When Worlds Collide
Chapter 12: A New Threat
With a jaw cracking yawn Kagome woke up from her relaxing sleep. She looked with bleary eyes around the hut and saw the only other one awake was Legolas. He was leaning against the wall beside the door while Aragorn slept on by the elf's side. Kagome was slightly surprised to see that the man was sleeping while sitting up and leaning against the wall. His knees were bent up and in between them Kagome could clearly see the sword leaning against his shoulder. Standing up from where she had been resting between Inuyasha and Sango, she padded silently over to the elf. Legolas acknowledged her presence with a brief nod and smile.
"Good morning. Um, Aragorn wasn't sleeping like that the other morning, was he?" asked Kagome in puzzlement. And then, when she saw Gimli laying on his side on the other side of Aragorn, "Hey, all you guys were by the door. You weren't expecting another attack last night, were you?" And finally, "Aragorn wasn't planning on fighting if there was one! He's already injured!"
Chuckling quietly, Legolas laid aside the arrow he had been inspecting and said, "Calm yourself Kagome. None of us perceived any threats after everyone went to sleep. However, being in a strange and new place while having enemies from our world attack us has made us rather cautious." Legolas wisely ignored the last question. He knew Aragorn would be one of the first to fight, injuries or not, if there had been any fighting. He sensed Kagome wouldn't be too thrilled to hear that.
When the girl continued to stand still while staring at the trio in a speculatively silence, Legolas shrugged his shoulders and went back to work. Picking up the arrow he had laid down he finished inspecting it. After making the necessary corrections to it, in this case the slight tweaking of one of the feathers, he placed it neatly into his quiver where it laid alongside the other arrows that had already passed inspection.
Kagome finally moved again, this time choosing to settle into a crouch on the free side of the elf. She watched him meticulously inspect and clean an arrow for a few minutes before once again breaking the peaceful silence of the morning.
"Do you always pay such attention to your arrows?" she asked in a soft voice.
"After every fight I like to be sure my weapons are in good condition. In that way they will always be ready when I need them," he answered without a pause in his work.
Kagome raised an eyebrow incredulously at the elf. "Doesn't that get…I don't know, boring?"
Legolas chuckled softly. "Boring? Not particularly. I see it as something that has to be done."
"Eh," responded Kagome. "Cleaning has always bored me."
Looking at the girl with amusement in his eyes Legolas said, "Kagome, please bring me your bow and arrows. Since you find the upkeeping of them so 'boring' I shall do it for you this once."
At this statement Kagome grew red with embarrassment.
"You do have them, do you not?" inquired the elf.
"Um," stammered Kagome. "I think Inuyasha is waking up. Have fun with your arrows!" Before Legolas could say another word Kagome jumped up and rushed to Inuyasha's side. Kneeling beside him she willed for him to wake up. Legolas continued staring at the girl.
"Waking? Kagome, Inuyasha is no closer to waking than Gimli is."
Kagome looked at the dwarf. He was lying sprawled on his back, a line of drool dribbling out of one corner of his mouth. Keeping eye contact with the elf, as well as an innocent smile plastered on her face, she reached out one hand and tweaked one of Inuyasha's ears. She smiled in triumph when the hanyou immediately groaned and began moving.
Legolas shook his head. "I'll never understand humans," he mumbled to himself before returning to work.
Slowly opening his eyes Inuyasha groaned again. His chest felt like…well like a big ass spider had spit venom on him. He wished something could take the incessant burning away.
Pleased that her plan had succeeded so perfectly Kagome set her attention fully on the hanyou. Or more appropriately, the bandages the swathed the hanyou from neck to waist. She didn't like it much but they'd have to come off so she could put salve on his burns. She doubt Inuyasha would like that idea much. "Well, how are you feeling?"
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. He could for once tell the truth and say he felt like shit. After all, everyone saw the burn, they wouldn't blame him for feeling horrible. "I feel fine, let's go."
Narrowing her eyes Kagome said, "All right, if you feel fine then it should be no problem taking these bandages off." When Inuyasha grunted in reply she took the initiative to pull one end of the bandage. Fast.
"OWWW!!!" yelped Inuyasha while leaping to his feet. And with that one shout the rest of the hut's occupants woke up.
Aragorn's eyes snapped open while simultaneously flying to his feet. Gimli did the same; unfortunately for him he wasn't quite as graceful as Aragorn. Rather than flying to his feet he stood up as fast as he could and accidentally backed into Aragorn. Already balancing precariously because of his one injured leg, Aragorn couldn't take the added weight hitting him. Falling over he happened to land across Sango who had just rolled onto her back to climb to her feet.
Miroku saw a man other than himself lying atop of Sango. Where Inuyasha's yelling failed that image did wonders to wake the monk up. "Get your own damn woman!" he shouted in the haze of one who was just been woken abrubtly from sleep. "Sango's mine!"
Aragorn stared in shock, his face red with embarrassment, as Miroku grabbed his feet to throw him off of Sango. Using his hands he helped the monk by placing them on the ground and pushing himself off of the demon exterminator. Once he was freed from being manhandled the pain caught up with him. Muttering an elvish curse he had learned long ago from his twin brothers he sat back up and tried to hide the pain he was feeling so the others, more importantly Legolas, wouldn't worry.
The moment Sango was freed she stood up and smacked Miroku in the back of the head. "You moron. Aragorn isn't like you; he didn't fall on me on purpose. And you sounded like Kouga, calling me 'your' woman. Like Kagome I am no one's woman."
Miroku grinned sheepishly. "Uh, sorry about that. And uh, sorry to you too Aragorn. I know every man isn't like me."
"Thank god for small favors," grumbled Sango while stretching the kinks out of her back.
"My Aragorn," teased Legolas, one of the few who had yet to move from their spot in the hut. "Whatever would Arwen say if she had just witnessed your graceful and opportune landing spot?"
Scowling Aragorn reached out one hand and picked up one of his discarded boots. In the hope to relieve some pressure off his leg he had taken off his boots last night. That decision paid off this morning. Taking aim at the elf's head he pitched the boot with great accuracy.
Letting out a laugh Legolas deftly dodged the worn out boot. When the boot landed by his side he picked it up to throw it back. And immediately grimaced. "By the grace of Valar Aragorn, it smells like something died in there!"
"You'll smell like that soon enough if you keep it up," grumbled the man.
"I guess Aragorn doesn't like the mornings," commented Shippo cheerfully from his spot on the floor. Unlike the man Shippo loved mornings and wasn't afraid to show it. However, when Aragorn sent a swift glare towards the kitsune Shippo 'eeped' and jumped onto Sango's shoulder in case he decided to throw a boot at him.
Kagome put the finishing touches on Inuyasha's fresh bandages and patted him on the shoulder. "There you go, all set. They should be fine until we get to Kaede's."
"I'm taking them off tonight," complained the hanyou. "You'll just wind up making my injury worse with how you treat me." Crossing his arms over his mostly bare chest he suddenly noticed something. "Uh, Kagome? Can I have the rest of my clothes back now?"
At that one simple request Kagome jumped up, rubbing the back of her neck, the scent of nervousness pouring off her in waves. "Oh, you're clothes…eheheh…" she laughed nervously.
Narrowing his eyes at the miko Inuyasha slowly stood up. "You do have my clothes, right? Or do you expect me to go walking around half naked?"
"Like she wouldn't mind," murmured Miroku pervertedly into Sango's ear. "Although she'd probably enjoy it more if it was his pants that were burned away."
"Pervert," grumbled Sango right before slugging him in the head.
Legolas couldn't help the amused smirk from crossing his face when he overheard what Miroku said. When Aragorn caught sight of him he quietly ambled over.
"And what has you looking so amused may I ask?"
"Oh, nothing," answered Legolas mysteriously. "Just wondering how happy our injured friend would be if the spider had aimed a bit lower than his chest."
Aragorn's face fell right before letting out a loud snort. When everyone else gave him confused looks he merely waved them off while chuckling. Plopping on the ground next to his elven friend he slapped him on the back. "Legolas, Legolas, and here I thought I knew you. But I must say, I have never thought you would say anything like that."
"Perhaps Miroku has already managed to rub off on me," lamented Legolas.
"In this short span of time? By Valar Legolas, you're ruined!"
Inuyasha stared at Kagome expectantly. "Well?" he prodded.
"You know Inuyasha, red really isn't your color. You should consider it a blessing," blabbered Kagome.
"What?" growled Inuyasha.
Deciding her previous train of thought wouldn't work; Kagome opted for the next best course of action. "I'm going to find Naoya so we can leave. Miroku will help you. Bye!" With a quick wave Kagome fled the hut.
"Well now, this is a most interesting turn of events," mused Aragorn.
Rounding on Miroku Inuyasha let out a low growl. "Miroku, where are my clothes?"
Miroku cleared his throat and closed his eyes in reverence. "Your clothes, Inuyasha, were brave and honorable. In fact, your fire rat haori died a very honorable death, defending your life until it finally lost. If you'd like we can build a shrine to it and I shall give it Buddha's blessing."
Sango and Shippo immediately covered their mouths in silent laughter. The Middle Earth group merely looked puzzled.
"Miroku, for your sake I sure hope you're kidding," growled Inuyasha.
"I am sorry for your loss Inuyasha," said Miroku. "I knew how much it meant to you."
"KAAGOOMEE!" yelled Inuyasha.
Kagome appeared in the hut so fast it was like she had been standing directly outside. Which in fact, she had been. In case Inuyasha took it badly she had to be near to sit him. "Yes Inuyasha?" she asked sweetly.
"Is Miroku right?"
Nodding, Kagome said, "Yeah. Besides, look at your chest. Did you honestly believe your clothes would survive that attack?"
"That's not important. Where are they?" growled Inuyasha.
Appearing puzzled by this question, Kagome said, "We had no choice but to burn them. The venom was all over your clothes. Well, the white shirt was just about completely burnt away. But the remains of your fire rat haori was simply doused with the stuff. I guess there wasn't enough venom left to melt it away."
"You burned my haori!" screeched Inuyasha while his face switched from being red with rage to stark white. "Please tell me you're kidding."
"Um, it's gone Inuyasha. Even if it wasn't covered with venom there was no hope in repairing it," said Kagome.
"So you think all the other times things were forced through my chest the holes just magically repaired themselves?" shouted Inuyasha while stalking up the miko.
"Hm, now that you mention I haven't much thought about that," mused Kagome. When she caught sight of Inuyasha's ever darkening expression so backed up into the door. Cursing the fact that the door swung open to the inside she realized she was now caught.
"No, no, I don't think you had," growled Inuyasha. "Whenever it was damaged in the past I'd leave it hanging outside somewhere. By the next morning it would be repaired. I think Totosai one time said something about it. Makes sense he would be able to repair it if he can make swords out of fangs." Almost as if realizing he was rambling, Inuyasha shouted, "But he can't repair it if it was burned away to nothing!"
"Oh. I didn't realize that," replied Kagome with an apologetic smile towards her fuming friend. "Maybe he can make you a brand new one?"
"He better," commented Inuyasha darkly. "Do you not realize how many times it has saved my life in the past? Or even yours? And now it's gone! And I don't even have a shirt to wear anymore!"
"Perhaps Noaya has something you can wear," suggested Miroku, finally coming to Kagome's aid. "I shall go find him."
Moving away from the door so Miroku could leave, Kagome watched Inuyasha with worry when he slid back to the floor and stared at his tightly bound chest. "Stupid damn spider," he grumbled. "It just had to destroy my clothes."
"Guess that means you'll have to fight less like the dwarf," commented Legolas, purposely setting off the hanyou. When Aragorn caught the evil glint in his friend's eye he sighed. There were much better ways to so call 'cheer' the guy up than pissing him off.
"What's that supposed to mean laddie?" asked Gimli suspiciously.
"Don't compare me to that lump!" shouted Inuyasha heatedly. "He couldn't even dodge a boulder if it weren't even moving!"
"If you're going to insult someone at least have the decency to insult the one who offended you," said Gimli in annoyance.
"I'll put down whoever the hell I want to!"
Leaning back against the wall Legolas picked up another arrow and proceed to check it over.
"Why did you do that?" asked Aragorn.
"Hm? I thought it was highly obvious. Now when Miroku gets back Inuyasha will storm out of here, ready to go rather than moping around about his lost clothing. And the sooner we move out perhaps the sooner we can figure out the mystery of why we are here."
"Perhaps," answered Aragorn, looking back up to see Inuyasha and Gimli in a heated shouting match. "But why Gimli?"
"Ah, that one is easy my friend. Since when have I ever passed up the opportunity to tease the dwarf?"
"Aragorn, why do you insist on walking? Sango has said you could ride on Kirara," said Legolas in an attempt to convince his friend to quit putting himself through unnecessary pain. When they had first left the village a little over an hour ago Aragorn had been walking surprisingly well. But that show had quickly ended and he was now walking with a very pronounced limp.
Aragorn waved his concerned friend off. "Do not concern yourself with me Legolas. This pain is nothing I cannot handle."
"It will be our concern if you slow us down human," called out Inuyasha from the lead, his words sounded harsh however there was no vicious intent in his voice. He was now garbed in a plain white shirt Naoya had given him and his fire rat pants. He already missed his haori, he felt almost naked without the comforting weight around his upper body.
"I will not slow you down Inuyasha," assured Aragorn.
"But the more you walk on your leg the longer it will take to heal. Has everything your father taught you slipped your mind?" continued Legolas, refusing to give up the fight. "You know you can't expect an injured limb to heal when you continuously use it!"
"I am well aware of that Legolas. But my injury is not that serious. I will be fine."
"Stubborn human!" exclaimed Legolas annoyance. "Why do you always insist on doing everything in your power to help others but never once do you show yourself the same concern?"
"Is it just me," whispered Sango to Miroku as they brought up the rear, "But do they really remind you of Inuyasha and Kagome at times?"
Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose they do. Except by now Kagome would have sat Inuyasha and forced him to obey to her. And I really hope Aragorn and Legolas don't secretly love each other."
"Pervert," mumbled Sango.
"For once I agree with the elf Aragorn," said Gimli, joining his two friends in the conversation. "It would be much better if you didn't insist on walking on your injured leg."
"Why don't you two go annoy Inuyasha," suggested Aragorn, a hint of annoyance laced through his voice. "From what I recall of the battle he's the one who almost died. And yet he's walking just fine."
Inuyasha turned around to face Aragorn. "I did not almost die!" he insisted. "And besides, I'm a hanyou, I heal much faster than you weak humans."
"Watch your opinion on us 'weak' humans," said Kagome, giving his rosary a slight tug, a grin on her face. Inuyasha quickly swatted her hand away, earning a laugh from Kagome.
"Don't try and change the subject Aragorn," said Legolas.
"Just admit we're right and ride on Kirara," added Gimli.
"Shut up all of you," demanded Inuyasha suddenly, his voice tense. His ears swiveled around busily, his nose sniffing the air. When a low growl sounded in his chest Kagome grew worried.
"Inuyasha? What is it?" she asked, bringing her bow and arrows in front of her. She glanced at the others as they quickly joined her and Inuyasha.
Aragorn rolled his eyes when Legolas and Gimli surrounded him. Honestly, would he ever get peace from those two? It was nice having protective friends, but he was a grown man and a ranger at that! He could handle a little bit of pain.
"What do you sense Inuyasha?" asked Miroku when Inuyasha failed to answer Kagome.
"Kagura," he growled. "That bitch is coming this way."
At the Middle Earth group's puzzled expressions Sango explained. "She is one of Naraku's children. She's a wind demon so be careful."
I guess we're supposed to know what a wind demon does, thought Aragorn wryly, unsheathing his sword to hold it defensively in front of him. His friends followed his lead, Legolas notching an arrow and Gimli readying his favorite axe.
"I see you made new friends Inuyasha," called out a cold, female, voice from above the treetops. Everyone looked up to see the wind demoness floating on her feather, her fan partly covering her face.
"Kagura!" shouted Inuyasha in anger, "What do you want? Bring us to Naraku so I can kill that bastard!"
Legolas spared Inuyasha an amused look before returning his attention to the new enemy. One would think Inuyasha was trying to kill himself with how eager he was to fight again after his near death experience.
"Naraku as no interest in fighting you yet. However, he is very interested in the three newcomers," said Kagura, peering with interest at Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.
"What does he want with them?" asked Miroku, already not liking where this was heading.
"He knows they are not from this world. He has a proposition for them," answered Kagura.
Aragorn's eyes immediately narrowed. His hand gripped his sword tighter. "What is this proposition?"
Kagura smirked down at the man. This would be fun. "He has found a portal to your world. You must want to get back home, do you not?" When the newcomers said nothing Kagura chuckled darkly. "He will meet with you when the time is right to discuss the deal. I leave with you these words: Naraku can get you home."
Before Inuyasha or anyone else could attack Kagura had vanished. Once she was gone everyone lowered their weapons. One by one the Feudal Age gang glanced with trepidation at Aragorn and the others. No one had yet to say a word.
"Bastard," cursed Inuyasha, the first to break the uncomfortable silence. "What the hell is he up to this time?"
"Aragorn?" asked Kagome softly, walking up to him and tentatively touching his upper arm. "Are you ok?" To be honest the look in the man's eyes slightly unnerved her. They were completely blank, void of all emotion.
Shippo jumped from Kagome's shoulder to Aragorn's. He waved his hands in front of the man's eyes. "Hello!" he called out. "Is anyone in there?"
With a slight jump Aragorn blinked and cleared his head.
"Are you ok?" asked Sango worriedly. She looked from Aragorn to Legolas to Gimli; all three of them were simply staring at one another.
Shaking his head Legolas said, "Of course. Sorry about that. It was just a shock hearing that."
"I understand," said Miroku. "Well, shall we continue on and get back to Kaede's?"
"Of course," growled Inuyasha, immediately moving to take the lead. One by one the others moved to follow him.
The rest of the trip was made in silence with both Legolas and Gimli forgetting about Aragorn's injured leg. Other, more pressing, thoughts were running through their heads.
Kagome looked worriedly at Aragorn. She knew how deftly Naraku was able to spin webs of deceit around people. And it now appeared that Aragorn and the others were his new targets. With just a few words spoken by Kagura the door was opened for Naraku to snake his fingers through.
He would proceed to toss out new hints, new bribes, to Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Slowly he would manage to darken their minds and their hearts. He would poison their minds by using their wish and desire to return home. From a want so pure he would turn them. Change them. Take them for his own.
Kagome clenched her fists tightly together. Deep down she hoped that her new friends would see Naraku for who he really was, not how he wanted them to see him. I won't let you have them Naraku, she thought fiercely. I won't let you destroy more lives for your own sick pleasures. Especially lives that shouldn't even be here. It was only through some bizarre twist of fate that they were transported here. They do not belong here and you have no right to destroy them. You won't win. I'll see to it that you fail.
Aragorn silently followed the moving shadow of Legolas, his head bowed in deep thought. However, only one thought continuously entered and coursed through his mind. Home. I can go home.
Last revised: December 7, 2006