Hometown Justice: Homecoming

Chapter Two

Alex walked into the room just in time to see a kid who looked remarkably like himself sparing with another kid. Smiling, he walked into the center of the room clapping as the younger version of himself landed a well-placed roundhouse kick to the side of the opponent’s head. The opponent fell, crumpling like a wet bag. Everyone turned to look at Alex as he walked closer.

“Bravo!” Alex exclaimed.

The younger version of himself bowed to the opponent. Alex could not believe how similar Chase looked to himself at Chase’s age. They even had the same color hair. 

“Chase Davis, victor by TKO!” a familiar voice said from behind Alex.

Alex turned and locked eyes with his best friend, Tai Kwondo. Tai stood slightly taller than Alex, with more muscle, due to his constant training. Tai’s dark hair had gotten a tad longer, reaching almost to his shoulders, but it was tied up traditionally. Alex locked eyes with his friend’s green eyes and they instantly took fighting stances, beginning to trade blows. Alex, who had always been quicker than Tai, was dodging and weaving like crazy, until he performed the same move Chase had used. Tai caught his foot, which Alex had counted on, quickly bringing his left leg around and striking Tai in the ribs. Tai stumbled backwards clutching his ribs, as Alex landed, regaining his balance and leaping forward with a thrust kick aimed for Tai’s chest. Tai crossed his arms in front of his chest at just the right moment, still taking a little impact, but deflecting most of it. Alex flipped backwards and smiled.

“Looks like we’ve both improved, Ruler,” Tai said, panting heavily.

“I think you’ve gotten better, Tai, I didn’t have much time for martial arts on base,” Alex said.

“But you managed to master that amazing thrust kick,” Tai said.

“I mastered that before leaving,” Alex said.

Tai’s jaw hit the floor. He slowed his breathing down and stood up, bowing to Alex.

“Class this is Polkville’s very own, Tiger Style Champion, Alex Ruler,” Tai said.

The entire class stood and bowed. Alex returned the bow. 

“Chase, this is your uncle,” Tai said.

“Hiyah!” Chase shouted, lunging at Alex with a sharp hook. 

Alex blocked the hook with his right wrist, and wrapped his nephew’s arm around behind his back. 

“First Rule of Tiger Style, when you are facing a room full of martial artists, never let your guard down,” Alex said, just as Chase tried to sweep Alex’s legs, which resulted in Alex jumping and lifting Chase off the floor by his waist. “Second Rule of Tiger Style, never let your guard down even when you’ve taken out the major threat,” Alex said.

“Chase! Why are you showing such hostility towards your uncle?” Tai demanded.

“He left my mom, grandma, grandpa, and my dad when they needed him,” Chase said, still struggling against Alex’s grip.

“I didn’t leave anyone. I barely knew your father before he was killed, and I’m going to make up for missing out on the first ten years of your life,” Alex said.

Alex released Chase, who ran to his designated seat. Tai stood in front of the class.

“Class,” Tai said, as all the youngsters straightened up and waited Tai’s instructions, “Dismissed. We’ll meet again on Friday,” 

With that, the students all ran off into the locker rooms. Tai and Alex walked around and talked.

“So you inherited the place from your grandfather?” Alex asked.