Recap: Watching him go she still couldn't believe she had almost lost him today. At least now she had a chance to become stronger so next time she can save him probably!


Chapter Nine – Lovers Divided

Jack jogged to his house still not able to get other how his injuries felt so much better. Finally reaching his front door he took out his keys and unlocked it. He walked into the hallway as quietly as he could, and yet he was still mobbed by Layla as soon as his foot touched the laminated flooring.

"Hey Bro!" She giggled "What took you so long?"

"Err…" Jack strutted gently pushing her away. "Wha….what's going on?" Layla laughed just when Jack's mother walked into the hall, carrying a glass of water. As soon as she saw Jack the glass slipped out of her hand and smashed to the floor. Ignoring the mess Jack's mum ran to him and hugged him tight. Now Jack's side was starting to hurt.

"Ow ow ow!" Jack complained "What's up with you?"

"What's up with me?" She snapped, pulling away from him. "You could have been killed. I was so worried Jack!"

"I'm….." Jack looked at Layla who shrugged, indicating to him that she was the one who told he's mother everything. "I'm sorry. I just…"

"You would have been killed if it wasn't for Layla! And Kim poor little Kim she could have been….."

"Just Shut up! I get it ok!" Jack yelled, turning on his heel he bolted up the stairs. Layla and Jack's mother looked at each other in shock not believing that Jack had acted like that, when Jack slammed his bedroom door, it made them jump breaking the awkward silence between them.

"Something I said?" Jack's mum asked looking really confused; she had a few tears in her eyes as well.

"I'm guessing he blames himself for Kim nearly getting hurt. He loves her so much. Even in his state he was willing to fight to defend her! He would have taken that knife for her. I joke around a lot with him but I really look up to him. I mean if it wasn't for Jack I would never have known Karate and right now I would be sitting at home, alone and bored."

"That's really sweet honey. You can stay here as long as you like." Jack's mum smiled sweetly.

"Thank you!" Layla grinned hugging her. "I'll go and see if Jack's Ok."

"Yes thank you. I'll bring some drinks up later. Dinner's at seven. Do you like a roast?" Jack mother asked as she got out the brush and dustpan.

"Yes I love it! Thanks again!" Layla smiled walking up the stairs, pausing she looked back at her stepmother. "Do you want me to clean that up for you?"

"Oh no it's alright honey. I've got it. Just please see if Jack's ok" She smiled her loving, kind smile that Layla loved, she didn't really know her own mother, who knew what her smile was like, so having a sort of stepmother like her was awesome.

Layla walked up the stairs and gently knocked on Jack's Bedroom door.

"May I come in?" She asked softly

"No…." Jack muttered

"Please Jack. I'm sorry for telling your mother but as soon as I entered the house she asked me lots of questions. In the end I had to answer."

"And... you're not coming in." Jack muttered again.

"That's it." Layla pushed the old heavy door open as soon as it made the first creak, Jack jumped behind his bed in a flash.

"You're not coming in Because I'M GETTING DRESSED!" He yelled.

"Oops sorry, be a bit more clearer next time." She giggled turning away, Jack sighed in frustration and chucked on some trousers and picked up the nearest t-shirt and also placed that on.

"Ok. I'm done." Jack sighed again and sat on his bed placing his head in his hands.

"Hey, are you alright. Chest hurting?" Layla asked kneeling in front of him.

"No… no I'm fine…." Jack mumbled through his hands "I was so weak today. I couldn't protect them, I couldn't protect Kim. She could of….." He trailed off.

"It's not your fault you know. Well in a way it is I guess because you went alone. What were you thinking?" Layla asked crocking her head to the side slightly trying to see Jack's face.

"I thought that way no one else would get hurt. But I should have guessed that they would follow me…" He sat bolt upright and walked over to his punching bag in the corner of his room. Jack threw endless hard punches at it, so hard Layla feared it would break. She walked over and gently grabbed his arm.

"Stop it." She cried out "I can't see you like this anymore."

"Like what?" He asked

"This. You're beating yourself up, giving Elijah just what he wants. So stop trying to do this alone. I'm here and so are your fellow warriors! If you keep this up you will loose them and you will loose Kim. Do you want that?" Layla said with a really concerned expression on her face, she then let go of his arm. Jack stood there in complete amazement. He knew what she had said was true. Jack's mind was trying him to listen to her but his heart that was beating for Kim told him to ignore her.

"I…." Jack started but he didn't continue he had no words.

"Look. It wasn't your fault. Elijah and the Scorpions are a strong team to beat alone. But next time the Wasabi Warriors including me will be fighting by your side. What you think?" She asked holding her hand out. Jack hesitated but eventually shook her hand.

"Ok. But like I said. I'm out of training tomorrow, I'll observe and correct that's all." He smiled. 'Having Layla around wasn't such a bad thing after all' he thought. She seemed like the only one who could knock some sense into him at the moment. Kim could get through but he couldn't dare risk her life again, whereas Layla had experience fighting the scorpions. So she had more of a chance of protecting herself. He knew Kim could protect herself too, but she wasn't used to their cruel ways of wining.

"Fine. Only because you know everything anyways." She grinned. "But I have one question!"

"Huh what's that?" Jack asked not daring to guess what that might be.

"Where's your bathroom? I'm bursting!" She said wobbling from side to side.

"Second door on the right!" Jack laughed

"Thanks!" Layla giggled running down the hall.

Meanwhile….

Kim shut the front door and walked in the kitchen. She grabbed a glass of water and flopped onto the couch next to her mother, who was watching some soap TV show.

"How was training today?" Her mother asked without even taking her eyes off the screen.

"Err…. Eventful…" Kim half smiled taking a few sips of water.

"Sounds fun." Her mother said not really showing any emotion.

"No… not really... Hard work. Scary too." Kim's hands where shaking. Her mother turned around and looked at her daughter's face.

"What's wrong honey?" She asked taking the water from Kim and placing it onto the table. Then Kim mothers took her daughters hands in hers.

"J...Jack… He nearly died today… and I nearly die...died too." Kim couldn't help herself she started to cry. Her mother embraced her into a tight hug.

"I know. Jack's mother told me everything. I've called the police but they said when they investigated there had no evidence to take it any further. So I think you should stay here for a while." Kim pulled out of her mother's hug and wiped her tears away.

"No I'm going to train at the wasabi dojo this week. It's now half term so we have all the time we need." Kim sobbed

"I don't think so Kim. After what happened today you're not doing Karate again. It's too dangerous." Her mother said sternly

"But…but."

"No buts Kim my word is final!" Her mother shouted. "Oh and I forbid you from seeing Jack anymore. He's just trouble!"

"You don't even know Jack!" Kim glared

"I know that it's because of him that you where nearly killed today. So you're grounded and I am making sure you and Jack never see each other again." Her mother stated

"I hate you then!" Kim shouted running to her room. She walked over to her bed and cried into her pillow. 'Why is this happening? I finally get the guy of my dreams and then all of this comes along and pulls us apart. No matter what my mother says I'm going to training tomorrow and nothing we separate me from Jack! Kim thought as she cried herself to sleep.

Next Morning…

Layla awoke just before her alarm went off. 'What's the point of setting the alarm if I wake up just before it goes off? Now I have to get up to turn it off. Oh man…... Layla groaned while she rolled over and leaned towards the alarm clock. But instead of gracefully leaning over to the bed side cabinet, Layla lost her balance and fell to the floor with a bang.

"Ouch!" Layla complained "Stupid Alarm!"

"You ok?" Jack asked appearing from around the corner, with his toothbrush sticking out of his mouth. When he saw Layla in a heap on the quest room floor, he burst out laughing.

"Fine thank you!" Layla ignored him and got up in a huff. She switched the alarm off slamming it a bit too hard onto the dresser, and then walked into the on suit bathroom. Rolling his eyes Jack got back to brushing his teeth.

"See you later Mum!" Jack called not really wanting a reply.

"Wait!" She called running into the room with a lunch box. "Here are a couple of snacks for you all. Please be careful! Don't train too hard." She smiled. She went in to hug Jack but he took the lunch box off her instead.

"Thank you Mrs Anderson!" Layla smiled hugging her. "See you later…. If that's ok?"

"You're welcome to stay as long as you like. Call me mum if ya like!" She half smiled. Jack's mum kept looking at him wishing she knew what was going through his mind.

"See you later this evening then." Jack's mother sighed "Oh brownies!" She squeaked running back into the kitchen. Layla gave Jack a look but he just ignored her and walked out the door. Jack shoved his hands into his pockets and walked fast paced towards the mall. Layla jogged to catch up to him.

"You ok?" She asked, making Jack stop.

"Yeah…" He sighed. "I just want to get everything off my mind. I've decided that I shall train today."

"Yeah!" Layla shouted of excitement, she was really looking forward to seeing her brother in action. "Only if you're sure about training today. And if your chest hurts in anyway…"

"Yeah yeah I know. Sit out" He pulled a silly face and kept on walking.

Elsewhere…

Kim changed into some comfortable clothing and walked down her stairs. She sneaked over to her front door and quietly opened and closed it behind her. Looking over her shoulder she ran down the road. She kept looking behind her making sure her mother wasn't watching her. Suddenly… BANG….!

"Ow! Kimmie what are you doing?" Jack asked from underneath her.

"OH MY GOD JACK I'M SORRY!" She squeaked jumping up. She had crushed him! Layla was just laughing away while Jack struggled to his feet.

"It's alright Kim!" Jack laughed finally regaining his balance, brushing himself off. "I just wasn't expecting that!"

"Sorry..." Kim half smiled "My mum grounded me. So I sneaked out!" She didn't tell him about what else she had said. She couldn't find the words….

"Oh." Jack said giving her a look.

"I'm not staying at home! I want to train!" Kim yelled "She drives me insane. Can we just get going?"

"Y… Yeah!" Layla said trying to stop her laughter.

"LAYLA!" Jack shouted "It wasn't that funny!"

"I know I know. But you a black belt got taken out so easily."

"I knew it was going to happen I just…. didn't want Kim to get hurt so I fell." Jack smirked looking around curiously.

"Yeah yeah!" Layla laughed even harder.

"Hey, I'm not that much of a wimp you know Jack. But that was actually quite funny!" Kim giggled

"Your both against me!" Jack sighed, he puts his arm around Kim and together they walked to the Dojo.

At the Dojo…

"Ok then!" Layla shouted getting the Warriors attention. "Today we are going to go over the basics. Knowing when to defend and attack. Also I have brought along some DVDs of the Scorpions previous fights."

"Sounds excellent!" Milton smiled

"Yeah!" Eddie said between sips of his milkshake.

"Wait… what?" Jerry asked looking around confused as usual. Making everyone sigh in frustration.

"Dude!" Jack shouted out annoyed "We are going to do some karate and watch some DVDs!"

"SAWG! Why didn't you say so in the first place?" Jerry grinned

"Ok." Layla smirked as she got the DVD's out and put it on.

After watching most them Layla turned off the last DVD and placed them back into her bag. Eddie, Jerry, Milton, Kim and even Jack started at the TV in amazement.

"Oh man!" Jerry shouted then he talked to himself in Spanish

"Really?" Eddie glared

"Well according to my calculations, they are too strong!" Milton squeaked

"We erm... can take them!" Kim smiled sweetly.

"Wow they have defiantly got better since when I was in the Dojo!" Jack sighed shaking his head.

"Oh come on guys Man UP!" Layla shouted "Jack, come at me."

"Wait… what?" Jack asked looking completely confused

"Just do it!" Layla shouted

"Fine!" Jack grinned catching on to what she was getting at. He knew one thing, this was going to hurt! He ran at her and sent a punch at her, the warriors watched in amazement as Layla flipped Jack and placed her foot gently on his chest in triumph. Jack put his hands up in surrender.

"Ok ok I give. That bloody hurt!" Jack complained

"Sorry. I just wanted to prove something." She smiled helping him up

"That was awesome and all Layla, but Jack's support to be taking it easy!" Kim glared.

"But you get the point right guys? You can do anything if you try. When I was little I never ever could land a punch on Jack. Never." She smiled "Now look I can take him out easy! Its because I trained and practised with the best."

"I'm not that good" Jack blushed "Wait… hey I'm not that weak!"

"Well come on guys lets get started!" Layla grinned ignoring Jack's comment.

"YEAH!" the warriors sung in tune.

A while passed and all the warriors where training together well.

At the moment it was:

Eddie VS Milton

Jerry VS Layla

Kim VS Jack

"That's very good Jerry." Layla smiled "But please stop the flirty looks!"

"Whoa!" Jerry shouted, Layla rolled her eyes and carried on practicing with him.

"Kim!" Jack shouted

"What?" Kim asked stopping her kick.

"I'm here! Not other there. Are you Ok?" Jack asked

"Err... Yeah sorry. Thought I saw someone at the window." She sighed. Jack turned around and looked out the window.

"Nope no one there!" He smiled "Now show me that kick again." Kim did as she was told, even though she was blushing and slowly turning red.

"That's good but you may need to bring you leg up a bit higher." Jack smirked at her expression. Kim brought her leg up a bit higher but lost concentration and lost her balance too. She fell straight into Jack's waiting arms, He laughed.

"Silly." He grinned placing her down "Like this look" He said demonstrating the kick.

"O...oh thank you!" She blushed

Couple of hours Later…

"God that was some hard training!" Kim sighed stretching her aching muscles. As she, Jack and Layla walked home.

"And to think you will be doing that all week!" Jack smiled

"I don't mind." She smiled leaning into his chest "As long as your there!" Jack smiled hugging her tight.

"I have to say Kim. Your awesome!" Layla smiled

"Thanks!" Kim grinned. Finally they reached Kim's house. Kim looked up at her house and sighed. She knew that she would be in a lot of trouble when she walked through the door. She looked over at Jack and sighed again. She hated to leave his side.

"It will be fine. I'll see you tomorrow!" He smiled kissing her, Layla looked away.

"Ok!" She sighed kissing him back for longer than necessary. "See you tomorrow!"

Jack and Layla Walked home, Kim watched them go and then she unlocked her front door and walked in. She waited for her mother to come running over and telling her off, but her mum didn't. Kim looked around the house and couldn't find her mother. She then walked into the kitchen again and noticed a note on the side.

Dear Kim,

I know your at the Dojo with Jack. I'm sorry about last night; I'm just worried for your safety. Please be careful. I'm at work tonight, Dinner's in the fridge so all you have to do is warm it up.

I love you honey

Mum

X

Kim looked at the letter and smiled. At least she wasn't too mad; Kim walked to the fridge and got out her meal just as the front door went. She placed her meal back into the fridge and answered the door. But the last person she expected to see was Elijah.

"You're coming with me Kimmie!" He smiled Grabbing her by the arm he dragged her out of her house. Alex who was also there closed her front door and ran to the car outside Kim's house. Elijah threw Kim into the boot and slammed it shut. Kim curled into a ball and looked around but it was too dark to see anything.

"Right let's get going." Elijah Said.

"But what about Jack?" Alex said

"What about him?" Elijah asked

"How will he know we have her?" Alex asked

"You fool. Who else would take her? Use your head." Elijah shouted "Get in. Let's get going!"

Kim felt the car move 'Nice one Kim. Getting yourself taken like this. Please Jack don't come for me!'


Will Jack find out and go to save Kim? What will Kim do?

Thanks for reading. Sorry it took so long guys ^^ my internets not really that good and its busy time at work. I'm going to try and upload every or every other Thursday as it's my day off :)

So stay tuned

Thanks again guys 3

~ Charlie xXx