A/N: Sorry this has taken so long. I just started college and so my time was sucked away from me. Chapter eleven will be up in a week or less and I'll try to update it sooner than this took me. Thanks to those that took the time to review. Remember that's what makes this website fun for us authors
Nienna of Sorrow: Thanks for what you said It's nice to be appreciated. I have honestly never had a review where somebody just dogged my entire story and it was nice to have someone defend me and my story. So thanks for all your support.
CHAPTER 10
FRIENDS AND FIENDS FOUND
What happened?!" Cyclops yelled as he entered the War room. Professor X sat in front of a screen with Jean , Beast ,and Storm. Xavier wheeled around.
"Where's Frodo!?" he asked
In answer to his question, he saw Aragorn and the hobbits enter the room Jubilee was dragging her feet behind them. Xavier was visibly relieved. "I sensed the Nazgul." he said
"Yes Frodo could feel them as well," Aragorn said
"Is that why you called us so urgently?" Cyclops said
Xavier looked back at the screen "Yes, but I also sensed something more. I believe that the Nazgul are not alone." He turned to Jubilee. "Do you realize what you could have done? What if the Nazgul had come before the X-men had arrived? They would have the Ring now."
Aragorn's eyes narrowed "Let us be thankful that no one was hurt" he said scowling at the mutant leader.
"I'm sorry," Jubilee stammered looking to the floor.
Xavier noted Aragorn's look, he turned to Jubilee "We will talk of this later, but I want no one to leave the mansion without my express permission. We are safe in here. The Mansions defenses will protect us. He turned to Jean " Now other business, I want Gambit, Hank, Psylocke and you to go."
"Go where!?" Cyclops jumped
"While you were on your way here. I sensed a distinct life form. Not far from here. I think that it may be a hobbit."
"WHAT!?" Merry, Frodo, and Sam all said excitedly.
"It must be Pippin!" Merry said excitedly running up to Xavier "Can I go too!"
"I was just about to suggest that." Xavier said smiling. "Perhaps some other members of your fellowship should go as well; Aragorn perhaps?"
"I think that it would be best that I stayed." the ranger responded grimly. "But I will ask the others if wish to go."
"Good," Xavier said. "they will leave in an hour."
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"So, this is how the "master" race behaves?" Gandalf's voice came as his cell door opened and Magneto entered.
"I do not expect you to understand this. You are not from here." Magneto said as he approached the wizard. Gandalf was being held in the air suspended by iron cuffs on his wrists and ankles which were supported by Magneto's power.
"I do not need to be "from here" to understand your kind." Gandalf responded "Tyrants who seek power yet use idealistic shields to justify and empower themselves. The world is filled to brimming with your kind. It is you who do not understand."
"And what is it that I do not understand." Magneto asked angered yet curious
"The Ring will not grant you the power that you seek. It will consume you and leave you more rotted than you are now."
"Very well," Magneto said "I will test your idea. Though I suspect that you are bluffing. An instrument that has the power to control the race of men will give me what I seek. And if you are right then it will be a noble sacrifice to see my mutant brothers in their rightful place."
"Where is that?" Gandalf asked "Men go beneath their boot and I suppose that you're brethren
Will be below yours?"
Gandalf was suddenly yanked from the air and brought eye level with Magneto "How dare you!"
He growled clenching his fists but then he relaxed. "I will most likely be leaving shortly. So I'm afraid that I will not be around to keep you afloat. So new accommodations will be necessary."
Magneto stretched out his hand and part of the wall opened. The metal bent until there was a whole just large enough for a man to sit. Gandalf was thrust in.
"Farewell Gandalf" Magneto hissed "when next you see me. I will have the Ring. I've sent Pippin to get it for me. Then you will see that I am right" Gandalf did not respond. As he left the room, the wall shut, closing the wizard in.
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"Where do you think he's been Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked as the two hobbits sat in Frodo's room. The team of x-men had already left to find Pippin, Boromir, and Legolas had gone with them.
"I don't know Sam." Frodo responded. "I wish we could have gone too."
"Well you heard Mr. Xavier. He thinks that its too dangerous for you to leave." Sam said
"I hope he's alright." Frodo replied he looked to the sky "It's dark, I would not want to be out there anyway I suppose. I hope that Xavier is right about the defenses. I haven't seen any."
"Yes let us hope that he is correct." Aragorn's voice suddenly came as he entered the room. He was dressed in his full gear, even his bow was strung.
"Strider." Sam said "You look like your expecting a fight. Do you think that the Wraiths are coming?"
Aragorn paced to the window "I do" he said looking out. "I think that this Professor still underestimates them, but I am also expecting attack from within." he turned and knelt before Frodo, he put his hands on the hobbits shoulders. "Be careful, I do not want you to go near Professor Xavier unless I am with you."
"You think that he may try to take the Ring?" Frodo asked, Aragorn didn't respond
"But Mr. Xavier has been so nice to us." Sam said.
"Nevertheless," Aragorn responded standing up. "We must be wary." He glanced out the window again only this time he stopped and began staring.
"Strider?" Sam asked "What is it?"
"There is someone out there." he said finally. "By the front gates. I cannot tell but I think that it may be an elf."
"Legolas?" Frodo said
"No," Aragorn said still staring hard at the figure "it has a faint shine like one of the Eldar." He quickly turned to the door. "I will go to see who or what it is." he opened the door, before he left he locked it. "Do not open this door for anyone." was the last thing he said.
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"We're coming up on the city now." Beast said as they approached New York. It's lights gleamed. Merry gasped in amazement.
"I've never seen any place so big before!" He said "How will we ever find him?"
"Professor X gave us fairly exact coordinates." Beast responded Merry looked to Jean for a translation.
"Charles told us pretty close to where we can find him. He's in a place called Central Park." She said.
"Good then no one will have to see me." Boromir said hunched over in his seat holding a barf bag. By him sat Gambit and on the other side was Storm and Legolas, the elf had grown silent during the trip.
"What is wrong my friend?" Storm said.
"Something dark is near. I feel as if something very bad is about to happen." The elf replied quietly.
"Do not worry," Storm replied "I am sure that we will find your friend."
"That is not what worries me." the elf said "I am worried about Frodo, The Enemy is very close and Aragorn is wary as well. We must move as quickly as possible and return with all haste."
"Hank" Storm said "How long will it be?"
"We're over the Park as we speak." he responded "I will attempt to land without damaging any of the local flora or fauna if I can."
"Jean can you sense him?" Storm asked
The telepath concentrated "Yes I can feel a hobbit very near. Betsy?"
"I also feel him." Psylocke said from the back. The jet landed and the company exited the jet save Beast who was staying to guard the aircraft.
"Don't linger here too long me harties. Central Park is not a good place to be in the night and we don't want to cause any disturbances."
They quickly made their way into the Park. With Jean and Psylocke leading the way using their telepathy to help them find the hobbit. As they made their way through darkness, they saw very little, at one point Boromir almost attacked a bum who came out asking for change. They soon came to a fountain lying against it was a hobbit.
"PIPPIN! Merry shouted running toward his cousin. "Pippin, are you alright?" the other hobbit did not respond. Merry looked to Jean thinking the worst.
"He's alive," She said "He's only unconscious. I'll try to wake him." Jean put her fingers to her temples and concentrated, Pippin stirred a little but did not awaken. "It's no use," Jean said finally "Let's get him back to the mansion."
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Aragorn made toward the front gate. The figure was still standing there. He was right, it was an elf, there was a faint white shimmer about it. It stood hooded and cloaked. Aragorn paused and looked to Frodo and Sam's window, he could vaguely make out the there silhouettes from the light in their room. The only way he had been able to see the figure that he was heading toward was by the elvish light it had. He turned again to figure drawing nearer he unsheathed his sword, still wary of an attack.
"Who are you? How did you come to this place?" He demanded. The figure stood motionless and soundless, Aragorn stepped closer. "Answer me! I am Aragorn son of Arathorn." Still there was no answer. "Ni ea i yonda mal Elrond!" He said evoking his heritage and allegiance to Elrond. Aragorn was now only a two feet away. He tried to make out the figures features through the hood, he could see next to nothing. He raised his sword higher. "I will ask you only one more time! Who are you!? Why are you here!?"
"Selmalye harna meldalya?" the figure said at last with a sweet voice. "You would use that on me?"
Aragorn's dropped to sword to the ground "Arwen!?" he gasped.
The figure removed the hood to reveal the beautiful face of Arwen Evenstar.
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"It's no use Mr. Frodo." Sam said peering out the window toward Aragorn who was standing before the front gate with his sword drawn. "I can't see anything. What's Strider doing? He's just standing there."
Frodo stood and walked toward the window to see, Though he could not see much more than Sam. The sky was veiled by a thick darkness.
"I wish that he'd hurry up." Sam said turning to Frodo "Do you think that I should call him? He's just standing there."
"I'm sure that everything is just fine." Frodo said not believing his own words. The excitement that he felt at the news of Pippin had faded, with every passing moment he felt more and more unease. He felt like he was being watched from afar. Coming away from the window he sat on the bed. "I wish Gandalf was here."
"He just dropped his sword!" Sam said in alarm. "What's going on!?" Sam quickly opened the window. "STRIDER!" he yelled "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Aragorn didn't answer he didn't move.
Sam turned to Frodo. "Something ain't right Mr. Frodo. We should go and see what's going on down there."
"Aragorn told us to stay…." Frodo began but stopped when the lights in the room suddenly went out. "What!?" he said "Sam, what's going on?" Sam did not answer. "Sam?" he repeated "SAM!" Frodo went to his companion Sam stood motionless in the dark, Frodo could barely see him even though their faces were only inches apart. Sam's eyes were open and Frodo could hear him breathing, "Sam can you hear me?" Frodo said urgently but the other hobbit didn't respond. Frodo shook him but he didn't budge. Frodo ran to the window and saw that Aragorn was still standing by the front gate. The Ranger looked as it he was talking to someone, but Frodo could see no one else. Without thinking the Ringbearer made for the door, but suddenly a voice came.
"Nice hobbit to open the window for us!" Frodo turned to see Gollum sitting in the window seal.
"Filthy little thief!" he hissed as he pounced onto Frodo. The hobbit fell backward against the door, and began to wrestle with the creature as it went for his throat.
"GIVE IT TO US! MY PRECIOUS!" Gollum screamed.
"NO!" Frodo yelled back managing to push the creature off him. He grabbed the door handle but before he could open it he felt Gollum's cold fingers wrap around his neck pulling him back. "HELP ME!" Frodo cried as he fell to the ground again only this time Gollum had a firm grasp.
"Yesss," he hissed "Soon you'll be dead. Then the Precious will be ours!"
"Sam!" Frodo cried out. "Sam help me!" he began to black out. He thought he heard a scream. "Sam…please…" he managed to choke out.
Sam stood motionless staring out the window.
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"How did you come to this place?" Aragorn asked drawing closer to the woman he loved. He could not fathom how she had come to this time and found him.
"The power of the Valar is great," Arwen said in answer.
"They sent you here? Is it really you?" he said reaching out his hand to touch her, His hand brushed gently across her cheek. Convinced that she was real he embraced her. Then said "You mustn't stay here this place is not safe."
She just smiled at him. "Do not worry my love, We are safe enough. I have come to take you home. So that you can complete your quest."
"but…" Aragorn began but was silenced as she put one of her fingers to his lips.
"You have been so troubled but now we will return to Middle-earth and you shall rest." she took his hand and began to lead him toward the gate. Come with me I will return here to collect the rest once Pippin is found."
Aragorn stopped and looked at her "How did you know that Pippin is not with us?
"I could see the worry in your soul," she responded
Aragorn looked to Frodo's window. All he could see were their silhouettes against the light. They were exactly the same they had not moved.
"We must go my love," Arwen said taking his hand again. "we have precious little time."
"Precious?" Aragorn scowled pulling his hand from hers. He looked around nothing was moving. "This isn't real, Aragorn grabbed his sword.
"what are you doing?" she asked urgently running in front of him as he began to make toward the mansion.
"Get out of my way, Xavier!" he said but Arwen stood defiantly before him.
"You will not go back into that house!" she said
"You're an illusion!" Aragorn said raising his sword.
"Elessar what are you doing!? You would kill me!? Have you lost your mind?" She recoiled in terror.
Aragorn faltered doubt took him. He pressed his eyes shut, he suddenly thought he heard a faint cry for help from Frodo's voice. He opened his eyes again to see Arwen still standing before him with fear in her eyes
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" screamed as he brought his sword down. Everything around him shattered and went black. Aragorn suddenly opened his eyes. He was lying on the ground his sword a few feet away from him. He jumped up and looked to Frodo's window to see it all dark.
"Xavier!" he shouted as he took his sword and ran furiously toward the door. When suddenly he saw a pale creature leap from Frodo's window
"Gollum!" he said changing direction, but suddenly just a few feet away from the window there was a puff of smoke as Nightcrawler appeared and began to give chase.
"Aragorn!" he yelled as the Ranger neared. "What happened to you!? Frodo was attacked, when I heard the struggle I went to his room and found this creature strangling him!"
"Your Professor has tricked us all!" Aragorn howled as they kept the pursuit, gaining on Gollum who was running toward the forest. "He has been after the Ring this entire time!" Gollum was almost to the trees. "We cannot let him enter the forest, if he does we may never find him."
"I'll get him!" Nightcrawler said preparing to teleport, when Gollum grabbed a stone and flung it, knocking him in the head. Gollum made it into the forest. Aragorn was right behind him, Nightcrawler came last holding his head. Once they entered the forest they stopped, looking around.
"Do you see him?" Nightcrawler said
"No, he's gone." Aragorn growled looking around him in vain. The forest was too dark he could not see anything not even tracks.
"Do you hear that?" the elf like mutant suddenly said.
"Hear what?" Aragorn responded perking his ears. He could hear a crashing sound coming from the forest not far from there. Aragorn stooped putting his ear to the ground. He heard the sound of many foot falls. His eyes widened as he realized what was coming, But Nightcrawler did not need to ask to know for himself as the air was rent by the wail of the Nazgul, responded by the yell of hundreds of orcs.
"Back to the Mansion!" Aragorn cried turning to run.
"To slow!" Nightcrawler said latching on the other man in a puff of smoke they were gone.
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"Wolverine, can you find him?" Cyclops asked through his communicator.
"Sorry bub," Wolverines voice came "There aint a whiff o him. Chances are he split the moment Nightcrawler went to Frodo's room."
"Keep looking," Cyclops said "He can't have gotten far." the mutant sighed as he overlooked the grounds of the mansion. He was standing on the roof with Aragorn surrounded by the terrible darkness that had enfolded the landscape. Everything was silent not even the wind dared move. Only moments before he had stood as Aragorn had told him what had happened. They quickly found that Frodo had blacked out but was otherwise fine. Sam felt awful both him an Frodo were moved to another room for their safety. Gimli and Rogue were guarding them. Wolverine had gone in search of the Professor and they had gone to the War-room only to find that the mansions defenses had been disabled. Nothing prevented the army that was within minutes from them to come and attack.
"I don't see how they all could have just appeared like that without our knowing." Cyclops said in frustration.
"They most likely didn't" Aragorn said "The would have been amassing these several days. Once the Nazgul saw that the Ring was too well protected, they must have returned to Middle-earth to inform
Sauron. He must have sent them back with this army."
"But the Professor…" Cyclops began.
"Has betrayed us all," Aragorn finished "He either has been too consumed with his lust for the Ring to notice our foes, or perhaps he was past caring. We were fools to have fallen into this trap."
"You're right." Cyclops admitted solemnly "He sent most of the team members out to rescue Pippin. I should have seen what he was going to do especially because he sent the telepaths away."
"Yes, but now we do not have time to bemoan the past. That army is on our very doorstep. We must fight."
"How?" Cyclops said "There are you, me, Rogue, Gimli, Jubilee, Wolverine, and the hobbits here. You saw the security display, There must be hundreds of them. That does not even include the Nazgul. Our only hope is to get the security system back online, but we need either the Professor who disabled it to be able to reactive the system.."
As if to further the dim outlook. A sudden wail rent the air they could suddenly hear heavy footsteps as they looked to see dark figures begin to emerge from the woods. They began to form tighter ranks as they prepared for the assault. Wolverine suddenly appeared behind them smoking his familiar cigar.
"They're sure is a lot o them aye one-eye." he said.
"yes there are," Cyclops responded.
"They'll be looking for blood." the stocky mutant growled "Be a shame to disappoint them."
"Yes it would," Cyclops said grimly. "Wolverine get the others prepare for a fight."
"Already did. Even barricaded the doors and windows." Wolverine responded.
"You think of everything don't you." Cyclops said with a half smile
"Nope," the other mutant responded. "Storm does."
"What?" Cyclops said but he didn't need a response as he turned he saw the X-jet streak toward the mansion.
"Cyclops this is Storm." his commlink suddenly sounded. "Our radar has picked up this army. Why are the mansions defenses not up?"
"It's a long story," he responded. Hurry and land the jet. Tell Beast that we need him to hack the system to give us the defenses again."
Storm didn't respond immediately finally she spoke "He says that it might take some time."
Cyclops' visor began to glow as he grew determined. "We'll give it to him."
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The orcs had assembled in front of the mansion. It was not a large army, but to the Nazgul it suited they're needs. Five of them were at the front line mounted upon black horses standing in front of the mansion which had gone completely dark it stood as a black mass before them. The masses of orcs suddenly split as the Witch King made his way to the front but he did not stop he rode forward to the mansion. As he approached it he let out a wail to challenge the occupants. There was no answer. Again he screeched in open challenge to the X-men and the Fellowship knowing that they were inside. Everything remained silent. His horse stirred as they turned around to order his army to crush the building. His mount suddenly grew restless as the air suddenly made a bamp noise. He turned to see three men standing before him. One looked similar to an elf, Another had his eyes covered by a visor the one who had blasted him with energy a few days previously and the last he recognized as the ranger who had defended Frodo on Weathertop.
"Give us the Halfling" he said pointing his sword to the Ranger.
"You will leave this place now." Aragorn responded "Or you will be destroyed."
The Witch King merely laughed with a hideous sound. "How will you do that!?" his gaze shifted to Cyclops "Run away!?"
Cyclops looked temporarily unnerved he could feel the wraiths gaze upon him. Fear began to creep into his heart. Everything else around him seemed to fade as he looked into the Witch Kings hood. Finally his mind recalled what had happened when Professor X had lost the Ring. He would not repeat the same failure.
"You have two minutes to fall back," he finally said defiantly.
The Witch King roared as he turned his horse to command the orcs. Nightcrawler quickly teleported himself and the two leaders from before the army.
"KILL THEM ALL!" the Witch King bellowed. "DO NOT STOP UNTIL ALL SAVE THE HALFLINGS ARE DEAD!"
The army roared as it advanced on the Mansion determined to crash through the windows or break down the doors. The first wave was made up of trolls and larger urukai meant to smash large holes into the windows for the rest of the army to enter through. They were stopped just short as death flew at them from the roof in the form of optic blasts, arrows, explosive playing cards, and lightning bolts. Cyclops stood on the roof with Legolas, Gambit, Storm, and Jean, each firing as quickly as possible. The orc archers began to fire at them. Jean quickly threw a telekinetic barrier to protect them. The arrows bounced away uselessly.
"Keep going!" Cyclops yelled firing as soon as Jean dropped the barrier. "We can't let them enter the mansion! Keep them penned in we can't let them surround us either! We have to keep them outside! Beast" he said into his communicator "How are you doing!?"
"It's hard to say." the mutants voice came barely audible over the roar of battle. "The system is in complete lock down!"
"Hurry!" Cyclops responded firing into a wave of orcs that were making toward the wall. "I don't want them reaching Group two but I don't know how long we'll be able to hold them!"
The army kept advancing always being stopped short of the mansion. A few managed to break through to get through to the walls but were quickly thrown back by Jean's telekinesis. More arrows were fired as she did. The group fell to the ground barely getting out of harms way. The orcs didn't waste any time and began to rush with renewed vigor at the mansion. They were barely halted by a sudden wind thrown out by Storm
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"That was too close! Ah could almost see they're ayes." Rogue said as she saw the orcs be blown away from the windows. She stood there with the second group.
"Ol' one-eye will keep 'em busy for a while," Wolverine said "But don't worry they'll break through then we'll have to keep them here"
"Good!" Gimli said with his axe in both hands "I don't want that long eared elf to have all the fun!"
While the Group two lacked in fire power in comparison to group one. They made up for it in strength. Wolverine, Rogue, Psylocke, and Nightcrawler represented the X-men. While Aragorn, Boromir, and Gimli represented the Fellowship. The hobbits were hidden with Frodo and Jubilee in case the battle went ill.
"I have never seen anything like this!" Boromir said in spite of himself as he could see the mutants powers smashing the advancing orcs. "Surely they will not be able to even enter with fire power such as this!"
"Let us be prepared for anything." Aragorn quietly said with his sword drawn. Already several arrows had smashed through the glass as the orcs shot wildly.
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"BEAST!" Cyclops yelled as the battle was getting more frantic.
"I just finished by-passing the main interface." the other mutants said.
"Hurry it up. I don't know how long we can hold them!" he responded as he fired another blast. His eyes were beginning to ache from the almost constant firing that he had to do to keep the host at bay. He could see that Jean was beginning to tire as well. Gambit had run out to things to throw and Legolas was out of arrows. The only thing keeping the orcs at bay were his optic blasts, Jean's telekinesis, Storm's power over the elements. Each time more and more orcs attempted to reach the mansion it was only a matter of time before they broke through and began to destroy the it. In that moment they suddenly began to pull back. Cyclops couldn't believe his eyes. For a brief instant he had believed that they had won, but to his dismay it was only to keep clear of something else. A massive catapult had been brought forth. In it he could see a massive ball aflame. He was about to fire on it when a volley of arrows came. Jean's barrier came up in just the last second.
"Jean! Take down the barrier!" he yelled,
"I can't!" she responded concentrating "They're still firing arrows!"
"JEAN! LOWER THE BARRIER WE HAVE TO TAKE OUT THE…"his words were cut short as he saw the ball suddenly launched straight at them. Jean screamed as it collided with her barrier. The weight and speed were too much for her as it smashed through and crushed the roof. All the defenders were thrown away from the impact. Jean collapsed from exhaustion. Cyclops lay on his back he rolled over to see the orcs beginning to try to enter the mansion. All entrances had been barricaded. He suddenly noticed heat on his back. He turned to see the ball had set the roof aflame. Legolas and Gambit had just barely gotten up. Storm stood, without a word she suddenly took to the sky. Which suddenly filled with clouds and began to downpour upon everything. Quenching the flames, she was thanked by the orcs as an arrow suddenly shot into her shoulder.
"STORM!" Cyclops yelled as she toppled helplessly to the awaiting orcs below all he could do was watch, but to his relief the glass from one of the windows shattered as Rogue shot from the mansion and caught her before she could land in the masses of enemies. Cyclops went to Jean, she was still unconscious. Gambit was getting up but was too concerned with Rogues safety to fight. Legolas had collected some of the arrows that had been shot at them by the army and was doing the best he could to keep them at bay, masses of orcs had begun to smash there way in. Rogue landed on the roof barely escaping getting hit, herself. Cyclops realized how very lightheaded he felt. The constant use of his optic blasts since the beginning of the battle had taken there toll on him. He looked to see the orcs beginning to enter the mansion. He thought that he could almost hear battle beginning. Group one had failed to keep the army from entering the mansion. There was only one last thing for him too do on the roof. He took his visor off and opened his eyes as wide as they could go, aiming directly at the catapult it instantly vaporized the contraption and everything else around it. With that he collapsed in exhaustion over top of Jean. His last conscious thoughts were with Professor X and Frodo, praying that Beast could finish the job.
Tthis is a test this is only a test
So is this
Nienna of Sorrow: Thanks for what you said It's nice to be appreciated. I have honestly never had a review where somebody just dogged my entire story and it was nice to have someone defend me and my story. So thanks for all your support.
CHAPTER 10
FRIENDS AND FIENDS FOUND
What happened?!" Cyclops yelled as he entered the War room. Professor X sat in front of a screen with Jean , Beast ,and Storm. Xavier wheeled around.
"Where's Frodo!?" he asked
In answer to his question, he saw Aragorn and the hobbits enter the room Jubilee was dragging her feet behind them. Xavier was visibly relieved. "I sensed the Nazgul." he said
"Yes Frodo could feel them as well," Aragorn said
"Is that why you called us so urgently?" Cyclops said
Xavier looked back at the screen "Yes, but I also sensed something more. I believe that the Nazgul are not alone." He turned to Jubilee. "Do you realize what you could have done? What if the Nazgul had come before the X-men had arrived? They would have the Ring now."
Aragorn's eyes narrowed "Let us be thankful that no one was hurt" he said scowling at the mutant leader.
"I'm sorry," Jubilee stammered looking to the floor.
Xavier noted Aragorn's look, he turned to Jubilee "We will talk of this later, but I want no one to leave the mansion without my express permission. We are safe in here. The Mansions defenses will protect us. He turned to Jean " Now other business, I want Gambit, Hank, Psylocke and you to go."
"Go where!?" Cyclops jumped
"While you were on your way here. I sensed a distinct life form. Not far from here. I think that it may be a hobbit."
"WHAT!?" Merry, Frodo, and Sam all said excitedly.
"It must be Pippin!" Merry said excitedly running up to Xavier "Can I go too!"
"I was just about to suggest that." Xavier said smiling. "Perhaps some other members of your fellowship should go as well; Aragorn perhaps?"
"I think that it would be best that I stayed." the ranger responded grimly. "But I will ask the others if wish to go."
"Good," Xavier said. "they will leave in an hour."
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"So, this is how the "master" race behaves?" Gandalf's voice came as his cell door opened and Magneto entered.
"I do not expect you to understand this. You are not from here." Magneto said as he approached the wizard. Gandalf was being held in the air suspended by iron cuffs on his wrists and ankles which were supported by Magneto's power.
"I do not need to be "from here" to understand your kind." Gandalf responded "Tyrants who seek power yet use idealistic shields to justify and empower themselves. The world is filled to brimming with your kind. It is you who do not understand."
"And what is it that I do not understand." Magneto asked angered yet curious
"The Ring will not grant you the power that you seek. It will consume you and leave you more rotted than you are now."
"Very well," Magneto said "I will test your idea. Though I suspect that you are bluffing. An instrument that has the power to control the race of men will give me what I seek. And if you are right then it will be a noble sacrifice to see my mutant brothers in their rightful place."
"Where is that?" Gandalf asked "Men go beneath their boot and I suppose that you're brethren
Will be below yours?"
Gandalf was suddenly yanked from the air and brought eye level with Magneto "How dare you!"
He growled clenching his fists but then he relaxed. "I will most likely be leaving shortly. So I'm afraid that I will not be around to keep you afloat. So new accommodations will be necessary."
Magneto stretched out his hand and part of the wall opened. The metal bent until there was a whole just large enough for a man to sit. Gandalf was thrust in.
"Farewell Gandalf" Magneto hissed "when next you see me. I will have the Ring. I've sent Pippin to get it for me. Then you will see that I am right" Gandalf did not respond. As he left the room, the wall shut, closing the wizard in.
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"Where do you think he's been Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked as the two hobbits sat in Frodo's room. The team of x-men had already left to find Pippin, Boromir, and Legolas had gone with them.
"I don't know Sam." Frodo responded. "I wish we could have gone too."
"Well you heard Mr. Xavier. He thinks that its too dangerous for you to leave." Sam said
"I hope he's alright." Frodo replied he looked to the sky "It's dark, I would not want to be out there anyway I suppose. I hope that Xavier is right about the defenses. I haven't seen any."
"Yes let us hope that he is correct." Aragorn's voice suddenly came as he entered the room. He was dressed in his full gear, even his bow was strung.
"Strider." Sam said "You look like your expecting a fight. Do you think that the Wraiths are coming?"
Aragorn paced to the window "I do" he said looking out. "I think that this Professor still underestimates them, but I am also expecting attack from within." he turned and knelt before Frodo, he put his hands on the hobbits shoulders. "Be careful, I do not want you to go near Professor Xavier unless I am with you."
"You think that he may try to take the Ring?" Frodo asked, Aragorn didn't respond
"But Mr. Xavier has been so nice to us." Sam said.
"Nevertheless," Aragorn responded standing up. "We must be wary." He glanced out the window again only this time he stopped and began staring.
"Strider?" Sam asked "What is it?"
"There is someone out there." he said finally. "By the front gates. I cannot tell but I think that it may be an elf."
"Legolas?" Frodo said
"No," Aragorn said still staring hard at the figure "it has a faint shine like one of the Eldar." He quickly turned to the door. "I will go to see who or what it is." he opened the door, before he left he locked it. "Do not open this door for anyone." was the last thing he said.
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"We're coming up on the city now." Beast said as they approached New York. It's lights gleamed. Merry gasped in amazement.
"I've never seen any place so big before!" He said "How will we ever find him?"
"Professor X gave us fairly exact coordinates." Beast responded Merry looked to Jean for a translation.
"Charles told us pretty close to where we can find him. He's in a place called Central Park." She said.
"Good then no one will have to see me." Boromir said hunched over in his seat holding a barf bag. By him sat Gambit and on the other side was Storm and Legolas, the elf had grown silent during the trip.
"What is wrong my friend?" Storm said.
"Something dark is near. I feel as if something very bad is about to happen." The elf replied quietly.
"Do not worry," Storm replied "I am sure that we will find your friend."
"That is not what worries me." the elf said "I am worried about Frodo, The Enemy is very close and Aragorn is wary as well. We must move as quickly as possible and return with all haste."
"Hank" Storm said "How long will it be?"
"We're over the Park as we speak." he responded "I will attempt to land without damaging any of the local flora or fauna if I can."
"Jean can you sense him?" Storm asked
The telepath concentrated "Yes I can feel a hobbit very near. Betsy?"
"I also feel him." Psylocke said from the back. The jet landed and the company exited the jet save Beast who was staying to guard the aircraft.
"Don't linger here too long me harties. Central Park is not a good place to be in the night and we don't want to cause any disturbances."
They quickly made their way into the Park. With Jean and Psylocke leading the way using their telepathy to help them find the hobbit. As they made their way through darkness, they saw very little, at one point Boromir almost attacked a bum who came out asking for change. They soon came to a fountain lying against it was a hobbit.
"PIPPIN! Merry shouted running toward his cousin. "Pippin, are you alright?" the other hobbit did not respond. Merry looked to Jean thinking the worst.
"He's alive," She said "He's only unconscious. I'll try to wake him." Jean put her fingers to her temples and concentrated, Pippin stirred a little but did not awaken. "It's no use," Jean said finally "Let's get him back to the mansion."
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Aragorn made toward the front gate. The figure was still standing there. He was right, it was an elf, there was a faint white shimmer about it. It stood hooded and cloaked. Aragorn paused and looked to Frodo and Sam's window, he could vaguely make out the there silhouettes from the light in their room. The only way he had been able to see the figure that he was heading toward was by the elvish light it had. He turned again to figure drawing nearer he unsheathed his sword, still wary of an attack.
"Who are you? How did you come to this place?" He demanded. The figure stood motionless and soundless, Aragorn stepped closer. "Answer me! I am Aragorn son of Arathorn." Still there was no answer. "Ni ea i yonda mal Elrond!" He said evoking his heritage and allegiance to Elrond. Aragorn was now only a two feet away. He tried to make out the figures features through the hood, he could see next to nothing. He raised his sword higher. "I will ask you only one more time! Who are you!? Why are you here!?"
"Selmalye harna meldalya?" the figure said at last with a sweet voice. "You would use that on me?"
Aragorn's dropped to sword to the ground "Arwen!?" he gasped.
The figure removed the hood to reveal the beautiful face of Arwen Evenstar.
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"It's no use Mr. Frodo." Sam said peering out the window toward Aragorn who was standing before the front gate with his sword drawn. "I can't see anything. What's Strider doing? He's just standing there."
Frodo stood and walked toward the window to see, Though he could not see much more than Sam. The sky was veiled by a thick darkness.
"I wish that he'd hurry up." Sam said turning to Frodo "Do you think that I should call him? He's just standing there."
"I'm sure that everything is just fine." Frodo said not believing his own words. The excitement that he felt at the news of Pippin had faded, with every passing moment he felt more and more unease. He felt like he was being watched from afar. Coming away from the window he sat on the bed. "I wish Gandalf was here."
"He just dropped his sword!" Sam said in alarm. "What's going on!?" Sam quickly opened the window. "STRIDER!" he yelled "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Aragorn didn't answer he didn't move.
Sam turned to Frodo. "Something ain't right Mr. Frodo. We should go and see what's going on down there."
"Aragorn told us to stay…." Frodo began but stopped when the lights in the room suddenly went out. "What!?" he said "Sam, what's going on?" Sam did not answer. "Sam?" he repeated "SAM!" Frodo went to his companion Sam stood motionless in the dark, Frodo could barely see him even though their faces were only inches apart. Sam's eyes were open and Frodo could hear him breathing, "Sam can you hear me?" Frodo said urgently but the other hobbit didn't respond. Frodo shook him but he didn't budge. Frodo ran to the window and saw that Aragorn was still standing by the front gate. The Ranger looked as it he was talking to someone, but Frodo could see no one else. Without thinking the Ringbearer made for the door, but suddenly a voice came.
"Nice hobbit to open the window for us!" Frodo turned to see Gollum sitting in the window seal.
"Filthy little thief!" he hissed as he pounced onto Frodo. The hobbit fell backward against the door, and began to wrestle with the creature as it went for his throat.
"GIVE IT TO US! MY PRECIOUS!" Gollum screamed.
"NO!" Frodo yelled back managing to push the creature off him. He grabbed the door handle but before he could open it he felt Gollum's cold fingers wrap around his neck pulling him back. "HELP ME!" Frodo cried as he fell to the ground again only this time Gollum had a firm grasp.
"Yesss," he hissed "Soon you'll be dead. Then the Precious will be ours!"
"Sam!" Frodo cried out. "Sam help me!" he began to black out. He thought he heard a scream. "Sam…please…" he managed to choke out.
Sam stood motionless staring out the window.
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"How did you come to this place?" Aragorn asked drawing closer to the woman he loved. He could not fathom how she had come to this time and found him.
"The power of the Valar is great," Arwen said in answer.
"They sent you here? Is it really you?" he said reaching out his hand to touch her, His hand brushed gently across her cheek. Convinced that she was real he embraced her. Then said "You mustn't stay here this place is not safe."
She just smiled at him. "Do not worry my love, We are safe enough. I have come to take you home. So that you can complete your quest."
"but…" Aragorn began but was silenced as she put one of her fingers to his lips.
"You have been so troubled but now we will return to Middle-earth and you shall rest." she took his hand and began to lead him toward the gate. Come with me I will return here to collect the rest once Pippin is found."
Aragorn stopped and looked at her "How did you know that Pippin is not with us?
"I could see the worry in your soul," she responded
Aragorn looked to Frodo's window. All he could see were their silhouettes against the light. They were exactly the same they had not moved.
"We must go my love," Arwen said taking his hand again. "we have precious little time."
"Precious?" Aragorn scowled pulling his hand from hers. He looked around nothing was moving. "This isn't real, Aragorn grabbed his sword.
"what are you doing?" she asked urgently running in front of him as he began to make toward the mansion.
"Get out of my way, Xavier!" he said but Arwen stood defiantly before him.
"You will not go back into that house!" she said
"You're an illusion!" Aragorn said raising his sword.
"Elessar what are you doing!? You would kill me!? Have you lost your mind?" She recoiled in terror.
Aragorn faltered doubt took him. He pressed his eyes shut, he suddenly thought he heard a faint cry for help from Frodo's voice. He opened his eyes again to see Arwen still standing before him with fear in her eyes
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" screamed as he brought his sword down. Everything around him shattered and went black. Aragorn suddenly opened his eyes. He was lying on the ground his sword a few feet away from him. He jumped up and looked to Frodo's window to see it all dark.
"Xavier!" he shouted as he took his sword and ran furiously toward the door. When suddenly he saw a pale creature leap from Frodo's window
"Gollum!" he said changing direction, but suddenly just a few feet away from the window there was a puff of smoke as Nightcrawler appeared and began to give chase.
"Aragorn!" he yelled as the Ranger neared. "What happened to you!? Frodo was attacked, when I heard the struggle I went to his room and found this creature strangling him!"
"Your Professor has tricked us all!" Aragorn howled as they kept the pursuit, gaining on Gollum who was running toward the forest. "He has been after the Ring this entire time!" Gollum was almost to the trees. "We cannot let him enter the forest, if he does we may never find him."
"I'll get him!" Nightcrawler said preparing to teleport, when Gollum grabbed a stone and flung it, knocking him in the head. Gollum made it into the forest. Aragorn was right behind him, Nightcrawler came last holding his head. Once they entered the forest they stopped, looking around.
"Do you see him?" Nightcrawler said
"No, he's gone." Aragorn growled looking around him in vain. The forest was too dark he could not see anything not even tracks.
"Do you hear that?" the elf like mutant suddenly said.
"Hear what?" Aragorn responded perking his ears. He could hear a crashing sound coming from the forest not far from there. Aragorn stooped putting his ear to the ground. He heard the sound of many foot falls. His eyes widened as he realized what was coming, But Nightcrawler did not need to ask to know for himself as the air was rent by the wail of the Nazgul, responded by the yell of hundreds of orcs.
"Back to the Mansion!" Aragorn cried turning to run.
"To slow!" Nightcrawler said latching on the other man in a puff of smoke they were gone.
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"Wolverine, can you find him?" Cyclops asked through his communicator.
"Sorry bub," Wolverines voice came "There aint a whiff o him. Chances are he split the moment Nightcrawler went to Frodo's room."
"Keep looking," Cyclops said "He can't have gotten far." the mutant sighed as he overlooked the grounds of the mansion. He was standing on the roof with Aragorn surrounded by the terrible darkness that had enfolded the landscape. Everything was silent not even the wind dared move. Only moments before he had stood as Aragorn had told him what had happened. They quickly found that Frodo had blacked out but was otherwise fine. Sam felt awful both him an Frodo were moved to another room for their safety. Gimli and Rogue were guarding them. Wolverine had gone in search of the Professor and they had gone to the War-room only to find that the mansions defenses had been disabled. Nothing prevented the army that was within minutes from them to come and attack.
"I don't see how they all could have just appeared like that without our knowing." Cyclops said in frustration.
"They most likely didn't" Aragorn said "The would have been amassing these several days. Once the Nazgul saw that the Ring was too well protected, they must have returned to Middle-earth to inform
Sauron. He must have sent them back with this army."
"But the Professor…" Cyclops began.
"Has betrayed us all," Aragorn finished "He either has been too consumed with his lust for the Ring to notice our foes, or perhaps he was past caring. We were fools to have fallen into this trap."
"You're right." Cyclops admitted solemnly "He sent most of the team members out to rescue Pippin. I should have seen what he was going to do especially because he sent the telepaths away."
"Yes, but now we do not have time to bemoan the past. That army is on our very doorstep. We must fight."
"How?" Cyclops said "There are you, me, Rogue, Gimli, Jubilee, Wolverine, and the hobbits here. You saw the security display, There must be hundreds of them. That does not even include the Nazgul. Our only hope is to get the security system back online, but we need either the Professor who disabled it to be able to reactive the system.."
As if to further the dim outlook. A sudden wail rent the air they could suddenly hear heavy footsteps as they looked to see dark figures begin to emerge from the woods. They began to form tighter ranks as they prepared for the assault. Wolverine suddenly appeared behind them smoking his familiar cigar.
"They're sure is a lot o them aye one-eye." he said.
"yes there are," Cyclops responded.
"They'll be looking for blood." the stocky mutant growled "Be a shame to disappoint them."
"Yes it would," Cyclops said grimly. "Wolverine get the others prepare for a fight."
"Already did. Even barricaded the doors and windows." Wolverine responded.
"You think of everything don't you." Cyclops said with a half smile
"Nope," the other mutant responded. "Storm does."
"What?" Cyclops said but he didn't need a response as he turned he saw the X-jet streak toward the mansion.
"Cyclops this is Storm." his commlink suddenly sounded. "Our radar has picked up this army. Why are the mansions defenses not up?"
"It's a long story," he responded. Hurry and land the jet. Tell Beast that we need him to hack the system to give us the defenses again."
Storm didn't respond immediately finally she spoke "He says that it might take some time."
Cyclops' visor began to glow as he grew determined. "We'll give it to him."
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The orcs had assembled in front of the mansion. It was not a large army, but to the Nazgul it suited they're needs. Five of them were at the front line mounted upon black horses standing in front of the mansion which had gone completely dark it stood as a black mass before them. The masses of orcs suddenly split as the Witch King made his way to the front but he did not stop he rode forward to the mansion. As he approached it he let out a wail to challenge the occupants. There was no answer. Again he screeched in open challenge to the X-men and the Fellowship knowing that they were inside. Everything remained silent. His horse stirred as they turned around to order his army to crush the building. His mount suddenly grew restless as the air suddenly made a bamp noise. He turned to see three men standing before him. One looked similar to an elf, Another had his eyes covered by a visor the one who had blasted him with energy a few days previously and the last he recognized as the ranger who had defended Frodo on Weathertop.
"Give us the Halfling" he said pointing his sword to the Ranger.
"You will leave this place now." Aragorn responded "Or you will be destroyed."
The Witch King merely laughed with a hideous sound. "How will you do that!?" his gaze shifted to Cyclops "Run away!?"
Cyclops looked temporarily unnerved he could feel the wraiths gaze upon him. Fear began to creep into his heart. Everything else around him seemed to fade as he looked into the Witch Kings hood. Finally his mind recalled what had happened when Professor X had lost the Ring. He would not repeat the same failure.
"You have two minutes to fall back," he finally said defiantly.
The Witch King roared as he turned his horse to command the orcs. Nightcrawler quickly teleported himself and the two leaders from before the army.
"KILL THEM ALL!" the Witch King bellowed. "DO NOT STOP UNTIL ALL SAVE THE HALFLINGS ARE DEAD!"
The army roared as it advanced on the Mansion determined to crash through the windows or break down the doors. The first wave was made up of trolls and larger urukai meant to smash large holes into the windows for the rest of the army to enter through. They were stopped just short as death flew at them from the roof in the form of optic blasts, arrows, explosive playing cards, and lightning bolts. Cyclops stood on the roof with Legolas, Gambit, Storm, and Jean, each firing as quickly as possible. The orc archers began to fire at them. Jean quickly threw a telekinetic barrier to protect them. The arrows bounced away uselessly.
"Keep going!" Cyclops yelled firing as soon as Jean dropped the barrier. "We can't let them enter the mansion! Keep them penned in we can't let them surround us either! We have to keep them outside! Beast" he said into his communicator "How are you doing!?"
"It's hard to say." the mutants voice came barely audible over the roar of battle. "The system is in complete lock down!"
"Hurry!" Cyclops responded firing into a wave of orcs that were making toward the wall. "I don't want them reaching Group two but I don't know how long we'll be able to hold them!"
The army kept advancing always being stopped short of the mansion. A few managed to break through to get through to the walls but were quickly thrown back by Jean's telekinesis. More arrows were fired as she did. The group fell to the ground barely getting out of harms way. The orcs didn't waste any time and began to rush with renewed vigor at the mansion. They were barely halted by a sudden wind thrown out by Storm
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"That was too close! Ah could almost see they're ayes." Rogue said as she saw the orcs be blown away from the windows. She stood there with the second group.
"Ol' one-eye will keep 'em busy for a while," Wolverine said "But don't worry they'll break through then we'll have to keep them here"
"Good!" Gimli said with his axe in both hands "I don't want that long eared elf to have all the fun!"
While the Group two lacked in fire power in comparison to group one. They made up for it in strength. Wolverine, Rogue, Psylocke, and Nightcrawler represented the X-men. While Aragorn, Boromir, and Gimli represented the Fellowship. The hobbits were hidden with Frodo and Jubilee in case the battle went ill.
"I have never seen anything like this!" Boromir said in spite of himself as he could see the mutants powers smashing the advancing orcs. "Surely they will not be able to even enter with fire power such as this!"
"Let us be prepared for anything." Aragorn quietly said with his sword drawn. Already several arrows had smashed through the glass as the orcs shot wildly.
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"BEAST!" Cyclops yelled as the battle was getting more frantic.
"I just finished by-passing the main interface." the other mutants said.
"Hurry it up. I don't know how long we can hold them!" he responded as he fired another blast. His eyes were beginning to ache from the almost constant firing that he had to do to keep the host at bay. He could see that Jean was beginning to tire as well. Gambit had run out to things to throw and Legolas was out of arrows. The only thing keeping the orcs at bay were his optic blasts, Jean's telekinesis, Storm's power over the elements. Each time more and more orcs attempted to reach the mansion it was only a matter of time before they broke through and began to destroy the it. In that moment they suddenly began to pull back. Cyclops couldn't believe his eyes. For a brief instant he had believed that they had won, but to his dismay it was only to keep clear of something else. A massive catapult had been brought forth. In it he could see a massive ball aflame. He was about to fire on it when a volley of arrows came. Jean's barrier came up in just the last second.
"Jean! Take down the barrier!" he yelled,
"I can't!" she responded concentrating "They're still firing arrows!"
"JEAN! LOWER THE BARRIER WE HAVE TO TAKE OUT THE…"his words were cut short as he saw the ball suddenly launched straight at them. Jean screamed as it collided with her barrier. The weight and speed were too much for her as it smashed through and crushed the roof. All the defenders were thrown away from the impact. Jean collapsed from exhaustion. Cyclops lay on his back he rolled over to see the orcs beginning to try to enter the mansion. All entrances had been barricaded. He suddenly noticed heat on his back. He turned to see the ball had set the roof aflame. Legolas and Gambit had just barely gotten up. Storm stood, without a word she suddenly took to the sky. Which suddenly filled with clouds and began to downpour upon everything. Quenching the flames, she was thanked by the orcs as an arrow suddenly shot into her shoulder.
"STORM!" Cyclops yelled as she toppled helplessly to the awaiting orcs below all he could do was watch, but to his relief the glass from one of the windows shattered as Rogue shot from the mansion and caught her before she could land in the masses of enemies. Cyclops went to Jean, she was still unconscious. Gambit was getting up but was too concerned with Rogues safety to fight. Legolas had collected some of the arrows that had been shot at them by the army and was doing the best he could to keep them at bay, masses of orcs had begun to smash there way in. Rogue landed on the roof barely escaping getting hit, herself. Cyclops realized how very lightheaded he felt. The constant use of his optic blasts since the beginning of the battle had taken there toll on him. He looked to see the orcs beginning to enter the mansion. He thought that he could almost hear battle beginning. Group one had failed to keep the army from entering the mansion. There was only one last thing for him too do on the roof. He took his visor off and opened his eyes as wide as they could go, aiming directly at the catapult it instantly vaporized the contraption and everything else around it. With that he collapsed in exhaustion over top of Jean. His last conscious thoughts were with Professor X and Frodo, praying that Beast could finish the job.
Tthis is a test this is only a test
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