Wednesday afternoon, three days after the Morgendorffer move was official, Quinn gingerly stepped out onto her back porch. While she would never admit it, Quinn was silently glad that the bulk of the house blocked light from the descending sun. Regardless, her prescription sunglasses were firmly in place as she looked out over the back yard. Standing in the middle of the yard Daria swung a bokken through a complicated weapon kata. Coming to a stop Daria looked over at her sister.

"Mom says dinner is in fifteen minutes," Quinn declared. "You might want to consider wrapping up, unless you want your dinner to taste like sweat."

Daria placed her wooden sword aside before beginning a slow cool down.

"I don't think sweat would make frozen lasagna taste any worse." Daria's hands said.

"Point," Quinn granted as she took a seat on one of the plastic deck chairs. "I heard you found another one of those martial arts places. Mom sounded a little grumpy about it."

"They are called dojos. I got pretty lucky, there are only six places in America that teach my art and there is a dojo coincidently near here. It is even closer to Lawndale than one near Highland."

"Well, Dad's all for you continuing. Mom's still a little put out, thinks you should be doing something else with your time." Quinn shook her head sadly. "I don't get Mom sometimes. You were a good student and all she wants you to do is quit."

Daria finished her cool down and started to gather her supplies.

"Mom doesn't like the idea of me needing to defend myself," Daria signed. "Or that I have the capacity to seriously hurt someone without significant effort."

"Then it's a good thing Mom hasn't heard about how your first day really went."

Daria blushed to roots of her hair. "I would have gone off even without the training. I probably would have hurt Mack if I hadn't had been trained. But what prey tell is it going to take to keep that quiet?"

"I'll trade it for some help with hair dye, maybe."

"Maybe?"

"Stacy is coming over Saturday to spend the night. . . . I was going to wash the dye out of my hair Saturday morning. If Stacy freaks I'm going to need you're help to re-dye my hair before Monday."

"Going to tell her the truth?"

Quinn shrugged.

"I'm going to show it to her and see how she reacts." Quinn said. "I guess I just want one person who; you know, really knows me."

"Understandable. Stacy wouldn't have been my first choice, but she seems nice enough."

"Well I guess I haven't been as lucky as you so far."

"Lucky?"

Quinn sighed. "Daria on your first day you made two new friends. Jane is an outcast from the outcasts, but everyone in your grade and down has at least heard of her. And everybody in school knows who Jodie is."

"I didn't make friends with them because of their popularity, or lack thereof."

"I know that, but you made friends that like you despite you being you. Tiffany is nice enough, but we don't share many interests outside of fashion. And Sandi hates me, even if she tries to hide it. I'm starting to regret not accepting the pep-club's offer."

"It's not too late to join you know."

"Oh I know," Quinn agreed, "but if I do Sandi is enough of a bitch to make seeing Stacy as hard as possible. I think Stacy will make a great friend, but I have to get her a little bit further away from Sandi first. Then I'll consider joining something."

"If you think she's worth the effort, I'll do what I can do to help."

"Thanks, Daria."

Jodie Landon eyed the current Morgendorffer residence will mild trepidation. It wasn't visiting the house of a new friend; but Jodie's volunteering days had left her a little skittish about this particular residence's last occupants and Jodie admitted that it also carried over to the house. Jodie privately hoped the Morgendorffers had done something with one room in particular.

A moment after she knocked on the front door, the door was opened by a middle-aged woman in a power suit. Jodie felt herself being briskly evaluated by a practiced eye. Jodie hoped the evaluation was a positive one.

"May I help you?" The woman asked, with a slightly confused look on her face.

"Yes, ma'am. My name is Jodie Landon, I was wondering if I could talk to your daughter?"

The woman's confusion lifted slightly and she moved out of the doorway and gestured Jodie inside.

"That should be fine. I'm her mother, Helen Morgendorffer. Quinn should be on the back porch."

"Oh no, Mrs. Morgendorffer; I'm here to visit Daria." Jodie blinked when the confusion returned to Mrs. Morgendorffer's face in force.

"Oh . . . Daria is in the back yard too. Do be careful, she's practicing."

Jodie considered the odd note in the way the last word was stressed as Mrs. Morgendorffer showed her to the back door. She had only just cleared the back door when she had to stop and stare.

Standing out by herself in the back yard was Daria Morgendorffer, but not the one Jodie had grown used to seeing in class the last few days.

This Daria was not wearing the bulky jacket and green skirt that marked the mute girl at school. Instead this Daria was wearing a snug t-shirt and shorts that Jodie knew would get even a cheerleader sent to the office to change.

Instead of the Daria who put forth minimal effort in gym, this Daria's shirt was soaked through with sweat and she had obviously been doing this for quite some time.

Finally, this Daria did not wield a marker and white board, but spun a wooden stick through complicated patterns occasionally interrupted by a vicious elbowing or kick.

So distracted was she by watching Daria, Jodie jumped when a voice spoke up form beside her.

"You might as well sit down. She's got another ten minutes to go before she's done, and if she stops half-way she'll be grumpy for hours."

Sitting in a deck chair, Quinn Morgendorffer gestured to the other empty chair on the back deck. Jodie noted the dyed brown hair and large black sunglasses before taking the seat.

"Does she do that often?" Jodie asked, nodding towards Daria.

"Three times a week at least, if you count the formal lessons." Quinn replied. "This is not one of her usual days, but Brittney invited her to a party tomorrow and Daria wanted to make up the workout she'd be missing."

"Daria doesn't strike me as a parting type."

Quinn shrugged. "I talked her into it. She owed me one for distracting Mom the day we left Highland. I'm trading an hour of Mom annoyance for an hour of Brittney annoyance."

"Just an hour?"

"I've met most of the people Brittney's inviting. If some sort of fight doesn't break out in the within an hour I'd be shocked."

Jodie laughed. "An hour would break a record. Brittney threw four parties last year and all of them had to be broken up by either security or the police. After the last one she was banned from hosting parties for the rest of the year. This is the first party she's had since the ban lifted."

"Great, that means it will be over the top and even more likely to end in a disaster."

"I thought you would enjoy parties more."

Quinn waved a hand in dismissal. "Oh don't get me wrong, I love parties. I don't love having to try to escape from riots. I was invited to party that turned into one last year. I barely managed to get out with just a couple of bruises; the friend I went with had her arm broken in three places."

Jodie 'ahed' and nodded. "I have a few survival tips: Don't get between the football and track teams, they don't like each other. The punch will be spiked so many times it will be more alcohol than punch. And when Kevin starts shouting it's time to start leaving."

"I thought Kevin was too . . . oblivious to start things."

Jodie laughed. "Kevin doesn't start anything, but by the time he notices and joins in it will be too late to stop it. I'm sure the neighbors will have the police on speed dial before the party starts, so just be gone before they get there."

Quinn laughed. "That is so not something I though the fabulous Jodie Landon would say."

"I've attended Brittney's parties before. I'm hoping to avoid three hours of questioning this time."

"Three hours?"

Jodie sighed and in a resigned tone said, "The track and football teams really don't like each other. How long have you been moved in? I didn't notice any moving boxes."

Quinn paused a moment at the whiplash change of topic, but decided to let the matter drop. It would be just as easy to get the story from somebody else later.

"We moved in two weeks ago. Mom wanted us fully moved in and unpacked before we started school. Something about looking professional for the partners or something. The only thing that still needs to be done is to remodel one of the bedrooms"

Jodie tried to hide a sudden burst of relief. "That would be the padded one right?"

Seeing Quinn's look of surprise Jodie explained.

"I did a lot of volunteer work when I was in middle school. I helped the man who used to own this house with his mother. She may have been old, but she had a very . . . accurate monkey impression."

It took a moment for Quinn to get it. "Eewwww."

Jodie shuddered at the memory.

While Jodie and Quinn were busy talking, Daria had finished her workout and approached the talking pair. So engrossed were they in the conversation, neither girl realized Daria was there until she rapped the porch with the butt of her bokken, startling them both.

"Damnit Daria!" Quinn shouted. "I swear I'm going to get you a bell!"

Jodie watched as Daria signed something to Quinn that seemed to mollify the startled sister a little.

"Ok fine," Quinn said, crossing her arms over her chest. "But next time walk in front of me or something. Just popping up like that isn't good for my heart."

Daria signed something briefly to Quinn that had her nodding, but then signed a much longer sentence. After the second phrase was done Quinn turned to Jodie.

"Daria wants to apologize, but she doesn't have anything with her right now that she can talk with. She also says that she stinks right now, ow!"

Quinn rubbed the back of her head where Daria's hand had hit. "Daria really says that she needs to take a shower before she starts to smell. You can wait for her in her room if you want to."

Jodie felt herself nod. "Sure I'd be happy to. That is if you don't mind, Daria."

Quinn translated Daria's reply for Jodie. "If I minded I wouldn't have offered. Just let me get a change of clothing first."

Less than a minute later Jodie found herself settled in one of the house's upper story bedrooms. Jodie had done little to hide her relief when they passed a certain bedroom before entering what must have been selected as Daria's room. Of course this meant explaining why she was relived to Daria, who left for the shower with silently shaking shoulders.

Curiosity rapidly overcame Jodie and she gave the room she was in some close scrutiny. Daria's room was slightly smaller than her own, but more practically arranged, making it seem larger. There were several posters hanging on the walls. The one that most attracted her attention was a poster sized print of an old early-color photograph. In it three people stood before an ancient looking gate. Unfortunately, the writing on the poster was an oriental language Jodie could not understand. Near the poster hung a stand in which several swords sat. Most were bare wood, but one had a sheath, Jodie assumed that one was real.

Unable to help herself, Jodie glanced at the book titles on the bookshelf that sat on the other side of the poster. Jodie recognized about half the books as being classic works of fiction while several others were about martial arts. Several of the books had titles in the same oriental language as the poster.

Deciding she better stop herself before she really started snooping, Jodie sat in the chair next to the room's desk. The desk was almost completely bare; all that was on it was Daria's pack of phrase cards, the whiteboard, and a shutdown computer monitor.

Jodie must have spent longer looking at the posters and bookshelf than she though, because she had barely sat down when she heard the door behind her open.

Jodie began to turn around, "I like they way this room is laid out, erk."

Jodie found herself turning back to the wall as rapidly as possible. She had expected Daria to return dressed in the t-shirt and skirt she had left the room with. She had not expected Daria to return wrapped in just a towel.

"I thought you took a change of clothing with you?" Jodie half-questioned, half-stated.

Jodie sat very still as a well muscled arm reached past her to pick up the pouch of phrase cards. A moment later a card touched her shoulder, without looking back Jodie took the card and read its very plain text.

"I hate my sister."

Behind her Jodie heard drawers open and close and assumed that Daria was retrieving more clothing.

"Let me guess, a harmless prank?" Jodie hazarded. "My little sister has pulled quite a few pranks on me in the last year or two. She's starting to become a real pest."

Jodie blinked when Daria, clad in a sports bra and serviceable underwear stepped into view to access the closet near the desk. Jodie was just about to make a comment when Quinn knocked lightly on the door and stuck her head in.

"Sorry, Daria. Mom took the dirty clothes hamper. She must have picked your clean clothes up too."

Daria finished pulling her t-shirt over her head and signed something to Quinn.

"Well I would have; but I didn't know before Dad asked me if I had anything to add to the load. You were already out of the shower then."

Daria sighed, then retrieved her white board and wrote a message for Jodie.

"Welcome to the Wonderful World of Morgendorffer, please mind the inmates."

Jodie couldn't help the laugh that escaped her.

While Jodie was giggling Daria took a seat on her bed. When the giggles had passed Daria held up a card.

"Questions?"

"Sure. We can swap answers."

The next card said, "You first."

Jodie nodded. "What kind of martial arts do you practice?"

"Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. It's a self-defensive style with a bokken." Daria wrote.

"How long have you lived in Lawndale?" Daria asked back.

"All my life," Jodie replied. "I was born here. Mom was born here to; she moved out during college, but moved back after marrying dad. If you don't mind me asking, what got you into martial arts?"

Daria flashed a 'wait' gesture and began to write.

"After the attack I wanted something to defend myself with. The first few places we tried were for sport or exercise, not self-defense. I was about to give up when Mom reluctantly mentioned that she had heard about someplace that taught self-defense."

Jodie looked up from the paper.

"Reluctantly?" Jodie asked.

Daria took the white board back and continued her explanation.

"The nearest Kamiya Kasshin Ryu dojo was about 30 minutes from Highland by car. They teach, and practice, self-defense there. Mom was on the prosecuting side of a few lawsuits launched in the aftermath of self-defense cases, most of which went to the defendant. Mom hates to lose. She also has a very strong stance against violence."

"Still, you'd think she'd happy her daughter could protect herself."

Daria shrugged. "Mom has a mental disconnect between her daughters being 'special' and what that really means sometimes. For instance, she'll complain about the amount of suntan lotion Quinn goes through or talks to me about being too quite when I've been signing at her for the last ten minutes."

"Doesn't you mom know sign language?" Jodie asked, highly confused.

"She does. She even puts is on her resume and business cards. The problem is that she occasionally forgets I know sign language. When Quinn and I were young we picked it up faster than she did, so when we where kids Quinn interrupted for me. Mom never quite got into the habit of looking at my hands unless I wave them in her face first."

Jodie nodded in comprehension. "And if your mom is anything like my parents that's the last thing you want to do when she's being grumpy."

"Exactly. Quinn and I have been covering for each other's disabilities since we were little. Quinn was my voice and I made sure she took care of herself. When Mom realized we were taking care of ourselves she was very proud and put the whole issue out of her mind. Unless it comes up directly, she tends to forget we both have issues."

"That reminds me," Jodie asked, "Is there anyway I could get some sign language lessons from you?"

Daria made a slightly exaggerated, 'huh' gesture.

"My parents are starting to make noises about me getting another activity or two. Maybe getting signing lessons will be enough for them. It will let me spend more time with you, and give you someone you can talk to without having to go into your coat."

"That wouldn't be bad. There are a few people in school that at least recognize sign language, however."

"Really? Who?"

"Ms. Defoe knows a little. She's not fluent, but she knows some of the important phrases. Mr. DeMartino knows some too. At least he recognized an insult to Kevin for what it was. I think Tiffany might know some."

"Tiffany? Most of the time I'm not sure she how much English she knows; I'd be surprised to learn she knew sign language."

"So would I, but still there was a little spark of recognition when I greeted Quinn in the hall with it yesterday. Other than that, a couple of the seniors know it and one of the subs we had last week is fluent."

"I'm sure you'd appreciate one more person you don't have to get ink stains to talk to."

Daria blushed lightly before deliberately writing 'thanks' on the white board.

Friday night found the Morgendorffer sisters sitting on the curb outside of Brittany's gated community. Jane and Jodie sat with them. The group was waiting for their ride to pick them up from the less than successful party. Stacy Rowe, who had snuck out after the quartet had left, had joined them in waiting for her ride.

"Well, that wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be." Quinn Morgendorffer told her companions.

The young women sitting with Quinn for rides looked incredulously at the youngest Morgendorffer.

"Not bad?" Jodie exclaimed. "There was a free-for-all starting when we left!"

"Yeah." Jane agreed. "I think I saw riot gear on one of those cops that passed us."

"I saw Brittany with a fire-extinguisher trying to break it up." Stacy volunteered.

Daria wrote. "I hate to agree with Quinn, but it was a LOT calmer than I was expecting."

The Lawndale natives looked at Daria in shock.

Quinn nodded. "There wasn't any shooting, there weren't any knives, and nothing had burst into flames. By Highland standards this was completely successful party."

"By Highland standards the party didn't start until the fist fight did." Daria wrote.

"And who is the expert in parties here?" Quinn complained. "In Highland, the party didn't start until someone threw out Bevis and Butt-head."

Daria acknowledged that Quinn had a point then held up a card saying 'town idiots' to explain it for the others.

"I thought your said town was mostly idiots?" Jodie asked.

"It wasn't that; no wait, it really was that bad." Quinn interrupted herself. "Those two were just the worst of the worst. I can't believe they weren't arrested for some of the stuff they pulled."

"Luck, I think." Daria wrote out. "Whenever they got into real trouble people would either dismiss it as them being idiots or they did something else that pulled attention from what they had done to start it all."

"They couldn't be as bad a Kevin." Jane stated.

"Oh they were." Quinn disagreed while Daria nodded. "You could add both of them together and Kevin would still be smarter and saner."

The remaining twenty minute wait was spent in a session of 'no, he's the bigger idiot'. It was a very enjoyable time, with many laughs, ewws, and I-can't-believe-its.

In the end, Jodie's arguments that insanity and stupidity were not the same were dismissed and Bevis and Butt-head won; four votes to one.