As the night went on, the sound of laughter and conversation filled the LaRusso house. Aurora was still chatting with Zander and Demetri when she heard Daniel call her name from across the room. She excused herself and made her way over to him, curious about what he wanted to discuss. Standing beside him was Sam, her expression calm but thoughtful.
Daniel smiled warmly as Aurora approached. "Aurora, I need to talk to you about tomorrow's final step in the demonstration," he began, his tone serious but encouraging. "The judges want to see one last thing before they make their decision—two matches. One between the girls and one between the boys, against Cobra Kai."
Aurora raised an eyebrow, the weight of his words sinking in. "So, like a final sparring match?" she asked, crossing her arms. "Who are you thinking of putting up?"
Daniel hesitated, glancing between her and Sam. "That's the thing," he admitted. "I'm torn. Both of you are incredible fighters, and you've each brought something unique to our dojo. I'm not sure who to pick."
Aurora's eyes widened. She hadn't expected this kind of decision to land in her lap. She turned to Sam, unsure of what to say, but before she could speak, Sam stepped forward, her voice steady.
"It should be Aurora," Sam said confidently, leaving no room for doubt.
Aurora blinked in surprise. "What? Sam, are you sure?" she asked, feeling a mix of emotions. While part of her was flattered, another part felt uncertain about taking the spotlight.
Sam nodded without hesitation, her expression firm. "A hundred percent. You made it to the finals in the tournament. You've proven yourself over and over again. This is your moment."
Aurora's hesitation lingered, but the belief shining in Sam's eyes was undeniable. "But this is important. You've worked so hard, and I don't want to take—"
Sam cut her off with a reassuring smile. "Aurora, I believe in you. We all do. And besides, this isn't about taking anything away from me. This is about showing the judges what our dojo can do. You're the best choice."
Aurora felt a lump rise in her throat as she nodded slowly, absorbing Sam's words. "Okay," she said quietly, then with more conviction, "Okay. I'll do it."
Daniel smiled, his pride evident. "That's settled, then. Aurora, you'll represent us in the girls' match, and for the boys, well Johnny is talking about it now with the guys."
Aurora nodded, determination settling in her chest. "I won't let you down," she promised.
Sam placed a hand on Aurora's shoulder. "You've got this. Just go out there and be yourself," she said, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement.
Aurora gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Sam. That means a lot."
As they parted ways to enjoy the rest of the evening, Aurora felt a surge of gratitude—not just for the opportunity, but for how far her relationship with Sam had come. They weren't just little girls anymore; they were friends who truly supported one another. And as she caught Miguel glancing her way again, she realized that she felt ready to face whatever came next.
Aurora spent the rest of the night honing her techniques, replaying moves in her head, and mentally preparing for the match. She wanted to be ready for anything Cobra Kai might throw her way. Despite her efforts, the nerves hit her like a wave as they arrived at Cobra Kai's sleek new headquarters the next day. The imposing black and red decor screamed intimidation, and Aurora couldn't help but feel the weight of what was at stake.
Her hands tightened into fists at her sides as she took in the scene—the Cobra Kai students lined up with smug expressions, the Sekai Taikai judges observing every detail, and the subtle tension in the air. Her chest tightened, but before she could spiral into self-doubt, Miguel appeared at her side.
He gently touched her arm, guiding her away from the group. "Hey," he said, his voice soft but steady, "you've got this, Aurora. I've seen you take on tougher fights than this. You're going to crush it."
Aurora gave him a hesitant smile. "Thanks, Miguel. I just... this feels bigger than any tournament we've ever been in. And this is Cobra Kai. They don't play fair."
Miguel chuckled lightly, his expression warm. "And neither do we—not when we've got Sensei planning our training." He tilted his head toward the others. "Besides, you're not alone in this. You've got everyone behind you. And me."
His words grounded her, and she nodded, feeling a bit of the weight lift from her shoulders. "Thanks. I needed that."
As they rejoined the group, Aurora overheard Mitch enthusiastically commenting on the setup. "Dude, have you seen their juice station? They've got everything—protein shakes, energy drinks, even wheatgrass shots! Cobra Kai's living the dream!"
Aurora rolled her eyes but smiled at his obliviousness, her nerves easing slightly at the humor. Sam caught Aurora's eye and walked over, her expression calm but supportive.
"You've got this, Aurora," Sam said confidently. "You've been training non-stop, and you're ready for whatever they throw at you."
"Thanks, Sam," Aurora said, taking a deep breath. "I just hope I don't let anyone down."
"You won't," Sam replied firmly. "Trust yourself. You've earned this."
Feeling a renewed sense of confidence, Aurora scanned the room and met Tory's gaze from across the way. For a moment, the two girls locked eyes. Instead of the venom and animosity Aurora used to expect, she saw something different. Tory gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod—a silent acknowledgment of the conversation they'd had and the mutual understanding they'd reached.
Aurora nodded back, realizing that, for once, she didn't feel fear or anger when she looked at Tory. This wasn't about personal vendettas anymore. It was about competition. Respect.
After they had a chance to settle, the judges announced that the boys' match would be first. Hawk stepped onto the mat with his usual confidence, facing off against Kenny, who radiated quiet determination. The referee signaled for the fight to begin with a sharp "Fight!"
Before the word had fully left the referee's mouth, Kenny launched himself at Hawk with ruthless speed. Aurora winced as Hawk barely managed to block the kick aimed at his ribs. The intensity of the match was visible as Kenny continued to press forward, delivering a flurry of attacks. Finally, he managed to land a solid hit to Hawk's gut, earning the first point.
Aurora's nerves tightened like a coil. She felt her breath catch and, without realizing it, reached for the hand of the person next to her. When her fingers brushed Miguel's, she glanced up, startled, but he simply gave her a reassuring smile. That small gesture steadied her nerves, and she managed a weak smile in return before turning her attention back to the mat.
The referee reset the match, calling for the fighters to resume. This time, Eli's demeanor shifted. With renewed focus, he struck back harder and faster, driving Kenny on the defensive. Kenny ducked under a series of punches, his speed working to his advantage, but Eli anticipated his movements. Timing his next move perfectly, Eli turned and delivered a powerful kick, striking Kenny in the face.
Aurora's heart leapt as she saw Kenny stumble back, and for a split second, everyone thought Eli had scored. But then, the referee blew the whistle.
"Out of bounds, no point!"
The crowd buzzed in confusion and disbelief. Aurora felt her jaw drop as she saw Kenny's foot had indeed stepped out of bounds—just after the kick had landed. Everyone had witnessed the hit occur in bounds.
Eli's voice cut through the noise, frustration lacing every word. "What? Are you serious?!"
Johnny immediately stepped forward, unwilling to let it go. "Ref, that's horseshit! He made contact in bounds!"
The referee, however, remained unmoved, his expression stern. "No point. Back on the line."
Aurora felt the tension in the room spike. The unfairness of the call gnawed at her, making her chest tighten. She couldn't shake the growing feeling of unease. If this was how Cobra Kai was going to play—with underhanded tactics and biased referees—what chance did they stand?
She needed air. Desperately. The weight of the situation, the stakes, and the blatant unfairness all felt too heavy. Without drawing attention to herself, Aurora quietly slipped away from the crowd and out into the open air, letting the door close softly behind her. She leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm herself. She couldn't lose her composure now—not when her own match was still ahead.
Aurora had finally managed to calm her nerves. She took one last deep breath and turned to head back inside when the door creaked open, and someone else stepped out. Aurora froze in place as Tory walked out, her expression tense and distant. Tory exhaled deeply, seemingly trying to gather herself, and only after a moment did she look up and notice Aurora standing there.
For a few seconds, neither of them said anything. Aurora debated whether she should speak or simply leave Tory to her own space. Finally, she broke the silence.
"Hey," Aurora offered, her tone tentative but genuine. "Good luck in the match."
Tory blinked, startled by the sentiment. Her expression shifted—part shock, part discomfort—and she looked like she might turn and bolt right then and there. Instead, she gave a curt nod, her lips pressing into a tight line.
Aurora hesitated, unsure if she should press further, but decided to try. "Should we head back in?" she asked gently, gesturing toward the door.
Tory's face tightened at the suggestion. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable. "The boys' match is over," Tory said quickly, avoiding Aurora's gaze. "Kenny won."
Aurora raised her eyebrows slightly, processing the news. Kenny winning didn't come as a huge surprise, but it still left a sinking feeling in her stomach.
Before she could say anything, though, she noticed Tory's unease growing. Tory's eyes darted to the side, her jaw clenching as though she were trying to decide something. Finally, she shook her head and muttered, "I just need another minute out here."
Aurora nodded, respecting her need for space. "Okay. Take your time."
Tory didn't respond, keeping her gaze fixed somewhere off to the side. Recognizing that the moment wasn't meant to be prolonged, Aurora stepped back inside alone, giving Tory the moment she needed.
Once inside, Chozen and Daniel approached Aurora as the judge announced, "We begin our girls' fight. Aurora Worthington and Tory Nichols, please take the mat." Aurora saw the concern etched on Daniel's face as he turned to her.
"Hey," Daniel said, his voice low. "They're fighting dirty. This is dangerous. You don't have to do this."
Aurora took a deep breath and smiled, finding courage in herself. "I know they're fighting dirty," she admitted. "But I can handle it." She glanced over at her team, standing on the sidelines. Seeing their unwavering support filled her with confidence. Turning back to Daniel, she added, "This isn't just for me. This is for all of us."
Chozen's small, approving smile bolstered her resolve. Aurora bowed to both of them before stepping onto the mat.
As she waited, the judge called out again, "Tory Nichols?"
Aurora frowned, scanning the room. Tory was nowhere to be seen. Remembering how pale Tory had looked outside, Aurora began to wonder if she had actually backed out. Moments later, Devon Lee stepped onto the mat instead. Aurora's confusion deepened—Devon had been part of Eagle Fang last time she'd seen her. How had she ended up with Cobra Kai?
Before she could dwell on it, the referee's voice snapped her back. "Face me. Bow."
Aurora turned to the referee, bowing obediently, then turned to Devon as he continued, "Face each other. Bow."
Both girls bowed to each other, the tension increasing with every second.
"Ready?" the referee asked. Aurora and Devon moved into position, their stances firm.
"Fight!"
Devon wasted no time, launching a flurry of attacks. Aurora, quick on her feet, blocked every strike and waited for an opening. When she found one, she delivered a sharp kick to Devon's side. She barely had time to feel victorious before the referee shouted, "No point. That's shoulder. No point."
Aurora froze, stunned. She turned toward her senseis, confused. She knew she hadn't hit the shoulder. Her teammates erupted in protests from the sidelines, but the referee ignored them, casting a glance toward Silver before barking, "Keep fighting!"
Aurora clenched her fists, frustration bubbling inside her. She heard Miguel's voice from the side, steady and reassuring. "It's okay," he called.
Aurora nodded, refocusing. She sent another kick toward Devon, but this time, Devon dodged. The fight continued, and Devon landed a kick toward Aurora's stomach. Aurora blocked it cleanly, but the referee called, "Point. 1-0, Lee."
Aurora spun toward Daniel, her frustration boiling over as he stepped forward to protest. "There was no contact!"
Aurora signaled for a pause, running over to her senseis. "I blocked that!" she said, her voice tight with anger. "And I scored below the shoulder earlier. These calls are costing me the match!"
Daniel nodded, his tone calm but firm. "You're right. But not every point is going to go our way."
Aurora's frustration only grew. "If I lose because of this..." Her voice faltered, a lump forming in her throat.
Miguel stepped closer, his voice cutting through her panic. "Aurora."
She turned to him, his steady gaze locking onto hers. Instantly, her muscles began to relax.
"You're the better fighter. Everyone knows it. The ref might not be doing you any favors, but we've got your back." His words reminded her of the promises they'd made to each other. She felt a strong urge to kiss him but held back, his next words grounding her. "All of us are in your corner."
Aurora nodded, her confidence returning.
Chozen stepped in, his tone firm. "Referee is moron. Must not leave room for error."
Daniel smiled, adding, "He's right. Make every point undeniable."
Chozen spoke again, this time in Japanese, his tone encouraging. Aurora understood perfectly: Do your best.
With a renewed sense of determination, Aurora returned to the mat.
This time, there was no room for doubt. Every strike, every block, every point she scored was clean, powerful, and undeniable. She moved with precision, delivering blows that left no question about their validity. Devon fought hard but couldn't land another point.
As the match concluded, the referee's voice boomed, "Point. Winner, Worthington!" He raised Aurora's hand in victory, and the room erupted into cheers. Aurora felt a wave of relief wash over her, as though she could finally breathe again.
She turned to her team, their ecstatic faces filling her with pride and joy. Aurora ran toward Sam, who threw her arms around her in a tight hug, both of them laughing and celebrating the win.
Daniel approached next, his smile wide and genuine as he pulled her into a warm hug. "Aurora, you were amazing. I'm so proud of you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Chozen was next, stepping forward with his usual composed demeanor. "Aurora-san," he said before speaking in Japanese, his tone respectful. Aurora understood perfectly: "You did it!"
She bowed deeply to him, and he returned the gesture, a mutual sign of respect. Unable to contain her emotions, she wrapped her arms around him in a quick hug, which he accepted with a rare smile.
The rest of the team joined in the celebration. Miguel was the last to reach her, his face glowing with pride. He pulled her into a hug, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around as she laughed, the tension and nerves from earlier melting away.
In that moment, surrounded by her team's love and support, Aurora felt like she truly belonged. This win wasn't just hers—it was theirs, a testament to how far they had all come together.
After the celebrations settled, the judges reconvened, with Gunther stepping forward as the spokesperson. His stern expression made Aurora's stomach tighten in anticipation. "We have reached an agreement," he began, his voice echoing through the room.
"As expected, we were impressed with the skills, precision, and discipline of the new Sekai Taikai qualifier... Cobra Kai."
The Cobra Kai students erupted into cheers, their celebration loud and confident. Aurora felt her heart sink, panic starting to creep in. But before her fears could take hold, Gunther continued, his tone commanding everyone's attention.
"As for our other dojo," he said, his gaze sweeping over Aurora and her team, "We admired your unusual mix of styles and underdog spirit. We think you could be a unique addition to the competition. Therefore, we've decided that your dojo has also qualified."
Aurora's worries melted away, replaced by a rush of elation. She turned to Miguel, who was standing next to her, and jumped into his arms, laughing as he spun her around in celebration.
As she stepped back, she caught sight of Hawk, who was smiling at her, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. Remembering his loss to Kenny, she walked over and gave him a comforting hug. "Maybe one day we'll both win," he said softly.
"We will," Aurora replied, pulling him into a tighter embrace, making sure he felt her support.
Meanwhile, Daniel and Johnny, having finished their conversation with the judges, approached the group. Daniel addressed them first, his voice filled with pride. "Each and every one of you brought your A-game tonight. This is just the beginning."
Chozen nodded in agreement. "Could not be more proud."
Daniel looked at them with a serious expression for a moment before his face broke into a warm smile. "With this tournament in our future, we've got a lot of work to do. But tonight... tonight, go celebrate!"
The group erupted into cheers again, the energy in the room buzzing as they celebrated their shared victory and the challenges ahead. Aurora looked around at her team, feeling a deep sense of belonging and excitement for what was to come.
Robby had approached Aurora after the celebrations, a mischievous grin on his face. "Johnny's letting me and Miguel throw a party at the apartment," he said. "He's taking Rosa and Carmen to a movie, so he told us to go wild."
Aurora laughed at the thought of Johnny's unique way of parenting. "Sounds like fun. I'll be there," she replied.
Before heading to the party, she decided to stop by her house to change. Once ready, she made a detour to Miyagi-Do. The rush of the day had settled, but her emotions still buzzed. She needed a quiet moment, a place where she could breathe, reflect, and let it all sink in.
The familiar surroundings of Miyagi-Do welcomed her. The stillness of the space, the faint scent of wood and nature, and the memories that lingered in every corner all felt grounding. Aurora walked slowly across the backyard, running her hand over the wooden posts, her mind traveling back to the start of it all.
She thought about when she was six years old, training alongside Sam. They were just kids then, barely able to understand the moves Daniel was teaching them, but eager nonetheless. Those early days were innocent, carefree, and filled with laughter.
Then her memories shifted to her teenage years, to training with Robby and Sam as they became a trio that pushed each other to their limits. Each of them had carried their own pain and struggles, but they found comfort and strength in the bond they shared. Later, Demetri joined, and while he was awkward and uncertain at first, he quickly became one of them.
As Aurora stood there, her heart swelled with pride. She had come so far—not just as a fighter but as a person. She had overcome doubts, grown through challenges, and found her strength in ways she never imagined.
She turned to leave, ready to join the party, but a glint on the floor caught her attention. Something small and shiny sparkled under the faint light. She knelt down and picked it up.
In her hand was a bracelet—silver, with a tiny kangaroo charm and engraved initials. Her breath hitched.
Miguel.
It was the bracelet he had once wanted to give her, but he hadn't, because she had ended things before he could. Aurora sat down on the edge of the grass, the bracelet clutched in her hands, her thoughts spiraling.
She stared at the kangaroo charm, a symbol of the small plushy she had gotten him so long ago a representation of his resilience, and everything he stood for. The initials engraved next to it—his and hers—made her chest tighten. She traced the letters with her thumb, her mind wandering back to Miguel.
She thought about how supportive he had been. Through her highs and lows, he was always there—steady, kind, and patient. Even when they weren't together, Miguel was in her corner, cheering her on, offering encouragement, and reminding her of her worth.
Aurora sighed deeply, her fingers trembling slightly as she held the bracelet. It had been a long road since their breakup. She had needed that time apart to figure out who she was without him. And she had. She had grown into someone she was proud of, someone who could stand on her own two feet.
But as much as she had learned to define herself outside of their relationship, she couldn't deny how much she missed him. The memories of their time together filled her mind: the way he made her laugh, the way he looked at her with unwavering belief, the way he made her feel like she could take on the world.
And now, holding the bracelet, Aurora realized something profound. She wasn't the same girl who had broken up with him, unsure of who she was or what she wanted. She was stronger now, more confident, and more certain of what mattered to her.
And what mattered was Miguel.
Aurora looked at the bracelet again, her heart swelling with a mix of longing and hope. She knew she was ready—ready to try again, to take the leap, to see where things could go between them.
Tucking the bracelet safely into her pocket, Aurora stood and took one last look around Miyagi-Do. This place had been her starting point, her anchor, and now it was the place where she found clarity.
Aurora stepped out of Miyagi-Do, clutching the bracelet tightly in her pocket, her emotions in turmoil but her resolve clear. The night air was cool, and each step she took toward Johnny's apartment felt like an eternity. Her mind was a storm of thoughts—fragments of memories, hopes, and fears colliding in a way that made her chest ache.
She thought of Miguel's smile, the way it lit up a room and made her feel like everything would be okay. She thought of how his arms felt around her, like the safest place in the world. And she thought of their breakup, the pain it caused her to walk away from someone who meant so much.
But this was different now. She had grown. She had faced her fears and found herself. And now she was ready. Ready to tell him how much she loved him, how much she missed him, how she wanted another chance.
With a deep breath, she drove to the apartment complex. The sound of music, laughter, and chatter filled the space. The party was packed—way more crowded than she expected. People from all over, not just the dojo, mingled and danced. The warmth and energy of the room buzzed around her, but all she could focus on was finding Miguel.
Aurora's eyes scanned the room, searching through the crowd until she spotted Zander and Sam standing outside. Her heart beat faster, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling inside her. She made her way over, trying to act casual but unable to hide the tension in her voice.
"Hey, have you guys seen Miguel?" she asked, her voice betraying her anxiety.
Sam smiled knowingly, her eyes soft with understanding. "Yeah, last I saw, he was in the living room with Robby and Hawk."
"Thanks," Aurora said, though her mind was already racing.
As she maneuvered through the crowd, her anticipation swelled. She had imagined this moment a thousand times—how she would tell him she was ready, how he would smile, how everything between them would finally feel right again. She pictured him pulling her into his arms, everything falling into place like it was meant to be.
But when she reached the living room, everything came to a crashing halt. She pushed past a few people, her heart pounding, and there he was—Miguel.
Except this time, he wasn't alone.
Miguel sat on the couch with a girl next to him, their faces pressed together as they kissed. Aurora's eyes froze on the sight. She watched as the girl's hands tangled in Miguel's curls—the very curls Aurora had run her fingers through so many times. His hands were on her waist, pulling her closer, kissing her like he couldn't get enough.
The world seemed to stop moving, and for a moment, Aurora couldn't breathe.
A wave of heartbreak crashed over her, heavy and suffocating. Her chest tightened as if the air had been knocked out of her. She couldn't move. She couldn't think. The one thing she had been so certain of—her heart—was now shattering into a million pieces right in front of her.
Her mind spiraled out of control. How? Why? Had he moved on so easily? Was he over her? Was she too late? Did he love this girl now? Did he ever love her at all?
She reached into her pocket, her fingers closing around the bracelet, the one with the kangaroo charm and their initials, the one that had felt so full of meaning. But now, it felt foolish, heavy with memories she wasn't sure were real anymore.
She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She wanted to run away, to forget everything that had led her here. All the courage she had built up, all the hope she had brought with her tonight, felt like it had evaporated in an instant.
Her heart shattered, and she stood there, frozen, watching the boy she still loved kiss someone else.
"Aurora! You made it!"
Robby's cheerful voice broke through her daze, his words completely unaware of the storm brewing inside her. His call caused Miguel to pull away from the girl, his eyes locking onto Aurora's.
The world stopped again—but this time, it was worse.
Miguel's expression shifted—confusion, guilt, something else she couldn't read—but Aurora couldn't bear to look at him anymore.
Her body moved before her mind could catch up. She turned, scrambling to escape the pain in her chest, pushing through the crowd with no destination in mind. Her vision blurred, her tears threatening to spill, but she refused to let them fall. She couldn't let anyone see her like this.
All she wanted was to get away—from Miguel, from the girl, from the raw ache that was clawing at her heart.
She finally made it outside, gasping for air as the cool night air hit her like a slap. It did nothing to numb the hurt. Her breaths came in short, ragged gasps, her heart still pounding with the weight of everything that had just shattered.
She pressed the bracelet into her palm, feeling the sharp edge of the kangaroo charm digging into her skin. For a brief moment, she thought about tossing it away, throwing it into the bushes and letting it go, just like she should let go of him.
But she couldn't.
Instead, she sank to the ground, her knees hitting the pavement as she buried her face in her hands. The sobs came uncontrollably, silent and soul-crushing, as if she had no strength left to hold them in.
She had been so sure, so certain that tonight would be the night they found their way back to each other. But instead, she had been reminded in the most painful way that love wasn't always enough, that sometimes it wasn't enough to hope, to wait, to believe.
It wasn't enough to make someone love you again.
Miguel's eyes were locked on Aurora, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world had stopped. He knew instantly that something was wrong. The look on her face—the way her eyes were filled with pain—was a punch to his gut. She didn't look angry, not the way he expected. She looked broken, like she had just watched everything they had slip away in front of her. And all he could do was stand there, frozen.
But then Aurora turned, her back to him, and before he could move, she was gone. She pushed through the crowd like she was running away from something, her shoulders tense, her steps quick and erratic.
He knew he couldn't let her go like this. Not again.
Without thinking, he bolted after her, pushing past people as he made his way through the crowd. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. All he knew was that he needed to stop her before it was too late, before she disappeared like she had the last time, when he thought they had a chance and it all slipped through his fingers.
When he finally made it outside, the night air hit him like a slap. His eyes immediately found her—Aurora, sitting on the pavement with her knees hugged to her chest. Her face was buried in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs that broke him more than anything.
"Aurora..." His voice cracked as he stepped toward her, his heart racing. He dropped to his knees in front of her, his hands hovering, unsure if she would let him touch her. He wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but the distance between them felt insurmountable.
Her voice, small and fragile, broke through the air. "Why, Miguel? Why did you let me come here only to see that?"
His chest tightened. She was right—he had hurt her. He hadn't meant to. But he didn't know how to fix it. He didn't know how to make it all right.
"I never wanted to hurt you," he whispered, his hands finally reaching for hers. She didn't pull away, but she didn't look at him either. He swallowed hard, struggling to find the words. "Aurora, I thought you didn't want me anymore. You broke up with me. You said you couldn't do this... with me. I thought... I thought I was supposed to move on."
Her head snapped up at that, and for a split second, Miguel saw the fire in her eyes, the way her heart had shattered and now stood in front of him, still so full of love. But the pain was louder.
"Is that what you thought? You thought I didn't want you anymore?" Her voice was choked, full of anguish, trembling with every word. "You think I didn't care, Miguel?" She shook her head, tears streaming down her face, and Miguel felt each drop like a knife in his chest. "You told me you would wait. You told me you would be there for me. You said you loved me, that you would always be in my corner."
Miguel's breath hitched, guilt flooding him as he struggled to speak. "I do... I do love you, Aurora. I never stopped."
"Then why?" Her voice cracked again, each word a cry of pain. She took a shaky breath before speaking, her words quieter but heavier. "Why did you let me come here and see this? Why did you kiss her? Was everything we had just a lie?"
The words struck him harder than anything else could. He leaned forward, gripping her hands tighter, desperate to make her understand, but knowing no words could take away the hurt. "No," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "It wasn't a lie. It was never a lie. But I—I didn't know if you still cared. You pulled away. You... you didn't want me anymore. And I thought... I thought I had to let go."
Aurora closed her eyes, her breath hitching as she whispered, "I never stopped caring, Miguel." Her voice was barely audible through her tears, but every word cut deep. "I never stopped loving you. But when you left for Mexico, I was broken... Miguel." She looked to the side, her eyes distant, like the memory of the pain was too much. "You left me even though you promised you never would. I didn't leave my room for days. Barely ate. I was a shell of myself, Miguel."
Miguel's chest tightened, his heart breaking all over again as he felt the weight of the devastation he had caused her.
She continued, her voice trembling with each word. "So when you came back, asking for forgiveness, I wanted to give it to you, I really did. But it hurt too much. You broke my heart, Miguel." She choked on a sob, tears spilling over. "I knew I had to put myself first, just like you had. And I respected you so much for making that hard decision. But I never stopped loving you, Miguel. I never stopped caring. I just needed time to find me—outside of us. And I did."
Miguel's mind raced, and he nodded, remembering how, in the time apart, she had seemed so much more confident, stronger, more herself. He could see it now—the woman she had become.
Aurora wiped at her face, still sniffling, but the anger in her voice began to cut through the sorrow. "After the match, I went home, changed, and reflected on everything. I was coming here to tell you that I'm ready, that I know who I am now." The words hung in the air, and Miguel's stomach dropped. His heart stumbled, just like his breath. "But then I see you here, with another girl. When just a few hours ago, you were reminding me you were still in my corner."
Miguel opened his mouth to apologize, but she stopped him, her eyes suddenly fierce, the hurt giving way to something darker. "Miguel," she said, voice firm, "you can't keep on breaking my heart like this. I would've never left you in the biggest fight of your life. I would've never turned my back on you like this." Her voice cracked again as she added, "I wouldn't have gone and made out with some random guy at a party that was supposed to be celebrating us—our success, how far we've come. That was supposed to be about us, Miguel."
Each word felt like a punch, the reality of her pain slamming into him with full force. He had no excuses, no defense. She was right. All he could do was sit in the wreckage of what he had let slip away.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, broken, reaching for her hands again, wanting to fix everything, but knowing that he might've already lost her.
Miguel's breath hitched at the sound of her voice, so small, so fragile. It felt like time stopped as the weight of her question sank in, and for a moment, he couldn't find the words. He stared at her, watching the vulnerability in her eyes, and his heart twisted painfully.
"Did the kiss mean anything to you?" Her voice trembled, almost childlike, and it was that innocence in her tone that cut him deeper than anything else. She wasn't angry, wasn't accusing him. She was just... broken, searching for answers, trying to make sense of what had happened.
Miguel's throat tightened, and he wanted to say everything. He wanted to make it right, but he was so lost in his own guilt that he could barely get the words out. He reached for her hand, his fingers trembling. "Aurora, I—" He paused, swallowed, and tried again, his voice rough. "It wasn't like that. The kiss... it wasn't what you think. It didn't mean anything, I swear. I was caught up in the moment, lost in confusion, but it wasn't you. It was never you."
She looked at him with eyes that seemed to be searching for some kind of truth, and his heart shattered all over again. "I don't want to hurt you, Aurora," he whispered, his voice barely audible, "I never wanted to hurt you. But I made so many mistakes."
Aurora's lips parted, and for a moment, he thought she might speak, but she just looked at him with such raw vulnerability that it made him feel like his entire world was crashing down around him. She wasn't angry. She wasn't bitter. She was just... hurt. And that was the hardest thing for him to face.
She finally spoke again, but this time her voice was softer, almost broken. "I don't know if I can keep doing this, Miguel. I can't keep waiting for you to figure it out. I need you to be there, when it matters. Not just when it's easy."
Miguel's heart clenched at her words, and he felt like the ground was slipping from beneath him. "I'll be here," he promised, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll be here, Aurora. I'll wait for you. I know I've messed up, but I'll fix this. I'll do whatever it takes."
But she didn't say anything back. She just stared at him, her tears still falling, her face a mix of pain and exhaustion. He knew that the road to fixing everything wouldn't be easy, but he wasn't going to give up on her, not when he had finally understood what he stood to lose.
And in that moment, with the rawness of everything between them, Miguel understood just how much he had hurt her. And just how much he still loved her.
Would she ever be able to forgive him? Would they ever find their way back? He didn't know the answers. All he knew was that he couldn't stop fighting for her.
Not now. Not ever.
Before either could speak another word, the distant chants of "Fight! Fight!" broke through the tension, echoing through the night. Aurora's head snapped up at the sound, her tear-streaked face immediately hardening with alarm. She stood abruptly, wiping at her cheeks in haste, trying to pull herself together. Without a word to Miguel, she turned on her heel and ran toward the commotion.
Miguel hesitated, torn between following her and staying behind, but the look of determination in her eyes left no room for doubt. He bolted after her.
The crowd had already gathered in a tight circle by the time they reached the scene. Pushing through the onlookers, Aurora froze when she saw Sam and Tory standing toe-to-toe, their faces flushed with anger as they hurled insults at each other. Tory's hands were clenched into fists, while Sam looked moments away from shoving her.
"Aurora!" Sam's voice cut through the chaos as she caught sight of her. The tension in her shoulders eased just slightly, and she took a step toward Aurora, leaving Tory glaring behind her. "You need to hear this," Sam said, her voice shaking with barely contained fury.
Aurora blinked, her gaze darting between the two. "What's going on?" she demanded, her tone sharp as she tried to piece together what she had just walked into.
"She's been lying to everyone," Sam spat, pointing an accusing finger at Tory. "Aurora, you didn't lose the All Valley tournament."
The words hit Aurora like a slap, and her stomach twisted in confusion. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice low but steady, as her gaze fixed on Sam. "What do you mean I didn't lose?"
Tory stepped forward, her expression a mix of guilt and defiance. Her voice trembled, barely audible as she confessed, "It's true." She couldn't meet Aurora's piercing gaze, her eyes fixed on the ground. "You didn't lose the tournament... because Silver paid the ref for me to win."
Aurora felt the words land like a blow, her mind reeling. A part of her wanted to feel vindicated, to take back the strength she thought she'd lost that day. But another part of her couldn't ignore how losing had shaped her. That moment of defeat had pushed her to step away from karate, to find herself outside of the sport. Could she hate Tory for that?
Before she could make sense of her emotions, Sam's voice cut through the tension. "My entire family has suffered because of you!" Her fury ignited, and she shoved Tory backward.
Aurora's breath caught as she watched in stunned horror. Sam was relentless, her anger spilling over as she pushed Tory again, harder this time. "You're the reason my dad got hurt! You're the reason for all of it!"
Frozen, Aurora could only watch the scene unfold. She wanted to move, to intervene, but her feet felt like they were stuck in cement. The crowd had formed a tight circle around them, their shouts blending into a chaotic blur. It wasn't until Zander and Robby rushed in that the fight was broken up.
"No! Sam, that's enough!" Zander's voice was firm as he stepped between the two girls, his hands outstretched. Robby was close behind, pulling tory back as she struggled against his grip.
But Sam wasn't ready to back down. She turned, her voice sharp and bitter. "She's been working with Kreese this whole time!"
Her accusation hung in the air, silencing the crowd. All eyes turned to Tory. Aurora felt a pang of betrayal, like a punch to the gut. She had tried to make peace with Tory, had believed there was something good in her. But now? Had she been wrong all along?
Tory's lips parted, her gaze shifting to Robby as if searching for an ally, but before she could speak, Sam spat out her anger again. "Why did you only come forward now? Huh? Because you're a coward?"
Tory flinched, the words stinging more than she let on. Aurora finally found her voice, her tone calm but firm. "Sam, calm down. You don't know what she's been through. I'm sure there's an explanation."
But Sam wasn't having it. "An explanation?" she snapped, her eyes blazing with disbelief. "You're defending her? After everything she's done?"
Before Aurora could respond, Tory's expression hardened, her walls going up. "Screw you, LaRusso," she bit out, her voice laced with venom. Then she turned to Aurora, her eyes softening for a brief moment like she wanted to say something—maybe even apologize. But the moment passed, and she shook her head. "I knew this was a mistake."
Without another word, Tory pushed past the crowd, disappearing into the night. Aurora stood there, her chest tight and her mind racing. She couldn't help but feel torn—between the anger swirling around her and the ache of understanding what it meant to be desperate and scared.
Sam turned to her, disbelief etched across her face. "You're seriously just going to let her walk away?"
Aurora looked down, her voice quiet but steady. "She's already carrying more than any of us realize, Sam. This isn't the way to fix it."
Sam huffed, shaking her head, her frustration palpable. "You don't get it, Aurora. She's just like Kreese. She'll never change."
But Aurora wasn't so sure. As the crowd began to disperse, she caught Miguel's gaze from across the chaos, his expression unreadable. She could feel the weight of everything pressing down on her, but one thought stuck out above all the noise:
Nothing about tonight was as simple as it seemed.
can yall see the growth hehehe. Old aurora would've made miguel hurt too after the kiss, she would've attacked tory too like sam but my girl finally knows who she is and control her emotions (minus the crying lmao but let her be, that's her husband right there making out with some random)
Anyways I have been waiting for this chapter for sooooo long, i pushed and grinded so hard, I hope you like it and feel her pain.