The doorbell rang.
'I'll get it,' said Tristen Harker putting down her popcorn on the glass coffee table.
She scrambled off the couch and walked into the hallway. Her mother paused the film and listened for who was at the door. Tristen pulled the door open and slammed it shut immediately.
'Mum, run!' she shouted. The door shuddered as someone crashed against it, trying to force it open. Tristen pushed back hard.
'What's going on,' said her mother coming into the hall.
'Mum, please, I'll explain later, please just go!'
Suddenly the door was forced off its hinges, Tristen fell to the floor banging her head on the banister rail, the world started to spin. A cold voice boomed out orders.
'Find it, I need the amulet!'
Tristen rolled onto her back painfully; a pair of strong hands grabbed her throat and lifted her up.
'Where is it?' screamed the cold voice.
Tristen croaked her answer, 'Go to hell,'
The intruder threw her through the wooden door into the living room; she hit the wall and landed on the floor surrounded by broken plaster.
She was lifted up again, this time by her arms, Tristen stood shakily on her feet, and she could feel blood dripping down her cheek.
'Kill her mother,'
Tristen heard the words and began to struggle; more hands grabbed her to hold her body still.
'No, please, NO!' she cried out stills struggling.
Tristen sat upright trying to remain silent. The other passengers on the plane were sleeping soundly. She checked her watch, it was another two hours before the plane landed, it would be another four till she could get to Blue Bay Harbour, and then she had to find the Wind Ninja Academy. Without realising it she was fingering an amulet around her neck.
Cam tapped in the co-ordinates on his computer. A house flashed up on the screen.
'Dad, come look at this,' he said when he saw inside.
Sensei came over and looked at the screen. The inside of the house was in ruins, the furniture was tattered and broken, the front door was part way across the stairs and the curtains were ripped to shreds.
'Find Tristen,' said Sensei, his voice was edged with concern.
Cam searched the house, nothing.
'She's not there, wait a minute,' said Cam trying another room. He froze when he saw the image. Tristen's mother was lying on the floor; her neck was broken.
Cam was silent.
'It appears that they have found her,' said Sensei turning away from the screen.
'Have they found the amulet?' asked Cam turning the computer screen off.
'I do not think so, Tristen is not there, if she escaped then she will come here first,' answered Sensei calmly.
Tristen stepped off the bus at Blue Bay Harbour. Taking a deep breath she headed out from the bus station into town.
Dustin groped blindly for the wrench as he stared at the bike engine on the table before him.
'Hey dude,' said Shane as he came in to Storm Chargers.
'Hey, what's up?' answered Dustin.
'Just wondering if you were meeting Hunter and Blake down the track before training? Figured I might tag along.'
'Er, yeah, I just have to finish up here then we'll go.'
Tristen walked quickly through the streets. Every now and then she checked behind her to see if anyone was following. Eventually she came to a dirt track and started to head down it, after a while she turned off the track and headed into the trees. She saw an open space with a waterfall and a small pool. Again she looked around before stepping onto the water.
She came out on the other side of the waterfall, and continued on through some more trees. Tristen gasped when she saw the open space before her, the academy was gone. There were a few bits of rubble and the odd flag lying about. Tristen climbed carefully down the slope and stepped onto the rubble. Quickly she scanned the area and saw what she was looking for, a secret entrance.
Swinging her bag over her other shoulder she walked down the steps into a large room. Someone was sitting at a computer at the far end.
'Cam?'
Cam turned quickly.
'Tristen? Thank god, you're okay,' he said running over to her.
'I see you did some redecorating up top,' said Tristen with a small smile.
Cam smiled back, 'Lothor, he attacked the school and captured all the ninja's, oh and he turned my dad into a guinea pig'
'Hello Tristen,' said Sensei coming out from his little house.
'Oh, you weren't kidding about that part then, hello Sensei,' she said a little shocked.
'You are welcome to stay here,' added Sensei sombrely. So they knew.
Tristen nodded and looked down.
'Are you alright?' asked Cam putting his arm around her shoulders.
'Yeah... I'll be fine,' she replied quietly, glad that she didn't have to explain what happened and hoping that he wouldn't lavish unwanted sympathy on her. Tristen knew it would be easier to just carry on.
'I'll show you your room,' said Cam taking her bag from her.
'Thank you, erm I don't suppose I could have a shower or something could I?'
'Sure.'
Tristen followed Cam silently; he led her to a small bedroom just off the main room.
'You should be comfortable in here, the shower's just down the corridor there.'
'Where's your room?' asked Tristen softly not looking at him.
'Next-door if you need anything,' said Cam turning to leave, 'Come through when you're ready,' he added as he left.