Out of Place [Cobra Kai OC x Robby Keene]

129 - Unstoppable Force vs Immovable Object

I'm not entirely sure why we were all called to the forest today, but I'm not doing much else other than working, so I guess I can't complain. I'm assuming there must be some sort of final test for the remaining spot, because Sensei Barnes could've announced the final person at the Miyagi-Do dojo. Heaven forbid we make a Group Me and announce things that way.

"So you think he's gonna make us do something for the last spot?" Kenny asks as I drive. I agreed to pick him up.

"I do," I respond.

"What do you think it'll be?" he follows up. I genuinely don't know. I'm already baffled enough by the fact that we're going all the way out to this forest. I have no clue what Sensei Barnes could possibly have up his sleeve.

"No sé- I don't know," I say, "whatever it is, I know you'll do great at it."

"You really think so?" he asks. Kenny's grown vastly more confident since I first met him, but hearing the way he's taking now, he sounds more like he did when we first met. My expression softens.

"Of course I do," I say, "you're fast- I should know, you're one of the only people who can keep up with me. And you're smart too. You're one of the most creative people I know; I've still got your drawings on my wall. You're tough, Pollito. You can handle whatever Sensei Barnes throws at you guys."

I wouldn't say all of that to him if I didn't believe it. He's young and has less training than a lot of us, but I think he has what it takes to come with us to the Sekai Taikai.

"Thanks Parker," Kenny sounds, his tone genuine, "and thanks for driving me here."

"Anytime,"

I park the car, knowing I'm in the right spot when I see Mr LaRusso's car. Surprising- and confusing- me a little, Robby gets out of the car before Kenny or I can, opening the door for Kenny and saying something to him that I don't quite catch as I get out of the car myself. Next thing I know, I'm being pinned to the side of my car. What the hell? I mean, this is really hot of him, but I'm a little confused as to what he's doing.

"¿Qué-"

"Park Reyes," Robby says. It finally hits me why this place and scenario feels so familiar.

"Robby Keene," I return. I much prefer this to when we were last in this position.

"What are you doing here?"

"Karate, you?"

"Same thing,"

"This is where it all started," I say, looking around at the trees.

"The tree? Our words? Us doing karate together? It's so strange being back here after everything that's happened," he says. It is. Life was so much simpler back then. Not simple, by any means, but simpler. Just me, Robby, and Mr LaRusso against the world. That was the dream team. Things are much better now, and I adore my team, but every so often, just for a moment, I miss the way things used to be.