Fairytale • Robby Keene

nine

"Miguel Diaz is moving into the finals. Next up, Hawk versus Keene." The announcer exclaimed.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation as Robby and Hawk, two fierce competitors, prepared to face off.

Odette's stomach twisted with nerves, her heart racing in her chest. It felt surreal, watching Robby, the person she'd grown so close to, about to square off against Hawk, someone she had known since the start of high school. The two sides of her world were about to collide, and she couldn't shake the tension in her body.

Odette, Amanda and Anthony cheered enthusiastically as Robby took his place on the mat. The tension was palpable, and Odette couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement as she watched Robby. He had come so far, and now it was his chance to show everyone what he was capable of.

Amanda sighed and gave her husband a sidelong glance. "Oh, come on. You're not gonna cheer for your own student?"

"No, he's not my student." Daniel corrected her, his tone soft but firm, his lips pressed into a thin line. He glanced at Amanda, frustration evident in his features. "All right, I... Amanda, I can't. The kid lied to me."

"So, he lied. So what? He's a kid who obviously wasn't in it with Johnny or he wouldn't be fighting his students." Amanda pointed out.

Hawk—Eli—burst onto the scene with his usual over-the-top confidence, his dramatic entrance earning a mix of cheers and boos from the audience. He jumped onto the mat with theatrical flair, ready to face Robby.

"Prepare to face the fury of the Hawk." Eli challenged with a smirk.

The two teenagers bowed to the referee, their expressions focused and determined. Then, they turned to face each other and bowed once more, acknowledging their opponent with respect.

"Fighting positions! Ready.... and fight!" The referee shouted, signaling the start of the match.

The atmosphere in the gymnasium grew tense as Robby and Hawk squared off. Odette could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her as she watched intently. Robby was quick to make the first move, attempting to land a swift kick aimed at Hawk. But Hawk was ready—he blocked the kick with his arm and stepped back, evading Robby's foot with practiced precision.

Before Robby could react, Hawk launched himself forward, wrapping an arm around Robby's torso and tossing him to the ground with surprising force. He quickly followed up by punching Robby in the stomach, causing Odette to wince as she watched him struggle to regain his balance.

Nervously, Odette fidgeted with her hands, a habit she had developed when she was anxious. Her eyes were glued to the mat, watching Robby carefully as he pushed himself back to his feet. He was getting up, but there was something about the way he stood that told her he wasn't fully there mentally—like something was off.

Daniel, sitting just a few seats away from her, had been observing the match with a furrowed brow.

"He's not focused." He muttered under his breath before rising to his feet and cupping his hands around his mouth. "Remember what you learned, Robby!"