The following morning, Master Finn was sitting down to breakfast when his cell phone began chiming the theme tune from 'Jaws'. Checking caller ID, he hurriedly answered as he realised it was Master Phant calling.
"Are they alright?" He asked in a mild hysteria. Having heard of the attack on the pizza parlour during the week, he'd been frantic with worry about his son. He'd tried to contact him a couple of times since the trial to no avail; he still hadn't forgiven him for his part in the whole ordeal.
"They're all fine Finn." He answered. "I'll be seeing Lily later today with any luck."
"That's great to hear Phant." He replied, breathing a sigh of relief. He still worried about his son, and wanted nothing more than to rush round to see him and check on him himself. He was just sure that RJ would turn him away again. RJ was as stubborn as he was when he was hurt, and he knew that the deception Finn took part in with the trial had hurt him terribly. He still regretted going through with it, he'd only just begun to have a cordial relationship with his son after not speaking for many years over a stupid argument about him not wanting to learn the Shark Technique, only to throw all of that work away so carelessly with a barbaric and anachronistic ritual. Despite his devotion to the traditions of the Pai Zhuq temple, he had to admit that if he had the opportunity to do so again, he'd have chosen his son over the temple. That was why he had gotten Phant to call them. Swoop was one of RJ's closest friends, and he was his father, so their betrayal had hurt him worst of all.
"You know, now might be a good time to go and see him." Phant suggested. "Things like this make you see what's important. Maybe RJ will be willing to see you."
"I'm not sure Phant." He replied. "I want to see him..."
"Then go." He interrupted. "What's the worst that could happen?"
"We could start fighting again." He responded. "I really don't have it in me to fight with him anymore. He was just so angry the last time I saw him."
"Well you might still want to consider it." He told him. "You nearly lost him. If anything had happened, all you'd remember is your last words with each other being in anger. Do you really want that to happen?"
"I suppose not Phant." He sighed. "Maybe I should have been the one to retire. You always were the smart one."
"Just think about it." Phant told him with a cheerful chuckle. "I promised to call Swoop too. I'll leave you to it."
With that, he hung up and prepared to call Swoop. At that point, Swoop was practicing some Tai Chi in the woods. Theo arrived as he was finishing up his latest routine. Despite the fact that RJ and Lily hadn't spoken with the masters since the fight, and Casey had sided with them, Theo had been going to see Swoop on occasion. He liked the Bat Master, and he didn't really feel as angry about the whole situation as the others. Despite hating what they had done to his friends, he'd always been a lot more seriously minded when it came to the traditions of the temple, and so he at least understood their actions. He didn't hold it against Swoop and had been seeing him on occasion to talk and occasionally to train. Swoop's head snapped up from his concentration as he heard Theo's footsteps.
"Hello Theo." He greeted the young man. "I heard you all had some excitement recently."
"I wouldn't exactly phrase it like that." He replied. "How have things been?"
"Well, things have been pretty quiet for me recently." He stated. "How are the others?"
"They're all getting on OK." He responded in a sigh. "We're all glad we got out of this alright, and we're looking forward to getting back to the pizza parlour when it's rebuilt."
"How's Fran?" He asked him with a sly grin. "I remember you weren't so happy the last time I saw you. Have you made it up?"
"We have." He replied. "We had a long talk and sorted some things out. She'll be moving in when the restaurant re-opens."
"It sounds like things are getting serious." He commented as he took a seat on the grass. "I'm really happy for you; she seems like a lovely young woman."
"I couldn't be happier about being with her." He told the master, sitting on the grass next to him. "She saved us when we were in trouble. She's doing really well in training, and her animal spirit's really strong. She never fails to amaze me. I'm seriously thinking of asking her to move in."
"I thought you said she was moving in?" Swoop asked, obviously not getting what Theo was getting at.
"No, I mean, you know, move in, move in." He stated for clarification.
"Do you really think you're ready for that?" Swoop asked him. "You know how much the two of you were upset before."
"We've talked about it and we have a better understanding of where we see things going." He responded. "This whole thing made me think a lot more about my life, and how I feel about her. I really think I'm ready for this, I love her so much, and I really want to spend as much time as I can with her."
"Does she feel the same way?" Swoop asked him.
"I think so." He answered. "I think the time's right for us."
"Well I couldn't be happier for you." He replied being interrupted as his cell phone rang. Theo gave him a slightly disbelieving look.
"You're kidding right?" He asked as Swoop retrieved his cell phone from his pocket. "Your ringtone's the 'Batman' theme tune?"
"It just seemed to fit." He chuckled. "Mind if I take this?"
"Of course I don't." Theo replied. Swoop answered the phone, smiling as he heard the voice on the other end.
"Phant, how are you?" He asked. "I take it you've spoken with the others."
"I have." He responded. "They all seem to be fine."
"Theo was just telling me the same thing." He told him. "He came over this morning."
"Well I managed to talk Lily into giving Gabby some dance lessons." He told the Bat Master. "With luck I might be able to mend some bridges with her."
"How's Finn holding up?" He asked.
"This whole thing's hit him pretty hard." Phant replied. "I've tried to talk him into going to see RJ."
"I really hope those two manage to patch things up." Swoop replied. "Anyway, I have a guest, so I'll have to cut this short. Take care Phant."
"You too Swoop." He replied, hanging up. Swoop folded away his cell phone before getting back to his feet and pulling out a war fan. "So Theo, fancy a bit of sparring?"
"You bet." He replied, pulling out one of his own. "I think I should warn you, I've been practicing."
"Well let's just see what you've learned." He responded, adopting a guard. "Come on!"
Meanwhile back in the hotel, Lily had just gathered the last of her training gear into a sports bag, ready for her lesson with Gabby. RJ came up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into him.
"You seem cheerful this morning." He commented squeezing her gently. "You're really looking forward to this aren't you?"
"You know how much I love dancing." She replied, reaching back and kissing his cheek. "I've heard so much about Gabby I can't wait to meet her."
"I suppose you'll be going to see Master Phant afterwards." He responded. "I think it's great. I know how much you've missed him."
"You know, this experience has shown all of us how easily things could go south quickly." Lily told him seriously, turning to face him and wrapping her arms around his neck. RJ sighed and looked away as she said this. He knew what was about to come.
"Lily, that's different." He interrupted coldly.
"RJ, I really think this might be a good time to make things up with your dad." She told him. "I know how much this hurt, but this should have shown you. You never know when something might happen. Just think how you'd feel if something happened to him and you hadn't made things up with him."
RJ released her and sat down on the couch, a little unconvinced. "Like I said Lily, it's different. You weren't the one who was led to believe you'd have to kill your own dad."
Lily realised things could go on like this forever and conceded it was possibly a lost battle. She picked up her sports bag, shouldering it and kissing him on the cheek as she prepared to leave.
"Just...promise me you'll think about it, OK?" She implored him. With that, she left the room. RJ was happy for her to try to re-open communication with Master Phant, she had missed him. He just wasn't sure he was ready to talk to his dad. He'd considered it a few times, but any time he thought about it, his anger overtook him. He sat considering it when Dom approached him.
"You know she's a smart woman." He remarked. "You should listen to her."
RJ gestured for him to sit down on the couch. Dom took a deep breath as he prepared to have the conversation with RJ he'd postponed the previous night.
"RJ, I just wanted to say, sorry I hit you. I shouldn't have done that." He began.
"Dom, you were angry, I understand that." RJ replied. Dom cut him off by holding up a hand.
"I was hurt when I found out about Dad and Jarrod." He continued with a heavy sigh. "I was just so angry at being lied to that I just wanted everyone involved to hurt as much as I did. I was wrong, I know I was."
"Dominic, I can't imagine how hurt you were." RJ interjected, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Mack told me a little something about himself." Dominic remarked. "He made me see things in perspective."
"He told you about the android thing?" RJ asked. "He told me himself a while back."
"He did tell me that." Dominic replied. "He told me how hurt he was too. But he also told me how he got over it. It's going to hurt for a long time, but he told me that I need to remember what's important."
"Which is?" RJ asked.
"The important thing is the people who have always been there for me and the people who have always cared about me." He replied. "RJ, you've been like a brother to me for years. I know you've only ever tried to do what's best for me."
"It wasn't easy finding out when I did." RJ replied. "I actually found myself resenting Master Mao for telling me. I was in a no-win situation. If I kept it from you this would happen..."
"But it's not like I'd have thanked you if you told me." Dominic interrupted. "RJ, I can't say it didn't hurt knowing you kept this from me, but like I said. I can understand why you did it. I know you'd never do anything to hurt me deliberately. You've only ever tried to be there for me."
"Dom, it's been killing me thinking you hate me." RJ told him. "You're my best friend. Can you forgive me for not knowing what to do?"
"RJ, of course I'll forgive you." Dominic answered seriously. "It hurts, but it's not worth losing my best friend over. Just like this isn't worth losing your dad over."
RJ stopped in his tracks and looked at the floor. Dominic had managed to sneak that little sucker punch in beautifully.
"Your dad's made mistakes; he'll be the first to admit that I'm sure." Dominic continued. "He made his decisions based on what he knows, and sometimes he messed up. The thing is he's only ever acted out of love. He might be a little short-sighted at times, but he's only ever wanted what's best for you."
"You know at times I wonder when you became so smart." RJ responded.
"I guess it runs in the family." Dominic replied. "That and having some pretty good friends."
"I'll go and see him." RJ replied. "I'm glad we had this talk."
"Me too." Dominic replied.
Later in the day, Lily made her way to Master Phant's house to talk to him about her lesson with Gabby. She could see that the young girl was talented, but things hadn't gone as well as she had hoped. She was sure that Gabby didn't want to dance; she kept coming up with excuses why she wasn't trying, and had left with barely a word, which was a shame because she was so good. She approached the house finding Phant tending the garden she had planted for him. Since her first visit, he had actually become quite fond of his new garden and had taken to tending it with care. Lily smiled as she saw this, coming over to him, glad that some of the habits he'd adopted since she encouraged him out of his self-imposed funk.
"The petunias are coming through well." She greeted him. Master Phant put down his trowel and turned to face her, a huge smile crossing his face. As much as she had missed him, he had also missed her dreadfully. She had been the first person to have any time for him since he'd taken up residence in the woods following his 'retirement' from the temple. With the exception of the occasional visit from his brother and his niece, Lily was the only person who enjoyed visiting him. Lily broke the awkward moment first, gesturing for a hug. Master Phant was only too happy to comply, trying hard not to shed a tear as he hugged her. It felt good to have her back in his life.
"How were things with Gabby?" He asked her. He wanted nothing more than to sit down with her and catch up on everything that had happened since they'd stopped speaking, but he didn't want to bring up the subject of RJ and risk her leaving again.
"Master Phant, I'm not sure she wants to dance." Lily told him, releasing the hug. "It's really sad, because I know she has potential, but she keeps coming up with excuses not to practice. I don't think she'll be ready for the competition."
"What makes you want to practice?" He asked her.
"I've just always loved to dance." Lily said thinking about it. "I've always enjoyed the passion; it's always made me happy..."
"Maybe you just need to find a way to make Gabby feel that love." He suggested. "I remember visiting her father's house when she was young. He asked me to go to her room and fetch her for dinner. She didn't see me or hear me open the door, and I saw her dancing around the room. She was so graceful and elegant. I know this is what she enjoys, she's just always been afraid of failure, that's why I encouraged her to enter the contest. You and she are so much alike; I just hoped if you helped her, she'd gain some of your confidence."
"I'll try my best Master Phant." She replied. "You always were able to explain things in a way that made me see clearly. I really missed our talks."
"So did I Lily." He responded happily. "Anyway, I heard about you and RJ. Have you set a date?"
"We decided to leave off setting a date until we've finished off Dai Shi." She answered, showing the old master her engagement ring. "We figured we wanted to wait until we could do it properly without having to worry about another attack."
"I guess that's a good idea." He remarked, observing her once more with a sense of happiness. He'd definitely missed her.
Finn was busy sanding his boat when a shadow blocked out his light. He turned around, finding himself surprised as he found RJ standing there. He dropped the sanding block and approached him slowly.
"Hello Dad." He began. "Can we talk?"
"Of course we can." Finn replied, sitting on a stool and offering one to RJ before he collapsed from shock. As happy as he was to see his son, RJ coming to see him was the last thing he expected.
Later in the afternoon back at Master Phant's house, Lily and Master Phant were enjoying a long conversation, catching up over tea as his cell phone began ringing to the tune of 'Nellie the Elephant'. Lily giggled as she heard this.
"I'm sorry, that still always makes me laugh." She told him.
"How are things Finn?" He asked.
"RJ just left." He said with an obvious joy in his voice.
"RJ?" He asked. Lily smiled as she heard him say this. So much had happened to all of them recently that she hoped he'd listen to her and talk to his dad. As much as he had maintained otherwise, she knew it hurt RJ to cut him out of his life. "That's great news. I'm sure Lily will be thrilled."
"Is my future daughter-in-law there?" He asked. Phant just laughed and handed over the phone.
"I hope you take good care of my son Lily." He told her. "You're a good woman; he deserves to be happy with someone like you."
"Thanks Master Finn." She replied. "I'll definitely look after him."
"Well welcome to the family." He said cheerfully. "I promise I'll come and see you soon to do this properly."
"I'd like that." She responded. "I'll see you later."
"I'll see you later." He replied as he hung up. It was then that he was thrown across the room by a power blast. Pulling himself to his feet, he drew his swords.
"You're coming with me." General Whiger snarled. Finn surged forward, brining his swords to bear.
Swoop was finishing up his meal when he heard someone enter the room behind him. He grabbed his war fans cautiously.
"I know it's not Theo, your footsteps are too heavy." He commented, getting to his feet and opening the fans. "Can I ask who I'm fighting before we begin?"
"I am Phantom Beast General Scorch." He replied. "I guess you want to do this the hard way."
"The thing about being blind is you can't see when you should be scared." He stated sarcastically, drawing into a guard. "Shall we begin?"
Lily was just finishing up her tea when she checked her watch, realising how late it was.
"Oh god, RJ expected me half an hour ago!" She shrieked. "Sorry Master Phant, I'll have to go."
"No problem at all Lily." He responded. "I'm really glad we had this talk."
Heading outside, they were confronted by a hideous monster, standing a few feet away. Both Lily and Phant could feel the power of his animal spirit, realising that he was a powerful foe. As Lily morphed and called forth her Jungle Mace, Phant pulled his from beneath his cloak.
"I recognise you from the scrolls in the temple." He gasped. "Lily, he's one of the Phantom Beasts. It's General Snapper!"
"A Master and a Ranger," Snapper sneered, "this is going to be fun."