Falling…

That was the extent of Yang Xiao Long's life now. It felt like she'd been falling for ages since she'd been knocked off the platform by Neo. Ages since she'd pushed Ruby aside and taken the hit to save her.

The next thing she knew, all she could see was the treetops of a thick forest. It was dark and chilly out. She wasn't used to feeling cold like this.

She could hear the sound of heavy footsteps getting nearer.

Getting to her feet, sore, she checked her gear as the footsteps drew nearer. She couldn't tell where they were coming from, but she'd be ready.

"Well well," growled a voice behind her. "What 'ave we 'ere?"

She turned at the voice. They looked like men, but were uglier than any she'd seen before, with mottled grey skin and filthy hair. Their armor was rusted, beaten in, and mismatched. One of them, larger than the rest, stepped forward, barring his crooked, yellow teeth at her.

"You'll make a fine meal, luv," the leader said.

Yang blinked. She certainly hadn't expected that.

"Yeah… I don't think so," she said, charging her gauntlets. "Tell me where I am before I break your legs."

The creatures laughed raucously, drawing their rusty, jagged swords.

"Get 'er, lads!"

She charged as they did, blasting the first few in the chest and dropping her leg on another's head.

Among the cacophony, she heard another voice yelling for her to get back.

Flipping away from the horde, she saw a man charging in, sword in hand.

Yang held back, catching her breath as the man cut down the creatures that dared remain.

Eventually, the remaining creatures ran off, leaving the bodies of their comrades behind.

"Are you alright?" the man asked.

"I'll be fine," Yang grumbled. "Where am I and who are you?"

"We are just outside the village of Bree. I am called Strider," the man replied. "The forest isn't safe at night. Come with me."

Strider led her to a walled village. He pounded on the gate, prompting a peephole to slide open.

"Who goes there?!" the watchman called. "What business do you have in Bree?"

The watchman jumped slightly when he realized Strider was there.

"Apologies, Strider," he said. "Who's your lady friend?"

Strider motioned Yang to stand behind him, "Her identity is none of your concern. She is under my protection."

"Of course, no offense meant. Just doing my job."

Strider didn't respond, simply leading Yang through the gate into a dirty street.

"So," Yang began, awkwardly. "What's your job around here? Sheriff?"

"I'm a Ranger," he replied. "I come and go as I please. I fend off goblins and bandits who cross my path. Like those who attacked you. We can talk more freely at the inn. I have a room there."

Yang nodded.

They walked through the town, drawing many curious eyes at Yang's state of dress and unusually bright hair. Any who drew near were dissuaded from bothering them by a glare from Strider.

He led her through the town to a dingy inn, called The Prancing Pony. They squeezed through the crowded pub to a one-bed room upstairs.

"So," Strider began when he secured the door. "Who are you?"

Yang sat on the bed, "Yang Xiao Long."

"Strange name," Strider commented. "Where are you from?"

"Patch, an island off the coast of Vale."

Strider frowned, "I'm not familiar with those names. And I've been all over many of the lands of Middle Earth."

Yang blinked, "Different world, then. Wasn't sure if it was that or if I'd gone back in time."

Strider looked confused. "We speak the same tongue, but your words are strange to me."

He noticed her prosthetic, "What sort of armor is that?"

Yang smirked, holding out her arm for him to examine more closely. "Technically not armor. That's me. Lost my arm a while back. This is my new arm."

Strider took this in, nodding.

"Get some sleep, Yang Xiao Long," he said. "I'm meeting a friend here tomorrow who will want to hear your story."

Yang laid down in the bed and closed her eyes, falling asleep pretty fast. Strider looked on the bright-haired blonde, more than a little shaken by their brief exchange. Another world? it sounded so...

It sounded like something for Gandalf. Maybe he'll be better able to understand the mystery that was this Yang Xiao Long.

He hoped.