Challenge/Prompt: Response to the 12!Fics challenge at livejournal; Delusion (One of Twelve)
Fandom: Xiaolin Showdown
Character(s): Jack Spicer
Rating: Rated T, for minor adult themes.
Genre(s): General; Implied Angst
Warning(s): N/A
Word Count: 634

Disclaimer: Xiaolin Showdown © WB/Christy Hui. I did make up the characterization for the non-existent Mrs. Spicer though.

Summary: Dinner in the Spicer household. Basically.

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It was a long table, draped in white lace cloth and adorned with lit candles and three place settings. Six forks, three spoons and knifes, two plates beset with the dinner of that evening. The third place setting sat empty at one end of the table across from Mrs. Spicer, while her son sat at her right hand side. She had perfect manners, dabbing her lips lightly and chewing small bites at leisure. He simply ate quietly, almost humble in her presence.

She sipped at her champagne, before setting the glass a little too close to the table's edge. "So how was your day, sweetie?"

He studied her for a moment as he swallowed his last bite, before speaking. "Same as always—" here she gave him a look that asked for more than just that, "—I, uh, just worked in the basement. Y'know, robots and all."

She nodded simply. "Of course, dear."

He bit his lip, cocking his head slightly. "You know what else I've been up to lately?"

"What?"

"Well, you see, it started with this squid-like purple ghost witch that came out of the puzzle box dad sent me a while back."

"...Oh really?"

He nodded. "She told me about these magical artifacts called Shen Gong Wu. Been led on a wild goose chase and since I've had to face off against kung-fu fighting monk warriors with mystical elemental powers. Eventually met up with an evil lizard-warrior overlord and a talking chili bean too."

She looked at him through tipsy eyes, and began to giggle in motherly humor. That giggle grew, louder, and became laughter like ringing bells. "Oh, Jackie...a chili bean? What's next?"

He shrugged non-commitably. "Mom you are aware I'm evil, right? I'm going to rule world someday, y'know."

She couldn't contain herself. Her head hung back in mirthful laughter, her breathe hitching for intake. She shook her head, unable to stop smiling so broadly at her son. He only smiled wanly at her in return. He did seem to notice, though, as she swung her elbow too loosely and knocked her champagne to the floor. It was left for the Jack-bots to clean up.

- - -

All are lunatics but he who can analyze his delusions is called a philosopher.

-- Ambrose Pierce

Additional Author's Notes: For the record, I think Xiaolin Showdown is an okay show. Somewhat outlandish humor, but pretty standard as far as kids' shows go. Jack Spicer on the other hand? OMFG ISH MADE OF AWESOME SAUCE. SAUCESOME, LIKE SETH OF MANA THEATER WOULD SAY.

Since Jack Spicer is such a character that just begs to be fleshed out (read: like a song that got stuck in your head) I've decided to take him to the next level of fan fic goodness and went ahead and applied for a livejournal challenge. These writings will range from short drabbles to really long one-shots, all inspired by the list of prompts I am required to write from. Now, all I need to do otherwise is mind my other ongoing fics while I'm at it. Except that I don't juggle well. Ahem.

The end quote was borrowed from an old favorite Invader Zim fan fiction of mine. Mostly, I thought it was rather fitting. In reality I don't know quite so much about Mr. Pierce, but I'm guessing he was pretty awesome.

Hoped you enjoyed it!