Chapter 9

XXXX

One month had passed since the Sekai Taikai's tragic ending in Barcelona. Miyagi-Do tried to shift their focus and get back into past routine and find some normalcy, but it was a struggle. The common phrase would say: what happens in Barcelona, stays in Barcelona. But what happened in Barcelona was something the Team could not wipe from their minds. Kwon's death and an unfinished tournament loomed over them like a dark cloud.

For Robby, it was more than difficult. He was so close to making history and becoming a champion in a world tournament. Yet, the only thing he came home with were a few bruises on his face to show. But his Senseis had told him many times that they were proud of him. He fought with everything he had, but most importantly, he fought with honour. He went back to work at LaRusso Auto. Daniel thought it'd be good for him to keep busy and keep his mind focused on other things. But unfortunately for Robby, there was a void that just hovered over him that he couldn't fill.

The principal at West Valley called for him to meet with her alongside his dad, a very pregnant Carmen, his mom and his mom's new beau to discuss options for his future. Robby was absolutely dreading it.

"It'll be tight to graduate," was what his principal said. "We could talk about next year, but college may not be in the cards."

"What if he adds an extra course?" asked Carmen. "If he can catch up on the material, can he close the credit gap?"

"Maybe, but the workload—

"If I may," Robby's mom's new boyfriend interrupted. "There's always a way to fast-track these things." Robby noticed him slide his hand through his mom's. He didn't know whether he genuinely meant what he said, or he was just saying it to impress her. "Especially for talented kids like Robby."

"We'll do whatever it takes to support him," his mom said.

"I appreciate that," the principal said, with a sincere tone. "But as I tell a lot of our football players, Robby's unlikely to go professional with his chosen sport. So, we can support him by speaking our truth on that. Without shame." She took out some brochures from her desk drawer and handed them to Robby. "A lot of people look at trade school and other alternative paths. Try to keep an open mind about what life might be like without karate."

Robby sighed, looking at his parents. "I think we're finished here. Can we go?"

He did not wait for an answer, he got up from his seat and walked out the office door.

His mom and Carmen apologized on his behalf, explaining to the principal that he's been through a lot lately. It was the emotions and frustration. The principal was understanding.

When Robby arrived home, he went straight to his room and locked himself in. He took another look at the brochures in his hand and then threw them aside. He groaned and dropped down on his bed. He laid on his back, facing the ceiling. The events of the tournament started replaying in his mind like a haunting reel. He could still hear the cheers of the crowd, the sounds of the strikes delivered to his opponents. He balled his fist by his side as he remembered taking them down on that mat.

Amidst the adrenaline of combat, there was always one moment that stood out, that unfortunately seared its way into his memory – Kwon's death. The image of his final moments was vivid, the whole arena turning silent in an instant. Robby could still hear the thud as Kwon hit the ground and the sound of the eunjangdo piercing through his flesh into his heart. That and his scream was like a relentless replay that was stuck in his mind.

Robby blinked and unballed his fists when he heard a ding from his phone. He smiled as he read the text that came up.

Zara Malik: "Hey, there! Do you want to ft?"

Robby sat up on his bed and pressed on the video call button.

After a few rings, Zara's face came up on his phone.

"Hello, there," Robby said with a big grin.

"Hello yourself," Zara replied, with a smile that matched his.

"What are you up to?"

"I just finished at the gym," she said. "Now I'm here making a protein shake." Zara held up the blender so he could see.

"No rest for the wicked, eh?" Robby said.

"Never," she simply replied. "Tell me. How're you feeling? How are things?"

Robby sighed, placing his hand behind his head. "Honestly, same how it was when we talked a couple of days ago. Nothing exciting."

Since being back home in the Valley after the events in Barcelona, Zara was one of the only ones Robby spoke to aside his friends and family. He found talking to her therapeutic. She was a good listener and it's like she always knew how to make him smile even on days when it was harder than most. Also, communicating with Zara was an escape from the routine life he was forced to come back to.

"I feel like more's going on with you than you're letting on," said Zara, propping her chin on her hand, watching him closely.

"Nothing I want to bore you with."

"I would pry it out of you, but it's not the same with the distance," Zara said, her eyes softening. "I do miss you."

"I miss you too," Robby sighed. "I miss our long conversations."

"Well, like I said before, once things settle down a bit maybe we can plan to get together somewhere."

"Are you sure you'll have time for me?" Robby asked with a small smile.

Zara gave him a look. "Why would you ask that?"

"You may not have been crowned girl's champion, but I'm sure your sponsors are keeping you busy."

"Hey, if I want to see you and you want to see me, I can make it happen," replied Zara, running her fingers through her hair. "Like you said, the world doesn't revolve around being on the mat."

Robby smiled when Zara recited his words back to him.

Later that evening, Robby made his way down to the dealership. It was the eighteenth anniversary of LaRusso Auto, and Daniel was hosting a shindig for his closest family and friends. Robby looked around the joint and thought it was done up well. The banner, the balloons, the champagne, and the music. Everything was pretty spiffy.

Miguel and Sam came up to him. Robby looked at the couple and said, "You guys cleaned up well here. Snazzy."

"Oh, we were at it all morning and into the afternoon," Sam said, looking about. "My dad wanted everything to be picture perfect."

"How's he been holding up recently?" asked Robby. The three looked over at Daniel who was occupied mixing and mingling with his guests.

"I feel like he's just trying to focus all his energy on his work," Sam said, still eyeing her dad carefully.

"Trying to block out what happened in Barcelona," Miguel then said.

"Guess it's his way of coping," Robby responded.

"Hey, bro, how'd your meeting with the principal go today?" Miguel asked.

Robby sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She said it'll be impossible for me to graduate this year and that I pretty much have no shot at a future with karate."

"Hey, come on, man," Miguel said, slapping him on the shoulder. "How could she know that? Don't get discouraged."

"Yeah, I mean, the circumstances aren't your fault," Sam said. "And who knows what the future holds? I'm sure it'll work out."

The three turned their attention as Johnny and Carmen approached them.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey, Sensei," Miguel and Sam greeted.

"What's up, dad?"

"I got some exciting news for you guys," Johnny said, looking amongst them. "The tournament is back on."

Robby was equally stunned as Miguel and Sam. They all looked at each other.

"Wait – you serious?" Robby questioned.

"Dead serious."

"When did this happen?" asked Sam.

"Your dad got a call from the host of the Sekai Taikai, and he said if all Senseis agree…it'll be back," Johnny said, the excitement could be sensed in his voice.

"And he agreed?" Miguel asked.

"I'm surprised he would…" Sam said. "He hasn't said a word about the tournament since we got back to the Valley."

"Well, it took some convincing, but I think we finally got him on board," Johnny said.

"We?" Robby asked curiously.

Johnny stood silent for a moment. He looked at Carmen when he felt her hand on his shoulder.

"You might as well tell them…" she softly said.

Robby's brows now furrowed as he looked at his dad. "Dad?"

Johnny took a swig of his champagne. "Yeah, I had a little run in with Silver."

Robby's expression changed again. Miguel was the first one to question:

"Silver's back in the Valley? Again?"

"When was this?" Robby sternly asked.

"Earlier today. Look guys, don't worry about Terry Silver. You guys are getting another chance to kick ass and become world champions." Miguel and Sam did eventually smile at the idea, but Robby still had a look of concern on his face.

"Dad, can we talk for a minute?"

"Yeah, sure," Johnny said. They moved over to a quiet corner. Johnny couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "Second chances don't come along a lot. This is your chance to become—

"Dad, dad, slow down," Robby quickly said. "Why are you making deals with Silver? Are you forgetting what happened between you two in Barcelona?"

"Of course I haven't."

"He always has something up his sleeve. He's going to fight dirty," Robby pointedly said. "And now that we're in the finals, he'll be ruthless as ever."

"Listen, Robby," Johnny placed a hand on his shoulder. "LaRusso and I have it under control. We're going to win that tournament and you're going to be world champion."

Robby smiled, shaking his head. "Meaning, you bought whatever story he tried to sell you."

"Hey, come on, what's gotten into you?" Johnny asked, throwing his arms out. "Tournament's back on, last round. You're an inch closer to holding that trophy." Robby stood staring at his dad, but a smile crept on his face. His dad was right. He wanted it and he wanted it bad. He wanted to put on his Miyagi-Do Gi, tie the captain's band around his head and take the mat again. At last, he nodded.

"You're right. Screw Silver," Robby said with confidence. "This is our time. My time. Let's do it. Let's win this thing."

Johnny took another swig of his drink. After swallowing he said, "That's what I want to hear."

Robby, Miguel, and Sam walked up to Daniel to confirm the news they just heard.

"Dad. Is it true? Is the tournament back on?" Sam asked.

Daniel exchanged looks at Johnny who stood with equal anticipation awaiting the final word. Daniel turned back and nodded. "It's true. If that's what you all want."

Robby exchanged looks with Sam and Miguel. They all had looks of equal readiness and enthusiasm.

"Bring 'em on."