I am so sorry for the delay, but I had to do a mini surgery on my right eye and couldn't write, on top of that I also had a travel scheduled for Christmas with the family.
To answer some reviews:
EmilyKayros: I understand that the dialogue format may be different from usual, but I can't change the structure without making great alterations to the text, seeing as it is a translation I will not do that. Now, I proof read each chapter two or three times before posting, but seeing as I have read this story many times (apart from this translation) I sometimes let things escape my notice because my brain remembers and already understand the meaning of what is written, so it visually skips some parts, even if I am concentrating on each phrase in search of mistakes. Forgive me if I let some escape.
Disclaimer: I DID NOT write this story, it was written by Altebar originally in Spanish and I only took upon myself to translate it. I will try my best to not alter the story, bar any expressions that does not have a direct translation.
You can find the original story in Spanish at s/3125241/1/Fuimos-lo-que-fuimos
Note: Seeing as Hannibal is a demon, it will be referred as 'It'
From here on I am translating the story verbum ad verbum, even the Author's notes.
The characters in this story do not belong to me. They are property of who knows it and WB.
I gain nothing from writing this but my own amusement.
WARNING: This fanfic will be YAOI (and slash), if this genre does not interest you or is distasteful to you don't read it, period, I understand perfectly this stance. Chase/Jack
Chapter 4. Invited to dine
Chase rebuked Wuya's attack only to receive a terrible one from Hannibal Bean, he flipped to reduce the impact against the ground and stood to throw himself at his enemy. Even so he wasn't strong enough for his blows to have a noticeable effect.
With an angry growl he closed his eyes and called the beast… only to remember he wasn't in possession of the interior dragon, the manifestation of his Heylin power didn't exist anymore.
- Whahuahuahahahahah! What happened Chase? I would say something is missing. - Hannibal Laughed with pleasure, continuing to attack Chase consecutively with Its tentacles.
It was the same as during the Heylin eclipse, his power had lowered and the draconic transformation was nulled. Then, he was obliged to run from Hannibal and the traitor Wuya, escaping through a passage in his citadel.
Now it was the same, he didn't have the power to confront both evils at once. Against Wuya maybe, but Wuya and Hannibal? There was no way. He felt a great ire, the helplessness burned.
- Poor Chase – Purred Wuya mockingly, to then give him a superb punch. – It's obvious that without the Heylin power you are nothing.
That hurt. Chase squeezed his fists, the taunting hurt more than the blows.
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Jack Spicer hid behind the spare parts box trembling, grasping his only legitimate Shen gong wu, he didn't like the situation one little bit. His self-preservation instinct only screamed for him to take advantage of the situation and drag himself to the exit, he had to leave and get away from the fight. But when he started to obey his survival instinct, he saw how Chase was receiving one blow after another.
Chase was losing. That was terribly shocking.
And? He was wasting time, he had to go to the upper floor and get out of the mansion, where he could grab his car and go away. Jack crawled behind some computers, looking behind to make sure no one noticed.
Chase was in danger… Wuya and Hannibal would kill him with their combined power, and Chase didn't have his Heylin powers, he went being a martial art master and a Xiaolin monk, but… now he was only a man against a witch and a demon.
Well, Chase could take care of himself, surely… Jack twisted his hands apprehensively.
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Chase succeeded in delivering a flying kick on Hannibal, getting away from the legume, but when he turned he had Wuya behind him prepared to attack. The attack never came, out of nowhere a ball of red hair and black clothes jumped with a simian scream, Wuya screamed and started to run around the basement while trying to get Monkey-Jack away from her head, who was biting and pulling her hair with all the strength the Monkey staff gave him.
- Take it away, take it away, take it away!
Hannibal and Chase couldn't help but to stay paralyzed looking with consternation at Wuya running around like a chicken without head, with Jack giving angry screams like an authentic mandrill.
After some instants of truce to assimilate such scene Hannibal attacked treacherously and Chase left his surprised state to confront more serious matters.
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If the small voice of his survival instinct could have been heard inside his monkey brain, it would be screaming about how idiot he was and that he would get himself killed. But at that moment Jack was only conscious of two things, that he would die for some fruit, bananas if possible, and that the witch was his enemy, period, there was no more reasoning.
Reason came back to his brain when Wuya grabbed him, getting him from her head and threw him against a wall with all her strength. The impact was hard and Jack slid to the ground while moaning miserably.
- Stupid brat, I should have finished you off when you lost your scarce usefulness!
Wuya loomed over him and Jack was sure that the witch's patience had ended. That would hurt, a lot.
- Jack!
Chase paid dearly for his loss of attention while noticing the redhead's situation, Hannibal's tentacles wound up around him, squeezing like an anaconda and constricting with devastating strength.
- This is the end Chase Young. – Proclaimed the legume – It's a shame you decided to betray me, it's only fair that the power I gave you has been taken away.
- I… hnn… rec… recovered… nnng… my so…ul.
- The soul is only a obstacle to your true nature Chase. – Hannibal taunted without releasing him, stopping his breathing. – You renounced it freely, you were evil, only simulating your moral side, but you were as evil then as you are now.
Chase denied with his head, he felt pain in his muscles and bones, his lungs stung… he felt a burning hate in his renewed soul, so deep and intense he couldn't comprehend how the simple power of it didn't allow him the strength to free himself. But there was no place from where to get strength, he didn't have the Heylin power, didn't have his interior beast, didn't have the power he obtained from the defeated warriors.
Jack covered his head with his arms waiting for Wuya's blow when he saw his salvation just beside him. He rapidly grabbed the remote control and faced Wuya with the courage his necessity for survival conceded him.
- Everyone, quiet or we will all be blown!
Wuya turned cold, she had lived with Jack long enough and knew what the classical red button was for in any situation, it was always, always, the auto-destruction button. It seems that Jack, like everyone else, had imitated the rule of all the bad guys from television, having an auto-destruction system.
- You wouldn't dare! – She shouted.
- If I don't push it you kill me, but if I do, at least I take all of you with me.
- It's a bluff. – Hannibal growled out.
Jack raised the control with the forefinger above the button and straightened with a big and decidedly malicious smile on his face.
- A bluff? I don't believe so, having an auto-destruction system if I am ever in need to get rid of incriminating evidences is basic. Get out of MY house or we all die.
- You won't be able to do it. – Wuya smirked… but it wasn't as sure and wide as usual.
Even if Jack was an idiot, Wuya saw him have moments of pure genius, sometimes the brat showed a surprising malice, and since ever he was singular when back stabbing someone.
He could well be sometimes as astute and stupid as to dare push the button and destroy them all, including himself.
- Release Chase and return to your normal size, bean.
Hannibal cursed and in a blink released Chase, who fell down hard on the ground, breathing in and out, slowly as to not lose consciousness, panting with open mouthed breathlessness, his face was red from the constriction but little by little he started to recover the circulation and air.
- Well, now get out of my house immediately, one little suspicious move and I push the button. Then it is bye, bye.
The pale brat had guts when he got to it, Hannibal hadn't foreseen that, It had already used Jack before and in no moment he looked like overcoming his childish nature, having his illusions of grandeur. At least, not so soon.
Hannibal Bean hated not having foreseen that, It hated surprises.
- We will see each other again Spicer, I won't forget your interference.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah… but for now I have the button of the great BOOM not you, goodbye.
For the second time Hannibal and Wuya were forced to leave, and they weren't happy about it. The murderous glares they sent Chase and Jack were chilling.
Once the cameras confirmed both Heylin left the premises Jack took his finger from the control.
- They are gone, truly?
- Yes. - Chase confirmed.
The warrior massaged his arms and torso, he had bruises on his ribs but nothing serious, rest and medicinal herbs would make him like new. But his pride hurt much more and wouldn't heal so soon. He had been almost defenceless, he fought well, but that hadn't been enough. Him, who wanted to be the strongest warrior in the world… he squeezed his fists… no, he should control himself, now it wasn't important he shouldn't let these ambitious feelings be more powerful than his rectitude. He turned to Jack with a grateful smile.
Jack trembled like a leaf, his legs only sustaining him, he held the dreaded control between weak hands. Chase hurried to him taking the control before, in all his trembling, he ended accidently pushing the red button.
-It has already ended Spicer, you saved us both.
- Seriously?
- Yes. – Chase smiled, in fact he was amazed by the strength Jack showed and his courage before Hannibal and Wuya.
Afraid that he would lose his feet and fall Chase grabbed a chair and Jack sat immediately, the young man was really affected.
- It was a valorous act, Spicer. I'm impressed.
- Me too. – He confessed in a small voice.
- To choose destroying all, overcoming fear and facing defeat was worthy of honour, Spicer.
Jack smiled weakly and took the control, in front Chase's stunned gaze he pushed the button.
And the garage door opened.
- It was a bluff, I lied.
Chase was speechless, a part of him felt sad that Jack had lied instead of showing himself willing to sacrifice… but a greater part applauded the ruse. Finally, he smiled.
Jack blushed.
- Now we have to go, Hannibal Roy Bean won't forget this, he will return.
- What? But this is my home, I'm not leaving.
- Spicer, you are not safe here, when they come back for revenge they won't doubt.
Jack bit his lips, worried, certainly he wasn't safe in his basement.
- You will come with me to the Xiaolin temple.
- What? – Jack's eyes opened exaggeratedly wide. - No, no, no, no, no, impossible.
- You are not safe here, Spicer.
At that moment Omi arrived running, panting from the journey back to Spicer's home after he noticed Chase wasn't following him. He should confess he had been talking to Chase, which meant to himself, for a time before realizing he was alone. When going back he had seen Hannibal and Wuya leaving and e feared the worst without stopping reprimanding himself for his inattentiveness.
- Chase! – Omi jumped to the interior with an aggressive glare directed to Jack. – Jack Spicer! Once again you had allied yourself with Hannibal Bean to involve us in a mess.
- In an ambush. – Jack corrected instinctively.
- That's what I said. – Replied the small monk while taking out the Tonami sphere.
Chase hurried to stand between the teenagers with a calming gesture.
- Jack didn't prepare an ambush, small monk, he was also attacked and threatened by our common enemy.
- Oh. – Omi tuck the sphere, not without giving Spicer a suspicious glance.
- Spicer should come with us to the temple Omi, I fear that his life is in danger for having helped me.
The redhead opened his mouth protest having to abandon his precious technology but couldn't say anything because Omi jumped, hugging his head with a shout of happiness.
- I knew you finally understood that your heart is with us in this fight against evil!
Jack fought to get rid of the hyperactive monk and finally got away from him. He didn't know what was the cheese ball problem, but he was sure it had a complicated name.
- I'm only worried about myself. – He rebuked with a fierce movement.
- Of course. – In Chase's voice there was an amiable joking tone that Jack wasn't thankful for.
- It's true! It's… It's just a collateral help, nothing more.
Omi raised his eyebrows confused, but shrugged to then grab Chase and Jack's hands while beaming.
- I'm soooo happy!
Argh… This scene form Omi was sickling sugary.
Jack started to pull his hand out of Omi's, well he tried, in the end all three of them quit the mansion hand in hand with Omi skipping between Chase and him. Wait a moment…
- Eeeh… You didn't come in a Shen gong wu?
- No.- Chase answered plainly.
- Not even on the lizard, Dojo?
- Neither, and Dojo is an ancient dragon. – Omi pointed out in defence of his green friend.
Jack stood still and looked at both monks as if they grew a second head each.
- You came walking? How long did you take to arrive here?
- Only six hours. – Omi calmly replied. – Running and jumping in serenity during the night is very invigorating.
To Jack's bewilderment Chase nodded in agreement. Running and jumping during hours between forests, rivers and mountains… the Xiaolin monks were really crazy.
- Forgive me if I do not share your enthusiasm and go get the keys to my Jet 3000.
Both monks, as weird as it was thinking of Chase as a monk, shrugged as if it didn't matter to them to walk kilometres or fly the same distance in half the time.
Jack took the time to get some personal objects into a bag and sat in the command of Jet 3000 with Omi on the co-pilot seat and Chase at his back, behind Jack. With a few gestures he ignited the plane and ascended. The 3000 model didn't even need space, it could launch vertically, it was his pride.
He only hoped that the stupid monks didn't smash it when he arrived at the Xiaolin temple, one thing was to repair it, the other was having the materials to do so. He could fix it until a certain point, not do miracles.
Once in the sky, Jack programmed the trip to the Xiaolin temple and left the rest to the auto-pilot. They had two hours of flight till the temple… he had done maaany times this course.
- It's soooo great, all united against evil…
Omi was lost in his ideal world, Jack supposed this world was something like a huge Xiaolin temple full of statues of the "Great Omi" where the little rascal was the Great Master Omi and aaaaall the others would seat listening to his "wise" teachings.
Jack sighed and looked at the seat behind him.
- Hey Chase…
His gaze immediately crossed with Chase's and the youngster felt a sudden embarrassment and turned to the front. What made the warrior click his tongue amused by the reaction.
- Something happened Spicer?
- Euh… no, nothing… it's nothing.
- You can speak freely Spicer, I won't bite.
Jack gave a shy gaze over his shoulder, not really convinced. Chase had a calm expression, the eyebrows in an elegant arch above the warm amber eyes and a soft smile, he seemed to be beautified.
- Uh… really?
- I assure you that your words won't be answered with violence nor insults Spicer, that has ended.
- The Chase I know… - Jack started saying.
- Doesn't exist anymore. – Chase was firm and secure while saying it, he noticed Spicer's fear, it was so intense that he felt remorse.
- Exactly! – Omi exclaimed raising his arms and looking at them with lamb like eyes. – And now we are all on the justice side, everything thanks to me.
Jack face palmed, exasperated.
- I'm not on your side Omi. I repeat, I'm not on your side, I'm only for myself. I can't believe you are so conceited as to think…
- I'm not conceited! – He tried to jump Jack but he was detained by the seat belt, only being able to stretch his arms while attacking the air with vigour.
Chase and Jack left Omi trying to reach something from his seat, knowing he wouldn't make it, in the end he tired himself letting his head fall, sleeping immediately, spit dribbling and all. Jack couldn't help laughing at the comic scene, Omi was really funny without even trying.
Chase observed Jack's sincere smile, completely different from his usual exaggerated laughs, it was a soft half-smile with a light healthy blush that had pink his white cheeks, like marble under the star's lights.
Jack turned to stone under the touch of Chase's hand to his chin, holding it and passing his fingers over the cheek.
- Chase?
Chase caressed gently, noticing the heat from his skin, smooth as silk.
- I have always found curious that you are so pale with a hair so red…I like it.
Jack shivered when the fingers slowly left, like a caress. He blushed intensely and felt his heart rapidly beating. Chase smiled at him with a mix of curiosity and kindness with those eyes, that mouth…
- Ah… eh… well… it's that I… well… notexactlyalbinobut, it'satypeofpigmentation it's rareIinheritfrommymother… that'swhyIhaveahairsored withouthavingfreckles andofcourseIhaveredeyes that'swhy… (not exactly albino but, it's a type of pigmentation, it's rare, I inherit from my mother… that's why I have a hair so red without having freckles and of course I have red eyes, that's why…)
Chase succeeded in understanding Jack's speech rhythm, it was evident his profound nervousness, which he provoked… He looked entrancing with that weak smile, babbling while looking at the ground and playing with his jacket buttons. He extended his hand again to touch that skin or the hair, so fierce in colour, but Jack saw the movement and shrunk back suddenly.
- What are you doing?
- I only want to touch you.
-Huh? Why?
- Because I always wanted to touch you.
-What? – Jack asked with incredulity – You've never…
- Maybe I didn't want to act on it, but I wanted to touch you Spicer.
-Why? – Jack continued with the same expression.
- Because you are obviously attractive Spicer.
Jack's face went through various expressions, first it was paralyzed with his mouth hanging open, then he turned tomato red and his eyes got as big as plates, finally he stammered incoherently until he shut up, clearly on guard, with a distrustful air.
- You are making fun of me. – Jack accused.
Chase immediately started to answer when the jet started to descend and Omi woke up with a huge yawn.
-Waaaaaaaaah! Have we arrived?
Jack nodded, looking through the crystal panel, seeing the other monks arriving in pyjamas… uh oh Raimundo came with the sword, Clay with the fist…
- Baldy, get out there before your friends vaporize us.
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- I can't believe it Omi! – Raimundo was going up the walls. – Chase Young, ok, in the end we all want him on the Xiaolin side, but… but… Jack Spicer?
- I also don't want to be here in the least, you know, beach pimp? – Jack replied aggressively.
Raimundo wanted to grab Omi and shake him until he developed some common sense. Chase Young was one thing, he had his soul back and really had the appearance of a Xiaolin monk as he changed to his celeste blues Chinese clothes and the new aura of meditation much like Master Fung, but Spicer was another thing altogether.
Jack Spicer had worked with then on some occasions only and exclusively for egoistical reasons, and the only occasion he had wanted to make amends for, he ended up betraying them in the most cunning manner. He had tricked, swindled, stole from, used and lied to them in so many occasions that he had lost count.
- Jack Spicer has made an enemy in Hannibal and Wuya, putting his life in danger. – Omi explained with a begging expression. – The enemy of the enemy of my enemy is my enemy… no, wait… the friend of my enemy is the enemy of the friend… no… one second… the friend of my enemy, which is not my friend anymore…
- The enemy of my enemy is my friend! – Jack cut him down desperately.
- Yes, that! – Omi exclaimed satisfied.
Clay scratched his pale head under his cowboy hat and put a hand on Raimundo's shoulder, the Brazilian was a good leader, he never gave up, he had fast thinking and fast decision making skills… but sometimes he needed a little bit of patience, and that was Clay's strength. If they needed to calm down and make a decision with common sense, he would take part in it.
- My friend, what Omi want to say is that we have to unite against Hannibal ad the witch, much more now that they wish to finish Chase off so insistently.
- But…
Clay raised a hand, when he had to impose himself he knew how to, he didn't like abusing his height and build, but if he had to do it, he did. In Texan style.
- And if we want a firm front against evil we have to be more unified than livestock running from coyotes.
- We are not livestock. – Kimiko mumbled. Clay ignored the critic.
- We may not like it, but if Jack try to fool us he will end up facing Hannibal and Wuya alone, and that will only be bad for him.
- And why should we give him sanctuary?
- Because we are Xiaolin monks and it is our duty to help those in need.
Raimundo wanted to refute, but Clay had arguments as definitive and heavy as his element, earth and rock. It was incredible, the Texan was slow to think and move, but when he gave, it was hard and strong.
- All right… but he will work like everyone else. – He grunted.
Jack rolled his eyes, if they thought he would be a slave like when he tried being a monk, they were dead wrong.
Omi jumped of happiness.
- Then Omi… now go convince Master Fung.
Omi grabbed Clay by his hand and both went to get Master Fung, if they had convinced Raimundo he didn't see how the Master could be any harder. Even if he had to admit he had developed a certain… fear of Spicer after dealing with Good Jack from the Yin Yang world.
Chase stretched his legs, although it still had three hours until daybreak and he felt again all and each of the blows he took from Hannibal and Wuya. His pride was hurting again and he felt a tick of bitterness.
He concentrated on ignoring the pain and regarded Jack, the youngster had his bag in his hands looking at the Xiaolin temple with resignation, his skin reflected the star's light and the half-moon with a supernatural glow which gave him a faery like air, unnatural, marked with the black khol under his eyes, it turned him even more exotic. No, he wasn't joking when he said he was attractive.
He felt again the bitterness at the back of his throat… Jack had been in danger and he could only try to breath while Hannibal strangled him, the simple act of remembering his helplessness made him frown and growl. He wouldn't allow it again; Jack Spicer was under his protection.
Author's note: At last, it took me forever to upload this chapter because my computer still goes laughing at me… it knows I will replace it soon and keeps torturing me.
What more, it's being really hard controlling Chase's change, because I don't want him to turn too good as turning radical the loss of his essence. I'm making life harder but the reviews had cheered me up, I will see if I can maintain coherence in the story. This will take a while.
Hello, Meracus here! Fourth chapter is translated, enjoy!