THE RETURN OF THE RING
REAL GHOSTBUSTERS/LORD OF THE RINGS CROSSOVER

By Jennifer

Hey guys, well, it's finally done!! Yeah! :) I had fun writing it. I hope you all have fun reading it.

Sorry guys, I forgot to add this. :) This story was written with some ideas and help from Erin, Sheila and the members of
RGBFanfic/Smarm/And the Real Ghostbusters Club. Thanks guys!
Jennifer

Disclaimer: The Real Ghostbusters and Lord of the Rings are not mine, unfortunately. This story is just for fun so please don't sue!
Thanks!



Part 1


***
Middle Earth sometime after the ring was destroyed in Mount Doom


The Shire had been a happy place, and although Frodo Baggins knew what he must do to keep his family safe, he was not at all happy about it. He knew he had to leave the Shire. He wanted so much to stay with Sam, Merry, and Pippin, but he knew he had to go somewhere else to keep his newborn son safe. He glanced at his child and smiled happily.

"Marroc Baggins," he said proudly, "Your name will be remembered just as mine will be, you will be famous someday."

Gandolf had appeared ready to hide Frodo and his new wife Rachael. Frodo smiled as Gandolf appeared.

"You shall tell Sam you are going to the havens with me not to be returned, instead, I will take you and Rachel to a place called Earth," he said.

"Where she is from," Frodo said, "Yes Gandolf- when I first saw here, she was the prettiest creature-"

Gandolf smiled. "That she is, human or hobbit," he said "But we must keep you safe."

Frodo nodded and that night he said his goodbye to Merry, Sam, and Pippin. Sam did not quite understand, but Frodo knew he would someday.

"And what of your son and wife, Sir Frodo?" Sam asked, "What is to become of them?"

"They are coming with me," Frodo said.

Sam nodded sighing, "I shall miss you all."

"Me too," Frodo said, "We will see each other soon, I promise that." Sam nodded.

Frodo left then, and went to Bilbo and Gandolf.

"Are you ready my boy?" Bilbo asked.

Frodo nodded. "Yes," he said, "I am ready Gandolf."

Gandolf nodded and waved his wand. Frodo, Rachael, and Marroc returned to Earth. They returned to a little place in Morrisville where Rachael was from. It reminded Frodo very much of the Shire.

***
Earth 1959

Frodo and his wife had made their home in Morrisville; Frodo was working, just as he did in the Shire. They changed their last name to Stantz, Frodo being David Stantz, and his son being Raymond Stantz. That seemed to be a popular name. Frodo did not know Gandolf had come back once the second ring was made. He hid it in Frodo's drawers and kept it with Ray. Ray smiled at Gandolf as he put the ring around his neck. For years, Ray carried the ring, even the day his parents were killed by the Orcs.

***
Earth Present Day

Janine was on lunch break. She strolled down to Central Park and sat on a bench. She felt a strange sensation that she was being followed. She turned around and saw a shadow; it looked like a rider, on a horse. She got up from the bench and started back towards the firehouse. Whatever he or she was, they weren't going to get the best of Janine Melnitz, especially when the guys would be home soon. She started to run.

"Go away!" she cried, "I have a kitten at home, he needs me." Okay, she lied, but well, what else was she going to do? She ran towards the firehouse almost bumping into a police officer.

"Are you alright miss?" the officer asked.

"Yes, I'm sorry sir, but I was being followed," she said.

"Well, who ever it was is gone now," the officer said. "I suggest you go back home."

"I am, believe me," she said.

"Do you live far?" he asked.

"No, I work for the Ghostbusters," she said shivering.

"Oh yes, I know them, I'll walk you home ma'm, I'll be dammed if the Ghostbusters secretary is going to get mugged while I'm on duty," he said.

"Thank you," she said smiling.

She went with him glancing behind her. The shadow disappeared. She would have to tell the guys about this when they got back.

***
"Go get him Tex!" Peter shouted.

"Yeah!" Ray cried.

The guys were chasing a demon. Peter smiled; Ray was always excited when they got new ghosts to chase. Peter shook his head thinking he was almost too excited.

"No," the demon demanded.

"Egon, what is this thing?" Peter cried.

"It looks like a being from the Netherworld, but I am uncertain, it's readings are quite strange," he said.

"How so?" Ray asked as they were running after him.

"Well, the PKE suggests that he's a class three; however, it's reading him different," Egon said "Perhaps he is from another region, the Netherworld or such."

"Well, whatever he is, he's not getting far," Peter cried "Look, a dead end."

The guys ran into a corner.

"No!" the creature said, "Leave me be!"

"We got you trapped now pal," Peter said "Your going down."

"Peter wait-" Egon said suddenly "I'm not so certain he's a ghost."

"What? Then what is he?" Peter asked.

"My name-" the creature squeaked out, "Is Gollum, and you are in danger, terrible danger."

"Why should we believe you slime ball? Let's nail him guys," Peter said.

"No!" Gollum said.

He backed up against the wall.

"I found my way into your world," he screeched, "It did too!"

"What?" Peter asked walking towards him, "What found its way?"

Ray walked forward to try and speak to him but he tripped. His necklace came out from under his shirt and Gollum gasped.

"My precious," he cried, "There is my beautiful precious..."

"His precious?" Ray asked and walked up to him, "What do you mean? This ring?" Gollum tried to grab for it but Ray backed off. "This has been in my family for years, my father gave it to me, what do you want it for?" He stepped closer.

"NO! Baggins! Get away from Gollum! Go!" he cried hiding himself "Gollum hates Bagginsins, what shall we do?"

"What?" Ray cried, "What is a Baggins?"

The creature began talking to it's self. The guys stared at each other.

"This guy has a multi personality if I saw one," Peter said, "Let's fry him."

"NO!" Gollum said, "You hurt Gollum, you in danger, everyone in danger, I know the way-"

"The way to what?" Peter asked.

"Morodor!" he cried and with that he used his long arms and jumped over the fence. He ran towards the dark alley. Egon took out the PKE meter.

"He's gone," Egon said.

"What is that all about?" Winston asked.

"Who knows, that guy was insane in my book. Well gentlemen, let's call it a night, shall we?" Peter asked yawning.

The guys nodded agreeing.

"Why did he call me Baggins?" Ray asked.

"I have no idea Raymond, he seemed a little confused," Egon said.

"A little?" Peter asked groaning. "Try a lot. He was talking to himself Egon, and what is my precious supposed to mean anyway?"

"I don't know, but I do plan on finding out, if he's not from the Netherworld, then he's got to be from some other dimension," Egon said and yawned. "However, I will continue the search in the morning,"
The guys nodded agreeing. When they returned home, Janine greeted them.

"Uh guys-" she said.

"What is it Janine? We're tired," Peter groaned.

"We sort of had um, a visitor," she said.

"Oh great," Peter rolled his eyes "Who?"

"The name is Gandolf," an older man said. "As my friends used to call me."

"Wow," Ray said, "You're a white wizard!"

"Yes, I am indeed. Saruman, as he should have been, but he betrayed us, he betrayed us all, not only that, the ring has returned, returned into your world," Gandolf said.

"What is this ring you are talking about?" Ray asked, "I don't understand."

"Your father had destroyed it once," Gandolf said.

"M-My father?" Ray asked.

"Yes, you are part Hobbit," Gandolf answered, "I remember you when you were born lad, your mother escaped with you into Earth."

"I don't-I need to sit," Ray said.

"We need to talk," Gandolf said, "Can we go someplace in private?"

"I uh-" Ray nodded; "Sure." They went upstairs.

"Come on," Peter whispered to the guys. The guys nodded following him.

"Peter, we shouldn't eavesdrop," Egon said, "It's impolite-"

Peter pulled his arm, "Get over it Egon."

"Guys-" Janine whispered, "Something followed me on the way home today."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Egon asked.

"Because I didn't get the chance, anyway, it was real creepy, do you think this has anything to do with it?"

"I'm not sure, but we are about to find out," Egon said putting his ear to the door.

Peter grinned at him and Egon shrugged.

***
Ray sat on his bed listening to Gandolf. Gandolf told him everything, how his father Frodo tried destroying the ring.

"He did destroy it, but another was made. It is pure evil, and when I got my hands on it, I had to give it to someone I could trust. I gave it to you boy."

"Me?" Ray asked.

Gandolf pointed to the necklace around Ray's neck.

"But-that was a present from my father," he said staring at it, "I've had it since I was a baby."

"That's because I gave it to you. Your father, at the time, didn't know you had it, or at least, he didn't know it was the ring. The Orcs didn't know either, but they suspected it. When your parents escaped to Earth with my aid, the Orcs followed them, and killed them in Morrisville during the night. They did not know you had the ring, and I was able to save your life, my dear boy," Gandolf said.

"Thanks, but what exactly is an Orc? Where are they from? And where am I from?" Ray asked, taking this all in.

"You are from Middle Earth, a dimension different than that of your own. Your mother is from Earth. She came to middle Earth looking for adventure through a magic book of spells, however, that is a story for another time, " he said. "The only way to get there is by magic. She was meddling where she shouldn't have been."

"But I don't understand, why did my parents leave?" Ray asked. "Things were quite for some time," Gandolf said, "I knew the ring would be safe with you, it is safe with any Baggins."

"I am not a Baggins, my name is Ray Stantz!" Ray cried standing up He flew out the door almost knocking into the guys. He ran up to the roof.

***
Peter had heard almost the whole thing. He had heard enough that was for sure.

"Were you eavesdropping?" Gandolf cried standing tall to them.

"No sir-" Peter said, "I was just uh, waxing the floor and well… you know how it is."

"What did you hear!?" he cried, "I don't treat eavesdroppers very well Mr. Venkman!"

"Well, I uh heard something about a ring, and Middle Earth, what ever that is, and the end of the world, and uh-by the way that's uh, Dr. Venkman-" he said and gulped as Gandolf stepped closer.

Gandolf suddenly became bigger. Peter backed into Egon sweating.

"Very well, then your punishment shall be most severe, back in my days, punishment for eavesdropping was full of severe punishment," he said.

The guys could tell he was joking, but Peter couldn't. He whispered something in Peter's ear and Peter nodded. "I will Gandolf," Peter said, "I promise."

Peter found Ray on the roof. He looked like he was thinking. He was staring at the necklace. Peter stood next to him.

"Do you think this is true Peter?" Ray asked.

"I don't know kid," Peter said shrugging, "But if it is, then we have to do this, we have to keep the Ringwraiths out of Earth, if they come here with the Orcs, and from what Gandolf is telling the guys
downstairs now, they sound pretty mean. Then we have to get this ring back where it belongs."

"But what I don't understand is why now? If this was so long ago, why did he come to me now?" Ray asked sighing. His eyes started to water.

"I don't know Ray," Peter said sighing himself, "But don't ever forget where you are from now, remember? Whether you're from Middle Earth, or Pluto we don't care, you're our brother Ray, don't ever forget that."

"I wouldn't Peter," Ray's yes watered "I could try and forget my other heritage, but I can't, and I must go back and do this," he said sighing. "Your right."

"Too bad we aren't getting paid for this gig," Peter said, sighing too. "Oh well, you know what Egon always says."

"The good of the many," Ray said.

"Out weighs the good of the few. Star Trek Two," Egon said smiling and walking up to them, "So are we ready for our journey?"

The guys smiled.

"We're ready, Gandolf," Ray said.

Gandolf nodded. He waved his wand and took the five of them to Middle Earth.

"We are stopping in the Shire first Raymond, we must pick up supplies," Gandolf said. They nodded and entered the Shire gates. They got strange looks from the Hobbits around them.

"Could it be? Is this Marroc Baggins?" a voice asked.

Ray turned around. "Who?" he asked.

"Your name here is Marroc," Gandolf explained.

"Who is this?" Ray asked.

"I am Samwise, I helped your father," he said. "I never thought I would see you again, Sir Marroc."

"The names Ray," Ray said extending his hand.

Sam glanced at Gandolf, "He's lived on Earth for so long," Gandolf explained.

"Well, you certainly look like your mother, red hair," Sam said, "She was human you know."

"Yes, I know," Ray said.

"So Gandolf, I hear the ring has found it's way back in our world," Sam said.

Gandolf nodded, "Indeed it has, we must be back on our way to Rivendale to discuss the new Fellowship."

Sam nodded, "Let us be on then."

"Wait a moment Sam," Gandolf said, "This ring did not fall in your hands again."

"I know it didn't," Sam said.

"You have a wife now," Gandolf said, "I insist that you stay where you are."

"Wait a moment Gandolf," Sam said, "I was Frodo's companion, and there is no way I am letting his son go on this quest without my help."

"You do have a warm heart Samwise," Gandolf said "Very well, you shall come with us."

"I was once a ring carrier too, I want to make sure the ring sees no mercy and is tossed into the fires of Mount Doom," he said. Gandolf nodded.

"Wait a moment," two voices cried.

"Merry, Pippin," Sam said.

"We heard rumors that Frodo's son was in the Shire," Pippin explained "We want to help."

"Wait a minute," Gandolf said, "You all have families now, you need to be with them, this includes you Sam."

"Sir, years ago, we had a task set for us, and I feel that it was brought back here for a reason, Frodo would want my help, and I am not going to let him down," Sam said.

"Then together, let's ride off to Rivendale," Gandolf said.

"Rivendale," Ray said, "Wow, is that where the Elves live?"

"Yes my boy," Gandolf said, "For the time of the Elves has returned with Legolas as the leader."

Sam smiled; Peter could tell this was new news to him.

"Legolas is leading the Elves now?" Sam asked smiling.

"Yes, since the Elves went away, Legolas missed his turn, he stayed here, with other's who have missed their turn during the Wars," Gandolf answered.

"Alright," Merry and Pippin answered slapping each other five. Gandolf laughed, "Well, I see some things never change."

"Aye, and neither do you Gandolf," Pippin said giving him a hug, "It's great to see you again."

"Yes well, when I am summoned to return, I come, and it is good to see you Pippin," Gandolf said.

"Well, let's be off," Gandolf added "Marroc?"

Ray wasn't in sight. He had walked down a path.

"I know where he is going, wait here," Gandolf said "I need to get you all some clothes to change into to so you look like your from here anyway."

Peter glanced at the guys. They nodded. He followed Gandolf. Ray was in a house. Peter noticed the sign; it said 'Baggins'. Ray was looking around.

"This is where I lived?" he asked himself.

"Yes," Gandolf answered, "This was your home."

Ray shook his head. "I don't remember any of this," he said.

"Why should you? You were just a baby," Gandolf said.

Ray thought hard trying to remember. He noticed pictures on the wall. He picked one up and noticed it was a picture of him, his mother and father when he was a baby.

"Gandolf, my father isn't that short, at least, he doesn't look it," Ray said.

"No, he's not," Gandolf said smiling, "He was very wise, and very brave."

"Yes, he was," Sam said entering the room "He was my best friend, and I miss him dearly." He lowered his eyes.

"He is in the Havens now," Gandolf explained, "Which is where I was until I returned."

"If this happened so many years ago, how come you're still alive Sam?" Ray asked.

"Because our time is different than your time Mr. Stantz," Sam said, "And Hobbits can live way past 111 year old some times."

"Wow," Ray said, "Well, at least this explains why I'm so short."

Peter smiled a little. "Come on' Tex, we got a mission to accomplish, and we're not even
getting paid," Peter said.

"Oh Peter," Ray said and laughed.

They set off for Rivendale. On the same path as the last time, only this time Gandolf did not leave them.

"We shall stay at the Prancing Pony," Gandolf said, "I believe you three remember it."

Sam, Merry and Pippin nodded in excitement. Sam sighed. "Sam?" Gandolf said.

"I miss him Gandolf, this is just like old times, I miss him, that's all," Sam said.

Gandolf put a hand on Sam's shoulder. "You will not be parted from him forever my dear friend, for he is in a better place than we are right now, but believe me when I say, you will meet again."

Sam nodded brightening at that thought. "Then I shall bring all the food from the Shire for him, and introduce to him my new wife and daughter," Sam said smiling.

"Yes," Merry said, "And we can tell him tales of the Shire."

"And sing the songs they made of him," Pippin added and they burst into a song about the ring being thrown away.

Ray suddenly took off. "Ray?" Peter asked glancing around.

Gandolf gave them the clothes; luckily, during his adventures Frodo had gotten some human clothes from his wife. Gandolf smiled a little because they were still too tight for the Ghostbusters. Once they were ready, Gandolf grabbed some clothes for Ray and they were ready.

***
Ray took off. He didn't care where he was going; this was too much for him to take. This couldn't be. He sat on a rock and started crying staring at the ring. That was when he was attacked.

"Help!" he cried, "Help!"

It was the Ringwraths. The dark clothed figure was right on top of him. Ray moved out from underneath.

"Eat Proton scum!" Peter cried and fired his pack at him. The creature only turned and laughed.
"It's not working!" Peter cried.

"The proton's are different in this world!" Egon cried, "I have to adjust them, I should have realized!"

"Now's not a good time Spengs!" Peter cried and moved away from the Ringwrath as he aimed his sword at him.

"Don't get struck!" Gandolf cried, "Run, run for the boat! I'll hold them off! If you get struck, you will become one of them!"

"Well, don't have to tell me twice then," Winston said, "Let's move!"

They ran to the boat. It was a little bigger then the one the hobbits took last time they were here, Sam thought smiling. That was a good thing. Ray was last.

"Come on Marroc!" Merry cried

"Hurry Ray!" Peter cried staring at Merry. Ray ran and jumped in almost falling in the water.

"The riders don't like water," Sam explained.

"What about Gandolf?" Ray asked.

"He'll find his way, don't worry," Merry said, "He did last time."

Ray nodded sighing. This day was not going to well so far. They made it to the Prancing Pony. It was pouring rain.

"We're supposed to meet Gandolf the White here," Ray said.

"Haven't seen him for years," the man said, "But I do have some rooms available for you, and your hobbit friends." They sat at a table.

"He'll be here," Sam said "He just has to get across the river." The guys nodded.

"Check this stuff out," Peter said banging a drink on the table, "15 percent alcohol!"

"That's illegal in the US," Winston said "I'm getting one."

"But you already had one," Ray argued. Winston shrugged and went up to get it.

"They better be careful with that stuff," Merry said groaning.

"They're very responsible," Egon said.

"Yes, so was I," Merry said rolling his eyes.

Ray sat on the table glancing around at everyone. "You alright Raymond?" Egon asked putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Fine," Ray whispered, "Just paranoid."

"And you should be," Merry said and Pippin elbowed him.

"You think of the kindest things to say Merry," Pippin snapped. Merry shrugged.

"Baggins? Sure, I know a Baggins," Peter said loudly "He's over there! Well, I just found that out anyway-" Peter was chit chatting with some men at the bar.

"Peter!" Ray cried and ran towards him.

The hobbits glanced at each other, "Deja Vu," they said and got up, swords ready.

Ray ran over. Some body tripped him and that's when the ring fell on his finger. He gasped as the whole scene changed. It was incredible. Ray was scared, and he was so scared he tried taking the ring off, but instead he stared at the riders who he knew were on the way. He wondered what had happened to Gandolf. He finally was able to pull the ring off. Somebody grabbed him.

"I heard you were back in town Marroc," the man said.

"Who are you?" Ray gasped, "Let me go!"

"Are you frightened?" the man asked.

"Yes," Ray said honestly.

"As well as you should be," he snapped. "For I know what haunts you."

"Who are you?" Ray asked again.

The man pulled off his cape and it was Aragorn.

"My name is King Aragorn, my father helped your father years ago, on a mission to destroy the ring," he said "And now I will help you."

"But I-" Ray started to say.

Suddenly the other's barged in.

"Let him go now!" Peter cried, "Or you'll be fried!"

"Easy friend," Aragorn said holding his hands up, "I am here to help, put down your uh-weapons,"

Peter wasn't so convinced. Ray went up to him.

"It's okay," Ray said, "I-I think, he is a king,"

"Come then, we shall set off for Rivendale at first light," Aragorn said.

They went into a room at the hotel. A different room than what was assigned to them, they placed pillows on the beds in the room that they were supposed to be in.

"The riders are fast, but they are blind. We pulled this trick on them last time and it worked fine. I have to ask you though, what kind of sorcery is that you carry on your backs?" Aragorn asked.

"It's not sorcery-" Egon started to say.

Peter elbowed him, "They are weapons Gandolf thought of to protect ourselves."

Egon glared at him but then realized Peter was right in saying this. "And it works on demons, I know there are some here in Middle Earth."

"Indeed," Aragorn said nodding, "They will come in handy then."

"Try and sleep Ray," Egon said "Please."

Ray shrugged and continued staring out the window. Finally he dozed off with Peter right beside him watching over him. Peter glanced at Egon and smiled.

"It's such a burden," Egon whispered.

"Indeed it was," Aragorn said.

"Sir," Egon said, "What exactly are RingWraiths?"

"They were once powerful kings and sorcerers among Men until they were tempted by the power of the Ring and damned to serve Sauron. They wear black hooded cloaks and travel on horseback. The nine
Ringwraiths, also known as Nazgul or Black Riders, are ordered by their master, Sauron to find the ring and bring it back to him. Also the Leader of the Ringwraiths is known as the Witch-King. As with others corrupted by the ring, they are invisible to normal eyes and can only be seen because of their clothing. Also, they have a keen sense of smell and extremely poor vision," Aragorn went on. "When Frodo fought them, it was difficult for him, the ring gave him trouble every time they were near, it got heavy on him."

"What about Ray?" Peter asked, "Will he survive?"

"I cannot say. Ray seems as strong as his father," Aragorn said "And he has you four to help protect him."

"And we will," Peter said, "Nothing's going to happen to him. So, you're a king, why are you out here and not with your people?" Peter asked.

"Because my father years ago swore to protect Frodo on his quest, and I have done the same for Marroc," he said smiling. "This ring has brought many troubles to my people, in the past, and now. And I want to see it destroyed. I have someone taking my place while I am away, the townspeople know of it,"

"Ray's impressed you know," Peter said. "He's never met a king before, well, none of us have really, so do we like bow or something?"

"None of that is necessary, for I am not your king," he said smiling. "You come from a land far from here, this I know."

"Yeah, well, we came from Earth," Peter said. "Gandolf brought us."

"What is this Earth like?" Aragorn asked "Like Middle Earth?"

"Sort of," Peter said, "Only we don't have Hobbits, and Wizards and things like that, although we do have Ghosts, and Goblins, and that sort of stuff which we battle."

"You battle Ghosts?" Aragorn said, "Brave men."

""Thank you sir," Egon said speaking up.

"He didn't mean you," Peter said elbowing Egon. Egon shot him a glance and Winston and Janine laughed.

Suddenly Ray woke up sweating.

"Ray-" Peter said going near him.

"They're here," he whispered gasping. Peter gulped and looked out the window. They were in the next room. Sam, Merry and Pippin woke up as well.

"Not again," Merry muttered, "I hate these guys."

Pippin gulped and pulled the covers over his head. "Wake me when it's over," he moaned.

The guys got their packs ready. "They won't do any good," Aragorn said, "No matter what changes you made to them, the RingWraiths are unstoppable, and have been around since my father fought them."

"Power off guys," Winston said sighing, "Might as well."

"Wait-" Egon said, "If they can't be used to stop them, at least we can use them to protect ourselves, leave them on." The guys left them on.

"I still think it is pointless," Aragorn said, "Only swords and magic work around here in Middle Earth."

"Yeah, well we're from Earth, Earth pal, and this is how we do things where I come from," Peter said.

The RingWraiths were slashing the pillows across the room screaming. Ray suddenly screamed and fell to the floor holding the ring.

"Ray-" Peter said going near him "It's okay-they're not here-" Ray had his eyes closed and was shaking.

"The ring makes their presence stronger," Aragorn said "To him, they could be in this room."

"Peter-" Ray gasped.

"I got you kid-" Peter said, "Don't worry-" Finally they left and everyone sighed.

"We move out tonight," Aragorn said.

"What about Gandolf?" Sam asked.

"He'll catch up with us," Aragorn said.

They ran through the forest and camped out. Peter caught his breath near a tree.

"Man, I'm beat," Peter said, "Don't they have any trams or cars around here?"

"Sorry, what are you talking about?" Aragorn asked.

"Never mind," Peter said and drank some water, "How you holding up Tex?" Ray was staring out in the open.

"Fine," he whispered.

Peter glanced at Egon knowing that wasn't true. Peter knew Ray was terrified of the Black Riders. They all were. They made camp by the trees in the forest now and were trying to sleep again. Peter noticed Ray was trying to sleep, but was keeping his eyes open.

"Relax Ray, I'll watch out for them for you, try and sleep, you look exhausted," Peter said.

"Thanks Peter," Ray said, "I'll try, will you stay up all night?"

"All night Tex," Peter said.

Peter kept watch for a while until finally he drifted to sleep unable to help himself. They all woke up to a loud screech.

"It's them," Ray whispered.

"Go Marroc," Aragorn said, "Go now." Ray started to run.

"I don't know the way," he said.

"Come on," Peter said grabbing his arm. Suddenly, Ray tripped and became face to face with the Rider.
"Look out!" Peter cried pushing Ray out of the way.

"Peter!" Ray cried. The rider started stabbing the air. Peter rolled out of the way and fired a shot at him.

"Nice aim!" Peter cried sarcastically "Go Ray!"

Ray ran down a hill and tripped again over some bushes. "Oh no," he groaned.

Peter watched as the Riders turned from him and headed towards Ray.

"Ray!" Peter cried, "Hey you! Over here!" The Rider turned around. "Eat Protons, scum!"

"Peter! No!" Egon cried.

The rider suddenly stabbed Peter. He cried out.

"Peter!" Ray cried, struggling to get free. One of the riders held Ray and lifted him up in the air.

"Let him be!" Aragorn said swinging his sword.

Ray was struggling to get free. He put the ring on and disappeared. The Rider suddenly dropped him. Rays screamed as he hit the floor. The Riders left and Ray took off the ring gasping. Peter glanced over. He was sweating. "Ray-" Peter gasped.

"Peter!" Ray cried and ran over to him


***
Egon took a glance around him and noticed that the Riders were gone for now. He ran over to Ray and Peter. They took Peter's pack off him.

"It got struck," Egon said to Winston.Winston nodded and put the pack down for a minute.

"Peter!" Ray cried holding his hand "Oh Peter, this is all my fault."

"N-No Ray-my fault-they heard us because of me- I was drunk-stupid-" Peter cried gasping.

"No Peter, you weren't! You didn't know-" Ray cried, tears in his eyes.

"Strider!" Sam called.

"He's been struck," Strider said, "He's passing into the shadow world. We have to get him to Rivendale."

"Rivendale's still two days away," Sam said.

Aragorn nodded, "We need to summon for Legolas, he can ride fast and hard, just as Arwen did for Frodo. Once they pass the waters, the riders can't follow them."

"Right," Sam said.

"Peter-" Egon said bending over him.

"E-Egon-" Peter gasped.

"Peter, you saved my life-" Ray said tearfully, "Come on Peter-hold on-"

"We need Gandolf here," Winston muttered, "Will he make it Strider?"

"The Leaves," Sam said suddenly, "Remember the leaves that helped Frodo?" Merry and Pippin nodded and took off to get some.

"Please Peter-" Ray said "This is my fault-"

"No Raymond-" Egon said putting a hand on his shoulder.

"C-Couldn't let them get you-" Peter gasped.

"But they got you," Ray said "Please Peter, you have to make it."

"I-it's o-okay Ray-" he said. Janine was crying. Egon gave her a hug.

"He'll be okay," Egon said. She nodded not saying anything. Aragorn was blowing on a horn of some sort.

"What is that?" Egon asked.

"It's to summon for help," he said.

"What if the Riders hear us?" Ray cried, "We don't know where they went!"

"Let them come," Aragorn said angrily, "I dare them."

"We have to get Peter to safety first," Egon snapped taking the horn from him.

"Peter will be fine," Aragorn said "Once he gets to Rivendale."

"I shall take him," said a voice. Aragorn turned around.

" Legolas!" Sam cried.

"Hello Sam, Merry, Pippin," he said smiling, "Aragorn-"

"Please sir, you have to help," Ray said.

"I can get him there faster and safer," Legolas said.

"They're still trailing us," Egon said.

"I can outrun them," he said. He and Aragorn started speaking in Elfish language.

"What are they saying?" Ray cried.

"I am uncertain," Egon said. Egon took Peter's hand. "Peter-" Egon whispered, "His hands are cold, freezing-"

"Is h-he going to die?" Ray asked, gulping. Egon put a hand on Ray's shoulder.

"We don't have much time," Aragorn said.

"S-Spengs-" Peter said, "S-Scared-" He started shivering. Egon held onto his hands tears in his eyes.

"Hold on Dr. Venkman," Egon said, "You must hold on."

"C-can't see you-" he muttered. Aragorn suddenly grabbed Peter and put him on Legolas's horse.

"I do not fear them, I have fought them before," Legolas said and took off. "They will not get past the waters."

"Where are they going?" Winston cried.

"To Rivendale," Aarogon said, "Peter will be safe there."

"But that's days away!" Ray argued and sat down frustrated Egon sat next to him and Ray hugged him. All of this was so much to take in for Ray, and now Peter was hurt.

***

Peter was gasping. Help guys, he thought. Except, he couldn't see the guys anymore. They weren't with him. He couldn't tell what was real and what wasn't anymore. Why did all this have to happen? He asked himself, why couldn't he be in the Firehall watching TV. Even getting slimed. Instead, some poison sword stabbed him. He could barely breath.

"Hold on sir," the man who held him said, "I'm here to help you," What was funny was, he understood the language he was speaking in. Maybe it was from the sword. Peter didn't care. He knew they were being followed though. There were two black horses behind them. The others must have gone for the guys. He hoped the guys would be okay getting here. Peter wasn't. He was shivering, too weak to say anything.

"Do you want him?" the man said suddenly.

No. He's betraying him, Peter thought. He wished he could move. He wished the guys were there. He felt betrayed too, how could they give him up?

"Come and claim him! You tried to get Frodo and couldn't, what makes you think I will let you get him too!" the man said and suddenly started saying something in Elfish or some weird language to Peter
Peter stared as the waters suddenly became higher. He gasped when the horses fell into the river. Then everything went black.

"Peter!" the man cried, "No, come on, not after we made it this far!"He said something, but everything was blank after that.

***
They continued their journey towards Rivendale. Not as excited as before because they had no news of Peter. Ray was doing his best to keep from crying, Janine wasn't doing that good at all. They were all hungry, and exhausted. Egon noted that perhaps they should have brought more supplies at the inn. As they continued they also went fast so they could get away from the Riders. In the middle of the journey Gandolf met them. He was held up at the river, he had to wait for another boat to come by, but the Riders had left him alone.

"Where is Dr. Venkman?" Gandolf asked Egon.

"He's sick," Egon said, "Very sick, we don't know if he made it." Egon lowered his head exhausted. Gandolf stood in front of him.

"He is strong," Gandolf said "If Legolas took him, he will make it."

Egon wasn't so sure. He had seen the scared look in Peter's eyes. And he grabbed his cold hand. But Egon knew he had to have faith that Peter would make it, if not for his sake, for Ray's and Janine.

Janine had been silently crying to herself for much of the walk. Egon tried to stay close to both of them, with Winston at his side too. Winston hadn't said much either.

"He'll make it man," Winston said. "I know it."

They finally made it to Rivendale. Peter was put in a bed and Legolas went to help him. That was the last they saw of him for a few days. Egon finally convinced Ray to get some sleep. And he did knowing he was safe here, but also worried about Peter. They sat around Rivendale looking at the beautiful scenery and waiting.

***
Peter woke up in a bed. He was remembering everything that had happened. He groaned holding his head.

"Where am I? What time is it?" Peter asked.

"You are in Rivendale, and the time is in the evening, in October, if you must know," Gandolf said, "And you are lucky to be here."

"Oh man," he moaned, "I could use some Tylenol right about now."

"I don't know what this Tylenol is you speak of, but your friend Egon told me to give you this when you awoke," Gandolf said "He said you usually ask for it."

Peter smiled and took the Tylenol from him.

"Thanks buddy," Peter said gratefully.

"What happened? Gandolf, where did you come from?" Peter asked, realizing his surroundings.

"When I arrived they had already taken you," Gandolf said, "I helped the other's over here, I finally convinced them to get some rest." Egon and Ray suddenly barged inside. Ray glanced at Egon smiling.

"Peter! Your awake!" Ray said grabbing his hand, "I knew you were okay! I knew it!"
Egon smiled at both of them exchanging a glance at Peter.

"You look exhausted guys," Peter said.

"We were worried Peter," Egon said, "We have been up most of the night."

"Yes, we were that worried about you, weren't we Gandolf?" Ray asked. Gandolf nodded smiling.

"Tell me something Egon, why is it when ever we go on these missions I always end up taking the fall?" Peter asked smiling.

"Because you like us waiting on you hand and foot when we get home," Egon reminded him.

"Oh yeah," Peter said. "I knew it was something." Ray smiled.

"Seriously Peter, you saved my life, thank you," Ray said hugging him.

"Ow-" Peter groaned, "Easy there kid, and hey, I was happy to." Ray smiled.

Legolas walked in. Peter never met him, the others have. Peter stared at him shocked. He never has seen an Elf before.

"Mr. Venkman," Legolas said, "Welcome to Rivendale."

Peter smiled. Finally he got out of bed and they went to meet Winston, Janine, Sam, Merry and Pippin. He hugged all of them smiling. Egon and Ray smiled at each other.

***
Later on Ray walked up to Peter smiling at him. In a way Ray felt a little guilty about what happened to him. Ray caught Peter staring at the landscape of Rivendale.

"Sure is pretty, ha, Tex?" Peter asked. Ray nodded. Peter turned around. "It's not your fault you know," he said.

"I know Peter," Ray said quietly staring at the scenery.

"Do you?" Peter asked knowing his friend to well, "Come on Tex, I've known you for how long now? I've taken worse scrapes than this."

"Not that I could see, Peter-if you only saw how bad you looked-we thought we really lost you this time," Ray said tearfully.

"I know buddy, but you didn't, and don't blame yourself, I jumped in front of the dagger, remember?" Listen, Ray, I've been thinking, and well, we did our part, and I think we oughtta head home, don't you?"

"Yeah," Ray said smiling, "I agree."

"Good," Peter said "Because I'm ready for a warm bed, some pizza, and you guys waiting on me hand and foot."

Ray giggled, "You're already fine," he said.

"See? And that's why you shouldn't feel bad Tex," Peter said. "Come on, let's grab the others and get going." Ray nodded. Suddenly Gandolf came up to him.

"We are having a meeting tomorrow morning, you are required to be there, ringbearer," he said.
Ray nodded sighing.

"Well, I guess we can stay another night," Peter said and Ray giggled.

They went to meet Egon, Janine and Winston for dinner. The next morning Ray woke up early to go to his meeting. It seemed as if everyone were there.

"Legolas my friend!" said a voice as they walked in.

"Gimi!" Legolas said and they hugged. Gimi smiled.

"Good to see you," Legolas said, "Meet any Dwarf women?" Gimi blushed not answering. Ray couldn't help but stare, he never saw a Dwarf before.

"Is this Marroc?" Gimi asked. Legolas nodded.

"I heard about you boy," Gimi said, "I didn't think I'd meet you, welcome back."

"Uh-thanks-" Ray said. He went to extend his hand, and Gimi picked him up and hugged him. Ray looked at Gandolf helplessly. Gandolf shrugged.

"We miss your Father Marroc," Gimi said, "He was a good man."

"S-So I hear," Ray said quietly. Gandolf winked at him.

"His name is Ray," Gandolf said putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Ray?" Gimi asked, "Yes, I can see that, you do look more like your mother." Ray smiled.

They all sat in a circle. Legolas spoke of Sauron and the Rings of Power. Ray listened starting to get nervous. He wished the guys were able to come with him. It seemed so unfair that his life changed like this. He sighed. All he wanted was to go back home and-

"Marroc-" Legolas said, "Bring forth the ring."

Ray stepped forward and took the ring out of his pocket. He sighed relieved of it. Legolas continued to speak.

"This ring must be destroyed," Legolas said.

"Fine! We destroyed the last one, this one we can as well!" Gimi said, "This is nothing but a fake anyway!" He took his sword and suddenly hit the ring with full force.

"Gimi!" Legolas cried .

His sword fell backward. Ray gasped as a sudden pain swept through him.

"Ray-" Gandolf said.

"I am alright," Ray said gasping, "I'm alright Gandolf." Gandolf nodded."We once must again return this ring to Mount Doom! It is where it belongs, there is no other way of destroying it," Gandolf shouted, "Gimi, you out of all should know this."

"Well no one said Dwarfs were smart," Legolas said shrugging. Gimi shot him a look that could kill. Ray smiled a little thinking of how he and Peter always quarreled like that. It was all in fun, but nobody else knew that.

"So be it then, we shall decide who must take it then," Legolas glanced at Ray. Ray shrugged. He was done as far as he was concerned. Then suddenly everyone began arguing at once.

"I took it last time!" Gimi argued, "I shall go, I went with Frodo all the way."

"My father did as well," Aragorn said, "I too know the way."

Ray kept staring at the ring. It was almost as if the ring called out to him, and suddenly he knew he was the only person he could trust to take it and get the job done. He wondered if his father felt that way too. Ray shot up suddenly.

"I will go!" Ray cried, "I shall do it." No one listened, finally Ray yelled, "I WILL DO IT!"

Everyone shut up staring at him.

"It was brought to me, I will return it, just as my father did," Ray said quietly. Gandolf stared at Ray.

"Then I shall go too," Gandolf said.

"Very well, we will reunite the Fellowship," Legolas said, "I will go as well."

"Wait a minute!" Peter cried. He ran over to Ray. "If you think for a minute I am going to let you go by yourself your wrong Ray Stantz, your not going anywhere without me," Peter said.

"Right, and I see it is impossible to separate you two especially when Marroc is called to a secret council meeting and you are not," Legolas said annoyed. Peter shrugged.

"Wait!" Winston cried. He, Egon, and Janine came running out from the bushes. Ray grinned.

"Somebody's got to be the brains of this quest-journey, uh-thing-," Winston said folding his arms.

"Well that leaves you out then," Peter said and Winston elbowed him.

"Very well, you may come," Legolas said smiling, "You have some good friends."

"No, family," Peter said, "He's got family, and your right, we don't leave each other for a second."
Ray smiled and hugged Peter.

That night Ray was wandering Rivendale thinking hard. He sighed missing his father and mother very much suddenly; he wondered why this was brought to him now.

"Why?" he asked out loud. He threw a rock in the water. He stared. That's when something
came down at him. He gasped; it was a ghost.

"W-Who's there?" Ray cried.

"What's the matter boy? You don't recognize your own father?" the voice asked. Ray backed off.

"Obviously not since your not who I thought you were," Ray said angrily wiping his eyes.

"I'm sorry we never told you Ray," his father said "We were trying to protect you."

Ray folded his arms, "From this? It worked well, didn't it?" he asked angrily.

"Ray who are you-" Peter said "Oh-uh-hi-" "Peter, this is my father," Ray said angrily turning around.

"Nice to meet you," Peter said "Ray, talk to the man-"

"Maybe I don't want to!" Ray snapped, "They haven't been here my whole life..."

"Can you excuse us sir?" Peter asked and Frodo nodded. Peter pulled Ray aside.

"Come on kiddo, this isn't the Ray Stantz I know," Peter said.

"My names Marroc, or have you forgotten?" Ray snapped turning around angrily.

"Come on Ray," Peter said, "Your father wants to chat with you, obviously he's sorry this all happened to you, if you don't speak with him now, you might regret it the rest of your life."

Ray sighed and nodded, "Alright," he sighed.

"Ray," Frodo said "Your mother and I left middle Earth to try and protect you from all of this. Unfortunately the ring found it's way back and now you must destroy it." Ray stared at the ring.

"I hate this ring," Ray said, "I hate what it's done to you, to me..." Ray was sniffling.

"I hated it too," his father said sighing, "But we have no choice, once it's in our hands. Gandolf once told me, it's not your decision when it comes to you, what your decision is, is to decide what to do with the time you have it. I came because I wanted to give you something my uncle Bilbo Baggins gave me for my quest." Ray nodded. His father handed him a sword. It was in the bushes. "It turns blue when Orcs arrive," he said, "Sam has been saving it here in Rivendale, and now I am giving it to you. And this cloth
will protect you from any harm. It is the best armor son, please use it."

"I will Dad," Ray said holding onto them. "Thanks."

His father nodded. Suddenly another spirit came down. It was Ray's mother. Egon, Winston and Janine came by then. Sam also. Sam gasped and backed away.

"Ray-Peter-" Egon said and stopped short.

"Guys-this is Ray's parents-" Peter said introducing them. They all waved nervously.

Uh-hi-" Winston said.

"You've grown up," Ray's mother said. Ray nodded tearfully.

"Yeah mom," Ray said.

"Are these your friends?" she asked.

"Yeah," Ray said.

"Nice to meet you," Peter said.

"I'm glad you made good friends," she said smiling. "You boys will watch after him?"

"You have our word," Egon said putting a hand on Ray's shoulder.

"Good luck with the quest," Frodo said smiling, "I will see you again."

"I-I hope so-" Ray said.

Sam walked up to Frodo with tears in his eyes

"Oh Sam," Frodo said.

"I have missed you," Sam said, "I wish Rose was here."

Frodo smiled, "I have seen you two, don't think I'm not watching after you."

Sam smiled grabbing Frodo's hand. He had tears in his eyes.

"You will watch after my son? And his friends?" Frodo asked smiling at Ray.

"Of course Sir Frodo," Sam said, "Anything."

"I trust you Sam," Frodo said and hugged him, "You are my best friend, and I wish you luck, and you too Peter, I trust you will find your destiny as well." Sam and Peter nodded and backed away. Peter had no idea what he meant.

His mother hugged him, "Goodbye son, good luck." With that they vanished.

"M-Mom? Dad?" Ray asked tearfully.

"Come on Tex," Peter said quietly, "Let's get ready for tomorrow."

Ray nodded and they went to get some sleep. He put a hand on Sam's shoulder. Sam smiled a little. The next day they left for their journey.

"Ray," Gandolf said handing him the ring "Your father has led the way to Mount Doom the last time, I think you shall lead the way this time." Ray nodded and took off.

"Gandolf," Ray said, "Mount Doom, which way is it?"

"Right," Gandolf said smiling "You sound just like your father."

Ray shrugged. Sam smiled glancing at Gandolf. He put an arm around Ray's shoulder.

"I look forward to helping again Sir Stantz," Sam said.

"Thanks, but just call me Ray, Sam," Ray said.

"Alright Ray," Sam said smiling. "I will,"

***
They continued their journey through woods, and forests.

"My feet never hurt so bad," Peter groaned "What I wouldn't give to be at the firehouse right now."

"Come on Pete, think of it as camping," Winston said.

"Egon, we oughtta ditch the packs," Peter complained. "They don't work here anyway."

"We can't," Egon said. "Gandolf said the last time they went he met a demon on the way, a very powerful one. We can't risk the packs working and not use them to fight this demon."

"He also said they were in the mines, are we going there?" Peter asked.

"That is for the ringbearer to decide when the time comes, until then, we shall be prepared," he said.

"Okay Ray, are we taking the mines?" Peter asked, "In the mines there is a demon, if we take the other path there isn't!"

"He can't decide that now," Gandolf said, "The ring leads us to our path."

Peter shrugged, "Okay then, we take the packs." Egon nodded. "But can we please take a rest?" he groaned.

"Peter I am beginning to think we should have left you in Rivendale," Sam said.

"Oh come on," Peter said, "You try carrying this heavy thing on your back, besides, I'm an injured man."
Sam shrugged. The guys rolled their eyes. Ray laughed.

"Some things never change Peter," Ray said giggling,

***

Halfway up the cliff Egon was about to change his mind.

"Okay Aragorn," Pippin said, "Let's teach these guys Aragorn to fight the way you taught us." Aragorn was showing Peter some moves on the sword. Peter swung it around and fell over.

"Good job," Aragorn said.
"What can you expect from a kid from Brooklyn? This is my weapon," Peter said pointing to his pack.

"The one you've been complaining about? There will become a time you won't have it on you," Aragorn said.

"Never," Peter said folding his arms, "They'd have to kill me first."

Egon rolled his eyes, "Really Peter," he said.

"Oh yeah? On guard!" Peter cried and aimed his sword at him.

"Touché, Dr. Venkman," Egon said and got his out. They began to fight with the swords.

"Go Peter!" Ray cried.

"Just because you're strong doesn't mean you are wise," Egon said and swatted Peter's belt. It came off and Peter grabbed it blushing.

"Nice shot, Spengler m'man," Winston said laughing.

Ray was laughing too, until suddenly he gasped.

"Ray?" Egon asked turning around, "Are you alright?"

"They're coming," he said gulping, "And they're close--" They hid in the bushes. Sure enough a horse was flying overhead.

"Flying horses now? It's not enough that these guys can't be destroyed, now they have flying horses?" Peter groaned. "Can this get any worse?"

"I believe not," Egon said sighing, "Come gentlemen, we must hurry."

"We shall go to my village," Aragorn said. "It is the safest way."

"No," Gandolf said, "The Orcs shall surly find us there."

"We have a huge army there," Aragorn said. "The people of Rohan are great warriors."

"Indeed they are, but shall we risk the lives of women and children?" Gandolf asked.

Aragorn though a minute. "After the war, it took years for my people to finally get settled,"
he said. "However, war may be starting up again, we need to warn them."

"Very well," Gandolf said.

They headed towards the village. They weren't greeted warmly. As they walked Gandolf explained how Sauroman once defeated the king, and put a spell on him to make him follow every word.

"You know he never leaves home without it m'man," Winston said smiling.

They walked the village of Rohan together staring at the surroundings. Aragorn smiled.

"It's great to be back," he said grinning.

"Yes my liege," Gimi said sarcastically. Aragorn shot him a glance and Ray burst out laughing.

"We shall be safe here for the night," Aragorn said entering the castle. They stayed at the castle for the night. A rider came by.

"There's Orcs heading this way!" he cried, "We must leave!" The guys glanced at each other. Orcs. Peter gulped.

"We shall head to our hideout," Aragorn said, "This way."The guys nodded following him as fast as they could go. However, the few Orcs that were there caught up with them and they had to fight.
One of them grabbed Ray.

"Let me go!" Ray cried.

"RAY!" Peter cried running towards him. He used his sword and defeated the Orc, he dropped Ray hard on the ground.

"Come on," Peter said grabbing Ray's hand.

"That's twice now Peter," Ray said, "I owe you another."

"Worry about it later Tex," Peter said smiling, "Come on--" They headed towards the village hideout.

"War is upon us once again!" Aragorn said, "Grab all the men who are able to fight, Janine, I need you to lead the women and children downstairs."

"But I can fight!" Janine said.

Egon put a hand on her shoulder, "You don't want to be out here for this," he said simply.

Janine sighed and hugged him, "Be careful Egon--"

Egon nodded, "Good luck," he whispered. She nodded and took off with a bunch of the women.

The guys went to get the armor on.

"Do you have anything in a size 10?" Peter asked, "Mines a little too big."

"Yours?" Gimi asked and the guys laughed. His was down to his knees.

"Alright, may the war continue!" Gimi said.

"He's actually excited? Man, he's crazy," Winston said. The guys lined up at the top of the castle.

***
Peter glanced around; they even had little boys ready to fight. Peter glanced at the kid next to him.

"Nice sword you have there," he said smiling "Can I see it?" The boy nodded.

"This is a good one," Peter said, "Made with good steel, your lucky to have this sword."

The boy smiled at Peter, "Thank you, sir," he said and Peter nodded smiling back.

Egon put a hand on Peter's shoulder. Peter smiled at him. Night fell and the Orcs grew closer, they heard them.

"This is the same view I got last time," Gimi complained.

"Should we get you a stool? Or shall I tell you what is going on?" Legolas asked smiling. Ray giggled. Gimi blushed. Legolas held out his sword.

"Stand ready!" he told the Elves.The Elves nodded. They had stayed with the villagers since the last
time and helped protect them.

"Ready!" Aragorn shouted. The guys got their protons out.

"Egon-" Ray whispered, "Mine's low."

"So's mine," Winston said.
"Use what you can, then we use the swords," Egon said. The guys nodded. They glanced at each other.

Good luck guys," Ray whispered. He was shaking.

"We'll make it, don't you get caught Tex," Peter said putting a hand on his shoulder. "Stay by me."

"So you can take the fall again? Peter I-"

"Just stay by me okay?" Peter said and Ray nodded sighing.

"All right Peter, I will," he said.

Peter nodded smiling at him. The Orcs started to fire at them, and they fired back. They used their packs until they had no more energy left.

"Ray, give me your pack," Egon said.

Ray nodded. Egon quickly set the self-destruct mechanism on it and threw it at the Orcs. It took out twenty or thirty of them.

"Yeah!" Peter shouted, "Nice shot Spengler!"

"Save your pack energy!" Egon cried.Peter noticed the Orcs coming on the ladder.

"Uh-oh!" he cried and quickly got out his sword "Come on guys, help me push it down!" They pushed the ladder down. Eventually the Orcs came up top and they had to fight them.

"Ha! That's ten for me!" Gimi shouted.

"Twenty five for me!" Legolas said, using his arrows.

Gimi looked ticked. Peter smiled.

"Hey Ray!" Peter said.

"I got twenty Peter!" Ray said.

"Thirty!" Peter said.

"Yeah right!" Gimi said.

One was on top of Egon, and Peter swiped his sword at him.

"Thirty one!" Peter cried.

"Thirty two!" Ray said.

The guys laughed. Eventually it became too much. Peter didn't see Winston anywhere and he was worried.

"Egon! I got to find Winston!" Peter said.

Egon nodded, "We have to get Ray out of here!"

Aragorn nodded, "Take him, all of you, we will catch up, take the maps."

"But you need us!" Ray cried.

"You have done well, but you are not warriors, we do not expect you to fight our battle, the most important thing right now is for you to get that ring safely to Mount Doom," Aragorn said. "Continue the
fellowship, and we will shortly follow. Legolas is expecting more help at sunrise!" Ray nodded glancing at Peter, Egon and Winston.

"Let's move!" Egon cried.

The four of them dashed downstairs. They had to get Janine. She was holding onto a child.

"Come on Janine, we must leave, now," Egon said, "Aragorn has ordered us to continue on." Janine nodded following them.

"We have to leave, now," Aragorn said, "To the mines!"

They were trying to run, but the Orcs were too fast. Suddenly, huge birds picked them up.

"Aaahhhhh!!!!" Peter cried as he held onto Egon.

"What will they do to us? Drop us?" Winston asked gulping.

"I hope not!" Janine cried holding onto his leg. Gandolf did not seem worried.

"Look, there are the mines!" Aragorn said."They're taking us there." They landed and one of the biggest birds went up to Gandolf.

"Thank you again my friend," Gandolf said.

"Anytime sir Gandolf, I still owe you for saving me my friend," he said.

Gandolf smiled, "Nonsense, but thank you, Lord of the Eagles."

"And you," the bird said to Ray.

"Y-Yes?" Ray asked.

"You have the ring?" he asked. Ray nodded shivering a little.

"Keep it well." he said, "You are strong, good luck to you."

"T-Thanks," Ray said glancing at the guys.

"Yeah, thanks for the lift," Peter said. The bird nodded.

"My people have headed away, the Orcs were following us, not them." Aragorn said, "Although I imagine we might have some hard times in the future, I must return to them soon." Gandolf nodded.

"Alright," Gandolf said staring at the door "We must go inside the cave then. What was the password, I can't seem to remember--"

"I believe the password was the elfish word for friend," Merry reminded him "Even though it is a different door, I believe it could still be the same password."

"Oh yes, quite so," he said and said it out loud. The door opened. Ray stared amazed.

"Wow," he said and Peter grinned and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Come on Tex, this is only the beginning," Peter said and Ray grinned back.

***
They continued through the mines.

"This place brings back bad memories for my people," Gimi whispered. "Those Orcs deserve to die a slow painful death."

Ray gulped keeping his eye on the ring. He glanced at his sword. Nothing yet. He didn't know what to be more afraid of, the Orcs, or the Riders. The Riders at least would kill him right away, as long as they had the ring, the Orcs, he wasn't so sure. They were quiet for most of their journey through the minds.

"Gimi," Gandolf said, "The path we took the last time, it led the way out, did it not?"

"Yes," Gimi said, "I believe it was in that direction."

"You are right," Gandolf said "Thank you." Gimi nodded.

"We must avoid the demon though Gandolf," Gimi said, "Remember, he did have another here."

Gandolf nodded once again, "I will try my best Gimi, but if we are to meet once again, I will be ready."

"So will we," Egon said.

"As strong as your weapons of magic are my friend," Aragorn said, "They are no match for this creature."

"I can disagree with you my friend," Egon said, "They have fought creatures more powerful than this."

"When?" Peter muttered and Ray elbowed him smiling. They stopped for a rest.

"Hey-Peter-look-" Janine said suddenly staring down at something. Peter glanced over and took out his proton gun.

"It's that creep we almost shot in the city!" Peter said angrily.

"Quiet!" Gandolf said, "We must keep low key here."

Peter nodded, "Sorry, but Gandolf, we got to nail him."

"Excuse me?" Gandolf said.

"What Pete here is referring to sir, is we got to get this creature out of our way, he's bad news" Winston said.

"Right," Ray said.

"That is only Gollum," Gandolf said. "He is no trouble."

"No trouble?" Sam argued, "No trouble? Last time he almost betrayed us!"

"But he didn't, am I right?" Gandolf asked.

"Not in the end," Sam said nodding.

"So leave him be Sam, let him be on his own misery, that goes for all of you, the ring came over him so much, it made him that way." Gandolf said and everyone nodded. Ray gulped backing off.

"Ray-" Peter said glancing at Gandolf. He turned around not saying anything.

"Thanks a lot," Peter muttered to Gandolf.

"Was it something I said?" Gandolf asked.

"Your so smart, you figure it out," Peter snapped and went to Ray.

"Ray, you're not going to become like that," Peter said.

"How do you know? What if I end up-talking to myself Peter-like Gollum-" Ray gulped.

"I know you won't," Peter said, "Because you are not like Gollum, you're Ray Stantz, and you're a fighter, why do you think this ring came to you in the first place? And not to one of us, it's because we
may not be as strong as you are."

"No Peter, it's because of my heritage," Ray said sighing, "I hate this ring," he said again, "I hate it."
Peter sighed putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I remember the way," Gandolf said suddenly.

"Alright," Winston said.

"Gee, I'm thrilled," Peter muttered, "Come on Tex, you have us to look after you, you'll be fine, trust me,"
Ray nodded a little trying to smile. They continued walking in silence towards the exit. They almost made it out when they ran into the Orcs once again.

"Oh no," Ray moaned.

They stood side by side together once again. But when they were outside, the Orc's vanished.

"Ha! I knew that they would run!" Gimi said, "No one want the Wrath of the Dwarfs!"
Legolas rolled his eyes.

"Run," Gandolf said suddenly, "I shall handle him again."

"No Gandolf!" Sam cried.

"We will help," Egon said glancing at the guys. The guys stared in question. "It's the demon," Egon said.
The five of them stood next to each other as the demon approached the final staircase. Ray held the trap ready.

"Get ready!" Egon shouted taking charge. The guys got their packs ready to fire.

"On my mark, fire!" Egon cried. The demon came closer and Ray started sweating. He glanced at Peter
nervously and Peter smiled a little. This was bigger than any Gozer they ever seen.

"FIRE!" Egon cried. They began to fire at the demon. Gandolf was using his magic to shut the doorway.

"It's working!" Ray cried.

"Of course it is!" Gandolf said.

"YEAH!" the Hobbits cheered.

"Run!" Peter cried, "Run for it!" Ray threw the trap, but it didn't make it close enough.

"Oh no!" Ray cried and headed towards it.

"No Raymond! I will do it, you go with the others, and you four have to keep firing!" Egon said.

"But Egon!" Ray cried.

"Go!" Egon shouted.

Ray nodded and went to hide with the Hobbits. He knew he had no other choice. He gulped. Egon ran towards the demon and the door. He grabbed the trap and pushed it closer. Ray stared.

***
Egon stared at the demon as he grabbed the trap. He knew there was no way out of this one, but then, there might be. He pushed the trap closer.

"As Peter would say, eat proton scum!" Egon cried and hit the trap He started to run away, but the demon grabbed him and pulled him in the doorway along with the trap that was capturing him.

"NO!" Ray cried stepping outside suddenly. "Egon!"

Peter was staring as the demon pulled Egon inside. Egon glanced at Peter one last time.

"Goodbye-" he said as the doors shut.

***
"EGON!" Peter cried and started to head towards him just as Ray did.

"No! Come on!" Legolas said grabbing Ray. Gandolf grabbed Peter and Janine. Janine was kicking him.

"EGON!" she cried tears in her eyes. They pulled them away from the door until it was safe. Gandolf
finally let go of Peter. He hugged Janine crying. Ray took off angrily.

"He can still be alive," Peter cried, "We have to go in after him."

"There is no other way," Gandolf said, "The Orcs have him now my friends, I am sorry."

Peter grabbed Gandolf by the collar, "Damn it! Don't tell me about sorry! We're going in there!"

"We can't!" Legolas said. "The Orcs are already on their way! We're no match for them! Even if we got in there to get him, we would only be captured too!"

Peter gulped and sat down on the rock and started crying. Winston was hugging Janine.

"We'll get him back, somehow-" Winston kept saying.

"Come on gentlemen, lady, on your feet," Legolas said.

"What?" Aragorn asked "Give them a few minutes rest!"

"The Orcs will be here any moment, if he is alive, Egon will catch up with us," Legolas argued.

Aragorn nodded and pulled Peter to his feet. They continued through the forest saying nothing to each other. Peter held onto Janine though because she was crying.

***
Egon was exhausted. After he worked his way outside while grabbing the trap, he had to stop. He rested for a minute, but he didn't see the guys. He guessed they thought he was dead. He had managed to blast through to the rocks, but it seemed like it had taken him forever. He knew he had to catch up to the others, so he changed the PKE meter to their biorhythms. He followed them outside carefully avoiding any Orcs. He raced through the forest.


***
They continued walking through the forest.

"This forest is Evil, I can feel it," Gimi said.

"Nonsense Gimi, it's the same forest we went through the last time," Legolas said.

"I myself have never been this way," Gandolf said.

Peter glanced at Ray, he was being awfully quiet.

"That wasn't your fault Ray," Peter said putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Was it? I stayed back with the others while Egon rushed forward and risked his life," he said.

"He could still be alive," Gandolf said.

"Then why did we leave him?" Peter snapped angrily and walked forward.

He was stopped suddenly by an arrow in his face. He gulped and stepped back. Gimi got out his sword.

"Easy friend," the person said, "We are here to help."

They walked through the forest exhausted. When they arrived they were led to the middle of the forest, which seemed to be almost, glowing.

***
Egon continued walking through the forest. He was so exhausted and out of water too. He took off his pack, but kept his PKE. His pack was broken when he got pulled in anyway. He walked up to a forest hoping to meet the guys there. He sighed, that is what he got for taking risks. During the night someone captured him with a bow and arrow. He surrendered and fell in the man's hand, he was too exhausted to try and fight.


***
"Where are we?" Ray asked.

"The Forest of Lothlorien," Aragorn answered him, "Galadriel resides here, she will help us, as she did the last time we met with her."

They met her in the middle of the forest. She stepped down.

"Galadriel," Aragorn said bowing to her, "We come to seek your assistance, we need a place to rest for the evening, a place that will be safe."

"You shall rest here, for I can see you are tired, and weary from your adventure," she said. Aragorn nodded. "Thank you my lady," he said bowing.

They made camp in the middle of the woods.

"Egon, what will they say of you my friend?" Gandolf asked to no one in particular.

"He had a great since of humor," Janine whispered and Peter hugged her.

"He was my best friend," Peter said quietly.

"They won't say much about his explosions," Ray said smiling a little.

"Explosions?" Aragorn asked. Ray shrugged.

During the night Peter found it hard to sleep. He sighed and glanced at Ray. He was wide-awake.

"Marroc, have some dinner," Merry offered.

"No thanks," Ray turned around. Peter went up to Ray and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Ray," Peter said, "You haven't been sleeping since we came here, and you hardly eat, and don't think I haven't noticed." Ray shrugged not saying anything. "Ray," Peter put a hand on his shoulder, "I made a promise to Gandolf to help you, please let me." Ray stared at Peter and didn't say anything for a minute.

"You can't help me Peter," Ray said, "Not this time." He stood up and started walking around the forest. Peter sighed and decided to follow him.

***
Ray took a walk in the middle of the night; there was no point in trying to sleep. He couldn't. He ran into Galadriel.

"You look troubled, my friend," she said.

"I am," Ray said sighing.

"Why do you not rest with the others?" she asked.

"I can't rest," he said, "I tried."

"Perhaps I can help bear you of this burden," she said.

"Perhaps…" Ray said, "Why should I trust you?"

"Because I am the Goddess of this land," she said, "If not anybody else, who would you trust?"

Ray didn't answer. She poured water into the fountain that was empty.

"Look into the mirror," she said.

"What will I see?" Ray asked.

"Things that are to become, and things that may not become," she said.

Ray sighed and looked inside the water. He gasped at what he saw.

He saw his friends being held prisoner, Egon included. The Orcs captured them, and he saw the Shire being destroyed by the Orcs and the evils of the land. He gasped and fell back.

"I too see what you have seen," Galadriel said.

"Is this what will happen?" Ray whispered.

"It very well could happen," Galadriel said, "But it depends on the future of that ring, the very ring you are holding."

"I hate this ring," Ray said.

"I understand, I shall take this burden away from you," she said.

"I will be happy to oblige," Ray said "I do trust you my lady."

She nodded and he started to give her the ring. She suddenly turned evil.

"IT WILL BE I WHO SHALL RULE! INSTEAD OF A KING YOU SHALL HAVE A QUEEN!" she cried. She started speaking in her language. Ray backed away frightened. She became normal again.

"Once again, I demean unworthy of the cause, once again it is in your hands," she said sighing "I am sorry, I will diminish, and stay queen here."

Ray gulped. "I can not do this alone," Ray said.

"You are a ringbearer, Raymond Stantz, to bear a ring of power is to be alone." she said and showed him her ring. "This is my ring of power Raymond, and I am its keeper." Ray stared and gulped.

"I have told your father once before, that this task, was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will," she said.

"Then, I know what I must do, its just, I'm afraid to do it," Ray said sighing.

"I also told your father this, even the smallest person can change the course of the future," she said.
Ray smiled tearfully.

That's when one of the warrior's showed up with Egon. He put him on the ground. "We found him, he is thirsty and out of water-" he said.

"Egon!" Ray cried running to him.

Egon opened his eyes, "Raymond-" he said smiling, "Your all right-"

"I'm fine, now," he said tears in his eyes "Peter!" he called.Peter came running through the woods. He stared at Egon.

"Egon!" Peter cried, "Yo Winston, get some water!" Winston nodded and did.

"Oh Egon, we were so worried about you," Janine said, "We thought the Orcs got you!" She hugged him as he sat up.

"E-Easy Janine-" he said gasping. Winston handed him water and he drank it fast.

"Come on m'man," Winston said, "You must be starving."

"Indeed," Egon said. They went to camp.

"Oh gosh Egon, how did you escape?" Ray asked when they sat down. Egon explained how he got out of the cave, and avoided the Orcs.

"A brave man if I ever saw one," Aragorn said smiling, "But it is good to have you back with us."

"Thank you," Egon said.

That night, they all rested better, Ray included. He was never so happy to see Egon in his life. The next morning they set out for their journey. Galadriel had a gift for each of them once again.

"For you Marroc Baggins, I give you something I gave your father, this water if put on you will protect you from any harm coming to you," she said smiling.

"Thank you," Ray said.

She nodded, "Good luck on your journey, all of you."

The other's nodded too and they set out in rafts. They stared at the shores as they heard the Orcs coming. Ray's sword was glowing and he gulped.

"They're close," he whispered to Peter. Peter nodded sighing.

"How's your pack holding up?" he asked.

"Low," Ray answered "I think we're going to have to leave them soon." Peter nodded, his was low too. They made camp on the shore once again and everyone tried to get some rest. Except Ray, he took off
on his own.

***
Peter had his eyes shut, man, he thought, this trip should could take a lot out of a man.

"Where's Marroc?" Legolas asked suddenly. Peter glanced up. He wasn't there. He had to find him.

"Come on Spengs," Peter said, "Let's go."

Egon nodded and they went to find Ray leaving Winston and Janine behind.

***
Ray went up the hill. He had to do this alone, and he knew this. He knew eventually the ring would take all of them, and they would all want it. It happened to his father, one of the men in his group tried taking it from him. Aragorn wouldn't have it though. Aragorn told him the story of the first time they took the ring to Mount Doom.

He climbed the mountains and that's when he saw the Orcs. He gasped. He put the ring on, not having much of a choice.

***
Peter and Egon hiked up the hill calling Ray's name. Peter glanced at Aragorn.

"Run," Aragorn said suddenly; "Run fast, run hard."

Peter nodded gulping. They took off. The Orcs were gaining on them; they knew they were in trouble. They had to find Ray fast.

***
Ray ran hard; finally he ducked behind a tree and took the ring off him. It was becoming too much for him. He had taken his pack off too. He couldn't carry it any further. He gulped and suddenly, he saw Winston, Janine and the Hobbits hiding in the woods.

"Hey, it's Ray!" Winston said.

"Ray, come on," Janine said. Ray shook his head.

"What's he doing?" she asked.

"He's not coming with us," Winston said.

"What! Ray!" she whispered. Ray gulped staring at them, he hoped they understood.

Winston nodded. "Come on sister," Winston said, "We got to get the Orcs away from him."

Janine nodded gulping. She hugged Winston.

"Good luck," she said.

The hobbits glanced at each other too. "Not again," Merry muttered.

They all suddenly stood up.

"Hey toast for brains! Over here!" Winston cried, "Yeah that's right, I'm talking to you, you-you Ugly Thingy!"

Ray had to smile, but he was nervous. He didn't want his friends getting caught.

"Winston-" he whispered. Too late, the Orcs saw them.

"Run, Ray," Winston said and Ray nodded.

"Thank you--" Ray said. Winston nodded staring at him.

"You Ugly Orcs!" Janine cried throwing rocks at them. They ran but didn't get very far, the Orcs grabbed them and tied them up. Ray stopped staring at them. He knew he had to keep going. Ray glanced at them thanking them tears in his eyes. He took off running until he was grabbed himself. This was it. He thought. He saw Peter and Egon as well. The Orcs grabbed all of them and took off.

***
Peter groaned as he was being pulled by the Orcs. He glanced at Egon. Egon smiled faintly. They didn't have to say anything to each other, knowing that they weren't going to last much longer.

Peter kept dropping things on the way so Aragorn and the others can catch up to them. Pippin gave him that idea. He was doing the same. Janine suddenly fell and one of the Orcs grabbed her.

"Get up woman!" he cried and hit her. She screamed tears in her eyes.

"Leave her alone!" Egon cried angrily. He pushed the Orc who hit her down. The Orc turned towards him. He punched Egon. Peter glanced at Egon and gulped.

"Egon!" Janine cried.

"Get out of here!" he cried.

Janine gulped and nodded, she ran over to Peter. The Orc grabbed a whip. Egon gulped, but tried not to let the Orc see his fear.

"Leave him alone!" Ray cried angrily.

"Ray-" Egon hissed.

Ray shut up. One of the other Orcs held Egon so his back was facing the Orc he hit, and then he whipped him. Egon gasped and could barely walk. Peter was hugging Janine because she was crying. Peter suddenly grew very angry. He hugged Janine and left her with Ray.

"Peter-no-" Ray said.

Peter didn't listen, he went up to Egon, and he pounded on the Orc that was beating on him.

"Let him go you bastard!" Peter cried, "Let him go!"

"Peter! Stop!" Egon cried with what strength he had left.

"No damnit, I won't!" Peter cried tears in his eyes, "You son of a bitch!" he said to the Orc. "Let us go now!"

The Orcs finally stopped. "You are strong human," the Orc said laughing, "About as strong as
that twig!"

Peter gulped backing up. He started to run. The Orc grabbed him and lifted him up by his collar.

"Peter!" Ray cried.

"Perhaps we shall have you as an early dinner," he snapped at Peter. Peter gulped sweating.

"No! We will not eat them," the head Orc said.

"Very well," the Orc said and dropped Peter on the ground. Peter tried to get away but couldn't.

"Oh no, Peter!" Janine cried.

The Orc began beating him senseless. Finally, they threw Peter towards the others.

"Peter!" Ray cried.

"Oh Peter-" Egon breathed. "W-Why did you do that?"

"C-Couldn't let them get you Spengs-" he said and closed his eyes for a minute. "Could use that Tylenol now."

Egon hugged Peter wishing he had some. Suddenly, the Orcs grabbed them all and pulled them up. They made them walk some more until nightfall when they dropped them again.

"We are being tracked!" one of the Orcs said.

"Aragorn-" Ray whispered happily.

Merry glanced at him nodding, "He is the best tracker in Middle Earth, and Gandolf is with him."

"Egon-" Peter whispered. He crawled over to Egon who was dazed. "Egon, you alright?" Peter asked.

"If this is what you deem to be alright, then I am perfectly fine," Egon said. "How about you Peter?"

"Been better," he muttered but then he smiled a little. "Did ya ever think it would come to this?"

"I wish the packs worked," Ray muttered coming next to them.

"How ya doing Tex?" Peter asked.

"Been better," he said sighing, "Peter, I want to go home."

"We all do," Peter said. Janine and Winston crawled by them.

"This is the pits guys," Winston said.

Janine was crying. She hugged Egon. "Thank you," she said and he nodded.

"I couldn't let them get you Janine-" he said. She smiled, but then frowned.

"W-What will they do with us?" Janine asked.

"Probably eat us," Merry said, "Or-or sell us out to Sauroman." Ray gulped and Pippin elbowed him.

"Thank you Merry," Pippin snapped, "I feel so much better."

"D-Do you think they know I have the ring?" Ray whispered.

"I don't know," Peter said, "Hopefully not, they may be too dumb for that."

"I hope so, but if Sauroman sent them, we're in big trouble," Merry said. "But don't worry guys, Gandolf and Aragorn are following us, they will help us."

"I hope so," Ray said.

"I'm hungry, I want something to eat now!" an Orc said, "I say we go for this crowd."

"No! We will not eat them!" the head Orc said.

Peter sighed, "Thank goodness." Ray smiled a little.

"Well guys, if this is the end, I want you to know, you guys are the greatest," Ray said.

"It isn't the end Raymond," Egon said, "Not this time." Ray smiled at him.

They made it through the night; most of the Orcs had gone to sleep, except for the ones standing guard. Peter thought about escaping, but he couldn't see any escape plan. He nudged Egon who was sleeping.

"Yes Peter?" he asked.

"We gotta get out of here Egon," Peter whispered.

"How? There's no solution, without our packs-"

"Come on, we've done stuff without our packs before," Peter said. "We don't need our packs, come on you mad scientist you, think of something."

"I will try," Egon said sighing, "But it looks hopeless."

Peter sighed staring at his surroundings. "Egon-" Peter started.

"Yes?" Egon asked.

"I just wanted to say thanks," Peter said, "For everything, for not giving up on our friendship, and well, everything-"

Egon stared at him a minute, and then hugged him.

"And thank you Peter, for trusting me, and being my friend too," Egon said tearfully. They hugged each other a few minutes.

"We will get out of this, we must," Egon said "I will think of something, if Aragorn and the other's don't get here in time, I will think of something. Ray must get out of here if all of us do not." Peter nodded glancing at Ray smiling.

"I always knew there was something special about that kid," Peter said and Egon nodded.

They stayed like that for a long time staring at the Orcs. They eventually drifted off into an exhausted sleep until they were woken up by the sound of warriors heading this way.

"Aragorn!" Ray cried.

"It's not them!" Peter cried, "It's someone else, we have to get out of here!"

"Look out!" Merry cried pushing Sam and Pippin out of the way. Merry, Sam and Pippin went one way, the Ghostbusters went another as a horse came right in between them.

"Run!" Egon cried.

"Our legs our tied!" Janine cried.

Peter was working hard at untying them, but they were so tight so instead he tried hopping. "I was always good at the three legged race!" he cried.

Egon smiled and they followed Ray who seemed once again to try and go on his own. Winston and Janine were separated from them in the battle.

"Winston!" Peter cried.

"Janine!" Egon cried.

It was getting crazy; they followed Ray to the water.

***
Ray moved fast, he had to get back to the boat. They hadn't been very far from it, but far enough where it was quite the journey back. He knew what he had to do, and he knew how to do it. He finally made it after he was able to cut his ropes with a rock. He ran as fast as he could by himself. When he got there, he noticed Aragorn and the other's were gone. He sighed. He took out the ring and stared at it.

"I hate this ring," he remembered saying, "I wish it never came to me."

Ray also remembered what his father had told me when he met him. "So do all who it comes by, but it is not our decision who receives the ring, it is our decision to figure out what to do with the time we have it," Frodo had told him.

Ray smiled a little tears in his eyes. He knew what he had to do, and he knew how to do it. He was just very afraid to do it, but he put the ring in his pocket and went out on the boat.

"RAY!" he heard a voice.

It was Peter, and Egon. He knew they were coming towards him.

"Go away Peter! I have to do this on my own!" Ray cried.

"Fine, but we're going too!" Peter cried.

"I have to! Turn back, go find Winston and Janine!" Ray cried.

"Raymond wait!" Egon cried.

Ray got in the boat and pushed it off. Peter and Egon glanced at each other and jumped in the water.

"Go back!" Ray cried, "I'm not coming after you!"

"We'll catch up!" Peter cried and they did finally. Ray pulled them into the boat.

"If you think you're leaving us and doing this on your own Ray Stantz, you're wrong!" Peter cried. "I made a promise Ray! A promise, and I do not want to break that promise!" Peter was crying, so were Ray and Egon.

"Oh Peter!" Ray cried and hugged him. Egon smiled and joined in.

"Come on then," Ray said, "Let's go."

The guys nodded.

***
Winston and Janine followed the Hobbits into the forests.

"We had friends here last time!" Merry cried, "They'll help us again! I know they will."

Winston glanced at Janine and nodded.

"Oh Winston-" Janine said, "I hope the others are alright."

"I'm sure they are, sister," Winston said, "They got out by themselves, they'll be fine and we'll catch up to them, wherever they are." Janine nodded smiling.

They followed the Hobbits all the way into the forest.

***
Peter, Ray and Egon made their way to the top of the mountain.

"Mordor," Ray said, "I hope the others find a safer route."

"Aragorn will watch after them," Peter said smiling Ray turned to Peter.

"Do you think we'll ever see them again?" Ray asked.

"I'm sure we will," Egon said, "Winston and Janine must come home with us."

"Yeah, they must," Peter said, "I can't believe we just left them--"

"They'll be all right, Aragorn is right behind them," Egon said, "We had to follow Ray."

Peter nodded sighing. "Winston knew that, he purposely risked his life for ours," he said.

Ray sighed, "This is all my fault."

Egon put a hand on his shoulder, "Raymond, it isn't your fault. You followed your fate, that's all, and Winston and Janine did the same. You have nothing to be sorry for."

Ray smiled and hugged him. Then he hugged Peter. "I'm glad you're with me guys," he said smiling.

"Come on, let's go," Peter said "Packs or not, we got a mission to accomplish."

"Right," Egon said smiling.

They continued walking down the mountain. Eventually they had to stop and rest.

***
"Where are we man?" Winston asked slapping a bug off him.

"The Forest of Gunthree," Merry said, "Our friend Treebeard lives here."

"Treebeard? What the heck kind of name is-" Winston started to say.

"Look out!" Sam cried. An Orc suddenly jumped on Janine.

" Get off her!" Winston cried.

"Winston!" Janine cried, "Help!" Winston pounded the Orc with his fists until he left her alone and
went after him. Winston gulped and started to climb up a tree.

"HELP!" he cried.

The Hobbits were throwing rocks at the Orcs. Janine was helping them. The Orc grabbed Winston's foot. Winston gulped, he was slipping. Suddenly, he felt something pull him up. He saw the tree had huge eyes and a face. He screamed and let go. He started to fall but the tree caught him. The Orc took off running.

"Alright!" Merry and Pippin said slapping five.

Winston fainted.

"Winston!" Janine cried.

***
The Orcs captured Ray again. They were trying to take the ring from him; they were torturing Peter, Egon, and everyone else in the Shire.

"Aaaahhhhh!!!" Ray screamed.

Peter woke up with a start. "What is it Ray?" Peter asked putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Nothing," Ray said gulping, "Nothing, just a bad dream."

Peter nodded sighing. Ray was glad he didn't press the issue like he normally did. He's been having nightmares about every night since they got themselves captured the first time. They got up and continued walking.

"I recognize these hills," Egon said.

"It's because we've been here before," Ray said, "Face it, we're lost." He sat down frustrated.

"Don't give up Ray," Peter said, "Come on, let's look at the map your father gave you."

They stared at it, but it didn't make sense.

"It doesn't make sense guys. Soon the Ring-wraiths will know where we are, it's hopeless."

"This isn't the Ray Stantz I know," Peter said. "Since when are you a quitter?"

"I'm not," Ray said sighing, "But Peter, how can we find out way around a place we don't even know?"

"Well, I'm good a map reading, we'll figure it out, let's make camp here again, and try in the morning," Peter said.

Ray nodded sighing. They did just that. They fell asleep with Peter keeping watch, until he was too tired and drifted off himself.


***
Peter was exhausted, so he fell asleep quickly. He tried keeping watch, but watching the others was just too tiring for him. He yawned and closed his eyes for a second, and almost a second later, he heard Ray scream.

"Ray!" Peter cried sitting up.

"Help!" Ray cried. He was being attacked! Peter grabbed his sword.

"It's that jerk from the city!" Peter cried, "Let him go!" He pulled Gollum off of Ray.

"Get off him!" Egon cried grabbing Gollum's leg. They wrestled for a while. Finally they were able to prey him off of Ray. Peter tied him up.

"What do you want, you slug?" Peter cried.

"Easy Peter-" Ray said.

"I want my precious! He stole it from me!" Gollum said.

"Your precious? What is that?" Ray asked, "Oh-you mean-the ring?"

Gollum nodded, "It was mine!" he cried. He started talking to himself. Peter rolled his eyes.

"Come on," he said and they started walking. Gollum was screaming. Ray covered his ears.

"He's going to give us away!" Peter cried angrily "We have to tie him up!"

"We can't," Ray said, "He'll die out here."

Peter pulled Ray aside. "Pardon me for asking Ray, but why do you care so much? He tried to kill us!"

" I know Peter, but I-I think we can help him," Ray said.

"What?"

"Peter, the ring drove him mad," Ray said. "I guess-I'm afraid it will do the same to me."

"Look at me Ray," Peter said "You're stronger than that, that won't happen to you."

"That's what he said too, I'm sure," Ray said sighing, "Come on Peter, let us try, please?"

Peter thought about it, he sighed, "Alright Tex, but you're in charge of him." Ray nodded.

"Untie Gollum?" the creature asked.

"Do you know the way to Mount Doom?" Ray asked.

"Yes, yes, been there before, with your father-"

"I know," Ray said, "You will lead us there as well then?"

Gollum nodded, "Yes master, I will, untie Gollum?" Ray hesitated.

"Raymond-" Egon said.

"I have to Egon," Ray said, "I have to." Egon nodded sighing. Ray untied him and Gollum jumped up and down.

"Gollum happy!" he cried, "Thank you my master! Thank you! Come! We will show you the way!"

Peter rolled his eyes, "I hope you know what you're doing Tex."

Ray smiled, "Well, it's better than getting to know this mountain, come on."

***
Winston woke up and gasped.

"Winston, it's alright," Janine said smiling, "This is Treebeard."

Winston smiled and waved nervously. "Uh-hi-" he said.

Merry handed him some water, "From the lake," he said. Winston nodded and drank it thirstily.

"Thanks m'man," he said.

"You are not from around here, I can tell this." Treebeard said.

"No, we're not," Winston said.

"What are you?" Treebeard asked.

"We're humans," Winston said, "From New York."

"New York?" Treebeard asked, "What is New York?"

"Well, we're from Earth, another dimension," Winston said. "Man, I wish I were in the city right now, I'd eat a whole pastrami sandwich."

Janine smiled, "I'd eat two, and hug Slimer."

"I'm not that desperate," Winston said and Janine laughed. "Well, maybe I am."

He continued to tell them their whole story as Treebeard carried them through the woods.

"By the way, did we lose that Orc?" Pippin asked.

"I think so," Merry said, "I think Treebeard gave him a good scare."

"Orcs," Winston shivered.

"Remind me never to run into those guys again."

"You aren't kidding," Janine said "I'd like to fry all of them if I had the chance, and my weapon."

"The Orcs have done bad things to our forest," Treebeard said, "We were at war with them before, looks like we may have to go again."

Merry nodded, "The big people are going to war with them too," he said.

"Then we shall have a meeting," Treebeard said, "Come."

He carried them. Winston sighed, it was good to not have to walk for a change, but he was pretty high. He would hate to slip off of his new friend. Janine was looking down too.

"Don't slip Janine," Winston said. "Say pal, where are we going, exactly?"

"I'm taking you back towards the Shire," Treebeard said.

"Wait," Merry said. "We can't go back."

"Yeah, we have to find Ray, Peter and Egon," Winston said.

"And these are…" Treebeard asked.

"Our friends, we lost them," Winston said.

"Oh Winston, do you think we'll ever see them again?" Janine asked.

"I'm sure we will, sister," Winston said, "Don't worry." Janine nodded trying to smile. "For now, we have each other," he said hugging her.

"Your friends were heading to Mount Doom, I will take you in that direction," Treebeard said.

"Right," Merry said and they continued on that way.



***
They finally made some progress. These were hills Peter hadn't recognized for quite a while.

"Well, now we're getting somewhere," Peter said smiling, "Good thinking Ray."

Ray smiled nodding. They made it up to Mount Doom. Ray gulped and Peter put a hand on his shoulder. The Orcs were marching into the gate.

"Well, let's go guys," Ray said and started to head down that way.

"Wait!" Gollum said grabbing his shoulder.

"What the-" Peter said and pulled him off.

"Master! Wait!" Gollum said, "Can't go that way!"

"Why not?" Peter snapped.

"Because! Too dangerous, can't go master, please, can't go," Gollum said.

"Sorry pal," Ray said, "But this is where we separate." Ray started to go down.

"Ray, wait," Egon said, "He's right, it's suicide to go that way."

"Like I said," Peter said, "We need a new plaaaannnn...!" He suddenly slipped and fell down the hill.

"Peter!" Ray cried and went after him.

Peter groaned. He was stuck in sand. "Oh great," he muttered, "I need this right now."

He gulped as the Orcs went past him. He thought he might have sprained his hand, but wasn't sure. Ray suddenly came after him.

"I can't get you-" Ray said gasping.

"Wish we had those packs," Peter muttered.

The Orcs suddenly stared over at them and Ray put his cloth over Peter to cover him. Peter gasped staring at Ray as the Orcs were right above them. Ray started shaking and Peter put a hand on his
shoulder. Finally the Orc left and went inside the gate with the others. Ray quickly pulled his coat off of Peter and Egon went down with them to dig him out. Finally Peter was out of the sand.

"That wasn't too much fun," Peter muttered.

"No Dr. Venkman, it was not," Egon said hugging him. "I thought they had you two."

"Not again, no way would I let them get me again," Peter said shivering.

This time, Ray put a hand on Peter's shoulder and Peter smiled at him.

"Come on guys, the gates closing," Ray said.

"No!" Gollum said again.

"Gollum is right Raymond," Egon said, "We must not go this way, it would be the death of us and the ring will never make it to the fires of Mount Doom."

Ray sighed, "But what else can we do?"

"Gollum was telling me of another way, through the swamp," Egon said.

"Yes, go through the swamp we must, Orcs can not go there," Gollum said, "No Orcs through the swamp."

"Fine then," Peter said, "We'll go through the swamp, but what about the Ring wraiths? Will there be a place for us to hide?"

"We will find one, find one we must," Gollum said. "Ring-wraiths no like water--"

"Then it's settled, Gollum lead the way," Ray said.

***
Winston waited impatiently.

"Don't bother looking at the clock," Merry said, "They don't care about time."

"He's right," Pippin said, "Last time we waited so long just for them to decide we weren't Orcs."

Winston sighed. "We have to find our friends, we'll go with or without them if we have to, we have to get to Mount Doom."

"We'll lead you if they don't, " Merry said, "Although, that is one place I do not wish to be caught up in."
He shivered. They continued waiting for the trees.

***
Peter was sick of hills. Tired of Orcs, and especially tired of being hungry. Well, at least spring back home was coming up, he was losing lots of weight for the girls. He smiled thinking of the gym he went to sometimes when he wasn't working out at home.

"What'cha thinking Peter?" Ray asked smiling back at him.

"Oh nothing," Peter said.

"I know that grin," Egon said, "He's thinking about one of two things, women, or beer."

"Caught me Spengs, I'm thinking of the girls at the gym back home," he said.

"Gosh, I miss New York," Ray said sighing, "Gollum, how long does it take to get to Mount Doom from here?"

"Long time, but we move fast, quickly come, we shall lead the way," Gollum said "Come, this way-"

Peter laughed shaking his head.

"Why does he refer to himself as `we' Peter?" Egon whispered.

"Multi personality," Peter said, "Learned about it in college, that's why we gotta watch him, he could go crazy on us."

Peter made sure not to let Ray hear him. Ray continued to step forward. Suddenly he almost tripped and Gollum pulled him back.

"Don't fall in the water master!" Gollum said.

"What? Why not?" Ray asked.

"That why! Dead bodies!" Gollum said "You look too closely, you'll join them, you will, they are lost-"

Peter gulped. they looked pretty creepy. "Wish we had the packs," he muttered.

"Me too," Egon said, "The PKE level is high around here."

Peter sighed rolling his eyes, "Egon, why do we need that thing? If we can't bust ghosts, I certainly don't want to know if one is here." Egon shrugged and put it away.

"Come, this way!" Gollum kept saying.

"What are these things Gollum?" Ray asked, "Who are they?"

"They are all around us," Gollum said, "The tricksy lights, candles of corpses, yes, yes, don't you heed them! Don't look! Don't follow them! Where's the master?"

Peter looked backed and noticed that Ray suddenly fell behind them. Peter was kept an eye on him though.

"Egon, have you noticed Ray's been different since we got here?" Peter asked.

"Yes, I have, and I think it is because of the ring," Egon said, "It has some sort of hold on him, Peter, we may have to help him be rid of it. I was chatting with Gandolf while you were recovering, and from what I heard from him, Frodo, his father, and Bilbo his Uncle had trouble letting the ring go. We have to stay with him the whole time we are in Mount Doom to be sure it is destroyed."

"NO! MASTER!" Gollum suddenly said. Peter and Egon both turned around. Ray was staring in the water, just like Gollum said not to, and suddenly, he fell in.

"RAY!" Peter cried running towards him.

***
Ray heard Peter screaming his name. But it was as if something was stopping him from turning around. Instead he fell into the water. He saw the dead people staring at him, and they grabbed for the ring. He tried pulling it away. Suddenly, he felt a hand grab him. Peter, he thought, only it wasn't, it was Gollum.

***
Gollum beat Peter to Ray. He quickly pulled him out of the water. Ray was gasping and Peter and Egon ran up to him. They put their capes over him.

"Ray, are you alright?" Peter asked.

Ray nodded, not saying much. Peter couldn't imagine what he saw down there.

"Come on buddy, let's get you dried off," Peter said.

They sat out in the sun for a little while. That's when Ray gasped.

"They're here-" he said gulping. The black riders.

"Oh great," Peter muttered.

"Come! Take shelter! Come!" Gollum cried pulling Peter's hand.

They went and hid by a tree that happened to be in the swamp. Ray almost passed out.

"I gotcha Ray, I gotcha, don't pass out on me," Peter said hugging him trying to keep him warm

"I-I'm alright-" Ray whispered.

Egon glanced at Peter concerned. Finally, the riders disappeared.

"We must hurry!" Gollum said, "Hurry masters!"

Peter nodded and they took off. They ran mostly the whole swamp and made it around the edge and took a break when they got to the hill. Peter sighed sitting down in a tree.

"Look master!" Gollum said showing Ray a dead rabbit, "Look what Gollum found!"

He began eating it raw. Peter made a face at him. Ray looked like he was going to be sick.

"What are you crazy?" Peter cried, "You'll make us sick eating like that! Give me that!"

"No masters!" Gollum said, "Good Rabbit!"

"Give me a break," Peter said.

He made a fire and began to cook the rabbit with some veggies he found from the trees.

"Much better, ha?" Peter asked.

"NOOOO! Better raw!" Gollum said. "What master doing?"

"I'm cooking it properly," Peter said.

"You not doing it properly!" Gollum said, "Leave it be!"

"Look, shut up and let me-" Peter said.

"Hey guys-" Egon said glancing over the hill "Look at that!" They glanced over the hill.

"Wow! Look at the size of that Elephant!" Peter cried, "Although, it doesn't seem to look exactly like an Elephant does it?"

"Amazing," Egon said "But we are smaller here than at home, remember- size here-"

"Cut the chit chat Egon, we have to get moving," Peter said.

As they turned around a soldier grabbed them. Peter rolled his eyes. "Perfect," he muttered, "Just wonderful."

"What are you doing here?" the soldier asked.

"Spying on us no doubt!" another said.

"You will tell us the truth boy!" the soldier said grabbing Peter by the collar.

"Fine," Peter snapped, "Let us go first."

"Forget it, your coming with us!" he snapped and pulled them along Peter glanced at Egon sighing. They pulled them quite a ways. They went to their hideout, which wasn't very far from Mount Doom. Ray
was looking worse and worse. The ring was growing on him, Peter could tell.

"Am I going to get some answers from you or not?" the man snapped.

Peter folded his arms. He wasn't going to tell them anything he didn't have to. Later that night they were sleeping. Ray was waking up with nightmares.

"Ray, it's okay-" Peter said .

"What's wrong with him?" one of the guards asked.

"Nothing, none of your concern," Peter snapped. "Just leave him alone." The guard shrugged.

"We found a creature in the lake," the head guard said "Does he belong to you? Or shall we just shoot him?"

"No," Ray said suddenly "Wait a moment." We walked to where the guards were sitting. Gollum was down there,and he was throwing a fish up in the air.

"The cold hard lands,
they bites our hands,
they gnaws our feet.
The rocks and stones
are like old bones
all bare of meat.
But stream and pool
Is wet and cool:
So nice for feet!
And now we wish-
Alive without breath;
As cold as death;
Never thirsting, ever drinking;
Clad in mail, never clinking.
Drowns on dry land,
Thinks an island
Is a mountain;
Thinks a fountain
Is a puff of air.
So sleek, so fair!
What a joy to meet!
We only wish
To catch a fish,
So juicy-sweet! (Two Towers, Pg. 607)

He was flapping it around like he was playing with it. Peter almost giggled. He was ridicules at times. He almost didn't have the heart to turn him in.

"My men are ready to fire, all I have to do is give the word," the leader said. "Now are you going to start telling me the truth then lads? Or do I have to force it out of you."

"Fine-" Ray said, "Fine-he is with us, he's our guide, don't shoot him."

"Lower your weapons," the head guard said.

The men obeyed. Peter sighed. Gollum did save Ray's life after all. Ray walked up to Gollum.

"Gollum-" Ray said, "Come here-"

"Go on," Anborn said. "If you fall in, no one but your fishing friend will help you." Ray sighed and nodded.

"Fissh, nice fish. White Face has vanished, my precious, at last, yes. Now we can eat fish in peace. No, not in peace, precious. For Precious is lost; yes, lost. Dirty humans and dirty hobbittes, gone and left us, Gollum; and Precious is gone. Only poor Smeagol all alone. No Precious. Nasty Men, they'll take it, steal my Precious. Thieves. We hates them. Fissh, nice fish. Makes us strong. Makes eyes bright, fingers tight yes. Throttle them, precious; Throttle them all yes, if we gets chances, nice fish. Nice fish!" he sang.

Once again Peter rolled his eyes. Ray went closer to Gollum. "Gollum-" Ray whispered.

"Master! My master! You alright!?" he asked.

"Yes, we're fine, but we need you to come here-" Ray said, "It's important."

"Gollum follow you master-we go with you-" Gollum said.

"Gollum, you have to do as I say, the men will kill you if you don't, you understand?" Ray asked.

Gollum nodded, "We captured?"

"Yes, we're captured, but they want you too- you have to come-" Ray said.

"No! We will not come!" Gollum said.

"Come on, trust me-" Ray said grabbing his hand.

"What we do?" Gollum asked himself, "Go with master? Yes, no, we don't know what to do-we go with master."

Ray shook his head. Gollum came with him and then the men put him in a bag.

"No!" Ray cried running towards them, "I got him to come! That isn't part of the deal!" The men pushed him down.

"You bastards!" Peter snapped going towards him "You're just as bad as the Orcs!"

"I'd watch what you say if I were you! If you want us to give you to the Orcs we'll be glad too!" one of the guards said pushing him out of the way. "Now, we want to know the truth now boys, you got it?"

Peter sighed, "Fine, you want to know the truth? I will tell you, you want to know why Gollum is the way he is? It's because of that ring! The ring is evil! We came here from Earth, another dimension, Gandolf
brought us here, and we're not from this place. God, I would give anything to go back to our old lives, but it seems like we never will. We've been here for weeks now trying to return the ring, so Earth and Middle Earth will be spared from the evils it holds, and if you don't let us go, the demons, and everything that is evil will take over Middle Earth, the Orcs will take over, it will get bad--" Peter said not knowing all of what he was talking about.

"Very bad," Egon said and Peter smiled at him.

Peter grinned, "So bad you'll wish you did let us go, oh, and by the way, the Ring-wraiths are after us as we speak. So if you don't want them around, you might want to think about letting us go."

Ray suddenly screamed.

"Ray!" Peter said going to him.

"T-they're here-" he whispered.

"I told ya," Peter cried "Let us go, now!"

The older man nodded, "Very well, but for now, hide-" he said.Peter couldn't believe it. They actually listened to him. He grinned at Egon.

"Come on," Egon said grabbing Ray.

Ray was shaking. They hid by a pillar. Gollum had gotten away too, but he went another direction. Peter guessed it was because he no longer trusted them, and why should he? They led him to strangers who bagged him like a dead raccoon. Egon, Ray and Peter hid by the pillar still; Ray was glancing at the sky.

***
Ray felt as if he were in a trance suddenly. Peter and Egon were talking to each other, when Ray started to leave. He felt he had to go to the Ring-waiths. He couldn't help himself. He found himself on the ledge of the hideout holding out the ring.

***
Egon searched for his friend.

"Ray!" Egon said, "Peter, look--"

They saw Ray waiting for the Ring-wraiths.

"No!" Peter cried "They must have him under a spell or something."

They ran towards Ray and pushed him down just as the Ring-wraith was about to grab the ring and kill him.

"Peter!" Ray cried, "I owe you once more--"

"Ray, quit worrying about it, come on," Peter said, "You were off in a daze, pal."

"I know-I couldn't help what I was doing--" Ray said sighing, "We have to get out of here."

So they did. They ran into the woods and tried to find Gollum.

"Gollum!" they cried, "Gollum!"



***
Gollum was in his own little world. He saw his new masters, however he wasn't sure if he should go with them.

"Masters betrayed Gollum!" he cried, "Masters mean, mean masters, must get ring back, must-- But on other hand, Gollum follow masters, and get ring back during night!" he said. "Yes, Gollum do that, we do that and trick masters, like they tricked us!"

***
"Gollum!" Peter cried, "Where is that little guy? It's not like we have time to waste!"

Finally Gollum appeared.

"Come masters!" he cried, "Come, follow Gollum!"

Egon, Ray and Peter glanced at each other. They took off after him.

"I wonder how Winston and Janine are holding up," Peter said on the way.

"Alright I hope," Egon said, "We'll catch up with them. They are probably trying to catch up with us as we speak."

Peter nodded sighing, "I tell you what guys, when we get home, we are taking a month vacation, and I am sitting in the sun, and not moving."

"Me too," Ray said smiling, "Gosh, I really can't wait to get home."

"Yes, I am worried about the containment unit," Egon said, "We left no one in charge."

"I bet your mother's already there Egon, she's probably wondering where we are," Peter said.

"I don't know Peter," Egon said. "Time here is different than in our world, here it is the 18th century."

"Right, I forgot," Peter said. "Well, I miss TV, Treadmills, Stereos--"

Ray put a hand on his shoulder, "We'll be home soon, all we need is Gandolf."

"So why can't he just zap us into Mordor?" Peter asked.

"Because his magic could be detected there. No, we must sneak in on our own," Egon said.

"Then let's get going," Peter said. Peter started laughing suddenly.

"What's so funny Peter?" Ray asked smiling.

"Oh, I was just thinking you know? About how the hobbits were talking about stories from the past, and how they tell the tale of your father? I wonder what they'll say about you Tex, you know, if we do this right, you'll be a hero." Peter said "They'll say, Ray Stantz, or Marroc Baggins, whatever, led the ring to it's doom, and destroyed the faces of Evil. Just think Ray, it'll be like a comic book."

"Me?" Ray asked and shook his head, "I was thinking what they'll say about you two."

"Us?" Egon asked.

"Yeah, like Winston and Janine risking being with the Orcs for me, or like Egon taking on the demon all by himself, or Peter, saving my life twice, and both of you, sticking by me no matter how nasty, or out of it I become, always being there for me, no matter what. Never leaving my side. And also how I would never have made it without you two along with me. I was thinking what they would say about that."

Peter's eyes watered a little. So did Egon's.

"They would say, that you're one heck of a kid Tex," Peter said giving him a hug "And we won't leave you no matter what."

Ray smiled hugging Peter back, "Thanks guys, I mean it, and like I said before, I'm sure glad your with me."

"We're sure glad to be with you partner," Peter said smiling.

Ray grinned and they continue to follow Gollum who was growing impatient.

"Come masters! Come! This way!" he said.

The guys laughed and took off after him. They continued walking towards Mount Doom. They eventually took a rest.

"Man, this sure gets tiring," Peter said sighing.

"I'll say," Ray said "I really want to go home."

"I do as well," Egon said.

"Well, we can't give up now, I-" Ray started to say but stopped.

"What is it Ray?" Peter asked.

"Orcs!" he cried looking at his sword.

"Oh no, not again," Peter said.

"Run!" Egon said.

The three of them ran together.

***
"Well?" Winston asked, "Have you come to a decision?"

The trees faced them. "Yes," Treebeard said. "We agreed that you are not Orcs." Merry and Pippin rolled their eyes.

"Well, there's a relief," Winston said.

"Of course their not Orcs!" Merry exploded. "They're with us, are they not? What makes you think we would travel with Orcs in the first place!?"

Treebeard did not say a word.

"I think we need to go our own separate ways," Winston said to Merry. "We have to find the others."

"Wait," Treebeard said, "I will take you as far to the end as I can, but we will not fight your wars for you, for it does not concern us"

"Of course it concerns you!" Sam exploded. "You think that they'll stop where they are now? What makes you think they won't come here?"

Winston put a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you," Winston said nodding, "That will be fine."

Sam glared at him, "Well, I must get to Master Marroc anyway, I did not like leaving him back there."

Treebeard picked then up and all the trees began walking with them.

"Gosh Winston, this sure is better than walking," Janine said smiling.

"Yes, it is," Winston said, "And faster, I hope we get to the guys soon."

"Me too," she said.

They continued on into the dark forest when they saw a bunch of trees being chopped down.

"Wow-" Janine said. "Who would do this?"

"These were my friends-" Treebeard said tearfully. "They had no way to defend themselves, only Orcs would not feel resentment in this."

Merry nodded, "Last time, we took out a bunch of them by knocking down the dam."

"Yes," Pippin said, "Perhaps we need to do it again, they did rebuild you know."

Treebeard nodded, "Then we shall help, for now it's become personal."

"Alright," Winston and Janine said slapping each other five. Treebeard moved on.

***
The guys continued running, but the Orcs were too much for them. Ray used his sword as much as he could. The Orcs had grabbed Gollum.

"No! Masters!" Gollum said.

"Gollum!" Ray cried and ran towards him.

"Ray! No!" Peter cried. One of the Orcs grabbed Ray as well.

"Let me go!" Ray cried kicking him.

"RAY!" Peter cried running towards him. One of the Orcs grabbed Peter too.

"Peter!" Egon cried running towards him. Egon got grabbed too. All of them were trying to get away now. The Orcs pulled them in separate directions. Peter gasped.

"Not again you son of a bitch!" Peter cried, "Let me go!" He was hitting the Orc. "If I had my weapon now…" Peter said. The Orc threw Peter down on the ground.

"You'd still be powerless," the Orc said.

Peter gulped. That was probably true, but he didn't want to say it out loud.

***
Ray gulped as the Orc carried him towards Tower of Cirith Ungol. He knew where he was going. Gandolf said that was where is father was captured. Ray struggled to try to keep up with the Orcs.
Finally the Orcs picked him up to help him along. Along the way he lost some of his belongings, including the ring.

"HELP!" he cried.

"There is no one to help you boy!" the Orc said.

Ray gulped hoping that wasn't true, but realizing it probably was. He saw Gollum nearby screaming and kicking just like Ray was. The Orc threw Ray on the ground and few other Orcs gathered around him.
Ray gulped and tried grabbing his sword. The Orc swiped it from him.

"This could be worth something," one of the Orcs said pointing it at Ray, "So can most of his things."

Ray gulped. They were going to rob him. Did they even know he had the ring? Ray had hoped they didn't. The Orcs got in a huddle, and Ray took that opportunity to take the ring and throw it off to the
side.

"You are the one with the ring," one of them said. "Where is it?"

"I-I had the ring-" Ray said, "I don't have it anymore."

"You're lying!" he said and ripped Ray's shirt. Ray gulped backing up.

"Search him!" the Orcs said.They took off his shirt and pants, until Ray was wearing his boxer's. Ray tried fighting.

"Let me go!" he cried.

"The ring is not on him," the Orc said "He must have hid it somewhere!"

"It was stolen," Ray said finally, "By whom, I don't know, it was taken from me in the middle of the night."

"You lie, somehow we will find it," the Orc said.

"I am not lying!" Ray cried, "Let go of me." The Orcs continued pounding him and they whipped him. Ray gulped and passed out.

***
"RAY!" Peter cried, "EGON!"

"Your friends are not here," the Orc snapped. He through Peter down on the ground, "Tell me where the ring is!"

"I don't know!" Peter said.

The Orc punched him, "You are lying!"

"No I'm not, leave us alone!" Peter cried, "All we want to do is go home."

"I will find the ring," the Orc said, "And it will be ours!"

"Let go of me you spineless cowards!" Egon was shouting. The Orc threw Egon next to Peter.

"Egon!" Peter cried.

"These two do not know a thing," the Orc said.

"Where is our friend?" Peter asked, "Where is Ray?"

"Your friend is dead," the Orc said.

"You're lying!" Peter cried.

"Am I?" he asked smiling "If he's not dead, he will soon be dead."

"Where is he?" Peter asked.

"The took him to the Tower of Cirith Ungol, no one will make it out of there alive! Especially your friend! Not if he has the ring!"

"You dirty-" Peter couldn't finish his sentence he was so angry and frustratedPeter stared pounding him, and the Orc did the same back, they got into a full fight.

"Peter!" Egon jumped in and helped him out. The Orcs threw both of them down.

"You pitiful humans," the Orcs said "How dare you, we shall leave you hear to die then."

The Orcs took off in a stampede. Peter sighed and sat down on the rock.

"Peter," Egon said, "Must you provoke them like that?"

"Does it matter Egon? We're going to die out here anyway," Peter snapped.

Egon put a hand on his shoulder, "In all the years I have known you, I have never known you to give up," he said. "We must continue looking for Raymond, he is still alive, I know it. We will go to this Tower of Ungol, and find him. Then we will take the ring to Mount Doom and go home."

Peter smiled, "Thanks Spengs, I needed that little pep talk." Egon smiled and helped him up. They continued looking for Ray.

"RAY!" they cried."RAY!"

***
By the time the Orcs were done with Ray, he was exhausted, and powerless. His sword was gone, his clothes were gone, and more importantly the ring was gone. He knew the mission was a failure. The Orcs had left him a few minutes, and he sat there crying. It was over, everything. He had failed his father, he failed Sam, everyone. Might as well have been, he was too exhausted, and tired to give up. He hoped help would come soon. He knew the Orcs would be back. He tried to get up but couldn't.

***
Gollum in the meantime was still deciding what he should do as well.

"Betrayed us they did," Gollum said, "Can not trust new masters."

"On other hand," Smeagol said, "Master has precious, we must be with precious, kill masters for Precious."

"Masters no like Gollum," Gollum said, "Masters mean, got us captured, they did, Gollum run away in time, Gollum take revenge on Masters!"

"But masters have precious," Smeagol said again. "Must sneak up on masters, and take precious back! Nasty humans! Nasty, nasty humans!"

***
They began running towards the tall tower. On the way they spotted some of Ray's things, such as his shirt, and necklace. Peter bent down to pick up the necklace.

"Egon-" Peter gasped.

Peter knelt beside them and started crying.

"Damn it Ray! You can't do this to me!" Peter cried.

"Peter-" Egon said putting a hand on his shoulder. Peter shrugged it off angrily. He knew the Orcs had Ray. He began pounding the doors.

"T-They must have eaten him Egon, that's why they took him without the ring-" Peter said crying. "DAMN IT! Those bastards are mine! You can't be dead Ray Stantz!"

"Easy Peter," Egon said, "He could still be alive, they did not intend to eat us as you recall remember?"

"Oh come give me a break!" Peter cried, "This is all of his things! Do you really believe that?"
Egon sighed unable to answer.

"It's hopeless Egon, we don't know the way, I don't even have a map anymore, Ray's gone, Gollums gone," Peter gulped. "I wish we never came here." Egon stared for a few minutes taking it all in. Finally, he put a hand on Peter's shoulder.

"Come on Peter, let's get this ring to Mount Doom and go home," he said.

Peter finally got up nodding. He put the ring on his neck and they continued walking. "It is my duty to get it there," Peter said. "Ray would want me too," Egon nodded.

"We need an miracle Egon," Peter whispered and turned towards the tower.

***
Winston and Janine couldn't believe all the destruction the Orcs had caused.

"Man, I wish Egon were here, maybe we can think of a way to rid Middle Earth of the Orcs," Winston whispered to Janine.

"I wish," Janine said, "There's so many of them Winston, and they're not ghosts."

Winston sighed, "Yeah, but they're nasty, they're like Goblins or something."

"Worse," Janine said sighing, "I hope we find the other's soon Winston, I'll feel a lot better."

"Me too sister," Winston said. They came to a halt.

"We will drop you here," Treebeard said, "Then we shall go and fight."

"Wait," Winston said.

"The true fight will be at Mount Doom," Janine said, "Our friends are over there, with the ring."

"Than we shall head that way!" Treebeard said, "And defeat any Orcs we happen to come by."

"Allright," Winston said.

***
Gollum was still sulking in the forest.

"Fishey, nice fishey, Gollum needs fishey," he sang, "Needs masters to give Gollum precious, must find masters! We must! Follow nasty humans! And steel precious from nasty humans who betrayed us, we
must." He took off to find the masters.


***
"Masters! My masters!" a voice rang out. Peter and Egon turned around shocked.

"Gollum?" Peter cried running towards him "Gollum!" He couldn't believe that he was excited to see him.

"Masters alive! Masters alive!" Gollum said.

"Gollum, how-how did you get away?" Peter asked.

"Gollum tricked nasty Orcs, we tricked them, we did, we's tricked them good," Gollum said snickering. "Where is master?"

"I am the master now Gollum," Peter said sadly, "I am."

"No," Gollum said, "Gollum must find master."

"I'm sorry Gollum, Peter is right, Marroc is gone," Egon said. "We are trying to find him now, he is in the Tower of Cirith Ungol."

"Precious?" Gollum asked, "Marroc has precious!"

"No, I do," Peter said and showed it to him.

"No! Masters steel from Marroc!" Gollum said and tried to get it from Peter.

"Leave him alone!" Egon cried and pushed him to the ground. "Don't you think this is bad enough for all of us? Do you honestly think Peter would steel from his best friend? Wait, why shouldn't you, you've done it before I'm sure." Peter sat down shocked.

"Gollum sorry," he said lowering his head. "Masters, come, I shall lead us the way."

Peter nodded, "Well it's about time." They took them through some more paths until they reached the other gate.

"Well, we're here," Peter whispered. "This ones for you Ray."

"Ray would have been proud of you Peter," Egon said. Peter wiped his eyes trying to smile. They headed a different way through the tower.

"This is short cut," Gollum said, "I used it to escape."

"You were a prisoner here?" Peter asked.

"Yes, for a while," Gollum said "Them nasty Orc's, nasty!"

Peter shivered. They moved on and found Ray. They heard the Orcs.

"What happened here?" Peter asked Egon. A bunch of Orcs were on the ground. "Whatever did, it's better for us, less of them," he said.

"Yeah, less of them to kill," Peter said angrily. Egon put a hand on Peter's shoulder. Peter shrugged it off.

"What are you doing?" Peter snapped, "You're trying to get the ring!" Suddenly, something inside him snapped, and he wanted the ring more than anything.

"Peter," Egon said, "You are not yourself."

"No! It's mine I tell you, mine!" Peter snapped stepping back, "Instead of a dark lord, I shall rule everything! I shall be Peter the great!" Egon tried getting closer.

"No! You're a thief! A dirty rotten thief!" Peter said. "Stay away!"

"Peter!" Egon said, "It's me, Egon! Snap out of it!" He shook Peter's shoulder. Peter gulped.

"Egon-what happened?" Peter said shaking his head, "I'm sorry, I-I wasn't myself." Egon nodded.

"Egon, the things I said, I-I didn't mean them, I'm sorry-" he said.

"I know Peter, it's the ring. I know it's not you," Egon said. "Which is why we have to find Raymond, get the ring to Mount Doom and get out of here."

"Yeah, we do," Peter said, "Egon, I can feel it weighing me down already."

"Then you understand now more than ever what Raymond was going through." Peter nodded. They continued.

"Egon, what happened to all the Orcs? Well, it doesn't matter I guess, better them than us, and less of them to battle, good riddance!" Peter snapped seeing the dead Orcs on the ground.

"Peter, something happened, and I fear we must find Raymond soon." Egon said.

Peter nodded. They followed Gollum. They heard a scream.

"Master!" Gollum said.

"Come on!" Egon said and pulled Peter along. Peter nodded and ran with him. They stopped short when they saw an Orc nearby. The Orc came towards them and Peter got out Sting. The Orc backed away.

"You are only men!" the Orc cried running towards them. Peter grabbed Sting and pointed it right at him.

"Try it pal, let me show you how we do things where I come from. What
happened here? What happened to all the Orcs?" Peter snapped.

"We were fighting-," the Orc said.

"Over what?" Peter asked.

"The cloak! The cloak the dirty Hobbit has!" he said.

"Ray's cloak?" Peter asked, "Ray doesn't have the cloak anymore you idiot, I do." The Orc stared at Peter.

"Your just a puny human!" he cried angrily and lunged for him Peter kicked him and he fell on the ground. Peter pointed the sword at his neck.

"P-Please master-" the Orc said.

"You will tell me where Ray is, and you'll tell me now," Peter snapped angrily, "Or I'll run you through!"
Egon stared at Peter shocked.

"He's in the tower-" the Orc said, "Maybe dead-maybe alive-"

"He better be alive, if you know what's good for you!" Peter snapped and let him go. The Orc ran. Peter shook his head and they continued towards the tower.

"This way!" Gollum said. "This way to find the Master!" They followed him up a stairway.

"Whew!" Peter said. "I bet I lost a hundred pounds on this trip, what do you think?"

"Not if you kept eating that Elfin bread," Egon said smiling.

"Well, whatever, we have to find some water soon too, or we won't even last that longer," Peter said exhausted.

Egon nodded in agreement, "First we find Raymond."

And they did. They made it up the stairs and heard a groan.

"Ray!" Peter cried glancing at Egon, "I'm coming!"

Peter drew out his sword, there were four Orcs surrounding Ray who was passed out. Peter glared at them angrily. The one Orc continued whipping at Ray.

"Stop that this instant!" Egon yelled angrily "Leave him alone!"

"Who are you?" one of them asked

"The weak human!" Peter snapped showing them the sword.Peter swung it at all four of them and they ran. "Yeah that's right! You better run! Get out of here you dirty thieves!" Peter snapped.Egon went up to Ray.

***
Ray thought he heard voices but he wasn't sure. He felt a hand on his forehead.

"He doesn't look very good Peter," Egon said softly. Ray was only in his boxer shorts. He opened his eyes staring at them.

"A-Am I dreaming?" Ray asked.

"No Tex," Peter said. Ray felt his hand on his shoulder. He felt someone pull him up a little. Ray opened his eyes.

"Peter-Egon-" Ray said, "Y-You found me? This isn't a dream?"

"No," Peter said. "No dream, you're alive Ray, you're okay."

Ray started crying, "Peter, I thought-I thought this was it-I was dead, I would never see you guys again, the ring--" he gulped. "Oh Peter--"

Peter hugged him crying, so did Egon. Gollum decided to disappear.

Peter, Egon, it was awful," Ray whispered.

"Try not to think about it Raymond," Egon said.

"B-But they took everything!" Ray cried, "Everything, the quest is ruined, everything." He started crying.

"Not everything Tex," Peter whispered and pulled out the sword. "I got back Sting for you, and your cloth, and also this." Ray stared.

"I think this belongs to you, pal," Peter said. Ray's head shot up.

"Give it to me!" Ray snapped, "You thief! You dirty thief! That's mine!"

"Raymond," Egon said putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I-I'm sorry," Ray said and started crying."I-I'm tired guys-I just-I'm so tired-" The guys hugged each other crying for a few minutes. Gollum suddenly appeared.

"This way! Gollum found the way!" he cried.

"Oh Gollum," Ray said and laughed a little. "I can't get up now."

"Sure you can Ray," Peter said, "We're going to do this together."

"I-I can't Peter," Ray said tearfully. "I wish I could, I just, can't- Peter, take the ring for me, please."

"Raymond, I will not listen to that foolishness," Egon said standing up. "You will be fine do you hear me? We are moments away from Mount Doom and destroying the ring, moments, and are you going to give up now when we are so close?"

Ray started crying again. "Egon, I can't-" he said. "I just can't."

"You can," Peter said. "We'll help you."

Ray sighed "Thank you, both of you." The guys nodded smiling a little.

"Come on, let's rest up a little," Peter said. "We need it and the Orcs are gone for now."

"Right," Egon said.

"Where's Gollum?" Ray asked.

"Who knows," Peter said shrugging, "I trust him as far as I could throw him."

"He's not all bad Peter," Ray said. "I-It's the ring." Ray stared at it. "It-weights real heavy on me, already, I feel it again," he closed his eyes.

"Then sleep for a few minutes," Peter said. "We'll stay here, and Egon and I will watch Sting for Orcs, okay?"

Ray nodded already closing his eyes. The three of them rested for a few minutes. Peter woke up gasping because he heard Gollum talking to himself again.

"Gollum, where have you been sneaking around?" he snapped.

"Sneaking! Sneaking! We have been finding places, new places, no Orcs, and you say we sneaking!" Gollum folded his arms.

"Sorry-" Peter muttered.

Ray opened his eyes, "Gollum, where have you been?"

"Sneaking!" Gollum said and took off.

Ray glanced at Peter and Peter shrugged.



***
"How much further until we get there?" Janine asked.

"Janine, if you ask me that one more time--" Winston said getting annoyed.

"Come on Winston, I just want to go home."

"And I do too," Winston said. "But we can't go anywhere without the guys."

"Right," Janine said. Suddenly, they heard horses behind them. It was the others! "Gandolf!" Janine cried.
Janine and Winston jumped off Treebeard, and ran and hugged Legolas, Gimi, and Aragorn.

"We thought we lost you!" Aragorn said, "Sam, Merry, Pippin, you have been keeping an eye on our friends, thank you." The Hobbits beamed. Winston smiled.

"We knew Treebeard lived nearby and would remember us," Pippin explained.

"Not Sam though, he didn't know Sam," Merry said. "But he has helped us this far."

"It's good to see you," Legolas said. "We thought the Orcs had you again."

"Not again," Winston shivered. "No way man."

"I am afraid Marroc has been involved with them again, and is hurt," Gandolf said."We must get to him at once."

"I must go back to my people Gandolf," Aragorn said. "For they are in need of a king right now during these times, the Orcs will surely hunt them."

"Do you want me to go with you m'man?" Winston asked.

"Winston!" Janine cried. "Y-You can't!"

"She is right," Aragorn said, "You must return with your friends, you need to go with Gandolf." Winston nodded. Merry and Pippin went with Aragorn though. Sam stayed with Winston and Janine.

"I must find poor Master Marroc!" Sam said. "I feel as if I already let Sir Frodo down by not being with him at this very moment."

Gandolf put a hand on his shoulder, "You have not let anyone down my dear boy. You have done well."

"Thank you Mr. Gandolf," Sam said. "Thank you."

Gandolf nodded smiling. "Come then, we shall ride off!" he said.

The other's nodded. Treebeard went with them.

***
Peter was worried. The ring was still growing on Ray, more than it has been now. They had dressed up like Orcs to fit in.

"What a pair we make," Egon said staring at his new outfit. "I hate wearing this almost as much as the Orcs."

"Well, Ray here needed clothes," Peter said. "Besides, it will get us past this place."

"Peter, I-I feel like fainting, it-it's the watchers," Ray said. Peter and Egon held him up.

"They know we're back," Peter said. "We used this magic water or whatever it was to get around them the last time, what is it Ray? What is this thing?"

"I can not tell you Peter," Ray said, "It was a gift, and if I reveal its secret it will not work again."

Peter nodded, "I understand, but Ray, it worked last time."

"Then it should have worked again," Ray said weakly.

"They were expecting it," Egon said "Perhaps I could set the PKE a certain range, to irritate them."

Peter grinned, "Try it Egon."

"And I will use Sting to help with the frequency," Ray said holding it up. Egon changed a few dials on the PKE and it made a loud noise. The watchers glared at it, and suddenly, turned around the other way.
The three of them ran through without any problems.

"Nice going Spengs!" Peter said giving him a high five.

"And you wanted to know again why we need the PKE with us?" Egon asked.

"I retract that question," Peter said. "Come on, we don't have much time."

"This way!" Gollum said.

"Come on Ray, we're on our way to getting you back to normal," Peter said.

"I can't make it Peter," Ray said tired.

Peter cringed as he saw all of Ray's normal energy leave him. Peter now hated the ring as much as Ray did.

"Tex, I know it's hard, but come on, you've never quit on me before, and I don't expect you to start doing it now," he said. "Egon told me not to give up on you, and I won't Tex, I promise, but you can't give
up either, got it?"

"I-won't-" Ray said.

"We didn't make it this far to stop now," Peter said.

Ray nodded, "Alright, it's not too much father."

Peter smiled, "That's my main man." Ray smiled back. Egon and Peter helped carry Ray up the mountain.
It was hard. Especially because they ran into Orcs.

"Oh no," Ray said ready to cry, "Peter-I can't fight them-not anymore-" Peter gulped; he was even too tired to.

"We have to," Peter said "We have to."

The Orcs headed towards them and Peter grabbed Ray's sword. Two of
them took off.

"Yeah, you better run, this is Sting! Frodo's sword!" Peter said waving it angrily. Suddenly, the Orcs surrounded them. Peter closed his eyes. "I-I'm sorry guys, I can't fight them all, not this time," Peter said
Egon put a hand on his shoulder. Ray just looked tired, real tired.

"I-It's okay Peter, I-can't either, better this way, the burden will be gone-" Ray said.

Peter put a hand on his shoulder tearfully.

"No Tex, we have to try," Peter said and held up the sword, "Egon, you're right, I'm not going down with out a fight."

Egon smiled nodding. He grabbed his sword. Ray didn't have one, so he stayed back. He was too exhausted anyway. Peter started swinging, when they suddenly had them cornered again. Peter closed his eyes, and Egon put a hand on his shoulder. The three of them stood facing the Orcs. Gollum suddenly disappeared again.

"Figures, whenever there's trouble around," Peter muttered.

"On guard!" Winston suddenly yelled. Peter opened his eyes.

"Winston!" Peter cried. "Egon! It's Winston and Janine!"

"To the rescue!" Janine cried smiling holding her sword.

"Alright!" Peter said giving Egon a high five again. Egon smiled. The Orcs fled when they saw Gandolf raise his staff.

"You better run! You cowards!" Winston called laughing. He jumped off Treebeard.

"Winston-what is that?" Egon asked.

"This is our friend, Treebeard, he helped us this far," Winston said.

Peter smiled hugging him, "I thought I'd never see you again!" he said.

"Me too man!" Winston said.

"Oh Egon!" Janine said knocking Egon over.

"Ray!" Sam called. "I should have never left! I'm sorry Master!"

"Sam, you did fine, it's okay-" Ray whispered tired.

"Master, you've-you've changed," he said.

"How's our superchief?" Winston asked glancing at Ray.

"Not to good Winston," Peter whispered.

"He doesn't look it," Winston said.

"Gentlemen, and lady, we are almost to Mount Doom, I suggest, that we head that way," Gandolf said, "Before it is to late." The guys nodded.

"Ray, m'man, you alright?" Winston asked.

"No!" Ray hissed, "You stay away! Leave me alone! It's mine, mine!"

"Ray, it's me, Winston," Winston said. "You alright man?"

Ray shook his head." I-I'm sorry, I'm just-so tired-"

Gandolf put a hand on his shoulder. "We've made it Marroc, now all we have to do is toss this ring into the fires of Mount Doom, then you could rest."

"Good," Ray said leaning against Treebeard. Treebeard lifted him up and on the way Ray fell asleep. Peter smiled. They finally made it.

"Peter, Egon, Winston, Janine, you go with him," Gandolf said. "We will wait outside to keep watch of Orcs." Peter and Egon nodded. The other's stay outside. They entered the fiery cave. Ray's eyes suddenly became evil looking.

"Egon, he's getting worse," Peter whispered and Egon nodded.

"Come on m'man, let's toss this baby and get home," Winston said.

"Yeah Ray," Peter said. "Please, let's go home." Ray turned around suddenly.

"No! That is what I was set to do, but I will not do it! The ring shall be mine and I shall rule everything!" Ray cried backing away from them. "I shall be strong and powerful!"

"Raymond!" Egon said.

"Ray, no!" Janine said.

Ray became invisible.

"No!" Peter cried, "Ray! Come back! Come on Ray Stantz!" Peter was looking around for him. "Damit Ray! This isn't you! The ring has taken you over! You've got to come back to us Tex," Peter said. "After all we've been through are you going to let the ring take you now?" Nothing. Ray had disappeared. Egon glanced at the PKE.

"He's not far! He's over there," Egon said setting the PKE to Ray's biorhythms.

"Ray!" Peter cried.

Gollum was fighting air suddenly. He was snapping at Ray.

"Get off of him!" Peter shouted and started running towards them. Suddenly, Ray became visible and Gollum had the ring.

"Yes! Precious! Precious! Precious!" Gollum said jumping up and down He was not paying attention and jumped right into the fire.

"Gollum!" Ray cried staring at the fire. Ray gulped. Peter went over to him and put hand on his shoulder.
Ray stared at Peter tears in his eyes. He hugged him.

"It's gone Ray, it's over," Peter whispered. "Gollum completed the quest for us."

"Oh gosh guys," Ray said. "I-I feel so relived of it-I-"

"Uh guys, we got trouble," Winston said .

"We have to move!" Egon cried. They took off running and met the others.

"Run!" Peter shouted.

They ran down Mount Doom together. The lava was running down the mountain fast.

"We're never going to make it!" Janine cried.

"We have to try!" Sam said. "We must try!"

They continued running until the lava was right on top of them.

"See you on the other side Ray!" Peter said.

"It's been a pleasure working with you Dr. Venkman!" Ray shouted back.

Peter grinned. He exchanged a glanced with Egon, Winston and Janine. Gandolf began to whistle and suddenly something came.

"We're not through yet," Gandolf said.

It was the Lord of the Eagles! They swooped down and grabbed the group struggling to run below them.

"Yeah!" Peter cried smiling.

They brought them all the way to Aragorns kingdom. They rested there that night. Peter opened his eyes to find Ray wide-awake.

"Tex, you alright?" he asked putting a hand on his shoulder.

"For once Peter, in a long time, I'm fine," he said hugging him. "Thank you, for everything." Peter smiled.

"Come on guys!" Sam said. "Come on! Aragorn has a surprise for all of you!"

Peter smiled and they got up Egon, Winston, and Janine. They walked outside and some trumpets played. They smiled at each other.

"I look like a mess," Janine whispered.

"Don't worry about it," Egon whispered back smiling.

They walked down the carpet and King Aragorn was at his thrown smiling at the five of them.

"Please, step forward," he said smiling. "You too Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, Merry-, Peter Venkman, Winston Zeddmore, and Egon Spengler, and Janine Melnitz." They all stepped forward.

"Please, bow down," he said smiling at them "I hereby knight thee, arise Sir Samwise Gamgee, Sir Peregrin Took, Sir Merry, Sir Peter Venkman, Sir Winston Zeddmore, Sir Raymond Stantz, Sir Egon Spengler."

The men all raised. Janine stayed where she was.

"Never before have I knighted a female, but this one has fought bravely among my knight and proven herself wisely. I daub thee Sire, Janine Melnitz," he said.

Janine stood up and the guys cheered. That night they partied until it was morning. The next day it was time to say goodbye. Ray smiled.

"We're going home Peter," Ray said. "Finally going home."

Peter nodded. "I'm tired Tex, I'm ready to."

"Your always tired," Ray said grinning.

Peter smiled already seeing Ray get back to normal. When they went to meet Gandolf everyone was there ready to say goodbye. They all hugged everyone.

"Where will you go now Gandolf?" Ray asked.

"I am going back to the Grey Havens," he said smiling.

"But why?" Ray asked.

"Because I am old my dear Raymond," he said "I, myself, Legolas, it is his turn now, we are old, we are going."

"Will I ever see you again?" Ray asked.

"Perhaps someday," Gandolf said smiling. "Someday my young lad." Ray smiled tearfully.

"Perhaps, one day, there will be room for me?" Ray asked.

"You?" Gandolf asked smiling, "I'm sure there will be, but not now, you still have some energy in you."

"The ring, it drained me Gandolf," Ray said looking tired. "Will I ever get back to normal?"

"In time," Gandolf said. "That happened to your father too, but in time, he was back to his normal self."
Ray smiled.

"The only place your going Tex is with us," Peter said. "And if you think about going to the Havens, I'll
have Slimer eat all your Mets tickets for this year."

"That's right, there's a game tomorrow, if the date it the same when we get back."

"It will be," Gandolf said, "Your time is different than that of here." Ray smiled.

"Alright, Mets vs. Red Socks," he said slapping Peter five.

Gandolf smiled, "Well, whatever this Mets is, I hope you enjoy them. In the meantime, I have to send you home before we leave."

Ray nodded. One more time they hugged everyone and thanked them for a well-set quest.

"Oh master," Sam said tearfully. "Must you leave? Having you around brought back memories--"

"Oh Sam," Ray said hugging him. "I have to go home, it's where I'm from, I wouldn't fit in here, besides, you got to look after Merry and Pippin for me. Promise?"

"I promise master, anything."

"And Sam? Call me Ray," Ray said smiling.

"Of course," Sam said and hugged him.

"Sam, here," Ray said and tossed him the magic water. "Keep it, for good luck."

"Thank you," Sam said bowing.

"We're ready Gandolf," Ray said. Gandolf nodded. And without another thought they were back at the firehouse.

"Hey, we're home!" Janine said.

"Well alright!" Winston said "Home sweet home, warm bed…"

"TV…" Peter said joining in.

They raced upstairs together. Where Slimer was there to greet them with a hand full of slime.

"SLIMER!" they cried. Egon and Ray laughed following.

"Now Peter, I do recall you stating this `when we get back I will even enjoy being slimed' or something of that sort while we were with the Orcs.'

Peter shuddered at the memory. "Yeah, well, you agreed!"

Slimer got Egon, and everyone else after that and they were laughing. That night they went to bed exhausted. Ray was smiling.

"What is it Tex?" Peter asked.

"Sir Tex to you Peter," Ray said. "You know, this whole thing was pretty fun in a way."
Peter smiled. "Whatever you say Tex," he said rolling his eyes.

Ray smiled. "Well, fun or not, I'm glad to be home."

"Yeah, me too," Peter said sighing relieved.

They stared at the window hoping to see Gandolf, but knowing they wouldn't. Then again, maybe someday they would. Who knew what you would run into in a job like theirs? Peter grinned and shut the
blinds.