"I'm beautifully broken, and I don't mind if you know it. I'm beautifully broken, and I don't care if I show it."

~Beautifully Broken by Ashlee Simpson~

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A/N: An update on a Thursday? Crazy!

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

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV: Two Days Later

Nintey-nine. Ninety-six. Ninety-three. Ninety. Eighty-seven. Eighty-four. Eighty-one...

I try to turn my sobs into deep, controlled breaths as I sit on the edge of my bed with tears streaming down my face. I grip the edge of my bed tightly. I'm alone this time. I thought I was okay.

It was a dream about the future: I didn't have one.

And Kreese appeared, offering me safety just like he had before. And stupid dream me accepted. And then I watched as Kreese turned on me, Robby, Miguel, and even Carmen. Because it was a manipulation. And all he ever does is manipulate.

At least that's what I tell myself to let go of the bit of hope I have left inside that at one point he did truly care. I know it's dangerous to even think that. This dream reiterated to me that I can't let him get too close ever again. I won't let him...

Wherever he is. That thought may be even worse.

After a moment, I get up to get some water to hydrate from the crying. I wonder how long this medicine shift will take to make me feel normal again.

I guess the dream was partly brought on by stress about tomorrow - well, later today - when I meet with Counselor Blatt about college. Demetri and I have last names that start with "A", so we're the first to go. I have no idea what to expect or what to present. I have no real ambition except this karate tournament that I'm more doing for fun and growth as a martial artist than to win a title.

I hate this feeling. I never had the chance before to really look forward and think farther than a couple of months in the future. It was always day by day with my dad, day by day going through school, and week by week prepping for a tournament.

I don't even know who I am or what I really like.

⭒⭒⭒

"Okay, good morning," Counselor Blatt sits down with me in her office. I spin my dad's ring on my middle finger anxiously. "Let's talk college plans, shall we?"

I nod slightly. She gets on the computer and then turns it for me to see my transcript.

"Now, we have everything shifted and updated from the mishap at the end of last year no problem," she explains. "And there are in-progress marks for each class you're taking now. Your GPA is... well, it's average. And there are no AP classes on here." I look down in dismay. "But it's definitely enough for a state school." She looks at me with a smile, "So what schools are you looking at?"

I suddenly feel stupid and like an idiot. She's not even giving me other options except college. I fix my blank stare with a plain answer.

"I don't know," I reply. "Um, I'm not sure if I want to go to college."

"Oh."

My chest burns as I sit in my failure. Maybe this is why my dad pushed for me to have good grades. This is why my mom wanted to uphold that wish of his for me, not that I want to give her any credit.

I was supposed to plan my future, but my grades have been bad since I've moved here. I had good attendance and then it dropped when I felt I had to run away. I haven't had any guidance from my counselor until now. I haven't had a real parent until a month ago when I moved in with Carmen. I don't know what I'm doing. I have no future.

"Miss Ambrose," Counselor Blatt calls out to me. I hear her despite the ringing in my ears. "Miss Ambrose."

It's then that I register the anxiety attack. I focus on my breathing for a minute, desperate not to look like an idiot any longer. Then I look up at her and inhale with a deep breath to shift back to being normal.

"Are you all right?"

"I just..." Suddenly my throat is tight. My voice is cracking. And tears are welling in my eyes. This is exactly what I didn't want to happen. "I don't have any plans."

"Zion, honey," her voice softens. "I know an anxiety attack when I see one. Do you want to take a minute and step outside?"

Outside where anyone can see me in the hallway; that's worse than in here. "No. No, thank you."

"Okay. Well, I know we took parental contacts off of your file now that you're eighteen," she recalls our meeting a couple of weeks before school started, "and I know it isn't my place to pry, but what is your situation as far as going to college or paying for college? Is that even an option for you? I'm sorry I dove straight in. It's my usual process for this."

I take a breath to compose myself and wipe my tears, "I might be able to go to college. I have a little bit of money my, um, dad left me. I know there are loans. I just... I don't think I'll like it. And I don't really want to go far away."

"Well," Counselor Blatt smiles kindly, "that we can work with. There are community colleges that are perfectly affordable and, well, in the community. Public universities like state schools are also cheaper, but private colleges also provide a lot of scholarships and financial aid. There are plenty in this region of California, actually. They each have different degree programs. What field of study might you - hypothetically - be interested in?"

I shake my head, "I don't know."

"Well," she looks back at the computer, "your best grades are in history and PE. Is there anything there that piques interest for you? I mean, of course I know you do karate. There are other sports that offer you scholarships if you play on a high school team."

"Um, no," I stop her. "Karate is my main focus. PE is an easy grade; it's just participation. And history... I don't know. I like it, but I'm not a big reader."

"Well, a BA in history might be the way to go. It can lead to creative fields post-collegiate life and give some job security to help you pay back any loans you may acquire."

I nod, not fully grasping any of what she's saying.

She seems to notice. "How about this? We have a college fair coming to the school in a couple of weeks. You can browse around then. My job, honestly, is to push college, but I understand that it's not for everyone. So, next time we can reconvene after the job fair and talk other options like trade school and entering the job field. But that also requires you to do a little research, all right?"

"Okay," I say, feeling a bit more confident now.

"All right. It looks like our time is up, but my door is always open, Miss Ambrose," Counselor Blatt offers.

"Wait," I stop and turn back.

"Yes?"

"I did want to ask one thing."

⭒⭒⭒

By the time Media Studies rolls around, I'm in a better mood. And when I get food at lunch, I'm even better.

"I heard they have pizza today," I tell Robby happily as we walk out of the classroom.

"Really? And it's actually good?" he wonders.

"It's really good," I nod. "Everyone's excited for it, which is why we have to make it early in the line." I grab his hand and pull him through the crowd.

Once we make it through the massive line of impatient, hungry teens, we walk over to what I call the "karate table," for lack of a better explanation. Everyone in Miyagi-Fang except for Aisha, Tory, and Piper are over here... and Anthony and Devon who have a separate lunch period.

"You need to try the pizza, Rob," Miguel tells him excitedly as we sit down.

"Okay, okay," Robby grins in surrender as he sits down and picks it up. When he eats it, he hums in enjoyment.

"See?" I pick up my own and eat it.

"Okay, yeah, that's great," he admits.

"So, Zion - my fellow A - how did your success meeting go today?" Demetri asks me.

I try to act causal, "It was fine."

"Just fine?" he asks in disbelief. "Mine was super productive. I found out when early admission is due for MIT, what I need to prepare to submit, the cost of an application, and a whole lot more." He addresses the whole table proudly, "Your boy is ready."

Miguel smiles, "That's great."

"So what did she say for you?" Demetri asks curiously.

"Um, just that there are a lot of options out there," I say then take Robby's hand. "I'm pretty good with where I am right now." I hesitate, "Do all of you know what you're doing after graduation?"

"Well, Eli and I have been locked in on MIT for years, and at this point there's really no better option for us," Demetri explains excitedly. That's all the way in Massachusetts.

"Stanford," is all Miguel says through a mouthful of pizza.

"SoCal - The University of Southern California - is my dream school," Yasmine says. "Their sororities are legendary."

"You want to pay for your friends?" Sam asks in surprise.

"Oh, please," Yasmine rolls her eyes at the comment.

"She won't have to pay for me. I'm trying to go there, too," Moon beams. "But also the USC, Santa Cruz, looks super nice. My parents are having me apply to a few safety schools, too."

I glance back at Robby in dismay; everyone is going to college.

"I've looked at Stanford's biology programs," Sam admits, "but I've kind of had my heart set on Princeton since I was little... I thought it would make me a princess, but actually it's an Ivy League, and if I can get in..."

"And come on, why wouldn't you get in?" Miguel asks her supportively. She smiles and kisses him on the cheek.

"It is on the East Coast, though, so it's a lot to consider, moving so far away from home," Sam admits. 

I take in the fact that we're all going to split to different parts of the country in a few months. Then I suppress the thought and try to push it away.

"Sounds like you all have it figured out," I say in surprise.

"Don't worry. What's meant to be will work out for you both," Moon says to Robby and I.

"You sound like Jess," I tell her as I take Robby's hand. 

"I wonder why," Moon giggles. "Oh, and they're thinking of USC, Santa Cruz, too. So who knows?"

I smile in response, though inside I'm not happy. I'm worried. Even Jess has a plan?

The truth is, I know there's really is nothing wrong with not going to college. I just don't know what Robby and I are going to do. I think he feels this way, too.

"So," Miguel speaks up, "I was thinking we could do a double date tomorrow after classes to Golf N' Stuff."

"A double date?" Sam sits up straighter at the idea. "That sounds fun."

"Actually, I'm busy," Eli jokes with him. Miguel shoves him playfully.

I smile as I clarify, "So Robby, me, Sam, and you?"

"Yeah. Is that cool?" Miguel asks nervously.

"Very cool," Robby agrees.

"Yeah, thanks, I didn't want to go anyway," Demetri continues Eli's joke. We laugh.

⭒⭒⭒

When last period arrives, I walk into Ms. Hale's classroom and instantly know I've made the right decision.

"Zion, welcome, welcome!" she stands up from her desk and comes over to see me. "I'm so happy to have you again this year."

"Me too," I tell her.

I hear a gasp behind me, "Zion?" I turn to my friends as they come in. "Did you switch classes?"

"Yeah," I say as I nervously tug on my ring.

"No way! Mark this down: Zion is in an AP class with us," Liv wraps me in a hug excitedly, and I try to keep my balance.

"She can sit with us, can't she, Ms. Hale?" Eva asks politely yet excitedly.

I look at the classroom currently set up with tables instead of desks.

"Of course," Ms. Hale says.

"Yes!" Liv cheers.

"Here's my syllabus," Ms. Hale hands me three pages of front and back papers stapled together. "Is this your first AP class?"

"Um, yeah," I nod, trying not to be nervous with how excited Liv is beside me.

"So, this workload is a lot more than honors history last year, but I think you can handle it given how well you did prior," she explains. I nod; Counselor Blatt meantioned this, too. "So, just read through that and bring it back signed. Okay?"

"Okay," I agree.

"It's not scary, I promise," Liv shows me to her, Eva, Piper, and Jai's table. "They just like to pretend to psych you out."

⭒⭒⭒

The next day, I get ready at Sam's for the Golf 'N Stuff date night. She finishes doing her hair as I finish my makeup.

"It's nice to be doing a real date night, right?" Sam asks me. "And a double date, too. The boys are picking us up, we're getting ready together, and there's finally some peace in the Valley."

"Yeah," I smile as I put on mascara now. "I've never actually been on a double date before."

"Me neither," Sam sits next to me and puts on her earrings. "I'm glad you're my first."

"Me too."

"I'm really happy we're still friends," she admits.

"Why wouldn't we be?" I turn from the mirror curiously.

"Um, well, you have your other friend group with Tory, and Aisha hangs out with me less now, so..." Sam trails off nervously.

"We are friends, Sam," I tell her. "It's really nice having someone else around who... understands."

"I feel the same way." She sighs, "Well, good. I'm extra happy we were able to get past the mortal enemy thing, too."

"Same," I agree.

"Girls, they're here!" Amanda calls to us from downstairs.

"Okay!" Sam rushes to grab her shoes.

I grab her shoulder with a sly smile, "It's okay to make them wait, you know." Sam takes a breath and nods. I show her my shoe options, "Which ones?"

"The black boots," she tells me.

Then we walk down the stairs with our arms linked to where Miguel and Robby stand in the foyer. I notice that Robby's dressed casually, but it is an arcade date. And he still looks handsome.

"M'lady," Miguel greets Sam with a British accent. I try to contain my laughter.

"Hi, beautiful," Robby extends his hand. 

Miguel walks us out to his mom's car. He holds the passenger door for Sam. 

She giggles, "Why thank you, kind sir."

Robby grabs the back door for me, "After you."

I tease him, "No accent?"

Robby blushes in embarrassment as I get in. Then I pull him in with me. He falls forward quickly, and we laugh. I don't mind the back because it gives Robby and I the chance to sit close to each other.

"I hope you like the playlist," Miguel grabs his phone and presses play.

An old Kesha song comes on, and we all begin to sing together excitedly.

⭒⭒⭒

"Come on, come on!" I pester Robby to put away his laser tag equipment faster so we can go read the leaderboard.

"I'm going, I'm going," he tries to keep up with me as I rush out the door to the screen.

"I kind of forget how competitive you are," Sam says as she and Miguel follow us out.

I turn to her apologetically, "Sorry."

"I got you a few times, though," Miguel says. "I think Sam and I may have won for the blue team."

The screen finally loads, and I cheer, "Red team wins!"

Robby double high fives me excitedly as Miguel questions in disbelief, "What?!" 

The other people we played with file out from the equipment room now to look at the leaderboard.

I look for my code name on the screen: Falcon. It was kind of cool, but I didn't get to choose it.

"I'm first," I say excitedly.

"I'm third," Robby grins.

"Second!" Miguel pumps his fist in the air.

"Fourth overall, not so bad," Sam smiles.

"Aw, man," I hear a little boy say as his dad takes him to the snack bar.

"I think they should limit each group to certain ages," I remark. "I felt kind of bad playing with him."

"Eh, it builds character," Miguel jokes.

"Okay, so what next?" Sam asks.

"Well, we did my pick," I say, "so now it's Robby's turn."

"Okay, hm..." He looks around the arcade curiously. "I want to do the Boxer Spider."

"All right, all right," Miguel says as we walk over to an automated punching bag. "Ladies first?"

Sam steps up to the plate as Miguel swipes their arcade card. The game makes noises, and then she punches it as hard as she can. It makes a loud noise then counts to about 600 out of 1000.

We clap for her as she shakes her head, "That was definitely not my best."

"It's okay. You did great," Miguel praises her.

I walk over, and Robby swipes our card for me. I get into a fighting stance and punch. The machine counts up to about 700 as I sigh.

"In our defense, girls have our strength in our legs," I say. 

"Whatever you say, loser," Miguel teases.

"Okay, let's see you do better," I retort.

He grins and gets ready. Sam swipes the card. He punches. I frown when he reaches an even 820.

"Loser!" Miguel taunts me.

"I still beat you at laser tag," I tell him.

"Blah blah blah blah blah," Miguel repeats in a phony voice.

"Okay," Robby laughs as he steps up, "my turn?"

"Sorry," I say as I nudge Miguel in the ribs. He groans.

I swipe the card. Robby centers himself for a second before going for it. The machine dings loudly as it counts up to a 950 out of 1000.

"Oh my God!" I rush over to him excitedly and hug around his neck as he grabs my waist.

"It's all in the legs," Robby tells us. I look at him skeptically. Then he grins, "And yes, the arms, too."

"Well, congrats on your rather..." Miguel glances at the score again, "average leg strength, sir."

"That means we're winning again," Robby points out.

Sam speaks up confidently, "No, it's my turn now."

"What game would you like to play, m'lady?" Miguel links his arm in hers.

"I'd like to play- Tory?"

I stare in surprise as we come around the bend and see Tory and Piper. Their faces fall at the sight of us.

"What are you doing here?" Sam asks, obviously trying to be civil and casual.

"Date night," Piper says like it's obvious.

"I knew this was a bad idea," I hear Tory mutter. 

"Whaaat? That's crazy. Who knew you two would be here?" Miguel speaks up. 

I look at him wearily; why is he talking like that?

"Now that we've seen you, though, maybe we could do a triple date for a little while?" Miguel suggests. 

I turn to Robby, but he looks just as surprised as I do.

"Well," Piper nods tensely, "it would be rude to say no."

"We can say no," I hear Tory whisper.

"Great. Sam was just about to pick our next game," Miguel turns back to his girlfriend.

Sam looks really uncomfortable, "Actually, um, I'm not really wanting to game much anymore."

"That's a shame," Tory says, obviously not meaning it, as she turns slightly away.

"Then we can go to the snack bar together," Miguel suggests. "My treat?"

 At this, Tory and Piper nod reluctantly. Miguel leads us over. 

"What is this?" I whisper to Robby skeptically.

"I think Miguel's trying to 'jumpstart' things," Robby says.

"This isn't a good idea," I tell him.

"It might be. Things are different now, remember?" he gives me a small, hopeful smile. I nod.

Suddenly, Robby stops walking and looks ahead with a frown.

I fight the urge to turn away when I see Kenny playing arcade basketball.

"He's still not talking to you?" Tory comes between us.

Robby shakes his head, "No."

I think to myself, "Why would he?" I forced him to join a karate cult then left him there. And when I tried to drag him out of it, I still did everything wrong. He's much better without us. Without me.

"I've gotta give it another shot," Robby continues. 

"What?" I turn to him in confusion.

"He needs to know there's another way besides the shit Silver was feeding him. At least here he can't send my calls straight to voicemail."

"You've been calling him?" I ask, this being brand new information for me.

"Well, yeah. I thought maybe there was a chance after Silver got arrested," Robby explains. "I gave him a couple weeks before I reached out. He may as well have blocked my number, though."

I don't even know how to process this. I didn't think we kept anything from each other.

"He did earn a spot in the tournament," Miguel speaks up in support of Robby. "Might as well give it another shot, right?"

When Robby nods, I interject. "Are you serious? You want to pull him back into karate?" 

"Yeah. You don't think it's a good idea?" he asks, seemingly already knowing my answer.

"I think we need to let him be. If he's declining your calls and avoiding us, then we should take the hint," I state.

Robby sighs and looks over to where Kenny last was.

"Also a good point," Miguel shrugs. 

"Maybe," Sam speaks up, "we can think about it over ice cream?"

"Maybe," I nod as I look at Robby wearily. I don't want to change my mind.

Robby also nods, his eyes not meeting mine. 

We begin walking again and get into the back of the snack bar line. The silence between Robby and I is palpable. I'm not sure how to compromise here.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom," Robby speaks up after a moment.

I just watch him walk away. Then I scan the area for any sign of Kenny. Thankfully, I don't see him.

Tory and Piper split an ice cream, Miguel and Sam split an ice cream, and I eat nachos on my own as I wait for Robby to come back.

Awkward silence follows. 

"Full disclosure," Piper takes a bite of ice cream, "I wanted to buy a shit ton of junk food just to make you pay for it." She looks at Miguel. "But then I decided to be nice."

I smile at what I think was a joke. Nobody else does. Tory won't even look at Sam or Miguel.

"Well, I appreciate that," Miguel replies.

It's actually painful sitting here. I don't know why Miguel is insisting on pushing this this much.

"So, I mean, it's our senior year, right?" he continues to make small talk. "College right around the corner. Kind of crazy."

"Yeah," Sam agrees, "I mean, it does feel like just yesterday that we were dissecting fetal pigs, and now we're planning our futures between training everyday. There are just so many good schools to choose from. I... I'm just a little overwhelmed, if I'm being honest."

I notice Tory looking away from the conversation at anything else. I guess she feels the same way I do.

"But it'll be easier once you've heard back from Stanford," Sam tries to be positive.

"Fingers crossed," Miguel gestures. Then he turns to the other side of the table, "What about you, Tory?"

Piper and I exhange a look as Tory replies dryly, "It's kinda hard to get in anywhere when you spent almost a year on probation."

"...Right," Miguel frowns. This is a mess.

"Hey, Zion," Piper calls to me from across the table, "I have a, uh, girl question. Would you maybe walk with me?"

I think both Tory and I are surprised. Actually, Tory looks skeptical. Piper looks adamant.

I nod in confusion, "Without Tory?"

Her eyes dart between Piper and I. Piper nods, "Yeah, I just need you right now."

"Okay..." I try to act normal since Piper's my friend, too, though I don't think I've ever spoken to her alone before.

"We'll be right back," Piper announces to the group.

"No," Tory whispers to Piper, "don't leave me."

"Just give us a minute," Piper says.

"No, Piper. Fuck," I hear Tory curse before turning back to Sam and Miguel. 

Once we're out of the snack bar area, I ask Piper, "Are you okay?" 

"Not really," Piper admits. I'm already worried. "I'm sorry for being so weird. I just do everything with Tory and didn't know how to get you alone."

"And that was the best way of doing it?" I smile slightly.

Piper isn't smiling. "I have to tell you something, but you can't tell Tory. Can I trust you?"

"You want me to keep a secret from one of my best friends?"

"Please?" she says seriously. "I need an opinion on what to say."

"Say about what? Is it bad?" I admit.

She sighs. "My mom wants me to tour some colleges this year..."

"Okay?"

"They're all across the country..."

"Oh."

"And I'll be gone from now through January at the least."

I stare at her in shock, "Really?"

"It's a cross-country roadtrip," Piper says in dismay. "I don't really want to go, but it's something my parents have had planned since freshman year. There's no way for me to get out of it."

"How is that allowed with school and everything?" I ask.

"My mom said the school will let you do whatever you want if you're missing for a college tour. I'll do my work remotely, and really it's not that bad... Except that I won't be here with Tory, and I have to break the news to her."

My stomach drops, "And you'll miss the Sekai Taikai."

Piper starts to tear up, "I feel awfully. I know Tory's already fragile with her mom and her hand and Kreese and everything. I just can't see myself getting out of this one. And she doesn't like my parents. And they don't like her. So it's just a mess."

"And you came to me for advice?" I ask nervously.

"You're the only one who knows her as well as I do," Piper admits. 

I realize she's right. Tory and I aren't even that close anymore, but she's so closed off that it would be either me or Piper.

"I would start the conversation by reiterating how much you love her," I suggest as I try to think of good advice. I'm not usually the one giving the advice. "Definitely blame your parents. Be honest like you were with me."

"You saw how upset she was when Aisha said she didn't want to compete. I don't know what this will do, especially with me being gone for the majority of our senior year," Piper frowns.

"We can only hope she'll understand. It's clear she loves you, too, right?" She nods. "I mean, offer FaceTime calls and lots of pictures when you can."

"Yeah," she wipes her tears. "I can definitely do that. I just feel so bad."

"And that's why she won't be mad at you," I tell Piper. "Because you genuinely feel bad and it's out of your control."

"You think so?" I nod. "Okay. Okay, good." She begins to cry again.

I shift uncomfortably, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just glad to let it out," she nods. Then she steps forward and wraps me in a hug. I freeze. "Thank you, Zion. I've been so worried about this."

"It'll be okay," I try to comfort her despite not knowing that for sure.

Piper steps out of the hug with a small smile. "Yeah, I feel better about it now. Do you want to go rejoin the group and save Tory?"

"Yeah," I nod.

We walk back to the snack bar area, but the table is empty.

"Maybe they're outside," Piper suggests. "Tory wanted to go out to the go karts earlier."

I follow her through the arcade. This place feels like a maze, but she seems to know the layout well. 

We make it outside where the go kart and bumper boat entrances are.

"I don't see them," I say.

Then, I hear cheering around the corner of the building. Piper and I follow the sound worriedly. 

We push through the crowd gathered outside of the batting cages. My heart drops when I see Sam and Tory fighting Kenny and Miguel and Robby fighting Shawn.

"What the hell?" I ask as I actually push through people to get into the cage. I leave Piper behind.

When I step inside, I see Sam and Tory shove Kenny to the ground and into the metal chain barrier.

I rush over worriedly, "Kenny, are you okay?" I lean down and extend my hand to help him up.

He looks up at me in surprise.

Another voice comes from behind, "He will be as long as you leave him alone, Ambrose." 

I stand up straight and alert at Shawn's voice. I turn to him. He glares down at me. I hear Kenny get up behind me.

"You're right," I concede. I don't want to fight. It's not worth it this time. "I'm sorry."

"That's it, K," Shawn steps around me to Kenny protectively. "Let's go."

I step closer to Piper and Sam wearily. I hear Kenny argue, "What? No, I'm not going anywhere."

"Yes, you are. Security's coming," Shawn points. "We're done." He glances back at me before escorting Kenny out of the batting cage and out of Golf N' Stuff.

I can feel the burning in my chest as security comes in, "Everything okay in here?"

"Yes, sir," Miguel pants.

The Golf N' Stuff security guard shrugs, "Okay," and leaves.

I immediately turn to Robby, "What were you thinking?" He must have snuck off to see Kenny. He must have started this. But why?

"I thought I could help him," he says. "You saw how angry he was. He can't hold onto that kind of anger. Miyagi-Do can-"

"Haven't we done enough?" I argue. 

"I don't think so. Not enough to make it right," Robby counters. "Last time you went to Kenny's house alone. I wanted the chance, too."

"Really? The chance to what, get jumped by Shawn and ten others?" I ask in frustration. 

"That won't happen again. They have to see now that we did the right thing. We both tried to go back and get him out of Cobra Kai. Now that he's had some time-"

"He's still ignoring us," I tell Robby. "We have to leave him be. His family are the ones who should worry about him. We should take a step back. It's better to leave him alone."

"I think shutting him out is the last thing he needs right now," he states.

"So that's why you reached out to him?" I ask genuinely. He nods. "You kept that from me, Robby."

"I didn't want to bring it up because I know how sensitive it is-"

"And this is better?" I question in disbelief. "Getting into another fight with them? Silver is gone. Cobra Kai is gone. We should go, too, and leave him alone."

"I disagree-"

"Then," I take in a deep breath and hold back tears, "I guess we agree to disagree. Because I asked you not to do this, and you did anyway." 

Robby looks at me sadly. My other friends are torn by our argument. I decide it's best for me to walk away and cool off for now.

⭒⭒⭒

Third Person POV

Zion walks out to the parking lot before realizing that Miguel drove all of them in his car today. She sighs in frustration before wiping her tears then walking back inside to find a bathroom for a moment of solace.

Little does she know that Shawn and Kenny are sitting in their car and saw her. 

Kenny frowns as he watches Zion walk back inside.

Shawn shakes his head in disbelief and pulls out of the lot.

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

"I thought I might find you in here," Sam walks into the women's restroom.

I wipe the mascara marks under my eyes with a wet paper towel, "It's not like I could run away."

"No, I guess not." 

"Is Tory still here?" I deflect from myself.

"No, she left with Piper just after you did," she explains.

I nod sadly.

"There's someone out there who really wants to talk with you," Sam says softly. "I think he had good intentions."

A single tear falls. I curse internally. "I know he did. I just... I get so weird when it comes to Kenny. That's why Robby didn't want to talk to me about it." I wipe another tear. "I feel responsible. I failed him."

"Failed him?" Sam repeats in question. "You saved him, Zion."

"How?" my voice cracks.

"You exposed Silver. You showed him and everyone else what Cobra Kai was. Even Shawn didn't see the truth until the video got out," she tries to comfort me.

I shake my head, "Tory found the video. Demetri and Hawk got the clip."

"But you led the charge," Sam points out. "All of them have you to thank for that."

"I don't want to talk about it anymore," I decide. "Sorry. I really don't want to cry anymore."

"Okay, topic closed," Sam respects my wish.

After a moment, I center my breathing and walk back outside.

Miguel gives me a weary smile as I cross to Robby.

"I'm sorry," we say at the same time.

I take his hand, hoping that he'll forgive me for getting so angry.

He smiles sweetly and squeezes my hand in response. At least now I know we'll be okay.

And then we all leave to Miguel's car and the ride back is relatively quiet.

⭒⭒⭒

"I think we should talk," was what Robby said to me when we made it back to the apartment complex. 

I followed him into Johnny's apartment and into his room. Now we sit on the bed, and I wait for him to speak first.

"I should have talked with you before going off on my own," Robby admits. "I was so certain I could fix it myself."

"I know. I know you meant well," I echo what Sam said earlier. "And I know I haven't exactly been open to talking about Kenny."

"The last thing I wanted was to see you upset," he says earnestly. 

"It's not all you," I tell him. "I still... I still have to work through a lot in therapy, and my meds are changing right now. I haven't had a session about... about Ella yet. I still feel guilty about leaving her." I take in a deep, shaky breath. "Then I feel bad about leaving Kenny, and it hurts that now he's free but still chooses to avoid us. So it's easier to keep him at a distance. And that's so selfish."

"It's not," Robby shakes his head. "You've been through a lot."

"That shouldn't excuse it," I tell him. "I really, really want to be better. I had fun today. It felt like a real, fun date like we had two years ago. And then..."

"Come here," Robby wraps me in a hug as I begin to cry again.

I laugh slightly through the tears, "It's so stupid how much I'm crying."

Robby just holds me tighter as I work through it. Then he says, "I'm sorry again for keeping it from you and going behind your back."

"I forgive you," I pull out of the hug.

Robby smiles, and it puts me at ease.

"Can we watch a movie?" I suggest.

He grabs his laptop, and I go to his closet to change into one of his t-shirts for bed. 

"For what it's worth," Robby says as he changes now, too, "I think Miguel's plan worked. Sam and Tory worked together during the fight today. It seemed like a lot of the resentment went away."

"Really?" I ask in surprise. He nods. I walk over to the bed, "That's really good. I hope it stays that way, maybe."

"Me too," he settles in. I pull the blanket over us and move closer to him. "So what movie do you want to watch?" 

⭒⭒⭒

Third Person POV

Kenny trains in his backyard against an inflatable punching bag. He's pissed about earlier.

Shawn walks out from the house, "Surprised you got any gas left in the tank after that. I'm tired as shit."

Kenny shrugs, "Plenty more where that came from." He continues training.

"Yeah, I bet," Shawn holds the bag for him. "You're good, but you still couldn't get past Tory and LaRusso."

"Those guys are all assholes," Kenny replies.

"You really think that? Even Zion?" Shawn says. Kenny stops punching for a minute. "Yeah, I saw how you looked at her."

"Whatever," he sighs before going back at it.

"You know," Shawn speaks up again. Kenny stops fighting in frustration. "They had open shots but wouldn't take 'em. All four of them."

"So what?" Kenny asks. "Are you admiring them for being pussies now?"

Shawn laughs, "Okay, we both know that's not true, and since when do you talk like that?"

"Since I learned what the world was really like," Kenny stands up straighter.

"Okay," Shawn smiles in disbelief.

"We both did," Kenny reminds him.

"Terry Silver taught us that," he counters. "It doesn't matter to me now that I got out of juvie 'cause of Silver. Now he's the one in jail. And we're the ones out of it, and we'll stay out of it because we won't resort those dirty plays anymore."

Kenny sighs. "So what? That's it? We just stop training?"

"Not necessarily," Shawn says. "I mean, I wouldn't go back to it, but you seem to really have connected with it. Maybe whatever karate those guys do would be good for you."

"No, I don't need them. Gotta listen to my own instincts."

"Where's that gotten us lately?" Shawn argues. "I saw that look in your eyes, K. I know that look. It's the same one that landed me in juvie. You keep going down this road, that's where you'll end up, too."

Kenny shakes his head and continues training, "That won't happen."

Shawn steps in front of the bag and blocks Kenny's kick, "You can't be doing reckless shit. It's different for us."

"How?" he replies.

"The color of our skin, for one," he says, "then the fact that we're not only black but black men. You think people don't see me and immediately think the worst? You think that won't happen to you when you get a little bit taller and your voice gets a little bit deeper? I'll bet you already had an encounter like that."

Kenny hesitates, "Yeah, but-"

"So, this Miyagi-Do or Fang or whatever teaches deescalation. Defense, not offense. Maybe that's something you need as you grow into this young man I'm seein' before me," Shawn points out. "This aggro bullshit got me arrested. Even when I got out, under Silver I was doin' illegal shit. One wrong move can get me back in there, and it's not fun, trust me."

"I guess you're kinda right," Kenny says, obviously still apprehensive about it all. "But I don't understand how joining Miyagi-Do is the answer."

"I'll leave you with this," Shawn decides. "You're becoming a man now, okay? It's time for you to decide the kind of man that you wanna be. The kind of man you want dad to come home to after his tour."

Something shifts for Kenny at the mention of his dad. "I don't know who I wanna be, man." Kenny shakes his head. "I don't even know who... I don't even know who I am anymore."

"Hey, it's okay, man," Shawn pulls him in for a hug. "I got you."

Kenny's eyes start to fill with tears as he pulls his brother in closer.

"We'll figure it out, all right?" Shawn tells him. "But you have my blessing if you wanna give Keene or Ambrose another shot. And if not, then that's your prerogative. I'm here for you either way."

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

Saturday is a day full of training after a week back to school. I think Robby and I are stronger now that we've talked it out, and it looks like Sam and Tory are finally like they're on the same team now, too.

"Hey," I walk over to the duo. 

Sam turns to me with a smile, "Hey, I'm teaching Tory some kata. Do you want to join us?"

I glance at Tory who looks genuinely interested in learning and working with Sam for the first time; she looks more relaxed today.

"Yeah," I nod. "Sounds great."

I look around at everyone working together. Demetri, Eli, Miguel, and Robby are together. Piper, Aisha, Devon, Chris, and Mitch are a group. And now me, Sam, and Tory are together.

If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that we're the girls going to the Sekai Taikai together. As it draws closer and closer, I allow myself to get more and more excited. 

"Kenny?" I hear Tory whisper from beside me as we work through the kata.

I open my eyes and see Kenny walking into the dojo. I must be going crazy; he looks ready to train.

I immediately turn away, not able to face him again after the mess that was yesterday. 

"Are you okay?" Sam whispers to me as I step closer to the pond and further away from him.

"I'm fine," I lie as I reach for my water and look on from afar.

Robby fist bumps Kenny. Then Miguel follows behind. I watch as Kenny looks in Anthony's direction. They nod to each other before Miguel begins talking to Kenny, probably guiding him through the dojo.

When Miguel points my way - by the pond - and Kenny looks over, I turn away. I'm not ready for this. I can't get too close again and mess it up, and for all I know he's still mad at me.

I grab my phone and sit to look in the opposite direction. I don't even care that I've stopped training with Sam and Tory. I just need a minute to tune out the world and-

"Z?"

I look up at Kenny in fear. How did he get over here so quickly? Why?

I shove my phone back in my bag and stand up nervously. "Um, did you need to get here? I can go-"

"I wanted to talk to you," Kenny says directly. 

I look down and pick at my nails now that I can't get away from him. I try to be casual, "About...?" 

"To say I'm really sorry for how I treated you," he tells me. I press my nails into my hand to check that this is real. "I'm sorry for not listening to you about Silver and Cobra Kai. You were right the entire time, and all I wanted to do was hold a grudge. It was a shitty thing to do."

I look at him in surprise when he curses. Then I reply, "I understand. I, um, I was there at one point, too, so I really don't hold it against you. I was 'shitty,' too."

I make eye contact with him wearily; he smiles. Then, "For what it's worth, Shawn said he's sorry, too. You've shown over and over that you care about me."

I reply softly, scared to ruin everything, "I'm really sorry that I left you there and that I didn't do more to get you out."

"Well, you did," Kenny nods, "and I'm out, and I forgive you."

I blink back tears as he pulls me in for a hug. And that's when I take a deep, cleansing breath. It takes everything inside of me not to breakdown here.

"We good?" he steps back after a moment, looking completely fine. 

I stand up straighter and compose myself, "All is forgiven."

"So then show me around this dojo," Kenny grins. "Looks to me like a big garden."

"Well, we have a big sparring deck," I show him where my senseis are standing and conversing with each other, "and there's lots of weapons to train with inside." 

"I see, I see," he replies.

We walk back over to the group of everyone, and I see them smiling with us. 

Anthony steps forward and shakes hands with Kenny for a moment. Then everyone begins to welcome him in.

Robby finds me, "You doing okay?"

"I'm great," I say, shocked that I actually mean it. I lower my voice, "Can you pinch me just to be sure this is real?"

He reaches over and pinches me gently. He smiles brightly, "It's real."

"Everyone has a place here," Sam tells Kenny.

 Anthony nods in agreement with his sister. Tory and Piper smile at that. It's amazing.

"All right," Daniel calls to us. "We have an announcement to make."

I take Robby's hand, and he waits for Kenny to follow us before we head over with everyone.

I notice Johnny holding a white gi in his hands as Daniel addresses us.

"We've been through a lot to get to this point, and we're finally on the same page. We've put aside old rivalries and wiped the slate clean. Now we are all Miyagi-Do."

Johnny and Chozen nod from the back. I turn to Miguel in surprise at what seems to be an official name change. 

"But it's a new Miyagi-Do, the strongest we've ever been."

"And most badass," Chozen nods to Johnny. It makes me smile even more, and my cheekbones begin to hurt. "One purpose. One team. One dojo."

"With a name steeped in tradition and honor and a brand new patch," Daniel continues.

That's when Johnny reveals the back of the gi with a new logo design. It's the second-most voted one from the Google form Demetri and Eli sent out. There's an eagle flying above the bonsai tree. It's perfect.

"So get your asses ready," the blond man says. "We may have settled things in the Valley, but now Miyagi-Do's ready for whatever the world throws at us. Fall in!"

We all move into formation. And then we bow to our senseis.

All of us. 

And I couldn't be happier.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Ahhh the Zobby/Kenny family is back together! <3

What do you hope Zion does after graduating high school? I have some ideas...

I'm so curious about how part 3 will leave these amazing characters because the writers may once again disappoint me. Ideally, where would you like to see each character end up in 5 years?

I just want them all to be happy and successful and healed from the traumas this show has put them through haha.