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

AUTHORS NOTE: SORRY FOR THE NOTIFICATIONS WATTPAD IS GLITCHING

The dojo was alive with the soft rhythm of shuffling feet and the steady sound of deep, measured breaths. Belle, Sam, Miguel, Hawk, and Demetri were scattered across the mat, stretching in sync as beams of golden morning light poured in through the wide windows. The air was warm but comfortable, a familiar atmosphere that invited focus and camaraderie.

Belle sat cross-legged for a moment, adjusting her position before sliding her legs forward into a deep stretch. She reached effortlessly toward her toes, her movements fluid, but her eyes occasionally flicked to Miguel, who seemed unusually quiet.

Sam, perched beside her, glanced around at the others. Ever the conversationalist during training, she broke the silence with a cheerful tone. "I heard Aisha got into UC Santa Cruz," she said, a smile tugging at her lips.

Belle's face lit up. "That's awesome!" she replied, her voice filled with genuine excitement. She straightened up for a moment, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face.

Miguel, however, barely reacted. He kept his gaze downward, his hands gripping his ankles as he bent forward in a stretch. There was a stiffness to his movements that didn't go unnoticed by Belle.

She leaned forward again, shifting slightly so she could see his face better. "You heard anything from Stanford yet?" she asked, her voice soft and supportive.

Miguel let out a long, drawn-out sigh as he shook his head. "No," he muttered, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and resignation. "I've been checking my emails every day, but still... nothing."

Belle's heart sank for him. She knew how much Miguel had poured into his application-how this wasn't just a dream but a symbol of everything he'd fought for. "I'm sorry, Mig," she said sincerely, her voice warm and comforting. She reached out, placing a hand on his arm and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I know how much this means to you. Hopefully, you'll hear something soon."

Miguel glanced at her, managing a small, grateful smile before looking away again. "Thanks, Belle," he said quietly, though his shoulders still carried the weight of uncertainty.

Across the mat, Hawk stretched his arms behind his head, his expression one of practiced nonchalance. "Don't stress, man. It'll come," he said, his tone casual but with a hint of impatience. "I mean, Demetri hasn't heard from MIT yet, so..."

Demetri, who had been lying flat on his back mid-stretch, turned his head toward Hawk. His expression was calm, but there was a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Actually," he said, lifting himself up onto his elbows, "I have."

The room went still. Belle blinked, momentarily frozen, before her mouth fell open. "Wait, what?"

Miguel straightened up slightly, his brows furrowing in surprise. Hawk's hand dropped, his stretch forgotten as he turned to look at Demetri. "What?" they both said in unison, their voices laced with disbelief.

Sam, standing nearby, crossed her arms with a knowing smile. "He got in," she confirmed, her pride in her friend evident.

Belle's face broke into a wide grin, her hands clasping together. "Oh my God, Demetri! That's amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Demetri shrugged, his expression smug as he soaked in the attention. "What can I say?" he said, leaning back and pretending to inspect his nails. "I'm brilliant." His tone was playful but carried enough confidence to make Hawk roll his eyes.

Sam chuckled, nudging Demetri lightly with her elbow. "You worked hard. You deserve this."

"Well, yeah," Demetri said, sitting up straighter. "I mean, come on. It'd be like LeBron James getting turned down by the Lakers. Unthinkable." He mimicked a basketball shot, complete with sound effects, as if to drive the point home.

Hawk snorted, his brows knitting together as he muttered under his breath, "Okay, we get it."

Demetri caught the comment and turned toward him with a smirk. "Especially hard to get into when you don't apply."

The jab landed with precision, and Hawk's face darkened. "Real subtle," he shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Demetri shrugged innocently, though his grin betrayed him. "Just saying, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Belle sighed softly, sensing the tension brewing between them. She scooted closer to Hawk, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Hey, let's not turn this into round two of sparring, alright?"

Hawk huffed, looking away, while Demetri leaned back with a satisfied expression.

Before anyone could say more, Miguel reached over, taking Belle's hand in his. She looked up, startled, as he stood and gently pulled her to her feet. With a playful grin, he twirled her around, his movements light and easy.

"Hey!" Belle laughed, her voice filled with surprise.

Miguel caught her in his arms, his dark eyes sparkling as he leaned in. Without a word, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her lips, his earlier tension melting away.

Belle's cheeks flushed as she smiled against the kiss, her arms slipping around his shoulders. When they finally pulled apart, she couldn't help but tease, "What was that for?"

Miguel grinned, his confidence fully restored. "Just felt like reminding you how awesome you are."

Sam chuckled from the side, shaking her head fondly. "Looks like someone's not too stressed to kiss."

Demetri rolled his eyes, pretending to gag, but there was a small, amused smile on his face.

Hawk turned away, muttering, "You guys are so gross."

Belle laughed, leaning her forehead against Miguel's as her earlier concerns about Stanford faded into the background. For now, everything felt right.

The dojo buzzed with an underlying energy, the morning sun casting long golden streaks across the wooden floor. Johnny Lawrence stood in front of the five teens, his stance wide, arms crossed, exuding a raw confidence that filled the room. His sharp blue eyes scanned the group: Belle and Miguel stood in the front row, their postures straight and attentive, while Tory, Sam, and Robby were lined up just behind them, each radiating their unique blend of focus and competitiveness. The air was thick with anticipation, the only sound the soft shuffle of feet as the teens adjusted their positions and the faint rhythm of their synchronized breathing.

Johnny raised his arms and took a commanding step forward. "Alright," he said, his voice low but firm, slicing through the stillness like a blade. "Big circle. Big circle. Breathe in. Breathe out."

He demonstrated, his arms sweeping outward in wide, deliberate arcs, the motion slow and purposeful. The teens mirrored his movements, their hands slicing through the air in unison, tracing invisible circles as they inhaled and exhaled deeply. The rhythm of their breathing filled the room, creating a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.

For a moment, it seemed like Johnny was channeling Miyagi-Do-his focus on control, precision, and calm. Belle closed her eyes, letting the motion steady her, her muscles loosening with each breath. Miguel, beside her, matched her movements perfectly, his jaw relaxed and his shoulders tension-free.

But the serenity didn't last long.

"ELBOW TO THE FACE!" Johnny suddenly bellowed, his voice cracking like a whip.

Belle's eyes shot open, her head snapping toward Johnny, who now stood in a fighting stance, his arm cocked as if ready to deliver the elbow himself. "PUNCH IN THE THROAT! LIFT HIS ASS UP-AND DUMP HIM!"

It was such a dramatic shift from the calm kata that Belle had to bite her lip to keep from bursting into laughter. She quickly adjusted her stance and mimicked Johnny's sequence, throwing an exaggerated elbow strike, followed by a precise punch and a mock lifting motion.

Miguel caught her amused expression out of the corner of his eye and smirked but stayed focused, executing the moves with precision. Behind them, Tory and Robby attacked their invisible opponents with intensity, their strikes sharp and aggressive. Sam, though slightly more restrained, followed along with equal determination, her movements measured but fierce.

Johnny's voice grew louder, more animated. "KICK TO THE STOMACH! BLOCK HIS ATTACK! GRAB HIS NUTS-TWIST, TWIST, TWIST!"

Belle froze mid-movement, a shocked laugh threatening to bubble out of her chest. She clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle it, her shoulders trembling as she struggled to keep it together. She dared a glance at Miguel, who was doing his best to stay serious but couldn't hide the grin tugging at his lips.

From the corner of her eye, Belle spotted Daniel LaRusso entering the dojo, his timing impeccable. He paused mid-step, his expression a mixture of disbelief and horror. His eyes widened as he took in the scene: his students enthusiastically following Johnny's instructions, throwing wild punches and miming nut-grabbing in perfect unison.

Johnny, oblivious to Daniel's reaction, beamed proudly. "Hell yeah! Now that's how you take someone down!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. He clapped his hands once. "Alright, take a seat!"

The teens dropped to the mats, still catching their breath, some exchanging amused looks while others tried to hide their grins. Johnny strode confidently out of the room, only to reappear moments later dragging in an old coffee table with an even older TV perched precariously on top.

"Close your eyes. Breathe. Clear your minds," Johnny instructed, his tone suddenly theatrical as he gestured dramatically.

Belle shut her eyes but couldn't suppress the knowing smile on her lips. The sound of Johnny fumbling with the TV immediately followed-a faint grunt, the slap of a hand against the side of the screen, and a string of muttered curses.

"C'mon, you piece of crap..."

The teens tried not to laugh as they listened to the chaos behind their eyelids. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the unmistakable crackle of an old martial arts movie filled the air.

"Alright! Open your eyes!" Johnny declared triumphantly.

Belle opened hers to see Best of the Best playing on the screen. She instantly recognized it and had to fight the urge to laugh outright. Miguel leaned closer, whispering, "Classic Johnny," earning a soft chuckle from her.

"Watch closely!" Johnny said, his voice filled with childlike excitement. "Here comes the good part."

The room fell silent as the movie played, the tension building on-screen. Johnny leaned forward, utterly engrossed. When the action exploded into a dramatic fight sequence, Johnny threw his fist into the air. "Hell yeah!" he shouted.

He turned to the teens, his expression deadly serious. "That's Alex Grady. Lost his shoulder in the first movie. Second movie? Miraculously healed." He jabbed a finger at his chest. "You believe in yourselves, you can be like Eric Roberts too."

Belle exchanged a glance with Miguel, her eyes twinkling with amusement. The others nodded along, their faces carefully blank as they tried to appear inspired.

Suddenly, Johnny clapped his hands, the sharp sound startling everyone back to reality. "Alright, enough inspiration! Outside, let's go!"

The group rose to their feet, filing out into the backyard, the morning air crisp against their skin. Belle couldn't help but smile to herself as she followed the others. Only Johnny Lawrence could turn a breathing exercise into a nut-twisting self-defense class, follow it up with a cheesy martial arts movie, and somehow make it all work.

Johnny stood in the backyard, exuding his usual unorthodox energy as he led Belle, Sam, Robby, Tory, and Miguel toward the far corner where a battered punching dummy waited. The sun hung low, casting a golden hue over the yard, but the serene atmosphere was quickly overshadowed by Johnny's dynamic presence.

Inside the dojo, Daniel lingered with crossed arms, warily keeping an eye on the group through the open door. He'd left the rest of the students practicing kata but couldn't resist stepping outside to monitor Johnny's methods, convinced he'd need to intervene. His suspicions only deepened when he saw Johnny rummaging through a duffle bag with a gleeful grin.

With a dramatic flourish, Johnny pulled out a random assortment of items: a t-shirt adorned with the French flag, a black beret, and a marker. Belle raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Miguel, who covered his mouth, trying not to laugh. Tory smirked, while Robby and Sam watched with a mix of confusion and amusement.

Johnny, unfazed by their reactions, held the beret high like it was a prize. "Mr. Miyagi fought for America, and now you're gonna do the same!" he declared, as if unveiling some profound lesson. He grabbed the marker and began drawing a mustache on the dummy's face with an exaggerated concentration.

Belle stepped forward, shaking her head but unable to keep a small smile from creeping onto her face. Rolling her shoulders back, she launched into a series of strikes against the dummy, each punch and kick precise. The force of her movements echoed in the backyard, but as she worked through the exercise, Johnny was already changing the game.

He stripped the dummy of its French attire, replacing it with a shirt featuring a Chinese flag. "Diaz, you're up!" Johnny announced. Miguel stepped forward and delivered his own flurry of blows, his strikes clean and controlled. Johnny nodded in approval but turned his attention to Robby, Sam, Tory, and Daniel, who was watching from the doorway with increasing skepticism.

"Foreign kids don't speak English," Johnny began, gesturing dramatically at the dummy. "But they do speak karate. So you're gonna have to kick higher, punch harder, and show no mercy."

Daniel's frown deepened, but before he could voice his objections, Johnny swapped the dummy's outfit yet again. This time, it wore a beanie and a t-shirt emblazoned with a Canadian flag. Tory stepped forward and unleashed a storm of kicks and punches, her intensity making the dummy wobble on its stand. Johnny clapped enthusiastically as he switched the dummy's attire one last time, dressing it in a shirt bearing the Soviet Union flag.

Belle folded her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Johnny, the Soviet Union doesn't even exist anymore-"

"Quiet!" Johnny barked, waving her off without missing a beat.

Before anyone could question him further, Johnny's eyes landed on the koi pond. A mischievous grin spread across his face. Without a word, he began striding toward the balance board floating in the water, the teens following hesitantly.

"What's he planning now?" Sam whispered to Belle, who could only shrug in exasperation.

The group soon noticed the old pitching machine stationed near the pond. Belle's stomach dropped as Johnny walked over to it, clearly intent on incorporating it into the session.

"Wu!" Johnny called, pointing at the balance board. "Get up there!"

Belle groaned, muttering to Miguel, "This feels like a bad idea," as she waded into the pond. The cold water soaked through her shoes as she climbed onto the board, wobbling slightly before finding her balance.

Johnny cracked open a Coors Banquet, taking a triumphant swig. "Balance is key to Miyagi-Do," he proclaimed, holding the beer like it was a symbol of enlightenment. "You gotta stay on your feet no matter what life throws at you."

"What's that supposed to-" Belle's question was cut short as Johnny casually loaded the empty beer bottle into the pitching machine.

The machine whirred ominously. Belle's eyes widened. "Wait, what are you-"

Thunk! The bottle shot out, flying straight at her.

"OH MY GOD!" Belle shrieked, ducking just in time. The bottle whizzed past her and splashed into the pond. Behind her, the other teens gasped in shock.

"Come on, Wu! Use those reflexes!" Johnny shouted, grinning like a madman. He loaded another bottle.

Belle's instincts kicked in. She swatted at the next bottle with the palm of her hand, sending it spinning into the water. The impact stung, and she shook her hand with a wince. "Are you trying to kill me?" she yelled.

"That's the spirit!" Johnny cheered, clearly ignoring her question. "Switch with LaRusso!"

Sam hesitated but stepped onto the board, managing to balance herself just as Johnny fired another bottle. She dodged the first one but yelped as the second grazed her arm before splashing into the pond.

One by one, the others took their turns. Tory slapped the bottles away with ferocity, muttering curses under her breath. Robby, having learned from the others' mistakes, dodged the projectiles entirely, earning a proud nod from Johnny. Finally, Miguel stepped up, his confidence evident as he balanced effortlessly on the board.

When the bottle came flying toward him, Miguel caught it mid-air with one hand, his movements smooth and practiced. Johnny groaned in frustration. "Don't catch it! Dodge it!"

Miguel tossed the bottle aside and dodged the next one by dropping flat onto the board, lying in a plank position. Johnny threw his hands up in exasperation. "Get up, Diaz! This isn't nap time!"

Belle stood on the edge of the pond, shaking her head in disbelief. "This is insane," she muttered, though she couldn't help but grin.

Daniel, still watching from the doorway, looked ready to intervene but ultimately stayed put, torn between disbelief and reluctant admiration.

Leave it to Johnny Lawrence to turn a simple balance exercise into an absurd, adrenaline-fueled spectacle.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the sparring deck at Miyagi-Do. Belle stood at the edge of the mat, her palms damp with nerves as she prepared for the match that would decide the dojo's new female captain. She bounced lightly on her toes, trying to focus her energy. Her mind had been set on facing Tory-a matchup that felt inevitable given their history and Tory's undeniable skill. But as Belle scanned the crowd, her brow furrowed.

"Where's Tory?" she asked, her voice breaking the tense silence around her. She turned toward Robby, who stood a few feet away, adjusting his wrist guards.

Robby shrugged, his brows knitting together in confusion. "I don't know," he admitted. "I tried talking to her yesterday, but she hasn't been answering my texts." There was a note of concern in his voice, one Belle didn't miss. She knew how close the two were-how much Robby cared about Tory, even if their relationship was far from simple.

Belle's stomach twisted. She wasn't sure whether it was nerves for the match or unease for Tory. Something about her absence felt... wrong. Pushing the thought aside, she smiled at Robby, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "Good luck out there," she said warmly.

Robby returned the smile, his usual confidence flickering back for a moment. "Thanks. You too."

As Robby stepped onto the deck to face Miguel, Belle turned her attention toward her boyfriend. Miguel met her gaze, a soft smile tugging at his lips. She approached him, and they performed their secret handshake-a quick sequence of slaps and fist bumps they'd perfected over months of dating. As the handshake ended, Belle leaned in and kissed him softly on the cheek.

"Good luck," she whispered, stepping back.

Miguel raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You just wished Robby that too."

Belle rolled her eyes and playfully smacked his arm. "You're my boyfriend. He's my friend. I can root for both of you."

Miguel chuckled, shaking his head with a smile. "Fair enough." He turned and stepped onto the mat, his posture shifting to one of focus and determination.

Belle stood at the edge, her heart thumping as the boys squared off. Daniel moved to the center of the deck, glancing between them with a serious expression before stepping aside.

"Fight!" Johnny's voice cut through the dojo like a sharp blade. The tension in the air was palpable as Miguel and Robby sprang into action.

Miguel moved first, his punches fast and precise. Belle's eyes widened as he swept Robby's legs out from under him, sending him to the mat with a loud thud. Before Robby could recover, Miguel landed a swift punch to his stomach.

"Point, Diaz!" Daniel called, raising his hand.

Belle winced, her hand flying to her mouth as she nervously picked at her bottom lip. She watched Robby get back on his feet, his jaw clenched in frustration.

"One point, Diaz. Zero points, Keene. Ready? Fight!" Johnny's booming voice rang out again.

This time, Robby went on the offensive, spinning into a high kick aimed for Miguel's head. Miguel dodged just in time, countering with a swift punch. Robby blocked it but left himself open for a clean kick to the chest.

"Point, Diaz! Two points," Daniel announced.

Belle bit her lip, glancing at Robby. He was off his game, and she couldn't figure out why-until she noticed his gaze drifting past Miguel. Following his line of sight, Belle turned and spotted Tory entering the dojo.

Tory looked nothing like her usual self. Her eyes were red and puffy, her hair tied back in a messy ponytail. She carried herself with stiffness, her shoulders hunched like she was trying to fold in on herself. Belle's heart sank at the sight.

"Are you okay?" Belle asked softly as Tory approached.

Tory didn't answer. Her eyes darted around the dojo, but she seemed lost in her own head.

Before Belle could press further, Johnny's voice called out again, yanking her attention back to the fight.

"Ready? Fight!"

Robby's focus snapped back to the mat, his stance solidifying. This time, he was sharp, blocking Miguel's punches with precision. When Miguel attempted another leg sweep, Robby flipped over him with stunning agility, drawing gasps from the crowd.

"Point, Keene. Two to one," Daniel called.

Belle clapped her hands together, her tension easing slightly. Robby was back in the game.

The final round began, both boys going all out. Miguel pushed Robby to the edge of the mat, but Robby regained control with a powerful spin kick to Miguel's face.

"Point, Keene! Two to two!"

Belle exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Eli leaned toward her with a smirk. "So, who do you think's gonna win?"

Belle shot him a glare. "Not betting on this," she said firmly.

Eli chuckled. "Ugh, okay."

The last exchange was fierce. Both fighters ended up grappling on the ground, but Robby managed to roll Miguel over, delivering a final punch to his stomach.

"Point. Winner!" Daniel announced, lifting Robby's arm in victory. The dojo erupted into cheers.

Belle clapped and let out a whoop, proud of Robby but also glancing at Miguel, who stood up, his expression a mix of disappointment and good sportsmanship. He and Robby exchanged a fist bump, easing the tension.

As the boys left the mat, Belle gave Miguel a quick kiss. "I'm sorry you didn't win captain."

Miguel shrugged with a small smile. "It's fine. Now, go win captain for me."

Belle nodded, her heart pounding as she stepped forward. It was her turn, and Tory was waiting.

Belle stepped onto the sparring deck, her heart pounding in her chest. Her eyes locked onto Tory, who stood across from her, fists clenched and jaw set. The tension in the air was palpable-heavy, thick, and almost suffocating. Belle's mind raced, but she forced a soft smile, hoping to ease whatever storm raged inside her friend. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears as she reached out her fist in the familiar, old Cobra Kai handshake-a gesture that once symbolized camaraderie between them.

"May the best Queen Cobra or Bonsai Badass win," Clementine teased lightly, her voice trying to inject a sense of humor into the thick air, as if joking could break the heaviness that hung between them.

Tory's eyes flicked to Belle's extended fist, her gaze lingering on it with an unsettling hesitation, as though she was unsure of what to do next. The silence stretched between them, and for a moment, Belle's smile faltered, her hand beginning to tremble with doubt. The connection they once shared felt so far away, the distance between them almost unbearable. Just as Belle started to pull her hand back, Tory sighed heavily. Her eyes avoided Belle's for a brief moment before, with a reluctant sigh, she met her fist halfway. The handshake was stiff, awkward-robotic-like something she was simply going through the motions to avoid further confrontation.

"Fighting positions!" Daniel's sharp command shattered the silence, and both girls immediately stepped back, raising their fists. The air seemed to crackle with tension as Belle braced herself, her pulse quickening in anticipation. Across from her, Tory's face was taut with a growing anger. It was clear she was losing control, and Belle's stomach churned with anxiety. She tried to shove the fear aside, focusing on the present. She had to break through to Tory before things went too far. She couldn't let it escalate.

"Fight!" Daniel's voice rang out like a bell.

Before Belle could react, Tory charged at her with a primal scream, launching herself forward with a brutal kick aimed directly at Belle's face. Belle barely had time to register the movement, ducking just in time to feel the whoosh of air from Tory's foot graze her cheek. The adrenaline kicked in as Tory didn't hesitate, pressing on with a series of punches that came at Belle with wild intensity. Belle's arms shot up in defense, her body scrambling to keep up. Every muscle screamed with effort as she blocked, dodged, and countered. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she fought to stay on her feet.

Then, just as Tory's foot came sweeping toward her head, Belle dropped low, her instincts kicking in. She swept her leg underneath Tory's, knocking her off balance. In that split second, Belle sprang to her feet, launching herself forward and landing a solid punch into Tory's stomach.

"Point, Wu!" Johnny called from the sidelines.

Tory's face twisted in frustration, her hands slamming against the mat before she pushed herself up. Belle stepped back, her gaze narrowing as she watched Tory pace back and forth, the anger growing more palpable with each step. The movement was erratic, almost animalistic, as though the fight had become more than just training-it had become something personal. Belle's concern deepened. Something wasn't right here.

"Tor, are you okay?" Belle asked, her voice soft but laced with concern. She'd thought they were okay, that they could move past whatever was festering between them. But now, seeing Tory like this, doubt gnawed at her.

Tory didn't answer immediately. She simply exhaled heavily and turned back to face Belle, her eyes burning with something darker than the usual anger. Johnny raised his hand, his voice cutting through the charged silence. "Ready?" He didn't wait for an answer before signaling for the fight to continue, but Tory didn't wait for the command. She charged again, her fists flying faster and with more fury than before.

Belle struggled to keep up, her arms heavy from blocking each blow, each strike getting harder to deflect. Her body was beginning to tire, and it felt like the fight was slipping from her grasp. Tory's eyes burned with rage, and Belle's attempts to meet her gaze were met with cold, unrelenting fury. It felt like her old friend was lost somewhere within the violence. With each punch, each kick, Belle's resolve started to crack.

Then, with a feral yell, Tory kicked Belle in the side. The pain was immediate, sharp, and brutal, shooting through Belle's body like lightning. She collapsed to the mat, gasping for air. Her neck slammed against the hard surface, sending waves of agony through her. She blinked, her vision swimming as she looked up at Tory. The anger on Tory's face was unmistakable, but there was something else there too-something Belle couldn't quite place.

Tory stood over her, unyielding, her eyes cold and distant.

"Belle?" Daniel's voice reached her through the fog of pain, and she blinked, forcing herself to focus on him.

"I'm... I'm fine," Belle muttered, her voice shaking despite her attempts to steady it. She pushed herself up, every part of her body protesting, but she couldn't show weakness. Not now.

Daniel didn't seem convinced. His face tightened, and his anger flared as he turned to Tory. "That should be no point-"

"Stop!" Belle cut him off sharply, her voice firm despite the overwhelming pain. "It's fine. I'm okay," she insisted, her words meant to calm the situation but also to keep Tory's anger from escalating further. She knew if Daniel took the point away, it would only make things worse.

Daniel hesitated for a long moment, then reluctantly turned to Johnny. He gave a curt nod, signaling for the fight to continue. Miguel, watching from the sidelines, looked worried, but he said nothing.

Johnny sighed deeply and raised his hand. "That's a warning, Nichols. Next one's a deduction. Got it?"

Tory barely acknowledged the warning, her gaze still burning with rage. Belle, on the other hand, stood her ground, trying to steady her breath as Daniel called them into fighting positions again. The tension between the two girls was thicker than ever.

"Ready? Fight!" Johnny barked, his voice cutting through the air.

Belle couldn't just keep defending. Tory was too angry, too reckless, and if she didn't take control, it was going to spiral. She couldn't let it get worse.

As Tory lunged forward again, Belle seized the opportunity. She grabbed Tory by the arms, spinning her around and sending her stumbling backward. Without hesitation, Belle followed up with a sharp kick to Tory's stomach.

"Point, Wu! Two to one!" Johnny called out.

The relief that flooded Belle was brief. She wiped the sweat from her forehead, her body on the verge of exhaustion. She had one more point to win, but when she met Tory's eyes, she knew it wouldn't be that easy.

"Fighting positions. Ready? Fight!" Johnny shouted, and before Belle could adjust, Tory let out another guttural yell and charged at her once more.

This time, it was different. Tory didn't just throw punches. She grabbed Belle by the arm, swinging her off balance and throwing her hard to the mat. The impact was brutal-Belle's knees slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave of pain up her legs. She groaned, struggling to get her bearings as she tried to look up, but Tory was already on top of her, ready to strike again.

Reacting instinctively, Belle wrapped her leg around Tory's waist, pulling her down with everything she had left. The floor cracked beneath them as they landed, but Tory was quick to recover, scrambling to her feet with a ferocious cry.

Before she could strike again, Daniel rushed forward, grabbing Tory's fist to stop her. Belle froze, her breath catching in her throat as she realized just how close she had come to serious injury.

"The fight's over," Daniel said quietly, his tone firm but not without regret. Tory, however, wasn't ready to let it end.

"That's not fair! That could've been a point!" Tory protested, her frustration spilling over as her voice rose in protest.

Daniel shook his head, his expression weary, but determined. "We can't do this right now. Not in front of everybody."

Tory's anger seemed to shift into something darker, more desperate. She turned to Daniel, her eyes welling up with tears. "Don't stop the fight. Please," she begged, her voice trembling with raw emotion.

Ignoring her, Daniel gestured for the girls to step off the mat. "Come on. Please, girls. Off the deck. Let's go."

Belle's confusion deepened as she stepped closer to Tory, wanting to understand what was going on, but before she could speak, Johnny scoffed. "What's going on?" Belle asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Don't tell them what to do. I'm their sensei too!" Johnny snapped.

Daniel whirled toward him, his frustration boiling over. "Well, then, end the fight!"

Belle shook her head, glancing between the two men, still unsure of what was happening. "What's going on?" she repeated, her voice growing more frantic. "Why are we stopping the fight?"

Johnny turned to her, his expression softening as he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, why stop the fight?"

Daniel's expression hardened, his tone low and serious. "Because my mother died."

Tory's words hit Belle like a punch to the gut. The raw pain in her voice left everyone stunned, and Belle's heart twisted with sympathy.

Belle's instinctively took a step forward, but Tory flinched, practically jumping away from her. It was a sharp, involuntary movement, one that Belle didn't miss. The distance between them felt like a canyon, and as Tory's eyes darted around, desperate to escape, Belle's heart clenched with an overwhelming surge of empathy. She took another step, but her voice softened, unsure of how to bridge the chasm that had formed between them.

"Tory, I... I'm so sorry," she whispered, her words laced with genuine regret and concern. She reached a hand toward her, though her movements were slow, almost hesitant. "But we can't keep fighting. This isn't the time. Please, don't let this push us further apart."

Tory's eyes welled up with tears, the anger in them flickering but never fully dissipating. A tremor passed through her body, like a storm that had nowhere to go. Her gaze dropped briefly, and in that instant, Belle thought for a split second that she might give in. But instead, Tory turned sharply toward Daniel, desperation flooding her voice.

"Yes, it is!" Tory practically shouted, her voice cracking as she stabbed a finger toward the ground, the movement sharp and erratic. "I have to fight now! You don't understand! I... I can't lose this!" The tears started to spill over, her breath ragged with emotion. "Please. I have to do this. I need this."

Daniel's expression softened, but there was an unmistakable wariness in his eyes. He sighed heavily, clearly torn. It was clear he didn't want to push her any further, but the weight of the situation pressed down on him. He knew, deep down, that this couldn't continue-not like this. He cast a brief glance toward Johnny, silently asking for support.

"Sensei Lawrence," Daniel muttered, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness, "some help here, please."

Johnny stepped forward, his demeanor calm and collected. The air around them seemed to thicken, everyone in the dojo holding their breath, waiting for Johnny's response.

"It's not up to us," Johnny said, his voice firm but surprisingly gentle. His gaze didn't waver as he focused on Tory, then shifted toward Belle, and back again. "If Nichols wants to fight, she should." His words cut through the tension like a knife, clear and unwavering.

Belle's chest tightened at Johnny's declaration. She wasn't sure how to feel. She knew this wasn't the answer-this wasn't the way to fix things-but there was something undeniable about the fierce determination in Tory's eyes. It was like a light that couldn't be dimmed, no matter how much it hurt.

Daniel's reaction was immediate, his face hardening as he shot Johnny a glare. "You don't seriously believe this is the answer?" he snapped, but Johnny didn't flinch. He simply turned his focus back to the two girls.

The room had gone still, the weight of their unspoken words hanging heavy between them. Belle's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing as she tried to find a way to break through, to reach Tory, to stop her from spiraling. But it was clear now: this wasn't about fighting-it was about something deeper. Something unspoken.

Tory, however, wasn't finished. She took a step back, her frustration bubbling over. "Find a way? No!" she yelled, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes again, threatening to spill over. She swung her arm, her hands trembling with emotion. "You don't understand! None of you understand! My mom... she would've wanted this!" Her voice cracked, her shoulders shaking as she looked up at them, eyes wide with panic. "If I don't fight... I have to do this for her."

Her words hit Belle like a slap, the pain in Tory's voice resonating deeply. It wasn't just a fight for captaincy. It was a fight for something that mattered far more.

Daniel's face softened, but he remained resolute. "We'll find another way to decide on captain," he insisted, trying to de-escalate the situation as he began to walk away. "There's no need for this."

But Tory wasn't listening anymore. It was like the weight of everything that had been building up-the anger, the grief, the pain-had reached a breaking point.

Finally, as if she couldn't bear it any longer, Tory spun around, her whole body exhausted and emotionally drained. "You want this fight to be over?" she shouted, her voice trembling with the rawness of everything she had kept bottled up inside. "Fine! It's over!" Her words were punctuated by the sound of her heavy, frustrated breath as she stormed off the deck, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

Belle stood still, watching as Tory disappeared, a feeling of helplessness washing over her. She was about to follow, but before she could make a move, Miguel was there. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her back as she struggled to break free.

"Let's leave her be," Miguel said gently, his voice calm but firm.

Belle's heart clenched, but she nodded, letting Miguel guide her away from the tension, her body still trembling with the aftershocks of the emotional rollercoaster that had just unfolded before her.

Daniel turned to her, his eyes filled with concern. "Belle, will you be okay to fight Sam for captain too?" he asked, his tone soft yet serious.

Belle's stomach twisted at the thought. She didn't want to fight, not like this. But she nodded, pushing her conflicted feelings down. "I'll be okay."

With a deep breath, she stepped back onto the mat, trying to focus her mind. She had to focus on the fight now. Sam was already in position, her gaze intense, her body ready to go.

The dojo fell silent once more as Belle and Sam faced each other, the weight of their past friendship and rivalry hanging heavily in the air. Belle squared her shoulders, steadying her breath. She couldn't think about anything else but winning this. Not for pride, not for revenge-just for the sake of moving forward.

The fight began with a sharp command from Daniel. Sam moved first, launching herself at Belle with a flurry of quick punches. Belle blocked each one, her body moving on instinct, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Sam was quick, her strikes precise, but Belle had trained for moments like this. She anticipated Sam's next move, side-stepping a wild punch and countering with a well-placed kick to Sam's ribs.

Sam faltered, stumbling back slightly. But she quickly regained her balance, her eyes flashing with determination. She came at Belle again, faster this time. Belle's movements were fluid, her footwork light, dodging Sam's attacks and landing a clean blow to her opponent's shoulder. Sam hissed in pain but retaliated with a quick jab to Belle's side, knocking the wind out of her for a moment.

For a split second, Belle's focus wavered, but she quickly snapped back into the fight, her eyes locking onto Sam's with renewed determination. Sam's breath was ragged, her body starting to show signs of fatigue as she launched herself at Belle once more.

This time, Belle anticipated Sam's attack and ducked low, sweeping her leg out in a low arc. Sam, caught off guard, stumbled, and before she could recover, Belle planted her foot firmly on the mat, pushing herself forward with a burst of speed.

In one fluid motion, Belle executed a perfect move, flipping Sam onto her back with a sharp twist of her body. She landed on top of Sam, pinning her to the mat.

"Point, Wu!" Daniel called out, his voice firm but full of respect.

Belle's heart pounded in her chest as she climbed to her feet, her breath shallow. She had won. She had finally done it. Sam remained on the mat, panting, her eyes wide with a mix of frustration and awe.

Belle extended a hand to Sam, helping her up. "You're a great fighter, Sam," Belle said, her voice calm, despite the rush of emotions swirling inside her. "But this isn't about us. It's about the team. I just... I had to do this."

Sam nodded, her lips tightening in acknowledgment. Though there was no smile, there was a mutual respect now-a quiet understanding that this fight was more than just a competition for captaincy. It was about something deeper-about letting go of past grievances and moving forward.

Daniel stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of the moment. "Congratulations, Belle. You've earned it."

Belle nodded, grateful but exhausted. She had won, but in her heart, she knew the real battle had just begun.

"Gather around, please!" Daniel's voice boomed across the dojo, his tone firm yet warm. The sound echoed off the walls, catching the attention of every student in the room. As Daniel and Johnny walked toward the sparring deck, the energy in the air shifted, a collective buzz of anticipation rippling through the crowd. Students straightened, eager to hear what was coming next. The top five students, those who had been selected for the prestigious task of representing Miyagi-Do, formed a line in front of their teachers, while the rest of the class stood behind them, their eyes fixed on the proceedings.

Daniel's gaze swept over the gathered students, and he offered them a smile, a mixture of pride and respect. "Training for the Sekai Takai has been hard on all of us," he began, his voice steady but filled with appreciation. His eyes lingered on each student, acknowledging the hard work and dedication they'd poured into their training. "But now, training is over. While most of you won't be going to Barcelona, we know you'll be there with us in spirit."

There was a brief silence before a murmur of approval swept through the crowd. Daniel's words were filled with gratitude, acknowledging the sacrifices each of them had made in the pursuit of excellence.

Johnny, standing beside Daniel, nodded, his expression solemn but proud. His gaze flickered across the top students before he spoke, his voice slightly gravelly but full of emotion. "Since Tory will not be going with us..." Johnny paused, allowing the weight of the situation to settle in. The room seemed to hold its breath, and for a moment, time felt like it stood still. The absence of Tory, who had been a key part of their training, was something everyone felt. "We've decided Hawk will take her spot."

Belle's heart skipped a beat. She spun around with uncontained excitement, her hands clapping above her head in a show of support. Eli, who had been standing at the edge of the line, looked momentarily surprised, but his lips quickly curved into a grin as the rest of the class erupted into cheers. Laughter filled the room as Eli stepped forward, his usual confident swagger now laced with pride and excitement. His eyes twinkled as he made his way to the front, and as he passed Belle, she nudged him with her shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "You've earned this, Hawk," she said under her breath, her voice full of genuine admiration.

The applause continued as the rest of the students clapped for Eli, their approval a testament to the hard work and progress he'd made throughout their training. Eli's chest puffed out with pride as he took his place in the line, his stance strong and ready, standing tall beside Belle, who gave him a thumbs up.

Daniel took a step forward, his expression growing serious once more as he turned back to the group. "You seven will be fighting for Miyagi-Do," he said, his voice unwavering. "It will be the toughest challenge you've faced yet. And to win, we're all gonna need to be there for each other, no matter what. This is bigger than just one fight-it's about representing everything Miyagi-Do stands for."

Johnny, always direct, added, "Captains, step forward." He raised his hand, signaling for the two chosen captains to approach. Belle wasted no time, stepping forward eagerly, her heart racing with the knowledge of what this moment meant. She met Robby's eyes as he moved forward, his smile matching hers in both excitement and determination. They were ready-for the fight, for the challenge, for everything that had led them here.

As Belle and Robby stood in front of their teachers, Daniel's eyes flicked to the back of the room, where Chris lingered, his face serious, his posture rigid. "Chris, bring up the official Sekai Takai captain headbands," Daniel called, his voice carrying with an air of finality. Chris, a bit awkward in his movements but determined, quickly ran up to the front, carrying a small, sleek case in his hands. His steps were purposeful, the case glinting in the light, a symbol of the responsibility that was about to be passed on.

With a deliberate motion, Daniel opened the case, revealing two headbands, each one gleaming with significance. The fabric shimmered slightly in the light, their rich color symbolizing the weight of the role these students were about to undertake. The room quieted again, every pair of eyes locked on the headbands as they were revealed.

Johnny stepped forward first, his gaze softening as he reached for Belle's headband. There was a brief moment of silent understanding between them, a bond forged through months of hard training, struggles, and victories. He lifted the headband and approached Belle, his hands steady as he tied it around her head.

Belle's breath caught in her throat as the weight of the moment settled in. This was it. This was the culmination of everything she had worked for, everything she had fought for. She felt the fabric secure around her head, a quiet but powerful connection to all the students who had fought alongside her, to the dojo, and to the legacy of Miyagi-Do. A smile tugged at her lips as she looked up at Johnny. "Thank you for being my Sensei," she said, her voice full of warmth and gratitude. The words came naturally, the connection between them deepening in that brief moment.

Johnny's smile deepened, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and affection. "You've earned it, Belle," he replied, his voice rough with emotion, a rare moment of vulnerability from the normally tough-as-nails instructor. He gave the headband one last adjustment, making sure it sat perfectly before stepping back.

As he did, Belle's heart swelled with emotion. She was no longer just one of the students-she was a leader now. A captain of Miyagi-Do. And with that role came not just the responsibility to fight, but the responsibility to inspire. To lead her fellow students by example, just as her teachers had led her.

The dojo was filled with a sense of purpose now, the air thick with anticipation for what was to come. The rest of the class watched, their cheers and applause a backdrop to the new chapter unfolding before them. The fight for Miyagi-Do had officially begun.

After a long, exhausting flight, the team finally arrived in Barcelona, their feet landing on the bustling streets, surrounded by the energy of the Sekai Taikai arena. The towering structure loomed ahead, a symbol of everything they had trained for, a place where champions would be crowned. Belle trailed behind the team, her steps slow and deliberate, her mind preoccupied with the weight of everything she had left behind and the uncertainty ahead. She couldn't stop thinking about Tory-about the fight, about their last words to each other.

Her heart clenched as she replayed the confrontation in her mind. Tory had been so desperate, so consumed by the need to fight. The weight of the unresolved tension between them hung heavy on Belle's chest.

"Belle?" Miguel's voice pulled her from her thoughts. She looked up to see him glancing at her with concern. Without thinking, she jogged up to him and grabbed his hand, the warmth of his touch grounding her.

"You okay?" Miguel asked, his voice low as they walked into the arena. The cavernous space around them buzzed with the energy of the competition, the clamor of other teams preparing for battle filling the air. Belle gave a small, forced smile, trying to push the unease aside.

"Yeah, I'm just worried about-" She was about to continue, but Miguel's expression suddenly changed. His eyes widened as he stopped in his tracks, staring ahead, his mouth slightly agape. Belle followed his gaze, her heart skipping a beat.

"Tory?" Miguel's voice was barely a whisper, filled with disbelief.

Belle's breath caught in her throat. She turned her head to look toward the mat, her eyes searching the crowd. And then, she saw her. Tory. Standing at the front of the South Korea Cobra Kai team. Belle's heart plummeted. Her mind screamed in confusion, a mix of shock and disbelief flooding her system.

"Oh my God," Belle murmured, her voice barely audible over the buzz of the arena. The last person she had expected to see here, the last person she thought would be competing, was standing right in front of her. Tory, a part of Cobra Kai, in the Sekai Taikai arena-against them.

Miguel squeezed her hand, his voice urgent. "What's going on? Why is she here?"

Belle shook her head, struggling to process the sight of Tory in Cobra Kai colors. She couldn't fathom what had led her to this point. After everything-after the way they'd fought, after everything that had happened-Belle hadn't expected Tory to be here, competing in the same tournament. The past was supposed to stay behind them, but now it was staring her in the face, and the weight of it felt like a stone sinking deep in her gut.

As the rest of the teams assembled around the mat, Belle kept her eyes on Tory, feeling a complex swirl of emotions rising inside her. Anger, confusion, but also-regret. Regret for what had been said, for the way they had left things. Tory had her reasons, just as Belle had hers, but in this moment, none of it mattered. What mattered now was that they were both here. On the same stage. In front of the world. And Belle couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something neither of them were prepared for.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

EEK OH MY GOD GUYS AXEL INTRODUCED NEXT CHAPTER!! ONTO PART 2!!!

many drama between miguel and belle coming... their "honeymoon phase" is over...

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