Chapter Twenty-Five

At Powerline Stadium

Jasmine sat in the crowded audience, sweaty hands resting in her lap as she watched Aladdin's team take the stage. This was the final round in the competition, which would determine who would be victorious and be taking home the trophy, as well as the title of the best dance team around. While they had no trouble beating out their previous competitors, they were now up against last years winners: The Emperors, led by their egotistical captain Kuzco. That ego wasn't just for show though, his team was really, really good. Almost unbeatable.

Jasmine flicked her eyes over Aladdin, who was over at the side of the stage with a concentrated look on his face. When he glanced out into the audience, she smiled at him, offering him a thumbs up. He smiled back and relaxed a bit. Finally, the lights dimmed, the stage lights flashed onto the stage, and the music blared through the speakers. The Barbarians moved with such ease and fluidity and intensity. The crowd couldn't help but scream and cheer in delight and excitement. Jasmine joined in on the cheering, holding up a handmade sign with the words 'GO BARBARIANS' written in red, purple, and gold letters.

Landing their final stunt and final pose, the stadium roared with overwhelming applause. People were on their feet, jumping up and down, chanting 'Barbarians' over and over again. Al couldn't help but grin—he even got a little teary eyed—but it wasn't over yet. The judges still had to tally up the score and proclaim a winner. The Emperors, along with Kuzco, were watching from behind the stage and they looked pretty impressed (not that they would ever admit it).

A hush fell upon the audience as the judges handed their final result to the announcer. Both dance teams stood on opposite ends of the stage, holding their teammates hands, anxiously waiting.

The announcer glanced at the envelope, keeping his facial expression unreadable as he began to speak. "We have watched these two teams over the last few days pour their hearts out onto this stage. They have put their blood, sweat and tears into this here competition! And now, unfortunately, this is the end of the line for one these amazing teams," he pauses, eyes washing over the audience. "Before I announce this years winners, I just want to congratulate the teams for making it this far. It has been a real pleasure watching your journey, and know that this doesn't diminish your tal—"

"Just tell us who won already!" Jasmine shouted.

"Okay, okay," the announcer chuckled. "This year's winners of the dance competition are…The Ababwian Barbarians!"

While the crowd erupted into loud cheers and chanting again, Jasmine rushed down from her seat to join Al and his team on the stage. She jumped onto his back and began to smear the side of his face with kisses. "You did it! You did it! You won babe!"

"I know!" He yelled, throwing his arms around whoever was in his reach. The boys whooped and hollered, celebrating their win. Once they calmed down enough they noticed the Emperors and Kuzco approaching them.

Kuzco stepped forward, clearing his throat. "You proved to be a formidable opponent and a well needed challenge. You've definitely earned my respect," he held his hand out for a handshake. "Congratulations,"

Al accepted the words of praise, which was considerably rare knowing Kuzco's reputation. He shook Kuzco's hand graciously. "Thank you I appreciate it. Maybe we can work together sometime in the future,"

"I look forward to it," Kuzco offered a remnant of a smile, then turned to exit the stage with his team following behind him.

Jasmine latched her arm around Al's. "Come on guys, lets go celebrate. My treat!"

"Your treat?" asked Al, surprised.

Jasmine pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "Yes, my treat. You deserve it,"

At Bueno Nacho

"You're cheating on him?!" Nakoma all but yelled.

"Sshh, lower your voice," Pocahontas glanced around to see if anyone had overheard. "That's not what I said,"

"You didn't have to," Nakoma took a big, angry bite out of her burrito. "I can't believe you're having an affair,"

"I'm not," Pocahontas insisted. "Nothing even happened between us,"

"Not yet," Nakoma argued. "Why don't you just break up with Kocoum if you're not happy?"

"I am gonna break up with him. I just need some time to figure out how I'm going to do it,"

"You're just making excuses; you're using this John guy to avoid ending your relationship," Nakoma narrowed her eyes at her. "And I know you like him. You can deny it all you want, I can see it all over your face."

Poca poked at her nachos. "…you're right. I do like him, I really, really like him," she unconsciously broke out into a huge grin. "He just makes me feel…like I can be myself. I haven't felt like that in a long time,"

"You can't tell Kocoum that? I'm sure he'd understand if you'd just talk to him,"

Pocahontas rolled her eyes, hard. "I'm so tired of everyone acting like Kocoum is the greatest man on Earth. You all get one impression of him and think he's Jesus fucking Christ," she nudged her plate away from her, no longer hungry. "He's not the guy he plays himself out to be,"

"Then why don't you just leave?"

"You think I haven't tried?! Do you know how many times I've tried to explain to my father that Kocoum isn't the man for me? That he doesn't make me happy? Do you know what he says? That I'm being ridiculous. That love will come eventually, just give it some time," Pocahontas dabbed at her watering eyes. "Well you know what, I've given it enough time. I've had enough of everyone telling me what I should and shouldn't be happy for,"

"…I had no idea Poca. I'm sorry," Nakoma put her hands on Poca's. "Your secret if safe with me, for now. But I do want you to tell Kocoum the truth before things go any further with John."

"I'll try."

At Aquata's House

It had been a little over a week since Eric had met up with Jim at the bar. Honestly, he doesn't know how he survived the night. Merida had made him take shot after shot of Irish whiskey as punishment for being a jerk to Jim. And she didn't hold back on him either. Eric swore it felt like his head was still pounding. Now that he had made an complete ass of himself, he was ready to get his wife back. He was wrong and was ready to admit it. He went too far by dragging Vanessa back into their lives. He crossed a line by not trusting Ariel and was ready to beg for her forgiveness.

Hence why he was at Aquata's house, nervously making his way up to the front door. He rang the doorbell and waited for someone to come to the door.

Aquata's stone cold face greeted him. "What are you doing here?"

"Is Ariel here?"

"Yeah, where else would she be? With Jim?"

Eric rubbed at the back of his neck. "I deserved that. Seriously though, can I come in and talk to her? Please?"

Aquata glared at him a moment before moving aside, "She's out back in the pool,"

Eric gave a tight nod and walked through the house, going straight to the backyard. He watched Ariel move around the pool for a bit before stepping out onto the patio, making his presence known. Ariel stopped swimming and floated in the middle of the pool, staring at Eric with a surprised expression that quickly changed into annoyance. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk to you," Eric stepped a bit closer to the pool's edge.

"I don't have anything to say to you,"

"You don't have to say anything, just listen to me—"

"Oh you want me to listen? You didn't listen to me at all during this whole thing, why should I listen to you?"

Eric sighed, head hanging. "Ariel, please, I know I've made a huge mistake. I just…I let my jealousy get the best of me,"

Ariel climbed out of the pool, grabbed her towel off the back of the lawn chair. "That's the thing Eric. You had absolutely no reason to be jealous. I married you, not Jim or anyone else. Not only that, but you had the audacity to think that I would jeopardize our marriage by cheating on you. It's more than just your stupid jealousy Eric, it's the fact that you don't trust me"

Eric opened his mouth to protest, but quickly closed it because she was right. He should have believed her when she said that Jim was just an old friend. She had no reason to lie to him, she never did.

Ariel continued. "And if that wasn't bad enough, you called up Vanessa—the one person who always tried to get between us—and for what? What was your purpose for calling her, huh? Were you planning on having an affair with her?".

"No! I just…I wanted to make you feel how I felt at the time."

"You want to know how I felt when I answered your phone that day? Heartbroken. Crushed. Betrayed," Ariel's eyes stung with tears as she recalled hearing Vanessa's voice. "No matter how angry I am at you, I would never do something like that to you,"

"I know," Eric reached out towards her. "Ariel I'm so sorry,"

"No! Don't touch me!" she backed away from him. "Your sorry doesn't mean shit to me Eric! We are not in college anymore, these bullshit tit-for-tat games are over! We're supposed to be adults!"

"Babe, please," Eric stepped towards her. "I know I was wrong. I know was beyond stupid and out of line, just give me a chance to make this right"

"How? How do you intend on making this right?"

"…I met with Jim. I know all about his fiancé and that you were helping him with his proposal. Why didn't you tell me he was engaged?"

Ariel crossed her arms over her chest. "How could I? You had your head too far up your ass to listen to anything I said,"

Eric rubbed at the back of his neck again. "Can't argue with you there," he took a deep breath before asking his next question. "Are you coming back home soon?"

Ariel shook her head. "No. I can't stand to be around you without thinking about what you've put me through; put us through. I need time to think,"

"How much time exactly?"

"Until I feel like you've earned my trust again." Ariel tied her towel around her waist. "Now…you need to go. Please."

Eric nodded, turning to leave from the backyard, around the house, and down the driveway. He into his car and drove home, blinking away the oncoming tears.

Author's Note: Hi everyone. I know it's been a while since I've updated, but I wanted to let you all know that I am not in the best place mentally or emotionally right now. Every day is a struggle to find the motivation to do even the simplest things and it's taking a toll on me. I will say though, it does bring a smile to my face whenever I see a new follower or story favorite. Thank you so much for that. Please continue to be patient with me as I battle this monkey on my back, and be sure to comment and tell me what you'd like to see happen next. Until next time guys!