VULNERABLE

Chapter 1: Prologue

(Note: I had posted this chapter on Tumblr. I decided to post it on Wattpad and soon on AO3, but I made some edits to this chapter compared to the one on Tumblr)

**I made edits to the dates of the present timeline and some details since I noticed it was a little off. But still happy reading**

December 19th, 1984

All-Valley under 17 Karate Tournament

Loud cries and cheers roar within the arena. Their applause made it fairly obvious that Johnny Lawrence would once again be the champion of the under 18 Karate All-Valley Tournament. Despite the fact that Johnny wanted to fight Daniel himself to settle things once and for all. But Sensei Kreese has other plans, using Bobby to mercilessly injure LaRusso, much to his friend's disgust of his sensei's violent method and disqualification.

"All right ladies and gentlemen! This is the moment we've been waiting for. The presentable-" the announcer's next words were abruptly cut by Ali tapping his shoulder, whispering incoherent words to the announcer. Johnny glances at his ex-girlfriend with confusion and curiosity.

"Daniel LaRusso's gonna fight?" The announcer questions in shock, giving Johnny a whiplash at him. He turns back to his sensei who appears just as surprised. He glances behind him to see his very rival limp his way to the ring.

No way...he's set on really beating me . Johnny thinks in his head. Once Daniel reaches the ring and stands in front of him, they both bow curtly. They get into their fighting stances, Johnny being ready to fight him and end this.

"FIGHT!!!" Just as the referee shouts the command, Johnny strikes first by lunging a strong kick to his rival, only for Daniel to dodge this swiftly and putting him on defense. Johnny decides to continue attacking, staying on offense yet each hit he uses was either blocked or dodged with Daniel's own moves. Frustrated, Johnny unleashes a wide roundhouse to kick Daniel, but this only leaves him open and vulnerable. With one swift block, Daniel punches Johnny in his abdomen. Earning a point and with the crowd cheering wildly in their ears.

LARUSSO - 1

LAWRENCE - 0

Johnny couldn't believe it. He allowed Daniel to score a point because he was too caught up in trying to fight him fairly that his vulnerability caused him to lose this match. Getting back into fighting stances, Johnny strikes first again with newfound vigor. He attacks Daniel before pushing him down on the mat to strike him and earn a point, but it was fruitless as Daniel kicks him off and regains his stance while limping.

The Cobra Kai prodigy aims a kick, but Daniel instantly drops down on the mat followed by him sweeping and capturing Johnny's legs, pulling him down harshly before striking Johnny's head. Leading to the crowd cheering for LaRusso's second point.

LARUSSO - 2

LAWRENCE - 0

After that attack, Johnny touches his nose only to feel blood cascading down. Irritation and panic courses through his veins when he hasn't scored a single point against Daniel. One more point was all his rival needed to win this championship. It was NERVE WRACKING at this point. The referee ordered both of them to go to their senseis all while Johnny gets insulted by his teammates for being a 'cream puff'.