A/N: I'm baaack! I am so, so very sorry for not updating in a while! I feel terrible for making you all wait this long!
There was death in my family earlier last month, and I have been spending that mostly with other family members. I am home now, so I can continue my writing. I was also struck with a terrible case of writer's block. :(
Sadly, updates will become less frequent, as school started two weeks ago, and I will be having some extra-curricular activities going on. However, I will try very hard not to make you wait a whole month for a chapter! Cross my heart and hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye!
Yes, this is the second to last chapter! Almost done!
Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone! I loves it! :3
Oh, and I do NOT own anything. Nothing. At all.
Chapter Five: The Breaking of the Fellowship, Part I
A week had passed of the journey, nothing eventful occurring, but the company still treaded carefully. The trek had been too peaceful, thus causing a feeling of weariness to come over all of them; with the exception of Pinkie Pie, who would still try her very hardest to keep the fellowship's spirits raised high. Her attempts, much to her dismay, did not help in the least. So, they continued on, a more serious mood falling upon them.
A light, drizzly rain had decided to make an entrance, slowly growing heavier; causing Rarity to complain about how her beautiful mane and coat would become "frizzy and positively atrocious". However, the rain did not last long, and the company was able to continue without the Unicorn's consistent whining. The sky grew clear, thanks to Rainbow Dash, and the sun shone over all who stood beneath it. She received no thanks from her companion, Aragorn; who shook his head.
Twilight Sparkle did not once voice her opinion to Frodo about the Ring, for she was too worried he would assume she only wanted it for herself; lose all trust for her, and then would no longer be her friend. After all, losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose them "FOREVER!", as Pinkie Pie had said. So, the purple unicorn kept quiet. Though, she wasn't sure as to how long she could keep it up. Frodo was growing weaker by the day; this she had seen. He hadn't been eating, nor sleeping regularly. This was certainly the Ring's doing. All that would have to be done would be to take this large burden off of his little shoulders. It was quite simple.
She shook her head, and continued, following close behind her hobbit friend.
"OOOooOOO!" Pinkie Pie's shrill voice filled the air, causing Aragorn to flinch. "What's that thingy over there?"
Twilight looked to where Pinkie's attention was pointed. Squinting slightly, she could make out two large statues on either side of the river. Upon pedestals in the deep water stood two great kings of stone, ever silent, and still. They rose like towers above them all. The left hands of the two statues were held out in a sign of warning; the right hands each bearing an axe. They wore great helms and crowns that were eroding slightly. Still, they appeared to have great power.
"Whoa…" Ditzy Doo said in awe, hovering slightly above the fellowship. The other ponies were at a loss for words.
"Meh," Rainbow Dash, who had taken a short flight to the top of the statues, responded, clearly unimpressed. "It's not that impressive,"
Aragorn shook off her statement, still staring wondrously at the statues.
"What are they?" Frodo asked.
"The Argonath," He replied, almost dreamily, a slight smile on his face. "Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old; my kin."
That very night, after passing the sentinels of Numenor, the fellowship had taken to resting upon the western shore of the river. "We will rest here tonight," Aragorn stated, as the group continued to make camp. "This is the lawn of Parth Galen; a fair place, in the summer days of old. Let us hope that no evil has yet come here,"
Silence was the only response.
"We cross the lake at nightfall, and we shall continue on foot. We will approach Mordor from the north," He added, placing his effects down.
"Sounds simple enough," Rainbow Dash retorted.
"Oh, yes?" Gimli replied, glaring slightly at Rainbow and Aragorn. "It's is nothing but a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil; an impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks?"
The hobbits and ponies glanced up to the dwarf, who was now ranting on and on about the dangers of this journey; worry apparent on their faces.
"Oh, and after that, it gets even better!" The dwarf added. "Festering, stinking marshland as far as the eye can see!"
Rarity fainted at this statement, drawing the attention of her fellow ponies.
"Ha! I could take that. No problem!" Rainbow Dash bragged, spreading her wings, holding a hoof up.
Aragorn, ignoring her claims, stared back at Gimli. "Well, that is the path we are to take. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf."
The dwarf's eyes narrowed. "Recover my-? Grrr…"
Ditzy Doo sat next to Legolas, who stared across the River, his eyes filled with worry. Throughout the last bit of their journey, she had taken note to his strange behavior. She may not have been the smartest pony, but she knew a troubled friend when she saw one. "Why the long face, Legolas?"
There was no reply for a while. Legolas had sensed this before, but not as strongly as he did now. The fellowship was in certain danger. "There is something out there. Its presence has been very strong…"
It was silent for a moment, when suddenly, he stood running to Aragorn. "We must leave now, Aragorn!" He pleaded.
"No," was all that the Ranger replied.
The elf's eyes were full of confusion.
Seeing his friend's expression, he continued, "We must wait for the cover of darkness to continue, for Orcs patrol the eastern shore," He added quietly.
Legolas glanced wearily around them. "It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near… I can feel it."
Aragorn said nothing, turning his gaze across the river.
"Where's Frodo?" Merry asked, glancing around.
"Yeah, and Twilight?" Applejack added.
Twilight Sparkle had seen her companion leave. Worried about the little hobbit, she followed. Perhaps this time she would confront him about the Ring, and she would just have to hope for the best. Hopefully, he would not think any less of her. She wandered on through the forest, admiring the simple beauty of it; though there was still some sense of danger, but she could not put her hoof on it. A sigh escaped her; enjoying her solitude. However, she was not alone for much longer; for just ahead of her, she saw the recognizable Halfling, walking aimlessly through the forest.
"Frodo!" She exclaimed, trotting up next to him.
The Hobbit gave her a half smile as he turned around, though he remained quiet.
"What are you doing out here? You shouldn't be alone! What if something were to find you?"
At this, his smile slowly fell. All he wanted to do was to get away, and to not be reminded of the heavy burden he carried.
She stared worriedly at him. "I only want the best for you, Frodo. We are friends after all. Friends help each other…" Her face lit up. "Hey! I could help you Frodo!"
A suspicious look drew across his face as he took a small step back.
"Well, don't think I haven't seen how the Ring is affecting you, Frodo! Everyone sees it… After all, it is a very heavy burden, and you are very weak…"
Leaves crunched as the halfling backed away from the purple unicorn. "You are not yourself, my little pony… I suggest we return to the camp,"
Her eyes widened. "No! Frodo I only want to help!" When the expression on his face did not change in the least, she continued. "You could give me the Ring, it would help us all! You are too weak Frodo! The Ring will corrupt you! It's only a matter of time!" She hadn't noticed that in her rant, she had moved in front of him.
"Twilight!" He scolded, quickly stepping away from the crazy pony. "This task was appointed to me—"
"But who's to say that you can't let others carry it? They will find you Frodo! They will take the Ring! I can protect it; better than you can!" She snapped, stamping her hoof in frustration, following with a loud snort.
Quick as he could, Frodo turned on his heel and began to walk away with great haste.
Twilight Sparkle realized her mistake; she had come on much too strong! "Hey wait! Just let me help you! Please, I am worried about my friend. Nothing more. Just let me have the Ring. The Ring was only appointed to you because I wasn't there to take it. I am more experienced then you, Frodo! It was meant to come to me! It should be my responsibility!" Before Twilight knew it, Frodo had disappeared.
"Frodo, NO! You are losing the battle to the Ring! You will only bring it to his master; you must give it to me!" Twilight Sparkle shouted in rage, glancing frantically around, stomping her hooves in frustration on the ground. Then as if a spell had been lifted, she gasped. Her eyes welled with tears as she realized what she had done; she had tried to take the ring from Frodo. She had failed her quest. Frodo was to be protected, even when it was from herself. What would Princess Celestia have said? Twilight stood there, motionless, wallowing in self-pity.
"Frodo? I am so sorry! Please come out…"
Meanwhile, in Parth Galen, the rest of the company waited restlessly at the campsite. Aragorn had gone to search for Frodo and Twilight, while Boromir and Legolas were to watch over the others. Silence swept over the fellowship as they sat; the only audible sound was an occasional hoof digging in the ground. Legolas held his gaze into the forest, searching for any sign of the Ranger, hobbit, and pony.
They were taking much longer than one should hope; something must have been wrong.
Pinkie Pie sighed loudly, clearly tiring of the consistent quietness that overtook the group. When she received no response, another sigh escaped her; this one louder than it should have been. Her attempts were in vain; they were all too worried to deal with her. Rainbow Dash, however, sat calmly on a low hanging branching, without a care in the world. "I don't see what you guys are so upset about," She began nonchalantly. "I'm sure Frodo is a-okay,"
The elf moved his gaze to the winged pony. "You do not understand, My Little Pony." He replied coldly. "A great evil is nearing; a foe that will be no easy feat,"
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Just show me this 'foe', and I'll take 'em out in ten seconds flat!"
With a roll of his eyes, Legolas moved to the edge of the forest, listening. It was taking much too long.
"Leggy, don't worry!" Pinkie Pie chimed, trotting to his side happily.
"Whatever happens," Applejack added. "We can get through it together!"
The elven prince could not help but smile at the ponies. They all really did have so much spirit, for such small creatures; much like hobbits.
"AHHHHH! My left eye is crampy! " Pinkie Pie suddenly shouted, as she rubbed at her sore eye. "Some sort of army must be coming!"
His smile quickly faded as he listened to the sounds of the forest again. Sure enough his elven ears heard the distant sound of metal colliding, and the fierce battle cries. Blue eyes widened in fear as he heard a very particular one, "Find the Halfling! Find the Halfling!"
He turned quickly to his friends. "We must find the rest! Make haste!" He exclaimed, surprising the fellowship. He turned to the hobbits, gesturing to their weapons. "You will need those,"
As soon as Legolas had explained what was happening to the company, they gladly obliged to follow. So, they ran quick as they could through the forest, dodging branches, stones, something which Ditzy could not seem to avoid. Sam had other plans though. He made a promise to Gandalf, and he was not about to break it. "Applejack!" He said quietly, grabbing onto her saddlebags.
"Sam? What's the matter, sugar-cube?" She asked, her eyes filled with worry.
"We have to find Mr. Frodo! Come on!" He frantically replied, climbing onto her back.
Applejack thought for a moment. She knew there was more meaning to his words; it was no secret that Frodo planned on leaving on his own, and it was obvious that Sam would not allow that. Leaving the fellowship was a very dangerous and risky thing, something that would surely get them killed. Still, Princess Celestia had requested that she stick with her companion, through thick and thin. "Well, let's get goin'!"
The two left without being noticed, whilst the others continued to run through the forest.
The ponies did not know what they should have expected; after all, they had seen many strange creatures in their lifetime. But there were none like the fighting Uruk-Hai. As they stepped into a clearing, the Equestrians saw what all the "fuss", as Rainbow Dash put it, was all about. Their armor was thick; their shields broad. Horrible, disfigured faces snarled back at the fellowship. Rarity, who was taken aback by their awful appeareance, was the first to speak.
"Ugh! They're so ugly!"
Her comment was ignored as the group began to fight the orcs. Legolas flawlessly shot and stabbed each foe that came near him; Gimli swinging his powerful axe at his. The ponies and hobbits quickly sprang into action as Aragorn came into sight.
Rainbow Dash was having a grand time; smashing each Uruk in the head with a dull thud. Soon, laughter and taunts escaped her. Surely they could not get her while in the air! Using her unicorn magic, Rarity forced two large rocks toward an orc, causing said creature to fall dizzily to the ground. "Take that you ruffian!"
Fluttershy sat quite a distance away, manually tossing rocks at the orcs, but with little success. Boromir shook his head; he really had been right about the little pony. She truly was weak, and probably could not fight to save her life. He returned his focus to the dilemma at hand.
Pinkie Pie then took notice that the company had become short another two hobbits. Merry and Pippin had disappeared. Glancing worriedly around, the thundering sound of battle all around her, she spotted the two, running to hide behind a large tree. "Rarity! Hey! Rarity!" She exclaimed to her unicorn friend, who was in the midst of flinging more rocks at the oncoming uruks.
With a slightly irritated look in her eyes, she stared at the Pink earth pony.
"Pippin and Merry ran off! Come on!"
Her indigo eyes widened in realization, hastily following the bright pony to the hobbits.
Upon reaching them, they noticed another hobbit in the tree across the way. It was Frodo.
"Hey! Hey Frodo!" Pinkie yelled loudly, earning a mouthful of Rarity's scolding hoof. "Hmphphpmph!"
The hobbits begged Frodo to hide with them, but with no avail. He would not; shaking his head, he sank lower into the dirt. His eyes seemed to say it all; he was indeed leaving.
After Rarity's annoying hoof had been removed, Pinkie gasped. "Frodo! Are you loco in the coco?"
"He… He's leaving! He's really leaving!" Rarity said in awe.
Merry stared knowingly at Frodo. "Go."
Suddenly, Pippin stood, brushing the dirt hastily off of his cloak. "No!" With that he turned toward the running Uruks across the way. "Pippin!" the pink pony snapped.
Before the two ponies knew it, Merry and Pippin had jumped from their hiding spot, proceeding to yell, trying their hardest to get the orcs' attention. It did not take much effort from the two, for they were soon noticed, and then, pursued.
Rarity and Pinkie hastily followed after the hobbits, determined to keep the wretched orcs from even laying a finger on them. They ran swiftly through the woods, giving Frodo the chance to get out safely, and out of sight from unfriendly eyes. The four ignored the roars of anger coming from the troop behind them as they ventured further up a hill. Suddenly, more orcs appeared ahead of them, the group stopping in their tracks. One of the Uruks turned to look at them, slowly raising his weapon. Four sets of eyes widened as he ran wildly at them; waiting for the final blow that would be their end.
The man of Gondor, Boromir, had seen this commotion, and was now sprinting as fast as his legs would carry him down the hill, brandishing his sword. He could not let the hobbits fall. Before the dim-witted orc could even respond, the man brought his sword harshly down on him; instantly killing it. The ponies watched as Boromir began to mercilessly mutilate every orc that pursued him; but as each was eliminated, one would take its place; it was as if it would never end.
Seeing this predicament, the hobbits and two ponies decided to step in and help; Merry and Pippin using their daggers; Rarity using her unicorn magic and Pinkie Pie's using of her speed and hooves.
The battle continued on, the number of Uruk-Hai decreasing. Even as the opponents lessened, the fellowship was still greatly outnumbered. So, on they fought; determined to make it out alive.
"Frodo!" Sam and Applejack simultaneously shouted, searching for their friend in vain. He was nowhere to be found. As they continued through the trees, they heard the horn of Gondor blast through the forest.
"Someone needs our help!" Applejack gasped as she began running towards the direction of the call for help.
"No! We must find Frodo! Didn't Strider say we need to cross the lake? I bet that's where Mr. Frodo is right now."
Applejack thought for a moment, her head facing the ground. She glanced back at Sam, and said with a hint of worry in her voice, "Alright! Back to the lake! Hold on tight!"
A/N: AHH! I hate writing action! But I tried! :)
Thanks for all the reviews, again! I will try to make the next chapter come MUCH sooner! See ya next time! :D