4.6.0

Chapter Sixty-Four: Moxie

"'Don't you talk out of line. Don't go speaking out of your turn. Gotta listen to what the man says.' Time to make his stomach burn."

~Double Dare Ya by Bikini Kill~

⭒⭒⭒

Revised: May 23, 2023

A/N: To avoid spoilers, watch Moxie on Netflix before reading this chapter. I promise the movie is worthwhile.

Warnings: abuse, addiction, anxiety, biphobia/homophobia, depression, domestic violence, slight eating disorder, language, panic attacks, sexual harassment/assault/abuse, violence, and other mature themes

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

"Welcome to Cobra Kai," I make my way through the crowd at the end of class and officially greet Piper.

"Thanks! I've been looking for a dojo, but Tory made it even simpler," Piper smiles.

I glance over at Tory with a small smile, but she's focused on her phone.

"So, you and Robby really are a thing? It's hard to tell what's true and what's not," she tries to make conversation.

"Yeah, yeah, he's great," I give a fond glance to where he trains Kenny.

"Well, I guess I should head out. I have to get to the gym before they close. I'll see you tomorrow," Piper goes to put on her shoes.

Robby and Kenny walk over to me and my boyfriend speaks up, "I was thinking we could do some post-workout milkshakes at the diner? And maybe bring Kenny along?"

"'Maybe?' You promised me," Kenny looks up at Robby playfully.

"Eh, like I said, 'Maybe,'" Robby smiles down at the boy and then looks back at me. "You in?"

"Actually, I have a group project to work on," I frown when I remember my responsibility. "I keep putting it off because of work or karate and I... I'm sorry."

Robby takes my hand, "Hey, it's okay. I just hope you aren't too busy for me later."

"Never," I pull him a little closer.

"Gross!" Kenny reminds us of his presence and pulls us apart with a laugh.

"What class are you-"

"Before you go," Sensei Silver emerges from the back room with Sensei Kreese and Tory and a couple others, "one last announcement."

We gather around and I see a paper in his hand that he looks down at. Sensei Kreese looks happy and I wonder what good news they have.

"The All Valley Tournament board has made some new rules for this year. There will be a point system, a skills competition, and two All Valley champions," Sensei Silver reads the paper.

I share a confused look with Robby, "Two champions?"

"There's a girls and a boys division," Sensei Silver explains. I stare in surprise as my heart sinks a little.

"Points will be rewarded to each dojo based on skills and fighters to crown the ultimate champion," Sensei Kreese adds.

"Wait, so the girls are fighting separate from the boys?" I ask as I glance at Tory, who also doesn't look too happy.

"Precisely," Sensei Silver smiles.

"What's the special skills thing?" Kyler speaks up.

Tory walks over to me as our senseis explain the technicalities.

"Why would they separate us from the guys? I can kick everyone in here's asses," Tory glances around. "I don't get it."

"They didn't separate you last tournament," Robby points out to me.

"I want to learn how to break cement blocks with my head!" Kyler cheers with a few other guys.

"Did they say why they're separating us?" I ask Sensei Kreese.

"No, they didn't specify," he shrugs in response.

"Who cares why? This is good news," Sensei Silver hands me the paper to look at. "Lawrence and Danny Boy don't have the fighters for both divisions. They should just hand us the trophy now."

Sensei Silver laughs and turns to Sensei Kreese, who smiles in agreement. I read over the stupid rules; Tory and Robby peer over my shoulder.

"We can discuss special skills tomorrow. Now you really are dismissed," Sensei Kreese announces.

The dojo begins to clear out as I reluctantly hand the paper back to Sensei Silver.

"This isn't what I had planned on," I walk away with Tory and Robby. "The dojos have separated and now we're not even competing against everyone?"

"It's not a fair fight," Robby notes.

"I mean, if it keeps us winning, then I guess it doesn't matter," Tory decides. "Besides, you already beat Sam and I know I can, too. Think of all the points we'll rack up to be the winning dojo."

"Yeah," I say with false enthusiasm.

"I'll see you tomorrow. I have to get to work," Tory gives me a small smile before walking off.

"What do you think you'll do for the skills competition?" Kenny rushes over to us. "I was thinking I'd do board breaking."

"That's a good idea. I guess I could do knife throwing," I decide.

"Woah, that's an option?" Kenny looks at me in shock.

"That's a perfect for you," Robby nods in approval. "I was thinking something kata related."

"Kata?" Sensei Silver walks over. "That doesn't earn you points in a fight. I'll bet you that LaRusso is setting up all his fighters to do kata."

"It's what I do best, Sensei," Robby says respectfully.

"We can make it even better," he gives my boyfriend a sly smile and I can see the plan on his face.

I wait for him to acknowledge my idea, but instead he pats Robby on the back proudly and then turns away. I frown a little.

"So, what class is your project for?" Robby asks as Kenny slides on his shoes.

"History. It's about contemporary propaganda," I explain. "I guess I'd better get going."

"Kenny, you ready for milkshakes?" Robby calls over to the boy.

"Do you even have to ask?" Kenny laughs in response. "I was born ready. Bye, Z."

"Bye, Kenny," I give him a fist bump before he turns to the door.

"See you tonight," Robby gives me a goodbye kiss quickly and rushes after Kenny.

I grab my things and glance back to see my senseis drinking in celebration over the news from today. I should be excited, right?

"Is there anything else, child?" Sensei Kreese walks out from the office by himself.

We haven't had any time to talk since Sensei Silver showed up, but it's nice having two senseis who care.

"No. I'll see you tomorrow," I bow to him and he does the same back to me.

I wearily note the beer in his hand before turning away to grab my stuff and head to Eva's. Apparently, she lives in Encino Hills.

⭒⭒⭒

"So, how does Rosie the Riveter influence us today?" Eva looks up from the assignment and over at us.

"She's the face of feminism," Jai shrugs. "Isn't that enough?"

"I think we should be more specific," I say as I read over the paper.

"She inspired women all over to become apart of the work force during a war when they were running low on men. Her inspiration lived on after the war when women started seeing that they can do things equal to men," Eva expands on Jai's thought as she looks at our textbook.

"Some might say that even continues into today's world," I say absentmindedly. All I can think about are those stupid new rules.

"It definitely does. Some men refuse to accept that we're still oppressed. Sure, we've had voting rights for a hundred years and got the right to open our own bank accounts fifty years ago, but we aren't entirely equal.  Women earn just over eighty percent of what a man does and we're not supposed to be angry?" Liv points out.

"We're supposed to be compliant," Eva sighs. "Do you know how hard I've had to work to get where I am academically? Probably twice as hard as Nathan Kane."

"Who?" Jai asks.

"He's the current salutatorian and Eva's current rival," Liv explains.

"Nathan is in our class, right?" I ask.

Eva nods, "Red hair, ugly brown glasses."

"I've had to work really hard in my dojo, too. There are now three girls total. That's it," I sigh in frustration.

"Three?" Jai looks at me. "You can't be serious."

"Oh, I'm serious," I nod.

"This is what I mean. My parents are Asian and expect the most from me and tell me to not let my gender hold me back, but I know girls who are told they can't do things like school or sports as well as guys," Eva agrees.

"My parents hold my brother in a higher regard than they do me. I'm supposed to find a boyfriend and he's supposed to become a doctor to support a family. What if I want to support a family, too?" Liv joins in. "Sorry, I'm a raging feminist."

"Don't apologize for wanting your rights. Everyone still treats me like I'm a girl, even though I make sure it's known that I'm non-binary. I even have a pronoun pin," Jai points to their book bag. "They're threatened by me breaking the gender norms."

"They should fear your power," Eva says.

"What's on your mind, Z?" Liv turns to me.

I look over at them in surprise, "It's just weird to be talking about feminism so explicitly. I don't have a lot of people to talk to about this stuff."

"Talk to us," Jai encourages me.

"You don't want to hear about my karate drama," I tell them.

"We're here. We're listening," Jai gives me a soft smile.

"Okay, uh, the karate tournament board came out with new rules today. They decided to divide the competition up by sex so that females and males compete separately," I explain without making eye contact.

"Wait, what?" Jai asks. "Am I high or did you just say that they're taking you back to the nineteenth century?"

"Both?" Liv whispers to Jai who laughs.

"Yeah, so there are two tournament winners, which takes away the glory of being the best of the best. It also makes me feel like shit," I frown. "I can't even describe why it bothers me so much. Everyone says it'll give Cobra Kai a better shot at winning, though, so I shouldn't be mad."

"Karate is like your math club," Eva nods in understanding. "I couldn't imagine going to states in a different division... especially since there wouldn't be many other girls in the first place. It takes away the fun of seeing the guys get frustrated with me."

"It's unfair that they can do that. I mean, how long has that stupid karate thing been going on for anyway?" Jai questions.

"Fifty-one years," I answer.

"Holy shit!" they exclaim. "You mean to tell me that they didn't have enough fem-aligned people sign up for them to make separate divisions until this year?"

"That's just it. I competed last year and so did my friend, Aisha, and we were just fine," I frown. "I don't understand the sudden change."

"Change it back," Liv shrugs.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

"We could do our project on the karate tournament," Liv smiles. "Kill two birds with one stone!"

"I like it. I could add 'activist' to my college resume," Eva nods.

"Wait-"

"Come on! Let's stick it to the man," Jai smiles. "We could start a revolution."

"A karate revolution!" Liv cheers. "Who's in?"

"Me!" Jai jumps up proudly.

"Me, too. It's time I do something other than schoolwork," Eva stands up.

"Z?" Liv has everyone turn to look at me.

"I don't know the first thing about a revolution," I shake my head. "I'm lucky if I pass this class."

"You will pass this class, I guarantee," Eva gives me a hopeful smile. "The revolution part is just a bonus."

"We need to show her Moxie," Liv tells Eva.

"What's Moxie?" I ask and a chorus of gasps surround me.

⭒⭒⭒

Tears stream down my face as Jai and Eva clutch my hands and Olivia holds Jai's. I watch as the person who wrote the note reveals herself.

"...Mitchell Wilson raped me," the girl onscreen steps up.

I stare in shock as my body begins to shake in a way I didn't know possible. It's dead silent in the room and on the screen as she tells her speech, her truth.

"Hey, it's okay," Eva cuddles even closer to me.

"Oh, Z, I cried when I first saw it, too," Liv shares.

I try to blink away my tears because I feel so seen and invincible. Everyone rallied together in support and I realize that I want to fight for that.

"I never cry," Jai whispers and I see them wiping their tears.

"Let it out," I tell them and, honestly, myself.

I feel safe in our cuddle pile. I feel like I could tell my story right now, but instead I cower away again. I barely know these guys; I have to be careful. Who knows what would happen if the wrong person got this information?

⭒⭒⭒

I read through the All Valley Karate Tournament Rule Book as Robby showers. Eva says we hold more power if we're educated, so I'm doing homework in bed at ten o'clock at night.

Suddenly, a towel is tossed over my head and I shriek while slapping it off. It's wet, too. I throw it back at the culprit as he laughs.

"What are you reading?" Robby jumps in bed next to me.

"The tournament's rule book," I shut it closed. "Do you think it's unfair that we're competing in separate divisions now?"

"Yeah, it's stupid," he props himself up on his hand, "but imagine you being the All Valley girls' champion. Imagine both of us being the champions."

"But, like-"

My thought is ruined as Robby planks himself on top of me and presses a kiss on my lips.

"We'd be the winners together," he says seductively. I'm not up for this right now.

"I want it to be fair. I want to win because I'm the best around and not because it was easier to beat only half of the competitors. I've been in a dojo full of guys since I first started. Johnny," I wince at the mention in front of Robby and he rolls off of me, "didn't even want me or Aisha to be on the team because he was so sexist. Even our current senseis don't seem phased by the sexist change."

"I don't know if it's personal," Robby shrugs.

"It is. Think about girls' soccer. You never learn about their champions or their victories, but you always know about Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't want to work my ass off just to be a nameless girl that is overshadowed by a man."

"I understand," he sits up with me, "but I don't know what we can do about it."

"That's why I'm reading the rule book. The project I'm working on is for history class so we can prove a point about the need for feminism today," I tell him. "Eva thinks we might be able to get a petition going to bring to the All Valley Board. We can break the system's sexism and help them realize that we are past putting genders into boxes and determining what you can or can't do based on your sex given at birth."

Robby just smiles widely as I speak and it worries me.

"What? Did I say something funny?" I ask.

"No, I... you... you say you're dumb and then I see your passion about something like this..." Robby stares at me in awe.

I blush, "It's nothing."

"It's everything to you, Zion. You're exceptional," he pulls me in for a kiss.

His teeth nibble my lip and I moan into his mouth happily. My hands run over his body and I push him underneath me now. We break away as I lean over him and his hands relax on my waist.

I don't want to push myself too far with him tonight. I made it through kissing him without a panic attack. That's a big step for me.

"I'm going to shower," I sit up slowly.

He whines playfully, "Five more minutes?"

"Robby, I have to shower," I try to stand up.

His hands grab my wrists to pull me in for another kiss, but I jerk them away in fear.

"No," I tell him. "I have to shower."

He stares at me in concern, but then sits back and obeys my wishes.

"Sorry," I apologize. "I don't..."

"It's okay. You said 'no.' You don't have to explain," he settles under the covers.

The thing is, I want to be more intimate with him. I can feel his slight frustration and I honestly share it. I want him to understand why I won't let him touch me under my shirt or why I won't go further than a few minute make out session. I just can't put the words into my vocabulary.

I slip into the shower and put a playlist Jai sent the group on shuffle. It's filled with songs inspired by Moxie, which is now one of my favorite movies. I have to believe in myself and the others so we can make change.

⭒⭒⭒

I finish the rule book at lunch. I never knew I could be so motivated to read on my own.

The guide says nothing about women competing separate from men. The book was updated a couple years ago and became gender neutral. What the board is doing is almmost illegal.

"Are you studying for the tournament?" Big Red looks over at me with a smile.

"Something like that," I mutter as I set it to the side and look at my disgusting school lunch.

"Shit," I hear one of the Cobras say.

I look up and see Kyler standing across from Miguel, Sam, Demetri, Chris, Mitch, and the other Miyagi-Dos and Eagle Fangs. I look at Miguel and remember what I said.

"Go sit down, Kyler," Sam glares at him with a familiar look. I feel the same way about him.

"Oh, come on, princess. You remember you were a prude when I dated you, right?" Kyler smirks.

I tense as I watch the interaction go down and the other Cobras smiling.

"For wanting basic respect?" Miguel speaks up. I smile slightly.

"You turned her into a slut, 'Rhea. That's one thing you did right," he laughs with some others.

I stand up from the cafeteria seat and storm over there before anyone else can do anything.

"What the hell did you just say?" I appear beside him and try to momentarily mask my anger.

I see the group beside Miguel shift away from me in fear as I face them and glance at Kyler.

"I called her a slut because that's what she is," Kyler repeats proudly.

I look at Miguel and then Sam. She looks ready to punch him. Not here.

"Kyler, my clit is bigger than your dick, so how about you check your misogyny and go sit down?" I challenge him as I start to get angry.

Demetri's jaw drops as everyone around us looks at Kyler with a small smile.

"But..." Kyler looks at me with a loss for words. "You're defending her-"

"I'm not calling her a slut," I argue and try to ignore Sam's stare.

"These hoes are wack," Kyler glances around himself before turning away and going back to his lunch table.

I stare awkwardly at Sam, and she looks back at me as I glance at Demetri. He glances at me as I drift my gaze to Miguel and see him smiling slightly. Demetri is the first to turn away. Sam stays.

"I didn't need your help," the LaRusso girl addresses me.

"I know," I shrug. "But, with guys like him, he'll only listen to someone he fears."

She stares at me and we don't break eye contact.

"I could have handled that myself."

I glance at Miguel and then back at her, "You didn't need to."

We share a look; it feels like a look of respect. Just for a moment. I don't hate her any less, except... maybe this is us finding decency for each other, even through our differences?

We're both women who have faced his bad side. We have a common enemy: the patriarchy. Moxie showed me that and so did Miguel.

We will never be friends, obviously, but I recognize our one similarity and sympathize because I've been in her place and so many worse places. I wouldn't wish what Adam did on even my worst enemy.

"Besides," I glance over her shoulder and at Demetri, "I have no tolerance for sexist shit."

I take two steps backwards without turning away and see Sam doing the same. Finally, we both turn our backs to each other and I head towards the Cobra tab1le.

Everybody there looks unhappy with me, except for Piper who sits on top of the table with a small smile.

I join her on the tabletop and Kyler glares at me for a minute before leaving the cafeteria. Some of the others follow suit, but I smile a little when I see Edwin and two others stay contently.

"I love your energy," Piper tells me as she eats an apple slice.

⭒⭒⭒

"Everyone will submit their topic of choice today," Ms. Hale addresses the class.

I sit with my group and smile at the comfort I feel. I've learned more about all of them. Jai's parents divorced when they were seven, Eva's parents are almost never home, and Liv told us that she's bi-romantic and asexual but has conservative parents. I told them my dad passed away and I find myself not regretting it. We're growing closer.

"We chose the political cartoon about how evil communism is and are using it to explain that socialism is still bad today," one group of guys explains.

I roll my eyes and glance at Eva, who looks ready to argue with them.

Ms. Hale moves onto our group and Eva smiles proudly, "We chose Rosie the Riveter and are relating her impact to what change we need today for fem-aligned rights."

"Rights? You guys already have rights," one of the boys from the other group chuckles.

"Oh, really? Then why is Roe v. Wade about to be overturned?" Eva asks them.

Ms. Hale turns to the group for their response, just as the majority of the women in the class do. I see Moon look over in question as she sits beside another group of cheerleaders, including Jenna. It doesn't sting anymore and now I'm just glad they agree with Eva's point.

"Because it's killing babies," one responds.

"We don't have to debate with you," another says.

"I actually think this could be a good exercise for the class. Let's have an informal debate," Ms. Hale smiles. "Eva's group versus Jack's group."

All eyes fall on me and I glance over to see Miguel's group looking at me in surprise.

"Come on up to the front. Don't be shy," she tells us as we separate in front of the classroom.

I move to the back of the four as Eva steps up. I'm definitely not academically gifted.

"Why should a fetus' life matter more than mine?" Eva begins.

"Yours is intentional murder to a baby. Not all pregnancies are life-threatening," Jack counters.

"We shouldn't have to explain our situations for you to debate over if we deserve bodily autonomy," Eva argues.

"My uterus, my choice," Jai joins in. I see some of the girls in the class nod.

"We're legalizing murder," a boy, Ben, speaks up. "The Bible says, 'Thou shalt not kill.'"

Some of the boys of the class egg him on. I roll my eyes.

"And, yet, we have guns in the country," Liv says.

"Under The Constitution."

"Religious freedoms are also protected in The Constitution," she explains.

"Exactly. I'm Christian and it goes against my religion."

"But, your religion shouldn't dictate everything everyone else believes. Besides, nowhere in the Bible does it say that you can't have an abortion," Eva says. "Other people have other religions that have different views than you."

"The pledge says, 'one nation under God,' for a reason. We are a Christian country."

"I bet you think all immigrants are illegal," Jai says in surprise.

I glance out at Miguel and see him beginning to get frustrated.

"There are thugs in this country that come in and sell drugs-"

"Me and my family aren't thugs," Miguel stands up.

"This isn't your debate!" Jack looks at him. "Ms. Hale?"

The teacher sighs, "Miguel, you'll get your chance another time."

He sits down and Sam consoles him. I feel Demetri's stare burning through me. Eli still hasn't come back to school. I feel badly for Miguel.

"Like I was saying, our roots are Christian."

"Your roots are from the labor of my ancestors in slavery," Jai argues. "Your roots are from usurping indigenous land. Your roots are white supremacy and patriarchal ideals. The American Dream is a joke."

I smile proudly at my friend as the class all have mixed reactions.

"It's not my fault what happened back then."

"So, try to be better now."

"Look, I am. I'm a good guy. I'm not racist and I don't consider myself homophobic or sexist."

"You don't?" Liv asks.

"No, I don't. You ladies just need to understand that it's not all men," he continues.

I freeze at the mention of that statement. It's enough to make me nauseous.

"I'm non-binary, asshole," Jai gets angry.

"Language," Ms. Hale says quietly from the side.

"Oh, that's a big word!" another taunts.

"Shut up," Liv defends them. "The least you can do is respect them."

"We're getting off topic. Abortion revolves around the right to bodily autonomy," Eva directs us back on course.

"In no circumstance is killing a baby okay."

"You act like we're trying to slaughter babies as they come out of our wombs after undergoing pregnancy for nine months," Eva laughs dryly. "I mean, do you even hear yourselves?"

"That's essentially what's happening."

Jai sighs, "If the baby is kept, will the government treat the fetus as a person? Will they grow up in a safe environment that is ensured by the government? Are you pro-life or just pro-birth? Because, you argue that shooting people is okay and don't do anything to improve healthcare or the lower class."

"Having a gun is my right protected by the Constitution. It helps me feel safe at home and it gives my family a sense of security. What doesn't make me feel safe is the death of innocent lives."

"So, you'd never agree with a woman choosing to have an abortion?" Liv asks.

"No, never."

"No uterus, no opinion," Liv counters.

"If the baby is a girl, does she not have a choice? Abortion has no morality. It's never okay."

"Even in cases of sexual assault?" My voice croaks out of my throat unexpectedly and I regret it immediately.

I feel everyone's eyes on me as Ben tries to find the words to answer my question.

My hand slightly shakes, and Eva grabs it to help. Still, I pull away in fear of being touched and keep my head down.

"I mean, doesn't a woman have a natural defense system to stop the pregnancy after being raped?" Jack ignorantly questions.

I squeeze my eyes tight and pretend I'm not here. I pretend that this isn't the current topic of discussion.

"No, you dumb fuck!" Liv exclaims.

"I mean, what if she was asking for it?" Jack continues and digs a deeper grave.

Eva continues to talk over the boys who try to talk over her, "Our reproductive parts don't have defense mechanisms for being overpowered and..."

I watch as he moves his hands to his pants to pull them down and it hits me: He's going to rape me.

"Okay!" Ms. Hale snaps us all to attention. "This has gotten way out of hand."

I see Eva and Jack in each other's faces and I wonder how long I zoned out for.

"Let's take our seats and I'll finish going around the class," she shrugs in regret. "If we ever debate again, we will have parameters."

"You should always set rules," Demetri reminds her.

I walk over to her and keep my voice to a low whisper, "Can I go to the bathroom?"

"Of course," she nods.

I walk out like nothing is wrong and walk down the hallway until I find the unexpected comforts of the disgusting public school bathroom.

I take my phone out of my back pocket and call the dojo. Maybe Sensei can help somehow. I feel bad for bothering Robby again.

"Hello?" the voice asks.

"Sensei Kreese?" I ask.

"No, Sensei Silver. Is that you, Star?" he asks in concern.

"Oh," I try to think about what to say. "Hi, sorry, I... I shouldn't have called."

"Talk to me," he suggests.

"I've just had a rough day, but they happen and I'll be okay. Don't worry," I try to stay strong for him.

"Do you need to get out of school?" he suggests.

"No, I don't think-"

"I'll have my assistant call the office and pretend to be your mother. No questions asked."

And with that, he ends the call and I stand dumbfounded in the bathroom. I'm glad to be getting out of school, truly.

I just fear that Sensei Kreese told him everything... I don't know how to feel about that.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Apologies for slow updates!

Also, if you didn't see my announcement, I know for sure who Zion's endgame match is. Don't hate me when you find out who it is in the final chapter of this season, pretty please.

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