Part, the Fourth

Things that Search

The year 3434 of the Second Age. Here follows the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor and the finding of the Ring of Power. It has come to me, the One Ring. It shall be an heirloom of my kingdom. All those who follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate for I will risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious to me, though I buy it with great pain. The markings upon the band begin to fade. The writing, which at first was as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared. A secret now that only fire can tell.

…..

Kagome perched on the balls of her feet in the tree she'd claimed as she spent the last seventeen years watching over Frodo when she wasn't hunting Gollum. Gandalf was returning and the wind whispered of the news she feared. When he passed her tree and met her stare, she knew. The One Ring had returned and its master was searching, just as her vision predicted. The fear that griped her leaked out and fled into the tree beneath her.

Many leagues away, it woke a slumbering Elf with its intensity. Sitting up, he looked back at the tree he'd been resting against and then placed his hand upon its bark. It had been many moons since he'd heard from the little wanderer and never had she been this frightened.

'What's happened?' he demanded.

Kagome blushed when she realized that she'd accidently sent her fear to her pen pal. Or, tree pal, as the case was. Taking a calming breath, she focused on keeping her emotions in check before answering him.

'The Shadow is stirring,' she sent back.

Eyes worried, the Elf stood and leaned into the tree, as if that would bring him closer. 'Come to Greenwood.'

Swallowing, Kagome gave a bitter smile. As if she needed another protector. 'I can't. There's still a lot I have to do here.' Looking at Gandalf's retreating back, she knew where they would end up. 'Go to Rivendell. Allies against the enemy must join together soon.'

Hesitating, the Elf considered. Finally, he agreed. 'All right. I'll see you there.'

Smiling, Kagome sent through a wave of warmth before leaping from the tree and severing the connection.

"Not one word," she grumbled to her neko companion's pointed look. Kirara just smiled smugly.

…..

The Elf closed his eyes at the feel of her caress before looking back to his companions. One of them arched a red brow teasingly.

"Communing with your imaginary tree friend again, Legolas?"

Smiling, the prince shook his head. "Jealousy isn't a good look for you."

Before his friend could retort, a servant caught up to them. "Prince Legolas! Your father wishes you to return immediately!"

Worried, Legolas hastily returned to his father's home, where he was told of the rumors that had reached his father's kingdom. When Legolas heard them, he felt the same fear wash over him as the one that woke him. There was one difference, however. This fear was his own.

The One Ring had been found.

…..

Kagome followed Frodo into his home and was as startled as he was when Gandalf grabbed him from the shadows.

"Is it secret?" he hissed. "Is it safe?"

Rolling her eyes, Kagome cleared her throat. "Of course it is, Gandalf. Frodo doesn't leave the house with it."

Nodding, Gandalf bid Frodo to find the ring. Rummaging through one of Bilbo's old trunks, the hobbit finally pulled the envelope from the bottom. Gandalf snatched the envelope from Frodo and tossed it into the fire. Taking a pair of tongs, the wizard carefully lifted the ring from the fire and ashes of the paper that had housed it.

"Hold out your hand," he spoke to Frodo. "It's quite cool," he added when he hesitated.

It was a sign of Frodo's trust that he followed Gandalf's instruction and accepted the ring when Gandalf dropped it into his palm.

"What do you see?"

For a moment, Kagome felt hope fill her as the surface remained unblemished. That feeling left her when Frodo spoke again.

"Wait. There are markings. I can't read it."

Kagome glanced to the ring and saw the writing. Closing her eyes, she shook her head. "That's the language of Mordor."

"Yes, and I will not utter it here," Gandalf agreed. "In Westron, it says, 'One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them."

Gandalf placed his hands on the table and leaned down. "This is the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom. Taken by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself."

Frodo's brows drew in as he put the pieces together. "Bilbo found it in Gollum's cave."

Nodding, the wizard looked haggard. "For sixty years, the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo's keeping; prolonging his life, delaying old age. But no longer, Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard its master's call."

Frodo sat at the table. "But he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed," he insisted.

"No, Frodo. The spirit of Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring and the Ring survived. His fortress at Barad-dûr is rebuilt in the land of Mordor."

Kagome ran her hand over her face, as her mind whirled into action. "Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands in a second darkness."

Gandalf inclined his head. "Your vision was right, Kagome. He is seeking it. All his thought is bent on it. For the Ring yearns above all else to return to the hand of its master. They are one, Frodo," the wizard said as he looked back to the hobbit, "the Ring and the Dark Lord. He must never find it."

Jumping up, Frodo carried the Ring into the entranceway of the house. "All right. We put it away. We keep it hidden. We never speak of it again. No one knows it's here, do they?"

Kagome and Gandalf shared a look that had Frodo's heart plummeting.

Gandalf nodded. "There is one other who knew that Bilbo had the Ring. We looked everywhere for the creature Gollum. But the enemy found him first. I don't know how long they tortured him, but amidst the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words: 'Shire and Baggins.'"

Frodo's face paled. "Shire. Baggins. But that would lead them here!" Thrusting out his hand toward the other man, he yelled, "Take it, Gandalf! Take it!"

Gandalf tensed and backed away. "No, Frodo."

The hobbit's eyes were wild as he stared at his friend. "You must take it!"

"You cannot offer me this Ring!" Gandalf's raised voice answered back.

"I'm giving it to you!"

"Don't tempt me, Frodo," Gandalf finally shouted. "I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe." Looking at the hobbit's cowed, terrified form, the wizard softened. "Understand, Frodo, I would use this Ring from a desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine."

Panting, Frodo looked to Kagome. Backing up, Kagome shook her head.

"I would take this from you, Frodo, I would. I can't, though. My powers would try to purify it. Something that evil would kill me in the process and the Ring would still exist. I'm sorry."

"But, it cannot stay in the Shire!"

Gandalf straightened and shook his head. "No. No it can't."

Realizing the only option, Frodo held the Ring to his chest and said with scared determination, "What must I do?"

Kagome helped Frodo to a seat as Gandalf gave him directions.

"You must leave the Shire."

"Where? Where do I go?

Gandalf spread out a map and pointed a path. "Get out of the Shire. Make for the village of Bree."

"Bree," Frodo repeated. "What about you two?"

Kagome smiled at him in reassurance. "I'll wait with you and then see you safely there."

Gandalf arched a brow. "Are you certain?"

Nodding, Kagome tipped up her chin stubbornly. "Yes. Besides, I don't trust Saruman as you do. And you know I'm not his favorite person, either. Let me know what he says about the Ring not being at the bottom of the sea," she snarked.

Wincing, Gandalf looked back to Frodo. "I'll be waiting for you at the inn of the Prancing Pony in one moon cycle."

"And the Ring will be safe there?"

Sadly, Gandalf looked away. "I don't know, Frodo. I don't have any answers. I must see the head of my Order. His is both wise and powerful."

He ignored Kagome's snort.

"Trust me, Frodo. He'll know what to do. You'll have to leave the name of Baggins behind you. That name is not safe outside the Shire. Travel only by day and stay off the road."

"We can cut across country easily enough."

Kagome smiled at his confidence.

"My dear Frodo," Gandalf said in a moment of sentimentality, "hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month. And yet, after a hundred years, they can still surprise you."

Rustling from the open window snatched all of their attention.

"Get down," Kagome hissed, pushing Frodo and griping her hilt.

Gandalf took his staff and crept toward the window. Peaking out, he whacked at something before yanking a hobbit inside and throwing him onto the table.

"Confound it all, Samwise Gamgee! Have you been eavesdropping?"

"I haven't been dropping no eaves. Honest. I was cutting the grass under the window, if you follow me."

Kagome covered her mouth with her hand as she and Frodo exchanged amused looks.

Gandalf straightened and pinned him with a look. "A little late for trimming the verge, don't you think?"

Sam winced. "I heard raised voices."

Frowning, Gandalf growled, "What did you hear? Speak!"

Jumping, Sam held up his hands. "Nothing important. That is, I heard a good deal about a Ring, a Dark Lord, and the end of the world, but…" he trailed off and swallowed as he stared at Gandalf in terror. "Please, Mr. Gandalf, sir, don't hurt me. Don't turn me into anything…unnatural."

Gandalf raised his brows. "No?" Shooting a look at the three silent observers, Gandalf hid his amusement. "Perhaps not. I've thought of a better use for you."

…..

Kagome chuckled as she and Frodo walked with Gandalf who led his horse.

"Come along, Samwise, keep up," Gandalf called over his shoulder at the trailing hobbit.

"You are a cruel, cruel man," she murmured to him.

Flashing her a mischievous smile, Gandalf didn't deny it. Mounting his horse, the wizard looked down at the three friends and felt his heart worry. Kirara butted her head against him before leaping onto Kagome's shoulder.

"Be careful, all of you. The enemy has many spies in his service. Birds, beasts." Turning to Frodo, he advised, "Never put it on, for the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power. Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its master. It wants to be found."

Looking at each other, they said their farewells and set off on their treks; three back to the Shire and one to Isengard.

"Kagome," Gandalf called before the three had gone too far.

The miko turned and tilted her head in question.

"You know what to do. Be safe."

Smiling, she lifted her cloak hood over her head and waved as she turned to follow her charges.

…..

One month later, Kagome pushed the hobbits back as far as they would go. She still wasn't sure how Merry and Pippin managed to get involved with them. Still, they had caught the attention of something foul and it was hunting them and the Ring. Nazgûl, she realized as bugs began crawling out of the ground. It was calling evil and the Barrow-downs was a place that would answer without hesitation.

Reaching over, she grabbed Frodo's hand and nodded to Merry. Understanding, the hobbit hurled the sack of mushrooms away from them. Screeching, the Nazgûl took off away from their hiding spot. Kagome waited a moment before releasing her sword and motioning for the men to crawl out of the hole.

Senses on high alert, the miko felt the presence of more than one of the Ringwraiths. The land darkened quickly as she hurried the small men onward.

"What was that?" Pippin asked when they stopped for a moment. "What is going on?"

Merry stared at Frodo and Kagome suspiciously. "That Black Rider was looking for something, or someone. Frodo?"

Kagome caught sight of a shadow moving. "Get down!"

"We have to leave the Shire," Kagome whispered to Merry as her eyes searched the night. "We must get to Bree."

Merry didn't hesitate. "Right. Bucklebury Ferry. Follow me."

Standing, they followed as quietly as possible. Kagome could smell the river when a Rider suddenly burst out of the forest. Quick as a flash, she had her sword drawn and lit with her pink powers.

"Run!" She screamed to the hobbits as her blade connected with the Wraith's.

Frodo stumbled and was caught behind her as Kirara grabbed the others and raced with them to the ferry. Pink crept into the woman's eyes as she fought off the Rider.

"Frodo! Run!" Pippin yelled.

Kagome parried a thrust and swiped her sword across the Rider's chest. Shrieking in agony, the Wraith reeled away, giving the miko and hobbit the chance to escape. Sword still drawn, Kagome grasped Frodo by the back of his collar and hauled him along.

"Hurry, Frodo!"

The hobbits, their eyes wide with fear, had already untethered the ferry and pushed off.

"Jump!" Sam yelled, reaching out his hand.

Kagome leapt onto the ferry and dropped Frodo. In one fluid movement, she had her bow slung to the front and an arrow knocked. A Dark Rider was on the pier. Taking aim, Kagome let the arrow fly and watched as pink sparks lit the night.

At the last moment, the Nazgûl jerked his horse to the side. Still, the arrow flew true and thudded into the Wraith's arm. An unholy sound pierced the night as the arm was purified off. The hobbits had been paddling furiously, but dropped the oars to cover their ears. Kagome winced and at her hesitation, the Rider disappeared.

"How far to the nearest crossing?" Frodo asked, with his heart in his throat.

Merry was breathing hard. "The Brandywine Bridge. Twenty miles."

"What were those things?" Pippin asked.

Kagome sighed and returned her arrow to her quiver. Slinging her bow over her shoulder, she picked up her sword and glanced to the hobbits as they resumed paddling.

"They are the Nazgûl, the Ringwraiths. Let's get to the Prancing Pony, okay? I'll explain more there."

Pacified, the hobbits rowed on in silence. Thunder rumbled overhead. Looking up, Sam drew his hood over his tasseled curls.

"Don't worry, Mr. Frodo, Gandalf will know what to do and Kagome will get us there."

Smiling, Kagome nodded. "Yeah, Sam. We'll get there safely," she said and watched as some of the fear in their faces dissipated.

…..

Bree was a muddy, rude village, Kagome thought as yet another person nearly slammed into her. Sighing with relief, she spotted the sign for the Prancing Pony.

"There it is," she pointed out to her friends.

Upon entering the establishment, Kagome dearly wanted to take her wet hood off, but knew better than to do that. Her appearance drew unwanted attention. Better to let Frodo take the lead.

"Excuse me."

The Bartender peered over the counter at them. "Good evening little masters."

Pippin opened his mouth, but Kagome quickly covered it with her hand and shook her head. There was no reason anyone should know she was a woman. Still, though she was on the short side, it was a huge leap to be classified as a hobbit. She wondered if the bartender had been tasting his own wares.

"What can I do for you? If you're seeking accommodation, we got some cozy hobbit sized rooms available. Always proud to cater to the Little Folk, Mister…?" He trailed off in question.

"Underhill," Frodo answered, remembering to use an alias. "My name is Underhill."

"Underhill, yes," the man said, still looking at them.

"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we've arrived?"

The man looked confused as he thought to himself. "Gandalf? Gandalf. Oh, yes, I remember. Elderly chap. Big grey beard, pointy hat. Not seen him for six months."

Deflating, Frodo drew back to talk to his friends.

"What do we do now?" Sam asked, looking to Kagome.

"Sam, he'll be here," Frodo insisted. "He'll come."

Kagome gestured toward the tavern. "We'll stay the night and go on tomorrow. Something must have come up."

Disappointed, the hobbits took a table and ordered their supper, while Kagome studied the room. Upon seeing a shadowed figure in the corner smoking a pipe, she grinned to herself. Gandalf might not have made it, but they were far from defenseless. She had half a mind to go over there and demand that the sullen man join them.

Merry plopped down across from her and stared greedily at his large mug. Kagome watched with laughter as Pippin's eyes widened to the size of saucers.

"What's that?"

"This, my friend, is a pint."

Pippin gaped. "It comes in pints? I'm getting one," he exclaimed, leaping up to hurry to the bar.

"You've had a whole half already!" Sam objected, before shaking his head. Turning to Frodo, he whispered, "That fellow's done nothing but stare at you since we arrived."

Noticing whom Sam was talking about, Frodo stopped the passing bartender. "Excuse me. That man in the corner, who is he?"

Kagome smiled as the bartender shuddered. "He's one of them Rangers. They're dangerous folk, wandering the Wilds. What his right name is, I've never heard, but around here he's known as Strider."

"Strider," Frodo repeated as the tender moved to another table.

Blue eyes danced merrily at that news. Oh, she was going to enjoy teasing him. Standing, she winked at the confused hobbits and made her way over to the hooded man. She'd just opened her mouth, when she was cut off.

"Baggins?" a loud voice drew all of their attention. Pippin was at the bar talking to some men there. "Sure I know a Baggins. He's over there. Frodo Baggins. He's my second cousin, once removed on his mother's side… and my third cousin, twice removed…"

Kagome didn't hear the rest as several things happened at once. Frodo had leapt up and grabbed Pippin's shoulder, jostling his drink. Pippin over balanced Frodo when he tried to save his ale and Frodo fell…disappearing through the floor.

Grimacing, Kagome saw Frodo move under a table via the Other plane. Before she could get to him, he'd taken the Ring off and Strider had yanked him against a wall.

"You draw far too much attention to yourself, 'Mr. Underhill,'" the Ranger spat before yanking the hobbit up the stairs to the rooms above.

Kagome leapt over a table and scrambled up the stairs behind them. Bursting in the door the two had gone through, Kagome thrust back her hood and glared at Strider.

"You! You have no right to scare the life out of him," she said, poking him in the chest.

Strider arched a brow before looking around her to the surprised hobbit.

"Are you frightened?"

Frodo swallowed as Kagome turned and strode to his side. "Yes."

"Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you."

Kagome snorted and put an arm around Frodo. "You are such a drama queen." Eyeing him, she felt her lips twitch. "Yeah, drama queen."

Strider frowned. "Kagome, you are the most annoying…" he broke off as the door was suddenly thrown open.

"Let him go! Or I'll have you Longshanks!" Sam yelled as he, Merry, and Pippin burst into the room carry various makeshift weapons.

Kagome grinned and looked at Strider, who looked like he couldn't decide to be amused or exasperated.

"You have a stout heart, little hobbit," he admitted, "but that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They're coming."

Kagome frowned and hurried the hobbits to the inn across the street. In a room, she hushed them and tried to get them settled for bed. Frodo, however, refused to sleep and sat up with her and Strider as they watched the window. Kirara purred contentedly, but her ears were alert.

Settling beside her, Strider nudged her with his shoulder. "I would have thought that you would have found your own path by now. You follow Gandalf even in this."

Glaring, Kagome shifted to the side before looking back out the window. "This has always been my path. For now, Gandalf and I are on the same road." Elbowing him, she added, "You're on the road as well, jerk."

Strider chuckled. "Aye, for now."

If he would have said more, he was interrupted as screeching from the Prancing Pony split the night loud enough to wake the sleeping hobbits. They watched the window across the road as shadowed figures stabbed empty beds.

"What are they, Kagome?" Frodo asked. "You said you'd finish explaining."

Strider lit his pipe and stared at them, answering for Kagome. "They were once Men. Great kings of Men. Then, Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one, falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. Neither living nor dead, at all times they feel the presence of the Ring. They are drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you."

Kagome shifted and placed a hand on Frodo's cheek. "Sleep, Frodo. Tomorrow is a long journey."

The hobbits stayed awake for a while, but eventually exhaustion took them. Kagome looked to her friend as he blew smoke from his pipe.

"I passed through Greenwood months ago," he began, still looking out the window.

Kagome's heart lurched, but she kept her expression carefully neutral. "Oh?"

Strider nodded. "I heard rumors of an Elf looking for a wanderer. He said she was drawn to the forest and refused to be found."

Looking away, Kagome didn't reply.

"He will find her, Kagome."

She looked at him, and her expression was pained. "Are you friends, then, with this Elf?"

He pushed the hair out of his face and shrugged. "Yes. We've fought together on a number of occasions."

Kagome smiled. "Only a man would base a friendship on how many times you've fought with someone."

"Only a woman would start a friendship by talking to a person through a tree," he retorted.

Narrowing her eyes, she pinched him and ignored his yelp. "I didn't mean to start a conversation with him, thank you very much. I was talking to the forest and he butted in."

Strider laughed and rubbed his arm where she'd assaulted him.

Wrinkling her nose, Kagome crossed her arms over her chest. "What exactly are you trying to do? You're not…you're not matchmaking, are you?" she asked incredulously.

Choking on his pipe, Strider gaped at her. "What? No! I wouldn't wish you on any of my friends."

Growling, Kagome narrowed her eyes. "I'm going to sleep. When I wake up, I'll try to curb my urge to purify your ass."

"I'm human, in case you forgot."

She smiled maliciously. "If you have even a speck of darkness in your heart, my powers can use that to fry you. Goodnight, Strider."

The man watched as she and her cat settled in to her sleeping bag and wondered if she was telling the truth. Kagome rolled her eyes when she felt the weight of his stare. Let him think she could do it. Who knows? Maybe, if she practiced her control more, she would be able to. He didn't need to know that, though.

…..

"Where are you taking us?" Frodo asked Strider as they left Bree the next morning.

"Into the wild," Strider replied as Kagome and Kirara hurried the trailing hobbits along.

"Are you sure you're friends with this Strider?" Merry asked Kagome.

She giggled and shrugged. "I suppose you could say that. We've known each other since he was a child."

Frodo nodded. "I think a servant of the enemy would look fairer, and feel fouler."

Grimacing, Merry said, "He's foul enough."

Kagome frowned and whacked Merry in the back of the head. "That's really awful, Merry! He's been out looking for us. Besides, we could all do with a good bath."

She looked despairingly down at the ends of her hair. While she didn't look filthy, the miko hated not having a bath every day. And Middle-earth just did not have anything resembling conditioner, yet.

"But where are we going?" Sam asked, leading Bill, the pony.

"To Rivendell, Master Gamgee. To the house of Elrond," Strider answered without glancing back.

"Did you hear that?" Sam exclaimed, looking to Frodo with excitement. "We're going to see the Elves! You'll be going home, Kagome."

Kagome blinked and furrowed her brows at the hobbit. "While it's true that Rivendell is the closest thing I have to a home, Sam, I am not an Elf."

Pippin looked at her with shocked eyes. "You're not?"

Merry held out his hand to his friend. "Pay up, I told you she wasn't an Elf. She's too short."

Sam, offended on Kagome's behalf, said, "You're one to talk, Meriadoc, about being short."

Frodo laughed as they started arguing over who was the tallest. Meanwhile, Pippin eased to the other side of Kagome, glad Merry's attention had been diverted from collecting the winnings of their bet.

…..

They were making good time, Kagome noted, after they had the argument over how many meals they would stop for in a day. Inuyasha would have thrown a fit if she'd wanted to stop more than three times a day, and he still grumbled over those.

When they came to the bog, Kagome was immensely grateful that Midoriko had taught her to walk light enough that she could avoid sinking into the muck. As it was, though, she felt a tad bit guilty at watching the others struggle so much.

"Ah!" Merry cried, slapping at a bug. "What do they eat when they can't get hobbit?"

Sighing, that night, Kagome helped the hobbits set up camp while Strider hunted for them. He brought back a doe and was startled when that was barely enough to feed the hobbits. Exchanging a look with Kagome, he wondered where they put all that food.

Later, sleep came to the group as Strider softly sang to the moon. Kagome blinked sleepy eyes at him and tossed a rock at his head.

"You refuse to let yourself be happy, idiot. You have no right to make her choice for her."

Strider glared at Kagome, but didn't throw the rock back. "And it is your business?"

Kagome shook her head. "No, but it's free advice from experience. Don't make the mistake of pushing away your light, Strider. These are dark times."

Turning back around, the man thought on what she'd said as he finished his song.

"Who is she?" Frodo asked a while later. "This woman you sing of?"

Strider gave a sad smile and glanced to see Kagome fast asleep. "Tis the Lady Lúthien, the Elf-maiden who gave her love to Beren, a mortal."

"What happened to her?"

Pain crossed Strider's face as he answered, "She died. Get some sleep, Frodo."

Lying down, Frodo looked to see Kagome's eyes open and watching him. Smiling, she shook her head. Dawn came much too soon for the group.

"Where did you get your bow?" Sam asked Kagome as they trekked through the forest.

Slinging it off her shoulder, the miko let Sam have a closer look at the dark wood. It was sleek and long and had five purple beads on the chord.

"A great warrior gave it to me when I finished my training with her."

Merry came to look at the weapon before glancing at Kagome. "What are the beads for?"

Kagome smiled sadly. "To remind me of better days and that happiness always comes with a price. My friend, Miroku, gave them to me."

Frodo looked up at her. "Where is your teacher now?"

Tilting her head, Kagome felt the small niche of her soul that housed the dormant Midoriko.

"At peace. She used most of her powers to grant one of my friends his last wish."

Pippin poked her thigh, close to where her sword hung. "And this? Did she give you your sword as well?"

"I'm not going to let you carry my sword, Pippin," she said with humor.

Merry nodded. "A wise idea, Kagome, wise idea."

Pippin looked from Kagome to Merry, confused. The hobbits looked at them before bursting into laughter.

"Yes, well, I didn't want to carry it, anyway. It's too girly."

Kagome laughed and rubbed the top of his head. "We'll get you a nice hobbit sized sword, Pip."

"Or, better yet, let him have a big one, that way it'll be too heavy for him to hurt himself," Sam piped up.

Pippin frowned and kicked Sam in the shins before taking off. Kagome laughed as Strider slowed to walk beside them. The tree line broke, revealing a large, ancient watchtower.

"Look, Frodo. This was the great watchtower of Amon Sûl," she said, pointing to the looming structure. "It once housed Arnor's palantír."

Strider nodded. "The Dúnedain gave much to save the seeing stone when the tower was torched. We shall rest there tonight."

Kagome was shocked when he actually did produce four hobbit sized swords.

"These are for you. Keep them close; I'm going to have a look around.

She arched a brow as she watched him give the young men the swords. "All right. Be careful."

Strider inclined his head and left toward the trees. Kagome urged the hobbits up the Watchtower. Too excited to argue, they followed her, chattering about their new weapons. Smiling, Kagome listened to them as she went about setting up camp.

"You should ask Strider to teach you," she said as Merry and Pippin fought a mock battle.

Sam's face brightened. "You think he would?"

The miko shrugged, sitting on her bedroll. "Maybe. All you can do is ask and the worst he can do is turn you down. No, Sam," she said when he began trying to build a fire.

"What?" he asked, pausing in his preparations.

"A fire will draw too much attention. It would be a beacon."

Pippin's face fell at that. Merry's stomach grumbled. Rolling her eyes, Kagome flopped back on her bedroll.

"Missing one hot meal won't kill you," she stated, amused.

Pippin whimpered. "You can't be sure about that. We've already missed second breakfast, elevenses and luncheon."

"Don't forget afternoon tea and dinner, Pip," Merry added helpfully.

This time it was Sam that whimpered.

Laughing, Kagome tossed them some rations and told them to get to sleep.

"We're six days from Rivendell, guys. You'll need all the rest you can get."

Sighing, the hobbits resignedly bedded down and tried to do as she asked.

Hours later, a cold chill woke Kagome. Knocking an arrow, she quietly stood and examined her surroundings. There was nothing, but the hairs on the back of her neck were standing. Kirara stood beside her, the cat's tails twitching anxiously. Peering over the ledge, Kagome cursed when she saw Nazgûl slithering through the mists. Still, she had the advantage for the moment. Sighting the nearest Dark figure, Kagome let the arrow go. The pink comet split the night, thudding soundly into the head of the nearest Wraith.

A shrill howl erupted as the ground shook with the force of the former king's purification. The noise woke the hobbits and drew the other Nazgûl faster.

"Get to the top!" Kagome screamed as she fired again, hitting another in the shoulder. "Kirara, guard them!"

Rushing to the bottom of the tower, Kagome drew her sword and met the advancing Wraith with a furious thrust. Hissing, it barely dodged and swung back at her, beginning the dance. Whirling, the woman met him, blow for blow, pink power glowing in the wounds she dealt. Movement to her right drew her attention. The other Wraiths were taking advantage of her distraction and trying to slip by her. Before she could intercept them, another Wraith attacked her. Its sword was held in its remaining arm. Now, faced with two adversaries, Kagome could not stop the other Nazgûl from heading to the top of the tower.

Infuriated, Kagome ducked under a swipe and screamed a warning to the hobbits. Spinning and feinting, she took the legs of one Wraith and then relieved the other of his head. Frantic now, the miko raced up the tower just in time to see Strider and Kirara fighting the rest of the Wraiths. Her heart plummeted when she saw Frodo gasping in agony with a Morgul-blade having pierced his shoulder.

"Frodo!" she called urgently as she dropped to her knees next to him.

Ripping open his shirt, she saw where the blade's poison was spreading. Closing her eyes, Kagome pushed the sounds of the battle away and concentrated on calling forth her healing powers. Feeling out the wound, she cursed and opened her eyes to find Strider beside her.

"I put the wound in stasis and kept the taint from spreading, but I need Elrond's help to heal it," she relayed in a low voice. "He won't pass to the Shadow World yet, but that's all I can do now."

Standing, she started toward the edge.

"Where are you going?" Sam called.

Kagome glanced back at Strider. "I'll catch up to you."

Strider frowned, but hoisted Frodo up as he stood. "Hurry. Elrond will need you."

Kagome gave a jerky nod as she and Kirara disappeared down into the trees. The hobbits had no choice but to follow Strider as he hurried through the night, dragging an increasingly cold Frodo.

"Where's she going?" Pippin asked.

"To give us a chance to get to Rivendell," Strider answered as Frodo gasped.

"He'll never make it!" Sam cried with anguish.

"Kagome bound the poison with her powers. He'll make it," Merry said with confidence.

"Kagome," the Frodo mumbled, "said I would last until Elrond could see to the wound."

Strider stopped a long while later to let the hobbits rest. The great stone trolls from Bilbo's stories rose up around them.

Suddenly, the Ranger froze, pushing the hobbits down and motioning for silence. A sound like bells reached them just as a white horse and his rider came into view on the road, moving swiftly. Living stars seemed to twine with the horse's bridle and a white light appeared to shine around him as his golden hair flowed in the wind of his speed. Before anything could be said, Strider was rushing headlong down the short embankment to clasp the rider's hand, as the rider had halted even before the Ranger had moved.

Scrambling to the two, the hobbits hurried to find out what was happening. It was obvious that the rider was an Elf and that eased their minds greatly.

"This is Glorfindel," Strider told them. "He is of Rivendell."

"Yes, and you are a welcome sight. I was sent to find you as we feared you would find danger on the road," the Elf Lord said pleasantly. "Few can stand against the Nine, but those that could were sent in separate directions. We thought you might become lost in the wilderness."

"Has Gandalf reached Rivendell, then?" Frodo asked shakily.

The blonde Elf frowned slightly. "No, not when I departed, but that was nine days ago. I've met a few of the Riders along the way since then. There are five behind you now and where the other four are, I do not know. The Ford may already be held against us."

As he spoke, Frodo gave a great shudder and fell. Glorfindel caught the hobbit and glanced at his face gravely.

Strider briefly told what had transpired on Weathertop and showed the Elf the blade that had wounded Frodo. The blonde's face tightened as he studied the hilt that Strider had kept.

"Handle it as little as possible until we reach Imladris, Aragorn." Pushing aside Frodo's shirt, he was able to see the dark wound there. Closing his eyes, he felt out the injury.

His head came up sharply a moment later and fire blazed into his green eyes. "Kagome was with you."

"Aye," Sam agreed as he clenched his fists to keep from attending to his master. "She said she'd stopped the poison from spreading."

Clenching his jaw, Glorfindel nodded. "This is beyond my skill to heal alone. We must get him to Elrond quickly."

Strider agreed and lifted Frodo to place him on Glorfindel's horse. The party began moving as fast as they could, the hobbits near their breaking point at the exhaustive pace set by the ever-vigilant Elf. When he at last let them rest, they fell on the road-side and immediately went to sleep. It felt like only moments when they were woken once more-before dawn.

Pink comets drew their attention to the north and woke them with hair-raising alarm. A large ruckus rose, nearly drowning out the feminine cry of fury. Strider and Glorfindel looked to each other before the Ranger gave a faint smile.

"I have an idea where the other four might be," he said sarcastically.

The hobbits watched as the Elf merely turned his head toward something only he could hear.

Kagome appeared shortly in the clearing, panting hard. "Well, they'll be feeling that in the morning."

"How many left?" Strider asked.

She grimaced. "Seven, unfortunately, though only a few of them are unscathed. That should slow them down some."

The miko stuttered when she saw Glorfindel step from his horse's side. "Heh, hey, Glorfindel." A dark blush colored her cheeks at his narrowed eyes.

"Are you able to travel?" he demanded, something lacing his words that had heretofore not been present.

With a wince, she nodded and removed her hand from her side. Merry gasped as his eyes shot from her side to meet her own.

"You're bleeding!"

The miko smiled thinly and clambered onto the transformed neko. "Yeah, one of those creeps scratched me with a low blow. I'll be fine, but Frodo won't if we don't get to Elrond's," she insisted.

Glorfindel was by her side in an instant, checking the wound. He hissed something that made her wrinkle her nose, but then agree. Satisfied, the Elf stepped back from her.

"Come, Meril-Nín. We have a ways to go yet."

Kagome grinned. "Those Wraiths are in for a surprise when they get to the river, aren't they?"

He said nothing, but the impish light that danced in his green eyes was answer enough.