Ch. 1.1 – In the Beginning…

ABBY:

Whoosh The wind whipped past my ears as I urged Stormy over the final jump. I felt the satisfaction curl deep in my belly and couldn't help but smile.

"Nice job, girl." I cooed down to my grey appaloosa as she whinnied in celebration, "Way to show that jump who's boss." That course in the ring had taken days for us to master, but once I start something, I go all the way till its done. Stubbornness is a prominent trait in my family.

A cool wind brushed by me and I sighed. It wasn't overly humid out, a rare occurrence in August on the East Coast. A perfect day to enjoy riding with Stormy while enjoying the final weeks of summer before senior year.

After this it's gonna be hell with the overwhelming work load, the internships, college applications, deadlines…I shuddered, I'm gonna enjoy these last few weeks of freedom.

I heard clapping and looked over to see Dad applauding by the fence. "That's my girl!" he cheered, congratulating me for my perfect course record.

I grinned at him and bowed dramatically while walking Stormy around for a few minutes to cool her down. After dismounting I went through the same mental checklist my dad had taught me since I could talk: un-tack, wash, dry, brush, treat, and give her a hug. Finally I released my beautiful horse into the pasture.

She galloped across the plain in a streak of grey and white while neighing in pleasure. I couldn't help but smile at her obvious delight in freedom. She ran like she had wings. I wish I could fly in the wind like that, I mused while putting the saddle and bridle away.

My Dad must have noticed my gazing, "How about a Pegasus for your next birthday?" he joked as he walked over to me.

I laughed, "As awesome as that would be, they're a little rare in stock these days."

A Pegasus is probably as far as girly I'll go. My name is Abigail (everyone calls me Abby) Foster, and let's just say I've never been one for dresses or dates. I don't wear make-up and will run away screaming if anyone tries to get me to wear pink (no offense to any readers who enjoy this color). I prefer my comfortable blouses, jeans, and converse or riding boots, although they have done me no favors in attracting any guys. Not that I mind, I'm not currently in the market for a boyfriend. I'm perfectly happy with my friends, Stormy, and my Dad.

As I walked from the stables back to the main house, I couldn't help but feel lucky that I had such an awesome Dad. He may be a multi-millionaire with companies all over the world, yet he still finds time to spend these moments with me. Yup, I thought, coolest Dad ever.

The vibration of my cell phone brought me out of my reverie. I checked the caller I.D. and grinned. "Hey Bec." I answered, "Ready for the competition, tonight?"

"You bet, mi amiga" She shouted over the din of motors and tools in the background. "Whose doing pick up tonight?"

"I am. I'll be there at 5pm." I grinned, "Be ready to get your ass kicked against me in the finals."

"In your dreams, mi amiga. Adios." I smirked as she hung up. Me vs. Bec in the final, that is if I can get past Sage…this is gonna be an interesting night. Can't wait.

"Want me to drive you there, kiddo?" Dad asked me as we neared the back door of the main house. I rolled my eyes slightly. "Dad, I have my license so I should be fine. Besides I could use the practice." I have only had it for just over 6 months.

"I know." He said, and then dramatically sniffled, "my baby is growing up." He then turned to me with a slight smile on his face, "Can your old man at least go to support his daughter without causing too much embarrassment?"

I smiled, "Sure. We'll be taking the pickup. I'll call the others to confirm."

He opened the door for me while grandly gesturing into the house, "After you, my lady."

"Why thank you, sir." I played along before walking into the spacious kitchen. The room was filled with the heavenly scent of mac and cheese. I walked over to find Hannah our head housekeeper and cook in this house preparing a picnic for my tournament. Hannah sure makes the best mac and cheese that's ever graced this Earth. I could practically feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

I tried snatching one of her world famous chocolate chip cookies before she smacked my hand away with her wooden spoon.

"Not now Abby-girl, save 'em for when you'll need the sugar boost later." She said sternly, while waving her spoon, but her eyes twinkled his amusement. I decided to not risk my hand again and quickly jumped upstairs to get ready.

I pulled out the white uniform and black belt from the unexplored depths of my closet and placed them in my gym bag, then changed into my signature white sweatshirt and dark blue sweatpants to wear before the tournament. I quickly texted my two other friends to confirm I was driving today before grabbing Hannah's picnic basket and dragging my Dad out the door and into the silver pickup.

The four-wheel drive car was the only inconspicuous vehicle we had, other than my motorcycle. My dad's Rolls Royce and sports cars were out of the question since we tried to stay out of the media's spotlight- no guards, no classy cars, no attention from paparazzi. Just how we liked it.

My Dad wore his standard disguise: baseball cap, sunglasses (maybe a little conspicuous in an indoor competition, Dad), collared shirt under a black rain jacket, and some old jeans and tennis shoes to complete the look.

I asked for my name to be altered in the tournament to keep the media off our backs, and since I didn't go out into the spotlight too often, the public didn't know what I looked like. Thus I was free to participate in my taekwondo tournaments. I know Bec will make it to finals, and I might survive till then. Although I'd have to go up against Sage before then. I love her, but (shudders) she can sure throw quite a punch…

As we pulled up to a cozy and comfortable house, a small girl with pale skin and short light blond hair quickly walked down the porch and over to us.

"Afternoon, Sage." My Dad said as she got into the pickup. How're you doing?"

"Good afternoon, Mr. Foster" Sage answered in her soft and sweet voice. Yeah, that's Sage for you. She's known us for years but she's still a little shy around my Dad.

"Ready to kick butt in the competition, Sage?" I called back to her. She smiled slightly, "I don't know if I'll do that well, but I'm looking forward to it." Yup, same sweet and modest Sage. But trust me, you DO NOT want to go up against her in a tournament. If she feels threatened enough and loses control, catastrophe and property damages usually follow. Yeah, not a pretty sight.

Our next stop was a busy mechanics shop. Bec ran out to meet us, pulling her braided hair up into a bun.

"Adiós, madre." She called behind her, "Estaré de vuelta pronto."

"Buena suerte, mi pequeña." A deep female voice replied from inside the shop, barely heard over the din of car motors and the clanging of tools.

Bec ran over to us, her traditional black sweatshirt and and work jeans still smeared in grease. "Hola, mis camaradas." She grinned as she climbed into the back, "I hope you brought some of Hannah's ambrosia, Abby. I'm starving!"

"Don't worry, we're fueled and ready to go." I answered as I headed to our final stop, "How's Betsy doing?"

Bec grimaced, "She's getting there, but Eddy accidentally dented her with some fallen tools, so I gotta reinforce the hood." We all frowned in sympathy, remembering how long it had taken Bec to restore Betsy's hood before.

Yes, Betsy, an old 1965 mustang, is Bec's pride and joy (we call it "her baby"). She found her abandoned in a dump and after asking the manager for a favor, hauled it home to fix her up.

She's been working on Betsy for the past year while adding her own designs to make it stronger and even cooler – I wouldn't put it past her to install an ejector seat.

Finally we reached a huge classy apartment complex. The final person of our quartet jogged over to meet us, her strawberry-blonde hair pulled back from her face with her old fashioned pilot goggles like a headband. She was wearing a tie-dye t-shirt with grey sweats marked with peace signs down the outside of each leg.

"You really like to bring your work with you." Bec grinned as Meadow climbed in. She sighed, "I just want to remind people of the peace march we're having tomorrow." She looked over at us, "You will be there tomorrow, right?" She said, giving us her world famous puppy eyes that made us all squirm. No, not the puppy eyes…I thought and soon broke under them.

"Yeah, sure. Just stop blinding me with that innocent face." I muttered.

Sage smiled, although even I could see it was slightly strained, "Of course I'll come support you, Meadow."

Bec admirably resisted, "Betsy's new wheel coverings are coming tomorrow." she almost pleaded, avoiding Meadow's gaze. The puppy eyes persisted. Bec finally sighed and gave a slight smile, "Count on it, MD."

Meadow (or MD as we like to call her) gave a small squeal and launched herself forward to hug us all, almost causing me to swerve off the road. "Thanks guys, you know every person makes a difference." We all smiled through our grimaces.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all about helping charities, and I enjoy helping out at the local pet shelters from time to time. But Meadow practically has a protest or march from all of her organizations every weekend. With those irresistible puppy eyes in her arsenal, it can get a little tiring every time she begs us to go to one. Even sweet and patient Sage has reached her limit.

As we pulled up to the entrance, a security guard leaned in to glance inside the car.

"Evening, miss" he said when his eyes rested on me, "Ya here for the taekwondo competition?"

I nodded, "Yessir."

"Name?" he asked while looking down at a clipboard.

"May Foster." I use my fake name in the taekwondo program registration too.

He looked up sharply, "Ah yes…Welcome, Ms. Foster."

He glared at me suspiciously, like I might go on a driving rampage inside the parking lot. Looks like my reputation has spread, I thought grimly, Hooray for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm a perfectly safe driver who passed her driving test on the first try, but I've been known to beat up any bullies or creeps I have seen lurking around the neighborhood. You think I would get respect for that, but most adults interpret my actions as delinquent behavior. I try to be polite to them, but usually they don't return the favor. Hey, just cuz I have a strong sense of justice doesn't mean I want to beat up anyone in my line of sight. I still have good grades and attend all my classes, yet teachers have never liked me and thus I don't like them.

I nodded, plastering a fake smile on my face, "I also have Sage McGregor, Rebecca Cortez, and Meadow Pride in the back."

"Good evening, sir." Sage voiced from the back.

"Hola señor"

"Have you heard about a peace march tomorrow?" Meadow joined the chorus of greetings. I rolled my eyes. Leave it to her and her peace marches, always trying to gain followers.

But I had to admire the girl for her devotion. Despite the girl's slightly dreamy and happy-go-lucky attitude, she has been a serious pacifist for a few years ever since she returned from living in South Africa. She had moved there when she was 7 with her parents when they tried to establish some factories for their company in the area. But after a few years with the internal conflict arising within the country there were some riots and violence around the area she had lived in, and she soon returned to the US by the beginning of high school. She never talked about what exactly happened, but ever since she was always trying to promote peace in whatever way she could.

The guard's eyes softened when he rested on Meadow. Sure, I thought somewhat bitterly, unlike me she's so young and innocent-looking it's simply INCONCEIVABLE for her to do anything wrong.

Though I had to cut the guy some slack, Meadow was brandishing her irresistible puppy eyes again.

"No I haven't, Ms. Pride." He replied while smiling softly, "But I'll try to be there tomorrow."

He suddenly straightened up, while frowning slightly, "Speaking of keeping the peace, just want you young ladies to be aware that this tournament is in Purple Dragon territory and the owner of the building has not paid their 'protection' fees. I'd be on the lookout if I were you."

"Don't worry señor," Bec answered while grinning somewhat evilly, "Us young ladies can handle ourselves just fine."

The guard nodded then waved us through.

I soon found a good place to park and the five of us quickly marched over to the giant warehouse where the competition was being held. After registering at the front, then found a place nearby the rings to camp our stuff out.

"Anyone hungry?" I asked, holding out Hannah's heavenly picnic basket.

Four other hungry pairs of eyes descended on the godly source of food. Bec was drooling and I could practically feel my mouth also watering.

Finally Sage reluctantly tore her eyes away from the basket. "We should probably wait until at least after the first one or two rounds before digging in, since the digestion will only slow us down. I don't believe carrying our stomachs around in the ring will help us to win our matches" She remarked while slightly raising an eyebrow. Heh, I thought with a smirk, Sage may be sweet when she wants to be, but she is a little sassy around us from time to time. I think I may have influenced her with my backtalk.

After hearing her comment we all slowly nodded our heads in agreement to her voice of reason…well, all except one.

"Well, I can't wait. I'm starving!" Bec announced before she practically dove into the basket. I rolled my eyes and left her to rummage in the food while asking is anyone wanted to watch the first match. I threw one last comment at Bec about leaving us some over my shoulder before we headed to the ring.

Each competitor in the match wore either redo or blue, determined by the standard trunk protector, head protector, groin guard (at least for the guys), forearm and shin guards (the last three worn inside the uniform). Ugh, those things are so bulky and uncomfortable, I couldn't help but think. Then one of the competitos caught the other sharply in the ribs with a hard sidekick. I winced, Although, they are better than the alternative.

As we watched the contestants battle it out, I whispered to Sage and Meadow, "Looks like it will be a good match today."

They both nodded, "I just hope that the Purple Dragons don't decide to show up tonight."Sage remarked, her eyes full of worry.

"Hey, don't jinx it." Meadow said while looking around to try and find some wood to knock on. She can be a little superstitious at times.

"Relax, MD." Bec came over to join us, having finished her picnic scavenging. "Ya think the PD will honestly attack a place full of taekwondo experts?" Bec grinned.

Of course she had to say something like that before the wall exploded.

Luckily taekwondo helps to increase reflexes, so most people were able to avoid the flying bricks and rubble. As the dust settled I looked up to see a huge crowd of people all wearing purple dragon tats all swagger into the building through what was left of the wall, swinging baseball bats and chains while wearing smirks that reached their ears.

A huge guy stepped in front of the gang, cracking his knuckles as he went. He was practically a mountain with ripped biceps, triceps...sheesh, even his neck muscles bulged. His long blonde hair was swept back into a ponytail and a claw-like scar ran across his left cheek. A purple dragon tatto snaked around his arm. He had the largest smirk of all, worthy of the Cheshire cat himself, as his gaze swept across the scene of destruction before him.

He grinned, "Well, what do we have here."