Angel wings
Disclaimer: I own the little lines that appear on Jack's brow when he's angry. And new chara's and everybody else's insanity. Plus mine.
Warnings: New Charas, Angst. Violence. (Kinda icky) Blood. A play of words from the opening scene of every SJ episode. (You'll see)
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 Jack's kawaii smile. (drools) Gomen ne.
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
Jack shifted on the softness he was sitting and decided since he wasn't hurting enough that he he should get dressed. (AN Jacks still in his skivies) Reaching for his white robe he pushed his sword closer to him, a pang of homesickness rearing it's ugly head. He missed his mother and father and his home terribly. This sword was the only thing that tied him to his past. But he knew deep down in his heart, what he had to do. I will destroy you Aku and take back all the lives you have forsaken.'
Sliding the flowing robe over his shoulders, the Japanese man paused as his eyes caught something in the dirt. Tying the red sash around his waist Jack took a closer look. Brushing some fallen leaves and grasses away with his hand he removed some loose earth uncovering a smooth and glossy piece of black wood; the length of his hand but only the width of two fingers. Jack glanced up at the surrounding trees and saw that none of the them were black, but a burnt umber.
Intrigued Jack pulled the small length of wood from the soil, curiosity filled his mind as more slid from the ground then he thought was there. Running his thumb over the dirt covered surface Jack found his reflection staring back at him in blood red. A shiver ran down his spine as he felt something radiate off of the metal blade. Something powerful. But there was something else he couldn't quite put his finger on it. The crimson blade shinned brightly in his hand, giving the illusion of it burning like fire when the sun's light reflected off of it.
Pulling the dagger close to his face, Jack saw something etched in the blade. The writing too tiny to make out. The samurai heard a twig snap in front of him and he instinctively reached for his sword that lay next to him. Looking up he saw Shi running towards him. He found it strange that the woman was able to run on her leg only after a few days. He found it even stranger when he saw her waving her arms.
Shi yelled raising her arms in an attempt to catch his attention. Please don't let it happen again.' Reaching the samurai, Shi stretched out a hand to knock the dagger out Jack's grasp when it hit.
The metal blade glowed an eerie scarlet red. Surprised, Jack released his hold but found the wooden handle had somehow melded itself in his skin. Shi clasp her small hand over the blade, slicing herself on the sharp edges. She didn't notice the pain or blood as she tugged violently on the dagger.Suddenly her body was snatched from the ground and hurled into a tree by some invisible force. Her body crumpled to the forest floor and didn't move.
The crimson glow continue to spread from the blade onto Jack, moving up his arm, every cell of his body screamed in agony. He felt as if his skin was melting and his flesh being ripped from his bones. (AN Graphic huh) He opened his mouth to express his suffering but his voice caught in his throat.
Shi coughed and spat blood as she gathered herself on shaky feet. Holding her side painfully she saw Jack losing the battle with the dagger. Don't hurt Shi screamed into the sky. Trees around her shook. Rushing forward the angel winged woman gripped Jack's hand and the dagger. Release him. He's not the one you want.
As soon as the words left Shi's lips the pain stopped. Jack gasped and looked at his arm, perfect pale skin greeted him, nothing was wrong. Shi pried the handle from the Japanese man's hand and clenched it tightly in hers. Shaking violently the woman took a few steps back and squeezed her eyes shut, her mouth opening in a silent scream. The dagger burned in her hand.
Jack yelled moving to stand, his hand reaching for his father's sword. Bright crimson blood poured from the woman hands as she clutched the dagger's blade tightly to her chest. Her body lifted off the ground as if picked up by the wind, but there was no wind. Scarlet tears fell from Shi's closed eyes as she threw her head back. Her body trembled with silent cries for help. Jack moved forward unsheathing his katana.
Jack stop, Shi cried. Don't comeany closer. A blinding light made the Japanese man cover his eyes with his arm. Shi's scream of terror made him force his eyes open. A blaze of blue fire danced around the woman's body, the flames licked at the pale flesh yet no mark of fire was made. The fire engulfed her wings that were extended high above her head and shoulders, turning them a charcoal black.
Her long ebony hair flowed gently around her, dancing in the fire. The woman became silent, her body relaxed by the fire's security. Leisurely Shi's eyes opened, the once earth toned colors were replaced with a midnight glow that filled every space of her almond shaped gaze. An awesome force radiated from deep within her being. Even the air surrounding her seemed to hum with power. The red tears stopped but still streaked her colorless cheeks. The blood from her hands still flowed, leaving a little stain on the forest's soil.
Jack raised his sword a little and took a step forward.
The woman focused her stare on the man before her. Her dark eyes pierced his, tearing into his soul. Overcome with devout, Jack dropped to his knees. Who are you?
I am Kanshisha. Guardian of the red dagger of Tengoku and Jigoku , came the reply in a strong powerful voice. Not a trace of the tiny and fragile Shi was left in that voice. Who dare awaken me from my slumber.
I amJack. I humbly ask for your forgiveness. The woman stared silently at Jack.
Speak warrior. Be not afraid.
Are you the same Guardian from my dream?
No. That is Akushitsu.
Who is Akushitsu?
The red dagger of Tengoku and Jigoku.
Jack was severely puzzled by the answer and he waited respectively for the entity to continue. Many years ago, before your time, there lived a race called the Kaze Ran'na. They are the Guardians of this world and the red dagger of Tengoku and Jigoku. Only one Guardian with a pure heart was able to carry the red dagger with them. We lived peacefully with the human race, never interfering with their lives, until one day.
A Guardian who protected the red dagger had a dark heart but kept it hidden. The dagger feed off the evil in the Guardian's life till it overpowered the poor soul and infected the body. When the red dagger is able to take a form it is indomitable. It was then able to release it's counterpart in strength and wickedness. A demon from the pits of hell.
The possessed Guardian grew fond of the demon and it's power. Together they overpowered our defenses and destroyed our home. Many lives were sacrificed to bring the evil down to their knees but our people were no match for their might.
This demon learned somehow that if he ate the souls of our people he would become invincible. Nothing would be able to stop him.
How awful, Jack said softly.
For years the demon and the possessed Guardian terrorized our world until a mighty human warrior decided to stand against this evil. He welded a magic sword and with his blade vanquished the evil, turning him into a diseased and gnarled tree to wither away. As for the Guardian she sacrificed herself to bring the red dagger under control, it's evil locked away deep within it's being.
Time passed and our race began to die out. Our population weakened with the battle against the demon. We were unable to bring back the many lives that were lost. Our clan, a once powerful race of warriors now dwindled in the thousands and it was then decided that were were to go into hiding to gather strength and numbers.
It was a few years later that the evil, the human warrior locked up, returned. We still carried the red dagger as the task of guarding it was appointed to us. Many people wanted to fight again but it was insisted that we were to stay where we were. Some did but many didn't. The red dagger was not taken into the battle for fear of repeated history. It was taken by a small band of our people and hidden.
The people who foolishly charged into the war were destroyed, the man with the magic sword injured. The demon took him and we never saw him again. Thousands, perhaps millions of years passed but our race was never the same.
The woman sighed and looked down at the dagger in her hands. The red dagger has been passed down from generation to generation but now the world is again in turmoil. The demon is calling for the red dagger. Awakening it's evil. I fear not even a pure hearted Guardian will be able to stop it.
Jack whispered vehemently. His grasp tightened on his forgotten sword. My father was the warrior you speak of.
The woman looked solemnly at Jack. I know you are the warrior's descendant from the past. This evil, Aku has become very powerful, many of my people are gone from this land. I thank you warrior for awakening me. Now I can finish the task appointed to me more then a decade ago.
A decade, Jack repeated. He stood to his feet. What do you mean. What about Shi. This does not make sense.
This is none of your concern warrior. Your presence is no longer needed. You may go home.
Jack whispered. It was too good to be true. But I am not from this time.
The woman drifted back to the ground, stopping from just standing on the ground. The blue flames slowly dissipated into the wind. She took a step towards Jack. He took a step back, unsure.
You wish to return home do you not.
Yes. I want to go home.
Give me your sword. the woman commanded.
Immediately a warning signal went off in Jack's mind. He never let anyone take his sword from him, but he wanted to go home so badly. He looked at his katana, his hand twitched and the sun danced across it's metal blade. Glancing back at the woman he caught a gleam in the dark gaze. A roguish smile curved at the full lips.
Where is Shi? the Japanese man asked pulling his sword down so it lay against his thigh.
Why do you care about the girl. You are going home. Now give me your sword. The woman's hands that still clenched the dagger let go, the dagger remaining where it was. She stretched out her blood stained hands towards Jack.
the woman said, puzzlement clear in her tone. She lowered her hands slowly.
I wish to know where Shi is. What have you done with her. Jack said.
The woman let out a laugh, sending chills down the samurai's spine. Shi does not exist. She is nothing more then a mere shadow of myself.
Jack yelled. I demand to know what has become of Shi. Now!
You dare speak to a Guardian like that.
Jack brought his sword up. You are no Guardian. The Japanese man saw a flicker of something pass in the woman's dark eyes. A Guardian you speak of would never be so inhumane about a life. A Guardian is supposed to be pure of heart. Your heart is black.
The woman narrowed her eyes at the samurai's words. She took another step towards Jack. He raised his weapon a few inches from the her chest.
What would you know about a black heart. The woman took one more step, the tip of Jack's katana pierced through the blue dress and into something soft. The Japanese man backed off a few inches and saw a drop of scarlet on his blade.
Does a black heart bleed. Another step.
Stop demon, Jack commanded moving his katana back again.
Demon? I am a Guardian. The woman said smiling.
Jack eyes widened. He remembered that smile from his dream. You're the same woman from my dreams.
Am I, samurai Jack. Perhaps I am, the ebony winged woman said. And perhaps I am not. Do you trust your dreams.
Jack shouted severely. No more of your games demon, where is Shi. I demand an answer now!
No need to get mad warrior, the condescending tone of the woman made the Japanese man's blood boil. She looked towards the sky and closed her eyes. I hear you calling me. I feel your powerAku. Wait for me. (AN Hey did anybody know Aku means evil in Japanese. Well neither did I)
Jack's heart sank. You're Akushitsu. You're the evil of the red dagger.
The woman let out an unholy laugh. At your service warrior.
With a flick of his wrist the Japanese man pressed his blade against the demons neck. Demon from hell I banish you from this body. You no longer have control. Return to where you have came from.
The woman stared at the man. Do you really think that will work. Jack's eyes widened ever so slightly. You seemed like such a nice young man. The demon slowly reached for the suspended dagger to her left. Too bad I have to kill you. Her fingers came into contact with the cool surface.
She let out a yell and swung the dagger forward. Her hand stopped, the dagger's gleaming blade mere inches from his face. Her hand shook as if battling to drop the weapon forward. A depth of high focus crossed her face as she barred her teeth like an beast. Jack watched the woman fighting with the dagger tugging on it with both hands, it wouldn't move.
The metal in her hand exploded in a ball of fire, making the woman let go. She back away from the white flames covering her eyes, moving higher into the sky. No, it can't be. The woman let out a bloodcurdling scream and clutched her head in her hands. She pulled her charcoal black wings around her body as she writhed in torture. the woman screamed. Leave me alone.
That voice sounded like Shi's,' Jack thought to himself. he yelled.
help me. That was definitely Shi's voice. The dark wings shook and feather by feather they turned back to their brilliant ivory white, ash floating to the ground like black snow. The white flames around the dagger died suddenly as if by a gust of air and dropped to the ground like a rock, Shi's limp body following right after.
Jack barely had enough time to sheath his katana before he jumped forward, arms outstretched. The tiny body fell heavily into the Japanese man's arms. A few angel white feathers lazily floated from the sky. Jack went to his knees, resting Shi against him. He brushed back the mass of ebony tangles with quick hasty movements. He wiped the crimson stains from the pale cheeks with the sleeve of his robe.
Shi wake up. Jack said, his voice lace with care and distress. His answer was Shi's eyes fluttering open. They had a dull look to them.
Samurai Jack,' a monotone voice spilled into Jack's mind. You must run and take Shi with you.'
Who are you?, Jack said. What is going on.
Shi is fighting her past. She does not remember who and what she is. You must leave quickly. Danger is approaching.'
Yes,' the voice said. He has heard the demons calls and is coming. I have suppressed the evil but I do not know how long I can withstand it.'
Are you and Shi the same?
Yes and No. Now run warrior. Evil is here.' Shi's body shivered as she closed her eyes and was still. Her passive breathing didn't help the uneasy feeling that settled in the pit of the samurai's stomach. Still, true to her words, he felt a presence nearing but it wasn't Aku. Perhaps more of his lackeys.'
Standing, Jack lifted Shi and shifted her to his back. He pulled her arms around his neck and grabbed her legs, her head head resting on his shoulder. Taking few steps he paused at the dagger laying on the stain of blood it had caused. Sighing he reached down and picked up the blade with the sleeve of his kimono, tucking it in his red sash.
With that the Japanese warrior took off running, not realizing the evil that followed them, the evil that was with them, and the evil that was to come.
Excuse me readers (O.M.W.O.S. slips into her closet and closes door. For the next the few minutes angry shouting is heard. O.M.W.O.S. opens door a bit scuffled) Sorry, you people have no idea what a pain in the rear end this chapter was. I completely rewrote this three times. Now finally I am semi pleased with it but I feel it is a little different from the way I write. I'm trying to expand on my writing. Why just a year ago I wouldn't dream of writing a curse word but now, well if the chara curses then the chara curses. So enjoy ladies and gentlemen while I take a well deserved coffee break. And the time is exactly 10:45 on the button when I got done with this. I'm getting better every chapter. Pretty soon I'll be able to go to bed at a decent hour but until then I'll do whatever the heck I want. Haha. Ah, I'm going to bed. Good night and happy dreams of Jack for everyone.