A/N: All right here we are. Hope you like it. :)

Storming The Castle

By 18lzytwner

Chapter 1

Two months after The Enemy Within

In the months that had followed the hospital stays for Stephanie, Sportacus, Stingy, and Ziggy, things changed. Stephanie seemed to be growing stronger and faster by the day and it was obvious to most that her healing ability had also increased. Sportacus was keeping a close eye on her but he never had explained what transpired at the hospital. Stingy and Ziggy were back to their old selves and everyone was very happy with that, especially Trixie.

Pixel and Robbie had been working together to get IAC back up and running but it had been a long process. The complexity of the wiring and programming meant long hours at Pixel's workshop and very rare exposure to sunshine. Still they were working harder to see what they could do to find their enemy's hideout.

The sun shone and it was time once again for training. Sportacus had been working the group pretty hard with practice between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner. But everyone was improving and he was very impressed. At the beginning he'd gotten some whining, mostly from Stingy as training would cut into his counting his things, but after awhile things went along smoothly.

"Well what are we learning today?" Stephanie asked, eager to get her body moving.

"I was impressed by everyone's kicking skills yesterday, I find that it might need some more work." He smiled. The two of them had grown closer since they both had their heart attacks, both not wanting to waste any together time. This had grossed Robbie out but they mostly ignored his poking fun.

"All of them?" Ziggy looked slightly depressed.

"Not all of them. Mostly the spin kicks." The above average hero gave the candy-lover a wink. Yesterday had been pretty disastrous when it came to the spinning part. Ziggy had managed to fall over more then actually getting a kick in and the others had been a little slow. The effectiveness of the spin kick is to put more hurt on your opponent without maxing out your own strength or getting dizzy.

"A spin kick must be fast and you must be able to adapt. To know when is the right time to throw it and when isn't. An example might be best. Stephanie, front and center." Sportacus smiled. The pink one came forward and stood near him.

"I shall demonstrate. Come at me." He directed Stephanie. She did so, using her fists first. Sportacus easily blocked the fists and moved into a swift front kick. Stephanie dodged and then saw her opportunity. The distance between them was far enough and she made the spin move. Just as her foot was coming at Sportacus' head he grabbed her ankle.

"You see how she used the kick to her advantage. The space between her and her assailant was optimal however I was prepared and was able to grab hold of her leg." At this point he let go of Stephanie's leg.

"Now I'm going to stand here. Stephanie try the kick again." He said. She did so and again he grabbed her ankle.

"Her speed has improved and here is another advantage of the kick. Stephanie hold the stance and kick with only your knee and lower leg." Sportacus let go of her ankle and she kicked using her lower leg.

"If you have your opponent in position you can deliver multiple blows to the head, neck, and shoulder region out of your spin kick. This allows you more time to get back into your fighting stance and finish your attacker off." The above average hero explained.

"Ah I see." Trixie nodded and she was all too excited to get started. Stephanie walked back to her spot and Sportacus said,

"All right. Stance!" His pupils got into their fighting stances, knees slightly bent, fists turned upward.

"Punch!" They twisted their arms and delivered punches to the air.

"Front kick!" They lifted their knees quickly and extending their legs.

"Top block!" Quickly they were back into their fighting stances lifting their arms above their heads.

"Side block!" again speed aided them in moving their arms to the sides as if to block incoming punches.

"Spin kick!" He yelled. Now was the moment of truth.

"Key-eye!" Stephanie nailed it.

"Key-eye!" Trixie had improved very much since the night before.

"Key-eye!" Stingy had also improved but his speed needed some work.

"Key-eyeeeeeeeee!" Ziggy fell over again. Sportacus chuckled slightly and went over to help the poor boy up.

"I still screwed it up." He sighed once he was up on his feet again.

"You're getting there. Practice makes perfect." The above average hero smiled and put a hand on Ziggy's shoulder. Just then Pixel came running to the group.

"We did it!" He shouted. Quickly training was forgotten and the group rushed over to Pixel's house.

To Be Continued...