Fellowship of the Avengers

by TheLycanKing

Following Thanos' defeat and the restoration of the universe, the Dark Lord Sauron, who has thought to have been defeated during the War of the Last Alliance, has returned and seeks to finish where he left off by gaining power he needs to conquer the entire universe. Heroes, old and new, must unite together to stand against this new evil.

8. A Long-Expected Party

One Year Ago...

Doctor Jane Foster slowly opens her eyes. She was very dizzy and had no idea some sort of cube would mysteriously glow into a bright light. Everything was a bit blurry when her eyes were opened and believed she was still in the underground tunnels of London. However, she realized that she was no longer in the tunnels, but in a dark forest with the moon at full. She looks around and started to smell, as if there was fire. Wondering where the smoke was coming from, she turned to see her friends Darcia Lewis, Joey Burnett, Erik Selvig, who were sitting around with Barbara Morse, Pat Smith, Jerry Fortunov, and Soo-jin Smith, who were known to be secret agents working for the World Counterterrorism Agency until they rejoined the agency S.H.I.E.L.D. that was recently under Director Daisy Louise Johnson in the wake of the Blip.

Lancelot Hunter, who was known as the "RIFLEMAN", is a former SAS operative known for operations in Sierra Leone and Basra; however, Hunter left the SAS for a woman and married to Agent Barbara Morse, but their marriage ended badly and the two held bitter feelings about each other long after their divorce. Some time later, he served among a group of mercenaries working for Director Phillip Jamie Coulson of the newly reformed S.H.I.E.L.D. during the war against HYDRA. He participated in many field missions for S.H.I.E.L.D. and he stayed loyal to Director Phil Coulson during the brief war against the S.H.I.E.L.D. faction led by Robert Gonzales. He later saved his ex-wife Bobbi Morse after she was kidnapped by Grant Douglas Ward and Kateri Deseronto. As a result, Hunter became focused on killing Ward in revenge, but his mission to kill him failed so he refocused his efforts in defeating Gideon Malick's plans for HYDRA. During a mission in Russia, he and Morse had to resign from S.H.I.E.L.D. in order to keep the existence of the agency secret.

Pat Smith was a very special trained nurse who was good friend to Barbara Morse since high school. They both a had a history when the two use to bully Ben Morse when he was child. However, the two knew how wrong bullying was, so they came to a point that it would come to an end and prepare for the new chapter of their lives. Pat and Bobbie attended the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, leaning all the protocols on how to be special trained agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. After graduating, Pat continued to train in hand-to-hand combat, but due to her medical skills, she began to work as a nurse. At some point when HYDRA had been hiding in S.H.I.E.L.D., Pat abandoned S.H.I.E.L.D. and began to work for the World Counterterrorism Agency in order to put a stop to any threats, but once S.H.I.E.L.D. had been reorganized, she and every member of the WCA decided to return to the agency.

Soo-jin Smith, who was usually called "BANGS", was known to be very skillful fighter and the adopted sister of Pat Smith. As a talented agent, she too studied how to become a nurse, but not abandon her fighting techniques. She carried a samurai sword that belonged to her grandfather and would only use it if necessary. Her best friend and partner Jerry Fortunov, who was the son of Duvid Fortunov, a famous brigand-for-hire known as Dominic Fortune. Unfortunately for Dominic, Jerry had little use for his father's stories of his glory days. He trained to be an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and was recognized as one of the most top agents in the agency.

Barbara Morse, codenamed the "MOCKINGBIRD", was known to be a one of the most top agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. She stayed loyal to her oath and continued her service as S.H.I.E.L.D. was being rebuilt. She spent some time on an undercover mission in HYDRA Laboratories posing as the Chief of Security under Baltazar Pavel, but eventually broke her cover to save another undercover agent. After rejoining S.H.I.E.L.D., she continued with her original mission. While loyal only to Gonzales, she recommended the attack on Coulson's base, which marked the beginning of the open war between the two S.H.I.E.L.D.s. However, when the two factions managed to put aside their differences to work together against HYDRA, she accepted the position in the council of advisers under Coulson as director of the reunified organization. When S.H.I.E.L.D. had to face the Inhumans, Morse was kidnapped and tortured by the rogue agents Kateri Deseronto and Grant Ward, only to be saved by her ex-husband Lance Hunter.

"Bout time," Rifleman sighed as he tossed in another log of wood to increase the fire.

Out of daze and confusion, Jane Foster managed to regain her senses. "Wh... Where am I?"

"She's awake," Darcy hastily replied, noticing her friend getting up.

"Jane," Mockingbird responded suddenly as she walks over to check on her. "Hey, are you alright?"

"Yeah," Doctor Foster groaned. "Can somebody tell me what the hell happened?"

"The only thing happened is, we found out that this bloody cube started to mysteriously glow," Rifleman responded with an exact answer. "But, whatever, happened, it sent us here in the middle of nowhere."

"Ever since this happened, we may have been out for hours," Burnett stated.

"Can somebody tell me what that cube was?" Doctor Foster asked, confused of what Hunter was talking about.

"First I disappear into ashes, come back and realize that things got even weirder when I was in Westview, and now we end up in another place that we're not to familiar with since none of us even knew what this unidentified glowing cube was," Darcia explained and gave a huge sigh while she had been checking her phone to see if there's any response. "So far, there was none. "Da**, I have no signal."

"Have you tried google maps?" Doctor Foster asked.

"Tried that, the satellite in my phone is not even showing where we are!" Darcia exclaimed in ignorance and put her phone in her pocket. "I tried calling dad seven times. He always answers the phone, but this is different now. Oh boy, I feel like I'm going to panic."

"Yeah, I tried mine, the signal is not even responding," Pat said. "Honestly, we don't even know where we are?"

"Bangs and I were trying to fix a transponder that we carried, but no luck," Agent Fortunov sighed and tossing a stone in the fire. "I doubt we won't be getting backup around here."

"I could tell you what's different," Rifleman said to Jerry. "A cube can transport us to a different alien world, and as matter of speech, we are on an alien world. With no backup, no S.H.I.E.L.D., no S.W.O.R.D., no Avengers, no Thunderbolts, its just us."

"Calm down, Mr. Hunter," Doctor Selvig encouraged him to take a moment to relax.

"Don't tell me to calm down, it was your idea to bring us here in the first place!" Rifleman raised his voice.

"Hunter… stop," Mockingbird said, telling him to let it go.

"Best we all take a breath, get some sleep, and find out where we are in the morning," Pat yawned. "Otherwise, we can go all night yapping around."

"Fine," Rifleman sighed, rolling his eyes in annoyance. "No wonder why a special trained nurse would be recruited into the team?"

"Well that's why I've learned how to save lives," Pat scoffed. "If that's your problem, maybe you should've learned that in Boarding School."

"Well, I didn't," Rifleman moaned and let out a deep sigh. "No boozes for me."

"Will find out where we are, but for now like she said, we need to rest, wait until the light of the day approaches," Doctor Selvig said.

"Let's try not to sleep in," Bangs added after she finished polishing her sword. "I'll stay up and keep watch for anything."

"What happens if you dose off, sis?" Pat asked with a smile.

"I hate sleeping," Bangs smiled back.

"Well if she falls asleep, then I'll stay up too," Agent Fortunov offered.

"Jerry, you always fall asleep when you try to keep watch," Bangs chuckles softly.

"Don't do that to me," Agent Fortunov chuckled back.

"Screw what you do and just go to sleep," Bangs insisted.

"Well while you guys keep watch, I'll keep messing with my phone cause its not telling me the time," Darcy sighed, putting her phone away in her bag. "Its useless."

"Same here Darcy," Doctor Foster sighed deeply in annoyance. "Wherever we are, let's hope we're not far. Just get some sleep."

"Yeah, whatever," Darcia sighed and then yawned.

"Will start out first thing in the morning," Doctor Selvig decided of a plan. "When the light hits us, we move and see if we find a road, a gas station, or even a Walmart."

"Seriously," Pat scoffed, thinking it was a joke. "How can there be a Walmart or a gas station on an alien world that we haven't been to Doctor Selvig?"

"It was just a fact, I wasn't meaning that its true or not," Doctor Selvig shrugged. "Who knows?"

"Well, I don't see a gas station or a bloody Walmart around here," Rifleman scoffed. "The only thing will find is nothing."

"Well let's hope that we're not too far from any civilization," Mockingbird sighed hopefully.

---

BAG END

When word was reached in the Shire that Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End and his relative Frodo Baggins announced that they would soon be celebrating their birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement going around in Hobbiton. Before long the invitations began pouring out, and the Hobbiton post office was blocked, and the Bywater post-office was snowed under, and voluntary assistant postmen were called for. There was a constant stream of them going up the Hill, carrying thousands of polite variations on "Thank you, I shall certainly come". Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar, and had been the wonder of the Shire for sixty years, ever since his remarkable disappearance and unexpected return from the east. The riches he had brought back from his travels had now become a local legend, and it was popularly believed, whatever the old folk might say, that the Hill at Bag End was full of tunnels stuffed with treasure. And if that was not enough for fame, there was also his prolonged vigor to marvel at. Time wore on, but it seemed to have little effect on Mr. Baggins.

Even as Mr. Baggins was generous with his money, most people were willing to forgive him about his oddities and good fortune. He remained on visiting terms with his relatives, except for the Sackville-Bagginses, who he considers as his one time enemies that had spent every month and year in trying to take Bag End from him. Bilbo always refused to sell Bag End to anyone and would pass it to someone he truly admired. He even caught Lobelia, a member of the Sackville-Baggins clan, who was trying to steal all his spoons in stuffing them into her pocket. Bilbo was furious for what she tried to do and called her a thief since it was wrong for her to steal something that didn't belong to her, even though she was related to the Baggins clan. Bilbo would never pass heirloom of his family that bought Bag End. While Bilbo kept his eyes on the Sackville-Baggins and took necessary precautions to hide his valuables incase if they were stolen, he had many devoted admirers among the hobbits of poor and unimportant families. But he had no close friends, until some of his younger cousins began to grow up. The eldest of these, and Bilbo's favorite, was young Frodo Baggins. After turning ninety-nine, he would adopt Frodo as his heir when he was two years old and brought him to live at Bag End. Bilbo and Frodo happened to have the same birthday, September 22nd. Each year, every member of the Baggins clan had given very lively combined birthday-parties at Bag End or any different areas around the town of Hobbiton, and now, this year was going to be something quite exceptional and planned for the coming autumn. Bilbo was going to be 111 and Frodo was going to be 23.

Tongues began to wag in the towns of Hobbiton and Bywater about the party and many hobbits in the Shire were invited to attend the celebration. As preparations were being made, a number of hobbits volunteered to bring food, ale, and supplies to be set up for the event. Every hobbit would listen to Bilbo Baggins' speech and explain the history and character of himself. No one had a more attentive audience than old Hamfast Gamgee, commonly known as the Gaffer. He held forth at The Ivy Bush, a small inn on the Bywater road and he spoke with some authority, for he had tended the garden at Bag End for forty years, and had helped old Holman in the same job before that. Now that he was himself growing old and stiff in the joints, the job was mainly carried on by his youngest son, Sam Gamgee. Both father and son were on very friendly terms with Bilbo and Frodo. They lived on the Hill itself, in Number 3 Bagshot Row just below Bag End. Bilbo was done writing and sending invitations to his fellow postmen that waited outside his door, ticking off answers, packing up presents, and making some private preparations of his own. It was time for him to take that exact moment to continue writing more on his book about his adventure to the east and what it was like. Despite Bilbo being honest and truthful in telling Frodo about his adventures, he may not have told him all of it. He never mentioned about Lady Sif coming down from Asgard to help Thorin's company retake their homeland from the dragon Smaug and everything Frodo would believe was nothing but a myth. Almost every hobbit in the Shire believed that dragons were a myth and that they never existed, but Bilbo was the only hobbit to know that a very few of them exist on Arda and possibly different worlds in the universe.

During the long night, Bilbo never slept. He hated sleeping, for everything he stays awake, he never forgets his adventures. He dreamed of meeting Thor, the Prince of Asgard. He remembered several years ago, Lady Sif returned to Arda after being banished by Odin, who was actually Loki in disguise, and the Asgardian warrior told Bilbo about Thor joining a team of heroes called the Avengers. Some of the citizens in Hobbiton had been hearing Bilbo's tale about the Avengers, but considered it to be nonsense. Bilbo hoped that one day that he and even Frodo will get a chance to see Thor and the Avengers if they ever come to Arda. Bilbo couldn't mention the Avengers in his story, but would mention King Odin, Prince Thor, Loki, Sif, the Warriors Three, the Einherjar, the Valkyries, the Frost Giants, S.H.I.E.L.D., Count Dracula of the Vampire Nation, Thranduil of the Woodland Realm, the warriors of Wakanda, and Peggy Carter, who came from two worlds to band together in defeating Azog the Defiler and his armies.

Bilbo lights a match, then uses it to light a candle to help him see through the darkness of the Bag End. A little bit of light was showing outside the house while Bilbo had been walking through the hallway towards his office. Before going, he goes over to his chest that he took back home years ago. He slowly opens it, and glances with fascination and recollection at Sting, his sword in its sheath, and reaches out to touch it. At the last second, he hurriedly restrains himself and pulls out a large red book from the chest instead. He then moves straight into his office, sits himself down at his desk, and opens the book. He was destined to write the story, but as he opened the front of the book, he sees a drawing of his younger self. Bilbo picks up the picture and gazes at it, remembering how young he was when he went on this dangerous expedition to the east. Sadly, Bilbo was old and wished he would be the same person he was years ago. He began to think that it was time for Frodo to know the truth. What really happened.

For hours until morning, Bilbo didn't stop writing. He wasn't tired at all, for he continued to write since his mind was filled with so many ideas and just everything he wrote rather than writing notes. There was nothing he could do to stop, for he wanted to get it all finished before his plant leave the Shire. Bilbo never had a chance to tell Frodo about his plan in leaving, for he wished he told him that early. As the sun began to slowly rise from the east, Bilbo continued to write and write while he was unaware that young Mr. Frodo, the son of Drogo Baggins, was awake and had been eating a fresh apple for breakfast that he took from the pantry.

"Magnificent," Bilbo chuckled quietly as he kept on writing in his book. That was when Frodo came inside his office, which forced Bilbo to stop laughing and waited for him to leave once he left the mail for him.

Bilbo cleared his throat. "Thank you."

Frodo was always curious as he decided to stay and find out what his uncle was doing. That was when he focused on a picture and began to wonder who it was.

"What's this?" Frodo asked, chuckling.

Bilbo grabs back the picture without even answering his question and started to grow annoyed. "That is private. Keep your sticky paws off." He quickly closes his book when Frodo was this close in wanting to read it. "It's not ready yet."

Frodo let out a scoff and wanted a specific answer. "Not ready for what?"

Bilbo sighed and let out his one and only answer. "Reading." He takes a moment to examine the pile of letters Frodo had left for him. "What on earth are these?"

"Replies to the party invitations," Frodo replied after he had just picked up an old object that belonged to Bilbo.

Bilbo was surprised by this. He couldn't believe that he forgotten that it was his and Frodo's birthday today, letting out a gasp. "Oh! Good gracious! Is it today?!"

"Of course," Frodo nodded, replying. "They all said they're coming. Except for the Sackville-Bagginses. They're demanding you ask them in person."

Bilbo's surprising mood changed when heard the two words Frodo had said. Despite making preparations for the party tonight, Bilbo didn't want the Sackville-Bagginses to even invade his house and steal a lot of items that never belonged to them. Bilbo leaves his office immediately and rushes over to collect some important valuables.

"Are they, indeed, well over my dead body," Bilbo growled slightly.

"They'd probably find that quite agreeable," Frodo grinned. "They seem to think you have tunnels overflowing with gold."

"It was one small chest, hardly overflowing," Bilbo corrected as he continued to hide more of his valuables in chests, jars, vases, and other inconspicuous places. "And it still smells of troll."

"What on earth are you doing?" Frodo asked, puzzled of why he was hiding precious valuables.

"Frodo, my lad, I am taking precautions," Bilbo answered his question. "I'm not willing to let the Sackville-Bagginses take things that never belonged to them. They may be part of the family, but coming here, robbing stuff that isn't for sale. They just take it. It kinda reminds me of a time when I caught her making off with the silverware once."

"Who?" Frodo asked, confused since he wasn't being too specific.

"Lobelia Sackville-Baggins," Bilbo added. "She had all my spoons stuffed in her pockets. Hah! Dreadful woman. She never seizes to remember. She even pretended that she didn't know me at all when I came back home years ago with Gandalf. Frodo, I need you to do me a favor and try as hard as you can to keep an eye on her after I'm… when I'm… when I'm…"

Frodo grew suspicious and began to ask. "When you're… what?"

Bilbo was trying to say it, but he couldn't. How could he? He was afraid that Frodo wouldn't understand if he made out his plan to leave the Shire, possibly forever since he was interested in the mountains. He wished he could ask him to come with him on his next adventure, but it was decided that he should leave him behind.

"It's nothing… nothing," Bilbo answer, keeping the truth hidden for now at least. In hopes to change the subject, he looks at some papers on a table. "Now, where was I, ah yes."

"You know, some people are beginning to wonder about you, Uncle," Frodo continued to suspect what Bilbo was hiding. "They think you're becoming odd."

"Odd? Hmm," Bilbo pretended to look confused.

"Unsociable," Frodo added.

"Unsociable? Me?" Bilbo chuckled, pretending as if it was joke to him. "Nonsense. The people of the Shire think of what I am, but they're wrong. My dear, Frodo, I wish I could tell a lot of more, but I'm afraid that'll have to wait. For we have preparations to do."

"You mean the townsfolk have preparations to do," Frodo corrected, knowing that since it was their birthday, they didn't have to help at all and they would relax and wait for tonight.

"Well before you go out and have fun," Bilbo said as he hands Frodo a sign he just made. "I made this days ago, so be a good lad and put that on the gate."

Frodo looks at it dubiously and asked. "Just this?"

"Of course that," Bilbo answered as he left the room immediately. "I left the nails in the front door."

Frodo didn't hesitate to say no and so we went outside to do the job Bilbo wanted him to do. he walks to the gate and places the sign to the gate of Bag End, nailing it very hard to keep it from falling down. It says 'NO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT ON PARTY BUSINESS.' After finishing, Frodo holds his book and waits for Bilbo to come out outside. Just as Bilbo comes outside and stretches, Frodo began to wonder when Gandalf will arrive.

"You think he'll come?" Frodo asked.

"Who?" Bilbo asked, confused of what man was coming.

"Gandalf," Frodo scoffed.

"Ahhh, he wouldn't miss a chance to lit up his whizpoppers," Bilbo laughed. "He'll give us quite a show, you'll see."

"Alright then, I'm off," Frodo said.

"Off to where?" Bilbo asked.

"East Farthing woods, I'm going to surprise him," Frodo told him of his plan.

"Well, go on then," Bilbo insisted for him to do his job. "You don't want to be late."

---

BORDERS OF THE SHIRE

Throughout the day, Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith all stood together as they wandered the wilderness. Unaware where they were, they didn't realize that they were almost close to the southern border of the Shire. Darcy had been busy leaving messages to her father and to anyone she was in contact. Jane Foster had been writing important stuff in her journal and had been thinking in studying the stars until nightfall. Lancelot, Barbara, Jerry, and Pat were in front of the group while Soo-jin was in the back, keeping a close watch.

"So nobody knows where we are at this time of the day?" Darcia said, looking around nervously. "Hope we don't run into any trouble along the way."

"She does a solid point," Burnett agreed to his girlfriend's words.

"Well these lands really don't fit the description in my maps," Doctor Selvig said.

"That's because we're on an alien world, Doctor Genius," Darcia sighed heavily.

"And honestly, none of us don't even know where the hell we're going," Rifleman said.

"You know, it gets me thinking that we may be going in circles," Pat pointed.

"You tell me," Burnett observed his phone. "I have no satellite on my communication. We're blocked out or something."

"We're not blocked out," Doctor Foster corrected. "We end up in an alien world by mistake cause none of us know that cube, whatever its called, belonged to some alien guy and now we walk about, trying to see if we can find shelter."

"Good luck trying to find one cause I think we're lost," Rifleman pretended to insist if Doctor Jane Foster could lead the group in finding a shelter.

"Do you seriously joke a lot?" Doctor Foster asked, giving him a very deadly look on her face.

"More than twice luv," Rifleman answered.

"Then maybe you should stop patronizing me and maybe we cane figure something out," Doctor Foster suggested. "We got into this mess, maybe we can fix it."

"How?" Rifleman scoffed. "There doesn't seem to be an answer to that."

"Maybe you should try and be a lot more helpful than acting like some overgrown…" Doctor Foster paused and sighed.

"What was that?" Rifleman asked, pretending he didn't hear what she meant. "You were saying?"

"Hunter, knock it off," Mockingbird said.

"Child," Darcy added and looked everyone and raised her shoulders on confusion. "What?"

As the group continued to walk through the forest, they didn't realize that they were hearing something that was minutes away. Pat Smith and Jane Foster was the first to hear the sound and began to look around of where it was coming from.

"What's that?" Pat asked.

"You guys hear that?" Doctor Foster asked, continuing to look around.

"Hear what?" Mockingbird asked and made a sudden halt until she began to hear the same thing Jane was hearing. "Wait, I hear it too."

"Hmm hmm hmm hmm, Down from the door where it began, hmm hmm hmm hmm," A voice singing in the distance.

"Sounds like singing," Darcia described and turned to look at Jane.

"Guess maybe we have luck in our shoulders," Agent Fortunov breathed in joy.

Immediately, the group run to where the singing was. As soon they make it out of the forest, they found themselves in front of a road and turn to face where the singer was. Out of surprise, it was a long, grey-bearded man with a long pointy hat. It was Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey, a wizard who was involved in a quest to reclaim the city of Erebor and uncovering the truth of Sauron's return. The group didn't know who he was, but instead, they decided to approach him anyway since they were desperate enough to figure out where they are and how to get back home.

"Excuse me!" Doctor Foster called out to him.

"Whoa!" Gandalf loudly gasped, causing to stop his ponies immediately upon noticing Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith. His reaction caused him to grab his staff in defense.

"Wow, wow, wow, easy," Pat said, raising her hand up in front to show that she and the group were not a threat. "Its okay, we're not going to hurt you."

"I heard that before," Gandalf growled.

"Uh, can we at least say 'please'?" Rifleman asked, making it a very silly question.

Jane sighed, shaking her head on Hunter's silly question, went up to speak to him. "Hi, uh, sorry to bother you, but can you tell us where London is?"

"Seriously?!" Darcia exclaimed.

"You probably should'nt have asked him that, Doctor Foster," Pat said.

"London?" Gandalf asked, confused of what she was talking about.

"Yes, London, do you know where that is?" Doctor Foster asked again with a grinning face with smiling eyes.

"Are you preferring it as a realm?" Gandalf asked suspiciously.

"I uh, I think what she's asking about…" Doctor Selvig spoke on her behalf. "Um, well… we're lost, and we were hoping if you could tell us where we are and we can be on our way."

"London, hmm," Gandalf murmured as he nodded a bit, trying to find out what the place was. Then he let out an answer. "You are in the great region of Eriador and I don't think London is not even in the maps of Middle-Earth."

"Middle-What?" Rifleman asked incorrectly in a weird tone.

"Middle-Earth?" Boothby murmured in confusion.

"Good, that's all we need to know, ha ha," Darcia pretended to chuckle pretendedly and turned to Jane. "See I told you we were on an alien planet! Seriously, why would you say London to someone on this world who doesn't even know it!"

"I just wanted to assume we were!" Doctor Foster argued.

"Ladies, can we try not to bicker in front of this Merlin chap," Rifleman said, clapping his hands to stop the arguement.

"Merlin?!" Gandalf snapped upon hearing that. "Do you all know who I am? Everyone in Middle-Earth always remember a wizard's name."

There was a long bit of silence. Since they were not from Arda, and that they were from Earth, neither Joey Burnett Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith knew who he was. They all turn to stare at the wizard and shook their heads silently.

"Okay," Pat responded weirdly and looked pretty confused.

"Never thought he would ask us that," Bangs whispered to Jerry.

"Do tell," Agent Fortunov whispered back.

"Uh, we kinda don't know who you are, sir," Darcy answered, weirdly.

"Well that's unfortunate," Gandalf nodded his head. "Hmm, but where are my manners. I am what I am, and that's all that I am. I am Gandalf… and Gandalf means… me."

"Means you," Darcia scoffed in a bit of laughter. "Okay, so are we suppose to be making a guessing game of your name or Gandalf is really your name?"

"Darcy," Doctor Foster spoke, giving her a face. "You really don't know how to shut up."

"Okay, sorry," Darcia apologized.

Barbara Morse decided to take took the floor to speak. "So we can assume that you are Gandalf?"

"Of course," Gandalf smiled as he bowed his head in respect. "And you are?"

"Barbara Morse, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.," Mockingbird introduced.

"WHAT?!" Jane, Darcia, Burnett, and Selvig snapped in shock.

"Sorry we had to keep our clearances hidden from you guys," Mockingbird apologized.

"Our director gave us specific orders to have you four brought in when you discovered a separate piece of an unknown Monolith that was declared highly dangerous," Bangs explained.

"Wait a minute, you're with S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Burnett asked.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Darcia asked, raising her voice. "Why didn't know you even say a god**** word about a glowing ice cube taking us from London to hear?!"

"I'm not part of this," Rifleman tried to admit, but knew it was hopeless now. "Okay, well, yeah I was part of it."

"We were about to say that until the cube swallowed us," Pat said, backing her best friend up.

"Well screw you, I don't know you that well, but you guys should've told us about this rather than keeping your mouths shut from very beginning, so help me!" Darcia exclaimed.

"HYDRA!" Bangs loudly answered.

"What do you mean HYDRA?" Doctor Foster asked, looking very confused as to why she said 'HYDRA'. "I thought every head in HYDRA was cut off years ago."

"Well following Thanos' defeat, things started to turn to chaos and we think that HYDRA has been hiding in our midst again," Agent Fortunov explained. "When Bobbi, Lance, Pat, Bangs, and I received word that someone in HYDRA was on to you four, we were ordered by our director to take you to the Triskelion, cause we believed you were in danger. Look, I'm sorry we didn't tell you soon cause someone from the inside was informing HYDRA of what you guys were uncovering."

"Can you ask what HYDRA is?" Gandalf asked.

"That would be a long story to explain Mer… um, Gandalf," Rifleman cleared his throat. "Sorry."

"And I suppose you are…" Gandalf wondered who he was.

"Lancelot Hunter," Rifleman forstly introduced his name to the wizard. "But call me Lance."

Gandalf then focuses his eyes directly at Jane Foster. "And you?"

Doctor Jane Foster sighed and introduced herself as well. "Doctor Jane Foster." She then points to her friends. "And these are my associates; Doctor Erik Selvig, Darcia Lewis, and my intern Joey Burnett."

"My friends call me Darcy for short," Darcia added.

Soo-jin Smith introduced herself as well. "The name is Soo-jin Smith, but everyone calls me Bangs." Then, she decided to introduce her sister and partner Jerry Fortunov. "And this is my sister, Pat."

"I work as a nurse," Pat smiled.

"I operate in field tactics like my father Duvid," Agent Fortunov said.

"It is rare honor," Gandalf said. "Now tell me, where are you all from?"

"Uh, Earth," Darcia answered his question. "Its kinda like…"

"How did you get here?" Gandalf demanded a specific answer. "You did say that some magical glowing ice cube dragged you all here. Is that right?"

"Yes," Doctor Foster nodded hastily. "And honestly we don't know how we can get back. Please, can you help us."

"It reminds me years ago that I met an army who came from the world you speak of long ago," Gandalf said. "Are you sure you're all from Midgard?"

"So you heard of it?" Doctor Foster desperately asked. "Does that mean you can help us?"

"Well my dear, you come to the right person, but know this, my power cannot send you back to your world, for I do not know how far it is from Arda," Gandalf said.

"Arda?" Burnett confusedly whispered to his girlfriend.

"I don't know that," Darcia sharply whispered back.

"I'm sorry, Arda, sir?" Pat asked, confused.

"Well, yes, that's where you are on," Gandalf explained. "You are on the world of Arda."

"And how far is that from Earth?" Doctor Foster asked.

"Probably a few solar systems away I would say," Gandalf assumed.

"Okay, that's good, now would you mind telling us where we are now so we can get back?" Lancelot hastily asked in a boring tone.

"You are near the borders of the Shire," Gandalf told him where he and his companions were. "And of course, I was on the way right now to give a very special surprise to an old friend."

"Is it civilized?" Agent Fortunov asked him that.

"Well of course," Gandalf chuckled. "The Shire is many things. The Small-Folk have always welcomed Tall-Folk into their lands. Perhaps Dear Old Bilbo will give you spare rooms for all to rest."

"Okay, that doesn't seem to be a problem," Burnett remarked.

"Well that's great news so far," Lancelot said, pretending to sound intrigued.

"Uh, so does that mean we have to follow you?" Pat asked.

"Of course not, you will all ride in my cart," Gandalf beckoned. "Come, time is wasting. I do not wish to be late. For a wizard should never be late."

"Done," Darcia rolled her eyes and ran over to hop in the cart. She was surprised to see a lot of things, such as fireworks "Wow."

Deciding to accompany the wizard to the Shire and be given a place to stay at Bag End, Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith take a moment to hope inside Gandalf's cart filled with fireworks and try to be careful not to ruin them since they look brand new. They take a moment to get themselves in and find good spots to sit down with all the fireworks the wizard has.

"You make fireworks?" Burnett scoffed in surprise.

"I've been doing that for all ages," Gandalf answered.

"Like how many years would you say?" Pat asked him that.

---

In the East Farthing Woods, white flowers are scattered among the well seeded grasses, squirrels were cracking their nuts, the birds were chirping along, and rabbits were heading in their burrows. As the animals were doing their things, Frodo had been relaxing quietly where he was reading a nice book he took and sat down underneath a tree. However, he was unaware that Gandalf was on his way. The ponies were kneeing as Gandalf was smoking his weed pipe while Ian Boothby, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith were sitting in the cart, relaxing and watching the beauty of the sky.

"Its really nice," Bangs remarked the beauty of the country.

"At least its beautiful day," Agent Fortunov sighed in relaxation, crossing his arms behind. "No rain, no snow. Its perfect."

"Wonder what these Small-Folk look like," Bangs began to wonder.

"This is really cool," Darcia whispered to her boyfriend in remark and joy, and couldn't stop looking around.

Doctor Jane Foster was amazed of the beauty of the country, feeling as if she was in paradise already. She then begins to ask the wizard. "So how many times have you come here?"

"Oh many times," Gandalf coughed while smoking his weed pipe. "I come here to celebrate everyone's birthdays. Every day, every week, every month, and every year."

"You must really like it then," Doctor Foster scoffed in amazement.

"Its always been in me for a long time," Gandalf said. "Now, today will be the day to celebrate an old friend who is about to turn 111."

"111?" Pat sounded very surprised.

"Wow, you serious?" Doctor Foster sounded surprised.

"Are you telling us that these small folk can live for more than 100 years?" Darcia asked, sounding intrigued.

"Oh they can live for a long time my dear," Gandalf said.

"Long time," Darcia breathed out those words to Boothby, who nodded in impression.

"Hmm, sounds interesting," Doctor Foster sounded intrigued.

"Yeah, well, I'm kinda bored already," Rifleman sighed. "There's nothing to drink."

"How bout a song?" Doctor Selvig suggested if that could lighten his mood.

"I don't sing that well," Rifleman mumbled in complaint.

"Hmm," Gandalf began to think of a song.

The Roads go ever on and on,

Over the rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By the streams that never find the sea;

Over snow by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on

Under cloud and under star,

Yet feet that wandering have gone

Turn at last to home afar.

Eyes that fire and sword have seen

And horror in the halls of stone

Look at last on meadows green

The trees and hills they long have known.

The singing began to catch Frodo's attention when he stopped reading his book. He quickly jumps up and listens. Recognizing that voice, he smiles and begins to run through the trees happily towards the person who was singing. Eventually, Frodo runs up towards a bank and makes a complete stop to meet Gandalf. After he finished singing, several in the group clapped.

"That's a beautiful song," Doctor Foster remarked. "What's it called?"

"You're late," Frodo informed, crossing his arms, just at the moment before Gandalf was about to answer Jane's question.

"Huh, what the…?" Darcia looked to see who that was.

"Who is that?" Bangs whispered to Jerry.

"Don't know, probably one of the small folk," Agent Fortunov whispered back in amusement.

"He's not wearing any shoes," Rifleman described his appearance quietly to his ex-wife. "He could get a splinter."

"I should tell you this, Frodo Baggins, a wizard is never late," Gandalf spoke towards the young hobbit from beneath his hat and looks up into Frodo's eyes. "Nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to."

There was a long pause where Gandalf and Frodo look at each other very serious. That was when they started to smile, and then they burst into laughter. Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith all began to chuckle a bit, seeing how they were messing around and that they truly knew each other.

"Its wonderful to see you Gandalf," Frodo laughed excitedly as he jumps down onto the cart to give Gandalf a big hug.

Gandalf looks at Frodo with twinkling eyes and laughs. "You didn't think I'd miss you and your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?"

"I'm proud of it," Frodo laughed and turned to notice Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith. "Who are they?"

Gandalf cleared his throat. "Oh, Frodo, my young lad, may I introduce you to…"

"Doctor Jane Foster," Doctor Foster kindly introduced herself.

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Frodo… Baggins of Bag End," Frodo introduced himself and shook her hand.

"Nice to meet you," Doctor Foster nodded and introduced her friends to the young hobbit. "Oh and these are my friends Darcy Lewis, Joey Burnett, and Erik Selvig."

"Hi," Darcia waved her hand.

"How do you do?" Burnett said.

Frodo turned to Bobbie, Lancelot, Jerry, Bangs, and Pat and asked. "And them?"

"Sorry chump, I don't make friends that easily," Lancelot said.

"Its a pleasure to meet you, Frodo," Mockingbird smiled, shaking his hand.

"Welcome to the Shire," Frodo smiled back. "I hope you'll like it here."

"I'm pretty sure we will," Mockingbird chuckled softly.

Entering the Shire, Frodo sat next to Gandalf while Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith were looking at the beauty of the land in awe. Jane and Darcy really liked the lands and could see many more Hobbits doing a lot of work in the fields. Some hobbits had been busy tending the food to be made and didn't bother to notice Gandalf arriving with tall-folk.

"What's new in the world?" Frodo asked, excited. "Tell me everything."

Gandalf looks down at Frodo, a twinkle in his eye. "What, everything?" He goes to explain everything to him. "Far too eager and curious for a Hobbit. Most unnatural... well, what can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on much as it has this past age. Full of its own comings and goings, scarcely even aware of the existence of Hobbits for which I am very thankful." After he finished smoking from his weed pipe, he then decided to change the subject. "So, how is the old rascal? I hear this is to be a party of special magnificence."

"You know Bilbo hes got the whole place in an uproar," Frodo told him everything of what his uncle had been doing.

"Well that should please him," Gandalf chuckled in delight. "Also, Frodo, I hope you'll grant the tall-folk to stay in Bag End for a while. Won't you?"

"Of course," Frodo nodded. "We always give travelers a place to rest."

"Well that's good," Gandalf nodded and then asked. "So how many are coming tonight, I wonder?"

"Half the Shire's been invited, and the rest of them are turning up anyway," Frodo revealed the news.

"And what of the Sacksville-Baggins?" Gandalf asked that as well. "What are they up too?"

"They're always going after the house," Frodo said. "Every time Bilbo says that Bag End is not for sale, they just do it, try and try to take much of his belongings."

"You telling us that Sacks are mouth-breathers… thieves?" Rifleman asked, overhearing what he said.

"Yes," Frodo answered by nodding his head.

"Well let me tell you something, you know what I do to thieves that steal things that I forbid for them to take?" Rifleman told him a question.

"No," Frodo shook his head.

"Hunter, seriously?" Mockingbird sighed deeply in ignorance.

"I punch them in the face," Rifleman said.

"Are you asking me to consider punching them in the face?" Frodo asked, starting to choke up a bit of laughter.

"Honestly no, but you can always think of it," Rifleman suggested that as a thought.

"Hunter, are you trying to teach him something that involves violence?" Pat asked, giving him a stern look on her face.

"Don't give me that look, you know d*** well I wouldn't," Rifleman scoffed, making an excuse.

"What does your uncle do these days?" Doctor Foster asked about Bilbo.

"You may not know my uncle, but some of us like me, we see him to be different," Frodo started to explain about Bilbo, but it was something that troubled him since he usually keeps it to himself. Even though, Frodo had been telling Bilbo the truth about how the other hobbits see in him. They describe how odd he is. "He's been acting a bit odd lately."

"Well, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what he does," Gandalf said, thinking it wasn't his problem to know. "Why do you seem troubled, my dear boy?"

"Its just… every time when I wake up, Bilbo locks himself in his study," Frodo told him with a concerned look on his face. "He spends hours and hours poring over old maps when he thinks I'm not looking. He's up to something, and I don't know what it is he's hiding from me."

Gandalf looks at Frodo mysteriously and pretended to look as if he doesn't know what Frodo was talking about. However, he saw that Frodo was right about him, and began to suspect something. Even Barbara Morse, Jerry Fortunov, Soo-jin Smith, and Pat Smith began to look suspicious, wondering what this was about between the relationship of Frodo and Bilbo.

Frodo looks up at him and shoots a knowing look with a smile. "All right then, keep your secrets."

"What?" Gandalf asked, pretending that he didn't hear him.

"But I know you have something to do with it," Frodo continued to smile, trying to force Gandalf to admit the truth.

"Good gracious me," Gandalf sounded unnerved.

"Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of," Frodo reminded him of what he and his ancestors had done in the past. "Never had any adventures, or did anything unexpected."

"If you're referring to the incident with the dragon Smaug the Terrible, I was barely involved," Gandalf truthfully admitted about the story of Smaug and how he was involved in recruiting Bilbo to join Thorin's company to reclaim Erebor. "All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door."

"Whatever you did, you've been officially labelled as a disturber of the peace," Frodo grinned.

"A disturber of the peace, hmmm," Gandalf murmured.

Frodo stands up and prepares to leave. "Gandalf, I'm glad you're back."

"So am I dear boy," Gandalf chuckled.

"Where are you heading to?" Pat asked.

"I have some business to take care of," Frodo smiled with a sigh. "Gotta get Sam out of his gardening mind, so I can have him dance with Rosie tonight."

"Rosie?" Doctor Foster asked that name.

"The barmaid of the Green Dragon," Frodo answered.

"Oh, hmm," Doctor Foster decided to mind her own business about that.

"Well if you something in mind, tell your friend to give Rosie flowers," Darcia suggested loudly.

"Thank you, I will," Frodo nodded to her agreement and went off in a hurry.

---

Meanwhile, back in Bag End, Bilbo had returned to his study and continued to write his next chapter in the book. This chapter was called 'Concerning Hobbits'. Bilbo barely begun with the chapter, and took his time to figure out the best words to say about his kin and what they do in their life within the borders of the Shire.

"The 22nd day of September in the year 1400… by Shire reckoning," Bilbo talking as he was busy writing. "Bag End, Bagshot Row, Hobbiton, West Farthing, The Shire, Middle Earth. The Third Age of this world. There and back again, A Hobbits tale, by Bilbo Baggins." He puts his pen down, turns to an empty page, puts his pipe in his mouth and sits back to think. "Now, where to begin? Ah, yes." He picks up his pen and wipes it on the side of the inkwell. "Concerning Hobbits. Hobbits have been living and farming in the four Farthings of the Shire for many hundreds of years. Quite content to ignore and be ignored by the world of the Big Folk. Middle-Earth being, after all, full of strange creatures beyond count. Hobbits must seem of little importance, being neither renowned as great warriors, nor counted amongst the very wise." Bilbo stops writing, sits back and laughs until he hears a knock coming from the front door to his house. He turns his head and shouts for Frodo. "Frodo, someone at the door!" He then continues to write, focusing more on his story. "In fact, it has been remarked by some that Hobbits only real passion is for food. A rather unfair observation. As we have also developed a keen interest in the brewing of ales and the smoking of pipeweed. But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good tilled earth. For all Hobbits share a love of all things that grow. And yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint. But today of all days, it is brought home to me it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life."

That was then another knock comes at the door again. Bilbo was annoyed due to this interruption and didn't even bother to answer it as he tried to allow Frodo to do it, but had just forgotten that he was out waiting at the East Farthing Woods to surprise Gandalf.

"Frodo, the door!" Bilbo called out to his relative again, but no answer. The only he heard was another knock. "Sticklebacks. Where is that boy?"

As he puts the map down, Bilbo started to panic while he was searching his pockets for something. He keeps turning them out and started to panic even more. He looks around.

"Wheres it gone?" Bilbo panicked.

Bilbo ran out of his study and searches every corner of the house, lifting cushions and coats, becoming more and more anxious. He throws down his bag and coat, and then he touches his waistcoat pocket, puts his hand inside and takes something out relieved.

"Aaaaah," Bilbo breathed, closing his hand and brings it up to his mouth with his eyes closed.

Bilbo walks over to the living room and sits himself down. He then opens his hand to stare at a ring. A ring made out of pure gold. Bilbo suspiciously stares at the golden ring for minutes as if he has fallen into a trance, but that was when he snapped out of it when he heard three loud knocks.

"No thank you!" Bilbo angrily yelled. "We don't want any more visitors, well wishers or distant relations!"

"And what about very old friends?" A loud voice responded.

Bilbo's eyes widen in surprise and joy, in which he jumps up immediately and runs over to the door, recognizing the voice. He quickly removes the lock and opens the door. Out of surprise and joy, Bilbo's dropped when he saw his old friend Gandalf the Grey, along with Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith, who were all standing behind the wizard.

"Gandalf?" Bilbo stared at him in surprise.

Gandalf smiles back to give his old friend a greeting. "Bilbo Baggins."

"My dear Gandalf!" Bilbo exclaimed in laughter and runs to give his old friend a hug

Gandalf kneels down to his knee to embrace his old friend. "Its good to see you. One hundred and eleven years old who would believe it." He looks at him more keenly. "You haven't aged a day."

Gandalf and Bilbo pause and look at each other and began to laugh at each other.

"Its good to see you again," Bilbo smiled cheerfully and began to notice his traveling companions. "And I see you brought tall folk here."

"Ah, Bilbo, may I introduce you to Ladies, Jane, Darcy, Pat, Soo-jin, and Barbara, and of course the fine gentlemen are Hunter, Fortunov, Selvig, and Burns," Gandalf happily introduced to the group.

"Ah Burnett actually," Burnett corrected politely.

"How do you do?" Doctor Selvig greeted respectfully to the owner of the house.

"Hi," Doctor Foster grinned, raising her hand as a sign of hello and stared at his house. "Its a really nice house you got here."

"Its been in my family for generations," Bilbo said and gave her a bow. "Its an honor to see tall folk roaming the borders of the Shire." He turns to Gandalf. "Might I ask, where are they from? Bree?"

"Oh no, my dear Bilbo, they're from Earth," Gandalf slowly answered. "Or should I say… Midgard."

"Earth… Midgard?" Bilbo responded, widening his eyes. "Is that true?"

"Yes," Doctor Foster nodded.

"One question, do you know who Thor is?" Bilbo asked.

"I do," Doctor Foster answered.

"Oh here we go," Darcia sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Thor was my ex-boyfriend," Doctor Foster told him about her relationship with Thor. "We laughed, we drank, and then we broke up. Simple as that. The End."

Bilbo started to laugh, thinking it was a joke. "Hahahahaha, that's very good. Very good."

"Yeah," Doctor Foster nodded, not even smiling back and looked embarrassed.

"Oh don't be ashamed of yourself," Bilbo expressing his sympathy and quickly moves into the hobbit hole. "In the meantime, you're all welcome here. Please, come in. Come in!"

Without hesitating, Gandalf leads the Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith into the Hobbit Hole of Bag End without second thought. Once they were inside, they couldn't imagine how beautiful it was, seeing how cozy and cluttered with souvenirs of Bilbo's travels. However, there was a slight problem. Since they were very tall and hobbits were very short, they came the point and there would not be any room for their heights. Everyone in the group knew they had to stoop low to avoid hitting their heads on the low ceiling. Just as Bilbo closes the door, Gandalf kindly hands his hat and staff to Bilbo, who takes it from him. Bilbo leaves the staff by a corner hangs up Gandalf's hat on a peg and trots off down the hall.

"Cool place," Darcia remarked.

"This place is very neat and..." Pat paused and began to realize as if she and her group were like giants entering a little person's house. "...small."

"I hope this won't be a problem during our stay here," Agent Fortunov nervously chuckled.

"Not to worry, there are plenty of storage and bathrooms in the house, big enough for the likes of the tall-folk," Bilbo said.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Mockingbird appreciated.

"At least that's a relief," Darcia sighed in pleasure. "Hope we don't destroy the plumbing."

"So, what in the good of the Shire shall I offer to you?" Bilbo asked his fellow guests. "Tea or maybe something a little stronger?"

"Uh, do you have bourbon?" Pat asked.

"Don't know what bourbon is, but we do have ale," Bilbo said. "Would you like some?"

"Oh, no thank you," Pat rejected the offer in a very kind and nervous manner since she and the team didn't want to be rude to their host.

"I'll take some ale," Rifleman accepted the offer.

"Then you may take one over there," Bilbo pointed to the direction of where Hunter can get his ale.

"Cheers mate," Rifleman grinned, giving Jerry an elbow nudge as he walks pass him.

"So anyone else?" Bilbo asked. "Tea? Ale? Water?"

"Um, tea's good," Darcia chuckled oddly, looking around and seeing how everything was small. She muttered to herself with a grin. "Great."

"So what other drinks to you store?" Doctor Foster asked. "Whiskey?"

"Honestly, no!" Bilbo called back as he runs off up a corridor towards the wine room. "But I've got a few bottles of the Old Winyard left, 1296, a very good year, almost as old as I am. It was laid down by my father, what say we open one eh?"

"Yeah, sure, no problem," Doctor Foster agreed and ducked down to move through the hallway.

"Also, just give me tea, thank you," Gandalf insisted as he backs up a little and crashes into the chandelier. He quickly ducks under it, turns around suddenly and hits his head on the top of the doorjamb. "Owwwh!"

"Wow, you okay?" Mockingbird asked.

"Oh, yes," Gandalf nodded. "I'll live for this."

"Let's try and be careful," Doctor Selvig said. "Accidents are meant to happen in a place that is not twice our size."

"You just had to say that," Burnett sighed, not sounding pleased by this and took a deep breath.

"Let's try not to be rude," Pat said. "Besides, we are guests. Even though this place is not meant for tall people like us, will have to try and blend in until we figure a way to get home."

"Do tell 'sis'?" Bangs sighed, taking a moment to look around.

"So I was expecting you sometime last week, Gandalf," Bilbo spoke loudly as he moved through the kitchen. "Not that it matters, you come and go as you please. Always have done and always will. You've caught me a bit unprepared I'm afraid urm we've only got cold chicken and a bit of pickle oh and theres some cheese here, oh no that wont do! Urm weve got raspberry jam, an apple tart but weve not much for afters. Oh no were all right, I've found some sponge cake!"

"I'll have some sponge cake," Darcia said.

While everyone else was wandering the house in awe due to its natural beauty, Gandalf walks into the living room where he noticed a map lying on the table. He picks up the map off the table and looks at it there is the Lonely Mountain and a picture of Smaug the Dragon over it.

Bilbo comes into the room as he continued to talk. "I can make you some eggs if you…" He looks around unable to see Gandalf. "Oh. Gandalf?"

Gandalf leans down through the door behind him. "Just tea, thank you."

Bilbo jumps and looks at him with a smile. "Oh right." He quickly runs back to the kitchen and has the tea boiled at once and cleared his throat to speak. "So, what news?"

"Things have been… quiet ever since we've last spoke," Gandalf said, giving the news. "The Dwarves of Erebor have rebuilt the city underneath the Lonely Mountain."

"And what about the Dark Lord?" Bilbo asked, wondering if there was any news of Sauron. "Has he been stopped?"

"Oh, no," Gandalf shook his head in an answer. "I'm afraid not. I left Saruman to take care of that, but there has been no word from either New Asgard or Olympia. The Council continues to remain weakened due to the Dark Lord's influence."

"I have a feeling we might be at the brink of war if the Shire is involved," Bilbo sighed, starting to sound worried as he walked across the kitchen to grab a plate with cheese and scoffed. "But why should a brave, young hobbit like me should ever fear the shadow. Hmm, if only Frodo would understand." He then puts some cheese into his mouth and spoke with his mouth full. "You don't mind if I do, do you?"

"Oh not at all," Gandalf insisted. "Go ahead."

That was when Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith come inside the kitchen and find empty seats available for them to sit. Making themselves at home, Bilbo just finished chewing his cheese and passed over the plate.

"Help yourselves," Bilbo offered.

"Oh, thank you," Pat appreciated the host's generosity.

"Hmm, its really delicious," Doctor Selvig remarked on the cheese was eating.

Suddenly, a loud knock came from the front door. All the banging caused Bilbo to jump back against the wall hiding. Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith all seemed to wonder as to why Bilbo was hiding.

"Is everything alright?" Doctor Foster asked.

"Sssh, be quiet," Bilbo shushed her and everyone in the room. "Don't say a word."

"Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins!" An angry woman's voice was heard from outside and continued to knock again. "I know you're in there! Open up!"

"Sounds like some angry lass is knocking at your door," Rifleman said.

"Whatever you do, don't move a muscle," Bilbo sharply whispered.

"We're not moving," Darcia grinned.

"There seems to be a problem," Burnett said.

"Well the problem is I'm not really at home!" Bilbo whispered sharply to him and the guests.

"Uh, you're already home," Darcia told him weirdly.

"No, I mean, not trying to show myself here," Bilbo whispered. "It… its a long story." He cowers back against the wall and then sneaks to the window to look out. Out of anger, he realized it was the Sacksville-Bagginses. "Its the Sacksville-Bagginses."

"The Sacksville-Bagginses?" Doctor Foster asked, remembering something of what Frodo had said. "Are those the guys coming after your house?"

"Precisely," Bilbo nodded quietly as he answered and tiptoes back to the group. "They've never forgiven me for living this long."

Outside the house, Lobelia Sacksville-Bagginses was getting really frustrated of all this. She and her husband have been spending years trying to go after Bilbo's house. She continued to knock even louder.

"Bilbo, if you don't open this door, I will contact the authorities for this!" Lobelia continued to shout.

Just then, the door began to open at last. She was now ready to confront Bilbo Baggins, but once the door was opened, Lobelia looks up and realized that the person was Lancelot Hunter.

"Hello there," Rifleman said, holding a knife in front of him. "Is there a problem?"

"Aaaaaahhhhhh!" Lobelia screamed in horror and ran away, believing Hunter was going to attack her with the knife. "Knife!"

"Yep, you better run," Rifleman whispered, watching run out of the gate. He closes the door and walks back to the kitchen.

"What did you do now, Hunter?" Mockingbird asked, sounding a bit unhappy of what she heard.

"Honestly, I was trying to have a word with her, but it turns out when she saw me holding up a knife that I was using to cut the bread, I would assume she thought I was a burglar," Lancelot explained honestly.

"Hunter," Mockingbird sighed.

"What, I didn't know that would work at all," Rifleman scoffed.

"Oh you may have frightened the shivers out of her, but she will be back, this time with friends," Bilbo sighed, sounding a bit ignorant since he couldn't stand it any longer. "Oh, I got to get out of here. Get out of the Shire. I've got to get away from these confounded relatives hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moments peace." He looks out of the kitchen window then turns back. "Oh Gandalf, I want to see the mountains again and then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book."

"Well that does sound reasonable," Doctor Selvig nodded. "It reminds me a great place where I sat to study."

"And where would that be I may ask?" Gandalf asked, puzzled.

"My office," Doctor Selvig answered. "You know, my quiet office."

"Oh my god, Doctor Selvig, you never have a quiet office," Darcia sighed, rolling her eyes.

"At Culver University, Darcy," Doctor Selvig added.

"They knock at your door, they don't even give you a moment's peace at all, so just give it up," Darcia smirked.

"That's okay, Doctor, I don't mind whether you have a quiet office, but my peace and quiet is drinking," Rifleman said, giving him comfort.

"Hmm," Bilbo chuckled. "I'm pretty sure your office is nothing compared to mine." He paused and saw that the tea kettle was boiling. "Oh, the tea." He moves over to remove the kettle from the fire. He rushed back to the table and pours tea for his fellow guests.

"Thanks," Pat smiled, blowing and then taking a sip of the fresh ready made tea. "Its good."

"Oh, your welcome my dear, enjoy," Bilbo replied back, pouring the rest of the tea in their cups. "Here you go."

"So you mean to go through with your plan then?" Gandalf asked, knowing that Bilbo's plan was to leave the Shire.

Bilbo, at first, was confused and asked. "What plan?"

"You know what I mean," Gandalf reminded.

Bilbo was still trying to remember what he was planning, but that was when he snapped his fingers and remembered of his plan to leave the Shire and give Frodo all of Bag End. "Yes, yes… my plan to leave Bag End its all in hand. All the arrangements are made. I made up my mind months ago, and I haven't bothered to change it."

"Wait, you're leaving?" Doctor Foster asked, concerned.

"Oh yes, my dear, I'm afraid I am," Bilbo nodded. "I'll be leaving the Shire first thing tonight after… our celebration. I'm going to be making this the biggest celebration ever, and of course you and your friends are welcome to attend. No need for invitations, just come in, you'll see our party as a… festival."

"Thanks," Agent Fortunov appreciated the offer. "But I'm not to keen on festivals." He turns to see Bangs giving him a look. "Well, on second thought, it wouldn't hurt at all to come."

"What drinks will they be serving?" Rifleman asked. "Rum, whisky, beer."

Bilbo laughed at that. "The only thing you'll be seeing is wine, water, and ale."

"Ale," Rifleman breathed.

"You'll see when you see," Bilbo chuckled excitedly and begins to pour tea in his tea cup. "And I hope you'll enjoy the fireworks Gandalf will cast. He is a wizard alright and he makes such excellent fireworks like he did for my Old Took's birthday many years ago before the Battle of the Thirty-Five Armies."

Gandalf too was deeply excited for the celebration tonight, but then he began to talk about something else that seemed to trouble him. "Bilbo, there's something I wish to tell you."

"Which is?" Bilbo asked as he slowly been pouring his tea into his cup.

"Frodo suspects something from you," Gandalf said.

"He's been saying that ever since we first met," Bobbie said, sharing a sign of suspicion. "He thinks you're hiding something."

"Of course not," Bilbo scoffed, rebuffing that as he returned the kettle to the fireplace. "Frodo is a Baggins… not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle."

"Look, its not our business to ask these kind of questions," Mockingbird gratefully apologized. "But if you have anything that you prefer to hide and keep, its never our business to know."

"Precisely," Bilbo nodded.

"You will tell him won't you?" Gandalf wondered if Bilbo will tell Frodo the truth of his plan.

"Yes," Bilbo agreed. "I will. He needs to know. I can't keep the truth hidden for long. If he doesn't know, then I have failed myself."

"You haven't failed him," Doctor Foster deeply expresses his feelings. "Besides, he's very fond of you."

"I know, he'd probably come with me if I asked him," Bilbo said, starting to feel a sign of sadness and regret. "I think in his heart that he is still in love with the Shire. He loves the woods, the fields, and the little rivers." He paused as he briefly gazed out of the kitchen window and started to feel even more sad than ever. "I'm old now. I'm not the same hobbit as I once was. Leaving the Shire on my grand adventure to the far east. But there's something else that I'm feeling. I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin, sort of stretched like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday, a very long holiday. And I don't expect that I shall return. In fact, I mean not to."

"If you really plan to leave, we won't stop you from doing it, but we're hoping by some common ground, you should consider telling everyone of your plan," Pat suggested. "Tell them, I'm pretty sure they'll understand."

"Yeah, she's right," Doctor Foster agreed too. "Everyone leaves."

"Well if this is it, then so be it," Bilbo sighed. "I'm going to need to think of my farewell speech. It might not be a long one, but I'll do it."

"Hmm, well that sounds reasonable," Doctor Selvig finished sipping his tea. "Maybe we can help provide you a speech."

"A good one," Burnett smiled.

"A very, very good one," Darcia smirked.

Jane placed her hand on Bilbo's and smiled. "Will help you."

Even while Bilbo had been talking, Gandalf looked at him with concern, noticing that Bilbo's fingers were touching something in his waistcoat pocket, Gandalf continues to watch him carefully just as he sits at the table.

"Very well," Gandalf said, taking a sip of tea. "It is no good saying any more. Stick to your plan, your whole plan, mind, and I hope it will turn out for the best, for you, and for all of us."

"I hope so," Bilbo nodded. "Anyway I mean to enjoy myself today, and have my little joke."

"Who will laugh, I wonder?" Gandalf asked that, shaking his head.

"Well," Bilbo scoffed. "We shall see."

---

The sun was slowly setting. The time of the party was almost at hand. As for Gandalf ad Bilbo, the two were on a Bag End porch where they were smoking their pipes. Below them, they stared at the beauty of the countryside while the hobbits of Hobbiton were almost finished making their final preparations that were made on the party field.

"Old Toby, the finest weed in the Southfarthing," Bilbo remarked, striking a match and lights his pipe. He blows a perfect smoke ring and watches it rise into the air. As it spreads and becomes bigger and bigger, Gandalf sends his own smoke ship through the centre of it. Bilbo watches it in wonder and awe. "Gandalf my old friend, this will be a night to remember."

"Indeed it will, my old friend," Gandalf said. "Indeed it will."

---

Ropes and poles for tents and pavilions were all and ready as the sun was beginning to set. A special entrance was cut into the bank leading to the road, and wide steps. The three hobbit-families of Bagshot Row, adjoining the field, were intensely interested and generally envied. Old Gaffer Gamgee stopped even pretending to work in his garden. The tents began to go up. There was a specially large pavilion, so big that the tree that grew in the field was right inside it, and stood proudly near one end, at the head of the chief table. Lanterns were hung on all its branches. An enormous open-air kitchen was erected in the north corner of the field. A draught of cooks, from every inn and eating-house for miles around, arrived to supplement the dwarves and other odd folk that were quartered at Bag End. Excitement rose to its height. Then the weather clouded over. That was on Wednesday the eve of the Party. Anxiety was intense. Then Thursday, September the 22nd, actually dawned. The sun got up, the clouds vanished, flags were unfurled and the fun began.

Bilbo Baggins called it a special party of magnificence, but it was really a variety of entertainments rolled into one. Practically everybody living near was invited. A very few were overlooked by accident, but as they turned up all the same, that did not matter. During the splendid night, many people from other parts of the Shire were also asked; and there were even a few from outside the borders. Bilbo met the guests and additions at the new white gate in person. He gave away presents to all and sundry. the latter were those who went out again by a back way and came in again by the gate. Hobbits give presents to other people on their own birthdays. Not very expensive ones, as a rule, and not so lavishly as on this occasion; but it was not a bad system. Actually in Hobbiton and Bywater every day in the year it was somebody's birthday, so that every hobbit in those parts had a fair chance of at least one present at least once a week. But they never got tired of them.

There were many Bagginses and Boffins, and also many Tooks and Brandybucks; there were various Grubbs, and various Chubbs, and a selection of Burrowses, Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Brockhouses, Goodbodies, Hornblowers and Proudfoots. Some of these were only very distantly connected with Bilbo, and some of them had hardly ever been in Hobbiton before, as they lived in remote corners of the Shire. The Sackville-Bagginses were not forgotten. Otho and his wife Lobelia were present. They disliked Bilbo and detested Frodo, but so magnificent was the invitation card, written in golden ink, that they had felt it was impossible to refuse. Besides, their cousin, Bilbo, had been specializing in food for many years and his table had a high reputation. All the guests expected a pleasant feast. Bilbo was liable to drag in bits of what he called poetry; and sometimes, after a glass or two, would allude to the absurd adventures of his mysterious journey. The guests were not disappointed: they had a very pleasant feast, in fact an engrossing entertainment: rich, abundant, varied, and prolonged. The purchase of provisions fell almost to nothing throughout the district in the ensuing weeks; but as Bilbo's catering had depleted the stocks of most stores, cellars and warehouses for miles around, that did not matter much.

On this occasion the presents were unusually good. The hobbit-children were so excited that for a while they almost forgot about eating. There were toys the like of which they had never seen before, all beautiful. Many of them had indeed been ordered a year before, and had come all the way from the Erebor and Dale. When every guest had been welcomed and was finally inside the gate, there were songs, dances, music, games, and, of course, food and drink. Music was being played by a group of hobbits, who were one of the most talented musicians in all the Shire. There were three official meals: lunch, tea, and dinner. But lunch and tea were marked chiefly by the fact that at those times all the guests were sitting down and eating together. At other times there were merely lots of people eating and drinking continuously from elevenses just as the fireworks started. The fireworks were by Gandalf, though they were not only brought by him, but designed and made by him. Each and every firework he made himself had special effects, set pieces, and flights of rockets were let off by him. But there was also a generous distribution of squibs, crackers, backarappers, sparklers, torches, dwarf-candles, elf-fountains, goblin-barkers and thunder-claps. They were all spectacular and the hobbit were amazed by the wizard's work of art.

At Bilbo's request, Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith had all been invited to attend the party as well at Bilbo's behalf. They all began to watch Gandalf cast out his fireworks as part of the biggest and most exciting entertainment.

"Oh my god, Jane are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Darcia asked in shock and covered her mouth of what Gandalf was doing.

"No way," Doctor Foster breathed.

What Jane and Darcy were seeing was something that the Gandalf the Grey had been doing with his fireworks. Was it pretend? No. These fireworks that flew up in the air and exploded, showed a lot of things that were magical. There were green trees with trunks of dark smoke: their leaves opened like a whole spring unfolding in a moment, and their shining branches dropped glowing flowers down upon the astonished hobbits, disappearing with a sweet scent just before they touched their upturned faces. There were fountains of butterflies that flew glittering into the trees; there were pillars of colored fires that rose and turned into eagles, or sailing ships, or a phalanx of flying swans; there was a red thunderstorm and a shower of yellow rain; there was a forest of silver spears that sprang suddenly into the air with a yell like an embattled army, and came down again into the Water with a hiss like a hundred hot snakes.

"Unbelievable," Pat remarked in awe.

"I didn't know he could do that," Bangs said in amazement.

Jane Foster walks up to Gandalf and had to respond very loud for him to hear while being surrounded by music and talking. "I don't want to ask this, but how the hell are you doing that?!"

"My dear, have you ever heard of magic?" Gandalf chuckled.

"Of course I know about magic, but everyone sees it to be pretend!" Doctor Foster continued to speak louder.

"This is an honor for Bilbo Baggins," Gandalf told her.

Jane scoffed and shook her head as if she never wanted to really believe this. "Okay, I am really starting to lose my sh… marbles! I was going to say marbles! This is mystic stuff, whatever it is, is this really… magic?"

"Magic?" Gandalf asked, assuming he didn't know what she was talking about. "Of course its magic. You've never seen any kind of magic?"

"No, of course not, its not like I'm trying to think that it is, but I'm just... confused," Doctor Foster scoffed with a bit of laughter.

"Well no need to be confused, mye dear," Gandalf chuckled and prepared for his next firework. "You are about to see what other magic I can send flying into the air."

Lancelot Hunter and Joey Burnett were both walking around the party. They huddled together, searching around for anything to eat and drink. That was when they come across a couple of barrels filled with ale, and saw a lot of hobbits pouring a lot of it in their tankards.

"How bout it," Rifleman suggested.

"What?" Burnett asked, confused.

"Have you ever tried ale before?" Rifleman asked.

"No, but I know what it is, but I… I don't drink," Burnett answered, admitting.

"Well suit yourself them, but I'm getting a drink whether I like it or not, its your call mate," Rifleman said, giving him pat on the back and grabbed an empty tankard and fills it up with ale. "Right." He murmurs and takes a couple of gulps.

While Bangs and Jerry Fortunov were looking around elsewhere, Barbara Morse and Pat Smith sat beside Frodo and Samwise Gamgee at a table for four. Pat took a bite of fresh made fruit and tossed a plum over to Frodo. Frodo gave her a nod and took a bite of the plum. Bobbi stares at Samwise and shook her with a smile when she noticed him staring at a very pretty hobbit, who was happily dancing, waving her arms high up in the air in seconds and danced around with a crowd of hobbits that were laughing and dancing altogether.

"I'll bet you want to dance with her," Mockingbird said.

Samwise was embarrassed and horrified a bit since he didn't know if Rosie would ask him for a dance. "I don't… I don't know if she wants it."

"Have you tried asking her?" Pat asked, giving him a smirk.

"No," Samwise shook his head nervously. "Of course not. We don't… we don't know each other that well."

"Then why don't you?" Mockingbird insisted. "Hunter was never shy to ask me to dance when I first met him, but when I danced with him, I saw that every move he did sucked."

"Thank you for your suggestion my lady, but I'm think I'm going to get myself another ale," Samwise decided and rises from his table to get another drink of ale.

Pat notices Rosie dancing towards him, so she sighed with a smile and chuckles. "I don't think so." She then snatched out of Samwise's hands and then thrusts him into the middle of a passing throng of dancers. It was there she watched him dance with Rosie and the two were happily dancing together.

Elsewhere, Bilbo sat down on a chair and a group of happy, excited, and curious hobbit children gathered together to listen to Bilbo's tale of him of how he left the Shire and went on his grand adventure with the company of Thorin Oakenshield, but that was when he got to the part when he explained of one of where he almost got eaten by Olog-Hai.

"So there I was… at the mercy of three monstrous Ologs," Bilbo explained his tale melodramatically. "Have you ever heard of an Olog? Do you know what an Olog is? Great big nasty twenty foot high smelly things. They were all arguing… arguing about how they were going to cook us. Whether it be turned on a spit or minced in a pie or whether they were going to sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly! They spent so long arguing the whither-to's and why-for's that the sun's first light cracked over the top of the trees… and turned them all to stone."

The two mischievous young hobbits were planning to take a firework to light on their own. While Gandalf sets alight a particularly spectacular firework that draws gasps of admiration from the party guests, Pippin scrambles onto the back of Gandalf's wagon, snatching up a small firework.

"No, no… the big one… the big one," Meriadoc whispered sharply, pointing at a very big one that had the symbol of a fire-breathing dragon.

"This one," Pippin whispered, making sure this was the one he wanted.

"Of course," Meriadoc remarked in joy, opening his mouth.

---

Despite Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took being cleaver in all, they didn't realize that Lancelot Hunter saw what they were doing. The pair quickly run off towards a tent and Hunter sighs as he follows them. Hunter walks pass Bilbo who continued to greet are of his guests that were arriving to attend the party. He shakes hands with a woman who is tailed by an overwhelming crowd of children.

"Mrs. Bracegirdle, how nice to see you!" Bilbo greeted her. Welcome, welcome." He then takes a notice of how many kids were with her. "Are all these children yours?"

"Oh, yes," Mrs. Bracegirdle laughs with tired eyes and nods.

Bilbo was quiet surprised by this. "Good gracious, you have been productive." He clears his throat. "Good night."

"Bilbo?!" A loud voice called out.

Bilbo's ears are assailed by a familiar strident. Knowing who it was, he whips around in fear and quickly tries to find a way to hide. That was when he runs into Frodo, Pat, and Bobbie, in which he sighed in relief.

"Hey, there you are, we've been looking for you," Pat said and noticed a panic look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Its the Sacksville-Bagginses!" Bilbo quietly panicked. "Quickly, we need to hide!"

"Follow me," Mockingbird whispered.

As the Sacksville-Bagginses were getting close, Barbara and Pat lead Frodo and Bilbo quickly to find a hiding place. Upon entering a tent, Frodo looks back to see an older, grumpy-looking pair with sharp eyes that emerged from the crowd and were looking about the party like vultures searching for prey. Bilbo and Frodo remain hidden, covering their faces to prevent themselves from being seen, and since both Pat and Bobbie were very tall, they stood in front of them and watched as the Sacksville-Bagginses were passing by. Otho, who was the husband of Lobelia, turned to stare at Pat Smith and Barbara Morse, who gave them a daring glare. Otho backed away in fear since he didn't want to confront the towering woman and turned away with Lobelia. Bobbi continues to watch the pair leave and lets out a smirk.

"I'll make sure they won't be a problem," Pat whispered. "Keep them hidden."

"Right," Mockingbird complied.

Pat leaves Barbara Morse under the care of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins while she follows the Sacksville-Bagginses, and hoping that they don't become a problem again.

"Are they gone?" Frodo asked.

Bobbie turns to face them and replied. "Yep, they're gone. Don't worry, my friend and I will make sure they won't bother you for a while. She maybe a nurse, but she has a very fierce personality."

"Oh thank you," Bilbo appreciated her assistance. "Thank you, Barbara. You are…" He cleared his throat. "You are very kind and amazing in a way."

Barbara kneels down and gives him a pleasant smile. "Don't mention it."

Bilbo nodded and gave Frodo a wink. "And thank you to my boy."

"Just thank Bobbi," Frodo softly chuckles.

"No, its not that," Bilbo sighed and started to sound really serious of what he was about to say to him. "You're a good lad, Frodo."

Frodo stares at his uncle, perturbed by the change of tone. "I am?"

"But I'm very selfish, you know," Bilbo said, expressing a deep regret of what he was like. "Yes, I am… very selfish. I don't know why I took you in after your mother and father died when you were still a toddler, but it wasn't out of charity. I think… it was because, of all my numerous relations… you were the one Baggins that showed real spirit."

"Bilbo, have you been at the Gaffer's home brew?" Frodo asked, suspiciously.

"No," Bilbo croaked, but realized it was a true and decided to tell him the truth. "Well, yes. But that's not the point."

"I think what he is trying to say is…" Mockingbird paused with a sigh and focused on Bilbo. "Bilbo, why don't tell him your biggest secret."

"I… um… Frodo…" Bilbo took a long pause and was continued to remain frighten about the truth. "You've been the most noble hobbit of the Shire. I know a lot of other hobbits that shared your trait very well. I'm very proud I am of you. I know your mother and father are proud, and deep down, I believe they look down on you now. One day Frodo, when the time comes, for when Bag End is need of a new heir, you will be the one to take it. One day." He touches Frodo's left cheek with his hand and gives a very warm smile. "Don't worry my boy, you'll be alright." He closes his eyes lifts his mug and takes a drink, probably of the Gaffer's home brew.

---

Gandalf continued to send in more fireworks for the crowd to cheer. With a lot of firework fuse crackles with flame, Merry and Pippin had just finished setting up the dragon firework they stole from Gandalf's carriage. Pippin just lights it up, in which Merry started to realize that something was wrong.

Pippin stands up after lighting it. "Done!"

"You're supposed to stick it in the ground," Merry worriedly whispered, tossing the rocket to Pippin.

"It is in the ground!" Pippin argued, tossing the rocket back to Merry.

"Outside!" Merry loudly panicked, tossing the rocket back to him again.

"This was your idea!" Pippin exclaimed, tossing the rocket back to Merry again.

Pippin attempts to push it back to Merry again, but that was when the firework suddenly ignites. The two hobbits were suddenly blown off their feet in a shower of sparks as the rocket blasts off with frightening power. Lance Hunter was right near the blast, but was very lucky that he didn't get burned. Instead, he was thrown backwards a bit and collapsed to the ground. As for Merry and Pippin, they were lucky they didn't get killed in the blast, and the two hobbits were lying on the ground with their faces all black from the smoke.

"Aah, bloody hell," Rifleman groaned.

"Hey, who fired that rocket?" Doctor Foster asked, confused since she saw Gandalf dancing with a crowd of citizens.

The blast sparked the attention of the crowd. Bangs and Jerry were sitting on top a table, and both look up in amazement. Everyone else turns around to where the explosion was, but that was when they all look up and watch as the fire rocket gets high into the sky and explodes into an array of sparks. Everyone in the crowd was amazed, and they started to clap and cheer as they watch. After the fire rocket bursts apart, it started to transform into something. Out of shock, the crowd saw that the rocket transformed into the shape of a great red golden dragon, not life-size, but terribly life-like: fire came from his jaws and its eyes glared down. Fire gushes from its nostrils as it turns back and flies towards the startled crowd.

Jane's eyes widen in shock. "Oh my god, its a…"

"DRAGON!" Darcia screamed and hid inside a tent with several other hobbits.

"Dragon?" Burnett asked, confused as to what is going on. "Where?" He looks up and gasped. "Never mind." He runs around trying to find a place to hide. "Out of my way, please!"

The hobbits started to panic, scream, and run away from the fiery creature that was hovering downwards towards the party field. Many of the guests were diving to the ground, tables overturn, tents collapsing, food flying everywhere. The party was turned into a near chaos, causing the Sackville-Bagginses to run away in fear and retreat back to their home. Jane and Darcy quickly take cover.

"Where are my swords?" Bangs desperately asked Jerry in a panic.

"You left them at Bilbo's house," Agent Fortunov answered.

"Da**," Bangs cursed.

Doctor Selvig had just came back to the party after taking a trip to the bathroom inside the Green Dragon Inn and that was when he stopped to notice the dragon. "My god."

Pat had just followed the Sacksville-Baggins, but then the couple started screaming and ran out of the festival. Pat was confused as what all the screaming was about until she finally noticed the dragon hovering downwards. "What the...?"

"Everyone, take cover!" Mockingbird yelled and pulled out her gun. She fired a few shots, but the bullets caused no harm to the fiery dragon.

Frodo watches the Fireworks Dragon with an alarmed face and tries to get Bilbo to safety, but Bilbo was too oblivious to the panicking crowd and impending danger.

"Bilbo!" Frodo exclaimed in alarm. "Bilbo! Watch out for the dragon!"

"Dragon, nonsense," Bilbo refused to believe that. "There hasn't been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years."

"Get down!" Mockingbird yelled as she hurriedly pulls Frodo and Bilbo to the ground just as the dragon roars a few feet above their heads.

Everyone in the crowd watches as the fireworks dragon passed like a flaming express train, turned a somersault, and burst over between Hobbiton Bywater with a deafening explosion. The pain and alarm vanished at once, and the prostrate hobbits leaped to their feet.

"Wow," Darcia stared in awe and scoffed. "That was… wicked."

"Totally, I wonder who could make something like that in our world," Doctor Foster wondered in awe.

"Welcome to my world then," Darcia laughed and gave her a pat in the back.

Merry and Pippin were stunned, watching in awe and amazement.

"That was good," Merry nodded, looking on in wonder and thought.

"Let's get another one," Pippin suggested in planning to steal another firework to set up.

"Yeah," Merry agreed excitedly.

Lance Hunter comes up behind them and grabs them each by their shoulders and tells them. "I don't think so."

Gandalf looks around and tries to figure how this happened. "How did this happen?! I demand an answer! Who fired that rocket?!"

"Gandalf!" Rifleman called, pulling Merry and Pippin towards the wizard. "I believe these are the two fire bandits responsible for this."

Gandalf looks down sternly at the two frightened hobbits. "Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took… I might have known."

"What are ya gonna do to us, Mr. Gandalf?" Meriadoc responded nervously to the wizard.

"Perhaps I can give you all a choice," Gandalf decided of something. "For stealing a firework made out of dragon fire, I could have you wash a hundred dishes or collect a hundred acorns as squirrels. What will that be?"

Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took turn to look at one another and focused their eyes on Gandalf, responded hastily. "Dishes."

"So be it," Gandalf huffed and turns to Lancelot. "Hunter, my lad, please make sure that a hundred dishes are washed by Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took."

"Yes sir, scouts honor," Rifleman complied, giving him a salute. "Alright you two, c'mon. Let's get this over with."

Bilbo gets up when he hears the bells ring. "That is the signal for supper!"

There was a splendid supper for everyone, for everyone, that is, except those invited to the special family dinner-party. This was held in the great pavilion with the tree. The invitations were limited and the guests were selected from all the families to which Bilbo and Frodo were related, with the addition of a few special unrelated friends, such as Gandalf the Wandering Wizard. Many young hobbits were included, and present by parental permission; for hobbits were easy-going with their children in the matter of sitting up late, especially when there was a chance of getting them a free meal. Bringing up young hobbits took a lot of provender.

---

While everyone was feasting and drinking, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took were punished by Gandalf to wash a hundred dishes for the cost in taking one firework from the wizard. The two hobbit thieves were leaning over a barrel, washing dishes in soapy water. Lance Hunter was watching them, making sure they didn't miss any spots while drinking a tankard filled with ale.

"Is that all?" Rifleman asked.

"One hundred dishes, clean and drying," Meriadoc said.

"Fine, get out of here," Rifleman sighed, giving them an order to leave the party.

"Its a pity we won't a get piece of cake," Meriadoc sighed.

"I wish we didn't steal that firework," Pippin whispered to him. "I thought we wouldn't be caught."

"But we did," Meriadoc added.

Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took just passed Jane Foster, Darcia Lewis, Joey Burnett, Erik Selvig, Frodo Baggins, and Samwise Gamgee, who were all seated together. They were enjoying the food, such as ham, mash potatoes, and freshly made bread. Lancelot Hunter walks over to another table where Barbara Morse, Pat Smith, Jerry Fortunov, and Soo-jin Smith were seated.

"Well serves them right," Darcia shook her head with slight smile. "This is what happens when someone steals, they don't get a reward."

After the feast, there came the Speech. Most of the guests were, however, now in a tolerant mood, at that delightful stage which they called 'filling up the corners'. They were sipping their favorite drinks, and nibbling at their favorite dainties, and their fears were forgotten. They were prepared to listen to anything, and to cheer at every full stop.

"Speech, Bilbo! Speech!" The whole crowd cheered.

"Speech!" Frodo yelled, clapping his hands.

"Speech!" Doctor Foster called, clapping her hand too.

"Go Bilbo, go!" Pat shouted, giving him courage.

"Make the speech as long as we told ya!" Doctor Selvig called.

Bilbo left his place and went and stood on a chair under the illuminated tree. The light of the lanterns fell on his beaming face, the golden buttons shone on his embroidered silk waistcoat. They could all see him standing, waving one hand in the air, the other was in his trouser-pocket. He bows in gratitude at the applause and opens his arms welcomingly.

"My dear Bagginses and Boffins!" Bilbo began his speech very loud for the whole crowd to hear his voice. "Tooks and Brandybucks, and Grubbs, and Chubbs, and Burrowses, and Hornblowers, and Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Goodbodies, Brockhouses and Proudfoots!"

"PROUDFEET!" shouted an elderly hobbit from the back of the pavilion. His name, of course, was Everard Proudfoot, and well merited. His feet were large, exceptionally furry, and both were on the table.

"Proudfoots," Bilbo repeated. "Also my good Sacksville-Bagginses that I welcome back at last to Bag End. Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday! But wait, we also have other guests that I've invited also!" He moved his hand towards the Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith. "To the tall folk of the Shire."

The guests clap as a sign of a good welcome to them.

"Thank you!" Doctor Selvig laughed in pleasure. "Many Happy Returns!"

"Looks like Bilbo's doing great so far," Doctor Foster remarked on his speech.

"He'll definitely nail it," Darcia giggled in excitement.

"You sure?" Joey asked.

Bilbo was doing splendidly. This was the sort of stuff they liked: short and obvious. "I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as I am, but today is my is my one hundred and eleventh birthday!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" The crowd cheered.

Noises of trumpets and horns, pipes and flutes, and other musical instruments. There were, as has been said, many young hobbits present. Hundreds of musical crackers had been pulled. Most of them bore the mark Dale on them; which did not convey much to most of the hobbits, but they all agreed they were marvellous crackers. They contained instruments, small, but of perfect make and enchanting tones. Indeed, in one corner some of the young Tooks and Brandybucks, supposing Uncle Bilbo to have finished. Indeed, in one corner some of the young Tooks and Brandybucks, supposing Uncle Bilbo to have finished, now got up an impromptu orchestra, and began a merry dance-tune. Master Everard Took and Miss Melilot Brandybuck got on a table and with bells in their hands began to dance the Springle-ring: a pretty dance, but rather vigorous.

"I shall not keep you all long!" Bilbo shouted in laughter and went on. "I have called you all together for a purpose. Indeed, for three purposes! First of all, to tell you that I am immensely fond of you all, and that eleventy-one years is too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits. I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith started to laugh at that, but they stopped suddenly when they noticed that there was an unexpected and rather difficult. There was some scattered clapping, but most of them were trying to work it out and see if it came to a compliment.

"Okay," Pat responded weirdly.

"Didn't see that coming," Agent Fortunov whispered to Bangs.

"Do tell," Bangs whispered back in confusion.

"Why did they not laugh at that?" Burnett whispered.

"So what, they can't take a joke?" Darcia asked, whispering next to Jane.

"Maybe they don't understand jokes," Doctor Foster whispered back.

"Secondly, to celebrate my birthday," Bilbo continued and raised his left hand up. "I should say: our birthday. For it is, of course, also the birthday of my heir and nephew, Frodo Baggins. He comes of age and into his inheritance today."

Some perfunctory clapping by the elders; and some loud shouts of 'Frodo! Frodo! Jolly old Frodo,' from the juniors. The Sackville-Bagginses scowled, and wondered what was meant by 'coming into his inheritance'.

"Happy Birthday, Frodo," Bobbie smiled.

"Thanks," Frodo smiled, embarrassed.

"And many more," Pat whispered to him.

"It is also, if I may be allowed to refer to ancient history, the anniversary of my arrival by barrel at Esgaroth on the Long Lake," Bilbo went on of what he did many years ago. "Though the fact that it was my birthday slipped my memory on that occasion. I was only fifty-one then, and birthdays did not seem so important. The banquet was very splendid, however, though I had a bad cold at the time, I remember, and could only say 'thag you very buch'. I now repeat it more correctly: Thank you very much for coming to my party."

There was an obstinate silence. They all feared that a song or some poetry was now imminent and they were getting bored. Why couldn't he stop talking and let them drink his health? But Bilbo did not sing or recite. He paused for a moment. A strange hum seemed to fill his head. A bead of sweat rolls down his brow. Without anyone looking, Bilbo's hand pulls something out of his waistcoat pocket and holds it behind his back.

"I wish to make an announcement," Bilbo paused and started to feel as if something troubling him. "I, uh… I have things to do." Then he started to murmur to himself. "I have put this off for far too long." Then he finally addresses the crowd, just when his knuckles turn white as he tightens his grip on a small object behind his back. "I regret to announce that, though, as I said, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to spend among you, this is the end. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell." He looks across at Frodo, whose smile slowly vanishes, and gives him a apologetic smile. "Goodbye."

Bilbo spoke this last word so loudly and suddenly that everyone sat up who still could. He stepped down and vanished. The party explodes into an uproar and the crowd leaps to its feet in loud gasps. Everyone, including Joey Burnett, Jerry Fortunov, Jane Foster, Lancelot Hunter, Darcia Lewis, Barbara Morse, Erik Selvig, Pat Smith, and Soo-jin Smith, Frodo Baggins, and Samwise Gamgee, were completely shocked on what they saw, even some not knowing what to think. They turn to each and start to whisper about Biblo disappearing. Old Odo Proudfoot removed his feet from the table and stamped. Then there was a dead silence, until suddenly, after several deep breaths, every Baggins, Boffin, Took, Brandybuck, Grubb, Chubb, Burrows, Bolger, Bracegirdle, Brockhouse, Goodbody, Hornblower, and Proudfoot began to talk at once in shock.

"What just happened?" Pat asked, dropping her mouth in pure shock.

"Bloody hell," Rifleman gasped quietly in shock.

"I must be dreaming," Doctor Foster shook her head, thinking it was just a trick. "I must be dreaming, yes."

"Wow!" Darcia looked on in shock.

"How did he... how did he do that?" Burnett asked, confused.

"Whatever it was, it must've been something or someone," Mockingbird stated suspiciously.

Frodo was the only one present who had said nothing. For some time he had sat silent beside Bilbo's empty chair, and ignored all gasps, remarks and questions. He had enjoyed the joke, of course, even though he had been in the know. He had difficulty in keeping from laughter at the indignant surprise of the guests. But at the same time he felt deeply troubled: he realized suddenly that he loved the old hobbit dearly. Most of the guests went on eating and drinking and discussing Bilbo Baggins' oddities, past and present, but the Sackville-Bagginses had already departed in wrath. Frodo did not want to have any more to do with the party. He gave orders for more wine to be served; then he got up and drained his own glass silently to the health of Bilbo, and slipped out of the pavilion.

---

As for Bilbo Baggins, even while he was making his speech, he had been fingering something in his pocket. It was something that either made him vanish or turned him invisible to confuse the crowd. What it was was something that he must've kept for years and he didn't even say anything about it, not to nephew and heir. As he stepped down he slipped it on his finger, and he was never seen by any hobbit in Hobbiton again. It turns out that Bilbo was invisible when he walked briskly back to his hole, and stood for a moment listening with a smile to the din in the pavilion and to the sounds of merrymaking in other parts of the field. Bilbo quickly closes the door and started to laugh and in his hand revealed a shiny golden ring. He flips the Ring in the air, then puts it back in his pocket and pats it.

Going inside, Bilbo quickly took off his party clothes, folded up and wrapped in tissue-paper his embroidered silk waistcoat, and put it away. Then he put on quickly some old untidy garments, and fastened round his waist a worn leather belt. On it he hung a short sword in a battered black-leather scabbard. From a locked drawer, smelling of moth-balls, he took out an old cloak and hood. They had been locked up as if they were very precious, but they were so patched and weatherstained that their original colour could hardly be guessed. They were rather too large for him. He then went into his study, and from a large strong-box took out a bundle wrapped in old cloths, and a leather-bound manuscript and also a large bulky envelope. The book and bundle he stuffed into the top of a heavy bag that was standing there, was already nearly full.

Into the envelope he slipped his golden ring, and its fine chain, and then sealed it, and addressed it to Frodo. At first he put it on the mantelpiece, but suddenly he removed it and stuck it in his pocket. He then walks over and grabs his walking stick to make his preparation to leave Bag End under the protection of Frodo Baggins. Bilbo didn't realize that when he was emerging from the passage, Gandalf had been looming over at him in a corner.

"I suppose you think that was terribly clever," Gandalf responded immediately, sounding unimpressed by this.

"C'mon Gandalf," Bilbo scoffed and laughed a bit. "Did you see their faces?"

"There are many magic rings in this world Bilbo Baggins and none of them should be used lightly," Gandalf warned with a serious look on his face. "Bilbo, where did you get that Ring?"

"I found it in a cave," Bilbo answered truthfully.

"How long have you kept it?" Gandalf asked, suspiciously.

"For years since…" Bilbo paused and let out a gulp. "… since my return to the Shire."

"You told me once that you lost it in the battle, but it seems that you deceived me," Gandalf sounded very unhappy.

"Look I'm sorry that I lied to you, Gandalf," Bilbo apologized, finished packing his items. "It was just a fancy ring that I desired to keep as a gift. I used it to escape from the Goblin Tunnels, passing in quietly through the dungeons of the Woodland Realm to rescue Thorin, and even, hiding from Smaug."

"And yet, Smaug is dead and you still keep it," Gandalf seriously said. "What you did back there was completely foolish."

"It was just a bit of fun," Bilbo calmly argued.

"Fun?" Gandalf scoffed. "It didn't sound like it was fun."

Bilbo sighed and started to realize that he was right. "Yes," He nodded his head. "Your right. It was foolish. Doing that in front my clan, and my… heir."

"So I suppose you'll be leaving?" Gandalf wondered if Bilbo was still on the verge in leaving the Shire.

"Yes, I won't look back," Bilbo said, turning to face Gandalf and asked. "You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you?"

"Oh I will, but I will have my companions to do that when I return," Gandalf said, giving him a grim nod.

"Good, cause I'll be leaving everything to him," Bilbo said, gathering his items together. "Everything. All of Bag End will belong only to him, not to anyone else." He then changed the subject. "So I guess this is it? I'll be leaving now."

Gandalf was not willing to let Bilbo leave the house, for he knew that the magical golden ring that made him invisible was too much of a risk for him. He began to sense something within that ring, sensing how someone would keep it as a very precious gift.

"There is something else… are you planning to leave the ring?" Gandalf asked him that.

"Yes, yes," Bilbo nodded. "It's in an envelope over there on the mantelpiece." That was when he suddenly forgot. He feels his waistcoat with a look of guilty surprise and realized that he slipped the ring back into his pocket. Just before Gandalf goes to the mantelpiece looking for the envelope Bilbo mentioned, Bilbo smoothed over his pockets, feeling the ring. "No… wait, its… here in my pocket." He slowly pulls out the Ring and looks at it in wonder. "Heh, isn't it… isn't it odd though. Yet, after all, why not?" He continued to stare at it wonder, as if he was in trance. He couldn't bother to stop staring at the ring and sharply whispered back to Gandalf. "Why shouldn't I keep it?"

"I think you should leave the Ring behind, Bilbo," Gandalf suggested in suspicion. "Is that so hard?"

Bilbo turns around to respond. "Well no." Then suddenly he started to answer in a very harsh tone in fury. "And yes! Now it comes to it. I don't feel like parting with it. Its mine. I found it! It came to me!"

Gandalf looks down at Bilbo with rising concern. "There's no need to get angry."

Bilbo turns towards Gandalf with a furious look on his face. "What if I'm angry, its your fault!" He turns back to focus on the ring and look at with a very vicious smile. "Its mine. My own. My precious."

Gandalf was worried upon hearing that word. "Precious? Its been called that before, but not by you."

"Argh! What business is it of yours what I do with my own things!" Bilbo yelled viciously at him.

"I think you've had that Ring quite long enough," Gandalf said.

Bilbo shook his hands violently, ready to defend himself. "You want it for yourself."

"BILBO BAGGINS!" Gandalf roared in great fury, rising to his full height, his eyes flashing, and suddenly, his shadow started to fill the room, causing Bilbo fearfully flings himself towards the wall behind him. The fury wizards takes takes a step forward, and talks to Bilbo with a very dark, scary voice. "DO NOT TAKE ME FOR SOME CONJURER OF CHEAP TRICKS! I AM NOT TRYING TO ROB YOU!" At that moment, the room gets light again just as Gandalf softens his voice. "I'm trying to help you."

"Oh no," Bilbo started to weep for he just did in yelling at Gandalf for nothing and runs to embrace him.

"All your long years, we've been friends," Gandalf reminded him and encouraged his friend to do what is right. "Trust me as you once did. Let it go."

Bilbo didn't hesitate al al and realized that everything he was doing was making things worst for himself and decided to leave the golden ring behind for Frodo to look after. "You're right, Gandalf." He nodded his head in agreement. "The ring must go to Frodo."

Bilbo finished packing everything he needed for his journey out of the Shire and walks towards the front door. "It's late. The road is long. Yes, it is time."

"Bilbo… the ring is still in your pocket," Gandalf told him just when he opens the door and starts to walk out.

"Oh yes," Bilbo responded quietly.

Bilbo slowly pulls out the ring out of his pocket and stares at it with a stern look on his face. With all his will power, he slowly turns his hand, letting the Ring fall to the floor. The tiny ring lands with a heavy thud on the wooden floor. Once the ring was no longer in his palm, Bilbo quickly staggers out of Bag End, stopping a few strides from the door, bracing himself in the night air, pale and trembling, as if his loss for the ring had weakened him. However, he started to feel better and calm just when Gandalf comes out after him.

"I've thought of an ending for my book," Bilbo said, thinking of the best words to put. "And he lived happily ever after to the end of his days."

"And I'm sure you will, my dear friend," Gandalf smiled.

"Goodbye, Gandalf," Bilbo smiled back.

"Goodbye, dear Bilbo," Gandalf said.

Bilbo begins to walk out of the gate of Bag End, disappearing into the night, and going down road going east. Gandalf watches him leave and goes back inside the house. He makes a complete stop and stares that the Ring that was glinting on the floor. Thinking that the ring was responsible for driving Bilbo mad, he circles around it with a puzzled look on his face. He then bends down and puts his fingers over it as if to pick it up. Before he can even touch it, he sees a flash of a fiery eye, causing the startled wizard to back away from it.

---

For almost an hour, Gandalf had been sitting in front of the fire, with his pipe staring into the flickering flames in deep thoughts. He's been trying to figure out how Bilbo found the ring during his journey with the dwarves of Thorin's company. He began to wonder that when he touched it, he saw the fiery eye, which was in fact the eye of the Dark Lord Sauron.

"Riddles in the Dark," Gandalf muttered in thought. "My precious."

As Gandalf continued to think more about the ring, Sauron, and the word 'Precious', Frodo, who had been spending the night searching for Bilbo with the Hobbitry-in-Arms, just rushed inside Bag End like a cat. He looks around and realized that no one was there. That was when he stops and notices the golden ring that remained on the floor. He picks up the ring at his feet and then noticed Gandalf, who had just continued to stare into the fire, as if he didn't see Frodo and remained locked in thought.

"He's gone hasn't he?" Frodo asked, sounding a bit upset as he walked over to Gandalf in the living room with the ring remaining in the palm of his hand. "He talked for so long about leaving. I didn't think he'd really do it." He stops beside Gandalf and began to wonder what he was muttering about. "Gandalf?"

At that moment, Gandalf was no longer locked in thought about the mystery of the golden ring, nor anything else. He went on do drink his tea and once he finished, his eyes locked onto the ring in Frodo's fingers.

"Hmm, Bilbo's ring," Gandalf said, giving Frodo a slight smile on his face. "He's gone to stay with the elves. He's left you Bag End." He get's out and holds out an envelope for Frodo to put Bilbo's ring in it. Once the ring was tucked inside the envelope, Gandalf seals the envelope with wax and passes the envelope to Frodo. "Along with all his possessions. The Ring is yours now."

"Alright," Frodo responded weirdly, wondering why Gandalf would put Bilbo's magic ring in an envelope. He eventually takes the envelope and doesn't even bother to open it.

"Put it somewhere out of sight," Gandalf instructed as he rises hurriedly and starts to gather his hat and staff.

"Where are you going?" Frodo asked, confused.

"There are things I must to see to," Gandalf told him hastily as he makes his way to the door.

"What things?" Frodo asked again, puzzled of what is going on.

"I have merely begun to wonder about the ring Bilbo had kept for many years, especially since tonight," Gandalf explained, before opening the door. "No need to worry. But if you take my advice you will use it very seldom, or not at all. At least I beg you not to use it in any way that will cause talk or rouse suspicion."

"But you've only just arrived!" Frodo cried and lowered his voice a bit. "Why, I thought you were staying on for at least a week. I was looking forward to your help."

"I did mean to," Gandalf remembered his promise when he nodded his head. "But I had to change my mind. I may be away for a while, but I'll come and see you again, as soon as I can. Expect me when you see me. I shall slip in quietly. I shan't often be visiting the Shire openly again. I find that I have become rather unpopular. They say I am a nuisance and a disturber of the peace. I have a feeling some in the Shire may accuse me of spiriting Bilbo away, or worse. If you want to know, there is supposed to be a plot between you and me to get hold of his wealth."

"Some people?" Frodo asked, confused and began to think until his eyes widen. "You mean Otho and Lobelia? I would give them Bag End and everything else, if I could get Bilbo back and go off tramping in the country with him. I love the Shire. But I begin to wish, somehow, that I had gone too. I wonder if I shall ever see him again."

"So do I," Gandalf said. "And I wonder many other things."

"What about your companions?" Frodo asked.

"When they come back inside Bag End, do not even mention them of the ring Bilbo used to disappear," Gandalf instructed him. "Keep it secret. Keep it safe. Make sure neither of them wonder or even discover it."

"Didn't you say you would help them?" Frodo asked that too.

"I did, but like I said before, I will come back to help," Gandalf assured that he will return.

Frodo saw him leave the door. He gave a final wave of his hand, and walked off at a surprising pacel, but Frodo thought the old wizard looked unusually bent, almost as if he was carrying a great weight. The evening was closing in, and his cloaked figure quickly vanished into the twilight. Frodo did not see him again for a long time.

---

Frodo was alone in his room with his eyes wide awake. He felt deeply shocked and upset that Bilbo had left, but would also mysteriously disappear in front of him and every guest that attended his and Frodo's birthday. Now, every hobbit in the Shire were going to spread the word about how Bilbo disappeared magically. Some wouldn't believe their tales since they were never there. He was even more upset that Gandalf had to leave immediately on an important errand. That was when Bobbi came in and decided to check up on him and see if he was alright.

"You okay?" Mockingbird asked, wondering she could help.

"No," Frodo shook his head.

"I'm sorry he left," Mockingbird expressed her sympathy to him. "I imagine how difficult this is for you."

"He's always talked leaving, every time… he always thinks to himself, wanting to leave the Shire," Frodo explained about how his uncle would do it.

"Look, if there's anything you need, I be glad to help you out when your friend gets back, whatever he's doing," Mockingbird promised. "Gandalf told me how you were raised."

"Bilbo raised me ever since I was two," Frodo said.

"You lost your parents in a terrible accident," Mockingbird remembered. "Sorry to hear that."

"So how long do you plan to stay here?" Frodo asked.

"Perhaps when Gandalf gets back," Mockingbird said. "Don't know how long, but he better be here."

"He will," Frodo promised.

"I wanna ask, did you ever see Bilbo do that kind of trick before?" Mockingbird asked.

"No," Frodo answered. "He never mentioned that to me."

"Huh, I'm pretty sure it was your first," Mockingbird nodded her head, understandable, and sighed. "I honestly don't know how he disappeared like that, but I guess it must've been something that did."

Frodo sits up and asked. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what if it could be enhancement or something," Mockingbird assumed. "Its probably a gift he can't control. Do you ever know that?"

"No," Frodo answered the word again.

"Ok, well you get some rest," Mockingbird said and leaves the room.