MOMENT OF TRUTH¹ eli moskowitz (in EDITING)

underdogs

The students were under complete pressure as they had to compete against one another to see if they got what it takes to be in the top seven.

"The Sekai Taikai is coming." Johnny yelled, "It's up to us to pick our seven most badass fighters."

"And there are no easy decisions." Daniel spoke, "We know you all wanna go to Barcelona."

"Some of you think you're shoo-ins, that you're at the top of your game. That nothing or no one can stop you."

"And some of you think you're the underdogs, and you don't know if you have what it takes, and that you feel left out and left behind."

"But it's a level playing field. Anything can happen."

"Each and every one of you has a shot. So, as we make our evaluations, do your best."

"Now is not the time to puss out."

"Even though we're competing against each other, we are still one dojo. And it's time to bring out the best in all of us."

"So, which of you has what it takes to be in our top seven?"

•♪~†~♪•

Amara was walking around with Demetri and Hawk at school as they were discussing the Sekai Taikai.

"It's obvious Sam, Tory, Robby, and Miguel are in the top four." Amara told the boys.

"Amara, you and Hawk are no-brainers for the fifth and sixth. It's really only that seventh spot that's up for grabs." Demetri told her.

"Yeah, and it's yours for the taking." Hawk said, with his giant USA flag of a mohawk.

"I appreciate the support, but I ran a statistical analysis."

"And what did that analysis say," Amara questioned, "That Demetri Alexopoulos, captain of Miyagi-Do Karate competes in the Sekai Taikai and wins."

Hawk chuckled at Amara's enthusiasm as Demetri smirked. "No."

Amara sighed, "Demetri, come on. What did you analyze in your analysis?" She asked as Hawk wrapped his arm over her shoulder.

"While there is an 18% chance you two are right, mainly Eli. The smart money is on Kenny." Demetri told the two. "I mean, he did beat you in that head-to-head." Amara and Hawk quickly turned over at him as Demetri corrected himself. "Uh, cheap shot notwithstanding."

"Ok, Payne's got power. But so do you." Hawk encouraged, "Don't count yourself out, man."

"Hmm. I prefer to focus on something actually achievable." Demetri said as they rounded the corner onto the hall their class was on, "Getting into MIT. Early Action decisions come out any day now, you know."

"Yeah, I know." Hawk said to him. Amara sensed a little forceness from him. Something was up.

"Hey, man, come on. Have no fear. I may not have confidence about becoming a world karate champion, but I know that MIT cannot turn down the Binary Bros."

Amara chuckled as she led the boys into their classroom. The two got into their seats as Demetri sat in the back with Kali.

"Ok, what's going on with you?" Amara asked Hawk, "Everytime Demetri mentions MIT it's like you shut him out."

"I'm not trying to. It's just annoying."

"But I thought MIT was your dream?"

Hawk sighed, "More so his. I just want to keep my options open. My heart is not set on MIT. Just like your heart isn't set on Yale."