So, here we go again. Thank you all for your patience, I had a small relapse but now I'm back at it and ready to give you loyal readers two chapters to read!

There's some light swearing in this chapters, but it's mostly just a fun chapter!

So, read on and see me at the bottom!

Portland Mall

The wheelchair van pulled up to the handicap space and parked.

"Alright, ladies. We've arrived at your mecca." Tommy joked as he got out of the driver's seat and walked around to the side of the van to deploy the ramp. As Kimberly helped Elisa roll her chair down to firm ground, Kyle and Autumn stole a moment for themselves.

Kyle held her close and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "We're going to the store to get some more supplies. Is there anything you wanted me to get you?"

Autumn smiled and pressed a kiss to his lips. "I'm good, I'm sure this shopping trip will cover all the basics, though after last night, I wouldn't mind some aspirin and an icy hot patch."

At her words, Kyle grimaced. "I'm sorry about last night, did I really hurt you that much?"

Autumn gave him a dramatic look. "Last night you were unhinged…like a desperate howling demon…you frightened me!"

Kyle gave her a look. "Really? You're going to choose now to Mortica me?"

"Tis the season!" she said as she leaned closer. Then she whispered. "You tore my underthings last night. Now I have to replace them."

Kyle shrugged. "I'd happily pay for that."

"No, I can take care of that myself. You just focus on replenishing the stash. I'm not about to get knocked up right now. And you can get me a Klondike bar while you were at."

He looked like he wanted to make a joke of that, but Autumn gave him 'the look' and he only chuckled. "I'll happily buy you a whole carton, okay?"

Tommy cleared his throat at them, and they broke apart. "Whenever you guys are ready…"

Autumn rolled her eyes and then grinned at her mate. "Just kiss me and get going. I need to go get pampered."

Kyle kissed her sweetly and then smirked again. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Love you, Mi Corazon."

The Pearly Oasis

Trent pulled up to the restaurant and checked the address. "Huh, I was expecting something fancier." This was a seafood and steakhouse, and even though it was tastefully decorated, it was not as posh as restaurants he father usually chose to meet at.

He looked over at Katsume who was fidgeting with his shirt. Trent put a hand on the teenager's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Hey, it's going to be okay. This is just a meet and greet with some food. They're both here to help you out. Just relax, enjoy the food and answer honestly. That's all there is to it."

Katsume took a deep breathe and then got out of the car and followed his adoptive father inside.

The moment they walked into the door was greeting by the seating hostess, Katsume saw his adoptive father's posture and attitude change.

He walked with a confident Aire while keeping an eye on his son and everyone took notice. The hostess was quick to seat them and take their drink orders.

"Dad, this is Katsume Shen. Soon to be a Fernandez. Katsume, this is my father Anton Mercer."

The man gave him a gracious smile. "Greetings, Katsume. Welcome to the family." Then he looked at the woman sitting with him. "Guys, this is Moriah Winters. Of Winters, Sidney, and associates. They'll be working on this case."

Katsume looked at the woman as she stood up to shake his hand. She was dressed casually, but she looked like a fighter. Her chestnut hair was pulled back in a neat braid and she had a set of simple gold hoop earrings and a matching chain. She wore a casual outfit and her eyes were very pretty, though he could sense that she was very shrewd lawyer.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I've been reading up on your file and I must say that I'm very impressed with what I've seen. I especially enjoyed the video from that fashion show. You looked like a natural up there!"

Katsume shrugged. "It was fun. I'd never worked a catwalk before."

"And how did it end? were the animals adopted?"

Katsume nodded. "All the ones that were featured were snapped up pretty fast. Anubis, the Doberman was adopted by a rich older lady and they hit it off right away. I could tell they'll be living out their golden years together for some time to come."

The Mall

Macy's Department Store

Elisa sat in her chair with several swimsuits in her lap. This was the bright side of being petite, there were still a good amount of suits in her size. So far, there were a lot of one pieces and they were pretty, but as she watched Autumn looking through the bikini's she found that she'd begun to second guess her decision to cover up with a one piece.

She'd witness the brief exchange between Kyle and Autumn and though their kiss had been chaste, there was something intense between them; as if they didn't want to be apart, but for some reason, there was a need for it.

"Elisa? You still with me?" Autumn asked as she saw that her friend was off in her own thoughts.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about stuff."

"Oh, anything I can help with?"

"It's something I talked about with Mrs. Oliver…I want to buy a two piece and it would be easier to wear, but I'm nervous about what could happen if it draws the wrong attention."

"Well, how about we try both on and then you can see how you feel wearing them. There's also middle ground with this this tankini. You get full coverage, but you also have easy access in case you need to use the bathroom."

Elisa nodded and bit her lip and then added. "I'm afraid of what Katsume will think of me if I show so much skin…and if he sees my piercing. I don't want him to think badly of me."

Autumn gave her a look. "Piercings are cool and nothing to worry about. You may have forgotten, but he's got wings on his back; you having a piercing? It's kind of fitting."

Elisa giggled. "You think so?"

"Hell yeah!" Autumn said. "You both are a couple of bad asses! We can even get you a new piece of jewelry before we get our nails done."

Elisa blew out a slow breath and then made up her mind. "I've hated hiding it all this time. I'm ready to show it off again."

"That sounds like a fabulous idea." Kimberly said as she walked up to them. "But first, we need to try these suits on!"

The Monaco Suites

Trent's room

About an hour later

Katsume sat on one of the beds as the adults talked. He didn't understand much of what was being said, but he could read the body language of his father and knew something big was happening.

"Just what is it you hope to accomplish?" Anton asked his son as the lawyer typed on her laptop.

I want to end all this. There's a manhunt going on for this Officer Michaels, and I'll leave that to the good guys, and deal with that asshat teacher that decided to single out my son and use degrading language towards him. It's not Katsume's fault that he was a foster kid. I'd really hoped that we'd left all that drama behind in LA, but things went to far when Mr. Hatche decided to start shit up in public and in front of everyone.

The laywer nodded. "Why don't we start at the beginning, she said as she pulled out a voice recorder and set it on the table.

Katsume started and told her about wanting to sit with Elisa and how that idiot ex-boyfriend of hers was bashing her and how he'd defended her honor and then about getting the detention. "He kept calling me a Street Rat."

That's when Trent stepped in. "Connor True-Heart stepped in and did his best to take some of the heat off and how he managed to get separate detentions for them. I'd have left things alone if it stopped there, but then after they ran into each other at the grocery store, and Hatche showed his hand."

Trent looked at Katsume and then back up at the lawyer. "He used that derogatory name again and then threatened to make his life a living hell. Right after that, we got a restraining order against the probation officer and that teacher. A couple of days later, Hatche went after him again. He publicly attacked Katsume and threw him against the locker. Again, we got the confrontation on camera."

On top of all of that, we have an eye witness from the store. A Mr. Skullovitch was right there to see it all go down and he's volunteering to help stand against Mr. Hatche should we go before the school board or take the teacher to court."

The lawyer looked very pleased. "Well, I think this is an airtight case and I should have no problem cleaning these people out…if that is what you want." She added a moment later looking up at Trent.

"I coming for blood." Trent said coolly. "And I want to put the fear of the gods into that whore that slandered my son. Katsume has an ideal life waiting for him back in Angel Grove and he deserves to experience all of it once we deal with everything. He's got an amazing girlfriend, a gig working with animals and soon he'll have a meaningful job once the café opens. But he can't do all of that with those rabid dogs nipping at his heels. The sooner we can put them down, the sooner his life can start."

At the Mall

"Hey Babe, can I buy you an ice cream?" Autumn looked up to see an older teenager standing at their table with a charming grin. "You look pretty hot sitting there."

The male looked to be eighteen years at least. He was physically imposing and sported a black tank top with an evil looking serpent for a logo and the words, Final Strike Dojo Printed overhead.

Autumn rolled her eyes at him, please don't let this be a Karate Kid moment. She prayed softly to herself; a moment later she looked up at the waiting male. "I'm flattered, but if I needed something to drink, I can get it myself."

"You sure, pretty lady? I can give you anything at all…the skies the limit."

Autumn gave him a look over and then smiled seeing Kyle approaching the table. "Seriously, I'm good. My boyfriend's here. If I can't get it myself, he'll get it for me."

The teenager snorted. "You're using such a tired line…I bet you say that to all the guys."

Kyle walked around the table and kissed the back of his girlfriend's neck. Then he leaned possessively over her; planting his hands on either side of Autumn and growled in warning. "I promise bro, she doesn't need a line; anything my queen wants, she gets, and I love serving her."

The challenger gave him a derisive look. "You're her boyfriend? She's got to be settling."

Autumn felt her mate's irritation and decided to end the standoff. "My mate has nothing to prove. He's never failed to satisfy me and I'm deliriously happy to be his."

Kyle heart roared happily at her words. He kissed her hair and then gave the offending intruder a sneer. "My lady has spoken; Scram!"

When the teenager hesitated Kyle growled louder and then looked at Elisa and Kyle shook his head. "You're not getting anything from her either. Her boyfriend is my best friend and she's under my protection too."

The offending male chuckled. "Please, I don't fuck with crippled bitches."

Elisa inhaled sharply and blood rushed to her face at the insult and Autumn hugged her closely as Kyle walked around the table like the alpha male he was and got into the dude's face. "You are way out of line! Disabled or not, she deserves respect and you owe her an apology!"

"What? Are you gonna make me? I don't see an army."

"I don't need one to take you on. You've been nothing but a douche bag since you walked up in here."

The bully tried to slap him, but Kyle dodged it easily. Just as the fight was about to escalate, Tommy stepped in. "That's enough Pyre." He said evenly. "You can go back to your mate now."

Kyle nodded, "Yes, sir."

When he walked away, he heard the bully mutter under his breathe. "Pussy."

Kyle turned around but Kimberly was there to stop him. "Leave it alone Pyre. He's not worth the trouble."

"Yes, Ma'am." Kyle answered as he walked back to the table and kissed his mate. When he looked over at Elisa he added. "Are you alright, Milady Olyanis?"

The name made Elisa grin at him. "Now I am, Pyre. Thank you for defending my honor."

Kyle grinned back at her. "The honor is mine, dear lady. You are under my protection until your Paladin returns."

A couple of ladies nearby were aweing at the sight. "See, ladies, chivalry isn't dead!"

Autumn grinned up at mate and chastely kissed his lips. "Nope, I mated to the most honorable warrior of the realm."

Kyle kissed her back and hugged her tight. "Now, that the drama is over, this honorable warrior is starving. Is there anything I can get for you fair ladies while I'm up there?"

By the time Kyle got back with a loaded tray, Tommy was seated at the table while Kim nursed their son.

Kyle had gotten both ladies refills and he'd gotten the biggest burger and fry combo they'd ever seen.

"He's definitely his father's son." Tommy murmured to his wife.

Kim chuckled and answered. "I never doubted it for a second."

Tommy shook his head and then sobered up as something clicked in his head. "Pyre. Do you know why I intervened?"

Kyle nodded. "Because my skills are for defense only."

Tommy nodded. "Not only that, but that was one of the fighters from the Final Strike Dojo. They'd like to think they're Cobra Kai and they fight just as dirty. If you'd come to blows, that punk would've had no problem 'sweeping the leg'. You are first and foremost my nephew and the last thing I want is to have to call your father and tell him that you are in the ER."

Kyle bit his lip. "Or in a body bag?"

Tommy rolled his eyes and gave his nephew a look. "How long have you been waiting to use that reference?"

Kyle snorted. "Ever since I watched that movie." He paused and looked like he wanted to say something else, but he kept it to himself. Next to him, Autumn giggled feeling the amusement from her mate.

"Anyway," Tommy drew out the word. "We need to be prepared in case those dishonorable snakes decide to take revenge."

"Are we starting up the morning sparing sessions again?"

Tommy nodded. "Yeah, I hope that nothing comes of this today, but as I said before, those snakes fight dirty and I wouldn't put it passed them to try something sneaky."

Kyle nodded. "I'm all for it."

"Mr. Oliver?"

Tommy looked at her. "Yes, Elisa?"

Elisa bit her lip. "I wanna learn to defend myself…I know I can't use my legs…but can I learn too?"

Tommy nodded. "I don't get many students that are physically disabled, but I know there are a few adaptive styles out there. I'm going to do some research on it and find a way to make it happen."

Elisa gave him a bright grin. "I can't wait to learn!"

"Or you could just ask me." Eric Myers said as he and Wes walked up to their table. "I've been studying alternative styles out there, including styles for disabled students."

"Hey guys, it's nice to see you again!" Kimberly said as she adjusted the bib over her shirt.

"We heard through the grape vine that you guys had made your way over here." Wes said as he straddled an extra seat pulled from another table. "The ladies are with the rest of the crew back at the manor."

"We're going to be shadowing you guys until this case is put to bed." Eric added as he joined the table.

"I'll welcome the back up." Tommy commented. "Especially with what just happened."

Eric nodded. "Yeah, we caught all that." Eric said. "First we hear about that epic police chase after we left and then we come to see you guys and find you having a standoff with that punk. You guys just can't seem to stay out of trouble, can you?"

Kyle nodded. "Yep, but you missed out on the confrontation this morning at the breakfast line." At this, Elisa hid her face.

Eric shot her a glance and then looked up at Kyle for information. "Some dude tried to push his way in front of them to get to the waffle iron and Paladin put him in his place. I guess it's a Miscreant's thing now. Bullies start fights with us and we finish them."

Tommy chuckled. "Guys, this is Elisa, Katsume's girlfriend and all around awesome young lady. She's under our protection while her older brothers are away."

Wes smiled at her and held out his hand. "I'm Wes Collins and this is Eric Myers. We're the leaders of the Silver Guardians and now you've got two more friends to tag along."

"I'm happy that you're here, but shouldn't you be shadowing Paladin?"

"They are." Katsume answered as Trent finally caught up to them. "But I got distracted when I saw something cool in one of the shops…and then Wes saw some kind of fight going down." He frowned and looked at his girlfriend. "Is everything okay?"

Elisa smiled up at him. "It is now that I've got my Paladin back."

He smiled at that and stole a kiss. "Just let me grab some food and then I'm all yours."

Elisa giggled at him. "Hurry back."

Kimberly saw the whole thing and smiled up at Tommy and stole a kiss of her own.

With all the extra people that had shown up, they had to move to the biggest round table in the food court.

"So, how did the meeting with your dad go?" Tommy asked Trent as he burped Maverick.

Trent took a sip of his drink. "It's all good. Mrs. Winters is a very shrewd lawyer. She won't let up until she gets every last cent that's allowable by law. We armed her with all the proof we have and now we let her go to work. In the meantime, we need to get back to our downtime."

Turning to his son, he added. "So now with all that nasty stuff out of the way, the rest of the day belongs to you teenagers. What do you guys want to do first?"

"Well, I know it sounds silly, but I saw a Build A Bear workshop back there." Elisa said softly. "I know it's for kids, but I've really wanted one and there's just never been enough money in the account, especially after the chair lift broke down."

Katsume grinned. "Let's do it then, but after we get our wax hands done. I've been eyeing it ever since we walked in."

Kyle grinned. "Let's do it then…but we should finish eating first!"

I just can't seem to stay away from movie references...and The Addams family and The Karate Kid movies are some of my favorites! LOL.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it and will hit that review button and leave me a review!

When that is done, go on to the next chapter!