warnings: death and references to sexual assault!

___

"YOU accused Daniel of playing favourites," Cameron paused, staring at a remorseful Johnny. They were outside their locker rooms. Everyone else had left, leaving the two to resolve their issues. Cameron fumbled with her hands when she continued. "I get it if was for Sam but me, really?"

Johnny admitted, "I was wrong."

He knew he was the minute he said it. Emotions were already high and he decided to add more fuel to the fire. He hated the hurt expression on Cameron's face, even more so, the betrayal she felt from him.

She scoffed, "Obviously. So wrong."

"Listen, I was wrong" he shuffled forward, "I was wrong about you Cameron. And I'm sorry. I was wrong to let you come back to Cobra Kai when you just lost your dad." She sighed and he took it as a sign to continue. "I was wrong to give up when it came to Kreese because he didn't help you work through your shit. He did the opposite. But the one thing I was never wearing about was you being a great fighter. You're one of the best I've ever seen. And you're carrying this team. You've been carrying this time. You and Miguel. Just like at the start."

A crooked smile tugged at her lips, "And Aisha."

Johnny nodded in agreement, "And Robinson. Fact is, I should've been more supportive." He reiterated. "Made you take your time. Maybe if I did that I would've been better at dealing with the shit in my head. And maybe I would've been a better person, a better dad." To Robby. "But I've got a third chance at that. Well fourth if I count you."

A warm feeling spread through her chest. It made her all bubbly inside. Her smile grew even bigger at his words.

"You can count me," she wanted him to.

"Good because I wasn't asking for permission," he sassed, making her laugh. "I won't doubt you. I'll push you but I won't doubt you. Alright?"

She nodded, "Alright."

"I should've told you this before the competition started."

"Glad you didn't, I've picturing most of my opponents as you," she shamelessly admitted, much to his amusement.

"I bet you have. Now let's get out there and win."

Neither of them moved at first until Johnny took the first step. He closed the gap between them, pulling her into a hug that she breathed into. It felt natural, despite them never hugging at all. Johnny sometimes needed reminding that Cameron was his kid as well.

Even if he didn't always show it.

"Trust your gut on this one," he whispered.

"I will," she paused, "thanks for just being there."

"Anytime Cameron, anytime."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

SHORTLY after Cameron found Miguel, she bashfully smiled when he saw him in the lobby. Most of the contestants were there. But that didn't matter to her, given their limited time in the glamorous city, she wanted to speak to her boyfriend.

"Hi," she greeted.

He smiled, "Hey, your talk with Sensei, was it okay?"

"Yeah, it's safe to say I won't be picturing our opponents as him anymore." that made them both laugh. "That being said, I know we need to talk about everything. Things were off before you went back home."

He agreed, "They were."

Miguel stared whilst she found the right words.

"You know how much I love you, I should've told you that before you got on the plane and not left things all messy." she fumbled with her hands. Miguel noticed and grabbed them, caressing them with his thumbs, in a soothing motion. "Thanks, It's just — I think I'm using college and doing long distance as a reason not to talk. Not to open up and I shouldn't. When you hurt me, I should say and not keep it in." her eyes softened, "You mean the world to me."

"You mean the world to me. Well, more than that," he added on.

She teased, "The galaxy?"

"The entire thing."

"Sap." she joked.

"Yeah I am." he didn't contest. "And, I get why you don't open up. It's hard but we need to trust each other with what's on our minds. Even if it's gonna piss the other off."

She snorted, "Oh, it'll piss each other off."

"For sure."

The couple laugh, Miguel's amusement faltered when he felt someone's burning stare. It was Axel. the tall fighter stood, arms folded and a glare on his face whilst he looked at the couple. Miguel glanced between him and his girlfriend a few more times until he huffed.

"Okay, what is this guy's problem?" Miguel gestured to Axel.

Cameron quickly followed his gaze, seeing Axel who now awkwardly looked away, making her wince.

She faced Miguel again and tentatively admitted, "The night that you flew home, I ended up running into him on the beach." Miguel narrowed his eyes, "And we got talking, and I guess he got the wrong idea and tried to kiss me." she hastily continued seeing the disdain on his face. "I mean, I... I shut it down. And nothing happened. He knows I have a boyfriend. I guess he's just... not taking it super well."

"Yeah. I get it," and he hated it. Miguel glanced at Axel again, annoyed that he was staring. "but clearly he doesn't." Miguel flung his arms out, "he's staring like he's trying to imprint on me or something."

Cameron cringed upon remembering, "And then there was Kwon... nothing happened with him." she explained, "He was just harassing me a lot, Axel helped out. But Kwon just was relentless."

Miguel suppressed the urge to snap. He was gone for less then a day and two guys couldn't take the hint and leave his girlfriend alone.

He slowly asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just been a weird time in Barcelona. I want to spend all the available time we have left with you."

Miguel's hands reached out and landed on her waist, pulling her closer. His lips pressed against hers, aggravating Axel, who gritted his teeth and shakily turned away.

Zara, who had been scowling at her phone and the negative engagement on her feed, finally acknowledged her co-captains mood. She scoffed at the sight of the kissing couple.

Cameron giggled when she pulled back.

When she felt eyes on them again, she looked to see a glaring Zara, much to her disgust.

She wiggled her fingers in her direction, before flipping her off.

Miguel simply smirked. Although he didn't know the backstory between them, he knew his girlfriend was valid for her behaviour.

He loosened his grip on her waist when Robby neared them. Cameron turned and smiled at her friend and leaned against Miguel.

Miguel asked, "Hey, bro. How'd it go?"

"Pretty much how you'd expect it." Robby tightly smiled.

"Once all the craziness dies down, you guys are gonna figure it out." Cameron thought aloud.

She was still rooting for them, despising the animosity.

"Maybe. Not much I can do until then but give her room. So..."Robby trailed off, "In the meantime, we got a tournament to win."

Miguel agreed, "Yeah, we do. And look, I... I gotta say, all things being equal, it's pretty sweet knowing that Cobra Kai's not a threat anymore."

Cameron groaned, "Why do you guys always jinx things?" They recoiled at her response. "At least wait until they're on the plane home."

"Attention, Sekai Taikai competitors. All dojos convene immediately in the main lobby, including those who have been eliminated." An announcement rung through the PA.

Gunther regretfully gathered them all around, "My apologies for summoning you all like this. But under the circumstances, it was necessary. The Sekai Taikai has a long and honorable tradition. We fight hard, but we fight fair. That's why I'm saddened to announce that one of the dojos here has tarnished that tradition by cheating." Gasps and whispered were heard as everyone tried to figure out who. He turned to the Russian sensei, "Sensei Ivanov. Four of your students have tested positive for performance-enhancing drսg. You are hereby eliminated. You're hereby removed from our finalists."

"Bullshit!" Sensei Inanov snapped storming over, "Why don't you come over here and remove me yourself?"

"Sensei Ivanov!" Gunthar yelled, and stepped closer. "Consider yourself fortunate that your dojo wasn't banned forever. Continue this behavior, and that could be arranged easily!" The Russian Sensei snarled, yet he backed away and gestured for his students to leave. Gunthar composed himself and spoke. "Replacing Udar Tigra will be the dojo with the next highest point total."

Devon realised, "Wait. That means..."

"Cobra Kai."

The team immediately began celebrating, par Tory.

Miyagi-do's shoulders slumped.

"And on a more positive note, we'll now announce the draws for our semifinals." Gunthar continued. He was passed the selections. "In our girls' bracket, the first semifinal will be Maria Àlvarez versus Zara Malik. And in the second match, that will pit Tory Nichols... against Cameron James." The girls all exchanged looks, before turning back to the host. "In our boys' bracket, our first semifinal match will be Diego Aguilar versus Kwon Jae-Sung. And our second semifinal match will pit Axel Kovačević against Robby Keene. Good luck to all our semifinalists. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the venue."

Demetri remarked, "Axel the Invincible, and Cameron-Tory chapter a million. It's less than ideal."

Miguel whispered to Robby, "You got this."

Whilst other teams vacated the lobby, Miyagi-do stayed and chose to sit, scattered on the bottom of a staircase whilst their Sensei's murmured amongst themselves.

Johnny scoffed, "Screw this horseshit, man. How many times do we have to kill that son of a bitch?"

"Kreese is like a cockroach. But he is not one fighting on mat." Chozen replied.

"Sensei Chozen's right." Robby agreed, clapping his hands together. He then looked at Cameron. "We have the rest of the day to tune up for tomorrow." His eyes darted back to the Sensei's. "What's the plan?"

"Knock Kreese's head off his neck, for starters." Johnny retorted.

No one was amused.

"Sensei?" Cameron asked Daniel.

He was spaced out.

"Dad?" Sam repeated, "Dad?"

Her voice finally snapped him out, "What?"

"Training?" Sam drawled, "For their final fights?"

Daniel shrugged off their concern, "We'll run through the usual stuff."

Chosen interrupted, "Senseis need time to discuss. Go get changed. Uh, meet me at gym, hmm."

The students did as they were told.

And after an inspirational speech from Miguel, Johnny and Daniel put aside their differences again and started training their captains with Miguel's assistance. They jogged through the streets of Barcelona with their Sensei's driving behind. Aftwards, they focused their minds on other kata standing on the roof of a building with Daniel. Then inside, there sparred passionately with Johnny. Staffs was the next method, the captains used them again each other outside, prepping for what's to come. And there was plenty that they had to be ready for. It was fun. It was exciting, envigorating even, when they were minimising mistakes, attacking with skill, not impatience or frustration.

They were finally ready. Perfect, just in time for dusk to settle over the city. 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"AND now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The Sekai Taikai Tournament of Champions." Gunther's voice boomed through the venue as teams confidently walked in and stood around the mat. Cameron and Robby grinned and dapped each other up before stretching. "Welcome, competitors, to the semifinal round of the Sekai Taikai. Each dojo will retain the points they have accumulated thus far. Each match will consist of three two-minute rounds with unlimited scoring and no stoppages. One point for a hit. Ten for a knockdown. And should anyone score a knockout, that's worth 20. So it's still anyone's tournament to win. Because at this stage of the tournament, no deficit is too large to overcome. Best of luck to you all. And may the best dojo win."

The male announcer stated, "Ladies and gentlemen, competitors and senseis, please welcome to the mat our first semifinalists. From Furia de Pantera, Diego Aguilar. And from Cobra Kai, Kwon Jae-Sung."

Whilst the match started, Cameron wrung out her hands.

Sam asked, "You ready?"

"As I'll ever be," Cameron replied. "Just like any of match right?" She told herself. She was nervous but had to put that aside. How could she not be nervous? She would be stupid not to be. "I've fought Tory before. The outcome has always been..."

"Tainted." Sam said, earning a nod. "Yeah, but this time will be different. It has to be." She reached out and touched her arm, "well, remember what you told me. Act like the best —"

"Until you are." Cameron nodded, feeling more confident. "With pure skill."

"And if they piss you off, maybe a bit of anger."

Cameron laughed.

The perfect medium, Daniel's words echoed in her head. It was funny, she never used to be able to trust him so easily and now she had been moulded into a better version of herself. He didn't do it alone, Johnny helped and Chozen put the finishing touches on. Three Sensei's made her who she was, and pulled her away from what she used to be.

Sure, she would be fighting Tory again. And hopefully this time it would be the last.

"The winner by knockout, earning an impressive 27 points for Cobra Kai, along with the first spot in our boys' final, Kwon Jae-Sung!"

Diego had to be assisted off of the mat by his team. Kwon stared down Miyagi-do when he stepped off the mat.

"Next up, Maria Àlvarez from Furia de Pantera against Zara Malik of Iron Dragons."

Cameron studied Zara as she won each point, she was agile and made no room for error. It was almost taunting how effortless she looked. Arrogance played a part but her skill spoke through, driving her to a quick win.

"And Zara Malik moves on to the girls' final with a dominant shutout," it was announced.

Zara laughed, her eyes narrowed onto Tory, mouthing you're next, before she stepped off the mat.

Cameron wrung out her hands and rolled her neck, side to side before lowering into the splits. She stretched out her arms and contorted her body, left to right. She couldn't be stiff in this fight. Not again. The perfect medium.

"She's ready," Eli said, after looking at his close friend.

"She is," Miguel agreed."Probably the most focused I've ever seen her."

The male announcer stated, "Up next, our second boys' semifinal, Axel Kovačević of Iron Dragons versus Robby Keene of Miyagi-Do."

Cameron rose of the ground and greeted Robby with a quick pat, before the team gathered around.

"This is everything you've been working for. You earned it." Johnny smiled at his son.

Daniel instructed, "Breathe, focus, stay centered. Give him everything you got."

"And then you give him more." Chozen added, then yelled in Japanese, enticing everyone to cheer him on.

When Robby stepped onto the mat, he did with confidence. He was sure of himself, even when Axel stepped onto the mat. He was sure of himself. When the fight started, he was sure of himself.

But then everything shifted, Axel's defence was on point as was his offense. His height, strength and speed were on point. Robby couldn't land a point, and when Sensei Wolf yelled at Axel, it was impossible.

It seemed as if Axel was holding back at first, but he unleashed a series of attacks that resulted in Blood to spurt from Robby's mouth.

"Defence, Robby!" Daniel instructed.

But when the next round commence, Robby only narrowly blocked each jab, punch and kick.

He was driven into the arms of Cobra kai.

And that's when things got tricky.

Kwon elbowed Robby's side.

Miguel didn't hesitated to step onto the mat, "Hey!"

The crowd jeered.

"Is bullshit!" Chozen yelled, just as Axel pushed Miguel onto the floor.

"Miguel," Cameron exclaimed, with he rest of the team stepping forward .

Miguel jumped up and gripped Axel's gi, "What the hell is your problem, huh?"

Robby snarled at Kwon, "Cheap shot, bitch. Wanna try it again?" He taunted, now surrounded by Kwon's teammates. "Try it again."

Cameron and Sam desperately look around them, seeing that the remaining teams were itching to get on the mat.

"Stop. Stop this!" Gunther yelled, "Get ahold of yourselves! Everybody off the mat now! Or this tournament... " the microphone squeaked as it landed on the floor.

Everyone turned in shock to see Gunther knocked out on th ground and standing over him was the Russian Sensei.

Sensei Inanov's screamed, "Let's go!"

And just like that it was carnage. Teams flooded the mat, yelling and charging at each other. Cobra Kai laid into Robby, Miguel and Axel fought each other.

Some Sensei's stayed on the sidelines, startled by the violent scene.

And it was all televised.

"Sam duck!" Cameron exclaimed, alerting the girl her to Clara — the Dublin thunder co capital. She scowled when when her kick was evaded. She wanted to attack the pair of them but Sam was waiting.

"Go! I've got this!" Sam yelled as Cara thrusted her forward.

Students were being thrown to the ground, trampled on and jumped.

Miguel didn't relent when he fought Axel.

Johnny tried to get to Robby, Chozen had taken down an Irish Sensei, and Daniel apprehended two fighters.

"Somebody's gotta stop this!" The latter had loudly gritted.

Announcers and regulators were dragged around and then body slammed into tables, mainly by the Tiger Strike team.

Axel had taken on three other fighters after Miguel was kicked to the floor. He was truly like a machine.

Not a monster.

Back on his feet, Miguel rushed at him, "Hey! Try that with me, punk."

Cameron had tried to reach Robby multiple times, she kicked her way through a fighting pair only to be kicked back.

"Fuck this," she muttered, swinging out her arms, gripping onto the fighters gi. She pushed them, jumping as she flipped them to the ground. She sent a kick to their face before they could get up, "Damn," she breathed out.

Beside her she saw Sam roll on the floor, taken down Clara with a quick, jab, kick combo.

"Bitch stay down!" She yelled.

Zara darted for Tory, just before she could get to Robby.

"You're mine, Nichols!" She exclaimed, then got to scrapping.

It was overwhelming, teams fought teams sure, but the violence reached a point that everything was blurry, messy.

Chozen aided Kim, whilst Eli helped out Diego.

Kenny drove his leg into a fighters chest, "Devon, come on!" He yelled, turning and running up the stairs.

They each took on two fighters as at once, Devon was determined to take down the Dublin thunders, whilst Kenny battled the West-End Warriors.

On Johnny's way to help his son, he was obstructed by a Sensei wolf. The man in question had knocked out a Referee.

"John Lawrence." The British man said, holding out his arms, "One of us is about to have a lot more fun than the other."

"Out of my way, asshоlе. I've had enough fun for the day." Johnny's words died down when he was kicked in the mouth. "Let's go, Sensei."

Cameron groaned and held her cheek, someone landed a punch. She gritted her teeth, seeing it was a Cobra Kai student — Chung-Hee.

"Alright bitch, let's go."

She dodged his attacks, but the bastard was sneaky and quick.

He extended his leg, prompt her to slap it down, then again when he jumped onto his other leg.

"Not hard enough," Cameron taunted when he tried hitting her side. She grunted, punching down another attack, then dropped her defence. She kicked out her leg, uncaring if he evaded it. She had enough of the bullshit. She bent her knees, and propelled herself backwards, just before he could deliver a 360 spin kick to her face. "What happened to No mercy huh?"

He yelled as he rushed at her, only to be rendered disoriented when she sent her forehead into his nose, cracking it loudly.

And with one sharp kick to his face, making him fold onto the mat.

She snapped her head to the side, seeing Zara and Tory fight. No, it was Zara and three Iron dragons against Tory.

Daniel had taken down an old rival; Dennis de Guzman, Miguel was still battling Axel and Gunther had knocked out Sensei Inanov.

Johnny was getting tired and luckily Daniel jumped in to fight alongside his friend.

"Two on one." Sensei Wolf grinned. "Might actually get a good workout.

"Work this out, motherfu..." Wolf's punched cut Johnny off.

From the second floor, Devon became resourceful, using a chair to her advantage. She extended her legs, kicking her two opponents whilst leaning on the seat, before helping Kenny. The duo kicked the last of the fighters down.

"Nice one!" Devon praised.

"Yeah, you too." Kenny replied.

"Come on!"

They rushed downstairs to see Furia De Pantera captains fight alongside Eli and Demetri.

Miguel and Robby backed into each other. Thought startled, they knew what to do and continued fighting two people at once.

Nearby, Cameron and Sam helped the other take down the Hornet's nest captains from Thailand.

"Kiss this, bitch." Tory quipped, kicking down Zara before having to continue her battle with two of her teammates.

Zara got the upper hand and brought Tory down. She kneeled beside her and compelled her with punches.

The former spat, "You're weak!"

Robby saw this despite being in the midst of fighting.

Miguel told him, "Go!"

Robby didn't hesitate, he rushed, jumping up and delivered a kick to Kwon's chest, sending him back then Yoon's face.

He sprinted towards the girls, "Get off her!" He tossed Zara to the side and held Tory up.

In disbelief, Zara stared at him once she found her feet.

"You'd really choose her over me?" She hissed.

Robby scoffed, "It's not even close."

An Iron dragon fighter grabbed Tory's hair eliciting a cry from her, prompting Zara to start fighting Robby.

Seeing Tory get beat down, Sam and Cameron exchanged a nod before running up. They run, lowering themselves as latched their hand onto the waists of two Iron Dragons. The girl's legs sprung off the ground when as they drove their opponents bodies to spin overhead.

Tory's mouth parted shock, "Holy shit. Thanks."

Sam cracked her neck, "Any time."

"We've got you," Cameron assured, as all three got into fighting positions, next to Robby.

And now it was four against four.

They heard Kwon call out, "Keene!"

Distracted, Robby got pushed and then kicked down by Kwon.

Cameron attempted to help him, but Kwon delivered a harsh kick to her chest, sending her down. Sam helped her up.

But seeing this, Axel dropped Miguel and rushed towards Kwon, who was surprised by the sudden attack.

He threw Kwon around like a rag doll, then forward kicked him into a camera, that landed, then smashed on the mat just like Kwon.

Bruised and bloody, Kwon let out a guttural scream. He went to stand, only to menacingly laugh at the sight of a fallen eunjangdo.

Daniel only seemed to be the one to noticed that Kwon had it. Kwon was ready to use it. Only Daniel was too far and being pushed backwards but it only made his fight more heroic.

"Kwon!" He called out, heart thumping in his ears when he saw that he charged at Axel. Daniel didn't stop, not matter how many bodies he had to get through. He couldn't let it end like his Sensei's not in death. Not to these kids. Kwon's battle cry ceased when he sprinted towards Axel, he deliver kick after kick. And then both teens jumped up, "Kwon! No!" Daniel screamed, when Axel kicked Kwon's extended leg, sending him plummeting down onto the mat with the concealed eunjangdo piercing his chest.

The scream that escaped Kwon's lips was agonising and terrifying. It not only stopped the fight, but all of them as everyone came to a a standstill.

Kwon laid on his chest, as blood poured from him, freezing many fighters who stared in horror.

Daniel was the only one who took a step towards him, he lowered onto a knee, gulping at the sight of the unresponsive boy.

"Kwon?" He uttered, gently turning him over whilst Johnny, Gunther, Silver and a regrettable Kreese neared.

Kwon was dead. His eyes were wide open and blood escaped his mouth. 

A boy was dead.

Pained-filled looks spread across the venue. Miguel turned Cameron away, just as Tory hid her face in Robby's neck.

"Cut the feed." Gunther demanded, then yelled, "Cut the feed!"

And then everything went black. 

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END OF PART 2

a/n:

rip kwon, can't say i feel bad because the boy was going to kill someone else. it just shocked me on first watch, like damn, really? a kid died? i swear cobra kai/ miyagi-do cannot go anywhere without starting something. they're in a new country and it resulted in death. 

there was a lot to add in the fight, i wanted to showcase more of sam and cameron's bond, just before they went and helped out tory. 

well, who's ready for the last 6 chapters of this book?