Odd Discoveries CH_3

ODD DISCOVERIES

Summary: Normally, when Jack Spicer discovers something about his evil idol, Chase Young, he is overjoyed. But this time, it's something that could turn his entire world upside down. Eventual CHACK.

Warnings: Adult language, Slash(shounen-ai, BL, yaoi, guy-on-guy action, etc.)

Disclaimer: Christy Hui owns Xiaolin Showdown and all it's characters. I obviously do not.

Sorry for the late update! Life has been pretty hectic lately(Which is also why there may or may not be some grammar/formatting mistakes - I just wanted to post AQAP, so I'll just fix them later)

Happy Reading!


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Chapter 3 - Forming a Hypothesis

"Jack Spicer, I cannot believe that you discovered such a thing by accident."

Omi's statement is the first to break the awkward silence that has settled once the evil genius revealed his discovery.

"Yeah, it's kinda scary how smart you can be sometimes Spicer," Clay chimes in, scratching the side of his head. Beside him, Kimiko nods her head in agreement, surprising even herself with the level of respect that she now has for the evil teen's intelligence.

"Holy Shit," comments Rai, not caring one bit that his language is one that hardly belongs in an ancient temple.

"Those are pretty much the same reactions I had," Megan adds as she observes the varying reactions that Jack's words have on the monks(Though, in their defense it's not something they hear everyday).

It takes a few moments for all the Xiaolin to fully regain themselves as they are still unsure how to handle their newfound awe for the evil teen genius.

"This is bad," Raimundo surmises, scratching the back of his head as he reappraises the situation.

"Tell me something I don't know," the evil genius rather annoyed by everyone pointing out the rather obvious hazards of his predicament.

"Well, I guess this means that Chase is now on our list of people to avoid for the next week or so. When he figures out what you have Jack, he'll be after you too."

Jack is a little unsettled by the wind monk's choice of when instead of if. Although, as the young villain well knows, Chase Young has always been the type to be fully aware of everything around him-or at the very least, act like it. It's actually a bit surprising to Jack that he has survived this long.

"Well, since there isn't a Heylin Dragon and his army of warriors descending upon the temple courtyard, I think it's safe to assume that your discovery hasn't come to Chase's attention yet," comments the Japanese girl. Her words, managing to bring Jack some relief.

"Yeah, but that's only at the moment,Kimiko. The dude can just appear out of nowhere and then BAM!</b> You're dead before you even realize what happened to you."

And, just like that, the evil teen's relief completely disappears as Jack pales at the shocking amount of truth behind the wind monk's statement.

"Thanks for putting that idea into my head, Raimundo. Just in case I wasn't freaked out enough as it is, let's make me paranoid too."

"Do not worry my friend," comforts the water dragon with a large smile on his face. "I, the Great Omi, shall protect you from the most formidable forces of Chase Young!"

Looking down at the small monk eagerly staring up at him, Jack's fears are understandably not assuaged by the remark.

"It would probably be better if you three leave tonight instead of tomorrow," interrupts Rai, his hunter-green eyes surveying the open courtyard and blue-tiled eaves of the ancient temple. "It never hurts to be ahead of the game."

At the Brazilian teen's suggestion, Omi takes the Golden Tiger Claws and firmly affixes them to his hand. The transportation wu almost glows in the low evening light around them, seemingly anxious to transport its passengers to their desired location.

"Alright, once you all get settled, call Kimiko's cell to let us know that you're okay. In thirty-six hours, around nine o' clock in the morning, the day after tomorrow, teleport back inside the temple. If for some reason you can't make it back at that time, call to let us know. Otherwise, keep contact limited. Even the shortest phone call could inadvertently give away your location."

"But what if we can't get back to the temple?" Megan interjects, staring at the strange wu on Omi's hand.

Taking a moment to think over the blonde girl's valid question, Raimundo turns back to them with a reassuring grin.

"If you can't get back here for some reason, head to Master Monk Guan's temple. I'll personally let him know what's up. Are there any other questions?"

"Nope, let's blow this popsicle stand," comments Jack as he grabs his messenger bag, quickly checking to make sure that his computer is safely inside it.

Understanding the genius's hurry to leave as soon as possible, Omi quickly swipes his hand through the air to activate the Shen Gong Wu.

"GOLDEN TIGER CLAWS!"

Waving goodbye as his fellow monks wish him luck, Omi leads the way as he, Jack and Megan slip though the swirling portal now before them. The remaining Xiaolin are left behind, simply staring at the space that was just occupied by the monk, evil genius, and his cousin.

"Rai, do you really think that we'll be able to hold off Wuya, Hannibal Roy Bean, and Chase Young if they all come after Jack?

Looking down at the girl besides him, a brief look of uncertainty crosses the Brazilian's face.

"I'll guess we'll find out."

Wordlessly consenting to the reply, the monks leave to plan both their offense and defense should a three-front Heylin assualt ever come knocking on their doorstep.

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However, on the tall mountains high above the Xiaolin Temple, a large falcon circles around in the fading sky before it lands on the low-hanging branch of a pine tree. A crow flies off into the sun at the bird of prey's appearance. Once the other bird is but a speck on the horizon, the falcon's small bean-like master jumps down from its feathered back. Activating the Moby Morpher attached to his tentacles, the legume grows to full size.

"We meet again Hannibal."

Turning to the red-haired witch that is walking to stand before him, a sound of disinterest leaves his mouth.

"Wuya, I'm only here because you said that you had a proposal that I could not afford to pass up. Unlike yourself, I do not have time to waste."

"Then allow me to capture your valuable attention," begins Wuya, a wicked smile playing across her lips. "I have been rather fortunate to come across a way in which to permanently dispose of Chase Young, the bane of both of our existences."

"If this is in fact true, why on Earth would you share this with me?" poses Hannibal, his gaze suspicious.

"As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my ally."

"More like you don't have enough power to do it yourself so you've been forced to come to me. For future reference Wuya, your lifespan will last a lot longer if you stop insulting the obviously superior intelligence of those you speak to," observes Hannibal, before a sound of interest leaves his mouth. "However, you have managed to pique my interest. What is this method that you have discovered?"

"You have to agree to help me, first."

"Don't test me, witch! Tell me what I need to kill Young," the legume's fragile patience almost breaking.

"For starters, it is not what you need, rather it is whom," teases Wuya, attempting to build up suspense. "The key to destroying Chase Young is none other than Jack Spicer."

For a good minute, Hannibal Roy Bean just stares at the witch, his yellow eyes searching for any sign of deception upon her face.

"Surely you jest."

"No, I do not. We both know that Jack is far from being the true evil that he claims to be, but he is still an unparalleled genius. A genius that discovered how to kill Chase by complete accident."

"And this . . . method of his, what is it exactly?"

"That is the problem, Hannibal," Wuya begins, gauging the other villian's reaction. The witch never truly liked being in the legume's presence, so she shifts in slight discomfort. "Jack managed to escape me before I could find out any details of his discovery. His infernal robots then destroyed every scrap of his research so now I don't even have a lead."

"So, what exactly do you need me for?"

"Jack somehow managed to get himself under the protection of the Xiaolin monks."

"Ah, now I see your dilemma. You must need me to fight them for you," surmises Hannibal as a toothy grin distorts his face. "But Wuya, what is to stop me from simply taking Jack on my own? With some convincing, Jack would be more than happy to share his findings with me."

"True, but this requires finesse, my dear Hannibal. We cannot arouse Chase Young's suspicions in the process of acquiring Jack. If we do, he too will be after the boy. It is simply in our best interest to work together instead of against each other, after all we have the same goal in mind."

Watching this all from the curved surface of his all seeing orb, Chase can't help the grin froming upon his lips. His gloved fingers gently stroke through the ebony feathers of the crow currently resting on his throne's armrest.

"So, Jack Spicer has discovered a way to kill me, how interesting," observes the warlord, an expression that could pass for being impressed briefly crosses his handsome face. "Unfortunately, neither Wuya nor Hannibal have ever been gifted with subtlety."

As a lioness makes her way into the palatial throne room, Chase regards his warrior with a simple nod. The warlord then leans back into his chair, his piercing golden eyes stare forward, yet are obviously focused on something else. Considering what the feline has just overheard, she finds that her master is acting oddly calm and relaxed.

"I will return shortly," states Chase suddenly. His deep voice echoing off the cavernous walls of his evil abode. "Let the others know of my departure."

In a flash of dark magic, the Heylin warlord disappears from his throne to reappear in the Xiaolin temple, his presence undetected by any of its residents. Night has made itself comfortable in the sky above as twinkling stars dot the inky blackness and the moon illuminates the pristine white of the temple walls. Strolling casually through the monks' home, Chase easily finds his way to the large, open courtyard, just in time to see Wuya and Hannibal make their own appearance. And as expected, their rather ostentatious arrival has the Xiaolin monks quickly running outside. The draconic villian simply remains enshrouded in the dark shadows of the ancient temple and his former home, watching the events unfurling before him.

"What brings you two here?" calmly inquires Raimundo upon seeing the witch and legume, the Shoku warrior oddly unperturbed by their appearance.

"Hand over Jack Spicer, now!"

"Sorry, but we can't do that ma'am," states Clay, his politeness belying his fighting stance.

"Look it's been a long day, so why don't you two just beat it, before we beat you?"

At Raimundo's veiled threat, Wuya's smirks. She remembers the preteen that was her apprentice for a brief time. And though he has matured into the laidback, yet formidable leader of the Xiaolin monks, the witch is familair with the Brazilian teen's tactic to talk big, especially when he has nothing to back it up with.

"Cute Raimundo, but I can assure you that if you continue to stand in our way, you and your friends will be the ones in pain."

"Jack is under our protection for the time being. And, I think I can speak for everyone here, none of us want to see your ugly face at the moment."

"Now I'm curious," drawls Hannibal, tired of the grandstanding between the witch and group of teenagers. "Why are y'all protecting Jack Spicer? He is your enemy, surely there's nothing that you all can gain from it."

"That's our business, isn't it? All you need to know is that Jack Spicer isn't leaving with either of you."

At Kimiko's words, the three monks get into fighting stances.

"Well, you heard her," adds Rai. "Now, the two of you can leave in two ways, either walking or limping. It's your choice."

With little warning, Hannibal and Wuya charge forward to take on the Xiaolin monks and their threat. Kimiko immediately moves to fight the witch as both Raimundo and Clay team up against the legume. Since she is still deprived of her full powers, Wuya is forced to rely mostly on her martial arts. However, the fire monk is proving to be superior in that department. Kimiko's agile and quick attacks are too fast to block and effectively keep the Heylin witch on the defense. And paired with her elemental fire abilities, the Heylin sorceress is barely able to keep herself from being burned. Meanwhile, Clay combines the raw strength of his earth powers with the speed of Raimundo's wind attacks to overpower Hannibal.

From the shadows, Chase Young is thoroughly entertained by the fact that his adversaries are being defeated by mortal teenagers. However, as golden eyes survey the battle, he quickly notices the absence of a certain short water monk.

Omi is missing from a battle? I wonder where he is off to . . .

A smirk comes to Chase's face as the monks' plan becomes clear.

I see, Jack Spicer is no longer here. The monks are simply pretending that he is still here to give Omi the opportunity to move him to safe location.

In the course of a few days, Spicer has managed to discover a method in which to end my life and then has the intelligence to have the Xiaolin monks protect him from Wuya and Hannibal, and presumably, myself. And now, most likely using the help of the Golden Tiger Claws to magically hide his tracks, Spicer is planning to evade us until a time he deems fit to use his discovery.

Hmm, I really should have a word with Jack. After all, I wouldn't want him to fall into the wrong hands.

The evil warlord chuckles to himself just as Kimiko lands a particularly hard kick to Wuya's side. His attention brought back to the ongoing fight by the witch's groan of pain.

However, It's not as if I have anything more pressing to do this evening. I might as well see how this all pans out.

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SUNDAY EVENING 9:07 PM(Due to time difference - SUNDAY MORNING 10:07AM)

The streets of Brooklyn, New York City resonate with a steady beat all its own. Children of all ages and backgrounds head out of their homes as their parents sit on the steps of the brownstone apartments lining the streets. Conversing as the sun illuminates the neighborhood, the warm summer day entices the residents to stay outside and enjoy the tolerable heat. Jack, Megan, and Omi stick out on the street, but receive no more than a long stare or double take from the New Yorkers. Although, by this point, the trio have been wandering the walkways of the Big Apple for the good part of an hour.

"Hmm, I am almost certain that this is the street he lives on."

"Hey Omi, where are we going?"

"I'm glad you asked Jack! I am taking us to the home of a good friend of mine. I only hope that I can remember which home is his. The houses all look so much alike here."

The two Spicers exchange a worried look.

"Omi? What are you doing here?"

Turning around, the water dragon gains a smile as he recognizes the tall, basketball player approaching them. It has been a few years since they've seen each other, but the black teen still has the same laidback demeanor and warm smile.

"Jermaine!" "How are you my friend."

"I'm good, man," greets the honorary Xiaolin. "Are you and the other monks here looking for another Wu or something?"

"Not exactly," chimes in Jack.

"Omi, you're rolling with Jack Spicer now? I must be seeing things."

"You're not seeing things. Jack and I are just hanging with the monks for a bit," answers Megan, her patience running a bit low. "Is there a problem with that?"

Finally noticing the unfamiliar blonde standing with Jack and Omi, deep brown eyes widen further.

"Um, who are you exactly?"

"Her name is Megan, Jack Spicer's cousin" chimes in Omi, answering his friend's question. "I don't mean to rush you, but the matter of our visit is most urgent. Please Jermaine, we need your help. Could we please go to your home to talk?"

"Sure man, No problem. Follow me."

Walking up the steps, they pass by a old woman on the stoop. Her gaze is unnervingly penetrating, even behind the thick glasses perched upon her nose. Rocking steadily in her chair, she shifts her focus to the one teen she knew.

"Jermaine, you have some strange friends with you."

"Hey, Mrs. Williams. How're you doing today?"

"I'm just fine, but I do believe that your parents would like to know about this."

"It's nothing to worry about. They might dress a little weird, but they're cool."

"You know my rule, if you're going to have any sort of party while your parents are away . . . "

". . . Make sure to play only good music?"

"Exactly," smiles the elderly woman, ignoring the three surprised teens with Jermaine. "Now, have your fun and make sure to say hello to your mother for me."

"Sure thing. Good night."

Once they enter through the front door of the four-unit apartment building, Jermaine begins to lead them to the first floor apartment that he shares with his family. Pulling out a key, he opens the door and lets the three in.

"My parents are out of town for a wedding and my little brother's away at summer camp, so it's just us," the black teen states before locking the door behind them. "So, what's up?"

"My friend, I have been given the very important task of protecting Jack Spicer."

For a moment, Jermaine simply stares at the monk. His eyebrow arches as the rest of his face settles into a look of confusion.

"Wait, you're serious aren't you, Omi? You actually are protecting Jack Spicer? I know I haven't visited the temple in a while, but I didn't think that this much has changed."

"It is very urgent, Jermaine."

"I don't mind helping man, but first I gotta hear the reason behind this one. What exactly are you protecting Jack from?"

"Wuya, and very possibly, Chase Young."

At the mention of his former master, as well as the other Heylin, Jermaine's eyes widen as his mouth falls open. The city teen completely speechless as he slowy takes a seat on his nearby couch.


-To be continued-