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!

11. Episode 9 Part Two

FADE IN

EXT. DIAZ' APARTMENT COMPLEX - MIDDAY

We open on Mr Miyagi's Ford rolling up to the parking lot next to the apartment complex. Out comes MIGUEL, followed shortly by SAM.

MIGUEL

Thanks a ton, Sam. But when we drive back to the hospital, I'm sitting behind the wheel.

SAM

(lifts her eyebrows, snorts) What?! Forget it! I'm not handing him over to anyone without a license!

MIGUEL

(imploringly) Oh, come one, Sam! The license's just a piece of paper! It'll be fine! Besides, I'm pretty sure your Dad didn't have a license the first time he drove him either!

SAM

(shrugs, pats the Ford's hood) Well, the Banana Boat had thirty years to grow in value since then. Plus, Mr Miyagi was the owner at the time, and I'm not. Sorry, Miggy, you're going to have to keep taking the backseat.

MIGUEL

And here I thought a healthy relationship needs to be built on trust? (Sam rolls her eyes) If Sensei sees me driving shotgun with you, I'll never hear the end of it!

SAM

Aaah, so having a girl drive you around makes you less manly in his eyes, is that it? Just tell him you made me do this after you spent the night boozing up...

MIGUEL

From what I've seen, being drunk is no reason not to go behind the wheel in Sensei's estimation. (as they near the entrance to his apartment, Miguel's look turns into a baffled frown) Speaking of which, just what in God's name happened here?

SAM

(inspecting the damage to the exterior of Johnny's flat) Looks like someone took a shotgun to his house. But it also looks like he had the time to patch it up since.

MIGUEL

Yeah, must've happened a while ago. I suspect we're seeing my dear father's handiwork here.

SAM

He was the one that... uh, Bobby took away in handcuffs, right?

MIGUEL

(nods) Hoping this was when he walked away from my life for good. But then I hoped for that before as well. (as Sam puts her hand on his shoulder) Funny to think Robby hates his dad for not being in his life enough, while everything I'd ask out of mine is to never come into my life again...

SAM

I'm sorry, Miguel. You know you have all of us to help you through this... (hesitantly) Seems like Robby could gain some perspective from getting to know you.

MIGUEL

Maybe. And who knows what I'd gain... Anyway, welcome to my humble abode. Want to come in?

SAM

Sure.

MIGUEL

Let's hope Yaya's inside, not scouring the city looking for mom. (rings the doorbell, shouts) YAYA, IT'S ME!

A gasp can be heard from the other side of the door, followed by rapid tapping of feet. The door is unlocked, revealing YAYA, with an expression of disbelieving joy. With a shout of his name, she grasps him in a tight embrace, which he somewhat awkwardly returns while listening to her cooing in Spanish. Sam looks on with a cheerful smile.

MIGUEL

(as he extracts himself from Yaya's embrace) Mom sent me to pick you up, Yaya.

YAYA

(eyes wide, in Spanish) Your mom?! Where is she?!

MIGUEL

She... she's ok, but she had an accident. She couldn't come home yet.

YAYA

(with trepidation) Accidente?!

MIGUEL

Yaya, she's O.K. We'll go see her right away, get yourself ready. (indicating Sam) That's Sam, Yaya, she'll take us there. (as Yaya moves to hug her in turn) I'll get something to eat. (to Sam) You'd like something, too?

SAM

(over Yaya's shoulder) Actually, yeah. I'm kinda starving.

MIGUEL

Ok, I'll fix something right up before we go.

SAM

Thanks, but we'd better hurry. I'll have to get home soon to avoid... no, minimize dad's wrath at me breaking curfew.

MIGUEL

I'll hurry, but... surely he won't be that angry, right? I mean, you didn't even get involved in any fighting that was going on!

SAM

(sighs) It seems that as of now dad's level of trust in me is at a low ebb.. I also think whatever happened this night spooked him real bad.

MIGUEL

(growing pensive) I can imagine, I suppose. This night was really crazy... You took the car from Miyagi-Do, did you see anything unusual there?

SAM

A few things, and that's despite me trying my best not to look too closely. One car was missing, and there was some big box near the pool.

MIGUEL

Strange. What could they want with Mr Miyagi's car?

SAM

Maybe just to add insult to injury. Well, now I'm wondering if I should drive the ol' Banana Boat back to Miyagi-Do, or if it's going to be safer in our garage.

MIGUEL

(looks frantically at the clock) Wait, you just reminded me. We're supposed to be having a class there now!

SAM

Crap! I thought about that when I was on my way to you, but I didn't have a phone then to let others know it's not happening. Then in all that excitement it totally slipped my mind.

MIGUEL

So did I, until now. (takes out his phone) Oh, I got a message from Chris, let's see... (screen goes black) aaand of course my battery went down. I left the charger at your home. Oh well, I'm sure they'll forgive us when they hear what happened. (chuckles) They'll probably be too shocked to care about a stupid class then.

SAM

(smiles ruefully) Yeah. I mean, having wasted some time is hardly a big deal compared to what we went through.

MIGUEL

Right. I wonder what they thought has happened. Maybe they've managed on their own...

SAM

Maybe. Who do you think took the sensei's reigns then?

MIGUEL

Depends which sensei we're talking about...

CUT TO

A MONTAGE (CAPTION: MEANWHILE)

[NOTE: Put on some hard-hitting heavy metal while reading this section. My suggestion: Judas Priest: "All Guns Blazing"]

... the West Valley High hallway, where the YELLOW SHIRT CK STUDENT is approaching a locker. He pulls it open nonchalantly, only for his eyes to go wide as he beholds...

... BERT stuffed inside, who immediately, with a battle roar on his lips, throws a kick to his chest. The Student stumbles backwards, thrown off balance, as suddenly NATE darts into his path from out of the frame, crouches, sweeps him up, and makes him topple over his bent frame. Nate then helps Bert out of the locker by taking his hand and the two come down on the hapless prone Student, showering him with jabs and kicks, until a scream coming from down the hall makes them stop and break into a run, though not before high-fiving each other first...

CUT TO THE BRUNETTE CK STUDENT [the one that got double-kicked by Hawk & Demetri] browsing the goods in a supermarket, when he is suddenly shoulder-bumped from behind by the BLACK EAGLE FANG STUDENT, making him slam into the shelves, scattering the goods all around.

BRUNETTE STUDENT

(turning frantically around, an angry snarl on his face) HEY, WATCH IT, ASSHOLE!

BLACK STUDENT

Oh yeah?! Or what, pussy?!

With these words, he gives him another taunting shove. As the Brunette Student braces himself to strike back, we see the strap of a backpack dropping from above and looping around his neck. As his eyes focus on it, the strap tightens around his Adam's apple and yanks him violently towards the shelves. The boy smashes into them, his hands gripping the strap convulsively, his eyes bugging out in panic. We pan up to see the ASIAN STUDENT holding onto the strap, peering from above the shelves while sitting on the shoulders of another MIYAGI-DO STUDENT. The Black Student takes the opportunity to land a few hooks to Brunette Student's sides, while the latter is writhing in a struggle to get loose. Then the Black Student jumps back as the Students on the other side of the shelves simultaneously shove the rows and send them toppling onto their victim, spilling the contents onto the floor in a resounding din and clang of metal beams hitting the tiles. As the Brunette Student is pinned to the floor with a startled cry, the attackers make a run for it...

CUT TO THE DREADLOCK COBRA KAI STUDENT laid out on the bench, sweating it out lifting weights at the school's gym. We cut to his POV as from the upper corner of the screen the upside-down face of an EAGLE FANG STUDENT comes into view and leans down, with a malicious smirk.

EAGLE FANG STUDENT

Surprise, muthafucka...

DREADLOCK STUDENT

(confused frown) What the...?!

Without bothering with explanations, the Eagle Fang Student grabs the bar with both hands and forces it down. The Dradlock Student gasps, frantically trying to keep the barbell away from his throat, his arm muscles bulging, his mouth gaping open in a silent cry. With the bar a few inches away from the lying boy's face, the attacker, evidently satisfied, shifts his eyes up, meets the gaze of his COMPANION, and gives him a nod. The latter responds by grabbing the end of the bench and wrenching it up into the air with a mighty heave, while the former at the same time pulls the barbell towards himself. The Dreadlock Student is flung/dragged off the bench, which subsequently rotates 180 degrees in the air and lands right on top of him. His arms fall behind his head, only to find themselves underneath the barbell which drops with a thud onto the ground, with the weights bouncing lightly off the floor right next to his wrists.

EAGLE FANG STUDENT

(smugly) HAVEN'T YOU HEARD?! TODAY'S SHOULDER DAY!

EAGLE FANG STUDENT #2

I think he's skipped his hearing check day.

EAGLE FANG STUDENT

Not like his mama, she'd never skip her welfare check day.

EAGLE FANG STUDENT #2

Coz she knows what happens when daddy doesn't get his cut.

EAGLE FANG STUDENT

Think she knows who the daddy is?

EAGLE FANG STUDENT #2

Didn't say anything about his daddy...

The attackers make a run for it, guffawing derisively, as the Dreadlock Student lies still as if paralyzed,panting and with a terror-stricken expression...

CUT TO RICKENBERGER behind the wheel of a car standing before a red light at a busy intersection. Suddenly, a motorcycle with two RIDERS drives up to the window on his side. Both of them wear black helmets - the driver having his visor up revealing him to be Mitch, the passenger in the back having his hand in a cast - now wrapped in the skin of a cobra...

As Rickenberger's eyes go wide, the cast is raised and then thrust at the window, smashing it, showering the driver's seat and its occupant with tiny glass shards. Then, almost immediately, Hawk's other hand darts through the broken window, grabs the stunned Rickenberger by the hair, rams his face into the steering wheel, then forcefully yanks him out of the car, with the door opening only once half his body is already dragged out the window. Rickenberger rolls out of his seat and collapses into a heap on the asphalt next to the tire of Mitch's motorbike. Hawk's boot then slams into his back before he can regain control of his faculties. Hawk is now off the bike and motioning to someone in front of them. As our POV switches, we see DEMETRI looking back slack-jawed from the driver seat of the car in front of Rickenberger's. The car starts slowly reversing until it is nearly bumper-to-bumper with the other vehicle.

HAWK

(leaning down while lifting his visor, revealing his toothy grin) It's time we went on a little ride...

He reaches to his belt and takes out a coil of rope...

CUT TO

INT. COBRA KAI DOJO - AFTERNOON

We see KREESE, outfitted in his gi though looking haggard, a bandaged stump in place of an arm, looking over the somewhat thinned out ranks of his STUDENTS, many of them bearing fresh bruises, including TORY, who in turn regards him with evident grief. ROBBY stands next to her, his eyes darting from one battered and downcast visage to another, alarm mounting on his features. Kreese's lips part, yet initially no words come out - from the man's expression we can infer that instead of the usual ire and scorn at seeing his students beaten, a feeling of defeat and helplessness has come over the once indomitable Sensei. Finally, with obvious effort, he begins stringing words together:

KREESE

Class... It pains me... to see you like this... It pains me to see you... brought to this. There is no question we are under attack... an attack I fear I failed to prepare you for... (casts a glance at his stump) or indeed myself... for I was... I was in denial in regards to both how imminent and severe this attack was going to be. I have no one to blame here but myself (gives Tory a knowing look), I was given ample signals that such an attack was coming, yet I refused to act on them, refused to even acknowledge them... For that I... apologize... to all of you (his eyes drop for a brief moment, before raising his voice). But do not take this as an admission of defeat. We were hit hard, but we can still...

He suddenly goes silent, his wide-open eyes staring past the Students, as the whirring of a car engine becomes audible and fast increasing in volume. We look through the dojo's front window, which is now rapidly being approached by Demetri's car, taking a full-on collision course, all the while having HAWK perched on the rear edge of its roof, and towing Rickenberger's car close behind. Kreese' look of confusion turns into one of shock as he briefly locks eyes with Hawk, who gives him a fiendish smirk before turning to look at RICKENBERGER - all tied up and immobilized in the driver seat of his car, his mouth gagged, his eyes jumping out of their sockets - and giving him a mock salute. He then climbs down the car's rear, resting his foot on the bumper, leans down and pulls the bolt out of the towing strap's shackle, then slaps the roof of their car. DEMETRI reacts to the cue by swerving left sharply, turning the car narrowly away from the strip mall's wall and setting it to drive along it. In doing so, he gets the car out of the way of Rickenberger's vehicle, which, with no one to adjust its course, barrels right into the dojo's window, smashing through it and tumbling into the hall, with panicked Students scrambling to get out of its way. The force of momentum gets the car all the way to the opposite wall, where it finally comes to a stop after running down a dummy and breaking its headlights as it tears into the drywall.

We cut to Hawk climbing from the roof into the passenger seat of the car, then giving Demetri, who looks like he is on the verge of hyperventilating, a pat on the shoulder.

HAWK

(looks over his seat with a gleeful expression) Good job, Demeter. Looks like you've scored your five-bag.

DEMETRI

(turning to stare at him with a disbelieving frown, as he drives the car out into the street) Did we... kill anyone?

HAWK

(shrugs) Not sure. Gonna have to watch the news reports.

DEMETRI

(emphatically) My life is over.

HAWK

Your life as you know it is over, just in time for you to start a new one, Demeter.

DEMETRI

Yeah, well, I think this is the kind of life I should go pay a visit to Planned Parenthood about.

HAWK

(sneer) Not until we're done aborting Cobra Kai you aren't...

DEMETRI

I don't think post-birth abortion is legal yet.

HAWK

Maybe not, but weeding out parasites is.

Demetri gulps audibly. We switch to an outside view and see their car roll out of frame.

Cut back to the dojo, where the dumbfounded Students groggily pick themselves off the floor. With the car engine still running at full throttle, the room is quickly becoming filled with exhaust fumes.

KREESE

(as closes in on the car) EVERYONE OUT, NOW!

ROBBY

WE GOTTA GET HIM OUT OF THERE!

KREESE

I'LL DEAL WITH IT, GET OUT!

Robby and Tory nonetheless stay put, as Kreese, while covering his mouth with the stump, opens the car door. Rickenberger is writhing frenziedly in the seat, a brick placed on the gas pedal. Krese frowns and looks away.

KREESE

(on seeing the couple still there) NEED SOMETHING SHARP!

Tory immediately dashes to the wall, takes down two daggers, and, dual-wielding them, races to Kreese, throwing him one dagger, and getting down to cut the ropes herself with the other, coughing up fumes as she does so. A moment later, Rickenberger is set loose, and, holding him each by one arm, Kreese and Tory drag him out of the dojo into the clear air, with Robby coming right behind them after killing the car's engine.

They emerge outside, doubled over, hocking up their lungs. Rickenberger get onto his knees, tears the gag of his mouth, bends down and spits out...

... a severed head of the cobra.

ROBBY

Jesus Christ...

TORY

(breathing deeply) This is... an act of war.

KREESE

The war is in full swing by now, my dear...

ROBBY

(laying a hand on Rickenberger's shoulder) You ok, man?

RICKENBERGER

(nods) They fucked me up... but I'm ok.

The gathering looks back at the demolished dojo, taking in the whole weight of what has just happened in stunned silence. Then suddenly, a roar of another engine breaks their contemplation, an engine familiar to Kreese, who turns to face it with a sigh. We watch as Terry Silver's limo rolls into the parking lot, coming to a halt opposite them. The rear door lifts up and out steps...

KREESE

Terry... what impeccable timing.

SILVER

(walking towards him) Hello, Cap'n. Guess my hunch was right yet again, and I came right in time for another inspection. (regards the smashed window) Hope you've got good insurance.

KREESE

(grave tone) It's going to take more than insurance to fix this, it's going to take steps on my part, definite steps...

SILVER

(seemingly unaware of the implications of Kreese's words) No doubt about that. So what did I miss?

KREESE

You missed 'our' enemy using one of our student and his car to give us a message. (he points to the severed head)

SILVER

A message, you say? Looks like someone doesn't go for half-measures... Reminds me of the cartels' mail delivery system, actually. (prods the severed head with the tip of his shoe) Though I have to say the lads might have gone the extra mile here.

KREESE

Well, the message's been delivered alright.

SILVER

(motions to the stump) though not without something being taken in return first, apparently. I'm sorry this happened to you, my friend.

KREESE

Right. I'm sure it came as a shock to you when you first saw it...

SILVER

I was briefed beforehand, one reason I'm here in fact. I have contacts at the hospital as you well know. I was told your hand tissue was so ravaged by the venom, they had to deem it a write-off... though maybe saw-off would be the more apt choice of words here.

KREESE

I am glad your sense of humor hasn't left you. (his posture turns rigidly erect, and he stares right into Silver's eyes) But then again why would it? Seeing as it all seems to be going according to your plan...

SILVER

(an exaggerated look of hurt) My plan? What are you saying, Johnny? You suggesting I had anything to do with this?!

KREESE

I've seen and heard enough to draw my own conclusions. We're all just playthings to you, aren't we, Terry?

SILVER

(shaking his head in a prolonged movement) You're breaking my heart, Captain...

KREESE

(snorts) You ain't no Michael Corleone...

SILVER

(snarls) And I intend to keep it that way. Normally I'd take offense at being compared to some greasy wop.

KREESE

That's rich coming from someone wearing hair-shaped grease for a toupee.

SILVER

(chuckles) And that's coming from someone who was just complaining about low blows. But I'll tell you what, Cap'n, would rather have grease on my head than in my lungs. Though it looks like you may be having bigger problems at hand.

KREESE

(draws his lips taut) That I do, indeed. Some of these I've invited in, admittedly... but now is the time to sweep 'em out the door.

SILVER

(gives a sweeping look over Kreese's shoulder and of the scene of the crash) May be a touch late for that, partner. Doesn't look like you have much of a door left, for starters.

KREESE

There's a lot to clean up, but we will manage. On our own.

SILVER

(shark grin) There ain't a broom big enough to sweep this back under the carpet, no putting this genie back in the bottle. Look at them, it's not your dojo they're itching to sweep up...

KREESE

(growing vexed) You keep my students out of this! Out of your sick games! They're not your minions to do with them as you please!

SILVER

(sounding pensive) Hmm, well, that's a lot to ask, Cap'n. Keep them out of this now, when we're already in the thick of battle, when Jerusalem is already glimmering on the horizon in all its obscene splendor?!... Sorry, my friend, I don't think I can do that. There's no turning back now, the dogs of war have been let loose, and you can't corral them back in until they've had their fill. (points to the stump, smiles at him insolently) And I'm afraid that small piece of flesh wasn't anywhere near enough to sate them.

KREESE

(nods with grim acceptance) So it was your doing in the end. Of course it was. It was a mistake to call on your favor.

SILVER

(reptilian glare) Oh, Captain, your mistake goes back far further than that. It's just, all these years after you sowed the wind, you're now finally reaping the whirlwind.

KREESE

You're mad, Terry.

SILVER

(bellows with laughter, looks around before turning his penetrating gaze to Kreese again) Oh, I'd hazard a guess we're all a little mad down here. (his brows go up) I just figured I may as well embrace the fun of it. Too bad you had to keep so stiff through the whole thing. (shrugs) Well, it'll make you easier to carry away when the time comes.

KREESE

(deep frown) Is that a threat, Terry?

SILVER

Just an observation. Besides, it'd hardly be a threat to state the inevitable. Cobra Kai never dies, but sometimes men have to die for it to live on... (fake smile) Of course I hope this isn't going to be the case with you anytime soon. I wish you luck, old friend. Let me know if the insurance is being a bitch to deal with.

KREESE

I won't. Goodbye Terry.

SILVER

Have it your way. (raises his voice) Oh, but before I go, I'd like to give our quiver a few parting words.

Kreese's eyes narrow and his muscles tense. Robby and Tory regard Silver with hostility, but most Students just look on uncomprehendingly, but also with curiosity.

SILVER

I'd like to reaffirm the praise I've given to Sensei Kreese on previous occasions. He is without a doubt a man of honor and personal integrity. I should know, for if he wasn't these things, I'd be long dead. He saved my life in Vietnam, volunteering to risk near certain death in my stead... That being said, the reason we were all facing certain death at that point was also because of your Sensei. You see, his conscience held him back from sacrificing one of our own when doing so was obviously the most... prudent course of action. He held back and our whole squad got captured as a result. (casts a side glance at scowling Kreese) I thought that in the years since our Captain has come to terms with the lesson to be learned from that. But now I see his conscience is holding him back again, however loath he may be to admit it. And I fear, from the depths of my heart, (Kreese snorts) that the result of it will turn out similarly disastrous.

KREESE

Nothing but malice in your black heart, Terry.

(gives a well-rehearsed warm smile) John is a good friend to have, an excellent Sensei by any metric, but if there's one thing where he may not be wholly up to par, then that's being a leader, regardless of the stern talks he may be giving you. He will gladly endanger himself, sure, but that's not what a leader is for, especially not one his age. What you need is a leader that won't recoil from giving an order that comes with a risk to his troops, as long as the order is prudent. I worry your Sensei may not have the stomach to give such order. And sometimes you suffer far more severe consequences from doing nothing than from carrying out even the riskiest order. (raises his hands) Now I may be wrong, perhaps your Sensei does have some ingenious plan of action all laid out, which for whatever reason he's not willing to share with me. Maybe he suspects I'm a spy, who knows? (chuckles unconvincingly) But if my worries are correct, then I'd suggest you look beyond your Sensei for guidance. And let me assure you that you won't have to look far. Remain alert, and the road to victory's going to reveal itself you, (pronouncing the words with evident relish) clear as a line of crystal meth.

KREESE

(through gritted teeth) Get. Out.

SILVER

(bows to him with a smarmy look) Of course, Sensei, I will not take up any more of your precious time. Our time on this earth truly is precious, isn't it? Well, mine sure is anyway. Farewell, John.

Without waiting for a retort, he turns his back to Kreese and walks off towards his limo. In a moment, the screeching of tires and growling of the engine signals his departure.

ROBBY

(walking up to Kreese) Well,is there a secret ingenious plan of action, Sensei?

KREESE

(half-hearted smile) There is, sort of. One our friend would not sign off on, I hope. But the only way it has a chance to work is if you do not respond to their provocations...

TORY

(looks at the wrecked car) That was one hell of a provocation.

KREESE

(nods) Nonetheless, I'm going to have to order you to stand fast. We're being goaded into a war none of us can win. None but him, at least.

ROBBY

So we stand fast... And that's it?

KREESE

For now. Leave the rest to me. I'll go initiate talks with our rivals. They say war is an extension of diplomacy, hopefully the reverse proves true as well.

TORY

It's true what he said, isn't it? About you putting your neck out for him back then?

KREESE

That and what happened before it too. What can I say, the Terry I knew then isn't the man you've seen now. At least I hope I once knew a different man.

ROBBY

Whether that's the case or not, saving a man's life is surely nothing to be ashamed of?

KREESE

It may have not been the prudent choice, as is becoming increasingly evident.

TORY

So you're going to talk to LaRusso and Lawrence?

KREESE

Provided I get them to listen...

ROBBY

Maybe we should go with you?

KREESE

Don't believe that'd be prudent either. Your presence is likely to... raise tensions.

TORY

Well, actually, we had some talks of our own across the battle lines recently.

ROBBY

(as Kreese' eyebrows arc up) Including with my Dad. He may be more willing to listen if I vouch for you this time.

KREESE

That's... welcome news, but... I still feel it'd be better for me to enter their territory unaccompanied. For the sake of making my intentions clear, if nothing else. I believe I have certain unexpected allies to aid me in my objective. But if you've been reaching out, then I can only ask that you continue doing so... but do exercise caution.

ROBBY

That goes without saying.

KREESE

Good. I'll also need you to help keep everyone's emotions from boiling over. I'm afraid my authority has taken a hit with recent events...

ROBBY

(eyeing Tory suspiciously) Well, if you're looking to us to temper the moods around here, then I'd say you've got exactly the right people for the job.

KREESE

(smirks) And they claim women have a calming effect on men...

ROBBY

(facetious) Oh, my life's definitely taken a turn for the calmer since we got together...

TORY

(in a 'loath to admit it' tone) He's the one that's been having a calming effect on me if anything.

ROBBY

A "calming effect" in much the same way a straitjacket would have.

KREESE

(to Robby) Sure sounds like you've had a good deal of practice by now. I'm sure you'll do fine here. Now excuse me, while I try to stop our quiver from going haywire...

He moves off, begins addressing the other Students.

KREESE

I regret to say Mr Silver has proven himself to be a less than honorable partner. One who's demonstrated a callous disregard for all of us that have put our trust in him as a sensei. We will hence continue our work without him, whatever setbacks we may have to grapple with, and whatever adversity we may face. Remember that to succeed, we have to act as one. Any attempts to strike out in retaliation on your own are strictly off limits, am I making myself clear?!

The Students give half-hearted nods.

ROBBY

(to Tory, under his breath, while Kreese keeps monologuing in the background) You're going to do as he says?

TORY

(frustrated frown) For now.

ROBBY

Yeah. Can't see how we can keep turning the other cheek while that lunatic carries on with his rampage.

TORY

It's honestly a mystery to me why Sensei would want us not to fight back all of a sudden...

ROBBY

You know, sometimes the right thing to do in battle is not to let yourself be goaded into making the wrong move. I think Sensei's realized that's what Silver wants, for us to escalate against each other until the fight turns into a slaughter.

TORY

I suppose after what happened I owe him not to go against his word. It just feels so unlike what our dojo has been about all this time...

ROBBY

Guess Sensei has finally found the limit to how far he would want us to take the Cobra Kai mantras. (looks at her knowingly) And my guess is you've had more than a little to do with it.

TORY

(questioning look) What do you mean?!

ROBBY

Call it a hunch, but something tells me he hasn't really taught girls before. None that he'd get as close to as he did with you anyway...

Tory's frown deepens, but she does not answer.

ROBBY

Anyway, he's told us to keep reaching out. Now that I think about it, there may be an opportunity for that coming real soon.

TORY

You're talking about...

ROBBY

Our "baptism". I recall dad muttering something about buying four tickets, and I'm preeetty sure he didn't include himself in that equation.

TORY

Completely forgot about that. You really think we should go after all that went down?

ROBBY

I figure it'd be a nice opportunity to meet the other side on neutral ground. It's not like we can keep tabs on everyone here all the time anyway.

TORY

Wouldn't be nice to throw away dad's gift either, I suppose.

ROBBY

Right... Which means, got any rockin' outfits?

TORY

Your size? Sorry, got rid of them after I'd grown out of them.

ROBBY

Didn't leave baby bro any handouts? That's not nice of you...

TORY

Tony's got more dignity than wearing my old clothes.

ROBBY

Well, that's too bad. Guess I'm gonna have to dye one of my shirts black and spraypaint some band logo on it.

TORY

Just don't touch my hair dyes. And I'm afraid you'll stand out no matter how much effort you put into blending in.

ROBBY

What, you scared chicks are gonna try to pick me up?

TORY

(snorts) I'm more afraid they're going to be pickin' on you, sweetheart.

ROBBY

Either way they'd be making an awful mistake. And don't worry, I'll be keeping my eye on the mission.

TORY

And your ear?

ROBBY

Just hopin' I've got any left after we get through that gig. Far as I remember, Dad isn't exactly into subtle and soothing kinda music. Still I guess it's worth giving a try. I reckon if there's anyone that can rein in Spikey without carnage, it's going to be Miguel.

TORY

Without carnage is not exactly how I'd prefer to go about it, but you may be right.

ROBBY

Dude's a pain in the back, no argument here. But those latest stunts of his, there's something amiss here. Kid was scared shitless of even touching that cobra back at the zoo, you saw that. And now?

TORY

(nods gravely) He's been... erratic as long as I've known him, but I'd never seen him quite like that. He had an insane look in his eyes.

ROBBY

I suspect Silver's had a role in this of some kind. Let's hope it's not too late.

TORY

For his sake...

ROBBY

For all our sakes, Tory. If he can do that to Hawk, who's to say what he can do to others?

Tory looks at him with anxiety etching itself over her features...

CUT TO

INT. WEST VALLEY HIGH - MORNING

We cut to MIGUEL and SAM walking purposefully down the school hallway, skillfully dodging the throngs of students pouring from various directions. Suddenly, out of the crowd emerges CHRIS, his expression becoming keen as he notices them, and he runs up to meet them.

CHRIS

Wow! Guys, what a relief to see you! You alright?!

MIGUEL

Hi, Chris. Yeah, we're fine. Sorry for the radio silence and all, yesterday was, uh, pretty wild.

CHRIS

So it's true what he's been saying?! About our Senseis?

SAM

Well, Dad's been injured and Sensei Lawrence's gone AWOL, if that's what you mean.

CHRIS

Pretty much, yeah. Sorry to hear it, Sam. Hope he's got a quick recovery.

MIGUEL

You knew about this already? Who told you?

CHRIS

Hawk, if you can believe it. And he's done much more than just tell us about it. That's really what I wanted to talk to you about...

CUT TO another hallway (caption: A BIT LATER) down the center of which HAWK is marching confidently, flanked by EAGLE FANG STUDENTS on both sides, smugness on his lips, determination in his eyes. He stops, his entourage mimicking his motion exactly, as he sees Sam and Miguel barging onto his path.

HAWK

Serpiente! (gives Sam a nod) Princess. Back in action already?

MIGUEL

(sounding and looking grim) Hawk. We've heard what you've been up to...

HAWK

... and you came to join the ride? There are still seats left.

SAM

Hawk, it's time to pump the breaks on this... (she stares at his stump with a disbelieving look) wait, is that snakeskin?...

HAWK

(lifts up his cobra skin-wrapped cast with evident pride) 100 per cent leather. It's so that CK dorks know what's coming to them. You like it?

SAM

Uh, nice touch. Don't think I want to know where it came from though. Anyway, what you're doing must stop.

HAWK

(shakes his head) Ain't no breaks on this ride, I'm afraid.

MIGUEL

(incredulous) We're serious, Hawk! This is... this is madness!

HAWK

Well, if madness is what it takes to get results here, then I say screw sanity!

MIGUEL

Results?! Do you even have any idea where this is going to lead?!

HAWK

(voice turning low) I know exactly where I'm going. (imitates Kreese) "The fight isn't over until the enemy is finished". Their rules, not mine, so I'm going by their rules and finishing them off.

MIGUEL

Hawk... you can't win over Cobra Kai by stooping down to their level!

HAWK

(snorts) Sure, Mr High and Mighty, let's try it your way, then... Oh wait, we already did that, and now we're two Senseis short.

SAM

Hawk, you're playing with fire! Call the others off or it's going to end in tragedy!

HAWK

You're damn right I'm playing with fire, Princess. And tragedy? Like when your Dad landed in the hospital? Like when you nearly got your throat slashed? Like when Serpiente nearly got killed? Like when I nearly got killed? We've sure been lucky, haven't we? How much longer is that luck gonna last, you think? Well, I ain't waiting around to find out.

SAM

Hawk, I already once tried doing what you're doing now. It's not the way to go.

HAWK

(snorts) Guess that's what happens when you send a girl to do a man's job. Don't worry, Princess, I ain't gonna half-ass it. I'm going blitzkrieg on their asses as we speak.

MIGUEL

Hawk, I'm sure you think you're doing the right thing, but you're really only making things worse. Step aside and let us deal with it. We've got this, we can resolve it peacefully as long you stop fanning the flames.

HAWK

(disbelieving sneer) You for real, Serpiente?! There can be no peace with these scumbags, they're all back-stabbing assholes, you can't take their word for anything. No, man, you had your chance with your "peace talks", we can all see where that got us. (expression turning smug again) Now, I know why you're so adamant about this, (turns to Sam) but don't worry, Princess, if your boyfriend refuses to take care of the bitch, then rest assured I've got you covered...

MIGUEL

(barely containing himself) Hawk, I warn you...

HAWK

(cocks his head) Oh, is that so, Champ?

SAM

That's not what he meant!

MIGUEL

(takes a deep breath) Look, I'm not going to fight you, but neither can I allow you to keep doing this...

HAWK

It's cute how you think I need your permission, Serpiente. You may be Sensei' darling, but, newsflash, Sensei's not here right now. And the others can see how you've been busy chasin' tail over bein' a leader.

SAM

And you think, you're a leader?! I don't understand how you got Demetri to join you in this...

HAWK

(snorts) Almost like I'm his actual friend and you ain't, whatever you may be thinkin'.

SAM

(under her breath) With friends like this, who needs enemies?

HAWK

(snarling at her) With a friend like me he soon won't have enemies to worry about. (bares his teeth) And that goes for all of you ungrateful asses!

MIGUEL

Alright, alright, Hawk, hear us out. Sensei LaRusso told us to join him at the dojo tomorrow. If you don't want to listen to us, then we only ask that you come listen to him.

HAWK

(faintly surprised) Sensei? He's gonna be back at the dojo tomorrow already? (Miguel nods, Hawk grins insolently) Is he gonna sensei us from a wheelchair? Did he borrow yours, Serpiente?

SAM

(coldly) He doesn't need a wheelchair.

HAWK

Well that's a relief. Coz he ain't exactly Professor X.

MIGUEL

So will you be there or not?

HAWK

(nods) I'll be there. (glances at his entourage) We'll be there. And we'll hear what he has to say. That's as much as I can promise you.

MIGUEL

Fair enough. But in the meantime hold your horses, Hawk, seriously.

HAWK

Eagles, Serpiente. Now don't you sweat it, bro. (lowers voice) I fight smart.

With these words he resumes his march and walks past them, with his Eagle Fang companions wordlessly following. A few of them cast brief guilty glances at Miguel as they go. Miguel sighs in response, but does not turn to watch them depart.

SAM

We're going to have to talk to the rest of them, too... without him around.

MIGUEL

I feel like some may be more scared of him than they're of Cobra Kai. Wonder if that's why Demetri went along.

SAM

Demetri would know he can count on us if he got himself into trouble. There's got to be something more to it.

MIGUEL

Well, at least he's not with Hawk's posse, by the looks of it.

SAM

Yeah, but if he's not with him, then where is he?

MIGUEL

Maybe he's put his recently discovered tree-climbing talent to use?

SAM

You think we should be checking the local tree houses for him?

MIGUEL

And ask the Losers' Club if they've seen him. But seriously, if he's staying out of sight, then there's probably no point forcing ourselves on him. If he doesn't come around to the dojo, we'll look.

SAM

I'm more than a bit worried about him, to be honest, but I guess you're right.

MIGUEL

I think we can trust his self-preservation skills. Anyway, you still up for that gig?

SAM

(smiles) You bet!

MIGUEL

Will you... be allowed to go?

SAM

Dad's had no choice but to come to terms with the fact he can't keep me locked up. As long as I'm with you, and I don't shout out to the world where I'm going, he's not going to object.

MIGUEL

I hope your Dad gives one hell of a speech when we meet at Miyagi-Do. Guess for now we're safer in that music club, though, especially at night.

SAM

(turning somber) Yeah. You know, there was once a time Miyagi-Do only held happy memories for me.

MIGUEL

I'm sorry, Sam. Cobra Kai really corrupts everything it touches. It's funny, I once only knew that dojo through Sensei, and it seemed so cool. Then Kreese showed up, and I started feeling something's off. Now this Silver guy comes back, and I finally realize how the... rot in that place goes deeper than I could've imagined.

SAM

Well I'm happy Sensei Lawrence cut his ties with it then.

MIGUEL

I'm worried about him. I'm worried Silver will get to him too, somehow, if he hasn't already.

SAM

Let's hope he decides to come back soon. Maybe once he finds out your Mom is going to be ok?

MIGUEL

I wish I had some way of getting in touch with him, his phone is dead of course, and no one's been at his house for days. I suppose all I can do for now is to honor his will tonight.

SAM

Knock on wood it doesn't end up being his last will... So, who's pickin' up who today?

MIGUEL

(rolls his eyes) Sure, rub it in, Sam. I mean, if you're ok with sitting on the bicycle frame, then I can drive you there.

SAM

You mean I won't be getting the seat?! In that case I think I'm going to take the car, thank you very much.

MIGUEL

Uh-huh, take the seat and stare at my butt the whole way through? Alright, I'll see you there then.

SAM

Why so prudish? You should be flattered I'd want to stare at your butt... But you're right the prospect only holds so much appeal. Ok, gotta go too, stay safe, Miguel.

MIGUEL

You too, Sam.

They exchange kisses and go their own ways.

CUT TO

INT. BOARDROOM - AFTERNOON

We cut to AMANDA and DANIEL, dressed officially, the latter propping himself up on a cane, as they enter the boardroom. Most of the seats are already occupied by the ALL-VALLEY COMMITTEE MEMBERS. From their body language we can infer they have been expecting him.

RON

(springs up from his seat, goes over to pulls out a chair) Daniel! Ms LaRusso! Please take a seat. Glad to see you're on the mend! We were all horrified to hear about what happened.

DANIEL

(nods with a sullen expression, as Amanda helps him to the table) Good afternoon, everyone, and thanks, Ron. I appreciate you all making time to come.

MEMBER #2 (FEMALE)

You did ask us to meet on a very short notice, but from the urgency of your message we figured it wasn't really negotiable (forced chuckle).

DANIEL

(serious) There's a reason for the urgency, trust me, ladies and gentlemen.

RON

You'd like anything to drink (Daniel shakes his head) Alright, then I suppose we may as well get right on with it.

MEMBER #3

Everyone's giddy with suspense at this point.

RON

So why did you have us call this special session?

MEMBER #2

What's the "grave" reason you weren't willing to divulge over the phone?

DANIEL

(clears his throat) Well, as I'm sure you're already suspecting, it has to do with my present condition, and the cause behind it.

MEMBER #2

Uh, pardon me if I can't quite make the connection.

MEMBER #3

Yeah, last I checked, you're not on the list of contestants...

DANIEL

(emphatically) Ladies, and gentlemen, the reason behind my injury is also the reason we have to cancel the All-Valley...

Stunned silence fills the room.

MEMBER #2

Cancel?!...

RON

After all you've done to save it?!

MEMBER #3

This late in the game?!

MEMBER #2

Daniel, that's...

RON

That's unbelievable coming from you...

DANIEL

(nods solemnly) You are right, it is. Which is how you know I am not making this request lightly.

RON

(heavy frown) But why...?

MEMBER #2

Are you worried about injuries?

DANIEL

(shakes his head) I'm worried about far more than just injuries. I'm worried about bloodshed. When I said the reason for my condition is the reason why I want All-Valley cancelled, I didn't just mean me getting roughed up. (shrugs) These things happen, however regrettably. My co-Sensei has a far more extensive history with that, believe me. No, the reason I'm referring to is the man behind this attack. A man who I know will not stop at me, the man I know will target this competition too. I know it because I know his goal is to make life hell for everyone trying to teach karate in an honorable and healthy manner.

MEMBER #3

And that man being...

DANIEL

(sighs) Terry Silver, at least that's the name I know him by. Rings any bells?

Blank stares around the table.

DANIEL

Then trust me when I say the man is deranged. He's a criminal, and not a petty type either...

AMANDA

His grudges certainly are...

DANIEL

(snorts) That's true, honey. He is maniacally devoted to vengeance, and he's been holding a grudge against me ever since I defeat his champion at this very All-Valley nearly thirty years ago. And now he's back, and he's been targeting me and my children. He'll target the competition too, that much is certain.

MEMBER #2

(incredulous) Daniel, this sounds...

RON

Sounds bonkers, is what it does. Pardon my French...

MEMBER #3

And how exactly would he target the All-Valley, even if he wanted to?

DANIEL

I don't know, but the worst thing any of us can do is to underestimate him. This is a man with no scruples, a damn near unlimited means, and a... ingenuity to match. I've already reported him to the police, but we must at very least delay the All-Valley until after he's behind bars.

AMANDA

Assuming that even happens...

DANIEL

Yes, it pains me to say I've got a sneaking suspicion our police department may be hopelessly outmatched here.

RON

Daniel, I'm sorry you have to deal with some maniac harassing your family...

MEMBER #4 (THE BLACK ONE)

Sounds like something out of Cape Fear.

RON

... right, thanks for contributing, Greg. Anyway, we're all sorry for you, but don't you think you're being just a touch too dramatic about this?

DANIEL

(exasperated) Dramatic?! (he lifts his leg up) Does this look like me just being dramatic?! Does my daughter getting accosted on our own property sound like me just being dramatic?! Ron! You know how I love karate, you know how... invested I've been in keeping this tournament going! You know I wouldn't be doing this if it was not. Absolutely. Necessary.

An awkward silence follows, with Council Members casting furtive gazes at each other. Finally, after some hesitation, Member #2 speaks up:

MEMBER #2

(measured tone) Daniel, do you have evidence that man is planning to do something at the All Valley?

DANIEL

Well, not hard evidence, but he made it pretty clear to me right after he nearly fed me to a swarm of piranhas!

Shocked gasps erupt.

RON

(stunned look) Jesus... I thought those were koi...

AMANDA

(as Daniel looks at him baffled) Uh, he's not talking about the fish you're thinking about...

RON

Oh... ok.

MEMBER #2

Well, that is indeed horrifying, and I'm sure all of us share the hope that this psychopath is quickly brought to justice...

MEMBER #3

... but without solid proof we can't cancel the tournament on the grounds of a security hazard...

RON

(apologetic tone) And we can't cancel it just like that for no substantial reason.

DANIEL

(eyebrow arcing up) W-why not?! This committee has complete control over the organization of the All-Valley, does it not?

RON

I'm afraid it's not so simple, Daniel. Technically, you are right, we can cancel for any reason, but if we do so, uh...

MEMBER #2

Frivolously...

RON

That's right, if we do that, we will be financially liable... big time.

MEMBER #3

We're contractually bound to hold the tournament.

DANIEL

Contractually bound? What are you talking about?

RON

A few weeks ago, we signed a sponsorship agreement. It was so generous, there wasn't really any question about accepting it.

MEMBER #4

We're finally getting those blue mats and golden fists.

RON

And that's just tip of the iceberg, they're installing a massive jumbotron over the arena as we speak.

AMANDA

A jumbotron? Our arena isn't that big...

RON

(shrugs) The sponsor threw it in as a bonus, he wanted it there to run commercials throughout the whole thing.

AMANDA

Lovely...

MEMBER #2

However, one of the provisions of the agreement is that we cannot call off the event without paying pretty hefty fine for breach of contract.

RON

At that point the All Valley was clear to go, so we didn't really linger over that part...

DANIEL

Why wasn't I there when it was being signed?! Last I checked I'm also on this committee?

RON

Well, we did call you about the meeting, but you said you wouldn't be able to make it.

AMANDA

Oh, yeah, I remember now, we were on our way to the police about Anoush when you called.

MEMBER #3

Besides, the decision to sign the contract was unanimous, so...

DANIEL

(bitterly) So no need to care what I think, right. So who's that charitable sponsor?

RON

Can't say anyone here's heard of him before. The company's called Shell-Shock Corp, and the CEO's one Kerry Nickel.

Daniel facepalms.

MEMBER #2

In exchange for the sponsorship, the tournament is to feature advertising for the company's new line of energy drinks, called Agent O-Ranger.

MEMBER #4

"Flaring you up in all the right ways". Or so the slogan says.

MEMBER #3

We've been assured they pose no health risk to children whatsoever.

RON

Or to plants, as the pamphlet made sure to stress, though why anyone would want to water plants with an energy drink is beyond me.

MEMBER #2

(upon seeing Daniel's miserable expression, she suddenly remembers) Oh, we also entered into a contract with a new security firm. The gave a much more robust offer for the same price as the previous one.

DANIEL

(resigned) Let me guess, a subsidiary of "Shell-Shock Corp."?

RON

Uh, yeah, actually. Name's... (shuffles through his papers) Guardyn-Attocks. (looks hesitantly at the others) It did strike us as a bit strange that a soft drinks company would also own a security firm...

DANIEL

(presses hands into the table, rises from his seat) Ladies. Gentlemen. Friends. The contract you've signed is a trap. I don't even have to see it to know it is. The man who offered it to you is Terry Silver, my tormentor. I have no way of proving this, but I state it with absolute certainty. I... I plead with you that you get out of this contract, by whatever legal wrangling necessary. Otherwise, come May, something terrible is going to happen, something that will at very least besmirch the reputation of karate as a sports discipline in the Valley, and at worst may very well ruin a lot of lives, irreperably. I've made my case, as loud and clear as I could, now you have to make the decision. So please heed my warning, and keep in mind - you don't know who you're dealing with, and I do, as much as I'd rather have never met him.

RON

(forced nod) Alright, Daniel, we will... consider our options...

MEMBER #3

But we're afraid our hands are tied at this point.

DANIEL

(shakes his head with a bitter smile) It's not your hands that are tied, it's your conscience. Tied, bound and locked away out of sight, out of mind. Well, I've stated my reasoning the best I could, but I'm afraid I can't help you dig it up and untie it. I can only hope enough of you find it in yourselves to do so on their own... for the sake of our children... Goodbye, everyone, and sorry for taking up your time.

RON

(imploringly) Daniel...

Daniel waves him off, turns his back to the Committee, and hobbles off, Amanda at his side. As he nears the door, it opens, revealing...

OLD MAN

Uh, excuse me, is this the public works department?

DANIEL

(frowns as the face appears familiar) Sorry, Sir, this is the All-Valley Committee.

RON

(raising his voice) I don't believe that department is holding public meetings at this time...

OLD MAN

(surly) Of course they don't, when do they ever?! Well, Mister, whoever you are, you let them know I was here and that I came to warn them, as the Lord is my witness!

DANIEL

(confused but also curious) Warn them about what?

OLD MAN

Warn them that their newly replaced manholes... oh, I'm sorry, "maintenance covers", are egregiously easy to open, so much that even a child can do it with little hassle. This is horribly irresponsible and really just a disaster waiting to happen.

MEMBER #2

(diplomatic tone) Oh, that's indeed concerning, Sir. We will definitely make sure the right people have heard about this.

OLD MAN

(ignoring her) In fact, from my observations I've already seen a number of these removed from their holes and left with deep scratches all over. I suppose that's the way young lads have taken to marking them, although I can't say I've been able to read anything from these marks.

MEMBER #3

Kids just never stop coming up with new and creative ways of vandalizing public property, do they?

OLD MAN

Well, Mister, I can say I've seen a lot in my life, but that was definitely a first.

AMANDA

(looking at the Man inquisitively) Do you remember where you've seen these scratched covers?

OLD MAN

(shrugs) Around Highgarden Avenue, mostly.

AMANDA

That's where that closed-down funfair is...

DANIEL

Think there's a crazed clown with overgrown fingernails roaming in the sewers around the site?

AMANDA

(raises eyebrows) That does sound like the logical conclusion, yes.

RON

Sir, thank you for bringing this to our attention. Let me reassure you once more that your... report will be given due attention.

OLD MAN

Yeah, yeah, it better be if you don't want to send search parties into them sewers to look for some missing kid one of these days. (to Daniel and Amanda) Such a waste of taxpayer money, replacing sturdy ol' manholes with this cheap junk from Chy-nah or wherever it came from. You know, what they did to our steel industry is an absolute disgrace, an act of treason, I tell ya!

DANIEL

(pushing himself past the Man) I'm sure it is, Sir. Now excuse us, but we have to be on our way.

OLD MAN

(motioning to Daniel's legs) You look like you've fallen down one of these holes yourself, young man.

DANIEL

Not that young, but thanks. Anyway, it wasn't me that fell down a hole, it was someone else that fell out of a hole and into me. Straight out of a foxhole in Vietnam, one would think.

The pair depart, with Amanda flashing the Old Man a charming smile on her way out, leaving him scratching his head...

CUT TO

EXT COLE AUTO - EVENING

We cut to the view of multiple rows of cars, of variable states of neatness, parked in front of the Cole Auto dealership building. The stillness of the scene is broken by a silver Land Rover emerging from between the rows and driving out into the street. We see TOM COLE seated behind the wheel, his expression slightly nervous. As the car moves out of frame, our POV pans back and goes through the lowered window of another car. We see an elbow resting on the window's edge, bruised and wearing a torn sleeve. The arm slides off the window and goes for the ignition.

JOHNNY

Figures the phony Revolutionary would drive a limey car. What a tosser...

The engine booms with life, obviously an old-time engine. As the vehicle is set in motion, we see that it is Mr Miyagi's black Cadillac Sedan. It proceeds to follow the Land Rover's trail...

Cut to a view of a line of plush sloped-roofed terraced houses. The Land Rover stops by one of them, and the garage door begins to slide up. Just as the Rover resumes movement, drives off the road and goes down a fairly steep ramp to the garage, the Sedan comes to a screeching halt a short distance away, with Johnny ejecting himself out of it the moment the Rover disappears inside the garage's maw. He breaks into a sprint, reaches Cole's house as the garage door is halfway on its way down, "sneaks" up to it, and rolls under it right before the crack becomes too small for his body to fit. Once inside, he immediately dives under the now stationary car, and looks frantically around, turning his head to the sides as much as he can to survey the room. Once he is satisfied that there is only one pair of feet in sight, he begins to crawl out.

Cut to the close up of Cole's face, his lips puckered as he is whistling Dixie while walking away from the car. Suddenly, his whistling is cut short as he hears a bump coming from behind him, followed by a groan. He turns around with an alarmed expression to behold Johnny rubbing the back of his head as he straightens up, after an evident collision with the car's rear view mirror, now hanging askew.

COLE

(hunching defensively) Wha-what the hell are you doing here?!

JOHNNY

(spreading his arms wide as he approaches Cole) C'mon boss, what do you think?! You didn't check if I finished the repairs you told me to do, and I had to hold on for deal life all the way here, or the whole frame would've fallen apart!

COLE

(putting his hands in front of him, clutching the car key like a knife) What are you talkin' about, man?! I don't know you!

JOHNNY

So you're sayin' you actually know all your employees? Well, color me impressed...

He makes a rapid step towards Cole, easily swats away his hand as it thrusts the key at him, then socks Cole in the head with a forceful right hook, grabbing him by the collar as Cole goes down, knocked out.

JOHNNY

(catching the key as it slips out of Cole's grasp) Unfortunately, the only token of admiration I can offer is to make sure just one side of your head gets bashed. Oh, and I'll borrow that if you don't mind. (lays Cole's inert body down, inspects the room) Now let's see what we've got to work with here...

We cut to another close-up of Cole as he opens his eyes, which look down and then bug out as they see a strap of duct tape sealing his mouth, and moving on down his body to coil itself around him like the wrapping of an Egyptian mummy, tightly binding all his limbs. A narrow shaft of artificial light from the outside is the only source of illumination in the scene, until his body becomes bathed in the glare of the headlights of his Rover, now standing midway up the ramp, with Cole being laid right at the bottom of it, maybe six feet away from the car's tires - the tires which suddenly begin to spin, blowing black smoke into his face. Cole draws his head back as much as he can, writhes in an attempt to break his binds or at least roll away, but to no effect. Then the engine stops, the tires go still, and out of the car steps...

JOHNNY

(as he walks up to Cole) Your baby here sure packs a punch. Enough so that the space between her and you would suffice to flatten you better than I flatten beer cans with my boots. But in fact I wouldn't even need to turn her on. All I've gotta do is to release the lever and the gravity's gonna do the work for me. So listen up, jackass. I'm gonna take the gag off your mouth now so you can tell me what I want to know, but if you try to make a ruckus, you'll be dealing with more than just angry neighbors, got that?!

Cole nods fervently.

JOHNNY

Good. Now get ready for facial depilation. And if you even try to put one over on me...

Without finishing the sentence, he grabs and tears the tape off Cole's mouth. The latter reacts with a stifled whine, but does not scream. He regards Johnny with horror in his eyes.

COLE

Who... are you?!

JOHNNY

(smirks) I'm a man with nothing left to lose, so the last thing you wanna do is to play the tough guy... Now to get in front of your other question, I know you've set Daniel LaRusso up with the help of that greaseball Manuel. But it's not him I want to know about, it's the other guy, the one that got you two together. The one with the pony tail. What do you know about him?!

COLE

(shakes his head) I really don't know anything, man, I swear!

JOHNNY

(slaps him in the ear) Wrong answer! (as Cole recoils from the blow, Johnny's hand goes still) Wait, I almost forgot, I've got something here to help loosen up your tongue. (he reaches for his trouser pocket and takes out a bundle of chopsticks, holds them up to Cole's eyes) You know what these are for?

COLE

(uncomprehending stare) Uhh... eating sushi?

JOHNNY

(grins) That's right. And you know what you remind me of now, all slimy and wrapped up like that? (Cole makes no answer, his mouth slack) Oh, and it just so happens that lately I was shown an interesting way of doing... what do you call it when a Chinese dude sticks needles in your body to make you feel better?

COLE

...Acupuncture?

JOHNNY

Yeah, I think this is it. So unless you wanna get some ecopuncture from me, you'd better start singing like I had your balls in a vice (looks around) Something that is in the realm of possibility, actually. Anyway,let's start with the basics. What's the guy's name?

COLE

(panicked) I don't know, honest! He just told me to call him "partner".

JOHNNY

Partner, eh? And how did you keep in touch with your 'partner'?

COLE

I have no way of contacting him, he was always the one to show up at my dealership or call me. And he'd call from a different number every time.

JOHNNY

What, you sayin' he's using payphones? Thought they all got junked by now.

COLE

Uhh, probably burner phones or prepaid phone cards, I don't know.

JOHNNY

And you only met at your business?

COLE

That's true, I swear!

JOHNNY

(grabs Cole and flips him over onto his back, then he holds up the chopstick like a dagger and plunges it into his kneepit, eliciting a frenzied scream) Wrong answer! I saw him at a local bar meeting with the greaseball just a few days ago! Sounds like you're takin' me for a sucker!

COLE

AAAH! My leg! I can't feel my leg!

JOHNNY

That's my egopuncture at work! You've got three more legs (looks at his crotch), four. You wanna hold on to them, you'd better stop feedin' me crap!

COLE

(frantic) I'm telling the truth, I swear! I never saw him anywhere else, I really didn't! I, uh, I don't go to local bars , especially not with strangers, please believe me!

JOHNNY

(contemptuous snarl) I'd feel like a schmuck believing just anything coming out of your sleazy mouth. And what kinda man doesn't go to bars?! Not any kinda man you can trust, that's for sure. Anyway, what did you two talk about?!

COLE

(staring in terror at his disabled leg) I... I really only talked to him about that ruse at LaRusso's place. It was all his idea, I swear to God! He only asked me to play my part, and I did, I'm sorry!

JOHNNY

(stabs the chopstick into Cole's other kneepit, a startled shriek follows) "Only play a part"?! Liar! You gave the fake ratface the, uh... the computer whatshername!?

COLE

OOOWW! Please, stop, for the love of God! Yes, I gave the hard drive to that man, I admit it! I'll tell that to the police. Now please don't hurt me no more!

JOHNNY

You're talkin' to me now, chum, and don't you forget that. Now think hard before I start moving up with those babies. He must have let something slip about what other plans he had, about his whereabouts! Where is he hiding?!

COLE

(desperate) Please, please, please, I'm telling you everything I know, I just... you got the wrong guy to ask these questions, I swear!

JOHNNY

(takes aim at his crotch, speaking through gritted teeth) Listen, Mr All-American, you're about five seconds away from never flying your flag at full mast again, you catch my drift?! So Think. Goddamn. Hard. And give me something to go with.

COLE

(hyperventilating) Alright, alright, let me think... He, he said something about doing business in Latin America, sounded like something illegal, drug-running maybe. He mentioned he wanted to start some business here, I don't what kind of business or where exactly. He first came to me with another old guy, got him a... it was a Chrysler 300C, yes that's it. Dude seemed awash with cash.

JOHNNY

Yeah, yeah, none of that really helps me find him, does it? What car did he drive?

COLE

(shuts his eyes tight and clenches his jaw) I don't knooow, the first time they both drove off in the Chrysler, then he'd just show up at my dealership out of the blue, never noticed him getting in or out of a car.

JOHNNY

(pricking Cole with the chopstick below the chin) You're a goddamn car salesman and you're tellin' me you didn't pay attention to this stuff?! I think I smell a rat out of your filthy pie hole. Or maybe you'd have me believe he'd just come by your place on foot, all casual like? Maybe hauling grocery bags too?

COLE

(as Johnny's expression turns increasingly agitated) Maybe he parked some distance away, or had someone pick him and drop him off, I'd tell you if I knew, honestly!

JOHNNY

(grim) Maybe you're still not afraid of me as much as you should be...

VOICE

...Or maybe I didn't use a car at all...

Johnny is jolted up from a crouching position, spins around towards the sound, coming from a flight of stairs behind him. Initially, he does not see anything unusual, but then a metallic step rings out with a clang as a black boot slams into it, followed by the other boot, followed by a long black coat, followed by a slick black ponytail, before the figure makes a turn on the stairs and faces them.

TERRY SILVER

(shark grin) Hello again, Johnny boy... So glad to finally meet you... (cocks his head) in private...

CUT TO

EXT. CONCERT CLUB - EVENING

We cut to the view of Sam's car driving up to a free spot at the parking lot next to the entrance to the music club we saw last episode. The place is now brightly illuminated, and a mid-sized crowd has gathered outside, consisting predominantly of middle aged men, either long-haired or bald, wearing band t-shirts, patch-covered denim jackets, or (those being the most tenacious, when taking the warm weather into account) studded leather jackets. An occasional female can be picked out from among the manly masses, usually falling under either a dolled-up goth girl or (mostly) homely punk rockerinne category. Around a third of the crowd is smoking cigarettes or joints. Plenty of beer on display as well. Out of the car steps SAM, made-up a bit more aggressively than usual, a black leather jacket slung over her shoulders, only partially covering the decidedly not-'trve' t-shirt underneath. She regards the gathering with a certain hesitation for a moment, before coming from behind her she hears...

MIGUEL

Hey, Sam! Nice Jacket.

SAM

(turns towards him; he is wearing a Dee Snider t-shirt) Hi! Glad you're here. I was worried you were already inside and I'd have to wade through this crowd on my own. Your shirt, I haven't seen it on you before.

MIGUEL

(looks down) Yeah, I figured I'd only bring it out for special occasions. It's, uh... a memento of a special moment.

SAM

You got it at a concert?

MIGUEL

Yeah, the one Sensei took me to last year. My first rock concert. You can say I'm the sophomore here.

SAM

And this, uh, Dee Snider, that someone famous?

MIGUEL

(taking on an expert tone and expression) Oh yeah, he's the vocalist of Twisted Sister. (on Sam's blank expression)... Well, actually I learned that only after the fact, and I only knew like two of their songs before, and that only because I went through a whole bunch of 80's rock 'n roll after Sensei got me into it... Though it seems most people who know that band only know them from these two songs.

SAM

Two-hit wonder, huh? Well, that's probably two more hits than whatever band's playing here today.

MIGUEL

Not everyone can get radio airtime. I did a bit of reading on these guys, and apparently they toured with Metallica back in the day, so maybe we're in for something cool...

SAM

Metallica, you say? Their roads certainly diverged since then...

MIGUEL

Perhaps undeservedly so, we'll see. Besides, I doubt Sensei would want to jeopardize our relationship by having me take you to a lame band.

SAM

(smiles) I'm sure he wouldn't, I just hope he has a better taste in music than in movies... Well, alright, my dear, will you guide me into that hellish pit through these unwashed hordes?

MIGUEL

Hey, I'm sure they're not as bad as they look!

SAM

(shrugs) Maybe. Are they as bad as they smell is the real question.

MIGUEL

(frowns) Right. Guess that's what all the smoking's for. To block out all the other smells.

SAM

If that's what it's meant for, then I'd say it's doing a piss-poor job at it.

MIGUEL

More like sweat-and-half-digested-beer poor. Anyway, you've got the tickets?

SAM

We're lucky I kept them out of dad's sight. As far as he's concerned, I'm having a sleepover at your home to help you out with your Grams. I even got this jacket at a thrift store on my way here.

MIGUEL

That was a good call. The worn look makes you seem more authentic... that t-shirt maybe less so. Anyway, let's hope your Dad doesn't think to ring you up during the gig. Could be a bit difficult to get the guys to quiet down while you're talking. But you're welcome to spend the rest of the night with us, of course. Yaya will talk your ear off, I'm sure, and I'll have to be there to translate it all. Ok, but now on with the show. Come on, just try not to make your disgust too obvious.

SAM

(eyeroll) I'll do my best.

They proceed towards the crowd. Before they plunge into it, though, they are stopped in place by the engine roar of...

MIGUEL

(turning to face the street) Wait, that sounds familia... no way!

... the black-and-yellow Dodge Challenger with the Cobra Kai logo at the center of its grille. It hurtles into the last vacant spot in the parking lot, then utters one more growl before dying down. Miguel dashes towards it.

MIGUEL

(astonished) That's Sensei's car! But... Sensei lost it a while back! Could it be...

Dodge's door opens, and out of it, decked head to toe in black, emerges...

MIGUEL

(dumbfounded) Stingray...?

... in a black 'tactical' vest with band patches haphazardly sewn into it, black cargo pants, black combat boots, black bandanna, black sunglasses, black biker gloves, and of course a... brown braided beard, now reaching to his sternum. His arrival on the scene draws curious and incredulous looks from the crowd, but it is Miguel's welcome that prompts his response...

... and it is a response of jumping back in terror.

STINGRAY

(throwing his hands in front of him as his back bumps into the car frame) Whoa! Stay back, kid, stay back! (as Miguel freezes in place, looking bewildered) What are you doing here?! Thought there weren't any kids allowed?!

MIGUEL

Hey, Stingray, relax, I don't wanna fight you! We got security to skirt the rules a little, what's the big deal?

STINGRAY

Sorry, man, it's nothing personal! I just can't be around kids, alright?! You guys ain't 18 yet, are you?

MIGUEL

A couple months shy, I'm afraid...

STINGRAY

Dammit!... Ok, ok, but technically speaking no one else here knows about that, right?

MIGUEL

Other than those who have just heard it from you, I suppose no one.

STINGRAY

Ok, cool! So if anyone asks, I didn't know you guys were here, alright?! Man, you know how hard it is to keep away from kids when I'm not in my room?! Little bastards are friggin' everywhere!

MIGUEL

(uncomprehending) Why do you have to keep away from kids?

STINGRAY

A court order after I helped you guys against the Miyagi-Dos at school. Totally unfair! But they can't keep the ol' Stingray down, no Sir! (his delivery grows excited) I've turned mom's basement into a dojo of my own, and while everyone's been thinkin' I was out, I've been mastering the art! Once my... exile is over, you all will see what happens when a stingray comes out of its slumber!

MIGUEL

(crossing his arms, a sardonic smirk) Oh yeah, I remember your stingray move. So you've kept studying karate?

STINGRAY

Karate, yes! But not just that! I got myself a katana! The Japanese sword, a real deal, cuts through anything! (mimics unsheathing and swinging a katana). And since then I've become one with the blade!... except the law says I can't carry it outside, but that won't stop me, oh no! In fact, I've been developing a new martial art - karate combined with katana! I call it katate!

MIGUEL

(nods slowly) That's... awesome, Stingray. So, uh, how did you get this car?

STINGRAY

Oh, it's cool, isn't it? I got it off some hobo for a few bucks, can you believe it?! It helps me maintain a spiritual connection with our old dojo. You know, keep that badass attitude? I get behind the wheel and it's like I never left!

MIGUEL

(looking reproachfully) You realize that hobo must've stolen it from our Sensei, right?

STINGRAY

(suddenly tongue-tied) I, uh... well, yeah, of course I do! I will naturally return it to its rightful owner in due time, but, well, I just didn't have the chance yet. By the way, good to see you back on your feet after what happened. (Miguel gives him a forced smile as Stingray looks over his shoulder at Sam standing some distance away, regarding them both with confusion) I see that you're still consorting with the Miyagi-Do...

MIGUEL

Yeah, me, Sensei, and most of the old gang are training together with them. They're no longer the enemy...

STINGRAY

Hm, interesting. Looks like much has changed since I departed. Are you sure their honor can be relied upon?

MIGUEL

(sighs) Yes, Stingray, I'm sure of it. We already fought side by side.

STINGRAY

Is that so? It fills my heart with grief to know I wasn't there to assist you with my blade. Oh well, I'm sure our paths will soon cross again, and we will share stories over a cup of sake. Or maybe I will have the privilege of joining you in combat like in the old times. Until then, (he gives Sam a low bow) extend my greetings and salutations to the Miyagi-Do lady, and let us go and enter the fray of the heavy metal battle. Didn't know you were into metal, actually.

MIGUEL

Yeah, well it's mostly on Sensei's recommendation. He's the one that got us tickets.

STINGRAY

Hey, good for you! Perks of being a champ, I guess. Sensei's got an awesome taste, you're in good hands. (consults his watch) Anyway, the guys should be starting any moment now.

MIGUEL

(nods with amusement) Alright, then. Nice to catch up with you, and enjoy the show.

He walks off and rejoins Sam.

SAM

(under her breath) Who was that weirdo?

MIGUEL

Uhh, he's an ex-Cobra. We trained together for a bit.

SAM

(frowns) I didn't know your Sensei trained adults!

MIGUEL

(shrugs) 'Adult' may be a bit generous. He's a... special case. That's why I didn't really insist on introducing you.

SAM

Heard something about Miyagi-Do coming from him. He didn't sound happy...

MIGUEL

Yeah, it felt like he thought I was committing a... what do you call it... a misalliance by being your bf. Guess it's against the Bushido code or something to date someone from another dojo.

SAM

He does look like someone who sleeps with an anime body pillow, so I guess he knows all about that Japanese stuff.

MIGUEL

I think he now sleeps with his katana.

SAM

His what?!

MIGUEL

Katana. It's a Japanese sword.

SAM

(exasperated) I knew that. I was just expressing disbelief.

MIGUEL

Oh. Well, sorry. He sounded very excited about his katana, so that's why I thought about that. Anyway, time to jump in the fire.

They make their way to the club's entrance, with now just a few concertgoers still lounging outside. As they walk inside, we pan up to garishly lit neon sign above them, spelling out "HELLFIRE CLUB".

CUT TO

INT. HELLFIRE CLUB

MIGUEL and SAM weave through the crowds crammed within the tight spaces of the club, passing by a besieged bar as well as only slightly less besieged bathrooms. It sure seems like a lot of attendees have been making their own fun for quite a while at this point. The walls are littered with posters of past acts passing by the place, avoiding only the spots "decorated" by murals depicting various hell-related (and often lurid) motifs. They proceed to what could be, if rather generously, called the concert hall, roughly half the size of a small town school gym, with around a third of it being taken up by the stage, cordoned off by a metal barrier reaching maybe halfway up the chest of most of the concertgoers currently leaning on it. Plastic beer cups in various stages of depletion are held up all around them. On the stage, a young ponytailed technician is doing a final check on the cables and the mics, with occasional incoherent shouts from the audience coming his way. Apart from the three men checking everyone's tickets at the door, there does not appear to be any security in sight.

The pair moves as close to the stage as they can without having to elbow their way forward, then maneuver around for a bit to not have their view obscured by taller attendees, something that proves tricky with how little the stage is elevated.

SAM

(as they find a comfortable spot, half-shouting) You didn't bring earplugs, did you?

MIGUEL

(frowning) Ear-what?!

SAM

(full-shouting) EARPLUGS!

MIGUEL

No, didn't cross my mind, sorry.

SAM

Then I guess this is as close as we should go, if not too close already.

MIGUEL

(pats her on the shoulder, points towards the front and right of them) Well, look who took up better spots before we did...

Following his direction, Sam's eyes go wide. We now see, very close to the barrier and with their profiles turned to them, TORY, clad in tight leather pants and a studded black leather jacket, and ROBBY, in torn jeans and a black t-shirt. So far, neither has noticed their presence, both observing the stage impassively. Sam turns her gaze to Miguel, giving him an anxious look.

MIGUEL

Think we should come over and say hello?

SAM

How about moving to the opposite side of the room?

MIGUEL

C'mon, Sam, it looks like we're all here to enjoy the music, don't see any cause for alarm...

SAM

With the type of music this is shaping up to be, I don't know if I can count on their 'enjoyment' being of peaceful nature. Besides, what the hell are the odds we'd all end up in this dive together?!

MIGUEL

Let's just say I've got a theory about that. And forgive me, but I'm going to put it to test now.

Without giving her time to stop him, Miguel darts off towards the other pair. He comes up behind their backs, positions himself a bit to the side, and gently taps Robby on the shoulder, holding up the palms of his hands as the latter turns towards him.

MIGUEL

(cautious smile) Hello, Robby. How are you guys?

Robby's brows arc up momentarily on seeing him, but his body language does not betray much surprise otherwise. Tory turns towards him after receiving a gentle poke from Robby's elbow. Miguel gives her a slight nod, to which she responds with a suppressed jolt, as if his eyes pricked her skin. She then nods in return, her features remaining alert.

ROBBY

Miguel. So you're here after all. Sam with you?

MIGUEL

(nods, motioning with his head towards her) You guys fans of Metal Church? (looks at Robby's shirt) Doesn't look like you are. Am I right to guess you came here on someone's recommendation?

ROBBY

(smirks) Yeah, the same man who got you tickets bought them for us as well. Must be paying well to work for Miyagi-Do. (points at himself) Check out this sucker who did all the work there for free. Anyway, he's not with you, is he?

MIGUEL

(shakes his head) I wish I knew where he is. I actually wanted to ask you about this. When did you last see him?

ROBBY

Three days ago when we came to visit. You're saying he's missing?

MIGUEL

(nods gravely) Ever since my mother got attacked. I've heard he went after those responsible, but... no sign of him since.

TORY

(exchanging worried glances with Robby) What happened to your mother?

MIGUEL

She got hurt, but looks like she'll pull through. Should spend less time in hospital bed than I did, anyway. (cheerless smile)

TORY

I'm sorry to hear that. And about your Sensei, too.

MIGUEL

Thanks.

ROBBY

Who did this to her?

MIGUEL

A man with ties to the guys we fought off before, let's put it this way. Looks like your Sensei got fed up with them as well. I'm sorry about what happened to him, too.

TORY

You saw Sensei Kreese?

MIGUEL

He helped me out with those thugs when they showed up at the hospital. They really make the weirdest team-ups happen, don't they?

TORY

(bulb lighting up) So you're the secret ally he's talked about?

MIGUEL

(nods with a corner of his mouth raised) Sam, too. Anyway, you guys have fun. We'll talk a bit more after the show, ok?

ROBBY

Sure thing. And have fun yourselves.

Miguel turns around to walk off when he notices STINGRAY half pushing, half stumbling his way towards them, holding up a cup carrier with six overflowing beer cups. As he comes to a halt before them, the brown liquid splashes everyone around.

STINGRAY

(lifting up his sunglasses) HEY! Champ! I managed to spot you in the crowd! What do you say to that, huh?! Tail of a stingray, eyes of an eagle!

MIGUEL

(an awkward smile) You'd be right at home in our new dojo, Stingray...

STINGRAY

Tell that to the court. Speaking of dojos (his eyes sweep over the other two, who regard him with frustrated confusion), looks like we've got more students here! Ms Hotshot! You going out with Miyagi-Do now too? This is like double-dip Romeo and Juliet!

ROBBY

(casting bewildered glances at Miguel and Tory) Who's this guy? I've seen him somewhere, but...

TORY

Former teammate. (to Stingray) Robby is in Cobra Kai now, Stingray.

STINGRAY

(eyeing Robby suspiciously) Huh. He doesn't strike me as Cobra Kai material. (Robby scowls) So you guys are all on the same team now?

MIGUEL

Well, not exactly...

STINGRAY

Hey, I've barely started drinking and I'm already losing track of things! Speaking of which, anyone up for some booooze?!

ROBBY

Uh, thanks, but we were instructed not to drink.

MIGUEL

(knowing smirk) Sensei's orders.

STINGRAY

So you're under the same Sensei or not?! Coz I don't get it!

TORY

It's complicated, Stingray...

STINGRAY

Alright, if you say so. Anyway, your loss, though I can respect a man... or woman who keeps straight edge. Myself, however (he gulps down the contents of the first cup, brown liquid pouring down his beard, then crushes the cup and burps), I'm fine with just the curved edge of my katana. (winks at Miguel)

TORY

You've got a katana?

STINGRAY

Oh yeah, I've made a little addition to my karate training. I keep her well sharpened. You come over to my place some time, and I'll introduce you. The two of you would make a good pair, actually.

ROBBY

(smiling, but obviously provoked) Fat chance, buddy. She ain't coming home with you to polish your sword.

STINGRAY

(trying to sound cocky) Oh, you so sure about that, buddy? (to Tory) You're going to let this cub run his mouth to a Cobra Kai elder like that?

TORY

You're not in Cobra Kai anymore...

ROBBY

And if you try pullin' your katana on me, I'll cut this rat tail hanging off your double chin with it. Or is it a triple chin already? Hard to tell with the neckbeard...

STINGRAY

(red-faced) HEY, YOU WATCH YOUR MOUTH, MIYAGI BOY! LIKE YOU COULD EVEN REACH UP TO MY CHIN!

MIGUEL

(getting in between them) Guys, cut it off!

SAM

What's going on here?!

Everyone turns to look at Sam who has now made her way towards them.

MIGUEL

Nothing, Sam, just a little banter among friends. Isn't that right, guys?

ROBBY

As long as he keeps away from my girl...

STINGRAY

(as Tory snorts) I won't have my honor stained by some turncoat!

TORY

Why don't you worry about not staining yourself with that beer, Stingray? (to Sam) Why, hello, LaRusso. You were worried your boyfriend left you alone among all these big scary men?

SAM

Hello, Victoria. No, I came in case he needed back up.

TORY

Like you needed him to be your back-up boyfriend, you mean?

SAM

(rolls her eyes) Not what I meant at all, but I'm glad you've got all your Cobra Kai boyfriends with you here today... Or perhaps there's someone missing?

TORY

(snorts again) Says the one whose exes wouldn't even fit in this room...

ROBBY

(exasperated) Tory...

MIGUEL

(exasperated) Sam...

SAM

(flashing him a radiant smile) Just a bit of banter between friends, honey. (to Robby) And how about you? Came here to give her your shoulders to sit on?

ROBBY

(cocks his head) Don't mind being mounted every once in a while. The question is what's a daddy's girl like you doing in this hive of scum and villainy?

SAM

Our Sensei likes us to train in extreme conditions. Guess this fit the bill, though I figure I'll have to take a longer than usual shower after this one.

TORY

So it's a homework assignment for you?

SAM

Maybe. Why, you missing those already?

STINGRAY

(cutting in) Dayum, girl! Didn't expect high school drama here of all places. This makes me think my court order may have been a blessing in disguise!

MIGUEL

Hey, isn't that a title of one of their...

He stops talking abruptly, as the lights go out and the playback music ceases, giving way to silence broken up by cheers and whistles from the audience. In the ensuing darkness, a few faint silhouettes appear on the stage, and the first slow atmospheric guitar riffs begin filling the air. They are followed by clanging of cymbals, which increases in frequency until it reaches the point where...

... a simultaneous explosion of sound and light goes off, revealing the BAND all in position and rocking out, with the vocalist MIKE HOWE (slim, short-haired, and in red jeans, somewhat standing out from his more portly, hairy (except for the bald rhythm guitarist), and leather-clad bandmates) sprinting from the back to the very edge of the stage, getting on his knees, grabbing the mic with both hands, and unleashing a human pitch-defying banshee wail at the top of his lungs.

The sheer power of this sonic discharge makes both couples recoil in shock, with Tory bumping into Stingray (who absorbs the audio onslaught with the stoicism of a Shaolin monk) and making him spill some of the beer right onto her hair before she leaps away from him as if stung. As the opening riff of "Conductor" is reinforced by the bass and the drums, the excited crowd begins pushing towards the barrier, with our couples swept up by the human wave and pressed into the wall of bodies forming in the front. Stingray is carried off as well, frantically holding the cup carrier above the human sea level as he lands with a resounding thud amidst the other four, now being compressed like an empty cup in a metalhead's fist.

MIKE HOWE

(verse, sung to the main riff) I'm your conductor, welcome to the station. Always got an empty seat, no need for reservation.

The couples scramble to rejoin their other halves, pushing and shoving their way against the squeeze of the crowd. Stingray manages to reach the barrier with one hand, grab onto it, and, using it as purchase, push himself back enough to make space for them to pass through. Miguel mouths thanks to him, but the blaring instruments utterly drown out his words. Stingray gives him an acknowledging nod anyway.

MIKE HOWE

There's no need to hesitate, come and step inside. Take a chance, climb aboard, come enjoy the ride.

ROBBY

(shouts into Tory's ear as he reaches her) WE'VE SURE CLIMBED ABOARD THE RIDE NOW!

TORY

BETTER NOT END IN A TRAINWRECK!

ROBBY

THOUGHT YOU WERE FINE WITH THOSE?!

TORY

YEAH, NOT WHAT I HAD IN MIND!

MIKE HOWE

Come and take my hand child, step onto the stage. Dreams that can unlock your mind, like keys unlock a cage.

MIGUEL

(to Sam's ear) YOU OK?!

SAM

I'M FINE! GOOD LORD, WHAT IS THIS?!

MIGUEL

GOTTA HOLD ON TIGHT!

MIKE HOWE

(prechorus) Step into the lamp chiiild, 'neath the engine's gaaaze. If you never quite belonged, This train it welcomes strays, for they RETUUUURN!

MIGUEL

HE KIND OF SOUNDS LIKE THE AC/DC GUY!

SAM

RIGHT, ON CRACK MAYBE!

MIKE HOWE

(chorus) Look into my eyes and see they (hunches over, glares at the audience) BUUUUURN! Take a look at history and LEEEAARN! All the lessons that the years have EEEEAAAAAARNED! Still they RE-TURN!

As the chorus is followed by the first guitar solo, the human tide recedes somewhat, allowing our couples to take a breath and stretch their bones. Stingray finally lets go of the barrier, concealing his sweat-soaked armpit, which Miguel had to stand under for the last few moments.

TORY

SO THAT'S THE RIDE YOUR DAD WANTED YOU ON, HUH?

ROBBY

SURE IS SHAPIN' UP TO BE A BUMPY ONE!

MIKE HOWE

(second verse) I'm your conductor, what's your destination? There's no need for baggage here, so leave it at the station.

MIGUEL

(to Sam) SO, YOU THINK IT'S REALLY THIS BAD?

SAM

(uncertain tone) I DON'T KNOW, CAN'T REALLY PROCESS ANYTHING NOW...

She looks around, sees nearly the entire front row headbanging to the riff.

MIKE HOWE

Tell me what you want child, tell me if you see, beckoning in the dark, immortality.

She takes a step back, braces herself.

SAM

Alright, let' do this. My brain's fried now anyway..

She starts throwing her head back and forth, her legs spread out and her back half bowed down. Her hair is now being tossed around like underwater seaweed during a typhoon. Miguel smiles with slight embarrassment as he looks on.

MIKE HOWE

Yesterday's a dream now, nearly an illusion. Tommorrow's just a fantasy that's bordering delusion. All the days you've yet to live are rushing towards the past. Curtain's up, climb aboard, through the looking glass.

Tory notices Sam's rocking motions with a corner of her eye. Her features turn dogged. She is about to launch into her own headbanging when she gets a pat on the shoulder from...

ROBBY

(slapping his own shoulders) WANNA CLIMB ABOARD?!

TORY

WHY? TO PROVE HER RIGHT?!

ROBBY

YEAH! SHOW HER WE DON'T GIVE A SHIT!

He grins at her and she smiles in return. He turns around and crouches down, at which point she hops onto his shoulders and straddles his neck. He stands erect with a puff.

MIKE HOWE

(prechorus again) Step into the lamp chiiild, 'neath the engine's gaaaze. If you never quite belonged, This train it welcomes strays, for they RE-TUUUURN!

As the two turn towards the stage, Tory's leather-bound rump gets right in front of, and level with, Stingray's eyes. The 'not bad' face he makes at the sight, combined with the rising of his cup-holding hand as if to make a toast to it, make it clear he has deemed it quite satisfactory, even though it is obstructing his view of the band.

Tory proceeds to headbang, her twirling hair like a brunette propeller above the two of them as it spatters the droplets of beer from its soaked blonde-dyed tips all around like a lawn sprinkler. Sam winces and stops in place as she is hit with the liquid shrapnel.

SAM

SHE TOOK MY SUGGESTION AND MADE IT EVEN MORE OBNOXIOUS!

MIGUEL

WILL TEACH YOU TO GIVE HER IDEAS NEXT TIME!

SAM

I'M GETTING IDEAS OF A DIFFERENT SORT RIGHT NOW, AND I DON'T THINK IT'S JUST ME EITHER!

And indeed, we can see a number of older, burly METALHEADS also reacting to Tory's beer splash with rather foreboding scowls, to which the headbanging duo - with Robby having now joined in with a bobbing motion - remains blissfully oblivious.

MIKE HOWE

(crouching at the edge of the stage and pointing to his eyes) Look into my eyes and see they BUUUUURN! (jumps up and lifts his hand up, pointing to the sky) Take a look at history and LEEEAARN! (closes his fist and brings the elbow down to his waist while also bending his knees) All the lessons that the years have EEEEAAAAAARNED! (grips the mic with both hands, looking down, then progressively up as he belts out the final verse) Still they RE-TUUUUUUUURN!

The closing riffs resound along with a short sustained drum assault, then the Band goes silent, to make room for the clapping, screaming, and whistling from the audience. Stingray bellows with a roar of approval, holding up the horns. Tory ceases her motion, wipes strands of hair from her sweaty brow, looks down to see Robby give her a thumbs up, then jumps off of him. Miguel and Sam join in on the clapping.

SAM

YOU KNOW, I KINDA ENJOY THE MELODY, IF ONLY THE SINGER DIDN'T SOUND LIKE AN OLD HAG!

MIGUEL

I DIDN'T CARE FOR THIS KIND OF VOCALS AT FIRST EITHER. THEY TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO.

SAM

DOUBT I'LL GET USED TO SOMEONE SOUNDING LIKE HE'S BEING SKINNED ALIVE!

MIKE HOWE

(as he makes a sweeping gesture at the public) WEST VALEEEEEY! HOW ARE YOU DOOOIIING?!... (more jubilant screaming is directed his way) INDEED WE RETURN, AND IT FEELS DAMN GOOD TO RETURN HERE, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!

ROBBY

GUY'S A SMOOTH LIAR!

MIKE HOWE

SO, YOU'RE AT THE STATION, THE TRAIN'S COMIN' YOUR WAY, YOU BETTER GET READY, COZ IT'S ABOUT TO HIT YOU LIKE A...

He is answered by some indistinct shouts from the audience. He reacts with a disapproving frown.

MIKE HOWE

C'MON, YOU'RE NOT AWAKE YET OR WHAT?! HIT YOU LIKE A...

This time the shouts are more numerous and forceful.

MIKE HOWE

(makes a hammering motion) HIT YOU LIKE A TON OF BRICKS!

Rumbling of the drums commences, followed by another crushing riff flowing out of the strings of the guitar duo. Our heroes notice that the space immediately around them is becoming vacated.

SAM

WHERE ARE THEY GOING?!

MIGUEL

(as he grabs her shoulder) I THINK THEY'RE GEARING UP FOR...

Suddenly, the men closest to them begin barreling in their general direction, smashing into them and each other with such ferocity as if they took it upon themselves to serve as a living illustration of the song's main theme.

STINGRAY

(in between having his face slammed by hairy and sweaty lumps of flesh, with the last of his beer pouring down his clothes and onto the already sticky floor) PULL BACK! WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOSH PIT!

SAM

(as she struggles to dodge the cascade of human boulders around her) MOSH PIT?! WHAT'S A MOSH PIT?!

MIGUEL

(jumping around and using the moshers' momentum to send them hurtling away) I THINK IT'S... EXACTLY WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!

SAM

YOU MEAN THIS IS SOMEBODY'S IDEA OF FUN?!

MIKE HOWE

(verse, as he paces the stage like a caged animal) Rip it up, kick it out. Blood begins to flooow. Taking chances, the only way I knooow. Sacrificed everything. I'm the grinding stoone. Ripping flesh, drawing blood. I'd love to eat your booones.

Robby and Tory's fight for survival in the mosh pit takes on a more brutal form, with knees and elbows immediately coming into play. The former dives under one oncoming mosher and trips him over by ramming his shoulders into the man's calves. The latter, after being sent stumbling back by one reveler's impact, spins and delivers a mean elbow into another's jaw while speeding past him. This does not escape the notice of the old Metalheads, who until then have been mostly staying at the border of the mosh pit, pushing an occasional stray soul back into the fray.

METALHEAD #1

THESE KIDS DON'T PLAY BY THE RULES AROUND HERE!

METALHEAD #2

LET'S TEACH 'EM SOME MANNERS.

A number of them joins the tumult, coordinating their attacks with just knowing looks. One of them charges Tory head on, stopping inches outside of her range, and as she lifts her leg up to respond with a spinning kick, another bodyslams her from the back, sending her tumbling to and rolling away on the ground.

ROBBY

(as he notices the assault) HEY!

He breaks into a run towards them, only to be sandwiched by two hulking brutes smashing at his flanks, and collapse into a heap as they part, again in total unison.

Tory continues rolling on the ground uncontrollably, with one mosher leaping over her mid-run to avoid collision. Suddenly, a hand darts out from the side, grabs her wrist, and hauls her onto her feet, making her slide the rest of the way in a half-circle, after which she comes face to face with...

MIGUEL

A LITTLE TOO SOON TO BE QUITTING, DON'T YOU THINK?!

TORY

(looking a little abashed, yet angry at the same time) THANKS. THIS AIN'T OVER UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HIS DUE!

Meanwhile, in her frantic dodging, Sam moves closer to Robby, who is belaboredly gathering himself up from the floor. She thrusts her hand out in front of his drooped head, which is when her proximity finally gets his notice.

SAM

NEED HELP?!

ROBBY

(smirks as he accepts her hand) YEAH, HELP ME UNGLUE MYSELF FROM THIS FILTHY FLOOR! THOUGHT I'D BE STUCK DOWN THERE!... I OWE YOU.

SAM

THAT'S FOR SURE.

MIKE HOWE

(chorus, as he shakes his fist in the air, legs spread apart) My world will NOT cave in. I will daaare so I will win. Hear the TIMEbombs begin to tick. I'll hit you like a TON of bricks.

While Miguel tries to come up with an appropriate retort to Tory, feeling somewhat tongue-tied in her close vicinity, her eyes go wide as she looks past him.

TORY

WATCH OUT!

She seizes his chest, leaps up, spins around him while turning her body horizontal like a pole dancer around a... well, pole, and lands a powerful jumping kick to the side of an unlucky bloke careering at them, making him swerve off his collision course. Tory falls back on her feet, still clutching Miguel's chest, her body still largely pressed against his...

MIGUEL

WHOA! THANKS! GUESS WE'RE EVEN NOW!

TORY

(her lips almost brushing against his ear, her eyes enigmatic... or perhaps suggestive) ARE WE, MIGUEL?

Miguel looks her in the eyes in return, his expression conflicted. We cut to Sam, as her eyes in turn fall upon them in their arguably compromising position. But before the sight can fully register, Robby pushes her out of the way of another mosher. Both of them hit the deck, with Robby immediately rolling onto his back and sweeping up the man before he has a chance to adjust the direction of his charge.

ROBBY

(turning back to Sam while frantically getting on his feet) DAMN, SORRY FOR DROPPING YOU ON THIS PETRI DISH! DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO WARN YOU. C'MON, LET ME HELP YOU UP.

He grabs her by the shoulders and heaves her up. At the same time, she, lying face down, pushes herself off the floor with her hands... only to catapult her body into his chest, snatching at his hands to prevent herself from falling back down. He grabs her waist to help her keep balance, and ends up embracing her this way. With her hands still on his, Sam turns her head to look at him, the sight suddenly appearing more enticing in her mind to the one potentially unfolding in front of her...

ROBBY

LET'S NOT HIT THE FLOOR AGAIN, ALRIGHT?... NOT HERE AT LEAST...

SAM

(nearly hyperventilating, mouth slack) ROBBY, I...

She finds herself at loss for words. Robby feels her heart flutter, and his expression turns from an ironic smirk into a decidedly serious frown. With a supreme effort of will, Sam tears her eyes away from him and looks again in the direction of the other two... only to see Stingray collide with one of the 'elder' Metalheads, his bulk prevailing over the opponent, thrusting him back to sprawl over the slippery ground.

STINGRAY

(shaking his head as he looks at them reproachfully) GET A GRIP FELLAS! AIN'T NO TIME TO BE SWINGIN'! NOT THIS KIND OF SWINGIN' ANYWAY! SWING FOR THE FENCES INSTEAD, KIDDOS!

MIKE HOWE

(verse, squinting and shielding his eyes with the palm of his hand as he notices the all-out battle taking place in the mosh pit) Hammer or anvil, You must pay the price. Thunder, lightning, yes, it DOES strike twice. Vice grips hold me, Keep me in controool. And if you think I'm kidding you, you will feel the fatal blooow. DAMN, SOME GUYS IN THE BACK ARE FEELIN' THE BLOW! TAKE IT EASY THERE! IF WE WERE ANTHRAX, IT'D BE TIME TO PLAY "CAUGHT IN THE MOSHPIT"!

Stingray, too taken up with the moment to pay attention to the admonition coming from the stage, shifts in place to ready himself for another impact, revealing the view behind him. We now see both Miguel and Tory speeding towards the rest, their eyes sharing an odd quality - contrition? Just as Sam is about to lock eyes with Miguel, the mosher being bounced off by Stingray's mass is flung at him. Miguel reacts instantly, getting on one knee, shoving his shoulder into the man's stomach, wrapping his arm around the man's neck as the shoulder blow makes him buckle, the other arm around his waist, then tilting to the side and throwing him over his shoulders and into the ground. At this point, the prior look in his eyes is gone, and he meets Sam's gaze with only firm resolve. Tory's expression also dissipates and takes on a hard quality by the time Robby lets go of Sam and shifts his attention to her.

TORY

LOOKS LIKE THEY'VE HAD ENOUGH.

MIGUEL

(questioning look) YOU MEAN THESE OTHER GUYS, RIGHT?

SAM

(as Tory lifts her eyebrow to him) YOU'RE LUCKY WE SAVED BOTH OF YOUR BUTTS!

TORY

(gives her a self-satisfied smirk) WE MORE THAN RETURNED THE FAVOR.

MIKE HOWE

(chorus, hunched over the mic) My world will NOT cave in. I will daaare so I will win. Hear the TIMEbombs begin to tick. I'll hit you like a ton of bricks, (rest of the band lends backing vocals) TON OF BRICKS! (as the bridge section begins) YOU GOT YOUR TON OF BRICKS, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH IT?! YOU MAKE A FUCKIN' WALL, THAT'S WHAT! NOW LET ME SEE IT!

ROBBY

(uncertain) A WALL?

MIGUEL

I DON'T THINK HE MEANS THE ONE AT THE BORDER...

Before they know it, the crowd parts before them like the Red Sea before Moses, leaving them alone in a stretch of empty space. Their expressions turn into trepidation as they see the Metalheads regarding them with mean smirks.

SAM

I DON'T THINK THIS IS GOOD!

STINGRAY

(panicked) GUYS, THIS IS GONNA BE A WALL OF DEATH!

TORY

A WALL OF WHAT?!

STINGRAY

RUN!

As if on cue, the two halves of the crowd proceed to rush back toward the center like two armies about to clash. Robby and Miguel scramble to shield their respective dates with their bodies and duck down, while Stingray makes a mad dash towards the barrier. The two sides collide like dueling bulls. Sam and Miguel, gripped in a tight embrace, are sent tumbling end over end as men trip over them. One of the Metalheads lunges at and smashes his shoulder into Robby mid-flight, tearing him off Tory like a hurricane tearing a roof off a building. Stingray is shoved into the barrier by the human shockwave, and left gasping for breath as bodies keep pressing at him.

MIKE HOWE

(taking in the chaos from his safe vantage point, hands on hips) I'LL BE DAMNED, IT'S LIKE THIS PLACE NEVER LEFT THE EIGHTIES!

STINGRAY

(sticking his tongue out, purple-faced) Should have never... left mom's basement...

Robby's plunge is cushioned by a pile-up of bodies. Once he lands on them, though, multiple arms thrust out from underneath and wrap themselves around him. The men rise up, lifting him, prone, up into the air, as Tory looks on in helpless horror, forced to defend herself against the resumed onslaught of moshers.

The sea of hands begins moving Robby towards the stage like a conveyor belt, while he is left writhing impotently in their grasp. Having rolled outside the bounds of the newly formed mosh pit, Sam and Miguel notice his predicament with astonished looks.

SAM

IS HE...

MIGUEL

HE'S CROWDSURFING!

SAM

DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT WAS HIS PLAN, THOUGH...

In an unbroken procession, Robby is delivered to the barrier, Stingray holding his hand out towards him but failing to reach him, still remaining pinned to his spot. The grasping hands pull back, then heave Robby onto the stage, making him drop right at the feet of...

MIKE HOWE

(pointing at the audience)

Oh yeah, YOU! I know that it's TRUE! Do you have a CLUE, to what I'm gonna DO? I'm gonna hit you like a... (as Robby lifts his eyes to him, he shoves the mic into his baffled face) LET'S HEAR IT, BOY!

ROBBY

(a little more than a squeak) Like a ton of bricks?

MIKE HOWE

(with a disapproving scowl, he seizes Robby by the collar of his shirt and hauls him up) LEFT YOUR BALLS IN THE CHANGING ROOM, KID? THEN GO AN' GET 'EM, COZ THAT WAS MEDIOCRE!

With that rebuke, he hurls Robby off the stage, sending him to dive straight into a throng of expectant Metalheads, who converge on him like a flock of vultures. Seeing this, Tory redoubles her efforts to fight off the moshers, lashing out in blind fury at everyone around her as she struggles to make her way towards him. Miguel and Sam also reenter the mosh pit, doling out punches and sweeps while keeping each other's backs. Even Stingray, with a Herculean effort, commences to push himself off the row of metal tubes that have been boring into his flesh for the past couple of minutes.

MIKE HOWE

(verse) Rip it up, kick it out. Blood begins to flooow. Taking chances The only way I knooow. Sacrificed everything, I'm the grinding stooone! SOME SUCKERS GETTIN' GROUNDED UP TO-DAY, YEAH!

As Sam and Miguel get nearer to Robby, Sam's gaze falls on Tory, as the latter's raised fist is grabbed from behind by a beefy hand, with the ambusher's other hand smacking her across the back of her head, dropping her onto her knees. Sam's eyes go wide, uncertainty briefly flickering on her face, only to give way to determination. She separates herself from Miguel, as he looks on with alarm.

SAM

(to Miguel, as she darts towards Tory) YOU GO ON! CAN'T LEAVE HER LIKE THAT!

Cut to a close-up of Tory' captured arm as it is being twisted behind her back. She attempts to get on her feet, only to be kneed in the spine by the ambusher, whose other hand now sinks into her hair, all the while another, smaller attacker standing in front of her looks for an opportunity to score a cheap shot. The ambusher revs up to throw her head into the floor, his bearded, bloated mug glowing red and vicious, Tory striking with her one free fist ineffectually at his thick bicep, when suddenly...

... Sam runs up to him, jumps, and delivers a crane kick right to his chin, making his head snap backwards. His grip on Tory loosens, and she immediately springs up and uppercuts him in the same spot, the force of the blow throwing him back and onto the floor, which he hits with his arms spread out. Sam and Tory both turn to the other attacker, who steps back, raising his fists defensively. With a blood-curdling scream, Tory charges him, making him flinch, dodge haphazardly, and finally slip and tumble to the floor. Tory kicks him between the ribs, making him curl up in a fetal position.

Tory turns to Sam, her look uncomprehending, her lips mouthing the word "why". Sam shrugs, struggling to look like it was no big deal.

SAM

JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE A BITCH, DOESN'T MEAN I WANT TO SEE YOU GET THRASHED BY SOME SLEAZEBAGS.(under her breath) Sensei was right, that move does work best when the guy doesn't see it coming.

She looks behind Tory and sees that the smaller attacker is now looking up from the ground with a smug expression. At the same time, Tory's eyes go wide as she looks behind Sam. Sam turns around to see a pair of SECURITY MEN rushing towards them. She sighs ostentatiously.

SAM

FINALLY, SURE TOOK YOU GUYS A...

She does not get to finish, as one of the Men brusquely seizes her arm and pulls her away. As Sam cries out in protest, the other Man closes in on Tory, who assumes a fighting stance, gears up for a roundhouse kick, but as she lifts up her leg, the ambusher, lying next to her, grabs her standing leg up and wrenches it back, toppling her over, with the Security Man jumping in and pinning her to the ground. The two men exchange knowing glances.

SAM

HEY! WE'RE NOT THE BAD GUYS HERE!...

Her screams fall on deaf ears as the Man slings her body across her shoulder, with the other Man lifting up Tory after yanking her hands behind her back, her now rather wearied writhing inconveniencing him somewhat, but not enough to stop him...

Meanwhile, we cut to Miguel, just as he comes up against the METALHEAD ELDER, flowing white beard, denim jacket with sleeves cut off barely holding in the bulging belly, bandana over the bald scalp, tattoos all over the arms. As the Elder advances on Miguel threateningly, the latter stands poised, muscles taut. The Elder makes a taunting 'come at me' gesture, then thrusts his arm out, with Miguel diving under it and throwing a crouching kick at his belly. The Elder staggers back a step, his nostrils flaring up in anger, then grabs a loop of chain hanging off his jeans and tears it off. Startled, Miguel tries a sweep, but the Elder's trunk like leg absorbs the blow without buckling. The Man lunges at the boy, the latter rolling away, but halted violently as the chain is wrapped around his ankle. Holding the chain with both hands, the Elder heaves it up, lifting Miguel into the air by his leg as if he was caught by a spring snare trap. Hanging face down, Miguel frantically kicks with his free leg, but the man brushes the strike off with his shoulder, then spins Miguel around to make him face away from him and toward...

... a third SECURITY MAN, whom we now see from Miguel's upside down POV. He does not look friendly.

METALHEAD ELDER

GOT MESELF A MIGHTY FINE CATCH HERE, WARDEN!

SECURITY MAN

YOU HOLD ON TO IT FOR A BIT LONGER, I GOTTA BREAK THAT PARTY UP.

He moves past them, leaving Miguel dangling dumbfounded, grasping at the floor as his body turns slowly around...

MIKE HOWE

(chorus) My world will NOT cave in. I will DARE so I will win. Hear the timeBOMBS begin to tick. I'll hit you like a TON OF BRICKS! THESE GUYS ARE SHITTIN' BRICKS!

The Security Man moves to the gathering formed around Robby and pushes the Metalheads in front of him to the sides, revealing the boy thrashing about on the ground in anticipation of further blows hammering down. As the Man leans down to scoop him up, suddenly, Stingray bursts into his cone of vision, his hands held out in front of him.

STINGRAY

GUYS, IT'S OK! I'M IN THIS LINE OF WORK, TOO! I'LL HANDLE THIS!

The Man exchanges dubious looks with the Metalheads, as a turbocharged guitar solo kicks into gear...

MIKE HOWE

(the voice sounding increasingly distant as we cut to a bird's eye view of the hall) TON OF BRICKS! Ton of bricks...

CUT TO THE EXTERNAL VIEW OF THE CLUB'S ENTRANCE, as the door springs open, and Miguel is thrown out face first onto the sidewalk, then Tory thrown on top of him, then Sam, and then Robby to top it off. Finally, with accompanying cries of protest, Stingray is thrown out as well... mercifully landing next to the pile-up, which sways weakly for a moment, groaning with pain, before it topples, scattering everyone around. No one seems to be in any hurry to get back up.

MIGUEL

(weakly) You guys think the security may have been playing favors just a bit?

TORY

Figure they don't take well to kids getting uppity.

SAM

At least this sidewalk isn't so disgusting to lie on...

ROBBY

I just hope this is the last time I've been thrown around today.

TORY

You mean you aren't going training with me next? Anyway, nice job at the mic.

ROBBY

Really?

TORY

(deadpan) No. But your dance with her sure made up for it.

ROBBY

Yeah, you did some grade A acrobatics with him yourself.

MIGUEL

(sighs) That's what you get when you let Sensei arrange our dates.

SAM

So you're not happy with how things turned out, honey?

MIGUEL

Look, Sam, if my spine had a mouth, it would now be howling at the same pitch as that singer.

TORY

Sounds like you need some firm yet supple hands to set that spine straight, Miguel.

SAM

You're going to keep your hands to yourself unless you want them lopped off, Victoria.

TORY

So you're planning on bringing that katana back from Stingray's place, then? Well, have fun while you're there. Make sure to show your gratitude, too.

STINGRAY

(gathering himself up) Uhh, no visitors now, sorry. I'm gonna sleep off the next fortnight at least, to... regenerate.

SAM

I've got enough sharp toys at my place...

TORY

Oh really? I will have to try them out next time I come visit.

SAM

They'll be waiting for you.

ROBBY

(clears throat) Anyway, we were supposed to be reaching out across the aisle...

MIGUEL

Seems like that happened quite a bit today...

ROBBY

Yeah, just maybe not in the way I expected...

MIGUEL

Well, I'd give you a bro hug, but... (looks at the girls lying between the two of them) reaching out from here would be just too risky...

SAM

Oh, don't be squeamish, honey, go ahead! I'd love to see that! (to Tory) And you? Any objections?

TORY

Wouldn't stand in the way of you getting your kicks.

SAM

Figured you've stood in the way of enough of my kicks by now? Glad to hear you've learnt your lesson.

TORY

(snorts) Funny, sounds like you're still due to learn yours...

MIGUEL

(cutting in, as he endeavors to rise up) Alright, alright, this isn't going into smut territory, sorry to disappoint. (grabs his back) Ooof... think I'll sleep standing propped up against a wall from now on...

The others finally get up as well. Sam goes to Miguel and hugs him gently, whispering to him reassuringly. Tory walks up to Robby.

TORY

It looked like you got roughed up pretty badly there yourself...

ROBBY

(smirks) I'll walk it off. Shouldn't have let 'em knock me off you.

TORY

Better you getting knocked off than me getting knocked up...

ROBBY

(chuckles) Right, no argument here... I saw how you tried to come to my rescue.

TORY

(lowers her eyes) I didn't fight hard enough.

ROBBY

You fought like hell, Tory, quite hard enough for my reckoning. I want you to know I appreciate it.

Their eyes meet and linger for a bit before the pair embraces.

STINGRAY

(awkwardly) Riiight, think I'll see myself out. You guys got me kicked out of a show, so the least you could do is say you told me you were all eighteen... I mean, if anyone asks of course.

ROBBY

You ask that of every girl you go out with?

Stingray flips him off before turning around and walking away.

SAM

Thanks for helping us out back there, Stingray.

STINGRAY

(his back to her) Don't mention it, Miyagi girl. I did what my honor demanded. (under his breath) Christ, I hope I didn't drop my keys in there.

SAM

(to Miguel) What's his actual name, again?

MIGUEL

Uuh, not sure. Sensei tended to call him Chubs.

SAM

(shakes her head) How totally unexpected...

The couples turn to face each other, their bruised and battered visages illuminated by the red light of the neon sign. Tentative smiles start to emerge.

ROBBY

Well, thanks for a fun night, I suppose.

MIGUEL

Shame the night got cut short like that.

SAM

Yeah, I don't think any of us could take much more of this...

MIGUEL

Right, I probably should've brought a wheelchair like the last time. Anyway, our Sensei's called a special meeting for tomorrow. You guys feel like coming over to say hello?

TORY

We weren't chosen for the official delegation, unfortunately.

ROBBY

... but it's probably safe to say we'll be seeing you around.

SAM

We're sorry for what... our side has been doing lately.

TORY

(expression turning sour) It's them that will be sorry when it's over.

ROBBY

We trust you had nothing to do with that.

SAM

(on Tory's questioning look) You'd be right to assume that.

ROBBY

Alright then. (to Miguel) Get well soon, Champ.

MIGUEL

(cocks his head) Did I detect... not a hint of sarcasm?

ROBBY

(grins) Not this time.

MIGUEL

Well, in that case... (he steps out and approaches Robby) I hope to see you back in shape soon, too. (he holds out his hand, Robby regards it contemplatively) I've already seen these two do that. What do you say we follow their lead?

ROBBY

(nods) I think I can get behind that.

MIGUEL

(grabs his hand) Then welcome to the family, bro. (as Robby's brows arc up) Yeah, there's a fair chance we'll be siblings soon.

ROBBY

(cocks his head) Guess I shouldn't be surprised, you've been my Dad's favorite kid for a while now. It's only right he'd make it official. Still, knowing him, I wouldn't overestimate that chance... But if it were to actually happen, then the question is - before or after the tournament?

MIGUEL

Probably after. Don't think Mom would settle for a hospital wedding.

ROBBY

Glad to hear it's not gonna be a shotgun wedding, then. Means we'll have the chance to put that one issue to bed first.

MIGUEL

(beaming) Indeed, we will.

ROBBY

Good luck at the All-Valley, then.

MIGUEL

You too. Don't get knocked out before we face off.

ROBBY

Don't count on it.

MIGUEL

I won't.

They let go. Miguel turns to Tory.

MIGUEL

In the meantime, take care of him, will you? (winks)

TORY

We take care of each other.

ROBBY

To mixed results...

MIGUEL

Well, best of luck to you, then.

TORY

Bye, Miguel.

Miguel nods and walks off. Tory turns her gaze to Sam.

TORY

Hey, LaRusso.

SAM

(frowns) What?

TORY

Guess you're not that bad after all.

SAM

(looking shocked) Did I hear that right? It almost sounded like you said "you're all right, LaRusso".

TORY

Hmm, no. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

SAM

Sorry, my ears must not be back to working properly yet. Anyway, I hope I was wrong about you and Robby. It kinda seems like I may have been, but the jury is out on this one. (bites her lip) Let's just say I wish you well.

TORY

(smirks) Much appreciated, LaRusso.

SAM

I love how insulting you make that name sound.

TORY

Pleasure's all mine.

SAM

Wouldn't doubt that for a second. See you, Victoria.

TORY

You say it with a 'y'.

SAM

You mean "Vyctoria"? Your old folks must've been real Spelling Bee champs.

TORY

Can't all have champs in the family.

SAM

Can't all be champs either.

TORY

Indeed. And my dojo does not recognize second prizes.

SAM

Does not mean you can't.

TORY

I won't have to.

SAM

You never know, the line-up for this season is looking pretty crowded.

TORY

It'll be whittled down one way or another.

SAM

Only one way that's fair.

TORY

Tell that to your teammates.

SAM

We will stop them.

TORY

Better hurry then. Night... Samantha.

SAM

Good night... Tory.

They nod to each other and the two couples move on and go their separate ways, into the night.

CUT TO

INT. TOM COLE'S GARAGE - EVENING (CAPTION: SOME TIME EARLIER)

We cut back to JOHNNY and TERRY SILVER, staring each other down from the opposite ends of the room, with the tape-bound TOM COLE looking at the latter with a mixture of relief and bewilderment. Silver, for his part, is not paying Cole any attention.

JOHNNY

(all muscles tense) Terry Silver...

SILVER

Ah, so my reputation precedes me! This truly warms my heart... But then, so does yours. Your Sensei told me so much about you...

JOHNNY

All good, I reckon?

SILVER

(smacks his lips) Well, not quite, but enough good for me to take an interest in you. An interest that has only been growing since I got wind of the mischief you've been causing lately.

COLE

(frantic) SILVER! (motioning to the tape with his face) GET ME OUT OF THIS!

SILVER

(admonishing expression) Hush now, Tom, we're having a gentlemen's conversation here.

JOHNNY

(frowning) So you've been living here with him all this time?!

SILVER

(chuckles) Oh, no, that's a misinterpretation on your part. My presence here is due to no more than a stroke of luck. I was on my way to pay my partner here a visit at his business, when I noticed this highly peculiar Cadillac Sedan parked on the street opposite. It quickly dawned on me where I saw it before and what it may mean, so I decided to keep back and watch. Sure enough, it soon became evident someone had his sights set on following my partner. So I followed the follower and when I saw you commit a housebreaking, I figured I'll have to find an alternate way in. Does this clear up your confusion?

JOHNNY

(shrugs) I mean, as far as stories people come up with to stay in the closet are, this one isn't the least plausible.

SILVER

(chuckles indulgingly) Very well, I suggest we turn to more relevant matters then. There are things we need to discuss...

JOHNNY

(snarling) What do you want?

SILVER

(spreads his arms out, smiling as if embarrassed) I have to admit, when I heard about Kreese taking your kid away from you and you scampering off to work with the guy who handed you your ass at the All-Valley back then, I took you for a loser, not worth giving a second thought. But the more I learned about you, the more I realized there may be more to you than it first seemed. You hold a grudge against John Kreese for how he treated you. I can definitely appreciate a good old grudge. What if I told that me and the ol' Captain no longer see eye to eye?

JOHNNY

I'd ask why I should care.

SILVER

Because that means I'm looking for new alliances to forge, and it looks like you are not above allying yourself with yesterday's enemy if it serves your strategic goals. Isn't that right, Johnny boy?

JOHNNY

From what I've heard about you, making an alliance with you would be about the dumbest thing I could do.

SILVER

If your sources of information consisted only of Danny boy, then I assure you you ain't got the full picture. Few do, in fact. And believe me when I say I'm fully capable of compensating one's loyalty in a highly generous manner.

JOHNNY

(snorts) The hell could you offer me?

SILVER

(shrugs) The lives of those you hold dear, for starters. (Johnny's stare turns into a scowl) You want the Mama Latina for yourself, don't you? Mrs Diaz? And now Mr Diaz is throwing a spanner in the works, making you embark on this whole mad dash after me, am I not correct? Well, now that you've got me, how would you like me to call Mr Diaz off, send him back to till the coke fields in Columbia where he got his start, make him vanish from your and Senorita's life forever?

JOHNNY

I don't need you to deal with him.

SILVER

(chuckles) Is that so? So far you don't seem to be doing so hot on that front, though you've sure gone bold, gotta give you that. Still, with your flame fighting not to go out forever right now, are you really so confident you can afford taking more risks?

JOHNNY

(unconvincing tone) I'm not gonna risk anyone's life but my own, and that one I'm willing to put on the line.

SILVER

Oh, but you should've figured out by now it's not as simple and neat as that, that you can't always account for collateral damage, that people get hurt whether you like it or not. (makes an assured step towards him) But you have my word, if you join me, the probability of that happening is going to be drastically reduced.

JOHNNY

Ever thought of drastically reducing the amount of crap coming out of your mouth? You know, your name's Silver, and they say silence is golden, so why don't you think of upgradin'?

SILVER

(throws his head back and laughs) Uh, a stubborn bastard you are, Johnny boy! Just like your kid!

JOHNNY

(look of alarm) Robby?! What the hell is your business with him?!

SILVER

(shark grin) Oh, my business is quite expansive, Johnny. You could even say, pervasive. Your kid insists on staying by Kreese's side. Well, you should know that he's about to find himself in the eye of the storm, he, his Sensei, his girlfriend, and the odds of him weathering it all... well, I wouldn't exactly bet on them...

JOHNNY

(furious) The fuck you're on about, you nutcase?!

SILVER

(unfaltering grin) I'm talkin' about the blast wave that's gonna hit everyone standin' in my way, the blast wave from a bomb I've been dutifully riggin' up ever since I set foot in our old dojo again. (exaggeratedly pained expression) Robby is standin' awfully close to the ground zero, I'm afraid... but he can still be saved if you're there to get him away from the blast radius. And you can only do that with my help.

JOHNNY

Don't be so sure of that, you egomaniac. You ain't got the full picture, either.

SILVER

(snickers) The picture you think you have is but a piece of the puzzle on a massive board I've been assembling. Even if I don't have this one piece now, I'll get it out of you soon enough.

JOHNNY

Oh yeah? Then come and take it, fuckhead!

SILVER

(unfaltering conviction) I will have it. And once the puzzle is complete, you will all see how laughably puny and futile were your attempts to stifle it, you will see vengeance unfolding on a biblical level, in real time. What to me will merely be another one in the line of my masterworks, to you will be a life-defining event, one that you will regret standing on the wrong side of for the rest of your waking days... That is unless you heed my words and board my Ark before the floodwaters burst out and come down to engulf you.

JOHNNY

(shaking his head in disbelief) You really are ego-trippin', dude. And you're getting your shit mixed up. So is it gonna be a flood or an explosion?

SILVER

One can follow another. I'm just givin' you an idea of what's to come. One thing for sure, blood will flow. It's flowin' already, in fact. Only question is whose blood it'll end up being, and if you're gonna sink or swim in it. I can lead you to the lifeboat, but I can't make you embark on it.

JOHNNY

And just how exactly would you do that?

SILVER

I can help you reclaim your rightful spot at Cobra Kai, then throw the full weight of my money and influence behind you, ensure your dojo's dominance in this town. You won't be just some fuckin' stripmall sensei no more. You will be a force to be reckoned with, and there will be only one law you'll have to abide by. Not any law laid down for the sheep by mouthbreathing windbags, only the Law of the strong, the eternal creed of Cobra Kai. You'll descend from the mountain to bring it down to the young men who thirst for meaning, like you were Moses with his stone slabs coming to tear down the golden calf and institute the Law.

JOHNNY

(frowning) You're not just ego-tripping, you're a ravin' fanatic. Besides, Cobra Kai's laws aren't God's laws. They're bunch of made-up shit written by a man who's been at war with the whole world for the past fifty years.

SILVER

(laughs self-indulgently) The world IS WAR, Johnny! The sooner you come to grips with that fact, the sooner you may begin to grasp the true laws that underlie our pathetic existence. And you think you know a damn about God's laws?! You've only ever heard a watered-down version, diluted over the span of centuries to keep the sheeple in line. God never commanded not to kill. He had Hebrews slaughter entire nations, for fuck's sake! I'm damn near a God-damn humanitarian compared to that guy! (laughs out again, then his face grows stern) No, Johnny, the first law, the first constant of the universe is that we're always scheduled for a date when the slate is wiped clean, when an extinction event, a purge occurs to revert the world back to its pristine state, to eliminate the rot that always comes to fester when left unchecked. A wise man can tell when we're due for a system reboot, and I assure you, my nostrils are well attuned to the stench of rot, and they can smell it from every nook and cranny now. When the inevitable wipeout comes around, only the purest will survive, and our Law is the purest expression of life you'll find set down anywhere. You forge men out of boys according to this Law, and you'll forge the elite that will be left to repopulate this world. And you, Johnny, will be their Patriarch, their Founding Father.

JOHNNY

I think your nostrils are having delusions... or they're just full of shit. In any case, you missed your fuckin' calling, dude. You belong on a street corner with an 'End is nigh!' sign.

SILVER

(chuckles) Maybe that'd be true if I cared what happens to random assholes when shit hits the fan. I don't. Most of 'em are just walkin' corpses, bloated and decaying. I wouldn't waste my time with 'em, nothing left to salvage. I want to form a new breed of men from scratch. And you were doin' just that when you reopened Cobra Kai, you purified these kids through pain, and imprinted our creed upon them. You returned to our creed decades after you were taught it, because deep down you knew it was the only creed that stood up to your disillusionment with reality. (spreads his arms again) That's why I'm tryin' to get through to you, Johnny. That's why I'm still talkin' and you're still breathin' in fact. I want you to return to what is your true calling. I want you to rear these kids into men that will face the coming new dawn with their heads held up high. And that's all I want.

JOHNNY

And how does that "bomb" you've been gloatin' about factor into this?

SILVER

It factors in on many levels. For one, it'll separate the wheat from the chaff, can't be wasting our energy on subpar material. Also, I don't have to tell you that the weak despise the strong. They see what we do, and they lash out against us. So I'll be makin' sure they don't get the chance, that the coast is clear and we're the only game in town...

JOHNNY

You think you're just the bee's knees, don't you? That you're literal fuckin' will of God made flesh, huh?

SILVER

I don't think of it in terms of Gods, but I do think in terms of the Will, yeah. And I act accordin' to the Will.

JOHNNY

A good friend of mine told me those who act out the Will, God's or otherwise, don't fuckin' brag about it. I've had enough of your doomsday guru shit, I'm not lettin' you lay your hand on any of these kids. Fuck you, Terry Silver or whatever the hell your name is. (through gritted teeth, as he assumes a fighting stance) You're going down.

SILVER

(throwing his head back and bellowing with blood-curdling laughter) Ah, can't let go of bein' a daddy now that you've finally got to be one, can you? (amiably) I understand. (voice quickly turning foreboding) I also understand it sometimes takes more than words to win someone over. Let's have it then.

He grabs at the seams of his coat and tears it off his chest, revealing his sculpted upper body covered now only by a tight-fitting black vest. He throws the coat aside and advances, popping his neck bones as he goes. Johnny closes in on him, throws a right hook, which Silver leans back from, immediately grabbing Johnny's striking arm under the elbow, pulling it backwards and kicking at the back of his ankle to sweep him up. Johnny pivots backwards, but as his body trips up, he shoots his leg up into the air, striking Silver in the side of his head before dropping to the ground. Silver staggers to the side, Johnny immediately spinning on the floor to deliver a round sweep. Silver jumps out of the sweeping leg's path, and Johnny rolls onto his feet and springs up with an axe kick aimed at his chin. Silver blocks the strike with his forearm, which is flung upwards by the blow, leaving his chest exposed to the punch that Johnny doles out with a twist of his body, his foot still over his head. Silver is doubled over from the blow's impact, at which point Johnny's foot is brought down, the heel slamming into the back of his head, sending Silver hurtling face down to the floor. Johnny smirks as he stands before the downed enemy.

JOHNNY

Shouldn't have bought into your own hype... (inspects his foot) Wait, is that hair dye on my foot?

His deliberation is cut short as Silver's arms jut out, wrap themselves around Johnny's ankle and yank it off the floor. Johnny loses his footing and topples over as Silver, now looking pissed off, rises, still clutching Johnny' s foot in a vicelike grip. Johnny kicks at him with his other foot, Silver absorbing the blow with his shoulder, then bringing the captured leg down onto his thrusting knee, eliciting a pained groan from Johnny. Next, with a heave of his arms he flips Johnny onto his stomach, grabs him by the shirt on his back, hoists him up, spins and slams him face first into a muscle rack. Johnny throws a back elbow - which Silver swats away - then a back kick. Silver grabs Johnny's leg as it plunges into his gut. Johnny takes hold of a shelf, launches his other leg off the ground, brings his lower body up and shoots the leg out into Silver's face. Silver's head snaps back as Johnny's boot makes contact, he recoils, releasing his grip on the leg. Johnny, still holding onto the shelf, puts his feet on a shelf one tier lower, then catapults himself into the air, twisting mid-flight and delivering a spinning kick to Silver's side. Silver stumbles, dropping to all fours, his back to Johnny, who upon landing immediately hurls himself at Silver's shoulders, wrapping his arm around his neck and putting on the squeeze. Panting and redfaced, Silver lifts himself to his feet with Johnny hanging at his neck and throwing jabs at his sides. He then thrusts his hand behind him, seizes Johnny by the hair, yanks his head back, then shoves it onto the back of his own head, which he also throws back to ram it still harder into Johnny's face. The bridge of Johnny's nose smashes into Silver's crown, once, twice, Johnny looking increasingly dazed, then again. Johnny's grip slackens, and Silver shoves his hips into his stomach, bends down, clutches Johnny's choking arm, and throws him over his shoulder and onto the floor. Then he kicks Johnny in the chest, sending him sliding across the floor to slam his back against the square edge of a metal leg of the workbench.

As Johnny groans with pain, Silver, his eyes screaming murder, immediately leaps at him, grabs his collar, and heaves his body up, smashing his head into the underside of the bench, then pulls him in, and hurls him onto the bench. Johnny kicks Silver in the chest, making him stagger away a bit, then grabs a screwdriver out of a holder, and as Silver closes in and thrusts out his fist, takes a stab at it and impales the palm of Silver's hand. Silver recoils with a roar, holds up the pierced hand, with bloody screwdriver still lodged in it, to his shocked face, then grins with grim determination, turns the hand around to make the screwdriver's tip point at Johnny, and closes his fist around it. Then he strikes out, stabbing Johnny's calf as the latter tries to kick the fist away. Next he grabs Johnny's ankle and spins him on the table like a roulette, bringing his head under his raised fist which he then thrusts down. Johnny moves his head out of the way, the fist hammering into the bench's hard surface, the impact driving the screwdriver up his hand. As Silver growls with pain, Johnny draws up his knee and hits him in the shoulder. Silver stumbles along the bench's edge, Johnny rolls himself off of it and into the floor.

As Johnny stands up, Silver grabs onto the bench's corners, lifts them up, and with a massive exertion of his muscles hurls the thing at Johnny, tools spilling out in all directions. The bench hits the unprepared Johnny in the sternum, sending him crashing to the ground. With the bench now between them, Silver leaps onto it, then jumps up, shifting his upper body down in the air, and delivers a diving elbow drop to Johnny's chest as he falls onto him. Johnny gasps, his body jackknifing as Silver springs onto his feet. As he proceeds to land another blow with his screwdriver fist, Johnny grabs onto the overturned workbench and pulls it down on himself, dumping the remaining tools on his body in the process, and using it as a shield. Silver's fist recoils from striking the metal sheet, and at the same time a bulky monkey wrench comes swinging from under the bench, smashing into Silver's foot. Silver cries out and stumbles as he darts away. Johnny pushes the bench off himself, now covered in bloody bruises, painstakingly gets up, lifts up the wrench, and with a wobbly step comes swinging at Silver. Silver dodges the first attack, gets a glancing blow across his forearm with the second, then shoots his screwhand out to intercept the third, seizes Johny's wrist and squeezes it tight, driving the screwdriver's tip into Johnny's sinew. Johnny's face twists in agony, he screams and lets go of the wrench, which clatters to the floor. Silver yanks his wrist, pulling Johnny into his other fist which rams him in the stomach. As Johnny doubles over, Silver wraps his thick arm around his neck, punches him in the nose, drawing still more blood, then starts spinning in place like a merry-go-around, dragging Johnny along. One spin, second spin, finally with the third spin he throws Johnny into the air and across the room. Johnny lands on his back with a thud, his contorted body sliding on the floor. Once it comes to a halt, he draws up one of his knees, his arms lying limp, his bloodied teeth clenched tight. He does not get up.

Silver wipes the black-dyed sweat from his brow, grimly regarding his fallen opponent. As he reassures himself that Johnny is down for the count, his attention shifts to the screwdriver still wedged in his hand. He grabs the handle, and with furrowed brows pulls it out. Then he walks over to Cole, who has been watching the fight in mute astonishment, picks up the duct tape lying next to him, and wraps it around the wound.

COLE

Oh thank God you came out on top, Silver! Now please take these off me!

SILVER

(grins) Sorry, partner. I think I like you just the way you are...

As Cole stares at him slack-jawed, he licks the screwdriver clean of blood before throwing it away.

SILVER

Had to get rid of the evidence, you see.

COLE

(baffled) Evidence of what?

SILVER

My being here...

COLE

(increasingly hysterical) C'mon, man, don't play around! Help me!

SILVER

Don't think I'm gonna do that, partner. In fact, you being like this creates a perfect opportunity...

COLE

(as Silver steps over him and to the front of the car) What are you talkin' about?! What opportunity?!

SILVER

An opportunity to tie up a loose end.

He reaches inside the car, and releases the hand brake. Then he gives the Rover a shove, sending it rolling down towards the panicked Cole, its front right wheel on exact collision course with his head...

Cut to Johnny, painstakingly lifting his head off the floor, to behold with horror as Cole's desperate scream is suddenly cut short and followed by a snapping of bones. His expression turns into one of impotent fury as Silver makes his way back towards him, casting only a short glance at Cole's now inert body.

JOHNNY

You killed him, you sick fuck!

SILVER

(leaning over him, his brows arcing up) Oh, did I? No, Johnny, you did. When cops come snooping, they'll only see the footage of you sneaking into his house, with obvious ill intent. As for myself, I took into account that cameras tend to look down on us, and so I took the high road. (bellows with laughter as Johnny looks on incredulous) Still think you don't need my help?

JOHNNY

(through gritted teeth) I'd rather you finished me right here and now.

SILVER

(frowns) Oh, no no no, I'm not goin' to kill you, don't worry. For all our differences of opinion, you still have a front row seat for the grand premiere of my theatre of Grand Guignol. If you can make it there, naturally. And I genuinely hope you will. You see, Danny boy got dull with age, the ol' Cap'n doesn't quite pack the bite either anymore. You are the only one left who can still add extra excitement to the proceedings, as far as I can tell. So (impudent grin), stick around, Johnny boy.

JOHNNY

(shoots out his hand, grabs Silver's vest) You... are not... gettin' away with this.

Silver's grin turns into an impatient scowl. His fingers straighten up, and his hand dives under Johnny bloodstained shirt. Johnny's eyes bulge as Silver's fingers rend the sutures on his chest and burrow into the gash like ravenous worms. He utters a howl of agony.

SILVER

(bringing his face right up to Johnny's, his tone ominous) Don't push your luck, Johnny boy... or I may just rip your heart out and shove it up your ass. See if you can shit it out fast enough to plug it back in.

He withdraws the hand, wipes the blood on Johnny's jeans as the latter curls up into a ball. Then he stands erect, regards Johnny contemptuously, looks around, and starts walking towards the stairs.

SILVER

(as he picks up his coat) You better get a move on if you want to remain a free man. I think we may have alerted the neighbors... and I'm not payin' your bail. Goodbye, Johnny.

With these parting words, he slings the coat across his shoulders and goes up the stairs, out of sight. Johnny writhes on the ground for a spell, then, clutching his chest with one hand, he starts dragging himself across the floor with the other, towards the duct tape lying on the ground in a pool of blood, streaming out from under the Land Rover, its lights blaring at him like an interrogator's lamp...

FADE TO BLACK (caption: IN ROCKING MEMORY OF MIKE HOWE)

[WRITER'S NOTE: THERE'S GOING TO BE A PART OF THREE OF THIS EPISODE, A SHORT ONE, JUST A COUPLE SCENES THAT I HOPE TO GET OUT WITHIN A WEEK. I WAS PLANNING TO INCLUDE THAT IN THIS ENTRY, BUT I'VE FELT REALLY ANXIOUS TO GIVE YOU GUYS NEW CONTENT, AND I FIGURED THIS WAS A GOOD PLACE TO STOP ANYWAY]

(cont'd)