Disclaimer: In this story, I do not own the characters created by J.R.R
Tolkien.
Summary:
A friendship where you would lay your life down for your friends, is the type of friendship that Sam, Merry, and Pippin have with Frodo. A friendship such as this doesn't start just anywhere. This pre-LotR story shows how friendship and sacrifice go hand. This story takes place five years after Bilbo's departure from the Shire.
A/N: h/c, angst, no slash.
giggleboxsam- Welcome, I Iove it lurkers come out of the framework. Here is the next chapter. Enjoy.
Camellia Gamgee-Took- It is quite a dilemma and you shall see how things pan out. Here is the update, although it was not very soon.
Bookworm2000- The whole situation is quite diabolical (I love that word) don't you think? I love RotK and I am so happy that it won 11 Oscars. I swore to myself that if RotK didn't win Best Picture and Best Director, I would personally create a hit-list of all the academy voters and post it on the internet so all the enraged LotR fan could have a go a them.
Midgette- I glad to see you back. It has been awhile, but I am glad that you caught up. I am sorry that you had to wait until New Year's Eve to see RotK. That is just cruel.
Aemilia Rose- You fell for my little trick, but don't be to hard on yourself. I don't think I could write drastic AU even if I wanted to. That is just to depressing for my tastes. Public Service Announcement: Beware of evil cliffhangers! They are incredibly evil and may cause mild and/or severe forms of insanity.
FrodoBaggins87- Plot is most definitely thickening. You will just have to wait and see/read.
Jumping4Jesus- Here is an update, but I don't really think two months is what you consider soon. Sorry! But I am really, really, really glad you like my story. I worked really hard on this specific chapter and others to get the relationships between the hobbits down. About your question, Frodo's delirium will come soon. Also the disease' symptoms are not the same for every person, like most illnesses are. It is a very tricksy disease!
EloraCooper4- Congrasts for catching the humor in the part where Merry takes his shirt off. When I was writing that scene I kept picturing Dominic Monaghan's portrayal of Merry and I just pictured him saying something cheeky like that. It is too hard to keep a scene serious where essentially the first thing Dr. Bunce says to Merry is "Take your shirt off." What can I say about getting humor from my real life other than, 'My life is ironical'. It is interesting that you bring up Sam and Merry's relationship. All I can say is that it is going to become important. I love long reviews, the more the 'merry'ier.
Ailsa Joy- *blushes* Thank so much for your compliment about how I write about friendship. That is by far my favorite theme from LotR and is also the theme of my story. Almost everything that has happened and almost everything that will happen in my story directly relates to friendship. It is the driving force for all the actions that our favorite hobbits take.
Saharin- I am glad that my fanfic fits what you like to read. I am quite fond of Frodo myself. So you like seeing Frodo sick like the rest of us sadists do you? Well you are reading the right story, because this story will have lots of hobbity angst. I hope you like this chapter!
Harper's Pixie- I love suspense and I am hoping to keep everyone on the edge of his or her seats. Decisions, decisions, decisions...don't you just hate them. I was talking about my little previews at the end of the chapter and since you want them I will give them. But just to be evil for some chapters I might not give them. I don't want to give too much away!
Emily- *smiles* I am delighted that you think my plot is clever, I have tried hard to make it unique and witty. The situation is indeed very sensitive. Even the smallest action can change the course of the future. (I couldn't resist)
Artemis the Hunter- I am glad you like my little fic and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
moonybabe- More excitement to come, hope you enjoy!
Amy- *cowers* I am so sorry! Here is the next chapter. I hope it meets your approval. Please don't kill me! I will try to be better. I promise.
Ch. 18
The Truth
Reason slowly attempted to push it's way through the haze of confusion that had settled in Merry's mind. But despite his efforts, Merry could not loosen the grip of the disease. It had happened again, he was brought to a place where all sound died and darkness was ever-present. A great nothingness where no matter how hard he fought or yelled, his actions and words went unnoticed and remained unheard. He knew he had to fight the disease, but what was he really fighting? He was succeeding at slowing down the effect of the disease, but at the same time he fought the helping hands of the healers.
"Master Peregrin you must try to calm your cousin," Dr. Bunce said, trying desperately to keep Merry from moving.
Pippin looked up at Dr. Bunce and nodded mindlessly. His actions were methodical and stiff as he struggled to master his shock and confusion. Everything seemed slow and unreal, almost as if each second was drawn out to make him suffer and despair.
Dr. Bunce's voice softened as she acknowledged his pain. "I know that this is difficult for you, but I need your help if we going to save them."
'Them'. The word almost made him double over. Being only a tweenager, Pippin was always used to being looked after by Frodo and Merry. The role reversal of caretaker was something he did not want nor know how to manage properly. A smile came across his face as he remembered a conversation that Frodo and he had once had while he was serving his punishment for raiding the kitchens in The Great Smials.
~*~Five years earlier at The Great Smials~*~
'Buck up Peregrin and wipe that glum look off of your face. If you saw the good in this situation it would not be half as bad.' Frodo said.
'What good is there in being punished?' Pippin said miserably.
'You have helped me see where you need improvement.' Frodo spoke smugly.
Pippin's brows knit together. 'I am not following.'
'Well for one thing, your distraction technique was lacking.'
'Lacking?' Pippin said hotly.
Frodo continued, 'Ms. Martha is quite good at clean up and you need to spill something messier and more time consuming. Flour is always good, because although it doesn't seem that messy it gets everywhere and is a beast to try to clean up. Also since you are new at this and Merry hasn't had adequate time to train you, you should try stealing smaller things. Only experts like me can pull off stealing a double-layered strawberry cake, but I am sure that with your natural ability you will someday best me.'
'Thanks cousin,' Pippin said as he hugged Frodo. 'I feel a little better.'
Frodo took one of Pippin's hands in his and looked Pippin straight in the eyes. 'Pippin you must always remember that there is some good in almost every situation. You might not see it at first, but if you look hard enough you will find it. Never give up and never let any person or hard situation get the best of you.'
~*~Back to the present~*~
Pippin looked over at the bed where the motionless Frodo slept fitfully. "I won't let this situation get the best of me, for yours and Merry's sake."
Pippin gently pushed his fears for Frodo aside, because he knew that Frodo was in good hands. Sam's face was lined with a look of steadfastness and affirmation. It was his perseverance and resolve that were the rays of sunshine needed to beat back the dark clouds of despair. Dr. Bolger was giving Frodo the healing to fight the disease, but Sam was giving him the strength.
Pippin's reverie was cut short by the sound of a quiet yet pained moan. "Merry!" Pippin said urgently.
Dr. Bolger turned at the sound of Pippin's cry, "What is wrong?"
"He is trying to fight the sedatives," Dr. Bunce spoke. "He should not be able to wake up though, as the sedatives I gave him are very strong."
Merry's eyelids opened slightly and Dr. Bunce stared dumbstruck as he began to speak. "Frodo, don't let him..."
Pippin leaned closer to Merry's face and spoke tearfully, "Merry, it's Pippin. You are very sick, Dr. Bolger and Dr. Bunce are going to—"
With amazing strength, Merry sat strait up and gripped Pippin's sleeve. Merry's fever-filled eyes locked gaze with Pippin's fearful face. Merry spoke frantically, "You must stop him. Don't let him—"
"Merry!" Pippin yelled again as Merry collapsed back on the bed.
"Move aside!" Dr. Bolger commanded. "Master Took, go into the next room and bring me a bucket of cold water and a cloth! I have to get his fever down. Quickly, quickly he will suffer brain damage if the fever gets too high!"
His anguish started to break down Pippin's somewhat stoic behavior. His heart seemed to be guiding his actions, as he tried to fight his way back to Merry's side. His efforts suddenly halted when he felt a gentle but firm grip on his shoulders.
Sam's soft and somewhat worn voice reached Pippin's ears, "Mr. Pippin."
Pippin turned and came face to face with Sam. He was taken aback by the stricken look that lined Sam's features. It was a look that mirrored his own, and in that moment Pippin knew he wasn't alone. Wordlessly Sam returned to Frodo's side and began to mindlessly stoke Frodo clammy hands.
"Master Took!" Dr. Bolger called, "I need you to hold this cloth on your cousin's head. He is responding to the sedatives and I believe his fever is going down."
Pippin quickly shook off his musings and went to help the healers. When things seemed to calm down, Dr. Bunce spoke to him. "Peregrin, do you know what Meriadoc spoke of?"
"It is odd that you should ask that, because Merry said the something similar to that back at Bag End earlier. I figured it was just because Frodo was gone. Do you think he means anything by it? What if—"
"This whole conversation is preposterous and pointless." Dr. Bolger broke in. "Your cousin is suffering from a deadly disease that is causing him to be delusional. All that he is speaking of is a combination of stray thoughts and fevered impulses. So let us focus on what is at hand."
Whether from frustration or weariness, something in Sam seemed to snap. "And what's exactly at hand?" Sam said sharply.
Dr. Bolger looked confused, "What do you mean?"
Sam stood from his chair and spoke intensely, "I'm gettin' right sick of all this beatin' around the bush. Why don't you just give 'em both the cures, so they can start gettin' better and not worse!"
Dr. Bunce began to speak softly, "We cannot give them—"
"Sam?" Said a weak voice.
Sam turned around quickly at the sound of his master's voice. Pippin was equally caught between worry and excitement. Sam sat by to Frodo's side, while Pippin made his way to the bed.
"Oh Mr. Frodo, I was so worried. It is just that you had been asleep for so long and I—I wasn't if you were gonna..." Sam's words trailed off.
Frodo's frail voice spoke as he rubbed his eyes, "Where am I? What happened?"
Dr. Bolger spoke to the fevered hobbit. "You are resting in my smial. You have a illness called Ramora Fever and I have—"
All color drained from Frodo's already pale face and he began to stare blankly at the adjacent wall. "No."
An eerie silence followed and Sam felt dread fall over him. Sam was about to speak to Frodo, but right as he opened his mouth Frodo shot strait up in the bed. Both Sam and Pippin went to restrain him, but Frodo fought viciously against them.
"NO! Let me go!" Frodo screamed as he felt his strength fading.
Tears started pouring down Sam's face as he tried to calm his frantic master. "Sir, please calm down. Everything will be fine, Dr. Bol—"
"No Sam! Everything will not be fine! There is not enough antidote for both Merry and I!"
Pippin gasped, "What does he mean!"
"He speaks the truth." Dr. Bolger said calmly. "I only have enough antidote one of them, but with time I can duplicate the antidote."
Dr. Bunce looked utterly lost. "Dr. Bolger, you told me that there was no way to duplicate the antidote and that—"
"You must be mistaken, I have found away to duplicate the antidote so soon enough both Master Baggins and Master Meriadoc will get the proper care."
Frodo stopped struggling, but his body was still tense. As soon as he locked gazes with the healer, Dr. Bolger quickly averted his eyes and spoke.
"You should all try to get some rest and if there are any problems I will be in the third room on the right. Goodnight gentlemen, Dr. Bunce will stay with you if you require any assistance." After Dr. Bolger spoke, he quickly left the room.
Frodo's eyes followed Dr. Bolger suspiciously as Sam and Pippin gently lowered him down onto the bed. Frodo closed his eyes and listened as Pippin went to sit back by Merry and as Sam leaned back into his chair.
Frodo tried to sleep, but something kept nagging at him. By now all he could hear was Sam softly snoring on the chair next to him. Weariness slowly began to take over and he was near sleep, until he heard to door softly open. He opened his eyes and saw that Dr. Bunce was quietly leaving the room. He looked over and saw that both Pippin and Sam were clearly asleep. A smile reached his lips and he realized that they had not fallen asleep intentionally.
'What did I do to deserve such friends?' Frodo thought to himself. Standing up was a feat that took more focus than he had thought it would. His legs quivered under him with each slow step that he took. Every few steps he felt pain shoot up through his limbs, but despite the pain Frodo kept his focus on reaching Dr. Bolger's room. He had an uncanny inkling that that was where Dr. Bunce would be.
When Frodo reached the door to Dr. Bolger's room, he slumped down on the floor. Once his loud breathing subsided, he could clearly hear the heated conversation going on inside the room.
"Why won't you tell them what is really going on?" Dr. Bunce shouted.
Dr. Bolger voice was laced with irritation. "Because I need to think for awhile. This is not a simple situation."
"Then tell me what is going on. Why did you tell me that there was one antidote and no way to duplicate it, and then say that it is possible to duplicate?"
"There is nothing to tell now."
"Yes, there is and you are going to tell me! This is a matter of life and death, Dr. Bolger!"
Anger was evident in Dr. Bolger's face. His voice turned forceful and angry as he spoke. "Do not tell me about life and death! You know about what I had to go through last time Ramora Fever struck. I couldn't do anything! Do you how many people I had tell that they were going to die? Were you there to see and feel the way their eyes bore into you? The way their gaze struck into your soul, blaming you for what was going to happen to them? Do you carry the weight of thirty deaths? Do you have the look on their dying faces forever plastered in your mind every waking hour of every day?"
There was a short pause before Dr. Bolger continued, "I thought so. How dare you come to tell me about life and death? If you are still not pleased with my reasons, then I will tell you. I do not know how to duplicate the antidote. One of them will die."
~*TBC*~
A/N: The next chapter will show friendship and sacrifice go hand in hand, as the truth of the antidote comes out. Decisions will be made and Consequences will become all too real.
Summary:
A friendship where you would lay your life down for your friends, is the type of friendship that Sam, Merry, and Pippin have with Frodo. A friendship such as this doesn't start just anywhere. This pre-LotR story shows how friendship and sacrifice go hand. This story takes place five years after Bilbo's departure from the Shire.
A/N: h/c, angst, no slash.
giggleboxsam- Welcome, I Iove it lurkers come out of the framework. Here is the next chapter. Enjoy.
Camellia Gamgee-Took- It is quite a dilemma and you shall see how things pan out. Here is the update, although it was not very soon.
Bookworm2000- The whole situation is quite diabolical (I love that word) don't you think? I love RotK and I am so happy that it won 11 Oscars. I swore to myself that if RotK didn't win Best Picture and Best Director, I would personally create a hit-list of all the academy voters and post it on the internet so all the enraged LotR fan could have a go a them.
Midgette- I glad to see you back. It has been awhile, but I am glad that you caught up. I am sorry that you had to wait until New Year's Eve to see RotK. That is just cruel.
Aemilia Rose- You fell for my little trick, but don't be to hard on yourself. I don't think I could write drastic AU even if I wanted to. That is just to depressing for my tastes. Public Service Announcement: Beware of evil cliffhangers! They are incredibly evil and may cause mild and/or severe forms of insanity.
FrodoBaggins87- Plot is most definitely thickening. You will just have to wait and see/read.
Jumping4Jesus- Here is an update, but I don't really think two months is what you consider soon. Sorry! But I am really, really, really glad you like my story. I worked really hard on this specific chapter and others to get the relationships between the hobbits down. About your question, Frodo's delirium will come soon. Also the disease' symptoms are not the same for every person, like most illnesses are. It is a very tricksy disease!
EloraCooper4- Congrasts for catching the humor in the part where Merry takes his shirt off. When I was writing that scene I kept picturing Dominic Monaghan's portrayal of Merry and I just pictured him saying something cheeky like that. It is too hard to keep a scene serious where essentially the first thing Dr. Bunce says to Merry is "Take your shirt off." What can I say about getting humor from my real life other than, 'My life is ironical'. It is interesting that you bring up Sam and Merry's relationship. All I can say is that it is going to become important. I love long reviews, the more the 'merry'ier.
Ailsa Joy- *blushes* Thank so much for your compliment about how I write about friendship. That is by far my favorite theme from LotR and is also the theme of my story. Almost everything that has happened and almost everything that will happen in my story directly relates to friendship. It is the driving force for all the actions that our favorite hobbits take.
Saharin- I am glad that my fanfic fits what you like to read. I am quite fond of Frodo myself. So you like seeing Frodo sick like the rest of us sadists do you? Well you are reading the right story, because this story will have lots of hobbity angst. I hope you like this chapter!
Harper's Pixie- I love suspense and I am hoping to keep everyone on the edge of his or her seats. Decisions, decisions, decisions...don't you just hate them. I was talking about my little previews at the end of the chapter and since you want them I will give them. But just to be evil for some chapters I might not give them. I don't want to give too much away!
Emily- *smiles* I am delighted that you think my plot is clever, I have tried hard to make it unique and witty. The situation is indeed very sensitive. Even the smallest action can change the course of the future. (I couldn't resist)
Artemis the Hunter- I am glad you like my little fic and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
moonybabe- More excitement to come, hope you enjoy!
Amy- *cowers* I am so sorry! Here is the next chapter. I hope it meets your approval. Please don't kill me! I will try to be better. I promise.
Ch. 18
The Truth
Reason slowly attempted to push it's way through the haze of confusion that had settled in Merry's mind. But despite his efforts, Merry could not loosen the grip of the disease. It had happened again, he was brought to a place where all sound died and darkness was ever-present. A great nothingness where no matter how hard he fought or yelled, his actions and words went unnoticed and remained unheard. He knew he had to fight the disease, but what was he really fighting? He was succeeding at slowing down the effect of the disease, but at the same time he fought the helping hands of the healers.
"Master Peregrin you must try to calm your cousin," Dr. Bunce said, trying desperately to keep Merry from moving.
Pippin looked up at Dr. Bunce and nodded mindlessly. His actions were methodical and stiff as he struggled to master his shock and confusion. Everything seemed slow and unreal, almost as if each second was drawn out to make him suffer and despair.
Dr. Bunce's voice softened as she acknowledged his pain. "I know that this is difficult for you, but I need your help if we going to save them."
'Them'. The word almost made him double over. Being only a tweenager, Pippin was always used to being looked after by Frodo and Merry. The role reversal of caretaker was something he did not want nor know how to manage properly. A smile came across his face as he remembered a conversation that Frodo and he had once had while he was serving his punishment for raiding the kitchens in The Great Smials.
~*~Five years earlier at The Great Smials~*~
'Buck up Peregrin and wipe that glum look off of your face. If you saw the good in this situation it would not be half as bad.' Frodo said.
'What good is there in being punished?' Pippin said miserably.
'You have helped me see where you need improvement.' Frodo spoke smugly.
Pippin's brows knit together. 'I am not following.'
'Well for one thing, your distraction technique was lacking.'
'Lacking?' Pippin said hotly.
Frodo continued, 'Ms. Martha is quite good at clean up and you need to spill something messier and more time consuming. Flour is always good, because although it doesn't seem that messy it gets everywhere and is a beast to try to clean up. Also since you are new at this and Merry hasn't had adequate time to train you, you should try stealing smaller things. Only experts like me can pull off stealing a double-layered strawberry cake, but I am sure that with your natural ability you will someday best me.'
'Thanks cousin,' Pippin said as he hugged Frodo. 'I feel a little better.'
Frodo took one of Pippin's hands in his and looked Pippin straight in the eyes. 'Pippin you must always remember that there is some good in almost every situation. You might not see it at first, but if you look hard enough you will find it. Never give up and never let any person or hard situation get the best of you.'
~*~Back to the present~*~
Pippin looked over at the bed where the motionless Frodo slept fitfully. "I won't let this situation get the best of me, for yours and Merry's sake."
Pippin gently pushed his fears for Frodo aside, because he knew that Frodo was in good hands. Sam's face was lined with a look of steadfastness and affirmation. It was his perseverance and resolve that were the rays of sunshine needed to beat back the dark clouds of despair. Dr. Bolger was giving Frodo the healing to fight the disease, but Sam was giving him the strength.
Pippin's reverie was cut short by the sound of a quiet yet pained moan. "Merry!" Pippin said urgently.
Dr. Bolger turned at the sound of Pippin's cry, "What is wrong?"
"He is trying to fight the sedatives," Dr. Bunce spoke. "He should not be able to wake up though, as the sedatives I gave him are very strong."
Merry's eyelids opened slightly and Dr. Bunce stared dumbstruck as he began to speak. "Frodo, don't let him..."
Pippin leaned closer to Merry's face and spoke tearfully, "Merry, it's Pippin. You are very sick, Dr. Bolger and Dr. Bunce are going to—"
With amazing strength, Merry sat strait up and gripped Pippin's sleeve. Merry's fever-filled eyes locked gaze with Pippin's fearful face. Merry spoke frantically, "You must stop him. Don't let him—"
"Merry!" Pippin yelled again as Merry collapsed back on the bed.
"Move aside!" Dr. Bolger commanded. "Master Took, go into the next room and bring me a bucket of cold water and a cloth! I have to get his fever down. Quickly, quickly he will suffer brain damage if the fever gets too high!"
His anguish started to break down Pippin's somewhat stoic behavior. His heart seemed to be guiding his actions, as he tried to fight his way back to Merry's side. His efforts suddenly halted when he felt a gentle but firm grip on his shoulders.
Sam's soft and somewhat worn voice reached Pippin's ears, "Mr. Pippin."
Pippin turned and came face to face with Sam. He was taken aback by the stricken look that lined Sam's features. It was a look that mirrored his own, and in that moment Pippin knew he wasn't alone. Wordlessly Sam returned to Frodo's side and began to mindlessly stoke Frodo clammy hands.
"Master Took!" Dr. Bolger called, "I need you to hold this cloth on your cousin's head. He is responding to the sedatives and I believe his fever is going down."
Pippin quickly shook off his musings and went to help the healers. When things seemed to calm down, Dr. Bunce spoke to him. "Peregrin, do you know what Meriadoc spoke of?"
"It is odd that you should ask that, because Merry said the something similar to that back at Bag End earlier. I figured it was just because Frodo was gone. Do you think he means anything by it? What if—"
"This whole conversation is preposterous and pointless." Dr. Bolger broke in. "Your cousin is suffering from a deadly disease that is causing him to be delusional. All that he is speaking of is a combination of stray thoughts and fevered impulses. So let us focus on what is at hand."
Whether from frustration or weariness, something in Sam seemed to snap. "And what's exactly at hand?" Sam said sharply.
Dr. Bolger looked confused, "What do you mean?"
Sam stood from his chair and spoke intensely, "I'm gettin' right sick of all this beatin' around the bush. Why don't you just give 'em both the cures, so they can start gettin' better and not worse!"
Dr. Bunce began to speak softly, "We cannot give them—"
"Sam?" Said a weak voice.
Sam turned around quickly at the sound of his master's voice. Pippin was equally caught between worry and excitement. Sam sat by to Frodo's side, while Pippin made his way to the bed.
"Oh Mr. Frodo, I was so worried. It is just that you had been asleep for so long and I—I wasn't if you were gonna..." Sam's words trailed off.
Frodo's frail voice spoke as he rubbed his eyes, "Where am I? What happened?"
Dr. Bolger spoke to the fevered hobbit. "You are resting in my smial. You have a illness called Ramora Fever and I have—"
All color drained from Frodo's already pale face and he began to stare blankly at the adjacent wall. "No."
An eerie silence followed and Sam felt dread fall over him. Sam was about to speak to Frodo, but right as he opened his mouth Frodo shot strait up in the bed. Both Sam and Pippin went to restrain him, but Frodo fought viciously against them.
"NO! Let me go!" Frodo screamed as he felt his strength fading.
Tears started pouring down Sam's face as he tried to calm his frantic master. "Sir, please calm down. Everything will be fine, Dr. Bol—"
"No Sam! Everything will not be fine! There is not enough antidote for both Merry and I!"
Pippin gasped, "What does he mean!"
"He speaks the truth." Dr. Bolger said calmly. "I only have enough antidote one of them, but with time I can duplicate the antidote."
Dr. Bunce looked utterly lost. "Dr. Bolger, you told me that there was no way to duplicate the antidote and that—"
"You must be mistaken, I have found away to duplicate the antidote so soon enough both Master Baggins and Master Meriadoc will get the proper care."
Frodo stopped struggling, but his body was still tense. As soon as he locked gazes with the healer, Dr. Bolger quickly averted his eyes and spoke.
"You should all try to get some rest and if there are any problems I will be in the third room on the right. Goodnight gentlemen, Dr. Bunce will stay with you if you require any assistance." After Dr. Bolger spoke, he quickly left the room.
Frodo's eyes followed Dr. Bolger suspiciously as Sam and Pippin gently lowered him down onto the bed. Frodo closed his eyes and listened as Pippin went to sit back by Merry and as Sam leaned back into his chair.
Frodo tried to sleep, but something kept nagging at him. By now all he could hear was Sam softly snoring on the chair next to him. Weariness slowly began to take over and he was near sleep, until he heard to door softly open. He opened his eyes and saw that Dr. Bunce was quietly leaving the room. He looked over and saw that both Pippin and Sam were clearly asleep. A smile reached his lips and he realized that they had not fallen asleep intentionally.
'What did I do to deserve such friends?' Frodo thought to himself. Standing up was a feat that took more focus than he had thought it would. His legs quivered under him with each slow step that he took. Every few steps he felt pain shoot up through his limbs, but despite the pain Frodo kept his focus on reaching Dr. Bolger's room. He had an uncanny inkling that that was where Dr. Bunce would be.
When Frodo reached the door to Dr. Bolger's room, he slumped down on the floor. Once his loud breathing subsided, he could clearly hear the heated conversation going on inside the room.
"Why won't you tell them what is really going on?" Dr. Bunce shouted.
Dr. Bolger voice was laced with irritation. "Because I need to think for awhile. This is not a simple situation."
"Then tell me what is going on. Why did you tell me that there was one antidote and no way to duplicate it, and then say that it is possible to duplicate?"
"There is nothing to tell now."
"Yes, there is and you are going to tell me! This is a matter of life and death, Dr. Bolger!"
Anger was evident in Dr. Bolger's face. His voice turned forceful and angry as he spoke. "Do not tell me about life and death! You know about what I had to go through last time Ramora Fever struck. I couldn't do anything! Do you how many people I had tell that they were going to die? Were you there to see and feel the way their eyes bore into you? The way their gaze struck into your soul, blaming you for what was going to happen to them? Do you carry the weight of thirty deaths? Do you have the look on their dying faces forever plastered in your mind every waking hour of every day?"
There was a short pause before Dr. Bolger continued, "I thought so. How dare you come to tell me about life and death? If you are still not pleased with my reasons, then I will tell you. I do not know how to duplicate the antidote. One of them will die."
~*TBC*~
A/N: The next chapter will show friendship and sacrifice go hand in hand, as the truth of the antidote comes out. Decisions will be made and Consequences will become all too real.