Scene Seventeen
(We see the company running from the tomb of Malin as if with wings upon their feet. Kendalf's staff is gleaming as they go. We occasionally see the faces of the company, with Kram Gamgee in the back looking behind her to see hundreds of Orcs and Goblins running after them with cackling voices. As the company dashes over a certain part of the hall, we see tons of Orcs and Goblins crawl out of a hole from the ceiling like vicious spiders. It is therefore no surprise that the company is soon outrun, and the evil forces are surrounding them. Even though they are severely outnumbered, the company members still have their swords out. Lizzo Baggins looks around at her surroundings, and we see the hungry faces of Orcs and Goblins. For a moment, it looks as if the forces will attack, but suddenly-with an almighty shriek-they separate from the group and run away, scattering. The company looks puzzled, and Brimli is looking about with a fierce pride upon her face)
Brimli: (In a loud voice) Look at 'em run!
Jimagorn: (In a rather curious tone) I wonder why they ran so fast?
Jessie Brandybuck: (In a joking type voice) Hmm, maybe Rippin farted again.
Rippin Took: (Looks at Jessie Brandybuck with a very angered stare) Jessie, if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times! I-didn't-FART!
Mikomir: (Speaking to Kendalf, who is looking towards the other end of the hall) What is this devilry?
(Kendalf looks completely crestfallen as he eyes the other side of the hall, which we now see is slowly gathering orange light. There is a strange, type of inhumane growling coming from there. After a while, Kendalf finally speaks)
Kendalf: (In a bright tone) A fire demon.
(There is the sound of a rim shot, and the company gives Kendalf a rather incredulous stare)
Kendalf: (Scowling at the company) What, everyone else can be funny, but I can't be? Screw you guys! (Looks towards the distance and suddenly looks solemn again as he speaks) A Balrog-a demon of the Ancient World. What an evil fortune.
Mikomir: (In a logical tone) Oh.is that what it was? I just thought it was really crappy.
Kendalf: (In a quiet, logical tone) That too. (Looks towards the company with wide eyes) RUN!
(The company darts away from the light, away from the evil that threatens to engulf them. We see Mikomir run through a doorway and stop quickly as he almost topples over the other side. Only the quick reflexes of Megolas saves him from falling into the abyss. Quickly, the company approaches the scene, wondering what to do)
Kram Gamgee: (In a rather hopeless voice) This is hopeless! We walked right into a trap! How're we ever going to get out of here?
Lizzo Baggins: (In a hurried tone, trying to think) We obviously need to get out by using these stairs. But if we only had-Hey!
(We suddenly see-from one of the staircases-David Bowie appear. He wears the clothes he wore in Labyrinth, and even has the big eighties type hair. Lizzo Baggins shouts towards him)
Lizzo Baggins: David Bowie! How do we get down these stairs?
David Bowie: (In a misty, far off voice) I will tell you, little girl, if- you take my crystal! (Takes out a crystal from his shirt and begins to move it around with the waving of his hands-like he did in Labyrinth)
Lizzo Baggins: (Angrily) Damn it, Bowie! I don't want a crystal! I wanna find a way out of here!
David Bowie: (Singing in his far off tone) How you turn my world, you precious-
(Megolas immediately takes out her bow and arrow and shoots. We hear David Bowie shout as he falls from his stairs. For a moment, the company looks at Megolas with incredulous looks)
Megolas: (In an annoyed voice) Hey! When you've seen that movie as much as I have-that gets really annoying! (Looks to the side and her eyes brighten) There!
(The company goes to their right and begins to descend the stone staircase that leads to the other ones. Before Jimagorn can follow, Kendalf grabs him by the arm and holds him back)
Kendalf: (Ordering) Lead them on, Jimagorn!
(When Jimagorn gives him a worried stare, Kendalf angrily shouts)
Kendalf: DO AS I SAY!
(Jimagorn runs after the company, Kendalf following. The company is descending the stairs carefully, for they are old and crumble easily. Suddenly, black arrows plummet towards the company. Lizzo Baggins screams as one almost hits her foot and looks up. We see Orcs on the ceiling shooting towards the company-hoping to catch them on the stairs. But the spirit of the company is not hindered, for they keep going. There is a gap in the stair in front of them, and the company stops. Being first in line, Kendalf jumps first)
Megolas: (To Kram Gamgee) You have a fear of flying, Kram?
Kram Gamgee: (Looks at Megolas quizzically) I'm not fond of it, if that's what you mean.
Megolas: (Picking up Kram Gamgee in one swift motion) Then, I'm dreadfully sorry about this.
(Kram Gamgee screams as Megolas throws her to the other staircase. Kendalf catches her with a grunt. Next comes Mikomir, who is grasping both Rippin Took and Jessie Brandybuck under his arms as he jumps. Both hobbits look sour about this and wrinkle their noses-apparently, Mikomir has bad B.O)
Rippin Took: (In a disgusted voice) Look-dude, I know we're living in the third age-but there's a little thing called deodorant; you really should invest in a stick!
Jessie Brandybuck: (Irritably) I'll say.I haven't smelt anything that bad since I got that bag of potpourri from Kram for Christmas.
Kram Gamgee: (Angrily) HEY!
(Then, we see Brimli looking very indignant as she stops Megolas from reaching towards her)
Brimli: (Rather proud) Nobody tosses a Dwarf!
Megolas: (Rolling her eyes as she picks up Brimli) Till now!
(Megolas jumps to the other staircase with Brimli, who is grumbling loudly about this. All that's left is Jimagorn and Lizzo Baggins. It appears as if they can make a clean jump, but from the last jump, the stone in front of them gives way, and so they have to dash away as it falls into the abyss. They both stand and look towards the company on the other side, which is separated from them by a good distance)
Jimagorn: (Awkwardly) Uh-I guess this is a "no" on jumping, eh?
Lizzo Baggins: (In a hopeless voice) This is dreadful! I don't think anything could be worse than this!
(Suddenly, there is a crumbling heard from above as a giant stalactite falls from the ceiling and onto the stair in which Lizzo Baggins and Jimagorn are standing. Now the two people are practically on a teetering staircase)
Jimagorn: (In a bright tone) I dunno-that kind of sucked right there.
Lizzo Baggins: (Seriously scared as she looks at Jimagorn) What're we going to do?
Jimagorn: (Thinks for a bit, then comes up with an idea) Lizzo, lean forward. Come on, lean forward!
(The camera shows the two people lean forward on their broken staircase and it teeters dangerously to the left and then to the right. Finally, it goes forward towards the other staircase. With a sickening crunch, it crashes into the other stair and Lizzo Baggins is hurled into the outstretched arms of Mikomir, who quickly sets her down. With one motion, Jimagorn is with the company)
Mikomir: (As he carefully sets down Lizzo Baggins, speaks with surprise to Jimagorn) Nice save, Jimagorn! How were you able to maneuver that so easily?
Jimagorn: (With a careless shrug) When you don a sexy hair-flip, you know a lot about balance.
Megolas: (Rolling her eyes and crossing her arms) Well, I guess that explains balance.but sexy-No way!
(Kendalf then leads them down the stairs, as the one that Lizzo Baggins and Jimagorn balanced on slowly falls to the side and finally falls into nothingness. We now see Kendalf stopped at the end of the stair, sword unsheathed and waving towards the company to continue going. Behind Kendalf, a dangerous wall of flame looms up)
Kendalf: (Shouting over the sound of burning) OVER THE BRIDGE! FLY! FLY YOU FOOLS! (In an off-hand type of voice) OR RUN-WHICHEVER ONE WORKS FOR YOU!
(Kendalf looks towards the wall of flame as he suddenly hears something like a strange BOOM arise from the flames. In one fluid-like motion, the Balrog appears from the wall of flame, red eyes gleaming and writhed in flame. Kendalf eyes it with severe hate, and turns away to join the company. The Balrog pursues him, opening his mouth to reveal the flames within him as well as outside)
Kendalf: (Shouting back at the Balrog) You might want to speak to someone about that heartburn, pal!
(The Balrog still pursues the company, taking monstrous-yet fairly quick strides-towards its prey. We suddenly get an overhead view as the company crosses the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm in the following order: Mikomir, Jimagorn, Megolas, Rippin Took, Jessie Brandybuck, Brimli, Kram Gamgee, Lizzo Baggins, and Kendalf. But we then see Kendalf stop in his tracks-in about the middle of the bridge-and turn around to face the Balrog. We then see Lizzo Baggins join the company on the other side. When she realizes that they're staring at something, she turns around and her eyes widen with fear as she realizes what Kendalf is doing)
Kendalf: (Camera shows his face, flecked with dirt and sweat-but contorted in a look of pure hate-as he shouts at the fire demon) You shall not pass!
Lizzo Baggins: (In a hysterical shout as she watches) KENDALF!
Kendalf: (We see him looking at the Balrog, choosing to block out everything his company is saying) I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor!
(Kendalf puts up his staff as the Balrog pulls out a whip writhed in flame. We hear the chorus of Rawhide, and then the Balrog snaps the whip on the side of the cavern. Going back to the company, we see Rippin Took bury her face into Jessie Brandybuck's shoulder, unable to watch. Kram Gamgee has a hand over her mouth as she stares at the even taking place, and Lizzo Baggins is watching with extreme fear for her old friend)
Rippin Took: (In a fearful, muffled tone as she speaks) Oh-I cannot watch! This is the scariest thing to ever-(Suddenly sees something on the ground and her voice brightens) Ooh! A penny! (Stoops to pick it up)
Lizzo Baggins: (Angrily shouting, hoping to detour the wizard's actions) KENDALF! GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE, RIGHT NOW! GET-!
(Lizzo Baggins stops speaking as she sees that Kendalf's staff has grown very bright as he speaks towards the Balrog)
Kendalf: (Shouting at the creature as it raises its whip to strike) The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun!
(The Balrog lets out a horrible hiss as it brings its whip down on Kendalf. Sparks fly as the whip lands on the staff, but no harm is done to the wizard. He staggers a bit, but does not quail in the face of evil. The company is watching with bated breath and Lizzo Baggins has given up trying to shout-her voice seems to have died in her throat at the event that had taken place. Instead she watches as Kendalf shouts angrily at the Balrog)
Kendalf: Go back to the Shadow, you piece of crap! You shall not pass!
(The Balrog lets out a hideous shriek and it makes to advance upon Kendalf)
Kendalf: (Camera closes in upon his face as he lifts his staff angrily) YOU- SHALL-NOT-PASS!
(With an almighty BANG, Kendalf brings the staff down on the bridge, which quakes violently. Then, it cracks in front of him, and the Balrog looks down in confusion. Suddenly, the entire bridge in front of Kendalf falls loose and the Balrog goes tumbling into the dark abyss below. We see the astonished looks of Jimagorn and Mikomir)
Jimagorn: (In a shaky voice) Now-that was pretty cool.
(We see Kendalf look down after the Balrog, and we see him play a faint smirk upon his face. He turns to walk away towards the company. But we see the whip of the Balrog suddenly lash out towards Kendalf, grasping him around the ankles, dragging him to the edge of the bridge. With a startled cry, he grasps the edge of the bridge. We see Lizzo Baggins make an effort to dash towards Kendalf, but Mikomir holds her back)
Mikomir: (In a stern tone) You want to get yourself killed?
Lizzo Baggins: (Struggling against the big man's grasp) Let me help him! HELP HIM!
Mikomir: (Tightening his grasp about the hobbit) There's nothing else we can do for him!
Lizzo Baggins: (Completely hysterical by now and shouting towards the wizard) KENDALF!
(We see Kendalf grasping onto the edge of the bridge in vain. He looks up and sees the look of Lizzo Baggins, who has tears leaking out of her eyes as she struggles. She stops struggling as she sees the look in Kendalf's eyes-that look that tells her that he cannot hold on for anything and that nothing can save him. We see his face work into a strange smile as he speaks)
Kendalf: (In an effort against the force pulling him away) Fly-you fools!
(Kendalf lets go of the edge, and we see him slowly fall into the darkness below. Then, we see Lizzo Baggins' face pull into a look of horror and disbelief)
Lizzo Baggins: (Shouting as she tries to struggle again) NOOOOOOOOOOO!
(Mikomir lifts Lizzo Baggins up and carry her to the stairs that will lead them to the gates leading out. Before he goes, her turns around to shout to Jimagorn, who is still staring at the ledge-where just a few seconds ago, the leader of their company clung to for dear life)
Mikomir: (Shouting over Lizzo Baggins' wails of anguish) JIMAGORN!
(Unable to say anything or object, Jimagorn turns away from the scene and follows the company out of the area. We see the company emerge from the gates on the other side of the mountain. This is when we see Kram Gamgee sit upon a rock and begin to weep pitifully at the loss, with Jessie Brandybuck and Rippin Took close by. We see Megolas looking towards the mountain, not knowing how to react and unable to believe what had just happened. Mikomir sets down Lizzo Baggins, who looks gaunt and expressionless-in a state of utter shock. Finally, we see Jimagorn, who is wiping his blade clean, look up at the mountain)
Jimagorn: (In a far off voice) It's my fault. I should have gone after him.
Megolas: (Goes over to Jimagorn and shaking her head in objection) No, Jimagorn! It is my fault! I should have shot at the Balrog with my arrows.
Brimli: (In a small voice) I should have used my axe to attack the Balrog.
Kram Gamgee: (Over her tears and pain) It's my fault! I didn't do anything! And I lost my Salad Shooter!
Lizzo Baggins: (We see her speak to the company in a firm and understanding voice) People! Pull yourselves together! Sure, Kendalf's demise was misfortunate, but we cannot blame ourselves for what had befallen him! (A moment's pause) Because-we all know-(Shouts as she points to Jessie Brandybuck and Rippin Took) IT WAS JESSIE AND RIPPIN'S FAULT!
Jessie Brandybuck: (Looks up with a very angry expression upon her face) What?
Rippin Took: (Also looking furious) Weak, man!
Lizzo Baggins: (Besides herself in anger as she shouts at the two hobbits) If it hadn't been for you two throwing those rocks in the pool, we never would've gone through the mountain! And if you, Rippin, hadn't gotten curious and tinkered with that dead body we never would have gotten caught by the Orcs and the Balrog never would have come!
Kram Gamgee: (Tears still in her eyes as she tries to restrain Lizzo Baggins) Lizzo, this is not good! Stop it! It's not their fault! It's nobody's fault!
Lizzo Baggins: (Snapping at Kram Gamgee) Well, it's obviously somebody's fault! Kendalf can't just die without a cause! It's not right! He can't- He can't be-dead. (Stammers and stops speaking as she sits upon a rock roughly)
Kram Gamgee: (Sitting next to Lizzo Baggins, and looking concerned) Lizzo?
(Lizzo Baggins looks at Kram Gamgee, tears in her eyes. As they trail down her face, Lizzo Baggins begins to weep pitifully)
Lizzo Baggins: (Through her tears) Kram-he's gone! Kendalf's-Kendalf's dead!
(Lizzo Baggins is unable to continue, so she merely weeps. Kram Gamgee pulls Lizzo Baggins towards her in a tight embrace. But Lizzo Baggins merely shakes off her best friend and walks away from her. Kram Gamgee watches her go off with surprise on her face, and then she too begins to weep as well. Then, we see Jimagorn look towards the company, swallowing)
Jimagorn: (In a stern tone) Megolas-get them up.
(Megolas gives Jimagorn an incredulous stare, but she advances towards the form of Jessie Brandybuck and Rippin Took anyways. But Mikomir is not going to keep quiet)
Mikomir: (With anger in his voice as he speaks to Jimagorn) Give them a moment, for pity's sake!
Jimagorn: (In a stern voice as he waves across the mountains) By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with Orcs!
Mikomir: (Face pulls into a look of fright and he turns about and speaks quickly and briskly) Okay, everyone up now! Up, up, up! (Pulls Kram Gamgee up on her feet) How do you feel, Kram?
Kram Gamgee: (Sadly) Empty and cold-like I've lost something more than my soul.
Mikomir: (Pats Kram Gamgee on the back) That's nice. Now, let's get goin' huh?
Jimagorn: (Shouting towards the company) We will head towards the woods of Lothlórien. (Looks over to his right and his face pulls into a look of small sympathy as he shouts) Lizzo!
(We see Lizzo Baggins stop in her tracks, and turn to face Jimagorn, with eyes red from the tears she has shed for the loss of her friend. As the camera closes in, you can tell she is wondering whether this quest was really worth the loss the company has suffered)
(We see the company running from the tomb of Malin as if with wings upon their feet. Kendalf's staff is gleaming as they go. We occasionally see the faces of the company, with Kram Gamgee in the back looking behind her to see hundreds of Orcs and Goblins running after them with cackling voices. As the company dashes over a certain part of the hall, we see tons of Orcs and Goblins crawl out of a hole from the ceiling like vicious spiders. It is therefore no surprise that the company is soon outrun, and the evil forces are surrounding them. Even though they are severely outnumbered, the company members still have their swords out. Lizzo Baggins looks around at her surroundings, and we see the hungry faces of Orcs and Goblins. For a moment, it looks as if the forces will attack, but suddenly-with an almighty shriek-they separate from the group and run away, scattering. The company looks puzzled, and Brimli is looking about with a fierce pride upon her face)
Brimli: (In a loud voice) Look at 'em run!
Jimagorn: (In a rather curious tone) I wonder why they ran so fast?
Jessie Brandybuck: (In a joking type voice) Hmm, maybe Rippin farted again.
Rippin Took: (Looks at Jessie Brandybuck with a very angered stare) Jessie, if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times! I-didn't-FART!
Mikomir: (Speaking to Kendalf, who is looking towards the other end of the hall) What is this devilry?
(Kendalf looks completely crestfallen as he eyes the other side of the hall, which we now see is slowly gathering orange light. There is a strange, type of inhumane growling coming from there. After a while, Kendalf finally speaks)
Kendalf: (In a bright tone) A fire demon.
(There is the sound of a rim shot, and the company gives Kendalf a rather incredulous stare)
Kendalf: (Scowling at the company) What, everyone else can be funny, but I can't be? Screw you guys! (Looks towards the distance and suddenly looks solemn again as he speaks) A Balrog-a demon of the Ancient World. What an evil fortune.
Mikomir: (In a logical tone) Oh.is that what it was? I just thought it was really crappy.
Kendalf: (In a quiet, logical tone) That too. (Looks towards the company with wide eyes) RUN!
(The company darts away from the light, away from the evil that threatens to engulf them. We see Mikomir run through a doorway and stop quickly as he almost topples over the other side. Only the quick reflexes of Megolas saves him from falling into the abyss. Quickly, the company approaches the scene, wondering what to do)
Kram Gamgee: (In a rather hopeless voice) This is hopeless! We walked right into a trap! How're we ever going to get out of here?
Lizzo Baggins: (In a hurried tone, trying to think) We obviously need to get out by using these stairs. But if we only had-Hey!
(We suddenly see-from one of the staircases-David Bowie appear. He wears the clothes he wore in Labyrinth, and even has the big eighties type hair. Lizzo Baggins shouts towards him)
Lizzo Baggins: David Bowie! How do we get down these stairs?
David Bowie: (In a misty, far off voice) I will tell you, little girl, if- you take my crystal! (Takes out a crystal from his shirt and begins to move it around with the waving of his hands-like he did in Labyrinth)
Lizzo Baggins: (Angrily) Damn it, Bowie! I don't want a crystal! I wanna find a way out of here!
David Bowie: (Singing in his far off tone) How you turn my world, you precious-
(Megolas immediately takes out her bow and arrow and shoots. We hear David Bowie shout as he falls from his stairs. For a moment, the company looks at Megolas with incredulous looks)
Megolas: (In an annoyed voice) Hey! When you've seen that movie as much as I have-that gets really annoying! (Looks to the side and her eyes brighten) There!
(The company goes to their right and begins to descend the stone staircase that leads to the other ones. Before Jimagorn can follow, Kendalf grabs him by the arm and holds him back)
Kendalf: (Ordering) Lead them on, Jimagorn!
(When Jimagorn gives him a worried stare, Kendalf angrily shouts)
Kendalf: DO AS I SAY!
(Jimagorn runs after the company, Kendalf following. The company is descending the stairs carefully, for they are old and crumble easily. Suddenly, black arrows plummet towards the company. Lizzo Baggins screams as one almost hits her foot and looks up. We see Orcs on the ceiling shooting towards the company-hoping to catch them on the stairs. But the spirit of the company is not hindered, for they keep going. There is a gap in the stair in front of them, and the company stops. Being first in line, Kendalf jumps first)
Megolas: (To Kram Gamgee) You have a fear of flying, Kram?
Kram Gamgee: (Looks at Megolas quizzically) I'm not fond of it, if that's what you mean.
Megolas: (Picking up Kram Gamgee in one swift motion) Then, I'm dreadfully sorry about this.
(Kram Gamgee screams as Megolas throws her to the other staircase. Kendalf catches her with a grunt. Next comes Mikomir, who is grasping both Rippin Took and Jessie Brandybuck under his arms as he jumps. Both hobbits look sour about this and wrinkle their noses-apparently, Mikomir has bad B.O)
Rippin Took: (In a disgusted voice) Look-dude, I know we're living in the third age-but there's a little thing called deodorant; you really should invest in a stick!
Jessie Brandybuck: (Irritably) I'll say.I haven't smelt anything that bad since I got that bag of potpourri from Kram for Christmas.
Kram Gamgee: (Angrily) HEY!
(Then, we see Brimli looking very indignant as she stops Megolas from reaching towards her)
Brimli: (Rather proud) Nobody tosses a Dwarf!
Megolas: (Rolling her eyes as she picks up Brimli) Till now!
(Megolas jumps to the other staircase with Brimli, who is grumbling loudly about this. All that's left is Jimagorn and Lizzo Baggins. It appears as if they can make a clean jump, but from the last jump, the stone in front of them gives way, and so they have to dash away as it falls into the abyss. They both stand and look towards the company on the other side, which is separated from them by a good distance)
Jimagorn: (Awkwardly) Uh-I guess this is a "no" on jumping, eh?
Lizzo Baggins: (In a hopeless voice) This is dreadful! I don't think anything could be worse than this!
(Suddenly, there is a crumbling heard from above as a giant stalactite falls from the ceiling and onto the stair in which Lizzo Baggins and Jimagorn are standing. Now the two people are practically on a teetering staircase)
Jimagorn: (In a bright tone) I dunno-that kind of sucked right there.
Lizzo Baggins: (Seriously scared as she looks at Jimagorn) What're we going to do?
Jimagorn: (Thinks for a bit, then comes up with an idea) Lizzo, lean forward. Come on, lean forward!
(The camera shows the two people lean forward on their broken staircase and it teeters dangerously to the left and then to the right. Finally, it goes forward towards the other staircase. With a sickening crunch, it crashes into the other stair and Lizzo Baggins is hurled into the outstretched arms of Mikomir, who quickly sets her down. With one motion, Jimagorn is with the company)
Mikomir: (As he carefully sets down Lizzo Baggins, speaks with surprise to Jimagorn) Nice save, Jimagorn! How were you able to maneuver that so easily?
Jimagorn: (With a careless shrug) When you don a sexy hair-flip, you know a lot about balance.
Megolas: (Rolling her eyes and crossing her arms) Well, I guess that explains balance.but sexy-No way!
(Kendalf then leads them down the stairs, as the one that Lizzo Baggins and Jimagorn balanced on slowly falls to the side and finally falls into nothingness. We now see Kendalf stopped at the end of the stair, sword unsheathed and waving towards the company to continue going. Behind Kendalf, a dangerous wall of flame looms up)
Kendalf: (Shouting over the sound of burning) OVER THE BRIDGE! FLY! FLY YOU FOOLS! (In an off-hand type of voice) OR RUN-WHICHEVER ONE WORKS FOR YOU!
(Kendalf looks towards the wall of flame as he suddenly hears something like a strange BOOM arise from the flames. In one fluid-like motion, the Balrog appears from the wall of flame, red eyes gleaming and writhed in flame. Kendalf eyes it with severe hate, and turns away to join the company. The Balrog pursues him, opening his mouth to reveal the flames within him as well as outside)
Kendalf: (Shouting back at the Balrog) You might want to speak to someone about that heartburn, pal!
(The Balrog still pursues the company, taking monstrous-yet fairly quick strides-towards its prey. We suddenly get an overhead view as the company crosses the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm in the following order: Mikomir, Jimagorn, Megolas, Rippin Took, Jessie Brandybuck, Brimli, Kram Gamgee, Lizzo Baggins, and Kendalf. But we then see Kendalf stop in his tracks-in about the middle of the bridge-and turn around to face the Balrog. We then see Lizzo Baggins join the company on the other side. When she realizes that they're staring at something, she turns around and her eyes widen with fear as she realizes what Kendalf is doing)
Kendalf: (Camera shows his face, flecked with dirt and sweat-but contorted in a look of pure hate-as he shouts at the fire demon) You shall not pass!
Lizzo Baggins: (In a hysterical shout as she watches) KENDALF!
Kendalf: (We see him looking at the Balrog, choosing to block out everything his company is saying) I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor!
(Kendalf puts up his staff as the Balrog pulls out a whip writhed in flame. We hear the chorus of Rawhide, and then the Balrog snaps the whip on the side of the cavern. Going back to the company, we see Rippin Took bury her face into Jessie Brandybuck's shoulder, unable to watch. Kram Gamgee has a hand over her mouth as she stares at the even taking place, and Lizzo Baggins is watching with extreme fear for her old friend)
Rippin Took: (In a fearful, muffled tone as she speaks) Oh-I cannot watch! This is the scariest thing to ever-(Suddenly sees something on the ground and her voice brightens) Ooh! A penny! (Stoops to pick it up)
Lizzo Baggins: (Angrily shouting, hoping to detour the wizard's actions) KENDALF! GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE, RIGHT NOW! GET-!
(Lizzo Baggins stops speaking as she sees that Kendalf's staff has grown very bright as he speaks towards the Balrog)
Kendalf: (Shouting at the creature as it raises its whip to strike) The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun!
(The Balrog lets out a horrible hiss as it brings its whip down on Kendalf. Sparks fly as the whip lands on the staff, but no harm is done to the wizard. He staggers a bit, but does not quail in the face of evil. The company is watching with bated breath and Lizzo Baggins has given up trying to shout-her voice seems to have died in her throat at the event that had taken place. Instead she watches as Kendalf shouts angrily at the Balrog)
Kendalf: Go back to the Shadow, you piece of crap! You shall not pass!
(The Balrog lets out a hideous shriek and it makes to advance upon Kendalf)
Kendalf: (Camera closes in upon his face as he lifts his staff angrily) YOU- SHALL-NOT-PASS!
(With an almighty BANG, Kendalf brings the staff down on the bridge, which quakes violently. Then, it cracks in front of him, and the Balrog looks down in confusion. Suddenly, the entire bridge in front of Kendalf falls loose and the Balrog goes tumbling into the dark abyss below. We see the astonished looks of Jimagorn and Mikomir)
Jimagorn: (In a shaky voice) Now-that was pretty cool.
(We see Kendalf look down after the Balrog, and we see him play a faint smirk upon his face. He turns to walk away towards the company. But we see the whip of the Balrog suddenly lash out towards Kendalf, grasping him around the ankles, dragging him to the edge of the bridge. With a startled cry, he grasps the edge of the bridge. We see Lizzo Baggins make an effort to dash towards Kendalf, but Mikomir holds her back)
Mikomir: (In a stern tone) You want to get yourself killed?
Lizzo Baggins: (Struggling against the big man's grasp) Let me help him! HELP HIM!
Mikomir: (Tightening his grasp about the hobbit) There's nothing else we can do for him!
Lizzo Baggins: (Completely hysterical by now and shouting towards the wizard) KENDALF!
(We see Kendalf grasping onto the edge of the bridge in vain. He looks up and sees the look of Lizzo Baggins, who has tears leaking out of her eyes as she struggles. She stops struggling as she sees the look in Kendalf's eyes-that look that tells her that he cannot hold on for anything and that nothing can save him. We see his face work into a strange smile as he speaks)
Kendalf: (In an effort against the force pulling him away) Fly-you fools!
(Kendalf lets go of the edge, and we see him slowly fall into the darkness below. Then, we see Lizzo Baggins' face pull into a look of horror and disbelief)
Lizzo Baggins: (Shouting as she tries to struggle again) NOOOOOOOOOOO!
(Mikomir lifts Lizzo Baggins up and carry her to the stairs that will lead them to the gates leading out. Before he goes, her turns around to shout to Jimagorn, who is still staring at the ledge-where just a few seconds ago, the leader of their company clung to for dear life)
Mikomir: (Shouting over Lizzo Baggins' wails of anguish) JIMAGORN!
(Unable to say anything or object, Jimagorn turns away from the scene and follows the company out of the area. We see the company emerge from the gates on the other side of the mountain. This is when we see Kram Gamgee sit upon a rock and begin to weep pitifully at the loss, with Jessie Brandybuck and Rippin Took close by. We see Megolas looking towards the mountain, not knowing how to react and unable to believe what had just happened. Mikomir sets down Lizzo Baggins, who looks gaunt and expressionless-in a state of utter shock. Finally, we see Jimagorn, who is wiping his blade clean, look up at the mountain)
Jimagorn: (In a far off voice) It's my fault. I should have gone after him.
Megolas: (Goes over to Jimagorn and shaking her head in objection) No, Jimagorn! It is my fault! I should have shot at the Balrog with my arrows.
Brimli: (In a small voice) I should have used my axe to attack the Balrog.
Kram Gamgee: (Over her tears and pain) It's my fault! I didn't do anything! And I lost my Salad Shooter!
Lizzo Baggins: (We see her speak to the company in a firm and understanding voice) People! Pull yourselves together! Sure, Kendalf's demise was misfortunate, but we cannot blame ourselves for what had befallen him! (A moment's pause) Because-we all know-(Shouts as she points to Jessie Brandybuck and Rippin Took) IT WAS JESSIE AND RIPPIN'S FAULT!
Jessie Brandybuck: (Looks up with a very angry expression upon her face) What?
Rippin Took: (Also looking furious) Weak, man!
Lizzo Baggins: (Besides herself in anger as she shouts at the two hobbits) If it hadn't been for you two throwing those rocks in the pool, we never would've gone through the mountain! And if you, Rippin, hadn't gotten curious and tinkered with that dead body we never would have gotten caught by the Orcs and the Balrog never would have come!
Kram Gamgee: (Tears still in her eyes as she tries to restrain Lizzo Baggins) Lizzo, this is not good! Stop it! It's not their fault! It's nobody's fault!
Lizzo Baggins: (Snapping at Kram Gamgee) Well, it's obviously somebody's fault! Kendalf can't just die without a cause! It's not right! He can't- He can't be-dead. (Stammers and stops speaking as she sits upon a rock roughly)
Kram Gamgee: (Sitting next to Lizzo Baggins, and looking concerned) Lizzo?
(Lizzo Baggins looks at Kram Gamgee, tears in her eyes. As they trail down her face, Lizzo Baggins begins to weep pitifully)
Lizzo Baggins: (Through her tears) Kram-he's gone! Kendalf's-Kendalf's dead!
(Lizzo Baggins is unable to continue, so she merely weeps. Kram Gamgee pulls Lizzo Baggins towards her in a tight embrace. But Lizzo Baggins merely shakes off her best friend and walks away from her. Kram Gamgee watches her go off with surprise on her face, and then she too begins to weep as well. Then, we see Jimagorn look towards the company, swallowing)
Jimagorn: (In a stern tone) Megolas-get them up.
(Megolas gives Jimagorn an incredulous stare, but she advances towards the form of Jessie Brandybuck and Rippin Took anyways. But Mikomir is not going to keep quiet)
Mikomir: (With anger in his voice as he speaks to Jimagorn) Give them a moment, for pity's sake!
Jimagorn: (In a stern voice as he waves across the mountains) By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with Orcs!
Mikomir: (Face pulls into a look of fright and he turns about and speaks quickly and briskly) Okay, everyone up now! Up, up, up! (Pulls Kram Gamgee up on her feet) How do you feel, Kram?
Kram Gamgee: (Sadly) Empty and cold-like I've lost something more than my soul.
Mikomir: (Pats Kram Gamgee on the back) That's nice. Now, let's get goin' huh?
Jimagorn: (Shouting towards the company) We will head towards the woods of Lothlórien. (Looks over to his right and his face pulls into a look of small sympathy as he shouts) Lizzo!
(We see Lizzo Baggins stop in her tracks, and turn to face Jimagorn, with eyes red from the tears she has shed for the loss of her friend. As the camera closes in, you can tell she is wondering whether this quest was really worth the loss the company has suffered)
