Warnings: None. (Well, minor blood.) One of the few 'clean' chapters. ^_~

Jack woke to a stabbing sensation in his side, forcing his eyes to clench shut at the pain, and grasp at the wound. He realized then that he was not dead and shot open his eyes to frantically gaze at the surroundings. It appeared to be the same chamber he had fought in, but something seemed off. The samurai turned his head, trying to find the demon's body, only to see a dark stain where Aku had once laid. For a moment he sat in the chilly room, thinking of what he should do.

'Am I still in the future?' Jack pondered. 'Or have I finally returned to the past?' His eyes narrowed. 'And is Aku truly defeated?'

There was only one way to answer that. Jack tore off a portion of his robe, securely fastened it around the seeping wound, and stood. The samurai sluggishly walked out of the chamber, head spinning, and wave after of nausea hitting his belly. He headed out of the narrow tunnels that seemed to travel forever and stepped out into the murky wasteland. No demons appeared in the air like the first he had ventured into the land, which he was thankful for; he didn't have the stamina to put up a fight.

The day gradually shifted into night and even then he didn't stop to rest. Thick clouds covered the sky and the bitter wind rustled against his body, chilling him. The darkness was heavy and he could barely see in front of him. He felt lost, disoriented, and the lack of food and drink for three days didn't help matters. The emptiness in his stomach stung fiercely and his throat was dry, raspy. To make things even worse, the injury was spilling more blood, causing it to leak through the bandage until it dribbled down Jack's belly and thighs. He felt so tired, so weak, the urge to lay down in the mud and die overwhelming, but he ignored it. Something inside was driving him forward; telling him not to give up so soon.

Finally, the sun emerged over the green, hazy horizon, giving light to the landscape though it did little to Jack. The fog was deep and Jack couldn't remember which way to take to get back 'home'. The weakness was starting to take hold of him.

For hours he wandered back and forth, going in circles around the same spot. Moaning loudly, the samurai collapsed to his hands and knees, unable to keep upright from his failing strength. He resorted to crawling, which only increased the searing agony near his hip from being stretched, leaving a trail of blood on the ashen ground. His arms were growing sore and Jack knew that within the hour he would not last much longer, but for some reason he continued to push himself.

Up ahead in the veil of mist a figure caught his attention. A smile grew on the samurai's face as he saw the bulky figure approach him. A wave of blackness came over his eyes and he passed out before getting the chance to welcome the person.

Warmth was Jack's greeting as the darkness slowly ebbed away. The feeling of soft sheets made him sigh in content. His fingers grazed around the surface, bumping into a portion of a fresh bandage around his wound. A gruff hand jerked his away and held it firmly on the bed. Jack opened his eyes to gaze up at the man.

"What do you think you are doing?" Jack inquired, his brow furrowing.

"Keepin' you from infectin' it that's what," The Scotsman barked. "If you're wonderin' where you are, it's my home. You've been out for about a month and it wasn't easy takin' care of you either."

The samurai stared in shock. "That long?!" A smile grew on Jack's face and he shook head. "What made you come after me?"

"Come now, did you really expect me to listen when you ordered not to interfere?" The Scotsman chuckled. "I'm just sorry I couldn't get there in time for some of the action. I bet you did a real number on Aku. By the way, you did defeat him, didn't you?" Jack nodded. "Then why are you still here? I thought that once Aku was destroyed you would be sent back to your time."

Jack hung his head low. "Yes, I killed the demon but it never meant it would take me home. Only in life could he have done so, and I fear that I gave the fatal stroke too hastily." There was a momentary pause. "Now that I reflect upon the battle, I doubt it would have made a difference in keeping him alive. Aku would never send me back to my time."

"Well, at least the world will be a better place with that demon gone for good," The Scotsman chirped. "The world now has a chance for freedom and happiness thanks to you."

"I'm glad some will be able to enjoy it," Jack replied.

The Scotsman nodded. "I suppose you'll be wantin' to set out real soon?"

"Yes, I cannot linger in one area for long," Jack muttered. "My wound does not appear to be as grievous as I thought. I will leave at dawn."

"That soon?" The Scotsman asked. "You sure are in a hurry."

"Aku may be long gone but there are still remnants of his minions wandering this earth," Jack answered, gazing out the window at the night sky. "Minions that will want my blood. It is only wise for me to move on instead of putting your home, wife, and neighbors in danger."

The Scotsman snorted. "I hope you're not talkin' about those two female demons that were terrorizin' you before. I'd hardly call them a threat."

"You should not underestimate them," Jack warned. "You saw what they did to the others and I'm not about to let it happen here. I leave at dawn and I leave alone."

"Order as much as you like but that doesn't mean I'm goin' to listen," The Scotsman laughed, standing up from the bed. "Say, would you like some supper? My wife makes a terrific haggis."

"No, thank you, I think I will pass," Jack stammered, remembering from a previous conversation what the ingredients were. "Maybe it is best if I just rest a bit more?"

"Sure, whatever you want," The Scotsman shrugged. "Rest easy and we'll discuss more matters in the mornin'."

"Thank you, for all your kindness," Jack murmured. "I would have never made it this far if you had not aided me. I am in eternal debt to you."

"Ack, don't think nothin' of it," The Scotsman snickered.

The samurai laid alone in the room for hours, listening to the movements of the two inhabitants, waiting until the last of the dim fire was put out before slowly rising out of bed. After picking up his sword, he cautiously crept out of the top window and landed on the soft grass below. Jack took off into the woods, never once looking behind, never once doubting his actions. It was time to move on.

"So, here I am to stay, cursed to wander the future in hopes of finding another way home. My quest continues."

As he moved into the forest two sets of eyes, one red and the other green, watched his disappearing form.

End.