A Better Life

Chapter 9 Startling News

Once we had eaten our share of food, we started heading home. We even had a piggyback race. I was on Merry and Tori on Pippin. Tori and Pippin ended up winning but it was a close one. Once we got to my house I invited them all over for dinner. Merry and Pippin politely refused, said they didn't want my "aunt" to have to cook extra at the last minute. I thought that was very sweet.

"Alright if that's what you want, see you tomorrow," I said kind of sad.

"Okay see you tomorrow then," Merry said smiling.

For a moment he looked kind of shy. That's when I remembered how I had said goodbye to him last time. I smiled back at him and kissed him softly on the cheek. Tori did the same with Pippin. They were both beet red from head to toe and we giggled silently. As they turned to walk away a voice boomed out behind us.

"Meriadoc and Peregrin you two come back here, there's something all of you should know," the voice announced.

We all spun around to see an old wizard standing on the doorstep.

"Gandalf," Pippin whispered unable to believe his eyes.

I was far more surprised than the rest. He motioned for us to come inside and we went in reluctantly. I knew it had to do with Tori and me, what else? We went inside to see Camellia and Ferdirand as well as Berilac and Poppy seated around the table. We pulled up some more chairs and sat down. Gandalf remained standing. The room was quite for a few minutes, and then Gandalf cleared his throat and spoke.

"I suppose it is best to first inform Merry and Pippin on what they do not yet know. These two", he pointed to me and Tori making me feel rather small, "are not from our world. They have come from another that is far into the future. Autumn is actually Kara James and Bramblerose is actually Tori Patterson. They some how have managed to come into our world. That is all we know so far," he finished.

Merry and Pippin finally knew the truth. What would they think of us? All they did was sit there stunned at Gandalf's words. At last Merry looked over at me.

"Autumn...err Kara, is...is this true?" Merry asked looking at me sorrowfully.

"Yes," I answered softly.

He looked sick.

"Now now Meriadoc do not despair. I see nothing wrong with the fact they are from another world except that they have attracted danger," Gandalf said calmly.

"Danger?" Spoke Ferdirand. "What do you mean danger?"

"I mean there is still evil out there. There is a group of men I know of who want nothing but power. They have somehow discovered Kara and Tori were here and are on their way as we speak. I believe they think these ladies possess some sort of powers of the future that might be useful to them. It is preposterous though. Ah well they are men craving power," Gandalf said sadly.

I felt as if I had swallowed a bee. I couldn't speak, it hurt too much. There were men after us? I had never expected this to happen. I was more concerned about Tori though. She was deathly pale and it looked like she had eaten a sour candy. Pippin placed his hand on hers trying to comfort her, finally accepting the fact we were from somewhere else and he felt sorry for us. Merry came around and hugged me tightly. I never wanted him to let go. How could this happen?

"But Gandalf, how could they know about us and that we're here?" I asked upset.

"I am afraid I do not know either my dear. Men have their ways. These men aren't just any group of men; they are quite powerful already and are seeking more. All I know is they have to be stopped. We shall form an army. I shall call for Frodo and Sam, they will be more than willing to fight I'm sure. No matter what the men will and must be brought down. Not just for the sake of you and your friend, but for the sake of the Shire," Gandalf explained solemnly.

"But how..how did we get here in the first place?" Tori asked, anger rattling in her voice.

"It seems that as you fell you had a feeling in your heart. Apparently you were upset. I knew you were coming and I somehow sensed your emotions at the time. I also know what made you fall. That specific item and your emotions combined somehow brought you here. I am afraid that magic still strongly exists in your world. That I know. But I'm afraid I can tell you no more," Gandalf answered sadly.

I silently started crying into Merry's shoulder. That stupid case! If only I had not been so stupid to leave it lying around! And me fight? How could we defeat the men? Never in my life had I experienced such emotions. I was lost, scared and anxious. All at the same time. I knew what had to be done though.

Slowly I raised my head and said with courage " I'll fight."

"Me too," Tori said gravely.

"We all will," said Pippin confidently. "We've done it before."

"Good. All we can do is hope for the best. But for now you should all get some sleep. This is a lot of information to take in. Rest now and tomorrow we will find Frodo and Sam. I'm sure you already know about them," Gandalf said winking at Tori and I.

Slowly Tori and the Boggy-Hillocks made their way home with Pippin following. Insisting on walking them home. Gandalf had already mysteriously disappeared. Before Merry left he came up to me.

"I just want you to know I don't care if you're from another world, I still like you," he said softly.

He came over and lifted my chin with his finger, making my eyes meet his.

"I promise no matter what I will protect you," he said.

Then he slowly leaned in and gave me a gentle kiss on the lips. I was frozen with shock, but soon relaxed. He pulled away reluctantly looking extremely nervous at what I might do next.

"You're lucky there's no mud puddle around for me to push you in Meriadoc Brandybuck," I said slyly.

Looking a little sad he mumbled "Sorry I..."

But before he could finish I put my own lips on his and kissed him back slowly.

"Besides I liked that response better," I whispered as I pulled back. He smiled that crooked smile. I then turned around and went back into the house feeling happier then I ever had before despite the news we had received earlier.