I know it's been an awful long time since I've last written anything, but I
hope this chapter makes it up for the wait.
Warning: A bit of violence.
Disclaimer: Lord of the Ring and Gundam Wing don't belong to me.
Chapter 20
The heavy wooden doors creaked noisily as they swung against the stable walls. Duo, who seemed calm at first glance, walked towards Shinigami in a barely controlled pace. The black stallion whinnied and pulled at his chains as he felt him come closer, the tension growing in the stable. Ignoring the saddle and reigns that were laid beside the stall doors, Duo grabbed the horse by his halter and led him outside. As the boy's hands travelled down his neck to his back, Shinigami shivered and he hung his head in submission. Duo jumped on his back, perfectly at ease without any equipment, and kicked him in the belly, sending the horse at a gallop.
His hooves beat with a sharp metallic sound against the stone pavement as he ran through the city and down the hill on which it rested. He passed the battle that was being fought a little farther north at the mountains' side, oblivious of everything except for his goal.
******
Ineluki peered into the Mirror of Sauron expectantly, watching the battle in the Ridermark unfold. They had had a good start at first, but now his forces were having trouble. More than two-thirds had been caught by the wall of fire and were being killed by the archers from the caves just above. The other part was trying rather unsuccessfully to break its way through Rohan's Rohirrims who were blocking their retreat.
The Sea Lord groaned in anger as his hands clutched the rim of the mirror as if trying to break the marble. He made the view disappear and searched for Rear. He found the man galloping fast towards Mordor, a precious load thrown across his saddle. Ineluki laughed. The boy was unmistakably the one who had felt his eye so many times and it would do great for his plan to have him out of his way.
Ineluki bade the images to disappear and the water recovered its black oily surface. He motioned to Draak who was floating around playfully to follow him out and walked out of the chamber. He was so deep in thoughts that he didn't notice that the lithe dragon did not follow him. The beast flew down onto the mirror's rim and peered into the water intensively. Even if nothing reflected into its depth, Draak's yellow eyes moved as if he indeed was seeing something. Then, suddenly, he shrieked loudly, took to the sky and shot through the tunnel from which light showed like a silver arrow.
******
Wufei looked, panting, as the horse nudged his fallen rider. They had nearly cleared the last of Ineluki's forces that had managed to avoid the firewall, yet he was incredibly tired. Although he prided himself for his endurance, those sorts of fights he wasn't experienced in and they took a lot out of him.
Wiping the sweat and blood of his brow, he felt a cold mist start falling. Spring was approaching and with it the first waves of heat. The snow was actually some sort of wet sludge that clung and made footsteps treacherous. For all his skills, Shadowfax had to be careful.
Some water dripped over his eyelids and he wiped them off impatiently. He thought he saw a black shape shot a little farther away and at first, blamed it on the snow. But then it grew some sort of reddish crown and wouldn't disappear, however he tried to wipe the wetness off his face.
A doubt slowly crept up on him as Shadowfax grew uneasy. He was pawing the snow and snorting. Wufei rubbed his neck and deepened their bound just enough to get a glimpse of what he was so nervous about. The answer surprised him but a simple frown creased his features as he finally recognized Shinigami as the black and red shape galloping south.
He didn't need to urge Shadowfax as he kicked him towards the quickly fading shape. The Mearas went after Shinigami without needing guidance and, at his pace, quickly caught up with him.
Wufei was distressed by Duo's state. His first experiences of the 'dark' Duo were bad enough without Shinigami nearly dying of fear under his rider. The braided boy didn't acknowledge the other boy and kept steadily southward.
******
Heero let out an involuntary groan as he woke up. Calmly assessing his condition as he sat, he remembered his fight against the General and realized that the cold, damp, dark place where he was was a prison, probably set under the ruins of Mordor.
He immediately froze as he sensed the other presence in the room. He waited as his eyes adjusted to the darkness and frowned as an unknown shape outlined itself against the opposite wall. The person lit a candle and Heero could make out the man's features. He was leaning against the wall, a tall, lean shape and a strong built. Whether it was accentuated by his garments or not, he couldn't guess. On his brow was set a fine mythril crown and his piercing brown eyes staring at him. Lord Ineluki.
"You are finally awake. I have been waiting for long after you, although you could hardly call it a waste of time. You and your friends are a thorn in my side I've been itching to remove. You just might be the way to remove it," Ineluki said hauntingly while coming closer to the cell.
Heero remained still, trying not to feel the prickling feeling at his side. He had an idea of what was the cause and he dreaded it.
"Not the talkative type, are you? Well, you might just change your mind. Don't think I don't know what assails you. The poison comes from my home country after all. I know what a few days without food will do to you. And trust me you won't get any until you speak," he continued, clearly enjoying the one-sided dialogue.
"Well, as much as I would like to stay, I have business that need attending to. Don't worry, I will not kill you. Otherwise your friends might just decide not to come," seeing Heero's suddenly worried look, Ineluki laughed. "Indeed, they are coming here at this very moment. They should knock on our door any day now. This will be very distracting.
With a last smirk, the Sea Lord turned heels and left. Heero heard a heavy metal door close and knew he was alone in the dank room. Taking a deep breath, he leaned back against the cold wall. Ineluki was right; his injury was starting to throb painfully. Without Zares' treatments, he was helpless to the poison, yet J had trained him to resist to most drugs. Although it was an unknown one, Heero guessed that he'd be able to fight it off with his resistance alone.
His body was already covered in cold sweat and his breathing was difficult. Without food to keep up his strength for a few days, Heero didn't want to think about the days coming.
******
Duo pushed the horses so hard that they reached Gondor the second day with even Shadowfax almost on his knees. Wufei stared and marvelled at the beauty of the city of Minas Tirith. Even without technology, they had managed to build such a complex place on the side of a mountain. It was made of white stone, set into a system of seven parts, each one higher and separated with a wall and gate. It had clearly been made for the sole purpose of holding sieges and fighting off the armies of Sauron when he still was threatening Middle Earth.
They were stopped at the gate by soldiers who simply refused to let them in, whatever their reason. It took only a little convincing from Duo to have them open the smaller gate set into the side of the main one. As soon as they entered, Wufei understood why they had been so reluctant to let them in. The city was bustling with soldiers running to and fro, preparing the walls and taking the women and children in the mountain caves. It was a sort of panic that contrasted heavily with the coming spring. The setting sun was warm and a few early bloomers stood out in the snow. The trees were laden with green buds eager to bloom.
Among all the war preparations, Wufei managed to stop a soldier and ask him where was Aragorn. The man only motioned in the vague direction of the seventh part of the city where the castle was before running off. The Chinese boy set off, only realizing after a few heavy strides of Shadowfax that Duo wasn't following.
"What are you doing Maxwell? Hurry up!" he shouted impatiently over his shoulder.
Duo had been looking back to the gates. He turned slowly and stared at Wufei with those disturbing eyes of his. Still at an unnerving pace, he nudged Shinigami forward. The stallion, head below knees, walked forward reluctantly.
"What are we doing here Wufei? We can't waste any more time. We have to continue to Mordor,"he answered coldly. His calm voice was more unsettling than if he had been yelling.
"I know. I also want to help Yuy, but if we go on like this, we'll be going on foot," he replied hotly. Duo hadn't told him a thing during their two days' trip yet Wufei had been able to guess from the braided boy's attitude.
Duo looked down at Shinigami's neck and seemed to see the sweat- lathered horse for the first time. With reluctant movements, he got down. The stallion shook himself gratefully. With a firm hand on the horse's halter, Duo led the way through Minas Tirith. Wufei also followed on foot, but he didn't need to hold Shadowfax. The Mearas followed willingly, conscious of the water and hay waiting at the castle's stables.
When they reached the castle, a stable boy hurried to get the horses with a disapproving look at their poor condition. The two boys were left waiting at the two heavy wooden doors for some guard to let them him.
"What do you want to speak with Aragorn about? We might as well get a good inn and leave as soon as the horses are rested," Duo said with a side- glance at Wufei, leaning against the wall. He was looking around disapprovingly at the lack of security outside the castle.
"The castle is by far the best inn you'll get in Minas Tirith," a deep calm voice replied behind them.
Wufei had his katana halfway out of its scabbard but when he recognized Aragorn, he put it away. The King was standing in the opening of one of the two doors, his arms crossed in a mocking gesture. Duo didn't even move from his position.
"Your presence isn't a surprise. The watch warned me of your coming long before you were half across the White Mountains (1). Well, not that it wasn't expected before you even left Rohan," he added, his expression darkening. "Rest assured, your horses will be ready to ride by tomorrow at dawn. Come in, so you can freshen up a little before we discuss more pressing matters," Aragorn said as he motioned them inside.
Wufei's expression was deep worry with some confusion. He had not expected any special welcome, yet the way Aragorn had muttered about them leaving Rohan was unnerving him. Duo was as emotionless as if he was dead. He could actually compete with Heero at that point.
Aragorn led them into a small room with a blazing fire making it comfortable. A table laden with maps and plans was set in the middle and crammed bookshelves lined the walls. The King motioned them to sit and he sat at the head of the table. He rested his head on his hands and watched the two boys intently as food and a basin of water were brought.
"I sincerely do not know why the Sea Lord is so intent on capturing you, or maybe killing you, but you are causing Middle Earth quite some trouble," he finally declared. His eyes were cold and angry.
Wufei suddenly understood, and would have squirmed under the King's eyes had he not been used to glares.
"The Sea Lord has never been so ferocious on his attacks since you arrived. Before, it was strategic and even honourable, but now, he's throwing his armies wherever you are. In a ridiculously short delay, Helm's Deep and Rohan have been attacked, and it is a matter of days before Minas Tirith will be besieged. Somehow, he knew where you were headed, because we got word of you barely a day after we learned of Ineluki's armies marching here," Aragorn said and Duo rolled up his eyes but kept his mouth shut.
Leaning back against his chair and crossing his arms, Aragorn sighed and some of his anger disappeared.
"Fortunately for you, I am not going to throw you out. You can stay as long as you like, but I believe you will leave early tomorrow," he said with a somewhat resigned tone. He cast a look at Duo and continued. "which might be best. If Ineluki is so intent on catching you, maybe it is important that we keep you safe. We can't hope to receive help from Rohan, not after what happened there just two days ago, so our defence will be more desperate. If you are gone, you run less risks of being caught," he ended and got up. Walking along the shelves he took a book out and placed it before Wufei.
"Those records," he extended his arms to show the shelves "are old and precious. This book holds the secret ways under the White Mountains. It is a safe hiding place, although we ignore if Ineluki has the power to find it," Aragorn explained.
Wufei leafed quickly through it and, although he doubted he'd ever need it, took it gratefully.
Just when Duo was about to finally say something, a soldier barged in. He was sweating and panting badly, proof that he had run all the way. Aragorn looked at him gravely.
"What is so important that you disturb a meeting?" he asked angrily. He knew Duo's dark side enough to know that what he was going to say would have been important. But the boy had closed his mouth and didn't seem ready to talk.
The guard looked around nervously. "There have been reports of strange sightings, my Lord," he finally explained.
Aragorn frowned and looked at the two boys. "This might take long. Go and rest, I will inform you if it is something important that you need to know. A servant will see you to your rooms," the King said. It was a polite dismissal but clear enough to let the boys know they weren't needed anymore.
They walked out and followed the servant, Wufei clearly disturbed. Duo was as emotionless as a human being could possibly be.
******
Duo looked around the forest. He was standing at the border of the two different parts of the forest. One had tall grey trees, twisted yet throbbing with life. Their multi-hued leaves danced in the wind under a clear blue sky. At his left a foaming waterfall cascading down a huge tree speckled the nearby vegetation with tiny cool droplets. An occasional bold fish leaped out and, so quickly that Duo doubted his own eyes, it transformed into a beautiful blue bird that settled itself on a branch of the waterfall tree and joined its voice to those of countless other birds. To his left, a steep hill ran down to a vast valley. High yellow grass seemed to flow with the wind. Packs of lean horses of all colours grazed in the field. Whenever one had eaten enough grass to expose the earth to the sun, flowers grew tall and climbed on the animal's legs, soon covering it and forming two beautiful colourful wings. The animal soared to the sky and when he finally rose higher than the tallest tree, burst into a flurry of flowers. A beautiful swan of shiny white gracefully glided down and settled on a transparent lake among many others.
"You are disturbed, man child."
Duo jumped at the voice. Slowly, he remembered his previous visits to this forest. The waterfall and valley troubled him.
"I know not what troubles you, but I can feel the extent of your sadness and anger through the changes you created here."
"I did this?" Duo asked, surprised.
"Yes. This is a forest which takes the form of one's emotions, if they are strong enough." The woman answered.
"But what does it mean?" Duo wondered, gesturing to the waterfall and valley.
"Nothing. They simply are. You are torn in two. The weak balance upon which you rested has been broken. Emotions run uncontrolled in your heart. The forest has reacted to that and created these unlikely places." She explained.
Duo shook his head in disbelief and stared at the valley, then at the waterfall.
"They make me uneasy," he said as a shudder ran down his spine.
"They should. They are the reflection of your mind."
"I can't stand them. Can't they just disappear?" Duo asked hopefully.
"When you will regain control of your feelings and recover your balance, they will," the woman answered.
The braided boy looked one last time at the two weird places and took a step forward. He had crossed the border. The trees were mostly the same, yet their bark was silver and as smooth as silk. The waterfall and the valley had disappeared. Duo sighed deeply. He already felt better.
"Welcome back Duo. I did not hope to see you again, let alone in these circumstances," a man greeted.
Duo looked around in the trees and finally found the man that had spoken. He was slouching against a tree, his arms crossed behind his head and his long legs stretched before him.
"What do you mean? What circumstances?" Duo asked. He was a little confused.
Tallien gave him a mocking smile and stood up. "Follow me," he said and started walking north from where he had been sitting. Duo followed him, wondering what was going on.
Soon, they reached the end of the forest. The ground went down in a gentle slope. At the bottom was an endless sea.
"What's wrong?" Duo demanded. He really couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Tallien motioned him to wait and sat at the edge of the slope. Duo did the same and watched the sea intently. Suddenly, the earth started shaking. A big whirlpool broke the calm surface of the water. Soon, no water was left. A huge gorge split the rock in two. The earthquake dimmed away, but a bubbling sound replaced the silence. Slowly, Duo managed to make out red waves oozing from the gap. Lava slowly flowed out and replaced the water.
"Happenings of that sort have been multiplying lately. Soon, this world will be destroyed," Tallien said sadly.
Duo watched in disbelief as the lava rose higher and higher. The slope was now half gone. "Did I do this?" he asked as he edged away from the red sea.
Tallien stared at him and frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked, suddenly very serious.
"Well, when I was in the other part of the forest, I made strange things appear, like a waterfall in a tree," the braided boy explained uneasily. He was suddenly regretting his words.
Tallien said nothing and looked at the lava. It was nearly over the edge of the slope. "We have to leave. I suggest you don't come here again."
Duo was about to speak but Tallien disappeared and the American boy was wrenched out of the world.
******
For a short moment when he woke up, Duo was his normal self. But he barely had time to wonder about his dream when his darker self took control again. They had to rescue Heero; it wasn't time to be thinking about useless things like that.
After preparing himself, he joined Wufei in the common room where they were served a simple breakfast of bread and cheese with water to wash it down. The city had to ration the food in case the siege stretched too long. The soldiers in the room looked at the boys funnily and most had hatred painted all over their features. The two boys hurried to eat and almost ran to the stables in their haste.
Like Aragorn had said, Shinigami and Shadowfax were rested and ready to go, although they could have used another day or two to be in full shape. They were about to go when Aragorn stormed into the stable.
"Thank God you haven't left yet. I have something to tell you I believe will be of great interest to you," the King said in a rush.
"Is it about yesterday?" Wufei asked seriously.
The King nodded. He took a second to compose himself before answering. "It is about the sightings. My men have discovered two giants in the valley between Mount Mindolluin (2) and the White Mountains. They don't seem alive and appear to be made of metal, although I do not know of any green or red metal."
Wufei nearly swallowed his own tongue. Duo finally had some expression on his face. His eyebrows were shot up in surprise.
"Is one green and black?" the braided boy demanded slowly.
"Do you know what they are?" the King asked surprisingly.
Wufei nodded and it took one look to Duo to establish a new course of action. Both jumped on their horses and, feeling their master's restlessness, started snorting impatiently.
"We are going over there. Do not worry, they are the best allies you will ever have," Wufei said with a broad smile. "I will be back when the armies arrive and will help you fight. Duo has other business to attend, but one of us will be enough."
Before Aragorn was able to snap out of his surprise and say something, the two boys had shot out of the stable and were galloping out of Minas Tirith.
****** The End ****** (1): The White Mountains are a series of mountains that run west of Minas Tirith. The galleries supposedly running under them are a pure invention of my part. (2): Mount Mindolluin is the mountain on which is set Minas Tirith. It's just between the city and the end of the White Mountains.
Well, it took me what? Four or five months? I'm sorry for the delay, but I had to stop and refresh my inspiration. Once it was back though, it took me barely a day to write this. I can't say when the next chapter will be up, and don't expect it too soon either. The story is nearly over though, only one or two chapter left.
I think everyone guessed what the giants are; it's pretty obvious, especially with the title. ^^; Please be patient, I'll try not to make you wait so much again!
A-chan
Warning: A bit of violence.
Disclaimer: Lord of the Ring and Gundam Wing don't belong to me.
Chapter 20
The heavy wooden doors creaked noisily as they swung against the stable walls. Duo, who seemed calm at first glance, walked towards Shinigami in a barely controlled pace. The black stallion whinnied and pulled at his chains as he felt him come closer, the tension growing in the stable. Ignoring the saddle and reigns that were laid beside the stall doors, Duo grabbed the horse by his halter and led him outside. As the boy's hands travelled down his neck to his back, Shinigami shivered and he hung his head in submission. Duo jumped on his back, perfectly at ease without any equipment, and kicked him in the belly, sending the horse at a gallop.
His hooves beat with a sharp metallic sound against the stone pavement as he ran through the city and down the hill on which it rested. He passed the battle that was being fought a little farther north at the mountains' side, oblivious of everything except for his goal.
******
Ineluki peered into the Mirror of Sauron expectantly, watching the battle in the Ridermark unfold. They had had a good start at first, but now his forces were having trouble. More than two-thirds had been caught by the wall of fire and were being killed by the archers from the caves just above. The other part was trying rather unsuccessfully to break its way through Rohan's Rohirrims who were blocking their retreat.
The Sea Lord groaned in anger as his hands clutched the rim of the mirror as if trying to break the marble. He made the view disappear and searched for Rear. He found the man galloping fast towards Mordor, a precious load thrown across his saddle. Ineluki laughed. The boy was unmistakably the one who had felt his eye so many times and it would do great for his plan to have him out of his way.
Ineluki bade the images to disappear and the water recovered its black oily surface. He motioned to Draak who was floating around playfully to follow him out and walked out of the chamber. He was so deep in thoughts that he didn't notice that the lithe dragon did not follow him. The beast flew down onto the mirror's rim and peered into the water intensively. Even if nothing reflected into its depth, Draak's yellow eyes moved as if he indeed was seeing something. Then, suddenly, he shrieked loudly, took to the sky and shot through the tunnel from which light showed like a silver arrow.
******
Wufei looked, panting, as the horse nudged his fallen rider. They had nearly cleared the last of Ineluki's forces that had managed to avoid the firewall, yet he was incredibly tired. Although he prided himself for his endurance, those sorts of fights he wasn't experienced in and they took a lot out of him.
Wiping the sweat and blood of his brow, he felt a cold mist start falling. Spring was approaching and with it the first waves of heat. The snow was actually some sort of wet sludge that clung and made footsteps treacherous. For all his skills, Shadowfax had to be careful.
Some water dripped over his eyelids and he wiped them off impatiently. He thought he saw a black shape shot a little farther away and at first, blamed it on the snow. But then it grew some sort of reddish crown and wouldn't disappear, however he tried to wipe the wetness off his face.
A doubt slowly crept up on him as Shadowfax grew uneasy. He was pawing the snow and snorting. Wufei rubbed his neck and deepened their bound just enough to get a glimpse of what he was so nervous about. The answer surprised him but a simple frown creased his features as he finally recognized Shinigami as the black and red shape galloping south.
He didn't need to urge Shadowfax as he kicked him towards the quickly fading shape. The Mearas went after Shinigami without needing guidance and, at his pace, quickly caught up with him.
Wufei was distressed by Duo's state. His first experiences of the 'dark' Duo were bad enough without Shinigami nearly dying of fear under his rider. The braided boy didn't acknowledge the other boy and kept steadily southward.
******
Heero let out an involuntary groan as he woke up. Calmly assessing his condition as he sat, he remembered his fight against the General and realized that the cold, damp, dark place where he was was a prison, probably set under the ruins of Mordor.
He immediately froze as he sensed the other presence in the room. He waited as his eyes adjusted to the darkness and frowned as an unknown shape outlined itself against the opposite wall. The person lit a candle and Heero could make out the man's features. He was leaning against the wall, a tall, lean shape and a strong built. Whether it was accentuated by his garments or not, he couldn't guess. On his brow was set a fine mythril crown and his piercing brown eyes staring at him. Lord Ineluki.
"You are finally awake. I have been waiting for long after you, although you could hardly call it a waste of time. You and your friends are a thorn in my side I've been itching to remove. You just might be the way to remove it," Ineluki said hauntingly while coming closer to the cell.
Heero remained still, trying not to feel the prickling feeling at his side. He had an idea of what was the cause and he dreaded it.
"Not the talkative type, are you? Well, you might just change your mind. Don't think I don't know what assails you. The poison comes from my home country after all. I know what a few days without food will do to you. And trust me you won't get any until you speak," he continued, clearly enjoying the one-sided dialogue.
"Well, as much as I would like to stay, I have business that need attending to. Don't worry, I will not kill you. Otherwise your friends might just decide not to come," seeing Heero's suddenly worried look, Ineluki laughed. "Indeed, they are coming here at this very moment. They should knock on our door any day now. This will be very distracting.
With a last smirk, the Sea Lord turned heels and left. Heero heard a heavy metal door close and knew he was alone in the dank room. Taking a deep breath, he leaned back against the cold wall. Ineluki was right; his injury was starting to throb painfully. Without Zares' treatments, he was helpless to the poison, yet J had trained him to resist to most drugs. Although it was an unknown one, Heero guessed that he'd be able to fight it off with his resistance alone.
His body was already covered in cold sweat and his breathing was difficult. Without food to keep up his strength for a few days, Heero didn't want to think about the days coming.
******
Duo pushed the horses so hard that they reached Gondor the second day with even Shadowfax almost on his knees. Wufei stared and marvelled at the beauty of the city of Minas Tirith. Even without technology, they had managed to build such a complex place on the side of a mountain. It was made of white stone, set into a system of seven parts, each one higher and separated with a wall and gate. It had clearly been made for the sole purpose of holding sieges and fighting off the armies of Sauron when he still was threatening Middle Earth.
They were stopped at the gate by soldiers who simply refused to let them in, whatever their reason. It took only a little convincing from Duo to have them open the smaller gate set into the side of the main one. As soon as they entered, Wufei understood why they had been so reluctant to let them in. The city was bustling with soldiers running to and fro, preparing the walls and taking the women and children in the mountain caves. It was a sort of panic that contrasted heavily with the coming spring. The setting sun was warm and a few early bloomers stood out in the snow. The trees were laden with green buds eager to bloom.
Among all the war preparations, Wufei managed to stop a soldier and ask him where was Aragorn. The man only motioned in the vague direction of the seventh part of the city where the castle was before running off. The Chinese boy set off, only realizing after a few heavy strides of Shadowfax that Duo wasn't following.
"What are you doing Maxwell? Hurry up!" he shouted impatiently over his shoulder.
Duo had been looking back to the gates. He turned slowly and stared at Wufei with those disturbing eyes of his. Still at an unnerving pace, he nudged Shinigami forward. The stallion, head below knees, walked forward reluctantly.
"What are we doing here Wufei? We can't waste any more time. We have to continue to Mordor,"he answered coldly. His calm voice was more unsettling than if he had been yelling.
"I know. I also want to help Yuy, but if we go on like this, we'll be going on foot," he replied hotly. Duo hadn't told him a thing during their two days' trip yet Wufei had been able to guess from the braided boy's attitude.
Duo looked down at Shinigami's neck and seemed to see the sweat- lathered horse for the first time. With reluctant movements, he got down. The stallion shook himself gratefully. With a firm hand on the horse's halter, Duo led the way through Minas Tirith. Wufei also followed on foot, but he didn't need to hold Shadowfax. The Mearas followed willingly, conscious of the water and hay waiting at the castle's stables.
When they reached the castle, a stable boy hurried to get the horses with a disapproving look at their poor condition. The two boys were left waiting at the two heavy wooden doors for some guard to let them him.
"What do you want to speak with Aragorn about? We might as well get a good inn and leave as soon as the horses are rested," Duo said with a side- glance at Wufei, leaning against the wall. He was looking around disapprovingly at the lack of security outside the castle.
"The castle is by far the best inn you'll get in Minas Tirith," a deep calm voice replied behind them.
Wufei had his katana halfway out of its scabbard but when he recognized Aragorn, he put it away. The King was standing in the opening of one of the two doors, his arms crossed in a mocking gesture. Duo didn't even move from his position.
"Your presence isn't a surprise. The watch warned me of your coming long before you were half across the White Mountains (1). Well, not that it wasn't expected before you even left Rohan," he added, his expression darkening. "Rest assured, your horses will be ready to ride by tomorrow at dawn. Come in, so you can freshen up a little before we discuss more pressing matters," Aragorn said as he motioned them inside.
Wufei's expression was deep worry with some confusion. He had not expected any special welcome, yet the way Aragorn had muttered about them leaving Rohan was unnerving him. Duo was as emotionless as if he was dead. He could actually compete with Heero at that point.
Aragorn led them into a small room with a blazing fire making it comfortable. A table laden with maps and plans was set in the middle and crammed bookshelves lined the walls. The King motioned them to sit and he sat at the head of the table. He rested his head on his hands and watched the two boys intently as food and a basin of water were brought.
"I sincerely do not know why the Sea Lord is so intent on capturing you, or maybe killing you, but you are causing Middle Earth quite some trouble," he finally declared. His eyes were cold and angry.
Wufei suddenly understood, and would have squirmed under the King's eyes had he not been used to glares.
"The Sea Lord has never been so ferocious on his attacks since you arrived. Before, it was strategic and even honourable, but now, he's throwing his armies wherever you are. In a ridiculously short delay, Helm's Deep and Rohan have been attacked, and it is a matter of days before Minas Tirith will be besieged. Somehow, he knew where you were headed, because we got word of you barely a day after we learned of Ineluki's armies marching here," Aragorn said and Duo rolled up his eyes but kept his mouth shut.
Leaning back against his chair and crossing his arms, Aragorn sighed and some of his anger disappeared.
"Fortunately for you, I am not going to throw you out. You can stay as long as you like, but I believe you will leave early tomorrow," he said with a somewhat resigned tone. He cast a look at Duo and continued. "which might be best. If Ineluki is so intent on catching you, maybe it is important that we keep you safe. We can't hope to receive help from Rohan, not after what happened there just two days ago, so our defence will be more desperate. If you are gone, you run less risks of being caught," he ended and got up. Walking along the shelves he took a book out and placed it before Wufei.
"Those records," he extended his arms to show the shelves "are old and precious. This book holds the secret ways under the White Mountains. It is a safe hiding place, although we ignore if Ineluki has the power to find it," Aragorn explained.
Wufei leafed quickly through it and, although he doubted he'd ever need it, took it gratefully.
Just when Duo was about to finally say something, a soldier barged in. He was sweating and panting badly, proof that he had run all the way. Aragorn looked at him gravely.
"What is so important that you disturb a meeting?" he asked angrily. He knew Duo's dark side enough to know that what he was going to say would have been important. But the boy had closed his mouth and didn't seem ready to talk.
The guard looked around nervously. "There have been reports of strange sightings, my Lord," he finally explained.
Aragorn frowned and looked at the two boys. "This might take long. Go and rest, I will inform you if it is something important that you need to know. A servant will see you to your rooms," the King said. It was a polite dismissal but clear enough to let the boys know they weren't needed anymore.
They walked out and followed the servant, Wufei clearly disturbed. Duo was as emotionless as a human being could possibly be.
******
Duo looked around the forest. He was standing at the border of the two different parts of the forest. One had tall grey trees, twisted yet throbbing with life. Their multi-hued leaves danced in the wind under a clear blue sky. At his left a foaming waterfall cascading down a huge tree speckled the nearby vegetation with tiny cool droplets. An occasional bold fish leaped out and, so quickly that Duo doubted his own eyes, it transformed into a beautiful blue bird that settled itself on a branch of the waterfall tree and joined its voice to those of countless other birds. To his left, a steep hill ran down to a vast valley. High yellow grass seemed to flow with the wind. Packs of lean horses of all colours grazed in the field. Whenever one had eaten enough grass to expose the earth to the sun, flowers grew tall and climbed on the animal's legs, soon covering it and forming two beautiful colourful wings. The animal soared to the sky and when he finally rose higher than the tallest tree, burst into a flurry of flowers. A beautiful swan of shiny white gracefully glided down and settled on a transparent lake among many others.
"You are disturbed, man child."
Duo jumped at the voice. Slowly, he remembered his previous visits to this forest. The waterfall and valley troubled him.
"I know not what troubles you, but I can feel the extent of your sadness and anger through the changes you created here."
"I did this?" Duo asked, surprised.
"Yes. This is a forest which takes the form of one's emotions, if they are strong enough." The woman answered.
"But what does it mean?" Duo wondered, gesturing to the waterfall and valley.
"Nothing. They simply are. You are torn in two. The weak balance upon which you rested has been broken. Emotions run uncontrolled in your heart. The forest has reacted to that and created these unlikely places." She explained.
Duo shook his head in disbelief and stared at the valley, then at the waterfall.
"They make me uneasy," he said as a shudder ran down his spine.
"They should. They are the reflection of your mind."
"I can't stand them. Can't they just disappear?" Duo asked hopefully.
"When you will regain control of your feelings and recover your balance, they will," the woman answered.
The braided boy looked one last time at the two weird places and took a step forward. He had crossed the border. The trees were mostly the same, yet their bark was silver and as smooth as silk. The waterfall and the valley had disappeared. Duo sighed deeply. He already felt better.
"Welcome back Duo. I did not hope to see you again, let alone in these circumstances," a man greeted.
Duo looked around in the trees and finally found the man that had spoken. He was slouching against a tree, his arms crossed behind his head and his long legs stretched before him.
"What do you mean? What circumstances?" Duo asked. He was a little confused.
Tallien gave him a mocking smile and stood up. "Follow me," he said and started walking north from where he had been sitting. Duo followed him, wondering what was going on.
Soon, they reached the end of the forest. The ground went down in a gentle slope. At the bottom was an endless sea.
"What's wrong?" Duo demanded. He really couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Tallien motioned him to wait and sat at the edge of the slope. Duo did the same and watched the sea intently. Suddenly, the earth started shaking. A big whirlpool broke the calm surface of the water. Soon, no water was left. A huge gorge split the rock in two. The earthquake dimmed away, but a bubbling sound replaced the silence. Slowly, Duo managed to make out red waves oozing from the gap. Lava slowly flowed out and replaced the water.
"Happenings of that sort have been multiplying lately. Soon, this world will be destroyed," Tallien said sadly.
Duo watched in disbelief as the lava rose higher and higher. The slope was now half gone. "Did I do this?" he asked as he edged away from the red sea.
Tallien stared at him and frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked, suddenly very serious.
"Well, when I was in the other part of the forest, I made strange things appear, like a waterfall in a tree," the braided boy explained uneasily. He was suddenly regretting his words.
Tallien said nothing and looked at the lava. It was nearly over the edge of the slope. "We have to leave. I suggest you don't come here again."
Duo was about to speak but Tallien disappeared and the American boy was wrenched out of the world.
******
For a short moment when he woke up, Duo was his normal self. But he barely had time to wonder about his dream when his darker self took control again. They had to rescue Heero; it wasn't time to be thinking about useless things like that.
After preparing himself, he joined Wufei in the common room where they were served a simple breakfast of bread and cheese with water to wash it down. The city had to ration the food in case the siege stretched too long. The soldiers in the room looked at the boys funnily and most had hatred painted all over their features. The two boys hurried to eat and almost ran to the stables in their haste.
Like Aragorn had said, Shinigami and Shadowfax were rested and ready to go, although they could have used another day or two to be in full shape. They were about to go when Aragorn stormed into the stable.
"Thank God you haven't left yet. I have something to tell you I believe will be of great interest to you," the King said in a rush.
"Is it about yesterday?" Wufei asked seriously.
The King nodded. He took a second to compose himself before answering. "It is about the sightings. My men have discovered two giants in the valley between Mount Mindolluin (2) and the White Mountains. They don't seem alive and appear to be made of metal, although I do not know of any green or red metal."
Wufei nearly swallowed his own tongue. Duo finally had some expression on his face. His eyebrows were shot up in surprise.
"Is one green and black?" the braided boy demanded slowly.
"Do you know what they are?" the King asked surprisingly.
Wufei nodded and it took one look to Duo to establish a new course of action. Both jumped on their horses and, feeling their master's restlessness, started snorting impatiently.
"We are going over there. Do not worry, they are the best allies you will ever have," Wufei said with a broad smile. "I will be back when the armies arrive and will help you fight. Duo has other business to attend, but one of us will be enough."
Before Aragorn was able to snap out of his surprise and say something, the two boys had shot out of the stable and were galloping out of Minas Tirith.
****** The End ****** (1): The White Mountains are a series of mountains that run west of Minas Tirith. The galleries supposedly running under them are a pure invention of my part. (2): Mount Mindolluin is the mountain on which is set Minas Tirith. It's just between the city and the end of the White Mountains.
Well, it took me what? Four or five months? I'm sorry for the delay, but I had to stop and refresh my inspiration. Once it was back though, it took me barely a day to write this. I can't say when the next chapter will be up, and don't expect it too soon either. The story is nearly over though, only one or two chapter left.
I think everyone guessed what the giants are; it's pretty obvious, especially with the title. ^^; Please be patient, I'll try not to make you wait so much again!
A-chan