Hello all! Thanks for being so patient relating to this next chapter of One
Ring! I hope you enjoy this one, and please review!
WARNING: Much angst ahead!
********
Eowyn exchanged a glance with several of the Rohirrim. Sighing, she stepped up to Theoden.
"My Lord, there was an ambush. Your son, the lord Theodred, perished." Allowing a moment for this declaration to sink in, she continued. "My brother is being held in the prison for attempting to harm Grima. This young lady is Lady Usagi, who was a prisoner of a Company of Orcs that were slaughtered three days ago."
After having heard of the death of his son, Theoden had heard no more. Drawing deep breaths, he turned away from those at the foot of the throne. A lone tear began to fall down his cheek, and for the first time, Aragorn realized the fragility of the King of Rohan. But before he could say any words of comfort, Usagi had left the support of Legolas and walked forward cautiously.
"My lord?" Theoden's eyes were dead. "I too have lost one close to my heart. But now, there is no time to mourn. Now is the time to fight. If we do nothing, then Rohan and all of Middle-Earth will be destroyed in the coming war. We must first fight to avenge the deaths caused by Sauron and Saruman, and then, whether in victory or defeat, we shall be able to mourn those that we have lost."
Her words struck a chord in Theoden. Turning to Hama, he spoke slowly. "Bring Eomer to me. Let the guilty bring the charged to be judged."
********
It was late at night, beyond midnight, but not yet morning. Yet, Usagi couldn't fall asleep. Leaning against the wall for support, she turned left, towards the garden that Eowyn had shown her. In her right hand, she held her sword, returned to her by Legolas. With sweat pouring down her face, and her ankle in immeasurable pain, she continued on. 'I HAVE to get stronger! I must be able to go to Helm's Deep! I don't care what Legolas said-' With that, she was thrown back into a conversation she'd had with the blonde elf.
****FLASHBACK****
After Theoden had issued the orders to prepare to head to Helm's Deep, Legolas had helped Usagi out to the garden. Gently setting her on a bench, he began to speak quietly.
"Lady Usagi, you have sustained serious injury, and I must request that you go into the mountains with the other women. You will not be healed in time to fight against Saruman's army. P-"
"Is that all I am, Legolas?" Usagi hissed. "Extra baggage? Well, let me tell you something, my lord. I have sustained worse injury than this and fought enemies a thousand times stronger than I am! And you know what? I would do it again! Just because I have been wounded, it DOES NOT mean that I cannot join you in this fight. My spirit has not been broken, and this is the only way I know of to find out WHY Saruman wanted me taken along with Merry and Pippin. This is my only chance to find out WHY Boromir had to die!"
"But you are injured!" Legolas protested, his voice rising slightly. "And I do not care what you say! You are unable to fight in this condition and you know it! You are not baggage now, but you would be a burden if you were to fight with us! Y-"
Usagi's look of hurt stopped him in his tracks. As her eyes brimmed over with tears, Legolas could tell he'd gone too far. Taking a calming breath, he spoke once more.
"Usagi, I'm so-"
"Save your breath!" She spat angrily. "How dare you say that because Orcs hurt me, I am unable to fight! How dare you assume I would be that weak! You know what, Legolas? I survived what the Orcs did, just to gain vengeance! If you think that pride has anything to do with this, you're wrong! I do not fight for myself! Not this time! I fight for Rohan! And if you cannot see that, then."
Choking on her tears, she was unable to continue. Legolas moved to help her up, and even through her tears, she pushed him away. "Go away! I need to be alone now! Please, Legolas, just leave me be! This is my test! I must face this alone, and no one can help me. Please, just leave my pack and go. Please."
At the soft plea, Legolas nodded slowly. "I shall send Aragorn in an hour."
****END FLASHBACK****
Sighing, Usagi sank slowly onto a bench. She'd reached the garden, but the effort of that alone had exhausted her. Allowing herself 15 minutes rest, she forced herself to stand and she began to swing the sword. Pain seared through her ankle and arms.
Barely ten minutes into her training, she collapsed. Panting slightly, hot tears of frustration began to fall. 'Why can't I do it? Am I really that weak?!' Forcing herself back up, she nearly cried out from the pain. Fighting back her tears and the pain in her ankle and arms, she continued as long as she could.
Forty minutes later, barely able to move, she reluctantly sat down on the bench. Several of her wounds had opened once more. Looking down, she began to think of something. 'Why are my healing powers not working? Most of these wounds should already be gone. Then again, I am much better than I was when I arrived in Edoras.'
As she continued to think of her healing powers, she didn't notice Aragorn slipping quietly out of the garden.
********
The next morning dawned cold and bright. Although is was barely dawn, the tension could be cut with a knife. This was the day Theoden and his men would ride to Helm's Deep, and very possibly, to their deaths. Usagi limped out to the stables. Inside, she could hear Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn arguing quietly. Stopping just outside the doors, she was surprised to hear her name mentioned.
"Legolas, you know that no matter what you say, she will come to Helm's Deep." Gimli muttered. "We cannot stop her from coming, and I'd much rather know where she is then assume that one of Theoden's men is the lass."
Legolas remained silent. "Legolas, Gimli has a point. It will be easier to allow her to fight with us and know where she is then to assume she is a Rider of Rohan. If it will help your conscience, we can ask her to ride with me until we reach Helm's Deep so she can gain more strength. She is a valuable asset, and you know it. Do not force her to stay because of your concerns. I saw her last night, you know. She is determined to come, no matter what the emotional cost to her is. Let her go."
Sighing, Legolas muttered, "I see I cannot win with you. Very well. I will not stop her from going."
Smiling, Usagi entered the stable. "I'm glad to hear it, Legolas."
********
The ride to Helm's Deep had been uneventful, except for the fact that Gandalf had ridden away from Theoden's army like a madman towards a threat only he could see. Looking at the stone fortress in wonder, Gimli sighed in awe.
"Beautiful craftsmanship!" Looking to Legolas, he couldn't help but smirk. Legolas was looking slightly green at the idea of being encased in a stone fortress.
"Master elf, I shall make you appreciate masonry yet!"
"And I shall make you appreciate a forest, master dwarf." Was Legolas' faint reply.
********
As night had fallen, the cries of the Uruk-hai had begun to fill the air. Shivering slightly, Usagi looked out across the deep. But suddenly, she saw something that made her gasp aloud. Turning in curiosity, Aragorn asked her what was wrong.
"Youma.from my world.how did they get here? Not even Legolas will be able to kill them!"
Suddenly, understanding dawned. "Aragorn, avoid firing at the Uruks until I've finished. This is my part in Helm's Deep."
"Usagi?" Gimli looked at her in concern.
She smiled fleetingly. Her smile was overtaken my grim determination, and for the first time, Gimli appreciated the fact that Usagi and Galadriel were related.
"I must fight the youma." Not giving anyone a chance to say anything, she leapt off the wall, and landed on the ground below.
"Crisis.Make UP!" In a flash of light, Usagi was no more, and in her place was Sailor Cosmos. Smiling grimly, she faced the seven youma. "Let the games begin."
********
Well, how was it?
Oh, can anyone tell me how Usagi transforms into Cosmos? What her transformation phrase and main attack are? If you could, I'd be highly grateful!
I'll try to get another chapter out soon, but I'm having writers block. Gomen nasai!
WARNING: Much angst ahead!
********
Eowyn exchanged a glance with several of the Rohirrim. Sighing, she stepped up to Theoden.
"My Lord, there was an ambush. Your son, the lord Theodred, perished." Allowing a moment for this declaration to sink in, she continued. "My brother is being held in the prison for attempting to harm Grima. This young lady is Lady Usagi, who was a prisoner of a Company of Orcs that were slaughtered three days ago."
After having heard of the death of his son, Theoden had heard no more. Drawing deep breaths, he turned away from those at the foot of the throne. A lone tear began to fall down his cheek, and for the first time, Aragorn realized the fragility of the King of Rohan. But before he could say any words of comfort, Usagi had left the support of Legolas and walked forward cautiously.
"My lord?" Theoden's eyes were dead. "I too have lost one close to my heart. But now, there is no time to mourn. Now is the time to fight. If we do nothing, then Rohan and all of Middle-Earth will be destroyed in the coming war. We must first fight to avenge the deaths caused by Sauron and Saruman, and then, whether in victory or defeat, we shall be able to mourn those that we have lost."
Her words struck a chord in Theoden. Turning to Hama, he spoke slowly. "Bring Eomer to me. Let the guilty bring the charged to be judged."
********
It was late at night, beyond midnight, but not yet morning. Yet, Usagi couldn't fall asleep. Leaning against the wall for support, she turned left, towards the garden that Eowyn had shown her. In her right hand, she held her sword, returned to her by Legolas. With sweat pouring down her face, and her ankle in immeasurable pain, she continued on. 'I HAVE to get stronger! I must be able to go to Helm's Deep! I don't care what Legolas said-' With that, she was thrown back into a conversation she'd had with the blonde elf.
****FLASHBACK****
After Theoden had issued the orders to prepare to head to Helm's Deep, Legolas had helped Usagi out to the garden. Gently setting her on a bench, he began to speak quietly.
"Lady Usagi, you have sustained serious injury, and I must request that you go into the mountains with the other women. You will not be healed in time to fight against Saruman's army. P-"
"Is that all I am, Legolas?" Usagi hissed. "Extra baggage? Well, let me tell you something, my lord. I have sustained worse injury than this and fought enemies a thousand times stronger than I am! And you know what? I would do it again! Just because I have been wounded, it DOES NOT mean that I cannot join you in this fight. My spirit has not been broken, and this is the only way I know of to find out WHY Saruman wanted me taken along with Merry and Pippin. This is my only chance to find out WHY Boromir had to die!"
"But you are injured!" Legolas protested, his voice rising slightly. "And I do not care what you say! You are unable to fight in this condition and you know it! You are not baggage now, but you would be a burden if you were to fight with us! Y-"
Usagi's look of hurt stopped him in his tracks. As her eyes brimmed over with tears, Legolas could tell he'd gone too far. Taking a calming breath, he spoke once more.
"Usagi, I'm so-"
"Save your breath!" She spat angrily. "How dare you say that because Orcs hurt me, I am unable to fight! How dare you assume I would be that weak! You know what, Legolas? I survived what the Orcs did, just to gain vengeance! If you think that pride has anything to do with this, you're wrong! I do not fight for myself! Not this time! I fight for Rohan! And if you cannot see that, then."
Choking on her tears, she was unable to continue. Legolas moved to help her up, and even through her tears, she pushed him away. "Go away! I need to be alone now! Please, Legolas, just leave me be! This is my test! I must face this alone, and no one can help me. Please, just leave my pack and go. Please."
At the soft plea, Legolas nodded slowly. "I shall send Aragorn in an hour."
****END FLASHBACK****
Sighing, Usagi sank slowly onto a bench. She'd reached the garden, but the effort of that alone had exhausted her. Allowing herself 15 minutes rest, she forced herself to stand and she began to swing the sword. Pain seared through her ankle and arms.
Barely ten minutes into her training, she collapsed. Panting slightly, hot tears of frustration began to fall. 'Why can't I do it? Am I really that weak?!' Forcing herself back up, she nearly cried out from the pain. Fighting back her tears and the pain in her ankle and arms, she continued as long as she could.
Forty minutes later, barely able to move, she reluctantly sat down on the bench. Several of her wounds had opened once more. Looking down, she began to think of something. 'Why are my healing powers not working? Most of these wounds should already be gone. Then again, I am much better than I was when I arrived in Edoras.'
As she continued to think of her healing powers, she didn't notice Aragorn slipping quietly out of the garden.
********
The next morning dawned cold and bright. Although is was barely dawn, the tension could be cut with a knife. This was the day Theoden and his men would ride to Helm's Deep, and very possibly, to their deaths. Usagi limped out to the stables. Inside, she could hear Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn arguing quietly. Stopping just outside the doors, she was surprised to hear her name mentioned.
"Legolas, you know that no matter what you say, she will come to Helm's Deep." Gimli muttered. "We cannot stop her from coming, and I'd much rather know where she is then assume that one of Theoden's men is the lass."
Legolas remained silent. "Legolas, Gimli has a point. It will be easier to allow her to fight with us and know where she is then to assume she is a Rider of Rohan. If it will help your conscience, we can ask her to ride with me until we reach Helm's Deep so she can gain more strength. She is a valuable asset, and you know it. Do not force her to stay because of your concerns. I saw her last night, you know. She is determined to come, no matter what the emotional cost to her is. Let her go."
Sighing, Legolas muttered, "I see I cannot win with you. Very well. I will not stop her from going."
Smiling, Usagi entered the stable. "I'm glad to hear it, Legolas."
********
The ride to Helm's Deep had been uneventful, except for the fact that Gandalf had ridden away from Theoden's army like a madman towards a threat only he could see. Looking at the stone fortress in wonder, Gimli sighed in awe.
"Beautiful craftsmanship!" Looking to Legolas, he couldn't help but smirk. Legolas was looking slightly green at the idea of being encased in a stone fortress.
"Master elf, I shall make you appreciate masonry yet!"
"And I shall make you appreciate a forest, master dwarf." Was Legolas' faint reply.
********
As night had fallen, the cries of the Uruk-hai had begun to fill the air. Shivering slightly, Usagi looked out across the deep. But suddenly, she saw something that made her gasp aloud. Turning in curiosity, Aragorn asked her what was wrong.
"Youma.from my world.how did they get here? Not even Legolas will be able to kill them!"
Suddenly, understanding dawned. "Aragorn, avoid firing at the Uruks until I've finished. This is my part in Helm's Deep."
"Usagi?" Gimli looked at her in concern.
She smiled fleetingly. Her smile was overtaken my grim determination, and for the first time, Gimli appreciated the fact that Usagi and Galadriel were related.
"I must fight the youma." Not giving anyone a chance to say anything, she leapt off the wall, and landed on the ground below.
"Crisis.Make UP!" In a flash of light, Usagi was no more, and in her place was Sailor Cosmos. Smiling grimly, she faced the seven youma. "Let the games begin."
********
Well, how was it?
Oh, can anyone tell me how Usagi transforms into Cosmos? What her transformation phrase and main attack are? If you could, I'd be highly grateful!
I'll try to get another chapter out soon, but I'm having writers block. Gomen nasai!