𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋 ᵃˣᵉˡ ᵏᵒᵛᵃᶜᵉᵛⁱᶜ

05

-🥋-

chapter five

MADDIE

My adrenaline rush is higher than ever.

As I look at the elimination stage, I can feel myself bouncing on the balls of my feet, itching to get up there.

"We have now entered the elimination phase of the Sekai Taikai," the presenter says. "The dojos who do not win will be headed home. The previous rounds have determined your current rankings. The number one team will face the number sixteen team. The number two team will face the number fifteen team and so on and so on."

"At twelve we're facing Dublin Thunder, number five," Demetri announces to the group.

"I heard they started a fight last night on a beach with some locals," Hawk says. "They're always looking for a brawl."

A platform is lowered from the roof. "The fighters will face off on this platform. But this time two fighters from a dojo are allowed to fight at the same time. If one of your fighters fall they are out. But another team mate can climb up and take their place. However the fight never stops so get up there quick. Do not leave your teammate up there two on one. When all the fighters of a dojo have been knocked off the team is out."

The Iron Dragons make their way up first. Axel and Zara start on the platform, never leaving it once during their fight. As soon as the last member of the defending dojo is knocked off, Zara blows a kiss to the crowd while Axel yells out at his team in victory.

I feel happy for him. While he looks like a nightmare to fight, he's a genuinely nice guy. He helped me with the turtle hatch, brought me a new water bottle and walked me to my room. He's a damn good fighter who deserves to progress, even if his teammate is a cocky little witch.

He's consumed my thoughts lately, and I don't even think I'm mad about it.

Hawk scoffs as Axel jumps off the platform. "Was this dude made in a lab?"

Demetri looks at the platform in shock. "He looks like a mix between the Winter Soldier and Frankenstein's monster."

"Don't call him a monster when he's not." I snap my head around to look at him. "You don't even know him."

I turn away from him, looking back up at the platform as Cobra Kai seals their win, leaving us up next against Dublin Thunder.

"Alright, bring it in," Johnny says, forming us all in a huddle. "I've got something to say. It's been a tough day. But I want you to know that I believe with every bone in my body that you can do this. You guys know more about balance than me, so remember everything Sensei LaRusso said. Use all your Miyagi-Do skills and stay up there. I think we should start strong with our captains. Maddie, Robby. Demetri you go next. Hawk, Sam. And Miguel's our anchor. Let's do this."

I bow to Johnny, before walking towards the platform and jumping onto it. I glance over at Robby, who's stood beside me. He holds his fist out to me. I lean over, doing the Miyagi-Do handshake.

Bouncing on the balls of my feet, I watch as two teenagers in orange uniforms run at us. The boy of the team hurls himself at me, swinging his fists in every direction. I slap my hand on the back of his head pushing him farther away from me and towards the edge of the platform. I jump towards him, doing an aerial in the air and using my foot to swipe across his face. He falls to the floor, right as Robby falls off the platform.