The Middle Earth Wonderers (The Hobbit/LOTR)

Chapter 26.

I grabbed my sword, the familiar weight grounding me in the chaos, and swung it at Azog with all my might. But his superior size and strength caught me off guard. He seized my arm, twisting it behind my back with a sickening crunch. Pain shot through me, and I cried out, struggling to break free.

Azog grinned, a cold, calculating look in his eyes. He leaned in close, his breath hot and foul against my ear. "You won't best me, little human. I am Azog the Defiler, ruler of the orcs. Your defiance is admirable, but futile."

I narrowed my eyes, refusing to show weakness, but just then, I felt the sharp edge of a blade press against my back. It pierced through my chest, and I gasped as blood dripped down my lips. I could taste the iron as Azog's tongue flicked across my mouth, savoring my pain.

His sinister chuckle echoed in my ears, filling me with a mix of rage and despair. "You fought bravely, but in the end, you were no match for me."

With a brutal shove, he tossed me to the ground, the world spinning around me. In the distance, I heard Thorin's battle cry, his sword slashing through the chaos. He managed to take down Azog, but I could see the toll it took on him—his body was battered, and he collapsed onto his back. My heart raced as I crawled toward him, pushing through the agony.

"Thorin..." I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.

His breathing was labored, eyes struggling to stay open. He looked at me, a mix of pain and pride evident on his face. "You fought well... I am proud of you."

I sat beside him, clutching my own fatal wound, blood seeping through my fingers. "We killed him... heh, my father, Mike, would be proud..." My voice was weak, the darkness creeping closer.

Thorin managed a small smile despite the pain etched across his features. "Yes... we did it... Your father... would be... proud."

"Does this mean Kili and Fili will be the new kings under the mountain?" I asked, forcing a smile despite the despair that hung heavy in the air.

Thorin nodded weakly, his voice strained yet firm. "Yes... Kili and Fili... will rule... after me. They will... rebuild the kingdom... make it greater than it ever was..."

"They better share the bloody throne then..." I chuckled softly, glancing at him with a weak smile.

Thorin's weary chuckle echoed back, genuine despite the gravity of the situation. "Aye... they better... or I'll come back... and haunt them."

"Yeah... me too. Guess I'll be back with my friends again... Ava, Hunter, my father Mike, Ryan, Mia, Lulu, Jack... I'll be with them." My voice grew softer as I felt the warmth of my spirit begin to slip away.

Thorin looked at me, sadness mingled with understanding in his eyes. "Aye... you will. You will be... with them... and they will... welcome you with open arms. You have... fulfilled your duties... my friend..."

With those final words, I felt my body grow heavy, my spirit leaving my mortal shell. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the pull of the darkness. Thorin's face lingered in my mind, a mixture of sorrow and respect etched into his features.

"Farewell... my friend. May your spirit find... peace and joy... in the Halls of your ancestors."

Moments later, I sensed Thorin succumb to his injuries as well, and the battle around us came to an end. The forces of good had finally triumphed, but the cost was steep.

As I floated away from the chaos, I found comfort in knowing that our sacrifice hadn't been in vain. Kili and Fili had survived, and thanks to our efforts, they would rise to take their rightful place as rulers under the mountain, ready to rebuild and restore their kingdom to its former glory.