Of Sunrays and Moonbeams
A Sailor Moon/Lord of the Rings fic
Author: Celestial DreamBlaze
Help from Tom Bombadil, Hobbits, the Road to Bree
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Hi! I noticed I explain things a lot and go into much detail, yet not giving much
at all. I hope you bear with me on that, that's my style of writing and I have
a bit trouble making things to the point^^ it's one of my faults as a writer.
Warning: Major Spoiler in the chapters to come. I'm taking the same story line
adding a lil bit here and there.
Please read and review.. I love all your reviews and I crave for it^^
I hope you like this chapter... Enjoy ^^
Standard disclaimer... I own nothing...
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A flash of gold and silver encompassed the night sky. The bright light cleared
and disappeared into the body of a girl.
It was dark and chilly, yet the moment she touched Middle Earth warmth and joy
entered her heart.
She was welcomed home.
Usagi looked at her surroundings, she did not recognize the place.
Squinting her eyes, she saw the land was covered with rich green trees and lush
grass with varieties of plants and flowers alien to her.
Looking around helplessly, she crouched, and asked Middle Earth for help. She
got no reply. Feeling she would not get anything done for the day; she falls
asleep on a patch of grass.
~~
Tom Bombadil, as he was currently called, was whistling about in his merry way.
It was the first light of day, morning called to him and the land greeted him
with a swaying breeze.
Picking up a tune, he starts to hum his song:
Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!
Ring a dong! hop along! fal lal the willow!
Tom Bom, jolly Tom, Tom Bombadillo!
Trudging on his usual path, Tom went on his cheerful way towards getting lilies
for his Goldberry.
The trees then seemed to move, as if turning to a direction. Curious, Tom goes
and looks what the commotion was about.
He was the master of his country, each living wood, water, and hill belongs to
itself and Tom is the master. The burden of owning them too much, yet one could
never see him fear going anywhere in the area.
Continuing on the pointed path the foliage set out for him, he reached to a
clearing. A sight astounded him.
Never before has he seen a creature so pure, so breathtaking. His Goldberry
came close to being pure and lovely but the being before him was it. Just by
looking, he knew that the person was good and pure hearted. After living for so
long, a sense of what creatures may be came easily as moving his feet.
Though pure and innocent-like, with the same coloring, his Goldberry and the
person were so alike yet different. His Goldberry had soft skin of white, while
the person had shimmering tan, Goldberry's long yellow hair paled in comparison
to the sun golden strands with moon silver streaks.
What astonished him were her eyes. It was such a shade different from
Goldberry. Her eyes were a deep navy colored eyes that held flecks of sapphire
and silver. It held truth and wisdom, that of an elf, pain and love, caring and
compassion. The iridescent swirls transfixed him, never before, in all his
days, had he seen eyes like that.
What was she?
Waking up to the morning sun's shine, Usagi opened her eyes. A peaceful sleep
had been assured of her, and she felt refreshed and revitalized for the events
yet to come.
Her fearful dream had not come to her, and settled her heart a little of the
fear that took place of care.
Seeing that she was being watch, Usagi stilled and looked at the man warily.
Times have changed, she wasn't sure whether Middle Earth was still good, and
many queer folks could walk its path now.
Judging from his open curiosity, he did not mean any harm. She slowly sat up.
"May I ask who you are?"
The question brought ol' Tom out of his reverie, the voice was clear like
bells; another quality elves tended to have; yet, it had been sweet with a
charming sound that came close to a melody.
She had an air around her that gave gentleness and happiness, caring and
compassion.
Tom grinned, and in his customary fashion introduced himself, "Tom
Bombadil I be, and who might you be young maiden."
The last statement almost caused Usagi to raise her eyebrows. Young? She
thought with a snort, I'm hardly young. Then again, this Tom fellow looked
older than he perceived to be. Despite her musings, the cheerful answer
mollified Usagi, that this was a man with pure intentions. He also had this
nature around him that enchanted her of his persona.
Before answering, she thought for a while.
Should I introduce my original name or current? Choosing the latter, Usagi
thought it better, since people would not know her; it would serve useful for
later when needed.
Besides, she wouldn't know how to react were it found out among others that she
was the missing princess of Gondor.
"I am Usagi sir," she replied, "will you assist me into getting
out of the woods, I appear to be lost."
Usagi hoped he would, she did not think she could find her way out alone.
"Sure young one. Let me take you to my home."
He turned around, forgetting to get his lilies, and lead her to his home.
He wanted to know how she had gotten here and why. Nothing of her was told to
him, usually he'd hear of things important or not, especially when it concerned
his area, and yet Middle Earth or the free folk had not said anything.
Continuing to think of the friendly intruder, Tom speculated whether she could
be an elf. How else would she have those qualities, his woodlands liked her
too, they scorned all humans and did not welcome them in their lands. Then
again, she did not have the pointed ears, an elves trademark. She can't be
human; there is something more to her, something special.
As he wove their way through the forest with ease, they started to chatter of
humor and fun matters. Apparently, Tom knew many things to lighten ones mood.
Immersed in their conversation, Tom himself had not realized that they had
arrived. It was refreshing to talk to people so deeply every now and then.
"Ah! We have arrived, how quick it has come."
Usagi giggled at Tom's silliness. He was a good man and very easy to like.
Tom opened the door 'gallantly' for Usagi; she entered and glanced around.
It had been long since she had seen a house of Middle Earth. It was a sight to
see. Upon entering, the room was low and long. Lamps swung from the beams of
the roof, and candles, tall and long, rested on the tables of the dark wood. On
the floor of the room, next to a chair, were little green and brown pools that
held water lilies in them.
It was beautiful.
A new figure into the room, "so soon have you returned my dear Tom?"
"I'm sorry love," he said with twinkling mirth, "I got a little
sidetracked and came upon a guest."
His love, Goldberry, eyes widened in surprise. She had yet to see the figure
behind Tom and gasped in surprise.
She had not sensed a new presence on the country (The area in where Tom lives
will be referred to as country) and upon seeing her, the appearance of the
person had greatly awed her. It was something she hardly did.
Usagi looks at the beautiful creature and stared, she had never seen an elf as
beautiful as Goldberry was.
"It is nice to meet you, my name is Usagi" Usagi said, bowing low.
Goldberry reaches out to Usagi, smiling softly, "do not bow, you are a
guest."
They both stood up straight, Goldberry looked at Usagi and said, "I am
Goldberry, daughter of the river, and I am please to meet you also."
Indeed, it was true; it had been some time for her to be in the presence of
another lady.
The two quickly acquainted themselves, leaving poor Tom Bambodil out.
He sighed, remembering that he had yet to get his love her lilies, "I
shall return, I have forgotten to get my Goldberry some lilies."
He smiled at the two and left.
After saying goodbye to Tom, the two women returned to their endless chatter.
A friendship soon formed. Both in awe at each other's personalities and
qualities, thinking alike and liking each other more as the hour passed.
The sun soon began to fade, and the two begun to prepare for dinner.
Goldberry informed Usagi that they would be having more guests who liked to eat
plenty.
"We must hurry," Goldberry exclaimed in mock panic, "our guests
will come soon and they might eat my home!"
Usagi giggled at Goldberry's antics, it was just too much. Staying with the elf,
Usagi relaxed, it took her mind of pressing and dark matters, one she could not
ignore for too long. Just for a while, if even a little, she wanted to be free
of duty.
Goldberry cooked while Usagi watched and assisted her. She didn't really know
how to cook the meals and feared she'd give them food poison.
The fading sun gave its last golden rays of sunshine as pink, purple, and
orange, littered the evening sky.
The two were working together in silence till they heard a familiar voice
singing faintly in the distance.
"My little friends will be here shortly," he exclaimed, putting the
recently picked water lilies, making sure not to forget them a second time.
With his arrival, Tom assisted the two as they finished cooking the meals.
Just as they were done, Tom broke into song:
Hey! Come derry dol! Hop along, my hearties!
Hobbits! Ponies all! We are fond of parties.
Now let the fun begin! Let us sing together!
Goldberry catches on and sings the next verse:
Now let the song begin! Let us sing together
Of sun, stars, moon and mist, rain and cloudy weather,
Light on the budding leaf, dew on the feather,
Wind on the open hills, bells on the heather,
Reeds by the shady pool, lilies in the water;
Old Tom Bombadil and the River-daughter!
After she had done her verse, four small creatures entered the house.
Usagi gasped. Hobbits! She had heard about them and had never seen one before.
The four looked tired and weary as if their journey had been far, they took the
appearance one would get when facing grave matters.
Usagi stood forgotten in the shadows of the flickering light, as she speculated
upon the arrival of the new guests, as the four greeted Goldberry.
She smiled as the one who was called Frodo burst into song. He looked shocked
as he finished, like he didn't now what overcame him. She understood. Goldberry
and Tom gave that feeling easily to the others.
They were like a muse to a poet, or in this case, a songwriter.
As if remembering, Goldberry gave a little gasp. She searched around the room
and upon seeing her in the light's shadow, beckoned Usagi forward.
Usagi obeyed, walking towards the small group.
Goldberry places her hands on her shoulder and lead her a little closer to the
hobbits.
The hobbits watched in awe and admiration as they gaze at the two lovely
creatures before them.
It was like being in the enchanted stars above and the beings of sky were here
to greet them.
"Our little guests," Goldberry starts, "this is our other guest,
who arrived yonder morning, her name is Usagi."
The four halflings bowed in respect, all saying at the same time:
"Nice to meet you miss...."
"Pleasure my lady...."
"Charmed...."
"Aw...."
The two ladies present giggled and Tom laughed at the scene.
One of the hobbits, Merry, elbowed Pippin from finishing his sentence.
It appeared Merry knew what the latter would say and stopped him from saying
it. Although the others did not know what he'd say, they continued to laugh; it
was amusing to see the light-hearted banter between the two as they start to
bicker.
Amidst the laughter, Usagi couldn't help but think there were such simple joys
to cherish in such tumultuous times.
The party was having fun, laughing, and smiling.
The hobbits, as always, ate a wholesome meal. The weird site to see was a
petite girl matching their speed. Hobbits ate an unusually high amount for such
little things, and here a lady was mimicking their way.
They spoke of many things, the earth, the stars, the moon, and the sun, along
with life in the shire, the country, the river, and the woods.
Usagi never spoke of where she came from, just listening and asking questions.
She had missed out a lot and wished to know all in Middle Earth.
The remaining group noticed her negligence to speak of where she came from, yet
did not ask it aloud. They felt her discretion was important for some reason.
The merriment that resounded in the room lasted into the late recesses of
night, leaving the gloomy parts to the hobbits and the dark thoughts for
tomorrow in the day.
~~
Everyone in the house of Tom Bombadil rose to the new morning.
Greeting everyone in the main room, Usagi watched them bleary eyed.
She couldn't understand how Tom and Goldberry could be so cheerful in the
morning, even after all the years that passed she could never wake up so
happily.
She didn't appear to be the only one with a rough night. The dreams had
returned, more intensely than the first.
Frodo seemed to have wakened from a nightmare, his face looked fatigued and
scared even in such a house that was the perfect sanctuary.
Merry and Pippin seemed to have a peaceful night but there was also little
evidence that it did not appear so.
Sam, on the other hand, whistled about, following the disposition of the owners
of the house.
The day was fogged, and the wind was chilled. Rain was coming and the occupants
could not go outside.
Goldberry had gone out for the day, the water's of the sky called to her.
Tom entertained them with stories of nature. The animals of the forest, the
good and evil that lurked, the plants and their, to the hobbits, queer mind. He
told them the history of the old forest and the way it thought.
For Usagi this was better than high school, she loved learning of the ancient
day's, and it reminded her of the times the Outers would teach her when they
were under the guise as elves.
He enchanted them with his ways and the power he could weld. Enthralled them as
he sang out into ancient starlight, mystified them with his knowledge of
olden-lore and the minds of many things they could not comprehend.
The rain stopped, and the stars shone in the sky. Goldberry returned and with
the help of Tom served them supper. The merriment of that day surpassed the day
of yesterday and all was of joy and laughter that the guests wished for it to never
end.
In the midst of the joy, Usagi went into the washroom to tidy herself up.
She gazed at the mirror that hung on the walls of the room; her hair was down,
out of its meatball style. Its length after all these years reached about an
inch longer than her height.
Looking at her hair, she realized it would not do well for it to always be
down, especially when traveling. She put her hair into a hairstyle she hardly
used, bounding her hair tight; the French braid was neat and all in place.
Finished, it reached to the height of her thighs.
Satisfied with the new look, she kind of looked different with her bangs out of
the way and her braid slightly stretching her skin.
Returning to the dining room, the party seems to be filled with apprehension.
She wondered what happened, and looked quizzically between the six.
She looks to Frodo who seems especially tensed and uncomfortable. Usagi
scrutinized him a little more, and seeing that no one was offering an answer,
she dismissed it, for now. Ever since she had met him, she felt a certain
quality that made him different of the other hobbits. What it was she did not
know.
Frodo relaxed, Usagi's gaze agitated him. He didn't want to tell her the deeds
they did, including the evil and he didn't want her to be tainted by it. The
way she had gazed at them as they spoke of lore and history, it was one of awe
and astonishment, like she didn't know what the outside world was like. It was
kind of ridiculous, they, the hobbits, were quiet folk. Hardly ever traveling
outside the shire, the farthest being Bree, it was funny to find they had more
knowledge than the girl before them.
While she had been gone, Frodo had shown Tom the ring. Tom asked to see the
One, and he slipped it on. After retrieving it back from Tom, Frodo had been a
bit suspicious and put it on to make sure it was his ring; he also tried to
leave the room.
Tom had caught him and told him to come back; the actions gave awkwardness in
the room.
It didn't help that Usagi returned just after; it was good she hadn't come
sooner.
He didn't want Usagi to find out about there expedition, after knowing her for
a short time, he felt like he knew her, and knew she wouldn't hesitate to help
him in their peril. He was also slightly suspicious, and that made him ashamed,
he feared that she could be part of the Dark Kingdom. No one could be that
perfect. Even then, if she was true, what were the chances of seeing a being as
pure as her in real life?
Soon, the tension gone, the group discussed the trail that they'd take to get
to Bree.
At the mention of Bree, Usagi's ears perked up. Wasn't Bree a human village? If
she could get there then she'd be able to find her way back to Gondor.
"Could I come along?"
The men turned to her; the hobbits glance at each other and seemed to ask with
their eyes if she should.
Frodo thought, why not? It was only to Bree, "Sure."
Flashing a smile, she says, "Thanks."
Frodo wondered what she would do there, Tom had told them of how he found her
and found it sort of queer that she popped out of nowhere. Did she even know
where she was going? What if she wanted to tag along, Frodo thought worriedly.
He sighed; he'd think more of it tomorrow. In the meantime, he listened to
Tom's advice when treading through the green hilltops and knolls of the valley,
with a warning to stay away from the Barrow-downs, a treacherous place with its
rumors that even reached the peaceful Shire.
The next morning, as Tom said, the sun rose from the earth and peaked to the
morning sky.
Having breakfast alone, they finished to say their farewell.
The Hobbits and Usagi bid their goodbyes and gratitude to the cheerful Tom and
Goldberry.
Usagi walked along the four as they rode on their ponies. Frodo had previously
offered his, but she refused his offers with thanks.
They rode over hills and deep valleys, before long mid-day arose and arrived on
a hilltop, wide and flattened. They looked at the path before them, down they
went into a hollow circle were a stone that rose to the sky, they had their meal
that Tom had graciously provided them.
Having taken a nap, the five wake up to see that the sun was set. Alarmed that
they had slept so long, they see the sun sink into the White Sea.
A cold grey shadow came from the east and fog soon covered the skies.
They continued quickly on, in hopes to make progress despite the fading light.
The group had to travel in single file, so no one would get lost. Usagi was
told to keep hold of Frodo's pony so she wouldn't stray off.
Ahead, Frodo spotted something, there was a large gap ahead, it was the
north-gate of the Barrow-downs, and if they went through, they'd be free.
Going ahead of the others, he looked on for further inspection, dragging Usagi
along with him, and calling the others with him.
Usagi, having no choice followed, she frowned, something wasn't right. The
direction they were headed to gave her a cold chill and the hairs on her arm
started to rise.
Reaching the gate, they realized that Frodo had been wrong, the gap became more
smaller and the place grew darker, the pillars before him stood tall and
ominous, two huge standing stones.
The pony balked, having Frodo fall off, and Usagi to stumble.
Seeing Frodo look back, she follows suit, alarmed, the others had not followed.
"Sam! Pippin! Merry! What's taking you so long?"
Usagi looked on with growing fear, the others did not reply to Frodo's call.
Frodo became scared and ran back, leaving Usagi behind, calling for the others.
Usagi watched in fear as she was left alone, Frodo disappearing into the fog.
"Frodo?"
She walks forward and searched for him, "Frodo, wait up!"
No one answered; she could no longer hear his cries towards the others. She
followed blindly, getting lost.
Usagi looked about hopelessly, the place was foreboding, it was night and the
stars shown above, and she doubted she would get no help.
She heard a cry and followed it, she realizes with horror that a dark black
barrow was here, before she could run, all became black.
Usagi woke, unable to move, she looked about terrified. A Barrow-wight had
taken her.
She froze, using her powers she tries to escape. Nothing happened, panic starts
to encompass her, why couldn't she use her powers? How was she of any use if
she couldn't use her powers?
Realizing it was futile to struggle, Usagi does nothing. Was this it? She had
come here to endanger herself? She didn't even get a chance to help the earth
she so loved.
Tears start to form in her eyes, the darkness swallowing her light and hope;
she wouldn't even see Hotaru again.
Thinking of Hotaru, hope regained, she couldn't leave her daughter. Not when
Hotaru had a family, she wouldn't die and have herself taken like Hotaru's
family before her. At least for her, she should try to come back.
Closing her eyes, she searched within herself, looking to her heart to find a
way out.
She didn't need to.
In no time at all, the hobbits came, along with Tom, to her surprise. They
freed her and together they escaped the Barrow.
The five rested together to get their strength back, Tom disappearing for a
short while. During their rest, Usagi told the others what happened to her and
realized similar events happened to Frodo too.
Tom returned and came back with six ponies, one for all of them. With Tom's
help, the five continued their journey without any problems. Thanks to Tom, and
his non-sensible singing, it was enjoyable and worry free.
The road was longer than they had expected, passing swiftly through more
shadowy trees and sloping banks. Night came and the stars hung in the sky like
silver tears, beyond them, not further away, was Bree.
~~~
Sighing with a shake of her head, Fate watched the group heading towards Bree.
After much premature heart attacks, she was able to calm down. For a while. She
glanced to her right, Pluto was also present, watching as anxiously as her. She
gave another sigh, sometimes it seemed that the princess did this on purpose,
putting them to worry, or at least Destiny did.
Earlier, Pluto had come with a grief stricken face. The Time Guardian had just
informed the other Senshi of Usagi.
Let's just say they went into shock.
~~Flashback~~
"Yeesh! A second meeting in three days," the person exclaimed
exasperated, who else but the Mars Queen would say that.
Though Rei was the one to voice it out, everyone present couldn't help but
think the same way.
"I'm sorry... Majesty…" after all the years, Setsuna never did get
used to calling Rei that. She only had one princess and that was Usagi.
Thinking of Usagi, she couldn't help but worry, danger happened often in Middle
Earth and she hoped that Tom Bombadil found Usagi.
The occupants look at the mysterious senshi, why was she here?
Haruka and Michiru looked on curiously, Setsuna would usually inform them first
before the Inners.
"It concerns Usagi," states Setsuna, at this everyone became
attentive.
Hotaru just looked down dejected, she already knew, her mother wasn't in her
room that morning.
"I…" faltered Setsuna, she stopped and took Hotaru in her arms,
Hotaru clutched on tightly and started to sob quietly in her arms.
Why is it I'm always the bearer of bad news for my princesses? She thought
sadly as she stroked her hime-chan's hair.
Continuing, but not before noticing the alarmed looks of the Senshi.
"Usagi is gone," she said bluntly.
She all got the same reactions from everyone.
"WHAT!!!"
Haruka and Michiru a little more forceful than the others.
Everyone started to talk in the same time.
But it was Haruka's who rose above the others, "How could you PLUTO!"
The senshi of wind spoke so forcefully and accusingly that the others stop
their bickering to listen to what had to be said. "You are the ONLY one who
could allow her access there! How could you bring her back? Put her in danger!"
Setsuna narrowed her eyes, not before a twinge of sadness and hurt shown in the
mysterious orbs; "Do you think I liked it?" she started of quietly,
"That I wanted to? Do you think I like the fact that MY princess is in a
dangerous world with none of us there? Do you think I liked the fact that she
had to order me to take her there," she questioned loudly. Tears stung her
eyes, "well I don't okay? I had to follow her wishes, even then if I
hadn't it would have tore her heart and have her hate me! Above all that, I
couldn't stand for her to hate me.
Setsuna finished, tears streamed her down her face, as she looked straight into
Haruka's pained orbs, allowing the Senshi to see her pain that reflected in her
usually stoic eyes.
Haruka closes her eyes, blinking the tears away, "I'm sorry Setsuna."
She was thinking irrationally and it hurt to have their light gone.
Michiru hugged her lover in a comforting manner, they both were in pain and
they'd go through it together.
The Inners just watched, tears pouring freely down their face. Remembering all
of the times their princess was there for her. Usagi had left, they had to
accept that, and it was what Usagi would have wanted.
Hotaru just continued to sob: she wanted her mother back.
~~End Flashback
Fate thought sadly of the poor child, she didn't mean to cause the little
princess so much pain.
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I liked Tom and I had to put him in. I always thought he was silly^^. Also, I'm
not sure what race Goldberry is, but I suspected it might be Elvish or
something.
I hope you guys were all right with this fic.. And I'm sorry if I'm spoiling
the story for whoever is reading LotR..
Hope you enjoyed it though...
Also, I'm sorry if it sounds like nonsense. I'm working on it --;;
Much mahal and mahalo... bai bai.. for now^^
~~DreamBlaze
email: xxxangel_dreamerxxx@hotmail.com
aim: Artcblaze