Brutal - Robby Keene

02-01. Betrayals

Mar hugged her gi to herself as they got out of the car, staring up at the tall building where the SeiKai TaiKai was taking place. She couldn't help but to feel overwhelmed and just a little bit nervous.

"Ready?" A voice asked, causing the girl to look to her right. It was Robby, her favorite person in the entire world. Her world. She inhaled deeply and gave him a small smile, nodding firmly in response.

Robby saw through his girlfriend's facade. He interlocked their fingers, squeezing the girl's hand comfortingly. Her smile grew ever so slightly as she squeezed back his hand. She felt her nerves slowly fading away.

The couple then followed their senseis into the event, their teammates following behind them as they were the team captains. They all held a confident look on their face, yet their brains were haywire.

After signing up and making sure everything was in place, the group made their way unto their place on the mat.

They all stared in awe at the tournament set-up as they did so. Mar and Robby stood side by side, their hands behind their backs.

The group all exchanged excited and slightly nervous looks. This was just an introduction, yet they all felt butterflies in their stomachs.

However, all those butterflies were killed as they suddenly saw a group of korean boys walk in. There was a giant Cobra Kai logo on the back of their gi.

The groups all exchanged confused looks. Daniel and Johnny's brows were pulled together in confusion. They all remained hopeful, maybe it was just a coincidence.

Mar and Robby were the only people who had prepared themselves for the chance that Kreese would be back. They didn't want to tell the team because Tory asked them not to and they also agreed that there was no chance Kreese could be allowed into the tournament with all his charges.

But alas, they were proven wrong as both Kreese and Kim walked in after the three boys. They left a space in the middle.

The Miaygi-Do's were all equally stunned. Their heart was racing and they wore annoyed looks on their faces.

But nothing could prepare them for what happened next.

Tory Nichols and Alyssa Allens walked up, standing in the empty spot between Kreese and one of the other male students.

Mar immediately let out a breath, her lips parted in shock as her hands fell to her sides. She immediately looked to Miguel who was stood next to her. He was broken. It was written all over his face.

Mar scoffed in anger, shaking her head as she looked off to the side. She couldn't bear to watch any longer.

"Welcome, competitors, senseis, sponsors, and esteemed guests to Barcelona." The announcer spoke up, gaining everyone's attention. Daniel had informed her on the way that his name was Gunther. He did his research. "This year's home of the world's greatest karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai. The Sekai Taikai boasts a rich and proud history. And if you are here, it's because you embody all that the Sekai Taikai stands for. Leadership, respect, sportsmanship. Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands."

Robby and Mar exchanged a small smile before they both stepped forward. Mar inhaled deeply as she saw Tory and the boy she was next to step forward.

The captains then all tied their headbands around their head, Mar refrained as best as possible not to look at Tory.

"Captains, you will have the honor and privilege to compete in our televised tournament of champions." Gunther continued talking as everyone looked on. "But that is only if your dojo does well enough in our team competitions to make it to the final four. Once the tournament is over, we will then tally all the points your dojos have earned. The dojo with the most points wins the Sekai Taikai. Team events begin tomorrow. Each event counts. They will all be a surprise. But today, it's about enjoying our host city and making new friends. Or enemies."