012, skeletons

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STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up bt votes not its hard for my motivation!

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Sasha sat in the circle of plastic chairs, her hands tucked into the sleeves of her oversized hoodie. The air in the room was still, carrying the faint scent of old coffee and lavender from the cheap essential oil diffuser sitting on a side table. The fluorescent lights above buzzed softly, adding to the low hum of the heating vent in the corner. It was a familiar setting-too familiar.

She'd been attending these youth group therapy sessions for months, but today, she felt particularly detached, like she was watching everything from behind a thick sheet of glass. Her body was here, but her mind was somewhere else-somewhere across the ocean, in a different time, with someone who wasn't here anymore.

"Sasha," the therapist, a woman in her late forties with a kind yet perceptive gaze, spoke gently, drawing her out of her thoughts. "You've been quiet today."

Sasha hesitated, shifting in her seat. "Yeah, just... a lot on my mind."

The therapist nodded, giving her space to continue if she wanted. The rest of the group-other teens who had their own ghosts, their own stories-waited in respectful silence. Some of them had heard pieces of her story before. Some of them hadn't.

Sasha exhaled and finally spoke.

"I'm supposed to go to the All Valley Sports Center later today," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "The Sekai Taikai is still going on, and I'm supposed to fight."

There was no excitement in her tone, no sense of anticipation that a world tournament should bring. Instead, there was hesitation. Doubt.

"But I don't even know if I want to."

Derek, a boy sitting across from her, shifted in his chair. He was around her age, maybe a little older, with dark curls that fell over his forehead and eyes that carried the weight of something heavy. Sasha knew his story-his younger sister had died in a car accident last year. He didn't talk about it much, but when he did, she saw the same grief in him that she felt in herself.

"Why not?" he asked, his voice careful but direct.

Sasha lowered her gaze, staring at the frayed threads on her hoodie's cuff. "Because I lost Kwon," she admitted. The words felt foreign on her tongue, as if saying them out loud would make them more real than they already were. "He died in Barcelona."

The room was quiet.

She swallowed, trying to steady the tremble in her voice. "We were supposed to do this together. We trained together, we made plans, we-" She cut herself off, jaw tightening. "And now he's gone. And fighting just... doesn't feel the same without him."

Derek didn't look away. He let her words sit in the space between them before finally speaking.

"I get it," he said. "When my sister died, everything I loved-everything I used to care about-felt pointless." He exhaled slowly, rubbing his thumb against his palm. "Like, what was the point of any of it if she wasn't here?"

Sasha nodded slightly. She knew exactly what he meant.

"But," Derek continued, his voice softer, "avoiding everything that reminded me of her didn't make it better. It just made me feel... empty." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I know it's different for everyone, but if Kwon were here... do you think he'd want you to stop?"

Sasha clenched her jaw, staring down at the floor.

Kwon wouldn't want that.

He would've told her to keep going. To fight, not just for him, but for herself. She could almost hear his voice in her head, teasing her for even considering quitting.

She let out a breath, loosening the death grip she hadn't realized she had on her hoodie.

"I don't know what I'm gonna do yet," she admitted. "But... I'll think about it."

Derek nodded, offering her a small, understanding smile. "That's all you can do."

The therapist gave her a reassuring look before shifting the conversation to another member of the group. But Sasha remained lost in thought, Derek's words lingering in her mind.

Maybe she wasn't ready to step back onto the mat. Maybe she never would be.

But maybe-just maybe-she didn't have to have all the answers right now.

Sasha stood in the center of the All Valley Sports Arena, her heart pounding like a war drum inside her chest. The bright overhead lights cast an almost blinding glow over the mat, illuminating the sea of spectators in the stands. The hum of excitement that vibrated through the crowd felt like an electric pulse in the air, but all Sasha could hear was the rush of blood in her ears. The overwhelming weight of the moment settled heavily on her shoulders. Her stomach twisted, a knot of anxiety coiling tighter with each passing second.

She stood beside Robby, his presence a small comfort amidst the sea of intensity. He caught her gaze and gave her a small, reassuring nod, a silent promise that they would get through this. Sasha forced herself to nod back, her fingers twitching at her sides as her mind raced. She exhaled slowly, trying to steady her breath, but it felt like the world around her was closing in. The stakes felt so high, too high for comfort.

The arena fell into a hush as Gunther Braun, the voice of the tournament, stepped onto the mat, microphone in hand. His presence commanded the space, and Sasha couldn't help but feel the tension heighten.

"It is my great honor," Gunther's voice boomed, his words carrying through the speakers, "to introduce our guest referee, a local hero and former All Valley champion... Darryl Vidal!"

The crowd erupted into applause, and Sasha's gaze flickered to Darryl as he stepped forward. His presence carried a weight of history, a living testament to the many battles that had defined this tournament. Darryl raised his hands in acknowledgment, his confident smile reflecting the pride of someone who had fought and won on this very mat years ago.

"Thank you, Mr. Braun," Darryl said, his voice deep and steady. "Now tell me-are you ready for the world's best karate?"

The crowd roared back in response, and the arena seemed to shake with the excitement. Sasha could hear her mom's voice cutting through the noise, unmistakable and enthusiastic as she shouted, "Yeah, Robby and Sasha! Kick some ass! YEAH!"

Sasha couldn't help but stifle a laugh at her mom's antics. Amanda's loud, supportive voice was always a bit of a spectacle, and in that moment, it felt oddly comforting amidst the nerves.

Gunther waited for the applause to die down, allowing the room to settle before continuing. His voice took on a more serious tone as he announced, "Of the world's sixteen best dojos, it has all come down to our final three. The Iron Dragons... Miyagi-Do Karate... and Cobra Kai."

Sasha's amusement faded as her gaze fell on Tory. Unlike the other competitors, Tory stood alone on her side of the mat, no sensei by her side, no one to guide her. For a brief moment, Sasha felt a pang of empathy for her rival. They had fought so many battles against each other, but now, Tory looked more isolated than ever. Sasha's heart ached, remembering all the times they'd clashed, but also the moments when she had seen glimpses of the girl beneath the tough exterior.

"The rules are simple," Gunther continued, his voice cutting through Sasha's thoughts. "Each dojo will retain the points they earned in their Barcelona competitions. Our unfinished boy's semifinal will reset to zero-zero, and the remaining girl's semifinal will take place tomorrow."

Sasha's attention flickered back to Axel. She caught a glimpse of him in the corner of her eye, noticing the subtle shift in his posture. His confident demeanor had cracked, just for a moment. His shoulders were stiff as he listened intently to something Sensei Wolf whispered in his ear. The older man's expression was unreadable, but whatever he said, it wiped the smile off Axel's face, replacing it with a tense frown.

Gunther cleared his throat and continued. "Each match will consist of three two-minute rounds with unlimited scoring. One point for a hit, ten for a knockdown, and twenty for a knockout. The finals will determine our individual champions, and the dojo with the most cumulative points will be crowned grand champion."

Sasha barely registered the words. Her mind was too scattered, bouncing from Robby's fight, to Axel's icy demeanor, to the weight of everything she had been carrying for weeks. The pressure was suffocating, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.

Gunther paused, and for a moment, the energy in the room shifted. His tone became somber as he continued, "Now, will everyone please stand and join me in a moment of silence for our fallen competitor, Kwon Jae-Sung."

The entire arena lowered their heads in respectful silence. The once-booming energy of the crowd had faded, replaced by a quiet stillness. Sasha inhaled sharply, closing her eyes for a brief moment. Kwon should have been here. He should have been standing on this mat with the rest of them, showing the world what he was capable of. His absence was a heavy weight, and Sasha couldn't shake the emptiness that came with it.

The silence stretched on... but then-

A faint crunching sound broke the stillness.

Sasha's brows furrowed, and she turned her head slightly, just enough to spot Mitch crouched down on the floor with a bag of chips, casually munching away as if the solemn moment meant nothing to him. Sasha couldn't help the snicker that escaped her lips, the absurdity of the situation momentarily lifting her spirits.

Gunther lifted his head and cleared his throat, his voice steady again as he addressed the crowd. "Thank you."

The energy in the room shifted again, the anticipation thick in the air.

"For our first match-or should I say, rematch..." Gunther's gaze swept over the two fighters. "Axel Kovacevic versus Robby Keene."

Sasha inhaled sharply, her heart pounding as she looked between Robby and Axel. It was time.

Sasha eyes caught someone in the crowd-

Derek.

He winked at her and Sasha blushed slightly and caught herself.

Sasha cursed under her breath.

Sasha's breath came in quick, sharp bursts, her eyes glued to Robby as he bowed to their senseis and made his way onto the mat. The noise of the crowd around her was muffled, a distant hum in her ears as her heart beat faster, her stomach a tight knot of anxiety. She knew how badly Robby wanted this-how much he needed to prove himself, not just for his dojo, but for everything he'd been through. But the thought of him facing Axel again, especially after what had happened the last time, made her feel sick.

Her eyes flickered toward Axel, standing with his cold, stoic sensei, Sensei Wolf. The man's expression was impossible to read, but the way he spoke to Axel-low, almost secretive-sent a chill down Sasha's spine. Axel's response was subtle, a sharp nod that betrayed nothing. But Sasha knew what it meant. She had seen the way Axel's emotions twisted under Sensei Wolf's manipulation. The man didn't just coach him; he controlled him. Axel had become nothing more than a weapon to him, and the thought of Robby having to face that kind of pressure made Sasha's chest tighten.

The match began, and Sasha was instantly caught in the whirlwind of action. Axel came at Robby with a quick, aggressive kick, but Robby reacted faster, pushing it down with a fluid motion. His movements were precise, calculated-he was in control. Sasha's teeth dug into her lower lip as she watched, trying to breathe through the nerves. She had seen Robby fight Axel before, and it hadn't ended well. She could still feel the anger and fear from that night. It was all coming back now.

Axel was relentless, attacking with a series of rapid punches. But Robby didn't flinch. He blocked every strike with ease, his focus unwavering, his eyes locked onto Axel. It was the kind of calm Sasha admired, even in the face of Axel's brutal aggression. Robby moved with purpose, every motion intentional, every block a calculated defense.

Sasha's stomach twisted, her fingers clutching the edge of her seat as she watched. The tension in the air was palpable. She could feel the collective breath of the audience held in unison as Robby searched for an opening. And then-bam-it came. Robby spun on his heel, landing a powerful kick straight to Axel's chest.

"Point!" Darryl Vidal called out.

The crowd exploded in cheers, but Sasha barely heard them. She was too focused on Axel's reaction. The glint of anger in his eyes, the way he subtly looked toward Sensei Wolf. There it was again-the silent exchange, the approval he craved from his sensei, even if it meant betraying everything he had left inside of him. Sasha's stomach churned. She had seen it before-the way Axel needed to prove himself to Wolf, no matter what it cost him. And she knew, deep down, that this wasn't going to end well.

Axel's face tightened as he turned back to Robby, his body shifting into a more aggressive stance. The low growl that rumbled in his chest sent a wave of dread crashing through Sasha. She could feel the shift in the air-the calm before the storm.

"Shit, shit," Sasha muttered under her breath, her fingers digging into her palms. She whispered, barely audible, as she watched Robby prepare for whatever Axel would throw at him next. "You got this, Robby."

The two fighters clashed again, this time Axel with an uppercut that seemed to come out of nowhere. Robby caught it just in time, blocking it with a swift motion. But Axel, growing more desperate, shifted tactics. He slammed his foot into Robby's chest with a brutal kick, knocking him back.

"Point! Two points!" Darryl Vidal called out again, and Sasha's heart skipped a beat.

The crowd's cheers barely registered as Sasha watched, her chest tight with every blow exchanged. Robby was in pain. She could see it in the way he moved, the small winces as Axel landed heavy hits. She couldn't look away, though. She had to stay focused, had to believe in Robby, even as Axel's strikes grew more dangerous, more calculated.

Then came the final round.

The air seemed to crackle with tension as both fighters let out a battle yell, their bodies surging toward each other. Axel kicked with ferocity, but Robby blocked the attack with precision. Every move, every punch, every kick felt like it could be the one that decided it all.

And then it happened.

Robby threw a kick, but Axel was faster. He grabbed Robby's leg mid-air, his grip vice-like, and twisted it violently, yanking him off balance. The sickening crack that followed made Sasha's stomach plummet.

Time seemed to freeze.

Robby's scream tore through the arena like a knife, and the sickening sound of his body hitting the mat echoed in Sasha's ears. She stood frozen for a split second, her heart in her throat, as the crowd gasped in horror.

"Robby!" Sasha shouted, her voice breaking through the chaos of the crowd's panic. But it was too late. Robby lay on the mat, his face twisted in pain, blood seeping out from underneath him.

Her knees buckled, and she shot up from her seat, panic seizing her chest. "Robby!" she cried again, her voice cracking as she looked desperately for him. She felt her hands tremble, her breathing coming in ragged gasps.

The sight of Robby on the ground, his body twisted in unnatural angles, hit her like a punch to the gut. For a split second, she didn't see Robby-she saw Kwon. She saw the way her dead boyfriend had fallen, the blood pooling beneath him. The memory of that moment sent a wave of nausea crashing over her.

Sasha's vision blurred, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. She turned on her heel and stumbled out of the arena, her mind spinning as she made her way into the hallway. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't think. Everything was a blur-her feet moved, but she didn't know where she was going. It felt like the world was suffocating her, and all she could hear was the sound of Robby's scream echoing in her mind.

Sasha stumbled into the hallway, her mind spinning in a fog of panic. She barely registered the sound of the door swinging shut behind her, the muffled noise of the crowd continuing on without her. The walls seemed to close in, the space growing smaller with each step she took. Her chest felt tight, as if the air had been sucked out of the room, and the tears stung at the corners of her eyes.

She leaned back against the cold wall, her breaths shallow and erratic. Her hands shook as she pressed them to her face, trying to force the panic back. But it wasn't working. The images of Robby's body hitting the mat, the sound of his scream, all of it was replaying in her mind like a loop she couldn't escape. It felt like the walls were collapsing around her, the weight of everything-her fears, her memories-crushing her in an overwhelming rush.

She gasped for air, but it wasn't enough. It never was. Her heart hammered in her chest, thudding so hard she thought it might burst out of her. The room spun, and she slid down the wall, collapsing onto the floor in a heap, her legs pulled up to her chest. She was trembling, her body shaking violently as tears began to spill from her eyes. She couldn't stop it. She couldn't breathe.

The door to the arena swung open again, and Sasha barely registered the sound of footsteps approaching. But then a familiar voice cut through the haze of her panic.

"Sasha," Derek's voice was low and calm, but it was the kind of calm that made her even more aware of her own desperation. "Hey, look at me. You're okay. Breathe. Come on, breathe with me."

She tried to focus on his words, tried to pull herself together, but it was like trying to catch a million falling pieces. Every breath was a struggle, her chest tight, her vision blurred by tears.

Derek crouched down in front of her, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "Sasha, you've got this. You need to breathe, okay? Just like we practiced. In for four... hold for four... out for four."

Sasha's body trembled even harder, her chest aching with every shallow breath. "I can't-I can't do it," she gasped, her voice cracking as she spoke. "I can't breathe..."

"You can," Derek reassured her softly. He didn't back away. Instead, he moved closer, his presence grounding her even as she felt like she might disappear into the panic. "You're okay. Just breathe with me. In for four... hold for four... out for four. I'm right here. You're not alone."

He gently placed his hands on her arms, guiding her through the motions, his voice unwavering and steady. Slowly, he helped her match his rhythm, his breathing steady and calm, his hands a constant reassurance as he held her tightly. The weight of his touch, the firmness of his presence, it was enough to make her feel tethered to the world, even if just for a moment.

The minutes stretched on as Sasha fought to regain control, each breath more desperate than the last, until finally, her breathing began to even out. Her chest still ached, but it wasn't as suffocating. She could feel the tension starting to loosen, the panic still there but not as overwhelming as it had been.

Sasha's face was still buried in her knees, her hands gripping tightly at her legs. Her shoulders heaved with every sob that wracked her body, but Derek didn't let go. He kept holding her, his arms a steady presence around her. She cried, tears streaming down her face, her body shuddering with each release. The fear, the pain, the overwhelming sense of helplessness, all of it poured out of her in those silent sobs.

"I'm sorry," she whispered between gasps, her voice strained and broken. "I'm sorry, I-"

"No, don't apologize," Derek cut her off, his voice warm but firm. He reached out, gently cupping her face in his hand, lifting her head so she could look at him. His eyes were soft, understanding. "You don't have to apologize. You're not alone in this. It's okay to feel what you're feeling. I'm here."

Sasha's breath hitched, and she buried her face in his chest, clinging to him as the tears flowed freely. Derek's arms wrapped around her tightly, holding her against him as she cried it out. His presence was a lifeline, a grounding force that kept her from being lost in the panic.

"Everything's going to be okay," Derek murmured, his voice soothing against her ear as he gently rocked her. "You're going to be okay."

The minutes passed in a quiet blur, with Sasha's sobs slowly fading into quieter breaths. The panic started to ease, though it lingered in the back of her mind. But for the first time since she had stepped into the hallway, she felt safe. She felt like she could breathe again.

When her tears finally stopped, Derek didn't pull away. He kept holding her, his touch steady and unyielding, until Sasha was ready to let go.

"I'm sorry," she whispered again, her voice hoarse from crying. "I just... I couldn't stop it."

"There's nothing to be sorry for," Derek replied softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You don't have to do this alone. I'm not going anywhere."

Sasha nodded slowly, leaning into him as the last of her tears dried on her cheeks. The panic still lingered in the back of her mind, but for now, it was manageable. For now, she was okay.

With one final deep breath, she looked up at Derek, her voice still shaky but stronger than before. "Thank you," she whispered. "I... I needed that."

Derek gave her a small smile, his grip still tight around her, a silent promise that he'd be there for her, no matter what. "Anytime."

Sasha's fists slammed into the punching bag with fierce determination, each strike fueled by frustration, fear, and the haunting memories of the fight earlier that day. The sharp sound of the bag swinging back and forth mixed with her grunts and yells, a release for the emotions she couldn't hold in any longer. She wasn't just training; she was trying to outrun the suffocating fear that had gripped her ever since Robby hit the mat.

She didn't hear the door open, didn't hear the soft footsteps until they were right behind her.

"Looking Jersey tough," Daniel's voice broke the silence with a teasing tone.

Sasha jumped, her muscles tightening, and she spun around to face him. Her heart thudded in her chest. "Oh, hi," she said, her voice a little too shaky.

Daniel stepped into the dojo, his smile faltering as he noticed the tension in her posture, the way her eyes looked distant and clouded with something more than exhaustion. "Sam said you were back here."

Sasha didn't respond right away. She didn't have to. The air between them felt heavy, like everything she was holding back was weighing on her.

"I couldn't sleep," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet his eyes. She wasn't sure why she said it. Maybe she just needed to say it out loud.

Daniel frowned, taking a step toward her. "The meds aren't helping?" he asked, concern seeping into his voice.

Sasha shook her head, the words caught in her throat. "Not really," she muttered. "I just can't stop seeing Robby's face, dad. I- I don't think I can do this anymore."

Her voice cracked on the last sentence, and her hands clenched at her sides, her nails biting into her palms as the emotions broke free. The fight earlier, Robby's scream, the sickening sound of his body hitting the mat, it was all too much. She couldn't escape it.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes, blurring her vision. "I can't. I can't fight tomorrow. What happened today... reminded me of what happened to Kwon."

Sasha's chest tightened with the weight of it all-the fear, the guilt, the helplessness. Her mind kept flashing back to that moment, the sickening crack of Robby's leg, and Kwon's face as he'd fought. She couldn't fight anymore. She was afraid of what might happen, afraid of losing control. Afraid of what it might cost her.

Daniel stood there for a moment, silent, but his presence was calming. The worry was clear in his eyes, but so was something else-something that told her he wasn't going anywhere.

He walked over to her slowly, closing the space between them until he was standing right in front of her. Without saying a word, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his grip firm but comforting.

"Sasha," he said softly, his voice steady, "look at me."

She lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes wet with unshed tears.

"I know you're scared. And I know what you're feeling right now is real," he said, his voice warm, yet serious. "But you're not alone in this. I've been where you are. You're not alone."

Sasha's breath hitched, and the tears finally fell, streaming down her face in quiet rivulets. She had been holding it all in for so long, trying to be strong, trying to be tough, but it was all too much.

Daniel pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her with a tenderness she hadn't realized she needed. For a moment, there was no fight, no fear, just the steady beat of his heart and the warmth of his hold, grounding her.

"I don't want to lose anyone else," Sasha whispered into his chest, her voice muffled by the fabric of his shirt. "I don't want to hurt anyone like that again. I don't know if I can do it."

Daniel's voice was quiet but firm as he spoke. "Sasha, you're not just a fighter, you're a person. It's okay to be scared. It's okay to feel the way you do. But I believe in you. I always have. And I know, deep down, you believe in yourself too. You don't have to be afraid. You've got people who care about you, who will support you no matter what happens in that ring. You're stronger than you think."

Sasha sniffled, wiping at her eyes, but the tears kept coming, though they were softer now, no longer as frantic or overwhelming. She buried her face against his shoulder, her hands gripping his shirt as if she might float away without it.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice raw with emotion. "I'm scared that I'm going to lose myself, or worse, lose someone else... like I did with Kwon."

Daniel's hands rubbed soothing circles on her back, a silent gesture of comfort. "You're not going to lose yourself. And we're not going to let anything happen to you. You're part of this family, and we've all got each other's backs. You're not alone, Sasha. You never have been."

Sasha stayed in his arms for a while, letting the weight of her fear begin to fade, replaced by the grounding truth that she wasn't alone. Daniel's words, his warmth, they seeped into her, reminding her that it was okay to be vulnerable, okay to lean on others.

Finally, she pulled away just enough to look up at him, her face still streaked with tears but her expression softer now. "I don't know if I'm ready for tomorrow," she admitted. "But... I'll try. For Robby. For Kwon. For everyone."

Daniel smiled at her, his hands gently cupping her face. "That's all anyone can ask of you, Sasha. Just take it one step at a time. And remember, you've got this. We all believe in you."

Sasha nodded, her heart still heavy but the fear no longer suffocating her. She wasn't sure if she was ready, but she knew she had the strength to try. And with Daniel by her side, she felt a little more prepared to face whatever tomorrow might bring.

The sun had barely risen, casting soft orange light through the windows of the LaRusso house, as the morning quiet was broken by a firm knock at the door.

Daniel LaRusso, still in his robe, shuffled down the hallway with a frown, unsure of who would be visiting this early. He opened the door, and his face shifted immediately to one of surprise.

Johnny Lawrence stood there, arms crossed, his usual tough-guy demeanor slightly softened by the early hour. He looked both determined and a little weary, as if he'd been up all night thinking about what he was about to do.

"Johnny," Daniel said, his voice cautious. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you," Johnny said bluntly, pushing past Daniel and walking into the house without waiting for permission. His eyes swept the room, landing on Sasha, who was sitting at the kitchen counter, sipping her coffee. The tension between Johnny and Daniel was palpable, but Sasha had no intention of getting caught up in their usual back-and-forth. She raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

Johnny's eyes met hers briefly, then he turned back to Daniel. "I'm taking Cobra Kai back," he said, the words falling heavily between them.

Daniel's frown deepened. "What? You've got to be kidding me. After everything?"

Johnny didn't flinch. He was serious, even if Daniel wasn't buying it. "No, I'm not kidding. I've been thinking a lot. I let things get out of hand with Kreese. I let the whole thing get toxic. But I want to make it right. I want Cobra Kai to stand for something different this time. I've learned a lot. I want to fix it."

Sasha sat quietly, watching the conversation unfold. She'd seen Johnny's moments of clarity before, but she wasn't sure if she believed he could really change Cobra Kai after everything that had happened. After all, it hadn't been too long ago that she herself had been one of his students, under his harsh rules and expectations.

"I want you to hear me out," Johnny said, his gaze now fixed on Sasha. "I'm not just asking for you to join Cobra Kai to replace Tory... I'm asking because you've got something that we need-something that can make this dojo into something better, something stronger. You're a fighter, Sasha. You fight for what matters."

Sasha's brow furrowed, a mixture of surprise and suspicion flashing across her face. "You want me to join Cobra Kai?" she repeated. Her voice was steady, but there was an edge to it. "After everything? After what you did to Robby?"

Johnny winced at the mention of Robby's name, but he didn't back down. "I know I messed up. I've messed up a lot. But I've been thinking... and I'm ready to make changes. I want to give Cobra Kai a real chance. A second chance. And you, Sasha, you're exactly what we need. You're not like the others. You've got heart. You fight for what's right, for your friends. You've got more fight in you than anyone else I've seen. I know what you've been through, and I know why you're hesitant. But you'd be a damn good fit."

The room fell into a heavy silence as Sasha thought it over, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her coffee cup. The way Johnny had spoken made her feel something she hadn't felt in a long time-hope. But also doubt. She had come so far, fighting for what was right, for her friends, for Robby. Could she really go back to Cobra Kai, the place where she had once felt so trapped?

She looked at Daniel, who was standing silently, observing the entire interaction. He was obviously wary of what Johnny was saying. Sasha could see it in his eyes-he didn't trust Johnny, didn't believe in Cobra Kai's transformation. But there was something else. Daniel had always believed in her, trusted her instincts.

And Robby... the image of Robby's pained face, his leg twisted unnaturally, flashed in her mind. He had fought so hard, endured so much for this-fought for a chance to make things right. She couldn't let that go to waste. She couldn't let Kwon's legacy, his sacrifice, be in vain.

Sasha inhaled deeply, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. "You want me to fight... alongside Miguel?" Her voice was quiet, almost uncertain, but there was resolve in her words. "To replace Tory?"

Johnny nodded, his expression serious but hopeful. "Yeah. You've got what it takes. You can make a difference in Cobra Kai, and I know you want to make it right. This is your chance. You can be a part of something bigger than yourself. You'll be fighting for the people who matter. For Robby. For Kwon."

Sasha's breath hitched as she heard Kwon's name, and her heart clenched. She remembered Kwon's words-the fight wasn't just about winning. It was about fighting for what mattered. And now, Sasha had a chance to do just that. For Robby. For Kwon.

"Okay," she said finally, her voice a little shakier than she'd intended. But the words were firm, her decision made. "I'll do it. I'll join Cobra Kai."

Johnny's eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn't expected her to agree so quickly. But he didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, offering her a handshake. "You won't regret this. I'll make sure of it."

Sasha took his hand, her grip firm despite the uncertainty still swirling inside her. She was still scared, still unsure of everything that would come next. But she knew one thing for certain: She had a reason to fight now. For Robby. For Kwon. And maybe, just maybe, for herself too.

Daniel stood off to the side, his face unreadable. But as Sasha met his gaze, there was a silent understanding between them. He didn't have to agree with her decision, but he respected it. She had made her choice, and he would stand by her no matter what.

Johnny gave a small, approving nod as Sasha released his hand. "Alright," he said, turning toward the door. "Let's go get to work."

Gunther Braun's voice filled the massive arena, his tone authoritative and precise, effortlessly cutting through the hum of conversation. "The Sekai Taikai has always been unpredictable, but this year has been unlike any other," he began, his words drawing the attention of every person in the room. The air seemed to tense, each word weighted with the significance of the moment. He paused for a beat, allowing the anticipation to build.

A flicker of curiosity passed over the crowd as they waited for the next sentence. Then, with the same measured control, Gunther continued, "Sasha LaRusso has elected not to fight for Miyagi-Do, and Tory Nichols has also decided to step down."

The Iron Dragons, a team known for their ruthless precision and unwavering confidence, exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable, before smirking in quiet approval. The decision, or perhaps the lack of one, seemed to work in their favor. Their eyes gleamed with a mix of expectation and satisfaction.

Gunther's next words struck like a hammer. "This decision officially ends Miyagi-Do Karate's impressive underdog run," he stated, the weight of the sentence hanging heavily in the air. "Let's give them a round of applause."

A ripple of polite applause swept through the audience, but it wasn't wholehearted-there was an undercurrent of murmurs, whispers of disappointment and understanding. The room had been caught off guard, but the competitors in the stands, especially the Miyagi-Do fans, sat in stunned silence, unsure of how to react to the sudden shift in momentum.

Gunther straightened his suit, his posture a stark contrast to the uneasy energy in the room. He addressed the crowd again, his voice now more official, echoing throughout the arena. "This now concludes our semifinal matches. Cobra Kai's decision not to name a replacement for their fallen captain means that Axel Kovacevic automatically becomes our new male champion."

There was a round of applause, polite but not nearly as enthusiastic as before. The crowd had hoped for something more dramatic, more engaging-but this moment felt anticlimactic. The stage had been set for something monumental, yet the conclusion had seemed almost too easy.

Then, a shift-a subtle change in tone, a deliberate pause. Gunther's voice lowered, an edge creeping into his words. "However," he said, and Belle's eyes sharpened, sensing the change. The room fell into a hushed anticipation, everyone leaning in, waiting to hear what would come next.

The Iron Dragons exchanged confused glances, their smirks faltering for a moment, unsure of what was happening. A faint ripple of surprise spread through their ranks. This wasn't what they had expected.

Gunther turned toward the entrance, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with a knowing smile. The lights dimmed briefly as thick smoke billowed into the air, engulfing the entrance to the arena. The tension in the room reached its peak, the audience collectively holding its breath. Then, as the smoke began to clear, a figure emerged-two figures, in fact.

Sasha LaRusso and Miguel Diaz strode forward, their confident, synchronized movements cutting through the mist with precision. Dressed in black and yellow Cobra Kai gis, they were a striking image of unity and strength. The crowd, initially taken aback, erupted into a frenzy of applause, cheers filling the arena as Sasha's grin spread wide across her face.

Sasha's heart raced as she felt the weight of the moment settle around her. She glanced over at her mom in the stands, catching her eye. Amanda, though surrounded by the buzz of the crowd, shot Sasha a smile-bright and genuine, her hands cupped around her mouth as she called out, "Go, Sasha and Miguel!" The words rang clear through the arena, a mother's pride unmistakable in her voice.

Sasha's eyes softened as she sent a teasing but sincere grin back at her mother. It was a connection they shared, one born from a complicated history but strengthened by the understanding that they had both grown. Despite everything, they had come so much further than either had expected.

Gunther's voice rose again, cutting through the noise. "Coached by the two-time All Valley champion and their new sensei... Johnny Lawrence!" The announcement echoed, and a new surge of energy flooded the arena as Johnny Lawrence stepped into view, his iconic smirk plastered across his face. The once brash and arrogant fighter now stood with an air of confidence, having somehow found his place in this chaotic world.

Johnny walked onto the mat, joining Sasha and Miguel, standing tall with his arms crossed, his stance both relaxed and assertive. The crowd roared as the trio took their positions, their unity undeniable. This was more than just a team-this was a statement.

For Sasha, the atmosphere was electric. She could feel the weight of it all: the pressure, the history, and the stakes. This wasn't just about winning anymore-it was about something much bigger than that. It was about standing up for what she believed in. It was about defying expectations and fighting for a cause greater than herself.

She turned her gaze towards the far side of the arena, where Terry Silver stood with his own team, his expression tight and unforgiving. Sasha couldn't help but smirk at the sight of her old sensei. Silver's eyes narrowed when he saw her, but the feeling that burned in Sasha's chest wasn't fear or hesitation-it was defiance.

This was a message. A 'fuck you' to everything Silver stood for. She had fought long enough under his shadow, and now, with Johnny at her side, she was taking her own path. She wasn't just here to win for Cobra Kai or for herself-she was here to show Silver that she wasn't his pawn anymore.

Sasha locked eyes with Silver one last time, her smirk never faltering. This moment was hers, and she would make sure that he remembered it.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

someone asked how derek is and he is 18!

also i kinda forgot from last chapter about dereks storyline... ahem...

sorry for skipping a lot of robby and axel's fighting scene. i was getting annoyed 😭😭 it was a long scene

also im sorry for the long wait on this chapter😭 i couldn't bring myself to write this episode cause i hate writing fighting scenes🥲

i almost made sasha not fight... then i changed my mind ;)

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE JUST STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! DONT JUST COMMENT PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!

PLEASE STOP BE A GHOST READER AND VOTE!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up bt votes not its hard for my motivation!