The Dark Side of the Moon

Fish Out of Water

Forehead creased in concentration; Kevin failed to notice he was being watched as he added several spoonful's of oats to the weight scales before him. He checked the number, removed a helping, and then checked it again.

"What are you doing?" Mike asked, startling Kevin so much that he tossed a spoonful of oats into the air.

Rune bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud.

Looking around, Kevin then noticed that the others had similar expressions, their gazes trained on him. "There is a right way to do everything within the Samurai code," he said.

"I admire your commitment," said Rune, "but I lived that same code. We all did. None of us were taught how much to eat at mealtimes."

"But he's a swimmer," said Emily.

"True," agreed Rune.

Kevin rolled his eyes. "My swimming ethic has nothing to do with my Samurai ethic," he said. "I just like to watch what I eat."

"There is watching and there is this," said Rune.

"She's right," said Mike. "You're so wound up I'm surprised you can digest your food."

"You're all hopeless," Kevin sighed, shaking his head.

Rune licked her lips and looked back at her half-eaten bowl of cereal. While Kevin had opted for Oats, she had chosen Shredded Wheat, a couple of strawberries, and a handful of blueberries.

"I made a new breakfast recipe," said Mia, waltzing in from the kitchen carrying a covered tray. "Everyone loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, right? So for breakfast, what could be better than a peanut butter and jelly omelette?"

Mia removed the lid, presenting her 'masterpiece' to the team. Emily's nose wrinkled, Mike curled back, Rune glanced at Jayden and scooped a spoonful of cereal into her mouth, while Jayden disappeared behind his bowl.

"Uh, I'm stuffed," said Mike, rubbing his stomach. "Rain check?"

"I'm good," said Jayden, offering her a small smile.

Mia looked at Rune. "You love a lot of sugar in the mornings," she said, hopefully.

"You shouted at me last time I had sugar for breakfast," said Rune.

"Emily?"

"Uh, I'm good with just toast," said Emily.

Mia huffed and set her sights on Kevin, as did the others.

Kevin overturned his weighing scales, dumping the oats into his bowl and sloshing a whole half-pint of milk on top of them. He shovelled the spoon so quickly into his mouth he almost choked.

"Precision and discipline," said Mike, mockingly.

Rune and Emily smothered their giggles with their breakfast.

"Everyone," Ji called, rushing into the room. He did a double take of the mess that Mia had created, shook his head, and then turned his attention to the team. "I have excellent news. The missing swordfish zord has been spotted in Ocean Bluff."

"A swordfish?" Mia questioned.

Ji nodded. "A Zord that went missing years ago. If we don't catch it now, who knows when we'll get another chance," he said.

"Ocean Bluff?" Rune asked. "That's where the Pai Zhuq school is."

Ji nodded. "They have already confirmed that there is someone standing by," he said. "But, they do not have the abilities to catch the Zord without us."

"When do we leave?" Mike asked.

"We don't," said Ji. "At least, not all of us."

"You're splitting up the team?"