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MARISOL EXHALED IN RELIEF. The command, "Let's begin!" roared from Johnny, prompting Marisol to nervously bite down on her bottom lip. Uncertainty loomed as she wondered how this new venture would unfold for her—would she grasp it swiftly or face a steep learning curve?

Eli noticed the anxiety etched on Marisol's face, offering her a sympathetic smile that mirrored her own nervous one. In the ensuing silence, a palpable tension hung in the air, with all eyes fixed on the training ground. No immediate movement ensued, leaving the anticipation suspended, waiting for the first step in this unfamiliar journey.

Demetri, his hand raised in a questioning manner, broke the momentary silence. "Uh, begin what exactly?" he asked, his expression a mix of curiosity and confusion. Marisol mirrored his blank look, while Johnny and Daniel shared a glance that conveyed unspoken understanding.

Johnny took the lead, articulating the vision. "Begin a new era. Many of us used to be enemies. But rivalries... don't need to last forever. The All Valley Tournament is just a few months away, and this year, the stakes are higher than they've ever been. We know that Cobra Kai is gonna use every dirty trick in the book. There's only one way we're gonna be able to beat—" The room hung on his words, awaiting the pivotal insight that would shape their path forward.

Johnny's interruption was abrupt, his voice cutting through Daniel's speech. "By kicking their asses so hard they shit themselves! We gotta take things to the next level," he bellowed with fiery determination. Striding purposefully across the floor, his intense gaze scanned each person in the room.

"Gonna teach you an aggression stronger than anything Cobra Kai can throw at us. They strike first? We'll pre-strike," he proclaimed, injecting a sense of urgency into the atmosphere. The room absorbed the raw energy and fervor of Johnny's words, setting the stage for an intensified training regimen, as the significance of the challenge ahead resonated with each individual present.

A scoff escaped Daniel's lips, eliciting a wary look from Marisol directed at Eli. She sensed that this encounter might not unfold as smoothly as hoped. Daniel descended a step to position himself beside Johnny, deliberately leaving a discernible space between them. "Okay, we're getting ahead of ourselves. We are going to respond to what they do," he asserted, introducing a note of caution to temper the heightened tension that had gripped the room. The contrast in their approaches added layers to the dynamic unfolding within the Eagle-Fang training space.

Johnny pointed emphatically. "Eagles do not respond. They swoop down and take whatever they want. Because that's what we're gonna do. Take back the Valley," he declared, his words ringing with determination and a renewed sense of purpose.

Daniel interjected, "Take it back in a measured and organized approach," his tone nonchalant. Johnny, unyielding, countered with a shout, "We bite first!" A sigh escaped from Daniel's lips. "Okay, let's just warm up with some simple exercises," he suggested. "All right, line up!" The clash of their philosophies set the stage for the training session ahead.

As they settled into their stances, Marisol observed the scene with a quizzical look aimed at Eli. He chuckled softly, taking a moment to guide her into the proper stance, prompting a mixture of confusion and laughter from Marisol. Meanwhile, Sam's eyes narrowed as she noticed the exchange between Marisol and Eli, wondering why he seemed to be the source of Marisol's amusement rather than herself. Sensing the tension, Miguel subtly nudged Sam in the side, perhaps trying to divert her attention or offer a silent reassurance.

Eli, with a gentle touch, grasped Marisol's arm, carefully positioning it into a fighting stance. "Make them into a fist, then put one foot forward and one back," he patiently explained. Marisol nodded in understanding, mirroring his guidance with a determined focus, absorbing the nuances of the martial arts stance under Eli's attentive instruction.

A grin broke across his face. "Good job!" he exclaimed, drawing a chuckle from Marisol. Sam, with an eye roll, expressed her disinterest. Daniel took a deep breath, raising his arms. Marisol arched a brow, exchanging a glance with Eli, who responded with a casual shrug. "Right leg back. Front kick ready. Hi-yah!" Johnny's authoritative shout cut through the air, setting the stage for the next martial arts move in the training routine.

Replicating Eli's movements, Marisol executed a front kick just as Mitch skillfully took Nate down. The impact of the takedown prompted a sharp gasp from Marisol. "Oof. That's gotta hurt," she commented, her empathy evident. Mitch, recognizing the unintended consequence, quickly apologized, "Shit, dude. Sorry," while Nate groaned in pain, holding his side. The training session took an unexpected turn, leaving a momentary pause in the intense atmosphere.

Leaning against the rock, Eli's arm encircled Marisol's waist in a protective manner. Recently, he had become notably touchy—not in any inappropriate sense, but through gestures like holding hands and offering hugs. It seemed like a reflection of his remorse, a tangible way to express his regret for everything that had transpired between them. The subtle yet comforting touches hinted at a desire for connection and reassurance.

Mitch and Bert poised themselves in fighting stances, deeply engrossed in their practice. Daniel, however, broke into their sparring session, separating them with a sense of urgency. "You're just swinging at each other," he exclaimed with wide-eyed disbelief, his gaze shifting to Johnny. The incredulous look he shot Johnny conveyed a sense of frustration. "Don't you teach any defense?" Daniel's question underscored a critical gap in their training approach, demanding a more strategic and well-rounded focus.

"The best defense is more offense," Mitch remarked, his tone laced with snarkiness.

"Mitch, just shut up," Marisol uttered with a firm look, her patience waning. Bert reacted swiftly, delivering a targeted blow to Mitch's groin. The resulting groan and Mitch's collapse against the rock prompted raised eyebrows from Marisol, who exchanged a surprised look with Eli.

"Why do you have a rock in the middle of your dojo!?" Johnny's frustration echoed in his question to Daniel, highlighting the unexpected and perhaps ill-placed obstacle in the training space.

A wave of nausea swept over Marisol as Johnny issued the task of cleaning out his car. Observing the rigorous scrubbing, her discomfort intensified. "Come on, you maggots! Faster! Mariah, get moving!" he bellowed, provoking an eye roll from Marisol. "No! I'm gonna throw up if I go in there! Also, my name is Marisol, not Mariah!" she retorted, asserting herself with a touch of sass.

Johnny, undeterred, walked over to the Cervantes girl, delivering a blunt directive, "Stop being a little pussy and scrub!" The tension in the air thickened as each command added to the strained atmosphere of the cleaning ordeal.

Eli froze, his attention shifting quickly to Marisol as Johnny uttered a word that he knew would set her off. The tension in the air thickened as Marisol, her fists clenched by her side, shot a searing glare at Johnny. In that split second, Eli sensed the imminent eruption of frustration, witnessing Marisol on the verge of swinging her fist. Reacting swiftly, he jumped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her away, preventing a potential confrontation from escalating. The room held its breath as the brief but intense moment unfolded.

Marisol's attempt to break free from Eli's grip was evident in her visible struggles. Eli's hold, carefully balanced to avoid causing harm while maintaining control, became a focal point of the unfolding tension. Johnny, observing the scene, raised a curious brow and inquired, "What's wrong with her?" Eli met Johnny's gaze with a blank expression, providing an explanation.

"She doesn't like being called a pussy. I don't know why, but it sets her off on a rampage," he elaborated, shedding light on the specific trigger that ignited Marisol's intense reaction. The room held a palpable pause, with the revelation adding a layer of understanding to the charged atmosphere.

Johnny chuckled dryly, a wry smile on his face. "Reminds me of her dad. He hated being called a pussy," he stated casually, enjoying the subtle tension that lingered. Marisol shot him a sharp glare, challenging his words. "Maybe you're the pussy!" she snapped back, a retort that only fueled Johnny's laughter. "This is why you're a good fit for my dojo," he continued, finding amusement in the spirited banter.

In the midst of the exchange, Marisol, on the cusp of breaking free from Eli's grip, found herself caught again, the brief struggle persisting amid the verbal sparring. The air crackled with a mix of tension and amusement, showcasing the complex dynamics at play in the dojo.

Daniel sighed, weariness evident in his demeanor as he took a step forward. "All right, Eli, let her go. Marisol, go help Sam with the cars. She'll teach you wax off and wax on," he directed with a blend of authority and resignation. Eli slowly loosened his grip on Marisol, and she walked away, heading over to Sam to assist with the cars. Eli's gaze lingered on her departure, revealing a subtle hint of reluctance in letting her go. The dynamic in the dojo shifted, the aftermath of the confrontation lingering in the air.

Sam cracked a grin, a friendly expression lighting up her face. "Heyy," she empathized, sensing Marisol's presence. In response, Marisol flashed a quick but genuine teethy smile. "Hi," Marisol greeted with a hint of warmth as Sam sighed, preparing to explain the intricacies of how wax off and wax on worked.

As practice came to an end, Eli walked alongside Marisol towards her car. Marisol turned to him with a mischievous smile and asked, "Wanna come over?" Eli's eyes widened with panic, and he quickly replied, "Hell no!" It was because of that memorable incident a few days ago when Marisol's dad unexpectedly walked into her room and caught them cuddling while watching Scream 4. Eli vividly remembered the mad chase that ensued as he made a hasty retreat.

Marisol couldn't help but burst into laughter at Eli's panicked response. "Dude, I know karate now," she said between giggles. "I'll just sucker punch him." She gave a small shrug, trying to downplay the situation. Eli quirked a brow, clearly skeptical. He gave Marisol a serious look, hoping for a more reassuring response. "Okay, I didn't learn much today," she admitted, "but trust me, you'll be fine!" Marisol flashed him a confident smile, trying to ease his worries.

He looked at her reluctantly, his brows furrowing in hesitation. But as she gave him a pleading look, his resolve weakened. He let out a dramatic sigh, his voice filled with resignation. "Fine," he said, his tone laced with a hint of annoyance. "But if he chases after me again, we're hanging out at my place from now on." He fixed her with a stern look, hoping she understood the seriousness of his words. Marisol couldn't help but chuckle at his theatrics, giving him a small nod of agreement.

As Eli and Marisol walked through the door, their laughter filled the air, creating a joyful atmosphere. However, their mirth was abruptly cut short when George's stern voice broke the moment. "Marisol Cervantes," he said, his tone firm and serious. His gaze shifted towards the couch, where Mila sat uncomfortably beside Robby. Marisol's frustration was palpable as she clenched her teeth and sent Robby a piercing glare. "Why is he here?" she demanded, her voice laced with irritation. The tension in the room was undeniable.

Natasha cleared her throat, her voice tinged with a touch of nervousness. "Uh, you know, since my sister is still in rehab and Robby doesn't really have anywhere else to go right now," she explained. "He doesn't wanna live with his dad, so I guess I was his last option." Marisol couldn't help but roll her eyes, her irritation evident. She shifted her gaze towards Mila, seeking her input. "Honestly, I think this is a terrible idea. What's your take on it, Mila?"

Mila was about to express her thoughts when Robby abruptly interrupted her, not allowing her to get a word out. "Hey, let's not bring your sister into this. This is our fight, right, Marisol?" he asserted, his tone challenging. His gaze shifted towards Marisol, seeking her agreement.

Eli's eyes narrowed, shooting a piercing glare at Robby, while Marisol's face contorted into a disapproving frown. "Yeah, no. You better leave Marisol alone," Eli snapped, his voice dripping with defiance. "I don't know what brings you here, but you're not gonna mess with her. If you want to get to her, you'll have to go through me." George couldn't help but let out a mocking laugh, his amusement evident. "Eli, Hawk, or whatever you go by now, this is a family discussion. How 'bout you just go home and stay away from my daughter?"

Marisol locked eyes with her dad, a knowing look passing between them. "No, Dad. He's not going anywhere. I don't get why you think he's a threat to me, because he's not," she argued passionately, her voice filled with determination.

George's face twisted into a stern, angry dad look as he locked eyes with Marisol. "Marisol, I've already told you he needs to leave! Don't question my parenting decisions. He's just not good enough for you," he asserted firmly, his frustration evident in his voice. "By the way, we're planning to have dinner with the LaRusso family soon. Unfortunately, Robby won't be joining us, but Eli, or Hawk, whatever he goes by now, you're more than welcome to come and show us that Sam is a better match for Marisol."

Marisol's eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn't help but give her dad a shocked look. The expression on Eli's face quickly turned into a frown, while Robby's gaze took on a menacing edge. George found the whole situation interesting, which only fueled Marisol's anger. "Dad! That's totally messed up!" she yelled at him, her voice filled with frustration and disbelief.

Natasha, equally taken aback, gave George a disapproving look and jumped in, "She's absolutely right. What has gotten into you? Who cares if she dates either of them? They would both be good enough for her in their own unique ways," she scolded him, her tone firm and filled with disappointment.

She turned to Marisol and Eli, a playful glimmer in her eyes. "Hey, why don't you crash at my place tonight, Eli?" she suggested with a grin. Eli caught Marisol's encouraging gaze and responded with a silent nod, his excitement evident. Taking the lead, Marisol grabbed his hand and led him down the hallway, guiding him towards her room for a fun-filled night.

She felt a surge of frustration, causing her to slam her bedroom door shut, making sure to lock it for privacy. In her annoyance, a loud yell escaped her lips, echoing her irritation. Sensing her distress, Eli looked at her with a pained expression, his eyes reflecting his hurt. "You know, maybe I should just go," he suggested softly, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and sadness.

Marisol locked eyes with Eli, her gaze filled with a mix of frustration and determination. "You know what? Screw it! My dad is such a freaking jerk! He just doesn't get that I'm trying to figure out who I really want in my life... and it's definitely you, not Sam," she vented, her voice filled with raw emotion.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "The only ones who truly have my back are Mila and Nat. And then there's Robby, who barely even talks to me. I barely know anything about him! He didn't even let me visit him that one time." Her voice cracked, the tears now streaming down her face.

Eli gently took hold of Marisol's hands, his eyes filled with tenderness as he locked gazes with her. "Marisol, I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. If you choose Sam over me, I'll respect your decision. And I understand that your dad is going through a lot right now. He's struggling to stay sober and maintain a positive relationship with Natasha. As for Robby, he's just self-absorbed. He doesn't seem interested in getting to know you because he's solely focused on himself."

As tears cascaded down her cheeks, she couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. "I just wish everything could be easier," she sobbed, her voice trembling with raw vulnerability. Eli regarded her with a mixture of sympathy and concern, tilting his head to the side as he tried to comprehend the depth of her pain.

Moved by her anguish, he tenderly leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, a gesture filled with comfort and understanding. Taking her trembling hands in his, he pressed them gently against his own chest, offering her a sense of warmth and security.

In a soft, reassuring tone, he whispered, "Princess, opening up about your feelings won't magically make everything easier. But it can help you find solace in sharing the burden and finding support. Together, we can face whatever lies ahead."

A heavy sigh escaped her lips, carrying with it a profound sense of sadness. A small, involuntary sob broke free, punctuating the weight of her emotions. Sensing her pain, he instinctively enveloped her in his arms, drawing her close in a tight embrace.

Nestled against his chest, her tears flowed freely, drenching the fabric of his shirt. The torrent of her weeping seemed to release not only the immediate anguish but also the pent-up anger and sorrow she had silently carried for far too long. It was as if a dam had burst, allowing a flood of suppressed feelings to finally find their voice.

Through her tear-soaked sobs, she realized that she had been denying herself the catharsis of expressing her emotions for an extended period. The overwhelming weight of her bottled-up anger and sadness had prevented her from shedding tears or sharing her innermost thoughts.

But now, in the safety of his embrace, the floodgates opened, and she found solace in the vulnerability of letting her emotions flow freely. With each tear that fell, she felt a sense of cleansing, a gradual release of the emotional burden that had weighed her down.

In that moment, she understood the importance of acknowledging her feelings, both to herself and to those who cared about her. And as she wept in his arms, she began to realize the healing power of vulnerability and the strength that comes from allowing oneself to feel deeply.

Eli's empathy for Marisol mingled with frustration towards George, as he keenly observed signs of George's recent alcohol consumption. The stench of alcohol wafted towards Eli as George entered the house, a telltale sign of his lack of sobriety. Despite Eli's unease, he doubted Marisol was aware of George's inebriation. The realization fueled Eli's anger, lamenting the strain on their friendship since Eli embraced his identity as Hawk.

As the days passed, she found herself standing alongside Eli in Miyagi-Do, respectfully bowing to her senseis. Daniel addressed the group, stating, "Sensei Lawrence and I have the same goal of preparing you for the tournament." Johnny chimed in, emphasizing, "But we have different ways of getting you there."

"We realize that that teaching you opposing viewpoints at the same time can be a little confusing."

"So, after thorough discussion, we've devised a plan. It's time to divide and conquer," Johnny explained. A shared glance between Hawk and Marisol unfolded, while Miguel directed his gaze at Hollis, who seemed visibly perplexed by the unfolding strategy.

"Eagle Fang trains out front."

"And i'll be back here with the Miyagi-Dos."

Hollis advanced, arms folded, wearing a stern expression. "Wasn't our strength in working together?" he inquired. The response came assuredly, "We're still a team, just refining our strategy."

"Separately, though," Johnny added with a firm tone. "Take your positions on opposite ends of the dojo. Alright, Eagles, follow my lead!"

Marisol cast a quick glance at Eli before falling in step behind Johnny as he led the way to the front.

"Fall in!"

Marisol surveyed her teammates and attempted to lean into Eli's arms. Eli smoothly caught her, drawing an amused glance from Johnny. "I said gather around, not fall into each other, genius," he rebuked, to which Marisol rolled her eyes and straightened herself.

"Hawk, being the new addition to Eagle Fang, step forward," Johnny instructed, prompting a subtle furrow of Marisol's eyebrows. She couldn't help but wonder why the attention wasn't directed at both of them; after all, she was new to the group as well.

Eli stepped forward and bowed. "Yes, Sensei."

"Marisol come on up." he waved her over.

She grinned and confidently stepped forward. "Sweep his feet," he whispered into her ear, prompting a puzzled expression. "What?" she exclaimed in disbelief, meeting his gaze as he shot her a meaningful look.

She sighed, gracefully bending down and employing her right leg to expertly sweep and kick Eli's feet off the ground. He groaned, tumbling backward and colliding with the ground. Her lips curled into a frown as she towered over him, looking down. "Sorry, he told me to do it," she explained, pointing at Sensei Lawrence and extending her arm toward him. Johnny grabbed her hand, and with a firm pull, she helped him back to his feet.

Eli shot Johnny a disbelieving look. "What the heck was that for?" he retorted, but Johnny paid no attention. "Today, we're going to practice our front sweeps," he announced, locking eyes with Hawk, "on Hawk."

Marisol emitted a light scoff, earning a questioning look from Eli. She sighed, recognizing his silent plea for her not to intervene. "All right. I know I was a jerk, but I'm sorry," he spoke up with a hint of hurt in his eyes. Johnny retorted, "Talk is cheap."

Marisol shot him a glare, her jaw clenched tightly in frustration. Her new Sensei was pushing her buttons. "I'm gonna-" she began to step forward, aiming for another fist swing, until Eli swiftly grabbed her by the waist, pulling her away. "Princess, no," he said sternly.

Expressing her frustration with a groan, he finally let her go. She folded her arms, shooting a skeptical side-eye at Sensei Lawrence. Chuckling, he remarked, "You're undoubtedly shaping up to be my Queen Eagle. Your attitude is spot-on, and your progress is impressive," delivering the compliment with a confident smirk.

Her intense glare softened into a mixture of relief and realization. Beneath her initial worry that she wasn't performing well, a sense of accomplishment emerged. Her lips curled into a genuine grin, mirroring the approving smile that Eli cast her way.

They decided to take a break when Daniel repeatedly heard Eli groaning in pain. Eli and Marisol sought refuge inside the dojo. "How's the pain down... um," she gestured, and Eli winced, "Hurts like hell. Can't believe he told me to walk it off. I'm going to have to ice my, well, you know, for a whole week after this."

Marisol erupted into hysterical laughter, earning a deadpan look from him. She struggled to compose herself between laughs, managing to say, "I'm sorry, but I can't..." before dissolving into another fit of laughter.

She observed as Eli became captivated by a painting. Following his gaze, she gasped in awe, her mouth forming a silent "wow." "That's pretty," she complimented, prompting Eli to glance at her with a nod. "I agree," he concurred, reaching out to touch the painting.

Demetri shared a piece of trivia with them, "That's the sparring deck, where Mr. Miyagi's great-grandfather taught karate on the Okinawan waterfront."

Marisol laughed appreciatively. "It's quite beautiful. Mr. LaRusso should consider making it. There's a vacant spot, especially where all those dead plants are," she observed, nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders. Eli adopted a thoughtful expression, taking note of her suggestion.

Eli reached out to touch the painting once more, but Chris walked over and swiftly slapped his arm away. "Yo, be careful with that," he scolded, emphasizing the need for caution.

Marisol fixed Chris with a deathly stare. "Hey, he was just admiring it," she scowled at him, expressing her disapproval. Eli chimed in, challenging Chris, "Do you really think I'm going to break it?"

He furrowed his eyebrows, listing off grievances, "You've already broken a door, stolen Mr. Miyagi's medal, manipulated Marisol, and took her away from Sam," he said as Nate appeared by his side, adding, "Not to mention beating the crap out of me."

Marisol emitted a light scoff. "He isn't manipulating me. Plus, I broke up with Hawk on my own, and Sam ended things with me," she retorted, asserting her independence in the decisions made regarding her relationships.

Eli's expression shifted to a frown. "Hey, look, I'm genuinely sorry about all that," he said, offering them an empathetic look. However, they responded with glares directed at Hawk and Marisol. "Both of you, go back to your little Eagle gang. You're not wanted here. You're both traitors," they accused with a tone of betrayal.

Marisol shook her head in disbelief, exchanging glances with Demetri, who responded with a nonchalant shrug. Eli, frustrated by the lack of support, walked out without uttering a word. "Thanks a lot, Demetri. You're not helping us feel welcome," Marisol snapped at him before following Eli.

While walking out, Marisol overheard Daniel's harsh words directed at Eli. "You've burned bridges with pretty much everyone here," he spat with disdain.

She observed Eli sigh with a tinge of sadness before he exited the dojo. Marisol, jaw clenched, descended and positioned herself in front of Daniel, delivering a harsh glare. Other students emerged to witness the unfolding tension, drawn by the commotion.

Marisol reached her breaking point. "None of you have been welcoming at all, and I've had enough. Was I friends with Eli during his Cobra Kai era? Yes! Did I defend him at times? Yes! Did he make mistakes and apologize for them? Yes! Why won't any of you accept that we're here now? He's trying to change, and I'm just learning karate to protect myself. Eli is not Hawk anymore; he's Eli Moskowitz. He's not the person he used to be. Will he slip up sometimes? Yeah, probably. But that's because he's trying not to be the person that Cobra Kai turned him into. He's not manipulating me either. He apologized when I showed up on December 19th," she declared passionately.

Sam folded her arms. "What about Hollis?" she questioned. Marisol sighed, turning to Hollis. "And I'm sorry. We've already apologized to each other, but I'll do it again in front of everyone. We were both in the wrong, but you did push me, and I got a concussion. I am sorry for blaming you out of my resentment for your mom, although I still don't like her that much," she apologized as he waved his hand. "It's okay," he responded with a forgiving gesture.

Sam rolled her eyes. "I don't get why you still defend Hawk. This is exactly why I broke up with you," she snapped, provoking a harsh glare from Marisol. "Sam, for once, stop making everything about you. We're talking about Eli, not you. His name is Eli, not Hawk. Get it right. You're such a hypocrite. I hate the fact that I'm about to defend Robby, but I am. You cheated on my cousin, which is just another reason I can't stand you anymore. We used to have something, but we don't anymore, Sam. You might try as hard as you can to get me or Miguel back, but we have other people now. I have Eli, and he has Hollis. Also, Hollis and Miguel, don't lie; I know you two are secretly dating. Natasha and Holly are loud when they're drunk," Marisol declared, addressing the situation with assertiveness.

Before anyone could react or respond, she stormed out of the dojo.

Seated at the kitchen counter, Marisol's phone lit up with a FaceTime call from Eli. Grinning, she picked up her phone and answered, "Heyy!"

His laughter echoed through the call. "Hey, I heard from Demetri that you stood up for me after I left... there's a whole video. He started recording because he knew I'd probably want to see it," he shared with her over the phone.

A blush adorned her cheeks. "Yeah, I did. I was so fed up with their behavior. It was completely unnecessary," she ranted, expressing her frustration.

He offered her a knowing look. "It was really nice..." he trailed off, and they shared a meaningful gaze through the phone for a moment.

Eli cleared his throat. "Oh, by the way, I have an idea, and I need yours and Demetri's help," he brought up, prompting her to raise a brow. "What is it?" she inquired.

After a few more days, Eli, Demetri, and Marisol crafted a plan. Eli and Marisol entered the dojo side by side, Eli casually slinging an axe over his shoulder, while Marisol carried a bucket filled with gardening tools. "Hey, Haw- Eli! Marisol!" Miguel called out, catching their attention.

They halted in their tracks and pivoted around. Hollis, Miguel, and Sam approached them with questioning expressions. "What's going on?" Sam asked, glaring. "Demetri didn't tell you?" Marisol questioned, noticing the shared look between the three, all of whom shook their heads.

Eli sighed and shot a text to Demetri, deciding it was best for him to explain the idea in his own nerdy way. Demetri joined them, breaking down the plan with intricate details. The two dojos gathered, and together they started clearing out the dead crops. Eli and Demetri presented the idea to both Daniel and Johnny, who surprisingly found it appealing. Marisol knelt down, determined to pull out a dead plant. Sam approached with a chuckle, offering, "Need help?" and a friendly grin.

Marisol met Sam's eyes with a pleading expression. "Yes, please," she earnestly implored. Sam chuckled and joined her in kneeling down, their hands working together to pull the dead crop and toss it into a nearby bucket.

Taking advantage of the shared moment, Marisol spoke up, "So, I've been wanting to talk to you, and... I'm genuinely sorry about everything. I should've considered your feelings and been much nicer to you. I was a hypocrite, and you were right. Is there any way we could rekindle our friendship?" She accompanied her words with a sincere and apologetic gaze, hoping for a chance at reconciliation.

Marisol's nervousness manifested as she bit down on her bottom lip. "Uh, sure. Why not?" she replied reluctantly, her uncertainty evident. Sam's squeal of excitement filled the air. "Yay! Cool," Sam giggled, her enthusiasm contagious. Marisol joined in with a nervous giggle, stealing a glance toward Eli. His face portrayed a mix of jealousy and hurt.

The conflicting emotions arose within Marisol – her desire for Eli was undeniable. However, the uncertainty about their compatibility lingered. The thought crossed her mind: What if they weren't meant for each other? Embracing the opportunity to reconnect with Sam seemed like a path to understanding her feelings and relationships better.

—
ash speaks!

woah i didnt expect to have this a long chapter but it did-

but YAY season four!! i'm so excited for her storyline this season... someone unexpected shows up. can you guess?? (like actually please)