AN/ Hi it's me...I know its been like forever since I updated this story and all I can say is that I'm sorry for taking so long. Hope you still remember what has happened so far...

I really appreciate all the support I've gotten for this one and I hope that this pretty long chapter will make it up to you. At least there's gonna be some kick in it...

I also want to give a shout-out to Pirulina for editing my drawing and creating the awesome cover for Truth and Denial. Thank you:D

DISCALIMER: I do not own Kickin' it.

Chapter 5

A new Warrior?

"Kim, Jack this is my new friend Philip." Milton introduced. The boy put on a smile and I figured I mustn't be rude.

"Nice to meet you." I said, not really meaning it but holding out my hand none the less. Philip's face lit up in a huge smile.

"Oh it's an honour to meet you." He said taking my hand and shaking it vigorously. "I've heard a lot about you. Is it true that you hold the world record for most bricks broken by someone under the age of fifteen?"

"Yeah…" I answered a little hesitantly, pulling my hand out of his grip. He looked at me with wide eyes, obviously impressed by me. I was surprised actually, not having expected him to be so happy and excited to meet us. My first impression of him had been that he was a brat who thought he was better than anyone else. Not too far from Arthur, Mr Turner's son who had joined our dojo for a short time, before his real colours had showed and he was thrown out again. Actually when I thought about it, this Philip reminded me quite a lot of Arthur, which made me unsure of what to think. Was he genuinely excited or was his flattery all just fake?

Philip turned his attention to Kim. I could see the interest in his eyes as he looked her over, something that I definitely didn't like.

"Wow…" He said, his face having the expression of a kid who'd just opened up their Christmas present to find out it was exactly the thing they wished for. "It's you…" He pointed slightly at her while placing his other hand on his head in disbelief. Kim looked a bit confused and she gave me a glance that told me that she was thinking this guy was nuts. I debated whether I should get in and interrupt the slightly awkward and uncomfortable moment, but before I had a chance to Philip continued, "I can't believe it. I have seen you on the news. You took down that guy who'd busted out of prison." A kind of cocky smile formed on Kim's lips as she heard that and I let my guard down temporarily.

"Yeah…pft…" She waved her hand in the air as if trying to dismiss his comment, although I could see that she really liked it. "That was nothing really…" I took a step in front of her, trying to get Philip to stop staring at her.

"I was there too actually." I said.

"Yeah I saw that. It was so awesome." He looked up at me. "You two are like my heroes. I've wanted to take martial arts for years, but it wasn't until I saw you on the news a couple of months ago that I started to really nag my father about it. He doesn't really get the whole karate thing. Physical activities have never interested him. All he cares about is up here," He pointed at his own head.

"Philip's dad's a neuropsychologist." Milton explained.

"A neu what?" Jerry wondered as he walked over to us, deciding to join the conversation.

"A neurophychologist," Milton corrected. "It means that he's a psychologist who specializes in the connection between neurological functions and behaviour." Of course his dad would do something like that, I thought.

"Oooo…" Jerry said, thinking for a moment before adding. "I have no idea what that means."

"He treats and studies people with neurological decease or injuries." Milton said. Philip nodded proudly.

"I'm gonna be a neuropsychologist too," he said. "I've already started to prepare myself, by taking all the advanced math and science classes Swathmore has to offer." I inwardly groaned; of course this kid would be a Swathmore… It made sense really. I couldn't really stand Swathmore students though. They think they're 'all that'. "Of course if my studies fail…" Philip and Milton shared a laugh as if that thing was impossible. "…I can always go all in for a cricket career." Their laughter grew louder at the inside joke, which none of us else got.

"Philip's super good at cricket." Milton said.

"Really?" Eddie said, not really interested.

"Uhum…" Milton nodded enthusiastic.

"Okay that's lovely." Rudy interrupted, getting impatient. "Are you kids done with your chit chat? You're boring out my new student." We all looked at him without saying anything. Philip's gonna be a student here?

"Really?" Philip said. "You're taking me in?"

"Of course." Rudy smiled. I felt my blood boil with a mixture of anger and desperation. I did not want him here. It was bad to have him here today, but to have him here all the time…

"C'mon over guys and we can start working on some forms." Rudy said, waving the four boys over, obviously not noticing how upset I was. No wonder really, because I did my best to hide my emotions. There was still a part of me that kept hoping that he would see them though. Then maybe he would get rid of Philip.

The boys quickly got up on the mats as Rudy pointed at me and Kim.

"You two, hurry up."

Still stuck in my thoughts I didn't move, keeping my eyes on the boy who'd ruined my day. I'd been excited for this, but now I just wanted to leave. A hand grabbed mine suddenly, pulling on it slightly.

"You coming?" Kim asked. I nodded and quickly looked away from Philip. The blond girl gave me a contagious smile I just had to return as I let her lead me over to the changing rooms. There we had to go our separate ways. Just as I opened the door to the boys' locker room Kim stopped me for a moment.

"Jack," I looked at her. She seemed concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah…" I nodded, not wanting to worry her. I was okay, really. The stupid uneasy feeling I had inside of me was only caused by myself, getting worked up over nothing… Nothing, that's what it was. My feelings for having Philip here was really no big deal and nothing that Kim would have to concern herself about. She had taken care and shared enough of my problems as it was already.

"Are you sure?" She asked, searching my eyes.

"Kim," I placed my hand on her shoulder. "I'm fine. I really am."

"Okay…" She nodded. I gave her a reassuring smile and let go of her, disappearing into the changing room.

The door closed behind me, shutting out all the noise coming from Rudy and the guys as they'd started to train. Normally I would've welcomed the silence, but now all it did was to remind me that I was alone. And loneliness had begun to -in my world- equalise vulnerability. I made it over to my usual place and put my bag down on the bench. Opening it up, I dug around until I found the white baggy pants I was looking for. I pulled them out before swiftly removing my jeans and replacing them with the lower part of my GI. Grabbing the hem of the shirt I was wearing I pulled it off my torso. The cool air brushed against my bare skin and I quickly reached out for my Bobby Wasabi tee. Just before my fingers could touch it I stopped, suddenly feeling as if someone was watching me. I spun around only to find the room empty. The stupid feeling would still not go away though and I walked over to the showers, checking every one of them to make sure that no one was there. The entire changing room was empty of course, which made me feel a little bit like a paranoid lunatic. Hurrying back to my stuff, I took the tee and pulled it over my head. My heart was still pounding hard from the way I had gotten myself all worked up again over nothing. The confidence I'd felt before I'd left home was gone again and I started to doubt myself. Maybe I wasn't ready for this after all. Maybe I should just go home again and lock myself in my room. There no one would be able to get to me. I could ask Kim if she could come with me.

Shaking my head, I tried to get the confident cocky Jack in charge again. Of course I needed to get out there if I should ever be able to be the way I used to be. I wanted to be the old Jack more than anything and this was the only way I'd ever be him again. I was not going to back down.

After having put the rest of my GI on and tying my belt I headed towards the door, trying my best to ignore the almost sickening feeling I had in my stomach caused from all my worrying. But then I spotted a jacket I didn't recognize hanging on a hook next to the door and I stopped abruptly. The jacket had to be Philip's which reminded me that this stranger who I felt challenged by in a really strange way was still out in the dojo, waiting for me to show up. The old me would've loved to go out there and show off, but now I only worried that I would make a fool out of myself and he would laugh at me. And what if my friends would laugh along with him?

Unable to bring myself to enter the dojo I took a few steps back and sat down on the bench I'd dumped all my stuff on. With a deep sigh I covered my face with my hands, letting them support my head as I rested my elbows on my knees. Why did everything have to be so hard? Why did Mark have to ruin my life?

I don't know for how long I stayed there, just wishing that none of this would've ever happened. I wished that I never would've met Mark or Tess. I even went so far that I wished that they would've never existed, then maybe my life wouldn't be so messed up…

Moments passed before I started to hear voices coming from the other side of the door. I didn't listen to them, not caring what they were saying. They got interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by the sound of someone opening it.

"Jack?" It was Jerry's voice. He sounded concern. "You okay, buddy?" I didn't answer. I didn't even care to look up, not wanting to leave the rather comfortable feeling of just shutting everything out.

"Let me through," I heard Kim say.

"No wait, you can't just go inside the boy's…"

"Why not?" Kim cut him off. "It's only Jack in there." To judge from the noise they were making it seemed as if they were physically struggling with one another as Kim was trying to get in. "Move it!" She demanded after a while and shoved Jerry aside before they went silent. Still not looking up I could feel her gaze upon me. "You go back outside, Jerry. Tell Rudy we'll come out in a few…" Her voice was much softer as if she didn't want to get me more upset by speaking too harshly, even if she wasn't speaking to me. "I'll take care of this…"

I could hear Jerry leave without protesting. Once the door shut behind him, Kim started to approach me.

"Jack?" She probably thought that I was crying as she carefully placed a hand on my shoulder and crouched down so that her face was at the same level as mine. "What's wrong?" I didn't say anything. "Jack?" Her other hand took hold of my wrist, gently urging it away from my face so that she could look me in the eyes. I let out a big sigh and looked up at her. Although concern was clearly visible in her expression I could see that she was relieved that I wasn't crying. I needed some comfort none the less though and I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her towards me. She embraced me instantly, letting me burry my face in her shoulder. After a moment of just holding me, while stroking my back she asked me again;

"Did something happen?"

"No…" I mumbled into her shoulder.

"Then what is it?"

"I don't know…it's just…" I pulled away from her, looking down at the floor. "I'm worried that…" my voice died out, not really knowing how to describe the way I felt. "What if I'm not ready? What if I freak out?" Kim brought her hand to my chin and lifted my head up.

"Jack," she started as soon as she got eye contact with me. "Everything will be fine. I promise." She let her hand travel up from my chin to my cheek, cupping it. "You don't have to go out there. No one is forcing you to do anything and it's okay if you'd like to go home. I can come with you… we can always return some other day." Cocking her head to the side, she gave me a smile. "But I think it would be good for you get out there. You're not a quitter Jack. You never have been and I don't think you should start now." A faint smile made it to my lips. Maybe I should go out and give it a shot after all. Kim noticed my mood change and her smile got even wider. "It's gonna be okay and I'll be right there if you need me. I promise." She said and rose to her feet. Holding out her hand she waited for me to make my decision. I looked up at her. The warm smile on her face reassured me that everything was going to be fine. Reaching out I took her hand and let her pull me up.

"Thanks," I said, taking a step forward to close the gap between us. Still holding her hand I cupped her face with my other, my gaze darting back and forth between her eyes. "You're amazing, you know that?" I said quietly. She blushed, looking absolutely adorable. Wanting to feel the hotness that was flowing through her face with my lips, I bent down and kissed her cheek softly.

"I know," she joked. I chuckled a little at her confidence. "You're actually pretty amazing too."

"Pretty?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Alright, you're super amazing." She practically leaped at me, wrapping her arms around my waist and squeezing me tight. I jumped from surprise, but quickly relaxed and hugged her back. She tilted her head backwards and looked up at me. "You ready to kick some butt?" She smiled.

"Yeah," I chuckled, feeling so much better. Kim got up on her toes and gave me a peck on the lips, which I returned. Pulling away from me she took my hand and led me to the door. I couldn't help but look at Philip's jacket again, wishing that he would be gone when I entered the dojo. Kim being extremely aware of me and my emotions, stopped just before she was about to open the door.

"If it helps…" She said quietly as if she could read my thoughts. "I'll let you know that Philip is really bad at karate. He almost fell over doing a simple front kick…" It did actually help to know that. The pressure of feeling like I needed to do well subdued. And I liked the fact that Kim wasn't impressed by him.

Kim squeezed my hand reassuringly and opened the door…

The practise wasn't nearly as awful as I had feared. Halfway through the warm-up I found myself completely focused on the exercises. And with every kick and punch I did I could feel my confidence coming back little by little.

"Aya!" I screamed, knocking down a dummy to the floor with a flying sidekick.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Rudy said.

"Wow, that was awesome!" Philip exclaimed, his eyes wide. It felt good that I'd managed to impress him. I didn't feel as threaten by him as before and I could even bring myself to give him a smile. Actually he wasn't that bad after all and I considered for a moment to allow us to become friends.

"Thanks" I said, slightly panting. Even though my moves were still there, glued into my muscle memory, they weren't as fast and powerful as they used to be and I had to really push it.

"Okay, that's it for today guys." Rudy said looking at the clock. "I gotta go. I don't wanna be late for my date with Miss Applebaum."

Rudy disappeared into his office as the guys headed to the changing room. Kim stayed though helping me putting the dummy back. Being fully focused struggling with the dummy I hadn't noticed the boy who'd followed my every move. Not until we finally had put the dummy back to its place did I turn around, practically coming face to face with him. I jumped, just barely being able to hold back from striking at him, not having expected someone to stand that close.

"Hey," Philip said, not seeming to have noticed how much he'd scared me by sneaking up on me like that. "I was wondering if you maybe could teach me how to do that." At first I didn't really know what he was talking about, still thinking about how creepy he'd snuck up on me. "That thing you did to that dummy." He clarified gesturing towards it, when I didn't catch on.

"Oh, you mean that side kick?" He nodded. "Sure I'll show you how to do that, some other time…" His face lit up.

"That would be awesome." I gave him a half-hearted smile and went over to the changing room. Looking over at Kim who was on her way into the girl's locker room I stopped in my tracks only to get bumped into by the boy who'd apparently had been walking right behind me. I took a step forward to regain my balance as I heard Philip mumble,

"Sorry…" He looked in the direction I'd been looking, to the spot where Kim had stood just before she'd entered the door. Obviously he must've thought that I was checking her out- which I kind of had done… I liked looking at her for many reasons and being her boyfriend I was allowed to do that as much as I wanted…-and he said,

"She's hot. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have her in your bed, if you know what I'm saying…" He nudged me in the back with his elbow. I threw a glare over my shoulder, clenching my fist. What did he just say?! Meeting my eyes he cringed ever so slightly, realizing he went too far. "Oh, you guys have a thing?"

"Yes," I said through gritted teeth as I held myself back from getting an outburst. Turning around I locked eyes with him. Having the advantage of being taller than him I leaned slightly over him as I started to speak; "As a matter of fact we have, so you better stay away from her." He actually looked pretty scared.

"Okay, Got it." He said before quickly walking around me and fleeing into the changing room. I shook my head, not knowing what to think about him. Should I be worried? I knew for sure that I didn't like him but during our practice I'd come to think that he was pretty harmless, after all he's just a nerd… However if he starts getting after Kim, he's definitely a threat.

I was tired, but in a good way as I stuffed my damp towel into my bag. I was the last one in the room. Even though I loved and trusted my friends more than anything I had waited until they had all left before I'd started to get undress. Somehow I wasn't comfortable stripping down in their presence anymore. Maybe it was because of the scars I had all over my body that were still very visible, or maybe it was because of the vulnerability I felt from being naked. Either way I'd preferred to shower alone.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door making me freeze.

"You okay in there, Jack?" I relaxed immediately, hearing Kim's voice.

"Yeah!" I answered loud enough for her to hear me as I grabbed my stuff and walked towards the door. Opening it I met Kim's lovely face and I smiled. I swear there is nothing else in this world that has the same effect on me as her.

"What took you so long?" she wondered.

"Nothing…" I mumbled and started to walk pass her. She quickly put out her arm, stopping me from leaving. I looked down at her.

"Jack, I've been waiting for you for over twenty minutes." The expression on her face told me that she wouldn't let me get away without an explanation.

"I was just…thinking," I answered, not knowing what else to say. Kim watched me, worry showing in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"You sure?"

"Yes," I nodded and gave her a smile, for once actually being sure that I was fine. She seemed to believe me and grabbed my hand. I squeezed it a little, making sure we wouldn't break apart as we made our way out of the dojo.

Once outside, Kim leaned her head against my shoulder.

"I think that today's practise went pretty well after all," she said. I let out a small chuckle.

"Well yeah, I guess…I couldn't have done any of it without you though." I said, letting my head fall to the side so that it touched hers. We'd barely made it across the courtyard before the door to the dojo opened behind us.

"Hey Jack, wait up!" Already starting to recognize that annoying voice we turned around confused as Philip came running in our direction. "You forgot your phone!" He exclaimed, waving the device in the air. I automatically let go of Kim and felt through my pockets as if to make sure that I hadn't got the phone on me even though I could clearly see that it was indeed in Philip's hand.

"Here you go," he panted as he reached us, holding the phone out.

"Thanks," I said confused, taking it and putting it in my pocket. I had been sure that I had it. Philip smiled, obviously satisfied with being able to help me as I stood there trying to figure out how I'd managed to drop the phone. And how come Philip was still here? I thought he left together with Milton.

Feeling puzzled I noticed him looking at Kim, seeming way too interested in her.

"Hey Philip," I said to get his attention. "Didn't you leave with Milton?"

"No," he answered, shaking his head and still not taking his eyes off of Kim.

"Then where were you?" I took a step in front of her so that Philip had to look at me.

"I was with Rudy in his office. He's gonna order a GI to me." He said excited. That made sense, I guess…

An awkward silence appeared. Philip kept smiling at us as if he was waiting for us to say something. I bet he wished we would ask him to come with us. That wasn't gonna happen though…

"That's…great." I said, not really meaning it. If he ordered a GI it meant for sure he had intentions to stay…"We gotta go," I excused and wrapt my arm around Kim's shoulders, pulling her close. Her arm immediately found its way around my waist. I felt the corners on my mouth pulling upwards at the way she clung to me. She was mine and I was hers. I bent down slightly and gave her a kiss on the forehead, marking my territory. Philip better get that Kim's taken…

I gave him one last warning look before we turned around and left. I don't know if he got my message or not. He didn't seem too intimidated by me, but he was smart enough to keep his eyes off of Kim.

"Bye!" He half-yelled across the court-yard.

"Bye…" Kim and I said in unison, or actually Kim said it- I muttered.

As we left the mall, walking across the parking lot Kim looked up at me again.

"You did great today." She hugged my waist a little. Her arm still wrapt around it. I gave her a smile.

"You think so?" I wasn't sure that I agreed with that. Sure I'd done better than I'd expected, but I'd been far from doing great. Her compliment was a good and well needed confidence booster though.

"Uhum," She nodded as she looked into my eyes with a slightly mischievous smile pulling on her lips. I let out a small chuckle at the playful expression on her face. "Although you still have some work to do until you'll be as good as me." She stated in a somewhat cocky tone.

"Oh yeah?" I raised an eyebrow at that.

"Yes," She answered confidently. "Your reflexes are way too slow." With that she dodged and twisted out of my hold so fast I hardly had the chance to blink and before I knew it she was already behind me, giving my a playful shove. I stumbled forward, having to admit that she got the better of me… Turning around I saw a mess of blond hair bouncing in the air as Kim had already taking off running from me. I was after her in no time though. Peeking over her shoulder, she saw how close I was and she quickly picked up her speed before diving in between two parked cars and disappearing from my view. I made it to the cars as fast as I could just to find the small space between them empty. I frowned in confusion, looking around.

Suddenly the blond whirlwind revealed herself, peeking up from behind another car further down the line, not being able to resist taking a look at me where I stood in the middle of the parking lot with a perplexed expression on my face. I was surprised that she'd made it that far to be honest. Meeting my eyes she half-yelled;

"You'll never catch me!" I just smirked. We'll see about that…I thought as I took off running in her direction. She giggled and quickly got moving again.

I have to admit that she was really fast and the chase went on for a while as we darted back and forth between the parked vehicles. Still carrying around my duffel bag didn't make it any easier as it slowed me down, having to be careful not to accidentally bump it into any of the cars.

I soon realizing that it would be too hard to catch her like that and I changed my tactics, trying to outsmart her instead of trying to gain on her. Letting her believe that she had successfully hid from me, I slowed down to a walk, looking around in every direction except the one I knew Kim was hiding in. Making it seem as if I was searching the line of cars next to the one Kim was in I slowly inched closer to her. I could see her feet and parts of her legs from under a vehicle as she'd crouched down behind it in the corner of my eye. She seemed to be waiting for me to decide which direction I'd take.

I started jogging, going in a wide circle around Kim, making sure that she wasn't being able to see me. Dodging behind a car I could clearly see Kim as she sat unmoving on the ground. Clearly she hadn't noticed me and she had no idea that I was sneaking up on her from behind, her full attention directed to the place I'd previously been standing in. Grinning I started to approach her as silently as I could. When I was only about five feet away from her, she turned and saw me. Her eyes widened in surprise and I think I could see a tiny flash of fear in them. She jumped to her feet, attempting to run away again, but I was faster this time. Letting go of my bag I leaped forward, wrapping an arm around her waist from behind as I let my other arm around her arms, holding them against her body. She let out a shriek from surprise, leaning forward to get away from my hold.

"Gotcha!" I exclaimed and tightened my arms around her, holding her firmly against my chest. Not being able to resist the temptation I inhaled loudly with my mouth, filling my lungs with as much air as they could possibly hold before slamming my lips against the left side of her neck. Releasing the air I blew raspberries against her soft skin as hard as I could.

"Jack!" She squealed and giggled at the feeling as she tried to escape by lowering herself towards the ground. I held on to her though, laughing at her reaction. The sounds she made were adorable. Not wanting them to end too soon I dug my fingers into her sides, tickling her. "Jack…stop it!" She panted, trying to speak in between the mixture of laughing and shrieks that were leaving her throat as she twisted in my arms trying to block me from reaching her most ticklish spots. "Stop…Jack"

When it sounded as if she hardly could breathe through her laughing fit anymore I finally stopped. Chuckling I kept holding her. She stopped moving, leaning back against me as she concentrated on catching her breath. I put my chin on her shoulder, panting slightly myself. She was still a little tense, probably assuming that I would start tickling her again. Turning her head, she looked at me with a fake angry expression. I leant my head away from her to get a better view. Her face was red, but I could see she had troubles keeping the stern look on her face. I looked innocently at her before lowering my head to place a kiss to the crook of her neck. She almost instantly relaxed against me, bringing her hand up to the back of my neck as if she wanted me to stay that close to her. Continuing to kiss her neck softly and inhaling her scent I could feel her leaning her head against mine. I smiled knowing that she wasn't really mad at me.

I don't know for how long we stood there, but eventually someone lost their patience with us and a horn honked. We jumped, looking up. Realizing we stood in the middle of a parking lot, blocking the way for a car trying to find a parking spot we quickly let go of each other. With burning cheeks I grabbed my bag and moved out of the way. The driver gave us an annoyed look, shaking his head while he passed us.

Kim's hand found mine and I looked at her. As we met each others gaze the corners of our mouths started twitching. Unable to hold it together we burst out laughing at the incident and started walking again.

We didn't make it very far until I suddenly spotted something that made me stop immediately, my laughter coming to an abrupt end. Kim noticed and got quiet too.

"What is it?" She wondered, looking in the direction I was looking to try to see what it was that had caught my attention.

Of course she wouldn't be able to see it, because she hadn't seen the man who had been sneaking around our house in the middle of the night, looking up at my window and she didn't know about the black Volvo he'd been driving… The same black Volvo that had now started about a hundred feet in front of us and was about to leave the parking lot at the same time as we were…

I quickly made the disturbing conclusion that whoever was driving that car had been at the mall at same time I had and somehow I knew that that wasn't a coincident…

Sorry for the cliffy...had to make the overall pretty lame chapter interesting in the end...

Anyway, please review and let me know what you think. You'll get a small sneak peek of the next chapter if you do:)

/MJ