Title: Slithering Revenge

Summary: Frank taunts the Wasabi Warriors, practically begging for a fight. When Jack and the others give him what he wants, and beat him, they make plans to celebrate, unaware that Kim is not celebrating with them. When they find her hurt, the boys rally together to do anything they can to help their friend.

Author's Note: Okay I'm really sucking at the title game rn but it's okay I promise this is a good one. Based on the reviews on the last one-shot, I decided to add some more protective Jerry/Milton. I got this idea literally yesterday and wrote the whole thing like right away which never happens with me and stories. Even just one-shots. But I liked this idea and wanted to get it out there so you're so welcome I know I'm so amazing.

p.s. If you do not care for fight scenes, same, I promise pls just read on the fight isn't that long.

WARNING: this chapter is a little more intense than usual, but nothing graphic or gory. just intense. read if you want or don't, it's up to you.

"Come on, Brewer, too scared you'll lose in front of your girlfriend?" Frank taunted, leering at Kim as he did so.

Jack took a dangerous step closer to Frank. The Black Dragon was pushing it today, and he knew it too.

"Let's just go, guys," Kim sighed, turning her back and hoping Jack and the others would be right behind her.

Thankfully, she was right and the boys began to follow her out. Until Frank just had to open his mouth.

"Go on, follow the little slithering snake out like the obedient wimps you are."

Jack stopped and whipped around to face Frank. "Don't talk about her like that."

"Or what? Come on, show me what you'll do, Jack."

Jack just shook his head. "You're pathetic. I'm not giving you crap."

Jack rolled his eyes as he turned around, quickly stopping himself when out of the corner of his eye he caught Frank marching forwards.

Frank raised a fist just as Jack pulled a hand up to push it away. "You probably shouldn't have done that," Jack growled. (A/N sorry I never interrupt but I had to do it to 'em)

Frank smirked. Jack was in.

As Frank took another swing at Jack, the others rushed forwards to help Jack and break the pair apart. There was a reason they hadn't given Frank his fight sooner. They had been in a few scuffles in the past few weeks and while none of them were really the Wasabi Warriors' faults, it was best if they could keep a clean record for a while. Fighting right outside the mall at night was definitely something they had hoped to avoid.

Just as Jack's friends had come to his aid, Frank's fellow Black Dragons came to his.

Two took on Milton and Jerry, who worked together much better rather than splitting off one-on-one. Another grabbed Kim as one joined Frank's side.

Within seconds it had turned into an all-out brawl.

Jack, faced with not one, but two opponents, was feeling much more challenged than usual.

When Frank aimed a kick at Jack's gut, Jack ducked and kicked Frank's own gut in retaliation. Then without a moment to recover, a punch was thrown towards Jack's head. He narrowly dodged it, bending back in the process.

Every block or hit he was able to land was just enough to defend himself, but not enough to end the fight. Sometime soon after the fight began, the second Black Dragon disappeared and Jack was just left with Frank to deal with.

As the minutes drew on, exhaustion began to play a big factor in the fight.

The Black Dragons, especially Frank, were desperate and soon Frank was using more unconventional methods.

One second Jack was dodging punches and the next he was dodging metals chairs.

Frank grabbed the arms of a nearby chair and dangerously thrust it towards Jack. Jack jumped back, his mind realizing after that Frank could have (and still could) stabbed him.

"That's enough, Frank," Jack spat, pausing as he and Frank took a breath. "Just go home."

Frank growled and charged at Jack. He had always been so quick to anger, becoming upset at the drop of a dime.

Using his anger against him, Jack grabbed Frank's fist and spun him around before shoving him to the ground forcefully.

Frank coughed and groaned, winded from the impact.

Jack knelt down and rested his hand on Frank's shoulder, keeping him down just in case he had any crazy ideas. "Take your buddies and leave, Frank. You're beat."

Frank shrugged Jack's hand off and pulled himself up. "Doesn't matter," he panted. "We got what we wanted anyways."

Jack scoffed, Frank really was an idiot. A fight was all he wanted? Really? Even if he lost?

With that Frank turned to his buddies, kicking two of them who were on the ground, and nodding towards the parking lot. As the Black Dragons gathered themselves together and limped off, the Wasabi Warriors rallied around Jack, smiling despite their assortment of pains and bruises.

"Whew!" Jerry whistled. "We really got 'em that time, huh, Jack?"

Jack chuckled. "We did, didn't we?" he agreed. "Sometimes I wonder why Frank even tries. He knows he's going to lose."

"Because," Milton interrupted. "It's just the way he is. He gets a kick out of fighting, even if he loses. It's all about starting a fight. Plus his pride is bigger than Jupiter. Everything we do ticks him off, I'm surprised we've gone almost two weeks without some kind of argument."

"True." Jack and Jerry nodded, Milton spoke wise words.

"I guess we could go see if Phil's is still open, get a quick snack while we recover?" Jack suggested.

"Yeah, sounds good to me," Milton shrugged, happy to spend a few more minutes with his friends.

"Jerry?"

"I'm in," Jerry shrugged.

"Kim?"

Nobody answered.

All the boys quickly looked around, searching for their missing friend.

"Kim?" Jack asked again, much louder.

"She was just here," Milton said, voicing his thoughts.

Jack's heart involuntarily sped up drastically as he scanned the area. "Kim!" he shouted, still unable to find her.

"...Jack?" Kim mumbled quietly.

Jack turned to her voice and found Kim slumped against the brick wall about 10 yards away. He quickly ran over as Jerry and Milton trailed behind him.

"Kim, are you okay?" Jack asked, taking in the sight of her tangled hair and pale face. She always looked a little disheveled after fights but this was different. Something was wrong.

"Jack…" Kim mumbled again as pain crossed her features.

Jack's eyes widened as he looked up at Milton and Jerry, wondering if they were seeing what he was seeing too.

"I'm here, Kim. I'm here. What's wrong? Just tell me what's wrong, okay?" Jack pleaded.

Kim whimpered as she tried to move, but found it nearly impossible. Broken at the sight of her struggling, Jack grabbed her shoulders gently and kept her still. "It's okay, Kim. You don't have to move. Just tell us where it hurts."

Kim sucked in a breath, finding even that to be painful. "My- stomach. They- they-" Kim gasped in pain as she cut herself off.

The boys looked down at her stomach but saw nothing besides the t-shirt she was wearing. Jack sent Milton a questioning look and Jerry nodded at him slowly. Jack turned back to Kim as he gingerly picked up the end of her shirt and raised it up.

At first, they didn't see it, but once they did three gasps left their mouths and their eyes were drawn to the angry red splotches on Kim's waist.

There on her pale and otherwise untouched skin was the clear design of a snake, burned into her skin.

The Black Dragons branded her.

Like a cow or ancient criminal, they marked her.

"Oh my…" Milton didn't get a chance to finish before he turned around to find the nearest trash can or plant to empty his stomach.

Jerry took a step back in surprise, feeling a fit of hot anger rising through his entire being.

Jack stared at the mark, following the tail to the head then back again. He looked until he couldn't look any more or else he too was afraid of ending up like Milton.

"Jack," Jerry spoke up, nodding to Kim's waist.

Jack looked back down and noticed for the first time a paper sticking out of Kim's waistband. He quickly pulled it out and unfolded it.

Have fun with your little snake, we sure did.

Beware: this animal is prone to disloyalty and cowardice.

Jack crumpled the paper as soon as he read it and threw it as far as he could manage.

They were sick. The Black Dragons had gone too far, miles upon hundreds of thousands of miles too far.

Kim whimpered again as a gentle breeze blew through and sent an icy chill throughout her torso.

Pushing all other thoughts to the back of his mind, Jack focused solely on Kim.

"Jerry, help me lift her up, gently. We'll take her back to the dojo," Jack decided.

Jerry nodded immediately, crouching down to help Jack. Together they held Kim between them, half sitting and half laying on Jack's shoulder.

She cried out when the skin on her stomach was pulled and pinched, but the boys were trying their best to keep her as still as possible.

When they finally reached the dojo they laid her down on a mat and propped her head up with some pillows from Rudy's office. Milton hurried in a minute later, having composed himself.

Jack lifted Kim's shirt again, afraid the fabric would irritate her if he didn't.

Milton, although having been sick just moments before and still not feeling great, jumped into action. "Jerry, get a cloth soaked in cold water and bring it out here as soon as possible. Jack, keep a close eye on her, she's probably in shock right now so look for signs of vomiting. We may need to put her in recovery position, but it'll hurt."

Jack nodded and started to brush the hair off of her sweaty face. "You'll be okay, Kim," Jack whispered. "You'll be just fine."

Kim nodded, believing Jack the moment the words left his mouth.

"I-I'm cold," Kim whispered.

Jack felt Kim's forehead, her burning forehead, and frowned. "No, Kim, you're burning up-"

"I got it!" Jerry said, rushing towards Kim with a dripping wet towel.

"Good, put it on her waist. We'll leave it there for a few minutes until she starts feeling better. I'm going to find some bandages-"

Jerry stood up reluctantly. "No, I'll go. You know how to help her. I… Just tell me what you need, I'll find some."

Milton nodded and explained to Jerry what he was looking for.

The relief was immediate as Jack placed the cool towel on Kim's burn. She wasn't feeling so cold anymore. In fact, she was suddenly very hot. And then she felt the towel, the cold, freezing towel.

The contrast was dizzying. Literally dizzying.

"Jack-" Kim groaned. "I can't- everything's spinning…"

Milton sprang forward, grabbing Kim's shoulders. "Turn her to her side!"

Jack helped Milton position Kim, wincing as she cried out and clutched her stomach. But then her cries stopped and she was throwing up right there on the mats.

Milton excused himself, afraid of making the scene worse and leaving Jack to handle it.

Jack quickly ignored the churning of his own stomach as he used an unused corner of the wet towel to help Kim wipe her face.

"Feel better?" Jack asked.

Kim nodded, then regretted the quick movement.

"Good. Let's just lay here for a second, alright? How does that sound?"

"Good," Kim mumbled.

Jack nodded to himself and kept his hand holding onto the towel, as if holding on would somehow inject some magic healing power.

When Jerry returned with the bandage and cream he caught sight of the mess Jack was avoiding sitting in and found another towel to try and clean it up. Having so many relatives in only so few rooms, Jerry was more than used to cleaning up messes. It didn't bother him near what it did Milton.

When it was all cleaned up, Jerry found Milton and let him know it was safe to come out.

Both boys joined Jack on the ground, forming a kind of circle around Kim's body as they waited for the pain to subside.

The silence was too painful, filled with memories and angry thoughts and the occasional sniffling from Kim. Unable to bear it, Jack began telling Kim stories. They were stupid little stories about stupid things that he had made up on the spot, but they were stupid enough to keep everything focused on that, not what had happened.

About ten minutes later, Milton checked in with Kim and decided to remove the towel and wrap up her spot.

The cream Jack rubbed very carefully onto her skin felt chilly and smooth. Milton helped him wrap a gauze around her waist. It turned into a three man job as Jerry lifted Kim, Milton explained, and Jack wrapped.

When it was all said and done, Kim laid in Jerry's arms while Milton cleaned up and Jack held her hand.

Kim was limp in Jerry's arms, exhausted and nearly falling asleep. Jack knew she hadn't fallen asleep though when every few seconds she would shift and whimper quietly.

Jack and Jerry seemed to have a conversation, sending each other looks and nods. They were both upset about what had happened and were debating how to move on. Jack wanted to make sure Kim was taken care of and Jerry wanted to run off and hit something.

The longer they sat there, the angrier Jerry became and soon he passed Kim off to Jack. Kim hissed and cried as the boys moved her around but Jerry was sure he would have done something far worse if he had to sit still a moment longer. As soon as Kim was securely in Jack's lap Jerry sprang up and ran into the locker room.

Jack knew what Jerry was doing, and it was confirmed when not much later muffled shouts and bangs sounded from behind the closed door.

"...Jack?" Kim whispered, opening her eyes.

"What do you need, Kim?" Jack asked softly, looking down at her cheek pressed against his chest as her eyes fluttered, struggling to stay open.

"I'm sorry…"

"No," Jack shook his head. "No, Kim. Don't think that," he replied quickly. "Don't be sorry for anything. Nothing that happened tonight was your fault. Please don't think that."

It was just like Kim to apologize for being assaulted. Jack wasn't necessarily surprised, but his heart ached that Kim was like that. She couldn't help it, it was a product of her environment. Jack wished he could make her understand things the way he understood them.

"But if I… You all got hurt too," Kim supplied weakly. "It's my fault…"

Jack shook his head again. "No, it isn't Kim. None of it."

"But-"

"None of it," Jack insisted.

Kim tried to argue again and while Jack was upset she didn't understand, he was glad she was talking again.

"Hey," he interrupted. "You don't have to, but at some point, we need to know what happened. Do you think you can tell me now?"

Kim bit her bottom lip and debated it. She knew Jack was right in that she would have to explain. At least right now it was just Jack and it was still fresh in her mind so she wouldn't have to open an old wound later.

Finally, Kim nodded.

Jack gave her his full attention.

Kim explained that from the very beginning when a Black Dragon grabbed her, they took her far away from the fight. Everyone else was occupied so they were able to slip out unnoticed.

Kim got out of her attackers' hold and began to fight them, but soon two other Black Dragons joined the first, and Kim was outnumbered.

Then two grabbed her arms and knocked her to the dirty ground. They pinned her to the concrete, not caring that there were rocks and pebbles digging into her skin. They shoved a cloth in her mouth immediately, muffling her to silence.

Then one of them crawled on top of her and lifted her shirt. She was terrified they wanted something else, but when she felt a searing hot pain on her side all thoughts vanished and all she knew was pain.

It hurt worse than anything Kim had ever felt. It was as if the boy holding it to her skin was pressing down hard just to make it that much more painful.

Kim screamed and screamed, but nobody could hear over the noise. She was sweating immediately and for a moment she didn't even realize when the pressure and heat were removed from her body.

She felt a hand slip into the waistband of her shorts but then suddenly it was gone and she was thrown against a wall.

The gag must have been taken out of her mouth, but she hadn't noticed anything until she heard Jack's voice calling her name.

"Kim," Jack whispered, closing his eyes as they filled with tears. "I'm so sorry we weren't there. We were right there. We should have seen. We should have heard. I- I'm so sorry."

Kim just offered him a tight smile and pressed her face against his chest again as Jack put his hand on her head and held her close.

"Jack?" Kim asked a minute later, breaking the silence.

"Hm?" Jack asked as he wiped his tears and placed a kiss on Kim's head.

"What did they… I couldn't see and after they started… What did they do to me?" Kim's voice cracked, breaking Jack's heart at the helplessness Kim was feeling.

"It's awful, Kim," Jack said, shaking his head in disgust.

"Please, Jack. I want to know."

"I can't," Jack whispered into her hair.

"Please."

Jack closed his eyes as he nodded. Very carefully, he helped Kim stand. She was still in pain, although the cool compress and bandaging had helped her feel much better. Jack carefully led her to the girl's locker room and helped her stand in front of the mirror.

Then, making sure it was what she wanted, Jack carefully lifted Kim's shirt and unwrapped the fresh bandages.

When he pulled them away, he set them on the counter even though he would have to get new ones when she was done.

"Kim."

Kim looked up at Jack.

"I… We love you. I just want you to know that."

Kim nodded. She did know that. She had to because that was the only way she could get through dealing with the Black Dragon's constant attempts at revenge.

As Jack stepped away and held up Kim's shirt for her to see, she slowly looked at herself. When she spotted it, the slithering little red snake, permanently burned to her skin, she knew the Black Dragons had won. They had gotten their revenge. They marked her. She was forever marked a snake, their favorite nickname.

Suddenly Kim crumpled into Jack's arms. She didn't cry at first but then the picture of her forever damaged skin appeared in her mind and she began to sob.

Jack cradled her head and lifted her into his arms so he could bring her back out to the mats and away from the mirror.

Kim cried and cried over everything. At some point Jerry and Milton returned and sat with Jack and Kim, focused solely on her well-being.

A pact was made right then, between the guys.

They had always admired Kim, she was a special and valued member of their little group. But today, that changed.

They were friends, but they were also family. All three of them would do anything for Kim. From then on, the Black Dragons would never touch her again. From then on, Kim would never disappear from their sight in the middle of a fight. From then on, she would be safe. No matter the cost, they were keeping her safe.

After sitting together and listening to Kim's sobs turn to quiet whimpers, and then snores, the gang prepared themselves for the rest of the night.

Kim's bandage was thrown away and a new one wrapped up. Jerry and Milton grabbed everyone's bags and carried them out to Kim's car.

Jack laid Kim down in the front seat and reluctantly left her seat belt unbuckled, vowing to drive the safest he had ever driven.

The boys put the bags in the backseat and each looked over Kim one last time.

"Take care of her, man," Jerry said, licking his lips as he looked at the ground.

"I will," Jack promised.

"Give her some medicine before she falls asleep for the night," Milton reminded Jack.

Jack nodded. "I will."

The boys exchanged nods again as Jack climbed into the driver's seat and began the slow journey back to Kim's house.

Jerry trailed them, parking in the street when Jack pulled into Kim's driveway. While Jack went to the door, Jerry stayed behind with Kim.

It was difficult, perhaps one of the hardest things Jack had ever done, telling Kim's mom what happened. Her dad was on an overnight business trip, so someone would have to tell him what happened as well.

Jack tried to keep it as concise and vague as possible, explaining that Kim was sleeping peacefully in the car now. Her mother was still worried and rushed out to the car to see her daughter.

Jack and Jerry helped bring Kim and her things inside. Mrs. Crawford just had Jack set her on the couch so she could keep an eye on her throughout the night.

Jack reminded Mrs. Crawford that Kim would need painkillers and that her bandage would need changing in the morning and at night until it was healed. Mrs. Crawford just nodded along, unable to speak through her silent tears.

When Jack and Jerry were done, Mrs. Crawford pulled them both into a hug.

"I know you don't believe it wasn't your fault, but it wasn't. Thank you for keeping her safe."

Jack just nodded, although he didn't agree.

He hadn't kept Kim safe, that's why they were where they were. But he wasn't going to argue with Kim's mother.

Jerry gave Jack a ride back to the mall to get his car. The ride was silent. When Jerry pulled up next to Jack's car, he stopped Jack before he got out.

"Jack," Jerry sighed. "Just don't do anything stupid. Kim needs you and you can't be there if you get yourself arrested or hurt."

Jack nodded, rolling his eyes as if Jerry was being ridiculous. In reality, he was trying to hide how close Jerry was to reading his mind.

All Jack could think about was images of Frank and the others faces as his fist collided with their noses and cheeks again and again. He wanted them to pay for hurting Kim, but Jerry was right. Attacking them was no way to avenge her.

Jack spent the ride home thinking about everything he would have to do the next day.

He doubted he would be getting much sleep. When it was a reasonable time, Jack would contact Sensei Ty.

It wasn't Jack's scar to share with just anybody so he wouldn't go to the police without Kim's blessing. But he couldn't let nothing happen so he would at least speak with Ty. Depending on how their conversation went, he would then have to consider going to the authorities. That meant he would need to approach Kim about reporting the incident.

Which was his next item of business. He was going to Kim's house to make sure her bandages were changed and that she was eating and feeling fine.

Mrs. Crawford had offered to call Jack herself, or have Kim call, but Jack wasn't sure he could stay away. Mrs. Crawford nodded sympathetically and said he could stop by around 9, unless she called and said otherwise.

Jack planned on spending as long as he could with Kim. He wanted to make sure she had everything she needed and was plenty distracted.

His next order of business would be meeting with the guys.

Everything after that was up in the air, completely dependent on how Kim was feeling. He was okay with that. As long as Kim was healing, he would be okay.

okay remember when I interrupted the story? well then I started having comments about every single line and I wish we could comment like on other unnamed reading platforms... but I have so much to say about every single line but I promise I'll try to be professional *sigh*

Okay but I just also want to remind everyone I started this at like 8pm yesterday right before my shower and then I finished it this afternoon and now it's posted this very same afternoon, like 16 hours after I started it. wait idk that math feels wrong. its been like 20 hours. but still. that's impressive. compliment me. praise me. kidding kidding, I'm a humble author and all that.