Chapter 12

A New Training Strategy

"So what are we doing today?" asked an impatient Penny.

"Today we are going to have you fight all of us," Kayura answered. "I do have a major rule though. None of you can use your other powers,"

"What, exactly, do you mean?" asked Jaya.

"All of us will attack you five girls. We need to test your ability to detect danger and physically fight. Physical, as in not your mental powers," Dais replied.

"Let me get this straight. All of the guys and you four are going to attack us. We are supposed to fight you all so you can test us and we can't even use our powers as an extra defense," Penny said slowly.

"Yes," Cale said.

"Are you all just going to attack or are you all going to leave for a while and then attack?" Sara asked soberly.

"We will all leave and then attack when we feel it is the right time," Seckhmet explained.

Midget and Munchkin didn't say anything because they knew what they were going to do. They helped plan it.

"I suppose we better get this started then," Cale said. With that the five guys, the warlords, and Kayura took off.

About an hour and a half later the girls were getting really antsy.

"Are they ever going to show up?" Penny asked just a little pissed.

"Settle down Penny. We have to keep our guard up. They said we are supposed to be able to detect when danger is near," Sara said trying to clam Penny down.

"Yeah, anyway they are just messing with us," Jaya said with a grin.

"Don't let your guard down Jaya. They aren't going to go easy on us today," Munchkin stated.

"What do you mean?" Penny asked.

"I mean they are upset about last night so they are going to be testing us to make sure we are truly ready to take on the Dynasty," Munchkin answered.

"Oh. I guess they are really worried about us," Jaya said quietly.

"Yes they are. They want us to be okay and the only way they will know is if they test us. So they are going to fight like the bad guys fight," Midget explained.

"They really care for us a lot. And they don't want us to get hurt," Sara said softly.

"I heard Ryo and the others talking about how they wish we weren't involved in this because they don't want us to get hurt. They sounded very upset and worried," Munchkin said.

"Can't you see it in the way they look and act around us? They always seem to be alert and protective," Midget stated.

"I know what you mean," Sara agreed.

"I feel the same way about them. I just want to protect Ryo and keep him from harm. I don't know what I would do if he was hurt or worse. I doubt I could live through it," Munchkin said with tears forming in her eyes. "To go through a day without his loving embrace would just be too hard."

"I feel the same way about Rowen," Midget agreed. "A day without seeing that soft blue hair would hurt too much."

"Same here with Sage," Sara chimed in. "Not being able to hear his sweet voice would kill me."

"Same for me too, but with Kento," Penny said. "I couldn't stand not seeing his sweet smile."

"For me too, but with Cye," Jaya stated. "I would be lost without Cye and his sea blue eyes."

There was an uncomfortable moment of silence. When they couldn't take it any longer Sara suggested, "Lets take a walk before I break down into tears."

The guys were high up in the trees getting ready to attack when the girls started talking about them. First they were really antsy, especially Penny. Then they got to talking about the guys being worried about them. The guys all looked to each other with a grin on each of their faces. They weren't ready for what they heard next. Munchkin had told the others that she was really worried about losing Ryo and that she wouldn't be able to love without his loving embrace. The other girls agreed naming which guy and what they would miss most. Each girl looked like they were about to cry which made each guy almost cry. Cale and Seckhmet sobered them up by attacking. The Warlords and Kayura had taken the ground while the Ronins had taken the trees as their attack routes.

Penny paused for a second. "Do you guys feel that?"

"I think someone is nearby," Sara said.

"Keep your guard up, everybody," Munchkin advised them.

Just as the girls started walking Cale attacked from behind, tackling Sara. Just before he reached her Jaya yelled, "Sara, behind you!"

At the same time Seckhmet jumped out of the bushes a little ways ahead of them and ran back down the path. He crashed head on into Penny, flinging her into a tree.

"Looks like the time is right," Midget commented dryly as she moved in between Seckhmet and Penny.

"No kidding," Munchkin retorted sarcastically as she intercepted Dais when he lunged at Jaya.

"Keep on your toes girls," Kayura laughed jumping out right next to Sara after she had just finished getting up.

"Crap," Sara said dodging a hit from Kayura's ball n chain.

Cale was attacking Penny now, while Seckhmet was fighting Midget. Munchkin and Dais were battling, while Jaya was running to help Sara. Just before she got to her Sage jumps down to stop her. Jaya runs right into him knocking them both to the ground. These matches stayed the same for a while. Then every time one of the girls would knock their opponent away another Ronin would appear and take their place.

After about a half an hour the attackers decided to step up the pace. So they all attacked at once. A minute after they all attacked the girls put on their full armors. Munchkin yelled, "It's time to put the full gear on, girls." As one they called out their armors.

"Armor of Blaze"

"Armor of Heavens"

"Armor of Forest"

"Armor of Sun"

"Armor of Typhoon"

After they put their full armors on they quickly got better. The attackers found it a lot harder to take them down.

Sage swung his no datchi at Penny who easily blocked it with her staff. She then swung her staff at him, who barely dodged it in time.

Cye tried to trip Sara with his yari, but she jumped just in time. She then spun around and blocked Seckhmet's swords with her sais.

Kayura swung her chain at Munchkin, who flung herself to the ground and rolled away. She then jumped to her feet just in time to do a back flip to dodge Kento's staff.

Cale lunged at Jaya, who jumped back just in time to avoid being stabbed. As soon as she jumped back she dropped down into a split to miss getting shot by an arrow.

Dais swiped his claw weapon at Midget's chest, but she whirled out of the way. Just before Ryo cut her in half she leapt into the trees.

Munchkin took a swipe at Dais with her saber, but he jumped back in time. So she then swung the saber at Sage hitting his chest. It sent him flying backwards.

Midget aimed her crossbow at Kayura shooting her in the shoulder. It flung her to the ground. She then aimed at Cye and shot, but he was too fast and dodged it.

Sara was left to fight the mighty Kento. She ducked under his swing and stabbed him in the gut. It made him stagger back groaning.

Penny decided to take a swing at Rowen, but before she hit him he flew into the trees. Twirling around she smacked Cale right in the head. He was sent crashing to the ground with a major headache.

Jaya threw her throwing stars at Ryo, but he flung himself to the side dodging them. Then she tried for Seckhmet, only this time she struck him on the right leg. The blow sent him to the ground on one knee.

Sara sent a kick Cale causing him to hit the tree behind him. She then squared off with Sage. He swung at her, but she blocked his no datchi with one of her sais then sent the other one to his chest. He jumped back then swung again, but faster. She flipped back then lunged at him hitting him in the chest with her body. It had just enough force to send them both to the ground.

Jaya threw her stars at Cye, but he knocked them away with his yari. He then lunged at her trying to knock her off balance, but she just spun out of the way. She threw two more stars just as Cye turned around. This time he caught them and threw them back. Dodging she ran after him. He tried to jump over her, but she caught his leg and pulled him toward the ground.

Penny punched Kayura, knocking her out. Just then Kento ran to her trying to knock her off her feet. Right before he succeeds she does a cartwheel to get out of the way. As soon as she stops she turns and swings her staff at him. He blocks then swings back, but at the last minute she blocks and swings at his chest. Right before she hits his chest she switches strategies and sweeps his legs out from under him, but as he is going down he grabs her arm and pulls her with him.

Midget takes careful aim at Seckhmet, striking him in the side. The impact made him fly into some bushes. Rowen takes the time to take aim at her. Right before he shoots she senses his intentions and takes her aim. They both take their shots at the same time, causing both to dodge. Rowen just flipped while Midget dove for another tree. They quickly recovered and aimed again. Rowen shot first causing Midget to knock the arrow away with her claw then discharge her own arrow. It hit right where she planned, Rowen jumped again only to find out she shot the branch beneath him. So when he went to land on the branch he fell to the ground. In a last ditch effort he tried the same trick, only he missed almost hitting her causing her to fall backwards.

Munchkin kicked Dais with a round house to the face. The power of the blow sent him soaring through the air. Ryo took advantage of her distraction to swipe at her. At the last second she dropped to the ground and rolled under his legs. She jumped up and swung at him, but he blocked it with one and used the other to attack. Twisting to avoid being stabbed, Munchkin flung her saber at his arm knocking out one of his katanas. Swiping a blow to his stomach he dove over the blade and grabbed his fallen weapon. Getting up he ran after her making another attack. Jumping to the side and swinging her own blade she tried again to get the upper hand. He blocked again then with her leg she swept his out from under him accidentally slipping in the leaves and falling also.

"Good show," Anubis said laughing and clapping.

Sara had fallen on top of Sage in the last confrontation. At Anubis' remark the two began to laugh.

Cye had been pulled down onto Jaya when she grabbed his leg. Cye smiled shyly and rolled off of her so she could breath. "Sorry," he said. "No problem," Jaya said smiling.

Penny had been drug down by Kento. She ended up right on him. "I got you last," Kento said smiling. "Look who is on top of who," Penny smirked.

Rowen had Midget in his arms. After his faulty shot he had ran over to catch her. "Sorry. I misaimed because of my fall. Are you all right?" Rowen said in one breath. "It's ok. I'm fine. Um. You can put me down now," Midget replied softly.

Munchkin had landed right next to Ryo in a heap of leaves. "Darn leaves. I was doing fine until they joined the fight," Munchkin grumbled irritably. Ryo began to laugh and choked out, "A-Are y-you o-ok?" "Shut up!" she said trying to control her own laughter.

Cale and Seckhmet were struggling to get up. Seckhmet was saying, "Ouch. I think they are ready." "I agree. Man my head hurts," Cale complained. "What about my side?" Seckhmet snapped.

Kayura, who was being helped up by a sore Dais, hissed, "You two shut up now! You had it no worse than us." "Yeah. So quite your whining," Dais added.

"I almost agree with Cale and Seckhmet. They are ready as far as physical and mental ability, but they don't fully understand the extent their armors can reach. You all showed great skill and strength, but you still need to learn your most powerful attacks." Anubis commented. "Not now though. You all have done well for today. I am proud of you."

"Are we to teach them their sure kills tomorrow?" Kento asked eagerly.

"Settle down Kento," Cye warned with a smile.

"If you were to do that you would have to go to a very secluded spot. I don't see how it could hurt," Anubis replied.

"I know the perfect place," Kento said jumping up and down.

"Thank you, but I already have picked a place out," Kayura said quickly.

"Maybe we should take our armors off and rest a while," Munchkin suggested tiredly.

"She is right. They haven't worn their armors that much before. They must be tired," Rowen agreed.

With that they all took their armors off. Everyone of the girls were so exhausted they fell into the guys' arms. The guys were expecting it so they caught them quickly. Then they carried them toward Mia's house, grinning at each other. They were greeted by a rather pissed off tiger and a highly annoyed panther. White Blaze didn't even bother to move from his position by the opposite door, but seemed to grin at the sight.

Everyone gathered in the living room. Cye made something to eat and had Kento carry drinks out to the girls. Ryo, Rowen, and Sage made the girls comfortable by bringing pillows for them to use. Kayura and her three companions found places to sit on the couches while the others curled up on the floor.

After everyone was seated Flame and Star had reached the end of their patience and ended their enforced silence.

JUST WHAT THE HECK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, LEAVING US BEHIND LIKE THAT, Flame scolded furiously. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WE'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH BACK HERE?!

YEAH, LEAVING US TO WORRY ABOUT THE TROUBLE YOU COULD BE GETTING INTO. OR HOW YOU MIGHT BE HURT AND WE WOULDN'T BE THERE TO HELP YOU, Star added. AND DON'T TELL ME THAT WE KNEW YOU WERE FINE BECAUSE THAT DOESN'T EXCUSE YOUR BEHAVIOR.

Would you two calm down please, Midget asked in a soothing mental tone.

Yeah, you're giving me a headache, Munchkin told them.

CALM DOWN, Flame asked in disbelief. ARE YOU KIDDING!!!

If you don't quiet down I'm going to lock you in the house for a week, threatened Munchkin sternly.

Flame, Munchkin, neither of you is help the situation much, Star said in a calmer tone. And neither are the pack of laughing hyenas around us.

You haven't got much room to talk, Midget told Star pointedly. They wouldn't be laughing if they couldn't hear your antics. If you would all settle down we could finish this conversation in private. Or do you want them to laugh at you?

Munchkin couldn't resist adding, And they are laughing at you. Not us. After all, we didn't ask you to loose it over a few hours' practice.

White Blaze's tolerantly amused tone interrupted them. I understand how you two feel. Unfortunately, if they're anything like Ryo, then their desire to protect you will have you in this situation frequently. You'll just have to forgive them for their oversights.

We don't really have time to discuss this right now, Munchkin told them. We've only got an hour and a half left before we have to be home.

That's right. We need to use that time to discuss today's practice. Not to mention planning for tomorrow's, Midget added.

Fine. Just wait until we get home, though, Flame said in a disgruntled tone.

The girls then turned their attention to the others. They found the guys and the other girls laughing while the other four sat clutching their heads and grumbling about loud mental voices giving them headaches. Munchkin and Midget looked at each other and shrugged.

"You'd better get things started or we'll probably waste all of our time here," Midget told Munchkin.

"You're right," Munchkin agreed, laughter in her voice. Then she turned back to the others and said, "All right everyone, enough! We need to get down to business."

It took them a few minutes to settle down, but they eventually fell silent.

"So where are we going to start," asks Ryo.

"How about you tell us what we did wrong first," Sara suggested.

"Yeah! That way we can hear the things we did right last," Jaya said with a smile.

"That sounds like a good idea," Cye commented.

"All right, we'll start there. Anyone want to go first," Ryo asked.

"I will start," Seckhmet informed them. "You shouldn't have let your guard down while you were talking."

"That's true," Cale said. "You also should learn better control with your weapons."

"Don't forget they need to work on their aim, too," Kento added.

"You need to work on remaining focused," Dais commented.

"That is especially important when it comes time for you to use your sure kills," Kayura told them seriously.

"Yeah. One false move could have you accidentally hurting a friend or an innocent person and missing your enemy," Rowen soberly informed them.

For a moment the girls looked at each other and the guys in silence. Each one of them was thinking about how frightening that possibility was. The reality of the task they had taken on was beginning to sink in.

Seeing the sober expressions on their faces, Anubis said, "I think that's enough of what was wrong. Let's move on to what they did right."

"Well, from what I saw they can fight pretty well without their weapons," Sage commented.

"They were able to sense our approach," Cale told them.

"They didn't know what it was, though," Cye reminded him.

"We do now," Penny sighed while rubbing her side.

"That was the whole point," Seckhmet retorted.

"Anyway. I noticed that you all have gotten faster," Kayura said.

"Your strategies are getting better," Rowen commented.

"Yeah, switching enemies was an interesting approach," Sara replied.

"I agree. It worked pretty darn good in testing us," Jaya said.

"I agree that you all did well, but you all did hold back in striking us with your weapons. You can't do that when you are fighting the real enemy. You need to practice the way you're going to do it in the real battle," Dais stated sternly.

"I agree. You all were holding back. The enemy won't go easy on you if you go easy on them. They will kill you," Ryo agreed. "That is enough for now. We need to plan for tomorrow."

Both Midget and Munchkin had been listening silently. They were reviewing the day's practice in their minds and comparing it to the fight of yesterday. The other girls didn't know it yet, but they really did have work to do to get ready. Still, all in all today had been a good start. Ryo's announcement brought their attention back to the discussion.

"Kayura, where is this place you have chosen," asked Munchkin.

"Itis a secret place. I wouldn't even know how to describe it. Let's just meet here and leave at eight a.m.," Kayura replied.

"Just what are we going to be aiming at?" Midget asked.

"Dais will set up some illusions of dynasty soldiers," Kayura answered.

"All right then. We all meet here at 7:30," Ryo said.

"Good. But now we have to go. Our families will be worried if we don't get back soon," Munchkin said.

"Right. Besides, I need some rest," Penny sighed.

"And I need some food!" Kento exclaimed.

"Kento," Cye said before laughing. Everyone else was walking out the door laughing.

To be continued....