chapter twelve:
❛ moon's party ❜

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Arizona descended the staircase, her hair straightened to perfection and wearing a striped shirt paired with ripped jeans. She was heading to a party at Moon's and had promised to pick up Miguel since he didn't have a car. As she reached the bottom step, she heard a familiar, dreaded sound—a huff. Turning, she saw her father, Alexander, slouched on the couch with a beer bottle clutched in his hand.

"Where do you think you're going?" Alexander slurred, his eyes glazed with intoxication. Arizona bit the inside of her cheek, suppressing a sigh. She had hoped he would be asleep by now.

She turned on her heel and faced him, masking her frustration with a composed expression. "I'm going over to Tory's. She needs me to help her take her mom to the doctor," she lied smoothly. It was a lie she had rehearsed, knowing she might need an excuse at any moment.

Alexander stared at her, his brow furrowed in confusion as he processed her words. After a moment, he grumbled something incoherent and waved her off. "Whatever," he mumbled, a hiccup punctuating his sentence.

Arizona exhaled sharply, relieved to escape without further confrontation. She stepped out the door, the cool evening air a welcome contrast to the stifling tension inside. The past few weeks had been incredibly tough for her. She had recently discovered her mom's hidden alcohol stash, a clear sign that she had started drinking again. Arizona knew her father's behavior was likely the catalyst for her mother's relapse.

Her dad's drinking had become a constant. Arizona never saw him go to work, despite his claims of trying to get his old job back at the local police station. She didn't believe him. Her mom, on the other hand, had a stable job, but Arizona knew that her drinking would jeopardize it soon enough.

Arizona had taken on extra shifts at the Roller Rink to help out financially. She was acutely aware that their situation was precarious. They lived in a big house in Encino Hills, but with only her mom working and her stepdad out of the picture, the financial strain was evident. The rich lifestyle her stepdad had provided was gone, and Arizona was doing everything she could to prevent their world from crashing down around them.

As she drove to pick up Miguel, her mind wandered to the party at Moon's. She needed a distraction from her chaotic home life, even if just for a few hours. Pulling up to Miguel's house, she saw him waiting outside, his face lighting up when he spotted her car. She forced a smile, hoping to mask the turmoil inside her. Tonight, she would focus on having fun with her friends and leave her troubles behind, if only for a little while.

Once they arrived at Moon's, Arizona and Miguel spotted Tory waiting outside. Arizona blew a kiss to Tory as they walked hand in hand toward her. Tory returned the gesture with a playful smile.

"You two ready to have a fun time before school starts Monday?" Tory asked, her excitement evident. Arizona nodded with a bright smile, glancing at Miguel who was looking at her with admiration.

"What? Is there something on my face?" Arizona asked, pretending to check her face for smudges. Miguel laughed and shook his head.

"No... You look really pretty, Ari," he said softly. Arizona's cheeks flushed with warmth at his compliment.

The trio made their way through the crowded backyard where a group of people were engaged in a lively drinking game. Pushing through the crowd, they finally entered the house. The noise level was high, with music pumping and people chatting animatedly.

Arizona glanced at Tory as they stepped inside. "We should do that drinking game later—" she began, but was cut off by a sharp elbow in her ribs from Tory. Arizona turned to her friend with a look of surprise.

"What was that for?" she asked, rubbing her side. Tory subtly nodded in a direction, and Arizona followed her gaze to spot Miyagi-Do students—Sam, Robby, Demetri, and Chris. Arizona's eyes widened in surprise and she locked eyes with Robby. His face softened, making Arizona furrow her eyebrows in confusion.

Miguel and Arizona exchanged a knowing look. Tory leaned in closer to them, her expression serious. "Let's go," she muttered, and they turned around, heading back outside.

Once outside, Tory pulled Arizona aside. "I need to steal Ari for a minute," she told Miguel. He nodded, now distracted by a game where two people stood on one leg on stools while drinking.

Tory led Arizona to a quieter corner of the yard. "Tory, what is it?" Arizona asked, her curiosity piqued. Tory bit the inside of her cheek, seeming to hesitate before speaking.

"I think Robby is into you," Tory revealed, her voice low but insistent. Arizona blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter.

"He probably does, Tory, but he's with Sam and I'm with Miguel. I would never date him because he's associated with Sam—plus, I'm with Miguel, and if we break up, it's probably because Miguel broke my heart or something," Arizona said confidently. She glanced back at Miguel, who was now chatting with some friends, looking relaxed and happy.

Tory gave her a knowing look, her eyes softening. "I just wanted you to know. But yeah, let's play that drinking game," she said, changing the subject with a grin.

They returned to the group, where the drinking game was in full swing. Arizona felt a wave of relief wash over her. She grabbed Miguel's hand and smiled at him.

"Ready to show them how it's done?" she asked playfully. Miguel grinned and nodded, squeezing her hand.

Tory stood on the stool with one leg in the air, clearly dominating the drinking game. Her opponent wobbled before falling off, prompting cheers from the crowd. Arizona and Miguel clapped their hands, cheering loudly. "Go, Tory!" Arizona exclaimed. Tory acknowledged her with a wink before her expression suddenly changed.

Arizona followed Tory's gaze and saw Sam and Robby entering the backyard. Arizona's demeanor shifted, her jaw tightening as she stepped forward, with Tory and Miguel following closely behind.

"Well, look who it is!" Arizona said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Sam responded with a harsh glare.

"Maybe you'd like to play a little game?" Tory asked, smirking.

"Yeah... Or are tea parties more your speed, princess?" Arizona taunted, her eyes flashing with mischief. Miguel furrowed his brows in disbelief at Arizona's aggressive tone.

He had noticed changes in her behavior recently. Her usual reliance on essential oils had dwindled, her anxiety seemed to be less prominent, and her decision to attend West Valley High School puzzled him. She had told him it was because of her father's insistence, but Miguel felt there was more to the story. Diego, Arizona's younger brother, had mentioned she was barely home and left him to deal with their parents' volatile behavior.

Sam crossed her arms defiantly. "Just give me a cup," she retorted. Arizona cracked a mischievous grin.

"You heard the girl, Tory," Arizona said, and Tory smirked.

"New game," Tory announced, handing a cup to Arizona. Arizona climbed onto the stool, ready to start.

"Are you sure you wanna do this?" Robby asked Sam, concern in his voice. Arizona smirked at him.

"I think she can handle herself, Keene," Arizona retorted, giving Robby a challenging look. He returned her gaze with a mixture of concern and frustration.

Sam stepped onto the stool opposite Arizona. The crowd of partygoers began chanting, "Drink! Drink! Drink!" The energy was electric as the game began.

Arizona lifted her cup, the liquid sloshing slightly as she balanced on the stool. She glanced at Sam, who was doing her best to maintain her balance while lifting her cup to her lips. Both girls started drinking, and the crowd's cheers grew louder. Arizona's competitive spirit ignited, and she chugged the contents of her cup with determination.

Sam wobbled slightly but managed to keep her footing. She finished her drink and glared at Arizona, who was already reaching for another cup. Tory and Miguel cheered her on, their voices blending with the crowd's encouragement.

"Come on, Ari! You got this!" Miguel shouted, his eyes filled with pride and concern.

Arizona quickly drained her second cup, her eyes never leaving Sam's. The tension between them was palpable, the rivalry fierce. Sam steadied herself, determined not to let Arizona win so easily.

Robby watched with a mix of amusement and unease, clearly torn between his concern for Sam and his history with Arizona. Tory's eyes flicked between Arizona and Sam, a sly smile playing on her lips as she reveled in the competition.

As the game progressed, Arizona's focus intensified. She felt a rush of adrenaline, her mind sharpening with each sip. She was determined to prove herself, not just to Sam, but to everyone watching.

Sam finished her second cup, her balance faltering slightly. The crowd roared, sensing the heightened stakes. Arizona smirked, feeling a surge of confidence. She reached for her third cup, her movements swift and controlled.

The crowd's chants grew louder, the atmosphere charged with excitement. "Drink! Drink! Drink!" they yelled, their voices echoing through the night.

Arizona's heart pounded in her chest as she downed her third cup. She glanced at Sam, who was struggling to keep up. The sight fueled her determination, and she pushed herself harder.

Finally, Sam's balance gave way. She wobbled, her eyes wide with realization, before tumbling off the stool. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, celebrating Arizona's victory.

Arizona stepped down from the stool, a triumphant smile on her face. She glanced at Miguel, who was beaming with pride. Tory clapped her on the back, her eyes shining with approval.

Sam stood up, brushing herself off, her expression a mixture of frustration and resignation. Robby moved to her side, offering support, but his eyes briefly met Arizona's with an unreadable expression.

Arizona felt a surge of emotions. She had won, but the victory felt hollow. The rivalry with Sam, the tension with Robby, and the changes in her own life weighed heavily on her mind. But for now, she allowed herself to bask in the moment, enjoying the thrill of victory and the support of her friends.

As the adrenaline from her victory started to subside, Arizona took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She glanced around at the cheering crowd, her smile faltering slightly as she processed the mixture of emotions swirling inside her. The moment felt surreal, a blend of triumph and underlying tension.

Tory nudged her playfully. "You did it, Ari! Showed them who's boss," she said with a grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Miguel wrapped an arm around Arizona's shoulders, pulling her close. "You were amazing," he whispered in her ear, his voice filled with pride and affection. Arizona leaned into him, drawing comfort from his warmth and support.

But as she looked over at Sam and Robby, who were now surrounded by their own friends, Arizona felt a pang of something she couldn't quite identify. Regret? Sadness? It was hard to pinpoint, but it was there, lingering at the edges of her victory.

Sam, dusting herself off, exchanged a few quiet words with Robby. She looked over at Arizona, their eyes meeting for a brief, tense moment. Sam's expression was a mix of frustration and acceptance, a silent acknowledgment of their ongoing rivalry.

Arizona turned away, not wanting to dwell on it. "Let's get some drinks," she suggested to Tory and Miguel, trying to shift her focus. The trio made their way through the crowd, the party buzzing around them with renewed energy.

They reached the makeshift bar, where a variety of drinks were lined up. Arizona grabbed a cup and filled it with punch, taking a long sip to cool down. Tory and Miguel followed suit, and they found a quieter corner to catch their breath.

"You really showed them, Ari," Tory said, raising her cup in a toast. "Here's to more victories."

Arizona clinked her cup against Tory's, forcing a smile. "Yeah, more victories," she echoed, though her mind was still a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Miguel watched her closely, sensing the turmoil beneath her exterior. "You okay?" he asked softly, concern etched in his features.

Arizona nodded, though the gesture felt heavy. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a lot going on, you know?" she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Miguel squeezed her hand gently. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here," he reminded her, his voice sincere.

Arizona offered him a grateful smile. "Thanks, Miguel. I appreciate it."

As they stood there, the noise of the party fading into the background, Arizona couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting inside her. The events of the night had stirred up emotions she hadn't fully confronted, and she knew she needed to sort through them.

But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside and tried to focus on the present moment, enjoying the company of her friends and the fleeting sense of victory.

Miguel gently took Arizona's hand, guiding her away from the loud and bustling party. "Come on, let's get some fresh air," he said softly. She followed him outside, and they walked a short distance until they found a quieter spot in the backyard where they could see the sun setting. The sky was a beautiful mix of oranges and pinks, casting a warm glow over everything.

They sat down on a bench, the silence between them filled with the distant sounds of the party and the calming chirping of crickets. Miguel watched Arizona, her face bathed in the golden light, and he took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

"Arizona," he began gently, "I've noticed you've been acting differently lately. More aggressive, especially around Sam. And you're not using your essential oils anymore. Diego mentioned you've barely been home and—"

Arizona's face tightened, cutting him off sharply. "Why are you talking to my brother about me?" she snapped, her voice rising. "That's none of his business."

Miguel looked taken aback but kept his composure. "I'm worried about you, Ari. It feels like you're trying to impress Tory or something, and it's not like you."

Arizona's eyes flashed with anger. "This has nothing to do with Tory! And Sam started all this when she stole you from me," she said bitterly. "You were my best friend, and I liked you first! I told her how I liked you and then she went and took you and started dating you. And then when she broke up with you, I had a chance to get you back, so that's why we faked dated at first."

Miguel frowned, shaking his head. "Ari, that's not how it happened. You were ignoring me because you didn't like I was in Cobra Kai! You were against the whole karate thing and we didn't speak to each other for a month! Sam and I started talking after I fought Kyler—"

"That's not how it felt to me," Arizona retorted, her voice shaking. "You left me for her, and she always gets what she wants."

"And what about the essential oils?" Miguel pressed, trying to steer the conversation back. "You haven't been using them. You always said they helped with your anxiety."

"I just haven't felt the need to use them lately," she replied curtly. "Is that a crime?"

"It's not a crime," Miguel said softly. "I just want to understand what's going on with you. It feels like you're changing, and I don't want to lose you."

Arizona stood up abruptly, her face flushed with anger. "Maybe I'm changing because I have to deal with a lot of crap right now, okay? Maybe I don't want to be the same person I was before," she shot back, her voice trembling. "And I don't need you or anyone else telling me how I should be."

Miguel reached out for her, his expression pleading. "Ari, please, don't walk away. Let's talk about this."

But Arizona was already walking away, her fists clenched. "I'm done talking," she muttered, ignoring his calls as she headed back into the house to find Tory. Miguel watched her go, his heart heavy with worry and frustration, knowing that their conversation had only deepened the rift between them.

Arizona stormed back into the house, her mind racing with anger and hurt. She found Tory near the kitchen, chatting with a few other people. As soon as Tory saw Arizona's face, she knew something was wrong.

"Hey, what happened?" Tory asked, concern lacing her voice.

Arizona took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Miguel and I had a fight," she said, her voice trembling. "He's been talking to Diego about me and accusing me of trying to impress you. And then he brought up Sam and everything just exploded."

Tory's eyes narrowed. "That jerk. Come on, let's play some beer pong and forget about him for a bit."

Arizona nodded, grateful for the distraction. They made their way to the backyard, where a group was setting up for beer pong. Arizona and Tory quickly joined in, and before long, Arizona was downing cup after cup, the alcohol numbing her pain.

As the game progressed, Arizona's movements became more unsteady, her laughter louder and more forced. Tory kept a close eye on her, making sure she didn't get too out of control. After a while, Arizona was clearly drunk, her eyes glassy and unfocused.

"Come on, let's find you a place to lie down for a bit," Tory said gently, guiding Arizona away from the game.

They made their way upstairs and found Moon's room empty. Tory helped Arizona onto the bed, but as they reached the window, Arizona froze, her gaze fixed outside.

"What is it?" Tory asked, following her line of sight.

Through the window, they saw Miguel and Sam standing in the backyard, their faces close. Before long, they were kissing, and Arizona's heart shattered all over again.

"I knew it," Arizona whispered, her voice breaking. "I knew deep down he still had feelings for Sam." Tears streamed down her face as she sank to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

Tory knelt beside her, wrapping her arms around Arizona. "It's okay, Ari. Let it out."

Arizona cried for what felt like an eternity, her body shaking with each sob. Tory held her, whispering comforting words until Arizona's sobs subsided into quiet sniffles.

After a few moments, Arizona's expression shifted from sorrow to anger. She wiped her tears away, her eyes hardening. "We're going to get back at Sam on the first day of school," she declared, her voice cold and determined.

Tory nodded, a fierce look in her eyes. "Absolutely. She's going to regret ever messing with us."

The two girls sat there, their anger and resolve solidifying their bond. They knew that come Monday, they would make sure Sam paid for the pain she had caused.

Arizona's shoulders straightened as she got up from the floor, her eyes still puffy but filled with a newfound determination. "She's not getting away with this. Not again."

Tory stood beside her, their reflections in Moon's mirror showing two girls ready for a fight. "We'll plan something good. Something she won't see coming."

Arizona gave a small, humorless laugh. "I'm so sick of playing nice. She thinks she can just waltz in and take everything from me. Not this time."

Tory placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're in this together, Ari. She won't know what hit her."

They stayed in Moon's room for a while longer, discussing their plans for Monday. Each detail they crafted made Arizona feel a little more in control, a little more powerful. The pain from seeing Miguel and Sam together was still there, but it was being channeled into something else—something that felt productive.

Finally, Arizona lay back on Moon's bed, exhaustion taking over. Tory stayed by her side, making sure she was comfortable. "Get some rest," she said softly. "We'll deal with everything else tomorrow."

Arizona nodded, her eyes closing. "Thanks, Tory. For everything."

"Anytime," Tory replied, watching as Arizona drifted off to sleep. She glanced out the window one last time, her jaw set. Sam and Miguel might have their moment now, but it wouldn't last. Not if she and Arizona had anything to say about it.

The party continued outside, but for Arizona and Tory, the real battle was just beginning. They would face it head-on, side by side, ready to take back what they believed was rightfully theirs.

ASH SPEAKS!

and this is where arizona's cobra kai arc REALLY starts... she may not like kreese right now buttttt he will manipulate her...