//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Blind Rage and Ill Intent // Story: The Birth of Grenth: Where we went wrong... // by Nightshade shadow kitty //------------------------------// Mia sat with a puzzled look on her face as her mother began packing a pair of saddle bags. When Farune noticed that her daughter was just sitting there she smiled softly. “Start packing dear. But only pack what you absolutely cannot live without.” Mia tilted her head to one side adorably. “Are we going on a trip Mommy?” Farune walked over and nuzzled her daughter. “Yes dear. We’re going far far away, and we won’t be coming back for a very long time so hurry and pack your things.” Mia squealed with delight. She hadn’t gone on a trip like this for a VERY long time. Quickly, she ran to her room and began filling her own saddlebags. Farune watched for a moment before continuing with her own packing. Two bags of oats, two bags of hay, four apples, bandages, flint, compass, map, what little money she had, and a couple of small family heirlooms. Farune also made sure to roll up and tie two blankets and pillows together to take with them. When she was satisfied she returned to her room to get one last thing. Moving to the far wall of the bedroom she began tapping at the wooden boards of the wall. When she heard the sound she was listening for she tore the wooden board from the wall with her magic, revealing an old metal safe. “You never were good at hiding things from me Tyrant...” She said softly to herself as she forced the safe open with her magic. She was surprised that it gave so easily, he must not have expected anypony to find it. She cringed slightly at the contents. Beside some savings he had put aside there were various ‘trophies’ from old foes he had defeated. She removed the bits and placed them in her saddlebag. She hesitated when she noticed a certain book. A scowl formed on her face. “You... you monster... You kept a trophy... from our own daughter!?” She said under her breath in disbelief. She levitated the book and gazed at it coldly, then placed it in her saddlebag. She could destroy the book later. She then closed the safe and returned the board to its original place. She left the bedroom and waited by the front door for Mia, running through a mental checklist trying to remember if she had forgotten anything. “Ready Mommy!” Mia shouted excitedly as she ran out of her room with her saddlebags. Farune smiled softly at her daughter’s eagerness. She nuzzled the little filly and Mia giggled at the affection. Farune then opened the door and took one step before freezing in place, eyes wide with fear. “So...” Began Tyrant. “Decided to run off did you?” He stood before her with a look of disapproval. His maroon eyes filled with murderous intent. Farune shook the fear from herself and readied herself for a fight. “You know... some would consider that stance an open threat... I would hate to have to get violent Farune. You are the only other pony I have feelings for. It would be such a waste if I had to kill you.” Farune clenched her teeth. “You mean like you killed our filly?” Her voice and eyes were filled with utter hatred. Tyrant raised an eyebrow. “Is that why you’re running then? Interesting...” He turned his gaze to Mia. “So not only did we have a Necromancer in our fold, but a trouble maker as well. I suppose it’s my fault for assuming that Mia had nothing to do with Kirin’s corruption but now I see that she is the source of the problem.” He took a step forward. “A problem that will have to be dealt with...” Farune’s eyes burned with murderous intent. “Touch her... and I WILL kill you...” A smirk formed on Tyrant’s face. “Is that so?” He took another step forward. “I’m sorry you feel that way Farune. I will miss having you aro...” He was cut off as Farune pounced at him and attempted to skewer him with her horn. He side stepped easily. “You think something like that will be enough to bring me down Farune? I have killed foes that are infinitely more deadly than an enraged unic...” He was cut off yet again as Farune’s horn slashed up his cheek and narrowly missed taking out his eye. “You may have beaten countless Necromancers and undead... But you have NEVER dealt with a pissed off mother!!!” She screamed. His eyes became filled with ill intent. “That does it... you’re going to die today Farune...” “COME AND TRY YOU BASTARD!!!” They charged at each other horns lowered. Mia watched on in terror as the two attempted to kill each other. Tyrant was much stronger and much more powerful than Farune, but Farune had speed on her side, not to mention blind rage and maternal instinct. She managed to land a couple more gashes on her husband before he finally delivered a blow with his hoof knocking her down. She attempted to get back up but he was already on top of her, holding her in place with his hooves. She struggled to break free but he was to strong. “After I kill you... I will kill that useless filly... I tried to warn you that having foals was a bad idea Farune but you just wouldn’t listen...” “Mia! Run!” Farune screamed. “But... but mommy...” “Just go!!!” Mia ran as fast as she could. Tyrant attempted to stop her but Farune delivered another gash to his chest. He then slammed her back to the ground and pressed his hoof on her neck and watched with amusement as she struggled to breath. “You... are going... to die... Farune...” *** Mia ran, tears blurring her vision. She ran as fast as she could towards the only place where she knew she could get help. If she didn’t hurry, her mother was going to die! She ran past the countless tombstones before finally arriving at the burial vault. She forced the door open with her magic while she was still running and burst through the doorway. “GRENTHINEEDYOURHELP!!!” She stood in the small room wheezing heavily. It was empty, Grenth was nowhere to be seen. She collapsed from exhaustion and defeat. He wasn’t here, he couldn’t help her. Her mother was going to die. Mia began to cry. “What’s up Mia?” She turned around to see Grenth materialize next to her and she leapt into him and embraced him. She burried her face in his mane and continued sobbing. “G-Grenth! I’m s-so h-h-happy to see you! I th-I thought you w-were gone!” She managed to say between sobs. He smiled softly and began stroking her mane. “Don’t worry. Like I said before, I’m always here.” She looked up at him. “Grenth you have to help me! My daddy he... He’s going to kill my mommy!” Grenth froze and his eyes went wide. “W...what?” “He’s going to kill her Grenth you have to stop him!” He turned his head towards the doorway then back to Mia. He nodded. “Lead the way.” She got back up and ran back the way she came, Grenth following close behind. They both ran as fast as they could and hoped they could make it in time.