XXXVI.                                          Heartbreak Weather

      The three dojos were now in competition with each other. Miyagi-Do was officially opened back up. Oliver battled between staying and going with Johnny. But he couldn't leave Daniel after everything they've been through together. He loved Miyagi-Do. Odessa understood. She just wanted him to be happy. Today was the day Robby was getting out of juvie. She'd been emailing him a whole lot and asking how he was doing in hopes that she could maybe make his day better. They talked about her recovery, how he was feeling while being in juvie, and how much they missed each other.

He couldn't answer them all, of course, but she missed talking to him.

Odessa stood in the corner of the school by the staircase with her phone in her hand. 

odessa 🦋
I know you get out today. 
i'm happy for you.
I also know you're mad at both
mr.  larusso and your dad.
so I know it may be weird, 
but if you need
somewhere to stay, 
you new always
welcome at my house.

robby :)
I appreciate it,  dess.
i'll think about it.
i've missed you.

She stared at the text message and looked up slightly,  seeing Hawk stare at her from across the room. Their eyes held each others and he had a small grin on his face. Her eyes flickered down to her phone.

odessa 🦋
i've missed you too.

She shut her phone off when she saw Hailey walk in front of her. "I swear, Oliver is so annoying." The girl huffed.

Odessa grinned. "Why?"

"Everywhere I turn, he's making out Demetri! Like, yes, I love them — love is love — but when I try to have a conversation I would for you to actually speak."

She giggled. "Oh,  give him a break. He's in love."

"I'm in love, too. You don't see me making out with Grayson ten times a day." Hailey exaggerated.

Odessa raised her eyebrows.

She rolled her eyes. "Okay, but that's besides the point."

The two girls talked until they saw Oliver and Demetri standing in the corner against the wall, Demetri's back against the wall and Oliver standing over him, making out. "Again? I was gone for like three minutes!"  Hailey yelled.

They pulled away with their lips swollen and faces red.  "Remember that time I walked in on you and Hammy making out in the janitors closet. . . twice?" Oliver pointed out.

She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. She groaned in defeat. "Fair enough." She grabbed Odessa's and dragged her away.

Oliver smirked and looked back at his boyfriend. "Why were you in the janitors closet anyway?" Demetri asked.

"I like to skip gym class."

His mouth formed an O shape. Oliver looked around.  "You wanna go to the janitors closet?"

"Oliver!"

He raised his brow in response. Demetri slumped his shoulders, mouth gaped.  "Yes."

Oliver smirked and grabbed his hand, dragging him out of the hallway.

Odessa was on the ground stretching her legs while Johnny was having them practicing kicking with a frisbee. Bert kicked it swiftly out of his hand. "Good, Bert! Remind me not piss you off." Johnny praised.

Odessa smiled and high fived him when he passed by.

"Assface, you're next."

Mitch groaned. "Does my nickname gotta carry over from the previous dojo?" He asked.

Johnny raised his brows. "You wanna be Penis Breath?"

"I can call you Douche Face?" Grayson suggested.

"Assface is fine." He denied. He spun and kicked the frisbee out of Johnny's hand.

"Good, Penis Breath!"

Mitch groaned again and Grayson and Odessa snorted in unison. "Sorry, Mitch." She giggled.

"All right, Miguel, you're up." Said Johnny. Miguel stepped forward. "Imagine this is the guy I stole this frisbee from, all right?"

"Can we imagine we're the guy beating the shit out of you for stealing it?" Hailey questioned from beside Odessa.

"No!" He snapped. He held the frisbee out for Miguel. The boy took a deep breath and swung his leg, but he wasn't able to get it up far enough and he missed the frisbee.

"All right, good hustle. Who's next?" Johnny quickly moved on.

"No, I can do it, Sensei." Miguel objected.

"Miguel, it's okay—"

"I got it." He repeated roughly.

Odessa looked between them and Johnny gave in. "All right, get in a side stance. Use the balls of your feet." He instructed.

Miguel what he was told. He swung his leg and again but missed the frisbee and fell to the ground.

"Miguel!"

Odessa and Hailey quickly got up from the ground. "Hey, man, you good?" Grayson asked and tried to held him up.

"I'm fine. I'm fine!" Miguel snapped and made everyone back off as he stood up.

There was an awkward silence. Odessa inhaled deeply. "Okay, everyone take five and get some water." Said Johnny and they started to scatter. "But not from the fountain. I saw some meth head wipe his ass in it!"

Miguel breathed in and out deeply, both from embarrassment and anger. Odessa walked by and paused in front of him. She just stared. He lifted his head and stared back. He nodded. She understood and let him have a moment.

"Hey, Dess, have you talked to Robby any?" Asked Hailey.

"I texted him earlier telling him i'm happy he got out. We've been emailing any chance he could get." She informed.

"Do you miss him?" Grayson asked and sipped from his water.

"Of course I do. Do I still think about what happened at the school? Yes. But he's not a bad person and I can't treat him like one."

After the five minutes were up, they all gathered back into a circle. "You gotta be shitting me!" Mitch shouted at his phone.

"What? What happened?" Miguel quickly asked.

"They canceled the All Valley."

Odessa quickly looked at him. "What!"

"Fuck, I was learning my spin kick for nothing." Grayson cursed and stomped his foot on the ground.

Thalia felt obliged to attend the council meeting at the school with Johnny. The pair argued for a while on it. She didn't hate the idea of them canceling the All Valley. A part of her didn't want Odessa to be back in karate at all. She was still recovering from what happened at the school. But Johnny convinced her that Odessa needed karate in her life. It brought her out of her shell, it made her feel more connected to her father's roots, and she was the former All Valley champion.

Even when they were in high school, Johnny was always persuasive. The pair shuffled by everyone who was seated so that they could sit down. Daniel turned his head and saw them. "What are you doing here?" He whispered to Johnny. "And why is Thalia here.

"Fighting for the All Valley. She's my support system." Johnny replied. "What about you? Gonna read from your diary?"

Thalia rolled her eyes.

"There's nothing wrong with being prepared."

"Yeah, well I don't need notes. I'll shoot from the hip." Johnny remarked.

Daniel turned his attention to the woman. "I'll do the talking." Said Thalia.

Amanda gave her a look of a approval.

The Councilperson banged her gavel and announce the next meeting. "Okay, next we will hear appeals for the cancellation of the All Valley Under Eighteen Karate tournament. Who would like to speak first?" She announced.

Johnny and Thalia stood up from their seats and began walking to the front. Daniel stood up at the same time as them, along with Kreese, who was sitting in the front row. "Ladies and gentlemen, i'm retired army captain John Kreese." Kreese introduced himself before they could.

Thalia scoffed and shifted her weight on her hip, looking at Johnny in disbelief.

"Thank you for your service." The councilperson thanked.

Johnny nudged her and they sat back down. "It was an honor to serve. And I continue to serve right here in our community," he continued. "By teaching your children strength and disciplinary through karate."

"Oh, gag me." Thalia muttered under her breath.

"I was devastated to hear about the cancellation of the tournament because of the fight at the high school. Why are my students being penalized because of the violence perpetrated by. . . dojos like Miyagi-Do?"  Kreese questioned while looking back at Daniel.

"Now, wait just one minute!" Daniel stepped in.

"Mr. Larusso, please. It's not your turn to speak," the councilperson interrupted. 

"I apologize, councilwoman Roberts. But this man—"

"'Councilperson Roberts." Kreese corrected obnoxiously.

"This makes me want to shoot myself." Thalia muttered again, rolling her eyes.

Johnny thought to himself how much alike her and Odessa were.

"Thank you, Captain Kreese," the councilperson said with delight. "Please continue."

"I think my colleagues here would agree that all we want is the best for our students and our community. Cobra Kai's goal is to prepare the Valley's youth for the unfortunate realities of the real world," Kreese continued. "It's hard out there. I'm simply just preparing them to defend themselves."

Thalia had enough. She stood up from her seat. "Wasn't it one of your students that caused the fight that injured that boy poor boy in the first place?" She announced out loud.

The crowd of people began to whisper. "Hell yeah." Johnny nodded with a proud smirk.

"And who started that fight before it happened, Ms.  Reid? If my memory serves, it was Mr.  Larusso's out of control daughter." Kreese intervened.

Amanda stood up from her chair like she did. "Hey! You leave my daughter out of this, you piece of shit!"  She snapped.

Everyone gasped again. "Ma'am, please restrain yourself," councilperson Roberts warned.

Johnny laughed at her outburst and Thalia tried to hide hers.

"It's funny that you say that, because. . . i've had to file a restraining order against her for physically assaulting me."

Amanda scoffed. "Assault? Are you kidding me?"

"Maybe I should call the authorities?" The man suggested and Thalia scoff as well.

"That won't be necessary," councilperson Roberts replied and motioned to the security guard standing by.

"Ma'am—"

"Hey, do not—do not touch me! Okay?" Amanda objected.

"Do not touch her!" Thalia stood up again and warned.

"Ms. Reid, please sit down before I have you escorted out as well." Councilperson Roberts threatened.

Before she could say anything, Johnny quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her down.

"Councilperson Roberts, I assure you that I am positive influence to my students, and the hundreds of students before them," Kreese continued to influence the woman.

"Horseshit!" Johnny interrupted this time and he hopped up from his chair. Thalia threw her hands up. "Your honor, Johnny Lawrence of Eagle Fang karate,"  he introduced himself. He pointed at Kreese. "This man has poisoned the minds of his students. And I should know, I was one of them."

Thalia frowned.

Kreese looked at him. "Were we competitive? Sure. But it was all for good sport." He dismissed.

"Bullshit." She snapped and glared at him. "Why don't we go back in time and talk about what you made Johnny do. Made my husband do." She emphasized.

"This man is a thief and a liar!" Added Johnny.

"And he put a live cobra in my dealership!" Said Daniel.

Councilperson Roberts banged her gavel. "Enough! Sit down, all of you!"

Thalia did a 180 and her blonde hair flew behind her. She sat down and crossed her legs in annoyance. Johnny sat beside her.

"It is clear this karate tournament is causing division and rivalry in our community. You gentlemen and lady. . . have made an excellent case today as to why this tournament should not continue," councilperson explained. 

"Wait!"

Everyone turned their attention to the back of the room snd Thalia's eyes widening when she saw Miguel and Odessa. Everyone started to whisper. The best friends walked down the steps and Miguel walked up to the podium. Odessa stood to the side. "My name is Miguel Diaz. I was in the school fight. I was the one that got kicked off the second floor," he spoke quietly into the mic. Gasps and whispers spread throughout the room. "You know, uh. . . I thought I was going to be paralyzed. I relearned how to stand. I relearned how to walk. And I want the tournament to continue."

"We are very happy for your recovery, young man. But i'm afraid you don't understand—"

"Yes, he does," Odessa and Sam said in unison. She looked over her shoulder and saw Sam stand up from her seat. She joined the two at the podium. "We're the ones getting hurt. We're the ones fighting. Our voices should matter the most."

"And we want a place we here we can compete fairly and safety," Odessa added to the conversation.

Miguel looked on both his sides and smiled at the girls. "When I first moved here, I was bullied. And I realize that there's no escaping it," he said into the mic. "There'll always be a kid who wants to steal your lunch money, or give you a wedgie, or give you a swirlie—"

"A swirlie?" The councilperson questioned.

Johnny stood up. "It's when you dunk someone's head in the toilet and flush it. Pretty funny actually." He said with a chuckle.

"Johnny." Thalia voiced.

He frowned and sat back down.

"Instead of burying your heads in the sand, pretending that bullying doesn't exist, or that you could just get rid of it, what you need to do is teach kids how to defend themselves." Miguel continued.

"Physically and mentally—"

"In a safe way that they know how to control themselves." Odessa added after Sam.

"Because sometimes the scars you can't see are the ones that hurt the most."

The parents of the girls smiled to themselves, feeling proud of how brave they were being and standing up for themselves.

"Karate is about discipline. It's about inner strength. It's about confidence. Lessons that you can use for the rest of your life." Miguel shared.

His speech made her feel inspired. Odessa sucked in a breath and took a step forward. "I know exactly what it feels like," she said into the mic. "My name is Odessa Beaumont and I'm the former All Valley champion. I was bullied, too. I've had rumors spread about me, been called horrible names, and belittled to the point where I thought my life was ruined." Everyone listening carefully. "I wouldn't have even known about karate if it wasn't for Miguel. I became the All Valley champion but i've gained so much more than that. I'm stronger, i'm healthier; not just physically but mentally — and I feel the bravest i've ever felt in my life. I don't know who I would be today if it weren't for my Sensei." She finished and looked back at Johnny.

Thalia smiled at her daughter and looked at Johnny, seeing how proud he was.

Miguel smiled and put a hand on her back. She let him take the microphone again. "We don't need this tournament to do cool kicks or to sell tickets. We need it to show the bullies of the world that we're not afraid. It's called the All Valley because it's for everyone, to give everyone the chance to show what they can do, to fight, to become a champion. And we deserve that chance."

The three teenagers stepped back from the mic. The council exchanged looks. Odessa looked up at Miguel. "And to think we didn't even practice that." She whispered.

He grinned and they fist bumped.

Councilperson Roberts exhaled. "To be honest, I don't get the Valley's fascination with karate. But. . . if it means that much to all of you, and you're willing to sign waivers stating that the city is not liable, then—the All Valley Under Eighteen tournament is officially back on." She declared and banged her gavel once more.

"Yes!" Sam cheered and engulfed Miguel into a hug.

Odessa's eyes widened in excitement and she turned around to her mother. They locked hands and jumped up and down in excitement. "I'm so proud of you!" Thalia squealed and pulled her into a tight hug.

When she let go, Miguel picked her up by her waist and spun her. "We did it!"

The three teenagers hugged the adults. "Screw karate, you should be a lawyer." Her mom said.

"I'll make it plan B." Odessa smiled into the hug.

Odessa and Miguel sat with Sam in her backyard. She held up her can of soda. "To the All Valley tournament." She set forth.

The two smiled and they cheered as well, clinking the cans together and taking a drink. Miguel looked around the backyard. "This place is crazy. What's the rock say?" He questioned while looking at the huge rock across from them.

"I don't know. My dad won't tell me." Sam replied.

"Or maybe he doesn't know," Odessa assumed and they laughed.

"Well, it's a cool rock. All Dessi and I have is vandalized park benches and regular boring rocks." Miguel shared.

Odessa pointed her finger. "Don't forget the homeless people."

"Oh, how could I?"

Sam laughed. "You know, you guys are welcome train here anytime. Odessa, i'm sure Oliver would be very happy to have you."

"Please, I get enough of him and Demetri at school. I could use a break from them making out." She grimaced and sipped from the can soda.

"Yeah, don't get me wrong, it's a cool hard, but. . . do you guys actually do karate here?" Miguel teased her.

Sam's face made Odessa laugh.

"It looks like breathing exercises!"

"Oh, it's not badass enough for you?" Sam challenged.

"We train in junkyards and cement trucks!"

"And i've trained in that pond over there."

Miguel rolled his eyes, sarcastically. "Oh, a pond."

Sam shoved his shoulder making him fake gasp. Odessa laughed. "Okay, you two seem like you're about to fight so i'm going to go get another soda. Sam, don't hurt him too bad." She laughed.

Miguel gave her an offended look as she began to walk away. "I thought we were hospital buddies, Dessi?" He called out.

"Chicks before dicks, Miggy!" She shouted from over her shoulder and Sam burst out in laughter.

Odessa walked up the steps and into the dojo when she paused, eyes widened at the person in front of her.  "Hey,  Dess. . ." Robby uttered.

She took a step forward in shock. "You. . . You're here.  I mean, I know you're back, but — you're here." She spoke in surprise. She couldn't believe that he was right there in front of her.

He nodded slowly. "Yeah. I figured Mr. Larusso would let me have my old bed back." She scanned his appearance. He had fading bruises on his face. He looked at her up and down as well. "You look good." He pointed out.

"Better than you, I suppose?" She cracked a grin.

He smiled and nodded. "Yeah, you could say that."

Odessa stepped forward to where she standing closer to him. She lifted her hands slightly, wanting to hug him, but she hesitated. Seeing her hesitation, Robby stepped forward and slowly wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug. 

She froze before wrapping her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. She closed her eyes and silently sighed. Oh,  how things just got more complicated.