~^~ The Failure ~^~

DISCLAIMER: Don't own the LotR characters, but if they're for sale call me at +354....

SUMMARY: Frodo is captured by Saruman who wants to claim the ring, but.. Where is the one ring? Just read and see.. (and reviews would be really appreciated)

RATED: R, for dark themes, violence, abuse and some angst-y subjects

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QTPie-2488: Yeah I know it's kinda confusing if you're not in my head. But I'm planning on explaining this soon.. (

Iorhael: You're right Samwise Gamgee would never slap Frodo!! And I don't care if you would forbid me to thank you. I think you own a lot of thank- you's from everyone who's read your story. It's a masterpiece!

Aratlithiel: Actually I think deep down in my subconsciousness I did take lessons from Iorhael and Aelfigu, and though I've only read 'Son of Drogo´ by you. I think I've taken something in. - - I think I've taken a bit from every angst story around.

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He kept himself in the same corner that Sam had left him in. Sam? Could he call him Sam? The confusion frustrated him dearly. He wanted answers. But the questions he needed to ask could not be formed in his mind. In irritation, fright and anger he clenched his fists, letting the nails dig into his palm, the sting did not pain him, but the confusion did.

Sam had never slapped him before, at least not on purpose. A slight smile formed on his face when he thought back to the Shire. One night when Merry and Pippin were visiting Hobbiton, the two rascals had dragged Sam and Frodo himself to the inn of the Green Dragon. There they sang and drank until early next day. Sam who had not intended of staying that long rushed to Bag End before the Gaffer would notice his absence. Frodo himself staggered behind him, but Sam's conscience brought him faster than Frodo's eyes could even follow. When Frodo arrived to Bag End, Sam was asleep in the flowerbed. He would had let Sam just stay asleep if it wasn't for Sam's gaffer coming up the road. Frodo carefully knelt as he called out Sam's name, a bit louder than he had intended to, Sam jumped up and the small rake Sam had clutched in his hand connected with Frodo's cheek.

Frodo chuckled as he remembered how Sam had apologized dozens of time, and those dozens didn't compare of how often he cooked dinner for Frodo and Bilbo after that incident.

His smile faded when the door were opened up again and in came Sam. Frodo clenched his fists tighter as he followed Sam's movement.

"I gave you time to consider my offer, Frodo and now it's time to hand me the ring" Sam said, his eyes boring into Frodo's

"My mind is set.. Sam, you won't go anywhere without me" Frodo said

His heart skipped a beat when Sam's eyes flashed with anger that he quickly covered up

"Is that so?" Sam's voice was emotionless

"You won't bear the ring, Sam" Frodo said

"You can't stop me when you're dead" Sam said, his voice still emotionless

Tears started to form in Frodo's eyes. He didn't know how long he had stayed there, but it hadn't really been a long time. But he couldn't bear the thought of staying there any longer. Each minute was killing him, each second drained out a bit of hope he still had. How long would they keep him there, wouldn't they just kill him if he told them where the ring was?

Galadríel's mirror came into his mind as he wondered where he would end. He would become a slave. His wings would be taken away and the ability to ever fly again would be killed. No he couldn't live like that.

The first tear ecaped his eye and ran quickly down his face as he faced his friend - - a friend and yet his enemy

"Then why don't you just kill me" Frodo's voice was weak as he wondered if this would be his last sentence

"You want that, Frodo" Sam stepped forward "You want me to give you death when I can give you something a lot more powerful. I can give you authorities you wouldn't even dream of"

"So you do want the ring for yourself? You never planned on destroying it.." Frodo trailed off when Sam cut in "I never spoke of the power of the ring.." Sam paused, like he was considering what to say "You know just as well as I do that you won't get further than this, I can. And I am ready to give you the fame of this quest. You want that Frodo, you will become a legend.. a myth! You're name will live longer than you.."

"You lie" Frodo muttered

"Pardon me?" Sam asked

"You lie!" Frodo yelled, "You want to claim the ring for yourself"

Sam stayed quiet for a while "If you ask for death I'll give it to you.. But if you ask for my respect you'll get none.. How can you say such absurd things?"

"The absurd things I speak of are not absurd to a sane person" Frodo said

"You are insane" Sam said as he took another step forward, anger clouding in his eyes "And the death you have asked for, will be given to you"

Immediately Sam had grabbed Frodo by his neck, shoving him into the wall. He raised his fist and gave Frodo a real punch. Frodo would have fallen back if it wasn't for Sam's hand that was now clutching the collar of his tunic and the wall behind him. Another punch came, immediately after the other one and this time Frodo crumpled to the floor, Sam had released him but was not done with him. His solid foot hit the dazed hobbit into the stomach, but not only once but six times

While Frodo was catching the air he had lost, Sam pulled him up again to use his fists more. One blow came, then another and another. Until Frodo thought he was going to pass out, then it stopped and a harsh slap connected with his cheek

"You, stay awake!" The words were spoken with disgust "I'm not finished"

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-- TBC --

So, what do you think. Please review.. and if you have any ideas please feel free to share them.