Odd Discoveries
Summary: Normally, when Jack Spicer discovers something about his evil idol, Chase Young, he is overjoyed. But this time, it's something that could turn his entire world upside down. Eventual CHACK.
Warnings: Adult language, Slash(shounen-ai, BL, yaoi, guy-on-guy action, etc.)
Disclaimer: Xiaolin Showdown and all its characters belong to Christy Hui and Kids WB/Cartoon Network. I make no profit off these crazy stories of mine.
P.S. In the last chapter, I noticed that I forgot to compensate for the time zones. I have fixed it(the plot hasn't really changed so you don't really have to re-read it). It just only bothered me, since I'm a bit of a stickler for storyline consistency.
That said, on with the fic!
*Sorry for the late update, I wanted to put this up on Friday, but I had some technical difficulties.
Chapter 4 - Experiment #1
"Wow," starts Jermaine, "You, Jack Spicer, are seriously screwed."
"Hey, that's what Raimundo said!"
"Not helping, Megan," Jack interjects, his cousin simply shrugging.
At the moment, Omi has just finished informing Jermaine of the current situation. Jack and Megan remained silent through most of the explanation, only jumping in to add details when necessary. And to his credit, the black teen simply raises an eyebrow before scratching the back of his head.
"This is . . . heavy. It's been a while since I've been around him, but if memory serves correctly, Chase isn't going to just let this slide. If I were you, Jack, I'd seriously start getting my affairs in order."
"Look, I get it!" shouts Jack, surprising everyone in the room. "I know that I'm just delaying the inevitable by running away, but what exactly am I supposed to do? Once Chase finds out what I've done, he's going to kill me and all I can hope for is that it's quick and painless. But it's not like I meant for any of this to happen. All I wanted was to get to know the guy a bit better-"
"Why?"
At Megan's sudden question, Jack pauses in his mini rant.
"Why, what?"
"Why were you trying to get to know Chase better? Don't you already know everything there is to know about him?"
"Chase Young is a very complicated person," begins the evil teen, his tone indicating that everyone in the room should have already known that. "All I know about him are the facts, things you could easily find out by reading a history book or even a Wikipedia entry. I want to know the stuff that no one else knows, the things that only someone close to Chase would be privileged to know. I mean, how many times does a person come across an immortal dragon warlord? Anyone would be completely fascinated by him."
Deciding that what he said is probably true, after all why else would he have a stalker-like obsession with the Heylin master, Jack watches as his cousin, the short monk, and the basketball player take in his explanation. Omi turns to Jermaine as Megan continues to carefully stare at her cousin.
"So, my friend, now that you know the situation, is it still alright that we take refuge here?"
"Yeah, Omi, don't worry about it. After all, what kind of honorary Xiaolin dragon would I be if I kicked out my fellow monk in his time of need?"
"Ah, well you still have my thanks," offers Omi with a quick bow. "Now, would you mind if I used your phone? I need to contact Raimundo and the others to let them know that we have arrived safely."
"Sure, man. It's in the kitchen, let me show you."
With that, Jermaine stands to lead the monk into the kitchen further inside his house. Once the two leave, Megan decides to speak.
"Jack? Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I just have to worry about being killed by the evil villain I most admire, but, besides that, I'm just peachy."
"It's not that bad. After all, it's not as if Chase even knows, right?"
"Megan, he knows. Chase knows everything. That's what makes him such an awesome bad ass. To be honest, I'm just trying to get as much distance as possible between his hands and my throat."
"Well, are you just going to spend the next few days wallowing in self pity or are you going to do something about it? The Jack Spicer I know, doesn't give up this easy."
"I never said I'm giving up," claims the evil genius. "I just need some time to think all this over."
With a smirk, Megan gets up off the couch.
"Well, I'll go see if Jermaine has cookies or something else loaded with sugar to help. Who knows, you may get lucky and he might have pudding in his fridge."
Jack returns her smirk, the girl may be a bit pushy at times, but she knows how he worked.
"High Fructose Corn syrup is just as good, by the way."
Once completely alone, Jack lets out a sigh. He reclines on the rather comfortable couch, resting his body as his mind goes to work.
Why am I so interested in Chase?
It has to be more than the scientific study, I'm practically obsessed with the guy. No one has ever held my interest this long, eventually their stupidity always leaks out and ruins it. But, it's been five years since I've met Chase and if anything, I've only become more fascinated by him.
Ugh, this makes absolutely no sense!
Why do I have the ridiculously compulsive need to learn everything I can about the stupid dragon, even if it potential gets me killed?
Groaning at the frustrating and completely circular direction of his thoughts, Jack rolls onto his stomach, burying his head in a throw pillow.
"What the hell am I going to do?"
The red-head firms his grip on the simple, black messenger bag still slung over his shoulder. It hasn't left his body since his hurried escape from his laboratory and Wuya. With a final sigh, his focus becomes internal as Jack attempts to sort through the mess he has gotten himself into.
MONDAY MORNING 12:06 AM(China)
SUNDAY AFTERNOON 12:06 PM(New York)
Back at the Xiaolin Temple, Kimiko and Clay are sleepily watching as Raimundo talks on the Japanese girl's cell phone. The ancient grounds have long been absent of the Heylin witch and legume, the evil duo retreated for the moment. So since that time, the monks have been waiting up to hear from their friend.
And a few minutes ago, Omi had ended their suspense by finally calling to let them know of the situation on his end.
"Good to hear from you Omi. . . Yeah, it's just after midnight here. . . Uh huh, you guys take care and we'll see you soon."
After a moment of silence, Raimundo lets out a deep sigh.
"Omi, you have to push the end call button . . . Yup, that's the one. Later."
Getting off the phone, the Brazilian teen flips it closed before handing it back to Kimiko as he turns to face her, Clay, and Master Fung.
"They all made it safely to their destination. Though, if they're where I think they are, Omi made a good choice."
"That is very good news," Master Fung adds as Dojo snores from his perch on the elder monk's shoulder. "And even more fortunate, thanks to all of your efforts, Wuya and Hannibal still believe that Jack Spicer is here."
"Yeah, but it wasn't easy. Fightin' those two took forever."
Nodding in agreement to the cowboy's statement, the Japanese girl joins the conversation.
"I'm just worried that Omi's absence might have been suspicious."
"Well, that's why our shifts are only thrity-six hours each. If it was any longer than that, Wuya and Hannibal would instantly know that something's up. Not to mention that it's long enough that anyone after them, won't have enough time to track them down. Even someone like Chase would have trouble. According to the ancient scroll, using the Golden Tiger Claws completely hides your scent and makes it impossible to track even using the strongest magic. So, even if Chase did go after Jack, it would only lead him here. Further strengthening the lie that our favorite evil teen genius is here with us."
After listening to the Shoku warrior's explanation, Kimiko, Clay, and even Master Fung and Dojo stare at Raimundo incredulously.
"Wow, you really thought of everything, Rai."
"Well, there's a reason I'm your leader, Kimiko," replies the Brazilian with a cheeky smirk. "It's not just my devastatingly good looks."
MONDAY MORNING 11:17 AM(NYC)
MONDAY NIGHT 11:17PM(China)
Since he had woken up in Jermaine's fully-furbished basement, Jack has spent most of his morning staring at the screen of his laptop computer. Crimson eyes are completely focused on the video, watching and re-watching the effects his arsenic and liquid nitrogen combination has on Chase Young's blood cells. Absorbed in his work, his mind no doubt formulating some kind of plan, Jack completely misses the appearance of Omi.
"Jack Spicer, I am glad that you are awake. I was concerned since you have not yet come upstairs to eat breakfast."
"I'm fine, cheese ball," Jack replies, the old nickname for the monk rolling off his tongue without much thought.
"That may be, however I simply wanted to let you know that we will be leaving late tonight to return to the Temple."
"I figured as much. Don't worry about me, like I said, I'm just fine."
At Jack's words, the Xiaolin dragon simply stares at the older teen across from him, the almost white fingers quickly skirting across the keyboard as they type at an inhuman speed.
"I do not mean to insult you, Jack, but I believe that you are far from fine."
Glancing up from the computer, the evil genius stares at Omi.
"Omi, are you actually calling me a liar?"
The water monk blushes slightly at the question, but Jack shocks them both by laughing.
"Well, you're right, I was lying. Way to call me on my shit, monk."
"Oh," begins Omi, a bit confused by the phrasing of the teen's words. "Then what is the matter?"
"Hell if I know."
"Would it have to do with the fact that Wuya and Hannibal Roy Bean are after you?"
"That's part of it. Although, they've always been on my case so it's nothing that new."
Assessing the Xiaolin monk, still bewildered by the fact that he continues to retain his childlike innocence after all these years, Jack takes a moment to form the question that his curiosity is begging to ask.
"Hey Omi, what do you think of Chase Young?"
If the water monk is surprised by the inquisition, he doesn't show it.
"As you said, I, too, think that Chase Young is a complicated person. He is evil, yet at one time was a great Xiaolin warrior that fought alongside Grand Master Dashi and Master Monk Guan. I do not trust him, but I do respect him. And as a master of many forms of both martial arts and traditional weaponry, I have learned much from Chase, even though most of it is unintentional. So, I suppose that I hold Chase in high regard for his past, yet I am wary of him due to his present self and possible future actions. Why do you ask?"
Surprised by the rather eloquent statement, it takes a minute for Jack to recover.
"I guess I'm just curious. I mean, I practically hold the key to destroying the guy and I need to figure out what to do with it pretty soon. And as we both know, Chase hasn't exactly been nice to me over the years. the more I think about it, I probably have more reason than Wuya and Hannibal combined to hate him . . . but I just don't."
Sensing the distress in the other's words, Omi places a reassuring hand on Jack's shoulder.
"Jack Spicer, I cannot tell you how to feel about Chase Young. That is something that you must decide for yourself. You hold the knowledge in which to end his life, though as you are alluding to, it does not grant you the right to use that knowledge. It is quite a conundrum indeed."
The monk takes a minute to think, his face instantly lighting up once he finds the advice that he was looking for.
"However, it does seem to me that you respect him greatly. Master Fung once told me that true respect can only be earned and never demanded as it is a trust that we put into another person. And it is natural that we all want to be accepted by the people we respect. I suggest that you meditate on these words, Jack Spicer, and I am sure that you will find your most elusive answer."
Silence is the first response that Omi receives to his words of wisdom, before a small grin makes it's way onto Jack's face.
"Jeez, short stack, you're starting to sound more and more like an actual monk."
"Why thank you. And it's good to see you acting like yourself again," adds Omi with a large smile. "Now, I am off. Jermaine has promised to show us around New York City. It is a most wondrous and fascinating place so please feel free to join us if you like."
"Well, we are in The Big Apple. I guess even you won't stick out in a crowd."
Turning, the short teen heads towards the stairs to leave the teenage genius to his work.
"Hey, wait up, Omi. I changed my mind, I'll join you guys. Besides, I could use some fresh air."
With an even bigger smile, both Omi and Jack walk upstairs to join Megan and Jermaine.
MONDAY NIGHT 10:52 PM(NYC)
TUESDAY MORNING 10:52AM(China)
After spending the day walking around Brooklyn, the teens have returned to Jermaine's house. Since it is rather late, their "dinner" consists of the various items off the McDonald's dollar menu. The four teens way too hungry to wait for any other form of nutritional sustenance.
"Sorry guys, this is the best I can do," explains Jermaine as he takes the various containers out of the white and red bags. "Trust me, you don't want me to actually cook for you."
"This meal is fine. There is no need to prepare anything special for us."
Digging into the spread of burgers, chicken nuggets, and French fries, the starving teenagers wolf down the fast food and chase it down with copious amounts of soda. They still have a good hour or so until they return to the Xiaolin Temple halfway across the world.
"So Jack," begins Jermaine as he eats out of a container of French fries, "What exactly do you plan to do with your little discovery?"
"That's not really your business, now is it?"
"Ah, so you still have no idea, huh?"
Irritated, Jack simply devours the rest of his cheeseburger. In addition to Jermaine's foresight, he is still annoyed by the teen's short stint as Chase Young's apprentice. A glare from red eyes focuses on Jermaine who laughs at the expression paired with the genius' puffed out cheeks full of fast food.
"Relax, man. Look I did the whole 'Apprentice to Chase Young' deal, and it's really not my thing. I help out Omi and the others from time to time, but I really don't have much of an interest in Shen Gong Wu and showdowns."
"Then what's with all the questions?"
"Just curious, I guess. Do you mind if I make a suggestion?"
"It couldn't hurt," pipes in Megan, ignoring her cousin's pointed look.
"Whatever you decide to do with this method to kill Chase, make sure that it's what you want to do," starts the black teen. "If what Omi said about Wuya and Hannibal is true, they're going to try to persuade you do what they want. And if Chase finds out, he will obviously not want you to use it, and do whatever he needs to ensure that. Bottom line, this is your decision, Jack, no one else's. And at the end of the day, you're the one that's going to have to deal with the consequences of it."
For a moment there is complete silence, until the short monk finishes a mouthful of ketchuped French fries.
"Very wise of you, Jermaine!"
"Well, I try Omi."
"Hey Omi, are you going to finish that milkshake?"
As Megan smiles at the teen beside her, Omi blushes intensely before handing it to her, his weakness for cute girls winning over his love for sweets. Amidst the other teens' conversation, Jack simply thinks everything over as he finishes the rest of his soda.
It's my choice, huh? I wish it was that simple. Hell, I wish I just knew what my choices actually are. Well, at the very least I have a few more days to figure this all out. I'm responsible for this, I can't keep running away from this forever.
Finishing their food, the teens start cleaning up the remnants of their dinner as Omi fetches the Golden Tiger Claws. Returning to the kitchen, he sees Jack and Megan getting ready to go. Walking over to Jermaine, he smiles up at the much-taller teen.
"Jermaine, thank you once again for your hospitality."
"No problem, man. If you guys have any more problems, just let me know."
The two friends exchange a handshake as the Spicers approach them.
"Thanks Jermaine, Jack and I really appreciate your help."
"It was cool hanging with you guys," replies Jermaine, smiling at Megan before turning to her cousin. "Hey, Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"Stop over thinking it, would you? You may have a tough decision to make, but agonizing and beating yourself up over it won't make it any easier."
"Thanks," offers Jack, oddly grateful for the help.
With a slash of the wu, the familiar blue streaks form a bridge back to the Xiaolin temple. Omi, Megan, and even Jack, wave to Jermaine before stepping through, leaving him behind in his brownstone in Brooklyn, NYC.
Upon arriving inside one of the ancient buildings of the Xiaolin temple, the three teens look around for signs of abnormality. Nothing seems amiss, however it is unnaturally silent save for the rain echoing on the tiled roof above them. The darkness, despite the fact that it's midday, is a bit unsettling to the trio of teenagers. However, Omi, Jack and Megan still manage to relax.
"Hello?" calls the water monk, as he looks around for his friends. "Raimundo? Clay? Kimiko? We are back!"
"And just in time, I was starting to grow tired of waiting."
At the all-too-familiar, dark voice, Jack is the first to turn to its source, his eyes wide as they search the shadows of the room. Yet, it isn't until the man decides to step into the dull light do Omi and Megan finally realize who exactly it belongs to. A malicious smirk plays across his features as his golden eyes focus with deadly intensity on the self-proclaimed evil genius.
"Ch-Chase?" whispers Jack underneath his breath. And for the first time since meeting the Heylin dragon, he is actually afraid to be in his presence.
To be continued.
Duh duh DUH!
Sorry to end it here, but I really couldn't resist.
Well, looks like Jack is forced to come face to face with Chase Young, what ever shall he do now? And what happened to the other Xiaolin monks?
Find out next chapter!
And as always, feedback is much appreciated!
Later days!
RENKA