Story 6 - Willing

"When we were planning to break into your hideout, I remember the others saying how I should be the one to watch Maru because, well…" She smiled sadly.

"I'm not the strongest, or most reliable, I guess…" She whispered.

"Then when the others were fighting off enemies, all I could do was dodge them…" She bit her lip.

"Those moments haunt me…" She whispered.

"Big sis…" Kari whimpered.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is…"

"I can relate to you wanting to become stronger because I want the same!" Tammy exclaimed.

Kari stared in awe, then gave a hard nod.

"I wonder how we can become any stronger…?" Tammy questioned aloud.

Just as she said that Rick walked by with Maru.

"R-Rick!" Tammy cried.

Rick and Maru quickly turned around.

"Oh!" He exclaimed.

"What's up, you two?" He smiled.

"K-Kari and I were just talking, and we…" She balled her fists.

"We want to become strong in our own way!" She exclaimed.

Rick looked at her in astonishment for a moment, then laughed.

"Well, I wish you two the best of luck with that!" He beamed cluelessly.

Tammy blushed, realizing she had made a scene.

"A-ah…" She whimpered.

As Rick turned away, Kari grabbed his sleeve.

"I think what big sis means is that we want you to help us!" She pleaded.

Rick looked at her, then turned to Maru.

"What do you think, kiddo?" He asked.

Maru looked up at him, confused.

Rick chuckled as he knelt, whispering into Maru's ear.

Maru looked at him for a moment, then whispered a response.

"Okay, the consensus is in!" Rick exclaimed.

"We'll be more than happy to help you two out." He smiled.

Tammy and Kari beamed.

"Really!?" Tammy exclaimed.

"Big bro, you're the best!" Kari cried, hugging Rick.

"Hey, hey, relax, you two!" He chuckled.

"I promise you won't be saying that after my training." He winked with a devilish grin.

"Uh oh…" Maru whispered.

"Ah…" Tammy and Kari turned to each other nervously.