Angel wings
Disclaimer: I have been told by my friend that I don't own everything, just my insanity and any new Characters. I ooowwwnnn my insanity and yyyooouuuu don't. :P
Warnings: New Charas, Angst. Blood (If you're squeamish about blood as much as I'm not. It's not graphic) Nudity. (What is my problem. I don't usually write stuff like this. Ah well, writers grow and so do their creative writing.)
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. Yep, that's what we live on. What, you were expecting something crazy added on. I'm not an animal you know!
blah blah' - indicating thought
~^~ * ~^~ - 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
Light was the first thing to invade the perfect surreal darkness he was snugly nestled in. It danced across his dark lashes and pried open his eyes. A sapphire sea of sky painted with wispy white clouds filled his vision. He tasted something bitter against his lips and brought a hand up but regretted it when a twinge of pain rolled off his shoulder halting his action. Taking a deep breath he felt a warm form against his body and realized he wasn't alone.
Turning his head he was met with a pool of ebony, spilled lazily across his flesh. A small hand curled delicately on his bandaged chest. A soft breath danced across his bare skin sending a small shiver down his spine. Long legs tangled with his as he moved them slightly.
a groggy voice came from under the tangled locks. The hand that was sprawled across him pushed back the black sea of hair and anxious earthen eyes stared down at him.
Jack smiled weakly, wondering if this was for real or was he dreaming again. A ivory feather drifted from above him and he could see the angel wings rising from behind her bare shoulders.
Bare shoulders.'
The Japanese man would of probably stumbled to his feet, muttered a few incoherent words, turn as red as a rose, and slap a hand over his eyes. (AN not really but could you pretend Jack doing that) If it wasn't for the pain radiating down his left side he would of done just so. Instead he kept his gaze transfixed on Shi's as she detangled herself from around Jack and sat up, the emerald green robe she had placed over the both of them, falling away from her.
Letting his breath go Jack saw that Shi wasn't completely bare. She wore a paper thin, jade, cotton dress trimmed in crimson that hung off her shoulders and just barely came to her knees.
You were cold and wouldn't stop shiveringso I shared my body heat with you. Shi explained unnecessarily. Gathering her feet under she tucked the blanket back around Jack making sure he was kept warm. Standing Jack noticed she had a slight limp to her swaying gait as she busied herself with something.
Are you all right Shi? were the first words from the Japanese man's mouth. Shi stopped what she was doing and turned to face the samurai.
The angel winged woman said returning back to her work. She poked a stick at a small fire stirring up the embers, casting shadows on her small bent frame. Grabbing a small roll of cloth and a small pitcher of water Shi made her way back to Jack.
Kneeling next to him she pulled back the robe and exposed Jack's upper body. I have to change your bandage, Shi said unfolding for the roll of cloth. Jack stretched his uninjured arm out and grasped her hand. The woman closed her eyes and shied away from the man.
Are you all right? Jack repeated calmly.
Shi turned her face back to the Japanese man, silver tears hanging from her dark lashes. Without warning the angel winged woman threw her arms around Jack resting her head on chest. Small sobs escaping her. Forgive me.
There is nothing to forgive. Jack said combing his fingers through the dark hair.
Shi lifted her head and looked into Jack's eyes. Why can't you blame me? Why can't you yell, scream, shout at me? Whycan't you.
Because there is no one to blame. Yelling will not help either. Does that help answer your question. Jack asked kindly. The woman didn't answer instead she brought herself back to her knees and took the roll of cloth in her hand.
I have to change your bandage, she repeated then smiled a tiny smile. Jack paused and looked at the curving of her lips, that smile was completely different from the one in his dream. This one seemed so innocent so pure. What was wrong with the other one, he wasn't sure. Until he had another look he wouldn't decide yet. Jack sat up a little and winched.
Lean against me, Shi said scooting behind Jack supporting his weight against her side. Slowly she peeled back the old bandage revealing the wound. She frowned at the slow healing of the injury.
Jack didn't see her expression. How is it?
It's better today then it was yesterday and the day before that. Shi dipped some of the cloth into the water she had in the pitcher and scrubbed lightly around the edges, cleaning some of the blood that oozed from the wound. She felt the man stiffen under her hand.
She placed a hand on Jack's shoulder giving it a soft squeeze. I'm almost done. Shi then sliced her finger on a nearby rock and let a couple of drops fall into the wound, she then pressed a rolled up part of the cloth on the injury.
While Shi bandaged it, Jack asked, What was that?
Just some medicine. It'll heal your wound twice as fast. I always use it when I'mIt'll help. Jack could hear the reluctance in her voice.
Shi? the Japanese man said almost timidly.
I have to ask you something. Jack turned his head to look at the angel winged woman.
Shi said leaning closer to the man.
where are my clothes? (AN Does Anime facevault.' Gagh I hate my writing sometimes. P.S. Jack's not naked if that's what you're thinking, he has his skivies still on. You know, tighty whiteys. Hehe)
The woman blushed slightly leaning back so Jack was able to lie down again. I had to clean the blood off them and I sewed up the holes you had in it. She tucked the robe around Jack again. Was that okay.
Of course, Jack answered then grimaced.
Shi immediately asked worried.
I think I'm sitting on a pine cone. Jack said, then smiled.
Shi was silent for a moment before she placed a hand over her mouth before a flurry of giggles escaped her lips.
I don't think it's funny, Jack said, his smile growing wider. He dug under the champagne colored robe he was laying on and pulled out the object that was causing discomfort. Tossing it aside he rested back, looking at the darkening sky.
the woman answered smoothing a wrinkle from her dress.
How long have I been asleep?
Almost three days. Shi paused. I almost lost you.
I'm still here, Jack said as if to reassure the woman.
She nodded and stood to her feet. I know. Are you hungry? I made some soup. It's not much but it was all I could find.
Jack thought for a second. Actually I'm more tired then hungry.
Shi nodded her head, something she did a lot to replace spoken words. She stirred the contents of the hanging pot over the fire. I went back to the village.
Jack waited for her continue. When you were asleep and I knew you would be all right by yourself for an hour. I went to look for someone to help me carry you back for medical help but there wasn't anyone there. They either left or they were I gathered some things that I thought would be helpful. Shi straightened and limped over to two saplings that had twine strung between them. Jack's white robe and her blue kimono hung on the rope. She gently touched them and murmured something.
How is your leg?
The angel winged woman turned and looked at Jack. It's fine. I took care of it. Don't worry about me, Shi said noticing the Japanese mans look. Why must you worry.'
I can't help worrying about you,' Jack thought to himself. How can you walk on it?
I'm a fast healer. Shi turned back to the clothes hanging on the wire, smoothing them out so they dried wrinkle free. You need to sleep and get your strength.
My sword?
Where is my sword?, Jack asked struggling to sit up.
Shi marched over to Jack and put a hand on his shoulder halting his movements with a firm push. You sword is fine. It's against the tree behind you. Now lie down. Surprised at the woman's command Jack laid back down and allowed Shi to tuck the warm material around him again.
Thank you.
The angel winged woman smiled and leaned down brushing her lips against his forehead. Bringing her head back up, Jack could see a slight blush forming and he felt his face grow hot. Get some rest. she whispered before running a tiny hand down his cheek.
I'll make breakfast in the morning. Shi stood and the spell between them broke.
Jack answered nodding his head. He then turned his body as much as the pain in his arm would allow so he faced away from Shi. Taking a deep breath he could smell her on the robe that comforted him from cold that was coming in. A mix of flowers and the fresh rain filled his senses, comforting and lulling him to sleep. The cackling of the small fire, the soft spilling of water over rocks, and the whispering wind blowing through the trees was the last thing he heard as darkness enveloped him once again.
+~+~+~+
He was still in darkness when he heard the gentle breathtaking voice that clung to him like a raindrop off a rose petal. Jack opened his eyes, letting in the light. He yawned and shifted, realizing he was alone when he felt no warm body next to his. Jack felt ashamed that he had taken the berth and hadn't even asked Shi where she was going to sleep. She braved the cold for him. Propping himself on a elbow he found there was little pain involved in moving. Deciding to take it a step further the Japanese man brought himself to full sitting height. No pain. That medicine Shi gave me worked,' he thought to himself.
Jack noticed his white robe; neatly folded next to him, just waiting to be worn. Next to it, his worn straw hat. His katana placed precisely on top of the white clothing, one could not miss it. Again Jack felt ashamed when he had snapped at the angel winged woman about it's whereabouts.
His dark eyes drifted, wandering over the surroundings he hadn't noticed before. The native trees of the land encircled him leaving a small clearing a bit of blue sky peeking through the canopy of emerald green. A small waterfall poured grandly into a lagoon that eventually tampered down to a stream that ran only a few meters from their campground.
The soft words that had awaken him, began again and Jack turned his head to listen. The samurai's eye widened when they fixed on the figure waist deep in the crystal water. If it wasn't for the for the shock and surprise that had settled over him, Jack would of turned away. Instead he sat there, mouth agape, eyes with a mind of their own.
Shi waded slowly through the sapphire blue water, her earthen eyes darting back and forth across the crystal surface. Her dark colored kimono hanging off a branch over the water was not exactly where it was suppose to be. Her long ebony hair fell over her shoulders and down her back as if trying to be modest without even thinking. Shi's long ivory wings trailed in the water, flittering every now and then from the cold bite of the water.
The angel winged woman held a long wooden branch on her hand, one end sharpened to a point high above the water. She didn't seem to notice Jack as she concentrated on her task. Her lips moved forming the delicate melody to swim gracefully through the warm air.
Ah subete ga owareba ii
Owari no nai kono yoru ni
Ah ushinau mono nanta
nani mo nai anata dake
Jack listened silently mesmerized by the beautiful song and voice. Suddenly Shi lunged forward with the wooden stick, marring the glassy surface of the water. Stepping on a rock she slipped under the water and Jack felt himself rising to help. The woman burst from under the water, the pole held high above her head, a fish dangling from the end, and she laughed. A smile spread across her lips as joyous laughter echoed around her.
For the first time since Jack met this mysterious woman, he heard the happiness that hide itself. She's so beautiful when she laughs.' Jack froze. Did I really just think that or do I think I thought that.' He absently watched Shi as she trudged to the waterfall, her prize still hanging from the end of her rod. Passing by the overhanging branch that held her dark colored kimono she grabbed it and continued her slow trek through the water.
Shi dropped the fish off at the bank as the Japanese man observed the woman slip under the falling water and appeared on the other side. Her shadowy figure could be seen exiting the water. She stretched her arms over her head and shook her wings a little, removing the excess water in tiny droplets. Shi pulled her long hair forward and squeezed the water from it as well.
Jack watched the clouded figure bend down and pick up the dark blue kimono. His cheeks grew hot when he realized he was spying on Shi. He turned his head and looked away.
Slipping her kimono on, Shi tied it securely around her tiny waist. (AN How can Shi put a kimono on with her wings you ask. Who cares, I don't feel like writing how she does it. Ha. :P ) Looking through the water that cascaded into the lagoon, the woman stared at the obscure figure of Jack. There was something about him that just tugged at her. He's quite a handsome man.' Shi froze. Did I really just think that or do I think I thought that.'
She shook her head at such foolish thoughts. Don't get attached. He's only helping you because he feels sorry for you. You can't even take care of yourself.' Feeling empty Shi looked back through the falling water. She saw the clouded figure of Jack pick something up. It was the color of blood. He held it up in the sunlight and the light bounced off off the metal surface. With a sinking feeling she realized what the samurai had found and that he was in great danger. The angel winged woman sprung forward hoping, praying that she was wrong.
This is where I would sigh and say how bad I am at writing but then I'm afraid of Catheros yelling at me again. Ah well, stuff happens. Ha, my dad told me that a couple days ago when I told him about a lamb passing away at my college farm. At the time I was a little upset but now I find it funny. Yeah, I know, I have a weird sense of humor. The next chapter is already on its way. I stared the same day I finished this. How did I do this you ask, since I don't get to sleep till three in the morning. I'm at my college library and I decided to split this chapter in half. It was getting too long and to tell you the truth I love long stories but when the chapter is like twenty pages long I lose my spot and sometimes I can't spend an hour reading a chapter. I have a life you know. Just a very small one. Hey, why am I telling you this. Anyways I hope this will be done very soon. I'm kind of in a brain cramp. I know what to write I just can't write it. I'm sure all authors have gone through this. Gotta go, I have General Livestock in an hour and I need to get my power lunch. That's what my dear friend Peter calls it. It's a Riptide rush Gatorade and a Raspberry energy bar. It works, and it lasts me till I get home, which I might add isn't till 5:30.