A Samurai Jack Fanfic
By Laura McDaniel
A Time to Heal
"I'm afraid," Ichi said while he was examining the deep gash that the bandage on her waist was covering, "that while the octopus Tonchiki's spell conjured had but one tentacle each your appendages, the other four were wrapped around your waist. Had it the time to constrict around you any tighter, it would have sliced you right in half."
"I don't really remember, but that sounds accurate enough," Jill said. "But just what are you trying to tell me?"
"I don't think even our magic can heal that wound without leaving a massive scar," Ni replied. "I suppose, if you wanted to stay a few months, we could remove it then, but I know you do not wish to spend even a few more days here, let alone that much time!"
"You're darn right I don't want to stay!" Jill said, the faintest hint of a growl in her voice. She rubbed the wound and sighed.
"Careful!" Ichi exclaimed, pulling the girl's hand away from the wound. "You don't want to open it again, do you?"
"As soon as we're finished applying these herbs, we'll put the bandage on again and you won't have to worry about that," Ni said.
Ichi let go of Jill's hand and she sighed again. "Well, I'd be happy to carry scars all over my body if it meant I could get up now..."
"Well, it's mainly that one that we need to keep you still for, simply because of where it's positioned. As soon as I'm certain your movement won't reopen the wound, I suppose I could let you out of bed, but I still feel a bit uncomfortable about letting you continue on your quest so soon."
"I'm surprised you're not grateful for the rest after the difficult time you had in The Chamber of Trials. You must have told us the story about three times last night, but I was surprised by your courage every time I heard it," Ni said.
San, who was still under a vow of silence, just nodded in agreement.
"You don't want me to tell it again, do you?" Jill asked, trying her hardest not to roll her eyes.
"Oh, no, of course not. Ni was just making an observation," Ichi said.
Ni smiled, "Of course, you still haven't told Jack about it, have you? I could hear it again when you tell him!"
"No...and I really want to, since he felt my pain. Where is he, anyway? When I woke up, his mattress was all ready empty."
At that moment, the hut's front door swung open, and Jack stepped inside. He glanced around the room as if he was looking for somebody who'd called him. He looked over to the monks, who were finally rewrapping the deep wound on Jill's waist.
"Speaking of Jack..." Ichi said. The three monks exchanged thoughtful glances, but Jill couldn't seem to understand why.
"Did you wish to speak to me, Jill?" Jack asked as he walked over to the group.
"I was just...asking where you were, is all. How'd you know that I..." She shook her head and decided not to finish that question; Jack was probably planning on coming back inside before she asked about him. "So...where were you?"
"I was meditating outside. I may be a warrior, but I still appreciate the quiet moments," Jack answered, sitting next to the mattress.
"You shouldn't let me hold you back, Jack," Jill said. "Leave me here and continue on your quest. The monks will take care of me and then I'll..." her voice trailed off.
"No!" Jack exclaimed. "Jill, you, like me, are a victim of Aku that has been chosen to rise against him. There will be ample quests we must make on our own, but this is one we must make together."
"It just seems like there are so many more important things you could be doing..."
"Freeing the residents from your city that Aku hold captive is important!" Ichi exclaimed.
"Yes, they've been in The Pit of Hate for about twenty years. If you let them stay down there any longer, they might never be able to return to normal!" Ni said.
San nodded in agreement.
"Then, why doesn't Jack go there by himself?"
"Because this is your quest," Jack replied. "I'm just going to be there."
Jill just sighed heavily, and looked into Jack's eyes. She loved his eyes. They always said so much more about what he was thinking than his words ever could. At the moment, they showed nothing but true compassion for her. It was clear to Jill that he honestly didn't think she was holding him back. She swallowed hard and moved her head some as if to nod, "All right, Jack. I promise I won't protest anymore." She sat up slightly and hugged Jack's waist.
Jack smiled and brushed some of the girl's raven locks out of her face. Her hair was unbound, so her time in bed had matted it somewhat. "Good. Then be sure you rest as much as the monks wish you to."
"It shouldn't be much longer," Ichi said. "We might even let her get up tomorrow, but I still wish to keep her here."
"Perhaps you could help her with her swordsmanship, Jack?" Ni suggested.
"I actually got some decent practice with my old wooden sword," Jill laughed, lying down again. "I have a very active imagination."
"Then, it shouldn't take long," Jack chuckled.
"Say, Jack?"
"What is it, Jill?"
"I haven't told you about how the test went. Want to hear now?"
"Of course!" Jack replied.
"Good! Well, I'll start at the beginning..."
Jack listened attentively to Jill's story, clinging to every detail. He was impressed by the way she'd demonstrated great courage, intelligence, and strength throughout the test, even when she in great pain. He found himself becoming as eager to leave as she because he wanted to see her in action, but he knew he had to be patient. If only practicing what he preached wasn't so difficult!