chapter fifty-five:
❛ balanced teammates ❜

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Arizona sat frozen on the edge of the hotel bed, surrounded by her teammates and the suffocating tension in the room. Dylan, who'd tagged along despite not being part of the team, lounged beside her, though even his usual casual demeanor seemed subdued. Everyone was stunned into silence after Daniel's grim announcement.

"Terry Silver is back. And worse, he's working with Sensei Wolf and the Iron Dragons," Daniel had said.

Arizona couldn't move. Her hands clutched the hem of her shirt, her knuckles turning white. The words echoed in her mind, over and over, like a bell tolling doom. Silver. The man who had twisted her life into a nightmare. The man who had once made her question everything she thought she was. Her breathing grew shallow, her pulse racing in her ears as memories surged-Silver's manipulative smile, his chilling voice, the way he had pushed her to be ruthless, to abandon her values.

She barely heard her teammates muttering around her. Dylan glanced her way, his brow furrowed with concern, but he didn't say anything. He didn't need to. Arizona was unraveling, piece by piece.

Then the door to the hotel room swung open, jolting her out of her spiraling thoughts.

Johnny walked in first, swaggering as always. Miguel and Kenny trailed behind him, their expressions lighter, completely unaware of the heavy atmosphere they were stepping into.

"We're back, bitches!" Johnny declared, his voice loud and full of his usual energy. "Eager to kick ass! Who's ready to win this thing?"

When no one responded, Johnny frowned, his gaze sweeping over the room. "What crawled up everyone's butts? Zen Master Bubblegum, say something," he said, addressing Arizona directly.

Arizona didn't answer. She couldn't. The moment her eyes landed on Miguel, it was like the dam broke. Tears spilled down her cheeks before she even realized she was crying. Her body moved on its own, rising from the bed and crossing the room in just a few steps. Without a word, she threw her arms around Miguel, clutching him tightly as if he were the only thing keeping her grounded.

Miguel froze for a moment, startled, before his arms came up to wrap around her protectively. "Hey, hey," he murmured softly, his voice steady and calm. "It's okay. What's wrong?"

Arizona didn't answer. Her tears soaked into his shirt as she held on, trembling.

Miguel glanced over at Johnny, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing, and then back at Kenny, who looked equally concerned. "Let's step out for a bit," Miguel said gently, steering Arizona toward the door.

Once they were out in the quiet hallway, Miguel guided her to a nearby bench and sat down with her, keeping one arm around her shoulders. Arizona's breathing was uneven, her chest heaving as she tried to speak.

"Arizona," Miguel said, his voice calm and grounding. "Look at me. Just breathe, okay? In and out. Slowly."

She nodded, trying to mimic his breathing. Her inhales were shaky, her exhales short and uneven, but she focused on Miguel's voice and the steady rhythm of his presence beside her.

After a few minutes, her breathing began to even out, though tears still streaked her face. Miguel stayed quiet, giving her the space she needed, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back.

Finally, she found her voice, though it was small and broken. "He's back."

Miguel's brow furrowed. "Who's back?"

"Terry Silver," she whispered, the name tasting bitter on her tongue. "Daniel said he's working with the Iron Dragons."

Miguel stiffened slightly, his jaw tightening, but he kept his voice soft. "Silver? Are you serious?"

Arizona nodded, fresh tears spilling over. "I can't-I can't go through this again, Miguel. I can't. He's... he's so good at getting in your head. He makes you believe that what he's doing is right, that you have to follow him. I fought so hard to get out, and now he's back, and it feels like-like everything I've done doesn't matter."

Miguel's grip on her tightened. "Hey, listen to me," he said firmly, his tone steady and reassuring. "You're not in Cobra Kai anymore. You're not under his control. You're with us, Arizona. With people who care about you. You've got Daniel, Johnny, your team-and me. Silver doesn't own you. He never did."

Arizona let out a shaky breath, nodding, though her shoulders still trembled. "I'm sorry," she said suddenly, shaking her head. "I'm making this about me, and I shouldn't. You've got so much going on with your mom and the baby, and here I am-"

"Arizona," Miguel interrupted gently, placing a hand on hers. "It's okay. You're allowed to feel this way. Don't apologize. But since you asked, my mom's okay. She had surgery, and she's on bed rest now. The baby's doing great, and everything's on track. They're both fine."

Arizona blinked, fresh tears falling, but this time they weren't from fear. "That's... that's good. I'm glad."

Miguel offered her a small smile, squeezing her hand. "You don't have to go through this alone, Arizona. I'm here. We're all here. Silver might be back, but he doesn't get to control your life anymore."

She looked at him, her teary eyes meeting his, and for the first time that evening, she felt a spark of hope. Miguel's unwavering support, his calm reassurance-it was enough to remind her that she wasn't the same person she had been in Cobra Kai. She had grown. She had people who cared about her. And most importantly, she wasn't alone.

"Thank you, Miguel," she whispered, leaning into him for a moment.

"Anytime," he said softly. "We've got this. Together."

And for the first time since hearing Silver's name, Arizona believed it.

The gym felt thick with tension, the air buzzing with anticipation as the crowd settled in for the opening match. The hum of chatter, punctuated by the occasional shout of encouragement, filled the space, creating a charged atmosphere. Banners representing the rival teams-Miyagi-Do and Furia de Pantera-hung from the rafters, their vibrant colors a reminder of the stakes. The sharp smell of sweat and the faint echo of feet striking mats completed the scene.

Demetri stepped onto the mat, his face a mixture of determination and apprehension. Across from him stood Diego, a formidable fighter from Furia de Pantera whose reputation for ruthless efficiency was well-known. Diego stood still, his posture rigid, exuding an intimidating calm. His sharp, cold eyes were locked on Demetri with an intensity that made the hairs on the back of Arizona's neck stand on end.

Demetri bowed low, his movements stiff but respectful, the product of years of Miyagi-Do discipline. However, Diego remained motionless, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he raised a clenched fist high in the air, a deliberate display of defiance that sent murmurs rippling through the crowd. The silence where a reciprocal bow should have been hung heavy, and Demetri's confusion was evident in the way his brow furrowed. Still, he shook it off, retreating into his ready stance, feet planted firmly on the mat.

From the sidelines, Arizona leaned forward in her seat, her hands gripping the edge of the bench. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of nerves and frustration bubbling within her. She couldn't help muttering under her breath, "Come on, Demetri. Stay focused."

The referee stepped forward, his voice sharp and commanding as it cut through the noise. "Fight!"

Demetri sprang into action, leading with a front kick aimed squarely at Diego's midsection. The strike was quick, but Diego was quicker. With fluid precision, he blocked the kick with a downward motion, the sound of the impact echoing through the gym. The force of the block sent Demetri stumbling slightly, leaving him open. Before he could regain his balance, Diego closed the gap with alarming speed, landing a swift jab that grazed Demetri's cheek, leaving a faint red mark.

Arizona's frustration boiled over as she shot to her feet. "Come on, Demetri! Don't just stand there!" she yelled, her voice slicing through the cacophony of the crowd. Around her, the Miyagi-Do team watched with a mix of concern and tension, their faces mirroring her unease.

Diego was relentless. His movements were precise, each strike a calculated attempt to break Demetri's defenses. Demetri struggled to keep up, his blocks growing slower with every passing second. From the sidelines, Eli clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he yelled out, "Demetri, tag me in!"

Demetri glanced at him briefly, sweat streaming down his face. "No! I've got this!" he called back, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his growing uncertainty.

Arizona's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms. "Seriously, Demetri? Stop being so stubborn," she muttered, her annoyance clear.

Diego, sensing his opponent's faltering resolve, smirked as he pressed his advantage. When Demetri attempted a sweeping kick, Diego sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a spinning high kick that narrowly missed Demetri's head. The near-miss left Demetri off-balance, and Diego seized the opportunity, delivering a brutal roundhouse kick to Demetri's face. The impact sent him stumbling backward, blood dripping from his nose.

The referee's whistle blew sharply. "Point! Furia de Pantera!"

The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and groans as Demetri stumbled off the mat, clutching his face. His expression was a cocktail of frustration, embarrassment, and pain. Arizona clenched her jaw, torn between concern for her friend and exasperation at his refusal to tag out.

Sam was the next to step forward, her focus razor-sharp as she squared off against Diego. Her movements were deliberate, her stance low and grounded. As the match began, she darted forward with a flurry of kicks and punches, each strike calculated to push Diego onto the defensive. For a brief moment, it seemed to work-she managed to land a solid kick to his side, forcing him to stumble.

Diego's annoyance was evident as he tagged in Maria, another fighter from Furia de Pantera. Maria wasted no time, charging at Sam with ferocity. Her strikes were sharp and aggressive, forcing Sam to pivot to a defensive strategy. Arizona's heart was in her throat as she watched Sam dodge and block, waiting for an opening. When Maria overextended on a punch, Sam capitalized, grabbing her arm and landing a clean strike to her ribs.

"Point! 1-1!" the referee declared, and the Miyagi-Do team erupted in cheers.

Next up was Eli, who stormed onto the mat with fiery determination. His opponent, a towering fighter from Pantera, met him with a smug grin. The clash was intense from the start, with Eli delivering a sharp kick to the opponent's leg. But the larger fighter absorbed the blow, countering with a heavy punch to Eli's stomach that made him stagger.

From the sidelines, Kenny's voice rang out. "Hawk, tag me in!"

But Eli shook his head, determination etched into his face. Instead, he turned to Robby, tagging him in unexpectedly. The decision sent a ripple of shock through the team, with Kenny glaring at Eli in disbelief.

"What are you doing?" Robby asked, his tone incredulous.

Eli shrugged, walking off without another word, his expression unreadable.

The match spiraled into chaos as Robby faced off against a fresh opponent from Pantera. Though he held his ground for a time, the onslaught proved too much. The final blow landed hard, and the referee's voice rang out, final and definitive.

"Point! Winner, Team Pantera!"

The announcement hit like a blow, the crowd erupting into cheers for Pantera while Miyagi-Do's team stood in stunned silence. Miguel stormed over to Eli, his frustration boiling over. "Why didn't you tag in Kenny when you had the chance?" he demanded, his voice sharp with anger.

Arizona followed closely, her glare piercing. "That was a crappy move, Eli," she snapped.

Eli rolled his eyes, unfazed. "You expect me to trust him? He just got here."

Kenny stepped forward, his voice low and biting. "Trust me to what? Not screw up like you and Demetri?" His smirk was cutting, and Arizona couldn't argue with his logic.

Demetri's temper flared. "Oh, yeah? Like you'd do better? You ran off when things got hard and came back now that Silver's gone."

"Demetri! Enough!" Arizona's voice rang out as she stepped between them, her tone brooking no argument.

As tensions escalated, Robby's voice cut through the din. "This isn't about Kenny. I lost the match," he said bitterly before turning and walking away, his frustration palpable.

Arizona turned to Miguel. "Go talk to him. You're his brother," she said gently. Miguel nodded, moving to follow Robby, but as he passed Axel from the Iron Dragons, Axel deliberately shoved him.

Arizona gasped, her eyes widening. Miguel turned to her, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger. "What the hell was that?"

Arizona's voice wavered. "I-I don't know." She glanced at Axel, the memory of rejecting him flashing in her mind. But she said nothing more, uncertainty gripping her as she watched Axel smirk and walk away.

The dojo was a battlefield of energy, the air vibrating with intensity as Arizona stood with her Miyagi-Do teammates at the edge of the mat. The soft hum of fluorescent lights mingled with the sounds of rapid strikes, feet pivoting on wood, and the rhythmic claps of fighters psyching themselves up. The polished floor reflected the glow above, and every shadow seemed to carry the weight of what was at stake.

On the far end, Sensei LaRusso and Sensei Lawrence stood side by side, their presence commanding immediate respect. LaRusso's calm, deliberate posture contrasted sharply with Lawrence's edgier, more aggressive stance. Despite their differences, they were united today-for Miyagi-Do, for the fight ahead, and for the team standing before them.

This was the fight of the season. Their shot to prove they could hold their own, even against the likes of Terry Silver and his army of Redentores fighters.

Sensei LaRusso took a step forward, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of the moment. "We need this win to stay in the tournament," he began, his words measured but filled with conviction. His eyes swept over the team, ensuring they felt the gravity of his words. "This isn't just about Silver or the Redentores. It's about us. What we stand for. We fight as Miyagi-Do. Together."

The words hung in the air, echoing in the minds of every student. Arizona stole a glance at her teammates. Robby's jaw was set, his fists clenched with determination. Kenny stood bouncing on his toes, eager and ready to prove himself. Miguel met her gaze briefly, nodding in quiet encouragement.

Sensei Lawrence stepped up next, his tone rougher, sharper-a blunt weapon to LaRusso's careful blade. "Alright, listen up," he barked, crossing his arms over his chest. "People love to talk crap about loyalty. About switching sides. But who cares where you came from? What matters is where you are now." He jabbed a finger toward the mat, his voice rising with passion. "Right now, you're Miyagi-Do. So act like it. Go out there and fight like hell. Got it?"

"Yes!" Arizona's voice rang out, sharp and certain, cutting through the tension like a match striking against flint. Adrenaline surged through her veins, and her muscles coiled tighter, ready to spring. She didn't just want this win-she needed it. For herself. For her team. For everything they'd fought to rebuild in the face of Terry Silver's growing shadow.

Miguel stepped into the center of the mat first, his movements purposeful. "Let's go!" he called, his confidence igniting the team. The room seemed to shift, the air alive with anticipation as Miguel squared up against Francis, a towering Redentores fighter with an intimidating smirk.

"Fight!"

The referee's voice was the spark that set them off. Miguel launched the first strike-a sharp, calculated kick-but Francis deflected with ease. The two fighters moved like dueling storms, their strikes and counters a blur of speed and precision. Miguel's footwork was sharp, his focus unwavering, but Francis held his ground, meeting every attack with brutal efficiency.

Arizona watched from the sidelines, her heart hammering as Miguel stumbled back after a solid kick to his chest. He caught himself quickly, his gaze flickering to Arizona and Robby. His expression was serious, almost challenging, as he nodded toward her.

"Your turn," he said, his voice steady but weighted with trust.

For a brief moment, Arizona froze, caught off guard by his confidence in her. Their relationship had been complicated lately, but in that instant, it didn't matter. She nodded back, stepping onto the mat and rolling her shoulders, letting the adrenaline take over.

Francis smirked as she approached, his confidence evident. But Arizona wasn't one to back down. With a sudden burst of speed, she spun into a high kick aimed at his head. He barely dodged, his smirk faltering as he countered with a sharp kick to her stomach. Pain shot through her, but she gritted her teeth and grinned through it, using the sting as fuel.

"Not bad," she taunted, grabbing his arm mid-strike and twisting it behind his back before driving her elbow into his ribs. Francis stumbled, and Arizona seized the moment, sweeping his legs out from under him. The thud of his body hitting the mat echoed through the dojo.

"Stay down," she quipped, stepping back with a triumphant smirk as the room erupted in cheers.

Before Francis could rise, another Redentores fighter stepped onto the mat, ready to take her on.

"Arizona, tag me!" Kenny shouted, practically vibrating with anticipation.

"No way! I've got this!" Hawk interjected, but Arizona ignored him completely, slapping Kenny's hand instead.

"Go get 'em, Kenny," she said, stepping aside as Kenny stepped into the ring with a grin that mirrored her own.

Kenny wasted no time, his movements fluid and aggressive as he launched into a swift combo. His opponent barely had time to react before Kenny landed a clean aerial kick, sending the Redentores fighter stumbling back.

"Point! Miyagi-Do!" the referee called.

The dojo erupted in cheers, Arizona and Robby rushing forward to lift Kenny onto their shoulders. The celebration was infectious, their voices loud and triumphant.

But Kenny wasn't done. He turned toward Terry Silver, who stood at the edge of the room, his face a mask of calculated indifference. Without hesitation, Kenny raised his middle finger high, his grin defiant.

Arizona burst into laughter, clapping Kenny on the back. "That's the best move of the day," she said, her voice ringing with pride.

Kenny shrugged, his grin unshakable. "Learned from the best," he replied, nodding toward her and Robby.

Arizona's smile softened, the weight of the fight lifting slightly. "You made the right choice coming to Miyagi-Do," she said, her voice quieter but no less sincere. "Don't ever forget that."

Kenny's grin softened for a moment, gratitude flickering in his eyes before he returned to his usual confidence. "Let's just enjoy the win," he said, and the team rallied around him, their spirits high as they prepared for whatever came next.

The locker room was shrouded in a heavy silence, the kind that wrapped itself around the space and pressed against their chests like an invisible weight. The hum of the flickering fluorescent lights above was the only sound, a faint, mechanical drone that only heightened the oppressive atmosphere. The walls, streaked with marks of past scuffles, bore silent witness to countless battles fought, but tonight wasn't just another fight. This was the end of something. And everyone knew it.

The air carried the sharp tang of sweat and liniment, mingling with the faint metallic scent of locker doors that had seen their share of anxious fists and celebratory slams. But now, those doors stayed closed. The team sat scattered across the room-on benches, against walls, or perched on the edge of lockers. No one spoke. No one moved. Each person was consumed by their own storm of emotions-fear, anticipation, sadness, hope.

Arizona, standing against a row of lockers, let her gaze drift over the team. Her sharp eyes caught the tension in their shoulders, the way Miguel's fingers fidgeted with the strap of his gear, the way Robby's jaw clenched as he stared at the floor. Her heart ached for them. For all of them.

The silence was unbearable, like a vice tightening around her ribs. With a deep breath, she stepped forward, her boots echoing softly against the tile floor. The weight of their emotions didn't scare her; she'd carried enough of her own to know how to face it. She clapped her hands together once, the sound snapping through the room like a spark.

"Alright, listen up," Arizona said, her voice calm but commanding. Everyone looked up, their tired, apprehensive eyes locking onto her. She gave them a small, crooked smile that carried just enough warmth to soften the tension.

"I know what you're all thinking. This is it. The end of the road. And yeah, it's scary as hell. But here's the thing-fear only has power over you if you let it. And I know every single one of you has fought through worse than this. You've already faced failure, heartbreak, even betrayal. You're still standing. So tell me, why should tonight be any different?"

Her words hung in the air, and for the first time, the silence seemed less suffocating. Arizona started to pace slowly, her voice softening as she spoke, carrying the cadence of someone who had spent too many nights lost in her own thoughts.

"When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me this story about bamboo," she continued. "It takes years-years-to grow. You plant it, water it, and nothing happens for what feels like forever. And then, one day, it shoots up out of the ground and grows like crazy. But the truth is, it wasn't doing nothing all that time. It was building roots. Getting strong where no one could see it. That's what we've been doing. Every sparring match, every failure, every time you've pushed past your limits-you were growing those roots. And now, it's time to rise."

Miguel sat up a little straighter, his hands still but his eyes sharper now, focused. Robby glanced around the room, his gaze landing on Miguel and Eli before nodding slightly, the determination in his expression renewed.

"We've got one last fight together," Arizona said, her voice steady and low, like the calm before a storm. "Win or lose, it doesn't matter. What matters is that we step onto that mat as the team we've become. No regrets. No holding back. We don't owe anyone anything but our best. So let's give it to them."

Demetri looked up from where he sat beside Eli, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You always know how to make us sound like a fortune cookie," he said, his voice light but carrying an undercurrent of gratitude.

Arizona laughed softly, shaking her head. "Maybe. But sometimes a fortune cookie is exactly what you need." She turned to face them all fully now, her hands on her hips. "We've got each other, and that's more than enough. Let's walk out of here with our heads high, no matter what happens."

The group sat in a tense, charged silence, the weight of Arizona's words hanging heavily in the air. Sam felt a lump rise in her throat, her chest tightening as the reality of what had been said began to sink in. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, and her eyes fixed on the floor, unable to meet anyone's gaze. Finally, she spoke, her voice small and trembling. "I guess I never really thought about it like that," she admitted, the raw vulnerability in her tone betraying the magnitude of her realization.

Beside her, Miguel exhaled shakily, his composure cracking. His voice, thick with emotion, was barely above a whisper. "Me neither," he said, shaking his head as though trying to rid himself of the overwhelming feelings. His dark eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "After everything we've been through... I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye." His voice broke on the last word, and he sniffled, quickly swiping at his eyes with the back of his hand.

Robby, who had been standing slightly apart, offered a faint, bittersweet smile. It was a smile tinged with sadness but underpinned by determination. His voice, softer now, carried a warmth that wrapped around the room like a reassuring embrace. "So?" he asked, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow. "How do we wanna go out?" There was a subtle challenge in his tone, an unspoken call to action.

The question lingered in the air, thick and heavy with unspoken fears and unbreakable bonds. No one answered at first. Then, Demetri, who had been silent until now, stirred. He lifted his head slowly, his eyes searching until they locked with Eli's. The unspoken history between them crackled in the space between their gazes-years of friendship, rivalry, and reconciliation. His voice wavered as he spoke. "Eli?"

Eli, slouched in his seat, straightened abruptly. His gaze darted to Demetri, and for a moment, the vulnerability in his expression was almost unbearable to witness. He opened his mouth to reply, but the words faltered in his throat, leaving a silence that said everything. Finally, he let out a shaky laugh, his voice cracking. "Dude..." His shoulders sagged, and he scrubbed a hand over his face. "I'm sorry, man. For everything."

Demetri's features softened instantly. The tension in his posture eased, replaced by something warmer-understanding. Without hesitation, he stood and crossed the room, enveloping Eli in a tight hug. At first, Eli stiffened, caught off guard by the sudden show of affection, but after a beat, he let go of his reservations. His arms wrapped around Demetri, holding on tightly, as though grounding himself in the connection.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Eli muttered, his voice muffled against Demetri's shoulder.

Demetri let out a small, bittersweet laugh, tinged with a hint of sadness. "I know," he said, his voice soft but steady. "I know you didn't." His voice broke slightly on the next words. "I'm just scared of losing my best friend."

Eli pulled back just enough to look Demetri in the eyes, his hands gripping his shoulders. His voice was low but resolute. "You'll never lose me. You're my brother, D."

Arizona watched the exchange, her heart twisting in her chest. She had spent countless moments teasing the two of them, poking fun at their antics. But seeing them like this-so raw, so honest-reminded her of how deeply they all cared for one another. They weren't just a team. They were family.

The heavy silence was broken by Devon, who let out a dramatic groan from her seat on the bench. "Alright, alright," she said, rolling her eyes in exaggerated exasperation. "Enough of the sappy stuff. There's no crying in karate!" Her words were accompanied by an eye roll so pronounced it could have been seen from space.

The group burst into laughter, the tension in the room finally easing. Miguel grinned as he stood, pulling Eli and Demetri into a spontaneous group hug, his arms wrapping tightly around both of them. "You guys are always gonna be my brothers," he said, his voice thick but filled with affection.

Robby stepped forward, his voice quiet but carrying a strength that cut through the room. "We're a family," he declared simply.

Miguel nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "Yeah," he said firmly, his tone resolute. "All of us."

Robby's lips twitched into a grin, a playful energy creeping into his voice. "Who are we?" he asked, his tone rising.

"Miyagi-Do!" the group shouted back in unison, their voices gaining momentum with every repetition.

Just then, the door creaked open, drawing every pair of eyes toward it. The figures stepping inside immediately commanded attention. Sensei LaRusso and Sensei Lawrence stood framed in the doorway, their contrasting energies perfectly balanced. Daniel's arms were crossed casually over his chest, his expression a mix of pride and amusement. Beside him, Johnny leaned against the doorframe with his trademark swagger, his grin unapologetically wide.

Daniel spoke first, his tone light but carrying the weight of someone who had guided them through countless battles. "You know," he began, his gaze sweeping over the group, "we had this whole inspirational speech planned out." He uncrossed his arms, gesturing to the group with an almost fatherly smile.

Johnny snorted, his grin widening as he glanced at his rival-turned-ally. "Yeah, but looks like you guys beat us to it," he said, his tone full of humor and pride.

Sam stepped forward hesitantly, her gaze locking with her father's. Her voice, though soft, was steady, carrying the gratitude of someone who had grown immeasurably under his guidance. "Our senseis taught us well," she said, her lips curving into a heartfelt smile.

Daniel's expression softened. He pulled her into a side hug, his arm draping protectively over her shoulders. "I'm proud of you, kid," he murmured, his words simple but carrying the weight of everything unsaid.

Johnny clapped his hands together, the loud sound shattering the emotional moment. "Alright, enough of this kumbaya crap," he said, his tone gruff but teasing. "It's time to get out there and kick some Cobra Kai ass!" His grin widened, the fire of competition sparking in his eyes.

The room erupted in cheers, the energy palpable. Fists pumped into the air as the group shouted their battle cry, their unity and determination unshakable. They were ready-together.

The Miyagi-Do team emerged into the arena with a collective sense of resolve, their footsteps echoing faintly against the polished floor as the cheers and jeers from the crowd filled the space. The energy in the room was electric, a palpable tension hanging in the air as both teams prepared for the decisive match. Arizona's gaze swept across the room, her stomach tightening when her eyes landed on the Cobra Kai team.

Sensei Kim stood at the edge of the mat, leaning in close to Tory. The intensity of their conversation was clear from the way Sensei Kim's sharp gestures mirrored the fire in her eyes. Tory nodded once, her jaw set and her expression unreadable, but Arizona could feel the weight of whatever words had been exchanged. She frowned, her curiosity flickering briefly before she turned her attention back to her own team.

The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, commanding the room's attention. "Because both Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai are tied at one and one, this match will determine who advances to the finals. And whoever loses... is eliminated."

Arizona swallowed hard, the words settling heavily in her chest. She glanced at her teammates and saw their faces mirroring her own mix of nerves and determination.

Daniel stepped forward, his calm, authoritative presence anchoring them. "Alright, remember," he began, his voice steady and deliberate. "Trust, tag, teamwork. You're stronger together. Stay focused, and you'll win this."

Johnny clapped his hands together, his trademark grin breaking through the tension. "You got this," he said confidently. "Now, who's going in first?"

Arizona stepped forward, her voice clear and decisive. "Me, Robby, Sam, Demetri, Miguel, Kenny, and Hawk."

Johnny gave her an approving nod. "Good. You know the drill-no hesitation, no second-guessing. Just fight like hell."

The team lined up, each member stepping onto the mat with deliberate purpose. Arizona's heart pounded as she scanned the faces of the Cobra Kai fighters. Her eyes lingered on Tory, who suddenly shoved Kwon aside and marched straight toward Robby.

"What are you doing?" Robby asked, his tone confused but wary.

Tory stopped a few feet away, her arms crossed, her expression blazing with anger. "Don't act like you don't know," she snapped.

Arizona tilted her head, her brows knitting together in curiosity.

"You and Zara," Tory hissed, her voice cutting like a blade.

Robby's face paled visibly, his jaw tightening as her accusation hung in the air. Arizona's own hands clenched into fists at the sound of Zara's name. The memories of what Zara had done-her manipulation, her lies-flashed through Arizona's mind like an unwelcome storm.

The referee stepped forward, breaking the charged silence. "Ready? Fight!"

Tory exploded into action, her movements sharp and relentless. She launched a high kick toward Robby's midsection, which he managed to block with his forearms. Tory didn't relent, following up with a barrage of punches that Robby dodged and deflected with practiced precision.

Arizona stood at the edge of the circle, her hands twitching with the need to act as she watched Tory press Robby back. Tory's aggression was unyielding, and although Robby blocked most of her attacks, her speed was beginning to wear him down.

Finally, Tory spun into a wide roundhouse kick, her foot connecting with Robby's side. He grunted in pain as the force of the blow sent him stumbling backward, landing hard on the mat near Arizona.

"Robby, tag me in!" Arizona shouted, her hand outstretched.

Robby reached up and smacked her palm without hesitation. Arizona stepped into the circle, her body tense but ready as Robby rolled out of the way.

Tory straightened, her lips curling into a smirk. "You sure you're ready for this, Arizona?"

Arizona didn't respond, her eyes narrowing as she sank into her fighting stance.

Tory charged first, her fists flying in a flurry of rapid strikes. Arizona ducked under the first punch, blocked the second with her forearm, and sidestepped the third. She countered with a quick jab aimed at Tory's ribs, landing the blow and forcing her opponent to step back.

Tory growled, spinning into a low sweep kick. Arizona leaped over it effortlessly, retaliating with a spinning back kick that grazed Tory's shoulder. Tory stumbled but recovered quickly, lunging forward with a fierce elbow strike that Arizona barely managed to block in time.

The fight was fast and brutal, each girl trading blow for blow with an intensity that brought the crowd to the edge of their seats. Arizona ducked under another punch and used the opening to deliver a sharp knee to Tory's stomach, sending her reeling backward.

"You're not the only one who can fight dirty," Arizona muttered, her voice low but firm.

Tory's eyes flashed with anger as she came at Arizona again, aiming a high kick at her head. Arizona ducked, then stepped into Tory's space and delivered a powerful sidekick to her chest. The force of the blow sent Tory sprawling onto the mat, her back hitting the ground with a loud thud.

The referee stepped forward as Tory groaned, clutching her side. But before the official could speak, Tory slapped Kwon's hand with a frustrated growl.

Kwon stepped into the circle, his expression unreadable as he squared up against Arizona. Tory stormed off to the sidelines, her anger evident in every tense movement.

Arizona took a deep breath, refocusing her energy as she prepared for the next round. "Alright," she muttered under her breath, her stance shifting. "Let's do this."

Kwon entered the ring with a sly grin on his face, his eyes scanning Arizona as if trying to assess her. Arizona's brow furrowed, irritation sparking in her chest as he took his stance across from her.

Kwon chuckled, his voice dripping with confidence. "You know, Arizona, you're looking pretty fierce today. Might have to show you a few things, if you know what I mean."

Arizona didn't flinch. Her jaw tightened, and she rolled her shoulders, steeling herself for the fight. "I've got a boyfriend, Kwon," she snapped, her eyes narrowing. "And honestly, I've had enough of these karate guys hitting on me. So, save it."

Kwon just smirked, his tone turning playful. "Aw, come on, it's just a compliment. You could at least smile." He lunged at her suddenly, attempting a quick punch toward her midsection.

Arizona sidestepped with fluid grace, countering by aiming a kick toward his ribs. Kwon blocked it, stepping back with a mock bow.

"Nice," he said, his smirk not fading. "You've got some moves, I'll give you that. But don't get too cocky."

Arizona clenched her teeth. She wasn't here to waste time with his flirtations. She needed to focus, especially with everything on the line. She rushed toward him, throwing a series of sharp punches. Kwon managed to dodge and block most of them, but one punch landed solidly on his shoulder.

He grinned wider, his confidence unwavering. "Impressive," he said, "but you're not ready for this." He suddenly lunged forward, catching her off guard as he smacked his open palm into her stomach with a brutal force. The blow knocked the wind out of Arizona, and she staggered back, gasping for air.

"Point! Cobra Kai, 1-0," the referee called out, signaling the point for Cobra Kai. Arizona scowled, brushing herself off as she prepared to tag out.

Kwon turned toward the sidelines, clearly proud of himself. "Not bad, huh?"

Miguel's voice cut through the air. "Come on, tag me in!" He held his hand out, his confidence shining through as he looked at Arizona.

With a sharp exhale, Arizona slapped Miguel's hand with a grin. "You've got this, Miggy." She stepped back as Miguel entered the ring, ready to take on Kwon.

The two fighters circled each other, sizing each other up. Kwon made the first move, rushing toward Miguel with a flurry of punches. Miguel blocked and dodged with his trademark smoothness, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Kwon spun into a high roundhouse kick, his leg cutting through the air like a blade. But Miguel was ready. He planted his feet, leaned back, and landed a harsh kick right into Kwon's stomach.

"Yes, Miggy!" Arizona shouted, pumping her fist into the air.

In the crowd, Dylan screamed and clapped, clearly cheering for his best friend's boyfriend.

"Point! Miyagi-Do, 1-1!" the referee announced, signaling the tie.

Kwon staggered back, clutching his stomach. He slapped Yoon's hand, and Yoon stepped into the circle, looking determined. Miguel turned to Demetri, who had been waiting at the edge of the mat, ready for his turn.

"Come on, Demetri, tag me in!" Miguel said, his voice full of energy.

Demetri, his face set with determination, slapped Miguel's hand before stepping into the circle. He squared up with Yoon, his legs slightly bent, ready for whatever came his way.

Demetri launched into his usual move, swinging his leg toward Yoon in an attempt to land a kick. But Yoon was too fast, knocking Demetri's foot down with a powerful swipe. Demetri grunted and tried again, this time using his other leg, but Yoon mirrored his move, knocking it down once more.

"Metri, stop with the leg swinging! Do something else!" Arizona called from the sidelines, her voice sharp with frustration.

Demetri glanced toward her, his face reddening, but he didn't have time to respond. Yoon wasted no time, his knee shooting up into Demetri's stomach with a solid strike. Demetri staggered backward, gasping for air.

Yoon advanced, throwing a punch toward Demetri's face, but Demetri managed to block it with his forearms.

"Demetri, tag me in!" Hawk shouted, his voice urgent as he bounced on the balls of his feet.

Demetri nodded, looking a little out of breath, before he tagged Hawk's hand. He gave Yoon one last hard kick to the shin before slapping Hawk's hand, stepping out of the ring.

Hawk stepped in, his eyes locking onto Yoon as he stood tall and ready. He was determined to take back control for Miyagi-Do, and the fight was far from over.

Hawk's eyes narrowed as he calculated his next move. He lunged forward, pushing himself into the air with a swift, controlled kick aimed directly at Yoon. Yoon, however, was quick on his feet and blocked the kick with his forearms, narrowly avoiding the blow. Hawk's foot was still in mid-air, so he used the momentum to pivot and punch Yoon hard in the side, catching him off guard. Yoon staggered back slightly, but before he could recover, Hawk swung his leg in a wide arc, aiming for Yoon's chest.

The crowd's energy was electric, but Arizona's attention shifted. She felt a heavy gaze on her, a pressure building in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes flicked toward the source, and she saw none other than Silver staring at her from across the mat. His sharp, calculating eyes never left her, and it made her skin crawl. Arizona clenched her jaw, a fire lighting within her as she turned away, suddenly overwhelmed with the need to confront him.

She marched toward Devon, who was watching the fight with intense focus. Arizona leaned in, her voice low but urgent. "Jump in for me," she commanded, her gaze never wavering.

Devon furrowed her brows, looking at Arizona with confusion and hesitation. "Wait-what are you-"

But Arizona was already on the move. Without giving Devon a chance to respond, she stormed toward Silver, her body tense with determination. Every step she took felt like an act of defiance.

Silver was still watching her, his lips curling into a small, knowing smirk as she approached. Arizona stopped just a few feet from him, her posture strong and unyielding. She wasn't going to let him get under her skin. Not this time.

"I don't know what your plan is, Silver," she said, her voice sharp and unwavering, "or why you're back, but I promise you this: you won't be messing with me, or Kenny, while we're here." Her eyes locked onto his, daring him to challenge her.

Silver's smile widened into a full, condescending grin, and he let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, Arizona," he said, his voice smooth and dripping with manipulation, "you think you're in control here? You really think you can just stand up to me and my methods? I've seen it all before, kid. The rebellious attitude, the misplaced sense of power. You don't have a clue what you're dealing with."

He leaned in slightly, his words dripping with calculated charm. "But, don't worry. I'm sure I'll have you singing a different tune soon enough."

Arizona didn't flinch. She stood her ground, her jaw tight as she stared him down. "Nice try, Silver. But I'm not falling for your games. Not anymore."

Just as she finished speaking, her attention snapped back to the mat, her eyes widening in shock. Robby had just launched a brutal kick, sending Kwon flying out of the circle. The crowd erupted in loud cheers, but Arizona's heart skipped a beat as she processed the significance of the moment.

This meant Cobra Kai was eliminated.

She couldn't help the rush of emotion that flooded through her-relief, triumph, but also the overwhelming need to be with Robby. Without thinking, Arizona pushed past the wave of cheers and excitement, sprinting onto the mat toward him. She didn't even hesitate as she threw her arms around him, enveloping him in a tight, celebratory hug.

One by one, the rest of the Miyagi-Do team rushed onto the mat to join in, their excitement palpable. Sam, Demetri, Miguel, and even Kenny surrounded them, cheering and high-fiving, their collective joy filling the arena. Arizona felt Robby's arms wrap around her in return, and for a moment, it felt like everything was right in the world. They had done it. They had taken down Cobra Kai.

The roar of the crowd echoed around them, but in that instant, Arizona only cared about the people around her. Robby, her teammates, and the family they had become in the dojo. Nothing else mattered.

Tory walked past them, her shoulders slumped and her head hanging low, the weight of defeat clearly visible on her face. Arizona and Sam both turned to her, their expressions softening as they watched her retreating figure.

Sam took a step forward, her voice gentle yet filled with sincerity. "We both wish you were celebrating with us," she said, her words laced with genuine care.

Arizona followed Sam's lead, her tone almost reflective as she added, "Yeah... I miss my best friend." The words hung in the air for a moment, a longing sadness in her voice. It wasn't about the rivalry or the fight-it was about the friendship they had once shared, and how it had slowly slipped away, piece by piece.

Tory didn't stop. She didn't respond, her gaze fixed ahead as she walked away from them, the tension palpable in the space between them. Arizona watched her go, her heart aching just a little. There was so much unspoken between them, so much that was left unresolved.

Miguel, standing beside Arizona, noticed the change in her posture. He gently rubbed her back, offering quiet comfort as he saw the conflict in her eyes. "She'll come around," he reassured, his voice steady and calm. "Sometimes, people need time to find their way back."

Arizona let out a soft sigh, leaning into Miguel's touch for a moment. "I hope so," she murmured. "I really do."

They both stood there for a few more seconds, watching as Tory disappeared from sight, before Miguel pulled Arizona a little closer, his hand still on her back. He wasn't just comforting her about Tory; he was reminding her that she wasn't alone in this, no matter how complicated things got.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

missing my fav gfs ari and tory :(

1 more chapter until feb :( but next chapter will be out probably january 2nd or 3rd... so this is the last chapter of 2024!

happy new year!!!

thank you for almost 100k on this book!!! AGAIN STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!!!

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im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up bt votes not its hard for my motivation!