Chapter 11

Tests of skill

Then Friday came. Since everyone knew that Midget and Munchkin were going to be tested today both girls were a bit nervous and a bit excited. Sage had decided not to give them any tips, preferring to see how they did on their own. Everyone tried to encourage them all day long. When they arrived at the dojo they were told to get ready and then go outside. The others were told that they may watch if they wished. They promptly found places to sit and settled down to watch. Kayura and Cale joined Dais and Seckhmet to one side, hidden by Dais' illusion.

"You ready for this," asked Midget, glancing at Munchkin.

"Sure am," replied Munchkin. "This'll be just like old times with the Captain, eh, Midget."

Midget grinned. "Kind of. He's probably going to put us through our paces like the Capt. only he'll be comparing our style to the one he's more familiar with."

"You're probably right," Munchkin commented mildly. Then she grinned. "It should make things more interesting, right?"

Midget laughed as she held the door opened and gestured for Munchkin to lead the way. As they walked outside they noticed the crowd that had gathered. They gave each other wry grins. "Do you want to go first, or should I," asked Midget.

"You can go first if you want," Munchkin said casually. "I don't mind, really."

"I'm sure you don't," returned Midget resignedly.

Grandfather Date smiled at both girls as they walked up. "I will be testing Midget while Sensei Date will test Munchkin. Then we will each test the other girl. That way we can both get an idea of what your skills are and neither of you gets an unfair advantage."

The girls looked at each other. "This should teach us not to agree to do anything until we know what all we will be doing," Midget told Munchkin wryly.

Munchkin nodded, then sighed as she walked over to Sensei Date. Everyone else laughed. Midget and Grandfather Date used the practice no-datchis. Munchkin and Sensei Date used the katanas. The two pairs squared off and the audience quieted. Then they began.

Munchkin was relieved to find herself holding her own against Sensei Date. Midget held something back when they fought. Of course, that was probably because when they fought Munchkin needed to let off some steam and somebody had to be in control. Still, it was nice to fight someone who wasn't holding back. Sensei Date fought silently and with a cool intensity. Well, he is testing me, after all. She grinned to herself, enjoying this. I'm definitely going to have join the team. I'd forgotten how much fun this can be.

Midget was amused. Grandfather Date knew she was holding back and he didn't like it one bit. He kept trying to goad her in to letting her control go and fighting with her full ability. She knew he didn't understand why she didn't, no one did. Still, it was something she didn't do, for her own reasons, and she wasn't going to merely for the sake of a test. No, she would fight like she always did. That didn't mean she couldn't loosen up a little bit more. With that thought, she increased the intensity of her fighting and started to fight back. Midget smiled as Grandfather Date let her know of his approval.

After fifteen minutes of fighting both Sensei Date and Grandfather Date called a halt to the tests. The two girls switched weapons when they met in between the two testers. Both girls smiled at the other, knowing they were doing well. They had both practiced the previous day, getting ready for today. Each girl squared of with their examiner.

A few minutes into the test and Midget was smiling. Sensei Date fought silently and with a reserved intensity, his skill used with cool precision. She appreciated that, identifying with his style easily. It's nice to have a dueling partner who fights with subtlety and skill. The two combatants settled easily into the delicate rhythm of dueling.

Munchkin found herself immensely enjoying this test. Grandfather Date was pushing her to give her all, and she gladly did so. She enjoyed the challenge. It had been awhile since anyone but Midget had been able to match her. This is so much fun. It's a shame we aren't using sabers. Then everyone would have a real treat. Soon both had lost track of time as they fought, enjoying the challenge the other presented.

To soon for all of them, they had to call the tests to a halt. All of them were sweating and breathing a little heavily, but they wore grins. Sensei Date and Grandfather Date took the weapons from the girls and sent them in to change. Then they turned to the guys and had them start practicing. The girls obediently headed for the building, their friends walking with them. In the changing room the girls were telling them what they had thought about the tests.

"That was so cool, you guys," Penny told them excitedly. "You were both doing really well out there."

"Yeah," Jaya put in. "You guys looked so good out there."

"It would seem that neither of you has lost your touch," Sara told them, grinning.

"Of course not," Munchkin returned a bit arrogantly, still flushed from fighting. Then she grinned at the others. "It was a lot of fun, right Midget?"

Midget smiled with amusement at them. "I'd forgotten how stimulating dueling can be. I think this was a good idea."

"I agree," Munchkin said with another grin.

When the girls were finished dressing they went outside to watch the guys finish their practice. Rowen and Ryo were paired up, with Sage overseeing them. Sage and Ryo were teaching Rowen how to use the swords. Or they were attempting to, anyways Munchkin, Midget, and Sara smiled at his slight bumbling. Sword fighting was definitely not his strong point. Kento and Cye had paired up. Kento had a staff and Cye had a yari. They were both teasing each other as they fought. Jaya and Penny sat nearby, watching them and laughing at their words. Once the guys were finished they walked over to Munchkin's house. They had practiced there the last two nights since the Capt. was gone and the Doc was working on a different project at Midget's house.

"Why is he doing a project at your house," asked Kento.

"Kento, she told us this yesterday," Cye reminded him with a sigh. "Rowen's dad had to take a trip and he took the keys to the lab with him."

"He left Rowen alone," Sara added, still having trouble comprehending this. Her parents didn't even like to let her stay home for a few hours alone.

"It's not as if it is a big deal or anything," Rowen said, defending his dad.

"He still shouldn't leave you alone for several days at a time," Sage commented, a note of concern in his voice.

"He's right, you know," Jaya told Rowen seriously.

Midget saw Rowen's discomfiture and turned to give everyone a stern look. "All right you guys. Lay off, will you? Leave my boyfriend alone."

Penny looked at both of them with interest. "Your boyfriend, huh? When did this happen? And who asked whom," she asked inquisitively. She gave them a suspicious look. "You haven't been holding out on us, have you?"

Midget and Rowen looked at each other, both blushing but smiling with amusement. "I'll answer some of your questions, Penny," Midget said mildly. "Yes, he is my boyfriend. We got together last night. It's none of your business who asked whom. And no, we haven't been holding out on you."

Munchkin and Ryo looked at each other. "We should probably go ahead and tell everyone now since everyone is here. Besides, Rowen and Midget went first," Ryo told Munchkin.

"You're right," Munchkin agreed.

"You guys are going out, aren't you," Kento asked them, grinning when both blushed slightly.

"Yes, we are," Munchkin said as calmly as she could. "We also got together last night, so we haven't been holding out on you, either."

"I didn't know you guys were going to hook up last night," Rowen told Ryo.

"I know. I didn't know you two were going to hook up either," Ryo responded. The two boys grinned at each other.

Midget and Munchkin exchanged amused looks. They had been through this before, this morning when they talked as they got ready for school. Neither had known about the other until an accidental slip had gotten both discussing the previous evening. Then the two had decided to surprise the guys. Since Midget was staying the night with Munchkin tonight they decided to prepare a special meal for the guys. Both of them were looking forward to it.

"They're not the only ones," Sage said with a proud grin, glancing at Sara.

"That's right," Sara said with an equally proud grin.

"You two hooking up isn't the least bit surprising," Penny said with a wicked grin.

"No kidding," Jaya stated, looking very amused.

"And just what is that supposed to mean," asked Sara indignantly.

"It means that anyone could have seen it coming from a mile away," Cye teased. "Besides, we all know what Casanova is like from watching him at school."

Everyone burst out laughing when Sage started chasing Cye around. Then Kento decided to join the fun. Soon the others were also participating. By the time they got to the house everyone was winded. They were all glad to be able to sit still for awhile in practice. After getting something to drink, of course.

Ryo and Rowen stayed for two hours after practice. Munchkin and Midget made them steak, broccoli-cheese and rice casserole, rolls, and salad for dinner. Then they served them pineapple upside down cake. Afterwards, they all relaxed in the living room before the guys had to leave.

As the guys were walking down the street the two girls began talking about how dinner went.

"I think that went well," Midget said.

"I agree," Munchkin stated smiling. Then all of a sudden about twenty soldiers jumped out of nowhere and attacked the girls. These weren't the regular soldiers though. They were about 6"6' tall and were bigger than Kento. They seemed to be tougher as well. "What on earth are you? And what do you want?" Munchkin asked startled.

"We serve Madam Tara. And we are here for the two of you," one of the soldiers said pointing to the two girls.

"Too bad you aren't going to get us," Midget retorted getting into a fighting stance.

"Yeah you big goons. We want nothing to do with the Dynasty and its rodents," Munchkin snapped readying herself for the battle. The two girls put their armors on and got into defensive stances. The front four started the attack by running towards the two girls swinging their swords. The two girls dodged the first swing and blocked the next one. As they were defending themselves from the second two the first ones came up from behind them.

Midget turned around just in time to get slashed in the leg instead of the back. Star, seeing her friend hurt, pounced on the soldier that had slashed her, making it smoke and die. Munchkin got half way around when the soldier slashed her arm as it was being flung to the ground by a very pissed Flame. Their armors could normally keep their bodies from being harmed, but these soldiers swords were a lot more powerful. The blades cut through them though. The wounds felt like they were on fire, but they kept on fighting. If they would have been in full armor they might not have caused so much damage.

After a minute or so the two girls saw Ryo and Rowen helping out. Just out of view Dais and Seckhmet joined in. In about five minutes all of the soldiers were destroyed.

The guys were at the end of the block when they heard the sound of fighting behind them. Turning, they saw Midget and Munchkin in their sub armor, fighting some new looking Dynasty thugs with the help of Flame and Star. They ran back to them, calling for their armor as they went. As they neared Dais and Seckhmet appeared in armor, joining the battle. The two boys saw a difference in the soldiers. They seemed bigger and stronger. About five minutes after they had joined the battle they were finished. All of the soldiers were dispatched leaving nothing but a putrid smell. A second later a voice spoke from above Munchkin's house.

"So, not only do the girls have their armor, but their also learning how to fight. They still have to have their little friends help them, though," a Warrior dressed in black armor sneered. Before anyone could say anything, he raised his hand and disappeared. As he faded out he whispered, "We're watching you. When the time is right, we'll get you. It's only a matter of time."

"What was that," asked Munchkin shakily.

"One of the Dynasty's Demon Generals," hissed Seckhmet angrily.

Ryo went over to her and put an arm around her shoulders. "Are you all right," he asked with concern. "That cut on your arm looks pretty bad." He tried to pull her arm over so that he could look at it.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Munchkin replied, still a little out of sorts. Flame walked over to her and nudged her leg, making an angry sound in her throat. She rubbed the tiger's head in reassurance. "Quit worrying. The cut isn't too deep. How's Midget?"

"I'll live," whispered a wry voice. The others turned to see Rowen helping Midget up. She was favoring her left leg as she stood. Her face was very pale, as was Rowen's.

"Let's get her inside," Rowen said in a worried tone. "It looks like they hurt her leg pretty good."

Star walked over to Midget, nudging her good leg and growling worriedly. Midget reached down to pet her reassuringly. "I'll be okay, girl. Don't worry. I just need to get cleaned up and get some rest."

No one noticed Seckhmet and Dais talking quietly. Then Seckhmet walked over to Midget and Dais disappeared. Seckhmet helped Rowen get Midget inside the house. Ryo and Munchkin walked in behind them. It was when they were cleaning the injuries and discussing the battle that they realized something.

"Seckhmet, how did you and Dais arrive so quickly," asked Munchkin suspiciously.

"They were watching us, that's how," Midget replied calmly.

"WHAT?!?"

"They have been watching us since the day after we had our nightmares," Midget explained calmly.

Munchkin ranted about not needing a babysitter and how low was their opinion of her if they thought she did need one. Ryo had to threaten to tie her to her chair in order to keep her still enough to bandage her wound. Seckhmet waited until she paused for breath before pointing out that tonight was a good example of why they were following them. Unfortunately, that didn't help. Then Munchkin realized that Midget and Rowen were talking softly and completely ignoring her.

"What are you two talking about over there," she asked suspiciously.

"We were discussing whether or not we think it's likely that Rowen's dad is back yet," Midget told her calmly.

"Why," Munchkin asked, puzzled.

"Because Midget doesn't want me to be alone tonight," Rowen informed her calmly. "She's afraid that they'll try to capture me, then use as either bait or as a bargaining tool to get to you guys."

"And I just don't want to take the chance that he could get hurt," Midget added.

"She's got a good point, Rowen," Ryo commented, beginning to get concerned.

"Yeah, you should find some one to stay with," Munchkin told him authoritatively.

"I'll be fine," Rowen said reassuringly.

"It wouldn't hurt, you know," Seckhmet added thoughtfully. "It's probably not a good idea for any of you to be completely alone right now."

"He's right about that," a voice from the doorway put in. They all turned to see Kayura, Dais, Cale, and Anubis walking into the room. "And Midget does have a good point. It could happen to any of you."

"Their is a rumor that the new Dynasty is desperate to get it's hands on some of the armors. They're looking to add them to their side," Anubis told them mildly. He walked over to Munchkin and checked her arm. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Munchkin responded distractedly. She was too busy considering what Anubis had just said.

"We have been trying to keep an eye on their movements," Cale informed them in a slightly disgusted tone. "Obviously we haven't been as successful as we'd like to be."

Ryo looked at him closely. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Dais answered calmly. "That means that if we had been, there wouldn't have been a fight a few minutes ago. We would have stopped them before they got here."

The others all nodded mutely. Their expressions betrayed how annoyed they were at not having been able to stop the attack.

"You can't do everything," Rowen pointed out.

"That's right. We know you're doing everything you can to prepare us," Munchkin assured them. "Besides, I think we're going to find that it's better for us to get an idea of what is ahead of us."

"That is a very good point," Midget commented. "This way we can learn our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to fighting them. Then we can work on improving as we train. And I'm not talking about just the four of us."

"Hey, that's a great idea," Rowen cried enthusiastically.

"Yeah," Ryo said, perking up. "We can use what we know of their abilities to train the others. That way everyone will be more prepared."

The four teenagers began to make plans. They noticed Kayura, Anubis, and the Warlords withdraw from the room. The other five went to the kitchen to talk amongst themselves.

"You know what is amazing about these kids," Cale asked wryly.

"Their ability to find the good in just about anything," Seckhmet returned dryly.

"Yep," Cale answered.

"I think that so far things have turned out better than we hoped," Kayura commented thoughtfully.

"How is that," Dais asked.

"Well, we now know that at least the girls can fight," responded Kayura.

"And we know that they will be able to handle this battles mentally and emotionally, as well as physically," Anubis told them with relief.

"HEY, GUYS, ARE YOU STILL HERE." Munchkin's voice shouts from the living room.

"YEAH, WE'RE IN THE KITCHEN," Dais shouts back.

Rowen appears at the door. "We wanted to know if you guys wanted to help us plan how we're going to do our training tomorrow," Rowen explained.

The Warlords, Anubis, and Kayura all look at each other. This was the first time one of the guys had asked them to help them do anything. "Are you sure you want our help," asks Seckhmet incredulously.

Ryo appeared behind Rowen just then "Yeah, come on," he said with a grin. "You can help us out since you know more about Dynasty soldiers than we do."

"All right," Kayura said with a smile as she walked over. "You guys coming," she asked her companions.

"We're right behind you, Kay," Cale told her.

With that, they all gathered together in the living room. First they decided to have Ryo see if he could spend the night at Rowen's house. That way they would be together and both could stay longer. Ryo called his Grandmother and got permission to stay with Rowen. Then they settled down to planning. They stayed up talking and planning until the early hours of the morning.

To be continued....