chapter thirty-four:
❛ tension in the air ❜

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

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As the nurse delivered the good news, Carmen's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Thank God," she whispered with a hand over her heart, her relief mirrored by Johnny, who placed a comforting hand on both Carmen's and Arizona's backs. Miguel looked up, hopeful. "So, does this mean I can keep fighting?" he asked, still holding onto a bit of worry.

The nurse nodded with a reassuring smile. "You've been given thirty minutes to recover. But remember, let the pain guide you. If it tells you to sit out, listen. I'll bring an ice pack." Arizona murmured a small "Thank you," watching as the nurse left the room.

Once alone, Arizona's attention shifted back to Miguel with a concerned expression. "How's it feel now?" she asked, her brows knit with worry. Miguel moved over on the stretcher, patting the space beside him with a slight grin. "Not too bad. Just sore." Alessia carefully sat beside him, glancing at him shyly.

"You scared me," Arizona looked at him.

Miguel looked down sadly. "I'm sorry..." he trailed off, his hand on top of hers.

Just then, Carmen and Johnny returned from talking to the nurse. Carmen's worry remained as she looked at her son. "Miggy, you don't have to keep fighting," she urged, her motherly concern evident.

Arizona nodded quickly, echoing Carmen's sentiment. "She's right," she added, and Miguel chuckled at her worrying so much, as if she were his mother too. "Don't worry, if anything feels off, I'll step down," he promised. Carmen studied him closely, before turning to Johnny. "Make sure he's okay," she requested, and Johnny nodded, reassuring her.

"Come on, sweetheart, let's give him some space," Carmen said to Arizona, who gave Miguel one last small smile before hopping off the stretcher. She followed Carmen and Yaya out, heading back to the main area.

As they returned, the announcer's voice boomed, "Robby Keene is ahead two-to-one as he and Demetri Alexopolous battle it out for a trip to the finals!" Alessia joined her fellow Miyagi/Do teammates, her eyes widening as she saw Robby deliver a punch to Demetri's gut, sending him stumbling back.

Eli turned to her. "Are you sure, you should be over here? Johnny might kill you." He chuckled and Arizona shrugged. "I want to be over here for Demetri." Arizona said, and Eli nodded with a smile.

"Point. Alexopolous. Score, two-to-two. Go to your senseis," the referee called. Demetri walked back, panting slightly, and Daniel gave a thoughtful nod. "All right," he muttered, trying to encourage Demetri as he stopped at the edge of the mat.

"I had a hard time beating him when he was on the good side. Now that he's gone full Sith, I feel like a helpless Jedi youngling," Demetri sighed, eyeing Robby warily as he spoke with Kreese and Silver.

Eli cracked a grin. "Well, you're taller. You have the high ground. That's how Obi-Wan beat Anakin," Alessia chimed in, making Demetri smile.

"Just remember the basics. Breathe in, breathe out. You've got this," Daniel encouraged, his tone calm yet firm. Arizona tried to focus on Demetri, but her thoughts drifted, worry lingering over Robby's new, darker demeanor.

The referee's shout jolted her back to the present. "Fight!" he yelled. Robby immediately rushed at Demetri, aiming to kick him in the face, but Demetri raised his arms just in time, blocking the strike. While Robby's leg was still in the air, Demetri attempted a counterattack, aiming to kick Robby's grounded leg, but Robby anticipated it. With a swift jump, he avoided Demetri's strike and aimed another kick at his chest. Demetri, still guarded from the previous kick, managed to block it again.

The crowd held its breath as Demetri stumbled but regained his balance. The referee lifted his hand. "That's a block. No point." Demetri exhaled, relief visible on his face. Both fighters returned to the center, their focus unwavering. The tension between them intensified as they circled one another, both calculating their next move.

Without warning, Demetri leaped, attempting a kick flip toward Robby, but Robby quickly grabbed Demetri's leg, using it to pull him to the ground. Demetri groaned, disoriented, as he looked up to see Robby's foot raised, ready to strike. In a last-ditch effort, Demetri rolled away just in time to avoid the blow. He grabbed Robby's grounded foot, yanking it and causing Robby to fall face-first onto the mat. Demetri scrambled up and went to punch Robby in the stomach, but Robby lifted his leg and kicked Demetri squarely in the gut, knocking the wind out of him.

A buzzer sounded, and Arizona's eyes closed, wincing as Demetri hit the mat. Robby sprang to his feet, unscathed, as the referee walked over, raising his hand high. "Winner! Keene!" The referee declared, and the crowd erupted. Demetri, still catching his breath, managed a respectful bow to his opponent, though the look on his face showed both disappointment and determination.

"Up next, give it up for Arizona Alvarez from Eagle-Fang Karate and Sam LaRusso from Miyagi-Do Karate!" Daryl shouted, his voice booming across the arena. Arizona took a deep breath, feeling the intensity of the moment, and turned to Sam, extending her arm for a handshake.

"May the best fighter win," Arizona said with a small smile, her voice calm yet determined.

Sam returned the smile, her eyes gleaming with a hint of competitive spirit as she clasped Arizona's hand. "May the best fighter win," she replied with a smirk.

The two girls climbed onto the mat and walked to the center of the stage, each facing the other. Sam stood with her back to the Miyagi-Do side, while Arizona faced her with Cobra Kai supporters behind her. Arizona could feel eyes on her, and a quick glance back revealed Tory watching her intently. She felt a flutter of nerves and quickly looked away.

"Ignore her," Sam whispered, leaning in slightly, offering reassurance. Arizona swallowed hard and gave a slight nod, trying to focus on the match ahead.

The referee stood between them, looking back and forth before lowering his hand. "Fight!" he shouted, immediately stepping back to give them room.

Arizona wasted no time, charging toward Sam and delivering a swift kick to her stomach. Sam stumbled back, her eyes widening in surprise as she processed the move.

"Point! Alvarez!" the referee called out.

Sam looked up, a hint of surprise mingling with respect in her expression. Arizona gave her a playful shrug. "Fair game?" she asked, her voice light but challenging.

Sam smirked, nodding. "Fair game."

They returned to their starting positions, resetting as the referee glanced between them. He raised his hand once more and shouted, "Fight!"

This time, Sam took the offensive, rushing toward Arizona with a flurry of punches. Arizona moved quickly to block each strike, her focus intense. But as Sam's punches pushed her back, Sam suddenly grabbed Arizona's wrist, twisting it and pulling her off balance. Arizona stumbled forward, and Sam used the opening to kick her in the stomach.

"Point! LaRusso!" the referee announced.

Arizona exhaled, readjusting her stance with a smirk, meeting Sam's gaze. They both moved back to the center of the mat, each resetting for the next point. The tension between them was palpable, each determined to win but respecting the other's skill.

"Fight!" the referee yelled once more.

Arizona made the first move, rushing forward as the two girls exchanged a series of punches and blocks, moving back and forth across the mat. Their movements were fluid yet fierce, each girl pushing herself to keep up with the other. Finally, Arizona dropped down, sweeping Sam's feet out from under her. As Sam hit the mat with a thud, Arizona sprang up and delivered a quick kick to Sam's stomach.

"Point! Alvarez!" the referee called out.

Arizona huffed, some of her hair falling out of her ponytail as she reached down to offer Sam a hand. Sam took it, giving her a grateful nod as she stood back up, the two returning to their positions.

From the sidelines, Tory's voice cut through the crowd. "Go, Arizona!" she shouted, her tone filled with encouragement. Arizona froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat as she glanced over her shoulder. She saw Silver pulling Tory aside, reprimanding her.

"Fight!" the referee shouted once more, snapping Arizona back to the present.

Sam dashed toward Arizona with a yell, aiming a punch at her chest. Arizona saw the move coming, instinctively grabbing Sam's fist just before it made contact. She was about to counter with a strike to Sam's gut when she felt a sharp twinge in her own stomach.

"Point! LaRusso!" the referee called out.

Sam gave a small, satisfied smile. They were now tied, the final point deciding the match.

Arizona took a series of deep breaths, her senses tuning into the voices around her. She heard Johnny and Daniel cheering for both of them. Demetri and Eli's voices rang out too, cheering her on with unrestrained enthusiasm. She swallowed hard, focusing herself. She wished Miguel was here.

Realizing she was still at her spot while Sam had already taken her stance at the center, Arizona took slow, deliberate strides to join her opponent. She grounded herself, digging the balls of her feet into the mat, ready for what would be the final round.

"Fight!"

Sam lunged at Arizona, throwing punch after punch. Arizona blocked each strike, finally pushing Sam back hard enough to make her stumble. Seizing the moment, Arizona aimed a kick at Sam's side, but Sam managed to grab her leg. Thinking quickly, Arizona jumped, twisting her body to wrap her other leg around Sam, pulling them both down to the mat. Sam landed on her back with a surprised gasp as Arizona straddled her, quickly steadying herself.

With a determined expression, Arizona raised her fist and struck Sam gently in the stomach.

"Winner! Alvarez!" the referee yelled.

Alessia's eyes widened as the crowd erupted in cheers. She stood, a look of disbelief and triumph on her face as the referee lifted her hand in victory. Once her hand was released, Arizona looked down at Sam, extending a hand to help her up.

As soon as Sam was on her feet, she pulled Arizona into a congratulatory hug, both girls grinning.

Daryl's voice echoed through the arena as he approached the center of the stage. "Arizona Alvarez, newcomer, is going to the finals!" he announced.

The crowd's applause swelled, and Arizona took a deep breath, savoring the moment as she prepared herself for the next, and possibly final, challenge.

When Arizona walked back to her side, she realized Miguel wasn't there. "You did good, Bubblegum." Johnny patted her shoulder.

Arizona looked around. "Where's Miguel?"

The atmosphere in the arena buzzed with tension, every eye fixed on the jumbotron as the countdown clock ticked down. Daryl's voice boomed, cutting through the murmur of the crowd.

"Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do are neck-and-neck on the leaderboard. But there's a dark horse... Or should I say a dark bird that still has a chance." He paused, raising his brows with an enthusiastic grin. "Will Eagle Fang Karate stay alive in our dojo race? We're about to find out."

With a flourish, he pointed at the jumbotron behind him, where a countdown appeared, ticking from sixty. "Miguel Diaz has one minute to return to the mat!" he declared, and Arizona felt her stomach drop.

"That's a little extreme," she whispered, worried that Miguel would feel pressured to compete. Her gaze drifted to the doors leading from the hallway, silently willing Miguel to make his own choice. She barely registered the crowd around her, her eyes locked on the entrance.

The seconds slipped by in a strange, silent suspense, her heart pounding louder with each one. Then, as if snapped from her focus by the crowd, she realized they were all counting down.

"Ten... nine... eight..." The chant echoed around the arena.

"Seven... six... five... four..." The sound grew, a drumbeat of intensity.

"Three... two... one!"

A loud buzzer echoed through the stadium, and Arizona exhaled, a wave of relief washing over her as she realized Arizona wasn't going to compete. She felt a mix of pride and sympathy-pride for Miguel for putting himself first, and sympathy for what he must be feeling.

Daryl's voice filled the silence. "Well, it looks like Miguel Diaz is not gonna fight." Arizona looked up, seeing Eli on stage, his shoulders tense as he took a deep breath.

Daryl's face split into a grin as he raised a single finger, pointing at Eli. "Which means that the winner by default is Eli Moskowitz, who advances to the final where he will face Robby Keene!" He turned to point across the arena at Robby, standing with Cobra Kai.

The audience erupted into cheers for the finalists, the energy hitting a fever pitch as Daryl's voice boomed once more. "The finals are up next!"

Arizona watched as the crowd roared, the excitement vibrating in the air. She glanced over to Eli, who looked both relieved and determined, then over at Robby, his focus sharp. The next fight would be intense, and Arizona knew all eyes were on the finalists.

Arizona stood by the water fountain in the dimly lit hallway, listening to the soft hum as water flowed into her bottle. She was trying to steady her nerves, her mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming fight against Tory. Every time she thought about it, her pulse quickened, a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"Congrats."

The unexpected voice broke her focus. She turned sharply to find Miguel standing a few feet away, his expression unreadable but his eyes searching hers.

"Oh. Thanks," she replied, her voice guarded.

Miguel took a small step closer, his gaze unwavering. "I heard you made it to the finals. Against Tory..."

He hesitated, as if carefully choosing his words. "Are you gonna be okay?"

Arizona met his eyes, and for a moment, her guard faltered. She took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. "I... I don't know." She bit her lip, then straightened, determination settling into her voice. "But I'm going to push through, Miguel. No matter what, I'm gonna fight her. I'm gonna get our win."

Miguel's lips curved into a soft smile, one that was filled with pride and maybe something else. She could see relief there, too, but his gaze lingered on her face a second too long, as if he was searching for something more.

But then Arizona's expression shifted as she took in his stance, the way he seemed almost tired, distant. "But... what happened to you?" she asked, her voice soft, laced with concern. "Are you okay?"

The smile faded from Miguel's face, and he looked away, a faint frown on his face. "Yeah. I'm fine." His voice was low, almost resigned. "It just... it didn't feel like I was fighting for me anymore." He paused, searching for the words. "You know, like maybe it was more for Johnny than for myself."

Arizona's gaze softened, and she nodded slowly. "I get it," she murmured, sympathy clear in her voice. "Johnny's... well, he's not exactly acting like a father figure right now, is he?" She regretted it the moment she said it, her stomach twisting. She hadn't meant to stir up any more tension.

Miguel's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "Johnny's not my dad," he replied sharply, and his tone sent a chill down her spine. The unspoken tension that had been brewing between them seemed to settle heavily in the air.

She quickly dropped her gaze, feeling the weight of her mistake. "Sorry," she muttered, almost too quietly.

For a moment, there was silence between them, the faint echo of voices from the arena distant in the background. Miguel looked away, as if gathering his thoughts, and Arizona felt a pang of regret. Things had been so easy between them once, and now it felt like they were both tiptoeing around the jagged edges.

He finally looked back at her, his voice softer. "Anyway, I just wanted to wish you good luck. And... I wanted to let you know-"

His words were abruptly cut off by Daryl's voice crackling over the intercom. "All finalists, please report to the center mat."

Miguel let out a sigh of frustration, clenching his fists. Arizona could see it in his eyes-he hadn't just come here to wish her luck. There was something he wanted to say, something more than the casual reassurance he'd been giving her. She'd noticed it before, how he looked at her, lingering a little too long as if he was hoping for something more between them than what they'd become.

"Tell me later, okay?" she said, managing a soft smile. "I gotta go, but I'll see you out there rooting for me, right?"

Miguel's expression softened, and he nodded, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. He wanted to say so much more, but the words were caught, trapped in the tension they'd built between them.

Before she could let the moment pass, Arizona stepped closer, closing the distance, and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was soft, lingering, but beneath it, she could feel the weight of everything unspoken, the strain of what they couldn't put into words. For a brief moment, it felt like they were back to the way things used to be-just the two of them, no complications, no fights.

As she pulled away, though, the tension was still there, hovering in the air. She gave him one last look, hoping he understood, and then turned, walking away with her heart pounding, leaving Miguel standing alone in the hallway, watching her go.

The roar of the crowd was thunderous, Daryl's voice rising above it with an electrifying energy. "Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is finally over. It's finals time!" The cheers intensified, and Arizona couldn't help a shocked laugh, her hand clutching her heart.

Daryl smiled, nodding as he continued, "Since Cobra Kai scored the most points, they only need to win one match to be crowned Grand Champion. But if Miyagi-Do wins both matches, the title is theirs! Ooh, high drama! Up first, the boys' fight! Good luck to all our fighters! Let's go!" His voice faded as the crowd cheered once more.

Arizona turned to Eli with an encouraging smile. He took a deep breath, rubbing his hands together just as Daniel walked over. "Already took down Kyler. This is my chance to get back at Robby for what he did to me and Ari," he said, determined, but Daniel quickly shook his head.

"This fight is not about him. The biggest battle is always the one within. Concentrate, defense, focus, power. You find your balance, and those points will come. All right?" Daniel's steady tone grounded Eli, who nodded in understanding.

"Competitors." The referee's voice called Eli and Robby to center stage. Eli glanced back at Arizona, who gave him a big thumbs-up and a confident grin. "Go out there and kick some ass," she encouraged, and he chuckled, nodding as he turned back to face Robby.

The two boys bowed to the referee, then each other, stepping into their fighting stances. "Ready... and fight!" the referee shouted.

They started with cautious movements, each watching for an opening. Robby made the first aggressive move, aiming a kick at Eli's stomach. Eli blocked, retaliating with his own kick, which Robby caught, forcing Eli off balance. Robby rushed forward, throwing punches, but Eli stayed composed, blocking each one. Robby slipped in a quick punch to Eli's stomach, making Arizona bite her nail nervously.

"Let's go, baby!" Robby yelled, clapping his hands in self-assurance. Eli shook his head and signaled a "T" for timeout. Arizona noticed Silver laughing, his hands raised in a mock victory, and a chill ran through her as she saw Eli's frustration.

"He knows all my moves. He trained at Miyagi-Do way longer than me," Eli said, defeated. Arizona's eyes widened as an idea hit her.

"And you were in Cobra Kai longer than him," she pointed out, and Eli's eyes lit up with realization. "Put him on defense."

The shift in Eli's confidence was immediate as he returned to the mat, squaring off against Robby again. This time, he led with an assertive kick, forcing Robby on the defensive. Alessia caught the moment of surprise in Robby's expression as he struggled to block Eli's relentless attacks.

The back-and-forth continued, each boy matching the other's energy. They clashed, landing blows, blocking kicks, pushing each other to their limits. At one point, Robby managed to send Eli to the floor, and Arizona winced, her hand going to her mouth as she bit her knuckle in suspense. Both fighters scrambled back to their feet, the referee declaring, "No point. Continue."

As they exchanged fierce strikes, the gi tie around Robby's waist loosened. Eli grabbed it, tugging as Robby pulled back, bringing them chest-to-chest. In a swift move, Eli threw Robby over his shoulder, ready to land a final punch-when the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the match.

Arizona's gaze shot to the jumbotron, the blinking "00:00" freezing everyone in place. Daryl stepped forward, his voice thick with excitement. "Unbelievable! These two amazing competitors have reached their three-minute time limit in a 1-1 tie!" The crowd erupted, but Arizona's jaw dropped as she exchanged shocked glances with Johnny.

"For the first time since 1985, this championship match will be decided by sudden-death overtime!" Daryl's words reverberated through the arena, Arizona's eyes snapping back to the stage, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

Demetri groaned beside her, shaking his head. "I hate sudden death in Super Smash Bros., and I hate it here," he muttered.

Arizona managed a small laugh, her eyes glued to the fighters. "Tell me about it." She whispered, her heart pounding as she braced for the final, game-changing showdown.

Eli scanned the audience, his eyes full of determination as he looked over his team. When his gaze landed on Arizona, she flashed him a warm, supportive smile, raising two thumbs up. Eli grinned, returning the thumbs up, his confidence bolstered. He then turned his attention to Robby, who stood ready across from him. They exchanged a respectful bow, and Arizona felt her nerves intensify, blowing out a small, stressed breath as she rubbed her hands together.

"Go to your sensei's," the referee instructed. Eli nodded, turning around to head toward the Miyagi-Do group. As he approached, Daniel's face lit up with pride.

"Competitors, come back!" the referee's voice called out, preventing Daniel from bowing back. Eli turned on his heel and made his way to the center of the stage, his steps steady and focused. As he neared, Robby paused, then dramatically tore off the top part of his gi. Arizona's eyes went wide.

Eli raised an eyebrow, confused, and glanced over at the referee, who simply shrugged, equally baffled. Then, without missing a beat, Eli untied his own gi top, mirroring Robby's stance. Arizona laughed with a smirk. "Oh, look, he's doing it too." She muttered.

The referee raised his arm, glancing between the two fighters. "Next point wins. Good luck, gentlemen," he announced before bringing his hand down in a firm gesture. "Fight!"

Robby moved first, leaping higher than anyone had seen before. He swung his leg in a high arc, aiming for Eli's face. But Eli was quick, dodging just in time, Robby's foot narrowly missing him. Robby didn't hesitate, following up with another kick, his foot landing hard above Eli's knee as he pushed himself into a backflip. The pressure made Eli stumble backward, his knee buckling slightly, but he caught himself, rolling onto his back.

In one swift motion, Eli placed his hands on the mat and launched himself up, flipping back onto his feet with renewed energy. He ran toward Robby, who was still kneeling from his landing. Eli pounced, wrapping a leg over Robby's shoulder and hooking the other under his arm. But Robby anticipated the move, twisting Eli mid-air so that Eli ended up beneath him on the ground.

As Robby raised his fist, ready to land a punch, Arizona gasped, covering her eyes and hiding her face in Demetri's shoulder. "I can't watch!" she mumbled, her heart racing.

Sam, beside her, bit her knuckle anxiously, her gaze locked onto the match. Robby hesitated for a moment, glancing back at his team. But that split-second distraction was all Eli needed. He twisted, kicking Robby's shoulder and sending him rolling away.

They both quickly got back on their feet, launching into a relentless back-and-forth exchange of punches and kicks. When Eli aimed a kick at Robby's side, Robby caught his leg, raising his elbow and driving it into the inner part of Eli's knee. Eli groaned, stumbling slightly as Robby released him.

"No point!" the referee called out, making Daniel sigh in relief as he nodded to himself. "It's okay. It's okay," he muttered, though his expression showed a hint of worry.

Arizona noticed his uncertainty and quickly turned her attention back to the match. Eli was limping slightly, but he pushed through, charging at Robby with fierce determination. He spun, raising his leg for a kick, but Robby caught his leg again. Eli shifted his weight, wrapping an arm around Robby's shoulders as they both tumbled to the ground. Without missing a beat, Eli slammed his leg down onto Robby's chest with all his remaining strength.

Arizona's jaw dropped as she realized what had just happened. Eli Moskowitz had won.

A joyful laugh burst from her lips, and Sam and Demetri cheered. "Point! Winner!" the referee declared, his voice echoing across the arena. Arizona let out an ecstatic scream, jumping onto the stage and racing toward Eli with the rest of the Miyagi-Do team close behind her.

Eli turned to them, his face beaming with excitement, and opened his arms as Arizona ran into him. "Congratulations!"

"Your boy's champion, Eli Moskowitz!" Daryl announced, stepping toward them with the championship trophy in his hands.

Eli pulled away from the group, his eyes glistening as he took the trophy. He looked down at it, his fingers tracing over the gleaming surface before a triumphant smile spread across his face. Turning back to the audience, he raised the trophy high in the air, his voice ringing out in a victory yell that echoed through the arena.

As the crowd's thunderous applause began to fade, Arizona's heart raced. She could see Eli basking in the glory of his victory, surrounded by his teammates, but her thoughts were consumed by Robby's angry departure.

Arizona bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, trying to shake out her nerves as her heart pounded with adrenaline. Her two Dutch braids swayed over her shoulders with each hop, grounding her in the present moment, yet her mind was still racing. This was it: the final match, her against Tory-her ex-best friend, now her biggest rival. The girl who had tattooed "Traitor" on her arm. Though Miguel and Johnny had urged her to put that out of her mind, it was impossible to ignore. If she lost, Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang would be done, closed for good. The weight of everyone's expectations was on her shoulders.

Daryl strutted down the stage with his usual showmanship, hyping up the audience. "What better way to cap off this exciting exhibition of karate than with a final match for the ages?" he announced with a broad grin as the crowd's cheers thundered through the room. "Representing Cobra Kai, the Queen Cobra herself, Tory Nichols! Coached by her senseis, John Kreese and Terry Silver."

The crowd cheered enthusiastically for Tory, and Arizona could see the smirk on her face, the confidence oozing from her posture. Arizona fought back her nerves, reminding herself that she had her own supporters, too.

Daryl turned to Arizona, his arm extended in her direction. "And representing Eagle Fang Karate, newcomer Arizona Alvarez!"

Arizona took a deep breath, steadying herself as the crowd erupted, their cheers louder than for Tory, which boosted her confidence. She could make out the familiar voices of her grandmother, Diego, and Dylan cheering for her, and she took comfort in their support. Daryl chuckled at the crowd's reaction, allowing the noise to subside before adding, "Coached by her sensei, Johnny Lawrence, who I've just been informed will be joined by Miyagi-Do's own Sensei Daniel LaRusso!"

Arizona's eyes flicked to Johnny, her lips tugging into a small smile as he made his way toward her with a grin. But then she noticed Daniel walking up to Daryl, whispering something into his ear.

Daryl cleared his throat, smiling as he pointed to Johnny. "Correction: fellow two-time All Valley champion, Sensei Johnny Lawrence!" he announced proudly.

Arizona's nerves flared again, and she resumed hopping on her toes as she waited for the match to begin. Sensing her anxiousness, Johnny approached, placing a steady hand on her shoulder, and she nearly jumped. Realizing it was only Johnny, she relaxed.

"Hey, Bubblegum, you got this," Johnny said softly.

Arizona let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

Johnny seemed to notice her hesitation, his voice gentler as he continued, "Win or lose, I'm proud of you. Tomorrow, we'll spend the whole day celebrating. Miguel will be proud of you too."

A small smile crossed her lips, her heart swelling a bit at his words. Before she knew it, she leaned in, pulling him into an unexpected hug. Their relationship had always been... complicated. He was her sensei, her protector, but this felt different-a closeness that surprised them both.

Johnny seemed momentarily stunned but then hugged her back tightly. Arizona closed her eyes, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time. "You're more like a dad to me than my dad will ever be," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Johnny's breath hitched, and when they pulled apart, she caught a glimpse of tears in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away, looking anywhere but at her.

"Are those tears in your eyes?" she teased with a smirk.

"No!" Johnny scoffed, his voice a bit too high, making her chuckle.

Their eyes met, and he nodded, confidence radiating from him. "All right. Ready to kick some ass?"

Arizona's grin widened as she nodded. "Yes, Sensei."

Then, with a slight teasing smile, she looked over at Daniel. "If that's okay with my other sensei?"

Daniel rolled his eyes but softened as he spoke, his voice laced with sincerity. "I want you to win, Arizona. Whether it's defense or offense, Miyagi-Do or Eagle Fang." His gaze grew serious. "But... keep your anger in check, okay? I noticed you were getting a little intense during your last matches."

Arizona laughed, taking his advice to heart. "Yes, Sensei," she replied, feeling more grounded and ready than ever.

A sharp whistle broke the moment.

"Competitors!" the referee's voice echoed, calling her and Tory to center stage.

Arizona took a deep breath and stepped forward, walking until she stood face-to-face with Tory. For a moment, they just stared, memories flooding back-the friendship they'd shared, the betrayal, the hurt. But all that faded away, leaving only the determination to win.

"Ladies, good luck. Face this way," the referee instructed, and they both turned to bow. "Face each other," he continued, and they turned, their gazes locked in a silent, unbreakable challenge.

In that moment, Arizona was no longer nervous. She felt steady, resolved. This wasn't just about the tournament or even about Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang. This was about proving to herself that she was capable of facing her fears head-on.

The referee looked between them, eyes sharp. "Ready?"

Arizona nodded, taking one last deep breath, letting the anticipation settle as she shifted into her fighting stance. This was it.

"Yeah! Arizona!" Arizona could hear Dylan's voice booming from the stands, followed by a loud, wolf-like howl from Diego. Her brothers' cheers fueled her confidence, and she grinned, rolling her shoulders and cracking her neck to shake off any lingering nerves. Across from her, Tory was bouncing on the balls of her feet, her gaze trained on Arizona, ready and watchful. The referee raised his arm. "And fight!" he declared, signaling the start of the last match of the All Valley.

Arizona immediately launched forward, aiming a swift kick at Tory's side. Tory anticipated the move, blocking the kick with her arm. Although she stumbled back, she managed to keep her balance before she could hit the ground. Tory quickly retaliated, swinging her leg in an attempt to sweep Arizona's feet from under her. Seeing the move coming, Arizona leapt over Tory's sweeping leg, pivoted, and raised her leg high, landing a precise kick to Tory's face.

"Point, Alvarez!" the referee announced, pointing toward Arizona. Cheers erupted from her side, and Johnny clapped enthusiastically. "Yes!" he shouted, proud of his student. Tory, meanwhile, groaned in frustration, rubbing her face as the ref motioned to the crowd. "Alvarez. Score, one-zero."

Tory returned to Kreese and Silver for guidance, while Arizona remained focused, staying in her spot on the stage. She took a quick scan of the crowd, hoping to spot Miguel, but a small frown crept onto her face when he was nowhere to be seen. However, she forced herself to keep her concentration. This was no time for distractions. She glanced at Tory, who had taken her stance once more, her expression hardened and ready.

"Fight!" the referee called out, and this time, Tory attacked with renewed intensity. Arizona kept her guard up, skillfully blocking Tory's rapid strikes. Just as Arizona moved to kick Tory in the stomach, Tory countered, landing a punch to Arizona's gut. Arizona staggered back, clutching her abdomen.

"Point, Nichols! Score, one-one," the ref declared, leveling the score. Arizona took a deep breath, willing herself to ignore the ache as she straightened up and moved back to the center of the stage, preparing to fight again.

The referee looked between the two girls. "Ready?" he asked, and they both nodded. "Fight!"

Tory charged at Arizona, unleashing a rapid flurry of punches. Arizona's eyes widened; she hadn't expected Tory's pace to be this fast. Gritting her teeth, she blocked each punch before shoving Tory back to gain some breathing room. Tory stumbled, and Arizona seized the opportunity, spinning around and landing a kick to Tory's chest.

"Point! Two-one, Alvarez," the referee shouted. Arizona let out a relieved sigh, pushing her braids back as she heard the crowd cheer for her. She caught sight of Johnny and her family in the stands, their voices loud and supportive, which gave her a surge of renewed determination.

Tory, clearly frustrated, adjusted her gi, taking her stance once more. Arizona mirrored her, ready to end this with one last point.

"Fight!" the ref shouted again, and this time, Arizona took the initiative, charging at Tory. Tory backed up, defending herself from Arizona's punches and trying to throw in a few counter-attacks, but Arizona skillfully dodged them. With a well-timed punch, Arizona sent Tory stumbling backward, her foot stepping just beyond the boundary line.

A triumphant smile broke across Arizona's face as she laughed, her heart swelling with pride. She thought she had just won the match, but her joy quickly faded when the referee walked over, shaking his head. "No point. Out of bounds."

Arizona spun to face the ref, disbelief etched on her face. "What?" she protested, and the crowd began to boo in agreement.

"That's bullshit!" Dylan's voice rang out, echoing the frustration shared by everyone in the audience who supported Arizona.

"My granddaughter had that point!" Arizona's grandmother yelled, her voice filled with indignation.

"Screw you! Boo!" Diego shouted, letting his anger fly.

"Come on, Ref! She went out after she got hit!" Johnny's voice carried over the noise, but the referee simply shook his head, unfazed.

Arizona swallowed hard, glancing at the stands, where her family and friends backed her, their voices rising in protest. But as she walked back to the center, she felt the frustration clouding her focus. Tory could sense her distraction, and while she, too, believed Arizona had won that point, she knew she couldn't waste this second chance.

"Fight!" the ref called again. Tory wasted no time, instantly driving a kick into Arizona's chest before she could fully prepare herself. Arizona stumbled back, her chest aching from the impact.

"Point! Nichols!" the referee announced, and Tory's eyes widened in surprise at her own success.

Arizona clenched her jaw, forcing herself to brush off the mistake as she resumed her fighting stance, her eyes blazing with determination. The referee raised his arm. "Score's two to two. Next point wins. Ready?"

Arizona bit her cheek in frustration, not even responding as she waited for the call to start.

The referee shrugged, throwing his hand down. "Fight!"

Arizona rushed forward, attempting a kick aimed at Tory's stomach. Tory caught her ankle mid-air and pushed it aside, shouting as she launched a punch toward Arizona. Arizona managed to block it and then kicked Tory to the ground. With victory in her sights, she moved to punch Tory in the stomach to end the match, but Tory rolled out of reach just in time.

Tory quickly propped herself up in a crawling position, but Arizona was faster, leaping towards her and wrapping an arm and leg around Tory to flip them both over. Arizona pinned Tory to the ground, raising her leg for what would be the winning strike. But as she moved to land it, Tory struggled, her arm accidentally hitting Arizona square in the eye.

Arizona yelped, feeling a sharp pain shoot through her eye as she instinctively let go of Tory. The referee immediately raised his hands. "Warning. Injury to the face. Go to your senseis," he instructed, gesturing for them to retreat.

Johnny scoffed from the sidelines. "Warning? Should be a point deduction!" he shouted, visibly frustrated with the decision.

As Tory stood up, her expression softened when she saw Arizona's eye starting to swell, the bruise forming quickly, and tears pricking at Arizona's eyes from the impact. "I didn't mean to... It was an accident," Tory mumbled apologetically.

Arizona gingerly touched her eye, wincing from the sharp pain, and pulled her hand away. Her face hardened as she looked at Tory, feeling a mixture of anger and hurt bubbling up. She pushed herself to her feet, brushing past Tory without a word.

"Are you okay?" Tory's voice called after her, sounding surprisingly genuine.

Arizona turned back, casting a look of disbelief, unsure what to make of Tory's sudden concern. She shook her head, not wanting sympathy or apologies. All she wanted was a fair fight, and now, bruised and hurting, she had to dig deep to find the strength to finish it.

Arizona wiped the water from her eyes as she approached Johnny and Daniel, her heart racing from the adrenaline of the fight. "You okay?" Johnny asked, concern etched across his face. She turned to him and nodded, trying to mask the pain. "She got me good, but I can still fight. A small bruise to the eye never hurt anyone." She laughed lightly, hoping to ease the worry that radiated from the two men in front of her.

But Johnny's frown deepened as he took in the bruise forming on her face, the evidence of Tory's strength and precision. Daniel, standing beside Johnny, nodded in support, giving Arizona a reassuring look. "You've got this," Johnny said, his tone encouraging. Arizona glanced between the two of them, their faith in her lifting her spirits even as she felt the sting in her eye. She smiled, grateful for their support, and turned around, walking back to the center stage as the audience erupted in cheers.

As she approached Tory, who was just finishing up with her senseis, the tension in the air was palpable. "Ready?" the referee asked, his voice cutting through the noise. Arizona, however, was too focused on maintaining her concentration, aware that if she let her guard down for even a moment, the pain in her right eye would become overwhelming. She squinted, setting herself in a fighting stance, determination coursing through her veins.

"Fight!" the referee called, and Tory charged at Arizona. Punches flew left and right, but Arizona kept her eyes glued to Tory's hands, blocking each blow with precision as she maintained her defensive stance. Suddenly, Tory dropped to the ground. Arizona, anticipating a leg sweep, instinctively leaped into the air, but Tory had different plans. With a swift kick, Tory caught Arizona in the gut mid-jump, and she lost her balance, crashing to the mat on her back with a groan.

The referee moved closer to Tory, raising her hand high. "Winner!" he declared, and Arizona sat up, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as the reality of her loss set in. Tory rushed towards her, concern etched on her face. "Arizona, are you okay?" Tory knelt down, her wide eyes reflecting genuine worry.

Arizona looked up at her, confusion washing over her. Why was she asking about her well-being? Before she could formulate a response, Kyler and the rest of Cobra Kai surged towards Tory, pulling her into a jubilant group hug. The raucous cheers from Cobra Kai echoed in Arizona's ears, and she felt a pang of shock and isolation watching them celebrate just a few feet away.

Her gaze drifted past the commotion, landing on Robby, who stood off to the side, his expression unreadable. Part of him longed to walk over and check on her, to see if she was truly okay, especially with the bruise marring her face. But another part held him back, unwilling to show any weakness in front of his Cobra Kai teammates.

Johnny and Daniel leaped onto the stage, making their way towards Arizona. Each man took one of her shoulders, lifting her up with a comforting grip. Daniel wrapped an arm around her waist, while Johnny rubbed her back soothingly, leading her off the stage. The announcer, Daryl, boomed into the microphone, "Give it up for your new female champion, Tory Nichols!" Arizona cast a sad glance back at the stage, feeling a heavy weight in her chest as Daryl presented Tory with her trophy.

Johnny frowned at the dejected look on Arizona's face and continued to pat her back, trying to offer some comfort. "You did amazing out there," he assured her, but the cheers for Tory echoed loudly in the background, each cheer a reminder of Arizona's defeat.

"And the winner of the Grand Champion trophy and still the baddest dojo in the Valley, Cobra Kai!" Daryl shouted, and Arizona's heart sank further. She looked down at the floor, disappointment washing over her like a wave. "This is all my fault," she muttered, shaking herself free from Daniel's and Johnny's supportive grips, her heart heavy with self-recrimination.

Even amid the celebration of her rival, she felt utterly alone, the ache of her defeat mingling with the pain in her eye, clouding her vision and her thoughts.

Arizona pushed the door of her new apartment open, the familiar creak echoing in the quiet space. She dropped her bag on the floor, the weight of the day still heavy on her shoulders. As she stepped inside, she found Dylan lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

"Why are you here, Dylan?" she asked, confusion knitting her brows. "Shouldn't you be out with Sam since you guys are together now?"

Dylan looked up, an eyebrow raised in surprise. "Just because she's my girlfriend now doesn't mean you and I stop hanging out. You're still my best friend, and I'm worried about you."

Arizona frowned, a knot tightening in her stomach at his concern. She appreciated it, but the last thing she wanted was to burden him with her problems. Turning away from his earnest gaze, she scanned the counter and spotted a folded letter. The neat handwriting was unmistakable.

Curiosity piqued, Arizona walked over and picked it up. The moment she saw Miguel's name at the top, her heart raced. She unfolded the letter, her breath catching slightly as she began to read.

Hey Arizona,

I just wanted to say I'm sorry for missing your match. I hope you know I was cheering for you from afar. I'm okay, but I'm on my way to Mexico to find my dad. I wish things could have been different between us, and I really hope we can get back together officially when I return. I miss you.

Take care of yourself.

-Miguel

As she read the words, a mix of emotions surged within her-relief, sadness, and a hint of longing. The ache in her heart deepened, and the reality of their complicated relationship washed over her like a cold wave.

"Dylan?" she said, her voice trembling slightly. "We need to find him. Come on."

Dylan blinked, confusion evident on his face. "What? Arizona, what are you talking about?"

She rushed toward her bag, rifling through it until she found her car keys. "We're going to Mexico to get him back."

"Wait, what?" Dylan's eyes widened as he scrambled to his feet, a mix of surprise and concern flooding his expression. "Are you serious? You can't just drive to Mexico! That's... that's crazy!"

"Crazy is sitting here while he's out there looking for his dad!" Arizona shot back, determination sparking in her eyes. "He needs me, Dylan. He said he misses me. I can't just let him go without at least trying."

Dylan shook his head, stepping closer as if to physically block her path. "Arizona, you don't even know where in Mexico he is! And it's not safe! What if something happens to you?"

She rolled her eyes, irritation bubbling up. "I'm not going to let that stop me. I need to do this! If there's a chance I can bring him back, I have to take it."

He softened, concern etched across his face. "But what about your match? What if you hurt yourself again?"

Arizona's jaw tightened as she thought about her loss, the sting of disappointment still fresh. "I'm not worried about that right now. Miguel is more important than any trophy."

Dylan sighed, the tension between them thickening. "Okay, okay. But if we do this, we have to be smart about it. We can't just drive down without a plan."

She paused, his words sinking in. "Fine. We'll make a plan. But we're going. I can't sit here and wait for him to come back. I have to be the one to bring him home."

"Alright," he relented, nodding. "Let's do it. But I'll be driving, just in case you get too emotional behind the wheel."

Arizona couldn't help but smirk at his protective nature. "Deal. Now, grab your stuff. We don't have time to waste."

With a renewed sense of purpose, she dashed toward her room to gather a few essentials, her heart racing at the thought of embarking on this spontaneous adventure.

As Dylan followed her, Arizona felt a surge of adrenaline. This was the push she needed, and she wasn't going to back down now. Together, they would find Miguel, and she would do whatever it took to bring him back home.

ASH SPEAKS!

arizona and dylan are going to get miguel!! johnny and robby still have their own lil trip but arizona and dylan are having a trip of their own !! johnny and robby will meet up with the two later on when they realize arizona and dylan disappeared

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