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[dariussheeno-blog]

Sorry!

Sorry, I've been so inactive lately, I've been on a really tight schedule that doesn't really allow for any writing to be done, but I also don't want to upload anything unfinished. So if you can still hang tight while this is sorted out, then it'll make me really happy.

Thanks, and again, I'm sorry!

[dariussheeno-blog]

"50 years have passed

But I do not age

Time has lost its effect on me

Yet the suffering continues

Aku's grasp chokes the past, present, and future.

Hope is lost.

Got to get back

Back to the past."

Samurai Jack

XI

The fields were peaceful, and the most excitement it ever saw was when a breeze brushed by. It was quiet. Too quiet. For a while, the silence was deafening. Something had to have been going on. Nearby, the forest trees danced in the wind, obscuring anything that might be hidden within its stead. A nearby village lay like a sitting duck, unaware of the danger it was in. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.

Suddenly, several explosions could be heard from the village. It was under attack.

But by who? No huge army was present. Whatever this was seemed like a silent killer.

Footsteps could be heard. Two people. A mother and her child, and the mother holding another. They were running. Running for their lives. Running as fast as they could, as to not let what was behind them catch them.

Beetle drones. Hundreds of beetle drones. All crawling, inching closer and closer to the family. The family ran as fast as they could, but it was no use. The drones were quicker. After a quick flank, the chase was over. The family was surrounded, the drones all circling around their new-found prey. However, something didn't seem right. A noise, perhaps? Yes, a noise, something hard and rowdy, like the sound of six cylinders pumping gasoline. The drones stopped completely, allowing the family to also hear the noise. It was getting louder, so whatever it was, it was getting closer. One of the drones stood up on its hind legs, allowing it to see who it was.

A single man in samurai gear, riding a motorcycle. As it was seen, the man wore a mask of an angry god. Horns protruded from his helmet like the work of the devil.

All the drones turned to face the man, awaiting any indication of an opportunity. It would be their undoing, as they all just stood there as the man took out a rocket launcher, and blasted a hole in their perimeter. Shocked, the drones kept waiting. With some simple clicks, the launcher converted into a minigun. Pulling the trigger, the man fired thousands of bullets at the drones; each one penetrating their exoskeleton, and wreaking havoc on their internals. After downing several other drones, the man put his weapon away and set up his next attack. Putting his motorcycle in the wheelie position, spikes appeared on the front wheel. He kept it in that position as a beetle drone charged, and when it was in close range, he introduced them to it. Pushing his motorcycle forward, he shredded every part of the drone. The man proceeded to boost his motorcycle into the air, and before landing on the drones, activated the spikes on the back wheel, and drove right over them, putting any unfortunate drone out of commission. It seemed he would destroy them all with one swift move.

However, the streak was cut short when one of the beetle drones tackled the man. For a moment, time slowed. The man was taken aback, but he pulled himself together, grabbing at the drone, pulling out a pistol, and filling the drone with lead. Landing on the floor, he rolled and moved away before the beetle drone could've crushed him.

The family was simply shocked. No man could accomplish such a feat by his lonesome. At least, no mortal man. Could it be…?

The man took out a stick, which extended to be a staff, and after the press of a button, became a soderagami. He proceeded to stab a drone. With a twist of his staff, he grabbed all of its cables, and pulled it all out. The drones kept coming, however, and he kept fighting. It all seemed fine, until one of them made it through his defense, cutting apart the mask. Before his face could be revealed, however, a beetle drone attacked him, sending him back. A small scuffle ensued, of which Jack won by swinging his mighty soderagami, slicing the drone in half. Standing up, the man revealed the full glory of his identity.

The man was Samurai Jack.

The family was surprised at such a revelation. They felt as if they just saw their guardian angel. The man was known across lands as the only man who has a chance against Aku. He was a martyr for the years since he has disappeared. And now, seeing his return, the family was surprised to see him.

Jack leapt into the air, letting out a great war cry. He shoved his soderagami down the length of a drone beetle. The family could feel as though he was being extra aggressive, and his looks showed it. He didn't seem any different than what the folklore had told them, but he looked way wearier. He was extremely grizzled, having a beard going down to his chest, and long hair that matched.

He pulled his soderagami out of the drone and began to take out the ones that remained. Making quick work of them, the child of the family looked up and said in the language it could, "Thank you."

But Jack didn't see it.

He got on his motorcycle and left.

Jack rode around for days, across different lands. He wasn't following a rumor. He wasn't journeying on a quest. He was simply wandering, completely aimless. Some days, he couldn't secure a source of food, and went to sleep that night starving. Other times, he'd have to run to escape some sort of mortal danger. Sometimes, his visions came back, and he'd always run away.

Not all men that wander are lost. But Jack certainly was.

Jack arrived at a large forest, the sun shining through at spots, lighting his way through the beaten path. He rode slowly through, being cautious as to not alert any possible foe in the vicinity. Over the years, Jack had become slowly less sane, paranoia setting in. It was only a matter before dementia took hold. However, these things were not on Jack's mind. To him, everything, everyone is an enemy. No one here is his friend, and he'll have to fight to the death should he not want to die.

His thoughts drifted to his, "friend". The only person that can speak to him. Of course, it was a figment of his imagination, but he spoke nevertheless. With friends like that, who needs enemies? Jack sighed. Perhaps this life was not for him after all. He had no reason to be here. There was nothing he could do to help advance his fate.

He heard a couple of explosions. A nearby village was being destroyed. He could feel the pulses as people lost their life to whatever this threat was.

Don't. A voice told him.

Jack stared at the smoke with a black expression, nothing could be seen of the pain he felt.

Just keep going.

Jack thought about it. Closing his eyes, he tried to envision his happy place. A grassy field, nothing to bother him, it was perfect. He was at peace. However, they were interrupted by thoughts. People dying, some pleading for help.

But Jack left, a scowl in his face.

He couldn't be involved. He didn't belong here. Those decades of helping people were mistake. He shouldn't have done anything at all. Now, he realized that. He was lost in his own mind.

He shouldn't have existed at all.

Author’s Note

Well, I’m back. Sorry it took so long, it took longer than I thought it would to get over my funk. However, I should be fine now, but due to the beginning of my college semester, chapters will take much longer to post. Also, yeah, this sounds like the actual story, but I assure you, I’ve put some thought into alternate scenarios, and we‘ll get to that when I‘m done with it. But please, enjoy.

[dariussheeno-blog]

Omae wa mou...shindeiru.

Nani?

ok but criticism aside

this is golden

[dariussheeno-blog]

Need me a fiction for this

Dropping this sadistic au on y’all, because if I have to suffer, SO DO ALL OF YOU.

Keep reading

[dariussheeno-blog]

Son of God (2014)

Hi, go crazy

credit

[dariussheeno-blog]

Literally me

|| I want to write a Jashi fic and I have millions of ideas, but it’s like when I try to write I’m incapable of putting them in story form XD Anybody else have that same problem? ||

[dariussheeno-blog]

Chibi Ashi is God's gift to the world

been working on some designs for a jashi sticker sheet! these are super messy, but i couldn’t wait to share the FLUFF

hope i can update with the finished colors soon, but gosh, this is a lot to finish!

[dariussheeno-blog]

This is extremely relatable

[dariussheeno-blog]

Yeah, pretty much

Why you joined Tumblr

Reblog this and say in three words or less what led you to join Tumblr.

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"Long ago in a distant land, I, Aku, a shapeshifting Master of Darkness, unleashed an unspeakable evil. But, a foolish samurai warrior wielding a magic sword stepped forth to oppose me. We clashed for ages, but eventually, the fool defeated me. Before the final blow was struck, I tore open a portal in time, and flung him into the future, where my evil is law. Now, the fool seeks to return to the past, and undo the future that is Aku."

X

"GO! KILL!"

A girl woke up in the middle of the forest. She remembered her commands to kill the Samurai. Looking out into the wilderness, into the mountains on the distance, she was reminded of the time where she snuck out of training to see the beauty of the world. Of course, she was caught and severely punished for such a thing, but now, she can see it in its full glory, free from her mother's criticism.

It had only been yesterday that she was released from her home in a fortress with one goal, and one goal only: To kill Samurai Jack.

The day started when they went through the classic morning training. Nothing too different from any other day, however, the girl and her sisters were excited. This was the day of the biggest test of their lives. This test would determine if they were fit to be released out into the wilderness, to hunt out, find, and kill the Samurai. They were all sitting at a table when they were all called out one by one.

"Azula."

"Ayana."

"Amako."

"Atsuko."

"Aki."

"Aina."

"Ashi."

One by one, they all went into a chamber, from which they were to be readied. A cult member briefed them on their test.

"You will climb the wall and reach the top. Those who fail will be killed, that should go without saying. Should you succeed, you will be well on your way to achieve your destiny. Any questions?"

Ayana raised her hand. "May we take the weapons?"

"Everything is free for your use."

The member looked out onto the field, taking a glance.

"It's time. GO!"

All the sisters ran out onto the field, and began to scale the wall. Cult members were scattered across the walls, ready to strike and kill when the moment was right. Each of the sisters fought them off, kicking them off the wall. Ashi, however, was more interested in the archer. Running up the wall, she kept avoiding the arrows raining down upon her until she grabbed one in mid-air and shoved it into the head of the archer, instantly killing her. Taking the bow, she began taking shots at other cult members, something the other sisters appreciated.

After a while of scaling the wall, fighting off obstacles, and helping each other out, they finally reached the top. There, they were met with their mother, waiting at the top.

"Your training is complete."

"Ashi, we must keep moving!"

Taken by surprise, Ashi almost fell back, but caught a tree branch, stabilized herself, and jumped down gracefully, landing on the ground.

"Where are we even going?" She asked.

"Forward." Aki replied.

Aki had established herself as the leader ever since they were children. She was headstrong, and deeply cared for the health of her sisters. She was the among the only of two sisters that did. She took care of Ashi, even against her mother's wishes.

Now, they were in a tricky situation. Without any idea of where the Samurai might be, they'd have to keep traveling until they can find someone who could give them a lead. It was a bother, yes, but to find the Samurai, every measure must be taken to ensure his death.

Ashi prepared herself, and in a moment, they were all running to reach the next destination.

Just outside the walls of a city, two guards were on patrol. They were tasked with protecting the city from outside forces which could threaten their existence.

However, it was almost midnight, and the guards were tired. They began speaking to each other, but the dialect of their species was complicated, as they spoke in a visual language.

One of them asked when their shift was over. The other answered with a single hour timeframe. They both sat down beside the wall, waiting for death to take them. However, something could be seen from a distance. Something strange. The guards got up quickly and squinted, trying to see who could be out at this time of night.

At first, all they saw was a lone robot, walking toward them with such a swagger. But as he got closer, they could see the true image. He was being followed by an army of beetle drones, and they didn't seem like they were trying to attack him. The guards could feel their legs shake as the robot approached them.

"What is up, babe!" The robot opened with.

"State! Your! Business!" One of the guards replied. The robot could tell they were scared, and used it to his advantage.

"Oh nothing. Just trying to find myself Jacko the Wacko. You mind if I take a peek or two?"

"Move. Along. Before. You. Get. Hurt."

"Oh really? And what are you going to do about it?"

"I. Swear. We. Will. Use. Force."

"Well, they don't call me Aku's Top Assassin for nothing!"

Within two seconds, the guard were on the floor, bleeding out of a fatal knife wound. Opening the knife up, the robot struck the wall and waited. A high-pitched sound could be heard, bubbling up in power and pitch. After a minute, the wall exploded, and beetle drones flooded into the city, flushing everyone out of their homes. The robot simply walked in after them.

"Oh, ciiiity" He sang out. "I am Scaramouche!"

Arriving at a small village, the Daughters began splitting up, trying to find a good lead. Some of the people told a story of the time Jack did pass through here, when he was able to help a dragon with his problems to save a village. However, the girls weren't interested. They needed a lead, and they found something that could help. A wanted poster. The girls studied it. An aged yet young face stared back at them. A long beard covered his face, and the hair did the rest. He almost seemed unrecognizable. Keeping it, Aki signaled for them to go.

They did.

Weeks of traveling led them to a castle with nearby village. Stopping to rest under a bridge, Aki told them all to lay down, and forget their mission for the day.

"However, Ashi will try to talk to the locals. She will see if we can get any intel on the whereabouts of the Samurai."

After talking to the locals, Ashi was able to find an old man with some sort of level of intelligence.

"It seems you are looking for the Samurai, are you not?" He asked.

"Yes, do you know anything?"

"This castle belongs to a powerful clan. One of its founding members is a great friend of the Samurai."

"Do you know him?"

"Nobody knows him. It is rumored he doesn't even have a real name. He is only known by...The Scotsman."

The old man told Ashi of their adventures together, and Ashi looked at the castle. It wouldn't seem too hard to infiltrate it.

"He has a wife and over dozen kids. I'm sure you can use that should you want to look for the Samurai."

Beneath the mask Ashi had, she squinted.

Their search could come to an end.

"Wake up, Ashi. Did you find anything?"

"She'd be the least amount of awake, we have to give her some time to gather her thoughts."

"We don't have time, we need to find the Samurai NOW!"

Ashi woke up. She was back under the bridge, where they were safe and hidden from view. Ashi told them what the old man told her, and almost immediately, Aki formulated a plan.

"We will reach up to the castle, kidnap the woman, and use her to get the Scot to talk. Atsuko, Amako, both of you get the woman. Ayana, Aina, you sweep the floors for guards. Azula, Ashi, and I will find the Scotsman."

They then set their plan into motion.

Everything was going well so far. Most of the guards were apprehended, and the floors seemed clear. However, it took more than two sisters to pin down the wife of the Scotsman. She was a fairly large...very large woman with the strength of a bull. It took five sisters to take her down. The other two, Aki and Ashi, needed to locate the Scotsman. According the old man they saw before, he was an elderly male with a minigun for a leg and a wheelchair. They eventually found him, reading a book in the library of the castle.

"How are we gonna get him to follow us?" Aki asked.

"HELP!" they heard from upstairs, and the Scotsman stopped whatever he was doing and rolled himself out.

"Well, there you have it." Ashi said.

They apparently hadn't thought this through, because while they were able to get the wife and the Scotsman, due to their forces being spread so thin by them, they were never able to locate the children.

They did get the wife, though, so that seemed like enough for them. They found an empty room with no decoration but a small window, just about big enough for them to jump out of in case of any emergency. Pinning the woman down, they tied her to a chair, and gagged her.

Since they couldn't go get the children, Aki made the choice to bluff about them. Unfortunately, Atsuko made the mistake of getting rid of the gag.

"Just try to kill me. Yuh don't have the guts." She said.

"Who got rid of her gag?" Amako asked.

The woman turned to Ashi.

"You don't have the guts to kill me now, eh? Don't ya?"

Ashi took out her weapon, a chain-sickle, and began spinning it around.

"Ask me that one more time, I swear."

"Are yuh weak?"

"W-what?"

"Are. Yuh. Weak?"

Ashi put down the chain-sickle, and simply stared on. Those words penetrated her like a knife, and it took her back to training.

Back when they were in training, jumping around stalactites, Ashi slipped and fell. Before she could fall into the inky-black abyss, however, she caught herself right on the ledge. Atsuko tried to help, but Mother said, "STOP! The weak have no place for Aku."

Mother turned to Ashi, and placed her staff right on the fingers that supported Ashi's weight.

"Are you weak?" She asked. Ashi didn't know what to say. She knew she should've said "No" but the words couldn't come out.

The mother began twisting the stick, moving Ashi's fingers off the ledge.

"Are you weak?!"

Suddenly, a surge of adrenaline swept over Ashi. She couldn't quite handle it herself.

"ARE! YOU! WEAK?!"

"NOOOO" Ashi shouted, and with all her strength, she didn't just lift herself up, she used the hand to push herself up into the air, somersaulted, and landed on the stalactite, continuing with the training.

"Yes, Aku's fire stirs within all of them." The Mother wondered out loud.

Now, hearing the same words from the Scotsman's wife, she was shocked to her core, she couldn't move, she could just take it.

"Are yuh weak, lass?" The wife said.

"S-stop, please." Was all Ashi could muster.

"Ahh, so yuh are weak. Well, let me tell you, a world of shet will rain down on all a' yuhs. I can see it."

Ashi shut her eyes and simply stood there, taking it.

"You're a weak little trinket, is what you are," The woman continued. "Eventually, the Samurai will find all a' yuhs. And he will kill-"

A knife came out of her chest, and immediately receded back. Atsuko held the blade, saying, "God, that was getting annoying."

Aki was a little bit worried. "Ashi, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, just a little shook." Ashi replied.

"That better not last long, we just lost our only leverage." Amako stated. "We have to go."

"Agreed." Aki replied. As everyone began to leave, the Scotsman opened the door, and the first thing his eyes landed on was his dead wife. He just stared at her while Ashi stood there, in the dark, unnoticed. She tried sneaking out, but the Scotsman saw movement. Depression turning to anger, he shouted out, "I WILL GET YOU!"

The Scotsman was devastated by what he saw. His own wife sat in a chair covered in her own blood. Her body was limp, leaning forward, suspended only by her restraints. The assassins had left, and had gotten away with the murder, and Scotsman knew exactly who was responsible.

"CORP!"

A man in armor came running in. "Yes, sir!"

"Get the army prepared. We're going to attack Aku."

"And what of the daughters."

"They're ready. Prepare them, too.

We're going to war."

Outside of the walls, Ashi was arriving to the rendezvous point when she heard an argument between Aki and Atsuko.

"What in the world was that!" Aku shouted.

"She was getting on my nerves." Atsuko replied.

"We could've gotten some valuable information! Now he's gonna scrounge the world until he finds us and kills us!"

"We trained for this. We could've taken him on!"

"Our only priority right now is the samurai. We bring nobody else into this other than who we need."

"You're just a weakling. If we hadn't killed her, we would've gotten nowhere!"

"WHERE DO YOU THINK WE ARE! All we know is what he looks like. No whereabouts, no direction, no lead. We have nothing."

Amako decided to chime in. "So, what do you think we should do?"

Aki responded with, "Nothing. Let's just go. No telling when he might bring in an entire army to deal with us. We have no choice but to keep looking."

They all kept walking along to a cliff, where it led to miles upon miles of forestland. Aki prepared to jump, but before she did, she looked back at Atsuko.

"I went with what you did because of the moment. I won't make the same mistake twice."

And with that, she jumped. They all followed suit.

Tensions ran high as they kept traveling. Eventually, they forgot about the whole ordeal, and it became just like any other day. Hunting and gathering, eating, moving, traveling, and sleeping.

Eventually, they came across a man in a motorcycle. The man was wearing a mask, so they couldn't see who it was. They ran into each other on a worn path, not far from where they would meet again.

The man stopped the motorcycle and looked at them.

"Do you know anything about the Samurai?" Ashi asked.

The man simply looked. Atsuko could notice no shivers, not one indication that he might be scared.

"Hello?" Ashi asked again. The man simply stared on, red mask really punching itself into Ashi.

"Let's keep moving. He doesn't know anything." Aki said.

They did.

What they didn't know was that man was the Samurai, and he was trying to run away from another vision. For years, his visions of his parents had only gotten worse, more gruesome, more violent, and he could do nothing but face it, or run. At this point, he had gone quite mad, but at least nobody noticed. He was heading toward anywhere, when he heard an explosion. A couple of them, actually. He turned his head towards it and stared. Should he save whatever was there? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

"You want to save the day again, do you?" Mad Jack asked. He was talking to Jack ever since he reappeared.

"I...don't know." Jack replied.

"Well, you shouldn't. Saving the day, once again, will only make things worse."

"You don't know that."

"What is there to know? You know you've grown tired of helping people over and over. It's only a matter of time until you've grown tired of doing anything altogether. Come back to me when-"

"SSHHH!"

Jack listened. The chitter chatter of beetle drone legs could be heard from quite a distance. Jack focused on where it was coming from and noticed two people running from a squadron of beetle drones. It looked like they were helpless.

Jack sighed. He was going to have to do this once more. Years of trying to help people have led to nothing. He was simply a nuisance to the world of Aku. Now, the only thing keeping him here, is the one little bit of hope he had of returning home, to the past, where he belonged. He didn't belong here, he never did. There was nothing for him here.

50 years have passed since he lost his sword. However, he did not age. Time lost its effect on him. But since then, the suffering continued. Aku's grasp choked the past and the present. And now, it seemed as if it would choke his future. All hope was lost, but Jack still had something in him. Something tiny, but it was there. He would not allow Aku to be his future.

He turned on his motorcycle and rode toward the fray, his mind on nothing more than getting back. He wasn't trying to help anybody. He was trying to help himself. Aku destroyed everything, but that's no matter. It was his time, and right now, he had a mission to accomplish.

Got to get back.

Back to the past.

Samurai Jack.

Author’s Note

Well, think of this as the season finale, as after this, I’ll be taking a small hiatus, cause I’m gonna be going on vacation. I can’t believe we are on 10 chapters already! I’d like to thank @orenashii for giving me the courage to write this. None of this would’ve happened if this person hadn’t inspired me. Please enjoy this, because Chapter 11, coming soon, will be the start of the Season 5 timeline. So stay tuned! Once again, thank you!

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Reblog if you actually like my blog (*˙︶˙*)☆*°

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You are doing Gods work

(”EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY” INTENSIFIES)

I realized (in horror) that it’s been a month and I haven’t drawn Jack/Ashi kissing… so of course I had to fix that 💋😘

Click for captions!

[dariussheeno-blog]

IX

Jack spent months wandering around aimlessly, trying to figure out what to do. He couldn't end his own life, as he valued it too much. No, he needed another way to get rid of himself. Something less...violent.

He drove his motorcycle until it ran out of gasoline. Sighing, he got out a spare gallon to refill it. Everything was going fine.

As Jack was finishing, he heard a slight sound of leaves. Looking up, he saw his father, looking at him. Jack, completely taken by surprise, stumbled back, and gasoline sprayed everywhere.

"Why, my son? Why have you forsaken us?" The apparition asked. There was worry in his voice, which just made Jack even more afraid.

"No! I haven't forgotten!" He shouted.

"But you have! And now you must pay the price!"

Jack tried to turn on motorcycle, but something went wrong, and a spark went flying. Jack was eventually able to turn on the motorcycle, but not before the spark reached land, combusting the gasoline and starting a wildfire.

Jack heard, "Do not forget where you came from!" from over his shoulder.

He just kept going.

In the grand hall of the fortress of One Aku, something big was happening. The essence Pureisuto consumed impregnated her, and while they weren't sure what was going to happen, Pureisuto was quick to dismiss the cult's worries.

"I will make new servants of Aku if it's the last thing I do!" she shouted.

Removing her headdress and mask, she let the other members take care of her. One of them was on the gong, ready to strike whenever a new life was born. The entire cult was in the grand hall, chanting for the children's health. A weak servant of Aku was not a servant at all, but a nuisance. A large stone table was placed in the middle, right in front of the statue of Aku. There, each child would be placed as an offering to Aku. Some people were opposed to the idea, but they couldn't do anything, as it was too late to back out now. Everything was set, and Pureisuto's water broke. It was time.

As a baby came out, the gong was struck. Everyone counted them in hopes of going higher.

1...

2...

3...

Pureisuto was screaming out in pain. Every baby that came out came as a relief, but it wouldn't be until the last one when she would be relieved completely of her pain. Each baby was placed in the stone table, crying out in unison. As the last baby was born, most of the others calmed down.

Seven children in total.

All female.

Several members put Pureisuto's uniform back on and she simply walked to the statue.

"Seven daughters to do your bidding, my master!" She declared. "They will succeed where so many others have failed! We will find favor in your glory!"

Everyone chanted.

The seven Daughters of Aku were here.

Jack decided to rest in a nearby village. He was tired, and not just from running all the time. He was getting sick of his visions of his family and the Omen. Not to mention Mad Jack constantly taunting him.

As he walked through the village, he noticed people were staring at him. This usually wouldn't make him uneasy, but now, as he walked around, he began feeling unsure of himself. As if he was being watched by someone other than the village people. Everyone was quiet, and that just added to the effect of something being seriously wrong.

Sure enough, a giant robot appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

"Samurai Jack! You have committed crimes against Aku! Prepare to feel the wrath of justice!"

Fists began flying as Jack swerved left and right to dodge any attack the robot had for him. Jack returned with a punch, but the robot took it very well, as Jack's fists were no match for cast iron. With one swing, Jack was on the floor, and the whole village watched as Jack began getting pummeled by the robot oppressor.

Jack was almost at the point of giving up where he heard a voice.

"You have forgotten us!"

"When were you going to focus?!"

"You could have saved us!"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Jack screamed out. Feeling a new sense of strength, Jack braced himself for subsequent hits. As the robot was about to deliver the final blow, Jack caught the fist mid-air, and swung it around him, sending the robot to the floor. Jack leapt atop the robot, arm still his hands. He pulled hard, disconnecting the arm from its rotors and electronics and eventually breaking it off. He lifted it above his head, and he swung down hard onto the head of the robot. He kept swinging it back and forth until the robot was no longer functioning, and even after that.

"I! WILL! NOT! FAIL!" He kept shouting as he kept swinging it. When he was finished, the robot's head was nothing more than pieces of silicon and metal scattered across the floor. Panting, Jack rose, and looked around. Sure, he had saved the village, but everyone was looking on in fear of Jack, not in respect. Jack dropped the arm, which clanged onto the body, breaking the silence. People began whispering to each other, in a way Jack did not appreciate. He got off the robot and began his way back to the motorcycle. Before he mounted, however, an old lady popped up.

"I see you are having trouble with your emotions." She chimed.

"W-what! H-h-how. What?" Jack was confused. It was not like anybody to open a conversation with such a line.

"I can help you."

After getting his bearings back, Jack sighed and simply said, "Ok."

At the old lady's house, she made tea for Jack. She made conversation as she did so.

"So, Jack...anything bothering you?"

"No." Jack replied, knowing full well she knew it was a lie.

"You are seeing things, are you? Things you might not want to...see?"

Jack was taken aback by the sudden statement. "Yes...how did you-"

"I always know." She replied. "Do not worry. I can help you. Please. Come."

Jack followed her to the cellar. Once down there, the lady pulled a switch, and showed off her gift to Jack. An entire suit of armor. From head to toe, segmented armor protecting Jack from almost any attack.

Putting it on, Jack immediately felt much better, as if the armor had some sort of enhancement to it. It was agile, yet firm. Whatever Jack could do, he could now do better. And the helmet. Ooh, the helmet. The samurai Kabuto fit snug on Jack's head, and for the first time in years, Jack smiled. The old lady also offered weapons like a technologically enhanced trident, and more.

Before Jack left, the old woman handed him a mask. Something Jack would keep for a while. Resembling an angry dragon, it had a sort of anonymity to it. Jack simply looked at her.

"Thank you." He said before departing.

Aku was smiling. Destroying planets, enslaving entire species, and partying with his employees really gave him the time of his life. He couldn't ask for anything more. Jack was basically dead, as it had been years since anyone saw him. Right now, Aku was focused on bettering his life, and hopefully setting u for the long haul. Setting up puppet leaders and all that.

However, someone did have to come and ruin it.

"Master, you have a guest!" the announcer said.

Gracefully, Aku slid up the walls of the chamber until he got to the room for meet and greets. Aku was in a good mood, and it seemed nothing could break that.

"Welcome to my chamber, what can I do you for?"

"My lord Aku, please forgive me, for I bear very unwelcome news."

Aku was confused. He had the whole universe in the palm of his hand. What could possibly be wrong?

"Well, what is it?"

"The Samurai. He lives!"

"WHAT!" Aku was mortified. The Samurai should have died of old age. "SHOW ME!"

Up on a screen, it showed a chilling vision of Jack. A short beard, no gi, and he looked extremely angry. Aku couldn't believe his eyes. He turned only to find that his guest had disappeared, running before Aku could crush him. Aku turned back to the photo, and with a furious expression on his face, began shouting out orders.

"I WANT EVERY BOUNTY HUNTER IN THE GALAXY HERE!"

"I WANT SAMURAI JACK!"

Walking toward his motorcycle, Jack again noticed the villagers, all of them, staring. This time, not out of pity, but out of fear. With his new armor, Jack had become dangerous for even his allies.

As he mounted his motorcycle, one kid ran up to him and asked happily,

"Are you Samurai Jack?"

The child expected the answer to be a resounding, "Yes."

But Jack simply looked at the child. Looking at him dead in the eye. Before the smile on the child turned into a more serious expression, Jack simply said,

"No..."

He turned on the motorcycle, and drove away.

Author’s Note

Ok, so now we’re getting to the good stuff. Chapter X will probably be the last one I publish before going on vacation, so I’ll try to get it done as soon as possible. That one will get everything set up for the Season 5 timeline, so it should be pretty good. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

[dariussheeno-blog]

VIII

As Jack kept going, he began seeing more and more of the apparitions. Visions of the Omen, of his family, and of his failure just kept appearing around him. He feared them all, and ran, but they always kept coming, following him wherever he went.

Months passed, and he was sick of it all. Driving up a forest, he tried to not think of what he was considering, but this time, the noise couldn't drown out his thoughts.

Are you considering it? Jack thought.

I...don't know.

You should. Your time is up. Our work here is done.

But...b-but I can't.

You are being weak. You must be strong enough to face your family and atone for your sins.

Jack didn't like the sound of that. He revved the motors until they were no quieter than a heavy metal concert. Tearing across the landscape, he saw it again. Up on some hills, his family. His father, the Emperor, was looking at him, disappointment in his eyes. His mother, the Empress, was looking down in sorrow. Jack glanced for a while, but he turned back and kept going. He could feel the fear in his chest, but he tried to ignore it. But again, he saw it. The same thing, the Emperor and the Empress. This time, in a nearby forest. He glanced one more time, and kept going through the forest, through the trees, through the now-piling snow.

"Jack!"

It was his Mother. Jack stopped the motorcycle almost immediately. He couldn't believe his ears. This was his mother that was speaking to him.

"Jack, are you there?"

He ran to the source, trying to find her. He dug through the snow with his hands, nearly clawed his way into trees, all to find her. Eventually he did, but not in the way he imagined.

He found a skeleton in monk robes. The same robes he found her in when he first found her in the mountains of China. He got on his knees and wept, but the skeleton spoke.

"Why, Jack?"

He looked up, aghast that the skeleton was speaking to him. He dreaded the very thought.

"You abandoned us. You have forsaken us."

"NO, MOTHER, NO! I WILL SAVE YOU!" Jack shouted.

"You have failed us, Jack..."

The skeleton faded, and Jack tried to dig through the snow, hoping he could see the skeleton once more.

"Nooo! NO! NOOO!"

Jack was overcome with emotions. He couldn't hold back tears. Shutting his eyes, he thought for an escape. For a way out. And at that moment, he thought of what to do. He went back to his motorcycle, and rode away into the sunset.

Pureisuto was an even stricter Priestess than Tatsu. Being trained to kill, everyone began learning to use weapons. They also began accepting beings of other species, all of which became part of the new One Aku. The reforms were welcome, but they didn't come without consequence. While Tatsu expected to be royally treated, Pureisuto stuck to being a taskmaster. Ordering people to do things even they weren't proud to do. But one thing they respected about her was that she never thought selfishly. Always thinking of the group and the goal, she kept training new assassins and developing new plans on finding the samurai.

But today wasn't a day for training. It was a day of worship. They have recently completed the statue of Aku in the Main Hall. They also got into contact with him, and now they were expecting him to arrive. They all chanted until a sharp light burst within the room. There, Aku appeared.

He took a good look at the recently completed statue.

"Not bad," He noted. Everyone began chanting.

"Yes, an attractive replica," he continued. "But it pales to the original. HERE!"

Aku stretched out his hand over to a large goblet, and began letting his essence go.

"Worship me! One AKU!"

They all chanted until he left.

Later that day, a meeting was held in the main hall where the goblet was. Everyone circled the goblet, when Pureisuto grabbed it.

"I know Tatsu wished to worship this piece, but to keep it would be a waste."

Many of the people agreed.

"That is why I will consume this. And I will obtain the powers from which it has come from!"

Everyone gasped. This woman wished to consume it? Such blasphemy would've been met with an axe to the throat.

But Pureisuto was no ordinary woman. She believed that should she get pregnant, the children would inherit the same abilities, and become just like her, only more powerful.

Pureisuto took the goblet and took her mask away, her face obscured by the shadows. She took a long drink, and the other people watched as Pureisuto felt a surge of unimaginable power wash over her. She believed she had the power to change history. No longer would the samurai walk this planet, for he had now a new adversary, something he would never expect.

Jack arrived at a cliff overlooking an entire ravaged field occupied by only one single willow tree. He instantly felt sad just looking at it; it reminded him of his failure to fulfill his destiny. Walking over to the edge, he instantly felt a sense of relief. Such feelings are to be felt when you have accomplished something. Instead, he destroyed everything he once knew, and now he was going to destroy himself.

His feet reached the edge. The tip of his boots could feel the open air under them.

Jack closed his eyes. This is it, he thought. No one could stop him here, no one could see him here, and no one could save him here. He took a deep breath in and tried to take a step forward...

...and stopped.

He couldn't. He just couldn't.

He pulled back at the very last moment. He couldn't bring himself to do such a thing. His failure was real, yes, but so was his will to live. It was just too painful to even do it.

He tried again, this time taking a running start off the cliff. However, he stopped at the edge, leaning forward, flailing as to not fall in.

Numerous attempts were made. He kept trying to jump off the cliff, all unsuccessful. Each time he failed, he grew increasingly frustrated. After a bit, he let out all his steam on the motorcycle, kicking it. It hurt his toe a little.

He threw a rock at the motorcycle, but missed.

He grabbed the motorcycle and banged his head against it, but only bruised his head.

Each time, he just grew more frustrated, and began taking it out on the environment around him. But he couldn't make a dent, as each time he tried something, he failed.

At one point, he threw a rock at a tree, and it bounced, hitting his head, and knocking him out.

He experienced various dreams, ranging from the Omen to his memories with his family and how it was all destroyed when Aku took over. He even dreamed of the Omen's vision of his parents being disappointed in Jack, something Jack would've never liked.

However, they kept coming. In fact, they kept intensifying into various forms, and soon, they got violent. Showing the deaths of Jack's parents and everyone he knew. Jack wanted to wake up, to end it all. But something stood out. Something different.

A woman in her early 20s, with sharp hair and a dress made of...leaves? He didn't know who she was, or how she mattered. All he knew was that she looked...pure. Darkness didn't look over her. She had a threatening smile, yet she also looked delicate.

Jack woke up, still on the ground from that hit he took. Looking around, nothing seemed to have changed.

Except for him.

He once again as stood upon the edge of the cliff, but this time, instead of trying to jump off, he sat down, legs hanging over the edge. He was comfortable for a while, contemplating his own existence, until a voice surprised him.

"Welcome back."

He looked to his side as saw Mad Jack had returned. He sat upon the cliff, as Jack was. Jack looked back to the view, where the sun began to set behind the willow tree.

"I am afraid." He said.

"Afraid of what? Nothing." Mad Jack replied.

"That's what I was afraid of."

They both looked on as the sun set.

Author’s Note

So this is when things begin steaming up for the entry into the Season 5 timeline. Luckily, I know exactly what to do for such a perfect landing. At this point, I’m trying to make this more into an AU than an actual explanation of the story, but I’ll try to keep it as close as possible, hopefully complimenting it rather than throwing it all out the door. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

[dariussheeno-blog]

VII

"Is there anything to do?"

Aku was bored. There really wasn't much to do. There was no looking into his mirror in amusement anymore, no calling in hitmen, no actual shapeshifting needed. Samurai Jack was gone, and because looking for him and stopping him took most of his time, he forgot how boring it was to actually lead a galactic empire.

He sighed and walked around his room.

Nothing to do, nothing to do. Might as well destroy a planet, he thought.

He went to a giant telescope and looked into it. He then recited a small poem to himself.

"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

Catch a Samurai by the toe.

If he hollers let him go.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

When I see you're on the Samurai's side,

I'll surely find out where you hide,

So there's the door and when I count four,

Then out.

Goes.

You."

He activated his eye lasers, and shot out at a random planet, shooting them through the telescope. It sent a concentrated beam that hit the planet, and utterly destroyed it, turning what was once a huge and giant planet full of life into nothing by rocks and ash. Aku felt the life in there scream out in unison. Then the life in there just disappeared.

Aku smiled. That felt good, he thought. Let's do it again. He looked back into his telescope and recited the poem again.

Jack ripped through the landscape on his motorcycle, not caring where he was, not caring what would happen to him. He just wanted to get away from the Omen.

He stopped at a canyon, and looked over to the other side. This, I can make, he though. He moved his motorcycle back with him, to get a running start. Before he twisted the ignition on, however, he looked up from what he was doing, and saw a black sky move towards him. Green mist populated the floor as the Omen popped into view. He was across the canyon, looking at Jack.

Jack closed his eyes, but only saw images of his father suffering. His mother. His family. Opening them, everything went back to normal.

He decided against jumping, and turned his motorcycle around, driving towards the forest.

After destroying exactly 7 planets and driving 2 species out of existence, Aku was satisfied. He knew this was only a temporary solution, as it was better to enslave a species than to destroy them, but killing had put him out of his malaise. So for now, he was satisfied. He sat down in his throne, and waited. Waited for what? Nothing. He just sat there, a smug grin on his face.

"Master, it appears as if you have a guest!"

The announcer surprised Aku. He wasn't expecting guests at this time. So who was this surprise?

He lifted himself from his throne room into the grand hall. There was nothing more than a single person in what he assumed was a costume. This person was dressed in complete black robes and clothes. Six horns stuck out of the head in an Aku sort of fashion. A stone-faced mask covered the face, completely making this person anonymous. Aku squinted at the person.

"What is it you need?"

The person looked up at Aku and lifted her arms.

"My Lord Aku, my name is Tatsu. I have come here from a group who realizes your true power and wishes to worship you as such. Should you choose to come with me, I can show you who we are, and who we stand with. We even can help you confirm the death of the Samurai."

Ugh, the Samurai, Aku thought. Why did she have to bring him up?

Tatsu could see Aku was upset. "My apologies, my lord. I meant no such disrespect. Should we join you, we can a powerful ally against any of your enemies!"

"That is pretty tempting." Aku replied. "Okay!" He shot up into the air, one arm taking Tatsu, and they went to the fortress of One Aku.

When they arrived, the entire group was already there, clad in the same uniform. Everyone circled around their new master, as they got onto their knees and began to worship.

"Oh, this is a delightful surprise!" Aku said. He let go of Tatsu, who walked over to Pureisuto.

"Once again, I am Tatsu, the High Priestess of One Aku. We are here to obey your every command, with only one reward in mind."

"And what's that?" Aku asked.

"Your essence. We wish to extract your essence so that we may worship it. We shall keep it as a relic."

Aku began stroking his beard.

"Is that so? Hmmm."

He thought for a bit while everyone waited for an answer.

Tatsu might've gotten a bit impatient.

"We have our own assassin, you know."

Pureisuto stood there, motionless. Saying nothing. Whatever was left of Meredith, was gone.

"Is that so? Then you must prove yourself!" Aku said. "You must battle my minions, and should you kill them all, I will accept you."

"Yes, My Lord." Pureisuto replied.

"Good. Then let's get this over with."

Tatsu smiled. This would be the day of reckoning.

At a small arena, Pureisuto prepared herself. She had nothing but her fists and wits, so she'd had to rely on weapons of whatever Aku threw at her. So, before the battle, she bathed herself within the molten darkness below the fortress, something that was assumed was the remains of Aku's inhabitance. The darkness grafted to her skin, and a feeling of pain she never knew before washed over her. But she didn't scream. She kept going, until her entire body was nothing but hardened darkness.

She looked over her shoulder at the viewing box, where Aku and Tatsu were sitting. Aku had shrunken himself to accommodate the size. Everyone else was sitting in the stands, awaiting the event that would soon occur. Pureisuto took off her robes, and unveiled her body suit. In her face, held the mask that became the uniform. Her headdress, the same six horns.

She was ready.

The first of many warriors came in. Beetle droids. Pureisuto made quick work of them, fists flying into the metal, puncturing the shell. Grabbing their internals, she pulled them out, putting them out of commission.

Aku wasn't impressed. He sent warrior after warrior, and every time she would destroy them. She took a battle axe out of the hands of one warrior and beheaded him. She was swallowed by another, but ripped her way out. She was unstoppable.

Then came a real test. A giant robot stood way over her, the shadow of even only his foot enveloping her. She already knew what she had to do.

Taking the swords off a fallen warrior, she jumped and scraped the knee caps, digging into the inside of the giant. She used the swords has hooks, pulling them out and puncturing the metal again, each time a little bit higher. She kept going, despite him swinging his arms at her, and reached the face, where she skewered the cameras that let the robot see. Blinded, it fell back, and she took the sword and ran along his center, dragging the sword along. Once she made it to the end, she jumped off, and the robot exploded into millions of little pieces. The shockwave almost put her out of balance, but Tatsu, being on the edge of the box during the whole battle, fell into the arena.

"Excellent! Well done! You have proved yourself worthy of being an assassin, but I have something better for you."

Pureisuto looked at Tatsu, who was beginning to get up.

"End her," Aku began, "and take her place as the High Priestess of this cult."

Tatsu was aghast at the statement he gave. "WHAT! I did all this for you. You need me!"

"No, my friend." Aku replied. "I don't need you. You need me!"

As Tatsu was begging Aku for her life, Pureisuto dropped her swords, and took a dagger she had taken. With a black and blade, it would be the knife to take her own mentor's life.

Tatsu stopped trying to plead to Aku, and instead turned to Pureisuto.

"Please, keep me alive. I will show you anything you want. We must keep-"

The dagger plunged into Tatsu's throat. It went right through the neck and struck the nerves that connected her brain to her body. She collapsed immediately, and in seconds, she was dead.

Pureisuto took the dagger, and decided that she would keep it. Aku was very amused.

"Huh. I didn't actually think you would do that. Excellent!"

Pureisuto looked up at Aku. He was beaming.

"Now, you will build a statue in my likeness. Right where I first arrived here. Then, I will give you the essence you so desire."

Pureisuto nodded, and looked over at her new followers.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!"

They all scurried out, and went straight to work.

Looking back, she saw that Aku had disappeared. But Pureisuto didn't smile.

She never smiled.

Author’s Note

Thought I’d finish this one early. It was really fun to write, and I think it turned out really well. Hopefully, I can finish up with the other ones just as early and you can enjoy them! But for now, enjoy!

[dariussheeno-blog]

VI

The sound of motorcycle penetrated the landscape. With each passing second, it tore through the air, leaving a wake of noise which deafened Jack's thoughts. He liked it, as he couldn't think about whatever he was thinking about. However, something else concerned him.

Who was that, he thought, thinking of the apparition he saw in his dream. Should he fear its presence, because that was already what he did. Or should he be glad of its existence? Things were becoming more confusing. But Jack's thoughts kept getting interrupted by the sound of the engine, much to his amusement.

He didn't know why, but he had a sudden urge to stop. Looking around, he saw nothing more than a couple of boulders, a forest beside them, and between it all, a lovely grassy plain stretching out to the horizon.

But Jack knew there was something more to this place, something that grabbed his interest. He turned off the motorcycle and began walking around, investigating the rocks. As it turns out, there was a small crevice only big enough for Jack to fit through. Squeezing his way into a small cavern, Jack found a torch and lit it, only to be greeted with the beautiful ruins of whatever civilization came before. He traveled through the cavern, until he saw a giant room with nothing but a small little Japanese-style hut strewn in the middle of it all. Mist covered the floor, the same mist Jack encountered on his dream. He could feel a bit afraid of what was before him, but he crushed it down. Taking a big gulp, he entered the room, and walked toward the hut.

Inside, he saw a small room, filled to the edges with candles. I have a bad feeling about this, he thought to himself. His fears were confirmed true when the same shadowy figure appeared before Jack.

"Do you know who I am?" uttered the being.

"N-no. Who are you?"

"I am the result of your failure. I am your Omen."

A candle lifted by itself, and showed Jack the face of the being. Jack was completely aghast. The face was not unfamiliar. In fact, the face was Jack's own. Scars covered every inch of the face, and one eye had no pupil. The large beard covered whatever was left untouched by the scars.

"You have failed to regain your honor. You've failed your purpose. You never saved them."

Jack fell onto his knees. How could such a thing happen? What did he do wrong? What was going to happen to him?

The room began spinning, and all-around Jack, he could see the suffering of his father, his mother, everybody he knew and loved, and worse, it was all happening at the same time. He felt feelings of despair he never felt before. How foolish of him to even think there ever was hope. How could he, a human being, ever hope to go back to the past in a future where there is none? They were gone, he was here, suffering as punishment for abandoning them.

"STOP!"

The faces of the different people Jack knew appeared one-by-one, speaking to him.

"You have forgotten us!"

"You have abandoned us!"

"You were our only hope!"

"You were supposed to save us!"

"What happened?"

Samurai clenched his hair in his fists. No, he thought. This cannot be true. This cannot be real.

The Omen read him like a book.

"These people are very real. Your failure is real."

Jack screamed out. He couldn't take it anymore. He lunged at The Omen, punching him as hard as he could. None of them ever got past the armor.

The Omen grabbed Jack by the throat and picked him up. Jack, trying to reach for every breath of air, felt defeated.

"I shall give you time. But remember, every step you take. Every second that passes. Every person you save. You will know who I am."

The Omen dropped Jack, who at this point was afraid for his life. Jack scurried out, tail between his legs. It was the scariest moment in his life, yet he fought much bigger, stronger things. Why was this one different?

Jack didn't seem to care. He ran out, got on his motorcycle, and cleared out.

It was going to be a glorious day. The construction was completely finished, everything was decorated in an organized matter, and now the feast was about to begin. Eleanora began with a toast.

"Today, we celebrate an important victory for us! We are on the brink of a breakthrough. With this place as our new base of operations, we will be unstoppable!"

Everybody cheered.

Eleanora took a shot of whisky.

"Now, we dine for a- "

She completely stopped, clenching her heart while her breathing became heavy and labored. Meredith rushed by her side and held her in her arms.

"Mother, are you okay?" she asked.

Eleanora gasped for air, but even though she was worrying Meredith, she didn't want to.

"I'm fine...it's just...just..."

She collapsed onto the floor, and just stopped breathing.

It all happened so suddenly. Her death was not a long one, as the poison coursed through her veins like a raging wildfire. Now, it had reached her brain, which ceased to function.

Meredith, however, suffered a greater deal. She was washed with guilt over her mother. How she grew distant because of her training with Tatsu. Her lashing out at her mother. How ironic that only now she understood the actions of her mother, and why.

"Mother? Mother..."

She wanted to cry, but no tears came out. Instead, she felt an anger boiling inside her, an anger she could not contain.

Aku is everything...

She was a bit surprised by the new voice within her head, but she listened to it carefully.

Aku IS everything.

For one bit, she couldn't believe it. Her soul had been broken, her heart ripped from her chest.

For one bit.

"Aku is everything..."

She kept whispering those words until she got louder.

"Aku is everything."

She got up, leaving her mother on the ground, fists clenched in anger. She kept getting louder.

"Aku is everything!"

She went to the top of her lungs, to people who were almost horrified at what was unfolding before them.

Meredith was no more. She died at the hands of what she believed was Jack's doing. This couldn't be anyone here. It had to be Jack. Jack killed Eleanor. Jack was the evil one, one to be eradicated from this Earth. One that was the ultimate deceiver and would stop at nothing to obtain what he wants. Oh, she was angry. There couldn't be any other way to describe it. Furious would be an understatement. Meredith was lost, replaced by the person Tatsu trained, Pureisuto. Yes, this was to be her new name. Her new identity under One Aku.

"AKU IS EVERYTHING!"

With every repetition, she believed it more and more.

"AKU IS EVERYTHING!"

"AKU IS EVERYTHING!"

And at that point...

Aku became everything.

Author’s Note

Thanks for being patient, as I’m going through some rough patches in life right now. But at least you can enjoy these and I can enjoy writing these. I’m honestly stumped I can’t make it go faster to the juicier parts, cause I already planned this entire thing out. But oh well, that means there’ll be more to come! So just enjoy what you read.

[dariussheeno-blog]

V

"The strongest stuff you have"

The bartender left to go get what Jack requested. He was in a bar, drinking his life away. Years have passed since he put down his gi. A beard now occupied whatever space was left on his chin. A gun rest in a holster strapped to Jack's shoulder. He looked like any other inhabitant of the Aku City underground.

The bartender came back with a good pint of rum. Jack chugged it down, put the cup down, gently, and demanded more. The bartender complied.

Jack looked around, and just saw other people. There was no sign of Mad Jack anywhere. Ever since he slowly declined to alcoholism, he hasn't seen Mad Jack. Maybe the alcohol? Or Mad Jack just didn't want to speak with him? Either way, Jack didn't care. He simply kept drinking rum.

After being satisfied, he went to his home at the shelter. Even after years, it was still in the same state of disrepair. Jack looked around his room. He lived with a crazy old man, who at this point was trying to claw his way through the cement wall. He laid down on the floor, and after a while, dozed off.

"You...you have failed."

Jack opened his eyes, completely taken aback by the new voice. This wasn't Mad Jack. This was something else entirely. The voice sounded familiar, yet much, much older than he. It had a certain bass to it that rang through Jack's ears. Jack looked around, and saw nothing but the old man, snoring away while his fingers bled. Nothing out of the ordinary, Jack thought to himself. He shrugged it off, and went back to sleep.

"You have failed your purpose, and now it is time for you to pay."

Jack opened his eyes, and he wasn't in his room anymore. A green mist clouded his vision, and fear began boiling up within him. Something was coming.

A figure appeared. It was simply a silhouette, yet Jack felt as if he was familiar. A samurai warrior riding on a horse appeared before Jack, donning a helmet of antlers, glowing eyes, and a black flag with nothing Jack could see. Jack felt nothing more than fear.

The being dismounted the horse, and simply floated over to Jack. Jack tried to back away, but he felt nothing. He had no physical body, and he was forced to confront this demon face to face. Jack tried to put the bravest face he could, but Jack knew it was a charade. It was obvious that the being could see the fear welling up inside Jack.

"You will go to Shi No Iwa. There, you will find me."

It began turning around, but Jack had something to say.

"H-how do I know where to look?" He stammered out.

The being turned its head slightly and replied, "You will know" before turning back and disappearing into the mist with the horse. The mist swirled around Jack, enveloping him in its presence. When the mist cleared, Jack was back in his room. Nothing had happened.

Jack looked over to see some medical workers having a smoke while the old man lay dead on the floor. He knew he couldn't stay. Jack took whatever was left of his belongings and left.

Pureisuto wasn't a bad name by any means. It meant priestess, and while Meredith didn't know what that meant just yet, she didn't give up on her training. Eleanora taught Meredith how to defend herself. But, over the years, Tatsu trained Pureisuto into becoming a living weapon. With years of intensive training, Pureisuto could sense a squirrel from a few feet away, and kill it without making as so much as a sound. Tatsu was proud of her creation, yet she fought the feeling to show her off. If she were discovered, her plans could go awry, and that was something she didn't have time for.

"Pureisuto. Rise."

Meredith stood up. She was meditating,

"Yes, milady."

"Go back to your mother. She is worried. Make sure you do not confirm her fears." Tatsu commanded.

Meredith nodded, and ran out to a recently completed fortress, one that reached toward the heavens and was to become the future home of Meredith. Looking inside, she was in awe of the expert handiwork within the halls, the rooms, and everything else. She reached a center room where her mother was standing in front of an empty lot. Eleanora turned around and was surprised to see her own daughter stand before her.

"What do you think of this?" She asked.

"It's fine."

"Is something the matter?"

"No."

"Please tell me what's going on."

"Nothing. I have my own errands to attend to."

Meredith began to leave, but Eleanora took her arm.

"Stop! Ever since we began building this castle, you've been ignoring me more and more. Please, tell me what's going on."

"No."

Meredith turned around to leave. Eleanora began to suspect. Something just didn't add up with that girl. And Eleanora wanted to find out what.

Jack was walking out of the city when he heard a loud, deafening noise. The sound of engine pistons rotating at 11,000 rpm. There was no mistaking this was old technology. But the sound of the explosions just hurt his ears. Each explosion tore at his eardrums. He looked around to see where the sound was coming from, but nothing seemed to be in sight. He seemed stumped, until looking at the horizon, he found the source.

A huge robotic hog was riding on a motorbike. Looking like the average biker, it tore up the road, leaving destruction in its wake. Jack simply stared on, mesmerized by it. He hadn't an idea such a thing existed. The motorbike simply went on until the hog riding it spotted Jack, simply staring. He pulled the motorcycle to a complete stop, yet Jack could still hear the smaller explosions that were energizing the bike, keeping it on. The hog dismounted the motorbike, and with his small little legs, walked over to Jack.

"DO YOU REALIZE YER IN MAH WAY" He shouted out.

Jack simply stared at him blankly.

"HELLO!? EARTH TO MAN HERE?!"

Jack simply tilted his head.

The hog was getting impatient. He reached for his belt and took out a sledgehammer. Jack, unfazed, stared.

"GET! OUTTA! MAH! WAY!" The hog shouted as picked up the sledgehammer and dropped it down on Jack.

It would've taken a hawk to see that Jack had reacted. Grabbing the hammer, he quickly pried it away, and swung it as hard as he could. The sledgehammer went right through the hog, spraying metal and wires across the ground. Whatever was left of the hog, simply fell to the ground.

But this had more of an effect on Jack than the hog. The feeling of adrenaline rushing through his veins was a feeling he had not had in a long time. Jack breathed in, and for the first time in a decade, Jack smiled. Opening his eyes, he finally realized what he had to do. Jack ran down the road and stopped before he turned back, looking at the motorcycle.

He couldn't just leave it...

Unbeknownst to everybody, Aku had begun a mass genocide. One planet. Every Tuesday. Every week. He would call upon every single one of his minions to simply devastate the planet. Nobody could stop him this time, as the Samurai was basically in shambles at this point, and nobody has seen or heard him since his own victory on top of the mountain. He was the golden boy.

The phone began ranging, and Aku picked it up, humming to himself.

"Aku residency, Destroyer of Worlds speaking."

He was in a good mood, and nothing could stop that.

Except what the other line said.

"WHAT! What do you mean, 'You were defeated!?' Are you so pathetic that aliens have defeated the meanest of my henchmen!?"

The other line just kept speaking, which just made Aku angrier.

"Well, get rid of their hope! Samurai Jack is no more, so I want you to go in there with everything you've got! YOU GOT THAT?!"

Smashing the phone down, Aku slouched in his seat. Sure, Samurai Jack was gone, but his influence lives on in a lot of people. And as Aku learned, that was a lot more dangerous than one would realize.

Eleanora sat there, wondering about what was happening to her daughter. Over the years, she had connected so much with her, and now, she began becoming distant, as if having an agenda away from her. She took a shot of whisky, and refilled the cup. She kept on wondering. Was there something wrong with Meredith? Was it herself? Maybe she was going crazy. Maybe it's just her being a defensive mother and-

Eleanora pulled out her sword and pointed it at the shadow.

"Woah! Didn't realize you were on edge."

The shadow revealed itself to be Tatsu. She had made it seem as if Tatsu was only harmless, and Eleanora was overreacting. So, she put down her sword.

"I apologize. I do worry about Meredith."

Tatsu scoffed. "It is nothing to worry yourself with, my dear. Aku is with her. She bears a great power that might switch the balances."

"The samurai is dead," Eleanora replied. "I'm only worried about her well-being now."

"Do not be too sure of that. Unless we can confirm it ourselves, the Samurai should still be considered alive and running."

"Yes. You're right. Do you want me to get you a drink?" Eleanora offered. Tatsu accepted, and Eleanora left to go get another cup. While she did, Tatsu placed a small capsule into the cup that Eleanora drank off of. She smiled as it dissolved into the drink.

As Tatsu left, she could hear Eleanora take another shot. She suspected too much, and now she must go. Tatsu smiled.

Tomorrow shall be an interesting day, she thought.

Author’s Note

So, this is getting pretty heated up, and if you could notice, we’re basically building up the events that lead up to Season 5. Trust me, I know my way, and I’m gonna stick by it.