Crossroads

Prologue

Disclaimer: We don't own anything from Lord of the Rings, the Silmarillion, or any other works by Tolkien or anyone affiliated with him in any way, shape or form and we are not making any money or other profit from this fan fiction

Summary: The Valar attempt to redeem Morgoth through reincarnating him without his memories. Fëanor and Maedhros also return, in search of Maglor and their own redemption

Warning(s): Spoilers for most of the works related to Lord of the Rings; lots of violence; torture and other dark stuff in later chapters

Pairing: Maedhros/Eldarion; later Maedhros/Morgoth - slash

Author's Note: This is a Morgoth redemption story, so if that is something you have no interest in or don't think could ever happen, please stop reading now. Also, there are two of us writing this fan fiction and one of us is currently attending college, so although we have every intention of completing this story, it might take a little while

The darkness pressed in on all sides, but it wasn't the darkness that bothered him so much as the silence. He didn't know how long he'd been here. It could have been a week... It could have been an Age.

For the most part, he was filled with an almost blinding rage towards... everything, really. Eru; the Valar; Arda itself; Fëanor and his accursed brood... actually, all of the children of Ilúvatar. When the rage faltered, all he felt was empty inside... as empty as the Void itself.

There was a gradual increase in light all around; light that burned his eyes as it grew in intensity. Shapes began to form within the light, so bright that he had to shield himself with his hand. Still, the light pierced through, strong enough to make his eyes water.

Even after the light faded away, there were still black spots in his vision. He didn't move his hand, though. If he didn't acknowledge them, maybe they would go away.

"Melkor."

Morgoth lowered his hand and glared at the Valar. "I haven't been Melkor for more than an Age."

Manwë moved into view. "I will always know you as Melkor... brother."

Morgoth recoiled sharply. "Don't call me that!"

Manwë stood his ground. "I haven't called you anything but what you are."

"You're a fool, Manwë. You always have been."

Tulkas stepped forward, hands clenched into fists at his sides. "You're in no position to hurl insults."

Morgoth almost sneered at him. When he spoke, his voice was devoid of any respect. "But hurling insults is the only entertainment I have here."

"Enough of this, both of you," Manwë said. "Melkor, we have decided what is to be done with you."

Morgoth quirked an eyebrow. "I thought you'd already done that." He couldn't keep the bitter note out of his voice. What could they do to him that was worse than this? And the peoples of Arda thought them kind.

Manwë shook his head. "We've had you held here until your fate could be decided."

"And what fate would that be? Have you finally discovered a way to destroy me?"

"We've certainly tried," Tulkas muttered, earning himself a sharp look from Manwë.

This time, it was Varda who stepped forward. Her radiance made it even more difficult for Morgoth to look at her. "We are here to give you a chance to redeem yourself."

Morgoth laughed - a harsh, bitter sound that echoed through the Void, only to return to his own ears. He winced as it reverberated through his skull. "Why would I want that? I will never bow down to your rule." He looked straight at Manwë with a twisted grimace. "If I ever get free, you have to know I will do everything within my power to destroy this world you have created."

"If you have no memory of Morgoth, you would not be able to even fathom such a thing," Manwë said.

Morgoth narrowed his eyes. "And where did you get the power to do such a thing, Manwë?"

Manwë's gaze caught and held Morgoth's. "You will be taken to the Halls of Mandos."

Morgoth didn't need to hear anymore. Wrenching his eyes from Manwë's, he lurched backwards and away from the Valar. Although he knew he wouldn't get very far, he certainly wasn't going to go along quietly and meekly.

The next moment, Morgoth heard movement behind him. He tried to throw himself to one side, but his foot gave way and he was tackled down. He lay there, winded, with Tulkas on top of him, but quickly caught his breath. "I didn't know you felt this way, Tulkas. Whatever will Nessa say?"

Tulkas' face darkened and he raised his fist.

"Tulkas," Nessa said, stepping forward and taking his hand.

Tulkas relaxed, but his eyes never left Morgoth. "I'm going to look forward to seeing you suffer."

"You're going to have a long wait," Morgoth responded.

As Maedhros looked around, he realised he was in an area of the Halls he hadn't explored before. As was usually the case, he'd been so caught in his memories that he hadn't paid any attention to where he was going. It seemed like he was always lost inside his own head now. Even his brothers couldn't pull him out of the black despair that plagued him. Perhaps if Maglor were here, things might not have seemed so bleak. Then again, maybe Maglor would have been experiencing the same darkness.

"There you are." The familiar voice came from behind Maedhros.

Maedhros sighed, but didn't turn round. "I'd rather be alone for a time, Father."

"You've been alone far too long, Nelyafinwë," Fëanor said, coming round to stand in front of his son. "You can gain nothing from dwelling on the past, only by acting to change the future."

Maedhros shook his head. "We can do nothing to influence the future while we are here." He reflected that gaining physical form and returning to the world of the living wouldn't be allowed. Even if it was, who would ever trust them?

"If you feel that strongly, then perhaps we could petition the Valar to allow us to return to Middle-earth," Fëanor suggested.

Maedhros looked at his father, startled to hear his own thoughts coming from the other's mouth. "Do you really believe they'll allow us to return?"

Fëanor met his son's gaze. "I intend to make that request anyway, to see if I can find Maglor."

"How do you expect to persuade the Valar to permit us to leave?" Maedhros asked.

"I plan to make whatever oath they ask of me. My only goal is to find your brother and bring him safely back to us. I think the Valar would understand. After all, he has attempted to make amends."