a/n: I'm quite proud of this chapter. Enjoy.
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The night on the plains was far more relaxed than the ride to Isengard. Men lounged, telling tales and singing songs from days of old. Campfires were still burning quite low, forcing the groups to sit closely together to gain the heat. Around the Fellowship campfire, Merry, Pippin, Gimli, Legolas and Piccolo sat in a ring directly around the fire. Aragorn was currently in council with Gandalf, Eomer and Theoden. Trunks and the twins sat as a trio just beside the others in their own conversation and while Goku and Vegeta were no longer missing, they simply kept away from the others.
Merry and Pippin sat on either side of Piccolo, happily telling tales from the Shire. Legolas sat across the fire from them, smiling at the Hobbits' tales and then smiling at Piccolo, sometimes winking, sometimes stretching in slow, sensuous arches just to throw the Namek off his guard.
Piccolo was listening to Pippin as the Hobbit laughed as he spun his yarn, Merry was turning beet red beside him the longer his cousin talked. "..and Merry fell head first into the barrel. Old Rory and I grabbed him by the ankles to haul him out and he fought us off until he fell back in! It wasn't until he come back up with a great smile and dripping wet we read what was on the barrel. 'Grimbold Ale.'" Pippin laughed heartily as Merry shrugged sheepishly.
A small smooth stone no larger than an overgrown pebble arched neatly through the air and hit Piccolo in the shoulder. Surprised, he stiffened and acutely listened and felt around him with his ki. Across from him, Legolas looked far too innocent.
With narrowed eyes and heightened senses, he turned back to Merry as the small one started an embarrassing story about Pippin in retaliation. With senses attuned, Piccolo could feel the movement and even hear the whistle of the rock as it flew. It never stood a chance of landing, very few people could land a hit once when Piccolo was distracted, and no one so far had managed a second. Fast as lightening, Piccolo's hand shot up and out, snatching the rock from the air without looking.
Merry stopped talking, eyes wide in shock. Piccolo opened his hand and dropped the stone into Pippin's hand. Merry soon shuffled around the Namek's bulk to look down at the innocent thing. Piccolo, however, never bothered to look at it. Instead, he slowly turned his head and stared calmly at Legolas. The elf did a fair job of hiding his surprise but the impressed cock of his eyebrow gave him away.
Piccolo expected a comment of some sort, an apology or an affirmation of some kind. What he got instead was the fair elf plucking another pebble from the ground and lobbing it at his head. Piccolo slapped it away and scowled. "Do you mind?"
Legolas smiled twin rows of pearly teeth and twinkling eyes. "Not at all." And he threw another pebble.
Irritated, Piccolo poised himself and as Legolas ran a palmful of dirt through his fingers to catch another stone, the Namek launched himself, catching Legolas at the chest. The elf seemed ready for him. With a large smile and braced body he rolled them both several feet from the fire. They came to a stop some seven feet away from the group, Legolas pinned beneath Piccolo's heavier weight.
"What have you got to say for yourself?" Piccolo mumbled, no longer feeling the least bit irritated. He lowered his head to breathe lightly in Legolas' ear. The elf shivered.
"If I would have known earlier this would have been your reaction, I would have done so sooner." Legolas smiled, lips brushing across Piccolo's cheekbone as he did.
Piccolo could practically feel dozens of sets of eyes bore into his back. He turned his head enough to smirk at Legolas. "Unfortunately this is the wrong time to punish you."
The elf frowned. "Quite." He started to sit up but Piccolo hadn't begun to move yet and he only served to press himself firmly into the Namek's chest. He looked up and grinned at the odd sheen in Piccolo's ebon eyes.
"Did you think you would get out of it that easily?" Piccolo rumbled.
Legolas nipped at the Namek's lips before he wiggled in a wholly inappropriate manner to free himself from Piccolo's clutches. "I certainly hope not."
Piccolo shook his head and stood with a grin. The closest of those around them were watching him closely as he dusted his tunic. He slowly turned, eyes hard and scowling. His eyes lit on each man around and as they felt the heat of his gaze they turned quickly away. Satisfied that he wouldn't have to deal with further prying eyes and irritating glances he returned to his seat by the fire.
Merry and Pippin smiled largely at him and Piccolo cocked an eyebrow. "What?"
"Nothing." Pippin shook his head.
"Yea, nothing." Merry grinned as he elbowed his cousin. The two laughed quietly together and Piccolo shook his head.
Beyond him, Gimli sat scratching at his beard with the tip of his pipe. A queer look of contemplation lay engraved in the lines of his face. The dwarf was looking calmly between Piccolo and Legolas and a slow smile tilted his lips. He put his pipe between his teeth and puffed away.
---
Aragorn sat on a pile of furs, Eomer lain out half asleep on a pile across from him. They had finished discussing Theoden's fears and concerns and now the King had been called out by his guard Gamling to speak to some of the troops.
The ranger had never felt so lost and confused in his entire long life. To fulfill his destiny, to follow a prophecy written by the Gods themselves so many eons ago...he couldn't help but feel like a pawn in a great game that had been started centuries before any being had set foot on the earth.
All he needed now was something to help point him in the right direction. Even great rulers and kingly kings took the contributions of their advisors.
Theoden returned through the tent flap, his face confused and slightly curious. "Aragorn, you have a visitor."
The king stepped to the side and a heavily cloaked and hooded figure moved through the entry. Theoden motioned to his nephew who stood quickly from his prone position and nodded. He gave Aragorn a companionable squeeze on his shoulder as he left. As Theoden gave the stranger a once over, he followed his nephew into the night.
"What do you want?" Aragorn narrowed his eyes. He was expecting no company and though he felt he should prepare for whatever may come, he felt oddly calm in the other's presence.
A pale hand emerged from the folds of robes and as it touched the hood of the cape, Aragorn already knew who would lie beneath it even before the cloth fell away from a smooth face. "Elrond."
The noble elf nodded his head and studied his foster sons face with intense steely eyes. Aragorn stood straight and tall, used to many of these looks from his youth when he had caused mischief and the Lord was thinking of a suitable punishment. The other times had been before Elrond had made a hard decision concerning him, and now under the elf's gaze again he thought it was the latter.
"Are you prepared for the destiny that lies before you, Aragorn?" Lord Elrond's voice was quiet, not prying, not concerned, simply curious.
Strider thought hard for a long moment. He had asked himself that question since he had left Imladris many, many days ago. He nodded his head sharply. "I am."
The corners of Elrond's lips twitched and he lowered his head. "Good."
With a twitching of capes and slide of hand too fast for the man to see, a long scabbard was drawn from the folds draped along Elrond's lithe form. He held the bundle toward his foster son with a serious face.
Aragorn took the package and removed the cloth surrounding it and widened his eyes in surprise. Isuldir's sword lay in his hands, complete and entire. He drew the blade from the sheath and balanced the weight in his hand, the heft and length of the sleek steel felt like a deadly extension to his arm. He gripped it in both hands, fingers curling perfectly around the hilt and swung it for good measure. The blade cut the air with a hum and Aragorn carefully returned it to its sheath as though it were made of glass.
"The true King of Gondor." Elrond bowed lightly at the waist and Aragorn shifted uncomfortably. The elf felt his discomfort and straightened with a small smile. "You know where your path lies. Your future, however, will be decided on which road you choose..."
---
Legolas was enjoying his teasing of the Hobbits and Gimli--and his own personal teasing of Piccolo moreso. The spirits around each of them seemed to have relaxed after so much horror and death had affected them. It was wholly heartening.
From behind him, Goku and Vegeta made their grand reappearance for the night. Goku strode forward and plopped wearily--if not very happily--beside Piccolo. Vegeta, however, took his sweet time settling to the ground and grimaced for a second before setting his face into a permanent scowl.
"Are you not cold in that attire?" Legolas asked, a laughing smile on his lips.
Goku looked down at himself, dressed only in his breeches and boots. He laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of his neck. "Well...I only came on the trip with two shirts and they're both ruined."
Vegeta smirked lightly as the small group looked to him. "The Namek can help you. He's had the experience."
Goku turned questioning eyes to Piccolo, but the Namek was too busy glaring at Vegeta. "Geez, Piccolo it would be great to have another shirt." Goku smiled his best Son smile and tilted his head like a puppy.
Piccolo sighed and rolled his eyes before he placed a flat palm over Goku's chest. A quick moment later a fresh brown tunic was wrapped neatly around Goku's exposed flesh.
"Thanks, Piccolo!" Goku beamed and ran his hands over the fabric. Merry and Pippin were talking excitedly at the new trick while Gimli mumbled something about being a handy tailor.
Trunks and the twins soon joined them, squeezing into the shrinking space around the fire. Elladan smiled innocently at the two elder saiyajin. "I trust you are having a pleasant evening."
Mirai elbowed him in the ribs and cleared his throat in embarrassment. Elladan pouted and rubbed his side while Elrohir laughed at his expense. "Actually, Dad, I have a question."
Vegeta turned his head toward his son to signal he was listening. Trunks pushed his hair from his face and tugged at a strand as he spoke. "Are we ever going to track Freeza or wait until he finds us? I mean, if he broke out of hell he has to be stronger."
The saiyajin prince snorted. "That ice princess will get what's coming to him."
Goku nodded. "Actually, Trunks, both your father and I figured we'd go after him once we finish helping the others get to where they need to be. We're here to help them, and that's going to mean getting to Freeza one way or another."
Mirai nodded his head and chewed on his lip in thought. "What about you, Piccolo?"
The Namek looked slightly surprised at the question but soon settled into his warrior face. "I won't be going with you." Four sets of surprised eyes turned to him--three saiyajin and one elfish.
Goku gaped. "Why not, Piccolo?"
"I'll just get in your way. I wasn't strong enough to defeat Freeza then, and I won't be now." He crossed his arms over his chest.
"But, Piccolo, it's been a long time and you've gotten a lot stronger since then." Trunks tried to reason with him.
The others around the fire looked between the foreigners to Middle Earth with interest.
"Goku and Vegeta can handle it, and if they need help, you'll be there to help them. I'll just get in the way." Piccolo stated calmly.
Mirai and Goku both looked like they were going to speak but Vegeta beat them. "I agree."
"What?!" Goku looked to the Ouji with large eyes.
"Think about it Kakkarot. What the Namek says is true. He may or may not be strong enough to fight Freeza but we are far stronger. Besides, if we go after the tyrant, the others will need someone strong to stay with them." Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest, his answer brooking no argument.
Silence fell between them, breaking the light and happy mood with new thoughts of war and old memories of those dead dredged up to haunt them again.
---
"Then I leave you to your path." Elrond smiled sadly. "Be careful, Estel."
Aragorn nodded, the blade of his sire now strapped to his hip. He watched as the Lord turned to the entrance and drew his hood up over his face. Elrond paused in midstep and shuffled through his folds of robe and withdrew a small white vial. He pushed it into Aragorn's hand. "For Goku from the Lady Bulma. It is important he gets it."
"Of course." Aragorn turned the fragile thing over in his hand and pocketed it. Lord Elrond turned again and soon disappeared into the twilight.
The ranger stood staring at the spot the elf had gone before coming to his senses and grasping his satchel and securing the ties. He exited the tent and strode to his horse. The beast stood waiting for him as though knowing he would be needed. Aragorn slung the bag across the saddle and pet its velvety nose. "We have a dangerous path to travel, my friend."
Mounted, Aragorn began to move toward a small worn path in the base of the mountain that wound away into blackness.
He had not gone half way when a light cry of surprise and blur of flaxen stopped his horse. He looked down at the frowning face of Legolas.
"You were not thinking of leaving without me?" Legolas blinked up at him. "You still have my bow at your service."
A squat figure moved toward them, a glint off of rounded blade told them it was Gimli. "And my axe."
Aragorn smiled lightly at both of them, his heart gladdened and swelled at the courage and loyalty of his friends. "I cannot ask you to follow me."
"Then we gladly offer." Legolas said. Gimli nodded his consent.
With a curt nod, Aragorn began to move forward when a voice called out to them. "We're going too. We're here for you no matter what." Goku stepped up to them, tall and solid in the night. Behind him, Vegeta stepped forward and nodded.
The Ouji turned his head and caught his son's eye. Mirai straightened. "I'll stay with Piccolo."
"No." Piccolo was standing with the rest of them, the Hobbits looking apprehensively at all of them from their spot standing by the fire. "You are going with your father."
The Namek turned to the twin sons of Elrond and pointed at them. "You two are staying with me."
"What?" Mirai frowned, eyes hardening.
"They'll only be a distraction for you, and something for Freeza to hurt to set you off. They are coming with me."
"Come on, boy. You know he's right." Vegeta growled.
"Since when do you agree with Piccolo?" Trunks snapped, too angry to be rational.
"Since he's saved all of our asses countless times and tried to knock some sense into us numerous times before that. Now say your goodbyes and come along!" Vegeta's eyes flashed and Trunks scowled but knew better than to argue.
Elrohir looked between all of them and asked, "Don't we get a say in this?"
Piccolo and Vegeta turned to them and spoke as one, "No!"
"We haven't much time. Gather your things quickly." Aragorn motioned to them and sighed as he saw Theoden and Eomer start toward him. He turned his horse to them and met them half way, deciding on what he was going to tell them.
Mirai stalked to his bag and viciously stuffed his things inside before pausing and sighing deeply. "Dammit...you know they're right." Behind him, Elladan and Elrohir gave him a tight smile. "I'm sorry."
Elrohir waved it off. "You have nothing to be sorry for. We are all warriors here."
Elladan nodded his agreement. "We have our strengths in battle, but I do not think they will serve you well to face your evil."
"I guess not." Trunks smiled lightly, trying to lighten the horribly oppressive mood that was quickly encompassing them all. It felt too strange to break up their group. He had a horrible fear he would not see them again. He stepped forward and grappled the closest twin into a tight hug, released him and hugged the other with as much fervor.
"Be careful, huh?" He tried to smile at them, but it wouldn't stick to his face.
Both twins moved toward him, pressing a kiss to each cheek and spoke in unison. "Always."
Trunks nodded with nothing left to say to them and he shifted from one foot to another. "Aw, Hell." He grabbed hold of Elladan and crushed their lips together, hearing the elf grunt in surprise. A moment later he released him, both panting lightly and Elrohir leapt upon him for his turn.
Piccolo snorted at the scene and turned his back to them. Legolas was speaking quietly to Gimli as he tied their things to the dapple grey mare. Beside him, Pippin tugged at his tunic bottom. "Aren't you going to say goodbye, Piccolo?"
"Hmm?" He looked down at the curly head.
"To Legolas. Aren't you going to say goodbye?" Merry chimed in.
Piccolo looked over at the elf. He watched as platinum hair danced in the breeze, traced the sharp features of the elf's face and saw strong hands tying sure knots and buckles...there were many things he wanted to do, saying goodbye wasn't one of them.
The Namek shook his head. "No."
Pippin's eyes grew round. "Why not?"
"..." Piccolo didn't answer, only watched as Legolas swung a leg up over the saddle and helped Gimli on behind him. Merry took Pippin by the arm and tugged him away from Piccolo to give the Namek a little privacy.
Aragorn returned shortly after everyone had gathered in wait for him. Piccolo, along with the twins and Hobbits, walked to their group for last good tidings. He stopped beside Legolas and Gimli, the Hobbits quickly moving to the opposite side of the horse and engaging the dwarf in a conversation. Piccolo smiled at them, the meddling little brats that they were.
"I do not think we'll have time to discuss this afternoon." Legolas smiled sadly down at him from the saddle.
Piccolo snorted. "No." He scanned Legolas' face and thought hard in silence. After a moment he 'hmmed' quietly to himself. "Would you mind if I put something here," he motioned to the left breast of Legolas' tunic. "It's nothing if you don't want me too, I just thought--"
"I would be honored." Legolas interrupted, face entirely serious.
Palm flat, Piccolo flexed his ki and beneath his palm--the size no larger than a silver dollar--a white, circular patch sat affixed to the elf's tunic. Legolas looked at it and smiled softly, the script inside made no sense to him, but he didn't particularly care.
"What does it say?" Pippin asked.
Piccolo jumped lightly, having forgotten the others around him. The bridge of his nose tinted purple and he opened his mouth to speak but Vegeta beat him to it.
"It means the elf is his." Vegeta smirked at the horror-filled look he got from Piccolo.
"Oh." Pippin's eyes were wide but he soon smiled happily and ran off to tell Merry.
Piccolo had to struggle to meet Legolas' gaze. "I can remove it if you--umf!"
Further words were blocked from escaping his mouth as his lips were sealed with a searing kiss. An few audible gasps and quiet whispers came to Piccolo's sensitive ears, but he didn't care at the moment.
They broke apart and Legolas smiled as he fingered the little patch. "It will stay where it is."
Aragorn cleared his throat and tried not to smile. He didn't want to ruin their moment, but they did need to be moving. "It is time to leave."
Legolas nodded and gripped the reigns. "Minna qualme, Melda. Minna tanya."
Piccolo didn't understand, but he didn't have to really. He flexed his ki, the wave of thick heat flowing over Legolas, Gimli and their mount. The horse nickered uncomfortably, its eyes growing round. "Fight with your heart. There's more strength in it than most realize."
The procession moved, Goku pausing beside Piccolo while the others moved past. "Be careful, Piccolo. We still don't know what's coming."
"I'll be on my guard, Goku." Piccolo watched the back of Legolas head as they moved on further and further.
"Legolas, huh?" Goku quipped with a grin. "I'm glad for you, Piccolo. I'll keep an eye on him for you."
Piccolo shook his head. "Don't bother. He can take care of himself."
Goku shrugged and smiled. "We'll see you in a couple of days, alright?"
"Yea."
Goku nodded and clapped Piccolo on the back. Within another long minute, Piccolo couldn't see them for the mountains and the night.
---
Minna qualme, Melda. Minna tanya into death, beloved. into fire.
