Heylin Eclipse

No strings attached

"Oh, hello. Couldn't say I was expectin anyone to drop on by. I'm just gettin in mahself". Good, I've got his attention. "Chase young, am I right? Names Rajah. Rajah Morrison Bijou, but most call me Cookie. If it's Jack y'all here to see m'sure he's here somewhere. Most likely the basement, seein as he ain't in here."

Chase young. From what Jack has told me, he's a renegade Xiaolin monk turned evil in exchange for superhuman strength and immortality. An who can also transform into a giant lizard, which explains the reptilian slits in his eyes when he turned my way.

"Actually, I'm here for a different matter." Cocking his head to the side Chase openly examines me from head to toe. "You must be whom Spicer was referring to the night before. He mentioned how you would more than likely be showing up sometimes during the evening, while he, following a horrendous noise, rushed out the door this morning."

"Huh. Well, probably went out to find this." I hold up the geode for Chase to see. His demeanor seemed to change when he saw what was in my possession. He seemed none too happy with me having it.

"Spicer also informed that you know about our showdowns and had no intention of partaking in them."

"I don't." I interrupted. "There was an agreement between both parties when a Shen gong wu was found by me once, It was hidden in a rare alabaster bust I was commissioned to restore. In the end, we decided that if any Wu found by me, side affiliation aside, I am to inform both parties and then relocated said Wu to be found again. Also no. I won't reveal its location. Though, bless Jackie's heart for tryin."

Strong features fell into a deep frown. Chase no longer looked directly at me, his focus elsewhere as he seemed to be thinking on what he wants to say. Clearly, he wasn't expecting such a response from me. He's a prideful person, so admitting his in the wrong isn't something he does on the regular. That's alright, I'm a patient person and can wait.

"How bout this, Mr. Young. Why don't ya just stay put n I'll get us some drinks. Jasmine tea seems fine? An while that's brewin, I can grab a shower. Won't be too long. We can shoot the breeze when I get back, you know, get to know one another better."

An with that, I've bought him time to collect his thoughts.
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Fifteen minutes comes and goes. After dancing around giant exotic cats, Two mugs of jasmine tea rest opposite of us on a black coffee table and a plate of tea cakes in the middle. I take up my mug, cradling it close as I have a seat on the couch. The TV is switched on to a classical music channel for background noise. Between sips of tea, We've managed to find equal ground and I've even gotten confirmation as to why he's here.

"Once every 50 years all light vanishes from the world. It lasts for quite some days. The issue, however, as the Haylin Eclipse grows near my powers will begin dwindling and my cat warriors will be left defenseless. There is no doubt during this time, my foes will take the opportunity to strike." He pauses to sip from his mug. "Dishonorable cowards."

"I think I understand where ya comin from now and what Jackie is doin. Pretty sure back in the day it was easy to defeat your foes without your powers, seein as there weren't so many, but now? Plus they all know where you live."

He pinches the bridge of his nose fighting back a headache. "Do not remind me of my misfortune."

I could get away with a small laugh. He wouldn't bare his teeth just because I found one part of the situation to be a bit funny. "Which means you'll need a place, that they don't know about, or wouldn't think you'd go, to lay low till the eclipse passes. Jack being Jack recommended here. No one knows that jack moved out of his old home and, forgive me for sayin this bout ya sweet pea, he's not seen as much of a threat. Its why no one will suspect that he's harboring Chase Young: Prince of Darkness." The older nods as I polish off my tea. "An the eclipse negates your powers. Just your powers? No one else's?..hm seems unfair and odd. It's called the Heylin eclipse, therefore, it should affect all affiliated with Heylin magic."

"Not all within the Heylin possess such power. Hannibal, Wuya and I are the only three who truly represent Heylin standards."

"Then why ain't they also off grid like yourself?"

"I've sealed Wuya's powers. She remains an obstetrical, but no longer a potential threat."

" and Hannibal? A Heylin demon should be highly affected during this time."

"Hannibal's origins are unknown. What he's been able to accomplish while imprisoned, is also unknown..you are well informed for someone who isn't participating in our little affair."

Darkly toned shoulders shrugged. "I mastered in mythology during my second semester of college. Took an accelerated course, might dive back in for a higher title. Have a real interest in myth and the history behind them. Jack doesn't fail to provide in what I need."

"..interesting."
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More time goes by. Chase doesn't ask much of anything sides drink his tea and indulge himself with quite the amount of moon cakes. He may be a fearsome immortal prince of darkness, but a sweet tooth is a sweet tooth. It's two refills and another plate of moon cakes later before conversation picks up again.

"Spicer puts a lot of trust in you. So much so, that he risked my wrath to argue your loyalty. You seem..reasonable. So you understand when I say that I was skeptical when Spicer proclaimed someone he socializes with is deemed loyal."

"Heh yeah, that sounds like Jack. When passionate bout somethin he'll argue you down till the cows come home. He's sweet but I can't accept the praise he gives. I'm only human and still prone to makin mistakes Mr. Young."

Checking the time I see it's a minute till eight. Should text jack and see when he plans to make an appearance. In the meantime I collect my mug and the empty plate to take into the kitchen, leaving Chase where he was, but speak loud enough that he could hear me over the sound of running water. "Ya don't need protection. That's not what this bout. Just a place ta stay that won't be broken into by people who want yer head on a fence post. That boy is somethin else, but smart as all get go. We can easily keep y'all under the radar."

Would it be rude to inform a powerful immortal that sneaking up on people without making any kind of noise is unsettling and they should politely stop from doing so? I nearly drop the plate in my hands when turning around and seeing chase behind the kitchen's obsidian island, arms crossed, staring at me puzzled.

"Just like that? You are willing to help?"

"Were you expecting me to change face since Jack ain't home?" From the look chase was makin, he really was expecting a different outcome. Did Chase think I only acted hospitable to lower his guard? Wonder who put a bull-sized dent into his trust that he can't tell the difference between being fake and genuine kindness. "Ya know. Jack said the same thing when we first met. As for wanting something," I take a moment to put the dishes away. "A list of what ya like to eat. Snacks included. The room upstairs is yours for the takin and it has its own bathroom. Noise won't be n'issue either. Jack keeps all his toys down in the soundproof basement and I'm mostly busy with school, less y'all wanna tag along, then fine by me. Don't want ya thinking you gotta stay only inside the house."

"You are..an odd being, but your words are honest. I'm starting to see why Spicer values you in such a high manner."

I shake my head at Chase's words, clean his now empty mug and then moving on to prep tonight's dinner. Jack darn near begged for stuffed peppers in his replied text.

"It's more than that, Mr. Young. You'll see first hand during yer time here. Honesty is only the half of it."