I wanna thank everyone who is taking the time to read this. It means so much and I am so grateful.

So something a bit different in this chapter and I am hoping heart felt. Enjoy.

Bilbo was beginning to forget ever feeling like a normal, healthy Hobbit. Just being able to move and stretch without white hot pain wrapping around him seemed like a distant memory. Truth be told it scared him that the never ending physical and mentally torment seemed to now be his new normality. How his little body seemed to be able to withstand so much trauma was beyond belief even to himself.

It was known amongst his people that Hobbits were sturdy being when needing to be. Almost to the point it surprised outsiders how resilient they actually were. But technically he was still a mortal being of flesh and blood with his fragile organs only being protected by a layer of meat and bone. Repeated beatings and injuries will in the end result in one final blow that would be a step to far. That final act would put him down permanently with no chance of him being revived again.

Bilbo was placing his bets that another swift knock to the head would be the one to end him. Hobbits in biology have a thicker cranial structure than most in Middle Earth. But it was not indestructible and with the amount of blows he had received in such a short space of time. To much of that trauma will eventually result in his skull caving in. With the probability of large bone shards stabbing into the soft tissue of his brain beneath.

The thought made the Halfling shudder at the crude, repulsiveness. But in that moment it was all he could think about and in truth was the harsh reality. His head was already killing him as the deep set pressure was steadily building behind his eyes. Threating to push them from their sockets.

It had been at least 45 minutes since Braga carried him back to Hildegard's room and placed him down onto her bed. All the way whispering apologies to him and wishing there was something he could do. Bilbo desperately wanted to respond and try to convince him that telling the Dwarves was the right thing to do. It pained him that nothing he wanted to say could escape his lips. All he could accomplish was looking on at the man with a desperate sorrow filled gaze. Hoping that it was easy to read the torment within them. Mustering all the power of a pitiful wide eyed glance. He tried to tug on Braga's heart strings to the point that he may reconsider.

Unfortunately in this moment it was all in vain. No matter how much the Hobbit put fourth his pain filled puppy dog eyes. The leader of the guard could not be swayed.

He left Bilbo alone in the room still unable to move his limbs or head as the serum still coursed through his bloodstream. Every so often his muscles twitches as his body began to brake up the substance. But it was a slow process which was leaving the Halfling more frustrated with every passing minute. Eventually he had enough control and sensation to start wriggling his appendages. Minutes later the tingling slowly climbed up his legs and arms and reached his torso. He took the opportunity to begin gently flexing his body and soon had enough had the motor function to move his neck and head successfully.

Taking a few more moments the small being laid quietly on the soft surface of the bed lining. Even after being drugged and having to endure another round of terrorising agony. Something still seemed off with him. He began to realise this was an experience he had felt before back when he was younger. Just before he came of age to be precise and a few years before he lost his parents. Using every ounce of energy he could muster he dug deep into his past memories to find his answer.

He remembered back to a fishing trip with some of the lads. All was well until the moment Worrywort had a bite at the end of his fishing hook. Not wanting to let the large snapper escape the foolish idiot decided it would be a good idea to stand up in their small boat. Despite all the other occupants protests he continued with all his might to put more of his body weight behind the tug of war. The boat shook and tilted aggressively from side to side. Until finally with one more strong pull on the rod the boat capsize and plunged all four Hobbits into the musky water.

It wasn't a secret that Hobbit were not strong swimmers. Drowning was the number one cause of premature deaths amongst their species. It got so bad that many parents in recent times took it upon themselves to teach their faunts how to swim. Despite most not knowing how to themselves. In nature they were just not built for it with their large feet and lack of buoyancy. It was the equivalent of throwing a rock into a pool of water. But this skill proved essential and Bilbo was beyond grateful that his parents were one of a few who did. He also thanked the Vala that Gamgee and Scattergold possessed this skill as well. Unfortunately the same could not be said for Worrywort.

A few seconds after the boat tipped Bilbo surfaced in a plume of splashes. Coughing and spluttering the water he had accidentally aloud into his mouth when he was submerged. He made a grab for the boats hull and was about to call for his fellow companions. When a second and then a third round of splashes erupted nearby. Gamgee was the first to break the surface followed by Scattergold who both gasped and desperately trying to take in air. Both other Hobbits followed suit and swam over to the hull to help them stay afloat.

Looking around Bilbo anxiety grew as he realised that one of their company members still had not resurfaced. " WHERE IS WORRYWORT?!"

The pair looked around frantically. Scanning the top of the water surface but then realising there was not even a speck of movement out there" I don't know he should of resurfaced by now!" Scattergold responded in a panicked tone.

Without waiting another second Bilbo took in a large lungful of air before diving down. Using his hands to help guide him around the upturned boat he swam to the last location he saw Worrywort fall in. The honey haired Hobbit frantically scanned the area paying more attention downwards towards the riverbed floor. Searching for any signs of movement in the dark depths.

Soon Bilbo could feel the overbearing sensation of his lung protesting and calling out for air. His attempts to locate his missing friend became more desperate as the burning increased and his diaphragm spasmed. He bit down the response to begin breathing again but in short he was running out of time.

Suddenly a shape below him caught his eye and without a moments notice Bilbo swam towards it with all his might. He reached out and grabbed a hold of what was obviously the materials of a jacket but when the Hobbit yanked he could not get the body to move. Reaching back down he then adjusted his grip underneath the individuals arms and kicked the river bed floor with his feet. This action helped Bilbo propel himself and his new load upwards towards the surface. But the extra weight weighing him down was causing him to loose his energy and the last bit of air much quicker. Even for a Hobbit Bilbo was much smaller than most other males. Especially when compared to Worrywort who was taller and at least double his body weight.

He could feel the darkness edge into his own vision as the overwhelming need to breathe became excruciating. The feeling off the daylight sun above seemed to be growing further and further away no matter how much he kicked towards it. Bilbo knew that if he gave up now himself and Worrywort would drown. But if he gave into temptation and let go he would loose his friend to the unforgiving depths. But there was no justification or doubt. Either they both made it to the surface or neither of them did.

With one final forceful push both himself and Worrywort finally broke the surface. He exhaled sharply but before the smaller Hobbit could get another efficient amount of oxygen. The weight of the other body pushed him under the water again. With the last of his little energy diminishing Bilbo made one last ditch effort to keep his larger friend above the surface. It did not take long until his exhausted body just could not take the strain any longer and his own limbs lost their strength. The grip he had on Worrywort faltered with his legs no longer having the power to keep kicking. That is when Bilbo realised his was also beginning to sink.

Feeling an overwhelming sense of panic Bilbo again tried to swim upwards. Unfortunately with the loss of sensation in his extremities he was loosing the battle fast. As it dawned on him that maybe he was not coming back home from his trip. The Hobbit could no longer control his body function and instinctively exhaled. But before he could inhale a lungful of water a hand shot out of no where and covered his mouth and nose to prevent him.

It happened so fast as an arm then wrapped around his chest and Bilbo could feel himself being dragged towards the surface. When they broke the hand instantly retreated and Bilbo could almost taste the crispness of the air as it entered his windpipe. It burned and made his lungs throb after being starved for so long. But in that moment all the Hobbit could do was cough and try to shake out the cloudiness in his waterlogged brain.

" My God don't ever scare me like that again, you absolute idiot." Gamgee sputtered down at Bilbo as he paddled them both towards the shoreline.

It wasn't long until the two drenched and exhausted Hobbit touched down on the sandy bank. Both collapsed into a heavy heap trying to catch their breaths and blink away the remaining droplets of water from their eyelids.

On his back Bilbo let out a loud sounds crackled cough before rolling onto his front and shifting his bodyweight onto his elbows. From there he could make out the other two figures who were both a couple of feet away. The smaller Hobbit could feel his heart jump into his throat as he realised that the Hobbit who was laying prone and un moving was none other than Worrywort.

He felt his muscles stiffen as the feeling of panic overtook him. With a large amount of effort he choked out his words as best he could. But with his raw inflamed throat it came more out as a sorrowful croak. " Worrywort...Is he?"

Scattergold clocked Bilbo's pained yet desperate question. With a half smile he looked to his friend. " It's ok Bilbo he is fine just very waterlogged like yourself." He then turned his gaze back down to the larger unconscious Hobbit. " You saved his life."

" Yes if it wasn't for you rushing of and pulling him back up we would of never of found him. You dived before we could react and only located you again when we saw the struggling. Regardless you are a hero Bilbo." It was Gamgee's turn to interject from beside him.

The honey haired Hobbit could not help but blush. In his eyes he was no hero by any means. Just a person who was taught to help other in their time of need. Though he must admit he did not think his parents meant at the cost of putting himself in danger. Dire or life endangering moments were not things that came up in their conversations. Yet he was pretty sure his mother especially would of done the same and as her son. That was just the person he was. He had no regrets and if called for would most certainly do it all again without question.

"With no short amount of help from you guys. If it wasn't for you pulling me and Worrywort out in the end we would of both drowned." Bilbo replied still breathing heavily.

" As flattering it may be to pass on the compliment. It was yourself who put himself in jeopardy to rescue him. We merely assisted in the last stretch of your heroic act."

"Yet I am sure you would of done the same for me." The smallest Hobbit gave a sheepish smile before deciding he had enough strength to finally stand. Making his way onto his feet Bilbo's leg quickly faulted by the added weight. He winced at the sudden pain but was caught by Gamgee before he again hit the ground.

" Woah there buddy are you ok. You feeling dizzy or something?" Gamgee held Bilbo under the arms to help support him whilst also lowered him back down into a sitting position.

By now Scattergold was hurrying over towards the duo. Worried when he saw his friends pained filled expression and then nearly fall. Once he got closer his features changed into a one of shock as his eyes fell onto his friends right leg. " Bilbo your leg!"

Following the other Hobbits gaze down to his limb he could not help let a sharp whimper escape his mouth. To his horror there was a large gaping gash stretching from the side of his knee all the to the middle of his calf. The deep open wound freely allowing fresh blood to flow and dye his skin and the floor beneath him red.

Gamgee choked down a scream when he also clocked the damaged flesh and crimson liquid. " How the hell did we miss that?" he gasped as he moved to the other side of Bilbo. He immediately removed his petticoat from his shoulders and began to wrap the fabric around the wound to try and stem the flow of blood. By now Scattergold had arrived and using is own hands he put pressure over the injury while Gamgee tired a knot in the garment.

Bilbo winched at the action and could feel himself growing increasingly queasy. To him the biggest question was how could he not of felt that? He looked to both of his friends with water filled eyes. " I share in your bafflement to lads because I don't even remember how I sustained it myself. More on how I failed to notice it until now."

" I am guessing that maybe down to the adrenaline maybe now just worn off." Scattergold answered

" You may of caught yourself on a stray nail or such when you fell in the water. But no matter what caused it we need to get you both back and seen by the doctor." With that both Hobbits swiftly stood up and again helped Bilbo gently to his feet. Gamgee motioned to Scattergold to go help Worrywort as he had no problem picking his injured friend up into a piggyback. At first the smaller Hobbit protested but was quickly scolding into submission as it was clear they could not waste anymore time staying on the shore bank. And this was the quickest way to get back to Hobbiton safely.

Meanwhile Scattergold has successfully coaxed Worrywort from his state of unconsciousness and was helping the wobbly Hobbit stand. He wrapped an arm around their largest friends back with his arm resting onto his shoulders to help take off some of the weight. Once he was more steady and ready to move Worrywort looked up and spotted his other two companions. That was when his focus landed on Bilbo.

" Ooh arr is Mister Bilbo alright there?"

" Yeah just taking the weight of after saving your sorry arse from the river." Scattergold readjusted his hold to help get a better more comfortable grip.

" Oh right well I am truly grateful and indebted to you Mister Bilbo...I don't supposed you managed to retrieve my prize fishing poll while you were at it?"

All the other Hobbits looked towards him in bafflement at the stupid and yet unexpected inquiry. It took a few seconds to process but Bilbo's once shocked expression then turned into one of pure annoyance. He narrowed his focus at the idiotic Hobbit a few feet away and growled. " Best not let go of me Gamgee because right now I will undo what I just did and kill him."

Even despite his friends threat and the viciousness in his voice Gamgee could not help but chuckle at the situation. But not leaving anything to chance he still tightened his grip on the smaller being just to be sure. " Let's get moving shall we."

The trek back to the village took longer than expected as by the time they arrived the sun was setting on the horizon. Least to say the doctor was not to impressed when after a long day, four trouble making adolescents arrived at his front doorstep.

It was well known in Hobbiton that this particular group had a knack for getting themselves into all kinds of scrapes and mischief. But even after completing a twelve hour shift there were no other qualified people to help. So though tempting turning them away was not an option.

In all honesty Bilbo did not know what was worse. The roughness of the doctor cleaning and restitching his damaged leg. Or the dread he felt when Scattergold was sent away to inform and retrieve his parents. He could feel himself tense as the loud crash of the door brought everyone's attention to the entrance way. Then seconds later the sound of echoing shouts of his mother demanding to know where her child was.

He could feel his heart pounding in his ears as the commotion continued to get louder. Then as if time was speeding up the female Hobbit ran into the room with her arms outstretched. To his surprise instead of a scolding he was expecting. He was instead enveloped into a tight bear crunching hug. With loving repeated kisses all over his head and face.

" BILBO DON'T YOU EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN YOU HEAR ME. YOU SILLY LITTLE BOY."

The younger Hobbit could tell his mother was crying as the words she spoke came out in choked sobs. He could also feel the fresh hot tears landing on top of his head as she nestled her face into his hair. Moment later his father finally arrived and just like before made his way over and collected his only child into his arms. They stayed that way until Bilbo was given the all clear to go home. But only on the promise he would rest up and take the medicine the doctor had prescribed him.

Despite doing everything right the poor young Hobbit unfortunately still developed a fever from the infections his body had obtained. It was clear to the doctor that even with the treatment given there was still a prolonged gap between the incident and arriving at his practice. His body did not just have to deal with the leg trauma but also the near drowning. Which all in all had taken it's toll on the adolescent. It was just going to take a longer time to heal and a more aggressive treatment process to fight of both rounds of infections.

Still Bilbo was young, fighting fit with a stronger immune system. It took a few more weeks than initially expected but in the end his recovery came. The small honey haired Baggins was back on his feet and ready to take on the world again.

Back in his current reality Bilbo contemplate. It did not occur to him up until now just how much he was missing the Shire. Also remember that no matter how much they could be a pain in his arse. By dragging him into a lot of questionable predicaments he did still miss his friends back home.

And his parents!

It was these times looking back over his life that the pain still felt incredibly raw. He longed for his father's words of wisdom and for his mothers undying affection. Yearning for both for their unconditional love. No amount of time could end the dark void that was left in his heart when he lost them. And even though as he got older and did his best to move on. Deep down Bilbo was still that young broken Hobbit he was when he received the news on both their passing's.

All he could wish for now is that they were proud of him. Truth be told going on this quest up until now was one of the best decisions he had ever made. It gave him purpose again to keep on living and best of all. He had made lifelong friends along the way. If he could go back he would not in anyway change his mind on leaving with Gandalf and the Dwarves. All he regretted right now was allowing himself to end up in this situation.

" Are you ok there? Having a day dream or something?"

Bilbo instantly turned his head towards the new individual. He was so deep in his own thoughts that he did not realise Hildegard had returned. By the door she was now staring at him with a bemused look on her face. " You could say that."

"Anything interesting?"

The Halfling shook his head and focused down towards his tired up wrists. " Not really unless you find contemplating different species of fish fascinating?"

The large girl let out a loud chuckle before making her way over to him. " No I think I will give that one a pass." She then placed down the objects she had been carrying onto the bed.

Initially Bilbo did not pay much mind to what the objects were. But on closer inspection a twinge of anxious ness started to creep through him. He did not like the look of these metal devices. " May I ask what they are then?" He let slip. Though in the back of his mind he honestly didn't want to know the answer.

" Something to make binding you a lot less of a hassle." Hildegard answered. " I am also going to assume your foot has been successfully reset." She gestured down to the large black scarf that was wrapped tightly around his foot. She sat there with a sway of confusion. Wondering why the unusual decision was taken to secure it with that particular garment.

The smaller being followed the large girls gaze down to the appendage in question. " Yes well all I can say is Alfred's list of reason to keep on hating me keeps on growing."

Hildegard couldn't help but shake her head in amusement. Her Hobbit was now wearing her fathers assistants scarf like a boot. Very random but no less funny. " Well that answers the question as to why Alfred looked even more vexed than usual. He seriously did not look happy when I saw him escorted Braga out."

Thought it would be nice to go back to Bilbo's younger days in the Shire. I also wanted to write a bit about Bilbo's group of friends and their misadventures. Sort of like a Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin friendship group but it being Bilbo's.

I hope it is ok :D