"The demon has seen me. He said, 'I'm not leaving.' The angel is watching me, knows he can't stop me. I'm guessing they're testing me, getting the best of me. Don't know how long until they see the rest of me."

~Choke by Poppy~

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Merry Crisis!!!

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

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

I begged for Liv to leave me alone. She tried to hug me, apologize for bringing him into it, and apologize for giving me weed in the first place. I've assured her it's not her fault.

It's mine. I know that. 

I'm just not sure how to break this cycle. The warped reality the highs give me is kind of nice. 

Which is why I'm coping with the only way I know how without the one person who knew me enough to stop these intrusive thoughts. 

I'm not currently drinking. I'm trying to distance from that in order to appease Robby. 

I sit in bed with one of Jess' old playlists playing as I eat a tub of ice cream I'm sure Liv bought at some point. All I know is that I have the munchies or whatever and I want to feel okay even though Robby's gone.

A love song comes on the playlist and I lean over to change it, but my stomach churns in response. 

I gasp before sitting up and stumbling out to the bathroom in only my bra and underwear. I didn't think I would leave my room.

Instead, all the ice cream comes up in a frenzy. I thought I knew my limit on all of this stuff. I think it's just the situation with Robby making hard. That's all.

I push the bathroom door closed and sit on the ground. I pull my knees into my body and shake and cry on the cold tile.

⭒⭒⭒

Robby's POV

"You're taking a break?" my dad follows me back to my room at his place. "What the hell does that mean?"

"It means we're not... not right now," I shrug in annoyance.

I just got home an hour ago and went out to get some sort of frozen waffle for breakfast, and now my dad is pestering me about why I look "bummed."

"Not what? Not having sex?" Dad asks in confusion.

"No, we're just," I look at him, "in different places." For lack of a better explanation.

"I gave you both my blessing. I'm sure whatever it is you can work it out."

"This is something she needs to work out... on her own," I frown. I don't want her to, but I just can't handle seeing her like that.

"Okay," my dad gives up. "Well, I think you should go out with me. We can do some father-son bonding and go to Olive Garden together."

"I'm not in the mood," I say as I grab my headphones.

"Be there or starve," he says lightheartedly before closing my bedroom door.

I roll my eyes before putting on my headphones and trying to log into the summer school I've thought about trying for a while. Maybe it can keep my brain occupied.

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

"...And then he said for me to figure it out."

"I can't believe him," Miguel says as we sit on my bed.

"It was... it was one time," I whisper. A lie. A way to protect myself. Miguel can't leave me, too.

"I want to talk to him," Miguel sits up straight, a dangerous tone in his voice.

"No," I stop him and he sits back with me. "I did some things, too." I exhale deeply. "Don't do anything."

Miguel frowns as he gets comfortable again, obviously trying not to act in haste.

"I don't even know if we're together anymore,'" I look down in dismay.

"Well, as long as he doesn't hook up with a copy girl tonight like Ross did, I-"

I lose all control of my emotions as I begin to sob loudly again.

Poor Miguel leans over and pulls me in for an awkward, side hug, "That was a bad joke. I'm sorry."

"This isn't for you to worry about," I tell him. "I'm really sorry for bothering you."

"Hey, I'm here whether you want me or not," he assures me. "You're not getting rid of me."

I sniffle loudly before grabbing another tissue.

That's when Miguel's phone rings. He looks at me apologetically before answering. "Hello? ...Now? ...I'm in the middle of... Okay, fine."

"What?" I ask sadly.

"Um," he hesitates, "Johnny needs me for, um, lunch or something."

"You're leaving?"

"Not if you don't want me to. I-I can call him back and say no."

"You should go," I assure him.

"You can come, too, I'm sure."

"No," I frown. "I don't really feel like it."

"Oh, all right," he sighs. "If I go, I'll come right back, yeah?"

I frown, "I have work tonight. Until, like, nine when we close. Not that I feel like going in."

"You can call out this once, right?" Miguel questions.

"I just started. My manager seems a little skeptical of my competence. I want to prove him wrong and actually do well at this job. It's better than Subway so far," I shrug. "I just don't know how I can be good at working when I'm like this. I'm a wreck."

"Okay," he thinks for a second. "How about this? I go now, you work tonight, and I'll come back later and we can have a little sleepover or something."

"Really?" I ask hopefully. Maybe there's a way he can help with the impulses.

"Of course. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone," he smiles as he gets up and goes to the door. "Okay?"

"Okay," I nod. 

He closes the door and I eventually hear him walk out the front door, too.

The silence in my room is deafening.

I shift to lay down under the covers and breakdown again.

⭒⭒⭒

Third Person POV

The LaRusso house is quiet as Daniel walks around the empty halls. He pauses when he sees a family picture that makes his sadness more intense.

He sits down with a scotch to drink away some sorrow. His beard hasn't been shaved, and he wears the clothes he slept in. He's a wreck.

"You slept late," Chozen emerges from the back of the house, dressed and ready to go. 

"I went to bed late," Daniel explains.

Chozen looks at his former enemy and current friend wearily as he tries to find the right thing to say. 

"Daniel-san, family will return," Chozen tells him positively. 

"Sure about that?" Daniel asks pessimistically. 

"Hai," he nods. "Family is most important thing to all of you. Strong bonds forged together."

"Strong bonds, huh? All it took was Terry Silver to break 'em."

"That is why we must defeat him."

"Try selling that to Amanda," Daniel takes another sip. "That son of a bitch knew exactly what he was doing." 

Chozen shuffles through the mail in dismay as Daniel stares off into space.

"How could she not see through him?" Daniel questions. "How does everyone not see through him?"

Chozen picks up a newspaper clipping with the word LIAR. 808 Prospect Street on it. He sets it in front of Daniel.

"Where'd this come from?"

"With mail," Chozen explains. "No envelope. This is Cobra Kai sensei."

"Was Cobra Kai sensei," Daniel stares at it in intrigue. "Silver's partner before he was sent to prison for beating this guy half to death. Apparently someone wants me to think there's more to the story here."

Chozen nods, "We must speak with this man."

Daniel shakes his head, "And then what? We get another furniture store burned down? For all we know, this is just Silver sending us out on a wild goose chase so he can screw up my life even worse."

Daniel takes his glass and Chozen stops him from drinking, "Could be. Or... could be answer to expose Silver and get family back."

Chozen walks over to the coffee machine and gets Daniel a to-go espresso, his favorite. 

"Best to see for ourselves. Could get family back."

"Maybe," Daniel stands up. "Could help me not give up on my students anymore, if all of this really is a sham."

"We must go, Daniel-san," Chozen says supportively.

⭒⭒⭒

Robby's POV

I sit alone at a table at Olive Garden and wonder what the hell I should get. It looks like a bunch of things that sound good, a bunch of comfort food. I think I need a good, relaxing day to think about everything.

I look up from my menu and see Miguel standing right there. I set the menu down in dismay.

"Let me guess: your dad invited you to lunch, too?" Miguel questions.

"Yep," I nod.

"He didn't tell you I was coming?"

"Nope."

I stand up so I can get out of here and that's when my dad walks back over. I glare at him. I don't want to deal with this today.

"Hey, hey, where're you going? Sit down. Hear me out for a minute," he sits us back down. "All right, yeah, I lied to get you here. After the waterpark, I knew you wouldn't come willingly. And, I know you're both in bitchy moods because you broke up with your girlfriend," he looks at Miguel, "and you got a 'break' with your girlfriend, but-"

"What does 'a break' even mean?" Miguel questions.

I defend myself, "I don't know... She-"

"Zion thinks you're over for good. I suggest you go over and tell her what's really going on and have a real conversation instead of rushing out again," Miguel frowns.

"Whoa," I stop him, "I didn't rush out. She had just gotten sober and was shaking and it wasn't a good time for her to talk it out."

"Sober?" my dad asks worriedly.

"So, you just left her like that?" Miguel asks in disbelief.

"I had to get out of there," I explain. "It wasn't good."

"You ran out on her when she needed you."

"I've always been there when she needed me," I say. "I just can't be around someone so destructive. I've already lived that."

"Destructive?" my dad tries to catch up.

"Okay, whatever happened with other people is no excuse for leaving."

"Diaz, you're the one who ran off to Mexico and left Sam - and Zion, for that fact. Don't lecture me-"

"Zion really does deserve better than you," he cuts me off.

"You're never going to change, are you?" I ask angrily.

"Hey!" my dad stops us. "Calm down. We're in public."

I sit back and push my seat even further away from the table as Miguel crosses his arms with a frown.

"Let's just calm down and take a little trip," my dad smiles and tries to ease the tension.

"A trip?" I ask in confusion. "To a mall in Chatsworth?"

"Your body may be at a mall, my friend, but your taste buds are about to go on a tour of the old country," some server walks up with a smile. "This guy knows what I'm talking about."

My dad turns to us proudly, "Yes, I do." I think this may be the worst idea ever.

"It doesn't matter where we go. The birthplace of culinary delight awaits. You want an Alfredo? Boom, we're in Rome. Ravioli? Tuscany it is. We gotta come back here for the chocolate lasagna, 'cause like baseball and Big Gulps, that's only in America."

I stare at him in disbelief as I try not to get up and storm out. I really want to be here with my dad but everything else is just telling me to go.

"I'll tell you what. I'm going to get some fresh breadsticks out of the oven. I'll come right back. Done and done," he walks away.

"Come on, guys. Guy comes over and gives that kind of effort and you sit there looking pissed?" my dad asks.

"It's not his effort I'm pissed at," Miguel says.

"Yeah," I actually agree, "breadsticks aren't gonna fix this."

"Spoken like a man who has never had The Garden's breadsticks." My dad frowns. "Putting Zion aside for now, just have one bite and you'll forget why you're even mad at each other in the first place."

"I'm never gonna forget that," Miguel glares at me.

I try to mask the guilt with more anger for him and what he did when he took advantage of Sam and egged on that fight at the school. "Neither am I."

"And, anyway, Zion needs me right now," Miguel glowers at me before standing up.

I get up right after him.

"Robby, come on," my dad calls after me. "Maybe we should talk about what happened between you and Zion and figure it out."

I turn to him, "There's nothing to figure out. And, anyway, you didn't care about me for so long that caring now is useless. I can handle this on my own."

I make sure to walk out the back exit.

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

I lay like a corpse as I stare at my ceiling, smoking a little more weed. I stole the last stash from Liv's room. It's enough to make my head light but not enough to make me as crazy as before. It'll wear off by the time I have to go to work, I'm sure.

Besides, my mom didn't do drugs, it's practically legal now that I'm almost eighteen, Robby wasn't mad about drugs, and Jess had me do some years ago so I know it's safe.

My phone rings and I reach over for it absentmindedly. I prepare to decline it until I see it's Johnny calling.

I answer it nervously, "Hello?"

"Zion, what the hell is going on with you and Robby?" 

"Why do you care?" I groan.

"They're never going to make up. I tried the trip to Italy and they didn't even try the breadsticks."

"Oh no," I say sarcastically. "I thought breadsticks fixed eeeverything."

"Whatever it is, can't you just make up with Robby and come over here and help me get them to bond?" he asks.

"I'm not helpful," I admit. "And anyway, I know that Robby doesnwannaseeme. You can do whatever withoume."

"Why are you speaking like that?" he questions. "Are you okay?" 

"Thanks for calling," I hang up on him. 

I check the time. Three more hours before work. I take another hit.

I'm not sober anymore, and there's nothing I can do about it right now because I don't want to.

Besides, maybe this is finally my relief from karate and being done with it. Maybe Robby just needs to see that and he'll come back. Maybe.

⭒⭒⭒

Miguel's POV

Johnny walks behind beer containers he hung up to go down the hallway. I look around at the weird decorations he has up now.

Then, Robby follows him out, and I roll my eyes in frustration as Johnny smiles smugly.

"You literally just said he wasn't here," I tell him.

"Yeah, I lied again. Not my fault you fell for it twice," Johnny shrugs. I sigh. "But, you guys are right. Tricking you into lunch wasn't my best effort. So, I did some interneting."

I glare at Robby as Robby eyes the door back into his room. What he should be doing right now is going to fix things with Zion. Or, at least I should be there with her right now.

He hurt her, but she hurt him, too. That's why I haven't beaten his ass yet. But the second he actually calls it off and breaks her heart, I'll be ready for a rematch with no mercy.

Johnny snaps me out of my thoughts, "Found strategies for building trust and teamwork through cooperative exercises. The least lame one is called an escape room and how it works is-"

"I know what an escape room is and I'm not doing it," Robby says in frustration.

"Yeah, that goes double for me," I walk over to the door to leave.

It's locked.

"I reversed the doorknobs. It's locked from the inside. And this is the only key," Johnny says before putting it down the garbage disposal and turning it on. I wince. "I glued the windows shut, too. So nobody is getting out unless you work together."

I share a look of annoyance with Robby as he continues.

"Now, as I was saying, the way it works is you start with a theme, okay? Our theme is the Lincoln County War." He turns on some music. "New Mexico territory, 1878. Lincoln Country regulators Jose y Chavez y Chavez and Josiah 'Doc' Scurlock have been arrested to be hanged." He looks at me, "You're Chavez, obviously."

"This is just the plot of Young Guns 2," I frown, unamused.

"Shit, you saw it?" Johnny's face falls.

"Yeah, with you!" 

"Who cares? Dad, you're missing the point. You could lock us in here forever and we're never gonna be friends."

"Why are you suddenly pushing this so hard?" I ask.

"Because me and your mom... We're sort of all on our way to becoming a family," Johnny explains nervously. 

"A family? What, me and him? Are you joking?" I ask angrily.

"Maybe not the traditional kind-"

"No, not any kind," Robby joins in. "I mean, you two have your thing, whatever. You keep forcing this, all you'll do is get his ass kicked."

"Oh," I scoff, "ready when you are, runner-up."

"Name the time and place."

My Yaya knocks and walks in with a cowboy hat. 

"I am Billy the Kid," she reads her hand, "and I have a riddle for you."

I shake my head before walking out in frustration. 

I glance over at the parking lot and see that my mom is still at work. I take out my phone. 

Miguel to Zion: Hey, I don't know if I can come back today. I'll be there tonight

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

"Enjoy," my boss and co-worker, Tab, says to our customer as they walk out with another pink drink.

I wipe down the counter absentmindedly. This day is long and monotonous, and this is the last place I want to be.

"Isn't it crazy how many people want caffeine at eight o'clock at night?" Tab makes small talk.

The door rings as Eli and Demetri walk in.

I turn around in shock, "Fucking insane."

I try to hide myself as I go towards the drive-thru window to pretend like I'm doing something. 

"What can I get for you?" Tab walks over to the register.

"I'd like a grande hot caramel macchiato," Eli tells him.

"Okay, and for you?"

"We're separate," Demetri clarifies.

"Okay. Your total is five dollars and thirty-four cents."

"And then I'd like a... um... I'll try a venti pink drink... with extra whipped cream," Demetri says.

"A pink drink?" Eli asks skeptically.

"I'm trying something new," Demetri shrugs.

"Okay, that total is four dollars even. Zion, can you get those started?" Tab asks me.

I cringe internally, "Sure."

"Well, well, well," Demetri says with a smile in his voice, "how the tables have turned."

I turn to them and resist every urge ever to jump over the counter and literally kick them out.

"Since when do you work here?" Eli questions smugly, like he's superior just because I'm working.

I glance over at Tab who looks at me for a second before making the macchiato.

"Since I moved into a new place," I say vaguely as I keep my guard up.

"Zion?" Tab calls to me so I'll actually do my job instead of talk to them.

"Right," I say before turning around and blending the nine hundredth pink drink of the day. 

It takes so much in me to not spit in their drinks. I just hope nothing dramatic happens while they're here. I need this job. I just need to survive until tonight. 

When Demetri's is done, I reach for the whipped cream.

"Actually," Demetri speaks up, "can I have extra ice, too?"

I try to keep on a customer service smile as I turn around and add more ice. I pour out some of the liquid to make it all fit. Then, I reach for the whipped cream dispenser.

"Wait," he stops me, "you just poured it out."

"You didn't say extra ice so I had to pour some of the excess out," I tell him through gritted teeth.

"Hm," Demetri ponders the thought judgmentally as I grab the whipped cream container again.

I put it on and then reach for a lid. Demetri stops me again.

"Wait, that's not enough whipped cream."

I glare at him as he acts like a mix of a Karen and a little kid before adding more. He shakes his head. I add more. He still seems unsatisfied.

"I'm not adding more," I tell him once the cup begins to overfill.

"Zion," Tab walks over with his finely-tuned customer service smile and voice, "it's okay. Just do it."

I nod with a forced smile, put more whipped cream on there, and then shove the lid on so it drips down the sides.

"Oops," I hand the sticky beverage to him and then walk away to wash my hands. 

"Caramel macchiato," Tab walks behind me with Eli's drink. 

"Excuse me, miss?" Demetri calls me back over. 

I walk over begrudgingly, "What?"

"I need some napkins," he says.

"Fine," I sigh in frustration as I bend under the counter to refill the holder. 

I stand back up and lean over to give them to him. 

That's when he tilts a drink and the piping hot macchiato spills all over me.

I let out a scream at the horrible feeling as I try to get my apron off of me. I desperately grab napkins to blot the liquid and cool down. It feels like it's burning into my skin.

Tab comes over to help me as I glance back up at the duo, suddenly very self-aware. I pant as I try to calm down and get it off at the same time.

Eli laughs with a wide, cocky smile as Demetri stares in shock.

"Ooh, that's tough," Eli laughs as he pulls Demetri to the door.

I'm too freaked out to even retaliate and go after them. I have to keep this job. I groan in frustration. 

"Why don't you get cleaned up?" Tab gestures for me to traipse through the hot liquid and to the bathroom. 

This has been a horrible week, I know it, but I can't cry because of them. I won't. Robby said for me not to give them that power. I can't.

I wipe what I can up with paper towels as I try not to get emotional at the thought of Robby. Even he left.

I just want to go home and curl up in my bed and sleep. I just want to cry. Fuck what Robby said. What if I do give them that power?

My stomach is red with a minimal burn mark that won't scar, thankfully. If this is the worst to happen tonight, then I'll be physically fine.

As I finish drying off, I remind myself that I get off in less than an hour and then I can see Miguel.

⭒⭒⭒

Third Person POV

Johnny stares at the boys as Miguel lets off of Robby. Robby stands up, his hair disheveled and his nose bloody. Miguel takes in a deep breath and looks at Robby guiltily as the rage disappears.

"Why'd you hold back?" Robby asks as he takes a step away from Miguel and away from the railing. 

"I didn't get into karate to hurt people," Miguel explains in dismay. "I did it to become badass and to take on some bullies."

Robby looks at him and nods, "I get that."

"Last time we fought like that," Miguel decides to ask his question, "how come you didn't hold back?"

"I just wanted to finish the fight. I mean, not like that. I just... It all felt so ridiculous. I was being attacked, I got tunnel vision, and I got so angry that I just... reacted," Robby tries to look at Miguel while he says it. "I mean, I barely knew where we were. I'd take it back in a second if I could. I mean, I was the cause of the worst moment of your life. And if it's any consolation, it was the worst moment of my life, too. I'm sorry."

Miguel sighs in relief at the long-awaited apology, "Thanks. I've been waiting to, uh, hear you say that. It means a lot." Robby nods.

They share a look of mutual respect. 

"I don't know why I didn't do it sooner. I get stubborn," Robby shrugs.

"I'm sorry, also," Miguel offers. "I didn't mean to make the fight worse. I saw you grabbing Tory and Sam and I also reacted in the only way I knew how. It's been nice to find balance. I also didn't mean to start this thing between us, from back when I was drunk at the canyon to taking advantage of your hurt shoulder to kissing Sam when I knew you were together... If I could go back, I'd do a lot of things differently."

"Your apology and forgiveness is more than enough for me," Robby replies softly.

"So? Is it over?" Johnny breaks the moment as he stands by the door. "Are you guys good?"

Miguel shrugs and Robby nods slightly.

"Thank God because if you guys still hated each other when the baby gets here..." Johnny's eyes widen when he hears what he said. 

Robby looks at him in confusion as Miguel speaks up, "The baby? Wait, what? Like, you and my mom?"

Johnny grins awkwardly, "Yeah, uh, we're having a baby. We're supposed to tell you together so act surprised."

"Holy shit!" Miguel screams excitedly.

"Yeah, like that," Johnny nods.

"Dad, that's exciting," Robby says as he takes it all in. 

Miguel rushes over and gives Johnny a big hug. Johnny glances at Robby and he joins, too.

"I'm so glad you guys are cool now," Johnny smiles. 

"Just don't, uh, teach this one karate," Miguel pulls back with a nervous look.

"And be there every step of the way," Robby parents his dad.

"And don't drink when you're holding the baby," Miguel agrees.

"Oh, and don't use a beer bottle as a pacifier," Robby jokes.

"That's a good one," Miguel laughs.

"Okay, okay, I get it," Johnny rolls his eyes as they go back downstairs and the boys share a smile.

"Is that why your apartment is suddenly clean?" Miguel questions.

"With that lighthouse painting?" Robby adds.

"You two are annoying me now," Johnny rolls his eyes as they make it into his apartment. "Why don't you text Zion while I go and get some Olive Garden to celebrate?"

It's like a record scratches when she's mentioned. 

Johnny looks at Miguel, Miguel looks at Robby, and Robby looks down.

"Oh, uh, is that okay?" Johnny asks.

"Maybe," Miguel tries to get a read on Robby, "we should talk this out first."

"Good idea," Johnny nods as he grabs his keys. "You two have fun with that... I'll be back."

Johnny rushes out the door and leaves the boys. 

"No fighting while we talk about this?" Robby suggests.

"Yeah," Miguel says.

They sit on opposite sides of the living room. They wait for the other to speak. The tension still lingers.

"My mom was an alcoholic. And, well, my dad is..."

"Yeah," Miguel nods in understanding.

"Mom just got out of rehab. She's on a cruise with some recovered friends from there right now, actually, so I live here. And, Zion moved out," Robby continues. "I don't know when she started drinking again, but she seemed a lot more out of it than she had before. She wasn't thinking correctly and defended her drinking. After everything with her mom, it scared me."

"She saw her mom two days ago. She remembers what it's like, so she's not abusing it," Miguel points out.

"Did you ever see her drunk? Do we have any idea how long this has been going on?" Robby questions.

"No," Miguel shakes his head quickly. He stops, "Although..."

"Although...?" Robby leans in curiously.

"She had... I went over to check on her-"

"When was this?"

"Um..." Miguel shifts uncomfortably. "The night she said she was with me..."

"She lied about that? And you covered for her?" 

"I didn't know what was going on," Miguel shrugs naively. "She had just seen her mom and was stressed. I don't even know how she got ahold of weed-"

"What?!" Robby shouts.

"Look," Miguel puts out his arms to calm down Robby, "she said it was one time. It was her first and only time. She assured me that-"

Robby puts his head in his hands, "She said that was her first time ever?"

"Yeah, she-"

"That wasn't her first time," he sighs in frustration. "She tricked you."

Miguel raises his eyebrows, "What? Why would she lie about that-"

"To get away with it. She used to do it in Santa Maria with Jess after her dad was diagnosed. She stopped, but there was one time she came over to the place I was staying and my dumbass roommates offered her some and she wanted to. She knows what it is, what it does, what it's all about," Robby groans.

"Oh, man," Miguel drops his head as the worry sinks in. 

"I wish I had known all of this. Addiction runs in her family, so..."

"I wish I had known, too," Miguel shakes his head. "We should go to her. Where is she?"

"At work," Robby puts out his hand to stop Miguel. "We'll wait until after she gets off to talk to her about it."

"I get it now," Miguel offers. "You were worried she was turning into your parents and it was a bad reminder."

"No, no, I shouldn't have left her," he says guiltily.

"You were taking care of yourself, too. I'm sorry for not hearing you out."

"Do you think we can work together to figure this out so she can't get past both of us?" Robby looks over at Miguel with sincere worry and hope in his eyes.

"Let's do it," Miguel agrees.

⭒⭒⭒

"All right. Dig in," Johnny says triumphantly once Robby and Miguel sit at the dinner table together with Olive Garden.

This is the chance for a new start, and Johnny knows it.

"Wow, you weren't kidding about these breadsticks, Dad," Robby smiles happily.

"I wouldn't lie to you... three times... in the same day," Johnny shrugs.

Miguel and Robby actually share a smile acknowledging Johnny's stupid behavior. They're slowly becoming more comfortable with each other.

"Any word from Zion?" Johnny questions nervously.

Miguel and Robby exchange a glance.

"I texted her to come over here for a surprise," Miguel nods. "But, she's working."

"I'm going to work up to an apology from both of us," Robby explains. "Miguel was right because maybe now all of us can work this problem out together."

"What exactly is the problem?" Johnny pries. He may be dumb, but he's not stupid. "I know something is up with something."

Miguel and Robby share a nervous look as the door to the Diaz's apartment opens.

Carmen stares in surprise at Robby and Robby nervously smiles at her.

"Hi, Mom," Miguel tells her.

"Hi..." Carmen says wearily.

"Hi, Ms. Diaz. I hope it's cool I'm having dinner here," Robby says.

Miguel looks at his mom as Carmen looks at Johnny and Johnny looks at Robby happily.

"It's very cool," she nods after a moment. "You're welcome anytime here, Robby." 

He gives her a small smile as she moves over to give Miguel a kiss on the head and close the door. 

She goes over to talk to Johnny as the boys dig in.

"So," she speaks up, "where's Zion?"

Miguel shrugs and tries to act normal, "She was working last I knew." He picks up his phone. "It's been an hour since I last texted her."

"That's weird. Let me try," Robby grabs his phone.

Johnny and Carmen talk off to the side as Miguel's phone rings.

"Is that her?" Robby asks as he takes another bite of his breadstick.

"No... Hold on," Miguel says nervously as he stands up and walks to an isolated section of the apartment.

Robby, Johnny, and Carmen share a worried look as Miguel talks.

"What? ...What about her? ...How did you even know she was there? Is she okay? ...What are you talking about? ...Shit." 

Miguel hangs up and comes back to the group.

"What was that?" Robby asks worriedly.

"We need to go," Miguel shakes his head and heads for the door. "Mom, we're taking your car."

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

I leave Shay to lock up as I walk around the building to the staff parking in the other lot. It's stupid to have to park so far away but at least it isn't cold or rainy. I just want to get home.

I pull out my useless spare key as I untuck my work shirt.

"There she is," a wickedly deep voice says in the darkness.

I can almost swear I've imagined it.

I turn back and see three guys following me. I gasp in surprise before getting ahold of myself and turning away. It's too dark to see who they are.

I walk around another building to get to the parking lot a different way. I'm not letting anything like what happened at the skating rink happen again. This time, I'm ready.

I make it out to the lot, but my car is still on the other side. I hear their footsteps behind me.

I pick up the pace and see more people running parallel to me: Big Red, Dieter, and someone else. My breathing hitches.

I look over my shoulder and see Edwin leading three others behind me.

I make a beeline for my car in fear.

I run into something - someone. They stop me and hold me by my shoulders.

I try to shake free. I look up. Shawn.

"What..." I look around in fear as Shawn pushes me back into the guys. 

"Hey, traitorous bitch" Kyler emerges from the group with a smug smile.

I go with my first instinct and front kick Kyler easily enough to get him away from me as I try to make a run for it through them. This can't be happening.

"Get her!" Shawn yells.

Some new recruits block my exit and I turn around to go out the other way. I find myself surrounded by far too many as the circle closes in.

"Did Silver send you?" I ask as my heart pounds. "You don't understa-"

"We understand enough," Big Red tells me.

"You betrayed Cobra Kai," Dieter narrows his eyes at me.

"Nobody had to send us, sweetheart," Shawn tells me as his jaw clenches.

Someone grabs me from behind. I instinctively elbow his gut and he leans over so I can reach up and elbow his face even from behind. He falls back.

Another person comes toward me and I try to defend the way Robby tried to teach me. I wax on, but its not enough to stop another person from kicking me in the back. I stumble forward.

I turn around and sweep that guy before jumping back up as quickly as humanly possible. Edwin runs at me, so I block him and push him back into Dieter and Joey so they fall together. I feel slightly successful.

"Pin her down," Shawn says darkly. I look for a way to escape. 

Three more rush towards me and I duck out of the way in a similar fashion to the soccer game fight. I can use them to take each other down if I just-

Kyler grabs my arm and pulls me to look at him before catching me off-guard and punching me in the face.

My head throbs as I try to find a way out of it and find a counter attack. I rely on my leg strength to kick him away. I kick the back of his knee until he falls forward and then kick his face so he gets hurt more than me. I turn to find my next opponent-

Strong hands grab me and practically throttle me face-first onto the hood of a car.

I groan in pain as my body lies on it unnaturally. I catch my breath and get back up to fight.

I see Shawn right behind me. I kick his exposed ribs before he goes to grab me again. I duck and try to shove him back now; he's immovable. 

I recall for a moment what Michelle from Mexico told me about grabbing an opponent and using their own strength against them.

I consider the defense Robby taught me for a moment. 

I momentarily think about how if a man can't stand, see, or breathe, he can't fight.

Whichever tactic I use is up to me. Michelle told me to make my own choices.

My hands reach for Shawn's torso to try and pull him down. Instead, he grabs my waist and knees me in the stomach. 

A loud, disgusting cough emerges from my throat as I scratch from his neck down to his shoulder so he lets go of me. I change my mind and decide to run away.

I drop, slide out of his grip, and then kick his knee so it inverts.

He grunts, but more continue to come and attack me. I stand back up and grab their arms from each side before flipping each with what little strength I can muster through the fear.

Adrenaline pumps through my veins as I see my car and run towards it, fumbling for my keys. The others rush behind me. I can't find my keys.

I try not to stop as I search around for my keys in my pockets. I surely can't outrun them for too long, especially since my lungs and chest hurt like hell already.

A fast Cobra beats me to my car, and I see my keys in his hand.

"Give them back," I say tensely as I realize they hold all the power of if I can get out of here or not.

He smiles before tossing them to Big Red. I turn towards him and he tosses them to Kyler. 

I outsmart Kyler and fake out going one way before he tosses them the other way and I dive for them at the same time that Joey does. 

My fingertips touch the metal before a strong force yanks my leg back and my muscles feel like they're ripping.

I scream in pain as I land on the asphalt and feel like something is either broken or dislocated. 

I turn around to attack the person - Shawn - but two other Cobras take their chance.

I jump up to kick them both back until something in my knee makes an awful sound and I collapse back on the ground in pain with a shriek.

"No," I whisper as the Cobras swarm around me. Blood drips down my face and onto the pavement. My vision begins to blur as my body slowly throbs from pain. "No."

I curl into myself and get into the fetal position when I realize I'm at their mercy.

I remember the Cobra Kai motto and find myself wanting to disappear. I beg internally for someone to save me-

"Get her up," a booming voice says. "She doesn't get off that easy."

Someone yanks my arm and I try to reject them until someone else grabs my other arm. I try to resist, to punch, to flail my way out of it. 

Instead, they bring me to my feet and my knee gives in once more. I try to muffle my cry of pain as they set me up on my knees.

"Hold her," Shawn commands. 

They expose my core, my most vulnerable part of my body, as I try to fight for freedom. My leg hurts more and more with each second of pressure. I brace for the pain that is going to come.

"Was I not clear enough when I told you to leave Kenny alone?" Shawn looks down at me.

"What...?" I gasp for air.

"This is for that little note and for turning your back on Cobra Kai and for what you did to me and my friends over the past year," Kyler leans down right in front of me.

I ignore the comment about the note and respond with ragged breathing, "I didn't... I didn't do anything you didn't deserve."

Kyler slams his foot into my stomach and I cough and wheeze in pain. I try to lean over and collect myself, but the guys holding me tighten their grip.

"Cunty bitch," Kyler spits.

Shawn grabs his shoulder and pulls him away. The shiver returns and my head jerks unwillingly.

I glare at the ten Cobras who decided to jump me and reach for any inner strength to save me from this. The problem is that I've been sitting at home drinking and smoking and eating and not training or working out; I'm in a bad physical condition and they can take advantage of that.

I try to remember my training as I kick my good leg out and to the side to knock the man holding my right arm off balance. 

Sure enough, he lets go and I have the leverage to shake the left one off. I hear them curse as I glance behind me to the opening they left in the circle.

I roll away from the group before doing anything and everything I can to run on my bad knee. It quickly becomes more of a desperate jump for freedom. I just have to run back to Starbucks and maybe-

Someone grabs my hair and pulls me back. I screech as I give into their grip. It shows how truly weak I've become. They don't let off and I look up to see Shawn. 

He drops my hair, though my scalp still burns. Then, he grabs my shoulders and shoves me back over to the awaiting Cobras.

"Shawn, this is enough," I hear someone whisper.

Dieter toys with me as he kicks me one way and then Joey punches me back. The world becomes blurry as they attack me one after the other from all sides.

"No mercy," Shawn's voice rings in my ears.

I try to find who said to give me a break, and I find someone standing away from the action and close to Shawn, someone with red hair: Big Red.

"Please..." My words are barely audible and don't reach him so he can help.

Their laughs multiply in my head as they roll me around, toss me around, enjoy my pain. Each uppercut, each kick, each slam into the asphalt bleeds together. I feel like a rag doll. I feel inhuman. I feel like I deserve the pain.

I faintly see blood continue to drip. My blood. From my nose? My mouth? I don't know.

Eventually, the pain makes my brain so foggy that I lay on the ground; they kick my stomach, my ribs, my head over and over. 

I cough and struggle to curl up again to protect my organs.

My ears ring, my mouth only tastes like metallic blood, my nose only smells the blood, my body only feels pain throughout, and my eyes are wet from tears of pain so I can only make out little shapes.

It feels like they roll me around, torment me, and kick me forever. There's no end in sight as I get dizzy and nauseous. 

I'm up for a second before I land on the ground with a hard thud once more.

Then, the torture suddenly stops.

I finally gasp for air and begin to choke on the liquid in my breathing.

I glance around, wondering where the reprieve is coming from.

"I am nothing like you," I practically spit at Janice. 

I don't deserve it.

I make out faint shapes of some people fighting the people who were fighting me.

I hear voices that sound familiar but spark anxiety within me. I don't know who they are. I just know that I'm not safe.

I curl into myself more and more worriedly. My body shakes involuntarily on the pavement. More sounds of injury surround me.

I struggle to keep my eyes open. I see a couple figures combining their moves to attack the group. I feel disgusting just from the taste in my mouth.

I watch as the shapes around me disappear one by one. 

The silence is either real or something my mind created. I accept my position on the ground in the surprisingly comforting silence.

Eventually, a hand touches my shoulder. It's gentle, it's accompanied by a soft voice, and it doesn't mean any immediate harm.

Still, I feel the fabric of reality shift from fear and pain and scare whoever it is away somehow.

I feel like a shell of a human.

Shoes appear in my line of vision suddenly. My eyelids weigh so heavy that it's hard to even fight them getting close to me.

Hands touch me again and I shriek in fear. Something isn't right here. I can't trust these people, whoever they are.

"Sorry," the voice apologizes. It's muffled by the ringing.

I slowly kind of sit up just to get something through my airway. My body begins to shake uncontrollably when the oxygen starts to flow again. 

I pull my knees into my chest and try to just focus on my breathing. If I look around, I'll be scared. I can't afford to panic after whatever happened.

I cough a couple of times as I feel someone's eyes on me. I hear a couple whispers as I put my head between my knees and sob quietly. Whoever is here with me doesn't want to hurt me right now. That's enough peace of mind for me.

"Zion?" a voice asks gently.

I lift up my head slowly to look at the person. A sob catches at the back of my throat.

"It's going to be all right," Eli holds out his hand.

⭒⭒⭒