Some Try, Brisbys Do

NIMH is Coming!

"Children!" Kristy said knocking on the stone block. "Children, are you alright?"

"I think we're okay", Theresa said. "What's happening, Auntie Kristy?"

"We ran into a little... delay", Kristy said trying not to cause any more panic. "You just sit tight and we'll get the house moved, okay?"

She looked to see the rats surrounding the block wondering what to do now. Jenner stood in front of the block, stopping everyone's progress.

"Friends... we cannot move the Brisby home", he said.

"But we just can't leave it here in the mud", Mr. Ages said.

"The equipment is in shambles."

"Just because of that, you'd let four innocent children stay trapped inside?" Kristy glared. "You disgust me, you... you..."

"One day we shall journey to Thorn Valley just as Nicodemus wanted", Jenner said changing subjects. "But not now. Come. Let us return to the rosebush where we belong."

She glared as he turned to leave. None of the other rats seemed to want to follow him. They stood where they were as a voice came yelling.

"Justin... Justin...!"

"Mrs. Brisby?" Mr. Ages turned his head to the voice.

"Elizabeth!" Kristy gasped. "What happened? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Mr. Ages, what happened?"

Elizabeth gasped as she saw the block stuck in the mud.

"The children!"

"They're alright", Kristy said. "I just spoke to them. They're alright."

Mr. Ages shook his head as he looked away. Tears came to his eyes, a sight no one who knew him had ever seen.

"Nicodemus is... dead", he said.

Elizabeth held Mr. Ages as he sobbed into her chest. Kristy's ears flattened against her head as she looked down. She looked up as Elizabeth began talking urgently.

"You're in great danger. NIMH is coming!"

Kristy gasped as her fur stood on end. NIMH? Coming here to the farm? Jenner glared at Elizabeth turning to the rats.

"Come, come, let's return to the rosebush", he said.

"NIMH is coming!" Elizabeth repeated running to his side.

"NIMH?" one rat asked.

"In the morning!" she answered.

"NIMH?"

"Yes. You will all die unless you leave the farm tonight."

"Lies!" Jenner growled.

"Jenner, shut your trap and listen to her!" Kristy yelled finally having enough of him.

"What if it's true?" the rats asked. "We'll all be killed!"

"Don't listen!" Jenner said. "She's hysterical!"

"Get out now!" Elizabeth said.

"You get out! I've had enough!"

Jenner raised his hand and backhanded Elizabeth. Kristy gasped as Elizabeth was sent flying into the mud. Jenner threw back his cape and pulled out a sword.

"Jenner, stop!" Kristy said.

She jumped onto Jenner's back, pulling back his ears, trying to keep him from attacking Elizabeth. Jenner growled as he grabbed Kristy's tail, pulling her off him. He threw her in the mud next to Elizabeth.

"Jenner!"

Jenner swung his sword, cutting Kristy across the face. She gasped and backed away from him as Justin came to help.

"Jenner, stop this!" he said.

Everyone glanced at Elizabeth as the red stone on the amulet suddenly flashed red. Jenner froze as his eyes widened.

"The stone..."

"Jenner..." Justin warned him.

"Get out of my way!"

Jenner pushed Justin away from Kristy and Elizabeth. He swung his sword, slashing Justin's arm.

"Justin!" Kristy screamed as she saw blood oozing from his wound.