The Birth of Grenth: Where we went wrong...by Nightshade shadow kittyChaptersChapter 2: Memory and FriendshipChapter 3: Murder and AngerChapter 4: Blind Rage and Ill IntentChapter 5: Anger and BloodLustChapter 7: SilenceChapter 8: Smiling in the DarknessChapter 1: Sadness and FearChapter 6: The Black Feather InnChapter 2: Memory and Friendship“Father, why can’t Abaddon and I go outside to play?” “Because it isn’t safe for you outside. Nopony would understand what you are, they would be afraid of you and try to hurt you.” The gray unicorn stallion didn’t look away from his work. Papers and books littered the floor and desk. “Pffft! Grenth and I can handle anypony who tries!” Abaddon smirked at the thought of bringing pain to the ponies that had dared to call his Father a quack and madstallion. The stallion turned to the two shadow ponies, his face was emotionless as always. His voice however, showed his annoyance. “That is NOT how I designed you to behave Abaddon! Do I have to do to you what I did to Glam?” Abaddons eyes went wide and he coward before the unicorn. “N... No father! I... I’m sorry! Please forgive me!” Kerrice raised an eyebrow, the only remotely emotional response his face ever gave. “I created you to be above other ponies, to be the greatest species to ever rule this world. But in order to do that you must shed all emotions that link you with the inferior pony races.” Grenth took a step forward. “If we’re supposed to be superior, then why would we be in danger from the other ponies? Shouldn’t they be glad to see us?” “Ponies fear what they do not understand. You are beyond their petty understanding. They cannot even remotely begin to understand what is in store for this world, or for you!” There was a loud knocking from the floor above. Somepony was at the front door! “Kerrice! We know you’re in there! Come on out!” Kerrice cursed to himself quietly. He turned to the two shadow ponies. “Find someplace to hide and do NOT come out unless I call you! Stay hidden no matter what! Nopony must know of your existence until you are complete!” The two nodded and melded together with the shadows. Kerrice climbed the staircase. He pulled a torch bracket on the wall and the wall in front of him turned to reveal the living room. He emerged and pulled another bracket on the opposite side of the rotating fireplace. The knocking was getting louder. “Come out of there you sicko! We know what you’ve been up to! Come out or we’ll bust down the door!” Grenth was scared. He could hear everything that went on upstairs. He knew the other ponies didn’t like what his father had been doing. That’s why he had to try and hide his work. But it seemed like they somehow found out where he had been doing his experiments. Grenth tensed up as he heard the front door creek open. “Can I help you?” “Where are they!?” “Where are whom?” “The three mares you kidnapped! We know what you’ve been doing! You’ve been using them to breed your little monsters! Now where are they!?” “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about. But if three mares have gone missing I would be happy to help organize a search party.” “Don’t play dumb! You were SEEN taking them! We have at least five witnesses! You’re through Kerrice Lifeweaver!” There was silence for a moment. The corners of Kerrices mouth began to twitch. His eyes went wide and he began to smile madly. “He... he he... WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! FOOLS!!! Have you ANY idea what my work will accomplish!? My name will be remembered for millennia! My work will go down in history as the greatest accomplishment ever achieved! When my master race emerges and puts you inferior beings in your place, I will be revered as a GOD!” “You really are insane! Alright boys, grab him!” Kerrice did not attempt to flee. He simply smiled and uttered two words. “Abaddon.... Kill” *** Grenths eyes shot open. He searched frantically in the darkness but saw nothing. After a moment he let out a heavy sigh. It was just a memory. No, not just a memory...it was a nightmare! He sat up and looked once again at the sarcophagus. His head drooped sadly. “Why father... why did you do it? It might have been alright if you hadn’t provoked them. They might have left us alone. Why did you do it?” He whispered to himself sadly. He didn’t expect a response. Grenth lay back down and closed his eyes again. Maybe the nightmares wouldn’t haunt him this time. He wasn’t overly hopeful... *** Mia sat at her desk, attempting to listen to the lesson. It was a tad difficult when the other students kept tossing balls of paper at her when the teacher wasn’t looking. The other students didn’t like her. Even most of the teachers didn’t seem to like her. Guess that’s what happens when your father is one of the most unlikeable unicorns in the entire kingdom! After about the twelfth ball of paper had bounced off her head the teacher shot her a cold glance. “Is there a problem Miss... um... what was your last name?” Mia looked away a little ashamed. “I... don’t have one. My Daddy said I didn’t need one. Just Mia is fine...” She squirmed in her seat uncomfortably. “And... no... th...there isn’t a problem... I’m fine...” Another ball of paper bounced off her head but the teacher seemed to ignore it and continued with the lesson. The lesson droned on for what seemed like hours as the teacher explained to the class how “Unicorns are the superior race” and other such nonsense. There were only a couple none unicorns present. They shifted uncomfortably in their seats during the entire lesson. Finally the bell sounded with a “Dong” and the students rushed from their seats and out the door. Mia tended to lag behind so she wouldn’t get trampled. She had nearly reached the door when she heard an all too familiar sentence. “Hold on one moment little missy! I want you to stay at your desk and write out the entire lesson before you can go!” Mia’s head hung low. “Yes Ms. Stone...” After several hours of writing, and the occasional “No no NO! All wrong! Start again!” Mia was finally allowed to leave. She walked through the streets towards her home. Today had felt worse than usual. It was probably because her sister’s death had been so recent. She felt sad, and hurt. She wanted to cry but knew her father wouldn’t be happy with her if she did. She needed to talk to somepony, ANYpony... She changed direction and started to run towards the graveyard. Talking with Kirin always used to make her feel better. Maybe it would still work. When she had gotten half way to the graveyard she stopped to pick a couple of wild flowers. She levitated them in front of her and continued on. Mia entered the old gate and made her way to Kirin’s grave. When she arrived the flowers suddenly dropped and Mia’s eyes went wide. Kirin’s tombstone lay in pieces, three unicorn colts standing over the grave grinning darkly. “Well would you look who’s here! Sorry, but we decided that we didn’t like this grave very much.” “Yeah, it needed a little adjustment. Looks way better now!” They all laughed and Mia fell to the ground and began to cry. The three colts surrounded her and kept on laughing. “Aw look, we must have hurt her rotten feelings. Aw boo hoo!” “What a cry baby!” They kept this up until one of the colts suddenly turned his attention behind him and froze in place. “Um... guys...” “What?” He pointed a shaky hoof towards the burial vault. “W...w...what’s that?” The three colts went white with fear. The door to the vault was wide open, and what looked like a jet black pony stood in the doorway. Its mane and tail had the consistency and color of black smoke. Its eyes gave off an ominous red glow. A similar glow emerged from its mouth when it spoke. “You dare to defile the resting place of the dead?! You DARE to defile the memory of a loved one lost!? No wonder my father called you ponies inferior! I ought to kill you here and now!” It growled at them as black tendrils wisped about its body like black fire. “GO!!! GO OR I WILL SEND YOU!!!” The creature’s voice boomed like thunder and the three colts fled in terror. Mia was frozen with terror. She couldn’t move, she was too scared. The sun was still up yet here in front of her was a monster. Monsters weren’t supposed to like the sun. The creature approached her, the black flames had subsided and its body shrank down until its size became closer to Mia’s. It stood in front of her and held out its hoof. “You okay?” She stared at him dazed for a moment before finally squeaking out. “Y...yeah...” She hesitantly took his hoof and he pulled her up. “You’re the filly that ran off yesterday aren’t you?” She nodded slowly. “Don’t feel bad, everypony runs away when they see me.” He smiled reassuringly. “What’s your name?” “M...Mia...” “Hello Mia, I’m Grenth. I’m a shadow pony.” “What’s a shadow pony?” “Ummmm...” Grenth wasn’t really sure how to answer. “Well... you know how there are Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth ponies? Well Shadow ponies are just another type of pony like all the rest.” “But... I’ve never seen a shadow pony before.” “Oh... well that’s probably because I’m the only one left...” Mia’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what?” “Yeah... it’s complicated... I don’t fully understand it myself.” He sat on his haunches and sighed. “I mean if we were supposed to be the ‘ultimate race’, how come we we’re wiped out before we even had a chance to start?” Mia just stared dumbfounded. The information was clearly going over her head. “Hmm... guess this is a little much for you to take in all at once.” He turned to the ruined tombstone. “Sorry I couldn’t stop those jerks before they wrecked that grave. I didn’t even know they were here until I heard them picking on you.” Mia looked away. “Th...That’s alright... I guess...” Tears began to flow again. “Wait! Please don’t cry! Here, I’ll... I’ll try to fix it for you!” He jumped up and walked over to the grave and began piecing the broken fragments together like a puzzle. Of course it was a little tricky with hooves. Mia wiped her eyes and began helping with her magic. Soon they managed to piece together enough of the tombstone to be able to read the words again. But it was lying on the ground, not standing upright. Grenth rubbed his chin. “Now what?” “I guess I could ask my Daddy to fix it... but he’d probably say no...” Grenth raised an eyebrow. “Your father doesn’t sound very... well... Fatherly... ” “I wouldn’t really know... I only have one...” “I suppose... at least that’s one more than I have.” “I’m sorry...” “Don’t be... it’s not like I was related to him or anything. Well, I guess he did MAKE me but I wasn’t made like a normal pony.” “How are ponies usually made? I’ve asked my Mommy but she always says that she’ll tell me when I’m older.” Grenth blushed. “Ummm... yeah... she’s probably right. You should wait until you’re older... But I will tell you this, normal ponies are grown, I was built... sort of...” “So you mean... ponies are like plants?” “Err... not exactly...” “I’m confused...” “It will make sense one day, I promise.” “If you say so.” “Mia! Where are you dear?” Mia perked up. “That’s my Mommy!” Grenth got to his feet. “Well, that’s my cue to leave. It’s been nice talking with you but I would prefer it if only a handful of ponies knew about me.” “Oh... okay. Will... will you still be here tomorrow?” Her eyes were pleading. Grenth couldn’t understand it. At first she was terrified of him and now she didn’t want to stop talking with him. “I’m always here.” Then he entered the vault and sealed the door. Farune’s voice was getting closer. “Mia! Mia where are you?” “Over here Mommy!” Farune came running over and embraced the filly. “Where have you been, I was so worried.” “I’m sorry Mommy...” The mare noticed the broken tombstone. “Goodness! What happened to Kirin’s tombstone?” Mia then began to recount the events of the day starting with her arrival at school up to now, being careful not to mention Grenth’s... unusual features. “So this young colt came to your rescue? How nice. I’m so happy that you’ve finally made a friend. When can I meet him?” Mia began to rub her foreleg nervously. “He’s sort of shy...” Her mother smiled. “Don’t be silly! I’m sure he’ll be fine! Tell you what, why don’t we invite him over? Maybe have his family over for dinner? Oh I’m so happy you finally have a friend!” Mia smiled nervously. “He he... yeah that sounds... great...” Mia’s stomach suddenly growled. It was well past time for dinner and the sun had begun to set. Farune smiled. “I left some food out for you at home. Let’s go before it gets dark.” Mia nodded and trotted after her mother as they made their way back home. Chapter 3: Murder and AngerMia and Farune were heading for the school. Mia’s mother had insisted on escorting her. She also had half a mind to give Miss Stone what-for for treating her daughter so cruelly. As they walked Mia noticed the scowls of the ponies they passed. Mia looked to her mother. “Mommy, why does everypony not like us?” “Because of your fathers work...” Farune’s voice a little hesitant. “What work does he do again?” Farune was quiet for a few moments. “He... makes ponies who do bad things go to sleep... forever...” Mia’s eyes went wide. “Y...you mean... like Kirin?” Farune stopped in her tracks. She turned to her daughter with a look of panic. “What do you mean ‘like Kirin’?” She asked slowly. Mia looked away to avoid her mother’s gaze. “Like... what Daddy did to Kirin when he found her using that book.” Farune’s mouth felt dry, tears began to cloud her vision. “Mia... are you saying that... your father...” She couldn’t even finish her question. It was just too horrible to think about. She placed a hoof on Mia’s shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “Tell me exactly what happened.” *** Mia and Kirin sat in the graveyard. It was midday and they both lay under the shade of a tree side by side. Kirin’s violet mane swaying in the breeze as they both skimmed through a black book with a skull emblem on the cover. The pages were jet black and the words were written in an old splotchy text with white ink. Mia glanced at the scar on her big sister’s dark blue flank. “Kirin, why did your cutie mark go away?” “Because it would have gotten me into trouble. So I had it removed, just like mother did.” Kirin answered without looking away from the book. “Oh...” Mia wasn’t completely satisfied with the answer. After skimming a few more pages, Kirin stood up. “Alright, this one should do.” Mia looked at her sister with a look of concern. “Are you sure we won’t get into trouble? Isn’t that kind of magic... dangerous?” Kirin smirked. “Only if you get caught. But if you’re worried, you can take cover behind this tree.” Hesitantly, Mia got up and went around the tree they had been lying under and peeked her head out from behind it. She smiled nervously. “Ready sis...” Kirin just giggled at her sister’s innocence. “Alright.” She said with a determined grin. “Here we go!” Kirin’s horn gave off what could only be described as a black glow. The air began to whip around her in a spiral as the glow began to increase in intensity as she uttered words that Mia couldn’t understand. Suddenly, the same negative energy that had enveloped Kirin’s horn flashed and everything blacked out for a split second. Kirin fell to her knees exhausted. She looked around expectantly then frowned. “Horse Feathers! It didn’t work!” “Kirin! That’s a bad word!” She cringed. “Sorry Mia, I’m just a little frustrated. I really thought I had it this time...” “You’ve definitely had it Kirin!” Said a new voice from nearby. Kirin’s eyes went wide as she slowly turned to face the navy blue stallion. She began trembling with fear and Mia hid herself behind the tree again and curled up into a ball and shuddered with fear. “This is bad.” The little filly thought to herself. “This is REALLY bad...” Kirin gulped then finally found the courage to speak. “F... Father... How long h...have you been s...standing there?” “Long enough.” His voice dark, and his eyes filled with anger and murderous intent. “L...Long enough for what? I was just p...practicing a few magic tricks... nothing s...sinister...” She forced a nervous smile which soon faded when her father’s expression remained the same. “Don’t bother trying to hide it! I’ve been at this long enough to recognize necromancy when I see it! You KNOW that practicing that vile magic is forbidden and you KNOW the penalty for it!” Tyrant’s voice was filled with rage and hate. Kirin stepped back, her eyes filled with fear and hurt. Her vision became clouded by tears. “Y...You wouldn’t! You wouldn’t kill your own daughter! Would you!? That’s just... horrid!” Tyrant began to walk towards her slowly. Kirin recognized the look in his eye. She stumbled backwards as he approached. Her mind filled with fear. He was really going to do it... He was really going to kill her! She couldn’t move, she was utterly paralyzed by fear. He stood over her, his horn giving off a sickly red glow as a wooden stake hovered from his saddle bag. “I always suspected that you were necromancer. Who else would have their cutie mark removed?” He smirked. “Don’t worry... this should be relatively quick.” The next sound Mia heard made her feel utterly sick to her stomach. Her entire body shook as tears flowed from her shut eyes. What just happened? Did her father really just kill her sister? She stopped shaking and held her breath as she heard hoof steps getting closer and closer to her hiding place. “Make sure you’re home before dark...” Was all he said to her before leaving. Mia opened her eyes to see him leaving. She noticed that the fur on his chest and hooves were stained with something. She shuddered again. When he was out of view she got to her hooves and peeked from behind the tree again. Kirin lay motionless in a pool of her own blood, a wooden stake imbedded in her skull. Mia approached cautiously. She nudged Kirin’s side with her hoof gently. “Kirin?” Mia’s eyes began to water. “Kirin? Get up... please? Kirin?” She didn’t get up, nor would she. Mia collapsed into sobs. *** Farune just stared at Mia. Her mouth open slightly and her eyes were wide. “No... it’s not... it CAN’T be true... Tyrant couldn’t... he wouldn’t... he...” She closed her eyes and lowered her head. Her body quivered not with sorrow, but with rage. “He... he took my filly from me... that monster took my Kirin from me!” Tears flowed down her cheeks, her eyes filled with hate. After a few moments she took in a deep breath and let out a shaky sigh. She wiped her tears away then smiled at Mia. “Let’s go home Mia, I think you deserve a day off of school.” Mia nodded slowly. Her own tears were running down her cheeks. “I’m sorry Mommy...” Farune hugged Mia. “Don’t you dare apologize. You haven’t done anything wrong.” She looked her daughter in the eye and smiled again. “Let’s go home.” *** Grenth sat alone in the dark. Although there was no light he could still see perfectly well. He waved a hoof slowly in front of himself leaving a trail of dark energy that lasted for about two seconds before deteriorating. He then attempted to write his name. G-R-E When he had begun writing the N the G had deteriorated, in frustration he tried again at a much faster pace. G-R-E-N-T When he failed the second time he let out a sigh. He was bored. “It was in there!” The voice came from outside the vault. Grenth got to his hooves in a state of panic. He did NOT like the tone of that voice. When the door began to open he melded with the shadows and waited. A navy blue stallion entered the burial vault and looked around cautiously. “I don’t see anything here. Although it could be a phantom of some kind...” “Right well... can I go now?” A rather nervous looking colt stood behind the stallion. He sighed. “Very well, it will be better if you’re not here anyway. This could be dangerous.” The colt bolted and didn’t look back. Tyrant continued searching the vault for signs of unnatural activity. The air certainly felt odd, and he felt like he was being watched. When he had completely searched the vault he sighed and left. He would return later. When the door shut Grenth let out a shaky sigh. That could have ended badly. He knew he was more than capable of defending himself, but he had no desire to take anyponies life. But this didn’t bode well, somepony had revealed his location. Probably one of the colts he scared off the other day. No matter. So long as he could remain hidden they wouldn’t be able to touch him. He hoped... Chapter 4: Blind Rage and Ill IntentMia 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. Chapter 5: Anger and BloodLustMia and Grenth ran as fast as their legs could carry them, well, Mia ran as fast as HER legs could carry her. Grenth could have easily run past her if he wasn’t relying on her to lead the way. He didn’t really know where he was going. “We’re almost there!” Cried Mia as they approached her house. Now that he knew where to go he went into full gallop as his body slowly began to disappear. *** Tyrant stood over Farune’s body, his hoof still pressing on her throat. She had stopped struggling but he kept his hoof there for good measure. He lowered his head so that his mouth was by her ear. “You brought this on yourself Farune.” He whispered into her ear. He brought his head back up and raised a hoof and prepared to crush her skull, just to make sure she was dead. He began to bring his hoof down when something slammed into his side with tremendous force. The impact sent him flying and he spat out blood as he slammed into ground. He could feel something standing on him. He looked up and glowing red eyes stared down on him filled with feral rage. Tyrant swung his head around and attempted to slash his attacker but his horn phased right through without leaving so much as a mark. “What!?” Grenth smiled darkly. “Impossible! How can you attack me physically and still be immune to physical attacks!? What are you!?” Grenth lowered his head to Tyrants ear. “A demon.” He whispered darkly before tearing off Tyrant’s ear with his razor sharp teeth. The taste of copper drove Grenth’s senses wild, awakening a dark urge for violence and blood. Tyrant cried out in pain and shot his hoof out instinctively. To both their surprise it made contact and sent Grenth flying backwards. He was on his hooves almost instantly charging towards the shadowy creature with his horn lowered. Grenth stood his ground and smiled, his sharp teeth shining in the fading light. Tyrant passed through him and collided with a wall, breaking his horn. He cried out in pain. He let out a gasp as something icy cold began wrapping around his waist and legs, lifting him into the air. Grenth’s tendrils slammed Tyrant into the ground then raised him up again before slamming him into the ground once more. He continued smashing Tyrant a dozen or more times, with increasing ferocity, smiling all the while. “Now I see why Abaddon enjoyed this so much... it’s rather entertaining...” “Grenth that’s enough...” Mia said under her breath, her whole body trembling with fear. He either couldn’t hear her or simply ignored her as he began dragging Tyrant’s bloody form across the ground harshly. “Grenth please stop...” He forced Tyrant through a wall. “Please... that’s enough...” He snapped one of Tyrant’s legs. “GRENTH THAT’S ENOUGH!!!” Grenth instantly ceased his onslaught and dropped Tyrant on the ground harshly. The bloodlust quickly faded. He turned to face Mia looking ashamed. “Sorry... I’m really sorry... I...I got carried away...” She walked past him and glanced at her father’s broken form. He was still breathing but barely. She disregarded him and walked over to her mother. “Mommy? Are you okay?” No reply. “Mommy, I’m here. Please wake up...” Still nothing. “M...mommy?” A black tendril slithered past Mia and touched the back of Farune’s neck. Farune gasped from the shock of the ice cold sensation and began coughing and gasping for breath. “MOMMY!” Cried Mia as she wrapped her hooves around her mother who returned the hug. “It’s *cough* alright dear. I’m *cough* alright.” Farune looked around and noticed Tyrant’s broken form. “W...What happened?” Mia looked a little sheepish and buried her face in her mother’s mane. “My friend happened...” Farune now noticed the shadowy colt standing nearby. He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. She smiled warmly at him. “Thank you for saving us.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “Um... sure... anytime...” If he could blush he would have. Farune got to her feet. She struggled to keep her balance for a moment but finally corrected herself. She noticed that her saddlebags where on the ground, their contents scattered about. She let out a sigh and began returning the items to her saddlebags. Mia and Grenth helped the best they could. As they worked Grenth noticed a black book with a skull insignia on the cover. “Is this...?” He stared at the book then at Farune. “A necromancy spell book?” Farune nodded sadly. Grenth returned his gaze to the book, an idea forming in his head. He returned his gaze to the mare. “You wouldn’t happen to know how to use this would you?” Farune was taken aback for a moment. “W... what possible reason could YOU have for asking somepony to perform necromancy!?” He rolled his eyes then gestured at himself. “I’m not exactly flesh and blood you know. Besides, there’s one spell in particular I would like performed.” Farune looked at him with suspicion. “What spell is it you want casting?” Grenth flipped the book open and skipped to the last page. “THIS one.” Farune walked over and looked, her eyes widened. “Th...that’s one of the most dangerous spells in the whole book!” “It’s also the only one that can be used to truly resurrect somepony.” She looked at him then at the book then shook her head. “I’m sorry I can’t help you. It’s far, FAR too dangerous!” He lowered his head sadly. “Alright... it was a silly idea anyway...” He perked up again then gave her a confused look. “Wait a minute... how do you even know about this kind of magic?” Farune packed the book into her saddle bag and began walking away. “Runs in the family...” While she had never told anypony, her entire family were Necromancers. Even she had delved into the dark arts during her youth, but she had given up that way of life when she met Tyrant, though to this day she still didn’t know WHY she had married him. She turned her head to glance at the two youngsters, signaling for them to follow. They complied and hurried after her. There was a lot to do. She needed to find a new home, and a job. She couldn’t stay here, not with Tyrant here. He would no doubt recover, and he would be snapping at their hooves until he either killed them or they killed him. Still... she couldn’t bring herself to kill somepony that had been beaten to that extent, no matter how much she hated him... From now on, things would be MUCH more difficult. Chapter 7: SilenceGrenth waited for the inn keeper in the cellar. He had hidden himself in the shadows to be safe. Never knew who would suddenly decide to snoop around. He still wasn’t sure why Phil wanted to talk HERE, but he decided it would be better not to press the issue. After what felt like hours Grenth finally heard the sound of hooves on wood as the inn keeper descended the stairs to the cellar. When he reached the bottom Grenth emerged from his hiding place. “Well, I’m ready when you are. What’s this ‘favor’ you wanted doing?” Before answering Phil cautiously glanced around the room. He then lowered himself to Grenth’s level and began speaking in a hushed tone. “Alright, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to use those special sneaking skills of yours to solve an issue I’ve been having with one of my tenants.” Grenth raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You want me to spy on one of your customers?” Phil narrowed his eyes. “If you think it’s too much trouble you can always find ANOTHER inn for your friends to live in...” Grenth sighed. “No, no trouble, just unexpected.” He put on a more serious look. “So who do you want me to spy on?” Phil began to pace back and forth in front of Grenth. “I wouldn’t really call it ‘spying’... more like investigating. See there’s this mare that’s started staying here recently. Now she pays her bills frequently enough, but every so often some of the other tenants have been talking about strange noises coming from her room at night. Others say that she’s been seen sneaking off at night and the next day some poor pony is found dead and mutilated not far away from the inn.” He stopped and looked Grenth in the eye. “I want you to find out the truth. Find out everything you can about her, if you can prove that she’s up to no good then bring any evidence to me and I’ll make sure the authorities deal with her. If it turns out that she’s innocent then, well...” He hesitated for a moment. “Then I want you to find the real killer.” Grenth put a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “So in other words... you want me to break into one of your tenants rooms, search for evidence that may-or-may not be there, and identify the culprit behind a string of murders that have occurred near your inn. Anything else you want me to do while I’m at it?” The inn keeper shook his head. Grenth cracked his limbs in mock preparation. “Then I guess I better get started.” “She’s staying in room 6. Just make sure nopony sees you! This could very well run me out of business!” Grenth smirked. “Trust me, when I want to remain unseen even the best trackers can’t find me.” And with that he disappeared and silently made his way upstairs. Phil silently shuddered to himself. “Why do I feel like I just made a deal with the devil?” *** Grenth silently made his way through the inn. The sun had set about an hour ago so the inn was fairly dark which made his job that much easier. The only light came from the occasional lantern but there wasn’t really anypony up to see him anyway. Finally, he arrived at a door marked with an engraved ‘6’ on it. He smirked to himself, this had been WAY too easy so far. While still a shadow, he slipped under the door. When he emerged on the other side he was surprised to find the room empty with the exception of a bed and a dresser. After emerging from the shadows he poked his head under the bed but found nothing but dust bunnies. Slightly disappointed he made his way over to the dresser and opened each drawer and was once again disappointed to find that they were all empty. He climbed onto the top of the dresser and was surprised to find a folded piece of paper. Using a tendril, he unfolded it. Look behind you. “What the...” Before he could react somepony jumped him and pinned him to the ground with their hooves. He looked up to see a jet young black coated mare with red eyes glaring down at him. “What are you doing in my room!?” He raised an eyebrow. “How did you know I was going to be IN your room?” “I already know that the inn keeper’s on my case because of all the rumors the other tenants keep spreading about me! Everypony is ALWAYS on my case because of my appearance! It’s not MY fault I look the way I do! Yet all anypony ever thinks of when they see me is ‘Oh look at her, she looks evil. She must be up to something!” Grenth closed his eyes and shook his head sympathetically. “Believe me, I know exactly what it’s like to be judged solely on your appearance.” The mare looked him over then got off of him. Grenth slowly rose to his hooves. “I’ve been scorned all my life because everypony thinks I’m some sort of monster... unfortunately... they’re right to some degree...” He sighed sadly. “I was bred and altered to be part of the ‘ultimate species’ but all my father ended up making was a living shadow that took a pony’s form...” The mare’s eyes went wide. “Wow... and I thought I had reasons to be miserable...” She rubbed the back of her neck nervously. “Sorry I jumped you... I thought you were like the others...” Grenth shook his head. “I’m only doing this as a favor for the inn keeper. I’m supposed to find evidence about the recent murders and he suggested I start here but...” He glanced around. “It looks like you’re off the hook.” She smiled softly and cocked her head to one side. “What’s your name kid?” “Grenth.” “I’m Silence.” He smiled back. “Nice to meet you Silence.” “So... since you’re done breaking into my room, what are you going to do now?” Grenth tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Well... if it turned out that there wasn’t any evidence pointing towards you then I was supposed to find the REAL killer...” “This seems to be an awfully complicated favor...” Grenth’s ears folded against his head. “I’m... only doing this so my friends don’t get thrown out... I don’t think the inn keeper really trusts me that much.” Silence narrowed her eyes. “Can’t they afford the rent?” Grenth shook his head. “No, they can afford it no problem. It’s just that... he wasn’t supposed to know I was here but I sort of slipped up... so if my friends want to keep staying here I have to do him some favors.” Silence shook her head. “I don’t think he’s allowed to do that... you are just a foal after all. He can’t honestly expect someone your age to be able to succeed where the authorities have failed, even WITH your special skills.” Grenth’s head drooped sadly. Silence placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder. “Not alone anyways.” Grenth perked up. “Wait... what?” She smiled. “Why do you think I came here in the first place? This isn’t exactly the most wondrous of inns... The only ponies that really come here are those who are down on their luck.” Grenth frowned slightly. “Yeah... that sounds like us... But wait a second, why are you tracking the killer? I mean, I know it’s in everypony’s best interest to catch them, but why you specifically?” She lowered her head sadly. “It’s... personal...” “Did they kill someone close to you?” “You could say that...” Grenth nodded. “Fair enough...” He headed for the door. “Come on. We won’t catch that killer sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves all night...” Silence nodded and hurried past him. She looked back towards him. “I’ll lead, I’m more familiar with the area than you are.” Grenth nodded and the pair headed out the door. *** “One, Two...I’m coming for you...” Chanted a filly’s voice in the darkness. The mare ran through the alleyway. Her lungs were on fire, her legs burned, but she had to keep running, she didn’t dare stop. “Three, Four...Death knocks on your door...” She could hear her pursuer behind her, slowly gaining on her. “Five, Six... Your bones break like sticks...” She quickly rounded the nearest corner and stopped dead. It was a dead end. She turned slowly to face her pursuer, her eyes filled with fear. “Seven, Eight... You’re far too late...” The figure had stopped running and was now standing still, blocking her escape. Its body resembled that of a pony. Its skin was jet black but it didn’t appear to have a mane. It was slightly taller than the average stallion. Its legs were long and thin. Its neck was also slightly longer than average. Its face was more or less flat and an ominous red light shone from behind its eyeless sockets and from within its mouth. It smiled darkly, revealing a mouthful of black needle like teeth. “Awww... a dead end... *giggle*... see what I did there?” It laughed mockingly. It slowly began walking towards her. “Oh well... I guess when I’m done with you I’ll just have to find a new toy. Be sure to scream nice and loud okay? That’ll make it that much more fun!” She couldn’t move, she couldn’t think. The closer it got the more terrified she became. Her vision became hazy as it stopped, its face inches away from hers. Its smile widened, its murderous intent practically oozed from its body. “Nine... Ten... This is the end...” Chapter 8: Smiling in the DarknessGrenth and Silence froze when they heard the scream. They looked at each other then bolted in the direction they guessed the scream came from. They ran through the alleyways as another blood curdling scream sounded nearby. They rounded a corner and froze. They had found the source of the scream, but it was far too late. A... thing... was already busy tearing apart what was left of a mare. Grenth couldn’t quite put his hoof on it, but the creature looked somewhat familiar. The creature realized that it was being watched and turned around to see who was behind it. A sickly smile was frozen on its face, blood dripping from its mouth and chin. Grenth clenched his teeth in anger. “Glam...” He muttered angrily. Silence turned to Grenth with a look of shock. “You KNOW this freak!?” The creatures smile widened (if that was even possible). “Well would you look at that... looks like little Grenth has decided to take his big brothers advice for once. Tell me, did father put up much of a fight when you left? Or did you sneak out when he wasn’t looking?” Grenth stomped his hoof angrily. “I DIDN’T take your advice! The only reason I’m not with father anymore is because he was found out! He’s dead!” Glam shrugged. “It matters little to me what happened to that deranged lunatic. What matters is that I’m no longer under his control!” Grenth took a few angry steps forward. “I don’t know how you are still alive... but what you are doing is unacceptable!!!” Glam cocked his head to one side playfully. “My dear little Grenth, you cannot kill what was never truly alive.” His smile quickly faded. “And I don’t recall YOU ever being the boss of me! I no longer answer to ANYPONY! No living thing can control me! I am free to do as I please!!!” Dark energy began to seep from Glam’s body and his smile returned. “Now since you took the liberty of bringing desert I think it’s time for the three of us to play a little game! Oh, and do try to last longer than my last victim... she was rather pathetic after all...” Silence took a step back, fear frozen on her face. “No... not again... I can’t...” She turned and ran down the alleyway. “Silence! Where are you going!?” Grenth called out to her but Glam knocked him aside with a tendril. Glam then giggled to himself. “It’s been a while since I’ve played with a mare with that kind of energy. This’ll be EXTRA fun!” He giggled again and began to trot after Silence at a leisurely pace. *** “One... Two... I’m coming for you...” The images that coursed through Silence’s mind brought tears to her eyes making it difficult to see. She kept running, with every ounce of energy she had. “Three... Four... Death knocks on your door...” She rounded a corner into another alleyway. “Why am I running? Wasn’t I going to avenge them? Wasn’t I supposed to fight?” Her mind kept scolding her for her cowardice. “This was my chance. I could’ve avenged everypony... So why am I so afraid? What IS it about that thing that fills me with such fear!?” She emerged onto the city streets. “Five... Six... Your bones break like sticks...” “I can’t let that THING get away with killing them... but I can’t stop running... why won’t I stop!?” She was getting tired, her legs began to burn and her lungs felt as though they were on fire. “Seven... Eight... You’re far too late...” Her legs gave out from under her. She had no more strength left to run. The air around her suddenly got very cold. She turned to see IT walking slowly towards her, its repulsive grin never leaving its smug face. It stopped with its face inches away from hers. “Nine... Ten... This is the en- ACK!!!” Glam was cut off when a black tendril wrapped around his neck and pulled him backwards. He stumbled and fell onto his back and struggled to remove the tendril with his hooves. “Useless... things! Curse you... father... for not giving me... claws!!!” Grenth emerged from the shadows, his tendril still wrapped tightly around Glam’s throat. His glowing red eyes were filled with murderous intent. “What are you... doing... brother!? Why are you... helping this... insignificant... pony!?” Grenth now stood over Glam. “These ponies may be insignificant to YOU... but they are NOT insignificant to ME!!!” Grenth’s voice was practically DRIPPING with hate. Glam just let out a strained giggle. “You were... always a little... slow... brother...” “What’s that supposed to mean!?” “Don’t you... remember... why we were... created? We were... supposed to... be... the ultimate... race. These ponies... are nothing... more... than toys... to us!” Grenth looked upon his brother with a look of utter disgust. “You’re pathetic Glam... You haven’t changed at all. Father should have locked you up and thrown the key away!” Glam giggled again. “Oh Grenth... you say the... nicest things. Besides... this is... what father... intended... for us.” Several more tendrils emerged around Grenth, their tips were like spears. “It’s over. Go back to hell brother!” The tendrils skewered Glam and lifted him into the air. Several more pierced through his body. Glam laughed through the entire ordeal. Finally the tendrils hooked into Glam’s body and began pulling in opposite directions. “This isn’t... the last... you’ll see of... me... little... brother! MARK... MY... WORDS!!!” And with that, Glam was torn to pieces. His body began to disintegrate, leaving only his bones. Grenth walked over to his brother’s skull and crushed it under his hoof. “And STAY dead this time!” Chapter 1: Sadness and FearThe pink unicorn filly emerged from her home, levitating a white flower before her. “Mommy, Daddy, I’m going to say goodnight to sis! I’ll be back.” She called over her shoulder. “Alright, just be back before dark!” Her mother’s pleasant voice replied. “I will! I promise!” The little filly trotted along the path from her house, the trees silhouettes against the setting sun. She would probably need to be quick if she was going to be back before dark. Thank goodness the cemetery wasn’t very far away. “I really hope she likes the flower I got her...” She thought to herself. Reality kicked in a few seconds later. Her sister would likely be unaware of her visit. Her father often said the she was “sleeping” and wouldn’t wake up. She pushed those thoughts from her mind and quickened her pace. The shadows cast by the trees beginning to grow. If there was one thing that terrified her more than anything, it was the dark. Mia finally arrived at the ancient cemetery gates. They didn’t really serve much of a purpose now, as they were barley attached to their hinges. Few ponies ever visited the cemetery, and even fewer after dark. There had been many rumors going around about monsters appearing in the shadows. And there were a few who claimed that necromancers had been frequenting the area. Mia hadn’t heard any of these rumors though, otherwise she would not have come alone, with the sun setting. She made her way through the rows upon rows of tombstones. Many were cracked and crumbling with age and neglect. Finally she stopped before a large burial vault. She turned to her left to see the grave she was looking for. She walked over and sat on her haunches. She read the words chiselled into the tombstone. “Here Lies Kirin. Beloved daughter and sister.” Mia placed the flower carefully on the grave and smiled weakly. “Hiya sis...” She said softly. “Sorry I haven’t been around much. I brought you a flower. It’s really pretty, I hope you like it...” She was quiet for a moment, as if she was waiting for someone to say something back. “Oh!” She exclaimed. “Mommy and Daddy are both fine, by the way! Yeah, they’re both fine so you don’t have to worry at all! Although...” She was quiet again for a moment. “Sometimes... when I walk past mommy’s room... I can hear her crying. I... I don’t know why but... when she cries... I hurt inside... right here” She placed a hoof on the left side of her chest. “If you were still around I know you would know what to do. You always knew how to fix things like that. Like that onetime we found that bird that had died, and you made it alive again! I wish I knew how you did that... Don’t worry, I didn’t tell Daddy. Just like I promised!” “Oh... by the way, I don’t know if you ever noticed but that bird started to smell funny, and it was losing all its feathers so I let it go. Don’t know what happened to it after that.” “Oh yeah... Daddy found your book... although I guess you already knew that... since he found it the night before you disappeared. I guess we should have hid it a little better.” Silence again. Mia let out a heavy sigh. “I... really miss you sis... I... I wish there was a way to bring you back... like the way you brought that bird back... but I know Daddy would get mad at me... I...*sniff*” Before she could let out a single tear she heard the soft sound of somepony sobbing echoed quietly from inside the burial vault. She was stunned at first, but soon collected herself and got back up. She made her way hesitantly towards the large stone door. Using her magic she opened it just enough to peek inside. The sound of somepony crying was louder now. She cautiously peeked her head inside to take a look. She was met by a pair of glowing red eyes and a rather creepy voice saying “Who are you?”. She didn’t answer, nor did she hesitate. She slammed the door shut and ran. She ran with every ounce of energy she could muster. It felt like her heart was going to burst from her chest. She was scared, more scared than she had ever been in her life. And what was worse, it was almost completely dark outside! *** The colt stood in the dark utterly stunned. Not only had the filly slammed the door shut, she had been incredibly rude as well. It was a perfectly reasonable question. Ponies asked it all the time. Not that he expected any other reaction. Everypony he met did the same thing. They either ran screaming or tried to “destroy” him. He didn’t care anymore. He turned back to the stone sarcophagus and sat on his haunches and wept. “Why father? Why did you do it? Why?” *** Mia rushed through the front door of her home and slammed the door shut. She stood in front of the door panting for a moment with a look of utter horror on her face. Her father Tyrant emerged from the kitchen his hooves clopping against the stone floor. “I thought you were supposed to be back before dark?” He asked sounding a little annoyed and apparently unfazed by his daughters look of utter terror. “What took you so long?” It took her a minute to finally get enough breath to speak. “M...*wheeze*... monster...” She finally huffed. The navy blue stallion raised an eyebrow. “Are you certain? It was probably just your imagination.” “N...NO! It w...*cough*...was real! It was in that big room near *cough* Kirin’s grave! I heard it crying and looked in. I thought *wheeze* I thought it was a pony but all I saw were glowing red eyes! It asked me who I was but I didn’t... *cough* I didn’t answer. I just ran and ran and ran! It was REALLY scary Daddy!” She looked up at him with a look of both fear and an innocent desire to be comforted. Her big blue innocent eyes met his cold maroon eyes. After a moment he shrugged. “Well... that’s why you were supposed to be back before dark. Nopony knows what’s out there.” He turned to return to the kitchen. “Maybe we should stop letting you visit your sister’s grave if it turns out to be dangerous.” Mia’s eyes went wide in shock. “NO! No PLEASE no! I’ll be back before dark next time I PROMISE!!!” “Then there is nothing more to discuss. But if you come back late again, you won’t be making any more trips to the graveyard, understand?” Mia lowered her head sadly. “Yes daddy...” He re-entered the kitchen leaving the now depressed filly alone by the front door. His wife was finishing some last minute cleaning before getting ready for bed. The dark pink mare turned to her husband and smiled softly. “Was that Mia?” “Yes.” “Is she alright?” He shrugged. “She claims to have seen a monster in the burial vault near Kirin’s grave. Apparently it was crying...” “How strange... did she mention anything else?” “It had glowing red eyes and asked who she was. She high-tailed it after that...” Farune looked worried. “Do you think it might be dangerous?” “I doubt it’s even real. My guess is she’s either making it up, or she was just imagining it...” “What makes you say that?” Tyrant’s stare was cold. “Because I made absolutely sure that all necromancers and all their minions were wiped out from the area.” “It might not be an undead you know. It could be something else.” Tyrant raised an eyebrow. “With glowing red eyes?” “Lots of creatures eyes glow when light is shone on them, maybe it was just an animal.” “And asked ‘who are you’?” Farune was quiet for a moment. She smiled softly again. “Maybe you’re right, maybe it was just her imagination. She is frightfully scared of the dark after all. Her eyes were likely playing tricks on her, and graveyards tend to be a bit spooky.” Tyrant returned his wife’s smile. “My thoughts exactly.” “I’ll just make sure she’s alright, she is a rather meek little filly after all.” Tyrant shrugged again. “Do as you wish. She’ll likely be fine though.” “Still, I’d rather make sure.” He just shrugged and left the kitchen. It had been a rather long day and he was tired. Farune waited until he was gone before she went to talk to Mia. She was sitting on the floor facing away from the door looking sad and neglected. Farune nuzzled the little pink filly and smiled softly. “Do you want Mommy to sleep in your room with you tonight Mia?” Mia nodded. “Alright then, let’s get you ready for bed.” Chapter 6: The Black Feather InnFarune and her filly walked through the city streets towards the inn. Well... Mia walked, Farune limped slightly. Grenth had decided it would be better to remain unseen and had hidden himself in Mia’s shadow. This however, made Mia nervous. She was worried that she would somehow step on him. “Dear, don’t worry. You can’t hurt a shadow.” “But... but he’s not like a normal shadow...” “I’m fine Mia, I can’t be harmed when I’m like this...” She was still a little uneasy but continued on anyway. Farune made a point of ignoring all the glaring ponies as they walked. There was no point in making a fuss over something she had no control over. As they neared the inn a unicorn mare blocked their path. “You’re that Tyrant fellow’s wife aren’t you? You’ve got some nerve waltzing into town like it’s nothing.” “Ex-Wife actually.” The mare took a step back. “Wait, what?” Farune smirked. “That’s right, I said ‘Ex-Wife’. I’ve left him. My daughter and I are going to have a fresh start away from that murderer! So you can tell everypony that we no longer have ANY connections to Tyrant LichSlayer!” She raised her voice for the last sentence so that everypony could hear her. For a moment, everypony stopped what they were doing and stared blankly at the mare and her filly. There was an uncomfortable silence for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the mare that had blocked their path backed away slowly. “You’re insane! If you’re telling the truth... then that means that he’ll come after you! He’ll go on a rampage! Nopony will be safe until he finds you!” Farune glared at the mare. “What are you getting at?” She pointed a hoof accusingly at Farune. “You’re putting us all in danger by being here! You have to leave! You have to leave RIGHT NOW!!!” Farune rolled her eyes and continued on past the mare. “Hey I’m talking to you!” She stopped, turned around, and gave the mare a murderous glare. “You know what? I am SICK and TIRED of everypony treating my daughter and me like WE are the ones who are responsible for all those deaths! If my memory serves correctly, everypony Tyrant has ever killed has been tied to necromancy in one way or another. While I understand that it is against the law to practice necromancy, I do NOT approve of Tyrants methods of dealing with it!” Farune began to approach the mare. “And do you think I supported his actions WILLINGLY? The only reason I didn’t leave that monster sooner is because I was afraid for the lives of my foals. The only reason we got away was because somepony saved us! But it wasn’t soon enough to save Kirin... That... that monster... that ANIMAL took my daughter from me! And if I ever see him again I WILL kill him!” She was now face to face with the mare, a look of anger frozen on her face. The mare shook where she stood. “So if you try to give me, OR my daughter anymore trouble... I WILL kick your sorry flank to the moon and back! GOT IT!?” The mare nodded vigorously. “Good!” Farune turned and began to walk away. The mare fell to her haunches in a state of utter shock. All the ponies that had witnessed the event just stood there dumbfounded. Farune had never been known to raise her voice for ANYTHING, and here she was threatening a mare who was giving her a hard time. Mia stared at her mother in awe. “Wow mommy! You scared that mean mare senseless!” Farune smiled at her daughter. “I guess that’s what happens when you keep all your anger bottled up for years on end.” After a few more minutes of walking through the streets and ignoring the stares of cautious ponies, they finally arrived at the inn. The stone brick building was known to be lower class compared to most other inns in the city, but its prices were reasonable, and had about thirty rooms. The sign that hung over the door had an image of a black crow painted on it with the words “The Black Feather Inn” painted below it. Farune entered the establishment with Mia close behind and approached the reception counter. A beige pegasus stallion with a brown mane and mustache sat behind the desk. He smiled as they approached. “Welcome to the Black Feather Inn. My name’s Phil, can I help you with anything?” Farune smiled back. It was nice to have somepony behave with some maturity for once. “We would like a room please, long term.” Phil nodded and pulled a book from under the counter and flipped it open. “Let’s see here... I’m assuming you want a room for two? Or would you prefer a room for one with a slightly bigger bed? It’ll be cheaper that way.” Farune’s smile widened slightly. She wasn’t used to anypony being so kind to her. “That sounds ideal. I’m sure my daughter would appreciate being close to me. She is a tad afraid of the dark after all. And we had a bit of a scare recently.” He looked up from the book and only then noticed some of the bruises on Farune’s body. He gave a sympathetic smile. “You’re Tyrant’s wife aren’t you? I take it you’re runnin’ away?” Farune’s smile immediately vanished and her ears folded against her head and she nodded solemnly. Then her eyes suddenly went wide and she jerked her head back up. “Don’t worry! He won’t be following us here! That’s why we came to this inn! He won’t think to look for us here! And he isn’t really in any condition to be chasing us right now anyway! Please don’t send us away!” The inn keeper just chuckled softly. “Mrs. LichSlayer... err... I guess that’s Ex-Mrs. LichSlayer... Rest assured I have no intention of sending you or your daughter into the streets to fall victim to that murderer. Nopony deserves that fate. After all, it takes allot of bravery to up and leave somepony that dangerous.” Farune let out a relived sigh. “Tell you what Mrs... err... Ms.?” “LifeGiver. My maiden name is LifeGiver.” He smiled again. “Tell you what Ms. LifeGiver, How about I give you and your daughter a special rate? On top of that, I’ll give you one of the suites and a part-time job until you can find something more permanent.” Farune’s jaw dropped, she stood there eyes wide in stunned silence. Mia looked from her mother to Phil, then back again. “Mommy? Are you okay?” “You alright Ms.?” A black tendril stealthily emerged from Mia’s shadow and prodded Farune on the flank and she let out a startled squeak before recovering her thoughts. It was the Inn Keeper’s turn to be stunned. “Wh... what the hay was that?” Farune gulped. Not good. “Ms. I would strongly recommend that you tell me what that was. You aren’t bringing anything dangerous into my inn are you?” “What!? NOnononononono of course not!” She sighed and hung her head. “Grenth, you might as well come out.” Phil took a step back as Mia’s shadow began to move on its own. Grenth slowly climbed out of Mia’s shadow as if he was climbing out of a hole in the ground. When he was finally out he stretched his limbs as if he had just woken up. “Note to self. Hiding in someponies shadow for too long is bad for the joints...” He said with a hint of annoyance as his joints audibly cracked with each stretch. It was Phil’s jaw that dropped this time. “What IS that!?” Grenth rolled his glowing red eyes. “I’m a shadow pony. Think of me as a living shadow with feelings and emotions and... who looks like a pony...” “Is... is it dangerous?” Mia scowled and put her hooves against the side of the counter to make herself as tall as possible. “No HE is NOT dangerous!!! He is my bestest friend ever and he saved my mommy’s life!” She glared at the inn keeper for his senseless remark. Farune put a hoof on Mia’s shoulder. “Mia, settle down, he didn’t know. To be honest Grenth does look like he could be dangerous to anypony that hasn’t met him before.” Mia’s lip quivered and her eyes began to tear up. “But... *sniff*... but he’s not dangerous!” Grenth wiped a tear from Mia’s eye with his hoof and smiled at her softly. “Don’t worry, I’m used to that kind of reaction from ponies. It doesn’t really bother me anymore.” Grenth then turned to the inn keeper, a serious look on his face. “If you don’t want me here I can leave. I am more than capable of fending for myself. Just don’t throw them out because of me. I have no intention of causing you any trouble.” Phil was quiet for moment, a stunned look on his face. He cleared his throat and gave Grenth a stern look. “Listen, part of me wants to throw you all out into the street, but I’m guessing you’re the one who helped these two get away from Tyrant. So that tells me that you have at least some form of decency or honor or whatever the hay you want to call it. But...” He let out a sigh. “If anypony found you here in my inn they’d shut me town and lock me up. So here’s what I’m gonna do.” He gave all three of them a stern look. “I’ll still give Ms. LifeGiver and her daughter their special rate, and the job. But in exchange I want you to do a few favors for me.” Grenth raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? You want me to do some favors?” Phil shook his head. “These aren’t ordinary favors. They’ll require some... discretion. You can’t let anypony see you. Understand?” Grenth nodded. Phil grinned. “Alright then.” He handed Farune a key. “You’re in room 32, down the hall on your right. As for you...” He turned back to Grenth. “Come with me.”
Chapter 2: Memory and Friendship“Father, why can’t Abaddon and I go outside to play?” “Because it isn’t safe for you outside. Nopony would understand what you are, they would be afraid of you and try to hurt you.” The gray unicorn stallion didn’t look away from his work. Papers and books littered the floor and desk. “Pffft! Grenth and I can handle anypony who tries!” Abaddon smirked at the thought of bringing pain to the ponies that had dared to call his Father a quack and madstallion. The stallion turned to the two shadow ponies, his face was emotionless as always. His voice however, showed his annoyance. “That is NOT how I designed you to behave Abaddon! Do I have to do to you what I did to Glam?” Abaddons eyes went wide and he coward before the unicorn. “N... No father! I... I’m sorry! Please forgive me!” Kerrice raised an eyebrow, the only remotely emotional response his face ever gave. “I created you to be above other ponies, to be the greatest species to ever rule this world. But in order to do that you must shed all emotions that link you with the inferior pony races.” Grenth took a step forward. “If we’re supposed to be superior, then why would we be in danger from the other ponies? Shouldn’t they be glad to see us?” “Ponies fear what they do not understand. You are beyond their petty understanding. They cannot even remotely begin to understand what is in store for this world, or for you!” There was a loud knocking from the floor above. Somepony was at the front door! “Kerrice! We know you’re in there! Come on out!” Kerrice cursed to himself quietly. He turned to the two shadow ponies. “Find someplace to hide and do NOT come out unless I call you! Stay hidden no matter what! Nopony must know of your existence until you are complete!” The two nodded and melded together with the shadows. Kerrice climbed the staircase. He pulled a torch bracket on the wall and the wall in front of him turned to reveal the living room. He emerged and pulled another bracket on the opposite side of the rotating fireplace. The knocking was getting louder. “Come out of there you sicko! We know what you’ve been up to! Come out or we’ll bust down the door!” Grenth was scared. He could hear everything that went on upstairs. He knew the other ponies didn’t like what his father had been doing. That’s why he had to try and hide his work. But it seemed like they somehow found out where he had been doing his experiments. Grenth tensed up as he heard the front door creek open. “Can I help you?” “Where are they!?” “Where are whom?” “The three mares you kidnapped! We know what you’ve been doing! You’ve been using them to breed your little monsters! Now where are they!?” “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about. But if three mares have gone missing I would be happy to help organize a search party.” “Don’t play dumb! You were SEEN taking them! We have at least five witnesses! You’re through Kerrice Lifeweaver!” There was silence for a moment. The corners of Kerrices mouth began to twitch. His eyes went wide and he began to smile madly. “He... he he... WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! FOOLS!!! Have you ANY idea what my work will accomplish!? My name will be remembered for millennia! My work will go down in history as the greatest accomplishment ever achieved! When my master race emerges and puts you inferior beings in your place, I will be revered as a GOD!” “You really are insane! Alright boys, grab him!” Kerrice did not attempt to flee. He simply smiled and uttered two words. “Abaddon.... Kill” *** Grenths eyes shot open. He searched frantically in the darkness but saw nothing. After a moment he let out a heavy sigh. It was just a memory. No, not just a memory...it was a nightmare! He sat up and looked once again at the sarcophagus. His head drooped sadly. “Why father... why did you do it? It might have been alright if you hadn’t provoked them. They might have left us alone. Why did you do it?” He whispered to himself sadly. He didn’t expect a response. Grenth lay back down and closed his eyes again. Maybe the nightmares wouldn’t haunt him this time. He wasn’t overly hopeful... *** Mia sat at her desk, attempting to listen to the lesson. It was a tad difficult when the other students kept tossing balls of paper at her when the teacher wasn’t looking. The other students didn’t like her. Even most of the teachers didn’t seem to like her. Guess that’s what happens when your father is one of the most unlikeable unicorns in the entire kingdom! After about the twelfth ball of paper had bounced off her head the teacher shot her a cold glance. “Is there a problem Miss... um... what was your last name?” Mia looked away a little ashamed. “I... don’t have one. My Daddy said I didn’t need one. Just Mia is fine...” She squirmed in her seat uncomfortably. “And... no... th...there isn’t a problem... I’m fine...” Another ball of paper bounced off her head but the teacher seemed to ignore it and continued with the lesson. The lesson droned on for what seemed like hours as the teacher explained to the class how “Unicorns are the superior race” and other such nonsense. There were only a couple none unicorns present. They shifted uncomfortably in their seats during the entire lesson. Finally the bell sounded with a “Dong” and the students rushed from their seats and out the door. Mia tended to lag behind so she wouldn’t get trampled. She had nearly reached the door when she heard an all too familiar sentence. “Hold on one moment little missy! I want you to stay at your desk and write out the entire lesson before you can go!” Mia’s head hung low. “Yes Ms. Stone...” After several hours of writing, and the occasional “No no NO! All wrong! Start again!” Mia was finally allowed to leave. She walked through the streets towards her home. Today had felt worse than usual. It was probably because her sister’s death had been so recent. She felt sad, and hurt. She wanted to cry but knew her father wouldn’t be happy with her if she did. She needed to talk to somepony, ANYpony... She changed direction and started to run towards the graveyard. Talking with Kirin always used to make her feel better. Maybe it would still work. When she had gotten half way to the graveyard she stopped to pick a couple of wild flowers. She levitated them in front of her and continued on. Mia entered the old gate and made her way to Kirin’s grave. When she arrived the flowers suddenly dropped and Mia’s eyes went wide. Kirin’s tombstone lay in pieces, three unicorn colts standing over the grave grinning darkly. “Well would you look who’s here! Sorry, but we decided that we didn’t like this grave very much.” “Yeah, it needed a little adjustment. Looks way better now!” They all laughed and Mia fell to the ground and began to cry. The three colts surrounded her and kept on laughing. “Aw look, we must have hurt her rotten feelings. Aw boo hoo!” “What a cry baby!” They kept this up until one of the colts suddenly turned his attention behind him and froze in place. “Um... guys...” “What?” He pointed a shaky hoof towards the burial vault. “W...w...what’s that?” The three colts went white with fear. The door to the vault was wide open, and what looked like a jet black pony stood in the doorway. Its mane and tail had the consistency and color of black smoke. Its eyes gave off an ominous red glow. A similar glow emerged from its mouth when it spoke. “You dare to defile the resting place of the dead?! You DARE to defile the memory of a loved one lost!? No wonder my father called you ponies inferior! I ought to kill you here and now!” It growled at them as black tendrils wisped about its body like black fire. “GO!!! GO OR I WILL SEND YOU!!!” The creature’s voice boomed like thunder and the three colts fled in terror. Mia was frozen with terror. She couldn’t move, she was too scared. The sun was still up yet here in front of her was a monster. Monsters weren’t supposed to like the sun. The creature approached her, the black flames had subsided and its body shrank down until its size became closer to Mia’s. It stood in front of her and held out its hoof. “You okay?” She stared at him dazed for a moment before finally squeaking out. “Y...yeah...” She hesitantly took his hoof and he pulled her up. “You’re the filly that ran off yesterday aren’t you?” She nodded slowly. “Don’t feel bad, everypony runs away when they see me.” He smiled reassuringly. “What’s your name?” “M...Mia...” “Hello Mia, I’m Grenth. I’m a shadow pony.” “What’s a shadow pony?” “Ummmm...” Grenth wasn’t really sure how to answer. “Well... you know how there are Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth ponies? Well Shadow ponies are just another type of pony like all the rest.” “But... I’ve never seen a shadow pony before.” “Oh... well that’s probably because I’m the only one left...” Mia’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what?” “Yeah... it’s complicated... I don’t fully understand it myself.” He sat on his haunches and sighed. “I mean if we were supposed to be the ‘ultimate race’, how come we we’re wiped out before we even had a chance to start?” Mia just stared dumbfounded. The information was clearly going over her head. “Hmm... guess this is a little much for you to take in all at once.” He turned to the ruined tombstone. “Sorry I couldn’t stop those jerks before they wrecked that grave. I didn’t even know they were here until I heard them picking on you.” Mia looked away. “Th...That’s alright... I guess...” Tears began to flow again. “Wait! Please don’t cry! Here, I’ll... I’ll try to fix it for you!” He jumped up and walked over to the grave and began piecing the broken fragments together like a puzzle. Of course it was a little tricky with hooves. Mia wiped her eyes and began helping with her magic. Soon they managed to piece together enough of the tombstone to be able to read the words again. But it was lying on the ground, not standing upright. Grenth rubbed his chin. “Now what?” “I guess I could ask my Daddy to fix it... but he’d probably say no...” Grenth raised an eyebrow. “Your father doesn’t sound very... well... Fatherly... ” “I wouldn’t really know... I only have one...” “I suppose... at least that’s one more than I have.” “I’m sorry...” “Don’t be... it’s not like I was related to him or anything. Well, I guess he did MAKE me but I wasn’t made like a normal pony.” “How are ponies usually made? I’ve asked my Mommy but she always says that she’ll tell me when I’m older.” Grenth blushed. “Ummm... yeah... she’s probably right. You should wait until you’re older... But I will tell you this, normal ponies are grown, I was built... sort of...” “So you mean... ponies are like plants?” “Err... not exactly...” “I’m confused...” “It will make sense one day, I promise.” “If you say so.” “Mia! Where are you dear?” Mia perked up. “That’s my Mommy!” Grenth got to his feet. “Well, that’s my cue to leave. It’s been nice talking with you but I would prefer it if only a handful of ponies knew about me.” “Oh... okay. Will... will you still be here tomorrow?” Her eyes were pleading. Grenth couldn’t understand it. At first she was terrified of him and now she didn’t want to stop talking with him. “I’m always here.” Then he entered the vault and sealed the door. Farune’s voice was getting closer. “Mia! Mia where are you?” “Over here Mommy!” Farune came running over and embraced the filly. “Where have you been, I was so worried.” “I’m sorry Mommy...” The mare noticed the broken tombstone. “Goodness! What happened to Kirin’s tombstone?” Mia then began to recount the events of the day starting with her arrival at school up to now, being careful not to mention Grenth’s... unusual features. “So this young colt came to your rescue? How nice. I’m so happy that you’ve finally made a friend. When can I meet him?” Mia began to rub her foreleg nervously. “He’s sort of shy...” Her mother smiled. “Don’t be silly! I’m sure he’ll be fine! Tell you what, why don’t we invite him over? Maybe have his family over for dinner? Oh I’m so happy you finally have a friend!” Mia smiled nervously. “He he... yeah that sounds... great...” Mia’s stomach suddenly growled. It was well past time for dinner and the sun had begun to set. Farune smiled. “I left some food out for you at home. Let’s go before it gets dark.” Mia nodded and trotted after her mother as they made their way back home.
Chapter 3: Murder and AngerMia and Farune were heading for the school. Mia’s mother had insisted on escorting her. She also had half a mind to give Miss Stone what-for for treating her daughter so cruelly. As they walked Mia noticed the scowls of the ponies they passed. Mia looked to her mother. “Mommy, why does everypony not like us?” “Because of your fathers work...” Farune’s voice a little hesitant. “What work does he do again?” Farune was quiet for a few moments. “He... makes ponies who do bad things go to sleep... forever...” Mia’s eyes went wide. “Y...you mean... like Kirin?” Farune stopped in her tracks. She turned to her daughter with a look of panic. “What do you mean ‘like Kirin’?” She asked slowly. Mia looked away to avoid her mother’s gaze. “Like... what Daddy did to Kirin when he found her using that book.” Farune’s mouth felt dry, tears began to cloud her vision. “Mia... are you saying that... your father...” She couldn’t even finish her question. It was just too horrible to think about. She placed a hoof on Mia’s shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “Tell me exactly what happened.” *** Mia and Kirin sat in the graveyard. It was midday and they both lay under the shade of a tree side by side. Kirin’s violet mane swaying in the breeze as they both skimmed through a black book with a skull emblem on the cover. The pages were jet black and the words were written in an old splotchy text with white ink. Mia glanced at the scar on her big sister’s dark blue flank. “Kirin, why did your cutie mark go away?” “Because it would have gotten me into trouble. So I had it removed, just like mother did.” Kirin answered without looking away from the book. “Oh...” Mia wasn’t completely satisfied with the answer. After skimming a few more pages, Kirin stood up. “Alright, this one should do.” Mia looked at her sister with a look of concern. “Are you sure we won’t get into trouble? Isn’t that kind of magic... dangerous?” Kirin smirked. “Only if you get caught. But if you’re worried, you can take cover behind this tree.” Hesitantly, Mia got up and went around the tree they had been lying under and peeked her head out from behind it. She smiled nervously. “Ready sis...” Kirin just giggled at her sister’s innocence. “Alright.” She said with a determined grin. “Here we go!” Kirin’s horn gave off what could only be described as a black glow. The air began to whip around her in a spiral as the glow began to increase in intensity as she uttered words that Mia couldn’t understand. Suddenly, the same negative energy that had enveloped Kirin’s horn flashed and everything blacked out for a split second. Kirin fell to her knees exhausted. She looked around expectantly then frowned. “Horse Feathers! It didn’t work!” “Kirin! That’s a bad word!” She cringed. “Sorry Mia, I’m just a little frustrated. I really thought I had it this time...” “You’ve definitely had it Kirin!” Said a new voice from nearby. Kirin’s eyes went wide as she slowly turned to face the navy blue stallion. She began trembling with fear and Mia hid herself behind the tree again and curled up into a ball and shuddered with fear. “This is bad.” The little filly thought to herself. “This is REALLY bad...” Kirin gulped then finally found the courage to speak. “F... Father... How long h...have you been s...standing there?” “Long enough.” His voice dark, and his eyes filled with anger and murderous intent. “L...Long enough for what? I was just p...practicing a few magic tricks... nothing s...sinister...” She forced a nervous smile which soon faded when her father’s expression remained the same. “Don’t bother trying to hide it! I’ve been at this long enough to recognize necromancy when I see it! You KNOW that practicing that vile magic is forbidden and you KNOW the penalty for it!” Tyrant’s voice was filled with rage and hate. Kirin stepped back, her eyes filled with fear and hurt. Her vision became clouded by tears. “Y...You wouldn’t! You wouldn’t kill your own daughter! Would you!? That’s just... horrid!” Tyrant began to walk towards her slowly. Kirin recognized the look in his eye. She stumbled backwards as he approached. Her mind filled with fear. He was really going to do it... He was really going to kill her! She couldn’t move, she was utterly paralyzed by fear. He stood over her, his horn giving off a sickly red glow as a wooden stake hovered from his saddle bag. “I always suspected that you were necromancer. Who else would have their cutie mark removed?” He smirked. “Don’t worry... this should be relatively quick.” The next sound Mia heard made her feel utterly sick to her stomach. Her entire body shook as tears flowed from her shut eyes. What just happened? Did her father really just kill her sister? She stopped shaking and held her breath as she heard hoof steps getting closer and closer to her hiding place. “Make sure you’re home before dark...” Was all he said to her before leaving. Mia opened her eyes to see him leaving. She noticed that the fur on his chest and hooves were stained with something. She shuddered again. When he was out of view she got to her hooves and peeked from behind the tree again. Kirin lay motionless in a pool of her own blood, a wooden stake imbedded in her skull. Mia approached cautiously. She nudged Kirin’s side with her hoof gently. “Kirin?” Mia’s eyes began to water. “Kirin? Get up... please? Kirin?” She didn’t get up, nor would she. Mia collapsed into sobs. *** Farune just stared at Mia. Her mouth open slightly and her eyes were wide. “No... it’s not... it CAN’T be true... Tyrant couldn’t... he wouldn’t... he...” She closed her eyes and lowered her head. Her body quivered not with sorrow, but with rage. “He... he took my filly from me... that monster took my Kirin from me!” Tears flowed down her cheeks, her eyes filled with hate. After a few moments she took in a deep breath and let out a shaky sigh. She wiped her tears away then smiled at Mia. “Let’s go home Mia, I think you deserve a day off of school.” Mia nodded slowly. Her own tears were running down her cheeks. “I’m sorry Mommy...” Farune hugged Mia. “Don’t you dare apologize. You haven’t done anything wrong.” She looked her daughter in the eye and smiled again. “Let’s go home.” *** Grenth sat alone in the dark. Although there was no light he could still see perfectly well. He waved a hoof slowly in front of himself leaving a trail of dark energy that lasted for about two seconds before deteriorating. He then attempted to write his name. G-R-E When he had begun writing the N the G had deteriorated, in frustration he tried again at a much faster pace. G-R-E-N-T When he failed the second time he let out a sigh. He was bored. “It was in there!” The voice came from outside the vault. Grenth got to his hooves in a state of panic. He did NOT like the tone of that voice. When the door began to open he melded with the shadows and waited. A navy blue stallion entered the burial vault and looked around cautiously. “I don’t see anything here. Although it could be a phantom of some kind...” “Right well... can I go now?” A rather nervous looking colt stood behind the stallion. He sighed. “Very well, it will be better if you’re not here anyway. This could be dangerous.” The colt bolted and didn’t look back. Tyrant continued searching the vault for signs of unnatural activity. The air certainly felt odd, and he felt like he was being watched. When he had completely searched the vault he sighed and left. He would return later. When the door shut Grenth let out a shaky sigh. That could have ended badly. He knew he was more than capable of defending himself, but he had no desire to take anyponies life. But this didn’t bode well, somepony had revealed his location. Probably one of the colts he scared off the other day. No matter. So long as he could remain hidden they wouldn’t be able to touch him. He hoped...
Chapter 4: Blind Rage and Ill IntentMia 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.
Chapter 5: Anger and BloodLustMia and Grenth ran as fast as their legs could carry them, well, Mia ran as fast as HER legs could carry her. Grenth could have easily run past her if he wasn’t relying on her to lead the way. He didn’t really know where he was going. “We’re almost there!” Cried Mia as they approached her house. Now that he knew where to go he went into full gallop as his body slowly began to disappear. *** Tyrant stood over Farune’s body, his hoof still pressing on her throat. She had stopped struggling but he kept his hoof there for good measure. He lowered his head so that his mouth was by her ear. “You brought this on yourself Farune.” He whispered into her ear. He brought his head back up and raised a hoof and prepared to crush her skull, just to make sure she was dead. He began to bring his hoof down when something slammed into his side with tremendous force. The impact sent him flying and he spat out blood as he slammed into ground. He could feel something standing on him. He looked up and glowing red eyes stared down on him filled with feral rage. Tyrant swung his head around and attempted to slash his attacker but his horn phased right through without leaving so much as a mark. “What!?” Grenth smiled darkly. “Impossible! How can you attack me physically and still be immune to physical attacks!? What are you!?” Grenth lowered his head to Tyrants ear. “A demon.” He whispered darkly before tearing off Tyrant’s ear with his razor sharp teeth. The taste of copper drove Grenth’s senses wild, awakening a dark urge for violence and blood. Tyrant cried out in pain and shot his hoof out instinctively. To both their surprise it made contact and sent Grenth flying backwards. He was on his hooves almost instantly charging towards the shadowy creature with his horn lowered. Grenth stood his ground and smiled, his sharp teeth shining in the fading light. Tyrant passed through him and collided with a wall, breaking his horn. He cried out in pain. He let out a gasp as something icy cold began wrapping around his waist and legs, lifting him into the air. Grenth’s tendrils slammed Tyrant into the ground then raised him up again before slamming him into the ground once more. He continued smashing Tyrant a dozen or more times, with increasing ferocity, smiling all the while. “Now I see why Abaddon enjoyed this so much... it’s rather entertaining...” “Grenth that’s enough...” Mia said under her breath, her whole body trembling with fear. He either couldn’t hear her or simply ignored her as he began dragging Tyrant’s bloody form across the ground harshly. “Grenth please stop...” He forced Tyrant through a wall. “Please... that’s enough...” He snapped one of Tyrant’s legs. “GRENTH THAT’S ENOUGH!!!” Grenth instantly ceased his onslaught and dropped Tyrant on the ground harshly. The bloodlust quickly faded. He turned to face Mia looking ashamed. “Sorry... I’m really sorry... I...I got carried away...” She walked past him and glanced at her father’s broken form. He was still breathing but barely. She disregarded him and walked over to her mother. “Mommy? Are you okay?” No reply. “Mommy, I’m here. Please wake up...” Still nothing. “M...mommy?” A black tendril slithered past Mia and touched the back of Farune’s neck. Farune gasped from the shock of the ice cold sensation and began coughing and gasping for breath. “MOMMY!” Cried Mia as she wrapped her hooves around her mother who returned the hug. “It’s *cough* alright dear. I’m *cough* alright.” Farune looked around and noticed Tyrant’s broken form. “W...What happened?” Mia looked a little sheepish and buried her face in her mother’s mane. “My friend happened...” Farune now noticed the shadowy colt standing nearby. He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. She smiled warmly at him. “Thank you for saving us.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “Um... sure... anytime...” If he could blush he would have. Farune got to her feet. She struggled to keep her balance for a moment but finally corrected herself. She noticed that her saddlebags where on the ground, their contents scattered about. She let out a sigh and began returning the items to her saddlebags. Mia and Grenth helped the best they could. As they worked Grenth noticed a black book with a skull insignia on the cover. “Is this...?” He stared at the book then at Farune. “A necromancy spell book?” Farune nodded sadly. Grenth returned his gaze to the book, an idea forming in his head. He returned his gaze to the mare. “You wouldn’t happen to know how to use this would you?” Farune was taken aback for a moment. “W... what possible reason could YOU have for asking somepony to perform necromancy!?” He rolled his eyes then gestured at himself. “I’m not exactly flesh and blood you know. Besides, there’s one spell in particular I would like performed.” Farune looked at him with suspicion. “What spell is it you want casting?” Grenth flipped the book open and skipped to the last page. “THIS one.” Farune walked over and looked, her eyes widened. “Th...that’s one of the most dangerous spells in the whole book!” “It’s also the only one that can be used to truly resurrect somepony.” She looked at him then at the book then shook her head. “I’m sorry I can’t help you. It’s far, FAR too dangerous!” He lowered his head sadly. “Alright... it was a silly idea anyway...” He perked up again then gave her a confused look. “Wait a minute... how do you even know about this kind of magic?” Farune packed the book into her saddle bag and began walking away. “Runs in the family...” While she had never told anypony, her entire family were Necromancers. Even she had delved into the dark arts during her youth, but she had given up that way of life when she met Tyrant, though to this day she still didn’t know WHY she had married him. She turned her head to glance at the two youngsters, signaling for them to follow. They complied and hurried after her. There was a lot to do. She needed to find a new home, and a job. She couldn’t stay here, not with Tyrant here. He would no doubt recover, and he would be snapping at their hooves until he either killed them or they killed him. Still... she couldn’t bring herself to kill somepony that had been beaten to that extent, no matter how much she hated him... From now on, things would be MUCH more difficult.
Chapter 7: SilenceGrenth waited for the inn keeper in the cellar. He had hidden himself in the shadows to be safe. Never knew who would suddenly decide to snoop around. He still wasn’t sure why Phil wanted to talk HERE, but he decided it would be better not to press the issue. After what felt like hours Grenth finally heard the sound of hooves on wood as the inn keeper descended the stairs to the cellar. When he reached the bottom Grenth emerged from his hiding place. “Well, I’m ready when you are. What’s this ‘favor’ you wanted doing?” Before answering Phil cautiously glanced around the room. He then lowered himself to Grenth’s level and began speaking in a hushed tone. “Alright, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to use those special sneaking skills of yours to solve an issue I’ve been having with one of my tenants.” Grenth raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You want me to spy on one of your customers?” Phil narrowed his eyes. “If you think it’s too much trouble you can always find ANOTHER inn for your friends to live in...” Grenth sighed. “No, no trouble, just unexpected.” He put on a more serious look. “So who do you want me to spy on?” Phil began to pace back and forth in front of Grenth. “I wouldn’t really call it ‘spying’... more like investigating. See there’s this mare that’s started staying here recently. Now she pays her bills frequently enough, but every so often some of the other tenants have been talking about strange noises coming from her room at night. Others say that she’s been seen sneaking off at night and the next day some poor pony is found dead and mutilated not far away from the inn.” He stopped and looked Grenth in the eye. “I want you to find out the truth. Find out everything you can about her, if you can prove that she’s up to no good then bring any evidence to me and I’ll make sure the authorities deal with her. If it turns out that she’s innocent then, well...” He hesitated for a moment. “Then I want you to find the real killer.” Grenth put a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “So in other words... you want me to break into one of your tenants rooms, search for evidence that may-or-may not be there, and identify the culprit behind a string of murders that have occurred near your inn. Anything else you want me to do while I’m at it?” The inn keeper shook his head. Grenth cracked his limbs in mock preparation. “Then I guess I better get started.” “She’s staying in room 6. Just make sure nopony sees you! This could very well run me out of business!” Grenth smirked. “Trust me, when I want to remain unseen even the best trackers can’t find me.” And with that he disappeared and silently made his way upstairs. Phil silently shuddered to himself. “Why do I feel like I just made a deal with the devil?” *** Grenth silently made his way through the inn. The sun had set about an hour ago so the inn was fairly dark which made his job that much easier. The only light came from the occasional lantern but there wasn’t really anypony up to see him anyway. Finally, he arrived at a door marked with an engraved ‘6’ on it. He smirked to himself, this had been WAY too easy so far. While still a shadow, he slipped under the door. When he emerged on the other side he was surprised to find the room empty with the exception of a bed and a dresser. After emerging from the shadows he poked his head under the bed but found nothing but dust bunnies. Slightly disappointed he made his way over to the dresser and opened each drawer and was once again disappointed to find that they were all empty. He climbed onto the top of the dresser and was surprised to find a folded piece of paper. Using a tendril, he unfolded it. Look behind you. “What the...” Before he could react somepony jumped him and pinned him to the ground with their hooves. He looked up to see a jet young black coated mare with red eyes glaring down at him. “What are you doing in my room!?” He raised an eyebrow. “How did you know I was going to be IN your room?” “I already know that the inn keeper’s on my case because of all the rumors the other tenants keep spreading about me! Everypony is ALWAYS on my case because of my appearance! It’s not MY fault I look the way I do! Yet all anypony ever thinks of when they see me is ‘Oh look at her, she looks evil. She must be up to something!” Grenth closed his eyes and shook his head sympathetically. “Believe me, I know exactly what it’s like to be judged solely on your appearance.” The mare looked him over then got off of him. Grenth slowly rose to his hooves. “I’ve been scorned all my life because everypony thinks I’m some sort of monster... unfortunately... they’re right to some degree...” He sighed sadly. “I was bred and altered to be part of the ‘ultimate species’ but all my father ended up making was a living shadow that took a pony’s form...” The mare’s eyes went wide. “Wow... and I thought I had reasons to be miserable...” She rubbed the back of her neck nervously. “Sorry I jumped you... I thought you were like the others...” Grenth shook his head. “I’m only doing this as a favor for the inn keeper. I’m supposed to find evidence about the recent murders and he suggested I start here but...” He glanced around. “It looks like you’re off the hook.” She smiled softly and cocked her head to one side. “What’s your name kid?” “Grenth.” “I’m Silence.” He smiled back. “Nice to meet you Silence.” “So... since you’re done breaking into my room, what are you going to do now?” Grenth tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Well... if it turned out that there wasn’t any evidence pointing towards you then I was supposed to find the REAL killer...” “This seems to be an awfully complicated favor...” Grenth’s ears folded against his head. “I’m... only doing this so my friends don’t get thrown out... I don’t think the inn keeper really trusts me that much.” Silence narrowed her eyes. “Can’t they afford the rent?” Grenth shook his head. “No, they can afford it no problem. It’s just that... he wasn’t supposed to know I was here but I sort of slipped up... so if my friends want to keep staying here I have to do him some favors.” Silence shook her head. “I don’t think he’s allowed to do that... you are just a foal after all. He can’t honestly expect someone your age to be able to succeed where the authorities have failed, even WITH your special skills.” Grenth’s head drooped sadly. Silence placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder. “Not alone anyways.” Grenth perked up. “Wait... what?” She smiled. “Why do you think I came here in the first place? This isn’t exactly the most wondrous of inns... The only ponies that really come here are those who are down on their luck.” Grenth frowned slightly. “Yeah... that sounds like us... But wait a second, why are you tracking the killer? I mean, I know it’s in everypony’s best interest to catch them, but why you specifically?” She lowered her head sadly. “It’s... personal...” “Did they kill someone close to you?” “You could say that...” Grenth nodded. “Fair enough...” He headed for the door. “Come on. We won’t catch that killer sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves all night...” Silence nodded and hurried past him. She looked back towards him. “I’ll lead, I’m more familiar with the area than you are.” Grenth nodded and the pair headed out the door. *** “One, Two...I’m coming for you...” Chanted a filly’s voice in the darkness. The mare ran through the alleyway. Her lungs were on fire, her legs burned, but she had to keep running, she didn’t dare stop. “Three, Four...Death knocks on your door...” She could hear her pursuer behind her, slowly gaining on her. “Five, Six... Your bones break like sticks...” She quickly rounded the nearest corner and stopped dead. It was a dead end. She turned slowly to face her pursuer, her eyes filled with fear. “Seven, Eight... You’re far too late...” The figure had stopped running and was now standing still, blocking her escape. Its body resembled that of a pony. Its skin was jet black but it didn’t appear to have a mane. It was slightly taller than the average stallion. Its legs were long and thin. Its neck was also slightly longer than average. Its face was more or less flat and an ominous red light shone from behind its eyeless sockets and from within its mouth. It smiled darkly, revealing a mouthful of black needle like teeth. “Awww... a dead end... *giggle*... see what I did there?” It laughed mockingly. It slowly began walking towards her. “Oh well... I guess when I’m done with you I’ll just have to find a new toy. Be sure to scream nice and loud okay? That’ll make it that much more fun!” She couldn’t move, she couldn’t think. The closer it got the more terrified she became. Her vision became hazy as it stopped, its face inches away from hers. Its smile widened, its murderous intent practically oozed from its body. “Nine... Ten... This is the end...”
Chapter 8: Smiling in the DarknessGrenth and Silence froze when they heard the scream. They looked at each other then bolted in the direction they guessed the scream came from. They ran through the alleyways as another blood curdling scream sounded nearby. They rounded a corner and froze. They had found the source of the scream, but it was far too late. A... thing... was already busy tearing apart what was left of a mare. Grenth couldn’t quite put his hoof on it, but the creature looked somewhat familiar. The creature realized that it was being watched and turned around to see who was behind it. A sickly smile was frozen on its face, blood dripping from its mouth and chin. Grenth clenched his teeth in anger. “Glam...” He muttered angrily. Silence turned to Grenth with a look of shock. “You KNOW this freak!?” The creatures smile widened (if that was even possible). “Well would you look at that... looks like little Grenth has decided to take his big brothers advice for once. Tell me, did father put up much of a fight when you left? Or did you sneak out when he wasn’t looking?” Grenth stomped his hoof angrily. “I DIDN’T take your advice! The only reason I’m not with father anymore is because he was found out! He’s dead!” Glam shrugged. “It matters little to me what happened to that deranged lunatic. What matters is that I’m no longer under his control!” Grenth took a few angry steps forward. “I don’t know how you are still alive... but what you are doing is unacceptable!!!” Glam cocked his head to one side playfully. “My dear little Grenth, you cannot kill what was never truly alive.” His smile quickly faded. “And I don’t recall YOU ever being the boss of me! I no longer answer to ANYPONY! No living thing can control me! I am free to do as I please!!!” Dark energy began to seep from Glam’s body and his smile returned. “Now since you took the liberty of bringing desert I think it’s time for the three of us to play a little game! Oh, and do try to last longer than my last victim... she was rather pathetic after all...” Silence took a step back, fear frozen on her face. “No... not again... I can’t...” She turned and ran down the alleyway. “Silence! Where are you going!?” Grenth called out to her but Glam knocked him aside with a tendril. Glam then giggled to himself. “It’s been a while since I’ve played with a mare with that kind of energy. This’ll be EXTRA fun!” He giggled again and began to trot after Silence at a leisurely pace. *** “One... Two... I’m coming for you...” The images that coursed through Silence’s mind brought tears to her eyes making it difficult to see. She kept running, with every ounce of energy she had. “Three... Four... Death knocks on your door...” She rounded a corner into another alleyway. “Why am I running? Wasn’t I going to avenge them? Wasn’t I supposed to fight?” Her mind kept scolding her for her cowardice. “This was my chance. I could’ve avenged everypony... So why am I so afraid? What IS it about that thing that fills me with such fear!?” She emerged onto the city streets. “Five... Six... Your bones break like sticks...” “I can’t let that THING get away with killing them... but I can’t stop running... why won’t I stop!?” She was getting tired, her legs began to burn and her lungs felt as though they were on fire. “Seven... Eight... You’re far too late...” Her legs gave out from under her. She had no more strength left to run. The air around her suddenly got very cold. She turned to see IT walking slowly towards her, its repulsive grin never leaving its smug face. It stopped with its face inches away from hers. “Nine... Ten... This is the en- ACK!!!” Glam was cut off when a black tendril wrapped around his neck and pulled him backwards. He stumbled and fell onto his back and struggled to remove the tendril with his hooves. “Useless... things! Curse you... father... for not giving me... claws!!!” Grenth emerged from the shadows, his tendril still wrapped tightly around Glam’s throat. His glowing red eyes were filled with murderous intent. “What are you... doing... brother!? Why are you... helping this... insignificant... pony!?” Grenth now stood over Glam. “These ponies may be insignificant to YOU... but they are NOT insignificant to ME!!!” Grenth’s voice was practically DRIPPING with hate. Glam just let out a strained giggle. “You were... always a little... slow... brother...” “What’s that supposed to mean!?” “Don’t you... remember... why we were... created? We were... supposed to... be... the ultimate... race. These ponies... are nothing... more... than toys... to us!” Grenth looked upon his brother with a look of utter disgust. “You’re pathetic Glam... You haven’t changed at all. Father should have locked you up and thrown the key away!” Glam giggled again. “Oh Grenth... you say the... nicest things. Besides... this is... what father... intended... for us.” Several more tendrils emerged around Grenth, their tips were like spears. “It’s over. Go back to hell brother!” The tendrils skewered Glam and lifted him into the air. Several more pierced through his body. Glam laughed through the entire ordeal. Finally the tendrils hooked into Glam’s body and began pulling in opposite directions. “This isn’t... the last... you’ll see of... me... little... brother! MARK... MY... WORDS!!!” And with that, Glam was torn to pieces. His body began to disintegrate, leaving only his bones. Grenth walked over to his brother’s skull and crushed it under his hoof. “And STAY dead this time!”
Chapter 1: Sadness and FearThe pink unicorn filly emerged from her home, levitating a white flower before her. “Mommy, Daddy, I’m going to say goodnight to sis! I’ll be back.” She called over her shoulder. “Alright, just be back before dark!” Her mother’s pleasant voice replied. “I will! I promise!” The little filly trotted along the path from her house, the trees silhouettes against the setting sun. She would probably need to be quick if she was going to be back before dark. Thank goodness the cemetery wasn’t very far away. “I really hope she likes the flower I got her...” She thought to herself. Reality kicked in a few seconds later. Her sister would likely be unaware of her visit. Her father often said the she was “sleeping” and wouldn’t wake up. She pushed those thoughts from her mind and quickened her pace. The shadows cast by the trees beginning to grow. If there was one thing that terrified her more than anything, it was the dark. Mia finally arrived at the ancient cemetery gates. They didn’t really serve much of a purpose now, as they were barley attached to their hinges. Few ponies ever visited the cemetery, and even fewer after dark. There had been many rumors going around about monsters appearing in the shadows. And there were a few who claimed that necromancers had been frequenting the area. Mia hadn’t heard any of these rumors though, otherwise she would not have come alone, with the sun setting. She made her way through the rows upon rows of tombstones. Many were cracked and crumbling with age and neglect. Finally she stopped before a large burial vault. She turned to her left to see the grave she was looking for. She walked over and sat on her haunches. She read the words chiselled into the tombstone. “Here Lies Kirin. Beloved daughter and sister.” Mia placed the flower carefully on the grave and smiled weakly. “Hiya sis...” She said softly. “Sorry I haven’t been around much. I brought you a flower. It’s really pretty, I hope you like it...” She was quiet for a moment, as if she was waiting for someone to say something back. “Oh!” She exclaimed. “Mommy and Daddy are both fine, by the way! Yeah, they’re both fine so you don’t have to worry at all! Although...” She was quiet again for a moment. “Sometimes... when I walk past mommy’s room... I can hear her crying. I... I don’t know why but... when she cries... I hurt inside... right here” She placed a hoof on the left side of her chest. “If you were still around I know you would know what to do. You always knew how to fix things like that. Like that onetime we found that bird that had died, and you made it alive again! I wish I knew how you did that... Don’t worry, I didn’t tell Daddy. Just like I promised!” “Oh... by the way, I don’t know if you ever noticed but that bird started to smell funny, and it was losing all its feathers so I let it go. Don’t know what happened to it after that.” “Oh yeah... Daddy found your book... although I guess you already knew that... since he found it the night before you disappeared. I guess we should have hid it a little better.” Silence again. Mia let out a heavy sigh. “I... really miss you sis... I... I wish there was a way to bring you back... like the way you brought that bird back... but I know Daddy would get mad at me... I...*sniff*” Before she could let out a single tear she heard the soft sound of somepony sobbing echoed quietly from inside the burial vault. She was stunned at first, but soon collected herself and got back up. She made her way hesitantly towards the large stone door. Using her magic she opened it just enough to peek inside. The sound of somepony crying was louder now. She cautiously peeked her head inside to take a look. She was met by a pair of glowing red eyes and a rather creepy voice saying “Who are you?”. She didn’t answer, nor did she hesitate. She slammed the door shut and ran. She ran with every ounce of energy she could muster. It felt like her heart was going to burst from her chest. She was scared, more scared than she had ever been in her life. And what was worse, it was almost completely dark outside! *** The colt stood in the dark utterly stunned. Not only had the filly slammed the door shut, she had been incredibly rude as well. It was a perfectly reasonable question. Ponies asked it all the time. Not that he expected any other reaction. Everypony he met did the same thing. They either ran screaming or tried to “destroy” him. He didn’t care anymore. He turned back to the stone sarcophagus and sat on his haunches and wept. “Why father? Why did you do it? Why?” *** Mia rushed through the front door of her home and slammed the door shut. She stood in front of the door panting for a moment with a look of utter horror on her face. Her father Tyrant emerged from the kitchen his hooves clopping against the stone floor. “I thought you were supposed to be back before dark?” He asked sounding a little annoyed and apparently unfazed by his daughters look of utter terror. “What took you so long?” It took her a minute to finally get enough breath to speak. “M...*wheeze*... monster...” She finally huffed. The navy blue stallion raised an eyebrow. “Are you certain? It was probably just your imagination.” “N...NO! It w...*cough*...was real! It was in that big room near *cough* Kirin’s grave! I heard it crying and looked in. I thought *wheeze* I thought it was a pony but all I saw were glowing red eyes! It asked me who I was but I didn’t... *cough* I didn’t answer. I just ran and ran and ran! It was REALLY scary Daddy!” She looked up at him with a look of both fear and an innocent desire to be comforted. Her big blue innocent eyes met his cold maroon eyes. After a moment he shrugged. “Well... that’s why you were supposed to be back before dark. Nopony knows what’s out there.” He turned to return to the kitchen. “Maybe we should stop letting you visit your sister’s grave if it turns out to be dangerous.” Mia’s eyes went wide in shock. “NO! No PLEASE no! I’ll be back before dark next time I PROMISE!!!” “Then there is nothing more to discuss. But if you come back late again, you won’t be making any more trips to the graveyard, understand?” Mia lowered her head sadly. “Yes daddy...” He re-entered the kitchen leaving the now depressed filly alone by the front door. His wife was finishing some last minute cleaning before getting ready for bed. The dark pink mare turned to her husband and smiled softly. “Was that Mia?” “Yes.” “Is she alright?” He shrugged. “She claims to have seen a monster in the burial vault near Kirin’s grave. Apparently it was crying...” “How strange... did she mention anything else?” “It had glowing red eyes and asked who she was. She high-tailed it after that...” Farune looked worried. “Do you think it might be dangerous?” “I doubt it’s even real. My guess is she’s either making it up, or she was just imagining it...” “What makes you say that?” Tyrant’s stare was cold. “Because I made absolutely sure that all necromancers and all their minions were wiped out from the area.” “It might not be an undead you know. It could be something else.” Tyrant raised an eyebrow. “With glowing red eyes?” “Lots of creatures eyes glow when light is shone on them, maybe it was just an animal.” “And asked ‘who are you’?” Farune was quiet for a moment. She smiled softly again. “Maybe you’re right, maybe it was just her imagination. She is frightfully scared of the dark after all. Her eyes were likely playing tricks on her, and graveyards tend to be a bit spooky.” Tyrant returned his wife’s smile. “My thoughts exactly.” “I’ll just make sure she’s alright, she is a rather meek little filly after all.” Tyrant shrugged again. “Do as you wish. She’ll likely be fine though.” “Still, I’d rather make sure.” He just shrugged and left the kitchen. It had been a rather long day and he was tired. Farune waited until he was gone before she went to talk to Mia. She was sitting on the floor facing away from the door looking sad and neglected. Farune nuzzled the little pink filly and smiled softly. “Do you want Mommy to sleep in your room with you tonight Mia?” Mia nodded. “Alright then, let’s get you ready for bed.”
Chapter 6: The Black Feather InnFarune and her filly walked through the city streets towards the inn. Well... Mia walked, Farune limped slightly. Grenth had decided it would be better to remain unseen and had hidden himself in Mia’s shadow. This however, made Mia nervous. She was worried that she would somehow step on him. “Dear, don’t worry. You can’t hurt a shadow.” “But... but he’s not like a normal shadow...” “I’m fine Mia, I can’t be harmed when I’m like this...” She was still a little uneasy but continued on anyway. Farune made a point of ignoring all the glaring ponies as they walked. There was no point in making a fuss over something she had no control over. As they neared the inn a unicorn mare blocked their path. “You’re that Tyrant fellow’s wife aren’t you? You’ve got some nerve waltzing into town like it’s nothing.” “Ex-Wife actually.” The mare took a step back. “Wait, what?” Farune smirked. “That’s right, I said ‘Ex-Wife’. I’ve left him. My daughter and I are going to have a fresh start away from that murderer! So you can tell everypony that we no longer have ANY connections to Tyrant LichSlayer!” She raised her voice for the last sentence so that everypony could hear her. For a moment, everypony stopped what they were doing and stared blankly at the mare and her filly. There was an uncomfortable silence for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the mare that had blocked their path backed away slowly. “You’re insane! If you’re telling the truth... then that means that he’ll come after you! He’ll go on a rampage! Nopony will be safe until he finds you!” Farune glared at the mare. “What are you getting at?” She pointed a hoof accusingly at Farune. “You’re putting us all in danger by being here! You have to leave! You have to leave RIGHT NOW!!!” Farune rolled her eyes and continued on past the mare. “Hey I’m talking to you!” She stopped, turned around, and gave the mare a murderous glare. “You know what? I am SICK and TIRED of everypony treating my daughter and me like WE are the ones who are responsible for all those deaths! If my memory serves correctly, everypony Tyrant has ever killed has been tied to necromancy in one way or another. While I understand that it is against the law to practice necromancy, I do NOT approve of Tyrants methods of dealing with it!” Farune began to approach the mare. “And do you think I supported his actions WILLINGLY? The only reason I didn’t leave that monster sooner is because I was afraid for the lives of my foals. The only reason we got away was because somepony saved us! But it wasn’t soon enough to save Kirin... That... that monster... that ANIMAL took my daughter from me! And if I ever see him again I WILL kill him!” She was now face to face with the mare, a look of anger frozen on her face. The mare shook where she stood. “So if you try to give me, OR my daughter anymore trouble... I WILL kick your sorry flank to the moon and back! GOT IT!?” The mare nodded vigorously. “Good!” Farune turned and began to walk away. The mare fell to her haunches in a state of utter shock. All the ponies that had witnessed the event just stood there dumbfounded. Farune had never been known to raise her voice for ANYTHING, and here she was threatening a mare who was giving her a hard time. Mia stared at her mother in awe. “Wow mommy! You scared that mean mare senseless!” Farune smiled at her daughter. “I guess that’s what happens when you keep all your anger bottled up for years on end.” After a few more minutes of walking through the streets and ignoring the stares of cautious ponies, they finally arrived at the inn. The stone brick building was known to be lower class compared to most other inns in the city, but its prices were reasonable, and had about thirty rooms. The sign that hung over the door had an image of a black crow painted on it with the words “The Black Feather Inn” painted below it. Farune entered the establishment with Mia close behind and approached the reception counter. A beige pegasus stallion with a brown mane and mustache sat behind the desk. He smiled as they approached. “Welcome to the Black Feather Inn. My name’s Phil, can I help you with anything?” Farune smiled back. It was nice to have somepony behave with some maturity for once. “We would like a room please, long term.” Phil nodded and pulled a book from under the counter and flipped it open. “Let’s see here... I’m assuming you want a room for two? Or would you prefer a room for one with a slightly bigger bed? It’ll be cheaper that way.” Farune’s smile widened slightly. She wasn’t used to anypony being so kind to her. “That sounds ideal. I’m sure my daughter would appreciate being close to me. She is a tad afraid of the dark after all. And we had a bit of a scare recently.” He looked up from the book and only then noticed some of the bruises on Farune’s body. He gave a sympathetic smile. “You’re Tyrant’s wife aren’t you? I take it you’re runnin’ away?” Farune’s smile immediately vanished and her ears folded against her head and she nodded solemnly. Then her eyes suddenly went wide and she jerked her head back up. “Don’t worry! He won’t be following us here! That’s why we came to this inn! He won’t think to look for us here! And he isn’t really in any condition to be chasing us right now anyway! Please don’t send us away!” The inn keeper just chuckled softly. “Mrs. LichSlayer... err... I guess that’s Ex-Mrs. LichSlayer... Rest assured I have no intention of sending you or your daughter into the streets to fall victim to that murderer. Nopony deserves that fate. After all, it takes allot of bravery to up and leave somepony that dangerous.” Farune let out a relived sigh. “Tell you what Mrs... err... Ms.?” “LifeGiver. My maiden name is LifeGiver.” He smiled again. “Tell you what Ms. LifeGiver, How about I give you and your daughter a special rate? On top of that, I’ll give you one of the suites and a part-time job until you can find something more permanent.” Farune’s jaw dropped, she stood there eyes wide in stunned silence. Mia looked from her mother to Phil, then back again. “Mommy? Are you okay?” “You alright Ms.?” A black tendril stealthily emerged from Mia’s shadow and prodded Farune on the flank and she let out a startled squeak before recovering her thoughts. It was the Inn Keeper’s turn to be stunned. “Wh... what the hay was that?” Farune gulped. Not good. “Ms. I would strongly recommend that you tell me what that was. You aren’t bringing anything dangerous into my inn are you?” “What!? NOnononononono of course not!” She sighed and hung her head. “Grenth, you might as well come out.” Phil took a step back as Mia’s shadow began to move on its own. Grenth slowly climbed out of Mia’s shadow as if he was climbing out of a hole in the ground. When he was finally out he stretched his limbs as if he had just woken up. “Note to self. Hiding in someponies shadow for too long is bad for the joints...” He said with a hint of annoyance as his joints audibly cracked with each stretch. It was Phil’s jaw that dropped this time. “What IS that!?” Grenth rolled his glowing red eyes. “I’m a shadow pony. Think of me as a living shadow with feelings and emotions and... who looks like a pony...” “Is... is it dangerous?” Mia scowled and put her hooves against the side of the counter to make herself as tall as possible. “No HE is NOT dangerous!!! He is my bestest friend ever and he saved my mommy’s life!” She glared at the inn keeper for his senseless remark. Farune put a hoof on Mia’s shoulder. “Mia, settle down, he didn’t know. To be honest Grenth does look like he could be dangerous to anypony that hasn’t met him before.” Mia’s lip quivered and her eyes began to tear up. “But... *sniff*... but he’s not dangerous!” Grenth wiped a tear from Mia’s eye with his hoof and smiled at her softly. “Don’t worry, I’m used to that kind of reaction from ponies. It doesn’t really bother me anymore.” Grenth then turned to the inn keeper, a serious look on his face. “If you don’t want me here I can leave. I am more than capable of fending for myself. Just don’t throw them out because of me. I have no intention of causing you any trouble.” Phil was quiet for moment, a stunned look on his face. He cleared his throat and gave Grenth a stern look. “Listen, part of me wants to throw you all out into the street, but I’m guessing you’re the one who helped these two get away from Tyrant. So that tells me that you have at least some form of decency or honor or whatever the hay you want to call it. But...” He let out a sigh. “If anypony found you here in my inn they’d shut me town and lock me up. So here’s what I’m gonna do.” He gave all three of them a stern look. “I’ll still give Ms. LifeGiver and her daughter their special rate, and the job. But in exchange I want you to do a few favors for me.” Grenth raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? You want me to do some favors?” Phil shook his head. “These aren’t ordinary favors. They’ll require some... discretion. You can’t let anypony see you. Understand?” Grenth nodded. Phil grinned. “Alright then.” He handed Farune a key. “You’re in room 32, down the hall on your right. As for you...” He turned back to Grenth. “Come with me.”
