A/N My wifi's deciding to be an arsehole, it's infuriating, especially since I have to get something done...bleh... But in other news...writer's block has vanished! Over the next few days you're probably gonna get a lot of updates. And I'm still thinking about Macey's backstory (you're gonna find out a lot in this chapter!) and how to make flaws- thank you to those who are being patient and sticking with me! I have a feeling this story is going to be successful. Not in a narcissistic way, of course.

Chapter 7: Enter the Viper (Episode 4, Part 1)

"I cannot help if it if I think you're funny when you're mad"- The Barenaked Ladies, "One Week."

*JCA*

I woke up from a weird dream, feeling someone shaking me by the shoulders.

"Macey."

"Mhnnn…" I mumbled, my voice muffled by the pillow.

"Macey, wake up. We have to get going." I blinked open my eyes to see Jackie standing next to my bed.

I sat up halfway. "Where are we going?" My voice was still thick with sleep, and my vision was still a bit blurred.

"New York City."

I was wide awake after hearing that. I shot up, my head nearly colliding with the low ceiling. "Wh...why New York City? Did I do something wrong?" I'd probably done a lot wrong, but I doubt it was anything so drastic that I'd be sent back home.

"Oh, no, you've done nothing wrong." Jackie shook his head. "One of the talisman is in New York. We're still going to need your help."

I did a mental 180. "Okay, let me ask you one thing first," I said, rubbing my sleepy eyes. "What time is it? And why did you choose me to help you? You have Uncle and Jade. Why me? Not that I don't enjoy it or anything."

"Let me just say this: Uncle is not exactly reliable," Jackie admitted feebly. "And Jade is young. She gets into trouble more than helping out. You are a guide. And that was two things."

"A...guide?" I managed to clear my throat. "So, kind of like a guardian angel, right?"

"Exactly," he confirmed with a smile.

"But you're, like, the best kung fu guy ever." I was starting to sound like Jade. "You can beat up Tohru. Or a guy bigger than him."

"Even someone that is skilled needs someone to guide him along the way," Jackie replied.

Ooo-kay then. "Uh, alright. When are we leaving?"

"Any moment now. While we are in New York City, perhaps we can visit your parents."

"Sure?" The question mark lingered. My mom was okay. But I'd never exactly gotten along with my dad. He'd always wanted me to go to law school instead of having writing as a career. He deemed writing a "waste of time" and throwing away a good career. Whatever. Stephen King is a millionaire- hell-ooo! Not to mention of some of his novels have been turned into pretty decent films. So I don't see why I couldn't write. Okay, so maybe I couldn't be a millionaire- at least not yet, that is.

"Get dressed." Jackie brought me out of my stupor. "We can get breakfast along the way."

I needed my hoodie.,

*JCA*

After getting a quick McDonald's box, we headed to the airport.

"You said you have a problem with flying?" Jackie intoned as we waited in line. Jade rocked back and forth on her heels, examining the crowd.

I winced. "Only if you're being surrounded by those Dark Hand guys."

"Point made," Jackie agreed with a chuckle.

"Macey, are we gonna get to meet your mom and dad?" Jade looked up at me.

I didn't want to burst her bubble. It had already been busted too many times. "Maybe."

"Jade, don't pry." Jackie tugged at his niece's sleeve.

"It's alright." I gave him a grim smile. "Uh...maybe we will. Anyways…" I looked down at my shoes.

"Jade." Jackie put a hand on Jade's shoulder. "You go get a drink."

"Yes sir!" Jade saluted, military-style, before darting over to the nearby vending machine.

Sensing my discomfort, Jackie turned to me. "What is wrong?"

"My dad isn't necessarily a nice guy." Jackie stared at me. "I mean, he's not mean or anything. He just...expects too much from me, that's all. He always wanted me to go to law school. Let's just say he doesn't like the idea of me being here. He doesn't think it's safe for a 'young lady'." I scoffed at the latter.

"I see." Jackie nodded with understanding. "Well, once he meets Jade and I, I'm sure he will understand."

I smiled and nodded. "Maybe."

I only hoped he wouldn't cause a scene as our plane lifted off to New York City.

*JCA*

"Breaking into a museum?" I whispered as Jackie picked at the lock. "Classy. I'm sure this hasn't been done before."

"So, whatcha gonna do?" Jade watched as Jackie struggled. "Sneak into the museum before the bad guys do and steal the talisman yourselves?"

"Steal?!" Jackie turned to face his niece. "What?!"

"That's crazy, Jade," I hissed. "You're crazy!"

Jade appeared bored. "You totally are gonna steal it!"

"Heh…"

Jackie grunted from the effort as he finally managed to pry open the door.

"You got in!" Jade cheered. "You guys are so cool."

"We're not cool, Jade," Jackie whispered. "We're breaking the law."

Jade's gaze landed on me. "Uh-huh."

"This will not look good on my college application," I murmured as we walked in.

We were now standing in a wide, almost-empty room, except for several pictures on the walls and objects lined on podiums.

We walked (as quietly as possible) down the hallway. Our footsteps reverberated against the walkway.

I suddenly stepped on something. It made a crunch noise underneath the weight of my Nikes.

"Zoinks," I said out loud, holding the object up. It was completely destroyed.

"Uh, Jackie?" I questioned, and the addressed man turned around.

"Yes?"

"I hope you have a million dollars." I grimaced, showing him the broken object.

He began to say something, but then let out a gasp as he bumped into something. "Oy! I'm so sorry!" A hooded figure was standing in front of Jackie, blocking his way. "We broke your spy camera."

"Spy camera?!" I cried, looking at the object in my hand.

"Chan!"

"You, uh…" Jackie pointed a figure outward. "Dark Hand guy!"

"Smooth, Jackie," I murmured. "Very smooth."

The hooded figure darted quickly over to one of the glass cases, lingering slightly.

Glancing over at me momentarily, the hooded figure broke the glass with a swift punch and pulled an object out. The alarms went off.

"Jackie," I called nervously, "uh, I think we're in big trouble." I looked at the hooded figure. "Is that Ratso?"

In response, the figure in question pinned me against the wall.

Great. Wincing, I kicked Ratso in the stomach, causing him to careen into one of the podiums. Jackie grabbed Ratso, only managing to pull off his jacket. Ratso darted away and out of sight. Of course, the talisman was gone.

"Jackie, what are we gonna do?" I was almost panicking. "The talisman is gone..it's probably my fault…" I looked down.

"Don't put yourself down." Jackie put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You tried your best."

Sniffling slightly, I smiled. "Thanks, Oprah."

I heard a vibration coming from inside the jacket. Frowning slightly, Jackie pulled out the vibrating object. A flip phone was now in his hand.

"It's probably the leader of the Dark Hand," I speculated. "Whoever that is, anyway."

Jackie answered. "Hello?" He lowered his voice to imitate Ratso. "I see...yes...alright…" After a few seconds, he hung up, pocketing the phone.

"Well?" I stared at him.

Jackie sighed. "The Dark Hand is planning to steal the Pink Puma at midnight. I will definitely need back-up for this one."