Hello!!
I thank all of you who reviewed. You guys are great!!! I'm really thankful for your encouragement.
Tenshi- Is this chapter out soon enough? I really didn't think it's that funny, but I'm glad you like it.
empress blade- I hope it's 'there' and if not it gets 'there' soon.
I don't got much to say besides the usual "I don't own anything," so I'll just give you the story.
In case you don't know '...' is thinking and "..." is talking
Chapter Three-On the Road
'I wonder what's in store for us?' thought Frodo. He turned his gaze to Crystal, again blushing, though not as much. For the journey she had given up her rather illuminating outfit, after much argument, for the elvish garb she now wore. Surprisingly the lavender leggings and silver tunic with lavender embroidery were not created out of her own magic, but given to her by Galadriel. (Think Legolas' outfit, but different colors.) She had her hair pulled up out of her face and her silver colored boots treaded softly over the earth.
'What's the matter with me?' Crystal asked herself once more. 'Scratch that. I know what's up, but that doesn't mean I have to be so distant. Especially from Leo. It's not his fault he's drop dead gorgeous or has perfect manners. Hell, it ain't his fault he's an elf! Nope, it's all mine.' She sighed mentally as she thought ahead. 'There will be pain on this road, and all I can do is bring some comfort. So I might as well make the trip enjoyable. Yep! That's what I'll do!'
"Hey!" she shouted cheerfully, startling the hobbits. "Is it just me or is it really quiet?"
"It is quite quiet," Boromir agreed.
"Do you have something in mind, Pixie?"
"Pixie?" Legolas questioned Gimli, who blushed deeply when all eyes landed on him.
"I think it fits incredibly well," Aragorn intervened on Gimli's behalf.
"Yeah," Merry nodded. "Pixie's are supposed to be beautiful and mischievous sprits."
"That's right! You're really pretty and I bet just as mischievous," Pippin finished.
Crystal looked down on them as she walked and smiled happily. "Thanks!"
"Your Guardians call you 'Clear' and you have nicknames for us. So I think we should get to call you 'Pixie'," Frodo said.
"It's settled then," Legolas spoke up, grinning slightly. "From here on we dub you Pixie."
"Neato!"
The Fellowship laughed even though they still had trouble deciphering her terms. However, from the tone of her voice and the happy excitement on her face and shining from her eyes they deduced that she was pleased.
"Now, getting back to Gimer's question. I do got somethin' in mind."
"Someone save us all," Aragorn teased. It was a new disposition for him and he knew it as did the others, but he didn't care.
Crystal threw him a glance of mock annoyance, stuck out her tongue and proceeded to pull from her pack what, to the males, looked like a small lavender box. "This is a CD player. For music. With built in speakers."
"Music?" Legolas stepped closer to examine it, intrigued.
"Yepper! Music from my world. Let's start it off medium. So... what to play on here? Ooh, I know!" She pushed a few buttons, hooked the contraption to her belt, and a strange, unknown tune filled the forest air. She closed her eyes and titled back her head as she clutched onto Aragorn's and Boromir's arms and resumed walking, trusting them to guide her. Everyone present was stunned when her exquisite voice sang along with the words.
"I love you
And I need you
Nelli, I love you
I do need you
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I'm with my buu
You know I'm crazy over you
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I'm with my buu
You know I'm crazy over you..."
When a man began to sing the 8 remaining Fellowship members strained to understand his fast paced words. Legolas was astounded. Never before had he heard such music at such speed, but he indeed enjoyed it.
"That song Pixie, what is it entitled," Gimli inquired when the song was over.
"Dilemma. By Nelli. Featuring Kelly."
"Do you have anymore?" Legolas asked eagerly, his pale eyes twinkling in anticipation and glee.
'Whoa. He really likes this,' Crystal said to herself as she compared his gayness (Not that kind of gay you perverts!) to his usual composed self. "But of course," she said pulling the out the small disk and replacing it in a black case from her pack. After searching through the case she made a noise of satisfaction and took out another disk and placed it in the player. She, once again, began to sing loudly in perfect harmony with the tune.
"Say my name
Say my name
Actin' kinda shady
Ain't callin' me baby
C'mon say my name
Say my name
Say my name
When no one is around you
Say 'baby I love you'
C'mon say my name..."
She pulled the nearest person to her, Sam, and twirled with him in dance. More laughter was heard as Crystal, wanting to bring him up to her slightly taller height, effortlessly lifted him off the ground. She continued to spin with the baffled halfling and nearly swung him into a tree.
"Break time! C'mon everybody let's boogie!"
She practically dropped Sam and lunged for Gimli.
"Don't be shy, Gimer! It's all about havin' fun!" She took him by the arms and began whirling again. Gimli, unable to stay in pace fell on his backside to the amusement of everyone.
A few minutes later Crystal was still spinning joyfully and the tired, but happy, hobbits tried unsuccessfully to keep up with her.
Nearby, hiding in the dense brush, were three figures.
"It looks like she's finally opening up," Trowa observed.
"Yes, but she's still keeping some distance from the elf," Wufei added.
"Poor guy must feel so left out. Well, we're just gonna have to do somethin' about that." Lita's eyes took on a green glow as she slowly raised her hand.
The men watched as a tree root uplifted from the ground unnoticed. They nearly laughed out loud as the twirling Clear tripped over the root and toppled forward. She shrieked as she tried to grab onto anything to slow her down. Legolas, wanting to stop her fall, twisted with cat like reflexes so that he would land on bottom.
When Crystal finally regained her senses she opened her eyes and found herself staring into breath-takingly beautiful gray-blue ones that were shrouded in concern. She was suddenly very aware of the large, warm body beneath her own. The arm wrapped protectively around her waist, and the many eyes gazing at them with a mixture of worry and amusement.
"I'm sorry!" she shouted while jumping up, trying to cover her jumbled emotions. "Being a human is harder than it looks! Didn't mean to take ya down with me."
"It's alright," Legolas assured, smiling gently.
"Cool!" She then craned her head and noticed the uneven breathing of the hobbits. 'Poor guys. I must have tired them out.' "Maybe we should rest and eat."
"I do believe that would be for the best," Aragorn agreed, sitting down on a nearby boulder.
Legolas turned his head when he heard muffled laughter. When he went to investigate he saw nothing but a quick burst of two green lights and a red one. He quickly ran to the area and, seeing nothing that gave indication someone was there, decided that it had been his imagination. However, he was still suspicious. His senses had never failed him before. When he returned he noticed the halflings were eating some type of meat, lettuce, and tomato in between two slices of bread given to them by Crystal. He also took note that she acted like she had forgotten her little tumble. That was just how she was, he realized. She never dwelled on one issue for very long.
As he sat down on her right side she gazed at him through the corner of her eye. Looking at his ears she turned to him fully.
"Ya know what, Leo? I always wondered about those."
Upon hearing his given nickname he faced her. "Wondered about what, Pixie?"
"Lay down," she ordered while grabbing his elbow and pulling him down.
Not knowing what she was doing, yet trusting her, he complied. He ignored the grins he received
and he soon found his head lying comfortably in her soft lap. His shock increased when he felt her delicate fingers gently pinch the point of his ear.
"Trippy," she whispered in awe.
Legolas tried to remain unaffected as her fingers traced his right ear.
'Neato. Elf ears are so soft. They kinda feel like jello.' she mentally kicked herself when she realized what she was doing and with whom. 'It's okay,' she tried to calm her growing panic. 'I have to be me. That way no one's suspicious.'
No one noticed the flicker of doubt that, for a brief second, passed through her eyes. She was indeed excellent at hiding negative emotions.
"Pixie?" Frodo stepped forward. "What are you doing?"
"Checkin' out his ears. Weird."
"My ears are not strange," Legolas said defensively, understanding her word.
Crystal grinned. "Well they are to me. I never took the time to examine elven ears before, so I'm doin' it now." Just then she slipped her hand under his head and gently lifted. Taking the hint the pale haired elf sat up.
"We should be moving," he suggested.
Boromir stood and helped Crystal to her feet. In a few seconds they were traveling again.
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The sun set and a fire was soon kindled.
"I am *not* eating a poor defenseless bunny!" Crystal shouted as soon as Boromir returned carrying their supper in both hands. She shook her head fiercely. "Nuh-uh!"
"Suit yourself," Aragorn said beginning to skin the hares.
Then Merry and Pippin cooked the meal as Crystal dug through her pack.
"I can't believe they didn't pack me somethin' to eat!" she complained.
"Just try it," Legolas encouraged. "Hare is quite delicious."
The others nodded their heads.
"If you say so." Without another hint of hesitation she took the offered meat and took a large bite. Her face lit up. "Yummy!!" She hopped to her feet and ran to the fire attempting to pull the rest of the meat from the skewer. After a few shouts of pain she settled down between Aragorn and Gimli, with her plate piled high, and began to stuff her face. She took no notice of the stares she received from the surrounding males.
"I think someone needs to do more hunting," Gimli said slowly.
Crystal finally looked up. "What?"
"You eat more than me," Pippin said amazed.
Crystal giggled. "Can't help it. Food's great. Some of my Guardians picked up my love for food."
"Which ones?" Aragorn asked, interested.
"Well ya got Spaghetti Brain, Braid Boy, and Ku."
"We know who Spaghetti Brain is. But who are the others?" Boromir questioned.
"Their real names are Duo and Goku, I believe," Legolas said. "They were in Pixie's chambers packing before we left."
Confused eyes turned to the Guardian.
"Don't ask," Crystal said, then seeing their eyes still on her she sighed. "So I don't care if men do my packing. So what! It's not like they'll run into something they've never seen before. Besides," she slowed in her rant, "I think I can trust them after living with them for a few hundred years."
"How old are you anyway?"
Crystal looked towards Boromir. "I dunno. You'll have to ask Icy. But I think somewhere past 2,000."
"2,000?!" Sam shouted.
Across from him Crystal jumped in shock.
"Yeah, so what?"
"Who's Icy," Frodo asked in an attempt to change the direction of the conversation.
"Her real name's Amy," she replied in cheerful fondness. "She was, in the past of her world, the Princess of Mercury and a member of Serenity's Royal Court. But she will always be the Senshi of Wisdom and the controller of ice."
"Senshi?"
"Warrior," Crystal said simply, answering Gimli's question.
"You have yet to tell us the tale behind your Guardians," Legolas reminded.
Crystal's shoulders slumped and her expression showed sorrow.
Seeing this Frodo quickly said, "You don't have to tell us if you do not wish to."
"No. It's only fair. I gotta warn you though, it's kinda long."
"We have all night," Merry comforted, stepping around the camp fire to sit beside her and squeeze her hand."
"Okay." She took and a deep breath and began, the fire's light giving her face a ghostly glow. "I watched Serenity, Amy, Lita, Mina, Raye, Chi Chi, Bulma and Relena grow in a world known as the Silver Millennium. Trista had been the Guardian of the Time Gates before I first showed up. Anyway, life was good. The universe was a peaceful place. That is until a creature known as Beryl decided to rear her ugly head. She brainwashed the people of earth into helping her conquer the moon.
"Endymion, earth's prince, was the only one unaffected, but he wasn't enough to stop his people. He was killed and Serenity committed suicide." She paused for breath, ignoring the sharp gasps around her. "The girls, known as the Sailor Senshi, were at a loss for what to do. Truth be told with their heads so clouded, they didn't live for much longer." Her voice wavered as she continued.
"Now I think it'd be better if you had the basic information on the Senshi. The Inner Senshi consist of Mina, Raye, Lita, and Amy. Or rather Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury. They were the closest to Serenity and lived in the kingdom. The Outers are Relena, Trista, Chi Chi, and Bulma. Otherwise known as Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune. They were further away. As I said before Pluto protected the Time Gates. While Uranus and Neptune protected the kingdom from afar."
"What about Saturn?" Pippin inquired, curiously.
The question clearly made Crystal uneasy. "Relena..." she started, looking for the right words. "Is the strongest of her line. So when she inherited her star seed, her powers, she was placed into a deep sleep. The people feared her powers would be beyond her control. They didn't want her to awaken. However, awake she did. The day the Moon Kingdom fell." She stopped and looked deep into the eyes of those gathered. "As the Senshi of Silence that is her duty to her world."
"What do you mean?" Aragorn asked carefully.
Crystal's gaze returned to the fire. "Saturn is the guide to death. She appears at the moment of total destruction. Back then, when her job was done, she returned to her sleep."
"How many times has she been called upon?" Frodo questioned.
"Only once really. That's when I came in." She halted to wipe her eyes. "I knew I couldn't interfere even though I had the power. As did Pluto. It just had to be. We were stuck watching." She pounded the ground with her fists angrily. "The Inners, Serenity, Endymion, and everyone else on the moon died. The Queen used the last of her power and sealed everyone into the Silver Imperium Crystal, the royal jewel of the moon." She turned her tear streaked face to the night sky and sighed deeply. "I was determined to give them some measure of peace. When the Queen had everyone reborn I opened a couple portals to different dimensions. Worlds were their soul mates resided."
"Their soul mates?" Legolas asked, confused.
"Soul mates are scattered everywhere. Just because your worlds apart doesn't mean there isn't someone meant for you. That's why true soul mates are so rare. Anyway, since all the Senshi and Serenity are linked when the Inners died, so did the Outers. Chi Chi and Bulma were reborn in one world with their soul mates, while Relena was reborn in the one that hosted hers, Trista's and the Inners'. When Trista died I brought her back immediately. The Gates can't be without their Guardian," she chuckled blandly. "As for the Inners, they needed to be with Serena." She threw her hands in the air. "So that's it. Over time memories were returned and I brought everyone together. We're happy now, and that's all that matters."
"Such pain and destruction..." Boromir shook his head unbelievably.
"You have no idea," she murmured. "But that's in the past! And I don't dwell there!"
A silence hung in the air before Crystal broke it. "Isn't kinda chilly."
Legolas stood and grabbed her cloak, wrapping it around her slim shoulders.
"Thanks." She stood and proceeded to walk around the fire.
What no one could see was the three figures close to them.
"Does anyone know what we're going to do exactly," Millardo asked the two women beside him.
"Shut up or they'll hear you."
"No they won't, Raye," Amy corrected. "If we were exceedingly loud they might hear us. However, even then they won't be able to see us."
"Yes, but then Clear will know we're here and up to something," Millardo said.
"True," Amy shrugged.
"Watch this," Raye said smugly. Her eyes shined a ruby red and the camp's fire flickered.
She narrowed her eyes and the flame slowly spreading to Clear's coat, obeying her command.
Crystal's eyes wondered from the full moon down to her cloak.
"Ahhhh!!!! I'm on fire!! Someone put it out!! Put it out!! I don't wanna burn!!!"
The others tried to help her, but she made it difficult running around the camp site. Legolas finally caught her and held her to him tightly, trying to still her struggling. Boromir and Aragorn grabbed her thrashing legs as the hobbits and dwarf poured soil on her burning cloak. In a panic Crystal lashed out and kicked Boromir in the stomach. As soon as Legolas released her she engulfed the stricken man into a hug.
"I'm so sorry!! I didn't mean to hurt you! It's just that, well, I've never been on FIRE before!" She let him go.
Boromir stood, clutching his stomach, he shook his head. "It's okay. Truly."
Crystal's guilt still remained. "I don't understand how you humans manage to stay alive sometimes."
Aragorn smiled. "We have practice."
"It's getting late," Gimli stated. "Perhaps we should retire."
Crystal looked at him perplexed. "I'm too young to retire."
"He means it's time for sleep."
Crystal looked down at Frodo, a dawning expression appearing on her face. "Ohh."
Everyone began to settle in for the night when a screech caught their attention.
"Ahh!! I don't have a blanket!"
"It's all right Pixie," soothed Legolas. "It has gotten rather warm this night. I don't believe anyone will be using theirs now."
Behind a tree Amy's eyes glowed blue before they shut.
Crystal shivered violently as the cold settled upon her. "Okay, now I know I'm gonna freeze."
"Here, Pixie. You can use mine."
She took the wool blanket gratefully. "What about you?"
"I shall be fine."
She raised an eyebrow, noticing the elf's slight trembling. "Riight. And I'm never gonna break somethin' again." Seeing his puzzled look she said, "It's not gonna happen. I know elves feel the cold. Maybe not as much as other races, but still." In her mind she contemplated her actions. 'What am I goin' do. I can't just let him freeze. So, personal feelings aside, there's only one thing to do.' "Lay down."
"Why?"
"Don't argue. Just do it." As soon as he complied she laid down next to him and spread the blanket over both their forms. She turned her head to the right and took in his alarmed face. "Now we both get the blankie," she said with a smile. She placed her head on his shoulder. "Night everyone! Sleep tight! Don't let the bed bugs bite!" With that said she promptly fell asleep.
Legolas chuckled as he took in her sleeping face. He turned his gaze to the amused looks of his companions and lightly shook his head.
Pippin looked worriedly at Crystal. "Bed bugs?"
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That's it for chapter 3. So how did I do? Review please.
In case you haven't noticed I am mixing everything up. Strange I know, but it is an AU.
I seriously think that this fic may be a little less than 10 chapters. I'm not sure yet. I guess we'll see.
The other song above is by Destiny's Child (in case you're wondering).
I have no idea what happens after the Fellowship of the Ring. I have the book, the problem is it's across the country at the moment. The second movie doesn't come out till December and I don't know about you people, but I can't wait that long. So if you have any info please review or e-mail me.
Thank you!
I thank all of you who reviewed. You guys are great!!! I'm really thankful for your encouragement.
Tenshi- Is this chapter out soon enough? I really didn't think it's that funny, but I'm glad you like it.
empress blade- I hope it's 'there' and if not it gets 'there' soon.
I don't got much to say besides the usual "I don't own anything," so I'll just give you the story.
In case you don't know '...' is thinking and "..." is talking
Chapter Three-On the Road
'I wonder what's in store for us?' thought Frodo. He turned his gaze to Crystal, again blushing, though not as much. For the journey she had given up her rather illuminating outfit, after much argument, for the elvish garb she now wore. Surprisingly the lavender leggings and silver tunic with lavender embroidery were not created out of her own magic, but given to her by Galadriel. (Think Legolas' outfit, but different colors.) She had her hair pulled up out of her face and her silver colored boots treaded softly over the earth.
'What's the matter with me?' Crystal asked herself once more. 'Scratch that. I know what's up, but that doesn't mean I have to be so distant. Especially from Leo. It's not his fault he's drop dead gorgeous or has perfect manners. Hell, it ain't his fault he's an elf! Nope, it's all mine.' She sighed mentally as she thought ahead. 'There will be pain on this road, and all I can do is bring some comfort. So I might as well make the trip enjoyable. Yep! That's what I'll do!'
"Hey!" she shouted cheerfully, startling the hobbits. "Is it just me or is it really quiet?"
"It is quite quiet," Boromir agreed.
"Do you have something in mind, Pixie?"
"Pixie?" Legolas questioned Gimli, who blushed deeply when all eyes landed on him.
"I think it fits incredibly well," Aragorn intervened on Gimli's behalf.
"Yeah," Merry nodded. "Pixie's are supposed to be beautiful and mischievous sprits."
"That's right! You're really pretty and I bet just as mischievous," Pippin finished.
Crystal looked down on them as she walked and smiled happily. "Thanks!"
"Your Guardians call you 'Clear' and you have nicknames for us. So I think we should get to call you 'Pixie'," Frodo said.
"It's settled then," Legolas spoke up, grinning slightly. "From here on we dub you Pixie."
"Neato!"
The Fellowship laughed even though they still had trouble deciphering her terms. However, from the tone of her voice and the happy excitement on her face and shining from her eyes they deduced that she was pleased.
"Now, getting back to Gimer's question. I do got somethin' in mind."
"Someone save us all," Aragorn teased. It was a new disposition for him and he knew it as did the others, but he didn't care.
Crystal threw him a glance of mock annoyance, stuck out her tongue and proceeded to pull from her pack what, to the males, looked like a small lavender box. "This is a CD player. For music. With built in speakers."
"Music?" Legolas stepped closer to examine it, intrigued.
"Yepper! Music from my world. Let's start it off medium. So... what to play on here? Ooh, I know!" She pushed a few buttons, hooked the contraption to her belt, and a strange, unknown tune filled the forest air. She closed her eyes and titled back her head as she clutched onto Aragorn's and Boromir's arms and resumed walking, trusting them to guide her. Everyone present was stunned when her exquisite voice sang along with the words.
"I love you
And I need you
Nelli, I love you
I do need you
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I'm with my buu
You know I'm crazy over you
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I'm with my buu
You know I'm crazy over you..."
When a man began to sing the 8 remaining Fellowship members strained to understand his fast paced words. Legolas was astounded. Never before had he heard such music at such speed, but he indeed enjoyed it.
"That song Pixie, what is it entitled," Gimli inquired when the song was over.
"Dilemma. By Nelli. Featuring Kelly."
"Do you have anymore?" Legolas asked eagerly, his pale eyes twinkling in anticipation and glee.
'Whoa. He really likes this,' Crystal said to herself as she compared his gayness (Not that kind of gay you perverts!) to his usual composed self. "But of course," she said pulling the out the small disk and replacing it in a black case from her pack. After searching through the case she made a noise of satisfaction and took out another disk and placed it in the player. She, once again, began to sing loudly in perfect harmony with the tune.
"Say my name
Say my name
Actin' kinda shady
Ain't callin' me baby
C'mon say my name
Say my name
Say my name
When no one is around you
Say 'baby I love you'
C'mon say my name..."
She pulled the nearest person to her, Sam, and twirled with him in dance. More laughter was heard as Crystal, wanting to bring him up to her slightly taller height, effortlessly lifted him off the ground. She continued to spin with the baffled halfling and nearly swung him into a tree.
"Break time! C'mon everybody let's boogie!"
She practically dropped Sam and lunged for Gimli.
"Don't be shy, Gimer! It's all about havin' fun!" She took him by the arms and began whirling again. Gimli, unable to stay in pace fell on his backside to the amusement of everyone.
A few minutes later Crystal was still spinning joyfully and the tired, but happy, hobbits tried unsuccessfully to keep up with her.
Nearby, hiding in the dense brush, were three figures.
"It looks like she's finally opening up," Trowa observed.
"Yes, but she's still keeping some distance from the elf," Wufei added.
"Poor guy must feel so left out. Well, we're just gonna have to do somethin' about that." Lita's eyes took on a green glow as she slowly raised her hand.
The men watched as a tree root uplifted from the ground unnoticed. They nearly laughed out loud as the twirling Clear tripped over the root and toppled forward. She shrieked as she tried to grab onto anything to slow her down. Legolas, wanting to stop her fall, twisted with cat like reflexes so that he would land on bottom.
When Crystal finally regained her senses she opened her eyes and found herself staring into breath-takingly beautiful gray-blue ones that were shrouded in concern. She was suddenly very aware of the large, warm body beneath her own. The arm wrapped protectively around her waist, and the many eyes gazing at them with a mixture of worry and amusement.
"I'm sorry!" she shouted while jumping up, trying to cover her jumbled emotions. "Being a human is harder than it looks! Didn't mean to take ya down with me."
"It's alright," Legolas assured, smiling gently.
"Cool!" She then craned her head and noticed the uneven breathing of the hobbits. 'Poor guys. I must have tired them out.' "Maybe we should rest and eat."
"I do believe that would be for the best," Aragorn agreed, sitting down on a nearby boulder.
Legolas turned his head when he heard muffled laughter. When he went to investigate he saw nothing but a quick burst of two green lights and a red one. He quickly ran to the area and, seeing nothing that gave indication someone was there, decided that it had been his imagination. However, he was still suspicious. His senses had never failed him before. When he returned he noticed the halflings were eating some type of meat, lettuce, and tomato in between two slices of bread given to them by Crystal. He also took note that she acted like she had forgotten her little tumble. That was just how she was, he realized. She never dwelled on one issue for very long.
As he sat down on her right side she gazed at him through the corner of her eye. Looking at his ears she turned to him fully.
"Ya know what, Leo? I always wondered about those."
Upon hearing his given nickname he faced her. "Wondered about what, Pixie?"
"Lay down," she ordered while grabbing his elbow and pulling him down.
Not knowing what she was doing, yet trusting her, he complied. He ignored the grins he received
and he soon found his head lying comfortably in her soft lap. His shock increased when he felt her delicate fingers gently pinch the point of his ear.
"Trippy," she whispered in awe.
Legolas tried to remain unaffected as her fingers traced his right ear.
'Neato. Elf ears are so soft. They kinda feel like jello.' she mentally kicked herself when she realized what she was doing and with whom. 'It's okay,' she tried to calm her growing panic. 'I have to be me. That way no one's suspicious.'
No one noticed the flicker of doubt that, for a brief second, passed through her eyes. She was indeed excellent at hiding negative emotions.
"Pixie?" Frodo stepped forward. "What are you doing?"
"Checkin' out his ears. Weird."
"My ears are not strange," Legolas said defensively, understanding her word.
Crystal grinned. "Well they are to me. I never took the time to examine elven ears before, so I'm doin' it now." Just then she slipped her hand under his head and gently lifted. Taking the hint the pale haired elf sat up.
"We should be moving," he suggested.
Boromir stood and helped Crystal to her feet. In a few seconds they were traveling again.
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The sun set and a fire was soon kindled.
"I am *not* eating a poor defenseless bunny!" Crystal shouted as soon as Boromir returned carrying their supper in both hands. She shook her head fiercely. "Nuh-uh!"
"Suit yourself," Aragorn said beginning to skin the hares.
Then Merry and Pippin cooked the meal as Crystal dug through her pack.
"I can't believe they didn't pack me somethin' to eat!" she complained.
"Just try it," Legolas encouraged. "Hare is quite delicious."
The others nodded their heads.
"If you say so." Without another hint of hesitation she took the offered meat and took a large bite. Her face lit up. "Yummy!!" She hopped to her feet and ran to the fire attempting to pull the rest of the meat from the skewer. After a few shouts of pain she settled down between Aragorn and Gimli, with her plate piled high, and began to stuff her face. She took no notice of the stares she received from the surrounding males.
"I think someone needs to do more hunting," Gimli said slowly.
Crystal finally looked up. "What?"
"You eat more than me," Pippin said amazed.
Crystal giggled. "Can't help it. Food's great. Some of my Guardians picked up my love for food."
"Which ones?" Aragorn asked, interested.
"Well ya got Spaghetti Brain, Braid Boy, and Ku."
"We know who Spaghetti Brain is. But who are the others?" Boromir questioned.
"Their real names are Duo and Goku, I believe," Legolas said. "They were in Pixie's chambers packing before we left."
Confused eyes turned to the Guardian.
"Don't ask," Crystal said, then seeing their eyes still on her she sighed. "So I don't care if men do my packing. So what! It's not like they'll run into something they've never seen before. Besides," she slowed in her rant, "I think I can trust them after living with them for a few hundred years."
"How old are you anyway?"
Crystal looked towards Boromir. "I dunno. You'll have to ask Icy. But I think somewhere past 2,000."
"2,000?!" Sam shouted.
Across from him Crystal jumped in shock.
"Yeah, so what?"
"Who's Icy," Frodo asked in an attempt to change the direction of the conversation.
"Her real name's Amy," she replied in cheerful fondness. "She was, in the past of her world, the Princess of Mercury and a member of Serenity's Royal Court. But she will always be the Senshi of Wisdom and the controller of ice."
"Senshi?"
"Warrior," Crystal said simply, answering Gimli's question.
"You have yet to tell us the tale behind your Guardians," Legolas reminded.
Crystal's shoulders slumped and her expression showed sorrow.
Seeing this Frodo quickly said, "You don't have to tell us if you do not wish to."
"No. It's only fair. I gotta warn you though, it's kinda long."
"We have all night," Merry comforted, stepping around the camp fire to sit beside her and squeeze her hand."
"Okay." She took and a deep breath and began, the fire's light giving her face a ghostly glow. "I watched Serenity, Amy, Lita, Mina, Raye, Chi Chi, Bulma and Relena grow in a world known as the Silver Millennium. Trista had been the Guardian of the Time Gates before I first showed up. Anyway, life was good. The universe was a peaceful place. That is until a creature known as Beryl decided to rear her ugly head. She brainwashed the people of earth into helping her conquer the moon.
"Endymion, earth's prince, was the only one unaffected, but he wasn't enough to stop his people. He was killed and Serenity committed suicide." She paused for breath, ignoring the sharp gasps around her. "The girls, known as the Sailor Senshi, were at a loss for what to do. Truth be told with their heads so clouded, they didn't live for much longer." Her voice wavered as she continued.
"Now I think it'd be better if you had the basic information on the Senshi. The Inner Senshi consist of Mina, Raye, Lita, and Amy. Or rather Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury. They were the closest to Serenity and lived in the kingdom. The Outers are Relena, Trista, Chi Chi, and Bulma. Otherwise known as Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune. They were further away. As I said before Pluto protected the Time Gates. While Uranus and Neptune protected the kingdom from afar."
"What about Saturn?" Pippin inquired, curiously.
The question clearly made Crystal uneasy. "Relena..." she started, looking for the right words. "Is the strongest of her line. So when she inherited her star seed, her powers, she was placed into a deep sleep. The people feared her powers would be beyond her control. They didn't want her to awaken. However, awake she did. The day the Moon Kingdom fell." She stopped and looked deep into the eyes of those gathered. "As the Senshi of Silence that is her duty to her world."
"What do you mean?" Aragorn asked carefully.
Crystal's gaze returned to the fire. "Saturn is the guide to death. She appears at the moment of total destruction. Back then, when her job was done, she returned to her sleep."
"How many times has she been called upon?" Frodo questioned.
"Only once really. That's when I came in." She halted to wipe her eyes. "I knew I couldn't interfere even though I had the power. As did Pluto. It just had to be. We were stuck watching." She pounded the ground with her fists angrily. "The Inners, Serenity, Endymion, and everyone else on the moon died. The Queen used the last of her power and sealed everyone into the Silver Imperium Crystal, the royal jewel of the moon." She turned her tear streaked face to the night sky and sighed deeply. "I was determined to give them some measure of peace. When the Queen had everyone reborn I opened a couple portals to different dimensions. Worlds were their soul mates resided."
"Their soul mates?" Legolas asked, confused.
"Soul mates are scattered everywhere. Just because your worlds apart doesn't mean there isn't someone meant for you. That's why true soul mates are so rare. Anyway, since all the Senshi and Serenity are linked when the Inners died, so did the Outers. Chi Chi and Bulma were reborn in one world with their soul mates, while Relena was reborn in the one that hosted hers, Trista's and the Inners'. When Trista died I brought her back immediately. The Gates can't be without their Guardian," she chuckled blandly. "As for the Inners, they needed to be with Serena." She threw her hands in the air. "So that's it. Over time memories were returned and I brought everyone together. We're happy now, and that's all that matters."
"Such pain and destruction..." Boromir shook his head unbelievably.
"You have no idea," she murmured. "But that's in the past! And I don't dwell there!"
A silence hung in the air before Crystal broke it. "Isn't kinda chilly."
Legolas stood and grabbed her cloak, wrapping it around her slim shoulders.
"Thanks." She stood and proceeded to walk around the fire.
What no one could see was the three figures close to them.
"Does anyone know what we're going to do exactly," Millardo asked the two women beside him.
"Shut up or they'll hear you."
"No they won't, Raye," Amy corrected. "If we were exceedingly loud they might hear us. However, even then they won't be able to see us."
"Yes, but then Clear will know we're here and up to something," Millardo said.
"True," Amy shrugged.
"Watch this," Raye said smugly. Her eyes shined a ruby red and the camp's fire flickered.
She narrowed her eyes and the flame slowly spreading to Clear's coat, obeying her command.
Crystal's eyes wondered from the full moon down to her cloak.
"Ahhhh!!!! I'm on fire!! Someone put it out!! Put it out!! I don't wanna burn!!!"
The others tried to help her, but she made it difficult running around the camp site. Legolas finally caught her and held her to him tightly, trying to still her struggling. Boromir and Aragorn grabbed her thrashing legs as the hobbits and dwarf poured soil on her burning cloak. In a panic Crystal lashed out and kicked Boromir in the stomach. As soon as Legolas released her she engulfed the stricken man into a hug.
"I'm so sorry!! I didn't mean to hurt you! It's just that, well, I've never been on FIRE before!" She let him go.
Boromir stood, clutching his stomach, he shook his head. "It's okay. Truly."
Crystal's guilt still remained. "I don't understand how you humans manage to stay alive sometimes."
Aragorn smiled. "We have practice."
"It's getting late," Gimli stated. "Perhaps we should retire."
Crystal looked at him perplexed. "I'm too young to retire."
"He means it's time for sleep."
Crystal looked down at Frodo, a dawning expression appearing on her face. "Ohh."
Everyone began to settle in for the night when a screech caught their attention.
"Ahh!! I don't have a blanket!"
"It's all right Pixie," soothed Legolas. "It has gotten rather warm this night. I don't believe anyone will be using theirs now."
Behind a tree Amy's eyes glowed blue before they shut.
Crystal shivered violently as the cold settled upon her. "Okay, now I know I'm gonna freeze."
"Here, Pixie. You can use mine."
She took the wool blanket gratefully. "What about you?"
"I shall be fine."
She raised an eyebrow, noticing the elf's slight trembling. "Riight. And I'm never gonna break somethin' again." Seeing his puzzled look she said, "It's not gonna happen. I know elves feel the cold. Maybe not as much as other races, but still." In her mind she contemplated her actions. 'What am I goin' do. I can't just let him freeze. So, personal feelings aside, there's only one thing to do.' "Lay down."
"Why?"
"Don't argue. Just do it." As soon as he complied she laid down next to him and spread the blanket over both their forms. She turned her head to the right and took in his alarmed face. "Now we both get the blankie," she said with a smile. She placed her head on his shoulder. "Night everyone! Sleep tight! Don't let the bed bugs bite!" With that said she promptly fell asleep.
Legolas chuckled as he took in her sleeping face. He turned his gaze to the amused looks of his companions and lightly shook his head.
Pippin looked worriedly at Crystal. "Bed bugs?"
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That's it for chapter 3. So how did I do? Review please.
In case you haven't noticed I am mixing everything up. Strange I know, but it is an AU.
I seriously think that this fic may be a little less than 10 chapters. I'm not sure yet. I guess we'll see.
The other song above is by Destiny's Child (in case you're wondering).
I have no idea what happens after the Fellowship of the Ring. I have the book, the problem is it's across the country at the moment. The second movie doesn't come out till December and I don't know about you people, but I can't wait that long. So if you have any info please review or e-mail me.
Thank you!