Hello peoples! I'm sorry it took so long to update, I've been kinda buisy and my Internet's been acting up. I'm updating from my Grandmother's computer. Anyway, on with the chapter!

Chapter 7: Sick Pip

June 23, Third Age 2996

Saradoc burst through the door of Brandy Hall and carried Pippin to his and Merry's room. He gently lay him on the bed.

"Esmarelda!" he called.

Esmarelda came running into the room and she tried to stifle a gasp.

"What happened?" she breathed as she sprinted over to the side of the bed, her dark curls bouncing off her shoulders.

"We went swimming and some of the other Hobbits scared him real bad." Merry answered.

"Esi, stay here with the boys while go fetch the Gaffer." Saradoc said as he walked out of the room.

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Merry looked down upon Pippin's little face. There was a blue look to his skin and his lips were a dark blue color. Merry could hear the little wheezes Pippin made as he fought for each pityful breath he forced into his little lungs.

"Pip? Pip, can you hear me?" Merry gently said as he took Pippin's hand in his.

Pippin weakly opened his eyes and looked up at Merry. Merry saw him mouth his name, not having the strength nor the breath to say it aloud.

"I'm here, Pip. Don't worry, help will be here soon." Merry comforted.

Pippin's eyes drifted closed again as he fought with unconsciousness.

"Hold on. Just hold on." Merry whispered.

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It seemed like forever for Saradoc and the Gaffer to get back to Brandy Hall, but when they got there, Merry was relieved.

Merry and his mother were ushered out of the room while the Gaffer and Saradoc tended to Pippin. About ten minutes later, Saradoc and the Gaffer walked out of Pippin's room with grim looks on their faces.

"Well? Is he okay?" Merry immediatly asked.

"No, he's not okay. He's very sick. This time, the infection has attacked both his throat and lungs. If he survives, it'll take a long time for his body to heal." the Gaffer said.

Merry's blood froze. There was a chance that he could loose his Little Pip. He jumped up and sprinted into Pippin's room.

"Pip?" he asked as he sat down next to him and took his hand in his.

Pippin moaned and opened his eyes.

"Merry?" he weakly asked.

"Yes, Pip, I'm here. You're safe." Mery reassured him.

"Merry, I-I don't want to die." he said.

"Don't worry, Pip. I'll look after you." Merry said.

"I know you will." Pippin said, weakly smiling.

"Just get some rest now, you'll need your strength." Merry said.

Pippin allowed himself to drift off into an uneasy sleep filled with feverish dreams.