Hello all! School has been taking up my sweet time, and I have had some issues trying to come up with ways to make sure the story worked. Now, we have some abuse, so be warned.

The next morning, Captain Starr was doing the morning briefing. "Due to Zebedee's accident, he will be out of service for some time. It was a miracle that he was found alive, but it could take weeks if not months for him to be put back into service." He said, not noticing Zak curse under his breath. "In the meantime, you lot will continue on as normal. Dismissed!"

Once the Star Tugs left, Zak and Zug hurried over to what was once Zero and Marine headquarters. The company insignia had long since been removed, but the fence that divided the two buildings was not torn down. Perfect to discuss their next schemes. "I thought that the tide should've killed him!" Zak said, moving straight up to Zug''s stern.

"I thought so too, but those Stars found him before death did!" Zug said, looking at the large harbor tug with worried eyes. "What do we do now that the bastard is still alive?"

"If the tide doesn't kill him, then we will!" Zak said. "Now now, we gotta find ourselves some work before the Stars and the Coast Guard notice us. Go find Zip and bring him over. You both have work to do."

Zip was still at the Star Dock, wanting to ask Starr if he was telling the truth. His fleetmates had told him that Zebedee died, but he was now having doubts. The sound of shouting quickly drew his attention to the old building on the other side of the fence, and he quietly sailed over to the scene to see what was happening. What he heard shook him. To hear that his best friend would make an attempt on his leader's life was troubling, but Zak taking charge was even worse. He didn't even like Zak to begin with! Fearing retribution, he hurried away towards Lucky's Yard.

Zug turned to see Zip scurrying off and said, "Zip, get back here! Zak has work for us to- He looks spooked!"

"That means the brat heard everything!" Zak said, looking on towards the harbor. "And that means he'll be piss-colored before long. Bring him here at once."

"But Zip's my best friend- argh, alright!" Zug nodded (albeit timidly), and ran off to find the larger Zero switcher. "Stupid Zak is making me do his dirty work, but it's all for Zorran's sake." He said to himself, trying to catch up with Zip.

Zip dared to not look behind him, worried that Zak was going to beat him. Or worse, sink him. Desperation began to take hold, and he wasn't looking where he was going. Then, he spotted OJ in the distance. "Help me!" He shouted, hoping his screams would draw the paddlewheel tug's attention.

OJ was helping do harbor work when he heard shouts, and he turned to see Zip. "I'm a little busy at the moment young- Zip, what's happening over there?" He asked, squinting his eyes to notice Zip looking frantic.

"It's Zebedee!" Zip said, relieved that OJ heard him. Now he had a chance to be protected from Zak and Zug! He steamed up and blurted, "Zak and Zug are trying to kill me!"

"Pardon?" OJ asked, looking at the Z Stack. "What made them set their sights on you?" He motioned for Zip to stick close, just in case what the switcher said was actually true.

"Well, they told me that Zebedee died last night. However, Starr said that Zebedee's still alive." Zip sighed, looking up at OJ with worried eyes. "I heard them talking about wanting to kill Zebedee."

Zak, kill Zebedee? Zip was not the brightest tug, but his voice showed concern. "I know Zak has been struggling with his engine." OJ calmly replied, furrowing his brows. "But I don't see him-"

"So you don't believe me?" Zip interrupted, feeling rejected. "I don't want to be beat up!"

"I do believe you Zip, but I'm not sure if the others would be so quick." The paddlewheel tug calmly replied. "Come along, you can stay with me for the day."

"Thank you so much OJ. I'll do my best!" Zip smiled. For the first time in his life, a tug had shown him genuine kindness. Although Zebedee did this, he felt it wasn't legitimate.

Early that evening, Zip had gone to Lucky's Yard, apparently to keep close to Zebedee. Elsewhere in the harbor, OJ and Top Hat were discussing what happened earlier in the day. However, the two tugs were not agreeing with one another.

"How do you think Zak was responsible for this? There was no one at the scene!" Top Hat asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Zip heard something about Zak being mad at Zug. Although I have my suspicions about him, I feel he is telling the truth." OJ replied, furrowing his brows. "You know how Zebedee was found alone, right? Zak said he went to get help, but something doesn't add up."

Then, Warrior came in with a frantic look on his face. "Has anyone seen my coal barge? Supposed to do some coal deliveries, but it vanished." He said.

"Perhaps it was misplaced Warrior." Top Hat commented. "Did you check with the fuelling depot?"

"I did, they said someone took it." Warrior answered. "They didn't say who, they walked outside and the barge was gone!"

Little did the three tugs know that Zug had taken the barge. Zak wanted to ensure that the two had enough coal to last them for the week. And besides, it was a lot easier that way than waiting at the fueling depot. Barge in tow, he tried to sail through the harbor when he spotted another vessel. To his disappointment, the vessel was none other than Hercules. "Schieße!" He thought, and tried to speed up.

Hercules was getting ready to do some nightly work when he spotted Zug. What was he doing out there behaving so frantically? He was probably heading home, but he felt that something wasn't right. A ghostly raven out of his stack, and Hercules mouthed "find him". The raven flew off, disappearing into the harbor.

Zug was relieved that Hercules was not chasing him, but something was nagging on him. It was as though someone was watching him. He arrived at an old warehouse, where Zak was waiting. "Here's the coal Zak!" He said. "Sorry for being so late!"

"No need to make excuses, ya brought the barge." Zak said, looking at the coal. At this rate, he would have enough to outperform the larger Star Tugs. "Were you able to find Zip?"

"No, he somehow managed to escape!" Zug replied, inching back. He looked up and noticed a glowing bird looking down at him. He quickly looked back at Zak, who was now furious. Perhaps the bird was a sign. "Please, no! He was too fast!" The raven only watched as Zak struck Zug with ropes, not noticing Zug plead for mercy. And Zak berating Zug for bring worthless. After a while, Zak quietly took the barge and scurried off, telling Zug to come along. The raven flew off, following them.

At the Star Dock, Ten Cents was dozing off when he heard a voice. He opened his eyes and noticed nothing was off, so he went back to sleep. It wasn't long before he heard Zorran's voice, and he awoke to find himself in the same place from the last dream. "About time you showed up." He sarcastically replied, seeing the harbor tug right next to him.

"Eh stow it Star." Zorran huffed, glancing at Ten Cents. "Can't believe Zak would go that far to try and off Zebedee. They're brothers!"

"They look like they were separated at birth though. And besides, Zebedee is the prettier one of the two." Ten Cents snickered, looking on towards the river. "What got in Zak's head to kill 'im?"

"Even though Zero saved Zak's ass from the blowtorch, he got placed into third in command based on his engine alone." Zorran replied, looking around to see if no one was coming at him. "He gets too big for his keel, so I have to keep him put so that way he doesn't kill the others with work. Swear those two will pay for making Zak lash out like this..."

"Who though? You keep on muttering something about payback." Ten Cents asked, feeling that something was coming. He turned and noticed that Zorran was entangled, this time by a ghastly version of Charon. The scenery changed too, as the river became filthy black. "What are you doing here!? I was learning so much about Zak!"

Charon only snarled, ready to maim Zorran. "And so what? He's corrupting your ears!" He snapped. "The big guy already sent his bird to spy on Zak, so we should bag 'im in no time!"

So Hades already knew about Zak after all. Great. Ten Cents looked on at Zorran, who had tears welled up in his eyes. "Charon, let Zorran go. He knows stuff more about Zak than all of us." He said, his voice firm. "Please, for Zebedee's sake."

The demonic tug pouted, tightening his grip on Zorran. "If I let him go, he'll tell the big guy, right?" He asked, looking right at Ten Cents. "Whatever Zorran's saying could cause him to change plans. And maybe make your friend a confidante."

"Or his own personal plaything." Zorran remarked, feeling the grip on his body slowly loosen. "Look, I'll tell your boss everything, and maybe he won't be so harsh. Besides, he has his own pair of eyes in the harbor, right?" He said, looking at Ten Cents.

Ten Cents nodded, and Charon let Zorran go. "See? Now we can work as a team. All three of us." He said. He was about to discuss some ways to get back when he heard a loud whistle. He awoke to see that he slept through the morning briefing, and Sunshine was by his side! Dammit! He thought, and looked up to a rather annoyed Captain Starr. "Sorry about that Captain, must've slept in." He said, forcing a grin.

"And from my master switcher too. Do not do that again." Captain Starr replied, shaking his head. "Zip is at Lucky's to stay by Zebedee's side, but Zak and Zug went off to do some work elsewhere. Ten Cents and Sunshine, you will be working with Zip on a fishing contract, so be sure to get him."

"Yes sir!" The two switchers said in unison, and hurried off. When they arrived, they noticed that Zebedee was looking slightly better than what he was. And that Zip had stayed up all night.

"What happened?" Sunshine asked, steaming up to the Z Stack. Zip could barely stay awake, so that was of much concern.

"Wanted to make sure Zak and Zug wouldn't come in and kill Zebedee." Zip replied, letting out a yawn. "Stayed with OJ yesterday before heading over here."

"So that's what OJ was talking about last night." Ten Cents gasped, giving the two switchers some space. This gave more confirmation that Zorran was telling the truth, and it troubled him. "But how did Zak do it though? No one saw 'em!"

"I heard him talk to Zug about a tide." Zip frowned, too tired to think coherently. "Are you guys heading off somewhere?"

"We got a fishing contract, and we need you to help out." Sunshine answered. "However, you might need some sleep!"

"But what if Zak comes in during the day?" Zip asked. He didn't want to leave his spot, as he feared the worst would happen if he wasn't there. "Or if they spot me? I'm done for!"

"You got us two! Besides, Zug tends to wimp out." Ten Cents smiled, assuring Zip all would be okay. "Besides, no one kills in broad daylight, right?"

Feeling relieved, Zip gave a small nod and lifted his anchor. He also started his engine, albeit with some trouble due to having no fire. The three switchers then hurried off, not wanting to be late. The contract was mostly uneventful, as Ten Cents and Sunshine kept an eye on Zip to make sure he wouldn't sleep on the job.

That night, there was an overall sour mood at the Star Dock. Warrior's coal barge had mysteriously vanished yesterday, and now Big Mac's steel barge turned up missing too. There was much banter as to whether or not pirates had come back to Bigg City, as the Green-eyed Pirates had been arrested. However, there was not much evidence as to who did it.

Ten Cents quickly fell asleep, as he had work to do the next morning. He opened his eyes to notice that he was having yet another dream, but this one was different. He looked around and realized that he was having a nightmare, and he tried desperately to wake up. However, before he could do so, Hades appeared.

"You look so nervous, but I have some good news." Hades smiled, steaming up to the frightened switcher. "Zorran told me everything, and now I have a new way to stop Zak. You know how he has Zug stick close by, right?"

"And you suggest we kill him?" Ten Cents asked, looking at the Reaper with disappointment. "I've seen you before. It's your preferred method."

Hades groaned and said, "Not like that. I propose that we make him and Zak regret their decisions. Those two have been causing problems for everyone, and since my host hates them, we-"

"I get it we kill them." Ten Cents replied, rolling his eyes. "Look, I'm not in the mood to kill any more vessels. Especially ones where they haven't done anything wrong except get damaged."

"This won't require killing." Hades was losing his patience, as Ten Cents was making snide remarks. "We have to drive them to their own paths, make them regret being in one another's company. Zug is still devoted to Zorran, and will do anything to respect him."

"But how? Zug isn't that smart though!" Ten Cents gasped, worried that Hades would torture the switcher.

"You'll see Ten Cents, you'll see." Hades laughed, vanishing into the night. Ten Cents was now left at an endless sea, and he slowly closed his eyes…

It was the middle of August, and Zug was frantically trying to get to the steel plant. Zak had plotted to out compete the Star Tugs by making Zug listen to briefings, then steal their barges. The barges would then be delivered to their destinations, earning them money. Failure to do so would result in beatings, but Zug kept telling himself "It's all for Zorran". And so he stayed with Zak.

He was feeling exhausted, so he stopped to take take a rest. "Why's Zak making me do all this work? Zorran won't run me to death!" He said to himself, many thoughts running through his head. "I need help, unless I can ask Zip to help! We're still buddies! But Zak wants his keel." He hurried off towards Lucky's Yard, his new goal in mind.

He arrived at Lucky's Yard, but was disappointed to see no one there. Zebedee was on dry dock, and he looked like he was slowly improving. "Or maybe I can tell Zak to get Zebedee. He's on dry dock." He thought to himself, and he turned to leave. He didn't make it far when he bumped into Zip.

"Go away Zug! Zak's got a grip on you!" Zip snapped, trying to shoo the other switcher away. He noticed some bruises and quickly put aside all suspicions he had. "Zug, what happened?"

"Zak beat me!" Zug whined, inching back. "Each time I screw up, he smacks me with his tow ropes! I do it all for Zorran though. Now, you gotta help me out, I can't do it all alone!"

"With what exactly?" Zip asked, now showing concern for his friend. However, something wasn't feeling right. "I gotta do some contract work with Warrior in the next hour."

"But this one is more worth it." Zug said, feeling pleased. He had some sway over Zip after all, especially when coming up with schemes. "Come on, I'll show you."

Zip wanted to go, but something was holding him back. He had been spending time with the Star Tugs, and was slowly earning their respect. If he followed Zug, who knows what would happen. He was about to inch forward when he spotted Hercules steam up, and his heart sank.

"And what are you doing here Zug?" Hercules asked, not paying attention to the Z Stack begin to shudder in fear. "Zip is clearly concerned for his friend, and all you want to do is to make him do your work."

"I work because I don't get paid otherwise Star!" Zug, trying to motion Zip to move. "Besides, he's more comfortable around me than a killing machine like yourself. Move Zip!"

Poor Zip was at a standstill. Should he go with Zug, or stay with Hercules? Both tugs taught him many things, but there were some differences. While Zug was shrewd and a little harsh when it came to teaching, Hercules was gentle. "I'll think about it Zug. Just give me a moment." He said, looking at Hercules. After a second, he said, "Maybe not today."

"You do realize that Zip has his own free will, right Zug?" Hercules asked, watching Zug fume. "His fears are justified too. I mean, who wouldn't want to incur the wrath of a slimy harbor tug?"

Zip watched as Zug backed off, and he hurried away from Hercules. He looked up at the ocean tug and muttered, "Thank you. I was getting worried for a second."

"Zug is all bark and no bite m'dear. He's simply a tool." Hercules sighed, relieved that Zip was safe. "Now, you need to work on using your free will. Makes it easier for you to make decisions when faced with a problem."

Zip wanted to say that Zug was a friend, but Hercules had a point. "Just keep an eye for Zebedee for me, won't ya? I gotta meet Warrior for some work involving garbage." He said, realizing he was going to be late. He steamed off, feeling the most confident he had a been in weeks.

That afternoon, Zug was relaying what he saw at Lucky's Yard to Zak. "Zebedee looks like a normal tug, but he's still in pain. He's on dry dock too!" He explained. He noticed Zak dozing off and he asked, "Aren't you paying attention?"

"I am, I am." Zak replied, having dozed off. "Now, we gotta find a way to bring Zebedee to the water and sink him there. Go to Lucky's Yard tonight and see if anything changes. And maybe find some rope."

Zug frowned and added, "But Hercules is there though. If he catches me, I'm sunk!"

"Then do it at night then! He's probably going to be back at the Star Dock." Zak huffed, looking like he was dismissing Zug's concerns.

"Yes Zak." Zug nodded, and hurried away. Now, he had to wait until he had his chance. Then, he could break Zip and make him help out.

It was midnight, and Ten Cents was heading home after escorting some shrimpers. "Those guys can be a handful at times." He said to himself, not paying much attention to what was happening. He was getting close to Lucky's Yard when he felt Charon's influence. "Not now Charon, I gotta head home." He thought.

"There's a golden opportunity in that yard. Hades wants to mess with Zug, yes?" Charon purred, his familiar tug form appearing in the water below. "Now come on, time's slippin!"

The switcher nodded and cautiously steamed towards the yard. He didn't get far when he spotted Zug with some rope. "Oi!" He shouted, drawing the attention of Zug. He noticed that Zug was dangerously close to Zebedee, and he bravely inched forward. His appearance began to change as well, with his gold paint slowly becoming maroon.

Zug panicked and tried to pull back, trying to drag the larger Zero tug into the water. "Come on come on!" He said, but then he felt himself become freed from his ropes. He turned to see Charon just a few feet away, and it looked like he was cross. "Who are you?" He asked, inching back. "Don't make me whistle for help!"

"My name is Charon." The demonic tug replied, eyes burning red. "Zebedee isn't yours anyway. What makes you think you can tow him under? Sheer willpower alone?"

Zug spotted some smoke creeping from Charon's stack, but it looked like a pair of knives. "I'll be happy to tell Bigg City that we have magic demon tugs! That way, Zorran will see you-" Before Zug could finish, his mouth clamped shut. He tried to continue, but something was pressing down.

"Try speaking about this again and you'll be mute before long." Charon smirked, gleefully watching Zug trying to speak. "I bet it will take hours before you lose your ability to speak."

Zug gave up his attempts at speaking and sailed away from the yard screaming. As he hurried back to Zak's hiding spot, all he could hear was Charon laughing. When he arrived, he noticed that Zak was asleep. He quietly moved to his spot and dropped anchor, praying for relief from this mess.