DISCLAIMER: I don't own Sailor Moon or Lord of the Rings.
Recap: Something familiar caught Pippin's ear. Wandering away from where Faramir and Gandalf were talking frantically in hushed tones, the Hobbit followed the melodic sound to a small inner courtyard. Two women sat on a stone bench among the new green sprouts of early spring, laughing and talking.
"Minako!"
Chapter 38
It was a beautifully clear day. Motoki had been in Edoras for a day now, and he was avidly questioning Legolas and Haldir about Elvish culture. Èomer was with Théoden, speaking of war plans. The Scouts were sitting in a circle, talking and laughing like they would at home. Boromir and Aragorn were sparring again. And Gimli, Merry and Èowyn were no where to be found.
"Mmm," sighed Michiru. "The view of the mountains is so beautiful."
"Hey, what's that light over there?" asked Makoto. Everyone turned to look. Aragorn and Boromir froze when they saw it. Suddenly they both took off running like mad, putting all their effort into speed. The girls, Haldir, Legolas, and Motoki scrambled after them. But no one could keep up with the two men. The pair dashed up the stairs to the main hall, while the others got caught in a tangled heap part way up. The two of them were almost there, still neck and neck. At the last moment, Aragorn pulled ahead.
Aragorn burst into the hall. He was sweating and beginning to trip over his own feet. "The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!" They hastily slowed to a stop, nearly falling over.
"Gondor calls for aid!" Boromir said, gasping for breath. There was silence in the hall. Èomer, Gimli, Èowyn, and Merry had been sitting together in the corner. The group of Scouts and Elves, having finally untangled themselves, quietly entered behind Boromir and Aragorn. Everything was quiet. All watched Théoden.
"And Rohan will answer," the king finally said. Still no one moved. "Muster the Rohirrim." Everything became a flurry of action. Èomer and Èowyn shared a glance before he left the room.
"What just happened?" questioned a clueless Serenity.
Boromir embraced her with a smile. "We're going to Gondor, Usako. They've called for aid." His expression became grim. "Something must have happened."
Aragorn placed a hand on Boromir's shoulder. "We will be there soon enough."
Within an hour, soldiers were reading their mounts and Théoden was leaving the Golden Hall with Èomer. "Assemble the army at Dunharrow. As many men as can be found. You have two days. On the third, we ride for Gondor and war."
Èomer nodded grimly and left. But as he turned a corner, he came face to face with Rei, dressed in her old traveling clothes with a Rohirric sword at her hip. "There's no way you're leaving this city without me beside you." Her eyes were dangerous and determined.
They glared steadily at each other, until his gaze softened. "Come, then. We leave immediately."
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
Meanwhile, Serenity and Boromir were having their first real argument.
"We can't take her, Usako!"
"She's not getting left behind! If Diamond's looking for me, he'll also be looking for her. The Scouts are her best protection."
"But she's a child! She can't be taken into battle."
"Why not? She's seen many battles with the girls and me. When she needs it, she can call upon power stronger than any Sailor Scout before!"
Boromir knew he was fighting a losing battle. "That's no reason to– "
"Chibi-Usa is coming with us, Boromir!"
"I...I know she has to come. I just wish it weren't so."
She hugged him. "But if we can do this right, she won't need to fight as much as we do. No princess of the Moon has fought as much as I have. But if the result is that she is spared this type of life, I'll fight like this for the rest of my days."
Boromir kissed her forehead. "You won't need to, Usako."
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
Remember what Haruka said. Èowyn thought as she readied her horse next to Aragorn. You're doing nothing unusual. You have a right to be here. You have a right to have a sword under your blankets. You're traveling with an army. Having a sword with you is normal. There's nothing to be nervous about. She had almost convinced herself, when Aragorn lifted the blanket and saw the sword she had hidden. Panicked, she pushed the blanket down. Think! Think! "The men have found their captain. They will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope."
"Èowyn!"
She mounted the horse and rode over to where Haruka had called her, eager to escape the awkward situation. Haruka and Michiru sat on their horses. "Don't worry, Èowyn. I've talked to the Scouts. We'll all work to get you to fight with us. You'll not be left behind again." Èowyn smiled politely.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
"Makoto, you know you shouldn't be riding."
"Neither should you," she snapped at Haldir.
"But the baby!"
"But your injury," she said, mocking him.
Gimli harrumphed from his place behind Legolas on Arod. "Neither of you should be riding, but that is what the situation calls for."
Legolas added, "I'm sure you'll both be careful." He and Gimli headed off as the couple continued to snap at each other.
Èomer shouted from the front of the large group of soldiers. "Now is the hour. Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken. Now, fulfill them all. To lord and land!" Led by King Théoden, the Riders of Rohan filed across the vast hilled countryside that led to Gondor.
AN: OK, I have no excuses this time. I'd appreciate reviews though! Please?!? Please?!?!? Good or bad, I need feedback!