THERE SHE stood, her hands behind her back as the announcer welcomed everyone to the Sekai Taikai, but Rory couldn't focus. She could hear ringing in her ears as she watched Tory standing along side Cobra Kai.

She understood why she was there, she did, but they had come so far to end up back at square one. She felt for Tory, she did. She didn't know what it was like to lose a parent and God forbid she'd feel it soon, but to go back to Cobra Kai? Go back to the people who viewed her as a prize, a token to be won?

Cobra Kai took advantage or Tory when she needed someone the most then again, Miyagi-Do let her run towards them when she needed them the most.

It was like Rory blinked and she was standing the lobby of her hotel. She gave the reception a small smile, thanking her as she took the key card from her hand.

Rory sighed, picking up her duffel bag and tossing it over her shoulder. She gently tapped the key card in the palm of her hand as she approached Robby, Eli, Demetri, and Miguel.

Since the flight, Eli and Demetri had been at each other's necks. It was suffocating, especially since Rory had been sitting in between them the entire time.

Rory rolled her eyes. She'd heard enough about MIT and whatever else Eli and Demetri found to argue about. It was draining and whether or not they realized it, their mood was spreading.

Rory, to her luck, would be bunking alone. It's what she needed. Her mother had gotten her a room another floor.

She made her way towards the elevator. She took in a deep breath as she pull her phone from her back pocket.

She glanced up for a moment and saw someone rushing towards the elevator and stuck her arm out for them to get inside.

He was smug looking but thanked Rory by giving her a curt nod. She smiled softly, returning the nod as she brought her attention back towards her phone.

"Thanks, Brewer." He smirked. "Did not know think the golden girl of Miyagi-Do would be so thoughtful."

Rory scoffed. The "golden girl of Miyagi-Do" her ass. It's not where she wanted to be nor imagined herself as. Maybe the golden girl in her father's eyes, but God, she hoped no one else saw her as that.

The boy leaned casually against the elevator wall, his Cobra Kai hoodie unmistakable. "Kwon," he said, extending a hand as if this were a formal introduction. "Cobra Kai. We pay attention to our competition. And let's face it, Brewer, you're kind of hard to miss."

Rory didn't take his hand. Instead, she crossed her arms. "Right. Well, don't get used to the kindness. I'm not in the mood for games. I'm here for the Sekai Taikai and that's it."

Kwon laughed softly, an easy sound that only irritated her further. "No games. Just friendly conversation," he said, raising his hands in mock innocence. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he added, "Unless, of course, you're afraid I might distract you."

"Distract me?" Rory echoed, arching an eyebrow. "Don't think so highly of yourself. I have a boyfriend and trust me, fraternizing with the enemy is not on the top of my list."

Kwon grinned, clearly undeterred by her tone. He leaned slightly closer, his confidence radiating off him in waves. "Boyfriend, huh? Let me guess...Robby Keene?"

Rory's jaw tightened at the mention of Robby's name, her posture stiffening just enough for Kwon to notice. "What about him?" she shot back, her voice sharp.

"Nothing," Kwon replied smoothly, his smirk never faltering. "Just curious how someone like him managed to land someone like you. Guess there's a first for everything."

"Someone like him?" Rory's eyebrows knitted together, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You don't know anything about him. Or me, for that matter."

"Maybe," Kwon replied with a shrug, but his grin only widened. "But I'm a quick learner. And if you ever get tired of babysitting Robby, well..." He let the implication hang in the air, his tone laced with mock sincerity. "I'm sure Cobra Kai could use someone like you. You'd fit right in."

Rory scoffed again, stepping back as the elevator dinged, signaling her floor. She strode out without another glance at him, but Kwon leaned out of the doorway, calling after her with a teasing lilt in his voice. "Think about it, Brewer. You're too good for Miyagi-Do—and him."

As the elevator doors closed behind her, Rory rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. "What the fuck?"

After that encounter, Rory and the others found themselves at the aquarium where the others watched as all the captains stood around, taking pictures.

"Now, everybody smile and say, "Barcelona"." The photographer instructed. "One, two, three."

"They're really going out of their way to let us know how special the captains are." Eli muttered.

"Yeah," Miguel nodded. "I'm getting that."

"Seems like everyone already knows each other." Devon said.

With a turn, they saw a couple of the teams already barking and breathing down each other's neck.

"It's not exactly friendly either." Devon added.

"It shouldn't be." Rory muttered. "This isn't the All Valley. This is serious shit, and we should be prepared for it. You think those teams over there are here to make friends? They've been training their whole lives for this, and they'd probably eat us alive if it meant a better chance at winning. This is a global stage, and the second we forget that, we're done."

After Rory's panic attack back at home, she knew she didn't want to wear her feelings on her shoulder for this event. She wanted to show that she was the best and with the best. She would worry about the panic attack when she was settled at home. This was a different playing field and she wanted to show that wasn't some girl who could be shook up.

"Maybe it's like prison." Demetri quipped. "Just punch the toughest guy square in the jaw on day one."

"Hm." Devon nodded. "Yeah, there are a lot of tough guys."

The group photo soon broke up and a shorter girl that Rory seemed to recognize approached her. A smile prominent on her face as she made her way towards her.

"Aurora Brewer." She smiled. "It's so nice to finally meet you. I've followed you and your family on Insta for like, forever."

Rory softly smiled, awkwardly chuckled as she stood by Devon and Sam. The boys had separated and stood by the enlarged tank where the picture had been taken to get a better look at the fish that swam by... and to hopefully distract Demetri and Eli from arguing about the petty shit they had.

"Thanks..."

"Zara-"

Rory nodded, her shoulders falling slightly. "Zara Malik. Yeah, I follow you on Instagram. I- I love your technique."

Zara smiled. "That's such a compliment from you Aurora-"

"You can call me Rory." She said. "Everyone calls me Rory... Expect Demetri, but whatever."

"Rory. It's cute." Zara smirked. "Can we talk?" She asked, glancing between Sam and Devon. "You know, just us?"

Rory hesitated, then gave her friends a small nod. Sam and Devon exchanged a glance but walked off, leaving Rory alone with Zara.

Zara stepped closer, looping her arm loosely through Rory's as if they were old friends. The move caught Rory off guard, but she didn't pull away—yet. There was something about Zara's energy that felt off, but Rory decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

"So," Zara began, her tone light, but her words carried a certain sharpness beneath the surface, "this whole tournament thing—pretty intense, huh? I mean, I guess you're used to the spotlight, being, like, the Brewer and all."

Rory shrugged slightly, trying to keep things polite. "It's not a big deal. I'm just here to compete like everyone else."

"Right," Zara said with a sly smile, giving Rory a quick once-over. "But let's be real, it's not like everyone else has half a million followers, their own hashtag, and their mom's picture plastered on a billboard outside of this building. You're kind of a big deal, Rory. Own it."

Rory gave a small, awkward chuckle. "Yeah, well, I try not to let that stuff get to me. Like I said, just here to compete."

Zara smirked, crossing her arms as if she found Rory's response amusing. "Of course you are. But you've got to admit, it's a lot of pressure. Everyone's watching you. One mistake, and—" she snapped her fingers dramatically, "—the golden girl falls."

Rory sighed, but kept a small smile on her face as she spoke. "I'm sure I'll be fine."

Zara let out a soft laugh, her eyes flicking toward the group of boys standing near the aquarium. Her gaze landed on Robby, and her smirk deepened. "Well, at least you've got some decent scenery to keep you distracted. Robby Keene, right? He's... something."

Rory blinked, caught off guard by the sudden mention of Robby. "What about him?" she asked, keeping her tone even.

Zara shrugged, her expression deliberately casual. "I mean, look at him. Tall, broody, clearly talented. He's definitely the kind of guy I wouldn't mind... getting to know better."

Rory stiffened slightly, her jaw tightening, but she maintained her composure. "He's my boyfriend."

That caught Zara off guard for a split second, but she quickly recovered, her smile turning sharper. "Oh, really? Interesting. I wouldn't have guessed. You two don't exactly scream couple."

Rory's eyes narrowed slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Zara chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, nothing. Just that he seems... independent. Like the kind of guy who wouldn't be tied down too easily. But hey, good for you." She paused, her gaze flicking back to Robby. "Though, if it doesn't work out, maybe I'll take my shot. Guys like him? They don't stay single for long."

Rory nodded. "For a girl who "follows my family and I on Insta, for like, forever" you'd think you'd know better than to waste your time."

Zara's smirk didn't falter, but there was a flicker of something behind her eyes—annoyance, maybe, or just more calculation. "Oh, come on, Rory. I didn't mean anything by it. You don't have to be so defensive. It's not my fault your boyfriend happens to be cute. That's just... an observation."

Rory tilted her head, her voice calm but cold. "It's not defensiveness. Robby's with me, and he's not interested in distractions."

Zara laughed softly, the sound almost mocking. "Distractions? I like that. You know, it's funny—relationships like yours can be so... fragile. Especially in environments like this. The competition, the pressure, the traveling... It's so easy for things to, you know, crack."

Rory took a deliberate step closer, her expression unreadable but her voice firm. "You seem really invested in my relationship for someone who doesn't know either of us personally."

Zara shrugged, playing with the end of her hair as she smiled sweetly. "Oh, I'm not invested. I'm just curious. But hey, if you're confident you can keep it together, good for you. Just saying, things like this can be tricky. Especially when there's so much... temptation around."

Rory's jaw tightened, but she didn't let Zara see it shake her. "Thanks for the advice, Zara. I'll make sure to remember it when we're standing across from each other on the mat."

Zara's smile stretched wider, but there was no warmth in it. "Looking forward to it, Rory. Let's see if you're as good at fighting as you are at keeping your cool."

With that, Zara turned on her heel and sauntered off, leaving Rory standing there, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

"What was that about?"

Rory turned her head, Robby now standing by her side. "Nothing." She sighed. "Nothing important anyway. Stupid shit, you know?"

Robby nodded, his attention breaking from Rory's as he followed her eyes towards Zara's figure disappearing into the crowd.

"Wanna walk?"

Rory turned, giving him a small smile. "Please."

Robby offered his hand, and Rory slipped hers into his without hesitation. Together, they walked through the dimly lit aquarium, the faint blue glow of the massive tanks casting a soft light across their faces. The sound of water trickling and the gentle hum of the aquarium's life systems created a calming atmosphere.

Rory let out a long breath, her eyes fixed on the serene movements of the fish.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Robby stood close, his hand resting lightly against the small of her back, as if grounding her without saying a word. Rory finally broke the silence, her voice soft and almost hesitant.

"Do you think I'm special?" She asked, her eyes never leaving the tank.

Robby turned his head to look at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Of course I do," he said, his voice steady, like it was the most obvious answer in the world. "You're amazing."

Rory smiled faintly but shook her head. "Not special like that, Robby," she murmured. "Not just because of... who my parents are, or the name, or all that other stuff people keep throwing in my face. Do you think I'm special because of me? Not because I'm a Brewer, but because of what I've done?"

She didn't want that to get to her, but it had. All her life, from the time she moved to now and God knows in the future, she will always be know as "one half on the Brewer twins".

Her mother was a renowned supermodel and her father's karate was known all across Seaford, the Valley, all of California, hell, he might as well be known as one of the greats. His work was shown just as much as Layla's and whether or not Rory liked it, that would followed her until the day she died.

This whole "golden girl" thing shocked her. Was that how people saw her? She knew that

Robby's gaze softened as he studied her, taking in the vulnerability in her expression. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. "Rory," he began, his voice low and earnest, "you worked for everything you've got. None of this—your skill, your focus, your strength—none of that was handed to you. People talk, but they don't see what I see. They don't see how hard you work, how much you care, how much you give. That's you. Not your name. Not anyone else."

Rory turned to face him fully now, her lips pressing together as her eyes searched his, as though she was trying to find some reassurance in his words.

His expression was completely genuine, filled with nothing but admiration and love.

"I'm proud of you," Robby added, his hand cupping her cheek now. "Not because of your name, not because of what other people expect from you. But because of the person you are. And no one can take that away from you."

Robby's hand lingered on Rory's cheek, his thumb brushing softly over her skin as their eyes locked. There was no hesitation this time, no second-guessing. He leaned in, closing the space between them, and when their lips met, the kiss was slow, warm.

Robby's other hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer in a motion that was both protective and intentional.

Rory tilted her head slightly, giving herself over to the moment, her fingers sliding up to tangle gently in his hair. Robby's hand at her waist tightened.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads stayed pressed together, both of them breathing heavily but smiling softly. Rory's lips were tingling, her cheeks flushed, and her heart felt full in a way she couldn't quite put into words.

Rory softly smiled. "I love you. I know I don't say it a lot but I really do."

"I know," he said softly, his voice calm and full of warmth. "I love you too."

"Guys,"

The two looked over, seeing Devon standing close by as she twiddled her thumbs together and slowly approached them.

"I think you should try and stop— them." She spoke. "Some stupid contest on who can kick the highest."

Rory and Robby glanced over at each other before following behind Devon into a crowded room apart of the aquarium.

"Are you really the best your dojo has to offer?" A voice asked.

Drawing closer, Robby and Rory saw a team member of Cobra Kai standing in front of Eli.

"I'm tough enough to kick your punk ass." Eli answered.

"Please," Kwon scoffed. "you are not even captain. Where is he?"

"I'm right here." Robby called. "Come on, guys. We're leaving"

As the group turned to leave, Kwon made a snide remark that cost Robby to turn back. The kick-off would continue on and a bet was made. Kwon and Robby would kick and whoever kicked the highest would get the others room. And though Robby's kick was above Kwon's previous line, Kown ended up winning by kicking higher. He won Robby and Demetri's room.

"Well, this sucks." Demetri sighed, dragging his luggage into Miguel and Eli's room as Sam, Devon, and Rory stood by a small table.

"Not a very smart gamble, boys." Sam said softly.

"Yeah. Somebody said it wasn't gonna be a gamble."

Robby rolled his eyes, dropping his bag onto the floor. "I didn't wanna get involved remember. I told you to stay away from Cobra Kai. It's so simple."

Sam heavily sighed, looking down at the palm of her hands before speaking. "You knew Kreese came to Tory."

"What?" Miguel questioned. "You did?"

"Yeah. I... I mean, I knew that Kreese went to Tory, yeah," He explained. "it was before her mom died and he was trashing Miyagi-Do saying she wasn't gonna have a fair shot. She told him to get lost."

Robby glanced around the room, no one looking him in the eyes as they glanced at the floor and at their hands. Anything to not look at him.

"Come on." Robby called. "I didn't know she was gonna do this."

"Really?" Sam questioned. "This is what Kreese does. He played her. And he played you. And you lied to us about it."

"Come on, guys." Robby said, almost pleading. "That's not fair. I didn't lie."

No one said a word and finally, Robby looked over at Rory, her arms crossed over her chest as she glanced down at the floor with her back pressed against the wall.

"Rory?"

Rory glanced his way before looking back at the ground. She wasn't hurt that he lied or that he kept it from them. It was more so that Tory came to him about it and he did nothing... but what could he do?

Well... he could've told the other about Kreese but again, it would be betraying Tory trust along with it.

Regardless, the group decided to head off to bed to better prepare themselves for the day ahead of them.

But as soon as Rory felt herself getting more comfortable in the bed, she heard a soft knock at the door. She sighed, assuming that her mom had finally flown in with Rudy, Kim, Milton, and Jerry and wanted to see her before the stress of tomorrow. Either way, she had to get out of the bed with her hair tossed to the side and checked through the peephole of the door.

She once again sighed and opened the door to see Robby on the other side.

Rory leaned against the doorframe, her arms crossed as she looked at Robby with mild curiosity. "Do you know what time it is?" she asked softly.

"I know it's late, and I know you're probably already half-asleep, but Eli or Demetri... I don't know what they ate, but it's bad. Like, I'd rather sleep in the hallway bad."

She sighed softly, stepping aside without saying anything. Her silence wasn't cold—it was just tired. Robby took that as a yes, slipping past her and throwing his shirt off and discarding his joggers off to the side. When he turned back to face her, she was already climbing back into bed, pulling the covers up and lying on her side, her back to him.

Once he was settled, he slid under the covers beside her, keeping a bit of space between them at first.

The room was quiet for a while, the faint hum of the air conditioning filling the silence. Robby lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, but he kept glancing at Rory's back, her even breathing the only sound coming from her.

"Rory?" he asked quietly.

She hummed softly in response, not turning over.

"Are you mad at me?" His voice was hesitant, almost unsure. "For not telling everyone about Tory and Kreese?"

"No," she answered, flipping over to face him. "I'm just frustrated. You really think it's all over and comes right back and bites you in the ass. I've seen what Cobra Kai does to people. I would hate for Tory to... start all over."

Robby let her words settle, his expression shadowed with guilt as he shifted to face her more fully. "I don't want that for Tory either. I just... I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn't want to betray her trust."

Rory studied him, her expression softening slightly. "I get that," she said softly, her voice more understanding now. "But you've got to stop carrying everything on your own, Robby. You don't have to do it all by yourself. Not anymore. We're supposed to have each other's backs, remember? And if you don't trust me enough to let me in, what's the point?"

Robby's jaw tightened for a moment before he exhaled, his shoulders dropping slightly. "I do trust you, Rory. More than anyone. I just... I didn't want to put more on you."

She studied him for a long moment, her expression softening. "Robby," she said, her voice quiet but steady, "I'm not asking you to protect me from everything. I'm asking you to let me stand beside you. That's what this is about."

He nodded slowly, her words settling in. "You're right," he murmured. "I'll do better. I promise."

Rory's lips curved into a small smile, and she reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against his. "Good," she said simply. "Because you don't get to push me away and then expect me not to call you out on it."

Robby chuckled softly, the tension easing just slightly. "Fair enough."

For a moment, the room was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound. Then, Robby shifted closer, his arm slipping around her waist as he pulled her gently toward him. Rory let herself relax, her head resting against his chest as she closed her eyes.

He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, his lips lingering there for a moment.

"Goodnight, Rory."

"Goodnight," she replied, her voice fading as her breathing slowed.

THE NEXT day, Miyagi-Do, along with the other teams gathered in the stadium where the Sekai Taikai would be taking place for the rest of the tournament would take place.

"Welcome to our first event." Gunther Braun announced. "I hope you're all well rested and ready for a new and unique competition. We call it the "Captain's War." We told you how important your captains will be. So let's see how well you protect 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, your entire team is out for this round. Check the boards to see your group, decided by random draw. Group A, you're up!"

And with a quick glance of the board, Group A consisted of: Falchi Della Notte, Iron Dragons, Miyagi-Do, and Cobra Kai.

Daniel scoffed. "Cobra Kai, of course."

The group of six, Eli, Rory, Demetri, Miguel, Devon, Robby, and Sam, huddled up, coming up with a strategy.

"Let them come to us." Miguel instructed. "Protect the egg. Make sure Sam and Robby are safe."

"I can be on the front line." Robby said.

"No. You just stay back and stay focused." Miguel argued.

Soon, Daniel, Johnny, and Jack approached the circle of student. It was worrisome that Cobra Kai was here and having one of their students on their side, but alas, they had something to fight for, something to win.

"I know it hasn't always been pretty lately but no one could ever count us out." Daniel said. "You hear me? Do it for each other."

"And wipe the smirks off their ugly faces." Johnny added.

Gunther soon returned to the microphone, grabbing ahold of it as he watched amongst the students. "Ready? Begin!"

With a quick turned, the students of Miyagi-Do turned, seeing Tory rushing towards them.

"Protect the egg!" Demetri shouted and the circle quickly disbanded.

And one by one, each of the them started hitting the ground, starting with Demetri.

It seemed easy at first, a few punched here and another there as Devon shouted that she had Tory, but she would soon tumbled towards the ground.

Eli hit the ground, and Rory found herself instinctively circling Tory, her steps deliberate and measured. Neither of them spoke, their gazes locked in a tense standoff. The silence hung heavy between them, neither willing to make the first move—until one of them had to.

It was Tory who would strike first, throwing a punch towards Rory, which she quickly dodge, but Tory would kick Rory in her chest, which she couldn't miss.

Rory stumbled backwards, but regained herself. She quickly sent a punch towards Tory, one she didn't miss, but their fight would soon end as Kwon flipped Robby onto his back.

"Miyagi-Do captain down. Myagi-Do is out!"

Rory rolled her eyes, not bothering to look back at Troy as she made her way over to the rest of her team.

It didn't take long for Falchi Della Notte to go down, which left the all six of the Iron Dragon members and three of the Cobra Kai's, but as soon as the the ran towards the six, four of the members took a knee and backed away from the mat, leaving only their captains to fight.

But as quickly as it started, it soon ended, leaving Iron Dragons as the winners.

The fight didn't last long at all. That's what shocked Rory. It's what shocked them all.

It wasn't Cobra Kai they had to worry about now. The Iron Dragons put that in perspective.

This would be a long fucking competition.

— lucy has something to say !!

writing this authors note when the part two has freshly come out and im shocked im scared im concerned and now i love axel someone love him please please PLEASE

i fear kwon would've survived if he didn't have a stick up his ass... and if the other sensei didn't kick the man but whatever no one had to fight after that

anyway it's my story and i do what i want so remember that... okay 😁

i was like damn i hope this chapter isn't too long and i looked back and i had a chapter be 4000 words so...

don't piss me off cobra kai why didn't we at least get a kiss between miguel and sam this part 🤨

bye :))))