Duke wakes up early and sees Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes walking toward the Training Hall. Strom Shadow looks at Duke and smiles, "Did you had fun last night?" Duke glares at him and says, "I appreciate your incessant concern. However, the connection Shana and I are completely professional." Storm Shadow says, "Shana? You two are on first name bases already?"
The three men enter the training hall and sees Scarlet practicing there. Duke says, "You should have been resting. Your wound needs rest to recuperate." Storm Shadow says, "She will not rest. She saw your moves last night. She couldn't sleep. She runs out here. She tries your moves. She never changes."
Scarlet sticks out her tongue and hits the wooden men again. Duke is amazed how much she remembered just by staring at him. He compliments the beautiful operative, "Excellent memories. May I?" Duke asks, getting in a stand. Scarlet bows and gets into a stand. Then she runs up to Duke. Scarlet's punches are strong and determined. Her speed is amazing but she doesn't compensate her accuracy for it. Every attack is precise.
Duke and Scarlet fight for a long time. After almost 10 minutes of fighting Duke punches and kicks Scarlet right in front of her. Scarlet is so hooked on the kick and punch she didn't notice Duke's another leg is sweeping her feet form under. The beautiful girl falls down and Duke gives her his hand. Storm Shadow claps his hands, "you are the only one except Snake Eyes who last more than 3 minutes with Duke."
Duke nods, "you have advanced significantly from what I saw you on TV." The blonde commander pulls Scarlet up. Lightheadedness suddenly hits Scarlet and she faints. Duke catches her. When she wakes up, she is on her bed. Duke is sitting on her bed right next to her. Storm Shadow frowns and says, "you didn't eat breakfast, did you? I told you not to overwork your body."
Scarlet sits up and says, "It was 5am. I can't find anything to eat." Strom Shadow says, "It's all your fault. Duke. Your fancy moves made her forgot to eat. Now she fainted." Duke looks puzzled, "You hold me accountable for that?" Strom Shadow smirks, "of course! You have to take her out to eat." Duke stands up and helps Scarlet up, "It will be unwise to turn down a chance to have lunch with a lovely princess." Scarlet blushes. Strom Shadow swears he sees stars, a lot of them, in Scarlet eyes.
"Hey, Scarlet. Terry Johnson." Storm Shadow suddenly says. Scarlet replies, "who?" Strom Shadow chuckles, "nothing. Just checking something. Have fun at lunch." Duke and Scarlet leave the room. "Do you have any food preference? French? Italian? Mexican? I heard the Mediterranean restaurant has exceptional seafood." Duke offers.
"I like anything." Scarlet smiles. Duke smiles back. Then Scarlet asks, "Do you mind if we have hot dogs? I don't feel like anything fancy." Duke nods, "I am very fond of hotdog myself." Duke stops at the beach and buys two hot dogs. They eat and walk on the beach. It's so romantic that Scarlet feels like she is dreaming. Scarlet finishes her hot dog and Duke hardly eats his. He gives his hot dog to her, "It appears that you are in need of it more than I do."
"Are you sure?" Scarlet asks. Duke nods, "Let me make a proposition. If you are to pay attention to your health, I will personally instruct you on your training. You satisfy with that arrangement?" Scarlet brighten up and cheers, "thank you! Thank you!" She jumps up and hugs Duke. Duke smiles and hugs her back.
Scarlet gets back down and says, "I'll be the greatest kick-boxer in the world!"
Continues at Ch.6