Angel wings
Disclaimer: I own, umm (taps chin thoughtfully) gee, I don't know what I own. (Rae leans over and whispers in O.M.W.O.S.'s ear) Oh that's right, I own new chara's (Rae whispers again) And my insanity.
Warnings: New Charas, Angst. A tiny bit of blood (Cuts and scraps)
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 best friends who know everything well almost everything. ^_^;;
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
Thank you so very much again Jet, Shi practically toppled the Dobutsu over as she hugged him around the neck, giving him a peck on the cheek. Even covered in fur one could see the slight blush forming on Jet's face.
Ya're welcome love, have a safe walk about.
Shi tilted her head and smiled. Don't you mean journey?
Yeah, that's what ah said. Take it easy love, ah'm not as young as ah used to be, Jet joked. These old bones aren't what they used to be.
You're not that old, you're younger then me, Shi said playfully pushing the cat creature.
Yeah but ah'm on my sixth life.
Jack stood a little ways away from the two, he carried a small pack put together by him and Jet containing some necessities they might need on their weeks journey to the ocean's front. His smile hidden, he watched Shi detach herself from Jet, noticing the way she kept her wings folded to her back, instead of wrapping them around Jet like she did him. Was he being smug or perhaps possessive, maybe he had the right to be.
No, Shi considers me a friend, nothing more.' Jack scolded himself mentally. I have no right to think such things.'
Ya're ready mate, Jet's words broke through the Japanese man's thoughts.
Jack answered bowing and exchanging handshakes with the other man. We have a long journey ahead of us but it will be well worth it.
Shi looked at Jack and smiled with what seemed like a nervous smile. She preoccupied herself with pulling her green robe over her wings. She tugged at the hem of her freshly washed navy blue kimono making sure it was straight. She slid a hand over the little pouch she tied at her waist from the beginning of her adventure, feeling the contents inside. One last check, Shi felt the handle of her dagger she wrapped in a strip of cloth pressing against her back where she had placed it inside her dress.
She looked up again and smiled, this one filled with new hope and courage. Yes, I am ready too. Goodbye Jet, thank you for everything you have done for us.
No worries love, it's the least ah can do for such a pretty lady and an old friend. Just do me the favor and stay safe.
We will.
See ya later Jack. Jet then tilted his head towards the sky and his ears flattened. He added in a quiet voice, Be careful, there's something in the wind, ah feel it. Don't let yar mind stray from your quest.
Jack felt a shiver run through him, a Dobutsu's words were never wrong. He glanced at Shi who bent down to pick a flower near the path they would take out of the city. She placed it in her hair and turned when she felt Jack's stare. She smiled almost guilty for acting a little childish.
I won't, Jack answered.
Good luck on yar walk about mate. Jet's concerned words were gone, his happy go lucky attitude was back. See ya later Shi, he yelled to the distant figure of Shi who was strolling down the path.
She turned and waved. No you wont.
+~+~+~+
I swear boss it was her, the cold reptilian voice said. The lizard man winched when he felt another piece of glass embedded in his thick skull (AN cough cough) He reached up and ripped the piece of silver glass out and winched again for his stupidity. Green blood oozed from a tiny dozen wounds.
Are you sure it was the Kaze Ran'na woman, the little blue bug buzzed. He rung his clawed hands together in a worrisome matter. It was as if Aku had opened the clouds and said I hate you.' The woman had disappeared without a trace, his men utterly destroyed. He couldn't believe it, he had sent his finest men out.
Yeah boss, another cold voice said from the other side of the room.
Shut your trap Cato, he ain't asking you. Another winch.
Frag you. (AN Woah, potty mouth, a great way to keep it PG-13 ^_^;)
Shut up all of you, the alien bug shrieked. Ranzor do you know if the woman is still with the Dobutsu.
No, she left a day ago with a Terran.
A human.
I know what a Terran is!, the bug yelled, a little vein popped out from his temple as he tried to control his breathing. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Do you know where she went?
Ranzor said. He noticed one of Master Mushi's several eyes begin to twitch. But we can track her down in less then a day.
Master Mushi said. Just go and bring her back alive with the dagger.
Ranzor stood and exited the room followed by his brothers. The blue alien turned and sat at his desk. He reached over when the phone rang.
What! Oh, I'm sorry my lord, yes, yes. We will have the girl in a day. What you're firing me. Why? Inadequateyou found someone else. But please my lord I can-, the dial tone of the phone was the only thing to answer him. He dropped the phone and stared straight ahead of him.
me? No, I'm the best bounty hunter there is. I'll prove I'm the best and get the girl before Aku does. Yeah, then we'll see who's the best.' (AN Yeah, Aku makes calls. What, oh come on, he eats hot dogs on a billboard for pete's sake)
+~+~+~+
Shi sighed as she deposited herself on a grassy hill. Her feet hurt from walking, her legs hurt from walking, her back hurt from walking, her whole body hurt from walking. Jack stood next to her surveying their new surroundings before bending down.
Come on Shi, we still have a long journey ahead of us. He extended out a hand to help her up.
I'm tired Jack, she complained half heartedly. We've been walking for days. Can we please rest just for a few moments, she pleaded, pouting slightly.
All right, Jack answered sitting down next to the woman. He placed his pack and katana next to him. He had forgotten Shi wasn't as strong as he was and probably didn't have enough support to keep her body going.
Shi smiled and flopped to her back, shifting on her wings uncomfortably. She sat back up a minute later and untied her robe, stretched her wings out and laid back down. Jack turned his head to watch her. Keeping yourself busy.
she said sarcastically then smiled, throwing a few blades of grass at him. They caught in the wind and drifted back towards her. She tilted her head up and watched the wispy white clouds roll by on their lazy ride on the wind.
I see a tree.
Jack asked not catching what Shi had said.
The woman craned her head to face Jack from her position on the ground. Haven't you ever sat back and made shapes out the clouds when you were a child?
No, I never had time, the Japanese man said.
well lay down, there's time now. Shi said. Please, I used to do this when I lived at the hotel. I would stare at the sky for hours on end, making up shapes and stories to go along with them. Why are you laughing at me.
I'm not laughing at you, it's just you remind me of someone I met a long time ago. Jack scooted down to a laying position a little ways away from Shi so not to lay on her wings. His head brushed against hers and moved a little tucking his hands behind his head.
Shi turned back to the sky. Jack did the same and watched the clouds move past him.
What am I supposed to be doing?
You're supposed to make shapes out of the clouds. Look, Shi said pointing to the left of them. I see a bird.
Jack squinted at the cloud. I see a cloud.
No, you're supposed to use your imagination. See that little part right there, that's the beak and that dark patch is an eye and over there, see how that part of the cloud fans out like a wing.
Jack answered truthfully.
You're hopeless Jack, Shi said turning her attention back to the sky.
Perturb that he couldn't see the things Shi could, Jack set out to try and find something that he could see. Everything came up as a cloud. Every once in a while Shi would point to a cloud and name it's shape or character and every time Jack would stare until his eyes went fuzzy from not blinking.
Maybe I am hopeless,' he thought. Jack yawned and closed his eyes, but mid shut he stopped, and looked again. I see a dragon.
Shi immediately asked moving her eyes from her side of the sky to his.
Right there, Jack pointed. See it's head.
I can't see it.
Here, you have to come over here to my line of sight to see it. See it's long body stretches from here he ran his hand across the sky To there. Jack turned his head to see if Shi was looking in the right area and jumped. The angel winged woman's head brushed against his and she peered into the cloud littered sky. She had wiggled closer when he had said to move into his line of sight. Her earthen eyes widened and she smiled.
I see it, she said excitedly. There's it's head and it's body and the tail curls up just above there, Shi turned her head. Am I right Shi stared into the ebony gaze. I uhI see the umthe shape.
Jack whispered. He was close now he could see the little different earth toned specks of color; gold, hazel, jade all swirled together to make a beautiful jewel set in the flawless ivory white skin. His mind void of every intellectual thought, speech being one of them because all that came out was a few unintelligent syllables.
Neither one moved, either closer nor further, the two looked into each other eyes. The clouds they were looking at, the grass they were lying on, the wind that whirled around them disappeared. Nothing mattered except the two of them.
Now doesn't that just make you sick, a cold malicious voice said from above them. Both twisted upwards and saw the face of Ranzor staring down at them. His muzzle split into a sneer.
Shi opened her mouth to scream and Jack reached for his katana, not before the reptile slugged him in the face. His vision blurred and mind went fuzzy, Shi's scream brought him back from the darkness. Jack struggled to open his eyes, his vision hazy with crimson. He wiped the liquid from his eyes and stood on shaky feet instinctively reaching for his katana but found it wasn't there.
Shi screamed again but was silenced by Ranzor ramming his fist into her stomach. She gasped and collapsed to her knees wrapping her arms around her middle as she cough and struggled to breath. Kane and Cato grabbed Shi roughly by the arms and drug her to her feet. Ranzor reached over and tugged the little pouch from Shi's waist and emptied the contents into his scaly hand. Two rings intertwined with bands of silver and gold, a sapphire rock, and a small gold feather spilled from the leather bag.
touch that, The woman whispered raggedly.
Or what, jeered Ranzor as he pocketed the trinkets. These will fetch a nice price.
Shi wailed struggling against her captors. Those are mine, give them back.
Shut your trap or I'll shut it for you, The reptile raised his hand to hit Shi again when a strong grip on his wrist made him sink to his knees in pain. Jack twisted Ranzor's hand behind his back making him howl in pain.
That is no way to treat a lady, Jack whispered angrily.
The lizard smiled. You're going to stop me? Ranzor swung his tail out and hit Jack in the back of legs. He then twisted out of the samurai's grip and flipped the warrior over his shoulder. Jack landed on his feet like a cat and turned to face his enemy.
Hey Ranzor ain't that, that Samurai guy Aku wants killed, Kane said.
Yeah that's him, frag two gogoplex, kill him and we'll be rich, yelled Cato.
One of Ranzor's beady eyes turned to look at his brother behind him while the other stayed trained on Jack. He smiled, a drip of saliva running down his mouth. He reached behind his back and pulled out Jack's katana he had tucked in his leather trench coat.
This is a nice weapon you got here samurai, Ranzor said holding the sword up to admire it. I have a feeling you ain't nothing without it. Here Kane, hold this. Ranzor threw the sword behind him, his brother catching it.
The reptile stretched and twisted his back hearing his spine crack. He slid his trench coat off and tossed it aside. He motioned for Jack to make the first move with a twitch of his clawed fingers. Jack stood there calmly, his eyes switched to Ranzor in front of him and to the two brothers holding Shi a few feet behind him. He'd have to make the first move
Bending his knees Jack sailed into the air, his figure blending into the sun. Everyone squinted looking for the tiny speck of the warrior. Seeing everyone was distracted Shi elbowed Cato in the ribs, he looked down at her and frowned. His grip tightened on her and she yelped feeling the sharp claws pressing into her flesh.
Ranzor's eyes widened when Jack came hurtling from the sky, straight towards him. He barely had enough time to duck and roll before the flying warrior's foot sailed where he head was. The lizard jumped to his feet and bared his teeth at Jack, his flicked out his jagged claws and jumped forward swiping at the Japanese man.
Jack jumped backwards but felt a burning sensation across his chest where the reptile had connected. He swung his left arm grabbing Ranzor's. With a quick twist of his wrist Jack heard the bones in the lizard's arm twist in the wrong direction. The reptilian man roared in pain and anger, he clutched his arm and growled.
He turned his head to his brothers. Get him!, he yelled. Kane shrugged his shoulders and rushed forward. The warrior turned his attention to the advancing danger when his legs were swept out from under him.
Shi screamed.
He hit the ground hard but jumped back up. Ranzor swung his tail back and forth and grinned. The warrior paused when he realized the reptile's brother had only distracted him. He noticed Ranzor's arm was fine as he crack his knuckles one at a time.
Jack heard Shi whimpering and he saw a fresh cut on her cheek. He narrowed his eyes to a death glare and balled his hands into fists. Ranzor threw a glance at Shi then back at Jack. He let out a harsh scathing laugh.
So you like the girl, he said lewdly. He nodded his head at on his brothers who brought out a rather large hunting knife and held it to the pale throat of Shi, who immediately froze. Her eyes widened, fear burned brightly in her gaze before she closed them.
Leave her alone, Jack growled, surprising himself with his tone and such venom behind it.
What are you going to do about it?, Ranzor sneered.
The Japanese man didn't answer vocally but surged forward. He swung his fist up connecting with the reptiles jaw. Ranzor grunted and staggered backwards but not before sending Jack a right hook. The two men faced each other again.
You want the girl to stay alive, Ranzor threw out in the open. Jack once again looked at Shi was standing between the two reptile brothers, her hands folded tightly to her chest as if she was praying. She visibly trembled, her white wings quivering with fear.
Jack sighed and he raised his arms, giving in. Please do not ham her. He bowed his head.
Ranzor chuckled. Do you really think we would harm the girl.
What do you mean, Jack asked looking up.
That is none of you business. The reptilian man swung his tail out, overconfident of his victory. Jack was ready, he grabbed the limb and jerked back, sending Ranzor off balance. Using that to his advantage he swung around on his heels and released the lizard into the air. His body hit a tree with sickening thud and collapsed to the ground.
He then turned to the other two. A smirk toying at his mouth as Kane let go of Shi and backed up. His brother Cato reached for his gun and tugged it from his coat. With a surprised grunt he fell to his face as Shi pushed him with all her might. His gun clattered to the ground at her feet. Jack rushed forward and with a kick to the face sent the lizard flying backwards.
The angel winged woman bent down to pick it up the weapon when Kane grabbed her around the waist and produced the hunting knife again, pressing it to her cheek. Jack advanced, his sable eyes narrowing, only stopping when the reptile pressed the knife into the soft pale skin acquiring a drop of blood.
Now that's a good samurai, Kane said taking a step backwards, dragging the woman with him. We're just going to go for a nice little stroll and you're not going to follow us are you?
Shi's eyes darted around for something to use against her captor. She saw the handle of Jack's sword hanging off the hip of Kane and she slowly reached for it.
Quit squirming girl, the reptilian man hissed. Shi quickly thrashed her wings around, feeling the prick of the blade on her skin. Shocked, Kane released his hold on Shi for a moment giving the woman the opportunity to grab the sword and pull away.
Nearly dropping the weapon, she swung it in front of her, making her captor dodge wildly in a almost comedic way. He growled bitterly at his intimidation of the woman and approach her with a menacing glare. His black eyes bulged when Jack suddenly appeared in front Shi and rammed his fist into his gut. He collapsed to the forest floor in a boneless heap.
Brushing some dust from his shoulder, the warrior turned back to Shi who was still holding the katana in a loose grip. Are you all right?
think so, Shi answered running one hand across her cheek, smearing the drop of blood across her face and placing the other on her stomach where Ranzor slugged her.
The Japanese man closed the gap between them and took the sword from Shi's hands. He bent down and grabbed the black sheath. Tying the weapon back to his waist he took the edge of his sleeve and wiped the angel winged woman's face, cleaning the crimson from her pale skin. She reached up and placed a hand on the cut across the man's chest.
Are you okay?, she asked, delicately moving the the red stained material away from the wound. She then brought her hand up and pushed back some black strands of hair that escaped from Jack's top knot. She saw a cut above his left eye where Ranzor had struck him. They were after me, weren't they?
I don't know, Jack lied. They were after her but why? Does Aku know about her.'
We better go before they wake up, the Japanese man said, motioning to the fallen bounty hunters. Shi nodded her head silently before turning around to find her discarded robe. Jack reached down and retrieved Ranzor's leather coat and dung into the pocket for the stolen objects. Finding them, he rolled the woman's precious relics in his hand, before returning them to her.
I think these belong to you.
Shi smiled and took the keepsakes. These were my family'sI think. I remember having them hidden away in this pouch when I The angel winged woman grew quiet and she tucked her gems into the little satchel and tied it to her black sash. She then wrapped the green robe around her shoulders and pulled the hood over her head hiding her face and the fresh tears that were rising to the surface.
She jumped when Jack placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her into a friendly hug. Shi barely had enough time to realize what happened, when the Japanese man released her after a brief moment.
Come on, Jack said in a soft soothing tone. He held out his hand and Shi slid hers into his, giving it a squeeze. We have your people to find.
(laughs insanely to herself) I did it, I did it, I did it (Rae dumps a bucket of water of O.M.W.O.S.) Gagh!!!! Thanks Rae.
Rae: No problem.
I finally finished this chapter. This took me a very long time. But it's done and I'm happy. And look at the time, it's 7:05. Yippe (Does happy dance with Rae and Durandel) Next chapter on its way. When it comes, God only knows. See ya later, I'm off to watch A.I. again for the fourth time. Such a sad movie but very, very good. ^_^