Title: Despair (9/16)
Author: Niphrandl
Rating: PG13

Characters: Gandalf, Frodo, Boromir, Aragorn, Pippin, Merry, Sam, Legolas, Gimli
Summary: This story takes place after Gandalf confronts the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and before the fellowship reaches Lothlorien. It is told from Frodo's POV initially.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I make no money nor do I receive any public recognition for writing this. This is just my bit of fan fiction. Thanks Easterlily!

Despair Chapter 9

I came to myself a few moments later. I could still hear the sounds and cries of battle going on. Then I remembered what had happened.

"PIPPIN!!" I screamed. I started to get up but the pain in my head forced me back down. I sat up slowly this time and took note of my injuries. I had taken an arrow in my left arm.

I reached my right hand up and touched a lump on my head. It came back sticky
with blood.

I looked around and saw a blood stained rock where I had fallen. That must be what I hit my head on, I thought to myself.

Pippin.

I looked to where I last saw him. He was still down, not moving.

I slowly got on my knees and, cradling my injured arm, crawled over to him. I looked around for the others but could not see anyone.

I scooted as close to Pippin as I could. He had taken an arrow in the chest.

Tears filled my eyes and spilled down my cheek. I placed a shaky hand on his chest. Relief filled me when I felt it rise and fall in an easy rhythm.

"He's still alive" I said.

I stiffened when I heard the sound of running feet. I turned and saw an orc advancing on us. I desperately looked around for a weapon. I had left sting where I fell and I could not see Pippins sword anywhere!

I did the only thing I could think of. I grabbed the arrow that was still in my arm and, with a yell, pulled it out. It was the only thing I could use as a weapon.

"We may die, Pippin," I said "But I'm going to die FIGHTING!!"

At the sound of my yell the orc hesitated briefly.

I managed to get to my feet. I stood on wobbly legs as the creature came closer.

Just as it got within striking distance it arched back, let out a scream and fell over, Dead. An arrow in its back.

I looked up. Legolas was running toward us, bow in hand. I reached out for him and collapsed as he grabbed me.

"Frodo your safe now" he said to me.

"Pippin..." I started to say and the world dimmed and went black once more.

Fellowship POV

"mmph" Aragorn grunted as he slew the orc he had been battling. He looked around. Boromir was still fighting with one, Gimli has also just slew the one he had been fighting and Merry and Sam had collapsed to their knees, exhausted from their own skirmishes. Frodo and Pippin were no where to be seen.

He turned and caught a glimpse of Legolas running full speed back toward where they were first attacked. He followed after him. Merry and Sam saw Aragorn take off so they made to follow him. Gimli was assisting Boromir with his orc.

Aragorn stopped just short of where they were attacked. The scene making his blood run cold.

Pippin down with an arrow in him and Legolas cradling Frodo in his arms

Aragorn heard Sam and Merry coming up behind him. Sam gave out a yell as he must have seen what Aragorn had seen. Aragorn turned and grabbed them by their cloaks preventing them from going any closer.

"NO!" he said. They struggled against him, Merry crying "NO!" and Sam demanding to be let loose.

Aragorn saw Gimli and Boromir approaching. He physically sat the two hobbits down

"Stay here!" he commanded.

"Gimli, stay here with them and do not let them get up. Boromir come with me."

Both gave Aragorn a puzzled glance but did as they were told. Merry and Sam were hugging each other and crying. Not knowing whether their friends and cousins were alive or dead but fearing the worst.

As Boromir neared, Aragorn turned and pointed toward where Legolas was just lying Frodo down next to Pippin.

"It doesn't look good" he said.

Boromir remained silent and followed Aragorn as he made his way toward the three of them. Legolas stood and faced Aragorn as he and Boromir approached. The front of his tunic covered with Frodo's blood. His face drawn with weariness and grief.

TBC