A/N: Okay that took a little longer than expected. The reason? The most foul and horrible word in the whole English language…MIDTERMS! Though I suppose that under certain contexts friend can be just as terrible. Anyway I really hope that you like this chapter. And finally! The board is set and the pieces are moving!
Dazzler420: um just so you can't say it in your review…I'll update soon! Ha! I beat ya to it! Thanks for reviewing though
LDSSunshinegrl: I'm glad you liked the last line. It was one I debated whether I should put it in or not. As far as your questions. Some will be answered in this chap the others will wait
Yma: I'm glad that my story rocs…thanks for reviewing
Chapter 9
The Fellowship of the Mutants
"How have you entered the Lonely Mountain!?" The dwarven king said from his throne, on either side of him were numerous very old looking dwarves. Each looking very angrily at the mutants that stood before them. Behind the x-men, the massive stone chamber was filled to brimming with dwarves, each clamoring some out of anger others from curiosity, "How did you enter our very treasury!?" The king continued "What have you stolen!?"
"I have told you," Xavier said with a tinge of annoyance in his voice. "We came through a tunnel that was carved in the mountain side."
King Dain sat up in his throne, "and I have already told you that it is impossible! The entrance to the back door was destroyed by Smaug himself! Not even an entire army of workmen would be able to lift those boulders, let alone a small band of thieves!"
Xavier toyed with the notion of mentioning that he was sure that between the phasing power of Shadowcat, the brute strength of Colossus and the destructive power of Havoc he could get through just about anything. But he knew that it would merely complicate matters further.
"We meant no harm," Colossus tried diplomatically "We only mean to help our comrades! We are no thieves."
"You have no comrades here!" the King interrupted him. "Do you see any men in this chamber? I would think that you were from Dale if I did not know that they would never be so foolish as to attempt to steal what is ours! Now I want to know how you were able to enter the treasury!"
The large crowed seemed to grow angrier with each word that their monarch uttered. Each seeming to want to merely kill the intruders and be done with it.
"We have come to you peacefully," Psylocke tried "We have stolen nothing from you! Check our packs if you must! You must believe us!"
"I do believe you." Dain said, "In that I do not believe you are mere thieves, no it seems more likely that you are spies if you are anything. That would explain the blue orc within your company."
"I can only surmise that you are making reference to me." Beast spoke up sounding strangely eloquent for a blue orc. Causing the crowd's murmurs to hush and Dain to cock an eyebrow. Seeing this Beast stood before the throne and addressed the regal dwarf before him, "Truthfully I ask you, would not spies and agents of your enemy, be more comely than I? Would the enemy really send such a strange assortment of misfits into the most awe-inspiring, breath taking kingdom of the dwarves; where we would appear ungainly and would surely be caught? I say my Lord Dain, King under the mountain; the only thing more foolhardy that our enemy could do, would be to send a company of elves masquerading through the halls with beards and axes to spy upon the most noble people of Khazad,"
There was a general snicker amongst the dwarves at the very thought of elves trying to pass themselves off as dwarves. Though Dain could not contain a smile he looked as if he was contemplating very seriously what was being said to him. Seeing that he was being allowed to continue Beast again spoke up.
"Nay, good King, our enemy is much more astute than to attempt such an unabashedly foolish endeavor. And I frankly find it impossible to believe that such a noble monarch as yourself would give any credence to such preposterousness." Beast smiled widely and held out his hands almost as if he was quoting Shakespeare.
"If you are not spies nor thieves," Dain said neutrally "Then how is it that we came to find you in our treasury? By what power did you enter my kingdom?"
The rest of the x-men stared at Beast blankly already impressed at how he had suddenly turned all the previously hostile dwarves, from wanting to kill them to now heartily wanting to hear their tale. At the same time they wondered who Beast planned on convincing the Dwarven King that they arrived on middle-earth via an inter-dimensional portal created from the energies of a telepathic mutant and a powerful wizard.
"A most equitable query your majesty," Beast continued almost as if he was waiting for the king himself to ask. "Do you not believe that there is power in this world that is for both good and ill? Do you not hearken to the notion that through this power one person…nay a plethora of people may do great things. I dare say that you do. For we have come to you by whim and the same power of none other than Gandalf! For it was he who sent us here! Sent us through the very stone!"
There was an excited murmur amongst the crowd at the mention of the wizard, Dain raised an eyebrow curiously. He had not expected to hear this. The King stared long and hard at the orcish looking figure before him. "You have the tongue to charm a dragon into parting with his very gold, you remind me somewhat of a very old friend, tell me if you indeed know Gandalf. Do you know a hobbit by the name of Bilbo Baggins."
"Bilbo Baggins!" Beast articulated animatedly, "I am afraid to say most noble king that I have not had the pleasure. But I have had the honor of meeting his most esteemed nephew Frodo Baggins, and have become well acquainted with his companions including a very respectable one of your own kind, Gimli son of Gloin!"
"Gimli!" a dwarf who had been sitting near the king bellowed "You have seen Gimli! Where!? How?"
"Easy Gloin," Dain said motioning for the other dwarf to seat himself. Slowly Gloin eased himself back in his chair and the murmur of the crowd died down. Dain himself looked more curious than anyone had ever seen him. He was even leaning on the edge of his seat. "You know of the Fellowship?" he finally asked
"Know of them?" Beast scoffed, "We have aided them through a great adventure and I dare say that there is one amongst us that has. Already witnessed dwarven hospitality first hand!" Psylocke suddenly turned a bright shade of scarlet. Beast ignored this and stood before the king. "Most noble King Dain, Lord of the Lonely Mountain we are here not as spies nor as thieves but to be your very servants in your struggle against the forces of the Dark Lord, for this purpose has Gandalf sent hither."
Dain leaned back into his throne and stroked his beard thoughtfully. The x-men merely gazed at Beast in amazement at his daring to speak so directly to the monarch. Professor Xavier looked very pleased, and Gloin kept on staring from the King to the x-men especially at a the still red Psylocke, anxious to hear more of his son. Finally Dain spoke.
"A most excellent speech." he said, causing Beast to smile pridefully in spite of himself. "however" the King continued "I have not but your word that you are emissaries of Gandalf. What do you have to show as evidence to back up your claims?"
The x-men looked to Beast in dismay feeling as if all his effort had gone in vain. Perhaps his words a had even put them in worse trouble. Havoc looked as if he was preparing to fight. Xavier threw him a warning look, but mentally prepared himself to help the king "see" their point of view if needs be. But before they could do anything Beast approached closer to the King and prostrated himself before the monarch.
"We have not but our meager lives," he said lowly "If you believe me, than we will stay and serve you in this war in anyway you deem, and we will tell you of the Fellowship for it was not two weeks ago that we saw them. But if you find our story too incredulous then by all means, take your axe and dichotomize my head from my shoulders." Havoc's eyes went wide as saucers and Shadowcat looked as if she was about to faint. Xavier had a look of extreme worry, his forehead crinkling up incredibly "If my story does not prompt you to believe us then I daresay kill us all, place our heads on iron spikes and when Gandalf next comes parade them before him! Then we will all know who was right! Then perhaps your head will be placed next to mine!"
Psylocke looked infuriated that Beast would suggest that they all be killed. While Colossus and Shadowcat had suddenly found each other's hands and were holding each other for comfort as Dain looked down to Beast as if the mutants suggestion seemed to be the most logical. The dwarf was even fingering his axe which rested along side his throne. Finally he stood, causing the still prostrate Beast to gaze up at him.
"What is your name?" King Dain asked pulling his axe in front of himself
"I am Henry McCoy," Beast said "At your service your majesty."
"Well then Henry son of McCoy" Dain said a smile suddenly appeared on his face. "You may kiss the royal axe as a token of your new found servitude to the King under the mountain!"
Beast smiled broadly and did as he was told. Then the King laughed heartily. "I have not been this impressed since I saw young Bilbo climb out of the tunnel, smoking wildly yet alive and with treasure! Come I release you all from your bonds. Tonight we shall feast and you shall tell me of what Gandalf would have us do and tell us of the Fellowship!"
Beast laughed merrily with the King as he arose and stared at his fellow x-men who were giving him a look that seemed a mixture between, disbelief, anger, and general esteem.
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"Why should I trust you?" Saruman said atop his throne gazing at the figures that now stood before him. "By all logic I should have you killed for entering Isengard. You are no doubt here on some sinister errand."
"Indeed we are," Mr. Sinister smiled, with him stood a few of his mutant brotherhood that he had brought with him to Middle-earth. It had not been easy to arrive. As predicted the x-men found the tracer he had put in the armband. Though this had been a decoy. He had in reality placed the tracer within Alex Summers himself. In his very bloodstream! Sabertooth had his claws laced with microscopic organisms that Sinister had developed that would allow him to track the mutant anywhere he went. Even into another dimension. And while this method had worked the signal was still weak, and they did not appear where the x-men had. After preparing his team. Sinister had activated his machine and they had appeared in the center of a large stone ring with a massive black tower rising up the center. This was where the evil man had decided to start his bid for the Ring. Though he had to fight his way up the tower. He had finally managed to find it's Lord. A man in whom he sensed a kindred spirit. Finally Mr. Sinister continued.
"We are here to find a very valuable item. One that is carried by a small creature. I believe they are called halflings. We would be most honored to help you with anything you desire, in return for aid in obtaining this object. We would naturally share the spoils of such an endeavor with you" the dark man said smiling within himself as he only meant to get the other mans trust long enough to learn what he needed of this world and then slay him.
Saruman shifted in his seat slightly but otherwise made no indication that it meant something to him. Yet not only did their knowledge of the Ring interest him but he had also seen another group, similar to them, aiding the comrades of the halfling. Through the palatntir he had seen this and his company of Uru-kai being followed by the remnants of the now broken Fellowship. An idea suddenly sparked in his cunning mind and the wizard put his long fingers together.
"You needn't worry about helping me acquire that trinket which you speak of." he said a wicked smile dancing across his lips "it is already on it's way to me. However if you are desirous to aid my cause and to have you lives spared, I shall ask that you prove your loyalty."
"How?" Sinister asked, cocking an eyebrow very curious as to what he would to be told to do.
"There is a band of travelers that are seeking to overtake my forces which even now do come to Isengard. They are composed of merely three warriors. Nothing that a team such as the one you have assembled could not handle."
"Then you wish for us to eliminate them for you?" Sinister asked
"Yes," Saruman said smiling "Then you will have my trust and we will see what we can do about your offer to share in the conquest of this world. I will give your men directions as to where to go and we will see how they fair against the three trackers."
"Very well." Sinister spoke, turning to Mystique who stood by his side. "Tell the others to prepare to leave. I want these 'travelers' dealt with as soon as possible!"
"Yes sir." Mystique said quietly before exiting the room, leaving the too cunning villains to be alone in the tower of Orthanc.
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"To you, Scott Summers," Galadriel said benevolently, handing him his gift "I give you a sword from the goblin wars. Long has it slain many of their kind in defense of righteousness and may it do so again in your capable hands."
Cyclops bowed his head slightly, feeling better than he had during their entire stay in Lothlorien. In night the after he had made his decision to stay and aid the fellowship, he had had a dream of Jean smiling proudly at him, she had been dressed in all white and looked as if she was an angel. This comforted the mutant more than anything anyone had said to him previously. He was now fully ready to accept the responsibility that was placed before him.
While the mutant thought on this Galadriel moved on. "And to you Kurt Wagner" she said "I give you a vial of water from the mirror. May you use it to guide both your path and the path of your comrades."
"Danke," Nightcrawler said bowing, not taking his eyes from penetrating beauty of the queen before him.
Galadriel then stood before Storm. "What would the elves give to one who is so at peace with the world around her?" the elf asked her, but then answered her own question before the mutant could respond "To you we give this box of Elanor flowers, may the smell bring you hope in the times of despair."
Storm nodded graciously and accepted the gift, immediately opening it, and breathing in the sweet aroma of the magical flowers.
Next was Jubilee, who was somewhat more subdued than usual, and apprehensive as she knew that after receiving her gift she would be expected to mount a horse as would the rest of the mutants. The teenager was scared stiff of the thought of riding an animal. Galadriel had seemed to sense it and smiled sweetly.
"Jubilation Lee," she said, "I have seen what you fear and therefore have prepared a bridle for your horse, made of the finest rope and woven by myself. May it be used to subdue the most unruly of animals." Jubilee bowed but remained skeptical as to the effectiveness that the bridal would really have.
Lastly Galadriel stood before Wolverine, she smiled widely at him, as the rough mutant couldn't look her in the eyes and almost seemed to be blushing.
"For you Logan," she said, "I already know what you would ask of me, and am happy to give it. But afterwards I must ask if there is not something else you would have." With that Galadriel leaned down and gently kissed his forehead. When she moved away Wolverine's eyes again appeared to be a bit mistier than usual. "What else would you have from me?" she then asked smiling happily.
Wolverine looked beside himself as he searched for what other thing he desired of the elven queen. Finally he whispered something in her ear apparently not wanting anyone else to hear what the usually rough warrior wanted.
Before Cyclops could see what he was given, Gandalf emerged from the trees. Behind him was a magnificent white horse. The mutant had never seen one so regal. With the wizard came five elves each with a horse, one for each member of their group. Along with them was Haldir with a beautiful horse of his own as well.
"You're coming with us?" Storm said excitedly to the elf.
"Only until I am sure that Elessar is safe." Haldir smiled, "Then per Galadriel's orders I am to return and report to her and Lord Celeborn."
"It will be good to have you with us." Cyclops said as an elf suddenly handed him the reigns to his horse. The mutant looked warily at the animal. It had been sometime since he had rode one. He prayed that it was like a bicycle, something you never forgot.
Finally it was time for the party to leave, each mutant climbed upon the horse that was brought, though Jubilee refused to do so until, they had switched the bridle it had with the one Galadriel had given her. Cyclops surveyed them all for a moment.
None of them now wore their now familiar mutant garb. Rather they were dressed as the elves. Each with grayish/green cloaks complete with exquisite leaf shaped brooches. Their uniforms had been mended and then stashed away awaiting the time when they would be needed for battle. Finally as Jubilee mounted her horse they were ready. Galadriel and Celeborn stood before them appearing as if out of a dream.
"Go with all speed," the elf queen intoned "and with the blessings of the Eldar may you triumph over those who will oppose you. Namarie!"
"Then we will say farewell to Lorien," Gandalf said sounding a little melancholy himself, "To Fangorn forest we ride and with all haste! For that is why we are gathered together. This Fellowship of the Mutants!"
With that Gandalf whispered something in Shadowfax's ear and he was off, at a leisurely pace as the horse knew that they would need strenghth they entered the plains of the Rohirrim. The rest of the group followed in step, each secretly hoping that by some miracle they would be able to return the blessed kingdom of Lothlorien and view it's remarkable rulers.
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Slowly the visions faded, the face of the Professor, Scott smiling brightly. Logan looking very brave and fierce. The images swirled and contorted, until the Professor looked like Magneto, Scott's smile had twisted into a grimace, and Logan appeared to be a dark creature thirsty for blood. Jean could suddenly feel herself come back to consciousness. But though she was aware that she was awake. She could not hear anything. Nor could she move even the smallest of her muscles. Panic took the telepath but she could do nothing. Save for stare upward into the dark sky.
She tried to remember what had happened to bring her to such a state. She could remember appearing in the dark pit. The visions of Gandalf, then the fall into the deep. She recalled ascending the endless stairs. It was then that everything had gone hazy. Jean strained and seemed to see herself stumbling out into the sunlit snow. It was bright and had burned her eyes. There was the beast…dead. It had lain in a gray ashen heap. It's body long since cold.
Presently Jean could feel some warmth enter her body and she tried again to move. At first she attempted move her arms but they still didn't respond. After what felt like a lifetime she finally managed to find some sort of locomotion. The simple but now phenomenal task of closing then opening her eyes had to satisfy her for the moment. Yet in the brief instant it took her to blink, the rest of her experience came crashing down upon her.
Upon seeing the dead monstrosity Jean had taken hope and endeavored to locate Gandalf with her telepathy. It was then that she felt… him! It was not the wizard, it was a mind blacker than anything she had ever felt. Not even Magneto approached it's evil. It was as if death itself had obtained a mind and was coming directly for her.
In desperation she tried to flee, but there was nowhere to go. She dared not go back down into the pit. For she knew in the darkness he would only have the greater advantage. Jean finally knew that she could only stand and fight him when he arrived.
It did not take long. With the beating of great terrible wings, and a scream that chilled her blood the Witch King arrived atop a horrific creature. Without a word Jean knew why he was there. He had been sent to discover the fate of the beast that lay dead below them. Though she could not see his face, she could sense his disgusting pleasure of finding her atop the mountain.
The fight did not last long. Jean had been too weak from lack of food, and rest. After a few short minutes, her battle fatigued body lay at his feet, she felt him pick her up by the neck and everything had gone black as his dark hood.
Now Jean was prostate on the ground, her hearing had returned hear. Though she wished that it hadn't as it only revealed the awful sounds of the creature's breathing. Jean could only watch as the Witch King approached her and seemed to be boring holes into her with unseen eyes.
W…where are you taking me? She thought as she could still not articulate speech. Strangely the Wraith gave her the impression that he was smiling wickedly.
"To Mordor." He breathed an answer to her thoughts. He then revealed a leather pouch and shoved it into her mouth. A vile liquid poured down her throat and everything went dark once again.
A/N: okay this chapy is done! So now you all know several of the mysteries. From here the story will be moving a lot quicker. And I for one am glad to get the x-men out of Lorien. Last chance to tell me which of the baddies to have on ME. As you know Sinister and Mystique are there but I will be setting it in stone with the next chapter. So be sure to review and tell me. And if you don't review to tell me…just review! And if you really want to put me on cloud nine. Read my story on fiction.press. (I swear I'll keep begging until somebody does!)
