SAM, MIGUEL, Robby, and Tory all entered the school building. They had been talking about their eligibility for the Sekai Taikai. The four of them were total shoo-ins, no doubt about it. It wouldn't shock any of the other dojo members if they didn't have to try as hard as the others for the positions.

The four of them continued down the halls and found Belle with a group of her friends, Rory nowhere in sight.

Robby paused, stopping the girl as she waved her friends off.

"Have you seen Rory?" He asked.

Belle shook her head. "I thought she caught a ride with you and Miguel this morning."

Robby nodded and waved Belle goodbye. He sighed heavily to himself and continued down the halls. Eventually, he passed the library and found Rory sitting by herself.

He pulled the doors open and made her way over to her. He pulled the chair out from next to her and sat down.

"Missed you this morning." Robby smiled.

Rory turned her head slightly, giving him a small smile before returning to the schoolwork in front of her.

"Sorry, I wanted to leave early to try and get this done."

Robby tilted his head to the side and watched with soft eyes as Rory's pencil gilded against the sheet of paper.

Her writing was pretty, everything about her, to Robby, was stunning, absolutely gorgeous. The way her naturally curly hair rested against her shoulder and the way her lashes had the perfect curl to them.

Everything about Aurora made Robby smile.

Going to Barcelona without her hadn't even crossed his mind. Robby knew that Rory was one of the best at Cobra Kai. She had the awards to prove it, he on the other hand, had always been the runner-up, if anyone had anything to be nervous about it was him.

"Excited for Barcelona?" He asked.

He watched as Rory licked her lips before pressing them together again. She didn't bother looking his way as she nodded and continued the English assignment in front of her.

Robby furrowed her brows. "What's wrong?"

Rory sighed, brushing her hair behind her ear, still not looking his way. "Nothing. I'm fine."

Robby sighed and gently grabbed Rory's chin, making the girl look over at him. He dragged his fingers from her chin to below her temple to brush hair behind her ear.

Before Rory, Robby had never been in anything serious. He got around for sure, but things were different with her. He cared about her deeply.

"What's wrong?"

Rory sighed. "What if I don't qualify for the Sekai Taikai?"

"Are you kidding?" Robby questioned. He could've laughed. "You're one of the best at Miyagi-Do-"

"I've never beaten Tory in a fight. Ever." Rory said. "I'm not the best and my chances are just as low as any newcomer that would walk through our dojo."

"Your fights with her weren't fair and you know that." Robby said. "She attacked when you couldn't. Even so, that doesn't prove anything. You've been training a lot longer than any of us. You know things we don't. I don't know how to use a bo-staff, but I know someone who does."

Rory sighed, turning away from him, and rested her hands on the side of her head. "I want this to be fair. I don't want to be picked because I'm Jack Brewer's kid. I wanna be picked because I'm good."

"You are good," Robby reassured. "You're great. I wouldn't say it if it weren't true."

Rory looked at him once more. "You're my boyfriend."

Robby furrowed his brows. "That makes what I'm saying any less true?"

Rory sighed. "No..." She muttered before trailing off.

"Okay then," Robby spoke. "I promise that you have nothing to worry about." He paused. "How about this, if you don't make it to the Sekai Taikai, I won't go."

Rory sat upright. "I can't ask you to do that."

Robby laughed. "I'm not asking you. You're gonna make it, Rory. I'm sure of it."

Robby's words were still hanging in the air when he leaned in and pressed his lips to Rory's. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but it sent shivers down her spine.

The library around them melted away as they kissed, the only sound being the quiet rustling of pages and the occasional whisper from another student studying nearby.

Rory felt like she was melting into Robby's touch like nothing else mattered except for this moment with him.

As they broke apart for air, Rory's cheeks flushed pink and she looked up at Robby with wide eyes. "Thank you. I love you."

They didn't say that very often probably because they didn't need to. They both knew how they felt about each other without even having to think. Robby had been the first to express his feelings towards Rory and that was when he was in the detention center. It scared him shitless, she could've said or done anything, but she kissed him that day instead... the day she was supposed to break up with him.

Robby's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and Rory felt her heart skip a beat. He leaned in again, his lips brushing against hers once more.

This time, their kiss was longer and deeper, filled with emotion and passion. The library around them faded away completely, leaving only the two of them lost in their own little world.

As they pulled back for air, Robby's fingers tangled in Rory's hair, holding her close as he gazed into her eyes. "I love you too." He whispered softly.

Rory's cheeks flushed red as she gazed up at him, feeling like she was drowning in the depths of his eyes. She knew that this moment would stay with her forever - the way Robby had made her feel like she was home when all else seemed uncertain.

EVEN THOUGH Robby had reassured Rory that she would be picked for the Sekai Taikai because she was just as good as the others and not because she was a Brewer, he hadn't expected to be standing in Miyagi-Do in front of Rory's mother, Mike Barns, and another blonde woman that only Rory seemed to recognize.

"Please welcome our guests for the weekend, Sensei Brewer, Sensei Barnes, and Sensei Crawford." Daniel spoke. "In order to keep things unbiased we brought in our Senseis to observe and then select our top seven."

Layla stepped forward. She hadn't put on a gi in years and wearing one now in front of her child, who'd never seen her fight in her life, felt thrilling. It felt like she was back in Seaford again. She felt like a kid again.

"I want to make one thing very clear," Layla began. "If you find any of this unfair, you can leave." When no one moved, Layla continued. "She may be my child, but I've never trained her, and I will not be seeking advice from my husband who did train her. You should be focused, don't show out. That's what messes you up. To add, Sensei Crawford also never trained my child. We have all seen you perform in person or on the internet just like everyone else."

Kim Crawford, who Rory considered her aunt, stepped forward. "I've been to the Sekai Taikai. It's nothing like the All Valley. So don't expect it. Over the course of the next three days we will all be looking for technique, skills, and most importantly your strength."

Next, Mike stepped forward, making his way through the lines of students.

"We will do to you what the Sekai Taikai will do." He said. "We will surprise you with events. We will push you to your limits. And if any of you delicate flowers feel like going to your senseis and crying, don't. We've been given full authority for these eliminations."

"Selections." Daniel said. "Let's keep it positive."

Layla chuckled. "This is serious, Mr. LaRusso. If they can't handle it, they need to leave immediately. This isn't a playground." Layla stepped forward. "Everyone on the sparring deck."

Today was Mike's day to "have fun" with the students. They all wanted to see their speed, excellence, strength, endurance, and whatever teamwork they had to make it to the next round. This meant two on seven fights, holding heavy rocks while squatting, breaking wooden planks, and catching a chicken.

After all of that, Mike, Layla, and Kim broke off into a huddle to figure out who would make it through to the next day.

"I would first like to congratulate you all for trying." Layla spoke. "But the simple task that we all put you through today only showed us that half of you wouldn't last a second at the Sekai Taikai."

Rory had been used to her mother's strong tone. For the others, it was strange. It was even stranger for someone as high up in the world as Layla Brewer stood in front of them. To some, she was the model to watch, to others, she was the old karate badass, to few... she was Rory's mother.

"We have selected thirteen of you to go on to the next round." Kim said. "Please join us on stage as Sensei Barnes calls on you."

"Hawk."

Rory smiled, clapping for the boy who now dawned an American flag mohawk... She wouldn't comment on it.

"Robby."

He glanced back, Rory standing in his row in the far back. She smiled as she clapped for him. She knew he would make it, she knew that the majority of her friends would.

"Miguel. Sam. Tory. Aurora."

Rory shut her eyes and let out a sigh of relief. She made it. She made it to the second round at least. She smiled softly as she made her way on stage and stood next to Tory, the blonde girl giving her a reassuring smile.

"Muscles."

The group grew silent. No one in the dojo went by that name.

Barnes pointed over to Mitch. "Yeah, you."

"I have a new nickname?" Mitch asked with a smile.

"Get on stage, kid." Kim called.

Mitch laughed. "I have a new nickname!"

As he made his way up, he stood next to Rory. He sent a smile down the line as he spoke.

"What's up, ladies? Name's Muscles. Nice to meet you."

Rory rolled her eyes, she knew along with Mitch that no one was going to start calling him Muscles. He'd be lucky if people started calling him by his name.

One by one, Barnes went through the names.

Kenny. Nate. Chris. Demetri. Devon. And finally, Anthony.

"Congratulations, top thirteen." Layla said. "You will meet us back here tomorrow for round two. To the rest of you, hope this shows that you need to continue to work for what you want. Better luck next time."

Barnes turned towards Sam, Tory, and Rory. "You three. Fierce. Keep it up."

Rory left the stage along with the others but soon felt an arm tugging around her waist.

"I told you."

Rory smiled, even though they were both sweaty (by a gross margin), she still wrapped her arms around Robby. He picked her up with ease and spun the girl around before placing her down on her feet.

"Barcelona." Robby smiled.

Rory chuckled, brushing her loose strands of hair behind her ear. "We still have two more rounds."

"Who cares!" Robby smiled. "We're going to Barcelona!"

Rory's smile soon dropped as she rested her hands on her hips. "You don't think people are gonna think I was chosen because of my mom and my aunt right? Because I- I didn't know they were-"

"To Hell with what they think." Robby said, cutting the girl off. "Like she said, they trained you. You were chosen for the next round because they saw you for you."

Rory nodded. "Right." She sighed, letting out a soft chuckle. "Barcelona."

Robby's smile widened. "Barcelona, baby."

Robby's eyes sparkled with excitement as he gazed at Rory. Without another word, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.

The kiss was brief but intense, Rory felt like she was on cloud nine as Robby's arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close.

"Barcelona." Robby whispered against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

They were going to Barcelona, baby.

THE NEXT day, Miguel, Rory, and Eli stood side by side as they made sure their flags were secured around them, but loose enough for people to snatch off.

This exercise had been Kim's idea, something that she had been dreaming of doing for years now.

Soon, Demetri approached the trio.

"You ready?" Eli asked with a smile.

"Oh, I was born ready." Demetri answered. "Just like MIT, you're not going to Barcelona without me."

Demetri gave Miguel and Rory a soft smile before jogging off. The duo looked over at Eli with a soft look.

Rory chuckled. "What's wrong with you?" She asked. "You look sick."

Miguel nodded. "Every time he mentions MIT, you go gray."

"I didn't apply." Eli said softly.

"What?" The two exclaimed.

"That frat party we went to made me realize I never even looked at any other schools." He said.

Though Rory hadn't been to the frat party, she heard about it through the boys. It was crazy for them to think that Brucks could get into MIT, but that wasn't the point to make at the moment.

Eli continued. "We picked MIT before all this karate stuff. I just wanna see if there's a better option."

Miguel looked down at Rory before facing Eli. "We... We hear you, but MIT is pretty great."

"I know." Eli scoffed. "It's all Demetri can talk about. It's killing me."

"It's because he's excited and thinking he's going to school with his best friend." Rory said. "Look, I am the last person to defend Demetri, but think we're better friends now and believe, one hundred percent that you should tell him the truth."

"Top thirteen, get ready." Kim called.

Miguel and Rory gave Eli a soft smile before joining the others on the sparring deck. They stood in two lines as they listened to Kim's voice on the sidelines.

"Today's challenge is a Battle Royale." She began. "The rules are simple. Protect your flags. Steal the others. Lose your flags, and you're out. The ones with the most flags at the end go to Barcelona. The rest of you, if we are short the seven we need, will go on to the final challenge with Sensei Brewer..." Kim paused. Layla had stepped forward, whispering something in her ear. With a nod, Kim continued. "Those who are least will go on to the final challenge with Sensei Beasley. You have two minutes."

"Little tip." Johnny muttered. "Keep an eye on Devon today."

Kim rolled her eyes. "I've got eyes everywhere, Lawrence." Kim pulled her phone out, setting a two-minute timer. "Ready?" The students bowed to the person in front of them before standing upright once more and stood in fighting positions. "Fight!"

It was intense and making sure you were the one that the people should be watching was even worse. It was fun for sure, but that didn't matter when you knew that you could cut in less than two minutes.

"Time!" Kim shouted. "That's it!"

"Anthony!"

Rory turned, along with the others, at the sound of Daniel's voice. He rushed over to his son who now lay on the ground, holding his nose as Kenny stood above him with his back turned.

Kenny soon turned, his smile dripping from his face. "Oh, sh- shit. I'm sorry, LaRusso."

Soon, Daniel was by his side. "Are you okay?"

Kim sighed. "Sorry Kid, you're out." Kim rested her hand on Kenny's shoulder. "Nice work, Kenny."

Daniel looked her way, disgusted written on his face as he sat his son up. "Seriously? My son is bleeding here."

"And the Sekai Taikai would do worse." Kim said quickly. "If you don't recall I've been there. I've competed. That's why you called me. You want help and you're getting it. Maybe your son needs a new Sensei if you think he can't handle this." Kim turned facing the others with a genuine smile on her lips. "Line up with your flags."

The remaining students stood before Kim with their flags in their hands. Kim softly chuckled as she nodded her head, the difference who would be a shoo-in was clear by a vast margin.

"Hm. I'm impressed." She smiled. "We've clearly got our top five. Tory. Robby. Sam. Miguel. Aurora. You five are going to Barcelona." Kim's smile dropped slightly as she moved to stand before Devon, Eli, Demetri, and Kenny. "You four are tied. I will have you all meet us tomorrow, bright and early for your final challenge. Be prepared because this was easy."

Rory felt the weight of the world just lift from her shoulders. She was going to Barcelona. No ifs, and, or buts. She was going to Barcelona. She was competing in the Seikai Taikai and she was doing it with her boyfriend by her side.

This was glorious.

RORY HAD woken up earlier than usual the next morning. She would be driving with her mother and Kim to the middle of the woods where Barnes had been waiting.

The final challenge had been created by Layla and would probably be the most intense fight they wouldn't see.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were doing this?" Rory asked.

Layla sighed, looking over at Rory as they sat at one of the picnic tables.

"Because I would've hated the reaction you would've given me." Layla answered. "I didn't do this for you."

Rory furrowed her brows. "What?"

"I did this for me." Layla continued. "I grew up with karate. I'm lucky to have the career I have, but growing it was all about karate for me. I was... so passionate about it. I met your father because of it. I had you and Belle because of it." She sighed, brushing her long, brown hair behind her ear. "I did this because I wanted to feel like a kid again. Putting that gi on the other day was just... fulfilling. It was like a home away from home. And if I'm being honest, Aurora, I don't care if you were going to be angry with me because I did this for me. Why do you think I wanted Kim to address me as Sensei Beasley instead of Brewer?"

Rory watched as her mother spoke, a smile on both their faces as Layla talked. She didn't really know much about her mother and her journey with karate because she chose not to talk about it. Truly, Layla didn't think her children cared about her karate stories. She believed that they liked hearing them from Jack simply because he seemed more passionate about it. But when Layla saw the smile on Rory's face, she knew she was wrong.

"You could've at least that Kim was coming." Rory said, nudging her mother's arm.

Layla softly smiled, resting her head on Rory's shoulder. "Yeah, I could've done that."

The mother-daughter duo didn't sit there long as the crowd of Miyagi-Do students began flooding into the woods.

Layla sighed heavily before standing to her feet in front of the group of students.

"Good morning." She began. "The remaining four will have a fair chance. You've made it through the first two rounds, but keep in mind that will not be the final challenge. To seven who get to go to Barcelona, you still have so much to train for, but be wise, be smart, and be prepared. You four have the opportunity to prove yourselves. There are two flags in the forest. Whoever brings them back will be selected for Barcelona."

"Wait." Eli called. "That's it?"

"What if two of us find a flag at the same time?" Demetri asked.

Layla smirked. "You fight."

"Are there refs out there?" Daniel asked.

"Are there refs in the real world?" Layla argued. "Do what you have to do. Just bring me the flags back. It's that easy."

"But how-"

"I can't be any more clear." Layla said. "You four are on your own out there. The only people judging you are yourselves. Winning this game can change your lives." She continued. "You have ten minutes to do what you need to do. Use them wisely."

The ten minutes came and went and Devon, Kenny, Eli, and Demetri stood side by side as Layla raised her hand in the air. She brought it down in quick succession and watched as the four rushed past her.

And now, they would sit there in wait.

"Holy shit." Robby exclaimed. "Hey, Kenny won."

The applause for the young boy was loud, but would soon die down as he rushed past them and towards the porter-potty. He beat on the door harshly, begging for whoever was inside to hurry out.

But it was too late.

Kenny, in front of everyone, shit himself.

Bert, who was in the portable bathroom, stepped out, asking what the horrid smell was, and was pushed out of the way by Kenny who quickly stepped inside.

"Hey, guys." Sam called, quickly pulling the attention away from Kenny. "It's Devon. She won."

Devon jogged towards the others with the yellow flag in her hands as the others cheered.

"Where's Kenny?" She asked.

A little while later, Demetri came jogging out for the forest, and from the look on his face, he seemed disappointed, almost as if he'd given up.

Almost...

The plain expression sat on Demetri's face as he pulled out the red flag from his hoodie's pocket. Cheers broke out for the lanky boy as Eli slithered his way out of the forest.

Layla smiled, her hands clasped behind her back as she stood next to Demetri. "I give you Miyagi-Do's Team Sekai Taikai. Miguel. Sam. Robby. Rory. Tory. Devon. And Demetri."

Layla looked over at the seven, giving them a small smile before turning towards Johnny and Daniel and bowing before them.

"I wish you all luck." Layla softly spoke before leaving with Kim and Barnes.

Rory sighed. It seemed like the easy part was over. Either way, Rory was going to Barcelona. Being team captain would be the icing on the cake, but she wouldn't hold out for it. She would be up against Tory and Sam if she got the opportunity to even compete for captain. Her chances, to her, were slim to none, but she wouldn't worry about that.

For now, it was time to celebrate.

She gave Eli a gentle smile and a hug.

Truly, if she was being honest, he would've been her first time. Eli was strong and determined, it showed in his work ethic. She didn't know what happened in the forest and she probably would never know, but she didn't want to feel too sad about it. She felt sorry for Eli, but, for now, this was her moment.

After waving a small goodbye to Eli, she rushed over to Robby. He smiled once her arms were around him. This whole event, as redundant as it got, was life-changing. If anything, Rory had hoped Robby would make it through, even if she didn't make it, she would push for him to go without her.

But now, they were on the road together.

Nothing would change that.

— lucy has something to say !!

i listened to drivers license (as one does) and why am i only realizing that olivia ate down like 😭 i would be mad as hell if that was my song and that shit didn't pop off

anyway

people are allowed to like and dislike characters just because YOU don't like them doesn't mean you should make it my problem

anyway

hey kim xoxo

did moon fucking die???? where is the queen????

also i'm sad i never made miguel and rory close... like at some point i was gonna have the two of them kiss

kenny didn't deserve that like that's hella embarrassing like if that was me i would've done something drastic

bye :))))