Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters you are about to meet. And I do not own Once Upon a Time
This is a crossover of Once Upon a Time, Lord of the Rings, Frozen, Tangled, and Beauty and the Beast. I didn't realize Beauty and the Beast was in it until recently.
Author's note: If you have never seen Once Upon a Time prepare to be confused. If you are a Once Upon A Time fan, prepare to be confused.
Previously on Once Upon a Time:
Frodo Baggins has become the new mayor of Story Brook. Belle has now become a girl named Lacey, but Rumple is working hard to get her real memories back, while shoving it in Frodo's face. Elsa has been trying to learn to control her ice powers, but keeps freezing the forest and now has frozen the entire river. Rapunzel wishes to help in any way she can, but is grieving for the loss of her true love.
Episode 9:
A Morgal Blade
Before the Curse
Aragorn had been leading the hobbits through the marshlands for many days. Once they had finally come out of it, he spotted hill with ruins on it.
"This was the great watchtower of Amonsul…" He announced. He turned to the tired hobbits. "We shall rest here tonight."
The tired hobbits set down their bags and sighed. They had been traveling all day and were starting to feel tired and achy. Aragorn set down a wrapped blanket and unfolded it. There were four small swords that looked like the perfect size for hobbits.
"These are for you," He said, tossing one to Merry. The hobbit was startled and looked at the blade closely. Frodo picked one up and unsheathed it.
"Keep them close." Aragorn continued. "I'm going to have a look around. Stay hidden." He never this watchtower was the perfect spot. He could look out into the world and make sure no one was coming.
Story Brook
"Still no signs of Elsa," Anna said, walking into Granny's diner and addressing Ruby. "Except for the fact that the air is getting colder by the minute."
"I know," Ruby sighed. "I've had to wear long jeans and sweatpants."
"What do you expect?" Granny said, walking over to the counter to give Frodo a mug of hot coca. "We live in Maine." She turned to the hobbit. "Are you all right, dear?"
"Huh?" Frodo looked up at her. His right hand was placed on his left shoulder. "Oh, it's my injury…it always aches when it's cold, or rainy, or snowy."
"That sounds awful." Granny said. "I thought it made you sick at least once a year."
"Um, it does." Frodo admitted. He didn't want to talk about his injuries, especially not with Granny. If she knew all the details she would invade the cursed Bag End with all the supplies she needed to take care of him. Imagine how Sam would react…
"Well, at least it's not every full moon," She said, holding out her arm so he could see the scratches from the werewolf.
"Wow," Frodo replied.
"Yeah," Granny said. "That's why I'm glad this world has Advil."
"Huh," Frodo sighed. "I'm afraid Advil doesn't work for me."
"Oh," Granny nodded. "Drink your coca," She walked over to the sink and began to wash some dishes. Frodo took a sip from the mug.
Before the Curse
Frodo stirred when he heard the sound of Merry's voice. He heard a crackling of a fire and quickly sat up. He looked over to see Merry, Pippin and Sam sitting by a fire and eating some food.
"What are you doing?!" Frodo demanded.
"Made us some toast, and nice, crispy bacon." Merry said proudly.
"I saved some for you, Mr. Frodo." Sam said, holding out a plate. Frodo rushed over and stomped on the fire.
"Put it out you fools!" Frodo shouted. "Put it out!"
"Oh that's nice!" Pippin shouted back sarcastically. "Ash on my toast!"
There was a cry…almost like a scream.
"Um…" Sam hesitated. "Wasn't that our defense that you just put out?"
"Uh-oh," Frodo said, looking down and seeing the Black Riders creep toward the watch tower. Frodo drew his small sword. "Go!"
The hobbits turned and rushed up a staircase. They stood in the center of Weathertop for a long moment. Finally, they could see the Riders slowly walking toward them. They held their blades out, ready to attack the hobbits.
"Back you devils!" Sam cried, lunging at the Wraiths. The leader simply pushed Sam to the side. Merry and Pippin stood their ground for a moment. The Leader reached out to grab them. The two cousins screamed and dodged him. Frodo was left, standing alone. He dropped his sword and fell back.
Ow…why did I do that? He thought in frustration. He suddenly felt an urge for the ring. He pulled it out and examined it, forgetting the Riders were there. He looked up as the leader began to walk toward him. He backed away until he was pressed up against a rock.
What's wrong with me? He thought. His mind was racing. His head screamed at him to run away, but the ring screamed at him to put it on. His legs felt frozen.
Before the leader could stab Frodo, the ring slipped onto his finger. The world around him seemed to change. The Riders were no longer cloaked in black. They were pure white. He could see their faces. They were thin and sickly. The leader hesitated and reached his hand out to grasp the ring. Frodo felt his hand move toward the Wraith completely against his will. He pulled back. Pain shot through his hand as if the ring were punishing him for resisting.
The leader took his blade and pierced Frodo's left shoulder.
"Ah…" Frodo winced in surprise then let out a cry of agony. Suddenly, a shadow appeared and the leader backed away, pulling the blade out and dropped it. Aragorn held his sword in one hand and a torch in the other, fighting off the Riders.
Frodo slowly pulled the ring off his finger. Once he re-appeared he felt a surging pain go through him, as if he had been stabbed again. Frodo couldn't hold back a scream. Sam rushed over to his side at once.
Merry and Pippin were by their side. The three hobbits looked up in fear as a Wraith crept toward them, holding his sword, ready to attack. It paused and looked at Aragorn. He threw the torch at it and struck it in the face. The creature shrieked and ran.
Frodo whimpered.
"Strider!" Sam called. "Help him, Strider!"
Aragorn rushed over and picked up the blade. He examined it carefully. "He's been stabbed by a Morgal Blade…" He said. The blade vanished from his hand in a purple smoke. "This is beyond my skill." He said, picking Frodo up and carrying him away. "He needs Elvish medicine."
The hobbits followed after him, Sam leading Bill.
"Hurry!" Aragorn threw Frodo over his shoulder and ran through the forest. They could hear shrieks from the Riders.
"We're six days from Rivendell!" Sam shouted. "He'll never make it!"
"Gandalf…" Frodo whimpered.
"Hold on, Frodo," Aragorn whispered.
"Gandalf!"
Story Brook
Neil walked into the pawn shop. He carefully looked around and examined the swords. He found one and carefully grasped the handle. He slowly picked it up and swung it.
"Careful," He heard his father's voice behind him, startling him. "They say that blade is evil. See the dust on it? See the poison this old sword possesses?" Neil turned to see his father standing behind him.
"Yeah," Neil said uneasily. "I figured. How did you get this?"
"Most things in this shop, I already own." Mr. Gold replied. "But occasionally, I find a few surprises here and there."
"Huh," Neil nodded and looked around.
"Are you looking for something?" Mr. Gold asked.
"Well," Neil shrugged. "I just thought I'd come by and see how you're doing."
"I see." Mr. Gold replied. "Did you want to talk about something?"
"Yes," Neil said. "It's about something that Frodo found. I wanted to try and see if I could help him out."
"Go on," Mr. Gold said.
"He let me draw a copy to show you…" Neil said, taking out a small piece of paper and showing it to his father. "It's an eye…" He said.
"I see…" Mr. Gold replied, taking the paper and looking closely at it.
"Do you know what it is?" Neil asked.
"No…" Mr. Gold said. "I can't really see…It looks like a fire as well."
"A fire?" Neil took the paper and looked at it. "Hm…I guess I can see why you'd think that."
"Where did the hobbit find this?" Mr. Gold asked.
"He wasn't specific, he said it was drawn in the dirt."
"Interesting." Mr. Gold mused. "I would suggest keeping your eyes open for trouble." Neil nodded and left the shop.
Before the Curse
Frodo opened his eyes and looked around. The world seemed blurry. He was in so much pain he was sweating. He noticed a large, stone creature glaring and pointing down at him, but not moving. Sam's face suddenly popped into the scene.
"Look Mr. Frodo, it's Mr. Bilbo's trolls!" He said, trying to sound cheery.
Frodo tried to answer him, but could only let out a wince.
"Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked, feeling his face. He turned to Aragorn. "He's going cold!" He struggled to keep his voice steady.
"Is he going to die?" Pippin asked.
"He's passing into the shadow," Aragorn answered. "He will soon become a wraith, like them."
Frodo made a strange noise, as if he were calling out for help. A screech pierced the air as if it were answering him.
"Sam," Aragorn turned to the hobbit. "Do you know the etholas plant?"
"Etholas?" Sam repeated.
"Kingsfoil?" Aragorn said.
"Kingsfoil…that's a weed." Sam said.
"It may help to slow the poison." Aragorn said. "Hurry!"
He and Sam took off into the woods. Aragorn found the weed and knelt down beside it. He took his knife and began to cut the weed. Suddenly, someone held a knife to his throat.
"What's this?" A voice asked. "A ranger caught off his guard?"
Story Brook
Frodo walked out of Granny's where Emma was waiting. They both wore their coats and scarves. The sky was a light shade of gray, and the air nipped at their noses and ears.
"What did you want to talk about?" Frodo asked.
"I was talking to Rapunzel yesterday." She replied. "We have another problem."
"I should make a to-do list." Frodo said. "All these problems can really make a person stress out."
"You're telling me." Emma said. "But it's not that. Rapunzel is grieving."
Frodo turned to Emma. "Grieving?"
"She said she lost her true love." Emma replied. "He was…stabbed."
Frodo paused. "That's awful…"
"Yeah…" Emma nodded. "Frodo, are you all right?"
"Huh?"
"You keep rubbing your shoulder…is that where you got stabbed?" Emma asked.
"It's…acting up…" Frodo said. "It aches when it's cold…but it's never done this before…" His shoulder began to hurt.
"Are you going to be okay?" Emma asked.
"Yes…" Frodo winced and knelt on the ground.
"You know what?" Emma snapped. "You are the worst liar ever!"
Frodo wanted to respond, but he passed out from the pain.
"Frodo!" Emma gasped and knelt down beside him. Suddenly the wind picked up and it began to snow. Emma's hair flew around in her face. She looked around and decided to get Frodo somewhere warm.
Before the Curse
Frodo looked over to see a beautiful elf walk toward him. She had long, brown hair and deep blue eyes. She knelt down beside him.
"Frodo…" She said. She began to speak in elvish, but Frodo somehow understood her. "I am Arwen. I have come to help. Hear my voice; come back to the light."
Frodo felt a slight wave of warmth go through him. His shoulder stopped hurting, but only for a moment.
"Frodo," Arwen stayed by his side. Aragorn rushed over to his other side and opened up his shirt.
"He's fading," Arwen said. "He's not going to last…"
Frodo gasped as Aragorn attempted to shove the kingsfoil leaves into the wound.
"We must get him to my father." Arwen declared. Aragorn picked Frodo up and began to walk toward Arwen's horse.
"Where are you taking him?" Merry demanded, but no one answered him.
"I've been looking for you for four days!" Arwen said, as if she were scolding her child. "There are five wraiths behind you. Where the other four are…I do not know…"
Aragorn and Arwen began to have a conversation in elvish.
"Stay with the hobbits, I'll send horses." Aragorn said.
"I'm the faster rider!" Arwen said. "I'll take him!"
"It's too dangerous!"
"If I can just get across the river, the power of my people will protect him." She began to speak the common tongue once more. "I do not fear them." Aragorn took her hand.
"All right," He said. Arwen quickly mounted the horse.
"Arwen," Aragorn said. "Ride hard, don't look back."
Arwen urged for her horse to go. The horse took off and quickly rushed into the woods.
"What are you doing?" Sam demanded. "Those wraiths are still out there!"
Aragorn watched, worried about Frodo and Arwen. He wasn't sure what he had done, he just hoped it was the right choice.
~jb~
Arwen rode on for a long time before all nine wraiths caught up to her. She scratched her face on the branches of the trees, but continued to ride on. The wraiths screeched at her, as if demanding for her to halt. The leader reached out his hand toward the hobbit. Frodo lifted his head and opened his eyes. Arwen pleaded for her horse to run faster.
She finally made it across a shallow river. She stopped near the shore and turned to see if the riders were going to follow. The Nine hesitated on the other side. The leader was the only one to speak.
"Give up the Halfling, she-elf!" He commanded. His voice sounded as though he had smoked one too many pipes in his time.
Arwen drew her sword in defiance. "If you want him, come and claim him!"
The riders drew their swords and began to make their way across the river. Frodo looked up at the rider in hope, and in hatred.
Arwen looked around before she began to whisper, wakening the river. The river rose and began to stir. The Black Riders looked around as they stood in the middle of the water. Waves came crashing down the stream, in the shape of running horses.
The Riders began to panic and tried to make run away, but the water had caught them and buried them in waves.
Arwen sighed in relief. Frodo closed his eyes and nearly fell off the horse. Arwen gently set him on the ground.
"Frodo…no…" She pleaded. "Frodo, don't give in! Not now…" She began to weep over him. "What grace has given me, let it pass to him…let him be spared."
Frodo's vision began to fade, and the world went dark.
Story Brook
"Someone help me!" Emma shouted, helping Frodo into the diner. His arm was thrown around her shoulder. They were both covered in snow.
"Emma, what happened?" Ruby demanded.
"He collapsed," Emma replied.
"Get him up to one of the rooms, Ruby!" Granny commanded. "Emma, you go get Mother Superior. I'll make some more hot coca."
"What's going on outside?" Anna asked.
"There's a blizzard." Emma replied. "I think it's your sister."
"Oh no…" Anna breathed.
Emma tightened her scarf and rushed out of the diner. Anna followed after her.
~jb~
Ruby dragged Frodo into one of the hotel rooms. She took off his coat and his shirt and placed him on the bed. She pulled the covers up to his neck. She transformed herself into a werewolf and began to breathe on him.
Frodo's face cringed in disgust. "Ruby…is that you…?" His voice sounded tired. "You eat an awful lot of peanut butter as a dog, don't you?" He tried to shove her nose away.
Ruby sat by the bed and rested her head on Frodo's chest.
~jb~
Mother Superior finally arrived with Emma and Anna. She rushed up the stairs and into Frodo's room. Frodo had fallen asleep while waiting and Ruby transformed back into a human. She, Emma, Granny, and Anna stood and waited as Mother Superior examined the former hobbit using her wand. The room was completely silent as everyone waited patiently for Mother Superior to finish. Once she was done she tapped Frodo.
"Wake up," She said gently. Frodo stirred and opened his eyes. "You all should know, this is the scar of a Morgal blade. We all know he will carry it for as long as he lives…" She hesitated. "As long as he lives…"
"What's wrong?" Anna asked.
"This is a powerful curse." The Mother Superior answered. "Even the Elves could not cure it fully…they were only able to extend his life for a while."
"Extend his life?" Emma repeated.
"If we don't find a cure…if there is one for that matter…" Mother Superior hesitated again. "Our new mayor will die…"
"What?" Ruby gasped.
"When?" Emma asked. "How much time does he have?"
"I can't say." Mother Superior replied. "It could be tomorrow, or it could be years. It's hard to say…I'm sorry…" She placed her hand to her mouth and sniffed, fighting back the tears. She walked out the door.
"I…" Granny was the first to speak. "I brought you some more coca." She said. Frodo turned in the bed away from the ladies.
"Would you like some?" Granny asked. Frodo shook his head. "Well, it's right here on the night stand in case you want it. Drink it before it gets cold." Frodo didn't answer her. She turned and left the room.
"Frodo…?" Anna asked. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I'm fine." Frodo replied.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Ruby asked.
"No Ruby," Frodo answered. "This is my burden. I can carry it… I have been for more than twenty eight years…" His voice sounded shaky.
"Frodo…" Emma tried to find words of comfort.
"Please," Frodo said. "Just leave…"
Emma was taken aback by this. She hesitated and then sighed. "All right…" She decided. "You need to rest anyways."
Before the Curse
"Where am I?" Frodo asked. He couldn't quite open his eyes yet.
"You are in the house of Elrond." A voice replied. "And it is ten-o-clock in the morning, on October the twenty-forth if you want to know."
Frodo was finally able to open his eyes. "Gandalf!" He exclaimed. The wizard was sitting by his bedside, smoking his pipe.
"Yes, I'm here." Gandalf answered. "And you're lucky to be here too. A few more hours and you would've been beyond our aid, but you have some strength in you, my dear hobbit."
Frodo sat up in the bed. He rubbed his shoulder and looked around. The Elvish room was beautifully decorated. He turned to Gandalf.
"What happened, Gandalf?" Frodo asked. "Why didn't you meet us?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Frodo," The wizard replied. "I was delayed." He went silent for a long moment, and seemed to be lost in thought. Frodo wondered what had happened that caused Gandalf to be late. What terrible things has he seen?
"Gandalf?" Frodo asked, getting Gandalf's attention once more. "What is it?"
"Nothing," Gandalf said reassuringly as he shook his head. "It's nothing,"
Before Frodo could say anything else, Sam rushed into the room. He stood by his bedside and grasped his hand.
"Frodo!"
"Sam," Frodo smiled, happy to see his friend.
"Bless you, you're awake!" Sam said.
"Sam has hardly left your side." Gandalf informed.
"We were worried about you, weren't we Mr. Gandalf?" Sam said.
"By the skills of Lord Elrond, you're beginning to mend." Gandalf said as an elf with long, dark hair walked in.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins." He said.
Story Brook
Frodo was able to walk around the room he was staying in. He walked toward the window and looked out into the streets. The wind had died down, and it was no longer snowing. He spotted Mr. Gold and Lacey walking down the street together. He must have said something somewhat amusing to her, because she leaned against him and laughed. Lacey looked incredibly happy with him.
An angry fire went through Frodo. He wasn't sure what this feeling was, but he didn't like it. He didn't like seeing Belle as Lacey. And he certainly didn't like seeing her with a rat like Mr. Gold. Frodo walked into the bathroom and cleaned his face off, trying to get his mind off of Belle…or Lacey…whoever…
He dried his face with a towel. When he looked up he saw someone he didn't like, or recognize. He glared at the angry man looking back at him. He saw a jealous, confused, angry man… Frodo suddenly snapped and punched at the mirror, leaving a crack. He leaned over the sink and let the tears slide down his face.
Before the Curse
Elrond watched Frodo and Sam as they spoke on the balcony. Elrond was impressed by the strength of this hobbit. He wondered what else this hobbit was capable of.
"He has regained much of his strength." Elrond said to Gandalf.
"But that wound will never fully heal." Gandalf pointed out. "He will carry it the rest of his life."
"Even coming only this far with bearing the ring, the hobbit had shown great resilience to its evil." Elrond replied.
"It's a burden he should never have had to bear." Gandalf admitted. "We can ask no more of Frodo."
"Gandalf," Elrond said more strictly. "The enemy is moving. Sauron is gathering his orcs in the East. His eye is fixed on Rivendell. Now Saruman you tell me has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin."
"It's not just orcs," Gandalf said. "Saruman is crossing orcs and goblins-he's breeding an army."
"This thing cannot be concealed by the Elves." Elrond said. "We do not have the strength to fight against Mordor and Isenguard!" Gandalf turned away and looked out into Rivendell.
"Gandalf," Elrond said. "The ring cannot stay here."
Gandalf was silent as he watched familiar faces and strangers ride through the gates.
During the Curse
Nathan Bearer awoke with a pain in his shoulder. He turned on the lamp on his nightstand and sat up. He rubbed his shoulder for a long while. He took off his shirt and looked at the scar on his shoulder. He thought back…trying to remember where he got that scar…but he couldn't remember. He walked into his office to check the calendar. I was October 6th. Nathan sighed and walked into his bathroom. He turned on the light and walked toward the sink. He turned on the faucet and soaked his face with ice, cold water. He pulled the towel off the towel rack and dried his face. He took a deep breath before he fell onto the ground and began to writhe in pain. Sweat poured down his head and he tried his best not to cry.
He forced himself to stand up and walk toward his room.
It is gone forever, now all is dark and empty…
"What on earth is dark and empty?!" Nathan demanded at the voice in his head. "What is gone forever?!" He collapsed on his bed and passed out.
Author's note: This is a short chapter. But it is very important, as you can see. Frodo is dying. So many things are happening! I hope you enjoyed. ;)