Days had passed since that tense lunch, Sam's silence weighing like a thick fog that I couldn't dispel. "Well, I'll give her all the time she needs…" I murmured, my voice echoing in the emptiness of the house, the sound muffled by the walls that seemed to watch me with indifference. The world continued to spin outside, but inside, each hour seemed to stretch into a void that I tried to fill with work and stray thoughts.
From what I heard, everyone was gathering at Miyagi-Do, a whirlwind of events that I could only imagine. Interesting… I have no idea what's going to happen from now on in the series, I thought, the corner of my mouth rising in a crooked smile. I only watched until the end of season four, before I… died. At least it will be fun not knowing what's coming next. The uncertainty was a strange relief, a promise of surprises that I welcomed with a mixture of curiosity and nostalgia.
Riiing, riiing, riiing.
"Hm?" I picked up my phone, the sound cutting through the silence like a knife.
"Hello?" I answered, my tone cautious.
"Clark, it's Daniel," the voice on the other end replied, firm but filled with an intent I couldn't decipher.
"Daniel, what's wrong with you?" I asked, my heart giving a slight leap, the memory of that day in the backyard still fresh in my mind.
"There's a mini tournament tomorrow," he said, as direct as ever. "Want to come with us? But you'll have to wear our uniform to at least be there…"
"I can go," I replied hesitantly, the weight of the decision settling upon me. "The problem is, I'm not going to fight… It would be embarrassing for me, you know? I'm a werewolf, I can lift over five tons with ease. It wouldn't be fair to fight these kids…"
"Yeah, I know that," he said, his voice softening a little, as if he understood more than he was saying. "I just want you to come because I feel like Sam is a little sad without you around…"
"I see…" I murmured, my chest tightening with a mixture of guilt and longing, the echo of her voice still alive in me. "Okay then. What time is it tomorrow, local time?"
"Tomorrow at seven in the morning, here at my house," he replied. "I'll take us to the tournament."
"It's all right then," I confirmed, relief coloring my voice as I hung up, the sound of silence returning like a wave.
"Ahh, at least I have something to do tomorrow," I thought, looking out at the backyard where the gym under construction was taking shape, the sweat of the last few weeks glistening on the metal and wood. "I was tired of working on this construction site… At least it's almost done." I laughed softly, the hoarse sound escaping like a relief. "Thank goodness working as a bricklayer every now and then in my past life was worth something now, hahaha…"
The next day, at seven o'clock sharp, I arrived at the Larusso house, the sky tinged with soft shades of pink and orange, the fresh morning air carrying the scent of freshly cut grass. Before I could ring the bell, the door opened, and there stood Sam, eyes wide with surprise, hair still messy from sleep.
"Clark… What are you doing here at this hour?" she asked, her voice thick with shock and a hint of joy she couldn't hide.
"Your father invited me to the qualifying tournament today," I replied, a shy smile curving my lips as I stared at her, the warmth of her pulling me like a magnet.
"!!! Seriously?" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with a mixture of surprise and relief. "You agreed to come? I thought you thought this whole karate thing was boring, that it was just…"
"What?" I interrupted, chuckling softly, the light sound contrasting with the weight I was carrying. "Of course I don't think it's boring… I just can't participate, it would be unfair to everyone." I walked over to a rock on the ground, the size of a clenched fist, and threw a quick punch, the impact echoing like thunder as it shattered into pieces, the dust rising into the air like mist.
"…Wow, that was amazing," she murmured, her eyes wide with wonder, a tentative smile appearing. "You're right, it would be unfair to everyone… Clark, about us…" She paused, nervousness dancing in her voice, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "I'm still thinking about it, but I'm not going to break up or anything like that again. I'm just trying to figure out if I'm okay with you having other women… I… But no matter how hard I try, I can't accept it. Why can't it just be me? Aren't I enough for you?"
"Of course you're amazing," she said, her voice firm but gentle, as I stepped closer, wrapping her in a hug that seemed to erase the weight of her words. "Don't think about that now. You're more than enough for me, don't worry." The heat of her body against mine was a balm, and I felt the wolf inside me quiet for a moment, the turmoil subsiding at her touch.
Daniel cleared his throat loudly, the sound cutting through the air like a warning, drawing our attention. "Well, I see you're both okay now… That's good," he said, his tone dry but with a hint of approval I hadn't expected.
"Hi, Daniel," I greeted, letting go of Sam with a smile. "Thanks for inviting me. I was bored at home, setting up a backyard gym, but being alone all day is a pain…"
"Clark, why don't you go to college?" he asked, his eyes narrowed, assessing me as he always did. "From what I heard from Samantha, you're the same age and you're already out of high school. Why don't you go to college? It would certainly take the edge off your boredom…"
"…" I hesitated, the weight of the question catching me off guard, the wolf growling low in disdain. "I have serious problems sitting in a room listening to someone explain something to me… Spending another four years listening to that would be… hell, my friend."
"But that's life, Clark," he said, his voice firm, filled with a wisdom I couldn't ignore. "We have to make sacrifices to live in this world, for better or for worse. We need these things to live… I know you're rich and don't have to work, but think about it: do you really want to live your life without ever going to college? How will you feel when you're fifty or sixty?"
"…" I was silent, my gaze lost for a moment as his words echoed in me, each one like a brick falling into my mind. He's right… Life isn't all about having fun. I need responsibilities. "You're right, Daniel," I admitted, my voice low but filled with new determination. "I'll find something to do… I think I'll go to college, probably civil engineering… I like building things, I always have."
He smiled broadly, his eyes shining with genuine satisfaction. "Very good, Clark. I'm glad about that…"
I smiled back, the weight on my chest easing a little, a silent understanding forming between us. "Now, come, I'll give you your uniform," he said, guiding me inside as the day promised more than I had expected.
A few hours later, we stood at the Cobra Kai dojo, the air thick with the smell of sweat and adrenaline, the mats lined up like battlefields awaiting their warriors. Many eyes turned to me as I entered, surprise dancing on their faces like moving shadows.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Miguel exclaimed, hatred blazing in his eyes like a flame he couldn't put out.
"Mr. Larusso, what is he doing here?" Roby asked, his voice thick with suspicion, his fists clenched at his sides.
"Clark just came to watch," Daniel replied, his tone calm but firm, cutting through the tension like a blade. "He's not going to fight anyone. I've already spoken to the judges, and they've accepted it."
Miguel gave a mocking smile, his eyes narrowed. "Huh, he's so scared he doesn't even have the courage to fight… Hahaha."
"I won't fight because it would be unfair for me to face weaklings like you, Miguel," I retorted, my tone sharp, a mocking smile curving my lips as I glared at him. "You don't even have the strength to hold a girlfriend, let alone fight me…"
"YOU SON OF A…" He lunged forward, fists clenched, hatred erupting like a volcano, but Eli held him back, his arms tight as chains.
"Calm down, man, stop it…" Eli said, his tone firm, trying to calm the storm.
"Clark, please stop," Sam begged, his voice thick with embarrassment, his eyes pleading as he pulled me back. "You're embarrassing me…"
"Okay, babe, sorry," I replied, softening my tone, a slight smile escaping as I stared at her, trying to put out the fire I had unintentionally lit.
Miguel clenched his fists tightly, his eyes burning with hatred and fury, his face red as he stared at me, the silence between us thick with a rage I could almost touch. I gave him one last mocking smile and turned away, feeling everyone's gaze like needles on my skin, the weight of attention following me like a shadow.
Tory was there, watching me from a distance, her face serious but with a trace of surprise that she couldn't hide. "Wow, who's this guy?" asked a girl next to her, Devon, her curious eyes roaming over me with interest.
"Stay away from him, Devon," Tory said, her voice low but firm, her eyes still fixed on me. "He's not good company…"
"Do you know him, Tory?" Devon asked, tilting his head, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"Yes…" she replied, her tone softening for a moment, an expression of longing crossing her face like a passing cloud, an echo of what we once were.
Devon narrowed his eyes, a slight smile appearing. "I see…"
Some time later, the first fight began—Kenny versus Eli. The sound of blows echoed through the dojo, the mats shaking beneath their feet. Eli took a beating from Kenny, the kid fighting with a ferocity I hadn't expected. This kid can fight… , I thought, respect mixed with a hint of surprise as I watched.
Tory grimaced, her eyes scanning the crowd before landing on me, a look filled with something I couldn't quite decipher—anger, sadness, longing? She stood and left the tournament, her shoulders tense as she walked away, the weight of her an echo I could feel even from so far away.
"I'll be right back," I whispered to Daniel, who was beside me, and ran after her, my heart pounding as the wolf inside me roared for her, but the man just wanted to understand.
"Hey, where you going, girl?" I asked, catching up to her outside, the sun shining brightly against her silhouette. "What did you think of the fight?"
She stopped, her shoulders stiff, the warm wind blowing through her blond hair as she turned to me. "Clark… it's not fair that I fight here today," she said, her voice low, filled with a frustration I could feel on my skin. "I didn't win the last tournament… It was stolen."
"What do you mean?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral, even though I knew the truth, wanting to hear it from her, to see the fire I knew shine in her eyes.
"I saw Sensei Silver talking to the referee after the fight, about not giving Larusso the points…" she confessed, lowering her head, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of those words were crushing her. "So I only won because Silver bought the fight…" A pause, her voice almost trailing off. "I… thought I had the ability to win something in this life, but it seems that's not the case…"
"What are you talking about, Tory?" I replied, my voice firm but filled with an urgency that came from deep in my chest. "Where is that Tigress I knew? The one who fights against everything and everyone and never gives up? You have much more capacity than winning a simple karate tournament. Your life is much more special, Tory. You have already overcome so many things, it may not seem like it, but you have already achieved a lot, and you will achieve much more from now on. Don't let yourself be beaten down by some idiot. You are strong, a fighter. Nothing can stop you if you decide to move forward. What happened is in the past. Now you can win the tournament honestly and show this guy that you are, indeed, a champion."
She stared at me, eyes wide, shock washing over her face like a wave, tears glistening at the brim as she hugged me tightly, the heat of her body against mine like a flame I didn't want to extinguish. "Clark… Thank you for this," she said, her voice shaking, but a small smile escaping as she gave me a small shove in the chest, a playful gesture that seemed to scream for my attention, for my presence. "You always were good with words, weren't you?" She laughed softly, the sweet sound cutting through the weight of the moment.
"Of course," I replied, my smile growing as I stared at her, the wolf inside me quieting for a moment. "I'll always be here for you, you know that."
She lowered her face, cheeks tinged red, a slight nod before walking away, her footsteps echoing on the warm floor as she walked back inside, the weight on her shoulders a little lighter, but still visible.
When I returned, the tournament was over, both dojos celebrating a shared victory, the air filled with laughter and shouts of joy. "Where were you? We won!" Sam exclaimed, running up to me, her eyes shining with happiness as she jumped, her smile like a ray of sunshine I didn't want to miss.
"I went to the bathroom, Sam," I lied, my tone light as I laughed. "I drank a lot of water yesterday and today…"
"Hmm…" She stared at me, her eyes narrowed in suspicion, but a playful smile curving her lips. "Okay, come on, let's go…"
That night, there was a party at Miguel's house, the air thick with the smell of food and loud music. Of course, he didn't invite me—his hatred for me was a flame that never went out—but the others from Miyagi-Do called me, forcing him to accept my presence with a reluctant grunt.
I arrived, the sound of the party washing over me like a wave, and saw them—Samantha and Tory, face to face, the words between them cutting through the air like sharp knives.
"I didn't come to fight, I came to talk," Tory said, her voice firm but filled with a vulnerability I knew all too well.
"About what?" Sam asked, eyes narrowed, suspicion shining like armor.
"You didn't miss Regionals…" Tory revealed, the weight of the confession falling like a stone.
"WHAT?" Sam exclaimed, shock flashing across his face like lightning.
"Silver cheated in the tournament," Tory continued, his voice shaking but firm. "He bought the referee so I wouldn't lose…"
"!!!! YOU…" Sam shoved Tory back, anger exploding like a volcano, his fists clenched as he advanced. "YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS AND DID NOTHING?"
"You don't know what it's like there," Tory snapped, her eyes flashing with a mixture of guilt and defensiveness. "I couldn't do anything…"
Sam charged at her, his voice thick with fury. "What happened to Clark wasn't enough… You even stole that from me! I'm going to kill you, ahhhh! My entire family suffered because of you, you bitch!"
Miguel and Roby intervened, separating them, their arms steady against the storm that raged between them. I watched from afar, my heart heavy, the wolf growling for action, but the man knowing that my interference would only bring more chaos.
"Samantha, that's enough…" Miguel said, his tone firm as he held her.
"She was helping Kreese and Silver this whole time…" Sam accused, tears shining in his eyes as he pointed at Tory.
"What?" Roby asked, shock crossing his face like a shadow.
"Why are you only telling me this now?" Sam shouted, his voice sharp. "You're a coward…"
"Fuck you, Larusso," Tory snapped, his eyes flashing with anger as he turned to leave. "I knew this was a mistake…"
"Of course it's a mistake, you slut," Sam snapped, the words cutting through the air like a sharp blade, "just like you sleeping with my boyfriend was too…"
The silence fell like a bomb, everyone freezing, the weight of the revelation echoing in the air like thunder. Roby froze, his eyes wide as he stared at Sam.
"Wh… what did you say, Samantha?" he asked, his voice shaking, almost lost in the air.
"That's right, Roby," she confirmed, anger coloring every syllable. "You didn't know? She slept with Clark. When she attacked me at home over a month ago, she threw that in my face…"
Roby turned to Tory, his face pale, shock cutting through him like a knife. "That's a lie, right, Tory?"
"!!!" She looked away, her face red with embarrassment, her silence saying more than any words.
"ANSWER ME! IS THIS TRUE?" he shouted, his voice breaking as he stared at her, desperation pouring out.
"It's true, Roby…" Miguel said, his voice low but firm, the weight of betrayal echoing in his words.
"WHAT? YOU KNEW THAT?" Roby exclaimed, shock giving way to fury as he turned to Miguel.
"Tory said it herself that day," Miguel continued, his tone thick with bitterness. "And then that son of a bitch came… and confirmed it too…"
"ARRRGGGG, FUCK!" Roby screamed, the sound ripping through the air as he stomped away, pain exploding from him like a storm.
"ROBY, WAIT…" Tory yelled, running after him, her footsteps echoing on the floor as she tried to catch up to him.
"Sam, why are you still with that guy after what he did to you?" Miguel asked, his eyes filled with confusion and anger as he stared at her.
"You don't understand anything, Miguel," she snapped, her voice shaking with tears as she ran away, the weight of the night crushing her.
"Man… I feel sorry for Roby," Eli muttered, his tone heavy with sadness as he stared at me. "Clark… I recognize you, but he wasn't like this in school. He always defended me from the bullies, he defended everyone. I don't know what to make of all this…"
"What's there to think about in all this, Eli?" I asked, my voice calm but firm as I stared at him, the weight of the stares around me like a chain I didn't want to carry.
"!!!!" Miguel and Eli exclaimed in unison, shock flashing across their faces as they turned to me.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Miguel shouted, his fists clenched, hatred exploding like a volcano as he advanced.
Everyone was staring at me, whispers cutting through the air like sharp blades. "So this is the guy? Wow, he's gorgeous…" "Wow, so he's the one who slept with Tory… Hmm, not bad, Tory…"
"I'm here to solve this whole shit, Miguel," I said, my voice firm, my eyes fixed on him as I took a step forward, the wolf inside me growling, but the man trying to find a way.
"DON'T YOU REALIZE THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT?" he shouted, his voice thick with fury as he glared at me, his eyes blazing like hot coals.
"I know that, man…" I replied, the weight of guilt settling over me like a stone. "I'm going to fix all of this."
"You should leave here and never come back," he snapped, hatred dripping from every word. "That's what you should do…"
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" I replied, my tone sharp, a mocking smile curving my lips. "Then you might have a chance with Sam, huh?"
"WOOOOOOU!" The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound echoing like thunder as the air became electric.
"NOW THAT'S ENOUGH, DAMMIT!" Miguel shouted, running towards me, his fists clenched, hatred exploding like a storm. I moved quickly, the wolf's instinct taking over, dodging the blow and grazing his neck with precision. He fell to the ground, unconscious, the silence falling like a heavy curtain.
"!!!! WHAT?" Eli exclaimed, his eyes wide as he stared at the scene, shock crossing his face.
Everyone froze, the air filled with whispers and exclamations. "WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT DID HE DO?"
"Hunf, weak…" I muttered, the wolf roaring in satisfaction as I turned, leaving the party with firm steps, the weight of the gazes following me like a shadow I couldn't shake, the sound of the night swallowing the chaos I left behind.