In an ancient land long ago, the new generation of master Duke was born. He was wily, but wise for his young age. He and Zoe were positive that one of their pups would inherit Master Duke’s kung-fu awesomeness. Their hopes were high, but then one day their dream came true. Aspen, the smallest, showed promise.
As Aspen’s father trained her, Duke realized that the city needed a new Bone Warrior. Master Beacon was the wisest dog in the city of Joplin. He saw goodness in Aspen’s heart and was sure that she would be the Bone Warrior.
It was finally the day for Master Beacon to choose the Bone Warrior. Many other contestants gathered at the Treat Palace that day. Of course, Aspen was there to compete. After many hours of kung fu fighting, the Master finally chose the Bone Warrior. Absolute silence …
“The universe has chosen the Bone Warrior … Aspen!” the Master said proudly.
Many days after the competition, many dogs arrived at the Treat Palace to honor the new warrior. Aspen was quite thrilled and impressed. Then she saw a strange man in a black cape. Later on in the day, she went to discuss this man with Master Beacon.
“Ah, yes, I see, Master Aspen,” the Master said calmly.
“He looked very mellow, Master. Not a hair to be seen on him,” Aspen said sternly.
Master Beacon closed his eyes for hours. “OH NO!” he exclaimed.
“What is it, Master?” Aspen yelped.
“That man was at the tournament. He was very upset that you were chosen; now, he’s headed to the Palace to defeat you!” he said faintly.
“Don’t worry, Master – that will never happen!” she said.
Aspen waited many months for the masked dog to come. In the afternoon, he did. Aspen was very shocked, but got into the fighting position. Then the masked dog pulled off his cape … it was her brother!
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this, Aspen,” he said.
“Brother? Why have you come here? I didn’t even see you at the tournament!” she exclaimed.
“I know that, you dunce! No matter! I deserve to be the Bone Warrior!” he yelled.
As her brother pulled out his sword, he began to charge. Aspen was ready for him to attack. She pulled the sword right out of his hand in seconds.
“What are you going to do now, brother?” she asked him.
The brother, filled with anger, charged with the Claws of Death. Aspen quickly grabbed a hold of his claws and had one pinky lifted in the air.
“Hahahaha, I think you know this hold, correct?” she said sarcastically.
“Yes,” he gulped.
“I will not use this hold on you if you leave my town forever. Now, be gone! Go! OUT!” she said.
He ran out the door on all fours as fast as he could, screaming, “Mommy! Oh, mommy!” He never returned.
Years later, Master Aspen had children of her own and her smallest pup became the Bone Warrior. Days after, it was time for Aspen to join the other many warriors in the sky. Aspen will never be forgotten. And the city remained peaceful for all eternity.