chapter fifty-six:
❛ to good days ❜

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The hotel lobby was buzzing with activity: the click of suitcase wheels on polished floors, the hum of distant conversation, and the faint scent of coffee wafting from the café nearby. Arizona stood next to Miguel near the concierge desk, her arms loosely crossed as she laughed at something he had said. The warmth of her laughter lit up her face, and Miguel, grinning at his success in making her laugh, pulled her into a quick hug. He kissed her cheek casually, a gesture so natural it spoke volumes about how comfortable they were together.

"I wonder what kind of sightseeing we can squeeze in before the fight," Arizona mused, tilting her head thoughtfully.

Miguel's smile faltered as his focus shifted. His playful expression darkened, and his brows furrowed. "Okay, what is this guy's problem?" he muttered, his voice sharper than before.

Arizona blinked, confused, and turned to follow his gaze. Standing a few feet away near the entrance was Axel, his arms stuffed into the pockets of his jacket. His eyes were fixed on her and Miguel, though as soon as she looked at him, he jerked his head away, feigning interest in the hotel décor.

Arizona let out a tired sigh, turning back to Miguel, who was glaring daggers in Axel's direction. "Look," she started, her voice low and steady. "The night you flew home, I ended up running into him on the beach." She paused, gauging Miguel's reaction, but he was still staring at Axel. She pressed on. "We got to talking, and I guess he got the wrong idea." She hesitated before continuing. "He tried to kiss me."

Miguel's head whipped back toward her, his brown eyes narrowing slightly, but Arizona raised her hands quickly to cut him off. "I immediately backed away, Miguel. I shut it down-fast. Nothing happened, okay?"

Miguel held her gaze for a moment, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly as he processed her words. He nodded, his face softening. "I know," he said quietly, his voice filled with trust. "You wouldn't cheat. That's not who you are."

Relieved, Arizona smiled faintly, but she couldn't help but notice Miguel's attention drift back to Axel, his glare returning with full force.

"He knows I have a boyfriend," Arizona added, her tone exasperated. "I told him right away. I don't think he's taking it super well, but I've made it crystal clear. I told Dylan and Sam about it, but I didn't tell you, and I'm sorry. I should have. It's just..." She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "There's been so much going on. With Cobra Kai being back and Terry Silver stirring up trouble again, it slipped my mind."

Miguel shook his head, dismissing her concern. "No, Ari. I get it. I'm not mad at you. I don't blame you for any of this." He gestured toward Axel with an irritated wave of his hand. "But clearly, he doesn't get it."

Miguel's words carried an edge of frustration as he locked eyes with Axel, who, despite trying to look nonchalant, was still sneaking glances at them.

Arizona placed a hand on Miguel's arm, trying to soothe him. "What is this? A Miguel-Robby chapter two?" she joked, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Except now it's Miguel versus Axel. You and Robby finally worked out your issues, and now there's this random guy who's into your girlfriend-me-and he wants to fight you for me."

Miguel rolled his eyes, but a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Oh, if he wants you," he said, his tone laced with confidence, "he's gonna have to go through me first."

Arizona chuckled, shaking her head at his bravado. "Of course, you'd say that."

Miguel shrugged, slipping his hands into his pockets. "What can I say? I don't back down when it comes to what's mine."

Arizona laughed, squeezing his arm affectionately. "Relax, okay? I'm not going anywhere. You don't need to fight anyone."

Miguel's expression softened, but his eyes darted toward Axel one last time, his stare cold and unyielding. "Yeah, well," he muttered, "someone needs to remind him of that."

Arizona rolled her eyes playfully and tugged at his arm. "Come on, let's figure out what we want to do before the fight. Forget about him, okay?"

Miguel exhaled through his nose, nodding reluctantly. He wrapped an arm around Arizona's shoulders as they walked toward the exit. But as they passed through the glass doors, Miguel glanced over his shoulder one last time, his glare sending a clear message: Back off.

The hotel lobby was a mix of quiet elegance and low chatter, with sunlight streaming through the tall glass windows and casting golden streaks on the polished marble floor. Dylan was leaning awkwardly against the back of a sleek armchair, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he adjusted his glasses for the third time in a minute. He looked down at Sam, perched on the armrest of the chair, her nose buried in a glossy guidebook about Barcelona.

"So, uh, I've been thinking," Dylan began, his voice slightly higher-pitched than usual, betraying his nervousness. He cleared his throat, his hands fidgeting in his jacket pockets. "Not, like, overthinking or anything. Well, maybe a little. But, uh, I was wondering... what if we tried something different today?"

Sam looked up from the guidebook, her dark eyes curious. "Different how?"

"Like... okay, so we've already seen the big stuff," Dylan said, gesturing vaguely as if the sights were floating around them. "You know, Sagrada Família, Park Güell... the, uh, Gothic Quarter. Which were all amazing! I mean, Gaudí's work is just-mind-blowing, honestly. Did you know his use of hyperbolic paraboloids in architecture is-uh, sorry, I'm rambling." He ran a hand through his messy hair, his cheeks flushing slightly.

Sam smirked, closing the guidebook and giving him her full attention. "You're cute when you ramble. Go on."

Dylan blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Oh. Uh. Thanks." He coughed awkwardly and straightened his posture. "Anyway, I was thinking we could ditch the usual tourist spots and, you know, go find something more... authentic. Like, maybe a hidden café or a street market where locals hang out. No guidebooks, just us exploring. What do you think?"

Sam tilted her head thoughtfully, studying him. "So, let me get this straight. You're suggesting we wander around Barcelona with no plan, no idea where we're going, and just hope we don't end up horribly lost?"

"Uh... yes?" Dylan said, wincing slightly. "I mean, that's where the fun is, right? Getting lost and discovering something amazing along the way? It's kind of like life." He paused, realizing how corny that sounded. "Okay, that was lame. Forget I said that."

Sam laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, it's not lame. It's actually kind of sweet. And honestly, I'm not totally against it. I've always wanted to see a city through a local's eyes. Plus, I trust your nerdy instincts."

Dylan's face lit up, though he quickly tried to play it cool. "Really? You'd trust me with that? Even though I once got lost in our high school parking lot for twenty minutes?"

"That's what makes it exciting," Sam teased, poking his arm. "You never know where you'll take us."

He laughed nervously, his hand instinctively adjusting his glasses again. "Okay, well, don't blame me if we end up in a random alley with a stray cat judging us."

Sam leaned back on the armrest, her smile softening. "It's weird, though. Thinking this might be the last time we can do something like this before college. Just... pick up and go, no responsibilities, no pressure."

Dylan nodded, his smile fading into a more serious expression. "Yeah. I've been thinking about that too. I mean, once college starts, it's like... schedules, internships, deadlines. It feels like everything's gonna change, you know?"

"Exactly," Sam said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "That's why I want to make the most of this trip. No regrets."

Dylan hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "What if we did this after graduation? Like, a big trip. Not just Barcelona, but... everywhere."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Everywhere?"

"Yeah," he said, warming to the idea. "Like, a road trip across Europe. Paris, Rome, Amsterdam... maybe Greece? Or... or Vienna! Did you know they have the oldest Ferris wheel in the world? It's over 200 years old, and it's still operational! Which is kind of terrifying, now that I think about it, but also really cool."

Sam chuckled, her eyes lighting up. "You really thought this through, didn't you?"

"Kind of," Dylan admitted, his ears turning red. "I mean, not in a creepy way! I just... thought it'd be cool to see the world together. No guidebooks, just a map and... uh, snacks. Lots of snacks."

Sam smiled at him, her heart warming at his enthusiasm. "You're such a dork."

"Guilty as charged," Dylan said, grinning sheepishly. "But, uh, seriously. What do you think? After graduation, we make it happen?"

Sam held out her hand for him to shake, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Deal. But for now, let's focus on conquering Barcelona."

Dylan shook her hand, his nerves momentarily forgotten. "Conquering Barcelona it is. Let's go find that hidden café."

As they headed toward the exit, Dylan couldn't help but glance sideways at Sam, his heart full despite his constant overthinking. For once, he felt like maybe, just maybe, he'd said the right thing.

The hotel lobby teemed with restless energy, the kind that clung to the air and seeped into every corner. 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 loitered in clusters, their postures taut with unease. Competitors paced back and forth, their faces taut with apprehension, while others leaned silently against walls, their gazes shifting nervously to the imposing figure standing at the center of the room.

Gunther Braun stood tall and motionless, his very presence commanding silence. Dressed in a crisp black suit, he seemed carved from stone, his piercing gaze scanning the crowd like a storm preparing to break.

Arizona lingered at the fringes of the gathering, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her posture a study in restrained tension. She felt like an outsider looking in, her sharp gaze cutting through the crowd to land briefly on Tory Nichols, who stood amidst the Cobra Kai team. Tory's expression was unreadable, her eyes distant. A pang of frustration and something else-something unwelcome-stabbed at Arizona's chest.

Next to her, Miguel shifted uncomfortably, his weight shifting from one foot to the other. He glanced around as though searching for answers in the faces of the gathered competitors. "What's going on?" he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

Arizona barely had time to respond before the air in the room shifted. A hush descended like a curtain as Gunther Braun stepped forward, his movements deliberate, his aura heavy with authority. Conversations died mid-sentence, the low buzz replaced by the quiet hum of tension.

"My apologies for summoning you all here so abruptly," Gunther began, his voice deep and resonant, cutting through the silence with practiced ease. "But under the circumstances, it was necessary."

Miguel leaned closer to Arizona, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What's he talking about?"

Arizona shook her head slightly, her stomach twisting as Gunther's words hung ominously in the air.

"The Sekai Taikai," Gunther continued, his hands clasped 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 room, followed by an explosion of hushed whispers. The crowd buzzed with speculation, heads turning toward one another as accusations hung unspoken in the air. Arizona's chest tightened, her breath catching in her throat.

"Cheating?" she whispered, her eyes darting toward Miguel. "Is it Cobra Kai?"

Gunther raised a hand, silencing the murmurs as easily as a conductor halting an orchestra. His gaze sharpened, locking onto a group near the back of the room. All eyes followed his line of sight, settling on the Udar Tigra team. Their orange-and-black uniforms stood out like a warning sign against the more subdued tones of the lobby.

"Sensei Ivanov," Gunther announced, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "Four of your students have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs."

The room erupted in shocked exclamations, the crowd reacting with incredulity. Gasps and murmurs swirled like wildfire.

Arizona's eyes widened. "No way," she muttered, her voice barely audible over the din.

Across the room, Sensei Ivanov's face turned an alarming shade of red. Fury etched itself into every line of his face as he stormed forward. "This is outrageous!" he bellowed, his thick accent sharpening his words like knives. "You are accusing my students? My dojo? This is a disgrace!"

Gunther didn't flinch. His expression remained cold, unyielding, and resolute. "Your team is hereby eliminated from the tournament," he stated, his words as final as a judge's gavel.

Ivanov's outrage boiled over. "This is bullshit!" he roared, gesturing wildly. "Why don't you come over here and remove me yourself?"

The crowd recoiled slightly, tension rippling through the room like an electric current. Arizona exchanged a glance with Miguel, her heart pounding in her chest. She caught Dylan's eye near the elevators, his face pale with shock.

Gunther's voice cracked through the uproar like a whip. "Sensei Ivanov!" His tone was sharp, commanding immediate attention. "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, his fury barely contained. His glare was molten with hatred as he turned to his students. "We're leaving!" he snarled, 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 seemed to exhale collectively, the silence thick with disbelief.

"Holy crap," Arizona muttered under her breath. "I can't believe that just happened."

Gunther adjusted his suit jacket with a precision that suggested he was unbothered by the drama that had just unfolded. "Replacing Udar Tigra will be the dojo with the next highest point total," he announced, his voice calm, authoritative, and void of emotion.

Arizona's stomach sank. She didn't need him to say it; she already knew what was coming.

"Wait," she began, turning to Miguel, her voice tinged with dread. "That means-"

"Cobra Kai."

Cheers erupted from the Cobra Kai team, their voices a jarring contrast to the solemn atmosphere. Arizona's gaze snapped to Tory, who stood among them, her expression unreadable. For a moment, their eyes met, but Tory quickly averted her gaze, her jaw tightening.

"Of course," Arizona muttered bitterly. "They're back in."

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

The crowd fell silent again as Gunther unfolded a set of cards. "In the girls' bracket, the first semifinal will be Maria Alvarez versus Zara Malik. And in the second match, Tory Nichols against Arizona Alvarez."

Arizona winced. Her stomach twisted into knots as her eyes darted to Tory, who exchanged a charged, tense look with Tory across the room.

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

The announcement set the room buzzing again. Arizona crossed her arms, her body rigid as she processed the news.

"Great," Demetri muttered from nearby. "Axel the Invincible and Arizona-Tory chapter a hundred."

Arizona shook her head, exhaling heavily. She turned away from the crowd, her frustration mounting, and walked briskly toward the exit, needing a moment to collect herself.

The streets of Barcelona buzzed with life, a vibrant tapestry of laughter, street musicians, and the faint aroma of fresh bread and espresso drifting from nearby cafés. The golden afternoon sun spilled between the narrow alleys, casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets as Sam and Dylan meandered, the promise of discovering a hidden gem fueling their pace.

"So," Dylan said, glancing over at Sam with a playful smirk, "you still trust me to pick the place? Or are you secretly Googling 'cool cafés in Barcelona' right now?"

Sam rolled her eyes but grinned. "I said I'd give you the benefit of the doubt. But if it's another tourist trap, I'm making you pay for the overpriced latte."

Dylan feigned a wounded expression, clutching his chest. "You wound me. Trust me, Sam. I've got a sixth sense for this kind of thing. We're looking for authenticity, charm, and-" He paused dramatically, sniffing the air. "Great coffee."

They turned a corner, the narrow street opening into a small plaza framed by colorful buildings with wrought iron balconies. In the center, a fountain trickled softly, surrounded by mismatched tables and chairs. The café Dylan pointed to stood on the far side, its rustic wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze: Café Encanto. Ivy crawled up the faded brick walls, and string lights crisscrossed the seating area, twinkling faintly even in the daylight.

Sam stopped and stared. "Okay, I'll admit, it looks... promising."

"Promising?" Dylan echoed, already heading toward the café. "This place is the definition of cool. Just wait till you try their coffee. I can feel it-it's going to change your life."

As they stepped inside, the café revealed itself to be even more charming. The interior was cozy, with exposed wooden beams, a counter stacked with pastries, and an eclectic collection of mismatched furniture. A vinyl record spun on a vintage player, filling the air with soft jazz. Behind the counter, a cheerful barista with a half-shaven head and a sleeve of tattoos greeted them in rapid Catalan, her smile warm.

Dylan leaned casually against the counter, attempting his best Spanish. "Dos cafés con leche, por favor."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Look at you, Mr. Multilingual."

Dylan winked. "I'm a man of many talents. Coffee ordering just happens to be one of them."

They took their drinks to a table by the window, where the afternoon sunlight spilled across the wooden surface. Sam took a tentative sip, and her eyes widened. "Okay, I hate to admit this, but this might actually be the best coffee I've ever had."

Dylan leaned back in his chair, a smug grin on his face. "I told you. Sixth sense."

She shook her head, laughing softly. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Impossible, but always right," he countered, raising his cup in a mock toast.

They fell into easy conversation, the kind that ebbed and flowed effortlessly, punctuated by moments of comfortable silence as they watched the plaza outside. A street musician began playing a soulful melody on his guitar, the notes drifting in through the open window. Sam leaned her chin on her hand, her expression soft as she took in the scene.

"This feels like one of those moments," she said quietly.

Dylan tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

"You know, one of those perfect little snapshots you'll always remember. The kind of thing you look back on and think, 'Yeah, that was a good day.'"

For a moment, Dylan didn't say anything, just studied her with a thoughtful expression. Then he raised his cup again. "To good days, then."

Sam smiled, clinking her cup against his. "To good days."

The streets of Barcelona were alive with the hum of the morning. Sunlight bathed the ancient buildings, their intricate facades glowing under the soft light. The smell of freshly baked bread and coffee drifted from nearby cafés, mingling with the salty tang of the Mediterranean breeze. Miguel and Arizona walked hand in hand, weaving through the cobblestone streets, their laughter a melody that blended seamlessly with the vibrant life of the city.

Miguel adjusted the strap of his camera as he pointed out details in the architecture. "Look at that balcony, Ari. The wrought iron designs-it's so intricate. And the flowers! It's like something out of a painting."

Arizona glanced up, shielding her eyes with her hand. "It's beautiful," she admitted, but her grin was playful. "But I think you're turning into my dad, nerding out over balconies."

Miguel rolled his eyes but smiled. "Hey, appreciating beauty is not nerdy. Besides," he added with a smirk, "I'm walking with the most beautiful thing in Barcelona right now."

Arizona groaned, her cheeks flushing despite herself. "You are such a dork."

"And you love it," he quipped, nudging her with his shoulder.

Their steps carried them toward the coast, and soon the sound of the waves lapping against the shore reached their ears. The beach stretched out before them, a golden expanse of sand meeting the brilliant blue of the sea. Arizona stopped in her tracks, her eyes lighting up.

"Miguel, look at that water. It's so clear and blue. We have to go down there!"

Miguel chuckled, watching her excitement. "All right, let's do it. But no racing this time-you always win."

Arizona grinned mischievously, already tugging him toward the sand. "That's because I'm faster, Diaz. Keep up!"

They kicked off their shoes, the warm sand soft under their feet. Arizona twirled in the breeze, her sundress catching the wind as she stretched her arms out wide. Miguel followed, his camera already in hand.

"Okay, hold still," he called out, lifting the camera to his eye.

"What? Why?" Arizona asked, mid-spin, her hair whipping around her face.

"Because you look perfect," he said simply, snapping a photo before she could protest.

Arizona stilled, giving him a mock-annoyed look. "You're such a sap."

Miguel lowered the camera and shrugged. "And yet, here you are. Must be working for me."

She laughed, shaking her head, and continued walking along the shoreline. The waves brushed against their ankles as they strolled, the cool water a refreshing contrast to the sun's warmth. Arizona pointed out a cluster of seashells, bending down to pick one up.

"Look at this one," she said, holding it out to Miguel. "It's so small, but it's perfect. You think it's okay if I take it?"

Miguel smiled, leaning closer. "I think the sea can spare one shell. Besides, it's a good souvenir."

Eventually, they found a spot beneath a group of tall palm trees that cast dappled shade over the sand. Miguel pulled a folded blanket from his backpack, shaking it out before laying it down.

"You came prepared," Arizona teased as she sat down.

Miguel shrugged. "Always. I'm not going to let you sit on the sand and complain about it later."

Arizona smirked, pulling her legs up beneath her. "Smart. What else do you have in there?"

Miguel reached into his bag, pulling out two small paper bags. "Pastries," he said triumphantly, handing her one. "Breakfast on the beach."

Arizona opened the bag and peeked inside. "You really thought of everything, didn't you?"

Miguel grinned, taking a bite of his pastry. "Just trying to make the most of this. Barcelona, the beach, you-it's a pretty perfect combination."

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're so cheesy."

"And yet, here you are," he repeated with a smirk.

After finishing their breakfast, they sat in companionable silence, watching the waves. Arizona leaned back on her hands, her eyes scanning the horizon.

"You know," she said softly, "this might be one of my favorite mornings ever. No stress, no drama. Just... this."

Miguel glanced at her, the sunlight catching in her hair. "It is pretty amazing," he agreed.

He hesitated for a moment before leaning closer. "But you know what would make it even better?"

Arizona turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Miguel didn't answer with words. Instead, he leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a soft, tender kiss. The sound of the waves and the distant calls of seagulls faded away, leaving only the warmth of the moment.

When they pulled back, Miguel rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love this. I love us. I love you."

Arizona's heart swelled, and she smiled, her fingers brushing against his. "I love you too, Miguel."

For a while, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other's presence, the world around them a blur. As the waves crashed gently against the shore, Miguel pulled her closer, and Arizona leaned into him, feeling like they were exactly where they were meant to be.

The next day, the arena thrummed with electric energy, the air thick with anticipation as spectators streamed into their seats. The massive venue was a spectacle in itself-high ceilings adorned with lights that bathed the polished floor in a gleaming brilliance, banners of competing dojos hanging proudly from the rafters, and the faint hum of an enormous crowd growing louder with each passing moment. Every corner seemed alive, charged with the weight of the semifinals about to unfold.

Competitors clustered near the edges of the mats, their uniforms crisp and vibrant against the sleek modern design of the arena. Coaches leaned in close, their voices low but urgent, giving last-minute pep talks and adjustments. Fighters stretched and shadowboxed, the tension evident in their sharp movements. The murmur of the crowd was a living, breathing thing-excited whispers swelling into bursts of applause as familiar names were announced on the giant digital screens above.

Arizona stood at the edge of the mat, her hands clenched into tight fists, nails biting into her palms as she worked to steady her breathing. Despite the cool air blasting from the arena's vents, her body radiated heat, a combination of nerves and adrenaline coursing through her veins. She was acutely aware of the eyes on her-fans, competitors, and her team. They weren't just watching; they were expecting.

Beside her, Robby adjusted his gi with calm precision, his expression unreadable. The quiet determination etched across his features was both reassuring and maddening. How could he look so composed while her pulse hammered in her ears? He caught her glance and offered a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment of shared resolve.

The speakers crackled, and Gunther Braun's deep, authoritative voice cut through the din, immediately commanding the attention of thousands.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!"

The crowd roared, the sound reverberating through the arena. Arizona felt the vibrations under her feet, a reminder that this was no ordinary fight-this was the Sekai Taikai.

Gunther continued, his voice like a drumbeat. "The Sekai Taikai Tournament of Champions!"

The audience erupted into another wave of cheers, the excitement reaching a fever pitch. Arizona took a deep breath, letting the noise wash over her. The energy in the room wasn't just overwhelming-it was contagious. She felt her nerves transform into something sharper, a razor-edged focus she would need for the battles ahead.

She glanced across the mat, her gaze landing on Tory. The girl was pacing, her movements restless and agitated, her jaw set in a way that Arizona recognized as both confidence and barely restrained fury. On the other side of the room, other fighters were preparing in their own ways-some with meditative calm, others with fiery determination. Each face reflected the same truth: this was their moment.

Gunther's voice rang out again, commanding attention. "Welcome, competitors, to the semifinal round of the Sekai Taikai. At this stage, each dojo retains the points they have accumulated thus far."

Arizona could feel the shift in the room as the competitors and their coaches recalculated strategies, mentally adjusting to their positions on the leaderboard. Her fists tightened as she focused, blocking out the noise around her. This wasn't just about skill-it was about precision, endurance, and seizing every opportunity.

"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, allowing the suspense to build, the entire arena holding its breath.

"That's worth 20 points."

The crowd erupted in deafening cheers, the stakes now clear to everyone. Arizona felt her heart pound against her ribs. Three rounds. No breaks. Every second would count. Every point would matter.

Gunther's voice was steady, carrying the weight of finality. "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 cheers crescendoed, a thunderous wave that filled every inch of the arena. Arizona exhaled slowly, her breath shaky but controlled. She rolled her shoulders, letting the tension bleed away as her muscles loosened in preparation.

Across the mat, Sam stood with her hands on her hips, her gaze locked on Tory, who stared back with a mix of defiance and exhaustion. Nearby, Robby's opponent Axel stretched, his towering form exuding an almost unshakable confidence. Arizona's eyes darted to Miguel, who caught her gaze and mouthed, "You've got this." She nodded, her jaw tightening. She had to.

Months of brutal training, countless hours in the dojo, and every punch she had thrown or taken had led to this moment. There was no room for hesitation. The spotlight was on her now, and she was ready to fight for it.

The arena pulsed with energy, a living entity in its own right, its vibrations resonating through every inch of the vast space. The overhead lights cast a blinding, intense glare on the mat, illuminating it like a stage set for an epic performance. The polished surface shimmered, reflecting the anxious anticipation of the audience below. As the announcement for Robby's match against Axel rang through the speakers, the air crackled with an electric current of tension, making every person in the stands hold their breath in unison. The sound of thousands of voices-cheers, chants, and the stomping of feet-roared together in a crescendo that shook the arena to its core, creating a palpable sense of urgency and excitement. The energy swelled like a wave ready to crash, sweeping across the crowd and leaving nothing but adrenaline in its wake.

Arizona stood near the edge of the competition floor, just beyond the lines of the mat, her heart pounding in her chest like a drumbeat. She clenched her hands together in a tight, white-knuckled grip, her fingers trembling slightly from the raw intensity of the moment. She couldn't help but wish Dylan were here beside her, his steady presence grounding her in the chaos of it all. He had stayed back at the hotel, opting to watch the match on TV-too much noise, he'd said, too many people for him to be comfortable in the stands. But it felt wrong, her heart aching a little in the absence of his familiar calm. Still, the thought of him watching from afar gave her a small measure of comfort. She wanted him here to witness Robby's moment, to see him stand tall in the spotlight he'd earned after so much hard work.

Her gaze snapped back to Robby as he stepped onto the mat, his movements fluid, but there was an unmistakable weight to his step, a pressure that she could almost feel in her own chest. Her breath hitched as she watched him take his place across from Axel, her pride swelling like a balloon in her chest, but it was tempered by a gnawing sense of worry she couldn't shake. She had seen Robby train, watched him push his body to the breaking point. She knew how much this meant to him, how much it would hurt if he didn't come out on top. The stakes were high-this was his chance to prove himself, not just to the world, but to himself.

Miguel, standing beside her, squeezed her hand tightly. His grip was firm, a silent reassurance that he was there with her, even though his own nerves were clearly running high. Arizona's eyes flicked back to Robby, who was now bowing to Axel in the traditional show of respect. The tension between them was electric, the unspoken challenge hanging thick in the air.

The referee's voice cut through the noise, clear and commanding: "Fight!"

With a swift, calculated movement, Robby launched the first strike, his foot slicing through the air with a speed that left Arizona breathless. The kick landed square on Axel's torso, forcing him to stagger back a few steps. Robby was quick to follow up, his fist aiming for Axel's head. But Axel was ready. He lifted his arms in a defensive block, absorbing the blow with a controlled poise that spoke to his experience and skill. The crowd let out a collective murmur of awe, appreciating the raw athleticism and technique on display.

Arizona leaned forward, her body tense, her fists clenched at her sides. Her eyes flicked back and forth between Robby and Axel, watching every movement, trying to catch any shift in the fight. She couldn't afford to blink, couldn't afford to miss a single moment. Her throat tightened as she muttered under her breath, "Come on, Robby. You've got this." Her voice was barely audible amidst the cheers, but the sentiment was there-hope wrapped in an urgent plea.

Robby adjusted his stance, his movements becoming faster, sharper, the fight intensifying with each passing second. His strikes came quicker now, more aggressive, as he worked to push Axel off balance. Axel, though, was a master of defense, his body weaving in and out of Robby's attacks with calculated precision. A high kick from Robby narrowly missed Axel's head as he ducked beneath it, just in time for Robby to spin and land a wide punch that Axel blocked effortlessly, his own body remaining in perfect alignment, barely reacting to the force.

Arizona's stomach churned as the back-and-forth continued. Axel wasn't just defending anymore-he was wearing Robby down, each block and parry designed to drain his energy, to leave him vulnerable. Arizona could see it, could almost feel the pressure mounting as Robby's attacks became more frantic. Axel was methodical, his every move designed to break Robby's rhythm, to exhaust him.

Then it happened.

Robby spun into a punch, adding extra momentum, trying to power through the defense. But Axel's reaction was lightning-fast. In a split second, Axel caught Robby's arm mid-swing, twisting it with brutal precision. With a smooth fluidity, Axel shifted his position, using Robby's own momentum against him, attempting to force him to the mat.

But Robby wasn't done yet. He planted his free hand on the mat, twisting his body with a controlled cartwheel to free himself from Axel's hold. The crowd gasped in collective admiration, and Arizona's heart leapt in her chest. "That's it, Robby," she whispered, her voice full of relief, "keep going."

But Axel wasn't shaken. His gaze was steely, unwavering as he moved back into position. He was calm, composed-he wasn't rattled by Robby's escape. He was calculating, and he had a plan.

At a sharp, curt command from Sensei Wolf, Axel lunged. His foot came down hard on Robby's ribs with a force that caused a loud crack to echo through the arena. Robby staggered back, visibly winded, but Axel was relentless. He pressed the advantage, landing two brutal punches to Robby's stomach, knocking the wind out of him completely.

The referee's whistle rang out, slicing through the noise. "Point!" he called, his voice firm, and the crowd's roar only intensified. Arizona's chest tightened, her breath shallow as she looked at Miguel, her face pale, a knot of fear twisting in her stomach. "I can't watch," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she buried her face in Miguel's shoulder.

The moment she closed her eyes, she heard a sharp, thunderous crack. She looked up just in time to see Axel gripping Robby's arms, his face twisted in a cold sneer. "Are you going to keep defending," Axel taunted, 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. Kwon and Yoon stood nearby, their smirks clearly visible as they watched the scene unfold, their eyes gleaming with a mix of superiority and anticipation. Arizona's pulse raced as she saw Robby stumble, his legs threatening to give out beneath him.

Arizona felt a chill settle in the pit of her stomach as she watched the tension between the fighters escalate. She knew something bad was about to happen-the way the air was thick with anger, the sharp edge of hostility in the crowd. She could almost feel the storm brewing, the storm that would soon break. As she scanned the room, her eyes locked onto Miguel and Robby, her heart pounding with anxiety. Then, without warning, Miguel let go of her hand, his expression dark with fury.

"Hey!" Miguel yelled, his voice cutting through the noise of the crowd as he stormed up to Axel. Arizona's breath hitched. She could see the rage in Miguel's eyes-his protective instincts flaring up as he made his way toward Robby, who had just been elbowed by Kwon.

But before Miguel could reach Robby, Axel moved with surprising speed. He reached out, grabbing Miguel and shoving him to the ground with a force that made Arizona's heart stop for a split second. The crowd's reaction was immediate-shocked gasps, murmurs of disbelief. Arizona's chest tightened, fury bubbling to the surface. She couldn't just stand there and let this happen.

She stormed up to Axel, her steps quick and determined. "Hey!" Her voice was firm, but there was a layer of disbelief in it. "I don't want to be mean, and I thought we could be friends, Axel, but don't push my boyfriend." Her words rang out, loud and clear, but Axel merely frowned, looking at her as if her words had no weight.

Before Axel could respond, Miguel pushed Arizona gently to the side. His expression was hard, his jaw clenched. "What the hell is your problem, huh?" Miguel snapped, grabbing Axel's gi collar with a vice-like grip, pulling Axel closer to him.

Arizona froze. Her heart raced as she realized how quickly things were spiraling out of control. She opened her mouth to shout at them to stop, but the chaos already seemed unstoppable.

"Stop! Stop this! Get ahold of yourselves!" Gunther's voice echoed across the arena, cutting through the tension like a knife. Arizona whipped around to find him shouting, trying to regain control of the situation, but the words felt futile against the storm of emotions now consuming the arena.

She turned back to Miguel just in time to see Axel push him back. The force sent Miguel stumbling, but he quickly regained his balance. Arizona's heart clenched as she watched them-Miguel's face flushed with anger, Axel's eyes glinting with the thrill of the fight. The tension between the two was almost tangible.

"Everybody off the mat now! Or this tournament-" Gunther shouted, but before he could finish his sentence, Arizona saw Sensei Ivanov, who had been eliminated earlier, shove Gunther in an unexpected move. The arena erupted into chaos.

Arizona's eyes widened. The situation had gone from bad to worse in an instant. Dojos started to turn on each other-fists flying, shouts filling the air. The sense of unity that had existed before was shattered, replaced by violence and mayhem. Arizona's stomach turned as the chaos unfolded before her.

Miguel and Axel were still locked in a fierce struggle, both of them grabbing each other by the collar, ready to go at it. Arizona's chest tightened, her instincts screaming at her to do something, anything, to stop the madness. She rushed toward them, pushing her way through the crowd.

"Guys, stop!" Arizona cried out desperately, her voice strained with frustration. She tried to get between them, but before she could make it to the two men, something sharp yanked at her hair. A jolt of pain shot through her scalp, and she gasped, her hands instinctively reaching up to grab at the girl's wrist that had grabbed a fistful of her hair.

Arizona's eyes locked onto the girl from Iron Dragons, who was grinning maliciously, her fingers tugging on Arizona's hair like it was a weapon. The crowd's noise became a distant hum in Arizona's ears as she quickly assessed the situation, her body reacting instinctively. She couldn't let this girl get the upper hand-she wouldn't let her.

The girl yanked harder, trying to pull Arizona into a lock, but Arizona twisted her body, using the momentum to break the grip on her hair. She immediately spun to face the girl, her feet planted firmly, her stance low and defensive. Arizona's eyes narrowed. She wasn't going to let herself get pushed around-not by anyone.

The girl came at her quickly, throwing a wild punch toward Arizona's face. Arizona leaned back just in time, narrowly dodging the blow, her body flowing fluidly with the movement. She wasn't trying to attack, only to defend, to move out of the way and tire the girl out. The girl threw another punch, but Arizona sidestepped, using her opponent's momentum against her. She grabbed the girl's wrist and twisted it sharply, forcing her opponent to stumble forward.

With a swift motion, Arizona pivoted on her heels, using her body's leverage to pull the girl off balance. She pushed the girl backward, sending her crashing into one of the nearby mats. The girl landed hard, but Arizona wasn't done yet-she needed to make sure the girl stayed down. She stepped back, keeping her guard up, her breath coming in quick, steady gasps.

"Stay down," Arizona said, her voice calm but firm, as she kept her eyes on the girl, waiting for any sign of movement.

The girl groaned, trying to push herself up, but Arizona quickly moved to stand in front of her, blocking her path. The chaos around them raged on, but Arizona focused only on her opponent. Her heart was pounding in her chest, but there was no time to think. She needed to stay sharp, stay focused, because this fight wasn't over yet.

Meanwhile, the noise in the arena continued to grow, the fighting intensifying as the dojos clashed, but for a brief moment, Arizona was still. She could feel her pulse in her ears, the adrenaline rushing through her veins, her focus locked on the girl in front of her. The only thing she could control right now was this fight-and she wasn't going to let it get out of hand. Not anymore.

Arizona's heart raced as the chaos in the arena swirled around her. She could barely make sense of what was happening-everything was a blur of bodies, shouts, and fists flying. The once orderly tournament had devolved into an all-out brawl, and Arizona was caught in the middle of it. She could hear Miguel's voice shouting somewhere in the chaos, but the noise was deafening, and his words got lost in the roar of the crowd.

"Miguel!" Arizona yelled, but her voice was drowned out by the shouting and the aggressive sounds of combat. She pushed her way through the crowd, trying to get to him, trying to stop the madness that was unfolding, but the press of bodies was too much. It felt like the arena had turned into an ocean of noise and aggression, and Arizona was just a small boat adrift in it.

She finally saw him-Miguel, struggling with Axel on the other side of the mat. Her heart surged with relief, but it was quickly replaced by a deep sense of dread. She could see him slipping, his guard faltering as Axel pushed him back. Arizona started to take a step toward him, but before she could get any closer, she was roughly shoved from behind.

A sharp gasp left her lips as she lost her footing, tumbling forward into the fray. The impact knocked the air from her lungs, and before she could recover, two girls from the Iron Dragons dojo closed in on her. Their grins were cold, their eyes locked on her like prey, and Arizona's stomach tightened in anticipation.

She scrambled to get to her feet, but they were faster. One of the girls grabbed her by the arm, yanking her up and throwing a punch toward her face. Arizona ducked just in time, the punch grazing the side of her cheek. The other girl was already coming at her, her fist flying toward Arizona's midsection. Arizona shifted her weight, stepping to the side, but she was quickly outnumbered.

"Come on!" Arizona hissed, frustration bubbling in her chest. She had no choice now-she had to fight. She blocked a punch aimed at her face, the force of it shaking her arm, but she didn't back down. She needed to stay focused. She needed to get out of this.

"Arizona!" A familiar voice rang out, cutting through the noise. Arizona turned to see Sam pushing her way through the chaos, her face set with determination. Sam moved like a force of nature, sidestepping a fighter who was rushing her, her focus locked on Arizona.

Sam reached her just as the girl who had grabbed Arizona lunged for her again. Without missing a beat, Sam swept her leg out, tripping the girl and sending her crashing to the mat. Arizona's breath caught in her throat-she could see Sam's fire, her unwavering confidence, and it gave her strength.

But there was no time to celebrate the victory. The second girl from Iron Dragons moved in fast, her eyes narrowing with malice. Arizona didn't hesitate. She threw herself into the fray, spinning on her heel to face the incoming attack. She could feel Sam by her side, her presence solidifying their partnership.

"Watch out!" Sam called, just as the girl came at Arizona with a vicious punch aimed at her face. But Arizona had been trained for this moment. She executed the wheel technique, her body flowing in a seamless arc as she evaded the punch and spun behind the girl in one fluid motion. She caught the girl's arm, twisting it to immobilize her, before kicking her out of the way.

Sam followed suit, mirroring Arizona's movements. She sidestepped the second girl's attempt to grab her, her body flowing smoothly as she used the wheel technique to get behind her opponent. Sam grabbed the girl by the waist, pulling her off balance, and sent her crashing to the mat with a forceful push.

Together, Arizona and Sam worked in perfect sync, their movements flowing like a well-oiled machine. Every time one of the girls made an attack, they countered it with ease, their bodies working together as if they had been fighting side by side for years.

Arizona could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins, the heat of the battle mixing with the thrill of the fight. She could hear the roar of the crowd, but it seemed distant now, like a fading echo in the background. The only thing that mattered was the fight. The only thing that mattered was the girl in front of her, and the girl who had Sam's back.

They were unstoppable.

With one final move, Arizona executed a flawless wheel, using her opponent's momentum to send her flying. The girl crashed to the ground, dazed and defeated. Arizona turned to Sam, both of them panting heavily but with a sense of accomplishment on their faces.

"Thanks," Arizona said, her voice breathless but grateful. She offered Sam a quick smile before turning back to face the chaos that still raged around them. It wasn't over yet. But for now, they had won this battle.

Sam gave a brief nod, her expression fierce. "We've got this."

Arizona's gaze flicked around the arena for a split second, and in that brief moment, Sam had disappeared into the chaos to help Robby. Arizona's heart clenched as she realized she was on her own again, but her focus quickly snapped back to the fight at hand.

Without warning, a girl from the Dublin Thunder dojo stormed up to Arizona, her eyes narrowed in contempt. Arizona didn't even have time to react before the girl delivered a vicious kick to the back of Arizona's leg. The sharp impact sent a jolt of pain through her body, but Arizona bit back a yelp and gritted her teeth, refusing to show any weakness.

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

Arizona's eyes narrowed in fury. How dare she? The girl didn't know a thing about her or the work she had put into getting here. She clenched her fists and met the girl's cold glare head-on.

"Let's find out," Arizona shot back, her voice low and firm.

The Dublin Thunder girl smirked, clearly underestimating Arizona, and launched herself at her with a quick, aggressive jab aimed straight at Arizona's face. Arizona's instincts kicked in immediately, and she dodged to the side, stepping back as the punch whizzed past her ear.

She wasn't about to give this girl the satisfaction of a clean hit.

Arizona flowed smoothly into a defensive stance, keeping her body low and ready for whatever came next. The girl from Dublin Thunder was quick-too quick for a normal fight, but Arizona was prepared. She had trained for this.

The girl aimed a roundhouse kick at Arizona's head, but Arizona anticipated the move. With a swift step back, she blocked the kick by raising her arm just in time, the force of the strike reverberating through her body. Arizona didn't let the impact faze her. She absorbed it, shifting her weight and pivoting on her foot to keep the momentum flowing in her favor.

Before the girl could recover, Arizona spun on her heel and aimed a sharp kick at the girl's midsection. The Dublin Thunder girl staggered back, her breath escaping in a shocked grunt as Arizona's foot connected with her ribs. The crowd around them let out a collective gasp at Arizona's precision, and Arizona couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. She had been training for this exact moment.

But the girl wasn't down for long. With a fierce scowl, she charged again, this time aiming a flurry of punches toward Arizona's head. Arizona blocked one, ducked under the second, and narrowly avoided the third. She was starting to get a sense of her opponent's rhythm, which meant she was about to turn the tables.

The Dublin Thunder girl followed through with a high kick aimed at Arizona's jaw, but Arizona was ready. With a fluid movement, she dropped into a low crouch, just beneath the kick, and in one smooth motion, she swept her leg out in a quick trip. The girl's feet were taken from under her, and she crashed hard onto the mat, her pride rattled more than her body.

Arizona didn't give her a chance to recover. She leapt onto her feet with an almost inhuman grace, pressing the advantage. The girl from Dublin Thunder scrambled to stand, but Arizona was already there, pinning her to the ground with a controlled, forceful grip on her opponent's shoulders.

"Give up," Arizona said, her voice cold but steady. "You can't win this fight."

The Dublin Thunder girl's face twisted in rage, but Arizona could see the defeat creeping in her eyes. She wasn't just battling physically; Arizona was wearing her opponent down mentally, too.

With a final growl of frustration, the girl tapped the mat, signaling her surrender.

Arizona stood up, breathing heavily, her legs trembling from the exertion, but she held herself tall and proud. The roar of the crowd was a distant buzz in her ears as she turned and walked away from the girl who had underestimated her.

The arena buzzed with chaos. Arizona's heart pounded in her chest as she weaved through the tumult, her eyes scanning the frantic scene. She had just gotten out of a tense standoff with one of the other fighters when she noticed Hawk and Demetri backed into a corner near the edge of the mat. They were surrounded by a group of aggressive fighters from another dojo-there was no mistaking the predatory glint in their eyes.

Hawk, his mohawk spiked higher than usual, looked every bit the fierce fighter he was, but even he couldn't handle this many opponents on his own. Demetri was visibly struggling to keep up, his fists raised defensively, but his posture was stiff, and his movements lacked the fluidity and confidence Arizona had seen in him during their training.

They were in trouble. Arizona's instincts kicked in. Without thinking twice, she pushed her way through the crowd, her focus solely on getting to them before things got worse.

One of the fighters, a tall, muscular guy from a dojo Arizona didn't recognize, stepped forward, aiming a quick jab at Hawk. Hawk blocked the punch, but the force behind it made him stagger back, his footing unsteady. Another opponent-this one a smaller, quicker girl-rushed in with a flurry of strikes toward Demetri. Demetri dodged the first few, but he wasn't fast enough to avoid the knee aimed at his stomach. He grunted in pain, doubling over slightly, his hands shaking as he tried to regain his breath.

Arizona's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't let them go down like this.

With a burst of speed, she surged forward, aiming a powerful kick at the tall guy's side. The hit landed solidly, sending him stumbling sideways. He growled, turning to face her with a look of disbelief.

"Stay the hell out of this," he sneered.

"Not a chance," Arizona shot back, her voice sharp and full of resolve. She wasn't about to let her friends go down without a fight.

Before he could lunge at her, Arizona sidestepped and kicked his legs out from under him. The guy collapsed to the ground with a loud grunt, and Arizona quickly turned her attention to Demetri, who was still trying to regain his footing.

"Hey, you good?" Arizona asked, her voice steady but filled with concern.

Demetri looked up at her, clearly relieved but still panting. "Yeah... yeah, just trying to catch my breath. Thanks."

No sooner had he spoken than the smaller girl from before charged at them again, her fists flying. Arizona didn't hesitate. She spun on her heel and blocked the incoming punch, using the girl's momentum against her. Arizona took a step back, then whipped her leg up in a fast, controlled kick that landed square in the girl's abdomen. The force of the hit sent the girl stumbling back, gasping for air.

"Don't mess with us," Arizona warned, her stance low and poised. She was ready for whatever came next.

Hawk, now back on his feet, grinned at Arizona. "Damn, you've got good timing. I was starting to think we were done for."

"You're welcome," Arizona replied, a smirk tugging at her lips. But she wasn't done yet. The remaining fighters weren't backing down.

One of the other opponents-a lanky guy with a cocky smile-rushed forward with a punch aimed directly at Arizona's face. She ducked, her body moving almost instinctively, and in one fluid motion, she delivered a roundhouse kick to his side, sending him crashing into the mat with a loud thud.

Hawk cracked his knuckles, ready to help again, but Arizona was already one step ahead. She had them on the ropes.

Another fighter lunged at Demetri, but before he could land a hit, Arizona stepped in, blocking his punch with her forearm and then sweeping her leg behind his. The guy fell backward, flailing to regain his balance, but Arizona wasn't done yet. She followed through with a quick jab to his midsection, knocking the wind out of him.

"This is what you get for messing with my friends," Arizona said, her voice a calm contrast to the chaos around her.

The remaining fighters, seeing their comrades taken down one by one, hesitated for a moment, sizing up the trio in front of them. Arizona, Hawk, and Demetri were standing tall, confident, and the energy in the air shifted. The remaining challengers exchanged uncertain glances before deciding they'd had enough. With muttered curses and glares, they began to back away, realizing they weren't going to win this fight.

As the last opponent finally retreated, Arizona turned back to Demetri and Hawk, her breath coming in steady bursts, her heart still racing from the adrenaline.

"Looks like you two owe me one," Arizona said, a playful edge to her voice.

Hawk laughed, clapping her on the back with a grin. "We definitely do. You saved our asses back there. Seriously."

Demetri nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Yeah, that was awesome. Thanks, Arizona."

Arizona smirked, her gaze flickering over the arena. The chaos had settled, for now, but the fight wasn't over.

The air inside the Sekai Taikai was thick with chaos. Fighters clashed in every corner, each battling with intensity and desperation. Arizona moved swiftly through the crowd, dodging and weaving between the combatants. She had her eyes set on the girl in front of her, a fierce competitor who had been a thorn in her side since the beginning of the tournament.

Arizona's breath came in ragged gasps as she squared up with the girl, her fists clenched, ready to strike. With a blur of motion, the girl lunged at her, attempting to land a solid blow to Arizona's stomach. Arizona twisted at the last second, narrowly avoiding the punch, and countered with a sharp jab to the girl's ribs. She heard a grunt as the girl staggered backward, but the fight was far from over.

The sound of grunting and shuffling feet was all around her, but in this moment, all that mattered was the girl in front of her. They exchanged blows, both of them giving as good as they got. Arizona could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins, pushing her to keep going despite the exhaustion building in her limbs.

With a sudden move, Arizona ducked low, grabbing the girl by the legs and pulling her off balance. The two of them crashed into a nearby curtain, both of them falling through it in a heap. Arizona groaned, trying to push herself up, but the movement was slow, disoriented by the fall. She wiped the sweat from her brow, panting heavily as she struggled to regain her footing.

As she pushed herself up, her heart nearly stopped in her chest. Standing just a few feet away, framed by the mess of tangled curtains, was none other than her father, Alexander. His cold, calculating gaze locked onto hers, and he stood there smirking like he had all the time in the world.

"Dad?" Arizona's voice barely escaped her lips, trembling with a mix of disbelief and fear. She couldn't process what she was seeing. The last time she saw him, he had threatened her, slapped her in front of her mother, and caused her more emotional damage than she cared to admit. It had been months since he disappeared from her life after that encounter in the hospital, but now, he was standing right here, in the midst of this brawl.

He took a step forward, his eyes scanning her with a detached amusement. "Looking good, kid," he said flatly, his voice icy and distant, like nothing had ever happened between them. He didn't look concerned or even surprised to see her here, fighting in the middle of the tournament.

Arizona's heart pounded in her chest, a lump forming in her throat. She stood frozen for a moment, her mind reeling. "What... how are you here?" Her words tumbled out in confusion, desperation. She couldn't understand how or why he was in this place, amidst the chaos. He had been in prison, hadn't he? What was he doing here now, smirking like everything was normal?

Alexander didn't answer immediately. He stepped closer, his presence suffocating and domineering, as though he owned the room. His hand reached out, gripping her wrist with surprising force, pulling her toward him.

"I'm here because I made a deal," he said, his voice cold and matter-of-fact. "I've got business with Silver. He's the one who helped me escape from prison. Money, power-it's amazing what those things can buy." There was no hint of remorse or emotion in his tone; he was simply stating facts, like it was all part of a grand plan.

Arizona felt a chill creep down her spine as she processed his words. Silver? He had escaped prison, and now he was working with Silver, the very man who was behind Cobra Kai's rise to power. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Her father, the man who had been her protector and tormentor all at once, was now aligned with someone even more dangerous.

"Wait, what do you mean, you helped him escape?" Arizona's voice cracked, the shock making her feel unsteady on her feet. "Why? Why would you-"

"Why?" He smirked, eyes narrowing. "You don't get it, do you? Power, control-it's all part of the game. Silver and I are on the same side now. And if you know what's good for you, Arizona, you'll stay out of it."

Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears, it was all she could hear. She wanted to scream, to push him away, but his grip on her wrist was unyielding, his presence suffocating. Arizona could feel the anger bubbling up inside her, mixing with the fear. She had come so far since their last encounter, built up walls to protect herself from the hurt he caused, and now, here he was, trying to drag her back into the darkness.

"No," she spat, her voice firm and filled with defiance. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

She twisted in his grip, using every ounce of strength to pull free. Her body screamed in protest, but she refused to let him take control again. Her arm slipped from his grasp, but before she could move, a loud scream rang out from somewhere in the distance, piercing through the noise of the brawl.

Arizona's attention snapped to the sound, her eyes widening in horror. The scream was raw, desperate-someone was in trouble. But before she could react, Alexander seized her again, his hand tightening around her arm like a vice.

"You're not going anywhere," he growled, pulling her closer. "Stay with me, Arizona."

But Arizona wasn't about to let him control her again. She struggled, pushing against him, her mind racing to process everything. The scream echoed in her ears, and for just a moment, she forgot about her father's grip, her focus entirely on the chaos outside.

"Let me go!" she yelled, struggling with everything she had. But Alexander only pulled her closer, refusing to let her escape. She could feel the cold metal of his grasp as it tightened, and for the first time in years, she truly felt trapped.

The heat of the brawl still clung to the air, the noise a blur of shouting and fighting. Arizona struggled, her pulse quickening as she tried to break free from her father's unyielding grip. But just as she thought she might have a chance to escape, the cold gleam of metal flashed in her peripheral vision. Her breath caught in her throat.

Alexander pulled a knife from his jacket with a smooth, deliberate motion. The blade caught the light, cold and menacing, as he held it just inches from Arizona's neck. She froze, fear creeping up her spine as the sharp edge grazed her skin.
"You really think you can get away from me?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. "Not this time, Arizona."

The cold steel pressed against her throat, and she could feel the weight of it, the dangerous power it gave him. She instinctively flinched but didn't dare move, not with the knife so close. Panic gripped her, but she forced herself to stay calm, breathing in slow, shallow breaths as he dragged her forward.

"Get back in the fight," he ordered, his hand tightening around her arm as he dragged her through the wreckage of the battle. Arizona's mind raced, her eyes darting between the chaos as they neared the center of the arena.

The brawl seemed to have come to a sudden halt. She could see Kwon lying on the ground, motionless, blood pooling around him in a disturbing puddle. His face was bruised and battered, and it was clear he was unconscious, if not worse.

Arizona's heart sank at the sight. Kwon, out of the fight, and the cold realization hit her-someone had been seriously hurt. She desperately searched the area for familiar faces, her gaze snapping to Miguel, who was standing at the edge of the crowd, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief. Time seemed to slow as their eyes locked, her heart racing in her chest.

Miguel's face softened, his expression filled with confusion and something deeper-fear?
Concern? She didn't have time to analyze it.
But in that fleeting moment, everything else faded away. She opened her mouth slightly and, in the chaos, mouthed the words: I love you.

Miguel's eyes widened, a look of understanding flashing across his face, before he seemed to snap back into reality.

He took a step forward as if to reach her, but Arizona's attention was drawn back to her father.
Gunther's voice rang out sharply from somewhere in the distance, cutting through the tension. "Cut the feed!" he yelled, likely signaling to the production crew to stop filming.

That was it-Arizona had no more time. She couldn't let her father drag her into whatever twisted plan he had. Her mind screamed for action, for a way out, for a way to protect herself.
Without thinking, she let all her emotions, all the frustration and fear, fuel her next move.

With a sudden burst of strength, Arizona stomped her foot back, bringing her knee up hard into her father's groin. The impact was enough to make him gasp, the knife wavering in his grip.

Then the words left Miguel's lips.

"Arizona!"

ASH SPEAKS!!!

CLIFFHANGER HEHEE

so a few things! i will be back for part 3!!! so keep this book on your library! i usually update the day of or the day after the release! i do have more books to update this time since before it was only 2... but now i have 5 i have to update for part 3😭 so i suggest you go to my profile and read my other book as ive been publishing some fics!!

anyways see you guys in a month <3

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im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! i dont how many times i have to say this. i am so sorry for the notifications but this is really annoying to see views go up when the votes aren't.