Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.

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Sorry for the delay. Writer's block.

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Frodo managed to get dressed when his doppleganger's reflection showed in the mirror. Frodo looked back to see Bingo waving at him. Enough was enough.

"Don't you hate it when I show up?" Bingo asked, smiling.

"What are you doing here?" Frodo asked, serious. "You threatened me once, and as far as I know about dopplegangers, the only part you'll play is watching other people die. That's not a life anyone should have."

Bingo shrugged. "You're right. What do you propose?"

"I defeat you." Frodo warned.

"You don't look so tough." Bingo chirped. "I could take you down in a second's notice, and no one would care. Now, how does that sound?"

Frodo's blood boiled. He threw a punch at his doppleganger a second too soon. His fist was grabbed by Bingo, who clasped it tightly. Frodo gasped, unable to do anything except collapse on the floor. Bingo chuckled, meeting his gaze.

"Did you really think you can defeat a doppleganger?" Bilbo asked, curious. "Hmm? You're nothing without me. And once I'm free of you, I'll be better, more alive. Surely, you wouldn't want to kill your own doppleganger. I'm your twin!" He released his grip, causing Frodo to sigh in relief.

"How? How can you be stronger than me?" Frodo asked, perplexed.

"Well, that's the perks of being in the spirit world." Bingo grinned. "You'll understand someday. Bye!" He disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving Frodo to his thoughts.

Frodo slammed his fist on the floor. His hand screamed out in pain. "Ow! Oh!" He massaged his hand. It hurt so much. Maybe hitting the floor was a bad idea, at least for now. He looked up at the spot where his doppleganger had gone. He cringed in angst and frustration. "This isn't over, Bingo! I will find a way to defeat you! I promise you that."

He scrambled to his feet, smelling a delicious aroma of hot food. He moved over to a chair, right as an elven servant brought in a silver tray full of food. His nostrils picked up the smell of cooked carrots, broiled potatoes, venison, and a sweet aroma of chamomile tea. He slid the chair in front of a table, where the servant set the tray down. He thanked the servant, before gorging down on the food. There was a message attached to the tray, which he read promptly: For you, Frodo. You didn't make it to dinner last night or, for that matter, breakfast. This meal is arranged to suit your needs. Eat and drink your fill! – Signed, Elrond, Lord of Rivendell.

Frodo grinned, pleased with this success. "Thank you, Lord Elrond." He sighed warmly. "At least something good came from this venture." He dug into his potatoes, enjoying how they tasted and how they filled up his belly. Sleep crept onto him, but not for long. As soon as he finished his meal, he rested for a while. He stood up minutes later, ready to go visit his uncle, see how he was faring.

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Frodo made it to Bilbo's room without stopping. He had to see if the doppleganger left his uncle alone. It wouldn't do if Bingo was up to something again. he arrived at last, opening the door to find Bilbo studying his maps and charts. Frodo huffed softly, determined to make peace with his uncle, before his sudden demise.

"Bilbo!" Frodo called, getting his uncle's attention.

"Ah Frodo!" Bilbo smiled. "I'm glad you've come. I seem to be miscalculating. Where is the nearest smithy shop? I'd like to craft a new weapon, something impenetrable to wooden staves."

"Uncle, we need to talk. I just got word from my doppleganger." He shook his hand in the air several times. The pain issued for a moment, seething through the skin. Then suddenly, the pain ceased, as if it wasn't meant to be there.

"Yes," Bilbo asked, confused, "what is it, lad?"

"He said when I die, he'd be free of me." Frodo spoke in turn, concerned for his own safety. "I don't know what that means."

His uncle set the map down on the table. He approached the lad, resting his hands on his shoulders. "I want you to listen to me! You will survive in two days' time. If not, then I will personally deliver that doppleganger a message. I can't have my nephew getting himself into trouble." Bilbo said, releasing his grip. "Now, is there anything else you'd like to tell me?"

"No. Thank you, uncle." Frodo left his uncle's room without complaint. Good. He had Bilbo to guide him through this. Now, he just needed to survive what was coming, if that helped him out.

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Thanks for reading. :)