Author's note: I have decided to replace the older chapters for rewritten, improved ones. In order not to mess up with the order and the number of chapters, I'm keeping their original length, although I nowadays prefer them at least 5000 words long. If the quality drops dramatically all of a sudden, it's because you're reading the unedited parts.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything here but the plot and the original characters.

Prologue

Eleven years had passed since the incident with the Oni masks. Jade had gone back to Hong Kong some months after that and everyone assumed the Dark Hand was gone forever. Thus, Jackie did not have to keep working for Section 13 and could continue his research for the university.

Tohru was not a magic master yet, but already was quite experienced. Uncle was still the same, always yelling and whacking Jackie and Tohru for one reason or another. His nephew thought he was crankier when it took Jade too long to come visit them.

Moreover, Jackie had married Viper. At first, Uncle had not found a good idea to let them stay at his shop, even if temporarily, but had eventually given in. The couple had a son called Jack, who had the same hair and eyes colours as Jackie, tanned skin like Viper's, and a great potential for martial arts. As well as his father, he did not love adventures; he preferred to have a peaceful life – to Jade's dismay.

Except for a few incidents during Jackie's archaeological work and confusions caused by Jade, life was calm again for the Chan family. Jackie really hoped that everything would continue that way and that they could live in peace at last.

But why did he have the feeling that this peace would not last much longer?

– CHAPTER 1 –

Jade's Return

Jackie and Uncle were studying some artefacts at the library. Viper was on a mission in New York and Tohru was visiting his mother in Japan, so Jackie was practically the only one left to take care of his son.

That was why he could not concentrate on his own research. He looked at the clock; Jack should already be home. Jackie could not help but worry. After having gone through so many unusual situations and having faced all the types of enemies, he had become a bit paranoid.

The bell rang, announcing that someone had just come in. Jackie immediately stood up and hurried to the entrance. He was relieved to see it was his son, safe and sound, but was at the same time mad at him. Jackie knew that when Jack was late, if it were not because of something supernatural, it could be only one thing: problems in school.

"It's about time! What did you do this time?" Jackie asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"But, dad, it wasn't my fault!" Jack responded almost automatically.

"Right. Have you ever noticed it's never your fault?" Jackie said, frowning. The boy lowered his head and was silent. "So, what happened this time?"

"It was that new girl. I tried to talk to her, but I think she was on a bad mood. She pushed me, I defended myself, and then –"

"And then you were caught," Jackie finished with a sigh.

"Uh... Yeah. And now they want to talk with you again. But that's unfair, because they don't even want to talk to that girl's parents too. They thought I was viciously attacking the poor, defenceless little girl..." Jack sarcastically said, rolling his eyes. Jackie sighed again.

"Jack, how many times have I told you that you cannot fight at school? I guess Jade really hasn't been a good influence on you..."

"But –"

"No 'buts'. Now go to your room."

Jack reluctantly went upstairs, but then smirked slightly without his father noticing.

"No problem. The laptop is in my room, anyway," he murmured to himself.

oOo

Jack accessed the internet and typed the password to his e-mail account. He was not surprised to see a message from Jade, but at the content of the message.

Hi, Jack!

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be paying you guys a visit this week! But don't tell anyone, 'cause I wanna make a surprise, k?

Love, Jade.

For a moment, the boy could just stare at the screen of the laptop. He then buried his face in his hands and fell backward on his bed.

"Oh, no... Not again!"

To be continued...