Chapter Two
When you lose someone, they don't just disappear. They leave pieces of themselves, scattered around like raindrops on a window.
You see a familiar pair of shoes by the door and for a moment, your mind tricks you into thinking they'll walk in any second. You come across their favorite coffee mug, and it's as if you can picture them holding it. But it's all just a reminder of what's missing. You can still feel them, but it's empty, like reaching for something you can never touch again.
Viola Kreese held onto memories of her mom in pieces that cut her deep, like broken glass embedded beneath her skin. Some of those memories made her smile, but most were like a deep wound, sharp and painful, pulling her back to the constant ache of the love she had lost.
The moment when it all started was a blur, but she could feel the pain every time she saw something that had belonged to her mom. Maybe that was why she tried to get rid of everything her mom had left behind. The worn recipe cards her mom had scribbled on, the old perfume bottle she'd kept on the bathroom counter. But every time she reached for those things, it felt like she was tearing apart the last pieces of her mother, and the thought of that broke her, leaving her unable to move, unable to let go.
Viola strolled through the neighborhood where Tory lived. A dry breeze drifted through the street, cool enough to notice but not enough to bite. The pale blue sky overhead was brushed with faint clouds, scattered like whispers across the horizon. Sunlight filtered through tree branches, leaving dappled patches of warmth on the ground.
Three weeks. That's how long it had been since they found out about Tory's mom's death. And three weeks since anyone had heard a single word from her.
The only people who reached out to Tory were Viola, Sam, Robby, and Devon.
Every message Sam sent carried a piece of her heart. She was desperate to let Tory know she was still there for her, no matter what. Robby left voicemail after voicemail, trying to sound comforting. But every time he hung up, the ache in his chest grew heavier. Deep down, he couldn't stop wondering if Tory would delete them without ever hearing his voice. Then there was Devon. She didn't want to push Tory away by saying too much. She wanted to believe Tory would come around when she was ready. So all she sent was: If you need anything, we're here for you.
Well, Viola was just being Viola. Always trying to understand, always stepping into someone else's shoes. Maybe it was because she had been in Tory's position before. That's why she didn't bombard her with phone calls or messages. Instead, she gave her a few days of space to breathe, reflect, and figure things out on her own.
She still remembered how much it bothered her when people gave their condolences after her mom's death. Their words didn't feel real, and instead of helping, they just made her feel more alone. In times like that, kindness from people who don't understand can feel like too much.
Like Devon, Viola spent the first week doing everything she could not to pressure Tory.
But days passed, and still no one had heard from Tory. It all started when she missed a few days of school. Soon, she wasn't coming at all.
The more time passed, the more Robby's worry grew. He went to her job to ask if anyone had seen her. When he got there, he found out that Tory hadn't been to work at all since her mom's death. No one had seen her, and no one knew where she was.
Viola had already been down this road. When Clara died, she packed up and left, but to her friends, it looked like she had just run away without saying anything. She disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only a short note for her ex-boyfriend. No one knew why she left or where she went.
She didn't think Tory would go to such extremes. She couldn't believe it, actually.
Still, the fact that someone could disappear without a trace for such a long time never seemed like a good sign. It was always the calm before something bigger and more dangerous happened. It was the kind of silence that made people nervous.
When Tory heard the knock on the door, she stopped what she was doing. She walked to the door and looked through the peephole. There stood Viola, waiting outside. She had come to visit. Tory paused for a second, wondering if she should open the door.
It felt like her mind was telling her to stand perfectly still, to pretend she wasn't home, and not to make a sound until Viola gave up and left.
She was afraid of confrontation. She didn't want Viola to see the mess inside. The floor was covered with clothes, some crumpled, some half-folded, and the couch was a jumble of clothing. The coffee table was cluttered with a large suitcase that was open, its contents spilling out in every direction.
Tory knew that if Viola saw all of this, she would try to stop her from what she was about to do. But right now, it seemed like the only option she had.
Yes, Tory planned to leave without a word, without saying goodbye. Running away. Flying the coop. Pulling a Viola Kreese on her friends and boyfriend. Whatever. It didn't matter anymore.
"Tory, I know you are in there." Viola spoke, and Tory suddenly realized she had been holding her breath all this time, not even noticing until now.
The blonde felt a crushing pressure in her chest, as if something heavy was sitting on her heart. She had learned to handle everything alone, because no one else had been there when things got bad. She trusted no one but herself. Now, having someone care about her, wanting to help, felt strange. It didn't feel right.
"Look," Viola exhaled slowly, her hand resting on the door, trying to calm the nerves that had built up in her chest. "I'm really sorry for what happened at the fight. I know you wanted to fight for your mom, and I get that. Trust me." She said softly, her voice breaking. "I wish everyone else would understand that too, instead of trying to stop you."
Tory didn't blame Viola. She knew it wasn't her fault. But as much as she understood, it still hurt. She knew she would never get a fair chance at Miyagi-Do. When push came to shove, Daniel and Amanda would always choose Sam or even Viola. They were the ones who had the opportunity, who were always given a shot.
Tory would never have that kind of privilege. Or at least, that's how she saw it . . . or maybe it was just an idea someone had put into her head.
But no matter what, that person was right in that moment. Tory had to think about herself now, put her well-being first. She knew her friends wouldn't agree with her decision, but at that moment, she felt it was the only choice she could make for herself.
"And . . . I'm really sorry about your mom."
Tory felt the familiar pinch in her eyes, tears threatening to break free. She blinked hard, trying to hold them back. She couldn't cry. No, no, no. She couldn't afford it. She knew that once the tears started, they wouldn't stop. And God, Tory was so tired of crying.
Another deep breath escaped from Viola's lips. "I . . . I know you need to sort this out in your head. And trust me, the last thing I want to do is startle you, but . . ."
It was almost funny, in a way. Viola had planned every possible scenario in her head before coming here, but now, she was fumbling with her words.
But the truth was, Viola Kreese was terrible at consoling. She didn't have the right words to make things better. She wanted so much to help, but it felt like there was nothing she could do. There was no power she had to take away the pain that Tory was carrying, a pain she understood too well after losing her own mother.
All she could do was be there for her, and that felt like the only thing she could offer.
"I just want you to know that I'm here for you. We all are." Viola's words sank in, and Tory felt a warm tear slip down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away with the open palm of her hand. "Just do me a favor, okay? Call Robby back. He's really worried about you."
The silence stretched on, thick and painful. Viola tried to hold on, to keep the conversation going, but it was too hard. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally gave up. She turned and walked away.
She wanted to believe that Tory would come around, that there was still a chance. But part of her was crushed by the thought that Tory might do something reckless, something irreversible, just like she had.
✹
Viola Kreese's mood had never been darker. The fight for captain should have been a turning point, a moment to prove herself, but the way it ended left her feeling hollow. When Tory walked away, the captaincy landed in Viola's lap, but it felt all wrong. She didn't feel like she had won anything ━ only that something had been abandoned, left behind for her to pick up.
There was no pride in wearing the captain's headband. Instead, Viola felt the sharp sting of guilt that grew stronger each time her eyes fell on it.
It felt foreign, like it wasn't hers to wear, like she had taken a prize she hadn't earned. The shame pulled her mind back to the All Valley tournament, where Terry Silver's blatant cheating had poisoned every moment of her victory.
She wanted to go to Daniel and ask for a rematch, to fix this for herself and for Tory. It felt like the only way to make things right. But deep down, she knew it was pointless. He had already made up his mind when he replaced her, and there was no going back.
The Sekai Taikai arena was dazzling as Miyagi-Do walked in. The bright yellow lights bathed the space, making every detail seem sharper. They lined up in the space marked for their dojo.
Viola stood between Robby and Sam, her hands clasped neatly behind her back. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she scanned the arena, taking in every corner and observing the other dojos gathered around them.
Viola's smile faded, and so did everyone else's. A familiar team in black gis walked into the arena, the cobra logo catching everyone's attention. Viola felt like she had been punched when she saw her grandfather with Kim Da-Eun. Her stomach churned, tightening into a painful knot, and she felt sick to her core.
And just as she thought nothing else could go wrong, it felt like the universe itself yelled, "Here's another one for you!"
Her heart seemed to stall, leaving her chest tight and her breath shallow. In the next instant, it thundered so wildly it felt like it might burst. Then she saw Tory standing with Cobra Kai, and it was as if everything around her blurred, leaving her with a deep, unsettling chill.
Viola's hand went to her chest, almost without thought, resting over her heart as if it could stop the storm inside. She rubbed the spot softly in small, trembling circles, wishing it would make the tightness go away.
"Welcome, competitors, senseis, sponsors, and esteemed guests to Barcelona, this year's home of the world's greatest karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai." Gunther Braun, the host of the Sekai Taikai, stepped forward to greet them. Viola swallowed hard as the crowd erupted into applause. She hesitated, her hands coming together in a tentative clap. "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. Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands."
Viola stepped forward alongside Robby. She slipped her hand into her gi, brought out her headband, and carefully tied it around her head.
Gunther's voice faded into the background, a dull echo against her ears, as Viola's eyes locked onto Cobra Kai. Tory was wearing the captain's headband, but the moment Viola noticed who was beside her, her eyes grew wide in disbelief, as if they could pop out of her head.
Kwon Jae Sung. A guy so full of himself that his arrogance seemed to ooze out of every part of him. Also known as Viola's childhood best friend . . . and her ex-boyfriend.
He scanned the arena with that ever-present smirk, a look that seemed glued to his face. The moment his eyes landed on Miyagi-Do's spot, especially on their female captain, it felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. Time seemed to stop, and a sharp, aching pain surged through him, cutting deeper than he expected.
The second his eyes landed on the short brunette, he knew who she was. Her face had been carved into his mind long ago and had never left.
His smirk disappeared in an instant, giving way to a clenched jaw. Viola noticed the muscle in his jaw twitching, tightening so hard it looked almost painful.
To say that Kwon was angry now would be a massive understatement. No, anger wasn't the right word. It was something stronger, more powerful, flowing through his veins and making his skin feel like it was burning.
She was the first girl he had ever loved, the first to hold his heart, and the one who had walked away without a word. Now, she was only a few feet away, and the sight of her made it all feel fresh again.
He felt sick. Just looking at her made him feel worse. Viola Kreese was the reason for the knot twisting in his stomach.
Gunther's words became a blur, muffled like they were coming from underwater. Nothing could reach Viola at that moment. Her eyes were glued, like someone staring at a door that would never open again.
Kwon gave her a glare as cold as stone. Her expression, soft and full of what looked like guilt, weighed on him like a stone. But he shoved the feeling away. He knew better than to trust that look or anything about her.
When she left, she took all the good in his life with her. The truth was, Viola Kreese had been the only good thing he had. She was his constant, the one person who mattered to him. But then she left, and his life fell apart all over again.
"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. Good luck, and welcome to the Sekai Taikai!"
The arena roared with loud cheering and clapping, snapping Viola out of her daze. She joined in the applause, her hands moving on instinct, but her attention kept slipping. Her eyes wandered back to Cobra Kai again and again.
✹
Viola smiled as the receptionist gave her the key cards. She turned to the group and held up the four cards. "Okay, who wants which room?"
"Uh, I'll . . . I'll . . . I'll go with Robby." Demetri said, though his voice sounded unsure as he took a card.
"Really?" Miguel sent him a surprised look. "I figured Robby and I would━"
"No. I'll bunk with El Serpiente." Hawk stepped in and quickly put his arm around Miguel's shoulder for a second. He pulled it back and turned to Demetri. "Besides, you fart in your sleep."
Viola's face twisted slightly as she scrunched her nose in clear disgust. "Gross."
"Erroneous. And he who observed it served it, by the way." Demetri clapped back.
"Whoever said the rhyme did the crime." Hawk argued with him.
"You just rhymed." Demetri pointed out.
"You said the rhyme first━"
Viola rolled her eyes when two boys tried to argue through the other over such a petty thing when they had a bigger problem on stake.
She let out a tired breath and shoved the key card into Robby's hand.
"Well, good luck with the farting bros." Viola muttered sarcastically under her breath, and Robby shot her an unamused look.
"Thank God we aren't boys." Devon spoke with a smile, amused by the argument. She noticed Viola walking toward them.
"Here you guys go." Viola said as she handed them the key card to their room.
"Thanks." Devon smiled and reached out to take a card from her. "Looks like you've got your own room." she said with a playful grin when she noticed.
Viola gave a small, tight smile. Devon frowned, looking at her and Sam and noticing the sadness growing between them.
"Are you guys okay?" The younger girl asked, her concern showing in her expression.
Stupid. That's how she felt. Naive, too. Viola knew better than to think that turning down her grandfather's offer would put an end to his plans. She was foolish to believe he'd abandon his schemes to revive Cobra Kai and restore its glory. She should have realized Tory would be the next person Kreese would try to manipulate.
"How could Tory go back to Cobra Kai?" Sam asked, but it sounded like she was asking herself as much as anyone else, still trying to figure it out. "I thought things had changed."
Viola wanted to be mad at Tory. For choosing the other side. But she couldn't.
After all, she had been there before. That's why she couldn't bring herself to blame her friend. Despite her choices, Tory wasn't the one at fault ━ she was the victim. Her grandfather had exploited her fragile state to get what he wanted.
"Whoa!" Viola's body went rigid as a smug male voice sounded behind them. She didn't have to see him to know ━ it was a voice she'd recognize even from hell's darkest abyss. "So you're the famous Miyagi-Do."
The cherry on top. That's what this was. Viola's thirteenth reason. Whatever. But seriously, why the fuck was Kwon Jae Sung here?
She never thought she'd run into her ex-boyfriend, especially not at a karate world tournament. Honestly, she didn't think she'd ever see him again.
Viola turned around and saw Kwon walking toward their group with his teammates right behind him.
She noticed another familiar face in the group. Yoon, or something like that. She remembered him from school, where they'd shared several classes.
She also remembered him because Kwon used to talk a lot of shit about him back when they were still together.
"We have heard about you, but I do not know why." Kwon's eyes found Viola as he spoke, and his smirk deepened with his next remark. "You do not look like much."
"Mhm." Viola mumbled in annoyance, her eyes narrowing at him.
"Yeah?" Hawk took a step forward. "You'll see better when you step on the mat."
Kwon raised his eyebrows, his mouth opening in a mocking expression as he eyed Hawk, making it clear he didn't think either him or their dojo was a real challenge.
Robby stepped between them to prevent things from escalating. "Come on, guys. It's not worth it."
"Robby's right." Miguel backed him up. "Forget about them, okay? They're just any other dojo here."
Suddenly, Tory walked past them, her head down and her eyes focused on her moving feet, hoping no one would notice her.
Not even a moment passed after Robby called out before he darted forward, running toward the elevator after his girlfriend. "Tory. Hey, wait!"
They looked on as the elevator closed before Robby, who stood there, unable to hide the disappointment and helplessness on his face.
Smirking, Kwon shoved past Viola, his shoulder bumping hers as he walked by.
As he walked past them with the rest of the Cobra Kais following close behind, Sam gave him the nastiest side-eye anyone could imagine.
Everyone else seemed focused on Robby, but for a brief moment, Sam couldn't help but wonder why Viola was letting it all slide. Why was she letting someone like that walk all over her? She'd never cared who she stood up to before, but now, she was silent, too silent.
"Should we be worried about him?" Hawk's question interrupted Sam's thoughts, pulling her out of her daze and back into the conversation.
"No. Robby's gonna be fine." Miguel assured them.
But Robby didn't seem okay at all. He was far from fine. His girlfriend had switched sides and was now back at Cobra Kai . . . or maybe she had been lured back. He was afraid Kreese would get inside her head again, just like before.
"I wouldn't be fine." Demetri said, and everyone turned to glare at him. He didn't help at all. "What?"
Julia Chatter la la la
Kwon when he saw Viola after a year of crashing out over her:
kwonviola interaction when? in the next chapter, but it's just kwon clocking my sweet girl :((
that's why she left his ass bye!!!
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