❝ you interested in joining karate? ❞

―

DASH AND EMERY SAT AT THEIR USUAL TABLE IN THE CAFETERIA.

Across from them, their school counselor, Counselor Blatt, was giving a speech about cyber bullying. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time the students of West Valley had heard her give a never ending speech about bullying. After the video of Yasmine dumping spaghetti on Emery's head had made its rounds online and Eleanora caught sight of it, she didn't hesitate to call the school. The post had managed to collect thousands of comments and not a single one was nice.

The following day, Counselor Blatt went on an entire spiel about cyberbullying. Except now, it seemed like they were just listening to an embellished and edited version from last year. She was like a broken record at this point, repeating the same thing over and over again. It was obvious that it wasn't doing any good. If anything, hearing her constantly talk about how bullying is wrong and that it needs to end only made it worse.

No one in the cafeteria was paying attention. Half the students were on their phones or laughing about in response to what she was saying. Emery was trying to keep herself from dozing off, her head bobbing as she rested it in her palm. Dash was poking at his pizza with his hamburger bun with his fork.

The topic of this discussion, however, wasn't Dash and Emery. It was Eli.

"Cyberbullying is no laughing matter. Sending a cruel message to someone online can be just as hurtful as saying it to their face," Counselor Blatt spoke. "Now, I'm not gonna name names, but the other day a mother called me up because her son was crying after some kids online made fun of his facial deformity."

Emery lifted her head, glancing at Eli who was looking around the cafeteria as he covered his mouth. Everyone instantly knew that Counselor Blatt was talking about him. Laughter and whispers filled the cafeteria. When he turned his head to look at Emery, she gave him a sympathetic look.

She reached for his hand underneath the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze. A sense of calmness began to wash over him as he lowered his shoulders, no longer trying to sink into his chair. Grabbing his hand was something that Emery had done since they met. Whenever Eli was feeling worried or anxious, all Emery had to do was reach for his hand.

"You know, if you're sick of getting bullied, my karate dojo's looking for recruits," Miguel announced, causing the other four teens at the table to turn their attention to him.

"Yeah, right. You hear that, Eli?" Demetri asked, karate chopping the air. "A little karate training and you're gonna kick some major ass."

"I'm serious, Demetri," Miguel responded. "My sensei's the real deal. I'm sure I could get you all discounts."

"As enticing as that sounds, I think we'd rather spend our afternoons playing Crucible Control than getting hit in the face," Demetri replied.

"Speak for yourself," Emery said with a scoff. "If I have to watch you play that one more time, I might just spontaneously combust."

Dash glared at her. "Don't be so dramatic, Em."

"Dramatic might as well be my middle name," Emery said before turning to look at Eli. "Besides, I think karate might be good for you. Who knows, maybe you'll become an awesome badass."

Eli smiled at her before looking down at the table. "You think so?"

Emery shrugged. "Maybe. But I think you're already pretty badass."

Emery smiled at him. Eli's cheeks turned a shade of light pink as he continued to look down, not daring to glance up at Emery.

"Karate just doesn't really sound like my thing," Dash spoke up, shrugging his shoulders.

"Sports aren't your thing," Emery chimed in before turning to Miguel. "Name a sport and I guarantee that he hates it."

Dash made a face at her as she turned her attention back to him. She stuck her tongue out, causing Dash to do the same.

Counselor Blatt started talking about the Halloween dance. Dash and Emery both rolled their eyes as she spoke. Neither one of them were fans of Halloween. They knew that it had to do with the fact that growing up, they weren't allowed to go trick or treating.

Their mother just bought them costumes and a bunch of candy and made them have their own Halloween party. She was always afraid that they would get kidnapped or lost and wouldn't be able to find their way home. The twins loved their mother, but sometimes it seemed like she could be too overprotective.

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Dash and Emery sat at the dining room table eating dinner with their parents. They were going around the table discussing what the best part of their day was. As their father droned on and on about something related to work, Emery nodded along and pretended to be listening while Dash didn't even bother. They hadn't even realized that he stopped talking until their mother spoke up.

"Emery, Dash," Eleanora said, causing them both to perk up. "Your father and I have been discussing it and we have decided..."

"We are going to let you go to the Halloween dance at school," Damien finished for her.

Dash and Emery shared a look with each other.

"Wait, seriously?" Emery asked. "You're actually going to let us go to the dance?"

Eleanora nodded her head. "We are. However, your father will be chaperoning."

"Yeah, because that's not embarrassing," Dash mumbled sarcastically.

"Tough luck. Take it or leave it," Eleanora responded. "If you go, he goes."

"Everyone already thinks we're losers," Emery shrugged her shoulders. "It's not like any more harm can be done to our popularity status."

"I guess," Dash replied. "But we don't even have costumes and the dance is tomorrow."

"Why don't you go up to the Halloween store tomorrow?" Eleanora asked. "I'm sure you could find something. I can take you. It's right by the nail salon that I go to."

"That's a good idea," Emery nodded her head. "Thanks, mom."

"Oh, and one more thing," Eleanora announced. "You are not under any circumstances to drink the punch. It could be spiked with something."

Dash scrunched his eyebrows. "This isn't some cheesy teen romcom. No one is going to spike the punch."

"You say that but when your mother and I went to our Halloween dance senior year she—"

"Do not drink the punch," Eleanora said, cutting her husband off. "Is that clear?"

Dash nodded his head. "Yes, ma'am."

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The next morning, Emery pulled open the door to the Halloween store. She held it open, letting Dash go inside before she did. The door closed behind her as they started to walk around. There wasn't a lot to look at. Most of the costumes and accessories had been picked over. They were left with costumes that no one else wanted.

Emery sighed as she stepped out of the store. "Well, that was a major bust."

They started to talk in the direction of the nail salon.

"Yeah," Dash agreed. "You think we could just skip the dance and watch movies like we always do?"

Emery shook her head. "We are going to that dance whether you like it or not. I'm telling you; this is our year and going to that dance is just the beginning."

"Why are you so convinced that this is our year?" Dash questioned. "So far, it's been exactly the same as it always is. The only difference is that we're friends with Miguel now."

"It's just a feeling," Emery replied. "You know, one of those things that you just can't explain?"

"I get what you're saying, but Em nothing has ch—"

Dash bumped into an older looking, blonde man who was taller than he was. He started sputtering a series of apologies. The man just stared at them, his eyes darting back and forth.

Emery furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Excuse me, sir, can we help you?"

He continued to look at them, his eyebrows knitting together. "It's weird...you look just like someone I used to know."

"Uh...okay?" Emery said as she grabbed Dash's arm. "We should be going. Sorry for bothering you."

Emery pulled Dash away.

The man quickly started to run up to the twins before he stopped in front of them, causing them to stop.

The man handed Dash a flyer. "You interested in joining karate?"

"Not really," Dash answered as he grabbed the flyer and looked down at it.

Emery grabbed the flyer from his hands. "Cobra Kai? Hey, isn't that the dojo Miguel was talking about?"

The man perked up. "You know Miguel?"

Emery nodded. "Yeah, he's our friend. He said something earlier about his dojo looking for recruits. I'm guessing you're his sensei?"

He ignored her and instead directed his attention back to Dash. "So, if you're interested just stop by the dojo."

"What if I wanna join?" Emery asked, folding her arms across her chest.

The man just laughed and shook his head. "There are no girls in Cobra Kai."

"Says who?" Emery asked, slightly offended.

"It just doesn't make sense," he responded.

Emery just rolled her eyes and grabbed Dash's arm. "Come on Dash, let's go."

Emery threw the flyer on the ground and began walking away, pulling Dash with her. Dash looked over his shoulder to see the man still standing there, watching them walk away.

The twins waited outside the nail salon, taking a seat on the curb as they waited for their mother to get finished. She walked out maybe twenty minutes later.

"No luck?" Eleanora asked.

Emery shook her head. "It was all picked over."

The twins stood up, following their mother to the car.

"You could always DIY a costume using clothes that you already have," Eleanora suggested as they buckled their seatbelts.

"That might be our only option," Emery said with a sigh.

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Dash and Emery stood in the gym next to Demetri and Eli. It was far too crowded, and the music was way too loud. Dash had always hated places that were too crowded, but at least he had his sister and his friends to make him feel slightly less panicked.

The twins were dressed in their makeshift costumes. Emery had her hair in two braids, wearing a white-collared shirt and a black dress over it. Black combat boots completed her outfit. Dash wore a pair of black jeans, a black and white striped shirt he had borrowed from his father, and his Converse.

The four feens were chatting amongst themselves, having to speak loudly to hear. They were in the middle of a conversation when Miguel walked up to them dressed as a skeleton.

"Oh, skeleton. Classic," Demetri nodded his head. "Nice."

"Thanks," Miguel responded. "I like your sorcerer costume."

Dash sighed, knowing full well that Demetri was going to correct him. Emery had made the same mistake only to get an entire spiel about how he was a necromancer.

"Sorcerer?" Demetri asked before pointing to his face paint. "Please. I'm a necromancer."

"What?" Miguel asked.

"Didn't you see the amulet?" Demetri asked as if it were obvious.

Miguel just shook his head and looked at Eli. "So are you a regular doctor or...?"

"Plastic surgeon," Eli answered. "I fix lips."

"Nice," Miguel answered before turning to look at Dash and Emery. "Wednesday and Pugsley Addams? Cool."

"Thank you!" Dash said. "Finally someone gets it. People have been asking me all night if I'm dressed as a prisoner."

"I'm sorry," Miguel gave him a sympathetic look.

Dash shrugged. "It's fine."

Emery scanned Miguel's costume. "You know, our father has a picture of him wearing that exact costume."

"Really?" Miguel asked. "That's pretty cool. My sensei actually gave it to me to wear. Apparently it was his back in the eighties."

"Huh..." Emery responded, her eyes narrowed slightly.

There was a brief period of silence before Miguel spoke again. "So, have you guys given any thought to joining karate?"

Emery scoffed. "With your asshole of a sensei? No thanks."

A confused look spread across Miguel's face as he watched the girl cross her arms.

"We ran into him outside the Halloween store while he was putting up flyers," Dash explained. "He made a comment about how Cobra Kai isn't for girls."

"Oh, I'm sure I could talk to him if you really wanted to join," Miguel responded. "He might change his mind."

Emery just shrugged. If she was being honest, the guy made her feel uncomfortable and she wasn't all that sure about his credibility as a karate teacher. It wasn't that she doubted his ability to teach karate, but how good of a teacher was he really? Miguel seemed to think highly of him, but Emery still didn't know him all that well.

"Are you guys thirsty?" Demetri asked out of nowhere. "I'm thirsty."

They made their way over to the punch table. Dash and Emery looked down at the bowl of bunch as Demetri began filling a cup. Their mother had warned them not to drink the punch in case it was spiked.

Stuff like that happened all the time in movies and television shows, but this was real life. Did people really spike the punch bowl in real life? They were sure, but either way Dash said he didn't want any.

Emery looked down hesitantly at the drink that Eli handed her. She was kind of thirsty, but she didn't know if she wanted to drink it or not. Instead, she just said thank you and held the cup in her hands.

She scanned the room, looking for her father. If he saw her holding the cup of punch, there was no doubt in Emery's mind that he would tell her mother. She didn't see him, but she held the punch low, hiding it behind the table just in case.

They group stood by the punch bowl for a while when a group of girls dressed as Daenerys Targaryen started dancing and looking over at them.

Demetri, Eli, and Miguel instantly began staring at them and contemplating whether or not they should go over there. It seemed like they had been standing there forever until Miguel finally spoke up.

"Okay. Are we ready?" he asked. "Let's ask the dragon queens to dance."

"Slow your roll," Demetri said. "We got time."

Right as he said that a boy walked up to one of them and asked her to dance. Dash couldn't help but smirk. Emery tried to hide the smile on her face by looking at the ground.

"Shit!" Miguel said in annoyance. "We just lost one to Doctor Who."

"I have to go to the bathroom," Eli announced.

"Yeah, me too," Demetri nodded his head. "That punch is going right through me."

"Well maybe you shouldn't have downed four cups so quickly," Dash said, causing Demetri to glare at him. "Just saying."

The four boys began to walk away from the punch table, telling Emery that they would be right back. She walked over to the snack table where Aisha stood. Emery had never really talked to her. They had been partners in biology once, but other than that they never had a conversation. From the few times Emery had talked to her, she seemed nice enough and she knew firsthand about getting bullied.

"Hey, Aisha," Emery greeted her with a smile.

"Oh, hey, Emery," Aisha responded.

Emery smiled and looked down at the ground. She was never really all that good talking to people she didn't know. Sometimes, she found it hard to be around people when she didn't have her brother. Whenever she didn't know what to say, Dash always seemed to and vice versa.

Emery stood in front of the snack table awkwardly while Aisha ate Cheetos. She offered Emery one, but she declined. Her mother had made sure to make a big meal before she and Dash left to make sure they weren't hungry.

Suddenly, Emery's phone buzzed in her jacket pocket. She pulled it out and looked down at it. It was a video of Aisha standing at the snack table with a cartoon pig nose on her face and captioned "The buffet table is under attack."

Emery looked over at Aisha. Her face dropped and she looked around. Everyone was laughing. Everyone except for Emery. She didn't think it was funny especially since the same thing had happened to her last year.

Aisha and Emery made eye contact with Yasmine. Of course it was her. Aisha walked away as people began to call her names, leaving Emery standing at the table by herself.

Emery sighed, walking after Aisha.

...

In the bathroom, Dash leaned up against the wall as he waited for the other three boys. He had finished and was just waiting for them.

"First high school dance in the books and we didn't make an attempt," Miguel complained.

"Well, statistically speaking, zero-for-zero is better than zero-for-one, so it could have been worse," Demetri responded.

Dash shook his head, chuckling to himself. "Maybe if you all weren't such cowards you could have made an attempt."

"Don't act like you would," Demetri said. "If you saw a guy you liked, would you have walked up to him?"

Dash shrugged. "Maybe. If I thought he was interested."

"Yo, so frustrated man. I was just about to give her the bracelet."

The four of them turned to look to the side. It was Kyler and his friends entering the locker room. They crept around the corner to listen to what they were talking about.

"Like that cheap one you gave to that East Valley slut?"

"Yeah, it worked on her, so might as well try it again," Kyler replied. "But Sam's dad had to ruin everything."

Dash rolled his eyes. Of course they were sexualizing some girl. That seemed to be all guys like them did.

Kyler and his friends laughed as Eli accidentally bumped into the lacrosse sticks. They clattered to the ground, causing Kyler and his friends to look over at them.

"Oh shit," Demetri said before he, Eli, and Dash began running.

Dash thought that Miguel was right behind him, but when he turned around, he wasn't. Part of him wanted to go back and tell him to come on, but there was a high chance that Kyler would end up beating him up and that was the last thing he wanted. The thought of Miguel getting beat up was equally as bad, but he wasn't about to have his mother call the school for the billionth time to complain about bullying because he had a busted lip or a broken nose.

Demetri, Eli, and Dash ran back to the gym. Emery stood in the corner, observing the people around her when they came running in. She had just gotten back into the gym after trying to cheer Aisha up.

"Holy shit, what happened to you guys?" Emery asked. "Where's Miguel?"

"Kyler," Dash told her.

That was the only word that Emery needed to know that yet again, Kyler and his goons were being bullies just like they always were.

— EMILIA'S NOTES

a few scenes were and dialogue were added into this chapter that weren't in the original version.

in the rewritten version, i'm hoping to give eleanora & damien more of a story line so that future events make more sense. (if you've read this before, then you already know.)

anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter three rewrite!!