Disclaimers: See Episode V for more information.
So yes, Frodo has gone to the dark side and is now a new Dark Lord, for the premises of this story. Anyway, I did do my research, but found little to go on. With that said, let's see where this story goes. :)
The events in this chapter coincide with the episode "The Dark Swan", from Season 5 of the ABC television show "Once Upon a Time".
Chapter One:
Dark Frodo
Frodo's Parents' House, Buckland, Middle-earth – The Past, Three Years Before the Boating Accident
Frodo was nine years old when he met a mysterious man. Even though he is a hobbit, he imagined traveling to other places, going off on adventures like his cousin, Bilbo Baggins. His parents left him alone after lunch, but not without supervision. With his wooden toy sword, Frodo slashed and hacked at the air, pretending to fight orcs. However, he jumped back at the sight of a man with dark oily skin, short black hair, and wearing simple robes.
"Who are you?" Frodo asked, his voice going up an octave.
"Calm down, Frodo," the man said, kneeling before him. "I also know that some things are best left untouched."
"How do you know my name?" the hobbit boy asked, confused.
"I know many things." The robed man answered. He explained, "I know that one day, you will have the chance to carry a ring into the fires of Mount Doom. Rings are important in this land, especially by craftsman. But don't interfere with them, at all costs. It could mean life or death for you, should you interfere."
"Who are you talking to?" Drogo Baggins, Frodo's father, asked him. A hint of concern was revealed in his voice, something that his son didn't miss.
Frodo's head snapped his way. He released a gasp for a moment, before whirling back to the man. However, the man disappeared, leaving behind no trail. He looked around in confusion. Wondering who he was or whether he dreamed him up, Frodo returned to his play time. To his surprise, his father did nothing. He wasn't bothered by his father's actions, but… who was that man that just appeared before him?
On the Borders of Mab's Realm – Sometime in the Past
Two figures rode on horses towards Camelot. They were hooded and cloaked, wearing clothes that made them part of Camelot's court. However, the horses reared up upon reaching the border between Queen Mab's realm and that of Camelot. They had one chance to fleeing from Mab, but the woman underneath the cloak spotted a ripple in front of the road.
"Look! Tristan, she's blocked the entrance," the woman cried.
Removing his hood, he revealed himself as a man still in his youth, with auburn-brown hair and green eyes that were hard to miss. The woman unveiled her face, revealing silver in her blonde hair. The man was Tristan, a knight of King Arthur's court. With him was Isolde, a princess from a land across the sea. In their situation, the last person they wanted to meet a second time was Mab.
"Then we must find another way around." Tristan dismounted. He extended a hand to her, "Isolde." She took it, allowing him to help her off the horse. He stopped upon catching a glittering gold light on the grassy ground. "Wait." Leaning down, he picked up a small plain gold ring. The ring looked very beautiful… turning to Isolde, he placed it on her finger. "It is yours now."
"For our wedding." Isolde smiled at him.
"For our wedding," Tristan repeated, gazing into her eyes. He added, serious, "I promise, if we find the owner of this ring, we'll return it to them."
"Yes, we could do that. If no one claims it, then this ring will be a token of our love." She returned the gaze with a shy grin.
"That's a promise," he said, looking back at the ring. He was curious about its qualities, but… no. He had to find its owner. If only he knew who it belonged to, and how to get out of Mab's realm before Arthur discovered they was missing.
Downtown Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
Samwise Gamgee/Curtis Greenhow just stared at the small gold ring in front of him and his friends. Frodo's name was still etched on the ring. His best friend, his master, had been sucked into the dark, whip-like twister to who knew where. The ring, still laying in the middle of the street, was his only clue as to where Frodo might have fled to. It didn't help either that Emma had also vanished in a whirlwind of darkness, as Regina and the Charmings clearly argued over.
"Sam, what are you doing?" Merry/Donovan asked, but Sam/Curtis paid no heed. He picked up the gold ring and raised it in the air, giving a direct command to, he hoped, more than just air:
"Dark Lord, I command you to come back." Sam received no response. "Dark Lord, wherever you are… Frodo appear! Please?" There was still no answer. He turned to his friends, asking, "Why won't it work?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Regina asked him, after telling Hook nearly the same statement. "Frodo's not in this world. If you understood how Rings of Power works, then you'd be better off, Sam."
"Where could he have gone?" Sam understood it was in Frodo's nature to wander off on his own. But where he went… he needed answers and he already guessed who to ask.
Vault of the Dark Lord, Westeros – The Present
At first, Frodo/Asher was in the same darkness as Emma. Then, in a flash, she was gone. He was alone, lost to his thoughts. Memories, dark memories, penetrated through his thoughts, ripping through his soul and forcing him to fall into darkness' impenetrable grasp. Memories of being chased by Farmer Maggot and his dogs, watching his parents' accident and their funeral, times when he was alone in Brandy Hall, various bad points of his journey to Mount Doom… the bad memories coursed through his bloodstream, filling him up with a thirst for anger. The memory of Gollum biting off his finger, in order to get Sauron's ring was the final straw.
The darkness overtook him at last.
In a slow moment, he rose from the darkness of the vault. He took shape in a dark tar-like substance. He was a hobbit again… well, a hobbit in Big Folk form. Although he didn't see it, he could certainly feel thick, curly hair on his head and the tops of his feet. His ears were also back to their pointy shape. The tar substance tore off him, allowing him the chance to breathe in what felt like an age. He was reborn, wearing a thick grey dress shirt, brown breeches with a black belt strapped around his waist, and a hooded, black trench coat.
The second he exhaled, memories of the Ring seeped back into his thoughts. He remembered its corruption and its words, which whispered in his ear: about family, home, love, children. It was all coming back. He could have that, if he just… should he? Everything felt fuzzy. Did he have a cursed name in a town called Storybrooke? He remembered something… there was a whisper in the air. He slowly took off his hood, revealing his drenched brown hair.
"Where am I?" Frodo asked, his mind swirling with ideas. He was on a barren desert land with the hot sun on his face. He was in the Westeros realm. How did he get here?
"Welcome to the Vault of the Dark Lords, Frodo," the whispers surrounded Frodo. But the voice was loud and clear. He couldn't see Sauron, but he knew he was there. "No." The voice answered in the air. "I am in your thoughts, as all Dark Lords from all realms are inside your head. If you can hear us, it means you can see us; that is, if you will it. And we can grant you what you desire."
"And what's that?" Frodo asked aloud, taking in the landscape.
"A new family." Sauron's voice spoke clearly to the hobbit man. Frodo was intrigued. Having what he desired… in the back of his mind, the good part of him was crying out to stop, to break temptation. Yet why was the darkness so overwhelming?
"Where do I start?" he asked, confused and hoping the whispers would leave his thoughts.
"I'm so glad you asked." Somewhere in front of his vision, Frodo could see Sauron smiling. The previous Dark Lord continued his explanation, "In order to find her, first you need to dispose of someone before they take over the darkness."
"Who?" He didn't like where this was headed.
"Why don't you picture, clearly in your mind, a fountain of pure crystal water," Sauron's voice whispered in his ear. Frodo could see Sauron's darkened angelic form more clearly now as well.
Taking a breath, Frodo concentrated on a stone fountain… he blinked, feeling a strong pull in the air. Looking up, he discovered he was in front of a glen inside a forest. A fountain of clear, crystal water reflected in the afternoon sun. He made it to the fountain. The Fountain of Youth. And there was Bilbo, his uncle, appearing in his youth with, not white but brown hair. No. He was Bilbo Baggins.
"Uncle. Uncle Bilbo," Frodo spoke slowly. Bilbo looked up as he continued, "It's me. It's Frodo."
Mr. Gold's Pawnshop, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
By the time Sam/Curtis and his friends returned to Mr. Gold's office, they found the Apprentice no longer breathing. Gandalf/Michael De Witte was already standing next to the elderly man's body, beside Mother Superior/Blue Fairy. However, Sam was stopped by Hook/Killian Jones.
"Out of my way, hobbit." Hook was clearly not in the mood for conversation.
"What's your problem?" Sam asked him, confused.
"Listen, mate, in case you haven't noticed a man has died here. So, I suggest you stay out of my way."
"Easy." David/Prince Charming stood between Hook and Sam. The hobbit man nearly sighed in relief by Charming's next words to Hook, "He's only trying to help."
"Well, in case he's forgotten, his friend ended up caught in that impenetrable darkness," Hook shouted. Sam could tell he was talking about him.
"There was nothing I could do." Sam paused. "But if there's one thing I can do is to find Mr. Frodo and get that darkness out of him."
"Knowing your friend, he may or may not turn up in the same place as Emma," he said, calming down somewhat.
"Here! We have news about the Dark Lord's vault," Gandalf piped up.
"You mean the Dark One? Aren't they the same?" Hook asked, confused.
"In a manner of speaking."
"Great. Riddles. This is just what we need," he said, sarcastically.
"Hook, calm down," Regina told him.
"She's right. We need a plan to save Emma and Frodo." Merry admitted.
"Well, I have a plan to save Frodo, if the Fellowship will join me," Aragorn answered.
"You can tell us here," Merry answered.
"There's this clock…"
"Oh. Well, then I wish you luck," Hook said right away.
"That's a good idea, Aragorn, and I'm afraid this is where we must part ways. But the Fellowship I'd recommend following Aragorn and I to his and Arwen's house," Gandalf told them.
"Wait. So, did you find the information you sought?" Sam asked the wizard. Gandalf winked, bringing a warm smile to the hobbit man's face. "Right, then we'll join you. Merry, Pippin." He looked back at the others as they followed Gandalf, Aragorn and Arwen to Aragorn's house. He turned to Hook once, but the feeling was mutual. He understood that Hook had more important matters, which meant finding Emma before she did something terrible. Sam could only imagine what was happening with Frodo, but he guessed that he was suffering.
The Fountain of Youth, Mab's Realm – The Present
Bilbo stood up and walked towards Frodo. When he spoke, Frodo could tell his uncle was younger. He almost didn't recognize Bilbo, until he said, "Frodo, my lad. How did you find me?" Frodo, using his newfound powers, moved at a rapid pace towards the fountain. Without gazing up at his uncle, but knowing he was looking right at him, Frodo knew it was his turn to speak:
"What happened to you?" His voice was subtle.
"Where have I – Frodo, don't you remember our conversation before I left?" Bilbo asked, surprised.
Bilbo's House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Past
Before Frodo/Asher became the new Dark Lord, before Elsa's arrival in Storybrooke, he entered his uncle Bilbo Baggins/Bane Beutel's house. Although he had a feeling what Bilbo wanted, he wasn't sure if he was prepared for what was to come. When he entered the parlor, he found Sylvia, Bilbo's maid, packing her bags.
"What's going on?" Frodo asked, confused.
"Your uncle is taking a long vacation. He found one of the magic beans," Sylvia explained.
"Found it? Tiny the Giant gave it to me, before Regina stole them," Bilbo admitted, showing his nephew the white bean.
"Uncle, you don't have to do this." Frodo tried coaxing him out of his plan. "Uncle, stay in Storybrooke. You'll be taken care of. You have family here."
"Alas, Frodo, there are some quests that are more important, not to be ignored." Bilbo shook his head. "No. I must go seek Merlin, and find the Fountain of Youth. You'll understand someday."
"Uncle," he was worried about his uncle. Surely he did not need to take this trip.
"Stand back, Frodo." He added, "This house is yours. It's in the Beutel family when the curse struck, but now it belongs to the Bagginses. Take it. It's yours," he told him.
"Uncle, I would but…" Frodo asked him, "You're not leaving again, are you? I have my own place."
"Please Frodo. Take it," Bilbo repeated.
"I won't know what to do with it," he added.
"Do whatever you wish." With that final word, Bilbo threw the magic bean to the floor. He was propelled into the green tornado, which vanished under his feet. Frodo was left alone, and with Sylvia leaving Bilbo's house for her own, he hadn't a clue as to what he should do with the house.
The Fountain of Youth, Mab's Realm – The Present
"Uncle, that was weeks ago." Frodo craned his head towards his uncle. "Surely you know, things have changed."
"How have they?" Bilbo was perplexed. "You're still the same hobbit as you once were. What did you do with my house in Storybrooke?"
"None of that matters now."
"It doesn't? Frodo, this does not sound like the nephew I adopted."
"We're still called uncle and nephew." Frodo grunted softly. "Clearly I missed something."
"What has gotten into you? Maybe I can help you."
"First, tell me what happened to you. You said you went after Merlin. What happened next?" He asked, his voice smooth.
"Frodo, let's talk. You don't sound like yourself."
Frodo ran his fingers across the fountain's stone. The darkness was a lot stronger than he thought. He wasn't acting like himself, but… the darkness was too good. The whispers in his head were just as strong, calling out to him to enjoy the taste of darkness.
Aragorn and Arwen's House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
Sam rushed inside Aragorn and Arwen's house. To his surprise, Radagast was present, working on the final touches to the mysterious clock with the elvish designs. He was glad, at least, that the Fellowship was present. However, he didn't expect Rosie, Estella and Diamond to barge into the house at that hour.
"Rosie, it's late! Go home. Be with our children," Sam told her.
"Oh no," Pippin was annoyed.
"What are you three doing here? This quest is dangerous," Merry told the three hobbit women.
"And leave you two to go off on mischief by yourselves." Diamond was stunned. "Not a chance."
"Sam, our children will be all right. Éowyn is babysitting until we get back," Rosie explained.
"Rosie, it's too dangerous. Exploring a land that is unknown to us," Sam said, alarmed.
"I'm not abandoning you. We've come too far, and besides the Fellowship gets to have all the adventures, whereas we get none until now. I'm coming with you," she answered.
"Any last minute takers, before we start this clock?" Radagast asked. "No. Very well. If you will kindly close the front door, we can begin."
Closing the front door, Arwen returned to Aragorn's side. Nodding, Radagast turned the clock handle to Frodo's name. The second he released it, the clock jolted itself on the table. Floating in the air, the clock spun around and around, shooting green light on the floor. On cue, the whole house creaked, pulling out of its foundation and into the air. Merry watched the sky change from a bright green light to daylight. He and his friends had arrived in another realm, the house finally landing with a thud on the forest floor.
The Fountain of Youth, Mab's Realm – The Present
"Frodo, think about what you're doing." Bilbo explained. "I've seen the same look on your face that Thorin gave when he was obsessed with treasure."
"I don't need your advice," Frodo said, sharply.
"Maybe you do. There's something dark that happened to you. Let me help you…"
"NO!" Frodo shouted, his hand stretched out. To his surprise, Bilbo toppled over backwards to the ground. Releasing his grasp, he watched his hand shake violently. The dark magic inside him was growing stronger. Had all Dark Lords used dark magic?
"Frodo, stop!" It was Sam's voice, calling out to him. Frodo looked up as Sam and the Fellowship arrived just in time. However, he wondered if his gardener and friend had come at the wrong time…
"Sam, leave me alone. This is between me and Bilbo." The voices were growing stronger in his ears.
"Frodo, heed Sam's words. He speaks the truth," Merry insisted.
"Did Sam put you up to this?" Frodo spoke, his voice venomous.
"Frodo, this isn't you. This is the darkness speaking." Aragorn advanced on him, telling him calmly, "Don't give into the darkness. It'll consume you."
"My uncle needs to give me some answers," he told him, glaring at his uncle.
"This isn't the way," Merry told him, stopping when Aragorn shushed him. Frodo snapped his head at him, but was also stopped by Aragorn.
"This isn't the time…" Frodo was cut off by Gondor's king.
"Listen to your words. Sam came here to protect you, as do I," Aragorn answered. "Don't give into the darkness."
"Mr. Frodo, please. Think about what you are saying before you act," Sam informed his master and friend.
Frodo hesitated. His uncle was responsible for leaving, abandoning him to an empty house. If he had chosen a better house that didn't… oh, why bother! Breaking out the darkness, feeling a trace of goodness and light still in him, he returned his gaze to his uncle. Breathing a sigh of relief, he collapsed in Bilbo's embrace. They stayed that way for a few moments, until Sam got his attention. The gold ring was in his hands, with his name on it…
"Sam, I can't," Frodo pleaded.
"It's yours now," Sam told him.
"Sam, I…" Frodo's gaze fell over Aragorn's shoulders. There was Sauron in his angelic form, but it was filled with darkness. The gaze told the hobbit man that he wanted to give into the darkness. Frodo had to think of a better plan, "I need to be watched and," Frodo took the ring and passed it to Bilbo, "you and Sam should watch me."
Bilbo took the ring. "Are you sure about this?"
"You held onto Sauron's ring longer than me. It's only fair that you and Sam hold onto this ring. I need to learn to control my darkness, but the temptation is strong. And I can't do it alone," Frodo explained, standing up. "I need your help." He turned to the others. "All of you."
"Then we will help you, Frodo," Bilbo answered, placing the ring around his neck. "For safe keeping." Frodo said nothing. Returning his gaze to his friends, he followed them through the woods. He looked over his shoulder, seeing that Sauron was still watching him, following him.
x-x-x
Aragorn and Arwen's House, Mab's Realm – The Present
Aragorn's two-story house and porch were present in a little opening. Frodo hadn't expected the house to be still in one piece. Surely, his friends had a story to tell.
"You brought Aragorn's house. What else have you brought? Some food. A bed," Frodo was pleased. And yet the whispers told him that Dark Lords don't sleep. Surely, he could find a way to sleep…
"Well, that is the last time I travel by clock, but it won't be the last," Radagast said, careening down the porch steps.
"And we're not abandoning you, Frodo!" Rosie called, as she, Estella and Diamond fled out of the house, straight into Sam, Merry and Pippin's arms.
"You brought everyone," Frodo turned his gaze to Sam.
"Well, not everyone. Lady Éowyn's babysitting Frodo-lad and Elanor," Sam admitted, caressing Rosie.
"Well, you don't look like a Dark Lord," Merry said, delighted.
"Yeah. You're not deformed," Pippin spoke out of turn.
"Thanks Pippin." Frodo wasn't sure if this was a compliment or not, but… it was best not to dwell on the topic. The sound of hooves broke him out of his conversation with his friends. Taking a step in front of his companions, he was amazed to find a knight in royal armor with a lady wearing a cream-colored dress. "Who are you?"
"I am Tristan, a Knight of the Round Table at King Arthur's court," Tristan introduced himself.
"Where are we?" Sam asked him, confused.
"You're not in Camelot," Tristan answered.
"You're in Mab's realm and you're expected. I'm Isolde, Princess across the Sea," Isolde told them, introducing herself.
"Tristan and Isolde." Pippin was amazed. "Never expected that fairytale to come true."
"It's not a fairytale, Pippin," Frodo answered. He turned to Tristan and Isolde, asking them, "So, we're expected. I thought Mab didn't want to see me, given what I did all those years ago."
"You'll find much has changed since your last visit." Tristan told the group, "Come. The Queen of the Fairies will not delay a meeting with all of you."
x-x-x
Home of the Fairies, Mab's Realm, A Day's Ride from Camelot – The Present
The kingdom of Queen Mab and her king was found in a hidden valley. The fortress was covered by a large hedge, with a single opening leading into the forest homes of the elves. Frodo entered the valley first, knowing his friends and family were following him. In front of them were elven soldiers, just as tall as the elves he remembered living in Middle-earth. But these elves wore noble armor made of green, and they weren't afraid to show it. The hidden dwelling of the fairies was exactly how he pictured it would be. Now was his chance to meet Mab in person, make it clear to her that he meant her no harm, or so he hoped…
Aragorn and Arwen's House, Storybrooke, Maine – Six Weeks Later
A bright light surrounded the house. In a blast of light, the house returned to Storybrooke, in the same place where it was last. Sam awoke with a feeling of déjà vu. However, one thing was unclear: his memories. He stood up almost at the same time as his friends, his wife, the Fellowship and Bilbo who looked like he was a middle-aged hobbit man.
"What happened?" Sam asked, confused.
"No. We were walking into Mab's realm. Isn't that right, Pippin?" Merry asked, turning to the younger hobbit. Sam looked at him now.
"Yeah," Pippin said. "How much time has passed?"
"Six weeks," said a familiar voice from the open door. It belonged to Frodo, only his curly brown hair was sleeked back and tied with a black hairband. He wore all black clothes, shiny black boots and a black trench coat that was buttoned up, with its neck flap curved against his throat. His eyes were still blue but showed a bit of silver around the pupils.
"Frodo, what happened to you?" Sam asked. Frodo knew the question was repeated by Bilbo in the time that his best friend and the Fellowship forgot.
"What happened…" Frodo chuckled, sinisterly. He glided into the parlor, stepping in between those he knew. "Surely you knew what is going on. A new curse is cast, beset by Emma Swan. As for me, well…" he turned sharply to Aragorn, "there is a new Dark Lord here and no Ring-bearer." He faced the group with keen eyes, hissing to them. "As for you… it's time the gauntlet is thrown and I will be the one to do it."
"Not without that ring." Sam checked his pockets, but couldn't find it.
"Looking for this." Frodo showed him the gold ring, snug around his neck. The gold ring still had his name on it in flames. "No one is getting their hands on this ring. I'll guarantee that." He repeated. "There's a new Dark Lord here, and that's me. And you Sam. Well, you're about to get exactly what's coming to you." He vanished in a puff of dark smoke, letting his message sink into the Fellowship and those they brought with them. Sam looked at his companions, but hardly knew what to say.
"Now what do we do?" Radagast asked. He was just as stunned as they were. Sam had no words. His best friend… was a dark lord. What could they do to help him?
I'll admit I love the Arthurian tale of Tristan and Isolde. After seeing the film with the same name, starring James Franco… well, it's one of my favorite movies. And now I'm putting my own little spin on Tristan and Isolde's story, or more like a continuation. I know "Once Upon a Time" usually twists stories, so I figured give it a go. :) Anyway, Dark!Frodo certainly lives up to his name. It should be interesting to see what happens next. I hope everyone enjoyed reading this chapter. :)
