Sorry to say but this is the last Lord of the Rings chapter! I would like to thank The Unknowing Herald, KHLegacy, and a guest for reviewing this story. And KHLegacy for favoriting. Let's get this thing rolling!

And remember I own nothing!

Chapter 4

Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Sora stood on the shores of the river as dozens of mercenary ships sailed towards them. Aragorn called out to them, "You may go no further." The boson of the flagship stood up in response. "You will not enter Gondor."

"Who are you to deny us passage?" The boson questioned.

"Legolas," the ranger said, "fire a warning shot past the boson's ear."

Gimli whispered, "Mind your aim." As the elf pulled back the bowstring Gimli knocked the bottom of the bow just as it was fired. This sent Legolas's aim off and the arrow killed a mercenary beside the boson. Sora looked at Aragorn; Aragorn looked at Legolas, while Legolas glared at Gimli. "Oh! That's it, right, we warned you!"

Sora decided to play along, "Prepare to be boarded!"

The mercenaries laughed and one yelled out, "Boarded, by you and whose army?"

"This army." Out of the mountain and through the four defenders, the King of the Dead and his army attacked the ships.

(With Riku and co.)

Night had fallen and the battle raged on. Kairi lit some of the catapult projectiles on fire. She just lit one when a battalion of Orcs came charging up the ramparts towards them. Kairi turned and the lead orc swung a large battle ax and caught her on the head. Her helmet shattered and a large deep cut formed across her forehead; as blood trickled down her face, blinding her, she swung her Keyblade and sent that Orc's head flying clean off.

"Kairi," a soldier called, "Go to Gandalf!"

"Alright," she took off to the wall tops, where Riku and Lea were.

When she reached them Lea noticed her wound, "Oh shoot! Kairi!" He grabbed a cloth from a dead soldier's uniform. He wiped the blood off her face, "Riku, we need to keep an eye on her or else we'll have to give her boyfriend some bad news."

She shoved him but Riku agreed, "You should Cure yourself."

"No, I should save my magic for the people who are actually wounded, this is nothing." She peeked over the wall at the giant wolf. "What are they doing?"

The large trolls were pulling on ropes that held the wolf, the orcs called it Grond; they pulled Grond back and then released it. It crashed into the city gates causing them to shudder. The wizard yelled, "Back to the gate! Hurry!" Everyone ran to the gates as the trolls released Grond again.

Riku shook himself it was nearly midnight and no one had rested since the battle started. The gates continued to shake as Grond battered them. "Steady! Steady!" Finally the gates gave way. Grond crashed through the center, the head and fire-filled mouth showed through the hole. The ram was pulled back for the final blow.

"You are soldiers of Gondor," Gandalf said, "No matter what comes through that gate you will stand your ground." The gates burst open and in charged a group of cave trolls in armor and with large maces in hand. Even the wizard was surprised.

"Volley!" Kairi ordered the archers, "Fire!" The arrows did nothing but as the monsters charged, the soldiers lowered their spears.

Riku turned to his friend, "Lea, give me a lift!" The pyro turned his chakram on its side; Riku jumped on, and was launched into the air. He landed on the back of a troll and drove his blade into the back of its neck. The troll reached back, grabbed the young master by his foot, and slammed him into the ground shattering his upper armor.

Dawn came slowly as fireballs rained down, and Mordor's forces poured into the city. "Retreat!" Gandalf ordered, "The city is breached. Fall back to the second level. Get the women and children out! Get them out! Retreat!" Panic broke out among the people. Kairi ran back, pulling a little girl out of harm's way. A woman with a limp leaned on the silverette's shoulder as he led her to safety. A piece of rubble fell on a boy's head; Lea scooped him up in his arms and carried him away from the fray.

"Fight! Fight to the last man. Fight for your lives!"

Kairi had gotten the girl away and heard Pippin yelling for the wizard. "Gandalf! Gandalf!" The wizard noticed him, "Denethor has lost his mind. He's burning Faramir alive!" Gandalf pulled the Hobbit up onto his horse and Kairi jumped up behind them.

They galloped up to an upper level but out of nowhere one of the large dragon beasts landed before them. On top was one of the hooded rides, but this one had a metal helmet on over his hood. The Princess of Heart drew in a deep breath, "The Witch King of Angmar!"

Gandalf held out his staff and yelled, "Go back to the abyss! Fall into the nothingness that awaits you and your master!"

"Do you not know death when you see it, old man?" Pippin screamed as the wraith raspy voice filled the air. Kairi jumped off the horse and summoned her Keyblade. "Princess of Heart, even you will fall… darkness will rule. This is my hour!" The Witch King drew out his sword, which burst into flames. The dark magic was too much; Gandalf's staff burst in his hands, sending him and Pippin off the Shadowfax. Kairi's Keyblade grew red and became too hot for her to hold; a cloud of dark matter surrounded her and pulled her to the ground.

The dragon roared at them; in a burst of courage Pippin drew his sword and charged. The beast roared in his face and he stopped in fear. The Witch King was enjoying this, "You have failed! The world of men will fall." He raised his sword but a horn sounds in the distance. The wraith turned and flew away on his beast.

Kairi stood up slowly and staggered over to the wall, "Gandalf, it's Rohan! They made it!" At least there was a little good news. Now, she and the Hobbit helped Gandalf to his feet. "Now, there's the matter of Denethor to deal with." The two men got on the horse and Kairi followed on foot.

The horse and riders burst through the tomb doors to find Denethor standing over Faramir on a pile of wood, and a guard holding a torch nearby; the Steward's body shone because of the oil he had poured on himself. "Denethor! Stop this madness!" The Princess yelled.

Denethor grabbed the torch and declared, "You may triumph in the field of battle for a day, but against the power that has risen in the east, there is no victory!" He dropped the torch and the wood lit up instantly. Kairi jumped up and bashed the Steward to the ground as Pippin jumped onto the woodpile and managed to roll Faramir off. He patted out the flames that caught on the soldier's cloak. Faramir's father saw the Hobbit and jumped up, "NOOOO, you will not take my son from me!" He grabbed Pip and he screamed.

Gandalf rode up on Shadowfax who kicked Denethor back onto the fire. "Faramir!" The son moved and opened his eyes just in time to see his father catch on fire. Kairi covered her eyes as he ran out the door, all the way to the parapet, and jumped off in a ball of fire.

"So passes Denethor," the wizard said quietly, "Son of Ecthelion."

(Later)

The three had reunited with Riku, Lea, and the other soldiers who were now all quarantined in one small area. Trolls banged on the locked door where Gondorians were waiting for them with swords drawn. Pippin, Gandalf, Lea, Riku, and Kairi sat together on the side. The Hobbit looked very scared, "I didn't think it would end this way."

"End?" Gandalf looked at the young warriors beside him, "No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take." The group looked at the wizard intently. "The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silvered glass. And then you see it."

Lea leaned in closer, "What?"

"Gandalf?"

"See what?"

The old man smiled slightly at them, "White shores and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise."

"That doesn't sound too bad."

Lea agreed with the young Master, "Not bad at all."

"No, no it isn't." The door cracked and the soldiers tried their hardest to keep them out.

The group got out their weapons and prepared for the worst. The pyro turned to his friends, "Kairi, Riku… see you on the white shores."

"You bet."

(With Sora and co.)

The mercenary ships pulled up to Osgiliath, where a squadron of Orcs were waiting. One Orc with a skull on the spike of his helmet came forward. "Late as usual, pirate scum. There's knife-work here need doing. Come on you sea rats, get off your ships." Aragorn, Sora, Gimli, and Legolas jumped off the ship, surprising the Orcs. They walked closer and Sora activated his armor.

The dwarf smiled as he brandished the large battle ax, "There's plenty for the both of us…"

"Mind cutting me a piece of that action?"

"Not in the least Sora, may be best Dwarf win!" They ran at the Orcs with the army of the dead materializing behind them. The ghosts trampled down the Orcs and killed them all.

Sora swung left and right with his blade, cutting down the enemies. One got a good swing with their sword and knocked off his helmet. An Orc archer noticed the boy and turned to his captain, "Sir, it's that Keyblade wielder that the man in the black coat told us about! What do we do?"

"Kill him!"

The boy sliced off an Orc's arm and turned to face another when an arrow stuck into his right side. Sora gripped his side and groaned. He held up his sword to cast Cure when another arrow shot into his stomach and then right under that one, another pierced his upper left leg. The boy fell to his knees and tried once more to cast the healing spell; as he did a fourth arrow came towards him and drove into his heart. With a cough Sora fell backwards and the world around him began to fade.

(With Riku and co.)

The door hadn't even been broken in yet, when an army of ghosts came up and destroyed the forces of Mordor. Gandalf, Pippin, and the Keyblade wielders walked outside the gates onto the battlefield; they saw the army of ghosts standing before a man, dwarf, and elf.

"Release us!"

Gimli looked from the King of the Dead to Aragorn, "Bad idea! Very handy in a tight spot theses lads, despite the fact they're dead."

"You gave us your word," the King growled.

"I hold your oath fulfilled," Aragorn smiled slightly, "Go… be at peace." The King of the Dead smiled as a great wind came and the army disappeared.

Gimli sighed and turned around; he noticed the Keybladers, especially Kairi. "You must be Kairi, am I right?"

"Yes," she was surprised, "How did you know who I was?"

"Sora told us about you."

The Princess smiled; Legolas walked up, "You two must be Riku and Lea. I am

Legolas, this is Aragorn son of Arathorn, and Gimli son of Gloin."

"Where is Sora?"

Aragorn replied, "He has been traveling with us, and is probably helping search the dead."

"Let's go help," Kairi smiled.

There were many dead around; Pippin walked beside Riku and saw Merry's Elven cloak lying on the ground. "Merry!" There was a shout behind them. Eomer fell to his knees and cradled his sister's still body in his arms.

Kairi saw that but she was more concerned for Sora. A giant beast had been killed in the middle of the field; she made her way around it and her heart nearly stopped. "NOOOOOOO!" She ran over and fell to her knees beside Sora. "NOOO! NOOOO!" Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas were closer and got to them first. The ranger dropped to his knees, the dwarf hung his head, and the elf whispered a prayer in Elvish.

The other Keybladers came around and saw the fallen boy, "SORA!"

"CURE!" The Princess cradled her boyfriend's head in her lap, "CURE…CURE… OH PLEASE CURE!" The spell healed his exterior wounds but there was no telling how bad they really were.

"This… this can't be happening," Riku knelt beside Sora and saw where the final arrow had hit. "Sora… you can't die… you just can't." Lea sat there in silence, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Sora, wake up. Please wake up. I can't live without you." Kairi's face was stained with tears, "I… I love you." She laid her head on Sora's and sobbed. Then she heard a faint noise. "Quiet! Everyone be quiet!" Kairi listened and her eyes lit up; she could hear Sora breathing. "He's breathing! He's still alive!"

Aragorn came over and picked the boy up; they took him to the Houses of Healing.

For two days the brunette lay there, no signs of life except for his quiet breathing and faint heartbeat. The Princess sat by his bedside; she hadn't slept or ate in three days and she still hadn't Cured the large cut on her forehead. Almost everyone in the Houses of Healing had either gotten better or died by this time; the Keybladers, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Eomer, a healed Eowyn, Gandalf, Pippin, and a recovering Merry stood by his bedside.

"Is he going to wake up?" Pip asked.

Gandalf looked at Riku and Kairi, "He hasn't moved for two days, there is a chance that he may never wake." The two Destiny Islanders looked down at their friend sadly. "I'm sorry."

"Sora…" Kairi bent over and laid her head on his chest, "Please, wake up."

The boy moaned and stirred slightly; his blue eyes fluttered open and he saw Kairi crying over him. "Kairi, it's alright."

"Sora!"

He gave his trademark grin and winced with pain. "Ok, not smart to move." The group smiled. "Oh, you're wounded."

"It's only a scratch," Kairi touched the cut. Sora put his hand on her forehead and cast Cure; the cut vanished.

"Young Sora," Aragorn shook his head, "You never cease to amaze me."

"No more dying on us alright."

"Got it Gimli," Sora laughed. He looked at his three fellow Keyblade wielders, "What are you'll doing here anyway?"

"Master Yen Sid sent us."

Sora looked at his girlfriend, "Kairi too? I have a lot to catch up on."

(Later)

The entire group sat in the Great Hall of Minas Tirith; even Sora, who was still recovering. Gandalf was pacing around the room, "Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening."

"If Sauron had the Ring we would know it."

"It's only a matter of time," Gandalf groaned, "He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping."

Gimli took his pipe out of his mouth, "Let him stay there! Let him rot! Why should we care?"

"Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom." Everyone sighed. The wizard hung his head, "I've sent him to his death."

"No," Kairi jumped to her feet, "There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth."

Sora looked at her proudly, "And we can give him that."

"How."

"Draw out Sauron's armies," Aragorn exclaimed, "Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate." Gimli choked on his pipe.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms," Eomer pointed out.

Riku stood, "Not for ourselves. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion."

Gimli removed his pipe, "Certainty of death, small chance of success, what are we waiting for?"

"Sounds like a regular day for us," Lea leaned back with a grin.

Gandalf was still not convinced, "Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait."

Aragorn was certain, "Oh, I think he will."

(Later)

"Gandalf," Lea asked, "Could you use some of your magic to restore our armor? I really don't feel like dying."

The wizard shook his head, "Yes, but not now. I believe there is something that will help you though, waiting in your rooms.

They came back later dressed in the armor of two cities. Sora was in a suit of chain mail, over that was an auburn colored breastplate with a white horse on it, he had bronze shoulder-guards, bronze gauntlets, black gloves, bronze leg-guards, auburn pants, and black boots.

Riku was in a suit of chain mail covered by a silver breastplate, over that was a navy blue tunic with the white tree of Gondor sown in, silver shoulder-guards, silver gauntlets, navy pants, and black boots. Lea and Kairi were in the same thing, except for Kairi was also in a short black skirt over navy leggings.

"A true Rider of Rohan," Eomer complimented, as he looked Sora over.

Faramir came out from the Houses of Healing and saw Lea, Riku, and Kairi. "Two more brave soldiers of Gondor and a courageous shield maiden of Gondor."

Soon all the fighting men left from Rohan and Gondor mounted up on their horses and followed Aragorn, now clothed in the kingly garbs of Gondor, out the gate.

Kairi pulled Saerwen up beside Sora and Aranethen, "You ready?"

"No, I almost died once this week and I don't really want to relive that."

She noticed he was clutching the area over his heart, "Does it hurt?"

"A little," he smiled, "Just soreness, nothing too bad though." He thought, "I wish Theoden was still alive to see this." Kairi smiled and rode on ahead. "You know what my friend," Sora told the voice in his head, "If we live through this, I am not going to put it off any longer! I need to tell her how I feel!"

"So… set a course for the islands and then for Yen Sid's tower?" The voice chuckled, "This should be interesting."

(Later)

The army of men stood outside the Black Gate of Mordor. Lea growled in annoyance, "Where are they?"

Aragorn rode forward with Gandalf, Pippin, Legolas, Gimli, Eomer, Merry, Lea, Riku, Sora, and Kairi who was holding the Gondorian standard. The ranger yelled out, "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Let justice be done upon him!"

The gates opened and a single rider came forth. He wore a dark brown tunic under a black overcoat, over most of his face was a rusty helmet; his mouth showed and it was full of yellow teeth, his lips were brown, and the skin around his mouth was split open so it showed his veins and muscle tissue beneath. "My master Sauron the Great bids thee welcome." All stared at him aghast; he was horrific looking. "Is there any in the rout with authority to treat with me?"

"We do not come to treat with Sauron, faithless and accursed," Gandalf snapped, "Tell your master this. The armies of Mordor must disband. He is to depart these lands, never to return."

"Aha! Old Greybeard! I have a token I was bidden to show thee." The Mouth of Sauron held out a white shiny shirt.

Pippin was horrified, "Frodo! Frodo!"

"Silence," Gandalf tried to keep the Halfling quiet.

"No!"

"Silence!"

The Mouth of Sauron grinned, "The Halfling was dear to thee I see. Know that he suffered greatly at the hands of his host. Who would've though one so small could endure so much pain? And he did Gandalf, he did." Sora's face was wrought with horror; Kairi looked like she was about to cry. Aragorn rode forward on Brego slowly. He was noticed by Sauron's mouthpiece, "And who is this? Isildur's heir? It takes more to make a King than a broken Elvish blade."

The true King of Gondor, in one swift motion, drew out his sword and beheaded the Mouth of Sauron. Lea's mouth dropped, "I guess that concludes negotiations."

"I do not believe it," Aragorn huffed, "I will not." The gate opened all the way and thousands of Orcs marched out. "Pull back! Pull back!" The small group rode back to the army; all the entire group except for Sora and Aragorn dismounted their horses. All the soldiers looked scared at the army marched towards them. "Hold your ground! Hold your ground!"

The true King of Gondor rode out across the front of the army. "Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers. I see it in your eyes, the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day! An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the age of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand! Men of the West!"

All the warriors drew out their swords and braced themselves for the coming battle. Even though the Orcs completely surrounded the tiny force of men, the soldiers stood firm. Gimli sighed heavily, "Never though I'd die fighting side by side with an elf."

"What about side by side with a friend," Legolas smiled at Gimli.

"Aye! I could do that."

Aragorn stood at the head of the army; he turned back and saw Riku holding up Frodo's mithril shirt. He smiled, "For Frodo." He charged the Orcs. Merry and Pippin were the second ones to break the lines and the Keybladers were the third. The army, with a loud shout, charged the line of Mordor.

The small band of men fought as hard as they could to drive off the army; the wraiths on the beasts were now swooping down on them. One flew down towards Gandalf and Riku but was intercepted by a giant eagle. "The eagles! The eagles are coming!" Dozens of giant eagles filled the skies and grappled with the beasts in the air.

From his horse Sora could see the Eye of Sauron atop the tower of Barad Dûr; suddenly it swung its gaze to Mount Dooms and the wraiths headed towards the mountain. The boy turned and saw a cave troll making its way towards Aragorn. He spurred Aranethen on, but all the Orcs drove him back. "ARAGORN!" He watched in sheer terror as the troll put his foot on top of the ranger; in a last attempt to save his own life, Aragorn pulled out his Elvish knife and drove it into its foot.

Without warning the Eye of Sauron flared up and shrieked loudly. All fighting stopped and the creatures of Mordor fled. Every eye was fixed on Barad Dûr as it began to collapse. The eye exploded suddenly and sent a shockwave outwards.

"Frodo!" Merry cheered, "Frodo!" The ground around the defenders collapsed destroying Mordor and the Orc army. Sora leapt off his horse and embraced Kairi happily; Riku came up behind them and hugged them, and then Lea came and the four hugged and laughed. But the celebration was short-lived; Mount Doom erupted. All expressions turned from joy to horror as the realization took hold. The Hobbits who had done so much to save them all, would not survive that explosion. "Frodo."

(Back at Minas Tirith)

Gandalf had returned after taking the eagles to find Frodo and Sam. With him were two unconscious Hobbits. They were taken to the best rooms to recover. After a day or two both were up and about. Sam was a larger hobbit with kinky reddish-blonde hair, and Frodo was skinny with curly black hair and striking blue eyes. They told the story of their adventures together and there was much rejoicing at their safety.

(The Next Day)

All the people of Gondor gathered in the courtyard. Gandalf stood on the topmost stair. On his left stood Gimli, Sora, and Eomer. The Keyblade wielder was in the same garb that he wore for the battle at the Black Gate, except this one was new and a scarlet cape flowed out from behind him.

On the wizard's right stood Lea, Riku, and Kairi. The two boys were in new outfits identical to the ones from the battle, but these had navy capes on them. Kairi was in a long navy dress with the pattern of the White Tree of Gondor on it; she wore a silver headdress with seven stars on it.

Aragorn came forward. He was in a suit of chain mail over crimson shirt and pants, atop that was a breastplate with the seven stars on it, black boots, and a black cape. He walked up before Gandalf and knelt.

With a smile, the wizard set a crown on Aragorn's head. "Now come the days of the King. May they be blessed."

The new King of Gondor came and stood in the place Gandalf had just been in as cheers rang out. "This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace." The people cheered and threw flower petals into the air in celebration. Aragorn began to sing a song in the Elvish tongue, "Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambarmetta!"

Somehow Kairi could understand him, "Out of the great sea to Middle Earth I come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, unto the end of the world."

The new king walked down the stairs and through the crowd, all bowing as he passed. He approached a group of Elves that had arrived. Legolas smiled at his friend and gestured with his eyes. Aragorn looked and saw a banner with a white tree; the banner moved to reveal a beautiful Elf girl.

She was tall and lean, with long dark brown hair, on her head was a silver headdress that hung down as far as her hair. She word a light green dress with billowy white sleeves. The girl bowed her head in respect but Aragorn lifted it back up. He took the banner from her hands and pulled her into a kiss. Everyone clapped happily as they stood there together.

The two continued to make their way through the crowd, until they came upon the four Hobbits. They were dressed in black pants and white shirts with different colored vests on. Merry's was orange, Frodo's was auburn, Sam's was cream, and Pippin's was green.

The four bowed to them. "My friends," the King said kindly, "You bow to no one." He then knelt before the Halflings. The entire congregation then knelt to the Hobbits.

(That night)

Sora slipped out from the feast that had begun and was just about to activate his armor. "You're leaving?" He jumped as Aragorn approached him.

Sora bowed, "Yes, I have to get back to my training. Gandalf restored my armor so I though I should get a good start."

"You should not leave so soon though," said Aragorn's future wife, Arwen, "And what would your companions think?"

Sora looked upward, "I've already told them, they know." He looked back at them, "I promise I'll come back, but there is something I need to take care of."

"Don't make us wait too long," Gimli came out into the open.

"I won't."

Legolas joined him, "We will look forward to your return."

"Wait," Arwen handed him a red gem with a white horse on it, "This will allow you to summon Aranethen to you whenever you wish. I will give them to your friends, so they can summon their horses as well." The boy nodded in thanks.

Sora smiled, activated his armor, and shot off into space. Kairi stared out a window after him, "See you soon, Sora."

Yea! Story number two done! I hope you'll enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Please! Tell me what you thought! Now… a sneak peak at the next Training Series story, A Sacrifice and A Savior!

A hundred year wintry reign,

Four children who are the witch's bane,

A King of strength and wisdom,

And three heroes who have come.

A land bound in ice and snow will finally awaken. The heroes will travel to put the rightful rulers on their thrones. They will endure ice and stone, beast and sword, but will stand firm. And through it all, will discover something they had never seen before.