag snap his eyes open at the realization they weren't alone. His head popped up from between Lobo and Raven with a mortified expression, looking even more like the cutest little thing Hammer Song had ever seen. She was now positively gushing at the adorableness of him and his little armor outfit and-

“Okay… who are you? And what have you done with our Hammer Song?” The new Praetorian asked with a smirk. Hammer looked back over at her with a bit of annoyance.

“What pray tell do you mean by that Fire Will?” Hammer said in a dangerous low voice.

“Well usually when you see something that sugary cute, you end up smashing it into oblivion just for existing.” Fire Will said and promptly noticed how Raven reflexively pulled Zig Zag closer to her where they lay under the protective gaze of Lobo.

“Well maybe I should hammer you into oblivion if you don't think I'm me then?” Hammer Song said with a grin. Fire Will just raised an eyebrow then smiled wickedly back at Hammer.

“So you think I'm cute? Well maybe Bender will be open to a three-way if you ask him nicely? But even if he isn't I still wouldn't mind-”

“Ahem!” Lobo proclaimed loudly as if he was clearing his throat, and both Hammer Song and Fire Will looked over to see the wide eyes of both Zig Zag and Raven staring back at them in rapt attention and anticipation of whatever might come next. They both gave a little cringe as they noticed the piercing yellow eyes of Lobo promising retribution if that conversation carried on any longer.

“Hehe… right… kids… So anyway, we were wondering how you are feeling today Lobo? Did the moon heal you up during the night?” Hammer Song asked after having gathered herself again. Fire Will beside her was pointedly looking in any direction except towards Zig Zag and Raven. Lobo stood up and gave himself a thorough stretching and then proceeded to shake himself fully awake. Zig Zag mirrored his actions beside him, forcing Hammer Song to bite her own lower lip in order to not start gushing at the cuteness of it all over again.

“Yes, Nightmare Moon promised me a clear night to help me heal and she delivered, so I’m fully recovered.” Lobo said while he twisted his neck a bit, earning a loud crack from it as a reward.

“Would you mind joining us for morning training then? It's going to be some friendly sparring and you still owe me a rematch?” Hammer Song said excitedly. Lobo thought about it for a minute. He decided that since Hammer Song probably wasn't going to let this issue drop he might as well get it over with.

“Alright, I will indulge you Hammer.” Lobo grumbled as he stood up. Both Zig Zag and Raven shawn up at this.

“Yay! Dad is going to eat you for breakfast pony!” Zig Zag said while clapping his hooves together in excitement. Lobo snorted at the statement, but still gave his son a little grin as the two youngsters started to follow him past a now glaring Hammer Song.

“I changed my mind… this little runt isn't cute at all!” She hissed down at Zig Zag as he passed, which only earned her an extended tongue in response. Behind Hammer Song both Piercing Mark and Fire Will were having a hard time keeping themselves from snickering.

“Oh! And you can tell the Pegasus up in the trees that’s been watching me all night that the next time I sleep outside, he could just start a fire to keep himself warm and comfortable. After all, no one ever said you had to watch me covertly! Not that any of you could actually do that!” Lobo called back with a smirk. A loud rustle amongst the leaves of a nearby tree sounded and a turquoise mane on top of a light blue head popped out looking very annoyed.

“You could have said that like eight hours ago!!!” Sky Chaser shouted angrily after the receding wolf. When he looked down towards his fellow Praetorians he could see that they were all now laughing their flanks off at his expense.


****


Zig Zag and Raven looked on in quiet awe while the Praetorians sparred with each other. They were working two on two in battle pairs supporting one another. It was easy to see how their cooperation meant that they were more than the sum of their parts when working together this closely. They covered each other's blind spots and also exploited any opening that would present itself on the enemy. But since both sides were now made up of Praetorians, the fights were quite drawn out and exhilarating to watch. Zig Zag had thought he had seen the epiphany of combat training when he was training with the gryphons of Crown Peak. But compared to what he saw now, those warriors were just happy little amateurs.

Zig Zag winced as the white Pegasus, Cloud Cleaver if he remembered correctly, crashed down on the back of Fire Will, causing her to collapse onto the ground with Cloud on top of her smiling devilishly. He was apparently about to taunt her before delivering the ‘death’ stroke, only for his grin to suddenly be wiped off his face as a flat leather wrapped arrow smashed into his forehead right between his dark blue eyes. He toppled off backward with a yelp clutching his hooves to his now throbbing forehead.

“Cloud Cleaver you’re dead! And never let me catch you doing something stupid like holding off our death stroke again! Not even in training!” Piercing Mark bellowed from fifty meters away where a now frowning Sky Chaser looked back in annoyance. He thought he had expertly dodged one of Piercing Marks shots only to discover he wasn't the intended target. Now as Fire Will once again got up on her hooves he faced a two on one engagement. And no matter how cocky he could seem sometimes, he knew it was a very slim chance he would get out of this one ‘alive’.

Raven chuckled at the foolish stallion who was still clutching his aching forehead before cheering on the two mares that were now closing in on the last Pegasus, both smiling wickedly at him. He answered by launching up into the air, barely avoiding two rapidly fired arrows following him, before shooting off into the distance, giving himself adequate space to build up speed for his next attack.

Zig Zag and Raven moved off knowing that this fight was over, and focusing with more interest on the one that was about to start. Lobo and Hammer Song were now standing facing each other a little way off to the side. Bender was apparently occupied this morning, being Nightmare Moon's shadow; watching her back while trying not to get under her hooves as she went about whatever business she needed doing. This had been the primary reason why Piercing Mark had allowed Hammer Song to challenge Lobo this morning, since her combat partner was not available for the exercise anyway. She was now grinning widely at the massive black wolf in front of her.

“So, let’s go over the rules one last time. Only the use of blunted and leather wrapped weapons is allowed; no lethal magic either, which is no problem for either one of us; and there are no limitations to the battlefield, meaning you can't just jump out of some ring and be done with the match.” Hammer Song said with an evil smirk. Lobo only raised an eyebrow at her.

“Why do I get the feeling you're enjoying this way too much Hammer?” He said with a huff.

“You have no idea how much it infuriated me the way you caught me off guard last time! So this time I'm going to stomp your butt into the ground!” Hammer yelled over at him with glee.

Zig Zag and Raven just looked at each other. ZZ grinned while Raven looked a bit apprehensive before then they took a deep breath each.

“Give me an L!” Raven called loudly.

“L!” Zig Zag bellowed.

“Give me an O!” Raven continued shouting.

“O!” Zig Zag answered.

“Give me a B!” She then called.

“B!” Zig Zag yelled.

“Give me an O!” She roared at full volume.

“Ooooooooooooooo!” Zig Zag howled in a piercing and clear voice, startling more than a few of the Silver Seas Estates guard ponies who had inexplicably found something very important to safeguard within sight of the Praetorians training exercise as well as a few servants and gardeners who had also stopped by to watch the spectacle. Many of them were now watching Zig Zag fearfully, starting to whisper amongst one another that he truly was a wolf-pony half breed somehow conjured up by dark magic and malicious intent.

“And who is that?!” Raven hollered heatedly.

“That's my dad! And he's going to pound you into the ground so hard your great grand foals are going to feel it!!!” Zig Zag finished loudly and gleefully. Lobo just face-pawed while Hammer Song chuckled merrily at what she thought was completely adorable.

“That was so lame… I can’t believe I agreed to do that.” Raven whispered to Zig Zag whale she fidgeted at the attention they were now getting.

“Nah! That was awesome!” Zig Zag burst out happily. 

“Shall we?” Hammer wondered as she looked back at Lobo.

“Might as well…” He answered. Grinning widely Hammer looked over towards Raven again.

“Hey Raven! Can you toss one of your blades up? When it lands we start this!” She yelled. Raven to her irritation now quickly became the center of even more attention, and as she tried to act calm and cool under the scrutiny, she fished out a dagger and twirled it between her talons before sending it up skywards. Everyone watched as it reached the apex and started heading back down again. With a loud thud, the dagger landed just in front of Raven on its pommel and bounced up a bit into the air again. Instantaneously Lobo and Hammer Song set off towards each other, while Raven deftly caught the dagger out of the air and re-sheathed it in one fluid motion.


****


“Did you see that sister?” The saffron colored mare said while she watched through the second story window out on the sparring wolf and Praetorian.

“Hmm… What?” The strikingly similar mare beside her answered absentmindedly while watching the purple praetorian earth mare dreamily.

“Pay attention, will you sister dear.” Lady Silver Spark reprimanded and brushed her ocean blue mane out of her mismatched brown and blue eyes.

“Sorry sister, I was just thinking about what that purple praetorian mare might look like without her armor on… and in my bed…” Lady Silver Flash said while she put her chin on her hoof and continued looking out of the window dreamily.

“Really sister this…” Silver Spark trailed off as she watched the mare in question nimbly dodge out of the way of the wolf as he launched for a perceived opening.

“This isn't a time to be thinking about… that… even though she's quite dreamy looking. Nevertheless the mare is quite clearly over the moon for that big earth pony Praetorian stallion she's always with.” Silver Spark said with a sigh. Silver Flash scrounged up her face in disdain at the thought of all the stallions that were always pestering her and her sister about marriage.

“I will never understand what some mares see in those stallion buffoons, surely the soft curves and lines of a mare are more sensual and beautiful in every aspect of the words.” Silver Flash said and turned towards Silver Spark with a coy smile.

“Right you are sister, but still I ask again, did you see what that female gryphon did just now?” Spark asked with a raised eyebrow while she regarded her twin.

“Well you know I did not… So what grabbed your attention when looking at our avian friend? Apart from her predatory grace and splendor…” Silver Flash answered.

“Honestly sister, are you planning on turning into a bad copy of our dearly ‘beloved’ pig of a deceased brother? The way you have been ogling mares as of late one can't help but wonder.” Silver Spark reprimanded. Silver Flash winched as if she had been burned by the words.

“SISTER! Don't even joke about that! Even though I know he wouldn't dare do anything to us… I still felt a shiver go down my spine every time he entered any room we were in. Especially when the two of us were left alone with him; I've seen him look at us in a disturbing manner more than once sister and I bet you have as well. I'm sorry to say it, but I will not miss him at all.” Flash said with a disgusted frown.

“Sorry Flash… that was not very nice or fair of me to compare you to him… And as to the mourning of our brother, I daresay that just like with you, my mourning has already ended.” Silver Spark said apologetically while giving Flash a little nuzzle in apology.

“Don't let mother catch either of you saying that.” A voice said from behind the twins who both snapped around in alarm to find their big sister Lady Silver Light standing just behind them.

“She stubbornly refuses to believe Silver Pot was too far gone to be salvaged. Still clinging to the idea that he was just misunderstood and needed to find his rightful place in the world… But I guess it is a mother’s right to refuse the ugly truth about their children no matter how obvious it may seem to anypony else. So make sure you guard your tongues around her. Both when it comes to Silver Pot and your alternative preference in mates. If father or mother realizes what you two have been doing when you send away all your potential husbands… Well I don't need to say what will happen.” Silver Light said while she moved up to gaze out through the window at whatever it was her little sisters were looking at.

“We know…” Flash answered with some dread.

“Father will marry us off immediately to whichever stallion noble would benefit the Silver line the most, since he would know we will never accept any of the suitors willingly ourselves.” Spark said forlornly.

“Exactly… I love you two more than anypony else in the family and it is quite frankly a miracle you've managed to put off marrying some noble brat for this long. But you are both twenty years of age now and voices are being raised for the two of you to get married immediately amongst other noble houses. Father and brother have talked about the issue of you two more than once, and even mother is having thoughts about simply ordering you to accept a suitor soon.” Silver Light informed her two younger sisters.

“We know this big sister… We've been able to keep one step ahead of everyone’s attempt to marry us off thus far. But as you say… This won't last forever, unless Nightmare Moon’s rebellion succeeds.” Silver Spark said while she looked at her twin sister who nodded enthusiastically.

“We will be able to break free from this accursed fate of being married off under the rule of her Lunar Republic. We will both be able to pick any two mares we want to be with ourselves and even stay in North Bay if we so choose. Thus we will aid Nightmare in any way we can in her endeavor.” Silver Flash announced happily. Silver Light looked long and hard at her two younger siblings before giving them a small nod and a sad smile.

“Plan for the worst but hope for the best my little sisters… That is all I have to say on the matter. All too well do I know the fate of us Noble Ladies when it comes to the issue of marriage seeing as I’m soon-to-be engaged for a second time. Now please excuse me, mother is still distraught over our brother’s... “untimely” death. And it is my duty as eldest daughter to tend to her during her grief-stricken days of mourning.” Lady Silver Light said stoically as she turned around and walked out of the little study that belonged to the twins. Neither one of Spark or Flash missed the little hint of saying their mothers grief-stricken days, and nothing of her own feelings, making it even less uncertain what she felt about the matter. The twins both turned back to the window looking down at the spectacle still taking place below.

“Now… you were saying earlier dear sister?” Silver Flash reminded her twin.

“Right… I saw the female gryphon toss one of her daggers into the air and make it land on the pommel before catching it again as it bounced off the ground.” Silver Spark elaborated while the two of them focused their attention on the black gryphoness who was desperately holding onto a young little colt who apparently wanted to join in the match between Lobo and the Praetorian mare.

“So… I should clap my hooves together because?” Flash wondered.

“Because it takes some skill to choose which side a dagger lands on when tossed up like that, she did it on purpose so as not to damage the dagger’s edge when it struck the ground.” Spark said with a smile as she watched the two youngsters.

“And… You're not thinking what I think you're thinking… are you?” Flash wondered looking at her twin thoughtfully.

“We might be able to use them for more than just annoying our big brother.” Spark said while she nodded encouragingly. Flash only smiled. At once they turned around and started heading off into the estate looking for said brother in order to set their plans of annoying him to no end in to motion. But now plans to gain their freedom down the line were also starting to form as they walked giggling down the dimly lit hallways of a house in supposed mourning.


****


The spectators around the two combatants had slowly become completely quiet. Where before shouts of encouragement had been sounding from them, now almost frightened ponies could be seen staring in open awe at the fight taking place. Lobo and Hammer Song had gradually been stepping up their display and were now going all out, Lobo dodging and weaving like flowing water around his opponent whilst Hammer Song kept coming straight in, attack after attack tearing up the ground where she passed. The rest of the Praetorians had also joined the ranks of spectators, but were watching much more appraisingly at how the two combatants held their ground. Beside the Praetorians Zig Zag and Raven were also looking on in stunned silence now, because finally the two youngsters realized just how much Lobo had been holding back while training them. But what was really sending chills down most of the spectators’ spines was that both the combatants were grinning widely while they fought.

Lobo had just managed to dodge one of Hammers rush attacks again. He had moved the fighting in amongst a couple of stout trees in the garden ensuring that Hammer could not use her full speed which he had found quite problematic to counter. Lobo thanked his lucky star he had actually fought against Lightning Strike on his way to North Bay. Otherwise his eyes would never have been able to follow the movements of his current opponent. Hammer Song was without a doubt faster than Lightning Strike in a straight line. But Hammer had one huge disadvantage. Her attacks followed a very straight path once she had set off, the momentum she carried making it difficult for her to change course. She could veer and dodge on her set trajectory, but changing her course took a lot of effort.

Hammer Song was nonetheless grinning, Lobo was all she hoped he would be and more. Most every fight she entered was over after her first real attack. But to her immense satisfaction Lobo had managed to dodge out of the way at the last hundredths of a second even when she activated her flesh binding that gave her an immense boost in speed. After Hammer Song’s first real attack both of them had been staring at each other in stunned surprise. Hammer Song because Lobo had actually managed to dodge her, and Lobo because of the speed Hammer Song had suddenly displayed. The wolf had then burst out in a wide grin and set off to find any obstacle that could slow her down.

Once Lobo entered the small grove the fight had been quite spectacular, vicious, brutal and completely impossible to stop watching. Hammer Song was now breathing heavily, the fight had gone on for much too long for her liking and it was becoming obvious Lobo had much more stamina than she did. He was still looking annoyingly alert and energetic. And even more disturbing to her, he had seemed to be getting faster and faster the longer the fight had been going on, as if he was slowly but surely adapting to her speed which should be completely impossible without flesh binding for any normal living being.

But then again you are not normal are you? Hammer Song thought as she gritted her teeth and lined up for another rush. Lobo was once again grinning back at her which was quite frankly starting to piss her off.

“This ends now pony!” Lobo called back challengingly. Hammer raised an eyebrow at him before snorting through her nose in defiance.

“You got that right wolf! I will skewer you this time for sure!” She called back and once again activated her flesh binding spell before setting off at a blistering pace. The world around seemed to slow down as she sped forward. But to her surprise, Lobo didn't seem to be dodging aside this time; instead he stood there waiting for her it seemed.

Just as she turned her head in order to align the blunted sword to deliver a strike against him, Lobo stomped down on a thick broken off branch that was lying just in front of him. The other end bounced up and caught Hammer Song square in the chest. The air was driven from her lungs as she came to an almost abrupt halt, while her dropped sword continued forward from the momentum alone. Lobo twisted around it at the same time as the branch broke in half from the enormous force that was placed upon it. The damage was however already done and Hammer Song went tumbling to the ground, rolling a couple of times before coming to a full stop. She gasped trying to catch her breath and bearing, only to feel a big weight lie on top of her. She turned her eyes up only to see Lobo bend down and deliver a mock nip at her throat, indicating he would have ripped it out had it been a real fight. Hammer Song gritted her teeth in fury before taking a deep breath.

Still, stop and calm… She thought as the mental commands stopped her flesh binding spell. As the world around her once again began to flow at a normal pace she looked up at the now very smug looking Lobo.

“Get. Off. Me. Now.” Hammer Song punctuated harshly completely fuming in indignation. She had had no misconception about the fact that Lobo would be a tough opponent, but never for a second had she actually thought she would be the one to lose the encounter.

“Oh don't be like that pony. That was a much better training session than I ever got at Crown Peak. You were much more than a challenge to me… You were a real threat.” Lobo said trying to make her feel better while he happily jumped up and started to strut off towards the only two who were now cheering loudly amongst the spectators. Everypony else except for the other Praetorians were looking at both Lobo and Hammer Song like they were monstrosities.

The fight had been utterly terrifying for everyone watching it; no mortal being without magic should be able to do what the two in front of them had just done. And even though Hammer Song was sweating quite a bit and breathing heavily, Lobo still seemed like he would be able to go another round if he so chose.

Zig Zag was oblivious to everyone else's reaction and now jumped excitedly around Lobo loudly proclaiming how awesome he was whilst Raven settled for giving Lobo a friendly punch on the shoulder. Without warning Lobo then playfully snatched up Zig Zag and proceeded to give him a fierce nuggy while his son squealed out in protest.

Hammer Song finally got to her hooves and immediately stumbled off to the side. A steady hoof grabbed her and kept Hammer Song upright while her pounding head slowly stopped spinning again.

“What, pray tell, do you think you were doing out here?” A very stern sounding Piercing Mark wondered, not making any secret of her cold fury as she locked eyes with a now stunned looking Hammer Song.

“I… what?... I was-”

“You were making a fool out of yourself, and in so doing out of all Praetorians.” Piercing Mark hissed at Hammer who tried to take a step back but stumbled and ended up sitting down on her butt instead.

“I… I didn't-”

“You didn't think?” Piercing Mark mocked and looked away from Hammer in disdain.

“Even a blind pony could see that clearly.” She continued in a low dangerous sounding hiss as she turned back to face a now thoroughly cowed Hammer Song, who was still having trouble staying upright.

“Feeling a bit dizzy are we? That tends to happen when somepony over uses the… gift too much. Or have you forgotten what powers it? For Celestia’s sake it’s the first thing you learn as a greenhorn amongst us praetorians!” Piercing Mark fumed even more, clearly very dissatisfied with Hammer Song’s performance against Lobo.

“But he-”

“He avoided your first attack while using the gift? Well boo-hoo, try another move you numbskull!...” Piercing Mark exclaimed, suddenly getting a very calculating expression before she looked back at Hammer with apprehension.

“You do know another one right?” She wondered. The clenched jaw from Hammer Song told piercing mark all she needed to know, and she didn't know if she should laugh or cry.

“You don't, do you… You have only taught yourself one attack with your gift?” Piercing Mark said in a deadpan voice.

“But I never miss with it!” Hammer Song tried to defend herself, only to realize how stupid that statement was right then. Piercing Mark only raised an eyebrow at her before scuffing at the statement.

“He was getting faster somehow! He must know some magic after all!” Hammer Song continued desperately trying to find a reason for her utter failure.

“Stop it! You're only digging a deeper hole for yourself…” Piercing said with a sigh. “You were much faster than him each time you used your rush attack. The difference in the end was that Lobo was constantly becoming better and better at reading your very limited movements. The last five times he dodged your attacks even before you set off, because he knew what you were doing even before you did.” Piercing Mark continued with an ever deepening frown.

“He also tricked you into coming after him amongst the trees which you should know from his story earlier is his preferred terrain to fight in. He led you around as if he had a leash around your neck through the whole fight. And all you had to do to get out of that was to take a step back, relax, look at the situation, and then act… But no! You just smashed your head against a wall again and again hoping it would fall down before you caved your own skull in!” Piercing Mark yelled reprimandingly at her subordinate, who just sat there taking the tongue lashing.

“Well guess what Hammer Song! You weren't banging your pretty little head against a silly little wall! You were banging it against a freaking mountain you plothead! By all that is holy Hammer! Even Bender is more flexible in his fighting style while under the full influence of his berserker rage! Lesson one in basic training; one doesn’t overuse the gift in battle or you will die! Lesson two in basic training; don't be predictable when you fight or you will die! Lesson three in basic training; adapt and be mindful of your surroundings! Use it to your advantage in any given battle! Or you will die!!! Now tell me Hammer Song! Which of the three first lessons in basic training did you not break just now! I know you were mostly recruited as our next smith! But by the moon this display was utterly pathetic!!!” Piercing Mark shouted straight in the face of a very pale Hammer Song.

“I'm sorr-” Smack! Hammer Song was silenced by a stinging hoof to the side of her face.

“You will show me four new ways to attack while using your gift before we leave North Bay, or instead of following us when we go after this Avarice you will be marching back to headquarters alone to redo everything from day one of basic training… Do you understand me little filly.” Piercing Mark said in a very stern and cold voice.

Hammer Song could do nothing but nod where she sat shaking in anger at the tongue lashing she was getting. Yes, she had clearly underestimated Lobo and made more than one mistake. But she had already understood that herself, she didn't feel she needed this humiliation in front of her peers. She would have figured this out and made corrections to it herself. After all Hammer Song was definitely not a pushover, there probably wasn't a warrior in the city that could take her even without her using the gift. You wouldn’t even get in through the door of the Praetorians if you were a bad fighter, even if she was primarily a smith.

“Good, now get out of my sight, I will decide how to increase your training regime later.” Piercing Mark finally concluded and watched as Hammer Song slowly trotted off towards the mansion in a very foul mood. Whoever had the misfortune of ending up on the wrong side of that today…

Sorry Bender you’re probably not getting any cuddles tonight… Piercing Mark thought with a sigh and looked over towards Lobo and his young ones. He was still roughhousing it with Zig Zag who just then jumped at him. Lobo reflexively caught Zig Zag with his left paw and body slammed the little colt into the ground, eliciting a few cringes on the faces of her fellow Praetorians who were all watching on in somewhat morbid fascination. Piercing Mark herself thought Zig Zag would stay down from that rather hard-hit, but to her surprise he rolled up on all fours and once again started darting around Lobo who laughed while the two circled each other. Piercing observed how Zig Zag was moving around his father in a fluid, soft and quiet way that would make just about any rogue fighter she had ever met green with envy.

And he's still just a colt… The potential in him is almost frightening. Piercing Mark thought just as Zig Zag took another rather harsh hit from Lobo making even her cringe as the big black wolf picked Zig Zag up in his massive jaws afterwards. Thoughtfully she trotted up to the three of them.

“That was quite a display Lobo.” Piercing Mark commented as she stepped up besides the wolf. Lobo dropped Zig Zag who immediately bounced away before turning around and growling playfully at his dad in a mock challenge.

“Why thank you, I must say I truly did enjoy that. I have never faced an opponent like her before. It was quite exhilarating.” Lobo answered and was then immediately tackled from the side by Zig Zag who had no qualms about taking advantage of his distracted dad. They both tumbled off together, Lobo laughing out loud while Zig Zag playfully scratched his metal claws against Lobo’s collar. Zig Zag was quickly caught between Lobo’s jaws again and rather harshly slammed down by the Dire Wolf who then immediately placed a big paw over the back of the now thoroughly stunned colt.

But once again it didn't take more than a half a second before Zig Zag was fiercely struggling to get out from under his dad’s grip. Several gasps of shock were once again heard from spectators still lingering around. Several of them had without thinking taken a few steps forward in worry at how harshly Lobo treated the little colt before stopping at hearing the now loudly laughing Zig Zag.

“Stop! Stop! HAHAHA! Stop! I give! I give! Stop tickling me, dad!!!” Zig Zag squealed out as Lobo had rolled him over on his back and was now mercilessly tickling his son’s neck that was still exposed even though he was wearing his leather armor.

“Hmmm… Your son is a lot tougher than his tender age and size might let on, but still I would recommend you stop doing that particular move on him from now on, you could seriously harm him even if he is wearing armor.” Piercing Mark informed Lobo from where she sat observing the strange interactions of this very peculiar family.

“Really? I'm not hurting you am I son?” Lobo asked worriedly as he let go of Zig Zag. The colt sprang readily to his hooves and shook himself vigorously before standing up proud.

“No I'm fine!” he winced a little, “Well… sometimes it might have hurt a little bit maybe… although it really doesn't hurt too badly at all anymore!” Zig Zag said while he looked around thoughtfully, trying to remember when it stopped hurting too much being tossed around by Lobo like that. Not really remembering he just gave a shrug before skipping off towards Raven.

“Come on Raven let's go get some breakfast, I'm hungry!” Zig Zag proclaimed loudly as he passed her. Raven grinned widely and followed him.

“Sounds like a plan ZZ. Do you think they have meat here?” Raven then asked tentatively as the two youngsters started to walk off together.

“If they don't we can hunt something down later if you like.” Zig Zag said comfortingly to a now even more grinning Raven. The comment made more than a few ponies around them turn and look questioningly and a bit fearfully at them.

Raven however didn't mind, she loved it when they were hunting together, it was after all a very Gryphon thing to do, and one Zig Zag had taken to with surprising vigor once he noticed just how much Raven liked it when he came along.

“Your son seems to be something of a prodigy when it comes to combat, especially given his age, and that's not just because of the reports Nightmare has discussed with me when it comes to what happened at The Officers Club. But the way he moves around so silently on his hooves without even thinking about it himself… I believe you have been quite harsh with him in your training if I'm not mistaken.” Piercing Mark said as she watched Zig Zag and Raven disappear into the mansion. Lobo grunted as he thought.

“I don't know to be honest… I've never tried to train anyone like this before. But he has never complained while we train so I don't think so.” Lobo answered and looked back at Piercing Mark. She stood quietly thinking it over.

“Thinking back on what you told us that first night in the gazebo, I do not think Zig Zag was able to realize just how bad his body was hurting when you started training him after his mother's death. He was most likely completely numb to physical pain judging by how he filed his own teeth in a desperate bid not to be a pony anymore… He was surely on the verge of a complete mental breakdown. It might actually be that your insane training style was exactly what he needed at the time. Not giving him a second to think too much about just how much he had lost, but instead concentrating on staying alive and learning the skills you have obviously taught him well.” Piercing Mark said and looked over to a now completely stumped Lobo.

“So… You think I was really hurting him back then, but he just didn't complain about it at all?” Lobo said looking even more worried and sad.

“I'm sorry to say it, but yes… A sane pony without such emotional trauma as to make themselves not even register physical pain, and most likely welcome it if he could, as some form of righteous punishment for his imagined wrongs in failing his mother… Yes, anypony else would have most likely been broken by your way of solely teaching by doing. I still say it's a miracle he survived judging by what he's been through. And the fact that your little tussle just now was apparently just fun and games… even though he is an earth pony, that treatment would have left most any colt his age and even grownups seriously injured.” Piercing Mark said pointedly.

“I truly didn't know I was that harsh on him… What should I do?” Lobo wondered anxiously as he thought back on just how hard he had actually been pushing Zig Zag, even though he had often asked for it himself.

“I think you should step back for a little while and let him find his own way for maybe a month or three before picking it up again at a more controlled pace. You can of course still teach him and train him a little bit. Just not at the same rate and intensity you have been doing so far, or his young body will most assuredly break sooner rather than later… He doesn't need to be constantly kept occupied anymore in order to keep his sanity intact. That female Gryphoness is keeping him more than distracted for the time being, and meeting other ponies his own age or at least younger than full adults would do Zig Zag some good too I believe.” Piercing Mark said in way of advice. Lobo nodded while he sat quietly mulling it over.

“Thank you for telling me this… I truly do not know what I'd have done if I seriously hurt my little Zig Zag.” Lobo said and looked over at Piercing Mark gratefully. She gave a short nod and then gestured for them to move towards the estate.

“Don't mention it. It would have been a waste to injure such a promising young warrior and possibly even cripple him needlessly. Now let's move into the dining hall and join the rest for breakfast. I do believe we will be the last two to arrive at this rate.” Piercing Mark said as she trotted off with Lobo following closely beside her.


****


Duchess Salt Wind sat fuming at her husband's right hoof, the Duke was thankfully back in his rightful place at the head of the table this morning since her former Empress Nightmare Moon was not joining them. Most importantly that little murdering street rat she had with her would not be attending either, staying at her master's feet like the good little attack dog she was.

“…and then she had the gall to think she could possibly apologise for what she had done!” The Duchess said harshly not caring that several of the Praetorians further down the table cast questioning looks towards her, it being quite impossible not to overhear what she was half yelling. Furthermore, much of it this morning had been about how she wished to see Twilight Sparkle dangle at the end of a rope as soon as possible.

“I know it is difficult for you dear, but try to keep your anger within while in the company of our guests…” Duke Silver Sails said without any real reprimand in his voice, gently tapping his wife's hoof on the table.

“Privately you can say whatever you like. But we still have our duties to take care of in and around the city, as well as a new power base to build now that we're no longer guaranteed ruler ship of North Bay. Hence you lashing out at Nightmare Moon's apprentice will not further our course in the slightest. Therefore I implore of you my dear, try to bear with it for the time being.” Silver Sails said comfortingly to his fuming wife.

“She murdered our youngest son! And then I have to watch that… that… horrid thing that did it stroll about with her head still attached to her shoulders in my very own home! She should be in the deepest darkest dungeon there is in the Bastille being well taken care of by the worst tortures the city guard has to offer! Why am I the only one reacting to this affront against our family that is the mere fact she is here amongst us!” Duchess Salt Wind hissed out while glaring at the rest of her family furiously. Duke Silver Sails’ jaw tightened as he was finally nearing the end of his patience.

“Wife! I know you are despairing at the loss of a child… But so am I, and the rest of us as well!” He said rather harshly indicating the gathered family around the breakfast table who were all finding their own food very interesting at the moment.

“Don't you dare think he was lost to us when he died at that mare’s hoof in The Officers Club. He was lost to us long before that and well you know it! We should have been keeping him under a much firmer hoof when we first noticed he was turning into a… a…” The Duke’s jaw clamped shut. Even if he knew what he was about to say was true, it was still hard for him to say it out loud.

“Monster… He had turned into a true monster and it is our fault for allowing it to happen… I have spared you from knowing the worst that he has done over the years. For Celestia’s sake he personally hated you for nothing more than the mere fact he had inherited most of your coloration, and the things I've heard him do to many of those poor souls trapped beneath The Officers Club is just… sickening beyond measure. Now we will try to bear our loss with dignity and do our duty for North Bay in the meantime.” Duke Silver Sails finished and looked at his wife quite harshly, daring her to disagree.

“He… He could have been brought around! Given enough time, and… and… guidance…” The Duchess tried to argue but trailed off to herself. She had not been completely sheltered from Silver Pot’s nightly activities, but surely he could be brought around again? Surely he could…

"I am sorry mother, but Silver Pot was a complete disgrace to this family. Would it not been seen as unbecoming for me to do so, I would kiss that mare’s hoof in thanks for dealing with a problem we would have to take care of ourselves sooner or later.” Lord Silver Cutter stated coldly as he looked over the table at his now once again fuming mother. Duke Silver Sails groaned inwardly, she had been so close to calming down and his ever hotheaded son had to go and say something like that. Although when it came to his brother, Silver Cutter never could keep his mouth shut.

“CUTTER!!! You will show some respect for your brother’s memory!” Salt Wind shouted and hammered her right hoof into the table making several plates and cups jump up quite a bit in the air, not to mention making several of the occupants around the table flinch.

One particular movement of a wing sheltering something further down the table brought her eyes upon the two children belonging to the foreign dignitary Wolf. She had totally forgotten that they were at the table this morning. The sight of the very pale faced colt now sheltering under the Gryphoness’ wing awoken the motherly side within her.

She reigned in her temper and tried to smile at them. She had heard they were also at The Officers Club that night; apparently having been brought there by Twilight herself.

As the Duchess understood it, Twilight had dragged a kicking and screaming Iron Rod outside of North Bay, only to return later in the evening without him and apparently having found the two youngsters outside the city looking for their father or something, at least that’s what Duchess Salt Wind believed. But instead of doing the decent and obviously right thing by bringing the two children straight to their father at the Silver Seas Estate, she brought the two youngsters with her to witness a massacre.

The two of them must have been so frightened seeing all that at such a tender young age… The Duchess thought sadly. With that she stood up and walked over to the two of them. As she drew closer to them she could see the black Gryphoness eyeing her warily, while the green eyes of the little blue colt grew larger and larger. As she stopped behind them the Gryphoness was now looking at her with open hostility, which was not surprising considering her savage upbringing in the Gryphon society so Duchess Salt Wind decided she could forgive her that. The little colt was adamantly staring down at his own hooves too frightened to meet her gaze.

“I’m sorry I scared the two of you my little darlings… I know it's neither of your faults what happened over at The Officers Club. You two were just dragged along by that horrible mare and happened to end up at the wrong place at the wrong time. Both you and your father are very welcome in our midst.” Salt Wind said comfortingly as she patted the little blue colt on his head.

“Eh… okay… thanks… I guess?” Zig Zag stammered out as he sat rigid while Silver Pot’s mother patted him lovingly on the head. All the while she instead remembered doing it to somepony else seemingly not too long ago as he came running into her bed chambers crying when he woke up after a bad dream.

In the meanwhile Zig Zag’s mind was thundering with his new revelation. How could he have missed this? It was so obvious! Silver Pot! Silver! It was right there in the name for crying out loud! Zig Zag was sitting at a breakfast table together with the family of the pony he had just killed!!! Cold sweat was starting to run down his back.

“Now then… I think I will retire for now, if you need me for anything ‘dear’ husband, I will be in my chambers to grieve our son properly. Daughter will you accompany me for the day?” Duchess Salt Wind said and started heading for the exit of the dining hall.

“Of course mother…” Lady Silver Light said quickly looking over towards her father who nodded at her  while giving her a look that plainly said ‘keep her out of trouble if you can’. So Silver Light quickly stood up to accompany her mother. When the two of them exited the dining hall they almost bumped into a Praetorian, the leader of this particular group if memory served, and Lobo who were both entering the dining hall at the same time as they were leaving. The Praetorian immediately moved aside and bowed respectfully as was proper, while Lobo eyed the two of them curiously before giving a little nod in way of greeting. The Duchess Salt Wind and Lady Silver Light returned the nod before continuing on their way.

Lobo stepped into the dining hall and felt the rather oppressed atmosphere still lingering within. The Silver Seas family had once again started talking quietly amongst themselves at one end of the table, while at the other the Praetorians had done the same. Sitting somewhat in the middle but more towards the praetorians, Zig Zag and Raven shone up as they looked over towards Lobo, Zig Zag even going so far as to look extremely relieved to see his adopted father. Lobo wasted no time in moving over in sitting down next to them.

“How are you two this morning? Do they have anything good to eat today?” Lobo asked while he looked down at the two of them with a reassuring smile. Raven still had a wing draped over Zig Zag’s back in a comforting gesture, and Zig Zag was happily leaning into her embrace. Both now seemed to relax even further.

“They do have a lot of pony food, but the only thing I really found somewhat appetizing is the fish, although they really don't know how to cook it properly.” Raven said with a grunt and then gulped down a piece of said fish.

“They are herbivores so the art of cooking meat will not be natural to them… and I do believe they do a bad job on purpose in the hopes that would make us eat vegetables instead. I can probably ask if you could be given access to the kitchen if you want to cook your own food from now on?” Lobo said thoughtfully as he looked over towards the Silver Seas family, noticing that the Duke and his son were looking at him curiously while the two youngest daughters of the Silver Seas family were seemingly far more interested in Zig Zag and Raven.

Lobo remembered Piercing Mark’s thoughts that maybe ZZ and Raven would benefit from knowing some ponies a bit younger so seeing the twins show interest in them made him glad. In the corner of his eye Lobo could see Duke Silver Sails motion for him to join the main family at the head of the table. Not really knowing what to do in this situation Lobo opted to accept the Duke's offer.

“Looks like the Duke wants to talk to me. Do you two want to come with me?” Lobo asked since he could still see that Zig Zag seemed a bit apprehensive.

“No… I'm fine here I think…” Zig Zag answered. Lobo nodded and made to walk away when Zig Zag’s hoof stopped him.

“Ehh… there's something… I need to tell you later dad.” Zig Zag whispered.

“Okay son… after breakfast then.” Lobo answered and patted Zig Zag on the head. ZZ however quickly brushed the patting paw aside in a bit of annoyance.

“Why does every pony keep doing that?” he whined only for Raven to get a predatory grin on her face as she immediately started to pat Zig Zag on the head, earning her a death glare from him.

“Sorry… couldn't resist.” Raven said happily.

“Ha. Ha. Ha… Funny…” Zig Zag replied drily while Lobo shook his head and walked up towards Duke Silver Sails offered seat. Zig Zag followed his progress, and when he sat down and started conversing with the Silver Seas family they leaned in towards each other.

“We are in serious trouble if they ever find out I killed Silver Pot and not Twilight…” Zig Zag whispered anxiously.

“Then don't talk about it again while we’re here, the less we talk about it, the less a chance they'll find out about it…” Raven said.

“Oh, the family already knows-”

“But don't worry, father decided not to tell our dear mother since-”

“She isn't really thinking straight right now...” Two female voices said from just behind ZZ and Raven. They both slowly turned their heads two see Lady Silver Spark and Lady Silver Flash standing behind them smiling pleasantly.

Zig Zag felt his heart rate starting to rise and Raven stared daggers at the two sisters making no secret of what would happen if they made the wrong move. Instead the twins merely laughed quietly but pleasantly at the two youths.

“Why don't you two come with us after we are done with breakfast? I'm sure we can find something fun to do away from all the grown-ups.” Lady Silver Spark said and made a point of emphasizing the word grown-up by rolling her eyes in a bored manner. Seeing they really didn't have much of a choice in the matter, both Zig Zag and Raven nodded at the twins.

To say that breakfast was a bit awkward after that would be an understatement. Zig Zag and Raven constantly evaded answering most of the questions Lady Silver Spark and Silver Flash asked, no matter how good-natured their questions might have seemed. Raven didn't know why but she truly didn't trust these girls, the front they tried to present was just too perfect and happy. Zig Zag on the other hoof just felt very fearful now that he knew that this was Silver Pot’s family.

He had never really stopped to think about it before; he couldn't even remember where he had heard the name Silver Pot the first time. Just that his mother and Cherry Blossom constantly told him to kill Silver Pot and Iron Rod in every nightmare he had since… that day. And now he was sitting here with Silver Pot’s family after he had killed him. All of them must want to murder him now if they could… surely?

“Well then, now that we are all finished, will you two accompany us to our room for some pleasant conversation?” Lady Silver Spark happily asked as breakfast was winding down. Several of the Praetorians were in the midst of leaving, as were their father and big brother although the latter of the two was eyeing Zig Zag and Raven with disapproval clearly showing.

Thankfully Zig Zag didn't notice because Lobo had just joined them and so he launched into explaining his fears about staying where they were.

“Dad! They know… they know I did it, we have to leave!” Zig Zag tried to whisper but failed miserably. Lobo nodded calmly at a now completely stunned looking Zig Zag.

“I know, the duke told me a few interesting things earlier… It's not really important, but as long as you don't tell Duchess Salt Wind anything you are completely safe and under the protection of Nightmare Moon. Apparently we are now members of the Lunar Republic.” Lobo said trying to sound comforting. Although the truth was he felt quite worried as well about the situation. He just didn't have a good enough handle on things right now to form an opinion if this was a good or bad development.

“Oh… okay.” Zig Zag answered a bit bewildered.

“You see there's nothing to worry about, now let's have some fun!” Lady Silver Flash exclaimed happily. Lobo gave her a little smile and nodded at Zig Zag and Raven.

“Why don't you two give them a chance, if you need me all you have to do is howl and I'll come running. I was also told the Praetorians wanted to discuss something with me, and then later when Nightmare Moon returns she wanted to talk to all of us about something having to do with a personal matter of mine. I don't really think you'll find any of those conversations interesting, so you might as well go have some fun with some ponies more your own age.” Lobo said and made a little motion for them to follow the Silver Seas twins, both of whom stood waiting a few paces away.

“Alright… I guess we can do that.” Zig Zag answered and looked up at Raven for confirmation.

“Yeah sure, but if they get any funny ideas about moving in on ZZ they got another thing coming to them.” Raven said as she narrowed her Gryphon eyes on the two Noble mares who both grinned back at her with a now very mischievous look in their eyes.


****


As the two noble mares lead their new friends through the winding hallways of the mansion they both snickered and laughed while they poked good fun at their younger followers. Even though they already knew it to be true, they still had a hard time believing Zig Zag and Raven were the same age, given that Raven was more or less the same size as a fully grown pony. Although when one compared her to a mature Gryphon it was easy to see that she still was a youth.

“I must say that was a truly lovely story.” Lady Silver Flash said in good humor as she looked back at the now slightly blushing Zig Zag.

“I agree, to think the first time you two saw each other one ended up saving the life of the other only for the favor to be returned again and again for as long as you've known one another.” Lady Silver Spark cooed and dramatically laid her head to the side, putting her hoof against her forehead.

“It's just so romantic I could faint on the spot!” She said dreamily making Zig Zag turn an even brighter shade of red while Silver Flash grabbed Raven around the neck pulling her in close with a conspiratory look on her face.

“So how far have you two gotten? Snuggles? Kissing? Ohhh have you two been playing doctors yet?!” She said and then laughed at the horrified face now looking back at her.

“Okay that's it!” Raven shouted angrily and briskly shoved Silver Flash off of her, making the noble mare stumble a few paces back.

“I've had it up to here with you two! By my wings if you two don't stop it I am likely to do something very stupid!” Raven proclaimed dragging her claw over the wooden floor leaving deep grooves in it for emphasis.

Neither Silver Flash nor Silver Spark paid Raven any mind as they both sauntered off to stand at the door at the end of the hall just a few meters away.

“Oh don't you worry Raven-”

“we are only teasing you two a bit-”

“and besides we are here now-”

“so if you and Zig Zag wouldn’t mind-”

“I think we can have a rather lovely conversation inside-”

“and no more teasing you Raven, we promise.” The two twin sisters said between themselves and smiled innocently back at Raven and Zig Zag. Their horns lit up and opened the door into what looked like a rather large and extravagantly furnished room.

Looking at each other rather uncertainly Zig Zag finally decided to accept the offer and stepped forward through the doorway, followed immediately after by Raven. Both Silver Spark and Silver Flash enthusiastically clapped their hooves together and entered behind them closing the door firmly.

A blue aura once again encased the door ensuring only family members could now unlock it, and that no sound would be heard in or out of the room. Immediately several servants who had been tending to ‘very important maintenance’ in the corridor went on their way, only leaving one to wait for when the two youngest Silver Seas family members would come out so the chaperones could once again make sure they would not get into too much trouble.


****


As soon as the door closed both Lady Spark and Lady Flash’s expressions changed, taking on a much more serious and calculating look. They glanced at each other.

How long?

Twenty-five to thirty minutes tops?

Most likely thirty I'd say.

We'll have to time this well.

Naturally, although that doesn't mean we can’t have fun in the meantime?

Agreed.

Good.

The silent conversation between the two twins took only a heartbeat as they nodded to each other and put on two pleasant smiles.

In the meanwhile Zig Zag and Raven were busy inspecting the unbelievable riches on display in the room. Two of the most eye catching things were the giant beds on the opposite sides of the large chamber, one for each sister obviously. They were both enormous with silken sheets and tall gilded posters at each corner holding up untold length of the richest velvet fabric Zig Zag had ever seen, even surpassing what he had seen at The Officer's Club.

But when he got closer, the real piece de resistance became apparent. Because as he looked up towards the roof of the bed, or at least where it was supposed to be, he was staring out into an endless and clear night sky slowly drifting past. It was an incredibly intricate illusion cast onto the fabric itself.

“Beautiful isn't it?” Lady Flash whispered into Zig Zag’s ear making him jump up in surprise. He had been completely lost at the site of the impossible beautiful illusion above the bed, not noticing the now widely smiling Lady Flash walking up to him.

“Yes very… It reminds me of when Raven and I used to look at the stars up in the mountains of Feliniss. It's almost as good looking…” Zig Zag said, still observing the recreated night sky.

“Both me and my sister are very adept at illusions…” Lady Flash then whispered into Zig Zag’s other ear making him bump into Lady Flash who was on his other side. He gave a little annoyed look towards the two sisters and then turned where Raven had gone to, only to see her standing on the other side of the room with Lady Spark looking up into the roof of the other bed.

“Wait… What?” Zig Zag said in confusion as his head began whipping back and forth between what he thought were the two sisters. The first Silver Flash who had spoken smiled down at him, while the second shimmered and disappeared. Zig Zag only stood and looked at where Lady Flash’s illusion of herself had just stood. The illusion had been so real; he had even felt her… It's… breath on his ear when she whispered to him. Silver Flash looked down at Zig Zag and his cute little confused expression, she couldn't help but giggle some more. Lady Flash truly wouldn't have minded having him as a little brother, thinking of all the cute dresses she could force him to wear. She and her sister would have so so much fun teasing him all day long!

“Wow… That was cool! Never seen anything like that before.” Zig Zag said quietly.

“No, most likely you wouldn't have. Not many have the talent and education needed to undertake high magical spell casting outside of the noble families.” Lady Flash said with a giggle at how adorable this little colt could look when he wasn't aware of it, especially since he was always trying to look fierce whenever a chance presented itself.

In the meanwhile, Raven and Lady Silver Spark had moved over to the lounging area of the sisters’ bed room.

In front of a big double doorway leading out onto a quite large balcony Raven now set herself down on some heavenly soft pillows situated around a low dark mahogany table. Through the open doors Raven could see that the view was stunning, looking out over the ocean and a little bit of the harbor which was visible above the city wall which didn't reach as high as the balcony. Silver Spark gracefully made herself comfortable on the pillow just next to Raven just as Raven herself looked over towards Zig Zag and saw how close Silver Flash was standing and leaning in towards him, almost pressing up against him?!

“Hey! ZZ… ehh?… come over here and look at this view… it's really… good?” Raven said a bit awkwardly trying to come up with a reason to get him away from the other mare. Suppressed giggles sounded from the other side of her. With a bit of annoyance Raven looked over towards Lady Spark.

“Ohhh, please don't mind me. And for the record, of the two of you in here you are the one in the most danger of succumbing to some frivolous activities.” Lady Spark said with a wide grin.

“What...” Raven answered looking somewhat perplexed. Quick as a whip, Lady Spark leaned in and gave Raven a quick peck on the chin. Raven stared back at the mare in open shock while Lady Spark giggled sweetly.

“You my dear Raven are much more aligned to mine and my sister’s tastes when it comes to a potential mate.” Spark’s said and wiggled an eyebrow at Raven. Raven suddenly looked crestfallen as it all snapped into alignment as her brain worked out what Lady Spark’s was hinting at.

“WHAT!!!” She shrieked and tumbled off the pillow only to bounce away quicker than Lady Silver Spark had ever seen anything move, before taking shelter behind a very surprised looking Zig Zag.

“Stay the heck away from me!” Raven screeched out towards Silver Spark who now lay on her back laughing her flanks off.

“Sister! What did you do now?” Silver Flash said with a sigh and sat down beside her sister on the pillow Raven had just vacated.

“Oh it was so precious! I gave her a little peck on the cheek and boy you should have seen the look on her face! Priceless!!!” Lady Spark explained and then started rolling around laughing again.

“We said we were not going to tease her anymore sister, remember?” Lady Flash said pointedly. Silver Spark immediately stopped laughing and quickly rolled onto her stomach again.

“Right… sorry about that Raven. I won't do it to you again.” She said but failed to suppress a couple more giggles before managing to gather herself completely. Raven questionably looked out from behind Zig Zag at the quite intolerable noble mare before reluctantly following Zig Zag over to them and sitting down on two opposite pillows at the table, hoping it would at least afford some protection from the two sisters on the other side.

“Now… to put it bluntly, we would like to acquire your assistance in some rather delicate situations that have arisen for us in the city below.” Lady Flash said in a no-nonsense manner. Both Zig Zag and Raven looked at each other and then back to Silver Flash.

“Not to sound disrespectful, but with what you both apparently know I've done, why would you possibly want to acquire my services? If not to make sure I fall into some trap or another equally bad end?” Zig Zag asked while Raven's wings spread just a little bit in anticipation of having to take action.

“Please Zig Zag… If we want you dead we sure as horse shoes wouldn't have invited you here where you could both potentially harm us. And when it comes to our deceased brother… The only regret I have when it comes to him is that I never told him how much I truly loathed him to his face before he died.” Lady Flash said with disdain clearly showing on her features. Zig Zag was about to answer when he was cut off by Lady Spark.

“None in this family liked Silver Pot, and we know for a fact father and big brother were actually planning on sending him on a voyage to Feliniss in a month or two, with the sole hope he would actually get himself killed by one of their gryphon warriors when he undoubtedly would trample on some gryphon’s honor and be challenged to a duel. Both father and big brother were quite certain Silver Pot would enrage the gryphon enough to ensure that said duel would only end in his death. So as you can clearly see my dear friends… you have nothing to fear from this family, except mother of course since she's decided to forget he became older than ten.” Lady Spark said honestly as she watched the two youngsters.

Several minutes past while Zig Zag and Raven mulled over what they had just been told. Finally they both seemed to relax somewhat, since they really couldn't see any point for the two noble mares in front of them to lie at this point.

“Okay… so… hi… ehhh… I'm Zig Zag, and I killed your brother I guess.” Zig Zag said still somewhat apprehensively as he looked at Flash for any kind of reaction from her. Both sisters however smiled back at him pleasantly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Zig Zag, and you too Raven.” Lady Spark answered.

“Now to why we brought you two here, we would very much like to acquire your services while you are here in North Bay. To… you know… run errands and collect stuff that belongs to us when say… the holder of said stuff doesn't really want to give back what is rightfully ours.” Lady Flash said innocently while her facial expression said something entirely different.

“Wait! Wait! You want us to be your… debt collectors or something?” Raven asked disbelievingly.

“Don't you rich ponies have big meatheads that do that for you?” Raven then asked pointedly.

“Ohh… Got a sly one here!” Lady Silver Spark said and looked appreciatively at Raven, who immediately pressed herself a little bit closer to Zig Zag, that little peck on the cheek still in fresh memory.

“Yes, the Silver Seas families do have both legal and let’s say… less legal means to gather what is ours. But they all answer only to our father and big brother at the moment since mother is unavailable. And even if we could get one of them to do this for us, father would find out about it for sure, something we very much don’t want to happen.” Silver Flash explained.

“Why?” Zig Zag wondered. Both Silver Flash and Silver Spark looked at him with a very flat expression.

“Do you want your father to know everything you've been up to?” Silver Flash asked already knowing the answer.

“Actually… I don't have anything I'm afraid to tell dad about.” Zig Zag said looking back at the two now very surprised looking noble mares. The shock on their faces was plain to see, it was probably the two first genuine expressions Zig Zag had actually seen the two sisters make since meeting them that morning. Quite clearly, the thought that Zig Zag would have given that answer had never crossed Spark or Flash’s minds for a second.

“You… You’re serious aren't you?” Silver Flash said still having trouble understanding the concept of not wanting to hide something from your family.

“Yeah, so what? Can't you tell your mom and dad when something is bothering you?” Zig Zag wondered innocently. Lady Spark actually burst out in a little uncontrolled laughter before gathering herself again.

“No… dear Celestia no… it would end very badly for us…” Silver Flash whispered under her breath, not really saying it to any pony but herself.

“Yes well anyway!” Silver Spark said pointedly.

“The reason we brought you two here; it's because we want to talk to you undisturbed about securing your services as our exclusive operatives so that the rest of the family doesn't know what we're doing twenty-four seven. It is rather stifling let me tell you!” Silver Spark continued as she steered the conversation back to its intended purpose.

“Right now what we need from you two is to go get a little pendant we happened to give to a former friend of ours. Both my sister and I were very close to her until she decided to try and use this item as leverage to gain influence over us. It is partly our own fault since we didn't research the gemstone we gave her closely enough. We thought it a mere trinket when in reality it was a family heirloom. Needless to say when we informed our friend we wished to have it back she did not react in the way we had hoped, even when we assured her she would be given something else instead.” Silver Flash said clearly distraught at the memory.

“This little upstart decided she could use the pendant to hold over our heads, as my sister said, to make us do favors and stuff for her we were not completely comfortable with. And she hasn't stopped either, the demands this mare is making of us are getting more and more out of hoof, soon we will not be able to comply anymore… and if she goes through with her threats and exposes our secret to our family… we would most likely be married off before the end of the month, willing or not.” Silver Spark said looking pleadingly back at Zig Zag and Raven who were both staring back at the twin sisters not known what to make of the situation.

“So… Now you know the position we are in, we would turn to you two primarily and not some two bit thug for hire down in the city who would most likely use the information he learned against us in a similar way further down the line anyhow.” Silver Flash said now mirroring Silver Spark’s pleading look. Zig Zag and Raven looked at each other questioningly. Then Raven turned back towards the noble mares.

“Okay, I think I can see the situation here, but what is to stop us from making the same demands you fear others making of you in the future?” Raven questioned carefully.

“Oh, you will of course be compensated handsomely as long as you work for us have no doubt!” Silver Spark said gesturing absentmindedly with her hoof. Then they both got a very stern look as their gazes fell on the two youths sitting across from them.

“And if all else fails we could always tell mother who really killed Silver Pot after all. Mother may not be able to touch Twilight Sparkle because of Nightmare Moon, but you two?” Silver Flash said in a dangerous voice making it inevitable where that particular thought would end. Both Zig Zag and Raven's eyes went wide when they realized the threat they had just received from the two mares in front of them, but before they could say anything Lady Spark continued.

“But we do not believe that would be necessary at all so calm yourselves, the rewards for working for us alone will keep you quite happy with the arrangement, so do we have an accord?” Spark’s wondered looking primarily at Zig Zag with a raised eyebrow.

“Well… maybe… I don't know? Can we think about it?” Zig Zag tried. The two sisters narrowed their eyes at him, and then they grinned mischievously.

“No, we need your answer before you leave this room, and if you take too long I guess we'll just have to torture the answer out of you!” Both Silver Spark and Silver Flash proclaimed loudly at the now completely horrified looking Zig Zag and Raven. Raven didn't have a chance to react before her whole body was encased in a magical glow pinning her in place, while Zig Zag went flying through the air to land on his back between the two sisters who both looked down at him with absolute glee.

“NO! GET OFF OF HIM OR I'LL KILL YOU BOTH! YOU HEAR ME!!!” Raven bellowed from where she was pinned in place. Silver Spark who was obviously keeping her there looked back at her with a smile as Raven’s beak was clamped shut by telekinetic force.

“Ohhh, so protective! But seriously Raven, don't let anypony outside this room ever hear you say that, or pastries won't be the only thing cooking in our ovens tonight.” Lady Spark said with a dangerous glint in her eye.

“Now then our little victim, it's time to force an answer from you, willing or not!” Silver Flash exclaimed happily. Then both Flash and Spark bent down towards Zig Zag and started blowing raspberries on his exposed neck making him squeal out in surprise, before starting to laugh uncontrollably. Every time Zig Zag would cringe to protect his neck from one sister he inadvertently exposed himself to the others merciless onslaught. Giggling and laughing like a mad colt, it wasn't long before a squirming Zig Zag finally caved under the sister’s ruthless torture. 

“Yes! HA!HA! Yes! I'll do it!!! HA!HA! Stop! Stop! HA!HA! I'll do anything you say just stop!!! HA! HA!” He squealed out between gasps for air and laughter in utter defeat. The sisters set back up proudly while looking down at their newly sworn-in agent, who still lay gasping for breath at their feet.

“It makes us very happy that with managed to come to this arrangement.” Lady Silver Spark said with a big smile. Both twins now looked over to Raven who was just sitting there frozen in bewilderment, beak hanging open.

“So? Are you in or do we need to torture you as well?” Lady Silver Flash said with a big grin while wiggling her eyebrows at Raven.

“NO! Definitely not! If ZZ is in then I’m cool with it!” Raven said hastily, although she didn't look happy about it at all.

“Ahhh… Can't we do it anyway sister?” Lady Flash wondered out loud while now pouting at her sister, making Raven immediately take a couple of steps back from the two crazy mares. Just then the door to the twin’s bedroom opened rather harshly, and in the doorway stood a very stern looking Lord Silver Cutter. When his eyes fell upon a very exhausted looking Zig Zag lying between Lady Flash and Lady Spark, his eyes became pinpricks.

“What in the name of Nightmare is going on in here?!” He bellowed angrily, making Zig Zag pop his head up looking around in surprise at the sudden outburst. He was immediately yanked away by a powerful telekinetic force and ended up hovering in front of a very angry and protective big brother.

“Know your place peasant! Or I will have to teach it to you!” Lord Silver Cutter yelled and gave Zig Zag a back-hooved blow across the cheek. Or at least that's what he thought he would do. When his blow connected with Zig Zag Silver Cutter’s hoof simply stopped dead in its tracks. The colts chin had scrounged up but his head hadn't moved an inch from the strike. Silver Cutter stared in shock for a second before a growl sounded from a now very angry Zig Zag, who then lashed out and bit down hard on Silver Cutter's hoof, which had still been pressed against his chin.

“AHHHH!” Cutter yelled out in pain as the magic suspending Zig Zag fizzled out, he fell to the floor and immediately bounced off. After a string of curses had left Lord Silver Cutter he looked around fully intent on finding the now absent upstart. Without warning a growling voice sounded through the room.

“Strike a Wolf you get bit!” Zig Zag’s very angry voice declared without really giving away where he was.

“You will be whipped for this colt! You defile my sisters and attack my person! You are lucky I don't demand a duel of honor and end your pathetic life!” Lord Silver Cutter yelled in absolute fury.

“BROTHER!!!” Both sisters now yelled angrily back at him.

“Don't worry little sisters; I will take care of this!” Lord Silver Cutter called back, missing completely why his siblings had a yelled at him.

“Stay your hoof brother! Or we will tell farther you have attacked a guest at this house without provocation!” Lady Silver Spark called hotly over towards her still enraged brother. But the statement at least managed to get his attention.

“What?” Silver Cutter said uncomprehendingly.

“You burst into our room uninvited, saw something completely innocent, drew the wrong conclusions in your perverted little brain, and then promptly attacked our guest who has been nothing but a gentle colt this whole time!” Lady Silver Flash called out angrily making her brother take a few steps backward.

“But… But-”

“No buts brother! Go to father and tell him what you think you have seen! And then we will set it all straight and inform him of your bumbling idiocy! Now leave! Or do we have to throw you out ourselves? You know that either one of us alone is more magically inclined then you are dear brother…” Lady Silver Spark said letting the last part hang menacingly between the brother and two sisters. Finally Lord Silver Cutter stood up straight looking down at his younger sisters. With a snort he looked over towards Raven and found that Zig Zag now sat at her side looking at him without fear. This truly annoyed him more than he wanted to admit. Silver Cutter turned his gaze back towards his sisters.

“I'll be keeping an eye on this. If I see even the slightest hint of something going on I will be on you like a-” Silver Cutter looked over towards Raven. “Hawk…” He finished and then turned around smartly and walked out slamming the door behind him. Lady Silver Flash and Lady Silver Spark looked at each other grinning.

That worked perfectly sister!

I know! Even better than we could have hoped it would sister. Both Zig Zag and Raven will most likely be very thankful for us intervening on their behalf, showing they can clearly trust us to have their backs covered even against our own family.”

And Silver Cutter will most likely get the idea to have a ‘practice’ match with Zig Zag instead of a full on dual in about five minutes or so, when he realizes that challenging ZZ to a duel will only end up with him or his second having to face Lobo in combat instead.

With how angry he was, big brother will most likely try to implement that plan as fast as he can.

Maybe even today if we're lucky!

And if Zig Zag can last more than three minutes while sparring with big brother we might have to think about extending Zig Zag’s service to us on a more permanent basis.

The silent conversation between the twins once again only took a heartbeat before they turned back to their two young new friends, who were both looking at them curiously and quite gratefully.

“Well then… Why don't you two stay here for a little while until brother has had a chance to cool off a bit? And when you do leave, I suggest using Raven wings and leaving from the balcony since brother will definitely have somepony watching the door now.” Lady Silver Spark said and smiled at Zig Zag and Raven who both looked at each other before giving a little shrug in indifference.

“Yeah sure, we don't have anything better to do since dad is busy.” Zig Zag answered.

“Wonderful! Now let's see what kind of games we have here that we can play.” Lady Silver Flash announced happily as she trotted off towards a bookcase where several kinds of board games were on display.


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Thanks to Pen Perfect for the Pre-read/Edit