Chapter 8

XXXX

The next morning, a little before dawn, Robby found himself outside Zara's hotel room. He softly knocked on her door. It opened, revealing Zara in her casual attire, her hair tied back in a ponytail. Her eyes slightly widened with a glint of surprise. A warm smile came upon her face.

"Robby…what are you doing here so early?"

Robby smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "I owe you breakfast."

Zara tilted her head, a tinge of confusion on her face. "Do you?"

"Yup," he simply said, "Remember, I shot down your first invite."

Zara thought for a moment, before her eyes softened. She blushed, a big smile spreading across her face.

"You don't have to, but I am happy to see you," she said.

"So, you up for it then?"

"I'd love to," she said, "I'll just freshen up a little and we'll go down."

"I was actually thinking we could get out of the hotel and find one of those cafés by the beachfront."

"Sounds good. Give me a few minutes." After a few minutes, Zara came out of her room. Robby couldn't help but stare at her up and down. She smiled when she noticed him looking at her. "Are you checking me out?"

"You do look good," Robby admitted, noticing her white crop top and army cargo pants.

"Why, thank you," said Zara, with a soft laugh. She grabbed his hand. "Come on."

Robby and Zara walked down the beach line, the sound of seagulls and the distant crash of waves guiding them towards their destination. They soon arrived at a quaint breakfast café nestled along the beachfront. The café, with its charming rustic decor, exuded warmth, and comfort. Wicker chairs and wooden tables were scattered beneath the shade of large, striped umbrellas that fluttered gently in the breeze.

The scent of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, mingling with the salty tang of the sea. The café's exterior was adorned with blooming flower boxes, adding a splash of color to the serene surroundings. Inside, the ambiance was inviting, with soft Spanish music playing in the background and the hum of cheerful conversations.

The two chose a cozy table on the outdoor terrace, offering a perfect view. Zara ordered a frothy cappuccino and an omelette with toast and avocado spread, while Robby opted for a strong espresso accompanied by a plate of crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar.

"So…," Zara said, pushing her sunglasses over her head.

"So…," Robby said, taking a sip of his drink.

"I was wondering when you were going to ask me out…" said Zara, with a cute smile. She propped her chin on her hand and eyed him intently.

"Is that what you think this is? A date?" Robby asked.

"Are you saying it's not?" Zara asked in a mockery of offence, sitting back in her chair.

"What I'm saying is I like you and I like spending time with you…and…"

"Robby…" Zara waved her hand at him. "I know. It's ok. I was playing with you."

"Oh, were you?" Robby asked with a smile. "You seemed pretty sure of yourself just now."

"I usually am…I have good insight to these things. I have a very sharp monocle."

Robby nodded as he sprinkled a little more cinnamon on his churros. But he lifted his head when he realized what she said.

"Did you say a monocle?"

"Yeah."

"Doesn't the monopoly guy have one of those?"

"Exactly, yeah," she said, in a matter-of-fact way, after taking a bite out of her toast. "I've learned a lot from him."

"How do you know the monopoly guy?" Robby asked, with a frown but amused look.

"Don't worry about it," Zara simply said, giving him a wink.

"What? Are you…trying to make me jealous?"

The two paused and stared at each other in silence for a moment, before laughing.

"You seem a lot happier," said Zara, folding her arms on the table. "More content."

"I am…I can't complain," Robby said, the smile on his face not fading. "A lot of weight's been lifted off my shoulders. I feel good. I feel like I have more of a purpose now…"

Zara let out a sigh and shook her head. "Stop being so hard on yourself. You should be giving yourself more credit. And not just about karate. I'm sure you have a lot going for you in life. You've survived so much already."

"Yeah, I know."

"And…" Zara's expression now slightly changed. She poked her omelette with her fork. "If you don't mind me asking…"

"Anything, go ahead…"

"How do you feel about your ex being eliminated from the tournament?"

"I mean…it was either my team that was going to be eliminated or it was hers," Robby said, "She had her reasons of joining Cobra Kai, but now she's going home with them. Like I was telling my dad last night, I'll always care about her, but she has to go her own way. She has to heal and find answers that I'm not able to give her."

"I understand," Zara responded. She took a short breath before speaking again. "And what about…when you go back home?" She tried to ask the question as casually as possible, but her tone slightly wavered.

Robby smiled knowingly at her, thinking to himself how cute she looked in the moment. "How about…" He leaned forward and forked a piece of her omelette and put it in his mouth. "You just ask me what you really want to ask me."

Aside from initially being intimidated by Tory's fighting skills at the commence of the tournament, Zara hadn't really shown any signs of weakness or vulnerability. But when it came to Robby, that's when some of it came out of her.

"I shouldn't even be…" she sighed, "It's not my place. I mean, we're not…"

"Hey," Robby placed a hand on top of hers. "Let's not talk about Tory. Let's just talk about the here and now. We're in Barcelona and we have a tournament to fight in."

Zara smiled at him. "Yeah, you're right." She brushed away her insecurities in the moment. "Did you have fun last night? How were things after I left?"

"The night was fun. I still got a few stares from some of my teammates, but it's all good. They'll be fine. I told my dad as well."

"Oh. What did he say?"

"He was a little shocked. My dad's always been a karate guru and very competitive so…any dojo that isn't ours is a rival. And he's not a fan of your Sensei either or Silver. So, in that sense he didn't quite like the idea of me hanging around you, but…he knows he can trust me and that I have good judgment."

"That's nice," Zara said, taking a bite out of Robby's churro.

"Yeah," Robby nodded, "He knows I'll make the right choices. And anyway, it's not like we're plotting against each other's teams. We're just friends."

Zara's heart skipped a beat at the word "friends." It felt both reassuring and bittersweet. She wanted to believe that their connection was deeper than that, but she also didn't want to push him away by overstepping boundaries. After all, they'd only be in Barcelona together for a short while longer.

"Hey, we should probably head back to the hotel," she said, brushing her emotions aside. "Our teams will wonder where we are."

Robby nodded, standing up from his chair. "You're right. Let's go."

As they walked down the beach, back towards the hotel, Robby couldn't help but steal glances at Zara. She was a different person when she was on the mat, stunning people with her amazing skills, going all out and hard. But he also liked this side of her, the relaxed, the witty, and chilled side.

"You think you're ready for the semi-finals?" she asked him.

Robby let out a sigh. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Cobra Kai is out, but that now means you'll have to fight my dojo," Zara said, her eyebrows arching.

"I know…" Robby placed his hands behind his back. "I don't think you're quite ready for that." A smile tugged on his lips.

Zara's jaw dropped. She stopped on the spot. Robby stopped and turned around. He tried not to laugh.

"Did you really just say that to me?"

Robby shrugged his shoulders at her. "I think I did."

"You really just said that to me," Zara repeated, she grinned and took a few threatening steps toward him.

"Yeah, I did," Robby said, straightening his shoulders. "You saw what my dojo and I can do. You said it yourself." Zara's grin widened at him, while she shook her head. "Still shocked that I said that. Alright." What Robby did next surprised Zara, but in a good way. He removed his sunglasses and his t-shirt. He put his hands up in fighting position. "Come on…"

"Ok then, hot shot," Zara removed her own sunglasses and whipped her hair around. "Let's see what you're made of." And without warning, she launched a swift, playful kick aimed at Robby's side. He dodged it smoothly, his reflexes sharp, and countered with a light jab. They began to move in sync, their feet shifting effortlessly on the sand as they sparred.

Laughter mixed with the sounds of their mock combat, drawing the attention of passersby. Some stopped to watch, intrigued by the impromptu display of martial arts on the beach. Zara's movements were fluid and precise, a testament to her training, while Robby matched her every step with his own honed skills. Each of their moves had a challenge and response and even though it was a playful combat, it was like an unspoken competition for Robby at the same time.

With a swift movement he took her down and held her hands down in the sand. He smiled from above her and asked, "Convinced?"

However, just when he thought he had her, someway she got him with a leg maneuver where she was able to flip him around. She did it in a way which was not painful, but swift and powerful. Before he knew it, Robby laid on his back with her on top of him. His eyes widened in shock.

Zara breathed heavily and grinned widely at him. She leaned down and answered his question, "Almost."

Robby groaned, putting his hands over his face. The onlookers started applauding their performance, some even whistled at Zara. She helped Robby stand up. He noticed her giving him a smile as he dusted the sand off himself.

"You put on quite a challenge," Zara said, also brushing the sand off her body.

"You're too good," Robby said, pulling his shirt over his head.

Zara quickly snapped a selfie of them before they continued walking to the hotel. The two eventually reached the hotel. They walked together near the receptionist desk.

"Thank you for breakfast," Zara said, "I had a nice time."

"Same here."

"Hey, will you promise me something?" Zara asked softly, looking up at him.

"What is it?"

"Whatever happens in the remaining events…no hard feelings? We stay in touch?"

"I'll promise that, if you do."

"I do," said Zara.

Robby gave a nod. "Will you promise me something now?"

"For you, yes," Zara took a step closer to him. "What is it?"

"I'll just say it straight out. After the tournament is over, I can't control how you'll decide to fight or what you do with your dojo, but…can you promise that you'll be the one to decide what you're fighting for and not let anyone decide for you?"

Zara felt the weight of his words, understanding the deeper meaning behind them. "Robby, do you really not trust me to make my own decisions?"

"No, I do. It's not about trust, Zara," Robby said, squeezing her hand. "It's just that I know what coercion looks like and feels like."

"Are you really that worried?"

"I just want you to be careful."

Zara sighed, she reached up and held his face in her hand, trying to reassure him. "I promise. Don't worry. I won't let anyone but me dictate my path."

"Thank you," a little bit of relief came over him.

XX An hour later XX

Robby stood gathered with Sam and Miguel in the lobby. A few other dojos were also coming together. Robby noticed Tory sitting by herself by one of the windows, no doubt contemplating the previous day's events. He went over and apologized to her, for one, accusing her of hooking up with Kwon. He knew she wasn't that type of person. She wasn't up for conversation, which he understood and respected. Kwon then came over calling him a lucky bastard, the malice in him was evident. Robby didn't give into fretting about him, so he unclenched his fists and kept his calm, and subtly told him off. He turned and told Tory to get home safe.

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

Robby sighed. "Pretty much how you'd expect it to go."

"Miguel told me about you and Zara," Sam said, folding her arms. "I just have to ask. Is it really worth it, honestly? I mean, I know I was the one who said to deal with the fact that Tory switched sides, but…she's lost her mother, the tournament, and now you…"

"I'm always going to be there for Tory if she needs me," said Robby, earnestly. "I may not have all the answers right now, but I have to go with how I feel and what I believe is right."

"Are you sure you can trust her?" Sam asked, a concerned look in her eyes.

Before he could answer, the PA system beeped from above them and the announcer spoke.

"Attention Sekai Taikai competitors. All dojos convene immediately in the main lobby. Including those who have been eliminated."

Robby, Miguel, and Sam looked at each other, their curiosity piquing.

The competitors and their sensei gathered, murmuring in hushed tones as everyone wondered what could warrant such an urgent assembly.

Braun announced that it was discovered that one of the dojos had resulted to cheating. Robby right away figured it had to be either Kreese or Silver who'd done something sinister and sneaky to get the upper hand. It turned out, however, that the Russian Tiger Strike were the culprits. Four of their competitors tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. They were immediately eliminated from the tournament and banned from site.

"Replacing Udar Tigra will be the dojo with the next highest point total."

Robby felt a churn in his stomach. He heard Devon speak beside him. "Wait. That means…"

"Cobra Kai."

Robby's eyes shut in dismay, trying to take in what he just heard. He tried to drown out the Cobra Kai fighters' cheers of joy that they were back in the tournament.

"Did that really just happen?" Devon asked.

Robby shook his head, clearly irritated. "One step forward, one step back."

"Hey," Miguel said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You got this."

The draws of the semi-finals were announced before the crowd dispersed. Robby would go up against Axel. Sam against Tory. Zara against Maria Alvarez and Kwon against Diego Aguilar. Robby along with the rest of the Team felt bummed out at the news that Cobra Kai was still in the game after having been so close to eliminating them. For good. Nevertheless, Robby shook it off and stayed focused. He told Team they had the rest of the day to tune up for the semi-finals. It was anyone's tournament to win.

The semi-finals had arrived. The lights were bright, and the arena buzzed with excitement. Robby looked up and around the arena, it somehow looked bigger than it was tonight. Gunther Braun started with his usual introductions and rules for the semi-final events. While his strong words of power and inspiration filled the arena, Robby felt proud and blessed to be standing next to Sam as they both exchanged looks of pride, knowing what was to come next.

Robby couldn't help but take a glance over at the Iron Dragons. Silver stood behind Zara and Axel looking on, aside Sensei Wolf.

As Braun's voice boomed across the arena, the first match was called. Kwon stepped on the mat to go against his Spanish opponent, his composure calm. He had the upper hand from the first move. It stunned the crowd how after a few short movements, he delivered a precise knockout to his opponent, making Cobra Kai top the board with an impressive twenty-seven points.

Zara's match was a little more aggressive, but she delivered a flawless performance against her female Spanish opponent. The showstopper hardly left room for Maria Alvarez to earn a strike against her. Each step was deliberate, displaying a perfect blend of swiftness and precision. She countered Maria's moves with powerful strikes and kicks. Despite, the intensity, it didn't stop her from people pleasing and blowing her signature kisses. By the time the final strike was delivered, Zara stood tall and triumphant.

"And Zara Malik moves on to the girls' final with a dominant shut out."

Robby shook his head, still wondering to himself how she does it.

He took a breath and bowed to his Senseis as they, along with his team members cheered him on. He inwardly braced himself as he was about to go up against his toughest opponent ever. It was evident that when it came to fighting, Axel didn't really have any weaknesses to show. What Robby needed was strategy.

"Breathe, focus, stay centered." That was the mantra he needed to go by.

He stepped onto the mat, his heart pounding with anticipation. He bowed to Axel, who returned the gesture with a steely gaze. The referee signaled the start of the match. Robby launched into his offense strategy, his movements quick and precise. He aimed a flurry of punches and kicks at Axel, hoping to find a chink in his armor. But Axel's defense was impenetrable. He deflected all of Robby's attempts, barely breaking a sweat. His size and power gave him an advantage that was hard for Robby to overcome. He was then suddenly met by Axel's offense attacks which were just as powerful. It was like being hit with a ton of bricks, Robby had no control or balance. His face was met with a blow so hard that blood flew out of his mouth. He had no choice but to revert into defense mode. This soon annoyed Axel. He placed Robby in an arm lock and muttered in his thick European accent,

"Are you going to keep defending? Or are you going to fight?" Robby was then forcefully shoved back into the Cobra Kai fighters. Kwon took the opportunity and delivered a cheap blow to his side, causing him to groan out in pain. The crowd could be heard jeering in the background. Miguel immediately caught wind and ran to defend Robby but got pushed down by Axel. Meanwhile, Robby got up in Kwon's face.

"Cheap shot, bitch. You want to try that again?"

Zara broke rank from the other side and came forward on the mat to intervene. The tension was heavy in the air for all dojos as they were literally on edge. The crowd's jeers grew louder. Robby and Kwon continued to exchange heated words. Before Zara could intervene, Tory shoved her back.

"Hey, don't even think about it, bitch," Tory warned, blocking her with a fierce glare.

"Stop!" Braun yelled from the sidelines. "Stop this!"

"Try it again," Robby challenged Kwon.

"Hit me!" Kwon dared him.

"Get a hold of yourselves!" Braun yelled through the noise.

"I swear I will wipe the mat with your face as soon as I get the chance, bitch," Zara spat, her eyes locking intensely with Tory's, giving her an icy stare.

"Everybody off the mat now! Or this tournament—

Gunther Braun was cut short by a hard blow to the face. The strike could be heard across the arena, as he fell to the ground knocked out. The Russian Sensei, Sensei Ivanov, stood above him. For a split second, the entire arena seemed to hold its breath, suspended in a tense silence. Then, as if a cannon went off to signal a war charge, chaos erupted. Fighters from all dojos surged forward onto the mat, fists flying and voices roaring. All the built-up tension with the dojos was released in an uncontrollable surge of aggression. Fighters grappled, kicked, and punched with a fury that had been simmering for weeks. The crowd was an uproar of shouts and screams, and the referee and committee's pleads were lost amongst the mayhem.

Zara and Tory clashed ferociously, each move a blur of raw emotion and technique.

Kwon fought off other opponents. He noticed Robby taking on his other Cobra Kai teammates. He stormed towards him with a vendetta. He was blinded with rage.

"Keene!"

He knocked him down and viciously attacked him. Zara noticed this from the ground, she immediately got up and ran towards him. She delivered a swift kick to his side, making him grunt and stumble back. Zara stood in front of Robby in a fighting stance.

"Bad idea," Kwon said, giving her a furious look.

Zara filled with a mixture of readiness and a bit of fear, stood her ground against Kwon. Fear was not something she felt a lot, but Kwon had a look and demeanour of hate, unchecked anger, and an unhinged determination that was unrelenting. She put up a good fight. Robby tried to fight off the other two Cobra Kai fighters. He didn't want her to go up against Kwon alone.

With a jump kick, Kwon took Zara down, making her fall back against Robby, knocking them both down. Sam noticed the distress and rushed to help but fell short as Kwon also delivered a kick making her fall back. He was on a rampage, determined to take down anyone who got in his way.

Axel was the next fighter to attempt to take him down. He grabbed him by his Gi and roughly pulled him back. He dodged and blocked a few of Kwon's attacks and then delivered a kick so powerful that it sent him flying backwards and colliding with the camera set standing behind him. The force of the impact busted open his nose and bruised his hand. He groaned in pain, but his fury did not abate it only enhanced. Kwon's eyes shifted, his eyes falling on the eunjangdo lying on the mat. He started breathing heavily and evilly laughed as he picked it up.

Robby's heart skipped a beat when he noticed the weapon in Kwon's hand, realizing his intention.

With a deadly roar, Kwon charged forward. It was as if everything had turned a into a blur for Robby and time seemed to slow down, he saw Kwon run toward both Zara and Axel.

"Zara, no!" he shouted. He lunged forward and gored her out of the way.

Kwon was met with Axel, who with one fluid motion, met him halfway in the air. He swept Kwon's leg from under him, causing him to fall and land on the upward pointing eunjangdo. A scream erupted from his lips as the dagger pierced through his heart. A scream so heart-wrenching and deadly it echoed off the walls of the arena and silenced the brawl in an instant. All the dojos froze in their spots. It was like a seize on the battleground. Everyone started taking steps closer to Kwon who laid face-first on the ground, not moving. All they could do is stare, some whisper. There was a puddle of blood that slowly spewed out beside him.

Daniel was the only one who came forward. He knelt beside him. "Kwon?"

When there was no response, he turned him over, revealing his fate. Gasps filled the air, as they saw the dagger sticking out of his lifeless body. His eyes were open, and his face marked with lines of blood. The fire was extinguished out of all fighters at that moment. Robby stood frozen with Zara by his side. The Sekai Taikai had taken a horrific turn from a contest of skill to a battle of survival.

Braun gulped, staring down at Kwon's body. "Cut the feed." He looked up at the broadcasting cameras and yelled out again. "CUT THE FEED!"

And the feed was cut.