Broken Bonds - A Piggy AU

Chapter 3 - Zizzy's Dream

"Greetings, Zizzy."

Zizzy blinked her eyes open. "Huh? What's going on? Who are you? Is this a dream?"

A tall figure in a purple suit towered over her in a dark, shadowed area, so dark it was impossible to know how big it really was. Purple swirls of smoke danced in the shadows. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I've noticed the recent events going on, and would like to help you out, maybe cheer you up a bit."

"Cheer me up?...But...why? Why would you want to help me?"

The figure smiled. "You are a strong, resilient and talented warrior. There is much you can do for me in return."

Zizzy did not return the smile. "I'm not making any deals right now. Nothing you can do will bring my sister back. Nothing will bring Mimi back. And nothing will reverse the horrible things that Giraffy has done."

The figure chuckled. "You're quite stubborn, my friend."

"I'm not your friend." Zizzy snapped. "I don't even know you. Heck, I don't even know your name.

The figure smiled again. "You know Zizzy... I was once living in your world. I was young and quiet. I felt alone often, so I made myself a friend. One from beyond." He gazed wistfully into the distance, as if reminiscing over the memories. "We were great friends. Perhaps... too great."

"I don't need your sob story, purple suit man. Just leave me alone."

The figure gave a small chuckle. "My, you're not the least bit cooperative. Anyway, let me continue with my story."

"I started to become just like him in more ways than you could imagine. He wasn't too happy about that. He made that clear... very clear to the world."

Fire blazed around the dark space as the tall figure looked down in anger. There was a paused moment of silence. Just what I need, more morbid themes in my life.

"When my time ended there, my time here began. Look at me now! I'm more than I ever once was. Isn't it surprising to see what can come of a quiet young child?"

The figure turned back to Zizzy once again, his gaze giving her an uneasy feeling.

"I sometimes wonder... if she'll end up the same."

A flash of anger shot through Zizzy. "Don't even mention her. She's nothing like you."

The figure chuckled, this time in a more pronounced manner. "Who knows? Maybe you don't know her as well as you think."

"Of course I know her! She's my sister!"

"She has never spoken a word, Zizzy. And she never will. Your simple abilities will never extend past the silent surface, unlike mine. Why, I was able to enter your mind just this night!"

Zizzy glared up at the mysterious figure. He was making her quite mad. "What do you want from me, mystery man? To hurt me?"

"Silly zebra. No, I want you to join me. A skilled fighter like yourself could do incredible things."

"You really think I'd join someone like you?"

"But how could you judge if you don't even know my name? My name is TIO, or so they call me. Say, how about we meet tomorrow night as well? You could get to know me more, and make an educated decision. You are a brilliant specimen, Zizzy. I know that if you join me, you will flourish and become even more powerful."

Zizzy sighed. "Alright, I'll think about it. But don't be mad if I don't show up tomorrow."

TIO chuckled yet again. "You have less of a choice than you think."

TIO began to fade into the shadows. Zizzy felt her eyes closing once again.

But before she could feel herself waking up back in her bed, she felt a hand grip her shoulder, and a voice whisper in her ear:

"Do not make the deal, or you will be sealed within his grasp, and you will live to regret it."