Chapter 10: The Breaking of the Fellowship
The next day, Boromir and Aragorn weren't on speaking terms. They would just cast glances at each other, or glares in Boromir's case, once in a while. When the captain of Gondor would look, sometimes he would stare at Frodo intently. These stares did not go unnoticed by Ahsoka. The longing in his eyes were the same as when she first met him officially in the Council of Elrond.
"He's being tempted again," Ahsoka warned.
"So is everyone else," Obi-Wan observed. "It seems that the closer we get to Mordor, the stronger the temptations grow."
"What about Rex?" Ahsoka asked, worried.
"He hasn't mentioned the Ring," Anakin answered. "I think that since he was…created, the Ring probably views him as not worth its time."
"We must keep an eye out," Obi-Wan advised. "I have this growing dread that something is about to happen."
The Jedi nodded in response.
"Oh, and Anakin," Obi-Wan added. "We will discuss what happened in Lothlórien and what Galadriel said later. I know you want to talk about it, but we have pressing
matters at the moment."
"Yes, Master," he replied.
"By the Force!" Ahsoka exclaimed, pointing up ahead. "Check that out!"
Up ahead were two gigantic statues that were easily as tall as the skyscrapers on Coruscant. The statues were kings, most likely Aragorn's ancestors, both of which had one of their arms outstretched.
"The Argonath," Aragorn explained in wonder. "Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin."
"Those statues scream narcissism," Anakin muttered softly.
"How long do you think it took to build them?" Rex asked.
"The ones who started building never saw it completed," Boromir answered sadly. "See how their arms are outstretched? That is a sign of defiance to the enemies of Gondor."
Everyone stared in amazement at the beautiful craftsmanship of the statues. From their feet to their helmets, every detail was made known. Obi-Wan doubted that the further they traveled, the beautiful sights would diminish, especially once they crossed into Mordor.
Up ahead was a gigantic waterfall that could easily send the Fellowship to their doom and end their quest real quick. Fortunately, there was land nearby for them to park their boats. Everyone piled out, thankful that they could stretch their cramped legs. The Sky Warriors wished that the Force could have brought along speeders
or starfighters to speed up the journey. Still, they would have missed out on all the sights.
Ahsoka, noticing Frodo's concern, approached him. "Hey, you okay?"
The Hobbit looked at her, confused. '"O-K?' Is that a word? It is only two letters."
Mentally, she sighed. "I was wondering if you were all right."
"I'm fine," he replied unconvincingly. "My mind is on other things."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
He shook his head. "Not really. It is something you wouldn't understand."
I doubt it. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here."
Frodo nodded, departing himself to his own thoughts.
"He's changing," she said.
"The burden of carrying that Ring is starting to weigh down on him," Anakin added. "I wouldn't be able to last five minutes with that thing."
"I'm going on patrol, Generals," Rex stated, putting on his helmet.
After he departed with his blasters and sword, the Fellowship set up camp. The Hobbits build a small fire so that the enemies won't be able to see it. Cooking time was extended, but that was a small price to pay. By now, the Jedi were wishing that they could have brought starfighters since this journey was taking forever. They
knew deep down that the longer they stayed on this planet, the longer the Clone Wars would progress.
"We cross the lake at nightfall," Aragorn announced. "Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North."
"Oh, yes?" Gimli asked. "Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks. And after that, it gets even better!" He said this with mock enthusiasm. "Festering, stinking marshland as far as the eye can see."
Aragorn's expression did not change. "That is our road. I suggest you rake some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf."
"Recover my-!?" Gimli was too insulted to go on. Legolas approached the Aragorn urgently. "We must leave now!"
"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness."
"It is not the eastern shore that worries me." He turned to face the forest, staring at it intently. "A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near. I can feel it."
"What do you think, Aragorn?" Obi-Wan asked. "Should we stay in this forest or take our chances and cross the river? I see positives and negatives to both arguments. If we stay in this forest, we won't run across those Orcs, but this looming darkness that is coming, we do not know what it is. It could be as simple as Orcs, or something far worse. If we cross the river, we escape that threat, but we would be too open for the patrols. We may be Jedi, but we can't cover everyone on the water."
Before he could answer, Merry asked, "Where's Frodo?"
The Fellowship looked around the camp and saw no sign of the Hobbit.
Anakin swore under his breath. "The most important member of this group leaves to sort things out in the middle of a forest, carrying the most evil weapon I have ever seen, and could be attacked any second."
Obi-Wan snorted at that ironic statement. "Oh, and I suppose you were always this careful?"
"Those aren't the only problems," Ahsoka interrupted grimly, holding up a shield. "Boromir's gone too."
Patrol was never the most glamorous job for a soldier, but it was a necessary one. Rex hadn't patrolled in a while, but he knew the drill: eyes open at times, be wary of all surroundings, and don't be stupid enough to engage the enemy head on unless you are looking for a death wish. Earlier, he saw Frodo wandering around the forest ("Fool!" he muttered) and stayed in proximity should anything happen to the Hobbit.
"None of us should wander alone," a voice he recognized as Boromir's said. "You, least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo?" There was an awkward pause.
Rex spotted Boromir and Frodo, the former carrying some firewood. He decided to stay out of view so he could see how this would play out.
"I know why you seek solitude," the Man stated. "You suffer. I see it day by day. You sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo. Other paths that we might take."
"I know what you might say," Frodo interrupted. "And it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart."
"Warning?" he asked. "Against what? We're all afraid, Frodo."
Frodo was backing up.
"But to let that fear drive us, to destroy what hope we have, don't you see that is madness?"
"There is no other way!" Frodo affirmed.
Boromir was getting angry. "I ask only for the strength to defend my people!" He tossed the firewood down. "If you would but lend me the Ring-."
Frodo backed up more. "No."
"Why do you recoil? I am no thief."
"You are not yourself."
His anger increased. "What chance do you think you have? They will find you. They will take the Ring. And you will beg for death before the end!"
Okay, that's enough. Rex thought, heading towards them, but situation was escalating quickly.
"You fool!" Boromir snarled as Frodo started running. "It is not yours, save by unhappy chance! It could have been mine!" He tackled the Hobbit to the ground. "It should be mine! GIVE IT TO ME!" He pinned Frodo down with one hand and reached for the Ring with the other.
"Get off him!" Rex yelled.
He grabbed Boromir and tossed him aside.
"Run, Frodo!" the clone demanded.
Out of fear, Frodo put on the Ring, disappearing from sight.
Rex groaned. "Don't put it on."
BAM! Boromir whacked Rex on the back of the hand with a piece of firewood. He kicked him aside as he searched around for Frodo.
"I see you mind," he sneered, going mad. "You will take the Ring to Sauron! You will betray us! You'll go to your death and the death of us all! CURSE YOU! CURSE YOU AND ALL THE HALFLINGS!"
Rex punched Boromir in the face, making him fall to the ground. The man, however, was not out. He kicked the clone back and drew out a knife. Rex grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm around. Boromir cried out in pain, losing his grip on the knife. He then felt the cold muzzle of Rex's blaster on the back of his head.
"Don't even move," Rex snarled. "That is, unless you want your brain to burn at the stake."
As if a fog was clearing up, Boromir's eyes withdrew the hatred and lust, bringing about shame and guilt.
"What have I done?" he whispered.
Rex relinquished his grip. "It was the Ring. The Ring drove you mad."
"How can you not feel its pull?" Boromir asked, brushing away his tears. "How can you not be tempted?"
"I am tempted," he corrected. "I was tempted the moment I saw the Ring. It called to me, promising me empty dreams and lies. As a clone, we are trained to banish all feelings and serve the Republic, but as the war went on, I developed feelings like joy, happiness, sadness, shame, guilt, even the temptations to leave the war. All the things that make someone human. The grip on me from the Ring was weak, but there was a grip nonetheless. I guess the reason that it didn't claim me was because I have no real use of it."
"Clone or not, you are a better man than me," Boromir admitted. "I tried to kill him and you in my weakness. You warned me, and I fell nonetheless."
Rex wished that there was more he could do for this Man, but there was known. He scanned the area for Frodo, not surprised at the lack of the Hobbit. If he's smart, he won't come back.
"This way!" Anakin exclaimed, sensing the Ring.
Aragorn followed him quickly through the forest, dodging several thorns in the process. They came upon a stone structure that used to be an outpost. Lying on the ground next to it was…
"Frodo," Aragorn said, approaching him.
The Hobbit turned around, clearly frightened. "It has taken Boromir."
"Where is the Ring?" he asked.
"Stay away!" Frodo yelled, seeking refuge the outpost.
"Frodo, we swore to protect you," Anakin protested.
"Can you protect me from yourself?" the Hobbit asked, holding out the Ring. "Would you destroy it?"
"You know I would!" Anakin answered, hurt by his fear of him. "I don't want that thing."
Then, the word, "yourself" sank in. Frodo was talking to Aragorn. He was even holding out the Ring for him.
Aragorn slowly approached him, feeling the pull of the Ring. Anakin wanted to intervene, but he knew that this was a test for Aragorn, but he kept his lightsaber handy just in case. Aragorn heard the Ring talking to him, promising him a great kingdom greater than any Man. It promised to make him invincible.
He knelt down in front of Frodo…and closed the hand that held the Ring.
"I would have gone with you to the end," he said sadly. "Into the very fires of Mordor."
"I know," Frodo replied. "Look after the others, especially Sam. He will not understand." He looked at Anakin. "I will never forget the kindness you four have shown me, Anakin."
The Jedi nodded. "I would go with you, but-."
He stopped, igniting his lightsaber.
"We've got company!" he exclaimed.
Aragorn pulled out his sword, urging Frodo to flee. The Hobbit did so, while the two Men faced their opponents.
They looked like Orcs on steroids, the creatures that stood before them. Bigger, muscular, and more armored than their previous counterparts. Helmets covered their faces, but they could make out a white handprint on their foreheads. These were the Uruk-hai, Saruman's army.
"Shall we?" Anakin asked.
The first Uruk charged, but a slice from Aragorn ended its life quickly. Anakin cut through their metal shields like butter to the Uruks' horror. Not even their swords were strong enough to withstand a lightsaber blade. Aragorn slashed many Uruks in his path while Anakin took care of the ones that were trying to chase Frodo. Anakin noticed some of them chasing Aragorn to the top of the outpost. He came from behind and used the Force to cave in part of the outpost, burying the Uruks. The two that managed to reach the top fell to Aragorn's blade. The plan worked, but Aragorn was trapped on top of the outpost.
"Find the Halfling!" one of the Uruks commanded. "Find the Halfling!"
The Uruks split up, one heading to the forest, the rest staying behind to take care of the two.
Aragorn jumped from the top of the outpost and landed on top of some Uruk-hai that were trying to kill Anakin, who beheaded the creatures that he landed on. An Uruk, trying his luck, attempted to stab Aragorn, but an arrow prevented him from doing that. Legolas had arrived with Gimli and Obi-Wan, who were ready to save their friends. Gimli tossed one of his axes into a nearby creature, while Obi-Wan Force Pushed one away.
"Make way for the Great Negotiator," Anakin announced, cutting an Uruk-hai in half. "His ever-failing negotiating will amaze you."
Obi-Wan snorted, beheading a couple of creatures. "You're hilarious."
"Aragorn, go!" Legolas yelled, shooting another one. "We'll hold them off."
He nodded quickly, running towards the forest that was now inhabited by the Uruks.
Legolas stabbed an Uruk with an arrow before shooting a second with the same arrow. Gimli was brutal with his axe that was giving the Grim Reaper a run for his money. However, these efforts failed to compare to that of the two Jedi. Back to back, Anakin and Obi-Wan killed Uruk after Uruk in quick succession. Within seven seconds, twenty, dismembered carcasses littered the ground. Anakin levitated the arrows that were in several bodies and impaled them in the necks of four others. Obi-Wan used the Force to bring down several trees, crushing Uruks as they fell.
Taking Legolas's bewilderment to their advantage, the Uruks got within sword distance of the Elf. However, he brought out to Elven knifes and slashed them before they could even land a blow. Gimli struck one in the gut with his ax, spilling his guts. The Jedi were disgusted by the painful death, but this was war after all. Aragorn returned to the battle, knocking a helmetless Uruk into the wall, knocking it out. Aragorn sliced his neck, making sure he would never get up again.
As the numbers of the Uruk-hai dwindled, Legolas fired six arrows in quick succession, each one killing an Uruk. He shot one final arrow at one that was pinning Aragorn to the wall.
Suddenly, a horn was sounded in the distance.
"The Horn of Gondor," Legolas said.
Boromir!
(A few minutes earlier)
Merry and Pippin were being chased by the Uruks in order to make sure that Frodo escaped. None of them were carrying crossbows or regular bows and arrows, giving the Hobbits the edge to get away faster. However, another group of Uruk-hai blocked their path, cornering the two. Before the creatures could attack, blue lasers penetrated the armor, killing the Uruk.
The Hobbits saw Rex, with his helmet on, and Boromir come to their aide.
Boromir kicked an Uruk where it hurts before beheading it swiftly. Not completely defenseless, Merry and Pippin stabbed the Uruks with their daggers. Quickly,
Boromir tossed Pippin's dagger in the neck of an approaching creature. Rex was handling the creatures blocking Merry and Pippin's path, downing each and every one of them easily. Unfortunately, the Uruks were vast in numbers and they continue to approach the four.
Boromir pulled out his horn and blew it quickly, trying to call for help.
Then, Ahsoka joined the battle, mutilating the Uruks with her lightsabers.
"Get them to safety!" Ahsoka yelled, cutting through two more. "We can handle this!"
"Let's go!" Boromir exclaimed, leading the Hobbits away from the battle.
No Uruk could pass through the two expert fighters without losing their lives. The constant lasers and lightsaber slashes were taking out the reinforcements in quick succession. To make matters worse, at least for the Uruk-hai, none of them were getting tired.
"I almost feel sorry for these guys," Ahsoka stated.
The moments those words left her mouth, a feeling of nausea, migraines and blindness struck her. She felt as if she lost all of her motor functions at the same time. Her lightsabers fell from her hands while she stumbled around like a drunk. Her head felt like a hammer was smashing into it. Then, a real hard object smashed into her skull, knocking her out.
Rex tried to rush to her, but an Uruk swatted him aside with such a force that he crashed down the hill.
"Take her away!" the head Uruk demanded. "Kill the white one."
A handful of Uruks ran down the hill, one of them carried Ahsoka and her weapons away while the second carried a concealed cage, and the rest pursued Boromir, Merry, and Pippin., who weren't that far way.
Rex, who lost his blasters in the fall, pulled out the sword that was given to him and attacked the creatures. While not a swordsman like his fellow comrades, he knew enough to put up a strong defense. Sometimes he would slash them apart, but mostly, he snapped their necks his free hand. The last Uruk punched him in the face, bringing him down, but Rex tossed his combat knife into his enemy's neck before passing out.
The captain of Gondor witnessed the approaching Uruks and resumed fighting. The Hobbits tossed several stones that knocked out several Uruks, but there were too many of them. Boromir, however, was determined to protect his small friends and refused to let any of the Uruks pass.
The head Uruk had enough of the meddlesome captain. He brought out his own bow and arrow and fired. The arrow hit the Man's shoulder directly above his heart. The Hobbits stopped firing, petrified by this scene. Boromir, dismissing the pain, cut down three more Uruks the dared to get close. Getting angrier, the Uruk fired another arrow, hitting his stomach. Boromir fell to his knees, exhausted and bleeding, but he would not stop. Another three Uruks were swiftly killed before a third arrow hit him below his heart. At long last, Boromir could fight no more.
Seeing this, Merry and Pippin ran at their assailants, only to be scooped up by the Uruk-hai and carried away from their fallen comrade. The Uruks fled the forest, getting what they came for. The head Uruk stayed behind, wanting to kill Boromir himself. He aimed the arrow at his head, daring him to beg. The captain of Gondor would not give him the satisfaction as he prepared for his death.
Miraculously, a familiar blue blade cut the Uruk-hai in half.
"Master Kenobi," Boromir gasped.
He, along with Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Anakin, and a wounded Rex approached him carefully.
Aragorn ran to his friend's aide since the others knew not how to heal properly.
"They took the little ones," he groaned.
"Hold still," Aragorn advised.
"Frodo? Where is Frodo?"
"I let Frodo go," he answered.
The shame returned to Boromir's face. "Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him."
Aragorn decided not to condemn him, but instead, gave him hope. "The Ring is beyond our reach now."
"Forgive me," he pleaded. "I did not see it. I have failed you all."
Obi-Wan knelt down beside him. "No, Boromir. You kept your honor by trying to protect Merry and Pippin. Rex told me you fought with the courage of a hundred men."
He tried to remove the arrow, but Boromir gripped his hand.
"Leave it!" he demanded. "It is over. The world of Men will fall, and all will come to darkness and my city to ruin." Blood was starting to seep out of his mouth.
"Not if we can help it!" Anakin proclaimed.
Aragorn nodded in agreement. "I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you, I will not let the White City fall…nor our people fail."
A small, yet a bleeding one, appeared on Boromir's face, renewed with hope. "Our people." With his remaining strength, he brought his fallen sword to his heart. "I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My king."
The Captain of Gondor, Boromir, son of Denethor, passed away.
"Be at peace," Aragorn whispered tearfully, "Son of Gondor."
Legolas, Gimli, and Obi-Wan bowed their heads in respect, taking a moment of silence to honor his passing. Anakin was desperately trying to keep his emotions in check. While he did not know Boromir as well as Gandalf, his death still struck his heart. He began to wonder who would be next before this journey was over.
"They will look for his coming at the White Tower," Aragorn said, "but he will not return."
Aragorn, carried his body to the shore with the others following closely behind him. Legolas was getting the arrows from the battle while Rex was explaining what happened to Ahsoka.
"So, there was a cage that made her like this?" Anakin asked urgently.
"Yes, General," he responded. "Whatever was inside made the Commander practically collapse. It was a startling sight that I have never seen from any Jedi."
Anakin clenched his teeth. "Ysalamiri, if I had to guess. That means, someone else is here, someone from our galaxy."
"The darkness that Galadriel mentioned," Obi-Wan added. "Whoever it is has done his or her research."
"What is Ysalamiri?" Legolas asked.
"Creatures that negate our ability to use the Force," Obi-Wan explained. "Since we are so connected to the Force, getting close to a creature will make us more helpless than a Man who has been drinking too much. It will not affect any of you, just us Jedi."
The remaining Fellowship became worried by this fact. If such a creature could down a Jedi, then whoever was here was not a force to be trifled with.
After removing the arrows, Aragorn placed Boromir in the boat along with his sword and shield. In this case, it was the best way to bury him. The current carried the body down the river before falling into the waterfall, never to be seen again.
"Hurry!" Legolas exclaimed. "Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore." He was about to go after them, but stopped when he noticed the others weren't going in. One look from Aragorn told him all he needed to know.
"You mean not to follow them."
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands," Aragorn said sadly.
"Then it has all been in vain," Gimli despaired. "The Fellowship has failed."
"No," Anakin replied suddenly. "We got Frodo this far. We did all we could do in helping Frodo. Any one of us could have fallen under the Ring's temptations if not Boromir."
"Then why didn't you or Master Kenobi go with them?" Gimli asked gruffly. "You two were immune to its pull."
"Because I feel that my place is here," Anakin answered. "I feel that I am needed for what is to come."
"I feel the same way," Obi-Wan added. "Whoever the mysterious person is would not be a foe that you can handle, for he or she is from our world."
"What about the others?" Legolas asked.
"We will not abandon Merry, Pippin, or Lady Ahsoka to torment and death!" Aragorn assured. "Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let's hunt some Orc!"
"YES!" Gimli yelled enthusiastically.
The seven warriors dashed into the forest, hoping to catch up with the Uruk-hai. They will rescue their friends no matter what. (AN: I know. Corny sendoff.)
The first Arc is done. Phew! Longest chapter yet. Hope you enjoyed it. Poor Boromir. Feel free to guess who the person is. He will be introduced in the next chapter for sure. I hope you all liked this chapter. Please review, critique, etcetera, VOTE! Only four people have taken the time to vote. Obi-Wan is winning.
I want to thank my 23 reviewers, my fourteen followers, the thirteen people who were gracious enough to favorite this story, the one community, and the 2,231 viewers. I never saw any of this coming. I am taking a short break for Thanksgiving, but I will come back. The journey is not over.
I would also like to give a shout out to Above the Winter Moonlight, Koryandrs, Dr. Manhattan, Logan GC, Jess Marylin, Springpanther, Anonymous, Phantom00, and Zanondalf1992 for reviewing my story and giving me help for many of the chapters.
Tune into the Two Towers Arc where the plot will thicken and things will start happening differently.