This is the 27th chapter. Alright, this is where you get to know about Ventus' dark past and how he was able to escape from the hands of the angry mob and his cruel uncles.
I don't own the series of One Piece.
No flame reviews.
WARNING: This chapter contains racist and child abuse. I don't approve of it or condone it. If you're sensitive to this, don't read it.
Ventus' Past: Dark Past in Ishgard
Coconomi Island, Cocoyashi Village
After Nami finished her story, the straw hats stared at her with shock which it comes to a reason why she stole the money from pirates for the past 8 years, thus explains why she stole the Going Merry in the first place. Even though, Zoro is still holding a grudge for what Nami just did, but decides to let it go. Ventus knew this pain too well which he and Nami are the same.
"To make a choice like that when you're only 10 years old." Nami said seriously. "Do you know how hard it must've been?"
"All to save the village you love so much." Usopp muttered with a scowl, holding his long nose.
"WHAAAA! WHOEVER MAKES YOU SUFFER IS GOING TO HEAR IT FROM ME!?" Sanji yelled, causing Ventus to kick him in the balls, making the chef collapse down to his knees and holding his balls. "YOU BASTARD! WHY'D YOU GO AND DO THAT!?"
"Because if you go around saying she's your friend, then the Arlong pirates will get highly suspicious of her and her 8 years of hardships will be all for nothing!?" Ventus retorts with a tick mark on his head, sighed. "But none of it matters anymore since I've already killed Arlong and his entire crew recently."
Sanji then starting to get the idea which he understands why Nami has been fighting alone for 8 years.
"He's right. I've been fighting alone for only 8 years and I didn't want anyone getting involved, including you guys, because it'll only get worse whenever someone helps me." Nami nods with an agreement.
Then, Nami remembered when she stole those treasures from pirates which she's being chased by the group and got hurt during her return. Ventus then turn his head to her as he spoke.
"How much have you made this time?" Ventus asks.
"Only 93 million berries." Nami answered. "Right now, I've only got 7 million berries left."
Ventus gave her a nod.
"But I think Cocoyashi village need that money more than I do." Nami continues. "Thanks to you, the Cocoyashi village is finally free from Arlong."
"She's right kid, we're lucky to have you around." Zoro added with a smirk. "Yeah it may be a mess, but I'm sure they're glad for what you did."
"Yeah, I may not see you in the dragon form and I'm maybe upset for not fighting against Arlong, but we're just glad to have you as our crew." Luffy said with a big grin.
Ventus then widen his eyes, seeing that they're glad for what he has done for the villagers and for Nami. The young Dragoon then look at Nami when she give him a nod with a smile. Before she can say anything, Ventus began to sniff the air which he knew something is wrong.
"What's wrong? I thought you've taken care of those pirates." Nami said with confusion.
"No, not pirates. It's Marines, they're coming here." Ventus shook his head, then sniff the air as he widened his eyes. "Oh no."
"What is it?" Zoro asks seriously.
"Nami, you did made a deal with Arlong since 8 years, right?" Ventus asks, earned a nod from her. "Well Nami, I'm not sure that you know, but Arlong never kept that promise. In other words, he's been lying to you for the past 8 years."
"Wait hold on, what are you saying?" Sanji inquired seriously.
"What I'm saying is, Arlong has made a deal with a Marine and the scent I've caught was a corrupt Marine." Ventus explains.
Nami then widened her eyes with her face pale, completely stunned for what Ventus have told them. The rest of the Straw Hat crew and two bounty hunters were shocked when Ventus have told them about Arlong lying to her about buying the village. Luffy was now angry as he spoke.
"If Arlong isn't dead, I would kick his ass!?" Luffy shouts with anger. "Now I'm gonna kick that Marines ass!?"
Luffy was about to rush after the Marines, but Ventus was able to grab his jacket.
"I wouldn't advise that, Luffy. You can't go charge after them and head on. You need to think before you act." Ventus points out.
"My Plan Is To Kick There Asses!?" Luffy yelled at him. "Are You-"
"WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO VENTUS/THE KID FOR ONCE!?" Nami and Zoro yelled at their captain in unison, bonked his head while showing his white eyes and shark-like teeth.
"Is Luffy always like that?" Sanji questions with annoyance.
"Unfortunately." Ventus answered with a sigh. "He's been like that ever since we first met him."
"I see." Sanji said with a sigh. "Anyway Ventus, got any ideas?"
"Okay, listen." Ventus said as the Straw Hat crew and the bounty hunters then gathered around the young Dragoon as he began to tell them the plan.
Few minutes later, the Marines and Genzo have made their way towards the Tangerine Grove when both Nami and Ventus arrived outside, seeing them approaches the two.
Flashback
"Nami, is there an exit somewhere in the house?" Ventus asks.
"There is." Nami nods, points the back door. "There's the back door over there. We only use it whenever we go out."
"Alright, Usopp, come with me." Ventus told him.
Both Ventus and Usopp walked towards the back door as he then sprouts his wings, grab hold of him as he placed him on the roof.
"Uh Ventus, are you sure this is a good idea?" Usopp questions, scared.
"Usopp, you're the only one who had the uncanny marksmanship. We need you here so you won't get caught. You still have the slingshot on your satchel, right?" Ventus asks as Usopp then look through his satchel, grabbing the slingshot.
"Yeah, but..." Usopp was about to question him, but realize why the young Dragoon placed him on the roof. "Oh, I got ya."
"Do you have any pellets that make smoke?" Ventus inquired.
"Sure do, I've made the Smoke Star." Usopp nods with a smirk, showing the grey pellet.
"Alright, when Nami gave you the signal, use that smoke pellet to fire at the Marines." Ventus told him, earned a nod from him. "Try and stay quiet as you can Usopp."
"Right, I'll be stealthy as possible." Usopp nods as he then crawls up on the roof.
Ventus then landed down to the ground as Luffy spoke.
"I'm so bored, when am I gonna kick the Marines ass?" Luffy asks with his bored tone.
"You need to try and listen to Ventus for once." Sanji told him. "So, what do you have us do?"
"I need you, Zoro, Luffy, Johnny, and Yosaku hide in one of those tangerine bushes. When Usopp fires the smoke pellet, I'll grab hold of Genzo while you guys go and launch a surprise attack." Ventus explains. "The Marines won't be able to see us coming."
"Okay, but you know that corrupt Marine you're talking about won't tell us that he made a deal with Arlong." Sanji points out.
"I've got that covered." Nami said with a smirk. "If he won't tell us the truth, then Ventus will transform himself into a dragon. Once that happens, we'll force him to tell him the truth."
"Nami~! You're so beautiful when you've told us~!" Sanji said in a lover chef mode.
"Great, a cook in lovesick, just what we need." Zoro said with annoyance.
"I guess we'll just have to put up with him." Ventus added with a sweat drop.
"Alright guys, remember, this is Ventus' plan. We have to try and get the Marine to convince us that he struck a deal with Arlong." Nami told them. "So, let's go out there and make it happen."
Flashback ended
When the Marines and Genzo arrived here in the Tangerine Grove, Usopp crawls up at the top of the roof, readying his slingshot while the two bounty hunters, Zoro, Sanji, and Luffy were in their positions in the bushes.
He has an appearance of a rat. He has whiskers and rat ears attached to his marine cap. He also has brown hair. Unlike other Marines, he has a greyish-blue button up coat that goes down to his feet with a black belt and blue shoulder pads.
"Is there something we can help you with?" Nami asks with a smile.
"Are you the pirate thief known as Nami?" The corrupt marine asks with a smirk.
"If I am?" Nami inquires, crossed her arms.
"Well according to our investigation, you've buried a good deal of plundered treasures somewhere in the Tangerine Grove." He explains arrogantly, leaving Genzo widened his eyes with shock. "Now, you stole from pirates so we have no intention of arresting you, but theft is theft. Therefore as of this moment, stolen goods become the sole property of the Government. It is required that you comply immediately."
Nami and Ventus kept their composure which they knew that something was off about the Marine, but the young Dragoon knew that expression on his face is written all over and the same scent coming from the corrupt Marine.
"Sorry, perhaps you didn't hear me the first time." The Marine said with a laugh. "The Government hereby confiscates everything you've stolen. It is required that you comply immediately. Do you understand?"
"Isn't that something? I can see you're very passionate about your duties. You won't bring a brutal gang of pirates to justice, but you will shake down a lowly sneak thief." Nami said with a smirk. "That's so very noble."
The corrupt then laugh a little, seeing that she won't comply as Ventus then spoke.
"Before you go and search, let me ask you something." Ventus intervenes. "How do you know about the treasure that's buried here? And how much was it that she stole?"
"Oh, I don't know. I just have a hunch that that's the amount we're looking for." The corrupt Marine lied through his teeth, cross his arms. "Now men, begin the search!"
"NOW, USOPP!?" Nami gave him the signal as Usopp then rise up the top of the roof, readied his slingshot.
"Smoke Star" Usopp then fires a smoke pellet at the Marines.
Ventus then rush towards the smoke while sprouting his wings as he then grab hold of Genzo, flying in mid-air.
"Alright guys, they're all yours!" Ventus shouts, give them the signal.
With that, Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Johnny, and Yosaku then knock the Marines down while in the smoke. When the smoke clears, the Marines were now tied up thanks to Luffy's rubber powers as Ventus then place Genzo down to the ground while Usopp then falls down to the ground as well, landed with hard impact.
"Ventus told us everything after he killed Arlong and his entire crew." Nami points out with a scowl. "He told us you've been making a deal with Arlong."
"I would never do a pirates dirty work, that be wrong. I'm just a public servant dealing with theft the way any Government worker would." The corrupt Marine lied with a shout.
"Well, then I guess you leave us with no choice." Nami said with a sigh, turned her head to Ventus with a smile. "Ventus, feel like a snack?"
Ventus then begin to fully transform himself into a dragon, walking towards the Marines while licking his lips with a hungry expression, leaving the Marines scared.
"SO COOL!" Luffy yelled with awe.
"Whoa, so that's his transformation? Didn't think he's like this!?" Sanji exclaims with shock.
"You see, he's a dragon and he can gobble you guys up with only one bite." Nami points out with a smirk. "So, unless you tell us the truth, your lives will be spared, but if not, then we'll let our dragon friend eat you guys for lunch."
The Marines were now really scared since Nami has given them two options: either tell the truth or get eaten. One of the Marines spoke.
"Alright! Alright! We'll tell you!"
"What are you doing, you fool? They're just bluffing." The corrupt Marine said, sweating bullets and scared.
"Sorry Captain, but I'd rather live than getting eaten by a dragon."
"And indeed you should." The voice said with a very serious and disappointed tone which it was a Marine. "It also comes to our attention during our investigation at the ruins of Arlong Park, there's been an underhanded treachery among our own ranks. And that was you, Captain Nezumi."
The Marine is a man of average height with light purple hair that he wears in multiple ponytails, a long goatee, and an average build. He wears a standard uniform with a Marine coat and a green scarf.
"C-Commodore Pudding Pudding." Nezumi said with shock.
"This indicates that you have been negotiating with the Arlong pirates while not doing your duties as a Marine." Pudding Pudding said as he turned his subordinates. "Men! Take them to the ship, we'll take them to the Marine headquarters where they'll be punished for their crimes."
"Yes Sir!" The Marines saluted before taking Nezumi and the Marines in his tow to bring in for questioning. Pudding Pudding then turned his head towards the Straw Hat crew as he spoke.
"Now, which one of you have killed Arlong and the entire crew?" The Commodore questions.
Ventus steps forward as Zoro then tossed the cloak to him while transforming back into a human, covered his entire naked body.
"I am, my name is Ventus Starwind." Ventus introduced himself.
"He's a Dragoon sir, and he's also a half-human and half-dragon." Nami explains.
"Hmm." Pudding Pudding hummed in thought as he then spoke. "I heard of that incident from Ishgard long ago. What I've learned that incident is a certain young lad have lived a wonderful quiet life with his parents, but been discriminated as a half-breed. However, despite everything, those people have treated this poor young lad like an outside only because of his two cruel uncles while going after his family."
"Wait, are you talking about Ventus?" Usopp inquired.
"Correct." Pudding Pudding nods as he then look at the young Dragoon. "You have my sincerest sympathy after what those people in Ishgard have put you through."
Ventus then give him a nod.
"Now as for the bounty, I've confirmed of the death of Arlong, Kuroobi, and Chew, we have find this a bit horrifying and...nauseating. You have our deepest gratitude for dealing with the entire Arlong pirates. It's been far too long that Arlong and his crew arrived here. Despite us being Marines, we were unable to do anything against the crew." Pudding Pudding said as he then sighed. "But unfortunately, due to the large sum that is, it's quite clear that we don't have it on our persons."
"Then what about the treasure at Arlong Park?" Yosaku questioned.
"Yeah, Arlong was sure to have the treasure hidden somewhere." Johnny added.
"That needs to be seized and documented before handed over to the Government and I'd like to keep it official, wouldn't you?" Pudding Pudding questioned the young Dragoon.
"It'd be best to do that." Ventus nods. "How does it work?"
"Due to the large sum of reward, you'll need to head towards one of the Marine Headquarters branches and give them this." Pudding Pudding explains as he reached his jacket and pulled out the sealed letter. "There should be no questions asked and you'll be given the bounty."
Ventus give the Commodore a nod as he take the sealed letter.
With that, Commodore Pudding Pudding then left the Tangerine Grove while heading to his men so he'll be taking Nezumi to the Marine Headquarters. Ventus then went back inside to put his clothes back on. However, the Straw Hat crew and the two bounty then went inside which they knew something was off about the young Dragoon, knew that he's been hiding something.
"Ventus, what does he mean about the incident?" Sanji asks, leaving Ventus sighed.
"This happened 11 years ago." Ventus told them, leaving them shocked. "Yes, I was being hated and loathed by people from Ishgard and dragons from Dravannia, but my two uncles have making it worse by telling them lies about my parents."
"What did they tell them?" Nami inquired.
"They've told them that my father have brainwashed my mother with his powers." Ventus answered with a growl. "But my father would never do that to my mother for something so ludicrous!? And yet, they have to gall to spread those lies to the people in Ishgard!? My father loved my mother, just as my mother loved my father!?"
"Ventus, calm down." Nami assures him, placed her hands on his shoulders. "Listen, we want to know what happen you in Ishgard."
Ventus then look at the Straw Hat crew and the two bounty hunters, knowing that they want to know about him. The young Dragoon then sighed as then begin to tell them about his past.
Ishgard, 11 years ago
11 years ago, a little boy named Ventus, went with his mother to head towards the marketplace to help her buy some produce they need. However, the people have given the two a scornful look in their eyes along with disgust and hatred. They've also whisper to each other about those two, but his mother didn't mind them while Ventus tried to keep his composure which he was glaring right back at them. His mother then placed her hand on her sons shoulder, telling him to calm down as he then gave her a nod.
His mother has brown hair and green eyes. She wore a nun attire, black shoes, and a rosary around her waist.
Ventus is wearing a white shirt, blue shorts, and sandals.
One of the managers from the fruit stalls have given them some apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, and pears. Apparently, not all of the people hated Ventus or his parents, some people accepted him because of his heritage and hope that people and dragons can co-exist together in Ishgard and Dravania. When they finished they're shopping at the marketplace, the two have wound-up meeting his uncles.
The first male has long slick black hair tied into a ponytail. He wore a noble attire which he was wearing a white button up jacket that reaches down to his legs with yellow shoulder pads, white shirt with black vest and white scarf underneath it, white pants, black shoes, and white hat. He carries a walking stick.
The second male has short brown hair with a beard and a mustache styled as fu manchu. He also wore a noble attire which he was wearing a black button up jacket with yellow shoulder pads, white shirt with black vest and white scarf underneath it, black pants, black shoes, and black hat.
"Good afternoon, sister." The first male greets, sneered. "Still walking with that abomination, I see?"
"Now, now, let's not jump to conclusions, Grima." The second male told his brother. "Besides, that monster is our nephew after all and we don't want anyone spread bad rumors about him."
"Be silent." The nun said with her calm but anger tone. "You two would do well to keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not come here to listen to any of your outlandish rumors nor any of your foolish lies."
That got the two nobles glaring at the nun which they didn't like her tone as one of them spoke.
"Oh we didn't come here to tell you about the rumors, we've come here to let you know that we'll be having a meeting with the Council." Grima explains. "And that cursed husband of yours is coming for the meeting."
"That 'cursed husband' has a name." The nun retorts. "His name is Starblaze. And he's a Dragon King from Dravania."
"Dragon King or not, he's still our sworn enemy and must be executed!?" The second noble shouts with anger. "You use to be a Dragoon back at the day! You've killed those dragons without any mercy!"
"Be that as it may, but I stand down for years." The nun told them. "I stand down because I've let my rage get the better of me and I'm blinded by that as well. I was grateful for what Starblaze have done for me and I've treated his wounds in return. He's been kind and noble ever since I first met him."
"That's pure nonsense! Dragons were never kind or noble!?" Grima retorts. "You're only saying that because you've grown soft onto those dragons."
The nun then scowled at her two brothers, not liking their remarks which the two have discriminate Ventus due to him as a half-breed and their sister because of her grown soft to those dragons. However that's not the case, she found Starblaze when he's heavily wounded during his fight against the Dragoons while landed real hard next to the church. She then treated his wounds while using those healing ointments on him. Next thing, the two have gotten to know one another. What she learned from Starblaze was that, he never wanted the war to continue ever since both Ishgard and Dravania have been in a conflict for centuries and it's been gone on long enough. He carries out his fathers work as the Dragon King, but not the way his father would go and aim a pointless war, Starblaze wanted for humans and dragons co-exist. He learned from her was that she use to be a Dragoon since years ago, fighting against dragons and slay them, but what got her to stop is when she first met Starblaze, he told her that rage will only blind her and she'll live up to have the stain of blood on her hand. To that point, she knew that he's right as decides to step down while becoming a nun of the church. Next thing they knew, they fell in love, got married by secret and given birth to a boy named Ventus.
Even though, they've been together for three years and unfortunately, the only ones who knew about the secret were the two of his uncles. Also, they've been spreading rumors about the two, causing the people in Ishgard to hate them, but Ventus' mother and the nuns have manage to die down to those rumors while clearing up the misunderstanding. They were able to get things cleared out, but that doesn't stop those two cruel uncles whenever they saw Ventus, they would drag him over somewhere while abusing him. However, they've made a biggest mistake when Ventus was starting to grew enraged while breathing fire at them, causing the two run while their butts were on fire which the nuns, his father, and his mother were laughing with amusement and believing that those two uncles of his deserves that.
However, those two never learn their lesson since they continue to provoke the two.
The nun then spoke since she's had enough of those two.
"The only regret I have is having you two as my siblings who became cruel to my family." The nun said to them with her calm tone. "And I won't let this farce go on any longer."
"What are you trying to tell us?" Grima questions. "Tell us, Merida!?"
"If you ever threat my family, I swear in the name of God, neither of you two will ever be forgiven when you feel Starblaze's wrath." Merida warned them, leaving the two gasped with their eyes widened. "Don't think I didn't know after what you both did to my son or spreading some foolish rumors about my family."
With that, both Merida and Ventus then left the marketplace, leaving his two uncles alone speechless and not finding the write words to tell their sister. However, the two men then began to grew anger, to the point that they'll have to kill their relatives.
Few hours later, both Ventus and Merida have made their way to the cathedral as they went inside so the nun takes Ventus to the room where he can begin his lessons. Merida then head towards the kitchen, sighed after what her brothers just did. She was too happy that her brothers insulted her family. This has been going ever since she gave birth to her son and learn from the fact that, Ventus has been inherited a trait of the dragon. Her fellow sisters even knew that her son is a half-breed, but they accepted him, some people from Ishgard accepts him while most of them discriminates him out of hatred.
After everything Merida and Ventus have been through along with Starblaze, they're doing everything they can to try and live a normal life, but with everything that's went down, things have gotten a lot harder. One of the nun walk towards Merida as she spoke.
"Sister Merida, are you okay?" The nun asks with concern.
"After everything with my brothers, not likely." Merida told her with a sigh. "These two always come here and cause trouble for me and my family. Now, they're making everything harder for us."
"Even so, we're trying to convince them that your son isn't a demon nor a devil, he's still your boy. You, Starblaze, and Ventus need to get away as far away as you can." The nun told her. "A friend of mine owns the ship at the eastern docks, he can help you and your family."
"I can't sister." Merida shook her head. "I still haven't heard a word from my husband for months, I'm starting to grew worried."
"I understand, sister Merida. But, you can't stay here in Ishgard forever." She told her with her calm tone. "Listen, I know you've tried everything to convince them, but you need to think about what's best for Ventus. Even if, you and your family leave Ishgard and away from the Eorzea island."
Merida knew that her fellow sister is right, even though, she and the other nuns have tried everything they can to get the people to accept her son, but thanks to her two brothers, not many of the people would ever accept him.
"We'll leave tomorrow morning for you and your family to leave Ishgard." The nun told her sadly. "I'm sorry."
With that, her fellow sister then left the kitchen with a sorrowful look on her face, leaving Merida alone as she then begin to start shed in tears in her eyes, crying out. After everything she's been through, she knew that her fellow sister is right, but she couldn't leave Ishgard or Starblaze. He promised her that he'll do everything he can to make the people in Ishgard and dragons from Dravania co-exist. She didn't want to leave because Ishgard is her home along with everyone and everything she grew up. With everything that's happen for the past three years, she now has to tell her son the grave news.
Later that night, after Merida have told her son, Ventus wasn't too happy about leaving which she can understand that, but she doesn't want to leave either. However, when his two uncles around spreading rumors, making the people believe everything after what the two have told them, they have no other choice but to leave Ishgard and find a new place to live.
"But, what about father? Will he be able to come with us?" Ventus asks with sad expression.
"If I ever get a word from him, then yes, he would." Merida nods to her son. "But, I'm starting to worry about him."
"I wish he's here." Ventus muttered.
"So do I." Merida agrees as she embraced her son. "So do I."
After a few minutes of the heartfelt hug, Merida then puts her son to bed as she then begin to sing a lullaby.
Deep in the meadow, under the willow
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow
Lay down your head, and close your eyes
And when they open, the sun will rise
Here it's safe, and here it's warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you.
Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
Forget your woes, and let your troubles lay
Then again it's morning, they'll wash away
Here it's safe, and here it's warm
Here the daisies guard from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings then true
Here is the place, where I love you
Here is the place, where I love you
When she finish the song, she then placed a blanket onto her son and spoke.
"Goodnight, my little Starwind." Merida said, kissing him on the forehead.
Seeing him sleeping peacefully when he heard of her singing made her smile. However, it went short after she heard a shout that was coming from outside, but it was a chant full of hate and anger which Merida wasn't expecting this to happen.
"Mother, what's happening?" Ventus groaned, woke up.
"Ventus, stay inside." Merida told her son as she then rush towards the door to the main room.
When she got outside of the church, she saw an angry mob with torches and variety of arsenals heading towards the church lead by her brothers. They were roaring with anger and hatred, chanted 'Witch' 'Dragon Lover' 'Whore' or 'Demon Child' with their loathed and angry tone. When they arrived, Merida close the doors behind her with a brave face.
"Let us through, witch, so we can kill your child." One of the angry mob demands with a shout. "We know you're hiding little demon of yours."
"I assure you, my son is not a demon." Merida assures with her calm tone, tried to convince them. "If you ever come try and kill me, I can assure that my husband will-"
"SILENCE!?" Grima retorts with a shout. "Do you defy us!? Your little Starwind was nothing but a demon. And yet, you were brainwashed by your dragon husband and I want to save you from him and your son."
"What!? That's a ridiculous lie I've ever heard! How could you say that to your nephew!?" Merida exclaims with a shout.
"Don't speak about that abomination that you call your son, whore." Grima retorts, smirked evilly. "That boy must be executed along with you so we will save you from that dragon."
Merida then widened her eyes with shock, dread, and horror. She now realize that her brothers were able to succeed in sprouting lies about her family and why the two have abused him constantly. For that reason, those two have strong hatred of dragons from Dravania and being so cruel towards her and her family. He then turn towards the angry mob as he spoke.
"MY FRIENDS, ARE WE GOING TO LET THIS WHORE OF A DRAGON LOVER PREVENT US TO KILL HER AND HER MONSTER!?" Grima yelled with a jeer, causing the angry mob to roar.
With that, one of the angry mob then threw the torch at the cathedral which it cause to burn on the inside. One-by-one, the angry mob threw the torches at the church since the number of torches begin to burn the church. Merida tried everything to convince them, but they won't listen to any reason and know that she's only have one choice, it's to take her son and Starblaze and leave Ishgard as far away as possible. She then rush inside of the church to find her son which she's coughing the air filled with smoke, but Ventus was able to find her when he caught her scent. Merida then head towards the secret passageway in order to escape since they were lucky that the cathedral has secret passages that no one else would know about it.
They were able to get out of the church in time when they heard an angry mob cheered, glad to see that Merida and Ventus were burned. However, they failed to realize that the two were able to get out when they rush towards the forest, but one of the angry mob saw them which they were in disbelief. However, they didn't care as the two of her brothers went ahead after them along with the angry mob.
Few minutes later, both Merida and Ventus were able to get a far off distance, but she was shot when the bolt hit her in the back, causing her to collapse down to her knees.
"Mother!?" Ventus shouts with worry as he rush towards her. "Mother!? Are you alright?!"
"Ventus, I don't think I'll be able to go with you." Merida told her son. "Listen to me, I need you to go and head towards the eastern shore, they'll be able to get you out. I was afraid that my brothers were able to convince them with lies. I need-"
Before she could finish her sentence, they heard a rustle at the bushes which she won't have time to explain as Ventus then quickly hide towards the big log which he's small enough to fit through. Grima revealed himself from the bushes with a sinister smile, laughing as he spoke.
"You really shouldn't have given birth to that abomination you call a son, I really don't like that hideous dragon from the inside of him." Grima mocks.
"Don't you dare mock my son. He's my boy and I love him!?" Merida retorts with anger. "He's no abomination!?"
"Ah, but you're wrong. That brat is an abomination." He told his sister with his evil smile, revealed himself from the bushes. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you have feelings for that monster."
"Oh Thenien, you're quite right. She does have feelings for that monster of a dragon." Grima agrees.
"He's no monster, you and your brother are." Merida snarled, causing one of her brothers slapped her in the face.
"Do you really think that you're any better, sister!?" Thenien retorts. "Now, where is that monster?"
Merida just went silent for a moment as she then smile, laughing at them which the two were confused, wondering why she's laughing.
"He's far away from here and away from you fools." Merida answered with her calm tone. "I sent him towards the northern shore where he'll be far away from here, including you fools. No matter what you'll do, no matter where you go, you'll never find my son. And I'm proud that I'm married to Starblaze, my husband, and having a child together. I love them both with all of my hearts."
Apparently, both Grima and Thenian didn't like her answer, but knew where their nephew is heading which they'll be able to kill him. Unknown to them, Ventus was watching and heard everything, but saw what they're going to do to his mother as he watch with teary eyes, helpless of they're going to do next.
"I would be honored when I join them in the stars." Merida said with a smile. "Ventus, Starblaze, I love you both with all of my heart."
With her final words, Thenien then impaled her in the center of the chest where the her heart is with his broadsword, leaving Ventus silently cried in tears. He felt devastated for seeing something so cruel and malicious as he was about to rush after them. One of the nun grab hold of him while silently heading out of the woods.
The nuns were able to get Ventus to safety, but saw something that devastates a three year old child when he saw someone died right before his eyes. However, they won't have time to mourn since the angry mob will be looking for him as the nuns and Ventus then head towards the eastern shore to get him somewhere safe without his mother or his father.
That's it for the 27th chapter.