These are really fun to write.

 

“Black Belt Blues”

 

By Joseph Manno

 

 

“It’s not fair,” Samantha declared.

She struggled upright, and wrestled her gee back into place.

Mantovanni arched a brow, and inquired, “What precisely is ‘not fair’?”

Frustration lent her courage.

“You’re faster and stronger… and outweigh me by like a thousand pounds.”

“Could it have anything to do with the fact that you seem pathologically incapable of listening?” The definition of teenager.

“I do listen,” Sam insisted. “But if I were your size, I’d kick your butt.”

From his expression, she knew that had been a mistake.

“Cassandra.”

The tiny Rhodes strolled over.

“Yes, sifu?”

He grinned.

“She’s all yours.”