013, you are strong

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE. IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE JUST VOTE!!!!

PLEASE STOP BEING FREAKIN A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE! PLEASE!!!!! stop being ghost readers!!!! its really annoying!!!

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO SEE VIEWS GO UP BUT NOT VOTES. its annoying for us writers. so please just vote and comment!! its not that hard!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! i dont how many times i have to say this. i am so sorry for the notifications but this is really annoying to see views go up when the votes aren't. PLEASE JUST FREAKIN VOTE!!!

The air inside the old dojo was thick with the past, hanging heavy like a storm waiting to break. The dim overhead lights flickered faintly, casting shadows on the faded mats and walls, relics of a time that had nearly destroyed them all. The walls, once covered in Cobra Kai banners, were now bare, the outlines of their former presence lingering like scars. Time had left its mark, but it had also cleansed the space, transforming it from a place of bitterness and rivalry to one of purpose and growth.

Sasha stood at the center of it all, her muscles still aching from the day's training but feeling stronger than they ever had before. The mirrors reflected her back to her, showing not just her physical transformation but the strength in her posture, in the determined set of her jaw. This wasn't the same girl who had walked into this dojo all those months ago. The girl who had been broken, lost, unsure. No, this was someone different. Someone who had fought for every ounce of the strength she had now, and who wasn't afraid to claim it.

Beside her, Miguel adjusted his stance, his hands twitching at his sides, flexing like he was ready to spring into action at any second. His focus was sharp, his eyes hard but warm, like a warrior at the edge of a battlefield, waiting for the call to fight. The dojo had made him into a champion, but it had also made him something else-someone who would protect what mattered. Sasha had always admired that about him, but more than that, she had found in him a friend, someone who understood the struggles she had faced, someone who had seen her at her worst and still chose to stand by her.

Johnny paced in front of them, the sound of his boots scraping against the worn mats the only noise breaking the silence. His arms were crossed, his posture exuding that quiet, intimidating confidence that came with years of experience. There was a tension in the air as he walked, as if the weight of the moment was pressing down on him, as if everything they had worked for was about to culminate in something big. And maybe it was. Sasha could feel it-the electric anticipation, the adrenaline beginning to build in her veins.

He stopped suddenly, turning to face them, his sharp blue eyes cutting through the lingering haze of memories, of all the battles fought within these walls. There was something more there-something she couldn't quite place. Pride, maybe? Or was it something deeper, something harder to define? Either way, it was there. And it was undeniable.

"This is where it all started," Johnny's voice rang out, his tone steady but carrying the weight of years. His gaze flickered between Sasha and Miguel. "Diaz, you were my first student. LaRusso..." He paused, smirking, his lips twisting slightly. "Technically, Silver got to you first."

Sasha felt her expression tighten, the mention of Silver sending a cold ripple of resentment through her chest. The memories of his manipulation, his cruel treatment-she hated it. But it was the reality of her journey, one that had taken her from a broken girl to someone who could stand in this dojo and not only survive but thrive.

Johnny didn't notice her discomfort, or maybe he did and just didn't care. "I taught you both the same style of karate that was taught to me," he continued, his voice hardening, cutting through the lingering silence. "The kind that doesn't back down. The kind that makes you a fighter-not just in tournaments, but in life."

Sasha's fingers curled into fists at her sides. The ghosts of the past had a way of surfacing, and every word from Johnny seemed to crack open old wounds. Silver. Kreese. The way they had twisted her into something she wasn't. The way they had manipulated her into believing she was weak, unworthy of real friendship or love. She clenched her jaw, forcing the thoughts away, knowing she couldn't afford to dwell on them now.

Johnny's voice dipped lower, his words almost a growl. "We've been through a lot of Cobra Kai bullshit since then." He said it like a curse, his eyes darkening with the weight of everything that had happened. "You know that better than anyone."

Sasha felt the burn of the past in her chest. The days she'd spent tangled up in her addiction. The nights when she'd thought she had no way out. She had fought to get to this point, to strip away the layers of hurt and deceit that had defined her for so long. But she had come through it. And she had made it. And now, standing here in this dojo, she was no longer a victim of those demons. She was a warrior.

"But none of that matters now." Johnny's voice cut through her thoughts, snapping her back to the present, sharp and commanding. "Because this is our Cobra Kai." His words were a challenge, a declaration. "Not Kreese's. Not Silver's. Ours. And tomorrow, we're gonna show the world that nobody strikes harder than us."

Sasha's heart raced at his words, the fire in his voice igniting something deep inside her. She had worked so hard to get to this point. Every bruise, every scar, every setback had been worth it. She had pushed herself past every boundary she'd set for herself, and now she stood here, stronger than ever. She and Miguel had bled for this moment. They had fought to earn the right to call this dojo home, to reclaim the honor that had been stolen from them by people who had never cared about the true meaning of karate.

Miguel shifted beside her, his energy crackling like static in the air. She could feel it-he was ready. He had always been ready, always had that fire inside him that never seemed to burn out. And now, with Sasha by his side, they would prove to everyone that they were not just survivors. They were warriors.

Johnny's smirk returned, that cocky grin she had seen so many times, but this time it was different. It wasn't just for show. It was a mark of the man he had become, the man who had taught them to stand tall, to fight for what was right. "Is that understood?"

Sasha didn't hesitate. There was no room for doubt, no room for fear. "Yes, Sensei!" she declared, her voice ringing out with the same unshakable confidence that had been instilled in her through every lesson, every hardship, every victory.

Johnny nodded, his gaze lingering on them for a moment longer. It was a look of approval, of pride. And then, with a crack of his knuckles, he turned toward the door.

"Good. Now let's show these international assholes how we do things in the Valley."

Sasha met Miguel's gaze, her pulse pounding in her ears. Tomorrow wasn't just another fight. It wasn't just another battle. It was the culmination of everything they had worked for. It was their moment to prove that they weren't just products of their past, but creators of their own future.

Tomorrow, they weren't just fighting for themselves.

They were fighting for everything this dojo had ever stood for. And they would fight until there was nothing left to prove.

The dull thud of Sasha's fists against the practice dummy echoed in the otherwise silent dojo, each strike a half-hearted attempt at power, each punch lacking the ferocity she knew she was capable of. Her breath came in shallow gasps, her focus wavering as her mind wandered, caught in the grip of a storm she couldn't seem to shake.

The rubbery surface of the dummy absorbed each strike, barely giving way under the softness of her punches. She felt the weight of the fatigue in her limbs, the sting in her knuckles, but there was something deeper that held her back. Her heart was heavy, weighed down by a million memories that tugged at her every time she tried to push herself harder.

Sasha's eyes flickered to the side, where Johnny stood watching, his arms crossed, his expression a mix of impatience and something else-something that almost resembled disappointment. She knew what he was thinking. He'd seen her fight harder before. He'd seen her push herself to the limit.

"Come on, Sasha!" Johnny's voice cut through the stillness like a whip. "What the hell are you doing? Those punches are weak. You think the world's gonna cut you some slack just 'cause you're tired? Think again."

Sasha's shoulders tensed, a jolt of annoyance sparking inside her. She wanted to argue, wanted to explain that it wasn't that simple. But she knew better than to argue with Johnny when he got like this. Instead, she tightened her fists, trying to summon the strength she knew she had, but the words he'd said-weak-seemed to hang in the air like a heavy weight, pressing down on her.

Johnny was right, though. The punches weren't landing with the kind of power they should. She wasn't angry enough. She wasn't focused enough.

Johnny's voice rose, more biting now, each word like a command. "Don't just throw punches, Sasha. You gotta feel them. Let the anger burn through you. Channel it! Think about the things that make you wanna break something. Think about the stuff that's really pissed you off. You've got it in you. Now use it."

Sasha's breath hitched. Anger. The word spun around in her head, but her mind had to reach deep into a well of rage that she'd buried beneath layers of grief, confusion, and regret. It wasn't hard to find-she just had to remember.

Her eyes fluttered shut as the memories came rushing back, unbidden but powerful. Her stomach clenched, and her body stiffened as the images of Kwon, her boyfriend, flooded her mind.

She could still remember the last time she'd seen him-the way he'd smiled at her, that quiet, kind smile that always made her feel like everything would be okay. That was before everything had gone wrong. Before he had come into their lives.

Silver.

His manipulative grip on her mind had been slow at first, pulling her deeper and deeper into his web of lies until she didn't know who to trust anymore. Kwon had been there, trying to keep her grounded, trying to pull her away from Silver's influence. But in the end, it hadn't mattered. Kwon had been taken from her, killed in the middle of one of Silver's games, an innocent casualty in Silver's twisted vision.

The pain of that moment was still fresh, as if it had just happened yesterday. The shock of seeing Kwon's lifeless body, the emptiness in her chest when she realized she would never hear his laugh again. It was as though a part of her had died with him, ripped away without warning.

Sasha's hands clenched tighter around the dummy's padding as the anger flared to life. Her breath quickened, the grief morphing into something darker, something she couldn't control. The burning rage that she had buried for so long-anger at Silver, at herself for letting it all happen, at the world for taking away the one person who had truly understood her-rose to the surface.

Johnny's voice, once sharp and demanding, now seemed distant as she was consumed by the memory of Silver's betrayal. She could feel the fire in her chest, like a furnace roaring to life. It wasn't just Kwon's death that fueled her-it was everything Silver had taken from her. The trust, the stability, the sense of control.

I will never let you do this to anyone else, she thought, her pulse hammering in her ears. Never again.

With a growl of frustration, Sasha stepped forward, launching herself into the next series of punches. This time, the strikes were different. They hit harder, faster, each one like a battle cry. She imagined Silver's face in her mind's eye, saw his smug grin as he manipulated her, as he played with her emotions, as he'd used her to hurt Kwon. The memory of his cold eyes, his lies-it fueled her.

You took him from me. You took everything.

Sasha slammed her fist into the dummy, the sound of the impact sharper now, louder, like thunder. She didn't stop. Again and again, the punches came faster, more forceful. She could feel the heat building inside her, the fury driving each strike, each blow landing with purpose.

Johnny's voice finally broke through the storm in her mind. "That's it, Sasha! That's the fire I'm talkin' about! Keep it up!"

Sasha's arms burned, her body aching with the effort, but she didn't care. She could feel the power behind her punches now, feel the weight of her own anger shifting into something she could control, something she could use. She wasn't the same person she had been before Kwon had died. She had been broken, lost, but she had survived. And now, she was ready to show the world that she was stronger than anything Silver had tried to take from her.

The thudding of her fists against the practice dummy continued, relentless, as the memories of the past fueled every blow.

The late afternoon sun filtered through the dojo's windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor. The air was warm and thick with the scent of sweat and determination. Sasha stood at the far side of the tennis court, the steady hum of the ball machine filling the space around her as it rapidly fired tennis balls in her direction. Her stance was steady, her feet planted firmly, and her body coiled with purpose as she prepared to strike.

Daniel LaRusso stood off to the side, his arms crossed, his eyes never leaving his daughter. Beside him, Sam leaned against the wall, a proud smile curving her lips. It wasn't every day they got to watch Sasha train like this-well, not since her return to karate, anyway. But today was different. Today, Sasha was putting the lessons she had learned from her father's wax on, wax off method to the test, in a way that felt new, but also familiar.

The tennis balls shot out one after another, each coming fast and hard at Sasha's chest. With swift precision, she tapped each ball with a graceful, controlled motion, redirecting them with ease. Her strikes were fluid, yet deliberate, the rhythm of her movements echoing the same discipline her father had instilled in her over the years.

"Wax on..." Daniel murmured under his breath, the words barely a whisper. He nodded to himself as he watched Sasha's arms move in sync with the mantra, the way her hand would sweep in and out, just like the motion of polishing a car. The technique was the same-everything in her stance and form was a reflection of years of discipline, of karate.

Sasha's form was flawless. Every ball that came her way was sent flying back with purpose, her body moving with a fluidity that made it look effortless. Yet there was no mistaking the effort and concentration it took to maintain that perfect form. The motion of the wax on, wax off was second nature now, the foundation of her movements, the anchor in the chaos of the fast-paced practice. She wasn't just returning the tennis balls-she was honing her reflexes, perfecting her timing, and sharpening her mind.

"Wax off," Daniel added softly as he watched the balls rebound off the back fence, each one another successful strike from his daughter. It was the quiet pride in his voice that made Sasha pause for a second, her heart skipping a beat as she heard the words. She wasn't just training under any sensei. She was training with her father, and it meant everything.

She stepped back, watching as the ball machine wound down to a stop. The rhythmic sound of the balls firing ceased, leaving an air of silence in its wake. Sasha turned toward Daniel and Sam, the faintest smile tugging at her lips.

"That's enough for today," Daniel said, walking up to her with his hands on his hips, a genuine sense of pride filling his voice. "You're looking strong, Sasha. You've got the rhythm down."

Sam, who had been watching with a smile the whole time, pushed herself off the wall and walked over, throwing an arm around Sasha's shoulder. "Dad's right. You're killing it. And you've got that wax on, wax off thing down to perfection. Just like him."

Sasha shrugged, trying to play it cool, but there was a spark of joy in her eyes that couldn't be hidden. It was a side of herself she had worked so hard to find-the strength, the focus, the control. All those long hours in the dojo, all the grueling training, it was paying off. It wasn't just about the moves anymore-it was about who she had become.

"You're proud of me, huh?" Sasha asked, her voice quiet but laced with pride of her own. She was asking more than just for reassurance. She wanted to know if she had earned it.

Daniel's expression softened. He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a firm but affectionate squeeze. "Always, Sasha. Always."

Sam grinned, adding, "I'm proud of you too. You're getting better every day. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be teaching me."

Sasha chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't know about that. I've still got a lot to learn."

"You're doing great. You've already come so far," Daniel added, his voice warm and full of admiration. "It's not just about learning karate. It's about learning who you are, and you're doing that better than anyone."

Sasha felt a swell of emotion in her chest at his words. She had fought so hard to prove herself, not just to others, but to herself. And in this moment, with both Daniel and Sam by her side, it felt like she was finally beginning to understand the depth of what that really meant.

The bond between father and daughter, sister and sister, was unspoken but ever-present. There was something special about this moment-a quiet affirmation of how far Sasha had come and how much further she could still go. She wasn't just carrying on her father's legacy. She was creating her own.

"Thanks, Dad," Sasha said, her voice steady but sincere. "Thanks, Sam."

"No problem," Sam replied with a playful wink, "Just don't go getting all wax on, wax off on me at home. You know how Dad gets with chores."

Sasha laughed, the tension of the past few weeks melting away for just a moment. It was simple, these small moments. But they were the ones that made her feel truly strong-surrounded by family who saw her not just as the girl who had struggled, but as the fighter she was becoming.

As the three of them walked off the court together, the sun finally beginning to dip below the horizon, Sasha felt something settle inside her-something she hadn't even realized she'd been looking for. It was pride, yes, but it was also a sense of peace.

She wasn't just her father's daughter or Sam's younger sister. She was Sasha LaRusso-a fighter, a learner, and now, a teacher in the making. And in that moment, that was enough.

The dojo was alive with the sound of cracking wood and the rhythmic thuds of punches landing against the thick boards held up by Eli and Tory. Sasha stood with her feet planted firmly on the ground, her body poised for the strike. The boards were set up in front of her, and she could feel the weight of the moment-the pressure to prove herself. But she was ready.

"Focus," Daniel's voice echoed from the sidelines, calm but intense. His eyes were locked on his daughter, his stance relaxed, but the pride in his gaze was unmistakable. "When you're ready, let it fly."

Sasha inhaled deeply, focusing on the boards in front of her. The sound of the world around her seemed to fade into the background. It was just her, her breath, and the target. She exhaled slowly, gathering the force within her. And then, with a fierce yell, she launched forward, her fist connecting with the first board.

Crack!

The board split cleanly, the force of her punch slicing through it like butter. She didn't pause, her movements flowing into the next strike, her other fist crashing into the second board. Crack! Another clean break.

Eli and Tory held the boards steady, each of them watching with a mix of awe and admiration. Sasha had come a long way since first stepping into the dojo. Her technique was flawless, and her confidence had grown with every challenge.

"Nice work, Sasha," Eli said, a proud grin on his face as he lowered the broken pieces of wood.

Sasha wiped the sweat from her brow, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. "Thanks," she muttered, a small smile tugging at her lips. But just as she was about to relax, the door to the dojo creaked open.

Sasha froze, her muscles tensing instinctively. She had heard the door before she'd seen him, and now, she turned slowly to see a familiar face standing in the doorway-Derek.

She blinked, confused, as he stepped inside, his casual posture not matching the intensity of the room. "What are you doing here?" Sasha asked, her voice catching in her throat. She didn't know whether to feel annoyed or bewildered. Derek, who had always been somewhat of a mystery to her, was the last person she expected to see here.

Derek smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I'm gonna be your sparring partner," he said, walking into the dojo with a confidence that immediately set her on edge.

Sasha's mouth went dry, and she froze. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked him over, trying to figure out what was going on. "You know karate?" she asked, her words slow, as though testing the waters. Her mind was racing-why would Derek be here? How could he be her sparring partner? Was this a joke?

Derek shrugged, his smirk never faltering. "Nope. But this should be fun," he said, almost too casually.

Sasha stared at him, trying to process what was happening. She had seen Derek before-always in the background, a bit aloof, never a part of the dojo's circle. The idea of him coming here now, volunteering to be her sparring partner, felt surreal. He had no formal training, not like the others who had worked so hard to master their craft.

"Are you serious?" Sasha couldn't help but ask, her voice tinged with disbelief. She turned to Eli and Tory, looking for some sort of confirmation, but they seemed as confused as she was.

"I am," Derek replied, his smile widening. "I've been watching, and I think I can hold my own. Besides, I could use a little challenge. You look like you can handle yourself."

Sasha was still in disbelief, her mind still trying to wrap around the idea. "Okay, but this isn't going to be a joke, right?" she asked, narrowing her eyes, half-laughing at the absurdity of it. "You seriously want to spar with me? You've got no idea what you're getting into."

Derek shrugged again, completely unfazed. "No idea, but I'm looking forward to finding out." His gaze flickered toward her with a look that sent a jolt of something through Sasha, though she couldn't tell if it was excitement or something else.

Her heart was still pounding from the adrenaline of the board-breaking, but now, her focus was entirely on Derek. Something about his confidence rubbed her the wrong way-he wasn't taking this seriously. And that annoyed her more than she wanted to admit.

"Well, then," Sasha said, stepping forward with a determined look on her face. "If you think you can handle it, bring it on."

Derek grinned, rolling his neck in preparation as he took a stance that looked more like a mockery of karate than anything else. But he was still serious, his eyes locked onto her in a way that made Sasha's skin prick with the anticipation of what was to come.

"Let's see what you've got, Derek," she said, narrowing her stance and preparing for whatever came next. She couldn't let him think she would go easy on him just because he didn't have the training. If he was going to be here, he was going to see just how real this was.

The dojo was quiet for a moment, the only sound the subtle rustle of clothing as both prepared for the spar. Sasha could feel the weight of the moment-the challenge, the unexpected nature of it-and a spark of something ignited inside her. This wasn't just about proving herself anymore. This was about taking control.

Without another word, she lunged forward, her body coiled like a spring, ready to make her move.

Derek's eyes widened for a split second, but he stepped back just in time, narrowly avoiding her strike. Sasha could see the look of surprise on his face, and it made her even more determined to show him just how real this could be.

But as Derek's playful grin widened, something told her this wasn't going to be a typical sparring session.

Sasha and Derek squared off in the center of the dojo, the tension in the room palpable. Sasha's eyes never left Derek, trying to gauge his movements, trying to figure out exactly how he planned to approach this strange situation. He was completely out of his element, but that only made Sasha more determined. She couldn't let him get away with mocking the seriousness of sparring here.

"Ready?" she asked, her voice a mix of amusement and challenge.

Derek smirked, his stance still a little too relaxed for her liking. "Always," he said, and then took an exaggerated step forward. He looked almost like he was trying to make a move out of some sort of action movie, but it was more awkward than intimidating.

Sasha raised an eyebrow. Was this seriously how he was going to fight?

Before she could think too much about it, Derek lunged toward her, swinging a wild punch with far too much force and no real technique behind it. Sasha dodged easily, a quiet laugh escaping her lips as she sidestepped his flailing arm.

"Nice try," she teased, her voice light but still carrying that edge of competitiveness.

Derek spun around to face her, clearly undeterred. He tried again, this time with a kick, but it was so off-balance that he nearly lost his footing, tripping over his own feet. He flailed in the air, catching himself with his hands just in time to avoid falling completely. A loud thud echoed through the dojo as he stumbled to regain his balance.

The entire room erupted into laughter.

Eli and Tory were doubled over, holding their stomachs as they laughed at the spectacle. Even Daniel and Sam, though trying to stay composed, couldn't help but chuckle at Derek's attempt. Sasha, however, felt a small blush creeping up her neck as she tried to suppress a smile.

Derek, on the other hand, didn't seem the least bit embarrassed. He just grinned, standing back up and giving a playful shrug. "Okay, okay. I'll admit that wasn't my best move."

Sasha couldn't help but laugh. The ridiculousness of it all started to get to her, and despite herself, she felt a little lighter. Derek's complete lack of grace, his willingness to stumble and laugh it off, was oddly endearing. She'd seen her fair share of fights, of real battles, of training that hurt and left you exhausted. But Derek's carefree attitude was... different. It was a break from the weight of everything.

Still, she couldn't let him off too easy. "Come on, Derek," she teased. "You're gonna have to do better than that."

Derek grinned and gave her a wink. "Oh, I plan to."

But before he could make another move, Sasha stepped in. She aimed a perfectly executed roundhouse kick to his midsection. Derek attempted to block it, but his arms were too slow, and the kick landed, knocking him back a few steps. He stumbled but quickly regained his stance, eyes wide with surprise.

Sasha immediately felt a pang of guilt. She hadn't meant to hit him that hard. Her heart wasn't in the fight-it hadn't been for a long time, not since Kwon... She could feel that ache deep in her chest, that hole that still wouldn't heal. The loss of Kwon had left her with a wound that hadn't closed, a scar she couldn't quite face. But for some reason, around Derek, the weight of it seemed to lift just a little.

Derek looked at her, wiping his mouth where a trickle of blood had dripped from his lip. "Guess I deserve that," he said, his voice breathless but lighthearted, trying to brush it off. "You're not going easy on me, huh?"

Sasha felt her chest tighten. "No. This is serious, Derek," she said, her voice softer now. The competitive edge in her had dissipated just a bit. Something about Derek's easygoing nature made her feel... safe, almost. Like she didn't have to hold everything inside all the time.

Derek chuckled, shaking his head. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, still smiling despite being clearly outmatched. "I mean, you've got the skills. I'm just here for the ride."

Sasha watched as he stood there, still grinning despite the bruise forming on his cheek and the blood on his lip. The laughter from the others had died down now, but Sasha couldn't stop the way her heart warmed a little. She'd never seen anyone take a hit like Derek did, brush it off, and keep going like it was all just part of the fun. She hadn't felt this at ease in a while, not since before everything had gone wrong with Kwon.

And deep down, despite herself, Sasha knew there was something different about Derek. He made her feel something lighter, even if she couldn't quite explain it. Maybe it was the fact that he didn't treat her like some fragile glass figure, or maybe it was just how he made everything feel a little less heavy.

Derek shook himself out of his thoughts and took a half-hearted defensive stance, grinning at her. "You know, if I'm gonna be your sparring partner, you've gotta go a little easier on me. I don't have the same fancy moves as you."

Sasha smirked, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Sorry, Derek. No mercy."

She lunged toward him again, but this time, it was different. Instead of the fierce determination she usually had, she allowed herself to enjoy the challenge, the fun of it all. She wasn't thinking about her past. She wasn't thinking about Kwon. She was just thinking about Derek's goofy grin, his willingness to get back up, and how, in that moment, he made her feel like maybe-just maybe-she could start moving on from the past.

As she swung for him again, she couldn't help but smile, the pressure of the world lightening just a little bit more with each step they took together.

The dojo doors creaked open as Sasha stepped out into the cool evening air, the night sky stretching above her in endless shades of purple and dark blue. The sounds of the dojo faded behind her, replaced by the hum of the streetlights and the distant murmur of the world still awake. It had been a long, intense day, and her family had already gathered by the car, ready to head home.

But before she could take another step, a familiar voice called out to her from behind.

"Sasha, hold on," Sam said, her voice warm yet tinged with concern.

Sasha turned around, her stomach twisting. She saw her younger sister standing there, arms crossed, leaning against the dojo's brick wall. Sam wasn't just her sister-she was her rock. Always the first to notice when something was wrong. And Sasha knew Sam could see right through her.

"What's up?" Sasha asked, trying to keep her tone casual, though she could feel a lump forming in her throat. She didn't want to talk about what had happened earlier. Didn't want to acknowledge how it had made her feel.

Sam studied her for a moment before speaking, her eyes softening with understanding. "I saw you sparring with Derek today... and, well, it was kind of hard to miss." She smiled, but it was more of a knowing smile than anything else. "You seemed... I don't know, different. Lighter, even. You were actually laughing."

Sasha immediately felt her heart skip a beat. The memory of Derek's ridiculous attempts at fighting, the way he had made her laugh despite herself, flooded back. It felt so stupid to admit, but she couldn't help it. Something about Derek made her feel... okay. Not the way she had with Kwon, of course. But still, a part of her was beginning to feel something she hadn't let herself feel in months.

"I don't like him," Sasha said quickly, more forcefully than she intended, her voice sharp. She shook her head, trying to shake the warmth that had crept into her chest whenever Derek smiled that goofy, carefree grin.

Sam took a step closer, her gaze never wavering. "Sasha, I'm not stupid," she said softly. "I saw the way you looked at him when he got back up after that kick. You were worried about him... and maybe even, I don't know, glad he didn't stay down for good." She paused, searching Sasha's face for some sign. "I'm not saying you've moved on, but I can see that there's something there. And that's okay."

Sasha's heart thudded painfully in her chest. She turned her face away, staring out at the street, willing the tears not to come. She wanted to deny it, to shut down these feelings before they took root. She couldn't let go of Kwon. Not now. Not ever. He had been everything to her. And the thought of betraying his memory, of feeling something for someone else, twisted her insides.

"I don't like him, Sam. I can't," Sasha whispered, her voice shaky. "Kwon... he was everything. I can't just-move on from him. Not like that." Her words felt heavy, like they had been trapped inside her, suffocating her for too long.

Sam's expression softened even further, and she stepped up beside her sister, her shoulder brushing against Sasha's. "I get it, Sasha. I do. I know you're still hurting, and I'm not asking you to forget Kwon. I'm not asking you to stop loving him." She paused, looking at her sister with a mixture of love and empathy. "But Derek... he's not trying to replace him. He's just someone who makes you smile again, and that's okay. You don't have to shut him out."

Sasha's eyes burned with unshed tears, and she fought to keep them at bay. She swallowed thickly, not sure what to say next. "I don't know if I'm ready for that. To feel... like that again."

Sam nodded, her hand reaching out to gently take Sasha's. "You don't have to be ready. Not right now. But just know that it's okay to feel something for him. He's not trying to take Kwon's place. He's just there for you. Like a friend. Maybe even more, but that's up to you."

Sasha closed her eyes, the weight of Sam's words sinking in. It wasn't like she didn't understand what Sam was saying. She knew Derek wasn't trying to replace Kwon. He was just... different. And maybe that was what scared her. She didn't want to forget Kwon, didn't want to feel like she was dishonoring his memory by liking someone else. But deep down, she knew it wasn't about replacing anyone. It was about moving forward, about learning to live again, even if that meant letting someone new into her heart.

"I don't know how to do this, Sam," Sasha admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Sam squeezed her hand, her smile gentle. "I know. But you're not alone in this. Derek's been through a lot, too. He knows what it's like to lose someone. His sister... she was everything to him, and now she's gone. That's why he gets it. He understands more than you think."

Sasha blinked, her chest tightening at the mention of Derek's sister. She hadn't known much about his past-just the basics. But hearing Sam mention it like that made Sasha's heart ache. Derek had lost someone too. Maybe that was why he never pressured her, never pushed her too hard. He was giving her space because he knew what it felt like to hurt.

Sasha sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I didn't know that. About his sister."

"Yeah," Sam said softly. "He lost her a few years ago. It's why he doesn't rush into things. He's been where you are, Sasha. So if you want to take things slow with him, he'll understand. He's not in a hurry."

Sasha looked at her sister, seeing the concern and love in Sam's eyes. It was a reminder that no matter how lost she felt, she had people who cared about her. And maybe, just maybe, she could start to move forward. Slowly. On her own time.

"Thanks, Sam," Sasha said quietly, her voice full of gratitude. "I... I just need time."

Sam gave her sister a reassuring smile. "Take all the time you need. We're here for you."

Sasha nodded, feeling a weight lift off her chest just a little bit. It wasn't going to be easy, but she was starting to realize that maybe she didn't have to do everything alone. And maybe, when she was ready, she could let Derek in-without feeling like she was betraying the memory of Kwon.

As they walked back toward the car together, Sasha glanced over her shoulder one last time at the dojo, where Derek was talking with Eli and Tory. There was a flicker of something in her chest, something she wasn't quite ready to label. But for the first time in a long while, it didn't feel like she was drowning. It felt like maybe, just maybe, she could start breathing again.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

sasha and derek... 🤭

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE. IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE JUST VOTE!!!!

PLEASE STOP BEING FREAKIN A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE! PLEASE!!!!! stop being ghost readers!!!! its really annoying!!!

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO SEE VIEWS GO UP BUT NOT VOTES. its annoying for us writers. so please just vote and comment!! its not that hard!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! i dont how many times i have to say this. i am so sorry for the notifications but this is really annoying to see views go up when the votes aren't. PLEASE JUST FREAKIN VOTE!!!