This chapter is kind of short but it's a 'transitition' chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter nine

Also Sprach Zarathustra

"What do we do know?" Rubi wondered aloud.

"We try another formula. This time we'll use a different noble gas," Mr. Kazinski suggested.

The storm continued to rage on outside. Ceara had finally stopped crying and stood up. They all watched as Mr. Kazinski added Neon to the mix of chemicals. It bubbled and fumed and the white flash appeared again. When they turned back around they could see the portal. They approached it warily.

"Should someone else also go in to make it four people again?" Rubi asked.

"We'll need to make another costume," Calla said.

"What's done is done and can't be undone," Rubi quoted.

Everyone turned to look at the teenager. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Sorry I thought Macbeth would fit in there. To keep busy I started making more costumes," Rubi replied.

"So who wants to join in?" Cort asked jokingly.

"This is no time for jokes. We've already lost Galen," Ceara said.

"I'm pretty good with a sword. Galen taught me. I'll go," Hugh offered.

"Get a costume on and grab a sword," Mr. Kazinski said with a sigh.

"I hope to God this takes you to Gondor," Cuthbert exclaimed.

"We hope so too," Arda replied.

--

Adrian stood in front of the window again and watched the gathering darkness emerge from Mordor. The thought of it gave her chills up and down her spine. She decided to leave the little room and go for a walk around Minas Tirith. She figured that since she was here she might as well walk around for a bit. She left the room and saw Fae sitting on a chair knitting. She looked up from her project and smiled.

"Is there anything I can get for you dear?" she asked.

"Do you have any dresses I could use? I'd like to go out into the city if that's okay," Adrian answered.

Fae nodded and stood up.

"Yes I do. I think a walk in the fresh air might do you good."

--

Fifteen minutes later Adrian left the house and noted the number on the outside. She took in the surroundings and tried to remember just exactly where the house was so she wouldn't get lost. She walked down the busy streets. It was lined with soldiers who were preparing for war. Some of them pointed towards Osgiliath and Adrian went to look. She could see the orcs forming into battalions and walking towards the city. She pushed the fear off and continued walking. Fae gave her a small amount of money so that she could get something else to eat. Adrian looked for a café and spotted one that didn't look too populated. She entered and picked out a pastry, some meat and cheese and a glass of hard cider. She sat down and began eating her meal. A few minutes later a shadow fell over the table. Adrian looked up and saw the familiar face of Gandalf.

"It appears that you're doing a lot better," he said.

Adrian nodded.

"I feel a lot better now thanks," Adrian replied.

Gandalf pulled out a chair and sat down across from her.

"Thank you for saving me," Adrian said.

Gandalf shrugged.

"It's Fae you should thank. I only brought you to her. She's the one who saved you," Gandalf replied.

Adrian took a gulp of her hard cider.

"Don't you think that's a little strong for a child?" Gandalf asked.

She shrugged.

"Nothings to strong for me at the moment," she replied.

--

Hugh, Cort, Ceara, and Arda disappeared through the portal. Everyone prayed that it would take them to Gondor instead of the throne room to Morgoth. Much to the dismay of Hugh, Cort, Ceara and Arda the portal did not take them to Gondor.

--

Hugh opened his eyes and was greeted by a beautiful sunset through a cloudless sky. The four of them could hear the call of the seagulls and they felt the calm breeze.

"This can't be Gondor," Cort said standing up.

Arda looked around. She saw the sea lapping against the shore. She turned in against the sea and looked inland. She saw a city.

"It's not," she stated.

"Then where are we?" Ceara asked looking around.

"Numenor," Arda answered.

--

Mr. Kazinski and the others waited in the classroom.

"Oh I hope they're in Gondor," Rose said.

"I'll be right back. I need to use the lavatory," Rubi said as she left the Chemistry classroom. She walked into the bathroom and through the window she could see the lighting and rain.

Crap, we forgot to board these windows, she thought.

After using the bathroom she left and walked down the hall but before she could get back to the classroom the tornado warning siren began to blare. The classroom door burst open and everyone ran out.

"Basement!" shouted Mr. Kazinski.

The group headed off down the stairs and went into the basement. They could hear the siren continue to blare through the thick walls of the school's basement. The siren abruptly cut off and Rose knew why.

The tornado must have taken out the station, thought Rose.

"Today has to be the worst day ever," Mr. Kazinski complained.

"Oh shut up! All you've done is complain, complain, and complain! Why don't you go to Middle-Earth next time and rescue everybody!" Rose shouted. She had reached the end of her rope. The day started off as a good one for her. It was the day before spring break. Her friend Adrian was going to spend it at her house but now her best friend was lost somewhere in Gondor and her other friend was dead in another time and place.

Poor Galen, she thought.

"I'm getting really sick of your complaining!" she yelled.