A/N: Bethany back. Sorry for the long, long hold. I've slightly lost interest and what to do but it came back. READ AUTHOR'S NOTE ON BOTTOM, VERY IMPORTANT! For further notice about the story, again sorry for the long wait. I'm completely lost on what to do and focusing on friendship and romance currently right now but adventure will come real soon, and a real twist for Milton in the next few chapters.

Sorry for the grammar/spelling mistakes in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kickin' It except for the Plot.

Chapter Thirteen: The Test of Friendships Begins

Kim's POV

As the rest of the school day droned on, I barely kept my head out of the clouds. My thoughts swirled around the sudden appearance of the humiliating photo of Milton, what's worst. It's beginning to destroy my friendship with him. I couldn't help my blood from boiling, the image of a person framing me, Kim Crawford had such guts knowing that I'll hunt her down like a hungry predator craving some revenge that could only be found in my prey. As my fingers closed around my paper, crumpling it up to a wrinkled ball before throwing at the garbage as soon as the coast was clear from the teacher.

I could hear the snickers of fellow students, murmuring about Milton's photo. I closed my eyes and pleaded to calm down, it wasn't until I heard another cruel comment that thrown me off my game. I stood up, my face flushed with anger as I scanned the room, my eyes hard and unyielding. I needed to see guilt written on someone, I needed forgiveness from Milton and I needed trust from the Wasabi Warriors. This one photo was keeping me away from them. Without warning I stormed out the class, ignoring the frantic calls of my teachers who'd been startled by my outrage -slamming the door.

I stormed down the narrowed hall, my eyes fixed on the large posters and scoffed in disbelief. Reaching the lowest and nearest one, I grasped the poster and ripped it apart. Sensing it wasn't enough, I looked, hungry to release my anger on something as pathetic as the poster. Before I knew it, I had torn through the school, grasping and taking down the posters. I didn't know why the teachers weren't doing something, it was violating school rules that many people tend to break...something I could be moron.

With my arms stuffed with the balled up posters, I spotted the nearest garbage can and shoved it down, pressing with my eyebrows scrunched until it had flatted on the very bottom of the garbage can. Satisfied with my work, I barely noticed how exhausted I was. I leaned against a wall of lockers, my breathing heavy as I closed my eyes. Who would do something? Obviously the Black Dragons, but I hadn't have contact with them over the years excluding the ambush in the alley. With my head pounding and irritated by all the questions, I let out a weak groan and made my way to a water fountain.

Dipping my head and taking a long and refreshing sip, letting the cold substance cool me in the process. I was thankful that I didn't have to return to class, sensing that I only left my ballpoint pen behind and I plenty of those back home. My stomach began to turn uneasy at the thought of losing the gang once again, I needed to fight this time and I needed to be strong about it. I pushed off the lockers with a grunt and began to walk to my locker, swaying lightly.

I heard faint thumps on the right of me, I narrowed my eyes curiosity evident on my face as I turned to walk in the direction the noise was coming from. My steps began to widen as the sound grew more frequent and worry brewed, before I knew it, I was jogging. My worn out sneakers squeaking as the turned the corner sharply. Another slam and I turned once again to find Jack hovering boy, clearly having more power than him, to my complete surprise he was grasping the boy's football jersey.

A dark and fierce look crossed his expression as the boy refused to respond to any of his questions. It was obvious that he hadn't noticed my presence, the boy groaned as Jack slammed him against the same locker again, this time he narrowed his eyes dangerously. I blushed as I briefly thought of how handsome he was, his brown locks falling and framing his face and his defined jawline clenched.

"I'm going to ask you one more time, who did it?" he growled, his grip on the boy never faltered as the boy whimpered.

"I don't know!" he squeaked. Jack rolled his eyes unconvinced by his answers, "It wasn't me."

"Wasn't me, my ass," he growled again. Damn, why must this out of all the other times, must I be thinking how hot he looked! "I saw you placing up the posters, John. Don't play idiotic with me, quite frankly it's wasting my time."

I heard footsteps nearby, to my complete surprise I heard another pair of feet sound after it. Quickly, I hid behind the garbage can. My face set in determination and my feet hovering over the ground in preparation to aid Jack. Jack loosened his grip and his eyes only harden, the boy slide slightly down the blue lockers as Jack turned to examine the source of the sound. I found it unbelievable that Jack hadn't heard me even when I was jogging down the halls with my sneakers squeaking.

"Ah, Jack Brewer will never learn will he?" my anger boiled at the sound of Frank's voice. I peered cautiously.

"What the hell are you talking about, Frank?" Jack hissed, his eyes darkening at the sight of him.

"John did place up the poster, but only because he was paid." Frank chuckled in amusement as Jack lowered John, showing no emotion but disgust. "Clever, huh?"

"It was you?" Jack demanded. Frank rolled his eyes and exchanged looks with other Black Dragons that accompanied him.

"Of course it was the Black Dragons," Frank retorted with great sarcasm, "It just wasn't my idea." Jack didn't turn to see John scramble away in fright, almost smashing against the corner for turning to look back and I bit back a laugh for it was inappropriate during this situation. Jack rolled his knuckles and examined him closely, "Great wasn't it."

"It's stupid," Jack respond harshly, "I'm stupid for even joining you in the first place when my true place was with the Wasabi Warriors. Trying to rip us apart again, I knew for sure that Kim didn't deserve Milton's anger." My heart pounded and my cheeks burned as Jack said those words, I pressed a cool palm against it and gulped quietly.

"Awwh...Protecting your little girlfriend?" Frank cooed with fake baby tone. Jack stiffened at his words but didn't respond, instead he crossed his arms and sure enough, Frank took a step back slightly from his intimidating figure before redeeming himself. "She deserves to die."

"Kim is not my girlfriend," Jack corrected in a dark tone, I lowered my gaze before widening my eyes. I shouldn't feel disappointed, we're best friends and we're going to stay that way. "She's my best friend. She's a great person that you guys didn't realize until she left your dojo, admit it. You want her to die because she left you." he chuckled in amusement.

"All I know for sure, is that you should say goodnight." Frank warned quickly before throwing a punch at Jack.

Jack easily caught it and a smirk curled on his mouth, "You probably shouldn't have done that." he chuckled and flung Frank's arm back to him before kicking at his chest. Frank stumbled back and anger only grew on his face, Frank aimed to sit Jack's side but Jack had twirled around and expertly caught his feet before twisting it. Frank widened his eyes as his body left the ground and spun briefly in mid-air before landing on his front.

I struggled to get up as a Black Dragon had thrown a punch directed at the back of Jack's head. "Jack! Behind you!" Jack had twirled around, surprise evident on his face. I leaped up from my hiding position as Jack caught the Black Dragon's fist. I kicked at his side before falling to the ground and swiping my feet under the guy's feet, he fell winded. I ducked as another Black Dragon sneaked up behind me, I grasped the flailing arm and thrown him over my shoulder.

Jack grasped my wrists, twirling me around and lifting my body up and I instinctively kicked out, hitting Frank's chin. Jack twirled me again as he aimed a perfect kick at another guy's gut, halting at his side I had mimicked his movement and we kicked at perfect timing. I shot out my right leg before my left leg followed, I stepped to the side and brought up my elbow and effectively hit the guy in the nose before grasping his arm and throwing him over my shoulder.

My breathing was heavy as I spotted the guy winded from his blow limp towards Jack in frustration. I dashed forward, Jack turned to me in surprise I grasped his shoulder, his hand pulled me up and over his shoulder and I had flipped kicking out both my legs at the guy before Jack had quickly turned around, capturing my waist before I smashed to the ground. Pressed up against his side, I tried to regain my breath as I noticed the Black Dragons were unconscious and the frowned. I was hoping to get more answers but unfortunately, fate decided it wasn't time yet.

The warmth lingering on my waist caught my attention, I spotted Jack's muscular arm secured around me protectively. I looked up with a certain glimmer in my eyes as Jack with scrunched up eyebrows and staring down at Frank's body, breathing heavily. I hadn't made a comment about his arm, my thoughts swirling inside my mind at the warmth he gave me. I didn't want him to let go, I felt safe and protected in his arms. I frowned, I shouldn't feel this way. Jack was my best friend, the best friend whom I'd almost kissed.

"We should probably get going." Jack told me in a hard tone, his eyes reluctant to remove itself from Frank. He released his grip on me and I resisted the urge to place it back, instead he grasped his wrist and began to tug me back to the direction I once was at.

"Jack," I began, "You knew I wasn't the one who placed up the posters?"

"When Milton told me, it sounded off," Jack admitted, "It wasn't till around the end of first period I saw John placing up one of the last posters. I couldn't confront him then."

"Why did it sound off?" I questioned.

"It doesn't seem like you, Kim," Jack told me honestly. I examined him closely to see if he was bluffing before I spotted nothing but sincerity gracing his features before I gave up. "Not in your personality. Besides, it was you that brought us together." he pointed out.

I looked down with a frown, "And now I'm the one that's breaking us apart." Jack shook his head. "You heard Milton, it's been 2 years Jack."

"You're not the once that joined the Black Dragons, Kim." he reminded her with a disgusted tone, "I'm the one that truly broke the Wasabi Code."

"No one knew if the gang was going to reunite and you shouldn't give up karate because of us," I told him truthfully, "You're really talented, Jack. I just had a heard time admitting that." He let out a chuckle before releasing a breath.

"You shouldn't trust me so easily, Kim." he warned her with a dark look. I pursed my lips and forced myself to look away, "We're not exactly the same people we once were."

I rolled my eyes, "You're being melodramatic."

Jack shrugged, "I'm only speaking the truth."

Silence stayed. I shifted uncomfortably before releasing a shaky breath, "Thanks for having my back, Jack."

He flickered his gaze over to me before letting his left eye fall into a smooth wink, I felt my cheeks redden and I look down biting down on my lip.

"Anytime, Kimmy." he said huskily. I looked up with an offended look before slapping his bicep, he only grasped my wrist and pulled my figure against his broad chest. I looked up unsteadily as he captured my gaze, his eyes boring holes into mind. I felt my throat tighten before I finally managing to release another breath.

I had slammed my locker door in a hurry. My eyes flashing over the growing mob and tried to spot the familiar red head clutching heavy books with his scrawny arms. Pushing through warm bodies, I let out a cringe of disgust as one guy grinned down widely at me. Unexpectedly, he clutched at my waist and pulled me back with a eager look. I let out a scoff before elbowing him in the gut.

"I'm not a piece of meat, dumbo." I retorted before resuming to squirm and squeeze through the crowd, my eyes scanning repeatedly until I found a certain room. I grasped on the doorbell and forced myself in, ignoring the gasps and wheezes of surprise as the math league stood up with surprised yet annoyed expression. It matched Milton's flustered face as he spotted the crumbled posters stuffed in the trash.

"What do you want, Kimberly Anne Crawford?" Milton asked rather harshly. I flinched as he slammed down a meter stick and avoided the sharp looks from the group.

"I want forgiveness," I say with pleading eyes, "It wasn't me. I swear! I wouldn't do such a thing!"

His eyes only narrowed and darkened down at me, "I lost my trust in you, Kim. Go back to your clique, Kim. The Wasabi Warriors weren't meant to return after all."

My eyes turned into slits at his words and slammed the door shut, "What can't you believe me! You were there when we reunited the gang, you stood by my side from the beginning. The Kim you once knew 2 years ago, is here. Can't you see it?"

He brushed off my outburst and continued on with the practice, pointing his stick at the board and carefully instructing useful guidance for their next competition. I scowled and wrenched the door open, forcing back the angry tears. Why was everything starting to fall apart? Just when they were finally getting somewhere? My heart pounded against my chest and I let out a sob before wiping away any evident tears.

Kim Crawford doesn't cry. I needed to be strong and prove my innocence. Just as I back to walk back to my locker, I was shoved harshly against the hard wall. I let out a whimper of pain, and snapped my eyes open. My jaw dropping in shock at the sight of an angry Jerry Martinez, his eyes turning into a dangerous shade of black coal. I never seen him so furious, it was unbelievable but then my heart sunk as I realized I was in his grasp.

"Why did you did it, Kim?" he barked, hot tears dripping down his cheeks. I stood there, pressed against my will and unable to respond.

"W-w-what?" I stuttered weakly.

"Make up a rumor that I was gay!" Jerry cried out, "That stinking rumor made me lose my spot as an MPV in the finals of my dance competition, I lost my squad to my arch rival and got kicked out of my only dance group! I'm known as a homosexual because of you!" He punched the nearest locker but loosened his grip on me.

"Jerry! I didn't do it! How-" I was cut off when he shoved his phone in my face.

There in bold and readable letters was, "Jerry Martinez is a guy loving freak. I should know, I'm Kim Crawford. BTW, Eddie and Jerry would make the perfect babies, but dumb and useless." I gaped at it, I snatched the phone back and was about to retort when I saw my phone number and my name on the top. I shook my head wildly before patting my sides and finding that my phone had gone missing.

"No, no, no! I was framed! I lost my phone and-" I stumbled with my words and was cut off when Jerry held up an tired but still unyielding expression.

"Save it."

By then I had slide down the wall, burying my face in despair. I was losing the battle, I felt my fingers stick against the knots in my hair. I tugged on it and let out a cry of frustration before standing up. With hatred and loss coursing through my veins, I won't stop until I find the culprit. Something was out to destroy me, and I was searching with nothing but hatred.

I had spent the last 20 minutes slouched over the beige school walls, a frown etched on my face and my eyes fixed firmly on the floor. I knew I spent that much time because of the silence that irked around me. Something was threatening to break the group apart but this time I wasn't going to break down and fall apart, I had to fight to prove my innocence. To my friends who don't consider me as their friends anymore, tears pricked my eyes and I furiously wiped them away.

I forbid myself to cry at such a lousy time. Finally after a lot of hesitating, I moved my gaze up to the clock. I should be at Falaphel Phils but I lost the will to knowing it'll probably just be Jack, Rudy and possibly Eddie. Building up my wall, I stood up ignoring the aching and shooting pain at my calf. I shouldn't have been at sitting at such an awkward position.

A long breath escaped my cracked lips, I moistened it and headed towards my locker to gather my things not that I would be doing anything with it. I know a disheveled backpack would satisfy my mother, despite my soon to be my aching shoulder blades. I spun, quickly taking in my surroundings finding it a tad bit creepy of how quiet the school could be. The vibrating school vents made me jump a little, I turned back and back shoving random binders into my backpack before zipping it up and heading out the doors.

I had to try and make amends with Milton and Jerry, I hoped that Jerry wouldn't be the one to hold grudges towards someone. He was cheery and the heart and soul of laughter, not that I'd say that to him. I had many things to worry about, especially why the dojo closed. It was all too much for a small girl like me. Then it clicked to me, Jerry still had my phone and possibly the fury and evidence to prove I was guilty.

I suddenly found the energy to rush to the local gathering, silently cursing my bag for being the anchor to my yacht. Finally I reached Falaphel Phils, skidding to a halt as I spotted Jerry with nothing but a reddened and hurt expression. Eddie was completely astonished, I could see his shirt bunching up by his fists and I gulped nervously when Jerry spotted my form through the painted window.

I pushed through the doors and made my way to them. I paused and looked at Jack, his eyebrows were scrunched in deep concentration as he took everything in and I could see the trust in me slowly drifting away. His blank stare continued until he noticed my presence and he gritted his teeth in frustration but remained silent.

"Eddie," I began slowly hearing my voice tremble, "I beg of you not to jump into conclusions. Please." I begged. I blinked to stop any tears from pricking my eyes again, it was like a poorly made job of sticking needles into my eyes. Eddie shook his head, a frown that made my heart fall.

He looked up at me with a crestfallen face, "How could I not, Kim?"

"You know I'm sarcastic and everything. But I would never do anything to hurt you guys like this," I stated and my face fell as I saw no trust in his eyes, "You saw my determination to bring the group back. Why would I try to demolish it?"

"Maybe it was just an act to try and get our hopes up, Kimberly" Jerry spoke up through clenched teeth, "We know that you've been hanging around Nicole's clique but we never knew what happened with you for the past 2 years."

"Don't give me that accusation!" I snarled, "I'm never on good terms with Nicole! Why would you even think I'd do something like this?" Jerry let out a low growl and I didn't back down and instead kept eye contact with him, "You have to trust me. If I didn't want to be with you guys then why aren't I here begging for forgiveness."

Jerry's eyes softened slightly before hardening again, "I don't know."

Eddie suddenly stood up awkwardly, "I have to go. Help my grandmother." he briefly checked his silver watch strapped around his wrist. My eyes widened and I turned to Jack whom remained silently and unyielding during our 'conversation'.

"Jack, what's the time?" I hurriedly asked. Ignoring Jerry's sharp gaze, I shifted uncomfortable waiting as Jack pulled out his phone and checked the time.

"Nearly 5 o'clock, why?" Jack asked.

"My mother's going to kill me if I'm not home by then, I have to contact-" I stopped and began padding for my phone before ridiculously remembering that someone stole it, "Jack could I please use your phone?"

Jack stared before hesitantly handing it over, "Did you lose yours?"

"Sadly, yes." Remaining oblivious to Jerry's softening gaze and glancing down to his phone with a confused expression. It wasn't until I noticed him slouching that a small smile formed on my face, maybe it wasn't words but simple things like this that could prove me innocent. Now if only I could find a way to prove Milton that I was innocent.

"KIMBERLY ANNE CRAWFORD!" I flinched as my mother's voice shrieked through Jack's speakers, but first I have to endure my mother's torture.

A/N: Jack's still staying true to Kim being innocent. I just hope nothing will happen between Jack and Kim, but of course I'll know. I had something large planned for Milton and Kim and as for the Kick romance, well let's just say that it's coming soon. I have something planned for the Wasabi Warriors and the other girls that'll happen outside of school that maybe be the perfect place for friendship and romance. I'm going to put a hold on the finding why the dojo closed down.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm happy to read it. Because we can't talk to each other...errr...yeah.

Can you do me a favor? See that POST REVIEW button? Can you click it?

-Bethany