Hey everyone, once again, sorry for the long delay. I will say though that the story has been completely revised. Pay special attention to chapter 9, "A Hero Fallen" for that chapter has undertaken a massive overhaul. You guys should be pleased to know that Inuyasha isn't quite so horrible to the Middle Earth gang. His attitude has been tweaked in all the chapters, but the biggest change comes about in A Hero Fallen. So if you choose to reread that chapter, let me know what you think of the changes. Thanks!
When Worlds Collide
Chapter 15: The Stubbornness of Man and Elf
Within the Golden Hall the air was tense. Theoden paced the length of the hall while his most trusted soldiers, as well as Gandalf and Eowyn, stood alongside the pillars. Each was lost within their own thoughts as the king continued his endless pacing.
"And you are sure of this?" asked Theoden, at long last coming to a halt and looking towards the white wizard.
"Saruman is breeding an army Theoden. He will be coming for you," answered Gandalf with the utmost conviction. "You must ready Rohan's troops."
"No," said Theoden without hesitation. "I will not bring further death to my people."
Gandalf internally sighed. It was at times like this when he desperately wished for Aragorn to be here. He did not wish to leave the king to his own devices. Yes, Theoden was a strong man. But in a small span of time he had been through too much hurt. Saruman poisoned his mind and the moment he returned to himself it was with the realization that his son was dead and Grima had Eomer banished. His son and his nephew were both gone from his side and he needed both at this time.
"Death will come fast and swift if you do nothing to rally your troops against Saruman," said Gandalf in response. Theoden had to realize the looming danger. If not these would prove to be the final days for Rohan.
"I know what it is you want of me," replied Theoden after a long stretch of silence. "But I will not risk open war. No, we will go to Helm's Deep."
Afraid of this, Gandalf gripped his staff a little big tighter. He couldn't afford to go with Theoden. But Helm's Deep was nothing but a stony trap. Once Theoden and his people entered there was no escape. Saruman would not let Rohan seek Helm's Deep as a refuge. No, rather Saruman would turn Helm's Deep into Rohan's cemetery. He would give almost anything to have Aragorn and the others with him. Too much had to be accomplished in a short span of time. Eomer had to be found, Aragorn and his friends had to be found, Theoden was going to need help, and he was but one wizard. Torn in multiple directions, yet knowing exactly which one he had to take, Gandalf sighed.
"You are their king," replied Gandalf at long last. "But I fear I cannot be of aid in your coming travels. I have other matters I must attend to."
Appearing baffled for just the slightest second, Theoden recovered and said, "If you must leave then so be it. You bear no oath to Rohan or its people. I and my people will travel to Helm's Deep." Moving his gaze until it rested on Hama, he said, "Hama! Prepare for departure to Helm's Deep. Only take what is absolutely necessary."
Bowing, Hama said, "Yes, my lord," before exiting the Golden Hall, Gamling and the other guards following in his wake. Once the Hall was empty of all but Gandalf, Theoden, and Eowyn, the king turned his weary gaze once more towards the wizard.
"Gandalf, care to tell me what is plaguing your mind?" asked Theoden his old friend. Rarely had he seen the wizard acting so stressed and worried.
"A mystery has befallen Middle Earth," sighed Gandalf, his shoulders drooping ever so slightly. "Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor, has gone missing along with his comrades, Legolas of the woodland realm and Gimli of the Dwarves. I must return to Rivendell and seek out Elrond's aid."
"I see," said Theoden after a lengthy pause. Then proving that even though Saruman had possessed him for a time his mind was still sharp, he added, "From how you worry I gather there is more to it than these three merely showing up missing."
"Yes," replied Gandalf without hesitation. There was no reason to hide the truth from Theoden. Saruman knew of the three's disappearance so there was no threat to the enemy finding out. "They disappeared right in front of me. Saruman is involved," he finished, finally delivering the kicker.
"Saruman," hissed Theoden as his hands spasmed slightly on the arms of his throne. "He is intent on destroying the world of men. Gandalf! We mustn't let him be victorious."
"I know my old friend. That is why I must leave you at this most inopportune time. I feel Aragorn will play a central role in saving the world of men. I must find him!"
Calming from his outburst, Gandalf took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Never before had he felt so entirely helpless in a situation. Even when battling the balrog he always knew what his next move would be. He never felt this blind wandering, this internal confusion over what his next move should be. A key player in the battle for Middle Earth was missing, and not only that, but a friend as well. Gandalf was failing his friend in returning him and his comrades to their rightful place. He needed answers, he needed help, and he needed something to let his mind believe there was a way to get the others back.
Allowing time for his friend to regain his composure, Theoden looked to his niece who was standing quietly beside his throne. Appearing thoughtful, Theoden finally nodded his head as if coming to a conclusion. "You always have had good instincts Gandalf. So be it, if you feel Aragorn will be key in saving the world of men than if you will have her I wish for Eowyn to accompany you."
"My lord!" exclaimed Eowyn, making her presence known in a rather vocal outburst. "You cannot possibly think of sending me from your side!"
Knowing his niece would hate this decision, Theoden repeated, "I wish for you to travel with Gandalf." He spoke in a voice which offered no room for complaint, even from family. He lost his son to Saruman, Eomer was banished because of Saruman, and he would not risk losing his niece as well. That, and he was slightly worried for his wizard friend as well. It was rare when Gandalf ever lost his composure. For him to have lost it bode ill news for the search of Aragorn and the other two. Some human companionship would serve his friend well.
Eowyn cared not for what was running through her uncle's head. All she thought of was he was sending her from his side. "My lord!" she cried, her eyes showing the betrayal she felt. "We will be vulnerable on our travels to Helm's Deep. You'll need me. Please, please Uncle, don't send me away!" she begged, kneeling by his side. Her eyes gazed up at Theoden as she silently begged her uncle to reconsider. Clutching an arm of the throne she waited for Theoden to speak.
"No Eowyn, I know what it is you wish to do," said Theoden while grasping both of Eowyn's hands between his own. "I do not want to see you come to harm. If it comes down to a fight I don't want you to be involved in it. You must do as I wish." By the end Theoden looked as if he was pleading with her, pleading with her to remove herself from the danger of Saruman, from the dangers of fighting.
Not having the heart to fight her uncle when he was looking so old and weary, Eowyn finally said in a defeated voice, "If it is as my lord desires I will obey." She couldn't hide her displeasure and betrayal with his decision, but neither could she fight it any longer.
"My girl," said Gandalf in a gentle voice, "Your help will be greatly appreciated. You may just play a key role in returning Aragorn and his comrades to their rightful place in Middle Earth."
"Impressive laddie, very impressive!" applauded Gimli while clapping his hands with glee. Never before had he witnessed a spectacle such as the one Inuyasha just exhibited. Imagine, eliminating an entire hoard of Uruk-hai with one simple swing of the sword!
"More fuel for Inuyasha's ego," whispered Kagome to Sango who had to stifle her laugh from being heard by the hanyou. Legolas, who was still leaning on Kagome for support cracked a small smile as well.
"That was…most remarkable," agreed Aragorn as he witnessed the now scarred battlefield. Scarred, but without a single trace of the uruks who were just moments ago charging them down. Nodding once at Inuyasha, Aragorn returned his attention to his injured comrade. Moving to stand beside Legolas, he braced his friend against him with one arm around his waist while his other hand went up to feel his friend's forehead. Feeling a slight rise in temperature he shook his head in displeasure.
"Legolas, how are you faring?" asked Aragorn.
Swinging his uninjured arm around Aragorn's shoulders before answering, Legolas said, "Like a poisoned arrow was shot through my shoulder and then jerked out."
"He'll live," commented Aragorn wryly. "But we should return to Kaede's. He was hit with a fast acting poison. The sooner I can get him indoors and administer aid the less time the poison will have to act."
Scoffing, Inuyasha said, "Even I could have told you that. But I don't want to deal with him screaming with pain later so let's get going." Quickly sheathing Tetsusaiga, Inuyasha moved to the elf's other side. Before Legolas could even think of protesting, Inuyasha grabbed him from around the waist and with one fluid movement plopped him on Kirara's back who had moved to stand beside the hanyou.
"There," commented Inuyasha gruffly as if trying to pretend he didn't just help the elf. Sure, Aragorn he could now say he respected and even liked. The elf though…the elf was an entirely different story.
Glaring at the hanyou who had just treated him like an incapacitated child, Legolas said, "I appreciate your help Inuyasha. But as I am not a cripple. I am more than capable of walking on my own."
"Arrogant, stuck-up, fairy," grumbled Inuyasha under his breath as he walked away. "Why did I just help him?"
Rolling his eyes, Aragorn said, "You were shot by a poisoned arrow Legolas. I doubt you have the strength to stand, much less walk even a short distance." Secretly Aragorn had to withhold a chuckle from Inuyasha's comment. He was pretty sure he was the only one who heard ot and although he saw it as being amusing he doubt Legolas would feel the same.
"Take the ride my stubborn friend," added Gimli. "You'll get help much faster this way."
"I am well aware of that," argued Legolas. "I am merely saying that if needed I would be able to get myself back."
"Fine!" shouted Inuyasha in frustration. "Walk back if you wish you stupid thing! But I'm leaving now." Continuing his personal rant against the stubborn elf, Inuyasha stalked off assuming everyone else would follow.
"Inuyasha has such a way with words," commented Miroku as he swung Legolas's quiver and weapons over his shoulder. "Are you all coming?" he asked when only Sango began following Inuyasha with him.
"Hm? Oh yeah," answered Kagome. Waiting for Shippo to jump onto her shoulder, she looked at the three newcomers. "You are going to take the ride, aren't you Legolas?" she asked, worry lacing her voice.
"Of course he is," chuckled Gimli coming up to stand beside the young miko. "Legolas is stubborn, but not stupid." And he knows how much faster the poison will act if he's active, added Gimli in his mind. But wisely choosing not to worry Kagome with that little bit of information, he instead asked with a wide grin, "Will you allow me to escort you back to the village, Lady Kagome?"
Laughing at the dwarf, Kagome shook her head while saying, "Seeing as how the kind-hearted Inuyasha left me, I suppose I can take you up on your offer." When Gimli answered with a chuckle and began following the others, Kagome on his heels, she couldn't help but start humming the Seven Dwarves song from Snow White. Luckily no one else knew what the song was for she was highly doubtful this battle hardened dwarf in front of her would relish being compared to Sleepy, Grumpy, Dopey, and the other four.
With just the two of them bringing up the rear, Aragorn and Legolas fell into silence as Aragorn matched his pace to Kirara's. Every now and then Aragorn would steal glances at this friend to be sure of his health. Each time he was content to see that Legolas was getting no worse.
"Aragorn, you may quit inspecting me," griped Legolas after the tenth time Aragorn thought he was surreptitiously checking on his friend. "This poison doesn't seem to be doing much other than making me weak. I'm not on the verge of death."
"Why take chances?" countered Aragorn. "You know as well as I do the variety of poisons they enjoy using on their arrows," he continued, neither one wondering who 'they' were. "And I will not risk my best friend's life simply because he is a stubborn fool who believes he is incapable of dying!"
Slightly surprised by Aragorn's outburst, Legolas took a harder look at his friend. His dark eyes appeared to be covered in a thin film of pain, a few minor cuts and bruises marring his face. And then Legolas realized with a jolt just how badly his friend's leg seemed to be. With every step Aragorn took his body shuddered with pain. Peering at the injured leg Legolas wasn't surprised to see blood soaking through the leg of the pants.
Knowing his friend was much like him and would never complain of pain, he said, "You have no reason to argue with me Aragorn. Just look at you, you're limping! You accuse me of being stubborn and then you fight so much on your already injured leg you can barely walk yourself!"
Waving off his friend's concern, Aragorn continued his silent trudging even though with every step he took his leg violently screamed out with pain. What was now important was returning to Kaede's so he could properly attend to his friend. His leg would heal with time; Legolas could very possibly die if not helped within a reasonable amount of time.
However, Legolas didn't take Aragorn's silence. "Aragorn," he hissed, "Stop this idiocy. Do you truly wish to cripple yourself? I won't let you do this to yourself. Get on Kirara."
"What?" asked Aragorn in annoyance. "You are not giving up Kirara Legolas. Unlike you I am at least capable of walking."
"I didn't say take her from me," amended Legolas. "Sit on her with me. I'm sure she can handle both of our weights."
As if agreeing with the elf, Kirara angled herself in front of Aragorn and then stopped. Her eyes clearly said one thing as she stared at Aragorn, 'Get on my back. Now.'
Finding no energy to argue with either the demon cat or his friend, Aragorn swung himself on top of Kirara so he was sitting behind Legolas. Grasping the fur that was between him and Legolas, he balanced himself on the cat so he wouldn't be forced to grab his friend to keep himself from falling off. In this way they passed the next 30 minutes. Kirara made sure to constantly keep the others in view, but never did she move so fast as to cause Aragorn to worry about his balance.
Aragorn only truly became worried about his friend when midway back to the village Legolas suddenly slumped forward. Only his fast reflexes allowed Aragorn to catch his friend before Legolas slid off the demon cat.
"Legolas?" called Aragorn frantically, shaking his friend to try and rouse him. "Legolas, wake up, you know it could be deadly to fall asleep when poisoned!" When his friend remained unresponsive, Aragorn hauled him tight against his chest. Keeping one arm wrapped tightly around his friend to keep him from sliding, Aragorn grasped the fur in front of Legolas tightly with his remaining hand. As soon as he was sure he could keep both him and Legolas atop the cat he bid for Kirara to travel faster. Soon enough they were completely caught up to the others who were engaging in some meaningless banter.
Sango was the first to catch Aragorn's worried gaze and the unconscious elf. "What, what happened?" she gasped, successfully bringing everyone to a halt.
Wasting no time in stopping, Aragorn willed Kirara to travel faster even as he shouted, "The poison. It's worse than I originally thought. He needs immediate help!"
Muttering a dwarvish curse, Gimli instantly began running to attempt to keep up with the running feline. Knowing he would never be able to keep up the pace, he looked to Kagome and Inuyasha. "Keep with them," he asked.
With a quick nod, Inuyasha stopped long enough to have Kagome hop onto his back. With a whirlwind of dust he took off.
Coming abreast of Kirara, Kagome shouted, "Aragorn! What's wrong? Is Legolas all right?"
Shaking his head, Aragorn gripped Legolas tighter to his chest. "I shouldn't have delayed in leaving. We should have been back by now but I let us delay."
"He doesn't smell like death," commented Inuyasha.
"He's not going to die!" shouted Aragorn while glaring at Inuyasha.
"Then why are you so worked up?" asked Inuyasha. "If he's not going to die than why are you acting like he is?"
"Because he could," said Aragorn softly. "I can help him. But not here. We need to get back."
"How tight is your grip?" asked Inuyasha while tightening his hands on Kagome's thighs. "Kirara can run faster than she currently is. Make sure your grip is as tight as it can be on the elf. Then let her go."
Listening to Inuyasha, Aragorn gripped Kirara tightly with his knees while grabbing the nape of her neck with both hands. Legolas was positioned safely between his arms with no place to slide. "Go," he whispered to the feline. "Go as fast as you can."
And with that quiet command Kirara soon became nothing a blur on the ground as she deftly weaved between trees and jumped over the underbrush of the forest. She would have flown but was too cautious of the injured load on her back to risk one falling off from a high altitude.
In a few short minutes both she and Inuyasha slid into Kaede's village. Trotting up to the elderly healer's hut Kirara drew to a halt and patiently waited while Aragorn slid off her back and lifted Legolas off. Once Legolas's full weight was leaning against Aragorn, the man's leg faltered, almost causing both of them to go crashing to the ground. In fact, both he and Legolas would have lain in a heap if not for Inuyasha deftly taking Legolas from his grasp and allowing the man to catch his balance.
Going to Aragorn's side, Kagome snaked one arm around the man's waist. "Aragorn?" she questioned. "Are you going to be ok? You're looking rather white."
"I'll be fine," whispered Aragorn as he tried valiantly to ignore his screaming leg. "Just get Legolas inside and boil some water." Pushing away from the helpful girl Aragorn limped into the hut behind Inuyasha who was carrying Legolas inside.
Once inside Inuyasha laid Legolas on the ground and then stood back to allow room for Aragorn to work. Wasting no time, Aragorn knelt on the ground beside his friend and ripped off the makeshift bandage as well as the tunic covering the wound.
Inuyasha gazed on with reined in disgust. In just the short amount of time the elf had been injured the wound was already festering. Black liquid was oozing out of the wound and the edges were a shade of violent crimson. Dark red lines spread out from the wound like a spider web and the skin beneath was a ghostly white. He watched as Aragorn spit out a wad of mushy green matter and stuff it into the opening of the elf's wound. Tearing his eyes away from the injured, Inuyasha looked up when Kagome came running into the hut with a kettle of water sloshing in her hands.
Thankful Kaede almost always kept a few embers burning in the fire pit of her hut, Kagome quickly hung the kettle over the fire as she stoked the embers and willed the fire back to life. Almost as if sensing danger in wasting time, the fire came to life with a roar, the flames licking eagerly at the fuel Kagome provided for it. Once the water was working on boiling, Kagome turned her attention to Aragorn. "Is there anything else I can do?"
"Do you have any herbs to combat a fever?" asked the man. "Preferably ones that can be applied to a cold cloth across his forehead. I don't want to risk him ingesting anything that could react with the antidote I'm preparing."
Searching through the herbs Kaede had on supply, Kagome was relieved to find the herbs she needed and turned to Inuyasha only to find him gone. However, before a hint of anger could even think of surfacing in her mind he was back, a pail of cold water hanging from his hand.
"A cold cloth would need cold water," he said by way of explanation before setting the pail down beside Kagome and moving back to stand in a dark corner of the hut. Smiling in thanks, Kagome quickly prepared the cold cloth and handed it to Aragorn who in turn laid it across Legolas's forehead.
By this time the water was boiling and Aragorn quickly went to work grinding plants he withdrew from the pouch he always kept hanging at his waist.
"What kind of plant is that?" asked Kagome curiously when he put all the plant material into a cup and poured it full of boiling water. As the liquid steeped a soothing scent wafted throughout the hut.
"Athelas," answered Aragorn. "A plant with multiple medicinal purposes. Fortunately I always carry a good supply with me. It seems to be a natural remedy to most poisons. Hopefully it will hold true for this one as well."
Testing the temperature and strength of the drink, Aragorn nodded to himself before lifting Legolas until he was leaning against his chest. Tilting the elf's head back Aragorn poured a little of the drink into his mouth and then stroked his fingers down Legolas's throat until the elf swallowed.
"Here, let me help," said Kagome, taking the cup from Aragorn's hands when he looked to start the process over again. Soon the two of them had gotten Legolas to drink the entire antidote with Kagome pouring it in and Aragorn coaxing his friend to swallow.
"Now what?" asked Kagome as she sat back on her heels.
"Now? Now we wait," replied Aragorn as he laid Legolas back on the ground.
And so the wait began. The other members of the group got into the village soon after the antidote had finished being administered. All gathered in the small hut to wait and hope for the elf to awaken and show that the antidote had been successful. As the night wore on and Legolas still did not awaken they all, one by one, drifted off into sleep until only Aragorn and Inuyasha remained awake.
Neither one said a word, and in all truth Aragorn probably wasn't even aware that Inuyasha was still awake. His focus was entirely on his friend as he switched the cold cloths every time they warmed up and constantly checked the wound to see if it had begun to heal.
About midway through the night the elf awoke for the first time. His eyes flew open and he lurched upwards as his uninjured arm went up to grasp the wound on his shoulder. Inuyasha silently watched as Aragorn soothed the elf. He listened when the man and elf argued about the severity of the wound and the fact that it didn't appear that all the poison had been dried up by the athelas. He listened when the elf told Aragorn to stitch his shoulder as it was continuing to bleed and they could wait no longer for the rest of the poison to be dried up. He watched as Aragorn threaded a needle and pierced it through the elf's skin and as the elf clenched his eyes tight with pain. He watched as Aragorn finished stitching the wound and bathed the shoulder with a cloth drenched in water and then bandage it.
As Legolas slowly drifted back into sleep with Aragorn still keeping a watchful eye on his friend, Inuyasha realized one thing.
Never once, not even when being stitched up, did the elf let a sound cross his lips. It was testament to the elf's silence that not a single person woke up during the entire process.
"Legolas," whispered Inuyasha so softly that not even Aragorn heard. Testing out the elf's name once more, Inuyasha repeated, "Legolas." Hm, yes, perhaps the elf was worthy of his respect after all.
And Inuyasha slowly warms up to the elf. Hope this chapter was up to everyone's expectations. As always, please review, and who knows when I'll get the next chapter up! But I will not abandon this story, that you can be sure of. It will be completed someday, that someday may just be a long ways away!