It was a bright sunny day as usual, the blue sky stretched to what seemed like infinity, and white clouds providing shade to the village nearby. The birds sang a lovely tune, complementing the cool breeze of summer. Tenshi was laying in the grass, under a tree, on a hill that he spent much time on. It was his hill, he always came here, and no one seemed to ever venture there, none other than his friends.

“Hey there” A girlish voice said to him

“Hmm?” Tenshi opened his eyes to see a girl standing over him “Ah!” he screamed and turned over to get on his knees “Geez Liz, don’t scare me like that” Tenshi laughed “Sorry,” She giggled “I just wanted to poke in and say ‘Hi’ you antisocial weirdo” Liz smiled and sat next to him.

Tenshi turned over to sit with her. The two sat there looking at the clouds for a long time. A pair not many people expected. A young Catfolk boy about 15, with short, dark brown hair, big brown eyes, and a little fang that was longer than most of his teeth. And a young Human girl, also 15 who had long light brown hair, and brown eyes as well.

“Hey, how’s Ms. Madako doing?” Liz asked “Mom? She’s working hard as usual” Tenshi let a small chuckle out. He then stood up “Wanna go see her?” Tenshi smiled, put his arm out, gesturing to her to grab it and get up.

“Okay!” Liz took his hand and got up. Then began to walk down the hill, and into the woods.

“Are you ready for the preliminaries?” Tenshi smiled and turned to Liz

“Right, that’s tomorrow, along with the festival” She said “It’s in your village, right? Then the Semi-Finals are in Yorkton, home sweet home” Liz said with pride. Tenshi stuck his tongue out and mimicked her. They both laughed and were not far from the village.

“Say Liz, what do you think the tournament is gonna be like?” Tenshi asked. Liz put her hand on her chin

“I don’t know… maybe we’ll fight really strong people!” she said excited

“Really!? I hope so! I need to become strong, that way I can protect everyone! So I’ll need to fight really strong people!” Tenshi grinned. She then looks at him

“You’re not the only one who’s gonna get strong!” Liz smiled “Me, you, and Frederick are gonna become the strongest in the world!” She said, grinning with pride.

After some time of walking, Tenshi and Liz made it to Tamashī (Tenshi’s village) where they were greeted by Madako who was out shopping.

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“Hey there” She gave a bright smile

“Hey mom!” they both said smiling

“What are you two up two?” she said

“Nothin’ much, just getting ready for the next tournament.” Tenshi said with a smile.

“Ahh, another tournament? Well if you’re gonna train, let’s get to the house and cook you a good meal!” Madako told them

“You don’t want to be hungry mid fight, would ya?” she giggled

“No Ma’am” both Liz and Tenshi smiled.

They began to walk back to Tenshi’s house, and picked up some groceries on the way.

Once they got home, Madako put the groceries down as the kids began to help put some away.

“Would you like to learn to cook?” Madako asked them. They both jumped up and nodded. Madako smiled “Okay…” She rolled up her sleeves and put an apron on “What would you like to cook?” She looked at the two. Tenshi and Liz looked at each other for a moment. “Hmm… How about Crispy Chicken?” Liz suggested

“Sounds good to me” Tenshi smiled,

Madako smiled and got the ingredients, and taught them how to cook that recipe.

After eating, Liz and Tenshi went outside, and into the training yard. They looked to the collection of wooden training swords. Tenshi picked up his sword, and Liz grabbed a Wooden Katana that looked like her’s. Tenshi popped his neck and used one hand to hold his sword. Liz took her stance and used both hands to grip the sword. There was a moment of silence. They stared at each other for some time, in what seemed like an eternity. They felt a gentle breeze pass by.

Time appeared still until suddenly, they both rushed each other. Tenshi, dragging his sword, swung up at her. Liz blocked the hit and extended her arms to try to slash his face. He quickly dropped down and swung at her again, only for Liz to jump back and attempt for an overhead swing. Tenshi used his sword to block the swing and pushed her blade back. Liz growled and went to stab him, but Tenshi moved and slashed at her again, cutting a piece of her sweater. He smirked and ran at her, swinging his sword down at her. She jumped back and before he could lift his sword again, Liz ran and stepped off of it, kicking him in the face. He spun around, and when he faced her again, he saw her blade coming at him. He moved aside as it tore a slice in his shirt.

They rushed again and clashed over and over. They exchanged blows one after the other. Neither of them letting up, and becoming more fierce in every attack.

After half an hour, they went for a final attack. Much like the attacks they used when they gave each other's scars on their cheeks. They ran, and their swords met. Both sought to win this power struggle.

“Aaaagh... I won’t lose!” Liz yelled, and pushed harder. “Dammit...” Tenshi said trying to push back “Ah-” Tenshi slipped and fell back. “Woah!” Liz yelped as she fell on top of him “Ow..” Tenshi groaned as he laid there and opened his eyes to see Liz laying on him

He blushed at the sight of her “Uhh… L-Lizzy?” he said “Hmm?” She opened her eyes and saw him. In a second she backed off and sat on the ground “S-sorry!” she said turning red. “I-it’s okay… I think that’s enough for today” he said sitting up. “Y-yeah…” She said getting up, and then helped him up “Anyway… I should get going” She said flustered. “Okay… uh see you tomorrow!” He said and waved her off, as she went home.

Tenshi walked back inside where he saw his mother putting a coat on “Oh? Back from your date already?” Madako giggled.

“It wasn’t a date!” Tenshi yelled embarrassed. Madako simply giggled “Okay, whatever you say. I have to pick up your baby sister, I’ll be back in a bit” she told him. Tenshi nodded “Okay, well I’m gonna take a shower, and probably hit the hay after” He smiled “So, night mom” he said and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight my widdle baby” She kissed his cheek and hugged him before heading out.

Tenshi took a shower, and then after, laid in bed. He covered his face and blushed thinking about Liz again “She’s just my friend… get over it dork” He chuckled to himself embarrassed before falling asleep.