This sixth installment begins shortly before the episode "On The Border" and recalls old enemy Jake Lyons in a new storyline that features the same cast of Walker favorites plus OCs Katheryn and Molly with the exception that the Rangers and Miss Cahill will soon be occupied with the events that took them away from Dallas in said episode. New recurring characters Donna Hutchinson and her daughter Bree Anna make their first appearance. Both appeared in one episode of WTR, the wedding, Donna as one of Alex's bridesmaids and Bree Anna as the beautiful young lady who sang their wedding song "Written in the Stars." Lastly, we see a peek into series regular Sydney Cooke's life before the Texas Rangers as she makes her first appearance as an officer with the Dallas Police Department.

DAY OF REGRET PART ONE

A bit of a wind gust was all that could be heard in the pin-drop silence of the Malloy's darkened living room set to the background din of the third John Wayne movie in that night's marathon lineup. Empty VHS tape sleeves and two empty pizza boxes graced the coffee table that continued to reflect the light of the Duke who battled some sort of pestilence of the prairie it seemed at that moment. But he wasn't entertaining much of a crowd anymore as the youngest had already been carried off to bed by Katie, leaving Tommy strewn out across the recliner on the brink of snoring while Trent followed close behind in another chair. Molly had since decided to return to Katheryn and her shared apartment, leaving a quite drowsy Katheryn on the Malloy's sofa next to Carlos who also fought the oncoming onslaught of sleepiness that ensued. Katheryn had at one point notice him drift slowly into oblivion during John Wayne's pursuit of Maureen O'Hara in McLintock's final scenes and had not dared interrupt the rather amusing moment taking place next to her. Slightly disappointed that he began to recover from the intense dose of drowsiness that plagued him for a few seconds, she hid a smirk, easing ever so closer to him and leaning her own tired head on his shoulder.

It was almost thirty minutes later as the credits rolled that Carlos finally pulled himself out of his stupor with a yawn. "Is it over?" He rubbed at his eyes.

Katheryn eased away from his shoulder as he stretched. She stifled an oncoming chuckle and yawned instead. "Yup. It's over. And you missed the good part." She slapped at his mid-section causing him to double-over in a fake display of pain. "Oh, stop it." Katheryn chuckled softly.

Carlos glanced at Trent and Tommy wish a grin, easing his forefinger to his lips as he quietly shushed Katheryn playfully. "Out like a light," he whispered.

Katheryn admired the scene too, comically thinking in the back of her mind that snores would begin to ensue at any moment. She turned to Carlos. "Should we wake them?"

Carlos shook his head. "No." He nodded towards the exit into the foyer. "C'mon. I'll walk you to your car."

Katheryn stifled yet another oncoming yawn as she rose to walk alongside Carlos. They quietly tiptoed out of the room, hoping not to wake the sleeping beauties. "I'm almost tempted to stay the night here. I'm so tired." She sighed, lifting her eyes to the ceiling and back down at Carlos who reached for Katheryn's jacket on the peg and lifted it so she could ease her arms into it. "Thanks." Katheryn flashed a smile as she slowly turned around to face her helper who was already smiling her way. After a brief moment of silence, Katheryn reached with a kiss on his cheek before turning away, not willing to admit the flood of emotions that overcame her every time they were alone together. She took up her handbag by the door…still smiling only to herself…as Carlos pulled himself out of the moment and opened the door for her.

The two walked together the short distance from the Malloy's side door to Katheryn's Stingray which was situated to the far side of the driveway opposite of Tommy's basketball goal before they stopped, turning to face one another as they reached the shiny red convertible. Katheryn's eyes danced about the vehicle's door as she ran a finger alongside the edge. The only other sound was the birds' soft night calls in the faraway distance.

"Will I see you tomorrow in church?"

"You know it." Katheryn smiled as her jovial gaze met with his.

"Oh!" A thought suddenly occurred to Carlos as he lifted a finger in gesture. "I almost forgot to tell you. Trent said to tell you that you and Molly are invited to come to the dojo tomorrow afternoon. He thought we all could get in some group practice together without one of his classes going on. It would be only Trent, myself, you, and Molly. Tommy may be coming also." He smiled the only way he could, finishing his thought.

Even as Carlos was putting forth the invitation, Katheryn couldn't help but smile, hoping he would finish talking so that she could accept. "I'd love to come." She returned Sandoval's smile with a cordial, broad one of her own.

"Great!" Carlos clapped his hands together once, the sound of which echoed ever so thinly into the night air. "See you tomorrow morning then?" He grinned as he took a step back, turning towards the house with a shift of one foot.

Katheryn nodded twice…firmly…aiming a meaningful smile his way as she turned to get into her car. She almost impulsively added another requiem to her goodbye…But she stifled the urge and shut the Stingray's door, enclosing her inside. She fired up the engine with one swift turn of the key and flashed on the headlights, moving to put the top down on her convertible. It was a bit cold this evening…or was it really the weather that gave her the chill?

She shook away the notion and waved one last time at Carlos before the top was secured over her as she put the car in reverse, slowly easing down the driveway while glancing briefly behind to ensure that the traffic was clear. Confirming the notion, she eased into the street, put the car into drive, and sped forward into the wake of the night's bright moon…still envisioning Carlos' last words as the wheels rolled fiercely upon the pavement before her bringing her closer and closer to home.

Katheryn glanced once at her watch before easing out of her car onto the asphalt that lined the entrance to her apartment complex. She barely remembered what it had said. Eleven o'clock? Midnight? It didn't matter. It was late…very late. She could tell by how tired she felt no matter what her watch said.

Reaching for her handbag, Katheryn swiftly found her footing on the ground nearly twisting her ankle as her foot reached some uneven pavement. She shut the door to her Stingray and ensured it was locked before continuing onward. After finding her way to the lift, she eased within it, closing the heavy door to it before softly resting her head on one side of the lift as she let her body's weight rest against it. She closed her eyes…feigning the rest she longed for as she crossed her arms, her handbag dangling from the middle of her arm as the lift raised her to the third floor she and Molly shared.

The thud of the lift drew her out of her stupor, landing in a bit of a jerk that she had to admit she wasn't one hundred percent accustomed to yet…surprisingly enough. Gaining her footing yet again, she eased to the exit, lifting the door from the floor to the ceiling with her confident might, stepping out and into the hall without a thought almost before the door was completely up as she had been doing constantly for the past few months since she and Molly had moved here.

Katheryn reached the door of the apartment slowly, almost dragging her feet as she craved a good night's rest. She had not worked in a catnap like Carlos had finagled in. Everything within her longed to simply collapse onto her bed and sleep for days. No, not days. She had a full day tomorrow. It would be the first time she sang with the choir of the First Christian Church of Dallas. It had taken some convincing on the part of Pastor Roscoe, Trent, and Mrs. Malloy to get her to do so. It's not that she was nervous. She had sang a solo just this past Christmas. It was more about her lacking the confidence to sing with harmony. She had never sang with others before. Well, besides that one time she sang backup on one song with a lady at a previous church when she was a teenager. But this was even more surreal to be leading a congregation in joyous worship in one accord with a body of melodious voices. It was a big deal to her…probably more so than others would quite understand. That is, except her closest friends.

Katheryn was processing this all for the hundredth time when Molly met her at the door, the hinges squeaking ever so gently as Katheryn extended her had towards the knob only to bring her arm back to her side swiftly at Molly's arrival. She forced a grin. "My Lord, Molly. You scared me."

Molly feigned a sad face. "I'm sorry, Kath. I just had a feeling you'd be tired and thought I'd meet you at the door."

"And for that I'm grateful." Katheryn nearly limped into the apartment, relinquishing her belongings to her willful best friend as she maneuvered her way to the living room area and let her weight collapse onto the sofa. She let out a blubbering sigh whilst forcing her eyes open. Yet it was nearly to no avail.

"Tired huh?" Molly chuckled, setting Katheryn's handbag on the kitchen counter and moving to her friend's side.

"More than you'll know."

Molly smiled. "I decided to drink a cup of coffee when I came back earlier. Big mistake!" The twosome shared a laugh. "Now I'll chatter for half an hour before I can even calm down."

Katheryn lifted a hand to her forehead and rubbed at the slight ache that surfaced there. "I hate to disappoint you, but I don't think I'm going to be much of company right now." She smiled, her eyes closing into the slumber she fought off with all her might.

Molly nearly rose to leave, sensing her friend was nearing a deep sleep and would be better left alone when Katheryn's voice stopped her. "Oh! I almost forgot. Carlos told me that Trent invited us both to join him and Carlos at the dojo tomorrow afternoon to get some karate in. I told him we'd love to." She closed her eyes back, situating her head comfortably on the arm of the sofa as she felt deep sleep coming on. She was not far from full surrender.

Molly took note of this, slowly backing away as not to wake her and gave her full reign over the sofa for the night. Molly had the feeling that Katheryn had made the sofa her bed for the night. Whether intentional or not, it was how it was going to be.

Hastening her quiet, sock-cushioned steps, Molly hurried to her bedroom and retrieved a pastel-colored afghan from her meager supply of heirlooms and returned shortly, laying it gently on the sleeping beauty and rising back to her full height, observing the little scene with a sly grin. She then made her way around the little apartment and switched off all the unnecessary lights, leaving the small corner bookshelf lamp on in case Kath were to wake up in the middle of the night. Molly knew her friend well enough to how she hated to be left in the dark. She wasn't afraid of the dark by a long shot. She was simply apt to having light rather than not being able to see her hand in front of her face.

Molly slowly tiptoed out of the room, pausing once to peek over at her roommate before continuing on into her own bedroom. She silently questioned why. For she wouldn't be getting much sleep for a while after having drank so much coffee. Molly resolved to find something resourceful to keep her occupied, knowing well that her friend needed all the rest she could for the day to come.

##

A small streak of sunlight poured in from the living room window of Katheryn and Molly's apartment, highlighting the still sleeping figure on the sofa. The little strain of little danced about Katheryn's eyelids and caused the young woman to stir in her sleep. She fought against the unseen foe that awoke her slightly as she turned over forcefully, the pretty afghan falling limp towards her other side on to the floor. The cool spring air seemed to nip at her bare arms, causing her to come awake…much to her dismay.

Katheryn yawned broadly once…then twice…before letting out a little growl as her disheveled hair fell over her face. She blew at it slightly, causing it to fall back to the side of her head as she firmly rested the base of her neck onto the arm of the sofa, gazing at the ceiling above with wandering thoughts. Shortly after, a sly smile eased onto her face, erasing her morning aggravation for a rare but brief moment. It was Sunday. She then rolled onto her other side, facing the open living space as she tucked both of her hands one on top of the other one under her as a pillow.

Taking in a deep breath of surrender as she glanced at the wall clock, Katheryn slowly rose to sitting position, her feet hitting the ground and causing her to realize she still had her shoes on from the night before. A bit of embarrassment overtook her at the thought. Yet she simply brushed it aside with a brief chuckle before shutting her eyes to the morning and stretching one last good time to start her day.

"I see you're awake." Molly grinned as she eased from her bedroom and neared Katheryn from behind.

Katheryn managed a smile despite her morning drowsiness. "Yep. I guess you'd say that." The twosome shared a brief laugh.

"How did it go last night?"

"What do mean?"

"With Carlos." Molly gave her friend an urging look.

Katheryn's breathy laugh hid her confusion as she repeated herself, "What do you mean?"

Molly shook her head. "The last I saw, you two were enjoying each other's company rather well on the Malloys' sofa."

Katheryn glared at her friend. "We were watching the movie. Same as you and Trent and Tommy."

"Right," Molly stated sarcastically rolling her eyes toward the clock. "We'd best be getting going if you want to get to church in time for choir practice."

"Why the hurry?"

It was Molly who offered the glare this time. "If I remember correctly, we got to church a couple of Sundays ago just as the choir stopped singing and Pastor Roscoe got up to preach all because you had a writer's thought just as you were putting on your makeup. You'd best start getting ready early just in case that might happen again."

Katheryn stretched one last surrendering time as she rose to her feet. "I guess you're right." She smiled. "Now I know why you're my best friend."

Molly grinned. A layer of deep satisfaction laced her demeanor. "You got that right."

After another brief laugh, the two went their separate ways…Molly to the kitchen to make some more coffee and Katheryn to the shower.

The morning passed rather quickly, not giving Katheryn really any time for diverted thoughts and waywardly listless thoughts of the imagination. No…Time was of the essence. And time was what they didn't have as they both piled into Katheryn's Stingray at a quarter passed eight, nearly sure that they would not be there in time for choir practice at eight thirty.

Ten minutes and several barely escaped stop lights later, they finally anticipated the last leg of their journey, waiting as patient as they could at a four-way stop not five miles from the church. It was rather crowded as others made their way to church, work, or whatever the day held.

Katheryn was last in queue for the right of way as she waiting, her face issuing a slightly displeased look while a cramp seized her foot. Finally, traffic let up, allowing her to successfully cross the road in full legal stance. Yet…just as she eased her foot off of the brake pedal ever so softly, causing the car to roll forward confidently into the street, a rather large van came from out of nowhere, slicing through the thin morning air into the stop, coming to screeching halt and immediate turn as it veered into the next road.

The van had barely missed colliding with Katheryn's Stingray Corvette as the twosome found their necks sore from having been thrown forward ever so violently. Yet Katheryn had thankful found the brake pedal in time.

Regaining her composure, Katheryn took a deep breath and glanced at Molly who was busy watching the road beyond as two flashing police cars also came through with a vengeance, veering onto the road the van had chosen to turn on to. It seemed at the time that more than reckless driving was to be the cause for the young ladies' near miss with eternity.

Katheryn's wide eyes greeted the scene before her with intrigue. "What in the world?"

"My word!" Molly was at a loss for words as well and settled back into the comfortable seat of the car, breathing a soft prayer of thanks that they had survived this near miss.

Despite being so shaken up, the two were able to make it to the church in one piece and carefully took a moment to consider what divine intervention had aided in that close-call as they entered the First Christian Church of Dallas with notes of the choir's anthem of joy falling on their ears and raising immense gratitude from their hearts.

##

"You did a great job." Trent offered Katheryn a warm, brotherly embrace after Pastor Roscoe had dismissed his congregation. The congregants were busy fellowshipping and filing out of the pews as the little gang remained at the front of the church.

"Thanks."

Carlos eased out of the pew behind Trent, smiling from ear to ear. "I second that."

Katheryn met with his loving gaze as she silently accepted his compliment with a broad smile.

"Now…What's this I hear about you two ladies getting into a wreck before church?" Pastor Roscoe had eased up behind Katheryn and Molly, placing a hand around each young woman.

Molly grinned. "It's no doubt that angels must have been looking out for us."

"Is that right?" Roscoe smiled, intrigued by the situation.

"What?" Carlos was as serious as he could be, fervently ignoring any other thing said as the word wreck echoed in his mind. "What happened?" He looked towards Katheryn with legitimate concern.

"I think it was a police chase. It probably came about a foot or two from kissing the front of my Stingray."

Trent's protective instincts kicked in as well. His eyes were aflame, wanting more than anything to see that all details about the situation were given to him. "Are you sure you both are okay? That sounds rather dangerous."

Molly chuckled and lifted her gaze to Trent. "We're fine. I promise. Not a scratch."

"Still," Carlos sternly shifted his gaze from Molly to Katheryn, lingering longer upon the latter as he spoke. "I'm glad you both came out of it okay."

Both Molly and Katheryn nodded and smiled routinely and repetitively as the two gentlemen walked with them down the aisle of the church, Carlos' arm securely and lovingly around Katheryn while Trent kept in step with Molly. It seemed that it would take some convincing to assure Trent and Carlos that Molly and Katheryn were safe. There was nothing to worry about...at all…whatsoever. Yet funny thing is how caring for someone else can play all sorts of tricks on the mind.

Mrs. Malloy had a large Sunday spread ready for them all when they arrived at 118 Providence Way a short while later. It was just the Malloys, Carlos, Katheryn, and Molly who joined in the feast. Miss Cahill was busy with final preparations for that week's Spring Festival while the Rangers had been called in last minute for an emergency drug ring bust to aid an undercover Ranger who was in danger of having already blown his cover. They had no choice but to miss both church and the feast at the Malloy home. Needless to say, the food would by no means go wasted with Sandoval and Tommy at the helm of the operation. They seemed to always come in handy when extra food was around.

"Alright, guys!" Trent clapped his hands together, sighing sharply as he rose to his feet, leaving his family and friends at the dinner table while he traveled the short way to the foyer to retrieve his jacket. "Time to get a move on," his voice floated into the next room where they all still enjoyed jovial conversation and some ice cream to finish off the grand Sunday lunch.

Tommy groaned slightly, stretching in his seat. As much as he wanted to stay and sprawl out in the living room with a second bowl of rocky road, he knew that an afternoon pow-wow with his brother and friends at the dojo would be the very thing that would help him train even harder and perfect his skills even more for his second state karate competition which was coming up again this summer. He had learned a lot. He was good. But he could be better.

"Right behind you!" Carlos shoved in one last bite of the creamy goodness, garnering a silent chuckle from Mrs. Malloy and Katheryn as he eased from the room, heeling Tommy from behind as the three young men met in the foyer while Katheryn and Molly were not that far behind.

##

They arrived at Thunder Karate in high spirits all five of them—Trent, Carlos, Tommy, Katheryn, and Molly—not missing a beat as each of them exchanged bits and pieces of memories they had begun exchanging during the ride over in Carlos' brand new jet black Durango which he had purchased nearly one week ago for personal use. It still smelled of newness and triggered thoughts of new beginnings as had taken place in each of their lives over the course of the past year or two.

A welcome warmth surrounded them as they filed out of the SUV and onto the sidewalk, clustering together in front the dojo, still carrying on over something of the past.

"No," Carlos shook his head with laughter, eyeing his best friend as he eased his car keys back into his pocket while tracing a path in front of his new car to the sidewalk where his friends awaited him. "I never said that."

"Yes you did!" Trent threw back with a smile as he shut the passenger door of the SUV. "You stood there and wanted me to just let the hotline ring with no regard."

Carlos feigned a pout. "But we could have had a wonderful time on that Louisiana fishing trip." He turned to Katheryn while still discussing with Trent. "We still haven't even been on that trip we planned yet. And that was nearly a year ago, mind you." Carlos pointed his finger at Trent playfully.

Trent chuckled, brushing it off while knowing it would annoy Carlos. "C'mon." He threw his arm around Carlos and began walking towards the dojo entrance. "Let's get to work."

The girls and Tommy laughed at the little exchanged with a hint of pleasure at Carlos' expense twinkling in each of their eyes. And as much as Carlos hated being teased, he also kind of loved it…but would never dare admit that!

"Alright," Trent was the first on the mat several moments later, having retreated to change into his instructor's karate uniform.

Tommy was the next one out, then Katheryn, Carlos, and lastly Molly as they all gathered on the broad blue surface of the karate classroom.

"How about a little one-on-one to begin with?" Trent continued, playfully pivoting on the surface, bouncing softly as he threw a fake punch which Carlos dodged for no reason with a sly grin.

"I'd be glad to." Katheryn was the first to speak, stepping before just as Tommy was opening his mouth to volunteer. He glared at Katheryn with a sarcastic grin which she heartily returned, a glint of victory highlighting her hazel eyes.

Carlos, Molly, and Tommy quickly retreated to the edge of the mat towards the window, not wishing by a long shot to receive any wayward side action that may be dealt by these two fierce competitors.

Trent and Katheryn exchanged eager smiles, glaring into each other's eyes fervently as they raised their hands to guard, forming a circle with their feet as they paced while finding a place to plant themselves for the first strike. They both stopped…suddenly…Trent offered the first high roundhouse kick which Katheryn dodged and blocked beautiful, sending Trent to the floor with a floor sweep as she went down low.

Trent was immensely impressed as he sprang back up in no time, pivoting some more as he panted a bit, a sweat beginning to form on each of their brows. "I can see somebody's been practicing." He smiled.

Katheryn's snarky smile was all her answer to Trent's opposing quip as she prepared for his next move.

"Haha…I see how it is." Trent stated just before he dove in, offering a swift palm block to Katheryn's oncoming pivoting round kick to the front.

The eager learner repelled backwards, nearly stumbling to the floor but regaining her fighting stance before her body had a chance to fall.

Carlos clapped a few times from the sidelines. "Good job, Kath! Keep it up!"

"Thanks!" She called back sarcastically, thankful for the cheering section but hoping he wasn't trying to put one of her playfully so that Trent could get an edge on her. It would be a cold day before she let that happen…even if Trent was her sensei.

The twosome was just about to continue on, intensifying their little mock battle when the door to Thunder Karate slowly drifted opening, the sounds of the street filtering in to be heard by the little gang as their eyes all uniformly shifting to the sounds they heard.

"Well well well…If it isn't the do-gooder Trent Malloy and his gang." A guffaw emanated from the man who had his hands stuffed in his leather coat pockets as he sauntered into the place as if he owned it.

Trent and Tommy immediately recognized the face that belonged to none other than Jake Lyons…enemy, opponent, and overall prize-winning jerk of the Dallas metro area.

Trent stopped the session with Katheryn, raising up to full height and making stern eye contact with Lyons who currently took his time surveying the growing school and Trent's friends.

Lyons glared at Carlos with a smirk. "Aren't you a little…old…for Trent's karate?" He laughed. "Cause you do realize Trent's teaching is for little kids."

Carlos glared at the man, heat rising to his cheeks as he absorbed the accusations about his best friend. He felt Molly and Tommy stepping up alongside him to look at the newcomer, putting his hand out to stop the latter from advancing on Lyons as he continued to laugh. Jake Lyons was clearly full of himself; he laughed as if he was victorious in something.

Jake Lyons continued to laugh…He was clearly full of himself…as if he knew he was victorious in something.

Trent dismissed Lyons' snarky comments with a single nod. "What do want, Lyons?"

The proud enemy scoffed. "Oh, nothing. Just came by to see how you've been holding up since I last grace your door with my presence." He scanned the ceiling above as he spoke, bringing his eyes back down below to survey the classroom yet again. "And I must say…" He began pacing the open floor in front of Trent and Katheryn. "…You've done a heck of a job with this place."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"Oh, don't be so cynical and sarcastic, Malloy. We're old friends, right?"

"Hardly."

Lyons smirked. "What do you say we prove it?"

"Prove what?"

Lyons' raised his eyebrows high. A smiled danced at his lips. "That I'm better than you. Once and for all." He chuckled, looking to the others. "He can't even keep his promises. He told me he'd face me on the mat one day. And look at him…" Lyons returned his disgusted mien of distain back onto Trent. "…He is nothing but a coward."

Trent was unmoved, keeping a firm stance as he stared Lyons down with little emotion rising to the surface of his demeanor. "That's a lie, and you know it. It was never the time…or the place."

"Yeah!" Lyons scoffed.

"But…maybe it is time now."

"Trent, you can't be serious," Katheryn whispered from the side.

"It's okay," Trent's eyes seemed to communicate to her as he glanced her way, not saying a word before returning his eyes to Lyons.

"What? You want to fight me? After all this time? You still want to get your butt whooped all over the mat?" Lyons' deep laugh echoed around them all, sending chills through them all as they watched Trent's fervent stand.

"Yep. That's what I mean. After all, we can close up this argument once and for all. And maybe…just maybe you might be able to tuck your tail and run when I'm through with you."

Lyons' laugh had died down, being replaced with a hard swallow as he forced himself back into his bitter rant. "I see. You're quite serious. Well then…" he slowly started back away, one footstep at a time as he turned, pointing his finger at the mat below quite forcefully. "I'll see you at my dojo one week from today."

"No chance. It has to be neutral ground."

"Well then Thunder Karate is clearly out of the question!"

"What about Ranger Headquarters?" Katheryn whispered to Trent from beside him.

Trent shook his head. "I'd have to ask Walker."

Lyons cupped his hand around his ear, bowing closer to them sarcastically. "What's that I hear? Oh, you're in need of calling on friends to help you out…cause you're too much of coward to do anything for yourself!" He stood back upright with a hearty laugh.

Katheryn had had enough as she sighed sharply and marched over to Jake Lyons with her finger pointed in his face. "Look, mister. We will get word to you where the fight will be. It won't be here. It won't be at your place. So shut up and be patient. It'll happen, and you'll have a chance to fight Trent. But let me assure you…Trent's going to put a big hurting on you. You can count on that!" She nodded firmly and returned to her place by Trent who had since surrendered to the urge to stop her. For it was much too late.

Meanwhile, Carlos hid a smirk of a laugh behind his hand as he watched Katheryn's display of courage. It happened again…she had surprised him.

Jake Lyons knew he was beat but still couldn't help but let another laugh escape his foul mouth. "Alright. I can see you have a generous amount of support here, Malloy. But believe me, hiding behind your friends won't help you any when I get ahold of you."

Trent was still unmoved as Lyons retreated, turning back towards the exit with a sarcastic display of hasty victory in each step he took.

No sooner had the door shut behind the villainous karate teacher than Carlos, Molly, Tommy hurried over to their two friends.

Tommy patted his brother on the back with a grin. "You'll get him good, Trent."

Trent shook his head, sighing and just barely releasing a measure of apprehension as he forced a smile.

Carlos nodded. "Yeah. You'll be able to take him."

"But where?" Molly inserted.

Trent sighed sharply once more as he raised his head. "That's a good question."

Katheryn took note of Lyons' disappearing figure as he climbed into his convertible outside and sped away. "I just hope it's not some sort of trap, Trent."

Trent nodded. "Yeah. I thought about that."

"Even if it is," Tommy insisted. "You can still prove you're better."

"Tommy," Trent turned to face his younger brother. "We can't make this about proving who's better. That would be prideful. But it is a chance to finally keep a semi-promise."

"Did you really promise that you'd fight him?" Molly eased around Carlos to offer her question to Trent.

"Sort of." Trent nodded, crossing his arms against his chest. "After Tommy secured a victory in the karate tournament last year, he made it quite clear he wanted to prove himself against me on the mat."

Molly offered a slowly-growing smile, confidence twinkling in her eyes. "I believe you can beat him."

"Thanks." Trent smiled back, reflecting upon Lyons' threats, accusations, and assurances of what he was capable of doing. Yet his thoughts also fell back upon his first days back home when Thunder passed away. How although Lyons could fight, he didn't really have the heart of a fighter. A heart that knows what they are doing. The man was blinded by rage and pride that hindered any level of sense that tried to permeate his heart. It just wasn't there.

Trent knew he had the upper hand in this respect. And humbly remembered the days that had led him up to this point. It had been a long time coming. He had known this for a while. And now it had come unexpectedly…out of nowhere…just like how your opponent could throw a punch you never saw coming.

Trent drew himself out of his reflection and glanced at Carlos with a grin. "You next?"

Carlos chuckled dryly. "I don't know. But here goes nothing."

It would take far more than threats from an old enemy to spoil the afternoon for the five close friends who battled it out on the mat that radiant Sunday afternoon.