you have always had a secret fear that every time your friends went into battle, you were afraid
that they might not be coming back.  You are sensitivity, compassion, and the very essence of
hope.

[Everyone turns to Francine]

Francine:  [hangs her head] (softly) That's true.  Each time you went out, I was so scared for you
all.  I'd never fought in a battle, so I didn't know what it was like for you to fight.  Even then, I
was scared to death.  If...if you'd ever fought someone like Jonas...I know that you wouldn't be
standing here right now...[begins to tremble]

Guido:  [gently lays a hand on Francine's shoulder] Francine...

[Francine turns to Guido, tears in her eyes]

Guido:  We ARE here.  Right now.  That's what matters.

Francine:  [sniffles, nods] I know...but...

Guido:  [shakes his head] "But" nothing.  We've always pulled through before, and we always
will.  [smiles]  Besides, once you join the team, we'll be UNSTOPPABLE.

Francine:  [laughs, hugs Guido gently] Thanks, Guido.  I needed that.

Guido:  [pats Francine on the back] Don't mention it.

Jonas:  [chuckles] Now, since that's clear, it's all of these qualities and more that make you such
an effective team.  This training will help you to become stronger separately, making for an
enhanced team.

Speedy:  Wait a sec.  If we're all those things, what are you?

Jonas:  [thinks] All of the above, and more.

Speedy:  (mumbling) Sorry I asked...

Jonas:  [chuckles] Well, are you ready?

[Everyone nods]

Jonas:  Good.  Your training officially begins now.  Lesson one:  Control.  You can't fight if you
don't know what you're doing.  In battle, your emotions can be your greatest ally, or your
deadliest foe.  Speedy, when you attacked me, your mind was clouded with rage.  If you had
FOCUSED it, used it to increase the accuracy of your strikes, I would have had a harder time
with you.  Your emotions give you drive in battle.  Let me show you.  (to Polly) Hit me.

Polly:  (confused) Say WHAT?

Jonas:  You heard me.  Hit me.

[Polly hesitates, then punches Jonas lightly in the shoulder]

Jonas:  Huh?  Oh, for...POLLY, HIT ME!  LIKE THIS!

[Jonas makes a fist, rears back, and punches Speedy squarely in the face.  The impact sends him
flying into a wall.  He slumps to the ground.]

Polly:  SPEEDY!  (to Jonas) Why, you...[Punches Jonas hard in the face {or where his face
SHOULD be}.  The sound of the blow echoes throughout the room.  Jonas doesn't budge.
Speedy's form flickers, and disappears.  The real Speedy materializes beside Polly.]

Polly:  [grasping her hand] (in pain) Ung...like punching a WALL...

Francine:  (puzzled) Uh...what just happened?

Jonas:  A hologram.  I made Speedy invisible to the rest of you.  I couldn't waste time waiting for
him to wake up again.  The point is this:  Whenever our emotions take control in battle, they are
accompanied by an adrenaline rush.  If you don't control your emotions and the energy the
adrenaline has given you, you'll be more likely to make a mistake.  If you can focus on your
target, however, you can greatly increase the accuracy and power of your blows.  Bottom line:
STAY FOCUSED.  Got that?

[Everyone nods]

Jonas:  Good.  Lesson 2:  Energy Control.  You know how to focus your inner energy.  Some call
it chi, some call it ki, I just call it energy for simplicity's sake.  What you DON'T know is how to
manipulate it and energy from other sources.  The Cat's Eye Slash is a good example, but you
can't rely on it alone.  A friend of mine once said that the universe was alive with energy, woven
into it like threads.  I want you to breathe deeply, close your eyes, and try to visualize this.
Concentration is ESSENTIAL.

[View switches to Speedy's.  He closes his eyes as instructed.]

Jonas:  Now, open your eyes.

[Speedy opens his eyes.  He sees the room, only very differently from before.  The background is
a dark purple color, and all around him are small strands of glowing, orange energy]

Speedy:  (softly, in awe) Wow.  It's beautiful...

Jonas:  [chuckles] I take it you can see it, then?

Francine:  Yeah...it's so pretty...

Jonas:  Reach out, and grab a few threads.

[Speedy does so.  A loose field of white energy forms around his hand]

Polly:  [giggles] It tickles...

Jonas:  A tingling sensation is normal.  I want you to concentrate.  Try to form the energy into a
smoother circle.

[The energy around Speedy's hand takes a more defined, circular shape]

Jonas:  Good.  Now, loosen up a little.  Try to regain your normal view without losing the energy.

[Speedy's view slowly returns to normal.  The view pans out, and we can see the Cats all standing
in a line, with energy of their respective colors glowing around their hands {Speedy-white
Polly-pinkish  Guido-blue  GB-olive green  Francine-dim yellow-green}.]

GB:  Groovy!

Jonas:  Now, carefully, release it.

Speedy:  Where?

Jonas:  Me.  I can take it.

Polly:  Are you sure?

Jonas:  [laughs] You couldn't hurt me if you WANTED to.  Go ahead.

Guido:  Okay, you asked for it...

[Everyone releases their energy in beams toward Jonas, a little crookedly.  He absorbs it all
without showing any indication of pain]

Jonas:  Not too bad.  You have a pretty good power average, and your aims could improve, but
other than that...

Speedy:  Will it always take that long to do?  You wiped out that crane in seconds.

Jonas:  No.  As time passes, with frequent use, your bodies will become more adapted to it.
You'll also build up a kind of internal reserve, and won't have to use as much concentration.  It'll
become second nature to you.  That pretty much covers that.  Oh, I almost forgot.  I want you to
meet someone.  [walks over to the group, points to one gauntlet] This...is Hunter.  Say hello,
Hunter.

Hunter:  [voice is digitized, but not monotone] Greetings.

Speedy:  Hunter?

Jonas:  Hunter is this suit's computer system.  I built him myself.  He has artificial intelligence, and
is my primary source of information.  He's also one of my best friends, and he cheats at chess.

Hunter:  Sir, I cannot cheat.

Jonas:  [laughs] I'm KIDDING, Hunter!  I still need to work on his sense of humor.  Speedy,
please place your hand on him.

[Speedy lays a hand on Hunter]

Jonas:  Say your name.

Speedy:  Speedy Cerviche.

Jonas:  Hunter, file voice pattern under Cerviche, Speedy.

Hunter: [beeps] Pattern filed.

Jonas:  Take a DNA sample.

[A quiet whooshing sound is heard.  Speedy suddenly yanks his hand back]

Speedy:  (in pain) YEOW!  [Looks down at his hand.  A small spot of blood is seen in the middle
of his palm.  Rubs his hand] Why'd he do that?

Jonas:  You'll see.  Hunter, file sample under Cerviche, Speedy.

Hunter:  [beeps] Sample filed.

Jonas:  If the rest of you would please do the same?

[The process repeats, ending with Francine]

Jonas:  File sample under Manx, Francine.

Hunter:  [beeps] Sample filed.

Jonas:  Grant all bearers of these samples emergency authorization.

Hunter:  [beeps] System configuration updated.

Speedy:  (curious) Emergency authorization?

Jonas:  If I should ever become wounded or disabled, this entry gives you access to Hunter's
systems.  He'll recognize you by your voice patterns and DNA markers.  The chances of me being
immobilized are slim, but this is just a precaution.  Now, I'm going to teach you a little trick.  You
can get a rough estimate on the power level of an opponent if you concentrate.  I want you to
close your eyes and breathe deeply, as before, but try to sense the energy of those around you.
Focus on them instead of yourself.

[Speedy does as instructed.  We switch to his black screen, closed-eyes view]

Jonas:  All right, open.

[Speedy opens his eyes.  Everything appears normal, except the background has a very light
orange hue]

Jonas:  Turn to face someone.

[Speedy turns to face Polly.  Her entire body is surrounded by a deep orange field of energy,
about 3 inches in width]

Speedy:  (softly) Whoa...[Reaches out and touches Polly's cheek.  She closes her eyes and
blushes] What is this, Jonas?

Jonas:  What you see is your opponent's spiritual energy.  The larger amount, the more powerful
your opponent is.  Over time, your fields will grow larger and brighter.  Use this technique to
gauge someone before you pick a fight.

[Speedy looks down at his own hands.  They have the same orange glow around them.  He
glances at everyone else.  The same effect, except for Francine, who has a fainter glow than the
others.]

Speedy:  <Hmm...I wonder...> [Turns to look at Jonas, then jerks head away.  The glow radiating
from Jonas is blinding, and almost totally white] AAH!

Polly:  [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] (alarmed) What's wrong, Speedy?

Speedy:  [points to Jonas] D...don't look toward him...it's like staring into the sun...

Jonas:  I suppose I should have anticipated this.  To me, my field appears relatively normal.  I
can't even see yours.

Speedy:  [rubs eyes] I'll bet...what next?  Are we finished?

Jonas:  [chuckles] Not just yet.  Next is something along the lines of energy control, but more
difficult.  [turns to GB] You don't really need this, but it may prove useful.

GB:  What is it?

Jonas:  You can use stored energy in a variety of ways, offensive projection being one of them.
You can also use it for speed enhancement, protection, and...[slowly lifts off the ground]
levitation.

[Everyone watches Jonas float, amazed]

Polly:  How do we do THAT?

Jonas:  This, like all other energy use, requires focus and concentration.  Clear your minds.  Use
the energy you have to push yourself away from the ground.

[Slowly, one by one, the team lifts about a foot off the ground]

Guido:  [smiles] Think happy thoughts, guys.

[Everyone chuckles]

Jonas:  Actually, that really does help.  Keeping your mind on something pleasant can help you
focus.  Ironically, the rage fueling you from a tragedy can have the same effect.  Use some energy
to push yourself in different directions.

[Speedy slowly floats toward Jonas]

Speedy:  This is great!  This makes our hover-jets obsolete!

Jonas:  [nods] Don't be hasty, Speedy.  You can only keep this up as long as you have the
strength.  If you've been in a battle, you may not have the necessary energy.

[Meanwhile, Francine is flying slow loop-the-loops around Guido]

Francine:  [smiles, laughs] This is FUN!

Jonas:  [laughs] You're a natural, Francine.

[Guido chuckles quietly, but is then silent.  His face has a vacant expression]

Francine:  [notices the look on Guido's face] Huh?  [stops in front of him] Something wrong,
Guido?

Guido:  [snaps out of it] Huh?  [sighs] Oh, it's nothing, Fran.  Just got a lot on my mind, that's all.

Francine:  Well...do you want to talk about it?

Guido:  I'm not ready...not just yet...

Francine:  Well...you know that we're always here for you, right?  That you can tell us anything?

Guido:  [smiles] Yeah, I know.   It's just a little personal, that's all.

[Francine nods, begins to turn away, then stops.  She lays a hand on Guido's shoulder]

Francine:  When you're ready...you know where to find me.  [gives Guido a light kiss on the
cheek, then turns away]

Guido:  [eyes widen a little, touches Francine's shoulder] Francine?

Francine:  [turns around] Yeah?

Guido:  Thanks.  I mean that.

Francine:  [smiles] Anytime, Guido.

Jonas:  Hmm...[checks the time...4:15] That'll be plenty of time.  Okay, guys.  Get back on the
ground.

[Everyone slowly floats down]

Jonas:  We're going to get advanced, now.  You all know from experience that a good weapon
can help in any battle.  Example:  [draws his sword] This...is Crusader.  Forged out of ore from
the very comet that you destroyed.

Speedy:  YOU'RE the one that bought all those pieces from Lucille?

Jonas:  [nods] My sword was titanium, but I found that with a little molecular tweaking on those
pieces, I could create something stronger.  The fact that it's comet ore also endows it with
certain...qualities.  VERY sturdy.

Polly:  Why is it changing colors like that?

Jonas:  A side effect of its comet origin.  Contains INCREDIBLE power.  I've managed to tune it
to my physiology, so that it will be difficult for anyone but me to wield it.  One of my most trusted
weapons.

Guido:  [nods] We all know the difference a weapon can make.  What's your point?

Jonas:  Well, take your magical weapons, for example.  You feel confident in battle because you
use them, right?

[Everyone nods]

Jonas:  I don't know why.  I mean, they have almost no magic left in them anyway.

Everyone:  (shocked) WHAT!?

Jonas:  Let me explain.  You've used these weapons for quite some time, right?

Speedy:  [nods] Yeah, years.

Jonas:  Over the years, your bodies have absorbed most of the magical energy.  The weapons are
almost completely drained, making them as ordinary as your average sword.  They are still
preferable, due to their high durability.  You've probably never noticed the drain because the
energy isn't actually gone.  It's just been moved from your weapons into your bodies.  Since you
always use the same ones, you might never have noticed.

Speedy:  [looks down at his sword] So, my magical Ginzu sword isn't magical anymore?

Jonas:  [nods] It still contains some magic, but you've absorbed over 90%.  Don't discard your
weapons:  they are still stronger than anything you can buy.  What I'm about to teach you may be
useful if you ever lose your weapons.  This will require intense concentration.  Totally clear your
minds.  Gather energy, as before.

[The familiar white glow surrounds Speedy's hands]

Jonas:  Form it into a weapon of some kind.

[The energy in Speedy's hands slowly forms into dual swords]

Jonas:  Concentrate on keeping it stable.  Try to make it solid.

[The swords slowly begin to take on more detail.  Beads of sweat run down Speedy's forehead]

Speedy:  [gritting teeth] (strained) Man...this is harder than you make it look...

Jonas:  Tell me about it.  Energy focus of this level is highly draining.  Now, concentrate.  Make
the energy completely solid.  Now!

[A flash of white light.  Speedy drops to his knees, loosely clutching two whole, solid swords, and
gasping for breath]

Speedy:  [Breathing heavily, glances at his teammates.  All are in relatively the same state,
clutching their newly formed weapons:  Polly with a lance, Guido with a mace, GB with an iron
staff, and Francine with a long, spike-studded whip] (a little surprised) Not bad, Francy.

Francine:  [same, smiles weakly] Thanks.

Jonas:  [holding a bola, standing upright] Getting something out of nothing is no easy task.  Don't
do this unless you have to.  Since the weapons were created from your own bodies' energy, they
will conduct energy better than your normal weapons, increasing the power of your strikes.

GB:  [recovering] What do we do with these things?

Jonas:  You can keep them, sell them, whatever.  They are ordinary weapons, yet slightly more
durable than usual because of the unique way they were formed.  A weapon's main purpose is to
provide an energy focus point.  You can use several others, such as your eyes or hands, but most
people prefer a solid object they can hold.

[Speedy collects the new weapons and stacks them in the corner]

Guido:  How much more is there?  That'll really take a lot out of you.

Jonas:  Not much more.  Let's see...what's next...oh, yes.  Now, I'm going to teach you a little
mental discipline.  Everyone get comfortable.

[Everyone takes a seat on the floor]

Jonas:  Your mind can be one of your greatest tools.  Its uses range from instant communication
to telekinetically performing tasks at a distance.  Just relax, and clear your minds.

[About fifteen seconds pass in silence.  Then...]

Jonas:  (to group, telepathically {PSI}) Can you hear me?

Speedy:  (same, with some difficulty) Yeah...but...hard to...focus...

Jonas:  (PSI) It's not easy, but it can really help you out.

GB:  (same) I remember reading about this stuff.  Isn't it supposed to be mind-to-mind?

Jonas:  (same) Usually, yes, but I'm amplifying your thoughts to help you all get used to it.  (out
loud) I think that's enough of that for now.  You've been through a lot, and I don't want to
overexert you.  I have one thing left to teach you, and you won't even have to do anything.  Come
with me.  [walks upstairs]

[The Cats follow Jonas upstairs and outside, to the parlor's back yard]

Jonas:  [sits on the grass] Form a circle.

[Everyone sits in a circle]

Guido:  (curious) Why are we out here?

Jonas:  An outdoors setting is necessary for what comes next.  I'm going to train you in the ways
of magic.

Everyone else:  (excited) Magic!?

Jonas:  (calmly) Whoa, whoa.  Hold on.  Magic isn't all it's rumored to be.  It is very powerful, but
magic of specific types can often be easily stopped.  That's why we're going to stick to mainly
"neutral" and healing magic.  Also, you don't need some absurdly long chant or ridiculous phrase
to use magic.  "Alakazam, Hocus Pocus, How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if he had a
gas-powered chainsaw", none of them mean anything.  You'll get a distinct feeling when you tap
your magical reserves.  Don't ask me how you'll know, you just will.  You'll build up a reserve to
this, as well.

GB:  So, why here?  Why not inside?

Jonas:  You'll see.  This decision isn't up to me.  It's left up to those of the...uh...higher order...to
decide if you can be safely endowed and trusted with magical abilities.

Polly:  (puzzled) Higher order?  What...[realizes, points to sky] You mean to tell me-

Jonas:  (interrupting) You got it.  This is up to them.  Everyone hold hands.

[Everyone does so]

Jonas:  Now, breathe deeply, concentrate, and above all, BE QUIET.

[Everyone nods]

Jonas:  (quietly mumbling) Let these noble beings, who have and will protect the innocent and
mete out justice, have the strength to survive the greater fight.  They have learned much, and
become strong, yet now they seek aid in their quest.  I fear that if they are unprepared, all we be
for naught.  Their hearts are pure, their spirits are strong.  Help them.  Please...

[Suddenly, five bolts of lightning streak from the sky, striking Speedy, Polly, Guido, GB, and
Francine.  None are injured]

Francine:  (shocked) EEK!

Speedy:  (same) Were we just...struck by lightning...in broad daylight...?

Jonas:  [gets up] (relieved) That's just their way of saying "yes".

Guido:  Now I see why you wanted to do this outdoors.

GB:  (shaken) Well, you think they could be more SUBTLE?

Jonas:  Just be glad they did it at all.  Took me THREE tries.  [checks the time:  5:00] All right.
Go inside and rest, train, whatever.  In one hour, you'll face me again.  I want to see how much
you've improved.  It'll give you some time to become familiar with your new abilities and maybe
improvise some techniques of your own.  [walks back inside]

Speedy:  We've got to fight him AGAIN?

GB:  NOT something to look forward to.

Polly:  [feels her face] You said it.

Guido:  [has that distant look in his eye again]

Francine:  What do we do?

Speedy:  [shrugs] We might as well find out what we can really do.  Come on.

[The team walks back inside.  Jonas is seated at one of the tables, fiddling with a gauntlet.  The
team quietly heads down to the training room.  An hour passes.  One of Jonas' gauntlets beeps]

Jonas:  Eh?  [checks time:  6:00] (surprised) Six already?  Shall we check on them, Hunter?

Hunter:  If you wish to, sir.

Jonas:  [gets up] What do you think of my little training program, Hunter?

Hunter:  You didn't teach them everything, sir.

Jonas:  Now, Hunter.  You know better.  They have to get some field experience.  Besides, I can't
teach them much more.  Almost everything else is EXTREMELY high-level.  I don't think they
have enough energy yet.  I can't risk burning them out.

Hunter:  Sir, in regards to the things you told them...about your past...

Jonas:  What about it?

Hunter:  Don't you think it sounded a little...hokey?

Jonas:  [blinks in surprise, laughs] Maybe a little, but I want them to be able to trust me.  I
COULD have given them the shortened version.  I looked through a door, didn't like what I saw
on the other side, and decided to change it.  That's when I realized there were still things to
change on this side, first. [walks down to the training room]

[Upon entering, we see Guido sparring with Francine, Speedy and Polly circling each other, and
GB leaning against a wall with his visor down {Since he doesn't really have a visor, his helmet is
just tipped down over his eyes}]

Guido:  Now, be careful Fran.  I don't want to hurt you...

Francine:  [smiles] It's nice of you to worry, Guido, but I'll be fine.  You ready?

Guido:  [shrugs] Whenever you are.

[Guido and Francine engage in limited combat, with Fran throwing must of the punches, and
Guido dodging easily.  Guido makes almost no attempt to fight back.  Meanwhile...]

Polly:  [lunges at Speedy, pinning his arms and legs to the floor with her own] HA!

Speedy:  [Struggling to get up, but Polly is in a pushup-like position over him, and is gripping his
wrists tightly] Nngh...

Polly:  Pop quiz, hotshot:  Your wife has you pinned to the floor by your arms and legs, and
you're absolutely HELPLESS.  What do you do?

Speedy:  Hey, come on Polly.  I can't move.  Let me up.

Polly:  [smiles, leans close] What are you gonna do about it?

Speedy:  [thinks] Well...THIS!  [kisses Polly passionately]

Polly:  (a little surprised) Mmf?  [loosens her grip on Speedy]

Speedy:  (softly) I love you, Polly Esther.

Polly:  (same) I love you, too.

Speedy:  But even so...[flips Polly over, reversing their positions] you should never let your guard
down.

Polly:  [laughs] Why you sneaky...

Speedy:  [smiles] I prefer to be called CUNNING.

Guido:  [laughs] The day Speedy's cunning, I'll hang up my umbrell-OOF!

[Guido's distraction allows Francine to deliver a kick to the head, knocking him down]

Francine:  [gasps] Oh, I'm sorry, Guido!

Speedy:  (annoyed, to Guido) HEY!

Polly:  [smiles] Well, whatever you are, I still love you.  [kisses Speedy gently]

Speedy:  [smiles, helps Polly up] I know.

Francine:  [pulling Guido up] I'm sorry, Guido.  Are you all right?

Guido:  [rubbing his head] (annoyed) Yeah...[holds Francine's hands, smiles] I am now.

[Francine closes her eyes and blushes]

Jonas:  [clearing throat] AHEM.

Speedy:  Oh, there you are.  Is it six already?

Jonas:  [nods] Yes.  Are you ready?

Speedy:  [turns to the others] Guys?  [they nod] Yeah, we're ready.

Jonas:  [Nods.  Notices GB, who is still leaning against the wall, and points] What's with him?

Speedy:  Huh?  [turns to GB] I don't know.  He went over there when we first came in.

Jonas:  He's been in that same position for an hour?

Speedy:  I guess so...

Jonas:  [walks up to GB, examines him] Hmm...vitals are steady...[Lifts up GB's helmet.  His eyes
are shut] He's asleep.  Hunter, what was the last command input into this helmet?

Hunter:  Working...last accessed command was "index".

Jonas:  [laughs] Oh, THAT explains it!  No wonder he's asleep!

Polly:  What do you mean?  Is there something wrong?

Jonas:  No, it's just that the helmet is displaying its ENTIRE file index.  At the rate it displays
information, that would take several hours.  [shakes GB] Wake up, Bird.

GB:  [blinks] (drowsily) Hnnh?  Oh, hi guys.  [yawns] That's quite an index.  Is it six yet?

Jonas:  [nods] You ready?

GB:  [stretches] Yeah.  Let's do it.

Jonas:  Whenever you're ready.  Remember everything I taught you, and try to incorporate some
of it into your fighting.  Listening to music helps my concentration a great deal.

[Speedy motions the team into a huddle]

Guido:  Same strategy?

Speedy:  [shakes his head] Uh-uh.  He's lethal as a swordsman.  We should all try to keep our
distance.

Francine:  Are you sure that will help?

Speedy:  He'll have a hard time hitting us if we just keep moving.

Polly:  We should get him occupied, then hit him with everything we've got.

GB:  Agreed.

Speedy:  Ready...

All:  BREAK!

[Everyone lines up and faces Jonas]

Jonas:  [chuckles] Here, kitty, kitty, kitty...

Speedy:  That was LOW.  Hyah! [Leaps into the air, and throws several Ginzu stars at Jonas.
They all fly toward his head, but suddenly stop about an inch away and hang in the air]

Jonas:  [shakes his head] You can do better than that.  [the stars fly back toward Speedy, who
manages to successfully deflect them all]

Speedy:  [smiles] You're right, I can...

Guido:  [maneuvers around behind Jonas] <That's right Speedy, just keep him busy.  Now, how
do I use this magic stuff?>  [a pale blue glow surrounds him] <Oh.  Wow, this DOES feel
different.  Now, if I use it the same way I use that energy...> [Raises a glowing fist.  Magical
energy bursts out, slamming into Jonas.  The recoil sends Guido skidding back several feet.  Jonas
is unfazed]  WHOA!  That stuff has quite a KICK!

Jonas:  [turns around] Eh?  Not bad, Anchovy.  Glad to see you've learned something.  Now, say
good night.  [raises a fist]

Speedy and GB:  (in unison) HA!  [Both bring their swords down on the back of Jonas' head.
There is a sound like steel striking solid rock, and both hold onto their swords as they vibrate
from the impact]

[Unnoticed to anyone, Francine sneaks over to the pile of weapons and picks up the whip she
created earlier]

Jonas:  [turns to Speedy and GB, chuckles] Nice try.  [Grabs their heads, and butts them together.
They fall to the ground, dazed]

[From out of nowhere, Polly, with a running start, tackles Jonas to the ground]

Jonas:  (surprised) OOF!

Guido:  [helping Speedy and GB up] You guys okay?

GB:  [rubbing his head] Yeah...that didn't quite go like we planned...

Speedy:  [same] No kidding...where's Polly?

Polly:  [crouching over Jonas] Let's see how you handle a lady!  [bares her claws, slashes at Jonas'
face] AAH! [Holds her hand in pain.  Her claws have been reduced to nubs]

Jonas:  [chuckles] That must've hurt...how's THIS?  [Electricity surges off his body.  The charge
sends Polly flying across the room, and into Speedy, knocking him down]

Speedy:  [struggling to his feet] (weakly) You okay, hon?

Polly:  [same] (same) Oh, I'm DANDY.  [cough]

Guido:  We should end this before it gets out of hand.

Speedy:  [nods] Right.  (to Jonas) You wanted to see our power?  Well, TAKE A LOOK!

[Everyone goes into their finishing maneuvers once again.  They coalesce into a ball quickly, so
we don't get a very good look at how they've improved.  The ball strikes Jonas head on.  The
resulting explosion is blinding, and the impact knocks the Cats off their feet.  Scene changes too
the streets of Little Tokyo.  The ground shakes a little, there is a sound like thunder, and many
people fall down.  Reenter the training room.  The scene is clouded in smoke]

Speedy:  [coughs] Is everyone all right?  [cough]

Polly:  [same] Yeah...did we get him?  [cough]

[The smoke clears a little.  Francine can be seen holding GB tightly]

Francine:  [eyes shut] Are you okay, Guido?

GB:  [smiles] Why, Francine.  I didn't know you cared.

Francine:  HUH?  [opens her eyes] EEK!  [runs over to Guido]

Guido:  [laughs] I'm fine, Francine.  Thanks.

Speedy:  [squinting] I don't see Jonas.  You think we hurt him?

[All the smoke finally clears.  Jonas is crouching down in the middle of the room.  The area
around him has been scorched black, but he remains unscathed]

Jonas:  [running his hand along the floor] Come on, come on.  Where...?  [stops] Ah, here we are!
[picks something up, lifts it to his hood] Sorry, lost a contact lens!  <MUCH better than last time!
They've really improved!>

[Everyone stands in shock]

Jonas:  [stands] My turn?  All right.  [Four yellow balls of energy form in his hands.  He begins
juggling them] Here, CATCH!  [The balls fly out, striking Speedy, Polly, Guido, and GB squarely
in their chests, knocking them down]

Jonas:  Game over.  You lose.

Francine:  (yelling) NOT JUST YET!

Jonas:  [turns to Francine] (surprised) WHAT?

Everyone else:  (dazed) Huh...?

Francine:  (yelling) YOU WANNA PLAY GAMES, MISTER?  WELL, YOU'VE NEVER
PLAYED ME!  [Twirls whip in the air like a lasso.  It begins to glow a bright green]  Catch
THIS!  [A green tornado of energy is formed by the whip.  It hits Jonas with incredible force,
creating a blinding flash of light.  Unbelievably, he still stands]

Francine:  [grunts in pain, breathing heavily]

Jonas:  <Okay...that STINGS...> (surprised) VERY GOOD, Francine!  For a novice, that was an
EXCELLENT move!  I'm IMPRESSED!

Francine:  [silent, can barely stand]

Speedy:  [armor slightly charred] Never seen her do anything like THAT.  [turns to Jonas]
Speaking of which, what's YOUR big finish?

Jonas:  [thinks] I have a few...only one is really safe...let me show you.  [Unsheathes Crusader and
holds it above his head, grasping the hilt tightly.  The sword splits down the middle into two
thinner ones, which he holds in each hand.  He forms a cross with them, and they begin to glow a
bright purple.]  (echoing) CRUSADER...CROSS...CUT!!!  [Jonas scrapes the swords against
each other, and a large, purple, cross-shaped beam of energy slams into the training room wall,
creating the biggest explosion yet.  Once again, people on the surface are thrown off their feet.
The smoke clears, and a massive, black dent has been left in the wall]

Jonas:  (weakly) Affectionately referred to as the Triple-C.  [cough] Had to tone that one down a
little...full strength would turn this whole place into a crater.

GB:  (surprised) Do I detect a hint of fatigue?

Jonas:  [chuckles] Hey, can you blame me?  I've gone through a lot today.  Training you hasn't
been easy.  I'm proud of you all.  You're on your way to becoming some of the greatest heroes
this world will ever see.  Speaking of which...you guys go rather easy on Polly and Francine.

Guido:  (darkly) You don't hit a girl, man.  It just doesn't happen.

[Speedy and GB nod in agreement]

Jonas:  [sigh] I was afraid of this.  I can understand that you have qualms about striking
females...I do too...but you do realize that you can only take it so far?

Speedy:  What do you mean?

Jonas:  For instance, I'm sure that Polly probably doesn't feel any hesitation about hitting you,
Speedy.

Polly:  (annoyed) HEY!

Jonas:  In a battle, I mean.  Take this training session.  She can attack you at will, but you try your
best to avoid fighting back.

Speedy:  Well, yeah...[quietly] she's a woman, man.

Polly:  [gives Speedy an icy glare] JUST WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT?

Speedy:  (quickly) Absolutely nothing, Polly.  I...I just don't want to...well...

Jonas:  Hurt her, right?  Two things:  Not all women are helpless.  I'm willing to bet that Polly
could take you, Guido, AND GB on at the same time.  But also, not every woman will be your
ally.  If you meet one in battle, they will be out to KILL you.  In mortal combat, my friend, the
rules change.  You have to do whatever is necessary to defend yourself.

Speedy:  [nods] I know there are exceptions, but...it's just so...BARBARIC...

Jonas:  [nods] Good.  I'm glad you know there are limits.  Just remember that you can't drop your
defenses because your opponent is female.  They're going to know you'll hesitate, and will use that
to their full advantage.  You're fully trained, now.  The rest of the evening is yours.

Guido:  [walks over to Francine] (concerned) Are you okay?  You haven't said much.

Francine:  [smiles weakly] I'm okay.  You guys just make it look so easy.  It's harder than it looks.

Guido:  [smiles] That was really something, Fran.  If you don't feel up to dinner tonight...I'll
understand...

Francine:  (shocked) OH MY GOSH!  I forgot!  [grabs Guido by the hand, drags him upstairs]
Come on, we've got to get ready!

Guido:  (surprised) Hey, wait up!  Slow down!

Polly:  (puzzled) Where are they going?

Speedy:  [shrugs] Got me.  They probably just want to get out of this room.  We've been here for
hours.

Polly:  Well, I think they have the right idea.  [looks down at her charred armor] I need to shower
again.  [walks upstairs]

GB:  [checks the time:  7:00] It's already seven?  No way!

Jonas:  [chuckles] Time flies when you're fighting for your life.

[Speedy and GB laugh]

Speedy:  Yeah, that'll do it.

GB:  I'm heading home, guys.  Later.

Speedy:  Later, GB.

[Jonas nods to GB.  After he leaves...]

Speedy:  [looks room over, noticing the charred, black walls and floor] Well, it was nice while it
lasted.

Jonas:  I'll have it as good as new by tomorrow.

Speedy:  [smiles] You looking for a raise, or what?

Jonas:  [chuckles] Raise?  You mean you're going to PAY me, too?

[Speedy and Jonas laugh]

Speedy:  I'm heading up.  See you there.  [walks upstairs]

Jonas:  Well, Hunter, not a bad day.  Not that bad at all.

Hunter:  Indeed, sir.  Their abilities have been greatly enhanced.  You have taught them well.

Jonas:  Thanks.  Care for a game of chess?  No cheating, now.

Hunter:  Very funny, sir.

Jonas:  [laughs, walks upstairs]

[Speedy walks into the serving area to find Polly sitting at a table, resting her head on one hand]

Speedy:  I thought you were going to take a shower.

Polly:  I was, but Guido's in right now, and Francine's next.  They beat me to it.

Speedy:  [snickers] You poor girl.  [takes a seat, attempts to stifle laughter]

Polly:  [smiles] (curious) What's so funny?

Speedy:  [chuckles] I just noticed something.  Your face...it's pitch black.

[It's true:  All the dust from those explosions has collected on Polly's face, turning it an ashy
black]

Polly:  Really?  [laughs] Look who's talking!

[Speedy is in the same condition]

Speedy:  [smiles] Just a second.

[Speedy gets up, grabs a paper towel, soaks it at the sink, and returns]

Speedy:  [wipes Polly's face] There we are.

Polly:  [takes the towel from Speedy, wipes his face, and smiles] You know, you looked kind of
cute like that.