Hey :) This is Harriet. I've been reading the Young Samurai series by Chris Bradford recently and just finished the Way of the Dragon. The ending is just so sad! I had to come up with one of my own. Write reviews, favourite, do whatever! Just tell me if I should continue, it would help a lot. :)

Another thing, a friend Raquel also helped me on the story. Enjoy!

P.S. I don't own anything, and don't ask about it.

Jack took a last look at the house he had first arrived at the day he woke up, his fathers rutter, missing. He would miss the cherry blossom tree he sat under to study his Japanese, and spending all those times with Akiko, finally managing to have a proper conversation with her. From the start, watching her with her white horse and blood red kimono, he knew that she would mean something to his life. The garden was full of sad, yet wondrous moments. Battles with the bokken with his brother Yamato, and watching little Jiro every now and then. Well, Jiro wasn't so little anymore. He could hold a sword!
Even Akiko's mother, he would miss. But Akiko alone was much more than just a friend to him. She had been there from start to finish, and now he was ready packed and leaving his home in the Japans. Would he regret this? Without a doubt yes, but his little sister, Jess, needed him more than ever. Was there ever another choice? No, was always the answer. He had done what he had fought for. His fathers murderer, Dragon Eye was gone. Had had taken back his fathers rutter. He even made his mark as the first gaijin samurai in all of Japan. Still, his ship was waiting. His sensei's had set a ship with loyal samurai crew to get Jack home safely. Admiring his family in Japan, the only blood related family he had left was a two year journey to the other side of the world. There was no time to waste.

"Jack!" Akiko called out, sliding open one of the shoji doors. He had already said his goodbye to her, what was she doing so early up in the morning?

"Akiko, what are you doing here? You need the rest." Jack stared at Akiko's pale face and dark shining hair. Her red kimono brining out all her beautiful features.

"I couldn't let you leave without taking a little piece of Japan with you." Akiko handed a two swords that were tucked into her obi. "These were Masamoto's. He'd want you to have them as his only son." Akiko choked on the word 'only'. Yamato was a brave samurai, sacrificing his life to kill Dragon Eye. Jack was his adopted son, his guardian until the coming of age, which was now.

"Thank you, Akiko." Jack bowed in appreciation. When he looked back up, Jack and Akiko had shared a small moment together. Were they truly forever bound to one another? Jack had to know.

"I would like to give you something in return. Yori would want me to." Jack handed a neatly folded piece of paper from his kimono sleeve and gave it to Akiko. Her face was dazed, amazed by what Jack had done.

"I- I wrote it for you." Jack smiled at Akiko's expression. He couldn't help but feel drawn to her. Neither could Akiko. She read the Haiku a thousand times before looking up again.

"Jack, I didn't know-"

"You don't have to say anything." Jack stopped her gently. "You've always been there for me, even after how rude I was to you in the first place. I can't repay you with much, but this is all I have left to give." Jack said softly, the orange glow of the sun beamed down onto Akiko, making it hard for Jack to resist going another inch closer to her.

"Yori... Takuan... I can't believe you would hold back such a thing for so many years!" Akiko didn't appear disappointed, she felt ashamed for not noticing such affection.

"As if I had a choice," Jack sighed, "I'm a gaijin." Jack struggled to name himself with an insult but it was necessary. "No Japanese would ever fall so far for my kind. Besides, you liked Takuan. I couldn't compete with that." Jack felt as embarrassed as Akiko, feeling himself blush, he dipped his head down slightly, tried to calm himself down from confessing his feelings for Akiko. Akiko couldn't tear her eyes off of the Haiku, intrigued by such words, she maintained speechless. After a minute or so, she managed to calm her breathing and look Jack straight in the eye.

"Clearly, you don't know who I am." Jack felt confused by the comment, but allowed Akiko to continue. "I, as a Japanese, would fall for your kind." Akiko gave a soft smile, and kissed Jack gently on the lips. Jack barely knew how to react. He let Akiko go on and on, until the both had run out of air. For a samurai, that was a hell of a long time.

"Akiko, I-"

"No, Jack. It is I who had misunderstood. If I had known your feelings for me, I wouldn't have talked to Takuan in the first place." Akiko turned around, observing the garden in utter peace. If Jack didn't get to the ship by sunrise, they would leave without him. He had to go, though reluctant to leave Akiko after displaying such affections, he couldn't move his feet. They had somewhat melted to the ground.

"Which is why I have made my decision." Jack was again confused, but waited for Akiko to go on. "I'm going with you to England." Jack was stunned by her approach, unaware of such certainty in her voice, he let himself comprehend Akiko's words.

"Akiko, are- are you sure? I can't guarantee that we'll get to England, but if we do, I still can't guarantee that they will treat you with the respect you're use to." Jack didn't want to leave Akiko, nor did he want her to stay with him. If Akiko stuck around him, there was a high possibility for them to be in danger. Jack never wanted Akiko to be put in such situations, and now that some of his loyal friends had died because of him, he couldn't bare to see Akiko die either.

"Jack, please. I've known you long enough to be certain that we will be able to fight side by side. I stood up for you, it should be just about time for you to stand up for me." Akiko was shaking, but her voice had implied that there was no persuading her around this.

"If you must, ask you family. I don't want you to leave without any consent." Jack was sure that Akiko's mother would say no. Akiko already had a brother captured by Dragon Eye, he doubted that she wanted another child of her, gone from Japan.

Akiko jumped up in glee and ran across the bridge and into the house. As Akiko walked through the shoji, Jack stared up at the sun. It was halfway across the horizon. If Akiko wanted to travel with Jack amongst the seas, she'd have to hurry. A small shriek came from the house, a sound of joy and glee. Akiko ran Dragon speed to her room on the other side of the house, carrying her katana and wakizashi in her obi. Had her mother really approved of her departure? Was this actually happening? To Jack, time had stood frozen and was unable to move.
Akiko's mother appeared through the shoji and walked towards Jack, baring two kimonos and two gi's in hand.

"Please, take good care of my daughter. She trusts you, and so do I." Bowing, Jack took the clothes and thanked Akiko's mother with all his wishes. As Akiko came out, she had two extra swords, two extra clothes, and a handful of Japanese goods from the kitchen.

"Please visit as soon as you can. We all will know when you have arrived. I wish you the best of luck on your new journey, young samurai, and Akiko, I wish you the best of luck through life. May our hearts be with you." Akiko's mother bowed, and Akiko bowed lower in a polite manner.

"May you also, have the best of luck in life. It has been an honour, being your guest." Jack smiled and bowed, and so did Akiko's mother. Soon, they both were on their way down the road, not even bothering to have a last look at home. Akiko smiled at Jack, holding his hand softly as they walked down the path. There was a large crowd of Niten Ichi Ryu students, waving happy sayonaras to Jack, unaware of Akiko's departure as well.

"Saburo!"Jack called as he stood at the end with all his other friends. Yori was there as well.

"Jack!" He called back as they greeted each other for the last bit.

"Hey, what's Akiko doing? Holding your hand?" Saburo looked confused, but as Jack and Akiko switched nervous glances, they instantly let go and blushed at the comment.

"Uh... Akiko is coming to England with me." Jack blurted, the whole crowd had almost gone silent.

"Akiko?" Yori exclaimed, surprised at the sudden turn of event. "Why? We didn't even have a party for you!"

"Don't worry, I just made the decision five minutes ago." Akiko blushed even more, the red flowing deeper into her cheeks, recalling the kiss with Jack.

"You could come as well if you want. That is, if you're willing to learn my language and customs." Jack smiled. He had been dying to speak English with someone all these years in Japan but no one knew his mother tongue. It was Japanese everywhere.

"We would be honoured, but I need permission." said Saburo and Yori in unison. Were they actually planning this out? The Japanese all seem to be very decisive, unlike the English.

"You know I was just kidding, right?" Jack hoped to calm them down, not wanting to put them in such an awkward position. Saburo and Yori had already turned to their parents for permission. But Yori was so small! Saburo was well... Saburo. He understood Akiko's reasons to come with Jack to England, but not Yori's or Saburo's.

"Goodbye Japan, hello England!" Saburo danced as his mother gave him a pack full of spare clothes and supplies. The katana and wakizashi in his obi, and his spirit high in the air. It's just for the food, thought Jack. Yori had danced in the same way, eager to experience life as an English.

"Sayonara!" The four of them cried, cheering up the crowds again. Still not believing what he was experiencing, Jack climbed aboard the ship, the feeling of wooden floors and uneven walking so familiar to him. Saburo and Yori ran everywhere exploring the ship from the deck. Meanwhile, Jack and Akiko went to the back of the ship, and watched the sunrise until it was up to it's fullest. He was soon yet to leave Japan, his home for the while. He was going to miss all the times he had trained here, but forget all the wars that caused his friends lives. Distinguishing the thought, Jack turned to Akiko, finally noticing how close he was standing next to her.

"Are you ready for this?" Jack asked Akiko, hoping that she was fully certain. Akiko hesitated, but turned to Jack eye-to-eye.

"Yes." Akiko grinned, wondering about something else. Her mind had drifted off somewhere. "Teach me something in English." She insisted, hoping Jack would be as good of a teacher as she was. Jack thought long and hard, but still they hadn't fully left Japan yet. Every face was still clear, and only had they just started to feel the wind pushing the sails. Jack spoke three words, and Akiko repeated them, getting use to the feeling of pronouncing words without the ending sounds of chi, o, a, or any other vowel.

"What does that mean?" Akiko asked with much concern.

"It means, I love you." Jack smiled teasingly at Akiko's English voice.

"You tricked me!" Akiko, stared open mouthed at Jack, observing his cunning ways.

"That's your first lesson. Never fall for something, unless you are certain." Jack kept grinning, and bent down slightly to kiss Akiko. Releasing her a while after, he looked around ot the stunned faces of Saburo and Yori.

"The Haiku worked." Jack gave a reassuring smile at Yori and left them to their amazement.

He had to return the favour to Akiko for coming with him to England. This was done by will, not by accident. When Jack had first arrived, Akiko was the first Japanese he saw. And now, she was also the last. But a figure behind the crowd of waving and screaming Japanese had caught his eyes.

Catching a glimpse of Japan once again, he spotted the black and red samurai, bowing to him on a high wall. With much curiosity, he had to believe that it was his guardian and trainer, Masamoto. Akiko and Jack both bowed in respect, then watched him leave. How did he get to Toba? Wasn't he banished? thought Jack.

"You make a great crowd pleaser." said Akiko warmheartedly.

"You make a great girlfriend." Jack laughed, another teasing line from Akiko. They both laughed, and watched as Japan disappeared into the distance. Now, they were not only truly lost at sea, but they were forever bound to one another.

TWO YEARS LATER

"Jack!" Akiko calls from her room. Well, I'll catch you all up on what's been happening. We've fought battles, and even stowaway ninjas aboard the ship. A few sailers drowned in a fight with the Portuguese, but in other words, we are all fine. Everyone has been meeting up with me through specific schedules to learn about English culture, etiquette, and most importantly, language. Akiko has still always been Akiko. She has somewhat changed. She ties her hair up so it's out of her face, and sometimes wears clothes that a female pirate would wear. On special occasions, we all wear out kimonos, but that is mostly on great dinner nights.

"Hey," I smile and walked through her bedroom door that has been left open. Today, she has chosen to wear her gi and through coincidence, so have I. No matter what though, we've gone through a strict rule on this ship. Only the English culture is allowed. Everyone seems to enjoy the no bowing thing. It takes up a lot less time. The only problem now was the etiquette. Saburo and Yori have managed, but some of the sailors, not so much. Akiko is as great as a student, like days back in the Niten Ichi Ryu.

"Ready for practice?" Akiko nods, her accent is just perfect. I wonder what impression she'll have on Jess. I know we'll make it now. It's been two years on this ship and we're still alive and only just slightly hurt.

"Ready." I smile and head her out the door and onto the deck. We practice our Two Heavens technique until a Yori cries out from the watching tower.

"IT'S ENGLAND! IT'S ENGLAND!" All the sailors move up to the tip of the ship to take a good look. Akiko and I exchange glances and quickly dress into appropriate clothes. I wear the usual kimono that I've adapted to, and so does Akiko. Everyone else seems to be wearing either gi's or kimonos and wearing a traditional kimono seems to be the best idea for such an occasion.

Finally, after five years of being gone from England, I'm home, back to where I first started. The sailers make way for my friends and at the the tip of the ship. Everyone is waiting for us at the dock. Once they see me, they know that no harm has been done. Everyone just cheers and cheers at the sight of the Japanese. I wave in return. All the Japanese still aren't that great with the culture, but they could make good conversation.

"Jack!" A high pitch voice cries at the dock. Instantly, I recognize the face. The sweet face of flowing blonde braided hair and deep blue eyes like me.

"Jess!" I call back, ready to get off the wooden ship. The plank is lowered and I run down with Akiko holding her hand, eager for not only me to be reunited with Jess, but for Akiko to get her first real taste of a Fletcher.

"Who's this? She doesn't look like an English person." Jess clearly doesn't get this whole being nice thing, but it's the stubborn mind of a Fletcher.

"I may not be English, but I certainly do understand you." Akiko laughed. People are stunned to hear such fluent English, I too am still surprised at how her accent sounds just like an English girl.

"Woah! The Japanese do exist!" Jess jumps up high and low. "Hold on, what are those things around your belt?" Jess pokes the sheath of of my katana and wakizashi.

"They're swords, and I'm not afraid to use them." I threaten my little sister. After two years of not seeing her, she has certainly grown to mature. Though the voice and the attitude hasn't changed, she has certainly developed a few things.

"Jess," I walk her to the side for a moment, allowing Saburo and Yori to talk to Akiko for a while. They still haven't adapted to Akiko and I being together but, it's exactly what I'm going to tell Jess. If I want her to stay safe and happy, and I want her to know that she can trust Akiko no matter what race she's form.

"How can she be your girlfriend if she isn't an English girl?" Jess whispers quietly in my ear that even with Sensei Kano's training, I can barely hear her.

"Jess, time has it's ways. You'll grow to understand."

"Where's father?" Jess asks in concern.

"Jess, I-" My voice burns to continue. Jess suddenly notices the tears swelling up in my eyes.

"No! He can't be!" Jess hugs onto my tight, making my swords clink on the ground.

"Jess, Jess,' I let her arms cling onto me as she sobs. "I know it's hard. It was for me to." I don't bother continuing. Jess perfectly understands. She knew that this was bound to come, but she also thought that I wouldn't return with the news.

"Can I go talk to... Akiko, is it?" I nod my head in approval and head to Saburo and Yori. For once, I start the conversation in Japanese.

"It's amazing!" Saburo finally let it out.

"I've never seen anything like it. All of it is so brown and beige!" Yori replies with urge to walk, but is struck by the sight of England.

"Come on, I've got a few people to introduce you to." I beckon Akiko over and let her grasp my hand. She's as nervous as I am as we speak. Her smile is filled with approval of my sister and she walks along with me, Saburo and Yori right on out tail. I see a few of my old friends who have been waiting for our arrival for the past five years, and neighbours of all sorts. Mrs. Winters in particular is proud of me.

"Stop!" I say suddenly. I feel the tension burn past and my friends sense the same thing. The crowd is silent, and so is the ship. The only sound I hear are people breathing, the seas, and the boat tipping back and forth. That is what gets me nervous. Saburo, Yori, Akiko and I all exchange glances. Turning and holding onto the handles of our swords, we walk back and peer under the plank. A black shadow comes across and out into the open, the bright light invading it's black clothes.

"Gaijin! I have long awaited this moment." The voice was familiar, but after two years on the ship, I had forgotten any ninja I had encountered.

Unsheathing my swords, people stared in awe as they glinted in the light.

"I have yet a score to settle with you." Japanese was so foreign to the English that they didn't even know what they were doing, still in sight.

The ninja got ready to strike, and right after the first band of their katanas more ninja rushed out to the rescue. Akiko took Jess back to the side and walked up to the rest of the ninja, battling them with the Two Heavens technique. All four of us were. There weren't as many ninjas as we expected there to be if they were to come and attack, but sill. Neither one of us had even properly fought any ninjas. The Autumn Leaf strike must be performed in this battle. If not, how was i going to get the ninja to talk?

Girls stared in amazement as Akiko defeated one ninja after another. A few dived back into the sea, fearful of the female skills. Saburo and Yori were having no problem whatsoever, but I was wondering who the ninja were. Had they been sent by the Shogun? Were they masterless samurai dressed as ninjas like what Akiko had somehow come to be at a certain point? I didn't know, but I was eager to find out. It took me five minutes to get the ninja down to the ground, the katana at his throat. More gasps were heard as I used the tip of the blade to unmask the ninja. Still, the ninja didn't object. Once the scarf had fully been taken off, the gasps all escaped into me.

"How many times have I told you, you can never beat me in Two Heavens?" To all the samurai's surprise, they stared at the laughing face of their natural Niten Ichi Ryu enemy. Kazuzi.