Kara sat on the roof of the barn house staring up at the midnight sky in a daze. The past couple days Dragan had been visiting her in her dreams. She wasn't sure how she was able to do that or how it was done but seeing her brought some comfort in her mind knowing she was safe but she began noticing some changes in her appearance. Her eyes were becoming more tired, her physique was getting smaller, and the way she held herself with such pride and confidence it was all but gone. In short, she looked dead tired. Despite the outward appearances though Kara could tell there was still strength in her heart and a fire in her soul.
A small smile cracked her lips knowing it would take a lot to bring her Scottish friend down seeing her in the state she was in it always woke her up a few minutes after seeing her. She ran her hand up her face and through her hair, the smile now gone, and let out a sigh. She wasn't getting as much sleep now as she would like.
A sudden wind blew rustling the trees around her and she hugged herself thinking it was time to head back inside before someone noticed she was gone but just as she turned around she saw Leo standing there looking down at her curiously.
Letting out a yelp she practically jumped out of her skin and in doing so almost lost her balance off the roof but luckily Leo caught her in time. Glancing down at the ground then their hands she let out a deep sigh and looked up at him. "Give a girl a warning next time. Geez, almost gave me a heart attack."
"Heh, sorry. What're you doing out here anyways?" He pulled her up away from the edge of the roof and sat down beside her.
"Couldn't sleep." She looked away unsure whether to tell Leo about her dreams with Dragan or not.
"It's about Dragan, isn't it?" Leo asked softly staring down at the roof tiles.
She tilted her head in his direction glancing his way before letting out a soft sigh and nod. "Yeah.."
"She hasn't told me anything but I can tell..something is wrong." Leo lifted his head up staring ahead of them in thought.
Kara watched him for a moment and placed her hand on his shoulder. "She'll be ok. She has the spirit and determination of a knight in her. We just have stay hopeful for her." She spoke with a grin on her face but the moment Leo looked at her worry etched in his eyes it faltered and she removed her hand. "She'll be ok." She said more to herself now than him.
Leo watched her for a moment noticing the turmoil within her and moved closer placing a comforting arm around her. "We'll get her back, Kara. I promise."
Kara laid her head against his shoulder giving a soft nod. "I know."
The following morning Kara woke up later than usual. She stumbled out of bed with a yawn and slinks towards the dresser to put on today's clothes.
After her wake up routine she causally strolled down the stairs expecting to see everyone when she turned the corner but saw the house was empty. Grabbing an apple she took a bite and checked to see if they were outside minus Leo.
"Alright team, if you can clobber Kraang you can crack logs." She heard Raph instruct as she walked closer to them. "Watch and learn."
"Aw yeah! Time for some ninja training: farmhouse style!" Mikey shouted.
Raph began doing some ninja moves and Kara watched with interest as she ate her apple. She glanced April's way and almost choked at her reaction. She couldn't blame her though, it seemed as if Raph was just showing off.
Kara grinned when she finally saw Raph break three logs at a time and clapped when he had completed.
Raph had his back turned to them as he adjusted the strap around his waist and glanced back at them with a smirk, Kara now beside April and Casey. "You like that?"
April wore the same expression as before making Kara chuckle. "We know you were just showing off, Raph, but gotta admit those were some nice moves." She walked past Raph giving him a pat on the shoulders and stood beside Donnie to watch April give it a go.
"Morning." Donnie smiled at her moving some hair out of her face and planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Good morning." She whispered watching as April straightened the log half for Casey not wanting to kick his smug grin off his face. Kara chuckled and crossed her arms anticipating what would happen.
"Remember, it's not just physical strength that breaks the board. It's also inner strength." Donnie commented as April took her stance.
"I got this." April grinned before kicking her foot right at the board but instead of it breaking Casey was thrown back onto the ground face first.
"Oooh, I wish I could see that in instance replay. How's that mud tasting, Casey?" Donnie taunted and laughed.
Kara shook her head laughing softly at the two that was until she saw Leo staggering into view and falling to his knees.
She and the brothers rushed to his side.
"Dude, what happened to you?" Mikey asked in a panic.
"I had a realization in the woods." Leo started.
"Going off in the woods, alone, was a bad idea?" Raph added in as he and Mikey helped him to his feet.
"No, it's just what I need. What we all need. We're so caught up in T-phones, junk food, and TV that we've become at odds with nature. A true ninja must become one with it to master himself."
"Hey, man! You leave TV out of this." Mikey interrupted with a serious look on his face and a tone to match.
While the brothers talked amongst themselves Kara took a step back to think. "He's right..despite what creatures we've encountered I'm..I'm not myself. I've grown weak.." She glanced over at Donnie her eyes filled with sadness. "Soft..I can't allow that to happen not when our friend's lives are on the line."
"What're we hippies?! We're ninjas!" Raph shouted not liking what his brothers were saying.
"He's right." Kara said loud enough for them to hear her. "He's right." She said again but with a sad smile. "At the pace we're going...we'll never be strong enough to return to New York. Not anytime soon.."
Leo gave her a thankful smile before turning his attention to his brothers. "We'll do three days of meditation and practice awareness in the wilderness only eating what we can forage."
"Three days? We're gonna live like animals! Aaaaaaaaah!" Mikey ran around them screaming with his hands to his head.
"I think Leo may have taken one too many hits to the head." Casey muttered to April but she had other ideas.
"No, Leo is right. Camping is a great idea! I'm tired of being stuck at the farmhouse."
"Sorry April, this trip is ninjas only." Leo said to her as Raph lead him back to the house.
"B-but I'm almost a kunoichi!" April protested.
"Ha-ha! Almost." Raph said to her.
"I'll do it too." Kara declared this bringing a joyful smile to Donnie's face.
"Kara-"
"I'll do my own. I may not be a ninja but I'm a fighter at heart...I'll admit I haven't felt like I have helped in the slightest throughout this entire trip which has made me lose sight of who I really am. I need to journey on my own for awhile and regain the fighter in me. The Blind Bandit must be reborn." Kara stood with a strong aura around her making the others look at her in awe.
"Are you sure?" Donnie walked up to her placing his hands on her shoulders giving them a gentle stroke with his thumb.
She looked up at him concern in his eyes and she gave him a reassuring smile before it was replaced with a determined nod. "More than anything." She moved her hand over one of his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
He let out a soft sigh while closing his eyes. Being away from Kara was one thing but not knowing where she would be or how she was was another story but the look in her eyes told him she needed to do this and he wasn't about to stand in her way not while she's been nothing but supportive to him and the others. "Ok, then." He said with a smile.
Kara was in the room packing things that she needed for her trip and blinked when she felt the presence of someone behind her before feeling their arms wrap around her from behind.
"I'm going to miss you.." Donnie whispered into her hair, laying his head against hers, breathing in the scent of her shampoo as if it were the last time they'd see each other and he needed a remembrance.
Kara moved her arms over his, embracing his warmth. "Feels like forever since we've been separated, doesn't it?" She whispered under her breath trying to remember a time when they weren't together. Felt like ages ago. "Are you going to be ok though? You're gonna be without technology for three days. Can you really survive?" Kara asked with a grin on her face.
"I think I can manage it. Who knows, these three days may pass by like Mikey devouring pizza." Donnie chuckled rubbing the back of his head before looking down at her. "I'm more worried about you.." He moved his hand to her cheek and stared into her eyes before leaning his forehead against hers.
"I'll be ok, Donnie. I promise." She whispered leaning into his touch, closing her eyes as well and moved her arms around his neck.
It was time for them to depart.
Kara was placing her bag inside the party wagon, taking it for her journey. Donnie walked up behind her to give their final goodbyes.
"I love you. Stay safe." Kara whispered giving Donnie a hug and a kiss before climbing into the van.
"I love you too." Donnie said and gave her a wave watching her drive off before picking up his things and following his brothers into the woods.
After taking some driving lessons with Casey she was getting the hang of it. Of course, though there were still some things she hadn't learned yet but none of it was important right now.
The road she was on was straight and seemed never ending. April had to live in the middle of nowhere.
Several hours passed and she hadn't seen a single sign of life yet. She let out a sigh of frustration and clenched the steering wheel. Hanging her head in defeat she wondered if this trip was a waste of her time.
Thinking she should probably turn around before she gets lost she lifted her head up in time to see a large deer jump right in front of the van. She yelled out in a panic and turned the wheel sharply to prevent hitting it while slamming her foot on the brakes only to have the front of the van crash into a tree. She jumped out, luckily she wasn't injured, in time to see the deer run across the street to the other side.
"Are you kidding me?!" She roared in anger while throwing her arms in the air.
After about thirty minutes of rage she brought out her phone to call the nearest tow company to tow her to the nearest mechanic. Knowing this would take some time she decided to practice some moves while she waited.
Two and a half hours later a tow truck came to view and stopped beside her. "Are you the one who called for a tow?" A heavy fitted man with dark brown hair and a matching beard asked, poking his head out the window.
She took in a deep breath to soothe her anger and gave a simple nod.
He turned around and moved in front of the van to tow it while Kara gathered her things as well as some of Mr. O'Neil's stuff that was in the van.
When he had finished he walked beside her and pointed at the passenger side of his truck. "Hop in." Was all he said as he went back to his truck.
Kara raised a brow at the man. He didn't seem like he was having a good day but then again neither was she. Shrugging her shoulders she followed behind the man and got into the passenger.
The drive was long. Felt even longer due to the silence which made Kara uncomfortable but every time she tried to start a conversation the man gave one worded answers which told her he didn't want to talk.
"Ugh, can this day get any worse...wonder how the guys and Donnie are doing..." She hung her head beginning to miss them all.
The tow man glanced down at her noting her depressing expression.
"You look too young to be on your own, kid. What're ya doing out here by your lonesome?" He asked keeping his eyes on the road.
"You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you." She said with a sigh leaning her head out the window.
"...You're not a run away are ya?" The man asked with a serious tone.
Kara blinked his way thinking she heard a hint of sadness in his voice but shook her head. "No, not a run away just..." She looked down at her bag wondering how to put it to him without sounding crazy. "Trying to prove I can take care of myself."
The man looked out the rearview mirror to the hippy van with a raised brow. "How's that going for ya?"
Kara frowned hearing the mockery in his voice and crossed her arms. "It wouldn't have happened if the deer didn't jump in front of me." She leaned back against the chair but blinked when the man began to chuckle.
"I was just messin' with ya, kid."
Kara looked up at him and smiled some. "Guess the ride there won't be too bad after all."
Now that Kara was getting to know the driver, whose name is Doug, the drive to the mechanics seemed shorter for one minute they were sharing jokes with one another and the next minute they were parked in front of Jason's Auto Shop & Garage.
Doug climbed out of the truck and walked over to a man wearing a greasy, grey jumpsuit, dark brown skin, amber colored eyes, and black dreadlocks that were tied in a ponytail.
Kara watched he two converse inside the truck and noticed the man she assumed to be Jason seemed bored at first but his interest piqued for a moment and his eyes turned towards the truck and right at Kara.
Ducking her head some she waited til Doug got back in the truck. "So?" She asked curiously.
"Welp, he's not going to turn away a paying customer but he does seem interested in your little journey. You seem like a nice kid so...this tow was on the house but I don't expect to see you around anytime soon, ya hear?" Doug had an annoyed look on his face but there was a slight hint of a blush.
Kara grinned at him and gave him a hug. "Thanks Doug." She grabbed her belongings and hopped out of the truck. She took a step forward but stopped and turned back to him. "Don't worry, you won't see me again."
He chuckled and shook his head. "Good." Was all he said as he gave her a smile and a wave before driving off.
Kara watched him leave, her grin lowering to a smile feeling relieved to have met a nice guy on the road before turning to speak with the owner of the shop only to bump into the man Doug was speaking to early. "Oh uh..hello...Jason?" She glanced over his uniform for a name badge but only saw the logo on his breast pocket.
The man stared down at her for a moment silently chewing on bubble gum til he blew a bubble with a loud pop. "I am Jason. So, let's look over the damage to your...vehicle." He gave her a backwards glance then moved towards the van pointing towards the office. "Wait inside while I make a report." Was all he said as walked away.
Kara watched him leave and sighed out loud before picking up her things and walked into the waiting area.
Thirty minutes in she was slumped against the uncomfortable seat staring up at the tiled ceiling watching the fan spin round on a medium speed, clearly bored out of her mind. Shrugging her shoulders she hopped to her feet and began doing some stretches, loosening up her muscles, before working on her fighting technique some more.
Taking a deep breath she began practicing her punches and combo moves. Ducking, dodging, jab here, uppercut, all the while picking up speed. She was getting into her training not noticing Jason was watching her from the window to the garage.
Kara spun around kicking the air when a hand caught her foot in midair. A gasp escaped her lips and she looked up seeing Jason looking down at her midway of blowing a bubble. When it popped he gathered the gum back in his mouth and dropped her foot causing her to take a step back.
He stared down at his now numb hand from catching her foot and had a grin on his face. "You're pretty strong, kid. You seem to know your stuff." He shook his hand to get the feeling back before placing it in his pocket.
"I know quite a bit, actually. I was taught to defend myself at a small age." Kara grinned with pride.
"Oh really? Want to test that out?" Jason smirked balling his hands into fists.
"Wait, what?" Kara blinked but she didn't have time to answer for he was already charging at her his fist flying straight for her face. "Woah!" She shouted and dodged to the side but he threw his arm around and the side of his fist made contact with her cheek.
She stumbled backwards holding her cheek in surprise but narrowed her eyes. "What's wrong with you?!" She shouted but he didn't answer and instead went for another attack. Kara growled under her breath as everything she was holding in came out. "I don't Have time for this!" She yelled while grabbing his fist with one hand and used the other to slam her fist in his gut as hard as she could.
Jason let out a gasp, feeling the air get knocked out of him and fell to his knees. "What is with people and attacking me out of nowhere?! I don't have time for this! I need to find someone to train me for the next three days or I'm not going to be able to save my friends!" Kara screamed with her head lowered so her bangs darkened the area around her eyes.
Jason coughed but had a grin on his face and began to stand up. When he was back on his feet he swept his leg under her feet knocking her over and quickly grabbed her arm with one hand and wrapped the other around her waist.
Kara stared up at him, tears in her eyes, but was in complete shock at what happened. Her cheeks burned red from how close he was to her but there was a smile on his face as he looked down at her.
"I'll train you."
"...huh?"
Jason laughed at her dumbfound expression as he pulled her up to her feet. "I'll train you. We'll start tomorrow." He walked away to begin working on the party wagon leaving her where she stood with the same expression on her face. "...WHAT?!"
Jason offered her a place to rest for the night but she kindly refused and slept in the van instead. Jason didn't push the issue and instead gave her a battery powered fan knowing it would be hot in the van and the garage. He fed her as well as let her use his shower leaving her to her privacy.
As Kara was drying her hair after changing into her nightclothes she stopped in front of his room and saw hanging on the wall two brass knuckles with knives attached to the opposite sides. "Woah.." She whispered and went to take a step in but stopped not wanting to invade his privacy and walked away past the livingroom that was connected to the kitchen to see Jason eating an icecream cone.
He glanced up at her mid lick and blinked watching her rub the back of her head.
Kara sighed, her cheeks pink from the steam of the shower and sighed. "I just wanted to say...th-...despite what happened and all..grr you're a really weird guy!"
Jason finished his lick and raised a brow but had a grin on his face. "What makes you say that?"
"You attack me out of the blue, then you dip me like a dance move and say you're going to train me, then you're being unusually kind to someone you just met and not only just met but don't even know the person's name." Kara took a deep breath having realized she said all that in one.
Jason stared at her for a moment licking at his icecream but stopped to speak. "So what's your name?"
"It's Kara."
"Well, Kara, I was always told to help those in need. I wanted to see how fast your reflexes were as well as how strong you are to determine whether or not I'd train you and the dip? Just to mess with you." He chuckled taking a bite of his cone.
"But what do you mean you'd train me? You have experience in it?" She asked in surprise.
"Yeah, use to train fighters in the big league but grew tired of it and wanted a change in scenery." He answered before going back to his show.
Kara stared at him for a moment but shrugged and figured they'd wake up early in the morning that she needed some rest. She waved goodnight to him and walked out quickening her speed to the garage as the pitch black night surrounded her and gave her chills to her spine. She turned on the fan and crawled to the back where he had made a place for her to sleep earlier and laid down. She brought out her phone and went through old messages between her and Donnie making herself smile. "I hope you're ok." She whispered holding her phone to her chest not knowing when she finally fell asleep.
Kara woke up earlier than normal having no recollection of the dreams she had which made her feel relieved. She ran her hand through her hair and blinked when the back doors were swung open. She froze with her hand over her head, her bangs falling in place over her right eye and saw Jason in some work out clothes with his hair tied up in a messy bun.
"Ready for vigorous training?" He asked leaning against one of the doors.
Kara shrugged but grinned. "Sure, just let me get ready." She stood up and moved over, grabbing her clothes and toothbrush and hopped out the van to get ready.
-Day 1-
Walking out the bathroom feeling a little refreshed she stretched her arms as she walked to the livingroom and saw Jason had made them both breakfast. "Eat up, kid, you're going to need your strength today."
Kara smiled and ate breakfast with him surprised that his cooking..wasn't too bad.
Not having much room they decided it was best to train outside.
"Before we get started..can you tell me why you decided to train me?" Kara watched him do some stretches and turn his head some to look her way.
"Why? What you told me yesterday piqued my interest you have a strength within you but I can tell you're dealing with emotional and mental turmoil inside. You need to calm that storm in order to become stronger."
Kara stared at him and chuckled, cracking her knuckles while rolling her head around to pop her neck. "That was an interesting answer. Alright, I'll give it my all. What are we doing first? Weights? Push-ups? Jogging?"
"Fight to the death." Jason said with a beaming smile.
"Wait, what?" Kara blinked but once again was charged at head on. "Oh, come on!" She yelled getting right into her fighting stance.
Three hours into the fighting and they were both dirty and sweaty but Jason looked like he was having a good time.
"You..you really are good." Jason panted grinning at her with one eye closed.
"Heh you...you haven't seen nothing yet." She grinned back at him then closed her eyes getting back into her fighting stance.
He watched her for a moment confused at first but blinked with a start when she suddenly charged at him.
Surprise covered his face as he dodged and evaded her attacks but she was getting faster every minute. Whenever he thought he saw an opening he went to strike but was in shock when she was able to read and dodge his attack. "This...I can't quite remember but this seems oddly familiar.." He thought to himself but his thoughts were distracting enough for her to get a hit on him. He stumbled backwards and landed on his rear holding his cheek in pain.
She stepped over him with her head looking right at him before opening her eyes now staring at him, a grin spreading over her face. "Cool, huh?" She held her hand out to him.
"How'd you do that?" He asked while taking her hand Kara pulling him up to his feet.
"Eh, I was taught to fight blind by a close friend of my family who happened to be a master of Ninjitsu."
"Wait, you know a ninja?!" He asked eyes wide in amazement.
"Oh yes, he had a clan and everything. Just like in the movies." This, she didn't know for sure but the look on his face made her keep going anyways.
"That is so cool." He said in awe but blinked when his watch began to beep. "Ok, that's enough fighting for now. Gotta get to work." He said as he stretched his arms and turned back to his home.
"What am I suppose to do?" She asked running to his side.
"I have a list of exercises I'd have my old fighters do. I'm going to give it to you to follow. I have the equipment out back. Just gotta get it out to begin." Jason said entering his home and heading straight for his room.
"Wait, one more thing...what are those?" Kara stopped infront of his door and pointed to the knuckle blades on the wall.
Jason turned around to look where she's pointing and then looked back at her. "You're interested in fighting with knives?"
"Yes! In order to become stronger and help my friends I need a weapon and not just any weapon. One that'll fit with my fighting style and those look perfect."
Jason looked back at the weapon with a raised brow, curious at the thought. "Hmm, we'll discuss it more tomorrow but for now..." He pulled out a list from the drawer in his bedside table and handed it to her. "Follow these exercises. Get to the middle of the page before dinner." He said before closing the door to change.
She looked down at the page seeing things like push-ups and whatnot in sets of hundreds. Sweat slid down the side of her face as her eyes darkened. "This man is going to kill me..."
After hours and hours of non stop exercise Kara had completed a little over half the list but the consequences were dire.
Sprawled flat on the floor in the livingroom was Kara covered in sweat, panting tirelessly to the point it looked as if she were hyperventilating.
Jason came back once he closed up shop and blinked in surprise down at her then over at the list seeing she had checked off what she had done. Jason let out a sigh and gently picked her up and gently laid her on the couch. "Geez, kid, you're going to over work yourself." He said before walking away into the bathroom and started drawing her a bath drizzling lavender bath salts into the hot water.
Once they were dissolved fully he moved back into the livingroom and gently helped Kara to her feet, ignoring the groans of protest from her mouth. "Hey, don't give me that. I gave you a portion of it. You wanted to go overboard and now you have to pay the price. Eh...you're going to have to undress yourself though..I won't be doing that."
Jason leaned close hearing her groan and grumble something else. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't fall asleep in the tub. Just...keep your head above water though." He said before leaving her in the bathroom.
Kara willed herself to climb out of the relaxing bathtub and wraped a towel around herself and went to look for her clothes but saw nothing but a robe. Figuring Jason wouldn't mind she put it on and tied it tight around her waist before hobbling to the couch and dropping down her feet landing on Jason's lap.
He blinked in surprise but thought nothing of it letting her stay on the couch for the night. He ate dinner and watched tv like normal as if Kara wasn't there at all since it seemed nothing was going to wake her up anytime soon.
He got up and turned off the lights and retreated into his room.
-Day 2-
"Ok, you wanted to learn use these then you have to know abit about them." Jason said pulling out the brass knuckle knives and putting them on. "They probably have a technical name to them but the name I know is trench knives but I prefer calling them brass blades. Now, these are an extension of your fist and even if your enemy dodges your fist.." Jason went to strike her face but she dodged it only to feel her cheek getting sliced despite dodging his fist. "Like so."
Kara blinked in surprise and started rubbing her cheek in awe. It wasn't a deep cut, she knew he made sure of that. "Wow...ok, so when can I get a pair?! I'm ready to train with a weapon!"
"Ah ah. Not yet. You won't get a real weapon til you mastered the techniques first."
"Then what am I suppose to use instead?" Kara looked at him in confusion.
"You've got to be kidding me..." Kara's face fell as Jason taped Styrofoam squared to the sides of her fists where the blade would be. "This looks ridiculous!"
"It's just us two no need to get all bent out of shape besides..I don't need you scratching up my beautiful face." He said while rubbing his cheek with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Now, we're going to fight once more before I open shop then you'll be practicing with the Styrofoam blades for a couple more hours then you'll finish the rest of your list, got it?"
"Yeah, let's get started." Kara got into her fighting stance.
They fought evenly just like yesterday but Kara was receiving minor cuts to her body not use to evading the blades and eventually managed to get a cut that was deeper than the minor ones on her cheeks or arms but not severe enough to need stitching. They paused for a moment to get it taken care of before resuming their fight.
Kara was getting better at dodging them towards the end of their session and soon she was able to dodge it completely both in and out of Blind Bandit mode but Kara noticed something when she closed her eyes. Jason seemed hesitant and distracted. She'd have to ask him about that later but for now, it was time for him to go to work.
Kara did as she was told and used a mannequin to practice her moves on. Why he had one to begin with she doesn't know but would rather not question him about it not that Styrofoam would do any damage to it.
Once she felt comfortable with the added style to her ways she began her exercises but taking it slower than yesterday, having learned her lesson, but still worked out toward her limit.
When it was time to close shop for the second night Jason decided to make something special and made chicken alfredo. Kara offered to help but Jason kindly refused and went on with cooking.
"So, if you don't mind me asking, what were the fighters you trained like?" Kara asked now in her sleep wear after a relaxing shower.
"Most of them were like you, to be honest, hard working, ambitious, stubborn." Jason chuckled but it faded as his smile disappeared. "Except one...he...he was a monster."
Kara muted the TV and hugged the couch pillow giving him her full attention having a feeling the story was going south.
"His name was Joseph and he started out like any other person who wanted to be a famous fighter but him..it was all about the fighting. The thrill of beating down an opponent half as stronger or even stronger than he. The money and fame meant nothing to him. It all changed for him though when he ended up killing his opponent in the ring. He ended up being thrown out of the league for good because of his reckless behavior inside as well as outside the ring. I heard he ended up finding an underground club for fighters with no rules or regulations."
Kara's eyes widened and she clenched the pillow tightly in her arms. "No..no it couldn't have been..Jason...out of curiosity..what was his title? I mean, all fighters have a title, right?"
"Of course but he never wanted one, always thought it was a stupid idea to do so he stuck with one that his opponents gave him: The Fighter."
Kara jumped to her, her eyes wide in horror. "No..no..you..you trained that guy? That blood thirsty maniac?!"
Jason turned the stove off and turned around to face her but blinked seeing the expression on her face. "..How do you know him?"
Kara looked away, clenching her fists while trying to calm herself down. "I...I can't tell you that."
"Look, he wasn't my favorite student and when I found out about his behavior I quit being his trainer. I still feel responsible for not seeing it sooner..if he's hurt you in any way then please, you have to tell me. He wouldn't care if you're a man or woman, if you can fight then its free game to him outside the ring." Jason walked over to him and took her hands in his not knowing who she was and thinking it was a street brawl or something.
Kara looked up at him and shook her head. "I can't tell you yet. Not until I'm strong enough."
Jason stared down at her a moment before nodding and walking away. "Let's eat then, shall we?" He gave her a weak smile but then a thought occurred to him. "You know..you're a pretty fast learner. What say we switch to real blades, huh? Of course though, I only have one set so we're going to have to order you some. Luckily I'm such an amazing, handsome man that I know someone who makes weapons."
"No way." Kara gave him a small grin as he tried to lighten the mood.
"Yes way. Got those babies as a gift after graduating my trainer classes. Been taking care of them ever since."
"...He makes them himself, right?..Do you mind if I add two requests in their design?"
-Day 3-
"When are they going to be here?" Kara groaned impatiently waiting inside the newly fixed party wagon with Jason beside her.
"He said they'd be here today so they'll be here. Calm down." Jason sighed into his soda bottle before taking a sip of it only for the mailman to arrive.
Kara ran as fast as she could straight to the mailman making him scream in fright and drive away just as she pulled out a medium size package. "Is this it? Is this it?" She was too excited about receiving the package that she had trouble getting the tape off.
Jason calmly walked over to her, putting one of the brass blades on and gently sliced the tape off the top giving her access to the package.
When she finally opened it she saw a pair of black gloves inside just like the ones she use to have. "They're so beautiful!" She squealed in excitement and slipped them both on, feeling the metal of the brass against her knuckles. She examined them and blinked when she saw a button in the middle of where the index finger connects to the thumb. "Huh?"
"Oh, hey, there's instructions." Jason said calmly as he pulled the piece of paper out, reading the instructions. "How to use the retractable blades: Number one: Press the buttons on the side of her hand with your thumbs." Jason glanced her way waiting for her to do so.
When she did sharp, curved outward blades shot out from the other sides of her hands gleaming brand new in the sunlight. "Woooaaahhh..."
"Number two: use the hooks near the buttons to the buttons down in place by simply using your thumb to move it in place."
Kara had some difficulty with it but eventually got the hooks in. She immediately stood and tried them out seeing the glare from the sunlight shine down on the blades and hearing them slice the wind. "This is so cool!"
"Now the real fun begins. This is your last session with me and I don't want you to hold back because now that we're evenly matched I won't."
"You don't want me to then, huh? I can do that." She unhooked the buttons, the blades retreating back inside the gloves right above her knuckles and brought out a long strap from her bag. She walked right where they'd do battle and watched as he moved to the opposite side.
"To answer your question from last night..about the fighter..I did fight him but not as a pedestrian." She began as she tied the strap around her eyes. "But as a fighter. Back in New York I am called The-"
"The Blind Bandit." He finished her sentence in shock and awe. "I...I watched your fight. There's a hidden website that streams it online for a fee..I remember that fight as clear as day..Well, never thought I'd not only be facing but training the Blind Bandit him-herself." Jason got into his fighting stance an excited grin plastered on his face.
"..If you could keep it a secret I'd really appreciate it." She smiled, following his lead.
"Of course, student/teacher confidentiality." Jason winked.
Kara chuckled at him and they stood there for a moment before both of them charged at once, yelling at the top of their lungs as they both went for the attack.
The drive back to the barnhouse was calming and despite how late she probably was her mind was completely at ease now that he had definitely gotten stronger. She knew she'd be able to save New York and her friends. She felt sad leaving Jason thinking they had become close friends but he gave her his number to contact whenever or whatever she needed having a picture of both of them together taking a selfie.
A soft smile appeared on her face hoping they'd meet again one day. Before she knew it the barnhouse was in few and she drove into the driveway to see the guys, April, and Casey gathered outside.
Kara hopped out of the van and got a closer look at the guys seeing their new get up as well as the banners they were carrying. "Wow, guys...you look different and cool."
"What happened out there?" April asked in awe.
"It's time. We're going back to New York." Leo said calmly as he and his brothers stood proud, ready in body and spirit to take on their enemies back home.
Kara took a deep breath, a wide grin on her face as she balled her fist ready to test out her new weapon and skills. "Right behind you, Leo.
Soooo sorry it took so long to upload this! It took longer than expected to write this but at last, here you are! Sorry if it feels rushed towards the end because in reality..I did...anywho you know the routine! Rate/Comment! All feedback is appreciated! :D