Jack's Cat? - Chapter 5_END

TITLE: I DIDN'T KNOW JACK HAD A CAT
AUTHOR: PSUEDONYMPH
RATING: TEEN
SERIES: XIAOLIN SHOWDOWN
PAIRING: CHASE YOUNG/JACK SPICER (CHACK)

PLOT: Jack Spicer is tricked by Katnappe into being the test subject for her latest DNA-splicing experiment. The feline side effects can’t be all that bad, especially if it gives Jack the opportunity to get closer to his idol, Chase Young.

DISCLAIMER: Alas, I hold no ownership of Xiaolin Showdown or any of their characters . . . It’s on layaway and I only have 267 more payments to go!

WARNINGS: Male/Male pairing, slight violence and injury, and serious make-out sessions.

CHAPTER 5 - THE FUNNY WAY THINGS WORK OUT

Flying towards the location of the new wu, Jack Spicer can’t help but shake the anxious feeling he has growing in his stomach. The swampy marshlands of Florida come into view as the evil teen flies lower into the high grasslands, obediently following the directions of his shen gong wu detector. Batting away pesky mosquitoes, Jack begins his search for the mythical artifact having absolutely no idea what it looks like. However, pale ears perk up when he hears voices coming from the fog surrounding him.

“Please don’t be Chase, I really don’t think I can deal with him right now.”

Through the fog, four figures begin to emerge. Crimson eyes widen as he recognizes the familiar silhouettes of the Xiaolin monks and surprisingly, even to himself, the former lion cub is happy to see them. As he approaches the four teens, Jack picks up bits and pieces of their conversation.

“So according to the scroll, the Foggy Fan has the ability to create thick clouds of fog to help hide from enemies, right?” -asks the tall cowboy.

“That’s right, so has anyone found it yet?”

“Kimiko, how are we supposed to find anything when we can barely see in front of our faces?” -questions the Brazilian.

“Do not give up my friends! After all we are the only ones here and there is no sign of Chase Young, Wuya, or Jack Spicer.” -exclaims the short monk.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, short stack.”

At the familiar sound of the evil teen genius’ voice, the four monks turn around with shocked looks. Looking at the form of Jack Spicer, relieved smiles grow on their faces.

“Hey Jack, long time no see.” -greets Raimundo.

“We haven’t seen you for like two weeks, what happened to you, partner?”

Before he can answer Clay’s question, the evil teen is tackled by Omi in a bear hug. Looking down at the bald monk attached to his waist, he sees the tears of happiness brimming in the eyes of the water dragon.

“Jack Spicer, it is very good to see you! I had feared that your humiliating defeat at my hands caused you great misfortune and personal anguish!”

“I got over it Omi.”-replies the goth.

“So, you do not hate me?”-The monk inquires with large expectant eyes.

“No more than usual.”

“Excellent, I am most glad that you aren’t transporting a grudge!”

“I think you mean ‘carrying a grudge’, Omi.”

Omi rolls his eyes, once again annoyed by Raimundo’s corrections to his slang. Noticing the pale genius struggling to breath, Kimiko walks over and pulls her friend off Jack.

“It’s good to have you back, Jack.” -states the Japanese girl with a smirk. “Huh, there’s something I’d never thought I’d say.”

“My sentiments exactly.”

The voice of Chase Young grabs everyone’s attention, causing them to quickly turn to it’s source. Looking at the dark lord, a look of scrutiny is on his features as golden eyes survey the group of teenagers. Behind him, Wuya face is contorted into an evil sneer.

“How cute, the Xiaolin losers and Jack are happy to see each other.” -taunts the witch. “Excuse me while I vomit.”

Getting over the initial shock of seeing Chase again, Jack tries his best to hide a growing blush by clearing his throat. The monks get into fighting positions as the teen genius musters a glare at the Heylin sorceress.

“Let’s get this over with, I don’t wanna have to look at your face any longer than I have to, hag! Jack-bots attack!”

With the order, the robots fly into the marshlands towards Chase, a startled Wuya, and the monks. Smirking the four monks split up to take on the robotic diversions.

“Man, I missed breaking these things!” -exclaims Raimundo.

“Yes, It is most exhilarating!” -agrees Omi.

As the Xiaolin dragons enjoy reducing the Jack-bots into scrap metal, their creator hovers overhead searching frantically for the wu.

"The quicker I find the wu and get this over with, the quicker I can get away from Chase. He doesn’t like me like that and I just have to deal with it."

Seeing a glow through the heavy mist, the teen speeds after it. Intent on getting the wu without starting a showdown, pale fingers reach out to grab the glowing fan. Unfortunately, Jack has never been the lucky type so he isn’t too surprised when Wuya touches the wu at the same time. Sensing the upcoming showdown, Chase and the monks run to see the battle unfold.

“Well, this should be quick, a showdown with Jack Spicer, evil boy idiot.”-taunts the witch.

“Hey, I’m a teenager!”-shouts the adolescent.

“So you don’t deny that you’re an idiot?”

The teen’s pale face turns scarlet with an embarrassed blush. The monks shake their heads at how easily Jack set himself up for the insult.

“Shut-up! I challenge you to a Xiaolin Showdown! My Lotus Twister against your Eye of Dashi -”

Looking around at the dense mist around them, the evil genius gets an idea.

“The game is Marco Polo, the first person to find the other wins!”

“Marco Polo? Are you sure that you’re not a child?” -Wuya teases.

“XIAOLIN SHOWDOWN!”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, the fog begins to become even denser as it swirls around them. Now it is hard for either Jack or Wuya to see a few inches in front of their faces. The marshland grasses grow and morph into an elaborate maze as the two opponents turn to face one another. Meanwhile Chase and the monks look on from above.

“GONG YI TAN PAI!”- shout the two combatants.

When the ancient phrase is spoken, thick clouds hide Wuya and Jack from each other as their game begins. Deciding to be brave, the albino teen clears his throat to give away his location.

“MARCO!”

“POLO!”

Using the Lotus Twister, Jack manages to dodge a blast from the Eye of Dashi. Heading towards the source of the blast, the goth tries to end the game quickly.

“MARCO!”

“POLO!” -The heylin sorceress shouts from behind.

From above, the monks and Chase are fixated on the showdown going on below them. Unable to actually see the fight, the spectators keep their eyes peeled for the occasional red blasts and Jack’s comically girly screams.

“I am worried about Jack, Wuya will not go easy on him.”-comments Omi.

“Yeah, she’s probably just toyin’ around with poor Spicer.” -the Texan states as Dojo nods from atop his head in agreement.

“C’mon, he should be fine . . . I think.” -Raimundo offers.

“You guys never know, Jack might manage to surprise all of us . . .”

As Kimiko trails her words, she sneaks a glance at Chase, interested to know what the dragon lord is thinking. His golden eyes are fixed on the showdown as he takes an uncharacteristic interest in the battle before him. Since there is so much moisture in the air, his keen olfactory senses have been weakened. The thick odor of the marshy grasslands almost drown out the scents of Wuya and Jack. The only thing the dragon can pick up is the shouts of “Marco Polo” and sporadic blasts from the Eye of Dashi. Against his better judgement, the warlord begins to get a little antsy and clenches his fists trying to calm down. Unfortunately his anxiety is only heightened as a shout of pain rises from the dense fog along with the pungent scent of human blood.

“Dammit!”-curses the Heylin lord under his breath.

Without hesitation, the dark prince jumps down into the swirling mist, his ebony hair trailing behind him. Not expecting that reaction, the monks look to Rai as he gives them the signal to follow the ancient warrior. Once Chase lands gracefully within the grass maze, the coppery scent becomes stronger, allowing his senses to find the pale adolescent . . .

Meanwhile, Jack is lying on the ground trying to stop the blood flowing from the large gash on his leg. A small whimper escapes the teen’s lips as he tries to move the injured limb. Turning his head, tear-filled crimson eyes widen as they spot Chase coming towards him, the goth shocked beyond belief. The look in the warlord’s eyes instantly kill any words Jack might have thought to say before they leave the evil genius’ throat. Continuing his stride, the Heylin master follows the sound of Wuya’s gloating.

“Come out, come out wherever you are . . . Don’t tell me one little scratch put you out of the game Jack! I’ll even be nice and go first this time, MARCO!”

As the witch creeps along, she bumps into the armored chest of Chase Young himself. Stumbling backwards, her green eyes look up at the man before her surprised by the golden glare fixated on her.

“Polo.” -states the evil prince in a tone completely void of amusement.

“Ch-Chase what’re you doing?!”

“This showdown is over.”

As if by command, the land around them obediently begins to return to normal. The fog dissipates and the grasses return to their normal height and growth patterns. The Foggy Fan stops glowing as it falls to the ground with a soft thud.

“You can’t interfere in a showdown it’s against the rules!”-the witch indignantly screeches.

“Actually, if I remember correctly” -begins Dojo, “The rules state that if a participant of the showdown is injured, they can quit or get an alternate to take their place.”

Hearing the voice of Dashi’s old companion, Chase and Wuya turn to see the monks around Jack. Raimundo and Clay face them as Kimiko and Omi tend to the wound on the teen’s leg.

“Fine, since Jack quits I’ll just take my wu and go.”

‘Not so fast Wuya, you can go, but the wu stays here. Unless of course, you wish to continue the showdown with me as your opponent.”

Green eyes widen at the insinuation, her anger from losing shen gong wu rapidly overcomes her better judgement.

“Don’t tell me you actually care about a pathetic idiot like Jack Spicer?!”

“There is no honor in attacking those that you know are weaker than you; it only lowers you to the same level as common filth. Then again, I suppose that level fits you rather well.”

Finally fed up with Chase’s constant insults, the witch grabs the Eye of Dashi and aims it directly at Jack and the monks with an evil glint in her eyes. Raimundo and Clay move to protect the others, but the Tai Chi master moves quicker. With a series of jabs to specific nerves, Wuya’s arm drops limp which causes the wu to fall out of her hand.

“Now, leave!”

Glaring at the woman before him, Chase’s inner dragon begins to show as the air around them becomes thick with his demonic aura. The Heylin witch decides to take her leave and disappears into the thick fog. Turning his attention back to the teenagers, the warlord makes his way over to see how the wound is being treated. He watches as Omi turns the fog around them into clean water and uses it to heal the scarred flesh. Unaware of the water dragon’s new found healing abilities, Chase and Jack watch with fascination.

“How’re you doing that?”

“It is a simple task for one as talented as me, Jack.-”

With an exasperated sigh, Kimiko interrupts what is surely to be a long, self absorbed speech.

“Since water is a natural healing element, Omi charged it with his own chi and uses it to stimulate your body’s recuperative properties.”

Removing his small hands, the gash on is healed but a long scar remains down the length of the teen’s pale thigh.

“Well I never thought I’d say this, but thanks, Omi.”-Jack offers.

“You are most welcome.”

“You have my thanks as well, young monks.”

Completely confused by the Heylin’s words, they all look to Chase with his usual smirk on his face. The confusion only increases when, with a snap of his fingers, the discarded wu fly into Raimundo’s hands.

“What’s this for?”

“I have no need for those particular wu, so I’ve given them to you. Think of it as compensation for returning my property to me.”

Walking past the wind dragon, the dragon warrior helps Jack to his feet. The goth nervously tries to avoid Chase’s gaze, but fails miserably. So he tries not to focus on the fact that the elder’s grip is still on his upper arm.

“Come with me Spicer, you and I need to have a ‘talk’,” -The dark lord then turns to the Xiaolin Dragons. “Until we meet again, monks.”

In a flash, the two villains disappear, leaving the four teens and small dragon with varied looks of shock and bewilderment. Kimiko however is the first to recover as she smiles to herself.

“They are going to make an adorable evil couple.”

At the evil mountain lair of Chase Young, the dragon lord and goth teen appear in the grand foyer. Upon his return to his temporary home, Jack looks around reminiscing to himself.

“It’s been quite awhile since you’ve been here, hasn’t it Spicer.”

“Uh, yeah it has. You see, I was visiting my cousin’s . . . aunt’s . . . brother in . . . um . . . France?”

“France?” -questions the elder in a disbelieving tone.

“Yeah, I saw the Eiffel tower and even ate some stinky cheese!”

Laughing nervously, the pale teen doesn’t notice the appearance of a certain lioness. She pads over to greet her master but is surprised to catch another familiar scent in the air. Expecting to see the white lion cub the lioness had grown fond of, she is confused by the lanky, pale teen before her. The lion decides to trust her nose and nuzzles both males affectionately.

“Hmm, that’s odd.”

“What do you mean, Chase?”

“Well, Nanali was never the trusting type, even when she was human. The only creatures she shows any affection to are me and her cubs.”

“Maybe I just have a familiar scent?” -offers Jack, hoping the man before him actually believes it.

“I don’t think so, lions have keen olfactory senses and are rarely fooled. One of the reasons I turn my subjects into felines is so their senses become nearly as infallible as my own.”

As the dragon before him speaks, an unnerving smirk appears on his face. The look is about as comforting as a shark smiling at a fish with rows of sharp, jagged, blood-stained teeth.

“Wh-What’re you talking about, Chase?”

“It’s no use Spicer, I knew who you were the second I caught your scent.”

Daring to look up at the warlord, ruby eyes widen at the hardened glare locked on him. The amusement is gone from the dragon’s features as he backs Jack into the stony walls of the lair.

“For the better part of a week,” -begins the Heylin lord in a low, dangerous tone. “You have resided in my home, eaten my food, invaded my private life, stolen my property, and even had the audacity to lie right to my face. So, does the insect have anything to say for itself?”

Whimpering, the pale adolescent clasps his hands together to pray for mercy from the evil mastermind before him.

“I’mreallyreallysorryandIswearI’llneverdoitagainIpromise!InfactI’lljustleaverightnowandyou’llneverhavetoseemeagain-”

As Jack continues to ramble and tries to leave he is stopped as a strong arm pins him to the rock behind him. The teen yelps in surprise and squeezes his eyes shut waiting to be reduced to a pile of ashes or an unrecognizable bloody pulp. Feeling a large hand threading through his red hair, the goth cracks open his eyes to see an amused smirk on the dark master’s face.

“I don’t remember suggesting I wanted that. And as surprising as it was to discover, the absence of your presence was noticed these last few days, Spicer.”

“Huh? B-but, I thought you hated me.”

“Hate is a strong emotion-one that I reserve for a particular legume. At most, you simply annoy me, but then again you do have a certain talent for it.”

“Chase, can I ask you a question?”

“Ask it.”

“Why were you so . . . uh, nice to me before?”

Removing his hand from the fiery red hair, the dragon lord raises Jack’s head forcing wide scarlet eyes to look at him. A dark smile appears on the Heylin’s face.

“You have potential. Given you are guided by the right person, you could rise to the ranks of great evil one day.”

“Wait a second, are you saying what I think you’re saying? Are you going to let me be your apprentice?”

“Well, I do enjoy a challenge-”

Interrupting Chase’s response, the evil teen smiles excitedly and wraps his arms around the taller man in a hug. Jack buries his head into the crook of the warlord’s neck, inhaling the masculine scent that emanates there. When the youth begins to subconsciously nuzzle the elder, a deep chuckle interrupts him.

“It seems you've missed my presence as well.”

Embarrassed, Jack tries to get away from his secret crush, but is surprised to find a strong arm wrapped around his thin waist.

“Ch-Chase?”

“As long as I can remember, I’ve always had a fondness for the color of blood-something about it appeals to me. And here I have a creature such as yourself before me that has that very hue represented in your eyes and hair.”

“Uh, I guess I just have good genes?” -suggests the teenager, earning a long stare from the Heylin prince.

“It’s your own fault, Jack. Your submissiveness to me is becoming harder to resist in recent years.”

Before he can question the statement(or the first use of his given name), Chase leans in and claims Jack’s lips in a possessively bruising kiss. As the dragon lord establishes his dominance, crimson eyes drift shut and the youth tilts his head to the side in order to deepen their connection. When the Heylin’s tongue begins to taste the inside of the teen’s mouth, an appreciative moan escapes his lips. Large gloved hands begin to explore the planes and subtle curves of the young villain’s body. With the need for air making itself known, the kiss ends between the two evil males. Jack releases his hold, allowing his lithe body to slide down the muscular torso at a tantalizingly slow pace. Completely unaware that his innocent actions had any effect on the warlord, the teen genius thinks over the latest series of events.

“Hell must have frozen over or something because I, Jack Spicer, just made out with Chase Young, the smexiest evil creature on the entire planet!”

Lost in his little internal celebration, Chase Young’s new apprentice begins tracing the cool metal of the dragon’s armor with his fingers. He is brought back to reality when a large hand cups his face.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve let my emotions get the better of me.”

“I don’t mind.”

Amused by Jack’s response, the Heylin warrior rakes his hands through his soft, scarlet hair. Taking a good look at the teen, golden eyes realize how much they enjoy the contrast of the deep red locks to pale, milky skin. The ancient lord could honestly say that in all his years he’s never encountered another creature quite like Jack Spicer(Although the complete devotion to him certainly didn't detract from the youth's appeal). The idea of having such a rarity to himself, seems to please his inner dragon immensely. Entertaining the idea, Chase is surprised to hear a purr-like sound from the youth as the dark warlord's strong fingers massage his scalp.

“I have to ask, how did you end up as a white lion cub?”

Thinking over what to say, the genius sighs as he rests his head on the armored chest before him.

“It’s a long story. Basically, Katnappe used me to test one of her cat-experiments which was supposed to turn me into a house-cat but I ended up a lion due to some oversight. I hid-out in my lab for a while, but then the monks came to check up on me and I decided to stay with them. But then the Projection Lantern activated, and during all the chaos after the showdown I ended up following you and Wuya back here. I guess the rest is pretty much history. . .”

“You are fairly naive for a self-proclaimed evil genius, Spicer.”

“No I’m not!”

“. . .”

“Fine, maybe I am, but I’m not as bad as Omi!”

“Perhaps, but you should be more appreciative. If it wasn’t for him, your leg would still be seriously injured.”

The warlord’s hand traces the newly-scarred flesh on the pale thigh, the milky skin visible since the blast burnt away the fabric of the black pants. As Chase’s fingers inspect the wound, touching the sensitive nerve endings send shivers through the evil teen. Moving in close, the Heylin’s lips begin kissing Jack’s pale throat which is surprisingly long for a male. The young villain tilts his head back to expose more of the vulnerable area, knowingly submitting to the dominant male who accepts the gesture. Indulging himself with the soft flesh there and the small whimpers escaping the goth’s mouth, Chase almost misses the appearance of Wuya. Forcing himself from his new favorite way to pass the time, the dragon turns to lock eyes with green surprised ones. He hasn’t backed off Jack so their bodies are still pressed against each other’s, blatantly showing what they were doing only moments before.

“Wuya, what are you doing here?”

“What are you doing?!” -demands the witch, completely ignoring his question.

“That was a waste of a question, in my home I do whatever I want.”

“Or whoever, apparently.”

“Are you jealous because I never touched you?”

“Well this explains why doesn’t it, Chase?”

“Your sex has nothing to do with my refusal to share my bed with you, Wuya. Now leave while I’m still in a good mood.”

Hearing a series of low growls, the Heylin sorceress notices the large cats that have begun to encircle her. Baring teeth and snarling, the felines begin to close in on the offending female. Wuya gets the hint and with a flip of crimson hair she turns on her heel to leave.

“Whatever, your arrogance always was a bit stifling anyway.”

With that the witch leaves, most likely in search for another villain to leech off of. A faint blush rises to pale cheeks as Jack realizes what Wuya implied, however it fades as he makes another connection.

“The old hag was SO jealous! - Score: Evil hag - 0 / Jack Spicer - 1 Super-hot Heylin warlord. My luck is finally looking up!”

Busy planning ways to rub his victory in Wuya’s face, the evil teen doesn’t notice the gaze locked on him. Chase is amused by the adorable evil gleam in Jack’s eyes, but decides to continue where he left off. Getting over the inital shock as the dragon prince resumes his ministrations, the pale youth begins to rake his fingers through strands of dark, silky hair. Gloved hands once again rove over the teen’s supple body, slowly slipping under his clothes. Realizing that he could quickly lose control of his inner dragon, the warlord backs off of the younger male. However with one glance at the flushed look on the pale face, Chase has to take a deep breath to keep him from assaulting the adolescent in front of him.

“Return tomorrow at dawn and we’ll begin your training.”

Jack looks down for a second, then lifts his gaze to the tantalizing male standing before him. He moves closer to his evil idol with a seemingly innocent look in his crimson eyes.

“Since I’m just going to come back here anyway, wouldn’t it make more sense for me to spend the night here?”

“I suppose.” -responds the Heylin, suspicious of the youth’s motives.

“Thanks, I’ll just go get myself settled then . . .”

Trailing his words, Jack walks around the evil lord making sure to brush his fingers over the warrior’s muscled arm. He then heads towards the hall that leads directly to the warlord’s private quarters.

“Jack, where do you think you’re going?”

With a surprisingly coy look over his shoulder, the evil teen genius locks his eyes with the amber ones of his idol. They’ve darkened to a blood red hue as he begins to speak.

“To catch some Z’s, unless you can think of something else to do in your bedroom?”

Catching the innuendo, the sudden boldness from Jack intrigues the dark prince. He walks over to him, reaching his side in a few strides.

“You shouldn’t tempt me, Jack. I might just take you up on the offer.”

“If I didn’t want you to take my offer, I wouldn’t have tempted you with it, Chase.”

Arching an eyebrow, the Heylin prince curls an arm around the teen and pulls the lithe body closer to his well-toned one. One hand slowly travels up from the small of Jack's back to the base of his skull.

“Hmm . . . I believe I just felt the beginnings of a backbone, Spicer.”

Smirking, Jack surprises him more by grabbing the back of his neck and pressing their lips together. In a flash of magic, the evil duo disappears and the feline servants return to the back of the citadel to leave their master and his soon-to-be mate alone.

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The next morning at the Xiaolin Temple, we find the monks relaxing underneath the shade of a tree after a rigorous training session. The four teens are indulging in a break before their afternoon training begins, when Kimiko receives a text message on her cellphone. Hearing the tone of "Rolling Star" by YUI, she flips open her phone. Since the guys are incredibly nosy, they read over her shoulder as the Japanese girl proceeds to open the new message.

To: Xiaolin Monks

From: Jack Spicer

Thanks for looking out for my pet lion, he's doing very well - especially since his stay at Chase's place. Speaking of which, Chase has grown quite fond of him and the two are practically inseparable(He even gets to sleep-over occasionally). Anyway, I guess I owe you guys one.

Later.

A knowing smile grows on Kimiko's face as her friends stare at the strange message blinking on the phone's screen.

"It looks like we're not going to be seeing Jack Spicer or Chase Young for a awhile." -concludes the fire dragon as she puts her phone away.

"What do you mean, Kimiko?"

"Well Omi, you know Jack's lion cub we took care of?"

"Yes?"

"That was really Jack. Two weeks ago, he was turned into a lion by Katnappe."

As Omi grasps this, Raimundo and Clay are already a few steps ahead of him as they decode the cryptic message Jack sent. Raimundo sniggers to himself as Clay blushes and covers his embarrassed face with the brim of his hat. Omi, being as naive as he is, doesn't quite understand the innuendo his friends are alluding to and begins to ponder what Jack Spicer and Chase Young could possible do together, alone, and at night . . .

The Xiaolin monks were not the only ones to receive a message from the evil genius that morning. When a certain cat-themed villainess logs onto her computer, she is surprised to discover an email from an unknown sender. Curious to it’s contents, Katnappe clicks to open it.

Dear ASHLEY -

Just so you know, turning me into a lion cub for no reason was not cool. But don’t worry, I’m not mad anymore, thanks to your stupid experiment, I’m now Chase’s new evil apprentice and the job comes with amazing "perks". Anyway, have fun playing around with your lame cats.

And by the way, Kimiko was right, you are SERIOUSLY messed up in the head!(Using pudding for evil is just plain wrong!)

Sincerely,

Jack Spicer - Evil Teen Genius and NEW APPRENTICE TO CHASE YOUNG!

After reading the e-mail, the cat-themed villainess is fuming. She quickly gets back to work on her new genetically altered cats, fueled by the desire to once again completely humiliate Jack Spicer. Little does she know that, from now on, messing with Jack would only result in having to deal with an immensely pissed-off Chase Young.

THE END!