Disclaimers: See Episode VI for more information.

Hello. :) Okay, so "Once Upon a Time" has started up again. And with it we're back with this story. Enjoy. :)

The events in this chapter coincide with the episode "Tougher Than the Rest", from Season 6 of the ABC television show "Once Upon a Time".

Chapter Nine:

The Road Home

Outside Brandy Hall, Buckland, Bree-land, Middle-earth – The Past

The many flower gardens outside the grand smial, known as Brandy Hall, bloomed so fruitfully. From the red roses to the purple wisterias, spring couldn't have come at a better time. Even the campfire pit, resting down the hill, sparked with life. This was where Frodo Baggins, the curly brown haired hobbit with those bright blue eyes and usual perky personality, found himself two days after he moved to this smial, to live with his cousins on his mother's side.

A single tear trickled down his face. He may have been twelve years old, but the memories still hurt. It didn't help that an elderly hobbit came to sit with him, his smile beaming brightly his way.

"Been a long way from home, young'un," the elderly hobbit, with his grey flowing hair, addressed him with a warm smile. Frodo didn't say anything. He couldn't. How could he go on, now his parents were… gone?

"What do you know about it?" Frodo moaned softly. His gaze now turned to the fire. "I'm alone. It feels like I'm alone." He looked up at him. "I'm sorry, sir. What's your name?"

The elderly hobbit laughed. "Don't call me any name. Call me your guide. Someday, when you need to find home again, you'll see me. And I'll see you. Good day, son. Hopefully, it'll be a brighter day for you, Frodo."

Frodo perked up. How… how did this elderly hobbit know his name? The elderly hobbit laughed again as he stood up.

"Call me your friend. Goodbye," the elderly hobbit walked away. Frodo wasn't convinced. There was something about that man that didn't feel right. He charged down the hill, only to see an arched golden-hued portal and the elderly hobbit transfiguring into a white wolf with a blind eye. Frodo's mouth was agape. How did that happen? The wolf disappeared through the portal, leaving Frodo speechless.

"What did that wolf mean by 'a brighter day'?" Frodo asked, curiously. He feared he might not receive an answer, not yet anyway. But still, he couldn't help but wonder the wolf's fate and whether or not they would meet again, later on down the road. It was just a matter of when fate would reunite them once more.

The Beach, Wish Realm – The Present

Frodo Baggins, an adult now, watched the green vortex vanish into thin air, revealing the stone pebbles and the beige sand underneath. He couldn't believe it. His, Mindy's, Emma's and Regina's ticket home… gone. Just like that. Now what were they going to do?

"Wait. How do we…" Frodo's voice faded, his gaze returned to Robin Hood, who was very desperate.

"The jewels, please," Robin said, extending his hand. "All of you."

"I don't have any jewels on me," Mindy admitted, honest.

"That's a lie. Where are the jewels?" Robin asked, pressing further.

Mindy showed her blue jeans' pockets, as well as her white tennis shoes, now dusty from her venture to find Frodo. "See? There's no jewels." She struggled getting her shoes back on her feet, which proved very simple to do. "Thank you, Frodo." She looked over at Frodo's hand, which released her arm the second she was on her feet…

The sound of hoofbeats approached. Frodo wanted to say something further to Robin, but couldn't. The thief was already off. Instead, he dragged Mindy over by Emma and Regina, hiding behind a log. There was Henry, grown up but vengeful, taking off on his horse out of the beach. Frodo turned to Emma, knowing then what to do.

"Well, Henry isn't after me or Mindy, correct?" Frodo asked Regina.

"Not likely. I told her to go after you. She's not involved in this business and neither are you," Regina explained.

"Not for long they won't be," Emma said, calmly. "We all need to go and find a portal to take us home."

"No." Frodo stepped in with his words.

"What do you mean 'no'," Emma was distraught. "You're coming with us."

"I've got an idea," Frodo admitted, curtly. "Mindy and I go and find Sam. He may know something about getting us out of here. We'll meet up with you when we're done."

"What—" Mindy was cut off, the second Frodo's hand grabbed her. "Where exactly are we heading?"

"To find the tower that Sam is being kept." Frodo said, not looking at her.

"Do we know where that is, precisely?" Mindy asked, stopping Frodo in his tracks.

"I'm not sure," Frodo admitted, bluntly, "but we need to find him. Come on!" He dragged her with him through the forest. He wasn't about to not find Sam. He would find him. But where would he find the tower in the Wish Realm? Surely there had to be a way to find his best friend, before something became of him and Mindy. Hopefully, there was still time.

Weasley House, Storybrooke, Maine – The Present

Pippin Took/Edric Tuck couldn't stop admiring the Jack-in-the-Boxes. There were so many and so colorful, as well as intricate. And yet, when he turned the handle, they also belted out a terrifying scream that made him jump. He had to move a lock of curly gold hair out of the way in the process, but…

"Pippin, will you get over here?" Merry Brandybuck/Donovan Masters asked, sighing in regret.

"I'm sorry, Merry," Pippin said, approaching his brown-haired friend.

"So, you know what Frodo's about to face," Frodo's dark half, still donned in his black attire, spoke to Bingo Bolger-Baggins. His arms were crossed and his face nearly menacing.

"Who is he facing?" Samwise Gamgee/Curtis Greenhow asked Bingo, curious.

"His name is Gideon," Bingo showed them a picture. "It's the best I could get from the Dark Realm, where he lurked. He's been training for this day when he can vanquish Frodo and Emma."

"Frodo will be safe, won't he?" Merry asked, concerned.

"I don't know," Bingo admitted, saddened. "His future is uncertain, as are all our fates are uncertain. But if he survives Gideon's attack the first time, then guarantee that his wounds will start to heal."

"Back and forth here with Frodo's wounds," Pippin admitted.

"How much time do we have?" Merry asked, looking up at Bingo. "Do you know?"

"Well, as far as I know, when Frodo and Emma return, that is when Gideon will strike," Bingo told them all. "Other than that, I don't know. I just hope we find Frodo and Emma before Gideon does. We're counting on their safe return, yes. But let's hope nothing else goes wrong."

Enchanted Forest, Wish Realm

"I don't exactly recall this on any map," Mindy addressed Frodo, looking around the area. The trees were so tall, so massive and pine-y. And the ground so brown with pine needles and logs. It was amazing how much she could see here. "Will we find Sam?"

"Yes," Frodo said, a little agitated.

"And what about that kiss we shared?" she asked, stunned that Frodo faced her in the manner he did. "I mean, it wasn't bad. It's just… it was wonderful. Why didn't we do that before?"

Frodo grinned. "I wasn't expecting it, but then I was under that curse." He trudged on, knowing that she was following him, which was fine by him. At least, he knew where she was. "But to be honest, it was a good kiss. I expect more from us. But then, who knows."

"Right," she said, unsure what else to say. "There's that."

"Oh!" cried a familiar masculine voice. Frodo rushed over to the hobbit, cloaked in a brown cloak. He didn't know who it was… until he moved the hood off, revealing the one hobbit he hadn't expected to see at this moment.

"Sam?" Frodo asked, stunned to see him. "Sam, what are you doing here?"

"I escaped from the tower," Sam said, frantic. "These people are after me, all because of this." He brandished a gold band, wrapped around a silver chain. Frodo could barely breath for a second. Was it? Could it have been?

"Where did you get that?" Frodo asked, concerned. "I thought it was destroyed."

"Oh, it does more than that. Vindicus claims he knows of a way to get to Storybrooke, but then…" Sam was cut off by Mindy, who was outright concerned.

"Vindicus?" Mindy asked, confused. "Whose Vindicus?"

"You know, I was about to ask that question," Frodo said, shaking his head and grinning slightly. His grin faded away as a white wolf appeared. But no. This wolf had a blind eye. "No. You're…"

The wolf vanished in a cloud of white smoke, appearing inside as the elderly hobbit wearing grey robes. Frodo recognized him immediately. "You. You're…"

"Vindicus," the elderly hobbit said with a nod. "And I'm afraid we don't have much time. Come on now. It's time to get you home."

Sam's House, Storybrooke, Maine

A full day had passed and there was still no sign of Frodo and Emma. Sam stood outside his two-story house, breathing in the fresh white lilies. He hoped for his friends' safe return. He hoped it. He just didn't expect Frodo's Darkness appearing behind him, as if he were a cat awaiting its prey.

"It's been a day," Frodo's Darkness chimed in. "And still no sign of Frodo or Mindy." Sam stood up, facing him with as much bravery as he could muster. Frodo's Darkness continued to speak. "You said they would be back at a certain time, at a certain place. Where are they?" He added, softly, but just as menacing, "Where are they?"

"That is somethin' you'll just have to wait on, Darkness," Sam/Curtis told him. "You honestly thought after all that you did, you would just get off so easily. You may be Frodo's Darkness, but in your mind you're pathetic. Frodo is brave and true, and you… you don't belong here."

Frodo's Darkness was furious. Yet he spoke so calmly. Too calmly. "So, is that how it is, after all my efforts. Fine. Fine. Have it your way, Sam. I've got my eye on you, and it is not over. I will be back and you'll see that I'm right." He raised his hands, vanishing in a cloud of dark smoke. Sam was speechless. Had he said something he would regret? Oh great. Now his life was in danger, but also Frodo's. Now what was he to do? And where was Frodo and Emma when he needed them? Were they still trapped in the Wish Realm?

These were questions that were in dire need of answering, if only Sam could have the chance to see them through. Then he'd know what it was like to be a Savior and a Ring-bearer. Maybe. Just maybe. He would have that chance to do both. For now, he could only hope for the best, and Storybrooke needed hope. Badly. He just hoped it wasn't too late to change events.

Wish Realm

Sauron sulked in his spot in the village, with its dirt roads and thatched houses. At least the campfire was nice and warm. Now, how was he to find Morgoth in this place? He'd been looking for hours and still… nothing. He wasn't about to give up, but then he needed something to ease his mind. Wait. There was a glowing stick of hay. He plucked it out from the golden hay barrel. The hay stick still glowed in his hand. He smiled a wicked smile.

"At last, Morgoth. We will have our revenge… oh!" Sauron moved behind a log pile. No way. There was Frodo, with his girlfriend and an elderly hobbit. They were of no use to him now. He grinned. Now was his chance to escape… he opened a golden portal and ran through it. The portal vanished a second later.

…

The inside of Vindicus' house had a whole stock of herbs and vials filled with various potions, in many shades of color. Otherwise, it was very homey with its wooden table and chairs, bed with a quilt cover on top, and a kitchen with an assortment of dirty pots and pans. For a moment, Frodo nearly thought he was at a healer's house.

It most certainly seemed that way, until Vindicus pulled out a small box. Frodo was confused. Wasn't there a portal back to Storybrooke?

"What is this? A portal?" Frodo asked the elderly hobbit.

"In a manner of speaking," Vindicus said, opening the box, uncovering two green rings. "These came from the world you're wanting to go back to. They once brought two children straight into the heart of Narnia. They don't have much use left (only one use, to be precise), but they will take you where you want to go. Just step into this puddle…" he revealed under a knit rug a large puddle, "…and you will find the place you desire."

"I've read about these rings, but I didn't expect…" Mindy was at a loss for words.

"Here you go," Frodo said, handing to her one of the green rings. He turned to Vindicus, telling him, kindly, "Thank you."

"Now, go on. Get moving," Vindicus said, watching Frodo and Mindy as they stepped onto the puddle.

"Ready?" Frodo asked, gazing at Mindy as if he was about to lose her.

"Yes, I'm ready. Let's go," Mindy said, the green ring ready in one hand.

"Right. Let's go," Frodo repeated, sticking on the green ring in the same instance as she. He disappeared into a smoky fog, hearing Vindicus' words one last time.

"Good luck out there! You'll need it—" the elderly hobbit was gone in a swirling misty fog. Frodo and Mindy were now spinning for a few seconds, until… they landed on the earthen forest floor in the middle of the night.

Storybrooke, Maine

Frodo looked around for a moment. The trees were massive, but familiar. He sighed. He and Mindy were back in Storybrooke, or at least its forest. The green rings' glow faded from the band. He took off the ring. Nothing happened. The rings were useless, but maybe would serve as a decoration of sorts.

"Narnia, huh? I hope this ring doesn't stain," Mindy said, taking off the ring. She sighed in relief. "Oh good. It didn't."

Frodo checked himself. Yes, he was still wearing the same dress clothes he had on, before the Evil Queen made her wish. Good, at least he was still a hobbit as well, with his hairy feet and curly hair to add. But that wasn't what was important at the moment.

"You're here. You're back," Emma said, stunned to see Frodo and Mindy still alive.

"Fortunately, we are," Frodo said, helping Mindy to her feet. "Oh." He picked up the silver dagger from the ground. It was still in one piece. "I thought I'd dropped this. I had it with me this whole time, but…" He jumped a little at the kiss Mindy planted on his lips. It was a stunning moment, one he wasn't expecting… until she released him.

"I'm sorry," Mindy said, apologizing. "I just thought I'd try it, see if it was true."

Frodo gazed into her eyes, kissing her on the lips once more. He released her this time, saying in a kind voice, "Did you think I'd forget?"

"Let's go," Regina said, serious.

"Might as well get this over with," Frodo said, following the others back to Storybrooke. He didn't let go of Mindy's hand until they were on Main Street. And there he was: the hooded man.

"My name is Gideon. I've been waiting for you two, Emma, Frodo," the hooded man spoke in a sullen voice.

Frodo looked about the area. There were Emma's family, but also his friends and family. They were going to stop Gideon… no! Gideon froze them with his magic. Frodo ducked as Gideon and Emma fought. He dived with his dagger, but Gideon was faster, taking it right from his hand, as well as Emma's sword. His hand trembled. This was the moment they'd all been wondering about… until his magic and Emma's threw Gideon backwards onto the cement street.

The silver dagger was in Frodo's hands once again. He wanted to stop Gideon, but Gideon wasn't attacking. And yet, Emma was on top of him. Just like that, Gideon vanished in a puff of red smoke. Frodo sighed in relief, hugging his friends and family. But was also surprised by the new arrival.

"Bingo, you're here," Frodo said, recognizing the hobbit immediately.

"We have a lot to discuss," Bingo admitted, calmly but worried.

"As do I and…" Frodo turned his gaze to Mindy. She was alone, standing in front of a puddle. He told his friends, "Excuse me." He approached the woman he met back in the Fairy Realm, the woman who he gave true love's kiss to. After so many weeks, he sighed, not in distressed or filled with depression, but a sigh of knowing that he needed to do the right thing. He approached Mindy, asking her with some bravery, "Mindy, I know we've been through a lot and… would you be my girlfriend?"

"What took you so long?" Mindy asked in turn.

Frodo smiled. "I'm going to catch up with my friends on what's happened here. Would you like to come along?"

"Yes!" Mindy retreated a little with her words. "I mean, of course I will. I might as well find out what's going on in Storybrooke, since we left and I had to find you…"

"Come on," Frodo said, taking her hand and regrouping with the others. He was glad to be back in Storybrooke and not in any Wish Realm. And yet, he couldn't help but follow Emma, to make sure she was okay. He stopped upon a garage. There was typing going on inside, which presumably stopped. Okay, now he was curious… only to find himself face to face with August Wayne Booth once again.

"Well, come to congratulate me too," August said to Frodo, all smiles.

"Well, if you call traversing through the Wish Realm one thing, Anakin Skywalker telling me that before I was on two different paths, now on a new path…" Frodo crossed his arms. "It makes me wonder just what it was all worth."

"Changing our fates," Emma said with a smile.

"Right," Frodo took a good look around the garage. There were a lot of tools, some wood carvings and on a long rectangular table a typewriter, with a piece of paper showing words typed in ink on the sheet. "That makes me wonder. What is my fate? What am I chosen to do? I could set sail to the Undying Lands and have my wounds healed, stay here in Storybrooke and face whatever danger comes my way, but I…" He sighed heavily. "I'm not sure where my place is, what I'm supposed to do with myself. They said my wounds were healing, but old wounds return in time."

"That's not all true," August said, grinning. "When you first met Emma and you felt that rush of hope inside you, what happened."

"I felt like I believed in something, someone. Healed some old wounds," Frodo admitted.

August looked down at his left shoulder. "Feel your shoulder."

"What?" Frodo did. Surprisingly, it felt more healed, less in pain. "How did that happen?"

"Well, according to Elrond, you checked at his house the day after I arrived. You sought out some medicine that would take the poison out of your body from both wounds," August said, knowingly.

"Yeah, but that was a routine checkup. You can't possibly expect… or maybe you can." He breathed a sigh of relief. His wounds no longer hurt him. They were healing. Frodo looked up at Emma, who was stunned and concerned, and August, who still had that knowing expression on his face. He asked him, "How is that possible?"

"Because that is a sign of belief," August explained, frankly, "a sign that maybe your story isn't all it's meant to be. You can be healed of those wounds when you believe. And when you reach that point where you know and understand that you can do anything, including changing your fate, you'll know you've got it."

"So we're responsible for our fates," Emma said, understanding. "It makes sense now, as it did back in the Wish Realm. Thank you, August."

"Thank you, too," Frodo told August, kindly, "Thank you for believing in me. I guess I can do whatever I want now."

"It seems you can, Frodo," August nodded with a grin on his face, "it seems you can."

Frodo grinned a small grin. Now he got it. And maybe now, with a little practice, his wounds would finally heal properly.

…

Sauron looked out from an alleyway. Frodo Baggins was so peaceful, so… so… eh. It revolted him, how the hobbit could be happy and he was not! Ooh! He would have his revenge yet. And yet, he looked back at the clock tower. Several minutes had passed since the hobbit's return and there was Rumplestiltskin's son, or so he overheard Belle and Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin admit not too long ago. Sauron snickered to himself.

Yes, this war was only just beginning to unfold. It was not over yet.

We're back! As it happened, I wrote this chapter shortly after watching the new episode, Episode 11 from Season 6 of ABC's "Once Upon a Time". Not sure how long I'll do this, but it's certainly a nice way of coming back to this story. I'm so glad the show is back on. :)

Hopefully, I'll post a new chapter by this Sunday or next Monday. See you later. :)