Your Father is a Hero

by WizardlyWords

Forty years have passed, but the future has not changed. Jack no longer looks for the past, he no longer looks for hope in the future. He only travels, a poor means to escape his demons. But through a mountain pass, in a desolate land, he finds what he believed to be impossible. Children, filled with hope. [Cover Image by Inyuji]

10. Jack and the Killer of Justice (2)

It had been nearly a year since Jack had felt such unease in a journey. Not since Avi stayed with the Shaolin and their small group was now devoid of the girl that brought love and compassion had they felt so quiet and cold. It took no long thought as to deduce why. Jack knew the journey would be as barren of conversation and jubilance as the land they marched through. He knew it well because he had found himself in so near a perspective many times before.

When new travelers joined his group, they often were the ones to either take up conversation or leave their words alone. It would be to Jack to stay quite and wait for them, for any amount of instigation on his part may be taken the wrong way. It was his duty as the solemn traveler of Aku's dark future to guide those who needed it, and offer support only when they asked for it.

His daughters were no different. Though they came to him for differing reasons than the many who were plagued by the future he was in, they were still in his care and sharing with his journey. They ate meals with him, fought battles with him, rested with him, and laughed with him. Their journey's beginning was not nearly so vibrant as their journey had been.

From barren red rocks and desolate dark streets to vibrant forests and laughter by the sea. From curious gazes and refusals to quit to inquisitive questions and requests for aid. Jack had no reason to feel anything but love for these changes, as they were signs that these girls, so tortured by the past that had consumed them since birth, were beginning to open up to him.

However, after Avi remained with the Shaolin monks, their journey grew quiet again. The more creative of the siblings was far from the most conversational, a role that Aki took to well, but she had a light in her that made the others, himself included, feel better of their journey. Caring for their belongings, decorating their items, distinguishing the beauty they saw, that was all lost when she left.

And for some weeks, they were left to find a new way to find happiness.

Much the same was happening again, but for a reason familiar to Jack, yet polar opposite to the departure the girls were used to. For it was not another one of them leaving that made the group so quiet, nor was it the sudden appearance of some new thing they had to endure.

It was the malevolence presence of a spirit that haunted the headband that Aphi wore.

Jack looked down at the girl again, even as their group continued through the dirty trail with silent tongues. She had spoken little, as she so rarely did, since they began to walk, since she had put on her headband. It was only unnerving because she refused to work with Ami either, the one sibling she shared much of her conversation and aid with.

Instead, she sat apart from the group, eyes following something Jack couldn't see. Adi had declared it a spirit of the headband, a name that Aphi had nodded her head towards, but she could not give it a name, at least not one she understood. She was only aware that it knew where the other headband wielder was, the man who had torn through the village and slaughtered those present.

Jack was not surprised she knew, as creature who owned fabrics and tools were so often drawn to their siblings of either spirit or make. The Scotsman had told him of how any of his blood could find that large sacred blade of his, and how the shields of the 300 Spartans were attuned to find one another across their bloody battlefield, days in and out. It was not surprising that the spirit of the Number Two Headband could sense the direction of the number one, less so that it offered to help.

What unnerved Jack was that Aphi had put the headband on with little question, little warning, and apparently, little regret.

She was the little one that so commonly did as ask and spoke not a word of complain or refusal. She was the one to assist with chores grand or small, massive or minute, helping whenever she could however she could. For her to take such a drastic action with such little warning, such little timing, was unnerving to Jack. To have one of his daughters act in such a way… it made him question how truly dark the spirit of the Headband was.

His fears were not abated, but aided, by the nervous way Aphi would gaze at the night sky as she tried to sleep, eyes darting about her bed as if to trace the spirit. Jack knew it to be the case, the new action so alien compared to normally composed sleeping posture. She was being tortured by the spirit, in some way other than painful, and it pained him that he could do so little.

If only he had his sword then… Jack threw away the thought.

He could not help his daughter with maybes and possibilities. He needed actions he could commit to, not a perhaps in the future.

Ami and Adi had kept careful watch over her since she had put on the headband, however. Ami had used every tool she had to measure any changes in Aphi, be it mental or physical, and Adi had asked a hundred questions to better look up and ascertain the nature of the spirit and the Number Two Headband itself. Both were careful to explain that simply because there could be other headbands did not mean they were all the same.

Adi was quick to point out that there was no possibility of the same spirit possessing all the Headbands, let alone if there could be only spirits in the Number One and Two, or only the Two alone. If there was a spirit in one, it would naturally act different, though perhaps only similar, to another. She spoke of how it would give her a place to start her research once they reached a new civilization or library, to see if they had records of such similar spirits.

Ami, however, was clear to explain that no changes to one's mental state did not mean no alterations to their physical one. It was difficult for even trained warriors, sighting to Jack himself, to tell of the madness of their minds or any changes they may have undergone. If they were unaware, then it could lead to hazards involving their body, especially in the heat of conflict. She had to monitor Aphi, or else risk her sister being unequipped for dealing with danger when the dark future reared its ugly head.

They were both right, just as Ahi was right to bring out her more expensive and well-cured meats to keep their strength up, should they run across the swordsman. Just as Aki had become much quieter rather than throwing insults and jabs, as she was trying to keep watch for intruders, and just as Ashi was observing Aphi whenever she slept, to ensure the spirit was not acting in a way that was against their interests.

All of them felt some spite for Aphi, as Jack was well aware. But, they were still sisters. It would take far more than a single unprocessed decision to tear apart their familial bond. It was perhaps the brightest positive Jack had for the situation, even if they had yet to fall back into the comfortable silence of their trip nearly weeks later.

Instead, the marched through the barren desert with hardly more than a breath of air.

They traversed the high peaks of the lush mountains with only grunts of effort coming from their lips.

And now, they made their way across the edges of mighty rivers as they followed the little one who had donned the cursed object with little ceremony or warning.

Words had only been spoken as they had requirements to find. Wood for the campfire, food for cooking, materials for preparing camp, but never of their wellbeing. It was a depressing observation that Jack held onto, even as they continued their march.

Too often the past few weeks his words were met with only nods of understanding or quick rebuttals or quips. Never the conversation he desired, not once the long-spoken dialogue that he longed to hear from the little ones once more. Even as they moved across the misty falls of water, listening to the rush of rapids, they said not a thing in either awe or distress.

It unnerved him, the old samurai without a blade, knowing that the girls who were so enthralled with the world after having spent so long caged from it, did not appreciate the rarities of nature when they were presented to them, not now at least. They had too much animosity in their hearts for their sister who acted out of turn.

Not hatred, not disgust, merely discouragement. Love was still present, as none had even suggested of leaving as a joke, but none of them moved to aid effort with their usual joy. Adi did not eagerly seek the novels to help Ami, Aki did not volunteer to duel Ashi, Ahi did not bring forth food for Aphi. They were all so… distant.

It was a distance that Jack didn't know how to cover, not at the moment at least.

Because in the moment, it wasn't the greatest of concerns. The grander concern was for the warrior they were still hunting, the samurai of darkened skin that slaughtered for either joy or greed. Neither was an acceptable position to let stand.

"Are we closer, Aphi?" Jack asked the little one ahead of them, the long ends of the Number Two Headband still billowing from her hair. She turned to him for a moment, looking beyond him, then back to his sure gaze. Doubtlessly, she was glancing at the unnamed spirit.

But her nod of affirmation held much more clarity to it, as did the hand she held up a moment later, pointing up the trail. There were two meanings to take from such an action.

"Is he in that direction?" Jack asked first. The hard-singular nod of Aphi was the return. "Is he… within the day's walk?" Now her head stilled for a moment.

The little ones behind them also paused, whispering to one another as Aphi doubtlessly listened to the spirit. It was evident as her eyes drifted away again, watching something Jack couldn't see. The spirit may have been assisting Aphi, but it was clear it was not doing so in a manner she enjoyed.

She shirked away from nothing, often crouched and glared, and more than once over the past few weeks, growled into the air as if she were holding bad poor words.

Even if the beast of the Headband could be considered an ally trying to aid them, it was much too easy to understand that it was tormenting his daughter at the same moment. It escaped his hand only through its incorporeal form. That, and nothing more.

And once this was over, they would dispose of the Headband in a way that would protect Aphi and the rest of the little ones, from either more curious challengers or more spirits that possessed the long fabric. Perhaps Avi would know of the best way to dispose of the long silk, if Adi was correct that burning it may not work. At worst, it would be buried, far from the curious eyes and perhaps in a place that was meant to remain unmarred.

Maybe they could even offer the spirit peace of some kind. Maybe then this cursed war for the Headbands, as Adi had called it, would be over.

Jack's attention fell back to Aphi as she held up her other hand, moving her fingers in an odd pattern, as if deciding what number of them to hold up. She settled with a pair of them, raised to their tallest as she gazed at his eyes resolutely.

"Two days," Jack concluded, nodding with satisfaction. But Aphi shook her head, it made Jack quirk a brow, forcing him to whip some of the spare dew of the river from his brows. "Two weeks?" That appeared egregious, even if necessary, but again Aphi shook her head.

That meant here was only one more direction to go.

"Two… hours…" Now Aphi nodded, her hand closing into a fist. Jack sighed as he forced his muscles to relax. They were closed, but that was not the time to panic. "We are close then. It is time for us to make a plan."

"What are you thinking, father?" Ashi questioned from behind. She approached with her hands folded, as she so often did. "Are we to flank him and prepare him for you, or perhaps chase him into some plain you have prepared." Jack shook his head.

"No, I don't believe that will work." They were fine plans when they were in different environments, but Ashi did not consider who they were facing, and likely where. "The man we are hunting is skilled, yes, but he appears to also have some level of planning to him as well." That much was evident from the fires Jack saw from the screen Ami showed them. They were designed in the way they were.

"He did?" Adi asked, apparently unfamiliar. "How so? It appeared before he was just… slashing at everyone nearby." Her disgust for the act was, in truth, something Jack was grateful to see. But at the moment, it was unimportant.

Their safety mattered, and safety was predicated on information. HE would never lie to his daughters.

"He planned the fires, or burned them in a specific manner." He watched Ashi nod, apparently having suspected, but Ami and Adi both wrote notes, of likely varying content. Ahi merely looked appalled, with Aki growling at the suggestion. "He burned them to trap his foes, to limit where they could go. He will likely do the same again."

"But where could he go here?" Aki asked now, raising her hands and almost spinning. "We're next to a river. Unless he wants to have a splash fights, he's gonna have ta cut down the entire forest to make a barricade to stop us. Hell, you'd probably be able to jump over anything he puts up dad!" Her finger pointed at him accusingly, though there was not a hint of malice to it. She was correct, after all.

Unfortunately for the messed haired girl, there was another way to limit the fight. Ashi's pondering features spoke of her suspicions. Jack waited patiently for her to speak.

"Unless… he is waiting across the river." She truly was much like him when it came to fighting. Ever a thinker as well as a leader. "Not in the water or merely on the opposite shore… he'll wait on a bridge. He'll wait on a narrow path to limit the number of attackers."

"He'd do that?" Adi asked now. "Why? It might limit the number of foes he has to fight but… he's just going to trap himself as well."

"Not if he's confident," Aki spoke again. This time, she was correct. "I bet that sick monster is thinking that if it's a one on one fight, he can't lose. Am I right?" A little more assuredness and she'd make an excellent tactician as well, if requiring a bit more form on the water buffalo stance.

"High probability," Ami confirmed for her sisters. "I have also determined there is a bridge ahead, indicated by collected geographical data. Unable to fully confirm due to a lack of satellite presence, but the probability is high." She spoke with her eyes on another screen Jack hardly recognized, but he trusted her words. She was very good with what she knew.

"The bridge is a good bet," Ashi continued. "Afterall, we have been tracking him for some time now, and with the Number Two Headband in hand… or on us." Jack ignored the glare she sent Aphi's way. "It makes sense that he was looking for his own spot to stake a claim for battle. He did want a fight, but this man is not so careless as to fight on any terrain. He wants to choose his battleground." She was correct.

"I agree," Jack spoke to his 'eldest' daughter, at least in mentality. She nodded respectfully back to him. "However, it would be foolish to think all of us would cross at once. It is also unlikely we would be able to cross easily without the bridge."

"Also correct," Ami continued on, eyes still not leaving her screen. "The river bed is assumed to be at least twelve to fifteen feet deep, making swimming necessary to get across. However, it is likely at least one hundred metered in width, not including the likely pull of the current and protrusions that will be sticking up from the bed as a hazard." A single wrong step could injure their foot, making an even battle impossible.

Jack sighed deeply, knowing and loathing the purpose of bridges. He had not had much luck with them in the past. And, considering the strength of this warrior, cruel as he was, it was unlikely he would be gaining any more good will.

His eyes turned to the river, watching the water wash by, light mist rising from its ethereal blue waves. It was the result of a waterfall, still audible some distance away. Close enough to be heard, but too far too be seen. It made sense they would build a bridge at the top of the waterfall, to prevent falling debris from slamming into it.

It would also make any fall from its a near deadly trip. Truly a situation that only the most honed and confident of fighters would consider fighting on. Jack felt his eyes narrow at the thought, imagining how the battle would go.

If he had blade in hand, he had little doubt of the conclusion. As he was now… it was not so clear.

"I will fight alone," Jack spoke first, eyes avoiding those of his daughters. The reason was obvious very quickly.

"What!? Are your serious dad?"

"Why should we leave you to fight him alone?!"

"We've helped you fight tons of tough guys before!"

Jack waited until they were done until he spoke one. It would not reach them if he interrupted a yelling contest. He had to wait, or else they would ignore him. Afterall, they were children still, no matter how strong or capable. They still had room to grow.

"I will fight him alone, because there will not be room for us all to fight. It will be more a detriment than an advantage." There was growling, but… "The rest of you will remain in wait, with whatever tools you need to both secure the bridge and find us should we fall."

"You mean you, right?" Aki asked. "You're not seriously asking us to find that crazy whack-job if he takes a leap. I'd say good riddance and throw some spoiled meat on him. You got any of that Ahi." Her sister whined at the idea, but Jack cared more for her words than insinuation.

"It will be important to find him, or at least his clothing, because the curse of the Headband is the reason we are hunting him." It was a reminder more than an explanation. Aki was the only one who looked shocked at the words. "If he is lost to the current, it will only be some time before another unfortunate soul acquires it, and there is no telling the damnation associated with the Number One Headband."

"It is supposed to be the holder of the power, the one that is designed to make one closest to god…" Adi did not sound pleased with her own words, but facts and tales were not meant to be changed. Not before they were to be confronted. "If anyone finds it, there's no telling what could happen. It… It might lead to a killing spree."

"Okay yeah, that'd be bad," Aki relented quickly. "Just… I don't like the idea of you fighting alone dad." To that, Jack could smile fondly.

He turned to Aki, watching the girl shift under his gaze. He did not reduce the length of his smile, for there was no need to. There was never a reason to hide the affection he shared with his little ones. It was something to appreciate.

"I understand," he spoke in return. "However, I far prefer my own life be on the line, against a foe that killed so many innocents so easily, then to ask you to assist me against such a madman." They would understand, as this was not the first time he had instructed them to wait for him.

"We won't leave you though," Ashi now, loyal, though strict. "We'll be at the end of the bridge, waiting and ready for anything you need." The rest of her siblings nodded in agreement, and Jack felt his pride in them force his smile to grow.

Such innocent sweet little ones, able to conquer anything before them with their determination. It was something he knew deserved protection. And something he would definitely protect.

His gaze turned to the river again, watching it and the water that slipped by. The small waves cascading along the shore, the debris of trees that were carried with the stream, all of it so gentle, so easy, yet heralding a powerful fall farther ahead. It was a constant in nature, such as this.

Things of peace often came from acts of violence.

And it was his duty to ensure that the things worth protecting survived the encounter. It was his duty, his job, and his desire.

"I expect you to do just that," Jack responded to Ashi. "And I know none of you will disappoint."

He turned back to Aphi, the young girl wearing the Number Two Headband still on her head. She hadn't spoken, hadn't moved and still waited patiently for Jack to speak. He didn't. At least, not at first. First, he walked over to her, raising his hand to her from his higher height. She flinched as he approached, likely sure he was going to lightly scold her as if they were training.

Pat. But they were not training. They were preparing.

Instead, his hand fell on her head, rubbing the smooth bob cut she so often wore, pushing away the pair of spikes and horns that came from her ends. She didn't know whether to bat him off in annoyance or accept it as some kind of punishment. It was neither, and he suspected she knew it deep down.

Affection was important, and he knew the girls deserved much more than he could ever possibly give.

"None of you have ever disappointed me." Jack did not answer the curious look Aphi gave him. There was no longer time to.

Instead, he walked by her, walking off to the direction of the bridge indicated by Aphi and Ami. There would be the man who slaughtered a village for little reason, and ho would be waiting for them to approach. It would be there that Jack would kill another man, no matter how much he loathed the act.

For he could not abide a mad man hungry for blood in a world that housed his daughters.

---

Aphi was nervous, even though she knew it wasn't necessary.

Even though she had seen her father enter countless fights before, even though she'd seen him battle beasts of such strength and size they would make the smaller men tremble, and even though he had been doing this for long before she was born into the world with her sisters, this still made her nervous. And she wasn't entirely sure why.

That wasn't entirely true. Her nerves were frayed because she wasn't sure if what her father was doing, what he was risking, was her fault or not. No, she knew, it was her fault. She knew and her sisters knew as well. That was why she was nervous. So, it was a lie, a quick one, that she didn't know why she was nervous.

Aphi was terrified for her father because, for the first time, he was risking himself for her mistake, even if it was made out of the best intentions.

It didn't matter if that was true, that she wanted to help and believed Adi when she mentioned the Headbands were possessed with a power that drove them together. All that mattered was that they were still hunting this man now, and only she knew where he was.

"This gonna be a good match at watch, I knows it."

Because she was the only one who could see and hear the spirit.

Even as she continued to follow the river with her family, even as her sisters continued to shoot glares at her, even as her father listened to her, Aphi spared only a glance at the vile spirit that jumped from the trees high above them. The trail of smoke that billowed from the stick in his mouth was plain to see, almost as much as the dark and nearly rotting flesh.

"Watcha lookin' at girl? Thought ya be used ta me by now. Good ol' Afro only took a couple o' hours ta get used ta my good mug! GAH!" It was obvious he cackled only because of the wide grin he had on his face, even as he bent and whirled around the branch he previously sat on. Aphi paid him no more mind, instead focusing on the trail ahead.

They had to reach the evil samurai soon, so that she could take off this headband and beg her father properly for forgiveness. Him and her sisters. They would only accept her words if she wasn't wearing the literal reason they were upset at her for. So, it made sense it would be useless to apologize until she took it off.

She only had to wait. Lead and wait. Lead her father to the vile swordsman and wait for him to kill him. Then she could take it off, and with time, all would be forgiven. That was all there was to it. Patience and confidence.

"Man, I knows I've been sayin' it fer the better part of them past few days, but ain't cha gonna talk ta me girl?" The spirit asked as he jumped over her head, as if the air was lighter than he was. She glance at him with her dark eyes, watching the dark skinned man hop and jump across the stone outcroppings of the river, treating them like a stone pathway. "Leas' ya can do is entertain a good ol' guy like me. Ain't proper ta be disrespectin' yer elders, ain't it? Didn't yer father teach ya nothin' better?"

Aphi scowled as she looked ahead again, determined to focus on anything except that spirit. It was her father's words and teachings that told her to avoid the horrid spirit, or else he would annoy or tempt her to do acts she would not wish for. She had already donned the Number Two Headband, a poor enough act by itself. It would do her no good to take further action to put her further from her family's graces.

They were all that mattered to her. More than even herself.

"Shiiit, ya really are gonna stay mute till the fat ass crows, aren't cha?" And the spirit kept talking regardless. Aphi now wished for Aki to speak. At least she could stand her sister's complaints more than this vile spirits retorts and inquires. She vowed never to ask Ami another question again, not if this is what it felt like. "Would'a answer a question if ah got ya the place ol' Afro is hol' up at?"

Aphi glared at him, but held the glare. She already knew where he was. He had told her several times upon their approach to this place, even more so through the desert. Aphi would not forget something as important as that so easily.

The man they were hunting was the previous holder of the Number Two Headband, and the spirit had been with him for some time. This… Afro Samurai. Aphi didn't like the name, so she would call him such.

He was just a vile samurai besmirching the name of her father's title. Nothing more though likely far less.

Even as the incline rose as they walk, the river shifting from a steady and constant stream to the roar of rapids, Aphi didn't hear a word from her siblings or father. They were all focused on what was coming, as was she. No matter what changed as they walked, no matter what the river or forest opened to show them, they remained mute.

Even when the river grew to a waterfall, even when the mist danced through the air. Even when the path turned to a slope, and even when the slope became a laddered climb, they all said nothing. She made no move to force them to speak. It wouldn't be her place to do so, not after she had created the situation herself.

For now, she could only do as her father would. Endure.

Endure as they left the laddered climb and back onto solid ground. Endure as her siblings walked past her, as well as the vile spirit cackling like a witch. Endure as she knew it mean the horrid samurai was nearby. Endure even longer, as the waterfall, though literally falling within her eye-sight sounded to be miles off from her.

Aphi could only stare at the bridge that hung before them.

Hanging across the river, creaking with water logged rope and rickety boards, Aphi watched the bridge as if it were the cross guard to a cemetery. She hated cemeteries. There was never anything to do or help with in a cemetery. It was only ever to hold still, to watch, and listen. And she needed to do things to be important.

Right now, watching the bridge, she knew the same thing was going to happen again. According to her father, according to the man she had put in this situation, she was going to do nothing while he fixed her mess, her mistake, and it was all her fault. And she hated that.

"Don't know if I'd be trustin' my life on them planks," Ninja-Ninja spoke up from beside Aphi. She didn't look at him, even if it was obvious how far he was bending over just to 'fall' into her vision. "Lookin' like a wrong step on 'em boards will send ya fallin ta a sharp-point end. Maybe dat's tha' point! Gahahaha!" His joke was not, shared, enjoyed, or spread by Aphi.

Her eyes, thin as the they were, were focused on her dad. He was staring out along the bridge, misted along the center and waving under the waves of air that fell from the waterfall. She watched him, as did her siblings, as he long beard waved with the wind and eyes narrowed as hers did. Aphi was focused on her father, but he was focused on the figure on the bridge.

She couldn't see it, he couldn't either, but he was definitely there. She could feel him. And if she could, her father could.

"Well this sucks," Aki spoke, to Aphi's admittedly great relief. "Finally find the sick freak and he's hiding not only a couple hundred feat above a river, but in the freaking mist and on a rickety old bridge. Almost like he's afraid of you, dad." Her grin spoke of her confidence. It was one shared.

"It would be the only wise move on his part, if he was," Ashi agreed with Aki, making the more rambunctious of her siblings' chuckle at the unspoken praise. "This is not something father is likely to lose, but it is still a situation with risks involved."

"Indeed, it is," their father agreed. They watched him, silently, as he stared ahead. He didn't move for some time, and so Aphi did not either. There was nowhere for her to go until he told her of a place to be. Instead of speaking though, their father reached to behind his cloak.

From it, he grasped and produced the familiar staff he so often used in battle, elongating itself with a quick press of a button. In a moment, it was as long as he was tall, protruding five points at its end, spinning lightly at the other. Ami had made many modifications to it. Aphi knew, because she had helped her sister do so.

Increased the electrical conductivity of the points while making the diaphysis more electrically inert, protecting their father, allowing it to store charges, making it sturdier to blows at straight angles. They were all terms her sister had used, Aphi barely understood, but knew they would assist their father. So, she helped.

Right now, she didn't know how to help. So, she merely watched.

She watched as her father lowered her arm, lightly swinging the staff down, until he stood with arms at his sides and staring forward. That was only for a moment.

In the next, he was looking down at her, with eyes she did not deserve. Kind eyes.

She blinked up at them, the weight of the Number Two Headband she wore bearing down at on her as she looked up at him. His smile was kind, as it always was, gaze patient, the same as it always kept it. He was looking at her as if she had not done anything wrong. How could that be? She had made a horrible mistake like this!

"It is alright, Aphi," her father spoke, and she never believed he could, or would, lie to them until now. "You acted to aid, and you did as you wished. You have nothing to regret or fear." How did he know? How could he say that?

After she had made him risk his life for her, because she had put on the headband as she did!

"I confess that I would have likely put on the Headband if you had not." Her eyes widened at the words, and she heard her siblings let out sighs and curses behind her. "Because you did as I would have done, I cannot be upset. Disappointed neither. You are acting as I would have, and I can find no fault in trying to emulate me when trying to help."

He knew. Of course, her father knew. He was her father, their father. But…how did he know? Did Adi tell him? Did Ashi guess? Aphi just stared forward, silent, as he went on.

"When I return, and this samurai is no more, then we can dispose of this thing. Then we can talk, and set your mind at ease." His finger tapped her forehead, above the Number Two Headband, acting as it wasn't there. In truth, it didn't feel like it was, not to Aphi at least. Not while her father smiled at her as he did. "But take care of your sisters until I return. Can you do that?"

She nodded without hesitation or thought. That was something she had always done, and would continue to do, no matter what. He smiled in return, visible even through the thick of his dark mane.

"Good." He stood with the word, patting her shoulder as he did. His eyes went over her then, looking at her sisters. "The rest of you, be ready and prepared for anything. This man is vile enough to attack without patience. Do not offer him a chance to ambush you."

"Understood, father," Ashi replied as quickly as Aphi had nodded. She was sure Aki and Adi were doing the same, Ami and Ahi likely getting what little tools they could ready as well. Aphi swallowed hard on nothing to prepare herself.

Their father nodded once more, and only once, before turning away and towards the bridge. Aphi watched his cloak and hair billow in the wind, watching as he began to slowly walk forward towards the dilapidated boards, either heedless or careless of their state. He wouldn't be their dad if he did.

They did groan as he stepped on them, but he did not fetter or stop. He continued on. With the mist of the waterfall raining on him, with the gust of the rushing water passing him, he walked on. He walked on and through the mist, with his children, Aphi more than anyone else, trailing his form as it became blurrier and blurrier to sight.

Even when he was hardly an outline, she did not look away. Only when her sister spoke did she do so.

"You know, dad's always been like that." Adi spoke up as she approached Aphi's side. She turned to her sister, though the most studious of her siblings was staring ahead and watching their father. She spoke on regardless. "Always making sure we're okay and everyone's safe before scolding us. Can't think of a time he's ever just out right told us we were wrong before whatever we did wrong was fixed."

"You mean kinda like when you took that ancient book out of the library and had us chased by those robots?" Aki asked, the giggling amusement of Ahi. Adi sighed in exasperation first, though barely heard over the waterfall's roar.

"Yes, Aki, like that. Or like the time you decided to play hop-scotch over the roof of the monk's home and ended up falling through and breaking two of their vases, freeing a curse and forcing us to fight them to the point of unconsciousness." Now it was Ami's turn to chuckle, and Aphi joined her at the memories.

"Neither of you should forget the time that you both pick-pocketed a couple of gang members in order to get enough money to buy some candy." Ashi spoke with bare any amusement in her voice, but the chortling laugher from Ami and Ahi was enough. Aphi grinned from the side.

"You got some messed up crazy kids, ya know that girl?" She ignored the spirit that spoke, the vile dark thing that he was. It was easy when he spoke of simple facts so incorrectly. "Laughin' bou' all that crazy town. Sure, ya aren't gonna goin' crazy 'n fight Afro soon?" Afro? Was that the name of the Samurai?

Maybe he had said it before, and Aphi realized he likely had over the week, but she hadn't paid attention, not fully. She cared more about where he was, not who he was. Like right now, she cared more about her sisters than herself. That almost never changed.

"The point I'm trying to make, Aphi, is that dad may be mad at you, but he isn't going to stay mad at you." Adi continued to speak, once she and their sisters began to control themselves. "Because he will fight, and he will win, but he wants to make sure we're all safe before he teaches us. That's just the kind of dad he is."

"The best kind." Aphi had no arguments for Aki's interjection. Neither did Adi.

TWANG!

The sound of clashing steel stole their attention in a moment. Aphi and her siblings, perhaps even the ninja as well, were staring across the rope bridge and into the mist. But she could hardly see a thing! It was all too dense, and the water too loud!

"Heh-Heh-Heh!" Ninja-Ninja still laughed. Aphi only paid him a glance, enough to see his wicked smile, before looking back out to e bridge. It didn't stop her from listening to his callous words. "Now this is wha' Ah'm talkin' 'bout!"

BOOM!

The mist blew away with the muted explosion.

Aphi felt droplets of water hit her face, the wind rush past her ears and hair, as the explosion tore from above the bridge. Her eyes squinted into it, arms raised to keep the worst of the air from beating at her skin. Knees were crouched to make sure she maintained her posture, noting, but not acting, on the cries of surprise that came from her siblings. Not Ashi, not her, but definitely the others.

She and her sister kept her eyes forward to the momentarily cleared air, to the full extent of the bridge they could see. Easily hundreds of meters long, dipping at the mid-point above the water far below, and carrying a pair of fighters that Aphi was desperate to watch.

Her father and the wicked samurai.

For that brief moment, Aphi saw the samurai, the man who looked so similar to the video Ami had produced. A head of hair that seemed to billow almost like a pillow, held up by a headband long enough to trail down the length of his back, flittering from the blow he had struck against her father. It allowed her to see his dark skin, his angry eyes, and his sure posture. But it was nothing, Aphi knew, her father hadn't seen before.

The next thing Aphi could track was the impact of the man's sword against her father's lance, striking at the center of it as her father held the vile man back. It rocked the bridge with the blow, sending more water and mist aside, as if the sword were a fan and her father the rock it beat against. The sparks of the metal danced through the air with the blow.

It was not the only one to fall, in quicker succession that Aphi could flex her own finger, the blade of the fake swordsman struck and swung at her father over and over again. From over the top of his head, swinging up wards at an arc, after rounding his body with a spin, stabbed forward in a thrust, twisted quickly with his wrists, and a hundred other positions she could hardly track. For sure she would have missed them if she had even blinked.

But her father was not her, and he did not miss a one.

Each blow hit against the staff that Ami and she had helped modify, the sharp steel sparking against the outer shell of the battle rod, flying sparks dancing through the air that moments ago housed floating droplets of water. The red remains of the clash fell and danced along the boards, falling over the bridge and across the ropes that held them up. But neither her father nor the man paid attention to them.

They were watching each other. Or, as Aphi noted her father doing, as he always did, he was studying the fake swordsman. He was learning of him as they fought. The same trick he always did.

He twisted the staff in his hands, bending it and pushing it, always just enough to catch the blade that swung, fell, or lifted towards him. Always enough to catch the man, but never more than that. Even with the absurdly fast strikes, even with the explosions of the blows still beating away the falling water of the waterfall and creating a storm of sparks, he only ever kept the man just at bay. It was how he always did.

Because he was only ever waiting for the moment to strike.

That moment came when the man attempted to stab forward again, still far faster than Aphi believed she'd be able to react to. Her father, however, let go of one side of his staff, letting his body spin to the side and out of reach of the blade. His body still spun when his fist swung out, the back hand of it smashing into the fake samurai with a blow to match the strikes of the blade.

From some distance away, it sounded like it hurt. That was a good sign. Just as good that Aki and Adi cheered at the noise, even if they were meant to be quiet. She ignored whatever cruel words the spirit had, unimportant to her and her family. She only needed to watch her father for now, not the vile thing that had helped to start all of this.

The fighting, however, paused as the vile man tumbled back, sword raised in defense even as he attempted to correct his gaze. He leaned forward, allowing his evil gaze to focus on her father, to see the man who had bested him. The man who would tear this evil from the world. But for a moment after that, he looked at her. No… he looked at her forehead.

He was looking at the Number Two Headband.

"Heh, busted bitch!" Aphi loathed Ninja-Ninja more than ever before.

The man, Afro, still didn't move towards them, but he held her gaze long enough for her to tell. And if she could tell, it was obvious her father could tell. There was nothing she could notice that he would not. And if he did… that meant that he would be distracted. That wasn't good, at all.

"HYAGH!" Her father yelled out, raising the spear skyward as he moved to lunge. The man twisted his blade to block the blow, sending out another explosion of air and sparks flying from the impact outward. Aphi crossed her arms over her face again, slitting them to allow them to watch her father. Watch as her father became the aggressor to the fake samurai.

His lance, longer than the blade of the swordsman, force Afro to dodge and backstep more than merely block. He didn't have the weight or strength to resist her father, nor did he have the room to push him off when he struck. He was forced to deflect the blows of her father, forcing his lance to swing wide, high, low, and all the while taking the openings to retreat, because he didn't have enough time to strike.

Her father struck out with more than the lance to ensure that was the case. When his lance was deflected left, he raised his fist right, striking out before the man could raise his blade. When his spear was pushed high, he kicked up, forcing the man to back step and flip away in defense. It was dancing battle, and one her father was controlling.

She watched with bated breath as the boards of the bridge groaned as the fight continued, pushing them further away from herself and her sisters. She fought the urge to run towards him, fought the urge to follow.

It was an instinct she almost lost to when the vile swordsman ducked and struck at the cords of the bridge.

"JUMP!" Ashi yelled before Aphi had time to take a breath. Whether by her suggestion or not, her dad di as asked.

Her father jumped into the air, right in the same time the rope on the far side gave way.

It was a harsh snap, one that nearly deafened the explosions of their impacts. Adi and Ahi let out yells of fright as the snapped cord shot back to them, Aphi moving out of the way, though the rope didn't even reach them. She only glanced at it. Her eyes were trained on the bridge, the vile swordsman, and her father.

The bridge had fallen down, sideways now and hanging by but a single taut rope. It groaned beneath the rush of the waterfall, the wind that it kicked up. Even more so when the vile man climbed his way onto the rope like a long thin bridge, effortlessly pulling himself up by one arm, blade still in hand. Aphi nearly hissed at the sight.

She held it in, and was thankful for it, when her father flipped behind him, falling from a much grander height, and with his spear struck forward.

"GAH!" The cry of pain that came from the man as her father landed behind him made a grin grow across her lips, one she was sure Ashi and Ami shared. Adi and Aki were cheering with Ahi.

"Damn, daddy's got moves on him," the spirit behind her spoke on. Aphi continued to pay him no mind. He was a far-off worry compared to the fight her father was in, one that was he was becoming ever closer to winning.

"Dad jumps good." Aphi nodded to Aki's words, even with the cheer evident in her voice. That was something they still didn't know how their father did. "Guess that makes this another one for the history books." Aphi was sure Adi was writing it down now, even as she cheered for their father.

The fake samurai, however, didn't fall from the blow. Even when their father spun the spear again, showing in the pocket of air in the mist the bloodied end of his lance, the fake samurai stood tall. With ragged breathing, a clutched blade, and the headband still taught across his forehead, he did not fall.

Instead, Aphi watched as he gripped at the front of his white shirt, gripping and tearing it from his chest with a single loud grunt. Avi would have whimpered at the callousness to which he tore and discarded the fabric, even if the fall down showed the blood that stained the back of it, cuts and all. The fall, however, was something else Aphi watched.

A fall that billowed into the mist that avoided the explosions of the fight, into the dark below of the river they had risen from. Far below and out of sight. To be struck once during this match was a death sentence, and the man was lucky to survive that much. Then again, their father hated to kill others.

This man had no such reservations.

"Hehe, this is gonna get good now," The vile voice spoke and Aphi continued to ignore him. Even as Afro charged once more.

The blows were fast before. They were sonic like now.

The explosions rippled through the air at a rate she could hardly fathom, nearly watching the outwards thrusts of the pockets of air shoved by the blows, the water from the waterfall bowing more to the clashing steel than gravity itself. It was all matched by the harsh sway and give of the rope they stood on, whipping like the chains they used to train with.

Aphi watched them, watched the rope of the ladder, watched as her father fought against a man with a vile nature on a platform that threatened to kill him in equal measure. Her breath was caught in her throat, eyes transfixed as the steel of her father's lance and the fake samurai's blade continued to clash over and over again.

She had forgone keeping track of the blows from which they originated. She couldn't track them anymore. She could only watch everything else, noting it as her father had taught her.

How both her dad and the vile swordsman were not taking steps forward or back on the single roped bridge, how the waterfall itself was pushed back b the blows the two were dealing, how the lance that her father used was losing its shine the longer the battle went on for… it was horrifying to watch.

Any blow she saw could have been a lethal blow, yet they were being thrown out at a speed that matched any artillery they had seen before, and in numbers she doubted the automatic tools would be able to replicate. From a distance away, it could be mistaken for a clan of dozens fighting, not merely two men on a bridge.

Her father, loyal and strong. And Afro, vile and wicked.

"This is… insane," Aki whispered beside her, almost drowned out by the explosions that rocked the air. "W-Who's winning?" Father, obviously. It had to be, because there was no way he could lose. "It's dad, right?"

"Of course, it is," Ashi returned, with far more confidence that Aphi felt. "You can tell because-"

Her words were cut off as she saw something. Aphi saw it too. If she had blinked, or looked away, she would have missed. Instead, she saw everything.

She watched as Afro slammed his blade against her father's spear, hard. Hard enough to force their father to lean with the blow, holding up his hand, to prevent any strike from the mad samurai to reach him. It would have worked, if that were the objective.

Instead, the fake samurai took the chance to jump forward. He jumped forward and through the small opening his blow had created. His trailing blade did nothing to her father, nothing as his spear was held up to prevent it's pass from harming him. But that pass was not the objective.

The objective was the charge the mad man had towards her and her sisters. No… the charge towards her.

"Look' like he's gotta his eye on the prize!" The spirit cackled behind her. "Ain't it a hoot ta see Afro still rootin' and tootin it up!" Aphi had no such thoughts.

Her feet were back-pedaling as she tried to get away, an action that was matched by the panicked scream of her sisters around her. Ashi was yelling orders, Ahi and Adi yelling in fright. Ami was running already, Aki helping her… but they weren't going to be fast enough. The man was too fast, fast enough for their father. And he was coming for her. The look in his eyes, deep and dark, said it all.

He was going to kill her.

"NO!" The yell came in tandem with two more horrifying sights.

Her father, lunging forward with the spikes of his lance out, aiming to take the man's life. And the vile swordsman, twisting once more, as he swung his blade out of the path of the lance.

The two weapons did not clash. They struck.

Father's lance dug deep into the abdomen of the fake samurai, piercing the dark skin and muscles, spraying blood and gore into the air, for the one moment Aphi could visibly see.

And the same man's blade, rising up, cut her father's arm in two.

They fell together, off the cliff, before she could find her voice.

"NO!" "DAD!" "DAD!" "FATHER!"

Her siblings screamed as they ran, ran to the edge of the cliff for a moment, and only a moment. That moment was swept away as they ran back towards the stairs, charging down their many flights before even checking on Aphi herself. She had no complaints. She had no words.

Aphi was still staring at the edge of the cliff, dumb as the rocks that were being crushed by the water far beneath. Her mind had to have been playing tricks on her, an illusion of the Headband she wore. That was it, that had to be it. Adi had said they weren't well researched or studied!

There was no way what she saw was real, none.

There was no way she had seen her father lose and arm. There was no way she'd seen him fall. There was no way the battle had ended so abruptly. There was no way her father wouldn't talk to her like he said he would.

There was no way he would lose!

"Should-a told ya this was gonna happen'." For the first time, alone with the spirit, Aphi whirled to face him, eyes alight with an anger she doubted even the infernos of hell could match. The vile smile on the spirit made her want to die, just for the chance to tear it from his face! "Can't beat a Headband holder 'less ya got one. Fact is, yer daddy was screwed from step two. Care ta guess what was step one?"

And just like that, her anger fled. Her anger fled for horror, matched by her dropped jaw and dawning realization. The cruel smile on the man did nothing to aid her spirit's silent plight. Nor her soul's fall.

"Guess ya do, seein' as you'd be the only one whos's supposed ta be up there 'n all. Buuuut, guess it'd be easier ta let yer sugar pappy take care of yer problems, huh? Hehehehehe!" The laughter burned into her. It burned her words than the tears that fell from her eyes.

A hot trail that felt heavier than all the torrents that fell from the waterfall beside her, and burning through her skin with the heat of the rage she had lost. It was all fleeing her, all falling down, cascading out of her.

It was her fault. All her fault.

Aphi did follow her sisters down the path.

She jumped.

She jumped faster than she believed the blows her father struck with before he was disarmed.

She fell with a speed she knew her father would worry for, if he were still alive to cry in terror.

She saw the water rapidly approaching at a rate would make her sisters cry, if they weren't already screaming in horror.

SPLASH!

The cool water, and harsh landing, did nothing for the mounting terror and pain that Aphi felt ripping through her soul, the silent cry she wanted to unleash. Nothing! Even as he felt the harsh rocks at the bottom tear at her skin, even as she knew that she would be facing bruises and scrapes along with the water's impact, she didn't care, she couldn't care. Not when her father had undergone so much worse!

Aphi had to push herself to reach the surface, her equilibrium shot and sense of self gone She rose to hear more of her guilt tearing through the air.

"DAD! DAD STAY WITH US!" The sound of Ami's voice was loud and terrifying, far louder than Aphi had ever heard it before. It was more chilling than the water. "J-Just… J-JUST HOLD ON!" She shook with the words.

As Aphi breached the surface, her voice was held away as she crashed into a protruding boulder at the rivers mouth. Even as it tore at her skin, scaring her arm, and making her already numb limbs feel detached, she didn't make a sound. She only pulled herself onto it, looking desperately for her siblings, that and nothing else.

She found them, and she loathed at what she saw.

"DADDY! WAKE UP!" "DON'T GIVE UP ON US!"

Ashi, Ami, Adi, Ahi, and Aki, all huddled around their father, pulled and beached on the side of the river. Wearing all his armor, eyes shut and unmoving. Only a single arm on his body.

His other arm being held by Aki.

Aphi stared at it, unable to push air in or out of her chest at the sight. It was too much, too much. And it was her fault, all her fault! ONLY HER FAULT! She did this, and only her. It didn't matter that the damnable samurai had struck the blow, or anything else. She had put on the only means to kill him, she had taken that from her father, and she had damned him for it! She… SHE-

She looked down to see the vile man floating in the river.

Her eyes widened as she stared at him, unmoving and still on the water's surface. She had to blink to make sure it was him, him and the dark eyes that stared back at her. The Number One Headband was still wrapped tightly about his head, the lance of her father protruding from his stomach. They were both still there. They were all that was there of the man.

His fighting spirit was gone, his ability to fight perhaps with it. All Aphi could see now was the coldness of his eyes that he had shared with everyone else he had come across, including her father. All of the rage he had, Aphi felt inside of her in that moment.

The same moment she saw the blade he had used to disarm her dad, to harm her family. It was laying on a rock, sticking out from it like her father's lance was the gut of the dark-skinned and evil man. It was beckoning her to take it, to end it, just as the body that which she could kill had floated in front of her.

She was given the means and opportunity, in the center of a river and with the horrible man looking at him without the ability to fight back. And she, the daughter of Samurai Jack, staring at him with a hatred she thought gone from her heart.

Aphi had believed that in moments of weakness, she would go with her father's words, to let go of her anger and let the man who did evil learn of his evil ways. She believed she would do as he asked, as he had taught, as she had done everything else.

But she had already failed to help him. It only made sense she broke a promise to avenge him.

SHINK!

The blade was pulled from the stone and into her grip faster than she believed possible, ignoring the weight of the heavy steel as it hung from her arm. It was nothing compared to the torment within her mind. Nothing at all compared to the weight of her decision's consequences.

"You really gonna do it, gal?" Aphi did not look towards the spirit that spoke. She knew he would follow. She didn't care that he did. "Gotta say I've gotta soft spot fer the big guy, yeah, but you'd best be think' hard fer ya throw that blade in 'em. You don't wanna be like him, do ya?" No, no she did not. That would be a horrible decision.

But she had made a bad choice those weeks ago. It was only right she redeem it now with one more poor choice.

Aphi lifted the blade above her head, staring into the dead eyes of the man who had nearly killed her father, nearly done so. He hadn't succeeded. He hadn't won, but he had come too close to let live any longer. Water dripped from her clothes, clung to her skin, and made her skin feel numb. Numb as cold as the steel she held.

SHINK!

And the same as her soul as she drove the blade through Afro's chest.

Blood spat up from the wound, missing her and falling back to the water the man swam in. His voice gurgled once upon the impact, blood slipping from his lips at the affect. Pained eyes, numb and dead, looked back at her, stared at her, as she held the hilt of the blade that tore into him. Aphi didn't regret it.

"DAMN giiirl, ya really are one heeby-jeebin mess, ain't ya?" Aphi didn't regret it, even as the spirit mocked her. "Ol' Afro an' I was fightin' partners fer longa than you've been breathin this sweet-sweet air, and ya cut him up like a freakin' steak!" Aphi regretted nothing. She didn't regret it.

Even as she reached down to his head, careless of the eyes that stared at her, she didn't regret it. Even as she wrapped her fingers around the Headband that clung to his fore head, she didn't regret it. Aphi only regretted what she did weeks ago, nothing now.

She had no regrets that she now held the Number One Headband, over the corpse of the man who so nearly killed her family.

Aphi watched Afro, for only a moment longer. A moment long enough to ensure what she saw was real.

She watched the dark eyes of the man who had so violently harmed her father, who had torn through a village without regret, who had been far stronger than anyone else her father had ever faced, and was carried no longer by a Headband that was responsible for it all. She watched him, stared at him, as he floating in the stream of the river.

She watched as he sunk beneath the growing rapids, the steel of her father's lance and his own blade still embedded within him.

When he had sunk, when he had truly disappeared from the world, her eyes fell back to the Number One Headband in her grasp, feeling the weight of the one on her head, and knowing what this meant.

"Heh, decision time, girl!" If the headband were magic, she'd wish for the spirit's death.

For now, she had to do something else.

---

Ashi had been with her father for nearly five years now. Five years since he saved her and her sisters from the red mountain. Five years since he had done more for her than she believed was possible in all of life. He had done so much for her, and shown her just as much.

Shown her the endless oceans and deserts that lay beyond the lifeless mountains. He showed her the brilliant days that cycled with beautiful nights, never like the eternally dark mountains. He had even shown her and her sisters how to live for yourself, while protecting others. The way he had done for her and her siblings since they ventured forth from the mountain five years ago. Five years, so many long years ago.

And never in all of that time did she fear being around her father. She never feared for him. He was the one to fight the evils of the world away. He was the one who was able to beat back the horrid monsters of a future he always called dark, even while he only showed them the light.

Bandits and killers ran from him. Rampant monsters ran from him. Terrorists and executioners ran from him. Aku's minions ran from him.

Her father never ran. Samurai Jack never lost.

Until she saw him bleeding in the river's mouth of a waterfall, his arm caught by Adi before it could drift down the stream.

They stood next to the bottom of a waterfall, but Ashi could hear nothing.

Nothing but a muted ring and screams of her sisters. She could not swear whether or not she was among them. The sight she was witnessing was too impossible to discount any other claim. If her father could lose, if her father had lost, anything was possible. Even if that was impossible, even if five years and the testimony of thousands had stood in its way, Ashi could not blink nor tear her widened gaze away from the proof.

She could not ignore the body of her father, floating lifeless upon the river's surface. She could not ignore the severed arm Adi held. She could not ignore the wailing of her siblings. She could not ignore Ami's desperate attempt to stem the bleeding of his stump. She could ignore none of it.

So, she had to act upon it.

"A-Ami," she began, but tripped over her sister's name. She did not turn. "AMI!" Now she did, shaking with arms still grasped around the cylindrical tool she had deployed. Aphi only glanced over its clear plastic cup. "W-What are you doing?" No! That wasn't right! She needed to act not question. She needed to be her father.

"I-I'm att-t-t-temping to stem… stem the flow of blood!" She began, then screamed, as she finished. When her eyes turned back to their father's arm, what remained of it, her mind was focused on nothing else. "If I can prevent further blood lose w-without cauterization then… then maybe a… a surgeon could reattach the limb or… or something!" It was better than nothing, and Ashi would not question Ami's inventions.

"Right… right," she began nodding. Her eyes flickered to her others sisters, to Adi, to Aki, to Ahi, to Aphi. "Aki! Help Ami! Get… Ger her anything she needs out of her bag or… or help her keep dad alive!"

"Y-YEAH!" It spoke volumes that she did not argue or make a spiteful remark. It was still a dull muted sounded next to the shank of the blade that had severed their father's arm, and nearly his life. Nearly, not there. Their father was alive. He was alive! So, they had to keep him alive.

"Adi! See if Ami has anything to keep father's… father's arm preserved." It was a disgusting sentence to say, but she forced her mouth to speak it regardless. "Wrap it, keep it clean, and… and ensure that nothing else happens to it." Adi looked about for only a moment, eyes staring at the hand she clearly couldn't decide if she wanted to drop and scream at or hold closer than her most beloved book.

But she was her sisters, their father's daughter, and weakness had no place at times like this.

"Right, yeah," her voice let out, already nearly hoarse from yelling. Ahi was just behind her, searching through their satchels, Ami's and Adi's own, for anything they could use. Neither sisters spoke a word of disagreement. They only searched so far before Ami yelled to them, even as she was covered in the blood of their father still seeping from his unconscious body.

"My bottom pack holster!" She yelled to them, pointing at the pack that was discarded and throw by the edge of the river's mouth. "You need to keep the limb cool! Preserve any blood within it, turn the… turn the fingers towards gravity to prevent loss of fluids! Do not cauterize the wound!" Ashi trusted Ami to know what she was talking about, even as she moved her bob-cut hair away with a swipe of her bloody hand.

They were all focused on the same task. Self-disgust or loathing had no place here at the moment.

Ashi was sure of that, until she turned to Aphi, and she felt her love for her sister slip.

"Aphi," she nearly growled her sister's name. She turned to her, eyes shaking and waving nearly to the degree of the headband she wore. As much as the accursed headband she carried. Ashi cared nothing for the piece of fabric, despite the cries that Adi spoke of.

She was content to know that the accursed holder of the object, the man whom tried to kill their father, and themselves, was now nothing more than a mess of meaty chunks to be swallowed by hungry fish down the river's length. Nothing more than a memory she would bury and let die.

Bury either in the deepest gorge or forced under the raging river, much like the oddly haired swordsman's blade. To be swallowed, lost, and forgotten. That was what she would do to the memory of the vile man whom had harmed their father.

It was the very thing she would not let happen to their father.

"Aphi, you will carry both of those accursed headbands." She spoke evenly as her finger pointed at the long pieces of fabric. Aphi didn't look at them, not at first. She looked up and behind Ashi, eyes trailing at something else.

Ashi felt her lips snarl, knowing it was that spirit that had likely led their father to his near demise. The very one that Aphi was still listening to. Ashi was once sure of all her sister's talents and skills, the crafts they had dedicated themselves to in an effort to learn of the world, to enjoy the things they could not whilst they were still prisoners inside the red mountain.

She was sure at those times that Aphi was focused, diligent, sure of her decisions as long as they were commanded by another she trusted. Clearly, Ashi had lacked the foreknowledge to judge her sister's ability to trust. For trusting the demon that likely took up the useless slash was something only the most untrained and unintelligent of fools would do.

And her sister was continuing to do it.

"APHI!" She finally yelled, making her sister's head whip back to her. She didn't care if their other siblings glanced at them. They cared about father, too. They would not ignore him for this. "Listen to me. Father is dying, and unless we do something, he will perish."

She could hear Adi and Ahi whimper behind her, even as they worked through satchels, working to preserve their father's arm, working to help make sure he stayed alive and didn't lose a part of his body. That would be beyond any of her current nightmares.

She didn't need to think long to know that must have been the same for her siblings. They all had tasks that they could do, things that could be done and they knew how to do either because they had done it before or they had trained on it.

Aphi, however, Aphi was different. Ashi needed to think like her father before she spoke again. She needed to concentrate like her father would before a fight, not like the last fight. She needed to think as he would, so that she wouldn't make a mistake.

Ashi needed to think about Aphi's dedication to their family, her loyalty, her strength, her focus… and the tools she had. She only had one tool that none of their sisters had, even if Ashi hated it no more than she did the blade that cut her father's arm.

"Aphi," Ashi began again. She waited until her dual-horn haired sister looked at her, even as that cursed headband waved in the beneath her hair. "That… headband of yours told you where to find that man, correct?" She already knew, but she needed Aphi's answer. Her father would not assume, and neither would she.

Her sister nodded, focusing on her, and just her. Not whatever spirit that was so likely to possess her, just as Adi predicted. The idea made her snarl. She did not mind that it was something only Aphi could see.

"Then ask this spirit, that supposedly knows so well where things are, if we can find someone or something nearby to give father aid." Aphi's mouth opened and closed at the command, not sure what it meant, likely. "See if he knows of any doctor that may be able to assist, a medical facility that could possibly, or… if there are any other headband users we may be able to bargain with for aid."

The last suggestion left her mouth before even she realized the enormity of the words, but the idea had great weight and merit to it. The water was still splashing behind them as their sisters worked, but Aphi was looking at her incredulously, even as she continued to wear that vile headband, holding the equally cursed object in her hands.

"Adi said that the headband wielders were looking for the Number One, that article that you are holding," her finger pointed to the long fabric that waved in the wind. She was certain not even Avi would care to gaze on such a vile and contemptuous thing. Their father was right to be wary of it. "Perhaps if one of them has medical knowledge, some way of being able to… restore limbs, we make be able to bargain the fabric with them."

"Wait, would that work?!" Aki's disbelieving yell came from behind Ashi. She glanced over to see the most unkempt of her siblings holding their father, up, supporting him as Ami wrapped some clear tubing about his arm. It was frosted over, but Ashi noted little more than that, focusing on Aki instead. "These guys were freaking crazy enough to just jump dad and you'd think they'd just up and help?!"

"If we offer them the prize they so desperately want for a trade of something other than their life, perhaps they can." Ashi was sure with her words, though she did not dedicate all her hopes to the singular plan. It was one of many, just as there was never just one plan in combat. Adaption was critical, but scouting was vital. "They may not all be as… blood thirsty as that terrible man. They may be willing to attempt miracles if it meant gaining some grand object without risking their own life."

"But… that could work?" Aki asked again. Ashi forgave her, sure it was the idea of holding their father's unmoving and, unnervingly, perhaps cooling body, that made her repetitive. Ashi felt like screaming herself.

"I-It might work, maybe, could?" Adi spoke as well, even as she stood on the shore line with Ahi. They were wrapping up their father's arm in a bag Ashi recognized, but only from Ami's musings.

It was supposed to be for Ahi, for her and storing her food supply should they need to travel far distances without means to cool their food. Some sort of liquid freezing compartment, large enough to… hold their father's arm. IT was certainly far from what the original purpose was, but that was no important. The idea of it working at all was.

"Just… I-It's jus that these guys are possessed by spirits a-a-and I don't mean like not themselves!" Now she was screaming, even as she pulled the cord on the bag holding their father's arm. Ashi kept her eyes off of it, unnerved as Ahi and Adi who operated the device. "I don't know! The stories and legends never said anything about trading the headbands. It was only ever fighting!"

"We are fighting for father's life now as well," Ashi continued on. "And if they have the abilities but refuse unless duel them, then I will fight and defeat them so that they will help father!" There was no room for discussion on such a front.

Even if it risked her life, she would take that action to save their father.

"Not alone you wouldn't!" Aki yelled back. Ashi was unsurprised, but thankful. "But… i-is that our only plan? I don't think's dumb but… we've gotta think of something else, right?" At least she was aware their father never thought linearly.

"We need coolant, too." Ahi spoke now. Ashi looked at her, her hair almost as unkempt as Aki's. Frazzled or unnerved didn't cover it. "This… this is only supposed to keep objects cold for… I don't know, not long. So… if we want to make sure dad keep's his arm then… we have to find more." Ashi was not surprised Ahi knew that. Ami was very careful with the instructions to her inventions.

"She's right." Ami held a device Ashi did not recognize now, watching it as the odd tubular and clear contraption of their father's arm expanded and contracted, the blood flowing from his arm pooling, but not growing. She assumed its function to be continuing circulation. "Because the… because father's arm is not bled or prepared, it will contaminate the cooling liquid and make the system over heat quickly, resulting in failure of the pump and system unless it is cleaned or replaced." No one, not even Ashi commented on her pause.

"The cold temperature means the liquid will move slower and prevent most of the blood to remain in its environment," Ahi spoke on, her knowledge of cooking and cleaning game speaking as she did. She spoke as Ami now, focused on her task, ignoring why they were doing it. Ashi could not do the same. "But because the wound is open, there will be some liquid seep still. Even cooled and chilled it can still go… father can still lose his arm."

"Great, so we're on two clocks then," Aki grumbled, even as she adjusted father's stump to help Ami wrap another cord around it. She didn't question the reason and neither did Ashi. No one did. "We have to find a doc for dad to get his arm back and we have to do it before any other crazies come hunting for those stupid headbands!

Ashi's eyes widened.

She had completely forgotten about that.

Her head whirled back to Aphi, already seeing her sister staring away from them all. She watched as her sister's head bounced between different rocks that stuck up from the river's bottom, watching as the spirit, likely, bounced between them. Ashi was torn between thankfulness and regret for not seeing the vile creature, a thing doubtlessly as, if not more, disgusting that the man who had attempted to kill their father.

He would help though, as Aphi would want to help their father. If he didn't, they would tear up the headbands by any means they could find, be it through an enchanted object Adi may have knowledge of or through the digestion of a monster Ahi knew the whereabouts to. It would be destroyed. If it helped, however, it would merely be locked away for eternity. Life alone or death eternal, it could choose.

When Aphi focused back on Ashi, she didn't turn from her sister's eyes, focusing on them to ignore the headband that still waved above her head. She was glad did, for she saw the regret in Aphi's gaze. The regret, the guilt, and the determination.

Her hard nod was an obvious answer in meaning. Ashi grinned.

"He does know of one." She spoke it as a fact. Their siblings behind them nearly cried out in joy, even as they continued to work. "And he's willing to show us the way?" Another nod, this time with Aphi crimpling the fabric of the Number 1 headband in her hands. Ashi imagined that ringing it may hurt whatever spirit also lied in the material. It was a dream she could have later.

Action was required now.

"Then we'll do that, unless we come up with a superior plan on the way." Travel meant a lack of committing until a destination was reached. They would move in one direction unless they heard of a better place in another. "Ami, Aki, get father out of the river once his arm is… okay." She wasn't sure that was the right word for it. But her sisters would know the meaning, hopefully.

"Already on the way, sis," Aki spoke. Ashi turned back to see her carrying father on her back, holding his stump up with her hand and his still thankfully undamaged limb around her shoulder for support. Ami carried his legs, keeping them from scraping at any sharp rocks that may have hung to the bottom of the river. Any more damage was unacceptable.

"We need to keep father stabilized, so hold his arm elevated above his heart," Ami spoke as she and Aki carried him to the shore of the river show, Aki holding his stump high as Ami instructed. "It will prevent further blood loss, preferably keep majority of the blood in plane with his heart so minimal muscular strength is needed to move it. If he remains parallel to the plane of gravity, his heart will work harder to move it, keeping him unconscious longer. We need to carry him by another means, preferably one that allows for him to lie unobstructed. Bent knees may be allowed." Ashi understood enough. So, did Aki.

"We're carrying him on a stretcher or something, got it. Just say that next time." Despite her sharp tone, Aki understood Ami's words. She was never dull in the head, merely slow to grasp new ideas. A gurney was not one. "We just… gotta make that up really quick. Like with some wood and twigs, right?"

"You, Aphi, and I can find them," Ashi instructed as she walked over. It was difficult for her to keep her gaze on her father, even as they spoke of him and his health. Because the closer she came, the more of him she saw.

The short breath through his mop of a beard. His shut eyes, lulled closed in pain. His stump of an arm still hanging at his side, held up by not his own strength. So near death, so close to dying.

Dying. Dying. Alone.

Ashi grit her teeth until she heard her jaw crack.

"We'll do it with haste, cutting down low limbs. The straighter the better, and make them thin for lighter weight." Aki nodded again, not willing to make jokes at a time like this. Ashi was appreciative. "Adi, Ahi, help Ami keep father stabilized and his arm… and keep his arm from spoiling the coolant too quickly."

In truth, she didn't know if she chose the right words, or if that was even possible. But having them neglect anything at the moment would be detrimental to their father. That was not to happen. By any means or any mistake.

Ashi turned back to her sister in the river, she saw that she had not moved. She was the only one of the six still standing in the river, watching the spirit, likely, as he danced between rocks. It matched the movement of her head at least.

"Aphi!" Ashi called to her sister. She earned only a glance. "Aphi! We cannot delay!" If shouting would be necessary, so be it! She at least got her sister to glare at her.

Ashi found herself returning the look with a snarl when she saw her sister shake her head. There needed not a moment of thought to know how disgusting that action was. It certainly helped she was not the only one to witness it.

"Aphi! The hell are you doing?!" Aki yelled. Ashi was thankful the most boisterous of their group was on her side. "This is not the freaking time to have a panic attack or second thoughts! We gotta go now!" It certainly helped that her sister was already standing by the woods.

"We're already risking dad the longer we take!" Ahi joined in. "If you're bothered by something, please tell us while we work! We have to go!" And that was the truth.

They all had to move. If they wanted to save their father, none of them could delay. Any one of them taking longer than needed dragged them all down, and put their father in jeopardy. This was not the time to start an argument, a conversation, or a discussion. It was a time for action. And Aphi was wasting it!

She was still shaking her head.

"For the last time Aphi!" Ashi yelled again, stepping back into the water, as if to threaten to pull her from the river. IF she needed to, she would, and she would let the rest of their sibling's harp on her for the remainder of their trip to save their father. But they would not be delayed! "The longer you take the shorter time father has left! We have to leave! NOW!"

Ashi stomped her foot into the water, making a ripple that hardly compared to the roar of the falling water beside them, at the foot of the waterfall. But her strength, though inconsequential to their father, was not to be taken lightly amongst their siblings. She was the strongest, the most diligent with her training, her skill, her attitude.

And Aphi was threatening to be on the receiving end of it all.

Even more so as she still helps up her head only to shake it, limbs almost shaking as well. Be it the cold of the water or the fear of Ashi's wrath, said sister did not care. She was going to have to drag their quiet sibling from the water now, like a petulant child! Foam nearly fell from her mouth in her rage.

She did not have the luxury to whine herself. Not when action was needed. Her feet splashed the water as she stepped into it, already reeling her fists to deliver savage blows to the child that apparently cared so little about their shared father! How was that even possible?!

Ashi snarled the closer she came, even as she held up her hand. Even as she showed them the long-cursed fabric she held, the very thing that the equally vile man held. The Number One headband, still shown in her tight fists, shaking with even a snarl and… and… oh…

Ashi focused on the alabaster fabric that swayed in the wind, forced up by the rushing falls, blown away by the torrential and continuous fall. She watched as Aphi's gaze fell to it, looking at it against the water she stood in. Then back to them, standing across from her, separated from them. Separated not by anything they couldn't overcome, but by what so many in the world noted as a border, by instinct alone.

An instinct that drove, that commanded, that made for decisions by both the hunter and the prey. Knowing what they each were thinking, then deciding upon the rules set forth. Ashi did as she was always taught by their father. She did not realize Aphi was doing the same.

She realized it only after she saw the harsh tears staining the corners of her sister's gaze… as her dark thin eyes looked at their dad.

"Aphi…" Ashi spoke her sister's name, all rage washed away in the river she stood. "You… You don't have to do this…"

"Do what?! What is she doin'?!" Aki yelled from the shore. Ashi hope she was the only one who didn't understand.

"Aphi's… Aphi's going to leave us." Ashi was incorrect. She was angered that another did.

"WHAT?! Why the hell?!" Aki kept yelling. No fault was lain on her. Not now. "This is like the exact last time we should EVER be thinking of something so stupid!"

"She's not doing because she wants to," Ashi spoke now. She could tell her sister's desire across from her, doubtlessly focusing on her even as the spirit of the damnable headband danced around her, invisible to the rest of them. "She must so that no others trace the headbands… as we were able trace the horrible man."

"Those are like the only things we have to bargain for helpin' dad! We need those and we sure as hell need Aphi!" It was almost pleasant to hear Aki swear by their sister even in such a trying time. Even when their father was broken and fallen, and they were struggling to pick up the pieces. Almost worth, but not even close. Not fully.

"It won't work." Adi's words were harsh and cruel, though full of self-directed spite. "Their… their corruptive. Even if we do trade them… it won't work. They'll jus take over whoever wanted to help us. Probably without even time to help dad!" The sorrow began to overtake her rage.

Ashi was no different. Her own anger having drowned thoroughly as soon as Aphi's idea came to her.

Aphi who held up her hand, the only one to release the Number One headband. Ashi watched as she circled it around, drawing a large path that went behind her, stopping when her arm was fully extended. She watched as it opened, dropping nothing, before slowly guiding back. When it did, it came to point at them all, with only the faintest of smiles at her lips. It was only noticeable to Ashi, while the others were only watching her now tear-stained face.

"She's leaving to dispose of the headbands," Ashi continued. A bit of hope in her own voice, though not nearly enough. "Then she'll come back to us. It's not like Avi. She's… She's just trying to keep us safe."

"We can do that crap together LATER!" Aki continued to yell. Ashi was sure Ahi and Ami were either too overcome by their own emotions or too dedicated to their tasks to speak. "Seriously! We've gotta have done this like a dozen times with dad! It's not different now!"

"It is," Ashi argued back, somberly. "Because dad isn't here to help."

The harsh truth roared louder than the waterfall next to them, overtaking the emotions that they held. Ashi knew the importance of Aphi's decision. She knew why it was coming to pass. She knew why her sister was thinking this way.

Because their father had done much the same.

Perhaps hundreds of times before he saved them, maybe more. He had taken on dangerous tasks to leave others to safety. Endured perilous journeys through foreign lands for the aid of others. Leaving behind loyal companions, from the Scots to the Atlanteans, all so that they would be safe.

Now she was doing the same for them, for him. She was taking the objects that promised so much destruction just by existing, and she was going to return only when they were either lost or disposed. IT was just as their father would do, and just as Ashi would have done.

But she was taking the place of their father to lead. Aphi would take his place to confront the danger.

"Father always came back alright," Ashi began to speak, she knew not from where. "No matter who he helped, he always returned to show that he was okay. It was never long either. Never more than a month's time." She swallowed on nothing. Aki yelled nothing behind her. "So, you must do the same. Even if you think it impossible."

Aphi nodded, firmly and sure. She was good at following directions, especially those who she knew were smarter than her. Ashi, even if not by direct age, was her elder sister. She was the one who listened to their father and emulated him while the others learned their own crafts, made their own talents. So, she would be the one Aphi listened to.

Ashi was sure this self-hatred she felt now was no different than how their father felt when Avi left. But she would not endure it.

Aphi would return, no matter what.

"Be safe and… come back before father wakes up." That may be an impossibility.

There was only a nod of assurance before Aphi turned. She did not even wave goodbye or speak promises of her return. She did, ironically, what their father was so well at doing.

Leaving quickly, with only the promise of an equally expedient return.

Ashi watched Aphi run, run away from them. In a direction she would lose track of in an hour's time.

She watched Aphi run away with the headbands in her arms, away from them, away from their father, and never once looking back.

It was the second time Ashi had seen one of her sisters being to travel separate from them. She loathed as much now as she did before. She hated it as nearly as much as she hated the state her father was in or the man who had done it to him. But her feelings of hatred could wait.

Their father could not.

"Let's hurry." Ashi spoke quickly. "We can't delay." None of her siblings spoke as they set to work. They understood how important this was, even if they hated it as much as they did. They had seen much spite and disappointment on their journey these last five years, five years that each day began and ended with their father loving and praising them. It was the first time Ashi truly understood why her father called this a dark future.

Because such as this could still come to pass.

"Stay safe, Aphi."

---

It had been one week since then.

One week since Aphi had run from her sisters, from her father, from her family carrying the cursed items across her sleeves and head. The waved in the long wind, drawn and blown from the ocean she walked besides, letting it bat against her without recompense. There was no storm she could see along the far horizon, only billowy clouds that drifted across the blue skies, stretching out farther than her eyes could see.

The sand at her feet pushed and gave under her weight, light as she knew she was. Light enough to land and jump on the larger Lilli pads of some lakes, but a moment too long on a sandy chore buried her to her ankles. She could feel the harsh grains already slipping into her boot, a feeling that grated at her frayed nerves.

Nerves that Aphi knew were being slowly torn apart the longer she was from her family, the more she was kept from them by both her rash decisions and inaction. It was her fault that she was in this state, and she loathed it with every step. She hated it more with each passing night.

She hated that she couldn't hear Aki joke about what she wanted to do as a prank in the morning. she hated that she couldn't hear Ahi discussing and preparing a meal for them to have over a campfire. She hated that she couldn't assist Adi with carrying her bags whilst she read a new novel. She hated that she couldn't spare with Ashi following the instructions from their father. She hated that she didn't have Ami to help her out, as she would her. That she couldn't turn to listen to Ami mumble about a new invention for assisting them, and then use it to help Aphi when they slept.

She hated that she missed it all. But what she loathed the most was what she had done before she left. What Aphi's decision had done to the one man she should have never wished harm and invited chaos to, never willingly. And yet, she ran from him when he was beaten in a way she was confident neither she or any of her sisters had ever seen before. Torn apart into a bloody mess and nearly washed away with the river.

Her father, her beloved caretaker, was last seen as she ran away. She'd always remember him now as a bloody and bisected corpse along the river's mouth, her sisters aiding him while she ran.

Aphi's jaw shook as she sighed, unable to push away the memories and images. Not when the only other sight to blind her or sound to deafen her was the calmness of the waves and their lapping strokes. She was sure her father would have reminded them of a tale of it, had they walked by it together. She could almost imagine what he'd say.

'The waves often hide many secrets even in this world where nothing is sacred.' He would speak after putting his hand on her head, lightly combing her hair as he kept his gaze sideways. She would follow it, and stare out to see what had him so enthralled. 'Thrice I believe I found grand designs upon the ocean's floor. Civilizations both in the midst of thriving, or ruins slowly falling. They are both captivating to watch… and slow to forget.'

Aphi would understand why. She would understand even if Ami… no, Adi would ask questions about the places he'd seen. Like she had with the Atlanteans before. Maybe he'd say something else.

'There was a civilization that housed great machines under the water, to keep them from the prying eyes of the sky, and guard them under the heaviest of safes.' Aphi knew he'd say that, because he said that the ocean was heavy enough at the bottom to tear the clothes and skin apart. 'And from those vaults came mighty warriors of steel, to protect against monolithic beasts of Aku's design. I am sure they are still there, waiting for when they will be needed again.'

Aphi knew it sounded silly to her, at least a little, but when they had seen mirrors capable of transporting worlds, great and vast temples that housed the souls of the long deceased, and spaceships that were older than even her father buried far beneath the land, a few robots were not something she would be surprised by.

No, especially not when she was wearing a cursed object herself, even as she carried another. Her finger rose and rolled under the alabaster fabric, feeling it lift and fall upon her skin. The cool air of the ocean tickled her, but she preferred it to the harsh, almost cruel, warmth of the headbands. Maybe if she had told her father why she put them on… this wouldn't have happened.

Maybe if she had talked… a lot would be different. Her arm fell, taking the imagery of her family with it.

It left her alone on the beach, staring out at the ocean, wondering how her family was doing. Her sister, her father, and everyone else her callous actions had put in jeopardy. She hated that she was here, but she deserved it.

She didn't like to talk, ever. She hated it. She sounded too much like her sisters, but without the intelligence of Ami, Adi, or Ahi, the dedication like Ashi or Avi, or even the attitude of Aki. She was just… Aphi, the second strongest of her sisters, always willing to help when they needed it, and nothing more.

And now, because she tried to act alone as her sisters so often did, and so often succeeded, she was alone in the world her father loathed, without the family that she had grown with all her life. No one to help her cook, to read, to learn, to right, nothing. Just her, and her alone.

She had promised to protect her sister, no matter what. And that meant staying away from them so long as she held these accursed objects with her.

"Heh, guess this is 'nother crazy day ta be walkin' lone, ain't its gal?" The damnable voice spoke behind her.

There was a correction to be made, as Ami would say. It was Aphi as well as a cursed spirit that continued to torment her.

The same spirit that walked behind her, far taller than her, and with hands casually threaded into his pants. She entertained the ideas of how real they were, as real as him. He was real enough to be able to influence her, show her things she didn't see, and guide her away from danger, but always with a tone and note that she loathed to hear.

There was no compassion or understanding in his voice, like her father. There was no casual acceptance or even mild acceptance. There was only ever one tone that came from this 'Ninja-Ninja', and that was mocking. Mocking her for all that she was, and all that she did.

"Hey now, don't ya goin start ignorin' me gally. I'mma the only friend yer gonna have fer some time, ain't I? Not like ya can go runnin' back ta the res of them chicks and half a man back there." His laughter was proof enough that he deserved nothing but Aphi's absolute most loathing emotion. He deserved nothing but pain, if he was capable of feeling it.

Instead, she turned a wry eye to him, watching as he smirked cheekily at her through his darkened shades. Hands in his pockets and the disgusting flesh that looked so close to rotten still on him. Aphi had entertained the idea that he would die soon, for having not killed anyone recently. But it was a fool's hope. She knew. Otherwise, Adi would have suggested it quicker.

Adi… she was probably trying to go through all her records for helping father now. Maybe a catalogue or something about medical experts, or tales of medicine that originated from some far off land. Something that would make saving him easier, more capable, possible. Aphi knew she would be the one to find it, Adi that was. She was very intelligent.

And Ami… she was definitely keeping father alive. She'd help with the devices before, making them at least. They would be able to keep him alive for longer, ensure his severed arm would survive for longer, all before they made it to a hospital for them to seek aid in. Once they did that, then father would be alright.

And Ashi, with her there, they definitely had someone to listen to. Someone who would swoop down and help them out, because she was the strongest of them when it came to fighting, and she always listened to father. So, she would know exactly what was needed, no matter where they went or what they needed.

Aki and Ahi, they weren't going to do a lot at the moment. But that didn't' mean nothing. Ahi wouldn't let them go hungry, at all. She'd make sure they were all well fed, including father. She'd probably make something up so he could eat it in his abused state. Aki would help them all, like she used to do. Aki was a bit more boisterous than she'd ever want to be, but… but she loved her sisters and didn't do anything unless the punishment was hers alone.

Aphi had failed that, horribly, by taking the headbands that still were adorned over her head and tucked into her light pack. She let the long fabric blow in the wayward sea wind, letting it reminder her that it truly was tied to her now. No way to escape it, not without damning her family in the process.

She stopped again along the ocean's beach, staring out at the vast blue that the blew in from. It was something to be admired and appreciated, she knew. Something that her father would comment on with his sagely wisdom was he here. But he wasn't, because of her, so she had only ideas of what he would say, not the truth.

Only ideas of what could be, not what was. A long sigh left her lips, beaten away by the salty breeze of the ocean.

"Gettin' sentimental in the memories, chicky?" The poorly garbed and horribly appearing spirit asked behind her. Aphi did not turn to look. He did not deserve it. "C'mon, you ain't gonna be splittin' me up that easy, ain'tcha?" She did know what he meant. Only that his vile tongue continued to match his vile appearance.

She turned to walk again, not waiting for the spirit that would likely be dragged by her as well. He could follow if he so deserved, but Aphi would have far preferred him to turn to dust and fall away. At least then, maybe, she could return to her sisters. A week was already far too long.

"Gonna keep playin' hooky with tha Ninja, are ya?" He asked with a callous laugh. Aphi didn't even look to glare at him. "Heh, then ya better least duck, girl." Though Aphi loathed the Ninja-Ninja, she knew he wanted her alive. So, she did as he asked.

Aphi fell quickly, twisted around and kicked at the sand. It shot up a small column of the heavy grains, blurring her vision of the thing behind her, but doing the same to it for her. And it was a good reason for that.

An arm shot out from the grainy sand a moment later, nearly grabbing at her neck. It missed, widely, and she was able to roll backwards and back onto her feet, facing whatever her assailant was. Even with how quickly the sand fell again, it was difficult to get a good look at the thing. It all just looked to… bulky.

Broad heavy shoulders, standing almost thrice her height, a heavy coat hanging from his frame, one arm tucked into a pocket, and an oddly made hat sitting on his head. Avi would know what kind of hat it was. Aphi didn't. She only knew that good guys didn't wear them.

It was all matched with beady red eyes staring at her, just beneath the brim.

"Whoa! Now that'sa monstrosity if I'ma gonna be talkin' straight girl." He never did talk straight, but Aphi still listened, even as she kept her narrowed gaze on the thing. She couldn't afford to let it take the headbands not after only a week. "Betcha figuring he's after them headbands of yours, am I ris?" Aphi didn't respond. "Well, might just be, but I'm not seein' a fancy headband on him either. Making it look like he's not in the game yet, ya get what I'm sayin?" Aphi never did.

All it meant was the creature wasn't one that was knowledgeable of the headbands, likely. Adi and Ashi would be able to tell more, maybe Ami, too. But not her. All she knew was this thing had tried to take her head off with a swing of her arm, likely to squeeze her dry. If it was a robot, and she was as small as she was, then it was a real possibility.

"Well, then I'd be keepin' an eye out fer that mighty fella's other hand. No tellin' what he's got packin there." It took Aphi a moment to realize that the spirit was right. This mysterious creature did have his hand concealed, and when attempting to grab her, it had to be for a reason. What that reason was, she didn't know.

Ashi could guess, her father definitely so. Ami would probably be able to use a device to make whatever he was using show itself or Adi could do some guess work with her research. Aphi, however, Aphi could only wait.

And waiting now meant jumping back as the creature's large hand reached forward again. She lifted her feet the backs of the monster's palm, pushing off of it and nearly sliding off the dark gloves that were held there. Not only did they not slip, however, she didn't appear to be able to make him budge.

The daughter of Jack jumped backwards, pirouetting through the air, as if she had kicked off of a wall and not the stray limb of some towering behemoth. A behemoth that's most distinguished trait still remained to be his red eyes. Everything else was too dark.

With the distance between them, thanks to her jump, she eyed the colors of his outfit, like Avi would do before. She saw and made note of the darker colors that appeared to be decorated down his jacket, a hat of matching color, the large blue glove around his hand stretching as his fist clenched, and boots sinking far further into the sand than Aphi's own. It was of little mystery that was because of the weight of the monster.

But when the behemoth began to sprint again, with the grainy sand being kicked up with every foot lift and fall, it was almost impossible to keep track of. Her eyes widened as she silently thought of guessing which way to go.

"Try thinkin' left 'bout this." His words were confusing, but meaning honest.

Aphi ducked fast, spinning her body so her head would swing to the right first. The backhand of the large fist flew over her head, knocking on the flaps of the headband that clung to her head, scrapping at a few stray hairs, but otherwise missing her entirely. She did not let it go to waste.

Her knees bent, mimicking the monkey's climb from her father's training. It let her grasp onto the arm of the fist that missed her, swinging her up t the robot's level, and it was Definity a robot. Too heavy to be anything else. But at the same moment, though it worked, it didn't. She was supposed to bring him down. Instead, his massive weight and strength brought her up. But she could work with it.

Aphi slid across the rough fabric of his arm, the sea breeze pushing her, as she moved closer to the torso of the robot. That was where all the vitals were held, as Ami had described to her once. The human body was a great example, as anything vital was held behind a thick chassis, like the core of the robot. She only needed to strike it well.

GONG!

Her foot kicked out when she was close enough ringing with the sound of a struck bell as it hit the center of the robot's mass. It made him waver for a moment, the heavy sands of the beach shifting with the upturn of his weight.

But it wasn't enough. She wasn't her father. She wasn't heavy enough.

Sooner than Aphi expected, his other hand rose and grasped onto her leg, pulling her from his arm and holding her in the air. For a moment and only a moment.

Because in the next moment, she was thrown to the sandy ground hard enough to kick up a storm. A storm that blinded her even as the wind was knocked from her lungs and eyes widened in panic. The fabric of the headband fell over her gaze for a moment, covering her as if to protect her, vainly, from the sand. It didn't last.

The robot lifted her again, swinging her over his head and slamming her into the ground on his opposite side. The vertigo of the swing, coupled with the harsh slam of her back into the sand forced what little was left into her lungs out. But she still had fight in her, enough to raise her arms in a guard for any blows the robot would try and make at her.

Even as he lifted her up, upside down, dangling by her sole foot, she didn't give up. She kicked at his heavy metal hand with her free leg, feeling her trapped limb give little by little with each harsh blow, punctuated by a stretching in her muscles. She just had to kick a bit harder. A bit harder and then she'd

WOOMP!

Air was thrown out of her lungs as a strong first hit her stomach.

Aphi was surprised for a moment that she didn't vomit on the impact, her stomach churning with the force that had hit her. She wanted to roll in on herself, but doing an upside-down curl was too much for her now heavily abused muscles. It just left her hanging upside down, groaning, and with her head swinging limply.

"Wait, that's all ya got girl?" The spirit continued to torment and mock her from the side. "Shit, your daddy was a BA with a degree in the art, but ya get a couple of lucky hits on ya and yer down fer the count?" No… no she shouldn't be, but… but she was.

Because she hadn't eaten, because she wasn't with her family, because it was her fault, because everything that was happening was her fault. So, this… this was just payment for her misdeeds. She hated it, but that was what it was.

Aphi only whimpered as the robot pulled her up higher, until her hanging eyes were looking into his red lights.

BANG!

His metallic head slammed into hers, over the headband, making her swing with the effort. Swinging back and forth by the grip of one knee and moaning in delirium. Her vision was rocked by the blow, ears ringing from it as well.

Once, Aki had hit her with a rock during their spar, something that their father had reprimanded her for severely, commenting that though it was good to be open to new things in a death match, they didn't belong in a one-to-one fight. The blow that Aki dealt to her then was very similar to this now. Complete with the inability to focus.

"Poor gal. Wrapped up in such a nasty mess."

Aphi could only breath through the blood that clotted her throat at the statement. What she heard didn't make any sense to her, in any context either. She only knew what she saw, because what she heard was ringing. And what she saw was what her father had never wished for them to be indulged with, no more than himself.

A pistol, with a barrel as large as her head, aimed at her forehead.

She couldn't see down the chamber, not when it was aimed so close squarely between her eyes, but she was no fool. She knew what a gun was for and what this one would do.

"Given up 'ready? Man, gotta be a speed record somethin' fallin ta a giant ass robot just because he got in a good hit er three," the spirit continued to mock her from the side even as she hung in the robot's grasp with his barrel aimed at her head. "Heh, well, might as well get used ta this. Only thin's gonna be keepin' ya 'wake nows gonna be the idea ya didn't do 'nough." And the spirit cackled with the words.

Aphi didn't have the energy to spite him, to mock him, or anything else. She only wanted her father and family to be safe. She only wanted to be with them. She wanted to be safe and with them, but she was okay with them just being safe. Giving up wouldn't solve anything, and she knew that, her father always told her that.

But it had only been a week, and she was already so tired. So tired from the idea, the journey, and everything else.

She wasn't strong like her sisters. She wasn't brave. She only ever did what was asked of her. Even now, she only did what was suggested. And for it, for her cowardice, she was going to die for it.

"Sorry sweet thing. Why don't ya relax for now." The robot's voice spoke to her, gently as if she was being coddled. She wasn't, and she knew it. Not after she'd been struck thrice by fists heavier than most of her own father's blows. Especially not with the accursed spirit of the headband laughing at as it happened. "Maybe when you wake up, you'll see flowers."

Flowers would be nice. Aphi always did like flowers, just like Avi. Avi wanted to put them on clothing to copy their designs. But Aphi just liked flowers. They were sweet to smell, gentle to touch, and right where they belonged. She liked flowers, but she didn't get to see them.

Instead, she only got the sea. The endless ocean, the salty breeze, and the hard end of a pistol pushed against her forehead. This was everything her father had tried to keep her from, but she had run right into it, after putting him on death's door.

She was going to die, and it was all her fault.

"I'm sorry dad." Aphi hated her voice.

Not as much as the explosion of white.

---

Author's Note: Hello darkness my old friend~, I've come to talk with you again~

Well, what can I say. Samurai Jack is dark, and I had to remind you that it is still dark. Don't worry, it'll get a lot better from here.

Wanted to also point out that despite planning a long confrontation with Afro, I decided against it. The whole point was meant to just be a Segway for Aphi having a conflict of her morals for decisions, not a XO of any reasonable kind. The Death Battle just happened and I said screw it, that'll work.

Also, bonus points to those who know who the figure was in the end.