Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Star and Her Star

"I got you figured out. You need to have control. You think that I don't know you... Trying to tell you now, 'I've been doing what you want, but I won't be your yes girl, no, not anymore.'"

~Yes Girl by Bea Miller~

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

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Zion's POV: Last Sunday Morning

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

I groan as my eyes open to look at them, "Jess?"

"How are you feeling?" Jess sits on the floor beside the couch I'm on.

"What? Why am I here?" I ask in confusion.

"You came here last night," they explain. "You were kind of out of it."

"I'll say," I sigh as I sit up and hold my head. It throbs in pain. I touch my neck as I feel extreme pain, but pull my hands away immediately, "Ow."

"We had you collapse out here after taking pain meds and icing, but I think you need to see a doctor. Your neck is purple and brown." 

My heart wrenches as I remember Terry Silver betraying everything I ever knew about myself and ruining my life. 

"No," I argue about the doctor, "I can't go out of here. It's too dangerous. I-I can't."

The memories of last night flood back to me. I felt like I was in a haze as I ran away from the dojo and all the way to Shannon's to get my car.

"Who did this to you?" Jess questions in concern.

I let out a sob that hurts my lungs and I begin to cough.

"Mama Jaz left for work already, but Mama Liz is here if you need her," Jess assures me. "I'm going to get her to take you to the hospital, all right?"

"I can't."

"I've never seen you this... broken"

I drop my head in dismay and humiliation.

"Please, let me help. I don't think my crystals can mend all of this."

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We leave the hospital with an expensive bill and a bunch of prescriptions to fill. I feel so guilty.

"Can I have my phone back?" I ask Jess.

"No," they say, "you have a concussion."

"A mild concussion. They said it'll be gone in less than a week," I argue.

"I agree with Jess," Liz speaks up. She unlocks the car and we get in. "You're on bed rest for a while and no electronics."

"I can answer any and all texts and calls you want me to," Jess assures me.

"I don't feel like talking to anyone," I shake my head.

The look of concern Liz and Jess exchange doesn't go unnoticed by me.

"Going out anywhere has the risk of them finding me."

"You don't want to be found?" Jess turns to me in the back seat.

"Why would I? I mess everything up. I've done everything wrong. My dad would be so disappointed--"

"Zion," Jess becomes serious, "do we remember the same Andrew Ambrose?"

"What?" I ask softly.

"Your dad was the kindest person ever. He kept my 'magical rocks' in hopes that something would work for him. He'd give up everything for you. He accepted you and me and my moms. He kept your family together like glue. And, most of all, he couldn't be disappointed in you."

"He would if he'd seen what I've done."

I think about it all and how I went to the extremes. I assaulted people in the way my mom did, the way those boys did, and the way Terry Silver did. I even feel bad for hurting Demetri to the extent that I did and I don't think it's because of the concussion. I took things too far and ruined so much in my life because I let men get the best of me. Again.

"There's absolutely no way he would be disappointed in you. He loved you so much that you could do no wrong. And, even if you did, he'd forgive you and remind you to fix it by doing the right thing. He was a saint," they continue.

"'Was.' He's gone."

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Jess drives me to the Evans' household the next day. I insisted that it wasn't safe to be at their house with my car in the driveway. Eventually, Jaz  and Liz agreed with me and we made it here.

My head still pounds as the door opens.

"Surprise," Jess says.

Katie, Brian, and Reid stand at the door in shock.

"You're baaack!" Brain screams in excitement.

Jess steps between me and the trio, "Hold on. She's fragile. No more than a fist bump for now."

I frown at the reminder that I'm so weak and vulnerable. They obey the rules and I get three fist bumps.

"What happened?" Katie asks.

Reid obviously holds back the urge to pick me up in a bear hug, "Why are you here?"

"It's so great to see you all again," I avoid the question.

We make it into the house and I'm set in their dark guest room and the other four find seats on the bed and floor, too. Well, actually, only four of us are here.

"Where's Brian?" I ask.

"He's putting your car in the garage for safe keeping," Katie assures me. "Now, what's up?"

"You guys are still dating," I distract everyone when I see her and Reid holding hands.

"Yeah," Katie nods excitedly.

"I've had to put up with this sucker forever," Reid pulls her into his lap.

"Hey!" she exclaims. It makes me ache for Robby.

"And you finally cut your hair," I note as I look at Katie. The blonde falls just above shoulder length.

"You did, too. The black is nice. Reminds me of..."

"Your dad," Reid smiles warmly.

"Okay, it's parked. Here are your keys," Brian walks into the room loudly and tosses them to me.

Jess' arm reaches up and catches the keys before they hit me.

"Shut up, Bri!" Katie scolds her brother with a whisper.

"Oh, right," Brian sits down as he remembers my concussion.

"We can catch up more and let her rest for now, yeah?" Jess stands up. "I took the liberty of bringing lavender spray for you and Katie has fresh linens on the bed."

"You'll be safe from the Silver fox here," Brian assures me. I almost giggle at his use of "Silver fox." Almost.

"Let us know if you need something, Zi," Reid tells me.

They turn to walk out and I call after them, "Wait, do I have any messages?"

"Bunches," Jess nods as they pull out my phone. "Tory, Miguel, Robby, 'feminicons,' Eli, Kreese, Johnny, and some spam." Kreese is dead to me, so why is he reaching out?

"Eli?" I ask in confusion. I wasn't expecting that one.

"Everyone has sent multiple," Jess scrolls through. "Do you want to respond to Robby or anyone?"

I shake my head, "Nobody can know where I am. I ruin everything and going back will ruin everything for me. I can't. Not until after the tournament, at the very least..." My voice trails off as I realize that might not even happen.

I may never go back. Or, I'll return once I turn eighteen over the summer. Then, Silver has no hold over me going back to Janice. He can't win the tournament anyway, right? That can't happen. I also can't risk going back now; it's also their problem now. This is my home once again.

"Tournament?" Brian asks in confusion.

Jess ushers them out of the room without an answer. They turn back to me, "Okay. Let me know if you change your mind. Get some good rest for us?"

"Okay," I nod as the door closes.

I shift further back on the bed and grab the sloth plushy that I know Brian provided for me.

I miss Robby. I miss his touch, his voice, his smell, his everything. I miss it all.

I feel like I can't move as I stare at the ceiling blankly. I failed everyone in my life. It's better for me to just stay away.

I felt this way with Miguel after he fell and I blamed myself. I can see the irrational thinking behind it all, but this is my fault now. I brought Kenny into Cobra Kai after convincing Robby to join. I supported Tory in the things Kreese and Silver wanted us to do. And, I let it tear me away from people like Miguel and Eli. 

My mom always told me I wasn't enough for anyone. I knew I was enough for my dad, but that was it. Now, it looks like her prophecy came true. I'll rot in here forever and keep all the others safe from me.

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"Jess is president of the GSA. They also cook now," Brian adds. "It's great food."

"I've started working out every morning at the gym. Five a.m. bright and early to get ready for beach volleyball season," Katie smiles.

"I made the basketball team this past season," Reid announces proudly. "Brian is great at golf, too."

"Golf?" I ask the blond boy in confusion.

"It was a fun thing with my dad and then I ended up being pretty good at it. You know us gays have freaky talents," Brian blushes.

"My talent is being easily manipulated," I rest my head on the dinner table in frustration.

"It could have happened to any of us," Katie assures me.

"No, it wouldn't have because you all make sense. You have things to do in life, you have a future, a purpose, and a support system," I frown.

"Why are you being so hard on yourself, Zion?" Brian sets his hand on my arm.

"You try to turn your back on Cobra Kai? Cobra Kai turns its back on you."

My arm flinches and whacks him off of me. The chair scoots back with my momentum and they all look at me in surprise.

The table is brown, the floor is brown hardwoods, the napkin holder is silver...

"I'm sorry. Are you-"

"I'm fine," I tell Brian. "I'm fine. I... I'm fine."

I miss Robby. He'd know what to do. But, this is my fight with my own problems.

I look around at my friends and I wish I could just be normal.

A phone rings and it makes me jump again. Katie stands up and takes the call with an apologetic smile. "Hey, everything all right?" Katie puts it on speaker for us.

"Well, Terry Silver just came by," Jess' voice comes through the phone. "Mama Jaz was a good liar. He bought it."

I sigh in relief as I lean on the chair for support as I try to steady my breathing.

"You're on speaker," Katie tells them.

"Oh," they say, "well, all is good. You were right, Zion. He's very creepy. And, an expert liar."

They say it lightheartedly, but I know they aren't far from the truth. I'm relieved they're okay. 

"Be on the lookout still. He's sneaky and I don't know exactly what he's capable of," I frown.

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The lack of electronics gives me time to relax outside and be with nature. I strayed from this, but Jess has gotten me back into the habit. It's the opposite of karate: not moving a muscle, lying down, focusing on your breathing, and peace surrounding you.

"Tomorrow, you should be fully recovered from your concussion," Jess breaks the silence. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine," I assure them. "My feet are still bruised, but I'm okay."

"Hey," Katie joins us and sits.

"Katie?" I roll onto my side to look at her.

"What's up?" Katie asks me.

"Can I go to the gym with you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely not," Jess says.

"I don't see why not, as long as you take it easy on yourself," the blonde nods.

"I will. I just remember how when I had my sprained ankle, my progress with strengthening my body was gone. I've worked so hard and don't want that to go to waste."

"You look great," Katie compliments, "but, yeah, we can hang out in the morning and train."

I lay on my back and look back up at the stars. We all enjoy the silence as I feel tears fill my eyes. I screwed everything up so badly.

It's my fault that I got roped into Silver and Kreese's scheme so easily. My dad or my friends here would have stopped that from happening, but on my own I'm so weak and susceptible to these manipulations.

I feel like the universe has sent me clarity in the worst possible way. I know what's right and what's wrong, but now I'm caught between a rock and hard place and I'm unable to do anything about it.

"So, what's your plan for getting back out there?" Jess breaks the silence.

"What?" I question.

"The plan for going back to The Valley and kicking everyone's sorry asses," they smile.

"You hate violence," Katie notes.

Jess shakes their head, "They hurt my best friend, so now my philosophy is 'an eye for an eye.'"

"I'm not going back," I mutter.

"Why not?" "What?"

"I can't go back, you guys. I'm staying here because this is where I belong."

"You can't tell me that you're giving up," Jess shakes their head. "I won't let you."

"This isn't your decision. I'm alone in fighting them. There's not enough strength in me."

"Your dad wouldn't have given up," they point out.

I take a deep breath in and sigh. "I'm not my dad. Not even close. He wouldn't have made these mistakes."

"Even your dad made mistakes, Zion-"

"I don't want to hear it. I don't have it in me."

I look into the sky for an answer to tell me that this decision is correct. I keep wishing on a star, wishing for my dad to speak to me in some way. Hope is a horrible, hurtful thing.

"I have an idea. Katie, go get Reid and Brian," Jess decides with a mischievous smile.

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Reid carries me on his back like I'm as light as a feather as we wander through the woods behind the Evan's house. We all have flashlights and I have to admit it's a little spooky. Nobody will tell me where we're going.

"Here we are," Jess smiles proudly as we make it to a clearing. 

"Where?" I ask with a frown.

"I'm truly offended you don't remember this place," Jess giggles. "Look."

They walk over to a tree with a carving surrounded by a heart. I smile softly.

ZAA + JDK

"Zion Athena Ambrose and...?" Brian reads it in confusion.

"Jess Dandelion King," I recite in amusement.

"Your middle name is 'Dandelion?'" Brian raises his eyebrows.

"Damn, hippie," Reid snorts with laughter.

"Do you know why I brought you here, Zion?" Jess ignores them.

"No," I half-jump off of Reid's back. 

"We made this carving back when you had first told your dad about us. You came out and he was so accepting. You were so happy and proud of yourself," Jess reminds me.

"Oh," I nod as the memory slowly comes back to me.

"We remember your dad and how amazing he was," Reid agrees.

"He's apart of you, Zion," Katie adds.

"None of us can replace him, but you are welcome to stay here and away from your mom and the karate wars and whatever for as long as you need," Brian joins in. "We're a family."

I can't see anything when my eyes fill with water from crying and an ugly sob escapes my mouth. The group surrounds me in a gentle hug.

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Days later, I finally get the nerve to look through my phone and read my texts.

Robby has sent me countless messages; he's sent the most out of everyone. A lot of them are just updates on his day with training, but the majority are him apologizing. It's clear that he thinks this is all his fault when it isn't, really. He's only fallen victim to the same thing I had.

One text from Eli had asked me to meet up to check that I was okay. I disregard the text as pity for me and then it makes me wonder who all knows I'm gone.

Johnny offered his help to me amidst my disappearance.  I immediately ignored that one because it seems sweet, but he doesn't actually care for me or Robby or anyone.

The "feminicons" group chat has a few texts of concern about where I've gone. All three friends have been quiet since. I feel bad for ditching them, seeing as they have nothing to do with karate.

Tory has text me almost as often as Robby. I know I've scared her and probably a bunch of others, too, but it's wrong for me to go back. I can't imagine being under Silver's control again.

Miguel has been really worried. It's apparent through his protective tone in the texts. He said he's angry at Robby and how he would welcome me into Eagle Fang. It's not Robby's fault and I'm done with karate. 

Sensei Kreese reached out the first couple days with short texts wondering where I am. I guess it's like a grandpa trying to text, except I know that this grandpa is a sociopath, just like Mrs. LaRusso said. I'm angry that I hadn't seen it earlier.

I was so damn loyal. I put all my trust in these men and that's just the problem: trusting men. Adam, Kreese, Silver, Johnny... They've all let me down. My dad was the only one to never let me down.

Maybe the reason why I fell for their ploys so easily was because I got my dad's good heart? Or maybe the reason I broke free was because I have my dad's strength? I broke free just like I had with Janice almost a year ago. I did that on my own.

"Electronics out," Katie knocks on the door frame and comes in with a soft smile.

I stand up and hand her the phone reluctantly without responding to any of the messages. The Evans' parents come and go, so she's become the parental figure in the house for me. I appreciate her.

"How are you feeling, Zion?" she asks.

"Good. Very good," I admit. "Thanks."

The Evans have been keeping me well-fed. I've been going to the gym with Katie before she goes to school and then doing yoga with Jess in the afternoons. My mental health is absolute shit, but that's to be expected. At least now I can retrain my brain to how I was before I moved to The Valley and became corrupted.

"Sleep well," Katie smiles before closing the door behind her.

I go to my bed and look at the box I took out of my car. It's my box of memories to remember my dad by with a guest appearance from the note Robby wrote for me that one morning.

I haven't looked through it since I moved to Reseda. I was always so scared to. I kept it in my car always to be safe from Janice and safe from anywhere I'd have to pack up and move from, like Eli's or Miguel's or Robby's. It's always been with me...

and, yet, never opened. So, it sits in front of me and I just stare at it.

A half hour passes and I realize I don't have the courage to unpack the memories. Even though its no bigger than a shoe box, I still restrain myself.

My hand turns out the lamp and I roll under the covers. My mind drifts off to what I left behind.

I think about Robby and how he must feel. My heart aches without him, even though I knew I was leaving. I can only imagine what I've put him through. But, I brought him into this mess with Cobra Kai- him and Kenny and even Tory. I'm a disaster that needs to stay away.

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I stand alone in a graveyard, my dad's graveyard. I don't know why I'm here. I came for answers last time and nothing came from it.

I follow a trail of smoke that lingers by my feet. I follow it down and around until it brings me in front of my dad's gravestone. My heart sinks as I wish I could talk to him now.

"You're not really there," I sigh and turn away.

"Neither are you."

I look around me in confusion. I don't see anyone here, but I swear I heard a voice.

"Star." My dad's voice. "How did you fall so far away?"

"Dad?" I question. "It wasn't all my fault. I mean, I know it was, but I-I didn't mean it. I fell victim to Silver and Kreese and all the bad-"

"You fell away from me."

"No," I gasp, "I couldn't. I-I didn't."

"Then, why do you run away from the tournament and those you love?"

I respond, "I'm not as strong as you."

"You're stronger, Zion." I stare at the stars and swear he's up there. "You have potential to be such a bright star. Don't let others determine who you are."

"I don't even know who I am anymore."

"You are my daughter. Let me and all the others you left behind back into your heart. Find your honor and your mercy. It's within you."

"I want to find you there," I plead. "I don't think I can do this without you."

"You can do it without me, but you won't have to. I'm with you every step of the way, if you'll let me be. Don't forget me this time, Star."

"I won't. I promise."

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Two a.m. is when my body jolts awake. My body is shaking from anxiety and my head is spinning. I know what I need to do.

I open the box of memories and set Robby's note aside. I smile softly when I see my dad's hospital bracelets, polaroids of us, notes from middle school lunches, and so much more for the first time in years.

Tears stream down my face as I reminisce the good times. 

I get a flashback to what Robby said to me last summer and it sends a shockwave through my body because the answer is no and I know it for sure now.

"Look at your life, Zion. Is this what your dad wanted for you?"

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I pull my hood down and set my hair back in a ponytail. I take off my jacket and shoes. I stand alone in a handicapped stall as I try to collect my bravery.

My hand clutches the small pieces of fabric I found under my seat in my car this morning. They're the remnants of the leather jacket my dad gave to me that got torn up. Now, they sit in my jacket pocket as a tangible reminder of him and as a symbol.

The jacket got torn down, just like me, but I'm still standing. I hope... No, I know my dad is with me and can help me through this mess. 

I have to make right what I've done wrong by getting rid of all karate in the West Valley.

"Back to the arena for the scholarship award and the combat portion of the tournament." I hear everyone exit the girls' locker room. Finally. "Welcome back, everybody! In this envelope is the winner of the $2,000 scholarship given by the All Valley Tournament Board. Drumroll, please."

I try to calm my breathing when I realize that my time is almost here. I push the stall door open and walks towards the arena's archway.

"Eli Moskowitz!" I try not to let it distract me as I hear him win an award. That's good for him, but it's the last thing on my mind right now.

My hands shake as I try to get out the nervous jitters. What I'm doing is important and I know that this is exactly what my dad would want me to do.

"All right, folks. Today is going to be epic and I know you're all anxious for the tournament to truly begin, right? Yeah? Yeah?"

 Yes, I left without telling any of my friends again, but I can't drag anyone else into this. It's my fight.

"Well, first, we have a late registration to announce. Please, welcome - competing unaffiliated from Santa Maria, California - Zion Ambrose!"

I walk slowly and powerfully under the archway to command my presence. The fog and LEDs cover me as I walk through and mask my nerves with confidence and anger.

I see a packed arena cheering for me as the three dojos I know all too well stare at me in pure shock. This is what I wanted. This is what I need. This is how I fix how far I've fallen, like my angel tattoo. 

Terry Silver has pure wrath in his eyes that I'll try not to focus on for the next couple of hours while I win this tournament.

Daniel and Johnny obviously don't know what to think of this, but I see a small smile on Miguel's face. 

Eli keeps his head down as Sam looks at me in surprise. Tory and Kenny's eyes flicker over me in devastation and betrayal when they realize I'm not with them. 

I finally bring myself to look at Robby. I expect to see him happy to see me, to rush into my arms like some fairytale. Instead?

He looks at me angrily. The boy I love looks betrayed by me. I want to hug him, to tell him everything, to drag him away from the Cobras. Robby looks like he did when I left him at prom because he said Miguel deserved to be paralyzed.

I stand tall and pretend that I am a strong, unbreakable wall, and walk to my spot in the arena between Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang. I can't even begin to look at Sensei Kreese after everything.

"Dad, I feel you with me. Let's not let each other down," I whisper to myself.

"And with that," the announcer, Daryl, smiles excitedly, "the qualifier rounds begin!"

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A/N: These tournament chapters are gonna take a WHILE to write, so expect small updates infrequently. Sorry for not much plot development in terms of the tournament in this chapter, but the next one is a doozy hehe.

Who's ready for a redemption arc???