Chapter 11

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The previous day's excitement still lingered, but today's excitement and anticipation were different. After a month of not seeing her, Robby was finally going to reunite with Zara. They agreed to meet up at a bar and lounge that was nestled in a corner of the Valley, and which was of reasonable distance from the hotel Zara was staying at.

Robby was already sat at a corner table in the lounge. His knee bobbed up and down as he sat twiddling his fingers. He knew he was early, but he looked at the time on his phone anyway. They agreed to meet up for around noon. It was only ten to. Even though they'd only spent about a week together, he missed her more than he could put into words. The texts and video calls couldn't compare to seeing her in person. Another five minutes passed, and Robby looked at his phone again. He still had five minutes, but he couldn't help the feeling of anxiousness.

Just as he was about to check his phone once more, the door to the lounge swung open with a gentle chime. Robby looked up, and there she was. Zara stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room until they met his. Her radiant smile lit up her face.

He stood up from his seat and let out a breath. "Zara."

Zara moved gracefully through the lounge, her presence drawing the admiring eyes of a few male patrons.

"Hey, stranger," she said, her eyes sparkling.

She reached the table and Robby immediately embraced her, feeling a sense of happiness and relief.

"How are you? How've you been?" Zara asked, as they embraced. She thought it was cute how the hug lingered, and he clung onto her longer than expected. Nevertheless, she hugged him back. "Hey, this is quite a hug." Robby did eventually let her go. She looked up at him with a wide grin. "Did you miss me?"

"Yeah, I did," Robby said, with a smile that matched hers.

"I missed you too," Zara responded. She leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Robby responded. When the two pulled apart, Zara gave him another look. "You look really handsome." She ran a finger down the black t-shirt he'd chose to wear with a pair of blue jeans. Her hand went up to his hair, noticing his new cut.

"Thank you," Robby responded. It was his turn to look her up and down. "And you…always look good." Zara blushed and giggled. Robby chuckled at what he said as his face went red, but it wasn't a lie. She looked stunning. She wore a white button-up blouse that complimented her figure completely, and a pair of black leggings. Her hair was now straightened instead of wavy like before.

"Thank you," she said. Her fingers entwined with his. "Come on, let's sit down."

"Welcome to the Valley," Robby said, sitting down across from her.

"Thank you," Zara said, getting comfortable in her seat. "It's nice to be somewhere that's calmer and quiet for a change."

Robby smirked and said, "Not quite Barcelona, right?"

Zara smiled at him. "Not quite, no. But like I said, it's a nice change."

"Right," Robby said, his smile not breaking.

One of the servers brought them over some drinks.

"So, come on," Zara said, taking a sip of her drink. "Tell me. What have you been up to in the past month?"

"Hmm…well before I found out the tournament was back on…it was pretty much a shit show for everyone. It was hard to go back to normal, because…I felt like there was nothing to look forward to."

"In what sense?" asked Zara. "You did seem a little down when we would talk."

"In the sense that…" Robby trailed off, not really wanting to be reminded of the past conversations about his future. "Never mind. Anyway, on a better note," Robby smiled, "I'm officially a big brother."

Zara's face lit up once more. "Oh my gosh, Robby! That's amazing. Show me pictures!" Robby showed her a few pictures of baby Laura. Some of them were of her coddled in her parents' arms and others of her in her cot in the hospital room. "She's perfect."

"Her name is Laura. She was named after my late grandmother. My dad's mom."

"That is sweet," Zara softly said, "Did you get to hold her?"

"I did, but only for a few minutes."

"I'm happy for you and your family."

"That's not all that transpired last night," Robby continued to tell Zara of the wedding that took place before his sister was born. How it was so last minute, but perfect at the same time. Zara told him that sometimes things happen at the perfect time and when they're supposed to.

"I understand what you mean by it being like a magical moment," Zara said, sipping from her straw. "It was the same for me when Kiyush was born. It felt like it was just yesterday. Now he's growing up way too fast for my liking." Zara chuckled to herself.

Robby smiled at her. He leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. "How've things been for you since the tournament?"

"Well, we've hardly had anytime to process all that happened," Zara said, looking at her drink. "My Sensei wanted us to go into all training mode even after we left Spain. Especially for me and Axel."

"Yeah, I'll bet," Robby replied, looking at her intently.

Zara nodded. "He's been pushing us to our limits, and sometimes it feels like we can barely catch a breath, but it'll all be worth it, you know? We want to win."

Robby leaned back, taking in her words. "Yeah, I get that. Make sure you stay balanced though. No matter what happens, balance is important."

Zara smiled appreciatively. "That's true. Thanks, Robby."

After a while, they ordered some food and just continued to chat and enjoy each other's company.

"How's your training going? Are you ready to face Axel again?"

"Getting there," Robby said, shrugging his shoulders. "I've been just trying to remember where I was before and where I want to be when I step back on the mat. He can put up a fight, but I won't back down."

Zara smiled, admiring his words. "Good to hear. I know you won't." She raised her glass. "To us and may the best dojo win."

Robby lifted his glass and clinked it with hers. "Cheers."

"Before I forget," Zara continued, another smile spreading across her face, "I have some exciting news myself."

"Yeah?"

"My sponsors are flying in my parents to the Valley so they could be here for the finals."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Zara, that's awesome," Robby said, genuinely happy for her. "I can imagine you must miss them, being all over the place."

"Yeah, I do. It's been a while since they've watched me compete live and…" Zara averted her eyes for a moment, but then shyly said, "I'd like them to meet you."

"Why?" Robby simply asked.

"Robby…you protected me from Kwon when he had that dagger. My parents saw everything."

Robby shook his head, remembering how Kwon was ready to take out anyone who stood in his way to prove he was the best. "Kwon was gunning for me. He couldn't stand the fact that I beat him. At the end he lost his life rather than a big defeat. I wasn't gonna let him go after you. But I wouldn't really call it heroic."

"How about we call it admirable?"

"Alright, I'll take that."

"Anyway, I'm not expecting you to buy me a ring," Zara said, smirking at him. "But I just want to give them a face to the name. Only if you feel comfortable, of course. If you don't want to, I totally understand."

Robby's eyes softened, he sighed and put his hand on top of hers. "I'd love to meet your parents. Why not?"

Zara smiled warmly, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Robby."

"Okay, let's finish this food before it gets cold," said Robby.

Zara giggled, "Okay."

They continued their meal, enjoying the comfortable silence that fell between them. As the last bite was taken and the plates were cleared, Zara looked at Robby with a confident and inviting smile.

"Do you have to be anywhere right now?"

"No, I'm free for a while," Robby answered, "What did you have in mind?"

"I was wondering," Zara responded, eyeing him intently, but carefully, "if you'd like to go back to my hotel and hang out for a bit."

"Sure," Robby said, almost immediately. He was having a hard time tearing his eyes away from her. Zara made a gesture to get the bill, but Robby stopped her and insisted that he'd cover it. She was a visitor after all.

When they got to her hotel, Zara led Robby to her room. As soon as they were inside, Robby's mouth was on hers. Zara responded with equal favour, a connection they both seemed to crave.

"So," Zara said when they pulled apart. She turned and dropped the key on the dresser. She cheekily smiled at him. "I think it's time I showed you a little bit more how much I missed you." She started unbuttoning her blouse, her eyes not looking away from his.

Robby smiled as he watched her. He took a step closer, his hands reaching out to gently rest on her hips. He peered now at her chest for a moment then looked back up at her. He whispered:

"I think that idea sounds pretty good." He gently pushed the blouse off her shoulders, revealing her perfect and toned body.

Zara leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Robby held her close and feverishly kissed her back. Her hands went up his shirt, lifting it up. Robby helped her take it off. Zara held him tight as he roughly pulled her back against him and reattached his lips with hers. Her eyes closed and she smiled and gasped as she felt Robby's mouth on her neck. The passion started to override and there was a fire between them that ignited. Robby groaned when he felt her fingernails dig into his back as the two dropped down on the bed.

Later, the couple lay peacefully just taking in the moment.

"You know, that was amazing," Zara said, as she laid with her head on his chest.

"Yeah, it was," Robby replied, as he played with her hair.

"Don't think I forgot though how you brushed me off earlier when I asked you what was wrong," Zara said, sliding her fingers across his chest.

Robby chuckled. "Yeah, I know you wouldn't have."

Zara lifted her head to look at him. "Tell me. What is it?"

Robby started telling Zara about the conversation he had with the principal at his school.

"And everyone was just "Robby should do this, and Robby should do that, and Robby should consider-…it was almost as if I wasn't there. I mean don't get me wrong, I appreciate the support they were all giving me. But I guess a lot of it was not knowing if I'll be able to get anywhere with karate. Small-town boy from the Valley."

"Robby…you're doing it again. Selling yourself short. You're a great fighter."

"I know I'm a pretty good fighter."

"Well," Zara propped her elbow up and rested her face on her hand. "I think the first step is to ask yourself, what is it that you want? Are you sure it's something you want to pursue?"

Robby turned his head and smiled at her. "You know, you're the first person to properly ask me that."

Zara smiled back, her eyes softening. "Well, I'd like to know. So, Robby, what do you want? What makes you feel alive?"

Robby sighed deeply, his eyes drifting to the ceiling as if searching for an answer there. "The sex we just had definitely made me feel alive."

Zara laughed at this as did Robby. "I'm glad you were satisfied."

"You know that karate's helped me so much in my life. And once I learned balance and how to use my karate for something else other than fighting…that's when I realized that I want it. It's something that I can't imagine not ever doing in the future."

Zara's hand found his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Then that's what you'll do. If you really want it. It doesn't matter what anyone else says or thinks. You just have to believe it."

Robby turned his gaze back to Zara, feeling warmth spread through him. "Thanks."

"How's your training going?" Zara then asked, putting her head back down on his chest. "You seem a lot more confident today then you did when we talked about it before."

"Yeah, like I said, I know he's not gonna be easy to beat and I have had my moments of self-doubt…but I'll come through. I mean, I got to fight an AI Axel so…it was cutting it pretty close."

Zara frowned against his chest. "A what?"

Robby let out a chuckle. He squeezed her closer against him. "It's something my friends put together, don't ask me how…but it was too real."

"Did it help?"

"Yeah, it did. Helped me find my rhythm and strategy." They lapsed into a comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other's presence until Robby spoke again. "You know, I noticed you haven't been posting on your social media or livestreaming like you used to."

"Hmm," Zara sighed, "Yeah, after what happened at the tournament…I just decided to cool it for a bit."

"Okay. Got it."

Zara frowned when she noticed him smiling. "What?"

"Nothing. That was very thoughtful of you."

Zara rolled her eyes but smiled. "I have an idea," she lifted herself off the bed. "Get dressed."

"Why? What's up?"

"We're going to train."

"Train?"

"Yes, a champion never stops training," Zara said, putting on her clothes.

"I was actually quite comfortable here."

"Come on," Zara said, throwing his shirt to him. "The hotel's got a fair size gym downstairs. We'll go there."

"For real? You want to do this?"

"Yes, I'm all for it." Zara said, giving him a wink.

Robby stayed silent for a minute but then followed suit.

As they made their way to the gym, Robby spoke up again. "Hey." He pulled Zara back, making her turn around. "Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, you told me your Sensei doesn't like you hanging around your opponents. Now you want to help me train."

Zara reached out for his hands. "Robby, you rushed in to protect me against someone wielding a knife at me. It's the least I can do for you. I don't want to think that I'm not appreciative for what you did. It's not like I'm revealing any secrets."

"A little outside training wouldn't hurt," Robby said, following her to the corner of the gym which had sufficient space for karate movement.

Robby removed his shirt and stood one side while Zara stood on the other.

"I remember you started off in full offense mode against Axel," Zara said, tying her hair back. "So, let's switch it around. You start with defense, and don't let me through, whatever you do. Axel is not as agile as I am, but when it comes out of him…it does come out. When you see an opportunity, go for it."

Robby gave a determined nod. "Got it. Serve it up." He readied himself in his fighting position. "Ais!"

Zara lunged forward with a swift jab, testing Robby's reflexes. He deflected her strike, stepping back to maintain his balance. She followed with a quick succession of punches, each one met with a deflecting block.

"Keep it up!" Zara encouraged, her movements fluid and relentless. She switched up her attacks, combining high kicks with low sweeps, forcing him to constantly adjust his defense. Robby's focus sharpened. He began to anticipate her moves, his blocks becoming more precise. A low kick aimed at his leg was met with a solid block, and he countered with an upward strike, which Zara deflected with ease. "Remember to stay light on your feet," Zara advised, circling around him. "Axel will try to overpower you with brute strength. It'll give you a chance to use your power and agility."

Robby nodded, adjusting his stance. As Zara came at him again, he moved more fluidly, evading her attacks with quicker footwork. Zara's eyes gleamed with approval as she intensified her assault, pushing him to his limits.

"Now, look for an opening," she instructed, launching a series of rapid punches. "Find that moment when I'm off balance." Robby's eyes narrowed, his focus unwavering. He waited, his body coiled like a spring. But he seized the opportunity a little too quick, making him hesitate slightly. Zara caught on to this and immediately took him down with a front kick. Robby yelped slightly as he fell back. Zara now stood still, breathing in and out. She dropped her arms and sighed.

"Damn!" Robby said with some frustration. "So close."

"Robby, that was too easy…come on…" Zara went and sat herself on his lap when he sat up.

"Yeah, I know…easy slip," Robby groaned.

"Your defense is on point," Zara said, with a small smile.

"Yeah, well, for me it was all defense I learned before offense," Robby said to her. "That's Miyagi-Do karate." Zara nodded at him. Robby eyed her intently. "Hey. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"What are we doing? I mean…we've been spending time together, we've been getting pretty close. Very close. We're from two different dojos, two different worlds…so…"

Zara blushed, looking down at her fingers. "We have been getting really close. I did want to ask…are you truly over Nichols?"

Robby's expression softened as he let out a deep breath. "Yeah, I am. I'll always care for her. She hasn't had it easy. But we both know where we stand." Zara smiled, running her fingers down his shoulder. A small smile tugged at Robby's lips. "We just have to tread carefully for now. Our dojos... they may not understand."

"I know," Zara replied, determination flickering in her eyes. "But maybe it's time to change that. Maybe we can show them that we don't have to be enemies."

Robby reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Then let's do it. Together."

Zara's smile mirrored his as she leaned in, resting her forehead against his. "Together," she echoed. For a moment, they stayed like that, savouring the closeness and the promise of what could be. Eventually, Zara stood up, pulling Robby to his feet. "Come on, let's get back to training. We still have a lot to work on."

Robby chuckled, shaking off the last remnants of their last spar. "Alright, but this time, I'm going to find that opening."

Zara grinned, her competitive spirit flaring up. "I'd like to see you try, Robby. Bring it on."

As they resumed their sparring, there was a newfound energy between them, a blend of rivalry and mutual respect that fueled their movements. Each punch, each kick, was a step closer to not just mastering their martial arts but also understanding their bond better.