Neutral Ground

Title: The Razor's Edge
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: same as the last chapter. The lyrics are from the song "Truth" by Seether.
Notes: I'm taking a lot of liberties with my portrayal of characters. I made Clay a little edgy where Jack is concerned. Being the strong, silent type I figured he would be defensive of what he considers to be his. Chase I made as evil and manipulative as possible, to which I apologize. I know there are several fans out there. For the sake of my story however, my hand was forced. Feedback is again very much desired if I am to have any sort of hope to continue my efforts. Sounds like blackmail doesn't it? Whatever gets me knowing you are enjoying what I write. And so, I digress.


"Jack Spicer..."

Omi looked on with disdain to which Jack simply rolled his eyes.

"I think we know by now who I am. Do you really need to announce me every time we meet?"

Jack hovered several feet in the air, surrounded by the metallic bodyguards of his own design.

"I guess this is the part where I say....Jackbots, attack!"

A swirl of machinery surged toward the group of Xiaolin monks who immediately leapt into action. Shards of steel and glass flew in all directions as one by one Jack's creations were torn asunder.

"Give it up Spicer." Kimiko spat. "The shen gong wu is ours."

The pale teen regarded her with barely a sneer and plummeted down to where a glimmer flashed in the mid-day sun. As his hand came down on the much sought after object a familiar glow nearly blinded him. He blinked and noticed another, larger, hand on the Wu and looked up into a pair of hard blue eyes.

"Jack Spicer, ah challenge yah to a showdown."

There was a drawn out sigh. "Whatever, pick your poison."

A smirk. "Name o' this game's Bronc ridin. Last one still on wins it."

"Shocking. Can we do this already?"

"Let's go."

The battle had raged for longer than any other. The two opponents seemed to be at a stale mate after the favor bounced back and forth between them. As a last ditch effort the other Xiaolin dragons began raising a ruckous.

"Go Clay!"

"You are the man. Spicer is inferior!"

"Yeah, show that little momma's boy how it's done!"

Jack whipped around and scowled at Raimundo. "I'm not a momma's boy!"

This affectively distracted Spicer at the precise moment his bronc reared harshly. He was thrown and slammed his head on the edge of the high-rise platform before plunging to the ground. Clay's heart dropped out of his stomach and without a second thought he raised a large slab of stone from the ground. It flew up and caught the falling form of Jack Spicer in mid-air.
With lights flashing all around signalling the end of the challenge, Clay leapt from his steed onto the floating rock. Heedless of his comrades watching, the Xiaolin commander of Earth reached down and cradled Jack's fine boned skull in one hand. There was a long stunned silence from his fellow warriors as they floated back to solid ground.

"Uh, Clay? What are you doing?" Kimiko questioned in her usual catty tone.

"Yeah, dude we won. The guy will be fine, let's head back to the temple."

Clay threw a hard look over his shoulder. "I aint jus' leavin' him like this."

The other three backed off at the dangerous rasp in the usually easy going cowboy's voice. After a few seconds Dojo spoke.

"He's right. It would be dishonorable to abandon Spicer in this state. Even if he is an enemy."

The dragon extended to his full size and watched patiently for the four monks to scramble aboard. Clay rode in the far back, his arm wrapped protectively around the boy pillowed against his chest. His low set hat shielded his eyes from any who peered back at him. His attention was trained firmly on the unconscious Jack Spicer. Without another word, Dojo rose into the air headed for the Xiaolin temple.
=============================================================================================================
"It appears the boy's little ploy worked perfectly. The lizard is headed straight for the temple."

Chase Young scratched absently at the head of one of his pets.

"Excellent. Now we wait, for the moment to be right. Then we will execute our attack."

Wuya raised an impeccably groomed eyebrow. "And Jack?"

"He will either serve his purpose or he will perish along with the monks. As it is, he is not my concern."

The haylin witch gave a wicked grin and cackled.
=============================================================================================================
If I gave you the truth would it keep you alive
though I'm closer to wrong I'm no further from right
and now I'm convinced on the inside
that something's wrong with me
convinced on the inside
you're so much more than me

"I can't believe we're doing this, again! You know when he wakes up he's gonna try something sneaky." Kimiko whined.

Clay chose to ignore the girl as he dismounted Dojo with Jack nestled in his arms. They were greeted by Master Fung.

"Hello young ones. I trust your mission was a success. And you've brought someone back with you."

"Yeah, ol' big 'n softy here didn't wanna leave him." Raimundo explained with disgust.

"He was wise in doing so. It is dishonorable to abandon someone in need."

Omi spoke next. "But Master Fung, he will try to steal our Wu. Surely we can not...-"

"Ah'll watch him."

All eyes turned to Clay. "Say what?" Raimundo squawked.

"Anything happens, Ah'll claim responsibility." The cowboy offered defiantly.

Master Fung regarded him with a hint of pride. "Are you certain Clay?"

The boy merely nodded and walked past everyone towards his quarters.

Clay set down the smaller boy with infinite care onto his bedroll. Jack hadn't shown any signs of stirring since the fall and it was beginning to worry him. He assumed the lotus position at the foot of his mat and began his vigilant watch.

Hours had passed. An elder had come by to assess Jack's wound and proclaimed it non-fatal. Omi, Kimiko and Raimundo had all dropped by at one point or another. They all had some off-handed comment that needed to be spoken but were never given a response. Dojo had come bearing food and for the first time ever, it was refused. Clay would not be detoured from his task.
Master Fung was the last to appear long after lights out. He stood not far off for some time, like Clay, just watching. He approached quietly and stopped just behind the young man. He received no acknowledgement from his student which didn't bother him in the least.

"I sense a great deal of concern being harbored for the well-being of our guest."

His statement was met with silence. "Maybe even fear."

Again, no response. The master gave a small sigh. "I would just ask that you do not let this interfere with your duties or your training. And please, try and get some rest."

These were his parting words to the apprentice before leaving him to his watch. Clay drew a deep breath and let his eyes drift shut.
=============================================================================================================
Jack awoke to a dark room and a world of hurt. His head ached and he groaned as he brought up a hand to touch the tender spot at the back of his head. As his eyes adjusted he could make out the outline of a seated form at his feet. After a few seconds a face could be seen and the boy arched an eyebrow. Someone was watching over him.
As quietly as he could manage, Jack shifted onto his hands and knees and crawled toward the other boy. A faint sliver of moonlight squeezed through a high window, allowing the young man a better view of his rescuer. The square features were softened in slumber, making the rugged appearance of the guy stand out even more. His pale blonde hair hung over one eye and Jack was tempted to reach out and brush it aside.
Before he could register what he was doing, a hand was brought up and swept across the cowboy's prominent forehead. There was a flash and Jack felt his hand being gripped firmly. He tried to pull back when he saw a pair of eyelids open to reveal a haunting set of sky toned eyes. The piercing gaze combined with the feel of a calloused hand scraping against his fingers sent a shiver through the red-haired youth. Clay tilted his head over so slightly as he let his eyes devour Jack's sharp features.

Spicer felt himself being pulled in and he made no move to resist. A large hand settled on the small of his back and moved in slow circles. A shuddered breath blew over Clay's face and he swallowed hard. Barely an inch seperated his face from Jack's. Finally gathering his scrambled thoughts, the monk wet his lips and spoke.

"How ya feelin'?"

His voice was grated from sleep and he cringed. Jack didn't seem to notice however.

"My head hurts." He answered truthfully.

Clay nodded. "Kinda what happens when ya smack yer head on a rock."

Jack smiled shyly. "I hope you dont mind me asking but...who are you?"
=============================================================================================================
no there's nothing you say that can salvage the lie
but I'm trying to keep my intentions disguised
and now I'm deprived of my conscience
and something's got to give
deprived of my conscience
this all belongs to me

"What do you mean he has no memory?" Kimiko screeched.

Clay narrowed his eyes at the young girl. "Jus' what I said."

"It is a trick. He merely wants us to think he has forgotten. Then he can capture us with our sleeves up."

There was a pause before Raimundo translated.

"I think you mean 'catch us with our pants down'. Come on Clay, this is typical Spicer baloney. In a few days the guy's gonna try and rob us blind."

Clay growled at his teammates. "Were ya'll asleep durin' the fight.? You saw him crack his head!"

"Whoa, Clay. You are taking this way too personal. It's not your fault he was injured. There's no reason for you to feel guilty." Kimiko consoled.

"I gotta agree with Clay on this one guys. The kid could have a legitimate problem." Dojo offered.

Clay gave the dragon an appreciative nod.

"Am I interrupting?"

They all turned to see Jack Spicer standing in the doorway. He was wearing a some of Clay's spare clothes which hung off his much smaller frame. His ever present goggles were gone and his touseled hair hung in front of his face. For once the guy was sans makeup which made him look so achingly, normal. He stood quietly looking docile as he waited for a reply. Clay gave him a warm smile.

"Nah, pardner. Yer alright. Come 'ere, say howdy."

Jack looked about timidly as he scampered over to Clay's side. Clay swept his gaze over the other monks, daring any of them to utter an ill-word. Jack was fully aware of the young man's rigid posture and he was sure it wasn't just due to formality. He was becoming increasingly uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the others. There was a slight tug on his pant leg and he looked down to see a small green lizard.

"Hey, how are ya?"

Jack gasped and scrambled to the other side of Clay. He clutched at the monk's robes and buried his face in his sleeve.

"Th-that lizard just t-talked!"

"Lizard! I beg your pardon!"

Clay held up a hand. "Ah, come on Dojo. He didn't mean nothin' by it. How often ya see a dragon that can talk wanderin' round these parts?"

Jack's eyes got wide. "It's a dragon?"

He came out from behind Clay and crouched down for a better look at the scaley creature. He held out his hand which Dojo approached, looking somewhat reluctant. Clay raised an eyebrow at him and he gave a sigh before slithering over and curling up in Jack's palm. A bright, almost child-like joy lit the pallid face and he lifted Dojo up. His voice was an awed whisper.

"Wow. Never knew dragons really existed." A thoughtful pout formed on his lips. "I thought they were bigger though."

Dojo looked a little insulted but Clay mind was preoccupied with Jack's mouth and how delectable it look shaped to form a pout. A loud voice interrupted his gawking as Omi came up to introduce himself.

"Hello Jack Spicer. I am the great Omi. You were once a large needle in my arm but now...- OW!"

Kimiko flicked Omi on the ear. Jack got a confused look on his face and Raimundo offered an explaination.

"I think he meant 'a thorn in his side'. Don't pay any attention to him. Sometimes he dont know when to keep his big mouth shut."

Rai gave Omi a pointed look. Omi folded his arms in front of his chest and tried his best to look cross which in the end made him look like a child throwing a fit. Jack tried to muffle a laugh. Omi threw him a particularily nasty look. Clay gave him one right back and Omi found himself backing down. The gentle giant almost never appeared malicious but his glare spoke volumes.
Jack noticed the scowl and ceased the motion of stroking Dojo's soft underbelly. The dragon gave a disapproving sound but caught a glimpse of Clay's hostile position. He immediately wriggled out of Jack's grasp and slide over between the two boys. Kimiko had a hold of Clay's arm just in case he decided to storm the smaller monk.

"Hey now. Let's keep it civil. You know who's gonna stuck doing the cleaning if there's any blood spill."

"Come on big guy. What's gotten into you?" Kimiko asked while tugging on his arm.

Clay breathed a deep sigh and gently pulled his arm free. He thrust out his hand to Omi.

"Sorry pardner. Don't know what that was 'bout."

Omi scrunched his eyebrows together and took the offered hand. He gave a wary look to the boy still partily hidden on Clay's left side. In response, Jack moved closer to Clay. The cowboy gave Omi's hand a quick squeeze as a warning before releasing his grip. The smaller boy pulled his hand back with a shake and slipped it into the opposite sleeve of his robe.

Sensing the sudden unease, Dojo was quick to interject. "Great. Now that we got that settled, I think Master Fung wants a word with you monks."

This caused Jack to pull away from Clay and shuffle towards the hallway leading to the sleeping quarters.

"I think I'll wait back here. I don't think I'm ready to meet this man just yet."

Everyone except Clay and Dojo look unconvinced and Jack was quick to make an escape.
=============================================================================================================

"What is your update?"

"I'm in. I've got the big guy convinced but I'm still working on the other three."

"It would be in your interests to hurry. We don't want to be found out. You must do whatever necessary to obtain the information we need."

"I know what I'm doing." Jack snapped indignantly.

"You had best watch your tone young Spicer. Do you forget whom it is you are speaking to?"

Chase's tone was reduced to a hiss and his eyes flashed dangerously. Jack cringed as he saw the change he had caused in Chase through his two way communicator. He dropped his head and gazed at the floor. The boy knew from experience that the submissive display would appease Chase Young's inner dragon.

"I'm sorry sir."

This seemed to calm the demon for a moment and he relented. "Make certain it does not happen again. I would hate that instead of celebrating a victory, I should be instead forced to punish your indiscretion upon your return."

Jack allowed a small spark of hope to flicker inside him. Chase wanted him to come back. He tried to keep the excitement from his face as he looked up.

"I promise, I'll find out everything you need."

"Good."

With that, Chase cut the connection. Jack cradled the communicator to his chest and sighed.

"I love you too, Chase."
=============================================================================================================

I'm beaten down again
I belong to them
beaten down again
I've failed you
I'm weaker now my friend
I belong to them
beaten down again
I've failed you


Jack stayed in Clay's cramped quarters until the monk returned late in the night. The larger boy looked utterly exhausted and Jack felt an odd pull in his gut. He crawled as far into the corner as he could get to make room, this was Clay's room after all. The monk sighed deeply and rolled his shoulders, groaning at the strain. He removed his signature hat and tossed it onto the chest at the head of his bed.
Before he could think to stop himself, Jack scooted behind the larger boy and pressed a hand into the taunt muscles of his back. The blonde practically melted at his touch and Jack felt a tingle race down his arm. He brought up the other hand and slowly began working the knotted tissue of Clay's back. The xiaolin dragon slumped forward with his arms supported on his knees and grunted occassionally when Spicer felt the need to work at a rather stubborn spot.
After a few minutes, Jack felt the cowboy relax entirely and he stopped his ministrations. He crouched back on his haunches with his arms folded on his knees and tucked underneath his chin.

"Better?"

Clay straightened and cracked his neck. "Much."

He twisted around to get a better view of the boy behind him. Lights from the courtyard streamed through the window and cast a dim yellow on the pale teen. A few strands of his bright red hair hung in front of gleaming scarlet eyes. There was a small smile on his lips and Clay couldn't help his sudden urge to reach out and brush his thumb across the full lower lip.
Jack let out a small gasp which parted his lips just slightly. His heart began to flutter in his chest. The light touch left him frozen where he was. Why was the monk always so gentle with him? He could only watch as Clay shifted to kneel before him. The other boy studied him with an expert gaze as he literally towered over Jack. The red head couldn't remember the last time he had felt so small.
Clay noticed the nervous posture Jack unconsciously reverted to and slowly sunk down to make himself appear smaller. This seemed to help as the smaller boy relaxed a little. Clay sighed and started to pull his hand back but stopped when Jack lifted his head to nuzzle Clay's open palm. The monk tightened his jaw as he tried to ignore the feel of Jack's soft lips brushing against the base of his thumb. It was a battle he had no hope of winning. When Jack rolled his eyes up to look at Clay through the curtain of his bangs the monk could all but feel his control snap.

In a move that Spicer never saw coming, Clay slipped his hand into the silken hair at the back of the boy's head and jerked him forward into an all-consuming kiss. Jack stiffened for an instant before a tight groan caught in his throat and he flung his arms around Clay's neck. Before Clay had a chance to stop him, Jack had scrambled into the blonde's lap and was now straddling his thighs. The Earth dragon wrapped his arms around the slender youth to steady him as he swept his tongue into the eagerly awaiting mouth.
Jack sighed and sank deeper into Clay's embrace. The cowboy's taste matched him exactly, earthy and warm. He smelled of sweat and leather and something Jack couldn't quite place. It reminded him of their battle in Texas over the Star Hanabi. If you had told Jack Spicer then that he would one day find himself wrapped around the bulky Texan he would have laughed in your face. He wasn't laughing now.
Jack was making throaty little noises as his slender fingers clawed at Clay's arms and back. The monk could feel himself slipping. He abruptly broke off the kiss and using his considerable strength, he pried Jack from his lap to put some space between them.

"Jack..."

The fair-skinned boy came right back, whimpering and burying his face in Clay's chest. The larger teen reached up and captured Jack's face between his hands so he could direct the boy's gaze to his. The alabaster skin of Jack's face was now flushed and his eyes were hooded and glazed. Clay kept his voice low as he tried to explain.

"Jack. Listen, we gotta stop."

The teen's eyes got big and he shook his head. "No."

He didn't want to lose this. Jack reached out for Clay again but the Texan was quicker and he grabbed the thin wrists. Jack gave a breathy whine.

"Please." He whispered.

Clay averted his gaze and swallowed hard. "Ah don't wanna hurt'cha." Was his muttered reply.

Jack felt tears spring to his eyes and he pulled his wrists free from Clay's hold. He scooted on his back on his butt until he hit the edge of the divider surrounding Clay's bedroll. The cowboy sighed and rubbed his face.

"Look, ah'm beat. Ah've got a lot ta do t'marra so I should get some sleep. 'Night."

He laid down on his side, facing away from Jack. A few minutes later, he was fast asleep. Jack wouldn't sleep a wink that night.

The deception you show
is your own parasite
just a word of advice
you can heed if you like
and now I'm convinced on the inside
something's wrong with me
convinced on the inside
you're so much more than me