chapter fifty-two:
❛ benvinguts a barcelona ❜

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Arizona blinked, the buzzing hum of the arena growing distant as her eyes locked onto the figure standing in the opposing lineup. Among the sea of competitors, Tory stood out unmistakably, clad in the bold red and black colors of Cobra Kai. The emblem emblazoned on the back of her jacket gleamed under the unforgiving fluorescent lights, an undeniable statement of loyalty. It was one thing to know Tory would be here-Arizona had braced herself for it. But seeing her there, on the opposite side of the divide, hit harder than she expected.

The sight knocked the air out of Arizona's lungs, leaving her rooted in place. Her stomach twisted uncomfortably as a sharp pang of something between betrayal and regret settled deep in her chest. Instinctively, her hand brushed over the fabric of her gi, resting on the spot where the tattoo on her arm was hidden-the word "Traitor," stark and mocking, a permanent reminder of Tory's sharp edges and their shared, fractured history.

The memories came rushing back in vivid flashes: late-night conversations, heated arguments, and desperate attempts to pull Tory away from Cobra Kai's grasp. Arizona had wanted so badly to believe there was more to her, something that could break through the armor Tory wore so tightly. But now, seeing her stand there so confidently, representing everything Arizona had fought against, it felt like all her efforts had been futile.

Gunther's booming voice echoed across the arena, calling the competitors to attention, but Arizona barely heard it. The noise of the crowd seemed to fade into static as her focus remained locked on Tory.

The expression on Tory's face was unreadable, as sharp and unwavering as ever. But there was something else, something buried deep beneath the surface. It wasn't just defiance or pride-Arizona thought she saw the faintest flicker of something softer. Regret? Hesitation?

The spark of anger ignited within Arizona, rising quickly and burning hot. It was a familiar feeling, one she didn't fully understand but couldn't suppress. Her chest tightened as her emotions collided-frustration, confusion, and something she didn't want to name. Hurt? Disappointment?

She clenched her fists tightly, trying to steady herself as the pressure mounted. The arena around her felt suffocating, the weight of expectation and unresolved feelings pressing down on her. The crowd's cheers and chatter blurred into the background like static, and for a moment, it felt like she was entirely alone in the room.

Then a warm, steadying touch broke through the chaos. Arizona glanced down to see Miguel's hand slipping into hers, his fingers intertwining with hers in a silent gesture of reassurance. She turned her head to meet his gaze, and the concern in his eyes was immediate and unmistakable. He didn't say anything-he didn't need to. His presence alone was enough to pull her back from the brink.

Arizona squeezed his hand briefly, taking in a deep, shaky breath. She released his hand, forcing herself to find her footing again. Not here. Not now.

Gunther's voice cut through the noise, commanding the room. "The Sekai Taikai boasts a rich and proud history," he began, his tone carrying authority. "And if you are here, it's because you embody all that the Sekai Taikai stands for: leadership, respect, sportsmanship. Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands."

The crowd stirred as competitors moved forward. Arizona's gaze followed Sam as she stepped up beside Robby, both of them moving with quiet determination. Arizona swallowed hard, her stomach twisting. That should be her standing there with Robby, not Sam. And Miguel-Miguel should be right there too, not standing behind her like an afterthought.

Across the mat, Tory stepped forward, paired with a boy who looked just as sharp and polished in Cobra Kai's colors. Arizona's eyes narrowed as she watched Tory's every move, searching for cracks in her confidence. There was a brief moment when Tory reached for her Cobra Kai headband-just a fraction of a second-where she hesitated. Arizona's heart skipped.

Their eyes met. For a moment, everything else fell away. Arizona searched Tory's face, hoping for something, anything, to make sense of the storm of emotions threatening to overtake her. And there it was again-that flicker of doubt, fleeting but unmistakable.

Gunther's booming voice filled the room once more, pulling Arizona's attention back. "Captains, you will have the honor and privilege to compete in our televised tournament of champions. But that is only if your dojo does well enough in our team competitions to make it to the final four. Once the tournament is over, we will tally all the points your dojos have earned. The dojo with the most points wins the Sekai Taikai. Team events begin tomorrow."

Arizona barely registered the words. Her thoughts were spiraling, the weight of the tournament, of Tory's presence, and of everything unspoken between them pressing down on her.

"But today," Gunther continued, his tone shifting, "is about enjoying our host city and making new friends. Or enemies." His voice dropped ominously on the last word, sending a chill down Arizona's spine.

Arizona's instincts screamed that this wasn't just about karate. It was about loyalty. About trust. About navigating the treacherous waters of alliances and betrayals.

"We have a field trip arranged for our competitors," Gunther added. "And for our senseis, a cocktail mixer with our distinguished sponsors. It's a beautiful day to make a first impression. Enjoy it, because tomorrow, your lives change forever. Good luck, and welcome to the Sekai Taikai!"

The arena erupted into cheers and applause, but Arizona felt miles away from the excitement. Her gaze drifted again, searching for Tory.

Tory's eyes found hers one last time before she turned away, her shoulders stiff and her movements tense. Whatever unspoken message was in her gaze, it remained trapped in the space between them, unreachable. Arizona exhaled slowly, the weight of her emotions crashing over her again. This wasn't over-not for her, and not for them.

Arizona stood in the middle of the hotel lobby, her head resting lightly against Miguel's shoulder as his arm wrapped snugly around her. The air buzzed with the sounds of the tournament's competitors checking in, trainers barking instructions, and the general commotion of people excited and nervous for what lay ahead. Arizona let out a soft breath, her body still buzzing with the energy of the arena. She glanced up at Miguel, who offered her a soft smile. The moment felt like a calm amid a storm-brief, but grounding.

Robby's voice broke through the din as he approached with a pair of room keys in his hand. His movements were relaxed, but Arizona could see the subtle tension in his shoulders. He handed one key to her with an easy grin.

"Your key, Arizona," he said, his tone light but laced with the unspoken acknowledgment of how much responsibility they were all shouldering.

Arizona took the key, brushing her fingers against his briefly. "Thanks, Robby," she said, her voice sincere. She appreciated how steady he always seemed, even when things felt chaotic.

Robby nodded before turning to the boys-Miguel, Demetri, and Eli. "Alright, which room do you guys want?" he asked, holding up the second key.

Before anyone could answer, Demetri stepped forward with a determination that caught everyone slightly off guard. "I'll-I'll go with you," he declared, snatching the key from Robby's hand as though his life depended on it.

Arizona raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching in amusement. She didn't need a crystal ball to figure out what was happening here. Demetri was still upset that Eli hadn't applied to MIT, and this was his not-so-subtle way of avoiding him.

"Really?" Miguel started, his tone betraying a hint of disappointment. "I figured Robby and I would-"

Before he could finish, Eli slung an arm around Miguel's shoulders, cutting him off with his signature cocky grin.

"Nope," Eli said with a firm shake of his head. "I'll bunk with El Serpiente." He patted Miguel's chest like it was a done deal. "Besides, you fart in your sleep," Eli added with a smirk.

Arizona burst out laughing, her head tilting back slightly as the memory of her past sleepovers with Demetri and Eli resurfaced. "Oh my God, Demetri's farts are legendary. Like, legitimately classified as chemical warfare," she said, grinning at the mortified look Demetri shot her.

"Erroneous!" Demetri exclaimed, pointing at her as though she'd just insulted his honor. "And, for the record, whoever smelt it, dealt it."

Eli snorted, rolling his eyes. "Oh, please. That's the weakest comeback in the book. Everyone knows whoever said the rhyme, did the crime."

Demetri's eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. "You just rhymed, though," he said, his tone dripping with smugness.

Eli tilted his head, refusing to back down. "But you rhymed first."

"And yet," Demetri countered, leaning in slightly for emphasis, "you also rhymed."

Arizona groaned, shaking her head as the two of them devolved into what was sure to be a never-ending loop of petty arguments. She glanced at Miguel, who looked equally amused and exasperated.

"I'm tapping out of this circus," Arizona muttered, resting a hand on Miguel's chest to grab his attention.

He turned his focus to her immediately, his dark eyes warm and attentive. "What's up?"

"I'm gonna head up to my room and take a power nap," she said, her voice soft but decisive. She was exhausted from the day's events and needed a moment to recharge.

Miguel's expression softened, a hint of concern flickering across his face. "Okay. Text me if you need anything, alright?"

Arizona smiled, leaning up on her toes to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "Will do."

As she pulled back, Miguel's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his affection for her evident in the way his eyes crinkled at the edges. She gave his arm a squeeze before stepping away, the soft hum of their connection fading as she walked toward the elevators.

Behind her, Demetri and Eli were still arguing, their voices overlapping in a chaotic blend of indignation and sass. She shook her head, chuckling softly to herself. Some things never changed.

The elevator doors slid shut, cutting off the noise of the lobby and leaving Arizona in the blessed quiet of her own thoughts.

As the elevator doors slid shut, Arizona leaned against the mirrored wall, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. The quiet hum of the elevator was a welcome reprieve from the chaos downstairs. She clutched her room key tightly in one hand and let out a soft sigh, already anticipating the comfort of the bed waiting for her upstairs.

Before she could fully let her mind drift, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She fished it out, the name Dylan lighting up the screen. A small smile tugged at her lips.

"Hey, Dylan," she greeted, her voice warm despite her exhaustion. "What's up?"

"Hey, Z. Just checking in. How's the tournament madness going?" Dylan's familiar voice was a blend of genuine curiosity and playful teasing.

Arizona let out a dry laugh, leaning her head back against the elevator wall. "Where do I even start? Tory's switched sides again. She's back with Cobra Kai, wearing the whole black-and-red getup like she never left. It's... frustrating, to say the least."

Dylan hummed thoughtfully on the other end. "Oof. That's rough. I thought you guys were making progress with her."

"Yeah, so did I," Arizona admitted, her tone tinged with disappointment. "But seeing her out there today, representing Cobra Kai like she's never even considered leaving-it hit different, you know? Like, what was the point of all those conversations if this is where we end up?"

There was a pause, Dylan giving her space to vent before he spoke. "Maybe it's not as cut-and-dry as it seems. Tory's stubborn, but she's not blind. You might've gotten through more than you realize."

Arizona exhaled, appreciating his attempt to reassure her. "Maybe. But right now, it just feels like a punch to the gut." She rubbed her forehead, her frustration mingling with fatigue. "And, of course, Demetri and Eli are still at it. They've been bickering ever since we checked in. Apparently, Demetri's still salty about the whole MIT thing."

Dylan chuckled, his laugh warm and familiar. "Some things never change, huh?"

"Never," Arizona said with a slight smile. "Eli's already pulling out his usual insults, and Demetri's firing back with that over-the-top logic of his. It's like living in a sitcom."

The elevator chimed softly as it reached her floor. Arizona stepped out, holding the phone between her ear and shoulder as she walked toward her room. "Anyway, enough about my circus. When are you getting here? I thought you were coming to watch the tournament."

Dylan hesitated for a second before answering. "I'll be there in a day or so. Just wrapping up some stuff here first."

Arizona's shoulders relaxed at his words. "Good. I need someone sane to talk to. Miguel's great, but I can't drag him into every mess. And Robby's already dealing with enough."

"You know I've got you," Dylan said, his tone softening. "Just hang in there, Z. This tournament is huge for you, and you've got this. Don't let Tory or anyone else throw you off your game."

"Thanks, Dyl," Arizona said, her voice quieter now. She stopped outside her door, slipping the keycard into the slot. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Soon," he promised.

As the call ended, Arizona pocketed her phone and stepped into her room. The exhaustion of the day weighed on her, but knowing Dylan would be there soon gave her a small boost of energy. For now, though, a nap was calling her name. She tossed her bag onto the bed, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed onto the soft mattress, letting her mind drift for just a little while.

Arizona stood in the softly lit aquarium, surrounded by glowing tanks filled with vibrant sea life. The calming ambiance did little to settle the storm of emotions swirling in her chest. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, she leaned against a railing, watching Sam and Robby stand with the other team captains under the spotlight of cameras. The captains posed together, their smiles stiff and formal as the photographers directed them.

It wasn't just the staged camaraderie that bothered her-it was the blatant reminder that she wasn't up there. That despite everything she'd given to Miyagi-Do, she wasn't seen as a leader. The sharp edge of jealousy gnawed at her, but she swallowed it down, masking her feelings behind a neutral expression.

"Really going out of their way to remind us how special the captains are," Eli muttered, his voice laced with irritation. He fiddled with the hem of his hoodie, clearly uncomfortable with the whole spectacle.

"Yeah, I'm getting that vibe too," Miguel agreed, his tone unusually clipped as he stood beside Arizona, his hand resting lightly on her back. His gaze flicked between Sam and Robby, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Arizona sighed deeply, her eyes still fixed on the scene before her. "It's like they're already the chosen ones," she said, her voice calm but bitter. Then she added, almost as an afterthought, "But a chosen tree that grows too tall only gets struck by lightning faster."

Eli turned to her, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Uh, what?"

"Zen logic," Arizona replied with a shrug, not breaking her gaze from the captains. "Don't worry about it."

Devon, standing next to Eli, glanced around the crowded room. Groups of competitors stood in tight clusters, laughing and talking like old friends. Devon's sharp eyes caught the subtle hierarchies forming already-the stronger teams commanding attention while the others lingered awkwardly on the fringes.

"It seems like everyone already knows each other," Devon remarked, her voice tinged with frustration.

Before Arizona could respond, raised voices echoed through the aquarium. She turned her head sharply to see two boys arguing near one of the massive tanks. One of them shoved the other, the motion jarring in the otherwise peaceful environment.

"Definitely not exactly friendly either," Arizona muttered, her eyes narrowing as she watched the altercation. She could feel the tension radiating through the room, and her stomach churned with unease.

Demetri leaned closer to the group, his tone sarcastic as he quipped, "Maybe it's like prison. Just punch the toughest guy square in the jaw on day one. Establish dominance."

Arizona raised an eyebrow at him, her voice flat as she asked, "What?"

Demetri shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Just saying. It might work."

"Yeah, there are so many tough guys here," Devon deadpanned, rolling her eyes. "Super intimidating."

Arizona smirked faintly at Devon's sarcasm, but her focus quickly shifted. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Tory striding past them, her Cobra Kai jacket as bold as ever. Tory's face was unreadable, but Arizona could see the tension in her stiff posture and the way her fists clenched at her sides.

Her eyes lingered on Tory for a moment before shifting to Robby, who had just broken away from the group of captains. His expression was set, his jaw tight as he followed Tory through the crowd.

"Poor Robby," Arizona said softly, the words carrying a mix of sympathy and frustration.

Miguel glanced at her, concern flickering across his face. "He still thinks he can fix things with her?"

Arizona sighed, shaking her head as she watched Robby disappear into the crowd. "I don't know. But if anyone's stubborn enough to try, it's him."

The group fell into a brief silence, the low hum of water filters and the occasional click of a camera filling the air. Arizona's chest felt heavy, a combination of jealousy, frustration, and something deeper she couldn't quite name.

"Well," she said after a moment, forcing a lighter tone, "at least we're not the ones who have to smile for the cameras."

Eli snorted, his lips twitching into a smirk. Demetri grinned, clearly appreciating the jab. Devon rolled her eyes again, though the faint hint of a smile played at the corners of her mouth.

Despite the tense atmosphere, the moment felt lighter. Arizona exhaled slowly, letting the warmth of her friends' banter anchor her, even as her thoughts continued to drift back to Robby and Tory.

The group made their way down the aquarium's polished floors, their footsteps muffled by the soft hum of filtration systems and the distant bubbling of water. The dim lighting, coupled with the ethereal blue glow emanating from the tanks, transformed the hallway into an underwater dreamscape. Shafts of light danced across their faces, refracted through the water, giving the illusion that they, too, were submerged alongside the sea life.

Arizona walked with her hands in her jacket pockets, her gaze lingering on the tanks as she tried to lose herself in the rhythm of the jellyfish drifting weightlessly. Her eyes flicked to Miguel, who matched her slower pace. His focus alternated between her and the dazzling displays, a small, amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth whenever he caught her entranced expression.

Each tank they passed seemed to demand Arizona's attention. Schools of shimmering fish darted like liquid rainbows, their movements perfectly synchronized. Further along, a solitary stingray glided across the glass, its wings undulating with hypnotic grace. Miguel stopped alongside her as she paused, his smile softening. "You like this one?" he asked, nodding toward the stingray.

"It's peaceful," Arizona murmured, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "They don't overthink. They just... flow."

Miguel chuckled lightly, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets. "I can see why you'd like that."

Ahead of them, the rest of the group-Eli, Devon, and Demetri-moved at a quicker pace. Their low conversation occasionally burst into laughter, but the distance between them and Arizona grew. Devon was gesturing animatedly toward something, her voice rising in excitement, though her exact words were lost in the murmur of the aquarium's ambience.

Just as Arizona turned to catch up with the others, a strange sound cut through the tranquil atmosphere. At first, it was faint-a steady rhythm that seemed to vibrate through the walls. The sound grew louder with every step they took, morphing into a chant.

"Vlad! Vlad! Vlad!"

Arizona stopped abruptly, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. She glanced at Miguel, whose expression mirrored her own. "Do you hear that?" she asked softly.

Miguel nodded, his brows furrowed. "Yeah... What is it?"

The chanting swelled, reverberating off the aquarium's walls like a living heartbeat. Rounding a corner, the group came face to face with the source of the noise.

A large crowd had gathered in front of one of the aquarium's largest tanks, their faces illuminated by the glow of neon fish and coral. The air buzzed with a strange, almost electric energy, the chant of "Vlad! Vlad!" echoing in a near-deafening crescendo.

At the center of the commotion stood a tall, athletic boy with sharp features and a cocky smirk. Vlad. His confidence was palpable as he stood in front of a wall where two chalk marks had been drawn. One was notably higher than the other, towering over the heads of most in the room.

Arizona tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the scene. "What's all this about?" she muttered under her breath.

Before anyone could answer, a single, deliberate clap rang out, silencing the crowd. It was theatrical, cutting through the tension like a blade.

The source of the sound emerged-a boy Arizona recognized instantly: Kwon. The Cobra Kai captain strutted into the center of the crowd, his smug grin as sharp as the neon lighting that reflected off his face. He approached the chalk marks, shaking his head as though he were deeply disappointed.

"Not even close," Kwon declared, his voice loud enough to carry across the room. He gestured lazily toward the higher mark on the wall. "That's child's play."

The crowd chuckled nervously, shifting as Kwon turned his attention to the gathered teams. His gaze landed on Arizona's group, and his smirk deepened.

"Ah, Team USA," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "America's the best at everything, right? Isn't that what they say?"

The crowd roared with laughter, the sound filling the room like a tidal wave. Arizona felt her stomach churn at the shift in energy. She glanced at Miguel, who stood rigid beside her, his jaw tight.

Kwon raised his arms theatrically, addressing the crowd like a ringmaster. "Let's see what the big bad Americans can do, huh?"

The chant changed in an instant, the crowd now shouting, "USA! USA!" The tone was mocking, the jeers sharper and more cutting with each repetition.

Eli's hands clenched into fists, his face flushed with anger. "That's it," he muttered, stepping forward. "Give me the chalk."

Arizona grabbed his arm before he could move further, her grip firm but not forceful. "Eli," she said, her voice calm yet insistent. "A roaring lion attracts the hunter. Let it pass."

Eli glared at her, his frustration bubbling over. "You'd rather they call us cowards?"

Miguel stepped forward, his voice steady and composed. "This isn't worth it, man."

Arizona nodded in agreement, her tone measured. "The tallest tree catches the storm first. Let's not be that tree."

But Eli wasn't listening. His gaze locked on Kwon, whose smirk only widened as he watched the exchange. Before Miguel could say another word, Devon threw up her hands in exasperation.

"This is so dumb," she announced, spinning on her heel and stalking out of the room.

Arizona watched her go, envy flickering across her face. "Wish I could do that," she muttered under her breath.

But the situation escalated as another Cobra Kai member stepped forward, his sneer almost cartoonish in its malice. "This is the best you've got?" he jeered, pointing at Eli. "Not even the captain."

The laughter grew louder, and Arizona felt the tension tighten like a vice.

"Enough," Robby's voice cut through the noise like a knife. He stepped forward, his expression calm but unyielding.

The crowd stilled, their attention shifting to him. Kwon's smirk faltered for a split second before he straightened, his bravado intact.

"Walk away if you're scared," Kwon taunted, his tone daring.

Robby glanced at Arizona, who placed a hand on his arm. "Let the wind howl," she said softly. "The mountain doesn't move."

Robby held her gaze for a moment, then turned back to Kwon. Eli handed him the chalk with a quiet, "You've got this."

The room fell silent as Robby measured his steps. He sprinted toward the wall and leapt, the chalk marking a spot three inches higher than Kwon's.

The Miyagi-Do team erupted into cheers, but the celebration was short-lived.

Kwon stepped forward, his smirk returning. With a powerful leap, he kicked the wall, his mark landing just a fraction higher than Robby's.

The Cobra Kai team roared in triumph as Kwon held out his hand. "Keys," he demanded smugly.

Robby sighed and handed over the keycard. Arizona groaned, rubbing her temples. "The wind may howl," she muttered, "but we'll still stand tomorrow."

Arizona sat cross-legged on the corner of the bed, clutching one of the spare pillows like a lifeline. The tension in the room was suffocating, the atmosphere thick with unspoken resentment and simmering frustration. It clung to her like a heavy blanket, making every breath feel like a laborious effort. The low hum of an argument waiting to erupt buzzed in the air, ready to explode at any moment.

The fallout from Robby's ill-fated gamble at the aquarium was more than just losing a contest-it had disrupted their entire group dynamic. Now, thanks to his defeat, he and Demetri were squeezed into a room with Miguel and Eli. Four boys, two beds, and absolutely no space to avoid the brewing storm.

The muffled sound of movement outside drew Arizona's gaze toward the door, which creaked open slowly. Demetri walked in first, dragging his duffel bag behind him like a soldier returning from battle. His shoulders slumped under the weight of exhaustion and irritation, his face a mixture of disbelief and resignation.

"This is officially the worst day of my life," he muttered, tossing his bag onto one of the beds with theatrical flair before flopping down beside it.

Sam followed closely behind, her footsteps sharp and deliberate. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, and the fire in her eyes made it clear she had plenty to say. "What were you thinking?" she demanded, her tone icy as she glared at Robby.

Arizona couldn't help but roll her eyes, leaning back slightly as she hugged the pillow tighter. "That really was the stupidest thing ever," she commented, her voice dry but tinged with exasperation.

Demetri snorted in agreement, his head snapping up to level a pointed glare at Robby. "Yeah, someone said it wasn't a gamble," he added, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Robby, who had been leaning against the dresser with his arms folded, straightened defensively. His jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed with frustration. "I didn't even want to get involved!" he snapped, his tone hardening.

Sam's brow arched, her gaze unrelenting. "Then maybe you shouldn't have gotten involved. I told you all to stay away from Cobra Kai-it's not that hard," she said, her words cutting like a blade.

Robby bristled, stepping forward slightly as he threw his arms out in frustration. "If it's so simple, then maybe you should follow your own advice!"

Before Sam could fire back, Eli decided to stir the pot further. From his corner of the room, he smirked, his posture as casual as his tone was sharp. "Oh, yeah, we all saw Robby talking to Tory earlier," he said, his voice laced with mock innocence.

The statement landed like a grenade. Robby blinked, caught off guard. "What? What are you talking about?"

Eli leaned forward, his smirk widening as he gestured dramatically. "Come on, man. Tory's your girlfriend, right? Everyone knows it," he teased, clearly enjoying the growing tension.

Arizona scoffed loudly, shifting her weight on the bed and fixing Eli with an incredulous look. "Oh, please. This is so childish," she interjected, her tone sharp. "Robby's allowed to talk to Tory. It doesn't mean anything."

Miguel, who had been quiet up until now, finally stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Yeah, but Tory's decisions affect all of us. It's not just about Robby," he said, glancing toward him with a measured expression.

Sam, however, wasn't finished. Her voice cut through the room like a whip. "I wouldn't say that. Robby knew Kreese went to Tory," she announced, her words hitting like a thunderclap.

The room fell into stunned silence. Arizona's breath caught as her head snapped toward Sam, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What?" she whispered, disbelief evident in her voice.

All eyes turned to Robby, who now looked like a deer in headlights. He hesitated, running a hand through his hair before finally speaking. "Yeah, okay, I knew," he admitted, his voice rushed. "But it was before her mom died! Kreese was trying to get into her head, but she told him to get lost. I didn't think it would go anywhere."

Sam's expression darkened, her jaw tightening. "Kreese doesn't just go away, Robby. He manipulates. That's what he does. And now we're all paying for it."

The weight of the accusation hit Robby hard. His defenses faltered, and his voice softened, his frustration giving way to desperation. "That's not fair," he said quietly, his gaze darting around the room. "I didn't lie about anything."

He turned to Arizona, his voice barely above a whisper. "Arizona?"

Everyone's attention shifted to her, their eyes expectant. Arizona sat frozen, her grip tightening on the pillow in her lap. She let the silence stretch for a long, agonizing moment before finally speaking, her tone calm and steady.

"Robby," she began, her voice carrying a quiet strength. "Sometimes, the right thing and the easy thing aren't the same. Trust is fragile. If you don't handle it with care, it breaks-and when it does, it's hard to put back together."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Robby's shoulders sagged slightly, the weight of the room's judgment pressing harder against him. Arizona didn't meet his gaze, her focus remaining on the pillow in her arms as the room descended into an uneasy silence.

Arizona stood stiffly among her team in the center of the Sekai Taikai arena, her body tense and her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The air was alive with energy, the sound of the roaring crowd reverberating through the cavernous space like a living entity. Overhead, the blinding lights poured down onto the polished mats, reflecting the high stakes of the competition. Arizona's arms were crossed tightly in front of her chest, but her composure was a thin veneer; her heart hammered relentlessly, and an uneasy churn in her stomach made it hard to breathe. The weight of it all pressed heavily on her.

The crowd's roar intensified, signaling the arrival of Gunther Braun, the arena's larger-than-life announcer. His voice boomed across the space like a clap of thunder, commanding attention.

"The time has come!" Gunther declared, his dramatic flair palpable as he gestured broadly to the audience. "Welcome to the first event of Sekai Taikai! I hope you're all well-rested and ready for what promises to be a unique and unforgettable competition!"

Arizona clenched her jaw and stared ahead, trying to keep her nerves at bay. No matter how loud the crowd got or how expertly Gunther worked the room, all she could focus on was the tension rippling through her team-and the awkward silence that lingered between her and Robby. She hated it, the way his presence pulled at her, even now, when every ounce of her energy needed to be on the competition.

"We call this the Captain's War," Gunther continued, his voice dipping for effect. The crowd hushed, the tension thickening like storm clouds before a downpour. "We told you how important your captains would be-now, let's see how well you protect them. Four dojos will take the mat, but only one will be left standing. If you hit the mat, you're out. And if one of your captains hits the mat, your entire team is eliminated from this round."

The rules sank in like a cold blade. Arizona's stomach churned, the stakes suddenly feeling far too real. She glanced around at her teammates, their faces a mix of determination and apprehension. She swallowed hard, steeling herself.

"Check the boards to see your groups," Gunther announced, gesturing toward the massive screens behind him. Arizona followed his gesture, her eyes landing on the lineup. Cobra Kai. Her gut twisted. Of course.

She let out a bitter scoff, muttering under her breath, "Cobra Kai. Perfect."

Sensei LaRusso mirrored her sentiment. "Cobra Kai. Of course." His tone was sharp, a mix of frustration and focus.

The team huddled together, their energy taut like a drawn bowstring. Arizona positioned herself just slightly away from Robby, though she could feel his presence like a constant shadow.

Miguel broke the silence, his voice calm but commanding. "Let them come to us."

Arizona nodded, scanning the group. "Protect the egg," she added, her voice firm. "Make sure Sam and Robby are safe."

Robby straightened at her words, his posture rigid. "I can be on the front line," he offered, his voice laced with determination.

Miguel shot him a sharp look. "No. You stay back and stay focused."

The tension between them was immediate, palpable.

"Why wouldn't I be focused?" Robby snapped, his tone defensive.

Miguel's expression softened slightly, though his voice remained steady. "You left the hotel room last night."

The unspoken accusation hung in the air, cutting through the team's fragile unity. Robby's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Sensei LaRusso stepped in, his voice authoritative.

"I know it hasn't always been pretty lately, but no one could ever count us out," he said, his tone grounding them. "Do it for each other. Fight for each other."

"And wipe the smirks off their ugly faces," Sensei Lawrence added, his gruff humor earning a few quiet laughs.

Despite herself, Arizona felt a small smile tug at her lips. The tension in her chest eased-just a little. Maybe they could pull this off.

Gunther's voice rang out again, louder this time. "Ready? Begin!"

The mat erupted into chaos. Tory charged forward like a missile, her focus sharp and unyielding.

"Protect the egg!" Demetri called, moving to intercept her. But Tory was relentless, her movements precise and devastating. She swept Demetri's legs out from under him in one fluid motion, sending him crashing to the mat.

"Demetri's out!" Miguel called, his voice tight as he engaged another Cobra Kai fighter.

Arizona barely had time to process before a Cobra Kai boy lunged at her. She reacted instinctively, her body moving on autopilot as she ducked under his punch and countered with a swift kick to his ribs.

"Stay on him, Arizona!" Sam shouted, her voice urgent.

Arizona blocked another attack, her focus laser-sharp. But then she caught sight of Sam out of the corner of her eye, a Cobra Kai fighter closing in on her.

Without thinking, Arizona spun on her heel, placing herself between Sam and the oncoming threat. The Cobra Kai boy hesitated for a fraction of a second, surprised by her sudden move, but Arizona didn't give him a chance to recover. She blocked his punch, twisted his arm, and swept his legs out from under him, sending him sprawling onto the mat.

Sam's voice cut through the chaos, a mix of gratitude and urgency. "Thanks!"

Arizona nodded, her gaze darting around the mat. "Stay close to me," she ordered.

But the chaos was unrelenting. Devon's voice rang out, desperate. "Need some help!"

Arizona turned to see Tory overwhelming him with a flurry of aggressive strikes. She started toward them, but another Cobra Kai fighter cut her off.

"You've got to do better than that," she taunted, her voice sharp as she dodged his clumsy attack.

The fight continued, the stakes climbing higher with each second. And then the announcement came, cutting through the noise like a dagger.

"Robby's out! Miyagi-Do is eliminated for this round!"

Arizona froze, her heart sinking as she watched Robby hit the mat hard. His frustration was palpable, the anger radiating off him as he slapped the floor.

She stared at him, her chest tightening with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. She should've done more. Should've seen it coming. But now, all she could feel was the sting of failure.

ASH SPEAKS!!!!

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