IRON FISTS || Axel Kovacevic

VI - Welcome To Barcelona

chapter 6: Welcome to Barcelona
warnings: violence, foul language.

THE BUZZ IN THE ARENA WAS ELECTRIC. Fighters from all over the world lined the mats, each team dressed in their respective colors, exuding an intimidating aura of confidence. Jisoo stood amidst the crowd, her Cobra Kai gi pristine, her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. She could hear the faint hum of murmured conversations, boots tapping against the polished floors, and the sharp bark of Sensei Kim directing their final preparations.

The presenter's voice boomed over the speakers, drawing the attention of the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first round of the Sekai Taikai! The competition will commence with a team battle format. Four groups—A, B, C, and D—each consisting of four dojos. Rules are simple: if you hit the mat, you're out. But if the captain of your dojo hits the mat, your entire team is eliminated!"

Jisoo's eyes drifted to the massive LED board overhead. Her team's name, Cobra Kai, glowed in bold letters, listed under Group A. Just below them was Iron Dragons. Her gaze instinctively searched the crowd until she locked eyes with Axel. His face was unreadable, his jaw set in calm concentration. Jisoo quickly looked away, her stomach twisting with irritation at herself for giving him even a moment of her attention.

"Focus," she muttered under her breath.

The teams huddled at the edges of the mats to discuss strategy. Jisoo crouched with her team in a tight circle, her mind already racing with possibilities.

"We should go straight for Miyagi-Do," Tory said, her voice firm. "They'll protect the egg—stick close to their captain, which makes them predictable."

Kwon scoffed, crossing his arms. "And why should we listen to you? You're not even captain."

Jisoo's jaw clenched at the blatant disrespect. She shot Kwon a glare. "She's right," she said, her voice cutting through the tension. " Tory had been a miyagi do. She knows they're defensive fighters. We can use that against them."

Kwon rolled his eyes. "That's easy to say when you're not in charge of leading this team."

"I am in charge," Jisoo snapped, her voice icy. "So maybe you should start listening for once."

She turned her head towards Sensei Kim, who stood at the edge of their circle, arms crossed and expression impassive. Kim's slight nod was all Jisoo needed. She straightened her posture, her gaze locking on Kwon's.

"Tory, follow my lead," she whispered, her tone brooking no argument.

Tory grinned and nodded. "Got it."

The whistle blew, signaling the start of the match.

The teams spread out on the mat, moving like predators circling their prey. Jisoo's heart thundered in her chest, but her expression remained cold and focused. She darted straight toward the cluster of Miyagi-Do fighters, targeting their weaker links.

Her first opponent was a lanky boy, his stance defensive and uncertain. Jisoo didn't give him a chance to react. She launched herself into the air, landing a flying kick square against his chest. The impact sent him sprawling onto the mat.

"Demetri is out!" someone announced.

Jisoo barely registered the name, already scanning for her next target. A boy with a mohawk lunged at her, his movements aggressive but unrefined. She sidestepped his attack with ease, delivering a swift roundhouse kick to his ribs. He stumbled, and a sharp strike to his chest sent him crashing onto the mat.

Someone's voice echoed through the arena. "Hawk is out!"

Jisoo smirked, her confidence building. She turned to find her next opponent, her gaze landing on a boy with tanned skin and dark hair. His movements were smooth, his stance solid. He exuded a quiet confidence that set him apart from the others.

She approached him cautiously, her muscles coiled like a spring. Their exchange was fast and intense—punches and kicks flying, each one countered with precision. He was good, she admitted begrudgingly, but she was better.

Just as she prepared to deliver a decisive blow, a loud thud echoed across the mat.

"Miyagi-Do's captain is out!" the announcer declared.

Jisoo glanced over her shoulder to see Kwon standing over the Miyagi-Do captain, his expression smug. The rest of the Miyagi-Do team stood frozen, their shoulders slumping in defeat.

The Cobra Kai fighters regrouped, forming a tight line at the edge of the mat. Tory crossed her arms, her lips curling into a smirk. "Not bad. There's still four of us left, and we didn't get knocked down."

"Yet." Yoon muttered, nodding toward the remaining Iron Dragons team.

Jisoo followed his gaze, her stomach sinking slightly. The entire Iron Dragons team was retreating off the mat, leaving only two figures behind—their captains, Zara and Axel.

Zara's sharp gaze locked onto Jisoo, a cruel smirk tugging at her lips. Jisoo felt the weight of her stare, her fingers curling into fists.

"They're showing off," Kwon muttered.

Tory rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Let's take them down."

The whistle blew again, and the second match began.

Jisoo wasted no time. She darted straight toward Zara, the two captains clashing in a flurry of punches and kicks. Zara was fast and vicious, her strikes precise and relentless. But Jisoo met her with equal intensity, refusing to back down.

Tory moved in to assist, but Zara's speed and agility made her a difficult target. Within moments, Tory was knocked to the mat, her expression furious as she stormed off.

Yoon and Kwon focused on Axel, but his calm, methodical movements made him an equally formidable opponent. Jisoo couldn't spare them a glance, her attention fully consumed by her battle with Zara.

Their fight was brutal and unyielding. Zara landed a sharp kick to Jisoo's ribs, sending her stumbling dangerously close to the edge of the mat. The crowd held its breath as Jisoo teetered on the brink of elimination.

Summoning every ounce of strength and balance she had, Jisoo executed a side flip, narrowly avoiding the mat. The maneuver drew gasps from some people near, and even Zara hesitated for a split second, her expression flashing with surprise.

Jisoo smirked, using Zara's brief distraction to land a powerful roundhouse kick. Zara staggered but recovered quickly, her eyes narrowing with determination.

Across the mat, Kwon engaged Axel in a fierce exchange of blows. But Axel's calm demeanor never wavered, his movements efficient and precise. With a final, devastating kick, Kwon hit the mat, the impact echoing like a drumbeat.

The announcer's voice rang out, sealing Cobra Kai's fate. "Cobra Kai's captain is out! Iron Dragons take the win!"

Jisoo froze, her chest heaving as she stared at Kwon sprawled on the mat. Anger surged through her, hot and unrelenting.

"You idiot," she muttered in korean under her breath, glaring daggers at him.

Kwon met her gaze with equal fury, his jaw tightening.

Before Jisoo could say anything else, Zara stepped up beside her, leaning in close. Her voice was a low, mocking whisper. "Welcome to Barcelona, bitch."

Jisoo's jaw tightened, her nails digging into her palms. Zara walked away, her laughter ringing in Jisoo's ears as she joined Axel in celebrating their victory.

Jisoo turned away, her expression cold and unreadable as she rejoined her team. But the fire in her eyes spoke volumes—this wasn't over.

a/n

this is starting to get interestingggg

your comments are literally what's keeping me going, so i'm thankfully not on writers block because of yall

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