The Digimon King and The King of Gondor
Chapter 4 The Code Crown's Choice
XXX
The room was blinded by a bright light as Shoutmon shield his eyes with his arm and Beelzemon shield his eyes with his wings. The Code Crown was shining a very bright golden light. They were trying to figure out why is it reacting.
"What... What's going on with the Code Crown?" Shoutmon shouted, raising his voice so that it could be heard over the sound of the power that the Code Crown was currently giving off.
"I don't know," Beelzemon called back. "Has it ever done this before?"
"Not since we placed it in this room for it's protection." Shoutmon grunted as he tried to take a peak at the Code Crown. The light was so intense that it almost blinded him and he quickly block his eyes. The Code Crown was spinning very fast as it give off some intense power.
In fact, I never seen it act this brightly before." Shoutmon said as he stepped back a little bit. "Could it be malfunctioning?"
"It's the Code Crown." Beelzemon Object. "It is the source for the entire data structure of the Digital World... it would not malfunction without a very good reason."
"But it have malfunction before, didn't it?" Shoutmon point out, looking back at Beelzemon and he was still unable to see due to the intense light coming from behind him. "The Legendary Warriors said that it rapidly evolving technology of the Human World and the amounts of the Digital power they were creating cause a distance between the worlds to shrink and the energy from it turn into the Code Crown in the first place."
"Could it be happening again?" Beelzemon growl. "Could the Digital World be splitting apart into Zone's again?"
"I don't know." Shoutmon grunted. "But whatever it is." He summon his microphone into his hand. "I have a really bad feeling about this."
"I'll go and get Wisemon." Beelzemon Suggested. "He might be able to give the information on the Code Crown's reaction."
"Good idea." Shoutmon nodded. "I think..."
He paused suddenly as the light of the Code Crown dies down and it allows Shoutmon and Beelzemon to lower their arms and wing. They look at the Code Crown again. Shoutmon's eyes widened as the mostly flat diamond shape took on a three-dimensional shape, becoming a much more valuable diamond and turning a rich purple color as more golden light gather around it's edge.
Shoutmon's mind flashed back during the fight against the Bagra Army, when they had conquer the Sword Zone. The Code Crown had done this back than too, and it had reformation of the Digital World to begin and also aloud to help the wounded Grademon to be reborn into his new form and good heart.
But way is it doing again. Shoutmon had not asked it to reformed the Digital World. And there was nobody using the Code Crown.
Beelzemon temporarily forgotten that he was suppose to be getting Wisemon, as both he and Shoutmon stood, The Code Crown's spinning speed began to slow down as softer waves of golden light as it peels off its edges and wash over the both of them. The two of them felt... a presence entering their heads. A presence that was not their own but they have both felt before, when the both of them had been reborn after being killed at the hands of the Bagra Army.
They knew that it was the way the Code Crown communicated. It did not speak, it did not have the capability for speech, or if it did it had never revealed it. But it seems to be able to communicate its message just fine without the need for it. At the present it was reassuring the both of them, letting them know that this was not a malfunction and they have nothing to worry about.
"What in the Digital World is going on?" Shoutmon murmured, as he stepping closer to the Code Crown as if has the answers for him.
The Code Crown did not respond for several moments, it was hovering in the air doing nothing. Shoutmon felt the presence in his brain again, Shoutmon was sure that the presence was focusing around on his head that contained his doubts about his own ability to be the Digimon King.
Was the Code Crown trying to give him a message? Like some sort of reassure of its own? Shoutmon could not be sure.
"Yes?" Shoutmon asked, trying to find some answer as to what the Code Crown was saying. "Yeah, I... I'm not... completely sure that I am the right one to be the King. I mean, what's with you choosing Mikey and... well, don't get me wrong, Lunamon and Beelzemon have given me a lot to think about but... still I..."
Beelzemon was about to cut Shoutmon off and give him a few more encouragement, but the Code Crown beat him to it. Without warning, it suddenly flared into light again, brighter than before... its so bright that literally the one thing that Shoutmon or Beelzemon could see was whiteness as the light surge over them and... into them at the same time. And then the Code Crown, Shoutmon, and Beelzemon all vanished completely, disappearing into thin air as they had just completely fizzed out of existence.
XXX
Back into the Great Hall was full of activity away from the Code Crown's chamber and it's reaction down the Castle's Basement. The party was starting to die down. All the members of the Fusion Fighters United Army were all about to call it the night as some of them were feeling sleepy.
"Ugh... My old bones are beginning to feel stiff again." Jijimon murmured as he pick himself up with his staff. "I think is about time I'm going to call it the night."
"Yes, I was thinking the same thing." Mr. Cutemon nodded, he smiled as he turned to his son. "It's time we should be getting some sleep too my son."
"Aaw, do we have to?" Cutemon murmured. "I'm not that very tired, papa."
"That it may be, but your still a growing boy." His mother said with the smile. "Even your a hero of the Digital World, you still need your sleep."
Cutemon pouted "Dorulumon." Cutemon turn to his orange wolf guardian. "Isn't it okay for me to stay up longer?"
Dorulumon chuckled "Sorry Cutemon your parents have spoken. I would never dare to opposed your mother."
"Aaw." Cutemon murmured as he get up off the seat as his parents led him towards the edge of the table, while Jijimon climbed down off the chair as he was heading for the door.
"Who wants to go to bed as the party is going on." Dondokomon shouted as he was running pass a table. He was banging his head with his drumstick arms. "I can do this all night."
"Do you ever run out of energy?" asked Ballistamon.
"Nope, never that I remember." Dondokomon grinned as he spins around and beating of his own tunes.
"Can somebody tell me why we were hanging around with little squirts?" MailBirdramon murmured as he stared at Starmon, Chibitortomon, and Dondokomon that were all dancing around.
"It's because they were all part in the war along with us as we all faithfully served Shoutmon." Deckerdramon chuckled as his big eyes turned to MailBirdramon.
"Yes, I know that." MailBirdramon rolled his yellow eyes "I was being sarcastic."
"Aaw, come on MailBirdramon. Don't be such a killjoy." Sparrowmon giggled as she swooped low over his back and she held a packet of Digibites in front of his nose. "Here have some more bites."
MailBirdramon was trying his best to ignore Greymon that was sniggering. Sparrowmon began to reach into the Digibites box and pulled out handfuls and demand that he open wide.
Agumon was talking with Biyomon, Gatomon, Wizardmon, Lopmon and Taomon that were gathered around a table. "So everyone how was your time in the party." Agumon asked.
"Well it was a great party, but I wonder where is King Shoutmon?" Wizardmon asked.
"I was wondering the same thing." Taomon said.
"I know I help him to gain the power to defeat NeoMyotismon." Lopmon said.
"But the party's still going, we should enjoy it." Biyomon says.
"We should not worried too much to our King, we should just relax and have fun." Gatomon said as she told them.
"Your right Gatomon, I was trying to make sure that our king is safe." Wizardmon nodded to her.
"We should eat the cake before Starmon and Dondokomon eat it all." Agumon said as they hurried to take some cake.
Ignitemon was talking with Spadamon and Coronamon. "Coronamon you really are good at making cakes and food." Ignitemon smiled.
"It was nothing special about my talents in cooking." Coronamon was being modest.
"You don't have to be modest about it Coronamon." Spadamon said to his friend.
"I know Spadamon I just have great talent for cooking as Shoutmon's chief." Coronamon said to him as they were having a good time.
Stingmon and Lilamon were looking out at the window as they watch the moon. "It's a beautiful night my love." Lilamon said to her mate.
"Yes my dear it is." Stingmon said to her.
"What should we do in the next morning my dear." Stingmon asked.
"We should water the gardens to bloom the flowers my love." Lilamon said as they both hugged one other as they stared outside.
Lunamon had taken a seat with Mervamon. They were talking about Mervamon's relationship with Beelzemon and Mervamon didn't notices that Lunamon hint of sadness as she continued talking.
"...I do wish that Beelzemon showed more emotional at times." Mervamon was admitting. "I mean I love him for the person he is and all... but that person is often the quiet and brooding type who likes to keep his eye on things. Don't get me wrong, I love that part of him, it makes him seem like some sort the mysterious warrior brimming with power, which is quite interesting, because that's what he is. But still... do you know what I mean?"
"Yes, I hear you." Lunamon smiled as she nodded. "I'd say that it sounds like the two of you are great together."
"Oh, more than great." Mervamon smiled "We complement one another extraordinary well, if you ask me. I don't mind telling you one of my most greatest memories to date is the look on his face the first time I kissed him. It was the only time that I've ever seen his face go redder than his eyes.
Lunamon laugh. "Have you ever thought of... you know... having a kid?"
"Sometimes." Mervamon nodded "We've both never really given it a whole thought, to be honest."
"Why not?" Lunamon asked curiously.
Mervamon shrugged. "Called it the duty of being a warrior, but it just doesn't really come up in our minds that often. But I'm sure that one day we'll have one."
Lunamon smirked. "I wonder who come up with the idea."
Mervamon chuckled. "Me too Lunamon, me too."
When they were about to talk more Sorcermon approach them. "Have you two seen King Shoutmon?" He asked them.
"No we have not seen him come back yet." Mervamon said to the steward.
"What is it you want of him?" Lunamon asked him.
"I want to discuss with him about our next plans to help anyone that called for help." Sorcermon explained to them.
When they were about to tell him, they look at the middle table. They saw a glowing yellow light was appearing out of nowhere in the center of the room. Mervamon took up a battle stance and her big sword appeared out of thin air in her hand while the snake arm hissed for a fight. Sorcermon draw out his wand to prepare to launch his spells to attack.
All activity in the room immediately stop, even the smaller Digimon dancing around the table. Jijimon and Cutemon family stopped by the door they were about to walk out and they turn back to look, they gasping at the golden light which frittering above the middle of the table. Several Digimon readied themselves for using their attacks and ready for anything that dared disturb their party.
They were all very surprised when, with the flash of light, Shoutmon and Beelzemon suddenly appeared in the middle table although they had both been on one side of the purple Code Crown when they had been transported there, now they stood on either side of it, the large diamond-shaped was spinning freely between them.
"What the...?" Shoutmon blinked as he found himself standing at the middle of the banquet table with one foot in the remains of the cake. "Aw man." Shoutmon murmured lifting his foot and shaking it to send the bits of cake all over the place.
"Shoutmon." Dorulumon blinked "What's going on?"
"My King Shoutmon?" Sorcermon was shock to see his King appear out of nowhere.
"I don't know?" Shoutmon cried. "I went down to check the Code Crown and suddenly it started misbehaving."
The Code Crown began to shine brighter once more, the purple edges blazing with light that spread across the entire room to illuminate every single person present. Several of the Digimon backed away. Cyberdramon stepped forward with his double bladed spear ready for anything in case something happened.
"What's it doing now?" Lillymon flinched as the glowing light and she shield her eyes.
"If I know the answer?" Shoutmon stepped back as well. All eyes on the room were fixed on the Code Crown as it began to spin faster, the light center of the diamond flashing slightly as it picked up speed and glowed like some lamp within a strange shape container.
"I think is going to explode." Chibitortomon fearfully said.
"It better not!" Greymon snarled. "If it does then we'll have to go about and find all the pieces again."
"I do not think that it will explode." Wisemon stepped up to the table for a closer look. "It looks to me as though it is... gathering some kind of power from deep inside. What power might be, I do not know."
"It's getting awfully fast now brother!" Starmon cried. "And it's making me dizzy."
"Why is it acting weird and building up for?" Sorcermon asked.
Right after the white Wizard Digimon spoke, a beam of light suddenly shot out of the Code Crown and connected with Shoutmon's chest and stared down at it, but it felt like that nothing was their at all.
"Can you explain this Wisemon?" He said.
"Hmm... I..." Wisemon was about to say something but he was cut off when another beam of light shot out of the Code Crown and connected with Beelzemon's chest. And another one hit Dracomon, who was closest besides them, and another went to Wisemon himself, and another to Starmon and all the Pickmons and one to Beastmon, who was very much awake, another hit Sorcermon and so on.
I less than thirty seconds or so as more beams shot out the Code Crown, every single person in the room was connected to the Code Crown by a strange beam of light. The only ones who weren't were both of Cutemon's parents, meaning that every single member of the Fusion Fighters United Army, including the irregulars members Spadamon, Ignitemon, Coronamon, Stingmon, and Lilamon. Even the new members of the Fusion Fighters United Army.
"Wisemon?" Shoutmon asked him for a answer.
"It appears to be manipulating whatever power it is using to connect to each one of us." Even Wisemon sounded a little nervous. "I still don't know what that power is through and without further data I cannot suggest what m..."
Suddenly the Code Crown burst with light, swiping the entire room inside and flashed like a powerful light. Nobody had the chance to see their eyes and everybody saw only white. Everyone connected to the Code Crown felt a sudden rushing feeling in their bodies and then the light cleared. And the Code Crown began to slow its spinning and returned to its golden color, near two dimensional shape as if nothing had happened.
Except something had happened.
Every single Digimon in the room who had been connected to the Code Crown had all vanished.
Gone and not a trace of them anywhere.
Which meant that the only two people left in the room were Cutemon's parents. Everyone else had just disappeared.
"What?" Mrs. Cutemon gasped her hands that her son had been here a few moments ago. She had her hands on his shoulders and now he was not there. He had vanished from beneath her hands the moment that the light had blinded her. "What... what's going on? Cutemon? Where are you? Cutemon! Answer me!"
Mr. Cutemon looked around the empty room shock and in astonishment. "But... but that's not possible. What in the Digital World happened? Where did everyone go?"
"Our son!" Mrs. Cutemon cried. "Our son has gone!" Where is he? Quickly we have to search the castle! He... He's got to be around here somewhere. He can't have been taken away from us like this... he just can't."
"Okay dear, let's calm down." Mr. Cutemon placed his hands on her shoulders. "Everyone has gone. We need to get together all of the other people in the castle and began a search party. We need to try and find them, any of them, and quickly. Let's hurry."
Mrs. Cutemon took a breath to calm herself and nodded, but before any of them could move, the door opened and Kazemon the Fairy Digimon walked in and she was baring a gift of flowers."Can I talk to King Shoutmon for all the help he done for..." She said as she look around discover the nearly empty room. "Huh? What the... Where did everybody go?" Kazemon asked.
"We don't know." Mrs. Cutemon whiled. "The Code Crown began acting up and then they just vanished!"
Kazemon blinked ""They... vanished?"
"Yes! Right in front of us!" Mrs. Cutemon nodded quickly.
"Are you sure?" Kazemon blinked again.
"Yes! My son... The King... all of them... gone!"
Kazemon took a moment to look around at the empty room and the spinning Code Crown as if to determine whether this was some kind of strange joke, but as soon as she was convinced that it was not by the looks on the faces of two upset parents, she drop the flowers as they hit the floor and she went to talk the other guards or staff to send search party. Cutemon's parents hurrying along behind her.
XXX
Completely unaware of the events that are happening in the other dimension. The Anduin River that followed a long path of water down in the center of Middle Earth, in the north is the Grey Mountains, on the region of Rhovanion is the Misty Mountains, down though between Gondor and Rohan is the Bay of Belfalas. The river never change in its course or activity, the water follow it's pathway and speeds along the length for hours of the day.
In the river their were three elven boats that are rowing on the river's path and it transported the eight remaining members of the Fellowship. The small group of other races that were sent out from Rivendell without their ninth leader, who was lost in Moria. They were heading for Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. The Ring that was forge by the Dark Lord Sauron who will use the Ring to rule and dominate over Middle Earth.
It was their second day on the river. After they left Lorien on their first day, they were mostly silent to talk. Each members of the Fellowship were keeping to their own thoughts and issues, their memories of their last stop in the Golden Woods of Lorien still in their mind and the fact the wizard Gandalf could not be there with them to share the experience of the beautiful scenery they just pass through.
As dusk drew near the new leader of the Fellowship Aragorn had directed them to the western shore. Night was not a good travel in the river when they could get ambush by orcs that patrol at night at the eastern shore. The orcs don't like sunlight and they don't patrol in the day. There was no cover in the river on boats, so they went to the opposite shore and wait for sunset to rise up in the sky and force the orcs away.
Aragorn has many years of experience out in the field, even he was a mortal man, he was determine to use all his skills to keep the Fellowship together as long as possible.
Now the Fellowship were gathered around their campfire to rest, the youngest members, the Hobbits Pippin and Merry were already asleep lying on their backs against the ground as they were resting. Gimli the Dwarf was taking another look at the vial that has three hairs of Lady Galadriel, Lady of Light from Lorien and beginning to doze off. Sam was making himself washing the pots used to make food for everyone and Frodo was staring off in space lost in his own thoughts.
The burden of the Ring was heavier on Frodo's shoulders, and thing are going to be much harder for them as they got closer to their goal.
Legolas was standing on a large boulder he claimed on. His bow was in his hand and he was watching out in the darkness that surround them. His elf eyes were on watch to be on a lookout for enemies. But he was having a strange feeling of dread that is approaching. The Elves of a strong feeling of instinct which mortals could not sense the dangers approaching.
Legolas was never wrong and he always trust his instinct, but he not sensed anything and he remained wary.
Legolas was not the only one. Aragorn and Boromir were both feeling uneasy on the day they traveled. They seen numbers of crows that were flying above the river. They may not be spies of Saruman and they think the crows were flying over for a meal on a battlefield.
Boromir was standing by the river as he was watching, he saw something in the river that was moving.
He saw something by the log that has two hands on the log and something was peaking as it blinked in the dark. Boromir saw it as he blinked and the figure run and jump off the log into the river.
Aragorn run to the river next to Boromir to catch a glimpse of what it was as it disappears in the dark.
"Gollum." Aragorn confirmed to Boromir about his suspicion. The Fellowship have spoken about Gollum and his obsession with the One Ring since they set out from Rivendell when Gandalf had explain how Ring come to Frodo's possession.
"He has tracked us since Moria." Aragorn said as he watch the log bumped against the riverbank. They knew that their pursuer had swim under the river and went off somewhere were they would not see him went. "I had hope we would lose him on the river. But he is too clever a water man."
Boromir watch at the river for the strange creature was at. "If he alerts the enemy of our whereabouts. It will make the crossing more dangerous." Boromir bitterly said.
Frodo heard Boromir's words as he was shivering. He had heard from his uncle Bilbo had describe from his own adventure and now Gollum was following them from behind was bad enough. But he couldn't stand for the thought for the other members of the Fellowship were ever put in danger. They knew they have to cross the eastern shore to Mordor and later they will have to face hordes of orcs there.
Frodo's mind went back as he remember Galadriel's words of advice a few days ago. He knew what he had to do, but the very thought doing it scared him. Now the responsibility was his alone. And Gandalf had already fallen to his death by trying to protect him. How many will follow.
"Have some food, Mister Frodo." Sam came behind him as he packing the pots away.
"No Sam." Frodo said as he was lost in thoughts.
"You haven't eaten anything all day." Sam protested "And you're not sleeping either. Don't think I notices."
Frodo remained unresponsive, was staring to the river as Gollum would leap out of the river and charge at him for the Ring he wanted. Frodo was certain that Gollum will not try to rash in when there are two men, a sturdy Dwarf, a nimble Elf nearby. Sam frowned moved closer, he has been in his employ as his gardener back in the Shire, but he was his best friend.
"Mister Frodo." He tried again.
"I'm alright." Frodo was not paying attention to him and not looking at Sam.
"But your not." Sam said as his eyes were pleading. When he was trying to help Frodo. He was worried about him about things he had in his mind.
"I am here to help you." Sam went on. "I promise Gandalf that I look after you."
That got Frodo's attention and he stared at Sam's eyes. "You can't help me Sam." Frodo said to Sam as he was hurt by his word. "Not this time."
Sam was very upset that Frodo said to him. Frodo felt bad to say to his best friend's feelings. But he now believed that less than the others had to do with him even Sam, then easier it would be when the time came to follow through with Galadriel's advice for both him and for the others. He had the best interests of everyone in the Fellowship at heart.
"Get some sleep." Frodo said still feeling guilty as he look away.
Sam stayed there for a moment. He got up and walk over to his mat. Sam lay down on his mat as he went to sleep. Frodo sighed as he too lay down on his mat to try and get some rest. But his eyes remained open the whole time. Frodo has no wish to sleep tonight, not even trusting the safety of himself or his burden to the other members of the Fellowship.
And there was a good reason for that.
One example of that reason was one of the two voices that he could hear coming from the river. It was the two Men that were talking as Frodo was attempted to sleep. It seems the two of them were wondering what is their next move and one of them disagrees on something.
"Minas Tirith is the safest route." Boromir said, he referred to the capital city of Gondor which he hailed from. "You know that. From their we can regroup and muster to strike out Mordor.
"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us." Aragorn replied sounding very sure of himself as he said it.
Frodo could not see Boromir's face, but he could tell that he is very upset. "You were quick enough to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people?"
Aragorn did not respond as Boromir struck a nerve. He try to reassured him. "Yes, their is weakness. But there is courage and honor to be found in Men. But you do not see that."
Aragorn still didn't say anything and he was lost in thought. The eavesdropping Frodo had a good idea of what it might be. So did Boromir, Aragon was about to turn back to the camp, the Gondorian grabbed him by the shoulder of the cloak and pulled him back.
"Your afraid." He accused, his voice rising in anger and frustration. "All your life, you have hidden in the shadows. Scared of who you are."
He then released his grip on Aragorn's shoulder. To someone unfamiliar with Aragorn, Boromir's accusations might have confused them. But it made perfect sense to Frodo. Aragorn had been born as the Ranger of the North, but it was never his birthright. He was a descendant of Isildur, the last King of Gondor. This made him Isildur's Heir to the throne, a path and power which Aragorn had never wanted to take, preferring to stay in the wild and live the life as a Ranger.
Perhaps Boromir was right. Perhaps Aragorn was afraid of the responsibility that a King would demand. He was a natural leader, as evidenced by how he had taken over the leadership after Gandalf had died to guide the Fellowship on wards, but being a King would demand more than that. Aragorn had not known of his birthright until he had reach at the age of twenty, raised in the Elven city of Rivendell to be safe from those who what to end the lines of the Kings.
Aragorn dose not want to be the King. It was simple as that. But others had been long pressing upon him that it was his destiny. Aragorn had resisted such claims for years now, and yet those who made them were still insistent. It was putting a lot of pressure on him.
Aragorn swiftly ended the argument with harsh words. "I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city." He said as he turn around and walk back to camp. Boromir glared at Aragorn, but made no farther attempt to persuade him, instead just followed him back after a minute.
Aragorn's disagreement to going to Minas Tirith not only to go to the city which held the throne he was supposed to sit on. Both Aragorn and Frodo knew that Boromir had other things in on his mind than getting Aragorn there.
The One Ring that is around Frodo's neck is not some trinket that was made by Sauron. It wasn't just some powerful magical item. It has a will of it's own and it has part of Sauron's soul that is bound to it. It has the ability to corruption the hearts of others under its will and to gain power over to do whatever it wanted them to do.
Boromir had tried to pick up and take the Ring from the moment he had seen it. And though he had been a faithful member of the Fellowship all this time, there had been more than one moment where he had gotten close to the Ring and displayed traits that indicated he wished to possess it a sign that the Ring was trying to take hold of him.
He had even picked it up after Frodo had dropped it on the mountain of Caradhras though that time he had managed to resist its effects and give it back. Though it had clearly been quite difficult for him to do. And now, as they grew closer to Mordor, he was becoming more surely and insistent that they head for Minas Tirith, as well as sending dark looks at Frodo's way every now and then. Looks of jealousy.
Combine that the fact that Boromir's father Denethor, the Steward of Gondor who currently sat on Aragorn's throne had sent Boromir to Rivendell to bring the Ring back to Gondor in the first place made it absolutely clear to both of them what was on his mind.
And that was why Frodo was not going to get any sleep. Boromir was already in the grip of the Ring. Who was to say that the others were not also falling under its effects in a less obvious than the Gondorian. He had no way of knowing.
As Boromir settled down and closed his eyes, Aragorn climbed up onto the rocks to join Legolas on lookout duty for a while. Keeping a sharp eye on the surroundings for any sign of approaching danger while they let the rest of the other members to sleep.
"What are we to do if that Gollum creature does alert the enemy to our location?" Legolas spoke quietly to his friend.
"Not to worry." Aragorn whispered back. "With the road I have in mind to get us to Mordor. The orcs of the eastern shore should hopefully not be too much of a problem. Even if they are aware of our presence there."
Legolas nodded. a wary expression on his face. "And I suppose that it will prove a real challenge to us once we pass through it as well."
"More than likely." Aragorn admitted. "But at least we are unlikely to meet with any problems with the enemy for a while."
Legolas said nothing more as he continued to survey the wilderness around them while Aragorn did the same. The two glancing back down towards Boromir to make sure he was asleep, which he did went to sleep. and also towards Frodo. Aragorn felt a rush of affection for the little hobbit. The poor Ringbearer had been though so much since setting out from Rivendell. Getting stabbed by both a Morgul Blade at the hands of a Nazgul and a giant spear from a Cave Troll, as well as being grabbed in the tentacles of a enormous Kraken called the Watcher in the Water.
Aragorn could only hope the journey would get easier for Frodo.
Yet he knew that the chances of that being the case were slim.
And so the Man and Elf kept up their silent visual. Aragorn knows that Legolas would be keeping watch. Elves did not need sleep, though they did sometimes require a brief period after heavy exhaustion.
And, during the night Aragorn doses several hours into the night, Legolas' head suddenly snapped up with eyes wide. As his Elven sense tweaked at his mind. As a Sildar Elf, he was not as versed in the ways of the world and its deep powers and magic as other kinds of Elves. But this time he had suddenly felt something strange. Something completely new to him.
He had no idea what it was or whether it was good or bad, and for that reason he did not deign to waken Aragorn and let him know.
But one thing he did know was that something, somewhere, had just happened that might well change the fate of everything within Middle Earth. And whatever this strange event was, its impact on the people and the land of Middle Earth was sure to be extremely large in many ways. He could not say for better or for worse, but whatever the case, he could only hope for the future of Middle Earth.
XXX
Legolas was not the only one to sense the sudden change. Lady Galadriel of the Golden Wood had sensed the changes that were beginning to occur only yesterday. It had been faint, but it had nevertheless been there and enough to make her check her Mirror to see what it could possibly mean.
Even she did not know what she had made out in the Mirror that day only that whatever it was. The Mirror was telling her that it spelled hope for the future of everything that sided with the Light.
Now she was reclining in a seat of woven from tree roots close to her mirror. Waiting for a sign that would let her know that this new development was closer to occurring. Her eyes were closed and she appeared to be in a deep meditation. As if transcending her mind to see much farther than her eyes would allow her to see all the corners of Middle Earth.
Galadriel was very powerful and she did see things far beyond the borders of her woods.
And then at the exact same time as Legolas, She felt it and whatever it was caused her eyes to open immediately. It had felt like a ripple in the fabric of time and space in Middle Earth. As if the very air was reacting to it and she could sense the future changing right there on the spot. It was not enough to determine whether victory against Sauron was assured or not and it was more than likely that it would never be assured until the moment the Ring was thrown into the fires of Mount Doom.
She knew that it was time to check her Mirror once again. She rose from her throne and strode silently over to the Mirror to fill it smoothly with water once more. As before, a second figure in white robes was quick to join her as she stood over to peer into the images that it chooses to show.
Last time she had seen only one image, an image of a strange red lizard creature with a yellow scarf and the V shape forehead and jagged mouth, and that was what she saw this time too. Through this time instead of it just standing still as it had done before her. She now saw it leaping through the air with a large strange shape staff griped in one hand to slam it over the head of a large orc. And then the image changed showing a picture of other images that flitted by so fast that the average humanoid would not be able to track them.
But Galadriel was far from normal and she saw much in space of half a minute. A metal beetle creature blasting at something with what looks like waves of air from its chest. An orange wolf firing spiraling spikes from its forehead. A small golden creature shapes like a star spinning into the neck of another orc. A much larger lizard with grey skin and horns on its head charging though some underbrush with a roar. A black winged humanoid firing green bolts of energy from one arm. A tall woman with a snake for one arm wielding a sword that was big for anyone to wield. A small white bunny with a moon crest on her head and chest as she throws some kind of dart at her enemies. A white robe like wizard with a cape was using a wand to fire spells. A orange like lizard with red bands on his hands and it shot a fire breath. A pink like bird was flying with wings. A white cat like with two gloves like claws. A robe like fox with a white and black symbol on her chest and shoulders with a big brash. A another robe like wizard like the white one, this one was wearing tan robes with a purple hat and cape also using a wand too.
And more besides. Countless images of many different creatures were flashing before Galadriel's eyes, such a small green drake like lizard, an even smaller turtle like thing, a yellow armored creature that shot through the air faster than any bird, and a much larger bird covered in blue armor that could match that speed. An enormous plated reptile firing smoke from its back. A bizarre four winged dragon swinging a large double edged spear. More and more images kept coming and Galadriel looked until she saw no more.
She look up again towards the other figure, who said. "What did you see this time?"
Galadriel paused for a moment before answering. "I am unsure. But I maintain that whatever these images show, they mean a new hope for Middle Earth. A hope that we have long been lacking. The Valar has no more desire to see Middle Earth come to ruin than we."
"Then what is to be done?" The figure asked. "Any hope that we can find we must unite with both hands at this stage."
Galadriel closed her eyes. "The Mirror has revealed your path to me." She confirmed. "The path that you must take before you find your own way to guide the upcoming War in the South, though the event which is occurring at this moment shall affect all corners of Middle Earth. You must hasten to the Wold with all speed, there you shall meet a being who may one day rule the fate of many in our world. And his name is Shoutmon."
XXX
And there were others besides Galadriel that had sensed the ripple through the fabric of the world that was already wreaking great change upon the lands. In Rivendell Elrond had look up sharply from where he was consulting one of the ancient texts of Elf Lore within the extensive library of his home.
Elrond was also a powerful Elf in his own right. Not as strong as Galadriel by distance, but still extremely well versed in the magic of nature and water. And yet despite his power, he would be one of the first to admit that he believed there was little to no hope left for Middle Earth at this stage. Its lands and its people were divided and alone, and would shortly make easy picking for the likes of Sauron and Saruman and their numbers of powerful minions.
And now he frowned? What was this latest development in the fate of their world that he was sensing now?
Did this mean that hope truly was lost?
Or did it mean that there was a glimmer on the horizon after all?
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A third white robe figure was having a similar reaction. Deep in the tower of Orthanc with lay at the heart of the fortress of Isengard. Saruman the White was sitting on his stone throne and his eyes also shot open as the swell in the fabric of the world blew through him like some sort of invisible cannonball.
Saruman had long been a force for good in Middle Earth until recent times where he had fallen under the spell of Sauron to extend his influence from one to the other and corrupt Saruman's heart and mind. Which was an extremely great feat as Saruman was not only incredibly powerful, but in his days as leader of the White Council he had also been very wise and willing to do what he could to aid the people of Middle Earth, as the mission for the Wizards of Istari had been given when they set out from Valinor many centuries ago.
But those days were now over and Saruman sat upon his throne now with his mind as equally bent on conquering Middle Earth under the banner of the White Hand as Sauron was doing the same under the banner of the Red Eye.
Saruman was already taking things to a whole new level, defying his old love of nature completely. The trees that had filled the grounds of Isengard had all been torn down and in their place were huge pits and caverns now dig deep into the ground. Each one connected some distance below the surface and filled with wooden walkways, planks, and ladders to allow the orcs now in Saruman's employ to move about them with efficiency. They were bathed in the deep orange light of the fires that were being produced from the wood of the dead trees, fueling the growth of Saruman's industry as orcs hammered on their anvils to create numerous weapons and thick armor.
Saruman had recently started searching for more wood by ripping up trees in the neighboring Forest of Fangorn. Tree after tree, acre after acre fell at the crude axes of his labouring orcs. All to feed Saruman's evil, twisted campaign of conquest so that the numerous new forms of evil he was creating in the pits would soon be armed and ready to march to war.
For Saruman had created a brand new breed of orcs specifically for this war. They were called the Uruk Hai and Saruman had been the first to breed this more advanced race of orc. Saruman had gone further improvements to their designs, including greater physical strength and endurance. More upright stature and resistance to sunlight. They were effectively a cross breed between Orc and Men, and they were being spawned in the pits below in their hundreds and immediately outfitted for battle.
Just recently Saruman had sent out a large party of Uruk Hai led by the first and powerful of the entire breed known as Lurtz, to hunt down the Fellowship of the Ring and kill all its members except the halflings. Who were all to be brought back to him alive.
Saruman could hear the calls of the orcs far below even from here, but that does not concern him right now. He rose off from his throne and he strode across the room to the altar which was covered in a black leather sheet. Even now he had cause to feel nervous after he had just sensed. He had also been in Middle Earth for a very long time now and yet he had never felt anything like that before. As if the fabric of reality had suddenly warped for a split second to bring something new.
He pulled off the leather sheet to reveal the large black sphere underneath it that was the Palantir. It almost appeared to be glowing red center and cloud substances floating within as if covering up the secrets of Middle Earth with them until someone attempted to use the stone to pierce through those clouds and discover more about their world.
Saruman raised his hand over it and began to shift his fingers about, closing his eyes as he focused into the stone to try and see what had cause the disturbance in the world. But as he searched for several minutes, he could not find anything that might have caused such a strange ripple and change in the balance of power that he simply could not find. Unfortunately for him the Palantir did not allow him to see into the future, only into the present and even then he could only see the outlines of major events. And that present was devoid of anything that might have caused such a something.
Which means that this had something to do with the Eldar themselves. Or possibly even higher than them.
Saruman turned his gaze towards the distant mountain land of Mordor, flowing up towards the dark tower of Barad-dur which stretched high to pierce the sky and kill the Sun and Moon and all other forms of light. And sitting nestled between the two pinnacles on the tower was the enormous form of Sauron himself.
The image of Sauron filled the Palantir, a huge eye appears in flames with a black slit down the center of the eye. Even at this distance Saruman could feel the intense malice peeling off the Eye like wisps of smoke from its flames, even it gives off a aura of power and evil.
This was a being that Saruman had no desire to cross, let alone the huge armies that he had at his disposal.
"Sauron Lord of the Earth." Saruman spoke his voice in his mind. "I have felt a strange disturbance in the fabric of the universe. I believe something new may be on the horizon, though I cannot tell whether it would be beneficial or useful to our cause and the destruction of the old world in favor of our new one. I assume that you too felt this disturbance, my Lord."
The Eye certainly had no mouth and no way of speaking, but its voice even deeper hissing and dripping with evil. Filled Saruman's head immediately and seemed to make his nerve seize up just to process what it had said "Yes."
"Do you have any further clues than I as to what it might have been?"
"No."
"Then how do you suggest we proceed for the time being, my Lord?"
"We shall crush Middle Earth regardless of outside interference. Keep an eye on the lands around you for any further signs of disturbance."
Saruman believed with every idea of his being that Sauron was telling the truth and that they would crush the forces of Men, Elf, Dwarf and any other race that was foolish enough to stand in their way. There was a time where Saruman might have believed that the West stood a chance of victory... but no longer. He seen the strength of Sauron's forces and his fortress of Barad-dur and the land of Mordor, which had allowed Sauron to take hold of him in the first place.
He now firmly believed that anything Sauron told him was the truth. Sauron was a God. Sauron was unstoppable, and so Saruman was wise to join with the winning side. He truly believed that. And every rational sense of logic had been twisted out of his body by Sauron a long time ago.
"As you wish, my Lord." Saruman nodded.
"When the time comes, we must respond to this latest development. I cannot sense its origins, but I believe that has originated from the Void itself. And possibly even beyond that."
"Then if it is to aid us, we shall utilize it best to further crush the world of Men and the other races of Middle Earth." Saruman acknowledged. "And if it does not aid us, then we shall overcome it just the same. For none have the strength to stand up to the might of Mordor and Isengard, Our victory over the lands of Middle Earth is assured even before we begin our assault."
The flames that composed Sauron's eye seemed to ignite into a more intense blaze at Saruman's words. Sauron had made many attempts over the ages to take over Middle Earth and each one of them had ended in failure so far, though victory had almost been assured for him each time, only to be repulsed at last second. This time there would be no mistakes. Middle Earth was weak and this time, it would crumble beneath his hand.
As soon as he gained back his One Ring. He would be unstoppable. The Elven Rings would finally fall under possession and with the Elves finally under his control, Middle Earth would fall all around them. There was nowhere to run for any of them, not even to Valinor itself.
He would make sure of that this time.
XXX
Shoutmon and the others were in some kind of time and space travel as they were passing through a hole of the tunnel. When the Code Crown transported them some where.
They reach to the end as they were falling like shooting stars out of the sky as they all lost consciousness as they were all scattered and hit on the ground.
XXX
Next time Chapter 5 Gandalf The White.