"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.