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The tension in the dojo was electric as Belle stood with her teammates at the edge of the mat, her muscles coiled with anticipation. The air was thick with the sound of shuffling feet, clapping hands, and the rhythmic thuds of fighters practicing. Overhead, the fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, casting a stark glow on the glossy wood floor. On the far end, Sensei LaRusso and Sensei Lawrence stood shoulder to shoulder, their presence commanding the room.

This was it-the fight of the season.

Sensei LaRusso stepped forward, his posture firm yet calm, though the weight of the moment was evident in his eyes. "We need this win to stay in the tournament," he said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. He scanned the team, ensuring each of them felt the gravity of the situation. "I know it's tough with Silver here, but remember-this isn't about him or his team. This is about us. We fight as Miyagi-Do."

The words hung in the air, thick with meaning. Belle glanced at her teammates, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and nerves. They nodded in unison, their collective resolve building.

Sensei Lawrence took a step forward, his tone gruffer, carrying the sharp edge of a pep talk only he could deliver. "We've all heard the crap people are saying about loyalty," he began, throwing a pointed glance toward the Redentores fighters across the room. "Almost all of us trained somewhere else before this. Big deal. What matters is where we stand now." He jabbed a finger toward the mat, his voice rising. "And right now, we're Miyagi-Do. So let's prove it. Got it?"

"Yes!" Belle shouted, her voice cutting through the air like a spark. The fire in her chest ignited, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She clenched her fists, her determination settling into something sharper, stronger. This was their chance to prove they belonged here-and to fight back against everything Terry Silver and his crew stood for.

Miguel stepped forward, his energy breaking the tense silence. "Come on, y'all. Let's go!" he called, his enthusiasm infectious. He strode to the center of the mat with purpose, ready to lead by example.

The room seemed to shift, the air vibrating with anticipation. Miguel faced off against Francis, a towering figure from the Redentores team. The two locked eyes, their stances mirroring each other as they prepared to fight.

"Fight!"

Miguel launched the first kick, his movements quick and precise, but Francis deflected it with ease. They traded strikes, their bodies a blur of motion-blocks, punches, dodges-all executed with calculated precision. Miguel's footwork was sharp, his training evident in every step, but Francis was no slouch, meeting him blow for blow.

Belle watched from the sidelines, her heart pounding as she studied every move. Miguel was holding his own, but when Francis landed a solid kick to his chest, sending him stumbling backward, Belle tensed.

Miguel recovered quickly, his gaze flickering toward her and Robby. His expression was serious as he gestured toward Belle, signaling her to step in.

"Your turn," he said, his voice firm but encouraging. He shot her a quick smile, one that carried more weight than she expected. For a brief moment, Belle hesitated, the memory of their recent fallout lingering. But Miguel's belief in her was clear.

Belle stepped onto the mat, rolling her shoulders and cracking her neck as she faced Francis. She could see the confidence in his eyes, his smirk daring her to make a move.

She didn't wait long.

With a burst of speed, Belle spun into a high kick aimed at his head. Francis barely dodged, his expression shifting from smug to focused. He retaliated with a sharp kick to her stomach, the impact knocking the wind out of her. But instead of faltering, Belle grinned, the pain fueling her.

"Nice try," she taunted, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back before driving an elbow into his ribs.

Francis stumbled, wincing, but quickly regained his footing. He came at her again, but Belle was faster, her instincts sharper. She swept his leg out from under him, sending him crashing to the mat with a resounding thud.

"Stay down next time," she quipped, stepping back with a triumphant smirk as her teammates erupted in cheers.

Before Francis could even get up, another Redentores fighter stepped onto the mat.

"Belle, tag me!" Kenny shouted from the sidelines, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"No way! Tag me," Hawk interjected, his eagerness palpable.

Belle rolled her eyes, ignoring Hawk entirely as she slapped Kenny's hand, tagging him in.

"Go get 'em, Kenny," she said with a grin, stepping aside as he entered the ring.

Kenny squared up, his movements confident as he faced his opponent. He wasted no time, landing a swift kick followed by a punch. His opponent blocked, but Kenny was relentless, dodging a spin kick and countering with an aerial strike that sent the boy reeling.

"Point! Miyagi-Do!" the referee called, signaling their victory.

The dojo erupted in cheers as Belle and Robby rushed to hoist Kenny onto their shoulders. The celebration was loud, their energy infectious.

But Kenny wasn't done. He turned toward Terry Silver, who stood at the edge of the room, his face unreadable. Without hesitation, Kenny raised his middle finger high, a grin spreading across his face.

Belle burst out laughing, clapping Kenny on the back. "Best move of the day," she said, pride evident in her voice.

Kenny shrugged, his grin never faltering. "Learned from the best," he said, nodding toward Belle and Robby.

Belle's smile softened as she watched him. "You made the right choice," she said, her voice quieter but full of belief. "Don't ever forget that."

Kenny gave her a grateful look before his playful smirk returned. "Let's just enjoy the win," he said, his confidence as unshakable as ever.

The locker room was heavy with tension, so thick it felt like the air itself could suffocate anyone who dared to breathe too deeply. The fluorescent lights overhead hummed faintly, their cold glow casting long shadows on the walls. The room smelled of sweat and liniment, the kind of smell that clung to memories of countless matches fought and won. But tonight was different. The silence in the room wasn't just the quiet of focus-it was the stillness of an ending, the realization that this was their final moment together as a team.

No one spoke. No one moved. It was as if time itself had stopped, leaving them all frozen in the weight of what lay ahead. The air felt oppressive, dense with unspoken fears, hopes, and regrets. Each fighter sat lost in their own thoughts, staring at the floor, their hands, or the walls as if the answers to everything they were feeling might somehow be found there.

Belle, always the first to break the silence, couldn't take it anymore. She let out a loud, obnoxious raspberry, the sound startling in the quiet room. "Come on, guys," she said, her voice tinged with forced cheer. She leaned back against the lockers, her eyes scanning the room, looking for even a flicker of a smile. "We beat Cobra Kai before. We can do it again."

Her words hung in the air, light but unable to lift the heaviness around them. Her smile faltered just slightly as her gaze met Miguel's. She knew, deep down, that this fight wasn't like the others. This wasn't just about karate or proving a point. This was the end of an era, and everyone in that room knew it.

Robby, who had been staring off at nothing, broke the silence next. His voice was steady, but there was a weight to it, a quiet determination that cut through the room. "One more time," he said, his words deliberate. His eyes met each of theirs in turn, and they could see the resolve burning in his gaze. "Let's send our captains into the finals."

Everyone understood what he meant. Winning wasn't just about trophies or bragging rights anymore. It was about leaving everything on the mat, holding nothing back, and walking away with no regrets.

Miguel, who had been sitting with his elbows on his knees and his head bowed, let out a shaky breath. He lifted his head, his dark eyes glistening with emotion. "One last time," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Win or lose... this is it. The last time we'll fight together as a team."

Belle felt a lump rise in her throat, her chest tightening as his words sank in. She stared at the floor, her voice small. "I guess I never really thought about it like that," she said quietly, her tone raw with realization.

Miguel's voice broke as he shook his head. "Me neither," he admitted, his words thick with emotion. "After everything we've been through... I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye." He sniffled, quickly swiping at his eyes.

Robby smiled faintly, a bittersweet curve of his lips. His voice, when he spoke, was softer now, full of affection for the group. "So?" he asked, his tone light but carrying an undercurrent of determination. "How do we wanna go out?"

For a moment, no one spoke. Then Demetri, who had been sitting in silence, finally looked up. His eyes found Eli's, his best friend, his brother, the rival who had once been both his greatest challenge and his greatest ally. He hesitated, his voice trembling slightly. "Eli?"

Eli, who had been slouched in his seat, straightened up. His eyes met Demetri's, and for a moment, the vulnerability in his gaze was almost too much to bear. He opened his mouth to speak but faltered, his voice catching in his throat. "Dude..." His voice cracked, and he let out a shaky laugh. "I'm sorry, man. For everything."

Demetri's face softened, his expression one of pure understanding. Without hesitation, he stood and crossed the room, pulling Eli into a tight hug. Eli stiffened at first, unaccustomed to the unrestrained show of affection, but then he melted into it, his arms wrapping around Demetri as if clinging to a lifeline.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Eli said, his voice muffled against Demetri's shoulder.

Demetri let out a small laugh, though it was tinged with sadness. "I know you didn't," he said softly. His voice broke on the next words. "I'm just scared of losing my best friend."

Eli pulled back slightly, his hands gripping Demetri's shoulders. His voice was low but firm. "You'll never lose me. You're my brother, D."

Belle watched the exchange, her chest tight with emotion. She had spent so much time teasing the two of them, but now, watching them reconcile, she realized just how much they all meant to each other. They weren't just teammates. They were family.

Devon, sitting on the bench, let out an exaggerated groan, breaking the somber moment. "Alright, alright," he said, rolling his eyes. "Enough of the sappy stuff. There's no crying in karate!"

The group let out a small laugh, the tension in the room easing just slightly. Miguel stood, pulling both Eli and Demetri into a group hug, his arms wrapping tightly around them. "You guys are always gonna be my brothers," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Then Miguel turned to Belle, his face conflicted. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice laced with regret. "I shouldn't have yelled at you. I... I just don't get how you moved on so fast. But... I hope Axel treats you right."

Belle gave him a sad smile. "Thank you. And... I'm sorry too. I liked you for so long, but... maybe it was just a fantasy."

Robby's voice was quiet but resolute. "We're a family," he said, his words cutting through the room.

"Yeah," Miguel added, his tone full of affection. "All of us."

Robby's voice grew louder, a playful energy creeping in. "Who are we?"

"Miyagi-Do!" they all shouted back, their voices growing stronger with every repetition.

The door creaked open with a deliberate slowness, drawing every pair of eyes toward the figures stepping inside. Sensei LaRusso and Sensei Lawrence stood framed by the doorway, their presence immediately commanding the room. LaRusso's arms were crossed casually over his chest, his expression a blend of pride and amusement. Next to him, Lawrence leaned slightly against the doorframe, his grin wide and unapologetically confident, his signature swagger radiating off him. Both of their faces gleamed with something unmistakable: pride.

"You know," Daniel began, his tone light but carrying the weight of a leader who had watched his team grow into something extraordinary, "we did have one real doozy of an inspirational speech planned for you guys." He uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the group with an easy, almost fatherly smile.

Johnny Lawrence snorted, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement as he glanced at his longtime rival-turned-friend. "Yeah, but looks like you guys beat us to it," he said, his voice brimming with humor. His eyes sparkled as he looked around the room, taking in the fierce determination and raw emotion etched on the faces of the students he had come to care about as his own.

Sam, who had been quietly wiping at her eyes in the corner, stepped forward hesitantly. Her gaze met her father's, and for a moment, time seemed to still. Her voice was soft but steady, filled with a gratitude that came from everything she had learned-not just about karate, but about herself. "Our senseis taught us well," she said, her lips curling into a small, heartfelt smile.

Daniel's expression softened, the pride he felt for his daughter and the rest of the team evident in his eyes. He reached out, pulling Sam into a side hug, his arm draping protectively over her shoulders. He gave her a firm squeeze, leaning slightly closer to murmur just loud enough for her-and everyone else-to hear. "I'm proud of you, kid." His voice, though simple, carried a weight that resonated in the quiet room.

Sam hugged him back tightly before stepping away, her own strength renewed by the simple affirmation.

Johnny clapped his hands together loudly, shattering the emotional moment with his usual no-nonsense bravado. "Alright, enough of this kumbaya crap," he declared, his tone rough but teasing. "It's time to get out there and kick some Cobra Kai ass!" His grin widened as he emphasized the last word, a gleam of excitement sparking in his eyes.

The room seemed to ignite all at once, the quiet tension dissolving into a burst of energy. The students erupted into cheers, their voices filling the locker room with a roar of enthusiasm. "Yeah!" they shouted in unison, fists pumping in the air as adrenaline surged through them. The camaraderie and confidence they shared were undeniable, unshakable.

The hotel lobby buzzed with restless energy, the hum of conversations layered with tension as martial artists and senseis from across the globe gathered under the high ceilings. Chandeliers cast a cold glow on the polished marble floor, reflecting the apprehensive faces of the competitors. The air was thick with unease, as no one had expected to be summoned here by Gunther Braun, the imposing figurehead of the Sekai Taikai.

Belle stood near the edge of the room beside Devon, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, a subtle shield against the palpable tension. Her sharp gaze flicked across the room, landing on Tory, who loitered near the Cobra Kai contingent. Tory's face was unreadable, her expression betraying nothing. Belle's stomach twisted uneasily at the sight of her.

When Gunther Braun strode into the center of the room, his presence commanded immediate silence. The low murmurs died out like the hush before a storm. Dressed in a sharp black suit that seemed to amplify his already commanding stature, he surveyed the gathered crowd with a piercing intensity.

"My apologies for summoning you all like this," he began, his deep, measured voice reverberating through the space. Each word carried weight, settling heavily on everyone present. "But under the circumstances, it was necessary."

Belle's brow furrowed as she shot a glance at Devon. Her friend shrugged slightly, equally puzzled. Miguel, standing a few feet away, caught Belle's eye and mirrored her confusion with a small shrug.

Gunther clasped his hands behind his back, his expression hardening. "The Sekai Taikai has a long and honorable tradition," he continued. "We fight hard, but we fight fair. That is why it deeply saddens me to announce that one of the dojos competing here has tarnished that tradition by cheating."

The announcement hit the room like a lightning strike. Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by a wave of hushed whispers. Belle's heart skipped a beat as she leaned closer to Devon, her voice low. "Cheating? What's he talking about?"

"I don't know," Devon replied, her eyes darting nervously around the room.

Gunther's cold gaze fixed on the Udar Tigra team, who stood clustered together, their orange and black uniforms stark against the subdued tones of the lobby. His voice sharpened, cutting through the rising murmurs. "Sensei Ivanov, four of your students have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs."

A collective gasp swept through the room, followed by an uneasy silence. Belle's eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. "No way," she murmured, her voice almost lost amid the shocked murmurs.

Sensei Ivanov's face turned a deep shade of red, his expression a volatile mix of fury and disbelief. He stepped forward, his voice booming with indignation. "This is outrageous! You're accusing my students? My dojo?" His thick accent lent an edge to his words, making his anger all the more palpable.

"You are hereby eliminated from the tournament," Gunther stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ivanov's fury erupted. "What the hell are you talking about? This is bullshit!" His voice echoed through the lobby as he gestured aggressively at Gunther, his movements erratic. "Why don't you come over here and remove me yourself?"

A shocked murmur spread through the room, and Belle felt her breath catch. She glanced nervously at Devon, whose wide eyes reflected the same disbelief.

"Sensei Ivanov!" Gunther's voice cracked through the air like a whip, silencing the room instantly. His steely glare bore into Ivanov, unwavering. "Consider yourself fortunate that your dojo is not banned from the Sekai Taikai permanently. If you continue this behavior, that decision can and will be reconsidered."

For a tense moment, Ivanov's jaw clenched as he stared Gunther down. Then, with a growl of frustration, he spun on his heel and barked at his students. "Let's go," he snarled, storming out of the lobby with his team trailing behind him, their faces pale and stricken.

The room fell into a stunned silence, the weight of the scandal settling over the crowd. Belle exhaled slowly, her chest tight with the adrenaline coursing through her veins. "Holy crap," she muttered under her breath. "I can't believe that just happened."

Gunther adjusted his suit jacket with an air of composure, unfazed by the chaos he had just quelled. "Replacing Udar Tigra will be the dojo with the next highest point total," he announced, his tone as calm and authoritative as ever.

Belle's stomach twisted into a knot. She didn't need to hear the name to know where this was heading.

"Wait, that means-" Devon began, her voice laced with dread.

"Cobra Kai," Gunther declared, cutting her off.

The Cobra Kai team erupted into cheers, their celebration loud and unapologetic. Tory stood among them, her posture stiff, her expression carefully neutral. Her eyes flicked briefly toward Belle before looking away.

"Of course," Belle muttered, bitterness dripping from her words. "Because why wouldn't it be Cobra Kai?"

Gunther pressed on, undeterred by the murmurs of discontent around him. "And on a more positive note, we will now announce the draws for our semi-finals."

He held up a set of cards, unfolding them with deliberate precision. "In our girls' bracket, the first semifinal will be Maria Alvarez versus Zara Malik. And in the second match, Tory Nichols... against Belle Wu."

Belle winced, her stomach lurching. She caught Sam's reaction out of the corner of her eye-her friend's expression darkened, lips pressed into a tight line as she exchanged a sharp look with Tory across the room.

"In our boys' bracket," Gunther continued, "our first semifinal match will be Diego Aguilar versus Kwon Jae-Sung. And our second semifinal match will pit Axel Kovacevic against Robby Keene."

The announcements hung heavy in the air, the weight of impending battles settling over the gathered competitors.

Demetri broke the silence with a nervous laugh. "Axel the Invincible and Belle-Tory Chapter a Billion. It's... less than ideal."

Belle shot him a glare, her voice sharp. "Don't talk about Axel like that... and just shut up please."

Her gaze shifted to Axel, who stood with the Iron Dragons, his tall frame exuding calm confidence. As though sensing her eyes on him, he turned, his piercing gaze locking onto hers for a fleeting moment before he turned back to his teammates.

Belle swallowed hard, her heart pounding as the teams began to disperse. The fight ahead felt more daunting than ever.

The cold stone stairs seemed to sap the warmth from Belle's body as she sat next to Robby, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Around them, their teammates were scattered-some seated, others standing in tense silence. The air was heavy with frustration and unease, a collective storm of emotions sparked by the recent revelations.

Johnny paced back and forth in front of the group, his hands clenched into fists, his face twisted in frustration. He finally stopped, turning on his heel with an explosive outburst.

"This is horseshit!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the corridor. He raked a hand through his hair, clearly struggling to contain his anger. "How many times do we have to kill that son of a bitch before he stays dead?"

Chozen, ever the calm counterpart, leaned against the banister with his arms crossed. His expression was composed, but his tone carried its usual weight.

"Kreese is like cockroach," Chozen said matter-of-factly. His simple statement hung in the air for a moment before Belle, despite the tension, let out a snicker. She quickly stifled it with a hand over her mouth.

"You're not wrong," she muttered, her faint smirk drawing a slight eye roll from Robby beside her.

Chozen arched a brow but didn't miss a beat. "But he is not one fighting on mat," he added, his gaze sweeping across the group. His steady demeanor was a stark contrast to Johnny's fiery frustration, a balance they all silently appreciated.

Robby straightened beside Belle, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Sensei Chozen's right," he said, his tone firm but measured. "We still have the rest of the day to tune up for tomorrow. What's the plan?"

Johnny stopped pacing, fixing Robby with a hard stare. For a moment, he didn't answer, his mind clearly wrestling with the whirlwind of emotions he was feeling. Finally, he growled, "The plan is to knock Kreese's head off his neck, for starters."

Sam's voice broke through the heated conversation, soft but insistent. "Dad?" she called, turning toward Daniel, who sat a few steps away.

Belle followed Sam's gaze, her brow furrowing when she saw Daniel. He was staring into the distance, his jaw tight, his hands resting limply on his knees. There was something off about him-he looked distracted, even lost.

"Mr. LaRusso?" Belle echoed, her concern mirroring Sam's.

Daniel blinked, his head snapping up as though he'd been jolted from a deep sleep. "What?" he said, his voice tinged with confusion.

Sam stepped closer, her tone a mix of worry and urgency. "Training? For our final fights?"

Daniel waved a hand dismissively, his words rushed and unconvincing. "Oh, yeah. We'll... we'll run through the usual stuff," he said, his voice trailing off.

The group exchanged uneasy glances. His lack of focus was glaring, and it only added to the weight pressing down on them. Chozen's frown deepened as he studied Daniel, then turned to the group, stepping forward to take control.

"Senseis need time to discuss," Chozen announced firmly, his authoritative tone leaving no room for debate. He nodded toward the team, his eyes lingering on Sam and Robby. "Go get changed. Meet me at gym. We train hard."

There was a moment of hesitation, but one by one, the team began to rise, murmuring quietly among themselves as they headed toward their rooms. The unease was palpable, following them like a shadow as they dispersed. Belle lingered a moment longer, casting one last glance at Daniel. His distant gaze and tightened jawline left her with a sinking feeling in her chest. Something was wrong-something more than Kreese's reappearance or the pressure of the tournament.

Robby touched her shoulder lightly, drawing her attention. "Come on," he said softly, his eyes steady and reassuring.

Belle nodded, standing and falling in step beside him as they joined the others. But her mind lingered on Daniel and the storm brewing behind his eyes.

The gym was nearly empty, the echo of Belle's movements the only sound filling the room. She stood barefoot on the smooth floor, her stance steady as she worked through a series of katas. Her arms moved fluidly, her focus sharp, each motion deliberate and precise. The soft hum of her breathing steadied her nerves as she prepared for her fight with Tory.

The large mirrors lining the gym reflected her movements back to her, but as she completed a pivot, she caught sight of a familiar figure in the reflection-Axel. He stood by the doorway, his tall frame silhouetted against the dim lighting of the hallway. His face was unreadable, his usual confidence replaced with something heavier.

Belle's heart skipped. Without hesitation, she turned, her bare feet padding softly across the floor. She crossed the distance quickly, her katas forgotten. "Axel!" she called out, her voice breathless but warm.

He barely had time to react before she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. His hands found her waist, holding her gently but without his usual fervor. Belle pulled back slightly, her eyes scanning his face, instantly noticing the solemn look in his dark eyes.

"Hey," she murmured, her brow furrowing as she cupped his cheek. "What's wrong?"

Axel hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor as if weighing his words. Finally, he sighed, his voice low and strained. "Sensei Wolf... he wants me to fight aggressive with Robby tomorrow."

Belle's stomach twisted, her hand falling from his face to rest lightly against his chest. She knew what Axel's sensei was like-harsh, manipulative, and unrelenting. His version of "aggressive" wasn't strategy; it was brutality.

"Axel," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "You don't have to do that. You're not like him."

He gave her a half-hearted smile, his eyes clouded with conflict. "It's not that simple, Belle. You know how he is. If I don't listen-"

"-he'll make your life hell," she finished for him, her voice bitter. She frowned, her hands sliding up to rest on his shoulders. "But you're stronger than he is. You don't have to be what he wants you to be."

Axel's lips pressed into a thin line, his hands tightening slightly on her waist. "He's my sensei, Belle. If I disobey him in the middle of a fight, it'll be worse than hell. For me, for the team..." He trailed off, the weight of the situation clear in his tone.

Belle shook her head, stepping even closer. "Listen to me," she said firmly, her voice soft but steady. "You're one of the best fighters here. Not because of him, but because of you. You fight with skill, with heart-not like a bully. Don't let him take that from you."

Her words seemed to hit him, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly under her touch. "It's not that easy," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I know," Belle said, her voice gentler now. She rested her forehead against his, her eyes searching his. "But no matter what happens out there, I've got your back. Okay? You don't have to face him alone."

Axel exhaled slowly, some of the weight lifting from his expression as he nodded. "Thanks, Belle," he murmured.

She smiled faintly, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Always."

For a moment, they stayed like that, finding comfort in each other amid the chaos swirling around them. Belle knew Axel's fight with Robby would be complicated-not just for what it meant on the mat, but for what it meant in the broader battle he was fighting against Sensei Wolf's control. But if there was one thing she was certain of, it was that Axel's heart would shine through, no matter the outcome.

The next day, the energy in the arena was electric, a tangible buzz coursing through the crowd as the semifinal matches of the Sekai Taikai drew closer. Competitors lined the edges of the competition floor, their respective teams gathered in tight groups, focused and ready. The arena itself gleamed under the harsh overhead lights, the banners of each dojo fluttering in a subtle breeze, their colors vivid against the sleek modern backdrop.

Belle stood at the edge of the mat, her heart pounding in her chest. The low hum of the crowd rose and fell, waves of chatter punctuated by bursts of applause and excitement as the audience eagerly awaited the announcement. Beside her, Robby adjusted his gi, his expression calm but determined.

Over the speakers, Gunther Braun's deep, commanding voice echoed, cutting through the noise. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, a deafening roar that vibrated through the floor beneath Belle's feet. She took a deep breath, letting the noise wash over her, the thrill of the moment sparking a fire in her chest. All the months of training, the sacrifices, the bruises, and victories-they had all led to this.

Gunther's voice boomed once more, captivating the audience. "The Sekai Taikai Tournament of Champions!"

Belle's lips curved into a small smile, and she turned to Robby. His intense gaze scanned the crowd for a moment before meeting hers. "We've got this," she whispered, extending her fist toward him.

Robby's expression softened, and he nodded, fist-bumping her with quiet confidence. "Yeah, we do," he replied.

The cheering gradually subsided as Gunther continued, his tone unwavering and professional. "Welcome, competitors, to the semifinal round of the Sekai Taikai. At this stage, each dojo will retain the points they have accumulated thus far."

Belle listened intently, her eyes shifting to the other fighters standing on the far side of the mat. Tory paced slightly, her stance already aggressive, while other competitors stretched or mentally prepared themselves. Belle's gaze briefly flicked to the judges seated at their table, their eyes sharp and unyielding.

Gunther pressed on, his explanation precise. "Each match will consist of three two-minute rounds. Unlimited scoring. No stoppages. One point for a hit. Ten points for a knockdown. And should anyone score a knockout-"

He paused dramatically, letting the anticipation build in the air.

"That's worth 20 points," he finished.

Belle's pulse quickened as she absorbed the rules. Three rounds. No stops. Every point matters.

Gunther's voice grew firmer, his words carrying weight. "At this stage of the tournament, no deficit is too large to overcome. This is your moment to shine. Best of luck to you all. And may the best dojo win."

The crowd erupted again, their cheers deafening as the fighters began stepping forward to take their places on the mat. Belle exhaled slowly, her fists clenching as she rolled her shoulders. The moment she'd prepared for was here. Her mind briefly flickered to Axel, to the comforting words she'd spoken to him last night, and to her own determination.

She wasn't just fighting for herself-she was fighting for her dojo, her friends, and everything they'd worked so hard to achieve. With a final steadying breath, Belle stepped onto the mat, the roar of the crowd behind her and the weight of the competition in front of her.

The energy in the arena was electric, the crowd roaring with excitement as Robby's match with Axel was announced. The bright overhead lights reflected off the glossy mat, amplifying the intensity of the moment.

Belle stood near the edge of the competition floor, her heart pounding. She stepped forward, extending her hand to Robby for their signature handshake. The two clasped hands and bumped fists, sharing a brief but confident nod.

"You've got this," she murmured, her voice steady despite the tension coiling in her chest.

Robby gave her a quick smile before jogging onto the mat, his movements fluid and focused. Belle's gaze followed him, her heart swelling with pride but tightening with worry. As he took his place, her eyes locked on him, her emotions a storm of camaraderie, concern, and hope.

Beside her, Miguel nudged her gently. "Don't worry," he said with a reassuring smile. "Robby's got it."

Belle managed a small smile back, grateful for Miguel's presence, and turned her attention to the mat.

On the competition floor, Robby and Axel bowed to each other, their movements precise and respectful. But the intensity between them was unmistakable, their postures radiating determination.

"Fight!" the referee called, and the match began.

Robby lunged first, his kick slicing through the air toward Axel's torso. Axel staggered back but recovered quickly, his defense impenetrable as he blocked Robby's follow-up punch with a firm push. The crowd murmured in awe, the match already living up to the anticipation.

Belle leaned forward, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. Her eyes darted between Robby and Axel, analyzing every move.

"Come on, Robby... Or Axel," she muttered under her breath, unable to fully root against Axel despite the circumstances.

Robby adjusted his stance, his strikes growing faster. A high kick barely missed Axel, who ducked beneath it, and Robby spun around for another wide arc. Axel blocked with ease, his precision making it clear how formidable he was.

"He's good," Daniel said from the sidelines, his brow furrowed with concern. "Axel's defense is solid. Robby's having trouble getting through."

Belle's stomach churned as she watched Axel continue to deflect Robby's strikes. It wasn't just defense anymore-Axel was wearing Robby down, slowly but surely.

Robby spun for a punch, adding momentum for extra power, but Axel caught his arm mid-motion. In a swift, calculated move, Axel twisted Robby around, trying to force him down. Robby, however, used the momentum to plant his hand on the mat and cartwheel out of Axel's grip. The crowd gasped in admiration, a ripple of applause following his agile recovery.

Belle's heart leapt in relief. "That's it, Robby. Keep going," she whispered under her breath.

But Axel wasn't shaken. His composure remained intact as he pressed forward, shifting to offense. At Sensei Wolf's sharp bark in Chinese, Axel lunged, delivering a powerful kick to Robby's ribs. Robby staggered, and Axel immediately followed up with a brutal block and a calculated twist of Robby's arm.

"Damn it," Belle hissed, her voice tight with tension.

Axel delivered two sharp punches to Robby's stomach, causing him to stagger backward, winded.

"Point!" the referee called, his voice ringing over the noise of the crowd.

Belle's chest tightened, and she turned to Miguel, burying her face in his shoulder. "I can't watch," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

A sharp crack echoed through the arena, and Belle flinched. When she looked up, she saw Axel gripping Robby's arms tightly, holding him upright.

"Are you going to keep defending," Axel sneered, his voice cold and taunting, "or are you actually going to fight?"

With a sudden shove, Axel threw Robby toward Kwon and Yoon, who stood smirking on the Cobra Kai side of the mat.

"Hey!" Belle shouted, her voice cutting through the crowd. "Axel, what the hell?"

The Cobra Kai fighters caught Robby, their mocking laughter infuriating Belle.

"Let him go!" she yelled, her fury boiling over as she stepped forward.

Before Miguel could stop her, Axel moved to block her path. His stance was intimidating, his expression unreadable.

From the Iron Dragons' side, another figure emerged-Zara. Her dark hair swayed as she approached, her eyes locked on Belle like a predator honing in on its prey.

"Stay out of this," Zara snarled, her voice low and venomous.

Belle squared her shoulders, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I don't think I will."

Before she could say another word, Zara's fist shot forward, aimed directly at Belle's face. Belle ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, and retaliated with a sharp kick to Zara's side.

Chaos erupted around them. Fighters from different dojos stormed the mat, alliances and rivalries colliding in a flurry of punches and kicks. The crowd gasped and shouted as the brawl unfolded.

Zara swung again, her movements swift and calculated, but Belle sidestepped, using her momentum to land a quick jab to Zara's ribs. Zara gritted her teeth, her expression twisting with rage as she came at Belle with a spinning kick.

Belle blocked with her forearm, the impact sending a jolt up her arm. She countered with a low sweep, knocking Zara slightly off balance.

"You don't scare me," Belle spat, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Zara smirked, her confidence unshaken. "We'll see about that."

Their fight intensified, the two exchanging blows with precision and ferocity. Around them, the mat was a battlefield, each dojo defending their own as referees and senseis tried to restore order.

Through the chaos, Belle's focus never wavered. She dodged Zara's punches, her movements sharp and deliberate, her mind locked on one thought: she wasn't going to let anyone-Zara, Axel, or Sensei Wolf-tear down what her team had built.

Zara's movements became more aggressive, her strikes coming faster and harder. Belle dodged one punch but was caught off guard by a sweeping kick to her legs, knocking her to the ground. Before she could recover, Zara pounced, pinning her down with a knee pressed to her stomach and an arm braced against Belle's chest.

"Not so tough now, are you?" Zara sneered, leaning closer.

Belle gritted her teeth, struggling to push Zara off, but the Iron Dragons fighter was relentless. Just as Belle's arms started to give out, a flash of movement caught her eye.

"Tory, what are you doing?!" a Cobra Kai voice yelled, but it was too late.

Tory sprinted toward them, her expression hard with determination. In a blur of motion, she grabbed Zara by the arm and yanked her off Belle, sending her stumbling backward. Before Zara could retaliate, Tory delivered a sharp kick to her stomach, knocking her to the mat.

"Stay down," Tory growled, standing over her, ready for any counterattack.

Belle sat up, catching her breath as she looked up at Tory in shock. "You... helped me?"

Tory extended a hand, pulling Belle to her feet. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it," she muttered, brushing off any hint of sentiment.

Belle gave her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks. I mean it."

Tory nodded curtly and turned back to the chaos, ready to jump into another fight.

Before Belle could fully regain her composure, she felt a sharp blow to her side. She cried out, stumbling to the mat again as a Cobra Kai fighter-Yoon-towered over her, smirking cruelly.

"Stay down, princess," he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.

Across the mat, Axel was in the middle of a heated exchange with Miguel, gripping the collar of his gi and preparing to deliver another blow. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Belle hit the ground, her expression pained.

"Belle!" Axel's voice rang out, sharp with concern.

Miguel took advantage of the distraction, breaking Axel's hold and shoving him back. But Axel didn't retaliate. Instead, he shoved Miguel aside, sprinting across the mat toward Yoon.

Yoon barely had time to react before Axel tackled him to the ground, pinning him with an iron grip.

"What the hell is your problem?" Axel snarled, his fists raining down on Yoon in a flurry of punches.

Yoon struggled, managing to block a few hits, but Axel's rage was overwhelming. "You don't touch her!" Axel roared, his voice booming over the noise of the crowd.

Belle pushed herself up, her body aching from the impact. She saw Axel standing over Yoon, panting heavily, and then he turned to her, his expression softening with concern.

"You okay?" Axel asked, his voice quieter now as he crouched down to her level, his hand reaching toward her shoulder.

Belle jerked away, her eyes narrowing as anger flared in her chest. "What are you doing?" she snapped, her voice sharp.

Axel blinked, startled. "I was just-"

"You started this!" she cut him off, her voice rising. "This whole thing is your fault! And now look at this mess!" She gestured to the chaos around them, fighters from every dojo clashing in an all-out brawl.

Axel's face twisted with guilt. "I didn't mean for it to-"

"I don't care!" Belle shouted, stepping back from him. "You don't get to play hero after making everything worse."

Axel opened his mouth to apologize, but the words died in his throat. The damage was already done, and Belle's glare made it clear she wasn't ready to forgive him.

He stood there for a moment, his fists clenching at his sides, before turning away to rejoin the fight. Belle watched him go, her emotions swirling-a mix of anger, frustration, and something she couldn't quite name.

As the brawl continued, the tension between them lingered, unspoken but undeniable, casting a shadow over the chaos of the dojo.

Before Belle could fully process her anger at Axel, a sharp, guttural yell pierced the chaos. Both she and Axel turned their heads toward the sound, and their eyes locked on Kwon sprinting toward them, his face twisted with fury.

In a blur, Kwon launched himself at Axel, fists flying. Axel barely had time to react, dodging the first strike and countering with a quick kick to Kwon's side. Belle stood frozen, her heart pounding as she watched the two collide in a frenzy of kicks and punches, their movements fast and brutal.

"Kwon, enough!" Belle shouted, but her voice was drowned out by the noise of the crowd and the clashes around them.

Kwon snarled, his movements growing more erratic. Suddenly, his hand darted to his gi, and in one swift motion, he pulled out a gleaming sword.

Gasps rippled through the arena, and Belle's eyes widened in horror. "Axel, watch out!" she screamed.

Axel jumped back as Kwon swung the blade in a wide arc, narrowly missing his torso. The metallic sound of the blade cutting through the air sent chills down Belle's spine. The crowd erupted into panicked murmurs, and even the fighters on the mat began to slow, their attention drawn to the escalating confrontation.

Kwon, undeterred, spun into a high air kick, his movements precise and dangerous. As he landed, he aimed the blade directly at Axel. Axel dodged again, his footwork quick and calculated, but Kwon overextended.

The blade missed Axel, but Kwon's balance faltered. His foot slipped on the mat, and he tumbled forward. Time seemed to slow as he fell-straight onto the point of the sword.

A sickening sound filled the air as the blade pierced his chest.

Belle gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as Kwon collapsed to the ground. For a moment, everything was still. The fighters froze, the crowd fell silent, and all eyes turned to the growing pool of blood spreading beneath Kwon's body.

"Oh my God," Belle whispered, her voice barely audible over the deafening silence.

Daniel was the first to move, pushing past the stunned spectators and stepping onto the mat. He knelt beside Kwon, carefully rolling him over. The sword jutted grotesquely from his chest, and his face was pale, his breaths shallow and labored.

"Get help!" Daniel yelled, his voice sharp and commanding. "Now!"

Gunther, standing at the edge of the arena, quickly grabbed a microphone. "Cut the feed!" he bellowed, his tone frantic. "Cut the feed now!"

The arena's giant screens went black, and the cameras stopped rolling, but the damage was done. Panic rippled through the crowd, and whispers of disbelief echoed across the stands.

Belle's legs felt weak as she stood rooted in place, her eyes locked on the horrifying scene. Axel knelt near Kwon, his face pale with shock as he muttered, "This wasn't supposed to happen... I didn't-"

Belle felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She turned her gaze away, unable to look at the blood pooling beneath Kwon's lifeless form. The chaos of the tournament had spiraled into something no one could have predicted, leaving everyone reeling in its wake.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

oh my.
i had fun writing this fic BUT ill be back for part 3!!! so please keep these books in your libraries bc i will be back :) see you guys soon!

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

please please stop being a ghost reader!