Chapter 8

Derk's POV

What else could go wrong! I thought to myself, sulking out of the command center. My life was going to end! Jenny would never look at me the same again. No dought Ben would find something to embarrass me about.

"Derk, calm down man. You look like you were just slapped?" Tenny said, putting a hand on my shoulder.

I felt like barking back at him, fortunately I was smarter than that. I glanced toward the starport, where Jenny was standing; it made me happy thinking about her. She was most beautiful, her eyes were a sparkly blue and—

"I know it sucks to have Ben of all people in charge, but I kind of—" Tenny said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Okay I get it man! I know you wanted to be the commander too, but Ben doesn't bother you now does he?!" I snapped at him, not intending on being a jerk. Although to my extreme astonishment Tenny busted out laughing.

"Yeah, yeah I'm so funny," I said marching off toward the school. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a bone to pick with Sir Pride-a-lot.

"Alright Derk, what poor fellow are you messin' with now?" Tenny asked.

"Mark," I growled.

I continued to stalk off toward the school. Man I'm going to bust that snotty face so far back in his skull , he'll be running like a coward.

"Okay, I have to see this." Tenny said. "I don't know man. This Mark guy has been known to be pretty first-class, if you know what I mean." Tenny emphasized the "first class" part, followed by nudging my arm with his elbow. We started snickering again, but for some reason my attitude completely veered courses. The thought of having a real skirmish just seamed to perk up my mind-set. It's been so long sense we have actually had a scuffle before.

We turned around the side of the building and headed toward the back. We could already hear the yells of Mark's little team, chanting his name. I was excited. As we walked passed the edge of the school I noticed how big of a group had came. I wasn't expecting this. There was a pretty defined whose was on whose side. Mark's guys were chanting his name. The rest of them came up to me saying things like "you got this" or "go show him whose boss.". Holy crap, this was supposed to be a quick skirmish, what could they possibly expect?

"Hey, I don't know how mad Ben is gunna be afterwards, but knock this sucker something he ain't gunna forget." Jackson said slugging my shoulder. "Let this joke know his mama ain't gunna be here to save 'im."

"Oh look who decided to show up, heh, you little—" Mark started, but not before I gave him a good blow to his face. I wasn't going to put up with any crap tonight.

"I thought you came to fight," I mocked, "Where's your back up now little lass!" I yelled, Mark through himself at my legs. I tumbled backward and hit the ground hard.

"Don't stand here and lecture me about being a chick." Mark retaliated. I kicked him backwards off me, and then rolled forward away from any other retaliation. I spun around, throwing my arm into his face.

He staggered backward, giving me enough time to flip over him. I quickly wrapped my arm around his neck, putting him into a tight head lock.

"You called down the thunder." I growled. He dived into a somersault, taking me with him; but I held on. "Now deal with it!"

Mark was finally able to elbow me in the gut releasing some of my grip, he took the chance to grip my arms and throw me over his head. Unfortunately for him I knew this move. I grabbed his arms, and spun around, crossing his arms. I then put my right foot behind his left leg and shoved him forward, making him fall completely backward, hitting the ground hard.

I quickly glanced around looking at the crowd around me, but then I saw someone who I really was hoping wouldn't be here…. Jenny. I didn't have to long to look though, Mark wasn't finished, he was up in seconds. Mark threw a couple of easy dodged punches, but then he did a spin kick and hit me in the side of my chin. I recovered quickly. He kicked at me again, to where I seized his foot. I used my shin to swipe his left leg out from under him. He fell solidly on his back.

"I've had enou—" He began, but was interrupted with a boot in the face. Mark let out a long groaned. Catching Jenny's eye I couldn't help but feel victorious. She was shaking her head smiling as if saying "Uhh, boys." I shrugged and brushed off the dust on my shoulders. I looked back at Mark.

"Nice try buddy, maybe next time." I said. Already starting to head towards Jenny. Ha! Ben has no chance. I suddenly heard someone speak, a voice that caused my muscles to tighten.

"Oh, I think not." Ben said stepping forward. "As of your unthinkable, childish actions by starting such an unnecessary brawl, you get the wonderfully honorable, and quite frankly rare, opportunity to fight me."