The idea about hearing unicorn's thoughts actually came from Bruce Coville's book series The Unicorn Chronicles.
Chapter Thirteen:
The Battle for Time
Sauron looked out from an overhanging. The two years were up, so now it meant the villains could strike at the worlds they chose. Sauron's mind, as well as those of the villains and villainesses, rested on one matter: get to the girl of the prophecy and stop her, while he searched for Frodo Baggins and killed him before the prophecy could come true. He was so close to the Halls of Nature. All that remained now was getting inside.
Maleficent joined him. Her demeanor hadn't changed. Although, with Darth Sidious no more, Maleficent had grown wary of whom she could trust. She turned to Sauron, voicing in the grimmest tone:
"We're ready to set out. Give us the word when," said Maleficent.
"Sneaking in will be difficult. They have guards watching every window, every crevice, every door," said Sauron. He cackled. "They're feeble attempts at keeping watch of every door is nonsense. Surely, there must be a way in that they haven't thought of."
"What about their caves? I doubt they search those," said Maleficent, sparking an idea.
Sauron understood. "Then we attack from there. Prepare to move out."
Maleficent nodded. She called to her goons and the villains, "You heard him! Move out! Find the entrance to the caves!"
The time was drawing near. He would find the Ring-bearer soon enough. Their meeting would take place once again. It was only a matter of when.
Merry and Melissa helped Malinda pack her supplies and food for the journey. Merry noticed Melissa's concerned gaze, yet he said nothing to her.
Melissa said to Malinda, "There we are. Everything's packed. Do you have the vial?"
Malinda pulled the vial out from her dress pocket. "Right here."
Melissa said, concerned, "You sure you can't stay? I could whip you up some noodles, hot chocolate, tea, warm milk, fried carrots…"
"You just want me to stay until the food pantry's cleared," said Malinda, chuckling.
"Does it show?" asked Melissa.
Malinda and Melissa embraced in a loving way. "I'm going to miss you."
"As I'm sure your brother, Periadoc, will," said Melissa. "He didn't come."
"It's best that Perry and Estella stay out of these affairs," said Merry. "We wouldn't want to trouble them in affairs such as these."
"But they will find out eventually," said Malinda.
Merry said, "I'll tell them where you are, Malinda. Your step-mother may panic, but at least they'll know you're safe."
Melissa was wary. "If safe means putting Malinda in danger…"
"Father Time found the right spot to bring Malinda, so she won't be around danger," said Merry.
"But who knows what I might run into once I'm down on the world," said Malinda.
Melissa asked, "Did Father Time tell you where he was sending you?"
"I believe the world was called Earth, or the future place that was Middle-earth. It's in another galaxy – another universe away," said Malinda. "I'm going alone in this."
"Are you sure we couldn't come with you?" asked Merry.
Malinda shook her head. "No. I'd rather do this alone. Besides, if I can handle one world, then who is to say I won't handle another? I guess you can call this my exile."
Just as Malinda embraced Melissa again and Merry following, an alarm sounded. Malinda grabbed her pack, closing it up, before following Merry and Melissa out of the suite. By the time they reached Frodo, Malinda saw they were heading towards the caves. Malinda knew then the villains had come.
"I have to leave now," said Malinda. "Aren't the ships out there?"
"It's risky," said Father Time. "But you'll have to take it."
"I'll go with you," said Frodo, taking Malinda by the hand.
Future came out with a loaded weapon. "We'll hold them off. You two go on."
"Come on, Malinda," said Frodo, leading the way.
"Frodo," said Merry, stopping Frodo in his tracks. "Good luck."
As soon as Frodo and Malinda were inside the Caves, Father Time and the hobbits searched the other rooms for the villains. The residents at the Halls of Nature prepared for battle, as they rushed to and fro to find good spots to attack head on. The alarm sounded in the Guardian Rooms, where the Nature Guardian was fending off an attack made by Zira. The villains swarmed in from a sewer vent. As the spiders came out, Sam attacked them with his sword, sending them into a flurry. He hoped Frodo and Malinda were faring better than he.
o-o-o
Pulling out the Phial, the gift he received from Galadriel, Frodo spoke words in elvish to make it light up. The Phial glowed a bright blue color, yet its light was strong enough to reveal the many winding roads and ledges of the dimmed-lit cavern. Frodo led Malinda onwards. The journey through the dark maze of stone pathways proved hazardous. The two hobbits remained silent as they concentrated on reaching the next tunnel. When they came to the tunnel they were looking for, Frodo slipped through the tunnel entrance first, before grabbing Malinda and leading her on.
Out from the tunnel, the two entered what appeared to be a large hall. Frodo backed Malinda into a wall. He put the Phial away, for the hall was lit by torches. As the villains lit the torches, they kept asking about "Frodo" and "the girl from the prophecy". One of the voices belonged to Sauron.
"How do we escape them?" asked Malinda, whispering.
"I've got a plan," whispered Frodo.
"You do? What?" asked Malinda.
"One of us has to be the decoy," said Frodo.
"Who?" asked Malinda, confused.
After some convincing, Malinda came out from her hiding spot. She called to the villains, sending them in a disarray. As the villains blocked Malinda against a wall, Frodo ran towards a metal wheel and turned it. The steam vents unleashed, leading a massive fog to enter the hall. Upon finding Malinda, Frodo pulled her away from the wall, leading her up to the second stair. They ended up lucky until one of the scarred lionesses found them. Frodo pulled out his sword and jabbed at the scarred lioness, but the scarred lioness slashed at Malinda, hitting her across the chest. The scarred lioness then took off. Frodo held Malinda in his arms, as he checked the wound. He found there were five long gashes across her chest and ribs.
"You go on, Frodo. I don't think I can last," said Malinda.
"We can't stop now," said Frodo, choking back tears.
Out from the shadows came a unicorn. The unicorn told Frodo her name was Summer. He asked for her help willingly, which she agreed to. Summer dipped her horn down to Malinda's left hand, digging the tip of her horn into Malinda's lower palm. The sensation lasted for a good moment, but when it was over Malinda could hear Summer's thoughts. Summer then gestured for Frodo to put Malinda on her back. Frodo followed in suit, before Summer flew down the corridors in search of safety.
o-o-o
The battle lasted for a good few hours. Eventually, the villains called a retreat, sending them back into the Caves. Some of the tall people followed the villains, slaying them as they ran. Although Sam was relieved, he wondered the fate of his master and Merry's daughter. Sam returned to Nash and Pippin, who looked just as grave.
"Have we heard no word?" asked Sam.
"None Sam," said Pippin.
"If they were in any other world, we would have been told," said Nash. "They're not."
"Maybe they made it out all right," said Melissa.
"Or it could be a trap," said Merry.
"It's not a trap," said Ilsa, the Frost Guardian. "Although, I do have a bad feeling. The villains must still be here."
"I should have gone with my master. Mr. Frodo needs me," said Sam.
"Sam, he can figure this out on his own," said Merry. "He doesn't always need you."
"But you know how Mr. Frodo is. He'll run into danger without realizing what he's gotten himself into. He can't do this by himself. He needs his friends. He needs to be safe," said Sam.
"And he will, dear Sam," said Ilsa.
"Miss Ilsa, I don't mean to sound brash, but you don't know what he's capable of," said Sam.
"But do you?" asked Ilsa.
"I know him better than Miss Malinda, and that's a fact," said Sam. "He needs his Sam."
"Well, whatever happens now, if Frodo and Malinda don't make it out…" Melissa cut herself off. Tears shed down her face. "No, I couldn't imagine."
"Look who has a heart," said Nash.
"I only hope they're all right," said Merry.
"They're fine. Summer the Unicorn is with them," said Father Time. "She is fine and so is Malinda. Summer is currently healing her."
"I told you this was a bad idea," said Melissa.
"Can Malinda make it out safely?" asked Merry.
"I am not one to determine the future, and Future won't talk," said Father Time.
"Oh," said Merry, downhearted. He hoped for the best, but he wondered if it was too late.
Malinda awoke hours later. She looked wearily and saw Summer sleeping. She was about to sit up when Frodo stopped her.
"Slowly, Malinda," said Frodo. "You need your rest."
"Where are we?" asked Malinda.
"We're inside a cave, hidden away from prying eyes. Summer did her best to shield this place. She also did a fine job healing your wounds," said Frodo.
"No wonder I feel so tired," said Malinda.
"Well, get some sleep. I don't know how long we can hold out here," said Frodo.
Malinda did as she was told. Soon, sleep filled her mind, eventually allowing her to drift off: The room was dark and spacious. She didn't know where she was, only knowing there was a looming darkness surrounding her. A voice could be heard, which sounded very much like Frodo, but she didn't know if it was truly him.
"Who are you?" asked the voice.
"I'm Malinda," said Malinda in introduction.
"What are you doing here?" asked the voice. The figure refused to come out of the shadows.
"I don't know. Why are you here?" asked Malinda.
"I'm looking for someone. Someone I love," said the voice.
"Frodo, is that you?" asked Malinda.
"You," said the voice. The figure came out into the moonlight. He looked very much like Frodo with the white dress shirt, brown suspenders, and brown breeches. His feet were hairy and he wore no shoes. Malinda figured this must be Frodo. "You found me."
"We found each other," said Malinda. Her gaze fell towards an open doorway. She followed the voices outside, where she came into and white covered hallway. Frodo could be heard calling out to her, before the door slammed in his face. Malinda continued on her way through the hallway, unsure where she was. All she knew was she had to get her mother out of the hallway and onto freedom…
Malinda awoke in a state of confusion. What did the dream mean, and how come she left Frodo in the darkened room? From where she lay, Malinda saw Frodo keeping watch. Summer was just awakening, fully recovered from her healing Malinda. The unicorn stood up, walking over to the cave's entrance with a worried glance. Malinda sat up, only to meet Frodo's gaze. He looked as though he hadn't slept a wink.
"You should get some sleep," said Malinda.
"I'll be fine. It's you I'm concerned about," said Frodo.
"Frodo," said Malinda, serious. "I'll keep watch."
"No, I can do it. I'm well rested. You two need your sleep," said Summer.
"I've had my fill," said Malinda. She caught Summer's gaze. "Maybe a couple more hours would be fine." As she laid down to sleep, she noticed a blanket covering her. She looked up to see Frodo, moments before he lay next to her. "You're too close."
Frodo murmured in her ear. "For what it's worth, I'd rather be with you than anyone else."
"Why me? After that episode I pulled a couple of years ago, you deserve someone better," said Malinda.
"Who? I don't see anyone else. I haven't for years, because there isn't anyone else," said Frodo, admitting truthfully.
"How can you be sure?" asked Malinda, as sleep started to come over her.
Frodo kissed her on the cheek. "I know in my heart I found the right lass. I won't lose you again after this. I'll find a way back to you. I promise. You won't be alone."
"That's nice to hear," said Malinda.
Frodo chuckled under his breath as Malinda drifted off to sleep. Resting his arms around Malinda, Frodo soon joined her in sleep. Summer looked at the two with a serene feeling. Somehow, she knew love was in the air, but could see something more between the two. She already knew Frodo had a strong friendship with Sam. So, was it possible for him to also have a strong relationship? She had a feeling the answer was right in front of her, as she returned to keeping watch of the surroundings.
Inside the Halls of Nature, Father Time ordered battalions of guards to search the Caves for the villains. They had won the battle, but the work was not done. Sam became ever concerned for his master, and Merry noticed.
"They'll be fine, Sam," said Merry.
"I'm not so sure," said Sam. "I can't find rest until I know Mr. Frodo has returned."
"Then we must wait," said Merry.
"Merry, I think you need to see this," said Pippin.
Sam continued to stare at the Caves, until he asked to join the guards. Father Time rejected this idea, reminding Sam that they needed to hear word from the unicorn that came first, before finding out anything. Sam was baffled, but he obeyed the command. This only made him more worried. He hoped that Frodo was all right, but also for Malinda. Somehow, he knew Miss Malinda was right for Mr. Frodo. He realized that only too late.
Frodo awoke minutes before Malinda. Standing up, Frodo approached Summer, who looked like she was nodding off. Frodo patted Summer across the shoulders, alerting the unicorn at once.
"Get some sleep," said Frodo.
Summer shook her head. "I can't sleep. Not until it's safe to move out."
"You'll slow us down," said Frodo. "I can take the watch from here."
Summer looked back, just as Malinda awoke. "Your girlfriend's awake."
"What?" asked Frodo.
Summer chuckled, "It's a modern expression for a boy having a lover in a girl."
"Oh," said Frodo.
Malinda asked, whispering, "When can we move out?"
Summer stopped them. "Wait… now." She charged out of the cave. She stopped and looked back at Frodo and Malinda, who wondered which way to go. "Come on."
"I know the way back," said Frodo.
"We're supposed to go back to Father Time," said Summer.
"Not Malinda," said Frodo. He turned to Malinda, then back to Summer. "Listen, I'll take Malinda to the ships. You go back to Father Time if you want."
"No, I'm coming with you," said Summer. Upon hearing voices, Summer told the two hobbits, "I know the way. It's this way. Hurry."
Frodo reluctantly followed the unicorn through the tunnels. He dragged Malinda with him. Eventually, after what felt like several minutes, Frodo, Malinda, and Summer reached the first hangar of the Caves. Already, there was water rising. Frodo reached one of the small metallic wheels and turned it. The water lowered when he did this, but the foggy steam remained. Frodo led Malinda towards one of the landing pads. They stopped when they saw Summer wasn't following.
"You're not coming?" asked Frodo.
"Summer," said Malinda.
"I have business to attend to back at my home world. You two go on," said Summer.
"I'm going to miss you," said Frodo. "Thank you for your help."
Summer nodded. She then took a white portal out of the hangar. Frodo followed Malinda on to the landing pad. As a strange starship arrived and landed, Malinda pulled out the vial filled with the forgetful potion.
"You'd better go," said Malinda.
"No. Not until I see you off," said Frodo.
Malinda glanced up at him. "We will see each other again."
"We will. I promise. I will find a way back to you, Maia," said Frodo.
"I might go by a different name when we meet again," said Malinda.
"Then I'll learn that new name you're given," said Frodo.
Frodo embraced Malinda and kissed her on the lips. Once he released Malinda, Frodo backed away. Malinda looked at the vial and uncorked it. The last she did was drink the liquid in the vial. As she did, her mind felt erased of everything, including what she wanted to make sure not to tell the villains. So far, the plan worked but with a steep price.
End of Part 1