IRON FISTS || Axel Kovacevic

II - Let The Games Begin

chapter 2: Let The Games Begin

The Sekai Taikai arena was a spectacle of its own, a cavernous hall transformed into a battlefield of potential. Bright lights illuminated the polished mats, each inch of the space radiating the weight of history and prestige. Dojos from across the globe had gathered, their banners bold and their stances prouder, but it was the tension in the air that stood out—the collective promise of blood, sweat, and honor to be spilled.

Miyagi-Do had arrived early, their team standing in disciplined formation near the center of the mat. Their white karate-gis bore the familiar tree emblem, the symbol of their quiet resilience. They were calm, centered, unyielding. Their presence was a silent declaration of their readiness to face whatever came next.

The energy shifted when Cobra Kai entered the arena.

The double doors swung open with authority, the sound echoing in the vast hall like a thunderclap. Heads turned as a procession of black karate-gis made their way in, the cobra emblem gleaming under the bright lights. At the forefront was Kwon, his steps purposeful, his expression carved from stone. Beside him was Jisoo, her movements fluid yet deliberate, a storm bottled behind her steady gaze.

Behind them followed three more members of Cobra Kai, their faces set with determination. The group exuded a raw, unapologetic energy, each step carrying the weight of their training and the defiance they wore like second skin.

And then came Tory Nichols.

Her entrance was almost theatrical, her steps sharper, her presence undeniable. She was the kind of fighter who didn't need words to command attention, and the room responded accordingly.

From where he stood at the edge of the mat, Kreese surveyed the arena. His eyes swept over the gathered dojos, his expression unreadable but his mind undoubtedly calculating. With a faint smile, he muttered to himself, "Let the games begin."

Jisoo caught the words, her sharp ears attuned to the subtle. Her brows furrowed slightly, curiosity sparking as she followed his gaze. He wasn't looking at the competition in general; his focus was laser-sharp, fixed on one point.

She traced his line of sight and saw them.

Miyagi-Do stood stiff, their usual serenity replaced with unease. Their expressions betrayed their composure as their eyes settled on Tory. Troubled, cautious, wary—Jisoo could see it all written on their faces. She tilted her head, intrigued, and the faintest smirk tugged at her lips.

What's the story there? she wondered, the question buzzing in her mind. But she didn't dwell on it.

A prickle of heat pulled her attention elsewhere, a sensation that crawled up her spine and settled at the back of her neck. Eyes were on her—burning, relentless. Her instincts kicked in, and her gaze shifted, scanning the room.

There they were.

The Iron Dragons stood gathered, a force of their own making. Their silver-emblazoned jackets reflected the lights, their movements less predatory than Cobra Kai but no less commanding. At the edge of their group stood Zara, her presence sharp and watchful. And beside her was Axel.

He was impossible to miss. Towering above the others with his 6'3 frame, Axel carried himself with quiet confidence, a presence that didn't need to shout to be heard. His posture was casual, but his eyes were anything but—they were steady, calculating, and locked onto her.

Jisoo's lips curled into a mocking smirk as her gaze flicked to Zara. With a deliberate slowness, she winked, the gesture dripping with provocation. Zara's jaw tightened, her posture stiffening as the taunt landed.

Jisoo didn't linger on Zara's reaction. Instead, her gaze shifted back to Axel.

Their eyes met, a silent clash of wills. His expression didn't waver, but there was something in the way he held her gaze—unflinching yet restrained, as if weighing his next move. Jisoo raised an eyebrow, her smirk deepening, but Axel was the one to break the connection first.

Interesting, she thought, filing the moment away for later.

Meanwhile, the organizer of the Sekai Taikai stepped onto a raised platform at the center of the arena. His voice boomed through the speakers, commanding the attention of every fighter, every sensei, every spectator.

"Welcome to the Sekai Taikai," he began, his words laced with gravitas. "You stand here not just as representatives of your dojos, but as representatives of the values you carry—discipline, strength, and perseverance. This is not merely a tournament; this is a test, a proving ground for the best martial artists in the world."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking into the collective consciousness of those gathered. Jisoo listened, her expression unchanging, but her mind was sharp, cataloging every detail of her surroundings.

The organizer continued, his speech weaving tales of past champions, of battles that transcended mere technique and entered the realm of legacy. His words painted a picture of what was at stake—glory, honor, and the chance to etch their names into history.

"The finals of the Sekai Taikai will consist of matches between captains," he announced, his tone firm and clear. "It is here that the true test will unfold. The strongest teams will face off, not just in skill, but in spirit. Only those with the will to lead, to fight for their dojo and their honor, will stand at the top."

She felt Zara's stare burn even more intensely, as she smirked. Jisoo had a purpose, and a fighter from Iron Dragons would not be what stopped her from reaching it.

For Jisoo, it was more than just history. It was vindication, proof of her worth. She didn't fight for glory alone; she fought to silence every doubt, to crush every expectation, to rise above every shadow cast over her.

As the speech drew to a close, the teams began to disperse, moving toward their respective check-in stations. Cobra Kai stayed tight, their movements deliberate as they approached the desk where room cards were being distributed.

Jisoo noticed Tory moving ahead of the group, her pace quick and her expression unreadable. It wasn't like Tory to rush, and it caught Jisoo's attention.

"What the hell?" Jisoo wondered, her voice casual but laced with curiosity.

Jisoo's eyes lingered on Tory for a moment longer before she turned away, her thoughts already moving to other matters. There were games to play, battles to fight, and pieces to move on this board.

And Jisoo, as always, was ready.

a/n:

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