Mel lay on her bed. She had lit all the candles that lined her room. She found the room extremely dusty and lonely, she could tell no one had entered her living quarters. The flowers she had picked the day before she left were wilted and had lost all their petals, her book still lie open on her desk; she hadn't finished it yet. She went to the bookshelf that covered her rear wall. In the first book on the first shelf she found what she was looking for, inside the front cover a parchment as old as she. She unfolded the document and flopped down onto her bed. She began to cry as she read the marriage treaty, she lacked two months of marrying the prince of Northwood. She was destined to become a queen…and weather she wanted it or not her parents had promised her to some stranger at birth. She read the paper over and over, the tears that rolled down her face did not stop.
There was a knock on her door, but the visitor did not wait to be welcomed in…he simply came in.
"Mel," it was her twin, Matt. "What is wrong with you?"
"How come I had to be the girl?" She sobbed into her pillow handing the marriage treaty to her brother.
"Oh, come here," He offered her his chest on which to cry.
She gladly accepted as he asked, "What is it that troubles you so sister? I remember just last year you couldn't wait to marry and become queen."
"Have you ever been in love Matt?"
Matt shrugged, "Yeah, why?"
"What does it feel like?"
"Wait? Mel first you are going to tell me what is going on."
"I am in love Matt. In love, with a commoner. Not only a commoner, but a commoner from a different world. What do I do Matt?"
"Follow your heart Mel. Do what it tells you to do."
"But I can't, what of the treaty?"
"But what of love? If love isn't strong enough to break that treaty that it's not worth having."
Mel wiped a tear from her cheek, "I may be too late. I don't know if he'll forgive me."
"For what?"
"K and Jaz went to their loves, but I said I couldn't, that I had responsibilities. If they get there before I can catch them, they will have told him that I was to let him die."
"You would have let him die!?"
"No."
"Than what are you waiting for?"
"What if he doesn't forgive me?"
"Than he doesn't really love you."
Mel smiled and leapt up from her bed and dashed for the door, where she stopped abruptly. She turned back to her brother, "Thanks Matt." She went back to the bed and picked up the parchment that Matt had left there. She went to the candle and lit one end of it and dropped it to the ground. She watched as it continued to burn until all that was left was ashes.
"Hurry, Mel. Go to him."
Mel turned and went back to the door.
"Hey guys, who is it we have to catch before they get there?" Balthisar interrupted Luke and Kand.
"Oh no one," Luke smiled over to him.
"Mmmm," Balthisar said, "well, I can't have you following me either."
In one fluid motion he bonked their heads together, knocking them unconscious. Balthisar started down the hall that led to the dungeon.
"I bet that Balthisar did this," Jaz said. Copperclaw nodded his head wildly.
"Yes, remember you told me Bal was the one who sent the message," K said.
"Yeah, after you beat my head in."
"I did not," K laughed.
Jaz snickered, "He was probably jealous of the guys, and Tapelle offered him a position in his royal court or something."
K nodded. "How will we find them?"
"I don't know," Jaz said, "I guess we'll just have to look. I can't believe Mel didn't come along."
K nodded, "I can't either, that is so weird."
"It probably has something to do with the engagement."
"Oh yeah, I had forgotten about that," K admitted, just as they came to the door that led into the dungeon. They pushed the heavy door open to be met by several rats and the rancid sent of mold and decay.
"Oh man," K said covering her nose, "I had forgotten how inhospitable the dungeons were. Yuck."
Jaz nodded.
The place was huge. K and Jaz scanned the cells, but there were so many, and there was so little light. They couldn't even see to the end of the hall. Guards were posted around the dungeon, most of them dozing off at their posts.
K heaved a great sigh, "I was hoping to spend as little time down here as possible."
"Where should we start?"
K shrugged, "I am going to ask the prisoners if they remember seeing the guards bring anyone down here earlier."
Jaz folded her arms and leaned back on one hip just staring at K.
"It's all we've got. The guards aren't going to tell us anything."
Jaz simply cocked an eyebrow. K ignored her cousin and began to search the cells for any living occupants.
"Sir?" She asked when she saw one breathing, but all he did was begin to beg for food.
"See," Jaz said, "It's not worth your time. Let's just search them."
K finally agreed. The two of them quickly began looking inside the rooms. They had no luck with the first row. They went to the second one, not there either. When the rounded the corner to the third row they bumped into one of the royal guards. He was wide-awake and very angry to see the two young ladies who looked like escapees. K began slowly backing away.
"May we speak with the prisoners?" Jaz asked. But the guard ignored her and continued advancing.
"We really haven't got time for you sir," Jaz stated coolly.
"Well, my dear, you had best make time. You can't leave the royal jail. What are you in for…stealing from the family cupboard?" He laughed.
"Certainly not, now stand aside!" Jaz demanded. Then the guard noticed the dragon.
"Keep that dragon away from me," The guard hissed, "he is dangerous!"
Jaz cocked an eyebrow at the guard, "I'm sorry what did you say about my dragon?"
"Your dragon?"
"Yes, that is what I said, didn't I? My dragon." Jaz stated.
The guard instantly bowed, "Lady Jasell, I did not recognize you. Please spare my life. And you must be Lady Kelsey. Please Ladies forgive me."
"Okay, as long as you stand aside and let these boys free," K said.
"I can't, I have direct order from the king," the guard side.
"Well, let us talk to them…at least," K asked.
"I will stand to the side, but I can not let you in there," the guard said.
"Fine, that will be enough," K said.
The guard slipped over to the side underneath a nearby torch.
Jaz leaned in the cell a little bit, "Tum?" she said.
They heard a moan from inside the cell. "Did you hear something?" they heard Rocky ask the others.
"I think so," Colt replied.
"Colt?" K asked.
"K? K is that you?" He instantly came to the bars followed by the others. "What are you doing here? How did you find us?"
"Mel, actually," K said.
"Tum tum!" Jaz exclaimed reaching her hands through the bars.
He quickly took them. "Jaz are you okay?"
She nodded, "Don't worry about us. We are fine, and we will get you out of here. Why are you in here? What happened?"
"We aren't sure," Colt said caressing the side of K's cheek.
Rocky looked around intently for Mel, "You said Mel found out we were here?"
K and Jaz looked to one another and then both to the ground.
"Yeah," K said quietly.
"Is she here?" Rocky asked.
K shook her head, "No Rocky, she's not coming."
Mel and Matt came sliding around the corner to find Luke and Kand lying unconscious on the cold stone floor.
"What happened to them?" Mel asked.
"I don't know." Matt said.
"You stay with them, I'm going down there." Mel said. Matt nodded.
"Oh," Rocky looked down. He stepped away from the bars, he felt his cheeks flush and his heart sink.
"But don't worry Rocky," Jaz said, "we will fight to get you out too."
"What happened?" K asked Colt.
"We were eating dinner with the King and the Queen and then a messenger came in and said we were traitors…they believe him. The King sent the guards on us. But there was a dragon that was fighting with for us."
Tum tum nodded, "It's true, there are real dragons here."
Jaz laughed and K looked over to her. Copper gave a proud squeal. Jaz turned to him, his chest was puffed out tight.
"Is that him?" Tum asked.
"Yes, Tum tum, it's Copperclaw," Jaz said.
"You know him?"
Jaz nodded, "he's my best friend." Copper nudged Jaz twice. She laughed.
"Wait, your Luke's sister…the one that can talk to Copperclaw?" Rocky asked.
Jaz nodded, "I am. My parents are off in the war."
"Mine too," K said.
Colt looked over to K in shock, "But I thought."
"Shhhh," K said, "I know. And I am sorry, I didn't mean to lie to you."
Colt touched the side of her cheek, "Nothing you could say could change my feelings for you."
K couldn't help but smile.
Jaz stared at Tum tum for along time waiting for him to respond.
Finally he smiled and said, "Cool."
"What about Mel?" Rocky asked, "Are her parents in the war too? She had to go to them right? They were hurt or something, and she had to go to them…that is why she couldn't come…right?" Rocky could feel tears welling up in his eyes.
"No, Rocky. I'm sorry," K said, "her parents are leading the war."
"I know," Rocky admitted, "I was trying not to believe it. She's not coming…ever, is she?"
K and Jaz stayed silent for a long time, they didn't know what to say.
Just then Mel came flying around the corner, "Rocky!" She was calling, "Rocky!"
"Mel?" He asked.
She threw herself against the bars and grabbed Rocky's shoulders, "Rocky! Rocky! I'm so sorry, I love you. I do! Please forgive me, I couldn't let you stay down here. I love you! I really do," She cried holding him tightly.
Rocky was so overwhelmed he began to cry as she was holding him through the bars. He grabbed her back and they kissed through the cast iron separating them.
After they all had a minute to adjust to the situation Jaz said, "It was Balthisar, it had to have been."
"Yes it was," they heard from behind them.
Jaz turned just in time to see the backside of Balthisar's hand whack her across the cheek. Tum tum leapt to the bars as Jaz's tiny body went flying across the room. Copperclaw leapt onto the man. Balthisar brought a dagger down between the dragon's shoulder blades. Copper threw his head back with a pained roar.
Jaz was instantly to her feet. K and Mel were surprised at the quickness of the situation. Mel squeezed Rocky's hands, she was trembling. K leapt over the two lovers and to the guard, "I'm sorry." She said. He looked down to her with a confused look on his face. She reached out her left hand grabbing his sword from it scabor with she punched him with her right hand knocking him unconscious. She knelt down searching his body for the keys. Just then Luke, Kand, and Matt broke into the room. Kand when to K, he brought his sword down in the attempt to lob off her head. She turned and blocked his blow, even from her kneeling position.
"K?" Kand asked in shock.
"Kand?" K said as though she didn't believe her eyes.
"I thought you were one of Balthisar's men," Kand admitted.
"I thought you were," She smiled at her brother.
"Nice block," He blushed.
"Nice blow," she sighed, "quick we have to find the keys."
Luke and Matt froze. Jaz and Balthisar were circling one another.
Matt went to jump in, but Jaz held up a warning hand.
"Stay out of it," she hissed still holding her cheek.
"About that battle you promised me at the festival," Balthisar said.
Jaz nodded, "Yes, what about it?"
"Now is the time for it," he growled.
Luke pinched Mel's shoulder. Mel looked up to him. "Go get your parents," he told her.
She nodded and let go of Rocky's hands, "I have to go, I'll be back." Rocky let her go.
She began to run for the door, but Balthisar quickly turned to her and stated "Freeze."
Mel found it impossible to move any of her muscles, she was frozen solid in place.
Jaz snapped her wrist up and above her hand hovered a ball of fire the size of a baseball. Balthisar quickly turned his attention back to the danger at hand.
Jaz released the fireball in his direction. Balthisar flexed his hands back and placed them together at the wrists. When Jaz's fireball came several inches from his hands the flames dispersed as the ball hit an invisible force field created by him.
Jaz nodded, "Hmm, let see you dodge these."
She flicked her wrist again, and this time, over her fingers hovered ten blue magic darts approximately one inch in length. She snapped her wrist in his direction. Balthisar's eyes got wide, he leapt out of the way, but the darts followed him burring themselves in his back. He screamed in pain.
"I'll get you!" He screeched.
"Okay, we'll see," Jaz said.
From both of his hand's fingers came bolts of lightning. Jaz watching, intrigued, as his bolts bounced off from a soft blue shield she had created around herself. She laughed at him.
"You can't beat me," she said.
Luke was physically holding Matt back from the battle and K was doing the same for Kand. Kand was arguing with his sister, "Let me go! That's my cousin."
"Yeah, who can take care of herself," K told him.
Jaz closed her eye and twisted both of her hands so that her palms where facing out, "Ice shock," she said.
Balthisar was hit with several waves of ice sheets. He nearly fell over.
"More magic missal," she said, and several dozen of the blue darts appeared. None of the darts missed Balthisar's body.
Balthisar was weak, it was obvious. But he was still larger than Jaz by far. He leapt for her. She leapt back from him, a trick she had learned from Grandpa. He went for her again, knowing that he could not let her cast another spell on him. His magic was extremely inferior to her skilled magical abilities.
He grabbed his hands and they both were squeezing sparks shooting from their fists. Jaz gritted her teeth, he was definitely stronger than she was…but she was more magically inclined. Their magic blasting from their hands.
She remembered back to the things Grandpa had taught her. She lashed out and kicked him in the stomach forcing him to drop to one knee in pain. He looked up to her and she waved a hand over his face saying, "sleep." Balthisar fell to the ground, passed out cold.
Mean while K had found the keys and was unlocking the cell door. Mel was released from Balthisar's spell. Jaz ran to Copperclaw.
"Copper," she said lifting his head into her lap. "You're going to be okay, I promise." She reached back and looked at the wound. The dagger wasn't that deep, although his scales were not fully developed they helped prevent lethal penetration. Jaz pulled the dagger from his back. Tum tum came to her side, "Wow, that was incredible. I didn't know you were that dangerous."
Luke smiled, "I told you she was dangerous, and would be a valuable asset to the war."
Jaz stood up and helped Copper to his feet. She brushed her knees off, "I am sorry it had to come to that. I would never go to the war, I find them ridiculous."
"Why were you in California?" Colt asked.
"Chris and Starre couldn't have their children here during the war. So they sent each of them to separate places. We went along to make sure Mel didn't get into any trouble." K smiled.
Matt went for the king and queen. The royal family gave the boys a formal apology there, and bit them welcome in the castle anytime they wished it. Balthisar was thrown in a cell, and due to be executed in the ninja's places. They all went off to bed with the intention of sleep, and the royal surgeon bandaged Copper.
The next morning Mel was seated up with her parents in one of her long fancy gowns. K was sitting to the right of Mel in her swordswoman clothes, and Jaz sat with the ninjas, dressed in the red robes of the magi, who were with the nobility. They had all eaten breakfast together, after a good night's rest.
They were all in attendance for Balthisar's hanging. A mass of people had arrived.
The executioner looked up to the King and Queen, bowed and announced, "With your permission your majesties, I shall take this man's life by kicking the stool out from underneath him."
The audience looked up to the King and Queen where Chris gave the executioner the que to kick the stool.
The crowd roared. The stool went and the ninjas had to turn away. The crowd was a mass of screams and cheers.
Once the hanging was over the crowd hung around as a festival was going to take place in the streets following the hanging. A sort of festival.
"Will you be at the feast tonight?" Jaz asked the boys. Her arm was linked to her brothers and Copper sat at her feet, obviously feeling much better.
"You bet!" Tum tum said.
"Hey Jaz?" Colt said, "Not to bring up a sore subject right now, but do you know how we'll get home?"
Jaz looked at him intently for several seconds, "No, Colt. I am sorry that I don't have a solution to that dilemma, but Balthisar was the one who brought us back here."
Luke looked at her for several seconds and only blinked twice.
"Now if you'll excuse us," Jaz said, "we have some mingling to do."
Colt looked to Rocky sadly. Tum tum wanted to tell her to wait up, but he knew he'd see her again soon. He was in fact looking forward to the banquet.
K found them standing silent among the crowd.
"Hey guys," she said with a smile, "why the gloomy faces? This is a happy time."
"We just got some bad news K," Rocky said, "we can't go home."
"Who told you that?" K asked.
Rocky pointed over to Jaz who still had Luke's arm in hers talking to some nobles. "Jaz did."
"Oh," K said surprised, "Well, you were misinformed, however I am afraid getting home might be harder that previously expected."
"Why is that?" Rocky asked.
K looked back to Jaz, "Because your ride home, just told you she wouldn't take you."
The day seemed rushed for the ninjas. They didn't see the girls at all, they were hurried to be fitted for more clothes. The seamstress told them that they would have a wardrobe by morning, but their main focus today was the clothes for the ball.
"Well, won't the girls need fitting too?" Tum tum asked.
"Girls?" The lady who was taking his measurements asked.
"Yeah, Jaz and K and Mel?"
The woman looked to the lady who was fitting Colt and they laughed together.
"What's so funny?" Colt asked.
"Well," the woman who was currently pinning fabrics on Rocky said, "they wouldn't need anymore clothes my dear, unless they have grown out of the ones they already have."
"How many do they have?" Colt asked.
"Mel had seven closets full, 3 dresses per day," one announced. "K, she had two for court, one for practice and riding clothes, and one for formal fighting clothes. Jaz had two closets full of dusty dresses she never wears to court like she should, but 3 robes which she goes back and forth through."
The boys exchanged glances, "Wow, that is a lot of clothes."
The girls nodded, "Mel borrows K's practice clothes when they fight."
"Fight? How so?" Rocky asked.
"Do you know nothing of the girls you ask about?"
"Apparently not," Colt hissed under his breath.
"K has been a master for the sword since she could walk, Mel wanted to learn too. And K has always been her trainer, along with the King himself. The King is a wonderful swordsman. Surprisingly Mel is an incredible master of the sword."
"Grandpa knew," Rocky said.
"What?" Colt asked, "What are you talking about Rocky?"
"Grandpa knew that Mel could wield a sword, and do it well. He would never have given her that katana if he hadn't known. Grandpa never starts someone on such a weapon," Rocky said. Colt and Tum tum nodded in the realization. "But what was wrong with Jaz when she was given those weapons?"
"What?" One of the girls asked, "Jaz held a weapon?"
"Yes," Rocky nodded, "Just before she dumped her lunch on the ground."
"Mmmm," the woman nodded, "wizards can not hold weapons, it is against the way of magic. It contradicts the way they live, their dangerous power comes from elsewhere."
"Ah," Rocky nodded.
"Well, we are done here. You can leave, your garments will be ready before dusk," the woman smiled.
They returned when instructed to find beautiful clothing woven with gold strands made for each of them.
"Wow," Tum tum said, "these are cool."
"Yeah," Colt agreed drawing his from the hanger.
"Thank you," the woman said, "by morning you will have clothes for the rest of the week, as his majesty has instructed. His majesty says you boys are regarded highly among the court as you took care of the girls while they were away."
Rocky smiled, "Thank you ma'am."
"Our pleasure," the woman smiled, "now hurry off to the ball, before you are late."
The boys quickly changed and dashed off down the hall to find the mess hall again. Part of the festivities were outside, some inside. The castle was full of people all dressed in their best clothes, it was just like a movie.
The doorman swung the doors open for the boys to enter.
"And now we have," he door man announced from the balcony, "My Lords," he looked to them quickly for their names.
"Rocky, Colt and Tum tum," Rocky whispered.
"My Lords Rocky, Colt and Tum tum," the man said.
Some people stopped to look briefly, others continued dancing, chatting, or eating.
"Wow, that was cool," Tum tum smiled.
Colt nodded proudly.
They tried to look graceful as they descended the stairs, and they succeeded for the most part.
"Where are the girls?" Colt asked looking around.
Tum tum shrugged, "I don't know, but I really want to see Jaz. I miss her."
Rocky nodded, "I miss Mel too, they should be here soon."
"They aren't here yet," A man looked over to them from the punch bowl, "many are waiting for them."
"Why?" Colt asked defensively.
"They want dances, and talks," he smiled.
"Why?" Colt asked again.
"Hopefully to win a heart of one of them. They are probably the most wanted females around. Mel is the princess, easy to see why one would want her; something about sword fighting is sexy, as K; something about magic is seductive, as Jaz."
Rocky put a warning hand up over Colt's chest to keep him from charging, the other hand over Tum tum's chest to keep him from leaping on this man.
"That's nice," Rocky said, "now good evening sir."
Rocky finished his sentence just as the doorman was saying, "May I present the Ladies, Princess Melissa, Lady Kelsey, and Lady Jasell."
Everyone stopped to look for a brief moment, and then went back to their activities. Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum continued to stare. Mel was in a long beautiful gown of gold and silver. Her hair was pulled up around her head with stands that hung around her shoulders. K was wearing a lovely dress of greens. Satins lined in insides of the long bell like sleeves, and a sting undress skirt was tastefully seen from opening of the overdress. Her hair was also tied up off from her shoulders, with lovely flowers. Jaz was wearing a dress that hung on the ground behind her, a surcoat covered the form fitting baby blue gown underneath. The surcoat was made of royal blue velvet lined with silver cord. Her hair was not long enough to pull up, but it was decorated with lovely silver gems.
Rocky, Colt and Tum tum were breathless, they had not seen these ladies look so lovely.
They were down the stairs instantly searching the crowd. Rocky, Colt and Tum tum nearly ran to them.
"Hello," Mel smiled, "we were just looking for you."
Rocky smiled.
"You look great," K told Colt.
"You look better," he smiled back.
"Nah," she said giving him a nudge.
Jaz offered Tum tum her arm, "Hello my friend."
He let her wrap her arm around his, "You're beautiful."
She smiled over at him, "Thank you, you look nice yourself."
Tum tum blushed.
The brothers of the girls found their way to where their sisters were.
"Hey guys," Matt said.
Everyone exchanged pleasantries.
"Shall we dance?" Rocky offered.
"Do you know how?" Mel asked.
"I'll figure it out," he smiled.
"Then yes," Mel said.
Colt offered K his hand, "M'lady? A dance?"
K curtsied, "Gladly."
The two couples were swept away on the floor, and although neither Rocky nor Colt knew the steps they covered well.
Jaz looked over to Tum tum and he was trembling.
"I can't dance," he finally said.
"It's not hard," Jaz said, "you just move, and go with the music. I will follow you."
"I can't Jaz, I'm sorry," he said turning away.
Luke went to Tum tum, "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to dance, she won't be mad. But it's true, it's not hard. And if you take her out on that floor you will be claiming her, she will be yours…and everyone will know. A dance, if it's not with family, is a claim. If a girl accepts a dance, she is saying 'Yes, I will let everyone know that I like you.' And you are saying the same if you ask for a dance."
"Does that mean that you don't mind me dancing with her?" Tum tum looked up to Luke, as if asking for permission to like his sister.
Luke placed a hand on Tum tum's shoulder, "Tum tum, I find you noble. I have never met anyone who has captivated my sister more than you have. I trust her judgement, and in that I will stand by you."
Tum tum turned to Luke, "Thank you, now if you don't mind. I am expected for a dance."
Luke smiled and stepped back, "Of course."
"Jaz," Tum tum said, "I may step on your toes, but I would like a dance…if you would?"
Jaz took Tum tum's offered hand, "I would love one."
To Tum tum's surprise it was as easy as everyone said. He swung her and twirled her, and it was easy. The song came to a close and all the partners bowed to one another.
"That was fun," Tum tum said when they had all regrouped.
"This place is great," Rocky admitted.
"Let's walk outside," K offered.
The nine friends and one dragon left for the garden, where the rest of the activities were being held. The ninja were realizing how wonderful this place was. Rocky watched Mel, it was evident she was royalty; right down to the way she held her fork. Colt adjusted one of K's flowers in her hair; she smelled wonderful, like lilac. Tum tum held Jaz's arm in his; he could definitely get used to this, he never wanted to let her go.
They were all picking at the food when a man, not dressed for the ball, came up to the group.
"Felix," K said taking him by the shoulders, "what has happened old friend?"
The man was holding his chest heaving, attempting to catch his breath. His clothes were ragged and dirty, "I…must…speak…with…your….father…" he said addressing Mel.
"Why? What has happened?" Mel said, "You went to the war Felix, what has happened?"
Jaz let go of Tum tum's arm and went up to the man as well awaiting the answer to Mel's question.
"There has been a catastrophe."
"What?" Jaz asked.
"The king's most highly decorated knights and fighters were wounded in a blast, a blast from Tapelle's mages." Felix turned his attention to Jaz, "Lady Jasell, you mother…she was wounded, badly."
"Is she alive?" Jaz looked as though she were going to pass out.
"She was when I left."
"And mine?" K asked, terrified of the answer.
"They were hit Lady Kelsey, I don't know if the lived. I didn't have time to find out, they sent me immediately."
"What about my father?" Jaz asked, "was he there?"
"No, he was wounded weeks ago. His arm was broken. He was in the camp, making new tactics. But he is a mess, with your mother being barley alive."
Jaz squeezed her eyes shut tightly, "I'm going."
"What?" Mel said, "You can't go!"
"I can, and I will."
"No, you can't leave us here," Mel argued, "and your parents would be terribly mad if you showed up there. Besides you can't leave Tum."
"What have I trained my whole life for? What have my parents wanted? For me to be a warrior, ready for battle. I won't stay here while what I was trained to do is waiting for me. I have nothing to lose. I can't pretend, like you Mel. I can't pretend anymore, to be something I'm not. If I die, it won't matter. I will have done my job. I have nothing to live for here, nothing to come home to as you do. My parents are all I've got. I can't keep the them here," Jaz said pointing to the ninjas, "I will be taking them home tomorrow…just before I leave for the battlefield. They don't belong here anymore than we belong there. I feel bad that I kept them here in the first place. It is my job to take them back to safety."
The king and queen had approached since Felix had appeared.
Tum tum grabbed Jaz by the shoulders, "Jaz, you have me. You can't take me home, I don't want to go. I won't go. I can't imagine life without you. I want to be here, with you."
Chris looked down to Tum tum, "That is very brave of you sir. And as long as you believe that, and mean that you are welcome in my kingdom. You will be part of our royal house."
"See," Tum tum looked up to the kind, "everything will be just fine."
"Tum tum you are talking crazy," Jaz said, "you don't know anything about this place."
"I know that you are here, and that is enough."
"You are willing to give up your home and everything, never to return….to stay here for me? Without your parents?"
Tum tum looked up to Rocky then over to Colt. "Yes, Jaz. I can live without my parents, but I don't know if I can live without you." In all honesty Tum tum did like this place and he wanted to stay; he felt as though he really did belong here.
Rocky began, "Tum tum, are you sure?"
Tum tum nodded, "Positive."
"Me too," Rocky said, "I am willing to stay here. I want to stay, if you would allow it your Majesties?"
"Of course, you are all welcome," Chris said.
K looked over to Colt. Colt was intently examining his brothers, he nodded, "Yeah, I'm in."
"I'm still going, my parents are there. And hurt." Jaz looked to the ground.
"Me too," K said, "I can't stand here and allow that. Knowing that I am eating and dancing when I have the power to help them."
"I won't let you go alone," Rocky said, "you saved my life, now I will help pay back the debt."
Colt and Tum tum nodded.
"Those are my parents too," Kand said, "Count me in."
"I'm not going to let my baby sister run off to the war without me coming along," Luke said.
Mel looked to Matt, they both knew their parents wouldn't approve.
"Come Felix," the king said, "let us clean you up and feed you. As we walk you can tell us all the other news of the war."
"We're going too," Mel said, "we'll have to meet you outside the front gate tomorrow, mom and dad can't know or they'll have our heads."
"Dawn," Kand said, "We will wait there for you."
Matt nodded, "Dawn."
"Good then, it'll be the nine of us," Luke said.
Copperclaw gave a loud squawk in protest.
"Okay Copper, 10 of us."
The next morning the 10 friends were well on their way across the plains of this new land, the countryside was beautiful at dawn. Even Tum tum, who was barley awake, was able to admire it.
The days journey was long and hard, the boys had ridden horses before; but not as a primary form of transportation. They decided at dusk to set up camp. That way they would have the advantage of the last bit of sunlight to collect necessary supplies.
A fire was set and the tents were pitched. They were all sitting around the campfire cooking what meets they had brought along when Mel said, "Well, guys…I am off to bed early. I am beat."
Mel didn't look tired, moreover she looked sad.
Rocky was instantly on his feet following her into her tent.
"Mel?" He said drawing the tent flap back.
She looked over her shoulder at him, "Oh, it's you. Please come in, I thought you were Matt."
Rocky smiled letting the flap fall behind him.
Jaz looked over to the tent, and then to K. She frowned, "I hope she's okay."
"Why?" Tum tum asked, "What would be wrong with her?"
"She is to marry in one months time," Jaz explained.
"Oh," Tum tum said.
Matt shrugged, "It may not be true for very long, especially if you guys are serious about staying. Dad really likes you."
"Would you prefer Matt?" Rocky asked.
"Heavens no. I don't want to talk to him, I am sick of talking to him. I actually wanted to see you alone."
Rocky blushed, "How come?"
"I have some bad news Rocky."
"Well, what is it?" He said sitting next to her, taking her hand.
"I am to marry a prince Rocky. And I don't want to, I want to stay with you."
"Oh," Rocky looked down, "Sweetheart, let's not think of that now, we will figure something out." Rocky pushed her hair back and kissed her neck gently.
Mel smiled, Rocky had a way of making her do what he wanted. She melted into his kissed.
"Rocky," she whispered, "I want you."
Rocky smiled, and almost instantly they were in one another's arms.
The next morning they were back at their journeys. The ninjas with sore bottoms, horseback riding was a difficult task.
Copperclaw flew high over head, scouting out the areas ahead; making sure they were safe.
Copper dropped quickly to the ground. Everyone slower their horses.
"What is it Copper?" Jaz asked.
Copper gave a few guttural squawks and Jaz turned to the group, "The battlefield is just ahead. Copper says there is currently a battle going on."
"What should we do?" Rocky asked.
Mel leaned over on his shoulder.
"We should go in," Matt declared.
"I agree," Luke said, "You fight well?"
Rocky nodded, "We know what we are doing."
"Okay, than a surprise attack it is," Kand said.
"Our men wear blue and black plaid on their waist, Tapelle's men wear his color of black alone."
Rocky nodded, as did Colt and Tum tum.
"YAH!" Matt said giving his horse a swift hard kick in the ribs. The group followed, the entire band headed headfirst into an unknown destination.
When they tore into the battlefield it was chaos. It seemed to be a rather even fight. Colt leapt straight from his horse onto two men who were bullying one of King Chris's knights.
"I-YAH!" He screamed kicking on with a roundhouse and chopping the other in the shoulder with his hand. They both went down.
Matt and Kand leapt from their horses, drawing their swords and battling together; it was obvious that they fought together often, and very well.
Rocky cornered one with Luke lanced him with his sword.
Tum tum and Mel were working together taking down several, while K sword fought two at once. Jaz was hurling magic missiles and fireballs, Copperclaw at her side scratching and biting, around the crowd taking down bunches at a time.
The surprised troops froze momentarily while the 10 of them took over the battlefield causing Tapelle's terrified troops to flee in terror.
"Wow that was great!" One of the knights commented to the ninjas.
Everyone was introduced.
Sir Hector, the leader of the knights, explained, "Your parents and several other knights have gone off to take on Tapelle himself."
"Then that is where we go," Luke said.
"No, that is not the best idea my lord," Sir Hector said, "if I may, they should be returning anytime now. We were to stay behind and protect the boundary we had established here, they left days ago. We have lost very few, and been able to keep the boundary rather easily. My lords," he turned to the ninjas, "you fought more bravely than I have ever seen anyone fight. You were able to take down armed knights with just your hands, surely when we tell the King of this there shall be a conclave of knights named in your honor."
"Fine, than we wait," Jaz said, "only a few days, if they don't come…then we go after them."
Sir Hector nodded in agreement, "I will not stop you."
"Then we may set our tents with yours?" Matt asked.
"Of course Prince."
Two days they spent in the battlefield and no word from anyone. Rocky, Colt and Tum tum realized how difficult war could be; but it did not bother them, they were warriors at heart. Mel was inseparable from Rocky, it was as though she was attached to his hip. Rocky did not mind. Colt and K went on many walks together, just being together. Jaz cooked for Tum tum over the campfires.
Everyone was fast asleep, content in their dreams when a scream rang out.
Warriors came tearing from their tents.
Rocky had Mel tucked tightly under his arm when they appeared from their tent. Colt stood in front of K in his solid ninja stance. Copperclaw protected both Tum tum and Jaz. Matt, Kand and Luke all had their swords drawn in their pajamas.
"It's a surprise attack!" Sir Hector called.
"No! No, it's us!" They heard in the darkness.
"Lady Amanda?" Sir Hector called.
"Yes," A different femine voice answered, "We have won!"
"Amber?"
"Yes!"
Then they appeared. Several knights still clad in armor, a small woman dressed in magic robes that were singer at the edges. Her hair was shiny black, cut just below the ear. The man at her left resembled Luke, a tall ruggedly handsome man with sword slashes that covered his arms and chest; one arm was set firmly in a sling. The couple walking next to them were also in such shape, cuts and bruises all over. Both the man and the woman appeared to be warriors, the woman was slim but muscular. She looked tired and worn. The man was strong and powerful looking, although it appeared that he lacked several days' worth of sleep.
K pushed past Colt and went running to the warrior couple, "MOM, DAD!" She screamed.
Jaz and Copper both walked slowly to meet Amanda and Luke Sr.
"Mom," she smiled embracing her.
"What are you doing here?" The young woman asked her daughter. Jaz looked as her mother did in the red robes. Her mother was very petite in stature as Jaz was.
Luke Sr. grabbed his daughter up and swung her several times, "I missed you dear."
"I missed you dad."
Luke Jr. came up to meet his parents, "Hi." He smiled.
"My name sake," his father smiled dropping his daughter and embracing his son.
"Have you been taking good care of my children?" Amanda bent and addressed the small dragon that sat at her feet.
Copperclaw nodded his head wildly. Amanda threw her arms around the dragon's neck.
"Kelsey, Kand!" K's mother, Amber, smiled taking her children's hands. "I am so glad you are safe."
"We are mom," Kand said, then turning to his father he asked, "Is it true? We have won?"
"That is true my son."
"Mom, Dad," K said, "there are some people I want you to meet."
"Me too," Jaz said taking her parent's hands and leading them to the camp.
Sir Hector introduced the ninjas with the story of how they won the battle a few days ago. K and Jaz's parents seemed impressed.
"Tomorrow we shall travel home," Amber told the group.
No one disagreed.
"And we shall have the biggest victory party this country has ever seen!" Luke Sr. announced.
Cheers roared through the camp.
3 days hence the war party returned home, letters were sent to the families of the deiced and the King announced a time of peace. There was to be another ball honoring the survivors of the war, and the great victory.
The ninjas were thrown once again into a mix of costumes and metals.
The night of the ball came, once again the night was perfect.
The ninjas were very pleased to see their girlfriends in their element completely. They knew their families were safe, and everything was glorious.
The King called attention at the ball, "I have an announcement to make."
The ball stopped, everyone looked to him.
"I have to say, I thank each and every body that went to the war. I thank God for letting us win, and," he pulled a wonderfully crafted sword from its sheath, "as the king of this land, I must call attention to the new brave strangers who have joined us from afar. Come Rocky, Colt, Tum tum." The king offered the spot next to him, "These brave young men have fought for my daughter's honor, my honor in the war and my most trusted advisors families. They are brave and strong, kind and sincere. Take a knee my sons. Today, as the King of this land, I create a new cast of knights, a new conclave. Ones of such strength that they need not use weapons, their bodies…hands and feet…are merely enough. The new cast shall be known as Spirit Knight, for that is what these young men are filled with, much spirit." He lie the sword on Rocky's shoulder and then the other, he followed the same ritual with Colt and Tum tum, "Rise Sir Knights. May I present to you, people of my land, Sir Rocky, Sir Colt and Sir Tum tum."
The crowd went hysterical with cheers and hollers.
"…the next morning I took them home," A 24 year-old Jaz told a 10-year-old boy.
"But why auntie Jaz? Why did you take them home?" The boy asked.
"Because they didn't belong here any more than we belonged there." She smiled.
"Do you miss them?" the boy asked.
"Everyday," she said looking sad, "but I have to think about your mom now, and what is best for her. Like my mother was advisor to your Grandfather back in the Old Kingdom, I am advisor to your mother and father over here in Northwood."
"Oh," the boy smiled. Mel and K, aged 10 years, appeared in the doorway. "Tell me another story auntie Jaz."
"Not now," she smiled, "tomorrow, you go play now."
The boy leapt up, "Okay, you promise?"
"I promise, tomorrow I'll tell you about the dragon hunting adventures of Matt and Kand."
"Okay!" The boy smiled very excited. He threw his arms up around Jaz's neck and turned for the door, he stopped giving K a hug and a smile, while he gave his mother, Mel, a hug and a kiss.
"You be careful out there Rocky," Mel told her son.
"Okay mom, I am going to go ride the horse dad bought me yesterday."
Mel smiled and pat her son on the head. He disappeared within moments.
"It's too bad he never got to meet his dad," K said looking to the ground.
"Yes," Mel said, "It is. But it's a good thing nobody knows that he's not my husband's son, but us."
K smiled with a nod.
"You have been Queen or Northwood for 10 years Mel, and it still feels like the good old days," K said.
"Yeah, we'll always be friends…always," Mel smiled giving Jaz and K a group hug, "come on, let's go meet my husband for lunch."
They all trotted off down the hall together.
"Mel," Jaz admitted, "You're a good ruler, just like your father. And Rocky will be too, some day."
EPILOGUE
The day following the knighting ceremony Jaz took the ninjas back to California in their sleep. The girls knew that as much as the ninjas claimed they wanted to stay, it wasn't possible. Soon they would miss their home and would not be able to live without it. Mel had cried for a week, K had disappeared for a fortnight, and Jaz didn't talk to anyone for months. They all recovered soon, not to ever know a love like they did that summer. Mel married the prince that she was promised to a birth, finding out only days before the wedding that she was pregnant with Rocky's child from that one night. She had told K and Jaz, they all went along with the story that it was her new husband's when she informed him of it one month after their honeymoon.
It was true, they would never love anyone as much as they loved Rocky, Colt and Tum tum; after all they were their Flame, Venus and Enigma.
There was a knock on her door, but the visitor did not wait to be welcomed in…he simply came in.
"Mel," it was her twin, Matt. "What is wrong with you?"
"How come I had to be the girl?" She sobbed into her pillow handing the marriage treaty to her brother.
"Oh, come here," He offered her his chest on which to cry.
She gladly accepted as he asked, "What is it that troubles you so sister? I remember just last year you couldn't wait to marry and become queen."
"Have you ever been in love Matt?"
Matt shrugged, "Yeah, why?"
"What does it feel like?"
"Wait? Mel first you are going to tell me what is going on."
"I am in love Matt. In love, with a commoner. Not only a commoner, but a commoner from a different world. What do I do Matt?"
"Follow your heart Mel. Do what it tells you to do."
"But I can't, what of the treaty?"
"But what of love? If love isn't strong enough to break that treaty that it's not worth having."
Mel wiped a tear from her cheek, "I may be too late. I don't know if he'll forgive me."
"For what?"
"K and Jaz went to their loves, but I said I couldn't, that I had responsibilities. If they get there before I can catch them, they will have told him that I was to let him die."
"You would have let him die!?"
"No."
"Than what are you waiting for?"
"What if he doesn't forgive me?"
"Than he doesn't really love you."
Mel smiled and leapt up from her bed and dashed for the door, where she stopped abruptly. She turned back to her brother, "Thanks Matt." She went back to the bed and picked up the parchment that Matt had left there. She went to the candle and lit one end of it and dropped it to the ground. She watched as it continued to burn until all that was left was ashes.
"Hurry, Mel. Go to him."
Mel turned and went back to the door.
"Hey guys, who is it we have to catch before they get there?" Balthisar interrupted Luke and Kand.
"Oh no one," Luke smiled over to him.
"Mmmm," Balthisar said, "well, I can't have you following me either."
In one fluid motion he bonked their heads together, knocking them unconscious. Balthisar started down the hall that led to the dungeon.
"I bet that Balthisar did this," Jaz said. Copperclaw nodded his head wildly.
"Yes, remember you told me Bal was the one who sent the message," K said.
"Yeah, after you beat my head in."
"I did not," K laughed.
Jaz snickered, "He was probably jealous of the guys, and Tapelle offered him a position in his royal court or something."
K nodded. "How will we find them?"
"I don't know," Jaz said, "I guess we'll just have to look. I can't believe Mel didn't come along."
K nodded, "I can't either, that is so weird."
"It probably has something to do with the engagement."
"Oh yeah, I had forgotten about that," K admitted, just as they came to the door that led into the dungeon. They pushed the heavy door open to be met by several rats and the rancid sent of mold and decay.
"Oh man," K said covering her nose, "I had forgotten how inhospitable the dungeons were. Yuck."
Jaz nodded.
The place was huge. K and Jaz scanned the cells, but there were so many, and there was so little light. They couldn't even see to the end of the hall. Guards were posted around the dungeon, most of them dozing off at their posts.
K heaved a great sigh, "I was hoping to spend as little time down here as possible."
"Where should we start?"
K shrugged, "I am going to ask the prisoners if they remember seeing the guards bring anyone down here earlier."
Jaz folded her arms and leaned back on one hip just staring at K.
"It's all we've got. The guards aren't going to tell us anything."
Jaz simply cocked an eyebrow. K ignored her cousin and began to search the cells for any living occupants.
"Sir?" She asked when she saw one breathing, but all he did was begin to beg for food.
"See," Jaz said, "It's not worth your time. Let's just search them."
K finally agreed. The two of them quickly began looking inside the rooms. They had no luck with the first row. They went to the second one, not there either. When the rounded the corner to the third row they bumped into one of the royal guards. He was wide-awake and very angry to see the two young ladies who looked like escapees. K began slowly backing away.
"May we speak with the prisoners?" Jaz asked. But the guard ignored her and continued advancing.
"We really haven't got time for you sir," Jaz stated coolly.
"Well, my dear, you had best make time. You can't leave the royal jail. What are you in for…stealing from the family cupboard?" He laughed.
"Certainly not, now stand aside!" Jaz demanded. Then the guard noticed the dragon.
"Keep that dragon away from me," The guard hissed, "he is dangerous!"
Jaz cocked an eyebrow at the guard, "I'm sorry what did you say about my dragon?"
"Your dragon?"
"Yes, that is what I said, didn't I? My dragon." Jaz stated.
The guard instantly bowed, "Lady Jasell, I did not recognize you. Please spare my life. And you must be Lady Kelsey. Please Ladies forgive me."
"Okay, as long as you stand aside and let these boys free," K said.
"I can't, I have direct order from the king," the guard side.
"Well, let us talk to them…at least," K asked.
"I will stand to the side, but I can not let you in there," the guard said.
"Fine, that will be enough," K said.
The guard slipped over to the side underneath a nearby torch.
Jaz leaned in the cell a little bit, "Tum?" she said.
They heard a moan from inside the cell. "Did you hear something?" they heard Rocky ask the others.
"I think so," Colt replied.
"Colt?" K asked.
"K? K is that you?" He instantly came to the bars followed by the others. "What are you doing here? How did you find us?"
"Mel, actually," K said.
"Tum tum!" Jaz exclaimed reaching her hands through the bars.
He quickly took them. "Jaz are you okay?"
She nodded, "Don't worry about us. We are fine, and we will get you out of here. Why are you in here? What happened?"
"We aren't sure," Colt said caressing the side of K's cheek.
Rocky looked around intently for Mel, "You said Mel found out we were here?"
K and Jaz looked to one another and then both to the ground.
"Yeah," K said quietly.
"Is she here?" Rocky asked.
K shook her head, "No Rocky, she's not coming."
Mel and Matt came sliding around the corner to find Luke and Kand lying unconscious on the cold stone floor.
"What happened to them?" Mel asked.
"I don't know." Matt said.
"You stay with them, I'm going down there." Mel said. Matt nodded.
"Oh," Rocky looked down. He stepped away from the bars, he felt his cheeks flush and his heart sink.
"But don't worry Rocky," Jaz said, "we will fight to get you out too."
"What happened?" K asked Colt.
"We were eating dinner with the King and the Queen and then a messenger came in and said we were traitors…they believe him. The King sent the guards on us. But there was a dragon that was fighting with for us."
Tum tum nodded, "It's true, there are real dragons here."
Jaz laughed and K looked over to her. Copper gave a proud squeal. Jaz turned to him, his chest was puffed out tight.
"Is that him?" Tum asked.
"Yes, Tum tum, it's Copperclaw," Jaz said.
"You know him?"
Jaz nodded, "he's my best friend." Copper nudged Jaz twice. She laughed.
"Wait, your Luke's sister…the one that can talk to Copperclaw?" Rocky asked.
Jaz nodded, "I am. My parents are off in the war."
"Mine too," K said.
Colt looked over to K in shock, "But I thought."
"Shhhh," K said, "I know. And I am sorry, I didn't mean to lie to you."
Colt touched the side of her cheek, "Nothing you could say could change my feelings for you."
K couldn't help but smile.
Jaz stared at Tum tum for along time waiting for him to respond.
Finally he smiled and said, "Cool."
"What about Mel?" Rocky asked, "Are her parents in the war too? She had to go to them right? They were hurt or something, and she had to go to them…that is why she couldn't come…right?" Rocky could feel tears welling up in his eyes.
"No, Rocky. I'm sorry," K said, "her parents are leading the war."
"I know," Rocky admitted, "I was trying not to believe it. She's not coming…ever, is she?"
K and Jaz stayed silent for a long time, they didn't know what to say.
Just then Mel came flying around the corner, "Rocky!" She was calling, "Rocky!"
"Mel?" He asked.
She threw herself against the bars and grabbed Rocky's shoulders, "Rocky! Rocky! I'm so sorry, I love you. I do! Please forgive me, I couldn't let you stay down here. I love you! I really do," She cried holding him tightly.
Rocky was so overwhelmed he began to cry as she was holding him through the bars. He grabbed her back and they kissed through the cast iron separating them.
After they all had a minute to adjust to the situation Jaz said, "It was Balthisar, it had to have been."
"Yes it was," they heard from behind them.
Jaz turned just in time to see the backside of Balthisar's hand whack her across the cheek. Tum tum leapt to the bars as Jaz's tiny body went flying across the room. Copperclaw leapt onto the man. Balthisar brought a dagger down between the dragon's shoulder blades. Copper threw his head back with a pained roar.
Jaz was instantly to her feet. K and Mel were surprised at the quickness of the situation. Mel squeezed Rocky's hands, she was trembling. K leapt over the two lovers and to the guard, "I'm sorry." She said. He looked down to her with a confused look on his face. She reached out her left hand grabbing his sword from it scabor with she punched him with her right hand knocking him unconscious. She knelt down searching his body for the keys. Just then Luke, Kand, and Matt broke into the room. Kand when to K, he brought his sword down in the attempt to lob off her head. She turned and blocked his blow, even from her kneeling position.
"K?" Kand asked in shock.
"Kand?" K said as though she didn't believe her eyes.
"I thought you were one of Balthisar's men," Kand admitted.
"I thought you were," She smiled at her brother.
"Nice block," He blushed.
"Nice blow," she sighed, "quick we have to find the keys."
Luke and Matt froze. Jaz and Balthisar were circling one another.
Matt went to jump in, but Jaz held up a warning hand.
"Stay out of it," she hissed still holding her cheek.
"About that battle you promised me at the festival," Balthisar said.
Jaz nodded, "Yes, what about it?"
"Now is the time for it," he growled.
Luke pinched Mel's shoulder. Mel looked up to him. "Go get your parents," he told her.
She nodded and let go of Rocky's hands, "I have to go, I'll be back." Rocky let her go.
She began to run for the door, but Balthisar quickly turned to her and stated "Freeze."
Mel found it impossible to move any of her muscles, she was frozen solid in place.
Jaz snapped her wrist up and above her hand hovered a ball of fire the size of a baseball. Balthisar quickly turned his attention back to the danger at hand.
Jaz released the fireball in his direction. Balthisar flexed his hands back and placed them together at the wrists. When Jaz's fireball came several inches from his hands the flames dispersed as the ball hit an invisible force field created by him.
Jaz nodded, "Hmm, let see you dodge these."
She flicked her wrist again, and this time, over her fingers hovered ten blue magic darts approximately one inch in length. She snapped her wrist in his direction. Balthisar's eyes got wide, he leapt out of the way, but the darts followed him burring themselves in his back. He screamed in pain.
"I'll get you!" He screeched.
"Okay, we'll see," Jaz said.
From both of his hand's fingers came bolts of lightning. Jaz watching, intrigued, as his bolts bounced off from a soft blue shield she had created around herself. She laughed at him.
"You can't beat me," she said.
Luke was physically holding Matt back from the battle and K was doing the same for Kand. Kand was arguing with his sister, "Let me go! That's my cousin."
"Yeah, who can take care of herself," K told him.
Jaz closed her eye and twisted both of her hands so that her palms where facing out, "Ice shock," she said.
Balthisar was hit with several waves of ice sheets. He nearly fell over.
"More magic missal," she said, and several dozen of the blue darts appeared. None of the darts missed Balthisar's body.
Balthisar was weak, it was obvious. But he was still larger than Jaz by far. He leapt for her. She leapt back from him, a trick she had learned from Grandpa. He went for her again, knowing that he could not let her cast another spell on him. His magic was extremely inferior to her skilled magical abilities.
He grabbed his hands and they both were squeezing sparks shooting from their fists. Jaz gritted her teeth, he was definitely stronger than she was…but she was more magically inclined. Their magic blasting from their hands.
She remembered back to the things Grandpa had taught her. She lashed out and kicked him in the stomach forcing him to drop to one knee in pain. He looked up to her and she waved a hand over his face saying, "sleep." Balthisar fell to the ground, passed out cold.
Mean while K had found the keys and was unlocking the cell door. Mel was released from Balthisar's spell. Jaz ran to Copperclaw.
"Copper," she said lifting his head into her lap. "You're going to be okay, I promise." She reached back and looked at the wound. The dagger wasn't that deep, although his scales were not fully developed they helped prevent lethal penetration. Jaz pulled the dagger from his back. Tum tum came to her side, "Wow, that was incredible. I didn't know you were that dangerous."
Luke smiled, "I told you she was dangerous, and would be a valuable asset to the war."
Jaz stood up and helped Copper to his feet. She brushed her knees off, "I am sorry it had to come to that. I would never go to the war, I find them ridiculous."
"Why were you in California?" Colt asked.
"Chris and Starre couldn't have their children here during the war. So they sent each of them to separate places. We went along to make sure Mel didn't get into any trouble." K smiled.
Matt went for the king and queen. The royal family gave the boys a formal apology there, and bit them welcome in the castle anytime they wished it. Balthisar was thrown in a cell, and due to be executed in the ninja's places. They all went off to bed with the intention of sleep, and the royal surgeon bandaged Copper.
The next morning Mel was seated up with her parents in one of her long fancy gowns. K was sitting to the right of Mel in her swordswoman clothes, and Jaz sat with the ninjas, dressed in the red robes of the magi, who were with the nobility. They had all eaten breakfast together, after a good night's rest.
They were all in attendance for Balthisar's hanging. A mass of people had arrived.
The executioner looked up to the King and Queen, bowed and announced, "With your permission your majesties, I shall take this man's life by kicking the stool out from underneath him."
The audience looked up to the King and Queen where Chris gave the executioner the que to kick the stool.
The crowd roared. The stool went and the ninjas had to turn away. The crowd was a mass of screams and cheers.
Once the hanging was over the crowd hung around as a festival was going to take place in the streets following the hanging. A sort of festival.
"Will you be at the feast tonight?" Jaz asked the boys. Her arm was linked to her brothers and Copper sat at her feet, obviously feeling much better.
"You bet!" Tum tum said.
"Hey Jaz?" Colt said, "Not to bring up a sore subject right now, but do you know how we'll get home?"
Jaz looked at him intently for several seconds, "No, Colt. I am sorry that I don't have a solution to that dilemma, but Balthisar was the one who brought us back here."
Luke looked at her for several seconds and only blinked twice.
"Now if you'll excuse us," Jaz said, "we have some mingling to do."
Colt looked to Rocky sadly. Tum tum wanted to tell her to wait up, but he knew he'd see her again soon. He was in fact looking forward to the banquet.
K found them standing silent among the crowd.
"Hey guys," she said with a smile, "why the gloomy faces? This is a happy time."
"We just got some bad news K," Rocky said, "we can't go home."
"Who told you that?" K asked.
Rocky pointed over to Jaz who still had Luke's arm in hers talking to some nobles. "Jaz did."
"Oh," K said surprised, "Well, you were misinformed, however I am afraid getting home might be harder that previously expected."
"Why is that?" Rocky asked.
K looked back to Jaz, "Because your ride home, just told you she wouldn't take you."
The day seemed rushed for the ninjas. They didn't see the girls at all, they were hurried to be fitted for more clothes. The seamstress told them that they would have a wardrobe by morning, but their main focus today was the clothes for the ball.
"Well, won't the girls need fitting too?" Tum tum asked.
"Girls?" The lady who was taking his measurements asked.
"Yeah, Jaz and K and Mel?"
The woman looked to the lady who was fitting Colt and they laughed together.
"What's so funny?" Colt asked.
"Well," the woman who was currently pinning fabrics on Rocky said, "they wouldn't need anymore clothes my dear, unless they have grown out of the ones they already have."
"How many do they have?" Colt asked.
"Mel had seven closets full, 3 dresses per day," one announced. "K, she had two for court, one for practice and riding clothes, and one for formal fighting clothes. Jaz had two closets full of dusty dresses she never wears to court like she should, but 3 robes which she goes back and forth through."
The boys exchanged glances, "Wow, that is a lot of clothes."
The girls nodded, "Mel borrows K's practice clothes when they fight."
"Fight? How so?" Rocky asked.
"Do you know nothing of the girls you ask about?"
"Apparently not," Colt hissed under his breath.
"K has been a master for the sword since she could walk, Mel wanted to learn too. And K has always been her trainer, along with the King himself. The King is a wonderful swordsman. Surprisingly Mel is an incredible master of the sword."
"Grandpa knew," Rocky said.
"What?" Colt asked, "What are you talking about Rocky?"
"Grandpa knew that Mel could wield a sword, and do it well. He would never have given her that katana if he hadn't known. Grandpa never starts someone on such a weapon," Rocky said. Colt and Tum tum nodded in the realization. "But what was wrong with Jaz when she was given those weapons?"
"What?" One of the girls asked, "Jaz held a weapon?"
"Yes," Rocky nodded, "Just before she dumped her lunch on the ground."
"Mmmm," the woman nodded, "wizards can not hold weapons, it is against the way of magic. It contradicts the way they live, their dangerous power comes from elsewhere."
"Ah," Rocky nodded.
"Well, we are done here. You can leave, your garments will be ready before dusk," the woman smiled.
They returned when instructed to find beautiful clothing woven with gold strands made for each of them.
"Wow," Tum tum said, "these are cool."
"Yeah," Colt agreed drawing his from the hanger.
"Thank you," the woman said, "by morning you will have clothes for the rest of the week, as his majesty has instructed. His majesty says you boys are regarded highly among the court as you took care of the girls while they were away."
Rocky smiled, "Thank you ma'am."
"Our pleasure," the woman smiled, "now hurry off to the ball, before you are late."
The boys quickly changed and dashed off down the hall to find the mess hall again. Part of the festivities were outside, some inside. The castle was full of people all dressed in their best clothes, it was just like a movie.
The doorman swung the doors open for the boys to enter.
"And now we have," he door man announced from the balcony, "My Lords," he looked to them quickly for their names.
"Rocky, Colt and Tum tum," Rocky whispered.
"My Lords Rocky, Colt and Tum tum," the man said.
Some people stopped to look briefly, others continued dancing, chatting, or eating.
"Wow, that was cool," Tum tum smiled.
Colt nodded proudly.
They tried to look graceful as they descended the stairs, and they succeeded for the most part.
"Where are the girls?" Colt asked looking around.
Tum tum shrugged, "I don't know, but I really want to see Jaz. I miss her."
Rocky nodded, "I miss Mel too, they should be here soon."
"They aren't here yet," A man looked over to them from the punch bowl, "many are waiting for them."
"Why?" Colt asked defensively.
"They want dances, and talks," he smiled.
"Why?" Colt asked again.
"Hopefully to win a heart of one of them. They are probably the most wanted females around. Mel is the princess, easy to see why one would want her; something about sword fighting is sexy, as K; something about magic is seductive, as Jaz."
Rocky put a warning hand up over Colt's chest to keep him from charging, the other hand over Tum tum's chest to keep him from leaping on this man.
"That's nice," Rocky said, "now good evening sir."
Rocky finished his sentence just as the doorman was saying, "May I present the Ladies, Princess Melissa, Lady Kelsey, and Lady Jasell."
Everyone stopped to look for a brief moment, and then went back to their activities. Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum continued to stare. Mel was in a long beautiful gown of gold and silver. Her hair was pulled up around her head with stands that hung around her shoulders. K was wearing a lovely dress of greens. Satins lined in insides of the long bell like sleeves, and a sting undress skirt was tastefully seen from opening of the overdress. Her hair was also tied up off from her shoulders, with lovely flowers. Jaz was wearing a dress that hung on the ground behind her, a surcoat covered the form fitting baby blue gown underneath. The surcoat was made of royal blue velvet lined with silver cord. Her hair was not long enough to pull up, but it was decorated with lovely silver gems.
Rocky, Colt and Tum tum were breathless, they had not seen these ladies look so lovely.
They were down the stairs instantly searching the crowd. Rocky, Colt and Tum tum nearly ran to them.
"Hello," Mel smiled, "we were just looking for you."
Rocky smiled.
"You look great," K told Colt.
"You look better," he smiled back.
"Nah," she said giving him a nudge.
Jaz offered Tum tum her arm, "Hello my friend."
He let her wrap her arm around his, "You're beautiful."
She smiled over at him, "Thank you, you look nice yourself."
Tum tum blushed.
The brothers of the girls found their way to where their sisters were.
"Hey guys," Matt said.
Everyone exchanged pleasantries.
"Shall we dance?" Rocky offered.
"Do you know how?" Mel asked.
"I'll figure it out," he smiled.
"Then yes," Mel said.
Colt offered K his hand, "M'lady? A dance?"
K curtsied, "Gladly."
The two couples were swept away on the floor, and although neither Rocky nor Colt knew the steps they covered well.
Jaz looked over to Tum tum and he was trembling.
"I can't dance," he finally said.
"It's not hard," Jaz said, "you just move, and go with the music. I will follow you."
"I can't Jaz, I'm sorry," he said turning away.
Luke went to Tum tum, "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to dance, she won't be mad. But it's true, it's not hard. And if you take her out on that floor you will be claiming her, she will be yours…and everyone will know. A dance, if it's not with family, is a claim. If a girl accepts a dance, she is saying 'Yes, I will let everyone know that I like you.' And you are saying the same if you ask for a dance."
"Does that mean that you don't mind me dancing with her?" Tum tum looked up to Luke, as if asking for permission to like his sister.
Luke placed a hand on Tum tum's shoulder, "Tum tum, I find you noble. I have never met anyone who has captivated my sister more than you have. I trust her judgement, and in that I will stand by you."
Tum tum turned to Luke, "Thank you, now if you don't mind. I am expected for a dance."
Luke smiled and stepped back, "Of course."
"Jaz," Tum tum said, "I may step on your toes, but I would like a dance…if you would?"
Jaz took Tum tum's offered hand, "I would love one."
To Tum tum's surprise it was as easy as everyone said. He swung her and twirled her, and it was easy. The song came to a close and all the partners bowed to one another.
"That was fun," Tum tum said when they had all regrouped.
"This place is great," Rocky admitted.
"Let's walk outside," K offered.
The nine friends and one dragon left for the garden, where the rest of the activities were being held. The ninja were realizing how wonderful this place was. Rocky watched Mel, it was evident she was royalty; right down to the way she held her fork. Colt adjusted one of K's flowers in her hair; she smelled wonderful, like lilac. Tum tum held Jaz's arm in his; he could definitely get used to this, he never wanted to let her go.
They were all picking at the food when a man, not dressed for the ball, came up to the group.
"Felix," K said taking him by the shoulders, "what has happened old friend?"
The man was holding his chest heaving, attempting to catch his breath. His clothes were ragged and dirty, "I…must…speak…with…your….father…" he said addressing Mel.
"Why? What has happened?" Mel said, "You went to the war Felix, what has happened?"
Jaz let go of Tum tum's arm and went up to the man as well awaiting the answer to Mel's question.
"There has been a catastrophe."
"What?" Jaz asked.
"The king's most highly decorated knights and fighters were wounded in a blast, a blast from Tapelle's mages." Felix turned his attention to Jaz, "Lady Jasell, you mother…she was wounded, badly."
"Is she alive?" Jaz looked as though she were going to pass out.
"She was when I left."
"And mine?" K asked, terrified of the answer.
"They were hit Lady Kelsey, I don't know if the lived. I didn't have time to find out, they sent me immediately."
"What about my father?" Jaz asked, "was he there?"
"No, he was wounded weeks ago. His arm was broken. He was in the camp, making new tactics. But he is a mess, with your mother being barley alive."
Jaz squeezed her eyes shut tightly, "I'm going."
"What?" Mel said, "You can't go!"
"I can, and I will."
"No, you can't leave us here," Mel argued, "and your parents would be terribly mad if you showed up there. Besides you can't leave Tum."
"What have I trained my whole life for? What have my parents wanted? For me to be a warrior, ready for battle. I won't stay here while what I was trained to do is waiting for me. I have nothing to lose. I can't pretend, like you Mel. I can't pretend anymore, to be something I'm not. If I die, it won't matter. I will have done my job. I have nothing to live for here, nothing to come home to as you do. My parents are all I've got. I can't keep the them here," Jaz said pointing to the ninjas, "I will be taking them home tomorrow…just before I leave for the battlefield. They don't belong here anymore than we belong there. I feel bad that I kept them here in the first place. It is my job to take them back to safety."
The king and queen had approached since Felix had appeared.
Tum tum grabbed Jaz by the shoulders, "Jaz, you have me. You can't take me home, I don't want to go. I won't go. I can't imagine life without you. I want to be here, with you."
Chris looked down to Tum tum, "That is very brave of you sir. And as long as you believe that, and mean that you are welcome in my kingdom. You will be part of our royal house."
"See," Tum tum looked up to the kind, "everything will be just fine."
"Tum tum you are talking crazy," Jaz said, "you don't know anything about this place."
"I know that you are here, and that is enough."
"You are willing to give up your home and everything, never to return….to stay here for me? Without your parents?"
Tum tum looked up to Rocky then over to Colt. "Yes, Jaz. I can live without my parents, but I don't know if I can live without you." In all honesty Tum tum did like this place and he wanted to stay; he felt as though he really did belong here.
Rocky began, "Tum tum, are you sure?"
Tum tum nodded, "Positive."
"Me too," Rocky said, "I am willing to stay here. I want to stay, if you would allow it your Majesties?"
"Of course, you are all welcome," Chris said.
K looked over to Colt. Colt was intently examining his brothers, he nodded, "Yeah, I'm in."
"I'm still going, my parents are there. And hurt." Jaz looked to the ground.
"Me too," K said, "I can't stand here and allow that. Knowing that I am eating and dancing when I have the power to help them."
"I won't let you go alone," Rocky said, "you saved my life, now I will help pay back the debt."
Colt and Tum tum nodded.
"Those are my parents too," Kand said, "Count me in."
"I'm not going to let my baby sister run off to the war without me coming along," Luke said.
Mel looked to Matt, they both knew their parents wouldn't approve.
"Come Felix," the king said, "let us clean you up and feed you. As we walk you can tell us all the other news of the war."
"We're going too," Mel said, "we'll have to meet you outside the front gate tomorrow, mom and dad can't know or they'll have our heads."
"Dawn," Kand said, "We will wait there for you."
Matt nodded, "Dawn."
"Good then, it'll be the nine of us," Luke said.
Copperclaw gave a loud squawk in protest.
"Okay Copper, 10 of us."
The next morning the 10 friends were well on their way across the plains of this new land, the countryside was beautiful at dawn. Even Tum tum, who was barley awake, was able to admire it.
The days journey was long and hard, the boys had ridden horses before; but not as a primary form of transportation. They decided at dusk to set up camp. That way they would have the advantage of the last bit of sunlight to collect necessary supplies.
A fire was set and the tents were pitched. They were all sitting around the campfire cooking what meets they had brought along when Mel said, "Well, guys…I am off to bed early. I am beat."
Mel didn't look tired, moreover she looked sad.
Rocky was instantly on his feet following her into her tent.
"Mel?" He said drawing the tent flap back.
She looked over her shoulder at him, "Oh, it's you. Please come in, I thought you were Matt."
Rocky smiled letting the flap fall behind him.
Jaz looked over to the tent, and then to K. She frowned, "I hope she's okay."
"Why?" Tum tum asked, "What would be wrong with her?"
"She is to marry in one months time," Jaz explained.
"Oh," Tum tum said.
Matt shrugged, "It may not be true for very long, especially if you guys are serious about staying. Dad really likes you."
"Would you prefer Matt?" Rocky asked.
"Heavens no. I don't want to talk to him, I am sick of talking to him. I actually wanted to see you alone."
Rocky blushed, "How come?"
"I have some bad news Rocky."
"Well, what is it?" He said sitting next to her, taking her hand.
"I am to marry a prince Rocky. And I don't want to, I want to stay with you."
"Oh," Rocky looked down, "Sweetheart, let's not think of that now, we will figure something out." Rocky pushed her hair back and kissed her neck gently.
Mel smiled, Rocky had a way of making her do what he wanted. She melted into his kissed.
"Rocky," she whispered, "I want you."
Rocky smiled, and almost instantly they were in one another's arms.
The next morning they were back at their journeys. The ninjas with sore bottoms, horseback riding was a difficult task.
Copperclaw flew high over head, scouting out the areas ahead; making sure they were safe.
Copper dropped quickly to the ground. Everyone slower their horses.
"What is it Copper?" Jaz asked.
Copper gave a few guttural squawks and Jaz turned to the group, "The battlefield is just ahead. Copper says there is currently a battle going on."
"What should we do?" Rocky asked.
Mel leaned over on his shoulder.
"We should go in," Matt declared.
"I agree," Luke said, "You fight well?"
Rocky nodded, "We know what we are doing."
"Okay, than a surprise attack it is," Kand said.
"Our men wear blue and black plaid on their waist, Tapelle's men wear his color of black alone."
Rocky nodded, as did Colt and Tum tum.
"YAH!" Matt said giving his horse a swift hard kick in the ribs. The group followed, the entire band headed headfirst into an unknown destination.
When they tore into the battlefield it was chaos. It seemed to be a rather even fight. Colt leapt straight from his horse onto two men who were bullying one of King Chris's knights.
"I-YAH!" He screamed kicking on with a roundhouse and chopping the other in the shoulder with his hand. They both went down.
Matt and Kand leapt from their horses, drawing their swords and battling together; it was obvious that they fought together often, and very well.
Rocky cornered one with Luke lanced him with his sword.
Tum tum and Mel were working together taking down several, while K sword fought two at once. Jaz was hurling magic missiles and fireballs, Copperclaw at her side scratching and biting, around the crowd taking down bunches at a time.
The surprised troops froze momentarily while the 10 of them took over the battlefield causing Tapelle's terrified troops to flee in terror.
"Wow that was great!" One of the knights commented to the ninjas.
Everyone was introduced.
Sir Hector, the leader of the knights, explained, "Your parents and several other knights have gone off to take on Tapelle himself."
"Then that is where we go," Luke said.
"No, that is not the best idea my lord," Sir Hector said, "if I may, they should be returning anytime now. We were to stay behind and protect the boundary we had established here, they left days ago. We have lost very few, and been able to keep the boundary rather easily. My lords," he turned to the ninjas, "you fought more bravely than I have ever seen anyone fight. You were able to take down armed knights with just your hands, surely when we tell the King of this there shall be a conclave of knights named in your honor."
"Fine, than we wait," Jaz said, "only a few days, if they don't come…then we go after them."
Sir Hector nodded in agreement, "I will not stop you."
"Then we may set our tents with yours?" Matt asked.
"Of course Prince."
Two days they spent in the battlefield and no word from anyone. Rocky, Colt and Tum tum realized how difficult war could be; but it did not bother them, they were warriors at heart. Mel was inseparable from Rocky, it was as though she was attached to his hip. Rocky did not mind. Colt and K went on many walks together, just being together. Jaz cooked for Tum tum over the campfires.
Everyone was fast asleep, content in their dreams when a scream rang out.
Warriors came tearing from their tents.
Rocky had Mel tucked tightly under his arm when they appeared from their tent. Colt stood in front of K in his solid ninja stance. Copperclaw protected both Tum tum and Jaz. Matt, Kand and Luke all had their swords drawn in their pajamas.
"It's a surprise attack!" Sir Hector called.
"No! No, it's us!" They heard in the darkness.
"Lady Amanda?" Sir Hector called.
"Yes," A different femine voice answered, "We have won!"
"Amber?"
"Yes!"
Then they appeared. Several knights still clad in armor, a small woman dressed in magic robes that were singer at the edges. Her hair was shiny black, cut just below the ear. The man at her left resembled Luke, a tall ruggedly handsome man with sword slashes that covered his arms and chest; one arm was set firmly in a sling. The couple walking next to them were also in such shape, cuts and bruises all over. Both the man and the woman appeared to be warriors, the woman was slim but muscular. She looked tired and worn. The man was strong and powerful looking, although it appeared that he lacked several days' worth of sleep.
K pushed past Colt and went running to the warrior couple, "MOM, DAD!" She screamed.
Jaz and Copper both walked slowly to meet Amanda and Luke Sr.
"Mom," she smiled embracing her.
"What are you doing here?" The young woman asked her daughter. Jaz looked as her mother did in the red robes. Her mother was very petite in stature as Jaz was.
Luke Sr. grabbed his daughter up and swung her several times, "I missed you dear."
"I missed you dad."
Luke Jr. came up to meet his parents, "Hi." He smiled.
"My name sake," his father smiled dropping his daughter and embracing his son.
"Have you been taking good care of my children?" Amanda bent and addressed the small dragon that sat at her feet.
Copperclaw nodded his head wildly. Amanda threw her arms around the dragon's neck.
"Kelsey, Kand!" K's mother, Amber, smiled taking her children's hands. "I am so glad you are safe."
"We are mom," Kand said, then turning to his father he asked, "Is it true? We have won?"
"That is true my son."
"Mom, Dad," K said, "there are some people I want you to meet."
"Me too," Jaz said taking her parent's hands and leading them to the camp.
Sir Hector introduced the ninjas with the story of how they won the battle a few days ago. K and Jaz's parents seemed impressed.
"Tomorrow we shall travel home," Amber told the group.
No one disagreed.
"And we shall have the biggest victory party this country has ever seen!" Luke Sr. announced.
Cheers roared through the camp.
3 days hence the war party returned home, letters were sent to the families of the deiced and the King announced a time of peace. There was to be another ball honoring the survivors of the war, and the great victory.
The ninjas were thrown once again into a mix of costumes and metals.
The night of the ball came, once again the night was perfect.
The ninjas were very pleased to see their girlfriends in their element completely. They knew their families were safe, and everything was glorious.
The King called attention at the ball, "I have an announcement to make."
The ball stopped, everyone looked to him.
"I have to say, I thank each and every body that went to the war. I thank God for letting us win, and," he pulled a wonderfully crafted sword from its sheath, "as the king of this land, I must call attention to the new brave strangers who have joined us from afar. Come Rocky, Colt, Tum tum." The king offered the spot next to him, "These brave young men have fought for my daughter's honor, my honor in the war and my most trusted advisors families. They are brave and strong, kind and sincere. Take a knee my sons. Today, as the King of this land, I create a new cast of knights, a new conclave. Ones of such strength that they need not use weapons, their bodies…hands and feet…are merely enough. The new cast shall be known as Spirit Knight, for that is what these young men are filled with, much spirit." He lie the sword on Rocky's shoulder and then the other, he followed the same ritual with Colt and Tum tum, "Rise Sir Knights. May I present to you, people of my land, Sir Rocky, Sir Colt and Sir Tum tum."
The crowd went hysterical with cheers and hollers.
"…the next morning I took them home," A 24 year-old Jaz told a 10-year-old boy.
"But why auntie Jaz? Why did you take them home?" The boy asked.
"Because they didn't belong here any more than we belonged there." She smiled.
"Do you miss them?" the boy asked.
"Everyday," she said looking sad, "but I have to think about your mom now, and what is best for her. Like my mother was advisor to your Grandfather back in the Old Kingdom, I am advisor to your mother and father over here in Northwood."
"Oh," the boy smiled. Mel and K, aged 10 years, appeared in the doorway. "Tell me another story auntie Jaz."
"Not now," she smiled, "tomorrow, you go play now."
The boy leapt up, "Okay, you promise?"
"I promise, tomorrow I'll tell you about the dragon hunting adventures of Matt and Kand."
"Okay!" The boy smiled very excited. He threw his arms up around Jaz's neck and turned for the door, he stopped giving K a hug and a smile, while he gave his mother, Mel, a hug and a kiss.
"You be careful out there Rocky," Mel told her son.
"Okay mom, I am going to go ride the horse dad bought me yesterday."
Mel smiled and pat her son on the head. He disappeared within moments.
"It's too bad he never got to meet his dad," K said looking to the ground.
"Yes," Mel said, "It is. But it's a good thing nobody knows that he's not my husband's son, but us."
K smiled with a nod.
"You have been Queen or Northwood for 10 years Mel, and it still feels like the good old days," K said.
"Yeah, we'll always be friends…always," Mel smiled giving Jaz and K a group hug, "come on, let's go meet my husband for lunch."
They all trotted off down the hall together.
"Mel," Jaz admitted, "You're a good ruler, just like your father. And Rocky will be too, some day."
EPILOGUE
The day following the knighting ceremony Jaz took the ninjas back to California in their sleep. The girls knew that as much as the ninjas claimed they wanted to stay, it wasn't possible. Soon they would miss their home and would not be able to live without it. Mel had cried for a week, K had disappeared for a fortnight, and Jaz didn't talk to anyone for months. They all recovered soon, not to ever know a love like they did that summer. Mel married the prince that she was promised to a birth, finding out only days before the wedding that she was pregnant with Rocky's child from that one night. She had told K and Jaz, they all went along with the story that it was her new husband's when she informed him of it one month after their honeymoon.
It was true, they would never love anyone as much as they loved Rocky, Colt and Tum tum; after all they were their Flame, Venus and Enigma.