______________________________________

Jamie followed behind Sienna as the two made their way to the locker room of the arena. Jamie was thoroughly confused. She couldn't understand why Miguel texted Sienna telling her to bring Jamie straight to the locker room.

As she entered, her steps slowed when she saw her friends and senseis standing before her. Jamie looks around as Sienna closes the door and stands beside Eli. Jamie's brows furrow, "Uh, what's going on?"

"Miguel told us a little bit about the internal battle you're having." Daniel nods, "And as your team, we're here to help you."

"Since I've known you, you've always been strong." Eli says, "Always doing what you thought was right and being there for everyone you cared about. And though I was an asshole to you, you never held it against me."

Jamie smiles at him as Robby nods, "No matter what, you've always had our backs."

"Even after everything that has happened with us, I'm so glad I can call you my friend now." Sam says, "And I meant exactly what I said when I told you that you deserved the captain's spot. Because you do."

"She's right." Tory says, "You would've beat me at the All Valley. And you're not just the better fighter, you're an amazing person. I didn't think when I first met you with Aisha that I'd trust you as much as I do. No one deserves this championship more than you."

"I knew it from when you first became my student." Johnny nods grabbing her attention, "From the second you told me to go to hell with my lesson, I knew you were a champion." He says making her chuckle, "You've been nothing but loyal to me since you started and I know that no matter if you had joined my dojo or not, you would've made something of yourself. You're one of the best to come out of it."

"And I've known you for as long as I can remember." Sienna says, "And I don't know if I would've made it this far without you. You've helped me become the person that I am and I don't wanna ever imagine my life without you. You matter to me in ways I can't even comprehend sometimes and I don't know what I would be if I hadn't met you all those years ago."

"And I don't think I would've come back as strong as I did from my coma if it hadn't been for you being there for me for all of it." Miguel says. Jamie's eyes shine with tears.

"Jamie, I've never met someone like you and I don't think I ever will again. You are so strong. And no matter what you went through, you've always been so bright and loving and willing to give those a chance despite yourself. I truly believe that you were made to do this. To leave your mark on the world like you have on us."

Jamie lets out a shaky sigh, "Wow, guys." Everyone chuckles as the girl wipes her face, "You guys don't understand how much I needed that. Thank you. But I'm not gonna take this from you, Sam." Jamie says shaking her head, "You deserve it too and I gave it to you."

"About that.." Daniel says

Jamie frowns as she looks to Sam who smiles, "I'm not competing."

"Why not?" Jamie exclaims

"Because you have so much more to fight for. It doesn't feel right doing this when I know in my heart you were meant to."

"Sam, are you sure about this?"

"Positive." Sam nods, "But there's something else."

Jamie follows Sam's eyes to Tory as the blonde smiles lightly, "I'm not competing either."

"Wha-" Jamie starts as she looks around at everyone who smiled back at her. She turns back to Tory, "Are you serious?"

"Putting that gi back on didn't feel right. Even though you were there to remind me that no matter what you were there for me, like always, I didn't want it like I did in Barcelona. I know you need this. I know you can win."

"Tory, you deserve this, too." Jamie says before she turns to Sam, "You both do."

"Maybe." Tory says as she looks to Sam, "But we want it for you more."

Jamie's jaw falls slack as she looks around at everyone, "Guys-"

"Wait, there's something else." Daniel smiles, "You're not competing for Miyagi-Do."

"You deserve to win a championship where you're comfortable." Johnny says, "You said before that you've had too much change in the past couple of months. So, we wanna bring you back to what you know."

Johnny then digs in the duffle bag in front of him and pulls out the black and yellow gi Jamie knew all too well.

"I'm competing for Cobra Kai?" Jamie frowns

"My Cobra Kai." Johnny says, "The place where it all started for you."

"And.." Daniel starts as he pulls out a second gi, "You'll be competing along side Miguel."

Jamie's eyes widen, "What?"

Miguel smiles as he takes the two gi's from them. He makes his way over and stands in front of Jamie, "You're gonna compete with me. You're gonna win with me."

Jamie looks up as he smiles down at her.

"So.." Sam smiles, "What do you say?"

Jamie looks around the locker room before looking back up at Miguel, "I'm in."

"Yes!"

______________________________________

"The Sekai Taikai has always been unpredictable, but this year has been like no other." Gunther says, "Samantha LaRusso had previously taken the place of Jamie Jackson, but has elected not to fight, officially ending Miyagi-Do Karate's impressive underdog run. Let's give them a round of applause!"

The crowd cheers as the students in Miyagi-Do smiled, "This now concludes our semifinal matches. Cobra Kai not naming a replacement for their fallen captain means that Axel Kovačević automatically becomes our new male champion. However, Cobra Kai has named two new replacements. Joining Team Cobra Kai will be Jamie Jackson taking the place of Tory Nichols and Miguel Diaz as our male captain!"

The crowd erupts as Miguel and Jamie walk out onto the stage. Jamie immediately seeing Sienna and Nevaeh cheering for her in the bleachers.

"Coached by the two-time All Valley champion and their new sensei, Johnny Lawrence!"

Johnny stands behind Jamie and Miguel on the mat. The crowd continued on as Miguel looked to Jamie. Jamie turned to him and the two share a smile before Jamie looks back toward the crowd. A newfound determination now shining in her eyes.

______________________________________