𝟬𝟬𝟵, you were bigger than the whole sky

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⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

The soft glow of morning sunlight crept into the room through a crack in the curtains, painting streaks of gold across the pristine white sheets. Sasha stirred, her dark hair tangled around her face as she blinked herself awake. For a moment, she was disoriented, the haze of sleep lingering as she tried to remember where she was. Then she felt the warmth beside her, the steady rise and fall of Kwon's chest beneath her hand. She smiled softly, reality settling in.

Her boyfriend lay next to her, his head turned slightly on the pillow. His features, often set in a guarded scowl when dealing with the outside world, were relaxed in sleep. The sharp edges of his personality-the ones he used to protect himself-had softened in this quiet, vulnerable moment. Sasha felt her heart tug in that familiar way. It was rare to see Kwon like this, to see the boy he was when he wasn't consumed by the chaos of Cobra Kai and the fight to prove himself.

She scooted closer, her lips brushing against his jawline before trailing to his lips in a soft kiss. He stirred slightly, his brows furrowing for a moment before his eyes cracked open. Dark and sharp, they focused on her, narrowing briefly as if to assess whether she was a threat-his natural instinct. But then recognition settled in, and his expression softened in a way that only she ever got to see.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice rough and groggy.

"Morning," Sasha replied, a teasing smile pulling at her lips. She kissed him again, slower this time, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. "Sleep well?"

Kwon stretched slightly, his body shifting against the sheets as he let out a low hum. "Didn't want to wake up," he admitted, his voice still gravelly. "Too comfortable."

Sasha laughed softly, propping herself up on her elbow so she could look down at him. "You? Comfortable? That's new."

He smirked faintly, his hand coming up to brush a strand of hair out of her face. "Don't get used to it," he said, though the warmth in his tone betrayed his usual stoicism. "What about you?"

She shrugged, her fingers tracing light patterns on his chest. "I slept okay. But waking up next to you definitely helps."

Kwon's gaze lingered on her for a moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he glanced toward the window. The morning sky outside was a pale, serene blue, streaked with wisps of clouds. The light caught his face just right, highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw and the faint scar on his cheek. He stared out at the horizon for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

"What's on your mind?" Sasha asked, studying him.

He didn't answer immediately, his eyes still fixed on the sky. "The sky," he finally said, his voice low. "It's always the same, no matter what's going on down here."

Sasha tilted her head, following his gaze. "You mean how it's constant?"

"Yeah," he said simply. "It doesn't care about all the crap we're dealing with. Doesn't change for anyone."

She smiled softly, resting her head against his shoulder. "I guess that's kind of comforting, isn't it? Like... no matter what happens, no matter how much everything else changes, the sky is always there."

Kwon was silent for a moment, his thumb idly brushing against the back of her hand. "Yeah," he said quietly. "It's steady."

Sasha glanced up at him, her smile widening. "You know, you're steady too."

His brow furrowed slightly, and he looked down at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "What do you mean?"

She shrugged, her fingers tapping lightly against his chest. "You're my constant, Kwon. You keep me grounded, even when everything else feels like it's falling apart."

He didn't say anything at first, his gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. "You're the only one who sees that," he admitted after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper. "The only one who... gets me."

Sasha's chest tightened at his words, her heart aching for the boy who had built so many walls around himself. She leaned up, pressing another soft kiss to his lips. "I'll always see you," she murmured. "Even when no one else does."

Kwon's grip on her hand tightened slightly, his eyes locking onto hers. There was a vulnerability in his gaze, one that he didn't show often. "Don't let go," he said quietly.

"Never," she promised, her voice steady.

They lay there for a while longer, wrapped in each other's warmth as the sunlight continued to spill into the room. The world outside beckoned, but for now, they stayed in their little bubble, savoring the fleeting peace of the morning.

As Sasha's eyes drifted back to the sky, a strange feeling settled over her-a sense of foreshadowing she couldn't quite place. But she shook it off, focusing instead on the boy beside her and the steady beat of his heart under her hand.

Sasha let her head rest on Kwon's chest, her fingers lightly tracing the planes of his collarbone as she glanced toward the window. The sky outside was growing brighter, streaks of gold blending with the pale blue. She sighed softly, her breath fanning against his skin.

"The sky really is something, isn't it?" she said, her voice low, almost thoughtful.

Kwon turned his head slightly, following her gaze. "What about it?"

She shifted to rest her chin on her hand, looking up at him. "It's endless. Like, no matter where you go, what you're dealing with, or what's happening... it's always there. It's kind of comforting, don't you think?"

Kwon's dark eyes lingered on her for a moment before drifting back to the view outside. "I guess. But it's also... I don't know. Kind of unsettling, too."

"Unsettling? Why?" Sasha asked, genuinely curious.

He shrugged, his hand resting on her back as his thumb brushed slow circles. "It's too big. Makes everything else feel small. Like, what's the point of trying so hard down here when nothing we do even registers out there?"

Sasha tilted her head, watching him closely. There was something raw in the way he spoke, a glimpse of the doubts and fears he rarely let slip. "Maybe that's the point," she said softly.

Kwon glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"

She smiled faintly, tracing an invisible line across his chest. "The sky might be endless, but it's also constant. Like you said earlier, it doesn't change for anyone. It doesn't care about all the little things we get caught up in. But at the same time, it's always there. Watching. Almost like... a reminder to just keep going, no matter what."

Kwon's gaze flicked between her and the window, his jaw tightening as he processed her words. "You think it's watching us?" he asked after a pause, his tone skeptical but tinged with curiosity.

She laughed softly. "Not literally. I'm not saying it's alive or anything. But don't you think there's something poetic about it? Like, even when you feel like everything's falling apart, you can just look up and know the sky's still there. That... maybe things aren't as bad as they seem."

He didn't respond right away, his eyes locked on the horizon. The sunlight was brighter now, the golden glow spilling across the room. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter than before. "I never thought about it like that."

Sasha smiled, her hand moving to cup his cheek, turning his face back to hers. "That's because you're always so serious, Kwon," she teased gently. "You don't let yourself slow down long enough to see the beauty in things."

He smirked faintly, his hand slipping to the small of her back. "I don't have time to stop and look at the sky, Sasha. Not when there's so much crap going on down here."

"Then maybe you should make time," she said, her voice soft but insistent. "Even just for a minute. You deserve that, Kwon. You deserve to breathe."

Kwon's eyes searched hers, something unspoken passing between them. He nodded once, almost imperceptibly, before pulling her closer, his lips brushing against her forehead. "You're the only one who makes me want to slow down," he admitted, the words barely audible.

Her chest tightened, and she smiled against his skin. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."

For a while, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth as the morning unfolded outside. The sky, endless and unchanging, stretched above them-a quiet witness to their shared moment of peace.

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The hotel lobby teemed with restless energy, the kind that seemed to cling to the air and press down on everyone within its ornate walls. Conversations ebbed and flowed in anxious murmurs, creating a discordant symphony beneath the glittering chandeliers that cast fractured light onto the polished marble floors. Martial artists and senseis from across the globe lingered in clusters, their postures taut with unease. Competitors paced back and forth, their faces tight with apprehension, while others leaned silently against walls, their gazes flickering nervously toward the imposing figure commanding the center of the room.

Gunther Braun stood tall and immovable, his presence like a storm cloud, heavy and foreboding. Dressed in a crisp black suit, his piercing gaze swept across the crowd with the precision of a hawk surveying its prey. He exuded authority, a man who needed no words to demand respect.

Sasha LaRusso lingered on the fringes of the gathering, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her posture betrayed her tension, though she tried to mask it with a stoic expression. She felt like an outsider looking in, her sharp eyes cutting through the crowd to land briefly on Tory Nichols, who stood amidst the Cobra Kai team. Tory's expression was guarded, her eyes distant. A pang of frustration and something sharper twisted in Sasha's chest-a mix of unease and determination she couldn't quite shake.

Beside her, Miguel shifted uncomfortably, his weight moving from one foot to the other. He glanced around, his brow furrowed as though searching for clarity amid the chaos. "What's going on?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the din.

Before Sasha could respond, the air in the room shifted. A hush descended like a curtain, silencing the murmurs and movements. All eyes turned toward Gunther Braun as he stepped forward, his deliberate movements slicing through the tension like a knife.

"My apologies for summoning you all here so abruptly," Gunther began, his deep, resonant voice carrying effortlessly across the room. "But under the circumstances, it was necessary."

Miguel leaned closer to Sasha, his voice low. "What's he talking about?"

"I don't know," Sasha whispered back, her stomach twisting into knots as Gunther's words hung ominously in the air.

Gunther clasped his hands behind his back, his steely gaze sweeping over the room. "The Sekai Taikai has a long and honorable tradition. We fight hard, but we fight fair. That is why it deeply saddens me to announce that one of the dojos competing here has tarnished that tradition by cheating."

The crowd erupted in shocked exclamations, hushed whispers giving way to incredulous murmurs. Heads turned as speculation rippled through the room like wildfire.

Sasha's chest tightened. "Cheating?" she muttered, glancing at Miguel. "Do you think it's Cobra Kai?"

Gunther raised a hand, the sharp motion cutting through the noise. The murmurs died instantly, and all eyes followed his line of sight as it landed on a group near the back of the room. The Udar Tigra team stood in their striking orange-and-black uniforms, their postures suddenly rigid under the weight of the scrutiny.

"Sensei Ivanov," Gunther continued, his voice sharper now. "Four of your students have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs."

The announcement detonated like a bomb in the room, gasps and outcries erupting all around. Competitors exchanged incredulous glances, and senseis murmured amongst themselves.

Sasha's eyes widened. "No way," she breathed, her voice barely audible over the commotion.

Across the room, Sensei Ivanov's face turned a furious shade of red. He stormed forward, his anger spilling out in a thickly accented bellow. "This is outrageous! You are accusing my students? My dojo? This is a disgrace!"

Gunther remained unflinching, his expression cold and resolute. "Your team is hereby eliminated from the tournament," he declared, his tone final, like a gavel striking down.

Ivanov's fury reached a boiling point. "This is bullshit!" he snarled, gesturing wildly toward Gunther. "Why don't you come over here and remove me yourself?"

The crowd recoiled slightly, the tension thick enough to slice with a knife. Sasha's heart pounded as she exchanged a quick glance with Miguel. She caught Dylan's eye near the elevators, his face pale with shock.

"Sensei Ivanov!" Gunther's voice cracked like a whip, silencing the uproar. "Consider yourself fortunate that your dojo is not banned from the Sekai Taikai permanently. If you continue this behavior, that decision can and will be reconsidered."

Ivanov's jaw worked furiously as he glared at Gunther. With a curt, furious motion, he turned to his students. "We're leaving!" he barked, storming toward the exit with his team trailing behind, their heads bowed in shame.

As the Udar Tigra contingent disappeared through the double doors, the room collectively exhaled, the tension lingering like smoke after a fire.

Gunther straightened his suit jacket, his composure unshaken. "Replacing Udar Tigra will be the dojo with the next highest point total," he announced.

Sasha's stomach dropped. She didn't need to hear the name to know what was coming.

"That means..." Miguel started, his voice tinged with dread.

"Cobra Kai," Gunther declared.

Cheers erupted from the Cobra Kai team, their voices grating against the still-tense atmosphere. Sasha's gaze snapped to Tory, who stood among them, her face carefully neutral. For a moment, their eyes met, but Tory quickly averted her gaze.

And then, Sasha's stomach clenched further as Kwon, standing with the Cobra Kai team, smiled-a quiet, self-assured grin that was both irritating and unsettling. It was the first moment Sasha wondered if Kwon truly belonged here.

Gunther pressed on, unbothered by the noise. "And now, we will announce the draws for our semi-finals."

The room stilled as Gunther Braun unfolded a pristine set of cards, the crisp motion somehow amplifying the already suffocating tension. The crowd leaned forward collectively, every breath held in anticipation. When he finally spoke, his voice cut through the silence like the strike of a match.

"In the girls' bracket," he began, his authoritative tone reverberating across the marble-floored lobby, "the first semifinal will be Maria Alvarez versus Zara Malik. And in the second match, Tory Nichols against Sasha LaRusso."

Sasha's heart plummeted to her stomach, an unwelcome wave of dread washing over her. She couldn't stop her body from reacting-her fingers twitched, her arms tightening instinctively over her chest as though bracing herself for impact. Her gaze snapped across the room, inevitably locking with Tory Nichols.

Tory stood amidst her Cobra Kai teammates, her expression steely, her jaw set in a way that suggested both defiance and resolve. For a split second, Sasha caught something flicker in her opponent's eyes-was it determination? Frustration? Or something deeper, more layered? Whatever it was, it made Sasha's pulse quicken.

Their stare held for a beat too long, a silent challenge exchanged in the space between them. Then Tory turned away, her posture rigid as she clenched her fists at her sides. Sasha exhaled sharply, realizing she'd been holding her breath, her chest tightening as the reality of the draw settled over her like a suffocating blanket.

Gunther pressed on, unfazed by the ripple of whispers spreading like wildfire through the room. His voice remained cold and precise.

"In the boys' bracket, the first semifinal match will be Diego Aguilar versus Kwon Jae-Sung," he announced. "And the second will be Axel Kovacevic against Robby Keene."

The atmosphere immediately shifted, tension giving way to murmurs of speculation and murmured predictions. Faces turned to glance at the competitors named, some lighting up with recognition, others darkening with apprehension.

Sasha barely registered the second announcement, her mind still stuck on her own matchup. She felt a pressure building behind her eyes, a weight pressing down on her chest that she couldn't shake. The same thought looped in her head: Tory Nichols again.

"Great," Demetri muttered nearby, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he crossed his arms. "Axel the Invincible and Sasha-Tory chapter a hundred. What's next, a cage match?"

Sasha shot him a sharp look, but she couldn't muster a response. Her throat felt tight, and she could already hear her heart pounding in her ears. Turning her focus inward, she tried to steady her breathing, but her frustration only mounted.

She pivoted abruptly, her movements stiff, as though her body was acting before her mind could catch up. Ignoring the rest of the buzzing crowd and the fresh wave of celebratory cheers from the Cobra Kai contingent, she stormed toward the lobby's exit. Her sneakers squeaked slightly against the polished floor, the sound cutting through the hum of chatter as she pushed open the heavy double doors and stepped into the quieter corridor beyond.

Sasha's hands trembled slightly as she leaned against the wall, tilting her head back to stare at the ornate ceiling tiles above her. She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing deeply to calm the whirlwind of emotions surging within her. Frustration, anxiety, and a faint tinge of fear swirled together, threatening to overwhelm her.

It wasn't just the pressure of facing Tory again-it was the weight of everything that match represented. Their history, their grudges, and the unspoken complexities of their rivalry all loomed over her like a shadow.

"Why her?" Sasha muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible in the empty hallway. She clenched her fists at her sides, the tension in her body refusing to abate. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew she needed to focus on preparing, to put her emotions aside and approach this with the discipline Miyagi-Do had taught her. But right now, all she could feel was the crushing sense of inevitability.

The door creaked open behind her, and she turned her head slightly, glancing over her shoulder. It was Miguel, his face a mix of concern and quiet understanding as he stepped into the corridor. He didn't say anything at first, just stood there, giving her the space to speak if she wanted to.

Sasha let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I just need a minute," she said quietly, her voice softer now, though the tension still lingered in her tone.

Miguel nodded, his expression gentle. "Take all the time you need," he replied. "But... whatever happens, you've got this. Don't let them get in your head."

She gave him a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks, Miguel."

As he stepped back into the lobby, Sasha closed her eyes again, inhaling deeply. She knew she couldn't stay out here forever. The tournament wouldn't wait for her to sort through her feelings.

With one final exhale, she pushed off the wall and straightened her posture, determination flickering in her eyes. Whatever fears and doubts she carried, she'd have to face them head-on. She wasn't about to let Tory-or anyone else-see her falter.

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The arena hummed with electric energy the next day, its very walls vibrating with anticipation as spectators poured in from every direction, each eager to witness the greatest martial arts showdown of the year. The venue itself was awe-inspiring-a massive, sleek structure with towering ceilings draped in shimmering lights that cast a brilliant glow across the polished floor. Banners of competing dojos hung proudly from the rafters, each one a testament to the grit and glory of its fighters. The air buzzed with excitement, and the crowd's murmur steadily swelled, like the tide pulling toward a climactic wave, as the semifinal matches loomed on the horizon.

Competitors moved about the edges of the mats, the vibrant colors of their gis stark against the arena's modern design. Their faces were set in varying expressions of focus-some lost in deep meditation, others shadowboxing or stretching, their limbs slicing through the air with practiced precision. Coaches crouched beside their fighters, speaking in low tones, their eyes sharp and calculating as they adjusted strategies for the crucial round ahead. The energy in the room was thick with the weight of the moment-the Sekai Taikai was more than just a tournament. It was a proving ground, a test of everything each fighter had worked for, bled for, and sacrificed.

Sasha stood at the edge of the mat, her hands clenched tightly into fists. The nails of her right hand dug into the soft flesh of her palm, and she focused on her breathing, trying to steady the violent rhythm of her heart. Despite the cool blast of air circulating through the vents, her skin felt hot, slick with a mix of nerves and anticipation. The eyes of the spectators, her team, and her fellow competitors seemed to pin her in place, their collective gaze heavy with expectation. It wasn't just the crowd that watched-it was the pressure of everything they expected from her. She had something to prove, not just to them, but to herself.

Beside her, Robby stood with his usual calm composure, his gi perfectly adjusted, his face an unreadable mask. There was something about his stillness that both reassured her and gnawed at her nerves. How was he so composed? Sasha couldn't figure it out. While she was barely keeping herself together, Robby appeared to have found a way to block out everything except the match ahead. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and he gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod-a silent acknowledgment of their shared resolve. It was the sort of quiet reassurance she'd come to rely on in moments like this, but it did little to calm the turmoil inside her.

Suddenly, the loud crackle of the arena's PA system broke the stillness, and Gunther Braun's deep, commanding voice echoed through the space, cutting through the chatter of the crowd. It was a sound that demanded attention, one that filled every corner of the venue with anticipation.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!" Gunther's voice boomed, instantly silencing the crowd. The roar of excitement that followed shook the floor beneath them, the vibrations traveling up Sasha's spine.

"The Sekai Taikai Tournament of Champions!"

The crowd erupted, a wave of cheers and claps crashing over the arena. Sasha could feel the floor vibrate beneath her feet, a pulse that seemed to sync with the rapid beating of her heart. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the roar of the crowd wash over her. It was overwhelming, but also invigorating. It was a reminder of what was at stake here-the prestige, the honor, the sheer enormity of this tournament.

Gunther's voice rang out again, steady and authoritative, cutting through the frenzied energy of the crowd. "At this stage, each dojo retains the points they have accumulated thus far."

Sasha's mind raced, her focus narrowing as she mentally recalculated. This wasn't just about skill anymore; this was about timing, about reading the fight in real-time, about executing each move with precision. The stakes were higher than they'd ever been, and the tension in the arena had thickened, like the air before a storm.

"Each match," Gunther continued, "will consist of three two-minute rounds. Unlimited scoring. No stoppages. One point for a hit. Ten points for a knockdown. And should anyone score a knockout-"

He paused dramatically, letting the suspense build as the entire arena held its collective breath. Sasha's pulse thudded in her ears, each second stretching longer than the last.

"That's worth 20 points."

The crowd went wild. The noise was deafening, a wave of excitement that drowned everything else out. Sasha felt the pressure settle on her chest, and her heart hammered in her ribcage. The rules had changed-the game had escalated. Every move, every second of the fight now carried the potential to make or break everything.

Gunther's voice rang out one last time, steady and commanding: "At this stage of the tournament, no deficit is too large to overcome. This is your moment to shine. Best of luck to you all. And may the best dojo win."

The crowd erupted into cheers again, a deafening roar that filled every inch of the arena. Sasha drew in a sharp breath, holding it in for a moment before exhaling slowly. She rolled her shoulders, loosening the tension in her muscles as she mentally prepared herself. The noise, the chaos, the stakes-they were all part of this now. She was part of this. And she couldn't let any of it shake her focus.

Across the mat, Sasha spotted Sam standing with her arms crossed, her expression set in an unreadable mask, her gaze locked onto Tory, who stood opposite her. Tory's body was taut with barely contained energy, her movements a mixture of restlessness and determination. There was something in the way Tory held herself, a simmering intensity that told Sasha this wouldn't be a fight like any other.

Nearby, Robby's opponent Axel stood, his tall frame exuding unshakable confidence as he stretched and adjusted his posture. Axel wasn't just physically imposing-he had a reputation. But Sasha had faced bigger challenges before. It was the mental game, the focus, that made all the difference.

Miguel caught her gaze across the mat, offering a reassuring smile. He mouthed the words, "You've got this," and though his words were simple, they settled in Sasha's chest like a weight lifted, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this.

She nodded, her jaw tight, the resolve building within her. She couldn't afford to hesitate-not now. Months of training, countless hours spent refining her technique, and every ounce of energy she'd poured into this moment had led her here. No matter what, she wasn't going to let it slip through her fingers.

The spotlight was on her. And Sasha was ready to fight for it.

⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

The arena was alive, humming with a ferocity that seemed almost tangible. The air felt charged, vibrating with an energy that coursed through the massive crowd like an electric current. Overhead, the lights blazed down on the polished mat, their intense glare transforming it into a stage fit for legends. Every inch of the arena shimmered under their gaze, amplifying the sense of anticipation that hung thick in the air. The collective murmur of thousands of voices-cheers, chants, and rhythmic stomps-rose and fell like waves, creating a thunderous symphony of expectation. The very walls of the space seemed to pulse with life, echoing the raw adrenaline coursing through every spectator.

Sasha lingered near the edge of the mat, the boundary between her and the chaos of the fight razor-thin. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst through her chest, each thud echoing in her ears louder than the roaring crowd. She twisted her hands together, her fingers trembling as her nails bit into her palms. The tension in her body was a mirror of the electric atmosphere surrounding her, and every ounce of her focus was fixed on Robby as he stepped into the ring.

Robby's movements were fluid but deliberate, each step carrying a weight that Sasha felt like a stone in her stomach. She knew how much this moment meant to him-how hard he had trained, how much he had sacrificed to stand here. He wasn't just fighting Axel; he was fighting for himself, for redemption, for something far greater than a trophy. Pride swelled in her chest, mingling with an undercurrent of fear that she couldn't quite shake. Her breath hitched as he squared up across from Axel, their mutual respect shown in a brief, sharp bow. The arena seemed to hold its breath, the air thick with anticipation.

Beside her, Miguel reached for her hand, his grip steady but betraying his own nerves. His dark eyes flicked between her and the fighters, and she could feel the tension radiating from him. Sasha's gaze returned to the mat as the referee's voice rang out, clear and commanding.

"Fight!"

Robby launched into action, his body a blur as he struck first-a kick slicing through the air with precision and speed that left the crowd breathless. The impact echoed, Axel staggering back but recovering quickly. Robby pressed on, his fist aiming for Axel's head, only to meet a perfectly timed block. Axel's defense was flawless, a testament to his skill, and the crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and gasps. Sasha leaned forward, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of the barrier, her whispered pleas for Robby lost in the cacophony.

"Stay on him, Robby," she murmured, her voice barely audible even to herself.

The fight escalated with every passing second. Robby's strikes came faster, sharper, but Axel was a fortress, his movements precise and unyielding. The back-and-forth was dizzying, a deadly dance of calculated aggression and steadfast defense. Sasha's pulse quickened as Axel began to take control, his blocks transitioning into counters, his strategy clearly designed to wear Robby down.

When Axel caught Robby mid-spin and attempted to wrench him to the mat, Sasha's heart leapt into her throat. But Robby wasn't done. With a controlled cartwheel, he twisted free, landing on his feet to the crowd's thunderous applause. Sasha exhaled sharply, relief flooding her for a brief moment.

But Axel wasn't shaken. He moved with calm precision, calculating his next move. The tension mounted as he delivered a brutal kick to Robby's ribs, the sickening crack audible even over the roaring crowd. Sasha flinched, her hands flying to her mouth.

"Point!" the referee declared, and the crowd's roar seemed to double in volume.

Sasha turned to Miguel, her face pale, fear written in every line. "I can't watch," she whispered, burying her face in his shoulder.

Before she could collect herself, the fight took an even darker turn. Axel taunted Robby, his voice dripping with disdain. "Is this it? Is this all you've got?"

The words lit a spark in Miguel. Letting go of Sasha's hand, he stepped forward, anger blazing in his eyes. "Hey!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade.

Sasha's heart sank as Axel turned his attention to Miguel. In an instant, Axel shoved him, sending him sprawling to the ground. The crowd gasped, the tension in the arena reaching a breaking point. Sasha's fury bubbled over as she rushed forward, her voice sharp and trembling.

"Axel, stop it!" she shouted. "This isn't about you proving you're stronger-it's about fighting fair!"

Axel barely glanced at her, his focus locked on Miguel. The sight of them squaring off was too much. Sasha tried to intervene, but the chaos was spiraling out of control.

All around her, the tension snapped like a taut wire. Fighters, coaches, and spectators flooded the floor, the arena devolving into chaos. Fists flew, shouts echoed, and the once-organized tournament became a battleground. Sasha felt a tug on her hair, pain jolting her as she spun to see a girl grabbing at her.

Adrenaline surged through her veins as she twisted out of the girl's grip, her voice trembling with fury. "Let go of me!"

She barely had time to process the situation before she caught sight of Robby again, struggling against Axel and two others closing in on him. Sasha's heart clenched. She knew she had to act, but the chaos was overwhelming. Everywhere she looked, there was fighting, shouting, and fear.

"Sasha!" Miguel's voice cut through the noise, pulling her focus. He stood nearby, his face bruised but determined. He reached for her, pulling her toward him.

"We've got to stop this," he said, his voice urgent.

Sasha nodded, her resolve hardening. Together, they turned back to the chaos, ready to face whatever came next.

Before Miguel could reach Robby, Axel moved with startling speed. In an instant, he shoved Miguel hard, sending him sprawling to the ground. The impact made Sasha's heart stop, the sight of Miguel hitting the mat knocking the breath out of her. A wave of shocked gasps rippled through the crowd, their murmurs of disbelief creating a tense undercurrent. Sasha's chest tightened as fury bubbled to the surface. She couldn't just stand there and let this happen.

Sasha's steps were quick and deliberate as she stormed toward Axel, her fists clenched at her sides. "Hey!" she shouted, her voice firm and sharp with disbelief. She planted herself in front of Axel, her fiery glare boring into him. "I don't want to be mean, and I thought we could be friends, Axel, since you're friends with my sister but you don't ever shove my best friend." Her words were loud, steady, and unwavering.

Axel barely blinked. He looked at her like her words were meaningless, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, only fueling Sasha's anger.

Before Axel could retort, Miguel was back on his feet. He gently pushed Sasha aside, his hand brushing against hers as if to silently reassure her. His expression, however, was anything but calm. His jaw was clenched tight, his eyes hard with fury. "What the hell is your problem, huh?" Miguel snapped, grabbing Axel's gi collar in an iron grip, yanking him closer.

Sasha froze, her breath hitching as the tension escalated. She could see it in Miguel's clenched fists, in the way Axel's smug expression shifted to a challenging glare-this wasn't going to end well. Her heart pounded as she tried to figure out how to defuse the situation, but before she could intervene, Axel shoved Miguel back.

The force of the shove sent Miguel stumbling, though he quickly regained his balance. Sasha's heart twisted as she watched the two, their anger and pride turning what should've been a controlled environment into a battleground.

"Stop! Stop this! Get ahold of yourselves!" Gunther's voice rang out across the arena, cutting sharply through the chaos. Sasha spun around to see him barking orders, his expression frantic as he tried to restore order.

But the situation had already spiraled. Sasha's stomach sank as she turned back to Miguel and Axel. Miguel's face was flushed with anger, his fists clenched, while Axel's eyes glinted with dangerous excitement. They were still grappling with each other, the tension between them threatening to explode.

"Everybody off the mat now! Or this tournament-" Gunther started, but his words were cut off when Sensei Ivanov, freshly eliminated and seething with frustration, stormed forward and shoved Gunther. The sudden aggression from an adult ignited a spark, and in an instant, chaos engulfed the arena.

Sasha's eyes widened in horror. The unity and focus that had filled the tournament moments ago were gone. Dojos were turning on one another, fighters throwing punches and kicks indiscriminately. Shouts and screams filled the air, blending into a cacophony of violence.

Miguel and Axel were still locked in their struggle, both of them grabbing at each other's collars, refusing to back down. Sasha's panic reached a fever pitch as she pushed through the crowd, desperate to reach them.

"Guys, stop!" she shouted, her voice breaking under the strain of her frustration and fear. Her hands were outstretched, pleading for them to listen. But before she could get close enough, a sharp, jarring pain yanked her backward.

Sasha let out a startled gasp, her hands flying to her scalp as someone grabbed a fistful of her hair. She turned, her heart pounding in disbelief, and found herself staring into the cold, mocking eyes of a girl from another dojo, her fingers still twisted in Sasha's hair. Sasha grabbed the girl's wrist, her instincts flaring as the chaos swirled around her.

Sasha's breath hitched as she locked eyes with the girl, her scalp stinging from the brutal tug. The girl smirked, her grip tightening like she was daring Sasha to fight back. The roar of chaos around them was deafening, but in that moment, everything else seemed to fade. Sasha's chest burned with anger, her instincts screaming at her to defend herself.

"Let. Go," Sasha growled, her voice low and full of warning. She yanked the girl's wrist, twisting it sharply, forcing her to release her grip. The girl stumbled back, but her smirk only grew, her eyes glinting with a mix of defiance and amusement.

"Oh, so you do have some fight in you," the girl sneered, her stance shifting into a loose fighting posture. "Let's see what you've got, princess."

Sasha didn't hesitate. Her hands came up instinctively, years of training in Miyagi-Do guiding her movements. "You asked for it," she snapped, stepping forward with a swift front kick aimed at the girl's midsection. The impact landed solidly, forcing the girl back a step, her smirk faltering.

But she recovered quickly, lunging at Sasha with a flurry of punches. Sasha ducked and weaved, her movements fluid and controlled, her focus sharpening despite the chaos around her. One of the punches grazed her arm, but Sasha countered with a quick elbow strike to the girl's shoulder, throwing her off balance.

"Stay down," Sasha said firmly, her breathing steady as she squared up again. But the girl wasn't done. She charged again, this time aiming for Sasha's legs in an attempt to tackle her. Sasha sidestepped, spinning on her heel and sweeping the girl's legs out from under her with a calculated low kick. The girl hit the mat with a thud, groaning as she tried to push herself back up.

"Not so tough now, are you?" Sasha muttered, her voice laced with irritation. But before she could say anything else, she felt someone shove her from behind. Sasha stumbled forward, her head snapping around to see another fighter-this time a boy-grinning at her.

The sight made her stomach twist. This wasn't just a fight anymore-it was a full-on brawl. Around her, more competitors were throwing punches, grappling, and shouting. Sasha's heart pounded as she realized just how out of control everything had become. She backed away, her eyes scanning for Miguel, for Robby, for anyone she knew.

Before she could move, the girl she'd fought earlier scrambled to her feet, her expression twisted with rage. "You're gonna regret that," the girl spat, charging again. Sasha braced herself, raising her arms to block as she prepared to fight her off again.

But before the girl could reach her, a familiar voice shouted through the chaos: "Sasha!"

Sasha whipped her head around to see Miguel, his face set with determination as he pushed through the crowd toward her. Relief flooded her chest, but it was short-lived. The girl took advantage of Sasha's momentary distraction, swinging a punch aimed straight for her face.

Sasha reacted on instinct, her hand shooting up to block the punch just in time. With a sharp twist, she grabbed the girl's arm and spun her around, locking her in place. "I'm done playing," Sasha hissed, pushing the girl back with enough force to send her stumbling once more.

Miguel reached Sasha just as the girl backed off, her confidence finally shaken. "Are you okay?" he asked breathlessly, his hands hovering protectively near her shoulders.

"I'm fine," Sasha said, though her voice trembled slightly. Her eyes darted around the arena, the chaos still raging. "But we need to get out of here. Now."

Miguel nodded, his jaw tight. He grabbed her hand, holding it firmly as they began weaving through the brawl, searching for Robby and anyone else they could pull to safety before things got even worse.

Sasha tightened her grip on Miguel's hand as they pushed through the chaos. Every step felt like a battle in itself-dodging flying fists, ducking kicks, and weaving through the frenzied crowd. Her heart raced, her eyes darting around for any sign of Robby. He had to be in the thick of it, and she wasn't about to leave him behind.

"There he is!" Sasha shouted, spotting Robby struggling against two opponents near the edge of the mat. She tugged at Miguel's hand, urgency fueling her steps. But just as they neared, someone crashed into them, shoving Miguel away from her.

"Miguel!" Sasha yelled, spinning around to find him. The crowd swallowed him up in an instant, a sea of chaos separating them. Her stomach dropped, panic seizing her. "Miguel!" she screamed again, but there was no response, only the deafening roar of the brawl.

She clenched her fists, her chest burning with frustration. She had no time to stand there. Robby was still ahead, and she needed to get to him. Sasha pushed forward, her movements sharp and purposeful. Just as she was about to reach him, a sharp pain exploded in her side.

She stumbled, the force of a kick knocking the wind out of her. Sasha fell to one knee, gasping for air as she clutched her ribs. A shadow loomed over her, and she looked up to see a boy from one of the rival dojos smirking down at her, his stance ready to attack again.

Before he could strike, a blur of motion came from her right. "Hey, back off!" Kwon's voice rang out as he charged at the boy, shoving him back. The boy staggered, but Kwon didn't let up, landing a swift punch that sent him crashing to the ground.

Kwon turned to Sasha, his eyes wide with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, reaching down to help her up.

Sasha swatted his hand away, her anger flaring despite the ache in her ribs. "What the hell, Kwon? This whole fight is your fault!" she snapped, staggering to her feet.

Kwon blinked, taken aback. "My fault? What are you talking about?"

"You and your stupid comments, always trying to start something!" Sasha shot back, her voice rising over the noise. "You couldn't keep your mouth shut, and now look at this! Everyone's losing their minds!"

Kwon frowned, his jaw tightening. "Okay, maybe I said some stuff, but this? This isn't on me, Sasha. These guys were looking for a fight anyway."

Sasha opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, the boy Kwon had knocked down was back on his feet-and he wasn't alone. Two more fighters joined him, their expressions hostile as they advanced toward Sasha and Kwon.

"Great," Sasha muttered, shifting into her stance. "Guess we're doing this now."

Kwon stepped beside her, his fists raised. "Guess so. You ready?"

"Always," Sasha said through gritted teeth.

The first fighter lunged at Kwon, throwing a wild punch. Kwon dodged easily, countering with a quick jab to the gut. The second fighter came at Sasha, aiming a kick at her side. She sidestepped, catching his leg and twisting it, forcing him off balance.

The third fighter tried to flank them, but Sasha and Kwon moved in perfect sync. Kwon delivered a high kick, while Sasha ducked low, sweeping the fighter's legs out from under him. They fell into a rhythm, their movements complementing each other as they fought off their opponents.

One by one, the fighters dropped, until Sasha and Kwon were left standing, breathing hard but victorious. Sasha wiped her forehead, her anger subsiding slightly as she glanced at Kwon.

"Okay," she admitted grudgingly. "You're not completely useless."

Kwon smirked, though there was a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Sasha rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Come on. We need to find Miguel and Robby before this gets even worse."

Kwon nodded, falling into step beside her as they plunged back into the chaos together, ready to face whatever came next.

Without warning, a girl from the Dublin Thunder dojo stormed up to Sasha, her eyes blazing with contempt. Sasha barely had a moment to process the hostility before a sharp kick struck the back of her leg. Pain shot through her body, but she clenched her teeth, refusing to let out even a gasp.

"Pathetic," the girl sneered, her voice laced with disdain. "You think you belong in the finals?"

Sasha's jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing as anger flared in her chest. Who did this girl think she was? She had no idea how hard Sasha had worked to get here, what she'd overcome to stand on this mat.

"Let's find out," Sasha snapped, her voice calm but edged with steel.

The Dublin Thunder girl smirked, clearly underestimating her, and lunged forward with a quick jab aimed at Sasha's face. But Sasha was ready. She shifted her weight, dodging to the side just in time, the punch slicing harmlessly past her cheek.

Sasha dropped into a defensive stance, her muscles coiled and ready. She wasn't about to let this girl think she had the upper hand.

The girl wasted no time, aiming a roundhouse kick at Sasha's head. Sasha anticipated the move, raising her arm to block the strike. The force of the kick stung her arm, but she didn't let it slow her down. Instead, she used the momentum to pivot on her foot, creating space to counter.

In one swift motion, Sasha lashed out with a sharp front kick, her foot connecting with the girl's ribs. The Dublin Thunder fighter stumbled back, a surprised grunt escaping her lips as the crowd gasped at Sasha's precision.

But the girl wasn't down for long. With a fierce scowl, she rushed Sasha again, unleashing a barrage of punches aimed at her face. Sasha focused, blocking one, ducking under another, and sidestepping the rest with a practiced grace. She was starting to read the girl's rhythm, noticing the slight tells in her movements.

When the girl swung a high kick toward her jaw, Sasha reacted instantly. Dropping into a low crouch, she dodged beneath the kick, and with one fluid motion, swept her leg out in a low arc. The girl's feet were yanked out from under her, and she crashed to the mat with a resounding thud.

Sasha sprang to her feet, not giving her opponent time to recover. The Dublin Thunder fighter scrambled to stand, but Sasha was faster. She grabbed the girl by her shoulder and wrist, twisting her into a controlled hold that pinned her firmly to the mat.

"Give up," Sasha said, her voice steady but cold. "You're not winning this."

The girl thrashed, frustration etched on her face, but Sasha held firm. There was a flicker of defeat in the girl's eyes, a telltale sign that she knew she'd been outmatched.

With a growl of anger, the Dublin Thunder fighter slapped the mat in surrender.

Sasha released her grip and stepped back, breathing hard but standing tall. Her leg throbbed where she'd been kicked, her muscles trembled from the effort, but she ignored it all. The roar of the crowd swelled around her, a cacophony of cheers and gasps, but Sasha's focus was elsewhere.

She shot a glare at the girl on the mat, who sat there fuming, and then turned away. Sasha didn't need the applause or the recognition-she'd proven herself where it mattered most.

Everything froze for Sasha. The piercing sound of a scream echoed in her ears, cutting through the chaos like a knife. Her breath caught in her throat as she whipped around, the world around her suddenly slowing to an unbearable crawl. Her eyes locked on Kwon, her boyfriend, in the middle of the mat.

He was spinning through the air, his movements sharp yet desperate, a small sword glinting in his hand. Sasha's stomach clenched in dread as she saw his target-Axel-backing away, his face twisted in shock and fear. Kwon's kick missed its mark, the sword slicing through empty air. Time felt suspended, but the next moment shattered everything.

Kwon came crashing down to the mat, his body hitting the ground with a sickening thud. The sound of his collapse echoed louder than the crowd's gasps. For one unbearable moment, everything went completely still. The fighting stopped. The shouting stopped. Even Sasha felt as though her heart had stopped.

"Kwon?" Sasha whispered, her voice breaking as she sprinted toward him. Her legs carried her faster than she thought possible, her vision tunneling as all she could see was his unmoving form lying on his stomach.

When she reached him, the blood stopped her in her tracks. It was spreading beneath him in an alarming, vivid red pool that stained the mat. Her breath came in short, panicked gasps.

"Sasha, back away!" Her dad's voice cut through the haze, sharp and commanding. Daniel stood a few feet away, his face pale with a mix of urgency and grief.

But Sasha didn't listen. She dropped to her knees beside Kwon, her hands trembling violently as she reached out to turn him over. "No, no, no," she whispered under her breath, fear clawing at her throat.

She rolled him over, and the sight nearly broke her. The sword was buried deep in his chest, its handle slick with blood. Kwon's face was pale, his eyes half-lidded and unseeing. He wasn't breathing.

"No!" Sasha screamed, her voice ripping through the silence. Tears blurred her vision as she shook him, her hands pressing uselessly against his chest. "No! Kwon, wake up! Please!"

Her father was beside her now, pulling at her shoulders, but she resisted, her nails clawing at Kwon's blood-soaked gi. "No! I can save him!" she sobbed, shaking her head furiously.

"Sasha, stop!" Daniel grabbed her firmly, pulling her away as she thrashed against him. "It's too late!"

"No! No! He's not-he can't-" Her words dissolved into broken cries as she buried her face in her father's chest, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.

"Cut the feed! Cut the feed now!" Gunther Braun's voice bellowed from the sidelines, his order booming through the stunned arena. The camera crews scrambled, but the damage was already done.

Sasha clung to her father as tears streamed down her face, her cries muffled against his shoulder. The room around her felt like it was spinning, the grief and shock too much to bear. Her mind replayed the image of Kwon lying there, over and over again, each time cutting deeper into her heart.

In that moment, everything Sasha knew-everything she loved-came crashing down around her.

"You were bigger than the whole sky," she whispered to herself.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

well i know i said 2 chapters but i realized i could put it all into one chapter... so... yeah... sasha will be depressed in part 3 and will be a blonde again...

i will be back in a few weeks!! keep this book in your libraries bc i will publish the first chapter for part 3 within a day or 2 after the release!

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE JUST STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! ITS ANNOYING!! PLEASE COMMENT AND VOTE. ITS NOT THAT HARD!!! PLEASE! please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters

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!