"Hold up." Olivia said, putting her hands up. "When the flabbity did we go to Fangorn? What even IS Fangorn?"

"It's the forest where Merry, Pippin, Amanda and Alyssa went to escape the orks and meet Treebeard." Emma explained, slowly remembering. "We reunited with Gandalf there before traveling to Rohan."

"Because that's not a totally random event for amnesia to kick in." Emma rolled her eyes.

"How could this happen?" Legolas said, still kneeling next to her and trying to offer comfort. Within his mind was in an uproar. What had happened since Fangorn? Did this mean her confusing signals were all forgotten?

In truth, he no longer cared if his feelings were reciprocated so long as Rachael could be safe from dangers such as this. He swore to himself that it was his duty from now on to serve and protect Lady Rachael.

"I feared this might happen." Gandalf murmured to himself, ignoring the others. He addressed the group. "An explanation is in order."

"You bet your patoot an explanation is in order!" Emma argued, glaring at the cryptic answer and vowing to not let him leave until everything was understood to a T.

"I was hoping to explain to the seven of you maidens all at once, but my fight with the balrog delayed me until it was too late." Gandalf continued. "Alas, I fear dark forces have kept the information from reaching your ears! I suppose it is time, but our words are not meant for prying eyes." He glanced suspiciously around the med bay, glaring at a frightened nurse who scuttled off.

A brief traveling montage later in which Legolas carefully carried Rachael who insisted she felt fine but did nothing to resist his efforts, the group found themselves in Rachael's tower joined by Aragorn, Gimli and Boromir.

"Alright, spill." Emma said, trying to sound intimidating. Gandalf was quiet for a moment as he looked dramatically out the window, almost like Rachael's trance.

"There are worlds other than Middle Earth." Gandalf began, slowly. "The girls whom have accompanied us traveled from the realm known as Earth to come here. All the worlds are connected, but the focus point for these connections is Earth. Works of literature and entertainment within the girl's world contain stories of the worlds. Within each world a balance of good and evil must be kept. In the beginning, worlds were free to intermingle as they so desired."

"So, books and movies are real?" Olivia said. "The fangirls will be pleased."

"One already is, Regolas." Emma wiggled her eyebrows towards Rachael, who punched her arm.

"Oh definitely, Boremma." Olivia replied, also receiving a punch to the arm from Emma. Boromir and Legolas looked confused, wondering why it sounded like them.

"Exactly." Gandalf smiled. Then he got serious. "No interrupting."

"Sorry." Olivia shrugged.

"However, an individual emerged who ruined the time of peace. No one knows what world he originates from, nor his true identity. He is gifted with special abilities. We do not know the extent of his power, although we know they include the ability to possess the minds of others and use them as puppets. Due to this, no one has ever seen his true form and told the tale. All we know is that this stranger is very powerful, and got the idea that with his magic powers he could conquer the realms and spread his evil mayhem."

"Wait." Emma interrupted. "Are you saying this shadow thing was controlling Rachael?"

"What did I say about interrupting?" Gandalf said, to which Emma gave an apologetic shrug. "More so I think he was present in her mind and was trying to take hold, but I cast him out before he got a new puppet to control." Rachael gave an involuntary shudder at the thought of being nothing more than a puppet, and Legolas wrapped a protective arm around her.

You know, suddenly Rachael was seeing many perks to amnesia. Mainly, increased physical contact with her favorite elf. Protective arm, being carried, and waking to having her hand held accompanied by a kiss on the cheek? She was beginning to wonder what could have possibly happened between the two of them these past few days for Legolas to get so amazingly clingy…

"If he's so strong and mysterious, how could you repel him so easily?" Emma raised a suspicious eyebrow.

"You would know if you didn't interrupt." Gandalf scolded. She bowed her head in slight shame to let him continue. "Now, his powers are great but they have limits. His puppets are under his total control, and the inhabitant is almost nonexistent. Occasionally he removes the previous subconscious completely to fully claim the physical body as his own. However, he can only have one puppet at a time. This makes him vulnerable, for it can take a while for another suitable soul to come along. Then he must have his current vessel make contact with the new puppet, and keep close until he has time to transfer to the new body. In this case, the new body would have been Rachael."

"Does that mean whoever he is currently possessing has been around this entire time?" Rachael glanced nervously around, wondering who it could possibly be. Legolas gave her arm a squeeze, and she wondered if her chills were of fright or delight.

"We have a traitor in our midst." Boromir growled, glaring at the door leading to the rest of the keep.

"Not the entire time." Gandalf eased them. "I assure you, none of the original fellowship is inhabited. However, anyone you've met since your memories became blurry is a definite possible threat."

"So, you don't know who it is?" Olivia asked. Gandalf shook his head.

"He is using his magic to shield his location, but I can sense his presence is near." Gandalf spoke.

"But Gandalf, what happened before with this guy?" Emma asked, focusing on the info.

"What do I keep saying about interruptions?" He replied, frowning.

"That time it was Rachael!" Emma argued. "Besides, she nearly got possessed. She deserves to ask questions."

"She wasn't possessed now, but we still must be cautious." Gandalf warned. "He will not give up so early. He will most likely try to control any of you girls, or even possess any of us here in an attempt to get closer to you three."

"What are we supposed to do then?" Rachael sighed, looking defeated. "Not trust anyone, even our own heads?"

"I will protect you." Legolas assured her, but his words did little to settle the mind of one who couldn't remember yesterday.

"If you think anything is off, you must try and tell me immediately." Gandalf instructed. "But remain alert and cautious at all times. Any sign of weakness leaves him a window to plant a seed, and from there he will only grow in influence until his soul fully takes root."

"Why is this guy coming after us?!" Emma said, frustrated. "We're random teen girls from Earth!" Gandalf opened his mouth, but suddenly Aragorn raised a hand to silence him.

"Someone's coming." Aragorn said seriously, indicating the conversation had to end for now. The room turned silent as they all heard the footsteps that managed to sound ominous. They waited in anticipation for the person to open the door.

"Oh, there you guys are!" Eowyn said, sticking her head into the room to peer at all of them. "King Théoden was hoping for help planning the next course of action with Aragorn and Gandalf. And I was wondering if everyone would like to join us at a celebratory feast tonight."

"Of course." Gandalf said, giving her a wise smile as if nothing suspicious had gone on.

"We'll come right down." Aragorn said, standing up to leave with Gandalf.

"Geez." Emma sighed in relief once they were gone. "He's quite a downer."

"Yes, but he is still a much respected wizard." Boromir reminded him.

"Just like you're a much respected guy?" Olivia raised an eyebrow. "How's that working out for you?" Emma and Olivia were laughing now as Boromir rolled his eyes, but Rachael was staring at the door. Suddenly she felt very wary, for she just realized- Eowyn hadn't met them until they arrived in Rohan.

READERS: Aww, and I liked Eowyn! If you have any questions about plot, please comment them so I'll answer them in the future. Anyways, reviews! WolfHound22 don't worry I'll share with you. WritingMiracles I'm so glad you loved everything. And it's Boremma. Rayen Autumn King here is the next update with several questions answered and more questions made. Elfcat I did get a lot done and lots is going awful! YAY! Blue Jay of Night True, you kind of need to know Fangorn. Rosiethehobbit17 yay you got an account! I stopped there to finally publish it. Otakuchamasherlockluvr my god Renge and Olivia and everyone made me laugh in your ridiculous review- you made my day. They should give you more coffee! MUAHAHAH! And truly, she (Rachael) did just miss lots of fluff. Minionloverforever yeah, be worried for Rachael. Poor Abbi and Shealyn… So everyone, reviews make for more frequent updates. PLEASE REVIEW!