Chapter 4

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

As the tryout/interview proceeded, Twyla was having a hard time keeping up with the techniques that James and Shaw were using. It seemed that, at first, Shaw had the advantage with her bob and weave style. But James soon managed to find a way to counter it, thus forcing both to use techniques that neither had used in some time. Finally, Shaw saw an opening and struck with her wooden blade, causing James to lift up his blade as if her were surrendering to the young lady in front of him.

"Miss Hunter I must say that was one of the BEST workouts that I have had in a long time! I haven't had a workout like that since the last time I was in Japan" James exclaimed, as he picked up two bottles of water. He handed one to Shaw and took the other for himself. "Once we cool down, Twyla and I will get the paperwork taken care of so that you can have the job here" he told the half elven Cleric/Ranger.

As the two began to cool down from the interview/workout, Shaw noticed that among the insignia's in the dojo was a unusual one. This insignia was a circle with what looked like interlocking triangles on a black background. "If I may ask sir, what is the purpose of this insignia here?" Shaw inquired, pointing toward the triangle insignia.

"That, Miss Hunter, is a insignia of a group that I was associated with in Japan. When we have more time, I will fill you in on it" James answered, pleased that Shaw had spotted it. "This young lady is GOOD! Not many people out there can handle a blade like she did,, and even fewer would have spotted the Ronin Warrior symbol. She is going to be GOOD for the Dojo!" James thought to himself.

As the paperwork was completed, Shaw noticed something else: A picture of James and Twyla, along with five young men and five young women all gathered around the couple. "If I may ask when and where was this photograph of the two of you taken?" enquired Section 7's team medic.

Twyla smiled. Most people did not notice the photo, and those who did, rarely asked. "It was taken about two years ago in Toyoma Japan, on our wedding day" she answered, a smile on her face showing how much that day meant to her.

The news brought joy to the heart of Shaw Hunter. To see a woman who loved her husband, and supported him in his work was something the student enjoyed seeing, with so many people just in it for the money or the pleasure of the job.

Over the next few weeks, Shaw made a big impression on those that came to the Dojo. More and more people were signing up for classes, and a few were even taking extended self-defense classes, classes that Shaw taught. However, these activities came to the attention of one member of Section 7, Shaw's adoptive big brother, Robin Goodfellow.

"Hey Shaw, what's this I hear about you teaching some self- defense classes?" the Sprite whose mere presence was enough to make many a low level demon take off, asked the half elven Cleric/Ranger from Toril, the world of Forgotten Realms.

Shaw just nodded her head in acknowledgement of what The Merry Widower was saying to her. "I have taken on the challenge of working at a Dojo here in town Robin. The place, it is,, well done, with much Japanese material to it. The husband and wife who run it got married a while back in a place called Toyoma" she informed the most mischievous of Oberon's children. And with that, Shaw prepared for one of the Training sessions that the Wanderer had for his team during the week.

By the time that the training session was over with, Shaw's work at the Dojo was paying off. She was more on her game than usual, and had even managed to counter some of the attacks in ways that she would not have before starting work at the Dojo. By the time the session was over with, the head of the group, Steven St. Wolf headed over to talk with Shaw. "I saw your workout today Shaw. Nice use of some new moves. I also heard that you found a good place for your community project as well. So, are the two related in some way?" asked the Immortal known as the Wanderer.

Shaw just looked at St. Wolf. "I will admit Steven that working at this Dojo has been a boon to me in many ways. It has given helped me to improve on my skills with the blade, but to also give back to those who wish to improve themselves in self-defense" she answered the former Green Beret and multi-level black belt holder in different forms of the Martial Arts.

As Shaw drank from a cold bottle of water, she was joined by one of the three Slayers in Sunnydale, her soul sister Faith Pryce. The dark haired Slayer was the only one who could get away with Star Trek references with Shaw, considering the Half Elf's disdain for the series., "So, Lady Tuvok what did the Boss Man want with you?" she asked, knowing that Shaw would not lie to her on something like this.

"Steven was asking me about my improvement in practice today. I told him that the work I have been doing at a Dojo here in Sunnydale has been helpful in my work with the group" Shaw replied, knowing that her soul sister would understand what was going on. Shaw was just happy that her skills had improved, so that she could do more in the fight against the Vampires and other demons that the Scooby Gang dealt with. Little did they know that a demon and a Hell Goddess were planning something in Sunnydale at that moment!

"So, Talpa, how do you plan on dealing with these mortals that are being such a pest?" asked Glorificus, aka Glory, The Hellgoddess was eager to find the key, so that she could do the ritual that would allow her to return to her home. To her, the Earth and humanity were nothing more than insects to be squashed beneath her feet.

"I have plans on how to deal with them Glory. But first, we will need to gather a force that will cause chaos in this town to allow you to search for your Key. And to do that, we will need to taint and control the Lady Ronin Guardians!" Talpa exclaimed.

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