Title: Miles to Go
By: Ring Red
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! *sniffle*
Rating: R (for later chapters and language)
Feedback: Thank you, once again, to everyone who reviewed. I'm glad you're all enjoying the story so far. I am considering the pairing suggestions sent my way. Also appreciate the constructive comments. I'm working hard to keep everyone in the fellowship involved in the story, but it isn't easy. There are a LOT of them...lol. I'm also glad some of you liked the portal comment. I really do think that this situation would be killing Buffy. She's the slayer and it just isn't in her to let Gandalf fall, even though she knows he'll rise again. She's used to it being her taking the plunge. As to the rest of the fellowship's reaction when or if they find out what all the sisters know? We'll have to see...lol. THANK YOU AGAIN! You guys keep me writing!
Note: This is LONG chapter and we're finally finishing Moria! Yippee! PLEASE let me know what you think of it! I had much fun writing it. Some actual changes to the Fellowship storyline come into play (though the sisters didn't exactly plan for them too). I hope everything sounds okay. Oh, and we'll see why Willow is called Tasere the Red this chapter...lol...she didn't exactly wake up in Middle Earth the same woman she was in Earth. I'll go more into that later. As always any feedback you can send my way will be deeply appreciated! Hope to hear from you soon!
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Chapter Eight
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It had begun.
Frodo gave a gasp of shock and the members of the fellowship looked in his direction. He had drawn Sting and it glowed blue.
"Orcs!" Legolas spoke.
Boromir ran for the door. He looked out, but jerked back as several arrows embedded themselves in the wood beside his head. He spun around and began to close the doors. "They have a cave troll." He spoke with dark sarcasm. Aragorn ran forward to help him. They barred the doors with abandoned swords and axes of the fallen dwarves and then moved back to join their companions. All now stood ready for battle, even the hobbits would fight for their lives.
The orcs beat away at the doors cutting through the old wood. Legolas and Aragorn shot through each hole that was revealed and squeals sounded from the other side. Still the hacking went on and finally the doors fell and a stream of orcs poured through. Dawn now joined Legolas and Aragorn as they shot down more of the twisted creatures. Buffy, standing beside Boromir, held her swords ready and waited. The three warriors were talented and they felled many, but the number of foes was not in their favor. As the orcs pushed too close, Buffy gave a bloodthirsty yell and dove into battle. Boromir followed right behind. Aragorn put away his bow and drew Andúril as he moved to join them.
Dawn moved as far out of the crowd as she could manage and continued to pick her targets. With a proficiency born of years of practice she went through her bolts, reloaded, and started again.
Willow tried to stay among the hobbits. She drove her dagger through the throat of one orc, then shoved Merry out of the path of another. Ducking as a sword swung in her direction, Willow threw up a bright light spell to distract her opponent then slit his throat before his vision cleared. A loud crash sounded near the doors and Willow looked over to see Sam trapped as the troll finally made an appearance. "Shit!" She ran in the direction of the hobbit. She knew he was destined to survive, but her heart would not allow her to trust that knowledge. She would never make it in time. It was too far. "BUFFY!"
The slayer's head snapped in the direction of the call. Sam! Troll! Willow's voice echoed in her head. Buffy nodded. On it. She sliced her swords forward and cut two orcs in half before running toward the direction of the troll. She reached it just in time to see Sam scamper between its legs. The beast turned to find its prey, but Buffy shoved her swords through her belt and grabbed the chain swinging from its neck. As it lunged toward Sam, Buffy yanked backward. The troll paused and tried to lunge again, but Aragorn and Boromir grabbed the chain as well and the three warriors pulled the troll backward and away from the terrified hobbit. Sam jerked to his feet and ran off.
Releasing the chain, Buffy pulled back out her swords and dove at the furious creature. She cut at its legs, but it did her little good. The troll reached down and swung at its captors. Buffy was caught first with the blow and thrown away to slam into the wall with a thunk. Aragorn and Boromir still held the chain. Aragorn let go to duck, but Boromir was thrown across the room much in the same way as Buffy.
"SLAYER!" "BUFFY!" The calls rang out at once.
Buffy shook herself from her stupor. Her head still spun, but she pushed the feeling away. She sprang to her feet just as Legolas reached her side. "I'm fine." She assured him. She looked for her younger sister's eyes. Dawn was running in her direction. Buffy shook her head and pointed to the other side of the chamber. "HELP BOROMIR!"
Following Buffy's order without question, Dawn spun and ran back the other way. Planting her feet, she shot an orc through the throat before it could bring down its sword on the shaken warrior of Gondor. A sixth sense for danger had Dawn spinning around, but too late. She braced for the blow, but the orc behind her squealed and flew backward as a sword slammed into it. She looked over to see Aragorn nod in her direction before he ran back toward the troll. Despite the circumstances, Dawn couldn't help but sigh. Then another orc ran at her with sword raised and she snap back into battle.
Willow was looking for Frodo without much luck. He had to be hidden among the pillars, but she couldn't see him. Where was he? The troll would be after him soon. She had to get there. The witch had lost count of how many orcs she cut down mixing magic and metal. Now she fought with not only her blood covered dagger, but a discarded sword as well. She ducked a blow and drove the sword through the throat of her attacker. She didn't pause to stare in horror at her handiwork, she didn't have the time. Jerking the sword free and pushing the corpse aside, the witch continued on.
The troll was busy dealing with Legolas and Buffy. Legolas shot at the beast from a ledge and it tried to swing and throw its chain in the elf's direction. Legolas ducked the chain and continued his attack. Buffy worked to distract the troll from Legolas. She cut at the back of the creatures legs and knees. It screamed and turned to face her. The chain jerked and then swung to wrap itself around a pillar on the ledge. Legolas used the opportunity to climb the chain and jump on the troll's head. As the troll tried to swing its hammer down at Buffy, Legolas shot an arrow into the top of its head. The creature bucked and shook the elf off. Legolas jumped and landed lightly beside the slayer, grabbing her and pulling out of the way as the troll swung its hammer down on their previous location.
"Thanks." Buffy nodded. She jumped back to her feet and grabbed her dropped weapons. Seeing a new wave of orcs pour through the doors she dove back into battle. The elf just shook his head and ran after her.
The troll finally found its target. Swinging its hammer it knocked Aragorn out of the way and advanced on the ringbearer. Frodo dove away and ran to his fallen protector. He shook the future king and tried to wake him. The troll growled and followed. Willow ran in between the two companions and the dark creature. Drawing on her magic she threw up a shield just as the troll's hammer swung down. The hammer knocked against the shield but could not pass through. Willow took deep breaths and focused on holding the spell. Unfortunately she couldn't defend against the orc that ran in from the left and pushed her out of the troll's path. Frantically the witch shoved the orc off and swung down to cut off its head. She turned and ran back toward Frodo, but she was too late.
The look in the hobbit's eyes as the spear thrust against him pushed Willow over the edge. She felt her power swell and the very air around her glowed red. Throwing out her hands a burst of energy flew forth and slammed into the troll knocking it away from Frodo. Willow ran forward and stood protectively before the hobbit. She would not fail again.
The troll tried to resume its course to the ringbearer, but found it blocked by the rest of the companions. Gandalf took up a protective position before Willow. The troll would have to go through both wizard and witch to reach the fallen hobbit. The other hobbits yelled and attacked. Merry and Pippin jumped on the beast and climbed up to its shoulders and head. They tried to cut it with their small swords. Sam hacked at its feet. Buffy came up behind and stabbed at its back. Gimli swung his axe over and over again into the troll's side while trying to watch out for Merry and Pippin if they should fall or be thrown. Dawn had run out of arrows and stood back now with her short sword in case she was needed. Boromir stood beside her. Legolas held his bow and looked for the right shot.
The troll swung the hobbits away and knocked Gimli aside. It turned and finally the Elven Prince released his arrow. The arrow pierced the beast's throat and it gave out another cry of pain. Then it stumbled drunkenly backward in Buffy's direction. It swung out one last time wildly toward the slayer. Buffy tried to dodge, but she had no room. The hammer came flying down. Buffy felt herself shoved aside and watched in horror as the hammer caught Legolas in the side instead. The elf was tossed through the air and slammed with a sick thud against a pillar before falling motionless to the floor.
"LEGOLAS!" Buffy sprang desperately to her feet and ran for the fallen elf. "WILLOW HELP!"
The troll now dead and the orcs seemingly held off for the time being, the fellowship looked around them in shock.
"WILLOW NOW!" Buffy called again as she slid to her knees and pulled the elf to her.
Willow shot a torn look between her sister and the fallen ringbearer. "But..."
"He's fine, Willow, and you know it! Legolas isn't! GET THE FUCK OVER HERE!"
Her words snapped the witch from her stupor. She ran for her sister and the injured Prince. Dawn was right behind her. The other companions knew not which way to turn. Which comrade should they look to?
Buffy was shaking and tears streamed her cheeks. She reached out to stroke the elf's face. "Why? Why did you do that? You stupid elf! I would've been fine!"
Legolas' eyes slid slightly open and he looked up at her. "Slayer...Buffy..."
"Don't talk!" She told him desperately as she continued to stroke his cheek. "Just hold on. Will's gonna fix it. She's coming. Will's gonna fix it."
The Prince coughed and blood dripped from his mouth. "You...you are well?"
"No! I am damn well not well!" Buffy screamed at him. "Don't you dare die on me you pointy-eared bastard! I will follow you into the afterlife just to kick your stupid ass! Hang on!"
"Let me see him." Willow told Buffy quickly as she reached her sister's side. She pulled on her magic once again and looked at the elf inside and out for the extent of his injuries. The witch's breath quickened as she looked back to the slayer with concerned eyes. "Buffy...he's...there's internal bleeding..."
A growl escaped Buffy's throat and her eyes glazed over with something desperate and primal. "FIX HIM! Use the fucking magic, bend any rules you have to, but FIX HIM NOW!"
Her eyes darkening with determination, Willow nodded. She looked back over her shoulder at their younger sister. "Move back, Dawnie. I need room."
Dawn's eyes widened in fear. "Are you sure? You know, maybe you shouldn't..."
"I'll be fine." Willow told her calmly. "We have to save him, Dawnie. No interfering, remember? He has to live."
Reluctantly, Dawn moved away to give her sister room.
Taking deep focused breaths, Willow pulled on her magic. She pulled more deeply than she had in six years. She looked back through her memories. She found the one she sought. The feeling, the power, the magic as she removed the bullet from Buffy and wove the slayer's flesh and organs back together as they should be. She created the feeling again, she pulled the power through her, then she held her hands over the broken body of the Elven Prince. Willow glowed bright red...her hair, her eyes, the air around her. She molded the power and magic to her will. She pushed it into the elf and began to repair the damage she found. Slowly and careful she restored his organs and flesh to their previous state. Finally her work complete, the witch slumped backward and the red glow faded away.
"Willow!" Dawn rushed forward again to catch her sister.
Willow shook her head. "I'm fine, Dawnie, just a little pooped." She pushed away her fatigue and sat back up. Then her eyes sought Buffy's.
Buffy nodded through her tears. "Thanks. I...I know I shouldn't have..."
"Pfft." Willow rolled her eyes playfully but both of the other women could see how weary she was. "What are sisters for? Besides, you were right. He wasn't supposed to die." The witch tried to stand and swayed slightly until Dawn caught her. Willow shook her head to try to clear it. "Just don't ask me to do anymore spells for a while. I couldn't float a pencil at the moment."
"Right." Dawn nodded. "No more spells for at least a month."
Willow frowned. "I don't think it will take that long."
Dawn shrugged unconcerned. "We'll be in Lothlorien. What would we need spells for?"
Willow nodded. "Good point."
Buffy ignored her sisters' chatter. She knew they were just trying to reassure each other that everything would be okay. She understood that need, but she had other concerns. Lifting her hand, Buffy wiped away her tears before reaching down to stroke her companion's face again.
Legolas' eyes slid open and began to clear. He frowned for a moment before sitting up and removing his head from Buffy's lap. Then he looked down at himself amazed. "Buffy?" He searched her eyes for answers.
With a furious growl, Buffy reached out and hit him upside the head. She watched satisfied as he grunted in pain and rubbed at the abused fresh. "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?"
The elf frowned. "I..."
"Don't you EVER do something that STUPID again! I am more than capable of taking care of myself, you pointy-eared idiot!" She jumped to her feet, but leaned back down to hiss at him. "And the name is SLAYER!" Spinning on her heel, Buffy stormed past Willow, Dawn, Boromir, and Gimli to go check on the ringbearer on the other side of the room. They had to get out of here soon. The orcs and the Balrog were still coming.
Frodo was still on the ground and surrounded by the hobbits, Aragorn, and Gandalf. The wizard looked up at Buffy as she approached. "He'll be fine. He was..."
"Wearing mithril, yeah I know." Buffy cut him off. "We have to move...now. We can't stay here. Get him up and let's go."
Gandalf nodded and stood quickly. He and Aragorn helped the hobbit to his feet.
"And Legolas?" Aragorn asked urgently. Now that they knew Frodo was well the ranger began to worry for their other fallen comrade.
"Is an idiot." Buffy told him bluntly. She pushed past them and headed for the back door to the room. Glancing out, the slayer checked for orcs. "Looks clear so far, but it won't stay that way for long."
Aragorn frowned after the slayer. "Legolas..."
"I am well." The elf assured him as he, Dawn, Boromir, Gimli, and Willow reached the other half of their group. Legolas and Boromir were both helping to support the exhausted Willow. "Tasere used her power to heal me. Unfortunately she has exhausted herself in the process."
Gandalf frowned at the witch. "This could prove fatal. We must move quickly."
"I will carry her." Boromir told the wizard calmly. He reached down and picked Willow up into his arms. "Let us go."
Dawn beamed at the man of Gondor. Gandalf nodded. "Very well." He turned again toward the backdoor and Buffy. "Arato?"
"Still clear, let's move."
"To the bridge of Khazad-dûm!" Gandalf led the way out the door and the fellowship hurried behind him. They found themselves in another vast hall. As they attempted to cross orcs and goblins seemed to pour from every crack in the stone and even from the ceiling itself. They pushed forward but were quickly surrounded by an army of dark creatures. The company formed a circle and faced their foes. All hope of escape fled. They would make their final stand.
BOOM!
The sound rang out again and a light appeared at the far end of the hall. As it moved forward even the orcs and goblins flinched back in fear and began to fade back into the shadows.
Buffy grimaced. "Here comes the fun."
Willow gasped from her position in Boromir's arms. "Evil...dark...very very evil."
The companions stood frozen by terror.
"A creature of shadow and flame." Dawn mumbled.
Gandalf seemed to shrink. He turned his weary eyes on the sisters. They stared back at him with pain and regret. Then drawing himself back up, Gandalf spoke. "A Balrog...a demon of the ancient world. Fly! This foe is beyond any of you. You must cross the bridge!"
And they ran on again with Gandalf at the rear. They reached a set of broken stairs and there progress was slowed as they had to jump it carefully. Legolas jumped first with Buffy right behind. Gandalf jumped next and then Dawn. Boromir and Aragorn tossed Merry, Pippin, and Sam across, but Gimli refused their assistance and jumped himself. He almost fell, but Legolas caught him and pulled the protesting dwarf up by his long beard. Boromir jumped next with Willow held securely in his arms and all that remained were Aragorn and Frodo. Tragedy seemed destined to take them as the steps began to crumble away, but Aragorn remained calm and with some quick thinking swayed the rock toward the other members of the fellowship and he and Frodo jumped to safety.
Finally they reached the bridge. It was narrow and not particularly reassuring. They hurried across one by one to the other side. Then the Balrog rounded the corner and revealed itself. The company gasped. It was fire and shadow and evil poured off it in waves. It could have been the shape of a man, but larger with wings sprung from its back and a whip of fire in its hand.
"Gandalf!" Frodo gasped and the rest of the fellowship realized the wizard remained standing in the center of the bridge facing the demon.
"You cannot pass." Gandalf commanded. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."
The Balrog did not answer but from the shadow appeared a red glowing sword. The demon struck at the wizard, but Gandalf met the blow with his sword Glamdring. The clash of metal sounded and there was a bright flash of white fire. The demon's sword shattered into molten fragments. The wizard swayed for a moment, but then stood tall and still again. "You cannot pass!"
With a bound the Balrog leap fully upon the bridge with his whip drawn. Aragorn and Boromir gave their battle cries and ran back to help the wizard. Gandalf lifted his staff and brought it down with a mighty blow against the bridge before him. The staff broke asunder and fell from the wizard's hand. A huge flame of white fire sprung up. The bridge cracked and then crumbled away beneath the Balrog's feet. With a horrible cry it fell down into the darkness below. But even as it fell the demon swung its whip and the throngs wrapped about the wizard's knees and drug him to the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. "Fly, you fools!" He cried and was gone.
The fellowship stood frozen in grief and shock, but finally Aragorn snapped from it and took command. He faced them. "Come, I will lead you now!" He called. "We must obey his last command. Follow me!"
Buffy grabbed Merry and Pippin, Legolas grabbed Sam, and Aragorn held Frodo. Boromir still carried Willow while Dawn and Gimli ran behind them. They hurried up the stairs and into another passage. They dared not pause or slow, but continued running until they saw the shimmer of sunlight coming through the doors to the exit. A few orcs stood guard, but they were quickly dispatched and then the members of the fellowship were outside and free of Moria at last. The sun shown down on their faces, but they could not enjoy it for their shock melted away and grief finally overcame them. They wept long, some standing and silent, others cast upon the ground. The sisters tried to comfort and sooth, but they had a deep grief of their own...a grief full of doubt and shame. The path through Moria came with too high a price.
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End of Chapter
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Well? FEEDBACK? Pretty Please?
Ring Red
By: Ring Red
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! *sniffle*
Rating: R (for later chapters and language)
Feedback: Thank you, once again, to everyone who reviewed. I'm glad you're all enjoying the story so far. I am considering the pairing suggestions sent my way. Also appreciate the constructive comments. I'm working hard to keep everyone in the fellowship involved in the story, but it isn't easy. There are a LOT of them...lol. I'm also glad some of you liked the portal comment. I really do think that this situation would be killing Buffy. She's the slayer and it just isn't in her to let Gandalf fall, even though she knows he'll rise again. She's used to it being her taking the plunge. As to the rest of the fellowship's reaction when or if they find out what all the sisters know? We'll have to see...lol. THANK YOU AGAIN! You guys keep me writing!
Note: This is LONG chapter and we're finally finishing Moria! Yippee! PLEASE let me know what you think of it! I had much fun writing it. Some actual changes to the Fellowship storyline come into play (though the sisters didn't exactly plan for them too). I hope everything sounds okay. Oh, and we'll see why Willow is called Tasere the Red this chapter...lol...she didn't exactly wake up in Middle Earth the same woman she was in Earth. I'll go more into that later. As always any feedback you can send my way will be deeply appreciated! Hope to hear from you soon!
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Chapter Eight
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It had begun.
Frodo gave a gasp of shock and the members of the fellowship looked in his direction. He had drawn Sting and it glowed blue.
"Orcs!" Legolas spoke.
Boromir ran for the door. He looked out, but jerked back as several arrows embedded themselves in the wood beside his head. He spun around and began to close the doors. "They have a cave troll." He spoke with dark sarcasm. Aragorn ran forward to help him. They barred the doors with abandoned swords and axes of the fallen dwarves and then moved back to join their companions. All now stood ready for battle, even the hobbits would fight for their lives.
The orcs beat away at the doors cutting through the old wood. Legolas and Aragorn shot through each hole that was revealed and squeals sounded from the other side. Still the hacking went on and finally the doors fell and a stream of orcs poured through. Dawn now joined Legolas and Aragorn as they shot down more of the twisted creatures. Buffy, standing beside Boromir, held her swords ready and waited. The three warriors were talented and they felled many, but the number of foes was not in their favor. As the orcs pushed too close, Buffy gave a bloodthirsty yell and dove into battle. Boromir followed right behind. Aragorn put away his bow and drew Andúril as he moved to join them.
Dawn moved as far out of the crowd as she could manage and continued to pick her targets. With a proficiency born of years of practice she went through her bolts, reloaded, and started again.
Willow tried to stay among the hobbits. She drove her dagger through the throat of one orc, then shoved Merry out of the path of another. Ducking as a sword swung in her direction, Willow threw up a bright light spell to distract her opponent then slit his throat before his vision cleared. A loud crash sounded near the doors and Willow looked over to see Sam trapped as the troll finally made an appearance. "Shit!" She ran in the direction of the hobbit. She knew he was destined to survive, but her heart would not allow her to trust that knowledge. She would never make it in time. It was too far. "BUFFY!"
The slayer's head snapped in the direction of the call. Sam! Troll! Willow's voice echoed in her head. Buffy nodded. On it. She sliced her swords forward and cut two orcs in half before running toward the direction of the troll. She reached it just in time to see Sam scamper between its legs. The beast turned to find its prey, but Buffy shoved her swords through her belt and grabbed the chain swinging from its neck. As it lunged toward Sam, Buffy yanked backward. The troll paused and tried to lunge again, but Aragorn and Boromir grabbed the chain as well and the three warriors pulled the troll backward and away from the terrified hobbit. Sam jerked to his feet and ran off.
Releasing the chain, Buffy pulled back out her swords and dove at the furious creature. She cut at its legs, but it did her little good. The troll reached down and swung at its captors. Buffy was caught first with the blow and thrown away to slam into the wall with a thunk. Aragorn and Boromir still held the chain. Aragorn let go to duck, but Boromir was thrown across the room much in the same way as Buffy.
"SLAYER!" "BUFFY!" The calls rang out at once.
Buffy shook herself from her stupor. Her head still spun, but she pushed the feeling away. She sprang to her feet just as Legolas reached her side. "I'm fine." She assured him. She looked for her younger sister's eyes. Dawn was running in her direction. Buffy shook her head and pointed to the other side of the chamber. "HELP BOROMIR!"
Following Buffy's order without question, Dawn spun and ran back the other way. Planting her feet, she shot an orc through the throat before it could bring down its sword on the shaken warrior of Gondor. A sixth sense for danger had Dawn spinning around, but too late. She braced for the blow, but the orc behind her squealed and flew backward as a sword slammed into it. She looked over to see Aragorn nod in her direction before he ran back toward the troll. Despite the circumstances, Dawn couldn't help but sigh. Then another orc ran at her with sword raised and she snap back into battle.
Willow was looking for Frodo without much luck. He had to be hidden among the pillars, but she couldn't see him. Where was he? The troll would be after him soon. She had to get there. The witch had lost count of how many orcs she cut down mixing magic and metal. Now she fought with not only her blood covered dagger, but a discarded sword as well. She ducked a blow and drove the sword through the throat of her attacker. She didn't pause to stare in horror at her handiwork, she didn't have the time. Jerking the sword free and pushing the corpse aside, the witch continued on.
The troll was busy dealing with Legolas and Buffy. Legolas shot at the beast from a ledge and it tried to swing and throw its chain in the elf's direction. Legolas ducked the chain and continued his attack. Buffy worked to distract the troll from Legolas. She cut at the back of the creatures legs and knees. It screamed and turned to face her. The chain jerked and then swung to wrap itself around a pillar on the ledge. Legolas used the opportunity to climb the chain and jump on the troll's head. As the troll tried to swing its hammer down at Buffy, Legolas shot an arrow into the top of its head. The creature bucked and shook the elf off. Legolas jumped and landed lightly beside the slayer, grabbing her and pulling out of the way as the troll swung its hammer down on their previous location.
"Thanks." Buffy nodded. She jumped back to her feet and grabbed her dropped weapons. Seeing a new wave of orcs pour through the doors she dove back into battle. The elf just shook his head and ran after her.
The troll finally found its target. Swinging its hammer it knocked Aragorn out of the way and advanced on the ringbearer. Frodo dove away and ran to his fallen protector. He shook the future king and tried to wake him. The troll growled and followed. Willow ran in between the two companions and the dark creature. Drawing on her magic she threw up a shield just as the troll's hammer swung down. The hammer knocked against the shield but could not pass through. Willow took deep breaths and focused on holding the spell. Unfortunately she couldn't defend against the orc that ran in from the left and pushed her out of the troll's path. Frantically the witch shoved the orc off and swung down to cut off its head. She turned and ran back toward Frodo, but she was too late.
The look in the hobbit's eyes as the spear thrust against him pushed Willow over the edge. She felt her power swell and the very air around her glowed red. Throwing out her hands a burst of energy flew forth and slammed into the troll knocking it away from Frodo. Willow ran forward and stood protectively before the hobbit. She would not fail again.
The troll tried to resume its course to the ringbearer, but found it blocked by the rest of the companions. Gandalf took up a protective position before Willow. The troll would have to go through both wizard and witch to reach the fallen hobbit. The other hobbits yelled and attacked. Merry and Pippin jumped on the beast and climbed up to its shoulders and head. They tried to cut it with their small swords. Sam hacked at its feet. Buffy came up behind and stabbed at its back. Gimli swung his axe over and over again into the troll's side while trying to watch out for Merry and Pippin if they should fall or be thrown. Dawn had run out of arrows and stood back now with her short sword in case she was needed. Boromir stood beside her. Legolas held his bow and looked for the right shot.
The troll swung the hobbits away and knocked Gimli aside. It turned and finally the Elven Prince released his arrow. The arrow pierced the beast's throat and it gave out another cry of pain. Then it stumbled drunkenly backward in Buffy's direction. It swung out one last time wildly toward the slayer. Buffy tried to dodge, but she had no room. The hammer came flying down. Buffy felt herself shoved aside and watched in horror as the hammer caught Legolas in the side instead. The elf was tossed through the air and slammed with a sick thud against a pillar before falling motionless to the floor.
"LEGOLAS!" Buffy sprang desperately to her feet and ran for the fallen elf. "WILLOW HELP!"
The troll now dead and the orcs seemingly held off for the time being, the fellowship looked around them in shock.
"WILLOW NOW!" Buffy called again as she slid to her knees and pulled the elf to her.
Willow shot a torn look between her sister and the fallen ringbearer. "But..."
"He's fine, Willow, and you know it! Legolas isn't! GET THE FUCK OVER HERE!"
Her words snapped the witch from her stupor. She ran for her sister and the injured Prince. Dawn was right behind her. The other companions knew not which way to turn. Which comrade should they look to?
Buffy was shaking and tears streamed her cheeks. She reached out to stroke the elf's face. "Why? Why did you do that? You stupid elf! I would've been fine!"
Legolas' eyes slid slightly open and he looked up at her. "Slayer...Buffy..."
"Don't talk!" She told him desperately as she continued to stroke his cheek. "Just hold on. Will's gonna fix it. She's coming. Will's gonna fix it."
The Prince coughed and blood dripped from his mouth. "You...you are well?"
"No! I am damn well not well!" Buffy screamed at him. "Don't you dare die on me you pointy-eared bastard! I will follow you into the afterlife just to kick your stupid ass! Hang on!"
"Let me see him." Willow told Buffy quickly as she reached her sister's side. She pulled on her magic once again and looked at the elf inside and out for the extent of his injuries. The witch's breath quickened as she looked back to the slayer with concerned eyes. "Buffy...he's...there's internal bleeding..."
A growl escaped Buffy's throat and her eyes glazed over with something desperate and primal. "FIX HIM! Use the fucking magic, bend any rules you have to, but FIX HIM NOW!"
Her eyes darkening with determination, Willow nodded. She looked back over her shoulder at their younger sister. "Move back, Dawnie. I need room."
Dawn's eyes widened in fear. "Are you sure? You know, maybe you shouldn't..."
"I'll be fine." Willow told her calmly. "We have to save him, Dawnie. No interfering, remember? He has to live."
Reluctantly, Dawn moved away to give her sister room.
Taking deep focused breaths, Willow pulled on her magic. She pulled more deeply than she had in six years. She looked back through her memories. She found the one she sought. The feeling, the power, the magic as she removed the bullet from Buffy and wove the slayer's flesh and organs back together as they should be. She created the feeling again, she pulled the power through her, then she held her hands over the broken body of the Elven Prince. Willow glowed bright red...her hair, her eyes, the air around her. She molded the power and magic to her will. She pushed it into the elf and began to repair the damage she found. Slowly and careful she restored his organs and flesh to their previous state. Finally her work complete, the witch slumped backward and the red glow faded away.
"Willow!" Dawn rushed forward again to catch her sister.
Willow shook her head. "I'm fine, Dawnie, just a little pooped." She pushed away her fatigue and sat back up. Then her eyes sought Buffy's.
Buffy nodded through her tears. "Thanks. I...I know I shouldn't have..."
"Pfft." Willow rolled her eyes playfully but both of the other women could see how weary she was. "What are sisters for? Besides, you were right. He wasn't supposed to die." The witch tried to stand and swayed slightly until Dawn caught her. Willow shook her head to try to clear it. "Just don't ask me to do anymore spells for a while. I couldn't float a pencil at the moment."
"Right." Dawn nodded. "No more spells for at least a month."
Willow frowned. "I don't think it will take that long."
Dawn shrugged unconcerned. "We'll be in Lothlorien. What would we need spells for?"
Willow nodded. "Good point."
Buffy ignored her sisters' chatter. She knew they were just trying to reassure each other that everything would be okay. She understood that need, but she had other concerns. Lifting her hand, Buffy wiped away her tears before reaching down to stroke her companion's face again.
Legolas' eyes slid open and began to clear. He frowned for a moment before sitting up and removing his head from Buffy's lap. Then he looked down at himself amazed. "Buffy?" He searched her eyes for answers.
With a furious growl, Buffy reached out and hit him upside the head. She watched satisfied as he grunted in pain and rubbed at the abused fresh. "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?"
The elf frowned. "I..."
"Don't you EVER do something that STUPID again! I am more than capable of taking care of myself, you pointy-eared idiot!" She jumped to her feet, but leaned back down to hiss at him. "And the name is SLAYER!" Spinning on her heel, Buffy stormed past Willow, Dawn, Boromir, and Gimli to go check on the ringbearer on the other side of the room. They had to get out of here soon. The orcs and the Balrog were still coming.
Frodo was still on the ground and surrounded by the hobbits, Aragorn, and Gandalf. The wizard looked up at Buffy as she approached. "He'll be fine. He was..."
"Wearing mithril, yeah I know." Buffy cut him off. "We have to move...now. We can't stay here. Get him up and let's go."
Gandalf nodded and stood quickly. He and Aragorn helped the hobbit to his feet.
"And Legolas?" Aragorn asked urgently. Now that they knew Frodo was well the ranger began to worry for their other fallen comrade.
"Is an idiot." Buffy told him bluntly. She pushed past them and headed for the back door to the room. Glancing out, the slayer checked for orcs. "Looks clear so far, but it won't stay that way for long."
Aragorn frowned after the slayer. "Legolas..."
"I am well." The elf assured him as he, Dawn, Boromir, Gimli, and Willow reached the other half of their group. Legolas and Boromir were both helping to support the exhausted Willow. "Tasere used her power to heal me. Unfortunately she has exhausted herself in the process."
Gandalf frowned at the witch. "This could prove fatal. We must move quickly."
"I will carry her." Boromir told the wizard calmly. He reached down and picked Willow up into his arms. "Let us go."
Dawn beamed at the man of Gondor. Gandalf nodded. "Very well." He turned again toward the backdoor and Buffy. "Arato?"
"Still clear, let's move."
"To the bridge of Khazad-dûm!" Gandalf led the way out the door and the fellowship hurried behind him. They found themselves in another vast hall. As they attempted to cross orcs and goblins seemed to pour from every crack in the stone and even from the ceiling itself. They pushed forward but were quickly surrounded by an army of dark creatures. The company formed a circle and faced their foes. All hope of escape fled. They would make their final stand.
BOOM!
The sound rang out again and a light appeared at the far end of the hall. As it moved forward even the orcs and goblins flinched back in fear and began to fade back into the shadows.
Buffy grimaced. "Here comes the fun."
Willow gasped from her position in Boromir's arms. "Evil...dark...very very evil."
The companions stood frozen by terror.
"A creature of shadow and flame." Dawn mumbled.
Gandalf seemed to shrink. He turned his weary eyes on the sisters. They stared back at him with pain and regret. Then drawing himself back up, Gandalf spoke. "A Balrog...a demon of the ancient world. Fly! This foe is beyond any of you. You must cross the bridge!"
And they ran on again with Gandalf at the rear. They reached a set of broken stairs and there progress was slowed as they had to jump it carefully. Legolas jumped first with Buffy right behind. Gandalf jumped next and then Dawn. Boromir and Aragorn tossed Merry, Pippin, and Sam across, but Gimli refused their assistance and jumped himself. He almost fell, but Legolas caught him and pulled the protesting dwarf up by his long beard. Boromir jumped next with Willow held securely in his arms and all that remained were Aragorn and Frodo. Tragedy seemed destined to take them as the steps began to crumble away, but Aragorn remained calm and with some quick thinking swayed the rock toward the other members of the fellowship and he and Frodo jumped to safety.
Finally they reached the bridge. It was narrow and not particularly reassuring. They hurried across one by one to the other side. Then the Balrog rounded the corner and revealed itself. The company gasped. It was fire and shadow and evil poured off it in waves. It could have been the shape of a man, but larger with wings sprung from its back and a whip of fire in its hand.
"Gandalf!" Frodo gasped and the rest of the fellowship realized the wizard remained standing in the center of the bridge facing the demon.
"You cannot pass." Gandalf commanded. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."
The Balrog did not answer but from the shadow appeared a red glowing sword. The demon struck at the wizard, but Gandalf met the blow with his sword Glamdring. The clash of metal sounded and there was a bright flash of white fire. The demon's sword shattered into molten fragments. The wizard swayed for a moment, but then stood tall and still again. "You cannot pass!"
With a bound the Balrog leap fully upon the bridge with his whip drawn. Aragorn and Boromir gave their battle cries and ran back to help the wizard. Gandalf lifted his staff and brought it down with a mighty blow against the bridge before him. The staff broke asunder and fell from the wizard's hand. A huge flame of white fire sprung up. The bridge cracked and then crumbled away beneath the Balrog's feet. With a horrible cry it fell down into the darkness below. But even as it fell the demon swung its whip and the throngs wrapped about the wizard's knees and drug him to the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. "Fly, you fools!" He cried and was gone.
The fellowship stood frozen in grief and shock, but finally Aragorn snapped from it and took command. He faced them. "Come, I will lead you now!" He called. "We must obey his last command. Follow me!"
Buffy grabbed Merry and Pippin, Legolas grabbed Sam, and Aragorn held Frodo. Boromir still carried Willow while Dawn and Gimli ran behind them. They hurried up the stairs and into another passage. They dared not pause or slow, but continued running until they saw the shimmer of sunlight coming through the doors to the exit. A few orcs stood guard, but they were quickly dispatched and then the members of the fellowship were outside and free of Moria at last. The sun shown down on their faces, but they could not enjoy it for their shock melted away and grief finally overcame them. They wept long, some standing and silent, others cast upon the ground. The sisters tried to comfort and sooth, but they had a deep grief of their own...a grief full of doubt and shame. The path through Moria came with too high a price.
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End of Chapter
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