Chapter 7

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The pressure was up, and emotions were running high. Robby sat with Team in the locker rooms. His eyes moved around, looking at the people he's become so close with over the years. Through the tough times, through the uncertain times, through the sad times, and through the good times. The silence filled the room, but he could sense what everyone was thinking. Eyes welled with mist, kneecaps bobbed up and down and downward looks of uncertainty was given.

Finally, Robby broke the silence. "Come on, guys. We beat Cobra Kai before. We can do it again."He did feel a twinge of nervousness in him, but he felt confident and proud.

"One more time," Miguel said, "Let's send our captains into the finals."

"One last time," Sam said, in synchronicity. "Win or lose. The last time we'll ever fight together as a Team."

Daniel and Johnny joined them in the locker room and gave them one last talk of inspiration, but they had already beaten their Senseis to it.

"It's time to get out there and kick some Cobra Kai ass!" Johnny exclaimed.

"Let's go!" Robby yelled, feeling pumped.

They all headed out to the arena and took their places on the sidelines. Tension filled the air.

"Because both Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai are both one and one, whoever wins this match advances. And whoever loses is eliminated," the announcer voiced through the intercom.

"Alright. Remember, trust, tag, teamwork," Daniel said.

"You got this. Who's in first?" Johnny said after.

The Team turned their heads one by one and looked at Robby. He smiled and nodded. He was ready to take that first spot. He took his place in the centre. Kwon was approaching him. Robby knew he was gunning for him, but it didn't bother him. He wanted to wipe that smirk off his face once and for all and eliminate him and Cobra Kai. But before Kwon could step on the mat, Tory pushed him aside and took his place.

"What are you doing?" Robby asked her.

"You're disgusting," Tory shot at him.

"What now?" Robby asked, holding up his hands.

"You! Still sleeping with Zara" she bluntly said.

Robby looked a little stunned, but not all that much. It was only a matter of time before she found out.

"Ready," the referee said. Tory readied herself, so did Robby. "Fight!"

Tory being all Cobra Kai struck first. Robby immediately activated a quick defense mode. He sparred against his ex for a few moments. He eyed her carefully and intently, not wanting to lose his ground. Unfortunately, she did take him down. Sam asked to be tagged in. He gave her a tag.

Kwon stood on the sidelines just waiting to give him another snide remark.

"How you say, uh, lovers' quarrel? Or love…triangle?"

Robby shook his head, as the male captain of Cobra Kai laughed at him.

He tried to ignore Kwon and focus on the match in front of him. Tory was eventually tagged out. She swapped places with Kwon.

Robby turned and faced her when she was back on the line. "Look, I don't know what you want me to say. Yes, I've been getting closer to Zara. What's it to you? We're not doing anything wrong."

"God, you can't be that blind!" Tory retorted, her eyes going from him to the mat. "She's using you to stick it to me! She's practically been throwing herself at you from the start of the tournament."

"Did you stop to think that for once things aren't about you?" Robby shot back at her.

"Oh, so you really think she's genuinely interested in you and that this isn't about me. All that girl cares about is her public image. She's playing you. And you're letting her because you're mad at me."

As Kwon and Sam sparred on the mat, Robby and Tory's heated exchange simmered just under the surface, ready to erupt again at any moment.

"You think Zara is using me?" Robby responded, trying not to raise his voice. "Maybe she is, but she's actually been giving me the support I need. Can you say the same? Kreese is using you as a pawn to get back at everyone he hates."

Tory's eyes widened, momentarily stunned by Robby's words. Robby took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He couldn't afford to lose control now.

"That's not true!" Tory said, trying to maintain composure, though her voice wavered slightly. "I'm fighting for myself, for my own reasons."

"Yeah, you sure about that?" Robby challenged. "Or are you just doing what Kreese tells you to do, letting him manipulate you to think you're making your own choices?"

The intensity of the match resumed, but the tension between the two still lingered, an invisible force that crackled in the air. Robby turned his attention back to the fight, watching the sharp and aggressive movements from both his Team and the Cobra Kai fighters.

He dangerously eyed Kwon. He wanted him on the mat. After a great effort, Miguel was taken down, earning Cobra Kai their second point. Both dojos were now locked at two. Robby was now tagged in by Miguel. His eyes not leaving Kwon's.

It was time. The final showdown. Robby felt determination and strength seep through him. He felt like nothing could bring him down now.

"You got this, Robby!" Sam yelled with encouragement.

He trained for this moment, and he wasn't going to let it slip away.

"It's about time. Let's see what you got."

Kwon smirked, aggressively but confidently. Robby strictly got in his fighting stance. They circled each other like predators, each waiting for the perfect moment to strike. With every attempted kick and punch, Robby blocked and deflected like it was nothing. Each time, frustrating Kwon more and more, increasing his rage. It was clear he hadn't expected such a challenging opponent. Robby was the better fighter, and, in a way, this was his final chance to prove himself. The intensity continued on the mat, but also on the sidelines of the decagon as team members watched on intensely. None of them could bare to look away. Robby felt the weight of his dojo resting on his shoulders, but it didn't faze him. It fueled him.

He saw an opening and moved swiftly, delivering a series of rapid strikes. Kwon was forced to retreat, trying to regain his balance. The air was thickening more with anticipation.

"Finish him, Robby!" Eli shouted from the sidelines, his voice cutting through the noise.

If Robby weren't so focused, he'd shoot a knowing smile at Kwon. He needed no further encouragement.

He held up his fists once more with dominance. "Aiiiiis!"

He saw the perfect moment and seized it. He and Kwon charged towards each other with a purpose. With a burst of speed and agility, Robby leapt into the air in sync with Kwon, his body twisted mid-jump. His leg extended into a flawless high kick, slicing through the air with precision and power. The strike connected directly to Kwon's face, dropping him hard to the ground. He hit the mat with a resounding thud and groan, unable to recover.

The referee wasted no time confirming the win with a swift hand gesture. "Point! Miyagi-Do wins!"
The crowd erupted with a thunderous cheer, Sam squealed in excitement, Miguel yelled at the top of his lungs, blown away at his friend's performance. Robby stood tall, a triumphant smile on his face, yelling in exhilaration. He felt like he could beat his chest and spit fire. He had done it. He was a winner. He secured victory for his dojo. He had shone as captain.

The announcer's voice boomed throughout the arena. "With the win, Miyagi-Do advances to the tournament of champions! Incredible!"

"Yes! Yes!" Robby cheered to himself. He felt like he was on top of the world. Like he could make the earth shake beneath him. He felt overjoyed as his teammates surrounded him with love, hugs, playful shoves, and pats on the back. Johnny pulled his son into a strong hug. The pride and joy truly sinking in for father and son in that moment. Cobra Kai had been eliminated.

As the excitement began to settle, the team members gathered around Robby, their faces glowing with pride and joy. Sam, still buzzing with energy, suggested, "Hey, how about we go out and celebrate tonight? We deserve it after that victory!"

Miguel nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, let's do it! It's not every day we make it to the tournament of champions."

Robby grinned and nodded with equal enthusiasm as his teammates. "I'm in. We do deserve it."

"Is it really happening? Cobra Kai…gone?!" Sam asked excitedly and in disbelief.

"It's real, it's real!" Miguel said with a big smile. The three laughed together. Their smile faded slightly as they saw Tory walk by. She had a very disheartened look on her face.

"I wish you could be celebrating with us," Sam said in an honest tone.

Tory didn't respond but just walked away. Despite the bicker they had during the match, Robby couldn't ignore the feelings of disappointment and failure that she must've been feeling. After all, like all the other competitors here, she did come to win but she didn't succeed. She was going home, and Robby knew he'd have to say something eventually. But for now, it was his and his Team's time to celebrate their victory.

After the excitement at the arena, Robby returned to his room to get ready for the celebration. He was still on a high from their win, his heart pounding with anticipation for the night ahead. Just as he came out of the bathroom after taking a shower, he heard his phone buzz with a text from Zara.

It read: "Hey, can you meet me in the lobby for a sec?"

Curiosity piqued. He texted back. "Yeah, give me ten minutes." Another notification came to his phone as he saw that Zara had hearted the response.

He quickly got dressed and left the room. He told everyone that he'd be back. He made his way to the lobby, where he saw Zara was already there waiting. She smiled when she saw him come towards her.

"Hey, cutie. Congratulations." She gave him a hug. "You were amazing out there." Her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Thank you, Zara. It means a lot," Robby replied, hugging her back, a smile spreading across his face.

"I just wanted to say I'm proud of you. That kick was so badass. You realize it's going to be talked about for like forever, right?"

"So, you wouldn't mind if the attention was taken off you for a bit is what you're trying to say?" Robby asked cheekily.

Zara playfully swatted him on the shoulder. "Shut up."

Robby laughed and shrugged his shoulders. "I was pretty good, wasn't I?"

"You were!" Zara said with a brightness in her eyes. "Your dojo held strong. You kept them motivated and focused."

"Like a true captain?"

Zara smiled and affirmed. "Like a true captain."

Robby took a step closer to her. "You still worried about us being seen together?'

Zara quickly shook her head. She took his hands in hers. "No, I'm not." Robby gave her a nod. "My Sensei wants to win. He wouldn't risk anything happening to his star fighter. So…I'll do what I want."

Zara's confidence and charisma brought a smile to Robby's face.

"Doesn't mean you should forget about what he did to you," Robby said, his expression now changing. He held up his hands before she could respond. "But, but – I'll say no more for tonight."

"What about you?" she asked.

"What?"

"Are you worried about being seen with me?" Her eyebrow arched.

"Not at all."

"Good," she took a step closer to him. "Because you know I like spending time with you."

"So do I." The two leaned in and shared a kiss. The kiss lingered for a minute.

Zara spoke when they pulled apart. "Anyway, you probably want to go celebrate with your Team tonight."

"Yeah, we're going to hit the town," Robby sighed.

"Go, have fun."

Robby leaned down for another kiss. Zara happily met him in the middle. Their kiss was interrupted when they heard voices from behind.

"Dude!" Demetri bellowed at Robby.

"What the hell!" Eli then shouted at the two of them. "Are you serious?"

Kenny appeared alongside Devon. The two exchanged looks of surprise between each other.

Robby and Zara looked at each other, trying to find a way to respond to everyone. Robby felt it wouldn't have been fair to Zara for her to be bombarded by questions from his dojo.

"Guys, can I just ask that you not jump to conclusions?"

"Not jump to conclusions?" Demetri repeated, sounding astounded. "We see you locking lips with the Dragon Heiress," he threw a hand at Zara, "and you're telling us not to jump to conclusions?"

Eli stepped forward, his face a mix of anger and confusion. "I knew something was off. Ever since that night at the Tapas Bar."

Devon now stepped in the middle of it. "Guys, maybe we should give him a chance to explain." Devon gave Robby a knowing look. She took a more subtle approach to the situation.

Robby felt Zara squeeze his hand for support. He let out a sigh. "I have been spending time with Zara, and we have been getting close."

"What about Tory?" Kenny asked. "I know she switched sides, but I thought you were going to work it out."

"Tory's going through her own battles right now," Robby replied, "I respect that and at the same time I realized that we both need to lead our own paths."

"He ended things," Devon then said shortly. Eli and Demetri turned their heads to look at her.

"You knew?" Eli asked.

"About him breaking up with Tory, yes," Devon said, a little nervously. "I had no idea how close he and Zara were getting. Not really. I may have had an inkling, but it was none of my business."

"There's nothing malicious going on," Zara now said, standing in front of Robby. "I respect your dojo, and I don't want you to think I'm using Robby for my own gain."

"Yeah, that's debatable," Demetri muttered under his breath.

"Look, guys, if Robby says it's cool, it's cool," Kenny said.

"Yeah, come on, guys," Devon said, "This is our time to celebrate! It's a big moment for us."

Robby's hand slid around Zara's waist from behind.

"I got my head in the game," he said, sounding calm and confident. "You saw it tonight. You don't have to worry." There was silence amongst the group. "So…are we celebrating or not?"

Eli turned to Demetri. "Let's go catch up with Miguel and Sam." With that, the two turned and left.

Devon stared after them and then turned back to Robby. "I'm sure they'll come around."

"Yeah," Kenny said, "You've never steered us wrong before."

"Thanks, guys," Robby said, smiling. Curiosity came across his face. "Why're you guys being so nice?"

Kenny simply shrugged his shoulders. "After all the shit that I've pulled. I know…bad choice of words…" Devon softly laughed at him. "I'd be the last person to judge anyone. I'll always have you to thank for how far I've come."

"Alright, no more sentimental stuff," Robby responded to the two.

"Right?" Devon said, nudging Kenny to move. "We'll see you out there."

The two left to exit the hotel. Robby sighed and turned back to look at Zara. He ran a hand through his hair. "Well, that actually went better than I anticipated…"

"Are you ok?" Zara softly asked.

Robby nodded, looking at her carefully. "How about you? You ok?"

"Yeah, I'm good," she said. "They seem like they're a nice bunch. Some of them…"

Robby laughed. "Yeah, they all are, once you get to know them."

"I don't want to keep you any longer," Zara said, putting her hand on his cheek. "I hope I didn't put a damper on your evening."

"Not at all. Don't worry about it. Have a good night, ok?"

"Same to you," Zara smiled and waved goodbye to him.

Later in the evening, Miyagi-Do went out into Barcelona to celebrate their win. The vibrant streets were alive with music and laughter, the energy of victory coursing through them. There was still tension between Robby and a few of his team members, thankfully, their Senseis didn't take it on too much. The alcohol seemed to distract and make up for it with everyone involved.

Johnny and Robby decided to take a walk away from the bustling group, seeking a quieter moment to catch up amidst all the excitement.

As they strolled along the cobblestone streets, Johnny glanced at his son. "So, you did good tonight," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

Robby laughed. "And that's probably like the fifteenth time you've told me that tonight. "Thanks, Dad." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Making Kwon really feel that pain," he sighed a loud sigh into the air, "Man, was that ever satisfying."

"Yeah, I saw that," Johnny replied, "You were really making it hurt. That's what you gotta bring to the finals tomorrow."

After a moment of silence, Robby took a deep breath. "There's something I should tell you before you hear it from someone else."

Johnny raised an eyebrow, his curiosity rising. "What's up?"

"I've been hanging out with Zara Malik," Robby blurted out, his eyes searching Johnny's face for a reaction.

Johnny's expression hardened for a moment, a myriad of emotions flashing across his features—surprise, confusion, and a hint of anger. He stopped walking and turned to face Robby. "Zara Malik? As in, the fighter from the Iron Dragons?"

Robby nodded, bracing himself. "Yeah. I know it's not ideal, but it kind of just happened. I really like her."

Johnny started rubbing the back of his neck, exhaling sharply. "Robby, she's from a rival dojo. This could complicate things. For you, for the team, even for her."

"I know," Robby said, his voice steady. "She's already had a run-in with her Sensei. He was a real dick."

Johnny scoffed. "Yeah, no argument there. What about you and Tory?"

"Like I've been saying, Dad, Tory's got her own life to live and her own battles to fight. I'll never stop caring about her, but I had to step away." Robby looked at his dad again. "You can trust me."

Johnny looked into his son's eyes, seeing the sincerity there. He sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Alright. Well, just don't ever let your guard down. I mean, you know I'm the last one to give relationship advice but be careful. With Sensei Wolf and now Silver pulling the strings, motive is higher."

"I get that. I understand."

Johnny clapped a hand on Robby's shoulder, a smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, let's get back to the others before they think we've ditched them."

They continued their walk, the bond between father and son strengthened by the honesty they had shared. The night was theirs to celebrate, and for now, that was enough.