Light Splitting Flash

OUT OF MY WAYYYYYYY!

Huh?

UH FORAN?! What exactly is the rush?!

Just the guy I wanted to see! Aldo, can ya help a girl in need?

Help? Sorry, I am gonna need...

Aldo, I'M gonna need you to shut up for a second and move out of the way.

Ruina? Okay now I really need to...

FORAN HERE is not wearing the correct school uniform.

Ah yeah now that you mention it, it does look a bit different...

Care to explain yourself, Foran?

Explain myself? Well, if I had to put it into words... It's probably because I hate it. That good enough, caveman hall monitor?

Oh.

See, this is becoming a bit of a thing, because I told her at least 50 times to wear the right uniform.

Seriously, who cares? Leave me and my clothes alone, okay?

Who CARES? Uh, school code chapter 3, paragraph IV section A cares, honey.

Looks like we're going to have to settle this the hard way.

Wait maybe put the sw...

Fine with me "HONEY". I LIVE the hard way.

I wouldn't be lying if I said I was hoping it would come to this, Ruina.

Oh jeez, not you too. Sorry! Can't we just talk abo...

Hey Foran! Glad I found you!

Uh oh. Looks like Foran's classmate's here to back her up.

Heeey giiiirl! And if it isn't Ruina from the disciplinary committee! What are y'all up to?

......

......

...Wait. What?

...We mustn't drag an innocent student into this mess.

Fine.

I'll let you off with a warning THIS time. Don't let me catch you again.

...WOW...

You totally saved my bacon! Thank you so much!

But actually, I also kinda wanted to fight her. Not sure what to feel, here.

Well, whatever. Thanks for stepping in!

Uhhh, yoooou're weeeelcommeee?

ANYWAYS. Foran, looks like you did it again!

Did what again? I do lots of things. You're gonna need to be more specific.

Stop playing dumb girl, you know I'm talking about boys.

Another one of your fans is here to take his shot.

Oh jeez, another one?

I mean, I don't have the full deets, but he's got serious "ask a girl out" vibes.

I knew you were popular, Foran. But I didn't know you were THIS popular.

Oh, you're coming too, Aldo.

...Excuse me?

Yeah cause it'll be easier to reject him if a BIG STRONG MAN is next to me.

Ohhh I see what's going on here. You go girl!

Huh? Go where? Where are we going?

He said he'll be waiting by the front gate!

The front gate. Got it.

Let's go, Aldo.

So he's supposed to be around here, but I don't...

Yeah, looks like we got here first, maybe?

Might as well wait here till they show up.

Miss Foran!

...You have got to be kidding me.

MISS Foran?

FINALLY! I was looking all over for you!

Talk about a dress code violation.

Ugh... Can we go back to when this was a guy asking me out?

Well, it sure has been a while, Miss Foran!

Stop calling me miss for crying out loud! People might hear you!

But then what else would I call you? Lady Foran? Milady Foran?!

Oh my gosh, NO. Just call me FORAN. No misses, no ladys and absolutely NO miladys.

You gonna introduce your friend here, Foran?

Oh, right. He trains at my grandma's dojo. Which would kinda sorta make him one of my disciples?

Disciple, eh?

Miss Foran, is this guy bothering you?!

Sorry, forgot to introduce myself. I'm Aldo, her...

Her boyfriend?!

NOOOOyfriend?! W-We're just fightin' friends. Arse-kickin' Allies. P-Platonic punch-facers... WHAT do you want from me?! I thought I told you not to come to school!

Gosh, I'm sorry Miss Foran, but it's kind of an emergency, you see...

Oh, I get it. Grandma sent you to convince me to come back to the dojo, right?

Sorry to disappoint you, buddy. But the answer is no. It was no last time, and it's no this time.

......

And? Aren't you gonna say something?

Well, of course we want you to come back, but the thing is Miss Foran... Master Djeron fainted and was taken to the hospital.

She WHAT?!

That's why I'm here, you see.

Fainted? I can't believe it... There's just no way...

Foran. Maybe we should go see her.

Yeah... You're right. Let's go.

Then allow me to lead the way, Miss Foran.

Hey! Grandma!

......

Oh no... Don't tell me we're...

ALDO. She's sleeping.

Maybe we should come back later, once she wakes up.

It's kinda funny, you know.

Funny?

Yeah, like, I always saw grandma as someone who could never be beaten, by anything or anyone. So for her to just...faint? I didn't even think it was possible...

......

Miss Foran? If Master Djeron doesn't wake up...

I know. Someone has to run the dojo, right?

Sorry, Miss Foran, I didn't mean to...

It's okay, actually. I mean, that's just how these things work, right?

Does it HAVE to be you?

Nah. It doesn't. It's just...there's no one else. My mother has her own dojo, and I'm the strongest of our group.

Sorry, Miss Foran...

On top of all that, the men in my family aren't fighters. So all that's left is me.

I see. But, I thought you didn't want to do it?

Well, yeah. Dojos are super old fashioned, and sooo not my thiiiiing...

Buuuuuut...

When I saw Grandma just now, I realized that maybe now's not the time? Like, grow up a little Foran? You know?

What are you tryin' to say, Miss Foran?

Can you guys come with me for a sec? I need to go to Ishar's for something.

You mean the place run by Za'ol? You got it.

Well, shucks Miss Foran, you don't even have to ask me!

Thanks, guys.

Oh, hey guys. What can I do ya for? Lookin' for some more fish for that cat of yours?

Ugh, Za'ol! That was like, how many visits ago?

Listen. I need you to fix my lance up! I don't care how much it costs, just make that thing as awesome as it can get.

Awesome as it can get, eh. I'm gonna guess this isn't for puttin' on display, then?

You could say that.

Well then leave it to me, I'll fix 'er right up.

Why do you need your lance fixed?

I can't tell you right now whether I'm ready to take over the dojo or not. But one thing I CAN do, is at least give Grandma peace of mind

What do you mean?

I'll beat my rival and show her how strong I've become.

Miss Foran, you can't be talking about...

You better believe that's what I'm talking about. Go get her and let's meet at Route 99.

Her?

All right, Miss Foran. I'll get right to it.

So who is he going to get again?

Someone I've been fighting with my WHOLE life. But it's more like fighting and failing? I've never beaten her, not even once.

Not even once? She sounds like a total beast.

But wait, I thought you said you were the strongest in your dojo?

All done, Foran. Here ya go.

Thanks. Here's the cash...

Who do you think I am? I can't take your money!

I dunno who you're up against...

But, you better kick their arse. Don't worry about the money!

Seriously?!

I owe ya one, Za'ol!

And Aldo, make sure she gives whoever's on the receiving end of that lance a proper whuppin' for me, all right?

You got it.

Jeez, you're makin' a girl blush here, guys... But thanks, Aldo.

All right, boys. We've got a fight to win! To Route 99 we go!

She's waiting for you over there, Miss Foran.

Thanks, you've been a huge help.

Anything for Miss Foran! Are you sure about this, though? I get you want to give Master Djeron peace of mind, but...

The thing is, if I don't beat her now, I may never beat her.

So don't worry. I've got this.

Okay, Miss Foran!

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

Eep!

Your rival sure has a mean...roar?

Wooooah what is going on here?

MMMMMMMMM, !

Foran! Are you all right?! Talk to me!

I-I'm f-f-f-fine Aldo. These are just pre-fight j-j-j-jitters.

Looks to me more like earthquakes? AND more importantly, what's up with this thing?! I thought we were meeting your rival?

Aha! WELL, allow me to introduce you to Master Djeron's beloved cat, and Lady Foran's life-time rivallllll...

MITTENS!!!

Cat? That is no cat. And Mittens?! How in the world do you name a thing that big "mittens?"

Uh, Aldo. Seriously? You're embarrassing yourself again. It is OBVIOUSLY a cat? Like?

I'm sorry but cats don't grow that big.

Anyways, you're not thinking of fighting that thing, are you?

I'm thinking about BEATING that thing, Aldo. I've lost way too many times.

If I don't win, I can't move forward. This is something I have to do.

ROOARRR!

Yikes!

Well yeah no wonder you're traumatized. How could a little kid fight this thing?

If I'm being honest, I'd really like to run away, like RIGHT now.

But I can't run. If I did, I'd be lying to myself about who I am.

SO HERE GOES NOTHIN'.

Foran, your clothes!

I never thought I'd see Miss Foran in our dojo's uniform again in my whole life! Wow!

This fight is not just about winning, it's about breaking through the failures of my past! MITTENS! AS THE FIRST DISCIPLE OF MASTER DJERON. YOU! SHALL! FALL!

Stay back, Aldo! This is MY fight!

You got it, Foran. Now give her hell!

MITTENS! I will lose to you NO MORE! Today is the day YOU find out what defeat tastes like. EN GARDE!

That's one tough kitty. Foran's attacks have no affect on her!

That's because she's spent so much time with Master Djeron. You see, Mittens isn't just her pet, but she's her partner, too!

Still as strong as ever, Mittens. I went all out on you, and you didn't even bat an eye.

......

But I'm not done yet! I WILL win!

ROOOOOOOOOOOOAR!!!!

I may never beat you in strength, but even light bends to the tip of my lance. So I shall beat you with speed!

...?!

Haaaaaahhh!

......

......

Who won?

Urgh...

Miss Foran!

Wait! Look!

......

Haah... Haah... Did I... Did I do it? Did I win?

You did! You won, Foran!

Hah... Hahaha! Oh my gosh. I did it?! I beat Mittens?! I BEAT MITTENS!!

Miss Foran, you did it!

Thank you for letting me do this, Mittens.

Rarrr!

Wow she seems a whole lot friendlier towards you now, Foran. You sure you're okay being so close?

You know, for how scared I was before the fight, I realize I had no reason to be.

Or maybe the fight cured you of your feline-phobia?

I dunno. Part of me feels like it's because I left nothing unsaid on the battlefield.

I'm so happy for you, Miss Foran!

A-NY-WAYS let's leave the introspection for later, kay? We have selfies to take. Right, Mittens?

Rarrr♪

I know they don't, like, "have cameras" back in ye olde times, Aldo, but could you just press that little button for me? Thannnnks.

The what?

Oh. Right, of course.

Say cheese!

Is this okay?

Wowww you actually took a good picture, Aldo! I just need to show this to Grandma. It'll be sure to put her mind at ease!

Then it sounds like we need to go back to the hospital. I hope she's awake.

I'll take Mittens back to the dojo. Please give Master Djeron my regards!

Okay! First we go to Cargo Station, and then on the bus to the hospital!

Hey, great timing! The bus is already here!

You okay, Foran?

Okay, so like I knew this was coming and all... But now that I'm here, in front of her door... I just got really nervous all of a sudden. It has been a reeeeally long time since we've seen each other.

And after all that tough talk, who knew you were such a grandma's girl.

What?! Oh my gosh Aldo, I swear, now is SO not the time.

It's always blah blah train this, yada yada take over the dojo that. She drives me crazy, Aldo.

Hmmm? Well, she sounds like a total pain to me, young lady.

Mmm?

Why hello there Foran, you're looking well.

G-G-G-GRANDMA?!

Looks like she's finally awake...

Wait. How are you out of bed?! I thought you had some sort of so-bad-it-could-kill-a-giant sized illness?

Haha! What in the world are you talking about? I am as fit as a fiddle! That said, I maaay have told one of my over-eager disciples to tell you I was sick. Oops!

So it was all fake? Nurse, is that true?!

Your grandmother is healthy, yes. She's here because she hasn't been sleeping.

I came up with this new move, you see. And well after a solid week of practicing, one swing of the lance too many and poof, out like a light bulb.

You didn't sleep for a week?!

This is no laughing matter, ma'am!

Uh, yeah?! Seriously, I was worried sick about you!

Well, I do feel sorry for lying to you, sweetie.

I just really wanted to see how strong you've become.

WAIT. You had this all planned out?! The fight with Mittens and everything?!

Haha! The only thing I didn't plan on, was you winning. The little girl that got bounced around like cat nip is not who I see before me today. You have grown quite a lot, Foran.

UGGGGGH. You are absolutely terrible at compliments.

But hey, Grandma's healthy. That's good news, right?

Ah yes. You must be Foran's, non-platonic punch partner, was it? Quite the looker, sweetie.

Non-platoni-what? Er, yes, Hi. I'm Aldo. Nice tooooo meeeet youuuu?

Yes, nice to meet you. I just feel like I know you because of all the stories I've heard.

Oh my gosh, you were even stalking Aldo?! And anyways, this thing is 100% platonic, okay?! In fact, we're sub-platonic.

Okay, okay, have it your way. What I really want to know is, have you made up your mind about the dojo?

Made up my mind?!

Yes, about taking over the dojo.

Are you kidding me? No! I was only THINKING about it because you had fainted and I thought I HAD to.

It's called "preparing for the worst" grandma.

You say that, but you've clearly been working on your lance. You always hate first what you love last. Admit it, you've been thinking about taking over. I should have noticed sooner!

Nurse, can you check out this woman's brain, because she has lost her mind. Argh! Aldo. We're leaving! Grandma is TOTALLY FINE so there's no reason for us to be here.

O-Okay, sure...

Oh no. I won't let you get away this time.

Excuse me?!

Where tha, what tha, how did she get over here?!

Get away from me!

It's been so long Foran, honey. Why give your old grandma the cold shoulder?

Aldo, stop looking so stupid and RUN!

What did you... Hey!

Still not faster than your grandmother. Foran!

Hey! Stop running! This is a hospital!

Yeahhhh, I don't think they can hear you. I do hope they work things out though!

Heeeeere's grandma! You're gonna have to run a little faster, Foran. Grandma's right behind you!

Oh my gosh you are INSANE! I'm never taking over your stupid dojo!