A/N: Before you begin, just a quick note. In case you were wondering why I have changed the rating from K+ to T, there is some violent content in this chapter. It is nothing too graphic (I myself am very squeamish!) but I changed it just to be on the safe side. I'm really not sure whether this was needed but I just wanted to be certain.
Anyway enjoy the chapter!
His jubilation at Merry's arrival quickly turned to fear as he saw the pure terror etched in to his cousin's features. Then he looked past his cousin to the figure that emerged silently from the shadows, still cloaked in darkness. His eyes widened in shock.
He screamed at his cousin to run, to leave him behind, but it seemed that his cousin could not hear him, for still he stood rooted to the spot, fear having taken its paralysing hold upon him.
It was then that the wolf struck, knocking him to the ground. There was no defence this time; his dagger was too far out of reach, and no stick or stone could save him. He struggled desperately against the wolf's iron-like grip, but it was hopeless. Claws sharp as needles dug deep in to his flesh; he cried out in pain. Blackness ate away at him and soon he was overcome. This was it, it was over.
Something inside of him snapped when he heard his cousin cry out. The spell was broken as he watched Pippin go limp under the great beast's paws. He charged forward and grabbed for the dagger lying amongst the leaves that littered the ground, then turned to face his foe, muscles tensed, utterly determined. He shouted out, his voice almost lost in the renewed roar of the storm.
"I won't let you take him from me! Stand down now or I promise I shall kill you."
The wolf just snarled and dug his claws in deeper. Fury boiled inside of Merry to see his cousin defenceless and at the mercy of the foul beast. He ran at it, dagger at the ready. He wasn't quick enough; the wolf moved swiftly aside, avoiding the blade, before striking Merry hard across the face. Blood began to pour from his nose. He could taste the crimson liquid as it welled up from his badly split bottom lip.
The wolf's great flanks heaved with exertion as its breathing became more laboured, blood still escaping from the deep gash inflicted by Pippin. The wrath still possessed it, but it was becoming weaker with every passing minute. It was only a matter of time now before it became clumsy, and that would be its final mistake. But, he realised as he chanced a quick glance at his cousin lying still and ashen on the ground, time was something Pippin no longer possessed. He needed help desperately. Time was running out. Merry was fighting for both their lives now.
The figure waited, hidden amongst the trees, watching the hobbit carefully. He was clearly dangerous despite the obvious size disadvantage, and his opponent was weak. There would be no prizes for guessing the outcome of their battle. It looked away from them and towards the prone figure of the other hobbit, sprawled unconscious on the ground just a few feet away. If it was quick then perhaps that little one could be taken. His fellow was still consumed in its own battle, so the watcher began to creep silently forward.
The urgency of the situation facing him gave him new strength. He had to fight for himself and for Pippin. He would keep him safe; he would protect him at any cost. His determination drove him onwards, and soon he had pushed the beast backwards in to the shadows away from his unconscious cousin. It was tiring now; victory was close. All it would take was one last push and then it would all be over, and Pip would be safe again.
The wolfwas weak now, and there was little hope of escape. The once powerful beast had no strength inside left to fight; it was bone weary and its age and injuries were taking their toll. The halfling renewed its attack with greater ferocity, thrusting out again and again with its dagger. The wolf's movements became slower and clumsier as it fought desperately against the inevitable. In a last ditch attempt to break free, it lunged wildly at Merry. The dagger pierced its soft underbelly, forcing itself deep in to the flesh, killing it almost instantly. However, Merry, not having entirely anticipated this move, was unable toget out of the way in time, and found himself trapped under the crushing weight of the wolf's carcass. His frozen body ached from the weight and from the sheer exhaustion of the battle. He was pinned underneath the body of the foe he had fought so hard to overcome. There was no way he could reach Pip now. He had failed. He couldn't keep himself safe, and he certainly couldn't help Pip. He still hadn't woken and Merry could see clearly the blood that continued to run freely from the gashes in his chest. The colour was completely drained from his face, and the erratic rise and fall of his chest as he struggled to breathe left Merry terrified that he was about to lose him at any moment, and the worst thing was that there was absolutely nothing he could do about it.
Pip gradually awoke in a pain-filled haze. He looked around and could just make out the blurry outline of his foe, laid still across the ground, but, he thought to himself,where's Merry? He tried to sit up but collapsed again in agony as pain seared from the wounds across his chest. He wished Merry were here beside him now, then perhaps none of this would seem quite so bad. He was vaguely aware of the figure that approached him, could feel himself being lifted from the ground. Fresh pain shot through his exhausted body. He let out an agonised cry and all went black once more.
Merry saw his cousin awaken and try to move, then watched, absolutely powerless, as the figure stepped from amongst the trees and approached Pippin, heard him cry out in pain as he was lifted from the ground and watched as his cousin's silent form was carried away from him, knowing there was nothing he could do to stop it from happening. The pain, exhaustion and grief became too much for the little hobbit to bear, and as his cousin disappeared from view, he slipped away in to unconsciousness
A/N: Well there was chapter seven! Love it or hate it please let me know! I'm afraid I have some bad news, but also some good. I am going away on Monday up to Scotland for a week or so, and it is unlikely that I will update again before I go, so the next update may not be for another couple of weeks. The good news is that I have two ten hour train journeys to sit through alone and so I intend to occupy myself by writing.
Anyway, as per usual all feedback is really appreciated so thank you. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, just leave me a review and I will get back to you.
Until next time…..
Smileyhalo