Title: Jerry's Antics and their Aftermath
Summary: Rewrite of "Home Alone at School" where it's a little less... Disney Channel. Kim wonders if Jack was too hard on Jerry when she overhears someone attempting to rob the school. Forced into another fight, the Wasabis (minus Milton) work together to take down another villain. I can't remember when this episode originally takes place, but this story is definitely like a season 3 story (nearly all my stories are around that time, it's just my favorite in their relationships/friendships).
Author's Note: First, man I suck at coming up with chapter names but at this point I don't even care. I'm over it lol.
Next, I tried to keep some elements of this episode the same, but there are things that are just so painfully Disney Channel and I tend to write a little more mature than that. Plus, real life is a little more mature than that so... Anyways I've been meaning to do this rewrite for ages (like years) but I never had a great idea of what exactly I was going to do. A few weeks ago I figured there's no better time than now and so here it is. I actually really like rewrites, I have another one in the works so we'll see if I get that finished any time soon. Enjoy!
"Do you think maybe you were too hard on him?" Kim finally let out, dropping the sponge she was using to scrub a dirty bathroom sink and look at Jack.
Jerry had tricked the two of them into assisting with his most recent prank again the principal, Mr. Funderburk. Despite being unwilling accomplices, they were punished just the same. Now they were given Saturday detention and tasked with cleaning every bathroom in the school. And they weren't getting the brand new myPads like every other student.
To say they were upset was an understatement. Jerry didn't seem too apologetic about it, but Jack and Kim were very upset. It sucked.
As upset as Kim was, the longer they spent away from Jerry, and the more she was left alone with her thoughts, the more she felt guilty.
Jack had been really mad and he had been harsh in his words to Jerry.
Maybe we shouldn't be friends.
Kim knew in her heart, Jack hadn't meant it. But those were strong words and she hoped it didn't permanently damage their relationship. She cared about Jack and she knew how much his friendship to Jerry meant. She'd hate for them to fall apart.
"No," Jack answered with a huff.
Kim frowned at him, waiting for him to look at her. He was being stubborn and she was trying to help.
Jack could feel her gaze on him and finally stopped, turning to her with a sigh. "What?"
"You don't feel a little guilty?" she implored. "You know Jerry. He didn't mean any harm."
"I don't care. That's exactly his problem. He doesn't think about it and now he got me in trouble. He got you in trouble," Jack added pointedly. Kim should be just as mad at Jerry as he was.
"I know. You don't have to remind me," Kim said with a roll of her eyes. "Of course I'm upset about it, but isn't your friendship with Jerry worth more than that? You've known each other for 3 years, are you ready to throw it all away after one prank?"
"It wasn't just one prank, Kim," Jack argued. "You know this kind of thing has been going on for a while."
Kim felt offended on Jerry's behalf at that. "'This kind of thing'? Isn't this kind of thing why you're such good friends? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe you've played a big part in a lot of those things over the years. You're not completely innocent, Jack."
Jack turned away angrily, not liking having to hear Kim scold him. It was hard to hear because as she spoke he realized she was right. This time, Jerry's actions had had some undesirable consequences. But Jack had been involved in his fair share of adventures and pranks that just as easily could have gone wrong, and had. Jerry had stuck by him time and time again.
"I don't want to talk about this," Jack finally said, standing up suddenly and grabbing his bucket. He stood up so suddenly the water inside sloshed around violently and Kim had to jump back to avoid getting splashed.
Kim sighed, but stood up too, grabbing the sponges and soaps. "Why don't we go take a break, huh? Dump that out and we can find something to eat."
Jack nodded, feeling bad that now he'd upset Kim. He figured taking a break and cooling down was best. He was mad at their situation, which was making him mad at Jerry and now he was getting angry with Kim too. He wasn't so sure Jerry didn't deserve some anger, but he was positive Kim didn't.
Jack followed behind Kim, finding that even just watching her brightened his mood just a little. She was beautiful. It was increasingly hard to hide his feelings for her, in fact, he rarely tried to hide them these days. They'd been friends for so long, the line had been blurred for so long, he was completely comfortable acting close without having to put a big scary label on it or have any big scary conversations.
Kim suddenly stopped in front of him, and having been day dreaming, Jack didn't notice and ran right into her back.
"Shoot," Jack swore, reaching an arm out to steady Kim while tightening his grip on the bucket he was holding. At least he'd dumped it out before or else the floor would be covered in soapy water.
"Shh," Kim commanded, seemingly unbothered.
"Wha-"
"Shh," she repeated, holding up a hand behind her to silence him.
Jack froze, looking around for whatever caught Kim's attention.
"What?" he asked again, this time making sure to whisper.
"Do you hear that?" she asked.
Jack shook his head. "Hear what?"
Before Kim could answer, they heard a muffled shout.
Their heads whipped around as they made eye contact, both hearing it this time.
"What's going on?" Kim asked, not expecting an answer, as she crept closer to the sound.
They heard more shouting, this time hearing a voice shout something about "take" and "myPads".
"Somebody's robbing the school!" Kim gasped. It was shocking how much trouble they encountered, this is exactly what she'd been trying to tell Jack earlier. It wasn't Jerry's fault alone that they'd found trouble before, just like it wasn't his fault they'd stumbled across some now.
There was the sound of a crash, and an unmistakable groan.
Kim was moving forward again before she could really process it.
"Hey!" Jack hissed, reaching out for Kim's arm.
She stopped when he touched her and turned around. "Jack, c'mon!" she urged, waiting for him to stare walking.
Jack was well aware that they'd stopped plenty of criminals before, but this felt unnecessarily dangerous. "No, Kim, if somebody is taking the myPads, we can replace those. Call the police, we don't need to get involved."
It wasn't that Jack didn't care that there was a robbery in process, he just cared more about his and Kim's wellbeing than he did about some insured technology.
Kim's hand flew to her pocket before she dropped it. "I don't have my phone, Jack," she hissed, both of them remembering their only means of communication had been confiscated.
There was another shout, this one louder and clearer than all the rest.
Kim's eyes widened and Jack knew exactly what was going through her mind after one look into her big brown eyes. "That's Funderburk, Jack, they're hurting Mr. Funderburk!"
Someone stealing myPads was one thing, but hurting somebody was another.
"Jack, we have to," Kim whispered quickly, fighting a wince as she heard another crash.
"Fine," Jack agreed, not sure he could stand here and listen either. "But you stay here."
"Jack-" Kim argued, tilting her head away as she tried to move toward the door. She was a black belt too, she would argue that put her in the same shoes as Jack to confront any danger. Jack, frustratingly, didn't seem to agree.
Jack tightened his grip and pulled Kim closer. "I'm not kidding," he insisted. "Don't follow me."
Kim looked ready to argue again, Jack had never told her to stay out of a fight before and she wasn't sure why he was so insistent she stay out of this one now. She knew how to handle herself. She'd done it before.
"Kim, he sounds deranged and if he's hurting Funderburk, he'll hurt you. Stay here."
Jack didn't wait for Kim to answer, instead shoving the bucket into Kim's hands and gently pushing her back a few steps before turning on his heel and hurrying toward the boiler room.
He cracked the door, trying to assess the situation first. He spotted a pallet of myPads in the corner, the shipment must have been moved there for temporary storage.
He scanned the room and saw Funderburk on the ground, engaged in a struggle with someone in a custodian uniform.
"Hey!" Jack shouted, forgetting all subtlety as he tried to pull attention away from the principal.
The man turned around and Jack recognized him as Brock, one of the custodians. So it wasn't an imposter or intruder. That must have been how he got into the school and knew about the myPads in the first place. He probably had planned this whole robbery as soon as he knew something so valuable was going to be at the school. He probably just hadn't accounted for the building to be occupied on a Saturday.
"Leave him alone," Jack spat, trying to draw Brock away from Funderburk.
It worked, Brock got off Funderburk and stalked toward Jack instead.
Jack quickly peeked behind him, seeing Funderburk rolling around a little, but moving. That was good.
A swinging arm brought his attention back to Brock and he quickly ducked.
He hadn't been expecting Brock's second arm quickly following with a solid punch to the gut.
Jack let out a loud groan and clutched his stomach. Brock's strength and skill was far above average, Jack quickly realized.
He tried to stand up, quickly dropping and stepping to the side when Brock swung again. He managed a kick at Brock's legs, knocking the man off balance enough that Jack was able to make a move for Mr. Funderburk.
"Are you okay?" he asked, dropping to the principal's side.
Jack was met with a groan and he searched for major injuries.
He was suddenly yanked back by the shoulder and fell back into the wall hard. He let out a garbled cry and a groan as he fought the black spots dancing in his vision.
He heard metal clanking and he blinked again, trying to focus.
A hand grabbed his arm and pulled him up, the quick movement making his vision go dark again. He really hoped he hadn't hit his head.
Cool metal on his wrists made his eyes snap open and he realized Brock was wrapping chains around his arms. He whipped his head around and saw Funderburk already chained to a pipe, fighting consciousness. This was not looking good.
"Come on," Brock grunted, wrapping the chains tight around Jack's wrists and dragging him forward.
Jack dug his feet into the ground and tried to rip his hands free but another fist to his abdomen had Jack completely pliable. At least he didn't have a gun, Jack thought. Guns meant intent to kill. Fists were safer, although still extremely painful it would seem.
The assault had been unexpected and strong and Jack was no match for the custodian's surprising strength.
"Jack!"
Jack felt his heart skip a beat at the sound of her voice in the doorway. What was she doing here?
"I said stay p- Argh!" Jack let out another groan and a cough when Brock shut him up with a harsh yank of his arms up and back.
Brock quickly wound the chains around a pipe, securing it with a lock.
Kim looked quickly between the nearly unconscious principal and her best friend who was being hit and chained.
"Let them go!" shouted with the confidence of someone four times her size.
Jack wanted to shout at her, shout at Brock, or shout at anything really, but he was still in too much pain to make his body do what he wanted it to.
When the custodian started approaching her, Kim quickly realized she was no match for this man. She saw Jack and Mr. Funderburk behind the custodian and was suddenly fearful of the state of them. If he had done that to them, two big and strong men, what would be her fate?
"Wait," Kim said, backing up with her hands out. She should have called the police. She should have come with a plan. This was a mistake. "Please," she tried, hoping that maybe the man would take mercy on her. He wasn't here to hurt her, he was here for the myPads. That's it.
But Brock didn't care and he continued his approach with a menacing hand outstretched.
"Wait, please! Don't, don't touch me!" Kim pleaded, breathing heavily and backing up further.
She wasn't fast enough and the custodian (Brock, she noted, reading his name tag) reached out and grabbed her forearm.
He yanked her forward with such harshness her head whipped back painfully. Brock grabbed her other forearm and shoved her wrists together, wrapping one of his large hands around them.
Kim whimpered, flailing an arm until she freed one of her wrists. Quickly getting over the shock of it actually working, Kim balled her fist and aimed low. Brock swatted her arm away before wrapping his arm around her torso, completely restricting her and lifting her off the ground.
She'd already gotten free once, and he wasn't taking chances, so his hold was impossibly tight and Kim could hardly breath.
Brock carried her around the room, finding another chain and pulling out another lock as he roughly grabbed Kim, moving her every which way until she was restrained as well.
She was brought next to Jack and had her arms yanked nearly out of their sockets while Brock fiddled with the lock. He checked to make sure it was secure, grabbing one of her arms and pulling it down and out harshly to see if the chains would stop her from moving too far.
Kim let out a cry as the metal dug into her bones with a sharp sting, and Brock seemed satisfied with the hold.
Brock turned around and Jack immediately tried to shimmy his way closer to Kim. He couldn't quite get to her side, but he was a little closer. Close enough to see the pain and fear in her eyes and written across her face.
Upset on Kim's behalf, Jack let out a huff. "You're not going to get away with this!"
Brock ignored Jack, not bothered by some kid. He was hardly a match for him.
"Those myPads are for the students," Mr. Funderburk insisted with a groan, gaining some control over himself again.
"These myPads are paying for my retirement," Brock countered, taking inventory of how many boxes were there. "I don't get paid what I deserve and I've had enough!" Brock raged, slamming a fist down on a metal table, sending a shock wave that rattled the tools on top loudly.
"These spoiled brats get their own personal myPads while I get $14.50 an hour to pick up bird droppings and vomit and spit balls? Not anymore!"
Brock started mumbling to himself, and Jack knew for sure now that he was deranged. Using Brock's distraction to his advantage, he quickly turned to Kim.
"Hey are you-"
"Psst!"
Both kids looked to the side and saw Jerry creeping closer, just out of sight of Brock.
"Get down!" Jack hissed quietly. Both relieved to see Jerry and afraid their last hope would just get himself caught. They couldn't afford Jerry being discovered, and Jack was certain he knew what would happen in a fight between Jerry and Brock. It wasn't good for them.
Nevermind the myPads, they were hurt and chained to a pipe. Brock could easily get away and do whatever he pleased with them. Jack doubted he would let them go, which would mean they'd be left there until someone went searching for them or… No, Jack refused to believe Brock would be so brutal as to kill them. He hoped, at least.
"Get down!" Jack repeated.
Jerry finally understood and backed away, staying hidden.
Brock turned around then, and Jack and Kim quickly averted their eyes, hoping they'd been quick and quiet enough. Brock didn't say anything, just studied them. Kim kept her eyes on the ground while Jack kept his on Kim.
After a few seconds, Brock turned back around.
Jack and Kim watched as Jerry quietly gave them a nod and slowly retreated out of the room. When he was out of sight and Jack was pretty sure safely out of the room, he remembered what he'd been interrupted from.
"Are you okay?" he whispered to Kim.
Kim nodded, but didn't say anything.
"Come on, Kim, be honest," he pleaded. "I heard you."
"My arms just hurt, 's all," Kim finally revealed with a wince.
The strain on her shoulders was killing her. She was so much shorter than Jack and Mr. Funderburk, the pipe really was too tall for her to be chained to. Her arms were raised high and if she let them go slack for some relief, then the pressure on her wrists was unbearable. Not to mention the bruises forming along her arms and torso from being grabbed.
But she wasn't a complainer or whiner so that was all she told Jack.
"My side hurts pretty bad too," Jack said, figuring it was only fair to share his own injuries.
Kim gave him a small frown, she felt sorry that he was hurt, but that was all she could manage. It had Jack re-committed to making sure they got out of there. If only there were something he could do right now.
"We'll be okay," he whispered, settling on verbal reassurance. "Jerry can do this."
Even as Jack said it, he had some doubts. Hadn't he just been telling Kim how Jerry didn't think before he acted? Did he actually trust Jerry?
It didn't matter, he had to. He hoped Kim was right, he hoped he didn't mean those things he'd said earlier, that he'd only been angry.
"I'm scared," Kim admitted. Jack had a way of comforting her. Just his presence was enough for her to let her guard down. Allowed her to be vulnerable. She had this innate trust in him and his power to protect. Not just her, but everyone. In all the time she'd known him, he was always protecting. Now, she couldn't help but lean into that.
She knew she shouldn't, Jack was chained up just like she was. Jack was only a few months older than her. Brock had overpowered him. But it didn't matter, she trusted him.
"Me too," Jack sighed. He couldn't lie, even if he wanted to. Not to Kim. Being around her had this effect on him. He couldn't lie, couldn't keep any walls up. It's why they fought so much. And why they made up just as fast. He couldn't hide his true feelings about almost anything, so she got the brunt of his worst thoughts.
Like today, about Jerry. With Kim, he couldn't do anything but tell her how he felt even if she disagreed. And then she started talking and he realized she was right and just like that, they were good again. Except, not really because Jack had been so embarrassed and upset that he just shut her down before they could really settle the matter. He wished now that he hadn't been so selfish.
The intercom system suddenly crackled and came to life. "Hey, Brock. Looks like you forgot someone. I'm in the teacher's lounge. Come and get me!"
Jerry's voice rang through the room as Brock stood ramrod straight listening. When Jerry's message ended, Brock let out an angry grunt and stomped out of the room, muttering again about stupid children.
With him gone, Jack fought against the restraints again.
"It's no use," Mr. Funderburk said from the side.
Jack looked over at the man and could already see the swelling on his face. Clearly, he'd gotten a worse beating.
"We can't let him…" Jack stopped. Couldn't let him what? He wasn't sure exactly, but he knew it'd be better for all of them to not be chained up right by the myPads.
"Do you think Jerry's okay?" Kim asked, squirming uncomfortably. "He's not really in the lounge, is he? He wouldn't do that, right?"
"I- I don't know," Jack admitted honestly. Would Jerry do that? He wasn't a strong martial artist, although he'd been getting more serious. And he didn't have the highest grades either. But he was a master prankster, skilled at making elaborate plans and traps. Surely he didn't actually just lead the criminal right to him. "He's smart, he had a plan," Jack decided.
Kim smiled a little, Jack was right, she realized. Jack's confidence in Jerry was genuine and she was glad Jack remembered the true nature of his friend. She knew he wouldn't have said that if he didn't really believe it.
"Hey, guys!"
Kim let out something between a gasp and a whimper and she tried to turn around.
Jerry ran into the room, coming around the pipes so they wouldn't have to twist around painfully just to see him. He looked over them, longer this time, and noticed how bad things were. Mr. Funderburk was bleeding a little on his temple and his face was swollen. His shirt was crumpled as well.
Jack seemed to be standing awkwardly, folded a little at the waist.
And Kim was breathing heavily, dancing around on her toes.
"What happened?" Jerry asked quickly. "I mean, Mr. Funderburk is a bit of an old man, but Jack, you and Kim are black belts. I've seen you fight grown men before. How did Brock get you two?"
Although Jerry had asked Jack, it was Mr. Funderburk who answered. "He- I think this is my fault."
The kids looked at him for an explanation.
"He's an ex-cage fighter. He- He got banned from the league. It was a while ago and he was unemployed… I offered him a job here. He was so desperate and he was willing to work for cheaper. I got it cleared with the board but… I had a bad feeling about it. I shouldn't have… I-"
"Hey," Jack interrupted. "It's fine, you couldn't have known he would do this. Let's just focus on getting out of here."
"You're right," Jerry agreed.
"Did you call for help?" Jack asked hopefully.
"Can't. He must've crashed the system, the whole network is down. Computers, phones, everything."
"Can you get these off?" Kim asked, giving Jerry those big eyes that were impossible to lie or say no to.
"I, I don't have the keys," Jerry said. "I'm sorry, Kim, I'll get you out of here. I'll get you all out."
"No, Jerry, you can't take him on. You need to go get help," Jack said.
"No can do," Jerry replied almost immediately. "I can't leave you guys here with this lunatic. Look what he's already done to you!"
Jack thought about it for a second, and had to admit he agreed he'd like to take care of this as soon as possible so they could get out.
"We need a plan," Jack insisted. "It won't be long before Brock realizes you're not in the teacher's lounge and he'll show back up here."
"You're right," Mr. Funderburk agreed. "The keys are on his belt. That's our priority. We just need to get out and find some help."
"But, he's too strong," Kim said. If she, Jack, and Mr. Funderburk couldn't stop him, she feared what would happen if Jerry tried.
"Maybe I can't best him in hand-to-hand combat. But there are other ways," Jerry said, sharing a mischievous look with Jack.
Kim looked between the boys, seeing some sort of communication pass between them without words. She'd seen it before. The plotting. This was good, she hoped.
Quickly, in a matter of minutes, they had devised a series of traps to lay throughout the school and hopefully knock out Brock. Funderburk talked Jerry through connecting to the security feed so they'd have a visual.
With that, Jerry ran off to gather the supplies and quickly set up. He knew the school in and out, he knew the best spots, the short cuts, where to find almost anything.
Kim, Jack, and Mr. Funderburk watched on the screens while Jerry ran around, also seeing Brock search the school for Jerry.
It was like watching a thriller or horror movie play out in real life. When Jerry got too close to Brock, Kim would have to look away until she heard Jack breathe a sigh of relief, letting her know he hadn't been caught.
With everything set up, Jerry ran back to the boiler room to watch with the others.
Brock fell for the first trap easily. Jerry had turned on a CD player in one of the classrooms, on a timer. When Brock went to investigate the sound, he was met with noxious chemicals that made your eyes water and caused shortness of breath.
He only stayed long enough to realize it was a set up before he got out of there and slammed the door. The next trap, he noticed before he could step on the scattered marbles.
When he approached the vending machine, Jerry grabbed the remote control. This had been their last trap. Jerry had already had the vending machine rigged for future use, making it easy to make a few adjustments. He'd used some parts from an electric floor waxer to keep the machine level. When it was time and they'd lured Brock over, all Jerry had to do was move the front support and it would come toppling over.
Just like they'd hoped, Brock stopped in front of the machine to look down the hall.
"Jerry, now!" Jack yelled.
Jerry pressed the button and moved the wheels forward quickly, sending the machine straight to the ground with Brock sandwiched between the machine and the floor.
"Yes!"
"It worked!"
They all cheered.
"Okay, I'll go grab his keys while he's pinned and-"
"Jerry…" Kim whimpered suddenly.
The boys' heads snapped to the screen as they saw Brock lift the machine off himself.
"Oh my…"
"It's okay," Jack insisted. "It's okay. Jerry, we'll just… We'll bolt the doors. He won't be able to get in for the myPads and he'll give up. Somebody will find us," Jack insisted, not really believing it.
"Okay," Jerry agreed hesitantly, he didn't really think that was going to work either but he was willing to try.
Jerry found the pile of chains on the ground, grabbing one and quickly threading it through the handles of the door. He couldn't find a lock but Kim had spotted a piece of a metal tube that Jerry managed to weave through a few of the links. He pulled it to test, and it seemed to hold.
"Okay," he said, deciding it was as good as it was going to get. "I think I got it."
"He's coming back!" Jack announced, seeing Brock turn the last corner to the room.
There was a loud bang against the door and Kim let out a small yelp while Jerry jumped away.
There was another thud and Jerry spotted cracking around the hinges on the door. "It's not going to hold!" he announced, realizing another try or two and the doors were going to break.
Another thud, and Jerry was looking around for a weapon or anything. He came up empty.
The next thud was followed by a snap and crack and the doors were ripped from the wall and crashed to the ground. Jerry had jumped out of the way just in time.
Brock, huffing and angry, scanned the room and saw Jerry. Finally finding the nuisance teen, he let out a grunt and charged him. Luckily he was fueled by rage and Jerry was able to dodge him, but that could only last so long.
Analyzing the situation, Jerry spotted the horizontal pipes by Jack and Kim and quickly ran toward them, ducking under just as Brock charged again.
Brock made contact with the metal and Jerry's quick fingers snatched the ring of keys on his belt.
Before he could lift them up to unlock Jack or at least pass them, Brock grabbed Jerry's leg and pulled, making him fall flat on his back.
Jerry dropped the keys as he was dragged away.
Kim couldn't decide if she wanted to turn and watch what happened or if it would be too painful to witness.
Luckily she didn't have to decide when Jack called her name.
"Kim, I can't reach the keys. They're right by your foot. You need to grab them," Jack instructed.
"Jack, I can't," Kim argued, looking down. Her hands were still painfully restrained. "I can't."
"Yes, you can," Jack urged, fully believing in Kim. "Come on, use your feet and toss them up. I'll unlock you first, I promise."
Kim bit her lip as she looked back down. She inched closer to the keys and placed her feet on either side, trying to hold them between her shoes.
They popped up when she didn't have a good grip and she had to kick them back directly under her to try again.
There was a cry of pain from Jerry behind her and she stopped to turn around and see what happened.
"Hey!" Jack said quickly. Kim stopped and looked at Jack instead. "Don't look at that. Focus, Kim. You can do it."
Kim tried again. This time she had the keys in a good grip but she realized the only way to get them to Jack would be if she lifted both legs up momentarily to "toss" the keys up. When she tried just that, she gripped the chains around her wrist and jumped. Her body sagged and she hadn't been expecting the explosion of pain around her hands and wrists. She dropped the keys again.
"Jack, I can't," she cried, trying but failing to keep her eyes from welling up. "It hurts too much."
"You can do it," Jack repeated, keeping the hurt and pain out of his voice. Kim didn't need to see how much it hurt him to see her hurt. She needed motivation. "Come on, you're not a quitter, Kim. I know you. Keep trying. You want to help Jerry, right?"
Kim nodded, realizing it was up to her to help Jerry and the rest of them. She had to.
Gritting her teeth, Kim tried again. She couldn't toss the keys far enough. Three tries later, Kim brushed her cheek against her sleeve to wipe the sweat and tears off before taking a deep breath. She had a hold on the keys. She jumped up, using her gymnastics skills to bend at the waist and lift her feet nearly as high as her head before bending her knees to toss the keys to Jack.
They brushed by his hands as he shot out to catch them, silently thanking God that he hadn't dropped them.
"I got them!" he announced quickly, hoping it relieved Kim.
Kim dropped her legs with a heavy pant, half laughing half crying at her success.
Jack was proud of her. He saw the blood on her wrists, after her second try the skin had been rubbed raw and yet she kept going despite the pain.
As promised, Jack quickly brought himself as close to Kim as possible. He had to strain his own wrists and he knew Kim was stretching too. But he found the right key and soon enough there was a satisfying click and the lock popped open.
Jack then moved to his own, working as fast as he could. It was a difficult angle but he'd already found the right key so he was freed within a matter of seconds.
He pulled off the lock and unthreaded the chains, toss them to the ground. He checked on Kim and when she was stuck still trying to get the chains off a nail they got caught on, he quickly helped her detangle herself. The second they were loose, Kim's arms dropped like deadweight and Jack enveloped her in his arms.
Kim lifted her own, although both were still weak from the blood rushing down their arms for so long.
A loud crash pulled them apart and Jack saw Jerry tossed into a pile of boxes and barrels while Brock tore his shirt off.
Kim's hands flew to her wrists as she probed them, they were so tender it hurt to touch even just lightly.
Jack grabbed her and pushed her back before quickly jumping in, immediately throwing a fist at Brock, not caring that it hadn't worked last time either.
Kim watched on worriedly, but she wasn't sure what she could do.
She was debating if she had room to run past the fight and sneak out to get help when Jack was tossed aside as well. Brock didn't seem to be done with him either, so worried for Jack's life, Kim ran up and kicked Brock as hard as she could square in the back.
He hardly flinched.
Instead, he slowly turned around and Kim dropped her arms. She shouldn't have done that. She had nowhere to go.
Brock approached her menacingly and she had a heavy feeling of Deja vu.
"Wait, please- arghawk!"
Brock reached out with his hand and grabbed Kim's throat. He'd had enough messing around. The girl would be the first to go.
He lifted Kim off the ground, sending her legs kicking to be released. She clawed at his hand but it was no use. Just as she was starting to weaken, he lifted her higher and slammed her violently to the ground.
He was a cage fighter, he got a thrill from the fight. It'd be too easy to simply suffocate the girl, even if she was small and weak.
While Kim laid on the ground gasping for air, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and lifted her up again.
Kim screamed in pain, almost wishing she had passed out. Then he'd leave her alone.
"Please," Kim begged. "Please don't!"
Brock smiled, he loved when they begged. It wasn't common in fights, so he was all too happy to get it from the girl for all the trouble he'd been put through for a little money. Nobody was supposed to be at the school but then there was and now he was going to enjoy it.
He slapped Kim quickly, watching in fascination as her head snapped so obediently. So easily. Blood rushed to her cheek immediately. Fascinating. Thrilling.
He needed more. The girl was wearing a long shirt, he couldn't see the pain he was inflicting. He couldn't check on his progress. He loved that aspect of cage fight, bare skin on bare skin. It took away any pretenses of a shield or protection and it allowed both fighters to monitor the pain they were causing.
He gripped her shirt with both hands in the front, pulling it apart until it ripped right down the middle. He yanked it off her arms, one after the other, and tossed the shirt aside with a guttural yell.
She was left wearing a thin yellow tank top, it wasn't a bare chest like he was used to, but at least her arms and shoulders were exposed and already showing signs of abuse.
Kim lifted her arms to wrap around herself but before she could Brock grabbed one and threw a knee into her chest.
Kim let out a scream, feeling her lungs get crushed under the force. She'd never bruised a rib, but Jack had and he told her how it felt. She was pretty sure she'd joined the club now.
Brock lifted his arm again, intrigued to see what another hit to the face would do to her skin, when something hard and painful smacked his back and neck.
He dropped the girl as he whirled around. There was Jerry, wielding a plunger, of all weapons.
Brock almost laughed. Odd weapons made for interesting fights. He welcomed the change.
While Jerry distracted Brock, Jack came to and crawled himself closer to Kim.
Everything hurt but he couldn't give up now. He recognized the adrenaline rush and he knew if he stopped to rest it would only hurt more.
"Kim?" he whispered, choking down a cry. If she didn't respond… No.
Kim coughed and tried to sit up, failing when her arm gave out.
Jack grabbed her under the arms and dragged her back and a little out of the way from the fighting. He crawled back over when he saw Jerry still dodging blows from Brock. His shirt had been ripped as well, although Brock hadn't managed to complete remove it.
"Jer!" Jack shouted, grabbing Jerry's attention quickly and nodding in front of him as he held up the chains and lock that he had dropped when he freed himself.
Jerry nodded, running back toward the door before jumping onto a barrel and back down into Brock. The momentum sent Brock stumbling back just enough that Jack was able to reach out from behind and pull his wrist back. He wound the chains around the sturdy pipe quickly, making it tight enough that it would hold for a second while he threaded the lock through. With one hand restrained, it wasn't as difficult to grab his other and, with Jack and Jerry's combined strength, force it onto the pipe. They used the chains that had held Kim, still covered in a little blood, and wound them tight, locking the second wrist as far as they could stretch it.
With Brock securely locked, Jerry grabbed the key and hurried to help Mr. Funderburk while Jack went back to check on Kim.
She was still trying to sit herself up, using some boxes to lean against as she winced with every move of her wrist.
"Hey, it's okay, I got it," Jack rushed, squatting down to pull her up himself.
"Ow, ow!" Kim complained while Jack tried to help situate her.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry," Jack apologized, knowing that he really couldn't help it but feeling bad all the same.
Kim let out a hiss before she was finally sitting somewhat comfortably. Jack plopped himself down next to her and let out a sigh.
"Th-Thanks," Kim said, her voice all rough and deep. It was a painful reminder that she'd nearly been choked to death just a few minutes ago.
"Don't mention it," Jack said, words much too casual for the situation they were in.
There was a pause before both of them looked at each other and let out a laugh.
Both of them winced when they realized it hurt too much to laugh.
"Guys, we need to get some help," Jerry said, interrupting them as he and Mr. Funderburk lurked above them.
Looking at Jerry with his torn shirt and blood and bruises covering his body reminded the pair of the gravity of their situation and Kim's own condition.
"I'll stay here, make sure nothing happens. You three should go get help and get yourselves checked out," Mr. Funderburk said.
"Are you sure? Maybe I should stay too, just in case something does happen," Jack offered, knowing that if Brock got out Funderburk wouldn't be able to subdue him all alone. Jack was doubtful any of them would be able to again, with all their injuries, but it didn't feel right to leave anyone behind.
"No," Funderburk insisted. "You need to go. Get the police and call Kim an ambulance. I'll be fine here, he's not going anywhere."
Jack looked around hesitantly, before realizing Kim probably should get some medical attention.
"I- I feel fine," Kim rasped, earning three separate glares. She didn't sound fine at all. "Maybe a little hurt," she relented, her wrists stinging all over again and her cheek flaring with heat while it was hard to take a real breath.
"Come on," Jerry said, bending down with a groan as he guided Kim to her feet. She wobbled a little and Funderburk had to catch her before she collapsed again.
Jerry then helped Jack up and the boys each wrapped an arm around Kim's waist as they supported each other. Nobody was strong enough to do much else.
"Go quickly," Funderburk said, as if they needed a reminder.
They all nodded before hobbling out of the room and heading for the nearest exit.
"There should be someone working at the gas station, just across the street," Jack said, trying to think of the closest place there would be a working phone.
"Let's do it," Jerry said, figuring that was their best option.
"O-kay," Kim agreed, just before tripping over a loose tile and nearly pulling all three of them to the ground.
"Woah," Jack said, putting a spread hand over her torso and keeping her upright. "Slow down, there. I think we should maybe sit down, Kim," Jack suggested.
"Yeah, okay," Kim agreed with a lazy nod, feeling herself get dizzier the longer she stood.
Jack cursed as Kim dropped, catching her with a groan and sitting her against some lockers.
"New plan," Jack groaned, pulling his hand out from behind Kim. "Jerry, stay with Kim, I'll go get help."
"No," Jerry said immediately. Jack was better suited to watch over Kim. Not only to keep her safe, but to offer her company and distraction. Plus, he knew Jack would prefer to watch over Kim himself. "You stay with her. I'll be quick."
Jack nodded, grateful for Jerry. He himself was exhausted and he didn't really want to leave Kim out of his sight. He knew Jerry was just as tired, so it meant a lot to know he'd volunteered.
"Jack?" Kim rasped again, coughing a little. "Thanks."
Despite the rage he was feeling, not at Kim, Jack's eyes softened a little. "Thank you," he replied. She'd tried to protect him and Jerry and while it was a stupid thing to do, it was also incredibly selfless.
Although they'd been fighting, Kim upset with the treatment Jack gave Jerry and Jack upset that Kim hadn't heeded his earlier commands, it all seemed silly now.
Kim tried to sit up a little better, she felt like she was slipping down the wall, but even the smallest movement hurt and she let out a hiss of pain.
"Let me help," Jack immediately insisted. He tried to help her sit on her own, but she really did keep slipping and instead he pulled her closer and had her lean against his side.
Kim was winded by even that small exertion and found all she could do was lean limp against Jack while he began stroking her hair, gently moving it out her face.
Kim shivered, and Jack was reminded that her shirt had been ripped off her body. Another wave of anger coursed through him. The audacity of that man to not only hurt a teenage girl, but to tear the clothes off her body was a whole other level of evil. His anger was quickly redirected into concern and worry as he began rubbing a hand up and down Kim's arm to warm her up. He had to be gentle, pressing too hard would only hurt her further.
Kim sniffled, breathing shallowly and fighting the tears in her eyes. She couldn't even control the light stream of tears that were constantly threatening to pour down her cheeks.
She thought back to when it had all started, not even that long ago, she realized. She'd heard the noise and informed Jack. They realized what happened, what was happening, and Kim wanted to rush in and put a stop to it. It was a rash decision and Jack had been the voice of reason, telling her the danger wasn't worth it. They should have called the cops, they should have gotten help. Kim couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if she'd just listened to him. And when neither of them could handle the thought of someone being hurt, Jack ran in to help and told Kim to stay safe and get help. She hadn't listened. They all got hurt then.
"I'm sorry," Kim apologized after a few minutes of unbearable silence. The weight of the guilt in her stomach was almost too much to bear and it was crushing her. She felt like she was going to throw up.
"I'm sorry I got us into this and that everyone got hurt… I should've stayed back like you said. We could've gotten help…"
"It's okay," Jack said softly, still rubbing Kim's arm. "It was the right thing to do. The phones wouldn't work anyway," he reminded her. "Really, I'm sorry. I should have protected you better."
"That's not your job," Kim argued weakly. Jack was always trying to take the blame for everything and Kim really couldn't see the logic in his words.
Jack didn't appear to agree and Kim found it strange.
"It is always my job to protect you," he whispered, drawing his hand up and bringing it to the back of her head as he gently cradled it and leaned down to pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Kim's eyes fluttered closed at the contact and she melted into him, relishing in the feeling of warmth and comfort he gave her.
Jack's own body ached, especially with the addition of Kim's body weight, but he didn't dare move her or complain. He wouldn't rather be anywhere else in the world right now than holding Kim.
When Jerry returned some time later, it was with several police officers and EMTs in tow. Jack looked up and peered at the scene as best he could with everything pinning him down to his spot on the ground by the lockers.
Everything moved so fast.
Jerry spotted Jack and Kim and directed the EMTs in their direction before explaining where the boiler room was and leading the police in that direction.
When one of the first responders tried to pry Kim off Jack, she let out a groan of pain and Jack was tempted to pull her to him again and refuse help. But he knew that was a foolish and overprotective thought. She needed the care, and he did too.
It was clear she was in pain and Jack tried to help explain the extent of her injuries as best he could, while also being looked over.
They laid Kim on the ground, holding a hand under her head while they took note of all her wounds.
During that time, Jack was also being asked questions and being bandaged up. There was too much going on for him to know how Kim was doing and it was hard.
When he had finally been cleared, and he was allowed to return to Kim's side, he immediately scooted close. She was sitting up again, though still relying on the support of one of the EMTs. Her wrists were being wrapped in layers of white gauze and she was watching with a blank expression.
"Hey," Jack said softly, pulling her attention up to him.
She immediately smiled.
Jerry and Funderburk emerged a minute later, both searching for Kim and Jack. When they found them, the EMTs moved to dressing their wounds as well.
Brock was handcuffed and marched through the halls and out the door, but not before everyone heard his shouts and grunts. The reminder of his violent aggression sent a shiver down all four spines.
The police then sent an officer to collect a statement from everyone, and ask for more details of the case.
It was a bit exhausting, and the woman could see that, so soon she promised she'd gotten what she needed for now and that their parents were all on their ways.
They waited for Kim's parents to arrive before they mentioned the need for a hospital. In an effort to bypass the ambulance fee, her parents elected to driver her there themselves. Jack's mother had shown up soon after, followed closely by Jerry's father.
All three families rode to the hospital, with Funderburk giving his personal phone number to the adults and promising to help in any way he could. He felt responsible for having the kids in school on a weekend, and leaving them without any means of communication when there had been an emergency.
Jack's mom pointed out that phones wouldn't have done them any good anyways, but he still felt guilty for three students to be injured on school premises under his watch.
At the hospital, everyone was more fully checked out and the list of complications was long. Concussions, cuts, contusions, and in Kim's case, multiple bruised ribs.
But, by the end of the day, everyone was released and given a variety of medications to manage the pain as well as instructions for nursing their ailments. Everyone would eventually make a full recovery.
Jerry's dad took him home as soon as he was checked out, his mother was now at home waiting for them to return.
Jack waited with his mom in the waiting for Kim to be released.
She looked tired when she walked out, flanked by her parents. He was sure he didn't look much better.
Upon seeing Jack, Kim's mom held her dad back and nudged Kim toward him so they could have a private conversation.
"How you feel?" Jack asked.
"Like I could sleep for a week," Kim joked. She let out a chuckle, which was quickly cut short as she put a hand on her torso and bent over in pain. "Ow."
Jack grimaced in sympathy. "Sorry, it's probably gonna suck for a while."
Kim nodded. She was beginning to understand that.
"Did you see Jerry?" Kim asked, noticing that he wasn't there and he'd probably already left.
Jack nodded. "Yeah, his mom was really worried about him."
Kim nodded back and started fiddling with the new wraps around her wrists.
"I, uh, talked to him."
Kim's eyes shot up at Jack's words. She was pretty sure she knew where this was going.
"You were right, you know," he added, giving her a small smile. She was always right. "He didn't mean to get us in trouble and I was too harsh on him. I was just upset and I let that get in the way… He's a good friend. My best friend, and I just forgot that. So I guess, uh, thanks for reminding me. Even if I didn't, like, appreciate it at the time, you know? I guess I should've just listened to you," Jack said, stumbling through his words. It wasn't exactly an apology to Kim but he still wanted her to know he felt bad about what he'd done to Jerry and the way he treated her for bringing it up.
"Well…" Kim said, looking down, "I'm glad you've made up."
"Same," Jack smiled. "I don't know what we would do without Jerry's antics in our lives," he admitted.
Kim let out another small laugh, followed by a wince.
Jack smiled back and gave her shoulder the lightest punch (if you could even call it that). "Go home," he chuckled. "I'll text you later, 'kay?"
"Okay. Thanks again… I know you tried to keep me safe today and… thanks."
"Always, Kim. Now go home and sleep!"
"Okay!" she said defensively, looking back to see her parents thanking the receptionist and saying goodbye.
Jack returned back to his mom, telling her he was ready, and he turned back in time to see Kim give him a small wave. He returned it, knowing no matter what adventures life threw at them, he was glad to share it with Kim.
I hope you able to see a good balance between like protective Jack and the strong, I-can-do-it-myself Kim. Because she is a strong character who can defend herself and doesn't doubt her abilities, but also Jack is protective and I personally love stories with protective male love interests. So lots of my stories feature a balance between being accurate to Kim's character while still featuring that trope. It's difficult lol.
Also I'm so annoyed I've had this infection for like a week and it hurts pretty bad but honestly the intense pain I can live with it's just the fact that it's constant, you know? ugh, so annoying to be hurting 24/7. Anyways... Like I said, I may have another story come out soon.