Hi, everybody!
Kiki, here. Jeez, it's been a while since I've written SJ. And it's really been a while since "The Village at the End of the Earth." Yikes! Anyway, I'd recommend that you read that story before you read this one, because a major character from it shows up. Don't worry, it goes fast. :D This thing, on the other hand … probably won't. :D
Summary: An accident tosses Jack into the chaos of a developing empire. Bewildered and engulfed in the forward thrust of conquest, the samurai discovers new peoples, old friends, and ultimately, that something wildly evil is afoot.
Disclaimer: Just doin' it for the love. Anything you recognize from the show, I don't own.
Rating: Very strong PG-13. No sex, but close. There is some gore, some general unpleasantness, and, knowing me, some cursing. The life reflected here is very gritty.
Dedication: This piece is dedicated to four cyber-writers who are remarkable SJ authors and very kind people besides. They are, in alphabetical order: Ahmose Nefertari Smith, Alashiya, TurtleNinja, and YT(1). -[: ) *bows in respect*
Note: There's some Japanese in this, marked in italics. Obviously, Japanese is not my first language. The few words and phrases I can manage are from a dictionary and basically just adornments, thrown in for color. You don't have to understand them to know what's going on. In fact, you'll probably figure them out from context. They'll all be translated at the end, anyway, so don't fret about it. :-)
Well, that's it for now! Strap in and hang on. This is …
IKINUKU.