"Honor and Courage"

by The Merry Prankster

Chapter 9: The Boys (and Girls) Are Back in Town

Murphy's Laws of Combat #10: The tough part about being an officer is the troops don't know what they want but they do know what they DON'T want.

Army of Men Campsite

Road to Minas Tirith

0800 hours

March 21, 3019
(Middle Earth)

A sense of relief filled the campsite, the morning after the battle. The Army of Men had accomplished the impossible and defeated the Dark Lord, but at a heavy cost. Aragorn recognized that his people needed a rest before making the return trip to Gondor and Minas Tirith so here they stayed for the moment.

Throughout the day, Mike could not help but remember that reddish brown wolf creature who answered to the name Rusty. Finally, after supper, he decided to ask Gandalf about what he had seen. While he was searching throughout the camp, he ran into Reggie. "Hey, Reggie, you seen your grandfather?" asked the teen.

"I don't know where he is, I am also looking for Gramps." Reggie replied. "He could be with Erica, let's check there."

"Yeah, there was something I wanted to talk to him about."

Gimli was walking by and heard the two teenagers talking. Remembering that he had run into the White Wizard earlier that morning he told the two, "I believe Gandalf is with Lady Erica,"

Thanking the dwarf, the two teens went off in search of the wizard. They had walked halfway across the camp when a loud screech shattered the morning silence.

"Who the hell made this stuff!!! It takes almost as bad as your cooking." Erica yelled out from a nearby tent.

Mike nodded and led the other teen to the medical tent where Erica was resting. The two teens walked over to the tent and stopped. Mike turned to Reggie and commented, "Looks like your cousin is up."

"Hey Mike get me some real food." Erica yelled as she saw her friends approaching.

Mike lifted the flap and let his companion enter. "She better be, she has been resting for the last day, well after I tied her down." Reggie said with a laugh

Mike lowered his hand and stuck his head in, "You want a Bean Burrito MRE?"

"DAMN IT I said REAL FOOD!" Erica remarked as she waved her friends in.

Gandalf had been caring for his granddaughter since she had collapsed. He was not pleased with her remark. Walking up behind Erica, he warned "Watch your mouth young lady or I cook!"

Wincing at the wizard's tone, Reggie quipped, "AHH, Gramps I don't think any of us want that."

Mike shook his head at the exchange and walked over to Erica's cot. He answered his friend, "You know I really would like to get you some real food, but all we have are MREs or Rohirrim trail rations. Take your pick. At least the MREs include dessert."

Erica leaned back on her cot and sneered, "Fine but I am making a big dinner when we get back."

"Sounds good, I will make sure Gramps stays out of the kitchen." Reggie said with a big smile as she pulled up a chair and sat by the wizard.

Mike was enjoying the banter but needed to get back to business. "Go right ahead," laughed the teen. Mike turned back to the White Wizard. "Gramps, there was something I wanted to talk to you about."

Gandalf pulled out his pipe and lit it. Taking a puff, the wizard pointed towards the back of the tent. "Before I answer, take a look behind you and your question will be answered," the Wizard remarked

Mike did as the wizard requested but saw nothing but darkness. "I'm sorry but what did you want me to see?" A reddish brown mass of fur ran out of the shadow and leaped on the teen's lap, knocking him to the ground. Mr. Cuddles followed nearby and ran over to Reggie.

Mike rolled over and saw the Irish Setter, sitting on his stomach. From under the dog, he asked the wizard, "Okay, my dog followed us from Minas Tirith. So what?"

Reggie picked up her cat and began scratching behind his ears. The cat began purring loudly with the attention. "Mr. Cuddles" Reggie exclaimed with excitement. "I think I like you in your smaller form. It is easier for me to cuddle with then with those large teeth. Though those teeth came in handy," Reggie said scratching her cat behind his ears

Gandalf lowered his pipe and commanded the two pets, "Rusty and Mr. Cuddles show your true forms."

Both animals looked at each other and stepped away from the teenagers. To the teen's amazement, both animals appeared to shimmer and grew in size. Finally, the transformation was complete and a reddish brown dire wolf and a saber tooth tiger sat not a foot away. The transformation took seconds but seemed to take hours as the two animals let off mighty roars.

Mike rubbed his eyes and stared for a moment. Finally, he turned back and quipped, "Okay, Rusty is both an Irish Setter and this creature. So, pardon my French, but what the hell is going on here?"

"They are amazing." Reggie said getting up and petting the saber-tooth tiger. "Truly amazing!"

Gandalf pointed to the transformed pets and explained, "The simple explanation is that some of the animals who survived the super flu back on Earth are known as Guardian Spirits. They are mythical and magical as well."

All three teens looked at each other and thought about what the wizard was saying. Erica was thinking about that Matt had brought back to Middle Earth. "OH SHIT than that means that Mr. Cotton is what?" Erica asked in disbelief.

Mike slowly got up and began scratching the dire wolf behind the ears. Looking back, the teen asked, "Okay, just what are guardian spirits?"

The White Wizard gave the teen a slight smile as he began explaining. "Rusty and Mr. Cuddles are what we know as guardian spirits. Guardian Spirits are creatures that have protected the families of wizards and witches for centuries.

Reggie looked over to Mike and cracked, "Mike when did you become a wizard?"

"Okay so how did Mike and Reggie end up with them?" Erica asked

Gandalf walked over to the tiger and began scratching it's chin. "Now normally it takes a particular spell to bind them with their companions. Once that spell is read, the companions guard them and anybody in the family for life."

"I can kind of understand how I ended up with Mr. Cuddles, you and Gramps picked him out." Reggie said rubbing the saber-toothed tigers head.

Erica gave her cousin a disgusted look and jeered, "No… I did you nit wit."

"Whatever, Gramps approved of the choice." Reggie sneered back.

Mike looked up and asked, "I have to agree with Erica on this one. Why did Rusty pick me? I mean I do have a soft heart for dogs. But, there's nothing really special about me."

The White Wizard took out his pipe, lit it, and took a couple puffs. "If you like I could before the spell and you can ask them that," Gandalf told them

"Spell, what spell?" asked Mike. "I thought you said that they guarded witches and wizards. I do not have one shred of magical ability in my body."

The two cousins ignored their friend's response and continued questioning their grand father. "You mean we could speak to them?" asked Reggie.

Gandalf nodded, "In a way."

Mike shook his head, "So will I need to change my name to Dr. Doolittle?"

"I doubt it," answered the wizard with a laugh. "You will only be able to hear and understand Rusty, though I fear the spell."

"Why do you fear this spell Gramps?" Reggie asked hoping nothing would happen to the animals

Erica looked up and asked, "Why?"

Mike nodded, "That is the question".

Gandalf turned to his grand daughters and answered, "Because the Guardian Spirits become as intelligent as the human they are attach too."

Mike could not see why the wizard was worried so he asked, "Okay, why is that a problem?"

Erica had been listening to conversation with a growing sense of unease. Finally the implications of what her grandfather had been talking about hit her. "OH NO!!! ANOTHER MIKE!!!" Erica moaned.

Mike ignored Erica as he asked Gandalf, "You mean, she would have a similar personality?"

Reggie also thought there was nothing wrong with the idea while she patted a purring Mr. Cuddles, "Another me, way cool."

Mike looked over at Reggie and quipped, "So they would be equally out of their minds?"

Erica put her head into her arms and moaned, "OH SHIT EVEN WORSE!!"

Reggie looked back at her cousin and gave the teen an evil grin. "Whatever, you know you want to be just like me."

Mike looked over to Erica and commented, "You did pick out that cat for her. So it'll be your fault."

Erica held up her hands in defense, "Hey I only chose that thing for her because it had the rest of the animal shelter pets cowering in fear," remarked the teen. "And the damn thing was only about a month old. So who was more insane, Mr. Cuddles or Reggie?"

Reggie laughed and responded, "Neither of us is insane, we are merely eccentric."

Mike stood up and said, "So let me see if I get this straight. Once, the spell is read, they are our lifelong companions?"

Gandalf thought for a moment before answering, "That is a question is beyond my sight. However, I would assume so."

"And, we can communicate by thoughts?"

"Yes," answered the White Wizard.

Mike paused and became serious for the moment. "Do you really think it's a good idea for us to be bonded?"

Gandalf shrugged, "That is up to you."

Rusty put her paw on Mike's foot and than lick his hand.

The teen looked over and laughed, "Sure, why not. It won't be that much different from what we already have." The teen turned to Reggie and asked, "I'll give it a go if you want to."

Mr. Cuddles began purring and rubbing his head against Reggie's leg. "What do you think Cuddles?" asked the teen. Noting but the cats purring could be heard, she smiled, "That would be a yes."

Mike turned back to the wizard, "Okay, do the spell or whatever. We will need to be turning in soon. We have a long ride ahead of us."

Gandalf nodded and pulled out a parchment from his pocket. He called Mike and Reggie to come together. Setting down his pipe, the wizard instructed, "Now for this work, I need both of you to read from this parchment."

The two teenagers read the spell and to their disappointment, there was no flash or shimmer, just nothing. Reggie looked over to Mike and remarked, "Nothing happened."

Gandalf nodded and began speaking in an arcane language. When he had finished, a breeze flicked the candles. Mike felt a shudder and commented, "That was weird."

"That you are." A voice inside Mike's head remarked.

Mike looked around, "Who said that?"

"Duh Me!" Rusty said as she nudged his foot.

Mike looked over to Gandalf with a dumfounded look, "Uh Gramps, Rusty talked to me?"

"Reggie, can you hear me?" a male spoke inside Reggie's head

"Who said that?" Reggie asked.

The White Wizard smiled and answered, "And they will for the rest of yours and their lives."

"Huh?" Reggie said shaking her head

Mike nodded and turned to Rusty, "Okay Rusty, why did you pick me?"

The Irish Setter cocked her head and projected, "You want the truth or a lie?"

"The truth will do for now," answered the teen.

"Simple you were the strongest human I came across." The Irish Setter replied with a lick to his hand.

"Mr. Cuddles" Reggie said in her mind

"Yes?" asked the cat.

"Why did you pick me? Reggie asked her feline companion.

"Well I could smell you on your cousin and I like the smell. You smell like cream." The cat replied.

"I smelt like cream?" Reggie giggled aloud and hugged the large kitty with huge pointy teeth.

"Yes and you still do." The cat answered with a purr.

"Peaches and Cream that me." Reggie began to giggle

Mike knelt down and began rubbing the dog's side, "What do you mean I was the strongest human you came across?"

"Everyone else was dying. You weren't. In fact you smell as if you will live a long time if you don't do any stupid stunts." The dog replied with a grin.

Mike smiled and said aloud, "I guess you were right about that. However, there's one thing I wanted to know. Why didn't you stay with Matt back in Minas Tirith?"

"The same reason you didn't." The dog replied with a bark

"Oh really, and what is that?" asked the boy as Erica slapped him up side the head.

Mike whipped around and glared at Erica. "And what was that for?"

"Duh boy you would never stay behind when it comes to protecting those you love." Erica answered.

"Yeah, but what about Matt?" asked the teen. "The boy already disobeyed his father by hiding in the carts. Who's watching him?"

later that evening………..

Mike sat down and began pulling off his boots. The revelation about the guardian spirits had been surprising to say the least. He had pulled off his right boot, when there was a knock at the tent. The teen looked up and yelled, "Come in!"

"Hello Laddie," Gimli replied as he walked in followed by a certain tall blonde elf.

Mike yawned and watched the two enter. "What brings you guys to this neck of the woods?" asked the teen.

"Well hmm." The Dwarf said.

"What my friend is trying to say is we were concern for your emotional state at almost losing someone so close." Legolas explain.

Mike looked up with a puzzled expression. "Are you still focused on David getting shot?" asked the teen. "That's been taken care of and he's in good hands back in Minas Tirith."

Gimli looked up at Legolas, who shook his head. Turning back to the teen, the dwarf snorted, "David and Erica."

Mike nodded, "Well in David's case, it is just one of those things that happen in a war. People get hurt and I accept that. Although to be honest, watching Erica keel over with no visible wound following the fighting is another case."

"As it does us. You see part of the Legend of the Blue Phoenix is only through death will the Blue Phoenix rise." Legolas explained. "I fear that so Erica will die for the Blue Phoenix to fully return to our world."

"Okay, now THAT does freak me out," admitted Mike. "But I haven't given much thought to it until now. I mean, there has been so much to do with running my unit and ensuring that it is combat-ready. I haven't had much time to think of anything else."

"Michael you must ready yourself for it and she will need all of her friends until that time comes." Legolas sadly told him

"There is a time for everything," countered the teen. "A time to hate, a time to love. A time to live a time to die. However, I want to make sure that doesn't happen anytime soon. There has been too much death already."

Before, either Gimli or Legolas could answer, another knock sounded from outside the tent. "Come in," yelled Mike.

"Hey man what did I walk into?" Earl commented as he saw the looks of dread on his friends' faces.

"Our two native comrades were discussing Erica's brush with death," answered Mike.

"I don't I like the sound of that." Earl remarked.

"Earl, would you tell them that Erica did not die. She only needed a little help to restart her breathing."

"Mike there a problem with that. You see I think she did." Earl dryly stated as he avoided his friends eyes

"What are you talking about?" asked Mike. "You of all people know that just because a person stops breathing, it doesn't mean they are dead. Back in the world, paramedics resuscitated many people."

"Mike she just didn't stop breathing." Earl sadly admitted. "I couldn't find a pulse a first."

Mike stared at his friend for a long second. "Dang, are you sure? If she didn't have a pulse, then she should not be moving around, period. I mean, you didn't have the paddles to jump start her heart."

"I said at first but it was so weak I think that is why I didn't find it. Man I'm afraid if she does anymore Jean Grey impressions we'll lose her for sure." Earl said as he finally voiced his concern

"Then we have to make sure she doesn't face a situation where she has to use the Phoenix," decided Mike. Turning to the two older companions, he asked, "Can we get your help in this?"

"Do you really think that is possible for you to stop Erica from helping or protecting those she cares about?" Legolas remarked.

"Yeah the Lassie won't care if she dies or not along as those she loves live." Gimli sadly replied.

Earl nudged his friend and remarked, "Sounds like someone else we know. Whose idea was it to attract the Witch King with a Stinger missile?"

Holding up his hands in protest, Mike argued, "That was a sound military decision based on the events happening on the battlefield at the time. I do not plan on take chances unless there is no other choice. And then, only is the situation calls for it."

"Do you really think it would be different if it were Erica instead of you?" Gimli jeered.

"I guess that applies to any of us teens," admitted Mike. "Then again after surviving the plague back home, I guess death doesn't have much fear for any of us."

"But what you don't understand is that the Blue Phoenix is linked to all of you through Erica so if Erica dies you may also die." Legolas tried to explain.

A haunted look came over Mike's face as he answered the elf. "To be perfectly honest, there have been times when death was not unwelcome, especially, if it meant being reunited with my family."

"And what of your family here and now?" The elf questioned.

"That's what keeps me going during the hard times," admitted Mike. "First, there was Erica and the gang back home. Now, Dad, Eowyn, and Eomer, help me stay grounded."

"And now Erica will need all of you." Legolas told him.

Earl answered for his friend, "And we will be there. All of Us."

"That is good to hear." Legolas replied.

Gimli nudged his friend and in a gruff voice said, "Tell them elf."

"Tell us what?" Earl demands

"I and many of your new friends must return home shortly after Aragorn is crowned King." Legolas hesitantly informed them

"What are you talking about?" asked Mike

"And which new friends are you referring to?" asked Earl.

"He's right Laddie even though I hate to admit it I must to return to my home for I am needed." Gimli stated.

Mike nodded, "That is to be expected, now that the war is over. Heck, with our new families living in Edoras, Minas Tirith, and wherever Gandalf takes Erica and Reggie, I'm afraid our group will also be breaking up after the wedding."

That was news to the dwarf and elf, so Gimli asked, "Whose wedding?"

Earl hit his friend on the shoulder, "Mike, you promised Dena you wouldn't tell."

"Sorry," apologized Mike. Turning back to the dwarf, he explained, "Forget what I said."

Gimli was about to respond but decided to hold his thought. "Yes but what concerns me most is the nightmares Erica is having but it also seems as though Dena and David are starting to have them." Legolas told him but noticed how the boys pulse rate went up and asked. "Have you had any?"

Mike shrugged, "Sure, I've had nightmares. Who wouldn't after going through three major battles and surviving a plague that wipes out most everybody you know."

"Michael, many believe dreams are a glance into a possible future." Legolas told him. "Tell me of your nightmare."

Mike turned to Earl, "Why don't you get the elf a writing pad and pencil while I lie down on the cot."

Anxiety flashed across Earl's face as he replied, "I'll join you on that cot."

"Yeah, this is where we have Dr. Legolas analyze our dreams," added Mike.

For once, Earl was not being his usual smartass self and snapped at his friend, "OH shut the hell up and tell him, 'cause mine scared the shit out of me."

"What, you don't want to know if you have an Oedipus complex?" quipped Mike.

"Mike I am serious. Think about it... I am scared of the nightmares I am starting to have and if they do come true I want to be prepared so I wont become one of those things"

"Okay, okay," conceded Mike. He turned to the elf. "Basically, in the dreams, I find myself coming home from school and all this has been a dream. I go home, find Mom who turns into a vampire. Then I wake up. I figured it was something I ate or the stress taking over."

The other teen listened with growing dread. Finally, he remarked, "Shit, you too,"

"What are Vampires?" Legolas asked.

Mike shrugged, "According to mythology, a vampire is a person who is killed by a particular undead creature of the night and comes back alive and yet not alive. They avoid the day and survive on blood drawn from their victims. They are supposed to be stronger, have hypnotic powers, and some stories say they can fly. Picture a normal human with pale skin and extended canines."

"By Valar! That is horrible." Gimli stated in horror.

"Yeah, but vampires aren't real. They only exist in fiction," argued Mike. "I still don't believe that I'm going to run into a vampire in the future."

"I am not so sure for we too have such legends of human warriors who died in battle returning to life to feed off the living." Legolas told him

Mike shook his head, "There are more than enough demons that are real. We don't need to bring fictional ones to life."

Legolas rose from his seat and paused before leaving, "Michael do not discount your dreams for they may mean more to your life and the lives of those you care for."

"So you think there's anything to this 'vampires' are real talk?" Mike asked Earl.

"At this point I won't dismiss it too quickly. Even fact I have a list of the dead people so if any show up I using a grenade on them." Earl stated

Mike shook his head, "Earl, Earl, Earl, you of all people should know, you need a wooden stake to kill a vampire and silver bullets for a werewolf."

"Yeah but I figure a grenade would give me a better shot. If I blow it up, it can't bite me while I stake it." Earl replied.

Mike turned to Gimli, "Do you have anything to add?"

"Yeah I think a good axe across their necks will work just fine." Gimli told them as he left

Mike laughed then turned to Earl. "We've had a long day. Go get some sleep. We have a nice long ride ahead of us."

"Don't you remember I am bunking here with you." Earl reminded him as he pulled out a grenade

"Then, hit the sack. Lights out in one minute," warned the teen

"Night."

Outside the tent a loan figure stood watch with axe in hand. Laddie, you don't have to worry about and demons while this dwarf stands watch, thought Gimli. Soon, you have to accept that there are others looking out for you and your friends.

Upper Ring of the White City

Minas Tirith

1100 hours

March 24, 3019
(Middle Earth)

It had taken another three days for the ragged army to return to the cheering denizens of the White City. Following a short parade through the various rings, the army dispersed to various stables and barracks for a well earned rest.

The teens dismounted and led their horses into the royal stables. Mike scratched Nickie's ears one last time before closing the gate. He turned around and saw Erica, Dena, and Reggie a short distance away and walked up. "Okay guys staff meeting, there are some things we need to go over like now."

"Mike, can we at least get bathed and changed before this meeting." Reggie asked.

The teen leader held up his hand, signaling the others to hold off the questions. "Actually that was the first thing I wanted to bring up. I hate to break it to you guys but we smell like we haven't had baths in over a week."

Earl nodded and cracked, "That would explain why the flowers were wilting as the girls walked by."

Reggie looked up and jeered, "I know, that's what I was saying when you went by Earl."

Earl received slap to the back of the head by both Dena and Erica.

"Knock off the wisecracks," countered Mike as he tried to regain control of the meeting. Turning back to the girls, he continued, "After that, we need to see how David is doing."

"Can do." the girls replied

"Finally, now that the war is over, we should be on our best behavior. Let's give the grownups time to unwind before we start the prank machine. I have a feeling our parental figures will not hesitate grounding us."

"Very true" Dena said patting Mike on the back, "You are probably going to be grounded first."

Mike turned around and smirked, "And you will be right there with me."

"Hate to tell you there is no one to ground me." Dena said with a large grin.

"Right now there isn't," conceded the teen. "However, at the rate we're going you and David are next in the parent acquisition line."

"We will see, I am not sure if I want a parental figure if I am going to be confined to quarters like the rest of you." Dena laughed and then a tear swelled in her eye "Well maybe I might like one, but it depends on where."

"Dena you can always join in the fun that Erica and I will be having with Gramps. You have always been like another granddaughter to him." Reggie said as she gave her friend a welcomed hug

Earl reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He handed it to the girl, "Here, you'll have a family one way or another. I for one know that King Theoden or King Aragorn would both welcome you in their homes."

Dena took the handkerchief and smiled at her friend. "Thanks Earl, you know sometime you can be sweet, very rarely, but sometimes."

The lanky teen began turning away and paused. "Just don't let anybody else know. I have a reputation to maintain after all."

"Oh trust me I won't" Dena replied as she and the rest of the girl went off to get freshened up.

Mike was leaning against the door as the girls filed past. "Lets meet up at the House of Healing in say an hour?"

"An hour, wishful thinking," Erica laughed pointing back to Reggie.

Reggie threw hands up in the air "What, a girl needs always to look her best, no matter if it takes hours."

Mike shrugged, "Well I was avoiding cracks about girls getting ready or hogging the bathroom."

"Well I thought I would get it out there before you did." Erica said slapping Mike on the back.

"Yeah, now that I'm a prince, I do have to maintain a certain image," said the teen.

"And what sort image would that be?" Reggie asked with a laugh

The teen turned around and began walking off. "See you guys in two hours."

"Make it three." Reggie quipped

Three hours later the teenagers from another world stood in front of the House of Healing. The boys had changed out of their battledress and into slacks, shirts, and leather jackets, the girls into dresses. Mike turned to the others, "Okay, before we go in, remember, David was badly shot up. Odds are he's still recovering so don't say anything that might upset him."

"Then we should probably duct tape Earl's mouth shut." Reggie jeered

Earl glared at the girl, "Even I know when to be on my best behavior. So for today it looks like we are proper officers and gentlemen."

"Geeze Earl, can't you take a joke anymore." Reggie whispered to the lanky teen.

Mike nodded and pulled off his envelope cap, "You got it." The teen opened the door and called out to Earl, "Remember, check your cover."

Earl nodded to Mike before taking off his own cap. Turning back to Reggie, he answered, "There are times to joke and play around. This isn't one of them."

Reggie left that at that, not wanting to make matters worse. The group filed into the room expecting to find David, but found an older man in his mid twenties in David's bed.

Mike looked around and turned back to Erica. "Wasn't this the room David was staying in?"

"I thought it was." She replied, also looking around the room.

"Then where is he?" asked Earl, who had stuck his head in.

"Good question," Dena said coming into the room noticing the man. "Excuse me sir, wasn't David Sims staying in this room?"

Faramir sat up in the bed and took a long look at the strangely dressed teenagers. He was silent for a moment before answering, "Are you referring to the young man who was staying in this room."

"Yes that would be him," answered Dena.

"Then you can be rest assured that he is well taken care of. Lady Athena, a noblewoman who was helping here, has moved the young man to her mansion." The young Gondoran turned to the boys and observed, "You wear strange garments. Who are you?"

"We are travelers from another land who came to help fight the evil of Sauron." Reggie spoke up from behind Dena and Erica

Mike nodded and added, "I am Lieutenant Wolf, commanding officer of the United States Army's JROTC Detachment 12. Standing next to me is my executive officer, Lt. Earl Beegle and the three young ladies are Ladies Dena, Erica, and Reggie. David is one of my officers who was wounded by friendly fire following the battle at Pelennor Fields. And you are?"

The young man shook his head and grinned at the teenager's introduction. "I am Faramir, son of Denethor and Captain of Gondor. You appear to be quite young for a soldier."

"Young is relative. We all fought in this war to save the innocent lives of Middle Earth." Erica announced to the wounded man.

Earl chuckled as he added, "You know that has been the opinion of almost every adult we've run into since coming to this world."

Mike shared a look with Earl and answered the Gondoran's question. "My unit has been in three major actions where we earned our Combat Infantryman Badges the hard way. But we made the Dark Lord pay a high butchers bill for attacking the free people of Middle Earth."

Faramir smiled, "Then how did you join the battle?"

Reggie elbowed Earl, "I thought this was not the time for joking."

Earl turned back to the girl, "I wasn't making a joke, I was merely stating the truth. You know how Mike's dad and your grandfather tried to keep us out of the action."

"Who are you referring to?" asked Faramir.

"My Friend is referring to Gandalf, who is grandfather to Erica and myself and King Theoden of Rohan who adopted Mike after Helm's Deep." Reggie informed the man.

Mike blushed at Reggie's answer. "Actually, I prefer being called lieutenant while wearing the uniform and not hide behind dad's shadow. Anyway, it was nice talking to you. You should get some rest."

"Thank you for your concern my friend. I shall rest for now. You will find your friend beyond the sixth gate. The first home on the right." Faramir said as he laid back.

The teens quietly shuffled out the door. As they were leaving, Mike leaned over and quietly commented to Erica, "What do you say about fixing Eowyn up with Faramir?"

"I think they would make a handsome couple. But it's too soon." Erica replied knowing the feelings that Eowyn had felt for Aragorn

Earl grinned and added, "Somehow I don't think this will be a problem for our matchmakers."

"We'll see about setting our lovely shield-maiden up with the handsome Captain after seeing David." Reggie said with a smirk and a wink. "But I still need to find someone for you and Mike."

Mike turned back, "Never happen. Never, I say."

"We will see. Oh, we will see." Reggie laughed

Lady Athena's Mansion

Minas Tirith,

Middle Earth

1500 hours

March 24, 3019

The teens stood outside the door for a minute or two, before a tall elderly man answered the door. "May I help you, young master?"

Mike nodded, "Yes, I was told that a boy around my age, named David has been moved here from the House of Healing. We're his friends and want to see him."

The servant nodded as he placed the teenagers strange dress with the house's newest occupant. "Oh yes young Master David has taken residence here in Lord Sigrun and Lady Athena home. My Lady is the healer of Minas Tirith. Lord Sigrun is a Captain in the Gondoran army." The man replied as he allowed the teens to enter. "Please wait here while I fetch my master and mistress."

The name Lord Sigrun sounded familiar to the teens for some reason. Earl leaned over to Erica and commented, "Wasn't that the Gondoran who was near Aragorn for most the battle?"

"Yeah, you're right. I remember him, he looked at Reggie and I oddly when we rode with Aragorn." Erica replied

"Well, most of the Gondorans in the army seem to accept us after the battle," countered Earl.

"That is very true, we showed our worth, ten times over." Erica said a smile.

Mike listened to his friends as he watched a man and a woman began walking down the stairs. In a low voice, he whispered, "Heads Up, adults walking down the stairs."

"Good day my young friends." Lord Sigrun said greeting the teenagers. "It is good to see you again."

"And a good day to you as well," answered Mike. "Lord Faramir told us that our friend had been moved here and we decided to stop by and see how he was doing."

"I am sorry my friends, but young David has been confined to his room for the last several days. I do suppose that is time that he can come out." Lord Sigrun replied putting his hand on Lady Athena shoulder. "My wife apparently would like to keep him there for the rest of his life."

Earl turned to the girls and asked, "Do any of you have this feeling of deja-vu. It's as if somebody was talking of Mike and his dad?"

"I have that feeling all the time," Reggie said looking around the room. "Anytime Mike even speaks to his father."

Mike turned back to Lady Athena and her husband. Both Gondorans were listening to the teens in growing amusement. The teen told the adults, "You really don't want to know.

"I'm sure it an amusing tale." Lord Sigrun replied. Turning to his wife, he asked, "My dear, will you let them see David?"

Lady Athena was hesitant at first. Reggie stepped forward in front of the teen and bowed slightly to the woman. "My Lady, I am sorry that we have disturbed you, but if you would please allow us to see our friend. We would greatly appreciate it."

The woman was impressed with the manners that girl had shown and decided to let them see David. "You may see him. He is upstairs, the third door to the left. But do not stay too long. I want him to continue to rest." Lady Athena said pointing the teens to the stairs

"Oh we won't my lady." Reggie replied and then turned to Mike and whispered; "Now that is how you get your way with parental figures."

Mike stood to the side of the stair and told the girls, "Ladies first."

"Why thank you." The girls replied "Such a gentleman."

The teens followed the Gondoran Lord and Lady up the stairs. Before reaching the bedroom, Mike walked up to Lady Athena and asked, "Can I talk to you a minute? That is, before we see David."

"Yes, what is it." The Noble woman asked

The teen became completely serious as he asked, "What is David's current medical condition?"

"Young David is doing much better then you last saw him. His wounds have almost completely healed. However, I believe needs to rest several more weeks before returning to your unit." Lady Athena honestly answered.

Mike nodded, "That's good to hear. With Sauron's destruction and the end of the war, the unit will more than likely be decommissioned. I wouldn't be surprised that with peace breaking out, a lot of us soldiers will need to find new jobs."

The Gondoran lady raised an eyebrow in amusement as she replied, "But my young prince you have a job. Your father, King Theoden will want you by his side as he rules the land of Rohan."

"Yeah, a prince and ruler," chuckled the teen. "I am definitely not ready for that. It's a lot easier being a junior officer and then leading progressively larger groups of people as you go. Peacetime will definitely be a change of pace for this warrior."

"I can see in your eyes that you are a caring and noble person. You will do a fine job." She said in a reassuring voice.

Mike laughed as he noticed Erica tapping her foot impatiently, "Thanks, but I am not yet ready to give up the military life. However, it looks like my comrades are getting impatient."

"You are very welcome." she replied and noticed the noise coming from Erica's tapping foot. "What ever gave you that impression?" She added with a smile and allowed the boy to join his friends

Earl stood in front of the door while waiting for Lady Athena and Mike to come over. A loud tapping poise from beside him caught his attention and he turned to ask, "I take it you are ready for Mike to finish up and get over here?"

"Yeah, what gave me away, the tapping foot or my impatient expression when I look back every five seconds?" Erica smirked

"I thought was the growling noise." Reggie said patting Erica on the back.

"Yes," answered the lanky teen. Lady Athena walked over to the door and told the others to wait for her signal before entering the room. Mike watched as the bedroom door closed after the Gondoran woman and turned to Erica, "Miss me?"

"NO" Erica said smacking Mike in the arm. "And that was for making a girl wait."

'And this from the girl who spends two hours in the restroom?" countered the teen. "I think not."

"Guys are supposed to wait for women. That's the reason we let you hang around." Reggie said answering for her cousin.

"Yeah right," added Earl. "I thought it was because it takes that long to make yourselves presentable." Turning to Mike, the lank teen commented, "Remember that time when Erica walked out of the bathroom with the green gunk on her face?"

Mike nodded, "Yeah, she did resemble something from Fright Night that time."

"Earl, you should really try some of that green stuff, it might clear up that complexion of yours. But I am not sure it will help you in the look department." Erica sneered

Mike turned to Reggie, "If I remember correctly wasn't that the time Mr. Cuddles shot out of Erica's room and hid?"

"And Mike, I was not the one late for his own adoption dinner." Erica jeered.

"Probably, but he normally shot out of our rooms when we did makeovers because he knew he was going to get a bath." Reggie laughed

"No, you were just the one who had to be marched back for a change of clothes," countered Mike.

"Actually Mike you're wrong, we were marched back for a change of clothes at the celebration of the battle of Helm's Deep." Reggie countered

The teens waited outside their friend's room for a few minutes, waiting for Lady Athena to give them the okay. Finally, the door opened and Lady Athena stuck her head out. "Okay children, you may come in now. But make it quick. David is still not completely healed."

"Yes, my lady. We will not stay long" Dena said as she entered the room.
The teens followed Athena's direction and entered the bedroom. David sat up and grinned at the sight of his friends. "Get over here," ordered the enthusiastic teen.

Mike shook his head and turned to Reggie, "Better, he seems to be. Already giving orders is he."

Earl leaned over to Dena and quipped, "We are in trouble now. Mike is talking like Yoda."

"We are always in trouble when Mike starts talking." Dena abswered with a laugh as she went to David side to check on him

The teens gathered around their wounded friend. Mike asked, "So how is Lady Athena treating you? Are you getting enough rest and food?"

"Yes, and yes, and to answer the first question, it depends on the day." David said with a laugh as he rubbed his wrists

"You don't mean she actually tied you down?" asked Earl. "I mean your mom back home threatened to do that more times than I care to remember. But she never got around to it."

"Well this maternal figure did. Don't think she won't do it again if I move from this bed." David answered honestly.

"So what did you do that got you confined in such a manner?" asked Dena.

"Or do we want to know?" Reggie said messing up David's hair.

Mike broke in, "Seriously, how are you doing?"

David decided to answer Mike's question first due to his concerned nature. "I'm doing much better then you saw me last. Both my shoulder and stomach wound are almost completely healed. And Mother Dearest downstairs has been making me rest the whole time." Then he turned to Dena and Reggie to answer their questions. "Now, I am sure you don't want to know, but I decide to take some matters into my own hands, and lets just say I have been tied up here for the last few days."

This intrigued the group more. "So what matters did you take into your own hands?" Erica asked

Earl looked around and asked, "You mean she didn't let you go to the restroom?"

"Nope, see those bed pans?" David said pointing towards a stack of them in the corner. "I had to use them, and I don't think they have been empty yet." David added with a big grin.

This caused a couple of the teens to gag at the thought. An evil smirk came across David's faces as two words came out of his mouth. "Only joking"

"Knock it off," ordered Mike. The teen turned back to David, "Well the good news is that the war is over. Most of Sauron's forces were wiped out at the Black Gate and the aftermath. The locals are handling it. Looks like we will be able to take it easy ourselves."

"Man, why do I always miss everything." David pouted and then a smirk arose as he added "well almost everything."

Earl nodded in understanding, "So how long were you actually in the battle before Lady Athena dragged you back to bed?"

"Well I want to say at least two hours before she discovered I had disappeared, but that would be a lie. She found me within a half an hour of the battle starting. I was on the third level giving orders to guards and the elves when I felt a sharp pain of someone pulling my ear. Let's just say I was tied up and carried back. She even gagged me." David replied

"Don't feel so bad," consoled Earl. "Mike disobeyed Dad and took on a large force of Easterlings who were trying to link with Sauron."

"So how long are you grounded for?" David inquired.

Mike looked up, "Uh, oh right. Dad hasn't gotten around to that just yet. I think he was waiting till we got back."

"So can I make a wager that you will be locked up for the better part of the year." David said with big laugh

"Probably the whole year," Erica added

"Seriously, I doubt it. I explained to my father that somebody had to counter that threat and I was the only one not engaged in the main battle."

Everyone in the group but Mike began laughing. "That doesn't mean you aren't going to be punished." Reggie said patting Mike on the back "Come on Mike, this is like the millionth time you have disobeyed his orders."

"You are a glutton for punishment" Dena smirked

Earl scratched his chin in thought. "Actually, this may be one of those occasions that Captain Liddy talked about back in Georgia. You know, where the leaders have to decide whether to court martial the soldier or give him a medal."

David looked over and began the betting, "Okay twenty bucks says Theoden court martials Mike."

"Only twenty David come on, this is a sure bet, make it fifty." Reggie jeered

Mike gave the others a look that screamed he knew something they didn't. "I'll take your bets and say I get a medal out of it."

"I don't like that look on his face." Erica said "I'm out."

"Me too." Reggie and Dena said at the same time. "It is never good to bet against Mike when he gets that look."

"Aw common, what about the bet?" pleaded Mike. "You are right Dad will more than likely lock me up and throw away the key."

"Damn, now I can't tell. I am going to chance it, but I am making only making a wager of ten, that way I won't loose my shirt." David chuckled

Earl put his money back into his pocket, "I'll stay out of this one. I know when to not back a losing horse."

"The question is which horse." Reggie whispered to Dena

Dena whispered back, "So, you think Mike is bluffing?"

"I think so. King Theoden was pretty mad and I think the King will keep his word to punish Mike. He has taken control of the parenting role of doling out punishments. Boy am I glad that my punishment was light." Reggie giggled "Imagine what he would do if he had me for a daughter?"

"Somehow I think the question should be what shape would Theoden be in with you as his daughter?" countered Dena. "Although, I would be careful around Gramps."

"Truth be told I try to make sure I behave around Gramps, but to be honest he often lets me and Erica get away with a lot." Reggie replied. "I am happy I found him and you all again."

A faint yawn was let out and Mike turned back to see David' fighting to stay awake. "Okay guys, I think we should be heading back. It looks like David could use some sleep."

"Your right, we should be off, I'm feeling a little tired as well." Erica said leaning on Reggie.

"Okay, David, behave don't give Lady Athena another reason to tie you up." Reggie said holding Erica up while slightly giving David a half hug.

"Yeah what she said" Dena added giving David a hug as well.

Mike stood up and told David, "Yeah, you Hang Tough."

"I will, you too." David replied, "Try to stay out of trouble."

"Don't worry," answered Mike. "Listen to your mother figure and get well. We need you for Middle Earth's first annual Dining Out."

"And when will this be?" David said perking up. "And what part will I be playing."

"I figure right after Aragorn's coronation and before we head out of Minas Tirith," answered Mike.

"and" David impatiently asked

Mike grinned, "Traditionally, Vice President of the mess goes to the youngest officer in the unit and you know what that means..."

"So that means that I am the VP, awesome." David replied as his door swung open. Lady Athena opened the door to see David raise both his arm in a cheer motion. "David must tie you down again?"

Mike patted David on the arm. "We'll be seeing you," said the teen on his way out.

The teens quickly exited the mansion and prepared to go back to the palace. Mike stopped and looked back to see David standing in the upstairs window, looking out. Turning back to his friends, he quipped, "Okay gang on a count of three, wave good bye to David."

Earl nudged Reggie in the arm. "Be Nice."

"ONE, TWO, THREE!!!" The gang counted in unison, turned back towards the window, and waved.

"What, I didn't do anything." Reggie said elbowing him the side.

Suppressing a chuckle at his friend's antics, Mike turned around and told the others, "Lets get back to the palace. I'm sure the grownups will be wondering where we are."

"They probably think we are or actually you are up to no good." Reggie said pointing at Mike.

"Yeah, we don't want to miss Dad tearing Mike a new one," suggested Earl. "I seem to recall he was interested in discussing why children need to obey their parents."

"Obeying their parents. Like Mike will ever be able to do that." Erica chuckled still leaning on Reggie and Dena

"Shut up Earl," warned Mike through gritted teeth. He was leading his friends up to the gate, leading to the upper ring when he stopped suddenly. "I really don't need this," said the teen as he peered at a familiar figure."

"Okay Mike, why are you stopping?" asked Dena.

"A certain Gondoran REMF who almost got head blown off last time we were here is coming our way," explained Mike. "And, I don't have my sidearm with me. I knew I should have packed a pistol."

The teens looked up towards the place Mike was looking.

"Mike calm down." Earl said trying to settle Mike nerves

"Well, if it isn't the Rohirrim brat," sneered the nobleman. "And look at this, you appear to be defenseless. Maybe I should run you through with my sword. It doesn't look like you can fight back."

"My Lord, do you remember us?" Reggie and Dena stepped forward. "You mess with our friend you mess with us. Shall we reacquaint you with our fists?" Reggie sneered

Mike's eyes went cold as he quietly replied, "You could do that, I suppose. But then again, you will have to answer to King Aragorn, my kin and as it turns out, the men behind you." The teen looked beyond the nobleman to the guards.

The Gondoran looked down at the teens and replied, "You are lucky I don't have the time to waste on you brats." With that, he turned around and walked off.

Mike turned to his friends and quietly vowed, "That bastard is going down. Mark my words."

Royal Stables,

Minas Tirith

Earlier that day…..

Theoden and Eomer listened to the teenagers discuss visiting David. As the last teen disappeared into their rooms, the horsemaster turned to his uncle, "While my cousin and friends are visiting David, I too should talk to my sister and see how Matthew has been during our absence."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this especially since Haldir informed me that there was a small battle here?" Theoden told his nephewwith a large amused smile on his face.

Silence settled over the two at that last piece of information. Finally, Eomer answered, "We shall know when I finally talk to Eowyn. If he has disobeyed, then I will have to discipline my son. He is much too young to be anywhere near a battle."

The horsemaster was about to leave when he noticed his uncle's smile turn to a frown. Recognizing the look, he said, "Do not be too hard on Michael about the final battle. You should be proud of the fact that my new cousin was able to organize warriors from Gondor and Rohan into a credible defense that protected the main army so effectively."

Theoden paused as if in thought before replying, "I will keep that in mind when I decide how punish Michael but for now, I will leave you with your sister."

Royal Palace…………

"There you are my dear brother." Lady Eowyn said as she approached Eomer.

Eomer turned around to see his sister walking up. The horsemaster grabbed Eowyn in a hug, "It's good to see you sister. You are a sight for sore eyes."

"As are you my dear brother."

The two stepped back as Eomer looked around the hallway in confusion. "Where is Matthew? He hasn't come to harm during my absence?"

"Well hmm...." Eowyn start to say

"What has my son done?" asked the Horsemaster in a hard tone. "Where is he?"

Stop right now!" If it wasn't for Matthew and Mr. Cotton... At least I think it was Mr. Cotton but he was much bigger. Anyways, if it wasn't for those two many more would have died." Eowyn babbled

Eomer grasped his sister's shoulders and looked her in the eyes. "What did Matthew do exactly?"

"Well... He rode a large version of Mr. Cotton and attacked several of the easterners from the air using a sling shot plus I still wondering how he got the grenades." Eowyn explained.

A feeling of unease settled over Eomer. "The boy is less than ten years of age. Even during the darkest hour at Helms Deep, our uncle would not put a boy that young on the wall. I hope you at least managed to drag him back to our chambers when you found out."

"I tried but I can not fly. Do not be hard on him dear bother if it wasn't for him many of the women and children would have died. You see he and that bird were the main ones who stopped the Easterners from attacking the women and children hiding in the temple."

"That may be so," acceded her brother. "But, Matthew needs to learn that there are reasons why he needs to do as he is told. For Valar's sake, he could have been hurt or even killed! Now where is my son?"

"I will not tell you until you promise to hold your tempter. First you must get to know your son before you discipline him. You see while our new cousin and his friends had each other Matthew only had Mr. Cotton for company for over 2 months!" Eowyn starts to explain.

"He was alone holding up in that building with only a bird for family or company. So don't you dare expect him not to try and protect those he can." Eowyn stated as she points an accusing finger at her brother

"I'm not angry and I will not lose my temper," admitted her brother. "However, I am very disappointed with him. Now I have to fulfill my obligation as a parent."

"But a parent is a friend too. When I left Matthew, he was scared that you will kick him out and he will be alone again." Eowyn told her brother as she remembered how she held the crying boys just before he fell asleep.

"You of all people know me better than that," countered Eomer. "I will not strike him in any manner nor disown him. But I will confine him to his room for the next few days after having the talk."

"Than I suggest you spend those days with him he needs his family. He has been alone for so long." Eowyn told him

Eomer nodded. "Very well, I will do as you ask. But he is confined to the palace until further notice. There is no compromise on that point."

"Fine but he is sleeping he's had several long hard days and nights waiting before you returned." Eowyn told him

Eomer backed up and held out his arm. "Then lead the way," suggested her brother.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the door to the child's and Eowyn turned to her brother. "I have grown very found of my new nephew I swear if you are not easy him I will hurt you."

Eomer stopped and held up his hands to placate his sister. "I am not a monster. But I have to act as Matt's father and not his friend. Don't worry."

"For now but remember he has had a hard life." Eowyn said as she quietly opened the door

Eomer walked softly into the darkened room and noticed the small form curled up on the bed. Sounds of quiet sobbing could be heard from the small boy as Eomer sat down beside his son.

The boy stirred but did not wake up until his father pulled him into a strong embrace. "It's all right, I'm here."

"Papa is that you?" The boy cried

Eomer simply hugged the boy for a few moments before answering, "Yes, I have returned with the rest of our family. Why are you crying?"

"Bad memories with a worse twist." The boy sobbed as he hugged his father tighter.

"In my experience it has been helpful to tell somebody about dreams. Why don't you tell me what you were dreaming about?"

"Losing everything all over again but this time it was even worse, It not just my old family dying, but my new one." The boy sobbed.

"Welcome to my nightmare!" Mr. Cotton squawked in the background.

Eomer scratched his son's head as he consoled the boy. "Dry your tears. We have all emerged from the battle unharmed. Even now, your granduncle waits to see you."

"Uh oh, what did Mike do now?" Matt said with a smile, glad to have his family back.

"I just want to be with my dad." The boy said as he climbed into his fathers lap.

Eomer smiled and ruffled his son's head. He waited a few minutes, before asking Matt about what happened before. "Now that we have settled this problem there leaves one other. I understand you had an interesting time while we were gone."

"Nothing you wouldn't have done." Matthew replied as he tried to hide his face in his father's large arm.

"I am not angry with you but I would like to hear about what happened in your own words."

"Well there is a slight problem I am still not sure how Mr. Cotton turned into a huge eagle." Matthew babbled. "Well those things were going after the Lady Siltha and my friend Darrell. I saw that from my window. Auntie Eowyn was trying to stop them but she needed help. I was going to climb out the window with my sling shot and grenades and started to fall but than... A huge bird that turned out to be Mr. Cotton saved me."

"How did Mr. Cotton save you?"

"I don't know I was falling than I landed on something soft. After a bit I realize I was flying and I heard Mr. Cotton sing, "Fly Like an Eagle," explained Matt. "So we just worked together after that to stop them from hurting my family."

"Okay, we'll talk about this later with the rest of the family." Eomer pulled back a little and looked his son in the eyes, "Even though it was an accident, you had no business getting involved in a battle. Do you know how your aunt, granduncle, and myself would feel if you had been hurt out there?"

"I don't know I didn't think about I.. It's been a long time since someone cared." The boy answered.

Eomer pulled Matthew deeper into his embrace, "We would have been devastated. You are far too young to be near a battle. I still love you but I am disappointed in you."

"I am sorry I disappointed you. I will try not to do it again." Matthew said with a yawn

"I know but now I have to do something that I do not like one bit."

"Are you going to spank me?" Matthew asked in disbelief.

"No, I am not going to spank you," answered the horsemaster. "However, you will be confined to the palace until we are ready to return home. If you are allowed to go outside, it will be with either myself, Eowyn, or another trusted adult will be within arms length at all times. Understand?"

"Does that include the gang as well?" Matt asked

"For the next few days, you are, as Michael likes to say, grounded. That means Darrell cannot come over until I say so."

"So I will be alone?" The boy sadly answered with a hiccup.

"No, you will not be alone for your family will be here. One of us will be with you at all times. However, no playing until your punishment is over."

Throne room

Royal Palace

Minas Tirith

Mike walked through the halls of the palace and finally stopped in front of the throne room. Images from the last visit to the throne room flashed through his mind as he stuck his head through the open door. As he walked in, he noticed Theoden and Aragorn discussing the upcoming coronation. Mike stopped in front of the two and said to his father, "Eomer said that you wanted to see me."

Aragorn stood up and turned to the Rohirrim monarch, "I believe you will need some privacy for this discussion. There are some things I needed to go over with Gandalf anyway."

"Thank you my friend." Theoden informed Aragorn and then turned to his son, "Yes Michael, I do wish to speak with you."

Father and son watched as the door closed after the King of Men. They then looked at each other for a moment, neither dare break the silence. Finally, Mike asked, "What did you wish to talk about, father?"

Theoden began to pace thinking how to discuss his son actions during the battle. "Michael, your actions during the battle disobeyed my orders again. We need to discuss your acts of disobedience."

The teen had a guarded expression as he assumed a parade rest pose with his hands behind his back. "There was no other option available at the time. You, Aragorn, Gandalf, and Eomer were all in the thick of hand-to-hand combat with the orcs from Mordor. There was nobody left to counter that enemy force advancing from the north."

"I understand that my son, but you have knack of disobey orders. I myself set these guidelines to protect you. I care for you dearly, you and your friends. I just do not want you to get hurt." Theoden replied.

"I know father and I had every intention of staying on that hill as you wanted. But somebody had to take the initiative and organize a defense or at least delay the enemy long enough for you guys to finish off the orcs and meet this new threat. "The teen began to pace in front of his father. "Dangit Dad, what was I supposed to do? All of my training and experience points towards seizing the initiative when the opportunity arises. Was I supposed to stand back and allow the enemy to fall upon our army's unprotected rear?

"Michael I understand that you did what you think you had to do, however as your father you disobeyed me and you must be punished." Theoden said grasping Mike's shoulder

Mike looked his father in the face, "I know you do. So what's it going to be?"

"You are grounded for the next few weeks. You will be allowed to Aragorn's coronation and attend the celebration banquets, but other than that you are confined to the palace."

"TWO WEEKS???", asked the teen. "I still have a unit to run, schedules to make out, making sure the troops have plenty to do until we return to Edoras, not to mention the fact that a certain Gondoran lord continues to cause problems."

A stern look came over Theoden face as he raised a eyebrow at the teen's tone. "Michael who is the father and who is the son in this relationship?" Theoden questioned "The answer is that I am YOUR FATHER and you are MY SON. You are grounded for the time period that I set. Do you wish to make it longer?"

Mike winced at his father's tone and quickly deflated. "No sir, I' guess I'll take a two week leave and turn command over to Earl. He's been chomping at the bit for this chance. Now, I guess he has it. Can I at least let the others know about what's been decided?"

Theoden said, "I am doing this for your own good." And then embraced his son.

Returning his father's embrace, Mike said, "I know father."

As the father and son finished their embrace, the very wise white wizard appeared to comment on their hug. "I have seen that you have given Michael his punishment and all is well in the family of the King of Rohan, but may I make a suggestion?"

Theoden looked up at the wizard and asked, "Oh, what would you suggest?"

Mike cringed at Gandalf's voice as he pulled back from his father. Turning around, he asked the wizard," Don't you have somewhere to be right now?"

"Why Michael, that is no tone to address your elder with," Gandalf stated with a smirk. " I would like to make a suggestion that Michael write up what happened at the battle. The military on his world kept them as official records."

"Uh, Gramps, I really think my father has already decided on a fitting punishment," argued the teen with gritted teeth. "Besides, you of all people know that proper military reports are typed and gosh darn it, I left my typewriter back in Georgia."

"Though Theoden has given you a punishment, I believe that this will supply you with the in depth knowledge of your unspeakable misdoings that cause your father so much heartache. And Michael I believe I have just the thing you require." Gandalf stated with a superior tone and with an evil grin opened up his cloak to reveal a large old fashion typewriter that could have weighed at least 25 lbs or more.

Mike closed his eyes and slapped his forehead in disbelief. Where had the wizard been hiding that? He turned back to his father and pleaded, "The grounding is enough, really...."

"I believe that Master Gandalf is right. You should create this report of your action and that of the entire battle. But I will give you a choice, you may either be grounded for a very, very long time or you can write this report and be grounded for two weeks." Theoden replied to Mike's begging tone.

"I'm not getting out of this am I?" asked the teen.

"That would obviously be a NO." Theoden smiled as evilly as Gandalf did when revealing the typewriter.

The teen walked over and picked up the typewriter from the White Wizard. He made one last attempt to get out of the punishment. "There's just one little problem with this punishment, Gramps. I didn't bring any typing paper with me and I know the local parchment will not work.

Gandalf grasped his chin in mere moment trying not to laugh, "I have already left a supply of typing paper in your room. Enjoy!"

Mike finally let slip the smile he had been holding back and told the adults, "If you don't mind I'll be going to my room and start my homework. Night."

"Good night, my son. Do not forget to add in the conversation that you won't do it again." Theoden smiles

Mike paused at the door, "It will be a lot easier to keep that promise now that peace has broken out. Will I be allowed breaks for meals?"

"Probably not."

"Looks like I'll be taking my meals in my chambers for the near future. I'll be back when I'm finished."

After leaving his father in the throne room, Mike searched for his friends. Finally, he found them gathered in the courtyard. Walking up to them, he asked, "Anybody want to know the final verdict?"

"I will and I am predicting that you are grounded." Reggie jeered "But the question is for how long?"

Mike shrugged and said, "Two weeks."

Earl rubbed his chin and voiced his thoughts, "Two weeks out of the picture. I guess that means that you won't be running the unit."

Erica and Reggie looked at each other with twin looks of horror. Mike couldn't actually be planning on allowing Earl to take over the unit could he? "OH NOOOOO!" The girls shrieked in terror of the thought of Earl gaining control.

Mike grinned at the girls and pointed towards Earl, "Yup, Rambeegle is taking charge of the unit while I am officially on leave. Just think girls, Earl in charge of one of the more powerful military units on Middle Earth?"

Both girls let out identical groans at the thought. Reggie decided to salvage the situation and jeeringly questioned, "Wait shouldn't Erica be in control? She is second in command?"

Earl grinned and began speaking in his Peter Sellers voice, "Very vell, mein fuhrer. I mean Mike. Soon, the vorld vill be at mein command!"

Erica reached over to smack Earl and asked Mike point blank, "Why am I not in control? You never answered Reggie's question."

Mike grinned at Earl's antics. Finally he turned back to Erica and answered, "Because you are still on reserve status. Remember that little talk back in Edoras before beginning this little adventure. It's still in effect."

"Fine" Erica huffed "I had forgotten about your father's wishes, even though Reggie and I kicked butt during both battles."

"Look at the bright side. At least you aren't confined to quarters for the next two weeks."

"What about that Gondoran lord? Don't you think the grounding will affect our plans?" asked Earl.

"Yeah right, Reggie probably going to make me stay in bed." Erica jeered at her cousin

"That is only because I want you to be strong and healthy next time I have to kick your ass." Reggie smirked and then turned to Mike with a wink, "Well we can do it tonight."

"Well, this does mean we will have to be a little more stealthy than usual in our payback," said Mike with a grin. "Another challenge has been thrown at us and we shall overcome it as we have the others."

Erica's cousin began digging around in her pockets, looking for something. "While you were in your meeting with your father, I happen to snag this." Reggie said holding up a key.

"Oh really?" asked the teen. "And is this what I think it is?"

"Did you ever doubt my skills?" Reggie smiled.

Earl looked at the two and asked, "Um, just what does that key go to?"

"Let's just say a room with a lot of bang." Reggie smiled evilly.

Mike looked around to see if anybody else was looking. "Okay, if this operation fails we will all be in deep doodoo. So if anybody wants to leave, they may do so without prejudice."

"We'll need alibis." Dena replied.

Mike turned to Dena, "For one, you'll be with David. I want you to be very visible to the adults and make them think we are playing nice."

"Fine, I never get to blow things up." Dena huffed "But I'm in."

Erica tugged on Reggie's shoulder and jeered "Mom can I play too?"

"Like I would allow my self to pull a stunt like this without my partner in crime," Reggie chuckled

Mike nodded and turned to the others, "Okay guys we are going to be putting all of our escape and evasion skills to the test. Not only will we have to sneak out without being noticed but we will also have to sneak back in. All the while making sure the grownups don't have a clue. Am I clear?"

"Crystal" The group replied in unison.

"Just remember, if we get caught, I won't be the only one counting stones in my room for two weeks."

"Who cares, that guy needs to be paid back for being an arrogant ass." Erica replied in an evil tone and put her hand in the middle of the group "All for one"

"And one for all," answered the other in unison. Mike stepped back, "Okay, I have to get back or Dad will be suspicious. Meet me in my room after the others have gone to bed."

"Got it, see you then with the goods." Reggie giggled and then turned to Erica "And as for you young lady, you need to rest until tonight festivities."

Later that night…….

A tapping noise echoed throughout the chambers as the new Rohirrim prince continued to peck away at the typewriter. He had been at his task since noon and he now typed by candlelight.

I need to start obeying my father if I want to enjoy some freedom before I reach 21, thought the teen. Of course, I'll have to find some way to get even with Gramps for supplying the typewriter. He was halfway done with the second page when somebody knocked on the front door. "It's open," yelled out the teen.

"It's always open, don't you know you should really lock your doors, someone could just walk in and bug you." Earl said popping his head in followed by the rest of the gang

"I am betting Gramps will always out smart you." Erica remarked as she entered.

Mike looked up from his paper and watched as Erica and Reggie followed the lanky teen into the room. "So what brings you by?" asked the teen.

"Oh just messing with your head again." Erica teased

Earl walked up and looked at the papers sitting beside the typewriter. "That's a lot of homework," observed the lanky teen.

Mike dropped the pencil and leaned back in his chair. He asked his friends "Are you here to gloat?"

"Yup!" Erica replied as she slapped him on the back. "Wouldn't you?"

Mike shook his head in resignation and resumed typing. "I guess I would," admitted the new prince. "But to change the subject, how goes the preparations for the Dining In?" He turned to Reggie and asked, "Did you get the location?"

"I have already got the throne room reserved, but Aragorn made me promise that you and Earl wouldn't blow anything up." Reggie replied

Eric pulled out a notepad and replied, "We have a slight problem I am running out of seasonings. So I will have to plan a trip back to Earth get stock up." Erica explains

"There's a problem with that," stated Mike. "I'm still grounded and Aragorn's coronation comes up within a few months."

"Maybe we can find some spice around here." Reggie suggested

"Don't worry I have enough but I won't after his coronation. Reggie and I will just have to leave you behind." Erica teased.

"Not to change the subject," broke in Earl. "But I have an announcement."

"And that is?" Reggie questioned

"Okay Earl, let it out," commanded Mike. "Does this have anything to do with the grog bowl?"

Earl gave his friends a wide smile, "You betcha, I managed to find a toilet that is perfect for the bowl."

"Ewwww!! I'm not drinking out of that thing." Reggie exclaimed.

"Not only that," admitted Earl, "But, I have assembled the required ingredients. Lets just say it will have a foul taste and a nasty look while being perfectly safe to drink."

Mike grinned and added, "We can even add some of those tiny marshmallows for texture."

"Nasty!!!" Reggie huffed.

"Not to change the subject or anything," announced Earl. "However, should we be having the Dining in so soon? I mean shouldn't we wait until after we make that last trip back to Georgia?"

"Earl is right, for once," added Reggie. "What do you say we hold off the dinner until after we get back?"

"So it's been decided," said Mike. "We put it off until after we get back and Aragorn has his coronation."

The others began filing out of the room as Mike resumed pecking at the typewriter. Earl paused and quipped, "Don't work too hard."

Mike pulled out the last sheet of paper from the old typewriter and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. Whew, I'm glad that is over, thought the teen as got up. He quickly made his way over to his father's chambers. Standing at the door, he gave three sharp knocks on the door.

"Who is it?" asked fatherly tone that rang out from within the chamber.

"I've finished the report," answered the teen. Mike paused as he recognized a second voice in the room, that of the White Wizard.

Theoden handed a parchment back to the White Wizard. "I have been expecting you, Michael. Please come in," Theoden answered.

Opening the door, the teen walked over to his father. To his surprise, Aragorn was also in the room. He handed the stack of papers over to Theoden as he quipped to Gandalf, "I have to find a way to thank you for loaning the typewriter."

"Michael, you should not make idle threats." The white bearded laughed

"You of all people should know I never make threats," vowed the teen. He turned back to his father, "As you can see the report is complete. There is something else I wanted to talk about."

"What is it my son?" Theoden asked pondering what his son's request could be

"It concerns Sergeant Haldraada. He has shown exceptional leadership capabilities after taking over the mortar section," answered the teen.

"What about Sgt. Haldraada?"

Mike glanced at Aragorn and Gandalf for a second before answering. "I want to put him in for a battlefield commission. He earned the rank at the gates of Mordor."

"Yes my son, I see your point. However, I have been discussing with my fellow leaders of middle earth and I have decided to disband the army we brought together to battle Sauron. The men have earned the right to live a full life outside the Rohirrim

Mike nodded, "I figured that was going to be the case. However, before the unit is disbanded, Haldraada should get the promotion."

"Perhaps you are right, you all deserve promotions." Theoden surmised.

Mike shook his head, "I was just doing my job. It is the people under my command who deserve the recognition."

"Michael, you as well as your friends deserve these honors." Aragorn said entering the conversation

"An officer only points the way. It is the men under his command who do the actual work. I was lucky to have high quality material to work with," argued the teen.

"However, Michael you led them straight in to the line of fire and were in the middle the battle as well." Gandalf countered.

"What can I say? I was trained to lead from the front."

"Whether or not you were trained, you did. And you deserve to be recognized." Theoden said grasping his son's shoulder

Mike shrugged, "However that is a subject for some later time. There was something else I wanted to talk about. I was hoping to hold a Dining In while we are still in Minas Tirith."

"What is this Dining In?" Theoden inquired.

"The formal dinner has been a tradition in the United States armed forces," explained the teen. "It is a way to build camaraderie and fellowship outside of the job. Basically, we get the unit and guests together have a good meal and relax."

"I think we could possibly have one as long as you promise that nothing is going to be destroyed or blown up." Theoden said as Reggie walked into the room wearing a Dining In T-shirt

Mike slowly turned around to see what his father was talking about. Pointing at her shirt, Mike asked Reggie, "Where did you get that?"

The girl pulled at her shirt. "Oh this old thing, I grabbed it from Erica's closet before we came to Middle Earth. It kind reminds me what we did in Florida." Reggie laughed

The front of the T-shirt appeared innocent enough since all it had on it was the legend, "1999 JROTC Dining IN". Mike told the girl, "Whatever you do, do not turn around."

"Why?" Reggie said turning her around.

Outside in the hallways were Erica, Dena and Earl laughing at Mike's predicament

Mike sighed and slapped his forehead as his friend turned around to reveal a large picture depicting a group of penguins hanging from chandeliers, drinking, throwing food, and assorted hijinks. Underneath the picture was the caption, "You can dress us up but you can't take us out."

"Michael, what is this all about?" Theoden said pointing at the back of Reggie's shirt

Mike grinned, "Uh Dad, what are you talking about?"

"Ahhh, Mike I think that stopped working a long long time ago." Reggie smirked with a large smile turning around to see the look on the grownups faces

"Okay that's one more person with whom I shall have to get even with," surmised the teen. He turned back to his father and answered, "It was a humorous reference to a dinner we had a long time ago. Some of the cadets got a little too enthusiastic."

"Hey Mike, you want to talk about starting that food fight," yelled Earl as he followed Reggie, and Erica into the room.

"Or how someone who shall remain nameless, Mike swung from the Chandelier." Erica shouted

"Boy Mike, you must have been out of control that night, but you know what, it is probably normal for you." Reggie laughed.

Mike shook his head, ""Erica, you know very well that was you hanging from the chandelier after breaking in Gramp's private stash."

"Private stash, and you didn't share cus, for shame." Reggie called out to her cousin. This conversation forced the lurking teens to come into the room.

Finally getting a chance to turn the tables, Mike noted the color draining from Erica's face as she entered the room. "I take it you never told Gramps that one little detail?"

"I don't know what you are talking about and besides you are the one who jumped on the chandelier and start swinging with and you caused the chandelier to come crashing down after you finally jumped off." Erica quipped

"That's not the way I remembered it," countered Mike. "And, I have copies of the tapes show you swinging from the ceiling."

"However I have the tape that proves that you brought it down." Erica retorted.

"That chandelier was still up and you still haven't commented about the booze." He gave the girl a long stare, "You were drunk."

"I was not drunk, you know as well as I do that I took my first drink right before coming to Georgia. For your information, those drink were the new vanilla cokes Gramps was perfecting for the cocoa cola company." Erica said returning the stare. "Besides, it was Dena hanging from the ceiling."

A large hand was placed on Erica shoulder. She turned around to find angry white wizard. "You took from my private reserve?" He questioned sternly "What am I going to with you." He said then looked to her friends for answer.

Mike turned to Reggie, "It is so good to finally see Erica get her comeuppance."

"Yes, however if she gets in trouble, who is going to cook for the Dining In celebration," Reggie retorted

"You were the one to wear the T-shirt. I had to deflect attention somehow. Besides, knowing the grownups, they will probably punish her after the dinner."

"Probably, but you should make a stand for her." Reggie said elbowing Mike in the side

"Can't I wait a minute? I want to savor this moment."

"No," Reggie urged again nudging him again.

Mike shook his head and spoke up. "While I have been waiting for this moment of Erica getting her comeuppance, I guess I should speak up. Since she is one of the better cooks why don't you hold off her punishment until after the dinner?"

Throne room

Minas Tirith

1900 hrs

Aragorn sat on his throne, deep in thought as he waited for the others to arrive. He looked up just as Theoden, Gamling, and Gandalf entered. "Where are the teens?"

Gandalf looked off in the distance as he responded, "Off resting."

"So, we should not have any unexpected attendees?" asked the King of Men.

The White Wizard shook his head and laughed, "Most likely they will awake and barge in like usual."

"So we should hurry before the youngsters get here," Gimli remarked as he entered followed by Legolas.

Theoden shook his head, "My son was in his quarters with his friends, the last time I looked. But it would be wise to start this meeting before they show up. Now, who are we missing?"

"I believe Lady Athena and her husband will be here shortly." Legolas told them.

"As will Lord Eomer." Haldir said as he entered the throne room.

Aragorn nodded, "Then we shall hold off discussing the children's fate until they arrive."

The other adults turned to face the door as the Lady Athena and her husband arrived, with Eomer in tow. Finally, as the door closed, Theoden spoke up. "So now that we are all here, let's turn to the matter on hand."

Aragorn started the meeting, "I have called everybody here to discuss what we are going to do with the children, now that the war is over. It will not be long before King Theoden leads his people back to Edoras and that will split up the children's own fellowship. I suspect they will not be happy with that fact."

"That is putting it lightly." Gimli remarked.

"I believe the children have been expecting this." Gandalf surmised

"They will not be pleased at being separated from each other," added Gamling. "At least Earl and Michael will be together in Edoras. That does leave out David and the White Wizard's granddaughters."

"So we need to make arrangements for the children to have regular contact in the future," added Aragorn.

"Erica and Reggie were speaking of such a thing and I believe that is a good idea." Gandalf started to explain.

"What is this plan?" asked Theoden.

Gandalf turned to the King of Rohan, "Back in the Wild West Days of America there was a system call the Pony Express which delivered mail and small amounts of supplies to other kingdoms by horse back." Pausing to allow the information time to sink in, he explained, "The girls wanted to make routes to do such a thing."

"So, Erica and Reggie plan on creating such a Pony Express for Middle Earth?" asked Aragorn. "That does have possibilities but we should wait until the children have had a chance to settle in their new lives. Are there any other possibilities?"

"Why don't we arrange for the children to spend the last winter month of the year together?"

"What is so important about this month," asked Lady Athena who had decided to enter the conversation.

"Back on Earth it was a special time for it marked the Celebration of Life and it was also the beginning of a New Year." Gandalf said as he decided not to try to explain Christmas just yet

"Awe, a celebration of that sort, is an excellent reason to rejoin our children every year." Athena said with a smile

"Perhaps we should arrange for the meeting to rotate between Edoras and Minas Tirith," suggested Aragorn. "It would also give the parents time to discuss what was working with raising such unique children."

"Presents and decorations were the norm back there." Gandalf explained. "A grand dinner with dancing and stories were also greatly done."

"Aye, that would be good, but you must also travel to my home in the mountains." Gimli proposed.

Theoden smiled, "We will add your homeland to list, Master Dwarf."

"We could also ask Lady Galadriel if she would mind the children visiting Lothlorian," suggested Aragorn. "I would like to see how she deals with the children."

"My Lord, please do not even suggest that." Haldir said holding his head in hands.

Eomer laughed at Haldir's remark, "I do seem to recall Michael talking to Lord Haldir's brothers on our trip back to the teenager's homeland. They were talking about comparing notes so it could prove to be interesting."

"Do you wish to seek the unpleasant thoughts of the white queen?" Haldir said nudging Eomer in the side

"Somehow, I believe the white queen to be well equipped to handle even teenagers like my new cousin," countered the Horselord.

"I am sure the girls will insist upon it." Gandalf told them and added with a large grin, "Especially Reggie."

"Yes, however my lady has informed that she would rather keep the children here. She has assigned an elf each of the children." Haldir informed the group

"Oh really," questioned Theoden. "Did she explain why she did so?"

"The message only said it was important that they are protected and taught by someone who will be with them along time." Haldir explained.

"And who is assigned to which child?" Gandalf asked with a raised eyebrow

"Well my lord, Vidmor will be assigned to your grand daughter, Erica. I will be assigned to Reggie and four other elves have been assigned. Thankfully my brothers were not assigned to young Michael and Earl." Haldir replied

Legolas looked up in surprise, "You mean she didn't ask Haldir's brothers? Then, that could only mean......"

Aragorn felt a growing dread as he turned to Haldir, "Lady Galadriel did not ask the twins? Did she?"

"No my Lord. She knows better than that." Haldir explained

"With that settled," answered Theoden. "I would suggest that we talk to our children privately before bring them together for our final decision to move back to our respective homes."

"I don't mean to interrupt my lords, " injected Gamling. "But, there is something I have been meaning to bring up."

"Go on." Aragorn says

"I have learned that the children have had another run in with a certain Gondoran lord," explained the Rohirrim. He turned to Aragorn, "You know the gentleman, Michael threatened to shoot with his magical weapon."

"You believe my son and his friends have thought up a scheme to avenge themselves on this coward," surmised Theoden.

"I would not put it past the children." Gandalf said tugging at this bread with a knowing smiling

Aragorn began to look worried as he considered the implications. "Then I would suggest that we have a talk with this lord before the children go through with their plan."

Mike was thinking about the two incidents with a certain Gondoran lord. He was mumbling about dealing with stuck up REMFs, when he turned the corner and ran straight into Reggie. Looking up, the teen apologized

"Sorry didn't see you standing there."

"You never see me standing there, Mike. Well unless I am flipping you and staring down at you." Reggie laughed and then noticed that Mike was pissed for some reason. "What's wrong?"

"I swear, I was this close to blowing him away. The only reason I didn't was because I left my pistol in my chambers," said the teen as he held up two fingers.

"Mike, what are you talking about?" She asked the teen "Who pissed you off so much that you wanted to cap his ass?

Mike paused and gave the girl a condescending glare, "I said blow away, as in shooting, not blowing up." Mike took a deep breath and said, "Sorry about the crack, but you heard how that Gondoran lord talked to us. That was the second run-in with that bastard. The first was when he tried keeping us from seeing Erica after Pelennor Fields.

"So I asked him where was he during the battle."

"Who is he...you want me to kick is ass. I will gladly do it. He would never see it coming." Reggie said patting him on the shoulder. "And what did he say?" she asked seeing the anger in Mike's face

"Turns out, he was too important to risk his neck, So I answered 'You have the balls to face me and don't have the balls to face the enemy?" said the teen. Reggie's eyes widen as Mike told her what happened. "And what the hell did he have to say for himself?" She asked getting mad her self at the attitude that the not so nobleman of Gondor had shown her friends.

"He was about to say something but shut up when he saw me reach for my pistol. Aragorn grabbed my arm and told me to calm down."

"Well it is a good thing you didn't shoot him, however you could always provide a little payback." Reggie began to snicker as she thought of something that Mike and Earl could do to get back at the rude ass nobleman

Mike began rubbing his chin, deep in thought. "You know, we still have those used LAW tubes and I saw where Gramps had stored his fireworks."

"And guess what Mike, I still have his keys." Reggie said holding up her gramps key ring "I was thinking about setting off some fireworks. Firefly is itching to start a fire in the sky."

"But I think you can have first crack at the fireworks supply."

Mike grinned, "Get the Roman candles and meet us at the seventh gate. We will have fun tonight."

"Oh Yeah Baby!" Reggie grinned and jetted off towards the storage area that Gramps had stored the fireworks.

Park near Lord Taranis' townhouse

Minas Tirith, Gondor

(Middle Earth)

A few hours later, Mike and Earl were waiting by the guard post. Both boys were wearing battledress and face paint. Mike turned to Earl, "Okay, here the plan, Reggie is bringing the fireworks. When she gets here we move off the nobleman's townhouse."

"Gotcha!" Earl replied with a devilish smile

Reggie dressed in all black, like a cat burglar cautiously approached the seventh gate in the shadows so not to be seen with the fireworks. "Okay boys, you ready to Rock and Roll?" She said popping out from behind them with Mr. Cuddles.

Mike grinned, "We have the tubes. You got the ammo?"

"Of course, would you expect anything less than the goods I promised." She said showing them the supply of Roman candles she swiped from Gramps

Mike nodded, "Okay here's the plan. We sneak up to the townhouse and volley fire the rockets into the windows. Afterwards, we hide out under cover, 'til the commotion dies down and we sneak back to our rooms. Got it?"

"Got it," Reggie replied

Earl looked around, "Where's Erica? I thought she wanted in."

"Oh she's coming." Reggie winked. "We just need to do something first."

Erica walked up scaring the teens. "Mike do you really think it will work. Remember Gramps knows of your tactics. You shouldn't pull it with him around." Erica intoned than added with a grin, "I got the MAP recon recording everything."

Mike nodded, "Okay let's move out." The teens crept along the side streets until they reached a row of noble townhouses. Mike looked around the corner and moved back to his friends.

The teen reached his friends and pointed towards a row of bushes behind them. "Okay, that's our rally point there! We'll deploy in that park across the street. Red Team on me."

"Mike did you check your tactics so you don't miss fire again." Erica reminded him.

"Gosh let's do this already, my fingers are itching to set something a blaze." Reggie uttered

The teen tossed a LAW tube to the girl. "We don't need to worry about that. We'll be using the used tubes as launchers. The sights are still good."

Earl looked over to Erica and grinned, "Let's get this party started."

Erica was getting an uneasy feeling about this operation. It was as if she was about to get on Gramps bad side in a major way. "We are so dead." Erica mumbled as she checked a piece of paper with the words "Last will and testament on it

The other teenage girl slapped Erica's hand. "Cus put that thing a way. Or that will be the first thing I set on fire." Reggie jeered, flipping open her lighter.

Mike grinned and quietly led the others behind the bushes ringing the park. Dropping down, the teen loaded his tube. He took a quick glance at the building before relaying instructions.

"Fire on my command, Erica, you take the first window to the right of the main door."

"Mike, hold on while I have the M.A.P.'s Recon do a quick check to make sure there is nothing living in there." Erica answered as she tapped a few buttons on the remote

Turning to Reggie and Earl, Mike added, "Reggie, first window left of door, ground floor. Earl, you take the window above the door."

"Not a problem." Reggie and Earl remarked at the same time.

"Cus the only thing living in there is the noble pain in our asses." Reggie said as she and Earl went to their positions

Erica ignored her cousin and sneered, "I got first window."

As the teens raised up behind the bushes and rested the tubes on their shoulders. Mike sighted in on the door, which for some reason appeared to be wide open.

Erica pulled out her remote and examined the monitor. Finally, she raised her tube and reported, "Mike recon just reported back. It seems that's all clear."

Something was not right about the setup or so Reggie thought. She just couldn't place the source of worries. Finally, it came to her. "Earl, do you smell that?' Reggie asked as she smelled something familiar in the air.

The nobleman began to sweat as the King of Men quietly asked, "Just why did you verbally abuse two children who are not only under my personal protection but nearly ran them over?"

Lord Taranis pulled at his collar as he tried to think up an excuse that would mollify the two kings and save his scrawny neck. He was beginning his reply when a orange dragon shot through a nearby window.

"Smell what?" Earl questioned.

"Peppermint and tobacco" Reggie mumbled as she remembered where she had last smelled that combination.

Mike took a long look and pressed the friction lighter, which lit the fuse. "Okay guys light them up. When the rockets fire, fall back to the rally point."

"Don't forget to watch your back side Earl." Erica jeered.

Reggie did not feel good about the situation but decided to go ahead. "Shit I got a bad feeling, but what the hell." Reggie said lighting the fuse on her rocket.

A couple of miles away, two of the other teens stared into the night from their second story window. Both were unhappy with missing the action. Dena watched the first fiery dragons shoot into the town house and commented, "Damn it." She then slapped David on his unwounded shoulder.

David looked back and rubbed his shoulder. "What was that for?" asked the boy.

"Getting hurt and keeping me out of the fun."

Within seconds, the first green fireball shot out from Mike's tube and across the street. Seconds later red, orange and blue fireballs rocketed across the street and through the open windows. Mike dropped down and hissed, "FALL BACK!"

"Fuck who missed!" Erica screamed as she noticed one of the rockets sail pass its target. She looked at her cousin who just gave her an innocent look that screamed I did it.

Reggie did not bother to answer as she and Earl turned around to run for the rally point. Earl turned to Mike and answered, "Way ahead of you."

Mike grabbed Erica on the shoulder, "Lets GO!" The teens ran for cover when Erica's eyes began to glow and she said, "Company coming, split up!"

Mike nodded towards Earl and as one, jumped over the hedge and took cover. Mike crawled over to an opening at the bottom and peeked out. His eyes grew wide, as he recognized the person coming through the front door.

"What is Aragorn doing here?" asked the teen. "Earl, we need to lay low. Aragorn is in that house and he's not happy. I don't want to think who else is on there."

"You and me both, mike. Just think with our luck, our dad's will be in there too." Earl mumbled

Erica and Reggie looked in the direction of the house and noticed other figures walking out the front door. "Great," sneered Reggie as she grabbed Mr Cuddles and realized there was no way she could stay there without being spotted. She grabbed Erica and crouched for a second before running down a narrow alleyway. They had gotten halfway through the alley when they ran into somebody. Looking up, they put on their best innocent faces. However, the White Wizard with a look of sheer disappointment on his face, greeted them.

"Oh F----!" Erica started to say when her grand father raised an eye brow at them.

"I think it might be a good idea to retreat the other way." Reggie whispered to Erica

"Don't count on it Lassies," Gimli said with a smile from behind them.

Reggie turned around to see the dwarf standing behind her. She thought to her self "Awe shit...it's short shit"

Gandalf grabbed both girls by the ear and marched them to where Theoden and Aragorn were waiting with hard looks. The two kings were talking as the Wizard and his grand daughters walked up.

"Have you found my son?" King Theoden asked Aragorn.

Gandalf turned Erica and Reggie around. Looking the two girls in the eye, he asked, "Where are the other two?"

Mike began looking around and noticed an alley to the right of them. "I would suggest us hightailing to the alley, but there's no cover. So stay quiet and hope they don't see us."

"No a problem" Earl responds and brushes his fingers across his lip making a ziping motion.

"What other two?" Reggie coyly answered.

At her answer, the white wizard tapped his staff on the ground in warning

"We were just out for a little field trip." Reggie said as she saw her grand father tap his staff

"Hiding. That's all we know." Erica quickly answered

The two boys were about to make their getaway when Mike paused and raised his head a little to see the adults gathered around Erica and Reggie, "Oh crap, Erica and Reggie have been caught. I don't like the looks of this."

"Mike what do we do?" Earl mouthed

Mike looked around saw another line of bushes, "Okay, we are going to low crawl to that line of bushes and evade out of here. On my mark."

"Ready" Earl replied as got into a crawling position

The two teens turned around and began crawling towards the second line of bushes. They had gotten halfway across the field when Mike bumped into a pair of boots. The teen slowly raised his head and looked into the eyes of Legolas

"Giving a resigned sigh, Mike asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Obviously catching you two doing something mischievous," Legolas said as he motioned for the two boys to stand

"Damn elf" Earl muttered under his breath.

"I heard that" Legolas told the boy pointing to his elf ears.

Mike shook his head and stood up, "I don't suppose I could convince you to not tell our parents?"

"Hmmm, I do not believe so as both King Theoden and King Aragorn are approaching even as we speak." The elf observed

The teen slowly turned around to see the adults walking towards them. He leaned over to Earl, "I could toss a smoke grenade to cover our retreat."

Earl looked at the two king's expressions and answered, "I think we are in enough hot water as it is. I don't want to add to it."

Mike shrugged, "Yeah, you're right. We would have to face them sooner or later. Better get it over with."

Aragorn and Theoden approached the boy with disapproving facial expressions on their faces. "What we were you two thinking? Aragorn began to question as Gandalf led his two grand daughters over.

Mike put on his best innocent look and replied, "Hello father, I didn't know you and the others would be out at this time of night." Turning to Aragorn, he asked, "What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean, young man?' Aragorn said looking baffled at the teen's response to his question. "That little stunt you pulled back there."

Mike began trying desperately to think of a way out of their dilemma. Finally he told Aragorn, "We were doing an experiment."

"An experiment?" Aragorn said raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah we were studying the feasibility of directing fireworks through the use of expended LAW rocket tubes."

Erica turned to Reggie "I don't know what Mike is thinking but it could work."

"God I hope so!" Reggie whispered back.

Earl took one look and muttered, "Oh God, Mike's stepped in the bull shit again"

"Feasibility of directing fireworks?" Aragorn said starring the boy straight in the eyes "And why did you choose this house of all places to do this experiment?"

"Okay maybe it's not working." Erica mumbled.

Getting into the Jazz, Mike continued, "Yeah, so we had to choose an appropriate location for setting up the experimenting, while taking into account such variables as wind direction, distance between buildings, construction of said targets, not to mention, having to set up a control variable as well as other factors."

"Oh no Mikes on the JAZZ" Reggie uttered "Mike definitely no Hannibal"

Aragorn and Theoden just eyed the boy not believing the information he was providing. Crossing his arms Aragorn turned to Gandalf "What do you suggest we do with these four?"

Mike began slowly inching away, "Now that the experiment has been concluded, we really need to get back and record the results to see if out hypothesis has been proven correct."

"Oh no, you will not," Theoden said shaking his head giving Mike the look that he hasdnow received several times from his new father

"I take it you aren't buying my story, are you?" asked the teen.

"What would give you that idea?" Gandalf said as he motioned for his two grand daughters to stand beside Mike and Earl

"You do you have the feeling we are in front of the firing squad?" Reggie whispered to Earl as she stood beside him

Bowing to defeat, Mike admitted, "Okay, we were trying to teach the Gondoran idiot a lesson and didn't think you would be there. Besides, this was mild compared to what I originally wanted to do."

Reggie and Erica looked at each other as Mike said that. "Out of the frying pan and into the fire," They both thought.

"And what did you originally want to do?" Mike's father questioned

"Don't answer that!" Earl uttered to his friend.

Mike looked down ashamed, "If Lord Aragorn had not been present before we left, I would have shot the nobleman. Then, only the fact that my pistol being locked in my room this morning, stopped me from giving him a severe case of lead poisoning." Mike looked up at his father in remorse, "I was so angry with him that I was prepared to blow him away. I'm sorry father. I nearly lost it back there."

Theoden looked at the boy and saw the remorse in his eyes, "It is good that you did not act upon your instincts, however you should spoken to us about it and not taken it upon yourselves to deal with this man."

"I know, but why were you guys in the mansion anyway?" asked the teen.

"We were dealing with the Gondoran who wronged you and your friends, my son." Theoden answered.

Reggie looked at Mike, Erica and Earl before stepping forward and speaking, "ahh, you know this is all my fault, I am the one who provided the ammo for this little possibly just punish me and let the others off."

Mike looked over to Reggie and smiled, "Thanks Reg, but I was in charge of this operation and as commander, I have to take responsibility." He turned back to his father, "I take full responsibility for this operation, the others were following my orders."

"Yup, Mike is definitely in for it now," cracked Earl.

"I would watch your tongue," warned Aragorn. "Michael is not the only one in trouble and we can hear what you are whispering." He turned back to adults and suggested, "Why don't we finish this in my throne room?"

"Sorry, Aragorn," apologized Earl as he followed the others back to the palace.

With a shared nod, the adults grabbed the teens by their arms and marched them back to the palace. Very little time passed before they assembled in the throne room, the adults on one side and the teens facing them. Earl leaned over to Erica and commented, "This doesn't look good for us."

"I have my will in order." Erica answered back

Mike watched his father, Aragorn, and Gandalf stare at them, not saying a word. Finally, the silence began to eat at the boy's confidence. "They must really be POed to give us the silent treatment for this long."

"Cus I wish we were facing that Dead King again instead of this," whispered Erica.

"You and me both," Reggie remarked out the side her mouth

Finally, Aragorn broke the silence and commented out loud, "I believe this covers the childhood antics."

At that Erica covered Mike's mouth while Reggie covered Earls.

"I believe so your majesty." Reggie said still covering Earls mouth.

Theoden nodded and walked over to the teens. Turning to his son he asked, "I assume you have learned something from this incident?"

Mike found it very hard to talk through his friend's hand

"Yes he has My Lord." Erica answered for him

"Erica, remove your hand and let Michael speak for himself," ordered Gandalf.

"But Gramps we don't want to get into any deeper trouble and we will get in deeper if he opens his mouth." Erica pled.

"Erica..." warned the White Wizard

"Fine.. But I am pleading the 5th on this." Erica says as slowly removed her hand, all the while warning her friend with her eyes for him not to say anything stupid.

Mike adjusted his collar and cleared his throat. In a serious voice, the teen admitted, "Yes I did. The main thing being that we need more accurate intelligence when planning operations, reviewing egress routes, and serious work on our escape and evasion training."

Gandalf listened to Mike's rambling then turned to Reggie and ordered, "Do not release him."

At Mike's answer Erica groans and starts muttering, "We are so dead."

"I mean our intelligence prior to the operation did not take into account of other players being in the target area."

Erica walks over to a pillar and starts to pound her head against and muttered, "Though I walk through the shadow of death, fearing no evil, but dreading stupid words out of Mike's mouth."

"Oh god, he is not going to go over his tactics for battle is he." Reggie groaned under her voice.

Earl tried making a smart ass remark but Reggie easily kept him quiet.

Digging his friend's graves even deeper, Mike continued, "All in all, the operation went off as planned. Primary targets were bracketed and our initial fall back went off without complications."

"Where's a sneak attack when you need one." Erica moaned Gimli came up to her and said, "Do worry lassie he has to come up for air some time."

"Where's a sneak attack when you need one?" Erica moaned again.

"Why would you want that?" Gimli asked.

"Because facing a Witch King or anything else beside Mike's big mouth would be heaven." Erica answered the Dwarf

"It would so seem," Gimli smiled back

Than a consoling hand was placed on her should by an elf. She turned expecting it to be Legolas but found Vidmor instead and gave him a small smile.

Mike paused and changed to a serious tone as he told his father, "However, what we did pales in comparison to what I originally planned to do to the lord."

"Ahh, Mike this where tell them that we were wrong and we never do it again." Reggie said elbowing Mike in the side.

"Yeah, well," shrugged Mike. "Sorry, we were wrong in going after the lord on our own."

"And we won't do it again." Reggie said nudging Mike again.

"Mike uncross your fingers," ordered Gandalf.

Mike nodded and walked over to his father and said, "I really am sorry father, I sorta lost my temper and wanted to hurt him real badly. But what was I supposed to do? The idiot threatened my friends?"

"Hey and lets not forget he tried to have control over me by trying to prevent my friends from visiting me." Erica piped in.

"As if that could happen," Gimli snickered.

"You Lords, I am not a rash lady but I would beat the crap out of him again, if had done this." Reggie said

"So I wanted to shoot out his kneecaps and maybe turn him from a rooster to a hen with one shot. He did provoke us."

"Temper, Michael.. You should have first of all known I would deal personal with anyone who threatens my grandchild." Gandalf told him with a stern look.

"I guess I have always known you would look out for us," admitted the teen. "After all that's happened, I just wanted to take care of this on my own."

Aragorn walked over to the teen and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Michael, we know you love and care for your young friends but remember you now have more friends and family who would take it quite personal if they were not allow the chance of dealing with such ones." Aragorn told him. "Plus the one who wronged my young friends is under my command. As of King of Gondor it is my responsibility to deal with such matters."

"So basically, you are saying it's time to put away our guns and be kids once again?" asked Mike

"I think the Boy has got it." Erica jeered.

"I doubt it." Reggie pointed out mike's grin

Theoden grasped his son's shoulders, "Now, you understand. We were already having a discussion with the Gondoran about messing with our children. He could not have stood against two kings and the White Wizard."

Erica looked up at her grandfather questioning him with her eyes. "So that's why you held back they were present."

And the White Wizard gave a small smirk for an answer

Mike slowly turned to Gandalf, finally noticing the wizard's expression, "You knew we were going to do this. Didn't you?"

"Of course," answered the White Wizard, with a smirk. "Actually I thought it was quite mellow compared how you and the rest got revenge on the Football team for raping those girls," The Wizard replied.

Earl had finally removed Reggie's hand. He walked over to the wizard and asked, "Then why did you let us go through with it?"

"Look around and you should be able to figure out the answer." Gandalf replied with a smile.

"It was to let us know we had parents again," Erica told him.

"Parental figures that will undoubtedly put us in our place." Reggie commented.

"Yeah, our parents back home would have grounded us for at least a year for pulling a stunt like this," admitted Earl. He turned to Mike and said, "You remember shooting that Roman candle through the police car last Halloween?"

"OH Yeah, you were not only grounded your mom stripped all the goodies out of your room." Erica giggled as she remembered how bare Mike's room was after that happened.

"Yeah all he had was an army cot to sleep on," Earl jeered.

Mike shrugged, "And that was after I told her. Imagine her reaction if the cop had caught us?"

"You would still be in jail." Reggie laughed.

Gandalf shook his head and told him, "Actually I had told her before I bailed you out. That is why you got off so easy."

Earl nodded, "That time we were able to use our escape and evasion tactics in that cornfield."

"But ended up running smack into a cop car on the end of the field," Erica laughed.

"That was you guys," accused Mike. "I was able to evade and get back home without notice. That is until Mom turned on the light."

"Nice try Mike but your butt was sitting next to ours in jail til Gramps came and got us." Erica replied. "If you don't believe Gramps has it on the M.A.P.

"We lucked out, that the cop was drinking buddies with Gramps," admitted Earl. "I think he just wanted to scare us."

"No if I really wanted to scare you I would have left you there." Gandalf replied.

"I'm glad I have never been in that kind of trouble." Reggie said winking at her cousin

Mike just shook his head and turned back to Theoden, "Okay, so what's our punishment for this shinding?"

"Well Gandalf you have had much experience in disciplining these children what do you suggest?" Théoden asked.

Erica goes back to pounding her head on the column even hard this time but saying. "Now I lay me down to sleep if I die before I wake.'"

"Ahh, gramps, please be kind. Your favorite grand daughter is also being punished." Reggie said with puppy dog eyes

Earl stood up and crossed his arms, "Why do I get the feeling that Gramps will be going easy this time?" Taking a long slow puff off his pipe the White Wizard look at each teen with a warning look. "Grounding them will be useless. For now. So......

"So?" Reggie asked unwittingly

Mike gave the white wizard a suspicious look. "Don't keep us waiting," said the teen.

"I suggest their punishment.... will be.... To retrieve all needed supplies from Earth under the supervision of the elves that Lady Galadriel assigned to them. Than once they have retrieved those supplies... The punishment of being grounded will take effect at their homes of Gondor and Rohan."

Erica and Reggie began to protest their punishment when Gandalf shut them down with a wave of his hand. "And if you don't like it I will cook." Gandalf replied. "And you teens will have to eat every bite." An unpleasant look came over the teens faces at thought of gramps unbearable cooking.

Dena had been listening and breathed out a sigh of relief. Walking past her friends, the teen quipped, "Sucks to be you. I don't have any parents to ground me."

"Don't think you are out of the punishment my dear." Eowyn told her. "You either join them or suffer Gandalf's cooking.

Dena turned to Eomer and argued, "Gramps said homes. There's nobody to ground me."

"I am the King of Gondor young lady I suggest you obey Eowyn or you will have to obey me." Aragorn warned.

Mike placed his hand on Dena's shoulder, "Dena, we are in this together. You know as well as the rest of us that Aragorn considers us younger siblings. Just take your punishment like the rest of us."

The teen turned back to Theoden, "Now that's settled, can we go to bed?"

"We are kind of bushed; I mean all that running made me a little tired." Reggie giggled.

"Off now to bed granddaughters but if you leave your rooms again this night I will prepare breakfast for you." Gandalf told them

"I am so out of here." Erica remarked as she headed for the door.

"Night gramps." Reggie said giving her grandfather a kiss on the cheek "Love you"

Mike began to follow his friends out the door but stopped and faced his father, "Night Dad."

"Good night son. But the same warning that Gandalf gave to the girls applies to you." Théoden warned.

Mike gave his father a tired smile and walked out.

Dena was the last to leave the throne room and began to follow her friends when it hit her that she wasn't involved with the fun part. Why was she being punished with the others? She stopped and asked the adults, "Wait a minute, I wasn't even in on the fireworks. I was busy looking after David. Why am I being punished?"

Gandalf raised an eyebrow and retorted, "You are just as guilty as them for falsify an alibi."

"How am I falsifying an alibi?" asked the teen with an innocent look.

"By pretending to be innocence of all when I know that you knew everything that was going down." Gandalf replied with a tone of voice that sent chills down her spine. "In fact if you hadn't supplied the false alibi I wouldn't have known what they were up to." Gandalf smiled

"But, but," stammered the flustered girl. "You didn't ask about what the gang was up to. Besides what about David, He knew as much as I and he isn't here."

"Yes but young David's mind was too out of it to read while yours was constantly cussing them out for going without you." Gandalf replied

Earl stopped and leaned over to Dena. "Give it up," whispered the teen. "The adults have us cold and Gramps knows you all too well. So just take your punishment like the rest of us."

"Fine," Dena huffed

The teenagers were filing out the throne room when Xander and Karen walked up. Earl yelled out, "Looks like you just missed the grownups chewing us out."

"You should be glad pip squeak because I would have suggested latrine duty for you for the next 20 years for pulling that stunt without me." Xander laughed back

"That's really too bad," retorted the lanky teen. "By the way, how's your little bladder problem?"

"No worse than yours." Xander laughed as he pointed down at the boys pants that were wet. "Gandalf must have scared the piss out of you."

"Nope, you need to have your eyes examined," countered the teen who pointed at his comrades. "In case you haven't noticed, it has been raining and the ground was still wet. low crawling on wet ground does tend to get one's clothing wet."

"Keep telling yourself that kid and you might actually believe it."

Karen looked at the two arguing males and finally interrupted, "Enough boys. We came to talk to you guys."

"We are thinking that it's about time for us to head back to Earth," added Xander. "And was wondering if you were planning on staying or coming or what?"

Mike stopped and answered for his companions, "Well, we will be going back to Georgia. Gramps managed to convince our parents to hold off the punishments until we get back to our new homes. I have this strange feeling that we will be well acquainted with our bedrooms by the time we are done."

"As much as we are enjoying your company guys we have to continue looking for Survivors from the Superflu so we won't be coming back to ME with you." Karen explained.

"But you will be coming back to Earth?" asked Dena.

"Of course but from there we look for other survivors on Earth." Xander replied

"Well, you guys take care," said Mike. "I have this feeling that it's not all peaches and cream back home."

"That's one of the reasons for the return plus I want to let My supervisor Gibbsion know what's going on. F---ing Ass will try and rip me a new one for not listening again." Xander laughs

"Why, what did you do?" asked Earl.

"The Fu-- enlisted me a few years back as a secret agent... Hell I had prayed that the Super Flue killed him off but oh no. He's worse than before." Xander sneered.

"Well you guys take care," answered Mike as the teens walked off. "We have a long day ahead of us.

Royal Stables

Minas Tirith

0700 hours

March 25, 3019
(Middle Earth)

The next morning, the teenagers gathered at the stables. Mike, Earl, and the girls noticed that the adults weren't coming. Mike and Earl moved over to talk to Theoden and Gamling while Erica and Reggie talked to Gandalf. "So you aren't coming with us?" asked Mike.

"I do not believe so my son, there is much to be done before our return to Edoras. The elves that Lady Galadriel sent will be accompanying you." Theoden said as he saw Matt holding on for dear life to an out-of-control horse. "I can't stop this thing." Matt cried. "Daddy help me!!!"

Earl whipped around at the child's voice and began running in his direction. Looking back, he shouted, "Come on lets get him before he hurts himself."

With a look of horror, Eomer jumped on the closest horse to chase after his son but arrived too late to stop the boy from falling to the ground.

Mike quickly followed, only to see the boy fall off the horse. Reaching the crying child, he soothed, "It's going to be okay Matt. We are here."

Earl knelt down beside the fallen child and commented, "That leg doesn't look to good. We had better have Dena take a look."

Mike nodded and shouted, "DENA, get over here. Matt's been hurt!" Dena took a few minutes to check his leg. "Fuck I wish we had X-rays." Dena snapped but just than Gandalf can up and said. "His leg will be sore but I am worried about his head. He hit it when he landed."

Mike looked up to see Theoden and Gamling running up.

Matt started to sit up and dropped back down to the ground. Tears came to his eyes as he sobbed, "I want my Daddy!" Mike leaned over the child and comforted him, "Okay Matt, it's going to be alright."

"Who's horse it that he was trying to ride?" Xander asked as he watch Erica get the large Ruin Stallion under control

"Mine." Eomer said as he ran in and looked frantically for his son.

Mike waved the Horselord over to the crying child. Matt looked up at his father and screamed, "It hurts, it hurts..."

Mike looked over to his father and commented, "Somebody is going to have to stay with Matt. He won't be able to ride out with us to Georgia."

Eomer looked up and answered, "I am staying with my son. But I wish for you to wait another day for your return trip. That way Matthew can write a list of the stuff he wants and you can get it for him."

Earl stood up and asked, "Well, what do you think? One day isn't going to make that much a difference."

"I agree." Erica says as she headed back for her room.

The two Boulder scouts, Xander and Karen had heard the commotion and came running up. Mike moved over to Karen and said, "You are the medical expert here. How bad is Matt's injury?"

After a few minutes Karen answers. "Sprained but he has a mild concussion so I don't want him going to sleep for the next 24 hours or he might not wake up for a long time."

Matt cheered up at that last point and quietly cheered, "yeah, no bed time!"

Mike shook his head and continued, "If it is that bad, wouldn't it be better to keep him inside for a longer period of time?"

"I said keep him awake." Karen retorted. "I figure a 2 to 3 day of observation of him after that we will see."

Earl leaned over to Reggie and commented, "Looks like we will be staying her a little longer than planned."

Reggie pondered her last statement for a moment, "What else is new, she is always pissy about something."

"We are talking about Erica after all," added Earl. "What else is new?"

"Well you would be two after the fight her and the elf had." Gimli replied as he walked up to the teens. "I am surprised you didn't hear it. She was throwing things at him and screaming."

"I so don't want to hear about it," commented Mike. He turned back to his father and asked, "I guess with our departure being delayed, we are back to being confined to our rooms."

"Oh, I heard it, but I'm not surprised. Legolas has a habit of pissing her off." Reggie said remembering hearing the commotion

"With as much as they fight you would think there were married." Karen jeered

Eomer knelt beside Matt and picked up his son. Holding him over his shoulder, the Horselord told Theoden, "I am going to take Matthew back to our quarters."

"Good idea and I suggest the others follow suite," added Theoden.

Mike motioned for his friends to come along. "Okay guys, looks like the trip is off for now. If anybody wants me, I'll be in my room seeing how Dirk Pitt saves the world in Cussler's latest book."

At that, the boy's father looked at him quiet strangely and asked. "Who is Dirk Pitt and which world does he save?"

"Dirk Pitt is the lead character in a series of adventure novels that were popular back home," explained Mike. "His last book has the hero discovering a lost city and thwarting the bad guy's scheme to flood the earth by melting the icecaps. There's lots of action and romance involved."

"Mike likes romance novels." Reggie jeered.

"But the boy loves fiction since he couldn't ever handle the real thing." Dena teased causing Mike to turn beat red.

"Next we are going to find Mike cuddled up by the fire reading a romance story. I can just imagine it. Trust me it is too scary for word." Reggie said giggling

Mike grinned, "Laugh if you will, but I didn't see you turning down "Raise the Titanic" and "Night Probe" last year," countered the teen. "Actually, it's the chase scenes involving vintage cars and lots of shooting that holds my interest," added Mike as he began walking off.

"No wonder Xander Cage is your hero." Dena teased.

The following morning the teens once again gathered in the stable preparing to leave. Mike finished getting Nickie's saddlebags in place and turned around to Reggie, "Have you seen the parents? They should have been here by now."

"I believe that your dad is checking on Matt, but he should be here in a moment. But here comes Gramps and Erica." Reggie replied and then motioned to the two figures who were approaching

Mike waited for the two to come closer. Grandfather and daughter were sharing serious looks as they were asked, "I thought Dad was supposed to be here? We are leaving today?"

"He was right behind us." Erica informed and gave Reggie a look that was serious

"Uh Erica, what it is going on?" Reggie said as her cousin stood beside her

Mike looked the White Wizard in the eyes and commented, "Matt's fall caused more damage than we thought, didn't it?"

"It appears that young Matthew is going to need his rest for long than I thought." Gandalf informed the boy and gave Michael a long list of things. "While you are in Georgia you will need to pick up these supplies for Dena."

Mike accepted the list and began looking it over. Finally, he peered up and asked, "I know Eomer and Dena will be staying to care for Matt. Will Dad be following behind?"

"I believe that King Theoden will be following in a few days." Gandalf informed the teen.

"Gramps will you be coming with us?" Reggie asked.

Gandalf shook his head, "Not this time. Aragorn needs me to help with the reconstruction. But I should be finished in time to ride with Theoden."

Reggie eyes saddened as she hugged her grandfather. "I will miss you while we are gone. Please come soon."

Gandalf returned her hug answered, "Don't worry, my little firefly, I will be with you soon enough and we can gather our belongings for our new home."

Mike smiled at the exchange between the two and turned around to see Theoden walking towards the stable. Deciding to give Gandalf and family some personal time, the teen met his father outside. "So, you are going to let me loose on the world without supervision?" quipped the teen.

"Oh no my son, you will be supervised, by the good march warden and his elven friends," King Theoden smirked

"I figured as much," admitted the teen. "But seriously, how is Matt doing?"

"Young Matthew has been injured badly; however Lady Dena is caring for him as well as the healer of Gondor, Lady Athena."

"That's good," said Mike. The teen's smile vanished as he added, "You will be right behind us. It's going to be hard going back to my old house and I don't want to face it alone."

"I will be coming along in a few days; I must make some final plans for our return to Edoras. But you shall be alone when you go to your old home." Theoden replied and embraced the teen

Returning his father's embrace, the teen suggested, "Why don't I wait at Gramp's ranch until you get there. Who will be giving you directions?"

"I will be riding with Gandalf there he will direct me."

"I will be waiting for you. Did I ever thank you for putting up with me?" asked the teen with a slight smile.

"Most likely yes, but you can thank me again, seeing how you most likely will send me to an early grave with your antics," Theoden laughed.

"No, there will be no early grave for you," countered the teen. "You must be there to torment me by spoiling my children. Although, you have to admit that fireworks attack was original."

Theoden breathed a deep sigh and motion for his son to come closer. "It was original; however, don't remind me of your foolishness, I do not wish to keep grounding you."

Obeying his father, Mike moved closer. "I'll try to reign in my youthful nature," vowed the teen.

"Good!" Theoden replied. "Is your party ready to march my son? It is getting late"

"Yes sir, it is," answered the teen. "We should reach the portal in two days and then head straight to Gramp's ranch once we reach Georgia. We'll have some barbeque on the grill when you arrive."

"I look forward to seeing you soon and to this barbeque you speak of."

The riders began riding towards the gate when Earl noticed the White Wizard riding up on Shadowfax. The lanky teen nudged Mike, "Looks like you forgot something."

Mike called for the group to halt and scratched his head. "Funny, I thought I got everything."

"Ahh Michael, I don't believe you will be able to go anywhere without this." The white wizard said holding up a shiny golden medallion

"Where did you find it?" asked the teen as he accepted it from the wizard.

"You left it behind in your room. Theoden checked to make sure that you did not have any fireworks in your room." Gandalf laughed. "You best be off, and be careful, my granddaughters are within your company, so no antics."

"Sure think Gramps. We'll meet you at the ranch," answered the teen with a smile. "Take care of yourself."

The End………….. (For Now)

Authors Notes:

Well it's been almost a year since my last post and I hope I still have some readers out there to read and comment. Like many of the writers on the site, real life caught up with me and interfered with the writing. In my case, going back to teaching World History at the high school level has meant dedicating over two hours each night getting ready for the next day of class. Now with the two weeks off for Christmas break I have been able to wrap up the story.

First, I would like to recognize the people who have both helped create this fiction and review the chapters. I want to recognize Erica and Reggie who are not only the basis for the characters but contributed so much to the writing of this story that they are co-authors in deed. I also want to recognize the real Earl Beegle who not provided inspiration for his character, but many of the pranks pulled by the teenagers are based on things he has participated in while serving in the Army and going through NROTC up North. For the record, you can use fired LAW rocket tubes to shoot Roman Candles. The prank with the Gondoran Lord's house was based on real life. And yes, he has an incredibly warped sense of humor. It probably explains why we get along so well.

To Viper: In answer to your question of does Gandalf stay or go to the Grey Havens, Lets just say Gramps will be around to look after his grand children for the time being. You know, I heard that Isengard might be open for new residents.

To Mike ): To answer your questions. This is the end for now and as for Mike getting a love interest, I seem to recall that one of the reasons Mike gave Eomer about bringing the dress uniforms was to impress girls. Now that the war is over, he'll have the opportunity.

To Crecy and xoulblade, sorry about the time lag between updates. Hope this chapter has sated your thirst for now.

There is a sequel to "Honor and Courage" in the works that will focus on the teens tying up loose ends in Georgia before settling down with their new families in Middle Earth. Of course, Aragorn's coronation and marriage to Arwen will be included. So, expect to see action and adventure aplenty as well as the teenagers getting into trouble with their parents.

Thus ends "Honor and Courage", it has been a wild ride. I would not trade it for the world. To my readers, drop a line and tell me what you think, liked, disliked or what you want to see happen in the next story in the trilogy. As I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I leave you with this one piece of wisdom from Murphy:

A Purple Heart just goes to prove that you were smart enough to think of a plan, stupid enough to try it, and lucky enough to survive.

Merry Prankster…. Out

PS. Can anybody tell me just what a Mary Sue is? Hopefully none of the teens fall into that category. If so, they must have the worst luck of any said creature.

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