Chapter 6: Farewell Dear Billy
(There is a big commotion among the hobbits as they look around and whisper to each other. The door at Bag End is opened, and once inside, Billy takes off the Ring, becoming visible. He walks into his study, laughing. He flips the Ring in the air, then puts it back in his pocket and pats it. Walks over and grabs his walking stick. Suddenly, Mentor Ji is seen in a corner)
Mentor Ji: I suppose you think that was terribly clever.
Billy: Come on, Mentor Ji! Did you see their faces?
Mentor Ji: There are many magic rings in this world Billy Cranston Baggins and none of them should be used lightly.
Billy: It was just a bit of fun! Oh, you're probably right, as usual. You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you?
(Billy packs his stuff for the journey)
Mentor Ji: Two eyes. As often as I can spare them.
Billy: I'm leaving everything to him.
Mentor Ji: What about this Ring of yours, is that staying too?
Billy: Yes, yes. It's in an envelope over there on the mantelpiece.
(Mentor Ji goes to the mantelpiece looking for the envelope.)
Billt: No. Wait, it's here in my pocket. (pulls out the Ring and looks at it) Heh, isn't that–? Isn't that odd, now? Yet, after all, why not? Why shouldn't I keep it?
Mentor Ji: I think you should leave the Ring behind, Billy. Is that so hard?
Billy: Well no. And yes! Now it comes to it. I don't feel like parting with it. Its mine. I found it! It came to me!
Mentor Ji: There's no need to get angry.
(Billy turns towards Mentor Ji with a furious look on his face)
Billy: Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault! It's mine! My own. My precious.
Mentor Ji: Precious? Its been called that before, but not by you.
Billy: Argh! What business is it of yours what I do with my own things!
Mentor Ji: I think you've had that Ring quite long enough.
Billy: You want it for yourself!
(Mentor Ji takes a step forward, and talks to Billy with a dark, scary voice. The room grows dark around them.)
Mentor Ji: Billy Cranston Baggins! (Bilbo flings himself towards the wall behind him) Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you. (the room gets light again and Mentor Ji softens his voice) I'm trying to help you.
(Billy runs into Mentor Ji's arms, weeping)
Mentor Ji: All your long years, we've been friends. Trust me as you once did. Let it go.
Billy: You're right, Mentor Ji. The Ring must go to Jayden. It's late. The road is long. Yes, it is time.
(He walks towards the door, opens it and starts to walk out)
Mentor Ji: Billy, the ring is still in your pocket.
(Billy stops and looks at Mentor Ji)
Billy: Oh, yes..
(He takes the Ring out of his pocket and looks at it with a stern face. Slowly, he turn his hand, letting the Ring fall to the floor. It hits the floor with a heavy thud. Quickly, Billt walks out, stopping a few strides from the door, taking deep breaths. Mentor Ji comes out after him)
Billy: I've thought of an ending for my book: "And he lived happily ever after to the end of his days."
Mentor Ji: And I'm sure you will, my dear friend.
Billy: Goodbye, Mentor Ji.
Mentor Ji: Goodbye, dear Billy.
(He walks out of the gate, down the road going east, singing)
Billy: The road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began..
Mentor : Until our next meeting.