Chapter 12

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There was a pre-fight coverage of the Sekai Taikai airing on tv. Robby sat watching with his family. Clips of each remaining fighter flashed on the screen.

"Robby, you're famous," Carmen excitedly said, tapping Robby on his knee.

"Feel good?" Miguel asked, beside him.

"Yeah, I mean, I feel a little nervous," Robby said, with baby Laura mewing in Johnny's arms. "Last time I fought Axel, it didn't go too well, and there'll be a lot more people watching this one. But I'm feeling a lot better than I was before."

"Hey, forget about who's watching and screw the cameras," Johnny said to him.

Old footage of Johnny's fight with Daniel at the All Valley thirty-five years ago aired. Robby shook his head at Daniel taking down his dad with the crane kick.

"Man, I never get tired of seeing that kick, it's badass," Robby said. He turned and looked at Johnny. "No offence, dad." Miguel sniggered at the comment.

Johnny cleared his throat. He took another sip of his beer before glumly saying, "None taken."

"I did it too at my first All Valley," Miguel added.

"True, but nothing beats the OG," Robby said smirking at his stepbrother.

"Alright, enough, here comes my interview," Johnny said, pointing to the tv. "Turn it up."

Unfortunately, Johnny's one-hour interview was cut to less than a minute, leaving him annoyed and disappointed. He was hoping to see himself in the spotlight again for once. The interview then shifted to Silver who so easily spewed a web of lies with his natural, and calm composure.

"And what would you say to those concerned about your alleged history of tournament cheating?" the interviewer asked.

"One of the ugly truths of our society is people find joy in coming after those on top and that's exactly what my Iron Dragons are: undefeated and on top."

Robby scoffed and shook his head.

"Hey," Miguel nudged him, "You, okay?"

"Yeah, nothing he says surprises me anymore," Robby said.

"You think he might try something?"

"Oh, I know he will. It's just a matter of what and when," Robby simply said. "Remember, all he cares about is himself and winning. Doesn't matter who he brings down in between."

The Iron Dragons' emblem appeared on the screen. Sensei Wolf, Axel, and Zara were next to appear. Robby felt relieved to see her face rather than Silver's. He watched as she showcased her skillful movement with the bo staff.

"She's a real advocate for female empowerment," one of the journalists said.

"I want to be able to lift people up with my martial arts," Zara said, "especially females. It's not just about fighting. it's about inspiring them to be champions. Competing hard is one thing, but at the end of the day, we're all winners."

A small smile crept across Robby's face. He felt Miguel give him another nudge. Miguel gave him a knowing nod, making him smile again. He and Miguel hadn't really talked much about his relationship with Zara, but Robby could see that he was starting to see that Zara was making him happy.

XX A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER XX

Robby, Miguel, and Johnny pulled up at the All Valley Sports Arena. The parking lot was already packing up with fans holding signs, supporting their favourite fighters and dojos. Coach buses stood parked as competitors exited them.

Robby stepped out of the van, alongside Miguel. He looked toward the building of the arena.

"Phew," Miguel said. "Brings back some memories, huh?"

Robby sighed. "Yeah, good ones for you. You won here." Miguel smiled and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Robby continued to stare ahead. Today was the day his whole life could change. He could be named a world karate champion.

"Hey, guys, go sign in. I'll grab the bags," Johnny said from behind them.

"Okay," Robby took a breath. "Here we go."

"So…you gonna make me ask?" Miguel said, as the two walked toward the entrance.

"What?"

"Come on, man, you and Zara…you must be happy she's here and I take it you've seen her already…"

"Yeah, I did…we met up yesterday actually," Robby said. There was a tint of red on his cheeks.

"Nice."

"She helped me out with a little bit of training."

"For real?"

"Yeah…" Robby stopped by the entrance and turned to look at Miguel. "Hey, look, I know you may not like the idea—"

"No, Robby," Miguel held his hand up. "It's been a while since I've seen you smile about anything. Not saying that I trust her a hundred percent, but…there must be something there if you guys are still connected despite everything that's happened."

Robby shrugged his shoulders and laughed under his breath. "I don't know, bro. There's just something about her…I can't keep away."

Miguel gave his stepbrother a nod. "I just hope that…whatever happens on the mat…it doesn't mess anything up."

"Yeah, me too," Robby said, sighing. He and Miguel looked up at the entrance.

"Ready for this?" Miguel asked, sounding pumped.

"Let's do this!" Robby said, holding up his fist.

Miguel gave him a fist bump. "Let's go, champ!"

When they walked through the doors, the buzz of energy hit them. Competitors gathered around, guests chatted excitedly while getting their food at the concession stands, promotors and sponsors were Tabeling and handing out brochures. The boys signed in and Johnny came in not too long after them.

After changing into his karate gi, Robby entered the arena area. The Sekai Taikai was once again, in full swing. Banners held high, the four remaining dojos were shown on the big screen, and guests were starting to come in and take their seats in the stands. The atmosphere was electric, and the tension palpable as Robby took in the sights and sounds of the arena. It fueled his determination.

The excitement of the crowd was a constant hum in his ears as he made his way through the arena. He scanned the area and spotted Zara near the edge of the mat. She was engaged in conversation with some sponsors, her lively demeanor drawing their attention. She turned and smiled as she saw Robby approaching her. She finished off her conversation with them before giving him her full attention.

"Hey," Zara said, stepping closer to him.

"Hello," Robby greeted her, his hands going behind his back. "I know we probably won't have a lot of time to talk before we get started, but…I wanted to say thank you again for yesterday."

Zara reached up and stroked his face. "Don't worry about it. How do you feel? All set?"

"Had some pre-fight jitters, but I'm ready," Robby said, trying to sound nonchalant. Zara gave him a nod. Her smile slightly faded as she looked over Robby's shoulder. Robby turned in the direction of her eyes. He noticed Silver standing across the mat. He stood next to Sensei Wolf, his eyes locked with Robby's. It was the serious, but cocky gaze Robby had recognized. He turned back to Zara. "You, okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

"I've seen that look before," Robby said. "He's trying to tell you something. Don't let it get to you."

"You know…I'm starting to see what you were talking about in Spain…I admit he knows his stuff, but it's just his—"

"Motive," Robby said, tying the captain's band around his head. He then took Zara's hand in his. "Hey, I'm here for you, no matter what happens. Remember what I said."

Zara squeezed his hand tightly, nodding in affirmation. "Thanks, Robby. That means a lot."

Suddenly, a voice called out for Zara from behind. "Didi!"

Zara turned and her expression softened as she saw a little boy running towards her. His small frame filled with energy and excitement, and his eyes wide with love and admiration.

"Kiyush! There you are!" she exclaimed, kneeling to catch him in a tight embrace. The little boy threw his arms around her neck. His brown eyes sparkling with joy and warmth as he held onto her. Robby stood watching from behind, thinking how adorable it was the way he wrapped himself around Zara.

She cupped his face in her hands when they pulled apart. "I missed you, baby. So much."

"I missed you too, Didi," Kiyush replied, giving her a peck on the cheek.

"Where're Mom and Daddy?"

"They're coming," the little boy pointed behind him in the crowd.

Zara stood up and turned back to Robby, with Kiyush still holding onto her hand. "Robby, this is my little brother, Kiyush. Kiyush, do you want to say hello?"

The little boy looked up at Robby. His eyes filled with curiosity. "Hi," he shyly said.

"Hey, dude," Robby held out his fist. Kiyush smiled and hit it hard with his. "You excited to watch the matches and cheer for your sister?"

Kiyush nodded vigorously, his enthusiasm notable. "She is the best! No matter what!"

Zara smiled down at him and rubbed his hair affectionately. "He's my ride or die until the end."

"There they are!" Kiyush pointed toward a couple who was making their way through the crowd. Their faces lighting up as they approached. Zara's face broke into a wide smile as the couple came to them.

"He ran off from us when he saw you," the older woman said, looking down at her son, giving him a disapproving look.

"Sorry, mom," said Kiyush, still clutching Zara's hand.

"Robby, these are my parents," Zara said, gesturing towards them. "Rai and Joyti."

"Mom, dad, this is Robby Keene."

Zara's dad extended a hand to Robby with a firm grip, his eyes warm and welcoming, but stern at the same time. His dark hair, slightly greying at the temples. "Nice to meet you, young man. Zara's told us a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope," Robby replied with a smile.

Joyti, with her long, jet-black hair neatly tied back, laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "Of course, dear. Thank you for looking out for Zara. And you are a fine fighter yourself, Robby."

"Thank you very much," Robby said, standing proudly.

"We should go take our seats," Zara's father said, with his deep voice. "Best of luck to the both of you. Come now, Kiyush. Let's go."

Kiyush reluctantly let go of his sister's hand, but gave her one more long hug, wishing her all the luck. He trailed off behind his parents but then stopped and turned around. He ran towards Robby and gave him a quick hug as well.

Robby looked at Zara who smiled at her brother's sweet gesture. Robby gently tapped him on the back before the little boy took off behind his parents.

Robby and Zara exchanged knowing looks. She thanked him for meeting her parents. He shook his head telling her not to worry about it. He complimented the bond she had with her brother as well. He could see how much he adored Zara. Zara explained to Robby that "Didi" meant big sister in Hindi, and it was what Kiyush would call her out of respect.

Just then, a sudden announcement boomed through the speakers, signaling the start of the tournament. The crowd's roar intensified as the competitors prepared themselves, each one focused on the upcoming matches.

Zara tip toed and kissed him. "Good luck."

"Same to you," Robby said. The two went back to their dojos and stood on their respective sides as returning host, Gunther Braun took his place in the middle of the mat.

"Of the world's sixteen best dojos, it's all come down to our final three. The Iron Dragons… Miyagi-Do karate… and Cobra Kai!" It was a full house, and all dojos had supporters. It was quite apparent as the arena filled with cheers, yells, and applause. The audience then stood on their feet and fighters bowed their heads as there was a moment of silence to honour Kwon's death. The anticipation was felt as the competitors tightened their belts and adjusted their uniforms. The energy in the arena was electrifying, with spectators eagerly waiting for the first match to begin. Zara and Robby exchanged a final glance and nodded to one another, both filled with mutual respect and commitment.

As Gunther Braun finished his introduction, referee and former All Valley champion Darryl Vidal took his position on the mat.

"For our first match or should I say rematch," Braun said into his mic again, "Axel Kovačević versus Robby Keene."

Taking deep breaths, Robby turned his attention to his Senseis.

"Robby, you can do this," Daniel said with an encouraging smile. Robby gave him a nod.

"Lock in. Trust your skills," Chozen said sternly. Robby nodded at him next.

"It doesn't matter what happened last time. It doesn't matter how many people are watching. It's just you and him on the mat. You trained for this. You're ready," Johnny said after. Robby took another sharp breath before nodding at his dad. He bowed at his three Senseis.

He then faced forward, his mind clear, his body tense but ready. Axel stood across the mat, his eyes locked onto Robby with intense focus. Robby could hear the energy of the crowd as their cheers and applause fed into him. The mat beneath him seemed to vibrate with intensity of his steps as if entering a battlefield.

Vidal now in position, ordering fighters to bow to him and then to each other. "Fighting stance!"

Robby's muscles coiled as he got into his stance. He was ready for action. "Ais!"

"Fight."

Axel struck first, a swift kick aimed at Robby's midsection. Robby blocked. He evaded Axel's second kick to the head, which was even more powerful. Robby knew that every move would count. He did a flip to the side. Axel's aggression was met with Robby's discipline, each seeking to find the other's weakness. Robby's virtual training came flashing through his mind as he dodged Axel's fierce and fast strikes. He took a leap and got him with a round-house kick under the arm.

"Point!" Vidal yelled.

Robby felt a surge of adrenaline. The crowd cheered as did his teammates when he earned the first point. The scoreboard marked one.

Zara's voice came into his head: Keep to your strength and agility, then find that opening.

The crowd started to chant Robby's name. Axel stood there looking shocked that he was able to land a hit. Silver and Sensei Wolf were equally surprised. Robby stayed in his stance and at the ready, not wanting to waver for a second.

Axel turned around and growled in frustration. His eyes now blazing fiercely, as he got into another fighting stance. One that no one had seen before. Robby staggered on his feet for a second, a little stunned at how fast his opponent could flick an internal switch. Axel was pissed already. Robby tightened his focus, sensing Axel's shift in strategy and temperament. Axel charged forward, launching a new series of attacks.

Robby tried to activate his defence mode, but his reaction time faltered. Axel's fists connected swiftly. It didn't take Robby long to notice that these were moves that he's never seen Axel use nor were they a part of his 'programming.' He did his best to adjust on the spot, but Axel's power along with his agility came out. Zara was right, when his offense came out, it came out. Before Robby knew it, two points were earned against him. Axel's movements were unyielding, Robby was finding it harder to maintain his balance and stay steady on his feet. Axel was on him, pulling on him like a ragged doll. He broke his defense and landed a solid punch and push on Robby's chest.

"Point!" Vidal's voice echoed. The horn blared. Tension rose as the scoreboard now showed Axel's five-point advantage, leaving Robby at one point. He eyed him intensely, before walking past him back to his corner. He took a deep breath and exhaled sharply.

He bent down, facing his dad and Daniel, trying to catch his breath. "He's a machine. He literally reprogrammed himself right in front of me."

"He adapted," Johnny said. "Now you adapt."

Robby sighed. "I don't know if I can."

"Robby Keene not knowing how to adapt. That's a first," Daniel said, eyeing him knowingly. "You've never had things easy, Robby. You've been knocked down every which way more times than anyone I've ever known." Robby lifted his head and stood up, resolution coming to his eyes. "But you've also gotten back up more times too. You stood up to Kreese. To Silver. Whenever you knew something was wrong, you stood up. Even when you had to do it alone." Daniel proudly looked on at Robby as did his teammates. "You turned your rival into your best friend. You patched things up with your dad. No one has adapted more than you." Daniel's words hung in the air. He felt the weight of the inspiration press down on him. "So, tell me. Can you do it again?" Robby smiled and bowed once more to his Senseis. The crowd started applauding once more as he turned and walked back onto the mat in a more calm and confident manner. He knew he had to dig deep to rekindle the resilience and adaptability his Senseis believed in.

Zara stood at the Dragons' corner, looking on in intent. She smiled as she saw Robby come forward more at ease. Vidal drew his hand in between the two fighters. Robby got in his fighting stance. "Ais."

"Fight!"

This time the combat commenced with a bit more duality. Robby anticipated Axel's moves, his movement showed more fluidity. He kept light on his feat and maintained precise balance. Axel doubled up on his power, sensing Robby's approach. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, the tension evident as the two fighters clashed. Axel's forearm collided into Robby's face like a sledgehammer.

"Point!"

Robby quickly recovered, delivering some rapid blocks before striking Axel's chest.

"Point!" Vidal yelled again.

Axel roared in frustration, his aggression starting to fuel.

Zara noticed Silver starting to get frustrated himself. She simply stood her ground and continued to watch on.

Robby bobbed up and down on his feet, still at the ready. Axel regained another point, landing a hit on Robby's chest. Robby countered his next attack with a 360-spin kick to Axel's face. The crowd cheered louder around the arena at Robby's force and diligence. He did not waver, he was no longer just in defence, he was in the fight. His power started to surge through him. The kick had left Axel reeling.

"Come on!" Robby yelled at his opponent. Axel may have gained the lead, but Robby gained control.

Their movements were now like a dance of skill, pressure, and willpower. Each fighter refusing to back down, each of them earning one point after the other.

Robby saw his moment, he saw the opening he was looking for and with all the strength he could muster, he leaped into the air, his body twisting like a coiled spring. He delivered a flying kick to Axel's face resulting in a resounding thud.

Robby felt blood rush through his body and up to his head and yelled: "Aiiiis."

"Point, Keene!" The horn then blared, accompanied with the sound of cheer and joy around the arena. The audience, including Zara's family stood on their feet applauding Robby. It was a whirlwind of action. Robby eyed Axel, a grin spreading across his face. The scoreboard updated to six-eleven. Robby walked back to his corner. He was met with smiles from his dojo.

"That's great. You got five points," Daniel said.

"Yeah, but so did he."

"Yeah. So what?" Johnny replied. "Now you see he's not a machine. He's human. But if you want to catch up, you have to get a knockdown."

"Oi," Chozen stepped forward. "Knock him on his ass!" The Master Sensei meant business.

Robby marched back onto the mat with a purpose. His fists were clenched, ready to end this.

"You got this, bro!" he heard Miguel yell from behind.

Vidal centered his hand and looked between the two boys. "This is it, gentlemen. Final round." Robby got into his last fighting stance. Axel did the same. "Fight!"

The final round began with a flurry of strikes and blocks. Robby was determined to not let Axel through. The adrenaline surged through his veins. He yelled and leaped in the air, executing a perfectly timed flying roundhouse kick, aiming for Axel's face with all the strength he could manage, wanting to knock him down. However, with a swift motion, Axel caught his leg mid-air, twisting his body to throw him to the ground with brutal force.

There was no way Robby could break out of his hold and before he knew it, he was lying flat on his back on the mat as he felt his bone in his knee crack. He cried out in anguish. "AHHHHHHHHH." His cries echoed through out the arena, silencing the crowd. Their cheers turned into a gasp. Robby curled up on the mat and wailed in agony. His screams were heart wrenching.

From the Iron Dragons corner, Zara felt her heart race at what she just witnessed. Without thinking, she rushed onto the mat past Axel who stood a few feet away.

"Robby!" she shouted, her voice filled with concern as she knelt beside him.

Robby groaned through his gritted teeth. He could barely open his eyes, trying to catch his breath while battling the excruciating pain. "Argh! Zara, it's my knee!"

Johnny came over and knelt beside his son, checking him over. The arena was now being flooded with boos and shouts of displeasure. Braun was trying his best to calm the concerned crowd. Chozen quickly restrained Miguel from charging at Axel. Another brawl was the last thing that needed to happen. Zara's mom held Kiyush close as the small boy looked quite shaken up at what had happened to Robby.

Daniel called for the medics. "Hey, shouldn't that be a disqualification?" He anxiously asked Vidal.

"From what I saw, they both got tangled up, and they both hit the mat. So, no point scored."

Daniel despite his objections, gave in, knowing there was nothing the ref could do.

Zara took in what the ref said. She slowly lifted her head and caught eyes with her Sensei who was giving her a very cold and dangerous gaze as Robby continued to groan out in pain beside her. The medics eventually lifted Robby up slowly and took him away.

"Robby Keene has fifteen minutes to return to the mat," Braun announced. "If Keene is unable to return, Axel Kovačević will be awarded the win."

Zara walked back to her corner of the mat. She felt both her Sensei's and Silver's eyes burning into her, but she pushed the feeling aside. She knew she'd be suffering the consequences at the hands of her Sensei for breaking rank. Axel gave her a different look. It was a look of plead. He wanted to say something but fell quiet. He stared after her as she walked past her team members and into the back.

Silver exchanged looks with Wolf. Wolf looked at him and said: "Don't worry. I will take care of her later."

Meanwhile, back in the locker room, Robby laid on the table while the doctor and medics examined him. His parents and his Senseis around him.

"I'll let the judges know," the doctor said. "You did well out there, young man."

"Wait," Robby said. The doctor turned back to look at him. Robby took another breath and asked, "Is there absolutely no way I'll be able to compete?"

"Well, I don't like to use the word impossible, but…it's very unlikely." With that, they left the room.

"Dammit!" Daniel said, banging his hand on the locker. "Just like that. Chozen, do you know how to…" He started rubbing his hands together.

"Heat massage not magic, Daniel-san. Bone needs time to heal," Chozen responded in an honest tone.

"I just can't believe Silver's going to get away with this."

"Well, I did say so, didn't I?" Robby said with some bitterness in his voice. "Time after time. When we were in Spain and even now. He was gonna try something. And now look. I ended up being one of his pawns…again."

"Hey," Johnny said, coming to his son's side. "If he thinks we're gonna let this lie, he's got another thing coming. That ponytail bastard is not going to know what hit him."

Robby sighed. He tried to steady his breathing, not wanting to put pressure on his knee. "I'm sorry, Mr. LaRusso."

"Nothing to be sorry for, Robby."

Robby's mom leaned in beside him. "Hey, you were awesome. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom," Robby whispered, his eyes now getting misty. He couldn't remember the last time his mom was this tender with him. It was like all the emotions were coming to the surface at once. "Do you guys mind if I can have a minute to myself?"

"Take all the time you need, Robby-san," Chozen said, tapping him on the shoulder.

For a moment, Robby forgot about the pain in his knee, because that pain didn't compare to the ache in his heart.

"You gonna be alright?" Johnny softly asked.

"You know, I could've won," Robby said, his voice cracking. "Sucks the world will never know that. But I do…" A tear now slid down his face. "I did my best. I fought with honour. If that lands me in second place, there are worse places to be."

"No matter what happens, you'll always be a winner," Johnny said, getting just as emotional. "Especially in my eyes." Robby grinned through his tears and held on tightly to his dad's hand.

A moment later, the two looked up and saw Zara appear at the doorway. She looked a little hesitant, but her face was full of concern.

Johnny's face hardened. "You got some nerve. One more for the socials, eh?"

"Dad. Don't, please," Robby said. "It's ok." Johnny gave Robby one last look before leaving the locker room. The two were left alone.

Zara slowly approached Robby. She knew asking if he was ok would've been a stupid question, so instead she asked:

"How is your pain?"

"Oh, you know," Robby clenched his eyes, trying to harden himself from the pain. "It's there. Not as bad as before."

"Robby, I'm…I'm so sorry," Zara said, stroking his cheek softly.

"For what? You didn't do this. You didn't do anything wrong."

"I didn't know he was going to do that…I swear, Robby…I didn't—"

"Hey, hey," Robby reached out for her hand. Zara placed her hand in his. "It's ok. I know this wasn't you, Zara." He then smiled up at her. "I mean, you were the first one to come to me out there on the mat. I know you were taking a risk."

Zara tried her best to smile, but she found it hard. "What did the medics say?"

Robby sighed, rubbing his eyes. "They said it's not impossible for me to finish, but…it's highly unlikely." He shook his head and stared up at the ceiling. "I was just telling my dad, that…I could've beaten Axel. I thought I had him…and now I…I'm finished. I didn't get a chance to show the world what I can do…"

A tear now trickled down Zara's face. "Please, don't say that. You were incredible out there, Robby. Everyone saw that." She hastily wiped away her tears. "God, this wasn't supposed to happen…"

Robby sighed and closed his eyes as she continued to rub his face. "This is something I have to deal with. Don't take it on, Zara…"

"What?" Zara asked, confused.

Robby opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on her. "You helped me, you've encouraged me, you've listened to me, and that means more than you know. If I can't fight, it's something I have to make peace with. You just focus on your match. Last thing I want is for you to get to…" Robby stopped and clenched his teeth as he felt another shot of pain from his knee. Zara held onto his hand. "The last thing I want is for you to get in trouble with your dojo because of me."

Zara's eyes filled with emotion, but she tried her best to stay strong for him and for herself. She leaned in and gently planted a soft kiss on his lips. She didn't know what more to say at that moment. She gathered herself and slowly left the locker room, not bothering to go back into the arena. As she walked back to the Iron Dragons locker room, she could hear Braun's voice echo through the walls.

"As Robby Keene cannot continue, Axel Kovačević moves on to the finals."

She removed her gi and her captain's headband. There was another presence looming in the background.

"You trained him," a cold voice hissed from behind her. Zara felt her skin crawl and a shiver down her body. She turned to see Wolf standing there, with his icy glare piercing through her. "Did you really think I wouldn't have noticed?"

Zara took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Sensei—"

She gasped as Wolf grabbed a fist full of her hair. She winced but stood her ground. "Look me in the eye and tell me you've been training the Miyagi-Do captain."

Zara knew the consequences of her actions, but she also knew that she couldn't regret helping Robby. "Yes, I did help him train a bit. Helping Robby wasn't about betraying our dojo. It was about doing what's right. If it weren't for Robby…I could've been hurt back in Barcelona, Sensei…"

Wolf glared, not showing any ounce of emotion. His eyes filled with sneer and disgust. He roughly let go of her hair. "Empathy has no place in this dojo, Zara. We fight to win. We do not coddle our opponents." Zara felt her Sensei grab her by the face, so she'd have no choice but to look him directly in his eyes. "You are a disgrace." Zara stared at her Sensei, trying to find the words to respond, but she couldn't. "I thought you learned your lesson of what happens if you step out of line." Zara took a breath and remembered when her Sensei had struck her after finding out from Silver that she had been hanging around with Robby.

Wolf released his grip, and Zara stumbled back, rubbing her sore cheeks. She knew she had to stand firm, but the weight of his words bore heavily on her.

"I give you my word that I won't lose my focus, Sensei. I'm going to fight to win," Zara said, with her head high, trying to maintain composure.

Wolf's expression hardened. He stepped closer, his presence menacing. "You've brought shame upon my dojo. Your actions will have consequences, Zara. Every decision comes with a price. Change into your training gear. You have five minutes." Wolf turned to walk out of the locker rooms.

"Sensei, my family will be waiting for me," responded Zara.

Wolf stood silently for a minute and then took a threatening step toward her. "You do as I say. Five minutes."