Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

The Sky's the Limit	By : Spleef Category: +G through L > Jackie Chan's Adventures Views: 14394 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Jackie Chan s Adventures, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Silence
- 2-Apologies
- 3-Spat
- 4-Dance
- 5-Bite
- 6-Claim
- 7-Honesty
- 8-Taste
- 9-Offering
- 10-Revelations
- 11-Almost
- 3
- 4
- 5
The Sky's the Limit

Chapter IV – Dance

o0o0o0o

Jade sat at the table, idly watching Simone flirt with other guys on the dance floor. Usually, it was Simone who picked up the guys while her friend watched. And Jade liked it better that way. She was not really disposed to seek out the attentions of others, it just felt good to come here and know that her family would not approve. Plus it got her out of the house and away from her uncle's well-intentioned but sometimes annoying attentions.
It had been several days since her encounter with Hsi Wu, and he had made no attempt to contact her. It was surprising, but she actually found herself wondering where he was, and why he had seemingly cut himself off from her after he had been so ardent in gaining her attention. She had been tempted to tell her uncles of what had happened, but she steadfastly remained mum about the entire affair.
She stared down at the candle on the table, idly flicking the flame with her finger. She had never expected to feel this way about the Sky Demon. A long time ago, she had dreamed of seeing him again, but had been certain that she would never see him again. She almost wished he were here right now so she could have some company.
“Penny for your thoughts.” a voice said softly from behind her. Speak of the devil. Or demon, in Hsi Wu's case. She turned around to see him looking strikingly handsome in a black jacket and pants with a grey silk shirt.
“Don't worry, I won't charge.” he commented as he looked down at her. She smiled faintly as he pulled out the chair across from her and sat down.
“Are you hungry? I'll buy dinner.” he offered as he glanced at the empty table. Jade did a quick check of the dance floor, seeing Simone dancing.
“Well, I'm here with Simone and it would be rude if...”
“Oh, that's no problem. I'll pay for her dinner, too.” He shrugged, apparently genuinely unperturbed by the idea of giving a human he didn't know a free meal. Maybe he really wants to be good, Jade pondered. We'll see.
“Actually, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks.” Jade was determined to have a casual and pleasant evening, and use this time to gauge the demon across the table, see if his intentions were true or not. He was the Demon of Cunning, after all, and she was still wary of him.
“You're welcome. How about we start off with one of these... appetizer combo things?” he asked as he looked at the small menu that sat next to the napkins. “Your friend can come back any time, and you two can have whatever you want.”
He sounds like a nice, normal guy, and if I didn't know better... Jade thought. His mannerism was relaxed, his expression open and friendly. As Jade looked back at the dance floor, she could tell that Simone had noticed them. Her best friend winked at her and waved before turning back to her partner, and Jade smiled. Ostensibly, Simone was giving her some more time to acquaint herself with this 'newcomer' before joining them. They had signals worked out, including one that said 'help me, I want to get rid of this guy', but Jade had given no such signal.
After Hsi Wu called over a waiter and placed his order, he turned back to Jade, feeling almost... well, he didn't wan to use the word... shy. He had never felt so shy before, he was the Demon of Cunning and could take on whatever guise he wanted! Yet Jade knew his true form, and after the near-disastrous last encounter he had with her, he was happy to get a second chance from her. Please don't let me blow it, he silently prayed.
When not stalking Jade or learning about this world and integrating himself into it, he spent his private time meditating and thinking. The past had been a frustrating blue. He had been unable to remember his childhood or youth, and when he tried to recall, it hurt. But now it didn't hurt so much to try, though he still drew up a blank more often than not.
The few flashes he did get he remembered as much as he could, searing them into his brain as he analyzed them. There was a recollection of Bai Tsa singing, her voice as beautiful as any Siren's. The odor of old books tickled his nostrils as he recalled Tso Lan, wise and patient as he showed something in one of his many books to a young Sky Demon. One of the more startling flashes of the past was his eldest brother, Tchangzu, laughing and joking with him, having a good time instead of the usual bullying or fighting that was inevitable in the Void. Where did these memories come from? His siblings had looked so... happy, and loving.
The Demons he had left behind when he escaped the void had been anything but happy or loving. What had happened to take this away?
“So...” Jade started to say, but hesitated for a moment. She tapped her fingers a couple of times on the table before speaking again. “Have you considered getting a job or anything? Just curious.”
This line of questioning was surprising, but Hsi Wu was happy to go along with it.
“Yes. I've definitely thought about getting one, though I'm not exactly sure what I'd like to do at the moment. There's a lot more jobs today than there were back then...”
“Times have changed, huh?”
“It's... different. Worse in a few ways, but a lot better in others.”
“A rather appropriate observation.” Jade nodded. He flashed her a brief smile, happy the conversation was going so smoothly.
“Well, I was thinking maybe one of these... what you call them... career counselors. Or these tests I've heard about that helps to determine your job type.” It was quite something to learn about them, and he wondered what the old world might have been like with these career counselors and tests available.
“Don't rush it. Take your time.” A flash of sadness flicked in her eyes for a moment before she looked up, seeing the waiter approach their table with the appetizers. After he retreated, Hsi Wu reached out to touch her hand.
“You're not sure what you want to do, either?” he asked. She shrugged as she picked up a onion ring.
“My parents want... no, expect me back with them this fall so I can go to the college they chose for me. They want me to be a doctor or lawyer or something. You know, one of these high-paying, high-stress professional jobs. But the problem is, I don't want to push paper or cut someone open. Jackie said he'd help me file for citizenship here so I could live here permanently if I wanted to. But my parents wouldn't like that... whew! They'd be so mad!” Jade groaned and shook her head. Just this afternoon, they had called to bitch at her about college preparations, make sure she was studying the books they had given to her this summer, the things they would do when she came home in August, blah blah. She dreaded seeing their number appear in her cell phone, and if she had it turned off, they would just call the shop.
“I know this may sound odd, but I almost envy you. At least your parents care about you – however they're unfairly pressuring you – because I don't remember mine and am not even sure if I had them.”
“I've often wished I had a brother or sister...” Jade shrugged, knowing her parents did not want to break China's one-child policy, “but seeing the fighting in your family...” She shook her head.
“Hmm.” He took the opportunity to grab a mozzarella stick. He considered telling Jade about the few flashes of memory he had just regained, but decided to wait until he was able to glean more and have a better picture of what had happened to him. Right now, he still was not sure of the conclusion he could draw from what little he had.
They took bit by bit from the plate, content to simply nibble on the finger food for a while. When the food was nearly half gone, Simone joined them, scooting in next to her friend as she openly studied the handsome young man.
Hsi Wu stared back levelly, his expression calm as he regarded Jade's friend. Inwardly, he was analyzing her as he did everybody else, reading her posture, expression, and mannerisms.
“First time I've seen you actually sit down with a guy.” Simone commented cheerfully as she shot Jade a friendly smirk.
“It's quite a honor hearing that.” Hsi Wu replied with a friendly smile, his eyes twinkling as he focused on Jade. He was flattered to see her smile shyly. So far, so good. He had made no attempt to contact Jade over the last few days since their confrontation in the museum. He had been so impatient to see her again, but knew that he had shaken her up and she needed time. Sometimes it was hard, but fortunately, this world had plenty of distractions to keep him occupied, and after centuries in the Void, what was a few days?
Simone quickly excused herself after seeing how at ease her friend seemed.
“Maybe we could dance?” Hsi Wu asked as they finished off the last of the appetizers.
“Uh...” A flash of uncertainty passed through her expression as she recalled what had happened the last time he was here. He had been supposed to go to the school dance with her, and the thought of dancing with him stirred up these memories.
“I won't make you dance if you really don't want to, but I would enjoy it.” He tilted his head in the direction of the dance floor. “I won't do anything you don't want me to.”
Jade was silent for a moment before nodding. There would be plenty of people around, so what could he do? She let him take her hand and lead her, his hand warm around hers.
He took her other hand, swaying with the music while maintaining a respectful distance from her, as if they were being chaperoned at a school dance. She felt nervous and a bit awkward at first, but she started swaying to the best, and he smiled at her encouragingly. Even as the music picked up speed, he merely continued what he was doing, making no attempt to impress her with dance moves. He'd seen the dancing games, of course – there was one at the other side of the club – but he was content to stay where he was and keep the dance simple.
After a couple of songs, he decided to venture further. Instead of simply swaying, he started to move his feet in a definite pattern to the beat. He smiled at her, wiggling his shoulders and playfully trying to entice her to actually dance with him. At first it didn't seem as if she would take his bait, but he patiently pressed on, maintaining his playful demeanor and maintaining a respectful distance between their bodies.
There was plenty to be said about being a demon of cunning. Sure, he had made mistakes in the past, but he was a quick learner. He had used it all too often to trick people, but now he was merely trying to put her at ease. To his relief, it eventually worked. After several minutes with Jade glancing at him with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity, she started to fall in step with him.
After a couple of dances, he was overjoyed to see how at ease she looked. She was even smiling! He did not point this out to her, and merely continued until he noticed that she was starting to look a bit tired. At the end of the sing, he took her hand and led her back to the table.
“You hungry?” he asked. She nodded eagerly, and after glancing at the menu, pointed at what she wanted. He smiled at her obligingly before ordering some food for them. Simone was nowhere within their immediate vicinity, but a quick scan of the building revealed that she was sitting at the bar with her companion. Good.
It wasn't that Hsi Wu intended to be rude to Jade's friend or try to drive her off, but what he really wanted was to be alone with Jade. It was nice to be able to just relax and eat a delicious meal and enjoy himself. As the waiter brought their food, the aroma made him think of Po Kong. For so long she starved in the Void, yet she was as massive as ever. There was something not right about that, as if there was something else keeping her that way. Po Kong would really enjoy this... he mused as he lifted his burger and sunk his teeth into it. Modern-day food could be so wonderful. He got to try things he had never tasted before, though just about anything tasted good after being trapped in the damn Void.
Why did I waste so much time trying to spread misery or terrorizing people before? It was actually more fun to try to fit in, to enjoy the things they did, to see what they had created during his long absence. Granted, some of the things they did were pretty damn stupid, and many had become lazy through the technology they invented or used that technology to inflict more suffering than they could have with more primitive weapons. But compared to ancient China, the differences were astonishing.
French-fries was one of the things he had come to appreciate in this world, especially the beer-battered ones this establishment offered. It was such a simple food, easily made and versatile, and fun to eat. As he ate, he subtly eyed his companion.
Jade had ordered a veggie-burger, but like Hsi Wu, she opted for beer-battered fries. The dish also came with a pickle wedge, and she munched on that, chewing thoughtfully as she glanced at a spot past his shoulder. She had been so nervous about eating with him and dancing, but so far, things were going pretty well. But she remained alert, remembering all too well how she had let him cozy up to her before. Once bitten, twice shy. He insisted that he didn't want trouble and he did seem sincere, but then he had seemed sincere before.
She had been researching protective spells even though she had remained mum about the entire matter to her uncles. Elder Uncle would waste no time in re-banishing the demon, and all she had to do was tell him...
“Wanna go for a walk? The music's getting really loud...” he asked with a friendly smile as he ate the last of his fries. She pondered the question, wondering what he might have in mind.
“Where?” she asked evenly.
“Wherever we want to. We could go down to the pier, or just walk along the street.” His gaze was open, showing no apparent ulterior motive.
“...Sure.” What am I getting myself into, Jade wondered. Was it some of her old impulsiveness rearing its head? Seeing her future self all these years ago had sobered her up somewhat and had even caused her to become depressed for a while. But having this demon around reminded her of the fun she had on her adventures with her uncles...
Simone was at the bar, and Jade quickly said good-bye to her before stepping out into the cool night air. Hsi Wu was right, the music had been really loud in there...
He paused and glanced at her, waving his arm left and then right, silently asking her where she wanted to go. She tilted her head to the right and he nodded, offering his arm. After a quick internal debate, she took it.
He was a strikingly handsome man, turning a few heads as they strolled along the side of the street. Since it was a pleasant summer evening, he took off his jacket and slung it over his shoulder with his free hand. In the distance, the ocean glittered under the light of the moon and the lamps along the shore. The silence between the two of them was companionable as they continued walking, strolling past other restaurants and shops, taking in the sights that the city had to offer at this time of night. The boardwalk was well-lit, with several vendors and enough people for her to feel comfortable. Though she was having a nice time with him, it didn't hurt to be extra careful, did it? She stopped at the railing, staring out at the water as she felt him stand behind her, hands in his pockets.
Her cellphone buzzed, and she retrieved it from her pocket to check it. Uncle Jackie had sent her a text message asking when she might be home. 'Soon', she replied, reminded of the fact that he would not approve of her present company. And it was getting late... had they really been wandering around that long?
“I need to be getting back.” Jade said as she put her phone away.
“That was your uncle, wasn't it?”
“Yeah, so?”
“You don't have a curfew, do you?”
“Well, not per se, but my uncles do worry when I stay out late.” When she was younger, she had chafed at the idea of a curfew – just like any normal teenager did. But now she was in a better position to appreciate their concern, especially given that today's world was no longer as safe as it had once been. Just last month, a college girl had been found strangled less than ten blocks away from Uncle's shop. Her uncles had every right to be concerned!
“Let them worry.” He shrugged, and she frowned.
“Your family might be screwed-up, but I do care about what mine thinks of me!”
He stopped in his tracks, realizing what he had just said. “I... didn't mean to sound so uncaring. When you have a family like mine, your concerns would be... elsewhere.” He looked contrite.
“Well, you've been stuck in the void for a few centuries... so I'll let that slide.” She raised her eyebrow to indicate that she wouldn't be so accepting of a second negative comment about her family.
“You're lucky, to have a family who cares about you.”
Jade nodded slowly. Yes, her uncles and Tohru definitely cared about her, and she knew her parents did as well, even though they could be caustic and demanding at times. And her uncles were oblivious to her inner turmoil.
“Being cared about is nice, but...” She gave out a quiet sigh. “When you really care about someone, it feels terrible when you make them feel sad or disappointed. It hurts, it really does.”
She felt his hand on her shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze.
“You're not the only one who had to live up to expectations, you know.... though in my case, it was demanded of me because they saw me – the weakest, youngest sibling – as something to use, rather than expecting things of you because they care and want the best for you. And when you do something good, they let you know they're proud of you. Me? All I had to hear was more bitching and demands.” He had learned how to avoid much of it by honing his cunning, but still...
“Sounds like all of you could use at least a few sessions with a family therapist.”
He let out a wry chuckle as he imagined his siblings assembled in someone's office, venting their frustrations and grievances as the doctor tried to keep it orderly.
“I have to admit, it's not a bad idea. But they'd just devour the therapist, most likely.” He grinned before he patted his jacket, retrieving something from the pocket that had been wrapped in black velvet. “You left this the last time you were.... visiting me.”
She took the package and tugged the cloth loose, letting out an soft squeak of surprise. She hadn't expected to ever see it again! Gingerly, she opened the lens and pressed the power button, the light coming on as she did so. It still works! She made note of the wear and tear she saw – the buttons had been pushed many times since he gained possession of it.
“How did you... The batteries...”
“Magic. I can't summon all that lightning and thunder like Tchang, but I do know a spell that provides sparks of energy.”
She stared up at him for a couple of seconds before looking down at it. “You know what, you should keep it. You've taken good care of it.”
He shook his head. “What do I need it for when I have you to look at, jewel?” he asked softly, and she blushed at the obvious fondness in his tone. She shrugged and re-wrapped the camera before she slid it into her purse, atop the flute she kept in there now. She did so quickly, trying to hide the instrument. He showed no reaction and she did not think he had even noticed.
Hsi Wu did see it, or a brief glimpse of it, and in the shadows of the purse, he could not be absolutely sure that it really was... what he thought it was. He was tempted to ask her what it was, but managed to remain silent. If it wasn't, then she'd just think he was nosy, and besides, after the way he had frightened her last time, could he blame her for wanting to feel protected? If it really was a flute, then he would make sure that she no longer felt as if she needed it.
“I'll walk you back to your car.” he said as he touched her arm. “So your uncle doesn't need to worry.”
“Thanks.” The walk back was just as peaceful, the pair glancing at one another once in a while and making an occasional comment about one of the shops. Her car came within sight, and he leaned against it casually as she fiddled around for her keys.
“Maybe tomorrow night... or soon, at least, maybe you could come to my place.” He didn't sound lecherous when he said that, but he had already made his desires clear. She maintained calm as she made her response, determined to keep this as neutral as possible. Who knows if he might snap and become demonic again as he had before.
“Mmm... no.” She glanced casually at her reflection, inserting her keys into the car.
“So sure about that? I just want to enjoy my time with you...” He was grinning, and this irritated her. Hadn't he enjoyed tonight? Did he merely see this casual evening out as a premise to something more...?
“So that's what you're here for! I should have figured!” she sneered as she furiously turned the key. He blinked.
“I do want something from you, but not just that.”
“Hmph.” She started to open the door.
“I want you, Jade. And I want you to want me.”
“Leave me alone!” She opened the door, but he grabbed the edge, blocking her with his arm. His eyes weren't glowing or anything, but his human features bore a displeased countenance, his scowl rather demonic for human lips.
“You are a very beautiful woman, Jade. In ancient China, that's pretty much all you would have been valued for. You are very lucky to have all these opportunities afforded to women today, because it has given you a chance to shine....”
His gaze was more intense than she could bear, and she slapped his arm away. “Go away!”
“I left you once when I shouldn't have... I let my selfishness get in the way of a friendship. I'm starting a new life, and I see you as part of it.”
“What if I don't want to be part of it? Of all the places in the world you could have made a new home in, you chose here! I have a life of my own!”
“Are you sure of that? I don't think your mommy and daddy would approve...”
“Shut up!”
“You're pretty hot when you're angry.” He enjoyed the flush in her cheeks.
“Ugh!”
“You have a lot of passion, but anger is a terrible way to waste it.” His demonic side emerging, Hsi Wu's tone had taken an edge of a purr before he grabbed her shoulders and placed a searing kiss on her lips before she had a chance to pull herself away.
She moaned softly, the shock of this act causing her to remain slack for several moments as he pressed his lips to hers, sucking on the lower one. Simone had told her about how passionate some people could be. She should know, having had all these boyfriends... Her best friend flaunted her experience at times, and sometimes Jade had felt envious of that, though she would never admit it.
The young woman could not even begin to describe the thrill that was coursing through her body, and it was nearly a miracle that she was cognizant of the situation enough to pull away. She stared at him with wide eyes as she touched her lips. Her hand quivered before she shook her head, realizing what he had just done. He kissed her. Kissed her.
“Well... you taste better than I ever imagined.” His smile was faint, almost unnoticeable as he regarded her. “As tempted as I am for more... I think I will bid you good night.” He opened the door all the way for her, giving a brief but gallant bow, his eyes twinkling.
“Fuck off.” she whispered, her heart pounding as she maintained outward calm. She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss... and how damned good it felt. She was so furious she didn't even want to look at him. Fighting with him would only create a scene, and who knew what the demon would do then?
“That's all you can say to the guy who just showed you a good time?” he asked before she slammed the door shut – or tried to. His grip on the door remained firm, and as much as she tried to pull, his demonic strength gave him the obvious upper hand. “You're the reason I came back!”
“Don't...”
“No, really. I would be lying if I said I didn't want you. But I do enjoy spending time with you, and I will not give up. Remember that.” He let go of the door, and Jade closed it with a firm click.
He stood there as she started the car and pulled out of her parking space. Her eyes remained focused on the rearview mirror, but he raised his arm and wiggled his fingers in a farewell gesture, gratified when a scowl flashed across her face. She was definitely going to remember that kiss, whether she liked it or not.
Oh, I'm definitely not going to give up, he thought as he smirked at her. And part of him was glad that she hadn't given up so easily. It would be so worth it when she finally did. Quickly glancing around, he made sure he was alone before wings spread from his back and he took off into the sky.
- 3
- 4
- 5
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Sky's the Limit