Need Not Wait! The END is Here.

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Chapter 24

Legolas saw it as he half opened his eyes in daze. It was looking at him using his friend's eyes. No, it wasn't his friend's eyes that were looking at him. It was a creature he would forever fear.

It raised its sword. Legolas knew he had to defend himself. He knew he cannot die without saving his friend. He knew Aragorn was still there and that the man knew what was happening but does not have the power over the Balrog controlling him. So in the end, if he, Legolas, dies in his friend's hands, Aragorn would forever blame himself. That, above all things he cannot allow. The man has been through many hardships he swore to Valar he would not add to his misery. But to save himself, he needs to get out of his way. But the blade was about to strike-

There was a flash of the sword striking. The next thing Legolas knew an Elf he knew so well was standing with his back on him. It was the Balrog Slayer- Glorfindel!

Glorfindel had Aragorn on an arm wrestle. The Balrog Slayer was holding Aragorn's left hand which was clutching the Prince's hair with his right hand, and his other hand was gripping the man's hand sword tightly as if gripping it.

"Let him go!" Glorfindel said, "Let the Prince go, Aragorn!"

But then Glorfindel knew that it was not Aragorn as its eyes looked at him and reflected what he feared long before he first stepped in the land. A tight knot on his chest formed as he struggled with the idea of the young man falling into the darkness unwillingly. How would he ever explain everything to the man's foster father?

"Aragorn!" he called desperately, "I know you are still there! Heed my call, son of Arathorn!"

The response was what Glorfindel feared as the man struggled with force that nearly threw him back off the ground. The man smiled at him, something that sent chills on his very spine. But the force was not something the Balrog Slayer did not expect. Having experienced with a Balrog before, he forcefully gripped Aragorn's arm to rescue the Prince. Knowing well enough he would hurt the man, Glorfindel turned a blind eye as he broke his left arm and took the Prince to a safer ground.

"Legolas!" he called after putting some distance with the injured man who kept still on his ground. Legolas coughed as he knelt on the ground with his left shoulder still bleeding.

"Glorfindel,"

"You must get out of this place quick- this creature before us does not know any bounds. He will kill us all."

"But Aragorn-"

"Hush! I will do something about him later, but you must get out of my way."

Legolas looked up at the Balrog Slayer who had his eyes transfixed at the man. Legolas have seen that kind of look. A look willing to sacrifice someone in order to save more lives…

"Please, do not harm him…" the Prince found himself saying. "We have travelled this far for him… please; do not allow everything to be in vain, Glorfindel…"

Glorfindel took his eyes away from the man and stared down on the young Prince before him. For many years he had known the Prince of Mirkwood as someone who is soft spoken and kind, thoughtful, but fierce in battle with great pride. But as he stared at the Prince now he can see someone who does not wish to lose a friend so dearly. There were few Elves who would give that kind of compassion when it comes to other race, especially men. And so far, on his record he knew who those Elves were, and the lone man who made them expressed that feeling.

"I have already made a pact," Glorfindel answered as he looked back at the man, "I will bring him back for the sake of the lives of my immortal kin. For the Peredhils, for myself and you… Now, do not linger here any longer. Go as I deal with him."

Legolas saw Glorfindel's hand tightened on his sword and knew the Balrog Slayer has a plan. He nodded and pulled himself together as Glorfindel stood and faced the man.

Aragorn seemed to be examining his injured left hand as Glorfindel advanced on him. When he noticed the Elf getting closer, he spoke in what would seem like a curious voice.

"It is a wonder how weak men's body can be. They quickly get hurt and die from injuries such as this. But I must say this body has been the best one among any other I have been. Don't you agree?"

They eyed each other and hatred filled the Balrog Slayer's eyes.

"Do not think you own that body just because you are in it. I swear to the Valar I will rip you out of him with Laurë and make you suffer the consequences of ever laying a finger on him!"

"Quite amusing." The man whispered quietly as he set his injured left knuckle like he was not feeling any pain. Glorfindel's eyes flashed as he realized it and thought that if he was able to have Aragorn regain consciousness he would be in great pain for his body was used carelessly in battle. But it was better than let him as he is right now.

Gripping his sword, Laurë, Glorfindel knew he has to use a method only he can do. It was something he learned after being sent back from the Halls of Waiting. Without further ado, he made the first move. He appeared in seconds in front of the man and nearly sliced him in half, but the Balrog proved to be a great opponent as it easily dodged him.

"To kill me is your way of saving him? How ironic. Are you not playing with words, elf?" Aragorn whispered as they danced in the air with the attack and dodge movements. Glorfindel's eyes flashed and the last strike of his sword caught the man surprise.

Laurë slashed him across the shoulder, but the sword went pass Aragorn's mortal body into the very dark soul of the creature. A shriek was heard from the Balrog as pain was embedded on his own body. Legolas, who was halfway across the cavern turned automatically around as he heard Aragorn's voice. He saw Glorfindel and Aragorn stand face to face with the man clutching his left shoulder. There was no bleeding from the man, but as the Prince looked closer, he saw the Balrog's injured body. The Balrog cursed at Glorfindel who smiled.

"My sword knows well how to defeat your kind," he said with conviction.

Aragorn stepped back a little, and then in its anger, he charged forward- ready to strike in full force of his own dark powers. Aragorn's body was too adept in movements he proved to be worthy of a challenged, and with the Balrog using it the man was able to knock Glorfindel's sword away in a swing and held the Elf in a one neck grip with his good hand. Legolas watched all this and his attention was ever full he did not notice a man sneak up on him. It was rather too late when he felt a kick from behind that sent him on the ground.

"All the Elves on the ground, I see."

With a feeling of dread, Legolas recognise the voice to be Raleigh's. He looked quickly behind him and saw the lone man with his sword at hand looking at him through his cold eyes.

"You…" the Elf Prince whispered with his jaw set.

Raleigh eyed him, and then looked at Aragorn who was forcefully choking Glorfindel with might. His eyes, if it was even possible, turned colder.

"Look at him, the noble man of the rangers, being used so brashly by the creature of darkness. What happened to his concept now? All along I knew he would be a very promising ally of the dark side, he just doesn't know it… or if he does he's been refusing the call of human nature… You see elf, all men are born with evil inside them. This man no matter who he is, is just a tool no matter… of great kings or not…"

"What are you talking about? Aragorn is not like you!" Legolas said as he recognised a sudden feeling of jealousy from the man holding him. It was apparent- Raleigh's hatred for Aragorn. "Aragorn is not himself! He does not have any evil you speak of! Are you doing this merely out of spite?"

Raleigh stared back at the Prince and the coldness in his gaze made Legolas feel a twinge of fear.

"I have been so tolerant with you, but alas my sympathy for you is gone. I cannot have you interfere with the plan I worked for that man. Allow me to put an end on your sufferings, elf."

Legolas made to grab for his only weapon- a dagger behind his belt, but his shoulder made it impossible to reach. He watched in vain as in a strike- Raleigh's sword made contact and blood spilled on the floor- only it was not his own body that was bleeding. Legolas' eyes rounded as Aragorn stood before him with Raleigh's sword digging deep on his left side. Raleigh seemed to be a surprised as he is.

"You…" Raleigh whispered in disbelief, "What do you think you are doing?" He looked to where Glorfindel was and saw the Elf kneeling on the ground looking exhausted, but alive nonetheless. He was looking at the scene with the same surprise feeling. It would seem like the man left him in the last second when he felt the Prince was in danger. But how is that possible…? Aragorn was not suppose to be himself!

Aragorn gripped Raleigh's sword with his free hand and pulled it away from his body. Blood spilled freely as the metal was removed from the wound and the man struggled to stand straight.

"Aragorn…?" Legolas tried to stand up, though clumsily.

Raleigh stared as the man slowly looked up to him. Red eyes gleamed still in place of the silver. What was going on?

"This body is a failure…Moving on its accord to save his friend like it was a matter of instinct…" hissed the man in seething anger as he looked at Raleigh, "You failed me!"

Raleigh did not have time to react as Aragorn's right hand dug deep in his heart. In one swift movement Aragorn pulled out his hand and Raleigh dropped dead on the ground. Legolas, too, did not have time to react at this, but the next movement caught him even more surprise as Glorfindel appeared behind the falling form of Raleigh and stabbed Aragorn in the stomach.

"Nooo!" the creature shrieked as Glorfindel pushed his sword deep in his middle. A swirl of wind caught them as the demon shrieked and shrieked. The cavern shook as the mighty power of its possessor vanquish in a matter of moments and Aragorn's body fell unconscious on the ground, but not before Legolas caught him on his arms.

"Aragorn!"

"No time to linger- come!" Glorfindel shouted as he helped Aragorn and Legolas to run. The cavern was ready to collapse.

They ran as fast as they could with the man hanging between them. Legolas forgot his own injury and worried first about his friend. The whole mountain was collapsing and as the Elves feared their run was in vain, a cry of a horse was heard from the pathway below them. Glorfindel and Legolas both looked and saw Elladan and Elrohir waiting below with their own horses.

"Glorfindel! Legolas!" the twins shouted as they waved, "Hurry!"

Glorfindel let out a small curse, but nonetheless he looked pleased.

"They never listen to anyone, I'll let them have a talking." He muttered as he turned to Legolas, "Go down the path, I will take Aragorn."

Legolas looked at his unconscious friend before nodding. Glorfindel set Aragorn on his shoulder and then went after the Prince. The ground shook and the Elves hurried with the beasts controlled from running away. Without much speaking, the twins helped the others on their horses and set off down the path in a hurried pace.

"What happened back there?" Elrohir asked as the wind slapped their faces from how fast they go. "How is Aragorn?"

"His condition is not good, we must hurry!" Glorfindel answered and the concern in his voice did not come unnoticed. Elladan whispered on his horse and they went faster. Legolas looked behind him and saw the top of the mountain falling into a form of dark clouds made by the dust around. It has collapsed finally.

They have already reached the boundary of Rhun with the steadfast running horses when Aragorn suddenly vomited blood. The elves were alerted to stop and within seconds Glorfindel had Aragorn on the ground. Elladan have all the medicinal things in one hand on the next second while Elrohir and Legolas watched.

"His left side injury is not that severe," Glorfindel said as he ripped the man's clothes off and starts cleaning it. "The point we have to worry is whether it will infect his already weakened body."

"There are anti poisons in the bag, and medicine for infection," Elladan answered promptly as he cleaned the man's other wounds. A frown formed on his face as he saw his brother's broken left wrist. "All that we needed are here, ada made sure of that."

"and good thing he does," Glorfindel said without much thought as he placed his hand on the wound and sent a whisper of prayer to it. When he was done Legolas saw the man's pale face turned a little color.

"Legolas, let's have your shoulder look at," Elrohir called to him when he was sure the danger to his mortal brother's life was gone, "You do not look good yourself."

"I am fine," Legolas answered but sat down to be looked at nonetheless, "How's Erenion and Luthrean?"

"They will survive," Elrohir answered, "They woke up after we reach the coast far from this reeking place. It looks like the place did suffocate them. Anyone of us would."

"So it is better if we leave this place, and quick," Glorfindel suddenly said as he looked at the young Elves, "Even though the evil holding it is gone, this place's curse will forever remain and no creature of heaven will last here."

"How is Aragorn?" Legolas asked as a shoulder bandage was wrapped around his neck to support his injury."

"He is no longer in any immediate danger… though it worries me," Glorfindel's eyes suddenly went dark, "what the effect of having a Balrog reside your body for a while… I cannot be sure."

The three Elves looked stunned by his statement and for the last time that day, Legolas' eyes found the man's pale face.

"We have to hurry back," Elladan said firmly as he clambered back on his horse, "Ada will know what to do- let's go!"

They helped Aragorn's unconscious body to his horse while Glorfindel support him from the back. Legolas and Elrohir remained quiet for the rest of the trip until they reach they junction where Erenion and Luthrean were waiting.

"I see no problem," Luthrean muttered as he looked over Aragorn's body the moment they stopped to meet them and he, being a well known healer, checked the man's condition, "His wounds are secured, the bleeding has stopped, medicines for infections are rightly given… I don't see any other physical problem."

The Elves looked at one another; they all looked unconvinced. Luthrean saw the look and had to admit one thing, "Something is amiss…. But I cannot quite point a finger to what it is…"

"Then we must have Elrond look at him," Glorfindel said as he rode in his own steed, "With much luck he knows what to do."

And the party was off to Mirkwood where Elrond was staying and was there within a matter of days. Elrond was not happy with what he heard. He was even less happy with what he saw.

"Elbereth…" he muttered as he looked on his son's unconscious form, "a Balrog above all things? Until what extent are you going to surprise my heart, son?"

They were inside the room where Aragorn stayed in Mirkwood. All the Elves were there saved Erenion who was in the hospital ward. Elrond hovered on his youngest while the others listened and answered his questions. He touched Aragorn's cheeks. It was cold.

"As cold as ice, yet your body is alive…" he muttered as he inspects the man closely. "And the person responsible for this, as you said, is dead?"

"Yes," Legolas answered, "He died moments after Aragorn… or that creature ripped his heart from his chest…"

"Before that, we swear Aragorn moved on his own accord." Glorfindel said quietly from where he stood, "He was already succeeding in finishing me when he was suddenly distracted. I saw the demon's eyes looked troubled and in a flash he was not standing before me, but between Raleigh and Legolas. It was apparent that Aragorn moved instinctively, the demon said so."

"Then he has became aware of the other soul using his body." Elrond said to himself. "But to have two souls reside one body is a very dangerous feat I would be surprise if no damage has been done to his own soul… it is a dangerous thing…"

"But ada- Aragorn will live won't he?" Elrohir asked in a stricken voice.

Elrond did not look at any of them, but he did answer. "His body is in perfect condition save the wounds, but his soul is ripped apart…it is possible that he won't regain consciousness anymore…"

Intakes of breath filled the room. Even Glorfindel did not look so mighty for a second.

"What should we do?" Legolas whispered as he looked at Aragorn's sleeping form. "We cannot let him-"

"Of course we can't!" Elladan answered loudly, "Ada- please tell us you know what must be done! Because if you don't…"

Silent turmoil filled the atmosphere. Elrond has his eyes transfixed at the man.

"Leave us be, there are so much work to do."

The Elves looked at Elrond, and then King Thranduil finally spoke.

"What must be done, must be done, Elrond cannot do it with all of your noses watching him, can he? Go and rest, the lot of you."

Thranduil led his son out of the room. Legolas took one last look at the sleeping man. Only Glorfindel stayed behind and the door was shut close.

Days passed and still there was no news from the man's room. The Elves from Mirkwood were merrily singing for the Prince's return, but it did not hide the gloomy atmosphere of the First Borns. Legolas found himself always thinking of everything he has been through with the ranger from the moment they first laid eyes with each other, to their disagreements, and their first adventure. It all seemed a miraculous adventure, something he did not have for the past century that he's been living. Something he won't even experience without the help of that man.

Every night since the first night they came back, the Elf Prince has always been visiting the man's door. He would not enter the room for fear of disturbing Elrond, but he was well-informed of what was going on inside. It was a surprise to him at the fourth night of their return when the Istari appeared out of nowhere into the man's room. From then on he and Elrond never left the room that sent worry to the young Elves, but Glorfindel was there to inform them.

"Gandalf and Elrond are doing their best to call Aragorn back," he told them on afternoon as they were inside the King's study room, "They said Aragorn is still wandering in a dream…"

"Why won't he return?" Elrohir asked.

Glorfindel did not answer, but instead he said, "I know all of you are worried, but it is no use disturbing Gandalf and Elrond for questions. Never attempt to do it else it would break their connection with Estel. Be patient. If ever you would be lingering outside the room, try your best to be discreet."

As he said this, he looked pointedly at Legolas who remained silent.

As the fifth night came, Legolas was as always waiting by the doorway. He couldn't quite forget how Aragorn jumped on his rescue in his consumed state. He did not wish to think Aragorn would not wake. He wished he could help Lord Elrond and the Istari, but how to do it eludes him. That was when the door opened and he found himself face-to- face with Gandalf.

"You looked lost," Gandalf said with a wink as he opened the door wide, "but some would say you looked thoughtful…which is it?"

"Some people can get lost when they are thoughtful," the Prince answered as he gave the Istari a smile, "and some people become thoughtful when they are lost, Gandalf."

"Quite amusing fact, isn't it?" Gandalf said as he invited the Prince inside, "Come, come, and let's make use of you."

Legolas entered the room and saw Elrond sitting by Aragorn's bed. He had his hands on Aragorn's left hand and was holding on it tightly. Looking closely he could see a faint light come from Aragorn's body. It seemed like Elrond was giving him powers.

"The channel of energy is very important, the lad is very weak." Gandalf told Legolas as he held on his staff while they stand at the foot of the man's bed, "This is another very bad business, very bad indeed, and I've heard of worse."

Legolas blinked at Gandalf.

"You know Aragorn from before?"

"Of course I do. Taught me more tricks than I've ever taught him."

"What was he like?"

"Hnn? I don't know. What was he like?"

Legolas looked thoughtful for a second, then answered, "He is a great man."

Gandalf smirked. "My thought is as good as yours. But he is clumsy, and very dirty."

The Elf Prince smiled. "He will make a very good King."

At this, Gandalf shot Legolas a look. It was a look of intensity that made Legolas look back at the Istari. Gandalf watched the Elf Prince for a moment, then returned his eyes on the man.

"Do you know, Legolas, that when he found out about his lineage he tried to run?"

Legolas stared at Aragorn too, but did not answer, so Gandalf continued.

"It was not an easy task for him. He tried to run away from his fate. But alas, life is unfair in all sorts and it was able to find him again. With much struggling, he accepted, and when he accepted it he became more prone to danger. It is either danger is looking for him, or it is him looking for danger. No matter what it is, the fact that he would always come home to Elrond in pieces almost became a bad habit; nevertheless he would always survive. Do you have any inkling how he does that?"

Legolas shook his head. Gandalf sighed.

"It is because his father is always there to call him back."

Legolas' eyes went from Aragorn to Elrond who was very still as he gave life force to his youngest.

"In this time's event, however, not even Elrond's voice could call him."

The Elf Prince shot Gandalf a look.

"What do you mean, Gandalf?"

"It means he would need you to call him."

"Me?" Legolas looked taken aback for a second, "Why me?"

Gandalf sighed as he gave the Prince a look.

"Upon calling Aragorn, I and Elrond would always see a stream of his thoughts, of what is going on in his mind. Whatever was in his mind was ever troubling… and in it mostly were the past experiences he had with you."

Legolas looked back at Aragorn who was still dead sleep.

"They were troubling thoughts, but most of his thoughts linger on a certain event," Gandalf continued to speak as they both looked at Aragorn, "about a man he beheaded."

The Elf Prince shot the Istari another surprised look as memory of his first meeting with Aragorn whom he called Strider back then flooded his vision…

From a distance, he could make out a group of men gathered into a single spot that formed a circle. Two men stood still at the heart of the circle, one was tall and silent, and the other was stout and was quivering in fear.

"He had betrayed you, did he not? So why not kill him?"

"No-!" cried the stout man, terrified, "Don't- Strider! Forgive me! I did not mean to- they threatened me- Please don't kill me!"

The tall man did not move but stared silently at the shaking man before him. Legolas could not make out the expression of the tall man called 'Strider', but even though he did not know him, he found himself placing his faith on the adan and prayed silently.

Another man from the crowd emerged and held out a sword toward Strider. Legolas watched intently as Strider took the sword and held it on his hands, witnessing this, the stout man whimpered and dropped on his knees,

"Don't kill me! I beg you! We are friends! Forgive my sin- do not kill me, Strider!"

"Go!" the crowd jeered, "Kill him already!"

Strider swiftly raised his sword and cut the man's head without any sign of hesitation.

The man stood still and let the sword drop on the floor with a clang.

Aragorn dropped on the ground and held his head.

"It is not your fault," Legolas said as he entered Aragorn's stream of vision. He had been told to take hold of Lord Elrond's shoulder as the Elf Lord connect him to Aragorn's and that was the scene he found himself in. He found the man lingering in this certain memory and had to tell him, "I have told you many times before this incident was not your fault! When are you going to listen?"

Aragorn seemed to hear his voice for the man suddenly inclined his head in one side as if to look behind him and Legolas was encouraged to speak more.

"He betrayed you, and if that reason is not good enough Raleigh would have killed the other prisoners if you did not do it!"

To Legolas' surprise another stream of thought came on focus and he found himself facing a number of rubbles falling from the sky. He remembered that particular event- the one when they set Raleigh's camp exploding. There were many dead bodies including that of the other prisoners. Legolas realised what was going through Aragorn's mind.

"It is not your fault…"

Then another scene came into focus, this time bodies of his own kin, Elves, were dead on the ground with half of the forest gone. Another twinge of sympathy for the man's feelings of dread and guilt made Legolas emotional as he said over and over again, "It's not your fault!"

His own dead body appeared before him. This time, Legolas was more distressed. He knelt on the ground and tried to hold the man's shoulder who was still kneeling to the transparent ground, but he merely touched air. Not discouraged, Legolas stared transfixed at the man.

"Aragorn- listen to me! You knew I did not die! What is the point of lingering in these memories? Do not tell me you do not wish to continue living because of the guilt? What good will that does to anyone? If you want to compensate for all the lives that has been taken in your account then continue living try to save more people! Save more lives than you lost! Aragorn-!"

To Legolas' surprise, the man vanished. Darkness filled his vision and this sent fear on the Prince's heart. Had he lost the man? Then, the next thing he knew, he had opened his eyes and was back on the room with Gandalf smiling at him.

"Well done…" he said quietly.

Legolas blinked, and then looked at Elrond who suddenly touched his hand from where it was place in his shoulder. "Thank you, my dear Prince."

The Elf Prince looked from one to another, but then he was distracted by the movement from the bed. He shot it a look and saw Aragorn sitting on the bed with his unruffled black hair all over his face staring at him with his silver eyes. The Prince nearly choked in surprise.

"Hey there," Aragorn's voice was hoarse from being dried, nevertheless he was smiling.

"Hey," Legolas managed to answer. "How do you fair?"

Aragorn nodded as he answered, "Never better."

Elrond sat beside his son's bed and looked at his tired face in concern. Aragorn was overwhelmed at seeing the Elf Lord that he bowed his head in respect and apologized.

"Ada... forgive me..."

"Why ask for forgiveness? You have no fault, Aragorn... as your dear friend here says..."

Legolas looked away, but he looked satisfied as he turned to give the father and son room for each other.

Gandalf and Glorfindel watched with smiles on their faces at the reunion of the father and son. That was when Glorfindel said, "It is rightful the twins be informed about their brother's recovery."

"Indeed," Gandalf agreed. "Glorfindel have you ever thought about the trouble in our plate right now?"

"Hn? What? I'm lost at whatever you are speaking of, Mithrandir."

"Well, I was hoping you have seen the fine connection of trouble between this Prince and that Prince."

"Gandalf- what-?"

Gandalf heaved an impatient sigh and shook his head as he rolled his eyes with the point of his beard twitching.

"Never you mind, this will be the dilemma of these two fine Princes."

"Hn? You are saying?"

"I want some cider. And a piece of lembras."

"Oh. As I was saying, let's have the twins know."

"Right you are. And here I was thinking they are the only pair of Prince who can give Elrond a fine line in the forehead."

"..."

"Shall I open the door for you to call Elladan and Elrohir?"

"Nae, I can manage."

"Of course."

And Gandalf gave a final sigh.

~*THE END*~

I wish to make a short epilogue for this story, but I suppose it will take time.

On the other hand, consider this the final chapter!

Thanks for reading and support for this series! ;)

The Dilemma of the Prince!

-WhiteGloves-