A Pause

Slightly Bigger Talk

" Guys, get up." Miguel and Robby had almost gotten all the Miyagi-Do's up. Sam was in the bathroom getting ready, and Devon had already changed. She was watching TV. Kenny went back to the other room to get ready, and Demetri and Eli were still asleep. 

" I'm up. I'm up." Demetri said, slurring slightly. 

" Come on! We have 10 minutes." Miguel said. " Robby, have a little more life in your eyes." 

" Where did you get this energy?" Eli asked. " You didn't even sleep." 

" No clue," He replied.

Robby was sitting under the window, trying to remember how Tory looked. Was she mad at him? Did she want him to apologize? He gladly would. Should he finally pin her down and get a confession out of her? Get her to admit her feelings? Or would that make her more upset? He didn't know. 

Kenny reentering the room brought Robby out of his reverie. Sam also exited the bathroom and joined the rest of the group. Her hair was wet and put into a ponytail. 

" Tonight we're actually sleeping." She said, sinking to the floor. 

" Agree." Devon replied. 

" It's only 1 so we'll be able to sleep." Miguel replied. " Tonight I mean." He added when Demetri looked at him confused.

" But if anything goes wrong with this conversation, I'm going to tell on Chozen." Eli said. 

" We can't. We promised." Sam said, brushing Devon's hair. 

" Promised what?" Daniel asked, walking in.

" To sleep at 8." Miguel covered up.

" That's good I guess?" It was a statement but it came out as a question. 

" So.. uh any good news?" Robby asked quickly.

" So there were... complications to say with the judges. They found that during deaths the tournament would continue, with the dojo either getting a new participant or forfeiting. But since it's modern times they think it's best to end the tournament."

" But we came all this way!" Eli shouted.

" We worked so hard!" Sam added.

" Did you try to convince them?" Miguel asked. 

" Well see... we sort of did. It's in between yes and no. They still aren't sure. They're ruling it out with the sponsors of the tournament. So as of right now we just have to wait a few days." 

It was quiet for a second. Everyone started pondering the idea of the tournament still being on. Could they focus enough to beat the Iron Dragons? 

Miguel was the first to speak. " Ok. So we wait a few days, hear the results, and keep up training. How hard could it be?" 

" Like the positive attitude Diaz." Johnny said. He just nodded back at him. 

" Why don't we all go out for a dinner. As a group. " Daniel suggested. " I'll pay." He added when no one responded.

Eli shrugged. " I'm down." 

" I could go with a free meal." Demetri said. 

" Why not." Miguel said.

" Ok. Meet us in the lobby at 5. " He said, before tuning to leave. Johnny followed after him.

" Guys, its dinner. It can't be that bad." Robby said when everyone started to panic. 

" That's the problem." Sam said ." Nothing ever goes well." 

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The door was open before Tory could even knock. 

" What do you want Nichols?" Sensei Kim said, her hair in the usual long braid.

" Robby told me what happened." She said, harshly. " You can't judge me for looking at him when you're literally fucking with the enemy!" Tory exclaimed. Sensei Kim's eyes widened, before going back to it's usual harsh scold.

" I don't know what you're talking about." 

Tory looked at her, then nodded. " You're right. I'm sure Kreese would love to hear this tale." She started to turn away, then Sensei Kim grabbed onto her.

"Get off me!" She shouted.

" You are not going to tell him." She said, with the smallest bit of fear in her eye, and Tory could tell. 

" Or what?" Tory questioned, trying to get Kim off her.

" Or..." She cut off and looked to the ground. She slowly released Tory, and once she was loose enough Tory pushed her off.

" Nichols, look. I'm sure Sensei Kreese won't be happy to find out you've been hanging out with that...boy." She emphasized. " So you keep this a secret, and I'll keep yours. Ok?" 

" No. He knows I've been with Robby. But this," She laughed without humor, " This will repay for what you did to my hand." She said.

" If you do this you might not get a chance at the tournament," She said. " If it continues." She added under her breath. 

Tory continued walking. 

" If you do it the boy will pay." She must have been desperate because those words caught Tory's attention. 

Tory took a controlling breath and asked in the most polite voice she could muster, " Why?" She took another deep breath. " Why did you do it?" 

" I've known Kwon since he was born. He was like an ambitious son to me." She said. 

" Well he's gone now." Tory said, bitterly.  Sensei Kim's head shot up. 

" I am still your Sensei. You have to listen to me." 

" No. I have something against you now." 

" Nichols... you think what I did to your hand is bad? I didn't even touch you." She threatened. " I can do worse, so you better make good choices, you understand? And don't tell Kreese." 

Tory took one look at her. She looked dead serious. 

" Yes Sensei." Tory said, with no intention to keep that promise. She turned to walk away, thinking of all the ways to get back at her.