Chapter Text
At the Sekai Taikai…
"Welcome, competitors, senseis, sponsors, and esteemed guests, to Barcelona!" Gunter's voice resonated through the grand hall as he scanned the crowd. "This year's home of the world's greatest karate tournament,the Sekai Taikai!"
The room burst into applause, the energy palpable. Gunter raised a hand, signaling for silence, and the crowd quieted.
"The Sekai Taikai has a rich and proud history. If you are here, it is because you embody all that the Sekai Taikai stands for: leadership, respect, and sportsmanship." His gaze swept across the gathered athletes. "Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands."
Robby stepped forward with purpose, tying the headband securely around his forehead.
From behind him, standing in line Rex’s eyes subtle but sharp glances at the back of Robby's head. His jaw tightening, even the mere memory of his last loss to Robby still getting to him. Rex’s glare was a mix of rage and guilt, knowing his own fuck-up in the captain match had costed him that damn headband.
Robby, unaware of their silent judgment, focused entirely on the task at hand.
"Captains, you will have the honor and privilege of competing in our televised Tournament of Champions," Gunter continued, voice brimming with pride. "But that privilege depends on your dojo's performance in the team competitions. Only the top four will advance to the finals."
The room buzzed with murmurs, the tension mounting.
"Once the tournament concludes, we will tally your dojo's points. The dojo with the most points will claim the ultimate prize, victory in the Sekai Taikai! Team events begin tomorrow, and every event counts. Be prepared, each challenge will be a surprise."
He let the anticipation settle before softening his tone. "Today, however, is about enjoying our host city and making connections whether friendly…or not. Competitors, we have arranged a field trip to explore Barcelona. Senseis, you are invited to a cocktail mixer with our distinguished sponsors—some of the finest martial arts brands in the world."
Gunter's smile widened as he concluded. "It's a beautiful day to make a first impression. I suggest you savor it...because tomorrow, your lives change forever. Good luck, and welcome to the Sekai Taikai!"
Applause erupted again, the hall alive with a mixture of excitement and simmering rivalries.
At the W-Barcelona Hotel…
Shortly afterwards, all the teams dissipated from the event center got undressed back into their regular clothes, and then went back to get checked in at the hotel where all the teams are staying at.
Robby, Miguel, and Rex stood by the taxi that had brought them to the hotel, a luggage cart beside them as they stacked their bags. Daniel stood nearby, giving final instructions.
"You guys go ahead, get your room keys, and make sure everyone's settled in," Daniel said, stepping toward Johnny, who leaned casually on the car hood.
Johnny waved them off. "Yeah, go on. We'll handle the driver."
As Rex, Miguel, and Robby started walking toward the hotel entrance, Johnny suddenly turned, making Daniel stumble back slightly.
"What a shit-show, man," Johnny started, his tone sharp. "Tory's here because of you."
Daniel's eyebrows shot up. "Wait a second. After what we just saw, you're coming after me? Tory's mom just died, and you still expected her to fight! All you did was feed into her anger. No wonder she ran back to Kreese."
Daniel's words struck a nerve, but Johnny held his ground. "You don't have to worry about Kreese anymore because, mark my words, I'll handle him."
Daniel's eyes narrowed. "What, you think that'll fix everything? If you pull your usual crap, we're gonna get kicked out of here, you hear me? Cobra Kai is one dojo out of sixteen. This isn't us against them anymore. If Kreese gets in our heads, we've already lost."
Johnny smirked, deflecting Daniel's concern. "We're not losing. I'm taking Kreese out of commission, one way or another."
Daniel shook his head, exasperated. "No, Johnny. You're here as a Miyagi-Do sensei. Like it or not, we're in this together."
Johnny scoffed. "No, we're next to each other, but we’re not together."
Robby returned from the front desk, holding up two room key cards. "All right, which room do you guys want?"
Before anyone could answer, Demetri plucked one of the cards from Robby's hand. "I'll go with you," he announced.
Miguel blinked in surprise. "Really? I thought , Robby, Rex and I would b—"
Eli interrupted, slinging his arm around Miguel's and Rex's shoulders. "Nope. I'm bunking with El Serpiente and T-Rex over here." He shot a smirk at Rex. "Besides, Demetri farts in his sleep."
Demetri bristled. "That's erroneous! And, as they say, 'he who observed it served it.'"
Hawk raised an eyebrow. "Whoever said the rhyme did the crime."
Demetri leaned in, eyes narrowing. "You just rhymed."
"Because you rhymed first," Hawk retorted smugly.
"Okay, but you also rhymed," Demetri argued.
"Yeah, after you started it!" Hawk shot back.
Rex rolls his eyes letting out a groan of frustration. “Will you two just shut the hell up, or make up because this little TMI feud that you got going on is starting to really get on my nerves!”
“How many times do I have to tell you Halvers, it’s MIT.” Demetri corrects.
“I don’t give a fuck!” Rex exclaims swinging his arms up before letting them fall back to his sides.
Meanwhile, off to the side were Sam, Devon, and Morgan. All of who were watching idly by as the boys were ranting and raving at one another.
“Thank God, we aren’t boys.“ Devon praises.
Morgan chuckles, nudging her side. “Tell me something we don’t know.”
Which elicited a laugh Devon in response. While Sam just stood there with her arms crossed with a stoic expression on her face, seeming indifferent about their little conversation.
Morgan, however recognized the signs I could tell that would something was off with her team captain.
“Are you good, Sam?” Morgan asks.
Sam sighs defeatedly, “How could Tory go back to Cobra Kai?” She asks rhetorically. “I thought things had changed.”
Both Devon and Morgan’s demeanors quickly fall as they share Sam’s own sadness at how their friend went back to the enemy.
Just as she was about to scold them even further. a voice with an unfamiliar accent interrupted.
"So, you are the famous Miyagi-Do," the stranger said, his tone laced with mockery. "We have heard about you, but I do not know why. You do not look like much."
Rex steps forward sizing up Kwon. “What? Mommy never tell ya not to judge a book by its cover?” He jokes.
Eli steps in right next to him, his own expression darkening. "Yeah? You'll see a lot more when we step on the mat tomorrow."
Before things could go any further, Robby steps in, grabbing Eli’s arm and Rex’s pulling them back.
"Not here," he said firmly. Eli complied with his captain, but Rex didn’t move a muscle as he stared down Kwon to no end.
“Rex, let’s go!” Miguel says.
After a moment Rex finally chooses to back down before turning to his friends.
“Yep, they’re Cobra Kai, alright.” Rex surmises. “Even got captain asshole to prove it.”
Miguel nods. "Don’t let them get under your skin, Rex. they're just like any other dojo here."
Rex, then shoots Miguel look, “Are you kidding? Do you know what it takes to get under my skin?” He scoffs with an amused expression.
Miguel returns the gesture, “Yeah and that’s exactly why I’m telling you, to keep the T-Rex caged.” He jokes.
Before anyone knew it, Tory brushed past them her bag slung over her shoulder so she wouldn't see the Miyagi-Do's, Robby caught a glimpse of her and jogged after.
"Tory," he called out, "wait."
As Robby went after her, Kwon purposely pushed past shoulders with Eli and made Demetri flinch before making his way to his room, with the other members of Cobra Kai.
Meanwhile, the Miyagi-Do’s were watching their captain with concern. They knew all to well that Robby was clearly still deeply affected by the fact that his girlfriend went behind his back.
Hawk was the first to break the tension, “Should we be worried about him?” He asks.
Miguel shakes his head, “No.”
Morgan who gives a more concerned expression as she saw Robbie like a big brother at times. “Really? Cause somehow I got the feeling he isn’t.” She says.
Miguel puts a hand on Morgan’s shoulder, giving her a gentle reassuring squeeze. “Robby’s gonna be fine.”
Demetri, however takes a more blunt approach, “I wouldn’t be fine.”
Which earns in glares from both Miguel and Hawk.
“What?” Demetri asks incredulously.
After all of that was said and done, the others grabbed their bags and made off to their perspective rooms, which were on a very nice high floor with a cool view.
Unpacking didn’t take as long as anticipated, but once that was done the tournament sponsors gathered up all the students from the teams and boarded them onto a transit bus that was heading for the cocktail, mixer or whatever.
At the City Aquarium…
Honestly, the aquarium wasn’t that bad.
Then came the most ridiculous part where they gathered up only the captains of all the teams for a group picture.
Robby stood next to Sam, while off on the other end Tory stood next to Kwon.
The photographer upfront definitely admired his handiwork.
“Now, everybody smile, and say, ‘Barcelona’” the photographer requests getting his camera ready. “One, two, three…”
“BARCELONA!” They all say at once.
The camera shutter clicks as the light flickers and the picture is taken.
The others who stood where the rest of the non-captains were behind. Many of which watched on with envy as they weren’t in the spotlight.
Hawk was definitely one of them. “Going out of their way to let us know how special the captains are, huh?” He simply says.
Miguel side-eyes him. “Yeah, I’m getting that.” He flatly retorts.
Rex huffs, “Ditto.” Standing there with his hands in his jacket pockets.
“It seems like everyone already knows each other.” Devon claims.
Morgan who was standing right beside her gazes around the room. “ Well, this is the biggest karate tournament in the world only the best of the best get to come here. So I’m willing to bet that a lot of them have been here for quite a few years now and are already chummy.”
That’s when both girls hear a clamor behind them as they turn their heads to see some of the competitors in heated arguments or on the borderline of already fighting.
“It’s not exactly friendly competition, either.” Devon responds.
“Maybe it’s like prison.” Demetri guesses.
This draws all the eyes from his friends on him.
“Just punch the toughest guy square in the jaw on day one.” He further explains his theory.
“Hm.” Eli shrugs seeing that he has a slightly good point there.
“You know for once I would actually agree with you brainiac, except there are a lot of tough guys here.” Devon laments. As her eyes roam over the different figures of towering masculinity scattered throughout the room.
“I’ll do you one better, because in case you’ve forgotten not all of them are guys.” Rex remarks.
“Good point.” Demetri tells him.
even Miguel and Eli can’t argue with that, as they can tell that they were quite a few female fighters out there amongst the crowd. And quite a few of them were actually really good looking too.
“Honestly, if I wasn’t in a relationship with Moon right now. I probably go for it.” Eli tells Rex who seems indifferent about it.
“Well good thing you’re already in a relationship then huh? Because the last thing we need is for you to use the head in between your legs instead of the one on your shoulders.” Rex responds.
“Well good thing you’re not, maybe you should give it a shot while you’re here, Halvers?” Eli prompts him with a shoulder nudge.
“Do I look like I need a distraction right now?” Rex scoffs.
Morgan, who overheard the conversation between the two boys also joins in and teasing her best friend.
“Yeah, if we couldn’t find you somebody local maybe we can try somebody a little bit more international.” She teases.
Rex growls lowly, “If I told you once, I’ve told you twice, and I’ve told you a million times…I do not need a girlfriend!”
“Don’t be shy Rex come on, I mean there’s a lot of good lookers here I mean, like what about that one.” Morgan pleads pointing to one of the female captain’s with blonde hair and a sharp look on her face that left no room for humor.
This was Cara McAllistar, female captain of Dublin Thunder Karate.
Rex eyes are up and down and shakes his head, “Nope, I’m serious, but I’m not that serious.”
“Wait a minute what about her?” Eli points out to a slightly shorter young woman standing out front to the right of Robby and Sam. Who had a dark tan complexion with long black hair in some fancy yellow and black braids.
This was Maria Alvarez, female captain of Furia De Pantera Karate.
“I don’t know maybe it just doesn’t feel like there’s a connection though.” Rex says unsurely.
Morgan arches an eyebrow at this, “What do you mean?” She asks. Not knowing where he was going with this.
“Like when you first look at someone it’s like you can read their aura, and you know if it’s like the same yours as you or not.” He explains.
“What like, love at first sight?” Demetri questions.
“That’s just a bunch of made up fairytale Disney bullshit there is no fucking thing as love at first sigh-“ Rex trails off as his eyes lock onto one particular girl in the crowd of captains.
In the front row standing right next to Tory is currently what Rex’s mind is fixated on.
About an inch or two smaller than Tori is standing there with a sun, kissed golden skin complexion with glossy full lips, wavy brunette, hair with a few stray golden highlights that cascaded down her shoulders. This was a not a girl this was a woman. She wore a long sleeve red shirt that showed off her very toned midriff and a black vest, and luminous hazel eyes that almost glowed in the low lighting of the aquarium.
This was Zara Malik, female captain of Iron Dragons Karate. And believe it or not. She was a figure whom Rex slightly idolized.
And like your average fanboy who gets to meet their idols, Rex’s normally cold demeanor was showing signs of anxiety and slight hyperactivity as he tried to keep himself contained.
Morgan noticed where her friends eyes trail off to and see they fall upon a very cute girl. After that it doesn’t take much to put two and two together.
“Or maybe there is, judging from the fact that your jaw is on the floor right now, and staring at a girl.” Morgan giggles.
This snaps Rex out of his trance, as his head snaps to Morgan. “Girl? Girl? Do you have any idea who that is?” Asking as if almost sounding offended.
“Should I?” She repeats.
“That,” Rex says pointing at Zara, “Is Zara Malik 13 time international taekwondo champion, and 2 time Sekai Takai girls world champion.” He explains.
Morgan is barely able to contain her amusement at seeing Rex going into full fanboy mode. “And here I thought that you weren’t ever going to show interest in girls.”
“You’re right I’m not interested in girls, I’m interested in bonafide women, and she is as extreme as it gets. Back when Sensei Lawerence first opened the dojo and me and Miguel ended up to be his first students. He encouraged me to learn more about karate so I started doing a whole bunch of Google searches and video watching on YouTube. That’s when I found her at first I saw her just doing these tricks with the bow staff, which were badass if you ask me and took a lot of time and practice. Then I looked in a little further and saw that she was in the karate since she was a little girl, taekwondo was her specialty, but she wanted to learn other fighting styles.”
Morgan looks at him concerned, “How do you know all that?” She asks.
“It’s on her blog, she’s also an influencer on social media, I never had much taste for those kinds of women, but then again she’s got the moves. Damn, does she got the moves! She’s a fucking fierce combat machine that might as well be the Ronda Rousey of Karate. If there’s one thing that turns me on in this world it’s a woman who can raise some hell.” He finishes.
Over by the captains, Zara who stood up front allowed her eyes to drift off for a moment before getting ready for the next picture. When she catches a tall, well built boy with jet black hair and blue eyes. One of the Americans from the looks of it. Who was looking directly at her.
Rex notices Zara’s gaze fall upon him and immediately tears his eyes away desperately trying to look anywhere but at her.
Zara nudges Tory who stood next to her, “Some of these boys are cute, huh?” She playfully teases with her eyes still on Rex.
Tory’s shifts her attention to Rex where the girl had pointed out to her giving a low chuckle. “He’s single if you’re wondering.” Tory simply tells her.
Zara gives a mischievous wiggle of her eyebrows, “Is that so?” She says more to herself than to Tory.
Tory gives a reassuring nod, “If you want my opinion, I wouldn’t go for it. He’s kind of a lone wolf type.” She tells the smaller girl before heading off into the crowd after her gaze locked with Robby who chased after her.
Zara, however turns her eyes back on Rex who is talking to Morgan.
“Good thing I like challenges.” She says.
The cameraman saw that the show was over, so to speak and the rest of the captains begin to scatter throughout the room. Most of them returning to their perspective teams.
For the Miyagi-Do’s a lot of them were worried about Robby not only because of his relationship issues but also the face he was the captain that was supposed to lead them to victory and right about now he didn’t seem to be in the best shape to be doing that right about now.
From there, they all just kinda did their own thing Devon, Morgan, and Sam kind of stuck by the aquarium a bit longer to meet. Miguel, Hawk, and Demetri went off with the rest of the crowd somewhere. Apparently there was something going on that everybody wanted to get in on the action.
Apparently, what was going on with some sort of personal ego-driven kicking competition between the competitors completely off the books and off the mat. And not to the surprise of either Miyagi-Do it was started by none other than the new face of Cobra Kai, male captain Kwon Jae-Sung.
He along with the rest of his team, with the exception of Tory, of course, stood up to the side, watching on and satisfaction as each volunteer stood up, only to fail spectacularly at kicking past Kwon’s mark.
Currently up was the male captain of the Russian team ‘Tiger Stryke’ who didn’t even come anywhere near beating the mark.
The guy quietly swore in Russian under his breath as he went back to his teammates.
Kwon clicked his tongue in a cocky manner as he walked up to the board.
“Not even close, no one beats mine,” he begins before setting his eyes on Miguel, Demetri and Eli all but flinch under his gaze, “How about team USA? Everyone knows America’s best at everything, right?” Kwon mocks.
Unfortunately, for them, this earns them a lot of laughs, scoffs, and head shakes from the surrounding teams who watched idly by, looking at them as if they were a joke.
Kwon only fanned the flame even more, “Yes, let’s see, let’s see. USA! USA! USA!” He chanted.
After a moment, the rest of the cobra‘s joined in, and before along the whole room was pressuring them.
“This is why I hate peer pressure, because there’s no way out when the stakes are against you.” Demetri quietly whispers to Eli.
Meanwhile, back over in the main tunnel aquarium, Rex stood alone as he was curiously eyeing all the fish. Hey, after all when’s the last time they let you come to one of these places for free. Might as well take advantage of the opportunity while it presents itself.
He’s so fixated on the view that he doesn’t even notice the presence of one very alluring Iron Dragon planting herself no more than a few feet away from him.
“They’re pretty, aren’t they?” Zara asks all too casually.
Rex only nods at first, before turning his head to the girl he heard next to him.
However his eyes go wide like saucers when he realizes who he’s talking to.
“You’ve got no idea.” He breathes out.
Zara giggles at the reaction she got from him.
“I’m Zara. Zara Malik. Captain of the Iron Dragons.” She introduces, holding out her hand.
Well, one part of Rex’s questioning, whether or not this is reality that he’s living in right now, or some fantasy dream that he never wants to wake up from.
But for the sake of not fucking things up, he returns the greeting, putting out his own hand and shaking hers.
“I’m Rex. Rex Halvers. I’m with Miyagi-Do.” He introduces.
Zara gives them a confidence smile, “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Oh no. The pleasure is all mine, believe me,” He objects gesturing to her, “I mean, it’s not every day that you meet a world karate champion.”
Zara grows intrigued at this folding her arms across her chest. “So you know who I am?” She inquires.
Rex shrugs, “Well I know that you got one hell of a reputation. One that I admire, considering how lethal you are on the mat.” He complements.
Zara smiles, “Why, thank you. Let me guess…Instagram? Is that how you know about me?”
Rex shakes his head, “Oh no no, I don’t do social media. No I just saw your YouTube channel last year, I kinda got hooked on a lot of your highlights from your previous fights.”
“Ahh…So you have been watching me.” She concludes in a very cautious tone.
Rex’s face quickly turns pale at her insinuation, “Definitely not! No no no I wasn’t like watching you…watching you. I mean, I did see you earlier by the captains, but I meant that I’ve just seen your-“ Hyperventilation all to clear.
“Relax! I’m just teasing you, I like to play with those who capture my attention, to know if they are interesting enough for my time.” Zara playfully admits with a sensual glint in her eyes.
Rex only feels a little relief at this, as he becomes prey to Zara‘s predatory hungry gaze of mischievous lust shone in her eyes.
“And…Am I keeping things interesting, for you?” Rex skeptically asks.
Zara simply shrugs, “Well, since I’m still here, I’d say so.”
It’s Rex’s turn to chuckle. “Well that’s good to know. Cause believe it or not I’m not really a ‘people’ person.” He admits.
“That would explain that cute awkwardness of yours.”
Rex’s mind fixates on one word that now unsure if he just heard her right, did she just call him ‘cute’?
“Perhaps we’ll find out later today if you fight as good as you look.” Zara says trailing her hand down his right arm which shivers at her touch.
“Well I’m gonna do my best, and that’s all I can do.” He unintentionally says out loud.
“Suppose it is.” Zara agrees
Before either of them can continue on with their conversation of voice sounding like thunder suddenly comes up from behind Zara to reveal a mountain of a man with dark brown hair and a very cold demeanor. This was Axel Kovačević the male captain of the Iron Dragons.
“Zara! You know we cannot speak with opponents, you know sensei’s orders.” Axel chastises.
This causes Zara to do an eye roll at her teammate. “Oh come on, Axel. Sensei isn’t here right now.” She argues.
Axel’s expression doesn’t change, “It makes no difference, we do not mix with the competition.”
Rex already could tell that this guy was a major Buzzkill that had never gotten any before in his life same as him, only difference is that at least he knew how to have a good time.
But judging from what he saw, this guy was a good little soldier to his sensei following orders to the letter without question.
Zara scoffed at Axel before turning back to Rex, “Well it was very nice meeting you, Rex. I’ll see you out on the mat, and maybe…somewhere else.” She says with a suggestive wink before turning to walk away with a sway in her hips.
Rex doesn’t mind taking in this view that’s for sure. However, that view is short-lived as the towering figure of one Drago Junior blocks him.
“You stay away from her!” Axel warns, sounding intimidated
Rex raises an eyebrow and takes a step closer to Axel until their faces are mere inches away from one another.
“Well I got two things to say to that, Mr. Buzzkill, one it’s her decision whether or not she wants to hang out with me, and two what if I don’t want to.” Rex says lowly especially at the second one as his face becomes deadly serious like Axel.
Axel clenches his fists, “Then you and I are going to have a problem.”
“I’ll do you one better, big guy. We’ve already got one.” Rex growls.
Their intense gaze continues for another minute or so before Axel's fists clenched at his sides, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a blade. "You will lose this fight."
Rex tilted his head slightly, unfazed by the intimidation display. "Oh, I’ll call that little bluff, let’s throw down then, huh?” He challenges.
Before Axel could respond, one of his teammates called out to him, snapping him out of the moment. He shot Rex a cold glare. "Stay out of my way," he hissed before walking off, his shoulders stiff with barely-contained anger.
Rex watches him leave, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle. "Hell’s coming for you big guy, that I’ll tell you." he promises heading back to rejoin his team.
When he was walking back to where, Eli, Miguel and Demetri went, he saw them talking.
"Hey, I never said that, I don't agree with that at all." Miguel said, shaking his head.
"I said that." Demetri replied.
"Whatever." Eli muttered.
"Are you really the best your dojo has to offer?" Yoon asked.
Again, just like before Eli's jaw tightened. "Tough enough to kick your punk ass."
Kwon who had his arms crossed, scoffed. "Please you are not even captain." He looked Eli dead in the eye. "Where is he?"
"I'm right here." Robby suddenly said, coming out of nowhere. He looked at his team. "Come on, guys we're leaving."
Everyone followed, until Kwon's voice came out taunting, cutting through the tension.
"You always walk away from challenges? Or is it because your girlfriend is on our team?"
Robby immediately turned around, Eli gave him the item where that he could use to mark his shoes.
"Show them what's up."
Unimpressed Robby looked at the wall, where a few lines had already been formed. "What, I have to kick above that line?"
Kwon smirks, walking up to them. "What to easy for you? Okay, let's make bet then." He jabbed Robby in the chest. "You kick, I kick. If you win, you get my room. If I win I get your room."
"You're on." Robby nodded, shaking kwon's hand, then turned around to his team.
"You're gambling our room away? Isn't that like a team decision."
"I'm not gambling." Robby said, full of confidence. "I'm getting us an extra room."
"That's gambling. He's gambling." Demetri said, looking at Eli. When he got no response he sighed. "Okay, just give it a good running start."
"That Russian before you, jumped way to early." Eli chimed in. "The physics—"
"Hey, hey, hey." Demetri cut in pointing at himself. "I'm telling him. I know the physics, I'm going to a school world renowned for it. Maybe you've heard of it."
Eli groaned again, this time making fun of Demetri by using various facial expressions. "Uh, yeah sure I'm going to MIT. I get that."
"Guys. Relax," Miguel said, stepping between Eli and Demetri, pushing them apart. "Robby, just do you. You got this.” He encouraged.
Robby nodded, giving Miguel a small smile. Turning toward the wall, he took a deep breath, ran forward, and launched himself into the air. His leg soared high, striking the wall cleanly above the line.
This earned him quite a few cheers from his teammates as well as several others watching on throughout the room.
Kwon, however, didn't flinch. His smirk stayed firmly in place as he shrugged off his sweater, tossing it to one of his teammates. Letting out a sharp yell, he ran toward the wall, leapt into the air, and delivered a flawless kick that landed well above Robby's mark.
“Double or nothing!” A voice shouted out to Kwon.
“You think you can beat that, I like to see you try?” Kwon laughs. “Besides, you are not captain, if your captain can’t beat me what make you think you can?”
A few of Kwon’s team members snicker at his remark.
Rex seems impressive about it and just laughs so long as he wanders up right in front of Kwon.
“I’ll admit I ain’t the head honcho of my team…nah, I’m something much better.”
“Oh, and what is that?” Kwon asks sarcastically.
Rex’s laid back expression quickly changes and becomes deadly serious. “I’m the motherfucking ‘Wild Card’ punk!”
Rex arches an eyebrow, “So you in or out, because I got better things to do than to right now, not to mention it straight up pisses me off when cocksuckers like you mess with my friends, and trust me when I say…you wouldn’t like me, when I’m angry!” He practically seethes with venom dripping from his tone.
Kwon gives an arrogant scoff, “Wonder what I do with two rooms for myself.”
Rex grabs the marker and rubs it on the edge of his shoe walking back to the others.
“Are you trying to put us on the street for the entire tournament, because in case you haven’t noticed Cobra Korea over there just executed a perfect 540 degree tornado kick, how exactly are you planning to beat that?!” Demetri says with heavy sarcasm.
“By taking it up to a 720.” Rex answers.
Morgan shoots him a worried glare, “Are you crazy, you’ve never gone that high before!”
“There’s always a first time, ain’t there?” Rex chuckles.
“Well I’ll say this you’re gonna need one hell of a run to make it that high, Halvers.” Demetri groans.
Rex doesn’t say anything, he takes off his leather jacket and then hands it over to Morgan.
He then walks back over to where Robbie made his start with his back, still turned with all eyes on him.
His rage still fresh from those assholes, giving his friends shit as he thinks on it letting it fuel him up.
But what nobody notices is how there was a faintly dim red glow from his irises. Then without warning Rex pivots on his heel and charges at the board and then with a thrust off the ground, he takes some serious air before delivering a big blow to the board that not only ends up way above Kwon’s second mark but also chips off a section from the top that falls behind the backboard hitting the ground.
When Rex lands back on the ground again himself, he doesn’t hear anything. Nothing but dead silence as all eyes in the room have gone wide at what they just witnessed. Including his own teammates.
Rex’s anger dissipates and is replaced with shock of his own. He may not be on numbers guy, but he sure as hell knows that what he just did was way beyond a 720.
With that the dim redness of his eyes return to their natural blue color.
Kwon’s shock is replaced with frustration as Rex saunters up to him with a stride in his step, and holds out his hand gesturing for Kwon to give the room key back.
Kwon turns his eyes away from Rex as his pride is too wounded to be able to look in the face of defeat and reluctantly hands him the card back.
There are several claps and cheers from the surrounding spectators as Rex walks back up to his friends most of who are still flabbergasted.
Rex puts out the key card back to Robbie who gives Rex a nod of appreciation.
What happens next takes the Miyagi-Do captain by complete surprise when Rex yanks Robby by the collar of his shirt pulling him right to his face.
”Next time I won’t pull your ass out of the fire, Keene. You’re the goddamn captain of this team so you sure as hell better start acting like you earned that spot!” Rex growls in annoyance, before releasing him and then taking his jacket back from Morgan and then walks off on his own.
”What just happened?” Demetri who stares off into space asks.
“I don’t know, but that was something else.” Morgan responds as her eyes follow Rex with curiosity as he leaves.
Next Morning, At the Sekai Taikai…
"THE TIME HAS COME." Gunther spoke into the microphone. "Welcome to our first team event. I hope your all well rested. And ready for a new and unique competition. We call it the 'captains war'. We told you how important your captains would be. So let's see how well you protect them."
Robby's heart pounded in his chest. The pressure was on, and he could feel the weight of it as he looked at Miguel and Rex. They weren't just there to fight, they were there to win. And if anyone was going to protect him, it was going to be them.
"Four dojos will take the mat. Only one will be left standing. If you hit the mat, you're out. If one of your captains hit the mat, you're entire team is out. Check the boards to see your group. Decided by random draw. Group A, you're up."
Daniel scoffed. "Cobra Kai, of course." They formed a circle on the corner of the mat. "Kids, remember everything Sensei Lawrence and I have taught you up until now."
"We'll protect the eggs," Miguel said, looking at everyone, then glanced over his shoulder, looking at the other dojangs . "And we'll let them come to us. Protect the egg. Make sure Robby and Sam are okay."
"I can be on the front line." Robby said.
"No," Miguel shook his head, holding a head up. "You just say back and stay focused."
Robby's eyes hardened. "Why wouldn't I stay focused?"
"You did leave the hotel room last night." Miguel revealed, as everyone turned to look at Robby except for Rex who stared at Zara who was staring right back at him.
Robby's gaze narrowed at Miguel's words, but before he could respond, Morgan stepped in between the two boys. "Hey, let's focus on the fight right now," she said, her tone calm but firm. "We've got enough distractions. We need to work as a team, not let personal stuff get in the way."
Miguel gave a short nod, but Robby's jaw clenched, clearly still irritated. "I'm fine. Just don't tell me how to do this," Robby muttered under his breath, still feeling the weight of the previous night's conversation with Tory.
Daniel, who had been silently watching the tension unfold, gave them a pointed look. "I know it hasn't always been pretty lately." He turned to the team. "But no one could ever count us out. You hear me? Do it for each other."
"And wipe the smirks off their ugly faces." Johnny added.
Gunther's voice cut through the tension. "Ready? Begin!" He shouted.
Demetri, usually the strategic one, was the first to react. "Protect the egg!" he shouted, darting away from Tory, who rushed him with full force. But before Demetri could regain his footing, a swift kick sent him crashing to the mat.
"Demetri's out!" Morgan called out, her eyes not leaving the action as she backhanded another opponent. "Rex! Take their captain!"
Rex nodded, already shifting into his stance, determination clear in his eyes. The challenge was on.
"Let's go ‘Wild Card’." Kwon taunted, gesturing for him to come
" Ais !" Rex yelled.
He sent a kick to Kwon's midsection, but Kwon, blocked the attack with a kick of his own and followed up with another aimed at Rex's face.
Rex, barely dodged out the way, and hit Kwon's leg with his forearm slamming it down to the ground, he closed the distance and struck Kwon across the face.
Kwon's head snapped to the side, and a thin trickle of blood ran down his lip. He wiped it away, inspecting his fingers before chuckling softly. "Not bad…but you're gonna regret that."
“Not as much as you’re gonna regret dancing with the devil, boy.” Rex smugly responds.
As Kwon aimed a kick at his face, Rex blocked it with his arm, the impact reverberating through his stance.
"You got some fancy footwork, but do you know how to use your fists, or are they just there for show?" Rex taunts. weaving out of the way as Kwon threw a punch in response.
Their movements brought them face to face, locked in a tense clash. "Come on, tough guy!" Rex challenges, his eyes narrowing with determination.
But before their fight could continue a buzzer sounded, "Miyagi-Do's captain is out! Miyagi-do is out!"
Kwon laughed, his attention momentarily drifting to the side. He watched Robby struggle to his feet, clearly battered from his fight with Yoon.
"Looks like your boy couldn't handle it," Kwon sneered, turning back to Rex with a cocky smirk.
Rex shook his head, his jaw tightening as frustration simmered beneath his calm demeanor. Without a word, he turned and walked off, his expression darkened with anger.
When he reached the sideline, Hawk shrugged jabbing him in the chest. "Hey, you did the best you could, but the captain fell."
"Only Cobra Kai and the Iron Dragons remain!" The ref announced.
Morgan glanced to her right, her gaze sweeping over the six Iron Dragon members still standing, their hands resting confidently on the belts of their gi. Their eyes were cold and calculating, sizing up the remaining Cobra Kai team.
Only three were left: Yoon, Tory, and Kwon.
The Iron Dragons stood like an unyielding wall, their united presence exuding dominance.
Suddenly four Iron Dragon members walked off the mat, executing themselves from the game. This alone made Morgan squint her eyes as she watched Axel and Zara.
The Cobra Kai team charged forward, refusing to back down despite the odds. The boys went straight for Axel, the towering Iron Dragon member who dwarfed them in size and strength.
Axel moved with precision and ease, weaving effortlessly out of their attacks. He took Yoon down with a swift, calculated kick, sending him sprawling to the ground. Then, with a display of raw power, Axel executed a devastating move that floored Kwon, leaving him breathless on the mat.
Meanwhile, Zara moved with fluid precision, effortlessly weaving out of the way as Tory's attacks came fast and furious. Tory, momentarily thrown off, didn't see Zara's next move coming.
In an instant, Zara grabbed hold of Tory's arm, pulling her off balance. With a smooth, controlled motion, Zara got behind her and executed a flawless takedown. She let Tory roll off her knee, the girl's breath leaving her in a stunned gasp as she hit the ground.
"Both Cobra Kai captains go down! The Iron Dragons win!" The ref announced as cheers erupted from the stands.
Axel turned to the crowd hitting his own elbow and dropping his arms to his side, bowing slightly.
Zara on the other hand towered over Tory, looking down at the girl, with an emotionless expression. "Welcome to Barcelona. Bitch."
She turned around, scanning the crowd only for her eyes to land on Rex, with a wink she blew him a kiss followed by a wave and walked off the mat.
The tournament raged on, with Miyagi-Do throwing points left and right, each competitor displaying impressive skill. But the only ones managing to gain a few points were Miguel, Morgan, and Rex.
Despite their efforts, though, their performances on the mat weren't enough to break through the ranks. They fought hard, but even with their best moves, they found themselves at the bottom of the table, far from the top ten.
And it wasn't only Cobra Kai they had to worry about anymore.
The Iron Dragons had made their presence felt, and their dominance on the mat was undeniable.