Morning came, and Sketch was getting himself ready for his first day of actual training. As he was putting on his somewhat heavy uniform, there was a knock at the door. It was Donna and Iris.

"What do you two want?" he asked, knowing he would regret it later.

"We heard you talking to someone yesterday," said Iris.

Donna nodded. "Yeah, and we want to know who it was you were talking to!"

Sketch hesitated slightly. His expression became stern. "Why is it any of your business?" he asked. "Leave me alone."

Sketch stepped back in surprise after the girls shouted. "Listen, it's no concern of yours."

"We want to know," said Iris, "and we won't give you a moment's worth of peace until you tell us!"

Sketch grumbled. "You won't give me a moment's worth of peace if I do tell you."

Sketch grew upset. His mind was racing about what to do. Meanwhile Kazuya sensed that something bad was going to happen, but hid his feelings behind his cute stitched smile.

"Fine," said Sketch, rubbing his head in anger. "You want to know who I was talking to? I'll show you then." With that, he grabbed the plush Kazuya and held it in front of them. "Here."

Donna and Iris looked at each other in confusion and shock. "You were talking to a doll?" they said in surprise.

"Yeah, so what's wrong with that?" said Sketch. "He seems to be the only one I can talk to when something's on my mind."

The girls seemed worried. "Are you okay?"

Sketch seemed insulted. "What do you mean by that? Of course I'm okay! Little Kazuya here was a good friend to me ever since my dad gave him to me as a present!"

"But it sounded like someone was talking back!"

"Yes I was!" said Sketch, using a deep voice and moving the plush doll's arms. "Is that so wrong?"

Their eyes grew wide. Their concern about Sketch's sanity had grown in their minds as they saw Sketch assuming the character role of his "little Kazuya."

"You're beginning to scare us," said Iris.

"Aw, I'm just beginning?" said Sketch with a smile. "I told you it wasn't of your concern, but did you listen? NO!"

Donna and Iris began to inch away. "We, uh…we gotta go," said Iris.

"Yeah," Donna added. "We, uh, need to put on our uniforms. Yeah."

With that, they hastily made their way out the door. As their rapid footsteps grew quieter, Kazuya grew to his real Dragon self. He looked a little nervous.

"Sketch, what did you think you were doing?!" he said in a worried tone. "Were trying to break your promise?"

"No, but I didn't want to make up a total lie either," Sketch answered. "So I guess I did a little of both."

Kazuya rubbed his forehead. He smiled. "You know those girls are gonna think you're crazy now," he said.

Sketch smiled. "Yeah, I know. Hopefully that'll keep them off my tail for a little while. Those two are so obsessed with owning my heart and soul they'll do anything to take my will away from me. I gotta fend them off somehow!"

Kazuya began to laugh. "You poor guy! With girls like those around, it makes me a little bit happier to know I'm a Dragon!"

Sketch laughed. "Lucky!"

They both laughed.

Training had begun. The great Sensei Kazano was teaching them the right preparations for fighting. Each of the pupils had their own individual stances that fit their emotions and physiques. Kazano noticed that Sketch had already set a stance for himself, and this caused a little concern. Kazano then taught them a few basic moves, some punches, chops and kicks. While the others were training to improve themselves, Sketch only stood and watched. Kazano grew even more concerned.

"Tucker!" said Kazano. "You already know how to do this?"

Sketch stood up straight and scratched his head. "I dunno. Partly. My dad taught me a few little moves for self-defense. I never used them on anyone but I sometimes practiced them in a private area or something." He shrugged.

"If you feel that you don't need to be trained how to do basic moves then you need to show me," said Kazano. "I wish to see if you are truthful. You will have to fight another pupil."

Sketch rubbed his hand in his long blue hair. "Okay." He readied his stance.

Kazano turned to Jamal. "You are to be his opponent. Use what you know and keep your focus."

"Yes sir," said Jamal. He positioned himself to where he directly faced Sketch without obstacles. Jamal bowed. Sketch only nodded his head. "Sketch, you must bow before we fight!"

Sketch grew upset. "What is this, martial arts or etiquette?! I'll worry about that later."

Jamal grew upset also. "You are not taking the teachings at all seriously, Sketch," he said. "It's not honorable to ignore what the teacher tells you."

Sketch stuck out his tongue.

"THAT DOES IT!" Furious, Jamal charged toward Sketch and performed a roundhouse kick.

But the attack did not connect, as Sketch had somehow leaped high above and behind him. Immediately after Sketch landed he flipped to a handstand and grabbed Jamal around the neck with his legs. With a single whip-like motion Sketch flung Jamal to the floor and rolled onto his feet, resuming a standing position.

Shocked after the unforeseen maneuvers, Jamal only lay there, his eyes and mouth wide open. He glanced at Sketch, who awaited the next attack, and slowly shook his head.

Kazano was equally as surprised, and quite impressed as well. After Jamal shook his head he entered the scene and ended the fight. Kazano helped Jamal up and escorted him aside. The black rabbit rubbed his head after the impact, looking somewhat lost and disoriented.

The girls were very impressed and cheered for Sketch. "Wow! You did it! That was amazing!" shouted Donna.

"Such a quick move!" Iris said excitedly. "He never saw it coming!"

Sketch blushed and rubbed the back of his neck modestly.

As Kazano sat Jamal down in a far corner he looked to where Sketch was standing and was in deep thought. That sort of maneuver isn't like anything I've ever done before, he thought. He seems very strong, so fast and graceful in his movements. It's as though these attributes came naturally. I will have to look closely at his maneuvers and see what else he is capable of. Someday I will find out what he really is…