chapter sixty-five:
❛ ex-degenerate (2)❜

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The LaRusso house was warm and filled with the comforting scent of a home-cooked meal. The dining table was set, plates filled with food, and the usual family chatter filled the air. Dylan sat beside Sam, his fingers laced with hers, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks for cooking, Ma," Daniel said as he took his seat, offering his mother a grateful smile.

Lucille beamed, waving a hand dismissively. "Ah, it's nothing. Just making sure my family's well-fed."

Dylan felt at home in this moment. He had been around the LaRussos long enough to be treated like part of the family, but there was always a certain warmth in these dinners that made him appreciate them even more.

Across the table, his mom nudged him playfully. "So, Dylan, are you gonna tell everyone your big news, or should I do it for you?"

Dylan chuckled, already feeling the anticipation in the air. He cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter. "Alright, alright-big news incoming. I got into CalTech and MIT."

Sam's eyes widened in shock, and before he could even finish, she let out a gasp.

"Oh my God!" She clapped a hand over her mouth, her whole face lighting up with excitement. "That's... that's amazing!"

Before he could react, she threw her arms around him, squeezing him in a tight hug. Dylan laughed, hugging her back as she practically bounced with excitement.

"Good for you, Dylan," Daniel said, nodding in approval.

"Congratulations!" Amanda added warmly.

"They wanted him for his hard work, his smarts, and his cool robot tech," his mom chimed in proudly. "Not his nerdy charm, though."

"Mom," Dylan groaned, his face turning red.

Sam giggled, nudging him playfully. "You got what you always wanted."

Dylan smiled, looking into her warm brown eyes. "And you're getting what you wanted," he said softly, knowing how much Okinawa meant to her.

Sam's smile softened. "I guess it's a... happy high school ending for the both of us."

Before anyone could respond, Lucille suddenly perked up. "Oh! I almost forgot."

She reached into her purse and pulled out a small box, setting it on the table in front of Sam.

"I brought Samantha's graduation gift," she said with a fond smile. "I know it's not for another week, but..." she trailed off, gently pushing the box toward her granddaughter.

Sam hesitated, her fingers brushing over the wrapping. "Grandma, you didn't have to-"

"Ah, nonsense," Lucille waved her off. "You get through high school, you get a gift. That's how it works. Now go on, open it."

Everyone at the table watched as Sam carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a gorgeous pearl necklace. The pearls gleamed under the dining room light, strung together in a delicate, timeless design.

Dylan let out a low whistle. "Whoa."

Sam's lips parted in awe. "Oh, wow. Grandma, that's beautiful." She turned the box to show her parents.

Lucille, however, simply smiled, her gaze turning nostalgic.

Amanda's eyes widened. "Lucille, are you sure? That must've cost a fortune."

Lucille shook her head. "Didn't cost me a penny. Mr. Miyagi gave it to me."

Dylan and Sam exchanged a look.

Lucille continued, her voice quieter now, filled with an old, distant sadness. "It belonged to his mother. When he had to leave Okinawa, his father gave it to him to sell in case he ever needed the money. But Mr. Miyagi never sold it. It had too much sentimental value.

"So when he got married, he gave it to his wife. And during the war..." Lucille's voice faltered slightly. "She... she passed away at Manzanar. At the internment camp. And a guard stole it."

The room fell into silence.

Dylan blinked in shock, his gaze flicking to Sam, who looked equally stunned.

"Wait..." Dylan finally spoke. "So what did Mr. Miyagi do?"

Lucille's lips curved into a knowing smile. "He did what he needed to do. He found the guard... and he took it back."

Daniel, who had been quiet, let out a breath, shaking his head. "I... I didn't know he ever told you this story."

Lucille gave him a pointed look. "The guard attacked Mr. Miyagi, so he had to knock the bastard's lights out."

Amanda's eyebrows shot up as she exchanged a look with Daniel. "I guess there's always more to the story."

Lucille's expression softened. "Before he passed away, he asked me to give it to Samantha when the time was right." She reached forward, gently lifting the necklace from the box, and clasped it around Sam's neck.

As the pearls rested against her skin, Sam looked down, running her fingers over them with quiet reverence.

"You look gorgeous," Dylan murmured, admiring how the necklace suited her perfectly. He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

Sam blushed, smiling warmly. "Thank you."

Lucille beamed, her eyes twinkling with love as she looked at her granddaughter.

"Mr. Miyagi would be so proud of you."

The air was thick with anticipation, the distant hum of the crowd echoing through the hallways of the arena. Miguel stood in front of the mirror in the locker room, his hands gripping the edge of the sink as he took a deep breath. His heart pounded-not out of nerves for himself, but for Johnny.

This was it. The final match. The fight that would determine everything. Cobra Kai had dominated the competition, proving themselves against the best fighters in the world, and now, all that was left was for Johnny to bring it home as their Sensei.

Miguel exhaled, rolling his shoulders, still in his athletic shorts, his gi draped over a nearby bench. He was about to turn when the door suddenly creaked open behind him.

He didn't need to look. He already knew.

"Wrong locker room, Arizona," Miguel muttered, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

Arizona smirked as she leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest. "Oops," she said, not looking sorry at all. "My mistake."

Miguel turned around, taking her in. She was still in her sports bra and leggings, her Cobra Kai gi nowhere in sight. God, she looked good.

Arizona's eyes scanned him up and down, lingering just long enough to make him feel it. "Damn," she said, tilting her head in approval. "You've been working out."

Miguel chuckled, shaking his head. "And you're here because...?"

Arizona stepped forward, her confidence unwavering. "Because you need me."

Miguel raised an eyebrow. "Do I?"

Arizona nodded, placing her hands on his shoulders, fingers tracing small circles over his skin. "This is a huge night, Miguel. For Johnny. For Cobra Kai. For all of us. And I know you-you're overthinking it. You always do."

Miguel opened his mouth to protest, but she pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him.

"You're running every possible outcome in your head, worrying about if Johnny will win, if everything will go according to plan. But you don't have to do that. You just have to believe."

Miguel sighed, leaning into her touch. "I do believe. I just want this for Johnny. He's worked so hard-"

"And he's going to get it," Arizona cut in. "Because he's earned it. Just like you earned everything you have. Just like I earned my spot to study abroad."

At the mention of her leaving, Miguel's expression shifted, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. Arizona softened, running a hand through his hair.

"I know it sucks that I'm going," she admitted, "but we'll be okay. You're my person, Miguel."

Miguel swallowed, searching her eyes. "Are you mine?"

Arizona smiled, her gaze warm. "What do you think?"

She didn't wait for him to answer. She grabbed the front of his shorts and yanked him toward her, crashing her lips onto his.

Miguel didn't hesitate. He kissed her back, deep and slow, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Arizona sighed into the kiss, her hands sliding into his hair as she melted into him.

Miguel grinned against her lips. "Are we really doing this in the middle of the locker room?"

Arizona smirked, her breath hot against his mouth. "I'm leaving for a whole year, Miguel. We need to make this count."

Miguel groaned, tilting his head and deepening the kiss, his hands gripping her hips, fingers pressing into her skin.

Arizona giggled as he backed her up against the lockers, her body arching into his. "You just love breaking the rules, don't you?" she teased.

Miguel kissed along her jaw, his voice husky. "Only when you're involved."

Arizona sighed, her fingers tugging at the short hairs at the nape of his neck. This moment, this night, everything-it was perfect. They weren't thinking about what was coming next, about the months apart, about anything other than this.

And then-

"Oh, for the love of-"

Miguel and Arizona sprung apart, breathless and disheveled, as Daniel LaRusso stood in the doorway, arms crossed, wearing a look of pure exasperation.

Miguel ran a hand through his hair, clearing his throat. "Sensei."

Daniel exhaled sharply. "You two need to stop whatever that was and get changed."

Arizona, completely unbothered, straightened her posture and smirked. "I don't know, Sensei. I was just helping Miguel find his inner balance."

Daniel gave her a flat look. "That didn't look like balance."

Arizona folded her arms. "Balance isn't about resisting natural impulses. It's about embracing the moment and letting it flow."

Miguel choked back a laugh. "Are you seriously using Zen wisdom to justify this?"

Arizona grinned. "Absolutely."

Daniel sighed. Deeply. "Put your damn gis on. Now."

Miguel held up his hands in surrender. "Yes, Sensei."

Arizona winked at Miguel before slowly backing toward the door. "See you in the ring, champ."

Miguel shook his head as she disappeared into the hallway. He had a feeling the next year without her was going to feel a lot longer than twelve months.

Daryl Parker stepped onto the center mat, microphone in hand, his energy radiating through the arena. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls," Daryl began, a grin spreading across his face, "it's my honor and privilege to inform you... it's karate time!" His voice boomed over the speakers, sending a ripple of excitement through the audience.

Arizona stood at the edge of the mat, bouncing slightly on her toes, her nerves thrumming beneath her skin. This was it. The moment they'd all been waiting for.

Daryl continued, his voice filled with showman-like enthusiasm. "Tonight's tie-breaking Sensei match will determine which dojo wins the Sekai Taikai. And this time, we're playing by the traditional rules you all know and love from the All Valley-three points wins the match."

Arizona clenched her fists. Her gut told her this wasn't going to be easy.

Daryl gestured toward the opposite side of the mat. "First, we have the defending champions, hailing all the way from Hong Kong. They are led by their sensei, the youngest fighter to ever win the Sekai Taikai. He's undefeated in seven karate circuits, a living legend of the martial arts world. He was born Feng Xiao, but you might know him better by another name..."

Arizona felt her stomach twist.

"Please welcome Sensei Wolf and the Iron Dragons!"

The crowd erupted into applause as Sensei Wolf stepped onto the mat, flanked by his fighters. They moved with precision, their dark uniforms crisp, their expressions unreadable. Wolf, with his predatory smirk, barely acknowledged the cheers. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, eyes scanning the Cobra Kai team with eerie calm.

From the stands, Dylan shot a glare at the Iron Dragons, his fists clenched.

Daryl turned, a dramatic pause in his voice before he continued. "And fighting to dethrone them is a dojo we all know very well here in the Valley."

He didn't get to finish.

"COBRA KAI!"

Miguel and Arizona cut him off in perfect unison, their voices carrying through the arena as they jogged out onto the mat with their team. The crowd roared in response, and Daryl, never one to miss a beat, grinned.

"Please welcome the Valley's own... COBRA KAI!"

Arizona grinned as she jogged alongside Miguel, adrenaline surging through her veins. Their team gathered at the edge of the mat, forming a wall of unwavering support behind their Sensei.

Johnny and Wolf stepped to the center, facing each other. There was no handshake, no friendly sportsmanship-only the quiet intensity of two men prepared to fight for everything they stood for.

The referee raised his hand.

"Ready?"

Johnny clenched his fists.

Wolf smiled.

"Fight!"

The match began in an instant, a blur of movement as Johnny and Wolf clashed. Kicks. Blocks. Punches. Feints. Arizona's eyes darted across the mat, following every move.

Wolf wasn't just fighting-he was talking.

Arizona couldn't hear the words, but she saw Johnny's reaction. A hesitation, a falter. Just a split-second of distraction, but that was all Wolf needed.

A sharp kick to the gut.

Arizona gasped as Johnny staggered back, his face twisting in pain.

"Point. Wolf. 1-0."

The referee's voice rang through the air.

Something wasn't right. Arizona could feel it. She glanced at Miguel, and he met her gaze, his brow furrowed. He felt it too.

The match continued, and Johnny was holding back-too much. He wasn't fighting like himself. Wolf was in his head, and it was throwing him off.

Then came the hit that made Miguel snap.

Wolf's fist struck Johnny's ear, dangerously close to the back of his head.

"Hey!" Miguel shouted, stepping forward. Arizona instinctively grabbed his arm, holding him back.

The referee was already stepping in. "No point. Illegal contact to the back of the head."

Wolf smirked. "My mistake."

Arizona's stomach churned. It wasn't a mistake. It was a warning.

The fight resumed, and Johnny was still off. He threw a kick, but Wolf countered fast, driving a punch straight into Johnny's nose.

Arizona sucked in a sharp breath and covered her eyes.

"I can't watch. Tell me when it's over."

Miguel touched her arm, but she barely registered it. Her pulse was hammering. Something wasn't right.

She needed air.

"I have to... I'll be back," she muttered, barely hearing herself. She turned and walked out of the arena, her feet carrying her down the dimly lit hallway.

As soon as she was alone, the anxiety hit full force. Her breath quickened, her chest tightening. She didn't even know why she felt like this-why she felt like the walls were closing in.

Then-

"Arizona."

Miguel's voice. Soft. Concerned.

She turned as he stepped toward her, his expression laced with worry.

"Hey," he murmured, placing a hand on her arm. "Talk to me."

Arizona exhaled shakily. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

Miguel's grip on her arm tightened, reassuring. "You're scared for Johnny."

Arizona closed her eyes. "Yeah."

Miguel nodded. "I get it. But you know Johnny. He's not gonna let this guy beat him. Not in front of all of us."

Arizona looked up at him, her breath finally slowing. "Yeah. You're right."

Miguel smiled. "I usually am."

Arizona laughed. A small laugh, but real.

Miguel held out his hand. "Come on. We don't want to miss this."

Hand in hand, they stepped back into the arena-

And the world slowed.

Wolf's leg was mid-swing, aiming right for Johnny's head-

But Johnny ducked.

Wolf's momentum carried him too far forward-

And Johnny countered.

A sweep kick.

A perfect sweep kick.

Wolf's feet left the ground.

He hit the mat hard.

The arena erupted.

Before Wolf could recover, Johnny lunged, fist snapping forward.

A clean punch. Right to the face.

The referee threw up his hand.

"Point. Winner!"

Arizona screamed in victory, leaping onto the mat as Cobra Kai rushed forward. Miguel was right beside her, his arms outstretched as he reached Johnny first.

"You did it!" Miguel shouted, throwing his arms around his Sensei.

Johnny, grinning and breathless, let out a triumphant laugh.

Arizona placed a hand on Johnny's shoulder, her voice steady. "You were never off your game, Sensei. You just needed to find your flow."

Johnny smirked. "That some Zen wisdom?"

Arizona nodded. "The water doesn't fight the rock-it flows around it."

Johnny chuckled. "Sounds like something Miyagi-Do would say."

Arizona grinned. "Balance, Sensei. I learned from the best."

Eli and Miguel shared a look-then, in one swift motion, they hoisted Johnny into the air.

"Cobra Kai never dies!" Miguel shouted.

The team roared in celebration, their voices filling the arena.

Cobra Kai had won.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

did i just skip most of johnnys fight ? yes. i was gonna bang my head against the wall if i wrote that ten minute long fight (one day ill actually write the whole fight maybe)

sooo i've been thinking and this is the last chapter based on "ex-dengerate" so... we're basically done with the cobra kai plotline. BUT this book this NOT DONE YET! i am gonna writer filler chapters to finish out these characters stories. especially a graduation chapter because i'm shocked we got no graduation scene in cobra kai... like imagine miguel diaz being valedictorian and talking about relearning how to walk again? smh. all the writers cared about in s6 was the characters karate not their lifes outside of karate!

so be ready... we got a lot of chapters ahead of us until the "the end" titled chapter:)

SO STILL KEEP THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIBRARIES WE GOT SOME CHAPTERS LEFT TO GO YALL!

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!!!