Chapter Six: Being the Best Around

Shortly after his camping trip, Lucas Schwarber returned to his normal routine for the summer. The summer before his senior year of high school.

He woke up each morning, fed his golden retriever Donnie Junior and his german shepherd Ruben, and then went out for a jog.

Despite winning every single notable title in karate imaginable, Lucas had to stay in shape to defend them all. It was because of his fame he had to train so hard.

Lucas wore the same Cobra Kai track suit he did each morning when he went on his jog. He waved to neighbors who all knew him.

Other than no longer wearing Johnny Lawrence's headband, all seemed normal with him. Lucas was cheery, calm, and focused.

At the Cobra Kai dojo every day at five in the afternoon, Lucas walked in and was paid respect by every single person there.

The new Cobra Kai GI was impressive, it was all black with a red Cobra Kai logo upon its back.

Pairs of girls smiled and nodded to Lucas as he walked by, Edwin, Big Red, Dieter, every Cobra Kai student there would bow their heads slightly in his direction when he walked past in his gym bag.

The Senseis began class and Lucas' training routine was the same almost every day.

They jogged around the mats, and practiced plyometrics, as well as a strong amount of strength training and cardio.

Lucas would attach resistance bands to his wrists and ankles, and practice roundhouse kicks, the reverse punch, the jab punch. He already was a champion, but now he had to keep his titles.

The Cobra Kai boys were more than happy to keep him sharp in the short sparring sessions they'd have after class.

Everyone changed into white Hayashi WKF approved GIs and blue and red gloves put on a mouthguard, and began to spar.

No points were counted, everyone just sat back and watched two of the group fight.

The sparring was ultimately the same despite the difference in counting points.

Since they already knew how to grapple and had been made official black belts in Shotokan and Tang Soo Do, the Cobra Kais all fought with every technique possible.

The sweep or ashi barai, followed up by a punch to the chest or head to score a full ippon or three points. The kick to the head, also ippon. The kick to the chest, wazari, or two points. And a reverse punch to the chest or head area, or jab punch to the head, all yuko, or one point.

Besides everyone knowing the techniques, it was known well without words that Lucas knew them better than anyone in the dojo except for the Senseis.

They sparred and sparred and sparred, and despite Lucas winning, his friends were all successful in keeping him on his toes.

They stayed on the balls of their feet, bouncing around, staying focused, playing with the distance, faked, and faked and faked, and then they'd trade blows.

Lucas almost always came out on top, he'd score decisively and then slip away dodging and blocking. But it was all in good fun, the boys were more than happy to work on their own sparring too while practicing with him.

The blows were all controlled despite containing enough speed and power to score in a real tournament, but the atmosphere was relaxed, happy, but focused.

As Lucas' summer went on, Ali and Johnny planned their wedding.

As Johnny had no in laws of any sort to present to Ali and her parents, all that remained was choosing the venue to hold the wedding, the certain flowers, decorations, food, and all.

Despite all this being mind-numbingly boring to him, what Johnny enjoyed best was setting up the baby's room in Ali's home.

The question loomed over everyone. What about Robby?

Lucas was very cheerful at the end of each sparring session with all of his friends at the Cobra Kai dojo, but they all wondered if and when Robby would appear.

Would he move in with Johnny into the Mills Manor after Ali married him? Would Johnny even?

After nearly three weeks since the camping trip Lucas took with his friends to Big Bear, the wedding itself was days away.

Gunther Braun wore a black suit and tie. On the chest lapel of his suit was a WKF patch, showing he was an official referee, official, and representative of the largest and most important karate organization in the entire world.

The World Karate Federation.

He was a German man with a calm, respectful, but hardy demeanor, who stood around, following Silver in his dojo.

Gunther walked around the Cobra Kai flagship dojo with his associates, several of whom made notes on their clipboards.

"Here at Cobra Kai." Silver said smoothly in a suit and tie of his own. "We have everything. And I mean everything."

Lucas was helping newer students with their reverse punch, Gunther glanced at him and the rest of the class quietly.

"State of the art equipment. A juice bar, and even the chance to host their own activities, such as sparring classes the boy students tend to hold regularly." Silver said with crossed arms. "Tournament regulation mats, all the gear they need. At Cobra Kai, you train, to settle for nothing but the best."

Kim and Kreese stayed quietly as Gunther began to speak. "Of course, we're not interested really in the state of the dojo economically. We're here to judge the entire dojo's capabilities for performance on the mat in both forms and combat." he said with a noticeable German accent.

"In that, you have nothing to worry about either." Silver smiled.

Kreese stepped forward. "I've been part of this dojo since day one. Both its original opening and the new one."

Gunther raised an eyebrow. "Original opening?"

"His point is? John?" asked Silver.

"That I've seen the dojo grow from a single student practicing with me alone with barely any equipment. Into all of this." Kreese raised his hands towards the ceiling of Cobra Kai. "And I can assure you, their growth as karatekas, has greatly impressed me. They'd be more than ready to compete in the Sekai Taikai in just a few months. They're ready."

"Well the Korea Open is meant to test more than just their readiness. Competitors are expected to bring their own unique style, their own history to the tournament." Gunther added.

"There's no shortage of that either." said Silver. "Sensei Da Eun here is our dojo's founder very flesh and blood. She's Grandmaster Kim Sun Yung's granddaughter."

"Your family helped found Tang Soo Do?" wondered Gunther.

Kim crossed her arms and shrugged. "What happened in the mountains of Korea generations ago is of no concern to me anymore. The future is all that matters. These children have much to learn, but I agree with both Terry and John. They will be ready."

"Talk is cheap." Silver waved a hand. "Let us show you just how ready our students are with a demonstration. Jeontu!"

Silver announced the necessity for combat, and every student in Cobra Kai there broke into a large square.

Four students picked up blue and red flags off the corners of the mat and Gunther already began to shake his head. "That won't be necessary."

"No?" asked Silver.

Gunther nodded. "We only need one person's assurance this dojo has what it takes before we continue."

"Really?" asked Kreese.

"And that would be Mr. Schwarber's word." Gunther said.

The men from around the world forming the Sekai Taikai committee all looked over at Lucas, who froze, and stopped putting on his glove.

"You want. My assurance, this dojo has what it takes?"

"Of course. You became a world champion in your very first attempt at the title. That's so difficult to achieve one might consider it fiction." Gunther said. "Regardless of what anyone might say or show here. Your word would be proof someone would have what it takes to compete in WKF karate at the highest possible level."

Lucas seemed to process this deeply.

Silver and Kreese looked at each other, knowing they needed to stay quiet.

Lucas nodded slowly. "Mr. Braun. I promise you, this dojo will have what it takes to compete in the Korea Open."

Gunther signed a piece of paper on a clipboard that was handed to him and then ripped it off and handed it to Silver. "It's official. After the paperwork is finished, I look forward to seeing Cobra Kai at the Sekai Taikai."

Silver and Gunther bowed to each other as all the Cobra Kai students cheered.

"Legend my dude." Hawk chuckled and rubbed Lucas' shoulders.

"Let's gooo!" cheered Shawn, hugging both Sarah and Rickenberger at the same time.

Gunther bowed to the front of the dojo and then he left with all of his associates.

Before he did so, Lucas muttered something very quickly to Gunther.

Miyagi-Do was far less impressive looking than Cobra Kai's flagship dojo in Encino.

Gunther and his group of karate officials were all assured the place was abandoned. It was clearly someone's backyard, and no one had lived there or been there in several weeks.

Robby, Miguel, Sam, Johnny, Daniel, and Chozen all entered the back entrance.

"Uh. Hello?" asked Gunther.

"Hello." Daniel said. "I heard our dojo might have visitors."

"And who might you be?" Gunther asked.

"I'm Daniel LaRusso. These are Senseis Johnny and Chozen. We normally would've taught classes here under normal circumstances but um." Daniel tutted.

Johnny sighed. "We lost a bet, it's a long story."

Gunther was still confused. "So it's safe to say your dojo isn't open then?"

"Why do you have to know that exactly?" asked Chozen.

"We represent the world karate federation's scouting committee. We report to the heads of the organization directly and tell them which dojos are worth including in the upcoming Sekai Taikai."

"And what is that?" wondered Daniel.

"The biggest karate tournament to ever exist in the entire world," Gunther said respectfully, and then crossed his arms and nodded.

Johnny and Daniel looked at each other in shock.

"This dojo was recommended to us by an anonymous source. Oddly, this source forgot to mention this dojo was closed. I'm sorry for wasting your time."

Gunther bowed and began to leave with his associates before Daniel spoke up. "Wait wait wait. Um. We might consider opening up again. If you'd give us a chance."

Gunther's eyes lit up. "Alright then. First thing's first, what is training like?"

"We use a variety of unorthodox methods," said Daniel.

Johnny smiled. "No need for fancy equipment here. Just good old fashioned karate at its roots."

Gunther and a few others nodded in approval.

"This dojo clearly wasn't ready for a qualification today." Gunther bowed his head. "We'll return when you are."

"That won't be necessary."

Sam was the first to turn her head.

Lucas Schwarber stood wearing his black Cobra Kai tracksuit.

Gunther smiled. "I'm afraid our source has decided to reveal himself. How may I help you Mr. Schwarber?"

"You said my word is a seal of approval for the WKF right?"

"Considering you are sponsored by Hayashi personally, and almost every karate team in the entire United States has tried to recruit you as well." Gunther chuckled. "I'd say just about."

Lucas nodded slowly, Daniel and Johnny were confused.

"I can vouch personally for this dojo."

Gunther was confused. "But I don't understand. I thought this dojo was closed for from what I can tell many weeks. How can you determine their performance?"

"I've competed personally against them just a few months ago in the fifty first All Valley karate tournament. In both sparring and forms, for both guys and girls." Lucas shrugged. "I'd say they can be ready for the Korea Open in just a few months."

Gunther nodded.

He turned towards Johnny. "In that case. This dojo only needs to submit its name to be included in the listings."

Daniel was too shocked to respond for a moment.

"Um." Daniel blinked rapidly. "We're Steel Eagle." he put a hand on Johnny's shoulder.

"No. We are, Miyagi-Do." insisted Johnny.

"Didn't we already have a name?" Miguel muttered in Sam's ear who shrugged.

Gunther shrugged. "So then? Is it both? We need one name."

Robby spoke up, smiling slightly and then nodding to Lucas.

"We're Team Lightning."

Johnny turned in surprise to his son.

"Team Lightning it is." Gunther shrugged again, handing a signed piece of paper to Johnny. "We'll stay in touch. Welcome to the Sekai Taikai gentlemen."

They bowed back to Gunther and his group, and Miguel, Robby, and Sam hugged each other and cheered.

When they turned, both Lucas and the WKF officials had already left.

"We're not putting the kids back in danger again," Johnny said, as he Daniel, and Chozen discussed around the dinner table in Daniel's dining room.

Chozen shrugged. "As long as Silver controls the Valley. They are already in danger."

"Besides Anthony being harassed at the water park." Daniel sighed. "There haven't been any incidents."

"I guarantee you those old shits are biding their time." Johnny squinted and raised one eyebrow. "No need to kick the beehive."

"But look." Daniel rubbed his face. "This is what the kids deserve. Another shot."

"They had a shot!"

Johnny stood up out of his seat and spoke to Daniel looking right in his eyes.

"We're putting all this crap behind us." Johnny scoffed. "We had our chance. We lost, now you want them to go through all of that again? To get into fights and be put in danger again?"

"I thought defeat didn't exist for the Strike First badass?" asked Daniel.

Johnny shook his head. "I've changed. I have two families now technically. Three if you count the one you're helping me build with Miguel. Karate has lead to nothing but pain, and suffering, for every single person in the Valley."

"We can show the entire world there's another way. That karate can mean something else." Daniel insisted as Chozen nodded.

"Let's say we manage to win this time." Johnny shrugged. "Silver would rather die than let the chances at a global karate franchise slip through his fingers. Not to mention there's no way we can train the kids now."

"Why?" asked Chozen.

Johnny sighed. "If we break our promise we'll be teaching the kids the opposite of what we want. A man's word. Does matter."

Daniel frowned, clearly thinking.

Johnny was confused. "What?"

"We can coach the kids. But not technically as Senseis," said Daniel.

"Excuse me?" asked Johnny.

Daniel smiled. "We can let them compete and still keep our deal with Kreese. If they're technically their own Senseis, and we're just. Consultants, or trainers. Or coaches. We never broke our word. And Chozen never agreed to that deal!" he added as Chozen nodded.

Johnny frowned. "I can't really say no can I?"

"Johnny." Daniel smiled. "Miyagi-Do tried twice to beat them. I failed. Just let us do this, maybe we have to let go of our name to let the kids finally have what they deserve. Which is to win."

Johnny spoke slowly after some thought. "Be my best man at my wedding. And I'm in."

Daniel smiled, gripping Johnny's hand and bumping his shoulder.

"You had Miyagi-Do join the Sekai Taikai?"

I shifted where I stood in Sensei Silver's office in front of his desk.

"Yes, Sensei."

He looked lost for words, a first.

"Why?" he managed to say.

"Because Robby Keene is my friend."

"Is Miguel Diaz? Samantha LaRusso? The last time I checked they actually hated you." Sensei said.

"I want to prove I can beat them all twice." I said. "Three times actually."

Sensei chuckled, sitting up out of his chair to then sit on the corner of his desk.

"There's a desire to prove oneself again. And then there's sheer arrogance."

"You actually believe Miyagi-Do has a shot? That's impossible."

Sensei Silver shrugged. "If you actually thought that to be impossible we wouldn't be standing here right now discussing it."

I couldn't say anything.

"Hey. Look at me. Look at me."

I met Sensei Silver's eyes.

"Master Kim Sun-Yung would be proud of his legacy turning out to be you. I promise you, Miyagi? Would not. Don't let his memory haunt you, don't let his weakness taint your crown." Sensei tilted his head. "Your victory, your power. Who you were meant to be."

Silver pointed to the famous pictures framed on the wall of me winning my third All Valley title and then on the podium holding the gold medal claiming the title of world karate champion against the best in the world. "That is your fullest potential, Miyagi had nothing to do with it. If anything he'd shame you for it."

He nodded a bit. "I'll allow this."

"Why?"

"Because it's the only thing you've ever asked of me since we met," Sensei said. "That mess at the county club was a favor John needed. And you wouldn't be my champion unless I knew how to spoil you."

I still couldn't say anything else.

"Now get out."

I did so after a bow and a muttered. "Yes Sensei."

I had a wedding to prepare for in just a few days.

The moment Lucas left his office and had finished closing the door behind him, Silver threw his computer monitor on his desk across the room.

He stood up, and threw an axe kick into his hardwood desk, smashing it in half loudly.

Panting, Silver fixed his now messy white hair now roughly pulled into a ponytail.

Sensei and owner of the most well recognized and powerful karate dojo in the entire Valley, and the only dojo really left in the Valley, and he was made helpless by a seventeen year old.

Ali's marriage to Johnny was perhaps the largest affair most people who had attended had ever been to.

Since Johnny's family was being combined with Ali's, all members of Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do attended, the most notable ones regardless.

In a giant church hall, the wooden benches were filled from front to back.

On one side, Miguel Diaz, Sam, Demetri, Chris, Bert, Nate, and every single person in Johnny's dojo and Daniel were sitting.

Miguel's family, Sam's family and friends, friends Johnny had made over the years. Jimmy's family, Bobby and his family, both men were standing by the altar wearing suits as his bridesmen.

On the other side of the aisle, Lucas, his grandparents, every single friend he had and their families, as well as dozens of Ali's friends from medicine and from the Encino Oaks Country club attended.

Almost two hundred people were sitting and waiting for the wedding to start.

The Cobra Kai Senseis were wearing the best suits and ties money could buy.

John Kreese muttered to Terry Silver in their best clothes possible.

"I hate wearing this nonsense." Kreese pulled at his collar. "And you do it all the time."

"It's a special day John. A new generation of Cobra Kai on the horizon." Silver muttered back. "And you get to see your previous best student finally get married."

Kreese crossed his hands together, looking over at Johnny waiting by the altar.

He smiled quietly.

A violinist began to play the first notes of the Ashokan Farewell, and the last few people attending the ceremony took their seats.

The sun was bright outside the church, its rays lighting through the stained glass windows, Ali's bridesmaids included Carmen Diaz, Amanda LaRusso, and her best friend from high school Barbara.

Ava and Lia walked down the aisle holding a basket of flowers, tossing them about wearing white dresses.

The music kept playing and the band continued, and Ali Mills-Lawrence then entered the hall dressed as beautiful as the mind could imagine with a silk white bride's dress and veil.

The entire hall rose to their feet

Lucas smiled as his mother kept walking, and then she walked up the steps to the altar slowly.

Shawn Payne sniffled, and then Doug Rickenberger nudged him. "Is you crying?"

"Shut up man."

Shawn's younger brother meanwhile shifted where he stood, looking over at Ava quickly rush to grab the rings resting upon a pillow to be presented for later.

Ali took her spot across from Johnny, tears under her eyes beneath the veil.

Bobby Brown was the priest hosting the ceremony. The entire ceremony was in his church.

"Please be seated," asked Bobby.

The band stopped playing and Bobby watched the entire ceremony sit down.

"It is my firm belief. That God's greatest gift to mankind is love." Bobby raised a finger. "Here and today, we celebrate love. A love that has persisted through fights of all kinds. Through decades apart, and through distance and turmoil."

"The love of Ali Mills and Johnny Lawrence. I've known these two since highschool and I."

Bobby sniffled, turning around as Daniel patted his shoulder and Bobby had to wipe his tears aside.

"Okay. Since." Bobby took a deep breath and the ceremony chuckled. "I've known these two since high school, and could not be prouder to be the one helping cement their union. They teach us that love is infinite."

Sam nodded, gripping Miguel's hand.

"Love is pure. Love persists. That love always wins out in the end." Bobby said. "So now, the vows."

Johnny and Ali read their vows, waited for Bobby to say a small schpiel out of his bible, and then Johnny lifted Ali's veil and kissed her.

There was a clear difference, between all the teenage karatekas in the audience, and the family members, doctors, and Encino Oaks country club members who were attending.

The latter applauded respectfully, while the former was roaring at the top of their lungs.

"Let's gooo!" Miguel and Robby roared, clapping as loudly as they could.

"Yeahhhh mom!" Lucas raised a fist as the Cobra Kais roared for Ali.

"There we gooo!" Chris clapped. "There we go Sensei Lawrence!"

For a split second, Lucas could've sworn Tory Nichols had squeezed his hand, but then she and the other Cobra Kai girls appeared to be screeching too along with everyone else.

"Yes!"

"Get it!"

"Let's goooo!"

The Cobra Kai boys did their version of the Safety Dance during the celebrations.

Everyone at the ceremony attended and Lucas was the one to dance first on the dance floor.

"No no no. Hey!" Doug and Mikey pulled Kenny off his chair and then Lucas was trying to rope in Robby.

He refused as well but eventually Shawn and Hawk dragged him too.

They danced in unison, cheering to the song.

Demetri and Miguel watched this from afar, confused at seeing how well Robby seemed to get along with Lucas and the other Cobra Kais.

The boys eventually stopped and their girlfriends got roped in.

"Looking amazing tonight m'lady." Doug lifted Sarah's hand and began to dance with her.

"Mm, thank you sir."

Shawn had a date, Mackenzie Chu from the cheerleading team, and Hawk danced with his date to the wedding celebrations, Piper.

Charlotte whisked Robby away and Kenny disappeared very quickly off the dance floor.

Only Mikey and Lucas were left without partners.

Lucas eventually left the dance floor in pursuit to speaking to the man of the hour.

The Safety Dance song played a bit softer as Johnny walked up to the standing tables where Kreese and Silver shared a drink. "You assholes really wanted to ruin my big day huh?"

Silver shrugged. "We were invited."

"Not by me," Johnny said.

"Ali invited us." Johnny balled his fists as Kreese spoke. "Luke is Ali's family, and we're Luke's family."

Silver smiled. "I wanted to congratulate you on making it into the Sekai Taikai. It's not often dojos without mats qualify."

Kreese chuckled at this while Johnny nodded. "Yeah, you two are gonna have a rude awakening in store there. Keep your eyes peeled."

Silver sighed, putting his glass down. "I expect that not to happen." he fixed the buttons on his suit as he left.

Johnny began to leave the table too before Kreese spoke.

"Hey kid. Wait."

Johnny stopped, turning around.

"I wanted to let you know, that you did well."

"Yeah fuckin' right."

Kreese shook his head. "No I mean it. You married the girl of your dreams, made up with your son. Have another kid on the way. You're not the scared, weak, and helpless troublemaker I once met, and." Kreese gulped. "I know it might not mean anything from me but um. I'm proud of that, truly I am."

Johnny was quiet, the only sound between them was the Safety Dance still playing in the huge wedding celebration hall.

"It's a shame I can't be a Sensei anymore to support my new family you just mentioned."

"Johnny, I only turned to Terry when you turned your back on me. On us. You forsake the way of the fist, and for what? Someone who let you down anyway?" Kreese glanced at Johnny's best man, Daniel, who was chatting nearby with a few of Ali's doctor friends.

Kreese sighed. "Say what you will about me. But I never gave up on you, I never would've let you lose. Miyagi did, and he's not even here right now."

Kreese shook his head and walked off.

Lucas literally bumped into Johnny as he turned around.

"Oh. Sorry kid."

Lucas shook his head. "Oh it's fine. Was looking for you anyway."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Wanted to say congrats, you'll make ma happy."

Johnny smiled. "Means a lot kid."

He nodded to Lucas' forehead. "See you stopped wearing that thing."

"Oh yeah that reminds me."

Lucas pulled a black piece of cloth from inside the folds of his blazer.

Johnny was handed his headband.

"What's this?"

"What do you think it is? It never should've been mine in the first place. I'm pretty sure Miguel already did the same."

Johnny looked at the piece of cloth in his hands. "Why did you help us get into that big ass tournament?"

"Maybe I didn't want you to have the satisfaction of qualifying on your own." Lucas smirked, shrugging.

Johnny smiled too, shaking his head. "No. The truth."

"Could've been anything."

Lucas shrugged, walking past his new stepfather.

After the bridal dance between Johnny and Ali, the wedding was fully underway.

The Weeknd's Blinding Light played and everyone danced and drank, and had fun.

Lucas was hounded left and right by dozens of young women Ali and Johnny's guests had brought knowing he was single.

"Just one dance please."

"No ladies, look-"

The girls were relentless.

Tory tapped her foot along to the music watching this from afar.

Piper and Devon were taking a break from dancing and sipped their cold drinks sitting at the same table as her.

"I know that look."

Tory looked at Devon. "What?"

"You're supposed to let him come to you."

Tory shook his head. "That sounds a lot like letting him strike first."

She stood up, and fixed her simple red dress before watching what happened.

"Excuse us, just one second-"

The girls, some from the Cobra Kai dojo, others random guests from the wedding party all watched with scowls and surprise as Yasmine had stolen Lucas aside and began to dance with him.

"Uh. Thanks?" asked Lucas.

Yasmine shrugged, placing her hands around his neck. "You're welcome."

"Why did you, do that?"

"I wanted to talk to you," said Yasmine calmly. "I heard you patched things up with Robby."

Lucas nodded.

"And. You let Miguel's dojo into that big tournament."

Lucas nodded again without words.

Yasmine tilted her head. "I don't care what people say but that was the right thing to do."

"I'm sorry about-"

"Don't. Just, don't please."

They began to speak to each other and Devon scoffed. "Looks like Barbie struck first."

Piper chuckled at this too as Sarah smirked.

Tory glared at Devon before walking over to them.

"Think I'm gonna cut in here thanks." Tory raised an eyebrow and put a hand on her hip.

"I'm sorry?" asked Yasmine.

"You heard me." Tory nodded.

"This song's not over. You'll have your turn." Yasmine said.

Lucas cleared his throat. "Can we all calm down over here please?"

Tory raised her voice. "I'm not gonna repeat myself."

"Hey!"

Sam appeared. "You gotta problem?"

"Yeah LaRusso, this has nothing to do with you."

Aisha cleared her throat from the nearby table, Charlotte nodded in her seat.

Before Tory could look back at Devon, Piper, and Sarah at her table, the girls quickly noticed something.

Lucas had vanished from sight.

In a room they broke into nearby the dance hall in the larger part of the Encino Oaks Country Club recreation area, Lucas, Hawk, Kenny, and Shawn, all swigged from a flask together.

"Your stepdad is Johnny freaking Lawrence now," Hawk said.

Lucas nodded. "Pretty much."

"You're gonna have a half brother, or, half sister, with Robby."

Lucas nodded again. "He's my step brother now."

"Quite the family then." Shawn skipped over his little brother who protested when passing the flask around.

Someone was approaching the room and Hawk quickly hid the flask in his blazer.

Miguel Diaz appeared, fixing his suit and tie.

"Can you give us a minute?" he asked, nodding to Lucas.

He didn't even have to nod in return for Kenny, Hawk, and Shawn to leave the room.

Hawk made sure to nudge Miguel strongly when he walked past.

"Really dude?"

Hawk didn't respond at all.

Tutting, Miguel turned around, the music of wedding party playing loudly.

"Saw what happened down there."

"Tory's prideful, too prideful mostly. Not even with her anymore and she wants to." Lucas shook his head. "What do you want?"

"You're changing."

"Yeah and so are you." Lucas looked over at Miguel. "Could've sworn you hated me. Couldn't talk to me."

Miguel scratched his chin, looking aside. "Why the hell did you help us get into the Korea Open? Helping me, making up with Robby? Avoiding that fight just now? That's so unlike you."

"Turning over a new leaf I guess, senior year is the last year I'll ever have of highschool. Better make it count."

Miguel listened to the music of the wedding party play through the windows of the room above the dance hall.

Miguel looked at Lucas up and down. "I don't trust that. I still don't trust you at all."

"Well I wasn't really looking for your approval so." Lucas shrugged and stopped leaning back on his chair. He stood up and brushed past Miguel. "Trust what you want Diaz, I don't really care."

Miguel looked confused by the conversation, not angry nor nervous, simply bewildered by what had happened.

For the rest of the night, Lucas didn't drink and dance crazily with his friends on the dance floor. He didn't sneak off with Tory, or even Yasmine or any other girl for a tryst in the rooms above the wedding dance hall.

Instead, he talked quietly with Mikey sitting at a table quietly.

"Hey."

Mikey looked up at Tory crossing her arms.

"Fuck off." Tory said simply.

Mikey Miller knew better than to protest.

Tory took Mikey's seat next to Lucas.

"I'm sorry about earlier."

He chuckled. "Doesn't seem like it."

"Would you want me to dance with someone tonight right in front of you?"

"A dance is a dance, Tory. And that was all it was gonna be until you got involved." Lucas shrugged. "Don't know why you had to spin it into something else."

"Well, I was about to ask you so."

Lucas looked around the dance hall and then back at Tory.

"I get that but um. This is why I wanted a break from us Tory. Not because I'm interested in anybody else, not because I stopped liking you. I just didn't like your need to scrap constantly, tonight was supposed to be about my mom and Johnny. And you wanted to throw down with LaRusso like always."

Tory frowned. "What will it take for us to get back together?"

"Honestly some time."

"Time?"

"Yup."

The Lucas Lucas remembered gladly would've taken up Tory on her offer right then and there considering the interest she showed, but knew he had changed. The desire had changed, he had changed.

Because she didn't understand it, Lucas merely shrugged and watched Tory shake her head and leave the chair.

Hawk swung by Lucas' chair a moment afterward. "Hey. I heard the Miyagi-Dos were gonna throw a party to celebrate getting into Taikai."

"So?"

"So." Hawk patted Lucas' shoulder. "They only got in because of you. We got in first, and might've been the only ones in the entire state to do so. How about we remind them who strikes first?"

Lucas nodded slowly, looking at Tory from across the wedding celebration.

"Yeah man. That sounds like fun."