chapter thirty-four:
❛ skeletons ❜

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Alessia stood in the center of the All Valley Sports Arena, her heart drumming in her chest, a heavy, thunderous beat that seemed to reverberate through the entire stadium. The floodlights above cast their harsh, unforgiving light down onto the mat, illuminating every corner of the arena, but it was the weight of the moment that pressed most heavily on her. The noise of the crowd, buzzing with excited energy, seemed to fade into the background. All she could hear was the thrum of her own pulse, the sharp, shallow breaths she took in and out, the feel of the mat beneath her feet as she shifted nervously.

Beside her, Tory stood tall and confident, an embodiment of the Cobra Kai spirit Alessia had once belonged to. But today was different. Today, Alessia had stepped into a new role. It wasn't just about her fight anymore-it was about the fight for the dojo, for the future of Miyagi-Do, and for herself.

The decision had come quickly. Sensei Kreese was absent, and so was Sensei Kim. And as the tournament loomed closer, Alessia found herself thrust into a leadership role-one that, even now, felt daunting and unfamiliar. She had never imagined herself as a sensei. But there she was, the responsibility heavy in her hands. The certificate she had earned was just a piece of paper, but it symbolized something far more important-the weight of leadership, the fight for redemption, and the chance to prove herself.

She glanced out at the arena, the crowd seeming to stretch endlessly around her. Her eyes found Robby in the stands. When he caught her gaze, he gave her a small, reassuring nod. His green eyes were steady, full of quiet confidence-his silent promise to her that, no matter what happened, they would face it together. Alessia exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself. It was hard to shake the nerves, but she knew that the time had come. There was no turning back now.

Gunther Braun's voice broke through her thoughts, his authoritative tone commanding the attention of the entire arena. The large speaker system amplified his presence, and Alessia couldn't help but feel the pressure build as the entire crowd turned their focus to him. He was the voice of the tournament, a figure who had seen countless All Valley matches, but tonight, his words felt heavier, more significant.

"It is my great honor," Gunther said, his words ringing out with the weight of history, "to introduce our guest referee, a local hero and former All Valley champion... Darryl Vidal!"

The crowd erupted into applause, a thundering wave of sound that echoed off the walls of the arena. Alessia's eyes flickered toward the man who had just been introduced. Darryl Vidal stood tall, his presence undeniably commanding. He exuded the confidence of someone who had earned their place in this arena-a reminder to all of the history, the blood, sweat, and tears that had been poured into every match. His smile was warm, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes, a recognition of how far these competitors had come to reach this point.

"Thank you, Mr. Braun," Darryl replied, his deep voice resonating throughout the arena. "Now tell me-are you ready for the world's best karate?"

The crowd roared back in response, their energy swelling until it felt like the arena itself was vibrating with the excitement. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, palpable-each breath in the crowd seemed to match the collective anticipation of the final fights.

But amidst the cheers, Alessia heard a familiar voice pierce through the noise.

"Yeah, Robby! Kick some ass! YEAH!"

Alessia couldn't help but chuckle despite the tension curling in her stomach. It was Robby's family-there, cheering him on as they always had. And even though the nerves still twisted in her chest, a wave of warmth spread through her at the thought of their unwavering support. No matter what happened tonight, she knew they were here for them-and that, in itself, was enough to make her heart swell with pride.

Gunther's voice cut through the applause, bringing the crowd's attention back to the tournament. He spoke again, his tone shifting to something more official, more serious.

"Of the world's sixteen best dojos, it has all come down to our final three. The Iron Dragons... Miyagi-Do Karate... and Cobra Kai."

The mention of Miyagi-Do sent a pang through Alessia's chest. She could see Robby and Sam standing together with their heads held high, the familiar Miyagi-Do unity unmistakable. They were still standing strong, despite everything that had happened.

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

Alessia's gaze drifted toward Axel, standing across the room with an unsettling stillness about him. There was something in his posture that caught her attention, a subtle change in his demeanor that sent a shiver down her spine. For a brief moment, his confidence seemed to crack. His sensei, Wolf, leaned in, whispering something in Axel's ear. Whatever it was, Axel's jaw tightened, his usual smirk fading into something harder-more focused.

Gunther continued, detailing the rules of the match-three two-minute rounds with unlimited scoring, the promise of knockout points and the pursuit of individual and dojo glory. But Alessia barely heard the words anymore. Her mind was racing in a thousand directions. Robby's fight, Axel's odd behavior, her own role in all of this-it was a whirlwind, a storm that she wasn't sure she was ready to weather.

Gunther paused, his voice becoming somber as he addressed the crowd once more. "Now, will everyone please stand and join me in a moment of silence for our fallen competitor, Kwon Jae-Sung."

The atmosphere in the arena shifted instantly. The applause, the energy-it all dissipated, replaced by a hushed reverence. Alessia's heart thudded in her chest as she closed her eyes, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The loss of Jae-Sung had struck everyone hard. His absence, though brief, had left a shadow over the tournament.

And then, a sound broke the silence-a faint crunch.

Alessia's eyes snapped open, her gaze immediately shifting to Mitch, who was sitting casually on the floor, munching on a bag of chips as though nothing in the world mattered. She couldn't help it-despite the heaviness in her heart, a snicker escaped her lips. The absurdity of it all, the tension, the high-stakes drama, and Mitch's complete disregard for it... It was a small moment of levity amidst the chaos.

Gunther cleared his throat, recovering from the brief interruption. "Thank you," he said, his voice carrying once more. "Now, for our first match-or should I say, rematch..."

He turned his gaze toward the two fighters, and Alessia's breath hitched.

"Axel Kovacevic versus Robby Keene."

Her eyes flicked between Robby and Axel, her stomach twisting. It was time.

Alessia's breath came in sharp, shallow gasps, her chest rising and falling like she had sprinted across the entire arena. The noise of the crowd echoed in the background, a constant hum that almost felt like it was vibrating in her bones. Her hands gripped the edges of her gi tightly, fingers turning white from the tension. The sweat on her forehead stung as it dripped down, but it wasn't enough to pull her focus away from what was unfolding in front of her.

Robby stood across from Axel, bowing to their senseis with a steady, almost too-cool confidence. Alessia felt a knot form in her stomach at the sight of him. He had worked so damn hard for this moment-the pain, the sacrifices, the times he had almost given up. Robby wasn't just fighting for victory. He was fighting for everything, for the redemption he craved. And Alessia, despite the nerves eating away at her insides, couldn't help but feel immense pride for him. But also fear. Fear of what might happen if he failed.

Axel was a different story. Standing across from Robby, his demeanor was sharp and calculating, a cold and controlled precision in every movement. Alessia's gaze flickered over to Sensei Wolf, his eyes narrowed in a way that made her skin crawl. The way Axel looked to him for approval-no, for validation-was the kind of dependency that turned a person into a weapon. A weapon that could hurt people. And Alessia knew that Axel was dangerous. The way he responded to Wolf's subtle gestures, how his movements tightened in sync with his sensei's instructions, was enough to set off alarms in her mind. He wasn't just fighting for the trophy-he was fighting to prove something to a man who controlled him.

The match began.

Axel made the first move, lunging at Robby with a brutal kick aimed at his ribs. Robby, however, wasn't caught off guard. In one smooth motion, he deflected the strike, his body a fluid blend of control and speed. Alessia's breath hitched as Robby and Axel locked in combat, the clash of fists and feet creating a rhythm in the air that was almost mesmerizing. It was a dance, but one with no room for mistakes. Each strike was more than just an attack-it was a statement. Every block, every hit, every movement had weight behind it.

The tension in Alessia's chest tightened with each passing second. She had watched Robby fight Axel before, but this felt different. There was something in the air tonight, a heavy sense of inevitability, and she hated it. Axel was getting more aggressive, pushing Robby harder than last time, forcing him to work for every defense. And with each exchange, Alessia felt the pit in her stomach grow deeper.

Axel struck again, his punches coming at Robby with blistering speed. Robby blocked each one, his movements sharp and controlled. Alessia's heart swelled with pride for him. He wasn't panicking, wasn't rushing. He was staying in the moment. But Axel-Axel was relentless, and Alessia could see it. She could feel the pressure building, the danger that lay in Axel's every move.

Then it happened.

Robby spun, his foot connecting with Axel's chest in a precise, brutal kick. The impact echoed through the arena.

"Point!" Darryl Vidal's voice rang out, cutting through the tension.

Alessia's eyes never left Axel as the crowd erupted in applause. Axel's eyes, sharp and calculating, narrowed for just a moment before darting toward Sensei Wolf. Alessia saw it-the unspoken message, the quiet exchange of approval. Axel didn't just want to win; he needed it. For his sensei. For the validation.

Alessia's stomach churned. She had seen this before-the way Axel let Wolf control him, the way he let himself become nothing more than an instrument. She wasn't sure if he even knew who he was outside of the dojo. And it terrified her.

But Robby didn't falter. He stayed focused, his posture relaxed but ready. He wasn't going to let Axel take this from him.

Axel, however, wasn't going to back down. His stance shifted, his muscles tensing in preparation for the next onslaught. Something in the air changed, like the calm before a storm.

"Shit," Alessia whispered, her nails digging into the edge of her seat.

The fight picked up in intensity. Axel struck with a speed that made Robby stumble back. The impact of Axel's kick sent Robby off balance, and Axel was quick to follow, landing a punishing blow to Robby's side.

"Point! Two points!" Darryl's voice cut through the air, and Alessia winced as Robby's face twisted in pain.

She could see it. Robby was hurt-she could read it in the way his movements slowed, the way he winced with every step. Axel saw it, too. And now he had the upper hand.

Alessia's breath caught in her throat as they entered the final round. The energy in the arena felt electric, thick with anticipation. Every move seemed to carry more weight now, every exchange more dangerous. Alessia's heart hammered in her chest, each beat like a drum in her ears. She had to believe in Robby. She had to believe that he could pull through.

The fight surged forward, both fighters pushing themselves to their limits, each attack more vicious than the last. And then-then it happened.

Robby went for a high kick. Axel was faster.

In one fluid, brutal motion, Axel grabbed Robby's leg mid-air. His grip was unrelenting, and before Robby could react, Axel twisted. The snap of Robby's leg breaking echoed through the arena.

A sickening crack filled the air, followed by Robby's scream. It was raw, guttural, and it tore through Alessia like a knife.

Her vision blurred as Robby crumpled to the mat, his body contorted in pain. His leg, twisted at an unnatural angle, was a horrifying sight. Blood began to pool beneath him, staining the mat in a stark contrast to the white of his gi.

"Robby!" Alessia screamed, her voice breaking. She surged to her feet, but her legs felt like they were made of lead. The world around her seemed to slow as medics rushed to the mat, their faces grim as they knelt by Robby's side. The crowd's noise became a distant blur. Alessia could barely hear anything beyond the frantic pounding of her own heart.

Her stomach dropped.

All that mattered now was him.

Alessia's fingers twitched as she stood by Robby's side, the sterile smell of the medic's room lingering in the air. The medic had just finished adjusting Robby's injury, carefully pulling the leg of his gi pant down to reveal the bruise on his leg. Alessia could see the faint tremor in his fingers, the tightness in his jaw, but he was trying his hardest to keep it together, the way he always did. He never wanted to show how much pain he was in. The room was heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unshed emotions, a silence that hung thick in the air after the medic exited, leaving them alone.

Daniel's frustration was palpable as he slammed a locker shut, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the quiet room. His hand ran through his hair, tugging at it as though trying to pull out the frustration along with the strands. "Damn it," he muttered, his voice low and rough, eyes dark with anger as he turned to Chozen. The tension in his shoulders was like a coiled spring, tight and ready to snap. "Ch-Chozen, do you know how to...?" His voice cracked with desperation, the question trailing off as though hoping Chozen had some kind of miracle cure.

But Chozen only shook his head, arms crossed over his chest. "Heat massage not magic, Daniel-san," he said firmly, his voice steady, but the truth was unwavering. "Broken bone needs time to heal."

Daniel let out a sharp breath, pacing the small room like a lion in a cage. "I just can't believe Silver's going to get away with this," he muttered bitterly. His words were like acid, and Alessia could feel the weight of his frustration. But she wasn't going to let herself get lost in it-not now.

Looking at Robby, Alessia's expression softened, her hands nervously adjusting her gi. She took a breath, her voice clear but full of the confidence that had been growing inside her for a while. "You know, Sam can do this," she said, her tone almost daring the room to disagree. "She can win this. She's not going to let Silver get away with it either." The words felt almost like a promise-a beacon of hope in the middle of all the chaos.

Daniel's eyes flickered to her, his brow furrowing in thought. He looked at her for a long moment, the weight of her certainty hanging in the air. There was hesitation in his eyes, but something about her unwavering confidence made him pause. He wanted to believe her.

Before Daniel could respond, Shannon moved toward Robby, her gaze softening as she brushed his hair away from his forehead. Her fingers lingered there for just a moment, as if memorizing the feel of him before letting go. "Hey," she murmured, her voice a gentle balm in the midst of all the tension. "You were awesome. I'm so proud of you."

Robby's eyes, which had been averted from everyone in the room, slowly met her gaze. The change in his expression was subtle but significant, a flicker of something-relief, maybe comfort-flashing in his eyes. "Thanks, Mom," he murmured, his voice quiet but sincere, and for a brief moment, Alessia saw Robby as he might have been-before all of this.

Shannon smiled at him, her expression warm with pride, and Alessia found herself swallowing hard, trying to block the lump in her throat.

As Robby shifted slightly on the table, a soft sigh left him, and he looked around at the group with tired eyes. "Do you guys mind if I have a minute to myself?" he asked, his voice low, but the exhaustion in it was unmistakable.

Chozen nodded without hesitation, his gaze understanding. "Take all the time you need, Robby-san."

Daniel hesitated, his brow furrowed, but he eventually gave a nod, gesturing for Shannon to follow him. "We'll be outside," he said softly, his voice still thick with frustration.

As the door closed behind them, Alessia's fists clenched at her sides. She turned to Robby, her gaze hardening with a fury she could no longer contain. "I can't believe what Axel did," she whispered, the words biting. "I'm so sorry, Robby. I'm gonna make sure Tory wins."

Robby's fingers, still trembling from the pain, found hers, his touch warm despite the searing ache he must have been feeling. "Alessia," he said, his voice low and heavy with concern. "You should compete. Take Tory's place. Tory wouldn't mind. You deserve this. At the All Valley, Silver cheated. They said you were high and you weren't."

The words struck her like a thunderclap, and Alessia's breath caught in her throat. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead, lingering just for a moment before pulling back. Her hand brushed his hair gently, and she smiled faintly. "Just rest, okay?" she murmured.

Robby didn't argue. He just gave her hand one last squeeze before letting go, his grip weakening as his exhaustion caught up with him.

Without another word, Alessia turned, her heart pounding in her chest as she made her way to the door. As she stepped out, her mind buzzed with the weight of what Robby had said. He wanted her to fight. He believed in her. The words echoed in her ears as she moved down the hallway, each step taking her further from the silence of the room where Robby lay, recovering. But Alessia wasn't sure if she was ready to carry that weight.

Not yet.

But maybe, just maybe, she would.

The arena buzzed with electric energy, but it was a taut kind of anticipation, like the moment before a storm hits. The air felt heavy, thick with the unspoken tension that gripped the crowd, their excitement tempered by a quiet, almost palpable sense of uncertainty. Gunther Braun's voice broke through the murmurs, steady and commanding, drawing the attention of everyone in the packed arena. "The Sekai Taikai has always been unpredictable, but this year has been unlike any other," he announced, his words hanging in the air, stirring curiosity like a gentle breeze before a storm. He let the silence settle, giving the audience time to soak in his words, to anticipate what was to come.

A subtle ripple of murmurs spread across the crowd, growing in intensity as Gunther continued. "Samantha LaRusso has elected not to fight," he said, each word cutting through the stillness like a sharp knife. "And Tory Nichols has also decided to step down." The words echoed, and for a brief moment, it felt like the very arena held its breath.

The Iron Dragons exchanged quick, measured glances-sharp, calculating, their faces unreadable. Their reactions were cool, detached, but as Gunther's words settled, the faintest glimmer of satisfaction flickered in their eyes. The unexpected turn of events had worked in their favor-something they hadn't anticipated, but now they couldn't hide their approval. There was a quiet thrill in the air, an unspoken acknowledgment that this new development had tilted the playing field in their favor.

Gunther wasn't finished. His voice remained as sharp as ever, but now there was a new, darker weight to it. "This decision officially ends Miyagi-Do Karate's impressive underdog run," he announced with a dramatic pause, his tone deliberate, almost cruel. The words seemed to hang in the air for an eternity, and the crowd went still. Gunther's voice rang out again, louder now. "Let's give them a round of applause."

A thin, almost polite round of applause followed-a faint, lackluster sound that didn't carry the weight of true celebration. The audience had expected more, wanted more-a thrilling climax to what had been a long and grueling journey. But instead, there was only the hollow echo of anticlimax. Murmurs of disappointment rippled through the stands as the crowd slowly realized they had been robbed of the moment they had been waiting for. Even the competitors on the sidelines seemed disoriented, their reactions muted, unsure of how to respond to this sudden shift.

Gunther remained poised, his figure a sharp contrast to the air of confusion around him. His suit was immaculate, his posture perfect as he surveyed the arena with an almost cold detachment. The silence stretched, and he broke it once more. "This now concludes our semifinal matches. Cobra Kai's decision not to name a replacement for their fallen captain means that Axel Kovacevic automatically becomes our new male champion."

A polite round of applause followed, but it was just as tepid as the last. The crowd wasn't moved. They wanted excitement, a battle worth remembering. Instead, they were given predictability-too easy, too clean, too obvious. There was no drama, no fire.

Gunther adjusted his tie, his movements sharp and controlled, before his next words dropped like a bombshell. "However," he said, his voice now quieter, tinged with suspense. The room seemed to lean in as one, holding its collective breath. "They have named a replacement. Miguel Diaz!" The crowd's reaction was immediate, a wave of surprise rippling through them. "And replacing Tory Nichols... Alessia Chavez!"

The shift in the atmosphere was immediate and electric. The Iron Dragons' faces faltered for just a moment-confusion creeping into their expressions, their calculated composure cracking. They had not anticipated this. The shock of it hit them harder than they could have predicted. Whispers swept through their ranks, their smug approval turning to uncertain curiosity. The crowd, initially stunned, slowly began to react, the surprise turning to a mix of awe and excitement.

Gunther's eyes gleamed with the thrill of the moment, his grin widening as he gestured toward the entrance. The lights dimmed, the air thickened with anticipation, and then, through the smoke that began to billow from the entrance, two figures emerged-Alessia Chavez and Miguel Diaz. The crowd gasped, their shock morphing into disbelief as the two Cobra Kai warriors strode forward. Their movements were synchronized, confident, their black and yellow gis glinting under the arena lights, sharp and commanding.

The crowd, stunned at first, erupted into applause. It was a roar, a deafening wave of sound that echoed across the arena. The shock had faded, replaced by a surge of energy, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the crowd felt alive. They were witnessing the beginning of something monumental, something they hadn't seen coming. Clementine's heart raced in her chest as she watched the two of them, her pulse quickening with every step they took. Her eyes flicked to Miguel, and for a brief moment, their gazes locked-an unspoken understanding, a bond forged through the fires of their shared past. Then, her eyes moved to Robby, who was watching her intently. He smiled at her, the expression full of pride, and for a moment, everything seemed to fall into place.

The crowd's energy swelled as Gunther's voice rang out once again. "Coached by the two-time All Valley champion and their new sensei... Johnny Lawrence!" The announcement sent another ripple of excitement through the crowd, the volume of their applause growing exponentially. The crowd's admiration for the trio was undeniable. Johnny Lawrence, with his iconic smirk and casual confidence, had become a figurehead in a movement that had once seemed impossible.

Johnny walked confidently toward the mat, his relaxed demeanor and effortless authority commanding the attention of everyone in the arena. He stood beside Alessia and Miguel, his arms crossed over his chest, exuding a calm power that seemed almost unstoppable. The applause was thunderous now, a roar of admiration and excitement that filled the arena, echoing off the walls. This wasn't just a team-it was a statement. It was a declaration that things were changing, and there was no going back.

For Alessia, the moment was overwhelming. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat syncing with the intensity of the crowd's energy. She could feel the weight of what was happening-the gravity of this shift, of this challenge she had taken on. It wasn't just about winning anymore. It was about something far more profound. This was her moment to prove that she wasn't just a pawn in someone else's game, that she had the power to take control of her own fate.

Her eyes flicked across the arena, landing on the far side where Terry Silver stood, watching with his cold, calculating gaze. His expression was unreadable, but when his eyes met hers, a flicker of something dark passed over his face. His lips pressed into a tight line, a silent acknowledgment that he had seen her, that he knew what this moment meant.

Alessia smirked back, her gaze fierce, unrelenting. This was her time. No more hiding. No more being controlled. With Johnny by her side, she was taking control of her destiny, and no one-not Terry Silver, not anyone-was going to take that away from her.

Her breath came steady, her smirk unwavering as she held his gaze, the fire within her burning brighter than ever before. This moment would be remembered, not for the fight to come, but for everything it stood for. Alessia Chavez was no longer anyone's pawn. She was here to take control-and she wasn't going to let anyone, not even Terry Silver, forget it.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

this book is coming to end soon🤧

alessia and robby i love you scene soon?

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

PLEASE STOP BEING A GHOST READER AND VOTE!! PLEASE!!!!

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