COBRA KAI SEASON 4 SCREENPLAY

by EightiesPower

The next chapter in the Cobra Kai saga, meant to faithfully continue the creative vision set up in the show. Impatient to see if Johnny and Daniel will manage to set aside their differences to jointly stave off the threat posed by Kreese... and his old war buddy? How about giving this screenplay a go, then? Minimal description, 90% dialogue, a quick and entertaining read!

7. Episode 6 Part Two

FADE IN (FLASH SCREEN - PART II)

INT. COBRA KAI DOJO - LATE AFTERNOON

We fade in on a close-up of RICKENBERGER, his expression showing alarm, with a bit of defiance thrown in. Initially, we see little of his surroundings, our POV sticking closely to the front of his head. From the quickly shifting background behind him we can discern that he is engaged in frenzied dodging movement, and from the motions of his shoulders we can derive that said movement is punctuated by hasty strokes. Eventually, RICKENBERGER's background settles for a moment, and the camera pans out enough for us to now see a volley of punches he is meting out. Just before we are revealed the target of his assault, however, a big, tall, vertically oriented shape rams into him from the side at dazzling speed, whisking him out of frame.

RICKENBERGER lands on top of the COBRA KAI STUDENTS gathered close together. With a groan, they manage to stay his now inert body from collapsing to the ground. Held up on both sides, RICKENBERGER manages to lift his dazed-looking face enough to behold...

...TERRY SILVER, in a low-cut gi exposing his chest hair, approaching him at a measured pace, his hands clasped behind his back, his head shaking slowly, lips curled in disapproval.

SILVER

What did I say, Mr Rickenberger?! You expose your back to the enemy and you're dead! First rule of battlespace awareness! Never lose sight of it, no matter how much thrill you may get out of mauling some poor lout! Berserkers don't last long!

RICKENBERGER

... Yes... sir...

SILVER

Ehh, why do I even waste my breath on this cadaver?! Get him out of here. Alright, who's up next for the dance with the death?!

KYLER

(also standing in the circle) I will go, sir!

SILVER

Mr. Okumoto! Splendid! The machine needs flesh to grind! Go right in!

KYLER puts on a bold face, does a few warm-up movements, then steps out of the circle formed by STUDENTS. We Finally get the full view of the scene. The STUDENTS form a living barrier encircling a makeshift arena distinguished by the presence of four great wooden pendulums suspended from the ceiling, two of them (positioned about three feet apart) moving in an x-axis, two in a y-axis. To the lower end of each pendulum (hanging maybe fifteen inches from the floor when in a fully vertical position) is affixed a life-sized human dummy with round fabric-covered bulges on its neck and knees. Small led lights indicate their eyes. Each of the dummies has a different limb extended out as if frozen mid-strike. The INSTRUCTORS occupy the sides of the arena, each responsible for imbuing one pendulum with swinging momentum, and also holding a rope to pull it back in if needed. From their expressions, we can tell they are all to glad to make the exercise as traumatic as it gets.

KYLER walks into the center of the arena, assumes a fighting stance, begins frantically spinning in place to try to intercept the imminent blow, whichever direction it may be coming from. The INSTRUCTORS seem in no hurry to break the mounting suspense.

SILVER starts pacing the arena's perimeter.

SILVER

Remember the quicksilver formula! Take out the enemy's movement, breath, or sight, and you have him neutralized, left at your mercy... which you have none of, obviously, being Cobra Kai.

KYLER nods slightly, then whirls in response to a creak signaling a pendulum being swung into motion. He comes to face the onrushing x-axis dummy, its left fist jutting out. He ducks out of the fist's way, and shields himself with his arm to absorb the impact of the dummy's bulk crashing into him. The pendulum drags KYLER a foot or two along the floor, but he keeps his balance, and when the pendulum draws to a stop, he delivers mean hooks to both of the dummy's knee bulges, each hit being accompanied by rather out-of-place high-pitched sounds.

SILVER

Tackle the enemy head-on! Yes, that's the ticket!

KYLER springs up, a smirk on his farce vanishing almost as quick as it appeared when he notices a y-axis pendulum barreling towards him. He moves to put the immobilized dummy between him and the inanimate assailant. The y-axis dummy bumps into the obstacle with its foot and comes to a halt. KYLER slides in the space between them, brings up his elbow to strike the dummy's throat, when with a corner of the eye he registers the second x-axis pendulum about to slam into him, and, unable to dodge to either side, he picks his only avenue of escape and hits the deck.

We cut to SILVER, his expression grim, counting silently; his right arm rising from behind his back, the hand holding onto...

Cut back to KYLER, hugging the mat tight. The dummy swings just above him, its jagged lowered foot raking his gi, making KYLER whimper in pain. He starts lifting himself up, only to see that the y-axis pendulum, withdrawn in the meantime by the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN, is now hurtling at him again. He falls back down and rolls underneath the neutralized dummy, further rending his clothing. He emerges on the other side, right below SILVER's feet, tries to get onto his own feet, but only to be jolted upwards and back with an agonized screech by an electric discharge from a long thin object swiping at him in a lightning-fast motion.

SILVER

Warned you! You drop to the ground for more than five seconds, and you're fertilizer!

In his upraised hand a cattle prod flashes electric bolts.

KYLER staggers backwards, clutching the stung spot on his chest. He hits the ropes, or in this case, the COBRA KAI students, who push him back into the arena...

... right into the path of the second y-axis pendulum, about to plunge into him. KYLER has just enough time for his face to register shock, before said face receives the full dose of the dummy's wooden fist. KYLER goes down like a sack of potatoes.

SILVER

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Started with a bang, ended on a whimper. Alright, sweep him up, see if he didn't tear himself up too much, don't want people to think I'm a slavedriver (looks at the prod, laughs heartily, evidently very amused at himself). Now, which one of your sorry bunch is up next to 'volunteer'?!

ROBBY steps forward.

ROBBY

I'll give it a shot, sir.

SILVER

The poster boy! Finally! Was worried you were gonna disappoint me! Well, you still might, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Get in, or are you waiting for a red carpet to be rolled out?!

ROBBY moves into the center spot without comment. We see the INSTRUCTORS exchange knowing, malicious looks. As soon as ROBBY assumes the position, the onslaught begins. The pendulums are fired one after the other, at only long enough intervals to prevent them colliding with each other. ROBBY, knowing he cannot stay in one place for even a moment, focuses on evading the outstretched limbs, dancing between the battering ram-like contraptions, bouncing around and leaning away, only striking out mid-dodge or mid-spin, initially missing his marks. This appears like a losing strategy at first, seeing as the effort involved obviously far exceeds the effort put by the INSTRUCTORS to keep the pendulums swinging. But then ROBBY spots and seizes upon an opportunity arising when, due to the INSTRUCTORS' miscalculation resulting from their unchecked bloodlust, two of the dummies slam together, momentarily ceasing their movement. ROBBY runs up to and leaps onto one dummy, straddling it with his thighs like a rodeo bull, then from his elevated position doles out a kick to the other dummy's throat before it can be withdrawn from his range, eliciting an oh-so-satisfying collective squeak.

The INSTRUCTORS look at each other in confusion, the mounted dummy is rocked back on forth in an attempt to shake ROBBY off, to no avail, and is finally immobilized by a series of karate chops to its 'eyes', which go out in tiny metal showers. It ceases motion in the way of another pendulum, which is immediately flung at it, forcing ROBBY to jump off his 'steed'. He rolls on the ground to avoid the third active pendulum, springs up, turns on his heel, runs back at the inert dummy, jumps, grabs it with one hand, spins around its vertical axis, and lands a roundhouse kick to the throat of the other withdrawing dummy.

SILVER

(grinning wide) YES! See?! Use the enemies as launching pads! As extensions of yourself! Make their numbers work against them! You've got it, boy!

ROBBY drops onto the mat, now having only to deal with one last remaining opponent. He puts himself deliberately in its path, throws his arms out, provoking the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN to launch an attack. The MAN hesitates, but does so upon noticing SILVER's ominous look. ROBBY dodges the strike effortlessly, then runs behind it on its way back, leaps at it, and from it kicks the unprepared MAN in his gold-specked mug.

The MAN recoils violently. The other INSTRUCTORS tense up, as if readying to pounce upon ROBBY at moment's notice. But their intent rapidly dissipates when SILVER lifts the bolt-emitting prod into the air threateningly.

ROBBY

Hope this counts as neutralizing the target too.

SILVER

Indeed, my boy. Let's consider it taking out the brain... (glares contemptuously at the dazed GOLD-TOOTHED MAN)... though perhaps this isn't the most accurate way of putting it in this instance. Good job, poster boy. You truly are making a case for yourself here. But enough sweet-talk, get back to your spot. Anyone feels like he can follow up on this?

TORY steps out with a dogged look.

TORY

I will.

SILVER

Hmmm, sounds like someone won't settle for number two! (bows, pointing the way in with the prod) By all means, show us how it's done, Madam!

She follows his cue, though we discern certain stiffness in her movement. The INSTRUCTORS steal glances at the CROOKED-SMILE MAN, whose smile has just become wider. TORY steps into the ring, intercepts the creak, turns, jumps back from the hurtling pendulum, lands on her back (letting out a sigh upon impact) and throws a high kick at the dummy's knee.

She rolls onto her feet as the pendulum recedes, sees two more pendulums approaching from both sides, darts forward to evade them, then, taking a cue from ROBBY, hops onto the one nearest her, just as it reaches the end of its arch. She rips the bulge off the dummy's throat (quick cut to SILVER lowering the prod as if to guard his crotch) and kicks the parallel pendulum as they meet again midway through, but her foot gets momentarily stuck on the dummy, and she is whisked off her mount and tumbles end over end on the mat.

She lifts herself up, her head spinning. She notices the bulge still in her hand and drops it, to the squeak of rubber duckies spilling out. She hears the sound of a pendulum coming up from behind, and with no time to turn, throws a back kick with all her might, teeth clenched. The kick connects, slowing the pendulum to a crawl, but the dummy's outstretched leg also connects with TORY, flinging her forward. She lands hard on her chest, groans, presses hand to her sternum, tries to raise herself but fails with a choked gasp and falls back down. A pendulum swings above her - ridden by the CROOKED-SMILE MAN, who drops from it directly onto her prostrate back.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

Missed me, chiquita?!

A look of horror comes over TORY's (now blue) face as two sets of lascivious fingers creep onto her shoulders towards her neck. However, the MAN's plan, however enticing it may have seemed in the spur of the moment, obviously did not take basic physics into account, for his unwanted advances are swiftly cut short by the pendulum's back swing, throwing him off her like a divine kick in the ass.

The CROOKED-SMILE MAN rolls on the mat.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

ˇMierda!

He is about to gather himself up, when his gonads meet the receiving end of the cattle prod, going at full power.

SILVER

(over the MAN's frenzied screams) Shoulda have you neutered, you slavering dog! Too bad I ain't got enough battery left! Back to your kennel before I make that gaping muzzle of yours reach to the back of your head!

The MAN writhes on the floor, clutching his nuts and first screaming (we can barely make out the sound of door chimes over the din), then softly moaning while slithering away, his head low, one hand still on his crotch. We see the other INSTRUCTORS look on with barely concealed anger.

SILVER

ALRIGHT, THE SHOW'S OVER! (to TORY, now on her knees breathing heavily and with evident pain) My apologies, dear. Expect this ruffian to face the most severe manner of discipline.

TORY gathers herself up and, without looking at SILVER or anyone, walks off towards the locker room, her back hunched over. ROBBY steps out of the circle, face marked with worry.

ROBBY

(to TORY) Hey, you ok?

TORY goes past him only slightly shaking her head in response, then disappears behind the locker room door.

ROBBY turns his eyes from her only to meet the sardonic glare of...

SILVER

What are you waiting for, boy? The lady's in waiting, and in some distress from the looks of it. Go tend to her, or are you going to let yourself be deterred so easily?

ROBBY looks quizzically at SILVER, but afterwards nods and follows TORY into the locker room. SILVER's mouth curls up fiendishly as he turns to face KREESE, who has entered the dojo a moment earlier.

SILVER

Sensei! Glad you're here, we've just finished testing my Quicksilver Mangler prototype!

KREESE

You're talking about these swinging dummies or that stun baton in your hand? Seems like it's the latter you've been testing, and quite intensely at that...

SILVER

(studies the prod) Just on my pack of mongrels, worry not. (KYLER frowns and opens his mouth, but then checks himself and says nothing) You've gotta show them you mean business every once in a while. A routine maintenance procedure, really.

KREESE

I see... So, your contraption working as planned?

SILVER

Oh, you need to see it in action, Sensei! A real next-level workout for your toy squad! Gonna whip their flabby butts into shape in no time! Though to be fair, our poster boy went in and came out standing.

KREESE

Just him, huh? (looks sternly at the other STUDENTS, raises his voice) You all damn better pass this test blindfolded before the tournament if you're to have any hope of representing Cobra Kai. Alright, that'll be enough for today. Take this stuff down and go home to lick your wounds, for tomorrow we'll be giving these gizmos a real stress test. Now, Terry, can we talk in my office?

SILVER

(warm smile) Certainly, Cap'n. After you.

The two head for the office while the STUDENTS take to dismounting the pendulums and sweeping up the duckies. The INSTRUCTORS head straight for the exit.

CUT TO

INT. LOCKER ROOM

We see ROBBY walking in on TORY topless after having stripped her uwagi, her exposed back a bruise archipelago - clearly a disturbing rather than tantalizing sight to his eyes. She is rubbing some kind of ointment into her chest.

He locks the door behind him.

ROBBY

Whoa, what the hell is this?!

TORY

(covers her breasts, snaps at him) What, never seen this much skin on a woman before? And didn't they teach you to knock?!

ROBBY

Sorry, hard to learn that when you go through a revolving door of houses your whole life.

TORY

So you want me to believe you haven't come here to perv?

ROBBY

Give you my word of honor on that. Anyway, what in God's name happened to you?

TORY

Fell off a motorbike.

ROBBY

Didn't know you have one.

TORY

I don't, and the bike's been trashed anyway.

ROBBY

Sounds rough. Someone was giving you a ride?

TORY

(resuming the rub) No, I was about to ride someone down.

ROBBY

Wait, what?! You mean like intentionally?!

TORY

(coolly) Yeah. Almost got him, too. He got away, but I'm pretty sure I've put him out of commission for a good while.

ROBBY

(frowns deeply) Who was it, Tory?

TORY

The traitor. What, you surprised? Told you I'd go after them.

ROBBY

Well, guess I held on to the hope you wouldn't actually act on what you said. A fat lot of good did that do you.

TORY

I'll live. Live to fight another day.

ROBBY

(steps over the bench, squats in front of TORY, making sure to gaze directly and unswervingly into her eyes) And how long do you think your luck's gonna last, Tory? Risking your life over some trumped-up 'war'? What the hell you think you're gonna accomplish here? Other than becoming crippled or dead before you reach drinking age?! Didn't what happened to... what I did to Miguel make you stop and think at all?!

TORY

(through gritted teeth) Don't talk about Miguel. And fuck off with that patronizing tone of yours.

ROBBY

Oh for fuck's sake, what is it gonna take for you to snap out of it?! Just look at yourself! You look like you were given a lift in a concrete mixer! What the hell are you even doing here?! You should be home recuperating, not getting smacked around by wooden beams!

TORY

(acidic, getting right into his face) Oh, I'll tell what I'm doing here. I'm getting away from the life where I'm dying inside with my every waking moment. I'm here because I'd rather die in one fell swoop doing something that makes me feel alive.

ROBBY

Alright, alright. Look, I don't know what your day-to-day life is like, but this... (looks around) and getting yourself killed aren't the only alternatives. You can do better.

TORY

Oh, yeah, what else is there?... (half-mockingly) You?

ROBBY

(serious) Might not sound like much, but yeah, maybe... if you give me a chance.

TORY's sneer goes away, replaced by an inquisitive look. The two stare at each other intently.

TORY

You so desperate you wanna go for a girl looking like she rode in a concrete mixer?

ROBBY

(smiles faintly) Guess it's not that bad. If I'm desperate it's because I don't want to watch you drive yourself off a cliff... (softly) and I can't look away...

TORY

Can't look away from a trainwreck, huh?

ROBBY

It doesn't have to come to that, trust me.

TORY

Why should I?

ROBBY

Because we've got a lot in common, and because I'm not trying to take advantage of you, I just say it because I care.

TORY

About me? (motions down with her head) Or about this?

ROBBY

Not just this. I see the strength in you, not only physical. You've got potential for more than you can imagine.

TORY

(smiles mirthlessly) My life hasn't been giving me much room to imagine anything better.

ROBBY

(emphatically) I understand. I've been through a lot myself, you know that. I wanted to get lost in my rage, too, thought it was all I was good for. But then I looked at you giving in to it and I thought, "what a goddamn waste". Well, I'm telling you now, don't waste yourself on this... this bullshit! Don't let that rage swallow you up... (smiles tentatively) and maybe let me in, too, while you're at it.

TORY

Looks like someone's looking for a back door... (hears thudding from the outside, throws her uwagi back on) Speaking of which, guess our private session's over.

ROBBY

(goes for the door) We'll talk outside... if you wish.

TORY

Maybe...

CUT TO

INT. COBRA KAI OFFICE

We see KREESE walking inside, taking a seat behind the desk, pulling a cigar out of a drawer and lightning it up. Just before he shuts the drawer, he notices a notepad with writing on the front page and inconspicuously sweeps it inside.

SILVER walks in behind him, and in the absence of an extra chair, perches on the corner of the desk. KREESE stares at him in silence for a while, blowing out smoke, acting casual. A self-assured smile does not leave SILVER's lips throughout, though we can see he is not happy about having his patience tested in this manner. Finally, he breaks the silence.

SILVER

Glad to see your taste in tobacco hasn't compromised in all these years. Can't do without that taste of ol' Havana, can we Cap'n?

KREESE

Gotta savor what few pleasures life has to offer for a man as long in the tooth as me.

SILVER

Ah, what bunk! You're still sprier than most men half your age! How can you even look at the gelatinous blobs they call 'men' in this country nowadays and feel bad about your own body?!

KREESE

(shakes his head) I can feel the years creeping up on me. I think a man can sense these things, don't you? Makes one wonder about what he's going to leave behind.

SILVER

Why, you've got your legacy right here! Cobra Kai more robust and formidable than ever! But we aren't done, you and I, I can sense as much, and there's been many a fool that thought he knew better than what my instincts told me, only to regret it in his final pathetic moments. There's a good deal the future's got in store for us still, Johnny.

KREESE

Cobra Kai is only as good as people that run it. You've said yourself you're not going to stick around for long, and I sense my days as a Sensei are nearing their end. I need successors, Terry, and I don't see many candidates for that spot. Certainly not these rabid dogs you've brought here.

SILVER

(his expression tenses up) Well, you are right my hounds need to be kept on a tight leash, they are tools to be made use of, nothing more. But in my view, the only thing standing in the way of Cobra Kai's ultimate victory is Danny boy's little makeshift pseudo-karate joint. And we're well on our way to dismantle that one down to the last plank.

KREESE

(gazes at SILVER skeptically) There's no ultimate victory, Terry. You win over one enemy, another springs up from where you'd least expect it. You can never lay your guns down. And this victory you speak of - at what cost? Our best soldiers?

SILVER

(chuckles gently) Oh my dear friend, have you forgotten what war has taught us? You don't win by babysitting your soldiers. You win by treating them like the expendable pawns they are. What matters is not the life of any man in particular, much less any grunt, it's the idea, Johnny, the creed. If the creed of Cobra Kai prevails, then we have won, and our successors will come, no matter how many we had to sacrifice before it.

KREESE

But then... who does this idea serve, really?

SILVER

It serves nobody, Johnny. The idea is the God head, it is above any man. It is us who serve it, and by doing so we drink of its cup, partake in the power it confers, we reach the true apotheosis... Some of us do, anyway, those who grasp its true meaning, its true... magnitude.

KREESE

I started Cobra Kai to empower young men, not send them out to be slaughtered like mindless slaves...

SILVER

We are empowering them, Johnny! Slavery is when you toil against your own will for the benefit of another man. That was the case with 'Nam, we were sent there to fight and die spurred by empty slogans coming from the corrupt mouthpieces of a spiritually bankrupt country. We had no understanding of the goals we were meant to accomplish, which only served the interests of the fat cats sitting on top of the shitheap we call America. That was slavery, yes. But do you think when the crusaders marched on Jerusalem, they did so out of slave mindset? No, they marched so that through battle they could answer a higher calling, render the Word into flesh... by rending the flesh of their enemies. There is no greater privilege a man can be bestowed on this earth.

KREESE

So this is the privilege you intend to bestow upon Robby? And my other students?

SILVER

(shrugs) Isn't that what you've been doing to them already? Hammering our creed into their heads? I only want them to take it to its inevitable conclusion, subtly set up the preconditions for them to make it possible. And should they not see it for the boon it is? Take a hard look at these urchins, what's in their lives other than indulging their base urges at best, or a mad dash for survival at worst? Those who will remain with us to the end are going to be those that realize on some level the futility of the lives they've led, they shall welcome the purpose we grant them. (leans over KREESE) But don't you worry, Captain. Our child crusade won't be the miserable failure the previous one was, for I will not have them fight with rosaries... except maybe iron ones to wrap around their enemies' throats.

KREESE

And if they refuse to follow you?

SILVER

(with unshakable conviction) They won't, not until they are too deep in it to turn back. No path left for them but the path of the cobra... (suddenly grins) And it's gonna be a fun one, too. Let me tell you about the next steps I've got planned for us...

CUT TO

EXT. TORY'S APARTMENT COMPLEX - EVENING

We see MIGUEL arrive at the location. He meticulously fastens his bike to a street lamp, looks around, walks to the courtyard, faces the door to TORY's apartment. He stops, takes a big breath, tilts his neck and rotates his arms as if doing a warm-up, mutters something to himself as if rehearsing a speech. Finally, he steps to the door, gives it a few hearty knocks, and steps back.

After a moment, the door opens, revealing...

TONY

Yes?

MIGUEL

Oh, hi! Tony, right? Is uh, your sister home?

TONY

(shakes his head) She hasn't come back yet.

MIGUEL

(bites his lip) I see. Any idea when she'll be home?

TONY

She usually comes home for a short time before going to her evening shift. (curious) Are you her friend?

MIGUEL

Uh, sort of, yes. So you're saying she should be back soon. Alright, I will just wait outside then.

MARY

(faintly from inside the house) Tony... who is it?

TONY

(turning his head back) It's a friend of Tory's, mom.

MIGUEL

(alarmed) Uh, ok, thanks, I'll be back later, see you!

MARY

Tell him... to come in, Tony.

TONY turns back to MIGUEL, just as he is about to leave. He looks at MIGUEL imploringly.

MIGUEL

Uhh, look, this won't be necessary, I've got other stuff I can do in the meantime, I...

TONY

Why don't you wait with us?! The weatherman said it's gonna rain! Mom will be happy to meet a friend of Tory, we don't have many visitors... and you can try my and Tory's salad!

MIGUEL

(sighs) Ok, I guess you're right I'd better wait inside.

TONY's face brightens up, he ushers MIGUEL in. MIGUEL steps over the threshold like a vampire about to step into sunlight. The door closes, momentarily cutting our POV off from the sight of him.

Cut to the inside of the apartment. MIGUEL stands rigidly inside the dimly-lit kitchen, barely daring to take in his surroundings, obviously feeling like an unwanted trespasser. His eyes are drawn to the toys and childish drawings scattered in the corners. TONY trots over to the kitchen annex.

TONY

Would you like some coffee or tea, mister...

MIGUEL

Uh, name's Miguel. Just maybe some water, thanks.

TONY

But you want to try our salad, right?

MIGUEL

Uh, actually, I'm not really hungry right now, maybe later.

(translation: my guts are tied into veritable Gordian knots at the moment)

TONY

(grumpily) Ok. (he pours water from the sink into a glass) Here you go, Mister Miguel. (motions to the slightly ajar bedroom door) I think mom will like to see you.

MIGUEL

(takes the glass) Just Miguel, thanks. Are you sure we ought to disturb her?

TONY

(nods head vigorously) Mom loves visitors. We have so few of them...

He throws the door wide, motions MIGUEL inside.

TONY

Mom, this is Tory's friend, Miguel.

MIGUEL

Hello, Ma'am (he is barely able to make out her outline in the gloom before TONY flicks the light on. The sudden full view of MARY in her bed, with the IV's going into her liver spot-dotted arm makes him almost flinch)... I hope I'm not... inconveniencing you by coming here.

MARY

Hello, son... No, not at all, please... feel at home. I'm sorry... I don't make much of a... a...

MIGUEL

A host? Oh, please don't worry about that. I only came by to talk to Tory, really, but I appreciate you inviting me in.

MARY

You are... welcome here... You are Tory's friend, then?

MIGUEL

(frowns) Friend may be too strong a word, we hung out during the summer. Then I was... away from town for a while. I felt like catching up.

MARY

Where... did you meet?

MIGUEL

At the dojo.

MARY

Do-jo?

MIGUEL

Yeah, where we trained karate.

TONY

Tory does karate?! Cool!

MARY

I... didn't know Tory trained...

MIGUEL

(feeling in hot water) Uhh... I guess it may have been just a short-lived thing for her, it was back in the summer as I said. I would meet her at work, too.

MARY

Did you... see her with... other friends?

MIGUEL

Uhh, a couple of girlfriends, I suppose, but not a whole lot that I noticed.

MARY

(nods solemnly) What did you do... together?

MIGUEL

Well, we just hung out, we went to parties, the beach, did sports together...

TONY

I wish I could go to parties...

MARY

You were... close.

MIGUEL

(awkward) I guess we were, yeah.

MARY

But not... anymore.

MIGUEL

(bites his lip again) Yeah, we... went our separate ways after the summer was over.

MARY

I see... so why come here now?

MIGUEL

(noncommittally)Just thought I'd catch up with her, see how she's doing...

MARY

Why not... see her at the bar... she works at?

MIGUEL

(tenses up) Well, actually, I wanted to make sure I would... have her undivided attention.

MARY

(puzzled) Why?

MIGUEL

(lets out a long sigh) I've... heard some worrying things. She's been seen around some bad people.

MARY

(pointedly) What... bad people?

MIGUEL

Bad apples, you know, troublemakers. Thought I'd warn her about them.

MARY

Tory... is with troublemakers?

MIGUEL

(reassuringly) I don't think she's done anything wrong, it's just, I've been a bit concerned about her...

MARY

(looking like pieces have started falling into place in her mind, sounding more lucid) Oh, I am beginning to... understand...it seems like you know things about my daughter... that I didn't... It also seems like... you're not telling me all the... truth. (pleadingly) Please, Miguel... why are you really here?

MIGUEL swallows audibly.

MIGUEL

Very well, you of all people have the right to know after all...

CUT TO

EXT. COBRA KAI DOJO - EVENING

We see TORY coming out of the dojo alongside the other STUDENTS. ROBBY is already outside waiting for her, a skateboard in his arm. We get a quick shot of the INSTRUCTORS huffing on cigarettes in their BMW X5 (black, of course) sitting in the parking lot opposite, their predatory glances zeroing in on the kids.

ROBBY

Mind if I walk you to your bus stop?

TORY

The whole nineteen yards? Be my guest. Then again, I've got a little time before the bus departs, so I guess we may take it easy...

ROBBY

You have to take the first bus home? I've been surveying the neighborhood for a while now, and there is a couple of tolerable food joints around here.

TORY

(flashing him a smile) Sorry, gotta get home quick, change for work, check up on mom...

ROBBY

Right, your mom... She's sick, right?

TORY

(uneasy) Had a stroke just a few days back, who knows how long it's gonna take her to recover... if she's going to recover at all.

ROBBY

I'm sorry to hear that. Must be tough on you. You're all she's got?

TORY

Pretty much. I've got a brother, he's a good kid, really tries to help... but he's only nine, and you know how needy kids can be at this age.

ROBBY

True. So you're still working evenings, too? I'm amazed you're able to handle it all.

TORY

It's a little easier with school out of the equation... Guess if I had to drop out anyway, what better way to do it, huh?

ROBBY

(laughs) Yeah, right. Exit the dragon. So you've got no regrets here?

TORY

About dropping out? No. Waste of time. Training here is about the only time I've got for myself, and with school that'd go out of the window.

ROBBY

...You sure this is the best place to use up your free time on?

TORY

(uncertain tone) Yeah...

ROBBY

But?

TORY

Well, it used to be, until these gangbangers showed up. I know Sensei Kreese wants us to be ready for everything... and he wouldn't let them hurt me, but it still gives me the creeps to just walk into the room with them.

ROBBY

It seems to me that Sensei Kreese finds it hard to say no to "Sensei" Silver. And that guy's straight-up bonkers.

TORY

(surprised) I thought you were getting in with Sensei Silver? He heaps so much praise on you.

ROBBY

Kreese advised me to do that. Silver is a filthy rich guy apparently. I've done a small job for him. Now I wonder if I'd made the right call. Especially now that I see there's something seriously wrong with this guy. He sweet-talks me, yeah, but none of this rings sincere to me.

TORY

Huh. Didn't know you felt this way. Gotta admit was a bit jealous of the attention he's giving you.

ROBBY

My gut's telling me nothing good's likely to come out of this guy's attention. I just wonder what's the deal between him and Kreese.

TORY

Why not ask Sensei?

ROBBY

Maybe I will, though I think I'd better be careful. From the looks of it, Kreese must be owing him big time. Anyway, if you're so uncomfortable there, why not leave? That's what I plan on doing after the tournament.

TORY

You want to leave? After Sensei took you under his roof?!

ROBBY

Trust me, he didn't do it out of the kindness of his heart. He wanted to lure my father back, that much is clear to me. Now that this plan failed, he keeps me around so I win the tournament for Cobra Kai. We've got mutual interest here, but after the tournament there is no reason for him to keep me around. Nor for me to stick around.

TORY

Well, I... it wouldn't be fair for me to leave.

ROBBY

Why? What the hell do you owe this guy?

TORY

I feel that I do and let's leave it at...

Her utterance is cut short by a not-too-distant sound of a gunshot. Both of them bend down reflexively, look in the direction the bang came from. ROBBY's eyes flash with realization.

ROBBY

I think... this came from near my father's place... I've gotta go check this out.

TORY

(grabs his shoulder) What, you crazy?! What are you gonna do, fight off a gunman with karate?!

ROBBY

(snaps back at her) I'm gonna see if anyone needs help! You stay here!

TORY

Like hell I will! I'm not lettin' you get yourself killed! I'm going with you!

ROBBY

(smirks) Weren't you the one saying you don't care if you live or die? Ok, fine, but stay behind me!

TORY

In your dreams, white knight. Come on, let's go.

ROBBY shakes his head in resignation, and they start running towards Johnny's apartment complex, their heads kept low.

CUT TO

INT. JOHNNY'S APARTMENT - EVENING (FLASHCARD: A FEW MOMENTS EARLIER)

We cut to JOHNNY, lying on his couch with legs crossed, illuminated by the TV screen running muted. He is holding a piece of paper in his hand, biting on a pen, deep in thought. We get a POV shot showing us the scribbled and subsequently crossed out entries on the page, underneath a double-underlined header: COUNTER-STRIKE PLAN. They go as follows: mexican standoff - can't buy a gun, I'm a felon!; (double crossed-out) hike up their rent; hide a stash behind their crapper, sic cops on 'em; drop a tnt stick down their crapper, flood 'em with their own turds - good plan, but could blow up in my face harharhar; release rats, call health inspection; spread rumors of sexual harassment; (we see this one just finish being jotted down) have Miguel plant child porn on their laptop.

He looks up, sees the laptop lying closed on the table next to him, looks down, crosses the line out.

He pats the back of the pen on the paper for a few seconds, then jots down, at the same time muttering to himself:

"tell the tekawondo guys they've been talking shit about them"

He finishes writing, smiles smugly at the idea, but then his smile suddenly fades.

JOHNNY

Wait, shit, didn't I already do that? Damn it. Or was it the capoeiras? Uh, whatever.

He crosses out the line, obviously disheartened, then sighs, puts his fist under his chin, pats the paper some more, finally perks up and writes down:

"order them pizza from all across town, BANKRUPT THE FUCKER!"

He double underlines the second part of the sentence, his expression full of mischievous glee.

JOHNNY

That's it, yes! I'll bury you under these pizzas, you cancer-ridden sack of shit! Pizzas, yeah, simple but elegant! That reminds me...

He gets up, strolls to the fridge, opens it to see a half-finished pizza inside.

JOHNNY

(taking it out) Guess I can credit you for giving me the idea. You know, you're a big reason why I'm holding off on moving in with Carmen. Wouldn't want to hurt her feelings by eating Italian food. Come to think of it, I should have the numbers to pretty much all the pizza joints around these parts. They better have delivery trucks and not just these sorry chumps on bicycles with their oversized backpacks. (shakes his head) These guys look like ants hauling leaves around.

He walks with the pizza back to the couch, turns the TV sound up. A documentary on Columbus is running.

JOHNNY

Gonna order enough of them to fill up a galleon... Wait, this guy was Italian? I wonder if he stocked up on pizzas before setting sail for the US...

His deep rumination on the subject is interrupted by angry male shouting in Spanish coming from the outside, interspersed with loud forceful banging on one of the doors.

Visibly disgruntled, JOHNNY gets off the couch and moves to the window. He sees the perpetrator, but can't make out much beyond his leather jacket and slicked back black hair. He is hammering on Miguel's door, until it is finally opened by CARMEN, obviously highly distraught and frightened. The MAN's voice lowers a little, taking on a more sneering, self-satisfied tone, to which CARMEN replies with shaky near-hysterical outcries. JOHNNY's stance and expression tense up, and when the MAN makes a rough grab at CARMEN's hand, he darts for the door.

CUT TO the outside of the apartment, where the MAN drags CARMEN towards himself by her tightly gripped arm while she slaps his body with her free hand in a futile protest, both screaming over one another in a raucous clamor...

...until JOHNNY's deep shout cuts tight through it.

JOHNNY

HEY, MISTER MACHO! LAY YOUR GREASY PAWS OFF OF HER, RAPIDO!

The struggling couple stop in their tracks and take note of JOHNNY, CARMEN's face becoming even more panic-stricken, and the MAN's (whom we now recognize as the man who brought Cole's hard drive to Silver) sneer becoming even more pronounced.

MAN

Stupid fuckin' gringo don't know to mind his own business? Want to play hero, eh?

CARMEN

JOHNNY, PLEASE, STAY OUT OF THIS!

JOHNNY

(ignoring CARMEN's frantic plea) Oh, you know English? Good, now you can't say you didn't get the warning.

MAN

Arrogant like American too. (to CARMEN, in Spanish) He the one fucking you now, huh?! This bum?!

CARMEN

(in Spanish) He's just a neighbor, please don't hurt him!

JOHNNY

(grabs the MAN's arm, twists it and wrenches it back, tearing it away from CARMEN) LOOK AT ME WHEN I TALK TO YOU, TACO BREATH! YOU GET YOUR SLICKY ASS OUT OF HERE, COMPRENDO?!

MAN

(cries out in pain) AHH, FUCKING PENDEJO PIECE OF SHIT, I TEACH YOU TO TOUCH ME, YOU STUPID CABRON...

He reaches inside his jacket, but before he can take it back out, JOHNNY's knee is already rushing to meet it, and he only manages to pull a gun out, when his arm is jolted upwards by the blow. The gun fires in the air, prompting CARMEN to bend down and cover her ears; JOHNNY, however, remains undaunted. His left hand shoots out to seize the MAN's wrist, while the right one curls into a fist and savagely strikes the forearm, eliciting a sickening crunch and forcing the hand to release its hold on the weapon. The MAN utters a hair-raising wail, which only further rouses JOHNNY - he headbutts his opponent once, twice, until blood spurts out of the MAN's nose, then sweeps him up, giving him a jab in the chest on his way down. Finally, he grabs the gun off the floor and begins pistol-whipping the MAN, now desperately trying to crawl away, all over.

JOHNNY

THINK YOU'RE GONNA SCARE ANYONE WITH THAT PEA SHOOTER, GRANDE BANDITO?! WE USE BIGGER CALIBERS TO SHOOT SQUIRRELS IN AMERICA!

CARMEN

(flings herself at JOHNNY's back) PLEASE, STOP, YOU'RE MAKING IT WORSE!

JOHNNY

For him, yeah, that's the idea! I'm giving this scumbag a licking he'll remember!

CARMEN

JOHNNY, PLEASE!

JOHNNY

(thrown off balance by the sheer anguish in her voice, he stays his hand) Alright, alright, cool it, damn! Just wanted to make sure he won't think of coming here again.

CARMEN

Oh but he will, Johnny, he will...

They look at the MAN crawling away to his Lamborghini, grabbing at the door handle and lifting himself up, all bloody and bruised. Holding the door tightly, he turns towards them, his face a grotesque mask of hatred.

MAN

You so fuckin' dead, gringo. You have no fuckin' idea how fuckin' dead you are right fuckin' now!

JOHNNY

(smirks) Oh yeah? On scale of one to Monday morning can you give me an estimate?

The MAN snorts in response, fumbles inside the jacket, prompting JOHNNY to point the gun at him, until he takes out his keys, unlocks the door and gets inside. The Lamborghini roars to life and skids away, tires burning.

JOHNNY

Pollute our air too, yeah, that's right, you greaseball.

He walks after it, hears the sound of careening tires, picks up his pace, steps onto the sidewalk, and notices ROBBY with TORY in tow looking in bewilderment at the car speeding away. Finally, their gazes fall in turn onto...

JOHNNY

Robby?! (tips his ghost hat) Ms Furious. Nice of you to stop by. What brings you here?

ROBBY

What happened?! We heard a gunshot, did someone get...

JOHNNY

Nah, unless Superman was flying by. (holds the gun up, chuckles) Thought this would make him a big man, can you imagine?

TORY

The guy looked real rough from what I saw...

JOHNNY

Glad to hear you appreciate my handiwork, Ma'am.

TORY's eyebrow arcs up.

ROBBY

What was he doing here?

JOHNNY

Harassing a lady as far as I could tell, I'm not yet fluent in Mexican... You sound like you know the guy?

ROBBY

(shakes his head) No... no I don't (JOHNNY regards him suspiciously). Thought he looked a bit familiar. Anyway, no one needs help here?

JOHNNY

(shrugs) No one left on the scene, anyway. But your concern is strongly appreciated.

ROBBY

Alright, good. We'll be on our way then.

JOHNNY

Hey, what's the rush?! You guys are coming straight from the dojo, right? Why not come in and grab a cold one?

TORY

Thanks, but I've got a bus to catch.

JOHNNY

Could give you a lift...

TORY

I prefer my drivers sober.

JOHNNY

Found the stickler for rules. Some other night, then?

ROBBY

Yeah, sure. See you, dad.

JOHNNY

(as they turn to go) Don't be strangers!

He watches them go for a moment, a tentative smirk on his face, then goes back to CARMEN, now crying while being comforted by YAYA.

CUT TO ROBBY and TORY nearing the bus stop. TORY notices the bus about to get there ahead of her, poises herself to chase after it.

TORY

That one's mine. Gotta run.

ROBBY

Alright, see you and... thanks for sticking by me there.

TORY

(smiles faintly) No problem. See you, Robby.

ROBBY

(smiles in return) Bye.

He watches her sprint to the stop, and jump right as the doors were about to close. He turns away, only to see...

...the INSTRUCTORS watching them in their BMW parked a little down the road. His eyes go wide in alarm.

Cut to the BMW. The CROOKED-SMILE MAN flicks a cigarette out of the window, addresses the GOATEE MAN sitting behind the wheel.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

(in Spanish) Alright, we've got the target, let's hit it.

GOATEE MAN

(in Spanish) You sure about this? Silver told you...

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

FUCK SILVER! I'm gonna shove that prod so far up his ass he'll be puking lightning! Now get a move on, that puta is mine!

Cut back to ROBBY as the BMW revs up and races in pursuit of the bus. ROBBY looks at them go, with horror mounting on his face. The GOLD-TOOTHED MAN flashes him a grin as they pass him by.

ROBBY looks around frantically - no other buses in sight, nor any taxis. Not that he would have a way of paying for one even if there were. He looks down, turning his attention to the skateboard still tucked under his arm. He sighs with his lips pursed...

CUT TO

INT. TORY'S APARTMENT - A LITTLE LATER IN THE EVENING

We cut to MIGUEL, his eyes downcast, sitting across the bed where MARY listens to him tear-eyed, her hand clutching the sheets tightly. TONY holds onto her in an embrace, his expression sullen.

MIGUEL

... and now last night she almost caused a fatal accident, trashed a bike she stole, all to get back at a guy just for leaving their little gang. He's in hospital now.

MARY shakes her head weakly, stifles a sob with her hand.

MARY

...My Tory... a gang member...

MIGUEL

I'm sorry for all the distress I've caused you by telling you this...

MARY

No... no... it's hard, but... thank you.

MIGUEL

I couldn't bear it, couldn't keep up the charade in front of you. Besides, surely you realize this is bound to end badly for her. (MARY nods sadly) She needs to hear this from as many sides as possible.

MARY

I... I don't know how I can... even look at her now.

MIGUEL

No, please, don't think like that. She's still your daughter, she takes care of you, I'm sure she loves you. She just... she has issues she refuses to admit to. I don't believe she's a bad person at heart. She needs help, that's all.

MARY

But what can I...

MIGUEL

This is tough, I understand. She needs help and you need her. Maybe... maybe we could work something out, maybe I could...

MIGUEL is cut mid-sentence by an angry scream coming from the outside. He jumps up from his seat. MARY shudders in hers.

MARY

That was...

MIGUEL

...Tory. Sounds like she's in trouble. I'll go have a look.

MARY

Be careful...

MIGUEL

(smiles reassuringly) I will, I promise.

He darts out of the room.

CUT TO the outside of the apartment. We pan away from the door, and, just as MIGUEL bursts through it, we see TORY struggling in the grips of GOLD-TOOTHED MAN and the TEAR-EYED MAN, with the GOATEE MAN watching the back, and the CROOKED-SMILE MAN strutting with a smug look in front of her.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

(in Spanish) Hi, chiquita, thought you could avoid us forever?

TORY bares her gritted teeth in response, keeps trying to wrench her arms away to strike out, but the hold of the two stronger MEN effectively keeps her immobilized.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

(grins) Feisty, that one, huh? C'mon, give daddy a kiss.

He leans onto her and receives a hefty load of saliva in his mug in response. He wipes it off very deliberately.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN (cont'd)

And here I wanted to be gentle... You've asked for it, la perra. You'll be gettin' something sticky in the face from me too after I'm done. But first...

He raises his fist to strike her, when...

MIGUEL

HEY!

The CROOKED-SMILE MAN stops in his tracks, turns towards MIGUEL, smirks.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

(still in Spanish) Hola amigo,you came for a piece of her? Gotta have to wait in line first.

TORY

(startled) MIGUEL?!

MIGUEL

(suppressing the fear at the sight of them) LEAVE HER ALONE!

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

(exchanges amused looks with the other INSTRUCTORS, then turns back to him, laughs) Ohhh, you want her all to yourself, huh? Can't blame you, but... you've gotta share with your compañeros.

TORY

(frantic) MIGUEL, GET OUT OF HERE!

MIGUEL

(musters up courage, adopts a threatening demeanour) I warn you - get off of her or I'm taking you down.

The INSTRUCTORS all burst out in incredulous laughter. The CROOKED-SMILE MAN is cracking up so hard he bends over.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

Oh, shit, guys, they must be addin' somethin' to the water here to end up with retards like this. Kid thinks he's some cavallero. (to the GOATEE MAN) Hey, Rodrigo? You've got a soft touch here, wanna try an' straighten out this poor idiot?

The GOATEE MAN shrugs, steps towards MIGUEL, who jumps back impulsively (or does he?), raises hands defensively. The MAN cracks his knuckles as he advances.

GOATEE MAN

(in Spanish) Don't like to beat on our own, but you've got way too much gall, kid. And for what? Some worthless puta?

MIGUEL continues stepping back, his knees bent, his eyes wide, mouth gaping open. The MAN takes his time closing the distance, allowing MIGUEL to move all the way back to the porch. He stops suddenly there, unexpectedly for the MAN, who finds himself within range sooner than he anticipated. The MAN throws a sloppy hook, which MIGUEL easily dodges, then in a flash grabs the extended forearm, wraps his other arm around the MAN's bicep, pushes his hip into him and smashes his heel into the MAN's ankle, finally using the MAN's momentum to propel him forward with a twist of his shoulders. The MAN stumbles unbalanced... face first into a porch column. His forehead slams into it with a metallic clang, and the MAN goes down, knocked out.

This is met with riotous laughter from the other INSTRUCTORS.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

DAMN IT, RODRIGO, YOU GOT PLAYED, DUDE! WALKED RIGHT INTO IT, HOLY SHIT!... (seeing the GOATEE MAN still lying dazed, his mirth quickly fades) Alright, amigo, now you've really done it. Playtime's over. Guys, show him what happens when you mess with Los Zetas.

He abruptly turns and savagely kicks TORY in the stomach, making her gasp and forcing her body to jackknife. The other two take it as a cue to release her and go after MIGUEL. They step forward and the CROOKED-SMILE MAN shoves TORY to the ground and puts her in a chokehold. The INSTRUCTORS approach MIGUEL, now in full fighting stance, with more caution, flanking him, feinting attacks, trying to read him. MIGUEL jumps onto the porch to have a wall behind his back, his expression dogged and focused - there is no retreat now.

TORY is struggling in the chokehold as the CROOKED-SMILE MAN keeps applying more pressure, seemingly intent on suffocating her. His own neck veins bulge from the effort, his teeth clenched tight with bloody gums exposed, his grin sadistic, merciless, psychotic...

CROOKED-SMILE MAN

Taking your breath away, huh, puta pequena? Yeah, you ain't the first nor the last.

TORY's legs kick the air, but with her lying on the ground, they have no way of reaching the MAN. Her hands convulsively grip the MAN's arm, but his hold will not relent from squeezing the life out of her. Her pallor turns purple as her eye falls on the spiked bracelet wrapped around her wrist. Frantically, she reaches for it and snaps it into striking position, and before the MAN notices the danger, she shoves the spikes right into his right eyeball.

The CROOKED-SMILE MAN bawls, breaks the hold, pushes his hand into the eye, and staggers back as TORY rolls away and gulps the air greedily while clutching her throat. Both rise to their feet, the MAN pulls the hand away, sees it covered in blood, closes his undamaged eye, then blinks rapidly, his expression growing panicked.

CROOKED-SMILE MAN (cont'd)

I can't... I CAN'T FUCKIN' SEE! (his features twisting in fury) I'M GONNA RAPE YOUR CADÁVER YOU BITCH!

He takes a step towards TORY, but before he even finishes it, an elongated blurry shape slams with extreme force into the side of his head, his neck snaps with a loud crack, and the MAN ragdolls onto the ground, his skull smashing full-bore into the concrete.

The MAN's fall reveals ROBBY standing behind him, wielding his skateboard with both hands.

ROBBY

That's not how you court ladies around these parts.

TORY

(through a constricted throat) Robby?!

ROBBY

Guess it sometimes pays off to be late to the party.

They look down at the CROOKED-SMILE MAN - a close up of his head: left eye wide open, a bleeding gash in place of the right eye, blood also trickling out through the ear and from between the lips.

TORY looks back up, a sudden realization.

TORY

Miguel!

They break into a run and race through the courtyard. Cut to MIGUEL, getting pummeled from both sides, striving to block and counter, but being relentlessly worn down by two skilled and callous opponents. It seems that only by pressing against a wall can he remain standing. Then with a corner of his eye he notices the cavalry charge, and despite the continued pounding his features go wide with surprise.

Cut back to ROBBY swinging back the skateboard and then throwing it mid-run like a big frisbee at the feet of the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN. The MAN gets tripped up by the projectile and plunges backwards, his nape meeting ROBBY's onrushing foot mid-fall. We pan back to see TORY ram her shoulder at full speed into the TEAR-EYED MAN, pushing him off MIGUEL, and jamming her spiked fist into his gut. The MAN groans, but before he can even react, his head is pinned to the wall by MIGUEL's karate chop striking him below the chin, giving TORY an opportunity to follow up with blows to his groin and in between the ribs, making him slump down the wall with an agonized moan.

Cut to the GOATEE MAN, still on the ground, shaking off his stupor, crawling on all fours towards the tumult and grabbing ROBBY's raised ankle just as he is about to deliver a stomping kick to the toppled GOLD-TOOTHED MAN. The GOATEE MAN wrenches the ankle upwards, throwing ROBBY off balance. ROBBY spins in the air and falls on his back on top of the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN, who wraps his arms around ROBBY's midsection and starts squeezing with all his might. ROBBY heaves, kicks the GOATEE MAN in the face as he is gathering himself up, pushing him away, then starts throwing back elbows at the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN's sides. The MAN continues the squeeze, twisting his body in attempt to bring ROBBY under. He manages to pivot him to his side, just as his temple is dealt a stunning kick by TORY, and just as MIGUEL jumps from the porch and over them to deliver a jumping side kick to the GOATEE MAN, landing a blow on his chest. ROBBY frees himself from the hold, spins, and slams his fist down GOLD-TOOTHED MAN's teeth, knocking out several and shoving them down his throat.

ROBBY

(withdrawing a bloodied fist) Bon appetit.

The MAN seizes his own larynx convulsively and starts gurgling.

ROBBY

Down the wrong pipe, huh?

Cut to MIGUEL laying a few more kicks on the evidently disheartened GOATEE MAN, finally dropping him with a back sweep. He looks back, sees the TEAR-EYED MAN coming at TORY - preoccupied with watching ROBBY's takedown of the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN - from behind with a switchblade in hand. He screams out.

MIGUEL

TORY, GET DOWN!

She bends down reflexively as MIGUEL rushes at her, leaps, slides across her back, and kicks the knife out of the TEAR-EYED MAN's hand. The MAN spins, turns the spin into a roundhouse kick, with which he launches MIGUEL onto TORY, who in turn slams into ROBBY, bumping him off the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN in the process. The trio collapses in a heap. The MAN stomps on MIGUEL's chest, making him gasp and fold in half. Still, MIGUEL manages to seize the MAN's foot with both hands, preventing him from withdrawing it long enough for TORY to kick his other foot out while underneath MIGUEL, who then finishes the toppled MAN with a knockout kick to the forehead.

Meanwhile, ROBBY is writhing underneath the others, while the GOLD-TOOTHED MAN laboriously gets up, wheezing and coughing. The MAN smiles, a massive gap between his gums, seeing ROBBY pinned down, and charges him, when ROBBY notices his skateboard within the reach of his foot and kicks it in front of the MAN, who steps on it, making it slide backwards and take his foot along for the ride. The MAN's arms whirl as he is flung face first into the pile-up, only to be greeted with a salvo of punches, knocking him out for good.

The trio gather themselves up to face what is now their last remaining assailant in the GOATEE MAN - ROBBY picking up his skateboard on the way and flinging it over his shoulder in a cocky manner, TORY standing erect all splattered with blood - an Amazon emerging out of a battlefield - and MIGUEL, battered, hunched in pain, but standing still and determined to carry on if needed.

The GOATEE MAN begrudgingly raises his hands in surrender, evidently not feeling the desire to carry on.

ROBBY

Had enough already? Then why don't you be a good boy and sweep your trash and get the everloving hell out of dodge?!

He motions to the downed opponents - the (no longer) GOLD-TOOTHED MAN coughing and sputtering on the ground, the TEAR-EYED MAN lying sprawled out, moaning softly, the CROOKED-SMILE MAN lying in a pool of blood, utterly motionless - to drive the point home.

The GOATEE MAN nods lethargically. Looks like he got the point.

CUT TO

INT. DIAZ' APARTMENT - NIGHT

We cut to JOHNNY sitting uneasily at the table, eyes lowered, while CARMEN is wiping her tears and smudged make up, with YAYA rubbing her shoulders and cooing to her soothingly. JOHNNY purses his lips, sighs, finally speaks up.

JOHNNY

So I had the pleasure of finally meeting Mr Diaz, huh?

CARMEN

Oh, Johnny. I was praying this day would never come.

JOHNNY

So you lived in fear all this time. In fear of this... pathetic schlub? Then I'm glad you got to see first hand just what a poser you were dealing with. I'm amazed Miguel could come from a guy like that.

CARMEN

Not all men in our family were like that, Johnny. If only I had any of them left... but you don't understand, you may have given him a beating, but that didn't solve anything. You only painted a target on your back.

JOHNNY

You think he will be back after this? I mean sure, he was mouthing off, but it sounded to me like just so much wind.

CARMEN

I wish you were right, Johnny. But Manuel... he isn't the type to let go, especially not after a... humiliation like this. I put thousands of miles between us all these years ago, but even that ended up not being enough.

JOHNNY

Well, you ran. He chased you thinking he'd drag you back after he caught up with you. But now he knows we're neither running nor taking any of his shit. That's different.

CARMEN

But you have to run, Johnny! You can't stay! Manuel will be out for revenge, and he's connected...

JOHNNY

Me, run?! You out of your mind?! No way I'm running away from some two bit greaser. No way I'm leaving you to him!

CARMEN

I... we may need to run too. You don't understand - you caught him off guard, but he isn't going to make the same mistake again. He's going to take you out first.

JOHNNY

(chortles) I'd like to see him try.

CARMEN

Johnny, this isn't your karate world where people fight with honor! This man abides by no rules, he'll kill you in your sleep, while you're crossing the street, whenever and whatever way he can! And he doesn't even have to do it himself! I told you he is connected. And you know what kind of connections I'm talking about here. You've heard of things that happen south of the border, Tijuana, Juarez... This is the type of connections Manuel has.

JOHNNY

Well, this isn't Juarez or Tiguana, this is America! Can't let some cartel savages push us around! I'll take care of myself. And you... maybe you should go to the cops, you got asylum from him after all, right?

CARMEN

(snorts mirthlessly) Yes, the police will be a lot of help here. I'm sure they will have their guys posted here around the clock to protect a few border jumpers. Maybe they'll even put me under a witness protection program!

JOHNNY

Wait, you guys are illegal?!

CARMEN

Me and Miguel have asylum as you've said. Yaya (she and YAYA exchange sad looks)... not so much.

JOHNNY

Aw crap. Well, I'll figure something out, I've got connections too, you know. Whatever happens, I'm not gonna let him or anyone hurt you, you've got that? I love you, God damn it!

YAYA looks at him touched, moves over and starts hugging and kissing him on the cheeks.

JOHNNY (cont'd)

(awkward) Hey, I was talking about her! I mean, you're cool too, don't get me wrong, I hope ICE doesn't get you.

YAYA makes a scary face, shakes her fist defiantly.

CARMEN

(smiles ruefully) I love you too, Johnny. And that's why I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. I beg you, at very least don't stay at your house, get out of town preferably, and stay away from busy places. They have no compunction about killing people in broad daylight.

JOHNNY

I can't believe this is America we're talking about here.

CARMEN

I'm sorry, Johnny. It seems like by escaping our problems here, we end up bringing them to you.

JOHNNY

(reaches across the table, encloses CARMEN's hand in his) No matter what happens, and I swear I won't let you come to harm, I will never regret having met you. I'd tear down the wall with my bare hands to let you in, and trust me, I know how to do that. You're the best person I could hope to have in my life... hell, way better than I could hope for, and I don't care if that guy's got a coked up army behind him, I'm not handing you over (tears roll down CARMEN's cheeks)... But ok, I'm going to get some sleep away from here to give you some peace of mind, then I'll be back, and meanwhile, to give me some peace of mind you keep this. (he pulls the gun out of his pants, lays it on the table, slides it across to CARMEN, who looks at it aghast) Your hubby dropped it, he may want it back, and why shouldn't he have it? Just give him the bullets first.

CARMEN

Johnny, no... I... I can't stand to even be around guns!

JOHNNY

Dammit, woman, take it! You've brought your Latino problems, now use American solutions! What, you say I should leave you completely defenseless?!

CARMEN

(nods in resignation) Ok, Johnny, but I don't think I'll have the courage to...

JOHNNY

If you want me to stay here after all, then you're doing a good job at it. Remember, it's not just yourself you will be protecting. There is also Yaya, there is Miguel...

CARMEN

(on the verge of tears again) You're right, Johnny. God, why can't things be simple?!

JOHNNY

Well, for me it's a matter of high risk, high reward. You took the risky choice by coming here, I'm not taking the easy way out either. Hell, this country wouldn't exist if we always went for the simple option, that's who we are, we don't take things as they come, we don't let others order us around, we fight, we struggle, we...

CARMEN

... strike first?

JOHNNY

... and strike hard, no... self-pity.

CARMEN

Did you just coin your dojo's new credo?

JOHNNY

Guess if I had put it that way, I could've avoided some misunderstandings down the line. But yeah, gonna have take it to my one man focus group. Speaking of which, where's Miguel? Missed such a... fiery family reunion.

CUT TO

EXT. TORY'S APARTMENT COMPLEX - NIGHT

We cut to MIGUEL and ROBBY, sitting on the pavement, illuminated by porch lights, their backs resting on the bench seat behind them. They are facing the same direction, each looking straight ahead. ROBBY fiddles absent-mindedly with his skateboard. MIGUEL just sits pensively, his arms lying crossed on his drawn-up knees. We see that apart from the pool of blood and some occasional splotches, there is no sign of the instructors left.

MIGUEL

(chews his lips, awkward) Skate's alright?

ROBBY

... May have dented it a bit. Nothing I can't fix.

MIGUEL

(nods)... that guy's gonna look at his next dump very carefully, isn't he?

ROBBY

(snorts) Yeah, probably. Doubt it'd be his first time either.

MIGUEL

(hesitantly)... that other guy, he was done for, right?

ROBBY

I guess so.

MIGUEL

... your first time?

ROBBY

Guess so... (chuckles) other than you, that is.

MIGUEL

(chuckles back) Yeah I guess you killed me and then I got better... (finally mustering up the resolve to look at ROBBY) Do you know who these guys were?

ROBBY

(nods solemnly) Yeah, these were our sparring partners.

MIGUEL

What?! You mean at Cobra Kai?! Jesus, what the hell is Kreese doing with you there?!

ROBBY

Oh, you don't know the half of it. But yeah, he probably didn't expect our partnership to pan out this way.

MIGUEL

Well, you must see now the man's nuts! You're not going back there, right?

ROBBY

(shrugs) Got all my stuff there. I figure he and I are going to have a long talk. Besides, it wasn't his idea.

MIGUEL

Then whose idea was it?!

ROBBY just shrugs in response, resumes fiddling with the skateboard. MIGUEL sighs in resignation.

MIGUEL (cont'd)

Are you at least going to the police about this?

ROBBY

I know I won't. Doubt Tory is going to either.

MIGUEL shakes his head in disbelief. Suddenly, rain begins to fall. The boys both point their faces up, enjoying the cool relief. In the back, we see a door open, and TORY step out with a first aid kit in her hand. She walks over to them, heedless of the rain.

TORY

(to MIGUEL) Alright, take your shirt off.

ROBBY's eyebrows go up as MIGUEL, also showing some surprise, obeys the order. TORY inspects the wounds on his back, puts the kit on the bench, sits down in between them, takes out a cotton swab, dips it in disinfectant, starts rubbing the sore spots, MIGUEL doing his best not to flinch, and sticks gauze pads to the abrasions. Afterwards, she takes out a needle and thread...

MIGUEL

Uh, you know how to do that, right?

TORY

Yes.

She proceeds to suture the larger cuts. This goes on for a while, with not a word uttered between them, MIGUEL obviously very much conscious of the proximity of her body.

Finally, TORY takes her hands off him.

TORY (cont'd)

Done here. Anything in front?

MIGUEL

Just bruises I think, I'll take care of these, thanks.

ROBBY

(holds up his bruised knuckles) My hand could use some love, too.

TORY

(pushes the kit towards him) Wash it and bandage it. You can do as much, can't you? (she steps in front of MIGUEL, looks him over) There's a cut above your eyebrow. I'll sew it up.

MIGUEL

(ill at ease) No, really, thanks, I can manage, there's no...

He sees TORY's frosty look, goes quiet as she squats in front of him, puts the swab to his face, then points the needle right above his eyeball. She is now so close he can feel her breath on his cheek. To say this is an awkward situation would be hell of an understatement.

MIGUEL (cont'd)

(trying to bring the tension down) So, uh, you thought you had this back there?

TORY

(still suturing) No, I didn't.

MIGUEL

Then why did you tell me to get away?

TORY

I didn't want you to get hurt.

MIGUEL

Seriously? You led a raiding party to our house and now you don't want me to get hurt?

TORY

(edgy) That was different. We came to beat any ideas of challenging us out of your heads. This... this had nothing to do with you.

She finishes the suturing, then steps away.

TORY (cont'd)

Which leads me to the question - what were you even doing here?

MIGUEL

I came to see you, Tory.

TORY

Why?

MIGUEL

Why do you think? To ask you to stop the madness, to stop treating us as enemies! Now I'm hearing these people are at Cobra Kai? (TORY frowns) Well, what more proof do you need that Kreese is out of it?! That he doesn't care about you?!

TORY

You walked out of my home. You were talking to my mother?

MIGUEL

Yes, Tory, I was. I didn't plan on that, thought you'd be at home. But then I got invited in and...

TORY

(intense) And?

MIGUEL

At first I thought I'd keep her in the dark when I realized she had no idea what you've been up to. But then... well, sorry, she saw right through me, your mother is smarter than you probably give her credit for... so I told her the truth.

TORY

(anger mounting up) What did you tell her?!

MIGUEL

I told her about the things you did, from beginning to end. (shakes his head) I couldn't bear to lie to her, I don't know how you could. She loves you so, you mean the world to her, Tory!

TORY

HOW...HOW DARE YOU COME INTO MY HOUSE AND...

MIGUEL

(springs up from the ground, now angry himself) WELL, HOW DARE YOU THROW YOUR LIFE AWAY WITH A FAMILY LIKE THAT! YOUR MOTHER, YOUR BROTHER, YOU'RE ALL THEY'VE GOT! And you act like some psycho with no regard for anyone's life, including your own! How can you even live with yourself after that!

ROBBY gets up too, alarmed, ready to jump in, but one anguished glare from TORY is enough to stop him dead in his tracks. This is not his fight.

TORY

(bitter, defensive) You have no idea what my life is like, Miguel, what I have to go through every day...

MIGUEL

Yes, I don't, I admit that, but... no way your life is just misery! No way it has to be just misery! You... you remember the summer we had... I remember a different you, I remember a Tory that could find happiness even in small things, in melted ice cream and abandoned funfairs...

TORY

(biting her lip, fighting back against the mounting grief) Yes, I remember... and I remember who took it away from me. The only joy I had...

MIGUEL

Oh, do you?! Well, great, because he's standing right in front of you now! Yes, Tory, it was me, it was me that was supposed to stay true to you... and I returned that kiss!

TORY

(shakes her head, tears welling up) No, Miguel... she was the one that...

MIGUEL

IT'S NOT BETWEEN YOU AND SAM, TORY! IT'S BETWEEN YOU AND ME! I'm the reason for your pain, I'm the one you should be taking revenge on, I'm the one you should be going after, not Sam, not Hawk, me! And well, here I am! (he spreads out his arms) Ready to pay for what I've done! Here's your chance! Hit me, strike me down, get your payback and let go of that hate, start again!... Just maybe don't break the sutures so I don't have to be stitched up a second time.

TORY regards him now with a face contorted in a mix of emotions, most of them painful. She looks at her gloved hand, then back at MIGUEL.

MIGUEL (cont'd)

You know you want to do this, you know I deserve it! So c'mon and get it over with, (desperately) pleeeaasee!

Finally, with a cry of anger and suffering, TORY throws a right hook at the side of MIGUEL's mouth. He recoils, steps backwards, slips on the wet concrete, and falls on his back. TORY makes a step forward, drops onto her knees, straddling MIGUEL's waist, raises her fist again. MIGUEL shuts his eyes and mouth tight readying himself for the blow, rain pouring down on his face along with droplets sliding off TORY's body... He waits for what seems like an excruciatingly long time, only to finally hear the fist slam the pavement next to his ear. He opens his eyes just as TORY's head flops onto his chest, her whole body now trembling, racked by heartwrenching sobs. MIGUEL's mouth drops, and he lies frozen in place, as if he suddenly found himself with a cobra coiled on his chest. He quickly comes to feel TORY's tears soaking through his shirt, even though both of them are drenched with rain at this point. Gradually, he allows himself to raise his arms and place one hand on TORY's soaked hair, the other on her back, and embrace her. She yields to his touch without resistance.

MIGUEL (cont'd)

(whispering) It's alright, Tory. It will all be alright. Shhh...

He whispers to her like that for a while, holding her gently, until her sobs finally cease. TORY raises her head, her makeup smudged to oblivion, looks down in apparent shame until MIGUEL reaches out to place the palm of his hand on her cheek. Their eyes meet.

TORY

I'm so... I'm so sorry...

MIGUEL

Tory... please find peace.

He raises his head to hers, she leans down, and their foreheads touch for a while in complete stillness. TORY lets out one last pair of tears, then draws her head back and slowly picks herself up. MIGUEL follows suit, they exchange glances one more time, and TORY turns around and starts for home, picking the first aid kit on her way.

MIGUEL looks at ROBBY, who has been watching the scene with clear embarrassment. He smiles at him faintly.

MIGUEL (cont'd)

Take care of her, will you?

ROBBY nods uncertainly, then walks after TORY, who stops at the door.

ROBBY

Uhh, mind if I come in?

TORY shakes her head, the faintest vestige of a smile forming on her face, then opens the door and motions ROBBY inside.

MIGUEL watches them disappear inside TORY's home, his expression bittersweet. Then he turns around and leaves, shaking his head in turn.

MIGUEL

God damn it, what a night...

CUT TO

EXT MIYAGI-DO - NIGHT

We cut to SAM, sitting restlessly and all alone on a rock by the pond, a bottle of liqueur in her hand, mostly empty at this point, and smartphone in her other hand, with Miguel's number selected. She looks at the screen hopelessly, takes another swig, then presses the number, only to be answered by the "number cannot be reached" message. She utters a cry of desperation, lets her hand drop, jumps from the rock only to find her legs a lot more wobbly than expected. She staggers a few steps in no particular direction, evidently incapable of waiting while rooted in one spot any longer. Suddenly, she is illuminated by a bicycle lamp and further alerted by a bicycle bell to the arrival of...

SAM

(at the top of her lungs) MIGUEL?!

MIGUEL

It's me, Sam! I'm back!

SAM

Thank God! I was worried stiff! Why didn't you...

She goes silent once she gets a look at him after being momentarily blinded by the lamp. MIGUEL makes for a sorry sight, indeed, with his stitches, bruises, soaked and torn clothing, and so on...

SAM (cont'd)

My God, what the hell happened to you?!

MIGUEL

Well, I saw Tory...

SAM

Did you fight?!

MIGUEL

(gets off the bike, approaches SAM) No. I mean, the two of us didn't, but...

SAM

Then what happened? You look like...

She gets a full dose of his scent, her features twist in shock.

MIGUEL

It's a long story, Sam, and I'm dead tired. I'll tell you everything tomorrow, but I think it's over now.

SAM

Over, huh? Miguel, you better explain yourself right now!

MIGUEL

Explain what, Sam? We got into a fight, yeah, that's why I look like this...

SAM

You just said you didn't fight!

MIGUEL

Not with Tory! It was someone else!

SAM

Someone else?! Then why is her smell all over you?!

MIGUEL

Her smell... (tries to smile reassuringly) No, no, it's not what you...

SAM

Yes, her smell! I can catch that cheap perfume of hers from a mile away now! (becoming hysterical) Miguel, what did you do?!

MIGUEL

Look, calm down, it's not what you think! We didn't make out or anything... I mean, yes, something happened, but... (SAM just stares at him slack-jawed, rendering him incoherent)... please, can we talk about this later?! Once you're sober, maybe?

SAM

Talk later so you can get your Tory story straight?! I may be the one drunk here, but it's you that's tripping over your own bullshit, Miguel! (tears at her hair) God damn it, I knew this was going to happen, I could feel it!

MIGUEL

(makes a tentative step forward) Sam, believe me please, nothing happened, nothing that you should...

SAM

(swings the bottle at him, only barely missing) GET AWAY FROM ME! Leave me alone! Go back to that tart of yours! She likes to play rough, and that's your style, isn't it?! She even stitches you up later from the looks of it!

MIGUEL

(raises his hands) Ok, alright, I'll go, but I swear that you have no reason to be angry. I love you, Sam!

SAM

(slumping onto her behind, tear-eyed)Please, just go!

MIGUEL

Ok, I will go, but I hate to leave you like this. Should I call you a cab?

SAM

No, thank you! I will handle myself!

MIGUEL

Fine, cool down a little so your parents don't see you like this. You'll be here tomorrow at training, right? I'll see you then.

SAM

Yeah, whatever.

MIGUEL

Don't fall asleep over here, you'll catch a cold. I'll call later just to check if you're ok, please don't turn me down then or I'll be coming down here again, you hear?!

SAM just looks at him with a scowl.

MIGUEL (cont'd)

I'm sorry I've made you angry, Sam. I really didn't intend to. I'll see you tomorrow.

Again no response. MIGUEL is obviously none too happy to leave SAM in such a state, but it seems that staying would just add fuel to the fire. Reluctantly, he gets onto his bike and drives off, leaving SAM swaying her upper body back and forth, staring into nothingness, tears rolling down. We pan away from SAM until our POV comes across a miniature camera planted underneath a loose board, its glass eye reflecting SAM's figure...

CUT TO

INT. COBRA KAI DOJO - NIGHT

We cut to KREESE turning the lights off in the main room of the dojo. He steps into the office, takes a seat by the desk, turns the lamp on, pulls reading glasses, a pen, and a notepad - first page partially filled with writing - out of a drawer. He puts on the glasses, clicks the pen and sets down to writing.

KREESE (V.O.)

Dear Dollface...

CUT TO A MONTAGE - we get alternating views (accompanied by KREESE's voice-over) of...

KREESE (V.O.)

I know I have not written in a long time, and I am sorry, as always. In my defense, last year or so has truly been a busy one.

- CARMEN bidding YAYA good night, then walking to the window and looking out, her face racked with anxiety.

KREESE (V.O.)

I have got back into the karate business. It really has always been my calling, and I believe kids today need my guidance more than ever.

- MIGUEL cycling through the dark streets, his expression dejected...

KREESE (V.O.) (cont'd)

You are probably going to find it funny - a 73 year old man showing kicks and throws to teenagers, and you would be right to think there is something ridiculous about the whole thing.

- JOHNNY entering his apartment, taking the car keys off the shelf, looking around, muttering to himself, an idea germinating in his head. He goes to another shelf above his head,reaches up and feels along it until he grabs hold of another key...

KREESE (V.O.) (cont'd)

It has not exactly been smooth sailing, I have to deal with fierce competition, if you can believe it. I have got more than a few headaches out of the whole affair.

- DANIEL, looking apprehensive, about to dial SAM's number when AMANDA steps over and gently lays her hand on his phone.

AMANDA

She said she's going to be with Miguel and that she's going to be late. You trust them, don't you honey?

DANIEL

(nods with a shade bitter smile) Yes honey, I do.

He puts the phone down.

KREESE (V.O.)

But it keeps me going. In fact, it has brought me back from the brink, gave me a new lease on life almost. I know you would not want me to join you before my allotted time here runs out, so I feel this is for the better.

- TORY entering her mother's bedroom, MARY looking at her gravely, TORY not meeting her gaze.

TORY

Mother. I would like you to meet someone.

ROBBY steps through the threshold, a shy smile on his face.

ROBBY

Nice to meet you, Ma'am, I'm Robby.

TORY

Robby was hoping he could stay with us for a while...

KREESE (V.O.)

But I think there are a few souls in my team that have found meaning in my teachings, and that alone gives me a sense of accomplishment.

- TORY again, as ROBBY is led out of the room by excited TONY. She walks to the edge of the bed, falls on her knees and presses her forehead to the frame.

TORY

Mother, I'm so sorry...

KREESE (V.O.)

Sadly, my lack of patience with the students (you would think I would have mellowed down with age!) has resulted in what I now realize has been a short-sighted decision, and one that has led to a shadow being cast upon my life's work, a shadow which I fear may sully it forever.

- SAM, lying at the edge of the pond, asleep. Her phone starts ringing. Her eyelids laboriously lift up. Her hand creeps towards the telephone. It is MIGUEL. SAM accepts the call.

SAM

I'm fine.

She ends the call before MIGUEL can even get a word in, drops the phone. Suddenly, she grabs her belly, her expression turns sick, she scrambles towards the pond, putting her head over the edge, and throws up into the water. She breathes heavily, washes her mouth, then looks dully at the contents of her stomach dispersing under the surface. Gradually, confusion comes over her features, as the regurgitated fluids grow darker in color - from pink/yellow to crimson - and assume the shape of hair floating underwater. SAM frowns, leans down for a closer look - the strands of "hair" suddenly pull back like the tentacles of a frightened octopus, revealing a face - her face, blue, bloated and decayed, staring back at her.

SAM screams out, jolts upwards and away from the pond's edge, her breath panting. She holds herself tightly, gradually regains composure, musters up the courage to look at the pond again - nothing but water and dissipated vomit. She wipes the sweat off her brow, chuckles to herself...

... when from the upper corner of her vision, a fishing hook, with a line and float attached, falls down and breaks the water's surface.

KREESE (V.O.)

I do not know if I have the strength to right this decision, which is why I would like to ask a small favor of you (yes, I know, it always comes down to favors, please forgive me): could you put in a good word for me up there? I could really use a bit of back-up around now.

SAM's eyesight moves at a glacial pace up along the fishing line, until it comes to rest on a hooded FIGURE, clad in a black cloak, perched on the opposite side of the pond, holding a fishing rod.

SAM shakes her head in disbelief, does a double take, but this manifestation remains a solid -if motionless- feature of the landscape, with all the reality one could reasonably expect of it.

SAM

(voice shaky) Uh, mister?! What are you doing here, this is private property!

The FIGURE responds by swinging the rod back, pulling the hook out of the water. Its face remains shrouded in black under the hood, but its head slowly begins to tilt up...

FIGURE

(in mock Asian accent) Why, don't yu recognize me, my chird?

SAM's eyes go wide with terror as the hood lifts up to reveal a marionette-like Mr Miyagi mask underneath.

FIGURE (cont'd)

It is I, Sam, yor grandfather!

The FIGURE stands up, revealing its towering height, and begins circling the pond at a measured pace. SAM screams out, turns tail and darts towards the building, stumbling on the way. The FIGURE's stride remains unchanged, and once it reaches the other side of the pond, SAM has already got to the door and slid it open. She casts another glance at the FIGURE, now raising the rod above its head as if intent on casting its hook at her, and with another cry lunges inside and rams the door closed.

The FIGURE throws its head back and bellows with blood-curdling laughter. Its hood falls away, revealing a ponytail at the back of its head. Suddenly, the maniacal revelry is interrupted by the ringing of SAM's phone lying on the ground next to his foot. TERRY SILVER squats down, sees the photo of DANIEL on the phone's glowing screen. His masked head tilts to the side.

SILVER

DAAANNYYY BOOOYYY! (draws breath deeply) TEMPTING, TEMPTING... BUT... NOT YET!

A close up on the phone, as SILVER's boot comes crashing down on it, smashing it into pieces.

Cut to a bird's eye view of the scene. We watch SILVER walk over to the building and start strolling along its thin walls,scratching them with his fishing hook, as the final lines of KREESE's narration play out.

KREESE (V.O.)

Sincerely hope it will not take as long for my next message to reach you, unless fate should have it that it is yours truly that will finally follow this one to your sweet embrace. In either case, know that, however many things I may have forgotten, you, my love, are always on my mind. Forever yours, John.

CUT TO MIGUEL parking his bike by his apartment complex, when his phone rings up. He picks it up - it is DANIEL.

MIGUEL

Yes, Mr... Daniel?

DANIEL

Hi, Miguel, is Sam with you?

MIGUEL

Uhh, yes she is. Um, would you mind if I call back later?

DANIEL

Ok, can you just tell her to...

His voice suddenly goes out, to be replaced by the voice of...

AMANDA

Absolutely, my darling, call back whenever you feel like it. Have fun whatever you guys are doing, bye!

CUT to AMANDA ending the connection and offering the phone with a regal gesture back to DANIEL, looking at her with irritation.

DANIEL

I only wanted to...

AMANDA

(puts a finger on his lips) Hush, honey, give them some room, will you? They are together, you heard Miguel. Let them have fun without constantly tugging at their electronic leashes just as we were allowed to have fun unmolested back in our days. And while they are having fun (she crosses her arms behind DANIEL's neck) let us have our fun too.

DANIEL

(smiles amenably) Alright, let's have it your way.

AMANDA

Just the way I like it.

She grabs hold of his collar and leads him away.

CUT TO KREESE, putting the final dot on the page, about to tear it out, when suddenly the ringing of the door chimes reaches his ears, followed by sounds of someone stumbling about inside the dojo. KREESE springs up from his seat.

KREESE

(loud deep voice) WHO'S IN THERE?!

More stumbling and clanging noises. KREESE grabs a flashlight, walks out of the office just as the chimes resonate again. He catches a glimpse of a FIGURE fleeing through the exit, turns the light on. The FIGURE passes by the window, looking like it is holding some large shape in its hand. KREESE looks around frantically - nobody but him in the room, nothing of note stolen. Something, however, does seem missing, though he cannot quite put his finger on it. With a shrug he walks over to the exit door - it is intact.

KREESE (cont'd)

Must've forgotten to lock it.

He takes out a key and turns it in the lock. Then he goes back to the office, tears the letter out of the notepad, puts it in a blank envelope, meticulously seals it, and finally places it back in the drawer.

FADE TO BLACK