chapter twelve:
❛ payback time, larusso ❜

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Arizona and Tory stormed through the school halls, adrenaline coursing through them. The morning announcements were just starting over the PA system when they burst into the main office. Andy Liu, the student handling the announcements, looked up in shock as Arizona and Tory approached.

Tory reached for the doorknob but found it locked. "Who the hell locks an office door during school hours?" Arizona snapped, frustration evident in her voice. Without waiting for a response, she took a step back and kicked the door with a solid thud. The door flew open, startling everyone inside.

Andy Liu looked at them, her confusion quickly turning to alarm. "Hey, what—"

Before Andy could finish, Arizona seized the microphone from her, yanking it away with force. Andy tried to reclaim it, but Arizona glared at her. "Give it to me, bitch!" she demanded, her voice dripping with anger.

Tory, standing behind Arizona, quickly moved into action. She kicked Andy in the side, causing her to collapse onto the floor with a pained grunt. Andy's attempt to shout for help was silenced as Tory glared at her, making it clear she was not to speak.

Arizona, now holding the microphone firmly, took a deep breath, her eyes blazing with determination. "Samantha LaRusso," she began, her voice echoing through the PA system. "You know what you did, and now you're going to pay for it. It's payback time, LaRusso!"

She slammed the microphone down onto the desk, its loud clatter cutting off any chance for a response. Turning to Tory with a nod, she signaled that it was time to move. "Come on," Arizona said, her voice resolute.

The two girls strode out of the office, their steps
purposeful and synchronized. As they navigated the halls, whispers and gasps of shock followed them. They knew their message had been delivered. Samantha LaRusso was going to face the consequences of her actions, and Arizona and Tory were ready to make sure of it.

Arizona and Tory walked confidently down the hallway, their eyes locked on their target. They saw Sam coming toward them, and the two girls smirked. In the middle of the hallway, they stopped, and so did Sam. They began circling her like predators, while Sam mirrored their movements.

"We saw what you did at the party," Tory said, her voice dripping with disdain.

Arizona clenched her jaw, glaring at Sam. "You kissed Miguel," she revealed, her tone accusatory.

The crowd of students around them reacted with murmurs and gasps. Arizona heard a breath hitch behind her and turned to see Robby, staring at Sam with a hurt expression.

"You need to find yourself a better girlfriend,"
Arizona shot at Robby before turning back to Sam, who was visibly flustered and struggling to find words.

"Payback time, bitch," Arizona declared, throwing a punch. Sam dodged to the side, but Tory quickly grabbed Sam's backpack, spun her around, and tossed her into Hawk, who was standing nearby.

"Get back in there!" Hawk shouted, shoving Sam back toward Arizona and Tory. Arizona sent a grateful nod to Hawk before turning her attention back to Sam.

Tory kicked Sam in the stomach, causing her to double over. Arizona took the opportunity to throw punches at Sam's head, but Sam blocked each one with her arms. Tory tried to elbow Sam in the face, but Sam dodged it. Arizona backed away for a moment, then executed a cartwheel, kicking Sam squarely in the face and sending her sprawling to the ground.

"Arizona, please! We used to be best friends! I know you're still in there somewhere!" Sam pleaded desperately as she lay on the ground.

Tory picked Sam up, grabbed her head, and attempted to knee her in the face, but Sam held her head down and then Tory threw her into a locker.

Arizona stared at Sam with a dark look and smirked. "That Arizona is gone and it's your fault!" she spat, charging forward. Before she could reach Sam, Robby tackled her, pinning her to the ground.

"Let me go!" Arizona yelled in his face.

"Calm down! We can figure this out!" Robby told her, holding her down.

Arizona's smirk widened when she heard
Miguel's voice. "HEY!" he shouted, running forward. He grabbed Robby off Arizona and slammed him to the ground.

Arizona pushed herself up, exchanging a determined look with Tory. Arizona jumped up and grabbed Tory's arms, allowing Tory to spin her around in the air. Arizona kicked Sam in the face with both feet, causing Sam to grunt in pain and fall back.

Arizona landed gracefully on her feet, then grabbed Sam and put her into a chokehold, kneeing her in the face repeatedly. Sam fought back, landing a harsh punch to Arizona's nose.

Blood dripped from Arizona's nose as she stumbled back, holding it. The hallway erupted into chaos. Hawk joined in the fray, fighting Miyagi-Do students, and other Cobra Kai students followed suit. Arizona smirked at the sight, then turned back to see Sam and Tory fighting. Sam spun Tory around into a locker.

"Little help?" Tory asked with a smirk, struggling against Sam.

Arizona charged forward, tackling Sam to the ground. The two rolled across the floor, trading blows. Arizona's anger fueled her strength, but Sam fought back fiercely. The school hallway had turned into a battleground, with students choosing sides and chaos reigning supreme.

Arizona and Sam tumbled across the floor, trading furious blows. Tory quickly joined in, grabbing Sam by the hair and yanking her off Arizona. The two of them stood over Sam, who scrambled to her feet, her eyes flashing with determination.

"You think you can just take what you want?" Tory taunted, circling Sam like a predator.

Arizona wiped the blood from her nose, her expression hardening. "You should've stayed out of our way."

Sam, breathing heavily, squared her shoulders and clenched her fists. "This isn't about Miguel. This is about you two being bullies!"

Tory lunged first, aiming a kick at Sam's midsection. Sam blocked it with her forearm and countered with a punch to Tory's shoulder. Arizona seized the opportunity to attack from the side, delivering a swift kick to Sam's thigh, causing her to stumble.

The crowd around them grew louder, egging on the fighters. Students were filming the altercation, capturing every punch and kick. Some were cheering for Sam, others for Tory and Arizona. The noise was deafening, but the three girls were laser-focused on their fight.

Tory and Arizona coordinated their attacks seamlessly. Tory went low, sweeping Sam's legs out from under her, while Arizona aimed high, punching at Sam's face. Sam managed to roll away just in time, getting back to her feet with a defiant look in her eyes.

"You'll never win like this," Sam panted, her voice tinged with determination.

"Watch us," Arizona retorted.

They closed in on Sam again. This time, Tory feinted a punch, causing Sam to raise her guard. Arizona took advantage, rushing in with a powerful kick to Sam's side. Sam grunted in pain, doubling over. Tory followed up with an elbow to Sam's back, sending her to the ground.

Before Sam could recover, Arizona and Tory each grabbed one of her arms, yanking her to her feet and slamming her into the lockers. Sam's head hit the metal with a loud clang, and she winced in pain.

"Had enough yet?" Tory sneered.

Sam glared at them, her defiance still burning brightly. "Never."

With a burst of energy, Sam twisted out of their grip, using the lockers for leverage. She swung a punch at Tory, landing a solid hit on her jaw. Tory staggered back, and Sam turned to Arizona, delivering a kick to her ribs. Arizona gasped, clutching her side but refusing to back down.

Tory recovered quickly, launching herself at Sam. She tackled Sam to the ground, and they rolled across the floor, grappling for control. Arizona joined in, prying Sam's arms away and pinning her down.

"Enough!" a voice boomed over the chaos. It was a teacher, pushing through the crowd. "Break it up, now!"

Tory and Arizona reluctantly released Sam, standing up and stepping back. Sam struggled to her feet, her face bruised and bloody, but her spirit unbroken. The teacher looked furious, ready to drag all three of them to the principal's office.

Arizona and Tory grabbed Sam's arms, ignoring the teacher's orders, and dragged her down the hallway. The crowd parted, some cheering, others recording the escalating chaos on their phones. They pushed Sam roughly, sending her stumbling through the throngs of students who were either fighting or watching in shock.

Sam struggled against their grip, trying to break free, but Arizona and Tory were relentless. They pushed her through the main corridor, past lockers and classrooms where more skirmishes were breaking out. The teacher shouted after them, but with so many fights erupting around, it was impossible to maintain control.

"Let me go!" Sam shouted, trying to dig her heels into the floor, but Arizona and Tory only tightened their hold.

"No chance, LaRusso," Tory hissed. "This is just the beginning."

They finally reached the end of the corridor, where the chaos seemed to reach its peak. Students were everywhere, some grappling, others shouting, and a few teachers desperately trying to restore order. Arizona and Tory shoved Sam into the open space, where she fell to her knees, panting and glaring up at them.

"You think you can mess with us and get away with it?" Arizona sneered, standing over Sam.

Sam struggled to her feet, her eyes blazing with defiance. "This isn't over."

Tory smirked, stepping closer to Sam. "Oh, we know. But for now, you're going to learn what happens when you cross Cobra Kai."

With that, Tory swung a punch at Sam, who barely managed to block it. Arizona followed with a kick to Sam's side, sending her staggering back. The two of them pressed their advantage, pushing Sam further into the corridor, where the fighting around them provided cover from any potential intervention.

Students around them continued to cheer and jeer, their voices a cacophony of excitement and aggression. Sam fought back as best she could, landing a few hits on both Tory and Arizona, but she was outnumbered and outmatched.

Just as Sam seemed to be gaining some ground, Arizona and Tory coordinated their attacks perfectly. Tory feinted a punch, causing Sam to raise her guard, and Arizona took the opportunity to sweep Sam's legs out from under her. Sam hit the ground hard, gasping for breath.

Sam panted and stared at them with disbelief. "Can't you just stop it already?" she questioned, her voice laced with desperation. Arizona laughed mischievously. "What's the matter?" she taunted. "You can't keep up?" Tory added with a smug look.

Arizona charged forward to kick Sam, but Sam darted up the stairs, with Arizona and Tory hot on her heels. On the stairs, Sam threw a punch, but Arizona blocked it. However, she wasn't fast enough to avoid Sam's swift uppercut to her jaw. Arizona stumbled, holding her jaw, while Tory quickly spun around and delivered a kick to Sam's stomach, causing her to stumble back.

Regaining her composure, Arizona tackled Sam to the ground. Sam screamed as Arizona pinned her down and began throwing punches at her face. Sam managed to block most of them with her arms, but a few punches landed. Tory pried Arizona off Sam, joking, "Gotta give me some time to beat her up too." Arizona laughed.

Sam pushed herself up, only to be kicked in the stomach by Tory. Arizona, coming from the other side, threw more punches at Sam, who blocked them with her arms. Sam attempted a punch, but Arizona ducked and dodged it. Tory grabbed Sam's arm and flipped her onto the ground. Arizona laughed, but her laughter was cut short when Miguel grabbed her by the arm.

"Ari, enough! This isn't you! You hate violence!" Miguel exclaimed, his voice pleading.

Without thinking, Arizona elbowed Miguel in the face and shoved him into the nearest wall. Immediately, regret washed over her, but she forced herself to turn back to Tory and Sam. She and Miguel stared at each other with disbelief, and Arizona sighed. "I'm sorry... but she started this and she's gonna get what she deserves," she snapped at him. Turning back to Tory and Sam, who were still fighting.

Arizona charged forward, grabbing Sam's arm and pushing her down before yanking her hair and dragging her over to the stairs, with Tory following closely behind. Sam pushed herself up and shoved Arizona forward. Breathing heavily, all Arizona could hear was her own heartbeat as she threw a punch at Sam. Sam caught Arizona's arm and kneed her in the stomach, but Tory quickly intervened, shoving Sam back.

Sam got back up, spinning around to kick Tory into the railing, which Tory grabbed to steady herself. "Is that the only way you two know how to fight? Dirty?" Sam asked, disbelief in her voice. Tory looked up with a mischievous smirk, while Arizona processed Sam's words. For a moment, doubt flickered in Arizona's mind, but she quickly pushed it aside, hardening her expression.

"This isn't a tournament, LaRusso. There are no rules," Arizona breathed out. Tory tossed her spike bracelet to Arizona. "Finish her," Tory commanded. Arizona smirked as Sam stepped back in fear.

"Zona, don't listen to her! Please, I know-I know I fucked up, and Cobra Kai got to your head, but please! Have mercy," Sam pleaded. Arizona, staring at the bracelet in her hands, wrapped it around her knuckles. "I'm done being weak. No mercy, backstabbing bitch, boyfriend-stealer!" Arizona shouted, lunging forward. She yanked Sam's hair, pulling her head back, and smeared the spike bracelet across Sam's face.

"No mercy!" she shouted, then slashed Sam's arm with the bracelet, causing Sam to cry out.

Arizona pulled Sam up and kicked her in the face, sending her over the railing of the stairs.
Sam tumbled down, lying at the bottom, holding her arm in pain.

Tory looked at Arizona with a smile. "Good job, Alvarez," she said, holding her hand up for a high-five. Arizona felt a momentary surge of pride but quickly glanced over at Sam, who was crying on the stairs.

"MIGUEL!" Tory suddenly shouted, her eyes drifting past Arizona. Confused, Arizona turned around to see Miguel falling off the third floor. He hit the railing with a sickening crack and then fell unconscious onto the stairs below.

Arizona gasped. "MIGUEL!" she shouted, running forward and staring at Miguel's unconscious body. She began to sob. "Robby, what did you do?" Sam shouted at him, and Robby and Arizona locked eyes before Robby ran off.

Arizona looked back down at Miguel. "Mig, please wake up-I'm sorry!" she cried, sobbing uncontrollably. Hawk appeared, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her up into an embrace.

"Hawk... he's..." she stammered, but Hawk covered her eyes with his arms. "Don't look anymore, Ari," he said softly as a cop called for an ambulance. Arizona clung to Hawk, her tears flowing freely as the weight of her actions crashed down on her.

Arizona sat on the hospital bed, wincing as the doctor finished wrapping her ribs. She barely registered the medical details. Her mind was occupied with regret and worry about Miguel and Tory. Carmen, Miguel's mom, had told her Miguel was in a coma. The weight of her actions pressed heavily on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She was chained to the bed, awaiting her fate. Assaulting Sam had led to the cops being called, and now, depending on how the LaRussos pressed charges, she could be headed to juvie or placed on probation. Staring at the blank wall, she waited for her family, bracing herself for the storm she knew was coming.

"Arizona!" Alexander's voice boomed as he stormed into the hospital room. His harsh glare was filled with fury. "What the fuck? You assaulted a girl!" he yelled. Her mom Daniella and her brother Diego followed closely behind, looking equally distressed.

"Dad, I—" she tried to explain, but he cut her off with a brutal slap across the face. Her head snapped to the side, and she clutched her stinging cheek.

"You are a disgrace!" Alexander shouted, the smell of alcohol strong on his breath. Arizona looked up at him with dark, cold eyes, hardening her face against the pain.

"I'm a disgrace? Thanks, well, you probably won't have to deal with me because I'll be in fucking juvie!" she shot back, her voice filled with venom. Alexander stepped back, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I can't be here right now. She's so annoying! She's a disgrace to this whole family!" Alexander yelled, directing his anger at Daniella before storming out of the room. Arizona bit back her tears and looked at Diego, who stood there frozen with fear.

"Di, come here," Arizona called softly, and Diego rushed over, tears streaming down his face. "Please don't go to juvie, Ari. I don't wanna be left alone with him," he cried, burying his face in her chest. Arizona hugged him tightly, feeling the weight of his fear and sadness.

She looked up at Daniella, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and sorrow. "You pick great men, Mom. You know, you've been harsh lately, and I bet it's because Dad told you to, but I miss the old you. Before the drinking and Dad coming back. I miss when things were easier," Arizona snapped bitterly. Daniella burst into tears, guilt and regret etched across her face.

"Ari, I'm so sorry. I... I didn't know it would get this bad," Daniella sobbed, her voice breaking. Arizona's expression softened slightly as she saw the genuine remorse in her mother's eyes.

"I miss you, Mom. I need you to be strong for me and Diego. Can you do that?" Arizona asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Daniella nodded through her tears. "I'll try, Ari. I'll try."

Arizona hugged Diego tighter, feeling the weight of the situation crushing her. "We have to stick together, okay? All of us."

Daniella stepped closer, placing a hand on Arizona's shoulder. "We'll figure this out. We'll get through this."

Just then, the door to the hospital room opened again. A police officer walked in, holding a clipboard. His expression was stern but not unkind. "Ms. Alvarez, we need to discuss the charges being brought against you," he said, his voice firm but measured.

Arizona took a deep breath, nodding. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

The officer pulled up a chair and sat down, looking at her with a mix of professionalism and empathy. "Arizona, you're being charged with assault and battery. Given the circumstances and the severity of the incident, you could face time in juvenile detention. However, if the LaRussos agree to press lesser charges or if they decide not to pursue them at all, you might only face probation."

Daniella tightened her grip on Arizona's shoulder. "Is there anything we can do to help her case?" she asked, her voice desperate.

The officer sighed. "The best thing you can do is cooperate fully. Show genuine remorse and willingness to make amends. The court will take that into consideration."

Arizona nodded, her eyes fixed on the officer. "I understand. I just want to make things right," she said, her voice resolute.

As the officer left, Arizona's family gathered around her, offering their support. Despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, Arizona felt a glimmer of hope. With her family by her side, she was determined to face whatever came next and find a way to make amends for her actions.

After Daniella and Diego left the room to get a snack, Arizona sat alone, her mind racing. The silence was heavy, and she felt the weight of the day pressing down on her. The door creaked open, and Arizona looked up to see Amanda LaRusso, Sam's mom, stepping into the room.

Amanda's face was a mix of concern and determination. She approached Arizona slowly, taking a seat beside her bed. "Arizona," she began softly, "I came to talk to you about what happened."

Arizona tensed, expecting the worst. "If you're here to tell me how horrible I am, save it. I already know."

Amanda shook her head. "I'm not here to condemn you, Arizona. I'm here to let you know that Sam doesn't want to press charges. She believes there's still good in you and that it's Cobra Kai's influence that's making you act this way."

Arizona was taken aback. "She doesn't want me in juvie?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Amanda nodded. "That's right. Sam told us she doesn't want you to go to juvie. She thinks you deserve a chance to make things right."

Arizona looked down, processing Amanda's words. "Tell Sam she deserved to be called out for what she did, but I know I went too far," she admitted, her voice filled with regret.

Amanda stared at her, searching for any sign of sincerity. "Arizona, you need to understand that this isn't just about what happened between you and Sam. This is about finding a way to move forward and be better."

Arizona nodded slowly, feeling a mix of emotions. "I know. I just... I need time to figure things out."

Amanda stood up, giving Arizona a long, hard look. "I hope you do. For your sake and for everyone else's."

Arizona watched as Amanda turned to leave. "Tell Sam... thank you," she said quietly.

Amanda paused at the door, nodding before walking out of the room. Arizona leaned back against the pillows, closing her eyes. The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope. She knew she had a lot to make up for, but with Sam's unexpected act of kindness, she was determined to try.

ASH SPEAKS!

yeah... this isnt the end of arizona's evil cobra kai era... that lasts until end of s4...