Chapter 50: Climax
Steve was still angry. He was staring at James who was hanging out with Chase, Emma, and Brian. Why the hell did he deserve to be happy? That's when Steve noticed that James was standing in front of the food table. Steve was going to make sure James didn't leave this party happy. Without thinking, Steve marches over to James, fists clenched. He was shaking and glaring at James. By the time James notices him, it's too late. Steve pushes him into the food table.
James's POV:
The table collapses under my weight, spilling all the contents onto me. All the kids begin laughing at me.
"That's what you get, you shit-eating nudist!" Steve shouts.
"Why the hell did you do that?" A man asks while approaching Steve. Panic appears on Steve's face.
"Um…this kid tried to sexually assaulted me at the mall and got away with it!" Steve shouts. The man glares at me.
"You did what?!" The man shouts. I quickly get up and storm out of the party.
"James, wait!" My mom shouts after me.
Third Person POV:
It was a new day. Detective Alfonso was getting ready to leave the house.
"Dad? Why are you leaving early?" Brain asks.
"There's something I need to do." Detective Alfonso says.
"What?" Brain asks.
"I need to publish the mall security footage showing James getting dragged into the storage closet by Cobra Kai. It'll prove to everyone that James didn't try to sexually assault Steve." Detective Alfonso says.
"Why haven't you done that already?" Brian asks.
"I wasn't authorized to. I just heard back from the chief that I'm allowed to publish it now." Detective Alfonso says.
"Thank god. Maybe now, James will finally earn some peace." Brian says. Violet, who was in another room, heard the entire conversation. She pulls out her phone to text the Cobras.
"We have a situation." Violet texts in the group chat.
Later…
Steve was walking down the sidewalk. What else could he do during his free time that didn't involve Cobra Kai? As he was walking, a familiar kid appeared in front of him. Steve was absolutely shocked.
"Matthew?! What are you doing here?! Where have you been?! Steve asks. Matthew looked horrible. He was extremely dirty and looked completely disheveled.
"Follow me." Matthew says before walking away.
James's POV:
I was taking out the trash to the garbage can when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and see the man whom Steve lied to.
"So, you got away with sexual assault?" The man asks.
"No! Steve lied." I say.
"Yeah, sure." The man says before grabbing me by the shirt.
"Let go!" I shout.
"Listen here you piece of shit, I'm going to make sure you know what real pain feels like. People like you make me sick." The man says. Before he can do anything else, my dad comes outside.
"Hey! Let my son go!" My dad shouts.
"You mean this sex offender?" The man asks.
"You're threatening a minor. If you don't leave right now, I'm calling the police." My dad says. The man laughs before letting me go.
Third Person POV:
Matthew brought Steve over to an abandoned house. The two enter and Matthew sits on a couch in what used to be the living room.
"So, what do you want to know?" Matthew asks.
"Is this where you've been hiding this whole time?" Steve asks.
"Yeah." Matthew says.
"I can't believe it. Why don't you just turn yourself in?" Steve asks.
"You know I can't do that. I'm not going to prison." Matthew says.
"You're basically in prison right now." Steve says.
"How have you been?" Matthew asks, changing the subject.
"Fine." Steve says.
"I know you too well. What's bothering you?" Matthew asks.
"Why did you wait until now to talk to me?" Steve asks.
"To be honest, I was just lonely." Matthew says.
"So, the only reason you brought me here was because you wanted someone to talk to?" Steve asks.
"I want to talk to you because you're my brother!" Matthew says.
"You know how hard life has been without you? Mom and dad are extremely worried." Steve says.
"I know, but like I said, I can't do anything." Matthew says.
"Bullshit!" Steve shouts.
"Why are you so angry?" Matthew asks.
"Because all of this is my fault! I…I snitched on you to the cops. I did it to get out of juvie. I'm sorry." Steve says.
"It's okay, I understand." Matthew says.
"Really?" Steve asks.
"Yeah. You were scared and put in a desperate situation. I don't blame you for wanting to escape incarceration. And don't blame yourself for my situation. This is all on me." Matthew says. There is an awkward pause before Matthew speaks again. "How are things going with James?" He asks.
"Why are you asking about him? He assaulted you for god's sake." Steve says.
"I don't care what he did to me. I murdered his brother so consider it karma. I'm asking about him, because I want to know if your rivalry with him is still going on." Matthew says.
"Of course it's still going on! After what he did to you, I will never let it go!" Steve says.
"But that's exactly what you need to do." Matthew says.
"What?" Steve asks.
"End your rivalry with James." Matthew says.
Later…
Brian had to get out of the house. There was no way in hell he could be alone with Violet. He didn't know where to go, so he decided to go to the basketball courts. Maybe someone would be willing to play ball with him. Brain gets to the courts and sees three basketball players. They were facing away from him.
"Hey, are you guys up for another player?" Brian asks. The players turn around and Brian recognizes them as Chase's former basketball teammates. They are all wearing Cobra Kai merch.
"Hey, it's Brian!" One of the teammates shouts.
"Oh, shit!" Brian shouts before trying to run away. One teammate chucks a basketball into the back of Brian's head and he goes down. The teammates run over to him and pick him up.
"What should we do with him?" One teammate asks.
"Let's give him the sewer treatment!" Another teammate says. The teammates drag Brian past the basketball courts and into a wooded area. Deep in there, was a huge sewer drainage pipe, spewing out sewage. The basketball teammates shove Brian's head into the sewage, making it so he can't breathe. They eventually pull him out.
"What's the best dojo in the valley?" One teammate asks.
"Screw you guys!" Brian shouts. The teammates shove Brian's head back into the sewage before pulling him out again.
"What's the best dojo in the valley?" The teammate asks again.
"Screw you!" Brian shouts. The teammates repeat the process.
"I'm not gonna ask again!" The teammate shouts.
"Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai is the best dojo!" Brian shouts back.
"Good answer." The teammate says before they all throw Brian to the ground. The teammates laugh, leaving a distraught Brian behind.
Later…
"Why the hell would I ever end my rivalry with James?" Steve asks.
"Because the reason you hate him is stupid." Matthew says.
"He assaulted you and numerous Cobra Kai students!" Steve shouts back.
"You don't have to get back at James on my behalf. I've already made peace with the fact that it was my own choices that got me here. As for Cobra Kai, weren't you guys bullying him?" Matthew asks.
"Yeah, so?" Steve asks.
"Is that why you hate James? Because he stood up to your bullying?" Matthew asks.
"No, that's not it." Steve says.
"Why did you even begin bullying James in the first place?" Matthew asks.
"It's…it's because…" Steve mumbles.
"It's because of what?" Matthew asks.
"It's because I was scared he would bully me, okay?!" Steve shouts.
"Why would you think that?" Matthew asks.
"James's brother, Nick, bullied you and look what happened. You became an alcoholic and are now wanted by the police for his murder. I thought James would be exactly like his brother so I started taking karate in order to learn how to defend myself. However, I soon realized that my old dojo wasn't teaching me fast enough. The only reason I joined Cobra Kai was because I thought it looked cool. I heard what happened between James and Hawk, and I just assumed that my prediction about James was correct." Steve confesses.
"What happened between James and Hawk?" Matthew asks.
"James crashed into Hawk's motorcycle while riding his bike. The Cobras assaulted and robbed James in response. That's why Cobra Kai hates James." Steve says.
"You realize how stupid that sounds? You started bullying James because he accidentally crashed into a motorcycle?" Matthew asks.
"Hawk made it sound way worse than that. And I already told you, that's not why I bullied James. When I first met him, I put up a front and acted all confident so as not to seem weak. I didn't want him to know I knew who he was. The first time I hit him, it felt…good. After that day, I was convinced by Cobra Kai to keep messing with him because I was told to show no mercy. I didn't question anything. Kyler convinced me to ambush him in an alleyway. Tory convinced me to break into the LaRusso house with the promise of beating up James. After a while, I wasn't bullying him for self defense. I did it because I thought I was helping you." Steve confesses as tears begin to form in his eyes.
"Helping me? How?" Matthew asks.
"I thought I was getting revenge for everything Nick did to you. I wanted James to suffer just like you had. After James beat me during the house fight, all I wanted was revenge. I was no longer influenced by Cobra Kai and started bullying James on my own. I went as far as to break James's arm, all because I was angry." Steve says.
"What happened after you broke his arm?" Matthew asks.
"I…I felt nothing. I didn't feel bad about it. Oh god, I'm sick aren't I? I'm sick." Steve says as he covers his eyes.
"Do you want this rivalry to go on?" Matthew asks.
"No!" Steve confesses, shocking himself. Steve's motives for bullying James seemed so stupid now. "I don't want to be a bully anymore. I don't want to be known as a bully." Steve says as he collapses to his knees.
"I promise, there are people out there who will be willing to help you. You're not too far gone." Matthew says.
"There's no helping me. I'm sick." Steve says.
"The fact that you realize you're sick, means you still have some sanity. You're free from Cobra Kai's influence." Matthew says.
"So, what do I do now?" Steve asks.
"There's only one thing you can do." Matthew says.
"What?" Steve asks.
"Hope that there's still time to make up for what you've done." Matthew says.
"I…I don't know if I can do it." Steve says.
"Please, do it for me." Matthew says.
Later…
Detective Alfonso enters his office and sees the chief looking down sadly.
"What's wrong?" Detective Alfonso asks.
"It's gone." The chief says.
"What do you mean?" Detective Alfonso asks.
"Someone stole the footage." The chief says.
"There has to be backups!" Detective Alfonso says.
"All dystroyed." The chief says.
"What about the mall? They have to have a copy, right?" Detective Alfonso asks.
"The security system at the mall was hit as well. Someone destroyed the whole goddam thing." The chief says.
"How did we lose every copy in the police station? Wasn't the evidence locked up?" Detective Alfonso asks.
"One of our own officers had to do it. They're the only ones who have access. Maybe they were bribed." The chief says.
"Who would have the money and motive to do that?" Detective Alfonso asks. That's when he realizes. There's only one man who supports Cobra Kai and has enough money to bribe people into doing his dirty work. Terry Silver.
Later…
"So, are you enjoying this romantic walk around the lake?" Chase asks.
"Yes." Emma says before kissing Chase on the cheek. The couple had desided to have a date in the park.
"There's something I need to tell you." Chase says.
"What?" Emma asks.
"Getting bullied by Aaron and Cobra Kai has been the worst. However, being with you is what keeps me going. Sorry if that sounded cheesy." Chase says. Emma smiles. That's when multiple Cobras surround the couple.
"Well, what do we have here? Two traitors!" Aaron shouts.
"What the hell?" Chase asks in shock.
"Oh, don't be surprised. You thought you were in the clear after the party?" Violet asks.
"Screw you guys, we're leaving." Emma says before trying to walk away. However, the Cobras enclose the couple in a circle.
"So, you guys are just gonna assault us?" Chase asks.
"No. We want a proper fight." Aaron says.
"Proper fight?" Chase asks.
"Yep. Our fight at the party was cut short, so we want a rematch." Aaron says.
"Shit." Chase says.
"Hey, don't worry. We'll be okay." Emma says.
"I can't believe this is happening." Chase says.
"We'll get through this." Emma says. Chase nods as he gets in front of Aaron and gets in a fighting stance. Emma does the same for Violet.
"Good luck." Chase says.
"You too." Emma says.
Later…
Brian was leaving a convincing store when he spots the basketball teammates approaching him again.
"Shit, not again." Brian says. He tries to get away but two of the teammates get in front of him. The three surround Brian.
"We just thought of something else we could do to you. Wouldn't it be nice if you got locked in another dumpster?" A basketball teammate asks.
"No! I'm not gonna let you do that!" Brain shouts.
"Oh, you're gonna stop us?" The teammate asks. Brian looks down before getting in a fighting stance.
"Yes." He says. The teammates laugh.
"All right. Let's see how well you do against three opponents." The teammate says.
James's POV:
I arrive at the bowling alley and sigh. I didn't really feel like going out today but Miyagi-Fang wanted to hang out here. Demetri and Eli insisted that I come. I was the first one here. I enter, get my bowling shoes, and find a lane. Right when I'm about to throw my first ball, I see Steve approaching me. I immediately drop the ball and walk up to him.
"Before you say anything, I'm not here to fight." Steve says.
"Yeah? Then why the hell are you here?" I ask.
"I…there's no easy way to put this…I'm sorry for bullying you." Steve says.
"What the hell? Is this some kind of trick?" I ask.
"No trick. I'm genuinely sorry about everything." Steve says.
"Did you seriously think that would work? After everything you did to me?" I ask.
"I don't know what else to say." Steve says.
"You made my life a living hell. You made me feel like I never should have existed." I say.
"I'm sorry." Steve says.
"Because of you, I thought about killing myself? Did you know that?" I reveal.
"I didn't know." Steve says.
"Even if you did know, would you have stopped?" I ask.
"I…I…" Steve says.
"No, you wouldn't have. Sorry doesn't make up for assaulting me in an alleyway. Sorry doesn't make up for breaking into the LaRusso house and attacking me. Sorry doesn't make up for stealing my laptop and using it to ruin my reputation." I say as I step closer to Steve.
"James-" Steve tries to say.
"Sorry doesn't make up for manipulating Chase into breaking my ribs. Sorry doesn't make up for reinjuring my ribs and punching my throat during the tournament. Sorry doesn't make up for breaking my arm!" I shout.
"Please-" Steve tries to say.
"Sorry doesn't make up for stripping me naked at the mall and claiming I sexually assaulted you! Sorry doesn't make up for forcing dog shit in my mouth! Sorry doesn't make up for attacking me at the party!" I scream. People were staring at us by this point.
"You bullied Brian and he forgave you! Why can't you forgive me?!" Steve asks, clearly getting frustrated.
"Because you bullied me for fun. What you did to me, was way worse than what I did to Brian." I say.
"I didn't bully you for fun." Steve says.
"Yeah? Well it sure felt that way." I say.
"Please, I'm doing this for Matthew." Steve says.
"What are you talking about?" I ask.
"I spoke with Matthew recently. He forgives you for what you did to him." Steve says.
"Yeah? Well I don't forgive him. If he was actually sorry, he would turn himself in." I say.
"Maybe if we ended our rivalry, we could both convince Matthew to do that! Please!" Steve begs.
"Both of you can go rot in hell." I say before shoving Steve out of the way. I begin walking back to the reception desk.
"James! Come back!" Steve shouts.
"This rivalry will never be over!" I shout. Steve was shaking.
"Fine! Walk away like a pussy! Maybe you should go drop dead like your brother!" Steve shouts. I freeze. My vision gets blurry as I turn around and march back over to him. I've never been this angry in my life. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!" Steve pleads. I respond by quickly punching Steve in the face. He stumbles back and then looks up at me. Suddenly, he runs up and delivers a roundhouse kick to my face. A major fight had just begun.
Author's Note: 50 chapters. I can't belive we made it this far. As you can tell from the title, season 5 is reaching a climax. Four major fights will take place next chapter. At the park, we have Chase V.S Aaron and Emma V.S Violet. Will Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Fang come out on top? At the parking lot, we have Brian V.S. the basketball teammates. This is Brian's first big fight. Finally, at the bowling alley, we have James V.S Steve, the rematch eveyone wanted. This is their first major fight since the All Valley and their first major street fight since the house fight. The house fight was cut short due to Steve falling into the pool. This fight will not be cut short. This will be the most intense and longest fight I have writen so far. The fight will extend across the bowling alley and have no rules. Who will be the ultimate victor? This next chapter will be nothing but action. Becuase of this, it will be a while until it's released. I promise, it will be worth the wait.