Chapter Six

AN: This takes place at the same time as Chapter Six of Spectrum: Ninniach's Tale by Myth Queen.

I took a few cautious steps towards the building, noting with surprise that the entrance did not appear to be guarded. This only made me feel warier. Surely anyone who came close to a secret dwelling would be observed? I kept my guard up, but kept moving. I did not think I had time to waste looking for guards or any other form of surveillance. Who knew what was happening to Ninniach at this very moment? I passed over the threshold of the building. It appeared to be deserted, at least going by what I could see of this first room. Yet the Mortal spy had seemed so sure that North was here...

Listening hard, I could make out voices further back in the building. I headed towards the sound, despite having no real plan. All I could think to do was locate Ninniach, ensure she had not been seriously harmed, and then fight our way out of here. Of course, we would be outnumbered, but how much threat could a group of Mortals really be? I moved further into the building, following the voices that were progressively becoming louder. I needed to find some way of disguising myself, quickly. Seeing a supply cupboard nearby, I looked to see what it contained. Strange white suits with helmets and gloves, labelled 'Sterile Uniforms'. I had no idea what they were meant for, but if this was the uniform of North's employees...I quickly donned some of the garments. It covered all of my skin and had the added bonus of hiding my identity, so even if anyone was looking for me, I would not be recognised in this garb. Thankfully, no-one had seen me stealing the clothing. I kept moving, not having forgotten the urgency of my quest. If any harm befell my sister...the Mortals would pay for it tenfold.

After following the sound of voices for some time, I realised that they were becoming louder, moving towards me. I ducked out of sight, round a corner, as a group of Mortals wearing the same uniforms as me walked past. Many of them seemed to be nursing burns...I hid my smile. At least Ninniach was trying to defend herself. I paid attention to what they were saying. One of them seemed to be complaining.

"...why we all had to leave just so North could talk to her! I thought the whole point of this was to figure out what she is as soon as possible."

Another of the Men shrugged. "Honestly, I'm glad to get away from her. With all the burns she gave us, how do we know she's not giving off radiation?"

A female voice interrupted. "That will do, gentlemen. It isn't your place to question Dr North's decisions, and I assure you, there is no danger of you recieving radiation poisoning from the girl. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Dr Brightman." The first speaker stated. He did not seem happy, and I heard him muttering under his breath. "You were arguing with North enough earlier."

I paid very little attention to his words however, as the meaning of what I had just heard sank in. Ninniach was in the direction these others had come from, she was unharmed and at present, there was only one other mortal with her! After the group of mortals, who had apparently been dismissed, had walked some distance away, I left my hiding place. I moved more quickly now, beginning to hope that this nightmare would soon be over.

After turning several more corners, I found myself in a room full of mortal equipment, with one glass wall. I peered through it anxiously. Ninniach was there, conscious but tied to a bed. A Man- Dr North, I presumed, was speaking avidly to her. Neither of them had noticed my entrance. Ninniach seemed afraid... I quickly examined the buttons on the device in front of me. One of them was labelled 'Audio'. I pressed it cautiously, hoping I would be able to hear North's words. What could have frightened Ninniach so badly? North's voice echoed back into the room where I stood. I decided to remain as silent as possible, as I did not want him to hear me...yet, anyway. I would reveal my presence when I was retrieving my sister. I focussed on North's words, and Ninniach's responses.

"They thought that they were so much better than me. But they failed."

I frowned. Who could North be talking about? His family? His competitors in his profession?

Ninniach asked the question for me. "Who?"

"You know who."

North chuckled softly, then leaned closer to Ninniach, murmuring something I could not make out. When he moved back, Ninniach's innocent face conveyed utter terror. I frowned, peering at North...were his eyes glowing red?

"Melkor,"

My eyes widened at Ninniach's whisper. I must have misheard her...that was not possible!

"Melkor? Few would call me by that name anymore. Morgoth was the name that I have carried since it was put on me by Feanor."

I almost collapsed. This could not be, there was no way, the Valar would never permit it, he could not have returned...and yet...the red eyes, the soft, persuasive voice...I remembered those.

I watched the scene with mounting horror, not comprehending how this was possible. His eyes remained locked upon Ninniach's and I felt sick with fear. I fought the urge to burst in there, seize Ninniach and run away as fast as possible. I had no idea what the Enemy was capable of at the moment, and I could not risk Ninniach that way. I swallowed the bile that had risen in my throat, and continued listening to Morgoth's words.

"Peter North was a rich, unscrupulous man when I found him. He cared more about his profits than he did about saving lives. He was the perfect vessel to use to felicitate my return."

Foolish mortal! I fought the urge to gasp. Even in this uninformed age, I could not believe that any child of Illuvatar would be idiotic enough to invite the Enemy to share his form. I continued listening, in truth unable to turn away. He stretched his hand towards Ninniach's face, stopping at the last moment.

"This mortal flesh will wither if it touches you. I must admit, that I did not expect this gift to come to me. You, one that once crowned me in glory."

My eyes widened as the gravity of the situation sank in. Morgoth was back, albeit confined to a mortal form, and he had one of the silmarils that he had always coveted, in his very grasp! I found myself glancing around, looking in vain for some form of help, even though I knew there was none to be found in the mortal world.

"You crowned yourself, and it was not with glory,"

Ninniach's words were gasped, and my heart clenched, thinking how frightened she must be, in her captor's hands once again.

His eyes roamed over her quickly. "You were fairer as a jewel, but you were always the least fair of the three. Weaker than the others. Still, you are fair to look upon. And now, knowing that I can use the Valar's own creation of light to destroy them... this is sweet vengeance indeed." I gritted my teeth, still listening to this, still unnoticed. I would die before I let him have his way!

"You will fail."

Ninniach sounded so sure of herself! Did she really understand who she spoke to?

Her words seemed to amuse him, as he laughed at her. He ran his hand through her hair, and I shuddered with revulsion. His hands- or North's hands, I supposed, now sported several angry blisters.

"The Valar have withdrawn themselves from Arda, preferring to seat themselves in their Blessed Realm, and they allowed the second-born to forget them. They don't care. Who is there to stand in my way? Maglor, the Kinslayer, whose actions have often served my purposes, even as he proclaimed his hatred of me? I think, perhaps, he could be useful to me. But I vowed to eradicate the house of Feanor, and so-"

The Enemy's voice, though still smooth, sounded venemous. I could not prevent myself from trembling slightly as I heard that he had not forgotten me. I ignored my fear. Whether I lived or died, Ninniach's safety was the priority now.

Ninniach cried out softly in protest- at his words? Did she truly think so much of me, that she would defy him?

"You care for him. I was confused that you would sacrifice yourself to spare him, but you truly care for him. After all he did, you have found it in yourself to forgive him?"

Morgoth's voice was becoming angrier, and my fear for Ninniach redoubled. I would prefer her to deny me, than risk provoking Morgoth's wrath! Almost numb with terror now, I forced myself to keep listening. He spoke again after seizing Ninniach by the throat.

"Is that why he did not burn at your touch? Why does he deserve to behold beauty and glory, tiny, insignificant being that he is, and yet I remain in exile?"

I almost laughed in my hysteria. Was he serious? He could honestly see no difference between himself, and me? He truly must have gone mad while within the Void...

Ninniach was choking, but still managed to respond. "Because- he- feels- guilty- you- revel- in- wickedness-"

He released her, and I breathed a silent sigh of relief, even as Ninniach struggled to breathe. "Mortal flesh cannot hold me long, but know this, Silmaril, I am returning, and when I am here, you will be mine again." I only hardened my resolve at his words- Ninniach would never be his again, if I could prevent it!

Morgoth suddenly seemed weary, leaning against one of the machines, and finally taking his eyes from Ninniach. I blinked several times as his stolen form seemed to lose some of its height. He shook his head, and his form began to tremble. I watched uneasily. What could he be planning? The next words spoken took me by surprise though.

"He wanted to speak with you, I see,"

His voice no longer sounded silky or persuasive, in fact, he sounded and looked exhausted! I realised that this had to be Dr North speaking now, not Morgoth. How could any mortal stand to let the Enemy control him like that? What sort of a man was North, to do something so vile? I breathed heavily, trying to calm the raging fear that coursed through me. North was struggling to reach the door to the room where I stood, and I prepared myself, moving to one side of the doorway and clenching my fists. He opened the door, thankfully appearing not to notice me.

"Dr Brightman! It's time to begin."

I did not waste my time speaking to him. I merely stepped in front of him, and planted my fist into his face with all the force I could muster, hoping against hope that knocking him out would not re-awaken his master. I dragged his limp form into the hallway, looking around frantically for some form of restraints. If Ninniach's return to Valinor had been important before, it was pivotal now, for the survival of every living being in Arda. The Valar had to be informed that the Great Enemy was moving against them once more.

To be continued...

AN: Speech in italic is speech heard by Maglor through speakers.