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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
The Sky's the Limit
Chapter XIII – Taste
I'm so sorry that this update was such a long time in coming. I have had so much stuff on my plate including finishing my novel, but fear not, I will never abandon this story! It is already more than halfway done, and I have the rest of the chapters plotted out, so next update won't be as long as this one! :D Please enjoy and leave a review!
o0o0o0o
Though it had been a warm day, the evening brought with it a cool breeze, making the beach a comfortable place to be. To one side, Jade could see the stage crew setting up the final touches. At the other side of the beach were concession stands and carts offering all sorts of treats to the beach-goers. Jade also noticed a stand selling concert T-shirts and other memorabilia. Since it was almost time for the concert to start, the beach was already crowded, and it was easy to get lost in the mishmash of bodies.
She hadn't called Hsi Wu, deciding to put it off and just enjoy the concert. The memory of his dejected expression had haunted her for most of the day, and she was annoyed with how guilty she felt over it. It wasn't as if she had been leading him on! She had defined her boundaries and made herself clear, and if he didn't like that, well, it was his problem!
“Want to get something to drink?” Simone asked. Jade was happy for the distraction, so she nodded and let her friend lead her to one of the stands. As she got a bottle of juice, her cellphone buzzed. Reaching into her bag, she frowned as she pulled it out, noticing the number on the display. Damnit, just when she had been able to push Hsi Wu out of her mind, he just had to remind her of his existence! Dropping the phone back into her bag, she turned toward the stage as the first band started playing.
The time passed pleasantly. Some of the bands were better than others, but it was still a pretty fun concert, and a lot more comfortable than a packed building. She noticed a few people passing around alcohol or even a joint here or there, but she ignored them, though she knew how Captain Black would react if he saw people puffing on doobies. She hadn't seen him since last summer.
Even after the last band finished its set, some people remained on the beach, building small fires or just sitting around and eating or drinking. Jade let Simone lead her around to greet a few old friends. Maynard – the boy who had once tried to bully her back in elementary school – was there with a fire of his own. He had actually been a good kung fu student when he was taking lessons from her, and had matured nicely, now as big of a man as he had been as a boy. But his face was gentle and kind, his eyes glinting with surprise and welcome as he saw the pair of women.
Jade sat down on a long with Simone as she listened to her friend chat with Maynard, letting her mind wander as she stared into the flames. As soon as she heard Maynard say that he had gotten into Harvard, she was quick to congratulate him. He beamed, having been able to earn enough money from odd jobs all through high school for his first year of education there, and he told them about jobs he had found at or around the school that would let him earn more to continue his education.
It was funny to think of the awkward bully that had once tried to push her around. He was still a bit clumsy, but he was as tall and big as ever, and because of the meditation he had learned from Jade so long ago, he was deftly able to defend himself against those who would tease him about his bulk. His record wasn't good enough to get him a scholarship, but his grades were good enough and his application essay had been met with approval. It was a little weird but actually kind of cool thought to know Maynard as someone with high goals. Definitely this road was better than one of violence and gang activity.
“So, you going back to China this fall again?” Maynard asked as he stirred the fire with a stick. Many people were gone, but others had chosen to remain, using the opportunity of a cool evening to have bonfires and gatherings.
“Actually, no, I don't think so. I'd rather stay here.”
“Won't your parents be upset?” Simone asked.
“Definitely, Mom and I already had words about it, but I just don't want to go to college right now. I'm not exactly sure what I want to do, and...”
“Oh, I gotcha. I know exactly what I wanted and I worked hard for it, but if you don't know what you want, then college isn't right for you. You work at the museum, right?”
“Yeah, I'm a tour guide. I was invited to hold the job for the rest of the year, so...” Jade shrugged.
“Maybe I'll swing by. Hope your lectures aren't as boring as Ms. Hartman's.” he commented. Simone laughed and shook her head.
“People seem to like me.” Jade replied casually, acting as if it was no big deal. Making sure that kids liked her lectures gave her the idea that she could be a teacher, and make learning fun for them. Her thoughts took an unexpected turn when she remembered how her teacher had been touched by the chi of the Sky Demon. Ms. Hartman had been so protective of her... was it all her teacher, or had some of that been Hsi Wu? It had felt so odd the short time she had Xiao Fung's demon chi, and she wondered if any of the others who had ever experienced these infusions of chi had felt the same as she did.
Maynard was soon distracted by a couple of other friends joining his circle, carrying some food and drink. Hade greeted them, barely recognizing them, and accepted a bottle of beer after noticing that everyone else had taken one. She barely touched it, taking sips here and there as she listened to some jokes and a senior prank pulled just a month ago. No such custom existed in China, which really was too bad because her school, though highly-ranked and -rated, needed a little chaos for fun. Chinese schools were more strict and orderly, and infractions were usually quickly and firmly dealt with. In some ways, it made them better than American schools.
“How definite are you about staying here?” Simone asked.
“Pretty sure.” Like, ninety-nine percent sure, but there was still that one percent, and it nagged at her. Her uncles and Tohru had made it clear they would be happy for her to stay, but so would Hsi Wu...
“Oh, good, because I would get tired of zipping back and forth!” Simone commented. Jade smiled wryly at her friend. It did get tiring, all the packing and preparations, especially on the return trips to China. It would be nice to put her roots down somewhere, so to speak.
“I have marshmallows, anybody want some?” Maynard asked as he pulled out a bag. Excited chatter met her ears as he passed the bag around and the others looked around for sticks to roast their new treats.
After a while, Jade felt an sudden urge to leave the group and take a walk on the shore. It calmed her to hear the waves crashing on the shore, and as she ventured closer, to feel it splash around her feet.
She gasped softly when she felt a pair of hands touch her shoulders, and whipped around as she brought up her arms, ready to attack in case it was someone trying to mug her.
“Easy, Jade. It's just me.” The visage of 'Seymour' smiled down at her bemusedly.
“For future reference, never sneak up on someone in public. You might end up with a face full of mace.”
“Duly noted.” Hsi Wu put his hands in the pockets of his khaki shorts. “So... What's new?”
“Nothing. I just came here for the concert with Simone.” She narrowed her eyes. “Did you follow me here?”
“No. I didn't follow you, but I did have a hunch that you might be here when I saw the flyers for this concert. You live as long as I have, you learn to figure things out.”
Jade crossed her arms.
“Oh, don't be like that.” His tone was playful. “I just can't stay away from you.”
“Obviously.”
“Is that such a bad thing?” His smirk widened into a grin as he closed the distance between their bodies. “Aren't you the least bit happy to see me?”
“Maybe.”
Hsi Wu smiled and shook his head as Jade looked away. “Jade.” He placed a gentle hand on her arm. “What are you so afraid of?”
“Tch. Nothing!”
He stared at her for several long moments, wondering what to say. Fuck it. Actions speak louder than words, right? His left arm slid around her waist, and before Jade could protest, he pressed his lips to hers, swallowing her surprised cry as he reached up with his other hand to gently cup the back of her head.
Jade's eyes widened in surprise, and she knew she should push him away or slap him, but she was too stunned by her body's reaction to the kiss to do so. A knot of warmth had suddenly erupted in her lower abdomen, melting its way down her thighs and infusing her groin with pleasurable heat, and reaching up her chest, causing her nipples to harden.
It was the Sky Demon who broke the kiss, and Jade was dimly aware of the fierce glint of enjoyment, pleasure, and desire in his eyes as he looked down at her, still holding her.
After a moment of quickly collecting herself, she quickly yanked out of his embrace, placing her hand on his chest to assist in this gesture.
“What was that for?” he asked with a faint smirk.
“What was that for?” she repeated, glaring at him even as she felt the heat in her cheeks.
“What do you think it was for?” Hsi Wu shot back.
“Hmph!” In a pointed gesture, she wiped her lips with the back of his hand. He let out a small snort.
“Oh come now, Jade! Surely the kiss wasn't that bad!”
No. It was... incredible. Of course, she wasn't about to admit that! She bit her lip, refusing to dignify his statement with a reply.
“Tsk. Why continue to deny yourself?” he asked. She turned away before he grabbed her arm, turning her back around to face him.
“Did you enjoy it?” he asked bluntly. She averted her eyes.
“Yes or no?”
“No.” Jade muttered in an entirely unconvincing tone.
“Come on. Even if I wasn't the Demon of Cunning, I'd know that was a lie.” He grinned at her. She narrowed her eyes and glared at him, but the effect of this was considerably softened by the tell-tale pink tint on her cheeks.
“You know, honesty is often the better choice to make. Perhaps if I had been truthful to you back then and asked for help...” He shook his head. “I know you want me, and I did promise you that I wouldn't hurt you, but I also refuse to be lied to. I hoped that... I had proven myself. I've caused no trouble, nor do I desire to. I like this new life much better.”
“It's only been a month. What is that to someone as old as you?” she retorted.
“What a month it has been.” the Demon retorted easily, refusing to be fazed by her question. “Honestly, I enjoy this life far more than my old one. I'm just living... learning... having fun.” He shrugged and smiled. “If you don't want to believe that, that's not my problem.” His tone was defiant, challenging.
Jade reached into her purse, feeling the smooth body of the flute amidst the other things she had packed in there. Over the last month, she had always had it with her.
“Do it.”
“What?” Jade asked as she looked up at him.
“You heard me. Do it.”
“Do what?”
“That.” He gestured to her bag.
“Do what?” she challenged. He smirked back at her.
“Come now, Jade. If you really, really wanted me to go back to the Void, you'd have whipped that out a long time ago. Or told your uncles about me.”
Jade found herself unable to reply. She had so many opportunities to tell Uncle or Tohru or Jackie... but she had always stopped herself before the topic could come up. Was it because she wanted to give him a chance?
“I care about you, Jade. I really want to be with you. Is it an impossible dream to think that you might reciprocate these feelings some day?” he asked in a gentler tone.
“A demon and a human? Tch.” Jade knew that it was only a hollow excuse, and it reflected itself in the tone of her voice. Tales and legends were full of supernatural beings taking humans as mates.
“Being the girlfriend of a demon has its perks. Being mated to one is even better. You've seen what a good time you can have with me. Imagine how much better it could be. I would keep you happy and comfortable. You would need or want for nothing...” He purred this out softly, sounding like the Devil offering a deal, at least to Jade.
“But I shan't press you, my jewel. I can see that you need time to think about it.” He grinned before she could protest. “Like you said, I have only been here a month. I'll just continue wooing you until you say yes.” He leaned in, and Jade could feel his breath on her face. It was not unpleasant, and her heart thudded in anticipation as his lips drew closer. She knew she should push him away, but she could not find the desire to. She felt a shiver pass through her spine, her nipples hardening at the thought of another kiss...
Just before she could feel his lips, she felt fingers caress her cheek, and then the sudden whoosh as the Sky Demon beat his wings and took to the air. A startled gasp escaped her throat as she looked up at the ascending figure of the Demon of the Sky. He looked down, shooting her a wide grin before disappearing into the night.
What the hell just happened? Wasn't he about to kiss her?
A low growl escaped her throat when she realized that he had drawn back on purpose to leave her wanting. Oh, she did want another kiss! The memory of the first one renewed the knot of warmth in the pit of her stomach, and she balled her hands into fists. If he thought he could get away with that...
o0o0o0o
Hsi Wu chuckled to himself as he looked in the mirror, giving his human self a sassy wink. The look of anticipation quickly followed surprise on Jade's face... it was priceless. He had been so tempted to actually kiss her, but when he saw how her body was responding to the mere anticipation of a second kiss, he thought it would be best to leave her with that and let it stew for a bit. She had to want him – and more importantly, acknowledge that.
The fact that she hadn't told her uncles or pulled out her flute spoke volumes. And even if she had tried to use the flute... He smiled to himself.
He had first heard the flute a few weeks ago when he was flipping through channels. It made him cringe, but when he thought about it later, he realized that it hadn't hurt, or even invoked the least bit of magic. Granted, the elder Chan had to use magic in addition to the flute to re-banish him to the Void, but the sound of the instrument itself had been enough to hurt him, the sound screaming through his ears. Now the instrument didn't even have any lingering effect on him. He had even been so bold as to go into a musical instrument store and ask one of the salespeople to demonstrate a flute for him. Not one single twinge of pain, or shudder, or recoil. It drew no more reaction from him than any other instrument would.
He had thought about this for a while, and a conclusion dawned upon him. Each of the tools used in their banishment by the eight immortals had absorbed a bit of their demonic chi to make them more effective instruments in the binding of the Demons to the Void. When Drago was banished to the Void, he had that residual chi which the demons were quick to reclaim from him. If the items no longer had their demonic chi on them, that should render the binding spells useless.
It might have something to do with his escape from the Void and the fact that flutes had no effect on him. But how had the Immortals managed to gain a bit of their chi in the first place for their binding spells? That was something to discuss with Tso Lan, along with his recent research on Shendu.
Thanks to the Internet and the network that many libraries and museums were part of in this technological era, he had been able to do research on the dragon demon. It had always struck him as odd that Shendu had been able to escape the Void. One had to wonder what China would be like how had Lo Pei not reduced Shendu to a statue. He shuddered to think of it. There was a time where he wouldn't have cared about what Shendu did or the atrocities he committed, but the Sky Demon now felt shame at his own past misdeeds and those of his siblings.
He loosely folded his wings and let the rest of his human guise ripple away before he approached the mirror he used to talk with Tso Lan. By having Tso Lan share a couple of incantations with him, they had ensured that the mirror would always find his brother, but would remain dark if he was with someone else.
Fortunately, the Moon Demon came within view. Tso Lan looked happy to see him, and that warmed the younger Demon's heart. There was much to share with Tso Lan now that he felt his brother was prepared for the information. He had a memory of Tso Lan next to a moonlit lake with lotus flowers on its surface...
“Tso Lan. I have much to share with you.”
“I am listening.”
o0o0o0o
Sometimes his youngest brother would disappear for periods of time, so Tso Lan hadn't noticed his disappearance from this cursed plane of existence until Hsi Wu contacted him from the other world the first time.
Ever since then, he found himself amazed at certain things. Such as the fact that he hadn't ever thought about his childhood... or why he couldn't remember this period in his life. Why hadn't he thought about this once, in his centuries of exile? He kept himself occupied most of the time by remembering various things he had read before his banishment. His good memory allowed him to 'read' and re-read these texts in his mind. Yet he hadn't asked himself why he had done what he did to end up in this hellhole.
Now that he tried to remember his past, the pain only made him want to remember it more. It wasn't a repressed memory, that much he was able to deduce after several attempts to remember and using memory-spells. Though many spells, including the more powerful ones, often required ingredients to make the magic, there was a nice variety of spells, usually the simpler ones, only required words or concentration.
His own mental efforts and the usage of what spells he was able to use confirmed Hsi Wu's belief that the memory problems came from an outside source. Someone had messed around with their heads, erasing their childhood and other memories. Who would do this, and why? It had been very difficult, even near-impossible at first, but Tso Lan was able to work his way through the barriers that had been put up around certain parts of his subconscious, revealing startling glimpses of a Tso Lan he hadn't thought existed. He saw himself sharing libraries with humans, conversing with them and studying with them, even getting into rousing debates over this text or that. He saw himself spending time with his siblings – having fun with them rather than fighting.
The first time he had seen himself engaging in positive interactions with humans, he hadn't believed it. Even during his reign as a fearsome Demon Sorcerer, he hadn't been given to torture like Shendu was, but he had still terrorized humans into obedience. But in these memories, he was sharing freely with them, as if they were his equals rather than slaves.
So where had he and his siblings gone wrong? So horrifically wrong? What would spur them to go onto this dark, twisted path of violence, terrorism, and depravity? He didn't know that yet, but the more mental barriers he overcame, the more certain he was that all of his questions would be answered in due time. In the meanwhile, he had conversed with Bai Tsa, encouraging her much like Hsi Wu had encouraged him. He had yet to discuss this with his other siblings, but despite the things that had been done to him – whatever they were – he had maintained his personality traits, and one of them was patience. He looked down at his sister, curled up on one of the floating rocks much like a snake, her hands tucked under her head. She would be fine by herself for a while, so he floated away.
Shendu was on his back on another floating rock, splayed out and snoring rather loudly. There were no other Demons in sight, and Tso Lan stared at his brother silently.
Thanks to the Talismans, Shendu had a great array of attacks to choose from against his sibling's limited individual abilities. The Ox Talisman pushed his strength to a level that rivaled Tchangzu and Po Kong's own. The Rabbit Talisman enabled him to speed past Bai Tsa and Hsi Wu. The Dragon and Pig Talismans augmented his existing natural ability over fire. The power of the Horse enabled him to recover much more quickly when he engaged in an all-out brawl with his siblings. The Snake Talisman was an advantage that the dragon Demon abused often.
Tso Lan stilled. Was Shendu astrally projecting right now? He lifted his head, trying to sense his brother. He felt nothing, and looked back down at his brother. Just how had Shendu ended up with the power of the twelve legendary animals blessed by the Jade Emperor?
Tso Lan remembered the story well...
o0o0o0o
Many centuries ago, when the Jade Emperor still resided on the physical plane and the land of Chin was still very young, the ancient god had sent out an invitation, wishing to share his gifts with the animals.
Twelve animals were given this summons, and proceeded to prepare for their journey to the Celestial Palace. Just before the animals were to embark on the journey, the Cat, who had spent all night guarding her master's granary against vermin, asked her best friend the Rat for a favor. Cat wished to nap for a short while so she would be refreshed for the journey. She asked the Rat – who back then was not vermin – to wake her up just before sunrise so she could journey with the other animals. Rat agreed.
However, the Rat was not as good of a friend as he seemed. He was clever and always scheming, and wanted to be the first to arrive at the Celestial Palace and have the honor that the Jade Emperor offered the other animals. He neglected to wake the Cat, and climbed onto the Ox's back. Though Ox was not very smart, he was steady and strong, with a great deal of endurance, and Rat woke him up very early – the very thing he was to do later for the animal who was supposed to be his best friend. Spurred on by Rat, he traveled speedily, having no yoke to pull. Rat continued to push him, talking and singing and encouraging him, and as Ox approached the Celestial Palace, Rat, who had not taken a single step thus far for this journey, jumped off Ox's neck and ran up the steps of the Palace, being the first of the Jade Emperor's visitors.
Going steadily, Ox was the second of the animals to finish the journey due to having had an earlier start than everyone else. Following closely were the speedier of the other animals; the Tiger, the Rabbit, and the Dragon.
The Snake, like Rat, hitched a ride with another animal. Not because he was lazy, but he did not wish to be trampled upon by the other animals, and graciously asked Horse for a ride. He did not push Horse, and the two went at a good pace, Horse galloping for long stretches of the road and stopping for grass and water while Snake told her stories to keep them entertained. The Horse was a good-natured creature, and Snake offered to let the Horse take the sixth place at the Jade Emperor's table for his help, but the Horse declined. Snake took the sixth seat, and the Horse happily took the seventh.
The Ram, like Ox, was a strong and steady animal. Without Rat to spur him on, he arrived soon after the Horse, taking eighth place. The Monkey was a playful creature, and though he took the Jade Emperor's invitation seriously, he did not rush to the Celestial Palace like the others did, and would amuse himself on the journey with games, entertaining people he met along the way.
The Rooster did not leave before dawn like many of the other animals did, because like Cat, he was loyal to his master, and stayed through the sunrise to sing his song for his master's family and alert them to the morning before beginning his journey.
Like Cat and Rooster, the Dog was a loyal creature, and had spent the night holding vigil and making sure his master's family was safe against intruders. Only when all the humans were up and about did he commence his journey, becoming the eleventh animal to arrive at the Celestial Palace.
Pig was the last – but not least – animal to arrive. He had taken his time on his journey, taking in the sights and enjoying himself along the trip. He knew that the invitation was important, but he did not wish to rush to his destination, and wanted to remember his journey to the esteemed Jade Emperor with fond memories so that he would have stories for his family.
The Jade Emperor blessed these twelve animals, giving them each an unique gift and a place in the Chinese Zodiac.
Cat arrived too late at the Celestial Palace, finding herself robbed of her gift and place in the Zodiac. She vowed eternal enmity between her descendants and Rat's own, and when Rat's misdeeds became known to the other animals, they looked at him with disgust, and he became vermin in the eyes of everybody, hence the distaste of humans and animals alike for rats. However, as the Jade Emperor had already given him his gifts, he could not take them back, so Rat got the last laugh on the other animals by being the first in the Zodiac cycle.
o0o0o0o
Tso Lan mulled over this story. It was one that he was surprised he even remembered. Given the fact that he now knew that much of his memory had been intentionally blocked off, he wondered what else whoever had done this magic had tried to hide.
Shendu is behind it all. He did not have a definitive memory or any evidence to lend to this conclusion, but his gut feeling would not accept any other conclusion. The Jade Emperor had left the earthly realm to go on a meditation that was supposed to last for centuries. Without him around to protect the blessed animals, Shendu could have stolen their powers and destroyed them. It was something his brother would do.
To maximize one's use of a magical item, it was required to bind yourself in some way to it. For many sorcerers and magicians, this was seen as an unnecessary step. Just wielding the item often gave more than ample power, and should it be stolen away from them, they didn't suffer ill effects.
Tsk. Shendu was such a fool. Binding himself to the twelve talismans certainly had seemed like a good idea, and the Demon's power had been immense indeed. But take away the Rat Talisman, and Shendu lost his own natural flesh-and-blood along with the power to animate objects. Without the Pig and Dragon Talismans, Shendu was robbed of his original ability to manipulate fire, his own chi inextricably bound with the powers he had stolen.
Not having flesh and blood did keep Shendu from aging, so the loss of the Dog Talisman hadn't been a great loss to one who lacked flesh to be made ageless. Hmmm...
If Shendu could be robbed of the Talismans again and left to rot – well, as far as a statue could – in the Void while Hsi Wu helped the other demons out, that would be fitting revenge. Oh... now there was something to think about. He floated away, feeling more confident now and ready to tackle some more of his memory-barriers.
The next time he slept, he dreamed of a moonlit lake, and woke up with the memory of the taste of lotus seeds and the feel of lotus flower petals under his fingers.
o0o0o0o
Hsi Wu lay in his plush, comfortable bed, inhaling the scent of the freshly-washed sheets and feeling the breeze waft in from the open windows. He could not help but feel bad when he thought about the fact that Tso Lan or the other siblings didn't have this same comfort to enjoy.
Well, they shouldn't suffer this much longer. He was confident that Tso Lan was nearly ready to join him out here. But his brother still needed to talk to the other siblings, and the Moon Demon had always been the calmest, most level-headed of his siblings. He needed to rouse the memories of the other Demons, and the intelligent, patient demon would be the best one to do it. Unless his other siblings' memories started to be restored in a coherent manner, Hsi Wu could not be certain what they would do or how they would deal with the conflicting feelings, especially the more volatile ones like Tchangzu or Po Kong. Tso Lan would need to coach them until they could do it on their own without getting worked up, not that he would blame them for doing so. Breaking through the memory barriers was a painful and frustrating experience.
It did get easier with time, the Demon assured himself. The memories came more easily now, a thin but steady flow that would in time reveal the full truth. He was interested in seeing what sort of memories his siblings had.
Worry about that later, he told himself. He had discussed all that he could with Tso Lan, and they would just keep on doing what they were doing. He'd check on his brother in a few days. Meanwhile, his thoughts wandered to Jade.
He remembered the taste of her lips well, the lingering taste of the juice, the soft plumpness of her lips. He could not help but wonder what other parts of her anatomy would taste like. He hoped that she fantasized about him similarly, but as he remembered her anticipation for another kiss, he grinned to himself. Sometimes it was good to be the Demon of Cunning, and at other times, it was awesome.
- 7
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- 9
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The Sky's the Limit