When Jack awoke he was back in his room at the ward. Jack pulled himself up and saw Hong sat across from him.
"Jack?" Jack stared blankly at him and passed him the book. Hong gaped at the boy.
"You sure?" Jack's eyes welled up again.
"Yes."
Hong sighed and took the book.
"Alright." Hong took the book but Jack didn't let go. Hong looked up and found Jack in a very torn state.
"Jack, tell me what happened." Jack sighed and let go of the book. He told him exactly what happened and explained what he saw.
"I understand, Jack. It is very hard to comprehend what you have always known, only to find out it is all wrong. This is great in your progress. We will give you time, however. Once you have accepted this we can get on with the last part of your treatment." Jack nodded and sniffed.
"Can I ask one thing?" Jack asked quietly.
Hong nodded.
"Well two things... Please, if I am to stay here, can I please earn my keep? I'll be bored otherwise." Hong nodded.
"And the other thing?" Jack looked away.
"Chase. Chase is real, I know he is. He feels real. I know he's real. I just don't need a book to know that. I know what I said to you before, but Chase? Definitely real."
Hong sighed.
"You aren't going to give up on Chase are you?" Jack shook his head, determined.
"I've made up my mind. Chase is real, and you can't tell me otherwise." Hong nodded.
"Alright, Jack. That's fine. If it will keep you happy." Hong noted down everything and left Jack to himself.
"In that case, you can help out with the laundry and the cleaning duties in the cafeteria." Jack nodded.
"Okay, no problem."
XSXSXSXS
Jack did as he was told and helped the carers. There was no need for Jack to be looked after, other than to take his medication when he needed it.
He cleaned the cafeteria and even helped other patients with homework. Jack was happy enough.
After the day was finished, he went back to his room. He looked at all the pictures in his room and smiled.
"Don't worry Chase. You are real. I know it."
Jack growled in frustration as he remembered what happened that morning.
"But why wasn't my lab real. It doesn't make any sense!"
Jack sat on his bed and thought it through. No matter what Jack thought, nothing came to mind.
"Maybe if I slept on it." Jack yawned and got himself ready for bed.
"It might make more sense in the morning. Man, I'm beat." He climbed into bed and fell straight to sleep.
In the morning, maybe things will make sense.
Okay, short chapter. I couldn't stretch it out to what I wanted. But it is to carry on the story.
Next chapter starts the ending! Next one reveals most things and the last chapter will reveal everything for you.
Xiaolin Showdown (c) Christy Hui
Story (c) Me
