chapter thirty:
❛ clementine vs the world ❜

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Clementine stood in the medic office with Johnny, Carmen, and Miguel's Yaya, her worry etched across her face. Miguel sat on the examination table, wincing occasionally as the medic gently probed his back, searching for any serious injuries.

The medic finally straightened up and gave them a reassuring smile. "Good news. Looks like it's just a pulled muscle. It may ache, but you'll be fine," he informed them.

Clementine let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Thank God," she muttered to herself, feeling the tension ease from her shoulders. Miguel, however, looked more focused than relieved.

"So, does that mean that I can keep fighting?" Miguel asked, his voice steady but edged with determination.

The medic paused, considering his response carefully. "They've given you thirty minutes to recover. So let the pain guide you. If it's telling you to sit this one out, I'd listen. I'll get you an ice pack," he explained before leaving the room to fetch the ice pack.

Johnny stepped closer to Miguel, his eyes filled with concern. "How's it feel now?" he asked, searching Miguel's face for any signs of distress.

Miguel forced a small smile. "Not bad. Just a little sore," he said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

Clementine moved to Miguel's side and hugged him tightly, the relief palpable in her embrace. "I'm so happy you're okay," she breathed out, her voice trembling slightly. "If you were badly hurt again, I would feel so bad."

Miguel nodded, his expression softening. "I know, Clem. I'll be careful," he assured her, his tone gentle.

Carmen, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke up, her worry clear in her voice. "Miggy, you don't have to continue," she urged, her eyes pleading with him to consider his safety.

Miguel looked at his mom and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mom. If something feels off, I won't fight," he promised, trying to ease her fears.

Clementine, still holding onto Miguel's hand, studied his demeanor closely. Despite his words, she could see the conflict in his eyes. She knew how much this tournament meant to him, but she also saw the pain and uncertainty he was trying to hide.

Carmen turned to Johnny, her voice barely above a whisper. "Make sure he's okay," she said, her words filled with an unspoken plea.

Johnny nodded, his face serious. "I will," he promised, his voice firm.

Clementine gently squeezed Miguel's hand. "I'll be outside if you need me," she told him, giving him one last, lingering look before following Carmen and Yaya out of the room.

As the door closed behind her, she leaned against the wall, her mind racing with worry and hope. She knew how strong Miguel was, but she couldn't shake the fear that something might go wrong. All she could do now was wait and trust that Miguel would make the right decision.

The tension in the air was palpable as the Semi-Finals began. Clementine stood off to the side, watching the ongoing match with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Her own turn to fight was coming up right after Tory's match. As Tory's fight reached its climax, Clementine took a deep breath and steeled herself.

Needing a moment to collect her thoughts, she slipped away from the arena and headed to the medic room. When she entered, she was surprised to find Miguel getting ready to leave. He was packing up his gear, his movements hurried and determined.

"You leaving?" Clementine asked, her voice a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Miguel snapped his head around, his expression serious. He nodded. "Actually... I'm gonna go find my dad. I need to find him, Clem," he revealed, the urgency in his voice clear.

Clementine's eyes widened in shock. "I'm coming with you," she said, stepping forward with determination.

Miguel shook his head firmly. "No, go fight Cobra Kai and win that trophy... but the bus leaves at 11:30 pm. If you do want to come, meet me at the bus station. Don't tell anyone where I'm going though," Miguel asked, his eyes pleading for her understanding.

Clementine hesitated, torn between her loyalty to her best friend and her commitment to the tournament. Finally, she nodded. "Okay, I promise. But be careful, Miguel," she said softly.

Miguel embraced his best friend in a tight hug, the weight of their unspoken words hanging in the air. As he pulled away, he gave her a small, reassuring smile before leaving the room. Clementine bit her lip, the reality of what he was about to do sinking in.

With a deep breath, she walked back out to the main arena, her mind still reeling from Miguel's revelation. She watched as Tory fought with fierce determination against another girl. Each move was precise, calculated, and powerful. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, cheering loudly with every successful hit.

As Tory landed the final blow, securing her victory, Clementine couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for her friend. But beneath that pride was a gnawing worry for Miguel and the journey he was about to embark on.

Clementine took a deep breath, pushing her worries aside. It was almost her turn to fight, and she needed to focus. She would deal with everything else later. For now, she had a match to win.

Clementine felt a surge of determination as she stepped onto the mat, her Eagle Fang gi fitting snugly, the emblem of the fierce eagle on her back. Her opponent from All Star Karate, a girl named Jessica Harper, stood across from her with a focused expression. The roar of the crowd was a mix of excitement and anticipation, with Clementine's family prominently cheering her on from the stands. Her dad Caleb, her best friend Alison, her Bubbe and Zayde, her Aunt Anastasia, and her younger brother Tyler all watched with bated breath.

The referee stepped between them, signaling for them to bow. "Fighters, bow." Clementine and Jessica bowed to each other and then to the referee.

"Ready... fight!"

The match began with both fighters circling each other, their eyes locked in intense concentration. Jessica was the first to strike, launching a series of rapid punches aimed at Clementine's midsection. Clementine blocked each punch with precise movements, her arms absorbing the impact. She countered with a swift front kick aimed at Jessica's stomach. Jessica barely managed to dodge, stepping to the side.

Clementine kept her stance low and balanced, watching Jessica's movements closely. Jessica attempted a spinning back kick, but Clementine anticipated it, ducking under the kick and stepping in close. She delivered a powerful punch to Jessica's ribs, causing her to stumble back.

"1-0, Katz!" the referee's voice echoed through the gym.

The crowd erupted in cheers, with Clementine's family standing up and shouting her name. Caleb and Alison exchanged excited high-fives, while Bubbe and Zayde clapped enthusiastically. Tyler waved a small Eagle Fang flag, and Aunt Anastasia cheered loudly.

Jessica, recovering quickly, came back with a renewed intensity. She moved with a combination of speed and agility, launching a high kick toward Clementine's head. Clementine raised her arm to block but felt the force of the kick push her back. Jessica pressed the attack, following up with a low sweep aimed at Clementine's legs. Clementine jumped to avoid the sweep, landing lightly on her feet and immediately countering with a spinning backfist. The punch connected with Jessica's jaw, but she absorbed the blow and retaliated with a sidekick that hit Clementine's torso.

"1-1, Harper!" the referee announced.

Clementine winced slightly from the impact but shook it off. She took a deep breath, centering herself and focusing on her opponent. Jessica was skilled, but Clementine knew she had the edge in strategy and adaptability. She began to vary her attacks, mixing high and low strikes, keeping Jessica on the defensive. She feinted a high kick, causing Jessica to raise her guard, and then quickly switched to a low sweep that caught Jessica off balance, sending her to the ground.

Jessica scrambled to her feet, but Clementine was already moving. She launched a flurry of punches and kicks, driving Jessica back toward the edge of the mat. Jessica managed to block most of the attacks, but Clementine's relentless assault was wearing her down. Clementine saw her opening and delivered a decisive roundhouse kick to Jessica's side, making her stagger.

"2-1, Katz!" the referee declared, signaling the end of the match.

The crowd's cheers were deafening as Clementine stood victorious. She and Jessica bowed to each other respectfully before Clementine turned to face her cheering family. Caleb and Alison were beaming with pride, while Bubbe and Zayde were clapping with joy. Tyler was jumping up and down, waving his flag, and Aunt Anastasia had tears of pride in her eyes.

Devon, who had been watching from the sidelines, gave Clementine a nod of acknowledgment. "Nice job, Clem. You showed them what Eagle Fang is all about."

"Thanks, Devon," Clementine replied, still catching her breath.

With her victory, Clementine felt a surge of confidence. She was ready for whatever came next, both in the tournament and in helping Miguel find his father. As she walked off the mat, her family gathered around her, their support and love giving her the strength she needed for the challenges ahead.

Clementine stood with her team, eyes fixed on the leaderboard. Cobra Kai held the top spot, followed closely by Miyagi-Do, with Eagle Fang in third place. She clenched her fists, feeling the weight of the competition.

"Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do are neck-and-neck on the leaderboard. But there's a dark horse... Or should I say a dark bird? ...that still has a chance. Will Eagle-Fang Karate stay alive in our dojo race? We're about to find out," Daryl announced, his voice echoing through the arena.

"Miguel Diaz has one minute to return to the mat!" Daryl yelled, the urgency in his voice palpable. Clementine bit her lip, knowing Miguel wasn't coming back. The digital countdown clock appeared, ticking away the seconds.

"Countdown clock? Kind of dramatic, isn't it?" Devon asked, her tone skeptical.

"It's the All Valley," Clementine replied with a shrug, her voice tinged with resignation.

In the stands, Alison noticed Clementine's worried expression. She whistled, catching Clementine's attention. "What's wrong?" Alison mouthed, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Miguel's not coming. He told me," Clementine mouthed back, her anxiety clear in her eyes. Alison's eyes widened in surprise.

The clock ticked down to ten seconds, and the crowd began to count aloud. Clementine's heart pounded in her chest. She glanced around, hoping for a miracle that she knew wouldn't come. The buzzer sounded, and Daryl stepped back onto the mat.

"Well, it looks like Miguel Diaz is not gonna fight," Daryl began, his voice steady. Clementine watched as Sensei Lawrence stepped off the sidelines, his expression a mix of worry and determination, undoubtedly to search for Miguel.

"Which means that the winner by default is Eli Moskowitz, who advances to the final where he will face Robby Keene. The finals are up next after one more match with Clementine Katz from Eagle-Fang Karate and Samantha LaRusso from Miyagi-Do," Daryl announced.

Clementine's stomach churned. She had to win this match against Sam to make it to the finals and face Tory. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The weight of her team's hopes rested on her shoulders.

As she stepped onto the mat, she could feel the intensity of the moment. She glanced at the stands, where her family sat—her dad Caleb, her best friend Alison, her Bubbe and Zayde, her Aunt Anastasia, and her brother Tyler. They were all there, rooting for her, their support giving her strength.

Sam LaRusso stepped onto the mat, her expression equally determined. They bowed to each other, a show of respect before the fight. The referee signaled the start of the match.

"Ready... fight!"

Sam launched a series of swift, precise strikes, her Miyagi-Do training evident in her disciplined movements. Clementine blocked and parried, her Eagle Fang training emphasizing speed and aggression. She countered with a flurry of punches, forcing Sam to retreat.

Sam attempted a high kick, but Clementine anticipated it, ducking under and delivering a quick jab to Sam's ribs. Sam winced but recovered quickly, circling Clementine and looking for an opening.

Clementine's family cheered loudly from the stands. Caleb's voice rang out, "Come on, Clem! You got this!"

Sam moved in again, this time feinting a low kick before striking high. Clementine barely managed to block the blow, feeling the impact in her arms. She gritted her teeth and retaliated with a spinning back kick that connected with Sam's side.

"1-0, Katz!" the referee announced.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Clementine's family went wild. Alison jumped up and down, shouting, "Yes, Clem! Keep it up!"

Sam, undeterred, came back with renewed determination. She advanced with a series of quick jabs and low kicks, trying to break through Clementine's defense. Clementine blocked most of the attacks but felt a sharp kick to her shin that made her stagger.

Sam seized the opportunity, delivering a swift punch to Clementine's shoulder. Clementine stumbled but quickly regained her footing, her eyes narrowing in focus. She couldn't afford to lose her concentration now.

"1-1, LaRusso!" the referee called out.

Clementine took a deep breath, centering herself. She needed to think strategically. She remembered Sensei Lawrence's advice about using her head and not just her fists. She watched Sam's movements closely, looking for a pattern.

Sam moved in again, aiming for a series of quick strikes. Clementine noticed a slight hesitation in Sam's left side, an opportunity. As Sam threw another punch, Clementine dodged to the side and swept Sam's leg out from under her. Sam fell to the mat, and Clementine quickly followed up with a controlled strike to her shoulder.

"2-1, Katz!" the referee declared.

The crowd erupted into applause, and Clementine's family was on their feet, cheering wildly. Caleb pumped his fist in the air, and Tyler waved a flag energetically. Clementine extended a hand to Sam, who took it and stood up, both fighters showing mutual respect.

"Nice moves out there," Sam said, a hint of a smile on her face.

"You too," Clementine replied, smiling back.

As they bowed to each other and the referee, Clementine felt a surge of pride. She had secured her place in the finals, and Eagle Fang was still in the race. She looked over at her family, their proud faces reminding her of why she fought so hard.

Clementine made her way back to her team, her heart racing with excitement and anticipation. The finals awaited, and she was ready to give it everything she had.

Daryl stood on the mat, microphone in hand, ready to announce the much-anticipated finals. "Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is finally over. It's finals time!" he declared, and the crowd erupted in cheers. "Since Cobra Kai scored the most points, they only need to win one match to be crowned Grand Champion. But if Miyagi-Do wins the boys' match, or Eagle-Fang wins the girls' match, the title will be theirs! Ooh, high drama!" Daryl's excitement was infectious. "Up first, the boys' fight! Good luck to all of our fighters! Let's go!" With that, Daryl stepped off the mat, and the crowd continued to roar.

Robby and Eli stepped onto the mat, the tension palpable. Clementine fiddled anxiously with the hair tie on her wrist, her eyes glued to the competitors. The boys bowed to the referee and then to each other. The fight began with Robby throwing the first kick to Eli's lower abdomen. Eli blocked it and retaliated with a kick of his own, which Robby also blocked. They exchanged a series of punches and blocks, each one anticipating the other's moves.

Robby managed to land a punch on Eli, catching him off guard. "Point! 1-0, Keene," the referee announced. Clementine couldn't help but smile a bit. Despite Robby being in Cobra Kai, she felt a twinge of hope for him to win his first point. Robby jumped up and down on the mat, and Clementine chuckled at his display of enthusiasm. Eli called for a timeout, and Clementine furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

In the stands, Alison was on the edge of her seat, praying for Eli to win the match. The fighters returned to the mat after their brief respite. Eli went for a kick, but Robby blocked it smoothly. Eli threw a punch, but Robby grabbed his wrist, countering effectively. They continued to shove each other, testing their strength and agility. Eli turned, throwing a punch that Robby blocked with his arm. Eli kept up his offensive, but Robby matched him block for block.

Robby attempted a punch to Eli's face, but Eli dodged it. Eli swung his leg low, but Robby stepped back, avoiding the hit. Eli tried to kick Robby in the stomach, but Robby backed away, grabbing Eli's foot and circling to his other side. Robby charged at Eli, and they both leaped into the air, performing the same kick simultaneously, and landed hard on the ground.

Clementine gasped, locking eyes with Alison in the stands, both sharing a moment of concern. "Point, Miyagi-Do!" the referee announced. The fighters quickly resumed their positions. Eli jumped up, aiming a kick at Robby, but Robby deftly grabbed Eli's leg and slammed him onto the mat. Clementine gasped again, her heart racing.

Robby aimed a punch at Eli's chest, but Eli dodged, rolling over and getting back on his feet. Robby put a hand on the mat, keeping one foot grounded, and performed a sweeping kick. Eli backed away just in time. Eli attempted another kick, but Robby pushed Eli's foot down. They continued this dance, blocking each other's kicks in a seemingly endless cycle.

The fight dragged on, and Clementine felt her eyes starting to strain from watching so intently. She decided to step out for a moment. In the hallway, she leaned down and turned on the water fountain, taking a long drink. She needed to clear her head. The fight was taking its toll on her nerves.

Leaning against the wall, Clementine tried to compose herself. She felt a familiar urge to cut, an old habit she had been fighting to overcome. She couldn't give in now. Fiddling with the hair tie on her wrist, she fought against the urge, reminding herself of how far she had come. She hadn't felt this way in a long time, and it scared her.

Taking deep breaths, Clementine forced herself to focus. She thought about her family in the stands, cheering her on, and her friends who believed in her. She couldn't let them down. Slowly, she felt the urge subside, and she regained her composure. She would go back out there and give it her all, no matter what happened in the fight.

Clementine stayed out in the hallway for a few more minutes, trying to calm herself. She overheard the announcement of overtime, something that hadn't happened in fifty years. Shocked, she wanted to go back out, but she needed to ensure she wouldn't succumb to the urge to cut. The sounds of yelling and clapping filled the air. Although muffled, she heard Eli's name mentioned, indicating he had won.

Standing up, Clementine saw Robby storm into the hallway, his gi unbuttoned. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Robby?" she called out, and Robby turned to face her.

"Clem? I thought you were watching?" he questioned, surprise evident in his voice.

"I was... but I was getting an urge..." she trailed off, and Robby's expression softened with concern.

"You didn't, right?" he asked gently.

"No... but you lost?" Clementine asked, noticing the dejection in his posture.

Robby nodded glumly. "Yeah. I'm sorry, Robby," she apologized, stepping closer to him.

Robby sighed, trying to brush off the disappointment. "It's okay. I'm always runner-up," he muttered, his voice tinged with resignation.

"You'll win next year, babe," Clementine reassured him, her voice filled with genuine belief. She reached up and pressed her lips to his. They kissed softly, providing comfort to each other.

Pulling away, Robby smiled down at her. "Now, let's get you out there. You gotta beat Tory, even if she's my teammate," he encouraged with a playful glint in his eyes.

Clementine laughed, appreciating his support. Together, they walked back into the main arena. Clementine's family—her dad Caleb, her best friend Alison, her Bubbe and Zayde, her aunt Anastasia, and her brother Tyler—were all in the stands, cheering her on. Their presence gave her strength.

Daryl stepped back onto the mat with renewed excitement. "What better way to cap off this exciting exhibition of karate than with a final match for the ages? Representing Cobra Kai, the Queen Cobra herself, Tory Nichols! Coached by her senseis John Kreese and Terry Silver." Daryl announced, pointing at Tory, who gave a confident smirk.

Clementine stared across the mat at Tory, her focus unshaken. Daryl then turned to Clementine, "And representing Eagle-Fang Karate, the Eagle Princess, Clementine Katz!" Daryl's voice boomed, and the crowd erupted, especially Clementine's family, who cheered loudly.

"Coached by Johnny Lawrence, two-time All Valley winner, who I've just been informed will be joined by Sensei Daniel LaRusso." Daryl continued, announcing the unexpected but welcomed presence of Daniel LaRusso.

Clementine's eyes widened as she turned to see Daniel walking over. Her smile widened as she saw Johnny give a supportive nod. "You guys finally worked your shit out again?" Clementine asked, her tone light and hopeful.

"Yeah, now go out there and fight Tory, Eagle Princess. Ready to kick some ass?" Johnny replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Yes, Sensei," Clementine said confidently. She turned back to the mat, her focus sharpening as Robby mouthed "Good luck" to her. She blushed slightly but kept her gaze steady.

Clementine and Tory took their positions on the mat, each sizing up the other. Their families and supporters filled the stands with cheers. They bowed to the referee and then to each other, marking the beginning of the final match.

The fight started with Clementine charging forward. She aimed a sharp kick, but Tory expertly blocked it. Clementine didn't falter; she followed up with a knee strike to Tory's midsection. Tory staggered back with a grunt, and Clementine seized the opportunity to attempt a high kick to Tory's face. Tory evaded it, backing away. Clementine, undeterred, tried the same move again. Tory stepped back again, her eyes narrowing.

Tory, sensing Clementine's aggressive approach, lowered into a sweeping stance. Clementine twirled, her foot connecting with Tory's face in a powerful kick. "Point! 1-0, Katz!" the referee announced.

Clementine beamed with pride as she saw her family cheering wildly. Tory walked over to her senseis, receiving a quick pep talk. Clementine, filled with a mix of pride and determination, prepared for the next round.

As they resumed fighting, Tory threw a punch, which Clementine skillfully evaded by circling around her. Clementine aimed a kick to Tory's stomach, but Tory blocked it. Tory retaliated with a punch aimed at Clementine's face. Clementine raised both arms to block it but had to back away when Tory aimed a punch at her abdomen.

Realizing that Clementine's tactics were both fierce and strategic, Tory adjusted her approach. She attacked with a series of aggressive strikes, trying to break through Clementine's defenses. Clementine, however, responded with a combination of kata and aggressive moves. She performed a series of fluid kata moves, each step precise and controlled, demonstrating her mastery of traditional techniques. Then, she transitioned into more aggressive, forceful strikes, combining her kata with powerful, dynamic attacks.

In one exchange, Tory inadvertently elbowed Clementine in the face during a close-range skirmish. Clementine staggered but quickly regained her balance. Despite the accidental hit, the referee didn't issue a disqualification or point reduction. Tory, showing a moment of concern, asked, "Are you okay?"

Clementine ignored the question, her focus unwavering. She walked over to her senseis, Johnny and Daniel, to reassure them. "I'm okay. I can keep fighting," she said, her voice firm despite the pain. Her senseis nodded, their concern replaced by encouragement.

Returning to the mat, Clementine faced Tory with renewed determination. The fight continued with both fighters displaying exceptional skill. Tory's aggressive tactics and relentless attacks eventually began to overpower Clementine's defenses. Despite Clementine's best efforts, Tory landed a decisive blow that earned her the final point.

"Point! 2-1, Nichols. Winner, Tory Nichols!" the referee announced, concluding the match.

Clementine, her heart heavy with disappointment, walked off the mat. Her family's cheers were a bittersweet symphony as she made her way to the sidelines. She received comforting pats on the back and reassuring words from her loved ones, but the weight of the loss was palpable. Clementine took a deep breath, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. The journey was over for now, but she knew she would come back stronger.

Clementine trudged into the dimly lit bus station, her gi heavy with sweat and a bruise darkening around her eye. Her emotions were a whirlwind of exhaustion and disappointment after her defeat and the loss of Eagle-Fang and Miyagi-Do. She spotted Miguel sitting on a bench, his gaze focused on the entrance as he waited for the bus.

"Mig!" Clementine's voice cracked as she called out, her eyes brimming with tears. Miguel looked up and immediately noticed her battered appearance, his expression shifting from confusion to deep concern.

"What happened?" he asked, rising from the bench and stepping closer, his eyes scanning her face.

Clementine clenched her jaw, struggling to keep her composure. "Tory," she managed to say through gritted teeth. "She won. Cobra Kai won. We lost. No more Eagle-Fang or Miyagi-Do. They fucking won."

Miguel's face softened with empathy. He reached out and pulled her into a comforting hug, his warmth contrasting with the chill of the station. Clementine clung to him, tears finally escaping as she buried her face against his shoulder. The defeat felt unbearable, the weight of it almost too much to bear.

"It's okay to be upset," Miguel said gently, his voice soothing. "You gave it your all. Sometimes things don't go the way we want, but that doesn't take away from how hard you fought or how strong you are."

Clementine shook her head, her voice muffled. "I'm just so tired of losing. I thought we had a chance this time."

Miguel held her tighter, his own frustration simmering beneath the surface but softened by his support. "At least we both get a break from karate now," he said with a small, comforting smile. "We can use this time to rest and regroup. And don't forget, we'll figure out a way to come back stronger."

Clementine nodded, pulling away slightly to look at him. "Yeah, I needed to get away and clear my head. But Miguel, I want to come with you. You mentioned finding your dad..."

Miguel studied her for a moment, assessing her resolve. "Are you sure you want to come? It might be... a lot right now."

Clementine nodded firmly, a flicker of determination in her eyes despite her bruised and weary appearance. "Yeah, I'm sure. I want to be there for you, and I think I need this too."

Miguel smiled softly, appreciating her presence and the strength in her voice. "Alright, then let's wait for the bus."

As they stood together in the quiet of the station, the sound of a distant engine began to grow louder. The bus rolled up, its headlights cutting through the night, signaling the start of their journey. Clementine and Miguel exchanged a final, reassuring glance before boarding. The door to the bus hissed open, and as they stepped inside, the weight of the night began to lift, replaced by the promise of a new chapter and the comfort of shared determination.

ASH SPEAKS!

i wanted to have clementine win so badly but then i remembered the storyline for tory finding out it was cobra kai who cheated is a big part ugh

i also wanna thank you so much for 30k views on this book!! i appreciate it💖💖