Chase vs Kimiko

Chapter3 : Day 2

This time Chase woke up at precisely at 5a.m.; losing breakfast and scrubbing dirt from someone else's pants first thing in the morning before was not very pleasant. After a quiet shower, breakfast and a walk around the temple grounds, he assumed meditating position in a tree near his small room window until dawn.

Kimiko awoke at 5.30a.m. with the help of her PDA alarm. She wanted to help Chase get started early so he could start the day on a good note, before a very long note gets shoved in his face. Without bothering about personal morning care, she tiptoed to his room and pulled back the curtain. Her eyes widened. She gasped in shock. "Where's Chase?!"

Hearing a sound, Chase opened one eye. He saw Kimiko was in his room and decided to experiment a little bit while the others were still snoring away. Sliding off the tree onto the ground, he leaned crossed-armed on the narrow window sill and looked in.

Kimiko was unaware of another presence until she heard someone clearing his throat. Swinging her head around, she came face to face with him. Chase was a mere two inches from her and smiling, any closer and one would think they were kissing. Kissing, she sighed. Bah! scoffed her mind.

"Good morning Kimiko.", greeted Chase as he leaped through the window. He wore the same clothing as the night before and was standing in front of her, hands by his side.

"Hey.", replied Kimiko as normally as possible. "I was about to wake you up so you could have a few personal comforts before they wake up."

"That's very thoughtful of you, Kimiko. But have you had your personal comforts?"

"No, not yet. I was thinking of you - I mean your situation if I wasted any time. Although right now it seems kinda pointless." she turned her head the other way.

Just then, a hand turned her eyes to look into his. Kimiko was taken by complete surprise that Chase was touching her. Her heart pounded hard and she experienced a heart-mind battle. Her fantasy against reality. Emotions versus logic. She shivered, and not because it was cold.

Chase steadied himself before reaching out and turned her head gently so she could look into his eyes. He could feel her shiver at his touch and slid his hand over her shoulders then down arms to take her hand. He bent low and brought her hand to his lips. He kissed the back of her hand with as much meaning as could. He then lifted his head and their eyes met again. He smiled at her lovingly, "If you wish tell me the reason, now would be best my dear."

She was in heaven, "Chase, I - "

"MASTER MONK GUAN!!! I MOST EXPECTED YOU TO COME!!! KIMIKO! MASTER MONK GUAN IS HERE AT OUR TEMPLE!!!" Omi had once again ruined everything.

" - I'll be seeing you." and Kimiko, unknowing to herself, gave Chase her most stunning smile.

Then they both left the room - Chase out of the door with a large roll of paper and Kimiko out of the window to the garden – no one must know.

"Master Monk Guan! Wow! When did you come?" Kimiko asked, seeing everyone else was in a delighted surprise mood.

"I started out of my temple as soon as I heard of your victory, young Wudai Dragon. And I am most pleased and impressed that you have beaten a foe so much greater than yourself. But now I suppose it is the other way around hmmm?" the Master was rather excited despite his controlled posture.

"Yeah." Kimiko replied

"Where is Chase Young? I must see what you have done to him. And may I hear the story of the great battle some time, Kimiko?"

"Sure! We're about to have breakfast, I'll tell you there!"

The whole gang went to the dining hall, chatting at the top of their voices. When they got there, a tall man wearing an apron was laying out several breakfast dishes. Although tempted to just say "Naah!", Chase respectfully announced breakfast was ready.

(Naah! means 'Here! Take it! I don't care!')

"Thank you servant. Had no prob finding our list huh?" laughed Raimondo.

"Not at all Master Raimondo." Replied Chase and he held up a roll of paper. Noticing Master Monk Guan, he added, "I will be doing my second task now." before he walked out.

"I know he's evil, but that breakfast smells good." Clay stated before picking up a pair of laid utensils and stuffing his face. The others soon followed, while Chase slipped out.

Chase went to the end of the temple where the long-forgotten cleaning tools were kept. Picking the best mop and least holed bucket, he began to clean every tile in the temple. The time he spent mopping, was the amount of time he spent eavesdropping. Kimiko was trying her best to tell her story to the visitor while the boys were enjoying themselves by interrupting with unintelligent comments and sound effects.

"...and then I called in my element to sail over the lava. Then Chase used the-"

" - And then Chase was like whoosh! Vroom! Wheeeeee-aaa-oooo! But Kimiko was like –"

"WILL YOU IDIOTS QUIT IT WITH YOUR STUPID SOUND EFFECTS ALREADY?!" Her scream could be heard all over the temple.

"Yes ma'm." whimpered the boys.

Chase chuckled inwardly as he took out the rolled list of chores while still kneeling. He opened it. The paper unrolled itself. It rolled out in a straight line out of the door, along the corridor, and finally out of the temple. "What did I do that for?" he sighed as he read the next ten chores he was to do.

3. Take out the trash

4. Garden the plants (trim bushes, snip flowers, mow the lawn, lay out some fertilizer)

5. Clear out the pond (weeds and decomposing plants)

6. Scrub the dining floors (there are a lot of tea stains)

7. Polish the fountain

8. Clean out the toilets

9. Fix the roof

10. Whitewash the walls at the back of the temple

11. Get rid of the rats in the basement

12. Shower

13. Tea for the monks (Kimiko insisted you don't make lunch)

"Today seems fun." mumbled Chase before using the next three minutes to roll the list up. While rolling up When he felt a tug, he looked up. The girl of his dreams stood right in front of him, smiling.

She handed him the remaining paper neatly rolled for him with a breathtaking smile. "See ya."

Chase watched her leave, her perfume mingling with his breathing air, creating a heavy desire. Knowing he was probably not alone, he quickly snapped back into reality and continued with life.

As she walked into the garden, Kimiko wondered if what shehad just done was seen by anyone else. If Master Monk Guan saw that, he will find ways to drag Chase away as he is Heylin and, in the Master's opinion, might be an evil scheme. If Omi saw, again, the boys are gonna try to keep her away from him. Ditto on Clay. But if Raimondo saw, he would simply tear Chase Young limb from limb. She knew the Brazilian baboon liked her, and that creeped her out. Sure she had kissed him on the cheek, twice, but they were only a sign of appreciation! There was absolutely no way she could like a pompous idiot like him. Actually she did, long ago. The first time they met she felt a certain liking towards him and thought he was the One. It was only when she had met Chase her heart truly beat.

She spent the rest of the day with the boys and Master Monk Guan. They played common games with a martial arts twist - soccer, basketball, Police and Thief, etcetera. Clay had made impressive moves with his earth moving. Raimondo made a hot wind out of every step he took, literally and verbally. Omi created waves five meters high without a drop touching the ground. But the real fighter whom the Master was watching while they played, was Kimiko. He wanted to really know if she had defeated Chase Young by her own efforts – the story did not make much sense to him. Chase could not have missed the Sheng Gong Wu like that. Kimiko shot her fire balls very accurately, conjured up fire kicks and punches and even lava from the ground. But there was nothing special; the others were doing similar stunts. He left the game and went looking for Master Fung. Then they both sat by the temple porch and pretended to watch the young Wudai warriors – they were discussing about Kimiko's victory.

Chase was tending to the greenery of the temple while the Xiaolin monks were enjoying fun games under the sun. He had no idea how to care for plants and was having quite a hard time not snipping every flower in sight; their bright colors burned his dark mind. He had a wheelbarrow behind him and threw all the snipped twigs, leaves and flowers in. He was just laying out the fertilizer when a wave of water came crashing on him.

"Tsunami strike! Water!" yelled little Omi, and Chase was washed away like a flip-flop on the beach. He had landed in his wheelbarrow, sitting, and was carried by the current underwater. He went upside down and all around before ending washed onto the table where the Masters were discussing.

"Oops! Sorry Chase!" shouted Omi before laughing at the sight. Chase had sat not only on the waste in the wheelbarrow, but on the sack of manure as well. The other boy monks joined in gladly and they were soon rolling on the ground in laughter. Kimiko could not help bending down in laughter but she remained standing. Wet, covered in brown wastage and flopped in a barrow, the villain was truly humiliated. Master Monk Guan and Master Fung could see the funny side, but having an evil stink on their tea table did not appeal at all.

"Excuse me." his 'no hair' nemesis scowled.

"Yeah?" replied Chase.

"You are right In The Middle Of THE – "

"YEAH?!" roared Chase

"Just get off the table." said Master Monk Guan

Chase scoffed but leaped off the table and dragged the soaked wheelbarrow down. The barrow bounced and some foul-smelling stuff landed on the Master's head.

As soon as it came to the villain, Chase complimented on their new look. "No wonder you don't have hair on your head. A full head definitely doesn't do well on you."

Master Monk Guan rose to his full height in threat. Chase brushed the dirt off himself and assumed fighting position in reply. They both glared at each other in the eye until the very air around them stood still. They would have probably killed each other on the spot if Omi and Kimiko had intervened a split second late.

"Master Monk Guan! Chase is under our command. He is not anything near our level! Do freeze down!" cried the little boy standing beside his idol.

"Chase! Chill out!" cried Kimiko

The two older warriors glared daggers at each other before taking a deep breath each and turned their backs at the other. Chase stalked off to continue with his chores while Master Monk Guan sat back down in his chair. The young monks lost their play mood and went off to do quieter pastimes. Kimiko couldn't help looking back, and eventually went to him.

Chase could hear her approach him but he took no notice; he was deep in rage and was taking it out on the innocent bush.

"Chase?" Kimiko sat next to him.

"What? And if you need to know, crapping about the latest incident is pointless. I never listen to that sort of things."

"You've never listened much to any sort of thing anyway. Just do something the way you want to." Kimiko waved her arms around to prove her point.

Chase snorted.

"Listen. I have been thinking about - well - this morning...all this time. And, well..." the girl turned to stare at the blooming roses and turned just as red.

"Well...?" Chase glanced at her, his tone softened.

"Well... you know." Kimiko turned away before Chase saw a smiling tomato instead of a teen in love. Unfortunately for her, Chase was a guile kind of man, who knew how to get pele to do what he wanted. He sat down, one leg bent upwards with his arm resting on it and another bent and relaxed on the ground, and simply watched her with soft eyes. Kimiko could feel him watching her and quickly adjusted her expression into a mere curl at the corners. When she turned to face him, her lips trembled and went back to a huge smile. Immediately she turned again but saw Chase at the other side as well. Turning again, he swiftly moved to face her. Kimiko gasped at his agility and her hand made its own way to Chase's angular face. Chase smiled at this, but before she could touch him, he took her hand and kissed it. "You would not want to dirty your fine hand on this piece of filth." he reasoned to her politely. For a moment Kimiko took a look at Chase through the eyes of logic and realized the truth in what he said. He badly needed a shower, or two, or eight.

"And no, I cannot take a shower." he continued

"Who says?"

Chase unrolled his list slightly just to show her the tiny printing where the word 'shower' was squeezed in between two chores far from done. "Puh-leaz! I was the one that beat you and earned you! So my orders have more effect than theirs! And now I order you to take a shower!" she stood up and folded her arms to show she meant it.

Chase sighed, and submitted to his little mistress. He followed her through the long hallways, running into boggle-eyed and nose-pinching temple monks and finally the grand baldie himself.

"May I ask where he is going?" asked Master Monk Guan

Chase immediately snarled a dirty word and attempted to dart forward. Kimiko lifted her arm slightly to signal him to stay where he was, before she answered th Master. "He needs a shower Master Monk Guan, and badly."

"As long as there is an escort." the Master stood to the side and let them pass. When Chase walked pass him, he shook his head violently and sent dirt flying everywhere. Although enraged, the Master clenched his hand and kept himself controlled while the girl and the dirt bag got out of his sight. Shaking his head in disgust, he left the contained area to fill his lungs with nature's aromatic air. "How could she stand the horrible odour? Or the warrior at all?" Then he paused, and thought for several moments. Instantly a single conclusion surfaced in his mind; he was going to watch them closely for a while.

When they reached his room, Kimiko stopped and turned to face Chase. Chase wasn't looking at her but at the ceiling, deep in his own thoughts. "Hello. Anyone home?" she said before waving in front of his face.

He blinked and looked at her straight into her eyes. Nodding in response, he went into his room and went to the shower area with a bundle of clean clothing. Kimiko did not follow him then, she simply couldn't, but instead sneaked into his room when he was out of sight and earshot. His room was surprisingly clean and tidy, not just considering that he had cats to clean his living quarters for 1500 years, but also that he had the time to. Looking out just in case, she pulled the curtain across the opening and carefully peeked into every nook and cranny of the room. In the cupboard, on top of the cupboard, in every drawer, even under the bed covers. Finally she found what she was looking for, under the bed itself. Why are guys' hiding places so classical? It took me forever to find it! She thought as she opened the book and smiled at the content.

Chase Young sighed in absolute relief – Kimiko's order for him to take a shower was exactly what he needed. As he dried his jet black hair and walked down the empty corridor approaching his room in cat-like silence, he heard a ruffling coming from his room like a page being turned. Oh do not let it be her! Chase paused for a while outside his room and adjusted his emotions. Then he took a deep breath and entered a very obvious smirk on his face. "- and a small drawing from probably last week..." "Good guess, milady"

Kimiko flung her head around and gasped. The very person she hoped she would not be caught by was the very person that was right by her side. Chase was right by her face and smirking in that scheming way of his. Kimiko tried but only managed to stutter some excuse about liking books and some other nonsense. He took a glance at his opened diary and looked back into her eyes. He then brought his hand to the back of her neck and slowly pulled her closer.

Seeing her lips open, he dove in - her lips touching his own. They felt so much softer than in his dreams. He could feel her going weak and beginning to lean on him. Suddenly she jerked back and they broke off, gasping for breath. They stared at each other for a moment that seemed to last an eternity. Finally Kimiko smiled and they drew closer once again. This time though, Chase pulled her in with no sign of letting go. He let his tongue lick her teeth, begging for entrance. Her mouth opened wider and he began to explore her, gently. She moaned and leaned on his chest in total weakness. He let a hand roam over her shoulder and down her back. Using his other hand, he found a wall and dragged himself towards it bringing her along with him. He supported himself and pulled her onto his lap for intimacy. He then moved both hands to her waist and felt her figure in an upwardly motion. She smiled and brought her arms around his neck, giving him more to touch. Just then, Chase gently drew away.

His eyes shone with a desire to continue, but the dark slash in them glowed with serious reason. "Someone approaches." he whispered stroking her cheek, "Go." Then he pushed her off him quickly, not roughly, and shouted, "GET OUT OF MY SPACE CHILD!"

Kimiko was greatly taken aback when Chase ended their moment. But she was even more taken aback when he pushed her off him and shouted at her. But he was smiling and gave a short wink – he was only acting! Coming back into reality, Kimiko played along. "GLADLY!" she screamed and stormed out, sending the room curtain flying behind her. Darting her eyes around while still acting she saw that someone had approached - Raimondo was looking for her. The teen tried to get her attention but obviously failed. Kimiko kept her act on until she reached her room. There, she spent the rest of the time replaying the moment in her mind. Time flew fast; the gong for lunch had rung sooner than she thought. Although she wanted to stay in her dream, she had to keep the game going for Chase and walked out of her room to the dining room in a moody manner.

Apparently the boys were making quite a racket over food until she entered the room. Instantaneously the table was as silent as a grave, save the occasional sounds of utensils scraping against the plates. I should act more often! She giggled in her dreaming thoughts.

Chase had turned to look at Kimiko as his young love walked away. His reptilian eyes blazed with a strong flame, not of anger, but in deep fascination of her. She had sent the curtain flying as she went and through the parted corners he could see who had approached. The Dragon of Wind was also looking at Kimiko and stretched his arm towards her in concern, only to be ignored. Shaking his head, he leaped out of the window.

Landing quietly on the earth, Chase walked back to the half-trimmed bush and continued. Before he could pick up the hedge clippers, three boys stood in front of him in confrontation. "What do my Masters require so urgently that they have to step on the fertilizer?" he asked in a smart ass sneer.

Exchanging disgusted looks the boys moved off to another spot but just as near to the villain as the last. Then Omi started, "Chase Young. I understand you hate us Xiaolin warriors, but raising your voice at Kimiko is very inappropriate behavior towards a lady. Especially since she was the one who –"

"And what do you expect me to do little one?" the evil man growled, "Apologize? You know that's not my style."

"Do you think we even care about you?" snapped Raimondo angrily, "You've hurt Kimiko! And she is one of us. And when someone hurts us..."

"...they're gonna look worse than a pigsty in the mornin'." finished Clay.

"What then, do you propose I do young Masters?" Chase said through his teeth, annoyed.

"APOLOGISE! DUH!" yelled Raimondo.

Chase cupped the back of his ear like he was trying to hear what the boy said.

"I SAID – " Raimondo started

"This will not progress Raimondo. Chase Young is not the type that listens obediently. We must use other methods."

"Really..." The leader's expression changed from anger to scheming. "Alright then, if you don't apologize to Kimiko by tonight, we will not allow you any of your precious Lao Meng Long soup."

"I had said when you lot first owned me that you would need me to drink the Lau Mang Long soup or else you will have a murderous dragon living in your temple." Chase grinned devilishly. "It is your disadvantage, not mine. I am fine being a dragon the rest of my life, since it shall be a torment unto Xiaolin monks for all eternity."

"WHAT THE HECK?"

"Hold your horses partner. I think Chase Young's still gonna apologize."

"Clay is right. Chase will obey as he is under our command. But we will have to command him to obey first."

"Yeah right. What would ordering do if yelling our heads off doesn't?"

"Chase Young, I order you to apologize to Kimiko by tonight." commanded the little monk.

"Yes Master." Chase bowed.

Omi flashed a huge grin of victory at Red-faced Raimondo before running for his life. Clay walked off in another direction and disappeared like always. Chase sighed in false defeat and planned pleasure, for he would have to apologize to Kimiko by tonight and by tonight he shall.

After making friends with the garden slugs and other hideously wonderful things, he went on from chore to chore. From the muck of the pond to the badly stained temple floor to the moldy fountain and finally to a place straight from the depths of hell, the Xiaolin toilets. "I definitely do not want to know what had happened here the past 1500 years." Chase thought and held his breath as he clutched his miserable little cleaning tools. Several times he regretted being an immortal. More times he wished he had traded his soul for a potion that could keep him from breathing entirely. But mostly he just thought this was plain sick.

After having done everything else, he strolled into the kitchen to prepare Tea. What they wanted they did not say, but Chase did not have a hard time deciding for them. They can't blame him for what he was going to make .It would be very unjust of them. Ha ha. Unjust. Ha ha!

The gong for Tea soon sounded in the temple and monks came pouring in. Chase had laid out the plates, tea and light dishes beforehand as far as they could guess. Although all were seated, no one tucked in. Everyone was too surprised to even take a whiff. The table had blueberry, walnut and banana muffins, chocolate cake with a smiley face, cookies with M&M bits, three pies and strawberry cheesecake.

One of the elders finally spoke up, "Well, let's eat."

Everyone then took a small bit of something. It was good! Many, including Master Fung, although cautious of any trickery from the Heylin dragon, greatly indulged themselves. Even Raimondo had a thought to let the man go for pissing him off. Omi was very surprised that the food was made by Chase, for he had always thought of Chase as a great warrior with only serious and important things in mind. Clay and Dojo was not thinking of anything but the chicken, mixed berries and beef pies. Master Monk Guan was in great wonder at the excellent cooking skills of his rival. Kimiko's heart cried in joy after her first bite. It was like a spell was cast upon her. The chocolate he had used was her favourite type – the cake was made with creamy dark chocolate. The pies were like from an original recipe. But only the strawberry shortcake brought her higher than heaven. A soft but fragile crumble base, a rich cream cheese filling and a strawberry jelly topping. There were even strawberry fruits, sliced beautifully in halves, within the jelly itself.

Although focused on the miserable chores, he could not help but imagine Kimiko's reaction to his baking. He had heard that she had a sweet tooth for chocolate and cakes so it became his inspiration. He had rushed all over the kitchen dragging flour, running around to prepare ingredients and most of all, turning the place upside-down looking for the ingredients. The sugar was where the salt had been 1500 years ago and vice versa. Yeast was at the end of the freezer. The chocolate was in every part of the fridge but strawberries were no where to be found. He wondered if he could but decided not to at first, but seeing his love without a strawberry sweet smile was a much more painful torture than a punishment from that idiot Raimondo or Guan or both. He made a loud bird's call that passed a message to one of his warrior cats to fetch a few pieces of the fruit for him. It has, so far, not got him into any trouble but he could not see her during the day. Unless it was for a short apology but he had already kissed her, and a simple short moment would be death unto his heart. He would then, have to wait until nightfall to see her. Chase sighed out loud before hearing a giggle and darted his eyes around.

Kimiko had her fill and wanted to thank him. She knew that she was not supposed to see him for their affair's safety sake as the boys were very protective of her. Just because she was a girl, huh! "Shroud of Shadows!" whispered Kimiko and disappeared entirely. Combined with silent steps, she tiptoed past everyone and into the garden. She looked around and spotted him balancing on the temple wall. He was polishing the tiles while making sure he did not fall on the fertilized ground below. He made it look so easy in those cat-like movements of his, and him very hot. Apparently he was not focused on his surroundings and she couldn't help but giggle when he sighed. Immediately he was on his guard and darted his eyes around. She climbed onto the wall in front of him but it was just polished and slipped. A hand caught her as soon as her foot lost hold, so it seemed like she had just pulled herself up.

Balancing herself, she looked around and pulled out her PDA with the Mind Reading Conch to scan if anyone was watching. Realizing no one was, she whispered a cue and covered Chase as well. They could see each other but no one else can and only one thing could happen now. Chase placed his arms around her and slid off to the outer side of the wall.

Still standing, their lips met instantly. He slipped his tongue into her, letting it lap her and softened her. She went and her neck was going to hang backwards. Chase moved his hand behind it and held it there. Breathing her in as he pulled her closer from the top, she instinctively placed her arms around his waist and pulled him closer from below. A bump pushed against her, making her smile and made him groan sexually. 1500 years and now he could feel it coming to him. But his common sense broke the kiss and pulled the Wu off of them. He looked into her eyes and could see she did not want to stop. "I can go no further than that Dragon of Fire. Certain consequences forbid me." Chase hugged the girl in apology, "Your friends may be looking for you. But do not fear my dear, for I still love you." Kimiko smiled and turned to leave with the Wu covering her.

That was all the couple could think about the rest of the evening. Chase washed dishes and cooked dinner with the feeling of her lips heavily in his mind. Kimiko played with the boys, imagining he was right by her side and with her throughout the game. Time flew quickly. Before long, it was night time but Chase had yet to 'apologize' to Kimiko about the incident when he was caught 'shouting' at her. Thinking he could use it as an opportunity, he walked towards her room wearing his last set of sensible clothing.

Kimiko was awakened from her open-eyed dream when her lover's voice tapped into her mind. "May I come in, Kimiko Mistress?". Although very confused about the greeting, the excited young lady pulled back her curtain only to find he was not alone. Behind Chase were her friends, Master Fung and Master Monk Guan. Uh oh. She thought. I'm busted.

"I am sor –"Chase started.

"Eh-hem" cued Master Monk Guan.

Chase rolled his eyes before he dropped down on one knee and bowed his head. "Kimiko Tohomiko, I apologize on my behavior this afternoon. It was very wrong of me to raise my voice at a superior. If your servant could ever be forgiven, I promise to never do you or any of my other Masters any harm. My honour is in your hands."

This has got to be the lamest thing they could ever do to him. "Whatever. Night people." Kimiko pulled the curtain back and the sound of a weight flopping on a pillow could be heard.

"Well, looks like you can live now." Raimondo joked as the crowd dispersed. Chase was left alone with Omi just looking at him.

"May I help you?" asked Chase without turning around.

"No. I was just wondering. You sort of disappeared when the wall tiles needed polishing and... well, er..." Omi found himself staring into the Heylin Dragon's narrowed eyes.

"And what?"

"Erm. Nothing!" Omi grinned nervously for a split moment before scooting off. Chase watched for a few more seconds before slipping himself behind Kimiko's curtain. The girl immediately stood up and hugged him, expecting him to do the same, if not better. Instead, Chase removed her hands from around him and put them by her sides. He received a hint from the little cheeseball and he was not going to take it lightly.

"I am afraid we are going to have to cool things down for awhile my dear. Your yellow friend is very observant in mind and very truthful at heart. Thus I take what he says very seriously. I am sorry. Next time we will have to choose our 'private moments' more carefully." He lowered himself on his knees so they could see eye to eye. Kimiko sighed and bowed her head. He tipped her head up and smiled in promise, "And there will be a next time my love.", before planting a kiss on her cheek. Getting up without looking away, he left with an air of love trailing behind him.

The girl sighed in an ecstasy of love for the immortal. Switching off her lights, Kimiko fell into a deep sleep with an image of her darling and his promise in the sight of her closed eyes.