A/N: And here we are! Nearly to the end of book one! (damn, I need to figure out a book two title) Anyways, hope you enjoy the chapter!

We can't all be heroes, because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.

-Will Rogers

Walk in Empty Lands

Bear's POV

We leave soon after The Lady gives us her gifts, and I'm glad of it. Our stay's been pleasant enough, but there's something unnatural about The Lady and La Lorain, and I can't say I'll miss it.

The plane is small and sleek, painted the color of the storm clouds above. Good, if anyone tries to tail us, they'll have a hard time of it. On second thought, anyone trying to tail us will probably have more than just their eyes to keep track of us with.

A newspaper skitters over the asphalt in front of me, and I catch a glimpse of the headline.

407 Terrorist Organizations Claim Credit for New York Bombings

I shake my head. Our little escapades of late have been earning paper headlines all around the world. Of course, not one of the news articles has come anywhere close to the truth. I did rather like the one that involved a notorious baseball team rivalry and a few worked up fans though; it was really very creative.

We climb into the little plane, and find seats. Pete heads straight up to the cockpit to pepper the pilot with questions, while Merry hunts through the well provisioned mini fridge and Sam tucks herself away to scribble in the little notebook she always seems to have with her.

Gerald's daydreaming, his mind no doubt back at the Chateau Frontenac with The Lady. Leonard and Stride talk quietly, occasionally throwing looks at Fred, who's already asleep in his seat beside Sam. The boy has the Ring clutched tightly in his fist. Such a responsibility can't possibly be good for a kid his age. Why, he can't even drive yet! How can we expect him to carry a weapon of apocalyptic power around his neck all the time? It isn't fair to him. It would be much better for us all if I was to take it to D.C. Yes, that was what needed to happen, we could use it. Even though Sarn wasn't attacking us directly yet, there were still more small battles and crimes both military and political than we could deal with for long, and especially not without letting the problems be known to the general population. And where would we be then? If people knew how precarious our position really was, who's to say they wouldn't up and rebel? Or even join the other side?

No. We need that Ring, and I'm going to get it for us.

I need to convince Fred to give it to me. It shouldn't be that hard. After all, it will be a weight off his shoulders to have someone else carry the Ring.

I sink into my thoughts as the plane moves out over the ocean.

Hours go by with little or no talk, and no change in the scene outside. Grey clouds hang in heavy layers above and below us. The occasional plane is spotted on the horizon, but they are always commercial jets, or shipping planes. Not one enemy aircraft.

That is, until the pilot's loud curse jolts me out of my stupor.

Every one of us is on our feet instantly. Leonard is already clutching a vicious-looking knife in his hand, and I realize I've drawn my gun. Of course, we're on a little plane several thousand feet in the air, so I don't know exactly what I was planning on shooting with it, but as always, the feel of its weight in my hand is comforting.

"What?" I bark, throwing aside the curtain that separates us from the cockpit.

"That." His voice is icy as he points at the little radar display on the dashboard.

There's a little red blip at about five-o-clock that's moving steadily toward us.

"Vell, it might just be another airliner…" Gerald stops speaking abruptly as a second red dot starts blinking at seven-o-clock. I swear in harmony with the pilot this time.

"It's only two. Ve may be able to lose zem…"

As if on cue, a third appears, followed quickly by a fourth.

"How far are we from our destination?" Stride's voice is harsh and urgent.

"Not far. We were supposed to begin our descent in seven minutes, sir."

"Can this thing go any faster?"

"Not safely, sir." The pilot's tone suggests that he knows what's coming next. "We need to be going slow enough for me to land easily, and with this cloud cover, it'll be hard."

"Never mind that, we need all the speed we can get. Do whatever it takes."

The pilot looks resignedly at Stride. "Whatever you say, sir." I can tell that this isn't the first time he's been told to act against his better judgment.

A fifth blip appears on the radar, and the pilot manipulates a toggle switch on the dash. All of us who came to the cockpit to see what was the matter have barely enough time to retreat and strap ourselves into our seats, before the plane veers to the right, and tips downward. I brace myself for the series if dips, jerks, and tilts that I know from past experience is about to come as we attempt to outmaneuver our pursuers, and reach the ground.

As we hurtle down, occasionally swerving one way or another to avoid making ourselves an easy target, I survey the others who are in varying states of shock, fright, and determination. Personally, I can't help but enjoy myself a little. Yes, we might be in danger of crashing or being shot down, or whatever the goal of the five enemy planes, but as always, the adrenaline these situations lend me blocks out the fear, and sends an odd feeling of excitement through me.

The plane dips into an even more extreme angle, and we break through the clouds only a few thousand feet above the ground. As the view becomes clearer, I can see how small the population here must be. Humans have left much of the forested country untouched, with only small cities here and there. This is not the Europe that I have spent years of my life in. No diplomats that I have to talk to. No corrupt government that I have to work with. No one to fear, and no one to manipulate. In fact, if I remember correctly, we are in a country with an army of eight hundred people, and a navy that is nonexistent. Heck, I could take them out blindfolded and with my hands tied behind my back.

We level out a bit, and I see trees rushing up towards us. This airstrip must be concealed incredibly well, as I can still see no sign of it. As we sink lower, I wonder if the pilot has the right coordinates. There is still not even a hint of tarmac, yet still, we plummet down. I pull in a sharp breath as we touch the treetops. Still no airstrip. And then, we are suddenly in the trees. But nothing happens. It is as though they aren't even there, as tough they're a mirage, or a…

"Hologram!" Leonard exclaims, just as I reach the same conclusion.

"A good one too." Stride muses.

There's a jolt as we touch down, and I peer out the window, trying to find a hint of our pursuers in the clouds. And there they are. Two rapidly growing specks have just burst out of the clouds, and I'm sure that the others must be right behind.

"Quick!" Stride throws open the door, and ushers the kids out, Leonard and Gerald close behind. "Where now?" He shouts at the pilot.

"There's a plane at the other end of the tarmac, sir!" The man shouts back. "We weren't supposed to take it, but under the circumstances, I don't think we have time to refuel this one!"

Damn right. Already, I can see seven little dots drifting down towards us. Parachutes, they'll be here within two minutes, probably less.

"How far to the other plane?" I ask.

"A quarter mile, sir."

My mind goes into hyper drive. This could be my chance. It was risky and sloppy, but it just might work. I turn to Stride. "I'll take care of Fred. You get Sam, and send Pete and Merrick with Leonard and Gerald!"

I can see sparks flash in his eyes at my telling him what to do, but he doesn't have time to argue. The parachutes have tripled in number, and the first is a minute and a half away.

"Right. Gerald, get Pete and take him to the other end of the runway, there's a plane there. Leonard, you go with Merry!" He jumps out and, grabs Sam's arm. I see the pilot already several yards into the hologram pines.

Fred and I set off quickly, but when I judge the others to be at a safe distance, I stop, and turn him around to face me. I can see confusion in his eyes, but speak before he can ask me anything.

"Fred, I need you to give the Ring to me. No, no," I shake my head as he opens his mouth indignatly. "Just until we're safe in the air again. They might know you have it. It'll be safer with me." I put on my best reasonable, convincing voice, and lie through my teeth. This is for the greater good I remind myself.

"No, I'm sorry Bear, but it's my burden to carry." Ignorant little kid. Doesn't he see how much easier it will be if I have the Ring?

"You have to, Fred. It's the only way to be sure the Ring will be safe." I am becoming acutely aware of the parachutes only a minute away.

"The Ring'll only be safe when it's destroyed." The little git shakes his head, backing up a few steps. I need that Ring! Whatever it takes to get it, well, that's what I'll have to give.

Go on. A little voice in my head sings quietly. Go on and take it. The boy has no use for it. It should be yours.

"Give it to me." My words come out harsher than I intend them to.

Now. Take it now. You need it. The Voice is so sweet, so soft.

"No." He takes another step back.

We're running out of time, Bear. The softness of the voice is sharper now, but that only makes it sweeter.

I growl, and lunge forward. I don't have time for this! Fifty seconds until they land!

His eyes widen in fear, and he turns and runs.

Come, Bear. Come take us.

I charge after him, but the hologram trees are thick, and their branches dense. Within moments, he's been completely swallowed up by them. I stop, listening for the sound of pounding feet.

It's at that moment that what I've done sinks in, and my knees buckle.

How could I have? What had possessed me to do such a thing?

I know the answer, but that's not important now. I have to make sure the Ring is destroyed. It's too strong, far, far too strong.

I haul myself to my feet, just in time to hear the crack of a pistol. Time's up. They're here.

Elemarth-thanks! And, don't worry, I won't tell Gollum. I think he enjoys conspiracy theories, and I wouldn't want to upset him!

AshleySciFigirl-the hair thing absolutely was inspired by the dvd extras! You should totally start a cut character and cut scenes fanclub! And I wish I could see the kidnapped PJ fanfic. I'll bet it's awesome.

Merlyn2-glad you liked the box of earth bit (-: Sorry, no phial of Galadriel this time. But it will appear, don't worry!

Jeremy- All credit for the movie idea goes to AshleySciFigirl Hope you're having a good new year!