Chapter Ten
Ok....I think this might actually be the quickest I have ever updated...Whoo-hoo! Well...it's my birthday today (July 30th), and know what the best present in the world would be? Orlando Bloom on my doorstep with a box of chocolates, an engagement ring, and a dozen roses.... (Sigh......me and my swooning romance dreams....) But, I suppose I could settle for a bunch of reviews for this chapter. So...please do so...lol. Ok, now a shout out to my MARVELOUS reviewers, who keep me going!!
Zig0SquidMag - Thanks for the review! As well as the correction on the Elvish. I seem to misspell a lot of that. And I know that Celebrian was attacked by orcs and sailed to Valinor, but in my little wacked up fanfiction world, she's alive and well, and resides in Rivendell. So...yeah...lol. Thanks for liking the story! Enjoy!
RyuJouyou - I have posted!! Please don't do the puppy dog eyes and pouty lip....I am soooo weak when it comes to that! Wow...thanks for the compliment....That just really encourages my heart...thanks so much. I hope that you enjoy this chapter.
FunkyChunkyMunky - I'll send them to you as soon as possible!!
moonshine44 - I do dare to leave it off there....hehe...I can be evil...I don't know how horrible a cliffy that is to you, but I can imagine. I mean, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was gonna happen next...and I'm the author! But, inspiration struck me last night while I was on the phone with my pal Jessica....so here is the next chapter. Enjoy!
Aragorn4ever - Don't fall off your chair! I've done that, and it can create serious injuries...and if not...it still hurts! I hurried....please enjoy!!
SofiaB - I'm really glad that you have a name now! Thanks for reviewing! Janelle is mean....nobody likes her, even me....and who wouldn't be lucky to have Legolas...Sigh...I wish I did....WEll, do enjoy!
Dreamer of Myst - I happen to have a rusty spoon in my shed....would you like to borrow it? lol. I have updated...and I guess you will have to continue reading to see if Janelle dies by painful means...hehe...Enjoy!
CourtneyNKay - It was evil...I'm sorry that I made you cry! But...I cried while writing it...I just didn't expect anybody else to! In a twisted way...that kind of makes me feel good...but I still hated doing that to Kimberly...she's like my daughter or something...I hate making her suffer...but, I'm afraid I had to. Feel free to strangle Janelle...I wouldn't mind...though...she may be getting what she deserves pretty soon...hehe...Enjoy!
sunni07 - Why is she back in Ohio? Because Janelle is a huge meaney! She's evil! I'd say she was the anti-Christ, but I think that's going a bit far...plus, the anti-christ is a man....but yes...she is evil. I have updated, so enjoy!
JesuslUver - Of course I responded to your review! I love you guys! I have updated, so do enjoy! Ya know...you might be on to something there about how he gets to Kimberly....hmmm.....read on! Enjoy!!
Legolas-Obessesionist - Ahhh! Dude, I love your name!! And I do agree....Legolas needs to do some serious butt-kicking....lol. REad and review. Enjoy!
Myri78 - Please don't tell me I'm as evil as Janelle!! NOOO! That stinks! I mean..I am evil...but hopefully not THAT evil...lol. How will Kimberly get back indeed? Hmmm....I have to say...it took me awhile to decide how....and I have decided!! Here is the next chapter! Hopefully you didn't have to wait too long...Hope you enjoy this chapter!!
ellabelle1 - Janelle is very stupid....And, believe me...she gets stupider....Enjoy this chapter!
Jack-Sparrow-Lover - Ha ha! I love your review. "Well, I don't know what they're all gonna do...but I'm gonna kick Janelle's ass!" I love that!! Do enjoy this chapter, mate! OH, and by the way, I LOVE where you're going with "By the Light of the Moon." It's in my favorites, and I love it!!
Cap'n Jacks A Sexy Beast - Ahh! Awesome name!! It's perfectly normal to vent...and why not vent on me? I created the evil little elf..lol. Do enjoy this chapter!!
The Devil's Juliet - Thanks for the review! I'm glad that you like it! I'm sorry about the cliffhanger, but I had to. I dont' accept anonymous reviews? Dude...I had no idea. I will fix that. Thanks for pointing it out. Here's the update! Enjoy!!
Ningwen - She is evil isn't she? Thanks for the review! Hope you like this chapter!
Once more, thanks so much guys!! You're reviews keep me going and are sooo awesome and refreshing!! Keep 'em coming!!
Dedication: Okay, I have to dedicate this chapter to a few friends; Beth, Jessica, and Jason. The three of them totally helped me out last night by just talking with me....and I owe them a lot....It was a dark time, and they made it a little brigther. So, Bethers, Jess, Jay....thanks...I thank God for having three awesome friends.
Alright! Here is the chapter! Enjoy!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Ten
Legolas walked down the hallway, a brilliant smile on his face.
At that moment, life was perfect.
He was in love with the most beautiful woman he'd ever met, who returned that love. He was betrothed to her. His days of war were over, leaving only days of love and happiness with Kimberly by his side.
Kimberly....
Just the thought of his raven-haired love made his smile grow.
She had given herself to him...in every way, she was now his. She loved him, enough to make love with him- and only him- for the rest of her life....the rest of their lives.
And that's perfectly fine with me, he thought, smiling.
However, his smile faded to a frown wen he heard weeping as he neared Kimberly's room. His keen hearing allowed him to recognize Arwen's voice. "She's gone, just like before," she was sobbing. At those words, Legolas broke into a run, dread clenching his heart. He rounded the corner, his blue eyes taking in the scene. Elrond and Celebrian were kneeling on the floor. Celebrian's face was buried in her husband's chest as she wept, and tears streaked Elrond's face as he held his wife, stroking her hair. Arwen was in the arms of Elrohir, both weeping softly, and Elladen was facing the wall, hands braced against it, head bowed as he wept. Legolas slowly walked towards them, and Aragorn turned to him as he approached. His eyes were filled with unshed tears, and the sight only worsened Legolas' dread. "Mani marte?," he asked worridly. What happened?
Aragorn looked at him, utter sympathy written on his face. He pulled Legolas away from the others. "Legolas," he began.
"Mani marte?," Legolas demanded, his fear mixing with anger. Aragorn stared at him, silent. His friend's silence only made it worse. "Aragorn...tell me...what happened?"
Aragorn sighed. "Nebride...."
Legolas' heart stopped. "What?"
Aragorn reached out and clasped his friend's shoulder. "She is gone, my friend."
Legolas stared at him, his heartbeat echoing in his ears. "Gone?"
Aragorn's tears finally fell as he stared at his elven friend. "Just like before...she has disappeared, Legolas."
It only took those words to cause Legolas to crumble. He felt the tears spring to his eyes, then make their way down his face. He grabbed Aragorn's upper arms and stared at him. "She can't be gone, Aragorn...tell me that she is no gone." Aragorn merely shook his head.
"I cannot do that, my friend."
A heartbroken sob escaped the elf's lips as he crumbled to his knees, his world crashing in around him.
Kimberly was gone...
HIS Kimberly...was gone.
It can't be, he thought brokenly. She can't be gone...she can't be gone. And yet, as he felt his friend kneel down next to him and place a hand on his shoulder, he knew that she truly was.
-------------------------
Word of Kimberly's disappearance quickly spread throughout the household. Servants wept for the beautiful child that had been stolen once more. Search parties were formed, though all knew that the search would prove fruitless.
Nebride, the last child of Elrond of Rivendell, was no longer in Middle-Earth.
Glorfindel was riding when word reached his ears. He raced back to the stables, pushing his steed to ride the fastest it could. He quickly found Elrond and the others gathered in Kimberly's room. His heart broke when he saw them.
Queen Arwen and King Elessar sat side by side on the bed. The Evenstar's hands lay clasped in her lap, head bowed and shoulders shaking as she sobbed. Her husband's arm was wrapped around her shoulders, his bearded cheek pressed against the side of her head. He looked up when Glorfindel entered, and the elf's heart broke at the pain in the mortal's eyes. He nodded to him, unsure of what to say.
The Lord and Lady of Rivendell were seated directly behind them, on the other side of the bed. Celebrian held what looked like a dress in her hands, her fingers gently tracing the patterns and fabric. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably, her soft weeping filling the room. Her huband held one of her hands tightly, his eyes clenched shut. Tears streaked his pale face, and his shoulders shook with silent sobs. They had lost their daughter for the second time....
The twins stood side by side against a wall. Elladen stood with his arms crossed over his chest. His gaze was fixed on the floor, his eyes sunken and hollow. His expression was one of mixed emotions; anger, confusion, pain. He didn't acknowledge Glorfindel when he arrived, except to raise his eyes for a brief instant before returning them to the ground. Elrohir stood, bracing himself against the wall with one hand, his other arm laying at his side. His face was stoic, his eyes blank, his frame stiff. He did not reveal his emotions, but anyone could see that the son of Elrond was in pain.
Glorfindel's gaze drifted to Legolas, who stood next to the balconey, arms crossed, expression pained as he stared out the doors. Glorfindel's heart hurt the most for his Elven friend. Young Nebride was the prince's whole world, his life line. He had discovered that the night he had met Nebride again. You didnt' have to be a genius to see the love that was shared between the two of them. And he also knew that if Nebride didn't return....Legolas would fade.
Aragorn whispered something to Arwen and she nodded. He rose and walked towards Glorfindel. "Glorfindel," he greeted. They clasped shoulders in greeting, and the elf noticed that the man's grip was not very strong at all.
"Aragorn," Glorfindel said. "I cannot express my sympathies enough at your loss." Aragorn simply nodded, his face tight with emotion. They parted, and Glorfindel made his way farther into the room as Elrond rose. He bowed his head. "Milord Elrond," he said softly. "My deepest sympathies, milord...I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be experiencing." Elrond nodded at him, clasping his shoulder. "I will help, in whatever way I can."
Elrond smiled. "Thank you, Glorfindel....but I don't believe that anyone can help bring my daughter back."
Elladen took this moment to look up and over at his father. "Ada, what about the woman who stole her away the first time? Could she have something to do with this?"
Elrond looked at him and shook his head. "I don't think so. She was exiled....no one has seen her since. I don't think she could have gotten into the palace, let alone Rivendell, without someone noticing."
Aragorn nodded. "And considering that Nebride would have fought back if she were being taken by force."
Legolas allowed himself a small smile at those words. With a fiery passion, he thought to himself. Just thinking of the spirited raven-haired elleth made his heart ache. How could she have disappeared? He had seen her only minutes ago...had been holding her in his arms, kissing her soft lips, and hearing her contagious laughter. Had just looked into her deep blue eyes...and now she was gone. How? Who would have done this?
Elladen sighed in frustration. "What of Gandalf, Ada? Have you consulted with him?"
Elrond nodded. "I have, Elladen. He is consulting with a few of his aquantinces, trying to discover who would have done this....there is not much we can do, Elladen...just like there was little we could do before."
Elladen brought a hand to his forehead. "There must be something we can do."
Legolas sighed and shook his head. "There is nothing we can do," he said softly. They all looked at him. He kept his gaze on the night sky, his expression filled with pain.
Elladen glared over at him. "Nothing we can do? Of all of us here, Legolas, I would think you would be the most eager to find a way to bring her back."
Legolas finally looked over at him. "I desire to bring her back more than anything, Elladen, but there is nothing we can do. Just as there was nothing you could do when it first happened."
Elladen smirked. "Of course....I mean...why should Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood bother to find her? After all...while we cannot find another sister, you can always find another fiancee."
Elrond glared at his son when he saw the expression of Legolas' face. "Elladen...that's enough," he warned.
"Do not dare to assume things you know nothing of, Elladen," Legolas said, anger flaring in his blue eyes.
Elladen nodded. "I know of this, Legolas....You certainly had everyone fooled. You never even had feelings for Nebride....she was merely another one of your conquests!"
In the blink of an eye, the two elves were on each other. Legolas threw the first punch, his fist connecting solidly with Elladen's jaw. Elladen delivered several punches himself, their grunts and groans echoing through the room. Aragorn had stood, watching the scene unfold, and quickly rushed over to the two when the first punch was thrown. He darted in between them, pushing them apart.
"Taro! Taro!," he shouted over their yelling. Stop! Stop! "No more!" His demands were ignored by the two Elves as they pushed against his arms, trying to get at each other. He pushed harder against them, trying desperately to keep them apart. "Glorfindel, Elrohir!," he shouted.
The two quickly rushed over, gripping Elladen by the arms and pulling him away as Aragorn pushed against Legolas' chest with both hands. He struggled against him.
"Both of you, calm yourselves!," Elrond shouted as he stood there, glaring at them angrily. "This is no time for petty arguments and unfeeling statements!"
Elladen ignored his father's outburst and struggled against his brother's hold. "You know NOTHING of love, Legolas...if you did you would be trying much harder to discover what happened to her!!"
"I know more of love than you could in your lifetime, Elladen!"
"Of course, the elf who is legendary amoung women for never staying longer than a night in their bed, uttering words of love just to charm your way into their bed! Tell me, did you charm your way into Nebride's bed by uttering those words that you never meant?!?"
"ELLADEN!," Elrond bellowed. "That is quite enough! Neither of you are helping the situation by fighting."
Legolas shook off Aragorn's hold and glared at Elladen, pain and anger written on his face. "The way I feel about your sister is something you will never begin to understand, Elladen." And with those words, he pushed past Aragorn and the others, and left the room. He rushed down the hall, heading towards the gardens....the gardens where Kimberly had accepted his proposal. He stopped at the spot where he had asked her, his throat tight with emotion. His Kimberly was gone...his one true love...his whole world. How? How did it happen? He paced the gardens, rubbing a hand over his face. Where was she? Had she been returned to the world she came from? Back to the hell she had been terrified of? Back to the hands of the man who made her life miserable? Legolas stopped in his tracks, anger welling up in his chest at the thought of her at the hands of Roger. He balled up his fists and spun around quickly, ramming his fists into the bark of a tree, over and over, until his knuckles were bleeding. Again and again, he delivered blows to the tree, venting his anger. Sobs escaped his lips as he slumped against the tree. How could things have gone from perfect to hell?
"Are you really beating yourself up over the loss?"
Legolas whirled around at the familiar voice, and he stared in shock at who stood behind him. "Janelle," he spat. "What are you doing here?" The blonde elleth smiled seductively at him.
"I just heard the news....I came to Rivendell to see you and heard of the young tart's disappearance...." She grinned. "What a tragedy." She strolled up to him, her hips swaying seductively. "Honestly, love....you should have known she wouldn't stay."
Legolas watched her with a glare as she walked up to him. Disgust welled in his chest at the mere sight of her, as well as anger that she dare show her face near him after the stunt she pulled in Mirkwood. "Leave, Janelle. You are not welcome here."
She laughed. "Come now....you are in pain, Legolas...." She pressed herself against him, staring up at him. "I promise you that I can relinquish that pain in an instant....don't you remember how wild we could get? How passionate?" The whole time she talked, her hand slid down his chest, and lower still, until she reached her destination. She grabbed him fully as she spoke, lust in her gaze.
Not hesitating an instant, Legolas grabbed her hand and jerked away from her, anger in his eyes. "Passion was never involved with us, Janelle...simply lust." He glared down at her. "Just the thought of what we did disgusts me."
An expression of rage crossed Janelle's face and she jerked her hand away. "Impertintent pig! I go through all the trouble of getting rid of that little Elven bitch for you, and you deny me!"
As soon as the words escaped her mouth, she kicked herself. Damn, she thought. In an instant, Legolas sprang at her, gripping her arms and staring into her face. "How, Janelle? Who helped you send her away?" When she didn't reply, she shook her roughly. "Who?"
She glared up at him. "The witch," she snarled. "The witch who first sent her away."
"How? How did you do it?"
She groaned. "An herb mixture in the water....All she had to do was take one drink and she would return to the world she came from."
Legolas glared down at her, his body coursing with anger. SHE had done it....and in away....HE had done it. His shameful past...his old habit of bedding whores and unsuspecting maidens....Janelle's jealousy that he would not return to her bed....He had done it. Guilt washed over him in waves. I did this...I had a part in Kimberly's disappearence...Valar, what have I done?, he thought. Glaring down at Janelle, he leaned down towards her, piercing her with his eyes. "Where does the witch dwell?"
Janelle just glared up at him, and winced when he shook her again. "In a forest not far...Deep in the center of the wood."
Legolas nodded and glared at her. "Take me there."
----------------------------
Kimberly sat against the Rachel's bedpost, eyes closed as tears continued to run down her face. She was back in Ohio....back in the hell she never wished to see again....back where Legolas didnt' exist. God, please....just send me back, she thought. Send me back....
"Kim?"
She opened her eyes and looked to the door. Rachel was just coming in, softly closing the door behind her. The blonde teen watched her friend closely, concern and worry etched on her beautiful face. She took a few steps towards the bed, her eyes never leaving her friend's face. She stopped a foot away from the bed and stuck her hands in her back pockets. "How ya doing, babe?"
Kimberly smirked. "I'm in hell, Rach...how do you think I feel?" She looked up at her friend and shook her head softly. "Sorry...it's not your fault I'm here."
Rachel sighed. "Kim, I don't get this....what are you talking about? You say this isn't your home, but it is..."
Kimberly shook her head. "No, it's not....Rachel, this isn't my home! I was raised here, but this isn't where I belong!"
Rachel walked over to her and sat down across from her, folding her legs under her. "What do you mean?"
Kimberly sighed and looked at her lap. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," she said softly. She looked up when Rachel grabbed her hands.
"Kimberly....I'm your best friend....Of course I'll believe you...now tell me. Where do you belong?"
Tears welled in Kimberly's eyes as she smiled. "With him," she whispered.
Rachel frowned. "Who?" And for the next half hour, Kimberly told her friend of the world she had come from and how she got there; she spoke of her discovery of who she truly was, of meeting her real family, of being truly happy for the first time in her life...and she spoke of Legolas and her love for him.
"He's incredible, Rach...he really is...Sweet, handesome...and he loves me....And I have to get back to him, Rachel...I feel like...I don't know...like I'm fading away. I have to get back home."
Rachel searched her friend's face. "You're really serious about this...aren't you, Kim? You're really an elf from another world...an elf who doesn't belong here?" Kimberly nodded. Rachel grinned. "Dude, as crazy as that sounds...I believe you. And...I'm sorry that you're stuck here....But...are you even the littliest bit happy that you're back? I mean...are you glad to at least see me?"
Kimberly smiled and laughed softly. "Of course I'm glad to see you, Rachie....I've missed you so much...I thought about you a lot in Middle-Earth."
Rachel smiled. "Well, a lot of people here have thought about you too."
Kimberly raised her eyebrows. "Really?"
"Duh! Kim...everybody thought you were dead. The police even arrested Roger and took him in for questioning." Kimberly stared at her. "Everybody figured your mom was covering for him like she always used to. The school had grief counselors and therapists and all that shit there, trying to help everybody deal. Search parties, flyers...everything....and, when you didnt' show up after two weeks....well...." She didnt' have to finish. They thought she was dead.
Kimberly looked at her lap again, contemplating all that she had just heard. Everyone thought she was dead? Well, it didn't surprise all the close calls she'd had before. And people at school needed grief counselors? SInce when did the student body care if she lived or died. Then suddenly a thought occured to her, and she snapped her gaze back to her friend. "Jackie...I mean, mom...is she okay?"
Rachel nodded. "Yeah...at least...last I saw her. A couple new bruises, but yeah...she's still alive."
Kimberly nodded. "I, uh....I should go and see her." She rose from the bed and Rachel jumped up.
"What? Kim, you're kidding me....Roger is there...he'll kill you if he sees you!"
Kimberly shook her head. "IF he sees me, Rachel....I know how to be careful. I just...I have to see her. She has to at least know that I'm okay. ANd, seriously....where am I gonna go? I have no idea how to get back to Rivendell....if I can EVEN get back...where am I supposed to stay? She'd find out sooner or later. I have to see her."
Rachel stared at her a moment, then nodded. "Alright...I get it. But I'm coming with you! At least to walk you there...."
Kimberly sighed. "Rach, I don't need a chaperone. I'm not a little girl."
Rachel smiled. "Yeah, but...still...I'd feel better. I'll wait around the block until you come out...nobody gets hurt." She reached out and hugged her raven-haired friend. "He's gonna have to get through me to get to you." Kimberly smiled against her friend's shoulder, and murmured her thanks. They pulled apart, smiling at each other. At that moment, they were best friends again....childhood playpals without a care in the world. And then the moment was gone, and Rachel grabbed her coat. "Let's go."
-------------------------
Kimberly's heart thumped in her ears as the house she grew up in came into view. It looked the same as she last saw it; the bushes needed clipped, the lawn needed mowed, the shutters needed reattached. All jobs Roger had shirked off during his drunken state. At the thought of her "father", her heart nearly stopped. She admitted, she didn't want to be here. She wanted to be with her real family, standing at Legolas' side....not going into the house that was her hell for 17 years. But, she also knew that she had to. To close the door on her past....
"You sure you're up for this, Kim?," Rachel asked at her side.
Kimberly looked over at her, not too sure herself. Her friend was looking at her in concern and worry, her blue eyes searching her face. Am I up for this? Hell, no...I was never up for this, she thought to herself. But instead, she nodded. "Yeah....This is something I have to do...I have to know that she's okay." Rachel nodded.
"Alright...I'll wait down the street....If Roger pulls anything, scream, and I'll come running."
Kimberly smiled and nodded. "No prob..." She watched as Rachel turned and walked down the street, stopping at the curb. Taking a deep breath, Kimberly turned towards the house. "Well...it's now or never." She made her way up the sidewalk and to the door, traveling the same path she had thousands of times over the years. And yet, no matter how many times she had taken those very steps, now they seemed unfamiliar, as if she were traveling them for the first time. Breathing deeply once more, she rested her hand on the doorknob. She hesitated a few moments, heart racing, and then turned the knob.
The house was dark when she shut the door behind her. Squinting her eyes against the sudden darkness, she saw that the windows were all covered, curtains pulled, blinds down. Roger probably didn't want the light to hurt his eyes after he woke up with hangover. Sighing softly, she walked deeper into the house, her new Elven qualities allowing her to be silent as she walked. She peeked into the living room, and moved on when she saw that the TV was on, but the room was empty. She jumped slightly when she heard a noise coming from the kitchen. Recovering, she walked down the hall. Peeking in from behind the wall, she relaxed when she saw her "mother" standing before the sink. Her back was to Kimberly as she slumped forward, hands braced upon the counter. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs. Taking a deep breath, Kimberly walked into the kitchen. She stopped a few feet away from Jackie, her footsteps silent. Swallowing hard, she sighed and looked up. "Jackie?"
Jackie whirled around at the sound of her daughter's voice, and Kimberly gasped out loud. Jackie looked horrible. Her left eye was swollen shut, and her cheek was split open, dried blood staining the side of her face. A large bruise covered the most of her chin, and bite marks could be seen on her neck. Her hair was messily pulled back, most of it falling out of her ponytail. Her dress was dirty, covered in various stains, and her feet were clad in pink slippers that had lost their fuzz. She stood in shock, staring at her daughter. "Kimberly?," she asked softly, tears welling in her eye. "Kimberly...is that really you?"
Kimberly stared at her and nodded mutely. She stood still when Jackie let out a small cry and threw her arms around her. "Oh, Kimmy....dear God, I thought you were dead. Thank God that you're alive." Kimberly fought back tears as she was hit with Jackie's familiar scent, and she slowly raised her arms to embrace the woman. They pulled apart, and Jackie smiled, cupping the sides of her facae. "Oh, look at you....ever so beautiful." She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and gasped. "Your....your ears....Kimmy...what..what happened?"
Kimberly stared at her, and reached up, grabbing her hands and holding them with her own. "I had to see if you were okay," she said softly.
Jackie frowned. "What do you mean? Kim...you're home now..."
Kimberly shook her head. "This isn't my home...and you're not my mother." She watched as tears fell from Jackie's good eye, and she swallowed. "At least...not my real mother. You raised me...and I thank you for that...but this isn't my home and I don't belong here."
"Kimberly-"
She shook her head. "No...look...I've found my real family. I have...a new life now...and somehow..I was torn away from it. And, I would love to tell you that I'm back to stay, but...I can't. I can't stay in this house with...with HIM. I have to get back to where I belong. But I can't do that until I know that you'll be alright when I leave." She reached out and stroked Jackie's cheek. "You'll always be my mother....I'll always remember how much you loved me and how well you treated me...but I can't stay here. I can't be somewhere where I know I wouldn't make it out alive. And I can't let you stay somewhere like that either. Leave Roger....find somewhere to start over."
Jackie sobbed. "Kimberly....you can't be telling me this. You can't honestly be just showing up to spite me-,"
"I'm not doing this to spite you!," Kimberly said.
"And then just disappear again...Kimmy...I know that it was wrong to lie to you all that time...to raise you as my own. But...I had no idea where you came from, what life you had before. I had made a promise in the beginning to tell you when you were old enough to understand but...I didn't. I guess I didn't want to risk losing you." She wiped away her tears and smiled at her. "But I lost you long before that didn't I?"
Kimberly looked away. It was true. After all the abuse...Kimberly hadn't been so sure if she really loved her "mother" anymore. She looked up. "I'm sorry....I really am. But I belong somewhere else, and I have to find a way to get back." She frowned when she saw Jackie's expression change into one of panic, and she knew what was coming.
"You little bitch....what are you doing back here?"
Kimberly whirled around, fear clenching her heart. Roger towered behind her, drunken rage in his eyes. A beer bottle was held between his fingers, and he stalked towards her.
"Roger...leave her be," Jackie pleaded.
Roger glared at her. "You shut up!," he yelled, turning his eyes back to Kimberly. "That was a stupid little stunt you off like that, leaving everyone to think I had killed you." He sneered and chuckled. "Just what you wanted, huh? To have me behind bars so you could run off wild, getting knocked up and bashing my name and I couldn't do anything about it. Well, I got new for you, princess." He tossed his beer bottle aside, smashing it against the wall. "It didn't work. And now that you're back...there's gonna be a lesson to be learned."
Before he could take a single step towards her, Jackie jumped in front of him, a large butcher knife in her hand. She held it in front of defensively, rage written on her beaten face. "No, Roger...not again."
Roger glared at her. "Get out of the way, woman," he snarled. "This doesn't conern you."
Jackie shook her head. "For far too long I looked away, Roger, while you beat and abused this girl. Now she has a new chance...and I won't let you harm her anymore." She plunged the knife ahead, screaming in rage. The blade of the knife scraped Roger's arm, and he roared in pain, clutching the now bleeding flesh. Rage burning in his eyes, he grabbed her arm, twisting it back. Jackie screamed in pain, and panic arose in her eyes when he grabbed the knife from her hand.
He pulled her close to him, staring into her eyes. "I warned you, bitch....now I'll make sure you stay out of my way." With a loud grunt, he rammed the knife into his wife's chest, smirking in triumph when she grunted in pain.
"NO!," Kimberly screamed as she watched her "mother's" lifeless body fall to the floor. Tears burning her eyes, she snapped her gaze back to Roger. He held the bloody butcher knife in his hand, glaring at her ruthlessly. "You sick bastard," she said, her face pinched in anger.
Roger pointed a finger at her. "What did you say?"
Kimberly stuck up her chin. "You heard me. You sick bastard. Do you really think you're going to get off easy now? You MURDERED your wife! They're going to lock you away forever!"
Roger laughed evily. "Sure....if they were going to do anything, they would have done it long before now. But, since your so-called mother is now dead....I guess your lesson can now be learned."
Kimberly opened her mouth to scream when he lunged at her, but his large hand covered her mouth, smothering her scream. "You aren't getting away this time," Roger sneered as he ripped at her shirt. Kimberly raised her hands, her nails clawing at his face. He roared in pain, pushing her hands away. With a shout, he backhanded her across the face. The force of the impact through her across teh room, her hand smashing into the wall. Groaning, she pushed herself up on her upper arms, reaching up and wiping away the blood from her lip. Gasping at the approaching footsteps, she pushed her body around to stare up at the maniac man coming towards her, lust and anger in his eyes. Oh, God, someone help me.
--------------------------
Legolas held on tightly to Janelle's upper arm, as she led him into the forest. They had been walking for at least an hour since reaching the forest, and though he wasn't tired, he was frustrated. "Are we close?," he asked her, his voice tinged with anger.
The blonde elleth grunted up at him, trying to pull away from his tight hold on her arm. "It's not far now....but for Valar's sake, would you losen your grip? It's not likely that I'll get away from you." His tight grip left her, and she reached up, massaging her arm with her hand. Glaring up at him, she smirked. "Since when are you brutal to women, Legolas? Why didn't you show this spirit when we were together?"
Legolas glared down at her. "Because, as far as I'm concerned, you're as good as an Orc, Janelle. To me, you are no woman."
She glared at him. "And I suppose your little strumpet is? Come now, Legolas. She's a child, an inexperienced child who knows nothing of how to please a man!"
Legolas stopped and turned to her, glaring down into her pale face. "Not everything is about physical pleasure, Janelle...but then I assume you would know nothing of the sort. And her experience is of no importance. The way I feel about her and she about I is all that matters."
Janelle grinned up at him. "She's good in the sack, isn't she?," she asked. "You've charmed your way into her bed already....Surprise, surprise, the little elleth isn't as innocent as she leads on."
Legolas smirked. "She's much more innocent that you ever could be, Janelle....and you will not speak of her in such a manner again." Grabbing onto her arm again, they continued on their path.
"Don't you miss our late-night meetings at all, Legolas?," Janelle continued. "The passion, the fury...the pleasure? Don't you remember how long it would last, how good it felt? I certainly do....Certainly you must miss it just a bit."
Legolas shook his head. "The acts we performed churn my stomach now, Janelle. They were nothing but several mistakes that I wish I could correct. However, the only thing I can do is forget about them and make up for them now."
"With Kimberly? Valar, Legolas, what in Middle-Earth did she do to you? You were a legend amoung women! You had bedded nearly all of Mirkwood and yet always returned to me up until that little bitch came along. Are you honestly telling me that one little elleth with an innocent face can change you so completely."
Legolas smirked at her, looking over his shoulder. "I am, Janelle....my past deeds are just that: PAST. They no longer matter."
Janelle felt her rage well up, and she reached into the pouch at her side, her fingers wrapping around the hilt of the dagger that was concealed within it. "Well, they certainly matter to me," she muttered, and pulled the dagger out of the pouch, raising in high above her head. Legolas turned the moment she raised it, falling into a defensive stance. How could he be so stupid to not bring any weapons with him? Concern for Kimberly certainly clouded his judgement.
They both jumped when a small pouch was thrown at Janelle's feet, it's contents exploding around her. The dagger slipped from her grasped as she gasped at the burning sensation that seared her body. Her screams filled the air as her body caught on fire, the flames consuming her hair and dress. She smacked her hands against the flames, desperatelty trying to put them out. Legolas stumbled back when her entire body burst into flame, her screams being consumed by the fire. He shielded his face with his arms when she threw her arms up, raising her head and screaming in pain, into the night sky. And then the screams silented as the flames consumed her, reducing her to nothing but ash. Legolas took a hesistant step forward, his eyes on the pile of smoking ashes. A twig broke in the distance and he jumped, raising his gaze to the approaching figure. This must be the witch, he thought as he looked her over.
Her stained black dress flowed around her ankles as she walked, her long gray hair, ragged and tangled, hung around her wrinkled face and across her shoulders. She stared at him with unseeing eyes and he knew that, though she was blind, she could see him indeed. "Why did you kill her?," he demanded.
A crooked smile appeared on the old woman's face. "Because she would have killed you, Prince, if I didn't. And do you disagree with me when I say that she deserved it?" He was silent in response, and she nodded. "My sentiments exactly....you ordered her to bring you here....for there is something that you want..yes?"
Legolas nodded. "I want you to bring Kimberly back."
The witch nodded. "I warned the elleth that her plan would not succeed. Your love for Elrond's youngest is too strong. I knew you would come here, searching for the way to bring her back to you."
"Do you have a way?," he asked, stepping towards her. Please tell me that you do.
The witch nodded. "I do...a way for you to get to her...as well as a way to bring the both of you back. But I fear that you may not make it there in time."
Fear clenched at Legolas' heart. "What do you mean?," he asked.
The witch stared at him with unseeing eyes. "She was taken back to where she came....back to the world she so destined to escape...to the man who desires to claim her life and make her miserable."
Roger, Legolas thought, his chest tight with anger at the thought of Kimberly being harmed by him. "I will make it there in time...I just need your help." He walked towards her. "Please....give me an herb mixture that will take me to her. I don't care if we get back...just so that we are together."
The witch stared at him a moment, as if considering his words. Finally, she reached a wrinkled hand into a pouch hanging at her side, and she withdrew three vials. She handed two of them to him. "These will bring the both of you back to Middle-Earth. Tell your love to drink it quickly, and to prepare herself for a spinning sensation." She handed him the last vial. "You drink this to take you to her. You will collapse for an instant, and when you wake, walk forward. After a few moments, there will be someone before you. Tell her of who you are, and to take you to your lady love. But you must be quick about it, young Prince. Already her life hangs in jeapordy." She stepped back, and bowed her head to him. "I wish you the best of luck, young Legolas."
Legolas stared at her for a long moment, confusion and relief etched on his face. The witch waved a hand at him. "Go, now," she said. Not wasting a moment, Legolas stuck the two vials into his pocket, and pulled the cork off the one in his hand. With one last look at the witch, he downed the horrible tasting liquid, cringing at its flavor. Tossing the vial aside, he stumbled as a dizzying sensation assaulted his senses. The last thing he saw was the witch's blind eyes staring at him, and the hope that he would be taken to Kimberly, and not end up like the blonde elleth who was burned before his very eyes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hahaha!! Another cliffhanger!! Hopefully this one isn't to brutal...So..okay, what are you waiting for? REview! Did Janelle get what was coming to her? Will Legolas get there in time? Or will Kimberly end up just like Jackie? Read and review!!!