Sapphire Stuck- Chapter 4- Took long enough to update, huh?
Kimiko wasn't speaking anymore, she was just gasping and panting for air. Jack was basically doing the same, whereas Omi was just breathing rather deeply. Chase observed the features of the Dragon of Fire- currently indisposed, and he couldn't help but smirk to see how drained she and the other two were.
Contemplating the benefits for himself, Chase answered, "I may have something…" Omi's face lit up with joy, but Kimiko only narrowed her eyes.
"What's the catch?" she asked between gasps.
"What, don't trust me?" Chase asked, mock-pouting and walking toward the three refugees.
Scowling, Kimiko replied, "Not really…"
Squatting down to her level, Chase showed his fans with a grin and said, "Smart girl… Now, what I want in return for aiding you is…" Chase purposely paused, making her more afraid than she needed to be. He finished calmly by saying, "I want the Sapphire Dragon to be in my possession from now on…" she exhaled, but he added one last thing, "And I want the loyalty of one monk as my follower for two months…"
She glared at him through her thick black lashes, but she spat coldly at last, "Agreed…"
"Excellent," Chase said, getting back to his feet. He reached his hand out to her, she accepted it, and Chase yanked her to her feet. He then repeated the action for Jack, but was a bit more violent with him, as Chase didn't really like Jack. Omi had been standing the whole time, so he just stood with his friends. "Follow me," Chase ordered quietly before turning away from them and beginning to walk off.
The three followed him as best they could- Kimiko's legs felt like pudding, and occasionally she would trip over her own feet. As he walked, Chase said calmly, "We haven't much time… The longer we wait, the more time the dragon will have to gain followers and power…" He rounded a corner and continued leading them through the maze that was his palace.
The trio was led into a room with a giant statue spitting out water, and Chase stopped beside it. Everyone stood around the Heylin prince, wondering and waiting to see what he'd do.
"Now then," he began, grabbing hold of Kimiko's arm, "what you need to do is allow me to hold you under the water and trust me not to drown you…"
Staring in shock, Kimiko asked, almost squealing, "And why on Earth would I do that?"
Frowning sternly, Chase answered, "Because I think it may help you with your little problem…" He then grabbed the back of her head and said, "Three, two, one."