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"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The Sekai Taikai Tournament of Champions." Gunther says, "Welcome, competitors, to the semifinal round of the Sekai Taikai. Each dojo will retain the points they have accumulated thus far. Each match will consist of three two-minute rounds with unlimited scoring and no stoppages."

"One point for a hit. Ten for a knockdown. And should anyone score a knockout, that's worth 20. So it's still anyone's tournament to win. Because at this stage of the tournament, no deficit is too large to overcome. Best of luck to you all. And may the best dojo win."

Nevaeh looks up as the front door is opened. Anthony smiles, "Hey, you made it."

"Yeah." Nevaeh says as Anthony steps aside for her to walk in, "Sorry I'm late."

"No worries." Anthony says shutting the door and leading her into the living room, "Pizza just got here if you're hungry."

"Okay." Nevaeh mutters. She smiles at Amanda as the two sit on the couch

•••

"Ladies and gentlemen, competitors and senseis, please welcome to the mat our first semifinalists." The announcer says, "From Furia de Pantera, Diego Aguilar. And from Cobra Kai, Kwon Jae-Sung."

As the two boys step onto the mat, the referee steps up, "Positions. Bow to me. Bow to each other. Fighters ready. Fight!"

The two circle each other before Diego runs toward Kwon. Kwon then jumps up and spins before kicking Diego directly in his chest. Sending him down to the floor.

Diego groans as the referee points toward Kwon, "Point!"

As the match goes on, Johnny catches Jamie pacing a few feet away from everyone. She takes a few deep breaths while she shakes her hands out. When she turns, her steps slow as Johnny approaches her.

"How you doing, Ms. Jackson?"

"Nervous." She sighs

"Point!" The referee calls out catching Jamie's attention

"Yeah, well, you're one of the best so, I know you'll pull through." He says. Jamie nods along although she didn't seem convinced, "Something else on your mind?"

Jamie looks up. Her mouth parting slightly as she hesitates. She then shakes her head, "No, I just- I really want to win this. I don't want to let anybody down."

"Point!"

"Listen, you were one of my first students." Johnny starts, "I saw something in you from the moment I started training you. You're a fighter and you've been through a lot. No matter what happened while you got there, you always made it through. And you're better because of it. You're one of my best, Jackson."

"Point!"

Jamie smiles, "Thanks, Sensei."

"Of course." Johnny says, "Now, shake out this nervous bullshit. You've got this."

Jamie nods with a chuckles before as taking another deep breath.

"Point!" The ref calls out again. As Jamie finally looks back toward the mat, she just barely catches Kwon sending two kicks to Diego's face. The boy falling to the ground unconscious.

The ref gets down and signals toward the announcer, "The winner by knockout, earning an impressive 27 points for Cobra Kai along with the first spot in our boys' final, Kwon Jae-Sung!"

"Next up, Maria Àlvarez from Furia de Pantera against Zara Malik of Iron Dragons." The announcer says as the two girls step onto the mat, "Fight!"

"Jamie."

The girl turns and a small smile takes over her features as Brittany steps closer, "Hi. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. Well, no, but I'll be fine." She smiles shaking her head, "I just wanted to talk to you before your match. I didn't get a chance to see before you got here, so I hope it's okay."

"Yeah, of course."

"Point!"

"I just wanted to apologize for last night." Brittany says, "I never meant to put you on the spot like that. None of this has anything to do with you. You should be focused on your tournament, not keeping secrets for your dad. I want to say I'm sorry for any part I had in your stress."

Jamie's face softens, "No, Brittany. I don't blame you for anything. I was really anxious about it all, but I was just nervous about telling you. I didn't want to upset you or hurt you any more than the actual secret would."

"Point!"

"I'm not upset with you at all, Jamie." Brittany says stepping closer, "I'm very grateful that you were honest with me."

"Of course." Jamie nods with a small smile

"But I don't want any of this to be on your mind while you're competing. I know that this can change your life."

"Yeah, it can." Jamie chuckles

"Point!" The ref says, "Point!"

"Then it's better that you're at your best." Brittany smiles, "If it means anything, I appreciate what you did for me."

Jamie lets out a sigh, "No, it means a lot."

"Good." Brittany laughs, "I can't wait to watch you compete."

"You're staying?" Jamie asks

"Of course." Brittany says, "I came to support you. That's what I'm gonna do."

Jamie smiles before pulling Brittany into a hug. Brittany lets out a surprised gasp before pulling Jamie closer.

"Thank you." Jamie says

"Of course." Brittany says rubbing her back

"And Zara Malik moves on to the girls' final with a dominant shutout." The announcer says, "Up next, our second boys' semifinal, Axel Kovačević of Iron Dragons versus Robby Keene of Miyagi-Do."

Brittany pulls away, "I know Robby's on your team so, you'll wanna be there to support him. I'll be up there supporting you."

Jamie smiles, "Thanks, Brittany."

"Anytime, sweetheart."

Jamie's smile widens as Brittany nods to her. Jamie then turns away and walks back over to her team. Her heart and shoulders now feeling a lot lighter now that she knew she hadn't upset Brittany. She takes a second to look back at Brittany. The woman giving her a small wave before making her way back toward the stands. Jamie smiles to herself as she continues on toward her team.

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