chapter thirty-five:
❛ strike last (1) ❜

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

PLEASE STOP BEING FREAKIN A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE! PLEASE!!!!! stop being ghost readers!!!! its really annoying!!!

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO SEE VIEWS GO UP BUT NOT VOTES. its annoying for us writers. so please just vote and comment!! its not that hard!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! i dont how many times i have to say this. i am so sorry for the notifications but this is really annoying to see views go up when the votes aren't. PLEASE JUST FREAKIN VOTE!!!

✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸

The air inside the old dojo was thick, charged with something almost electric, like a storm hanging just on the horizon. It wasn't just the dust that clung stubbornly to the forgotten corners, or the worn mats that had absorbed years of sweat, blood, and determination. It was the weight of history-of battles fought, of rivalries that had carved themselves into the very walls. The Cobra Kai banners were long gone, stripped away like the skin of a snake shedding its past, but their outlines still remained, faint but unshakable. Ghosts of an era that had nearly destroyed them all.

Alessia stood at the center of it, the dim overhead lights casting her reflection against the old mirrors. She looked different now-stronger, sharper-but so did the dojo itself. No longer a breeding ground for arrogance and cruelty, but a place of reckoning. A place where fighters stood on equal ground.

Beside her, Miguel shifted slightly, his hands flexing at his sides, his jaw tight. For him, this was home. The place where a shy, asthmatic kid had been molded into a champion. For Alessia, it was something more-a battleground where she had learned not just how to fight, but how to survive. How to reclaim the fire she had once thought had burned out inside her.

Johnny paced in front of them, his boots scuffing against the mats with each deliberate step. Arms crossed, brows drawn in that unreadable way of his. He wasn't just their sensei-he was the reason they were standing here, honed, sharpened, ready. He stopped suddenly, turning to face them, his blue eyes cutting through the haze of memories lingering in the air. A flicker of something crossed his face-pride, maybe, or the weight of everything unspoken.

"This is where it all started," he said, his voice even but firm. His gaze flickered between them. "Diaz, you were my first student. Chavez..." He hesitated for half a second before smirking. "Technically, LaRusso got to you first."

Alessia almost smiled, but the weight in Johnny's voice made it fade just as quickly. There was something heavier here, something unspoken between the lines.

"I taught you both the same style of karate that was taught to me," he continued, his voice hardening. "The kind that doesn't back down. The kind that makes you a fighter-not just in a tournament, but in life."

A shadow passed through his expression. A reminder of all the battles they had fought to get here, of the war that had nearly swallowed them whole. "We've been through a lot of Cobra Kai bullshit since then," Johnny muttered, his voice dipping lower. "You know that better than anyone."

Alessia's fingers curled into fists at her sides. The memories were bitter-Kreese's cold manipulation, Silver's relentless cruelty, the way the line between friend and enemy had blurred until it barely existed at all. She had been on the receiving end of that pain, that betrayal. And yet, she had come out the other side.

Beside her, Miguel swallowed hard, his jaw tightening. He had lived through it, too. Felt every high and every devastating low.

"But none of that matters now."

Johnny's voice snapped them back to the present, sharp as a whipcrack. He squared his shoulders, a fire sparking in his stance, his presence filling the dojo like an unrelenting force.

"Because this is our Cobra Kai." His words hit the air like a challenge, like a promise. "Not Kreese's. Not Silver's. Ours. And tomorrow, we're gonna show the world that nobody strikes harder than us."

The words sent something hot and alive coursing through Alessia's veins. This was why she had pushed herself beyond exhaustion, why she had refused to give up, why every bruise, every setback, every doubt had been worth it. She and Miguel had fought for this. Bled for this.

Miguel's posture shifted beside her, energy crackling in the air between them. They had both been shaped by this place, for better or worse. And tomorrow, they would prove that they weren't just survivors.

They were warriors.

Johnny's smirk tugged at the corner of his lips again, a flash of the cocky confidence that had always been so uniquely his. "Is that understood?"

There was no hesitation.

"Yes, Sensei!" Their voices rang out, unshakable, cutting through the hollowed-out dojo like a battle cry.

Johnny nodded, rolling his shoulders back, his expression unreadable-but his pride was unmistakable. His gaze lingered on them for a beat longer, as if memorizing the fighters they had become. Then, with that signature Johnny Lawrence grin, he cracked his knuckles and turned toward the door.

"Good. Now let's show these international assholes how we do things in the Valley."

Alessia met Miguel's gaze, her pulse pounding in her ears. No more distractions. No more doubts.

Tomorrow, they weren't just fighting for themselves.

They were fighting for everything this dojo had ever stood for.

The dojo was alive with the sounds of training-padded footsteps on the mat, the sharp cracks of fists meeting targets, the occasional grunt of exertion. But Alessia barely heard any of it.

She stood in front of the practice dummy, her hands balled into fists, her heartbeat a steady drum in her ears. She struck out-once, twice, three times. The impact was soft, controlled, but not powerful. Not enough.

The dummy barely swayed.

Across the room, Johnny let out an audible groan.

"Oh, come on. What the hell was that, Wu?"

Alessia dropped her hands to her sides, exhaling through her nose. She didn't respond. There was nothing to say.

Johnny strode over, his presence sharp and demanding, his voice cutting through the air like a whip. "You tapping it like it's made of glass? You want it to say 'thank you' when you hit it?"

A few heads turned toward them, but Alessia kept her gaze locked on the dummy.

"Again."

She took a breath and tried. A jab, a cross-quick, neat, but still lacking something.

Johnny scoffed. "My grandma punches harder than that, and she's been dead for twenty years."

Heat flared in Alessia's chest. Frustration. Embarrassment. The weight of unspoken things pressing heavy on her ribs.

Johnny folded his arms. "You know why that sucked?"

She clenched her jaw but didn't answer.

He jabbed a finger at her. "No intention. No fight. You're just going through the motions, Wu. And that's not gonna cut it. Not here. Not now."

Her hands twitched at her sides.

"Find something that pisses you off and use it." His voice was steady, firm. "You got anger in you-I've seen it. But right now? You're holding back."

Find something that pisses me off.

Alessia inhaled sharply.

She hadn't wanted to think about him today. She never wanted to think about him. But Johnny had ripped something open, pulled something loose, and suddenly, there he was.

The boy who had once whispered her name like it meant something. The boy who had kissed her with hands that felt like promises, only to turn them into something else entirely.

She remembered the way he used to pull her close, how he always needed her-but never in the way she wanted. Never for love. Only for convenience. Only for control.

She thought about the late-night phone calls, the slurred apologies, the lies wrapped in lazy grins.

I love you, baby. You're all I got.

And she had believed him. She had given him everything, piece by piece, until there was almost nothing left.

She thought about the first time he handed her something to take the edge off. The way he had coaxed her, his voice smooth, convincing.

Just try it. You'll feel better. You'll feel nothing.

And she had wanted that. She had wanted the nothingness.

And so she took it.

Alessia's fingers curled into fists. Her breaths came faster, her chest tightening.

Anger coiled in her stomach, thick and hot.

And then she struck.

The first punch slammed into the dummy with a force that sent it rocking back. A loud crack echoed through the dojo, turning heads.

Alessia didn't stop.

She hit again. And again.

Each strike landed harder than the last, her knuckles burning, her body thrumming with an energy she hadn't felt in a long time. Her jaw clenched tight, her breath coming in sharp exhales.

She wasn't that girl anymore.

She wasn't his.

She wasn't weak.

One last punch, and the dummy nearly tipped over, its base dragging against the mat with a screech.

Silence.

Alessia stood there, chest heaving, hands trembling at her sides.

She could feel the eyes on her, but she didn't care.

Johnny exhaled, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. But there was something else in his gaze-something almost like respect.

"There she is," he muttered.

Alessia swallowed, the adrenaline still pulsing through her veins.

She wasn't that girl anymore.

And she never would be again.

The steady hum of the tennis ball machine filled the dojo, a rhythmic reminder that Alessia had no time to hesitate. Each second was a countdown, each breath a moment of preparation before the next ball came hurtling toward her. The scent of fresh-cut wood and earth lingered in the air, carried by the soft breeze filtering through the open doors of Miyagi-Do. Sunlight poured in, casting long golden streaks across the polished floor, illuminating Alessia's figure as she stood her ground.

Her stance was solid, but her mind wavered.

You can do this.

Daniel and Sam stood a few feet away, watching her closely. Their presence wasn't overbearing, but Alessia felt them there, their silent support pressing into her back like a steady force urging her forward.

The machine clicked.

A yellow ball shot out.

Alessia's left hand swept outward-wax on-her palm guiding the ball away with a firm but controlled motion. The impact sent a slight tremor up her arm, but she barely registered it before another ball launched toward her.

Right hand.

Wax off.

She twisted her wrist, sending the ball ricocheting off to the side.

Again.

Another ball. Another deflection.

Her movements grew sharper, more fluid, her body beginning to understand what her mind had struggled to grasp for so long-this wasn't about force. It wasn't about overpowering or striking back with aggression. It was about control. About trusting herself.

Her arms moved instinctively now, like water flowing around rocks in a river. The rhythm was there, steady, unbroken. Her breath matched it, in and out, muscles engaging and releasing in perfect sync.

Daniel nodded slightly, his arms crossed over his chest, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"She's getting it," he murmured, his voice low but filled with approval.

Sam, standing beside him, grinned. "Told you."

Alessia barely heard them. She was too focused, too immersed in the motion. The machine picked up speed, firing the next few balls faster, trying to catch her off guard.

Her pulse quickened.

She had to trust herself.

Wax on.

The ball deflected, rolling away harmlessly.

Wax off.

Another one sent flying in the opposite direction.

Her hands no longer hesitated. Her body no longer resisted.

By the time the machine let out a sharp beep, signaling the end of the session, Alessia's chest was rising and falling in deep, steady breaths. A thin sheen of sweat clung to her skin, but she wasn't exhausted. She felt charged, her body thrumming with something she hadn't felt in a long time-confidence.

Silence settled over the dojo, broken only by the sound of a few stray tennis balls rolling to a stop.

Alessia slowly lowered her arms, blinking as if waking from a trance.

Daniel took a step forward, nodding. "That," he said, his voice even and firm, "was excellent."

Alessia turned toward him, searching his expression for any hint of disappointment, but all she found was something warm. Something proud.

Sam clapped a hand on her shoulder, beaming. "See? I knew you could do it."

Alessia let out a short breathless laugh, shaking her head. "That was-" She paused, trying to find the right word. "Actually kinda fun."

Daniel chuckled. "That's because you stopped fighting yourself."

Alessia's brows furrowed slightly. "I wasn't really thinking at all."

"Exactly," Daniel said. "You trusted yourself. That's what Miyagi-Do is about."

Alessia let her gaze sweep across the dojo, the worn wooden floors, the open space that seemed to breathe with the same steady patience it had given every student before her. She had spent so much time fighting against herself, against the idea that she was more than her past, more than her mistakes.

For the first time in a long time, she didn't just feel like a fighter.

She felt capable.

And that, more than anything, made her smile.

The dojo was alive with energy, the familiar hum of focused concentration filling the air. The sound of bare feet sliding against the floor, the gentle thwack of fists against pads, and the steady rhythm of breathing echoed throughout the space. Alessia stood in the center of the room, facing Sam. Both of them were dressed in their gi, their postures ready, poised for the sparring match that was about to unfold.

Daniel stood on the sidelines, watching with a quiet intensity, while the rest of the class watched in silent anticipation. It wasn't just any sparring match; this was more than a test of physical skill. It was a moment for Alessia to prove to herself that she could rise above her past, that she could stand tall without hesitation.

"Remember," Daniel's voice cut through the tension, "it's not about defeating your opponent. It's about finding balance."

Alessia nodded, mentally preparing herself. The weight of the words hung in the air, reminding her that this wasn't just a fight. It was a lesson. A lesson she had yet to fully embrace but was learning with every movement, every strike.

Sam gave her a small nod of acknowledgment, her stance steady but friendly. It wasn't just about technique; Sam was also trying to make sure that Alessia felt safe. There was no pressure, no competition between them-just two friends, testing their limits.

Alessia took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. The familiar nerves ran through her veins, but they didn't paralyze her like they used to. She had grown. She was different now.

"Ready?" Sam asked, her voice calm, focused.

Alessia's lips twitched into a small smile. "Ready."

Without warning, Sam moved first, quick and light on her feet, darting forward with a jab aimed at Alessia's shoulder. Alessia barely had time to react, but she managed to pivot to the side, the jab missing its mark by inches. The energy shifted in an instant, and Alessia found herself momentarily thrown off balance. She had seen Sam spar before, knew her speed, and yet, it was still a challenge.

Sam didn't relent. She pressed forward, a flurry of quick strikes that tested Alessia's reflexes. A punch aimed at her stomach. A quick roundhouse kick to her side. But Alessia was faster this time. She dodged, blocked, and weaved around the strikes with more confidence than before. It wasn't about overpowering Sam-it was about flowing, letting her body move with the rhythm of the fight, the way Daniel had taught her.

"Good," Daniel's voice came from the sidelines, offering quiet praise. "Stay in the moment."

Sam's grin flickered as she paused, letting Alessia take a breath. "You're getting faster," she said, sweat starting to bead on her forehead. There was no aggression in her words, just the acknowledgment of Alessia's improvement.

Alessia gave her a half-smile. "I'm trying."

With that, Sam moved again. This time, she feinted a punch to Alessia's chest, and as Alessia instinctively went to block, Sam switched directions, going low with a leg sweep aimed at her knees. Alessia felt the rush of wind as Sam's leg slid beneath hers, and before she knew it, Alessia was on the ground, her back hitting the mat with a soft thud.

For a split second, the world seemed to stop. Her body burned with the sudden shock, but it wasn't fear that gripped her heart. It was frustration.

"Don't let it get to you," Daniel called from the sidelines. "Get up. Try again."

Alessia took a deep breath and pushed herself off the mat, her muscles sore from the impact but her mind sharper than before. She had lost the battle, but she wasn't about to lose the war. She reset her stance, eyes narrowing as she found her focus again.

Sam was already ready, her feet planted, waiting. "You okay?" she asked, her voice light but concerned.

Alessia nodded. "I'm fine. Just... caught me off guard."

"That's the point," Sam said with a wink, her stance steady. "You have to expect the unexpected."

Alessia stood tall, gathering her energy. Sam was right-this wasn't just about throwing punches or landing kicks. It was about adaptability, about being present and not letting the unexpected throw her off balance.

The moment they locked eyes, Alessia felt the shift inside herself. Her fear, her doubt-they were gone. She wasn't trying to prove anything to anyone anymore. This fight wasn't for them-it was for her.

Alessia launched herself forward, her body moving with the fluidity she had learned from Johnny and Daniel. She dodged Sam's strike, her foot sliding smoothly across the mat as she closed the distance between them. This time, she anticipated the next move. Sam's punch came toward her, but Alessia was already there, sidestepping and driving her palm into Sam's chest, a solid, controlled strike.

Sam stumbled back, surprised, but her laughter rang out. "Nice one," she said, wiping the sweat from her brow. "You're really getting the hang of this."

Alessia smiled, feeling the warm rush of adrenaline. "I've been practicing."

They circled each other, both of them breathing heavier now, their bodies slick with sweat, but neither willing to stop. This spar wasn't just a fight. It was a test of their growth, their friendship, and the trust they had in one another.

Sam moved first again, and this time, Alessia was ready. Their hands clashed, their feet shuffled, and for a few brief moments, everything else faded away. It wasn't about the past. It wasn't about the mistakes. It was about the present-about the fight, the friendship, the trust. And in that moment, as they locked eyes again, Alessia realized something she hadn't before.

She wasn't just fighting for herself. She was fighting with someone who cared, who understood her, who was there beside her every step of the way. And that made all the difference.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Daniel's voice cut through the haze. "Alright, that's enough. You both did great."

Alessia and Sam stepped back, panting, their arms and legs sore but their hearts light. They exchanged a look of mutual respect, each understanding that this spar wasn't just about who won or lost-it was about what they had learned together.

"You're incredible, Alessia," Sam said, offering a fist bump.

Alessia grinned, returning the gesture. "Thanks. You too."

Daniel's approving nod made her chest swell with pride. "You've come a long way," he said, his voice steady, proud. "Both of you."

And in that moment, Alessia knew that no matter how many battles lay ahead, she was no longer fighting alone.

The dojo was filled with a buzzing energy, the anticipation hanging in the air like static. Today was different. Today, Alessia was going to break boards. It was a test-a moment to prove her strength, her progress, and the fire that burned inside her.

She stood in the center of the room, her palms sweating but her resolve solid. Around her, Eli and Tory stood at the ready, each holding a wooden board in front of them. The boards were held tightly, their edges barely touching the floor as they waited for Alessia to make her move.

Johnny stood off to the side, his arms crossed over his chest, a look of stern approval on his face. "You've trained for this," he said, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the dojo. "It's just you, the boards, and your focus. Don't overthink it. Commit."

Alessia nodded, taking a deep breath. Her eyes flicked to Eli and Tory, who gave her supportive, knowing glances. The trust between them was unspoken, but strong. They had all seen the struggle she had gone through-the darkness she had fought to move past. And now, she was standing here, ready to prove that she was more than her past. More than the mistakes.

Tory's voice broke the silence, calm and encouraging. "You've got this, Alessia."

Eli, the ever-smiling goofball, raised an eyebrow and flashed a teasing grin. "Just don't hit me, alright?"

Alessia smiled back, trying to shake off the nervous tension coiling in her stomach. "No promises."

She stepped forward, planting her feet firmly on the mat. The boards were positioned just right-her target, clear. The energy in the room shifted as all eyes focused on her. Time seemed to slow, every muscle in her body tightening with intent. She could feel the fire in her veins, the fight that had always been there, waiting to burst free.

She inhaled deeply, clearing her mind of all the distractions-the past, the doubts, the fear. It was just this moment. Just this movement.

With a sharp exhale, she pulled her arm back, the muscles in her shoulder tightening as her focus sharpened. Eli and Tory held the boards steady, their hands gripping the edges tightly, their expressions locked in concentration.

Alessia's gaze flicked to the boards, and for a second, she thought about everything that had led her here-the late nights of training, the bruises, the blood, the countless times she had fallen. She had fought against her past and survived. She was stronger now, and these boards were just another obstacle to overcome.

With a grunt, she thrust her arm forward, aiming for the center of the board held by Eli. The power behind her punch was like a shockwave, the force of it rippling through her body, and in an instant-crack-the board splintered in half, the pieces flying to the sides.

The room went silent for a moment, and then the dojo erupted into applause.

Alessia stood still for a beat, her chest heaving with the rush of adrenaline, her heart pounding in her ears. She had done it. The boards were shattered, and she had proven something to herself-she was no longer the person she had been. She had become something stronger. Something unbreakable.

Tory let out a sharp whistle, her eyes wide with approval. "Damn, Alessia! That was amazing."

Eli grinned, his usual goofy demeanor replaced with genuine admiration. "See? Told you. You've got it in you."

Johnny's voice came from the side, low and steady. "That's the power of focus. The power of commitment. You've earned that, Alessia."

She smiled, but her eyes were glistening with more than just pride. The journey wasn't over, but this was a significant step. One of many she would take.

As the applause died down, she stepped back, wiping the sweat from her brow, still feeling the exhilaration of the moment coursing through her veins. "Thanks, Eli. Thanks, Tory," she said, offering them a small but genuine smile.

Tory gave her a sly grin. "Anytime. Now, let's see if you can break the next one."

Alessia laughed softly, the sound of it lighter than she expected. It felt good-freeing, even. She had made it through. She had made it past the boards, and she was just getting started.

The dojo was emptying out, the sounds of sneakers scuffing against the mats and the soft hum of chatter fading into the background. The lights were dimming, the day's training finally over. Alessia leaned against the wall, feeling the familiar burn of her muscles from the workout, but it was a good kind of ache. The kind that reminded her she was alive, that she was making progress.

She watched as Eli grabbed his bag from the bench, his curly hair falling into his eyes as he slung it over his shoulder. His usual smile was still there, though there was a quiet intensity to him now. He had always been that way-funny, lighthearted, but also serious when it mattered. He had been there for her more times than she could count, always standing by her side, no matter what.

Taking a deep breath, Alessia pushed herself off the wall and walked over to him. She hesitated for a split second, the words catching in her throat. But then she took a step closer, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

Eli stiffened for a moment, surprised, but then he relaxed and hugged her back, his arms strong and warm. He gave her a soft chuckle. "What's this, Alessia? You finally gone soft on me?"

Alessia pulled back slightly but kept her hands on his shoulders, her eyes locking with his. "No, it's just... I've been meaning to say this for a while. Thank you, Eli," she said, her voice soft but full of sincerity. "For everything. For always being there for me. For always having my back."

Eli raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this kind of heartfelt moment. He chuckled again, though it was gentler this time, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Hey, it's no big deal. I'm your best friend. It's what I do."

Alessia's eyes softened, the weight of everything she had been through settling on her shoulders. She had stumbled more times than she wanted to admit, falling into old habits, slipping off track, but Eli had always been there, right by her side. He had never judged her, never made her feel like she wasn't worthy of second chances. He'd been there, even when she didn't deserve it.

"I know," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "But you don't know how much it means to me. I've messed up so many times, and I-I don't know if I would've made it through some of this stuff without you. You're the reason I didn't give up, Eli."

Eli seemed to soften at that, his smile dimming but still there, as if he were absorbing her words. "I just want you to be okay, Alessia. That's all. No matter what happens, I'll always be there. You don't have to go through this alone."

The sincerity in his eyes made her chest tighten, and she leaned in again, wrapping her arms around him for a longer hug. This time, it felt like she was holding on for more than just the moment. It was a silent acknowledgment of everything they had been through together. The struggles, the laughter, the late-night talks, the times they'd both lost their way-but they'd always found each other again.

After a beat, Alessia pulled away, her face flushed with emotion. "I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough," she said, voice still thick with gratitude. "But I'll try. I'll always try to be there for you the way you've been there for me."

Eli smiled, this time without the usual teasing edge. "You already are, Alessia. You already are."

She smiled back, the weight on her heart lightened, just a little. The world felt a little easier to face when you had someone like Eli in your corner-someone who believed in you when you didn't even believe in yourself.

As Eli grabbed the strap of his bag again, ready to head out, he turned to give her one last smile. "Don't forget what I said-if you ever fall off the wagon again, I'm there. You've got a lifeline in me."

Alessia nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, her heart full. "I know," she whispered. "I won't forget."

With one last shared glance, Eli walked out of the dojo, his figure disappearing through the door. Alessia stood there for a moment longer, letting the silence settle around her. She had the support she needed, the people she cared about, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

trust that alessia and robby have a moment next chapter... :)

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

PLEASE STOP BEING FREAKIN A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE! PLEASE!!!!! stop being ghost readers!!!! its really annoying!!!

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO SEE VIEWS GO UP BUT NOT VOTES. its annoying for us writers. so please just vote and comment!! its not that hard!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! i dont how many times i have to say this. i am so sorry for the notifications but this is really annoying to see views go up when the votes aren't. PLEASE JUST FREAKIN VOTE!!!