CHAPTER 17: THE TORY PROBLEM
POV: Ivyn Mikaelson
Two weeks to tournament, and Tory Nichols walks into Cobra Kai like a lit match entering a gas station.
All coiled danger and sharp edges. The girl I saw months ago working double shifts at a convenience store now standing in the dojo with eyes that dare anyone to dismiss her.
Johnny takes one look and grins. "Finally, someone who looks like they actually want to hurt people. What's your name?"
"Tory. And yeah, I do."
"Here we go. The catalyst. The spark that lights everything on fire in the original timeline."
Her first class reveals natural aggression Johnny immediately recognizes. Fast. Ruthless. Unafraid of pain.
During sparring, she catches Hawk with an elbow that draws blood. He stumbles back, surprised and angry. She laughs.
"What? You said full contact."
Johnny's grin widens. "I like this one. Diaz, show her the advanced combinations."
Miguel steps forward. Their eyes meet. Something electric passes between them.
"And there it is. The connection forming right on schedule."
After class, I approach while she unwraps her hands. Knuckles bruised but not split. Good technique for someone self-taught.
"You're good. Natural fighter."
She sizes me up. Calculating. Assessing threat level.
"You're the one everyone says is Sensei's favorite. Ivyn, right?"
Her tone suggests she's already identified me as competition or obstacle.
"Just a dedicated student. You settling in the Valley okay?"
My genuine interest surprises her. Guard dropping fractionally.
"Getting by. This place is better than most."
"She responds to authenticity. Note that. Use it."
"If you need anything—recommendations for cheap food, good running routes, whatever—let me know."
Tory nods slowly. "Thanks. Most people don't offer."
"Most people are assholes."
She laughs. Actually laughs. "Truth."
[NEW CHARACTER: TORY NICHOLS]
[Status: Dojo Peer (Wary Respect)]
[Threat Level: High (to Sam, to dojo unity)]
[Strategy: Befriend before jealousy develops]
Within days, Miguel and Tory are flirting during training. Staying late to spar. Leaving together.
I watch with mixed feelings. Miguel moving on from Sam is good. Removes one complication. But Tory and Miguel together could be volatile.
Especially if Tory ever discovers Sam is my girlfriend.
Aisha pulls me aside after class. "Tory's my friend. But she's got a temper. And she doesn't like rich girls—says they get everything handed to them."
"Noted."
"If she finds out about Sam..." Aisha doesn't finish. Doesn't need to.
Proactive honesty seems best. I find Tory in the parking lot, loading gym bag into a beat-up Honda.
"Quick question. You and Miguel seem to be hitting it off."
She shrugs. "He's nice. Earnest. Little naive but that's cute."
"Good. He deserves someone who sees him." I pause. "For transparency—I'm dating someone from school. Just so there's no weirdness later."
Tory considers this. "Your business. I'm here to train and make money, not play high school drama."
"Appreciate that."
She drives away. Temporary reprieve secured.
"Not a solution. Just delaying the inevitable."
Tournament strategy discussion during evening class. Johnny asking for input on bracket analysis.
"Exploit weaknesses," Tory says without hesitation. "Opponent has a previous injury? Target it. They show fear? Use it. Whatever it takes to win, including bending rules right to the breaking point."
Several students nod. Hawk agrees enthusiastically.
Something in me rebels. Again.
"There's honor in how you win. Not just winning."
Tory turns. Eyes sharp. "Honor's a luxury for people who haven't had to fight for everything. Some of us can't afford your moral high ground."
It's a fair point. One I can't fully counter. My orphan background gives credibility, but Tory's life has clearly been harder.
"Different philosophies then. But mutual respect?"
She studies me. Nods slowly. "Different philosophies. Mutual respect."
Johnny watches this exchange. Later, after class, he pulls me aside.
"She's right, you know. Honor doesn't fill your stomach or keep you safe."
"I know, Sensei."
"But your way works for you." He pauses. "Just make sure it works when it matters. Tournament isn't philosophy class."
"Yes, Sensei."
[TOURNAMENT PREPARATION: 90% COMPLETE]
[Combat XP: 19,800]
[Physical Stats Peak:]
[Strength: 50/100]
[Speed: 55/100]
[Endurance: 58/100]
[Balance: 56/100]
[WARNING: Multiple conflict flashpoints detected]
[Tory-Sam: High probability]
[Miguel-Ivyn: Ongoing hostility]
[Dojo Unity: Fragile]
Tournament bracket publishes. Johnny prints copies for everyone.
I'm in Miguel's quarter. We could face each other in semifinals.
The thought sits heavy in my chest. Fighting my former best friend in front of everyone. Deciding which of us advances.
"How did it come to this? How did trying to prevent tragedy create new ones?"
Miguel catches me looking at the bracket. Our eyes meet across the dojo. He looks away first.
Fourteen days. Two weeks. Then everything I've prepared for becomes real.
Sam texts: "Dinner tonight? Need to see you before things get crazy."
"Your place or mine?"
"Yours. Want to see where you actually live."
She's never been to my apartment. Too humble. Too honest about my circumstances. But she's asking, and hiding feels wrong.
"7 PM. Fair warning—it's not much."
"Don't care. Just want to be with you."
[RELATIONSHIP STATUS: SAM LARUSSO]
[Commitment Level: High]
[Support: Unconditional]
[Concern: Moderate (about tournament intensity)]
That night, Sam sits on my ratty couch surrounded by my humble life. Cheap furniture. Cramped space. Books and training notes everywhere.
She doesn't judge. Just takes it in.
"This is you. The real you. No performance."
"This is me."
"I like it. It's honest."
We eat takeout Chinese food straight from the containers. Talk about everything except the tournament. She tells me about college applications. I tell her about a book I'm reading between training sessions.
Normal teenage relationship things that feel anything but normal when you're preparing for combat.
When she leaves, she kisses me at the door. "Two weeks. Then you show everyone what you can do."
"Or I fail spectacularly."
"Either way, I'll be there."
The apartment feels emptier after she's gone.
I complete my Daily Quest. Review opponent footage one more time. Fall asleep thinking about brackets and strategies and the weight of expectations.
Fourteen days.
Then we find out if I'm ready.
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