Jason had been looking forward to the Angel Grove Martial Arts Expo for weeks, ever since the event had been announced. He had showed up early today, eager to see the match-ups... only to find that he didn't recognize his opponent's name.
It seemed there was a newcomer.
Waiting for his turn to come up, he watched the practice ring intently. This new guy, whoever he was, had showed up just in time for the Expo - literally. He hadn't showed up until the very last minute, which was why he was only doing his warm-ups now, mere minutes before their match was scheduled to begin.
And, to judge by those warm-ups, it looked like he was going to be tough to beat. Watching, tracking his opponent's moves as he practiced, Jason felt the familiar mix of intimidation and thrill. It was going to be a good fight.
"Man," Zack commented, following his friend's gaze, "that dude is pumped. Who is he?"
Jason shrugged.
Trini murmured, "I dunno, probably some new kid in school."
Kimberly angled for a better view, her expression vaguely like a cat with a bowl of cream. "He's really cute."
Jason shot her a look. Really, Kim? You're ogling my competition?
Trini caught sight of his disgruntled expression and giggled. Kim stared him down, grinning widely as if to say, So what if I am?
Jason scowled. What did that make him, chopped liver?
Kim... okay, he expected Kim to be a little boy-crazy. He should have known she'd be all over the "eye candy" at an event like this. But Trini... she was one of his closest friends and loyal to a fault, and she usually had her head on straight. So why was she whispering with Kimberly and smiling and agreeing about the virtues of his opponent?
He pouted a little at that, not that she noticed.
Hearing the announcer call his name, Jason shook his head to clear it and took his place in the demonstration ring. He glanced back over his shoulder once, to see if Kim and Trini were still gossiping about the new kid (they were), and had to roll his eyes.
Girls.