Heylin

A/N: This was written because I felt the need to explain something. Emma is not a good person. She's not a very good heroine, and while she tries her best, she's really more suited to the Heylin side, and she knows it. So this has always been an inner struggle for her, and when Chase picks up on it, he exploits it. But I'm leaving this a oneshot to let y'all wonder what happens. Why? Heck if I know. Enjoy!

Emma frowned as she walked cautiously into the clearing. She knew she shouldn't be here. She should be back at the temple, training or doing chores or hunting for Wu because she was really not supposed to be here.

But somewhere deep inside her, she felt that she had to be here.

Because she was backed into a corner and this was her last get out of jail free card, and it came with a lot of power. But, like anything involving a lot of power, it came with a price.

She had scarcely gotten to the center of the clearing when an all- too-familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Even though she knew he'd be there, it took all she had not to jump in surprise. "Hello, witchling," he said, giving a slight bow. "So nice to see you came to your senses."

Emma's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, yeah, I'm here, we've established that. Now tell me exactly what you want."

The man smiled, holding out a familiar container. "Recognize this?" he asked, smirking.

Emma faltered, trying not to show any weakness. "Lao Mang Long," she whispered.

The man gave a spine-chilling chuckle. "Yes. And I'm sure you know what it does?"

"Corrupts you," Emma muttered, volume growing, "changes you, twists your body and mind until you become something you're not."

The man chuckled again. "I see description is your strong suit. I would expect no less from an artist and a writer."

"Stalker."

"In any case, I have a proposition for you."

"Like what? 'Come to the dark side, we've got cookies.' Or maybe, 'Emma, I am your father, cue asthma attack!' Nothin' doin'."

The man laughed, and now Emma shuddered. "You are most entertaining, witchling. But I see through your ruse. You want the power, the strength... the respect."

"Like you did," Emma countered. "But I'm not like you, Chase."

Chase shook his head pityingly. "Oh, child, for all you possess, you still have much to learn. You're exactly like me! Seemingly set in your beliefs, yet you constantly feel that urge towards evil. And it's a wonderfully delicious feeling, isn't it?"

Emma frowned, thinking. "Hn. I'd say you were a better man than I, Gunga Din... but that'd be a lie. Why're so intent on me, anyway? Why not Omi or Rai?"

Chase rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. Those two have proved their worthlessness to the Heylin side. You, on the other hand, have potential. Evil potential."

"And backwards magic, right?" Emma deadpanned. Chase chuckled again, now circling her in a way that reminded her of a tiger closing in on prey.

"Very perceptive, witchling," he said, smiling. "Yes, your magic would be a great asset to our forces. But I won't force you to make a decision- you can think about it."

He handed her the ornate container, returning to the shadows as he spoke. "Think carefully, witchling," he called.

"I'm your only way out."