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The fluorescent lights above buzzed faintly as Mila Cervantes trudged through the cold, sterile halls of the juvenile detention center. The concrete walls seemed to close in on her, each step dragging like she was wading through quicksand. She kept her head down, avoiding the gazes of the guards and other detainees as her thoughts swirled.

She could still see her mother's face in her mind-the fire in her eyes, the determination that Mila had always admired and feared. She had done everything for her mother, even when it meant crossing lines she never thought she would. Helping her mom escape from prison had felt like the right thing to do in the moment, but now? Now it felt like a betrayal-of herself, of her future, of everyone who had ever believed in her.

When Mila reached her bunk, she sank down onto the thin mattress, her shoulders slumping. Her head fell into her hands, her long, dark hair cascading over her fingers as she let out a shaky breath.

Why did I do it? she thought bitterly, her jaw tightening. Why did I throw everything away for someone who left me the second they got what they wanted?

Her mom hadn't even hesitated to leave her behind in the Bahamas after Mila had helped her escape. The sting of abandonment was worse than the cold reality of the detention center. Mila's fists clenched, her knuckles whitening as tears threatened to fall. But she refused to cry. Not here. Not where anyone could see her.

A sudden knock on the metal doorframe startled her, and she looked up, quickly wiping her face with the back of her hand.

"Cervantes," the officer at the door said gruffly. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his expression as blank as the walls around them. "You've got a visitor."

Mila blinked, momentarily stunned. A visitor? Who would visit her here? Her mind raced, and for a brief, irrational moment, she thought it might be her mom. But no-that was impossible.

She stood slowly, her movements heavy, and followed the officer out of the room. The walk down the narrow hallway felt endless, the sound of her sneakers against the linoleum echoing loudly in her ears. Her chest tightened with each step as anxiety churned in her stomach.

When they reached the visitation room, Mila hesitated at the doorway. Her eyes scanned the room, and her breath caught when she saw him.

Anthony LaRusso was sitting at one of the tables, his brown eyes locking onto hers the second she appeared. He stood up, his expression soft but determined, and gave her a small wave.

Mila's feet felt rooted to the ground for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn't expected him. She wasn't sure she could face him. But she forced herself to move, dragging her feet to the table and sitting down across from him.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice low and flat. She kept her arms crossed over her chest, her gaze fixed on the table between them.

Anthony leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table as he studied her. "You're my girlfriend," he said simply, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Mila let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "We're not anymore, Anthony. Why would you still want to be with me after what I did?" She looked up at him then, her dark eyes filled with guilt and self-loathing. "I helped my mom escape from prison."

Anthony's expression softened further, his lips pressing into a thin line. He let out a deep sigh, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Mila," he said softly, "I still love you."

Mila's breath hitched, her eyes widening as her heart seemed to stop for a moment. Did he just say he loves me?

Before she could respond, Anthony continued, his voice steady and filled with quiet determination. "My mom, my dad, your dad, and your stepmom... they've been working with a lawyer. A really good one. We think we can get you out earlier than three years. Maybe within months."

Mila's eyes filled with tears, but she shook her head quickly, her brows furrowing. "No, Anthony," she said firmly, her voice cracking slightly. "I don't deserve that. I don't deserve... any of this."

Anthony frowned, leaning closer. "Stop," he said, his tone sharper now, cutting through her protest. "Mila, I love you. I don't care about what you did. I know you made a mistake. But I'm not giving up on you, so stop trying to push me away."

Mila stared at him, her chest tightening as his words sank in. She felt like the air had been knocked out of her, her mind struggling to process what he was saying.

Anthony reached out, his hand resting on the table between them. He didn't force her to take it, but the gesture was there-a silent offering of support, of love.

"I'm here, Mila," he said softly, his voice gentle now. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Mila's eyes dropped to his hand, her vision blurry with unshed tears. She wanted to believe him, to let herself hope, but the guilt and shame she carried felt like chains holding her back. She swallowed hard, her lips trembling as she tried to find the right words, but nothing came.

Anthony didn't press her. He just sat there, his hand still extended, his gaze unwavering. For the first time in what felt like forever, Mila felt a small flicker of warmth-of something other than regret and anger. She wasn't sure what to say, but maybe, for now, she didn't need to say anything.

The arena was alive with energy-cheers, applause, and the hum of anticipation filling the air. Marisol Cervantes stood near the back of the room, her posture stiff as she tried to ignore the way her stomach twisted with guilt. She was dressed in Cobra Kai's sleek black and red uniform, standing beside Tory Nichols, her teammate and, for better or worse, her closest ally now.

The Sekai Taikai's opening ceremony was a grand spectacle. Banners representing the world's top dojos hung from the rafters, lights flickered dramatically across the arena, and a stage in the center held the Sekai Taikai organizers and sponsors. Gunther, the event's main announcer, stood front and center, his voice commanding the attention of every competitor, sensei, and guest in attendance.

But Marisol wasn't listening.

Her gaze darted across the room, landing on the faces of people she hadn't seen in weeks. Familiar faces-Sam, Eli, Demetri, Miguel, and the rest of her former friends from Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang. They stood together, unified as always, their gazes sharp and heavy as they stared her down.

She swallowed hard.

The look on Sam's face was one of quiet fury, but what hit Marisol the hardest was the disappointment she saw in Eli's eyes. Eli Moskowitz-Hawk-her ex. The one she'd let in more than anyone else. His stare wasn't angry like Sam's; it was wounded, confused, as if he couldn't understand why she was standing on the opposite side now.

Marisol flicked her eyes to the ground, unable to bear the weight of his gaze any longer. Her chest tightened as a voice in her head screamed, What are you doing here? What have you done?

"Marisol?" Tory's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts.

"What?" Marisol asked, snapping her head toward her.

Tory gestured subtly across the room. "What's got you so distracted?"

Marisol opened her mouth to brush it off when she spotted something-or rather, someone.

Therese Alsten.

She was standing beside Sam, her body language relaxed but her expression smug. Marisol could feel the waves of self-assured confidence rolling off her. And that smirk. That damn smirk made Marisol's blood boil.

"No effing way," Marisol muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing.

"What?" Tory asked again, her tone more curious now.

Marisol jerked her chin in Therese's direction. "That fucking bitch replaced me."

Tory followed her line of sight and raised an eyebrow when she spotted Therese. "Her?"

"Yes, her," Marisol hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "Look at her, standing there like she's been part of Miyagi-Do forever. Like she didn't just slide into my spot the second I left."

Tory tilted her head, studying Therese for a moment before shrugging. "Who cares? She's not you. Let her smirk all she wants. You're here now, with Cobra Kai."

Marisol clenched her fists but said nothing. It wasn't just that Therese had taken her spot; it was the way she seemed so proud of it, as if she'd earned it. And the fact that Sam stood beside her like nothing had changed made Marisol's stomach churn.

"Welcome, competitors, senseis, sponsors, and esteemed guests to Barcelona, this year's home of the world's greatest karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai!" Gunther's booming voice cut through the tension, and the room erupted into applause.

Marisol clapped halfheartedly, her eyes flickering back to her former friends. They looked so unified, so strong. And here she was, trying to convince herself that Cobra Kai was where she belonged.

Gunther continued, his voice filled with pride and authority. "The Sekai Taikai boasts a rich and proud history. And if you are here, it's because you embody all that the Sekai Taikai stands for: leadership, respect, sportsmanship."

Marisol nearly scoffed at the mention of respect and sportsmanship. Sure, she thought bitterly. That's what Sensei Kim and Terry Silver taught us.

"Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands," Gunther announced.

Tory and Kwon stepped forward, their movements confident and deliberate as they tied their headbands. Tory looked every bit the Cobra Kai leader-intense, focused, and unshakable. Marisol envied her composure.

"Captains," Gunther continued, "you will have the honor and privilege to compete in our televised tournament of champions. But that is only if your dojo does well enough in our team competitions to make it to the final four. Once the tournament is over, we will then tally all the points your dojos have earned. The dojo with the most points wins the Sekai Taikai."

Marisol's stomach churned as she saw Sam lean toward Eli, her voice barely audible but her words clear in the otherwise silent room.

"Did you know?" Sam asked, her tone sharp, her gaze flickering toward Marisol.

Eli shook his head, his expression troubled. "No, I had no idea."

Marisol's breath hitched. She wanted to say something, to defend herself, but what could she possibly say? She'd made her choice, and now she had to live with it.

Gunther's voice carried on, his tone almost taunting. "But today is about enjoying our host city and making new friends-or enemies."

The room chuckled lightly, but Marisol felt the words hit too close to home. Her eyes darted back to Therese, who was still smirking in her direction.

"We have a field trip arranged for our competitors. And for our senseis, a cocktail mixer with our distinguished sponsors, some of the world's finest martial arts brands. It's a beautiful day to make a first impression. And I suggest you enjoy it, because tomorrow, your lives change forever."

Gunther's final words echoed in Marisol's ears as the room erupted into applause once more.

As the ceremony concluded and people began to disperse, Marisol found herself glancing over her shoulder one last time. Her gaze locked with Eli's for a fleeting moment, and the sadness in his eyes was like a punch to the gut.

"Cervantes," Sensei Kim's sharp voice broke through her thoughts, snapping her attention forward.

"Yes, Sensei?" Marisol responded, standing at attention.

"Forget about that boy and girl," Kim said coldly, her gaze like steel. "Don't let them get in your head, or you'll regret it."

Marisol swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, Sensei."

Kim's stern expression softened slightly. "Focus. Cobra Kai needs you to be strong."

Marisol nodded again, but as she walked out of the arena with Tory, she couldn't shake the heavy feeling in her chest. For all the strength Sensei Kim demanded of her, she felt anything but strong.

The weight of Sam and Eli's betrayed looks, Therese's smugness, and her own choices bore down on her shoulders. She clenched her fists, trying to push the emotions away.

But as she glanced back one last time at Eli, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd made the biggest mistake of her life.

Gunther raised his arms to conclude the ceremony. "Good luck, and welcome to the Sekai Taikai!"

The room erupted in applause, the sound echoing off the walls as competitors, senseis, and sponsors cheered.

Marisol clapped along mechanically, her mind racing. She shared a glance with Tory, who offered her a slight nod of reassurance. But Marisol couldn't shake the heaviness in her chest, the conflicting emotions swirling inside her.

As everyone began to disperse, Marisol's eyes found Eli's once more, just for a brief moment. She couldn't read his expression this time, but she knew her decision to stand with Cobra Kai had created a rift she might never repair.

Tory nudged her shoulder lightly. "You good?"

Marisol forced a small smile. "Yeah. Just... ready for tomorrow."

But as they walked out of the arena together, she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder one last time-toward Sam, Therese, and Eli. And for the first time, she wondered if she had made the biggest mistake of her life.

The hotel lobby buzzed with energy, alive with the chatter of competitors and the rhythmic clatter of suitcases wheeled across polished marble floors. The warm glow of chandeliers overhead cast a golden hue on the scene, but Marisol barely noticed. She moved with purpose, her Cobra Kai jacket zipped up tight, a shield against the prying eyes and whispers she could feel following her. Beside her, Tory walked in stride, her expression stony and unreadable, a living embodiment of confidence-or at least the appearance of it.

Marisol's chest tightened when she spotted them-Robby, Miguel, and Eli-huddled by a cluster of plush lounge chairs near the elevators. Her heart sank further when her gaze drifted to Sam, standing a little farther back with her arms crossed. Marisol's steps faltered, and her breath hitched. She hadn't expected to run into them so soon, certainly not here, and definitely not like this.

"Tory. Hey, wait!" Robby's voice rang out, cutting through the ambient noise of the lobby.

Tory stiffened at the sound of his voice but kept moving, not sparing him a glance. Her pace quickened, her jaw tight.

Marisol, however, froze in place as Sam's voice followed, sharp and cutting like a knife.

"Marisol."

It wasn't a yell, but it might as well have been. The weight of her name, spoken by someone she once called a friend, rooted her to the spot.

"Why did you do this?" Sam asked, her voice cracking with emotion. "You-You were out because of mental health."

Marisol's lips parted, but no words came out. Her throat felt dry, her heart pounding as Sam's words echoed in her mind.

The judgment, the betrayal, the disbelief-it was all there in Sam's eyes, in her voice. And it hurt more than Marisol had anticipated.

"I..." Marisol began, her voice barely audible, but she quickly stopped. She glanced at Eli, who stood behind Sam, his eyes fixed on her with a look she couldn't decipher-hurt, confusion, maybe even hope.

She turned away, ready to retreat, but before she could take a step, a hand grabbed her wrist.

"Marisol," Eli said, his voice soft, almost pleading.

Marisol froze again, her eyes flickering to the group of Cobra Kai students who had paused nearby, watching the scene unfold with thinly veiled curiosity. She slowly turned back to face Eli, her wrist trembling in his grasp.

"Marisol, I'm sorry," Eli said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Please. I fucked up, I know."

Her eyes searched his face, and for a moment, she saw the boy she used to know-the one she had loved, the one who had made her laugh, the one who had been there for her when no one else was. But that boy felt so far away now, separated by the choices they had both made.

Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away quickly.

"Eli," she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness, "I'm back on my meds, don't worry."

It was a weak attempt at deflection, a way to keep the conversation from diving too deep. But it didn't stop the pain in her chest from growing.

Eli's grip on her wrist loosened, but his eyes never left hers.

"Marisol..." he began, but she shook her head, cutting him off.

Slowly, she pulled her wrist free from his grasp.

"I can't do this," she muttered, her voice barely audible, and before anyone could say another word, she turned and jogged toward the elevators.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she approached the elevator, her vision still blurry with unshed tears. She stepped inside just as the doors began to close, finding Tory already there, leaning against the back wall with her arms crossed.

Tory glanced at Marisol, her brows furrowing slightly as she took in the other girl's expression.

"What happened?" Tory asked, her tone softer than usual.

Marisol leaned back against the elevator wall, her hands trembling as she rubbed her wrist absentmindedly.

"I saw Sam and Eli," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It... It was bad."

Tory's jaw tightened, and she nodded slowly.

"I'm starting to regret this," Marisol admitted after a moment, her voice thick with emotion.

Tory let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Me too," she muttered.

The elevator hummed softly as it ascended, the silence between them heavy and oppressive.

Marisol stared at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't quite pin down. She thought of Sam's hurt expression, of Eli's pleading eyes, of everything she had left behind.

For the first time since joining Cobra Kai, she felt the weight of her decision fully settle on her shoulders. And for the first time, she wasn't sure if she could bear it.

The tension in the hotel room was stifling as Tory and Marisol unpacked their suitcases in silence. Marisol's movements were slow and deliberate, as though she were trying to distract herself from the weight pressing down on her chest. She could feel her heart pounding with each shirt she folded, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't seem to silence. Tory, on the other hand, moved with brisk irritation, yanking open zippers and tossing clothes onto the bed with forceful determination.

A sharp knock at the door broke the silence, startling both girls. Tory sighed heavily, muttering under her breath as she strode over to answer it.

"I'll get it," she said, her tone sharp as though the knock alone had annoyed her.

Marisol paused mid-fold, her breath hitching as she watched Tory swing the door open. The sight of Sensei Kim Da-Eun and Sensei Kreese standing on the other side made her stomach twist into knots.

"Get moving. The buses are leaving," Sensei Kim said curtly, her voice carrying an air of authority that demanded no argument.

Tory rolled her eyes, her hand gripping the edge of the door as she turned back into the room. "We're not here for a field trip," she retorted, her words cutting through the tension like a knife.

Marisol froze, her hands still gripping the fabric in her lap. She felt a wave of panic rising in her chest, but she quickly pushed it down, keeping her expression neutral.

"Your team is waiting," Sensei Kim repeated, her gaze flickering briefly to Marisol.

Tory's jaw tightened, and she squared her shoulders as she faced Sensei Kim. "Yeah, I'm not here for them either. I'm here for Marisol," she snapped, her voice laced with defiance.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as Sensei Kim stepped forward. Without a word, she reached down and slammed Tory's open suitcase shut, the sound reverberating through the room. Both girls flinched slightly at the suddenness of the action.

"Let me be clear," Sensei Kim began, her voice low and icy. "I did not want either of you on this team. And I still don't."

Marisol's fear quickly morphed into anger. She scoffed, forcing herself to meet Sensei Kim's cold gaze. "Well, we are. Which means you didn't have a better choice," she shot back, her arms crossing defensively.

A slow, condescending smile spread across Sensei Kim's face. "Hm. I saw your potential right away," she said, her words dripping with disdain. "But I also know you have your own... issues."

Marisol stiffened, her jaw clenching as the words hit her like a punch to the gut. She knew exactly what Sensei Kim was referring to-her struggles with Bipolar disorder, the medication she was back on, and, of course, her little sister Mila being in juvenile detention. It was a sore wound that hadn't had time to heal, and Sensei Kim knew just how to press on it.

"I'm fine," Marisol said firmly, her voice steady despite the fire burning inside her. "I'm taking my medication again. As if that's any of your business."

Sensei Kim didn't even blink at the defiance. She simply shifted her attention to Tory, her gaze just as cutting.

"And you," she began, her tone sharp, "I saw potential too. But I also saw a rat. Whining, and distracted by split loyalties-the boyfriend."

Tory's expression darkened, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "And by you breaking my hand," she shot back, her voice brimming with venom.

Marisol couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at her lips. For all her inner turmoil, she took a moment of satisfaction in seeing Tory push back.

"You broke your own hand," Sensei Kim replied coldly, unfazed by Tory's anger. Her eyes flicked back to Marisol, her expression unreadable. "I knew you were not a leader. Maybe Marisol should be."

Marisol's eyes widened, the unexpected suggestion catching her off guard. "I don't wanna be," she said quickly, shaking her head. "I only took the captain's spot so I can be the last one fighting."

"And you'll be the last one losing," Sensei Kim retorted, her words cutting deep as she turned and walked out of the room, her heels clicking against the floor.

Kreese, however, remained behind, his calculating eyes flickering between the two girls. Tory huffed and turned back to her luggage, throwing open the lid with unnecessary force. Marisol let out a shaky breath, sinking onto the edge of the bed and running a hand through her bangs-the ones she'd impulsively chopped off the night before.

"I don't have anything to say to you," Tory said flatly, her voice filled with irritation as she kept her back to Kreese.

Kreese didn't seem to mind. His tone softened as he spoke, his words deliberate and heavy. "I know you're both struggling," he began, his gaze lingering on each of them in turn. "But you both made the right decision. You will make your mother," he said, looking pointedly at Tory, "and sisters proud."

Tory hesitated for a moment before muttering, "I hope so."

Marisol stayed silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. She didn't know what to say-or if she even wanted to say anything.

"I know so," Kreese said confidently. His expression shifted, a glint of something almost like approval in his eyes. "You know, you don't have to like your team. Sometimes we have to play... nice to get what we want."

With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar behind him.

The silence that followed was deafening. Marisol stared at her hands, her fingers trembling slightly as she tried to process everything that had just happened. Across the room, Tory let out a frustrated sigh, slamming a drawer shut.

"I'm so sick of their bullshit," Tory muttered, breaking the silence.

Marisol nodded absently, her thoughts still swirling as she glanced at the door Kreese had just walked through.

For all her bravado, she couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her chest. She was in too deep, and for the first time, she wasn't sure she had the strength to claw her way back out.

ASH SPEAKS!

SO EXCITED TO WRITE THIS NEXT PART!!! im so happy to bring marisol back :)

next chapter... tons of angst between sam and marisol :)

mila feature!!! she wont be in this part that much im sorry :( but she will have more appearances in part 3 since it will be the end!!

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