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Marisol ran around with the other Miyagi-Do students, all of them trying to grab the elusive chicken that darted this way and that. Laughter and groans filled the air as they stumbled over each other in their attempts to catch it. Marisol nudged Eli, who was panting beside her, and the two of them watched as the others continued to chase the bird in vain.

"I have an idea," Marisol whispered, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. Eli raised an eyebrow but nodded, trusting her instincts.

Marisol quickly scanned the area and spotted a sturdy tree with low branches nearby. Without hesitation, she sprinted towards it and began to climb. Her movements were swift and sure, years of martial arts training making her adept at maneuvering her body. From her perch in the tree, she had a clear view of the chaos below.

She waited for the right moment, her eyes fixed on the chicken as it darted around the yard. The bird, oblivious to Marisol's presence above, soon found itself cornered by the fence, trapped by the frenzied students. Seizing the opportunity, Marisol let out a deep breath and dropped down from the tree. She landed gracefully on her feet, right in front of the chicken. With one swift motion, she reached out and grabbed it, holding it triumphantly above her head.

The students stopped in their tracks, staring in amazement. Sensei Barnes, who had been watching the whole scene with his arms crossed, allowed a smirk to cross his face. "Not bad, Cervantes," he muttered, clearly impressed by her quick thinking and agility.

Devon, standing a few feet away, stomped her foot in frustration. "Ugh," she groaned, throwing her hands up in the air. "How did you do that?"

Marisol grinned as she handed the chicken to Eli, who was laughing. "Sometimes, you just need a different perspective," she said, glancing up at the tree she had climbed. The students around her murmured in agreement, some nodding their heads thoughtfully.

The exercise ended, and as they gathered around Sensei Barnes for their next instructions, Marisol felt a surge of pride. She had proven her resourcefulness and earned the respect of her peers and Sensei Barnes.

Next, it was time to demonstrate their strength. Sensei Barnes stood at the edge of the sparring deck, observing the students with a critical eye. "Alright, let's see what you've got. Strength is not just about muscle, it's about technique and precision," he instructed.

Eli stepped forward with a wooden board, holding it up at chest height. Marisol took a deep breath and approached. Her eyes locked onto the board, and she concentrated on her target. With a swift and powerful punch, she sent the board flying out of Eli's hands, the sound of the impact echoing through the dojo. The board split in two mid-air before hitting the ground.

Eli grinned and high-fived Marisol. "Nice one, Marisol," he said, impressed by her force. He picked up another board and held it higher this time, ready to test her again.

Marisol took a step back, focusing her energy. She spun around in a fluid motion, her leg extending out in a perfect arc. Her foot connected with the board with a sharp crack, shattering it into pieces. She landed gracefully on the ground, her eyes meeting Sensei Barnes.

Sensei Barnes nodded, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Good speed and accuracy, Cervantes. You're fast and quick, but remember, it's about control too. Keep refining your technique."

Marisol nodded, feeling a surge of pride. Eli gave her another high-five, and she took her place back in line with the others. The students around her murmured in appreciation, and Marisol could sense their respect growing. She glanced at Mila, who was watching intently, and gave her a reassuring smile.

As the other students took their turns, Marisol watched closely, analyzing their techniques and learning from each demonstration. She knew the competition for the top seven spots would be fierce, but she felt confident in her abilities and determined to keep improving.

Next up was endurance. Devon, Mitch, Marisol, and Kenny leaned up against the fence in a sitting position, each holding a rock in their hands. The challenge was simple but grueling: maintain the position for as long as possible without letting the rock drop or shifting.

Marisol closed her eyes, mentally shutting out the world around her. She used a technique she had learned to stay focused—concentrating on the rock in her hands and nothing else. The rough texture and weight of the rock grounded her, helping her maintain her position without a wobble.

Devon, on the other hand, kept glancing over at Marisol, noticing her stillness and composure. Despite her own efforts, she began to feel the burn in her legs and the strain on her arms. The minutes ticked by, and one by one, Mitch and Kenny succumbed to the challenge, dropping their rocks and collapsing from the exertion.

It was down to Marisol and Devon. Devon's breaths grew ragged as she struggled to hold the rock and stay in the sitting position. She looked over at Marisol, who remained unmoved, eyes closed, focused solely on the rock. Devon gasped, her arms shaking, and finally, with a gasp of defeat, she dropped the rock and fell out of position.

"Holy shit!" Eli exclaimed, breaking Marisol's concentration. She opened her eyes and saw that she was the last one standing. A grin spread across her face as she dropped the rock and stood up, stretching her legs.

Eli rushed over, beaming with pride. "That's my shooting star," he said, wrapping an arm around her and giving her a passionate kiss.

"Nice job, Marisol. You have a lot of potential," Sensei Barnes acknowledged, nodding in approval. "Are you sure you've only done karate for a little over a year?"

Marisol nodded, still catching her breath. "I did a little with Sensei LaRusso and Sam when I was little, but not much," she explained.

Sensei Barnes raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Well, it's clear you've got the dedication and the skill. Keep it up."

Marisol smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. She glanced over at Miguel, who was watching with a mix of admiration and determination, and gave her a supportive nod. The path to Barcelona was still uncertain, but Marisol felt more ready than ever to give it her all.

Marisol and the rest of the dojo gathered around, the air thick with anticipation as Sensei Barnes prepared to announce the names of those who would move on to the next round. "Congratulations. You didn't die," Barnes began, his voice carrying a mix of sternness and challenge. "Still, half of you wouldn't last one match at the Sekai Taikai. To the 12 who might, join me up here when I call your name."

He stood on the sparring deck, his gaze sweeping over the students. "Marisol," he called out first. Marisol cracked a grin, fist-bumping Eli before stepping up to the deck. She felt a rush of pride and determination as she took her place.

"Hawk," Barnes called next. Eli walked up, giving Marisol a quick hug before standing beside her. The names continued, each one adding to the anticipation and excitement. "Robby. Miguel. Sam. Tory. Muscles."

Marisol and Eli exchanged a puzzled look at the nickname. "Muscles?" Marisol thought to herself. Barnes pointed at Mitch, whose jaw dropped in surprise. "Yeah, you."

"I have a new nickname!" Mitch pointed to himself and gasped, walking up to the deck. Marisol rolled her eyes, whispering to Eli, "That's gonna get to his head cause he hates being called Penis Breath."

Eli chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Kenny. Chris. Demetri," Sensei Barnes continued, glancing at his notebook. He mumbled to himself about the next name, creating a moment of suspense. "Devon. And the last name. Anthony."

Marisol high-fived Anthony as he walked up, the excitement clear on his face. "Wishing Mila was up here," Anthony said quietly.

"She could have if she didn't say what she said," Marisol whispered back, understanding his sentiment but also recognizing the consequences of Mila's actions.

"Congratulations, top 13," Barnes announced. "Meet me back here tomorrow for round two. To the rest of you, you're out. Better luck next time."

The atmosphere was a mix of triumph and tension as the selected fighters exchanged glances and murmured among themselves. Marisol felt a surge of determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As they dispersed, she noticed the looks of disappointment on the faces of those who didn't make the cut, a reminder of the intense competition and the high stakes of the Sekai Taikai.

Marisol looked around, feeling the weight of the moment. She knew that making it this far was just the beginning. The real challenge was yet to come. As she made her way off the deck, she saw Eli waiting for her, a proud smile on his face.

"Great job out there," he said, pulling her into a hug.

"Thanks, babe," she replied, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. "This is going to be intense."

"We'll get through it together," Eli assured her. "We've got this."

Marisol nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She glanced over at the rest of the group, seeing the same determination reflected in their eyes. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, they had taken a significant step forward. And that was worth celebrating.

Devon invited Mila over after practice that night, eager to chat about the day's events. "Dude, your sister is crazy good at karate. I mean, today, Sensei Barnes kept complimenting her," Devon informed Mila as they sat in Devon's room.

Mila rolled her eyes in response. "Ugh, she's such a try-hard," she muttered. "She's been working super hard at home. She even has a punching bag in her room now. I think it just has something to do with her bipolar disorder. Whenever she feels like she might have a manic episode or something, she starts punching and kicking it."

Devon nodded thoughtfully, processing what Mila had said. "That actually makes a lot of sense," she said. "I guess it helps her focus and channel her energy in a positive way."

Mila sighed, leaning back against the bed. "Yeah, I suppose. It's just... sometimes it feels like she's always trying to prove something. Like she has to be the best at everything."

Devon placed a hand on Mila's shoulder, offering a comforting smile. "I get that. But maybe it's just her way of coping. Everyone has their own methods, right?"

Mila shrugged, her frustration still lingering. "I guess. It just gets annoying sometimes, you know? Always being compared to her."

Devon gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, you're amazing in your own right. Don't forget that. And who knows? Maybe you'll find your own way to stand out."

Mila managed a small smile, appreciating Devon's support. "Thanks, Dev. I needed that."

"Anytime," Devon replied, grinning. "Now, how about we watch a movie and forget about all this karate drama for a while?"

"Sounds like a plan," Mila agreed, feeling a bit lighter. As the two friends settled in to relax, Mila couldn't help but feel grateful for Devon's understanding and friendship.

As Mila and Devon chatted, the conversation took a more personal turn. Devon's expression shifted to one of frustration. "You know, Mila, I'm actually really jealous," she confessed. "I didn't get any compliments from Sensei Barnes today. It feels like no matter how hard I try, I just can't measure up. Everyone keeps saying how great your sister is, but no one even notices me."

Mila looked at Devon with a mix of sympathy and annoyance. "I'm sorry, Dev. I get it. It sucks. And it was really unfair that I got kicked out today. I just couldn't keep my mouth shut," she said, managing a wry smile. "I know Marisol works hard, but it's hard not to feel overshadowed by her sometimes. Trust me, I feel it too."

Devon sighed, looking down. "Yeah, it was messed up. You deserved a chance just as much as anyone else." She hesitated, then added, "And I feel bad about not sticking up for you when Sensei Barnes kicked you out. I was too focused on not getting in trouble myself."

Mila shrugged, trying to brush it off. "It's fine. I'll just have to prove myself next time." She paused, then looked at Devon with a curious expression. "Why are you so worked up about it, though? You've always been confident in your skills."

Devon sighed, her face a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "It's just... I don't know. I guess I feel like I'm always in your sister's shadow. And today, Sensei Barnes kept complimenting her, and it just made me feel... invisible."

Mila reached out and touched Devon's arm. "You're not invisible, Dev. You're a great fighter, and you'll get your chance. Besides, it's just one practice. Don't let it get to you."

There was a moment of silence, and then, almost impulsively, Devon leaned in and kissed Mila. It was quick but intense. Mila's eyes widened in shock, and she quickly pulled back. "Devon, what the hell?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. "I'm dating Anthony!"

Devon looked at her, a mix of regret and defiance on her face. "You guys are barely back together! You broke up with him, remember?"

Mila's face flushed with anger and confusion. "That doesn't matter, Devon! We're together now, and you can't just... You can't just do that!" She stood up abruptly, her emotions in turmoil. "I can't believe you," she muttered, storming out of the room, leaving Devon sitting there, stunned and regretful.

As Mila hurried down the hallway, her mind raced. She couldn't believe what had just happened. Devon had always been her friend, someone she could trust. But this... this was a betrayal she hadn't seen coming. She needed to clear her head and figure out what to do next.

"Mila, wait!" Devon called out, her voice cracking. "Please, let me explain!"

Mila stopped but didn't turn around. She crossed her arms and stared at the door, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Explain what, Devon? That you kissed me out of nowhere? That you just disregarded my relationship with Anthony?" she snapped.

Devon took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I know, I messed up. I'm so sorry. I was caught up in the moment. I didn't mean to make things weird or hurt you," she said, her voice trembling.

Mila turned around, her eyes flashing with anger and hurt. "Caught up in the moment? That's your excuse?" she retorted. "You don't just kiss someone because you're feeling emotional, Dev. You crossed a line."

Devon looked down, her shoulders slumping. "I know. I was feeling jealous and frustrated, and I took it out on you in the worst possible way. I never should have done that," she admitted. "Please, Mila, believe me when I say it was a mistake. I value our friendship way too much to let it be ruined by a stupid impulse."

Mila took a deep breath, trying to process everything. She looked at Devon, seeing the genuine remorse in her eyes. "I don't know, Devon. This is a lot to take in," she said, her voice softening slightly. "I need some time to think."

Devon nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I understand. Take all the time you need. I just... I hope you can forgive me eventually. I really am sorry."

Mila sighed, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on her. "I'll think about it. But for now, I need some space," she said, opening the door. She stepped outside and took a deep breath of the cool night air, trying to clear her mind.

As she walked away from Devon's house, Mila couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She had always valued her friendship with Devon, but now everything felt different. She needed to figure out what this meant for their relationship and for her own feelings. But for now, she just needed to be alone.

The dojo buzzed with energy as the Battle Royale began. Marisol and Sam were chatting when Sensei Barnes called out, prompting the students to form lines. Marisol shared the news about Mila's drastic hair change with Sam, who was visibly shocked. "She cut her hair and dyed it? Really?" Sam exclaimed, eyes wide. Marisol nodded, stretching her muscles. "Yep. My dad was freaking out when he saw it. Mila ran to Devon's house, came back crying, and now she's shutting me out again."

Sam wrapped Marisol in a comforting hug. "I'm sorry, Marisol. That sounds tough. But we're here for each other, right?"

Eli, observing from a distance, smiled at the sight of Marisol and Sam reconnecting. He was glad to see them supporting each other despite the challenges.

"Top 12, get ready!" Sensei Barnes's voice cut through the noise, commanding attention. The students lined up, facing each other as Barnes laid out the rules. "Today's challenge is Battle Royale. The rules are simple: Protect your flags and steal the others'. Lose your flags, and you're out. The ones with the most flags at the end go to Barcelona. The rest will be judged on performance. You have two minutes. Ready?" Barnes's authoritative tone left no room for questions.

"Fight!" Barnes shouted, and the chaos erupted.

Marisol sprang into action, her cheerleading background giving her an edge. She leapt into a cartwheel, snatching Devon's left flag mid-air. As she landed, she squealed triumphantly. Devon, flustered, launched a punch at her, but Marisol effortlessly blocked it with a kata move. She twisted Devon's arm, grabbing another flag before cartwheeling away.

Miguel was next on Marisol's radar. They exchanged rapid punches, but Marisol's agility allowed her to swipe one of his flags before dodging a counterattack. She darted past him, bumping into Eli in her path.

"Hey, shooting star, mind if I take one?" Eli teased, smirking down at her. Marisol grinned up at him, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Sorry, Mohawk," she replied playfully, grabbing two of his flags and delivering a swift kick to his stomach. Eli stumbled back, laughing, as Marisol rolled onto her feet.

She quickly secured four flags in her gi, letting out a victorious battle cry. With renewed energy, Marisol continued her flag-snatching spree.

Miguel, who had been observing, moved in to intercept. The two engaged in a rapid exchange of punches and kicks. Marisol's agility and speed outmatched Miguel's strength, and she managed to snatch one of his flags before he could react. As she darted away, she bumped into Eli, who had been strategically positioning himself.

She let out a spirited battle cry, energizing herself as she continued her flag-snatching spree. She darted to Sam, swiftly taking one of her flags, then to Mitch, where she outmaneuvered Robby to grab another. Next, she weaved through Hawk, Devon, Demetri, and Tory, expertly taking flags from each with a combination of quick kicks and agile movements.

Marisol's gymnastics skills were on full display. She combined swift cartwheels, spins, and high kicks with her karate techniques. Each move was a blend of elegance and precision, showcasing the hours of training she had put in. Her agility allowed her to dodge and weave through the crowded dojo, her focus unwavering despite the surrounding chaos.

As the challenge neared its end, Marisol kept a keen eye on the clock and the other competitors. She felt a surge of adrenaline as she scanned the battlefield, satisfied with her performance. She had executed her strategies well, utilizing her gymnastics skills to their fullest and maintaining a strong presence throughout the challenge.

As the chaos of the Battle Royale wound down, Sensei Barnes gathered the competitors to announce the results.

Daniel, with a concerned look, had taken Anthony inside to tend to his injury. Marisol, still riding the adrenaline high, approached Sensei Barnes with a triumphant grin. She held up over ten flags, having successfully protected her own and pilfered numerous others.

"Let me see those flags!" Barnes demanded, eyeing Marisol's impressive haul. Marisol walked up, her face beaming with pride. None of her flags had been taken, and she had amassed a significant number from other competitors.

Eli, standing at a distance, watched in awe. His jaw dropped as he saw how many flags Marisol had collected. He felt a swell of pride for her accomplishments, knowing how hard she had worked to get to this point.

"Alright, we've clearly got our top five," Sensei Barnes announced, scanning the remaining competitors. "Marisol, Tory, Robby, Sam, and Miguel. You five are going to Barcelona."

Marisol and Sam exchanged a glance, a mixture of relief and excitement evident on their faces. They shared a celebratory fist bump, thrilled at the prospect of competing in Barcelona together.

Barnes then turned his attention to Eli, Devon, Demetri, and Kenny. "You bottom four are tied. I'll review my notes and re-tally the scores tonight. I'll announce the final two in the morning."

Devon, Demetri, and Kenny, along with Eli, awaited the final verdict, their faces a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Marisol, still buzzing from her performance, glanced at them with a supportive nod, hoping for the best for her fellow competitors.

As the dojo slowly cleared out, the weight of the day's challenge lingered, with everyone eager to learn who would join the top five on their journey to Barcelona.

Marisol's room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the street lamps outside. The rhythmic thud of Marisol's punches against the bag mixed with the pounding music that blared from her speakers. The air was thick with frustration and the sense of betrayal she felt from Eli's repeated cancellations.

Her phone buzzed, breaking through the pounding music. She glanced at the screen, reading Eli's text: "Sorry. Can't make it." Marisol's heart sank. She had been looking forward to their movie date, hoping it would provide a much-needed break from the stress of the dojo and the uncertainty of the upcoming competition.

With a sigh of annoyance, Marisol typed back a brief, "Ok," and tossed her phone onto the bed with more force than necessary. She turned her attention back to the punching bag, her anger boiling over. She kicked the bag with such intensity that it swung wildly, the force of her frustration pouring into every strike.

The punching bag was a physical representation of her mounting frustrations—Eli's excuses, the pressure of the upcoming competition, and her own insecurities about her place in the dojo. As she continued to strike the bag, her movements became more erratic, driven by a mix of anger and sadness.

Eventually, the energy of her strikes began to drain, and she dropped to her knees, her body trembling. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the sweat from her exertion. The pain of Eli's repeated disappointments was too much, and she let out a muffled sob, her hands gripping the sides of her knees as she hunched over.

The music continued to play, but it felt distant now, a mere backdrop to the quiet storm of her emotions. Marisol's mind raced, replaying the last few weeks of Eli's absence and the growing distance between them. She felt a deep sense of loneliness, exacerbated by the isolation she felt in her personal life despite the bustling activity at the dojo.

In the quiet aftermath of her tears, Marisol lay her head against the punching bag, the physical exertion and emotional release leaving her exhausted. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing and find some semblance of peace amidst the turmoil.

ASH SPEAKS!

okay one more chapter of episode four cause i dont wanna complete part 1 so quickly and say goodbye to marisol and mila yet until november ☹️