Before Joe forgot, he pulled out the pen and paper and handed it to Solomon. He shrugged off his backpack and placed it near a huge column of concrete that was supporting the highway above. Joe had absolutely no idea how to fight, and he wasn't quite sure how he felt that a giant otter monster was going to be his teacher. As if Aamu knew that Joe was thinking about her, she turned towards him, and he tensed.<br/><br/>"Okay," she started, making sure both of the boys were in her line of vision. "First lesson: duck." Joe blinked and looked at the ground. Aamu's fist approached Joe at a frightening rate, and he was promptly decked in the face. He was knocked to the ground, hand firmly planted on his cheek. "Okay, lesson failed," said Aamu, swishing her tail. "Lesson two: always be ready for the unexpected. You also failed that, but maybe Salem will have more luck." She eyed Salem, her mask flashing shades of red, orange, and yellow. Obviously, she was excited to actually be teaching the kids.<br/><br/>"Swordfighting's all well and good, but unarmed combat is also important," she explained. "You're not always going to have a weapon in your hand. Punches are easy, you pull your arm in tight and swing swiftly, kicks are roughly the same. However, your reflexes are going to be the most important thing, and I find that practice makes perfect. So, go on. You look like you've been wanting to murder Joe for the duration of the day, Salem, so this should be fun for you. Sorry, Joe," she giggled. She sat herself down, body unraveling all relaxed-like.<br/><br/>Joe looked incredulous as he struggled to his feet. "You gotta be kidding me. We know absolutely nothing," he said, though it sounded more like a question. Aamu shrugged. Joe looked to Solomon for some sympathy, and then to Salem where he was sure he'd find none. Aamu rolled over and then repeated, "Practice makes perfect. Go, boys."