chapter fifty-four:
❛ quick thinking ❜

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The Barcelona airport buzzed with activity, travelers moving to and fro, speaking in a mix of languages that gave the air an electric energy. Arizona leaned against the arrivals gate, her arms crossed as she scanned the crowd. Beside her, Sam shifted from one foot to the other, her excitement palpable.

"Relax, Sam," Arizona teased, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You're acting like you're about to see a celebrity, not your boyfriend."

Sam shot her a look but couldn't suppress her grin. "I'm just excited, okay? Dylan's never been to Europe before, let alone Barcelona. And he gets to see us in the tournament!"

Arizona chuckled. "I get it. It's a big deal." She adjusted her Miyagi-Do jacket, the embroidered patch glinting under the airport lights. "But don't forget, we've got a fight to win tomorrow. No distractions."

"Don't worry, Sensei," Sam said playfully, nudging Arizona with her shoulder. "I'll be focused. Mostly."

Before Arizona could reply, the crowd parted, and a familiar figure emerged. Dylan's tall, lanky frame was unmistakable, his duffle bag slung over one shoulder and his face lit up with an enormous grin as he spotted them.

"Dylan!" Sam exclaimed, practically sprinting toward him.

Dylan dropped his bag just in time to catch her, spinning her around as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Sam!" he said, laughing. "I missed you so much."

Arizona stayed back, giving them their moment, but her brother's enthusiasm was infectious. She crossed her arms, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched them.

Finally, Dylan set Sam down and turned to Arizona. "Arizona!" he called out, his grin widening as he walked over and pulled her into a hug. "It's so good to see you!"

Arizona returned the hug, giving him a light slap on the back. "Good to see you too, Dylan. Long flight?"

"Brutal," Dylan admitted, stepping back and adjusting his bag. "But totally worth it. Barcelona's already amazing, and I haven't even left the airport yet."

Sam beamed. "Wait until you see the city. It's incredible. And the tournament-"

"The tournament!" Dylan interrupted, his eyes lighting up. "I can't believe you guys made it to the Sekai Taikai. I'm so proud of you both."

Arizona shrugged, though a hint of pride flickered in her expression. "We worked hard to get here. But it's not over yet. Tomorrow's the big day."

"And you're gonna crush it," Dylan said confidently. He glanced at Sam. "Seriously, I can't wait to watch you two in action. This is like a dream come true."

Sam grinned. "It's been intense, but we're ready. Right, Arizona?"

"Ready as we'll ever be," Arizona agreed, her smirk returning. She looked at Dylan. "But for now, you two should go have some fun. Explore the city, check out the sights. I'll catch up with you later."

Dylan frowned slightly. "You're not coming with us?"

Arizona shook her head. "Nah, I've got some things to take care of. Plus, you didn't come all this way to hang out with your best friend. Go enjoy Barcelona with Sam. We'll have plenty of time to catch up after the tournament."

Dylan hesitated, but Sam nudged him. "She's right," Sam said gently. "We've got tickets to see some of the earlier matches today, and Arizona probably needs to rest up for tomorrow."

"Alright," Dylan said reluctantly, though his grin quickly returned. "But you owe me a proper catch-up session, Arizona."

"Deal," Arizona said, her tone light. "Now go. And try not to get lost."

Dylan grabbed his bag and turned to Sam, his excitement returning in full force. As they walked off, he waved back at Arizona. "Knock 'em dead tomorrow!"

Arizona watched them disappear into the bustling crowd, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. Seeing Dylan so happy made her heart feel lighter, even with the weight of the tournament on her shoulders. She adjusted her jacket again, the Miyagi-Do emblem catching the light, and turned toward the exit. Tomorrow was going to be a big day, and she intended to make every moment count.

The beach stretched endlessly under the soft glow of the moonlight, the waves whispering against the shore. Arizona wandered aimlessly along the shoreline, her thoughts heavy with worry. The news about Miguel's mom collapsing weighed on her like an anchor, and the revelation of her pregnancy only added to the knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. She wrapped her arms around herself, the cool ocean breeze tugging at her hair, as she gazed out at the silver-tinted waves.

She sighed deeply, trying to clear her mind, but the unease lingered. Her boyfriend wasn't just concerned-he was terrified. The thought of Miguel's face, tense with worry, flashed through her mind, and she couldn't shake the ache in her heart.

As she turned to head back to her hotel, movement caught her eye. A lone figure on the sand was practicing, their silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. Arizona paused, watching with quiet curiosity as the boy moved through a kata unlike any she'd seen before. His movements were sharp, precise, yet fluid, as if he were painting a masterpiece with his body.

Her fascination grew with every motion. The style was foreign to her-a mix of raw power and graceful control that demanded attention. She stayed rooted to the spot, captivated, until the boy stopped suddenly and looked in her direction. He froze when he saw her, his posture stiffening as though caught doing something he shouldn't.

"Oh!" Arizona quickly took a step forward, raising her hands apologetically. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

The boy's posture relaxed slightly, though his expression remained guarded. "It's okay," he said, his voice carrying a thick accent that Arizona couldn't quite place.

"I'm Arizona," she offered, smiling gently as she approached, careful not to get too close.

"Axel," he replied curtly, his eyes darting around as though checking for onlookers.

Arizona tilted her head, intrigued by his unease. "That's a pretty cool kata," she said, nodding toward the spot where he'd been practicing. "I've never seen it before. What's it called?"

Axel's brows furrowed, and he hesitated before answering. "I... I am not supposed to speak with opponent," he stammered, his gaze dropping to the sand.

Arizona blinked in surprise before letting out a soft laugh. "No need to worry," she assured him, her tone light. "We're not on the mat, so what's the harm?"

Axel seemed to mull this over, his lips pressing into a thin line. Arizona waited patiently, sensing that pushing him might only make him retreat further.

"It's pretty late to be training," she pointed out casually, hoping to draw him out of his shell.

"Always time for training," Axel replied, bending down to pick up his shirt from the sand.

As he turned to pull the shirt over his head, Arizona's breath caught. A vivid red mark stretched across his back, jagged and angry against his skin. Her stomach churned as the memory of his sensei's outburst during practice the day before flashed in her mind-the harsh words, the cruel strikes meant to punish rather than teach.

"Oh my God," she blurted out, unable to stop herself. "Your-your back. What happened?"

Axel froze, his body tense, before quickly yanking the shirt over his head. "Uh... from bo staff competition," he muttered, his voice clipped.

Arizona's brows knitted together in a frown. "Are you sure?" she pressed gently. "I mean... no one's even been able to land a point on you during matches."

Axel's eyes widened slightly, but he remained silent, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground.

"I saw what happened with your sensei yesterday," Arizona said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "He shouldn't do that to you."

Axel's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "My sensei wants me to be the best," he said stiffly. "It's because of him I never lose."

Arizona's heart ached at his words. "There are other ways of teaching, Axel," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Hitting isn't one of them."

Axel hesitated, his posture rigid, before finally glancing at her. "Your dojo is amazing though," Arizona added, hoping to lighten the mood.

To her surprise, Axel let out a quiet chuckle. "You're pretty..." he murmured, then immediately corrected himself. "Your dojo's pretty good too."

Arizona raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "We try... I guess."

Axel looked out at the ocean, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. After a moment, he turned back to her. "Mind if I join?"

"The walk or the dojo?" Arizona asked, her tone playful as she smiled.

"The walk. On my way back to hotel," Axel clarified, his lips curving into a small smile.

Arizona nodded. "Sure. Let's go."

They began walking side by side along the shore, the sound of the waves filling the spaces between their words. Arizona couldn't shake the concern she felt for him, but she sensed that Axel wasn't ready to talk about it. For now, she was content to share a peaceful moment under the moonlight, knowing that even small acts of kindness could make a difference.

The streets of Barcelona shimmered under the late afternoon sun, the air filled with the scent of fresh bread from nearby bakeries and the distant hum of flamenco guitar. Dylan walked alongside Sam, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans as he took in the vibrant energy of the city. The intricate architecture, with its swirling iron balconies and colorful facades, left him wide-eyed.

"This place is incredible," Dylan said, his voice tinged with awe. "I feel like I've stepped into a painting or something."

Sam, a step ahead of him, turned with a knowing smile. "Told you Barcelona was special." She pulled out her phone and waved it in front of him. "Lucky for you, I came prepared."

Dylan arched an eyebrow, smirking. "You? Prepared? Since when do you plan anything, Sam?"

"Very funny," she said, rolling her eyes. "I just thought, you know, since it's your first time here, we should do something memorable. So, I made a list."

Dylan's teasing smirk softened into a grin. "Alright, what's on the itinerary, tour guide?"

"First stop: Park Güell," Sam announced, showing him a photo on her phone. "It's this amazing park designed by Gaudí. Trust me, you'll love it. It's like nothing you've ever seen."

Dylan nodded eagerly. "Lead the way."

The two strolled through the winding streets of the city, their path lined with vibrant shops, flower stalls, and street performers. Every few steps, Dylan would stop to point something out-a painter creating an elaborate mural, a group of dancers performing for a crowd, or an elderly couple sharing a quiet moment on a bench.

Eventually, they arrived at Park Güell. The moment Dylan stepped through the gates, his jaw dropped. The park was a riot of color and whimsy, with swirling mosaics decorating benches and walls, vibrant sculptures that looked like they belonged in a fairy tale, and towering columns that twisted toward the sky.

"This is insane," Dylan breathed, spinning in a slow circle to take it all in. "It's like walking into someone's imagination."

Sam grinned, watching his reaction with satisfaction. "Told you. Gaudí had a way of making art come to life. My mom brought me here once when I was little. I remember thinking it was like being in a dream."

Dylan glanced at her, his curiosity piqued. "You've been here before?"

"Yeah," she said, her voice soft with nostalgia. "It was a family trip. Back before karate took over my life. I was obsessed with art back then. I used to sketch everything I saw."

Dylan tilted his head, imagining a younger Sam with a sketchpad in hand. "You still draw?"

"Not as much as I'd like," she admitted. "But being here kind of makes me want to pick it up again."

They wandered through the park, stopping to take photos and marvel at the intricate designs. Dylan couldn't resist posing dramatically next to a mosaic lizard, striking a martial arts stance that made Sam laugh out loud.

"Alright, Mr. Karate Kid, let's get going," Sam said, pulling him away before he could convince another tourist to take his picture.

As they left the park, the golden hour light bathed the city in a warm glow. They found a small café tucked into a quiet corner, its outdoor seating surrounded by pots of colorful flowers. Dylan ordered churros with chocolate, while Sam opted for a café con leche.

"This," Dylan said, gesturing to their table as he dipped a churro into the thick chocolate sauce, "is perfection. Great company, great city, and churros. What more could I ask for?"

Sam smirked, but a blush crept up her cheeks. "Glad you're enjoying yourself. But don't get too comfortable. We've still got more to explore."

"More?" Dylan groaned, leaning back in his chair. "You're relentless, LaRusso."

Sam laughed. "Barcelona waits for no one, Dylan. Besides, Arizona's probably off doing her own thing. She'd want us to make the most of this."

Dylan nodded, his grin widening. "Fair enough. What's next?"

Sam tapped on her phone and raised an eyebrow at him. "La Rambla. It's this amazing street with shops, performers, and markets. Think you can handle the chaos?"

"Bring it on," Dylan said with a laugh, finishing the last of his churros.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, they made their way to La Rambla. The wide boulevard was alive with energy-vendors hawked their wares from colorful stalls, artists sketched portraits on the spot, and street performers drew crowds with acrobatics and music.

Dylan stopped at nearly every stall, marveling at the handmade jewelry, intricate pottery, and vibrant paintings. At one point, he insisted on buying a small mosaic keychain, claiming it was "the perfect souvenir."

"This place is unreal," he said, turning to Sam with a wide smile. "I don't think I've ever been somewhere that feels so alive."

Sam watched him, her own smile softening. "Yeah, Barcelona has a way of pulling you in. It's like the city itself is alive."

As they continued to explore, they stumbled upon a small plaza where a group of flamenco dancers was performing. The rhythmic stomping of their feet and the passionate strumming of the guitar filled the air. Dylan grabbed Sam's hand and pulled her closer to the performance, his excitement contagious.

"This is amazing!" he shouted over the music, his eyes sparkling.

Sam laughed, letting herself be caught up in the moment. For a while, they stood side by side, watching the dancers and soaking in the vibrant energy of the city.

When the performance ended, Dylan turned to her, his expression serious for a moment. "Thanks for this, Sam. For showing me all of this. It's a day I'll never forget."

Sam smiled, nudging him playfully. "Don't get all sappy on me now. We've still got more of Barcelona to see."

As they walked off into the glowing lights of the city, their laughter echoed through the streets, a testament to the unforgettable memories they were creating together.

The beach stretched out under the silver glow of the moon, the rhythmic crash of waves filling the quiet night. Arizona and Axel walked side by side, their footsteps leaving faint impressions in the soft sand. Arizona tilted her head toward him, her curiosity piqued.

"So," she began, her voice breaking the comfortable silence. "What do you think of Barcelona so far?"

Axel glanced at her, his hands shoved into his pockets. "It reminds me of Koh Samui," he replied simply, his accent giving his words a soft lilt.

Arizona's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, Koh Samui? You've been to Thailand?"

Axel nodded, his face calm, though there was a flicker of pride in his eyes. "And Japan, China, Malaysia, India... every country in Europe," he listed off, his tone nonchalant, as though this were normal.

"Wow," Arizona said, laughing in disbelief. "That's... a lot of traveling."

"Part of competing," Axel said with a small shrug.

Arizona grinned, shaking her head. "You've done so many Sekai Taikais, haven't you? This is my first one," she admitted.

Axel turned his head toward her, his brow furrowed in surprise. "Really? You fight like someone who's been competing for years. I've seen you on the mat-you're really good," he said, his words deliberate and sincere.

Arizona felt her cheeks warm, but she smiled nonetheless. "Thanks. Honestly, I wasn't always into karate. I thought it was too much about violence. For a while, it made me... lose myself," she admitted, her tone turning more introspective.

Axel gave her a curious glance. "What changed?"

"When I went to India, I found something different," she said, her voice softening. "I found... peace. It helped me get back to the person I was before karate, but also someone new. More grounded, more... zen. It's why my friends call me the 'Zen Master.'" She chuckled lightly.

Axel smiled for the first time that evening, a small, genuine expression. "Zen Master," he repeated, rolling the words off his tongue. "It suits you."

Before Arizona could respond, a familiar voice cut through the night, dripping with mockery.

"How cute!"

Arizona stiffened, her eyes narrowing as she turned toward the voice. Standing a few feet away, Kwon and a group of Cobra Kai boys sauntered toward them, their cocky grins illuminated by the moonlight.

"Seriously?" Arizona muttered under her breath, already feeling her temper rise.

Kwon smirked as he approached, his hands in his pockets. "A little rival team bonding session, huh?" he teased, his tone laced with condescension.

Arizona sighed, rolling her eyes. "Just ignore them," she said to Axel, her voice low. She stepped forward, intending to walk past Kwon, but he quickly sidestepped into her path.

"Say the magic words," Kwon said, his grin widening.

Arizona crossed her arms, glaring up at him. "Move aside," she said firmly.

Kwon feigned a look of mock disappointment, shaking his head. "Wrong answer," he said, his tone smug.

"Just leave us alone," Arizona snapped, her patience wearing thin.

Kwon leaned down, his face inches from hers. "Only if you say please," he said with a smirk, dragging out the word.

Arizona's anger flared, bubbling up before she could stop it. She felt Axel tense beside her, his fists clenching as though ready to intervene, but she didn't give him the chance.

In one swift motion, she slapped Kwon hard across the face, the sound echoing across the beach. As he stumbled back, more stunned than hurt, Arizona grabbed his arm and kneed him sharply in the stomach.

"Come on!" she shouted, grabbing Axel's hand and breaking into a sprint. The two of them dashed down the beach, their feet kicking up sand as adrenaline coursed through their veins.

When they finally stopped, Arizona bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. She glanced around, scanning the empty beach to make sure they hadn't been followed.

"Cobra Kai," she muttered, shaking her head in frustration. "Those assholes."

Axel let out a breathless laugh, his face lighting up with amusement. "Nice quick thinking back there," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Arizona straightened up, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Thanks. I think the coast is clear now," she said, glancing over her shoulder one last time.

Axel stepped closer, his expression softening. "You're... amazing," he said, his voice quieter now. Before Arizona could process what was happening, he leaned in, his eyes fluttering closed.

Startled, Arizona instinctively raised her hands, gently pushing him back. "Axel," she said firmly, her voice steady. "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea... but I have a boyfriend."

The air between them grew tense and awkward. Axel took a step back, nodding quickly, his gaze dropping to the sand. "Of course," he muttered, his accent softening the words.

Arizona offered him an apologetic smile, hoping to ease the tension. "Let's just head back. It's getting late," she said, gesturing toward the path.

Axel nodded again, and the two of them walked in silence, the only sound between them the steady rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore.

Arizona walked into the hotel lobby, her steps quick and purposeful, her mind still racing from the confrontation with Kwon and the awkward moment with Axel on the beach. She had tried to shake it off, but it wasn't easy. She needed to talk to someone, and Dylan was the first person she thought of.

When she reached the door to Dylan's hotel room, she hesitated for just a moment. She was still feeling a little out of sorts from everything that had happened, but she needed to clear her head. She knocked softly on the door, waiting a beat before the door swung open.

To her surprise, she was met with a scene she hadn't expected-Dylan and Sam, locked in a passionate kiss.

Arizona froze, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of them, her breath catching in her throat. For a split second, she felt like an intruder, like she shouldn't be there. But then, Sam pulled back, her cheeks flushing red as she saw Arizona standing in the doorway.

"Oh! Arizona! I-uh, we weren't expecting you..." Sam stammered, stepping back from Dylan.

Arizona quickly shook her head, her expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "No, no, I didn't mean to interrupt," she said, her voice flustered. "I'm sorry. I just... I need to talk to someone."

Dylan, equally startled, ran a hand through his hair, his expression apologetic. "Hey, no problem. What's up?" he asked, his tone soft and concerned.

Arizona closed her eyes for a moment, trying to compose herself. She had come here to vent, to seek advice, but now she wasn't sure how to start. She stepped into the room, closing the door behind her and taking a seat at the edge of one of the chairs. Sam and Dylan exchanged an uncomfortable glance before Sam sat down on the bed, still giving Arizona an apologetic look.

"I-uh-there's something that happened earlier, and I just need to get it off my chest," Arizona started, her fingers twisting together in her lap. She took a deep breath before continuing. "It's about Axel."

Dylan and Sam both looked at her, their expressions shifting to concern. "Axel?" Sam repeated, raising an eyebrow. "The guy from the Iron Dragons?"

Arizona nodded, her gaze dropping to her hands. "Yeah. We-well, we ran into each other on the beach after I finished my training session. And, uh, we started talking, you know? He was nice, and I-well, I didn't expect this to happen." She paused, feeling a little overwhelmed. "He... he tried to kiss me."

Both Dylan and Sam's eyes widened in surprise, their gazes shifting between each other.

"What?" Dylan asked, his voice rising slightly. "Are you okay? Did you-?"

Arizona quickly shook her head. "No, no! I didn't kiss him, and I made it clear that I have a boyfriend." Her words came out quickly, almost as if to reassure them, but the tension in the room didn't fully fade. "I told him I wasn't interested like that. I mean, it was just... a moment of confusion, I guess."

Sam let out a relieved breath. "Good. I mean, I don't know Axel, but I trust you." She offered Arizona a small smile. "You did the right thing by telling him where you stand."

Dylan's expression softened, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes. "Still, that's kind of... weird. I mean, why would he do that if he knew you had a boyfriend?"

Arizona shrugged, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. "I don't know. Maybe it's because he's used to getting what he wants. I'm sure he's not used to people rejecting him." She leaned back in the chair, running a hand through her hair. "It was just... awkward, and honestly, I didn't need that today."

Dylan leaned forward, his voice gentle. "I get it. And you did the right thing by shutting it down. You don't owe anyone anything, especially if they don't respect your boundaries." He paused, his eyes meeting hers. "But, uh, if you ever need to talk or just vent... we're here. Both of us."

Sam nodded in agreement, offering Arizona a comforting smile. "Yeah. You don't have to go through this alone."

Arizona gave them both a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, guys. I just needed to get that off my chest. I know it sounds silly, but I felt... weird about it, you know?"

Dylan shrugged, standing up and walking over to Arizona, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's not silly. You're allowed to feel however you feel. Axel's the one in the wrong here, not you."

Arizona looked at Dylan, appreciating his words. "Yeah. I just didn't expect it to be so... complicated."

Sam leaned back on the bed, her smile gentle. "It's okay to feel confused. But just remember-you made it clear where you stand, and that's what matters."

Arizona nodded, feeling a weight lift off her chest. "Thanks, you two. Seriously. I just needed someone to talk to."

Dylan grinned. "Of course. Anytime, Arizona."

Sam gave her a sympathetic smile. "Yeah, we've got your back."

Arizona stood up, feeling more at ease now that she had vented. "Alright, I'll let you two get back to whatever you were doing," she said with a teasing grin, though there was still a trace of awkwardness in the air.

Dylan laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right. We'll... uh, we'll keep it down next time."

Sam rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, no more surprises. We're good now."

With one last smile, Arizona made her way to the door. "Thanks again. I really appreciate it."

As she stepped back into the hallway, Arizona couldn't help but feel a little lighter. Talking things through had helped her make sense of the situation. She didn't need to worry about Axel anymore-not when she had people who cared about her and had her back.

She just had to focus on herself, her training, and the journey ahead. And maybe, just maybe, she could leave the awkward moments behind and enjoy the rest of her time in Barcelona.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

and oh boy we're gonna see axel really jelly...

2 more chapters until part 3:(

can you guys please check out my 2 new fics?? kwon fic 'all good girls go to hell' and eli/moon 'deja vu'
and you guys should also check paper rings out!!
and my 3 other cobra kai fics that is updated up to s6 part 2! you belong with me, cinnamon girl and matching scars
AND my fic i have like 1 more chapter left for s6 part 2 crazy for you!
yes im self promoting... check them out!!!!

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE JUST STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! ITS ANNOYING!! PLEASE COMMENT AND VOTE. ITS NOT THAT HARD!!! PLEASE! please stop being a ghost reader!!!! us writers work hard on these chapters

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