chapter sixty-three:
❛ strike last (4) ❜

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✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸

The energy in the arena was electric, the roar of the crowd buzzing in the background as Miguel stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders with deep, measured breaths. He was about to step onto the mat for the male championship match, and though he tried to appear calm, Arizona could see the tension in his posture, the way his jaw clenched slightly as he exhaled.

She didn't hesitate. Stepping forward, she placed a hand on his arm, making him pause. "Hey," she said, her voice steady despite the noise around them.

Miguel turned to her, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Hey." His voice was quieter than usual, edged with nerves.

"You ready?"

Miguel let out a breathy chuckle, shaking out his hands. "I think so." But the hesitation in his voice was clear.

Arizona's brows furrowed as she studied him. She wasn't about to let him go into this fight doubting himself. She placed her hands on his chest, firm but gentle, grounding him. "Listen to me," she said, waiting until his gaze locked onto hers. "You've trained for this. You've fought your way here, and you deserve to be in this match. You are one of the best fighters in this entire tournament. You've already proven that."

Miguel swallowed, nodding, but the weight of the fight still lingered in his expression.

Arizona tilted her head, her voice softening. "You're not just some kid from Reseda anymore. You're the guy who gets back up, who never quits, who doesn't let anyone take what he's worked for." She smirked slightly. "And besides, I didn't come all this way to watch you choke, so don't embarrass me."

That got a small laugh out of him, the tension in his shoulders easing a little. "I wouldn't dare."

"Good." Arizona grinned before taking a small step closer, her hands sliding up to rest lightly on his shoulders. "You've got this. No matter what happens, fight with everything you have, and show them why you belong here."

Miguel took a deep breath, his confidence returning. "Yeah... yeah, you're right."

Arizona smirked. "I usually am."

Then, before he could say anything else, she leaned in and kissed him. It wasn't rushed or fleeting-it was slow and steady, meant to remind him that she believed in him, that she was here, standing in his corner. Miguel instantly melted into it, his hands hovering at her waist for a second before finally resting there, gripping her like he needed her in this moment more than anything.

Across the mat, Axel froze mid-stretch. His eyes locked onto the scene unfolding in front of him, and a sharp pang of jealousy twisted in his chest. His fists clenched at his sides as he watched Arizona kiss Miguel, her hands resting so effortlessly on his shoulders, the way Miguel leaned into her like she was his anchor. That should be me. The thought burned through Axel's mind, bitter and resentful.

Arizona pulled back first, her lips still tingling as she searched Miguel's face. His eyes were brighter now, his focus sharper. She smiled. "Go kick his ass," she whispered.

Miguel grinned, his confidence fully restored. "Yes, ma'am."

As he turned toward the mat, Arizona stepped back, folding her arms as she caught Axel's gaze from across the way. He was still staring, his expression unreadable, but there was something simmering behind his eyes-anger, jealousy, frustration. He quickly turned away, trying to shake it off, but Arizona didn't miss the way his fingers twitched at his sides.

She smirked to herself. Let him be jealous.

The tension in the arena was palpable as Arizona stood beside Miguel on the sidelines, her heart pounding in sync with the excitement thrumming through the crowd. The air smelled of sweat, determination, and the faint lingering scent of the mats. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on them, but Miguel stood tall, his jaw set with focus.

Gunther stepped forward, microphone in hand, his voice booming across the arena. "Now, for our final match of this year's Sekai Taikai!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, the applause echoing off the high ceilings of the venue. Arizona's fingers curled into fists at her sides as anticipation coiled tightly in her chest.

"Representing the Iron Dragons, Axel Kovačević!" Gunther announced.

Axel stepped forward, rolling his shoulders back, his face an unreadable mask of confidence. His sharp blue eyes flickered briefly toward Arizona, but she didn't react. Instead, she kept her attention on Miguel, whose own expression remained steady, unwavering.

"And representing Cobra Kai, Miguel Diaz!"

The cheers grew even louder. Miguel inhaled deeply, rolling out his wrists as he prepared to step onto the mat.

Johnny turned to his student, gripping his shoulder. "This is what it's all about," he said, his voice firm but proud. "Savor the moment." He paused before smirking slightly. "And knock his block off."

Arizona snickered, nudging Miguel playfully as he smirked at Johnny's words. "That's the plan," Miguel said, exhaling and shaking out any lingering tension.

Gunther's voice rang out again, bringing the arena to focused silence. "Would the fighters please come to the mat."

Miguel and Axel strode forward, both exuding confidence as they met at the center. They bowed to each other with sharp precision before bowing to the referee. The moment their eyes locked, Arizona could feel the intensity between them. This was going to be a fight to remember.

The referee raised his hand. "Fight!"

The fight was on.

Miguel struck first, executing a swift twist kick, but Axel dodged smoothly, pivoting just out of reach. Arizona barely had time to register that movement before Axel retaliated with a sharp kick, aiming for Miguel's side. Miguel reacted instantly, pushing Axel's foot down and countering with a solid punch to his gut.

"Point!" the referee called out.

"Yes, babe!" Arizona cheered, her voice cutting through the noise.

"Nice, Diaz!" Johnny bellowed from the sidelines.

Miguel wasted no time, leaping into the air with a powerful aerial kick, but Axel raised his arm, blocking it just in time. Miguel twisted, his body moving fluidly as he aimed a quick strike, but Axel dodged, maneuvering around him. Miguel attempted to sweep Axel's legs, but Axel jumped effortlessly, landing with catlike grace.

Miguel sprang up just as fast, lunging forward with a punch, but Axel anticipated it-grabbing Miguel's wrist mid-motion. Before Axel could follow up, Miguel twisted out of the hold and, mid-spin, landed a punch directly to Axel's stomach.

"Yes!" Arizona shouted, her hands gripping the barricade in excitement.

"Point!"

Axel's jaw tightened as he threw a quick fist, but Miguel blocked it with smooth precision. Axel tried again, this time catching Miguel's wrist and pulling him in close, his other hand reeling back for a punch. Miguel dodged just in time, mirroring the move by grabbing Axel's wrist in return. They struggled for control for a brief moment, their muscles tensed, before Miguel wrenched free and ducked under an incoming kick.

Arizona bit her nail anxiously as she watched, eyes flicking between their movements, her pulse thrumming wildly.

Miguel launched a flurry of punches, but Axel blocked each one with expert precision. Then, in a quick shift of strategy, Miguel aimed lower, kicking Axel's groin. Axel stumbled back, gritting his teeth before countering with a rapid-fire set of punches.

Miguel blocked-once, twice, three times-moving swiftly, never letting Axel break through.

Then Axel grabbed Miguel's arm, spun him around, and attempted to trap him in a hold, but Miguel reacted instantly, driving his elbow into Axel's ribs.

Arizona's breath caught in her throat, shoulders tense-until Miguel yanked free and delivered another sharp elbow strike to Axel's stomach.

"Point!"

Axel barely had time to react before Miguel moved with lightning speed, delivering a roundhouse kick directly to Axel's chest.

"Point!"

Arizona's grin stretched from ear to ear.

Axel scowled, swinging his leg, but Miguel dodged with ease. He tried again, aiming higher, but Miguel ducked cleanly under it. The frustration was evident on Axel's face as he swung again, this time aiming for Miguel's head.

Miguel blocked it with sharp reflexes, ducked low, and then countered with a fierce kick-landing it right to Axel's face.

"Point!"

Arizona screamed in victory. "Yes!!!"

The referee raised his hand, signaling the end of the first round.

Round one is over.

Miguel turned, his chest rising and falling heavily, sweat trickling down his temple, but his face was lit with pure adrenaline. Arizona rushed forward as he stepped off the mat, immediately raising her hand for a high five. Miguel smacked his palm against hers, both of them grinning.

"Holy shit, Diaz. You're on fire," Johnny said, shaking his head in approval.

Miguel only smirked, rolling out his shoulders as he took a sip of water. Round two was coming up, and he was ready.

Round Two.

Miguel and Axel stepped onto the mat once more, sweat glistening on their skin under the bright lights. The crowd's energy pulsed around them, but to Miguel, it all faded into background noise. His focus was solely on the opponent in front of him. Axel stood tall, his stance solid and unyielding, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Miguel like a predator sizing up his prey.

The referee raised his hand. "Ready? Fight!"

Axel threw a fake punch, his fist jerking forward only to retract at the last second. Miguel dodged instinctively, barely flinching, recognizing the feint just in time. Without hesitation, he mirrored the move, faking a punch of his own, but Axel was just as quick, weaving out of range.

Miguel adjusted his footing, then launched a powerful kick, his foot colliding with Axel's ribs. Axel staggered back, his stance breaking for a split second. Seizing the opportunity, Miguel followed up with another kick, but this time, Axel was ready-grabbing Miguel's leg mid-air.

Arizona froze.

Her breath hitched as she clutched her hands together. She had seen this move before.

"Don't do it, please," she muttered under her breath, her world narrowing to the sight in front of her. Everything felt like slow motion as her gaze flicked toward Robby, who stood on crutches at the sidelines-because of Axel. The memory flashed through her mind like a lightning strike, the sickening crack of Robby's injury still fresh in her ears.

But when she looked back, Miguel had already reacted.

Instead of letting Axel take control, Miguel pushed off of Axel's grip, twisting mid-air to land safely on his feet.

Arizona exhaled sharply, relief washing over her.

Axel wasted no time. He lunged forward, throwing a sharp punch, but Miguel blocked it cleanly and swiftly maneuvered around him. However, Axel was prepared-he spun sharply and delivered a brutal kick straight to Miguel's chest.

Arizona gasped as Miguel stumbled back, his breath knocked from his lungs.

"Point!" the referee called.

Miguel barely had a second to recover before Axel was on him again, their movements a blur of precise strikes and defensive blocks. Miguel managed to counter several of Axel's attacks, but then-Axel found his opening.

He grabbed Miguel's arm mid-punch and drove his fist into Miguel's stomach.

"Point!"

Miguel staggered, gripping his abdomen, but before he could reset, Axel's foot slammed into his side-then immediately followed with a harsh kick to his face.

"Point! Point!" the referee announced.

Double points.

Arizona's stomach twisted.

Axel was fighting dirty now.

Axel's movements became sharper, more aggressive. He wasn't just aiming to win-he wanted to hurt Miguel.

Axel somersaulted forward, aiming to strike Miguel mid-air, but Miguel barely managed to block it in time. He went for a counter punch, but Axel caught his wrist, spun around Miguel's body with terrifying agility, and landed a devastating kick to Miguel's chest.

"Point!"

Arizona clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she watched the scoreboard shift again.

Then, Axel let out a guttural yell-an aggressive, triumphant battle cry-and launched himself into a roundhouse spring kick, his foot colliding brutally with Miguel's face.

Miguel's head snapped back.

And then-he hit the mat.

Arizona's heart stopped.

The crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers and boos.

"Boo!" The Cobra Kai side chanted angrily.

Miguel lay on the mat, staring up at Axel in disbelief. He blinked, his breath heavy, his chest rising and falling as realization hit. Axel stood over him, his expression unreadable-but there was a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.

Arizona bit down on her lip so hard that she tasted blood.

Johnny tried to rush onto the mat, but Arizona and Sensei LaRusso held him back, their hands gripping his arms.

"Let me go! That little-" Johnny's voice was sharp, seething.

"Johnny, don't," Daniel warned, but his own jaw was clenched with tension.

The referee raised his hand. "Knockdown! Ten points!"

The arena erupted.

Miguel pushed himself up slowly, shaking the dizziness from his head. As soon as he got to his feet, Axel stepped forward, fist raised-ready to end it.

"Axel!"

Arizona's voice cut through the noise like a blade.

Axel's body froze mid-punch.

His head turned, and for the first time that night, he faltered.

He met Arizona's eyes, and something flickered across his face. He hesitated for just a second before staggering back toward his senseis, his breath heavy.

Arizona furrowed her brows, watching him carefully.

Why did he hesitate?

She shook the thought away and turned her attention back to the screen.

Iron Dragons 180 - Cobra Kai 160.

They were losing.

Arizona swallowed hard. Miguel was still in this fight. But after what just happened-she wasn't sure if she wanted him to be.

Miguel walked over to the sidelines, his jaw clenched, his breath coming in short, sharp bursts. Sweat dripped down his temple, but he barely noticed it-his entire body was burning with frustration, his fists still tight from the last exchange.

As soon as he reached the edge of the mat, Arizona was there.

She immediately placed a comforting hand on his back, running her palm up and down gently, but her touch wasn't just soft-it was grounding. It was real.

"Mig..." she murmured, her brows knitted together in concern.

Miguel exhaled sharply through his nose, but he didn't say anything. His eyes, dark with frustration, flickered toward Axel, who stood across the mat, adjusting his gi with an irritating smirk. Arizona could see it, the way Miguel's entire posture tensed at the sight.

She didn't like it. Not one bit.

Miguel was better than this.

Arizona's lips pressed together before she turned to look at Robby.

Robby, who had been watching the entire match unfold, gripping his crutches as if he wanted to throw them across the room. The last time Axel fought, it ended with Robby like this.

But Robby just met Miguel's gaze-and there wasn't pity in his expression. Just something almost understanding.

"It's okay, man," Robby said, his voice steady.

Miguel didn't answer. He only inhaled deeply through his nose and turned away, heading straight for Johnny.

Arizona let him go.

She didn't follow, didn't try to eavesdrop. She knew this was a moment between Miguel and Johnny. Whatever Johnny said to Miguel needed to be just between them.

So, instead, Arizona took a step back, crossing her arms as she kept her eyes on Miguel.

She watched as Johnny spoke low and firm, his hands on Miguel's shoulders, shaking him slightly, forcing him to focus. Miguel's head dropped slightly, his lips pursed, but after a few seconds-he nodded.

Then, Johnny reached into his pocket.

Arizona's heart clenched when she saw it.

The black headband.

Johnny moved forward, tying it around Miguel's head carefully, as if sealing a promise.

Miguel closed his eyes for a brief moment, inhaling deeply-then, when he opened them, there was clarity. Purpose.

Arizona felt a flicker of warmth in her chest.

Miguel turned back toward the mat, stepping forward, his movements sharp, calculated.

Round Three. The Final Round.

Arizona's hands clapped together as she cupped them around her mouth.

"Let's go, Mig!" she yelled, her voice ringing through the arena.

Then-

"Kick his ass, Miggy!"

The entire crowd stood up in a roar of cheers as Miguel's Yaya shouted in Spanish at the top of her lungs, her voice piercing through every other sound in the arena.

Arizona let out a small laugh, shaking her head. She should've expected that.

Miguel's lips twitched upward.

And then-he stepped onto the mat.

Axel strode onto the mat, rolling his shoulders, the intensity in his gaze matching the fire burning in Miguel's. The crowd fell silent for a moment, anticipation thick in the air. This was it. The final round.

Miguel bounced lightly on his toes, his muscles coiled, his breathing steady. Across from him, Axel smirked. Then-

"Fight!"

Axel wasted no time.

He launched himself forward with a high kick, slicing through the air with precision-but Miguel dodged it effortlessly, shifting his weight at the last second.

Axel snarled and spun into a high roundhouse kick. Miguel ducked just in time, feeling the rush of wind as the kick barely missed him.

Miguel's reflexes were sharp, instinct taking over as Axel went for a rapid series of punches. One. Two. Three. Miguel blocked each one with perfect form, his arms moving with fluidity, his stance solid.

Then, Axel threw a wild punch.

Miguel saw it coming. He caught both of Axel's wrists, stopping him mid-motion.

And then-BAM! Miguel drove his fist straight into Axel's nose with a brutal, clean strike.

Axel's head snapped back. Blood dripped down from his nostrils.

"Point!" the ref announced.

"YES!" Arizona laughed and screamed, her hands cupped around her mouth as she jumped in excitement.

Axel staggered, his face twisted in anger, but Miguel didn't let up.

Miguel threw a hard kick at Axel's midsection. Axel tried to dodge, but Miguel's foot slammed into his gut.

"Point!"

Axel stumbled back, breath hitching as he clutched his stomach.

But Miguel wasn't done.

Axel retaliated with a flurry of punches, wild, aggressive, desperate. Miguel dodged smoothly, weaving past every hit. His movements were calculated, precise.

Then Miguel swiftly pivoted, striking out with a lightning-fast kick to Axel's shoulder.

"Point!"

Arizona's heart pounded. Miguel was in the zone.

Miguel bounced on his toes, his focus sharp, his body moving like a machine built for this moment.

Axel, however, wasn't happy. He threw a quick glance toward Arizona.

Miguel saw it.

His jaw clenched. No. He wasn't letting Axel use her as motivation.

Axel suddenly dropped low, sweeping his leg toward Miguel's ankles, but Miguel-graceful as ever-executed a flawless aerial flip, avoiding the sweep entirely.

And then, mid-air-Miguel lashed out with a punch, landing it directly on Axel's jaw as he came back down.

"Point!"

Arizona clutched her chest, barely able to breathe.

Axel wiped the blood from his nose and shook his head, irritation flaring in his eyes. He exhaled sharply, resetting his stance.

And then-he charged.

Miguel sidestepped him with ease. A quick turn, a sharp kick. Axel faltered.

They exchanged blows in rapid succession, both blocking, both attacking. Axel was fighting dirty, aggressive, ruthless.

Miguel was fighting smart.

Finally, Miguel found his opening.

CRACK.

Miguel's foot collided with Axel's face.

"Point!"

Arizona froze.

Two more points and Miguel would win.

Miguel exhaled, sweat trickling down his temple. He could feel it now. The energy of the crowd, the adrenaline in his veins.

Axel lunged forward, throwing everything at Miguel-punches, kicks, sweeps. Miguel dodged and blocked, countering when he could.

Then Miguel snatched Axel's arm, spun him around, and drove his fist into Axel's side.

"Point!"

One more.

Miguel could hear the roaring of the crowd, but he only focused on Axel.

Axel, fueled by frustration, came at him again-but Miguel was faster.

With one swift motion, Miguel grabbed Axel, yanked him down, and slammed him onto the mat.

A collective gasp rippled through the arena.

Axel gritted his teeth, pushing himself up.

Miguel jumped over him, already in position, his body moving like an extension of his instincts. He launched forward, aiming a powerful kick-

Axel blocked it.

They exchanged blows, dodges, near-misses.

Then-it happened.

Miguel dropped low, balanced on one hand, and launched himself forward like Spider-Man.

With a ferocious yell, Miguel sprang into the air, his leg snapping forward-

A final, brutal kick to Axel's face.

Axel's body jerked backward.

The buzzer went off.

The arena erupted.

Arizona's breath hitched.

Miguel's chest rose and fell heavily. He stood there for a moment, processing it, his body trembling from the intensity of the fight.

And then-he realized.

He won.

A shaky breath escaped his lips.

Before he could even move-Arizona was already running onto the mat.

"MIGUEL!"

Miguel barely had time to react before Arizona crashed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He let out a soft, breathless chuckle-before kissing her.

And it wasn't just a quick kiss.

It was fierce, passionate, real.

The crowd cheered even louder, and Miguel could hear his team, his family, his Senseis all shouting for him-but in this moment, it was just Arizona.

His championship.

His girl.

Then his team rushed onto the mat, surrounding him, cheering, hugging him.

Johnny clapped his hands together, grinning proudly. Sensei LaRusso nodded in approval.

Miguel turned to Arizona, and together, they lifted their trophies high.

Male Champion. Female Champion.

Arizona and Miguel.

They had done it.

Tomorrow was the Senseis fight and would determine the overall dojo winner.

Arizona stood outside Miguel's apartment complex, shifting the weight of the small gift bags in her hands. The night air was warm, the buzz of their Sekai Taikai victory still thrumming in her veins. She smirked to herself, thinking about the look on Miguel's face when he saw what she brought.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

Seconds later, Miguel opened it, and the moment he saw her, his entire face lit up. His hair was still damp from a shower, and he was wearing a loose t-shirt and sweatpants, looking ridiculously comfortable-but the second his eyes met hers, his expression turned from pleasantly surprised to something deeper.

"Hey, champ," Arizona teased, holding up the bags. "Came bearing gifts."

Miguel chuckled, stepping aside to let her in. "You didn't have to do that."

Arizona shrugged, stepping inside. "Well, I did. Because we're both champions, and we deserve it."

Miguel shut the door and reached for one of the bags, but Arizona quickly pulled them away.

"Uh-uh. Not yet," she smirked.

Miguel narrowed his eyes playfully, but before he could protest, she leaned up and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. He hummed in response, his hands instinctively finding her waist, pulling her closer.

By the time they broke apart, Arizona's smirk had returned. "Where's your room?"

Miguel raised an eyebrow, his lips still slightly parted from the kiss. "Why?"

Arizona tilted her head, giving him a knowing look. "Victory night," she murmured.

Miguel's breath hitched slightly before he grabbed her hand and led her down the hall without hesitation.

As soon as they stepped inside his room, Arizona kicked the door shut behind her and captured his lips again, this time with more urgency. Miguel responded instantly, his hands sliding up her back, deepening the kiss.

Her fingers tangled in his hair as he backed her toward the bed, but before he could press her down against it, Arizona took control-grabbing the hem of her shirt and pulling it over her head, tossing it aside without a second thought.

Miguel exhaled sharply, his hands settling on her bare waist, his eyes darkening as he pulled her back in.

And neither of them were thinking about anything else but each other.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

HEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEH

NO TWO MORE CHAPTERS UNTIL THE END GUYS I DONT WANT THIS TO END

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

PLEASE STOP BEING FREAKIN A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE! PLEASE!!!!! stop being ghost readers!!!! its really annoying!!!

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO SEE VIEWS GO UP BUT NOT VOTES. its annoying for us writers. so please just vote and comment!! its not that hard!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
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. PLEASE JUST FREAKIN VOTE!!!