Chapter 3

Consequences

I yawned from the long, stressful night. But, I had to come along with Chase to see them train. The usual schedule.

But, while Chase and Guan were training, Dashi was looking at something.

I came over to him, in curiosity.

"What's the matter, Dashi?" I asked, looking at the worried face.

He looked at the two others training. Then looked at the letter. "Well, the evil Heylin witch, Wuya, is back. And the French have...declared war against the Xiaolin Empire, which is us."

"Whoa...their army is huge." I said, in fear. "Wait, what's...Hey-lin?"

"You don't know? It's the bad guys. We're the good." Dashi said, surprised.

We only think that there is good and evil, but both sides think they are right. I said in mt head.

"What do we do?" I asked, hoping for an answer.

Dashi sighed. "I don't know."

I looked down. "Have you told them?"

"Yes. They're practicing even harder."

I smiled. "Well, I guess I'll have to practice too! I have barely any experience with martial arts."

"It's nice of you trying to help, but I don't think we'll have enough time to train you. For now, I have another favor."

I sighed, and chuckled. "Make sure you give me perfect directions this time."

Dashi smiled. "OK. Go into the center of town, and buy the stock for the temple."

I nodded, and walked off.

Dashi smiled, and said under his breathe: "How do you know I didn't plan some of yesterday?"

In Town...

I strolled along, passing by people, and going store to store. Good thing Dashi made a little map on the back of the paper. But...it wasn't very 'accurate'. In which I mean, it looked sorta bad.

Again, I had to go down a dark and suspicious alley.

I was staring at the list, when suddenly...bam! I knocked into someone.

I fell backwards, but got up. "O-Oh! I'm so sorry! Here, let me help you up."

The person who I knocked into declined. "Why you...why hello!" There was a tall, lean, girl in front of me. She had very tan skin, red hair, green eyes, and a black and purple dress.

I bowed. "I'm so sorry I knocked into you!"

The woman smiled. "No need to be sorry. Good bye!" She said, and strutted off.

What a strange looking woman. I thought, but continued walking.

Back At The Temple...

I returned to the temple, to only see Dashi waiting for me.

Other monks took the food immediately leaving only me and Dashi.

"I got something to tell you." He said, worried and relieved.

"Yeah? Anything positive?" I asked.

"Sorta. A British empire revolted, and they will help us in the war, and even make peace with our enemy. They are great friends. But...the one who rules wants something in return. And I have a feeling it might not be our land, but something...else. The ruler is going to have a meeting with Guan, Chase and me. You might be able to hear the conversation by serving tea."

I shrugged. "Guess so. When is the meeting?"

"At evening."

Evening

I got dressed in a white Chinese dress, with sandals. I hope I don't fall. I hate sandals. Especially high ones.

I made the tea, and the meeting began.

Guards stood outside the door.

They had to taste the tea before entering, checking for poison, etc. I passed, and went in.

In guess who I saw?

Ms. Direct Me In The Wrong Path.

It was the same girl!

She had blonde, girly hair, beautiful eyes, and was in a pink dress, wearing a crown. Was she...the ruler?

I set down the tea, and stood in the corner, waiting for talk.

"I would like to settle a treaty with you, and the French." The girl said. "What are your names?"

"Chase."

"Dashi."

"Guan."

"What about the girl in the corner?"

"Milah." Chase replied.

The girl nodded. "My name is Sophia."

The others nodded.

"Now, will all leave the room, except Chase?" She said.

What is she planning? Is she going to hurt Chase? Poison? Murder?

I secretly glared, and left with the others.

I could tell even Dashi was worried, and so was Guan.

After several agonizing minutes if silence and worry, the meeting ended.

Sophia came out with a smug smirk on her face. "We are going to leave, settling things."

The guards nodded, and left with Sophia.

Chase...he looked grim and...disgusted.

What did she do? I thought angrily.

"It is getting late, so we shall all go to sleep." Chase said. "I'm going to stay here a while, practicing, just in case the French don't agree."

Guan nodded to me to go to Chase's house.

Many hours later...

I still lay wide awake, wondering what happened.

Chase came in.

"Took you long enough!" I said, yawning.

"You..stayed awake?" Chase said, surprised.

"Duh. When I want an answer, I will do anything to get it!"

"Well, I'm afraid you have no questions to be answered."

"Yes I do. What did that Sophia girl ask?"

Chase shook his head. "Nothing important. We just talked about the treaty."

I frowned, knowing he was hiding something. But what?

After Chase lay down on the floor, I snuck out of the cabin, and went to the temple.

Dashi was asleep, but I wasn't afraid to wake him up.

"Dashi!" I said, with a worried voice, making him jump up in worry.

"W-What?" He said, rubbing an eye. "Can't a guy get some sleep?"

"Yes, and can a girl get some answers?" I retorted.

Dashi sighed. "That...about the meeting..."

"Dashi, please don't keep a secret from me. I thought we were all friends!"

"We are. I'm not sure if you can handle...the truth."

"Truth?"

"Are you sure?"

"For the truth? Yes!"

"Rethink it though. It could change your life."

I sighed, and inhaled. "I'm ready."

"Sophia and her bigger army will protect everyone, but for a price."

"How big?"

"Not in money."

"Then what is it?" Fear was building up, the tension was rising as Dashi paused, not looking at me.

"Sophia orders that...that..."

I held me breath.

"That she and Chase marry."