warnings: violence, mentions of grief and trauma

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CAMERON let out a scream when she read what was on her phone. Alexis shrieked next when she read the early acceptance email and stopped strolling through the grocery store. They jumped up and down, ignoring the odd stares from people walking past.

Dear Cameron James,

We are thrilled to inform you that you have been accepted for early admission to Howard University for the upcoming academic year! Your excellent academic record, strong test scores impactful extracurricular activities and compelling personal statement clearly demonstrate your potential to thrive within our vibrant community of bison

Highlights of your admission:
Program: bachelor of science (B.S.) Undergraduate Degree in Psychology

Start Date: Fall 2020

Next steps:

Review your admission details on your online portal.
Accept your offer by March 31st  to secure your spots
Contact the financial aid office to discuss scholarship opportunities.

We are excited to welcome you to Howard University and look forward to seeing you on campus.

Sincerely,

The Howard University Admissions Committee
@admissionhoward.edu

OFFICE OF ADMISSION

2400 6th St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20059

Phone: 202-806-2755

"I'm so proud of you sweetheart," Alexis tearily said, gripping her daughter. "So proud I can't describe it. I love you, I love you, I love you. My only child is going to college!" She let out alerting more attention, but she didn't care. "Oh, god. You're amazing. After everything you've been through. You came out on top." She laughed, "You're going to college!"

"Mom," Cameron's joy was muffled by her mom's chest. "We'll get kicked out."

"I don't care," Alexis sniffled, cupping her daughter's face. "You made me so proud. You make me so proud. Even if you didn't get in, I would be proud regardless. But you're amazing. So very amazing."

Tears pricked at Cameron's eyes as she laughed.

She couldn't wait to share the news.

And she hoped Miguel had similar news to share.

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MIGUEL didn't. He got deferred and after telling his mom and Johnny, he received a loving hug from them before coming over to the James residence where he was startled by Alexis' excitement and her gleaming eyes. Cameron's hadn't been deferred. And despite his initial shock, he put aside his shame and pressed his lips to his girlfriend's. He was more than proud. Ecstatic, only he wished he had good news to share as well.

When she dragged him to her room, her thumb caressed his hand as they landed on the end of their bed. Usually, she would try and avoid outside clothes on her bed, but she would make an exception given his low mood.

"You're deferred, not rejected. And I read that only Stanford defers only 8.5%." She tried.

Miguel shook his head, "Still not accepted."

"Don't be negative."

"I'm being realistic," he replied.

"Late acceptance can still happen. And then you could get scholarships. Think of the Sekai Taikai. You can even get sponsors through there."

Miguel sighed, "If I get captaincy."

"When."

"If," he didn't want to snap. He had to change the topic. "Can we talk about something else? Please. Just for now. I want to talk about you. And you're going to Howard, Hello?!" That drew a laugh from her. "I didn't think I could love you more."

She playfully smacked his chest, "Shut up."

"I'm serious, I was planning on shouting it from the rooftops," Miguel would do it if he could get onto the roof of the bungalow.

He still would if she'd let him.

"My mom already screamed in the grocery store. Believe me, I loved it but, my god I doubt we could go back." Cameron confessed with a giggle. "Lily got in." His eyes widened and he smiled. He and Lily had grown to like each other over the years... to an extent. "Yeah, she got in. We were trying not to cry on the phone to each other. It was tough. Sam screamed on the phone. Tory knows," she added. "Yeah, before she went to pick up her mom's prescription we let her know and she sounded happy. And Aisha got into like 2 Ivy's."

"That's not surprising at all."

"No, it isn't."

They missed her.

"Oh, I wanted to get you something. Both of us," Cameron started, and he tilted his head to the side when she let go of his hand. Rewatching over to her bedside table, she retrieved a box from the drawer and shut it. "I uh, didn't know what to get after the whole Silver-Cobra Kai-bust debacle." She rejoined him on the bed and passed him the box.

"Roni..." he trailed off.

"I wanted it to be right," Cameron explained, swallowing the knot in her throat. "Open it." She insisted, feeling nervous when he did. She exhaled, "umm." There were two bracelets each with a bead at the centre of the box. "It might not be a lot but when you shine a light into the bead —- use your phone." She choked back her tears when he did what she told and saw what it said.

His phone torch illuminated the words on the wall adjacent to them. We'll always find each other in the end. He sniffled as his eyes stung with tears.

"Wow," Miguel breathed out, amazed by it. By her. By her thoughtfulness. By her love and the fact, he's so grateful to have met her.

Miguel Diaz was so grateful he had found Cameron James.

"Whether we're at the same school, dojo, college or in the same country, I believe we won't lose each other." Cameron happily admitted. "I really believe that. Invisible string theory and all."

Miguel steadily turned off his phone torch, placed down his bracelet and faced her.

He let out a breathy laugh as he nodded, "I believe that too." He whispered, "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

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CAMERON and Miguel hadn't taken off their bracelets, only whenever they were in the shower or did the dishes. And because of their college acceptance results, they didn't have to do the dishes last night. Nor did Robby so he didn't feel left out.

"Congrats kid on Harvard," Johnny had received the text Alexis sent to the parent chat chain.

Cameron snorted, "Howard. And thanks."

Johnny nodded along, gaze darted between her and his other students, "You think you're reading to fight for the captaincy?"

"I am. I really am. I won't back down," She was more than determined. She was ready.

"Good, because I taught you better than that."

Don't be a pussy, were his exact words.

"You make me proud kid." Johnny smiled, earning a smile back. "I'll get you a 6-pack of beer... you know. Since we don't do hugs and all."

She laughed, then approached her friends and boyfriend who stretched.

"I heard Aisha got into UC Santa Cruz," Sam said, then looked at Miguel. "You heard anything from Stanford?"

Cameron glanced at him, he hadn't told anyone about his deferral yet. He didn't want to.

He shook his head, "No. I've been checking my emails, like, every day, but nothing." He lied.

Eli assured, "Don't stress. It'll come. I mean, Demetri hasn't heard from MIT yet, so..."

Demetri scoffed, "Yeah, I did." They stared at him, shocked, "I got in."

Eli and Miguel reeled back, "What?"

"Well, yeah. Why are you all so surprised?" Demetri scrunched up his face. "I worked my ass off and earned that spot. That would be like LeBron James getting turned down by the Lakers." He motioned his throw.

"Congratulations, Demetri. It's a really hard school to get into," Sam spoke.

Cameron smiled at him, "Yeah well done."

"Yeah, it certainly is a very hard school to get into," Demetri drawled, "Especially when you don't apply. Right, Eli?"

Eli deadpanned, "Real subtle."

"Hey, man, I'm just saying you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

"Okay, drop the condescension," Cameron scoffed, "just be happy you got in." Eli was grateful for words. "You don't see me shoving my early acceptance down everyone's throats." She rolled her eyes and stormed off before he could speak.

Miguel shook his head at his friend, who shrugged.

"She should be proud that she got —" Demetri was cut off.

"Relax," Miguel warned.

Cameron had stumbled onto Robby and Tory, who hushed their conversation. She didn't care what they had been talking about.

"Hey, how's your mom? She doing better?" She asked Tory, pausing her punches.

"Yeah," Tory breathed out. "She really is. And congrats again."

"Thanks, my mom wants to plan a party for me. Like she did for Drew..." she trailed off realising that the couple were not on good terms before he left. "But because we're going to the Sekai Taikai pretty soon. We're gonna celebrate when we get back."

"That's cool."

"Is she gonna make those spring rolls?" Robby quickly asked. Smiling at the thought of them. "Because if she is I might need her to make double."

She chuckled, "Yeah with your big appetite."

"No bigger than yours." Robby playfully retorted.

Cameron stared at Tory, shaking her head, "Get your boyfriend please Tory."

"Alright, hands up," Tory instructed. And they went back to training.

Cameron went to return to her friends and hopefully avoid Demetri but all their Sensei's appeared.

"All right. Circle up." Demetri exclaimed and they all gathered around. "The Sekai Taikai needs our final roster in three days. And now that we know who's going, it's time for us to name our male and female captains." The official 7 stood taller. "The captains are not just the leaders of the team. They're the ones that will be fighting in the finals if we can make it that far."

Johnny added, "Plus, they get to fight on live TV. Who knows what comes after that? Wheaties boxes, chop-socky flicks, ZZ Top videos. Sky's the limit."

"More attention from colleges," Cameron whispered to her boyfriend who stiffly nodded.

"You'll all get the glory if we win," Daniel paused, "but, yes, the captains will be in the spotlight. They need to represent the best that Miyagi-Do has to offer. And Sensei Lawrence and I want to assure you that the decision will be completely unbiased."

Johnny said, "That's right. In two days, Cameron will face Tory for the female captain spot." They each exchanged smiles. The decision was made by Sam to not compete for the captaincy since Cameron led Miyagi-do to qualify and Tory who was All Valley champ, tainted or not. "Robby and Miguel will fight for male captain."

"We all know you fought plenty of times before, but now that we're on the same side, this is still the best way for us to see who's progressed the most," Daniel stated.

"All right, enough talking. It's time to train." Johnny said to the competing students. "You four, get inside. I'm gonna whip your butts into shape."

Cameron, Robby, Miguel and Tory walked past their Sensei's and inside.

Johnny's methods were, as expected, unorthodox. Daniel watched the students perform Johnny's version of Kata which was hardly calm but aggressive.

His next method was all about balance, although it was difficult to do so with objects being thrown at them. Sharp objects. Cameron managed to dodge most of them with years worth of gymnastics training but she almost got clipped by a few glass shards.

Shortly after they attacked dummies that sported shirts with different nationalities.

Johnny believed in mediation, but only when it came to clearing minds before studying action movies.

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CAMERON continued mediation when they returned home. Keeping her mind clear even when she took an ice bath and listened to the sounds of sea waves.

"You can do this Cameron," she murmured to herself. "You can do this." Even with more training tomorrow, she was ready. She had to be. The only competition she felt she truly proved herself was for the qualifiers and that's because she was fighting for herself. She had to do the same thing when she would be up against Tory. "You can do this girl."

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DURING lunch at school, Miguel had not stopped ranting about being deferred. He had let his friends now know because he didn't want that weighing on him. Not when he had a captaincy to win.

"I've been checking Stanford's websites, and they only accept 15% of the people they defer. Fifteen!" Miguel emphasised.

"Anything you can do between now and April is only gonna help your chances," Cameron advised. "Extracurriculars are huge. You know I've got my art class. So has Sam," she informed. "Although we'll both be doing a bachelor of science they love to see more creative subjects on your transcripts. Karate is big babe."

"They didn't care about the All Valley. Why would they care about the Sekai Taikai?"

"Because it's international. It's one thing to be the best in town. It's another to be the best in the world." Cameron said, smiling. "And it will be televised. C'mon, how many colleges can say that they have a renowned fighter walking their halls huh?"

Slowly nodded, Miguel agreed, "Yeah." But his softening eyes hardened when he saw his competition walk into the cafeteria. "It just means I'm gonna have to beat Robby again."

Cameron went to reply, but Robby approached them.

"Hey," Robby said softly. Cameron smiled at him. "Uh, have you guys seen Tory? We're supposed to train at the park later."

Cameron made a face, "she wasn't in registration. I thought she was ditching to get some extra practice."

"I thought you were coming to the dojo to train with us." Miguel tilted his head.

Robby glanced between the couples "Well, we figured since we're fighting each other. It would be best not to show each other our moves."

"Yeah, I mean, makes sense," Miguel murmured.

"You better watch out. You're going down this time, El Serpiente." Robby playfully warned before walking away.

Miguel was serious, following his retreating figure then turned back to his girlfriend.

"If they're training together, then so are we." He sternly spoke.

Cameron was all for it.

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DANIEL hadn't taken Miguel and Cameron to the dojo, but back into the woods. His methods were the opposite of Johnny's. As expected. The sun was beginning to set but the teen's kata pulled through.

"Your form is great." Daniel complimented. "Just remember to clear your mind and breathe."

Miguel absorbed those words. He was focused. He kept pushing himself.

Daniel approached Cameron who was steady with her movements. "Kid's dialed in. He really wants that male captain slot."

"It's his best shot at Stanford." She replied, staring ahead. "He wants this."

"What about you? You've got into college," he was amazed as was her joyful about her acceptance. He knew that Alexis would be planning something big. "We know Tory's gonna give you a good fight. But what are you fighting for?"

She faltered in her movements, her eye flickered over to him.

"Justice." She was confident in her answer. "And maybe closure. Tory beat me at the All Valley, but it was tainted. For both of us. I know I'm good, no. I'm great. A great fighter. I wanna prove it to not just anyone but everyone. Including myself."

Daniel hummed in agreement, "Justice's good. But it does mean it's the outcome that's what matters. If you wanna find justice, if you want to fight for it, you just have to give it your all. Just lay it out there." She beamed at him. They bowed to each other. Sensei and student. And then he let her get stuck back in. "All right."

Shortly after, Daniel went back to training them both at the same time.

"Hup." The three of them moved together, eyes shut and just letting their mind guide them. "Hup. Hup." The was a long pause, as footsteps were heard. Daniel's eyes snapped open and landed on an agitated Johnny. "Uh, you guys keep going, okay? I'll... I'll be right back."

Miguel took his place and kept going. It felt good. The balance, the accuracy. The determination. It was great.

But they hoped it would provide them with what they wanted.

"Fight for you," Cameron uttered aloud, "Fight for what's right. What you want. And what you need."

Miguel absorbed it all.

When they made their way back home, he thought of the same thing over and over again. They discovered Robby training outside, seemingly stuck in his own head. Cameron went in, leaving the two boys to talk.

It was clear the conversation didn't go well, because Robby went straight to their room and missed dinner. Alexis still left a plate for him aside, not wanting him to go to sleep starving.

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CAMERON exhaled deeply, eyes fluttering open when she looked upon Miyagi-do. She was ready. She kept telling herself that. She and Miguel were getting ready when they arrived. Robby made his own way there, not wanting to be distracted. The couple knew how they were gonna fight. Cameron knew how much Miguel needed this, more than for a sense of justice, but for his future.

"You okay?" Sam asked from beside her. Cameron firmly nodded. "I know this is intense. But the best woman and man will win today."

"They will," Cameron smiled at her, though her eyes flickered around. "Tory's still not here? I haven't heard from her since yesterday."

"Must be in the zone," Sam joked.

"She must be." Cameron agreed. She moved towards her boyfriend who was shadowboxing as others whispered about the results. "Hey," he ceased his movements, to stare at her. "You've got this."

She wanted to say more but didn't want him to be thrown off his game.

"I've got this," Miguel reiterated.

It was time.

Daniel announced, "Miguel, Robby, you're up first." They joined the deck and bowed. Then faced each other. "First to three points wins. Face each other. Bow." They complied. "Fighting positions." They then let out a yell. "Ready? Fight."

Cameron couldn't look away, Miguel's defence was on point. He dodged the attacks, swept Robby's legs sending him to the mat and striking his stomach. Cameron bounced on her heels with excitement.

"Point, Diaz," Daniel stated, whilst others clapped. "One point, Diaz. Zero points, Keene. Ready? Fight."

They feigned their attacks getting more serious, less balanced, yet Miguel came out on top, his kick to Robby's face sent the boy flipping through the air.

"Point, Diaz. Two points. One more, and he wins."

Cameron contained her emotions, clasping her hands together, hoping he landed this next point.

"That's two points to zero. Ready? Fight."

However, Miguel couldn't land the next point. Robby did to Miguel's chest now he was seemingly more focused and balanced.

"Point, Keene."

Cameron didn't notice Tory had arrived, dishevelled and mute. Her focus was on Miguel who she could tell was getting more frustrated and more annoyed.

"Two to one. Ready? Fight." Daniel instructed. 20 seconds in, Robby's spin kick landed Miguel on the mat. "Point, Keene."

Cameron quietly yet fiercely spoke to him. "Don't worry, Miguel. Just focus."

"That's what I'm trying to do," he gritted out. "I need this."

One last round. But it didn't go his way. It was a rigorous round, full of grunting and ferocious attacks. But Robby was the better man. He was the male captain of the Sekai Taikai.

And although it was cordial, Miguel was pissed with himself.

Cameron congratulated her friend and attempted to comfort her boyfriend but his mind was clouded.

But her's couldn't be.

Not now.

"James, Nichols," Johnny announced, gesturing for them to come onto the podium.

"Captain," Sam whispered to her, to which she nodded.

Cameron and Tory joined Johnny.

Johnny instructed, "Bow to me. Bow to each other." They complied.

It was then that Cameron caught the blotchy skin beneath Tory's eyes. She didn't look okay. Not at all. But she was here. Ready to fight. And so was she.

"May the best woman win," Cameron said, extending her fist. Tory took a brief second, her eyes swimming with emotions. And then she returned the gesture.

"Fighting positions." Johnny instructed, "Ready? Fight."

Tory attacked first, Cameron knew she would and blocked her hard attacks. She swerved the kicks and punched away the jabs, to quickly swipe Tory's foot, sending her to the mat to land a swift punch for the chest.

She ignored the cheers once the point was announced and readied herself, knowing it wouldn't be easy.

"Fighting positions," Johnny said. Tory erratically got on her feet. "Ready?"

Tory moved before Johnny could say fight, prompting Cameron to smack away her punches. But it was hard. It was vicious. Tory bared her teeth as she fought, kicking Cameron's face and sending another one to her chest after the point was announced.

Cameron quickly soothed her chest, studying Tory's demeanour. It was more than intense.

Daniel voiced the crowd's concerned thoughts, "Hey, Ref. That's a little overkill. That should be no point."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm handling it." Johnny waved him off.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." Cameron was sure. "Let's fight," She got into her fighting position.

"Listen, that's a warning. Next one's a deduction." Johnny warned Tory, "It's one to one. Fighting positions. Ready? Fight."

Cameron yelled, driving her fist through the air as she flipped. Tory smacked down her attempts, roughly. She's not balanced, she's not focused. This is personal. Cameron grunted, swinging out her arms, and blocking another attack. The attacks didn't stop, nor did hers. She came down hard, seeing her openings, and so she swivelled on her foot and bounced up, sending her other foot into Tory's face.

"Point, James. Two to one."

Miguel clenched his teeth, preventing him from calling out to her, wanting him to be more focused than he was. He didn't want her to lose this. He knew she had to win. One last point. Come on, baby. One last point. He watched, grimacing at how Tory moved, it was almost in unison with Cameron only less reserved, less graceful. Aggressive. Cameron blocked her face as she kicked away another attack. Tory tried to go low, but Cameron jumped up, vigorously blocking and dodging more pointed punches only to stagger when she was about to land one.

Daniel caught the punch startling the girls.

Daniel decided, "The fight's over."

"That's not fair. That could have been a point." Tory exclaimed, shrugging off his hold.

"What the hell? I'm the ref. I'll decide when the fight's over." Johnny cut in.

"I'll explain. I promise," Daniel replied.

"Don't stop the fight. Please." Tory begged.

"Tory," Cameron breathed out.

"Roni tell them," Tory pleaded, shocking her.

"We can continue the fight," Cameron promised. "We have to fight. I'm fine. Really."

Daniel firmly challenged, "No, Cameron. It's not that. It's not that. Come on. Please, girls. Off the deck. Let's go."

But they were ready to fight.

"Don't tell them what to do. I'm their Sensei too." Johnny snapped.

Daniel snapped back, "Well, then, end the fight."

"Why?"

"Because my mother died!" Tory yelled, tears in her eyes.

Cameron's face fell and her throat dried up. On reflex, she grasped at her chest.

For a moment everyone stopped, devested not just by the news but the pain in Tory's voice.

Daniel stepped forward, "Tory. I'm... I'm so sorry for your loss. But we can't continue this fight. This is not the time."

Tory gritted, "Yes, it is. Yes, it is. I have to fight now."

"Oh, um," Cameron shakily spoke. "Don't fight."

Betrayed, Tory looked at her, "What?"

"Don't fight. Not now. It's not right." Cameron uttered, speaking from experience.

"So you can win?!" Tory hissed.

Cameron harshly retorted, "Because you shouldn't win this way!"

"If Nichols wants to fight, she should." Johnny cut in, But Cameron rapidly shook her head.

"Johnny. We'll find another way to appoint the captain." Daniel tried.

"Find a way? No. No! You do not understand. None of you understand!" Tory screamed.

Cameron shredded a tear, "I understand."

"Then tell them you want to fight," Tory's throat was raw as she spoke. "My mom would have wanted this. You get that right," Cameron didn't nod. "If you understand me then tell them! I have to do this. I have to do this for her."

Amanda tried, getting between the girls.

Cameron took a step back, staring at her shaking hands.

"I also know that you're not in the right headspace to decide," Amanda said softly.

Tory stepped back and accused, "You don't want me to beat Cameron." Amanda sadly shook her head at this. "Because she's closer to you. When push comes to shove, you're gonna choose her over me."

"No, it's not that, Tory," Daniel argued.

Amanda assured her, "Hey, we're not taking sides."

"You sure about that?" Johnny lightly scoffed, confusing Cameron.

"What the hell?!" She snapped. Feeling more tears stream down her face. She roughly wiped them away. "You know that fighting won't solve this!" She yelled at him. "Remember when you let me -- when you told me to work through my shit and my grief, remember what that caused!"

Johnny guilty turned away, as she choked back the memories that flashed through their minds.

Miguel stepped forward. His heart broke at the sight of her.

"You want this fight to be over?" Tory screamed, "Fine. It's over."

She stormed away, through the crowds, ignoring her boyfriend and friends.

Cameron gulped, and followed her, shrugging off Miguel's hand that reached for her to stop.

"Tory!" She ran to where she was in the front of the building. "Stop."

Tory turned on her heel, angrily glaring at her. "Why?! Why didn't you have my back in there? You get how I feel. You still feel it so why didn't fight for this?"

"Because it won't make you feel better." Cameron rushed out.

Tory snarled, "It didn't make you feel better."

"Look at you! You just lost your mom and you want to fight." Cameron exclaimed.

"You don't get to dictate what I do. How I grieve. I found her on the ground lying there motionless." Tory cried. "And you expect me not to fight." She scoffed. "Maybe you don't understand me. You cannot relate to me because you constantly have people in your corner."

"I'm in your corner," Cameron reassured, stepping forward.

But Tory stepped back.

"No. I had one person and now they're gone. It's not the same." Tory swallowed the emotions lodged in her throat and scowled at her friend. Her friend saw her better than anyone at this moment. And she hated it. "Because I'll be better at coping than you."

Cameron staggered back, the blistering words felt like a blow to her stomach. And instead of crying, she simply stared in gut-wrenching shock when Tory stormed away.

The dojo turned to see Cameron eventually trudge back in, eyes bloodshot and mouth shut. Johnny wanted to say something but he couldn't, he was too angry from his confrontation with Daniel.

Miguel and Eli stepped forward, but she shook her head. Robby wanted to ask about Tory, and so did Amanda.

"I think..." Cameron tried, gaining everyone's attention. "To make it fair. Me and Sam should —"

"No." Sam shut it down. "No more fighting."

Cameron was too mentally strung out to argue. So she nodded. She could barely register Daniel and Johnny standing on the podium.

"Training for the Sekai Taikai has been hard on all of us." The former started, "But now training is over. While most of you won't be going to Barcelona, we know you'll be there with us in spirit."

Johnny said, "Since Tory won't be going with us, we've decided Hawk will take her spot."

They clapped for him, Cameron did her best to smile when he joined them.

Daniel announced, "You seven will be fighting for Miyagi-Do. It will be the toughest challenge you've faced yet. And to win, we're all gonna need to be there for each other."

"All of us. As a team." Johnny expressed.

"Captains, step forward," Daniel instructed. Robby and Cameron stood before them.

"Chris, bring up the official Sekai Taikai captain headbands," Johnny commanded, whilst he and Daniel stepped down from the podium.

When Chris came forward, Daniel unlocked the box with the headbands. He took one, Johnny did as well. Daniel decided it was best for him to place around Cameron's because of the tension Johnny created between them.

Cameron mustered up a smile as Daniel wrapped it around her braids. But doing so, Daniel stare narrowed at the logo.

Worried Sam asked, once he stepped back. "Dad, what's wrong?"

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

THE plane ride to Spain was uncomfortable. Not because of duration, but because of all the distance between people who were supposed to be close.

Miguel thought gummy worms at the bare minimum would cheer her up but she hadn't said much since they departed from the Valley. He had told Alexis he would take care of her. It had been hard but at least she finished the bag of candy.

When they arrived and left the airport. They all knew what they were harder to do. Fight better than ever.

Seeing their competition was eye-opening. It made it real.

The lights of the stadium were bright and shone on every one of them. Sending an orange hue over their white gi's. It was a packed event. All eyes were on them. But their excitement fell the moment they caught sight of a familiar and grating logo.

Cobra Kai.

The Korean students adorned black gi's but one in particular wore a smug smile. It would've been enough to irritate them, had Kreese and Kim not stepped out. The man was supposed to be gone. Cobra Kai was supposed to be finished. It had broken them.

But what was worse was that they weren't alone.

Tory had taken her spot between them. Seemingly unbothered whilst staring at her friends and old teammates.

Robby couldn't believe it. Sam was hurt. Miguel's gaze darkened with anger. The Sensei's appeared astonished.

Cameron's emotionless and unwavering stare didn't leave Tory. Not for a second.

Kreese chuckled at the faces of their opponents. "Let the games begin."

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END OF PART 1

a/n:

originally i was gonna have tory tell cameron about kreese returning but i didn't think they were as close for her to mention that. Instead, the argument between them was written differently. it was explosive but different and hurtful.

daniel was not in the wrong for stopping the fight. tory wasn't in her right mind and could've genuinely hurt sam for the 50th time. sure tory fans would say differently, but it was fair to stop the fight. besides everyone should've checked on her afterwards but didn't. that's the main issues and people need to leave daniel alone. yes, I'm shocked I'm defending this man, but had they all listened to him from the beginning a lot fewer people would've gotten hurt.