Angel wings
Disclaimer: I have strawberry pocky and a new ninja sticker. Thank you Eric. And I still have my insanity. Wahoo!! I own any new Character's that come into play.
Warnings: New Chara's, Angst. Maybe blood if that's what you want to call it. (If you're squeamish about blood as much as I'm not. It's not graphic) Violence, maybe a little more violence then you see on a S J episode.
Rated: PG-13 Just to be on the safe side
Archive: Here, that's about it. If any one wants to, they can put my story up on their site. As long as you e-mail and tell me, so I can visit and check it out. (I wouldn't be surprised if someone has already come up with a Samurai Jack site)
Feedback: No, keep me in suspense. Of course I want feedback, every author need's feedback. That's what we live on. That and strawberry pocky. Yea, I have pocky. Mmm.
blah blah' - indicating thoughts
~^~ * ~^~ - indicating a memory or dream
Sealed within thine metal blade
Lies dormant a curse with the blood of thy masters
If one is not pure thy will be destroyed with what thou hath made
Dark as night
Red as dawn
The one with a pure heart will be chosen with right
-The Ancients of Tengoku and Jigoku
Go, now!
The angel winged woman pulled away from the warrior and took off running into the forest, never looking back once. Shi pushed her way through some brush and stumbled over a root. Her eyes stung with tears but she wouldn't allow them to fall, she never did. She would never allow them to fall even in the worst state. Her body and soul may be battered and broken but not her stubbornness. Shi tightened the emerald green robe around her, trying to protect herself from the twigs and branches that jutted out.
A loud sound made her stop in her tracks. The woman turned and saw a giant tree falling as if it had been cut down. No,' she thought to herself. Shi felt herself turning to run back but she heard Jack's words in her head. I will find you. I promise.
You promised, Shi said outloud. I hold you to that. She heard another loud sound but this one was different. It sounded as if it bounced off of something metallic. Then silence.
Run,' she mentally told herself and took off in the opposite direction where the sounds had come from. She looked back when she heard a battle shout but didn't stop. Staggering through a group of small tree's Shi's robe caught in a large branch, halting her retreat and almost strangling her. The woman desperately tried to detangle herself before she completely lost it.
Her eye burned with fierce tears more out of anger and frustration then fear. This man who came out of no where wanted to help me but will end up dead. Just like everyone else.' Shi sank to her knee's, careful not sit on her precious cargo.
Why must everyone die,' the angel winged woman wailed silently. Why do I wander the lands forever cursed. Is it because I can't remember who I am.'
Tell me, Shi shouted into the sky. She looked at the scraps on her arms
disappear one at a time, knowing they would.
A sharp twang to her left made Shi jump and look where the noise had came from. A red tipped arrow was buried half way into the small sapling, something oozed from the trunk. The woman sprung to her feet and watched as the little tree began to die, it's leaves turned an ugly brown and fell off as the trunk bowed over to it's side. Shi looked around and saw a Hunter twenty yards away reloading his crossbow.
Tugging at her cloak that wouldn't budge she gave up and untied it from around her shoulders. She barely scrambled out of the way before another arrow struck her cloak, just missing the tips of her wings. Escaping certain death Shi dashed behind a tree using it's width for protection as she ran.
How did they get to meso fastNo.' Shi kept running, pushing through a small bush, it's vines reaching out as if to grab the woman as she struggled through it. A clearing could be seen through the trees ahead of her. Just maybe,' she thought I can try.'
Bursting through the opening the sunlight hit the woman with full force and she covered her eyes from the brightness. A crystal clear waterfall spilled into a lagoon before her. Something seemed vaguely familiar about the surroundings but she didn't continue on the thought as she spread her wings, still running. Giving a few tentive moves she winched from being yanked around earlier. Her wings had always been extras sensitive and took the longest to heal.
Extending them to their full length; something she didn't do very often and stretched them up. Arrows rushed by her, missing their appointed target. Pushing through the air, Shi shifted her wings in a repetitive pattern. She silently pleaded for this to work.
Her wings felt as though they were on fire, never being used except for a ornament of beauty. As if by some miracle someone was watching her from up above Shi gave one final attempt and lifted slowly into the air, the wind giving her extra push. She just about screamed for joy but then she would lose her concentration as she slowly climbed into the sky.
Two Hunters stood underneath her, focusing their crossbows straight up. I hope they get hit with their own arrow's raining down on them,' Shi thought bitterly. Climbing higher then the giant tree's, the angel winged woman drifted back and forth not knowing what to do.
Suddenly something big and black sailed past her, it seemed to hover for a brief moment before retuning back to earth. Reaching Shi's eye level the woman realized what it was.
Oh no, a bakudan! Shi tried to scramble out of it's way but she couldn't fly fast enough. It exploded, the shock wave hitting Shi. The blast hurled the woman back into the trees. Shi's body tumbled though the trees, branches snapping under her body's weight as she fell. The battered woman's body hit the forest floor with a sickening thud and didn't move. The Hunters advanced on the still form, smiling wickedly to themselves.
Master Mushi will be pleased that we were able to attain the girl, the metallic voiced Hunter said. He stood over Shi's body and nudged the woman with a foot.
Did you kill her?, the other bounty hunter asked. At that exact moment Shi groaned and rolled to her side, curling up into a fetal position.
Nah, just stunned her. That fall must of been painful. the iron voice laughed harshly.
Get the girl and lets go.
What about the other one? the Hunter asked as he bent down and picked up the angel winged woman and slung her over his shoulder.
He's already dead.
the Hunter grunted.
A silver tear trickled down Shi's pale cheek. No.' She opened her eyes slowly and stared lifeless at the moving ground as she was carried away. The hand that was holding her body; so she wouldn't slide off the bounty hunter's shoulder, moved along her back.
When are supposed to met Master Mushi?, the Hunter asked his partner.
As soon as we find the girl.
But we haven't found the girl yet. The cold statement sent chill's down Shi's spine, that and the heavy hand that rested on her back.
I killed him. It's all my fault. I deserve to be punished for who I am.' A hand ran along one of her wings and she shivered in repulsion.
Do not give up.' a voice rang in Shi's mind
Who's there.'
Who I am is not of importance right now. What is important is that you live.'
Why? All I bring is death and destruction to the ones I love. The one person who didn't care what I was is dead because of me.'
No.' Shi could almost hear the voice smiling. He is very much alive and worried about you. He's trying to get to you right now. You must live. Our world depends on you and the warrior. Now live.'
Shi slid her hand to the front of her kimono and reached inside, her finger's coming into contact with something sharp and hard.
So what do you want to do then?, the bounty hunter said to his partner who was still playing with the ivory wings.
The Hunter opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out but a gurgle. Something black dribbled from the corner of his mouth.
What's wrong with you?, said his partner. He turned to the robotic Hunter and noticed his red eyes had dimmed.
The Hunter took a step forward but seemed to trip on air and pitched forward, Shi going with him until he hit the ground face first. The angel winged woman crouched next to the collapsed Hunter, her back to the other. Standing, Shi turned to face him, allowing the Hunter to get a glimpse of his fallen partner. A dagger handle protruded from the middle of his back, wires and cables spilled from the wound sparking and shorting out.
A bewildered look plastered itself on the woman's face as if she couldn't believe what just happened as she took a step back. She immediately crumpled to the ground letting out a pain filled cry, a hand clutching her left thigh.
The bounty hunter narrowed his eyes and they glowed a blood red. He brought his arm up, aiming the crossbow at the woman. Shi gasped and tried to crawl away but her leg halted her escape. Knowing there was nothing she could do, the angel winged woman crossed her arms in front of her as a flesh barricade. Her eyes squeezed shut as she heard the twang of the arrow being released from it's string, the metal tipped weapon screaming through the air.
+ ~+~+~+
Jack tore into the first enemy with his katana, spilling the black oil onto the forest floor. Another came and too was destroyed the same way as the first. (AN I kinda suck at fight scenes so this probably wont be good. You have been warned) Two came from the right, Jack sweeped the gleaming sword out hitting it's appointed target. The samurai twisted his weapon behind him, deflecting a shot that was aimed at his back.
Spinning Jack rammed his sword into another robotic Hunter sneaking up on him. It's black life oozed onto the shining metal before his head was separated from his shoulders. More came, running forward their tiny electronical brains not receiving the message of danger. The Japanese warrior took a bounding leap into the air landing in the middle of a group of Hunters. With a quick twist of his body and blade, the metallic enemy was sliced into halves. Moving out of the way, what was left of the Hunters exploded, incinerating a few that were near enough to be hit.
Fighting, Jack; in the back of mind, felt uncomfortable letting Shi go by herself. Something bothered him and he wasn't sure what it was. Rushing forward he terminated three Hunters by skewering them with his katana. Pulling back Jack was attacked from behind. Two arms pined his enabling him to move. Struggling the Japanese man saw two Hunters take off into the forest, the same direction Shi had gone.
Jack shouted snapping his head back hitting the Hunter in the face. The arms loosened around him allowing him to spin around and drive the tip of his weapon into the stomach of the mercenary. The robotic Hunter gurgled, spilling charcoal blood from his wound and mouth. Before he ceased functioning he raised a hand and sent Jack flying backwards with a blow of his fist.
Rubbing the injury the samurai was instantly on his feet, battling it out with another Hunter. Removing him from his presence Jack counted five more droids. Griping the weapon; that was a part of him, tightly in hands, slipping a little on the slick oil, he charged. Rushing to the end of the fight Jack dissected two of the Hunters with his katana before they even had a chance to process a thought.
Facing the rest, the Japanese warrior breathed heavily from combat. He raised his sword for the last time. An explosion deep within the forest distracted the samurai for a brief moment, giving time for the last remaining Hunters to attack first. One welded a pocket sized knife which he eagerly sank into the torn and soiled white clothing of our hero Jack. Sensing it didn't connect the bounty hunter tried to evade his death but failed and paid the ultimate price.
Another Hunter came, carrying with him a semi automatic firearm. He aimed it at Jack and fired. The Japanese man could help but smile when the weapon jammed. Cursing, the enemy tasted the blade of Jack's katana. Only one was left. He backed a step up producing a giant sword of his own. He glared at the man in front of him that managed to take out his entire army. Raising his weapon he let out a inhumane screech and dove forward. Jack brought his sword up and seemingly tapped the Hunter's broad sword. The metal split in half , the one half drove back hitting the Hunter in the chest. Looking down he watched the slick dark oil pour from the wicked incision. Grasping the broken blade in his hand the robotic Hunter managed to pull the metal out and raised it in his hand to strike at the Japanese warrior. Glancing up he saw the gleam of Jack's bade before everything went dark.
Collapsing to his knees the battle weary warrior knew he could not rest. Shi. I'm coming. Hold on.' Jack forced himself to feet and raced into the woods, sheathing his katana making sure to wipe it clean before he did so. Sprinting around giant tree's, brush, and hanging vines, the samurai came upon a small grove of saplings. An emerald green cloak hung from a dying tree, an arrow pinning it to the trunk.
Jack continued knowing he had to hurry to where he had heard the explosion. Pushing through some bushes he came upon what he was looking for. His heart skipped a beat and he forgot to breath. Jack saw Shi at least a hundred yards away, lying on the ground, her face twisted in pain as she she pulled herself backwards with her arms. A Hunter stood before her aiming his crossbow at the woman.
Something snapped inside Jack and he lost it. Unsheathing his sword, he rushed forward raising it high above his head, fearing he wouldn't make it in enough time.
+ ~+~+~+
A high metallic sound rang in Shi's ear causing her to open her eyes. A polished silver reflection of herself stared back. The shining surface moved slightly and Shi's earthen eyes traveled up the length to the ebony handle trimmed with gold, to the hand that held it.
Jack stood next to the angel winged woman, his katana stretched out before her. He didn't seem to see her but only the Hunter who was quickly reloading his crossbow. The Japanese man took his sword in both hands and arched back hurling it straight at the mercenary. The Hunter looked up when he heard the air shifting. With the sickening sound of metal scraping metal the robotic man slumped backwards. The force of the flying sword tore the Hunter's mind from his body and striked a tree thirty yards behind him. (AN sorry for being so graphic, it just away from me. Yeah like that matters now)
Breathing hard Jack turned his attention to the woman at his feet. The adrenalin still pumped through his veins but he still managed to calm himself down. He crouched down and looked at Shi who was staring where his sword had embedded itself in a tree. The woman's eyes didn't move until Jack moved in front of her blocking her view of the death around them.
Jack called out softly, touching the tiny white knuckled fists. he tried again. The angel winged woman turned her earthen eyes to the Japanese man. A distant look grazed her face before she focused on the warrior in front of her.
She blinked a couple time slowly as if she was waking from a deep sleep. My lord, Shi breathed. You're alive?
Of course I-, Jack's words were lost on his lips when Shi wrapped her arms around his neck burying her face in his shoulder. Silence passed between the two as Jack almost clumsily ran his hand down the raven hair, smoothing out the tangles. His fingers coming in contact with the velvety wings every so often.
Are you all right?, Jack asked.
Shi shook her head and pulled away from the samurai. My leg. It really hurts. The woman pulled her kimono back a little revealing her thigh and the wicked bruise forming around a small lump.
Jack gently probed the tender spot with his fingertips receiving a hiss of pain from Shi. The Japanese man looked up. I think it's broken. I might have to set it before we go back to the village.
Shi said.
It's all right Shi. It'll hurt more if I don't, Jack said.
No that's not that what I mean. Shi tried to move but Jack placed a firm hand on her shoulder preventing her from doing so. We can't go back to the village, it's too dangerous. There could be more Hunters. We have to leave this place.
You can't, not in your state of condition, the Japanese warrior said.
Shi frowned slightly more at herself then at Jack. I've had broken bones before my lord. I'll be fine. Please, do what you need to do.
Are you sure you wish to leave, Jack asked knowing very well what the answer would be.
came the reply.
Jack nodded as the angel winged woman eyes strayed away from her leg as the Japanese man prepared to set the broken bone.
Shi suddenly gasped making Jack turn around. The Hunter with the dagger in his back moved and raised his head. His red eyes flickered with the remaining backup life and glared at the two people in front of him. He opened his mouth and black liquid gushed forth.
In a garbled voice the metallic mouth articulated his words slowly. Master Mushi! He heaved his crossbow up, aiming straight at Shi. The arrow was released from it's string at a high rate of speed, there would be no way she could dodge it.
As if in slow motion a blur of white moved in front of her and strong arms encircle her. She heard and felt the dull thud of the arrow. The arms around her loosened and slid away. The woman didn't need to guess what happened.
she screamed grasping onto the heavy body that slumped against her, shifting the limp form Shi saw the arrow's shaft protruding from his shoulder. Shi cradled the Japanese man close to her. Shindeiru.'
A sheen of sweat broke out on the pale skin of the Japanese man. His breathing became labored and his vision blurred. Jack opened his eyes and smiled weakly up at Shi.
the first timeyou saidmy name, Jack inhaled sharply and shuddered, his breath became shallow. The samurai raised a hand and touched the woman's cheek.
It's all my fault I got you into this, Shi whispered. A crystal tear appeared on the corner of a earthen eye.
Jack shook his head slowly. It's notyour fault. The calloused hand that stroked the soft skin of Shi's face fell away unable to to support itself anymore.
Shi looked up at the Hunter who was barely alive. He laid there looking at both of them, a evil grin plastered on his face. The angel winged woman felt something rise inside of her knowing it was hatred.
She narrowed her eyes and spoke a simple expression. her voice rasped. The dagger buried in the Hunter's back twisted pulling at the wires and cords. The Hunter let out a screech as the dagger burrowed deeper into his back. Shi's eyes widened and a maniacal look crossed her face. The howl of pain suddenly ceased as the voice box was ripped from it's twisted remains.
The angel winged woman snapped her eyes shut as the world spun around. What's wrong with me.' Not remembering; or caring, Shi looked down at the man in her arms.
Shi shook the warrior in her arms. He didn't move or open his eyes. His breath barely above a whisper. Jack! Noo! Shi's screams of pain and torment echoed through the eerily quiet forest.
(Puts on anti flame armor) Okay, I'm ready. I know everyone's probably pulling their hair out and grabbing their katana's to make shiskabob out of me but don't get mad yet, wait till next chapter. Is Jack dead you ask, you'll just have to wait. What the heck is going on with Shi, you'll just have to wait. My friend hates that when I say that. (Looks at time) Oh great, I have to get up for college tomorrow and I want to sleep in. Oh well, tis life. I'll try and get the next chapter out as soon as I can. But for now you'll just have to wait. ^_^; Eep (Runs for cover as things are thrown at her)