❝ never give up on each other. ❞

"ARE YOU OKAY?"

Ayane felt Miguel's hand on her back, almost forgetting he was there. Robby's sudden appearance had shaken her up.

She turned her head to him, nodding.

"I'm fine." Miguel made a face, Ayane rolling her eyes. "Famous line, I know– but I am."

He raised his hands. "Alright."

Miguel drew in a breath, eyeing Ayane for a moment longer. She had been through too much for a teenager, and Miguel hated that there was nothing he could do about it.

"You should probably get going, it's late," Ayane said, snapping him back to reality.

Miguel nodded at once. "Y-Yeah. I probably should. But, um– I had fun tonight. There's no one I'd rather go to a council meeting to fight for a karate tournament with than you."

Ayane laughed, shrugging as she put her arms over his shoulders.

"I guess I could say the same, Diaz. But you can come by tomorrow, if you want? I don't have much of a life these days, you know, outside of the karate rivalry."

Miguel chuckled softly, placing his hands on her waist and leaning closer.

"Then I guess... I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, and be ready for some intense sparring."

"One on one?" Ayane replied suggestively, raising her eyebrows.

Miguel gave her a look back. "I feel like you're insinuating something different here..."

"We'll see," she said in response, leaning forward and placing her lips against Miguel's.

Ayane had to pull away before things got too intense.

"We'll pick this back up tomorrow," she assured, to which Miguel pouted.

"I guess I can wait," he sighed, pulling his hands away from her waist.

"Until tomorrow."

. . . .

AYANE WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING, feeling in a slightly better mood than usual.

It was short-lived, however, when she recalled Robby's stupid face showing up last night.

She got out of bed and showered, then walked downstairs. But Ayane was quickly taken by surprise when she saw Daniel in the kitchen, giving her a strange look.

Ayane frowned a little. "Good morning," she said slowly, approaching the fridge.

"Ayane, I need to have a talk with you."

Her heart skipped a beat for a moment, wondering what she could have done.

Ayane turned away from the refrigerator slowly, leaning against the counter with a strained smile.

"What's up?"

Daniel stood up from the table at once, standing on the other side of the counter with his hands folded. He looked down at them for a moment, trying to find the words to say.

"Ayane... I was just informed that for the past few weeks, you've been doing karate with Johnny Lawrence. Is that true?"

She froze completely. Ayane's heart dropped to her stomach.

Licking her lips, she stammered, "Um– well, i-it's not entirely a lie. Mr. LaRusso, I'm so sorry, I just–"

"Why didn't you tell me, Ayane?" he sounded more hurt than angry, which made a pit of guilt form in Ayane's stomach. "Do you– do you not like Miyagi-Do?"

"I love Miyagi-Do," Ayane quickly replied. "I do. And I love karate. But I didn't want to be a part of something that keeps getting people hurt and in trouble. Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do, they're both... not really right for me."

Daniel looked as if he wanted to be mad, but he just couldn't. He glanced down, nodding at once.

"I understand where you're coming from. I just need to know that whatever Johnny is teaching you– it's not about harming others, is it?"

Ayane shook her head quickly. "No, of course not. That's too much like Cobra Kai. Kreese's Cobra Kai. And that's something I'll never be part of."

Daniel sighed, meeting her eyes and seeing she was being genuine.

"Well... alright then," he said with another sigh, straightening up. Daniel was about to walk away and then he stopped, turning back to her and saying, "Oh– I heard that Robby came by last night. Sam saw him, but he looked pretty upset. Did you talk to him by any chance?"

Ayane looked down, drawing in a breath.

"Yeah, I talked to him. I don't think I should have, though. I think it did more harm than good."

Daniel pursed his lips. "Robby really looked up to you, as strange as it may seem. I could tell when he started sparring with you, he started fighting like you too. Maybe you two should try to talk things over."

With that, Daniel walked away.

Ayane stood there for a moment, in deep thought. She did not want to 'talk things over', Ayane had too much pride for that. What she wanted was to pretend Robby Keene had never existed.

But her guilty conscience was eating away at her.

Walking upstairs, Ayane knocked on the door to Sam's room. It opened at once, a barely awake Sam standing there.

"Ayane? What time is it–"

"I just have a quick question," she cut in. "Do you have any idea where Robby might be?"

Sam rubbed her eyes, shaking her head after a moment. "I tried to talk to him last night but he just stormed out. Did you have anything to do with that?"

Ayane shrugged, glancing away. "Maybe. Well– thanks anyway. Sorry for interrupting your sleep."

She turned to walk away but Sam called, "Ayane!"

Stopping, she turned back to the LaRusso girl.

"I think I might know someone, who might know where he is."

Ayane furrowed her eyebrows and narrowed her eyes, completely facing Sam now.

"...Who?"

Sam folded her hands nervously, glancing around.

"Tory."

Ayane's eyes widened a little, beyond confused. "Since when do you talk to Tory?" she replied slowly, shaking her head a little.

Sam licked her lips, an almost embarrassed look on her face.

"I went to go apologize to her not too long ago. For– accusing her of stuff and, you know. We kind of made up and... we may or may not have kissed. But anyway–"

"What?" Ayane said in disbelief, shaking her head wildly. She was not sure whether to be shocked or angry.

Sam placed her hands on her temples, trying to explain. "I know, it sounds crazy. But I guess– I guess we both just needed someone, you know? So we... went to each other. Please don't be mad."

Ayane's mouth was open but she could not think of anything to say, completely speechless. She mainly could just not wrap her head around it being Sam and Tory, two girls Ayane could have sworn despised each other.

"I-I'm not mad. A little confused? Yes. But, I guess– I guess I can be happy for you."

Sam began to smile a little, saying, "Oh. Robby, right. I-I can text Tory and see if she knows anything, if you want."

Ayane nodded curtly. "Yeah, sure."

A few minutes later, Ayane once more received some shocking news.

Sam looked up at Ayane with a concerned look on her face, one that worried the girl.

"She said... he's at Cobra Kai."

. . . .

THE DOORS OF COBRA KAI OPENED.

Ayane walked inside, ignoring the sudden stares of familiar faces; Hawk, Tory, Kyler, and others.

They were not the ones she was here for.

Kreese noticed her last, looking up with a peculiar expression. Ayane went straight up to him, trying to avoid looking the man in the eyes.

"Where's Robby?"

Kreese started to smile, tapping his chin. "You must have been to a lot of places to narrow down that he was here. What makes you think he is here, anyway?"

Tory glanced away from behind her, praying Ayane would not drop Sam's name.

But she didn't, replying to Kreese, "Don't worry about it. Where is he?"

"Ayane?"

She recognized the voice and turned, seeing Robby in the doorway to the back room.

Ayane turned and started toward him, grabbing his arm and pulling him further into the room.

Robby finally snatched his arm back, glaring at her.

"What the hell are you doing here? Do you not realize how stupid it is to walk into a dojo full of people who despise you?"

Ayane laughed dryly. "I do stupid things everyday, and 'stupid' doesn't stop me from doing them."

Robby rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "What do you want, then?"

"Truthfully?" Ayane replied. "I want to punch you in the face. But actually, I'm here to talk things over. If you'll stop pouting for two seconds, anyway."

Robby glared defensively, clenching his jaw.

"I'm not pouting–"

"Shut up, yes you are."

Ayane paused, growing a bit softer. "Look, you did a really bad thing that I've had a hard time trying to forgive you for. I know you didn't mean it, and I know that it was never your intention to hurt anyone. And I know... I know that you're sorry for what you did. So I guess what I'm saying is... I forgive you."

Robby's expression turned to surprise, uncrossing his arms.

"You do?"

Ayane rolled her eyes impatiently. "That's what I said, didn't I?"

He almost cracked a smile. But Robby continued, "So... are we cool now?"

She tapped her foot for a moment, meeting his eyes.

"If you can apologize to Miguel, too. Then yeah, we'll be cool."

Robby immediately scoffed, shooting back, "Ayane, I'm not apologizing to him for anything. He's still as arrogant as he was before, and you're apparently too in love with him to see it. Miguel cheated on you. Why are you still with him?"

Ayane's fists immediately began to tighten. "He didn't cheat, asshole. Tory came onto him, and that's the story. You know what– I knew I shouldn't have tried to 'talk things over.' This was all for Mr. LaRusso's sake, but I don't care anymore. You can choke on a dick, for all I care."

Robby's expression turned to anger again, shaking his head as Ayane started to walk out.

"Ayane, wait–"

He reached out to grab her arm but Ayane turned quickly and came at his face with a right hook, the sound of cracking along with blood suddenly pouring from Robby's nose.

"This is over, Keene. We aren't friends anymore. Stay here with your little Cobra Kai buddies and turn into an even bigger piece of shit, I don't care."

Ayane walked out, once more seeing everyone's eyes on her.

She glared at all of them, shaking with anger.

"You can all go fuck yourselves, too."

. . . .

"SO... YOU PUNCHED HIM?"

Ayane nodded to Miguel as they sat outside in Miyagi-Do.

"Yeah... you're not mad, are you?"

Miguel quickly shook his head. "Oh, no. Not this time. That asshole deserved it."

Ayane nodded once more, swinging her legs back and forth.

"His stupid face bruised my fist though," she replied, Miguel bursting into laughter.

He stood up at once, grabbing her hands and pulling her up too.

"Well let's see if you can try and bruise mine."

"I don't think I'd have to try," Ayane replied, tilting her head with a small smile and placing her hands on her hips.

Miguel rolled his eyes, getting into his stance. "Whatever. Let me block."

She nodded, putting her arms up and throwing a strike toward him. Miguel blocked it easily, which was nothing new. He was about the only one who could go on par with Ayane.

But then Ayane pulled a kick on him, taking Miguel by surprise. She was trying not to be too hardcore, as she could still get worried about Miguel from time to time. But he seemed to be making fast progress.

"You always throw a kick in there," he huffed, readying himself once again as Ayane grinned.

"I'm just trying to help you, Diaz. Not everyone gets to train with the best of the best."

He laughed, licking his lips. "Someone's feeling pretty good about themself today."

Ayane shrugged. "Punching Robby in the face was very therapeutic."

Mr. LaRusso walked out of the dojo just then, Ayane looking to Miguel and saying, "I'll be right back."

She walked over to Daniel, calling his name.

"Hey, Mr. LaRusso. So– I took your advice. I went and talked to Robby."

Daniel paused, his eyebrows going up. "You did? And... how did that go?"

Ayane held out her hand a little, showing her bruised knuckles.

"It could've gone better."

Daniel sighed, shaking his head. "Ayane. Did you even try?"

She nodded vigorously. "I did! I told him that I forgave him, and we were almost on good terms again, but– I told him he should apologize to Miguel too and for some reason, he didn't take that as well."

Daniel frowned, thinking. He looked back up at Ayane once, shaking his head again.

"Well I'm glad you tried. Maybe it'll take some more time, who knows."

Ayane nodded at once, turning and walking back over to Miguel.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, to which she gave a curt nod.

"Yeah. I was just telling Mr. LaRusso about Robby. I didn't mention the whole Cobra Kai thing, but... maybe it's best that I didn't."

Miguel shrugged. "Yeah, maybe. I haven't told Sensei either, and I don't know if I should."

Ayane chewed her lip, shaking her head and clearing the thought away.

"I don't know. But I don't want to think about Robby all day, so let's move on."

Miguel laughed.

Then, Sam came walking over to them.

"Hey guys. What are you up to?"

"Sparring," Ayane explained, looking back to her. "Well– very lightly–"

"Oh, shut up," Miguel replied, rolling his eyes playfully.

Sam smiled between the two, crossing her arms.

"So, I have an idea. And I need to know if I could get you two on board."

Ayane and Miguel looked at each other.

. . . .

IN FRONT OF AYANE AND SAM sat the students of Miyagi-Do, bored expressions on their faces.

Ayane had not been too sure about this at all, seeing that most of Miyagi-Do still hated her.

"Well this Christmas party is turning out to be ho-ho-horrible," Demetri remarked, sighing.

Ayane cut her eyes at him. "That was a terrible joke."

Demetri looked up at her. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I offend you? You gonna switch to another dojo again?"

She clenched her jaw, glaring so deeply that Demetri grew a little nervous.

"I'm sorry, I was just joking."

The doorbell rang just then, and Ayane went to answer it. Miguel walked in, along with some other kids from Eagle Fang.

The Miyagi-Do students quickly stood up and began protesting, Ayane giving Sam a look.

"I tried to tell you."

Sam pursed her lips, looking between the two groups.

"You Parent-Trapped us?" Demetri said. "Why?"

"Look," she tried to explain, "I know we haven't always gotten along, but Cobra Kai is the bigger threat now. To all of us."

Miguel glanced at Ayane, hoping that this was also convincing her. Because he remembered their deal; no more Cobra Kai and no more Miyagi-Do. But they would have to break off their deal, and he was not sure if she would be too happy with that.

"We think we'd stand a better chance against them if we joined forces," he spoke. "Two dojos are stronger than one."

"Two dojos that don't like each other aren't going to be strong, they're going to be a mess," Ayane replied, furrowing her eyebrows.

Demetri responded, "I agree. This isn't gonna work–"

"Look, I know we've all done shitty things," Miguel tried to speak over everyone's unenthused voices.

"Yeah, like breaking Demetri's arm," Chris shot at Ass Face, who quickly took a step forward and countered, "You guys started that fight!"

Ayane looked at Miguel, shaking her head. "I really admire your whole 'peacemaker' attempt, but I don't think this is going to work."

"It has to," Sam replied. "We have one last chance to make things right. Alone, we're nothing. But if we work together, we have a shot. If we can't get over the past, the fighting will never end. We have to confront our enemies, and this rivalry has to stop. One way or another."

Ayane drew in a breath, crossing her arms. She did not like admitting people were right, but Sam was right.

They got everyone into the living room finally, sitting them all down like parents about to lecture their child.

"Eagle Fang and Miyagi-Do have to work together," Sam persisted.

Chris shook his head. "Even if we wanted to team up, it'd never work. I was in Cobra Kai, their style mixes with ours like..."

"Oil and vinegar?" Nathaniel asked from beside him.

"No, not salad dressing. I would say like– the British Bulldogs and the Hart Foundation."

Ass Face looked over. "They were friends, dipshit."

"Not at WrestleMania 3, Penis Breath."

"Okay, you can't call me Penis Breath. Only they can call me Penis Breath." He pointed at the Eagle Fang kids.

Ayane pinched the bridge of her nose. "Penis Breath– shut up."

He glared at her, shaking his head. "You know what, forget this. Come on, let's go."

He and the Bert stood up to leave. Ayane inhaled sharply, closing her eyes.

If Sam's method was not going to work, then it was time to do things the Ayane way.

"Stop right there, you little assholes, or I will drag you back in here by your prepubescent balls myself."

That grabbed their attention, turning back to her with some fear on their faces.

Ayane faced all of them. "I'm not one for motivational speeches, and I think we all know that by now. And– believe me– I'm not even that thrilled about combining dojos either. But let me ask you this: would you rather be with Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do?"

Ass Face and Bert grew quiet, silently answering her question.

She nodded. "That's what I thought. So you can leave, go running back to Cobra Kai or be stuck trying to fend for yourself on your own, or you can get over your pride and contribute to the greater cause here."

They both sighed, taking their seats at once.

"Thank you," she muttered, looking over at Miguel who had a surprised expression on his face.

"Alright," Miguel said. "Let's get started."

. . . .

"WE'RE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT our new combined dojo should train at Miyagi-Do," Demetri said.

"But," he continued, "deadlocked on a new name, Gi Design, Post-Training Snack, and Sensei Dispute Resolution Protocol."

Ayane shook her head a little, sighing.

"Okay, not good, but still– it's a start."

She tapped her chin in thought. "What about Miyagi Fang–"

Then, she was interrupted by the sound of a cat meowing. Everyone turned to the door, Ayane and Sam both frowning in confusion.

"Aw, I think your cat wants to come in," Bert said, standing up and walking to the door.

Ayane exchanged a look with Sam. "We don't have a cat, do we?"

Sam shook her head, about to reply when there was a crash through the window. Bert came flying through, landing on the ground in the kitchen.

Ayane's eyes widened and everyone immediately went to their feet, walking over.

"Bert, what happened?" Miguel quickly asked.

Bert's face was bloody now as he spat out glass. "No cat."

Through the doors suddenly came Hawk, and immediately behind him was Kyler. Ayane's chest began to rise and fall rapidly, but she was not scared.

Ayane would never be scared of anyone she knew did not stand a chance against her.

Kyler spoke first, to Miguel. "It's payback time, 'Rhea."

Ayane did not take her eyes off of the Cobra Kai kids as she helped Bert up and pushed him behind her. She was the only one who did not move as the Cobra Kai kids came closer.

"You all must be deaf. Didn't I tell you to go fuck yourselves?"

The front door slammed open just then, Ayane turning to see Tory stomping in.

"Heard you were throwing a party," she said, mainly looking at Ayane with a sadistic smile forming on her face. "Hope you don't mind if we crash."

Sam looked at Tory, visibly conflicted. "Tory, don't do this–"

"It's too late," Tory interrupted. "This ends tonight."

With that, Tory started toward Ayane.

"Remember what you told me, Cain? Fuck mercy."

Tory threw a punch and Ayane moved out of the way just in time, slightly taken aback. Tory had gotten a lot faster since the last time they fought.

But Ayane had, too. She was better than ever before, quite honestly. Tory threw punch after punch and Ayane blocked them, knowing that Tory would tire herself out soon.

Miguel came running over at once, trying to help Ayane. But Kyler was after him, grabbing Miguel.

Ayane, distracted, looked over to see if Miguel was okay. Tory suddenly kicked her in the ribcage, Ayane letting out a gasp of pain. She glared up at the Nichols girl, jaw clenched.

"You're really in for your fourth ass kicking, aren't you?"

Ayane straightened up and kicked Tory straight in her stomach, knocking her backwards into the counter.

Tory was angry, angrier than Ayane had ever seen her before. She came at Ayane and grabbed her shoulders, trying to push Ayane while Ayane pushed back.

"You never give up, do you?" Ayane spat, trying to wrestle out of Tory's grip.

"Not until the fight is finished," Tory replied, suddenly bringing up her fist toward Ayane's face. But Ayane leaned back and Tory missed, then she ducked under the girl and was now on the other side of her.

Ayane looked around for Miguel. Wherever he was, she was just praying to whatever God that he was okay.

Tory turned and grabbed onto the counter, putting two kicks toward Ayane. She missed the first time and Ayane blocked the second time, grabbing Tory's leg and pulling it toward her. Tory fell, her head slamming onto the tile.

This gave Ayane time to run away, in search of Miguel.

She found him in the living room with Kyler, in a hold while Kyler punched him repeatedly in his side.

Ayane did not hesitate to run over, turning on her heel and kicking Kyler hard in the jaw. She grabbed him by his jacket and pushed him into the wall, having a vague memory of doing the exact same thing before. At the Halloween Dance.

She reared her fist back and punched him in the face, once, twice, until she felt like she could not stop.

But she was stopped, as someone grabbed her shoulders from behind her and shoved her to the side.

Ayane whipped around, seeing it was Tory again.

"I can take him," Miguel spoke up, glancing from Ayane to Kyler.

Tory stood in front of Ayane, ready to strike. But Ayane swiftly ducked underneath her, backing towards Miguel.

"I've got a better idea," Ayane replied, putting her fists up as she stood beside Miguel.

"We can tag team."

Miguel started to smile. Kyler and Tory both exchanged a nod before going at Miguel and Ayane.

Fighting with Miguel came so naturally to Ayane, she felt like she was made for it. They helped each other, Ayane blocking one of Kyler's kicks and Miguel pushing Tory away before she could hit Ayane.

Miguel finally grabbed Kyler from his abdomen, taking all of his strength to flip over Kyler and put him on the ground. Miguel threw one punch, knocking Kyler out immediately.

"Thanks for the motivation," he muttered, standing up.

Tory was not done with Ayane yet, however. She surprised Ayane and kicked her into the wall, but Ayane knew what to do. Tory charged at her again and Ayane moved out of the way just in time, turning around and grabbing Tory by her shoulder. Ayane forced the girl around, taking her left arm as far back as it would go.

But before she threw the punch at Tory, Ayane paused. She breathed heavily, looking at the girl.

Tory knew that once again she was at Ayane's mercy, defeated.

"Get out of here, Nichols. And don't ever come back."

She let Tory go, pushing her back in case Tory tried something.

Miguel stood there, watching Tory slowly turn and walk away. He wiped some blood away from his face, turning to Ayane who was particularly unharmed compared to everyone else.

She walked up to him, pushing her hair out of her face. "Are you okay? I mean– I guess you could be better, but–"

He managed to laugh, though he winced and clutched his side as he did. Ayane frowned, placing her arms around him.

"Come on. I'll get you home."

He glanced over at her. "How are you gonna do that?"

Ayane cracked a small smile.

"I've had a few driving lessons."

.    .    .    .

AYANE KNOCKED ON THE DOOR to Miguel's apartment.

A moment later, Carmen opened it, her mouth falling open in horror.

"Miggy– who did this?" she asked, helping him inside. He sighed a little, shaking his head.

"Cobra Kai," Ayane explained, inhaling sharply. "It's always Cobra Kai, isn't it?"

Carmen was quick to get supplies for Miguel, and an ice pack as well.

A few minutes later, there was another knock on the door.

Carmen went to answer it, and Ayane heard Johnny's voice.

He walked in a second later, his expression changing upon seeing Miguel.

"What happened?"

A few minutes later, Johnny was heading to Cobra Kai.

"Should we go too?" Miguel asked to Ayane, slightly concerned.

She pulled in her lips, staring in thought.

"Yeah. Come on."

They arrived at the Reseda strip mall a few minutes later, hopping out of the car and running up the sidewalk to quite a scene.

There was a busted out window, and Johnny, Daniel and Kreese were all standing there.

And Ayane's heart suddenly stopped for a moment as she saw another person walk out of the Cobra Kai dojo. She lost her breath, raising her hands to her mouth.

It was Ennis.

He saw her, standing a few yards away beside Miguel. Ayane's heart was racing, and she felt like she might have a panic attack.

Ennis started toward her, an unreadable expression on his face. She could not even bring herself to move, frozen with fear.

He stopped, and began to smile.

"It's been awhile, daughter. Aren't you happy to see your father as a free man again?"

Ayane was trembling all over, unsure if it was from anger or fear. She did not reply.

So Ennis continued, "Well, I suppose we'll have plenty of time to catch up. You are coming back to live with me and your mother, after all."

"What?" she quickly replied, her eyes wide. "You can't make me do that and you know it–"

"Oh, but I can. The LaRusso's signed custody of you back over to Liana."

Ayane's face turned into a frown, looking past Ennis at Daniel.

He had a look of guilt on his face. "Ayane, I didn't know this was going to happen. Liana told us that you two were getting along again and so we figured it'd be okay for you to live with her again. I had no idea about him."

Ayane felt like everything was spinning. Miguel stood beside her, equally just as shocked as she.

"But she's getting divorced from you," Ayane said, looking back up at Ennis. "And there's nothing you can do about that."

Ennis continued to smile. "No she's not. Finn is... a friend of mine. I sent him to stay with your mother to make sure she didn't do anything irrational. And she convinced you to believe that we were getting a divorce. But we aren't."

Ayane was numb. She had so much inexplicable rage built up inside of her, enough rage to want to kill the man standing in front of her.

"So it was all a lie? Everything she told me?" she said weakly, the hurt visible in her voice. She could've run away, she thought. But if she ran away, she'd be put in juvie for sure.

"Sometimes lies are better than the truth," Ennis responded, folding his hands behind him. "Now. Here's the deal. You're going to join Cobra Kai–"

"No the fuck I'm not!" she spat, glaring at him with the most hatred in her eyes she had ever felt.

But Ennis continued, "You're going to join Cobra Kai. Or we're moving back to Chicago."

Miguel finally spoke up, having been quiet the entire time. "You're a sick son of a bitch, you know that? Do you have any idea how much shit you've put Ayane through. You deserve to rot in a prison cell for the rest of your life. Or a grave."

Ennis chuckled as he looked down at Miguel, unfazed.

"None of these matters concern you, Mr. Diaz." He looked back to Ayane, a sadistically pleasant expression on his face.

"So, Ayane? What's your decision going to be? Cobra Kai... or Chicago?"

Miguel placed a hand on her shoulder, quietly saying, "Ayane, you don't have to do this. We'll figure out another way, we can–"

"There is no other way, Miguel." She looked up, tears already threatening to spill from her eyes as her voice broke a little. "If there was another way, then that's the way I would choose."

Ayane had a look in her eyes that Miguel knew, that look that told him Ayane was about to do something she did not want to do.

But Ayane could not lose Miguel. If she moved back to Chicago, she might never get to see him again.

And so that made her decision for her. Joining Cobra Kai was a deal she was willing to make, if it meant staying with Miguel.

Ayane turned back to Ennis finally. Miguel quickly grabbed her hand though, saying, "Ayane. Don't do it."

Her expression became hardened, emotionless. It was best to just push the emotions away now, and completely ignore them. That was the only way she'd be able to do this.

Ayane pulled her hand away from Miguel's, meeting Ennis' eyes.

"I'll join Cobra Kai."

Ennis' smile turned into a sneer, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder as he turned back to Kreese and the others.

"We've got our new student," he said, to which Kreese smiled.

Kreese folded his hands in front of him. "A new student... and a new sensei."

It took Ayane a moment, but she suddenly realized he was talking about Ennis. Ayane's eyes widened, but she masked her emotion once more.

Kreese turned to Daniel and Johnny, laughing in their faces.

"Your dojos don't stand a chance, now. We've got the best of the best."

Daniel was shaking with anger, glaring between Kreese and Ennis.

"You're sick people. Sick."

Ayane noticed none other than Robby appear beside Kreese just then, a mark on his forehead along with his bruised nose. He exchanged a look with her, his face remaining stoic.

"Get out of here," he said to Johnny, Daniel and Miguel. Ayane was already enraged once more, but she just pushed it down deeper.

Miguel looked at Ayane, feeling even more helpless than when he had been in a wheelchair.

"Ayane, I won't let this happen. I'll figure out a way," he said, reaching out to her.

But Ayane pushed his hand away, meeting his eyes and shaking her head.

"Don't bother. We might as well just break up now to save from the heartbreak later."

Miguel's face turned into confusion and hurt, shaking his head. "What?" he asked softly.

Ayane did not actually plan on breaking up with him, no. But she had to make Ennis believe it, and Kreese and Robby. She had to make them believe she was done with Miguel to earn their trust, and then she could figure out something.

He stepped away from Ayane, still shaking his head.

"Ayane, why are you doing this?"

It was breaking her heart to see how hurt he looked, like a wounded puppy.

"Just go, Miguel. Just go."

And so he did, finally turning and walking away.

Ennis placed his hand on Ayane again. "Come on."

.    .    .    .

AYANE DID NOT SLEEP AT ALL.

She was back in that house, that stupidly big, dreadful house.

What she needed was to see Miguel. She needed to let him know what she was doing, what her real intentions were.

Ayane figured it was probably a long shot, as Miguel might have deleted her number or something by now, but she dialed his phone and waited anxiously.

Just when she thought he was not going to pick up, he did.

"What do you want?"

Ayane sighed at his icy tone, placing a hand to her forehead as she sat on her bed.

"I need to explain everything to you. I'm not breaking up with you. But I need everyone to think we are broken up."

There was a pause on the other end. "Why?" Miguel finally replied.

"Because they'll think I'm still siding with you guys," Ayane explained. "They'll think my allegiance is still with Miyagi-Do, or– Eagle Fang, whichever one. But I'm not breaking up with you, Miguel. I love you way too much to do that."

She could tell he was becoming less upset now, beginning to understand.

"Why did you make the decision to be in Cobra Kai?"

Ayane crossed an arm under the other, staring at the floor. It still did not even feel real to her, the fact that she was now in Cobra Kai.

"Because if I moved back to Chicago, I would have lost everything I care about. I would have lost you, and I would have lost the LaRusso's, and every friend I've made here. And if I have to be in some stupid little dojo just to stay, well, that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Miguel was quiet for a moment. "I love you, Ayane. And I just– feel so guilty that you're in this situation, but I'm not going to rest until I get you out, you hear me? We never give up on each other."

Ayane slowly began to smile.

"Never give up on each other."

NOTES!
where to begin– whew

i feel like i might write a whole essay here, so just be warned. i just want to start off by saying i love all of you literally with my whole heart, and the fact you all love this story just as much as me makes me so happy. i know y'all probably hate me right now because of how i ended it, but just remember that season 4 is still coming. this is not the end, and it's only temporary. but back to my appreciation for you all, i am so thankful for each and every one of you taking the time out of your day to read, vote and comment on this. i will be releasing book two as soon as season 4 comes out, so don't fret. i hope you all have enjoyed this journey just as much as i have. again, thank you so much. <3

ps. i had planned to break up ayane and miguel but i just did not have it in me to do it– i think what happened here was enough emotional turmoil for you all

until season 4 ;)

update, 2024: the sequel 'austerity', is currently being written!! i'm on season 5 right now, and will continue until the end of season 6. go check it out for more ayane and miguel!! <3