BONUS PROMPT 101: Loyalty
Chase looked over at his bed partner and wondered if he made the correct decision. After all of the planning and working as one with the rest of the Heylin, working to take down the Xiaolin and their temple. To show Guan that he was the loser in the battle of who was better, to prove that Chase was better…
That was five years ago, and recently Chase finally decided to find a partner in crime.. And in bed. The thoughts swirled in his mind like a dark cloud, however.
He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, carefully and quietly so as to not wake her. Wuya. She was known to show her disloyalty via her actions, she wanted power and glory. She was attracted to it, but unlike Chase, his version of attraction to power was not like hers. Power became respect, glory became victory. But Wuya wanted it for herself. Chase was willing to share for the right person, but only if they proved their worth and respected him. This is why he felt unsure of his decisions. Was Wuya the right choice? Was she the right move forward? For Evil's sake, she was the better choice but he felt like it was wrong. She shifted behind him which made him stiffen, but then relaxed when she fell back into slumber.
This was why he felt like she was the wrong choice, he was constantly on edge with her. Her past with her lack of loyalty, going against him, Bean, Jack Spicer, even using Mala Mala Jong for goodness sake to get her way. Chase quietly stood from his bed and found some bottoms to cover himself and covered the rest of himself with a robe. He looked back at the witch beneath his sheets, sneered at her and left her to sleep.
Chase walked the halls, barefoot, noticing some of his cats dozing here and there. Other than a few quiet snores from his cats and the pitter patter of his bare feet, there was no sound within his citadel walls.
He went to his garden whenever he felt like this. He hated when he felt indecisive, he was always the man with the plan. His IQ was incredibly high therefore he never liked failure. He sat on the grass, feeling the cushion of the grass beneath him.
Chase noticed that nearly all of his cats were asleep save for one or two who were chosen for the night surveillance of his citadel.
One stretched in its sleep and another stirred, lifting its head up to look at its master. The black panther stood after stretching and yawning, padding slowly over to his master. Chase smirked as the panther batted his head against Chase's upper arm in greeting.
"Early Morning Denahi." Chase simply muttered, causing the cat to chuff quietly and simply laid beside Chase, his head on Chase's thigh. The cat never used his telepathic link and simply left Chase to sit there quietly. Chase always spoke if something was bothering him so Denahi waited for his master to speak. The warlord debated on talking or on what to say.
"Tell me Denahi," Chase whispered, the cat instantly sharp to his master speaking to him. "Am I making the right choice? I never doubt myself, ever. But she makes me cautious. I don't trust her." The cat chuffed and shifted to sit in front of his master. The panther morphed into a man that looked just like Chase. Chase looked up into his almost twin's eyes.
"Your worries should be enough, my Lord. You, of all people, know better than this." Denahi was the eldest of the cats/warriors that Chase had collected over the centuries, so could in theory speak to Chase like he was merely a brother. However, Denahi was always respectful of Chase. They held a brother in arms bond as well a brother-like bond.
"I know, but who else would be adequate to fill the void and yet satisfy me. She always makes me apprehensive of her next move, I cannot relax. She also is the third most powerful Heylin, next to me and Bean. Surely, she would be a correct fit."
"Until she stabs you in the back at any given moment. She has no loyalty to you, my Lord. How about we go through all the Heylin to see who would be a good fit for you? Let's skip over any straight men as they would be inappropriate for you to double as a lover and any women I know you will never be with."
Chase rubbed his temples and gestured to Denahi to carry on.
"I will humour you. So who am I skipping over?" Denahi nodded and began listing Heylins off the list.
"Well, Tubbimura, Pandabubba, Gigi - he's a plant… plus you are a dominant type.. No vines haha." Chase snorted but said nothing. Denahi continued, "Le Mime is Bi but I believe he's currently in a relationship with a young lady back in Paris. I believe that is what I heard… Then there's Vlad-" Chase shuddered, glad that the russian was on this list, Denahi tried for everything in him not to burst out laughing, waking the other cats. The panther-turned-man cleared his throat and continued.
"Since Wuya and Bean are off the list… for many reasons… Katnappe is simply into herself and her cats." Chase simply groaned at the sheer thought of her trying to control his warriors.
"Not going to happen, the woman is too self absorbed and she would try to overthrow me via you lot. I don't think anyone is left…" Chase's shoulders dropped at the thought.
"No, my Lord, there is still one. Jack Spicer. He is enamoured by you and considers you his idol. He looks up to you, plus he is the only one that is homosexual. He was dating a young man not long ago. He made a fuss about it at a showdown with the monks, when he found out the other had cheated… Plus he is young enough to have room for improvement. Sure, he has had a moment of being better than you but he only wanted to make you proud of him, I know you were less than pleased then, Sir. But you have to give it to him." Chase looked at his doppleganger with a deadpan expression.
"Spicer? I'm looking for loyalty." Denahi nodded.
"Only once he abandoned you for his own gain. The very same time I spoke about. Besides that he has been loyal to you. All he has wanted was to be your apprentice-" Chase interrupted him with a hushed tone.
"That imbeciel has no common sense. His IQ rivals mine but he rarely uses it when it is vital and required. He irritates me-" Denahi smiled and cut in.
"So teach him to use his mind correctly and guide him to the correct evil his brilliant mind can create. You were a monk once, my Lord. You, yourself, had that thought process when you were young. I believe you told me once how you only wished for Dashi and Guan to recognise your efforts to be on parr with them, no? Why wouldn't Spicer be the same? He just needs guidance." Chase made a face.
"I hate it when you are right…" Denahi chuckled and grinned like a sleaze and poked fun at his Master.
"He's grown up very nicely, no? Plus he's probably not had that much experience so think about what you could teach him." Chase glared at Denahi but looked off to the end of the garden in thought.
"Well, he is no longer a child, so I suppose. I never really thought about it. But still, twenty one is still young-" "You were twenty-three when you drank the soup." "-still young when his mind still thinks like a child." Denahi sighed at his Master's thought process.
"While I do agree with you, Sir, Spicer is the most logical if you want loyalty. You would have to state your reasons but he will be more likely to stay. How do you want to go ahead?"
Spicer? Surely not. Chase debated the points given to him and was still unsure. It wasn't as if he thought Spicer was ugly. He had openly caught Spicer when they first met and even enjoyed the compliments thrown his way, once Spicer had worked out who he was.
He even thought that Spicer was 'pretty' for a male child at the time. Now, Spicer had grown into his features more and resembled more a man than a child. His hair now styled as short sides and long top but brushed forward instead of back, and he even grew a long plaited tail at the nape of his neck, down to his waist. As a nod to Chase's long dark mane. His style was still that of a punk/goth attire, but otherwise he remained the same just older. Although the scar that was covering his left eye, thanks to Kimiko when she caught him with a branch in a showdown, was quite charming to Jack's new appearance.
Concerning looks, sure, Chase supposed he could, if he had an opportunity of course. Still the remaining paranoia of loyalty and trust. Would Spicer be willing to listen or to actually submit to Chase and his lessons.
"What would you do?" Denahi grinned and raised an eyebrow at Chase.
"Ditch the Witch. Besides, she's old and set in her ways. Spicer, you can mould. In all ways…" Chase groaned pathetically and dropped his head letting his hair cover his face.
"I hate you."
"Yet I am still here." Denahi chuckled which in turn caused Chase to chuckle as well.
"Shall I wake a few of us to throw her out?" Chase grinned and sat up.
"Don't be merciful. Give her the same courtesy as she would give us over time. It's time for change." Chase gave a dark grin. "But before you do, cut her locks off. We will show her true loyalty where it should be. I am done with her mind control, she will no longer sway my mind in her direction." Denahi cackled which in turn caused a few cats to awake.
"Ah, perfect! Come with me, my brothers, we have a task to fulfil for our Master. You will enjoy this…"
Chase stood and went to get changed quickly before moving onto the kitchen to boil his next bowl of soup. Once ready he took a sip and there was a loud shriek of terror coming from his bedroom. Chase grinned and walked to sit in his throne while sipping at his bowl. The cats ran and scattered past him and in stomped and very half-hazardly cut/bald Wuya.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! I THOUGHT WE WERE ON THE SAME PAGE!? HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!" She screamed at him, tears pricking her eyes as she gripped what was left of her hair, in her hands.
"Out you go, Witch. I have had time to ponder my future. You will not be a part of it. Your track record says that much. I require more from you which you cannot provide. A mere fuck will not save that thought from my mind. So I am merely returning the favour, to the future you should this continue. You will betray me once given half the chance. You will cause humiliation and defamation of my character. So it seems fitting for you. I shall let you live as you are nothing without me and your powers as it is. You can keep your human form for now. You are now wasting my time, do not let the door hit you on the way out." Chase stated nonchalantly. Simply not caring, not even looking at the Witch.
"You will pay for this, Chase Young." Chase closed his eyes and took a sip of his soup.
"Oh no, I'm shaking." He sarcastically articulated, then snapped his fingers. Many cats pounced on her at once and clawed at her, dragging her by her night dress that she had put on after her nude sleep. She screamed in pain as the claws dug into her skin and they dragged her out of the citadel and out of the mountain.
Denahi padded back to his Master and bowed his head in submission before turning human again at will.
"What time is it, Denahi?"
"A little after two am, my Lord."
Chase hummed, and stood to find his eye spy orb.
"I wonder if Spicer is awake at this hour." After checking his eye spy orb, Jack was indeed awake working on some plans for a new bot.
"Hmm…" Chase activated his computer and connected to Spicer.
"Spicer." Chase said quietly, although it seemed that it in turn still scared the living daylights out of the redhead.
"Ch-Chase! You scared me.. You're up late? Would have expected you to be asleep at this time. How-how can I help?" The meek shyness was annoying but Chase assumed it was because of his very temper that caused it. Perhaps a change in tactic was in store as shouting at Spicer caused the boy to be fearful of him.
"Had to tie up some loose ends. Simply couldn't sleep after that. Are you able to accept company?" Politeness often worked, no harm in that.
"Uh- sure! I mean, I'm having a bit of a creators block at the moment so sure. I got some time to kill. I don't tend to go to bed until 3am to be fair. I'm more of a night owl." Jack rambled a bit but Chase was patient.
"I will be there in a few moments then." Chase cut the connection and readied a portal.
"Denahi, you're in charge while I'm gone. I want the bedroom cleaned by the time I come back." Denahi nodded and bowed leaving the room to find his fellow warriors.
Chase ran a hand through his hair out of his face and shook his head to calm his own nerves. Why he was nervous he was unsure but he shrugged and put it down to anxiousness for a new idea.
Chase created a portal and stepped through it, appearing outside Jack's front yard. The warlord walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. A few moments later the door opened and Jack appeared.
"I didn't keep you waiting long did I? I wasn't sure where you would appear." Jack spoke quietly but Chase shook his head in the negative.
"No, just a few moments." Jack stood to one side and allowed Chase to step inside.
"You're not in your armour today." The red head noticed the relaxed attire Chase had put himself in. A thick black robe with his usual red sash, black bottoms and his usual sandals.
"Felt like dressing in something different for a change… does it bother you?" Jack fumbled at the response.
"No! I mean you look nice, it's a -uh, a surprise is all! Did you want to have a seat in the living room? Would you like something to drink?" Chase didn't say a word and simply moved to sit on the three seater couch crossing his legs, one over the other like a gentleman.
"Wine if you have any, Spicer. Red preferably, any will do, I do not care for taste for the most part but something rich and smooth would suffice."
"Er… Is Merlot good enough?" Chase nodded and Jack disappeared to collect a bottle and some glasses.
"What were you working on before I arrived?" Chase spoke louder to make sure his voice was heard from where Jack resided.
"I was working on a blueprint for a solar-powered generator, nothing for evil, I was just trying to think of my work. If I lose power then I can have a backup generator." Jack's voice grew closer as he spoke, he then entered the room with the wine and gave a glass to Chase and his on the table.
"This one was already opened, I think my parents had this one last weekend. Should be enough for a glass each." Jack pulled out the cork and poured into Chase's glass then his own.
"So.." Jack said as he then sat comfortably beside Chase, a leg tucked under him, an arm on the back rest of the couch and the other in his lap holding the wine glass. "How come you wanted some company?"
"I've been reflecting since the stand off we had, Xiaolin versus Heylin, five years ago. Until recently, I had decided to take a lover. However, the decision was, shall we say, challenging. In the course of my lifetime, paranoia is normal for someone my age… however, with this person I was more worried of when I was going to be made a fool of."
Jack snorted.
"You picked Wuya. Duh. She's never been loyal, trustworthy, truthful or beneficial to you. I can't talk, she found me first after all." Jack mumbled the last part but Chase heard it loud and clear. But instead of snapping, Chase agreed.
"You're right. But you were merely a boy then. She has her moments, granted, but she made me so cautious and on edge." Jack nodded as he took a sip of his wine.
"I wondered what went through your mind, but I wasn't going to say anything. Good God no. You'd kill me." Chase nursed his wine, and pulled it up to his nose to smell it like a good connoisseur of wine before taking a sip himself.
"True, but after reflecting and going over a few things I decided to take matters into my own hands, and give her a taste of her own medicine." Jack 'oo'ed in awe.
"Whatcha do?" Jack grinned evilly, waiting for the answer.
"Let's just say she needs to change hairdressers.." Jack gasped in joy.
"You cut off her hair?! Oh you genius. Careful she doesn't come after your mane, she'll make you look like Guan and Dashi!" Jack laughed to start with then became genuine towards the end.
"Night time security. I always have a night shift of cats wandering around." Chase grinned at Jack and they both chuckled.
"So what brings you here then?" Jack made his way back to his original question.
"Well, that is the question of the century. I am not too sure myself. Yet I cannot find the answer for it. I know what I will ask, however considering the time that has passed, I cannot assume the answer would be the same."
Jack waited patiently for Chase to finish, he fidgeted with the glass in his lap, taking sips every so often. The younger felt his lips move to a smile.
"Before I came here I was reflecting on who would be a better candidate for an apprentice, and better yet a lover, all in one. The obvious choice made sense, however…" Jack's smile faltered slightly.
"What will I get out of it? Since we've done this before." Jack nodded, he supposed he understood Chase's thoughts and doubts.
"You chose me? Can I ask why me again? I thought you would 'never entertain the idea again', as you put it.." Chase nodded and hummed in agreement.
"Yes, I did say that. However, you have grown up since then." Jack then understood where this was going.
"Wait, brain fart… you said you were looking for an apprentice…AND a lover? As in one person?" Chase nodded and drank the rest of the wine.
"Yes." Chase paired his ember eyes with Jack's ruby ones and locked on.
"Erm… When…How…hold on. Did you know I was gay?" Chase snorted at the question.
"You fell into my arms and cooed when we first met, Spicer. Plus I had confirmation from one of my warriors. You mentioned at a showdown once about an unfaithful lover?" Jack looked at his lap and made an angry expression.
"I'd rather not talk about Liam… asshole…him not you!" Chase chuckled, and nodded.
"Fair, I guess. I was never quiet about who I was. Never have never will. What you see is what you get." Jack pondered then his cheeks instantly went red. "I- me though? You've never looked at me like that…" Jack looked over at Chase and the Warlord spoke instead.
"I never thought of you as unattractive, it was more unattainable to have you as a lover. You were only a child… and I am strongly against that." Jack hummed in agreement.
"I guess I never thought of that. But I guess you have demands, if I should accept, right? Would I get the same or do I not have the right for requests too?" Chase smirked and relented.
"A fair point to be made, Spicer. I guess a fifty fifty split scenario would benefit you as well. I require loyalty, trust and honesty. That goes both ways. Not only will we be intimate as Master and Apprentice, but in another nature as well. I will let you decide on when that will happen. I prefer a willing participant… so consent in that regard I also need if you are so worried." Jack grinned in amusement but understood.
"I admit I can be touchy-feely at times. Which I know you hate or at least hate it from me. I want to let you know that I just really like affection. Like I love attention, as you can tell I don't get it often, my parents are hardly home." Chase took a look around the room and found it to be true. Jack was alone most of the time.
"I can be fair, Spicer, if it suits me of course. However, a lover would receive such attention anyhow. So, as long as you don't give me stupid nicknames and sully my name in a such a way, I think we can figure out something." Chase sat his finished wine glass onto the table and turned to Jack. "Just don't call me names like Darling, or Honey… It used to make skin crawl whenever she called me those.." Chase shivered with disdain as he remembered his time with Wuya. Jack snickered at the thought.
"Haha, don't worry as long as I can at least call you babe or baby behind closed doors, I think I can do that much. I like terms of endearment as well, so feel free, however creative, just don't call me snowflake or ghost. That asshole used to do it to hurt my feelings and it would kill me if you were to do so too." Chase chuckled and grinned.
"I am sure I can avoid those for you. To be vulnerable is hard when you've built walls for so long so don't feel at loss if I do not open up straight away. It's out of habit mostly. Also if I seem angry, leave me be. I will only snap, my cats know me so well now. Only Denahi is allowed to come near me, he was my first warrior.. And my first loyal servant." Jack nodded.
"That's fair, can I ask a personal question? I'm sorry if I overstep, I'm just curious." Chase hummed his affirmation and Jack continued.
"Is your temper related to your inner dragon? Obviously your hatred is because of the past, sure.. I'm just curious as some reptiles are known for their viciousness." Chase took in the question and wondered about the answer, closing his eyes and placing a hand under his chin whilst his thumb across his lips.
"I think it's more me, than the inner dragon. I was the Xiaolin Dragon of Fire once. But I understand why you thought that. No harm in asking. I have always been headstrong and stubborn. Guan could possibly tell you that."
Chase opened his eyes slightly and noticed that Jack was struggling to keep his focus as his red eyes betrayed him. Jack was most definitely checking out his new potential lover. Chase saw Jack rake his red eyes over his person like a hungry predator hunting his prey. Chase thought it was amusing, yet highly flattering. He knew he was attractive, many had told him in his lifetime.
"See something you like, Spicer?" Chase purred slowly, smirking as the redhead cleared his throat and fumbled for the bottle on the table. Pouring himself another glass and filling Chase's as well.
"Thank you.." Chase grinned as he picked up his glass and decided to leave the red head fumbling for a subject change. Jack sipped his red wine and merely sat there with red cheeks trying to calm down.
"Can you blame me?" Was the sentence he finally received.
"Pardon?" Chase said gently.
"I've been in love with you since I was twelve, ever since I found your legends and stories in a library. Then I found you in person at 16, I tried to be your apprentice which was my dream… completely ruining that killed me by the way. I just wanted you to be proud of me… and then not only did I find out tonight that you like both women and men… you are interested in me now… I'm fucking dreaming and I hope and pray to whomever that they will keep me in this fucking coma!" Chase smirked and simply placed a hand on the back of Jack's head and pulled him in close. Both pairs of lips connected in a slow agonising yet passionate battle.
Jack instantly melted and let Chase lead the kiss. Chase felt Jack's hands holding onto his arm that held on to red locks and Chase could tell that Jack was unsure if he was allowed to touch the elder. Chase parted Jack's lips with his tongue and played with the younger's delicately. Jack groaned, still not moving from his current position. Chase nibbled on Jack's bottom lip which caused Jack to sigh.
"Fifty Fifty, Spicer.." Chase whispered as he pulled away slightly. Jack blinked owlishly back at the Warlord, brain completely fried.
"I erm… Can you... Can I… oh gosh… breathe…" Jack took a moment to compose himself and then finished. "I don't know what I'm allowed to do." Chase grinned and Jack readied himself as Chase attacked his neck with licks and kisses. Jack felt his body alight with goosebumps and delight. "Fuck.." Chase chuckled at the responses.
"Am I not to your liking, Spicer?" The Warlord whispered into his ear sensually, Jack realised that this was his cue that Chase was asking him for reciprocation. Jack always wanted to run his hands through Chase's hair. Was it as thick as it looked? Was it soft?
Jack took the plunge and went under Chase's hair with his hands and gently but firmly scratched the Warlord scalp. Chase whilst kissing the redhead's neck, had to stop and let out a shuddery breath. Jack had to have a moment of victory, and pride swept over him, Chase liked this!
"Is this okay?" Jack asked quietly. The response made Chase's inner reptile growl in dominance.
"Yes, but I will warn you. That is a dangerous game you are trying to play, especially when you do not know the rules." Chase pulled back and Jack looked at Chase and saw patches of skin were turning into scales.
"Ah I'm sorry, I didn't realise this would cause you grief, I thought I was-" Jack was silenced by a forceful kiss from Chase.
"Do not apologise. It seems that my inner monster is restless, I am not used to being slow." Jack paused.
"Wait, so that was a good response? I thought me touching you meant you didn't like it-" Jack was silenced by a pair of lips on his.
"You will learn quickly about my temper, my inner monster. But also understand that I do not love due to no soul. But that does not mean I cannot still feel. I know how it used to feel of course, but I need you to understand that I am not very affectionate as a rule. The bedroom is basically how I can truly show it." Jack at first frowned but then smiled. He understood the man and what he was trying to say.
"You show your feelings through actions rather than words you mean?" Chase nodded.
"Oh I will tell you if I have something to say but throwing words around like 'I love you' will not mean the same. No soul, no true emotions. However, I am not emotionless. I still have them. I just don't have the overbearing desire to use nor feel them." Jack nodded and shifted closer to Chase.
"I understand, but as I said I love affection. Heck, I'd take a pat on the head as silly as it sounds. If it's from you-" Chase chuckled at the admission.
"As humiliating as that sounds for you, Spicer, and humorous to me, I will try for your sake to be more accommodating to you. As long as you understand that it won't be all the time."
"Can I hug you from behind every so often?" Jack tried to find a middle ground for the both of them and Chase chuckled once more, placing a hand under Jack's chin to lift it up.
"As long as it doesn't humiliate me nor cause you to get in my way, I'm sure I can allow that." Jack grinned, he learned more about his idol and new lover in this space of an hour than the multiple books and years he had known him.
"I'm lucky to have you… I know it's cliche… But I've never been so happy. I know training is going to be hard but it's worth it in the end. As long as I somehow get cuddles at the end of it at bedtime I think I can endure anything. You have my loyalty and my heart, Chase. Just please don't break it." Chase smiled a type of smile that Jack didn't know the Warlord could produce. It looked a lot like a loving smile, one full of understanding and feeling. But Jack knew that the smile looked pushed. This was what he meant by no feeling behind it. However the action was gentle, something Warlord was not, although a monk at heart and being gentle was taught, it wasn't Chase's centre now. Chase was evil and rough. But as he said he was trying. That meant more to Jack.
"On my honour as a fellow Prince of Darkness," Jack snickered but felt his eyes close as the hand that held his head up began to caress his cheek. "I will at least talk to you beforehand if I feel the status quo has changed between us. That is as much I can give you. But I am aiming for us to be together for a long time, Spicer." Chase leaned forward to kiss Jack's forehead.
"I think you have yourself an apprentice, Chase Young, or would you prefer Master." Jack smirked wickedly, knowing what that meant for their dynamic.
"Oh? Hmm.. depends on context doesn't it?" Chase whispered as he looked down into Jack's eyes. "I will let you decide." Jack smiled.
"More wine?"
"I would like another glass, yes."
—-
Surprise! I couldn't help myself
You can have one more. Because why not haha.
Been thinking about a bonus chapter and missed one word out that felt like it needed it's own chapter.
Also I think the last episode of Xiaolin Showdown, where they all stood as one force against another, was beautiful yet I felt like it needed a bit more... I hate cliffhangers.
(As much as I was happy this show came back as Chronicles, I nearly cried on how bad it was on the cannon Showdown... felt like they butchered it.. but that's my opinion)
Jack deserved a bit of recognition and love and a future to his liking.
Hence this Chapter.
^_^ Hope you like