New Boy | Miguel Diaz

Kenny

"Mr. Keene! You have a visitor."

Our warmups were stopped when a young boy entered the dojo.

"I— I'm Kenny. My brother, Shawn Payne, said you could help me."

"I didn't know Shawn had a brother. Is he out?"

"No... that's why I'm here. These a—holes keep hassling me. One of them knows karate—"

Sensei Kreese interrupted, "This is a dojo. You are interrupting my class."

"I'm sorry— I didn't know."

"Sensei. Shawn Payne was one of the toughest guys in juvie. Kicked my ass a few times."

Sensei chuckled, and looked down at Kenny. "You know in the real world, we have to fight our own battles. Cobra Kai can teach you how. But you have to prove that you're worthy."

"How do I do that?"

"Take your shoes off and get on the mat."

Kenny sent a nervous glance to Robby. But he dropped his backpack, and slipped his shoes off.

The rest of us settled around the mat.

"Alright, Mr. Payne. Let's see what you got. Miss Lawrence!"

I stood from my spot, and stepped onto the mat. Kenny began to freak out before one of us made a move.

"But, h—how am I supposed to fight if I haven't had any training yet?"

"To be a Cobra Kai, you have to have a killer instinct. Fighting positions."

I got into my stance, as Kenny put his foot back and his fists in front of him.

"Ais!"

I stepped towards Kenny and he startled, immediately stepping off the mat. The dojo laughed, as I stayed quiet and got back into my stance.

"It's alright, Mr. Payne. Try again. Ais!"

Before I could throw a kick, Kenny freaked off the mat once again. I sighed; this kid's gonna be a tough one to deal with.

"I've seen enough." The dojo was still filled with laughter, setting off Sensei Kreese. "The All Valley's just a few short months away. We don't have time for losers. Or cowards."

Kenny then stormed out, grabbing his shoes and bag.

But only the next day, he came back.

"I want another shot."

"I'm sorry, I don't have the time to teach weaklings."

"Give him another chance, Sensei. Maybe he'll surprise you." We all glanced at Robby.

"Alright, on the mat. Mr. Park! Make this quick. Ais!"

Kyler launched towards Kenny, but of course, he stepped off the mat.

"Look at him, running to mommy. Bye, you little bitch!"

Kyler and the dojo laughed, but Robby and Kreese looked disappointed.

Next thing you know, Kyler gets sucker punched by Kenny.

"What the hell! He hit me when I wasn't looking. That's some bullshit."

"You're right. He didn't line up. So, that won't count as a point."

"Sorry, I— I didn't know the rules." Kenny stuttered.

"That was your one chance." Kenny sighed, obviously looking disappointed. He started to walk off the mat when Sensei Kreese stopped him.

"Where you going, Mr. Payne?" He glanced at Robby, and back to Kenny.

"Take your spot."