chapter thirty-one:
❛ don't take her shit ❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!
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the reason i always say "please don't be a ghost reader" this isnt just because i want votes, i mean i do, but ive been writing on this app for 3 almost 4 years and 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 know my writing isnt the best but 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

tw: panic attacks

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Johnny dragged Arizona over to Miguel's apartment with a look of determination that told her this was something important. He hadn't explained much beyond a gruff "just be there" as they left, and Arizona had learned not to ask too many questions when Johnny was vague like that. She followed him into the apartment, her curiosity piqued.

Miguel looked just as confused as she was when they walked in. He glanced from his mom, Carmen, to Arizona, then back to Johnny. "Why are you here?" he asked Arizona, his brow furrowed in puzzlement.

Arizona shrugged and gave him a cheeky smile. "Don't tell me you don't want to see me," she teased, hoping to cut through the strange tension.

Miguel's face softened, and he chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "No- I mean, I love seeing you, but my mom told me she had something important to tell me. I thought it was... family stuff?"

Arizona plopped down beside him on the couch and leaned back. "I have no idea what's going on either. Johnny just dragged me here and told me I might be needed... for emotional support or something?" She shrugged again, laughing softly at the absurdity of the situation. Miguel shook his head in amusement, though his eyes held a hint of nervousness.

Johnny and Carmen settled on the couch across from them, both looking slightly awkward. Johnny cleared his throat, rubbing his hands together like he was preparing for a speech, while Carmen gave him a sidelong glance, clearly nudging him to start.

"Okay, here's the thing-" Johnny began just as Carmen said, "We wanted to-"

They both stopped, glanced at each other, and shared a brief, silent exchange. Johnny, always the awkward communicator, gestured for Carmen to go ahead.

"You go," Johnny insisted, his voice slightly strained.

"No, you," Carmen replied, shaking her head firmly. Johnny hesitated again, clearly not wanting to be the one to break the news.

Miguel's patience seemed to wear thin. He folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Someone should definitely go," he retorted, the tension in the room getting to him.

Johnny finally sighed, visibly bracing himself. "Alright, fine." He took a deep breath and blurted out the words without much grace. "So, your mom and I are hooking up."

Arizona's eyes flew wide open, and she had to stop herself from laughing out loud. That was the announcement? Miguel looked similarly shocked, blinking rapidly as if he hadn't quite processed what Johnny had just said.

Carmen shot Johnny a sharp look, clearly irritated by his phrasing. "Not just hooking up," she corrected quickly, trying to salvage the situation. She turned to Miguel with a more serious tone. "You see, when two people... when two people are attracted to each other-"

Miguel interrupted her, holding up a hand. "I get it. You guys are dating."

Johnny looked relieved that Miguel cut through the awkward explanation. "Yeah, exactly. We're dating," he confirmed, nodding a little too enthusiastically.

Carmen, sensing Miguel's uncertainty, softened her voice. "We didn't mean for you to find out like this, mijo. We wanted to tell you properly."

Miguel nodded, though Arizona could tell by his body language that he was still wrapping his head around the news. His shoulders were tense, and his jaw clenched slightly. Arizona could practically see the invisible aura of irritation swirling around him.

"We were waiting for the right time and place," Johnny added, his words tumbling out in typical Johnny fashion. "We wanted to take you somewhere nice to break the news. Maybe a Chili's. Or a Marie Callender's. A Red Lobster, maybe."

Miguel's eyebrow twitched in what Arizona recognized as growing annoyance, though he kept his expression neutral. She tried to stifle a laugh at Johnny's bizarre attempt to make this sound more sophisticated by name-dropping casual dining chains.

Carmen leaned forward, her eyes soft and full of concern. "Miguel, are you okay? How do you feel about this?" she asked gently.

Miguel swallowed, the tension visible in his posture, though he tried to mask it. "Yeah, I'm fine. I think," he said, though Arizona could hear the strain in his voice. He added after a pause, "Surprised, I guess."

Arizona piped up, sensing his discomfort. "But also not super surprised," she said with a shrug, trying to lighten the mood.

Miguel nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess I should've seen this coming," he admitted, but his voice lacked conviction. His eyes darted toward Johnny. "Could've chosen someone better though. Y'know, with actual food in the refrigerator."

Arizona grinned mischievously at that comment. "True, Johnny's refrigerator game is pretty weak."

Johnny, rolling his eyes at their teasing, grabbed a bottle of water from the coffee table and lightly tossed it at Arizona. "Watch it," he grumbled playfully, though he was clearly trying to keep the atmosphere from getting too heavy.

Arizona caught the bottle easily and laughed, while Miguel's chuckle sounded a bit forced.

"Other than that," Miguel continued after a moment, glancing at his mom, "Sensei's a good guy. As long as you're happy, I'm happy." The words sounded genuine, though the strain of his inner conflict still lingered beneath the surface.

Carmen smiled at her son, her face lighting up with relief. "We are," she said softly.

Johnny, looking somewhat awkward in the tender moment, added, "Yeah, we're very happy."

Miguel gave a small nod. "Cool. Uh... can Arizona and I go to my room now?"

Carmen exchanged a glance with Johnny before nodding. "Yes, of course."

Miguel stood up, gently taking Arizona's hand and leading her toward his room. Arizona could feel the tension radiating from him even as his hand held hers. Something was still bothering him.

Once they were in Miguel's room, he shut the door a little too quickly. Arizona raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe as she crossed her arms.

"Alright, spill," she said, her tone light but laced with concern. "What's up?"

Miguel turned away from her, rubbing the back of his neck. "What do you mean?"

Arizona walked over to him and plopped down on the edge of his bed. "I mean, you've been weird ever since Johnny and your mom told you they're dating. You can't hide it from me, Mig. I can literally see the annoyed aura radiating off of you."

Miguel let out a long, frustrated sigh. He sat down next to her, his hands fidgeting in his lap. "It's not that I'm mad... I just... I don't know." He paused, struggling to find the right words. "I feel like... now that he's dating my mom, Johnny's gonna try to be, like, a dad to me or something."

Arizona tilted her head, trying to understand his hesitation. "Is that so bad?" she asked gently. "You and Johnny have always had this... weird bond. I mean, he's kind of been like a dad already, hasn't he?"

Miguel shook his head, frowning. "Yeah, but it's different now. It's like... if he's with my mom, then what? Does that mean he's gonna start acting like a real dad? Telling me what to do, giving me 'fatherly advice' or something? It feels... weird."

Arizona's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch his arm. "I get it," she said quietly. "But Johnny's been there for you in ways that matter. He cares about you, Miguel. Maybe he'll screw up sometimes, but he's not trying to replace anyone. He's just... Johnny."

Miguel sighed again, leaning back against the bed. "Yeah, I guess. I just don't want things to get... complicated."

"They might," Arizona admitted, "But that doesn't mean it has to be bad. And if it does get weird, you know I'll be here to call him out with you. We'll survive. Plus, imagine all the future dad jokes you can make."

Miguel finally smiled, the tension easing out of his shoulders. He chuckled softly. "Yeah, maybe."

Arizona grinned and nudged him with her shoulder. "See? We've got this. And if he tries too hard to be your dad, we'll just prank him until he stops."

Miguel laughed, finally relaxing. "Deal."

After Arizona left Miguel's apartment, Johnny insisted on driving her home. She agreed, mostly because she knew if she didn't, Johnny would find some other way to bother her. They'd been silent for a while, the low hum of the engine filling the air between them. Johnny's fingers drummed restlessly on the steering wheel, and Arizona could tell he had something on his mind. She knew him well enough by now to recognize the signs.

Finally, Johnny broke the silence. "You ever think about coming back to Eagle Fang?"

Arizona glanced out the window, a knot tightening in her stomach. She knew where this was going. "No," she replied, her voice firm but not confrontational. "I told you, I'm done with all that."

Johnny's jaw tightened, and he let out a breath through his nose. "Yeah, you say you're done, but come on, Arizona, I know you. You can't just walk away from this. You're not the type."

"I am now," she muttered, leaning her head against the window, watching the scenery pass by. "Besides, it's not just me. You saw what happened with Tory. She made it clear where I stand."

Johnny's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He'd seen the tattoo. The word traitor etched into Arizona's skin was more than just a mark; it was a reminder of how deep the division had become between her and the Cobra Kai kids-Tory especially. But Johnny wasn't the kind of guy to let a stupid tattoo dictate someone's life. Especially not hers.

"You let Tory decide what you do now?" Johnny's voice had that edge, the one he used when he was pushing someone-just like he had with Miguel or Robby. Arizona tensed, and Johnny caught her reaction. He pressed on, undeterred. "I know what that tattoo means to you, but it's not you. You're a fighter. You don't let other people define who you are."

"Johnny, it's not about that," Arizona sighed, clearly frustrated. "You don't get it. I'm tired of the fighting, the rivalries, the backstabbing. Every time I think things are going to calm down, something else blows up. It's not worth it anymore."

Johnny said nothing for a few beats. Then, without warning, he pulled the car over to the side of the road, the tires crunching on the gravel. Arizona's brows furrowed in confusion as he killed the engine.

"What are you doing?" she asked, watching him as he unbuckled his seatbelt and opened his door.

"Get out," Johnny said, his tone blunt.

Arizona blinked. "What?"

Johnny pointed to the side of the road. "I said, get out."

She hesitated, thrown off by his sudden shift in mood. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious." He stepped out of the car, waiting for her to do the same. After a few more moments of hesitation, Arizona sighed and got out, slamming the door behind her.

They stood by the side of the road, the faint glow of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the empty landscape. Johnny crossed his arms and looked at her, his face set in that determined, no-nonsense look he got when he was about to give one of his Johnny Lawrence pep talks.

"Alright, here's the deal," he began, pacing a little. "You think you're done with all this because of some ink on your skin or because of what some psycho like Tory says? You think walking away is going to change who you are?"

"Johnny, it's not just that-" she started, but he cut her off.

"No, you listen. You've got the guts to go toe-to-toe with people like Tory and those Cobra Kai assholes. You've got more heart than half of those kids combined. But you're letting them get in your head. And that's not the Arizona I know."

She stared at him, her arms crossed defensively, but she didn't say anything.

"You want to walk away? Fine. But before you do, I want you to think about something." Johnny pointed to the horizon where the sun was nearly gone. "Out there, it's rough. Life's not going to let up just because you quit karate. Hell, it's probably going to get harder. And when it does, are you going to keep running? Or are you going to stand and fight?"

"I'm not running-" she shot back, but he was already moving toward the edge of the road.

"You think you're not running, but that's exactly what you're doing. You're afraid." He turned and pointed at her, his eyes intense. "Not of Tory, not of Cobra Kai-no, you're afraid of failing. Of trying again and getting hurt. Of putting yourself out there and getting knocked down. But guess what? That's life, kid. You fall, you get back up. That's the only thing that matters."

Arizona stared at him, her heart pounding. He was pushing her in the same way he pushed Miguel and Robby-unrelenting, in-your-face, and challenging her to be more than what she thought she could be. And damn it, part of her hated how much it was working.

"You think Miguel ever got anywhere by quitting?" Johnny continued, his voice growing more intense. "Or me? You think I gave up when I hit rock bottom? Hell no. I fought my way back. You did too. But now you're standing on the edge, and you're afraid to jump."

He paused, pointing to a distant hill, the kind of hill that looked just steep enough to be daunting but not impossible. "You wanna prove something to yourself? Run up that hill."

Arizona raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "What?"

"You heard me." Johnny's voice was sharp, challenging. "If you can make it to the top of that hill, I'll stop bugging you about Eagle Fang. But if you can't-if you're too scared to even try-then maybe you're right. Maybe you should quit."

She glared at him, her fists clenched. "That's ridiculous."

"So what?" Johnny shrugged. "I don't care. You can walk away right now and let that tattoo and Tory's bullshit define you. Or you can prove that none of it means jack."

Arizona's heart raced. Her mind swirled with frustration and doubt, but Johnny's words hit her deep. She wanted to prove him wrong. More than that, she wanted to prove to herself that she wasn't defined by everything that had happened.

"Fine," she said, her voice low but determined. "I'll do it."

Johnny nodded, a small, proud smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Good. Go show me what you've got."

Without another word, Arizona turned and started jogging toward the hill, the gravel crunching beneath her feet. It didn't take long before her lungs started to burn and her legs felt heavy, but she kept pushing. She could hear Johnny's voice in the back of her head, goading her on, telling her not to quit.

As she neared the top, her muscles screamed in protest, but she grit her teeth and pushed harder. The summit was in sight, and she wasn't about to let Johnny-or herself-down.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she reached the top, breathless and exhausted but victorious. She looked back down the hill, and there was Johnny, standing beside the car, watching her with that same intense look he always had when someone surprised him.

When she made her way back down, he didn't say anything for a moment. He just gave her a nod, the kind of nod that said more than words ever could. She had proven herself, and that was enough.

"You coming back to Eagle Fang?" Johnny asked finally, his voice quieter now.

Arizona, still panting but smiling, shrugged. "Yeah. Maybe. But you owe me one hell of a good lesson plan."

Johnny smirked. "Whatever. Just stop letting Tory get to your head. Don't take her shit."

Arizona stood in the spacious warehouse, her arms crossed tightly against her chest, trying to gauge the vibe of the group of eager students milling about. The scent of sweat and determination hung in the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of the equipment stacked in the corners. She watched as Johnny strutted in, exuding a mix of authority and bravado, his presence instantly commanding attention.

"Listen up, nerds. Today's gonna be a world of pain. Now everyone fall in," Johnny announced, his voice booming across the open space. The students shuffled quickly into line, exchanging nervous glances, their excitement palpable but tempered by a hint of trepidation.

Arizona's eyes darted to the entrance as Devon Lee walked in, her confidence radiating even though she seemed slightly uncertain about the new environment. Devon moved to stand beside Johnny, her posture straightening as she took her place in front of the students. Arizona couldn't help but smirk at the new girl's enthusiasm. "We have a new member joining us today," Johnny continued, and Miguel stepped up beside Arizona, his expression curious.

"This is Devon Lee, our new female teammate," Johnny introduced, waving a hand toward Devon, who gave a friendly wave back. "Hi! My pronouns are she/her," she added, her voice clear and assertive, a hint of pride evident in her tone.

Johnny's brow furrowed slightly in confusion, the gears in his mind visibly turning. "The only pronouns we accept in this dojo are sensei and student," he declared, crossing his arms with a serious expression, not quite grasping the nuances of modern language.

Arizona stifled a laugh, shaking her head at Johnny's obliviousness. She appreciated his straightforwardness but knew he was hopelessly out of touch.

Devon raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Johnny's banter. "Those are nouns," she corrected him, her tone laced with a hint of sass.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I think what I meant to say is... 'Quiet!'" Johnny shouted, leaning in closer to her, his volume escalating. Devon jumped slightly at the suddenness of his shout, clearly startled but not backing down.

"That's an imperative," Devon muttered under her breath, but Johnny had already moved on, unfazed.

"Get in line," he declared, and Devon complied, stepping over to stand beside Arizona. Arizona could sense the tension in the air as she caught a glimpse of Devon's apprehensive glance in her direction. "You'll get used to his attitude," Arizona assured her with a warm smile, trying to bridge the gap.

Devon eyed her with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "Okay, whatever," she murmured, avoiding Arizona's gaze. Arizona noted the hint of intimidation in Devon's posture, the way she held herself. It was clear that Devon had done her research-not just on Johnny, but on karate as a whole. The thought sparked a small pang of jealousy in Arizona; she had fought hard for her place here, and now it felt threatened by this new girl who seemed so determined.

"Today's lesson is about cheating," Johnny began, pacing back and forth in front of his students, his energy palpable. "At Eagle Fang Karate, we don't believe in fighting dirty. Cobra Kai doesn't follow the same rules, so we have to be ready for any dirty trick they throw at us." His tone was serious, but there was an undercurrent of excitement that kept the students on edge.

"Like when Chong Li threw dirt into Van Damme's eyes in Bloodsport," he continued, and Devon nodded, her eyes bright with recognition and enthusiasm.

"Exactly! Looks like someone did their prep work," Johnny said, his voice tinged with pride as he looked at her.

Devon shrugged, the modesty clashing with the growing confidence Arizona could sense in her. Arizona felt her own frown deepen, the light-hearted banter fading into the background as a mix of emotions swirled within her.

"And I saw the sequels too," Devon said, her confidence solidifying. "Not to mention Delta Force, Billy Jack, The Octagon, and Lady Dragon. Cynthia Rothrock is a beast."

"Hell yeah she is!" Johnny grinned, his enthusiasm infectious. He turned to Arizona then, his smile shifting to a teasing expression. "Bubblegum, you might need to do some research now too. Devon's new and watched all the good shit," he said, challenging her.

Arizona felt the heat rising in her cheeks, the playful jab hitting a nerve. "Yeah, sure, I'll get right on that," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but a flicker of insecurity flashed through her.

Before she could respond any further, Miguel took her hand, squeezing it tightly, grounding her amidst the uncertainty. She looked up at him, thankful for his presence.

"I- I saw Last Dragon," Mitch stammered from the back, desperate to contribute to the conversation.

"Shut the hell up, penis breath!" Johnny shouted, pivoting to glare at Mitch. Mitch immediately fell silent, the spark of enthusiasm extinguished under Johnny's glare.

"Everyone, get ready! I'm gonna put you through the wringer," Johnny announced, energy surging through the warehouse. "Except for you, Diaz, and Bubblegum. Up here with me."

Arizona and Miguel exchanged a glance, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. "What?" Miguel asked, bewildered.

"The tournament's around the corner. Can't afford to get either of you getting hurt," Johnny explained, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. Arizona and Miguel hesitantly stepped forward, curiosity piquing amidst their apprehension.

"This is gonna get a little dangerous," Johnny warned, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"You two are gonna co-sensei today. Sound good?" Johnny said, looking at them expectantly before turning back to the rest of the students. "Okay, everybody. Get ready. Let's begin!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the warehouse like a battle cry.

Miguel and Arizona sat comfortably in Arizona's car, the hum of the engine providing a familiar backdrop to their conversation. The golden hues of the sunset streamed through the windshield, illuminating the small space and casting playful shadows on their faces. However, Miguel was anything but relaxed. His brow was furrowed, and he was tapping his fingers anxiously against the steering wheel, his mind racing.

"Can you believe Johnny?" Miguel suddenly burst out, his voice laced with frustration. "I mean, we should be out there practicing together, pushing each other to improve. Instead, he's just holding us back."

Arizona raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean? He's trying to focus us for the tournament, right?"

"Yeah, but it feels like he's more concerned about who's gonna be the champion than actually letting us train," Miguel replied, shaking his head. "He's fixated on me being the next boy champion and you being the girl champion. It's like we can't even work together without him hovering over us, worried we'll get hurt or something."

Leaning back in her seat, Arizona chuckled lightly, her lips curling into a playful smile. "It's kind of ridiculous, honestly. I mean, I get that he wants us to shine, but it really feels like he's picking favorites. You know, like he doesn't trust us to train together without getting injured."

"Exactly!" Miguel's eyes sparkled with intensity. "He thinks we'll distract each other. But I feel like we're stronger together. You're one of the best fighters I know, and we could really push each other to new heights if he'd just let us."

A warmth blossomed in Arizona's chest at his compliment, and she smiled genuinely. "Thanks, but you know it's not just about that. Johnny's got this weird obsession with labels, making sure we fit into these specific roles-boy champion and girl champion. Why can't we just be champions together?"

"Right?" Miguel leaned forward, his passion infectious. "I mean, it's frustrating. I just want to practice with you. We're a team, and I really believe we could help each other improve if Johnny would just chill out for a second."

Arizona nodded, her fingers idly tapping her knee. "Totally. And it's not like we're asking to slack off. We want to train hard and compete! But it feels like Johnny's trying to control everything about how we do this."

"Seriously!" Miguel said, running a hand through his hair, his exasperation palpable. "He was so adamant about it today. If I'm supposed to be the champion, why can't I have my best training partner by my side? It just doesn't make any sense."

"I think he's trying to protect us," Arizona suggested, her tone softening. "But he's doing it in a way that doesn't really help. We could both benefit from sparring and practicing those techniques together."

"Exactly!" Miguel leaned back, visibly relaxing for a moment as they shared a moment of understanding. "And the more he pushes this 'you two need to be the champions' agenda, the more it feels like we're being set up for failure. I don't want to let him down, but I also want to show him that we can do this our way."

Arizona bit her lip, glancing out at the streets lined with glowing lights. "Maybe we need to talk to him. Just lay it all out there. Let him know how we feel about this whole champion thing. Make him see that we're a team."

"Yeah, definitely," Miguel agreed, his expression softening. "He might not even realize how it's affecting us. We're not asking for special treatment; we just want a chance to train together without all this pressure hanging over us."

"Right!" Arizona's enthusiasm bubbled over, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Let's make it clear that we're in this together. Being champions should be a team effort, not a competition between us."

Miguel's face lit up with renewed energy, and he nodded fervently. "Exactly! We can push each other and make each other better. Plus, we need to show Johnny that we're not just his students; we're fighters who can take on anything that comes our way."

As they spoke, the camaraderie between them deepened, a shared resolve igniting within the car. Arizona felt invigorated, a sense of purpose swelling in her chest. "So, are we going to bring this up with him tomorrow?"

"Definitely," Miguel said, his confidence returning. "And if he still insists on keeping us separate, maybe we just need to find a way to practice on our own. We can meet up outside of the dojo or something."

"Yeah," Arizona agreed, a grin spreading across her face. "I'm all in. Let's show him that we can handle this our way."

Just then, Miguel's phone buzzed incessantly in his pocket, pulling him out of their conversation. He pulled it out, his face falling as he scrolled through a barrage of messages from his mom. "Shit, we gotta go," he said, quickly slipping his phone back into his pocket, his earlier excitement deflating.

"Is everything okay?" Arizona asked, concern washing over her.

"Yeah, she's just freaking out about something at home," Miguel replied, running a hand through his hair in agitation. "She needs me to come back. Can you drive me?"

"Of course," Arizona said, her tone shifting to one of support. She put the car into gear, glancing over at him as they pulled away from the curb. "Let's handle whatever it is. We can always talk to Johnny later."

"Yeah, for sure," Miguel said, though his mind was clearly still on the conversation they'd just had. "We'll get through this, I promise."

As they drove off into the evening, the weight of their earlier discussion lingered in the air, a promise of change and a determination to tackle whatever obstacles lay ahead-together.

Miguel, Sam, and Arizona strolled through the bustling corridors of the school, the chatter of students echoing around them. The tension from their earlier conversations still lingered in the air, each of them grappling with their own frustrations.

"It's like a Jekyll and Hyde situation," Miguel explained, his brow furrowed as he leaned against the wall. He ran a hand through his hair, visibly exasperated. "One minute, Sensei's Mr. Hyde, and the next, he's trying to be this supportive mentor."

Arizona nodded, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "Exactly. I was used to him being rough around the edges. Now it's like he's a different person altogether, like he's trying to turn a new leaf or something." She sighed, shaking her head as they walked past a group of students laughing loudly in a nearby classroom.

Sam let out a frustrated sigh, her annoyance evident. "At least you guys had some training. My dad spent all day with my brother, and I had to babysit the Miyagi-Dos." She quickly glanced over at Tory, who was sauntering down the hall with her friends, a confident smile plastered on her face. "Meanwhile, Tory's out there gaining ground, acting like she owns the place."

Arizona gulped as she locked eyes with Tory for a brief moment, a wave of unease washing over her. The intensity of their gaze felt like a challenge, and she quickly averted her eyes. Miguel sensed her discomfort and squeezed her hand tightly, offering silent reassurance. "Ignore her," he whispered, his voice low and steady.

Sam's eyes narrowed as she watched Tory's entourage stroll past. "Whatever my dad's plan is, it isn't working," she muttered, her annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface.

Their conversation was abruptly cut short by the unmistakable sound of Johnny's voice booming through the halls. "Miguel! There you are!" Johnny exclaimed, his presence drawing the attention of nearby students who turned to watch the spectacle unfold.

The trio turned in shock, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. Johnny looked slightly out of breath, his hair tousled, and a determined expression on his face as he scanned the hallway. "I've been looking all over for you," he added, a hint of urgency in his voice.

Miguel and Arizona exchanged a quick glance, confusion evident in their expressions. "How do you keep getting in here unnoticed?" Arizona asked, tilting her head quizzically at Johnny.

He waved a hand dismissively in front of her face, a cocky grin plastered across his features. "I used to go here," he said as if that explained everything.

"That doesn't really answer the question," Arizona retorted, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms defiantly. The bemusement in her tone matched the incredulity in her expression.

Miguel, still processing Johnny's sudden intrusion, asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Field trip. You and me, let's go," Johnny ordered, his tone brooking no argument as he stepped closer, blocking Miguel's path.

"It's the middle of a school day. I have history with Arizona, and I-" Miguel started to protest, but Johnny swiftly cut him off.

"History's for nerds. Play hooky with me. I'll write a doctor's note. Used to work for me," Johnny insisted, a mischievous glint in his eye that made it clear he wasn't taking no for an answer.

Miguel glanced over to Sam and Arizona, seeking their input. Sam shrugged, her expression neutral but slightly intrigued, while Arizona bit her lip, her mind racing as she considered the ramifications of ditching school with Johnny. The decision was ultimately his to make. With a reluctant sigh, Miguel relented, "Okay."

"All right, great!" Johnny beamed, clapping Miguel on the shoulder as if sealing a deal. His energy was infectious, and Miguel couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the prospect of a spontaneous adventure. He turned to Sam and Arizona, offering them a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, I'll bring him back in one piece," Johnny said with mock seriousness.

Arizona smiled, a mix of amusement and concern swirling within her. "Thanks," she called after them, her voice filled with a sense of camaraderie as the two of them began to walk away.

As Johnny and Miguel made their way to the exit, Arizona watched them go, feeling a mixture of pride and anxiety. Johnny might have his flaws, but there was an undeniable bond forming between him and Miguel, one that was both chaotic and invigorating.

Arizona pushed through the heavy metal doors of the warehouse, the familiar scent of sweat and determination filling the air. The clang of the door echoed as it swung shut behind her, and she was met with the sight of her sensei, Johnny Lawrence, dramatically unveiling a box of watermelons. The ridiculousness of the scene almost made her laugh out loud.

"What did I just walk into?" she asked, an amused smile creeping onto her face as she approached Miguel, who stood off to the side, an eyebrow raised in a mix of amusement and confusion. The sight of the watermelons-especially in the context of karate training-was nothing short of bizarre, but she loved this chaotic world they inhabited.

"Everything okay?" she asked, concern tinging her voice. Miguel turned to her, his expression softening. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, a reassuring gesture that melted some of her worry. "Yeah, everything is okay," he muttered, his tone calm but with an underlying excitement that she couldn't quite put her finger on.

"What's with the watermelons?" Arizona asked, gesturing toward the large, green fruits that were now the centerpiece of their training session. Johnny had positioned himself theatrically next to the box, his hands on his hips like a showman about to unveil the main event.

"One of the most badass kicks in all of karate is the flying tornado," Johnny declared, holding one of the watermelons aloft like a trophy. He expertly rigged it to a chain that dangled from the high ceiling, leveling it precisely so it swayed slightly back and forth. "I figured it was time for you to test your skills. I wasn't sure if you were ready for it, but... you don't mind a little sensei, do you?"

Arizona couldn't help but chuckle at his antics, the absurdity of the moment making her feel at ease. "No, sensei," she replied playfully, feeling a surge of adrenaline at the thought of what was to come. She glanced over at Miguel, who was watching her intently, a mix of pride and amusement on his face. The way he looked at her made her feel invincible.

Johnny's grin widened at her response, clearly pleased. "Good! Let's see if you can take down this watermelon without getting hurt. It's a pain in the ass to master, but I have faith in you." He took a moment to demonstrate, showing the intricate footwork and timing required for the flying tornado kick.

As Johnny moved, Arizona found herself entranced. His movements were fluid, yet powerful, each kick calculated as he struck at the watermelon with a precision that left no room for error. The watermelon exploded upon impact, juice flying everywhere as he demonstrated the kick in all its glory. Arizona felt her heart race, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding her.

Miguel stepped closer to her, his presence grounding her. "You've got this," he encouraged, his voice steady and full of belief. She could see the admiration in his eyes, and it fueled her determination.

"Just remember," Johnny continued, now pacing in front of Arizona like a general rallying his troops, "you're not just breaking a watermelon; you're breaking through your own limits. Focus on the target, but also on your own form. This isn't just about brute strength; it's about finesse."

Arizona took a deep breath, feeling the energy in the room shift from one of uncertainty to electric anticipation. With Johnny's relentless coaching and Miguel's unwavering support, she felt more prepared than ever. The watermelon swung gently in the air, and she centered her thoughts on the kick, letting the adrenaline build.

"Okay, let's see what you've got!" Johnny exclaimed, stepping back to give her space.

She nodded, taking a step back to collect herself. As she began her run-up, the world around her seemed to fade away. The sounds of the warehouse blurred into the background, and all she could focus on was the watermelon and her own body. She visualized the kick, her foot soaring through the air as she aimed for the center of the fruit.

With a powerful leap, she launched herself into the air, twisting her body as she extended her leg. Time seemed to slow as her foot connected with the watermelon. The impact was explosive, sending bits of fruit and juice spraying in every direction. For a moment, she felt invincible-like she had tapped into something primal and powerful.

When she landed, she turned to see Johnny's face light up with pride. "That's how it's done!" he cheered, clapping his hands together in approval. Miguel rushed to her side, his eyes wide with excitement. "You did it!" he exclaimed, his voice full of admiration.

"I can't believe I actually did that!" Arizona laughed, exhilaration coursing through her veins. The thrill of the moment washed over her, and she felt a renewed sense of confidence.

"Just remember, this is only the beginning," Johnny said, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "There are going to be tougher challenges ahead, but you've already proven you can handle them."

As the three of them cleaned up the remnants of the watermelon, Arizona couldn't shake the feeling of accomplishment. With her sensei's guidance and Miguel's unwavering support, she felt ready to tackle anything that came her way.

ASH SPEAKS!

prom chapter is next!! eek!! and we're closer to season 5. im gonna try and wrap season 5 up by november 15!!

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