When Worlds Collide
Chapter 7: Journey to Shinji's Village
Saruman surveyed his grounds from the top of Orthanc. He was quite pleased with how his plan was moving along. His army of uruk-hai were increasing in numbers everyday and each one was outfitted with armor and weapons that the orcs continuously made. His army would soon be complete and then he would march on Theoden. And Rohan would be his. He smirked to himself. Not that he would need a massive army to take Rohan. After all, the weak-willed King Theoden was still in his grasp. And Wormtongue had managed to cast out Eomer, King Theoden's nephew and the only one capable of defending Rohan. The battle was as good as won.
At the sound of a loud scuffle Saruman turned his gaze from his army's preparations to the mysterious portal that he had earlier opened. His eyes narrowed in anger when he saw a mass of orcs surging to the portal while a smaller group attempted to hold them back. The small force was quickly overwhelmed and soon orcs were running into the portal and disappearing.
Saruman grew enraged. The orcs had deliberately disobeyed him and were now going who knew where. He raised his staff and sent a ball of energy shooting towards the uprising orcs. When it hit several orcs were instantly killed and successfully calmed the others.
The livid wizard descended Orthanc and walked briskly towards the portal. When he reached it the remaining orcs were quivering in fear. Never had they seen Saruman so furious.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked Saruman coldly. His penetrating gaze passed over each orc in turn. "Answer me," he demanded when no orc made a move to respond.
"My…my…my Lord," stammered out one orc bravely. "A group of orcs claimed that you were ignoring the danger of the portal. They said that they would destroy it. We tried to stop them…but they got through."
Saruman clenched his staff tightly in one hand. "How many went through?" When the orc didn't respond Saruman suddenly reached out and grabbed it around the neck. "Answer me," he growled, shaking the orc angrily. "How many went through?"
The orc gulped and met the wizard's furious gaze. "At least 60 my lord, possibly more."
Without even realizing it Saruman tightened his grasp around the orc's neck. He didn't even hear the snap, when he saw the lifeless orc he dropped it to the ground. He stared at the portal. Raising his staff he pressed it against the open portal. Reciting the same spell that he had used to open it he waited for it to close. Nothing happened. He recited it again and still nothing happened. His eyes flashed in anger before he lowered his staff. The portal couldn't be closed.
Saruman stared at the portal in both anger and apprehension. He still didn't know where it led and now there were at least 60 of his orcs running around in some other land or time. And there was no telling if something could come out of the portal. He turned to the remaining orcs.
"Keep everyone else out of it. If even one more orc manages to get through your lives will be forfeit. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes my lord," answered the orcs in a soft murmur. Nodding to himself Saruman left. It looked like he'd be making a trip sooner than he had anticipated. Once Theoden and Rohan were destroyed he would see where it led. Prepare yourself Theoden. I'm coming.
The next morning everyone woke up bright and early. Well, everyone woke up early. Not everyone woke up bright.
"Stupid dwarf, get your elbow out of my side," grumbled Legolas.
Gimli responded by pushing it in further. Before Legolas could react he rolled away to safety. And ran into Miroku.
"OW!" yelped Miroku. "My nose!"
"Will you tone it down a bit?" mumbled Sango. "Some of us are still trying to sleep."
"I'm heartbroken my dear Sango. You don't suppose you could show a little sympathy for my nearly broken nose?"
"Are you bleeding?" she asked, eyes still closed.
"No."
"Then you get no sympathy."
Miroku looked at Gimli. "Next time hit me harder."
Aragorn couldn't hold in his chuckle of amusement. With the exception of Inuyasha he and his companions were getting along exceptionally well with everyone. But he figured that with how Inuyasha had been treating them they needed everyone else to be friendly.
Kagome sat up while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Morning already?" she grumbled.
"Yes. Guess we should get up and go to that village," replied Sango as she made no move to get up. No one ever accused her of being a morning person.
"Yeah," yawned Kagome. "But everyone still appears to be slow and tired. It will be a bear trying to get them up."
Miroku grinned. He could definitely solve that problem. He reached out and patted Sango's butt. She had been lying on her side facing away from him. Her butt had practically been begging to be groped. And Miroku wasn't one to argue with a begging butt. And now everyone received their much needed but not wanted wake up call.
"PERVERT!" screeched Sango. She jumped up and kicked the still lying down Miroku. "Just what was that for?"
"Must you ask?" asked Kagome. "He's Miroku. What other reason do you need?"
"Good point," conceded Sango.
"But I believe he did have a reason," spoke up Aragorn. All of the occupants of the hut stared at him like he had suddenly lost his mind. After all, what point could there possibly be for Miroku groping Sango? Besides for his own preverse pleasure of course. "Well, Kagome made the comment that everyone was tired. Sango yelling woke everyone up. Although there were many better ways of going about waking everyone up."
"But that was the fastest," remarked Miroku. "As well as the most enjoyable for me."
Sango kicked him again.
"Did someone die?" asked Inuyasha hopefully from the door of the hut. He had opted to sleep in the God Tree last night. There were just too many people crammed into one small hut for him to sleep comfortably. Luckily Shinji was able to stay with another villager for the night. Lord knows what he would have thought if required to spend the night with everyone else.
Kagome glared at him. "No, and what made you ask such a stupid question?"
"Well Sango screamed. So I was hoping that someone died."
"You said you wouldn't kill them," replied Kagome, her eyes narrowed dangerously.
Inuyasha shrugged. "Yeah, I know I said that. But that doesn't mean I would mind if someone else killed them." Now secretly Inuyasha could admit to himself he didn't true wish death upon the newcomers. Sure, he didn't trust them. But so far, except when the man initially threatened Kagome, the trio hadn't done anything dangerous. He didn't like them, but he still wasn't unreasonable enough to wish them to death until they did something that deserved death. But there was no reason to share that with anyone else. He wasn't looking to make nice with the outsiders. He still wished for them to leave, that he was sure of.
"Have you noticed that they seem to enjoy talking about us as if we weren't even here?" asked Gimli softly to his two friends. Both of them nodded in agreement.
"The dwarf should realize that I'm a half dog demon with exceptionally good hearing," remarked Inuyasha loudly and obnoxiously.
Kagome stared at him oddly.
Inuyasha pointed to the dwarf. "Ask him. And I'm hungry. Let's eat then leave."
"Sounds like a plan to me!" said Gimli while jumping to his feet.
"You know," said Miroku, "you and Inuyasha should get along really well. Both of you really enjoy food."
"Hey, don't compare with that lowly, ungraceful, lump," growled Inuyasha.
"What!" sputtered Gimli. "Lowly…ungraceful…LUMP! Why you little…!"
"Inuyasha certainly has a way with words, eh?" commented Legolas wryly.
"Yes, perhaps I should find a way to make him king of Gondor. The people would definitely enjoy that one, don't you think?" replied Aragorn, a hint of a smile on his face.
Legolas snorted. "The people wouldn't. But Gondor's enemies definitely would. I think Inuyasha would give them plenty of reasons to attack Gondor."
"And now look who's talking about someone as if the person weren't even there," remarked Inuyasha crossly.
"I never thought it would be possible," sighed Kaede, speaking up for the first time.
"And what's that?" asked Sango.
"That you guys could ever get even more annoying. But you have. It is very saddening."
Everyone, even Inuyasha, found that amusing. Kaede glowered at them all. "It wasn't supposed to be funny. It was meant to be a hint."
"That we should be going now?" asked Aragorn.
"Precisely."
"Food first. Then we leave," demanded Inuyasha.
"Everyone outside. Then I'll prepare some breakfast," said Kaede.
"Fair enough," responded Gimli.
"I somehow knew you'd agree to that," commented Legolas.
"Wow, for the first time someone beat Inuyasha to agreeing with food," said Miroku in awe. "It's a miracle!"
"Guess that makes Gimli a lowly, ungraceful, yet fast, lump," snorted Aragorn, not able to resist teasing his friend.
Even Gimli couldn't help but laugh at that comment. "Yeah, guess the lump is faster than Inuyasha," said Gimli, amusement plainly etched in his eyes.
"Hmph," retorted Inuyasha wisely, stomping out of the hut. Those three obnoxious…things…were truly testing his patience. Kagome was lucky he wasn't objecting even louder that he wished for them to leave.
"I think you hurt his ego," remarked Sango.
"It deserves to be hurt," said Shippo, speaking for the first time all morning. He stood up and crossed his arms in an amusing show of toughness.
"It sounds like you don't care for Inuyasha," commented Aragorn, looking at the kitsune in interest.
"I don't! He's a big meanie!" complained Shippo. "He always yells at me and hits me. And likes to throw me into trees!"
Miroku quickly covered his mouth with his hand to hide his smile.
"He throws you into trees?" asked Legolas incredulously. He didn't even think Inuyasha would stoop so low as to hurt a child.
"And you're still alive?" added Gimli in surprise. Even though Inuyasha didn't strike him as particularly strong, the hanyou still should have been strong enough to kill the child by throwing him into trees. But then perhaps the baggy red clothes were really just hiding an exceptionally scrawny body. Snickering to himself, Gimli pictured a thin and bony Inuyasha trying to throw the kitsune and only managing a few feet.
Shippo puffed out his chest. "I'm a full demon. Being thrown repeatedly into trees wouldn't kill me!"
Kagome smiled and scooped Shippo up in her arms. "Don't mind Shippo," she said. "He and Inuyasha have had an ongoing feud ever since we saved Shippo. And Inuyasha wouldn't ever even think of truly hurting because he knows I would sit him for days on end."
CRASH!
Kagome's eyes widened. "Oh no!" she gasped. "Sorry Inuyasha!" she called out loudly. A string of muttered curses was her only response. However, they were hard to hear over the laughter of everyone else.
"Get out now or no food," threatened Kaede while rubbing her temple. She could feel a headache coming on.
Everyone quickly clamped their mouths shut and scampered out the door. Kaede grinned to herself and set about making breakfast in her blissfully quiet hut.
"Do you know where you're going Miroku?" asked Inuyasha crossly.
Miroku looked over his shoulder and glared at the grumpy hanyou. "Of course I do. Shinji gave me very clear directions on how to get to his village. So don't worry, you'll be able to fight soon enough."
Inuyasha growled in response and cracked his knuckles. They had been walking for several hours now. If Shinji's estimation was correct they would be arriving at the village in a couple of hours. Inuyasha hoped that the demons would attack tonight. He had been itching for a fight ever since the newcomers had arrived. He didn't even get to fight the cave troll. No, he had to watch the outsiders fight it. He wanted to fight to show them who they were with. Actually, he wanted them to see how he and all his friends fought. He had to admit, to himself only of course, that the trio were good fighters. At least with the cave troll they were. Now he wanted to show them that he and his friends were also good fighters. And he just wanted to fight. He cracked his knuckles again.
Kagome walked alongside Sango. Shippo was on her shoulder and Sango was holding Kirara. When Kirara had come trotting out from between two huts the Middle Earth clan had jumped in surprise. The tiny cat with two tails had fascinated them. Kagome snickered to herself. No one had bothered to tell them about Kirara's giant form. She couldn't wait for the cat to transform and scare Aragorn and his friends half to death. She was sure it would be highly entertaining. Thinking about Aragorn made her remember something.
"Sango?" asked Kagome.
"Hm?"
"I told Aragorn that he would be explained as being a demon exterminator. I thought that would be the easiest way of explaining his fighting abilities. But I wanted to make sure you were fine with that."
Sango gave Kagome a soft smile. "Kag, why would that bother me? It would be one thing if you asked if Naraku could be called a demon exterminator. But Aragorn is good; he's fighting with us. Of course I wouldn't mind. In fact, I'd be honored if he is said to have come from my village."
"Thanks Sango," said Kagome. "Guess I'll go tell him now that he is officially a demon exterminator. Well, for at least as long as he is with us."
Sango nodded and Kagome slowed her pace and waited for Aragorn and Legolas to catch up to her. They had been bringing up the rear and keeping a lookout for any enemies that might have tried to sneak up on them. Gimli was up front with Miroku. Kagome secretly thought that Gimli was with Miroku for the sole purpose of annoying Inuyasha. He never actually spoke to the hanyou but Inuyasha was forced to have the dwarf walk in front of him as he refused to actually walk alongside the dwarf. And he didn't know where he was going so he also couldn't take the lead. Kagome was shaken out of her thoughts when Aragorn and Legolas caught up.
"Is something wrong Kagome?" asked Aragorn, his hand going instinctively to the hilt of his sword.
"Oh no, I just came back to tell you that Sango doesn't mind that you be considered a demon exterminator. In fact, she said she'd be honored if you said to have come to her village."
Aragorn nodded softly. "And I shall not bring shame to her village. From what I've seen of Sango the demon exterminator's were a strong group of people. It is wrong that they were destroyed so senselessly."
"Yeah, Sango is an extraordinary fighter," said Kagome. "And Aragorn, you are also a great fighter, you will fit right in with her. You won't bring shame to her village."
Aragorn looked away from the young girl and stared off into the surrounding woods. He couldn't understand it. Why would everyone have so much faith in him? His father kept pushing for him to be king. Legolas and Arwen kept telling him that he didn't have a weakness. And now Sango and Kagome trusted him to help represent the demon exterminator's.
Sensing an air of melancholy from the man Kagome quickly changed the topic. "Oh yeah, I also wanted to thank Legolas again for fixing up my bow and arrows." And that was also the truth. She had been so thrilled when he had given her the improved bow and arrows after breakfast. She couldn't believe how much time he put into fixing them for her. But really, once Legolas had laid eyes on the lackluster bow she was using for a weapon he practically glued himself to the weapon until it was greatly improved upon. The archer in him wouldn't allow such a mediocre weapon to be used if he could fix it.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Kagome, you've thanked me no less than five times now. Have you even shot an arrow yet?"
"Um, well no," she replied sheepishly.
"Then hold onto your thanks until after you test it out," suggested Aragorn, pushing away his earlier thoughts and rejoining the conversation. "You don't need to inflate the elf's ego anymore than it already is."
"Oh really?" said Legolas. "I thought…" he suddenly stopped talking and whipped out his bow. Quickly notching an arrow he pointed it into the surrounding woods.
Kagome froze and unconsciously moved closer to Aragorn whose hand was lightly gripping the hilt of his sword. Aragorn glanced at Kagome through the corner of his eye and saw her eyes darting around the woods, looking for the threat that Legolas had seen. Looking around himself he also saw Inuyasha looking intently into the woods, Inuyasha's hand mirroring his own by resting on his sword's hilt. He watched Sango hurry to join them. She stood on the other of Kagome, her whole body alert for the enemy.
Miroku and Gimli realized that their friends were no longer with them and stopped to turn around. At the sight of Legolas with an arrow pointing into the woods and everyone else alert they promptly rejoined their friends. Inuyasha was the last to join the group, his distaste at being in such proximity of the newcomers shown clearly in his eyes.
"Inuyasha? What is it?" asked Sango tersely, her hand resting on hiraikotsu. Kirara was standing beside her, ready to transform at the slightest hint of danger.
"Humans," growled Inuyasha.
"Humans?" said Miroku, voicing the surprising question that was on all of their minds.
"Archers," clarified Legolas. "In the trees and surrounding grounds."
"How many?" asked Miroku.
"I can see three myself," said Aragorn, pulling out his own bow and arrows.
"More than that, at least a dozen," corrected Legolas.
"I hate archers," grumbled Gimli. "Everyone should fight close combat like me."
Kagome smiled at the dwarf then turned to Inuyasha. "Inuyasha? What should we do?"
"If they want a fight we give it to them," he answered.
"Hold on," said Aragorn. Raising his voice so the archers could hear him he said, "We are seeking a village that was attacked yesterday morning by a group of demons. A man called Shinji asked for our help. We mean no harm, we are simply searching for this village."
A murmur rose up in the woods.
"Did you say you know Shinji?" called out a gruff voice.
"Yes, are you from his village?" asked Miroku.
"He said he was going to get the shard hunters. Are you them?" asked the same guy.
"Yes we are. We have come to help," said Miroku.
"Then lower your weapons."
"What?" shouted Inuyasha. "No way!"
"Inuyasha!" snapped Kagome. "Do it!"
Everyone lowered their weapons. Inuyasha simply lowered his fists as he had never even brought out tetsusaiga. A few moments later a group of about two dozen ragged looking men came out of the woods. Almost all of them were injured in some way. They had crude bandages covering their injured, most of which were bright red with blood.
"We thank you for coming," said the same man from before, he was obviously the spokesman of the group. However, unlike before when his voice was gruff it was now tired.
"The demons attacked again?" asked Sango.
The man nodded. "Last night. And their numbers were greater than before. They ran off when we managed to kill about five of them. But there must have been at least 25."
"Did the demon with the jewel shard make itself known?" asked Miroku.
"No, we still have yet to see it. By the way, my name is Naoya. I have no special standing in my village. Really just a fighter."
"A damn good one," came a voice from the back of the Naoya's group.
Miroku smiled softly. "We are glad to help you and your men Naoya. I am Miroku. And these are my friends and companions: Sango, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli."
Naoya smiled for a split second in greeting before his face once again took on a somber appearance. "Our village is this way. Please follow me."
"Of course," said Kagome.
Naoya nodded and led the way to his village. When they got there they were shocked to see remains of still smoking huts. Some men and women were still working on putting out the flames while others were tending to the wounded. And still others where digging graves to bury the murdered.
"As you can see we are still recovering from last night's attack," said Naoya. "It is very lucky that your group came this afternoon. I doubt we would have been able to hold off another attack."
"But you did fight well," said Aragorn softly. "And your men are still willing to fight. You must be a brave and strong leader Naoya."
"I only do what I can to protect my village," said Naoya. "Nothing less, nothing more."
"This village was lucky to have a man like you," said Aragorn. "But your men are tired. Let them rest now. I will treat their wounds as best I can."
"You're a healer?" asked Naoya in shock.
"Yes, I have had some healer training."
"Then I shall be honored to have you help my men," said Naoya, bowing down in respect.
"Please, no reason to bow," said Aragorn. "I am simply doing what anyone would do if they were in my position."
"I can help you Aragorn," said Kagome. "Kaede has taught me a little about healing."
"I shall be happy to have your help," said Aragorn. "It will be much appreciated."
Aragorn and Kagome then went to the group of injured men. While they were tending to the villager's wounds the others walked around the village with Naoya.
"You are all welcome to stay at my hut," offered Naoya. "It isn't much, but most of the others are full of the villagers. Many have lost their homes and so are boarding with others."
"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated," said Miroku.
"It is the least I can for you. After all, you came all this way to help our village."
"We came for the jewel shard," interjected Inuyasha.
"No, we came to help," said Miroku, sending Inuyasha a heated glare. "The jewel shard is just an added benefit."
"And you are welcome to have it," said Naoya. "This village wants nothing to do with the jewel shards. All they do is bring about destruction."
"Which is why we are collecting them," said Miroku, "To prevent more senseless destruction and killing from happening."
"Then I see hope in the demon race."
"What do you mean?" asked Sango.
"Well your group has four demons and one hanyou. And yet you are still trying to save people."
Sango looked puzzled. "Four demons? Shippo and Kirara are demons…who…oh!" she said with understanding. Legolas and Gimli of course. People would think they were demons. And it would be a lot easier to say they were demons then to try and explain what they really were.
Inuyasha crossed his arms in annoyance. So now people thought elf-boy and lumpy-dwarf were demons? Just because they happened to have pointed ears automatically made them demons. And they didn't even look surprised at being called demons. Kagome he thought angrily. She probably told them they'd be considered demons in this time. And she seemed to have forgotten to tell me! Or anyone else for that matter. Stupid wench.
"Not all demons are bad," said Legolas softly. "Or hanyous for that matter. Some are simply misunderstood and never given a chance to prove that they're good. Just because they happen to be a demon or hanyou they are automatically considered evil. But as you can see, there are good ones out there."
"Of course," said Naoya. "And I shall be honored to share my house with you. Demons, hanyous, and humans alike. It makes no difference to me what you are. You are here to help, that is all that matters."
As they followed Naoya as he gave them a tour of the village Inuyasha stared intently at the back of the elf's head. Just what had he been talking about? It almost sounded like the elf had been defending him for some odd reason. But for what reason? Inuyasha quickly shook those thoughts out of his head and followed Naoya and the others. With luck there would be a fight tonight.
Last revised: December 6, 2006