The titans came from the 1997 animated film "Hercules" and from Greek mythology.
Chapter Nineteen:
Mixed Signals
Meanwhile…
At Glamïre, in the housing court, Elijah and Ronnie were playing a race car video game. Elijah proved he was better at it than Ronnie, beating him easily. As the two started another round, the Frost Guardian Ilsa entered the suite.
"Elijah, Ronnie." When she didn't get a response, Ilsa tried again, "Elijah Molvaro. Ronnie Baggins – or do you prefer Ronnie Buckley."
"Whatever works. In a way, Elijah and me are a Baggins of some sort," said Ronnie.
"Yeah, but Frodo wasn't very fond of technology. Actually, he might still not be, but there's a hint that he's fascinated by it," said Elijah.
"Well, whoever you two are, I have a guest that just arrived. She wanted to see you," said Ilsa.
"We don't have time for guests. We're playing video games," complained Ronnie. Ilsa grabbed a pillow and slapped Ronnie in the head. Ronnie immediately reacted, "What was that for?"
"You should be more considerate of guests," said Ilsa.
"Look, you've already helped me and Elijah find out who were are. You shouldn't have to do anymore for us," said Ronnie.
"I shouldn't have to help nobodies at all, but you two are different," said Ilsa.
"That's because we're not a part of Organization XIII," said Elijah.
The scarred lioness entered the suite, "Hello all! I'm back!" She turned to Ilsa, "Say, why did you move us here?"
"It was Father Time's idea," said Ilsa. "Besides, I have to return to the Halls of Nature."
"We'll miss you," said Ronnie, waving a hand.
Ilsa murmured to the scarred lioness, "See what you can do about them, Katrina."
"Right," said Katrina. After Ilsa left the room, Katrina approached Elijah and Ronnie. She looked at the screen in interest, "What are you two doing?"
Ronnie told her, sarcastically, "Playing a game." He snipped, "It's none of your beeswax."
"Did you hear word from the other worlds?" asked Elijah, listening while playing.
"You mean after one of the talking animals' worlds was destroyed? The rest of the talking animals have scattered, gone in hiding. Narnia is completely gone, destroyed in the darkness," said Katrina. She ignored Ronnie, "The Wizardry World remains at peace, but I think we need to be wary of that hidden world. I don't trust wizards or witches, no matter how nice they are."
"What about Gandalf?" asked Elijah.
"Him I trust. You know he went to Sea with Bilbo Baggins and the other Ring-bearers," said Katrina.
"And Frodo and Sam remained. Sam, to take care of his children. Frodo to look after Aria," said Elijah.
"I missed her return," said Katrina.
"Wow, news travels fast… I just reached a new level!" said Ronnie in excitement.
"Is that game really important?" asked Katrina, giving Ronnie a glare.
"If it means keeping me busy from the troubles of life, then I'm doing all right," said Ronnie.
"What news about Maleficent and the villains?" asked Elijah.
"You're more considerate than Ronnie," said Katrina. She went on, "Some have said Maleficent's gone soft, but that could be a false trail. Sauron is still around, waiting for his master to return. When that happens…"
"We don't need to worry about that for a time," said Elijah.
"I don't know. Word has it this could be the final days before the major war spreads to all worlds, including Earth," said Katrina.
"Let's hope we're not caught in it," said Elijah.
"We may not have a choice." Katrina said last, "I'll leave you to it." She walked out of the suite, just as Elijah beat Ronnie again at the car racing video game.
o-o-o
Just as Elijah and Ronnie made their way to the council chamber, where many of the heroes and guardians staying at Glamïre were gathering, an earthquake rumbled across the land. The earthquake even reached the glen where Aria and the four hobbits were staying. Elijah dashed into the makeshift control room the talking animals set up.
"What happened?" asked Elijah, concerned.
"We're losing the signal," said a male black cat.
"We'll bring it back up," said a female white cat.
Katrina looked out the nearest open window. In the distance, Katrina could see a rock titan in the distance. The rock titan, Lythos, was massive and appeared to be tromping around, causing earthquakes to form. Lythos was standing next to ice titan Hydros, who was freezing everything in his path.
"I found it. There are titans wandering outside the Ketterwold Forest," said the white cat.
"Titans? That's the last thing we need," said Ronnie.
"Any sign of Cronos?" asked Elijah, concerned.
"We haven't seen any sighting of him," said a male brown cat.
Elijah figured in his head, "If the titans are wandering around, it'll only be a matter of time before Cronos shows up."
"Any idea if he'll show up when Morgoth does? That's two major villains we don't want to deal with," said the white cat.
"I don't know. I have a feeling Katrina's right: we're in the last days," said Elijah. He thought to himself, Frodo, I hope you're faring better than we are.
FRODO'S POV
"Was that an earthquake?" asked Sam, troubled.
Frodo watched from the tree he had been resting his hand against. "No, I think that was a giant, or something much larger." He returned to the others. "It's best that we head out while it's still daylight. We want to reach the Wall of Memory as soon as we can, get Aria's lost memories restored." He noticed Aria's concerned look. "What?"
"Frodo, Rhyme warned me of the Wall of Memory. She said I would lose my memories and all that I know of this life. If there was a chance I had another life, I wouldn't remember," Aria said.
"That's why we're going there. Warning or no, it's best we find out," said Frodo.
"Yes, but this could prove to be dangerous," said Aria.
"Aria may have a point, cousin," said Pippin. "Is it really worth the trip?"
"Look, we came all this way to get Aria's memories back. I'm not stopping now," said Frodo, standing up.
"Frodo, that's reckless," said Aria.
"You're one to talk," said Frodo. He told his cousins and Sam, "Come on. Let's collect as much water as we can into our water skins."
Sam approached Aria, as Frodo, Merry, and Pippin filled their water skins. "Are you all right, Miss Aria?" He told her, "I just want to thank you for finding me in time. I would have been lost for sure if you didn't come."
"Don't worry about it," said Aria.
"Will you be all right?" asked Sam.
"Yeah," said Aria.
Aria watched Sam leave her, heading back to Frodo. Not wanting to be useless, Aria grabbed her water skin and approached the pool of fresh water. Once they were ready, the hobbits and Aria grabbed their packs and moved out. Aria noticed she was nearing Merry and Pippin's height. Merry and Pippin also noticed, pointing it out to her firsthand.
o-o-o
As they walked, Frodo overheard Merry talk to Aria. For a time, Frodo thought the two were bonding, which was good in his opinion. In his eyes, it had been so long since Merry had been parted from his daughter.
"Soon you'll be our height, Aria. The three tallest hobbits in the Shire since Bullroarer Took," said Merry.
"We're technically not in the Shire, Merry," said Aria.
"I know. I was just making a statement," said Merry.
"So, do you know why Frodo keeps chasing me?" asked Aria, concerned.
"Ah, back to Frodo, eh?" asked Merry. "Well, if you ask my opinion, it's very common for gentlehobbits to chase after lasses they plan on courting or are already courting."
"Is courting the same as wooing?" asked Aria.
"Courting and wooing are one in the same. You've never experienced courting before?" asked Merry, surprised.
"Honestly, I didn't think I'd be a part of it," said Aria.
Frodo grinned happily at the thought.
"You are the first lass Frodo's fallen head over heels for… well, the first lass in so many years," said Merry.
"Really?" asked Aria, not sure if she wanted to hear this part. "Then how come he didn't court anyone?"
"There was one hobbit lass who fell for Frodo. She had high hopes in Buckland that Frodo would court her, but it didn't happen. No, Frodo's been alone for most of his life. After Bilbo adopted him, the lasses stopped coming," said Merry.
"He didn't court anyone?" asked Aria.
"Not too my knowledge. Folk called him odd for not grieving over his parents, and he kept getting odder when he lived with Bilbo. No, Frodo hasn't courted anyone, that is before you came into his life. You and he must share the same morals, since you're not with anyone. You aren't, are you?" asked Merry, concerned.
"There was someone, but that was when I was a child. That friendship didn't last, I'm afraid. I guess I ended up alone because I figured no one would take me. I mean, how could they? I've lost too many friends over the years, but I haven't really had any close friends. I guess I've been used to the loner's life," said Aria.
"That must be sad. I mean, how does a person live without their friends?" asked Merry.
"I do remember one saying that most friends will go away, but the closer ones stay." Aria said, saddened, "I've had a lot of friends leave, but I'm not used to having close friends… at least, not for a long time. And no, there weren't any boyfriends either."
"Maybe fortune will smile upon you yet," said Merry.
"Or luck," said Aria. "That's really all I need."
"We're here," said Frodo, stopping his companions. Checking the sky, which was nearing afternoon, he said, "We wait until first light. We can't get in there now."
"Why not?" asked Aria.
"Do you see those guards? We can't get in that way," said Sam.
"Not before dusk. We set up camp," said Frodo.
Aria looked at the hedge wall one last time before following the others. Dusk fell across the wilderness. The hobbits and Aria gathered enough firewood for that evening. Once the campfire was set, the five discussed what they were going to do the next morning. One by one, the hobbits fell asleep on the ground. Frodo, waking up a few hours later, looked at Aria, who was watching the campfire solemnly.
"Can't sleep?" Frodo whispered aloud.
"I can't sleep on the ground, no," said Aria. "Suddenly, Rhyme's house is more pleasing."
"You can sleep over here," said Frodo.
"Thanks, but I'll be fine," said Aria.
Frodo got up from the ground. He joined her in front of the campfire. "You're going to tire yourself. Not finding the will to sleep is bad."
"Don't bother yourself with me. I'm sure Sam would have something to say," said Aria. "He's better at taking care of you than I could be."
"You know, my wounds are healed," said Frodo. "I nearly thought I couldn't find a way to heal, or that any lass would come into my life due to my illness. Then Gandalf came and showed me this place with all these heroes…"
"I wrote that story, Frodo. You don't have to tell me how it goes," said Aria.
"Yes, but do you know what really happened? The truth behind it?" said Frodo.
"I guess that's one reason I'm getting my memories back, to remember what I missed," said Aria.
"I couldn't help overhearing you and Merry talking," said Frodo, admitting freely. "You're a loner, too?"
"I guess we have something in common," said Aria. She noticed, "You're not as forceful with your vows of love for me."
Stunned, Frodo said, "And you're not as immature as I thought you'd be." He kissed her on the forehead. "Come on. You should get some sleep."
"I thought I was keeping watch," said Aria.
"I can take over. You two need the sleep more than me," said Sam.
"Sam," said Frodo, being sympathetic.
"No, it's fine Mr. Frodo. I think Aria's watched long enough," said Sam. He turned to Aria and told her, "Go on. It's all right."
Once Aria and Frodo were situated on the ground, Frodo noticed Aria went to sleep a couple of minutes later. Frodo soon joined her, entering another vivid dream:
Frodo walked slowly, approaching an Orc camp by the minute. When he entered the campsite, there was a titan in the form of an elderly man. The titan wore black robes and appeared to be swallowing things up. From the bonfire, the elderly man, or as Frodo said, as if knowing the name, Cronos, appeared to be helping the Orcs unleash something from a chest. Another figure was also standing there. He appeared elvish looking yet his expression was grim. Frodo knew him to be Sauron.
"Time to bring back my old master." Sauron placed a hand on the chest. "Morgoth, rise."
Frodo awoke before he could see what else happened. The dream felt strange to him, yet somehow looked to be in the near future. He saw Aria was still asleep and, finding it was in the middle of night, he returned to sleep. The next dream he had was just as grim.