Sorry it has taken me so long to update this story. I know you all are probably a bit mad at me for taking so long but I promise you this won't happen often, at least I hope not. I have so many stories out right now that I'm getting them all jumbled and mixed up inside my head. I don't know which is which I want to right and what goes with what. So you all have to review me and tell me which story you wish for me to finish because that is the story I am going to concentrate on for the time being until it is finished. I also give you another choice. Iam considering re-editing Serenity's Misfortune but it's up to you what you want me to do. I don't know if I will get to the fellowship part because I just got back from Europe and I have caught cold from the climate change and so I probably won't do too much but I do promise the fellowship to show up soon, VERY SOON!

So here is the next chapter to, No One Like Me!


"Frodo, what is wrong with you. You act as if the world was about to befall a great tradgedy!" Serenity questioned with worry etched all over her gentle features.

Frodo grimanced inside lightly. She didn't know how close her words hit true, "I'm perfectly fine, Serenity. I'm just thinking about some things . . "

"Think much harder and all your hair will turn grey from too much worrying!" Serenity said with a hint of mirth in her voice as she headed to the door. "I'm going to go out for a while, is that okay with you?"

"Don't be gone long because night is coming soon!" Frodo called over his shoulder as Serenity walked out the door.

Once Frodo heard the sound of the heavy door locked in place he pulled out the cursed object that was to seal his fate. Good or bad he did not know how things would turn out. He could only pray things would turn out for the better.

He gazed down at the ring and remenised on the visit long ago from Gandalf. He wished now he had never recieved the 'gift' that was the ring.

Turning the ring around slowly he tried to remember the words that appeared after Gandalf threw it into the fire. Almost instantly he heard the old wizards voice ringing in his head,

:Flash Back:

"One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them!" Gandalf said in a grave tone as he watched Frodo exam it further. "However, this is only two lines of a verse known so long ago by the Elven-lore:

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

:End Flash Back:

'How could one small ring create so much strife and bring such chaos to all its owners?' Frodo questioned as he remembered Gandalf telling him of Gollum's quest to reunite with his 'precious.' Frodo shivered as he remembered the story of the undoing of the King of Men.

"To think, that I may befall such a horrid ending if I bear this ring too long and fall under it's merciless tricks. NO.. . I can't. . . for Serenity's sake and mine . . . " Frodo said as he stood up and pocketed the dreadful ring away.

The only thing to do now was to prepare for his quick departure to Rivendell. Only one thing bothered him. Serenity!

"I can't take her with me it's too dangerous . . " Frodo mumbled under his breath as he fell back into his chair.

"Take me where?" Serenity questioned.

Frodo jumped at her voice, "Serenity you are back so soon!"

"Soon!" Serenity asked in confusion, "Frodo you silly thing, I've been gone for well over an hour."

"Really? Well how time does fly!" Frodo said as he laughed lightly at his poor atempt to make Serenity forget where the conversation was going.

"That it does, now where is it you plan on going, Frodo?" Serenity questioned, "It wouldn't happen to be to see those Elves Gandalf was talking about that last time he came now would it?"

Frodo had a look of utter shock cross his face. How on earth did she come to know. She had been sent to fulfill some tasks on request of Gandalf.

"I may have completed my tasks but that didn't mean I didn't stick around to hear what was going on. I don't like being kept out of what is happening. Especially when it concerns my family and friends." Serenity said as her expression turned into a seriously grave look. One that sent chills down Frodo's back.

Her eyes looked like those who didn't belong to one so young. They looked more fitted to belong to a battle weary warrior whose battle with time was long lost. For one so young she seemed she looked wiser beyond her years in that instance.

"I take it you had planned on leaving me behind!" Serenity's words broke Frodo's train of thought.

"Only because I don't want to put you in danger. You will be safer here!" Frodo said in an orderly tone.

"I'm going! Wherever you go I go!" Serenity said as she took a strong stance that told him she wasn't going to give up any time soon.

Frodo released a small sigh of frustration. He had no choice. It wasn't like he could chain her down and force her to stay. Besides, no one would take care of her and he wouldn't be surprised if some of his relatives tried something.

"Fine!" Frodo relented as his shoulders slumped with defeat as he relaxed into his chair. His eye gazed into the fire before him. What was happening?

"I promise to stay out of trouble and help as much as I can!" Serenity said as she placed her small hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner.

Frodo looked up at the child . . . no woman that stood before him. She was so strong. Much stronger then he and yet he was still afraid she would break with the slightest touch.

"Be ready to go! We leave soon!" Frodo said to her as he, himself, went to prepare for the long journey.

NOTE: YOU ALL ARE GOING TO HATE ME FOR SKIPPING TO THE PART WHERE FRODO AND SAM MEET STRIDER BUT IF YOU WANT TO GET TO THE FELLOWSHIP THIS YEAR YOU C AN DEAL WITH IT!


Serenity groaned lightly. From what she wasn't sure. Whether it was from the soars she had gathered from her long travel or the smell of sweaty men, smoke, and alcohol. Either way it was starting to give her a bad ache in her head.

Opening her eyes she cast her gaze on the ring that hung from the chain around Frodo's neck. To think all of this trouble and risking only because of a simple golden ring. She still didn't know the full story behind the dreadful thing but she would find out soon enough.

Serenity was brought out of her thoughts by a worried look crossing Frodo's face. A look she has unfortunately come to know all to well.

"What's wrong with you, Frodo?" Merry asked as he poked Frodo's side lightly.

"That man over there. The strange weather-beaten one. I don't know who he is but I have a strange feeling coming from him." Frodo responded.

"It's probably just the look of him that worries you, Mr. Frodo!" Sam replied as he tried to direct the mood to something lighter. They all needed it. Turns out Gandalf hadn't made it to the Prancing Pony like he had promised Frodo the night of their discussion of the ring. They were tired from all their running and traveling and it was high time they rested up and got to Rivendell before they all died of worry.

"Look Frodo he's watching you!" Pippin said as if it was the most amazing thing in the world.

"That's the most obvious thing to say, Pippin!" Merry said as he hit Pippin over the head lightly.

Serenity would have laughed at the two's antics but even she knew now wasn't the time. That man was heading this weay and she too was feeling something strange radiating from the man. Something that chilled her to the bone.

Throwing back his hood, the man revealed a head of shaggy dark hair flecked with grey, and a pale stern face dotted with two powerful green eyes.

"I am called Strider," came the low voice from the man, "I'm pleased to meet you!"

Frodo only nodded in response. He felt far from comfortable under the stare of the man's keen discerning eyes.

Serenity's eyes darted back and forth between the two. The tension in the air was thick and made it almost impossible to breathe regularly.

"I would warn you, Master Underhill, that your young friends and you shouldn't talk so much. This isn't the Shire! Too many queer folk hide here in wait." The one called Strider warned heavily.

This caused the traveling table to settle down and listne intently.

"Things here in Bree are tense. Strange travellers have been seen and many unwelcomed." Strider said in a grave tone.

:note: I KNOW I'M CHANGING THINGS MORE THEN I DID IN THE LAST CHAPTERS BUT PLEASE FORGIVE. I'M JUST TRYING TO GET THINGS MOVING! ALSO FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ONLY SEEN THE MOVIE BREE IS THE TOWN THE PRANCING PONY IS LOCATED AND ALSO STRIDER'S EYES ARE GREEN IN THE BOOK! SO DON'T FLAME ME OR ANYTHING!

"Is this all you have come to say?" Serenity questioned quietly.

Striders green eyes turned toward the young woman, "An Elf?"

Serenity's eyes widened and she looked around. Was he referring to her? "Me an elf?" she asked pointing to herself.

Strider nodded as he took a step closer to her and bent down slightly so as to exam her features better, "Your features are fair enough to pass as an elfs but your eyes say differently."

Serenity eased back as she tried to distance herself as far away from the man as possible, "I don't know what you mean!"

Strider stood up to full height once again and shook his head lightly, "Your eyes do not hold the tranquility of an elf. You show all your emotions at once, something an elf doesn't do."

Serenity didn't know whether or not to take that as a compliment or an insult but for now she would let it go. As long as that man left her and her friends alone she would be happy enough. Strider wasn't telling them everything and she could sense it and that made her not trust him more so then she already did.

"I should like a quiet word with you, Mr. Baggins!" Strider said as he turned his attention to the dark-headed hobbit.

"What about?" Frodo question with unease while ignoring the sudden use of his proper name.

"A matter that is of some importance to us both. You may even hear something to your advantage." Strider said while starring down Frodo in the eyes.

"Very Well!" Frodo said as he tried to act unconcerned, "I will later tonight."

Serenity was about to argue but was pulled over to Merry as he whispered a newly learned joke in her ear.


Serenity paced the room that they all were using for the night. Frodo had suggested she stay and that didn't lay to well with Serenity. She didn't like that Strider person at all and to know he'd be alone with three of her friends made her uneasy.

'But what reason has he given you to not trust him?' A voice from within Serenity's locket questioned.

Serenity sighed as she sat on the bed and unlocked her most treasured posession, "Hello Artemis!"

"Serenity," Artemis said as he bowed his head lightly, "Now tell me what all the trouble is about. I haven't gotten in touch with you for a while.

"I know! I'm sorry but I've been busy traveling with Frodo to Rivendell!" Serenity said in an grave tone.

"Does this have to do with the Ring?" Artemis questioned before realizing his slip up.

"You know about it?" Serenity questioned as she sent a curious look toward one of her few friends.

"Um. . well . . yes and no . . but I wasn't supposed to let you know that. . . Luna's going to kill me. . . I need to go for now Serenity. . . stay safe and out of trouble!" Artemis spit out quickly as his form quickly vanished.

Serenity burried her head in her pillow and let out loud scream. Sighing, she sat back up and flicked away imaginary dust on her shoulder. "That's better!"

"Serenity what is wrong?" Frodo question as he came in with Pippin, Same, and Strider following behind, "We heard you screaming."

A faint blush heated Serenity's face, "Um.. . I . . . . I was screaming out of frustration, sorry!"

Pippin laughed lightly as he walked over to his young friend and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "Who knew tiny little Serenity had it in her?"

"PIPPIN!" Serenity growled out as her eye twitched in aggitation. If it wasn't embarrassing enough already.

Strider's eyes lit up with a amusement at the girl, 'What is she?'

"Frodo, I've seen them. The Black Riders!" Merry cried out as he rushed into the room.

The once calm atmosphere turned tense with fear once again.

"Black Riders!" Frodo cried, "Where?"

"Here, in the Village. I got tired of staying indoors and went for a stroll when I came across it." Merry said as he tried to regain his breath. "I followed it until it dissapeared and then returned here as fast as I could.

"Which way did it go?" Strider questioned suddenly. This caused Merry to recognize the stranger from earlier.

"Don't worry he is a friend of Gandalf's. Go on!" Frodo said as he ushered Merry to continue.

"Eastward!"

"You have a stout heart but that was foolish!" Strider said as he looked upon Merry with wonder.

"All I know is I felt drawn somehow and that's all I know. It was neither brave nor silly!" Merry said with all honesty. "Ow!" Merry yelped out as he covered the soon to be bump on his head, "What was that for, Ren?"

"That was for putting yourself in a situation that could've gotten you killed!" Serenity said in a joking voice but her words rang true. She was scared to loose anyone and to find out Merry's curiosity could have led to his downfall hurt her deeply.

"Do you think they will attack the inn?" Serenity questioned as she turned her gaze to Strider.

"No, I think not," Strider said as he shook his head lightly, "They are not all here yet. And in any case that is not their way. In the dark and loneliness they are strongest; they will not openly attack a house where there are lights and many people - not until they are desperate."

"Enemies seem to be everywhere so what will we do tonight?" Sam questioned.

"Stay here, and do not stay in these rooms! They are sure to have found out which rooms are yours!" Strider said as he motioned the others to gather their things and follow him.

They did as told and soon found themselves piling their stuff on the parlour-floor and rolling up in blankets to keep warm. "

"Let us hope to hold fort till morning!" Strider said as he went to his portion of the room to keep watch over the others for a while.

"Good night to you!" the hobbits and Serenity said to him before saying their good nights to each other.

Strider closed his eyes lightly as he concentrated solely on the area around him, 'May we all see the light of day tomorrow!'

Outside a mist began to billow into Bree and darkness settled in fast. As the night deepened the mist grew thicker.

Suddenly a faint stir in the leaves was heard soon followed by a thin and menacing voice, "Open, in the name of Mordor!"

As soon as those words were spoken a horn rang out. Still the black figure moved on as it knocked down the door to the city and headed toward its destination.

The horns sounded more and more. Let the small weaklings blow their horns. Sauron would deal with them in time.


Frodo awoke in early night from his deep sleep; it was as if some sound or presence had disturbed him. Feeling as if it was just his nerves getting to him, he laid back down for a restless sleep. Frodo's dreams were anything but pleasant as the sound of restless wind and hoof's beat into his head.

"Wake up!" Strider called as he shook Frodo awake.

"S-Strider?" Frodo questioned.

Strider nodded as he moved to wake up woman laying beside of the young hobbit. After waking everyone up, Strider led the way to their bedrooms. Audible gasps were heard from all as they took in the sight of their room and they silently thanked Strider. Whoever had been in there was indeed angered at not having found their 'prize.' The windows of the room had been forced open; the bed had been stabbed and tossed recklessly. Everything was destroyed.

"We must leave this place at once. It's not safe!" Strider said as he ushered them to gathe their stuff and prepare to leave.

For five days the enitre group traveled without any interruptions from their followers. However, as each day passed Frodo felt a growing fear stir inside him. Something was going to happen and he knew it. Frodo also knew he was worrying his sister sick. Serenity was always next to him. Offering to help him in any way she could. He smiled lightly at how kind and sweet she had grown up to be but he only hoped that the trouble to come wouldn't taint her innocence.

Soon the group came upon a wide ring of ancient sonework, now crumbling or covered with age-long grass. But in the center a cairn of broken stones had been piled. They had been blackened with fire meaning someone had been there previously.

The others sat their stuff around the area and made to sit down for it had been a steep climb to reach the top.

"I wonder," Strider mumbled as he looked around and noticed upon a rock a strange symbol, "If Gandalf was the one who made camp here. He can move very swiftly when the need press."

"What have you found?" Serenity questioned as she moved to where Strider was headed.

Strider looked back at her before motioning with his head toward the symbol, "It seems whoever was here left some kind of mark."

Serenity moved closer and stood next to Strider as she examed it, "That's Gandalf's mark!"

"Are you sure?" the other hobbits cried as they looked upon the mark, l"lll.

"How do you know?" Strider questioned as he gazed at the blonde woman he had mistakened for an elf.

"The mark is obviously fresh and clean meaning it had to be used by magic. A blade or weapon of some sort wouldn't have made such a clean cut and would have taken too long to create. Who would waste time making such a mark with manual tools when they could use magic." Serenity stated as she ran a hand over the marking, "That and the symbol reads G3! The G must stand for Gandalf but the three I'm not quite sure!"

"It must stand for October 3, three days ago. Gandalf must have left and used this as a marking so we'd know where he has been!" Frodo exclaimed in excitement and relief.

"We can't be sure of that so let us eat and be weary of what happens next." Strider ordered lightly as he made move to make a fire to warm them all. As they all sat around the fire they thought back on the events for the past five days.

"What's that?" Pippin questioned as he noticed something small and dark against the glimmer of the moon rise. Perhaps it was only a large stone or jutting rock that appeared out of the moonlight. At that moment the fear and dread from the days before engulfed Frodo and made it hard for him to breathe.

"Frodo!" Serenity called out as she rushed to his sides. Frodo was clutching the ring to his chest and his breathing was coming out ragged.

"Hush!" Whispered Strider.

"What's that?" Pippin cried out as he pointed over the lip of the little dell they had passed coming up.

Everyone's eyes were glued to the spot Pippin pointed to only to see a shadow rise. Straining their eyes, the shadows seemed to grow until there was no doubt that there was more then one shadow approaching. Everyone retreated to where they thought they were safest for the moment. All praying the shadows hadn't noticed them and would go away; however, that wasn't the case.

The shadows came closer and clearer as the seconds passed. Soon five shapes could be recognizeable; two standing on the lip of the dell, three advancing. They had white faces that burned with merciless eyes; under their mantles were long grey robs; and upon their grey hairs were helms of silver. Swords of steel were in their grasps as they advanced. Frodo, out of fear, slipped the ring on his finger, only to have everyone grow more terrified. It seemed the tallest of the creatures could see Frodo even though the ring made him dissapear. They watched helplessly as the tallest lifted his sword back and stabbed it through the air. As soon as the blade was pulled back a screaming Frodo apeared.

"FRODO NO!" Serenity cried as she ran to him but was restrained by Strider.

"Don't!" Strider commanded but Serenity didn't listen as she elbowed Strider in the stomach hard enough to get him to release her.

"Get away from him!" Serenity cried out as she kicked the being's hand away as he tried to touch her brother.

A hissing sound was all that responded as the creature brought the sword back to attack the girl but stopped when he was blinded by a bright light the girl started to emit.

"I won't let you hurt him!" Serenity said in a low angered voice as her pupiless eyes looked up at the monster and the light grew until everyone was forced to cover their eyes.

When the light died down the creatures were gone and Serenity had passed out on the ground. A faint light still luminated her body as she took small, shallow breaths.

Many questions filtered through the minds of everyone at seeing the poer displayed but none had time to quetion. Frodo had been hurt and they needed toget him to safety and soon.

"Move quickly!" Strider cride out as he picked up Serenity and gave her to Sam to carry on his horse while Strider flung Frodo over his stallion before mounting it himself.


Okay I think this is enough for one day: pants:I can't believe I typed all that. YOU ALL BETTER APPRECIATE THAT! I WANT REVIEW AND YOU KNOW WHAT'S APPEARING NEXT RIGHT: THE FELLOWSHIP: SO IF YOU WANT A NEW CHAPTER I BETTER GET 10 OR MORE REVIEW.

THANX
CHRISTINA
TSUKI