Chapter Nineteen: Edge of Seventeen

"So with the slow, graceful flow of age I went forth with an age old desire to please on the edge of seventeen."

~Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks~

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Revised: July 10, 2022

Warnings: abuse, domestic violence, sexual harassment/assault, language, violence, and other mature themes

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Zion's POV

My eyes flutter open when I smell something sweet. I take a deep breath of what smells like... syrup? I turn to look at the clock to see it's 7:05am. I sit up and grab my phone, only to see it's already blowing up with messages.

Jess to Z: Happy birthday !! I miss you. Call me later

Brian to Z: happy birthday bitchhh;)

Katie to Z: happy happy birthday! come visit us sometime soon

Reid to Z: Happy birthday, grandma 

Robby to Z: Happy Birthday! I know it's probably a rough day since it's the first year without him, so I'm here if you need anything 

Robby to Z: image

I look at the attached image and see it's of Robby and I one year ago yesterday. I smile at the memory, remembering that we had to meet up the day before my birthday because I spent my whole birthday with my dad. Plus, Robby wasn't able to be with me in Santa Maria on my actual birthday. 

The picture of me from a year ago is like a different person. She had brown hair that was shorter than it is now. She was definitely sad from her dad being in the hospital, but she still had hope and her innocence, it seemed. 

This year I've lost a lot, but I've also gained a lot. When I first moved here, I was apprehensive to make new friends. But then I met Miguel and then Eli and then Aisha and then I joined Cobra Kai. Now, I have a brotherhood and sisterhood with everybody. I'm not saying I like change in the slightest, but I am thankful for what I have now.

While I know today is my birthday, I don't want to make a big deal about it. I probably won't even mention it to Hawk's parents. Besides, I have Cobra Kai to focus on today. Sensei learned from Aisha that the Miyagi-Do dojo is doing a presentation at Valley Fest tonight and he's ready to strike back. So, we're putting on a show and we have to figure out what to put in it. I put on a cute top with leggings and make my way downstairs. 

"Happy birthday," a voice says from behind me before I descend on the stairs. I turn and see my boyfriend smiling at me. 

"Thank you," I blush as he walks over and pulls me in for a kiss. "This early?" I ask before our lips connect.

"Oh," he backs away and I laugh at his face.

"I was just kidding. Come here," I pull him in for a passionate kiss. At least I have somebody to have a good day with. 

"My mom made you pancakes with syrup and whipped cream," Hawk says.

"She did? That's so nice of her. It's like when I first stayed over here," I recall and Hawk nods. He definitely has a sentimental side. I smile at that, until I realize she knows it's my birthday. "Wait, did you tell her?"

"Both of my parents know," Hawk says and I frown. "I just want to make this day special."

"I know. I just didn't want anybody to know," I say.

"Why?" he asks.

"Making a big deal out of it... I just hate that. On my birthday it was my dad and I hanging out. When it was one of our birthdays, we would go to the bakery and get a big cake and split it. When he was healthier, we went to play mini golf and ride go-karts. But now..." I trail off, already feeling sad. It's only seven am. I need to get it together.

Hawk's arms wrap around me, pulling me closely to his chest. I can't help it when a few tears escape and I hold him tightly back. We stay like this for a minute.

It reminds me of when I first met Eli and he came to the janitor's closet looking for me. He didn't know what to say, so he pulled me in for a hug I didn't want to admit I needed. It puts me at ease knowing there's still some Eli in Hawk. I knew then that this boy would be important, but little did I know he'd be everything to me now.

"I love you," I say into his chest.

"I love you, too," he says into my hair. After another thirty seconds, I pull away slowly,

"I'm ready to eat." He takes my hand and we walk downstairs together. I got my crying for the day done and I can't express how thankful I am for Hawk.

"Happy birthday!" Paul cheers when I make it down there. I see a balloon is blown up for me and tied to a chair. 

"Thank you," I say. Hawk sits me in the balloon chair and then sits beside me. 

"How does it feel to be seventeen?" Paul asks me.

"I don't feel much different," I say and he laughs.

"Happy birthday, Z," Hawk's mom walks in.

"Thanks," I say. She sets a plate of pancakes on the table and we all serve ourselves. I put some whipped cream on my stack of pancakes, take a big bite, and hum in enjoyment.

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We walk into the dojo to see everybody in their street clothes, with the exception of their shoes, of course. I'm in leggings and my Cobra Kai t-shirt with my purple hair pulled into a messy bun.

"Happy birthday!" I'm tackled in a hug by Miguel.

I laugh and hug him back, "Thanks, Miggie."

"Happy birthday, Z," Aisha comes over.

"Thank you," I smile.

"We got you a gift," Miguel says.

"You didn't have to," I say as Aisha grabs her bag. I didn't want a big deal made out of this.

"We wanted to," Miguel says.

"Here," Aisha hands me a little box. I open it and see a beautiful gold snake ring. It's made to coil around my finger a few times with the head at one end and the tail at the other. 

"Oh my God," I gasp, taking it out of the box. It's gorgeous.

"We pulled all of our money together," Aisha says.

"We wanted the perfect gift for you," Miguel tells me. "It was my idea to give you the ring; I figured you're so badass that you deserved a ring to match."

"And this is only part of your gift from me," Hawk tells me. I feel really happy. Like, I could burst with excitement,

"But how did you get it on such short notice?" I ask.

"We planned it last night after Hawk mentioned it," Miguel says.

"And then I got it from Jared this morning," Aisha tells me.

"Jared?" I ask in astonishment and they nod. "This is my new favorite thing ever. Thank you," I say and pull them all in for a hug. I have to force my tears to stay in. I have the best friends ever. When we pull away, I put the ring back into the box for safe keeping. Then, I turn to Hawk and gently press a kiss to his lips.

"You had no idea, did you?" he asks me.

"No clue," I shake my head.

"Good," he kisses me this time. 

"You're all the best," I turn back to Miguel and Aisha.

"I know," Miguel nods.

"Happy Birthday, Z," Sensei walks by me with a smile as he emerges from his office.

"Thank you, Sensei."

"All right. Today we plan our Valley Fest performance," Sensei announces to the group. We automatically move into our lines as he continues talking, "We'll highlight everyone's strengths, especially the original Cobra Kai members. That's Miguel, Aisha, Z, and Hawk. And a few others, too, I'm sure. You four are my strongest fighters, so we will find something for each of you to do."

I smile, glad for a moment in the spotlight.

"Can I break a board with that kick I've been working on?" Hawk asks.

"You mean the one where you flip and break the board?" Sensei asks and Hawk nods.

"Yes, Sensei," he says.

"Yeah, that's badass," Sensei says and Hawk smiles proudly. "Mr. Diaz, we'll start off with everyone sparring each other and eventually you end up the champ, just like in the tournament. Got it?" Sensei asks my best friend who nods. "Now, Z, can you do gymnastics?"

"Why? 'Cause I'm a girl?" 

"I guess so. I'm trying to think of something impressive and different and I don't know many male gymnasts here," he says. I nod, his point being fair.

"I mean, I can do a cartwheel and maybe a back handspring, but nothing special," I say, remembering when Katie, Jess, and I would goof off together.

"She's really flexible," Aisha says.

"That's true. You're also good with your kicks," Sensei compliments me.

"What about that move Robby Keene did at the All Valley? He balanced on one hand or whatever. That's super cool," Hawk says. I see Sensei tense at the mention of his son, but then brush it off.

"That is very cool," Aisha agrees.

"I don't know. I've never done that before, though," I frown.

"I know how to do it," a voice speaks up. We look over to see Mr. Kreese is who spoke up.

Sensei walks over to Kreese to talk and after a moment, I hear Sensei say, "Fine. A trial run." He turns back to us, "Z, Mr. Kreese is going to teach you how to do the kick and add some awesomeness to it." I smile with a nod.

"I want to break boards," Aisha says.

"How about breaking boards blind folded?" Sensei asks and she nods with a smile. "All right, Cobras! Lots of work to figure out today. Let's go!"

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"No, you need to have control over your balance more," Mr. Kreese says and I sigh in frustration.

"It isn't wanting to happen and it won't happen," I say.

"Defeat does not exist in this dojo, Z," Mr. Kreese says firmly. "You want to be the best Cobra Kai has to offer? Never settle and show no mercy."

"It just seems impossible," I say. I look around me to see Hawk using Douchebag as a mount for his kick and getting up into the air easily. Why am I not getting it that easily? Even Robby seemed to do it easily.

"Impossible. I say it is possible. Focus. Channel your anger into this kick," Mr. Kreese says, not happy with my attitude.

I stand up and think about why I'm even here. I joined because life is unfair and I need to take control of it. I joined because everything else in my life was gone besides Cobra Kai and the friends I've made through it.

"You're right. I can do this," I prep for the handstand.

I move into a regular handstand and then slowly lift one arm off the ground, focusing on my determination to be here and be the best. My arm moves all the way out and I close my eyes, forcing myself to hold my position. I straighten my legs as I try not to wobble.

"Good. Keep your balance." I keep my muscles strong. "Very good, Z. Much better." I carefully fall out of it and have to relax my arm muscles a moment. "Again."

I guess he won't let me stop until he's satisfied. I see a few people looking at me as I train. Maybe I can combine what I know with what I'm learning. It never hurts to be a little dramatic sometimes, anyway.

"Do you mind if I try something?" I ask and he shrugs. I move to be away from people. I take a moment to remember how Katie did it. I mark through it and then take the leap of faith. Before I know it, I land perfectly. I just did a back handspring for the first time in a year or more!

"Holy shit!" Miguel says with a smile. The rest of the students come over to watch me.

"What's going on?" Sensei asks and I assume he missed it when he was working with Hawk.

"Show them," Mr. Kreese says and I nod, finding my spacing again and pushing some of them out of the way. This time I decide to amp it up, visualizing the process before I go into it.

I prep again, not sure if I'm ready for this because I've done it only once before with Katie when I visited her dance class. Regardless, I prep and do my back handspring again, controlling my legs to spread as I jump back. I land in a perfect middle split, a bit shocked I even did that.

The Cobras cheer for me and I stand up with a smile, bowing and basking in the applause.

"See, that was badass! That's what I'm talking about!" Sensei yells and they all cheer.

"Thanks. I'm going to try to work it into the move Mr. Kreese is teaching me," I explain.

"Can't wait to see it," Sensei says. "Okay, get back to work everybody."

Hawk comes over to me, "That was fucking amazing, Z."

"Very nice work," Mr. Kreese says and I smile, wondering why his approval means so much to me.

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Robby to Zion: I have a karate presentation at Valley Fest if you wanna come see me. Maybe we could hand out after, too?

I stare at the text in shock. I'm warming up with my team and I didn't expect Robby to text me that he's a part of Miyagi-Do. Does Sensei Lawrence know? I ignore the text for now, clearing it so nobody sees it. I shake out my nerves and stretch.

"You're going to be amazing tonight," Aisha comes over with a smile.

"No, we are," I correct her and she nods excitedly.

"All right. Formations. Z and Miguel in front, Hawk with Aisha behind them, and then I don't really care after that," Sensei says. Mr. Kreese already went to the sound and light boards.

"Sensei, can I be in front?" Hawk asks. He's especially nervous because his dad is coming tonight - his mom had no choice but to work, though. This is the first time his dad will see him kick ass.

"No, it looks awesome to have a chick in front," Sensei dismisses the idea and Hawk frowns. 

"It's okay. I'm just a better fighter than you," I smirk and he shoves my shoulder.

"You wish," he groans.

"Don't worry. Your dad will be impressed no matter where you stand," I assure him. He nods, gripping my waist and pulling me in for a deeper kiss. Our lips are about to connect when-

"Formations!" Sensei yells and I pull away from Hawk with a frown. We get into our lines to enter, me up front with Miguel as told. I hold Hawk's hand until it's our turn to run in. "All right, they're getting ready for the grand finale. Start running in!"

"Cobra Kai!" we all yell and see the crowd turn towards us as we chant and run to the stage set up for us. "Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!"

The crowd cheers as we make it to the stage and I see Moon wave at me to which I smirk. The Cobra Kai banner falls down on the stage as we make it up there. I'm in front with Miguel and Hawk, demonstrating the moves Sensei gave us. Between the music flashing, the sparks effects, and the crowd cheering, I feel like a rockstar.

"Cobras! Show them what real karate looks like," Sensei says. This is when Miguel takes all of us down. I take down a few of my peers with different kicks and even punches. When I turn to Miguel, I let him take me down - but not easily. I fall and not long after, Hawk falls. The crowd is still cheering and I smile.

We get up after a moment, a few of the Cobras holding up boards as Aisha gets blindfolded. I look over to see Sam upset. Then, I see Robby beside of Sam with a look of disbelief on his face and I remember we just crashed his performance. I feel kind of badly, but LaRusso shouldn't have attacked our dojo in his commercial. Aisha finishes breaking the boards and whips off the blindfold proudly.

Hawk is up next. He looks into the audience and grabs Demetri. He hands him a board and I kind of wish Hawk would miss and kick Demetri. Is that wrong? Douchebag and Hawk get into position. Hawk does his amazing flip kick and breaks the board, surprising Demetri. Fucking awesome.

Hawk smiles proudly and Sensei pushes me onto the stage. Hawk walks towards where I am and kisses my cheek before I do my part. I'm not nervous, but that would've cured my nerves. I go center stage as Demetri gets back into the audience and Assface stands opposite of me.

I take a breath and focus before doing a back handspring into a backbend into the handstand, one hand up and out. Then I kick and propel myself backwards, kicking Assface down and then landing in a middle split. It all goes so quickly. The crowd goes wild and I smile.

After a moment, I stand up and everybody joins me to throw merch with the logo on it out to the crowd. I see Assface struggle to get up and I feel even more powerful. And I have Mr. Kreese to thank for pushing me to do this.

Next up is Sensei's demonstration. Five blocks of cement are stacked on bigger cement blocks. "Cobras, light it up," he says.

I watch as one puts the lighter fluid and the other lights it with the blowtorch. The fire grows and then Sensei punches through all of them. The crowd is ecstatic at this.

"Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!" the crowd chants as we fall in beside Sensei - Miguel on one side of him and me on the other and Hawk joins next to me. I take Hawk's hand proudly.

I smile in accomplishment, but then my eyes meet Robby's across on the other stage. He looks really upset and I have to admit I wish he was over here with us and not with Sam and her snobby dad.

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Robby's POV

I check my phone for any response from Zion, but there's nothing. I'm about to go onstage for the Miyagi-Do presentation and I have to admit that I'm nervous.

"Are you ready?" Sam asks as she drills the kata again and again.

"I guess," I shrug as I look at Zion's Instagram filled with pictures of her at Cobra Kai and with Hawk and Miguel.

"Zion is your ex, right?" Sam glances at my phone screen.

I shut it off in embarrassment. "We never put a label on things. We were just... hanging out." Much to my dismay. "Maybe don't tell your dad I'm still in contact with one of the Cobra Kais?"

"Hey," she smiles, "whoever you talk to is none of my business." She echoes what I said the other day when she was talking to Miguel.

"Let's get ready," Mr. LaRusso comes over in his gi.

I watch Sam as she grabs a bo staff. Training with her has been fun. I guess I'm feeling conflicted about how I feel about her since I know I still have feelings for Zion.

I move centerstage as we get into formation. We start with basic kata and then move into the bo staff movement. Then, we bow and I can hear the immense applause for us. I look over at Sam proudly.

"And now for the grand finale."

I can't help but scan the crowd for Zion. I don't see her.

The power suddenly goes out on our set. I look to Mr. LaRusso, but he seems focused on the screams.

"Cobra Kai!"

I clench my jaw when I see Miguel leading the Cobra Kais in... with Zion next to him. I blink a few times to make sure what I'm seeing is correct.

"What the hell is going on here?" Mr. LaRusso asks.

They take over another stage with lights, music, and more hands-on karate. They're completely lacking principals. I don't know how Zion can be a part of that.

My dad comes center eventually and breaks cement blocks lit on fire into pieces with his bare hands. I feel the anger bubbling in my chest.

Then, the other Cobras join him and I see his proud smile as Miguel whispers something to him. I can't even look at my dad or Zion, who's now holding hands with Hawk.

I turn away in dismay. This wasn't at all how tonight was supposed to go. I walk to the back of the stage to find my skateboard so I can get out of here.

"Robby, Robby, wait, don't go," Sam calls after me. I'm already gone.

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Sooo, season 3 is out and I can't even explain how good it was! If anybody wants to talk about it, just message me. It's so crazy that I'd love to talk to someone about it.