Thank you, YFWE and CelloSolo2007, for your reviews. They were very helpful in both keeping my story straight and letting me know I was appreciated. Even if I hadn't asked for reviews before. Well, on with the story...


Chap 4

At the Longs' apartment, things were pretty hectic. Apparently, Lao Shi (affectionately known as Grandpa) was coming over for dinner before taking Jake out for training, so Mrs. Long decided to have a "clean-up" day. Hayley, of course, wasn't happy about it.

"But, why do we have to clean the apartment now?" whined Hayley as she cleaned the kitchen sink. "I mean, it's only Grandpa isn't it?"

"Yes, honey," her mother replied exasperatedly for the fourth time that day. "But, your grandfather, as you know, has, well, eccentric needs. Besides, I think he should be in a place where dust isn't a permanent part of the home."

"Whatever," Hayley muttered.

"Hey guys, I'm home!" Jake called as he closed the front door to the apartment.

"Good," replied his mother. "Then you can get started on cleaning your room; it's a mess in there."

"Mom!" Jake whined. "Why?"

"Because Grandpa's coming over, that's why." Hayley shouted from the kitchen.

"Grandpa's coming? Why?" Jake asked.

"It probably has something to do with," his mother whispered at this point so Mr. Long, who was home at the time, couldn't hear, "dragon business. But, who knows?"

"Well, anyway," Jake continued, "I have a new friend who insisted on coming over today."

"Oh?" Mrs. Long asked, surprised. "Who is it?"

"Well, his name is Kaleb Black." Jake explained. "He seems to have moved in from around Seattle, Washington."

"That's pretty far away, Jake. He might know some good vacation spots if you decide to travel some day," called a dry voice from the front door.

"Hello Grandpa." Jake called. Grandpa seemed very mysterious to many around him, including some of his own family. To Jake, though, his grandfather was a great teacher, but sometimes didn't know when to quit teaching. Today, he was without Fu Dog, a fellow magical creature who was a talking dog and knew many connections in the magical world. However, as Jake's father knew nothing of the previous-mentioned magical world, Fu Dog wouldn't have been a great…er…dog to have around the man.

"So, what's this I hear of a new friend, Jake?" Grandpa asked.

"His name is Kaleb, and he's insisted on coming over today," Jake explained again. "He should be here in a couple of minutes."

"Hmm." mumbled Grandpa. "When he gets here, I would like to talk to him for a few minutes, if you don't mind?"

"I don't mind, but why?" Jake asked.

"I need to see if he is… well I'd just like to see your new friend, that's all," answered Grandpa.

Meanwhile, at the Black's apartment, Kaleb was telling his mother about his first day at the new high school.

"…and, oh, I can't until we start going further in math." Kaleb continued.

"Ok, ok. I can see you're very excited about school," his mother answered. "Now, did you make any friends?"

"Oh, I believe so," Kaleb answered. "In fact, one boy, Jake, is letting me visit his house for a couple of hours."

"Well," His mother considered the time. They were still unpacking their belongings but they would have dinner in about two hours anyway and Kaleb was already finished unpacking. "All right. But, be back hereby 6:00 pm, ok?"

"Got it!" Kaleb exclaimed as he headed toward the door. "Thanks!"


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