The Crane Kick

The New Fighters

~MIGUEL POV~

I waited to see where Athena was, and was shocked when I saw her walk back in with Johnny and Daniel. I saw everyone's guards instantly go up, and even mine went up. Robby smiled and hugged her when she made her way over her. Sam made her way back over to us, and Athena shrunk into herself.

"What is she doing over here?" Chris asked.

"Nothing." Athena croaked. "Nothing. I don't want to be here anymore then you want me here. I'm only here because Dad and Johnny made me come over here."

"Hey, it's alright." Sam said immediately. "It's alright. You can stand with us."

I glanced at the door way, and I watched as both Robby and Athena pale. Silver walked in with a familiar blonde girl, though I couldn't quite remember who she was.

"Tilly." Athena mumbled. "That's what she meant earlier."

No one questioned what she said, but Sam turned back towards Johnny, Daniel and Chozen. "Dad, who the hell is that?"

"Matilda Lawrence." Johnny said. "That's my daughter and Robby's sister. She was sent to juvie after she beat the shit out of a kid at summer camp."

"Oh yeah, that was me." Athena shrugged.

"I'm sorry, what?"

Athena ignored my Dad's burning look and focused on Sam. "Sam, I need you to listen to me. Tilly, she fights dirty. If you thought I fought dirty and rough, just fucking wait until you fight her. She always kicks towards the legs, and then sends a punch to the side. Despite her height, she's fast. When you fight her, she'll talk to you to sike you out. Even when you think you've got her out of your head, she's going to snake her way in and when you're distracted, she'll strike."

Sam nodded slowly, and then suddenly turned towards her Dad. "Dad, I think Athena should fight her."

Athena nearly got whiplash from jerking her head over to look at her. "What?"

"Sam, I don't-"

"Athena, you know how to fight her," Sam said turning back towards the younger girl. "You've dealt with her before. Plus you deserve a shot of redemption."

Athena didn't answer and I watched as Daniel walked over to the table and told them the change. Athena's face was pale as she looked at us in horror. "Fine. I'll fight. But this is for Miyagi-Do. Not for me. If I win, you guys keep the trophy. I don't fucking want it."

"We are ready for the girls fight now." The ref said. "Athena LaRusso and Matilda Lawrence please come to the mat."

I watched as Athena finished putting on the white gi, and her dad handed her a Lotus flower headband. Matilda walked forward in a Cobra Kai gi, a black headband tied around her head. I glanced at Robby and Sam, knowing this fight wasn't going to go well at all.