Part 2: The Scion of Sight
The ships engine hummed softly throughout the interior of the small fighter as it flew through the empty vastness of space. The samurai warrior was still unaccustomed to the feeling, but after several days of travel he was slowly getting used to it. By Keela's suggestion they were heading toward a planet called Mercury. Reggoth seemed a little suspicious of this however and had no problem voicing his suspicions.
"There's nothing out here, the planet is practically uninhabitable. Why would a minion o'Aku waste his time in that wasteland?" He demanded with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Because you imbecile, it's as close to the center of the solar system as the Scion of Sight can get, from there he can monitor almost the entire Milky Way." Keela shot back.
"I still see n'reason t'trust you, if Jack was smart he'd ditch you a'the next port and b'done with you." Reggoth turned and stalked into the back of the ship, leaving a very angry and frustrated Keela at the controls alone. Jack sat in one of the seats behind the pilots with his eyes closed in concentration.
"So the scion can see through space, will he not see us coming?" the warrior asked though he never opened his eyes.
"He'd see us if he had reason to suspect something. As long as we don't announce that you've left Earth quite yet we MIGHT be able to make it close enough to Mercury to get in, take him out, and be out before the scion can get a distress call to Aku." Keela replied simply. At his questioning look she sighed and explained. "As the ruffian said, Mercury is an almost uninhabitable wasteland even with a bio-dome in place. Once we pass Mars without heading toward it we'll be calling attention to ourselves."
"It sounds like a risky plan, perhaps I should go alone." Jack stated.
"Sure, take the helm captain." Keela told him in a mocking tone of voice, knowing he wouldn't have a prayer of figuring out the controls. After that they sat in companionable silence for awhile until the pilot broke the silence again.
"Why do you still trust me?" She asked him without turning to face him.
"Pardon?" Jack replied.
"I betrayed you, I destroyed perhaps your only chance in the galaxy of getting back to your own time and you're still willing to trust me enough to let me pilot the ship like this... how can you be so trusting?" Finally she turned to look back at him seriously. Jack stared back at her just as seriously.
"During my journey, I have seen great men do terrible things. Evil is a terrible force to overcome, many are consumed by it instead, the desire to help yourself over all others is natural. Do not be mistaken, I do not yet trust that you wouldn't do it again if I find another way back, but I trust that you will not cause me any harm as long as I am trying to help you." His eyes stared into hers steadily as she stared back, finally closing her eyes and turning back toward the control panel.
"Fair enough." Was her only reply. They rode in uncomfortable silence until the radar began to flash in front of her. "We're passing Mars... from this point on we could be spotted at any moment." She grabbed the throttle and pushed it all the way up, sending them up to the maximum speed. "Cross your fingers that we reach him before he sees us coming."
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The depths of space almost seemed like they would swallow them as they approached a small planet silhouetted by the suns' flames. Jack, Keela and Reggoth stared at it with growing apprehension as they approached, moving uncomfortably fast since they hadn't yet figured out a plan to get on the surface itself. Their question was put aside however when the stars around them seemed to blink in a perfect line.
"Looks like we've got an escort." Keela commented ironically when she saw the flash of a red eye on one of the dark ships trailing beside them. "Alright, we need a plan fast to get onto the surface, any ideas?"
"The hanger bay." Reggoth said instantly. "You and m'can create a distraction while Jack does his thing, then comes t'get us."
"Are you insane? If we land in the hanger the scion will see all three of us instantly and we'll all be toast."
"If you've got a better plan then share it." Reggoth snapped back. She just stared up at him angrily since she really didn't have any plan, let alone a better one. "Besides, if h'knows we're coming h'might already have seen us, so we'd might as well take the chance."
"You're insane." She reminded him again though she turned to guide the ship toward the main hanger of the bio dome. The dark ships trailed behind them, obviously wanting them to go there anyway. The ship flew through the massive double doors and set down gently on the steel floor. Two dozen dark shapes waiting on the floor, one with a large red symbol glowing on it's chest. The shadows began to move toward the ships door, but Reggoth grabbed Keela's hand and hurried to meet them.
"Follow m'lead." He ordered her before they reached the entrance. Jack turned to watch the altercation outside through the monitor display on the control panel.
The two pilots stumbled out of the ship with Reggoth laughing merrily to himself until Keela finally caught on and followed suit. The shadows watched them without even moving as they reached the bottom of the steps that led up to the ship, swaying and laughing to themselves.
"Hey, where's the women? Isn't this the Mars colony?" Reggoth slurred his speech and stared at the shadow like staring into a dark blot was an everyday occurrence. "They have great parties here you know, none better in the solar system. Like this stinking pit of a system is worth much else." He chuckled to himself again drunkenly. The scions red sphere emitted a crimson light that encompassed the two, seeming to peer right into their bodies.
When that was finished it looked up at the ship and slowly dragged the crimson beam from the tail on up, looking for something. In the cockpit Jack silently drew his sword and held it in front of him, standing ready should he be discovered already. Reggoth and Keela both tensed up despite their farce as the crimson light swept over the front of the ship. The samurai tensed to leap into battle, but the light lasted only a few moments before it died down, leaving him untouched and, apparently, unseen.
[Bring them.] A dark fluctuating voice commanded. The smaller shadows grabbed Keela and Reggoth to drag them off, the pilots still maintaining their farce though they were obviously quite unnerved. [And destroy their ship.] The remaining shadows nodded and turned to head up the ramp that led to the inside of the ship while the scion turned to follow the prisoners.
One of the shadows walked up the small flight of steps and went in, only to scream and disintegrate into the air as a silver streak went right through its middle. Before any of the others could react the samurai warrior leapt from the ship and swung his sword in a wide arc, tearing two more in half and whirling to face the rest.
The shadows lunged all at once, but the warrior leapt back and parried with his blade, striking back to sever arms and legs and occasionally striking a killing blow that dispersed them into the air. He whirled again and struck down two more, barely avoiding being impaled as one lunged from behind with its arm in the form of a dark blade.
Jack sliced the blade clean off and whirled to disperse the shadows itself, holding the blade in front of him at the ready and looking around for any more opponents. One was running the other way, probably to warn the others, but Jack threw his blade with unerring accuracy. It went right through the creature, dispersing it before the end plunged into the wall and stuck there.
The warrior walked over and took the blade in his hand again, pulling it out of the wall. He slid it slowly back into its sheathe as he turned to follow the other shadows where they'd taken Keela and Reggoth. The corridors were long and there seemed to be no trace of them to track them by. He would be lucky just to be able to find his way back to the ship.
Finally he seemed to be making some progress when he heard voices coming from another room nearby. He could hear Reggoth and Keela's voices, but no others were around. First he thought to free them right now, but realized that would likely be a foolish attempt. They would undoubtedly be guarded, and very well.
[Indeed warrior.] The samurai whirled to see the scion standing right behind him with dozens of the shadows behind it. [You might have succeeded in sneaking past me had the blade not left your side.] The warrior pulled the sword and held it in front of him, even though it was likely pointless. So, it seemed the sword could not only kill them, but block their powers as well. Of course when he'd thrown it...
"You will never win over me or the side of righteousness." Jack said.
[We'll see.] The scion replied as the shadows inched their way forward slowly. There were way too many for Jack to take alone, but he would certainly not give up without a fight.
The sword swept through the air, slicing through five of the shadows at once and blocking several others in a flurry of lightning-fast movements, but that was little more than a fraction of the total numbers here. He fought valiantly, the steel of his blade ringing against the dark blades of the shadows and sending sparks flying every which way.
He tried to press the attack, lunging into the mass of darkness and swinging skillfully, albeit blindly. He cut through the shadows like a cleaver, but still sheer numbers drove him back again as he was assaulted from nearly every direction. Blades cut into his chest, arms, and legs deeply enough to make him stumble and even lose his grip on his sword for a moment.
He tried once more to make a stand, swinging the mystical blade in wide arcs to get the shadows away from him, but finally numbers and bleeding combined to send the warrior to the ground, panting and shaking from his exertions. He raised his head to glare up at the scion as he stood over the fallen warrior.
[Contact Aku, tell him we have a little gift.] The scion told his minions, who turned to scurry off to wherever it was they had to go to carry out their masters command. [I must admit warrior to being a little disappointed, this is the one who gave my master such trouble. Pitiful.] Jack glared up at him until he finally felt the darkness of unconsciousness overtake him.
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"Jack..." Keela whispered from the room they'd been suddenly thrown into for no apparent reason. By now she figured they were set up at a trap, a trap that had obviously been pretty effective. "We have to save him." She started to pull the door open, but Reggoth grabbed her shoulder and dragged her back.
"Going out there wouldn't do anything. We have t'get back to your ship." Reggoth told her.
"What? We can't abandon him!" Keela yelled back, but Reggoth quickly put his hand over her mouth to silence her as he spoke.
"I'm not saying w'do darling, but they're going t'have t'take Jack off o'Mercury in a ship, w'can use your fighter t'disable it and save him. We'd have a much better chance up there then w'do down here with all o'those shadows around." Reggoth explained as calmly as he could. Keela stared at him for a moment, looking at the door and back again before she finally nodded.
"We have to find a way out of here first, I don't think we can beat the shadows without Jack's sword." Keela cursed to herself silently as she crept up to the door and opened it slightly to peek through. She gave a small squeal of triumph a moment later. "It's still there, I thought so. It was made to banish evil, these shadows are pure evil, they can't even touch it let alone move it."
"Great, it does us a lot o'good with the shadows parked between us and it." Reggoth grumped and gestured to the three shadows that stood watch just outside the door.
"I can get it." Keela reached down to start unbuttoning her shirt, starting to strip down while Reggoth watched dumbfounded.
"You're gonna... tease 'em?" He asked numbly.
"No you idiot, now turn around!" She slapped him across the face pointedly so he had to look away from her.
"You know really I don't think they would be attracted to you. Not that you're not pretty attractive and all, you have a nice figure, but these things don't seem human, you know? ... eh?" He turned to take a peek, but saw nothing behind him anywhere except a pile of clothing on the floor. "Keela?" He looked around in confusion for a few moments before a subtle movement at the door caught his eye. It was almost like a distortion in the air.
"Now there's a skill I didn't know about..." He mused softly to himself as he watched her skin shift colors as she moved, really only the slight distortion as the colors rearranged to match her surroundings revealed her presence. If she held still he doubted he would have ever known she was there. She moved at an agonizingly slow pace, inching her way right between the shadows that stood on either side of the door.
She stopped and held her breath when one turned toward her, staring right at her almost like it was suspicious. She waited with her breath in her throat until it finally relaxed again and she could resume inching her way forward. It became harder and harder however as she moved in front of the two of them so that they were watching her almost constantly even if they didn't know it.
"Go for it I'll distract them!" Reggoth leapt on the back of one of the shadows, trying to tackle it. It hardly had any effect however as they both whirled to knock him right back into the room with nary a thought. He slammed into the edge of the table with a sharp gasp of pain, collapsing to the floor. It was healed only slightly when he saw the shadows skewered from behind one at a time and Keela ran in, now her solid pale self again though she still had no clothing. "I'll b'fine..."
"Hurry up they're probably already gone with Jack by now!" Keela gathered up her clothing and took off down the hall, Reggoth hauling the sword with him as he ran behind her. When they reached the ship she ran into the back to get dressed again, calling back to him. "Scan the area for any signs of Jack and the scion!"
"Aye!" Reggoth agreed as he sat in the co-pilots seat and tapped a few buttons on the console. "You were right, they've already left the planet on their way back to Earth, the scion's with him. They aren't taking any chances of his escape."
"Get us out of here!" She called back. It was really unnecessary though since Reggoth was already firing up the engines and guiding them toward the hanger bay door. They were still closed, but one missile blast later and they were taking off through the stars, tracking Jack's signature through the void of space. In a few moments Keela returned fully dressed and took the pilot's seat.
"You never told us you could do that trick back there." He told her.
"I never told you I couldn't. Now shut up and keep an eye out, we're getting close and we won't be able to spot it against the blackness of space unless we pay careful attention." She told Reggoth as she scanned the darkness through the front window intently.
"There they are!" Keela exclaimed when she saw a red glint among the stars. She reached down and armed the second missile turret.
"How d'you plan t'attack them exactly? W'can barely see them." Reggoth reminded her.
"First we mark our prey, then we hunt." She fired one missile, sending a shockwave through the ship as the projectile streaked through the darkness toward it's objective. The ship tried to dodge, but the missile still struck the side hull, exploding on contact. Instead of damaging it however, the blast coated the side with a bright red substance, sticking out like a sore thumb against the darkness around it.
"You've fought them before haven't you?" Reggoth asked.
"Hundreds of times." Keela replied as she reached down to fire from the first missile turret now, which was filled with live missiles...
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The shockwaves from a pair of explosions shocked the unconscious samurai warrior into wakefulness. His entire body was still numb and wracked with pain in various places, in addition he was strapped to a machine in what appeared to be the back of the space ship. The steady vibrations of its movement gave further evidence of his whereabouts.
He groaned and blinked, trying to clear his head before taking another look around. Several shadows were scattered about the small room, and the scion himself was standing behind another shadow at the control panel. It turned to look up at him, knowing he was awake.
[Good morning warrior, just in time to die.] It told him.
"I will never fall to you, I will defeat you." Jack replied vehemently.
[Ironically, it is not me who will kill you, but your self-proclaimed comrades.] The scion gestured to the screen behind him where Keela's vessel was still firing on them with everything she had. [The woman has been a thorn in our sides for too many years, when she destroys you with a... stray missile to the engines, she will lose all hope and give up her pointless fight, ridding Aku of two threats at once.]
"You will be destroyed as well, are you ready to sacrifice yourself for your master?" Jack asked. The scion's answer surprised him.
[In a heartbeat. Though it won't be necessary, I can survive the blackness of space.] They stared at each other as another blast sent the entire ship reeling. The scion hardly seemed to fee it and Jack couldn't really be throw about since he was tied down so tightly. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he tried to think of a way out, but none presented itself. The scion turned to watch the screen as another missile streaked toward them from the small fighter, flying through the darkness with unerring accuracy. [Goodbye, samurai Jack.]
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Keela watched in shock as the entire ship exploded in a shower of fire and sparks that was quickly put out by the empty void of space. Her mouth hung open and she pressed her palm against the window. "Jack... no I wasn't shooting at the engines!" She exclaimed in a rising panic. Reggoth took the controls and slowly guided the ship into the debris field.
"Where is he!?" Keela exclaimed as her eyes quickly scanned the rubble. "Jack... come on don't do this to me you buffoon! Too many good people have been killed..." She banged one fist against the window and leaned her forehead against it, her shoulders shaking.
"I'm getting a signal." Reggoth told her as he turned the ship. "45 degrees starboard." They turned and the fighters lights shined on a single form huddled amid the rubbles, blackened and burned, also clutching what looked like an intact oxygen tank. His entire body was tensed up to fight back the pressure of the spatial void and his eyes were clenched shut. His chest barely moved against the void that pressed against it, struggling to bring oxygen into his system since his mouth was over the nozzle of the tank.
"Take us close enough to pull him into one of the empty missile bays!" Keela commanded as she turned to run through the ship down to the weapons arrays. The ship swung right beside Jack and opened one of the missile bay doors, moving over him and closing the outside before they pumped oxygen into it, giving him a little air to breathe until Keela could get down there and open the hatch.
"I can't believe you survived that!" She exclaimed as she pulled him out of the tube. Jack crumpled to his knees, gasping for breath and clutching at his chest. "Hey, you'll be okay." She put one arm around his shoulders and smiled victoriously. "We took down the scion at least."
"No..." Jack gasped out, leaning back against the steel wall. His face was blackened and burned. "He can survive in space... though I don't think... for long..." He gasped out and clutched his chest.
"Come on, let's get you to the cockpit." She put one of his arms around her shoulders and helped him through the corridors to the cockpit of the fighter, letting him rest in the third seat in the back. "Reggoth, what's the nearest planet or base for the scion to run to?"
"What? Oh, um... assuming h'could have possibly survived that blast, the space colony Mars retreat six is only a few minutes from here. It's like a Mars colony for poor people." He smirked.
"Take us there." Keela turned to Jack and gently started to examine the burns on his skin. He grunted with pain, though he tried not to.
"Where is my sword..." He asked simply. Keela reached over and grabbed it, handing the enchanted blade to the warrior.
"Jack... I'm sorry. I got carried away, I could have killed you." Keela told him regretfully.
"Do not worry, they destroyed the ship themselves... they merely wanted you to think you'd done it." Jack shifted into a slightly more comfortable position and slid the blade back into it's sheathe, which still hung at his side. "We must catch the scion before it can make its way back to Aku or contact him.
"Yeah... agreed." Keela said as she stood and turned to look out the window. Reggoth hadn't been kidding, already they were approaching the space colony. She caught a glimpse of a dark shadow moving through one of the hanger bay doors as well. "There he is, Reggoth take us in that hanger bay. Blast it open if you have to." She walked over to Jack and helped him to his feet. "We'll head out once we land... I have a plan."
"Yes ma'am." Reggoth replied as he guided the ship down toward the massive double doors. Keela and Jack made their way through the ship while Reggoth blasted his way through the steel doors, making it in just before the field erected behind him to maintain the pressure required for living things. They set down lightly and the door opened, letting them off the ship.
"He's around here somewhere, he couldn't have gone far." Keela muttered to herself as she slowly moved through the spacious hanger with Jack beside her. He had his sword drawn and ready in front of him, though he was obviously far from recovered after he'd been floating in space a matter of minutes ago. She had to admit, she'd never seen a man who could last as long as him.
"Show yourself you demon!" Jack shouted a challenge that rang through the hanger, making everyone pause and stare at him in confusion. Still there was no response until a shadow detached from the wall and crept along the ground toward him.
[Very well warrior, if you want me to be your killer instead of the girl, I would gladly oblige.] It reshaped itself until it was once again in the form of the Scion of Sight, watching the samurai with a steady gaze. [One-on-one.]
"I accept!" Jack replied instantly, but Keela held him back.
"He'll slaughter you, you're practically dead as it is!" She reminded him.
[Yes warrior, you could let me kill the girl in combat first, it makes little difference to me.] The scion told him.
"I will not back down, you will be defeated by my hand right now." Jack raised his sword in front of him and dropped into a low stance. He was moving well enough at the moment, but he knew if he didn't end it swiftly his wounds and weakness would overcome him in a matter of moments.
"You idiot..." Keela grumbled as she grudgingly moved to the side to give the combatants room. Her gaze was worried as she watched the two mortal enemies face each other for a moment until they finally lunged for each other at the same time.
Jack lunged and thrust his blade froward, but the shadow dodged nimbly and struck back, sending the samurai flying into the side of Keela's fighter. He gave a sharp gasp of pain and crumpled to his hands and knees, clutching the blade in one tightly clenched fist. He shoved himself to his feet and lunged again, this time being thrown across the room to slam into the floor hard, giving another pained grunt on impact.
[Foolish samurai, you couldn't defeat me even with all your strength, you haven't a prayer in your weakened state.] The scion taunted.
"Then let's even the odds." Reggoth's voice came over a loudspeaker as one of the missile turrets lowered and pointed straight at the scion. The shadowy form just gave a stark laugh and glared at it, not even bothering to make a move to dodge.
[Mortal weapons cannot harm me!] He declared.
"No, but this can." The turret fired suddenly, sending a silver streak flying through the air. Too late the Scion Of Sight saw what it was before the true mystical blade plunged into his stomach, tearing through his substance like fire burning through a piece of paper. The sword stuck into the ground behind it as the scion crumpled to its knees, clutching its stomach.
Jack crawled over and picked up his real sword, pushing himself up to his feet and approaching the shadow. It glared up at him with hatred clear in its manner.
[You... will NEVER... defeat Aku...] It told him though its voice was wracked with pain.
"I will defeat Aku, but first I will defeat you and all your kind, demon." Jack replied as he raised the blade above his head and brought it crashing back down. The blade sliced through the scion's dark substance, setting it ablaze and writhing as though it were a living thing. A shrill scream split the air and echoed through the steel hanger as the darkness swirled and darted about almost desperately. Finally though the darkness began to fade until the screams were gone, and it was as if the shadows had never been anything more than simple darkness.
Jack stood for a moment before the spot where his opponent had been vanquished. Slowly a cheer surged through the spectators until they were in an uproar. Pushed past his limits, the samurai crumpled to his hands and knees, his limbs shaking too much to even try to push himself up. He turned his face to see Keela kneeling over him with a smile on her face.
"I knew you were the right man... I think we have a little time before we have to go. You can rest and recover here." She told him. Jack however shook his head and slowly pushed himself back up, leaning against the fighter as he looked around at the crowd.
"I can recover on the way... but I cannot rest until Aku's evil is put to an end." With that Jack turned and made his legs climb every agonizing step up into the ship. Keela watched him with a surprised look on her face, and even the gathered crowd had fallen into a hushed silence. Without another word and with a ghost of a smile Keela followed him up the steps and closed the door behind them. She felt she was beginning to figure him out a little bit. This thought comforted her while Reggoth took the ship out of the station the same way they had come, vanishing into the darkness of space as quickly as they'd come. For this warrior, there could be no rest until his mission was accomplished.
TO BE CONTINUED
The ships engine hummed softly throughout the interior of the small fighter as it flew through the empty vastness of space. The samurai warrior was still unaccustomed to the feeling, but after several days of travel he was slowly getting used to it. By Keela's suggestion they were heading toward a planet called Mercury. Reggoth seemed a little suspicious of this however and had no problem voicing his suspicions.
"There's nothing out here, the planet is practically uninhabitable. Why would a minion o'Aku waste his time in that wasteland?" He demanded with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Because you imbecile, it's as close to the center of the solar system as the Scion of Sight can get, from there he can monitor almost the entire Milky Way." Keela shot back.
"I still see n'reason t'trust you, if Jack was smart he'd ditch you a'the next port and b'done with you." Reggoth turned and stalked into the back of the ship, leaving a very angry and frustrated Keela at the controls alone. Jack sat in one of the seats behind the pilots with his eyes closed in concentration.
"So the scion can see through space, will he not see us coming?" the warrior asked though he never opened his eyes.
"He'd see us if he had reason to suspect something. As long as we don't announce that you've left Earth quite yet we MIGHT be able to make it close enough to Mercury to get in, take him out, and be out before the scion can get a distress call to Aku." Keela replied simply. At his questioning look she sighed and explained. "As the ruffian said, Mercury is an almost uninhabitable wasteland even with a bio-dome in place. Once we pass Mars without heading toward it we'll be calling attention to ourselves."
"It sounds like a risky plan, perhaps I should go alone." Jack stated.
"Sure, take the helm captain." Keela told him in a mocking tone of voice, knowing he wouldn't have a prayer of figuring out the controls. After that they sat in companionable silence for awhile until the pilot broke the silence again.
"Why do you still trust me?" She asked him without turning to face him.
"Pardon?" Jack replied.
"I betrayed you, I destroyed perhaps your only chance in the galaxy of getting back to your own time and you're still willing to trust me enough to let me pilot the ship like this... how can you be so trusting?" Finally she turned to look back at him seriously. Jack stared back at her just as seriously.
"During my journey, I have seen great men do terrible things. Evil is a terrible force to overcome, many are consumed by it instead, the desire to help yourself over all others is natural. Do not be mistaken, I do not yet trust that you wouldn't do it again if I find another way back, but I trust that you will not cause me any harm as long as I am trying to help you." His eyes stared into hers steadily as she stared back, finally closing her eyes and turning back toward the control panel.
"Fair enough." Was her only reply. They rode in uncomfortable silence until the radar began to flash in front of her. "We're passing Mars... from this point on we could be spotted at any moment." She grabbed the throttle and pushed it all the way up, sending them up to the maximum speed. "Cross your fingers that we reach him before he sees us coming."
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The depths of space almost seemed like they would swallow them as they approached a small planet silhouetted by the suns' flames. Jack, Keela and Reggoth stared at it with growing apprehension as they approached, moving uncomfortably fast since they hadn't yet figured out a plan to get on the surface itself. Their question was put aside however when the stars around them seemed to blink in a perfect line.
"Looks like we've got an escort." Keela commented ironically when she saw the flash of a red eye on one of the dark ships trailing beside them. "Alright, we need a plan fast to get onto the surface, any ideas?"
"The hanger bay." Reggoth said instantly. "You and m'can create a distraction while Jack does his thing, then comes t'get us."
"Are you insane? If we land in the hanger the scion will see all three of us instantly and we'll all be toast."
"If you've got a better plan then share it." Reggoth snapped back. She just stared up at him angrily since she really didn't have any plan, let alone a better one. "Besides, if h'knows we're coming h'might already have seen us, so we'd might as well take the chance."
"You're insane." She reminded him again though she turned to guide the ship toward the main hanger of the bio dome. The dark ships trailed behind them, obviously wanting them to go there anyway. The ship flew through the massive double doors and set down gently on the steel floor. Two dozen dark shapes waiting on the floor, one with a large red symbol glowing on it's chest. The shadows began to move toward the ships door, but Reggoth grabbed Keela's hand and hurried to meet them.
"Follow m'lead." He ordered her before they reached the entrance. Jack turned to watch the altercation outside through the monitor display on the control panel.
The two pilots stumbled out of the ship with Reggoth laughing merrily to himself until Keela finally caught on and followed suit. The shadows watched them without even moving as they reached the bottom of the steps that led up to the ship, swaying and laughing to themselves.
"Hey, where's the women? Isn't this the Mars colony?" Reggoth slurred his speech and stared at the shadow like staring into a dark blot was an everyday occurrence. "They have great parties here you know, none better in the solar system. Like this stinking pit of a system is worth much else." He chuckled to himself again drunkenly. The scions red sphere emitted a crimson light that encompassed the two, seeming to peer right into their bodies.
When that was finished it looked up at the ship and slowly dragged the crimson beam from the tail on up, looking for something. In the cockpit Jack silently drew his sword and held it in front of him, standing ready should he be discovered already. Reggoth and Keela both tensed up despite their farce as the crimson light swept over the front of the ship. The samurai tensed to leap into battle, but the light lasted only a few moments before it died down, leaving him untouched and, apparently, unseen.
[Bring them.] A dark fluctuating voice commanded. The smaller shadows grabbed Keela and Reggoth to drag them off, the pilots still maintaining their farce though they were obviously quite unnerved. [And destroy their ship.] The remaining shadows nodded and turned to head up the ramp that led to the inside of the ship while the scion turned to follow the prisoners.
One of the shadows walked up the small flight of steps and went in, only to scream and disintegrate into the air as a silver streak went right through its middle. Before any of the others could react the samurai warrior leapt from the ship and swung his sword in a wide arc, tearing two more in half and whirling to face the rest.
The shadows lunged all at once, but the warrior leapt back and parried with his blade, striking back to sever arms and legs and occasionally striking a killing blow that dispersed them into the air. He whirled again and struck down two more, barely avoiding being impaled as one lunged from behind with its arm in the form of a dark blade.
Jack sliced the blade clean off and whirled to disperse the shadows itself, holding the blade in front of him at the ready and looking around for any more opponents. One was running the other way, probably to warn the others, but Jack threw his blade with unerring accuracy. It went right through the creature, dispersing it before the end plunged into the wall and stuck there.
The warrior walked over and took the blade in his hand again, pulling it out of the wall. He slid it slowly back into its sheathe as he turned to follow the other shadows where they'd taken Keela and Reggoth. The corridors were long and there seemed to be no trace of them to track them by. He would be lucky just to be able to find his way back to the ship.
Finally he seemed to be making some progress when he heard voices coming from another room nearby. He could hear Reggoth and Keela's voices, but no others were around. First he thought to free them right now, but realized that would likely be a foolish attempt. They would undoubtedly be guarded, and very well.
[Indeed warrior.] The samurai whirled to see the scion standing right behind him with dozens of the shadows behind it. [You might have succeeded in sneaking past me had the blade not left your side.] The warrior pulled the sword and held it in front of him, even though it was likely pointless. So, it seemed the sword could not only kill them, but block their powers as well. Of course when he'd thrown it...
"You will never win over me or the side of righteousness." Jack said.
[We'll see.] The scion replied as the shadows inched their way forward slowly. There were way too many for Jack to take alone, but he would certainly not give up without a fight.
The sword swept through the air, slicing through five of the shadows at once and blocking several others in a flurry of lightning-fast movements, but that was little more than a fraction of the total numbers here. He fought valiantly, the steel of his blade ringing against the dark blades of the shadows and sending sparks flying every which way.
He tried to press the attack, lunging into the mass of darkness and swinging skillfully, albeit blindly. He cut through the shadows like a cleaver, but still sheer numbers drove him back again as he was assaulted from nearly every direction. Blades cut into his chest, arms, and legs deeply enough to make him stumble and even lose his grip on his sword for a moment.
He tried once more to make a stand, swinging the mystical blade in wide arcs to get the shadows away from him, but finally numbers and bleeding combined to send the warrior to the ground, panting and shaking from his exertions. He raised his head to glare up at the scion as he stood over the fallen warrior.
[Contact Aku, tell him we have a little gift.] The scion told his minions, who turned to scurry off to wherever it was they had to go to carry out their masters command. [I must admit warrior to being a little disappointed, this is the one who gave my master such trouble. Pitiful.] Jack glared up at him until he finally felt the darkness of unconsciousness overtake him.
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"Jack..." Keela whispered from the room they'd been suddenly thrown into for no apparent reason. By now she figured they were set up at a trap, a trap that had obviously been pretty effective. "We have to save him." She started to pull the door open, but Reggoth grabbed her shoulder and dragged her back.
"Going out there wouldn't do anything. We have t'get back to your ship." Reggoth told her.
"What? We can't abandon him!" Keela yelled back, but Reggoth quickly put his hand over her mouth to silence her as he spoke.
"I'm not saying w'do darling, but they're going t'have t'take Jack off o'Mercury in a ship, w'can use your fighter t'disable it and save him. We'd have a much better chance up there then w'do down here with all o'those shadows around." Reggoth explained as calmly as he could. Keela stared at him for a moment, looking at the door and back again before she finally nodded.
"We have to find a way out of here first, I don't think we can beat the shadows without Jack's sword." Keela cursed to herself silently as she crept up to the door and opened it slightly to peek through. She gave a small squeal of triumph a moment later. "It's still there, I thought so. It was made to banish evil, these shadows are pure evil, they can't even touch it let alone move it."
"Great, it does us a lot o'good with the shadows parked between us and it." Reggoth grumped and gestured to the three shadows that stood watch just outside the door.
"I can get it." Keela reached down to start unbuttoning her shirt, starting to strip down while Reggoth watched dumbfounded.
"You're gonna... tease 'em?" He asked numbly.
"No you idiot, now turn around!" She slapped him across the face pointedly so he had to look away from her.
"You know really I don't think they would be attracted to you. Not that you're not pretty attractive and all, you have a nice figure, but these things don't seem human, you know? ... eh?" He turned to take a peek, but saw nothing behind him anywhere except a pile of clothing on the floor. "Keela?" He looked around in confusion for a few moments before a subtle movement at the door caught his eye. It was almost like a distortion in the air.
"Now there's a skill I didn't know about..." He mused softly to himself as he watched her skin shift colors as she moved, really only the slight distortion as the colors rearranged to match her surroundings revealed her presence. If she held still he doubted he would have ever known she was there. She moved at an agonizingly slow pace, inching her way right between the shadows that stood on either side of the door.
She stopped and held her breath when one turned toward her, staring right at her almost like it was suspicious. She waited with her breath in her throat until it finally relaxed again and she could resume inching her way forward. It became harder and harder however as she moved in front of the two of them so that they were watching her almost constantly even if they didn't know it.
"Go for it I'll distract them!" Reggoth leapt on the back of one of the shadows, trying to tackle it. It hardly had any effect however as they both whirled to knock him right back into the room with nary a thought. He slammed into the edge of the table with a sharp gasp of pain, collapsing to the floor. It was healed only slightly when he saw the shadows skewered from behind one at a time and Keela ran in, now her solid pale self again though she still had no clothing. "I'll b'fine..."
"Hurry up they're probably already gone with Jack by now!" Keela gathered up her clothing and took off down the hall, Reggoth hauling the sword with him as he ran behind her. When they reached the ship she ran into the back to get dressed again, calling back to him. "Scan the area for any signs of Jack and the scion!"
"Aye!" Reggoth agreed as he sat in the co-pilots seat and tapped a few buttons on the console. "You were right, they've already left the planet on their way back to Earth, the scion's with him. They aren't taking any chances of his escape."
"Get us out of here!" She called back. It was really unnecessary though since Reggoth was already firing up the engines and guiding them toward the hanger bay door. They were still closed, but one missile blast later and they were taking off through the stars, tracking Jack's signature through the void of space. In a few moments Keela returned fully dressed and took the pilot's seat.
"You never told us you could do that trick back there." He told her.
"I never told you I couldn't. Now shut up and keep an eye out, we're getting close and we won't be able to spot it against the blackness of space unless we pay careful attention." She told Reggoth as she scanned the darkness through the front window intently.
"There they are!" Keela exclaimed when she saw a red glint among the stars. She reached down and armed the second missile turret.
"How d'you plan t'attack them exactly? W'can barely see them." Reggoth reminded her.
"First we mark our prey, then we hunt." She fired one missile, sending a shockwave through the ship as the projectile streaked through the darkness toward it's objective. The ship tried to dodge, but the missile still struck the side hull, exploding on contact. Instead of damaging it however, the blast coated the side with a bright red substance, sticking out like a sore thumb against the darkness around it.
"You've fought them before haven't you?" Reggoth asked.
"Hundreds of times." Keela replied as she reached down to fire from the first missile turret now, which was filled with live missiles...
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The shockwaves from a pair of explosions shocked the unconscious samurai warrior into wakefulness. His entire body was still numb and wracked with pain in various places, in addition he was strapped to a machine in what appeared to be the back of the space ship. The steady vibrations of its movement gave further evidence of his whereabouts.
He groaned and blinked, trying to clear his head before taking another look around. Several shadows were scattered about the small room, and the scion himself was standing behind another shadow at the control panel. It turned to look up at him, knowing he was awake.
[Good morning warrior, just in time to die.] It told him.
"I will never fall to you, I will defeat you." Jack replied vehemently.
[Ironically, it is not me who will kill you, but your self-proclaimed comrades.] The scion gestured to the screen behind him where Keela's vessel was still firing on them with everything she had. [The woman has been a thorn in our sides for too many years, when she destroys you with a... stray missile to the engines, she will lose all hope and give up her pointless fight, ridding Aku of two threats at once.]
"You will be destroyed as well, are you ready to sacrifice yourself for your master?" Jack asked. The scion's answer surprised him.
[In a heartbeat. Though it won't be necessary, I can survive the blackness of space.] They stared at each other as another blast sent the entire ship reeling. The scion hardly seemed to fee it and Jack couldn't really be throw about since he was tied down so tightly. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he tried to think of a way out, but none presented itself. The scion turned to watch the screen as another missile streaked toward them from the small fighter, flying through the darkness with unerring accuracy. [Goodbye, samurai Jack.]
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Keela watched in shock as the entire ship exploded in a shower of fire and sparks that was quickly put out by the empty void of space. Her mouth hung open and she pressed her palm against the window. "Jack... no I wasn't shooting at the engines!" She exclaimed in a rising panic. Reggoth took the controls and slowly guided the ship into the debris field.
"Where is he!?" Keela exclaimed as her eyes quickly scanned the rubble. "Jack... come on don't do this to me you buffoon! Too many good people have been killed..." She banged one fist against the window and leaned her forehead against it, her shoulders shaking.
"I'm getting a signal." Reggoth told her as he turned the ship. "45 degrees starboard." They turned and the fighters lights shined on a single form huddled amid the rubbles, blackened and burned, also clutching what looked like an intact oxygen tank. His entire body was tensed up to fight back the pressure of the spatial void and his eyes were clenched shut. His chest barely moved against the void that pressed against it, struggling to bring oxygen into his system since his mouth was over the nozzle of the tank.
"Take us close enough to pull him into one of the empty missile bays!" Keela commanded as she turned to run through the ship down to the weapons arrays. The ship swung right beside Jack and opened one of the missile bay doors, moving over him and closing the outside before they pumped oxygen into it, giving him a little air to breathe until Keela could get down there and open the hatch.
"I can't believe you survived that!" She exclaimed as she pulled him out of the tube. Jack crumpled to his knees, gasping for breath and clutching at his chest. "Hey, you'll be okay." She put one arm around his shoulders and smiled victoriously. "We took down the scion at least."
"No..." Jack gasped out, leaning back against the steel wall. His face was blackened and burned. "He can survive in space... though I don't think... for long..." He gasped out and clutched his chest.
"Come on, let's get you to the cockpit." She put one of his arms around her shoulders and helped him through the corridors to the cockpit of the fighter, letting him rest in the third seat in the back. "Reggoth, what's the nearest planet or base for the scion to run to?"
"What? Oh, um... assuming h'could have possibly survived that blast, the space colony Mars retreat six is only a few minutes from here. It's like a Mars colony for poor people." He smirked.
"Take us there." Keela turned to Jack and gently started to examine the burns on his skin. He grunted with pain, though he tried not to.
"Where is my sword..." He asked simply. Keela reached over and grabbed it, handing the enchanted blade to the warrior.
"Jack... I'm sorry. I got carried away, I could have killed you." Keela told him regretfully.
"Do not worry, they destroyed the ship themselves... they merely wanted you to think you'd done it." Jack shifted into a slightly more comfortable position and slid the blade back into it's sheathe, which still hung at his side. "We must catch the scion before it can make its way back to Aku or contact him.
"Yeah... agreed." Keela said as she stood and turned to look out the window. Reggoth hadn't been kidding, already they were approaching the space colony. She caught a glimpse of a dark shadow moving through one of the hanger bay doors as well. "There he is, Reggoth take us in that hanger bay. Blast it open if you have to." She walked over to Jack and helped him to his feet. "We'll head out once we land... I have a plan."
"Yes ma'am." Reggoth replied as he guided the ship down toward the massive double doors. Keela and Jack made their way through the ship while Reggoth blasted his way through the steel doors, making it in just before the field erected behind him to maintain the pressure required for living things. They set down lightly and the door opened, letting them off the ship.
"He's around here somewhere, he couldn't have gone far." Keela muttered to herself as she slowly moved through the spacious hanger with Jack beside her. He had his sword drawn and ready in front of him, though he was obviously far from recovered after he'd been floating in space a matter of minutes ago. She had to admit, she'd never seen a man who could last as long as him.
"Show yourself you demon!" Jack shouted a challenge that rang through the hanger, making everyone pause and stare at him in confusion. Still there was no response until a shadow detached from the wall and crept along the ground toward him.
[Very well warrior, if you want me to be your killer instead of the girl, I would gladly oblige.] It reshaped itself until it was once again in the form of the Scion of Sight, watching the samurai with a steady gaze. [One-on-one.]
"I accept!" Jack replied instantly, but Keela held him back.
"He'll slaughter you, you're practically dead as it is!" She reminded him.
[Yes warrior, you could let me kill the girl in combat first, it makes little difference to me.] The scion told him.
"I will not back down, you will be defeated by my hand right now." Jack raised his sword in front of him and dropped into a low stance. He was moving well enough at the moment, but he knew if he didn't end it swiftly his wounds and weakness would overcome him in a matter of moments.
"You idiot..." Keela grumbled as she grudgingly moved to the side to give the combatants room. Her gaze was worried as she watched the two mortal enemies face each other for a moment until they finally lunged for each other at the same time.
Jack lunged and thrust his blade froward, but the shadow dodged nimbly and struck back, sending the samurai flying into the side of Keela's fighter. He gave a sharp gasp of pain and crumpled to his hands and knees, clutching the blade in one tightly clenched fist. He shoved himself to his feet and lunged again, this time being thrown across the room to slam into the floor hard, giving another pained grunt on impact.
[Foolish samurai, you couldn't defeat me even with all your strength, you haven't a prayer in your weakened state.] The scion taunted.
"Then let's even the odds." Reggoth's voice came over a loudspeaker as one of the missile turrets lowered and pointed straight at the scion. The shadowy form just gave a stark laugh and glared at it, not even bothering to make a move to dodge.
[Mortal weapons cannot harm me!] He declared.
"No, but this can." The turret fired suddenly, sending a silver streak flying through the air. Too late the Scion Of Sight saw what it was before the true mystical blade plunged into his stomach, tearing through his substance like fire burning through a piece of paper. The sword stuck into the ground behind it as the scion crumpled to its knees, clutching its stomach.
Jack crawled over and picked up his real sword, pushing himself up to his feet and approaching the shadow. It glared up at him with hatred clear in its manner.
[You... will NEVER... defeat Aku...] It told him though its voice was wracked with pain.
"I will defeat Aku, but first I will defeat you and all your kind, demon." Jack replied as he raised the blade above his head and brought it crashing back down. The blade sliced through the scion's dark substance, setting it ablaze and writhing as though it were a living thing. A shrill scream split the air and echoed through the steel hanger as the darkness swirled and darted about almost desperately. Finally though the darkness began to fade until the screams were gone, and it was as if the shadows had never been anything more than simple darkness.
Jack stood for a moment before the spot where his opponent had been vanquished. Slowly a cheer surged through the spectators until they were in an uproar. Pushed past his limits, the samurai crumpled to his hands and knees, his limbs shaking too much to even try to push himself up. He turned his face to see Keela kneeling over him with a smile on her face.
"I knew you were the right man... I think we have a little time before we have to go. You can rest and recover here." She told him. Jack however shook his head and slowly pushed himself back up, leaning against the fighter as he looked around at the crowd.
"I can recover on the way... but I cannot rest until Aku's evil is put to an end." With that Jack turned and made his legs climb every agonizing step up into the ship. Keela watched him with a surprised look on her face, and even the gathered crowd had fallen into a hushed silence. Without another word and with a ghost of a smile Keela followed him up the steps and closed the door behind them. She felt she was beginning to figure him out a little bit. This thought comforted her while Reggoth took the ship out of the station the same way they had come, vanishing into the darkness of space as quickly as they'd come. For this warrior, there could be no rest until his mission was accomplished.
TO BE CONTINUED
