At Cobra Kai, the students were training hard for the tournament. Of course, with much training, some students spoke more to the senseis than others. While Johnny was instructing the class, Kreese asked if he could speak with David for a moment.

"I heard that you stopped the students from striking first with the students of Miyagi-Do. Is that true?" he asked.

"It is," David replied.

Kreese clenched his jaw. "Why is that? It's part of our motto after all."

"We both have our reasons for being here. As long as our goals are aligned, your wishes will be taken into account."

David ended the conversation, rejoining the others and leaving Kreese glaring after him. As the students were training, Kaldur felt himself thinking over his conversation with Miguel.

"The way he spoke reminded me of someone who saw something he wanted and could not have. I suppose it makes sense. His father does not appear to be here. From what I have seen, Sensei Lawrence is the closest thing he has to a paternal figure."

He glanced in the direction of the sensei. Johnny was instructing Robby on how to do a move more precisely. Glancing at Miguel, Kaldur saw that the adolescent was subtly regarding them. He did not look jealous, but there was a hint of sadness in his gaze. The training kept going and when it ended, Kaldur went over to the sensei.

"Sure," Johnny told him, heading to the back while the others left and Robby and Miguel went to the car. "What's going on?"

"I was wondering if you, Miguel, and Robby would have a day where the three of you could just spend time together," Kaldur said.

"That sounds fine, but why was it so pressing to you?"

"Miguel has not said anything, but I think he misses spending more time with you like he used to. Robby is regaining his father whereas Miguel still does not have his. This is only my perception, though, so I might be wrong."

Johnny's face looked thoughtful. "I didn't think about that. It's been so great getting to be around Robby again, but Miguel was my first student after all." He hesitated awkwardly. "I guess they're both sorta similar to me-not in personality, but…" he trailed off, not sure what he wanted to say.

"They have both filled the role of sons in your life," Kaldur finished for him.

Johnny nodded. "Yeah, that, and I don't want Miguel to think he's just another student because Robby's here now. I like your arcade idea. I'll see what they think about it tonight on the ride back."

"I hope it goes well," Kaldur responded, as they started walking out the door.

The two parted ways, a small smile appearing on the youth's face as he saw the trio leaving. They were an unconventional family, but he thought those were some of the best. Kaldur started his walk back home. After several minutes passed, he stopped.

"I know you are there. Why not just reveal yourself?" he asked.

David appeared and began to walk alongside him. "I was not sure if you were in the mood to talk, so I was observing."

Much of the young man was far from willing to begin conversing, but he thought again of Miguel's words. His own father could not have been bothered to involve himself in his son's life. David was there–for whatever reason–but maybe this reason was not as despicable as Kaldur thought. He told his friend that he would give David a chance, so this was that time.

"I will talk."

David brightened, hearing this. "I know you think little of me, Kaldur, but I want us to have a nice relationship. I also know that words mean even less, so let me prove it."

"How do you want me to do that?"

He pulled out his phone and pointed to the screen. "Join me tomorrow after lessons at this location. I think even you will be impressed."

"What is it?"

"A surprise but a good one. All I ask is that you keep an open mind." He extended a hand which Kaldur cautiously shook. "Then, it's a deal. I look forward to seeing you there."

David left Kaldur to walk on his own again. Kaldur looked down at his hand. He felt like he had just made a deal with the devil himself.

"Open mind," he mentally repeated. "But why does this feel so wrong?"

Kaldur stayed concerned for the remainder of the night, but David could not have been happier. The following day, the students were training harder. Kreese seemed to not want them to stop for any reason. At every turn, he was encouraging more violence. Hawk found himself expecting praise when he went harder in fights, but none came his way. Often, he would glance around the dojo. Miguel, Aisha, and Kaldur were training alongside each other and Robby was with them. Part of Hawk wanted to join them, but he would do no such thing. If they did not want to take the reputation of Cobra Kai seriously, he needed friends who would…yet he still could not fully repress a budding loneliness. The students he was training near seemed so weak in comparison. Not so much in body but in mind. They just did what he told them to as soon as they left the dojo. It was like being a king, so he was not sure why it was so unsatisfying.

Having been staring for some time, Hawk was noticed by Kaldur. "Is something wrong, Hawk?" he asked quietly.

Hawk shook his head, slightly embarrassed at getting seen. "No, I was just distracted."

"If you two are going to talk, you can spar too," Kreese chimed in, frowning at them.

The two got to the center of the mat. As the fight progressed, Kaldur noticed a stark difference between this time and the previous one. Hawk fought hard, but his eyes had a calmer look in them. He actually did much better this time as well, though he still did not win. The two bowed to each other when the fight was over and Kreese approached David.

"I thought of our discussion yesterday and of Kaldur's skills. If there is anyone who could redeem a dojo, it is certainly him," the older man said. "In fact, I find him completely capable of reclaiming Cobra Kai's former glory. I believe that when an opportunity is presented, it is up to those with the drive to do everything in their power to make the most of it. Wouldn't you agree?"

David gave a firm nod, eyes locked onto the youth. "I definitely do."

Kreese eyed him for a moment before a small smirk formed on his lips. The lessons soon ended and the rest of the students began returning home. With an excited expression, Johnny went to his car to drive himself, Robby, and Miguel to the arcade. He sent Kaldur a grateful grin before hitting the accelerator and speeding off in his signature manner. It did not take long before the trio arrived. They contentedly went inside and mosied their way over to the various games. Johnny observed as the two battled it out at the basketball games. The close game ended with both chuckling. After a little while, Robby went to grab some snacks. Johnny glanced at Miguel.

"Diaz," he began, "you know that you weren't replaced, right?"

Miguel seemed startled by the question and stammered. "Huh? Y-yeah. Why'd you ask that?"

The sensei shrugged. "Just wanted to make sure. I know that Robby's here now and we've been spending a lot of time together."

"I mean, he's your son. That makes sense."

"True, but you'll always be my first nerd trainee."

There was a sentimental smile on Johnny's face which-coupled with his words-made Miguel laugh.

"Thanks. You'll always be my first sensei."

An ornery look appeared in Johnny's eyes. "Depending on how things go with your mom, you might end up being my son t–"

"Ah, okay, I think I'm fine now," Miguel quickly said, though a smile kept forming. "I guess that wouldn't be so bad, though."

While the two talked, Robby finished getting some nachos for the group. When he came back, he saw the smiles on their faces. Some of him felt that he should be jealous. Despite him having far less time with Johnny, it seemed like Miguel had an instant connection with him. Still, he could not bring himself to be envious. Though they had a rocky start, Robby and Johnny were improving and it was not even so bad sharing him with Miguel. He doubted he would ever tell the other teenager, but it was starting to feel like he had a brother. The boy rejoined the others and they continued their battle of the best in the arcade. In another part of the Valley, Kaldur had arrived at the location David had given him. There were a lot of people, but they all seemed to know each other. Going inside, Kaldur spotted his father. He was talking with someone, but still smiled at the youth when he saw him. Excusing himself, he approached him with the smile remaining on his face.

"I am glad you decided to come," he said.

"What is this place? Why did you want me to come here?"

"I wanted you to see another reason I have the dojo." He gestured around them. "This is a homeless shelter. A year ago, there was hardly enough food to go around and there were not enough supplies to keep it sanitary. I know you think that I only want the dojo to declare dominance over others, but I enjoy using it to help support places like this. Now, food, clothing, and other supplies are in abundance. Many of the residents have even been able to find employment and then returned to help those who are still here."

Kaldur took in the surroundings. The people seemed to be well cared for and there was a clear feel of camaraderie between them.

"You really helped them? There was no reason beyond wanting to?"

"That is correct. See? I am not so one-dimensional. I believe that if we are blessed with skills and abilities, we should make the most of them. Back home, there are several schools and clinics which have seen much improvement thanks to the money the dojo brings in."

Kaldur had to look at David to try to see if he seemed as though he was lying. He truly did not. The teenager could not believe it. It seemed so out of character for his father to suddenly care about the wellbeing of others. They stayed at the shelter for some time, letting Kaldur see that the interactions between David and the others were far from staged. They remained there into the evening and despite Kaldur's initial assumptions, it was pleasant. Eventually, the two left, Kaldur feeling like he made several new acquaintances while there.

"That was nice," he quietly admitted as they exited.

"I believe you would enjoy seeing how the other projects are doing as well," David told him. "Next, I would like you to see one as it progresses. I have been looking for more places which need assistance."

The thought was not so terrible to Kaldur and he gave a small nod. "There are some living areas around here which could benefit from a few renovations."

David smiled. "I'll look into them, then. Thank you for being open to this." He paused before speaking again. "I found a park which I was considering repairing. Would you like to see it?"

Kaldur said that he would and they made their way to the new spot. When they got there, the younger man had to agree that it could have used some fixes. Overall, it seemed dirty and uninviting, but there were still people there because it was the only place they could go to in close proximity to their homes. In a choice between staying within the confining walls and this, Kaldur understood why the park had walkers even at the hour. One of these seemed to be a runner and had a frightened look on her face as she ran up to the pair.

"Those two–" she panted, "they tried to mug me!"

The woman pointed behind her to a blond, bearded man and a younger brunette. They locked eyes with the father and son and Kaldur felt a knot in his stomach. A frown formed on his face as he turned to David.

"The sensei and star pupil of Atlantis just happen to be here?" he questioned.

"What are you implying, Kaldur?"

"I'm saying that it is quite the coincidence that we are here at the same time they were and someone claims there is a justifiable reason for us to fight. Yet, there they are, looking none the wiser of the runner's words."

The two from Atlantis approached, making David ignore Kaldur.

"Hyde," the sensei coldly greeted.

"Curry."

"I heard your challenge. Expect to see us in the tournament."

David internally grimaced at his words, already knowing Kaldur was glaring at him. He said nothing, though.

"I am counting on that," David told him. He scowled at the brunette. "Only, by the time we reach the final round, you will probably already have been taken out of the competition."

"Not a chance," Arthur quickly stated. "We'll be there and you'll lose again."

"Different opponent this time. When you hit the ground, you won't get back up."

The two stepped closer to each other, both looking ready to begin a fight. Behind them, neither teenager seemed eager. Seeing his plan had failed, David turned and started to leave.

"I do not need to waste my time with you now."

"You're going down! You and the rest from Manta," Arthur called after him.

They began to leave, going towards the opposite end of the park to exit.

"You tried to trick me into fighting them," Kaldur stated.

"I tried to get you to see that they need to be destroyed."

"How did you even know they would be there?"

"I have many eyes and they have a tendency of doing late walks after training. Their group checked into a hotel nearby."

Kaldur shook his head and sighed. "Does this not seem at all unhealthy to you? You are spying on opponents."

"I am doing what I must since you will not listen to reason." His voice began to raise.

"What reason? You want me to kill them. I am not going to jail for your vengeance."

"Curry did not go to jail, but he still killed your grandfather."

Kaldur's brows furrowed. "That was a fight Grandfather should have declined. If it had not been then, it would have been another time with another challenger. You know he never would have stopped fighting."

David looked appalled. "You don't even care about avenging him."

"He wanted to go out as he lived. I highly doubt he would want us dedicating the rest of our lives to revenge."

"You knew nothing of him! He never would have stopped had it been I who was killed. I won't stop either. He would have done anything necessary to accomplish his goals, even if that meant getting his hands dirty."

"Why am I even trying to talk to him?" "Then fine, but do not involve me. I will be part of the tournament, but I am not fighting to kill. It is not meant to be a death match. If I win, I will do so because of my training. I will not kill people in parks or fight in any way that I cannot be proud of."

A silence came as David's fists shook. He glared down at the ground and grinded his teeth. When he looked back up at Kaldur, the youth had never seen so much hatred in his eyes.

"You're a traitor," he hissed. "You'd risk failing your family just for your own selfish reasons." He paced quickly before stopping on a dime. "If you will not fight to win, you will not fight."

The man lunged at Kaldur who moved just in time. The youth wanted to stay on the defensive. If he could tire out his opponent, that would be best. Then, he could get in his attacks. Only, David was naturally fast and his rage seemed to charge him up. It did not help that he liked to play by his own rules. Dodging a punch, Kaldur was not expecting a change of tactics at the last second. A switchblade cut his arm, causing him to move back in surprise.

"I almost forgot who you really are," he sadly thought.

David slashed with the knife again, but Kaldur knocked it out his hands. Using his uninjured arm, he punched the larger man across the face. Kaldur kicked him hard in the head, sending him to the ground. David grabbed a handful of sandy dirt and threw it in Kaldur's face before rising. He kicked him in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. David then grabbed a sizable rock and hit Kaldur's right knee. It almost brought the boy down, but David caught him first, jabbing him in the throat. Another hard hit to the ribs made them feel bruised at best, and another hit directed at his right leg made Kaldur worried. These were strategic attacks meant to bring him down and there was certainly part of the Cobra Kai motto with which David agreed entirely: No mercy.

With the trio, they were starting to head back home. Johnny noticed that they were low on gas and pulled into a station near a park to add enough to get them back so that he could fill up with a better price later. There was low music playing at the gas station when he got out. After a minute, he heard something else. It sounded like thuds and grunts. Concerned, the father went in front of the car to see if he could spot anything. It was so dark out there that getting a good view was challenging. Part of him felt he should go over there, but he did not want to bring Miguel and Robby if there was trouble. He moved the car into a parking space.

"Stay here. I'm going to check something out," he said.

"What's going on?" Miguel asked.

"I don't know, but stay here."

Johnny got out of the car and went towards the park. The sounds were still coming and getting louder as he neared. Finally, he was close enough to see. With horror-filled eyes, he saw a bloodied body being loomed over by a large figure. One hand was wrapped tightly around his neck and the other was punching.

"K-Kaldur!" Johnny called, shocked.

This did not stop David, but it caught his attention.

"This doesn't involve you, Lawrence," he said.

His tone was more vicious than Johnny had ever heard it be. Kaldur was still conscious but just barely and his attempts to block the punches failed more often than not. Johnny kicked David away from him. There was a raging look in David's eyes that directed itself at Johnny. Kaldur saw this and painfully called to the other sensei.

"Go," he weakly said.

Johnny did not listen. "There's no way I'm leaving him here," he thought, determined.

The man turned suddenly, noticing other presences. With a quick, scolding frown, he saw that Miguel and Robby had not listened.

"Get Kaldur and go," he instructed firmly.

"One of us can help," Miguel suggested.

"No," came the tense reply. "David is too dangerous for them to fight. I just need them all to get out of here."

Reluctantly, they obeyed. The two went to help Kaldur up. Their friend grimaced as he put weight on his right leg and they helped support his weight. Miguel ran off to bring the car closer while Robby stayed. He did not know what to say. He had been so surprised to see Kaldur injured the last time, but to this extent, it was almost unreal. There was one thing he could think of, so he grabbed his phone.

David and Johnny stood apart from each other, the latter trying to find an opening. He wanted to punch David's lights out.

"How could you do that to your own son?!" he yelled.

David did not answer and just sent a kick his way. It was slower than his earlier attacks. Fighting with Kaldur had tired him, but that did not mean he would not try. Johnny landed a good kick, but when he tried for a punch, David caught his arm. He executed several quick jabs, all of which hurt. Johnny broke the hold and backed away. He looked saddened.

"It was always you, wasn't it? There was no group that was after him." David again said nothing. "He's a good kid. He doesn't deserve that. I thought you were here to try to get to know him better."

"I was," David finally said. "I wanted to know if he'd finally fight our war and I got my answer. Better work more with Miguel and Robby," he suggested. "Kaldur won't be in any tournament this year."

The content look in his eyes enraged Johnny. Before he went over there again for another attack, he heard sirens. He turned, seeing a police car coming. When he turned back, he saw that David had vanished. Johnny felt sick to his stomach and went to where the others were. Miguel and Robby were talking to the officers. Johnny caught a glimpse of the wounded teenager as another wave of anger washed over him.

"This isn't over, Hyde," he thought bitterly. "You're not getting away with this."