Cold Hearted ⭒ Cobra Kai

4.9.3

Chapter Seventy-Nine: "The Enemy of Your Enemy"

"Lost the battle, win the war. Bringing my sinking ship back to the shore. We're starting over, or head back in. There's a time and a place to die but this ain't it."

~Now by Paramore~

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Revised: July 6, 2024

A/N: In celebration of 500 followers, here is another chapter in the span of 24 hours :))

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

Revised: October 1, 2023

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Zion's POV

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

The crowds cheer as referees spread out and bring different dojos to different sections of the tournament arena.

The Eagle Fang dojo beside me tries to ignore my presence, except one person.

"You're back!" Miguel says happily. "I was so worried."

"I'm back and better than ever," I correct him with a small smile. I'm actually kind of on his side again.

"And you're competing unaffiliated?" Johnny comes behind Miguel.

I look at Johnny skeptically, "I thought that was obvious."

"You've thrown everyone off," Miguel smiles. I glance around at all the eyes on me. "It's awesome."

"Diaz, let's move it," Johnny turns Miguel away from me wearily.

Miguel gives me an apologetic smile as he moves to warmup with his dojo.

I glance back to Miyagi-Do and see all of them giving me the cold shoulder. I should have known nobody would trust me after everything I've done.

A ref leads me over to an area where I'm lined up against Cobra Kai and some people from Topanga Karate and another dojo I don't know. I stand tall as Silver gives me the evil eye from another area.

"What are you doing?" I look over my shoulder and see Sensei Kreese right there.

"I'm winning."

"Why are you not with your team?" he asks me.

"They're not my team," I say without even looking at him. I don't know how to even talk to him anymore after learning it was all a manipulation.

"Child, I don't know what you're talking about, but we'd like to have you-"

"I'm sure you would," I interrupt him, "but you aren't going to get me back. I don't fight for sociopathic, narcissistic liars." It's taking everything in me to call him out after everything I thought he'd done for me in my best interests.

The people in front of me finish their match and the ref calls the next people. "Ambrose versus Banks."

I step away from Kreese and find my spot on the mat. My eyes glance over to Robby and Tory. They look confused and I have so much to tell them, but right now I have to focus on applying my training.

"Bow to me. Bow to each other. Fight."

The guy I'm up against starts off with a crescent kick. I block it instantly. I go in with an offensive hook kick and score my first point.