New Boy | Miguel Diaz

Visitor

I woke up quite early and my dad still wasn't home. His bed was unmade, so there's a chance he only left early.

Before I left the room, I noticed a small picture on his nightstand. It was a boy with his foot on a soccer ball. He looked really young and very familiar.

Almost like Robby Keene from the tournament.

I leave the picture in my back pocket, and leave the apartment. When I got to the dojo, there was a whole group of kids waiting outside. Before I had the chance to open the door, another kid opened it for me.

He had a huge smile on his face; almost like he was worshiping me or something.

"Um... thanks."

I entered the dojo, and immediately noticed the missing mirror from the wall with glass on the floor.

I walked up to Aisha, who was warming up, and thought she would have a clue as to what happened.

"No idea. Shouldn't you know because of the whole dad thing?" She whispered.

"When I went back home, he wasn't there. So, I just guessed he came back here."

I left and changed into my gi. Since the lesson hasn't started yet, I thought it would be a good time to ask my dad about that picture.

"Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Sure kid, what's up?" He continued looking at the magazine in his hand.

"Who's this?" I hold up the picture in my hand. He looked at me, then the picture.

"Where did you find that?" He got up quickly and shut the door behind me.

"On your nightstand. Can you please explain why you have this picture of this boy who oddly looks like Robby Keene from the tournament?"

He glanced through the blinds, looking through the window. "There's something you don't know about Robby."

"So, this is Robby Keene."

The voices got louder from outside the door. We both left the office to see every kid from outside, inside.

"Quiet! The dojo's closed to new students today."

"We just wanted to sign up after we saw the tournament."

"Do I need to say it again? Get out."

"Yes, sir- Sensei. C'mon, let's go."

"Let's go, move it. Come back tomorrow. And bring your checkbooks."

My dad turned to me. "We'll discuss this later. Everyone, fall in!"

I stuffed the picture into my backpack, and lined up next to Hawk.

"Must've been a rager, Sensei."

"Yeah, were you celebrating all weekend?"

"Celebrating what? My students are a bunch of pussies. Diaz, Hawk, up front. Hawk, did you attack your opponent when his back was turned?"

"Yes, Sensei." Hawk replied, almost sounding like a question.

"Diaz, did you purposely attack your opponent's injury?"

"Yes, Sensei."

"You think that makes you badass? What's the matter, question too tough? Maybe you need some help. Miss Williams!"

"Yes, Sensei."

"Two cobras in the jungle. One kills the strongest lion, the other kills a crippled monkey. Which cobra do you wanna be?"

"The one that kills the lion, Sensei."

"And why is that?"

"Because it killed a stronger animal."

"Correct! Cobra Kai is about being badass. And the baddest badass is the one who beats his opponent when he's at his strongest. Not when his back is turned. Not when he's injured! Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sensei." The class answered.

"That means no more cheating. No more fighting dirty. From here on out, those are pussy moves, and you don't wanna be pussies, do you?"

"No, Sensei."

"Good. It's why I had you wear your white belts. We're starting over. Diaz, Hawk, 50 push-ups on your knuckles. Miss Robinson, warm them up."

-

We finished a movie at Hawk's, and I went back to the dojo since my dad was still there. He was placing a new mirror on the wall, but he looked zoned out.

"Dad? You okay?"

"Uh- yeah, kid."

I helped him clean up the supplies on the floor and someone had opened the door to the dojo.

"I just wanna say one thing and I'll leave." An older looking man came in. He looked at me, then my dad. "Who's this?"

"My daughter. Kid, go wait in my office."

I got up without any questions and into the office. I closed the door to give them a little more privacy, but I still listened into their conversation.

"I'm sorry. I realize that I was too hard on you. You were young, and I went overboard. You were my best student. You had so much potential. I just couldn't stand seeing you lose. I know I could be a tough son of a bitch, but if you'd seen some of the things that I've seen... well, that doesn't change what I did.

"For years, I've regretted that night. But when I heard that you brought back Cobra Kai, I- I thought maybe this could be a shot for me to redeem myself. Cause believe me, there ain't nothing I'd like more in this world than to have another chance. I understand if you never wanna see me again. But just remember, I am the guy who always rooted for you.

"Oh, I almost forgot... but, I fixed it for you. It may say 'Second Place' but, in my opinion, you were always the better fighter. See you, kid."

When he left, I walked out the office and saw a trophy on the ground.

"Who was that?"

"He used to be my sensei. Stay here." He went back outside and I picked up the trophy.

'2ND PLACE ALL VALLEY KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 1984'