chapter ten:
❛ miyagi-do ❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!
COMMENT AND VOTE

tw: mentions of drug addiction and alcholism

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"LET'S BEGIN!" Johnny shouted as Alessia stood between Hawk and Demetri. The energy in the dojo was palpable, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty hanging in the air. As Alessia looked around, her eyes locked onto Sam, stood beside Miguel, exuding calm authority.

Demetri, ever the cautious one, hesitantly raised his hand. "Uh, begin what exactly?" he questioned, his voice tinged with apprehension. Lawrence and LaRusso exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them.

"Begin a new era," Daniel began, stepping forward. "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-"

Johnny interrupted with his characteristic bluntness. "By kicking their asses so hard they shit themselves," he declared, pacing with fervor. Alessia couldn't help but crack a chuckle, drawn in by Johnny's aggressive confidence. "We gotta take things to the next level. Gonna teach you an aggression stronger than anything Cobra Kai can throw at us. They strike first? We'll pre-strike!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Daniel took a step forward, attempting to temper Johnny's fiery rhetoric. "Okay, we're getting ahead of ourselves. We are going to respond to what they do," he said, his voice calm and measured.

"Eagles do not respond. They swoop down and take whatever they want. That's what we're gonna do. Take back the Valley," Johnny preached, his tone commanding and unyielding.

Daniel interjected, emphasizing strategy over brute force. "Take it back in a measured and organized approach."

Johnny rolled his eyes, clearly frustrated by Daniel's insistence on caution. "We bite first!" he yelled. Daniel sighed, exasperated by their clashing philosophies. Alessia, Demetri and Hawk locked eyes, and were all thinking the same thing.

Alessia cleared her throat and stepped forward, her presence immediately commanding attention. "Okay, how about we warm up with some simple exercises?" she suggested, her voice steady and soothing. Johnny and Daniel shared a reluctant look but nodded in agreement, recognizing the need to unite their students.

"All right, line up!" Johnny yelled, his tone authoritative. Alessia took a step forward, feeling the weight of the moment settle on her shoulders.

"And just breathe and follow me," Daniel instructed, demonstrating the breathing exercises that were a staple of Miyagi-Do's training.

Alessia furrowed her eyebrows in confusion but tried to mimic the slow, controlled breaths. Daniel and his students moved with practiced grace, their motions a blend of meditation and martial arts. Alessia, having only been in Miyagi-Do for a minutes, recognized the exercise from the students around her.

She glanced over at Johnny, her uncertainty evident. "Fighting positions!" Johnny yelled, cutting through her hesitation. "Right leg back!" Hawk and his teammates complied, shifting into their stances with a sense of purpose. "Front kick ready. Hi-yah!" Johnny instructed.

As they performed the kick, the dojo filled with the synchronized sound of feet hitting the air. However, in the process, Mitch accidentally kicked Nate, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Alessia bursted into laughter, the unexpected mishap breaking the tension. "Shit, dude. I'm sorry!" Mitch exclaimed, his face flushing with embarrassment as he helped Nate up. Nate groaned, holding his side but managed a weak smile, appreciating the camaraderie despite the pain.

Now, they were all standing in different spots around the Miyagi-Do dojo, preparing for their next exercise. Mitch and Bert were paired up, ready to spar. "Ready. Fight!" Johnny shouted, his voice echoing through the dojo. Alessia stood beside Demetri, her eyes wandering to Hawk, who was leaning against a rock. She felt a twinge of irritation; despite Hawk switching sides, she still wasn't sure how to feel about her and Hawk. They used to be best friends-they had history.

She turned her attention back to Mitch and Bert, who were going at each other with wild, uncoordinated swings. Daniel quickly intervened, pushing them apart. "You're just swinging at each other. Don't you teach any defense?" he exclaimed, looking at Johnny with disbelief.

Alessia rolled her eyes at the familiar argument. "I'll show you defense," she volunteered, raising her hand. Daniel smiled, appreciating her initiative.

"The best defense is more offensive," Mitch chimed in, just before Alessia walked up to demonstrate. With a fierce battle cry, she delivered a harsh kick to Mitch's side, followed by another kick to his chest, sending him crashing into the rocks with a grunt.

Grinning, Alessia pumped her fists in the air. Daniel sighed, clearly unimpressed. "That's not defense," he snapped.

Alessia's face softened. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"Good job, Firecracker!" Johnny praised, holding up his hand for a high-five, which Alessia reluctantly high-fived him. This was all unknown to her. She didn't really know much about karate yet. And she wasn't sure why Johnny was calling her Firecracker.

Johnny then turned to Daniel with a smirk. "Also, why do you have a rock in the middle of your dojo?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and mockery.

They changed spots again, and now Demetri and Sam were circling each other, both of them moving cautiously. Alessia blew a raspberry, feeling bored out of her mind as the two of them continued their slow dance around the dojo.

Daniel, observing their movements, nodded approvingly. "That's it. Keep circling. Don't anticipate. Stay focused," he instructed, his voice calm and encouraging.

Alessia sighed loudly, the monotony getting to her. She glanced over at Hawk, who had dozed off mid-air of stanfing, a soft snore escaping his lips. Johnny caught Alessia's eye, sharing her impatience with an exasperated look.

"Okay. One of you do something! What the hell is this?" Johnny questioned, his frustration evident. Demetri paused, glancing over at Johnny.

"That's not how this works. One of us has to be provoked," Demetri explained patiently, though his explanation did little to soothe Johnny's growing irritation.

Johnny squeezed his water bottle, and without warning, he threw it at Demetri, hitting him squarely on the arm. "Hey!" Daniel yelled, his protective instinct kicking in as Demetri winced and held his arm in pain.

"Provoked yet?" Johnny asked, his tone challenging.

The next day of training began, and Alessia stood beside Demetri, feeling the weight of yesterday's events still lingering. "Ready, bow!" Johnny announced, and Clementine and her teammates bowed obediently.

"Sensei Lawrence and I have the same goal of preparing you for the tournament," Daniel spoke, his voice calm and authoritative. "But we have different ways of getting you there," Johnny added with his usual bluntness.

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

"So, we've discussed and come up with a solution. We're gonna divide and conquer," Johnny announced.

Alessia's face dropped, and she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and frustration. "Eagle Fang trains out front," Johnny informed them. "And I'll be here with Miyagi-Do." Daniel added.

Miguel, looking puzzled, spoke up. "I thought we were stronger working together."

"We're still working together," Daniel assured him. "Just separately. On opposite ends of the dojo," Johnny added.

Alessia, Demetri, and Hawk stood together, exchanging uneasy glances. The weight of the decision before them was almost too much for Alessia to bear.

"Where am I supposed to go?" Alessia stammered, her voice shaky. "I didn't think I would have to choose between Miyagi-Do and Eagle-Fang."

Demetri, sensing her growing anxiety, gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go wherever fits best, Alessia," he said softly, offering her a reassuring smile. "You don't have to feel pressured."

Alessia bit her lip, her thoughts racing. "I... I guess I'll do Miyagi-Do." Her voice was uncertain, but she was trying to convince herself it was the right choice.

Hawk, who had been silent up until now, nodded in approval. "You'll be great in Miyagi-Do," he said, though his tone was calm, there was a hint of pride in his voice. "Besides, we'll all still be on the same team."

Despite Hawk's encouragement, it was clear Alessia was still feeling torn. But with one final glance at Demetri, who gave her a confident nod, she took a deep breath and followed him as they parted ways with Hawk.

As they walked towards the small hut where the Miyagi-Do training sessions were held, Alessia's heart was still racing. She had always admired Miyagi-Do's philosophy, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was leaving something behind by not choosing Eagle-Fang. The hut felt like a whole new world-one where discipline, peace, and balance were paramount.

"I hope I made the right choice," she whispered as they stepped inside.

Demetri gave her a sideways glance, still smiling gently. "You'll know soon enough. But trust me, you belong here, Alessia."

Alessia sat cross-legged beside Demetri, trying to focus on Sensei LaRusso's calm, authoritative voice. The dojo had a stillness to it, the kind that always made her feel grounded, like everything outside didn't exist for a moment.

"But I want you to let it go," Sensei LaRusso said, his voice carrying the weight of his teachings. "Don't let your emotions control you. You have to be the one in control. Right?"

Everyone in the group nodded solemnly. Alessia nodded too, but inside she felt a small stir of doubt. Controlling her emotions was something she struggled with, especially when it came to her anxiety and insecurities. She could barely control her thoughts, let alone her feelings, but she was trying.

"Now, everyone close your eyes and relax," Sensei instructed, his voice softer now.

Alessia obeyed, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath, letting it fill her lungs before slowly exhaling. She could feel the tension in her shoulders start to ease. The gentle sound of breathing filled the room as the students tried to center themselves.

It almost worked. Almost.

"Stop whinin' like a little bitch. Get up!" Johnny's unmistakable voice suddenly pierced the air from outside the dojo.

Alessia's eyes flew open instinctively, and she wasn't alone. Everyone seemed to glance around, as if waiting for Sensei LaRusso to acknowledge the outburst.

"Stay focused. Eyes closed," Sensei LaRusso said, his voice steady but firmer now. His eyes remained closed, signaling for the rest of them to follow suit.

Alessia reluctantly closed her eyes again, trying to force the intrusion out of her mind. She took another deep breath, but her concentration had already started to slip.

"Breathe in... breathe out," Sensei LaRusso continued, his calm instruction blending with the rhythmic sound of the students' breathing.

For a brief moment, Alessia thought she might be able to slip back into that place of focus-until Johnny's voice cut through again.

"Don't be a pussy. Punch him in the face!"

The words echoed loud and clear, and this time, Alessia couldn't stop the quiet snicker that escaped her lips. She wasn't alone-Chris, sitting nearby, let out a muffled laugh too.

"Try not to be distracted," Sensei LaRusso said, now clearly more annoyed. His calm tone faltered, but he was trying to keep them all on task.

Alessia stifled another giggle, doing her best to pretend she hadn't just heard Johnny shouting from outside. She closed her eyes again, forcing herself to take a deeper breath.

But then-yet again-Johnny's voice boomed from the training yard.

"You punched him in the balls? What the hell is wrong with you?"

This time, Alessia couldn't hold it in, and a few others snickered outright, the group's collective focus completely shattered. A ripple of laughter moved through the room, breaking the tension in an instant. Even Demetri cracked a smile beside her.

Sensei LaRusso sighed audibly, exasperation plain on his face. "Wait right here," he muttered before standing up, his composure faltering for the first time that day.

They all watched as Sensei LaRusso exited the dojo to confront whatever chaos Johnny had stirred up outside. For a brief second, the room was silent again, as if the students were waiting for Sensei LaRusso to somehow bring the peaceful atmosphere back.

Then, from outside, they heard Sensei's voice once more. "Ten-minute break," he called, the frustration now fully evident.

Alessia opened her eyes and met Demetri's amused gaze.

"Well, so much for meditation," she whispered, shaking her head with a grin.

Demetri chuckled softly, leaning in. "Yeah, who needs inner peace when you've got Johnny out there turning everything into a brawl?"

Alessia smiled, appreciating the humor. For once, she didn't feel like she had to bottle up the laugh.

Demetri and Alessia walked back into the hut, where the atmosphere had shifted from tense to reflective as the ten-minute break wound down. The walls, lined with old karate memorabilia, seemed to absorb the echoes of earlier chaos. Hawk was standing by a framed photograph of Mr. Miyagi, admiring it with a look of awe. The photograph depicted Mr. Miyagi's great-grandfather's sparring deck on the Okinawan waterfront, a piece of history that Hawk seemed to find profoundly moving.

"That's the sparring deck where Mr. Miyagi's great-grandfather taught karate," Demetri explained, his tone reverent. His gaze was fixed on Hawk, whose hand gently brushed the frame as if trying to connect with the spirit of the past.

Chris, who had been watching Hawk with a skeptical eye, approached with a mix of irritation and concern. Without warning, he smacked Hawk's hand away from the frame. "Yo, be careful with that," Chris warned, his voice carrying an edge of annoyance.

Hawk shot Chris a defiant look, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "What, you think I'm gonna break it?" he replied, his tone light but edged with defensiveness.

Alessia chuckled softly, stepping closer to the group. "Yeah, Eli doesn't have butterfingers. I do," she joked, nudging Demetri playfully.

Chris's glare didn't waver as he turned his attention back to Hawk. "You already broke a door. And you stole Mr. Miyagi's medal," he said, his voice carrying a note of accusation.

Alessia's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what?" she asked, turning to Hawk with disbelief etched on her face.

"It was last summer, Al," Demetri whispered, providing a bit of context. Alessia's shock deepened as she processed the gravity of the situation. She nodded slowly, her eyes wide with realization.

"And you beat the shit out of me," Nate chimed in, his voice tinged with bitterness. Alessia's shock intensified as she absorbed the full extent of Hawk's past actions.

"Okay, I missed a lot when I was in juvie..." Alessia trailed off, muttering as she tried to catch up on the unfolding drama.

Hawk, looking genuinely remorseful, took a step forward. "Hey, look, I'm really sorry about all that," he said, his voice carrying a note of sincerity.

Chris's face hardened into a scowl. "Go back with your little Eagle gang. You're not wanted here," he retorted, his words sharp and dismissive.

Hawk's expression fell, his shoulders slumping as he absorbed Chris's harsh words. He cast a last, forlorn glance at Demetri and Alessia before turning and walking out of the hut, his figure receding into the distance.

Alessia watched him go, her frustration bubbling to the surface. She turned to Chris and Nate, her eyes flashing with anger. "Not freakin' cool," she said, her voice trembling with emotion before she stormed out of the hut, her frustration palpable.

Outside, Hawk had already disappeared into the night, leaving Alessia standing alone for a moment. The argument between Sensei LaRusso and Johnny could be heard in the distance, their voices rising in a heated exchange. Alessia sighed deeply, shaking her head in frustration.

After a grueling day of training, Alessia made her way to the skate park, her nerves on edge. The park was almost deserted, except for Robby, who was skating back and forth, lost in his own rhythm. The evening air was cool, but Alessia's emotions were running high. She fidgeted with the hairtie on her wrist, a small comfort in the storm of her feelings.

"Robby," Alessia called out, her voice shaking slightly.

Robby skidded to a stop, his gaze turning from casual to cold as he saw her approaching. He picked up his skateboard, his expression hardening. "Alessia, what are you doing here?" he asked sharply.

Alessia's heart sank at the chill in his voice. "Why are you ignoring me? Aren't we dating?" she asked, her voice trembling with confusion and hurt.

Robby's face tightened, and he rolled his eyes with frustration. "We're not dating anymore, Alessia. I thought that was clear," he snapped.

The words hit Alessia like a physical blow. Her breath caught in her throat, and she struggled to keep her composure. "What? I don't understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill.

"Alessia, you chose Miyagi-Do over me," Robby said, his tone accusatory and sharp. "You made that choice, and now you're acting like I'm the bad guy?"

Alessia's face flushed with a mix of anger and sadness. "Robby, you chose Cobra Kai first! I told you I felt uncomfortable with it, but you just brushed it off," she shot back, her voice rising despite her best efforts to stay calm.

Robby's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer, his frustration evident. "You were the one who suggested we join! You knew what it meant. Now you're trying to blame me?"

"I- I know, but Robby, it wasn't that simple!" Alessia's voice quivered as she tried to explain. "I didn't want to be caught in the middle. I was trying to make things work, and now you're just shutting me out!"

Robby shook his head, his anger flaring. "Shutting you out? Alessia, you left me behind the moment you chose Miyagi-Do. You're acting like this is all my fault when you made your choice clear!"

Alessia's eyes filled with tears, her frustration bubbling over. "You're not being fair! I tried to support you, but every time I turned around, you were pushing me away. You knew how much Cobra Kai meant to you, but you didn't care how it affected us!"

Robby's face hardened, and he took a deep breath, trying to regain control. "Look, Alessia, this is pointless. It's over. You made your decision, and I've made mine. Just go."

The finality in his voice was like a punch to the gut. Alessia's tears spilled over, and despite her best efforts, she could no longer hold them back. "I can't believe this," she whispered, her voice breaking as she turned away.

She started walking away, her steps uneven as the tears streamed down her face. The cool evening air felt harsh against her flushed cheeks. The once-familiar skate park now seemed alien and unwelcoming, mirroring the emotional turmoil she felt inside. Each step away from Robby felt like a weight lifting from her shoulders, but the pain of their broken relationship left her feeling hollow and empty.

Alessia sat on the edge of her bed, her earbuds in as she listened to the soft strains of sad music. The melancholy melodies seemed to resonate with her, reflecting the storm of emotions she was trying to process after her conversation with Robby. She stared blankly at the wall of her new room at her sister Luciana's house, the room still filled with the unfamiliarity of being newly settled. Her fingers fidgeted with the hairtie on her wrist, a habit she'd been struggling to break. She glanced at the small, vibrant band and felt the familiar urge to use as a form of self-soothing, but she fought against it, trying to stay focused on the music instead.

The door creaked open, and Lucas, her five-year-old nephew, burst into the room with a beaming smile. His energy was infectious, and despite her own heavy heart, Alessia couldn't help but smile as he bounded over to her. He held up a crumpled piece of paper with proud enthusiasm.

"Aunt Alessia, look at my drawing!" Lucas exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.

Alessia took the drawing from him, her eyes widening in genuine awe. The paper was filled with colorful scribbles, a haphazard but endearing depiction of what she assumed was a family of stick figures, with Lucas's signature squiggles for the sun and some stick trees. "Wow, Lucas! This is amazing," she said, her smile growing as she looked at his work. "You're a fantastic artist!"

Lucas's grin widened, clearly thrilled by her reaction. "I drew it just for you!" he said, his voice full of pride.

Just then, the door swung open again, and Ava, Lucas's eight-year-old sister, walked in. Her face was set in a scowl. "Lucas, stop bothering Aunt Alessia. You're being so annoying," she said, her tone dripping with irritation.

Lucas's face fell, and he turned to Ava with a pout. "I'm not annoying! I was just showing Aunt Alessia my drawing."

Ava crossed her arms. "Well, you're still annoying. I was trying to play with my toys, and now you've made a mess in her room."

Lucas started to argue back, and the bickering between the siblings quickly escalated. Alessia watched the exchange with a sad smile, feeling a pang of sympathy for the chaos that was unfolding in front of her.

Their dad, Alejandro, entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. "Hey, hey, what's going on in here?" he asked, his voice firm but gentle. He turned his gaze to Lucas and Ava. "Both of you need to stop fighting. Give Aunt Alessia some space, okay? She needs some quiet."

Lucas and Ava stopped arguing and looked down, their faces showing a mix of guilt and defiance. Alejandro then turned to Alessia, his expression softening. "Are you alright, Alessia? You seem a bit down."

Alessia hesitated, her mind racing. She wasn't sure if she should open up to Alejandro. After all, he was her sister's husband, and she didn't want to burden him with her problems. But his genuine concern made her feel as if maybe it was worth sharing.

"I-I'm okay, Alejandro," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "Just... trying to figure some things out."

Alejandro gave her a reassuring smile. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here, okay? Sometimes it helps to have someone to listen."

Alessia nodded, appreciating his kindness. "Thanks, Alejandro. I'll keep that in mind."

As Alejandro guided Lucas and Ava out of the room, Alessia returned to her spot on the bed, her thoughts still swirling. The small gesture of Lucas's drawing had been a bright spot in her otherwise difficult day. She took a deep breath, trying to find comfort in the small, everyday moments that reminded her of the support she had, even in the midst of her personal struggles.

ASH SPEAKS!

choppy chapter im sorry😭😭 if it says clementine anywhere im sorry!! i copied and pasted most scenes from cinnamon girl

who could play alejandro, lucas and ava?? please reply !!

please dont be a ghost reader!! it helps us writers stay motivated:)