He walked out to the night, his eyes on the bright stars above his head. The dark wrapped around him silently, guarding him
with a strange loyalty lost to those that did not understand the darkness. In his silence, the elf understood the darkness.

In his own mind, he was darkness.

A small sigh passed his lips as he leaned back against a rough tree. He gazed at Middle Earth before him. It had been two
months since he had left the fellowship, since he caused the fight between him and the remaining 6. He couldn't even remember
what it had been over, just the burning fury he felt at the mere mention of those names. It had caused him to drift from the
normal world, as he distanced himself from everything that truly mattered.

Lately, however, he had noticed how pale and emaciated he had become. He just needed a friend to unde--

"Legolas?"

He averted his gaze from the hazy darkness, glaring at the petite elf that nervously waited to the side of his tree. "What do you
want?" he snapped, frowning dangerously.

Nica lowered her gaze as she spoke. "Aren't you going to sleep soon?" she queried. "It's very late and you're usually up so
early. . ."

The sun-haired elf grudgingly admitted to himself that the girl was correct. He raised a hand to tuck a braid behind his ear when
he noticed a small silver light flash to the left of the Lonely Mountain.

"Well, what have we here. . .?" he muttered, squinting his perfect vision to look in closer. Mist was all that he could see from
where he stood. "Why haven't I ever noticed this place before?" When silence was his only answer, Legolas turned his head
back to the girl. "I was asking you a question, fool!"

Nica tensed, shyly looking at Legolas before averting her bright green eyes to the mountain. "That's the Forgotten Forest," she
said quietly. "I've heard that creatures that go there never come out; they're either killed upon entering or become lost in the
mist. The stories are endless, really, and none of them have ever been proven true or false." She paused, turning back to look
at the elf. "It's a very scary place, Legolas. It would be best to forget about it. . ."

The maiden's words fell upon deaf ears. The wood elf's eyes glinted behind half veiled lids. "It sounds intriguing. I'm going right
now."

Nica gaped as best as she could as the elf pushed himself to his feet and strode into the darkness, leaving Nica alone. "W--
wait, Lego!" she called, hurrying into the dark after him.

* * * * *

The Elfin Prince ignored the cold as he mounted his tawny steed, the wind rushing past him and beating against his face. Nica
shouted after him, continuing to try to talk the elf out of his decision. "Legolas, this isn't a good idea!" she wailed over the wind.
"No one's every returned from the Forest! No one!"

The elf smirked, glancing back at his one friend for a moment before returning his gaze forward. The mists of the Forgotten
Forest were within sight now. "Well, I think I'll be the first to return, then," he declared, laughing as he entered the wall of mist.

There was an eerie silence throughout the Forgotten Forest shortly thereafter -- one which someone would have noticedd if
there were any creatures close to the area. The silence didn't last, however.

The dying screams of a horse echoed through the Forest, a horrible ripping sound tearing through the night before silence
returned once again.

Two: Let it Begin

"Hey, it's Nica!" Peregrin Took stepped into the council hall with a grin, clapping the fair elf on the shoulder. "What're you
doing here?"

The titian haired elf gave the hobbit a faint smile, nodding to the four other members that entered the room. She turned away,
sitting in front of the council, nervously playing with the hem of her tunic. "I've gotten a disturbing message about Legolas."

Aragorn frowned, leaning over Pippin's shoulder. "What kind of message?"

"Well..I..I heard some rumors about Legolas and the Forgotten Forest," replied Nica. At the mentioning of the Forest, Gandalf
leaned over Pippin's shoulder as well. "Apparently, last night, the Prince decided to ride out to the Forest east of the Lonely
Mountain. It has a lot of us worried, as the Prince is rarely out at night."

"But he's been so different for over two months now!" exclaimed Pippin. "Wouldn't it be normal for him to be out at night?"

Gandalf shook his head. "I think that even he has his limits," he remarked. "Even our worst enemy needs to sleep at night,
right?"

Gimli nodded, staring at Nica as she brought up a map of Middle Earth. ". . . What's so special east of Server?" he asked.

The auburn haired elf raised a hand to the map, pointing to the far right of the map. "My father mentioned something about a
Forgotten Forest out this way. . ."

"Forgotten Forest?!"

Eyes were averted upward as Sam leapt up from his chair, frowning deeply. "What's wrong, Sam?" Aragorn asked the hobbit.
"You look absolutely spooked. . ."

Sam gazed at each of the Fellowship, then at the three newly joined members. Merry walked over next to the Sam as he began
to talk. "Just hearing about that place leaves my hair on end," he sighed. "The Forgotten Forest's gone down in Shire-history as
The Place of No Return -- not one creature's gone in there and come out again . . . dead or alive."

The members silently stared at the hobbit in shock. ". . . Does he have a death wish?" murmured Frodo.

Pippin frowned, turning in his chair to look at the council. "Knowing our confident enemy, he probably thinks this Forest's past
history doesn't apply to him. He probably went in thinking he can take control of it."

"'Sounds like our elf," Aragorn sighed. "Well, what're we supposed to do about it? Go in after him?"

That question earned him a troubled look from Gandalf. ". . . That may just end up being our only choice."

Sam moaned from where he sat. "I was afraid of that. . ."

* * * * *

". . . I still don't like this, Aragorn," sighed Sam, riding on the outskirts of Mirkwood and towards the Lonely Mountain.

"I know, Sam, I know." Aragorn tried his best to comfort the nervous hobbit. Gandalf rode up ahead on Shadowfax, Nica and
the rest to Aragorn's far right. "Don't worry; we've been through worse things, right?"

Sam thought about the horrors that were Sauron and the Balrog, then nodded hesitantly. "I guess so . . . but I still don't feel
very confident with myself. I can't even begin to imagine what happened to all those creatures. . . I hate to say it, but I hope the
Prince wasn't killed in there."

"That's not bad to say," Aragorn replied. "Even though he's our enemy now, it's not bad to feel for him. . . Besides, I'm sure
he'll turn around in the future."

"You're so kind, Aragorn," Nica declared warmly. "I don't think you could hate anyone."

"Aragorn!" Aragorn averted his attention from Sam to Gandalf, who was now riding close to him. "Get ready -- we're going
in!"

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be, Gandalf!" The brunette gave a smile for his friend, who smiled back. Adjusting his hat, Gandalf
gave him a nod and brought Shadowfax back to the front of the group.

The Fellowship entered the mist then, becoming lost in its twisting tendrils and high density. Pippin clawed at it, immediately
afraid for himself and his friends; he couldn't feel his steed under him anymore. What's going on? How could this happen so
quickly. . .?

The next thing Pippin felt was himself falling. . .

Falling far . . . and into unconsciousness.

* * * * *

He winced as he came to, pushing himself to his elbows even as his joints moaned in protest. His back popped as he stood up,
looking at his surroundings slowly and warily. Around him were the other Fellowship, sprawled on their chests and slowly
awakening as well. ". . . Hey," Frodo began, "are you guys okay?"

Aragorn groaned as he awoke, shaking as Frodo helped him to her feet. ". . . Where are we?" he managed. "The last thing I
remember was going into the mist . . . and then falling. . ."

As all the fellowship awoke, they looked at the room they were in. The walls of the square room were dark green and very
high, although there was no visible ceiling. Bright light showered from up above, the light blinding to look at for too long.

"I'm guessing that we're still in the Forest," sighed Nica, adjusting her tunic and gauntlets as she looked around. ". . . The
question is: how did we get here?"

"I can answer that."

The group jerked their heads up, but then looked away as the light stung their eyes. A mocking laugh echoed through the room
from above. "In answer to your question, we have brought you here. Those that dare to trespass into our area are all given the
same treatment."

"What are you?" Gandalf queried.

"We are Misuteri," came the reply. "We are creatures that live in isolation from the rest of the World; it is our nature. Those that
are foolish enough to enter the Forgotten Forest become our toys to play with."

"Toys?!" Nica looked indignant. "We're not toys!"

"Where are the horses?" Gimli demanded. "What have you done with them?"

"Your horses are fine; they are better off than you presently are. They shall not be harmed unless you choose not to cooperate
with us."

"Cooperate?" Aragorn repeated the word that had stuck to his memory the best. "Cooperate with what?"

"No one leaves the Forest without facing a test. Like all the others, you will all be tested. If you choose not to cooperate, you
will die."

"Hey!" Frodo shaded his eyes against the light and glared. "What gives you the right to order us around like this?!"

"Fool. . . You don't know what you're up against."

A shadow began to appear on the ground beneath the Fellowship's feet, growing bigger at an alarming rate. Nica pulled Gimli
out of the way as a body fell from above, landing right in the middle of five children. Stifled gasps came from Merry, Aragorn,
and Frodo, while Gimli turned away in horror. Nica couldn't suppress the cry that built in her throat, screaming bloody murder
as looked at the body.

"Behold our power, creatures. Your enemy . . . at our mercy."

It was the body of the Legolas Greenleaf.

Three: Adding Insult to Injury

It took all of Gandalf's strength to stop Nica's crying, holding her still as she sobbed into his shoulder. Aragorn looked at the
elfin girl in concern, then allowed her gaze to fall back to the sprawled body of the Prince. Clenching her hands into fists, she
jerked her head up to the light. "What did you do to him?" she demanded.

Cold laughter again rang throughout the room. "Your nemesis is still alive, if that is what you are worried about. However . . .
we have taken the liberty to play with him already."

The group traded horrified looks, Nica shuddering as she wrenched herself away from Gandalf "We need to get out of here,"
she rasped, wiping tears away.

"Your only way out of here is through our test. . . Be warned, though: no one has passed our tests before."

"How comforting is that?" Frodo grumbled, shaking his head darkly.

". . . It was not meant to be comforting."

The five stiffened, looking down at the elf on the ground as he slowly stirred. Aragorn moved to help him, dropping to his
knees. "Are you all right?" he asked, taking hold of one of his arms.

The Prince shook his head, allowing Aragorn to help him into a kneeling position. ". . . I feel strange," he murmured.

"There is a reason for that."

A shudder ran through Legolas' body as he pulled his hand back, revealing his eyes to the others. Nica would have screamed
again if she had the strength. Legolas' eyes, instead of being the dark blue that they usually were, were . . . white. All traces of
color in the boy's eyes had been wiped out, leaving only black and white.

"Holy Hell. . .," breathed Frodo, eyes wide.

"What happened. . .?" whispered Gimli.

"Without hatred and anger, you are harmless, Prince," came that same voice from above. "We have robbed you of your
emotions. We have also taken your eye color as proof of the feat."

"What?!" Gandalf gasped. The others echoed his shock with their own exclamations.

Legolas, however, stared blankly upwards. ". . . I want to be angry," he said clearly. "I want to scream and curse . . . but I
can't." He lowered his gaze to his gloved hands, watching them as he clenched them into fists. "How? How is this possible?"

"That is our secret. If you pass our test, we might tell you." There was a thoughtful pause. "My cohorts have suggested I give
you an item. Consider him an unnecessary gift."

Another shadow appeared, growing bigger by the second. Frodo yelped in pain as something hit him in the head, bending over
and holding his smarting scalp. The others stared at the creature that had been delivered to them, looking from it to its master. ".
. . a bug?" managed Gimli.

"What kind of joke is this?" queried Legolas, looking at the creature dubbed his own expressionlessly. "It is useless."

"No creature is useless, Prince," replied the hidden Misuteri. "You only say that he is useless because of your own ignorance. . .
In your current state however, you cannot use Shirenu."

The irony wasn't lost to the others. "You have a sick sense of humor!!" yelled Nica.

"Actually, it was mostly Utagau's idea. . . Prince . . . Legolas Greenleaf . . . your only hope to regain your emotions is Shirenu.
Heed my words and you may actually survive."

Frodo rubbed his head one last time before speaking up. "How 'bout us, huh? How do we get tested??"

"You will all be given the same type of test, but you must keep one thing in mind."

"And what's that?"

"The Prince is your only hope of getting out of here alive."

They stared at their enemy, who couldn't help but stare back. They all knew he would have been shocked if he could have
expressed it. ". . . I think I could live with that," Aragorn declared. "What's the test?"

"We have extracted from the Prince's mind a complex and challenging test. It shall stretch your thinking and keep you on your
toes."

". . . I believe you call it 'Maze of Madness.'"

Although the name of the game wasn't known to strike fear in the hearts of mortals, all of them knew that that title meant
trouble. Madness was a confusing child's game filled with mazes, twisting towers, and mystical items that had to be collected.
The game also had a storyline: a group of twelve children were trapped in the clutches of a witch and their only way to appease
the woman was to beat her mind-boggling tests. One of the children was chosen as the leader while the other eleven were
changed into donkeys that had to follow the leader about; the witch explained that it was to test the children one at a time. As
the story progressed, some of the child leaders went mad and were doomed to wander the mazes forever as donkeys. . . Thus
Maze of Madness earned its name.

Nica screeched as her mind computed the mysterious creature's words. "I don't want to be a donkey!!" she wailed.

"I have no intention of having any of you turned into donkeys . . . no matter how much my associates want to see you squirm."
Nica let out a sigh of relief at that.

"This should not be a problem," Legolas said in that deadpan voice he was currently cursed with. "I am a master at the game."

"You may be a master, but we have modified the game in some ways. Being unable to doubt will be your downfall, Prince."
Again, a pause. "I have just created a door behind you. Open it and the test will begin."

They turned their heads, staring at the bright red door that had been created. Gimli let out a sigh, looking at his companions.
"Should we go now?" he asked.

"I think we should plan," Gandalf piped up.

Sam crossed his arms and frowned. "Plan what?" he queried. "There's nothing to plan!"

Aragorn gave the red haired hobbit a hard look. "This is no time, Sam," she said firmly. "We do have some planning to do,
actually. . . We need all of the information we can get on Maze of Madness. I haven't actually played the game, so I'm no help
there."

"Why don't you ask Legolas?" Merry thrust a thumb in the direction of the Golden haired elf. "He's our resident genius,
remember?"

As suspected, Legolas was unable to react to Merry calling him by his real name or the obvious sarcasm in the hobbit's voice.
He stood away from the group, gazing off into space. "The 'Game Lords' have already said that the test was modified from the
game. What's the use?"

"We still need to know what we could expect," answered Aragorn. "Any information at all will be helpful."

Legolas nodded, his eyes shifting as he realized Nica and Gimli were walking away. He silently watched them as Gimli picked
up Shirenu, Nica checking on the unconscious creature carefully. . . . Why would they care about Shirenu. . .?

"Legolas?"

The Prince returned his attention to Aragorn. ". . . There are different levels to the Madness game. Each level has a maze,
danger zone, and puzzle room. The beginning mazes aren't tough, but later mazes have pitfalls and crushing walls in some parts.
Danger zones are always life-threatening; some of the beginning danger areas are broken bridges over ravines and lava zones.
Puzzle rooms usually take awhile, unless like me you can figure those things out easily."

Frodo' eye twitched a little. ". . . You sure they took all your emotions?" he asked.

"I'm sure. . . Why?"

"I could've sworn they missed 'arrogance.'"

Aragorn touched Frodo's shoulder, looking at him imploringly. "Please, Frodo. . . This is neither the time nor place for that."

Frodo sighed, managing a few heavy nods. "Okay, okay. . . This is just really different," he muttered. "I can't believe I have to
follow the Prince around."

The Prince adjusted his hair slightly. ". . . The belief is mutual, I assure you."

Four: Alpha Level

He held the doorknob firmly, looking back at his comrades. Eight serious and slightly-nervous creatures looked back at him,
silently urging him to open the door and get the whole thing over with. Facing the door once again, Legolas Greenleaf turned
the knob and pulled open the door.

". . . Wow. . .," came an astonished gasp from Gimli.

They stood on a platform that overlooked a huge, green-colored maze that twisted as far as the eye could see. They were
unable to stop staring until the platform under them jerked, beginning to descend slowly to ground level.

"This is the first part of your test, Fellowship. Good luck."

". . . I'm surprised he said that," remarked Nica. "You'd think someone that's putting us through all of this would want us to fail."

"You may be looking too far into his words," Legolas said, although he didn't make eye contact with the elfin girl. "He may be
insulting us by saying we need luck."

Gandalf looked wryly at Legolas, stepping off the platform as it came to a stop. "Well, here we are," he sighed, taking a look
around. "I guess you're playing leader, Legolas."

Legolas glanced at the wizard, not speaking as he walked to the front of the group. "Keep in mind that I can't doubt my own
decisions," he declared, looking over his shoulder at the other members. "If I make a mistake, be prepared to turn around."

Frodo nervously crossed his arms, nodding in understanding; he wasn't a stranger to the world of Maze Madness. "There's tons
of dead-ends in these mazes," he explained. "At least there aren't any traps on the beginning levels."

With that said, the group began their journey through the maze, Legolas in the lead and Aragorn and Pippin flanking him. Nica
and Gimli walked in the middle, Merry carrying the unconscious Shirenu, Gandalf and Sam brought up the back. They walked
in this formation for awhile, Legolas leading them safely for a short while.

The feeling of safety didn't last long.

Aragorn and Frodo jumped in shock when they suddenly saw the floor in front of them drop, Legolas disappearing from sight.
It happened so quickly that they stood there, stunned, for a second. "A pitfall?!" gasped Frodo as the shock wore off, running
forward and right to the edge of the hole. "Legolas! Legolas, are you okay?!"

Legolas clutched the edge of the floor, looking impassively at the Hobbit despite the fact he was hanging over absolute
nothingness. "I guess I made a mistake," he sighed. Frodo shuddered slightly as he offered the taller elf his hand, still unnerved
by his inability to show emotion.

Sam and Frodo helped the Prince out of the pit, standing up along with him and redirecting their attention to the obstacle in their
path. "I thought you said there weren't any traps in the beginning levels!" Nica frowned at both Legolas and Frodo.

"I think this is one of the changes made by the Game Lords." Merry nervously scratched one elbow. "Are we supposed to
keep going this way?"

Legolas and Frodo both nodded. "This happens a lot in the game," Frodo muttered. "We're going to have to cross along the
walls."

Nica looked faint at the thought. ". . . Cross along the walls?" she repeated in disbelief. She shifted her wide eyes to the pit.
"Over that?!"

Gimli frowned in an attempt to look brave, clutching Shirenu tightly to his chest. "It can't be that bad. . . You've trekked the
mountains before, Nica. . ."

"But I had footholds under me then! This is way different!" retorted Nica, beginning to shake. She looked ready to start crying
again.

"Come, Nica," Gandalf started, shaking the girl's shoulders. "Don't break down again. We need to keep moving."

"I-- I know," the titian-haired girl managed, hugging herself to keep herself from shaking even more. The others remained silent
for a few moments as she regained her wits and nodded. ". . . All right. All right, I'm fine. Let's go."

"Finally," Legolas stated flatly, turning and starting towards the pit. "That took long enough."

The group shot Legolas dirty looks behind his back before following, carefully edging themselves across the wall. Gimli had
some difficulty crossing while carrying Shirenu, so Gandalf volunteered to carry the small creature across to spare Gimli the
stress. Of course, Legolas couldn't have cared less . . . literally. The sun-haired Prince was off without a word, leaving the
others to play catch-up.

". . . I still think they didn't take all of his emotions," grumbled Sam, having taken the role of temporary leader with Legolas'
absence. "He's a walking icicle!"

"This time he can't help it," reminded Aragorn, trying to keep an open mind. "We need to put up with him if we want to get out
of--"

" I'm sorry to be rude, Aragorn, but. . ." Everyone looked to Gandalf, who had his attention on the bug-like creature in his
arms.

Shirenu opened his eyes tiredly, moaning softly. ". . . Legolas. . .?" he murmured, his eyes beginning to focus.

"Nope, no 'Legolas' here," Pippin muttered, rubbing his nose. "Just us."

Aragorn smiled at the green creature, kneeling to look him in the eye. "Hello, Shirenu," he greeted.

Shirenu blinked in confusion, looking at the surrounding creatures. "W-- where's Legolas?" he managed, obviously scared.

"He's around here somewhere," Gandalf replied, frowning at the maze walls. "We're all being forced to stick together because
of these Game Lords."

If anything, the little creature looked even more confused. ". . . What?"

Nica laughed lightly, taking Shirenu out of Gandalf's hands and cradling him. "You're so cute!" she cooed. "I can't believe
Legolas doesn't like you!"

The little creature sweatdropped, glancing at the others for some sort of help. All he received were weak grins. "Umm. . . ."

Gimli cleared his throat, diverting everyone's attention from Shirenu to the dwarf. "Shouldn't we keep going?" he asked with a
frown. "I'm not sure about all of you, but I'm nervous by the fact that the Elf, our only chance of getting out of here, has walked
off without us."

Nica bit her lip and nodded in resignation. "You're right, Gimli. Frodo, lead the way."

* * * * *

Less than an hour passed before the small party found their leader again. Legolas was standing next to a wall in a long corridor
(as opposed to leaning against it), staring off into oblivion in thought. He turned his head as he heard footsteps approaching, not
bothering to move away from wall. "I've been waiting for you," he said, adjusting a braid slightly. "I didn't even realize you
weren't following me anymore."

The Fellowship waited a bit longer, Sam tapping his foot angrily. "Well? Aren't you going to apologize?" he queried.

"Do you really expect me to apologize?" Legolas asked in reply. Silence was his only answer from the round hobbit.

"Legolas? Are you okay?"

Legolas finally took notice of Shirenu in Nica's arms. "You're awake," he murmured flatly. He turned around, starting down the
hallway. "Try to keep up."

The little insect creature stared after his master, unable to keep the bewilderment off of his face. He cocked his head up to
Nica, looking at her sadly as the group began moving again. "What's wrong with Legolas?" he whispered.

". . . The Game Lords, they. . ." Nica stopped, suddenly remembering those colorless eyes of Legolas'. She shuddered visibly.

Aragorn slowed to walk next to the elfin girl and addressed Shirenu. "The Game Lords did something to him," he explained,
seeing Shirenu's eyes widen in fear. Shirenu really cares about him. . . How can Legolas be so mean to him? "We're not sure
how, but they managed to take away Legolas' emotions. He can't feel anything."

Shirenu's bright blue eyes began to glisten, as if he were suppressing tears. "I've known Legolas for the longest time...he never
spoke of me..and he may seem cruel, but inside he's really a good elf...he doesn't deserve this...."

The group traded looks, then tried to comfort the small creature. "He'll be okay," Nica said. "He's Legolas Greenleaf -- he's
gotten through worse things, right?"

"The Game Lords said that you're the only way Legolas can get back his feelings," Gandalf added. "All we have to do is get
Legolas from being stubborn and then maybe he can help himself."

Merry walked up from behind the two, one brow raised. "How's that possible?" he queried. "Legolas can't be stubborn if he
doesn't have emotions, right?"

"You know what I mean!" Nica exclaimed, shaking her head. "Oh, who am I kidding?! I don't know what I mean!" Aragorn
and Merry both laughed quietly as Nica continued to shake her head.

Shirenu, however, had his eyes on Legolas' back the entire time as they walked down the long passageway.

"Legolas. . ."

* * * * *

"How the could we lose him again?"

"Maybe because someone wasn't keeping an eye on him, Frodo."

"Will you two stop it?!" Nica glared at the two hobbits and screeched. Shirenu, still held in her arms, shut his eyes tightly in a
futile attempt to block out the sound.

Aragorn rubbed his temples wearily. "Please, you guys . . . we need to concentrate on catching up with Legolas again. This
really isn't helping much. . ."

Frodo and Pippin apologized to the brunette before leading the way down the maze. Another pitfall at a T-path helped the
group figure out which way Legolas went and they continued on with little hassle until finally. . .

"Yes!" Merry pumped his fist in the air and grinned heartily. "We're through the maze!"

Shirenu stared at the new place they were in. ". . . What is this?" he whispered.

The group paused to take in their surroundings, teeth clenching uneasily at the sight of a river of lava that flowed from their
rights to their lefts. Gandalf frowned deeply, taking in the sudden change in landscape; large, dark rocks littered the
nearly-black ground they stood on. Frodo swallowed hard, seeing the rickety bridge that hung above the river -- barely high
enough to avoid being burned. Gimli inhaled sharply, seeing the bright red eyes of a creature on the other side of the river.

The Fellowship had reached the first danger zone . . . and the Mirkwood Prince was nowhere to be seen.

Five: Danger Zone Valor

"Umm. . . Okay. . ." Frodo Baggins scratched his head, frowning as he surveyed the fiery area again. "What happened to
Legolas?"

". . . I'm over here. . ."

Legolas Greenleaf crawled into view from behind a rock before collapsing, coughing as dust invaded his lungs. They hurried
forward, Nica supporting the prince as he tried to speak. "What happened?" demanded Gandalf.

". . . Get out of range. . ." Legolas winced and pointed off to the other side of the river. "Tenderiru. . ."

Shirenu, again in Gimli's arms, gasped. "Get behind the rock!" he screeched, flailing his tiny arms wildly. "Get behind the rock!"

Confused and unnerved by Shirenu's cries, the Fellowship dragged Legolas behind a large rock. The next thing they knew was
the rock they were behind shaking, as if something of considerable size had crashed into it. Nica shrieked, clutching onto
Legolas in fright as the others tried to brace themselves.

"Shirenu, what is that?!" Gimli managed, looking at the creature he held.

"Tenderiru," whimpered Shirenu, wincing as the boulder shook again. "He's a plant monster that attacks from afar with
incredibly long tendrils. . . Legolas, did you get hit?"

"I took it in the back," Legolas grunted. "My cloak absorbed most of impact."

The group glanced at the Prince's Lothlorien cloak, remembering just how resistant the material was to damage; it had survived
fire, rock, and lightning in the past. Aragorn breathed slowly as he pressed herself against the rock. "What do we do now. . .?
We need to keep going, but we're sitting ducks to that Tenderiru if we cross the bridge."

Everyone was silent as they thought, Legolas pushing himself to his feet and standing with the rest of the Fellowship. "What if
we. . ." Gandalf frowned and shook his head, trailing off and dropping his suggestion.

"How about. . ." Nica also stopped, already finding faults to her plan. The rock shook as Tenderiru's vines struck it again.

Frodo grumbled angrily. "It wasn't anything like this on the game!" he complained.

"Stop complaining," Legolas interrupted, his hidden eyes on the short hobbit.

"Fool!" Frodo spat, glaring at the Prince. "You don't appreciate anything, do you!? That's why you don't belong with us!"

Legolas looked at the small man in the only way he presently could. "I have no use for friends."

The others watched the two fight, Frodo screaming and Legolas replying emotionlessly. Gandalf shook his head and stepped
between the two. "Stop it!" he ordered. "We've got bigger problems right now, you two!"

"Nica! Nica!!"

"What?!" Aragorn, Frodo, Legolas, and Gandalf averted their attention to Gimli, who was screaming. Nica, who had been
standing near the edge of the rock, was nowhere to be seen. Pippin rushed forward, grabbing Gimli and hauling him towards
the center of the rock. "Gimli, what happened!?"

"Tenderiru grabbed her!" He pointed helplessly at where Nica had previously been standing. The Fellowship looked sickly at
each other, their faces becoming panicked when Nica screamed from beyond the rock. "What can we do?!" Gimli was almost
hopping up and down in anxiety. "We need to help her!!"

Merry, being who he was, threw caution to the wind. "We're not losing anyone now!" he growled, launching from behind the
rock and after Nica. He didn't notice a second person follow him out.

"Merry!" Nica was clawing futilely at the ground, trying to slow the vines that were dragging her towards the river of lava. Her
eyes went past Merry and widened. "Legolas?!"

Merry was surprised to discover the elf was hot on his heels, but he managed to keep his eyes focused on Nica. "Hold on,
Nica!" He dove and grabbed her wrists, adding his weight to her own to slow the creature. In turn, Merry felt Legolas latch
onto his ankles.

"This isn't going to stop it!" Legolas shouted, coughing again as dust was blown into his face. "Any ideas?"

"What're you asking me for?!?" Merry screamed, a vein appearing on his forehead. "You're supposed to be the brain,
remember?! I was just being courageous!"

"So this is courage?! You mean stupidity!"

Merry and Nica's eyes widened at the sudden vehemence in Legolas' voice. "What the--" Nica began, staring at the blue eyed
elf. She was interrupted by the sound of someone shouting.

Nica held Merry's wrist in two hands as she spotted Frodo reaching into his pocket, pulling out his glowing sword. "That's
weird. . .," he managed. "Usually only glows when orcs are around. . ."

"Nica, catch that rock with your free foot!" Legolas screamed, interrupting Nica's thoughts.

The auburn-haired girl complied, gasping as all three of them were slammed into the side of the rock. Out of the corner of her
eye, Nica was able to see the three others running towards them. "I can't hold it!" she cried, tears of pain springing to her olive
eyes. She let go of Merry's hands and was again dragged from view.

"Nica!" Legolas and Merry's screams mirrored each other.

Legolas struggled to his feet, running from the shelter of the rock and pulling the sword out of Frodo's grasp. It hummed loudly
in his hands, much to his confusion. Frodo was immediately at his side. He gasped in realization. "Legolas, Shirenu can fight!"
Another thought occurred to the hobbit.....but he doesn't have any weapons...

That was all Legolas had to hear. He spun around and faced Shirenu, who had climbed out of Gimli's arms and was looking at
his master in determination.

"Shirenu.....go!"

Frodo blinked in surprise as a beam of energy shot from his sword to Shirenu.

Every single member -- from Frodo to Legolas -- stared at the new creature that stood before them in silent wonder. Butterfly
wings speckled yellow and red grew out of the creature's back, giving it a grandiose appearance as its red armor gleamed. It
stood on two legs and held a fighting stance. It took to the air effortlessly, diving at Nica as she was dragged down towards the
river.

"Nica!!" chorused the fellowship as the girl disappeared from view.

A burning aura emanated from Shirenu, singeing everyone's hair slightly and frightening the Tenderiru enough to release Nica.
Not letting up from his dive, Shirenu continued downward and right over the cliff, catching Nica as she fell.

"Are you all right?" he quietly queried, flying back upward and setting the elf down.

"I'll be fine. . . Look out!" The girl pointed at something behind the creature.

Shirenu flew up immediately, watching Shirenu's long vines snap through the air and strike another boulder close to where he
had been standing. From down below, he could hear Legolas's voice. "Shirenu, take it out!"

"'Sounds like a good idea," agreed the creature, heading right for the monster that was rooted to its place. He darted out of the
way as the vines shot out at him, wings glistening in the light emitted from the fire river.

The beings watched in awe as Shirenu's butterfly wings began to glow extremely bright, flames leaping wildly at his will. Shirenu
yelled out as the flames wrapped around him and funneled out in an intense barrage, striking Tenderiru violently and repetitively.
It screeched inhumanly, writhing in agony before finally dying, becoming bits of dust that dissolved into nothingness.

Shirenu flew back to the side of the river the fellowship was standing on, landing just before the power wore off and was drawn
back into Frodo's sword. Aragorn took it upon himself to state the obvious. "I didn't know that you could use the others
weapons, Legolas. . ."

"Neither did I," murmured the elf.

Frodo whistled lowly as he pocketed his sword, glancing from Shirenu to Legolas and back. " I didn't know you had it in you,
Shirenu," he chuckled, grinning. "That was pretty cool!"

"I didn't know you were that strong either." Legolas looked down at his friend, then bent down. "How did that happen?"

"You were unconsciously being brave, Legolas," Shirenu reported happily. Pride could be seen in the creature's eyes. "That's
how you used the Sword of Courage!"

Legolas's eyes twitched. "That wasn't bravery -- that was pure idiocy!" He shook his head, running a hand through his hair
unconsciously. "Actually, that probably makes sense . . . considering who the holder of the Sword of Courage is now. . ."

Frodo flushed red in anger, but was unable to voice his rage due to other people speaking up first. "Did you just make a
joke?!" Sam sputtered, blue eyes widening by the second.

"I think he did!" cried Aragorn, unable to keep the surprise off of his face either.

". . . But that means. . ." Nica looked hard at the Prince, then walked up and pulled his face close to hers before he could
protest. She bit her lip and expected to be unnerved by the colorlessness of Legolas's eyes, but was surprised to see the
slightest tinge of blue in his irises. "Ahh! I can see color!"

Legolas frowned slightly, snatching himself back. "Apparently I have some emotions back, but I still can't feel annoyance." He
stuck a finger between his face and Nica's. "Consider yourself lucky; I'd be on you in a second if I were normal right now."
With that said, he picked up Shirenu and started towards the bridge.

The others glanced at each other. "I don't know whether to be thrilled or shocked by what he just said," declared Nica, smiling
lightly at her friends before walking off after the blonde-haired Prince.

"Things just get weirder and weirder. . .," sighed Aragorn, walking after the two.

In a moment of agreement, both Gimli and Frodo muttered, "No kidding."

Six: Puzzle Room Knowledge

Nica held Gandalf's hand tightly as she took the final step off of the bridge, her teeth still clenched tightly in apprehension.
Gandalf patted the elfin girl's hand, comforting her with the small gesture. Carefully releasing the wizard's hand, Nica followed
the others off towards the exit of the danger zone.

"Just our luck," Aragorn muttered, slowing in his walk to speak with the hobbit. "We can't see anything past that hole."

"Maybe they want to 'surprise' us," Merry replied, emphasizing on the 'surprise.' "We really don't have much of a choice but to
keep going."

The brunette nodded in agreement, watching Gimli hurry to catch up with Nica and Frodo. "We have a means to defend
ourselves now," he said, pointing ahead at their current leader.

Merry gave the Prince a suspicious look. "We can't trust him," he stated. "We may be allied with him right now, but the minute
we're out--" he snapped his fingers for proper emphasis "-- he'll be our enemy again."

". . . I don't know, Merry" Aragorn looked at his friend, then at the back of the Prince. "We still have a long way to go; he may
change his mind."

"I hate to be a cynic, Aragorn, but I have to say that I doubt it," the little man sighed. He crossed his arms, a forlorn look
abruptly crossing his face. "God, I miss the Shire."

Aragorn patted Merry's shoulder. "I miss Arwen," he murmured. They continued to walk in silence.

* * * * *

Frodo scratched his head, looking at the new room curiously. "Where are we?" he asked outloud, not really expecting an
answer.

"This must be the first puzzle room," Legolas said from in front of him. The green clad elf turned, gesturing to the reflective
walls. ". . . What kind of puzzle might this be, though. . .?"

The hobbit shrugged as he watched the elf think, then said, "Well, if you look at it from here, you can see these things on the
ceiling." He pointed upward.

Legolas looked upward, frowning as much as his current impediments allowed him to -- which really wasn't much. "What are
those?" he wondered outloud, scanning the ceiling to see large, colorful spheres lining the ceiling. Purple, green, red, yellow,
blue, orange, white, and even black spheres glittered down at him, flickering occasionally.

Pippin raised his head as well and stared at the spheres for a long moment. "Those things remind me of this childhood game I
played before," he remarked.

The others looked his way. "What kind of game?" queried Nica.

"You controlled catapults and shot spheres like those--" he pointed up again "-- onto the ceiling. Three same-colored spheres
touching would make them disappear."

"I think I've heard of that," Legolas said, lowering his gaze. He set Shirenu down and crossed his arms. "That doesn't explain
much, though."

"Actually, it explains a lot!"

The members tensed, looking to the far side of the room to see two reptilian creatures smiling at them. Both had big, friendly
eyes and wore bright smiles. Shirenu blinked at the two creatures. "Those are Bububure and Popum," he said. "They're
tricksters that love to play games."

"Really?" Gandalf looked genuinely surprised. "I have never heard of these creatures before. . ."

Bububure, bright green in color, giggled. "We were told that we have to challenge you guys in here!" he said cheerfully. "This is
your first puzzle test!" He pointed up to the ceiling. "Those balls on the ceiling need to be cleared out for you to continue."
Popum, the blue creature resembling a dinosaur, snapped his claws and two wood-and-metal contraptions appeared in the
room. "These catapults will be used to shoot balls up on the ceiling. Three balls touching will trigger them to disappear. Do you
understand?"

All of the fellowship looked warily at the two dinosaurs, then huddled. "Those rules are just like the ones in the olden days,"
Pippin reported. "I think we can do this."

"This almost sounds fun!" Nica said, smiling. "It's like a big game!"

Legolas glanced at the girl. "This whole test is a game," he said flatly. "If you've been scared of this test so far, you shouldn't
stop being worried yet."

::Here comes that high-and-mighty attitude again, Nica thought to herself. I was starting to like him again, too!:: She rolled her
eyes at Legolas and started toward the catapult. The others slowly followed her example, leaving Legolas and Shirenu to
follow.

Frodo pushed at the catapult on one side. "This thing's hard to move!" he exclaimed, frowning. "Hey, someone give me a
hand!"

Aragorn and Gimli joined Frodo on one side of the machine, all of them pushing together. The catapult shifted as they pushed,
causing the bottom half of the mechanism to shift right while the top shifted to the left. ". . . I guess that's how we're supposed to
move it," Legolas mumbled, getting on the opposite side of the catapult with T.K. and Nica. They pushed the catapult back,
reversing the actions of the other three Digidestined.

"So, are ya ready?" chirped Popum in an annoyingly-cute voice.

"Yeah, we are!" confirmed Frodo, turning his head to nod at the two.

"GO!"

A blue sphere appeared in their catapult, followed shortly by the two's. They nervously watched as the two creatures aimed
their catapult, shooting the ball to strike two blue spheres in the ceiling. They all disappeared together. The Prince cleared his
throat to regain the Fellowship's attention.

"Pull!" ordered Legolas, looking at Gandalf and Nica. They pulled at the catapult, aiming the top half to two blue spheres. The
Prince looked back at his friend and glared meaningfully. Shirenu jerked on a small lever at the bottom of the contraption,
launching the ball into the air.

The ball missed its mark, a red sphere appearing in the catapult. Frodo looked over at Bububure and Popum, seeing them
rapidly firing off the catapult. "C'mon!" the elf growled. "Let's pick up the pace!" He moved from the catapult and promptly
assumed position of catapult-launcher.

Six rapidly-shot spheres later, Legolas turned and shot the former ring bearer a venomous glare. "What are you doing?!" he
demanded, fists clenched. "We're going to lose at this rate!"

Frodo blinked, releasing two balls in his surprise. The machine began to shake as soon as the red and orange balls became
stuck between green and purple balls. "Frodo, you broke it!" Gimli gasped, releasing the catapult and backing away.

Gandalf shook his head, pushing the catapult aimer to a relatively-safe spot and pulling on the lever. The black ball shot up into
the air and the catapult stopped shaking. However, another row of balls appeared behind the already-existing rows. "Every
eight balls, the room begins to shake. . . Every ten balls, another row appears," he explained, frowning. "We need to get rid of
these spheres before the rows reach the ground . . . or we'll lose."

"Not to mention get crushed!" piped up Shirenu, nervously looking at the ceiling in fear of it falling down on them without
warning.

Nica began wailing again. "I don't like this game anymore!!"

Aragorn gripped his side of the catapult firmly. "I thought these puzzles were supposed to be non-lethal," he sighed.

"Another change made by the Game Lords," Gimli muttered morbidly.

Frodo's gaze wandered to the two creatures, who had just popped a trio of Fellowship's side of the puzzle. "What the--!!?"

Bububure and Popum giggled loudly, looking at the distraught member in amusement. "Feeling stressed, kids?" they taunted in
unison before returning to their work.

Gandalf frowned deeply. "Just as I thought," he mumbled, rubbing his chin as he looked at the ceiling. "The balls that fall free
without popping go to the opposite team's side.Once the balls hit the floor on one team, the ones on the opposite team's side
disappear and the game's over."

Legolas was silently seething, seeing as his present amount of emotions didn't allow him to throw a tantrum. "You should have
told us sooner!" he hissed. "Let's waste those annoying creatures!"

Frodo flashed the blonde-haired elf a wide grin. "All right! I like the way you're talking, Legolas!" The two took hold of the
catapult again, leading the rest into a series of precise shots that would have made snipers weep in envy.

"Okay, we've got one long chain growing here!" exclaimed Frodo, motioning to the long, curling string of spheres only a few
feet above him.

"And four more shots before another row appears!" Shirenu added. The Fellowship allowed themselves to glance at Bububure
and Popum's side, seeing that the two were struggling to maintain a level a few feet above their heads.

Legolas smirked a little at the two's misfortune. "Let's make those four count. . . We have an orange at the top of the chain,
along with the one on the catapult." He gestured to the two in turn. "Hopefully we'll have another orange right after this." They
adjusted the catapult again, firing the orange sphere to hit the one already on the ceiling. As the Prince had hoped, another
orange appeared on the catapult. However, the catapult began to shake again.

The elf turned to glare at his green partner. "'And four more shots before another row appears,'" he mimicked sarcastically,
frowning angrily. "You can't even count right, you imbecile!"

Shirenu winced at his master's words, bringing up his little arms to shield his face. When no blow came, the little creature
looked up to see Legolas trying to adjust the catapult despite the shaking. Nica sighed as she noticed the fearful look on
Shirenu's face, leaving her place at the catapult to comfort the little one. "Don't feel bad," she said quietly, picking Shirenu up
and hugging him to her chest. "I wasn't even counting."

Gimli quietly manned the firing lever as Legolas and Frodo tried to set up the catapult; the two boys had had Gandalf and
Aragorn step away so they could work at it together. Legolas looked between the far wall and the current setting of the
catapult, calculating the angles and ending results in his head and then recalculating them. ". . . Let it go," he finally said, nodding
at Gimli.

The dwarf nodded, pulling on the lever and releasing the sphere into the air. Everyone crossed their fingers as it bounced off the
wall, striking the two orange balls right on. The three oranges disappeared, the long chain collapsing and shooting to the other
side of the room. They shrieked as the balls piled up before smashing down on them. All of the kids and Shirenu winced at the
sight.

Silence hung in the air for a few moments as the two catapults vanished completely.

". . . I feel sorry for them," Aragorn finally said. "They weren't that bad."

". . . For dangerous, bloodthirsty digimon, they weren't," muttered Legolas. "Don't feel sorry for them; there was more to them
than what they showed."

Gimli looked at the Prince skeptically, standing close to Nica and Shirenu. "Somehow I doubt that."

". . . . Oh, you should listen to the Prince, children. He's absolutely right."

Gasps flooded the room as the colorful spheres shifted and fell away, revealing Bububure and Popum, completely unscathed.
Their large eyes gleamed crimson as they sneered, and they didn't look at all as innocent and friendly as before. They giggled at
the expressions on the Fellowship's faces, their resounding laughter wicked and horribly twisted. Bububure, as usual, spoke for
the two, taking a step forward on the pile of balls.

"Play time's over, kiddies. Now we fight."

Seven: Night Happenings

The Fellowship quickly backed away as the two slid down the hill of colored spheres, putting a few meters between them as
they did so. Frodo Baggins glared at the creatures meaningfully. "Let us through; we passed your test already!"

Bububure chortled, leering wickedly. "That's not how this test works," he declared, raising his short arms above his head.

The group tensed, jaws dropping as some of the spheres behind the monsters began to float into the air. "Scatter!!" shrieked
Gandalf, grabbing Aragorn's arm and hightailing it away from the others. Frodo stuck with Nica and Legolas found himself
running with Shirenu and Gimli.

Nica yelled out as a red sphere suddenly struck the ground right in front of her, Frodo barely pulling her away as a green
sphere embedded itself where she had been only moments before. They wove and jerked around to avoid the falling spheres,
the ground-impacting balls sounding like explosions in their ears.

Popum hefted up a sphere and threw it at Pippin and Sam, the ball exploding and midair and sending flaming shards their way.
Sam pushed Pippin out of the way and shielding himself with his arms, stifling a gasp of pain as the shards struck his forearms.
Aragorn grabbed hold of the hobbits and prodded them to keep running.

"Shirenu, you need to fight!" hissed Legolas as Shirenu and Gimli ran in front of him.

Legolas Greenleaf clenched his hands into fists and glanced over his shoulder, seeing Frodo and Nica still running from
Bububure's attack. What can I do? he wondered, his mind racing with different thoughts. What other weapons could I
access--?

The Prince tensed at the echoing cries, his dark blue eyes widening as a bright orange projectile struck Gimli in the side of the
stomach and forced a scream from the dwarf. Not stopping in his sprint, Legolas rushed to the falling dwarf and tackled him as
another sphere smashed into the wall behind him.

Gimli groaned in pain, staring at his unlikely savior through a blurry haze. ". . . It hurts. . .," he managed, shutting his eyes as he
passed out.

Legolas cursed his bad luck, looking around wildly for some sort of help. Shirenu was quickly at his side, staring worriedly at
the fallen dwarf. Shaking his head, Legolas reached into Gimli's vest and pulled out his bejeweled axe.

. . . What can I use? Will it work for me?

Turning the axe over in his hands and hoping for a miracle, the gold-haired Prince turned his attention to his friend.

"Shirenu, try!"

The axe began to vibrate, shooting a beam of purple energy from it to Shirenu.

Legolas took a step back as Shirenu disappeared in a bright yellow glow, a larger bug-like digimon appearing in his place.
Metallic-silver and dark blue in color, he lacked the silent flamboyance that his other form had shown off. Shirenu had gleaming
orange-red eyes and shining armor, as well as a flat sonar dish on its back that had the symbol of Gimli etched on it.

"Legolas, take cover!" shouted the huge creature, startling Legolas into action. Taking hold of the unconscious Gimli, Legolas
moved behind his armored friend.

". . . Shirenu, huh?" sneered Popum, gesturing to Bububure. "Let's take him out!"

Bububure grinned, nodding in agreement.

The silver digimon tensed, a steady hum sounding from him as he shouted. As the spheres came his way, Shirenu's flat sonar
rose up, releasing a visible wave that stopped the projectiles in midair. The Fellowship and enemy creatures stared in surprise
at the Shirenu's new ability.

The two enemies growled and prepared to attack again. However, Shirenu wasn't about to let the two of them do so. Another
loud hum built up from Shirenu.

Everything blurred before Legolas' eyes, and he staggered back and shut his eyes to block out the disorientation. Bububure and
Popum screeched as Shirenu's attack blinded them, their attacks stopping instantly. Shirenu followed up with an electric blast
that sped along the ground, first blasting Popum into oblivion and then knocking Bububure into the air. This electrical attack
then shot into the air, finishing Bububure off before he could let out one last cry.

Legolas opened his eyes as he heard feet pounding against the ground, watching as Shirenu returned to his original form. He sat
back against the wall, trying to catch his breath as Shirenu approached and rubbed against his ankle. Sighing, Legolas reached
over and patted the little creature on the head. "Nice job," he said softly, his voice leaking with exhaustion.

Shirenu beamed at the compliment, staying at Legolas's side as the others surrounded them. Pippin held Gimli's head and
choked on words, Gandalf checking for physical injury as the others looked on. Frodo knelt by the Prince, clapping him on the
shoulder. "Hey, that was a smart move, Legolas," he commented, grinning.

The elf frowned, looking from Frodo' grin to the placement of his hand. ". . . Did I say you could touch me?" he queried flatly,
his eyes narrowing.

Frodo blinked, removing his hand and standing up. 'Guess he's got more emotions back, he thought. "Is Gimli okay?" he
queried.

"He'll be fine; there's no bruise," Gandalf replied. "I'll carry him on my back; we should get out of here."

The others nodded in agreement, Aragorn helping Gandalf position Gimli on his back and Legolas taking position as the leader
again. Nica carried Shirenu and stayed at Legolas's side, leaving Frodo to bring up the back. An exit had appeared as soon as
Bububure and Popum had been killed, a black hole in the far wall that could not be seen past.

"I am impressed," came a strange, nasal voice from above. All jerked their heads up in shock. "You have actually survived this
far. . ."

". . . That's not the same voice from before. . ." Sam's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Who are you?!"

"I am one of the four Game Lords, as you call us" replied the mysterious digimon. His voice had a sinister undertone to it;
Gandalf had the feeling that this digimon was likely to backstab someone given half a chance. "You may call me . . . Uragiru."

Shirenu blinked. ". . . I've never heard of Uragiru. . ."

"Heh! I'm one of a kind!" exclaimed the Game Lord, snickering a bit. Gandalf twitched, immediately remembering the Dark
Lord's mocking laughter. "I applaud your perseverance; there have been others in the past that never made it past their first
test."

"What do you want?" demanded Frodo.

"Actually, I'm just speaking to you to deliver a prize." A glowing object appeared above the Fellowship's heads. "According to
Maze Madness' plot, an item was earned after each level was completed. Here's your first one."

Legolas opened his hands to receive the object, the others gathering around to stare at their 'prize.' It was a round, red ball that
glimmered faintly in the Prince's hands. ". . . What's this?" murmured Aragorn, a brow rising.

"Makusu said that the Red Orb is for the the former Ring Bearer," Uragiru explained. "For what purpose, I don't know. I
suggest, however, that you hold onto that orb; Makusu doesn't just give things for no reason."

They glanced each other, and Legolas grudgingly handed the small ball over to Frodo. The brown-haired hobbit took it with a
frown, shrugging as he put it into his pocket. With the orb out of sight, the Prince returned his attention to the matter at hand.
His gaze trailed to the girl at his side.

"Ready?" Legolas asked quietly.

". . . After that odd game, I think I'm ready for anything," Nica declared, nervously clenching her fists as she glanced at the
striking elf.

"Expect the unexpected," Shirenu murmured from Nica's arms.

And with that, the Digidestined stepped into the darkness.

* * * * *

". . . A forest?"

Nica gasped and smiled at the sunlight that glimmered beyond the treetops, stepping forward and breathing in. "Fresh air!" she
exclaimed happily. "After those stuffy rooms, this is great!"

Legolas tilted his head, taking in his surroundings through slightly-blue eyes. "I don't recall a forest maze," he announced, turning
and setting his glasses back in place.

Frodo scratched the back of his head. "Neither do I," he said. "I guess we're going to have to wander, huh?"

"I can't think of anything else," admitted Legolas. ". . . What is the point of this?"

To the Prince's surprise, his question was answered. "I do not want one of you disabled through these tests." It was the voice
of the Game Lord that had spoken to them before the test. "You will be allowed to rest in this forest until tomorrow -- I am
sure that is enough time for the dwarf to recover."

". . . You're being really nice, considering you want us dead," Aragorn remarked. "Are you Makusu?"

"Yes, I am Makusu. Uragiru has probably made me sound like some sort of monster. . . You are being tested, Fellowship. I do
not want you dead; only you want yourself dead if you allow yourself to fail."

Sam frowned at the words sank in. "That makes no sense!"

". . . Does it now?"

An eerie silence filled the air as the cryptic question echoed through their heads. Legolas was the first to shake it off, looking
back at his current companions. "Let's find a place to rest," he said. He glanced at the dwarf on Gandalf's back, the tiniest glint
of concern appearing in his eyes. ". . . Gimli should be laid down."

* * * * *

Night began to descend into the forest maze as the Fellowship settled down to make camp. Frodo and Pippin found a nearby
stream and went fishing for everyone, bringing back a feast of brightly-colored fish that was broiled over a modest fire. Nica
had almost keeled over at the thought of eating raw fish, but had grudgingly eaten it after her stomach began to complain.
Shirenu, being a insect creature, had pretty much inhaled his share of the fish, moving in on Aragorn's when he didn't protest.
Legolas had only joined the campfire supper at Gimli's request, picking at his food and retiring early. Shirenu quickly followed,
not wanting to be separated from his master for too long.

As the stars began to come out, Aragorn pulled out a blanket from her backpack and laid it out on the forest floor. Gimli and
T.K. were asleep within minutes, and with some prodding Aragorn managed to get Frodo to sleep as well. Nica stubbornly
stayed up, working at her D-terminal and attempting to send e-mails back to the real world. The brunette finally gave up on the
older girl, pulling a second blanket from her bag and hugging it to her chest as she walked away from the site. She found the
loner of their group perched in a tree, staring out into the starry sky. Shirenu was at his side, silent in his timidity.

"Legolas?"

The green-clad form didn't move at his voice. "What do you want?" His voice was relatively cold, without an angry tinge or
irritated edge.

Aragorn held the blanket close as he glanced from the ground to the elf in the tree. "Do you want a blanket? It must be really
cold up there. . ."

Legolas shifted slightly, looking down at the brunette. "What?"

"I asked if you wanted a blanket. . ."

The Prince's face disappeared from view once again. ". . . Keep it. You need it more than I do."

The Ranger blinked, a bit surprised by Legolas's response. Aragorn lingered a little longer, then set the blanket at the trunk of
the large tree before turning around. He gave the Prince one last glance over his shoulder, then disappeared back into the
forest, towards the campsite.

* * * * *

She rubbed her eyes tiredly, then fixed her hair back on her head with a sigh. Not being able to fall asleep, Nica stood up and
stretched. To her far right, her friends all had fallen asleep on top of the same blanket, close together to maintain some warmth.
The campfire was beginning to die, so she added a few more branches to the flame before heading off into the forest. As she
left the safety of the campsite, she heard voices in the dark.

". . . Legolas?" Shirenu's voice was quiet and hesitant.

"What is it?" From his voice alone, Nica could tell Legolas was exhausted.

"Are you okay? You're shivering."

"I'm fine." Legolas's snappish reply came a little too quickly -- a sure sign that he was lying.

Nica spotted a blanket at the trunk of the tree that Legolas and Shirenu were on, the memory of Aragorn walking off with the
blanket returning. She bent down and picked it up, gathering the soft gray blanket against her chest as she looked up to the
branch. The young Prince's form was visible against the light of the many stars. She remained silent for a long moment, looking
up at the elf that had become the fellowship's ally through this strange ordeal.

An eternity later, she called up softly. ". . . Legolas?"

When no answer came, Nica decided to investigate. Pulling together the scattered bits of her bravery, she pulled herself and the
blanket up the tree. As she had suspected, the limb that Legolas had fallen asleep on was sturdy and broad, if not a bit chilly to
the touch. Nica carefully crawled out onto the branch, draping the blanket over herself and Legolas. The auburn-haired girl was
about to turn in for the night when she felt something poke her leg.

Throwing off the blanket, Nica noticed Shirenu looking at her in confusion. "What are you doing up here. . .?" queried the little
digimon in a very quiet voice. "Legolas will be very mad. . ."

Nica smiled warmly, offering her arm to the green creature. "He won't mind. Come here -- you can sleep with me."

Shirenu stared at her.

Realizing she had just perplexed the poor creature with her actions, Nica let out a small sigh. "Come on, Shirenu. . . You must
be really lonely, having a master like Legolas."

Shirenu started at that. "Legolas cares! . . . He just doesn't show it often now."

Another sigh passed the girl's lips as she offered Shirenu her arm again. ". . . I'm sure he does care. . . But until he starts
showing it more often, I'll take care of you. Is that okay?"

The small creature hesitated, looking forlornly at his sleeping master and friend . . . then at the smiling girl that offered him her
arm. Slowly, Shirenu crept up to Nica, moving into her arms. Nica laid down again, the little creature's heart beating wildly
against her own.

"Calm down . . . I'm not gonna hurt you." Shirenu made a small sound at Nica's attempt at comfort. "Good night, Shirenu."

". . . Good night."

"My name is Nica."

". . . . . . . . . . Good night, Nica."

* * * * *

"Nica! Nica, where'd you go?"

She shifted slightly, mumbling incoherently at the sound of her name being called. Her eyes remained closed as she pressed
against a warm surface that seemed to move next to her, trying to get closer to the warmth subconsciously.

"Nica!!"

Letting out an irritated groan, Nica sat up and looked for the source of the shouting. Aragorn and Frodo were walking into the
clearing in which her tree sat in, Frodo catching sight of her in the tree as he led.

"What're you doing up there, Nica?"

Aragorn came up from behind the hobbit, surprise etched on his face. "Nica? Wasn't Legolas sleeping up there?"

Nica's eyes widened at Aragorn's words, and she looked at what she had been pressing her face against: Legolas Greenleaf's
back. A red blush claimed her face as she began to imagine herself the night before, sleeping against the elfin Prince. She flailed
her arms wildly, shaking her head back and forth rapidly. "It's not what you think, it's not what you think!!"

Her voice and movement startled the Prince from his sleep, his hidden eyes opening wide. "What the--?! A--
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" He abruptly rolled over and tumbled from the tree branch, tangled in the blanket as he landed in
the bushes down below.

Nica sweatdropped profusely from where she sat, Shirenu waddling from her lap to look down at his fallen master. Frodo and
Aragorn stared at their ex-nemesis with wide eyes, both sweatdropping and too stunned to speak or utter a sound.

". . . Legolas. . .?"

"What the hell is going on!? Why am I down here!? What happened?!"

Aragorn couldn't hold it back anymore. He burst into laughter, trying to cover his smile with hsi gloved hands. Legolas snarled
and flushed red as he wrestled out of the blanket, his hair falling to hang around his neck in the process. "Stop it! Stop laughing
at me!!"

"I-- I'm sorry!" Aragorn apologized, wiping a tear away. "I'm trying, I'm trying. . .!" He choked back another laugh, hiccupping
a few times.

Nica scurried down the tree, holding Shirenu tightly and bowing to the elf as she apologized. "I'm so sorry I knocked you out of
the tree, Legolas! I really didn't mean it!" She continued the apologies for a few more moments.

Legolas flung the gray blanket at Nica's feet, frowning dangerously. "I won't even ask what you were doing up there," he hissed
heatedly, gloved hands clenching into fists. Apparently, just two battles had restored most -- if not all -- of his anger emotion. ".
. . Just don't do it again." With that, he stormed off towards the main campsite. The three members could only imagine the
horrors that would unfold once Gandalf, Gimli, and the rest faced the Prince's wrath.

"Sheesh. . ." Frodo scratched his head as he watched the tall elf disappear from sight. ". . . 'Must not be a morning person."

Eight: Beta Level~Stage Three

They marched silently through the blue-walled maze, Legolas Greenleaf once again in the lead. His steps were firm and sure,
each turn already known and each pathway already having been gone down in his mind. With such a confident leader, the other
Fellowship were left to wonder.

"Why didn't the Game Lords just warp these mazes beyond recognition?" asked Gimli son of Gloin. He stuck by Nica's side,
seeing as she now carried Shirenu and he subconsciously had grown attached to holding the small creature.

Merry shrugged, his hands stuffed in his green shorts. "We don't know anything about these Lords," he muttered. His blue eyes
fell on Shirenu. "Shirenu, have you ever heard of them?"

". . . None of the names sound familiar," admitted the modest being. "Utagau, Uragiru, Makusu. . . I've never heard of any of
them."

"I wonder if they're just lying to us," Sam Gamgee muttered, shifting the Red Orb he had received in the first puzzle room. "For
all we know, we could be dead or something."

Frodo Baggins frowned. "That's a horrible thing to say!"

"No kidding!" agreed Nica, shivering visibly. "Now I'm never going to be able to stop thinking of that. Thanks, Sam!"

Wrapped in their conversation, the Fellowship didn't even realize they had lost sight of the Prince again until Shirenu brought it
to their attention. Frodo fumed, hands clenched into fists. "How many times is Legolas going to walk off like that!?"

Gimli sighed. "Frodo, complaining isn't going to make Legolas come back. We should get going."

Frodo grudgingly agreed, again taking lead of the group. "Um, I should tell you all that I didn't get very far in Maze of Madness.
. ."

Gandalf gave the shorter hobbit a surprised look. "How far did you get?"

"Well, only halfway through the third stage. . . I just wanted you guys to know, since we might get lost in level three, too. We've
got record running here. . ."

Aragorn smiled and patted the brown-haired hobbit's arm. "That's very considerate of you, Frodo," he said happily. "Not to
mention very smart!"

Frodo grinned wildly, rubbing his nose as Aragorn let go. "Yeah, it was, wasn't it?" he chuckled. "Okay, let's go!" He marched
proudly through the maze, the others smiling lightly as they followed.

* * * * *

"How many times are you blithering idiots going to keep me waiting?" Legolas asked in annoyance, his arms crossed as he
watched the Fellowship approach him.

"'Blithering idiots?'" repeated Nica indignantly. "Well, excuse us for living, Legolas!"

Legolas stared coolly at the girl, then rolled his eyes. "I don't see why I even wait for you Fellowship," he huffed, turning to
leave.

". . . Maybe it's because you actually care."

The Prince stopped, willing himself to keep his hands from clenching into fists. He turned back to the group, eyes on the
speaker. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Pippin held onto wrung his hands as he met Legolas's gaze. "I think that you care about us. You just don't want to admit it."

He snarled, jerking his head to glare at a wall. "I don't care about anyone." Not anymore, anyway.

"I refuse to believe that," Aragorn stated stubbornly.

"Then you're a fool!" Legolas snapped. Once again, he turned to leave. "If you bring that up again, Took, I won't hesitate to
leave you behind." With that said, he stormed off.

"That guy's getting worse and worse," mumbled Sam, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he approached Aragorn. "You okay,
Aragorn?"

Aragorn lowered his gaze, a sad sigh passing his lips. "I'm fine. It's just. . ." He looked at Legolas as he walked away. ". . . If he
didn't care . . . why did he bother saving Nica?" His eyes trailed to the titian-haired girl. ". . . Or Gimli?" The green-eyed dwarf
was the next under his gaze.

"Aragorn. . ." Gandalf stepped forward and gripped Aragorn's shoulder.

"I'm not going to give up, Gandalf," the man declared firmly.

"None of us are," piped up Nica, flashing the human a smile. "Besides, he needs a major attitude adjustment. An elf like that
doesn't need a nasty personality; it really repels the girls, right?"

Aragorn burst into laughter, shaking his head as the group hurried after their leader.

* * * * *

It didn't take the Fellowship long to find the Prince; he hadn't managed to get very far before he ran into a barrier. He stood
with his arms crossed before a long corridor, as if waiting for something. Before any of them could ask what he was waiting for,
flames shot from the walls in rapid succession. Eyes widened as the flames continued down the hallway, finally diminishing near
the end of the corridor.

". . . Oh. . ." Frodo swallowed hard and walked up to Legolas' side. "So, uh, what's with this. . .?"

Legolas was frowning, his eyes narrowed on the hallway as he thought. "I've been watching this pattern for awhile now," he
announced, not bothering to look at the shorter hobbit. "I've already calculated out that I wouldn't be able to get through this
trap in time to avoid getting fried . . . even if I was running at top speed."

Gimli walked closer to the green-garbed boy, watching as the flame-shooting trap once again triggered. "So running isn't an
option," he said in his gruff voice.

"Apparently not," agreed Legolas. He pulled his gaze away from the corridor to look back at his companions. "I'll take
suggestions now."

Surprisingly, the first to act was Shirenu. The insect-like creature leapt out of Nica's arms, crawling forward until he was past
Legolas, Frodo, and Gimli. All of the Fellowship watched as he began to speak. "Well, I'm not sure if this is much of a
suggestion, Legolas," he began, resembling a caterpillar addressing his master, "but I think it's safe to crawl under the flames.
The fire doesn't go all the way to the ground." To demonstrate, Shirenu waited until the flames shot from the wall and then
walked right under the flame. Due to his small size, the fire didn't touch him.

Gandalf nodded. "I think it's a good idea. We'd just have to keep close to the ground." He got down on his knees. "Let us go!
Shirenu, you lead."

Gimli was the next to follow, closely followed by Aragorn and the remaining Hobbits . Nica was about to follow when she
noticed Legolas glaring furiously. ". . . What's wrong, Legolas?" she asked.

"That incompetent worm," he growled out. ". . . Always saying stupid things. . ."

The elf blinked slowly, then adjusted her hair. ". . . I'm not sure if you've realized this by now, Legolas, but Shirenu's not stupid,
incompetent, or whatever you think he is. He's your friend; he's your loyal, loving, and wonderful friend. And just now, he gave
a very smart idea. Why is that so hard for you to understand?"

"What do you know?" spat the golden-haired elf.

Nica looked the Prince once over, her face remaining placid as she scanned him. Then, "Apparently something you don't." Not
waiting for an answer, Nica dropped to the floor and followed after her friends.

Legolas curled his hands into fists and swore, then dropped to the ground and crawled after the Fellowship.

* * * * *

As it turned out, there were more traps similar to the flame-shooters further into the maze. Each time, the nine members and
Shirenu were forced to crawl beneath the fire and down a long corridor. Each time, they came out of the ordeal sweating and a
little more tired than before.

The group's pace through the maze slowed after the seventh corridor of flame-shooters, Legolas moving listlessly and Gimli
struggling to keep on his feet. Shirenu, not wanting to burden Nica by having her carry him, walked close to Frodo; Legolas
tried to kick at him every time he came too close.

A giggle floated through the air. "Tired, Fellowship?" came a mocking voice. "How do you like this maze so far, hmm?"

Eyes snapped up, each looking for the source of the voice. Simultaneously, they came to rest on a humanoid figure that
balanced along one high wall of the maze, walking up and down it and leering at them. "Wh--" Gimli stopped himself, his eye
twitching. "You must be Uragiru. . ."

The orange-haired humanoid cackled, nodding at the dwarf. Gandalf and Aragorn were reminded of Saruman; Uragiru not only
shared Saruman's frightening laugh, but also that sadistic-playful glint in his amber eyes. The humanoid's white fingers were
longer than a normal human's, gracefully moving like blades in the hands of master swordsmen. His attire was a black bodysuit
shredded at the ends, a green cloak thrown carelessly around his neck and partially covering his mocking smile.

"What do you want?" demanded Frodo, standing next to Pippin and glaring at the Game Lord.

Uragiru ran a hand through his spiky hair. "Ohhhh, I'm just checking up on you little children," he said nonchalantly. "It's so
amusing to watch you claw your ways through this maze. . . And just think -- it's only the second one!" Again he crowed
loudly.

Legolas pushed past the others, flinging his cloak back angrily. "You're really not making this situation any better!" he shouted.

The creature smirked down at the blonde-haired elf. "Oh? And why is that, Prince? Could it be because you want to kill all
these other Fellowship members and get back to conquering Middle Earth?"

All of the Fellowship tensed, shifting uneasily at the thoughts that entered their minds with Uragiru's words. Shirenu shook his
head in denial. "That's a lie! Legolas, that's a lie, isn't it?!" When no response came out of the elf, Shirenu panicked. "Lego-?!"

"Why don't you tell them the truth, 'Lego?'" taunted Uragiru. "Tell them exactly what you're thinking!"

Legolas' face twitched, and he turned so he was able to see both his comrades and their enemy. ". . . You want to know
exactly what I'm thinking?" he queried, his voice having returned to that deadpan from before. "I'm frustrated that anger and
hate are my prime emotions right now. I'm furious that I've had to scream things that I don't mean." Shirenu's eyes widened in
sudden realization as Legolas' gaze fell on him. "I'm annoyed by the incompetence my companions have shown--" an indignant
snort from Sam was audible from behind him "-- and I can't stand them sometimes. . . But I'm presently thinking about getting
rid of you!"

A blaring hum could be heard as soon as Legolas finished his speech, and Nica reached on her boot and pulled out a throwing
star. The other Fellowship gathered around her, Frodo realizing what was happening. "Legolas. . .!"

That was all Legolas had to hear. He faced Shirenu, who nodded as his young master pulled gave him the go-ahead. Nica held
out her star automatically, shooting a beam from it to Shirenu. Before the eyes of all the Fellowship, Shirenu changed in mid air.

As the green glow that had engulfed Shirenu disappeared, the children stared at the new form that stood before them.
Incredibly tall and lanky, he was a pallid-faced humanoid that resembled a scarecrow to such an extent that a crow perched on
his head. His clothes were a dark brown hue, suitable gear in a woodland area but out-of-place in a maze. He carried a
longbow of some sort of strong material, a quiver of arrows to his side.

Uragiru guffawed loudly at the sight of the gangly opposition. "Your creature of sincerity?" he queried. "Ah, yes, yes, this shall
be fun indeed. . ."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Legolas glared at the Game Lord heatedly.

"Do you think Sincerity can beat me, little prince?" queried Uragiru, smirking. "Especially your sincerity? Honesty was never
much of a strong point with you!"

Legolas snarled, but was unable to step towards the enemy when Aragorn and Nica held him back. "He's just trying to egg you
on," Merry ground out. "Don't listen and concentrate!"

I hate to admit it, but he's right, Legolas mentally conceded. He relaxed a little, averting his attention to his partner. "Shirenu,
shut him up!"

"With pleasure, Legolas," Shirenu hissed, raising his bow and plucking an arrow from the quiver. The arrow began to glow
brightly as he released it from the bowstring, the crow on his head cawing loudly.

Uragiru flipped deftly out of the way, landing on one foot on the maze wall. He grinned at Legolas, pointing at Shirenu. "This is
the personification of your sincerity, Prince! It lacks the strength it needs to defeat me!" he declared forcefully. "You have
already seen the personifications of your courage and knowledge, and they are very powerful indeed. However, there is more
to an elf than bravery and intelligence. . . It raises a question in my mind: Who is less human -- the slave or the person that
enslaves him?" There was a horrible silence as those words sunk into the Fellowship's heads. "I leave you now. . . Remember
my words and you may just live longer." He flipped into the air again, disappearing from the maze before he touched down.

The group traded uncomfortable looks, then stared at Legolas' back. Legolas had raised the throwing star, the object
absorbing some of the power used to let Shirenu shape shift. Shirenu looked apologetically at his master, unable to think of
something to say. The Prince, his eyes unreadable beyond his veiled eyes, pocketed threw the star at Nica's feet and began to
walk away.

". . . . Let's go," he said emotionlessly. "We still have a long way ahead of us."

"Legolas-. . ."

Legolas shot the creature a hard look. "Don't talk to me."

There was only silence between the two after that.

As they walked, Nica couldn't help but stare at her star. What's he so angry about? she wondered. He's acting like he's actually
angry that Nohemon's power wasn't that great. . . Is he mad at Shirenu . . . or himself? The girl was unable to shake the
question from her mind. She raised her gaze to Shirenu and the Prince at the front of the group. He hasn't touched Shirenu, so it
can't be that. . . Is he actually angry over what Uragiru said. . .?

. . . Legolas, are you changing? And if so, is it for the better?