chapter forty-three:
❛ solid stone ❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
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the reason i always say "please don't be a ghost reader" it helps me stay motivated because that means people are reading my stuff. and unlike other people, they have so many views on their books and i love to write and it just helps me stay motivated. and i know i unpublish and republish my chapters and i get thats really annoying but its annoying when i see views go up but low on votes. STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!

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The alley behind the apartment complex was dimly lit, the streetlamp flickering as though it could sense the tension brewing. The faint smell of garbage lingered in the air, mingling with the distant hum of traffic. Arizona stood between Sam and Tory, feeling trapped, their heart pounding like a drum.

Sam's gaze was fiery, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. The anger radiating off her was palpable, almost suffocating. Arizona tried to say something, to diffuse the situation, but the words stuck in their throat.

Without warning, Sam stepped forward and shoved Arizona hard. They stumbled backward, catching themselves against the cold metal of a trash bin.

"You-!" Sam's voice was sharp, cracking with raw emotion. "You didn't do anything! Tory knew Silver cheated at the All Valley, and you let it happen!"

"Sam, please!" Arizona begged, raising their hands in a futile attempt to calm her.

Sam's face twisted with anguish and rage. "Do you know what that did to me? To my family? You were so hurt after the All Valley that you took Dylan and ran off to Mexico!" She pointed at Arizona accusingly, her voice trembling. "It's your fault we're broken up!"

Arizona's breath hitched as the words hit them like a slap to the face. Tears welled in their eyes, but before they could respond, Tory stepped forward, putting herself between Sam and Arizona.

"Hey!" Tory's voice cut through the tension like a whip. "You don't know what it's like-what Arizona and I've had to deal with!"

Sam's gaze snapped to Tory, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Don't act like you're the victim here," she spat.

Arizona was frozen, their body rooted to the spot as Sam lunged at Tory with a wild swing. Tory blocked the punch, her reflexes sharp, but Sam didn't stop. She pivoted and lashed out with a kick, her foot connecting with Tory's side and sending her stumbling into Arizona. The two of them crashed into the trash bins behind them, the metal rattling loudly.

"Sam, stop!" Arizona cried, scrambling to their feet. "We don't want to fight!"

But Sam wasn't listening. Her face was a mask of fury as she charged forward again, aiming another kick. Arizona and Tory barely rolled out of the way in time, the force of the kick denting the trash bin.

"My entire family has suffered because of both of you!" Sam shouted, her voice breaking with emotion. Her eyes darted between them, wild and filled with hurt.

Arizona's chest tightened, the weight of guilt and sorrow pressing down on them. "Sam, please..." they whispered, but their voice was drowned out by Sam's rage.

Before she could strike again, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed down the alley. Miguel, Dylan, and Robby appeared, their faces filled with alarm as they took in the chaotic scene.

Miguel was the first to reach them. He grabbed Arizona by the shoulders and pulled them back, his arms wrapping protectively around them. "Arizona, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft but urgent.

Dylan, meanwhile, stepped in front of Sam, his hands on her shoulders as he held her back. "Sam, that's enough!" he yelled, his tone firm.

Robby moved to Tory, pulling her back gently. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, his gaze flickering between Tory and Sam.

Sam's chest heaved as she glared at Tory. "Tory's been working with Kreese this whole time!" she blurted out, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.

Robby froze, his grip on Tory loosening as he turned to her in disbelief. "What?" he asked, his voice low and filled with hurt.

Tory's face hardened, her jaw tightening. "It's not like that," she started, but Sam interrupted her with a sneer.

"Why did you only come forward now? Huh? Because you're a coward," Sam spat, her words dripping with venom.

Arizona felt Miguel's hand rub their back soothingly as they buried their face in his chest, tears streaming silently down their cheeks. The weight of Sam's anger, the accusations, and the fractured friendships was too much to bear.

Tory's expression turned icy as she met Sam's glare. "Screw you, LaRusso," she said coldly. She turned to Arizona, her voice softening. "I knew this was a mistake. Arizona, I'm sorry."

Before anyone could stop her, Tory turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing in the alley.

"Tory!" Robby called after her, his voice filled with desperation. But she didn't stop or look back.

Sam yanked herself free from Dylan's grip, her body trembling with anger. "Sam!" Dylan shouted after her as she stormed off in the opposite direction, her figure disappearing into the night.

Miguel sighed, his arms still wrapped around Arizona. "Come on," he said softly, guiding them toward the apartment complex.

Arizona allowed him to lead them, their legs feeling heavy with exhaustion. The alley fell silent again, but the echoes of Sam's words lingered in the air, leaving a heaviness that wouldn't easily fade.

Miguel held Arizona close as they stepped into the apartment, her frame trembling under the weight of everything that had just happened. The party that had once filled the air with music, laughter, and chatter now felt like a jarring reminder of the chaos outside. Miguel's face was etched with concern as he glanced at her tear-streaked cheeks.

"Arizona," he murmured softly, rubbing her back. "I've got you. Let's get you inside."

Behind them, Dylan stormed in, his face a storm cloud of frustration and anger. The noise from the living room grated on his nerves, every laugh and conversation feeling out of place. "Alright, that's enough!" he yelled, his voice booming over the music. "Party's over! Everyone, get out!"

A few people stopped mid-laugh, turning to look at him in confusion. "You heard me! Leave!" Dylan barked, his voice sharper now.

Slowly, the crowd began to disperse, a murmur of voices filling the room as people shuffled out. A few friends tried to approach Dylan to ask what was wrong, but his glare sent them backing away. Within minutes, the apartment was nearly empty, save for the few cups and plates left behind and the low thrum of Miguel's voice guiding Arizona to his room.

Once inside, Miguel closed the door behind them, blocking out the outside world. Arizona collapsed onto the edge of his bed, her hands trembling as she buried her face in them.

Miguel crouched down in front of her, his hands resting on her knees. "Talk to me," he said gently, his voice steady but filled with worry.

Arizona looked up at him, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. "It was supposed to make things better," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Miguel's brows furrowed. "What was?"

Arizona exhaled shakily, running her hands through her hair. "Me and Tory... we decided to tell Sam the truth. About Silver cheating at the All Valley. About everything." Her voice cracked, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

Miguel's eyes widened slightly, but he stayed quiet, letting her continue.

"We thought-" Arizona's voice wavered, and she sniffled. "We thought if we told her, it would help. That maybe it'd fix... something. That she'd understand why we didn't say anything earlier. But..."

Miguel's heart clenched as she trailed off, wiping at her face. He moved to sit beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"But she didn't understand," Arizona whispered, her voice so soft it was almost a whimper. "She said everything was my fault. That I'm the reason everything's broken."

Miguel tightened his hold on her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Hey, no," he said firmly, his voice cutting through her self-doubt. "That's not true, Arizona. None of this is your fault."

Arizona shook her head, her shoulders trembling as she tried to stifle a sob. "I shouldn't have gone to Mexico, Miguel. I shouldn't have run away. I thought it would help, but it just made everything worse. I let everyone down."

Miguel leaned back slightly, turning her face toward him so she'd look at him. His brown eyes were filled with a mixture of tenderness and determination. "Listen to me, Arizona. You didn't let anyone down. You did what you thought was right at the time. And telling Sam the truth? That takes courage."

"She didn't see it that way," Arizona murmured, her voice barely audible.

Miguel sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "Sam's angry, yeah. She has a lot of feelings she hasn't dealt with. But that doesn't mean she's right to take it out on you."

Arizona let out a shaky breath, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I just wanted to fix things," she whispered.

Miguel pressed another kiss to her temple. "You can't fix everything by yourself, Arizona. And it's not your job to. You have people who care about you, who want to help. You don't have to carry all of this on your own."

She closed her eyes, letting his words sink in. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe him, to lean into the comfort he offered.

From the living room, Dylan's voice echoed as he muttered to himself, picking up the remnants of the abandoned party. The apartment was quiet now, save for the sound of Miguel's steady breathing and the occasional sniffle from Arizona.

Miguel pulled back slightly, tilting her chin up so he could look her in the eyes. "You're not alone in this, okay? We'll figure it out. Together."

Arizona nodded weakly, her tears slowing as she let herself lean into the promise of his words. For the first time in what felt like hours, the weight on her chest felt just a little lighter.

Arizona sat still for a moment, the comforting warmth of Miguel's embrace no longer enough to soothe the storm raging inside her. Her breath hitched again as the weight of everything-Sam, her mom, Silver, the lies, the truth-crashed down on her. She could barely keep it together anymore, the emotions swirling inside of her too much to bear.

She pulled away from Miguel, her hands trembling as she wiped her eyes. Miguel frowned in confusion, his voice soft as he reached for her. "Arizona, what's wrong?"

Arizona stood up from the bed, pacing a little. "I'm sorry, Miguel," she whispered, shaking her head as if trying to convince herself of something. "I really am. But this... this is all my fault."

Miguel blinked, standing up quickly to follow her. "What are you talking about?"

Arizona took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I- I ruined everything. I ruined everything with Sam. And with you. You shouldn't have to be caught up in my mess. It's not fair to you."

Miguel's confusion deepened. "Arizona, what are you saying? This is-this isn't just your fault, okay? Sam's angry and confused. Yeah, I get that, but she-"

Arizona cut him off, her voice breaking as she tried to steady herself. "I know you're trying to help, Miguel, but I can't keep doing this. You're so good, and you've done nothing but be there for me, and I keep screwing things up. I'm not good for you. You deserve better than this... mess of a person. You deserve someone who doesn't bring so much drama, someone who won't make everything worse."

Miguel stood there, staring at her in disbelief. "No, Arizona, that's not true. You don't-"

"I do." Her voice cracked. She turned away, hugging herself tightly as tears pooled in her eyes. "Everything that's happened-between us, with Sam, my family-it's all because of me. I'm the one who ran away. I'm the one who kept so many secrets. You shouldn't be dragged into all this. It's too much. I'm too much."

Miguel's heart was pounding in his chest as he took a step toward her, reaching out, desperate for her to look at him. "Arizona, you are not too much. And this isn't your fault. It's not." He grabbed her wrist gently, urging her to turn around. When she finally did, her eyes were filled with pain, confusion, and a sorrow he couldn't fix with just words.

"I'm breaking up with you, Miguel," Arizona whispered, barely able to choke the words out. "I don't want to, but I have to. I can't drag you into this mess. I don't deserve you."

Miguel's face fell, a mix of hurt and disbelief spreading across his features. He tried to hold back the lump in his throat, but the weight of her words hit him like a punch. "No, Arizona. Please, don't say that. You're not the reason everything is falling apart. Sam's angry, but that's because she's hurting too. This-this isn't your fault."

Arizona shook her head, tears spilling down her face as she stepped back. "It doesn't matter, Miguel. I need to fix my life first. I can't keep dragging you down with me."

Miguel's voice shook with emotion, his grip tightening on her wrist. "You're not dragging me down! I'm with you because I care about you. Don't you get that?"

Arizona pulled her wrist free from his grip, looking away as she wiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry. I really am." Her voice was hollow now, like she was trying to convince herself more than anyone else.

Miguel's hands were trembling at his sides, his heart aching as he struggled to find the words. "I don't know what to say to make you see that this isn't all on you. I don't know how to fix this, Arizona, but I know we can figure it out. You're not alone in this, not as long as I'm here."

Arizona stepped back, away from him. The space between them felt like an eternity. "I need to be alone right now. I need to figure things out, Miguel. I need to stop hurting the people I care about."

Miguel's eyes glistened as he reached out, desperate to pull her back in. "Please, Arizona, don't do this. We can talk, we can-"

But Arizona shook her head again, her heart breaking as she backed away, the weight of what she was doing suffocating her. "I'm sorry," she repeated softly. "Goodbye, Miguel."

Miguel stood frozen, watching her walk away, the sound of her footsteps fading as she left his room. He stood there, staring at the spot where she had just been, his heart shattering into pieces.

In that moment, he knew nothing would ever feel the same.

The group of teens stood in the familiar, serene grounds of Miyagi-Do, surrounded by the soft rustling of leaves in the wind. The tranquil atmosphere, once a symbol of peace, now felt suffocating. A heavy tension hung in the air, as if the very world around them had shifted. Miguel's revelation about Terry Silver's corruption had stunned everyone, and the weight of it was impossible to ignore.

Demetri blinked repeatedly, his eyes wide in disbelief, as he processed the information that had just been laid bare in front of them. He opened his mouth to speak but paused, as if searching for words that could make sense of the situation. "W-w-wait, okay, so... Sensei Targaryen paid off the ref at the All Valley and framed Kreese for a crime he didn't commit? Never let me miss a house party again," he stammered, his voice tinged with disbelief. His brain was clearly trying to catch up, but it was struggling to process everything at once. He shook his head in amazement, clearly overwhelmed by the gravity of what he had just heard.

Miguel stood a little straighter, the urgency in his posture impossible to ignore. He glanced around the group, his eyes intense and focused. "We need to tell the senseis," he said, his voice carrying a sense of determination. "They need to know what Silver's really capable of."

Sam, however, shot him a skeptical look, her brows furrowed in frustration. Her arms were crossed, and the frown on her face deepened. "What are they gonna do?" she shot back, her voice heavy with doubt. Her tone was a mixture of frustration and weariness, as if the weight of the world had already fallen on their shoulders. She exchanged a brief glance with Dylan, who nodded in agreement, his own expression full of concern.

"Yeah, we all saw what happened to Sam's dad when he confronted Silver," Dylan added, his voice lowering. There was an unmistakable undertone of fear in his words, a fear that Silver's power reached far beyond what they had originally realized. "I don't want him getting hurt again," Sam said softly, her voice faltering slightly at the thought of her father being dragged back into Silver's web of manipulation. The concern was evident on her face, and her usual confidence seemed to have evaporated in the wake of Miguel's revelation. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she thought about her father's safety.

Demetri sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to make sense of everything that had been revealed. "Besides, if this ref and Stingray are on Silver's payroll, they'll never admit anything," he said, his voice filled with skepticism. He sounded like someone who had been burned by the system once too many times. It was hard for him to believe that anyone under Silver's influence would suddenly come forward with the truth. His words hung in the air, and the group fell silent for a moment as they all considered the possibility that the truth might never come out.

Bert, who had been standing off to the side, quietly listening to the conversation, finally spoke up. His voice was softer than usual, but there was a note of careful thought in it. "I'm not so sure about that," he said, drawing everyone's attention. His eyes flicked over to the group, his gaze earnest. "I know he's in Cobra Kai and I'm in Eagle Fang, but Stingray's still my friend. He wouldn't lie to me. At least, I hope he wouldn't." Bert spoke with a mixture of loyalty and uncertainty, as if trying to reconcile the friendship he had once shared with Stingray with the reality of what was happening now. His words were tentative but sincere, and the group could sense that he wasn't just talking out of hope-he believed Stingray would be the one to come through for them.

"Think you can get him to talk?" Hawk asked, his voice no longer joking but serious. He stared at Bert, waiting for an answer. His usual playful demeanor had been replaced by a somber expression as he considered the gravity of the situation. It was clear that Hawk was willing to follow any lead if it meant taking down Silver.

Bert's expression hardened with determination, his features set in a way that showed he wasn't backing down. "Yeah, I can try," he said confidently, a glimmer of resolve in his voice. It was clear that he wasn't going to let his friend's silence stand in the way of exposing Silver's corruption. The group nodded, a collective understanding passing between them.

Sam turned to Bert, her expression shifting to one of command. "Find out where he lives," she instructed firmly. "Let's go." There was no time to waste. If they were going to get to the bottom of this, they needed answers-and they needed them fast.

With the plan set, Hawk, unable to resist the opportunity to lighten the moment even a little, playfully smacked Demetri on the chest. The smack, though light, caught Demetri off guard, and he stumbled back a little, his face contorted in mock pain. "Ow, dude!" Demetri protested, holding his chest dramatically, but his voice was laced with humor despite the tension. He shot Hawk a half-hearted glare, but it was clear that the playful jabs between them were a small comfort amidst the brewing storm.

Hawk just grinned in response, clearly not fazed by Demetri's protests. He reached out to ruffle Demetri's hair, adding to his playful teasing.

Dylan, standing off to the side and watching the exchange, shook his head with a grin. "Only you two," he muttered under his breath, clearly amused at how, even in the most serious of moments, Hawk and Demetri couldn't help but crack jokes. Dylan's laugh was quiet but genuine, the tension momentarily easing in the face of his cousin's antics. For a moment, it almost felt like things might be okay.

But then Sam's expression darkened once more as she turned toward the door, her mind already on the next steps in their plan. They had a mission, and nothing-not even the briefest flashes of lightheartedness-could distract them from the dangerous task ahead.

The dimly lit hallway outside Stingray's apartment was quiet-too quiet-until the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed. Hawk, Sam, Miguel, Demetri, and Dylan approached the door, their presence a stark contrast to the silence. They stood there for a brief moment, a united front, before Bert knocked.

When the door swung open, Stingray froze mid-sentence, his mouth still agape as his eyes darted from Bert to the group standing behind him. His body tensed, and the smirk he had been wearing faltered, replaced by a look of wariness that betrayed his sudden unease. The room seemed to shrink with the tension that crackled in the air, the gravity of the situation settling over them all.

"Miyagi-Fangs?" Stingray questioned, his voice tinged with confusion as he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. The words hung in the air as his gaze flicked between them, piecing together the puzzle with mounting uncertainty. His brow furrowed, and for a moment, he seemed genuinely perplexed. Then, like a sudden realization, his tone shifted. "Oh! This is a trap. Oh, you Admiral Ackbar-ed me," he continued, attempting to mask his discomfort with humor. "Et tu, Bert-tay?" The nerdy references fell flat, and the forced lightness of his voice only made the situation feel more tense. His attempt at deflection only highlighted his growing sense of panic.

Dylan sighed deeply, his exasperation evident in his body language. "As much as I love the nerd talk, now is not the time," he muttered, rolling his eyes. The seriousness of the moment weighed heavily on him, and he couldn't afford to play along with Stingray's attempt to lighten the mood.

Hawk stood firmly beside Dylan, his posture rigid and unyielding. His eyes locked onto Stingray, his expression hard and unwavering. "We know Kreese never hurt you," Hawk stated, his voice low but carrying an undeniable authority. The words were heavy with implication, and the weight of the accusation was clear. He moved forward, his fist bumping Dylan's with an unspoken show of solidarity. The message was clear-they weren't backing down, not this time. They were in this together, and Stingray was not going to escape the truth.

Stingray's confident facade wavered, his shoulders sagging slightly as he stammered, "According to my testimony in a court of law, he did. So... read the transcript." His words came out in a rushed, defensive tone, as if he was trying to hold onto the one thing he thought could protect him: his fabricated testimony. His hand twitched toward the door, an instinctual movement to shut them out and end the conversation before it could spiral any further. He clearly hoped that by cutting off the confrontation, the pressure on him would ease.

But Sam, quicker than he anticipated, had already moved. As soon as Stingray's hand touched the door, Sam swiftly shoved her foot between the doorframe and the wood, halting its progress. She stood her ground, blocking him from retreating, her expression unwavering. Her eyes bore into him with quiet determination, and her voice was calm but firm as she spoke. "You lied to the court, and you lied to my dad. But you're not going to lie to us." The words hung in the air with the force of a truth that could no longer be ignored. Sam's resolve was clear-she wouldn't let Stingray get away with the deception any longer.

Without waiting for his response, Sam pushed the door wide open and stepped into the room, the others following her lead. One by one, they filed in, their steps purposeful and deliberate, filling the small space with the weight of their presence. Their faces were set with determination, and the room, once quiet and private, now felt charged with an unspoken resolve. They were no longer the group of teens unsure of their place in the world-they were a force, standing together to expose the truth.

Stingray, now fully aware of the overwhelming situation unfolding before him, backed away slightly, his eyes darting around in panic. He looked like a cornered animal, flustered and unsure of how to handle the sudden intrusion. "You're just gonna let her- Now you're all walking in," he stammered, his voice cracking under the pressure. His disbelief was palpable as he realized that he had lost control of the situation. What he had hoped would be a brief conversation to deflect the truth had turned into an undeniable confrontation, and he was left powerless to stop it.

The door swung open wider, and Sam's gaze never left Stingray. She didn't need to say another word-her actions spoke louder than any words could. The group had entered his space, and now they were demanding answers.

Stingray took a few steps back, clearly overwhelmed by the sudden shift in power. His earlier bravado had completely dissipated, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. The door slammed shut behind them with an almost finality, the sound echoing in the tense silence. The room felt smaller now, the walls closing in on Stingray as the group stood in front of him, unwavering in their quest for the truth.

Arizona's breath came in ragged gasps as she jogged around the mat, her legs burning with each step. The air felt thick in her lungs, her muscles aching, but she kept moving. This was it. This was the day she was finally going to leave Cobra Kai. The constant tension, the manipulation, the lies-it was too much. She couldn't keep pretending that everything was fine while her life and friendships were falling apart.

"Come on, let's go, let's go," Silver barked, his voice cutting through the silence of the dojo. Arizona pushed through the exhaustion, running alongside the other Cobra Kai students. Each step felt like it was pulling her further from the place she no longer wanted to be, but she had to finish this.

"All right. That's enough," Silver called out, and the students gradually slowed to a stop. Arizona and Tory exchanged a quick glance, both of them panting, but they kept their faces neutral.

"주의. 인사," Silver commanded in Korean, and the students all bowed in unison. "Dismissed," he said in English as he nodded toward the door. Arizona felt a brief sense of relief, but it was short-lived. As everyone filed out, she was stopped.

"Except you, Alvarez. I need you to stay a little longer," Silver's voice was firm, and Arizona's stomach dropped. She turned toward him, eyebrows furrowed.

"I'll wait for you," Tory offered quietly, her eyes filled with sympathy. Arizona nodded, but she felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest. Tory had no idea what was coming.

As the others left the room, Sensei Kim entered, carrying a solid stone dummy, its surface smooth and unforgiving. Arizona's eyes widened in disbelief. What was this?

"What is this?" she asked, her voice reluctant as she eyed the dummy warily.

"This is your enemy. Destroy it," Sensei Kim said, his expression cold and unfeeling. Arizona stared at the stone, the weight of his words sinking in.

"It's solid stone," Arizona said, her fingers brushing over the surface of the dummy. She glanced at Silver, who stood in the corner, watching her silently.

Silver didn't answer, just stared at her with that calculating gaze. Arizona shook her head. "I'll break my hand!" she exclaimed, her voice edged with frustration.

"It will heal in time for the tournament," Sensei Kim responded, his voice devoid of any empathy.

"No. That's it," Arizona muttered, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She could feel the anger bubbling inside her, the years of pressure and frustration pushing her to her breaking point. "I'm done. I don't want to be a part of this dojo anymore," she said, stepping toward the door. She was ready to leave. Ready to end this madness.

But as she reached for the door, two other senseis stepped into her path, blocking her exit. Arizona froze, her heart pounding as she took a step back, her mind racing. She looked up at them in disbelief.

"You can leave when the lesson is over," Sensei Kim said with a smug smile, as though he were controlling her every move.

"You're crazy," Arizona muttered, shaking her head. She looked down at her hands, torn between anger and helplessness. This was beyond anything she had imagined.

She turned back toward the stone dummy, trying to summon the last shred of strength she had left. Arizona swung her fist at it, hoping for some kind of miracle. But as soon as her hand made contact, pain shot through her knuckles, and the stone barely even cracked. She stumbled back, a guttural curse escaping her lips.

"Ah, fuck!" she groaned, clutching her hand in pain, but the stone stood unyielding, unmoved.

"Not hard enough," Sensei Kim said, his voice cold and impassive. "To break it, you must use all your power."

Arizona's hands trembled, blood already starting to ooze from her scraped knuckles. She drew her fist back again, trying once more, but this time, her body felt like it was giving out. She struck the stone with everything she had, but all she managed was another dent. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the ground, clutching her hand in agony.

"Are you even trying?" Sensei Kim's voice cut through the pain in her chest, his judgment harsher than any physical strike. Arizona's breath came in short, sharp gasps as she looked down at her bleeding hand, tears welling up in her eyes. She tried again, hitting the stone, but the results were the same. Another dent. More blood.

She cried out in frustration, tears running down her cheeks as she collapsed to her knees, unable to stand the pain, the humiliation. "I can't do it," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Is it the Diaz boy?" Sensei Kim's words were like a slap in the face. Arizona's head jerked up, staring at him in disbelief.

His eyes narrowed. "I knew it. Your feelings have you weak."

"No!" Arizona shouted, her voice filled with defiance, but it cracked from the emotion building up inside her. She struggled to stand, her legs shaking as she glared at Sensei Kim. "That's not true!"

Sensei Kim smirked, his words cutting. "You care more about this boy than your own dojo."

Arizona's heart raced, the words igniting a fire inside her. "I broke up with him because of this dojo, you bitch!" she yelled, her voice raw and desperate.

Her anger boiled over, and without thinking, she swung her fist at the stone with all her might. This time, the stone cracked. The force of the punch shattered it into pieces, and a sharp pain exploded in Arizona's hand. Blood splattered as she fell to her knees, gasping in pain. Her hand was broken, the blood dripping down onto the mat.

The room fell silent as the senseis turned and walked out, leaving her alone in the aftermath of her breakdown. Arizona gasped for breath, clutching her injured hand, tears streaming down her face. She was alone.

But then, a voice cut through the silence.

"Arizona!"

Tory's voice was full of concern as she rushed toward her. Without hesitation, Tory knelt beside her, her hands gently lifting Arizona's broken body into a sitting position.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Tory said softly, her voice full of warmth and care. She carefully helped Arizona to her feet, steadying her when she wavered. "You're gonna be okay. I got you."

Arizona's body trembled, her breath ragged as she leaned on Tory for support. She didn't know what to feel anymore. But right now, all she could feel was Tory's strength, her presence comforting her in a way that Arizona hadn't expected.

Tory looked at her, concern etched on her face as she gently held Arizona's bleeding hand. "You don't have to do this alone. Let me help you."

Arizona nodded, her tears mixing with the blood on her hand as she leaned into Tory for support. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel so alone.

They all gathered around Stingray's table, the atmosphere thick with tension, a mix of frustration and determination hanging in the air. Every glance exchanged was filled with a quiet desperation, their patience wearing thin with each passing second. The silence was broken only by the sound of fingers tapping nervously on the table and the occasional shift of weight from one foot to the other.

"Okay, okay. All right. Let's try this one more time, okay?" Demetri began, his voice calm and measured, as if trying to be the voice of reason in a sea of mounting agitation. He wasn't about to let Stingray off the hook easily. "What happened that night? Who hurt you?" He met Stingray's eyes, hoping for some kind of response, but the others were less patient, their glares burning into the older man. They could feel the pressure rising, like a pot about to boil over.

Stingray, however, wasn't ready to cooperate yet. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and avoided Demetri's question, his gaze shifting to Bert, who was seated nearby. "Hey, Bert, how does it feel?" he asked, his voice almost eerie as he fixed his eyes on the younger boy. "To stab a grown man in the back between his shoulder blades and watch the blood trickle down his back?"

Demetri, refusing to be sidetracked, leaned forward, his face serious. "Look. Look at me," he urged, trying to bring Stingray's focus back to the matter at hand. His voice had a pleading edge to it now, as if trying to reach through the thick fog of Stingray's defenses.

But Stingray didn't respond to Demetri. Instead, he seemed to get lost in his own bizarre line of questioning. The room grew quieter as the tension increased. Hawk couldn't take it anymore.

"God, enough!" Hawk suddenly exploded, slamming his fist on the table with a force that made everyone jump. His voice was filled with frustration, raw and unfiltered. "No more games!" he yelled, his tone sharp, demanding.

Stingray faltered under the pressure, his bravado slipping, but he still didn't crack. Sam leaned forward, her voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity. "My dad went through a lot of pain because of you and Silver," she said, her words laced with both frustration and something deeper-guilt, perhaps, or concern. "Now a lot of other people will too if you just sit back and do nothing."

Stingray's eyes began to well up with tears, and for the first time, the group could see the weight of everything that was crushing him. "But if I tell you what really happened, you know, he-he'll find out," Stingray stammered, his voice shaking with fear. "I can't. It's not that easy, you guys."

His words hung in the air like a dense fog, heavy and thick, as silence fell over the room. The group exchanged looks, trying to process his words, unsure of what to make of them. It was Dylan who spoke up next, his voice gentle but firm, a quiet determination underlying his words.

"No, let's listen to him," she said, her eyes fixed on Stingray. "I think he's gonna tell us in another way." There was something in Stingray's eyes that made Dylan believe he was about to reveal something important.

Stingray looked at her, his gaze softening slightly as he nodded, a weak smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, maybe. What happens in the campaign, Stingray?" Hawk asked, trying to keep the conversation going, his voice filled with an effort to coax him into telling the truth.

Stingray hesitated before taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. He picked up one of the D&D figures and began to speak, his voice now quieter, more reflective. "Okay, so, once upon a time, there was a dwarven monk," he started, his fingers carefully positioning the pieces on the board. "And he was a member of the most badass guild in all the land. Uh, he was banished for a time. You know, typical PC stuff. But, um, once he paid his penance, he returned. Only by then, the guild was under new leadership." He gestured to the figures, his voice growing somber as he continued.

The group exchanged confused looks, trying to follow his metaphor. Dylan leaned forward, furrowing jis brows, as if trying to decode what Stingray was really trying to say. "What did the monk do?" he asked, sensing that this story was more than just a game.

Stingray continued, his voice taking on a dark tone. "The monk, he made a pact with a silver-haired king who would usurp the leader. And it was early one morning, before any of the warriors had arrived, that the king struck the monk down. Again, and again, and again," he said, his eyes fixed on the figures, his hands trembling slightly. "It was then they framed the leader for the assault, and the leader was put in chains, and the silver-haired king took over the guild."

Demetri, who had been trying to piece everything together, let out a short chuckle. "And you were... the dwarven monk, who was let back into the guild?" he asked, sarcasm lacing his voice now, though there was still an underlying concern in his tone.

Hawk raised an eyebrow, catching the connection at last. "Yeah. With benefits," he muttered, his gaze flicking around Stingray's house, clearly unimpressed by what he was hearing.

Stingray nodded solemnly, his expression grave. "Aye. With benefits, yeah," he agreed quietly.

Dylan, still unsure, pressed on. "So why can't he tell anyone what really happened?"

Sam, who had been growing increasingly frustrated, stood up abruptly, her anger bubbling over. "Because he doesn't wanna lose his benefits," she spat, her voice full of sarcasm and disappointment.

Stingray's face fell as he shook his head, trying to explain. "No! No. I would... The-the monk would give it all back if he could, but the silver-haired king, you know, he... he almost killed the monk," he stammered. "He could have killed him. And why? To get power." His voice cracked slightly, revealing the fear and regret that had been building inside him. "So, yeah, the monk fears what that king would do to keep that power. But I think the monk just... the monk just wanted reentry into the guild because he thought that he could be like a... like a proud and noble warrior. Just like you, Hawk, Dylan, Samantha, all you guys," he said, his eyes lowering to the board as his voice faltered.

He paused, the weight of his words sinking in. "But he's neither proud nor noble. Definitely not a warrior. He just sits around playing with them all day. The monk's just scared. I just can't. I'm sorry," he finished, his voice breaking as he looked down at the figures in front of him.

Sam groaned in frustration, the reality of the situation crashing down on her. "That's great. Thanks for nothing," she snapped bitterly, her disappointment palpable as she stormed out of the room, unable to handle the truth that wasn't quite a truth.

Dylan hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the group, before following Sam. He felt a heavy weight in his chest as she stepped outside, knowing they had come so close to the truth, but it had slipped away from their grasp. He caught up with Sam, his heart sinking as she followed her, the sound of Stingray's voice fading behind them.

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting an orange glow over the street as Dylan jogged to catch up with Sam. She stormed ahead, her shoulders tense, arms rigid at her sides, clearly wanting to be left alone. "Sam, wait!" Dylan called, his voice breaking the quiet stillness of the evening.

At the sound of his voice, Sam stopped abruptly. She didn't turn right away, standing there for a moment with her back to him, her head tilted slightly as if bracing herself for the conversation she didn't want to have. Finally, with a deep sigh, she spun around to face him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her expression a mix of anger and exhaustion.

"Look, Sam..." Dylan began, the words feeling heavy on his tongue. He hesitated, unsure of how to start. He could see the frustration in her eyes, the way she was already steeling herself for whatever he was about to say.

"What, Dylan?" she snapped, her tone sharp and impatient, her voice cutting through the warm air like a knife.

He faltered for a moment, his resolve wavering under her glare, but he pressed on. "I know it sucks-not getting the answers we want," he said gently, trying to keep his tone steady and calm.

Sam scoffed, cutting him off before he could say more. "A lot sucks right now, Dylan," she said bitterly, her words laced with frustration.

He flinched slightly at her tone but didn't back down. Instead, he shifted awkwardly, running a hand through his hair, guilt flickering across his face. "I'm... sorry about last night," he stammered, his voice quieter now. "I-I just met that girl, and-"

Sam cut him off again, her voice flat and devoid of emotion. "You don't have to apologize. We broke up. You're allowed to do whatever you want." Her hands moved to her jean pockets, and she looked down, as if she didn't trust herself to meet his eyes.

Dylan shrugged, clearly uncomfortable with the tension. "You just seemed upset, so... I guess I'm just trying to understand, Sam," he said, his tone soft but probing. "You know, first, you said you wanted to quit karate and just be friends, and that's fine. But now you're joining a world karate tournament, and, apparently, you're not happy seeing me with someone else." His voice was even, but there was a hint of hurt behind his words.

Sam's frown deepened, and she crossed her arms tightly over her chest again, a defensive gesture. "This summer, I just... I wanted everything to go back to normal," she said, her voice quieter now, almost vulnerable. "But... everything was based on a lie. If I'd known the tournament was rigged, maybe my dad wouldn't have had to shut down Miyagi-Do. Maybe I wouldn't have thought about quitting. And maybe I would've..." She trailed off, her voice cracking slightly as she looked away, unable to finish the sentence.

Dylan nodded slowly, understanding what she meant but unsure how to respond. "Maybe we wouldn't have broken up," he said softly, finishing the thought for her.

Sam's jaw tightened, and she bit her lip as if trying to hold back her emotions. But then her frustration flared again, and she looked up at him, her eyes flashing with anger. "This is all Tory and Arizona's fault," she snapped, her voice rising.

Dylan's expression immediately darkened, his brows furrowing as he stared at her. "Sam," he said firmly, his voice sharp now. "I know you hate Tory, and yeah, you and Arizona have a rough history. But I chose to help Arizona go to Mexico and get Miguel back. You have plenty of reasons to be mad at both of them, sure, but you don't know what it's like to be in Cobra Kai." His voice grew louder, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't either. But that doesn't mean you get to throw all the blame on them."

Sam's mouth opened as if to argue, but Dylan didn't wait for her response. He held her gaze for a moment longer, his eyes filled with a mixture of hurt and anger, before he turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps heavy against the pavement.

Sam stood there, stunned, the weight of his words pressing down on her. The fiery retort she'd been ready to unleash died on her lips as she watched him disappear into the distance, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the growing knot of guilt in her chest. The street around her felt suddenly too quiet, the stillness amplifying the ache she hadn't realized she'd been carrying.

The kitchen was dimly lit, the golden hue of the overhead light casting soft shadows on the countertops. Tory gently dabbed at Arizona's bleeding knuckles with a damp cloth, her movements careful yet precise. Arizona winced slightly but didn't pull her hand away, her other hand gripping the edge of the counter as she sat on a stool.

"Does it hurt?" Tory asked, glancing up briefly, her brows knitting in concern.

"No," Arizona lied, her jaw tight. "It's fine."

Tory rolled her eyes but didn't argue, instead reaching for the ice pack she had grabbed from the freezer earlier. She carefully pressed it against Arizona's swollen knuckles, eliciting a sharp intake of breath.

"You've got to stop punching walls, Z," Tory muttered, her voice low but teasing. "Or people. You're going to lose your hand one day."

Arizona huffed a laugh, though there wasn't much humor in it. "Walls don't talk back," she said, her voice dry.

Tory shook her head, muttering under her breath as she adjusted the ice pack. "Yeah, well, they also don't deserve to be turned into rubble just because you're pissed."

Before Arizona could respond, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the small house. Tory's head jerked up, and she glanced toward the front door. "Who the hell is that?"

"I don't know," Arizona muttered, frowning. "Diego!" she called, her voice carrying through the house.

Her eleven-year-old brother, Diego, came bounding down the hallway, his socked feet skidding slightly on the hardwood floor. "I got it!" he shouted back, already reaching for the doorknob.

"Diego, wait-" Arizona began, but it was too late. The door swung open, revealing Sam standing on the porch, her arms crossed and her face set with determination.

Diego blinked up at her, surprised. "Uh... hi?"

Sam smiled down at him briefly before looking past him, her gaze landing on Arizona sitting in the kitchen with Tory. Her eyes widened slightly when she noticed the ice pack pressed against Arizona's bruised and bloodied hand. "What happened to your hand?" she asked, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

"It's nothing," Arizona said quickly, her tone defensive.

"It doesn't look like nothing," Sam countered, her gaze flicking to Tory before landing back on Arizona. She hesitated, her lips pressing together as if steeling herself. Finally, she took a deep breath. "Okay... I'm here to make amends. And I want to end Cobra Kai. For good. And I need both of your help."

The room fell into silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Arizona stared at Sam, her expression unreadable, while Tory narrowed her eyes suspiciously, crossing her arms.

"Why do you suddenly care about ending Cobra Kai?" Tory asked, her tone laced with skepticism.

"Because I've had enough," Sam said firmly. "Of all the fighting, the scheming, the pain. It's tearing everyone apart. And I can't do it alone." She looked at Arizona directly, her gaze unwavering. "Please. I know we don't always see eye to eye, but you hate Cobra Kai as much as I do. We can do this-together."

Before Arizona could respond, Diego piped up from the doorway, his voice eager. "I want to help too!"

Arizona's head snapped toward him, her eyes widening. "Absolutely not," she said sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Diego's face fell, his shoulders slumping. "But-"

"No, Diego," Arizona cut him off, her voice softening slightly but still firm. "This isn't something you get involved in. It's dangerous."

Tory glanced between Sam and Arizona, then sighed, leaning back against the counter. "So, what's the plan?" she asked, her tone resigned but curious.

ASH SPEAKS!!

super long chapter :)

1 more chapter until s6!!!

sam, tory and arizona trio???🤭

miguel and arizona will get back together next chapter dont worry!!!

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