Chapter 4

Owen's P.O.V.

"There's no way to find Mike," Marty reiterated. Palpable silence, sorrow, and grief surrounded the entire room. Marty kept on muttering that same phrase until he broke in to tears.

I looked at my ninja partner and immediately took it upon myself to assist Marty in his grief. Amanda looked like she was going to punch someone or something.

"Don't worry. Serve. Lives are at stake," I cried. Only this time, I meant it.

"You're right. I'll see if there's any news," Marty promised, tears in his eyes. Marty sulked out sobbing loudly. Cousin Connor chose that moment to walk into the room.

"Marty's crying? I don't know what you—" Connor started.

"Connor," Amanda spat. With no warning, Amanda charged at Connor like a bull charges at a red cape. Within seconds, Amanda had pinned Connor and had her elbow on his throat.

"Where is Mike?" Amanda demanded.

I whistled my surprise at Amanda's agility. She can be a force when she's angry.

"I don't know," Connor managed, much to my surprise. Amanda mustn't have liked the answer because she punched him in the face. Connor's yelp came out as a hacking sound.

"Where is Mike?" Amanda repeated, loosening her hold.

"I haven't seen him since the floating sword incident."

"Not even the Ishina lair?" I asked.

"Checked. He wasn't there. Kagema must have known that would be the first place you'd look for him."

"How did he survive?"

"Bell never hit him. It landed on top of him like a roof."

"Just great. Mike's gone, we have no idea where he is, and Kagema's alive."

"Listen, Connor, we need a third ninja to join our dojo to keep it open. Would you like to join us?" Amanda asked, lifting Connor off the floor.

"I've got two requests. One, keep me away from that floating sword. I don't want to have any part to do with such evil. And two, I'll leave when Mike is found."

"Deal. Let's go."

"Wait! What excuse are we using for spending time with Connor?" I asked.

"I'll say I'm teaching him karate or something."

I agreed with our new ninja code and told the others I was going home. I said goodbye to Marty on my way out and headed home.

"Well?" my dad asked.

"No leads. It's so frustrating knowing nobody knows anything."

"Actually, there is."

"Really? Take me to him."

"Sure. We'll leave tomorrow about 8:15. Amanda should come to."

I let him know I would text Amanda and excused myself to do some homework.

Midway through my history homework, Amanda texted me back. She told me she was interested and would meet me after she finished teaching Connor some karate. I wonder what they were doing in the dojo right now. Kicks maybe?

After spending a decent amount of time writing my Civil War outline, I got up and watched some T.V. Amanda came in while I was watching wrestling.

"How can you watch that? Anyways, Connor did pretty well all things considered. He's getting a cast Monday."

"For what? Cutting his hand on the floating sword?"

"Ya got me. Wanna come over for dinner?"

I accepted the invitation and told my parents the plan. They allowed it and I joined Amanda and her family for dinner.

After a delicious meal of spaghetti, parmesan cheese, and shrimp, I thanked the McKay's and left. I was asleep by 10.

Next morning, my parents woke me up at 7:50. After a quick breakfast of eggs and toast, I was told to dress up for my visit. I shrugged, unsure as to why I might have to dress up. Nonetheless, I dressed in a dashing black tuxedo, dress pants, and my freshly polished brown shoes.

"You didn't have to dress that nicely, Owen," my dad commented.

I found no reason to say sorry, so I just shrugged.

"Let's get Amanda," my mom suggested.

Amanda also looked gorgeous, as always. She wore her prom dress, a dress that came down to her knees. Simple, but beautiful.

"You look gorgeous, Amanda," my dad complimented. Amanda curtsied and followed my family to the car.

"Thanks for the invite," Amanda said.

"Our pleasure. Just lay back and relax. We'll let you know when we arrive," my dad explained.

Thirty-five minutes later, our family pulled up in front of North Hampton's Presbyterian House of God.

"Oh. Church. Great. I didn't come here to listen to this religious bullshit. I'm staying in the car!" I spat. Needless to say, my parents were not pleased.

"Very well. Amanda, let's go," my dad sighed, "I'm greatly disappointed in you Owen."

I watched as Amanda and my family headed inside.

I'm going to cut the chapter here. Next chapter will be in Amanda's P.O.V. If you decide to skip the next chapter because of your religious preferences, I will not hold that against you. You will only miss the song I wrote for the missing family members on Malaysian Flight 370, which is practically the same as the one I'm going to use when the choir sings a song to Amanda, and Owen's family. That will also be the last chapter for episode 1 before I start on 2. Czechm8 out.