|Jack|

He hadn't really planned on picking up a travel companion in these parts. No, he hadn't planned on picking up a companion in any part of this world, though his few friends - the Scotsman, for one - could pop up in unexpected places. But the woman - miss Arkham - had seemed so out of place it was almost painful. He'd first seen her when coming out of the inn where he had spent a few nights getting his bearings. He'd seen her attempt to ask directions several times, but she'd been too quiet. People had walked by her before she'd gotten a chance to speak louder. A cutpurse had nearly stolen the pouch at her belt before Jack had gently changed his mind about that. After that he had lost sight at her, until he walked past the stand where she was once more asking directions. After hearing her destination, Jack almost had no choice but to offer his company. Letting her go alone was akin to letting her walk to her death.

He searched for a woman with long, light brown hair at the gates. Her clothing was practical and clean, and easy to spot. The blouse was a light ivory, while her light blue pants were loose and gathered at the bottom. A small pouch hung from her belt, while a small backpack hung from her shoulders. She held another bag in her hands. Judging from the bulge it was filled to the brim with groceries.

Her eyes, a strange light blue, almost amethyst, settled on him. She seemed shocked to see him, attempted a smile and then a slight frown. It was obvious his presence got her pretty much tongue-tied. A faint red color spread from her collar bones all the way to her ears. "…hi."

"Miss Arkham," he greeted her with a smile. He guessed from her general behavior she wasn't used to being alone with a man. After a few inquiries he eventually guided her outside of the city gates. The road in front of them seemed pleasant enough, broad and lined with large trees that could have been willows if it hadn't been for their deep blue color. He kept a light hand on his katana as they walked, though he expected no attack so soon outside the gates. Those were usually reserved for those moments when travelers had been at ease for so long they started to relax.

He paid less attention to his traveling companion than to his surroundings, but he did notice that she was observing him closely. Eventually he turned to her, careful not to seem intimidating. She was nervous enough as it was, he did not have to give her a reason for it. He gestured to the bag in her hands. "May I be of assistance?"

"Oh… it's… it's quite heavy," she replied, looking down at her hands.

"It does seem like that, yes. If you'd like, I can carry it for a while," He saw her gaze go to the hand not resting on his blade, where he was holding his own supplies. "Please, don't worry. I wouldn't offer if I could not handle it."

She looked away for a moment, one of her hands slipping to the necklace around her neck. Eventually she handed over the bag, muttering a thank you. With her hands empty, she slipped one arm around her own waist, looking around. For a moment he thought she was investigating their surroundings for threats, but the way she smiled soon betrayed she was just sightseeing.

A while later she was the one who spoke first. "Have you ever been here before?"

"No. I heard there was a sort of portal close to here that might lead me back home. This is the first time I visit these regions."

She nodded. "The portal near Middleport is considered highly potent in magical power, but there seem to be several magic wards guarding it. It would take a highly skilled and intelligent warrior to even break the first layer, characterized by the crystal Unia surrounding it. After that there's-"

She stopped talking at once, looking as if she wanted to swallow her own tongue. Jack was impressed by her knowledge, but wondered where she had learned such a thing. "Excuse me, but if you've never been here before, how do you know such a thing?"

"… my job. I have to know these things, since I'm an administrative employee. My main field was battle reports, but magical artifacts were a subdivision in my department. I have a pretty good memory."

"I have never met someone in an administrative capacity before. My travels mostly keep me tied to the areas that are less civilized. Do you know much about the wards guarding the portal?" Jack inquired, interested in learning more about his next destination. There was also the added benefit that this subject seemed to leave her less likely to faint due to his presence.

Miss Arkham nodded, before gesturing to the blue willow-like trees that surrounded them. "Well, like I mentioned, there are crystal Unia surrounded the first of three layers… the Unia are the trees, by the way," she added shyly, when he glanced at the trees doubtingly. "It's thought that the magic leakage of the wards is what caused them to turn crystal. According to the files most warriors who attempt to pass them are stopped."

"Oh? What is so special about them then?"

"… it's said they are food to a great beast with a quick temper. Because breaking the first layer asks for the tree sap of a Unia, it attacks whomever attempts to break through."

Now this was highly interesting. Jack smiled, feeling as if this was a first ray of sunshine to have finally come into his life again after too many failures. "Miss Arkham, I believe having run into you was a very lucky thing."

|Rue|

Oh, she wished he wouldn't smile at her like that. It made him look far younger and more innocent than she liked. She couldn't poison someone who looked at her like that, all innocent charm! At once she averted her look from him, wishing she could just sink into the ground. The only thing that kept her from attempting to run away was her almost dead certainty that Master Aku would at one point or other tune into his favorite Samurai channel and see her there. The only thing better than her being at the Samurai's side was her slipping some powder in his tea. The one thing that would get her skinned alive was running away now. When she realized it had been quiet for too long she quickly mumbled something about it being a pleasure to meet him. "I'm sorry. I don't get out much. Usually I'm stuck behind a desk filing paperwork."

"I could never imagine that kind of life. It must be very peaceful," he commented again, pleasantly. He made it seem very easy to carry on a conversation with little words.

"Oh yes, probably far more peaceful than your life… if that's not rude to say," Rue added quickly. Though she probably read about bloodshed more than he could imagine. Master Aku's ventures took him far and wide, but one thing usually never changed. There was always someone getting killed, or maimed or thrown into the dungeons.

"I cannot recall a day where I was able to simply be at peace," he agreed with her, before stopping in the middle of the road. "Wait!"

Rue froze where she stood while Jack placed the groceries on the ground, ready to draw his sword. Something rustled in the bushes, flitting back and forth quickly. She followed the movement, licking her lips. Her hands clenched around the locket dangling from her neck, her only weapon. When a flash of dark brown jumped out of the bushes she shrieked and fell to the ground.

It was quiet for a few seconds, apart from the light thump on the ground. Then she heard a chuckle and raised her head. In front of her, Jack had stood up straight, leaning forward to pick up the grocery bag. Following his gaze she noted a cat sitting in the middle of the road. With a forked tongue it licked its paw, hardly deigning them worthy of its attention.

"It is nothing to fear, miss Arkham. Just an innocent cat," Jack assured her.

The feline looked up at her, amber eyes glinting in the sparse sunlight. When she caught a glance of the sharp canines she shuddered. Yeah… that sure looked innocent to her.

|That Evening|

When night fell, Rue felt less secure than ever. Was it very hypocritical of her to feel safer in the presence of her intended victim? Jack was the one who managed to start a fire and catch a fish for dinner. She'd exclaimed in wonder when she saw the dark blue purple scales and the bright red eyes. She begged him to allow her to make a sketch before they ate it. As she sketched he went to work to catching a few more, though none of the new catches were as magnificent as the first fish. The scales were slimy to the touch, and Rue was very aware that she was touching a dead thing. But she believed it to be a rare mutation of a previously extinct species. When she finished her sketch she dated it and added their location. Her people would add the information to their library, perhaps send out a few robots to research.

"That is very well drawn!" the Samurai exclaimed.

It was only then she noted he had been observing over her shoulder. Immediately she closed her notebook, shaking her head. "No, all of my… everyone I know can do this. We have to, you know."

"May I?" The Samurai asked her, holding out his hand. Rue doubted, mentally checking if she had left any incriminating evidence in the booklet. When she was certain it was safe, she handed it over before turning to the fire.

The scent of roast fish and boiling vegetables filled the air, and for the first time since getting of the boat she felt hungry. Next to her the Samurai hummed his appreciation of her sketches. Rue glanced at him, trying to be subtle about it. The firelight danced across his cheekbones, painting shadows and bright red in alternation over his countenance. Now he did indeed look dangerous, like a demon from another time and place. But his pose was relaxed, the sword her Master hated so much without a hand to cover it. For a moment she glanced towards the boiling vegetables. She could… could she? He would see her, probably, if she attempted to add a bit of powder to the mixture now. Perhaps later would be better, tomorrow or the day after. If her nerves would hold for so long.

As they ate, they exchanged a few glances. She remembered reading the report about how Master Aku had once deceived the Samurai by posing as a woman. Though their environment now was a far cry from the desert, he probably did not fully trust her because of his earlier experience. She did not blame him. As they cleared the remnants of their meal he yawned.

"I… I could keep first watch," she offered, feeling too nervous to be sleepy.

He seemed surprised by her offer, but eventually nodded. "If you would be so kind. Please wake me when you feel the need to sleep however."

Rue nodded once, and watched as the Samurai settled against the tree. The fire crackled softly as she added a few more twigs to it, keeping it just above a slight glowing ember. The breathing of her companion slowed, until he seemed to be sunken into his sleep. Finally she had to chance to study him at her own leisure, without fearing he would become suspicious of such scrutiny.
His broad chest gently rose and fell as he breathed. His legs were muscular, drawn up in a cross-legged position. His narrow eyes and thick eyebrows were relaxed for the moment, but still gave the impression he could at any moment jerk awake and attack any sensed threat. Her eyes landed on the satchel next to him. It contained a small tin, which her Master had assured her contained his tea. She had no idea what tea was, other than it had been assured to her it would provide her with the best opportunity to strike.

Something rustled in the bushes near them. With a start she jerked upright, eyes trained to detect any movement. "… kitty?" she whispered. She hadn't liked the look of that cat. It had reminded her of a predator she had once seen in a book. The problem was that this world was filled with dangerous creatures, so even if it was intent on attacking, she would probably be unable to guess which creature it was.

First method of analysis : robot or organic? Answering this question would allow her to exclude an entire class of creatures. She listened carefully for distinctive metallic steps, or rusty breathing. Only rustling met her ears.

"… mister Samurai?" she said slightly louder, hoping not to startle the creature sneaking up on them. There was a chance it would kill the Samurai, but she didn't fancy the chance of getting killed herself.

Just when she was about to stand up, something in the woods snarled. At the same instant burning embers were scattered in the air, eliciting a deep growl. The light blinded her, and she only saw a vague shape bounding over them. Rue fell back in reflex. It landed heavily in the dark and ran away with wet, heaving panting.

"Are you alright?" the Samurai asked her. A warm hand touched her shoulder.

Shaking she nodded. "Is it… always like this?"

He looked in the direction the creature had escaped. "Actually I find today to be rather calm."

|Jack|

When he woke miss Arkham the next morning she seemed to be poorly rested. Bags under her eyes in combination with her disheveled hair suggested she would never be an outdoors type of woman. Whomever her employer was, sending a woman so ill-suited to this environment was a poor decision. She mumbled something that could have been good morning or a curse. With a big yawn she then attempted to stretch out, hands disturbing the dirt underneath her. With a thud she lost her balance again, sprawled on her stomach.

The little reservation he had had concerning his traveling companion faded with every minute he observed her. Her sleep had been fitful, but he had blamed her inexperience of that. Her general awkwardness and inability to look at him without at least the hint of a blush was enough to indicate she was, if not innocent, then very much inexperienced. A civilian, not an assassin. He had yet to meet an assassin so unsteady on her feet. Every woman he had had to fear in the past had been exceedingly well-versed in some sort of combat. Miss Arkham looked as if she would be unable to differentiate the cutting edge of his katana from the handle.

"Breakfast?" he offered her, showing the remainders of the cold fish.

She nodded, holding out her hand. She yawned so wide he could see her back teeth, before yawningly taking a bite of fish. He had already had a cup of tea at his leisure, waiting for the sun to fully rise before waking miss Arkham.

"Mhanks…" she said, before reaching for her traveling pouch. Daintily she pulled out a kerchief to wipe her fingers. Playing with her locket she looked at him, almost coyly. "Any idea how long it is to our destination?"

He glanced around them, estimating the distance and their average walking speed. "Perhaps three days. Four, if we take our time."

Miss Arkham nodded, standing up and dusting her clothes. "Well then, we had better get going. Please lead the way."

So the first and second day passed pleasantly enough. Jack could not remember ever spending the time so peacefully with a traveling companion. The Scotsman preferred to play his hellish music while walking, if he didn't boast loudly about his capabilities or wife. Bounty hunters that sometimes shared his path were taciturn or downright rude, often turning on him before they reached their destination.
Miss Arkham was none of these things. She stepped neatly next to him, sometimes a step before or after him. A few times she would run ahead so she could sketch an interesting phenomenon. And though she still became tongue-tied and flustered when he tried to engage her in a serious conversation, she often answered him unconsciously when he talked to her while she sketched.

From the corner of his eye he caught the movement of her blouse as she abruptly halted, bending forward to pick up something from the road. With her pencil she picked up a dull green bug, depositing it on her sketch book.

"What is that?" he inquired.

"The Green Roniu, a subspecies of the Jeweled Roniu. I've never even seen a vague sketch of this one before. Luckily we're outside its mating season."

"Why is that?"

She looked up at him, all big eyes and innocent pout. "In the mating season they excrete a deadly acid that eats through anything they come into contact with. Which is mainly the reason people dislike researching them."

Well, that did explain a few things. At least she could sketch the small beetle while they walked. Her usual clumsiness gave way to an awkward gait when she was deeply concentrated. There was still a high chance she would trip and fall over her own feet, but it was remarkably less than when she was paying actual attention to what she was doing. Jack felt almost completely sure that she posed no danger to him. For a while he allowed himself the simple pleasure of observing an attractive woman.

"Did you hear that?" Rue asked, looking up in surprise. The moment she looked up from her sketchbook her feet tangled in one another. Before she could stumble to the ground, Jack grabbed her by the scruff of her shirt. The fabric protested, but did not rip. Instead she found her footing rather quickly, scrambling to stand on her own two feet. But even in her panic, her gaze remained trained in one particular direction.

"Did you hear something?" he wondered, looking in the same direction she saw.

She nodded, clasping the notebook to her chest. "That sound… can't you hear it? As if a thousand crystal bells are tingling."

He strained to hear a possible sound, but could not detect one. Just as he was about to dismiss her statement as a flight of fancy the wind shifted. Crystal bells indeed. "Are those the Unia trees?"

Mutely she nodded. Jack felt torn for a moment. He could escort her to the town they had been headed towards. Yes, that would be safest. And he could be fairly certain that nobody would break through the barrier in the two days of travel back and forth. No, escorting miss Arkham to her final destination would be the most gentlemanly way of approaching matters. But when he offered her, she refused.

"It's not that I don't have to get to town. But… if it's not too strange to say to you… I would like to see the crystal Unia. And the temple at the center of the magical barriers. No mortal has laid eyes on it ever since its construction all those centuries ago." Miss Arkham was all polite fluttering of eyelashes and shy smiles. Judging from the way she thumbed her notebook, Jack could guess that she in fact wanted to take a few sketches. It wasn't that he begrudged her that but…

"Miss Arkham, you have been a delightful traveling companion. But the truth is that remaining with me will only expose you to danger. Aku will stop at nothing to destroy me. If you are to get caught up in a battle between me and his minions, you could very well die."

She straightened, her thick hair tumbling down her shoulders as she drew herself up to her full height. Amused he noted she reached a little above his chin if she did so. "Samurai Jack, how dare you sell yourself short so badly? I for one have the utmost confidence in a man who has survived so long in a hostile world. Other than that, there is a good chance we will not encounter any trouble at all. And… my most important skill to note, I am extremely well-versed in all manner of lore, legend and myth. I would be very happy to lend you my aid should you require it, as long as I am allowed to stay near your side for the remainder of this journey."
Suddenly she seemed to be aware of exactly what she was saying. She had become red, a creeping glow that had curled around her neck and shoulders. "I mean… uhm… if you don't mind terribly. It might be nicer for you as well?"

He wanted to refuse her. No matter from what angle he considered it, escorting her to town was the good thing to do. But then she looked up at him with big eyes, that seemed to have been made specifically to melt a man where he stood. For once he was tongue-tied, because there was a sudden jolt in his heart that seemed to spread to all his extremities. It would certainly be more pleasant for him. Miss Arkham was gentle, well-mannered and considerate. With some gentle tutelage she might even become slightly more adapted to traveling. And he appreciated being near a creature that was both intelligent and had no intention of harming him. But the danger to her still compelled him.
"I-"

"Please. I implore you to not send me away just now."

"It is dangerous."

"Being alive in these times is dangerous."

"I cannot guarantee your safety."

"I'm not asking you to."

"Miss Arkham-"

"Sir Samurai, please."

He sighed before he nodded. "Very well. If you insist you are welcome to join me." He could have put up a bigger fight, certainly. But it would be a long time before he would once again travel with someone not intent on killing him, so he might as well enjoy the experience while it lasted.

New chapter is up! Chapter three will probably be uploaded on the 23d this month, unless the fic hits ten reviews, then y'all get a chapter the day we hit 10. To answer Oblique's question, my favorite episodes are probably the ones with the Scotsman. I didn't like the character at first, but he grew on me. Besides, his wife is hilarious, so you can be sure that the Scotsman and his clan will be appearing at one point or another.