When Colt went outside, K was waiting for him, leaning over the fence.
"Hey," she smiled.
"Hey," he said, "what are you doing here?"
"Hoping you would come outside," she grinned.
"Here I am," he said raising his eyebrows, "you could have just come and got me."
"Now, what fun would that be?" she laughed, leaping over the fence.
He smiled at her nervously, it was true, she made him nervous. "Wow, that was a neat trick. I couldn't have done that as graceful as you."
"Yeah? Well, that will be my means of visiting you then."
"You talk to Mel yet?"
K shook her head, "She wouldn't even look at me on the bus ride home. It is her fault, not mine. But she did ask me to see if you could get Rocky to call her."
"I'll do my best."
"Thanks," K looked down at the ground, "hey I know you are a ninja, and I was thinking, maybe you could teach me something?"
"What's that?" Colt lit up.
"Meditation. Do you know how?"
"Sure, it's not hard," Colt shrugged.
"Thanks," she said.
"Anything else?"
"Yeah," she elbowed him, "anything you'll show me."
"Cool! I'd love to. I will teach you all I know." He smiled, "you are really interested."
She nodded, "I have always wanted to learn an art. How about we start tomorrow?"
"Okay," he agreed.
"Cool, I'll see you tomorrow, same time okay? Hey don't forget to tell Rocky."
"I won't."
K disappeared and Colt bolted into the house. "ROCKY!" he called, "ROCKY!" He said throwing the door open, "K wants me to teach her karate. Isn't that just the best?"
"Yeah, whatever," Rocky looked up from him book briefly to acknowledge him, and then went back to it.
"Oh, and Mel wants you to call her," he tagged on to the end.
"WHAT!? Really? Okay, I gotta go down stairs," Rocky leapt up, marked his book and took off downstairs.
"What about me?" Tum asked, he hadn't left the room since the previous day, "did Jaz ask about me?"
Colt shook his head, "no."
"Oh," Tum tum looked down to the ground very disappointed.
Just then Mrs.Douglas knocked on the door, "Tum tum, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure," Tum tum said hopping off the bed and walking out along side his mother.
"Okay Tum tum, I know it has only been a day," Mrs.Douglas said, "But how do you feel about what has happened?"
They stood just outside the door. "Uh, well, I knew when I did it, it would get me in trouble. But I still feel good about protecting someone."
"Come on," Mrs.Douglas said walking downstairs with him, "I think you understand what happened and why your father and I decided to punish you that way. And we also think that you have had enough. So, you are free. Someone is here to see you."
They stopped at the foot of the staircase, and on the couch sat Jaz. "Hi Tum tum," she said.
"Hi," he gulped.
"You're free to go with her," Mrs.Douglas smiled at her son.
Tum tum looked up to his mother for guidence, he had no idea how to treat a girl, but he knew he wanted to go with her. There was no doubt in his mind that he liked her.
She smiled down to him, and slipping a 20 bill in his pocket she whispered, "you pay for everything, treat her nice and everything will go smoothly."
Tum tum sighed. 'Mom's always know what to do,' he thought to himself.
Tum tum and Jaz rode their bikes up to the small city just outside their town.
"Hey, what made you decide to come over to my house today?" He asked quietly.
Jaz shrugged, "Who knows why we do what we do? I just know that I am extremely lonely."
"Yeah?" Tum tum asked.
She nodded.
"How come?"
She shrugged again, "I just am…I guess I miss my family."
"Oh," Tum tum didn't know what to do now. Where was mom when he needed her? "Hey, I noticed you always wear long dresses, why?"
"I don't know, it is how I feel comfortable."
Tum tum smiled, "That is good, comfort is always good. They look nice too."
"Thanks," Jaz said. She knew K would die if she saw her now, she was so relaxed. Jaz smiled, it felt really good to be causal.
They talked and walked together the whole afternoon. Tum tum bought them ice cream and candy, Jaz admitted to him that she had never dreamed of eating such things. Tum tum had been shocked, his comment was, "No wonder you're so skinny. Well, I'll see what I can to about that." She had laughed. They went to the park. Justin was there. They had talked to him for several minutes, and decided that Justin was too mundane for their liking and moved on. The sun was beginning to set.
"I guess we better get moving," Jaz suggested.
Tum tum looked to the ground, he didn't want to leave her yet. He knew they should be getting home, but how could he keep her just a few minutes longer. Then it hit him, "Yeah, you are right. But…"
"But?"
"But we have to watch the sun set first, it'll be great."
"You don't strike me as a sunset kind of guy."
"Well, maybe I am." Tum tum puffed up his chest.
"Well," she thought on it, "I am a sunset kind of girl. Lead the way to the best view."
Tum tum nearly kicked himself for that one, he had never seen a sunset. And he knew even less about where to go for the best view. Then it hit him, he knew the best spot. He offered his hand to help her up off the curb, "I know, but we have to hurry or we'll miss it."
She took his offered hand, "Okay."
She had difficulty keeping up with him, she was not in the shape he was…in fact it was though she didn't ride bikes very often. But they made it to Tum tum's spot. It was a small cliff near the Douglas home. He and his brothers spent many days practicing there after coming back from Grandpa's. And he was right, the view was breathtaking. Tum tum had never thought he would notice such a thing. But when he looked at it, with the beautiful girl at his side, the colors seemed to come to life. He had never experienced a more perfect moment in all of his life.
She seemed to melt, her head had somehow found it's way to Tum's shoulder. He could feel her breathe, she sucked in a deep breath when the sun vanished completely.
She looked up to him, "it's comforting, like it's all you need to know that tomorrow will bring a new day. Putting all the rotten stuff behind you, or looking forward to the continuation of a new beginning."
Tum tum looked down to her, was he supposed to feel this way? Everything seemed different in that moment, like she had just explained. He leaned into her, she didn't move. He leaned a little closer. She still remained. His mouth was mere inches from hers, and she still didn't move. His lower lip trembled, and he could feel her body quiver. She leaned a little closer to him, and time seemed to slow as their lips came within touching distance, and then…"TUM TUM!" It was dad. Both of them nearly jumped from their skin. He even heard her give a little squeek.
Tum tum rolled his eyes, "I gotta go, that's my dad."
"I do too," She said, "I hope Mrs. Crawford isn't worried."
"Yeah, me too."
She stood and looked down to him, "Well, bye."
"Yeah, bye."
She turned to go.
"Wait," he said.
She turned, hopeful. "Yes?"
"Will I see you tomorrow?"
"You can count on it," she smiled at him, and then disappeared.
When Tum tum got home Rocky was still on the phone and Colt was watching T.V. All Tum could think about was the kiss he just missed.
3 days later K met Colt at the fence, she had been training for 3 days. She hopped over the fence. "I think I am making progress."
"Well, you can kick now," Colt smiled with satisfaction.
"I'm here," they heard from the other side of the fence.
"Mel?" Colt asked.
She climbed over the fence, not quite as graceful as K, but she made it.
"Hey Mel," K smiled, "what are you doing here?"
"I have come to learn too, I want to be a ninja. A girl needs to know how to protect herself, right?" Mel pulled her long black hair up in a bun. She wore sweats, and looked ready for practice.
Colt stared at her. One student was enough, he didn't know if he could handle two. Just then Rocky appeared at the door. "Mel," he smiled, "how's it going?"
She glided over to him and brushed her fingers along his cheek, it hadn't taken them a day to make up. Rocky had, in fact, asked to be her official boyfriend. She hadn't thought twice, she was Rocky's girl. She looked up into his deep green eyes, "I want to be a ninja Rocky."
Colt looked over to Rocky with a grin, "Come on man, we can work together."
"Sure," Rocky said with admiration, Mel succeeded in impressing him daily, "I am all for you learning to be a ninja."
Mel smiled, "Cool."
2 more days and both girls were sweating and panting, fighting one another. Rocky and Colt took pride in their apprentices, Tum tum was even helping. Mr. Douglas appeared in the back door, "Boys?"
He had watched for several minutes, although he didn't agree with ninja, he took pleasure in watching the boys…they were good at what they did.
"Yeah dad?" Rocky turned to his father.
"I have been watching you all week long."
"Yeah, I had noticed you were home all week long," Colt snickered.
Mr. Douglas ignored his adventurous son, "I have watched K and Mel leap over that fence daily."
All four of them looked to the ground. "I am sorry Mr. Douglas." K said.
"Don't be sorry K, I am the one who is sorry. I was thinking perhaps tomorrow, since it's Saturday, and I have the weekend off, we could put a door in that fence. Just for you girls."
Colt lit up, "That would be great!"
"Dad?" Rocky asked, "can we still borrow the car to go to the festival on Sunday?"
"Sure Sam." Mr. Douglas said, and went back inside.
"Cool, that means your dad welcomes us all the way," Mel exclaimed.
Rocky nodded, "he likes you guys."
Just then they all heard something over near the fence. They all turned, and just on their side of the fence stood Jaz, "I am ready." She stated solemnly.
"What?" Tum tum asked.
"I need this too," she looked to him pitifully, "teach me?"
Tum tum smiled, "Of course."
Sunday morning came early. Mel, K, and Jaz were up at dawn and ready an hour later. They came over to the Douglas's house at 7am.
Mel knocked, and Mr. Douglas answered the door.
"Morning lady's…wow, you look nice," he smiled letting them in.
Mel bowed gracefully, she lore a long fluffy medieval dress. It was a pale blue with white lace lining and dark velvety sleeves. K was dressed as a sword's woman, in tight brown leather pants, and an earth tone tunic that looked as if it had been through many battles. She had a hooded cape draped around her neck. Jaz was dress as perhaps a wizardess or sorceress, she had on a red robe; trimmed in black. The hood was pulled up around her face and her hands were folded across her chest in the long bell-like sleeves.
"Thank you," Mel said when she stood again.
"The boys are almost ready, I know that they wanted to spend the day there. However they are very tired, putting the door in took a lot out of them," Mr. Douglas said. "Boys! The girls are here for you!" Mr. Douglas called.
"Coming," Tum tum called a yawn in his voice.
Moments later the boys appeared. Rocky almost fell down the stairs, Mel looked like an angel to him. Colt gave a slight snicker, he always knew he would choose a tough girl. Tum tum didn't know what to think.
The boys were all dressed period too. Rocky was dressed like a noble man, if it was a tournament day he would be clad in armor; however today was the day of a festival. He wore the grab of a prince. White leggings clung to his musclely legs, a freshly pressed tunic around his chest. Colt was dressed as a musician, bards they were called. His guitar strapped to his back, a lute he called it. Colt's dress was that of a commoner, brown leggings, a brown tunic, and journeyman's boots. Tum tum looked like a thief. He wore a black poet shirt, and black leggings. He had a phony dagger strapped to his thigh, and his hair was slicked back to keep it from his eyes.
"Wow, what a group we make," K smiled.
"I am so sore," Tum tum complained.
"I told you," Mr. Douglas looked down to the girls, "I told you they were tired."
K smiled up at their father and then looking back to the boys she smiled, "where did you guys get the costumes?"
"Mom is an awesome seamstress. I was thinking the same thing about you guys…I thought you didn't know what the festival was about?" Rocky asked.
"It just took some refreshing," Mel smiled.
"Well, are you guys ready? Or are we going to stand here and talk about it all day?" Colt jumped in.
"We're ready," K smiled.
"Good, so are we."
The field was set, the knights were jousting, the vendors were selling, and the chefs were cooking. It was a beautiful day.
K smiled over to Mel, "this is going to be a glorious day."
Mel nodded.
"Mmmm, food," Tum tum said. Rocky and Colt rolled their eyes. "I definitely could have handled living back then. It smells so yummy."
"Only if you could afford it," Mel said, "and by the look for your class…you would be picking out of garbage cans."
"Hey!" Tum tum protested, "I'm going for food." He turned to Jaz and with a wide smile he asked, "want something?"
She shook her head, "No, thank you."
Tum tum put his hands on his hips, "You can't say that, you never eat Jaz! Of course you want something."
She looked surprised for a minute and then changed back to her solemn self, "okay, but I am coming with you to see what I want."
"That's better," he smiled at her, "well, what are we waiting for," he took her hand, in the back of his mind he still wanted that kiss, "let's go."
"Well, my lady," she said to Mel, and turning to Rocky she bowed, "your highness…I supposed I am off. With your permission of course?"
Rocky waved his hand with a proud look, "You may go wizardess. And keep that thief out of my site."
Tum tum just growled under his breath, he should have chosen the prince as well.
K just laughed, Rocky could play along well.
"Let's go watched the jousting," Colt suggested.
"Yes, let's do that," K agreed.
"What do you say Rocky?" Mel looked at him hopeful.
"Sure, as you wish my princess."
They all hung over the rail watching in suspense as armored men on horseback charged one another. They smashed one another breaking lance after lance, some fought on foot when thrown from their horses. Finally one was named victor. Everyone cheered, and it was time he chose a lady.
"Wait!" Mel cried.
Everyone, knights audience, everyone looked at her.
She smiled and lifted her chin, "Before you are called the champion," she began, "I demand that you battle my swordswoman. Blade against blade."
K turned to Mel with a surprised look, she whispered harshly "Mel, what are you doing? Do you wish me to die?!"
"Trust me," Mel smiled taking K's hand to help her over the fence.
"I have heard that too many times before to believe it now," K argued quietly.
"K!" Colt ran to her side, "Are you sure this is a good idea, I don't want you to get hurt."
K looked at Mel, and Mel smiled back. K looked over to Colt, "I'll be fine…I promise."
Colt studied her intently, "You better be," he turned to Mel, "or you are going to be very sorry Princess."
Mel turned her nose up, "I won't be sorry, my swordswoman is the best in the realm."
Colt grabbed Mel's arm and jerking her hard in his direction he snapped, "this isn't a game Mel!"
Mel looked into his eyes very serious, "No it's not, you're right there."
Colt let go of Mel and looked at her for an answer. She was acting so strangely. Mel and Colt turned around just in time to see one of the knights leading K out in front of the armored knight.
The knight bowed to her without a word. She did likewise. She looked to her side, only a wooden sword hung there. She heard the knight laugh bitterly. He grabbed one of the men next to him and stole his sword. He stepped closer to K, and turned the sword in K's direction. Before taking the sword K had the opportunity to get a decent look at the guy's size and stature. He was a rather small man, but it was obvious that he was powerful. She quickly grabbed the sword as he made small circles around her. K was surprised to find that the sword wasn't nearly as heavy as these burly men made them out to be.
"Do you know how to use that?" He laughed.
"I'm sure I can figure it out," she snapped.
"Cocky," he said, surprised. "You haven't changed." Before he had finished his last word he came down on her with the sword. K leapt back. The crowd oh'ed.
"What did you say?" She said while dodging.
"Shall I give you a lesson on how to use that before I smash you?"
K wrinkled her brow. The crowd was getting into it, as though it was part of the show. Rocky and Colt stood wide-eyed and fearing for K's safety. K's heart was racing, she was fearful of this large man. Why had she let Mel do this to her again?
K spit in his direction, "Never!" She lashed out at him with the large awkward sword. To the knight's surprise he had to dodge her blow. She swung again. It was obvious that it came natural to this girl. They attacked one another, sparks flying at the clanking of metal. Mel smiled, but she knew K's heart wasn't in it. The battle went on for several minutes while the crowed roared with enthusiasm. Finally the knight forced K to her knee. Her sword still blocking his.
"Yield?" He asked.
"Yes." She said pushing his sword away.
"Say it, I want to hear it," he said.
"I…" she paused, "YIELD!"
He dropped his sword, K wiped her brow with the back of her arm.
He turned to the crowd and raising his arms to hush them he said, "And now for my lady," he announced while removing his helmet. A deadly silence fell over the crowd. He was a handsome man of perhaps 20 years of age. He had long dark hard that fell ruggedly about his face. He turned on his heels and offered a hand to K. She looked up to him wide-eyed, unable to speak. "The one brave enough to fight myself."
She took his offered hand, as etiquette called. And with a weak smile she gave the crowd a wave.
Mel slapped Colt on the back and said, "Told you."
Colt's face was a vibrant shade of red, this man chose his woman. Rocky still stared.
"Wow," Rocky said, "she's pretty good. Definite potential."
Once the crowd had dispersed K ripped her hand from his, "Balthisar!" She turned to him with disgust, "what are you doing here!?"
He laughed at her, "Ahhh Lady Kelsey, I have always wanted to hear you tell me you yield."
"Oooh," K hissed, "didn't I tell you before we left…I hate you!"
"Many times, now where is Jaz?"
K looked around, "Does it really matter? You have not yet answered my question, what are you doing here?"
"You haven't answered mine…where is she?"
"She doesn't want to see you."
The man K called Balthisar looked hurt. "Damn it K, why so harsh all the time?"
"I'm sorry Bal, she is with Tum tum…they went for food."
"Tum tum?" Balthisar looked even more damaged, "And she…she eats for him."
K nodded, "I think she likes him."
Balthisar scowled, "well we'll just have to meet this man who has captured my lady's heart."
"Come on Bal, meet our friends."
"Mel," he said with a tiny bow.
"Bal, how are you?"
"Well. And you?"
"Well, any word?"
Balthisar nodded, "Later, okay?"
"Sure. This is Rocky, my Prince. And that is Colt, K's bard." Mel said.
"Please to meet you gentlemen."
Rocky smiled with a nod. Colt's only reaction was the raising of one of his eyebrows.
"You know this guy?" Colt asked.
K nodded, "Yes, he is an old friend."
Colt still looked skeptical.
"Hey Balthisar," K said, "I think I saw Jaz over there. You couldn't possibly miss her."
"I'll meet up with you guys later." Balthisar told them as he trotted off in the direction K had pointed.
"He won't win her heart, even as a knight." Mel sighed.
K shook her head in agreement.
Tum tum and Jaz had picked up all kinds of wonderful food and were now happily munching on the mini feast they had created.
"Pass me the turkey leg?" Tum tum asked.
Jaz gladly did so, "this is good stuff Tum tum, you have a way of picking out food."
Tum tum smiled, "thank you Jaz."
"Hey watch this, I can show you a trick," she backed away from the table a bit.
"Okay, I'm watching," Tum tum smiled with a mouthful of Turkey.
Jaz reached deep into one of her bell-like sleeves and pulled from them a fistful of fire.
"Woah!" Tum tum smiled.
She tossed the ball of flame from one hand to the other, until finally it appeared as though she got board…even though she had drawn a crowd. She tossed the ball high into the air, and when it came back down into her hands it was gone.
"Wow," Tum tum said, along with several other passers-by. When she returned to her seat Tum tum asked, "How did you do that?"
"Does a magician ever tell their secret?"
Tum tum shook his head no.
"Well, perhaps one day I will tell you. But not now."
Tum tum laughed, damn she was cool.
"A Rouge?" They heard.
Both Tum tum and Jaz looked up to see who had spoken to them.
"Balthisar." Jaz whispered quietly and then more audible, "Yes, that is what he is."
"Why is a Lady of your beauty associating with such riffraff?"
"When does anyone associate with anyone out of their class?" Jaz played off of Balthisar's question, "such as yourself Sir Knight?"
"Wizards are above the thieves," Balthisar argued.
"Yes, My Lord, but mages are not in the same class as the knights. Where is your history?"
"When they are the daughters to the King's advisors they are."
"And who says I am the daughter to the King's advisor?"
"Oh, well perhaps I had you mistaken for the wrong magic user."
"Perhaps," Jaz said sitting next to Tum tum. Balthisar squeezed his eyes shut, he realized he had backed himself into that corner. Even if he hadn't Jaz would have a way of doing it herself, she was a quick lady.
"Is this man giving you trouble m'lady?" Tum tum said finally diving headfirst into the conversation.
"No dear," Jaz said putting her hand on his forearm.
Balthisar sucked in a deep breath, she called him dear…and she touched his arm.
Balthisar took the glove from his hand and dropped it on the table in front of Tum tum, "for the Lady's honor." Balthisar suggested.
Tum tum reached out and picked up the glove with a confused look on his face. He turned to him, "Huh? I think you dropped his big guy."
"Oh no!" Rocky, Colt, Mel, and K had just arrived.
"What?" Tum tum asked.
Jaz looked over to him with a worried look, "I wish I had seen sooner what was going on."
"Too late now," Mel said, "he accepted the challenge."
"I DID WHAT?" Tum tum asked in shock.
"You accepted the offered glove, a battle challenge," Mel explained.
"I did?" Tum tum asked.
"Yes," K said sadly.
"That's right, you did," Balthisar smiled.
Tum tum only looked up to the man with his eyes. "I'll take you."
Balthisar laughed.
"No," Jaz jumped in, "I will accept the challenge in his place."
Everyone looked over to her in shock, she was so tiny…there was no possible way she could fight this large man.
"You can't do that," Balthisar said.
"It's true that someone can accept an offer of battle for someone else…correct?"
"Well, yeah, I guess," Balthisar said.
"Fine, than I accept," Jaz said.
"But I don't want to fight you."
"Good then it's decided, you yield, and we win." Jaz turned and took her seat again next to Tum tum. Colt gave a small snicker, he remembered when she had given him the run around the day they met.
Rocky, Colt, Mel, and K spent the rest of the day walking around the festival playing with crowds as thought they were really royalty, Balthisar trailing close behind. Tum tum and Jaz also adventured around the fields, seeing what there was to see and staying in character. The group went home with the warm feeling of excitement and entertainment. Balthisar had left promising Mel, K, and Jaz he would visit them in a few days.
The next two weeks were the longest of their lives. It was filled with final exams and summer fever. Mel, K, and Jaz were always wiped out, training everyday wore hard on them. Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum were eager to get away for the summer and up to Grandpa's cabin.
"Kick," Rocky ordered.
"I can't kick any more, Rocky," Mel complained dropping down at the Douglas's picnic table.
"She's right Rocky," Colt said, "there is nothing more we can teach them, they have been doing the same kicks for the past three days straight."
"How would Grandpa teach them?" Tum tum asked aloud.
"That's it!" Colt said, snapping his fingers.
"What's it?" K asked.
"You could come to Grandpa's with us, there is no more that we can teach you…but Grandpa could teach you everything."
"I don't know," Mel said, "Grandpa will be way harder on us than you have been."
"Stop it Mel," K said, "I'd love to go. What do you say Jaz?"
Jaz shrugged, "Sure, I've got nothing else to do all summer."
"We have to call Grandpa, and make sure it is okay with him," Rocky explained, "but overall I think it is a great idea. What do you say Tum?"
"YEAH! I think it'd be great," Tum tum admitted.
"Come on Mel, what do you say?" K asked.
"Okay, but I better not get too dirty. I guess it'll be okay," Mel said.
"Cool," Colt said, "we leave tomorrow, I better go call Grandpa right now."
The next morning all 6 of them were riding to the woods in Grandpa's giant boat of a car. With the top down all of them were singing along with songs on the radio, save Grandpa. Once to the cabin Grandpa let the boys off to their upstairs room, and took the girls across the house.
"This will be your room girls," Grandpa smiled.
It was a quaint room big enough for the three of them with three little beds made on the ground.
"Thank you Mr.Tanaka," K smiled setting her bag at her feet.
"Please, call me Grandpa," he said with a smile.
"Absolutely…Grandpa," K said.
"You girls can get your things set up and then come out and we'll make breakfast."
They all nodded.
"It's tiny," Mel said looking around.
"Mel, can you ever be satisfied?" Jaz asked.
"Can you?" Mel argued.
"I am now," Jaz glared at Mel.
"Knock it off, you scare me," Mel said.
"Stop it both of you, this is going to be a great time," K said. "Give it a chance Mel. Jaz lay off, you know you terrify Mel…just leave her alone."
"She should feel safe when I am near," Jaz smiled.
"Yeah, when I am not under your wrath," Mel said under her breath.
"I hope Bal doesn't follow us," K said, "I just want to be left alone now."
Mel and Jaz nodded together.
They started training that day, it was obvious that Grandpa wanted to jump right in and get the girl's feet wet for his style of training.
"First we will begin with exercises," Grandpa explained.
"Okay," K said, "What shall we do?"
Grandpa pointed over to a group of tires that were tired together with rope that extended out from the tires. "You pull me, up the hill…over there." The girls followed Grandpa's finger that pointed to a large hill hidden by trees, far off in the distance. Mel heaved a great sigh. "Boy's you practice the routines we learned last summer."
"WHAT!?" Mel exclaimed, "you mean all by our selves?"
Grandpa laughed, as did the boys. "Yes, my child, all by yourselves."
Mel jabbed an accusatory finger into K's chest, "and this is all your fault, "what a great idea"," she mimicked.
Grandpa lay a calm hand on Mel's shoulder, "it is evident that you dear, are full of fire. But trust me, and ask the boys, you will get used to my kind of exercise."
Jaz said nothing, she simply walked over to the contraption and found her place in the line, at the back. She waited silently for the others to stop arguing.
Soon Mel found herself leading the way up a steep incline while Grandpa sat on the tires reading a book. But the time they were done and had come back down the hill, which was really the trick (keeping Grandpa from running them over by sliding down the hill), it was time for lunch. The second part of the day was spent the same way.
The next morning Grandpa woke the girls with a test. The one he used to use on the boys, a bamboo stick with a leaf on the end of it…to tickle their noses. Surprisingly all three of them passed.
The second day was spent very similarly to the first. Much exercise for the girls, and practicing for the boys; this time with the light up dummy. It didn't take much for Mel to complain again. Grandpa eased her mind with a few kind words. The boys found it odd that Grandpa trusted them enough to practice on their own, but the even more bizarre part was that they did it without question and no breaks as if Grandpa were watching them the whole time.
Grandpa kept a hard watch over the children making sure no time was spent in one another's rooms, but he gave them their time to socialize. However, many times the girls were too tired to do anything but fall fast asleep.
One night, about two weeks into their training, when Grandpa had gone to bed and the boys were surely fast asleep Mel, K, and Jaz sat up and talked.
"K this is kicking my butt, really I think I am going to die," Mel wined.
"Mel, think of it like your sword training, it isn't much different," K said.
"It is," Jaz said, "I am tired."
"Yes, but you don't sword fight little lady," K said.
"I guess," Mel said, "I hadn't thought of it that way."
"See, it's really great to get the body moving like that," K said.
"I just want to get to the training part," Mel said.
"We will," K smiled, "when Grandpa thinks we are ready."
"I am ready know!"
"I think it'll be soon, but as long as you behave that way he'll never think we are ready," K told Mel.
"I guess," Mel said looking to the ground, "Hey K…do you think…"
K smiled, "I was thinking the same thing…let's go."
"K, are you sure?" Jaz asked.
"Yeah, I think so. Everyone is asleep. Do you think something is wrong?"
"I don't know," Jaz said, "I just don't think we should let our guard down no matter how far away from the city we are."
"Okay we'll take that into consideration," Mel said reaching into one of the many bags she had brought along. She pulled out a beautiful sheathed long sword. K leaned over and the sword she had brought along in her solitary bag. Jaz picked up a tiny leather bound book she had brought along.
"Let's go," K said.
The three of them slid out of the cabin without making a sound. They slipped into the far woods that they had been exercising in.
"We should be far enough away now not to make any sound that will wake them," K said.
Mel pulled her sword from its intricately designed sheath. "Ready then?"
K nodded pointing her sword at Mel. Jaz had assumed a safe spot far away from the Mel and K, she had her nose pressed firmly in her book. Somehow the darkness didn't bother her.
Mel lunged for K, K blocked Mel's blow. The two broke into a fierce sword fight.
"I meant to ask you awhile ago," Mel said between blocks and slashes, "why did you let Balthisar win that fight?"
K continued the battle simply, "it would have looked strange to the crowd and to the guys if I had won. It was difficult telling that bafoon that I yield. You are getting slow."
"I am out of practice."
"Me too," K smiled blocking a stray blow made by Mel. "Perry, Mel, Perry."
"Defend K," Mel said.
The sword's clanking didn't even affect Jaz who was still happily studying away.
What the girls didn't know was that the little old ninja master that has opted to train them was watching from a nearby tree in amusement.
"Hey," she smiled.
"Hey," he said, "what are you doing here?"
"Hoping you would come outside," she grinned.
"Here I am," he said raising his eyebrows, "you could have just come and got me."
"Now, what fun would that be?" she laughed, leaping over the fence.
He smiled at her nervously, it was true, she made him nervous. "Wow, that was a neat trick. I couldn't have done that as graceful as you."
"Yeah? Well, that will be my means of visiting you then."
"You talk to Mel yet?"
K shook her head, "She wouldn't even look at me on the bus ride home. It is her fault, not mine. But she did ask me to see if you could get Rocky to call her."
"I'll do my best."
"Thanks," K looked down at the ground, "hey I know you are a ninja, and I was thinking, maybe you could teach me something?"
"What's that?" Colt lit up.
"Meditation. Do you know how?"
"Sure, it's not hard," Colt shrugged.
"Thanks," she said.
"Anything else?"
"Yeah," she elbowed him, "anything you'll show me."
"Cool! I'd love to. I will teach you all I know." He smiled, "you are really interested."
She nodded, "I have always wanted to learn an art. How about we start tomorrow?"
"Okay," he agreed.
"Cool, I'll see you tomorrow, same time okay? Hey don't forget to tell Rocky."
"I won't."
K disappeared and Colt bolted into the house. "ROCKY!" he called, "ROCKY!" He said throwing the door open, "K wants me to teach her karate. Isn't that just the best?"
"Yeah, whatever," Rocky looked up from him book briefly to acknowledge him, and then went back to it.
"Oh, and Mel wants you to call her," he tagged on to the end.
"WHAT!? Really? Okay, I gotta go down stairs," Rocky leapt up, marked his book and took off downstairs.
"What about me?" Tum asked, he hadn't left the room since the previous day, "did Jaz ask about me?"
Colt shook his head, "no."
"Oh," Tum tum looked down to the ground very disappointed.
Just then Mrs.Douglas knocked on the door, "Tum tum, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure," Tum tum said hopping off the bed and walking out along side his mother.
"Okay Tum tum, I know it has only been a day," Mrs.Douglas said, "But how do you feel about what has happened?"
They stood just outside the door. "Uh, well, I knew when I did it, it would get me in trouble. But I still feel good about protecting someone."
"Come on," Mrs.Douglas said walking downstairs with him, "I think you understand what happened and why your father and I decided to punish you that way. And we also think that you have had enough. So, you are free. Someone is here to see you."
They stopped at the foot of the staircase, and on the couch sat Jaz. "Hi Tum tum," she said.
"Hi," he gulped.
"You're free to go with her," Mrs.Douglas smiled at her son.
Tum tum looked up to his mother for guidence, he had no idea how to treat a girl, but he knew he wanted to go with her. There was no doubt in his mind that he liked her.
She smiled down to him, and slipping a 20 bill in his pocket she whispered, "you pay for everything, treat her nice and everything will go smoothly."
Tum tum sighed. 'Mom's always know what to do,' he thought to himself.
Tum tum and Jaz rode their bikes up to the small city just outside their town.
"Hey, what made you decide to come over to my house today?" He asked quietly.
Jaz shrugged, "Who knows why we do what we do? I just know that I am extremely lonely."
"Yeah?" Tum tum asked.
She nodded.
"How come?"
She shrugged again, "I just am…I guess I miss my family."
"Oh," Tum tum didn't know what to do now. Where was mom when he needed her? "Hey, I noticed you always wear long dresses, why?"
"I don't know, it is how I feel comfortable."
Tum tum smiled, "That is good, comfort is always good. They look nice too."
"Thanks," Jaz said. She knew K would die if she saw her now, she was so relaxed. Jaz smiled, it felt really good to be causal.
They talked and walked together the whole afternoon. Tum tum bought them ice cream and candy, Jaz admitted to him that she had never dreamed of eating such things. Tum tum had been shocked, his comment was, "No wonder you're so skinny. Well, I'll see what I can to about that." She had laughed. They went to the park. Justin was there. They had talked to him for several minutes, and decided that Justin was too mundane for their liking and moved on. The sun was beginning to set.
"I guess we better get moving," Jaz suggested.
Tum tum looked to the ground, he didn't want to leave her yet. He knew they should be getting home, but how could he keep her just a few minutes longer. Then it hit him, "Yeah, you are right. But…"
"But?"
"But we have to watch the sun set first, it'll be great."
"You don't strike me as a sunset kind of guy."
"Well, maybe I am." Tum tum puffed up his chest.
"Well," she thought on it, "I am a sunset kind of girl. Lead the way to the best view."
Tum tum nearly kicked himself for that one, he had never seen a sunset. And he knew even less about where to go for the best view. Then it hit him, he knew the best spot. He offered his hand to help her up off the curb, "I know, but we have to hurry or we'll miss it."
She took his offered hand, "Okay."
She had difficulty keeping up with him, she was not in the shape he was…in fact it was though she didn't ride bikes very often. But they made it to Tum tum's spot. It was a small cliff near the Douglas home. He and his brothers spent many days practicing there after coming back from Grandpa's. And he was right, the view was breathtaking. Tum tum had never thought he would notice such a thing. But when he looked at it, with the beautiful girl at his side, the colors seemed to come to life. He had never experienced a more perfect moment in all of his life.
She seemed to melt, her head had somehow found it's way to Tum's shoulder. He could feel her breathe, she sucked in a deep breath when the sun vanished completely.
She looked up to him, "it's comforting, like it's all you need to know that tomorrow will bring a new day. Putting all the rotten stuff behind you, or looking forward to the continuation of a new beginning."
Tum tum looked down to her, was he supposed to feel this way? Everything seemed different in that moment, like she had just explained. He leaned into her, she didn't move. He leaned a little closer. She still remained. His mouth was mere inches from hers, and she still didn't move. His lower lip trembled, and he could feel her body quiver. She leaned a little closer to him, and time seemed to slow as their lips came within touching distance, and then…"TUM TUM!" It was dad. Both of them nearly jumped from their skin. He even heard her give a little squeek.
Tum tum rolled his eyes, "I gotta go, that's my dad."
"I do too," She said, "I hope Mrs. Crawford isn't worried."
"Yeah, me too."
She stood and looked down to him, "Well, bye."
"Yeah, bye."
She turned to go.
"Wait," he said.
She turned, hopeful. "Yes?"
"Will I see you tomorrow?"
"You can count on it," she smiled at him, and then disappeared.
When Tum tum got home Rocky was still on the phone and Colt was watching T.V. All Tum could think about was the kiss he just missed.
3 days later K met Colt at the fence, she had been training for 3 days. She hopped over the fence. "I think I am making progress."
"Well, you can kick now," Colt smiled with satisfaction.
"I'm here," they heard from the other side of the fence.
"Mel?" Colt asked.
She climbed over the fence, not quite as graceful as K, but she made it.
"Hey Mel," K smiled, "what are you doing here?"
"I have come to learn too, I want to be a ninja. A girl needs to know how to protect herself, right?" Mel pulled her long black hair up in a bun. She wore sweats, and looked ready for practice.
Colt stared at her. One student was enough, he didn't know if he could handle two. Just then Rocky appeared at the door. "Mel," he smiled, "how's it going?"
She glided over to him and brushed her fingers along his cheek, it hadn't taken them a day to make up. Rocky had, in fact, asked to be her official boyfriend. She hadn't thought twice, she was Rocky's girl. She looked up into his deep green eyes, "I want to be a ninja Rocky."
Colt looked over to Rocky with a grin, "Come on man, we can work together."
"Sure," Rocky said with admiration, Mel succeeded in impressing him daily, "I am all for you learning to be a ninja."
Mel smiled, "Cool."
2 more days and both girls were sweating and panting, fighting one another. Rocky and Colt took pride in their apprentices, Tum tum was even helping. Mr. Douglas appeared in the back door, "Boys?"
He had watched for several minutes, although he didn't agree with ninja, he took pleasure in watching the boys…they were good at what they did.
"Yeah dad?" Rocky turned to his father.
"I have been watching you all week long."
"Yeah, I had noticed you were home all week long," Colt snickered.
Mr. Douglas ignored his adventurous son, "I have watched K and Mel leap over that fence daily."
All four of them looked to the ground. "I am sorry Mr. Douglas." K said.
"Don't be sorry K, I am the one who is sorry. I was thinking perhaps tomorrow, since it's Saturday, and I have the weekend off, we could put a door in that fence. Just for you girls."
Colt lit up, "That would be great!"
"Dad?" Rocky asked, "can we still borrow the car to go to the festival on Sunday?"
"Sure Sam." Mr. Douglas said, and went back inside.
"Cool, that means your dad welcomes us all the way," Mel exclaimed.
Rocky nodded, "he likes you guys."
Just then they all heard something over near the fence. They all turned, and just on their side of the fence stood Jaz, "I am ready." She stated solemnly.
"What?" Tum tum asked.
"I need this too," she looked to him pitifully, "teach me?"
Tum tum smiled, "Of course."
Sunday morning came early. Mel, K, and Jaz were up at dawn and ready an hour later. They came over to the Douglas's house at 7am.
Mel knocked, and Mr. Douglas answered the door.
"Morning lady's…wow, you look nice," he smiled letting them in.
Mel bowed gracefully, she lore a long fluffy medieval dress. It was a pale blue with white lace lining and dark velvety sleeves. K was dressed as a sword's woman, in tight brown leather pants, and an earth tone tunic that looked as if it had been through many battles. She had a hooded cape draped around her neck. Jaz was dress as perhaps a wizardess or sorceress, she had on a red robe; trimmed in black. The hood was pulled up around her face and her hands were folded across her chest in the long bell-like sleeves.
"Thank you," Mel said when she stood again.
"The boys are almost ready, I know that they wanted to spend the day there. However they are very tired, putting the door in took a lot out of them," Mr. Douglas said. "Boys! The girls are here for you!" Mr. Douglas called.
"Coming," Tum tum called a yawn in his voice.
Moments later the boys appeared. Rocky almost fell down the stairs, Mel looked like an angel to him. Colt gave a slight snicker, he always knew he would choose a tough girl. Tum tum didn't know what to think.
The boys were all dressed period too. Rocky was dressed like a noble man, if it was a tournament day he would be clad in armor; however today was the day of a festival. He wore the grab of a prince. White leggings clung to his musclely legs, a freshly pressed tunic around his chest. Colt was dressed as a musician, bards they were called. His guitar strapped to his back, a lute he called it. Colt's dress was that of a commoner, brown leggings, a brown tunic, and journeyman's boots. Tum tum looked like a thief. He wore a black poet shirt, and black leggings. He had a phony dagger strapped to his thigh, and his hair was slicked back to keep it from his eyes.
"Wow, what a group we make," K smiled.
"I am so sore," Tum tum complained.
"I told you," Mr. Douglas looked down to the girls, "I told you they were tired."
K smiled up at their father and then looking back to the boys she smiled, "where did you guys get the costumes?"
"Mom is an awesome seamstress. I was thinking the same thing about you guys…I thought you didn't know what the festival was about?" Rocky asked.
"It just took some refreshing," Mel smiled.
"Well, are you guys ready? Or are we going to stand here and talk about it all day?" Colt jumped in.
"We're ready," K smiled.
"Good, so are we."
The field was set, the knights were jousting, the vendors were selling, and the chefs were cooking. It was a beautiful day.
K smiled over to Mel, "this is going to be a glorious day."
Mel nodded.
"Mmmm, food," Tum tum said. Rocky and Colt rolled their eyes. "I definitely could have handled living back then. It smells so yummy."
"Only if you could afford it," Mel said, "and by the look for your class…you would be picking out of garbage cans."
"Hey!" Tum tum protested, "I'm going for food." He turned to Jaz and with a wide smile he asked, "want something?"
She shook her head, "No, thank you."
Tum tum put his hands on his hips, "You can't say that, you never eat Jaz! Of course you want something."
She looked surprised for a minute and then changed back to her solemn self, "okay, but I am coming with you to see what I want."
"That's better," he smiled at her, "well, what are we waiting for," he took her hand, in the back of his mind he still wanted that kiss, "let's go."
"Well, my lady," she said to Mel, and turning to Rocky she bowed, "your highness…I supposed I am off. With your permission of course?"
Rocky waved his hand with a proud look, "You may go wizardess. And keep that thief out of my site."
Tum tum just growled under his breath, he should have chosen the prince as well.
K just laughed, Rocky could play along well.
"Let's go watched the jousting," Colt suggested.
"Yes, let's do that," K agreed.
"What do you say Rocky?" Mel looked at him hopeful.
"Sure, as you wish my princess."
They all hung over the rail watching in suspense as armored men on horseback charged one another. They smashed one another breaking lance after lance, some fought on foot when thrown from their horses. Finally one was named victor. Everyone cheered, and it was time he chose a lady.
"Wait!" Mel cried.
Everyone, knights audience, everyone looked at her.
She smiled and lifted her chin, "Before you are called the champion," she began, "I demand that you battle my swordswoman. Blade against blade."
K turned to Mel with a surprised look, she whispered harshly "Mel, what are you doing? Do you wish me to die?!"
"Trust me," Mel smiled taking K's hand to help her over the fence.
"I have heard that too many times before to believe it now," K argued quietly.
"K!" Colt ran to her side, "Are you sure this is a good idea, I don't want you to get hurt."
K looked at Mel, and Mel smiled back. K looked over to Colt, "I'll be fine…I promise."
Colt studied her intently, "You better be," he turned to Mel, "or you are going to be very sorry Princess."
Mel turned her nose up, "I won't be sorry, my swordswoman is the best in the realm."
Colt grabbed Mel's arm and jerking her hard in his direction he snapped, "this isn't a game Mel!"
Mel looked into his eyes very serious, "No it's not, you're right there."
Colt let go of Mel and looked at her for an answer. She was acting so strangely. Mel and Colt turned around just in time to see one of the knights leading K out in front of the armored knight.
The knight bowed to her without a word. She did likewise. She looked to her side, only a wooden sword hung there. She heard the knight laugh bitterly. He grabbed one of the men next to him and stole his sword. He stepped closer to K, and turned the sword in K's direction. Before taking the sword K had the opportunity to get a decent look at the guy's size and stature. He was a rather small man, but it was obvious that he was powerful. She quickly grabbed the sword as he made small circles around her. K was surprised to find that the sword wasn't nearly as heavy as these burly men made them out to be.
"Do you know how to use that?" He laughed.
"I'm sure I can figure it out," she snapped.
"Cocky," he said, surprised. "You haven't changed." Before he had finished his last word he came down on her with the sword. K leapt back. The crowd oh'ed.
"What did you say?" She said while dodging.
"Shall I give you a lesson on how to use that before I smash you?"
K wrinkled her brow. The crowd was getting into it, as though it was part of the show. Rocky and Colt stood wide-eyed and fearing for K's safety. K's heart was racing, she was fearful of this large man. Why had she let Mel do this to her again?
K spit in his direction, "Never!" She lashed out at him with the large awkward sword. To the knight's surprise he had to dodge her blow. She swung again. It was obvious that it came natural to this girl. They attacked one another, sparks flying at the clanking of metal. Mel smiled, but she knew K's heart wasn't in it. The battle went on for several minutes while the crowed roared with enthusiasm. Finally the knight forced K to her knee. Her sword still blocking his.
"Yield?" He asked.
"Yes." She said pushing his sword away.
"Say it, I want to hear it," he said.
"I…" she paused, "YIELD!"
He dropped his sword, K wiped her brow with the back of her arm.
He turned to the crowd and raising his arms to hush them he said, "And now for my lady," he announced while removing his helmet. A deadly silence fell over the crowd. He was a handsome man of perhaps 20 years of age. He had long dark hard that fell ruggedly about his face. He turned on his heels and offered a hand to K. She looked up to him wide-eyed, unable to speak. "The one brave enough to fight myself."
She took his offered hand, as etiquette called. And with a weak smile she gave the crowd a wave.
Mel slapped Colt on the back and said, "Told you."
Colt's face was a vibrant shade of red, this man chose his woman. Rocky still stared.
"Wow," Rocky said, "she's pretty good. Definite potential."
Once the crowd had dispersed K ripped her hand from his, "Balthisar!" She turned to him with disgust, "what are you doing here!?"
He laughed at her, "Ahhh Lady Kelsey, I have always wanted to hear you tell me you yield."
"Oooh," K hissed, "didn't I tell you before we left…I hate you!"
"Many times, now where is Jaz?"
K looked around, "Does it really matter? You have not yet answered my question, what are you doing here?"
"You haven't answered mine…where is she?"
"She doesn't want to see you."
The man K called Balthisar looked hurt. "Damn it K, why so harsh all the time?"
"I'm sorry Bal, she is with Tum tum…they went for food."
"Tum tum?" Balthisar looked even more damaged, "And she…she eats for him."
K nodded, "I think she likes him."
Balthisar scowled, "well we'll just have to meet this man who has captured my lady's heart."
"Come on Bal, meet our friends."
"Mel," he said with a tiny bow.
"Bal, how are you?"
"Well. And you?"
"Well, any word?"
Balthisar nodded, "Later, okay?"
"Sure. This is Rocky, my Prince. And that is Colt, K's bard." Mel said.
"Please to meet you gentlemen."
Rocky smiled with a nod. Colt's only reaction was the raising of one of his eyebrows.
"You know this guy?" Colt asked.
K nodded, "Yes, he is an old friend."
Colt still looked skeptical.
"Hey Balthisar," K said, "I think I saw Jaz over there. You couldn't possibly miss her."
"I'll meet up with you guys later." Balthisar told them as he trotted off in the direction K had pointed.
"He won't win her heart, even as a knight." Mel sighed.
K shook her head in agreement.
Tum tum and Jaz had picked up all kinds of wonderful food and were now happily munching on the mini feast they had created.
"Pass me the turkey leg?" Tum tum asked.
Jaz gladly did so, "this is good stuff Tum tum, you have a way of picking out food."
Tum tum smiled, "thank you Jaz."
"Hey watch this, I can show you a trick," she backed away from the table a bit.
"Okay, I'm watching," Tum tum smiled with a mouthful of Turkey.
Jaz reached deep into one of her bell-like sleeves and pulled from them a fistful of fire.
"Woah!" Tum tum smiled.
She tossed the ball of flame from one hand to the other, until finally it appeared as though she got board…even though she had drawn a crowd. She tossed the ball high into the air, and when it came back down into her hands it was gone.
"Wow," Tum tum said, along with several other passers-by. When she returned to her seat Tum tum asked, "How did you do that?"
"Does a magician ever tell their secret?"
Tum tum shook his head no.
"Well, perhaps one day I will tell you. But not now."
Tum tum laughed, damn she was cool.
"A Rouge?" They heard.
Both Tum tum and Jaz looked up to see who had spoken to them.
"Balthisar." Jaz whispered quietly and then more audible, "Yes, that is what he is."
"Why is a Lady of your beauty associating with such riffraff?"
"When does anyone associate with anyone out of their class?" Jaz played off of Balthisar's question, "such as yourself Sir Knight?"
"Wizards are above the thieves," Balthisar argued.
"Yes, My Lord, but mages are not in the same class as the knights. Where is your history?"
"When they are the daughters to the King's advisors they are."
"And who says I am the daughter to the King's advisor?"
"Oh, well perhaps I had you mistaken for the wrong magic user."
"Perhaps," Jaz said sitting next to Tum tum. Balthisar squeezed his eyes shut, he realized he had backed himself into that corner. Even if he hadn't Jaz would have a way of doing it herself, she was a quick lady.
"Is this man giving you trouble m'lady?" Tum tum said finally diving headfirst into the conversation.
"No dear," Jaz said putting her hand on his forearm.
Balthisar sucked in a deep breath, she called him dear…and she touched his arm.
Balthisar took the glove from his hand and dropped it on the table in front of Tum tum, "for the Lady's honor." Balthisar suggested.
Tum tum reached out and picked up the glove with a confused look on his face. He turned to him, "Huh? I think you dropped his big guy."
"Oh no!" Rocky, Colt, Mel, and K had just arrived.
"What?" Tum tum asked.
Jaz looked over to him with a worried look, "I wish I had seen sooner what was going on."
"Too late now," Mel said, "he accepted the challenge."
"I DID WHAT?" Tum tum asked in shock.
"You accepted the offered glove, a battle challenge," Mel explained.
"I did?" Tum tum asked.
"Yes," K said sadly.
"That's right, you did," Balthisar smiled.
Tum tum only looked up to the man with his eyes. "I'll take you."
Balthisar laughed.
"No," Jaz jumped in, "I will accept the challenge in his place."
Everyone looked over to her in shock, she was so tiny…there was no possible way she could fight this large man.
"You can't do that," Balthisar said.
"It's true that someone can accept an offer of battle for someone else…correct?"
"Well, yeah, I guess," Balthisar said.
"Fine, than I accept," Jaz said.
"But I don't want to fight you."
"Good then it's decided, you yield, and we win." Jaz turned and took her seat again next to Tum tum. Colt gave a small snicker, he remembered when she had given him the run around the day they met.
Rocky, Colt, Mel, and K spent the rest of the day walking around the festival playing with crowds as thought they were really royalty, Balthisar trailing close behind. Tum tum and Jaz also adventured around the fields, seeing what there was to see and staying in character. The group went home with the warm feeling of excitement and entertainment. Balthisar had left promising Mel, K, and Jaz he would visit them in a few days.
The next two weeks were the longest of their lives. It was filled with final exams and summer fever. Mel, K, and Jaz were always wiped out, training everyday wore hard on them. Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum were eager to get away for the summer and up to Grandpa's cabin.
"Kick," Rocky ordered.
"I can't kick any more, Rocky," Mel complained dropping down at the Douglas's picnic table.
"She's right Rocky," Colt said, "there is nothing more we can teach them, they have been doing the same kicks for the past three days straight."
"How would Grandpa teach them?" Tum tum asked aloud.
"That's it!" Colt said, snapping his fingers.
"What's it?" K asked.
"You could come to Grandpa's with us, there is no more that we can teach you…but Grandpa could teach you everything."
"I don't know," Mel said, "Grandpa will be way harder on us than you have been."
"Stop it Mel," K said, "I'd love to go. What do you say Jaz?"
Jaz shrugged, "Sure, I've got nothing else to do all summer."
"We have to call Grandpa, and make sure it is okay with him," Rocky explained, "but overall I think it is a great idea. What do you say Tum?"
"YEAH! I think it'd be great," Tum tum admitted.
"Come on Mel, what do you say?" K asked.
"Okay, but I better not get too dirty. I guess it'll be okay," Mel said.
"Cool," Colt said, "we leave tomorrow, I better go call Grandpa right now."
The next morning all 6 of them were riding to the woods in Grandpa's giant boat of a car. With the top down all of them were singing along with songs on the radio, save Grandpa. Once to the cabin Grandpa let the boys off to their upstairs room, and took the girls across the house.
"This will be your room girls," Grandpa smiled.
It was a quaint room big enough for the three of them with three little beds made on the ground.
"Thank you Mr.Tanaka," K smiled setting her bag at her feet.
"Please, call me Grandpa," he said with a smile.
"Absolutely…Grandpa," K said.
"You girls can get your things set up and then come out and we'll make breakfast."
They all nodded.
"It's tiny," Mel said looking around.
"Mel, can you ever be satisfied?" Jaz asked.
"Can you?" Mel argued.
"I am now," Jaz glared at Mel.
"Knock it off, you scare me," Mel said.
"Stop it both of you, this is going to be a great time," K said. "Give it a chance Mel. Jaz lay off, you know you terrify Mel…just leave her alone."
"She should feel safe when I am near," Jaz smiled.
"Yeah, when I am not under your wrath," Mel said under her breath.
"I hope Bal doesn't follow us," K said, "I just want to be left alone now."
Mel and Jaz nodded together.
They started training that day, it was obvious that Grandpa wanted to jump right in and get the girl's feet wet for his style of training.
"First we will begin with exercises," Grandpa explained.
"Okay," K said, "What shall we do?"
Grandpa pointed over to a group of tires that were tired together with rope that extended out from the tires. "You pull me, up the hill…over there." The girls followed Grandpa's finger that pointed to a large hill hidden by trees, far off in the distance. Mel heaved a great sigh. "Boy's you practice the routines we learned last summer."
"WHAT!?" Mel exclaimed, "you mean all by our selves?"
Grandpa laughed, as did the boys. "Yes, my child, all by yourselves."
Mel jabbed an accusatory finger into K's chest, "and this is all your fault, "what a great idea"," she mimicked.
Grandpa lay a calm hand on Mel's shoulder, "it is evident that you dear, are full of fire. But trust me, and ask the boys, you will get used to my kind of exercise."
Jaz said nothing, she simply walked over to the contraption and found her place in the line, at the back. She waited silently for the others to stop arguing.
Soon Mel found herself leading the way up a steep incline while Grandpa sat on the tires reading a book. But the time they were done and had come back down the hill, which was really the trick (keeping Grandpa from running them over by sliding down the hill), it was time for lunch. The second part of the day was spent the same way.
The next morning Grandpa woke the girls with a test. The one he used to use on the boys, a bamboo stick with a leaf on the end of it…to tickle their noses. Surprisingly all three of them passed.
The second day was spent very similarly to the first. Much exercise for the girls, and practicing for the boys; this time with the light up dummy. It didn't take much for Mel to complain again. Grandpa eased her mind with a few kind words. The boys found it odd that Grandpa trusted them enough to practice on their own, but the even more bizarre part was that they did it without question and no breaks as if Grandpa were watching them the whole time.
Grandpa kept a hard watch over the children making sure no time was spent in one another's rooms, but he gave them their time to socialize. However, many times the girls were too tired to do anything but fall fast asleep.
One night, about two weeks into their training, when Grandpa had gone to bed and the boys were surely fast asleep Mel, K, and Jaz sat up and talked.
"K this is kicking my butt, really I think I am going to die," Mel wined.
"Mel, think of it like your sword training, it isn't much different," K said.
"It is," Jaz said, "I am tired."
"Yes, but you don't sword fight little lady," K said.
"I guess," Mel said, "I hadn't thought of it that way."
"See, it's really great to get the body moving like that," K said.
"I just want to get to the training part," Mel said.
"We will," K smiled, "when Grandpa thinks we are ready."
"I am ready know!"
"I think it'll be soon, but as long as you behave that way he'll never think we are ready," K told Mel.
"I guess," Mel said looking to the ground, "Hey K…do you think…"
K smiled, "I was thinking the same thing…let's go."
"K, are you sure?" Jaz asked.
"Yeah, I think so. Everyone is asleep. Do you think something is wrong?"
"I don't know," Jaz said, "I just don't think we should let our guard down no matter how far away from the city we are."
"Okay we'll take that into consideration," Mel said reaching into one of the many bags she had brought along. She pulled out a beautiful sheathed long sword. K leaned over and the sword she had brought along in her solitary bag. Jaz picked up a tiny leather bound book she had brought along.
"Let's go," K said.
The three of them slid out of the cabin without making a sound. They slipped into the far woods that they had been exercising in.
"We should be far enough away now not to make any sound that will wake them," K said.
Mel pulled her sword from its intricately designed sheath. "Ready then?"
K nodded pointing her sword at Mel. Jaz had assumed a safe spot far away from the Mel and K, she had her nose pressed firmly in her book. Somehow the darkness didn't bother her.
Mel lunged for K, K blocked Mel's blow. The two broke into a fierce sword fight.
"I meant to ask you awhile ago," Mel said between blocks and slashes, "why did you let Balthisar win that fight?"
K continued the battle simply, "it would have looked strange to the crowd and to the guys if I had won. It was difficult telling that bafoon that I yield. You are getting slow."
"I am out of practice."
"Me too," K smiled blocking a stray blow made by Mel. "Perry, Mel, Perry."
"Defend K," Mel said.
The sword's clanking didn't even affect Jaz who was still happily studying away.
What the girls didn't know was that the little old ninja master that has opted to train them was watching from a nearby tree in amusement.