Chapter 20: Not Alone

James's POV:

I arrive at the Eagle Fang dojo after Miyagi-Do practice as usual. When I enter, I see Sensei Lawrence more excited than usual.

"Sensei? You good?" I ask.

"Never better. I've been thinking about this, and you deserve to learn this move as well." Sensei Lawrence says.

"What move?" I ask.

"The Flying Tornado Kick. I taught it to Diaz and LaRusso earlier, and I think you can handle it." Sensei Lawrence says. I can already tell it's gonna be a long day. But I think it's gonna be worth it.

Later…

It's the night of the Junior Prom, and I don't have a date. It was fine though because I get to hang out with the boys. Demetri, Eli, and I arrive at prom dateless and head over to an empty table.

"Dude, this sucks. Prom without a date is like Halloween with no candy. There's no point." Eli says.

"I mean, at least we're not the only ones in for a boring night. I heard Logan Wang's after-party got canceled because his little brother got in some middle school fight." Demetri points out.

"That supposed to make us feel better? Just because everyone else's night is ruined?" Eli asks.

"Yeah. It's literally the definition of misery loves company." Demetri says.

"Demetri." A girl says. It was Demetri's girlfriend, Yasmine.

"Oh, my... Jessica Rabbit! W-What are you doing here?" Demetri says pleasantly surprised.

"I just flew in." Yasmine says.

"W-What about your dad's wedding?" Demetri asks.

"Oh, I'll get back in time. You're more important. I even flew economy plus, which is total shit. The seats don't even lie flat." Yasmine says.

"Wow. You really do like me, huh?" Demetri says.

"Oh, you have no idea." Yasmine says before kissing Demetri on the lips. "Mm. Come on, let's go dance." Yasmine says.

"Yes, my queen." Demetri says. He then turns to us. "I-I gotta, you know." Demetri says. We both smile for him as he goes to the dance floor. "Woo! Let's go!" We hear Demetri shout. Eli and I are left alone at the table.

"James? Is something wrong?" Eli asks after noticing my sad tone.

"Yeah." I say.

"Is it because you didn't get a date?" Eli asks.

"No, I'm not looking for a relationship right now. My brother passed away on this date a few years ago." I say.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Eli says.

"It's okay. It was stupid. He went to a party and drank too much. He then thought it was a good idea to get in his car and start driving. He crashed into a tree going 80 miles an hour. That's why I'm not such a big fan of parties like these." I say. Eli and I stand awkwardly for the majority of prom. Eventually, we are told of an after party being held at someone's house. We get there and everyone is drinking, which reminds me of my brother. I'm not sure what to do so I wander around the house for most of the time. Eventually, I bump into Steve.

"Hey, pussy." Steve says.

"Get the hell out of my way." I say. I was not in the mood for Steve's bullshit.

"You gonna make me?" Steve asks. I clench both my fists. Right as I'm ready to punch Steve in the face, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn around and see Chase.

"Move along, Steve." Chase says. Steve smirks at us before walking past. "Dude, are you okay?" Chase asks.

"I don't need your help, I could've dealt with that on my own." I say.

"Yeah, well you could've started a brawl. Think about how many Cobras are here." Chase says. I frown and walk away. Eventually, a girl approaches me.

"Hey, have you seen a guy named Chase around here?" She asks.

"Yeah, he's over there." I say while pointing at him.

"Thank you." She says before approaching him.

Third Person POV:

Chase can see her approaching him. However, he continues to look around the room, hoping that she goes away. He's not ready yet.

"Chase?" The girl asks. Chase realizes that he can't avoid her forever.

"H…hey." Chase says.

"I saw the video you posted about Steve." She says.

"So…you believe me?" Chase asks.

"Of course. You know I never believed that you cheated on me." The girl says.

"Then…then why did you…end things?" Chase asks.

"Because you were turning into a different person. When you got accepted for the basketball team, you changed. You started to become cocky and arrogant. Then, you started to be more aggressive towards other kids. But the reason I ended things, was because after those posts were made, you said you were gonna gather your teammates and beat up this kid. I…I had enough." The girl says.

"I'm sorry for everything I put you through. It took getting my ass kicked…twice…for my eyes to open. I turned into a bully, there's no denying that." Chase says sadly. It takes a moment for someone to speak again.

"When I saw that video you posted…I knew you changed. I believe that you're becoming a better person." The girl says while smiling.

"Thanks, Emma." Chase says. As the two are smiling, Kyler comes by and "accidentally" spills his drink on Chase's suit.

"Oh, my bad." Kyler says while slightly laughing. Chase glares at Kyler before Kyler laughs and walks away.

"Okay…that is the kind of person who deserves to get their ass kicked." Emma says. Both she and Chase laugh.

"So, can I expect to see you at the All Valley?" Chase asks.

"Of course." Emma says while smiling.

James's POV:

I'm standing off to the side when I hear a commotion outside. I run outside to see Sam fighting Tory and Miguel fighting a kid I don't recognize. Suddenly, someone kicks me in the back and I fall over.

"Déjà vu." Steve says as he stands over me. Man, are we really gonna fight next to a pool again? However, before Steve can attack me, Chase kicks him in the back and he stumbles forward. Chase then pushes Steve into the pool.

"You gotta be shitting me!" Steve shouts as he emerges from the water. Chase and I both laugh. Suddenly, Sam, Tory, and Miguel also fall into the pool.

"Oh, we're jumping in the pool? This is the greatest night of my life! Cannonball!" The man hosting the party yells before jumping into the pool. Soon, other people start to jump in as well. Chase and I look at each other before smiling. We both get a running start and jump into the pool.

Author's Note: The All Valley is very close by and the inevitable James vs Steve rematch comes closer. The next chapter will be the last chapter before the All Valley. Which of the three characters will get the furthest?