Chapter 11 ~ Demon Sighting
As the plane fell, the cabin was filled with piercing screams. Jackie grasped tightly onto his niece next to him and he could feel Viper holding onto his arm. Huge thumps rocked the plane as if they were being slapped with monstrous waves, but most passengers didn't have time to worry about that. Suddenly, there was a wrenching impact. Jackie could see only darkness and he struggled to keep a hold on his niece and the ex-thief but the last thing he could remember was being torn away from them. Then all was black.
"Jaaaaaaaackieeeeee," came a shrill, faraway voice. Jackie sighed, knowing it was his uncle telling him to get up. Jackie didn't want to get up. He felt so peaceful and calm, drifting in this nothingness. "Jackie!" the voice said sharply. Uncle's head appeared floating over Jackie.
"Hello, Uncle," he said blissfully. Uncle hit him over the head.
"Jackie! You are very lazy! The J-Team is in danger."
"I like the J-Team," Jackie said sleepily. "Especially Jade. And Vi-"
"Jackie!" shouted Uncle, hitting him over the head again, "Wake up!"
Jackie started to attention, and suddenly found himself surrounding in bitingly cold, inky black water. His lungs burned with want of air, his mouth was full of the taste of salt, and his body ached with pain and cold. He wanted to get out of this, but he had lost all sense of direction. A strange glitter caught his attention and he swam frantically towards it, hoping it was sunlight and not a shiny fish.
The nearer he got, the more he could see that he was indeed near the surface. The water was lighter, and he could make out the dark shadows of the plane wreckage above him. Finally, he was able to clutch a large piece of the wing, and struggling he pulled his body out from the salty water. He clung to his makeshift raft, heaving for air, feeling the warm sun on his back. But this relaxation didn't last long.
Jackie realized he was alone. Where were the other passengers on the plane? Where were his family and the J-Team, his friends? The answer seemed to come from the murky depths below. There was a chance he could swim back and save some people, but only a chance. Still, he had to try.
Suddenly, another form broke the water. It was Jade, looking thoroughly disgruntled that her leather jacket was ruined. In one hand she was dragging her unconscious double. Jackie stood up quickly, forgetting where he was, and toppled off the wing into the water He swam over to the remains of some of the cabin, where Jade was towing the identical girl.
"Is she alright?" he asked quickly, concerned for the well-being of his nieces. Jade nodded.
"Yeah, we fell around the same place, but she got all stupid and tried to save Paco, who was unconscious. I was okay because of my good friend the Horse, but she ran out of air. I had to pull her up."
"Why?" asked Jackie curiously. Rescues were not like the selfish yang half of his niece.
"Eh, she wasn't slowing me down," shrugged the conscious child. "Ox Talisman. Or what used to be Ox."
Jackie nodded comprehensively, remembering the talismans. He felt the fatigue in his muscles and the bruises on his body. "Jade? Will you help me rescue who we can?"
"Tch, not my problem," she said quickly, and shut the door to the cabin, hiding her sister and herself from his view. Jackie sighed and took a deep breath, plunging down beneath the surface once again. But he saw a body swimming upward slowly, as if she had an injury. Jackie gave his arm to Viper and she held on to it firmly, kicking along with him.
Finally they reached the top and he helped pull her onto the debris he had been sitting on earlier. She began coughing and spitting salt water out of her mouth, and they both sat gasping for breath again. He glanced at her and saw that her arm was twisted in a direction he was sure she couldn't have handled normally.
"Alright?" he asked gently, diving back into the water. She looked up, chest still heaving with hunger for air.
"Just a break, I think. Could've been way worse," she smiled weakly. Suddenly, her almond-shaped brown eyes widened. "Hey, the old guy can swim!" Jackie spun around into the direction she was looking. Uncle was swimming towards them freestyle, and he managed to pull himself onto the debris without Jackie's help, wringing out his soaked yellow vest. He didn't even look very winded. Jackie smiled, impressed. Then, he ducked below the water, wondering if there was any more time.
Suddenly, he heard another splashing as El Torro broke the surface. The wrestler looked very winded, and Jackie, glancing up, saw that as soon as he clung onto a long white piece of wing, he fainted. Jackie noticed a part of his treasured mask that was even darker red than usual, and he frowned. It didn't really seem as though he would've been able to swim all that way.
Suddenly, the bulk of Tohru floated up towards the bright open air, as well. But Tohru was not swimming- his arms hung limply by his sides, his eyes were closed, and his mouth was slightly agape. He almost seemed to be unconscious. And then Paco came next to him in much the same way, with his light brown hair covering the eyelids that Jackie was sure were shut and his limbs dangling down towards blackness. It almost looked as though they were being held by some sort of tentacle. . .
"On, no," whispered Jackie, the words bubbling unintelligibly from his mouth. Something that felt horribly like a long snake-y tentacle seized him about the waist, and he was dragged up to the surface. The water holding him changed slowly into solidity, and he could see the demoness that was holding him. She was not the largest demon, but she towered above Jackie and the others. Her body was obviously female with blue and white markings, but otherwise she was serpent-esque and covered in fins and scales. Her hair flowed and wriggled like a gorgon's, and her glowing eyes were narrowed and peering down at him, the color of blood.
"Bai Tsa," Jackie whispered to himself. The water demon gave a strange semblance to a smile that looked more ravenous than pleased and made Jackie's stomach turn.
"Nice to see you've remembered me, Chan," she said in the scratchy hiss that seemed to be a characteristic of all of her siblings. "Noble of you to attempt a rescue of the passengers, but I am afraid you are too late. I have forgotten in my imprisonment how delicious humans are."
Bai Tsa grinned, satisfied, and Jackie shuddered. He thought of all of the people on the plane, dead. And worse, he felt somehow responsible. How he had come to dealing with demons, Jackie would never know. Was it because of Jade's zeal, Augustus's job offer, Uncle's indispensability, or because of something he had done? Jackie decided that this wasn't something worth dwelling on. Instead, he forced himself to look the demon squarely in the eye, something that caused her to hiss in displeasure.
"Why didn't you kill us too? Why rescue us, instead of adding several more to your lunch?" he said defiantly, his thick eyebrows narrowed. Jackie seldom was angry, but being in the clutches of this murderess, he was seeing red. He took a deep breath, knowing that remaining calm would be essential to formulate a plan. Bai Tsa peered at him in a curious annoyance.
"I would gladly drown you for your insolence alone, but I cannot. My siblings are in need of several humans, and what better humans to use then the enemies of brother Shendu? But do not think that we will not make you and the others suffer." The hideous smile returned, as if the idea provided her with great pleasure.
"What do you need humans for?" Jackie blurted. Bai Tsa peered at him again, smile vanishing as soon as she realized that he was still alive and un- tortured.
"You will learn that in due time, Chan. But, as I recall being informed by my younger brother, there are seven members in your little band. I count only six." Jackie's eyes darted to the cabin where both Jades were, but he did not allow himself another look. He suddenly realized that as long as yin-Jade was unconscious, they might remain there. Yang-Jade would not care if they were devoured. Normally, Jackie wouldn't be pleased if a very powerful ally refused to fight, but he didn't want his niece to be hurt by the menacing demon.
"Um, no, there are only six of us," Jackie lied quickly. Bai Tsa did not look convinced, and Jackie cursed his terrible lying ability.
"No, I remember. You were accompanied by a child, a miserable little brat." Bai Tsa muttered. Jackie thought quickly and forced himself to keep a straight face.
"Yes, my niece was living with me, but now she is back with her parents." Jackie had apparently done a better job, because Bai Tsa nodded.
"Six shall be adequate, although later we will find the child. We don't need any of our former enemies creating problems in our new empire, do we?" she smiled, and Jackie gulped. It definitely didn't sound like they would survive this one easily. But the J-Team would find a way. He was certain of it. He had to be.
Bai Tsa placed Jackie onto the debris that Viper, El Torro, Paco, Uncle, and Tohru were huddled on. Then, the water demon's body melted into water and formed a wave that sped their raft along the ocean far faster than a motorboat would manage. Jackie sighed as they sailed along. There was so much room around them, but escape was impossible. He had no idea where they would find land, and water was Bai Tsa's element. Literally. But the cabin where Jade had hidden was speeding from sight as well. His nieces seemed to be out of trouble for now. If only he could believe that Jade could stay out of trouble.
The archaeologist glanced around at his fellow passengers. El Torro had woken up, and although he seemed rather dizzy, he was trying to revive Paco. The wrestler cast Jackie a weak smile.
"Don't worry, amigo." Jackie nodded and acknowledged him. Tohru was still unconscious, but he showed signs of reviving. Uncle sat as still as a statue, chin in hand, obviously deep in thought. There was another bonus- they had Uncle. The chi wizard had proved himself invaluable in difficult situations time and time again. Jackie smiled, and Viper put her uninjured arm around his shoulder lightly, patting him on the back.
"Don't worry about it," she grinned. He sighed, and wished that he could possess some of her poise. "As long as we've still got a couple of us out there. . ."
Jackie shushed her sharply, and she clenched her lips shut. He glanced out over the water, where the cabin had now completely disappeared. "I just hope that they stay out there," he said finally. Viper raised an eyebrow in disagreement, but didn't comment.
Author's Note~ Sorry about the late update, folks. Hectic day. Speech tournament that was friggin' 8 hours long. Do you know how many times I had to ramble on about some random General? Gah. Also, this fic hasn't been beta'd, so please excuse spelling and grammar.
VampireNaomi, you have strange dreams. Dai Gui and Hsi Wu in Jade's clothes? Do you realize that image has burned itself onto my memory? Lol. Well, I don't think I need to answer to "Who will they meet first?" question. . .but in case I do, it was Bai Tsa. I think Bai is just about the coolest demon. *grin* But yes, Xiao Fung will be there- all demons will appear in this fic, with the possible exception of Shendu. Haven't decided that one yet. Not because I don't like Shendu, but his siblings don't really have any motivation to release him.
As for the shipping question, Jade and Hsi Wu will meet, but I'm pretty sure they won't be shippy. First of all, it would be difficult to do because of the strange state Jade is currently in. Yin-Jade may be a bit friendlier with Hsi because of her affinity for Seymour, but probably not much else. I've been rather undecided about Jade/His for awhile and I've recently decided I liked it, but I'm not crazy about it. Jade isn't old enough now for a serious romance. While she may crush on human boys and movie stars, she isn't going to fall passionately in love with a demon. Basically, Hsi Wu/Jade must be written very well to succeed, and that brings me to my third point- I am quite terrible at romance. Therefore, if there is any romance in this story, it will be merely implied chemistry, not blatant stuff.
As for the next season of JCA, you flatter me, but how cool would that be?? I wonder how much they pay their writers. . .though in reality I'd probably pay them to let me give them ideas for the next season. I'd throw myself at their shiny WB executive feet and beg. . .not to mention I'd throw in a good word for my beloved show The Zeta Project which none of you know of as it's been off air for a whole damn year now! *sob*. . .moving along. . .
Lol, don't worry ShadowElfBard, I wouldn't really do that. Much too cruel to my poor dear JCA characters.
As for Daolon, Valmont and the demons. . .well, we will be seeing Valmont later and possibly the enforcers. If they don't have much of a role, it isn't that I don't like them, it has to do with the demon's motives. They don't have much of a problem with the Enforcers, but their issue is with Valmont. We'll see. I don't think Daolon will be in this as I have enough freakin' characters as it is, and unlike the Dark Hand, who are bad guys but likeable and very human, Daolon doesn't have the possibility to be good and co-operative. Therefore, he wouldn't really work in this particular role.
One last thing- I'm quite a fanatic bout schedules, and so far I've been pretty good about sticking to my updating every other week. But I have some hectic times coming up, especially around Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. Therefore, I might be late with the story. If I'm late Thanksgiving, it won't be more than a week, but the couple weeks around Christmas I might not have time to update at all. We'll have to see. It's 6 here and my parents are out, so I should be able to get some quality work in about now. Depends on how bad my level of procrastination will be. Thanks for reading, everyone!
Oh, and I apologize for any 'His Wu' in the story. My Word processor converts it automatically. I think I got them all. . .
Oh, and in case anyone cares, if you're ever looking up JCA info, like demon pictures, use fan-sites. The WB site is pretty worthless. Although it was kinda fun to make Jackie dance about in a giant Snorlax costume!
As the plane fell, the cabin was filled with piercing screams. Jackie grasped tightly onto his niece next to him and he could feel Viper holding onto his arm. Huge thumps rocked the plane as if they were being slapped with monstrous waves, but most passengers didn't have time to worry about that. Suddenly, there was a wrenching impact. Jackie could see only darkness and he struggled to keep a hold on his niece and the ex-thief but the last thing he could remember was being torn away from them. Then all was black.
"Jaaaaaaaackieeeeee," came a shrill, faraway voice. Jackie sighed, knowing it was his uncle telling him to get up. Jackie didn't want to get up. He felt so peaceful and calm, drifting in this nothingness. "Jackie!" the voice said sharply. Uncle's head appeared floating over Jackie.
"Hello, Uncle," he said blissfully. Uncle hit him over the head.
"Jackie! You are very lazy! The J-Team is in danger."
"I like the J-Team," Jackie said sleepily. "Especially Jade. And Vi-"
"Jackie!" shouted Uncle, hitting him over the head again, "Wake up!"
Jackie started to attention, and suddenly found himself surrounding in bitingly cold, inky black water. His lungs burned with want of air, his mouth was full of the taste of salt, and his body ached with pain and cold. He wanted to get out of this, but he had lost all sense of direction. A strange glitter caught his attention and he swam frantically towards it, hoping it was sunlight and not a shiny fish.
The nearer he got, the more he could see that he was indeed near the surface. The water was lighter, and he could make out the dark shadows of the plane wreckage above him. Finally, he was able to clutch a large piece of the wing, and struggling he pulled his body out from the salty water. He clung to his makeshift raft, heaving for air, feeling the warm sun on his back. But this relaxation didn't last long.
Jackie realized he was alone. Where were the other passengers on the plane? Where were his family and the J-Team, his friends? The answer seemed to come from the murky depths below. There was a chance he could swim back and save some people, but only a chance. Still, he had to try.
Suddenly, another form broke the water. It was Jade, looking thoroughly disgruntled that her leather jacket was ruined. In one hand she was dragging her unconscious double. Jackie stood up quickly, forgetting where he was, and toppled off the wing into the water He swam over to the remains of some of the cabin, where Jade was towing the identical girl.
"Is she alright?" he asked quickly, concerned for the well-being of his nieces. Jade nodded.
"Yeah, we fell around the same place, but she got all stupid and tried to save Paco, who was unconscious. I was okay because of my good friend the Horse, but she ran out of air. I had to pull her up."
"Why?" asked Jackie curiously. Rescues were not like the selfish yang half of his niece.
"Eh, she wasn't slowing me down," shrugged the conscious child. "Ox Talisman. Or what used to be Ox."
Jackie nodded comprehensively, remembering the talismans. He felt the fatigue in his muscles and the bruises on his body. "Jade? Will you help me rescue who we can?"
"Tch, not my problem," she said quickly, and shut the door to the cabin, hiding her sister and herself from his view. Jackie sighed and took a deep breath, plunging down beneath the surface once again. But he saw a body swimming upward slowly, as if she had an injury. Jackie gave his arm to Viper and she held on to it firmly, kicking along with him.
Finally they reached the top and he helped pull her onto the debris he had been sitting on earlier. She began coughing and spitting salt water out of her mouth, and they both sat gasping for breath again. He glanced at her and saw that her arm was twisted in a direction he was sure she couldn't have handled normally.
"Alright?" he asked gently, diving back into the water. She looked up, chest still heaving with hunger for air.
"Just a break, I think. Could've been way worse," she smiled weakly. Suddenly, her almond-shaped brown eyes widened. "Hey, the old guy can swim!" Jackie spun around into the direction she was looking. Uncle was swimming towards them freestyle, and he managed to pull himself onto the debris without Jackie's help, wringing out his soaked yellow vest. He didn't even look very winded. Jackie smiled, impressed. Then, he ducked below the water, wondering if there was any more time.
Suddenly, he heard another splashing as El Torro broke the surface. The wrestler looked very winded, and Jackie, glancing up, saw that as soon as he clung onto a long white piece of wing, he fainted. Jackie noticed a part of his treasured mask that was even darker red than usual, and he frowned. It didn't really seem as though he would've been able to swim all that way.
Suddenly, the bulk of Tohru floated up towards the bright open air, as well. But Tohru was not swimming- his arms hung limply by his sides, his eyes were closed, and his mouth was slightly agape. He almost seemed to be unconscious. And then Paco came next to him in much the same way, with his light brown hair covering the eyelids that Jackie was sure were shut and his limbs dangling down towards blackness. It almost looked as though they were being held by some sort of tentacle. . .
"On, no," whispered Jackie, the words bubbling unintelligibly from his mouth. Something that felt horribly like a long snake-y tentacle seized him about the waist, and he was dragged up to the surface. The water holding him changed slowly into solidity, and he could see the demoness that was holding him. She was not the largest demon, but she towered above Jackie and the others. Her body was obviously female with blue and white markings, but otherwise she was serpent-esque and covered in fins and scales. Her hair flowed and wriggled like a gorgon's, and her glowing eyes were narrowed and peering down at him, the color of blood.
"Bai Tsa," Jackie whispered to himself. The water demon gave a strange semblance to a smile that looked more ravenous than pleased and made Jackie's stomach turn.
"Nice to see you've remembered me, Chan," she said in the scratchy hiss that seemed to be a characteristic of all of her siblings. "Noble of you to attempt a rescue of the passengers, but I am afraid you are too late. I have forgotten in my imprisonment how delicious humans are."
Bai Tsa grinned, satisfied, and Jackie shuddered. He thought of all of the people on the plane, dead. And worse, he felt somehow responsible. How he had come to dealing with demons, Jackie would never know. Was it because of Jade's zeal, Augustus's job offer, Uncle's indispensability, or because of something he had done? Jackie decided that this wasn't something worth dwelling on. Instead, he forced himself to look the demon squarely in the eye, something that caused her to hiss in displeasure.
"Why didn't you kill us too? Why rescue us, instead of adding several more to your lunch?" he said defiantly, his thick eyebrows narrowed. Jackie seldom was angry, but being in the clutches of this murderess, he was seeing red. He took a deep breath, knowing that remaining calm would be essential to formulate a plan. Bai Tsa peered at him in a curious annoyance.
"I would gladly drown you for your insolence alone, but I cannot. My siblings are in need of several humans, and what better humans to use then the enemies of brother Shendu? But do not think that we will not make you and the others suffer." The hideous smile returned, as if the idea provided her with great pleasure.
"What do you need humans for?" Jackie blurted. Bai Tsa peered at him again, smile vanishing as soon as she realized that he was still alive and un- tortured.
"You will learn that in due time, Chan. But, as I recall being informed by my younger brother, there are seven members in your little band. I count only six." Jackie's eyes darted to the cabin where both Jades were, but he did not allow himself another look. He suddenly realized that as long as yin-Jade was unconscious, they might remain there. Yang-Jade would not care if they were devoured. Normally, Jackie wouldn't be pleased if a very powerful ally refused to fight, but he didn't want his niece to be hurt by the menacing demon.
"Um, no, there are only six of us," Jackie lied quickly. Bai Tsa did not look convinced, and Jackie cursed his terrible lying ability.
"No, I remember. You were accompanied by a child, a miserable little brat." Bai Tsa muttered. Jackie thought quickly and forced himself to keep a straight face.
"Yes, my niece was living with me, but now she is back with her parents." Jackie had apparently done a better job, because Bai Tsa nodded.
"Six shall be adequate, although later we will find the child. We don't need any of our former enemies creating problems in our new empire, do we?" she smiled, and Jackie gulped. It definitely didn't sound like they would survive this one easily. But the J-Team would find a way. He was certain of it. He had to be.
Bai Tsa placed Jackie onto the debris that Viper, El Torro, Paco, Uncle, and Tohru were huddled on. Then, the water demon's body melted into water and formed a wave that sped their raft along the ocean far faster than a motorboat would manage. Jackie sighed as they sailed along. There was so much room around them, but escape was impossible. He had no idea where they would find land, and water was Bai Tsa's element. Literally. But the cabin where Jade had hidden was speeding from sight as well. His nieces seemed to be out of trouble for now. If only he could believe that Jade could stay out of trouble.
The archaeologist glanced around at his fellow passengers. El Torro had woken up, and although he seemed rather dizzy, he was trying to revive Paco. The wrestler cast Jackie a weak smile.
"Don't worry, amigo." Jackie nodded and acknowledged him. Tohru was still unconscious, but he showed signs of reviving. Uncle sat as still as a statue, chin in hand, obviously deep in thought. There was another bonus- they had Uncle. The chi wizard had proved himself invaluable in difficult situations time and time again. Jackie smiled, and Viper put her uninjured arm around his shoulder lightly, patting him on the back.
"Don't worry about it," she grinned. He sighed, and wished that he could possess some of her poise. "As long as we've still got a couple of us out there. . ."
Jackie shushed her sharply, and she clenched her lips shut. He glanced out over the water, where the cabin had now completely disappeared. "I just hope that they stay out there," he said finally. Viper raised an eyebrow in disagreement, but didn't comment.
Author's Note~ Sorry about the late update, folks. Hectic day. Speech tournament that was friggin' 8 hours long. Do you know how many times I had to ramble on about some random General? Gah. Also, this fic hasn't been beta'd, so please excuse spelling and grammar.
VampireNaomi, you have strange dreams. Dai Gui and Hsi Wu in Jade's clothes? Do you realize that image has burned itself onto my memory? Lol. Well, I don't think I need to answer to "Who will they meet first?" question. . .but in case I do, it was Bai Tsa. I think Bai is just about the coolest demon. *grin* But yes, Xiao Fung will be there- all demons will appear in this fic, with the possible exception of Shendu. Haven't decided that one yet. Not because I don't like Shendu, but his siblings don't really have any motivation to release him.
As for the shipping question, Jade and Hsi Wu will meet, but I'm pretty sure they won't be shippy. First of all, it would be difficult to do because of the strange state Jade is currently in. Yin-Jade may be a bit friendlier with Hsi because of her affinity for Seymour, but probably not much else. I've been rather undecided about Jade/His for awhile and I've recently decided I liked it, but I'm not crazy about it. Jade isn't old enough now for a serious romance. While she may crush on human boys and movie stars, she isn't going to fall passionately in love with a demon. Basically, Hsi Wu/Jade must be written very well to succeed, and that brings me to my third point- I am quite terrible at romance. Therefore, if there is any romance in this story, it will be merely implied chemistry, not blatant stuff.
As for the next season of JCA, you flatter me, but how cool would that be?? I wonder how much they pay their writers. . .though in reality I'd probably pay them to let me give them ideas for the next season. I'd throw myself at their shiny WB executive feet and beg. . .not to mention I'd throw in a good word for my beloved show The Zeta Project which none of you know of as it's been off air for a whole damn year now! *sob*. . .moving along. . .
Lol, don't worry ShadowElfBard, I wouldn't really do that. Much too cruel to my poor dear JCA characters.
As for Daolon, Valmont and the demons. . .well, we will be seeing Valmont later and possibly the enforcers. If they don't have much of a role, it isn't that I don't like them, it has to do with the demon's motives. They don't have much of a problem with the Enforcers, but their issue is with Valmont. We'll see. I don't think Daolon will be in this as I have enough freakin' characters as it is, and unlike the Dark Hand, who are bad guys but likeable and very human, Daolon doesn't have the possibility to be good and co-operative. Therefore, he wouldn't really work in this particular role.
One last thing- I'm quite a fanatic bout schedules, and so far I've been pretty good about sticking to my updating every other week. But I have some hectic times coming up, especially around Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. Therefore, I might be late with the story. If I'm late Thanksgiving, it won't be more than a week, but the couple weeks around Christmas I might not have time to update at all. We'll have to see. It's 6 here and my parents are out, so I should be able to get some quality work in about now. Depends on how bad my level of procrastination will be. Thanks for reading, everyone!
Oh, and I apologize for any 'His Wu' in the story. My Word processor converts it automatically. I think I got them all. . .
Oh, and in case anyone cares, if you're ever looking up JCA info, like demon pictures, use fan-sites. The WB site is pretty worthless. Although it was kinda fun to make Jackie dance about in a giant Snorlax costume!