Chapter One
The Cook Residents
June 28,2017
10:00 a.m.
A loud beeping sound could be heard coming from the alarm clock stationed on the nearby desk. The seventeen year old boy was slowly but surely awaking from his slumber to cut the irritating device off. That boy was Antoine J.Cook better known as AJ who was now sitting up in bed trying to shake the sleep off. AJ was African American with milk chocolate skin,light brown eyes, clean cut black hair and a toned muscular build. Stepping out of bed AJ made his way to the bathroom to begin his morning rituals. After relieving his bladder, a quick shower and brushing his teeth AJ picked up his cell phone and saw he had an unread text from his girlfriend Monique. Monique was a beautiful mix of African American and Puerto Rican she was easy on the eyes for sure with her caramel skin and curves. Smiling as he read the message which said "Good morning sweetheart hope you have a good day today." He replied back "You too bae I should have a smooth day at the dojo." With the messages exchanged AJ began getting dressed after rummaging through his closet he settled for black cargo shorts a red muscle shirt as well as red converse sneakers. Feeling satisfied with himself while looking in the mirror he heard a knock at the door. Making his way downstairs and looking through the peephole there was his best friend since childhood Hezekiah Moore.
Aj met Hezekiah Moore or Hez as was his preference back in kindergarten. They both had a love for superheroes and martial arts so by the time third grade game around their parents signed them both up for martial arts at the MMA Dragon Dojo. Years later they both have achieved the rank of second degree senior black belt and they are looking forward to testing for third degree at the end of the summer. Hez was an African American, seventeen with caramel skin with a black fro hawk style haircut athletic build and the beginnings of a mustache forming on his face. Hez was dressed in black basketball shorts a black muscle shirt and wearing all black nike Air Force one sneakers. "You ready to head to work" Hez asked jokingly. "You're hilarious, but yea we should get a move on so we can grab some food before classes start" AJ relief laughing. Closing and locking the front AJ and Hez headed to the driveway where AJ's red 2003 Ford Escape was sitting. The car was his pride and joy he went half with i his mother to get it it represented his hard work over the last few years as he wasn't always the best kid. The car was a symbol of his transformation. Unlocking the doors AJ and Hez strap as AJ starts the engine and they pull out of the driveway.
Wendy's Dinner
June 28,2017
10:45 a.m.
A slightly overweight Caucasian woman with shoulder length blond hair and glasses began calling out to one of her employees. "Hey Jasmine I'm glad you're early I need you to clock in and get ready for the breakfast rush." Jasmine was a beautiful sixteen year old Caucasian with long dirty blond hair that went to her upper back with blue eyes a toned athletic build from years of gymnastics and a warm smile. She was wearing acid washed blue jeans with a pink crop top with the words 'I'm A Lover' on it. Did someone call out again Christy" Jasmine asked. "Yeah That new girl what's her name called out again" Christy replied. Jasmine grabbed a white apron with the Wendy's logo on it which was a freckled young girl with twin red ponytails. After preparing herself she headed to the front of the dinner to work the cash register. Jasmine was very good at her job considering she worked at Wendy's every summer since her freshman year of high school she laughed to herself at the thought she will be a senior when school starts back up in September.
Waiting at the cash register for the morning rush to begin Jasmine was greeted by a pleasant surprise as two of her best friends walked in non other than AJ and Hez. Jasmine first met AJ when she moved to Irvington New Jersey in the fifth grade she was the new girl and didn't know anyone. She was an easy target for bullies as they found she was insecure and shy from being the new girl. Two notorious bullies brothers Armon and Latyff Walker were the main ones to terrorize her. Jasmine hated going to school every day as the days went by she saw herself as weak and worthless she was too afraid to tell teachers or even her parents what was happening to her. That all changed one day when Armon and Latyff decided to bully her at recess they knocked her down and we're laughing with their usual insults of her being a poor defenseless white girl when they were shut up instantaneously as AJ came running forward delivering a flying side kick knocking Armon the oldest brother clear off his feet.
Latyff was about to join the fight when he saw the look in AJ's eyes a look of pure rage was their. Seeing that and having second thoughts Latyff picked his big brother up as they walked away swearing vengeance from that moment on against AJ. Watching the bullies walk away AJ turned back around to Jasmine offering her a hand. Jasmine took it as he helped her back to his feet. "Hello I'm Antoine, but my friends call me AJ nice to meet you" AJ said. Mustering up her courage Jasmine began speaking "I'm Jasmine I'm new here thank you so much for saving me they have been bullying me since I moved here." The shame in Jasmine's face we evident, but AJ moved in and gave her a hug. "Don't worry they won't bother you because no one messes with my friends" AJ said with conviction in is voice. Jasmine began to lightly blush so she buried her face further in AJ's shirt.
Hez walked over giving AJ and high five. "Dude that was awesome I hate bullies man and don't worry Jasmine a friend of AJ is a friend of mine and by the way you mind letting my best friend go" Hez said jokingly as he extended a friendly hand out. Letting go of AJ she shook Hez's hand as well and from there the trio started a long lasting friendship which carried through elementary,middle, and high school. "Yo Jas what's up I didn't think you started yet" AJ said as he was walking to the register. "I wasn't supposed to but the new girl called out" replied Jasmine. "Man some people just aren't reliable oh well we're just here to grab breakfast before we head to the dojo to teach the early morning classes" Hez added. "Are we still meeting up with Katrina and Marseano later" Jasmine asked. "Oh yeah I forgot about that AJ" replied smacking his forehead. Let me guess you already have plans with Monique don't you" Jasmine replied with an eye roll that only Hez caught. "I was supposed to maybe we can all hand out together" AJ suggested. "Sounds great super awesome" Jasmine replied doing her best to hide her sarcasm and failing. "Come on Jas I know you and her don't exactly see eye to eye a lot but can't we all get along" AJ pleaded with his face pouting. Jasmine couldn't help it and started laughing immediately "you're such a dork you're lucky I can't resist that face." "Not that this isn't cute and all but were late I know the dojo is across the street, but I don't think sensei will take you making cute faces at Jasmine as a valid excuse" Hez added on laughing.
MMA Dragon Dojo
June 28, 2017
11:05 a.m.
AJ and Hez tried their very best to try and slide in the front door unseen. They saw their chief instructor Robert Nichols was already on the main floor warming up. Robert Nichols held black belts in multiple martial arts and opened his dojo to help people learn practical self defense and better understand themselves. Robert was a short Caucasian man in his early forties he had short cut dark brown hair and a dark brown beard and mustache. He was wearing a traditional black gi with a worn and torn black belt around his waist. At that moment Katrina Nyuenden walked onto the floor wearing a traditional Kung Fu gi with the sleeves rolled up slightly with a black belt sash around her waist with her name written on it in golden embroidery as well as two bars signifying the rank of second degree. Katrina was Asian American with long jet black hair that ran to her lower back with hazel eyes. She stood at 5'3 ,but the sixteen year old Asian could pack a punch if she wanted to.
Katrina met Hez in sixth grade after a miscommunication between them started a fight. Hez being the jokester that he was made a short joke and Katrina being the no nonsense girl she is quickly got into his face. Hez quickly going to apologize slipped and accidentally hit Katrina. Katrina immediately went on the attack throwing a fist at Hez's face. Not wanted to be hit Hez parried the blow with his left hand before using his right to guide it over fully then his left again to trap the arm down. Momentarily shocked Katrina regained her composure and spun her body throwing a reverse side kick to Hez's stomach. Hez responded by stepping into it with a strong front stance low block then quickly grabbing the left and sweeping her to the floor landing on top of her. The fight was then quickly broken up and after a lengthy talking to in the principal's office which resulted in both of them getting detention they cleared up the miscommunication and after their fight Katrina knew Hez didn't mean to hit her as he clearly had martial art skill. After bonding in detention Hez quickly befriended Katrina and introduced her to AJ. After laughing at his friend's misfortune AJ and Hez introduced Katrina to Mr.Nichols at the dojo and Kung Fu became added to the banner that was MMA Dragon Dojo.
Katrina distracted Mr.Nichols with conversation as she signaled for her friends to hurry up and change. Not missing the signal AJ and Hez quickly went into the basement locker room and changed into their martial art gi's. Both wore black gi pants but opted to wear their instructor t-shirts instead of a traditional go top. AJ's was red with instructor written across the back in black letters while Hez's was black with instructor written across the back in white letters. They both had black belts with golden embroidery like Katrina signifying they were second degree black belts only they were seniors meaning they would soon be testing for third degree. Hurrying back upstairs AJ and Hez ran right into Mr.Nichols as he had his arms crossed looking at the duo. "You're late" Mr.Nichols bellowed at the duo. "Sorry Mr.N we got caught up at Wendy's talking to Jasmine sir" AJ replied. "Why am I not surprised you're all as thick as thieves anyway get on the floor the beginner class will be starting soon" Mr.Nichols replied with a grin.
Heading on to the main floor AJ and Hez begun some warm up stretches before discussing a plan for the morning class. Since the beginner class was white through senior yellow belts the duo decided to work on the basic blocks and kicks. An hour later class was over and the kids who were on the floor dispersed back to their parents as AJ and Hez were exhausted. Katrina walked over from the auxiliary floor where she was teaching her own group of kids sweating as well and took a seat on the mat next to Hez. The main office door opened and out walked sixteen year old Marseano Lord the office manager. Marseano is a Hispanic American who stood at 5'5 with curly black hair dark brown eyes and a friendly smile. He was wearing black slacks with a blue polo shirt tucked in with blue converse sneakers. Marseano met AJ.Hez,Katrina, and Jasmine after he transferred to their middle school. Being the new kid with an accent he was targeted by Armon and Latyff as well, but was intercepted quickly by AJ's group. Ever since then he found a place with them and have all been best friends ever since. Not having much in the way of physical strength no matter how much AJ,Hez,and Katrina trained with him Marseano preferred brain power which is how he ended up working as the office manager for the dojo. "Hey guys we still on to kick it at Orange Park later" Marseano asked. "Yeah we're all still down Monique is also tagging alone" Hez added. Katrina rolled her eyes at that. "Come on Kat not you too" AJ cried. "Listen AJ I love you like a brother, but that girl gets too jealous and clingy you're not a girl so you don't see it but the way she sends subtle glared at Jasmine and I is too much sometimes" Katrina explained. "It's almost time to get ready for the intermediate class come on guys let's prepare" AJ said changing the subject.