A.N. WARNING! There will be material in this chapter that could be triggering to those who are sensitive to abuse, and sexual content. Please take caution.
I hope everyone is staying safe with all of the fires on the west coast of the US. It is so crazy here, and we haven't seen the sun in nearly two weeks. My prayers go to all those who have lost their lives, and their homes. This has been such a tragic year.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.

They fought long enough to get the goblins off of Dori, and then ran again. Thorin kept hold of Danica's hand when he could, fighting off what goblins came across their path. Gandalf led them through dizzying tunnels, and over rickety bridges. Without much warning, he had them slide down a steep ravine that dropped them into the lower levels. The goblins easily followed, and so Gandalf unleashed another blue flash. Some goblins fell dead instantly, while the rest scattered, shrieking in pain and fear. Their way was now clear, but they kept running. There were a couple of guards at the exit, but they were easily dispatched.

Never before had sunshine and fresh air been so welcome. Still, they ran. Only once the sun began to set did they stop, hiding in a small dell that was protected by two large boulders. After being counted, and realizing that Bilbo was missing, Balin volunteered to keep watch for their burglar. While the others argued about him, Thorin turned to Danica, whose hand he was still holding. She looked much like the rest of them; clothes a little torn and askew, hair all over the place, and covered in small cuts and bruises.

"Are you alright?" he asked, wiping some blood that oozed from a cut above her eyebrow.

"I've had worse," she replied, her hand still clutching his. He wondered if she noticed. "I fear this isn't over yet,"

"What do you mean?" her words filled him with dread, and had the hair on the back of his neck standing on end.

She looked at him, almost guiltily, and her hand loosened in his, so they both let go. It reminded him to put up his formal wall. "After making it through the mountains, there's supposed to be an ambush," she said.

This wasn't really a surprise. When she had warned of possible goblins, she'd also said that in the tales she knew, there'd be an ambush on the other side.

"We have come out in a different place than we would have. How could they predict where we would be?"

"Did either of you see Bilbo?" Gandalf's question kept Miss MacKay from answering Thorin's.

"No," Thorin replied, ire rising.

"I saw him fall to the side when the goblins attacked him and Dori," Miss MacKay said.

"Why did you not say something sooner?!" Gandalf demanded crossly. "We need to go back for him!"

"Don't worry," Dillinger said. "I'm sure he'll show up,"

"Not likely," Thorin grumbled. "The hobbit was looking to go home just before we were attacked. He has thought of nothing but his soft bed and warm hearth since first he stepped out of his door. We will not be seeing him again. He is long gone,"

The others were silent, looking down sadly. A small hand touched his arm.

"Thorin,"

He looked back at Miss MacKay, whose cheeks were a bit redder than they had been earlier, reminding him that he'd confessed to his eavesdropping, but her eyes were pleading for patience toward Bilbo. His anger weakened.

"No, he isn't,"

Many of them jumped at the sudden appearance of Bilbo. Gandalf was overjoyed, but called Balin over to ask how Bilbo had gotten past him. There was no answer other than that their burglar was very good at sneaking. Kili asked what happened, and Bilbo recounted riddles he'd exchanged with a strange creature called Gollum, and how he'd followed it to the exit. He'd managed to slip past it and some goblins to escape. Perhaps Bilbo would make a fine burglar after all.

Focus then turned to how Gandalf and Dillinger had come to rescue them. Their tale seemed more believable, given Gandalf's magic. Dillinger had been the one to kill the Great Goblin, which earned him the nickname, John Goblin's Bane. It all seemed so lighthearted, but Thorin could still sense the tension in Miss MacKay.

"We should get moving," he said.

Gandalf nodded. "Yes. The goblins will be after us once the sun goes down,"

It was a steep way that had them sliding a lot. Eventually, they came upon a bunch of pines that gave them something to hold on to. Whatever security they felt was shattered with a howl carried to them by the wind. Miss MacKay sighed.

"Out of the frying pan,"

"And into the fire," Thorin finished.

"Run!" Gandalf yelled.

They only got a few feet before wargs jumped out and blocked them. When they turned around, they found themselves surrounded by a full pack of snarling, drooling wargs mounted by fully armed orcs. Trapped, with no way out but up the trees; if they could even reach a branch before being bitten by a warg, or stabbed by its rider. A deep, rough laugh turned Thorin's blood cold. His eyes looked up to a boulder, where a giant, white warg came into view, bearing the last creature Thorin ever thought he would see again.

"Azog," there was a moment of complete shock, and then he spun to Miss MacKay. "You knew. Not just about him, but that we would somehow fall into that trap,"

Her eyes were wide, terrified. "I only ever knew that it was a possibility,"

He wanted to yell and fight, but could only gaze back at Azog. Something wasn't right. They weren't advancing. Merely watching, grinning like cats about to enjoy a great game. Azog called his name, tone taunting, and words clearly insulting, even if Thorin couldn't understand them. So great was Thorin's fury that red began to dance around the edges of his vision. Gripping Orcrist, he took a step forward.

"No, don't," Miss MacKay said softly, her hand holding his arm.

First, he looked down at her hand, and then her face. "Do not presume to tell me what I can and cannot do,"

Hurt flashed through her eyes, then anger. "He has the high ground," her voice was calm, despite the storm of emotions, "and a pack of his men surrounding us. He wants you to attack, because he knows you'll be at a disadvantage,"

Thorin looked back up at Azog, his rage burning within him. "I cannot just let him sit there," he growled through clenched teeth.

"You must. All that matters is the quest, and going after him could not just mean your death, but that of the quest,"

She kept her hand on his arm as he glared up at the Pale Orc. Everything she had said was true, but how could he just step away when the filth was mocking him?

"Please, Thorin,"

Miss MacKay's plea had him looking at her again. If he attacked, it would also put her in danger. Blood had dried on her wounds from the goblins, and he could see a couple of bruises getting worse on her face and neck. Sighing, he lowered Orcrist, and nodded. Relaxing, she gave him a smile of thanks. Both of them began looking around in confusion as a strange sound bounced off the trees; softly at first, then quickly becoming clearer. Clapping. It wasn't any of the orcs, nor the Company. Shock jolted down Thorin's spine when a young woman walked up next to Azog, an eerie smile on her face. She was fairly tall, bright red hair having grown out to reveal the dark brown roots.

"Well done," the woman said. "Never thought I would see someone talk down the great Thorin Oakenshield,"

He could hear his men murmur in anger, but all he could do was stare. She'd lost weight, and there were some visible scars on her face. Before he could say her name, Miss MacKay called out.

"Rachel?" the disbelief had, at first, robbed Danica of all breath. Rachel was nearly unrecognizable to the eye, but her voice was the same.

"You know her?" Thorin's eyes were wide as he looked at her.

Danica nodded, tears stinging hers. "She's my sister-in-law,"

"Former," Rachel's voice and gaze were cold "That relationship died with my brother. I see you survived our last little scuffle,"

"More or less," Danica replied, stifling the sudden grief and anger.

"She lost a child because of you!" John yelled angrily.

Rachel's eyes landed on him. "And who is this? Another new addition? He's cute. Is he telling the truth?"

Danica could only nod. John came to stand beside her. "My name is John Dillinger,"

"Huh. A southerner. Out of curiosity, what time are you from?"

"1975,"

There was a knowing about Rachel that made Danica uncomfortable. She didn't seem too surprised by John's identity.

"Well, cowboy, she got no less than she deserved,"

The insult had the entire Company yelling in anger, which made the orcs and wargs more agitated than before.

"Rachel, why are you doing this?" Danica yelled, trying to calm the situation. "You're putting the fate of an entire world in jeopardy,"

"Did they not tell you? How Thorin tossed me aside in Bree, where I was captured, raped, then sold, and raped some more? Shall I tell you the details of my rape?" Rachel moved a little closer, as if to make sure they wouldn't miss a word. "How long each time lasted? The times more than one used me, or the times they used something other than their bodies?"

"That is enough, Rachel," Thorin's tortured voice greatly contrasted Rachel's bitter one, but there was still strength and authority. "Your fight is with me. Why involve everyone else here?"

Rachel's brown eyes narrowed, and she regarded him with a cold, intense hatred. "Your Company," she spat, "and this quest are more important to you than life. They are the best way to destroy you,"

Who was this hateful woman? The Rachel that Danica knew was dramatic, to be sure, but would never have deliberately tried to get someone killed. Her torture was visible in the scars, and wasted, gaunt body. Once, she had been lovely, but now she looked like a wraith. Was there any hope?

"You look so disapproving, Dani. Not like I should be surprised. It's always been a fact that Danica MacKay is perfect. Sweet, kind, voice of an angel. Maybe if you went through even a little of what I had gone through, you would understand,"

"Rachel…" once again, the pain in Thorin's voice was evident. Rachel's eyes shone with sadistic satisfaction, and Azog's grin grew wider.

"I guess you can't show Thorin Oakenshield you have a heart. He can't seem to handle it. How many times has he pushed you away, Dani?"

Anger rose in Danica, but was matched by pity. "None of that matters. Rachel, I cannot even begin to imagine what- "

"No. You can't. Because, after all that I was put through, they replaced me with a shiny, new version. You,"

"That, you brought on yourself," Gandalf said, tone firm. "If you had not betrayed us, we never would have needed to bring Danica. It is only because of you that she is here,"

Ignoring that, and the sinking feeling in her stomach, Danica stepped forward. "Rachel, would you speak with me, please?"

"Dani, that isn't a good idea," Fili said warily from behind her. Many of the others spoke their agreement. She ignored them while Rachel studied her.

"Alright," Rachel said something to Azog, then moved to the side. "But you leave your weapon behind,"

Queasiness settled into Danica's stomach, but she moved to join Rachel anyway. Thorin grabbed her arm.

"You can't," he moved closer, so his words would be audible to only her. "It is a trap,"

"I'm sure it is, but I have to try. If I can stop this madness now, I need to," she tried to move again, but his grip only tightened.

"You are a part of this Company, and I will not allow this,"

"Before I was a part of this Company, I was her sister. I was a part of her world. Maybe I can convince her to go home with me,"

He wasn't convinced. "And before all of that, you and I were children speaking through a crack in the worlds. You were mine before you were hers,"

All of the emotions she'd been trying to bury shot to the surface with his words. Why was he doing this now? Somehow, she managed to pull away, shoving her spear into his hands.

"I have to try,"

She sped away, sliding through the line of wargs, unable to control the quaking of her body. Being so close to them made her feel as though she would be killed at any moment. Finally, she met Rachel on top of the boulder. For a moment, all they did was stare at each other. They were two girls from another world who never should have been where they were.

"So, you think you can redeem the misguided victim? Save me, and save everyone else in the process?"

"Come on, Rachel. We don't belong here. You, me, and John are all from a different world,"

Rachel suddenly let out a laugh. It held an edge that left chills in Danica's body. The only word that came to mind was unhinged.

"And everyone used to say how smart you were," Rachel mocked. "Haven't you figured it out yet? We aren't from another world, just another time,"

It was so impossible, it was almost laughable. That must have shown on her face as well, for Rachel reached within a satchel under her cloak.

"If you don't believe me, touch this,"

It was a Palantir. Darkness swirled with clouds of dim light. Danica felt the same pull toward it that she'd felt in the waters of St. Lucia.

'Danica,' a voice whispered to her, and her hand rose toward the stone.

The moment her hand touched it, images and information flew through her mind. Most of it was incomprehensible to her. However, she could see the dark hands of Sauron, and his master, Morgoth reaching into the future. Middle earth may have been protected by magic, but the rest of the world was vulnerable in the future. Their best play would be then. That image disappeared, and she could see how Sauron had used Rachel to confirm that she was from the future. He had been experimenting with the Palantirs for some time now, and was beginning to see their potential. Now, if he could just add Danica's knowledge to what he already had, he could send all three travelers back where they couldn't interfere with his plans.

'Stop!' another voice shouted in her mind, giving her strength as she worked to free her hand.

"You stupid bitch," Rachel growled when, panting, Danica managed to free herself. "We could have gone back if you had given him what he wanted!"

"So, you would leave it just to me?" though she still shook a little, Danica stood straight. "You haven't shown him everything either," the Ring, and its location had been kept secret.

Rachel's jaw clenched. "Enough. Just put your hand back on the stone, and we can leave. That's what you wanted, isn't it?"

They heard a soft intake of breath, and looked to see Thorin watching them closely. He locked eyes with Danica, and she could see the concern in them.

"Unbelievable," Rachel breathed. "You actually got him to fall in love with you,"

Instead of replying, Danica snatched the Palantir, and threw it as far as she could toward the edge of the cliff. Rachel shrieked in anger, and the next thing Danica knew, there was a knife in her side. All hell broke loose below, but she was too momentarily stunned to realize what was happening.

"Guess we have to do this the hard way," Rachel murmured, before pulling the knife out. Danica dropped to her knees, and Rachel called out to the Company below. "Don't worry. She won't die just yet. I've been taught the art of torture and death. Her knowledge is still needed, and I have my own game to play,"

Holding the wound as best she could, Danica looked down to where the Company was now in a protective ring of fire. Gandalf had managed to lay pinecones around them without anyone noticing. Any time a warg tried to get near, his coat would catch fire. Thorin was yelling at Gandalf to let him out; that Danica was on the wrong side of the fire.

"Perhaps this has worked out for the better," grabbing Danica's arm, Rachel pulled her up where they were in full view. She then had some more orcs come up onto the boulder. "This little show will be especially for you, Thorin. You will get to watch as your enemy does to her what was done to me,"

Thorin's roar filled Danica's ears as a few orcs held her still, and Azog approached. The Company was attempting to throw whatever they could at Azog, but the orcs just batted them all away. Keeping his eyes on Thorin, Azog took his hand over Danica's body, then tightly gripped her throat. Her vision was already wavering, and she was too weak to put up much of a fight; until she felt a sharp pain in her cheek. Everything cleared, as she felt Azog carve something into her face. She had always figured that she would stay strong when faced with pain, but she couldn't hold back some of the cries.

'Hold on,' the voice from earlier said. 'Help is on the way,'

Gandalf had allowed strategic openings in the fire, so they could begin fighting. No matter what Thorin did, he was too slow. Azog's eyes met his as the orc finished his carving, then licked the blood from her face. Blind with blood lust, Thorin fought with a savagery he had never before known. Somewhere, he heard the call of an eagle, and then the scream of a lion. Estellia came beside Thorin as he charged up the boulder. To his surprise, Bilbo beat them both, and began attacking the orcs on Danica. Rachel was nowhere to be seen.

Estellia lunged at Azog, but was intercepted by his warg. Out of the corner of his eye, Thorin saw Azog stand, and lick his bloodied fingers. Nothing but pure, animal instinct drove Thorin as he lunged, his blade clashing with the clawed metal that was Azog's arm. They exchanged a few blows, one getting them close enough for Azog to wipe his fingers on Thorin's cheek, and laugh. That laugh was short lived. As Thorin recoiled, Azog howled in pain. Bilbo's little blade had pierced the orc's meaty thigh. Azog swatted at Bilbo, causing the hobbit to stumble off the boulder, and be caught by an eagle.

Disengaging from Azog, Thorin let Estellia have her chance with him. Danica was still laying at the edge of the boulder, motionless and bleeding. Thorin instantly knelt beside her, and checked for a pulse.

"Danica? Can you hear me?" he pushed the hair back from her face, sickened by the black speech carved into her delicate skin. She gave no response, and lay limp when he pulled her into his arms. There was a pulse, but it was weak.

"Stay with me," he murmured. "Please stay with me,"

An eagle landed next to the boulder, so Thorin was able to mount with Danica. As they took off, he looked down to see another grab Estellia with its claws. Azog remained, very much alive on the hill, his warg dead behind him with its throat ripped out. In that moment, Thorin made a vow: If it was the last thing he did, he would destroy that bastard. He would stand above him, and watch the light leave his eyes. Even then, what had happened could never be forgiven, or forgotten. Looking down at Danica, he seriously doubted the future of the quest. How could she possibly want to continue now?