jackbotsattack | THIS IS A POST

[Omi and Jermaine move, but Jack is undeterred - he'll squash one, then the others. He missed the part where the dork in the ribbon knows him, and doesn't recognize him.

But before he can do anything, Dojo shoots up out of the ground smashing into the robot and knocking it onto its back. Jack is left momentarily dazed inside from the crash, while Wuya hurls abuses at him and tries to get him up, before they get away.

The Wu escapes the robot's hold and starts to flit around again.]

[Dojo's appearance was really great luck, because moving out of the way hadn't even occurred to Hajime: this was Jack, after all, he'd never do anything to hurt him.

Unless, apparently, he would. Hajime couldn't say if it was the ground shaking or his legs, as his lungs seize up and time slows--it was a mistake, or a misunderstanding, or he hadn't seen, because Jack wouldn't, Jack would never--

Not the slightest thought is spared for the monks, the massive dragon, or the flying talisman, as Hajime rushes to the fallen robot, trying to remember how to breathe but failing to keep a pitch of panic out of his voice.]

Jack?! Jack, are you all right?!

[Inside the cockpit, Jack groans and rubs his head, ignoring Wuya. That hurt!

But never mind that, he has a Wu to catch! He pushes open the hatch, ready to spring out and go after the Serpent's Tail, when he sees the ribbon kid standing over him.]

You again!? What's your probl- wait, how do you know my name?

Forget him, you fool! The monks are going to get the Wu!

[Jack looks between the screaming ghost and the stranger, then scowls and pushes past Hajime.]

Don't blow a gasket, Wuya, I'm going! Sheesh.

[The blades of his helipack rise into the air and begin to spin.]

[Jack didn't recognize him. How--how could he not...?

Too stunned to stop his friend (his friend, definitely, still, had to be) as he pushed past, Hajime blinked after him, before his eyes fell to the hazy wisp of spirit screeching over them, and faces her with a snarl.

It's the only explanation he can think of.]

What did you do to him?!

Clearly not enough, he's just as useless as always!

[Wuya throws up her wispy nubs that pass as hands in exasperation as she watches Jack scramble after the Wu with the monks. Then she seems to realize the newcomer just spoke to her, and turns to stare at him.]

Who are you, anyway? I haven't seen you before. Heylin? Or Xiaolin?

[She spits the word like it's dirty.

Meanwhile, Jack has grabbed the Wu... at the same time as Omi.]

Omi! I challenge you to a Xiaolin Showdown!

He's not useless--

[He forces himself to take a deep breath. He's had more than enough of nasty spirit mentors getting under his skin.]

I'm Yuuhi. [See, he can use words other people won't understand, too.

While Jack bickers with the monks, Hajime approaches, trying to put together what he can from the conversation. A duel over the ownership of the artifact? Sounded straightforward enough.]

--Unless I challenge you to a Shen Yi Bu Dare! Me and Jermaine against you and--

And me. An even match, I presume. [He stands behind his unfamiliar friend and shoots Jack a grin, challenging him to turn the offer down, while Raimundo groans.]

Man, I'm so lost--how much did we miss, anyway?

You again!? [Jack turns his head to stare at Hajime, expression a mix between confusion and irritation.]

Challenge accepted! You're falling down, Jack Spicer and- and- Who is this?

I don't know! [Jack looks back at his enemy, then at Hajime again. That expression is still there, until... a look of comprehension dawns.]

Oh wait... I get it! [Suddenly, a big grin.] You've heard about me, right? You want to learn evil skills from Jack Spicer, Emperor of Darkness!

More like Emperor of Dorks.

[Jack looks over his shoulder to glare at Kimiko.] Shut uuuuup!

[A wince.] Please. Your only rain on darkness is on laundry day. I can't just let you handle this alone, now, can I?

[He bows to the monks.] Tanaka Hajime, at your service! I do hope that you haven't been too hard on Jack.

What the hay is that supposed to mean?

[Rather than answering Clay, Hajime looks to Jack again.] I promise to make it worth your while, you won't complain about me not being evil, right?

[Jack looks like he's about to complain about Hajime not being evil, but then Omi interrupts.]

Who else could you pick, Jack Spicer? Wuya?

[Wuya, who has floated her way over in the midst of the argument, shakes her head.] No hands.

And no game. [Jack looks back at Hajime, sizing him up, then finally at Omi.] Fine, whatever. Let's just get this started. I wager my Jetbootsu and Shroud of Shadows against your Flip Coin and...?

The Falcon's Eye is the only other Shen Gong Wu I have.

That'll do.

[He leans forward, and together the two yell,]

Let's go! Xiaolin Showdown!

[And the scenery immediately begins to change. The court starts to rocket skyward, seemingly into space, surrounded by stars, the floor of the court falling away to the invisible ground below.

Jack wobbles to keep his balance but seems otherwise unsurprised by this turn of events.]

[One step forward, but he wasn't prepared for where it leads. He sucks in a breath through his teeth as the landscape changes, surging high and crumbling into darkness. His heart beats in his throat as he barely manages to keep his balance.

The only small comfort he has is Jermaine voicing his own nerves. Well, at least he's not alone.

He looks at Jack. He's not alone.]

Just another game, then, is it? [Jack's not scared--it looks like an every day occurrence, even. Just follow his lead. One more deep breath. See, he's not scared, either. This is fine. This is great.]

[Jack seems completely unsympathetic toward Hajime's plight, as he doesn't offer any words of comfort or encouragement as the ground falls away, leaving them suspended on thin rods.]

Yeah, a game. Basketball, two-on-two, ten minutes on the clock.

[He rummages around in his coat, then pulls out a piece of black cloth, which he then unceremoniously tosses over Hajime's head.]

I'm already wearing the Jetbootsu so you get the Shroud of Shadows. It'll make you invisible if you just...

[How does he even explain this? He's never had to before!]

You just... sort of say the name and... [He flaps his hand.] ...wave it...

[This sounds stupid.]

It'll come instinctively! Just trust me.

THIS IS A POST

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject