Chapter One: Horrible News
A girl with brown hair and carmel highlights walked through the halls of Wayside High School. She walked to her locker and opened her red locker. As she finished she saw her friends come walking over.
Kumal closed her locker door," Hey guys. What's up with you guys?"
"We found a portal or vortex." Stu said telling her what was up.
"Whatever you want to call it, it is in the woods behind your house where we do target practice on each other." Shendal smiled.
Kumal was confused," What do you mean you found a portal."
Stu answered her," It is in your back yard. The rest of the gang is going to meet us there. If that is all right with you."
"I need some time to think about this one. I will let you know though."
"Take all the time in the world. We have all the time in the world." Shendal said still smiling.
She didn't know what they were smiling for. Kumal grabbed their arms dragging them to their next class wanting to show them something.
They went into the classroom and saw Mr. Tibet sitting at the door handing out tests. Kumal took the test and looked at it once and nearly fainted at the sight of it. There was no way she would pass this test, not in a million lifetimes.
Shendal saw this and pointed to a desk near his while Kumal sat down thankful that she would pass this test. As they finished the test the bell rang and Kumal left with all her friends this time and went to karate practice.
Master Tento stood at the door handing out belts to the students as they came in. Kumal put on her black belt while her friends put theirs on to. They separated into groups of five. Kumal and Shendal both placed their hands in front of them and bowed to each other.
Kumal kicked first missing by an inch while Shendal grabbed her leg and threw her to the ground. As Kumal got up she went to the punching and hit her friend in the eye. All at the same time Shendal took her hand from her face and twisted it behind her back. As her hand was behind her back she kicked Shendal in the stomach, which made her release her arm. Shendal did a round house kick, a flip and then finally pinned her to the ground.
Master Tento came over," Very nice Shendal." He paused and he turned to Kumal," You need to be faster. You are too slow."
Kumal put her head down and spoke," Yes Master Tento."
"Don't put your head down." He spoke with demand and seeing she wasn't listening he finally had enough," You are always like this. Until you can straighten your piss poor life out don't come back."
Kumal ran out crying to her green mustang and opened the driver's door. As she put the key in the ignition her four friends came running over. Yuku grabbed her in a hug before she could close the door and drive off.
Yuku sighed," He is always like that to you."
Shendal clenched his fists and hit the car," I can't believe that damn jerk. He will pay."
Kumal wiped the tears away," I'm not allowed in his class anymore, and you won't hurt him."
They stood up and walked to lunch together. The four of them watched Kumal making sure she was all right. Kumal only picked up her food and then put it back down. Instead of eating she pulled out a book and started to read it.
As she sat reading the book she could hear the guys talking about the next big football game and how they were all going to snog the cheerleaders afterwards. She made a gagging noise and glared at her ex-boyfriends. Kumal put the book away and walked out of the lunch room and up the stairs to history.
She went right in and sat at her desk her eyes still red from her crying. The rest of the class came in and sat at their desks to take their test. Kumal looked at her test as Mrs. Callem handed her the test. She knew she would fail this test but she didn't care anymore. After she finished the test she took it up and walked out of the room not caring that the bell didn't ring.
After class her friends found her at her locker pulling out her things and heading to the exit. They followed her and hopped in the car as she started the car. She drove out of the parking lot feeling happy for the weekend to come. Kumal would be able to hang out with her friends and she was planning on going through the portal they kept talking about.
They pulled into the drive way and walked into her house that smelled of roast chicken and rice. Plates were on the table waiting for them. The five of them sat down and started to eat, her mother unaware of the fact that her daughter thought her life was shit.
After dinner the five went out to the karate pit in the woods to practice for meets. Kumal was ready as she punched a tree and her hand started to bleed. Stu saw this and wrapped it in a bandage as he kicked a cushion Shendal was holding up.
As Kumal was getting bandaged up she sat down on the ground and wished she was dead. She started to cry and Stu hugged her tight as she cried even harder. They all knew that she had tried to kill herself time and time again and again. For some reason she never did do it through and none of them knew why but they liked to think that it was because of them.
Slowly pulling away from him she stood up and tightened her black belt. The others stood watching her not wanting to fight her right at the moment. Kumal saw this and then crossed her arms.
Kumal still had her arms crossed," Come on just fight me."
Stu stood up," You try to commit suicide every day of your life. You need a break from this world."
"What do you mean this world?" Kumal said a little worriment in her voice.
"Well that portal we found here in the woods is actually on that big mountain up there." Razam filled her in.
Kumal was still lost," I still don't know what you are getting at. So if you don't mind would you please fill me in other than telling me that it is a portal or something of the sort?"
"It takes you to another world." Yuku sighed and seeing the questioning look he told her," Kumal think about it. You could get out of this world for good."
"I said let me think about it." Kumal said with anger.
They walked out of the woods and saw her mother standing in the doorway with the phone up to her ear. She smiled as they walked into the house and up to Kumal's room to watch the TV show CSI. As she flicked on the TV her four friends made themselves comfortable on the bed.
Kumal sat down beside them and waited for the commercial to be over. It turned out it was one of the episodes they already seen. So her friends wouldn't have to watch it again she decided to record it and they sat there doing homework.
After about ten minutes of doing homework, Kumal stood up and went to her closet. Pulling out her books she needed most and her stories she left the room. Her friends finally figured out that she was going to go through the portal that day. They stood up and ran after her finding her at her sister's grave. Each one waited until she was done there to proceed in following her.
The woods were dark and cool in the day but she kept having the same daydream over and over again. Not sure what this one met she kept going without saying a word. The mountain came into view just as she snapped out of the dream. It was standing in front of her as tall as the Eiffel tower.
Stu stood looking at it and then decided to sit and rest for a little bit. Kumal looked at him with an expressionless face and continued to walk, heading up the mountain.
The mountain was steep and she kept sliding down. Finally she got a good grip not wanting to be helped by one of the guys since it involved touching. She looked down some of the mountain to see her friends finally getting off their lazy asses and starting to climb the mountain. As she climbed she kept having the same daydream of elves capturing her and her friends but knew nothing of the sort.
As she made it to the top she heard something loud and peered down at her four friends. They all were just inches away from her and she finally pulled herself to her feet. As she hit the ground she was grabbed from behind with a knife held to her neck.
Her friends came to the top and saw the situation at hand. None of them however moved already knowing who the person was and where the portal led.
Razam saw the fear in her eyes," Kumal calm down."
Yuku still saw fear in her eyes and tears starting to form," She's not calming down. She thinks he is going to who know what."
" Kumal." The voice holding her there whispered," Calm down. We are taking you to your real world. That's where you belong and we will explain everything."
Slowly walking to a greenish bluish swirling liquid they were all gone. When she opened her eyes to see where she was at she saw that she was defiantly not in New Zealand anymore. There was a whistle from everyone there except for her and five beautiful horses came galloping over to them.
Kumal was mounted with the criminal who held the knife to her throat. She let the tears fall not believing that her friends had just betrayed her. They were her only friends in the whole world and then they go and tell her to go through this portal to another world. Then they don't help her when she gets captured.
As she sat on the horse she got an idea. Kumal punched the guy in the stomach and took his sword and knife. Also taking his horse not knowing where she was going but seeing the horse knew the way she let him lead the way.
Kumal could see a river coming into view and the horse led her over the river and then straight into the woods. They went down winding paths and sharp turns. Kumal saw a wonderfully pretty kingdom in front of her.
Fear slowly grew in her eyes and then she felt hands over her mouth once again. They led her into the kingdom down the elegant roads. Fear still lingering all over her they led her to Lord Elrond who was in his office.
Lord Elrond looked up when he saw them come in and smiled. The captor let Kumal go and she stood trembling all over. More elves and a mortal walked into the room and they locked the door. Seeing the fear in her eyes Stu tried to put a hand on her shoulder but she ran only to find that there was no place to run. She turned to them all and let the silent tears fall down from her crystal blue eyes.
Elrond stood at the sight of Kumal crying," Do you not know who I am.'
Kumal nodded," Of course I know who you are."
Elrond knew what was wrong then for Razam told him everything about her," Calm down, please. No one wants to hurt you here."
" I don't know that." Kumal cried still.
Elladon walked up to her and she started to run but he lightly grabbed her arm," You can trust my father and all of us. We won't hurt you."
" Let me go. Please just let me go. I want to go home." Kumal cried even harder as she pulled away from Elladon.
" You are home Kumal. This is where you always belonged." Haldir spoke lightly.
Kumal fell to the ground still crying and didn't notice Elladon picking her up and taking her to her room. As he laid her down he sighed to himself. He thought she was beautiful. Slowly walking out of the room he walked down to Elrond's study once again.
Elrond stood waiting for him as he returned to the study. He sat down and placed his hands in his face. He knew this was going to be a tough one. He also knew Estel couldn't do it alone. Estel would need help from some people.
Estel looked at his brother and so did Elrohir. They locked eyes and knew what both where thinking at that same moment. All three turned to Elrond wanting to turn to the matter at hands. Only two of them though were eager to get started on their quest to help Razam's friend.
Estel looked at Elrond," How will we help Kumal if she doesn't even let anyone near her."
Elrond sighed," We have to make her gain our trust. She used to trust Yuku, Razam, Stu, and Shendal."
Razam was sad," That was before Elladon captured her and brought her here. We didn't do anything to help her and now she thinks we betrayed her."
" So it is true." Elladon demanded.
" So what is true." Yuku asked.
" You guys kept everything from her until now." Elladon almost yelled.
Elrond saw the anger in his son's eyes," They had to until the time was right. She will start to remember what happened."
Kumal was asleep in the bed Elladon laid her and was having a dream. In the dream they were fighting an evil although Kumal had no idea what the hell they were fighting. Razam was thrown from her horse and a blonde haired elf didn't make it in time. As the rest of the group fought one of the black tall things came up to Razam and slit her throat.
Kumal shot up in bed and ran to the door out into the hallway. Not knowing where she was going she knew it was her chance to try to get away from this place. She didn't want to save Razam or any of her friends. All she wanted to do was going home and have her normal life.
As she ran down the hall she could hear voices talking. She ran even faster not wanting to be seen by any of them.
Just as she was running at full speed she was grabbed by the arm by a strong hand and pulled into a room. Seeing that it was the male with brown hair she started to cry once again and ran to the door to find it locked. Kumal knew she would never get home with these asses here.
Kumal fell to the ground crying and she put her hands over her face. By doing that she showed them the marks of bruises and cuts and there was a slit in her throat. Stu knew she was showing defeat, she did that every time one the jerks would touch her.
However they all didn't notice or else didn't care that she was showing defeat. Only five of them knew she always tried to commit suicide. Elladon slowly walked over to her but she scuttled away. As she started to cry even harder Stu walked up to her and hugged her tightly. Both Estel and Elladon showed some jeously in their eyes.
Stu picked her up and Kumal kept muttering the same thing over and over again not realizing that she was being carried by a boy. He carried her over to Elrond who took her lightly from his hands. Elrond started to mix herbs together and he soon started to heal Kumal.
Kumal recovered fast enough to realize that Elrond was healing her. She scrambled away once again almost running into Elrohir.
Elrohir thought he would try," Kumal we only want to help."
Shendal sighed," We have something to tell you that we should have told you a long time ago back on Earth."
Elrond motioned for her to sit down," Please sit down, I don't want to have to force you to sit down."
Kumal obeyed and sat down as far away from everyone in the room. She looked down at her feet not looking at the people standing in the room all around her.
" Kumal this all started when you were born." Elrond started.
Kumal said in a small voice," I was born on Earth and I want to go home. Why can't I just go home."
Elrond held his hand up," You're not going home and you will hear me out. Now. You were taken to Earth by Razam, Shendal and Yuku. They took you there to protect you from the evil." He stopped to make sure she was listening to his story," Your real parents are Rangers and come from the home Estel does. That makes you a real Ranger."
Kumal stopped him," What evil would that be?"
"It would be Saroun. He tried to get Razam when she was little to. She was taken to Earth and found out about the same age you are now. Razam came back and she really lives here along with Shendal, Yuku, and Stu." Elrond took a breath," You really live here to. Also some of the Rangers were evil and they were after you to. That's how you were forced to do stuff against your own will."
He stopped to let this register into her head. Seeing the tears coming he knew he had got through to her and he also saw Estel and Elladon's faces. Estel couldn't believe what he just heard. Rangers did this to Kumal. She would never want to be a Ranger and she would never trust one either. Elladon seemed to be thinking the same thing as Estel for he placed a hand on his shoulder.
Elrond finally continued," This is your home. That's the story of why you were put on Earth. Now to why you were brought back which you would have been brought back sooner or later." He sighed," You are here to help save Middle Earth. You and Razam are the only two who can save it along with a hobbit named Frodo Baggins."
Still nothing was said from anyone. Although Estel and Elladon wanted to go comfort Kumal for both had feelings for her but didn't know why. Elrohir placed a hand on each of their shoulders that meant stay put. They only looked at him and stood rooted to the spot.
Razam stood with her friends Stu, Yuku, and Shendal. All had their heads down feeling ashamed. They knew she wouldn't trust anybody not even them now. It took so long on Earth to get her to be friends with them but now that was done for nothing. They could all only imagine what was going through that head of hers. The four of them walked over quietly and stood behind her.
Elrond simply stated," Now that you know the truth you will be placed under Estel's watch from now on."
Kumal immediately stood up with tears on her face and in her eyes," I want to go home."
" You are home." Elladon whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.
Elrond sighed," You have to stay only for a little bit then you can go home. In the meantime you will be under the watch of Estel." He paused seeing the fear in her eyes," I am sorry. He will not harm you. None of us will. You will be traveling with him to Mirkwood next week."
Kumal fell to the ground once again crying. When she was fully crying Elladon picked her up realizing why he could pick her up. When she fully cried she would mutter the same thing over and over again and be in a sort like trance state. When she was done she would not remember him carrying her, unfortunately.
Elladon placed her yet again in the bed he had before and quietly shut the door. He then walked over to his room which was surrounded by all his friends. Only Estel watched as Elladon walked to his room and knowing that Estel had feelings for Kumal to him nodded to him that she was fine.
Estel then walked back into his room and sighed a sigh of relief. He then laid down on his bed and closed his eyes and fell asleep at once. The day had been rough, long, and hard for him and everyone else there. He knew he was wondering the same thing Elladon was wondering. Why did they have feelings for Kumal.
As dawn broke out all the elves were up early that morning while Kumal slept or cried. No one really knew, there was no answer when they knocked on the door. Feeling that she would come out on her own they left her be until she decided to come out.
Kumal sighed as she laid in the bed with tears in her eyes. She knew she shouldn't be crying she had been dreaming of this day since forever. She always imagined she would be able to go to Middle Earth, stay, and get with Aragorn.
She wanted to trust Lord Elrond but yet she found it hard to do so. Only she would know why she feared everything, well she wasn't the only one who knew that. Razam, Stu, Shendal, Yuku, and Lord Elrond knew. She still didn't quite understand everything yet. Well actually she didn't understand anything of what she heard so far but she did know one thing for she wanted out of this place and to go back home.
Kumal rolled over on her side. She knew the guys who forced her to do stuff. She didn't know how they were Rangers. She had no clue how she could be a Ranger herself. Kumal didn't know any of this.
Slowly she got out of bed and dressed herself in a grey tunic and green leggings. She walked out of the room still knowing that she had no idea where the hell to go. Kumal walked down the hall scared and confused. As she walked she felt a hand grab her and she looked around finally seeing the owner of the hand. The owner of the hand was Lord Elrond himself. Kumal wasn't sure if she should scramble away from royalty but still did anyway. Lord Elrond saw this and didn't let her go. Instead he dragged her to his study and she saw everyone there.
Lord Elrond sat down," I am sorry if I scared you but you tried to get away when all I was trying to do was show you how to get to my study."
" L-L-L-L-Lo-r-r-r-r-rd. E-E-E-E-E…' Kumal tried but she was choked up.
" What do you want to say Kumal."
She stood there staring down at her feet again and decided to make a run for it. Kumal ran to the door but was seized by the strong hands of Estel. He saw her look up at him and start to cry not saying anything at all. Slowly he directed her back over to Elrond.
Elrond sighed," Kumal. I know it is hard for you but you can tell us anything." Still seeing her crying and the fear in her eyes he sighed once again," I am sorry to tell you this but once you get back from Mirkwood you will be placed in a room with Estel, Elladan, Razam, Legolas, and Elorhir. You will be locked in there until you guys get along."
Kumal cried even harder with fear in her eyes," I want to go home. Is that so much to ask."
Estel walked over to her," You can't go back to Earth. You are already home."
" I don't understand." Kumal cried.
" What don't you understand." Asked a confused Elorhir looking at her.
Kumal fell to her knees just staring at everyone in the room. She wanted to trust them but there was so much she didn't understand and so much she had been through. If they were trying to help then why wouldn't they let her go home to Earth. Her mother was probably worried about her to death.
Estel went over to her slowly and picked her up. He walked her to her room and laid her in her bed. As she covered up with the blankets he stood there and watched her silently. Knowing he should leave he didn't. Estel was keeping his word to Elrond and himself and was going to watch over her at all costs.
She didn't stop crying the whole entire night. Estel stood there feeling helpless. All he wanted to do was run over to her and give her a giant hug. He stayed right there the whole night just looking at her beautiful form laying there. There must be a way to help her but how was he supposed to help her when she didn't want to be helped.
As he stood there Kumal slowly sat up in bed and looked around. She took one glance at Estel and jumped out of bed. They looked at each other and then she ran out of the room.
Out in the hall Elladan and his friends and family were standing there talking. They all looked up when they saw Kumal running down the hall crying. All turned to see Estel also running down the hall and as he ran past them he grabbed Elladan's arm and he was forced to follow him.
When they came to the fountain of life they spotted her laying on the ground with a pool of blood around her. Estel ran over to her with all the speed he had and put her head in his arm. He looked up at the people around him and then looked down at Kumal's form in his arms. He was full of sadness and felt tears forming in his eyes.
Elrond came up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Estel looked up and handed Kumal to Elrond. He took her out of the room as he saw Estel fall to the ground with his hands in his face. As he sat there with his hands in his face he looked up not crying but devastated. He watched as Elorhir picked up and elven blade that was covered in blood on the hard ground.
Elladan and Elorhir helped Estel up and walked him to the infirmary to see if Kumal was alright. They walked down the halls and were halfway there when Arwen came walking by. She took Estel by the arm and kissed him gently before she ran off to get herbs for her father.
Upon arriving to the infirmary they knocked lightly on the door so as not to bother Elrond or Kumal. As a servant opened the door she saw who it was and let them come in to see the form of Kumal laying there breathing very slowly.
Elrond saw Estel and asked," Are you alright."
Estel slowly answered him," I will be alright when I know that Kumal is going to be fine." He paused and then actually looked him in the eye," She will be alright won't she."
" Son she will be fine but I think we will have to start locking you guys in a room with her sooner than I thought. This is going to take too long to get her to come to." Elrond told Estel and everyone in the room.
" Father then we has to tell her about me and my brothers before we leave for Mirkwood." Razam spoke.
Elrond turned to his daughter," We will tell her whenever she is better."
Arwen came running into the room and handed her father the herbs he had asked for. As he took them from her and started to get to work on healing Kumal the rest stood there watching. Estel turned his face to make eye contact with Razam who saw the sadness in her brother's eyes. She walked over to him and stood beside him to give him comfort if he needed it which she knew he would need it.
