Angel wings
Disclaimer: I own everything and yet I own nothing. New chara's and my insanity do not count.
Warnings: New Charas, Angst. Blood (referring to a couple of wounds) Nudity (Not really but well you know, my kind of nudity)
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 Cadbury's chocolate egg thingys. Yum. ^_^
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
Deep within a forest, a lone figure walked around an old abandoned fire. He bent down and scooped the cold ashes into his hand. Tilting his head sideways he let the black snow drift slowly to the ground. His dark eyes caught a white feather drifting in the wind above him. Standing, he snatched the plum from the air and brought it to his face running the softness across his mouth, inhaling the fading scent.
She was here.'
Spreading the giant black wings from his lithe body, the man took off into the sky. The feather floated back down from the heavens, it's brightness dulled to a deep gray.
+~+~+~+
Shi sighed as she dipped her toes into the hot springs water. Twisting her braid up she secured it with her black obi. Shedding her dark kimono she folded it neatly and placed it next to her things. Grabbing a thin towel, she wrapped it around her body loosely but found it was difficult to do with her ivory wings. Shi lazily lowered her body into the water, grateful for its warm healing.
Sitting on the steps the angel winged woman reminded herself to thank Jet again for letting her use the natural hot springs that were at the hotel. Leaning back Shi closed her eyes. She and Jack had agreed to stay but only if he let them help clean up. A few hours later the bar was spotless. The sun was beginning to set when Jet suggested they use the hot springs to relax while he finished some business at the bar before he closed shop.
Jack walked silently with Shi to her room, neither one said anything. Shi glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw the Japanese man's face held a distracted expression, as if he was some place else.
Shi said quietly, hoping that he really didn't hear her.
Yes Shi.
That was their impressive conversation. Jack left Shi to go back to the bar with Jet to make sure Ranzor didn't return while she went to her room. Leaning against the closed door of her room, Shi sighed and clasped her hands together as if she was praying. Something bad did happen and Jack wont tell me anything. Did I do something?' Shi paused, feeling the sharp edge of the red dagger against her back.
Pushing herself from the door, the angel winged woman strolled over the balcony window and opened it. Stepping out she shivered at the cool breeze blowing. It danced across her skin and played in her hair. Taking off the green robe that had become a hassle she laid the material over a wicker chair next to her, thus freeing her wings. She stretched them a little enjoying the movement, loosening up bunched muscles.
Shi looked at her wrapped hands and tugged at the material, unwrapping them. Taking a look she saw a thin cut across her palms as if she was holding something sharp tightly in her hands. She then peeled the bandage from her chest, a small red smear was all that was left on her pale skin. Taking a relaxing dip in the springs didn't sound like such a bad idea after all.
Scooting off the step she sat on Shi waded deeper into the springs water. Kicking with her feet she made tiny little frothy bubbles that popped when they hit the surface. Pausing in the middle of the spring, the water came to Shi's mouth when she stepped on her tiptoes. She sighed making small ripples on the waters surface. Moving her wings back and forth she recalled the little birds that used to clean themselves in puddles of water and felt a giggle rising but suppressed it. Shi sighed again this one burdened with her many thoughts. She pushed herself through the water reflecting on the past events.
The woman shifted in the water at her name and turned to see the form of Jack at the far end of the spring. Her earthen eyes met his sable black. She instinctively sank further into the water, her chin just above the water line.
I'm sorry, I didn't know you would be here. Jack stood where he sat at the water's edge and turned.
Shi said a little loudly then she intended, moving through the sluggish water. The Japanese man halted but didn't turn around. Please don't goI don't want to be alone. The man seemed to hesitate before turning back around and sitting just at the edge of the water. Shi deposited herself a step, the water coming just below her ribcage. She tucked her long legs up and rested her chin on them.
How are your hands?, Jack asked looking away from her.
They're healed. What about your shoulder?
It's healed.
are you well?
Yes Shi, why do you ask.
You seem to be in a world of your own.
I've been thinking, I'm sorry if I seem distant.
Shi pushed the water around her with a hand, she suddenly didn't feel like talking.
Jack took a deep breath and let it out slowly, the woman turned her earthen eyes to him. Shi there's some things I have to tell you about me.
I know who you are Jack.
You do?
Shi smiled. There has not gone a day that I haven't heard about the warrior who carries the sword of the lord and fights for the freedom of those enslaved by Aku. People say he has the strength of a god, the mind of a wise man, the heart of an angel.
That is truly too much flattery for one man. I do not deserve such words to be mine. People do not who I am. Jack said looking at his reflection in the liquid mirror.
I know you, Shi said. And I think these words fit perfectly. But there's one thing they forgot.
What might that be?, the Japanese man looked up.
This warrior has the looks of my fatherwhen he was young. Shi smiled but her eyes betrayed her true feelings and she turned her head, resting it on her knees.
The two looked up, both interrupted by each other, Jack smiled warmly. You first.
Shi sighed and moved her wings back and forth making little waves. Jack, there's a lot you don't know about meand my people. We are, were the Guardians of this world and ofI carry with me a red bladed dagger. That blade wasn't always red in the beginning it was white, like a pure soul. Over the thousands of years it has become stained with the blood of it's masters. Taken by a small band of my people it was hidden until about decade ago. A Guardian who was thought to be pure hearted tried to steal the dagger but was caught. In the end, after a fierce and horrible battle our race dispersed and the dagger was given back to the rightful Guardian to take care of.
I don't know, Shi said wringing her hands together. I'm not even sure this is how it really happened. I've pieced together most of my peoples past from passing strangers or in old history books that haven't been burned byHis soldiers.
Do you not know how you came to have the dagger in your possession. Jack asked.
The angel winged woman shook her head slowly. I haveno memory of my past, from the age of a decade and three years my mind is a blur. It's as if someone put a veil over my eyes, sometimes I think I remember something but then it fades before I can grab hold. The woman's breath was shaky as she stared at the water. My sleep is plagued by gruesome nightmares, that I think are memories trying to find their way to the surfaceand I'm afraidafraid that they may be true. Shi looked away from the Japanese man and wiped angrily at her falling tears.
Something brushed against her bare shoulder and the angel winged woman peeked through her bangs. Jack had moved closer to the woman and the sleeve of his kimono swayed back and forth coming into contact with her skin. He leaned over gathering the woman tightly in his arms, not caring that he was soon soaked.
In the man's hold Shi tensed, the strong arms encircling her loosened immediately and she clutched at the flowing robe trying to pull him back. Resting her head against Jack's shoulder the woman closed her eyes, the anxiety and fear draining from her mind and body. She relaxed and leaned into the embrace, wrapping her own arms around the waist of the warrior, her small hands splayed across his broad back.
An eternity and day seemed to pass as the two held each other in silence before Shi finally pulled away still holding onto the arms of Jack. Looking into his eyes she sighed and smiled.
Jack asked amusingly.
When I'm with you Jack, I'm not afraid, I have no nightmares, no fears. I feel almost
the Japanese man suggested with a smile.
Shi looked at him solemnly, with a flick of her hand she splashed Jack. Yeah, normal. The warrior retaliated with a scoop of water being thrown at the angel winged woman. Shi gasped and fought back, soaking whatever wasn't wet. Laughing they were in the midst of their water fight when a loud cough brought their attention to Jet standing a couple feet away from them.
He shook his head grinning. Ah don't even want to know how this started. Ah thought maybe ya'd all like something cleanand dry to wear. Jet held up some clothes. Ah don't know yer size so ah figured ya just wear something of my sisters for the night.
Shi tugged her towel closer and stood, water raining from her hair and wings. She shook them as she gathered the clothes from the tall Dobutsu.
Ahh come on, Jet complained. Ah hate water.
I'm sorry Jet. Thank you for the clothes. Shi said returning back to her room.
Jet sat Indian style next to Jack who was ringing the water from his clothes. Here mate, ah think ya need these. He handed the Japanese man a pair of tattered jeans and a black t-shirt. Jack looked at the clothing then at Jet.
It's all ah got right now, on account ah have to do some laundry. No worries?
No worries, Jack said smiling.
+~+~+~+
Shi sat curled up on a couch next to Jet, laughing behind her hands, her dark eyes sparkling with mirth at the tale of how he beat Ranzor senseless at a game of cards. Dressed in a pair of black shorts and a white shirt she altered to fit her wings, she kept her hair down in order for it to dry.
Tell me about your family.
There's not much to tell. My mother's family came from land down under and my father was from the south of the North lands. Ah have five siblings, we all own a chain of bars called the Cat's meow. And Jack saved my little sis. Although ah think she deserved the trouble she got into. Can never keep her mouth shut. Shi laughed again.
Jet smiled and his ears twitched. Hey mate, how's those clothes fit ya. He turned to the doorway of the lounge they were at, behind the bar.
Jack tugged at the waistband of the jeans he wore. They are a little strange to me, I am not accustom to wearing these kinds of clothes.
Shi twisted sideways and glanced up at Jack. You mean jeans?
Ah think he means pants love, Jet said, moving aside to make room for Jack to sit on the couch that looked as though it had been through hell and back a couple of times. (AN, I love my couch that's been through hell and back a couple of times. Nice and cushy)
Puzzled Shi looked at Jack as he sat down. You've never worn pants before?
Well yes but not the kind you think. Jack answered. Shi nodded her head, not fully understanding.
Ya see love, Jack's not from-.
I am not from around here, the Japanese man interrupted. Where I come from we dress differently.
As do I Shi stopped. I remember.
What do you remember, Jack asked taking Shi's hand into his.
I remember white. Pure, like the moon's light. Smooth like silk, no, Shi's hand slid from Jack's into her own lap. No that's just a dream I had. The woman bowed her head almost guilty and gave a faulty smiled I'm sorry, I'm justI'm just tired. Perhaps I'll turn in early. Shi stood to her feet.
Ahh okay, Jet said. G'night then.
Jack stood as well. I'll walk you to your room.
No it's all right, Shi said.
I want to, please.
Shi gave in and nodded her head. Good night Jet and thank you for every thing.
No worries love. Sleep well.
Shi left the room with Jack following closely behind. Again they walked in silence, the angel winged woman brought her hair forward, over her shoulder and began braiding it. Jack tilted his head a bit and reached out touching the pale skin between her wings and shoulder blades. Shi jumped and whirled around.
I'm sorry Shi, Jack bowed. I didn't mean to frighten you. I was looking at the strange marking on your skin.
Shi frowned for a moment then realized what he meant and she smiled. It's called a tattoo. I don't remember when I got but it must of been when I was young. I think it's a marking of my family, like a crest. The woman continued down the hall, towards her room.
I've been talking to Jet, Jack said, And he says there's a group of Kaze Ran'na's hiding out in a city called L.A.
You mean the city of Lost Angels. That's across the ocean. How does Jet know?
He told me he has a brother in the North lands. He said they've been there a couple years. Perhaps your family is with them.
Shi's face fell and she closed her eyes, she shook her head slowly. No, my family is not with them. I know where they are, they are with the stars.
I'm sorry, Jack whispered.
Don't be, my sorrow is enough for one person. Shi sighed a shaky sigh. It's strange, I don't remember a lot of things but I remember my mother, my father, and my brother just clearly as the day I lost them, my lord. The term slipped out and she twisted away when she felt the silver drops of grief beginning to form.
My lady, Jack paused when Shi looked up. I too know what is like to lose loved ones
You feel as though you're alone on this world Shi continued.
Where there is no one to understand you, Jack finished.
The two looked at each. I guess we do understand each other, Shi said smiling a little.
I guess we do, the Japanese man echoed.
Shi leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Jack in a hug resting her cheek against his chest. Her white wings enfolded the both of them. I'm glad you're my friend Jack.
Friend,' Jack rolled the label in his head, many friends he had not but for some reason the title didn't feel right, like it didn't belong to him. Still despite his wavering thoughts, he managed to say, Me too.
The angel winged woman pulled away from the warrior and looked at him. She smiled which turned into a yawn.
Get some rest, we have a long journey ahead of us. Jack turned to leave.
The Japanese man turned back. What is it Shi.
Good night.
Good night Shi. May you have peaceful dreams.
Only when you're with me.' Shi nodded and slipped into her room, closing the door softly. She sighed and leaned against it, tracing patterns in the woodgrain with her finger. why do you help me. Is that such a hard question to ask. I'm I afraid of the answer.'
Jack leaned against Shi's door and sighed. who are you. Why have our paths intertwined with each other. Will I fail you like I have failed so many others.'
Pushing herself from the door Shi strolled to her bed and sat down. Jack moved from the door as he heard the light footsteps of the angel winged woman crossing the room. The Japanese warrior wandered back down the hall to the bar, he watched Jet pull the shades of the bar down. His ears twisted back when Jack entered the room.
Can you hear everything, Jack asked sitting at the bar.
Nah mate, ah didn't hear ya and Shi talking. Jet answered grabbing a broom by the front door and sticking it behind the counter.
How did you know we were talking.
Ahh, hehe, Jet scratched his head sheepishly. Sorry bout that Jack, ah didn't mean to hear anything, the ears and all.
All is forgiven.
Eh, if ya don't mind me askin', why didn't ya tell Shi that ya ain't from this time, the Dobutsu asked as he wiped down the counter.
To be honestI don't know, Jack answered, unconsciously tugging at the collar of the black shirt he wore.
Ya don't know? That ain't like ya Jack. Ya okay mate, ya look a little flushed around the gills.
I'm fine.
Ya know, that's another thing ah can hear.
Jack asked.
A Terran's voice tremors one note above their normal sound when they lie. It's a blessin' and a curse these ears.
The Japanese man didn't answer. He stared at the mahogany colored bar with great interest. Different emotions flowed through him but only one was able to make it's way to his heart. Unnoticed or unwanted, it was still there, just beyond his grasp.
Here mate, ah think ya need this. Jet placed a shot glass and a small bottle next to it. A familiar smell rose from the opening.
Jack smiled. he said with almost sheer bliss.
Yep, ah've been savin' it for a special occasion. This is as good a time as any. Ya know this stuff sure can knock a Dobutsu off it's feet. Whew, ah learned never drink and then try to fight. It don't work.
The Japanese man poured some of the clear liquid and took a sip. (O.M.W.O.S. says don't drink and drive, especially with sake, very very strong stuff ~_+) He stared ruefully into his cup and let his breath out slowly.
Ya like her don't ya, Jet stated more then asked.
Jack jerked his head up, a mix of shock and embarrassment crossed his face but was quickly masked. Yes, she is my friend, he emphasized on every word.
Jet raised an eyebrow. Ya're words or hers?
Ya're lyin' again Jack. The creature smiled teasingly. How long have ya known Shi?
Only a few days.
And ya insist on accompanying her halfway across this desolate planet why?
Jack poured himself another drink but just swirled the contents around. She has no one, she doesn't even have family. Her race almost vanished because of Aku and there's a thread of hope of her finding someone, then yes I would help her, despite certain consequences Wouldn't you do the same?
Jet took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Well ah'm not ya Jack but if it were me ah'd do it if ah loved the girl.
The Japanese man set the glass down and stood. You and I are more alike then you think. Good night Jet.
Night Jack, the Dobutsu called to the back of the retreating warrior. He smiled for what seemed like the hundredth time. Picking up the bottle he took a sniff and wrinkled his nose at the strong order. He then shrugged his shoulders and took a swig of the liquid. Making a weird sound, his eyes crossed and he set the container down, reaching blindly for any source of water.
+~+~+~+
A dark shadow danced across the ceiling of the small room. It moved slowly from one corner to the next as a predator about to pounce on it's prey. It circled the room several times and as if it had become a living being on it's own, the black shadow slid down the wall's textured surface and slithered to the open balcony door. There it rejoined it's creator. The paper thin curtains swayed idly in the cool breeze made by the figure that drifted into the room.
Taunt ebony flesh extended high above the windblown hair. Dark eyes; holding no emotion, gazed steely at the sleeping form of Shi. The thin lips that were straight as an arrow parted into sadistic grin as the creature neared the still form. Uncurling his fist the being slid the dagger like claws against each other, making small grating noises that he found soothing to the mind.
The mind that held little thoughts but only one command. Go forth unto this world and find your mother. Bring her to me, alive and unharmed.' No more was given, not a destination or a description. One was not needed. He knew what she looked like and where he could find her. She left a trail of light unseen to the naked eye but sensed if one was blood. It was strange, the light grew dimmer every time he neared.
A haze of light surrounded the woman but the blackness that he wore around him absorbed it. Shi's light breathing grew heavy as if it were a burden to breath when he was close. Her skin paled in the moonlight when he stood above her. The being watched her silently, watching every little movement. A sudden bloom of air swept through the room and the woman shivered and curled up on her side bringing her angel wings up.
The creature jumped back when the feathers brushed against him. He hissed with wariness and looked at the hand that had been touched. The normal colorless skin had taken on a soft healthy color andhe brought the hand to his face and pressed it against his lips, feeling the warmth that he never had. Bringing it back to eye level he saw the color fading and warmth dissipating.
Shi shifted uncomfortably in her sleep and grimaced as if she was in pain. She murmured in her sleep and shivered again. The being growled and reached for the woman. He stopped, his hand hovering over her face, her breath tickled his palm and he drew back once more. New and never been used emotions surged forward. Intriguement. Suspicion. Apprehension. Warmth. Everything swirled together into a thick soup that he had no control over. No way to climb out.
The creature growled with uncertainty and backed away from the persecutor. He oscillate the giant black wings back and forth, creating a stir of things. Not knowing what to do he turned and exited the room. Pausing in the doorway he looked over his shoulder at the woman who seemed to settle when there was a small distance between them.
Turning back to the midnight sky the spawn of hatred spread the leathery black wings and took off into the night. The wind rushed through his hair as he climbed high into the sky. The more higher he went the less emotions he felt. Bursting through a dark cloud he hovered, looking down at the tiny firefly lights of the town.
Now is not the time to retrieve you, but soon mothersoon.'
To quote the words of Samurai Vickie; Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (Takes a deep breath) hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Whew, finally I finished this chapter. Kudos for me ^_^ The time is (Looks at clock) 9:01. Where there's a will there's way. Wow wee, this is a long sucker, well it happens. I'm just so glad I finished this. You know, I think I might actually finish this fic. I have a problem of finishing stuff. I have a ReBoot story that spans over the lifetime of a Guardian and her children, and her children's children all in here (Taps head) My friend Rae keeps harping on me to start writing a Dangerous Love' but I'm busy with this. I promised her I would start the first chapter but one story at a time. To tell ya the truth I think I got a little carried away and overloaded. Plus another thing is ReBoot was canceled on the Cartoon Network and so I don't have any episodes to encourage me like I do my Samurai Jack fic. Well I do have you readers to thank too. Go ahead take a bow, you all deserve credit yourselves. We all take time out of our lives to stop and read, and write what's in here (places hand over heart) They may be some cartoon form but they're from our heart and maybe past experiences that create what we write. Sorry, I'm getting all weepy and sappy. It may only be nine but I'm tired so I'll sign off here. Night ya'll.
P.S. BirdyJae, you e-mail addy doesn't work. I can't get a hold of you. So how about you e-mail me and I can just reply with my chapters. Does that work out okay, if not wellI don't know what to do. I am quite basic when it comes to the internet thing, I'm too busy with writing and other stuff to go gallivanting around the net.
Rae: You just keep writing and nobody pays attention.