chapter thirty-one:
❛ the beginning of the end ❜

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!

✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸

The hotel lobby was alive with muted chatter and the occasional clatter of luggage wheels against the tiled floor. Alessia sat in a stiff armchair near the corner, her bags packed and ready at her feet. Her hands fidgeted with the strap of her duffle bag as she stared at the ground, the weight of disappointment hanging heavy in her chest. Cobra Kai had been eliminated, and it felt like the end of everything she'd worked for-or thought she'd worked for.

She'd spent most of her time here as a spectator, confined to the sidelines, a pawn in Kreese's grand vision. All the promises of mentorship, the training, the "co-sensei" position-it had all been a sham, a way to keep her loyal while she watched others rise and fall in the tournament. Now, with Cobra Kai out, there was nothing left for her here.

"Hey."

Alessia looked up sharply, startled by the soft voice. Robby stood a few feet away, his hands in his pockets and his expression guarded.

"Hi," Alessia said quietly, her voice strained.

Robby hesitated, taking a cautious step forward. "You going back home already?"

"What's the point of staying?" Alessia replied with a bitter laugh. She gestured to her bags at her feet. "I wasn't even competing. You were right, Robby. I was being used. I didn't do anything that mattered. I just... sat around. Watched matches or stayed in my hotel room like I didn't exist."

Robby frowned, his shoulders tensing. "Look... I owe you an apology," he said, his voice low but sincere.

Alessia blinked, confused. "For what?"

"For letting Kwon get into my head," Robby admitted, glancing down at the floor. "I thought-" He stopped, took a breath, and tried again. "I thought you and Eli hooked up."

Alessia's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth opening slightly before Robby continued.

"Tory told me during our match yesterday that I was wrong," he said, his words spilling out in a rush. "And she was right. I should've known better. I know you and Eli are just friends. I let the pressure of the tournament mess with my head, and I ended up doubting you when I shouldn't have."

Robby's eyes met hers, his expression filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Alessia. I screwed up."

Alessia stared at him, her emotions swirling between anger, sadness, and exhaustion. She shook her head slowly, letting out a heavy sigh. "Robby, I appreciate the apology, but I can't do this right now."

Robby's face fell, but she pressed on. "This whole thing-it's just turned to shit. Like it always does. I should've known better than to trust Kreese. I bought into his 'co-sensei in training' crap, thinking I could actually be someone important in Cobra Kai. But it was all bullshit."

Alessia stood abruptly, grabbing her bag. Her movements were jerky, her frustration clear. "I let myself believe in something that wasn't real. And now? I feel like an idiot for ever trusting any of it."

Before Robby could respond, a smug voice interrupted.

"Not your team."

Alessia turned to see Kwon standing nearby, his arms crossed and a mocking smirk on his face as he directed the comment toward Robby.

Her jaw tightened as her patience snapped. She shot Kwon a glare but didn't say a word. Instead, she turned sharply on her heel and walked away, leaving Robby and Kwon to whatever drama was about to unfold.

She spotted Tory leaning against a pillar near the far side of the lobby. The sight of her friend brought a flicker of relief, and Alessia quickened her pace. When she reached her, Tory raised an eyebrow.

"You okay?" Tory asked, her tone cautious but kind.

Alessia let out a shaky breath, setting her bag down beside her. "Not really," she admitted. "But I wanted to say... thank you."

Tory tilted her head. "For what?"

"For telling Robby the truth about me and Eli," Alessia said, her voice soft. "He just apologized for thinking there was something between us. If you hadn't set him straight, I don't think he ever would've figured it out."

Tory shrugged, but there was a faint smile on her lips. "He was being an idiot. You didn't deserve to get caught up in his drama."

Alessia managed a small laugh. "Still, it means a lot. So, thanks."

Tory studied her for a moment before gesturing to the seating area behind them. "Come on. Let's sit and get away from all the Kwon-level bullshit for a while."

Alessia nodded, the knot in her chest loosening slightly as they walked together. At least, in this moment, she didn't have to face it all alone.

The hotel lobby pulsed with restless energy, the air thick with a sense of unease that seemed to emanate from the polished marble floors and rise to the glittering chandeliers above. Conversations buzzed in low murmurs, an anxious undercurrent running through the martial artists and senseis gathered from around the globe. Competitors paced nervously or leaned against walls, their gazes darting toward the towering figure of Gunther Braun, who stood at the center of the room like a thundercloud about to burst.

Alessia lingered near the edge of the crowd, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her posture rigid with tension. Beside her, Tory shifted her weight, glancing around the room as if searching for answers in the sea of uneasy faces. Alessia's sharp eyes flicked across the lobby and landed on Robby, who stood near the Miyagi-Do group. His expression was unreadable, his gaze distant, and the sight of him sent an unwelcome pang through her chest.

"What do you think this is about?" Alessia murmured to Tory, her voice low and uncertain.

"No idea," Tory replied, her tone clipped. "But it's never good when Braun calls everyone together like this."

Before they could speculate further, the room fell silent as Gunther Braun stepped forward, his commanding presence cutting through the ambient noise like a blade. Dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, he exuded an air of authority that demanded attention. His piercing gaze swept across the room, taking in the gathered dojos with a look that seemed to weigh each and every one of them.

"My apologies for summoning you all here so abruptly," he began, his deep, resonant voice echoing through the cavernous lobby. Each word was deliberate, measured, and carried a gravity that made the room seem smaller. "But under the circumstances, it was necessary."

Alessia exchanged a puzzled glance with Tory, her brow furrowing. She felt the tension around them deepen as competitors and coaches leaned in, hanging on Gunther's every word.

"The Sekai Taikai," he continued, clasping his hands behind his back, "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."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by a flurry of hushed whispers. Alessia's stomach churned as she leaned closer to Tory.

"Cheating?" Alessia whispered. "What's he talking about?"

Tory shook her head, her eyes scanning the room warily. "No clue."

Gunther's gaze settled on the Udar Tigra team, their orange and black uniforms stark against the subdued tones of the lobby. The silence thickened as his voice hardened, slicing through the rising whispers.

"Sensei Ivanov," he announced, his tone sharp and unyielding, "four of your students have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs."

The reaction was instantaneous. Shocked gasps and incredulous murmurs spread like wildfire through the room. Alessia's eyes widened, and she felt her heart skip a beat.

"Are you serious?" Alessia muttered under her breath, disbelief coloring her words.

Across the room, Sensei Ivanov's face turned a deep, furious red. His eyes burned with indignation as he stepped forward, his thick accent giving his words a sharp edge. "This is outrageous!" he thundered, his voice booming across the room. "You are accusing my students? My dojo?"

Gunther remained unfazed, his expression cold and unyielding. "Your team is hereby eliminated from the tournament," he stated firmly, his words carrying an air of finality.

Ivanov's fury erupted like a storm. "This is bullshit!" he roared, his gestures wild and erratic. "Why don't you come over here and remove me yourself?"

The crowd recoiled slightly at the sheer force of his anger. Alessia felt her breath hitch as she glanced at Tory, whose expression mirrored her own disbelief.

"Sensei Ivanov!" Gunther's voice cracked through the tension like a whip, silencing the room instantly. His steely gaze bore into the irate sensei. "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 clenched as he glared at Gunther, his rage barely contained. Finally, with a growl of frustration, he spun on his heel and barked at his students. "We're leaving," he snarled, storming out of the lobby with his team trailing behind him, their faces pale with shame.

As the Udar Tigra contingent disappeared through the double doors, the room was left in a stunned silence. Alessia exhaled shakily, her chest tight with the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"Holy crap," she muttered. "I can't believe that just happened."

Gunther adjusted his suit jacket, his composure unshaken. "Replacing Udar Tigra will be the dojo with the next highest point total," he announced, his tone calm and authoritative.

Alessia's stomach sank. She didn't need to hear the name to know where this was heading.

"Wait, that means-" Alessia began, turning to Tory, but her voice was cut off by Gunther's next words.

"Cobra Kai."

Cheers erupted from the Cobra Kai team, their celebration loud and unapologetic. Tory and Alessia stood among them, their posture stiff, their faces betraying none of the turmoil that roiled within. Alessia caught Tory's eye briefly, but her friend quickly looked away.

"Of course," Alessia muttered bitterly. "We're back in."

Gunther, unbothered by the murmurs and cheers around him, pressed on. "And on a more positive note, we will now announce the draws for our semi-finals."

He unfolded a set of cards with deliberate precision. "In our girls' bracket, the first semifinal will be Maria Alvarez versus Zara Malik. And in the second match, Tory Nichols against Sam LaRusso."

Alessia winced, her stomach twisting into knots. She glanced at Tory, who met Sam's gaze across the room with a tense, unspoken challenge.

"In our boys' bracket," Gunther continued, "our first semifinal match will be Diego Aguilar versus Kwon Jae-Sung. And our second semifinal match will pit Axel Kovacevic against Robby Keene."

The room buzzed with renewed energy, the weight of impending battles settling heavily over the competitors. Alessia folded her arms across her chest, bracing herself for whatever was coming next.

The next day, the arena buzzed with electrifying energy, an undercurrent of anticipation running through the crowd as they filled the seats. The Sekai Taikai semifinals were moments away, and the tension was palpable. The massive venue seemed to pulse with life-bright lights gleamed off polished floors, banners of each dojo swayed in a subtle breeze from the ventilation, and the faint smell of sweat and anticipation hung in the air.

Competitors gathered in clusters along the edges of the competition floor, their team colors stark against the sleek, modern backdrop of the arena. Coaches gave last-minute pep talks while fighters stretched, adjusted their gis, and steeled themselves for the battles ahead. Conversations buzzed among spectators, an excited murmur that rose and fell like waves crashing on a distant shore.

Alessia stood near the edge of the mat, her hands balled into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to steady her breathing. The cool air of the arena did little to quell the heat coursing through her veins. She could feel the eyes of the crowd, a mix of eager spectators, supportive teammates, and sharp-eyed rivals, all focused on the fighters who would soon take the stage. Beside her, Robby adjusted his gi, his movements calm and deliberate. His expression was one of quiet determination, the same look he always had before a big fight.

The speakers crackled to life, and the familiar, authoritative voice of Gunther Braun cut through the din like a blade. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!"

The crowd roared in response, their cheers echoing throughout the cavernous space. The floor beneath Alessia seemed to tremble with the force of their excitement. She clenched her jaw, letting the energy of the moment seep into her, fueling the fire that had been burning inside her since the start of this tournament.

"The Sekai Taikai Tournament of Champions!" Gunther's booming announcement rang out, followed by another wave of applause and cheers.

Alessia stole a glance across the mat. Tory was pacing like a caged tiger, her movements sharp and restless. On the other side, fighters from other dojos were deep in focus-some stretching, some meditating, others exchanging hushed words with their coaches. Alessia's gaze flicked briefly to the judges seated at the table, their expressions unreadable, their eyes fixed on the competitors with the weight of authority.

Gunther continued, his tone commanding yet measured. "Welcome, competitors, to the semifinal round of the Sekai Taikai. At this stage, each dojo retains the points they have accumulated thus far."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the competitors, each team recalculating their standing in their minds. Alessia's fingers tightened into fists, her mind racing as she mentally reviewed the strategies they had practiced.

"Each match," Gunther declared, "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 deliberately, allowing the anticipation in the room to build to a fever pitch.

"That's worth 20 points."

The crowd erupted again, their cheers deafening. Alessia swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. Three rounds. No stoppages. Every point matters. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her, sharpening her senses and tightening her focus.

Gunther's voice grew firm, carrying the weight of authority. "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."

As the cheers reached a crescendo, fighters began stepping forward to take their places on the mat. Alessia exhaled slowly, a deliberate effort to calm the storm of nerves and excitement swirling inside her. She rolled her shoulders, feeling the tension ease slightly as she prepared herself for what was to come.

This was it. Months of grueling training, sleepless nights, and bruised knuckles had all led to this moment. The spotlight was on, and there was no room for hesitation.

The energy in the arena was a living, breathing force, a tidal wave of anticipation and excitement that rolled over the crowd as Robby's match against Axel was announced. The overhead lights blazed down, their sharp glare reflecting off the polished mat, illuminating the fighters and the intensity of the moment. Every cheer, every chant from the audience reverberated through the arena, the sheer volume causing the floor to vibrate underfoot.

Alessia stood on the edge of the competition floor, her heart hammering against her ribcage. Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together, her gaze locked on Robby as he stepped onto the mat. Pride swelled within her chest, but it was accompanied by a tight knot of worry that refused to loosen. She knew how much this moment meant to him, how much he had trained for it, how determined he was to prove himself.

Beside her, Tory nudged her gently, breaking Alessia's trance. "Don't worry," Tory said with a confident smile, her voice steady and sure. "Robby's got this."

Alessia managed a small, grateful smile in return, though the tension in her chest didn't ease. She turned her eyes back to the mat, her breath hitching as she watched Robby bow to Axel.

The two fighters stood across from each other, their movements precise and respectful, but the air between them was charged with intensity. Axel's sharp features were set in a look of steely focus, while Robby's calm determination radiated from his every movement.

"Fight!" the referee's voice rang out, cutting through the noise of the crowd.

Robby moved first, his kick slicing through the air toward Axel's torso with precision. The impact forced Axel to stagger back, but he quickly regained his balance, his arms coming up to block Robby's follow-up punch. The crowd murmured in awe, a collective hum of appreciation for the skill on display.

Alessia leaned forward, her fists clenched at her sides. Her eyes darted between Robby and Axel, analyzing their every move. "Come on, Robby," she muttered under her breath, her voice almost lost in the cacophony of cheers around her.

Robby adjusted his stance, his strikes growing faster, more aggressive. A high kick narrowly missed Axel's head as he ducked beneath it, prompting Robby to spin with another wide arc. Axel blocked effortlessly, his precision and poise a testament to his skill.

Alessia's stomach churned as she watched the exchange. Axel wasn't just defending anymore-he was slowly wearing Robby down, each block and deflection calculated to sap his opponent's energy.

Robby spun into a punch, adding extra momentum for power, but Axel caught his arm mid-motion with startling speed. In one fluid move, Axel twisted Robby around, attempting to force him down. Robby's quick thinking saved him-he planted a hand on the mat and cartwheeled out of Axel's grip, earning a collective gasp of admiration from the crowd.

Alessia's heart leapt in relief. "That's it, Robby. Keep going," she whispered, her voice tinged with both hope and desperation.

But Axel wasn't rattled. He remained composed, his eyes calculating as he shifted seamlessly into offense. At a sharp command from Sensei Wolf in Chinese, Axel lunged, delivering a brutal kick to Robby's ribs. The impact reverberated through the arena, and Robby staggered back, visibly winded.

Before Robby could recover, Axel pressed the advantage, delivering two sharp punches to his stomach. The referee's whistle pierced the air. "Point!" he called out, his voice carrying over the roaring crowd.

Alessia's chest tightened. She turned to Tory, her face pale. "I can't watch," she whispered, her voice trembling as she buried her face in Tory's shoulder.

A sharp crack echoed through the arena, causing Alessia to flinch. She looked up just in time to see Axel gripping Robby's arms tightly, his expression cold and taunting. "Are you going to keep defending," Axel sneered, his voice dripping with mockery, "or are you actually going to fight?"

With a sudden shove, Axel threw Robby off balance, sending him stumbling toward the edge of the mat where Kwon and Yoon stood smirking.

The world seemed to slow for Alessia. Her heart pounded in her ears, drowning out the noise of the crowd. She saw Miguel step forward, his jaw clenched as he exchanged heated words with Axel.

And then chaos erupted.

From across the arena, a team that had been eliminated earlier that morning for a doping scandal shouted angrily, their frustration boiling over into violence. In an instant, fists flew, and the competition floor descended into a full-blown brawl.

Alessia froze, her breath caught in her throat as fighters, coaches, and officials swarmed to intervene. The carefully controlled atmosphere of the Sekai Taikai had unraveled into utter pandemonium.

The arena was in chaos, the deafening roar of the crowd now a mix of shouts, gasps, and startled screams as the brawl spilled across the competition floor. Alessia's breath caught in her throat, her eyes darting frantically as she tried to process the scene. Fighters from multiple dojos were engaged in an all-out melee, the pristine mats becoming a battlefield of flying kicks, punches, and flailing limbs.

Suddenly, Alessia felt a sharp tug on her shoulder, jerking her backward. She spun around, startled, and came face-to-face with a girl wearing the bright orange gi of Udgra Tigra. The girl's face was twisted into a sneer, her dark eyes blazing with aggression. Before Alessia could react, the girl lunged, her fist slicing through the air toward Alessia's face.

Instinct took over. Alessia ducked, the punch narrowly grazing her cheek. She stumbled back, her heart racing, as the girl came at her again, a high kick aimed at her ribs. Alessia managed to block it with her forearm, the force of the impact stinging her skin.

"What the hell is your problem?" Alessia shouted, her voice trembling with both fear and anger.

The girl didn't answer. Instead, she spun into a roundhouse kick that Alessia barely avoided, the wind from the strike brushing against her face. Alessia's mind raced-this wasn't part of the competition. This wasn't even a fair fight.

Nearby, Tory was grappling with two opponents at once, her movements swift and deadly, but Alessia couldn't call out for help. She was on her own.

The girl from Udgra Tigra advanced again, this time feinting a punch before slamming her knee toward Alessia's stomach. Alessia blocked just in time, grabbing the girl's leg and twisting it to throw her off balance. The girl stumbled but recovered quickly, her expression darkening.

Alessia's pulse thundered in her ears as she dropped into a defensive stance. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her-this wasn't just a random fight. It was a test, a battle for survival in the chaos.

The girl lunged again, throwing a barrage of punches. Alessia blocked two, dodged a third, but the fourth landed squarely on her shoulder, sending her staggering. Pain shot through her arm, but she gritted her teeth and held her ground.

Drawing on her training, Alessia countered with a sharp front kick to the girl's midsection, finally creating some distance between them. The girl let out a growl of frustration, clutching her stomach, but her resolve didn't waver.

As Alessia prepared for the next attack, a sudden blur of motion caught her eye. Robby was there, breaking through the chaos to position himself between her and the girl. His eyes were blazing with fury, his chest heaving as he squared up to the Udgra Tigra fighter.

"Back off," Robby growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The girl hesitated, her confidence faltering as she assessed Robby's stance. But before she could decide whether to fight or flee, a whistle blew sharply, cutting through the pandemonium.

Officials stormed the mat, pulling fighters apart and shouting commands to restore order. The girl from Udgra Tigra backed away reluctantly, throwing Alessia one last glare before disappearing into the crowd.

Alessia slumped against Robby, her adrenaline draining as the tension left her body. "Thanks," she murmured, her voice shaky.

Robby turned to her, his expression softening as he placed a steadying hand on her arm. "You okay?"

Alessia nodded, though her heart was still pounding. "I will be," she said, her voice quiet but resolute.

As the officials worked to restore order and the chaos began to subside, Alessia glanced around the arena. The fight may have been broken up, but the energy remained electric, charged with an intensity that wouldn't dissipate easily.

She met Robby's gaze, drawing strength from his presence. Whatever came next, she knew she wouldn't face it alone.

Alessia's adrenaline spiked as she surged forward, her muscles coiled like a spring, ready to unleash all the anger and frustration boiling inside her. She spotted Robby engaging with a cluster of fighters from another dojo, his movements quick and precise, a blur of skill and power. For a fleeting moment, her chest swelled with pride-he could handle himself.

But Alessia's focus zeroed in on Zara. The smirk on Zara's face, the arrogant way she moved-it was infuriating. Everything about her screamed manipulation, deceit, and cruelty. Alessia clenched her fists, her knuckles white with tension. This wasn't just about the fight; it was about everything Zara had done to Robby, to her, to all of them.

"You're done," Alessia growled under her breath as she stormed toward Zara.

Zara turned just in time to see Alessia charging, but she had no time to react. "Taste this, bitch!" Alessia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos like a battle cry. She launched herself into a flying kick, her leg extended in a perfect arc.

Her foot connected with Zara's jaw, the impact reverberating up Alessia's leg. The satisfying crunch of contact made Alessia's heart race with triumph. Zara staggered back, her head snapping to the side. For a moment, Alessia thought she'd taken her out.

But Zara was tougher than she looked. She wiped the blood from her lip with the back of her hand, her eyes narrowing into slits of fury. "You're going to regret that," Zara hissed, her voice venomous.

Before Alessia could reply, two more Iron Dragons appeared at Zara's side. Alessia's instincts screamed at her to move, and she barely ducked under a wild punch from one of them. Spinning on her heel, she delivered a swift roundhouse kick to the second fighter's midsection, sending him stumbling back with a grunt.

Her victory was short-lived. Zara used the momentary distraction to her advantage, closing the distance between them. Alessia turned just as Zara's foot connected with her ribs in a vicious kick. The force sent Alessia flying backward, her body slamming into the mat.

The impact knocked the air from her lungs, her vision blurring as pain radiated through her back. She gasped, trying to draw in a breath, but it felt like her chest was caving in. The world tilted around her, the noise of the crowd fading into a dull roar.

Before she could fully regain her senses, Zara was on her. Alessia barely had time to raise her arms before Zara's elbow came crashing down on her chest, a sickening force that made her ribs scream in protest.

"You're weak, Chavez!" Zara spat, her voice dripping with disdain. She drew her fist back and slammed it into Alessia's stomach.

Alessia's body jerked as the blow landed, the pain sharp and blinding. She gasped, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts. But even through the haze of pain, she refused to give up. Every punch Zara threw, Alessia blocked with trembling arms, her muscles straining to hold back the onslaught.

Then she saw him. Robby.

He was charging toward them, his movements like a force of nature, his expression carved with fury. Alessia's heart leaped with relief and hope as he closed the distance in seconds.

"Get off her!" Robby roared, his voice a thunderous command.

Before Zara could react, Robby grabbed her by the waist, lifting her with ease. With a roar of effort, he spun her around and hurled her to the ground. Zara hit the mat hard, a grunt escaping her lips as she rolled to the side.

Robby dropped to his knees beside Alessia, his hands steadying her as she tried to sit up. "Al! Are you okay?" he asked, his voice tight with concern. His eyes scanned her face, his hands gentle but firm.

"I'm... I'm fine," Alessia managed, her voice shaky but determined. Pain rippled through her body as she moved, but she pushed through it.

Zara staggered to her feet, her face a mask of fury and disbelief. She glared at Robby, her lip curling in a sneer. "You'd really choose her over me?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom.

Robby didn't hesitate. His jaw tightened, his voice unwavering as he replied, "It's not even close."

Alessia felt a surge of pride at his words. She met Zara's glare with her own, her lip curling into a smirk. "Just because you slept with him-when he was drunk, by the way-doesn't mean you ever had a chance. And let's not forget you tried to seduce me, too. Pathetic," Alessia snapped, her voice cutting like a blade.

Zara's face turned a deep shade of red, her fists clenching at her sides.

Before anyone could react, one of Zara's lackeys appeared behind Alessia, grabbing her ponytail and yanking it hard. Alessia let out a sharp cry of pain, her head snapping back.

"Not today," Alessia growled, twisting her body and driving her elbow into the girl's side. The lackey gasped, her grip loosening just enough for Alessia to break free.

With a quick pivot, Alessia brought her knee up, slamming it into the girl's stomach. The lackey doubled over with a wheeze, stumbling back before collapsing to the ground.

Another Iron Dragon came at her, landing a punch to her side before she could fully recover. Alessia winced, the pain sharp and immediate, but she didn't falter.

"Damn it," she muttered, gritting her teeth as she reset her stance. Her fists tightened, and her eyes burned with determination. She wasn't done yet. Not by a long shot.

The clash of fists and the sharp sounds of shouts filled the dojo, chaos swirling around Alessia as she threw another punch at the girl in front of her. She recognized her opponent as one of the Dublin Thunder fighters-a tall, wiry girl with quick reflexes and a cocky smirk that Alessia was determined to wipe off her face.

Alessia ducked under a wild swing, her movements sharp and precise. Her fist shot upward, aiming for the girl's jaw. The Dublin fighter stumbled back, but Alessia wasn't about to give her a chance to recover. She raised her fist again, ready to deliver another blow.

Then she heard it.

A piercing scream cut through the noise like a knife.

The entire dojo seemed to freeze, the chaos grinding to a sudden halt. Fighters stopped mid-swing, their expressions shifting from aggression to confusion and concern. Alessia's arm dropped to her side, her chest heaving as she turned her head toward the sound.

"What the hell was that?" she muttered, her voice barely audible over the murmurs spreading through the crowd.

Her brows furrowed, and without thinking, she stepped back from her opponent and scanned the room. Her heart pounded in her chest, not from exertion but from the growing sense of unease creeping through her.

Spotting Robby near the edge of the chaos, she quickly moved toward him, her movements hurried but cautious. She reached his side just as the crowd began to shift, the fighters parting like the sea to reveal what lay at the center of the disturbance.

When Alessia saw it, her breath caught in her throat.

On the ground, lying motionless in a growing pool of blood, was Kwon.

Alessia's hands instinctively flew to her mouth, her gasp sharp and audible. Her stomach churned at the sight, a mix of shock and horror washing over her. She felt Robby tense beside her, his body rigid as he stared at the scene before them. Without thinking, she reached out and gripped his arm tightly, seeking both support and reassurance.

"What... what happened?" Alessia whispered, her voice trembling.

The murmurs in the room grew louder, but no one moved closer except for one person. Daniel LaRusso stepped forward, his face pale but composed as he knelt beside Kwon.

The room was eerily silent as Daniel gently rolled Kwon onto his back. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd when the source of the blood became visible.

Protruding from Kwon's chest was a sword, its blade glinting ominously under the harsh lights of the dojo.

Alessia felt her knees weaken, her grip on Robby tightening as she leaned into him for support. "Oh my God," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

The scene was surreal, like something out of a nightmare. Alessia couldn't tear her eyes away from the blood spreading across the mat, its vibrant red color a stark contrast against the pristine white of Kwon's gi.

A sudden, booming voice shattered the silence.

"Cut the feed! Cut the feed!" Gunther Braun, the imposing organizer of the tournament, barked at the camera crew stationed around the dojo. His face was a mask of fury and panic, his hands gesturing wildly as he tried to take control of the spiraling situation.

The camera operators scrambled to obey, their equipment swiveling away from the gruesome scene as they hurried to shut off the live broadcast.

Alessia felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, the air in the dojo thick with tension and fear. She turned her gaze to Robby, whose jaw was clenched tightly, his fists curled at his sides.

"Robby..." she began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the words. But there were no words that could capture the horror of what they were witnessing.

All Alessia could do was hold on to him as the reality of the situation sank in, the once-spirited energy of the tournament now replaced with an overwhelming sense of dread.

ASH SPEAKS!!!!

oh wow. i cant believe im almost done with this book :(

ive noticed the views and votes go down and im not quite sure why :(((

but ill see you guys in february! keep this book in my library i will be back! and check out my other books. i update a lot lol

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!