Chapter 7

As the sinister glows of Chase's eye began to illuminate the room, Kimiko couldn't help but become breathless and shocked by his dark shadow darkening the room. Especially with the sinister expression he was showing off, it was as if the devil himself had possessed his face and had given him the goal to seek revenge. Kimiko knew he was the stuff of nightmares and legends but at that very moment where he saw her and general in his line of vision, giving him the confirming site of a dishonorable position he gave a unimaginable aura to the room. He seemed to have transformed into a completely different creature to which Kimiko has never seen before. He was still in human form yes, but he managed to still show his darker side to evil, to a state of a deranged animal ready to rip the world apart for not being in his control for once.

Everything at that moment had just seemed to freeze, making every second seem like minutes. Upon hearing Chase's footsteps approaching louder and closer he created an intensely regretful mood within Kimiko the most. Not that she was oddly happy to see him, for he had stopped the general and her from 'doing' it, but he still caused immense fear in the both of them, blazing the question of what was going to happen?

As Chase's dark figure finally overshadows her and the general, there came a slight pause… making her hear her own heart beat loud and clear. She could also clearly see his face now, those flawless features of his, being corrupted with disgust and shameful regret in seeing what was before him…. she too felt shameful about it.

She was so very still under the general, waiting for him to react to something or to perhaps defend his honor by saying she somehow seduced him into this shameful act. However he was just as still as she was, feeling both his fears and hers. Not knowing what to do about it the general prepares to rise and try to calm the situation down by bowing for forgiveness but as he began to move he was immediately punch clear across the face. It was a pure thrall for Chase in allowing the man to fall off of Kimiko so bloody and limp. It wasn't a forgiving gesture or a punishing statement on Chase's part; it was merely the start of an unknown act.

From her point of view she could clearly see the splatters of blood quickly overshooting through the air. Then hearing a sharp hiss she prepares her ears to take on the yelling. Again like a lighting bolt Chase struck the general's face twenty more times within a that very second, then seeing the naked man completely fall onto the ground like a ragdoll, "YOU INSLOENT LOW LIFE PRECK!" not waiting for the man to get back up Chase quickly starts kicking the general's ribs demandingly, yelling louder to emphasis his rage, "YOU DARE STEAL WHAT IS MINE!" then continuing to kick and punch the general into the ground.

Kimiko couldn't help but shoot Chase another glance, she was mad about the loud statement of the word 'mine' but her body was only giving chilling responses from fear she was producing. She silently watches Chase's movements; it was a giant blur of brut force being contained in one spot of the room, stern, quick, and very agile to the eye. Then taking the time to look back at the general, she could only make out his mangle body on the floor in horror; his body was already becoming a badly piece of rotten flesh form torture, courtesy of Chase's rage. He was quickly becoming a bloody heap of meat that was now staining the marble floors.

Then with the cries for his warriors Chase ordered them to quickly appear and start dragging out his disgraceful general, "TAKE HIM TO THE DUNGEONS! I'LL BE DEALING WITH THAT PIECE OF SHIT LATER!" as the cats quickly began to drag away the man, Chase couldn't help but give him one more kick, "DO YOU HEAR ME ZU! I'M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU YET!" both Kimiko and Chase watch as the near to death man disappeared from their sights.

Eerily she could also hear Chase's heavy breathing echo throughout the room; it was such an unearthly sound of growls and hisses. All she could do was just wait and sit to be ready for a beating or a death sentence from him. Her trembling pulse was alarmingly growing by the second as the quiet room began to stretch in silence. She continued to watch him heaving his height up and down from the harsh breathing he was still laboring.

Then like a snake he snaps his gazes to her again. Being in utter fear she forces her eyes to stare at him as long as she could. He was still looking at her in disgust and anger, then twisting the rest of his body towards her she quickly closes her eyes tightly, shacking from fear and anticipation to feel what was about to happen to her.

As she tried to shut down her mind she suddenly felt a couple of fabrics being tossed into her face. Opening her eyes she hears, "Get dressed! Seeing you like this just makes me sick!" as he turned around he quickly folds his arms, giving her what little privacy she had.

Looking down she sees her cloths on her lap. She was utterly and completely confused; she didn't expect that from him at all, quickly moving she clumsily sorts through her cloths into a confusing shuffle and quickly tries to dress herself. She wasn't even halfway done when he yells, "HURRY UP!" quickly pulling up her underwear she quickly pulls Riamundo's robe over her shoulders.

Glancing back he quickly grabs her by the arm and starts roughly dragging her along to the doors. She could see the trial of the general's blood leaving the room and heading off to another direction. Then looking up she sees Chase snapping his fingers to dismiss the rest of his warriors away and jerking her to move faster. She couldn't help but squeak, "Where are we going?" then with another jerk he shouts, "Just shut up!" obliging she shuts her month up and follows Chase once again. It was a long tug-a-war of jerking and pulling. Especially heading up the many stairways and corridors of what was suppose to be her location.

She was still very exhausted of being dragged to where ever she was going, but her adrenalin was in overdrive now, she was still frantically thinking about Andrew. All of this tragic thinking was going to be the death of her someday. Collecting herself she looks up to still see Chase still stomping her to follow him fast and quiet. Still heading up she took the close view of Chase's head and inking black hair flowing wildly behind him into investigation, trying to rebuild up her strength. However his hurtful grip on her wrist now was too painful for her, she couldn't really think after all. Still being yanked to keep up with him she looks to wherever they were going.

They passed by a couple of pillars where she got a quick glimpse of an opening of pools and stacked levels of floors that were covered by forestry and falls. She couldn't help but appreciate the opening view she got because for ten years up to now she's only been able to see nothing but death and darkness, so seeing that short view she thought… beautiful.

Then finally feeling Chase's iron hands loosening up she took the time to enjoy the relief. With a sudden glance forward she quickly notices the two-door passageway opening up for them but it was to welcome the master of the house. Quickly passing through the doors she quickly looks around, guessing where she was now and it obviously appeared to be a library of some sort. There was a huge desk close the center of the room, completely surrounded by an excusive environment of scrolls, plus there was an impressive line of windows and balconies that had a great view of the land.

With a big bang of the doors shutting and clicking to be locked tightly Chase roughly tosses her in front of him. He waits until she got her balance back to face him. However her gaze was now stuck to the floor, avoiding any eye contact with him directly, irritated he sternly says, "Look at me" not moving she shakes a no. Breathing sharply he quickly walks up to her to grabs her by the chin tightly, "I said look at me!" What would have been a reward in seeing, her eyes were closed, covering what would have been a delight in seeing again, but the situation wasn't making it a pleasant sight for him, letting her go he continues, but in a more controlled tone, "You must think of me as fool Kimiko"

Hearing her name in such a sudden calmness she shudders in fear to reply, "How so?" she was quite surprised in hearing herself sound so mutual to him. Arching his brow and keeping his glare at her he replies, "How, you ask… well you seem to have acted as if you had the right and arrogances to do what you just did" Staring at her intently he waits.

Opening her eyes in shock she still looks down at the ground, "I DIDN'T DO ANY OF 'THAT' BECAUSE I WANTED TO!" She knew he was referring about her and the general, but by the tone of Chase's voice it seemed very accusingly simple that he thought she was stupid enough to even attempt to be sleeping around with his men, "IF YOU HAVEN'T THE BALLS TO PICK SOME GOOD LACKEYS FOR YOURSELF THEN SHOVE THAT DAM BASTERD UP YOUR ASS! ALONG WITH EVERYONE THAT'S ASSIOCATED WITH… You… YOU MONSTER!" before Kimiko could even blink she was quickly held up against a wall by his forearm and again giving that crazy look to her while firmly holding her up by the chest with every intention to speak darkly, "You never speak to your master that way" his eyes began to light up as his anger began to rise.

Finally looking straight into his eyes she became speechless; there was nothing to stop her from looking now, no impossible distances between or sudden glances that were only a second long. Just finally the moment of seeing each other clearly, she was at first awe struck however the thought of him treating her like this from now on snapped her bravery into unmarked territory. Gripping his arm tightly she couldn't help but cough for air, his arm was crushing her lungs slowly. Gripping her fingers she shouts, "I've done nothing wrong!" She began to struggle again but was dropped to the ground, landing on all fours she was happy in feeling relief that she quickly coughs and immediately rub her chest.

Then walking away he says, "First you undermine my rule over you, then you sneak off to fornicate with one of my top generals, then you have the guts to be yelling at me" reaching the very large desk he turns to her again and says, "I wouldn't call that nothing Kimiko"

Again with her name slipping through his lips to causally, she hated it. She whether be hearing him cursing her name. However with her freedom in his hands she had no choice. Looking up she says, "Will I call it you assuming to much" putting effort into standing she leans on the wall for support.

Arching a brow he asks, "How so Kimiko?" then strolling around his desk he reaches his seat and sits to causally lounge his head into his hand.

Again with her name…. Looking at him she sternly replies, "It may have been ten years Chase, but I still have my honor, so what I did wasn't against what we agreed on" finally standing she steps closer to center herself in front of Chase's desk, "Whether you believe me or not, I tired to get away from the situation as best as I could, I had no intentions of leaving" taking a deep breath she waits.

Staring at her he couldn't help but smile, she used his name…. plus she was going to be slaughtered by him a minute ago, but now he wanted this conversation to stretch a bit more. All because she brought up the word honor, smirking he says, "Interesting…" and that was what he could describe his sudden mood change and her sudden bold attitude for towards him.

Confusion completely plastered onto her face, she was trying to be noble and all he says is 'interesting' frowning she spoke, "And just what's so interesting that you have to smirk" folding her arms she stiffens her back to make herself taller. She couldn't recall where this source of bravery came from, a minute ago she was ready to accept the worst, but the moment just seemed to change all of a sudden. Then thinking she remembered one thing from her past… the bird of paradise saying that bravery was her greatest gift of discovery and attribute of herself.

Adjusting in his seat he sighs, "You do realize I found you naked with my general" pausing at Kimiko's flaw he waits and finds himself grinning again at seeing her blushing furiously at him, "Highly the opposite of what you call honorable… Kimiko"

Feeling the heat shoot through her ears she briefly looks away, "Like you would care for an explanation, with your accusing stare and all" feeling her hands trembling she puts them to the sides adds, "However I would like to add, I was held up against my will by your so call 'general' he took a friend of mine and threatened his life. If I didn't do what he wanted I was going to lose another friend" she could feel her throat tighten.

Wiping the grin away he says, "The boy from the arena" putting his hands on the desk he stares at her for a bit. Observing for any signs that she was lying to him he thinks to himself, she was talking about the brat from the arena, Andrew was it. Rolling his eyes he says, "Has anyone ever told you not to adopt any lost pups that aren't worth saving" Putting his palms in front of his face he thinks. She still appeared to have 'honor' or so she claims she still has. Closing his eyes he recaps his findings from her and from what found out for himself. Apparently his general delayed his orders from reaching the training halls, and seemed to have delivered his exclusive cargo to his room for his selfish 'services', figures… Opening his eyes he sees Kimiko still looking at him, "I'm just going to give you the benefit of a doubt, so I except this type of event to never happen again" gathering himself he gets up and looks down at his desk, seems he's forgot some responsibilities too. Ready to explain her duties he looks up to her face again. She was nothing but a lost thing in his private studies, even he was surprise she was holding up this far, the lost of dear friends, a home, and a freedom that was now his…. He completely adored it. Plus she looked ready to faint, but looking closer she was fidgeting to say something else, "What is it now?" Still standing he waits.

She was still sweating from the judgment he just gave her, it all brought a strange familiar face to her mind, Master Fung. She remembered the times she got into trouble and had to face that same expression of judgment. Sighing to herself it took all of the courage she had to ask, "I don't know if you already thought about this but…" as he still keenly looked at her he waits for her to finish, "May I attend my friends funeral… please" she could feel a warm tear fall from her face to the ground.

Placing a hand on his desk he rolls his fingers up and down to say, "And now you ask me if you can still attend your comrade's funerals?" pausing he seems to want to laugh at her, but seemed to just release a small chuckle, "You are indeed bold for thinking I would over look such behaviors from the likes of you" he could hear her trying to hold in her loud sobs, "However, the deal was to give your fellow monks a proper burial, so I can't deny your attendance to the ceremony… for I know every funeral needs it mourners for the dead…" Pacing towards Kimiko he continues, "Plus I would like to make this perfectly clear Kimiko, although we did make a deal… you are no longer in position to make any ultimatums with me, you are now and forever my slave" By the time he reached Kimiko he stood over her, not because he was taller anymore but because during his speech she just seemed to have slide her stance to a mere weak women on the floor who just couldn't stand anymore.

Calming her breathing she still hears, "But I'm starting to think your beginning to be more trouble than what your worth" crouching down he picks up her chin again, "And we don't want that" snapping her head away from him he gets up to walk over to the corner of the room. Reaching a bureau and pulling out a wrapped package that was in pure white silk. It appeared to be the size of a Chase's chest. Coming back to her he tosses the bundle to her. Her first thoughts about it were that it was nothing of importance but as she just grasp the bag to her she heard, "Open it" looking up in confusion she stares blankly at him, "What is it?"

Sighing in frustration he sternly speaks, "If your going to act like an idiot, just give it back" reaching an arm out she jerks herself away from him to stop him. Holding the bundle tighter she stares down at it and begins to untie the soft material. Peeling away the last part of the fabric she could only but be stun by her findings.

Lowering head she pulls every part of the bundle closer to her body…. It was her friend's cloths from early; it was they're old, used, worn out cloths. She tried to heavily sniff their scent and impossibly feel for their warmth. As she tried to hug her friends in her mind she was disturbed by a throaty sound. Listening she cringes her fear into hate again.

Chase Young… that fucker, rising her head to him she glares at him differently, hating everything about this creature who obviously stood over her to wait for something, surely to see her fall in despair, but she still wouldn't allow it. Because she wasn't that far from hope, if the Xiaolin way has taught her anything it was that she should never lose hope, even if your going to be surrounded by darkness forever. Still looking up at Chase she could feel her eyes beginning to shine.

As Chase looked down at her he was caught by surprise, he expected her to whimper in fear or from sadness but instead he seemed to have triggered something a lot stronger…. A concept of what he hated the most, displeased he spoke, "Now is not the time to rebel against me Kimiko…. we will continue this conversation for later, but I have to deal with another troublemaker" Keeping his expression solid he waits not for a reply but for a nod to end the discussion, however oddly smirking as well he heads for the door.

Upon hearing the clicks and turns of the door Kimiko turns around to watch Chase leave. Although she was happy about it she was still confused on whether she was to reside here or not.

Turning to see her one last time he smirks in knowing about her concerns, he answers, "You will be escorted to your quarters in a bit, you well find everything that well be needed for tomorrow" with that said not another word was spoken, stepping out and closing the door he starts walking to lastly think.

Chase's Thoughts

All in all Kimiko I am a little disappointed in you, I would have thought you would lasted another decade before giving yourself to a man like that…. If you were to ever give up again, I'd rather you give up on me.

Kimiko is ALIVE! Yay. Thank goodness right? And that general… I wouldn't want to be him right now.

What do you all think of Chase? Could this all possibly be the beginning of a struggling love between them!