Disclaimers: See Episode V for more information.
The events in this chapter coincide with the rest of the episode "Dreamcatcher", from Season 5 of the ABC television show "Once Upon a Time".
Chapter Six:
Wood Carvings
Fairy Village, the Fairy Realm – The Past, Weeks Ago
Tulien met Frodo and his friends outside the fairy castle. There was much to discuss, but after what happened with Mab, it only seemed fair that he brought them up to speed with the situation.
"After Mab placed this village and this realm under the curse, my mother vanished. They say one day she will return to the fairy realm, when all is put right," Tulien said, finishing his explanation.
"Any luck with Mab. I was hoping she'd help free me from the darkness," Frodo admitted.
"If you're looking for help from Mab, you won't find it. Mab has been obsessed with crafting Wisp, like her life depends on it. Yes, she may give warnings from the outside, but I wouldn't trust her. The only way you'll free yourself of the darkness is if you face it, by confronting the first dark lord and getting the ember out from her," he told him.
"Great. And where do I go to find her?" Frodo asked, a little nervous about the venture.
"There's a sacred tree, which was once a forge. I will show you this tree, but you are on your own afterwards," he said.
"That's fine. I'd just like to get the darkness out of me first," he replied.
"Well, maybe you are braver than I thought. I'll let you see Mab, but after that your wizard friends will have to restore her memories, to a time in which she wasn't so evil. The Morgana I know is still inside her," he declared.
"Then I'm sure Gandalf and Radagast can assist you. Thank you," he said, politely.
"Let me know when you want to ask Mab questions," Tulien walked away, back to the castle.
Frodo waited until Bilbo was next to him before facing him. He heeded his uncle's warning, as Bilbo spoke to him, "Frodo, are you sure about this? Trusting Mab. Why don't we use the ring against her? It'll be perfect."
"Uncle, showing Mab mercy is the least we can do," Frodo replied, calmly.
"Frodo, you have Mab's ring and I cannot give you yours, not yet. You're not ready," Bilbo told him. At that, Frodo looked over Bilbo's shoulder. The vision of Sauron appeared before him. The vision wanted him to take his ring.
"I'll only be ready when I know my heart is free," he said to his uncle. "That's the only way I'll truly be safe. Uncle, rings are not meant to be used for power. You should know that. You gave up the power."
"That doesn't mean I've changed," he admitted. Frodo sighed. He hoped his uncle had sought reason, after the One Ring was destroyed. But what Bilbo said… no, he wouldn't dwell on it. Surely his uncle was better than this.
Storybrooke, Maine – The Present, Weeks Later
The four hobbit men entered the Sheriff's station, only to find the Charmings, Robin Hood, Regina, Henry and Hook already present. Apparently something had happened to the man the Charmings imprisoned. Merry/Donovan just realized Arthur was standing in the Sheriff's station, but Tristan and Isolde weren't present.
"Oh, you're here," Merry said aloud.
"You were expecting someone else?" Arthur smiled at him.
"I like to keep tabs on everyone I can find and know. But I would remember you if my friends and I weren't in another location," he announced.
"And where were you in Camelot?" he asked, curious.
"Not telling you," he said, flat out.
"Well, that is a lot of long words for a noble hobbit." Arthur smiled again.
"What happened here?" Bilbo asked, turning to the Charmings. Merry was also curious, but wasn't surprised if his friends were interested, too.
"That is an excellent question," David/Prince Charming said.
"We know as much as you do what happened," Mary Margaret/Snow White admitted.
"Right. That's helpful." Bilbo's gaze fell on Henry, who was texting. Merry smirked. Apparently, the boy was up to something.
At the mention of a dance, and Henry's "girlfriend", all the hobbit men became excited. They hadn't seen a dance in Storybrooke. Thanks to Mary Margaret's suggestion, it was clear they were having a carnival. Good news for Merry, Pippin and Sam to bring their women along for the evening. Now where… the group was outside when Belle stopped them. The rose under the glass was glowing dust like mad.
"It's Rumple and Sauron. They're missing," Belle told them, frantic with worry.
"Frodo," Merry and Bilbo said at the same time.
"It's clear. Frodo has taken Sauron." Bilbo huffed. "I knew my nephew was up to something, but this… this has gone too far." He told the group, "We need to find them before Frodo and Emma come up with a more sinister plan."
x-x-x
Baggins House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
In the basement, Frodo/Dark Frodo readied his potion vials. The vials were spread out on a table in front of the basin. The ring with the plain gold band was still trapped on the centermost part of the stone basin. As for Mairon, he was still shackled against the wall.
"This is pointless. Why don't you just set me free?" Mairon asked, confused.
"Because I need you. If there's one way to turn a person into a hero, something needs to click," Dark Frodo said, minding his work.
"What are you doing? You're going to use dark magic, aren't you?" he asked further.
Dark Frodo looked up at him then and there. A trace of seriousness was in his eyes. "Mairon, you would know if I used dark magic. There is more than one way to look inside a person's head. And I need you to get me that ring."
"You can't make me a hero overnight," he told him, worried.
"No, I can't. Which is why I have found a cave for you to practice in." In one wave, Dark Frodo sent Mairon into a puff of grey smoke, right where he had sent the Maia in Storybrooke.
Alone, he wandered out of the house and into a shed. All his wood carving creations were nestled everywhere, in many wood racks and on ceilings. His attention fell on two bears. Taking the big bear and cub, he examined them for a moment. Tears fell down his face, remembering something the Fellowship and Mindy no longer had memories of. It was torture, but this was how it was supposed to be, until Emma decided it was time for his friends and family to restore their memories.
Mab's Cell, Fairy Castle, the Fairy Realm – The Past, Weeks Ago
Frodo waited until the cell door was opened before he and Bilbo entered Mab's cell. Mab was sitting in a corner, her wrists chained to the wall. She looked like a complete mess, what with her hair all over the place and her gown in tatters. Just like a prisoner's appearance. Behind Frodo came Tulien. The hobbit man was certain he had a few things to say to Mab as well.
"Mab, this hobbit here wants to speak to you," Tulien said.
"I have no words for Frodo Baggins, who dares come inside my prison to ask me questions." Mab's words were venomous.
"We don't have time for this. Do you know a way to rid me of this darkness, or don't you?" Frodo asked, serious.
"I do, but you'll never see it. No one has come face-to-face with that fairy for ages, according to your timeline," she said, cryptic.
"Who is this fairy?" he asked, curious. "What's her name?"
"No fairy here speaks it. Although it wouldn't do you any good." Mab told him, "You'll find the fairy by the sacred tree. That's all I'm giving you for information."
"Thank you." Frodo rushed outside Mab's cell, before the woman could ask him questions. He waited until his friends were outside and the cell door closed before speaking to Bilbo and Tulien, "The sacred tree. That's where you said we need to go."
"That's where my mother said she was meeting us," Tulien admitted.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go…"
"Frodo, before we go, you need to ask yourself: are you truly ready to free your heart of the darkness? It's a simple question, but one that must be asked," the elf man said.
Frodo heaved a sigh. Was he ready to leave all the darkness behind? And what would Mindy say once she learned he was light again? These were questions he needed to ask himself. But then he wasn't sure what his friends and family would say or do, once they found out he was himself again, good again.
Storybrooke, Maine – The Present, Weeks Later
Tristan whittled a stick with his knife. There was nothing else he could do with his time, except sulk over the mistake he made. Mab's potion was indeed gone, but the memories remained. He betrayed his uncle and took Isolde away. Maybe once he explained himself to King Mark, if he was in Storybrooke, then things would be all right.
Only there was one thing he had to do tonight, at the carnival, return Isolde to him. Tristan only hoped the consequences wouldn't be too dire. Maybe tonight he would find someone who wasn't already married. Yes, that might be a better idea…
"Tristan, I've been thinking a lot over Mab's potion…" Isolde sat down beside him.
"Isolde, you're not suggesting…"
"I think it's time we find King Mark. I return with him. I'm sorry," she apologized.
"That's all right. I agree. Tonight, we'll do just that," he agreed. She smiled at him, but he knew this smile: it was one of understanding. What they did was wrong. He just hoped the king wasn't too ashamed by what they did.
x-x-x
Frodo/Dark Frodo stepped outside his house. He stopped mid-step upon seeing Sam/Curtis. What was he doing here?
"Sam, you know you can't barge in here uncalled for," Frodo told him, deliberately.
"Mr. Frodo, do you remember when I eavesdropped in on yours and Gandalf's conversation?" Sam asked. There was nervousness in his voice.
"Of course. How could I forget?" Frodo smiled at him. It wasn't a look of disdain either, but genuine friendship. "You accompanied me on my quest. Sam, this is not your fault."
"What? You told me that it was! You blamed me for what happened to you!" Sam shouted, not understanding.
"I tricked you. Yes, and I apologize for it. The truth is you're not the one to blame for any of this. I'm sorry I lied to you," he said, making his apology clear.
"I need your help, Mr. Frodo, with an issue Rosie and I have been having. Can you help us?" he asked, serious. Frodo nodded, glad to be helping his friend out with something.
x-x-x
Mairon reappeared before a very tall entrance inside a cave. The hollow was bleak and dark. He looked around him. Should he take the paths out? He took a step, watching the paths change before him. He was trapped and only with a cave as his guide.
"Are you suggesting I step up and be a hero?" Mairon/Magnus Beecher asked the air. "You've got me all wrong, wizard. A hobbit wizard you are." Inhaling and exhaling for a while, he took several steps forward. He could already feel the air around him starting to turn cold. It was like he was trapped in the Void…
x-x-x
It was a clear day at the Baggins House. Leading Sam over his car, Frodo explained, "Whatever your problem is, Sam, with Rosie. I hope there's a way to resolve it. I mean, Rosie can't have gone out of her way to…"
"Mr. Frodo, there wasn't a rift when we left Storybrooke for the Fairy Realm, was there?" Sam asked.
"I don't think so." Frodo smiled again as they stepped inside his car. He waited for Sam to follow before buckling himself in. "Sam, as far as I know, none of this is your fault. It may seem like it, but as a Dark Lord, you have to understand their nature."
"Mr. Frodo, I wish you were you again, and that there was a way to get the darkness out of you," Sam pleaded.
"Yeah, well we can't have everything we want." Frodo started the car, allowing it to hum before driving off down the cement road.
Fairy Village, the Fairy Realm – The Past, Weeks Ago
Frodo reunited with Mindy over by the well. She was picking up a bucket, filled with water, when he showed up. She nearly dropped the bucket. Fortunately, Frodo stopped the bucket from toppling over.
"Thank you," Mindy said, smiling at him.
"You're welcome." Frodo told her, politely, "Mindy, I'm going to be good again. I want to be me. This darkness… it's eating me alive."
"You seemed so confident. But I like to know all sides of your personality," she admitted. "I know that sounds wrong, but it's the truth."
"It's not wrong. But this side of me has been wrong towards you. I know we need to get to know each other. What don't I know about you? And I know there's a lot you haven't said about yourself," he asked.
"I'm a writer. Not like what Merry told me. I'm more of a fanfiction writer, struggling with original writing," she answered. "And yes, I'm your fan, if you were wondering. I don't know if I should bring up the books…"
"The Lord of the Rings. I know of them," he said.
"You've read them? Did you see the movies, too?" she asked, confused.
"I said I know them. Of course the quest was a long time ago. Things have changed, events have happened. There's been too much that has occurred. And now I'm the Dark Lord, all because I came to Storybrooke." He looked at her. He asked, curious, "How many fans have written about me as a Dark Lord?"
"Not many. A few fanfiction authors have written about you being a dark lord of some sort. Those are creepier stories. I've even tried my hand at a dark lord version of yourself, or some evil version of yourself," she admitted. "You do get into it, though." She returned her gaze to him, telling him, "I just hope you get this resolved soon. I'd love to see the good part of you."
"I will. Don't you worry." He kissed her forehead, before departing to the fairy's castle. He felt good inside. Maybe he could defeat this darkness and be himself again.
Baggins House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present, Weeks Later
Gandalf/Michael De Witte approached Frodo's house with caution. With him were Bilbo/Bane, Radagast/Roland Bateman, Aragorn/Hadrian Basile and Arwen/Teresa Shriver. They were determined to get inside Frodo's house and see what he was hiding, especially after Sam/Curtis' text to the wizard.
"It's time. Sam's got Frodo and they're heading to his house to see Rosie. We've got twenty minutes, at least," Gandalf announced, checking his text message from Sam.
"Let's get this over with. The sooner we find out Frodo's plan, the better," Bilbo murmured softly.
On the porch, Gandalf tried the door. His hand was blasted back by a ripple of light, which also rippled around the door. He knew the spell, but saying it made things more difficult.
"It's a protection spell. Frodo doesn't want me to go inside," he admitted.
"He wouldn't let me in either," Bilbo added.
"I doubt he would just let anyone inside his house, Bilbo," Aragorn told him.
"Well, what about Sam? He let Sam in. Do you have anything of his?" Arwen asked. Gandalf knew what she was talking about, using magic to make Sam's leather glove appear in his hand.
"Now I do." The wizard tried the door, after putting Sam's glove on slightly. The door worked. He said in relief, "Thank you Samwise." Quietly, he slipped inside Frodo's house, with his friends following after him. "Now, let's find out what's in that cellar."
Fairy Castle, the Fairy Realm – The Past, Weeks Ago
Frodo glided across the courtyard. Mindy was right about him. He was more confident than when he was his good old self. Maybe that confidence came from being the Dark Lord. Ignoring these thoughts, he continued walking across the courtyard, determined to find Tulien. He found him talking to the elf selling cabbages. Approaching the elven king, Frodo asked him:
"Tulien, can we talk?"
"Frodo, it's good to see you. Are you ready to begin?" Tulien asked.
"I am. What do I need to do to prepare myself for this journey?" he asked in return, curious.
The elf king smiled. "I'm glad you asked. Let's begin."
Storybrooke, Maine – The Present, Weeks Later
"Is this your idea of fun and games?" Marion shouted to the darkness. He thought he was talking to Frodo. "Because when I return, we're going to have a very long talk! I…" He stopped.
Something was moving in the darkness. What was it? There were strange lights. He couldn't see anything. Was it daylight? Was it night? What was going on? Something whacked him on the head, knocking him unconscious… he awoke in an opening, in the woods. Was he still in the cave? Maybe it was a trap. He was tied to a tree, same as Rumplestiltskin. Great. So he wasn't dreaming.
"Mairon, what are you doing here?" Rumplestiltskin asked, confused.
"I was about to ask you the same question." Mairon admitted, "This is Frodo Baggins' doing. This is the reason I'm here."
"It's mine." A woman with frizzy red hair and wearing a blue dress came out from hiding. She had a sword in her hand. "The Dark Ones want you two to be heroes. So the only way is to make sure you both get there." Before Mairon could stop her, she knocked him unconscious with her sword. He remembered nothing afterwards.
x-x-x
Sam and Rosie's House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
Frodo parked the car in front of the two-story beige house. He recognized the house as Sam's house, even though it had a new paint job. He waited until Sam was out of the car before joining him on the sidewalk.
"Sam, whatever's going on at Rosie's house does not concern me. Shouldn't you be taking care of Rosie?" Frodo asked.
"That's not it." Sam led him into the garden, right in the backyard. "I've been working on this garden, but it's missing a few seeds. Do you want to help me plant them?"
Frodo smiled. "I thought you'd never ask. Now, are we doing this with magic or…"
"No magic. It's just us working on our hands and knees," he replied.
"It's a shame. I would have used magic by now. It would have saved us a lot more time," he said.
"Yes, and while that's true, sometimes it's better to work with our hands. Some things are better left without magic, Mr. Frodo," Sam told him.
"All right. Let's get started." He didn't know what Sam was up to, but whatever it was, he would find out. He grabbed a shovel from the shed. Once that was done, he set out for the garden, following Sam's lead as they worked on the soil. He felt bad for tricking Sam, but his reasons were sound, at least for now.
x-x-x
Baggins House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
Managing to open the locked door with Sam's glove, Gandalf walked down the stairs with the others. Well, they found what Frodo was up to: potion vials on a table, a stone basin with a gold ring in the center and shackles on the floor. Now he knew as well as Bilbo that something was not right. Whatever Frodo's plan was…
"Look at this. This ring looks just like Sauron's," Gandalf pointed out.
"They do look the same," Bilbo said, intrigued. "Right. Maybe we should take this ring." He reached for the ring, but Gandalf raised a hand.
"Bilbo, this ring might have a spell on it," Gandalf told him.
"Gandalf, I understand you care, but until we know what Frodo is up to and why he needs this ring, or these potion vials…" Bilbo was cut off by Arwen, who held the shackles in her hand.
"Mairon was here. I just know that he is. He certainly left his mark in this basement," Arwen told them.
"We need to move. Frodo's coming back," Gandalf said, reading the text message. Just as he and the others made it up the stairs, he turned to Bilbo. However, the hobbit man picked up from the entrance hall a bear cub. He peered over at the woman still sitting on the couch. There was nothing he could do for her. Gandalf warned him, "Bilbo, we need to move."
"What is this?" he asked, confused.
"It's a wood carving. They're used for more than just sculpting wood," Radagast explained.
"You mean…"
"When used with magic, they can do great and terrible things," the wizard in the brown tuxedo explained.
"Let's take it with us. We may know more at my and Arwen's house," Aragorn proclaimed.
o-o-o
Downtown Storybrooke, Maine – The Present, Hours Later
That evening, a party was held for the people of Camelot. There was so much for the people of Storybrooke to do as well during this party, which included carnival games. However, Gandalf pulled Tristan and Isolde over to his table, where Bilbo, Aragorn, Arwen and the Fellowship was gathered. The wizard told the couple what they saw.
"Your ring-bearer has a ring inside his basement?" Tristan asked, confused.
"We know it sounds like a lot, but if you know anything about ring lore. Tell us," Bilbo said.
"Mab was obsessed with rings. If she's not here in Storybrooke, then it's probably better to try and contact her over in the Fairy Realm. I wish I could help you, but right now Isolde and I have to speak to someone." Tristan stood up, leading Isolde over to King Mark. "Your majesty, here is Isolde."
King Mark wasn't so pleased to see them. "Thank you Tristan. What you did was wrong, and when we get back to Camelot, I will properly banish you from the country."
"Yes sir. I can live with those terms," Tristan said, walking away from King Mark and Isolde. As he walked through the carnival, he noticed a young woman walking by herself. Curious about the woman, he approached her. "Hello. I'm Tristan."
"Isolde of the White Hands. It's a land…"
"I know where it is," he said, cutting her off. He apologized, "I'm sorry."
"You've done nothing wrong," Isolde of the White Hands said.
"Good. Maybe we can talk over a bite to eat," he asked, gesturing forward. "Are you single? If you're married, I won't bother…"
"I'm single," she said. "Why? Were you looking for someone?"
"No. I'm single, too." Tristan smiled back at her. As they walked, he caught Bilbo's eye. Even though he wanted to ignore the hobbit man and his friends, he couldn't help feeling like he left something out. Taking Isolde of the White Hands with him, Tristan approached the group, "Look, I can't give you any more information, but…"
"No, that's fine." Bilbo asked, "I just don't understand what we did to make Frodo fall so far. How did he become so wicked, and with a ring, stealing Mairon? Whatever Frodo's up to…"
"We'll find out, Bilbo." Gandalf said, still holding the wood carving in his hands.
"Look, all I can tell you is what Mab told me. There were two first rings, made by one dark lord. A dark fairy. When they're forged together, they create Wisp. At one time, it was one weapon that can eradicate either darkness or light, depending on the user," Tristan explained. "Other than that, I cannot be any further help."
"Why would Frodo want to snuff out the light?" Bilbo understood. "That's his plan. Of course it had to come to that."
x-x-x
The Woods, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
Mairon roused to the sound of clanging metal. He jumped back slightly at the battle between Rumplestiltskin and the red-haired woman. She was Merida. He knew that name from somewhere. Oh yes. Now he remembered her. In an instant, she chopped off the rope from the tree, setting him free. Oh good. Now he had something to fight for. Taking the extra sword in his hand, Mairon readied to attack Merida. She swung at him, causing him to clash his sword against hers.
"Oh, I bet that felt good! Good! We've got a long way to go before you're ready to take on Frodo and Emma, Mairon, Rumplestiltskin," Merida told them.
"It doesn't help that I know already know who you are, Merida." Mairon said, venomously.
"I don't remember you, and if I did it wouldn't be for any good reason. So I suggest you shape up and become the hero we know you are. Now try again," she turned to the two men, "both of yah." She swung her sword. Mairon swung back, clashing with her sword again. The swings and clashes continued well into the night, but it was a fight Mairon wouldn't stop doing, even if it made Rumplestiltskin suspicious.
o-o-o
Aragorn and Arwen's House to Baggins House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present
Gandalf observed the wooden carving. Thinking that the carving might hold the reason behind their lost memories, he waved his hand over it. Instead of getting their memories, he received images of Sauron's time in DunBroch. Where had Frodo received those memories? They even showed the red-haired woman named Merida. Maybe they were her memories. He stopped upon hearing a knock on the door. He didn't say anything as Aragorn opened the door.
Aragon found, to his surprise, Frodo Baggins. What was the hobbit man doing at his house? He asked, "Frodo, what brings you here?"
"You have done enough here, Frodo!" Arwen shouted. Aragorn raised a hand for her to stop.
"You heard the lady. You have no business here," Aragorn told his hobbit friend, at least he still thought he was… or maybe not. "You stole Mairon, you have a ring in your basement…"
"What gave you any right to snoop?" Frodo asked, sharply.
"Snoop? Since when do you expect treachery from your friends?" Aragorn asked, hardly believing what he was hearing.
"What has Tristan told you?" He asked further.
"Only that you plan on re-forging Wisp. Your friends won't allow you to snuff out the light. We'll see to it that you stop, if that is your end game," he said.
"My end game is my business. You wouldn't understand if I told you…"
"Play games all you want, Frodo." Aragorn told him, serious. "The point is the truth will come out eventually."
"You want to know what happened to Mab? She became a prisoner of the fairies. Anything else that happened is not all my fault, and yet I am to blame for some of what happened," he admitted, truthfully.
"And how do I know you're not just trying to lure me into the darkness?" He asked in disbelief.
"Believe me, Aragorn, I haven't killed anyone here and I don't plan on doing so. Take that piece of advice to heart." Frodo vanished in a puff of grey smoke. He reappeared at his house. Opening the front door, he stepped inside, only to be greeted by a familiar feminine voice:
"Frodo." It was Mindy. Wait… what?
"Mindy?" Frodo asked, quite confused. Had he said something to weaken the curse? "Mindy," he repeated, still in utter disbelief.
Thanks for reading. :)