A Warriors Weakness Part 2

[animefreak1]

II. Brotherly Love

Juniper arrived home to the sound of the tv in the den. No doubt Ray Ray was up watching his cartoons. Judging by the sound of things he was really get into them. After closing the door she headed toward the stairs.

Monroe came from around the corner and created her in his usual manner. “So, how was last nights’ festivities?”, he asked in a Scottish accent.

She didn’t give any details, only that it was nothing special. With that she continued upstairs. Monroe followed her. He could sense something was wrong. As advisor to the Te Xuan Ze, it was his duty to keep everything in order. From the way things sounded, it was far from normal. The tone of her voice was the first clue. Secondly she didn’t make any attempt to see if Ray Ray was behaving and not tearing the house apart.

Juniper walked into her room and plopped herself onto the bed.

Monroe stopped at the doorway. “I take it things didn’t go according to plan.”, he said trying his best to sound concerned.

Juniper made it know that nothing was wrong, though he didn’t believe her. At that moment the doorbell rang. “Please don’t let it be Ashley’, she moaned.

The pugs sharp ears picked up what she had said. Clearly the Good Witch was or had already gotten on her nerves.

From downstairs they could Ray Ray make the announcement that she indeed was their. This made Juniper turn over on her stomach, her face planted deep in the pillow.

“So this is what it’s all about.”, the pug asked as he hopped onto the bed.

“Is it that obvious?”, June mumbled.

“That and the fact that you always get this way whenever she’s around.”

“Kind of hard not too.”, she replied.

“Look lass, Ashley may be different then the rest, but her hearts in the right place. I don’t you just give her a chance. Anything is better then just mopping around in yare room.”

“She knows Monroe.”, she said quietly.

Monroe looked at her very puzzled. Then it dawned on him and he gave a chuckle.

Juniper raised her head and stared at the dog. She had no idea what could be so funny. Her she was with her life almost ruined and he was laughing. She didn’t know wether to cry or kick his tail.

“Sorry lass, it’s just I find it humorous is all.”

“Great My life in hanging in the balance and you think it’s cute ”

“Well there’s no reason to bite my head off It wasn’t me who gave her the bracelet.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the time you made Ashley the Te Xuan Ze What does it look like I’m talking about ?”
“And that has too with this, how?”

“Well if you must know, How else was she to know you were the Te Xuan Ze ? Of course she knows that You gave her al the hints she needed. Not to mention she is a Good Witch in training.”

Juniper stared at him, wondering what all this had to do with anything. Then she figured it out and it didn’t help either. She wasn’t talking about Ashley knowing her identity. That wasn’t it at all And she made sure Monroe knew it as well.

“Well what then ? For pity sake what is it that she did ?”

“Not really what she did. It’s what she knows Monroe. She’s knows my secret.”

“Which one?”, Monroe.

Juniper didn’t think she had more then one. That was until Monroe started listing them off:

Like the time she went to school with no underwear on. The accident she had in the mall dressing room. That zit she had during school pictures. Then her whole crush on Marcus. None of them were it.

“Well for the love of haggis girl How many more must I name off?”

“It’s not any of those Monroe It’s the other one ”

“Well which one is it? You have so many I had to keep a journal.”

“It’s...You keep a journal of them?”

He nodded.

“It doesn’t matter, what matters is she knows.”

Monroe was still confused and getting more by the minute. Whatever it was it must be pretty important. One thing was for sure. If she didn’t tell him soon he was going to loose his mind

“Well tell me then ”

“I’m ticklish.”, she said softly.

Monroe looked up at her, then he gave her that look. She had to be kidding. That was what this was all about? She was ticklish? About half the human population was and she was getting work up over it? All because she happened to be one of them. It was the dumbest thing he had heard. And how she found out wasn’t hard to figure out.

“And this is bad how?”, he asked.

“How ? What do you mean how ? Monroe, I can’t stand it that’s what’s wrong It’s my weakness ”

“So? Everyone has one you know.”

“Not this one I mean I can’t handle even two seconds of it.”

“So you’re a little sensitive in some areas. What’s the problem. So you can’t take a foot tickling without going too pieces. Why should you worry about that? It’s not like anybody else knows about it besides her.”

“That’s my point Sherlock You know Ashley. Once she starts talking to people anything and everything comes out. She’s bound to spit it out before we know it ”

“Did she make a vow?”

“Huh?”

“Did she make a promise too you?”

“Well ya But that’s not going to stop her Oh know You wait Monroe. Before the day is out everyone in Orchid Bay is going to know. That means that every monster in town is going to hear about it and....Wait a minute, were’s Ashley?”

“I would guess she’s in the den talking to your brother.”

Before he could utter another word she was out the door. Monroe ran after her, trying to talk some reason into her. It wasn’t working. Juniper was too worked up over her weakness. She also feared that Ashley would blab it to everyone. Her friends, enemies, even her very family.

Meanwhile Ashley and Ray Ray were watching cartoons and having a blast. The fun was halted when Juniper came running in. Ray Ray immediately thought she was off to fight some monster. As always he wanted to come along. Too his surprise she wanted to see Ashley.

Way cool ”, he shouted. “Are you two going to team up again? That would be so awesome!”

“No Ray Ray were just going to talk.”

“Oh, well can I come too anyway? ”

“No Just stay here and watch your cartoons.”

He flopped back down on the couch, “Man I never get to do anything fun around here ”

 

[animefreak1]

Both girls went out into the hallway. Ashley created her in the usual manner. Juniper didn’t want to hear it. She was only interested in one thing. That her secret was safe and no one knew. Ashley reassured her about her promise. That wasn’t good enough. In fact, she wanted to know what her and Ray Ray were talking about.

“Cartoons”, was her response.

Apparently they got into a discussion about there favorites. Juniper wanted to know what else they talked about.

“Nothing”

“Well let’s just keep it that way okay?”

“June, I gave you my word. You can relax. I won’t saying anything about your weakness. Were friends, you can trust me.”, she said with a smile.

Juniper still wasn’t convinced. She would rather that she left but at that moment her bracelet went off. This happened every time magical forces threatened the city. This wasn’t going to help matters. Now she had to worry about a monstrous threat as well as Ashley spilling the beans.

“Man I never get a break ”, she scowled.

“Don’t worry lass, I got you covered.”, Monroe said as he ran up to the two girls.

“Fine. Let’s just get this over with. And Ashley, promise me you won’t let anything spill out.”

“June stop worrying. I won’t say anything.”

“Alright, but just make sure you don’t.”, she stated as she walked out of the house.

Ashley waved at them as they left.

“I told you not to worry. She’ll keep her word.”

“I’m not worrying ”

“Oh really? So how come your sweating. The fight hasn’t even started and your already perspiring.”

“I am not ”

“Okay, your not. Just try and focus on this mission alright.”

“You know Monroe, I heard there’s an opening at the city pound.”
“Very funny June Very funny.” And both of them went off to face whatever menace awaited them.


The day was a lot busier then she thought. First she had to face a group of Nardorian Trolls. After that it got even better. Several Speed Demons had ran amuck in a nearby farm. Then she had to tackle a Wilder Beast. To top it all off she had to fight off two Purple Worms that were making the park their home. How she was able to fill in all the holes was beyond her. Thankfully Monroe was with her, she needed the companionship.

By the time she got back home she was exhausted. She was hoping the summer would be quieter. Unfortunately, she wasn’t getting her wish. And if this is how it was going to be, she might not make it through the next two months. For now all she wanted to do was get some needed rest.

Slowly she pulled herself up the stairs. After changing into her pajamas she made her way into the bathroom. Once her teeth had been brushed and one final use of the facilities she headed back into her room. She rolled the covers back, kicked off her slippers and nestled down. Soon she would fall into a deep sleep.

Sometime during the night a figure stepped into the hallway. It made it’s way toward Junipers’ room. The door to her room was ajar, enough to see inside. Slowly the door opened wider and the figure step inside. Juniper was resting comfortably. Her breathing was steady as she laid in slumber. The figure approached the end of the bed. Juniper stirred in her sleep, moving her body to one side.

The figure began to undo the covers. Pushing them aside to reveal the naked feet underneath. From the darkness two hands appeared. Fingers started to stroke the soft, sensitive soles.

“No..”, Juniper cried in her sleep.

The fingers kept stroking away as her feet started to wiggle. Fingertips sketched across each foot. Playfully they pinched each toe and tickled in between them. Juniper tossed in here sleep, a grim smile formed across her face.

“Don’t..”, she protested but it didn’t help.

Soon all ten fingers were tickling every inch of her feet. Her toes wiggled and scrunched. Poor Juniper tossed and turned as if she was enduring some inhuman torture. The girl begged and pleaded as she kicked her feet about. Then the fingers started racking up and down both feet. Juniper cried out in a loud gasp and sat up.

“Stop It ”, she screamed. But their was no one their. The room was dark and empty. Had she been dreaming? Then she heard a hinge squeak.

She turned to face the door. It was wide open and she never sleep with it open. Someone had been in her room. The covers were stilled pulled over. Now she was mad. How dare someone come in and play such a cruel prank on her

She sprang from her bed and ran out into the hall. There was no one about. All the doors were closed except for the bathroom. She looked all about but could see no one is site. A noise shattered the silence of the hall. It was coming from down the hall. More importantly it was coming from her younger brothers’ room.

‘Ray Ray?’, she thought making her way towards his room.

The door was closed. Perhaps the intruder was inside, but she still couldn’t believe it was her brother. He would never do anything like this, not unless he wanted to be sat on.

She opened the door and peeked inside. She was shocked to find Ashley sleeping on the floor. She had stayed the night without asking her? It all made sense. Ashley knew she was ticklish and must have decided to play that dumb game again. Yet she looked to be sleep and not faking it either. Ray Ray was slumped in his bed holding a teddy bear. He too looked out of it. So either Ashley sleepwalks or they had a ghost in the house. It wouldn’t have been the first time.

“What do you think yare doing ?”, called a voice. Juniper jump and turned to face whoever.

It was Monroe.

“Monroe what are you doing? You nearly gave me a heart attack sneaking around like that.”

“Well now, aren’t we the innocent one. You might telling me what yare doing spying on your brother?”

“I wasn’t spying I’m trying to find an intruder.”

The pug huffed in disbelief. He had been downstairs for sometime and never saw anyone break in. Juniper explained to him what had happened. He wasn’t too impressed. He suspected she had been dreaming it. She denied it. She said it felt too real to be a dream.

“So you just assumed it was Ray Ray?”

“No but I heard his door close. Which means however tickled me has to be inside.”

Monroe gazed into the room. Both her brother and Ashley were asleep. He looked up at Juniper with an accusing look.

“What ?”, she asked.

“Is it just me or our we a tad bit judgmental.”

Judgmental ? My feet were violated and your asking me if I’m being judgmental ?”

“Well you seem a bit over agitated.”

“You would be too if some stranger came into your room and gave you tickle torture ”

“I still say you dreamt it. I mean let’s put some reason in this. There’s no one else here but you and me.”

“What about the noise I heard?”

“Houses do make certain noises when the temperature changes. There’s nothing supernatural about that.”

“Fine ”, she said sulkily. Then she remembered Ashley. “Well what about her ? What’s she doing in Ray Rays’ room?”

“Now calm down lass. Ray Ray invited her to stay for the night. He asked your parents and they agreed.”

“But....she...”

“Look June. You’ve had a rough day, you need your rest. Let’s just go back to sleep aye?”

“I can’t sleep What happens if this person returns?”

As silly as he thought it was, Monroe agreed to stay with Juniper for the rest of the night. That way if anyone did try and sneak in he would hear it. It seemed like a fair deal so she excepted it. Yet she still didn’t like the idea of Ashley sleeping over.

The rest of the evening went uneventful. By the time Juniper awoke it was already late morning. She quickly got up and got dressed. Downstairs Ray Ray was having his fourth bowl of cereal. Munching on the sugary bits, milk drooling down his chin. He wiped it with his sleeve and continued with his meal.

Juniper walked into the kitchen and could tell that Ray Ray had once gain made his own breakfast. There was cereal all over the counter and on the floor. Several puddles of milk laid about. In fact she almost slipped on a small patch of it.

‘Oh man ’, she thought too herself. ‘Now it’s up too me to clean this up. Thanks a lot Ray Ray ’, she frowned.

If it was up too her she would have him do it. Yet the last time he cleaned up a mess it was worse then what he originally had made. She surely didn’t want to go through that again So once more she was forced to sacrifice her own breakfast to clean up his.

 

[animefreak1]

As she was doing this she started talking too herself and none of it was cheerful. Mostly it was about how hungry she was. Then it changed to what had happened last night and how Monroe thought she had dreamt it. She of course knew the difference from a dream and reality. Heck, she saw it almost everyday She knew it had happened. She knew someone else was in her room, and that he/she had tickled her feet. And she had a good guess as to who it was.

“Hi June.”,her brother said walking into the kitchen. “Whatcha up too?”

“Well as you can see I’m cleaning up yet another one of your messes.”

“Cool ”, he said. “Say me and Ashley are going down to the arcade later on. Wanna come too?”

Juniper looked up when she heard her name. “Speaking of her, where is she?”

“Oh she left awhile ago.”

“How long ago.”

He shrugged, “Before you got up. Oh ya, Jody and Ophelia came over and I think she went with them.”

“She did what ?”

“Hey come down June. She wanted you to come too but you were still asleep. She didn’t want to wake you. So she tole me to tell you when you got up.”

“Well were exactly did they go?”

He thought for a moment as it seemed to escape his memory. “Oh ya Think they went over to Ophelia’s.”

Ashley was over at Opehlias’. This wasn’t good. She wasn’t to afraid of what they were doing. Odds were they were just playing a board game or doing each others hair. What she was worried about was what she might say. Lord knows what they would do with that kind of information. She had to get over their and fast She would also find out who was in her room last night.

Quickly she finished cleaning the floor and ran out the door. Ray Ray watched as she left. He never saw her move that fast since the time the ice cream guy was having the buy one get two free deal.

Ophelias’ house was at least three blocks from her own. By the time she got to it she was out of breath. She tried remaining clam as she walked to the door and rang the bell.

Ophelia answered, “Hay June.”, she said with a smile. “Finally decided to wake up huh?”

Juniper gave a faint smile.
“Well get in here. Were almost finished with the game anyway.”

Juniper followed Ophelia inside and into the living room. Jody, Roger and Ashley were all gathered around a large game board.

The game was Monster Maze, a simple RPG style game. Each player choose either a sorcerer, warrior, dwarven fighter, druid or ranger to play as. Once each player had selected a character the game began. The board was made up of several different chambers. The object was to find the Golden Scepter and get out without dying. The rules were basic enough for anyone too play. There were certain weapons and armor that could be found. And spell cards that either the sorcerer or druid could use for defensive and combat. So far the four had gotten half through the game. Rogers character was pretty beat up and it was Jody’s turn to roll the die. It came up four. Unfortunately her character had activated a pit trap.

“Oh poo ”, she said.

It was Roger’s turn now. He had to roll either a two or six to get Jody’s character out of the trap. The die landed on a one. Now both characters were in the pit. Ashley’s turn. She shuffled through her remaining spell cards and pulled one out. It was a Levitation spell, which she cast on both fallen characters.

“Good move Ash ”, Ophelia said followed by a high five.

Juniper never got over the fact she did that now. Before Ophelia met Ashley she hated the high five. She always said it was lame and unworthy or her standards. Now she used it whenever. Then there was the smiling. Ophelia never smiled. For as long as she had known her she never smiled once, not even in class pictures. She couldn’t think of one time she had smiled. Now it was almost everyday she got her smiling. It was like she had become a different person. But the one thing she never got over was the giggle. Ophelia laughing was about as rare as Alaska without snow. She never thought anything as funny. Believe her they had tried. Jokes, comedies, even Roger falling down and hurting himself didn’t make her laugh. Now she was giggling.

Juniper could just picture Ophelia, her bare feet resting on the floor, a soft feather being whisked across her soles and her giggling as it tickled her. It was a disturbing image too say the least. That thought brought her back to the reason she was here. She wanted to talk with Ashley again. Find out what she knew about last night. And as the game drew to a close she got her chance.

While they were setting up another game she walked over too her. She said high with a warm smile. Juniper asked her if they could go and talk. She had no objections, only that she would play the next. She agreed and both walked away.

“Sorry about this morning June.”, she said. “I didn’t want to wake you but I’m glad you’re here.”

“That’s okay. Look Ashley I need to ask you something and I want you to be honest with me.”
“But of course I will That’s what friends do you know.”

“Yes well about last night...”

“I know.”, she said bowing her head.

“You do?”

“Ya, it was wrong of me not to ask you if it was alright.”

“How could you, I was asleep at the time?”

“Oh no no.”, she said with a chuckle. “I already apologized for that.”

Juniper looked puzzled. Sometimes it was hard trying to figure out what she was saying.

“I mean about the sleep over. I really should’ve asked you too.”

“Oh right Ya the sleep over. But that’s not what I’m talking about.”

Now she was confused.

“Ashley, did you come into my room last night?”

“Why June whatever do you mean? Ray Ray told me you don’t like people going in their when your gone.”

“No, I mean that night, when I was asleep.”

She shook her head. He had no recollection of ever being in her room at all that night. Though she wanted to know she was asking. She told her. Told her about what had happened too her. Ashley chuckled some more.

“What so funny?”

“You silly Don’t you see? You were dreaming silly.”

“I doubt that very much.”

“Oh June. Don’t you see? You were all worked up about the night before. You must have had a dream about and thought someone was tickling you.”

“Ashley someone was tickling me. I could feel it and besides Monroe thought the same thing. But I know that it happened. That’s why I’m asking you. You are the only one besides Monroe that knows.”

“And you think I was the one?”

She nodded.

She chuckled some more. “June your so silly. I would never do that too you.”

“Are you sure? I mean maybe you were sleep walking or some thing.”

“Well I know I don’t sleep walk. Trust me, I would know these things.”

“But I was certain it was you.”

“Nope. Not me. That would be oh so mean.”

“Didn’t seem to stop you a few nights ago.”

“June, I was playing a game. What happened last night was too mean for me too do. Besides I like using Mr. Kootchie Woochie. Using my fingers would just ruin my nails anyway.”

“Well if you didn’t...”

“June, you have to forget about it. You need to lighten up and have some fun. All this monster fighting has got you all wound up Stop worrying about our secret. I haven’t told anyone. Just relax and have some fun. Come play a game or two with us. We are your friends you know.”

Juniper smiled. She was right, she was amongst friends. She didn’t need to be so tense. Maybe a game or two would help. So she decided to give it a try. And you know what? It worked By the time the third game was brought out she was laughing and having a great time. She even went to the arcade with everybody. She was starting to forget everything else that had happened. However, it didn’t seem to end the mysterious visits at night.

That very night it happened anew. She was sleeping when the same sensations began to plaque her brain. The feeling of fingers tickling her soles. She awoke with a start when she felt her toes being tickled. The room was empty, yet the covers had been pulled away. The door was ajar and she swore she had closed it. A very strange situation indeed and it puzzled her greatly. How could anyone get into her room without her knowing. She wasn’t the most sound sleeper. And getting the covers off would also be a trick. She decided to discuss it with Monroe in the morning. For now she closed her door and tried to get some rest.


“I still think you dreamed it.”, the pug answered.

“And I’m saying it was real. And let’s say it was a dream. How do explain the door being open and my covers pulled back? Next thing your going to say is I tickle myself in my sleep.”

“Well I hope you aren’t going to blame Ashley for this.”
She shook her head. For now Ashley seemed to be on the up and up. She also at Opehlia’s last night. There was no way she could’ve done it, even with magic. For one thing her bracelet would’ve went off if any magical aura was present. She was at a total loss. However was doing this was either really sneaky or a ghost.

“Well I’ve very heard of a ghost tickler before, though anything is possible.”

“Thanks a lot Now I got to worry about my house being haunted as well.”

“First off I was merely making a statement. Besides, if this place had any specters your bracelet would be blinking none stop. It keys into supernatural energy as well as magical.”

“Okay, so we can rule out the ghost theory. What does that leave us with?”

Monroe thought for a moment. Then he got an idea. Tonight he would patrol the upstairs hallway. If anyone even approached Juniper’s room he would see it. Hopefully this would solve the mystery.

And so Monroe went through with his plan. While Juniper slept he kept guard in the hall. It was nearly two thirty when she awoke. Everything was the same as before. Covers pulled back, door open. Juniper became enraged! Why wouldn’t they leave her alone She was so mad that she leapt from her bed and dashed out the door, and nearly tripped on Monroe.

“Watch were your going June You nearly squashed me ”

“Well where were you?”

“Making my patrol of the hall, why?”

“Do I really have to answer that? Cause I think you know.”

“Happened again did it?”

“No, I just thought I’d run around the house in my pajamas. Of course it happened ”

Just then they heard a sound coming from the bathroom. The door opened and out came Ray Ray. Groggily he made his way toward his room.

Juniper called out too him.

He turned in the direction of the voice. “You can use it now, I’m done.”, he said half asleep.

Monroe ran up too him. “Did you see anyone else around here lad?”

“I see you.”, he said.

 

[animefreak1]

“No no He means did you see anyone else besides us.”

The boy was so tired he didn’t know really what she ment. “Sorry June, can’t play right now, gotta get some z’s.”, he said dragging himself back to his room.

“Well he’s no help.”, Monroe said with a snort.

“Neither was this plan.”

“Well excuse me for trying to help.”

Juniper didn’t want to argue. All she wanted was to go back to sleep. And still the identity of the tickler remained unknown. However, Monroe still had one more trick in his paw.

The following night Monroe hid himself in the confines of some of Juniper’s stuffed animals. From their he could survey the entire room, if this prankster tried again he would nab in the act. Sometime during the night Monroe fell asleep. He was awakened by the sound of Juniper giggling.

“Oh...oh please....”, she giggled in her sleep.

Their at the end of her bed of a dark figure. The covers had been puled away as usual and her soles were once again getting it. This time the figure appeared to be using some sort of object. Brushing the tool very slowly across both soles. Juniper’s toes wiggled as they too were subjected to the torture. Then it stopped. The figure must have stopped Monroe. For he/she had ended the tickling torment and made for the door.

‘On no you don’t ’, thought the pug as he jumped out.

The figure dropped it’s tool and ran out with Monroe close behind. He was sure he could catch him, it was along way too the front door or any other exit. He was expecting an empty hallway though.

“How in the...? Oh no ”, he said looking in the direction of Ray Ray’s room. The door was wide open. “Not him ”, he cried running to the door.

He pushed his way in and made for the bed. “I won’t let him have ya boy ”, cried the pug as he lunged forward.

The next sound was that of Ray Ray. Something had jumped onto his bed. He tried fighting the thing off but to no avail. Whatever it was was pulling on the sheets. He cried out for help as he tried getting away. Within moments the lights came on. Juniper was standing in the doorway. Their was both her brother and Monroe entangled in the bedclothes.

“Monroe ?”, cried the young boy. “What the heck has gotten into you dude ?”

“I thought..I thought he had you lad ”, he said with a mouth full of sheet.

“He? Monroe have you been drinking from the toilet again ?”

“Not recently.”

“What is going on here ?”, exclaimed June.

Monroe told her everything. He had seen the figure in her room. However it was must have seen him. He had tried to catch but the figure was too fast. He saw Ray Ray’s door opened and figured the tickler had ran inside.

“Well I don’t see anyone but a pair of goofs tied up in bed sheets ”

Goofy’s in our house? Way cool Can I have his autograph?”

“She means us lad ”, Monroe growled.

Juniper wanted so much to bang her head on the nearest wall. It was obvious that all this had too be in her head. For there was no one else in the room, and she was so very tired. She had no time for this. She would get all the answers in the morning anyways.

Monroe hopped off the bed and followed her. Ray Ray got up, shut off the lights. “Man, this place is like totally weird, even at night ”, he said closing his door.

“I’m serious June I saw him, or someone anyway.”

“I don’t doubt it Monroe, but I need to get some sleep or I’ll loose my mind ”

“But don’t you see June There is a tickler and he was here. Take a look at this.”, he said picking up an object off the floor. It looked to be a small static duster. No doubt it was used to tickle the young girls feet.

Juniper didn’t answer. Instead she went to her dresser and pulled out a pair of socks. She slipped them on and crawled into bed. “Now if this tickler does come back I’m ready.”

“All ya did was put on some socks. How’s that suppose to help? This person is using tickling tools now.”

“Well he/she is going to have to remove them. If he/she tries I’ll wake up and beat some sense into them ”

“All my plans and you put on a pair of socks ? That’s the must ridiculous things I’ve ever seen The tickler will just tickle your stocking feet then. How’s that suppose to stop him?”

“Well let’s hope my socks stink. That should chase however away.”
“But they don’t. In fact your wearing a clean pair.”

“Well let’s just say they do then.”

“But...They really don’t.”

“Monroe. GET OUT OF MY ROOM ”


The sun peeked out from behind the clouds as morning came to the Lee household. The night’s events still played the pug’s head. His nose had never lied before. He was quite positive that he had the right scent. Somehow he got it wrong. Now he laid on the kitchen floor munching on kibble, trying hard to figure it all out.

‘Alright, let’s go over it one more time.’, he thought to himself. First off their was three people in the room, he was certain of that. Him, Juniper and the tickler. He or she must have seen him amoung the stuffies. The person dropped the duster and ran outside. The front door was to far for anyone to make it in that amount of time. The only other way was to hide in another room. Ray Ray’s was open and he was sure he had the scent. Yet when he went to apprehend the culprit, the only one in the room was Ray Ray.

“I could’ve of gotten the scent wrong ”, he mumbled.

“Morning dude ”, spoke the sleepy boy as he entered.

Ray Ray slowly made his way to the cupboard and got himself a bowl.

“Sorry about last night.”, he apologized.

Ray Ray shrugged it off. He was use to it by now. It wasn’t the first time something weird happened in the house. Even Monroe couldn’t deny that. Though he was curious too say the least. He had never been attacked in his sleep, let alone by the family dog. And thought it cool as well that he was brought into it. He was always excited when something happened that involved him, a specially with anything Te Xuan Ze related. And as always, he wanted to know more. And believe me he was prepared to beg as long as it took.

“Alright.”, the pug finally gave in. “But you have to promise not let June know I told you.”

“Hey, I can keep a secret dude You know me.”

“All too well I’m afraid.”, he said sarcastically. Then went on to tell him what was going on.

Ray Ray listened as Monroe laid it all out. And asked again that it all be kept between them. Which he in turn excepted.

“So any clues as too know’s been doing this?”
“Not a one And I’ve been running over and over. Nothing seems to fit.”

“And you actually saw this guy in June’s room?”

“Aye lad I went after him too.”

“And you caught me be mistake.”, he chuckled.

“I didn’t mean too It was the scent.”

“Woo You smelled this guy? I hope he didn’t stink.”

“That’s not how it works Ray Ray Too us dogs everyone has a different scent. And B.O. doesn’t count. Though sometimes it gets in the way. But I was certain his scent was in your room.”

“But know one but me was their.”

“I know and that’s got me so confused ”

“And because of this my sister is wearing socks in her sleep? That’s like so totally out their dude Not a lot of good they’re going to do her.”

“That’s what I told her.”

“And?”

“She told me too leave. Very unmannerly I might add.”

The sounds of footfalls could be heard from the stairs. It was Juniper, who literally looked like the walking dead Her hair was all messed up with the dyed part up in a curl. Her eyes were half closed and her pajamas were sacking. But the thing that was most noticed were the pair of green and blue stripped socks. The left one had dropped down to her ankle. The right one was almost half off and dragging across the floor. Ray Ray could hardly contain himself as he snickered, his hand over his mouth.

“shut up.”, she said drowsy.

It didn’t take long before he was on the floor laughing hysterically. “Man You look like a Dr. Suess character with those on.”, he snorted.

“Well it’s nice too see someone amused by all this.”

“whatever.”, she responded taking a drink of water. “If you need me I’ll be in the shower drowning my sorrows.” And she walked out leaving the two.

sailortickle
Fan
Posts: 19
(10/28/05 6:46 pm)
Reply | Edit New Post Re: A Warriors Weakness Chapter 2 Ray Ray was still rolling on the floor holding his stomach.

“Come off it boy. It’s...It’s not that funny....”, he said trying not to laugh. “Though she does resemble a Christmas Elf in those things..” And he fell too the floor laughing.

Their laughter echoed through the kitchen as Juniper made her way upstairs. ‘I got too get out of this asylum.’, she thought to herself.


A few hours later Ray Ray was sitting on the couch eating cereal. Juniper walked by carrying a sport bag. He put his bowl down and went after her.

“Hay June, were you going?”, he asked hoping she would let me come along.

“Somewhere were I can relax.”, was her response.

“And were exactly might that be?”, asked Monroe, who was standing in her path.

She rolled her eyes and explained that it was summer, she need a vacation. Therefore she was heading over to The Pond for a good tan and no worries.

Now The Pond was actually a large body of water which was part of Seymour Park. Not as big as Orchid Bay Park, in fact, it was their before O. C. Park was even built. It was here that kids and teens went swimming when the beach was too over crowded. It was also a place Juniper often went when she wanted too be alone. It was here she was hoping for some alone time. Somewhere were she could forget everything else that had happened. And off she went.


It was around Eleven Fifty by the time she got to The Pond. Their was a small restroom of too the side. One that was used mainly for a changing room. She quickly removed her street clothes and put on her swimming suit.

After changing she set up her lounge chair and began applying sun screen. Once she was done she put on a pair of sunglasses and laid back, allowing the sun too do the rest.

After a few moments she started to get comfortable. The sun was warm and made her feel secure. Nothing could bother her out here. No worries and no one to bug her. It was just the cool breeze, sun rays and a comfy chair to rest on. Little did she know that someone was watching from a nearby bush. Indeed, the tickler had followed her.

He watched her as she drifted off. She actually was smiling, the sound of humming arouse from her lips. She looked so peaceful laying their. The sun beaming down on her golden skin. Her soft feet resting at the end. The same feet he had been fun with all week. How lonely they looked with no shoes on. How utterly defenseless they were and oh so ticklish.

“This is going to be great ”, he said.
“And what are you doing out here?”, a familiar voice spoke.

The boy literally jumped up in surprise. “Monroe ”, he cried out lightly.

Monroe stood their facing the tickler. A person he had been trying to catch for three days now. He had alluded him until now. And it wasn’t who he thought it was. For before him was Juniper younger brother Ray Ray. In his hands was a large feather, which he tried to hide behind his back.

“You?”, he asked. “You’re the tickler?”

Ray Ray tried changing the subject but it was too late. He was caught, feather handed you might say.

“I..I don’t believe it ”, Monroe said still surprised, yet everything was starting to make since.

The first night Ashley had stayed over, a perfect cover. He might have thought Juniper would suspect her, and she did. The next night he was seen coming out of the bathroom. Very sneaky for an eight year old. He must have ducked inside when Juniper came running after him. Just one flush was enough to convince both of them. The tired acting was pretty good too. However, he should’ve known it after last night. It was so obvious he could’ve kicked himself It was the scent. He wasn’t wrong at all. The tickler was in the room all along, pretending to be asleep. The boy should’ve won an Oscar for that one Finally all the pieces fit. The mystery had been solved. He should have been happy, yet anger rouse in him.

“I utta strangle you boy Except I don’t have any thumbs ”

“Calm down dude I was just having some fun.”

“Fun ? With what you put us through ? I doubt June would find any of this fun She’s lost a lot of asleep because of you ”

“Blah blah blah Like she’ll ever find out.”

“Oh you bet she’ll find out In fact I’m going over their right now...”

“Hold on Lassie You can’t do that. I mean you knew it was me. How you going to explain that one. You said so yourself you had the right scent.”

He was right. He did have the right scent but failed to realize it until it was too late. “Ya got me their lad. Though I still think she should know.”

“Ya, but not right now. Right now I’m about to score baby ”

“What are you talking about?”

“Like you don’t get it? I mean look at her The suns rays are pretty much making her sleepy. All I have to do is creep up and...”, he finished by waving the feather in the air.

“I don’t believe...Your not actually thinking about going through with this.”

“You bet I won’t get a better chance then this one It’s Don Turtelli’s Revenge baby ”, he shouted and left the confines of the bush.

Monroe stood behind knowing that nothing good was too come of this.

Juniper laid silently, unaware of the young boy sneaking towards her. Ray Ray crept up to the end of the lounge chair. There he knelt down, feather in hand.

“Time to giggle June.”, she whispered and dragged the feather across both soles.

Juniper shifted abit in her chair before settling back down. Again he dragged the feather across. This made her feet twitch. He did it once more, this time both her feet shifted to the right. Next he brushed the feather from instep to heel. Her feet shifted abit more. He did the same with the right foot.

Juniper gave a short giggle.

He did this several more times. Each time her feet shifted more and more. Her left foot nearly feel off the chair Then he whisked it across both soles once more. Her reaction was quite silly. As the feather passed across the soles her feet separated and clicked together. Now that was cool So he tried it again, sure enough the feet reacted the sameway.

‘I should’ve brought our video camera along, this is great ’, he said to himself.

After a few more passes he tried other angles and various speeds of brushing. Juniper began to stir after the third one, which came very close to her toes. He stopped right there. It wasn’t time for her to wake up, not just yet. Besides he was having to much fun. And he was planning on having more before he was through.

Her feet were still moving when he stopped. Slowly they calmed down, as did Juniper. Her breathing was back to normal which meant he could start up again. This time he decided to play alittle with her feet. The object of this game was to tickle the soles and see how long it took for her to react. To do this he would brush very gently on each sole. He choose to use the instep and then move on. The first time took only a few seconds and her foot back away. He went to the next foot and back and forth he went for several more times. On the second to the last he made the right slide backward. He waited for it to come back and then tickled again. He eventually got the foot to bounce upward. He did the same with the left one.

The cutest thing happened while he was playing his game. He was doing both feet this time, back and forth. Each stroke made the foot slid back alittle more. By the time he was done both feet had slid all the way back; so that they were seated, soles down on the chair.

 

[animefreak1]

He waited as they slid back down to their normal position. It was time for the last phase. This time both soles were going to get it, from toe to heel He began with the right foot starting at the toes. They scrunched up as soon as the feather touched them. Slowly the feather made it’s way down. The sole wiggled as it moved down to the heel. The same thing happened to the left one. And back and forth it went. Juniper’s toes were wiggling pretty good now. Her feet even started shuffling back and forth ans shifting from right to left. It was funny to see them try and escape the feather.

On the next pass up both feet kicked up. Of course he stopped tickling them and waited for them to land. Then he tickled them again and again. He was surprised she hadn’t laughed yet. The sun must have really zonked her out So he tried doing the same again one more time. Her toes wiggled crazily and her feet jump up several times, but no laughter.

Ray Ray was getting abit upset that he couldn’t make her laugh. The time had come to go for the most ticklish part, her toes. Oh they had danced for him all the way through. They were about to make her laugh and laugh hard So he took the feather and whisked it across them. First one foot at a time then both feet. They scrunched and wiggled, and her feet swayed too and through, trying to get away from the feather. Still she wasn’t laughing. And no silly tricks her feet and toes did could make up for that.

“What gives ?”, he said disappointed. “I’ve tickled these things for well over a half hour at least. How comer she’s not laughing Thought she said she was really ticklish ”

“Who said?”, someone asked. He figured it was Monroe. He turned to comfort the pug, but no one was their. It was then that he froze and took a deep breath. He turned around to face a very mad Juniper.

He had no idea at what point she had awakened. Why she wasn’t laughing was easy, she had been holding it in. The tears in her eyes was proof of the hell she had went through. Now her face had turned from a light tan to a beet red. Her teeth clinched and one could almost see smoke coming from her ears. Staring down at her younger sibling with anger burning in her eyes.

“You... ”, she said with a hiss.

“Hey their June, how’s the tanning going?”, he said with a smile.

“It was you all along ?”, she asked, her face turning redder by the second.

Ray Ray wasn’t sure if he should say anything or not. She didn’t look all that happy. So what he did next might not have been the best thing either. He knew she was about to grab him or do something that revolved around pain. He needed a diversion. The feather just happened to be in his hand at the time.


Before she knew it he was brushing the feather on her soles. Juniper let out a series of uncontrollable laughter. Bucking wildly on the lounge chair as she tried to contain herself. The tickling lasted less then a few seconds and he was off. Juniper laid back trying to catch her breath. It wasn’t long before she remembered what had happened. Springing from the chair she chased after the young boy.

Ray Ray was running and laughing. Apparently it was all fun and games to him. That was until he heard her shout after him. This only made him move faster as he headed toward The Pond. Soon both were running around the body of water. Juniper dead set on catching him, and when she did.

“Come back you! You sleep disturber! Malicious migit! You Feather Wielding Freak!!!”

“I can’t believe it.”, he said looking back at his pursuer. “I’m actually be chased by the Te Xuan Ze. How cool is that!?”, he cheered.

Back behind the bush Monroe had witness the whole thing. He never knew he would see this day come. Nor would he have believed it if he hadn’t seen it. And all he could really do was watch. Ray Ray certainly had this one coming, and to think it was him all this time.

“What tell I get my hands on you!”, Juniper screamed.

“Gotta catch me first June!”, Ray Ray called back.

Not far from where their another figure was watching the same thing. His or It’s name was Barlo, a very nasty Thungorian Goblin. Tonight he was going to score big against Orchid Bay. His gang was waiting for his call. He h=told them to wait while he checked out The Protector. The one and possibly only person in the city that could stop them. For sometime he had planned this job. Still he was fearful, the things that were said about the Te Xuan Ze. He had his doubts, but not anymore.

He reached into his vest and pulled out a cell phone. Dialing a number he waited.

“Ya?”, squawked a voice on the other end.

“Hey Jarrin, this is Barlo. Listen about that job I was talking about. I think it’s time we made it happen. Get the gang ready cause tonight it happens! Oh and about that Juniper Lee dame. Ya the one with the freaky powers and stuff. I don’t think she’ll be much of a problem. I just found out something about her that may be useful., he said with a sinister grin.

 

[stepienpiotr2]

CooL!! I can't wait when Juniper will be tickle torture by enemys🙂