Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.

*.*.*

Sorry for the delay. I had a massive writer's block. Thanks goes to Eldhoron and megSUPERFAN for helping me shape this chapter and the next one. :)

*.*.*

Frodo grew up in Rivendell, under his parents' care. He was mentored at an early age, thanks to Elrond and Bilbo's teachings. Bilbo made sure the lad had a decent education, teaching Frodo his letters and how to read. By the time Frodo was six years old, he had learned a great deal and was still growing in his ability to learn other languages.

The work was tough and he was so short, shorter than the elves and his family. The runt of the litter as Elladan would put it. Frodo shook his head. He may be six, but he was already better behaved than Elladan, at least by his own making. Often that wasn't the case. Pranks were something little Frodo just couldn't ignore, especially when the right moment called to him.

One day, he was hiding behind a wall, studying a picture book on flowers. They were adequate for him, leaving him begging for more. He chuckled at the sound of boots skid across the floor. There was a thud, followed by a loud groaning sound. Another voice joined in. He recognized the two voices. They belonged to Elladan and Elrohir, the two dark-haired elves and Elrond's twin sons. He snickered, hoping the twins wouldn't spot him.

"Frodo, come out." Elladan said with great effort.

"Frodo isn't hewe!" Frodo cried from behind the wall.

"Frodo, we are being polite and reasonable!" Elrohir demanded.

Elladan chuckled. "Reasonable? I don't recall us being reasonable when we put that worm in Bilbo's pants."

That made Frodo giggle. He didn't want to leave his hiding spot. Of course, he didn't count on Elrohir scooping him up. He screamed, allowing the older, dark-haired elf prince to twirl him around. Frodo dropped the book, watching its pages crease on the floor. Oh, he could get used to this life.

WHOOSH!

What was that? Frodo turned his head towards a wooden beam. There was someone watching him. Someone who looked just like him. No! How could that be true, or even possible? He waited until Elrohir released him, before zipping down the hallway, the book forgotten. He had to find out who the mysterious stranger was. If there was one thing he could count on, it was his snooping skills.

At last, he reached Elrond's library. There was his mysterious look alike, staring at him with serious eyes. He was a child. Frodo had to reason with him.

"Who awe you?" Frodo asked the look alike.

"Ha ha!" Frodo's look alike flew away in a misty veil.

"Wait! STOP!" Frodo followed his look alike. He wouldn't mind having a playmate. He turned the corner. No! His look alike was gone.

He was alone, but not for long. He looked up at Elladan and Elrohir as they entered the library. They looked down at him with serious eyes. Frodo gulped. He knew he was in trouble now.

"You shouldn't have run off like that!" Elrohir spoke, agitated.

"But… the shadow boy!" Frodo cried out, looking around. "He was here, but now he's gone."

"The shadow boy, you say?" Elladan asked, curious.

"This matter must be taken to our father, Elladan." Elrohir said. He took Frodo's hand. "Come on, Frodo. We're going to see Elrond."

.

Frodo and the twins found their way to the Hall of Fire. There was Elrond, speaking with Bilbo and Frodo's parents. Frodo rushed to his mother, welcoming her embrace. He looked up at Elladan and Elrohir. Would they say anything about what he saw?

"Elladan, Elrohir," Elrond addressed them, "what have you learned? You both look like you've seen a ghost."

"It was me!" Frodo announced himself. "Thewe was a shadow boy. I tried to follow him, but he… disappeawed. He looked like me."

"Ah." Elrond clasped his chin. "A shadow boy. He could be a doppleganger."

"What's a doppleganger?" Frodo asked, quite confused.

"What do you think it is?" Elrond asked, curious.

Frodo gave the word a thought. A doppleganger? Did it mean him or… was it the shadow boy? Why did the shadow boy want from him?

"A hobbit that looks like me?" Frodo asked, wondering if that was the correct answer.

"Also known as a look alike." Elladan said, chipper. He faced Frodo. "Now, what's a look alike?"

"The same person." Frodo guessed.

"Very good, Frodo!" Primula smiled.

"We still don't know what this doppleganger can do." Elrohir said, serious. "If it's after Frodo, then it will cause great harm."

"We don't know that for certain." Elrond turned to Primula. "Why don't you take Frodo to his room? He looks tired."

Frodo yawned. He couldn't believe the day he had. Seeing a… a doppleganger. He wondered it meant something. Maybe he could be friends with the shadow boy. There was no doubt his look alike was special. He longed to talk to him.

He spun around. He was his room. His mother tucked him in bed. Nothing could prepare him for his mother's kisses. Oh, if only his mother didn't give him so much love… but no! He wouldn't have that! He loved his mother with all his heart. Nothing would separate them, right?

*.*.*

Thanks for reading. :)