-1''Jack, please don't do this!'' They begged. Darkness shot from his hand, headed towards Kimiko. It hit her arm, failing to do any major damage. Jack struggled to move by himself, but still couldn't free himself from the binds of Wuya's spell. ''Jackie, please! I love you!'' Raimundo said, desperately trying to get through to Jack. Jack groaned, still fighting with himself. ''Jack!'' Wuya barked, angry. ''Stopped fooling around. Do I say! Destroy them!!'' Anger flashed across Jack's face. He spun to face Wuya. ''What do you think you're doing? KIll THEM!'' Wuya screamed. ''I don't think so, bitch.'' He spat out, and flipped open the puzzlebox. ''What? NOOOOOOO!!!!!!'' Wuya screamed as she was sucked inside the puzzlebox. ''You'd think Wuya would atleast be smart enough to not make the same mistake twice.'' He said and raised his hand to shoot Darkness again, but this time at the chains that held his friends. As soon as he was free, Rai ran to Jack and embraced him, kissing him all over his face. ''I was so worried,'' Jack hugged and kissed him back. ''I can relate.'' He said. Jack felt a hand on his shoulder. ''Let's get out of here.'' Chase said. ''Agreed.''
Dojo landed back at the temple. ''Everybody off.'' He said. ''Well, I suppose I shall leave you now.'' Chase said. Jack frowned at the news. Rai frowned at Chase for making Jack frown. Feng turned towards Chase. ''Chase? Do you wish to stay with us? If you do, you must give up your evil ways.'' Chase grinned, little did anyone know, it was an evil grin. This would give him a chance to play his favorite game, screwing with Jack's mind. ''Very well, I shall stay.''
Once everyone had gotten settled in, Jack bounded off with Rai to go find Chase, who had went with Master Feng to find a suitable room that would accomadate both him and his cats. Once they found him, they decided to go on a walk on their favorite path in the woods. Or more like Rai suggested the idea, Chase refused the offer to go along, and Jack took his arm and dragged him toward the path. ''Stop dragging me around!'' Demanded Chase, ripping his arm out of Jack's grasp.
''Aren't you coming with us?'' Asked Jack. Chase rolled his eyes. ''Fine. Just so long as you stop pulling on my arm. You're a lot stronger than the last time we met.'' Chase reluctantly admitted. ''I've been training.'' Jack grinned. ''Look! That's the tree we were in when me and Rai first kissed.'' The memory filled Jack with a weird, excited, fluttery feeling. He hugged Rai. ''Kiss me!'' He said. Rai laughed and complied. Oh brother, thought Chase. They heard Master Feng calling the apprentices to assembly. Chase went to his room, this didn't involve him. Besides, he had to make... plans. ''What's up, Master Feng?'' Rai asked. ''Well, First of all, we must discuss what will happen with Mary. I have spoken with her and she basically told me she wanted to stay, well, because of Jack.'' Jack sighed. ''So I suppose, if it is agreeable to you, she will do all the chores for six months.'' They all grinned. ''Yep, that sounds about right.'' Rai,undo said, giving two thumbs up. ''Very well, I shall inform her. And Clay? Jack, what punishment do you think he should face?''
''Clay, you're sorry right?''
'''Course I am.'' Jack shrugged. ''Good enough for me.'' Feng cocked an eyebrow. ''If you believe that is enough, then I shall respect your decision. Now, we must discuss the matter of honoring the people who died in the fight against Wuya...''
That night they held a ceremonial burial for Katnappe and the monks who lost their lives that day. It was a harsh reminder of their mortality and the importance of not letting the Sheng Gong Wu fall into the wrong hands. They went to bed more determined then ever to never let something like this happen again. The next day, Master Feng let the Dragons have a day off, to allow them rest after such a traumatizing experience. ''Anyone up for some soccer?'' Asked Rai. ''The teams are uneven.'' Kimiko pointed out. ''Maybe we could convince Sylvan to play?'' They all snorted. ''Good point. Chase?'' They all stared at him and then they started laughing uncontrollably. The prospect of Chase Young joining in a soccer game with the apprentices was just too funny. ''Sparring?'' Suggested Omi. ''Chase would probably agree too that.'' Jack said. ''No thank you. I feel like keeping my body intact. I don't need Chase kicking my butt around.'' Raimundo said. They eventually decided on soccer. They would take turns sitting out. When they got too the large field, where the monks spent most of thier free time, Rai suggested they would play Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide who would sit out first. However, there was no need, as Jack eagerly volunteered. They were confused to see Jack so excited to pass up his turn first, but then they saw Chase sitting on the bench by the field, watching them. ''Figures.'' Said Rai, bitterness creeping into his voice. He was feeling a little jealous, but he knew this was going to happen. He was okay as long as Jack was happy. Every time there was a goal, Jack would scoot ever so slightly closer to Chase, until they were sitting quite close to each other. ''Is there something you wish of me, Spicer?'' Chase asked, as politely as he could muster. Just because he was evil, and gods forbid this, he should be rude, above all things. ''Anything I can do for you Chase? Anything at all?''
''You do realize that I am not evil anymore, correct?''
''Neither am I. So now we are both on the same side, and it is safe to worship you again. See my logic?''
''I hate logic.'' Jack giggled, hero worsip written all over his face. Chase sighed and went to put his arm around Jack. Might as well get an early start, Thought Chase. But Jack pulled away from him. Chase was taken aback, Jack had never given up on an opportunity to touch him, even if it was an act of brutality on Chase's part. Jack wagged a finger at Chase. ''I have a boyfriend now. Raimundo, or didja forget?''
''That would be 'did you', not 'didja', and yes, I did forget.'' Jack laughed. ''Hey Jackie!'' Called Rai. ''Your turn to play!''
''Kay! See ya Chase.'' Jack said, and took Rai's place in the game. Rai sat as far away from Chase as the bench allowed, so this time, it was Chase scooting closer to Rai every goal. It was not as if Chase wanted to sit by the Dragon of the Wind (he'd much rather sit by Omi) but he had something he wanted to say to Rai. ''What the hell do ya want?! Just spit it out already! Unless you're doing that because you really are that much of a perv.'' Chase froze in mid-scoot. He felt a little embarassed for committing such a childish act, but then he concluded that there was no point in having eternal youth, if he couldn't act a little immature once in a while. Even so, Chase bowed his head to Raimundo, apologizing for his behavior. Raimundo did the same, but only because Chase thought so highly of honor and manners and he didn't feel like being glared at all week. ''I wish to speak to you about Jack.''
''Really? What about Jack?'' Rai said, his curiousity peaked. ''I merely want to apologize for my... errm, 'more than friendly' actions towards Spicer. I am aware that you two are together..'' Rai waved his apology away. ''No prob. As long as Jack's happy, I'm happy.''
''He's lucky to have someone like you.''
''Errr, thanks, I guess.'' Rai, like the other Xiaolin apprentices, were still wary ofChase, seeing as he was the greatest evil on earth, Rai felt a little uncomfortable taking compliments from him. ''I believe your friends are calling you.'' Said Chase. ''Huh? Wah? Oh, yeah.'' Raimundo took Kimiko's place in the game. Chase chuckled at his idiocy. He really didn't give a shit about These idiots' feelings and sordid affairs, but he had plans to carry out. Kimiko still held a grudge against Chase for what he did to Omi, so she sat under a tree on the other side of the field. She watched Chase warily until he got up and disappeared. She diddn't like sitting in the dirt, so she got up and went to the bench. To her dismay, however, Chase returned. This had all, of course, been a ploy by Chase to get Kimiko alone. He had to get all of the Xiaolin apprentices to trust him, in order for the plan to work. For anyone else, this feat would be impossible. The Xiaolin apprentices, now much later in their training, were extremely difficult to fool. However, Chase was just about the most manipulative person on the earth. If being anevil everlord didn't work out, he'd make a great tele-marketer (Not that there is much of a difference). By the time the game was over, the Dragons suspiciouns about Chase was beginning to fade. But Chase knew it was too soon to put his plan into action. He would have to tolerate a few more months at the Xiaolin temple, acting 'chummy' with the Dragon warriors. Jack bounded towards Chase, ''Hey, Chase?''
''Yes, Spicer?''
''I just thought of something. Now that you're good, will you still drink the Lao Mang Lone Soup?''
''Of course. I have lived over twelve hundred years due to the benefit of my soup, if I stopped drinking it, I would die.''
''But, doesn't it make you evil?'' Chase snorted, ''Dont be so naive, Spicer. soup,'' He said the word with contempt, ''Does not make me evil, I make me Evil.''
''Oh.''
Raimundo was waiting for Jack when they got to the temple. ''C'mon Jackie. Let's go back to our room.'' He said, tugging on Jack's arm. Jack grinned, ''Okay, see ya Chase.'' Chase was a little taken aback when Jack followed Rai so readily. ''What's the matter Chase? Never thought you'd see the day when Jack blew you off for Rai? For anybody, for that matter? With the way you regard the boy, I'd thought you'd be glad to get rid of him.'' Chase turned around to see Dojo looking smugly at him. ''Hello, Dojo. I Don't know what you mean, I happen to enjoy Jack's company.''
''Since when? I seem to remember that the only thing that you ever did that so much as acknowledged his existence, was throwing him to a gigantic
Carnivorous beast. I find it very strange that you're suddenly so friendly with Jack. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were up to something.''
''Is that so? Well, it was nice speaking to you Dojo, really. But I must go, I have buissness to take care of. But if you wish to talk to me again, please, feel free.'' Chase strode past him. Dojo watched him go, fuming with anger.
Once Jack and Rai entered the room, Rai launched himself at Jack, causing them to become a tangled heap of arms and legs on the floor. ''Do you love me, Jack?'' Rai asked. ''Are you kidding me? Of course I do! Why would you ask me something like that?''
''I don't know, I guess I'm just feeling a little jealous of Chase. 'Cause you like him, and he likes you.'' Said Rai, being mindful of his promise to Feng, and Jack's feelings. Jack said nothing for a long while. ''I don't really know what to tell you, Rai.'' He said, finally breaking the silence. ''I guess all I can say is, I love you, not Chase. I'd give everything to just be with you, but Chase, well, he's kinda like a hero for me. But trust me, please, I would never leave you for him.'' Raimundo grinned and hugged Jack, ''Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better. I hope you're not mad at me.'' Jack kissed him. ''Nope.'' Master Feng walked in, ''Raimundo?''
''Yes, Master Feng?''
''May I speak to you?''
''Sure,'' Raimundo got up and followed Master Feng into a secludeed area, ''Please do not inform the others, even Jack.'' Rai began to remind Feng of his promise, but Feng silenced him. ''I understand your promise to Jack. I do not want this secret to interfere with this, so, if it is necessary, you may tell him, but be careful not to offend him. Chase Young is not good, I only offered to let him stay here because I wanted to keep an eye on him.''
''Are you sure he's still evil?''
''Yes, the soup he drinks not only gives him eternal youth, but is also made up of pure evil. It is impossible to drink the potion and still be good. It was how the maker, Hannibal, meant the soup to be. The reason I am telling you this is because I believe Chase wishes to harm Jack.. I want you to watch Jack constantly, to make sure he is not hurt. If you must leave his side, get one of the elders to help you, they know whee Chase's loyalties lie as well, and will readily aid you. And the reason I do not want the Xiaolin apprentices to know is bacause they might let something slip. If Chase finds out that we do not trust him, he will leave. And I would feel more comfortable if we could keep watch over him here.'' Rai sighed, ''What is the matter, Young Dragon apprentice?''
''I'm tired of all these secrets Master Feng. I understand why you can't tell them, but I don't understand why you can tell me. I could just as easily do something as bad or even worse than they could.''
''Rai, sometimes you choose the wrong decision, and do dumb things, but out of all of the Xiaolin Dragons, I trust your judgement the most. Omi relies too heavily on his Tiger Instincts, and those are not always correct. Kimiko's hot temper gets in the way of accurate judgement. And Clay bases his judgement purely on what his father believes. Sylvan, well, he's Sylvan. I believe I'd merley get silence in response if I resided in him. And Jack, I trust him, but he seems to always be involved in everything, one way or another.''
''I guess he just has that kind of life.''Feng nodded, ''Thanks Master Feng.''
''You are welcome, Young Dragon. You may leave now.''
Jack was waiting for Rai out in the area in front of the temple's main gates. ''What was that about?'' Jack asked, unable to contain his curiousity. Rai sighed, he was hoping that he wouldn't have to tell Jack about their suspiciouns. Atleast not before he had time to prepare how he could best put it, without offending Jack. But it seemed he would have no such luck. ''Err, it was about Chase.'' Jack cocked his head to one side, a questioning look on his face. ''What about Chase?''
''We don't exactly trust him.'' Rai said hesitantly. ''Who's we?''
''Master Feng and I.'' Jack narrowed his eyes angrily at Rai, ''How is this any different from what Clay was doing?''
''That's what I thought at first, too, but then Master Feng said-''
''Is Master Feng your brain? Can't you think for yourself?'' Jack spat. Rai looked a little flustered, ''Jack, I-I mean if you think about it, Chase is different. He umm, he was, err, is more capable of-''
''Oh, so now you think I'm too pathetic too-''
''No, Jack! That's not what I'm saying!'' Rai was now angry as well. Both were too prideful to accept what the other was saying. ''Why can't you give Chase a chance?''
''You know as well as anybody what he did to all of us, including you, if you forgotten.''
''If I can forgive him for that, then why can't you forgive him for what he did to you?!''
''Jack, I only care for you're well being. Feng said Chase might hurt you.''
''If you really cared about me, you'd listen to what I am saying!'' Rai looked shocked. ''You don't think I care about you?'' Rai asked quietly. Jack was angry. Angry enough to say, ''I know you don't care about me!'' Jack was beginning to get blurry, as was the rest of Rai's surroundings. He realized he was beginning to cry. Rai wanted to get away from Jack, get away from everything. He began to run, without knowing where he was going. He soon found himself in the forest. He kept running. Past the tree where he and Jack spent so many days together. Past his memories. Past everything that ever held any meaning to him. He kept running until he could run no more, and collapsed into an exhausted heap on the forest floor, where he fell into a sleep full of restless dreams.