chapter twenty-three:
❛ cobra kai is over ❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
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Demetri was standing off to the side, looking around the room with a puzzled expression. He held a bag slung over his shoulder, filled with the tech gear that Sam had urgently asked him to bring. "So, uh, what's the emergency? Why'd you have me bring all my gear?" he questioned, his brow furrowed as he glanced over at Miguel, hoping for some clarification.

Miguel shrugged, his face equally confused. "You guys know as much as we do. Sam told us to meet here," he explained, his tone making it clear that he was just as much in the dark as the rest of them.

Robby, who had been standing quietly beside Alessia, suddenly spoke up, his voice tinged with frustration. "At least she's talking to you. I can't get a response from-" He stopped himself, nearly mentioning Tory's name. He had been trying to reach her, trying to convince her to leave Cobra Kai, and it was clearly weighing on him.

Alessia noticed the tension in his voice and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. She understood the complicated feelings he had for Tory. They had shared a lot during their time in Cobra Kai-similar struggles, tough upbringings-and while Alessia knew that Robby's feelings were mostly concern for a friend, it still made things complicated.

"Tory?" Miguel said, his voices breaking through Robby's thoughts. Alessia and Robby both looked towards the entrance, where Sam was now walking in with Tory by her side. The room seemed to still, the air growing thick with surprise and a touch of tension.

"Holy shit. This-this is shocking," Alessia muttered under her breath, her eyes widening at the sight of Tory standing so calmly next to Sam, of all people.

"What's, uh... What's up? Hi," Miguel stammered, his voice carrying a mixture of surprise and awkwardness. His eyes were fixed on Tory, who was standing slightly behind Sam, her expression guarded.

Alessia's eyes quickly traveled down to Tory's hand, which was wrapped in a bandage. The bruising was visible even from a distance, dark and angry against her skin. Concern immediately flooded Alessia's mind. "What happened to your hand?" she asked, her voice gentle but laced with worry.

Tory's eyes flicked to Alessia's for a moment before she quickly looked away. "Uh, training accident. I'm okay," she lied, the words tumbling out too quickly.

Her tone was dismissive, but Alessia wasn't buying it. She exchanged a glance with Robby, who had clearly noticed the same thing. They both knew Tory well enough to recognize when she was hiding something.

But before Alessia could press further, Sam stepped forward, taking control of the situation. "We think we have a way to prove Silver assaulted Stingray," she announced, her voice steady and determined.

"If the attack happened at the old dojo, Silver installed security cameras," Tory added, her voice firm as she tried to stay focused on the task at hand.

Miguel's eyes lit up with hope. "So maybe it's all on tape," he said, his tone filled with a cautious optimism.

Robby, however, wasn't so sure. He shook his head, his skepticism clear. "But that place was cleaned out," he pointed out, his voice tinged with doubt.

Demetri, who had been listening closely, suddenly perked up, the gears in his mind already turning. "That might not matter," he interjected, his tone thoughtful. "I mean, the systems that we sell at TechTown all save the footage to a central server. Silver probably took the whole system."

Tory nodded, her eyes narrowing as she recalled something. "I think he did. There's a server in his office at the flagship dojo," she said, her voice gaining a sense of urgency.

"If we access it, we can find that footage," Alessia stated, her tone filled with determination as she began piecing the plan together in her mind. "We could post that Stingray clip to their YouTube channel," she suggested, a mischievous smile forming on her lips as she imagined the chaos that would ensue from such a move.

Sam's eyes flashed with resolve as she looked around at the group. "Get ahold of everyone else. Let them know that we're taking down Cobra Kai... tonight," she instructed, her voice carrying a weight of finality.

The night was cool and quiet as the group of teens approached the Cobra Kai dojo, the neon sign casting an eerie glow over them. The tension among the group was thick, everyone aware of the high stakes. They stopped in front of the entrance, gathering close to finalize their plan.

Robby took the lead, his eyes fixed on the building as if sizing it up. "If it's the same alarm system, I should be able to bypass it," he said confidently, recalling his past experiences with breaking and entering.

Demetri, standing next to him, gave Robby a look that was a mix of admiration and concern. "Spoken like a man that's done this before," he remarked, trying to lighten the mood with a nervous chuckle.

Robby glanced at Demetri, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, karate wasn't my first hobby. I fractured a law or two before we met," he confessed, his tone casual as if discussing an old hobby.

Alessia, standing beside him, couldn't help but chuckle at his nonchalance. She reached for his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze, and he squeezed back, the connection between them grounding him.

Just then, Tory stepped forward, holding up her keycard. "Or we could just scan my keycard," she suggested, her voice laced with practicality. "So that those of us on probation keep from, you know, violating it." She shot Robby and Alessia a meaningful look, reminding them of the consequences they all faced.

Robby chuckled, appreciating her input. "Good point," he said, nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, I don't really wanna go back to Juvie," Alessia said with a dry laugh.

The sound of footsteps broke their focus as Hawk arrived, dapping up Chris with a grin. "What's happening?" he asked, his voice cutting through the tension.

Chris returned the greeting, but his expression was serious. "What's up, man? Sorry we're late. Someone took forever to get ready," he said, his eyes flicking toward Mitch, who looked sheepish.

Mitch, sensing the scrutiny, shrugged defensively. "It's the middle of the night," he muttered, his tone lacking its usual bravado.

"What is she doing here?" Nate's voice rang out, full of disdain as he glared at Tory, the tension between them palpable.

"It's fine. She's with us," Sam interjected quickly, her voice firm and authoritative. "For what we're about to do at least," she added, making it clear that Tory's presence was essential, if only for the task at hand.

Mitch, still uncomfortable, decided to press for details. "So, what are we doing? All your text said was that we're gonna take down Cobra Kai. But how exactly?" he asked, his voice tinged with an edge of nervous curiosity.

Miguel, sensing the need to refocus the group, spoke up. "We're gonna show them who their sensei really is," he said, his voice full of determination. "We think we have proof he's a criminal," he explained, the seriousness of their mission sinking in.

Sam took over, her natural leadership qualities shining through. "We're going upstairs to Silver's office," she began, laying out the plan. "We need you guys downstairs as lookouts," she instructed, her eyes sweeping over the group before landing on Alessia. "I need you to go as lookout too. Alessia, you're the strongest fighter amongst them," she said, her words a mix of praise and trust.

Alessia felt a surge of pride at Sam's words, but she also knew the responsibility that came with them. "You can count on me," she replied confidently, a small smile tugging at her lips. She wasn't just fighting for herself tonight-she was fighting for all of them, for what was right.

As they split off into their designated roles, the gravity of their mission settled over them like a heavy fog. Each step they took toward the building felt like they were crossing a line, venturing into a territory where the rules were different, where the consequences were real. But they had no choice. They were the ones who had to make it right, to bring the truth to light, and to finally put an end to Cobra Kai's reign of fear.

The atmosphere inside the dojo was tense as Alessia stood on lookout. The eerie quietness was shattered when a group of Cobra Kai teens barged in, their faces twisted with anger. "Shit," Alessia cursed under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she prepared herself for what was about to unfold.

"What the hell are you guys doing here?" Kenny snapped, his eyes locking onto Anthony with a glare that could cut through steel. The animosity between them was palpable.

Chris, sensing the brewing conflict, called out for the others, hoping to defuse the situation. "Guys!" he yelled, his voice tinged with urgency.

Anthony, trying to salvage what little peace was left, stepped forward with his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Come on, we just want you-" he began, but Kenny was having none of it. He shoved Anthony hard, sending him stumbling backward.

"Hey!" Alessia's voice rang out as she stormed over, her face set in a scowl. She shoved Kenny back with a force that made him stumble. "Stop this," she demanded, her voice firm and unwavering.

Kenny, not one to back down, met her glare with equal intensity. "What you gonna do about it, Chavez?" he spat, his tone dripping with challenge.

Alessia didn't flinch. Her glare hardened, her eyes locking onto Kenny's, daring him to make a move.

The tension escalated as Robby, Sam, Miguel, and Tory rushed over to join them. Sam and Miguel quickly helped Anthony to his feet, their eyes flicking between the warring factions.

Devon and Kenny exchanged a look, both clearly unsettled when they saw Tory and Robby together. "So you're with them now?" Devon asked Tory, disbelief etched across her face.

"You knew what would happen if him and his friends ever stepped into this dojo again," Kenny snapped, his anger directed at Robby.

Sam, still processing the sudden confrontation, turned to Alessia with a puzzled expression. "How'd they know we were here?" she asked, suspicion lacing her words.

"I don't know," She looked around.

"Mitch, come on, get your ass over here where you belong," Kyler called out, smirking as he beckoned Mitch over to their side. Mitch unzipped his jacket to reveal a Cobra Kai T-shirt underneath, his loyalty clearly declared.

"Penis Breath, how could you?" Bert exclaimed, disbelief and hurt evident in his voice.

Mitch, his frustration bubbling over, snapped back, "I don't know. Maybe 'cause they don't call me Penis Breath. You guys have been so dead set on taking down Cobra Kai. I didn't even wanna leave in the first place. I mean, look around. They got snacks, swag, smoothies. Our dojo doesn't even have a roof. Or like any chicks other than Alessia, and she's taken!" His voice dripped with bitterness, and Clementine scoffed in disgust.

"Why did you?" Alessia shot back, her tone icy. "No one forced you."

Eli, standing close to her, leaned in and whispered into her ear. "He got kicked out," he revealed quietly.

Alessia's eyes widened in surprise. "Not a shock," she muttered under her breath, the revelation confirming her suspicions about Mitch's character.

"Hey!" Mitch yelled, his face flushing with anger at the insult.

"Alright, Penis Breath, shut up!" Kyler barked, cutting Mitch off and leaving him staring in disbelief at his so-called new allies.

Kyler, sensing the escalating tension, sneered at the group. "We got a traitor, y'all got a traitor, so that cancels out. So, are we gonna throw down or what?" he challenged, his eyes alight with anticipation.

Tory, unflinching, stepped forward. "I'm not a traitor. I'm just not buying what Silver is selling. And neither should any of you," she stated firmly, her voice resonating with conviction.

Robby nodded in agreement, stepping up beside her. "Silver lied. To all of us," he declared, his gaze fixed on Kenny, trying to reach through the anger that clouded his judgment.

Kenny, however, wasn't swayed. His face hardened as he stalked up to Robby, his anger now fully directed at him. "Us?" he scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. "What 'us'? The only person who lied to me is you!" Kenny yelled, his words sharp as knives, cutting through the air.

Robby felt a pang of guilt, but he stepped forward, trying to reach out to him. "I wanted to help you, Kenny," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "You don't want to do this."

Miguel, sensing the volatility of the situation, stepped in front of Clementine, his protective instincts kicking in. "Hey! Robby is right. You don't wanna do this," he urged, his tone calm but firm.

Kenny hesitated for a split second, his eyes flicking back and forth between Miguel and his own team. Fear flashed in his eyes for just a moment before it was replaced with a hardened resolve. "Yeah, I do," he snarled before swinging his fist at Miguel.

Miguel barely dodged the punch, and in that instant, chaos erupted. The dojo exploded into a full-blown brawl.

The air inside Cobra Kai was electric with chaos. The tension between the students had exploded into an all-out brawl. Shouts, the sound of fists hitting flesh, and the crash of furniture being overturned filled the room. Alessia stood in the middle of the chaos, her heart pounding as she scanned for familiar faces. She spotted Robby fighting off Kenny in the corner, but her focus was ripped away when someone shoved her from behind.

"Alessia!" a sharp voice called, and she spun around just in time to see Devon charging at her, a fiery determination in her eyes.

"Devon?" Alessia said, blinking in surprise. She hadn't expected to face her, not like this.

"You shouldn't have come back here!" Devon snapped, throwing a kick aimed at Alessia's side. Alessia blocked it with her forearm, the force of the blow making her wince.

"Devon, this doesn't have to be a fight!" Alessia shouted, backing up to create space.

"You chose your side, Alessia!" Devon yelled, coming at her again with a flurry of punches. "And it's not mine."

Alessia dodged the first punch, but Devon was relentless, her strikes quick and sharp. Alessia blocked and countered with a kick to Devon's leg, knocking her slightly off balance.

"I didn't choose anything!" Alessia argued, her voice rising above the chaos. "Silver is the one who made this into a war!"

"Don't talk about Sensei Silver like that!" Devon growled, her anger fueling her attacks. She swung a high kick at Alessia's head, but Alessia ducked under it and swept Devon's leg, sending her to the ground.

Devon rolled to her feet quickly, her eyes blazing. "You always think you're better than everyone else," she spat.

Alessia's jaw tightened as she sidestepped another attack. "That's not true, and you know it! I just want this to stop, Devon!"

Devon didn't respond, instead lunging forward with a spinning kick that Alessia barely managed to block. The force of the impact pushed Alessia back, her sneakers squeaking against the floor. She took a deep breath, steadying herself as Devon pressed forward again.

This time, Alessia stood her ground. She blocked Devon's next punch and grabbed her wrist, twisting it gently to immobilize her. "Devon, listen to me!" Alessia shouted, her voice firm but not unkind.

Devon struggled against her grip, her breath coming in short bursts. "Why should I? You're just like the rest of them-traitors!"

Alessia's expression softened, even as she kept her hold steady. "I'm not your enemy. Silver is lying to you. He doesn't care about us-about you. He's only using you to get what he wants."

For a moment, something flickered in Devon's eyes-hesitation, maybe even doubt. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by defiance. "You don't know what you're talking about," she snapped, wrenching her arm free and shoving Alessia back.

Alessia stumbled but caught herself, her gaze unwavering. "I know more than you think," she said quietly.

Devon's hands balled into fists, but she didn't move to attack again. Instead, she stared at Alessia, her chest heaving as she struggled with her emotions.

Before either of them could say more, a loud crash echoed through the dojo, drawing their attention. Robby was grappling with Kenny, and Miguel and Hawk were locked in fights of their own. The chaos raged on around them, but for a brief moment, Alessia and Devon stood frozen, caught in the eye of the storm.

"Devon," Alessia said softly, taking a cautious step forward. "It's not too late to walk away from this."

Devon's jaw clenched, her eyes darting between Alessia and the ongoing fight. Finally, she shook her head. "I don't need your pity."

And with that, she turned and disappeared into the fray, leaving Alessia standing alone. For a moment, Alessia considered going after her, but the sound of Robby calling her name pulled her attention back.

She turned and ran to help him, her heart heavy as she thought about the friend she'd just lost to Cobra Kai.

The chaos around Alessia blurred as her focus shifted to the sound of Robby's sharp, pained gasp. She whipped her head around just in time to see Kenny execute the infamous Silver Bullet, his heel driving into Robby's side with brutal precision.

Robby staggered back, clutching his ribs as the air rushed from his lungs. He collapsed to his knees, his face twisted in agony. Alessia's breath caught in her throat, her heart dropping like a stone.

"Kenny!" she yelled, her voice sharp with a mix of anger and panic.

Without thinking, Alessia lunged forward, her movements fueled by adrenaline. She leaped into the air and delivered a sharp, precise kick to Kenny's face, knocking him back and forcing him to release his aggressive stance.
Kenny stumbled, his eyes wide in shock as he scrambled to regain his footing.

"Stay away from him!" Alessia shouted, her tone firm and unwavering.

Kenny hesitated, his confidence faltering as he saw the fire in Alessia's eyes. But before he could decide whether to retaliate, Hawk came out of nowhere, grabbing Kenny's arm and pulling him into another fight.

Alessia didn't wait to see what would happen next. She dropped to her knees beside Robby, her hands immediately going to his shoulders. "Robby, are you okay? Can you breathe?" she asked,