"Chapter Three;
Judging Trust"

Lira had woken up only a day after meeting Chase, wishing she hadn't. All the while, she did not eat, she refused to sleep, or take any hospitality. She had rebelled, and told Chase that she would never explain, and she continued to deny owing him of anything.

Our favorite warlord was now walking down a hallway in his beloved palace, rubbing his temples, and groaning. "I will never understand women." He continued to think. He knew Wuya to be the most annoying, but for stubbornness and confusion, Lira Youth had him stumbled to no end. He had not even known her for a week and it was bugging him to no end.

She was a mystery, but the only things he knew about her, sure enough, anyway, was that she 'supposedly' trained at Wanshi's temple, she didn't know how to fight, and she had a backbone that he had a large respect for; especially considering the fact she was that smart. Besides all of this, he knew that she was very persistent.

He wondered why she had such low skill for someone of high potential. She had trained at a Xiaolin Temple, so he would assume that she'd at least know half of what she was meant to learn, but she barely scratched the surface upon basic learning. If this was the case, then the gray aura was obviously important, but why stop her from doing so, anyway?

- A Bedroom in the Palace

As Chase continued to ponder this, we return to Lira, in the dark room she was placed in. Her plan wasn't working well. She was starving, and tired, but if she took any hospitality, she would have to explain something she was forbidden to speak of, especially to the Heylin. Lira, though in a weak state, refused to do anything until the lord's will power broke out, and he'd let her go; seeing as how a warrior of honor can't harm the injured and/or ill. She knew that would take awhile, but hell would freeze over before she gave in.

The ninja known as Lin-Yang walked into the room with a tray for Lira. On it there was cups of tea and water. On the plate, it was a good serving of lamb with buttered asparagus, mashed potatoes, and on a separate, smaller plate, was a little treat. This treat being one of Chase's own vanilla cupcakes with pink frosting on top; a sweet that never left his craving.

Lin-Yang placed the silver tray in front of her, and watched her carefully. Each warrior had to make sure that if she did take anything, their master could have something to hold against her. True, it was odd for each of them, but orders were orders.

Lira was holding strong, but lamb was one of her favorites! Even if it wasn't, she was starving, and she was tired. She was very tempted to accept, but knew full well she couldn't. If she told him anything, chaos was sure to commence.

For the first time since she met him, Lin-Yang had finally spoken. "Why don't you speak to him of it?" He questioned. Lira's ears perked, and she stared at him, surprised. His voice wasn't as deep as Chase's, but it was definitely nicer, more genuine. If Lin-Yang was working for him, how come he seemed kind? "You are tired, and you haven't eaten in days, Miss Youth. Why conceal it?" He questioned.

She was actually glad to have something to talk about, simply because the silence killed Lira, and she thrived to speak, but thought it would be odd talking to the guy's servants. Lira, being who she was, simply gave him a stern look. "Because I am forbidden to say. You're lucky I'm telling you this much; especially under vow!" She told him.

Lin-Yang knew about a Xiaolin vow, and knew that if it was forbidden, it would be nearly impossible to get anything of it unless you figured out for yourself. However, there were also ways for one to persuade the information under certain circumstances. But if that happened, he knew that Chase's patience would run thin. "I brought you here so Master could help you! I don't like throwing away lives, so answer me this! Is there a way for you to tell him?" He asked, growing angry. She had been frustrating him almost as much as she had with his master, so it was no surprise he was like this.

Lira, slightly taken aback by this, thought it over, looking for a loophole that may help her. She knew full well she wouldn't be able to keep this up much longer, and so would Chase. She would probably be put into a dungeon before being set free.

She sighed, only finding one solution. "The only way I can let him even know basic detail is if he takes the Warrior Trust Vow of the Xiaolin code, by his honor. If he refuses, then he gets nothing." She explained.

- Back With Chase

This time, Chase was in his library, trying to calm himself through reading. He knew the girl couldn't last forever. He figured she'd give into the food, or fall unconscious again, then she'd have no choice. He just had to be patient. That's what he told himself.

However, that was shortly making his patience run out. If she resisted for much longer, he may as well get rid of her, but even that was a dishonor. He had used almost every trick he knew of to keep him from losing it.

Before he could look further into a book, his door opened, which brought him another tiger, who transformed into an African warrior. "What is it?" He asked, hoping for something that won't make his head explode.

"Lin-Yang was able to uncover a way to get the information we need." The warrior told him. Chase turned his chair around, watching the warrior kneel. He stood up and looked at the servant, expecting something good. "The girl seems to be forbidden to speak of the information, but, according to her, this can be avoided if a vow by honor is made." He explained.

The warlord arched a brow of curiosity. "What kind of vow?" He questioned.

The male looked up at him through his freakish mask. "A vow of warrior trust through the Xiaolin code." He replied.

Chase knew of this vow. It was made between those of apposing forces so that help can be accepted, but barely ever has it been done under honor. This vow showed of alliance to remain at a balance, and if ever taken under honor, it meant using to the other side's favor was dishonorable.

He sighed, knowing there was no other way. "Fine! I'll be there shortly!" He told him. The warrior bowed his head, and left.

- On the Other End

Lira had gotten to know Lin-Yang at a great capacity. What she learned is that he was protective, merciful, and kind. He was a gentle soul that was more commonly prejudged, which probably brought him to doing what he's doing. He more than likely had at least a sibling, which lead him to bonding with others. Because of being misunderstood, he felt it necessary to rid himself of emotion, and made a wise choice on who to help him do so. Only thing that could make it worse was him becoming that way, and being double crossed.

She pitied the warrior, but she couldn't do much about it because he seemed more interested in helping his master. This theory was confirmed with the next event.

The door had opened, and in came a very calm looking Chase Young; calmer than when last she saw him an hour ago. The warlord turned to Lin-Yang, and smirked. "You're excused, Lin-Yang. I wish to speak with her myself!" He told him. Lin-Yang bowed his head, and he left. The Tai Chi master looked at Lira with expectant eyes, and when she had glared at him, he only pulled out a wider smirk, placing one hand behind his back, and the the other up in a right angle. His expression became neutral as he looked her dead on in the eyes. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I, Chase Young, Heylin Master, Master of Evil, to the highest of my honor, swear of my alliance with Lira Youth, member of the Xiaolin Temple, in hopes, and pursuit of trust. I hope of silence upon the next bound of words I speak as are hers which remain concealed as long as her trust is returned." He proclaimed.

Lira stared at him, surprised, but the look soon went away, figuring Lin-Yang had somehow brought him the information. She sighed, knowing now that either she returns the vow, or she may as well be thrown out; not good in her case. She straightened her posture, put one arm behind her back, and the other up in the angle as his, looking at the darkness in his eyes. "I, Lira Youth, member of the Xiaolin Temple,swear my alliance with Chase Young, Heylin Master, and Master of Evil, in hopes, and pursuit of trust. I hope of silence upon the next bound of words I speak as are his which remain concealed as long as his trust is returned." She exclaimed.

They put their hands down, and let out a breath. After a calming moment, Chase spoke again. "I understand that this is very vital, so be happy I'm giving you this vow, and with honor, it's at a higher stake! But, please, for my sanity, and your health, could you just tell me what this is about?" He asked, almost snapping.

She saw that coming! She had been driving him nuts with her endurance, and all refusal of revealing anything, it was no surprise he needed to yell at someone or probably attack at some point.

Lira had let out one final sigh, before giving him a trusting glance. "As you wish, but I can't say you'll be all that interested afterwords." Chase sat down on the bed, staring at er as she begun to explain her tale.


i hope u guys stay tuned for the nxt chap! im trying my best to update as fast as I can, so, wish me luck!