Gotta get Back, Back to the Past, Samurai Jack

by d-clarence

Fifty Years have Passed... But, I do not Age... Time has Lost its Effect on Me... Yet the Suffering Continues... Aku's Grasp Chokes the Past, Present, and Future... Hope, is Lost... Gotta get Back, Back to the Past, Samurai Jack... Herein is the novelization of Season 5 of Samurai Jack, an expanded look at the canon, but expect surprises... Edited with 00RaiserGundam and others.

11. The Hope You Gave Me

XI. The Hope You Gave Me

---

Scaramouche was really overconfident.

Having successfully escaped his phallic-looking friend, the headstrong assassin sought to take a break from all that he had been through over the past few days. He survived his first encounter with Samurai Jack, albeit losing his body in the process. He survived his brief struggle with the unknown angered girl in the skintight black outfit. Moreover, he made it past Richard relatively unscathed.

You can't destroy the musical magic that is, ME, babe, he proudly believed.

As he lay back on the sun chair, he daydreamed of his future mansion and treasures under the Shogun of Sorrows and Grand Overlord himself. Upon spotting a young, shapely woman pass by, he sought to harass her, feeling he should up his game ever since his last encounter with Ashi.

"Hey, babe," he catcalled. "Be a doll and fetch us a drinky-poo."

Enraged at this comment, she turned around, revealing to the bodiless robot she is not who she appears to be.

"Screw off, jerkhead!" She screamed, hands on her hips. "I don't work here!"

Her strength exceeded his expectations as she flipped around, throwing her leg into a high kick at him. High-heeled shoe connected with the sentient robot's eye socket, sending him and the sun chair flying far away to the cruise liner's center mast. Hitting the rough iron surface hard, Scaramouche tumbled to the ground as he was sandwiched to it by the chair that fell on top of him. Crew members and passengers laughed at the sight as the brusque woman marched off to her own business.

"Oh, t-o-o-o-u-c-h-y," he groaned.

Fortunately for him, good news came in the form of something that was long thought to have been phased out by the digital age of computers and smartphones:

A phone booth.

"A phone!" He cheered. "Scaramouche, you are one lucky devil."

Bunny-hopping over to it, he realized he cannot dial Aku's number with his tongue, for the machine hung way out of reach.

I hope he won't mind a collect call…

Knocking the phone from its place, a dial tone rung as the operator picked up.

"This is the operator," she announced. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah, emergency collect call to Aku, babe," he smiled.

"Please say your name," she requested.

"S-c-a-a-a-r-a-m-o-o-u-c-h-e," he sang.

"Please hold."

The robotic assassin did not have to wait long while the phone line beeped and ringed on Aku's end.

"Hello?" The demon picked up.

"Collect call from… 'S-c-a-a-a-r-a-m-o-o-u-c-h-e'. Will you accept the charges?"

"Oh, uh…" Aku had to debate here. The last time his former top assassin called, the call cut off and he had him removed from the Top Ten List on grounds of prank calling. But, he at least had to give him a second chance. "Eh… I guess."

"Thank you."

This was the hitman's time to shine. Just a few words are all it will take and he will be that much closer to riches, fame, and glory. However, the crowd outside grew quite unruly…

"Aku, my boss-man, you will not believe what I just went through, babe," he started, but was cut off as a public gambling session occurred outside as the crowds clamored in excitement.

"What?!" Aku screamed over the phone. Scaramouche's smile dropped sharply. "It's hard to hear you!"

The moment someone scored a straight flush, the laughter was too much for the slowly angering robot to bear.

"Eh, hold on a sec," he told Aku. He didn't hear. Turning his attention to the rowdy people, he ordered, "Hey fellas, could you keep it, like, down? I'm trying to have a conversation."

This group of individuals were not who Scaramouche was expecting. A pack of well dressed, anthropomorphic dogs growled at the disturbance of their little get-together. Three of them broke off to face their challenger. Astro Jetson, Spike Bulldog, and Big Dog emerged displeased.

"You talkin' to us?!" Spike demanded.

Wait. I thought the sign at the dock read, 'No Dog?' Scaramouche thought in annoyance. "Yeah, that's right, Rover. I want you to keep your barking to a minimum."

"'Rover?'" Spike repeated the insult.

"'Barking?'" Big Dog reuttered in annoyance.

"I think he's calling us dogs," Astro pointed out.

"Okay, little puppy," Scaramouche began his next line of insults. "You looked in a mirror lately? Now, go get somebody their slippers or something. I'm on the line."

Little did he care how much more that enraged his canine opponents as he returned to tell Aku the good news.

"So I wanted to tell ya, Aku," he said with a smile. "Jacko has lost his -"

Spike yanked the former assassin out of the phone booth to teach him a lesson he'll never forget…

"Huh? What?" Aku responded in confusion. "Forget it!"

As the Deliverer of Darkness hung up, Scaramouche found himself held face-to-face with another captor for the second instance this week.

"Usually me and the boys would rip your head from your body," Spike threatened.

Now where have I heard that before? Scaramouche stared in fear.

"But looks like somebody already did us the favor, eh?"

His fellow compatriots growled and nodded in agreement.

"So in lieu of that…"

"What?!" the robot hitman challenged. "Ya gonna throw me overboard?!"

"I think this one's giving us ideas, Spike, old boy," Astro nudged.

"Whaddya say we give him what he wants?" Suggested Big Dog.

This day has gone from bad to worse for the once proud sassy assassin.

"Oh," he moaned, before cursing, "Motherfu – u-u-u-a-a-h!"

The bodiless and helpless Scaramouche was thrown out as the cruise liner passed him by. He flew for what seemed like an eternity before landing in the ocean hard. Only after rising out of the water did he realize how much worse this day had gone for him.

"Dippity doo dang, babe," he complained.

It wasn't long before a new solution presented itself. A school of black octopi swam beneath Scaramouche as one broke formation and popped its head out of the water, blinking its large, round eyes at the hitman.

Looks like luck is on my side, after all, he believed. Now, time for swimmin' lessons, baby!

- - - … - - -

Ashi has now witnessed everything good about the former Samurai, but still retained her bitterness of heart towards him. The bitterness that stemmed from what he had to do to her own sisters. She fully understood why he did what he did, but that does not excuse seeing her closest family fall one-by-one into bloodied and battered heaps.

The sun began to set and the clouds thundered nearby as she was taking another rest stop in the woods. Ashi finally took the time to carve in the names of her sisters along the hilt of her katana, as she had long promised to do so weeks ago. She took care that each name was intricately carved in cursive lettering, as Arya's name was done.

"… Avi… Ami… Aki… Aya… Alana…" she muttered.

All along the hard, textured surface of the sword, the former Daughter of Aku had carved in her sisters' names with her dagger in the order they were murdered. Each name lay in succession of the other, trailing along the hilt, next to Arya's, but a few inches of space remained between Alana's mark and the handguard of the blade. She figured when the time was right, her own name would be added on right there. She deeply wished they would show themselves to her again. She never realized how lonely she was until now.

Upon returning her blade to her waist, it was time to move on, but where should she go? The Ronin could have wandered anywhere. While it was a blessing her search had certainly narrowed down to the small island nation of Japan, she knew not where to look. The journey seemed hopeless and pointless. Jack had truly abandoned her, despite all his promises and teachings.

At the moment all seemed lost; they showed themselves to her once more.

"A little lost, aren't you, Sister?" Ashi's eyes snapped open from her melancholy. Only one of her sisters had this playful of a tone whenever she spoke.

It was Arya.

But alas, she was not alone either. The other five stood with her, all of them with a change of attire as well. Each of Ashi's sisters had adopted similar leaf dresses and some cases, a hairstyle change as well.

Arya now more fully resembled the waitresses from Gypsy's, wrapping her chest in a similar fashion the dancers had. Her midriff, shoulders, and arms were fully exposed and she wore a short leaf skirt with thigh-high boots composed of reeds. Her bob cut now held a single cherry blossom over her right ear.

Aki came up next in a more modest and long flowing dress that extended to her ankles. Palm leaves made up the primary construction of the skirt area and the sleeves of her top stopped just shy of her elbows. Small, decorative fringes and seashells made up her belt. Her signature spiked cut remained the same.

The others were also fashionably dressed as well, with dresses, skirts, and tops of other varying designs. Some sported short braids in their hair, whilst others kept theirs long, curly, and adorned with flowers. Ashi couldn't believe her eyes.

Before she could speak, Aki raised her hand up to her eldest one's lips. "Yes, Ashi, this is very real."

Tears cascaded down the trembling eyes of Ashi's face. Her second-in-command's finger tips were soft and warm to the touch. Unable to control herself for any longer, she jumped into the arms of her sister in a deep, loving hug and sobbed right into her shoulder.

Everyone joined in on the heartfelt group hug as the family seemed reunited, forever.

"It's okay, Ashi, it's okay," cooed Ami.

"We will always be with you," comforted Aya.

"No matter where you go," Alana assured.

Breaking the hug, Ashi wiped her face off with her arm and sniffled with a smile. "I… I… do not understand… but… how?"

"That will take a while to explain," Avi said. "Now come! We have something to show you!"

The six ran off, beckoning Ashi to follow. The young woman did so without hesitation. As the sun set, a multitude of stars lit the dark forest ahead, even as storm clouds raged closer and closer. The bioluminescent plant life glowed and lit in what seemed to be in all colors of the rainbow. To Ashi, this was a time to be merry and celebrate, for her sisters have returned to her.

They playfully giggled and danced through the forest as even Ashi found it hard to keep up with the rest.

"Come on, Ashi!" Avi waved over from a fallen tree.

The tears the eldest sister shed were of the joy she was bereft of ever since she was born into this world. She darted past bushes, leaped atop shrubs and caught hold of Aki's warm, soft, yet strong hand as they all traveled together.

Her joy exceeded to the point where her quest for the lost Samurai didn't matter to her anymore. She knew Jack was around somewhere. The former assassin of Aku believed she can delay just this once. The dark and thick storm clouds fell upon the seven as a heavy downpour overcame them all. Ashi didn't care as she laughed and played with her sisters for the first time in her life. Fearing she will get an infection, Alana generously wrapped her sister in a large tree leaf that enshrouded her entire body.

"Wow! Thanks, Sister!" Ashi giggled.

"Anytime, Leaf Girl," she joked.

"Ha, ha! Seriously?!" The remark was ironic in itself.

"Come on, you two, we're almost there!" Arya shouted.

"Almost where?" Ashi raised an eyebrow. Her smile dropped in confusion.

"You'll see…" Ami chimed in.

As Ashi hurried along with her sisters leading away, they exited the still-glowing forest as the seven came into a clearing where a tall building lay in the crossroad of several paths. The structure reminded Ashi very much of the aesthetics that Momotaro and Shinobi's had. It stood four stories high, with roof sections interrupting each story as it curled upwards at the edges. The dark-colored building had translucent windows that showed its guests of many cultures and races alike drinking, gambling, and lounging around.

The sign that loosely creaked and hung on its hinges read, "Da Tavern of Da Sam-Moo-Rhai."

"We both know how easily distracted you get, Ashi," Aki confided, uncaring of the rain that cascaded down her slender body and dress. The rest simply lined up side-by-side as Ashi wandered forward.

Ashi fully knew now why her sisters had led her here. Before her hand pushed the door open, she hesitated, wanting an answer.

"Why?" She turned and questioned.

"The Samurai needs you," Aya raised her hand to Ashi. "He needs your help."

"Why have you brought me here?" The eldest confronted. Her blood ran as cold as the rain as she could no longer tell if the water that fell upon her face was from the storm or her own tears. "Am I meant to forgive this man for what he did?"

"Ashi," Aki softly spoke as more thunder crashed. "If you can't forgive him for what he did to you, then forgive him for us."

"No," she turned away, closing her eyes in anger. "There is no turning back from the path he has chosen."

"And yet, here you are," Arya pitched in. "Please, Sister…"

"He killed you!" Ashi shouted back. "Now that I'm thinking clearly, he deserves any trouble coming to him!"

"You don't mean to say that," Avi shook her head. "What happened is history, and the now is a present. You can change that!"

"Come on, you have seen the evidence for yourself," Ami groaned in reason. "He is a good person! That is something the rest of us never knew in our lives, but you did."

"Hope lives," Arya taught and pleaded. "It is everywhere! You have seen it; everyone Jack has touched and all the people he has helped!"

Ashi continued to shake her head in disbelief that such a merciful being could not do so for her own family.

"As we once were, he is being misguided by forces way beyond your comprehension!" Alana pointed out. "We know it as you soon will."

"And most of all," Aya turned her last living sister to her. "He showed you the truth! He proved there's so much more to you than we ever knew existed!"

"'So much more?'" Ashi drooped and doubted. "Like what?"

Refocusing her sister's gaze into her own, Arya begged, "The hope he gave to you that saved your life from the one we were imprisoned to!"

"Okay, okay," Ashi eventually relented and gave in to her sisters' pleas. "I'll finish this…"

"We will always be with you, Sister," Aki concluded. "We have to go now, but please, find Jack. Not just for you and me, but for everyone."

"No," Ashi shook her head trying to hold back another fit. "Just… please… don't go…"

"I'm sorry, Ashi, but…"

"N-O-O-O-!-!-!" The last Daughter of Aku hysterically cried as she pulled her sister in for a tight hug. "I won't let you go!"

"I don't want to either," she reciprocated the feeling. She broke the contact only to cradle her saddening sister's face in her caring palms. "But remember, we are here, we are watching out for you."

With one last group hug, Ashi tried to hold as many of them in her arms as possible. In a cruel twist of Fate, they vanished with each flash of lightning that lit up the sky and earth. The first to go was Arya, then Avi, Ami. Ashi gasped in horror as she found them disappearing in the order they passed in, as she found herself grasping at thin air as each one vanished. Then, the next to go were Aki, Aya, and there stood only Alana and Ashi now.

"So, uhh," Alana shyly muttered, rubbing her arm. "I… guess… this is goodbye…"

"I'll miss you," Ashi regained control over herself. "All of you…"

"We know," she nodded once, holding her sole surviving sister's hands in her own. "We will be there, when you need us."

As the lighting and thunder clapped one more time, the last of the seven found herself all alone again. The only thing left to remind her of this experience was the large tree leaf Alana draped her in and a single cherry blossom that lay in the mud in front of her. Ashi had no other choice but to move on. Not just for her own or her sisters' sake, but for Jack and the fate of the entire world.

She walked on, controlling her composure again as she wiped away the last of her tears. Taking in one last deep breath, she marched towards the entrance to the tavern. Once again, she hesitated at the door, bracing herself for whatever waited on the other side.

The door crashed open as the patrons stared on at the newcomer who entered. Several of them were massive hulking men and beasts, heavily armed and armored. Fortunately for Ashi, they were not here to fight.

Upset about the sudden chilly draft that filled the air, an elderly African-American bartender shouted from his post, "Hey, man, close the damn door! You're letting all the heat out!"

Oh. Sorry, Ashi thought. The former assassin politely closed the door and surveyed her surroundings yet again.

Figuring the man behind the counter would be the best one to ask to find Jack, she approached him carefully, making sure she did not attract anymore unnecessary attention. She kept the leaf wrapped around her, concealing her small arsenal from view. As she did so, she sized up the man who came into view in front of her. Scrawny, yet able to get around, greying hair and unkempt beard, wore a purple tank top, apron, and a pair of gold earrings as he wore green tinted shades that concealed a set of windshield wipers. The man was another individual of note who faced Samurai Jack… in a not-so-honorable manner…

"What you want here, Leaf Girl?" He hunched over and sneered.

Pouting from the use of that remark, she had to control herself from not punching him right in the face right there. She whispered, "I'm looking for Samurai Jack."

"Huh? What'd you say?" He was quite hard of hearing.

"I'm looking for Samurai Jack," she repeated, attempting to hide away her impatience.

"Huh? What's that?" He went right into her face and shouted, "Damn it, girl, speak up!"

All right, that's it! Taking in a deep breath, she disregarded all control as her fists balled into the large leaf as she hollered back, "I'M LOOKING FOR SAMURAI JACK!"

People instantly clattered off their seats, surrounding the Shinobi. She reached for her recently carved-in sword by her side in case events turned for the worse.

The bartender pointed at her and mocked, "You're looking for the Samurai?!"

Everyone began laughing at Ashi, as some conversed to themselves out loud of how foolhardy her quest is, of how futile the concept of searching for Jack is, and of how crazy this little girl must be to take upon herself such an endeavor.

She only scowled and tried to shrug off their insults and rantings. As she briefly closed her eyes, the former Daughter of Aku wanted nothing more than to beat all her bullies in. She imagined kicking the elderly bartender towards his shelf of drinks and lashing out her kusarigama at those closest to her. The gory images in her imagination were pressed further into reality when one hulking, heavily tattooed Polynesian man pushed her into the counter. She visibly gritted her teeth as she gripped the wood of the countertop as it began to crack and splinter under her hands.

No, Ashi stopped herself. Jack wouldn't want you to do this… Just stay calm, just stay calm… even if these imbeciles deserve it…

A robotic individual in cobbled, steel plating planted his arm on the counter as he chided to her, "Little girl, Samurai Jack is the toughest S.O.B. out there. Last time we fought, he did…" Removing his helmet, revealed a jumbled mess of wiring and circuitry as his head as his once deep voice turned high-pitched when he finished his saying. "… this to me!"

"Ha! That's nothing! Check me out!" Another robotic individual with yellow horns on his headpiece revealed himself, showing off his shoddy Band-Aid job on his body. "These things are literally holding me together!"

Deciding to put that to the test, a traveling Spartan scout in a red toga yanked off a loose hanging bandage from the boastful one's shoulder, only for the whole arm to fall off from its socket.

"Dude, really?" He groaned.

"I used to go to the bathroom," the Polynesian shouted. "But now I go in a bag!"

As he whimpered, another robot, this time a decommissioned sailor pointed to his empty eye socket and whined, "He busted me eye!"

As several others joined in, Ashi remained in astonishment at the Samurai's combat capabilities, even to the point of letting these has-beens and washouts live. Not that she needed anymore reminders…

"M-a-a-a-n…" The bartender spoke up as he boasted of his experience. "Those robotic cats got nothin' on me! 'Cause back in the day, I was a bad-ass Sa-Moo-Rhai! I was da' samurai!"

He leapt up to the countertop, showing off as if he were still in his prime. "I was all about the slicing and dicing!" He said as he grabbed the nearby broomstick and swung it around like he used to swing his old sword around, calling out a jumbled mess of his old moves and strikes in his former glory, ranging from the "Funk-a-Chop" to the "Whack-a-Hack" and finally to the ever famous "Turkey Carve."

Coming back down to the ground, he revealed his most prized possession as he lit it up with a floodlight:

An artistically created lithograph he made himself of Jack, rendered in neon blue and pink, with the true warrior's name written in a funky, colorful, and stylized font.

He finished his story as he mellowed out by saying, "… but Samurai Jack enlightened me to the true meaning of being a samurai. Shortly after, I gave up my blade and top knot and became the bartender here at the place where we first met."

Even though this place was clearly another dead-end in her journey for the lost Samurai, Ashi remained surprised at how Samurai Jack's example encouraged a once prideful and haughty man to humble himself and be a server of the people.

"Uhh…" The rewired robot spoke up. "That doesn't sound bad at all…"

Angered by this patron's comment, the bartender balled his fists by his side and shouted, "That's because you ain't got no soul, you robot fool!"

Before Ashi could entertain the idea of leaving, another defeated enemy of the Samurai just had to make a surprise entrance. The door crashed open once more as a chilly draft filled the bar area. An unfamiliar eerie hum overcame them all as all stood in surprise of the high-pitched voice that followed.

"I… have… returned!"

The crowd turned to see who it was. One of the strongest of Aku's Minions summoned from the Pit of Hate, the Soul Collector himself, known only as Demongo. His head lite blue with ghostly flames as it floated from his shoulders and he was vested in a black cape with red, inner lining.

"I, Demongo, have come to collect the souls of the greatest warriors," he announced, but upon seeing the lackluster quality of those present, he concluded with a sly smile, "But I see I have come to the wrong place."

In that instant, he skidded out the door that shut behind him.

"We got some straight-up freaks coming through this place," the former Sa-Moo-Rhai whistled.

Leaving the tavern as the others returned to their drinks and lounging around, Ashi found herself yet again in another predicament. It seemed as though her own sisters tricked her into coming here. Had she been betrayed? Was she too late? Is there no one who knows where the Samurai went?

As she kept her head low as she returned back into the rain, she looked around; making sure the presence of Demongo was gone. Confident the strange Minion of Aku had left for good; she walked on, as she found multiple paths ahead of her.

Oh, great, she grimaced. Now what?

Figuring this is the end of her journey, she turned to go back into the forest, only to be stopped by another peculiar individual. A short, elderly woman appeared out of the tall grass, shrouded in darkness. Her eyes seemed to have a ghostly glow to them as they were the only features clearly visible. From what Ashi could guess, she wore a purple yukata and her hair was kept in two large ponytails on either side of her head. The two of them stared at each other for a moment before the mysterious individual spoke in a hushed tone.

"Are you the one looking for the Samurai?" She asked.

"Yes," she honestly spoke.

"Are you his friend?" her eyes narrowed in observance of her answer.

Ashi looked around briefly, pondering about what her response should be. Several times she was asked if she is his ally, girlfriend, significant other, and so on, so forth. Each time, she either lied or gave a vague answer out of her inability to respond honestly.

Time to change that.

"Yes," she finally confessed, solidifying her stance with the Samurai. A great feeling of euphoric relief washed over her, having finally let go of her bitterness towards Jack.

From what Ashi could barely see, the figure smiled at her honest response, as if she was anticipating that for a long time. She pointed towards her left and instructed, "Follow the path north."

The former Daughter of Aku turned her head to spot what the ghostly personage was pointing towards. An old, unused, far off, beaten path lay partially concealed in the shrubbery. Even Ashi could not have spotted it. Thankful for the information, Ashi asked, "Who…"

But she was cut off as the strange one disappeared without a trace. No footprints, no trampled foliage, nothing.

However, the identity of this person didn't matter. This was her strongest lead to date for Jack, and the time has come to make haste. She ran off towards the path, ditching the tree leaf Alana gave her as she darted through the path, refocused once again with only one goal in sight:

Find Jack.

- - - … - - -

Grateful the rain had stopped, Ashi ran for what felt like miles. Birds tweeted to each other as various wildlife traveled past her as Ashi found herself in an open field that existed out of the forest. The dirt path she was on turned into loose bricks and cobblestone roads. The area ahead was once a hilly meadow that held a great civilization long gone and forgotten.

Running out of breath, Ashi decided to catch her breath for a minute as she stopped by a flowing river next to a mossy boulder. Curiously, there were no fish or life within the water as it remained crystal clear. As she drank, she found herself overcome with a sudden heaviness of heart, as though something bad has happened here. She shuddered, as the water that was in her hands splashed back in the river. Bending over, she noticed in the reflection of the water that the boulder that was next to her was not a boulder to begin with.

Looking over to her right, the rock formation was actually a carving. A dragon-like creature lay as if on watch next to her. It was so intricately carved, its teeth bared as though it was a warning to trespassers. She got up and searched the area, seeking as to what the source of this statue was.

Cresting atop a hill, she saw a dreadful sight. A great city lay in shambles as the charred husks that were once homes, fortifications and other statues lie strewn about as moss and overgrowth choked out whatever identity of the people who were here.

"Can it be?" She doubted it. She grew up believing the Japanese people were tyrants, controlling the down-trodden populace with an iron fist, taxing and enslaving them for use in their mighty army that Aku brought down single-handedly. The time was now she learned the truth…

Her head hurt as she walked atop a ruined staircase that once led to the city gates. She collapsed in exhaustion, feeling suddenly drained. She closed her eyes for a moment, as the wind blew and the swampy air filled her nostrils. As she drifted away, she found herself being taken away to a much better time…

… and as travelers spoke to each other in their native tongue, Guardsmen admitted those people in, kindly giving them of their rations of the day to sustain them until they made it home…

… sweet-smelling flowers of a brighter past bloomed so free, and cherry blossoms filled the air as pink petals blew in the direction of the wind beneath the sun…

… when it looked as though this would be another calm day, a total solar eclipse overcame the horizon, as an amorphous mass of darkness blotted out the once bright, clear sky…

"Once again, I am free to smite the world as I did in days long past…" it echoed.

… and so, the events that transpired here this day would change the course of history for millennia…

"Gahh!" Ashi awoke in fear, clutching her rapidly beating heart. "Wha – What was that?!"

Looking around, she was alone again. There were no soldiers on horseback, no grand gateway, no travelling pedestrians speaking in tongues she was unfamiliar with. It was still the middle of the night as a shooting star arced over the sky flying towards where she should be going. The former assassin took this as another sign.

She kept her youngest sister's katana close to her as she headed down into the dilapidated and ruined remains of what was here. Her left hand tightened around the hilt in case anything jumped out of the shadows for her as her right was kept in the satchel that held her kusarigama.

Her vision blurred from time to time as more haunting flashbacks overcame her mind. Even she could not understand what is, or rather what has happened here.

… children laughed playing catch as a groveling shopkeeper shouted at them, telling them to keep away…

… the Guardsmen fell one by one, scrambling from cover as flaming buildings came crashing down on them…

"Leave me alone!" She screamed out loud, desperately grasping the sides of her head. "Please…"

… the Geisha loved the green tea the Shogun's daughter made for them each day…

… archers fired arrow after arrow to no effect as… it… fired their own bolts back at them…

… citizens bowed in respect as the Emperor and Empress returned home from their ordeal as the Prince sobbed in his mother's arms, with the former's jūnihitoe stained with the blood of the bandits…

"Ugh, ohh," she nearly threw up. "Who was that?!"

… all hope was lost, a certain Samurai with his hair tied in his signature chonmage and white gi ran up to her from behind and cried out, "Ashi?! Ashi!"

Snapping out of it, she rapidly spun around expecting Jack to be there.

He wasn't.

"What's happening here?!" She found herself trembling at the unknown.

As she traveled, she was grateful that her mind was now clear of the strange visions that befell her. They were never this intense since the time Jack showed her the lone red maple in the torched forest. Just when Ashi thought the coast was clear, a low growl caught her senses.

Readying her bow and arrow, she feared it would be wild beasts looking for prey, a hoodlum from Da Sa-Moo-Rhai's tavern stalking her, or even the Minion of Aku that wanted her soul.

The answer was none of the above.

A lone white wolf emerged from one of the buildings as its icy-blue eyes were trained on her. The long, red scars on its back proved his identity to the young woman as to whom he is.

"You again?!" She complained, returning her weapons. While it confused her as to how this stray canine made his way here, it did not matter. "Huh. I don't suppose you know where Jack went?"

She knelt down petting the animal as he turned his head giving her more leverage to massage his neck. He licked her right in the face as a reward.

"Eww!" She arose as she wiped the spittle away. "Ugh. I do not get why you keep doing that…"

It walked away from her towards a large and spacious building on the opposite end of the village that was cut down from a battle long past. He stopped and turned his head towards her once, before moving on.

"I… guess I should follow you?"

Following the wolf, she looked around as to what this place was. The ruined buildings, towers, and homes can only tell so much. Eventually, the pair hiked up a tall hill and climbed up a flight of stairs to the former grand structure. While over half of it still stood, the tower area lay in rubble just next to it. It appeared as though someone or something tore it in half with immense force and strength. The wolf whined as he pawed at the door, as though beckoning Ashi to open it.

She gasped when she saw the all too familiar crossed diamond Zintaris mark situated in the midst of each of the heavy, metal doors. She struggled at the entrance as the iron joints creaked open. What she saw inside gave her a mixture of surprise and shock.

In what was once the darkened throne room, was a memorial recently erected. Photographs of passed loved ones, groups of soldiers, and other individuals of note were taped on, dotting the walls and the pillars, but in a manner that did not obstruct what beauty remained of this place. Candlelight vigils long extinguished covered the floor which held more memorials to the fallen. The musty red carpet that led to the thrones themselves was kept clutter-free and clear. Three seats for the Royal Family stood afar off in the opposite side of the chamber.

The grey wolf sat at the entrance as Ashi continued forward, making note of a golden crown on the seat of the throne in the middle. The crown itself was clearly not of the origin the other items from this city were of, meaning someone left it here. Its design was simple, lacking precious gems or ornate carvings that other crowns of its make would have included. Upon closer inspection, it was not forged of gold, but the composition of the various metals used gave it its gilded sheen.

Surrounding the throne area were boxes of trinkets and candles alike, holding pictures of more fallen. It was clear that whoever left these items here did so to not only honor those lost, but as a tribute to Samurai Jack himself.

Looking around, she located a staircase leading up to the rest of the Imperial Palace. Her ascent was cut short as debris prevented access beyond the second to fourth floors. What she saw on her way to the third was quite unusual. She marveled at the spacious floor before her. It held rows upon columns of load-bearing pillars across the room that stretched high into the ceiling as the wall opposite of her told a story.

It bore an artistic record of this city when it lay under siege of a great and terrible wizard from the Pit of Hate itself. While the kanji was hard to read, Ashi knew for a certainty these paintings were of her former God's strike against this city.

"Aku…" her voice carried malice and anger.

As she walked on to the right of the worn painting, the ones that succeeded it told of a man who received a sword forged from the true Gods that he used to strike down the black-hearted demon once and for all.

"That's not Jack," she shook her head. "Wait, is that your… father?"

As she realized these things, another traumatic episode took hold of Ashi. Her head ached as her heart slowed to a grinding halt. She collapsed to the floor, in the midst of the family ka-mon. The last thing she saw before her vision turned white was of the first portrait of Aku's tyranny and destruction over Kyoto. The time has come for her to receive one more witness…

- - -…- - -

Awakening with a migraine, Ashi struggled to her feet as her eyes opened to the change in scenery. No longer was Kyoto Palace in its present despair, but in its glory in the past. The finely chiseled pillars had a brightly colored paint job; the floor she awoke on had the Zintaris mark restored to its proper place. She found herself completely unarmed, as her longbow, katana, kunai, and kusarigama were missing from her person.

Then, she heard the voice of a stern man instructing his son. She did not know the words he spoke unto him, but over time her hearing changed. She stood in surprise of the scene before her as she ducked out of sight behind one of the pillars in the chamber as she understood the words the father said unto his son.

"… the evil shapeshifting wizard Aku arose from the bowels of Hate to ravage our homeland," The Emperor recalled to his son who stood in awe. "I was a young Emperor at the time. I was helpless against his powers. But I remembered our grandfather's grandfather's story of three monks who were gifted with mystical powers. I rode to the highest peak of the mountainside where the monks agreed to forge me an enchanted sword with great magic."

As he spoke, Ashi could not believe her eyes. Am I really here, witnessing these things?!

"Armed with the sword and the hope of my people, I plunged it into battle against Aku," he said, escorting his son across the succeeding portraits of the great battle that occurred. "His evil was no match for the power of righteousness. And, with the sword's magic, Aku's demon forces were implanted into the Earth, forever petrified in the wasteland that he created."

The Emperor of Japan solemnly closed his eyes as this history lesson was over. He could only hope that his son heeded his words well. The pair walked on over to the stone balcony that overlooked Kyoto square and beyond, as city folk joyfully lived their free lives out of the reign of the demon from the dark as the Guardsmen stood vigilant in their watch. Ashi followed closely, keeping to the shadows.

"For years of hard work, we have rebuilt our glorious past, with hopes never to encounter an evil such as Aku ever again," the Emperor outstretched his arms in pride of the work he oversaw. As the senior turned to labor in the rest of his Imperial labors and duties, he gave one more discourse, concluding his lesson to his little son this day. "Always be alert, my son, for the presence of evil is sometimes right behind you…"

As the Emperor walked on, he almost saw her. Ashi instinctively ducked out of his eagle-eye gaze from behind her pillar, hoping her presence would remain unnoticed. He, after much observance, shrugged off his suspicions and mouthed to himself, "Amaterasu's eyes, I am seeing things again…"

The young Japanese Prince found himself alone again as he smiled mischievously. He drew his wooden sword and swung it around as though he was his father fighting Aku. As he laughed and sputtered his idea of battle noises, he saw her.

Ashi stood baffled that she was now face to face with her former enemy, now friend, in is earliest years.

"Jack?" she knelt down and confronted him.

"Who… is… 'Jack?'" He tilted his head in confusion. "My name is…"

Before he could speak any further, he was interrupted by a very dark presence that surrounded them all. The bright and clear day turned blood-red as an ominous shadow eclipsed the proud city. An eerie hum replaced the sounds of nature as a mysterious force once believed to be destroyed made its grand entrance.

The Soon-to-Be-Samurai dropped his wooden toy in terror of the enemy he is destined to face.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Invasion alarm bells rung as the Emperor knew what they were signaling for. Even from where he sat in his private chambers drinking tea with his wife, he knew this was not another drill.

"No! It cannot be!" He doubted, but the reality made itself clear soon enough.

Ashi trembled and retreated back to her hiding place as the Imperial majesties barged right in. The roof exploded as the tower was ripped from its place and cast aside as Aku scowled as he saw the man who imprisoned him for so long.

"Aku!" The Emperor exclaimed.

Royal Guardsmen filled the chamber, escorting the family away as archers drew their bows and spearmen launched their weapons at the monster before them. Quick reaction teams filled the streets outside as they had long prepared for and readied arms while other soldiers readied trebuchets and catapults.

Aku effortlessly absorbed their shelling before sending them flying back at their owners. His eyes glowed yellow as another nasty surprise made itself clear. Beams of energy shot through, igniting buildings full of innocents as everything in its deadly path was set ablaze and eradicated.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

"The sword!" The Emperor knew what to do. He ran at best possible speed, despite his age, for the glass case that held the sacred blade in its cradle. Aku took notice.

"Not this time!"

Instead of killing him right there, he had special plans for his longtime enemy. Before aged hands gripped the scabbard, Aku gripped the Imperial leader in his hand and took him away to be his first trophy and slave. The man screamed in agony as all the terrified Prince can do is look on. He leapt forth, not wanting to leave his father behind, but his loving mother caught him in her arms.

"Okaasan! Aku has returned! Do as we have planned; our future depends on it!" Those were the last words spoken by the Japanese Emperor as he was taken away.

The Empress was no fighter, but knew what had to be done. Ferrying her crying son in her arms, she quickly fetched the divine katana from its resting place and was escorted out by surviving members of the Guard.

The catastrophe that struck the countryside was witnessed by all. With the military decimated, they fell and scattered into a full retreat. Devastation fell upon the populace as Aku summoned demons and monsters to strike fear into the hearts of men, women, and children alike. All who dared make a stand were cut down in front of others. The chaos that ensued will reach the four corners of the Earth. History shall be rewritten, as the Age of Aku has begun.

Ashi had no other choice but to run, as she sought for the exit out of the ruined Palace of Kyoto. Her descent down the winding staircases and hallways was cut short as she was stopped around a corner by a Captain of the Guard.

"Anatahadare?!" He demanded, pointing his katana at her. Four more of his men readied weapons at this stranger.

"I… I…" she stuttered in response, not understanding the language spoken.

Grabbing her by the arm, the captain fastened his helmet, and screamed, "Ima iku hitsuyō ga arimasu!"

The company ran out of the burning palace as the Captain stood as protector over the strange woman in a leaf dress next to him. The battle that raged outside went from bad to worse as demonic threats from the worst of nightmares eviscerated the military and put the citizens into bondage.

"Oh no," Ashi breathed out.

Regrouping with what was left of his men, the Captain escorted survivors away deeper into the city. Blood, fire and screams spurted in the air as Aku stood triumphant, madly cackling at his victory, with the Emperor straining in his iron grip. When Ashi thought she knew it all by now, she received this vivid testimony of who Aku really is. This nightmare will not end anytime soon.

The officer let go of the young woman, trusting that she will stay by the side of his loyal brothers-in-arms, as they fought to defend what civilians they could from their inevitable doom. Shadow Minions, in red shinobi shozoku were summoned, presenting another challenge to the experienced warrior's troubles. They locked in combat as Ashi found herself unable to help. Before one could latch its claws around her neck, the katana from the Captain cut the monstrosity down as its body disappeared into ash and the red rags plopped to the blood-stained Earth.

"Sherutā ni! Iku!" He commanded pointing towards the edge of town.

She did not understand, but joined in on the growing throngs of people and saw the pain, suffering, and cries written across their faces. Their travels lead to an emergency shelter dug right into the hills. As people desperately shoved past Ashi, she stopped for a moment to take in the dreadful sights one more time. The last thing she saw before going in was of the Empress rowing away in a lifeboat bound deep into the fog. The little Samurai sat and teared at the destruction that came to his home.

Upon being shoved inside the cramped cave that held hundreds, Ashi backed up to the cave wall as soldiers tended to the wounded, mothers begged for their children, and men crawled into fetal position and cried to their Gods and Ancestors.

As the former Daughter of Aku witnessed these things, a little girl ran up to her. Ashi could almost swear she recognized this one from somewhere. She wore a purple yukata and her hair was kept in two large ponytails on either side of her head.

"I'm scared," she sobbed into the leaf skirt of Ashi. She stood astonished she could understand the words of this one. "Where's my mom and dad? My brother is still out there!"

Crouching down next to the girl, the former assassin comforted, "Do not be afraid, little one. We will find your family."

Wiping away her face with the sleeve of her yukata, she looked out the entrance and lowly said, "Is this our time to die?"

Ashi could not answer.

Daring another peek out the entrance, a feral Shadow Beast of Aku emerged from the wasteland. It stood tall and was unlike anything ever seen in existence. It had the body of man and beast alike as wisps of darkness emanated from its body. The head resembled a dog's and its eyes were blank white.

"Kore wa nan desu ka?!" A young Guardsman yelled.

"Shirimasen!" His teammate responded.

The beast changed shape into a mass of dark, black smears as it charged the cave, knocking away the soldiers that defended it. The Captain was the last to fall as his own sword did nothing to wound the beast as it absorbed his soul from his body, leaving the warrior's corpse limp dead at the cave's entrance.

"Iie! Iie! Iie!" a farmer rose his hands and cried at the dark monster.

The last thing Ashi and everyone saw was a black tendril envelop their bodies and vision as the nightmare came to a close.

- - -…- - -

All she heard as she awoke from her slumber was a wolf's barking right into her ear. Ashi snapped awake as the lone wolf calmed down, seeing that his friend was alright.

"His… home…" she groggily sat up, grateful her weapons remained at her side. "Was that… real?"

"As real as it can be, Ashi," an elderly woman's voice sounded off.

Grateful her weapons remained at her side, she instinctively drew her bow and arrow, and shouted back, "Who's there?!"

"Be at peace, banished Daughter of Aku," she emerged from the shadows revealing who she is. There stood in front of the young woman was the same individual she encountered at the tavern and in the vision.

Lowering her weapons, she inquired, "Who are you?"

"I am Kuni, the appointed caretaker of this once majestic city," the elderly spirit spoke calmly. "I am another of whom the Samurai has helped in his journey. He spared my family and several others who were… absorbed… by that being you saw."

"How do you know my real name?"

"I was sent by great beings beyond your comprehension to assist you," she said. "The same ones who allowed you to see your fallen sisters."

Returning her bow and arrow to her back, Ashi had to ask further. "Okay, but what was that I just saw?!"

"The beginning."

"Why?"

"It was deemed necessary you see these things for yourself. You have proven yourself to be an ally of the Samurai, and this is your reward."

"Hah!" She sarcastically scoffed. "How is any of what I saw a 'reward' in any way?!"

"I know you are troubled with everything that has been presented, but listen; he needs your help. There are spirits who feel his end by his own hand is the only way out. It is your objective now to prevent that from happening."

Calming down, she had to confess, "Alright, but where do I go? I have spanned half the world already without a trace of him in sight!"

"That shall be revealed to you soon…"

Before the distraught assassin could say another thing, a clash of thunder echoed in the horizon, as Ashi approached the stone balcony to observe the source of the noise. The sky was still clear and dark, so the noise was not of another storm. Blue, flashes of light glowed on the opposite end of town as several figures emerged, bearing arms and tanks.

"Kuni," she began still staring at the disturbance. "Who are…"

Turning around, the strange woman was gone again as the wolf looked around in puzzlement. Perceiving the newcomers as a threat, Ashi readied herself to face down the army that arrived…

- - -…- - -

"… as I said before, Flora, I wish your padre could have been here with us for the Servizio commemorativo."

"Nah, I wish that too, mate, but he's heavin regrouping the Alliance after that last fight."

"At least you got us Knights and Gladiators to keep ya company, Compagno!"

Flora sheathed the Celtic Broadsword upon her back, the runes within glowing through the leather sheath. The time has come for the Zintaris Resistance Movement to pay tribute to their fallen from their botched assault at the citadel of Aku.

Where before they had to risk traveling by any means attainable for such services, the specialized swords the Druid of the Scotsmen forged with Celtic Magic made the means of travel less tedious and risky. Accompanying the Daughter of the Scotsman were several of her stout sisters and the survivors from both of the other battalions alike. Due to their depleted numbers, several squads of infantry from the Resistance's 33rd Special Operations Detachment joined in for additional security.

"Ugh," shuddered Commander Ryde. "This place gives me the creeps…"

"A lil scared, ain't ya, Edgar?" General Cornelius joked.

"I swear lad," he pointed almost angrily at his ally. "I'll pummel your arse right into the dirt if you say one more thing!"

"Ha, ha! Altrettanto!" Switching on his radio, he spoke this time professionally with the unmanned vehicle operator of the 33rd. "Overseer, this is Ironclad Actual. Do you read me?"

"Affirmative, Ironclad Actual," the young woman responded from her seat inside one of his tanks.

"Deploy our Drones," he ordered. "Set up a secure perimeter around the A.O. How copy?"

"Solid copy sir, deploying now."

Several men and women unpacked large cases from the clockwork Sherman tanks, which contained several grey in color, three-rotor miniature helicopters with advanced scanners and optics that hung from underneath. Their engines whirred to life as they flew and scattered, making sure the city ruins of Kyoto ahead remained clear.

"Okay, okay," the operator checked each of her camera feeds on her laptop compter. "Alrighty then! All units, you are clear to move up, over."

"Keep us posted if anything changes, out," Commander Ryde ordered. Turning over to Flora, he asked, "You ever wonder if we are going to win this war?"

"Our losses left us into a pile of keech, laddie," she reminded. "But when we locate the Samurai, dat's when our mense cause wins!"

"Okay, I'm just saying, 'cause even though we somehow got the Archers and Spartans on our side, I'm still not confident in our…"

"Break, Break!" the operator called in emergency. "This is Overseer! Report, Over."

"Wha?" Flora Responded.

"We got heat signatures," the operator reported. "Two contacts, Waypoint Kilo-Papa, third floor balcony. One is likely a wild animal, the other's drawing unknowns and anomalous readings on our scans. It's about human-sized. Who could this be?"

"Kilo-Papa… Kyoto Palace?" Flora remembered the callsign.

"Spartan asset Sierra Two-Five-Niner confirmed sightings of Demongo in the area," Ryde told everyone. "By the Gods, can't we get a break?!"

"Well, at least we practiced for this situazione," the Grand General adjusted his helmet and vest straps in. "Tutti, ascoltate; Vee-Formation to Kilo-Papa. All tanks; assemble a firing line dietro di noi. All squads, just like we practiced in the simulators. Hose that bastardo down while Delta moves in to finish him off!"

- - -…- - -

Ashi had little time to prepare.

Several strange aircraft encircled the ruined city before one of them turned its attention to her. The round camera module that hung underneath zoomed in on her as red lights flashed within its lenses.

I've been spotted, she believed.

Soon after, the unknown force of soldiers and swordsmen grouped in formation and moved in on an intercept trajectory on her position.

Whoever you are, I can take you on, for far too long, she has suppressed her true talents, for good reason in most cases. But now, these invaders may prove to be a credible threat to her after all. Time to cut loose…

- - -…- - -

As they neared the ruins of the Imperial Palace, weapons and arms at the ready, the disturbance made itself known to them all. As they assembled some distance from the front entrance, a young woman in a green leaf dress emerged from the darkness and stood on top of the balcony over the entrance.

"Hold it!" she shouted from her vantage point.

Flora raised her right fist to the square and commanded, "Battalion, halt!"

The men and women took up positions around as red dot laser sights danced around Ashi's torso and heart area. She was unafraid of them. Flora and Ryde drew their swords as Cornelius fingered around the .45 Caliber pistol in his thigh holster.

"Where do you think you're going?!" She demanded.

Seeing this woman was not Demongo as they expected, Flora spoke up first. She pointed her claymore towards the palace entrance and responded, "Into Kyoto Palace to pay tribute to our fallen and the Samurai. What's it to you?"

Ashi's scowl dropped as realization hit. The red armbands around each of them meant one thing. These are the same people that left the prior memorials in the throne room. These are members of the Zintaris Resistance Movement she has heard so much about in the past month. These men and women are allies.

"Wait a minute," her eyes opened up in awe. "You are the Resistance!"

"So what if we are?" the Knight leader in plated steel asked incredulously.

"Aku made it look as though you were all lost when you faced him!"

"Ha!" The Scottish woman laughed. "Not so lost it seems!"

The former assassin jumped and cartwheeled midair, landing on front of the doorway to the palace, upstairs from where the mighty army stood. A firing line of eight riflemen assembled and stood in a defensive posture on front of their commanders.

"Are you of Aku?!" one of them asked.

"Are you?" She spat back.

"No."

"Then, no."

Giovanni Cornelius excused himself from between his men and began his questioning. "And why the hell should we believe you?"

She approached the General, as she pleaded, "Because I seek the Samurai myself. Please, I am his friend; I am not part of Aku's Order."

He sternly stared into the young woman's eyes for a full minute, discerning her words. The veteran cocked back the hammer on his pistol on instinct, but after much thought staring right into her eyes and intentions, he calmed down, and buttoned his holster back in.

"Tutti, mettiti giù," he lowered the aging rifles of the two soldiers closest to his left and right. The rest got the message. "This woman is not our nemico. This is no way to treat an ally of the Samurai."

All parties sighed in relief they never had to fire a single shot. Guns and swords alike were switched safeties on, lowered, and slung away.

Edgar Ryde excused himself and stood next to his Gladiator compatriot. "And just, what, are you doing here, young lady?"

"I have traveled far, seeking Samurai Jack," Ashi said with honesty. "I fear he is in danger, he needs my help."

"Wait a second," he stroked his moustache with his armored hand as realization came. "Is your name… Kunoichi… by any chance?"

Crossing her arms proudly, she announced, "That is me."

Throwing his arms up in the air in cheer, the Knight applauded, "Well, hallelujah! I suppose we should be thanking you, not threatening you. Because of you, several cultures and people of note have approached us, offering their efforts with our own."

" Più impressionante," said Giovanni in his Italian as he smirked and shook his head in approval. "The warriors of Sparta and the Alastalidohi have proven understandably difficult to recruit. Whatever you did to make them reconsider did the job, it worked!"

"Uhh…" she half smirked and gazed off, feeling somewhat uncomfortable at their compliments. "You're welcome… I guess?"

"Not used to praise, I take it?" the Englishman raised a brow.

"Yeah…" she nervously rubbed her neck.

"Aight, lads, sorry to break your get-together, but we're 'ere for a reason," Flora reminded.

"Roger that," the steely officer nodded. "All units! Defensive perimeter around the Palace! Go!"

The Resistance dispersed throughout the hillside, bearing weapons and scanning the area for any additional surprises for their day. For a rag-tag group of freedom fighters, dressed in whatever clothing and gear they could salvage, they were decently equipped and experienced in many forms of guerilla warfare.

The triumvirate of the Alliance entered Kyoto Palace with their escort and Ashi, with their latest tributes and memorials in tow.

"At one point in time, this city was the centro di potere in the world," the Grand General taught the Shinobi. "Still is, in a way."

"Whether it be through fair winds, grassy plains, blue seas, or the wild black yonder," Edgar recited the Resistance eulogy as he carried a small, grey chest. "Peace to the fallen, and may the living pick up the banner from whence they have left off."

"What have your people done here to this palace?" Ashi asked.

"Kyoto is the flashpoint of a war almost a thousand years in the making," the Lord Commander of the Knights responded. "The memorials we have left here serve as a reminder to heroes gone past and present, so that we may fight for a better future."

"And the crown?" inqured Ashi as she pointed to it.

"Lassie, that there is what we call the Victory Crown," Flora pointed out. "While me dad is our leader, the title belongs to no other than Jack 'imself."

"We forged it with the i migliori metalli from each of our patrie," Cornelius added. "Each successive addition makes it stronger, and interessante notare, enough makes the golden appearance brighter."

"Okay, but I do not understand one thing. Why do your people go to great lengths for Jack?"

"Because were it not for him, none of us would have ever existed." he humbled himself at this fact as he hung his helmet by his side.

Flora stood idly by, hands clasped in prayer as she gave a respectful Celtic burial prayer. Edgar and Giovanni knelt down by throne area and opened up the small chests, revealing their contents. The door held a large group photo of their respective units, now mostly long gone as the chamber within held a series of wax candles they lit. Two more memorials stand in the vast array of others. As company left together, Ashi took one last look at the war memorials erected, the tributes to heroes fallen.

"I do not believe we have been properly introduced," the Italian General just realized. "I am Grand General Giovanni of the Gladiators and this is Lord Commander Edgar Ryde of the Knights. The Scot over by you is Flora, daughter of the Scotsman himself."

A memory passed Ashi's mind as she began with, "I thought he… he's…"

"Dead?" Flora interjected. "No, he's back!"

"How?" the former Daughter of Aku raised a single brow.

Placing her muscled palm on Ashi's shoulder, she proudly responded, "Celtic Magic!"

The former Daughter of Aku raised a brow as to what that meant.

"Oh yeah!" Flora pointed to Ashi excitedly. "I have to introduce to you me sisters!"

Giovanni and Edgar audibly groaned in unison as the latter begged, "Oh Gods, please, not this again…"

Flora, uncaring of what her comrades just said, shoved Ashi over to where her sisters stood as they all smiled at the woman before them. "As you know, I'm Flora, and this here is Maeve, Isla, Bradana, Murdina, Alana, Oban, Ardbey…"

As Giovanni was preoccupied pinching the space between his eyebrows to prevent another headache, Edgar was timing Flora with his pocket watch. "Bloody hell, goin' twelve seconds faster than last time. Progress, I guess…"

"… Fiona, Assie, Bonnie, Lorna, Mawina, Shona, Nora, Piesil, Shanath, Euspeth, Edme, Freya, Gilbartha, Gesha, Grizela, Innes, Dawntha, Cora, Davina, and Kina."

"So many…" Ashi stood amazed. Recalling what her mother went through birthing her sisters, she wondered as to what kind of woman their mother was. "I too, had a sister named Alana…"

"Aye," the eldest held the Shinobi in close. "We're me dad's pride and joy!"

"Ya mentioned you had a sister?" The Scotsman's daughter asked Ashi.

"Yeah… but I'd rather not talk about it…"

"Oh," her cheery demeanor disappeared. "They be gone?"

"Yes, but I'm… learning… to forgive the man that did it…" she stumbled on her words.

"Well, if any scunner dare hurt me family, I'll beat 'em to death with their own skull!" Flora expressed by punching her fists together.

"You're telling me…" Ashi turned away, hiding her pained expression.

"Sorry to hear, lass," as she comforted the still grieving Ashi, Flora had the idea to propose something to her. "Eyy! You should probably join us! We could always use another hand 'round 'ere!"

"She is corretta, Kunoichi," the Gladiator folded in his arms and smirked. He circled around Ashi as he complimented, "You're definitely stronger than we are, clever as hell, persuasive, and most of all, you can take good care of yourself."

"You're… offering me a place among your ranks?" She placed her hand to her heart as butterflies flew in her stomach. There stood before her people that actually wanted her.

"Of course!" the leader of the Knights grinned. "Now, I won't lie to you, it will be dangerous, standing up to Grand Overlord Aku and all, but you shall be doing so with the bravest and toughest collection of souls ever amassed in our time."

The temptation stood in front of Ashi. For years, she grew up under the false belief that her service to Aku will aid her in gaining favor in his glory. Now she is being faced by good people who want her for who she is.

But her sworn duty still stands.

She made a solemn oath to several people to find Jack no matter what. Her objective still stands. After much thought into the matter, she responded, "No."

"What?! Why?"

"I am still bound by my personal quest for the Samurai. I just know I am so close to finding him. I truly appreciate your offer, but I cannot accept it yet."

"Hmm. Comprensibile, given the circumstances," General Cornelius stroked his beard. "This must be very personal to you."

"I was by his side for a few weeks before he disappeared from me. I must find him..."

"Well, please accept these as a gift," as the Italian Gladiator reached into the pouches of his utility belt, he fished out a spare radio and an armband for Ashi. "Even though you cannot join us as of now, consider yourself a part of our Alliance."

Ashi gasped as she gratefully received the items provided. She gently traced her finger around the Zintaris Mark and shuffled the military radio in with her satchel. "Thank you, General."

"Chiamaci with that radio when you find him," he ordered. "It's already set on Resistance frequencies. We will be there il prima possibile."

"How?" she cocked her head to the side and wondered.

Flora drew from her back the mystical Celtic Broadsword as its blue glow shined bright in the darkness. White runes lit up as the teleportation device readied itself for use.

"Ah, more of this 'Celtic Magic' as you call it?" Ashi inquired.

"Mhmm," Flora nodded.

"I guess this is farewell until we meet again."

"Aye."

"Tana!" Shouted Roth. "Let's get these UAVs packed up!"

"Affirmative, sir!"

Wait, Tana? No, it can't be... Ashi doubted it at first, but then she saw her. No longer was the three-eyed waitress from Gypsy's in her revealing attire, but was now in a worn, digital grey pattern combat uniform from a nation's army that was long gone. She also donned a matching officer's cap with a black armored vest that held drone repair equipment and additional ammunition for her short-barreled rifle, slung on her back.

"... now remember Reynolds, this one goes here and that one goes there," she instructed a Corporal. "Got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, got it, Lieutenant."

"Tana?!" Ashi asked in surprise.

"Have we met?" The drone operator and officer did not recognize her at first.

"Remember me? From the nightclub?"

Her three eyes opened wide as she hugged Ashi. "Oh my gosh! That was you? Wow, nice change of dress!"

"Yeah, it was much needed. So you're Resistance, too?"

The woman in uniform crossed her arms together and grinned as she proclaimed, "Yeah, got a 'side-job' working in Intelligence. And besides, you'd be surprised what an official of Aku will tell you if you shake your ass in front of him long enough and fill him with liquor."

Ashi admired her tenacity. "I suppose I should let you go."

"Keep in touch, hun," as she turned to pack the last of the drones, she had one more thing to say, "Oh and by the way, find Jack. I know you've heard that a dozen times over, but seriously... he's c-u-u-u-t-e…"

"I honestly do not understand what you're getting at..."

"Oh? Ha, ha! Well, you'll see soon enough…"

Flora swiped at the air before them as the wind picked up and swirled around it. A wide, blue portal split open time and space as the Shinobi backed away, anticipating trouble. The swirls of energy cleared as the white glow in the middle revealed the Resistance's secret base of operations and home, the seaside fortress of the Scotsmen.

As the freedom fighters and guerillas left, Flora briefly stayed behind to give her new friend one more piece of advice. "Lass, good luck in your quest to find the Samurai. Yer awright in me books, I know ye can do it! Call us when ya do, and we'll regroup and batter that knob-wanker Aku right in the daddy-bags!"

"Okay?" Ashi shyly complied, despite not comprehending half the things the muscular Scottish warrior said.

"Guidbye and see ye efter!"

As the last of the Zintaris Resistance Alliance left, the portal closed up and Ashi found herself all alone, once again no closer to finding the Samurai as she did days prior.

"Can't say for sure if that was a waste of time or good use of it…" she lamented.

The lone white wolf came down from the entrance to Kyoto Palace and sat on his bottom next to Ashi. His expression was inquisitive as he whimpered and clawed at her leg.

"If only you knew where Jack went," she complained further as she knelt down and petted the wild animal.

As if on cue, he got up and headed towards a forest on the northern outskirts of the city.

"Where are you going?"

Her question was answered as the animal faces her briefly, before turning away into the forest. She took this as a sign that she should follow closely.

- - -...- - -

The ruins of Kyoto were far behind the pair by now.

Ashi may not have comprehended why, but this scarred wolf was guiding her somewhere. The path they walked upon was composed of worn stones, neatly arranged. As they crossed the river, owls hooted and little wildlife skittered through the dark forest as Ashi readied herself for anything that comes her way, whether it be mysterious visions or another Beetle Drone swarm.

Then, the scenery changed.

A mysterious green glow presented itself further down the path she was on. The wolf subsequently stopped in his tracks. When he sat down, he nodded over to Ashi once before looking onwards.

"Is this it?" Her voice carried both determination and concern.

He did not answer, but his deadpan expression forward was all she needed to know.

"Thank you anyways."

The path changed as a short flight of stairs led down to an ancient burial ground for warriors long gone. Ashi gasped in surprise of the sheer number of tall tombstones and monuments alike. The graveyard stretched on for acres. More importantly, the green glow originated from within. Daring to keep moving forward, her decision was set.

The forest disappeared around her as a heavy haze surrounded the area. Even the lone wolf disappeared behind the ominous mist. Despite the fears that welled in her heart, the former assassin knew that the only choice left is to keep moving forward.

When it seemed she would be lost here, she found him, at last.

Her breathing hitched as her eyes fell upon him. She excitedly dropped aside her satchel and archery gear next to a headstone for a long gone Shogun.

"Samurai…" She inquisitively called to him in relief with a smile.

He did not respond.

"Jack?"

Something was wrong. He only sat on the balls of his feet as his hands were kept atop his thighs, as though in a ritualistic manner. He scowled deeply in regret. He was only dressed in the grey cloak, with the hood off. What drew Ashi's curiosity next was a small, wooden box in front of him. The crossed diamond mark of the Zintaris was its only decoration on the top.

Before she could investigate further, a ghostly horse's whinnies echoed through the dreadful scene. The Omen of Death arose into this plane of existence, observant of the newcomer for the ceremony. The animal stopped next to Jack as it huffed out loud. The ancestral spirit got off his steed and floated over to the young woman, much to her shock and awe. Even though his visage was hidden behind layers of armor, those piercing blue eyes shone through. With the elk's antlers on its helmet, she wondered if this being is of Aku.

"You may witness, but you cannot proceed any further," the towering Shinigami demanded in its low all-encompassing voice. Ashi heard it as though it came from all around her.

"Witness what?" She rebelliously asked.

"The end," it solemnly answered.

While she was slow to understand it at first, she had a sickening feeling that something bad was about to happen.

As the manifestation said these things, scores upon scores of ancestral spirits rose from their graves and tombs, surrounding both Ronin and Shinobi. Each were dressed for the occasion, in the battle armor they died in, of various designs and oni for their masks. They floated mid-air, kneeling in the same manner as Jack lay.

Turning his attention to those who arrived, the Omen received them, saying, "Great warriors of past, I welcome you."

Ashi deeply questioned this spirit's intent with her friend as he drew a nodachi from its sheath. The blade glistened in the night mist as it seemed to emanate with its own energy.

Raising it up front to him, he continued his monologue, reporting, "This samurai has failed his purpose and has accepted his fate."

Fate?! Ashi wondered. What fate?!

Jack's eyes remained shut as he opened the wooden box, flipping open the lid. Within, lying upon a folded piece of burlap lay a lengthy tantō in an ivory sheath with the family ka-mon stamped on both sides. Unlike traditional ones that were no longer than a foot in length, this one extended to nearly double. He then proceeded to disrobe himself, letting the cloak that concealed him for so long to drop over his back and down to his forearms, as per the custom was for this finalizing rite.

The ancestors sat watchful in approval, as the dishonored Samurai picked up the blade by its hilt with his right hand, keeping it level. His left hand discarded the scabbard, as a single bead of sweat trickled down his face and scarred torso.

With a final nod from the Omen, who raised his sword high, Jack pointed the dagger downwards and placed his free hand into grip.

The tantō readied, it was time.

No, no, no! Ashi had to do something. Sprinting forward at best possible speed, she sought to withdraw the blade from his hand before he did the unthinkable. "S-T-O-O-O-P!"

Before she got within reaching distance, The Omen, now angered at this woman's interference, backhanded her across the graveyard. She flew several feet back right into the headstone that she laid down her arsenal at. She felt something smash beneath her. Fearing the worst, she checked her beige satchel only to find the radio from the Resistance that was given to her broken into bits.

"This does not concern you. There is no hope," the Shinigami bellowed. Returning to Jack's presence, it remained pleased the disgraced remained ready to finish what he has started.

"No!" Ashi struggled on her feet. Her body was covered in the gray dust from the sepulcher she was tossed into. The Omen turned in disgust. She desperately tried to convince Jack to cease, crying out, "Hope lives. It is everywhere. I've seen it, everyone you have touched, the people you have helped. You saved them!"

"Enough!" The ancestral spirit shouted. This was no time to disturb the ceremony.

Turning his sword on the intruder, The Omen lashed out, attempting to strike her down. She instinctively drew the tribute to her fallen sisters, Arya's katana, to defend herself. Ashi cartwheeled and tumbled over many tombs and headstones, dodging the blows and slashes meant for her.

Landing on her feet, she challenged the towering manifestation to single combat. She swiped at him, but it disappeared. Figuring he's gone she attempted to run over to Jack, who was still frozen in his pose. Before she could, something grabbed hold of her feet, as she plummeted face first.

Turning herself over to see the cause, her fears were met as The Omen grabbed both her ankles and yanked her over to itself. It raised its nodachi high as Ashi struggled to defend herself. The great sword crashed down on her as it was stopped by her own reflexes. While Ashi was certainly faster, stronger, and smarter than the average brawler, she could not persist in her counterattack. Her energy and strength was sapped with each and every parry and blow she made.

She needed help, and fast.

Wrestling out of her adversary's iron grip, she found herself barefoot, as the ghostly apparition only wound up yanking off her leggings as it cast them aside. Spotting her kusarigama and longbow, she made haste away from The Omen to give herself an advantage she sorely needs. Before her free hand grabbed hold of anything, the spirit spawned in from the ground underneath her weapons, grappling them with his sword. With just a flick of his wrist, he cast away her weapons deeper into the ancestral graveyard, out of sight.

Bearing down upon her again, she blocked to no avail. As blades locked, she was thrust into the stone earth as her katana was plucked out of her grip and away. With nothing left to defend her, she hefted a slab of stone as a shield as the nodachi buried her in, crushing her stone cover.

Confident she won't interrupt anymore, The Omen returned to his post with the former Samurai.

"Hope is just a fleeting sentiment," it spoke to the now profusely sweating Jack. "Your failure is real. You must face the consequences or continue to bear the guilt of your dishonor for all eternity."

Jack quivered in his grip as he rose it a few more inches higher.

Grunting out of the rubble, Ashi's leaf dress tore in several areas, revealing purple bruises and cuts. Uncaring of the searing pain, she reasoned, "Jack, don't listen! You're being misguided! We… I… have seen it."

More and more, Ashi realized she was instinctively quoting her sisters when they tried to convince her.

"You've saved countless innocents," holding her hands out in a plea, she continued, "And most of all…"

"Foolish girl!" It screamed.

The Omen picked up where he left off. If she cannot be swayed, then she must be eliminated.

Uncaring of the manifestation's growls, Ashi persisted, "… you showed me the truth!"

As it swiped at her, she leaped high, landing a solid kick right into its face as the apparition staggered from the blow for a second. But the effect did a number more on Ashi than it did to The Omen. Her own leg fell limp, as numbness coursed through her veins. She was no longer to do that attack again. Her only source of help would be from Jack, her friend.

"You made me see that there's so much more to me than I knew existed," tears cascaded as even her own voice grew weaker with each breath she took.

Dodging sword slashes became a chore as her cover crumbled faster than her hope.

"You made me way more than what I was."

Her proclamation of the heart made The Omen growl in a mixture of anger and disgust. Jack's sweat soaked his mane and beard now, but remained indecisive.

Having had enough, the ancestral spirit closed his grip around the weakened woman's torso, encasing her arms with it. As she squirmed, kicked, and flailed, she could only whimper, "The hope you gave me saved my life!"

She was thrown at high speed towards the gravestone of another fallen warrior. A sickening crunch indicated to Ashi that a few of her ribs cracked on impact. Her shoulder popped out of place as she limped forward. She cannot take anymore injuries.

"Death follows in your wake," The Omen pointed at Jack. The grip around its nodachi tightened in annoyance as it accused, "Men, women, children."

Jack gritted his teeth in sorrow as that last remark dug deeper into his gut than the tantō will.

"Yes," satisfied that last word made the Ronin reconsider, he rebuked further raising his own blade in turn, "All those children dead because of you!"

Ashi gasped when she finally knew what this was all about. "No! The children – they're alive! You saved them!"

"What?!" Ronin Jack's eyes finally snapped open.

"I gave you enough chances," it spoke to Ashi. "Your interference has now earned you your death sentence!"

The Shinigami flew in the blink of an eye to Ashi who fell upon her back as she hopelessly drew her last kunai.

"No more words!"

As the sword of the apparition of the ancestors came crashing down, Ashi dropped her dagger and hunkered down, accepting the full failure of her quest. She failed to save her sisters. She failed to save Jack. Now, she failed to save herself. She closed her eyes and sobbed one last time as her own fate arrived.

Clang!

What the… Ashi wondered. She was not dead. Looking up, her lifelong assassination target, now travel companion and friend intervened, breaking free of the fate destined for him. He is now done running. He is now done letting people die. He is now done letting this monster of his people dominate his life. As Ronin and Shinigami's eyes met, time and space froze as green mist encompassed both their vision as they were taken away to a more private setting…

-…-

Ronin Jack and The Omen sat on their knees facing each other in a room that reminded the former very much of the interior rooms inside Kyoto Palace in its prime. Sunlight shined through golden fusoma paneling onto the bamboo floors. A bowl of lavender incense burned between the pair as they sat upon thin futon blankets. Were it not for the reason they were here, this would have been a more peaceful occasion.

"You know why we are here." The Omen bellowed.

"Yes," Jack kept his ands upon his thighs. The spirit did likewise.

"The Bushido Code demands this rite be completed."

"True, but not in this way. You targeted an innocent, Shinigami."

The blue eyes of the manifestation narrowed in anger. "She interfered. If you were in my place, you would have done as I have."

"Maybe, maybe not," the Ronin responded with honesty. "But does that excuse your actions?"

"Heh," it scoffed. "As if you are in any position to judge. Your failures as a Samurai are real. There is no alternative."

"None, but one," both knew what this meant.

"If you die as you continue down this path, I will have to be there to collect, and I always collect. Your dishonor upon your family name shall stretch on for the eternities. Your soul will be forfeit."

"Then by the same Bushido Code I am condemned by, is the same I shall seek my own redemption on my terms."

"Very well, then. Good day to you, Ronin."

"And you as well, Shinigami."

The meeting concluded, with the terms and conditions set, it was time to go. The same cloudy, green mist that brought them into this plane transported them back into the present, where they returned, blades locked against one another.

-…-

Shing!

Breaking free of destiny that was meant of him, Jack retaliated, knocking away the mighty sword of the ghostly Omen as it didn't bother striking anymore. They stared into each other's eyes one final time as Jack struck down the spirit by cleaving it in half from the waist. Its body flashed away, as the scores of other ancestral apparitions watched on with silent disapproval. They all reluctantly retreated back into the Earth from whence they came, as Ronin and Shinobi were finally left alone in peace.

Turning his attention to Ashi, Jack found her injured and bleeding. He did not recognize the young woman before him initially, due to her change in attire and hairstyle, but her lovely face and the voice it carried was all he needed to know that it was her for certain. The leaf dress of the Shinobi was torn, but he stood thankful none of her private areas were bared. It still made him blush beneath his beard how much of her was revealed, nonetheless.

"Kunoichi?"

"Jack?" She continued to lie upon her bottom, still aching and shaken from her ordeal.

"I, uh… I like your hair," he awkwardly smiled, shrugging off the fact he nearly committed seppuku. "And dress."

Ashi smiled back at her friend and savior. In another time, she would have been repulsed by this poor show of conversational skills from such a mighty warrior. But that didn't matter anymore. He was back, back from the brink, the brink of his own fate by his own hand. Ashi attempted to stand on her own, but collapsed from her bloodied state.

Before her face hit the pavement, he caught her in his arms. Hoisting her up to him, their faces nearly connected, as both partners sighed at each other in surprise.

"What now?" She asked.

It's time to find my sword, he believed.

But how could he? The location was still withheld from his memory. He was still Ronin, dishonored and disgraced. His show of rebellion towards his ancestors sealed that fate.

"I… don't know…" he mumbled.

"What?!"

"I never thought I would make it this far…"

…

Author's Notes:

I just got caught up on the past couple of seasons of Game of Thrones right now, and I just realized where I got "Arya" as the name of one of Ashi's sisters. And… I'm an idiot for just noticing. Great. Alana was supposed to be a nod towards Princess Ilana from Sym-Bionic Titan, another of Genndy's works, but I unknowingly referenced one of the Scotsman's daughters, and I just chopped down Ayala's name to Aya.

Another of my minor gripes for Samurai Jack is how unexplained it was as to where Jack went. When I saw the cemetery, I thought Jack revisited the place he fought the zombies and Aku in Episode XXX. When I saw the Ancestral Spirits of other Samurai warriors, I thought it was going to lead-in to Jack showing Ashi his homeland. At least I can show here that is going to be the latter case.

Reference time, yet again! The exchange between Ashi and her sisters is another one of my references from Dishonored. Some of the last of Ashi's lines are in all honesty a direct copy-paste from lines from the game. Long story short, The Empress, Jessamine, was murdered by a magical assassin named Daud and her lover, Corvo, is wrongfully blamed for the crime. Her spirit returns in the form of her disembodied heart that Corvo uses in the game to learn secrets from others. When used in the eventual encounter with Daud, the former Empress cries in a ghostly voice, "Why have you brought me here? Am I meant to forgive this man for what he did? No, there is no turning back from the path he has chosen." It felt appropriate to reuse that monologue.

Those who remember the premiere movie (Episode I in particular) and Episode XIX will understand the references to sights and dialogue I made (Aku's first words, The Emperor's lesson to little Jack, and the realization that this is his home). And yes, I brought back Kuni and the Shadow Beast from Episode XXXV, this time with a little more of an origin story as to who helped Ashi and from whence the beast came from. Oh yeah, spot the Halo Reach reference I threw in when you have a moment… The seppuku scene was enhanced with the ending to Hacksaw Ridge. Jack's last line is a minor nod to Edge of Tomorrow.

As many of you, if not all of you are now aware, the full series set of Samurai Jack has been announced and slated for release this October 2017. While details are pretty much what you would expect within, director commentaries and such, I'm anticipating deleted scenes and expanded content that would have been in the show, but couldn't fit into the 22 minute showtime given. I'm still set on my ideas for this fanmade novelization (Refer to the updated chapter list I left behind in the Author's Notes section of Chapter 4 and my additional ideas in Chapter 3 for an idea of what I've got in store), however, if there turns out to be content a lot of us would like to see, it will be added in as appropriately as possible.

And now, my fellow readers, for the next pair of chapters, I will be diving into some uncharted territory. Given the setting I placed Jack and Ashi in, it should be obvious as to what Chapter 11 will be about. As for Chapter 12, well, keep on guessing… By technicality, I am way past the two-thirds mark of this Season, when in reality, I am only a third of the way for this fanfiction.

;)

Oh, one more thing; please be honest in your reviews. I am not sure if the direction I have been taking with Season 5 is something you would be interested in. Like Genndy himself, I am merely sharing the story I'd like to present.