chapter forty-five:
❛ very zen arizona ❜

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It had been two months since Cobra Kai was taken down, and in that time, Arizona had changed. Gone was the fiery, rebellious energy that used to bubble beneath the surface, replaced by an almost serene calmness that everyone around her noticed. She had spent a few weeks in India with her mom and grandmother, visiting a distant cousin on her mother's side. It was a peaceful trip, full of quiet mornings, meditation, and deep conversations that helped her reconnect with herself in ways she hadn't expected. The culture, the sights, the sounds, the scents-everything had helped her clear the fog that once clouded her mind.

When Arizona returned home, there was a noticeable shift in her demeanor. She was still the same person-her quirks, her smile, her wit-but there was a new peace about her, as if she had let go of all the anger and tension that had once ruled her life. Her past with Cobra Kai felt like it belonged to another person, another lifetime. Even her relationship with her mother, Daniela, had dramatically improved. Daniela had been sober for a few months now, fully clean, and her steady effort to remain that way had made a difference in their relationship. Arizona saw it, felt it. For the first time in a long while, she didn't have to carry the weight of her mother's addiction. She was happy to see Daniela step up as a mother again, and in turn, Arizona felt lighter, her heart fuller.

On the first day back to school, Arizona couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. She walked into the school bathroom, dragging Dylan, a close friend, along with her. Dylan, the ever-stressed guy, was visibly nervous, his hands twitching.

"Arizona, what if some girl walks in? They're gonna freak out, man," he said, his eyes darting nervously at the door.

Arizona, however, didn't seem at all concerned. She leaned casually against the sink, her expression calm as she looked at him, unfazed by his anxiety. "Don't worry, Dylan. The universe is full of balance," she said in a serene tone, as if offering him wisdom from an ancient book of zen teachings.

Dylan blinked a few times, his eyes widening. "You're seriously creeping me out with how zen you've been," he said, taking a few steps away from her as if her new aura was a little too much to handle.

Arizona chuckled, a soft, knowing smile on her face. She didn't mind the confusion, even welcomed it. The change was evident in everything about her, and though it might have been jarring to some, she couldn't help but feel at peace with herself. Her mind was clearer than ever, and she was happy.

Just as Dylan was about to protest again, Arizona's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a message from Miguel. "I'm here."

She smiled, her eyes softening at the thought of him. "Let's go, Dylan," Arizona said, her voice still calm but filled with purpose. "Miguel's waiting."

Dylan groaned but followed her out of the bathroom, clearly trying to adjust to Arizona's new zen-like vibe. They walked down the hallway and through the bustling crowd of students, Arizona's steps light and sure, Dylan trailing behind, still clearly on edge.

When they reached the courtyard, Arizona spotted Miguel leaning against a wall, a relaxed smile on his face as he saw her approach. His presence was grounding, and she felt a spark of warmth in her chest when their eyes met.

Before Dylan could even process what was happening, Arizona was already walking towards Miguel, her steps quickening as she closed the distance between them. Without a word, she stood in front of him and kissed him, a soft, lingering kiss that felt like a natural continuation of everything that had happened between them.

When they finally pulled away, Arizona rested her forehead against his, her eyes still closed as she smiled.

"Missed you," Miguel whispered.

Dylan, standing awkwardly a few feet away, cleared his throat, causing both Arizona and Miguel to break apart and look at him.

"Uh, Sam's here," Dylan said, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he pointed to the entrance. Sam, Dylan's girlfriend, had just entered the courtyard, looking as poised and confident as ever.

Arizona glanced at Miguel, then back at Dylan. She shrugged, her expression light and easygoing. "Let's just keep the energy good today," she said, her zen-like calmness never wavering, even with the sudden shift in the dynamics of their group.

Miguel gave her a small, understanding smile, before walking over to Sam and Dylan, greeting them both. Arizona, still feeling the peace from her kiss with Miguel, watched for a moment, feeling more at ease than she had in ages. Everything was changing, but in that moment, it felt perfect.

Miguel glanced at Arizona with a playful grin, his eyes lighting up with an idea. "Hey, Arizona," he began, his voice casual but with a spark of excitement. "What would you think about going on a double date with me, Robby, and Tory? I mean, after everything that's happened, it could be fun."

Arizona raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smile as she thought about it for a moment. It didn't take long for her to respond. "Sure," she said, her voice calm but with a hint of enthusiasm.

Both Miguel and Dylan blinked in surprise, their eyes widening at her quick response. Sam, standing nearby, looked just as surprised, her brows furrowing slightly. "Wait, really?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "You're actually okay with that?"

Miguel looked between them, clearly curious. "Yeah, I thought you two weren't exactly... on the best terms. I mean, after the whole 'traitor' tattoo thing." He couldn't help but chuckle nervously, though the tension from their past was still hanging in the air.

Arizona just shrugged, her demeanor completely unbothered. "Well, yeah. Tory messed up big time. She tattooed 'traitor' on my arm, remember?" she said, her voice even, though there was a hint of old frustration in her tone. "But after we took down Cobra Kai, things kinda... changed between us. We talked, cleared the air, and I guess we're not enemies anymore."

Sam exchanged a glance with Dylan, both of them still looking slightly taken aback by Arizona's calm attitude about it. But they were used to Arizona's surprising capacity for forgiveness by now.

Miguel smiled at Arizona's response, clearly pleased that she was open to the idea, though still a little unsure of what that meant for the whole group dynamic. "That's really cool of you, Arizona," he said. "Maybe it could be a chance to, you know, keep things chill."

A thought crossed his mind then, and he turned to Sam and Dylan with a grin. "Hey, maybe you guys should join too? Make it a triple date!" His voice had a teasing edge, as though he thought it would be fun to get everyone involved.

Sam and Dylan froze, exchanging a quick look. There was an awkward silence before Sam broke it with a sharp laugh. "Uh, no thanks," she said, shaking her head as if the idea was ludicrous. "That sounds like a recipe for chaos."

Dylan nodded vigorously, his expression one of slight panic. "Yeah, no way. I'm not dealing with all that," he added, his voice a little higher than usual as he quickly backed away from the whole idea. "Double date sounds... plenty enough for me."

Miguel chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright," he said, giving up on his attempt at making it a triple date. He turned back to Arizona with a grin. "Well, it's just gonna be me, you, Robby, and Tory then. It'll be fun."

Arizona smiled back, her eyes soft. "Sounds good to me," she said, as though everything was just another step toward keeping things simple and balanced. She felt content in the idea of moving forward, knowing that whatever happened, she could handle it.

Sam, Dylan, and Miguel exchanged a few more words, but Arizona's mind wandered for a moment. She couldn't help but feel a sense of calm as she thought about how much had changed. Once upon a time, she would never have considered hanging out with Tory after everything that had happened. Yet, here she was, and things were different. It was nice to know that some things could get better.

For now, she was content to enjoy the moment and let the past stay in the past.

As the gathered group buzzed with anticipation, the tension in the air was palpable. Hawk and Demetri stood side by side, their expressions filled with pride as they glanced at the covered board before them. The energy in the room crackled, as if everyone was holding their breath in suspense, eager to discover what the new dojo name would be. Arizona and Miguel, standing nearby, exchanged excited glances, their enthusiasm bubbling over as they practically bounced on their heels. It was a rare moment of pure excitement, and they couldn't help but get caught up in it.

Dylan and Sam were off to the side, but Dylan's posture was so tense, he looked like he was about to leap off the ground. He kept shifting from one foot to the other, clearly unable to sit still in the suspense. Sam, on the other hand, had a more contained excitement, though she couldn't hide the curious glint in her eyes. They were standing together, sharing an unspoken connection in the anticipation, both as eager as the others to see what would unfold.

Eli, always the charismatic leader, stood tall at the front, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. "It's been a long road, but we're finally all on the same side," he declared, his tone steady and filled with a sense of resolve. His eyes scanned the room, ensuring everyone was paying attention before continuing, his words carrying the weight of the moment. "And as a reward? The toughest test any of us have ever had to face."

Demetri stepped up beside him, the excitement in his voice palpable as he continued. "The Sekai Taikai is the most prestigious karate tournament in modern martial arts history." He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle into the room before adding, "For over a century, fighters from across the globe have gathered every two years to compete for the title of World's Best."

Eli nodded, his face hardening with intensity. "If the All Valley is March Madness, this is the Olympics, plus the gladiator games and the kumite from Bloodsport all rolled into one," he said, his voice rising in enthusiasm. Arizona could feel the energy shifting in the room, everyone getting swept up in the magnitude of what they were about to face. It was a big deal, and they all knew it.

Johnny, standing next to Arizona and Miguel, seemed caught up in the excitement as well. He pumped his fist in the air, a grin spreading across his face as he muttered, "Yeah," under his breath. His usual rough-around-the-edges demeanor softened for a moment, and Arizona couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Demetri, who had been eagerly awaiting this moment, began to speak, his usual nervous energy replaced with newfound confidence. "If we win-" he began, but Eli quickly cut him off, his eyes narrowing with determination.

"Excuse me," Eli said, a smirk playing on his lips. "When we win, the spoils will be life-changing."

There was a shift in the room. The air became thick with expectation. The group was no longer just preparing for another tournament; they were preparing for the fight of their lives. Arizona could feel the weight of it pressing down on her shoulders, but instead of fear, she felt the fire of determination flickering inside her. They were ready.

Eli's expression grew more serious as he continued, his eyes briefly darting to Johnny, Chozen, and Daniel, who were standing nearby, watching with rapt attention. "But it's gonna take all of our focus and all the wisdom our senseis have to offer," he said. His words were heavy with the understanding that they couldn't do this alone. They had all grown, changed, and learned from their past mistakes, and it would take every ounce of that growth to succeed.

Demetri, picking up on the momentum, took over with even more confidence. "Yes, which is why we decided to take at least one thing off your plates. Coming up with our new dojo name."

A few scattered chuckles rippled through the group, some of the tension breaking as everyone waited eagerly for the big reveal. Arizona crossed her arms, smirking. The thought of these two taking on such a monumental task was almost humorous in itself, but she trusted them. Sort of.

"Yes!" Eli continued, "After some spirited brainstorming, ad hoc focus-grouping, and also a dojo-wide vote, we have a winner!" His voice was practically vibrating with excitement as he gestured to the covered board.

Dylan, who had been fidgeting from the very start, was now practically leaning forward, his lips pressing together in anxious anticipation. His curiosity was almost tangible, and Arizona couldn't help but find it a little amusing. She shot him a sideways glance and then caught Miguel's eye, both of them unable to hold back their smiles. This was going to be interesting.

With a dramatic flourish, Eli and Demetri simultaneously yanked the tarp off the board, revealing the new dojo name in bold, colorful letters.

There, in all its glory, was a cartoonish rendition of Mr. Miyagi, his oversized head comically exaggerated, standing proudly under the name: Miyagi-Fang Karate.

Arizona's jaw dropped in disbelief. The room fell silent for a heartbeat as everyone processed the unexpected sight. She glanced at Miguel, both of them exchanging wide-eyed looks, trying to suppress laughter. They weren't sure if they should applaud or cringe. The name itself-Miyagi-Fang-was solid enough, but the logo... it was... something else. Mr. Miyagi's exaggerated head, with his bulging eyes and oversized features, looked more like something out of a Saturday morning cartoon than a serious dojo symbol. It was a strange juxtaposition that no one had quite seen coming.

Dylan turned to Sam, his face scrunching in a mix of confusion and amusement. "Okay, the name? Awesome. The logo? Uh..." he whispered with a smirk, clearly torn between appreciation and disbelief.

Sam stifled a laugh, leaning closer to Dylan. "I think Mr. Miyagi would be proud... maybe," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm as they both chuckled quietly.

The dojo erupted in applause, everyone seemingly embracing the new name with full enthusiasm, but Arizona couldn't help but sneak a glance at the senseis. Johnny was clapping fervently, clearly enjoying the humor in it all, while Chozen and Daniel looked a little... uncertain. Daniel's eyebrows were furrowed, his face a mask of disbelief as he processed the comical version of the legendary sensei. Chozen looked as though he was trying to mentally recalibrate, his expression unreadable as he stared at the design, as if deciding whether to laugh or simply walk away.

Despite the questionable design, it was clear that Miyagi-Fang Karate had taken root. The dojo was now officially something new, something different-perhaps a little wacky, but undeniably their own. With the Sekai Taikai looming large on the horizon, Arizona felt a sense of purpose settle over her. This was the next step, cartoonish logo and all.

Dylan leaned closer to Sam, unable to hide his amusement. "I guess we're rolling with it, huh?" he said with a half-smile.

"Yeah," Sam replied, shaking her head in disbelief. "It's... definitely something."

But Eli and Demetri stood there, grinning from ear to ear, clearly proud of the chaos they had unleashed. Even with the slightly ridiculous logo, the dojo had a new identity, and that was what mattered. With the Sekai Taikai approaching, they were ready to face whatever came their way, cartoon head and all.

The arcade was alive with energy-a dazzling array of flashing neon lights, the steady hum of arcade machines, and the occasional cheers or groans of players reacting to their victories or failures. Arizona stood beside Miguel, her hands stuffed into the pocket of his oversized hoodie, the fabric cozy and warm against her skin. Miguel's arm was casually draped around her neck, and despite the bustling excitement around them, Arizona couldn't help but feel a subtle undercurrent of tension, especially with Tory there.

The awkwardness of the double date was undeniable. Arizona and Miguel stood together, their comfort with one another easy to see, but the contrast between Arizona's relaxed demeanor and Tory's closed-off stance made the air feel thicker. Tory, as usual, kept her arms crossed tightly in front of her, her expression guarded and unreadable. Meanwhile, Belle's more zen-like attitude seemed to allow her to go with the flow, trying to make the best of the situation, but even she couldn't quite mask the tension. Arizona glanced at her, but it was clear that Belle wasn't going to be much help in easing things between her and Tory.

Nearby, Robby stepped up to the strength test game, cracking his knuckles as he eyed the punching bag with a mix of confidence and challenge. With a fluid motion, he landed a solid hit, and the bag flew upward with a satisfying whoosh. The numbers on the screen flashed, bouncing quickly before they settled on 868. Robby straightened up, an easy smirk playing across his face as he turned to the group.

"What can I say?" Robby boasted, his voice smooth. "It's all in the legs."

Miguel, ever the playful rival, raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "Yeah, well, congratulations on your rather average leg strength, sir," he teased, shooting Robby a sly smirk.

Arizona chuckled at Miguel's sarcasm, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She leaned in just a little, her voice light. "Wow, I'm impressed," she said with mock sincerity. But her gaze drifted between Tory and Robby, unsure how Tory would react to Miguel's playful jab. The last thing she needed was more tension.

"Amazing job, Rob," Arizona added with a grin, though her tone was only slightly more neutral than before. She wasn't sure if Robby was actually looking for praise, or if he was more invested in impressing everyone else.

Robby, unfazed by the teasing, shrugged and turned his attention to the girls. "All right, who's next?"

Tory responded with a sharp, almost dismissive shake of her head. "I'm good," she said flatly, folding her arms tightly over her chest as she turned away slightly, signaling her lack of interest.

Arizona stepped forward, taking a deep breath as she faced the punching bag. She closed her eyes for just a moment, mentally stepping into a different space-a place where her nerves didn't exist, where it was just her and the task at hand. With a swift motion, she struck the bag, her punch landing with precision. The numbers on the screen shot up rapidly before they settled on 1080.

The group froze for a beat, all eyes on Arizona. Miguel's eyes widened in disbelief as he moved to close the gap between them, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek in a burst of excitement. "Arizona, oh my God!" he exclaimed, his voice full of admiration.

Robby blinked in surprise, his mouth hanging open for a moment before he spoke. "Zen Arizona is cool," he said, sounding a little taken aback but genuinely impressed.

Arizona shot Robby a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?" she teased, her lips curling into a half-smile.

Robby grinned, shrugging. "You're cool either way," he said, his tone easy and sincere.

Tory, who had been watching the exchange quietly, allowed the smallest of smiles to tug at the corner of her mouth. Her eyes flickered briefly to Arizona, and for the first time that night, there was a hint of something resembling approval. But she didn't speak. Her response was more silent acknowledgment than anything else.

Arizona grinned at Robby's compliment, brushing a strand of her newly blonde-highlighted hair behind her ear as it caught the light. It was a small change, but she liked the way it looked-bright, fresh, and ready for whatever came next.

"What's next?" Arizona asked, her voice upbeat, determined to keep things moving forward.

Miguel, ever the optimist, perked up immediately. "How about the batting cages? I heard there's a new fast pitch," he suggested with a hopeful glance toward her.

Arizona's eyes lit up. "Sure!" she responded enthusiastically, flashing Miguel a supportive smile. Despite the lingering tension, she wanted to keep the night fun, and she knew that getting into something physical would help break the ice.

Tory, however, remained unchanged. She gave a nonchalant shrug, her tone flat as she spoke. "Sounds fun," she muttered, her lack of enthusiasm hanging in the air. Arizona exhaled inwardly, already guessing that Tory wasn't exactly on board with the idea. But at least she wasn't outright rejecting it.

They began to walk toward the batting cages, Robby and Tory leading the way. Miguel walked beside Arizona, a little closer than usual. He leaned in, lowering his voice just enough for her to hear. "For some reason," Miguel murmured with a smirk, "I don't think Tory actually thinks it sounds fun."

Arizona stifled a laugh, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "It's a double date with my ex-best friend who tattooed 'Traitor' on my arm," she muttered back, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and frustration. "So... yes, this is a bit awkward."

Miguel tilted his head in thought, his frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I didn't think you guys had issues anymore."

Arizona shrugged, glancing over at Tory, who was now walking a little ahead of them. "I mean... I'm not really sure," she replied, her voice quiet. "Things are... complicated."

Miguel nodded slowly, his brow furrowing as he glanced at her. "Well, you know I've got your back," he said, his tone filled with reassurance.

Arizona let out a sigh, her gaze briefly drifting to Robby and Tory ahead of them. "I'm just not sure if Tory's even here to learn Miyagi-Do," she admitted, lowering her voice even further as she felt the weight of the situation. "Or if she just wants to get to the Sekai Taikai."

Miguel bumped her shoulder gently, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Just give her some time," he encouraged her. "She'll come around."

Arizona nodded, though her expression didn't quite match the optimism in Miguel's words. Still, she trusted him enough to take his advice to heart. As they approached the batting cages, the mood shifted again-this time, with Robby's attention on something else entirely. His gaze had shifted to a nearby basketball game where Kenny was shooting hoops with impressive precision.

Tory noticed the shift as well, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced at Robby. "He's still not talking to you?" she asked, her voice softer than usual, though there was a trace of something else-maybe concern, or maybe curiosity.

Robby's jaw tightened, his frustration clear. "No. I've gotta give it another shot," he replied, his voice steady but resolute. "He needs to know there's another way besides all the crap Silver was feeding him. At least here, he can't just send my call to voicemail."

Arizona exchanged a glance with Miguel, both of them sharing a silent understanding. They knew how hard it had been for Robby to navigate his relationship with Kenny, especially with the shadow of Silver's influence looming over them. It was a constant battle, and one that Robby wasn't willing to give up on.

When Kenny finished his game, stepping away from the machine, Robby straightened up, determination flooding his expression. He turned to the group.

"I'll be right back," Robby said, his tone firm as he began walking toward Kenny.

Miguel and Arizona watched him for a moment, then turned their attention to Tory, who had been quiet since Robby walked off. She stood there, her arms still crossed, her eyes following Robby as he made his way over to Kenny. There was something different in her gaze, though Arizona couldn't quite place it.

The night was far from over, but the tension remained-woven into every glance, every word, and every unspoken emotion hanging between them all.

The arcade was alive with energy, the rhythmic buzz of machines, the occasional triumphant cheer, and the laughter of groups of friends. But the corner of the arcade where Arizona, Miguel, and Tory sat seemed to be in a world of its own-detached from the fun and excitement of the rest of the place. The bright neon lights cast shifting patterns across their faces, but it felt like the color had drained out of their corner. It was as if the air around them was thick with the weight of unspoken words.

In the center of the table sat a half-melted cup of ice cream, its once-perfect swirl now a pool of liquid surrounded by a few unmarked spoons. The dessert was meant to be shared, a gesture of friendship or, at least, an attempt to break the ice. But so far, only Arizona and Miguel had taken a bite, each savoring the cool sweetness in the otherwise tense atmosphere. Neither of them seemed eager to acknowledge the awkwardness hanging over them, but it was becoming impossible to ignore.

Miguel, ever the optimist, broke the silence with a nervous chuckle. He scooped up another spoonful, glancing between Arizona, who was sitting across from him, and Tory, who sat beside him with her arms tightly crossed. Her face remained impassive, and her body language was all but shouting her disinterest. Miguel's tone was casual, maybe even a little too forced, as he attempted to steer the conversation in a safer direction. "So, I mean, it's our senior year, right? College is just around the corner. Kinda crazy, huh?"

Arizona smiled faintly, leaning slightly forward in her chair, trying to mask her own discomfort. "Yeah, it feels like it was just yesterday when you walked up to me in Spanish class and asked if you could sit with me," she said, her voice warm with nostalgia. There was something almost bittersweet in her tone, like she was remembering something simpler, a time when things were less complicated. "And now, here we are, planning for the future between daily training sessions."

Miguel's eyes softened at her words, a grin tugging at his lips as he glanced at her. The connection between them was undeniable, even in this uncomfortable moment. "Yeah, it's pretty wild how far we've come," he said, the smile on his face genuine, his voice a little quieter as he looked at Arizona like she was the only one who mattered in that moment.

Arizona's smile widened, and her gaze softened as she thought about everything they'd been through, the journey they'd shared. "I'm also really excited to see what Stanford says. If you get in or not. I really hope you do." Her voice was full of sincerity, and she gave him a warm, encouraging look. "I'm hoping I can get in too, you know."

Miguel's cheeks flushed slightly, and he held up his fingers in a playful "crossed" gesture. "Fingers crossed," he said lightly, trying to keep the mood light. But then, as if remembering they weren't alone, his gaze flickered to Tory, who was sitting stone-faced across from them. "What about you, Tory?" he asked, his tone still casual, but with a slight hesitation, as if he wasn't sure what kind of response to expect.

Tory's eyes narrowed, her arms still tightly crossed over her chest as she leaned back in her seat, her body language closed off. Her voice was sharp, biting. "It's kinda hard to get into anywhere when you spent almost a year on probation," she remarked, her tone almost a challenge, the words sharp and laced with bitterness.

Miguel winced at the harshness in her voice, clearly unsure of how to respond. His gaze dropped to the ice cream, his spoon hovering over it for a moment, before he gave a weak, awkward chuckle. "Right," he muttered, the words falling flat. His focus was entirely on the ice cream now, the slight slouch of his shoulders betraying his discomfort with the direction the conversation had taken.

Arizona shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers fidgeting with the sleeve of her hoodie. She felt the weight of Tory's words press down on her, the reminder that she, too, had been on probation. But Arizona was determined not to let that cloud her thoughts. She didn't want to think about it-didn't want to be weighed down by the uncertainty of her future, especially not when she had so much to look forward to. She glanced nervously at Tory, then at Miguel, who was avoiding her gaze, his focus still fixed on the dessert. Arizona opened her mouth to say something, anything to ease the tension, but the words never came. The silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable, like they were all waiting for something-anything-to break it.

"Um..." Miguel began, his voice quiet as he tried to find something to say. He paused, clearly struggling for the right words, but nothing seemed to come out. Instead, he simply sighed and returned to his spoon, staring at it like it held all the answers to the world's problems. Arizona could feel the weight of the silence pressing on her chest, making it harder to breathe.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but it didn't help. The usual cheer in her demeanor was dimmed by the weight of the situation. She glanced at Tory, whose expression hadn't changed, still unreadable, and then at Miguel, who gave her a small, apologetic smile. He tried to lift the mood, but even his smile couldn't erase the unease that lingered in the air. The arcade noises-the flashing lights, the sounds of laughter and cheering-seemed miles away, their bubble of tension inescapable as they waited for Robby to return and hopefully relieve them from this unbearable quiet.

The only sound that filled the space between them was the hum of the arcade and the faint scrape of spoons against the bottom of the ice cream cup.

The evening at the batting cages had taken an unexpected and intense turn. What started as a casual outing quickly escalated into a heated brawl, the sound of fists striking flesh and grunts of exertion mixing with the dull clinks of metal bats. Miguel and Robby found themselves locked in a fierce confrontation with Shawn and Kenny, the tension palpable, hanging in the air like an electric charge waiting to snap. Arizona and Tory had just stepped outside the gates of the batting area when they caught sight of the chaos unfolding in front of them.

Kenny was on the ground, scrambling desperately for a baseball bat that lay just out of reach. His fingers brushed the cool metal as he lunged for it, but before he could get a grip, a pair of boots thudded firmly onto the ground, blocking his path.

Tory moved like lightning, her body taut with focus as she slammed her foot down on the bat, keeping it from his grasp. "Really?" she asked, her voice dripping with disbelief as she fixed Kenny with a hard, unflinching stare. "You're really gonna do this now?" Her words were a mix of annoyance and disbelief, as though this entire situation was beneath her.

Kenny shot a venomous look upward, his face contorting with irritation. "Out of my way, Nichols," he growled, trying to shove her foot aside with his own. "I don't wanna hit a girl," he added, but there was no hiding the underlying tension in his voice. His bravado faltered slightly, but he was still trying to maintain control of the situation.

Arizona, who had been standing just behind Tory, stepped into the fray with a calm yet commanding presence. She let out a scoff, clearly unimpressed. "That's sweet," she said coolly, her arms crossing as she stood beside Tory. "But don't worry, you won't have to," she added, her voice flat but strong, making it clear she wasn't intimidated by Kenny's taunts.

Tory and Arizona exchanged a brief look-one that was almost imperceptible but spoke volumes. It was rare for the two girls to be on the same side in a fight, given their past history, but tonight felt different. There was something about the way the situation had escalated that made them both rise to the occasion, ready to stand their ground, even if it meant putting aside their differences.

Kenny's frustration bubbled over. With a growl, he lunged toward the girls, his eyes locked on their movements with the intensity of a predator. But neither of them flinched. In perfect sync, they moved with practiced precision, each grabbing one of Kenny's arms and using his own momentum against him to spin him around. Kenny staggered back, his anger growing as he regained his footing.

Arizona stood tall, her voice softer but firm as she spoke. "Kenny, you have a place at our dojo," she said, her words laden with genuine concern. "Everyone has a home at Miyagi-Do. It doesn't matter what happened." Her eyes locked onto his with sincerity, her posture relaxed but resolute. She was trying to reach him, trying to pull him away from the anger that had clouded his judgment for so long.

Kenny's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening like stone. "It matters to me," he snapped, his voice low and harsh, tinged with bitterness and hurt. His chest heaved as he started to move past Arizona and Tory, his body tense, his focus now entirely on his brother, who was still engaged in combat with Miguel and Robby.

The two girls moved quickly, instinctively grabbing his hands to stop him, trying to hold him back. But Kenny was faster than they expected. With a surprising burst of strength, he twisted out of their grip and pulled them forward, sending Arizona stumbling back. She caught herself, but a flicker of pain crossed her face as Kenny smacked her hand away, his actions like a slap to the face.

Arizona's voice wavered, but she steadied herself quickly, rising to her feet. "We're just trying to help you, Kenny!" she exclaimed, frustration creeping into her voice. Her gaze softened as she took a step toward him, trying to break through the wall of anger he had built around himself. "This doesn't have to end like this."

But Kenny wasn't listening. His attention was fully on his brother now, pushing forward with a renewed sense of purpose. His determination was palpable, his body language tight and unyielding. Tory, who had been holding him back with all her might, was forced to act quickly. She planted herself firmly in front of him, but Kenny shoved past her with an almost animal-like grunt, intent on reaching his brother.

Arizona, unwilling to let him escape, took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She lunged forward, using every ounce of her strength to deliver a swift, well-aimed kick to Kenny's side. The force of her strike sent him stumbling backward, crashing into the chain-link fence with a loud clang.

Kenny, breathless and angry, shook his head in disbelief, as though he couldn't comprehend how he'd ended up in this situation. But he wasn't done yet. With renewed effort, he tried to bolt again, but this time, the girls were ready. Without missing a beat, Tory and Arizona stepped to the side simultaneously, watching as Kenny's momentum carried him too far. His feet slipped beneath him, and he tripped forward, slamming into the fence once more, a grunt escaping his lips as he struggled to regain his footing.

Shawn, who had been watching from the sidelines, his face twisted in anger, finally intervened. With a few quick strides, he loomed over them, his presence casting a shadow as he grabbed Kenny by the arm, lifting him off the ground. For a moment, it looked as if Shawn would retaliate against the girls, but instead, he pulled Kenny to his feet with a hard tug. Shawn's eyes met theirs, dark and full of silent warning, before he turned and led his younger brother away. With one final, piercing glare at Tory and Arizona, Shawn retreated, his posture stiff with suppressed fury.

As the dust began to settle, Robby and Miguel jogged over, both of them slightly winded but clearly relieved that the fight had come to an end. Robby ran a hand through his disheveled hair and let out a long, exasperated breath.

"Well, that could've gone better," he muttered, his tone dry, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Miguel gave a light, breathy laugh. "Could've gone worse," he said with a grin, trying to bring a bit of levity to the moment despite the chaos that had just unfolded.

Arizona exchanged a glance with Tory, and a small, genuine smile tugged at her lips. Despite everything that had just happened, there was a sense of camaraderie between them now, born of a shared experience. "You picked up Miyagi-Do pretty fast," Arizona remarked, her voice warm, the edge of tension beginning to fade. She was impressed, and it showed in the sincerity of her words.

Tory raised an eyebrow, surprised by the compliment. She glanced at Arizona, her mouth quirking upward into a half-smirk. "Yeah, well, we fought Sam enough. I guess some of it must've rubbed off," she replied, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Arizona chuckled softly at that, the sound genuine and easing some of the lingering tension. It wasn't often that she and Tory found common ground, but in this moment, there was a newfound respect between them.

Miguel and Robby exchanged a look, their faces lit with a quiet triumph. Their plan had worked-maybe not perfectly, but it had worked. And for the first time, it felt like they were all taking a step in the right direction, together.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

i hope you guys will like zen arizona!! will she crack eventually?? im not sure yet HAHAH

tory and arizona repairing their friendship <3

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