Raven Meets Daniel LaRusso

1986, California. Nightwing, told me that I should leave San Francisco for a while for some training. Although I was adept at magic, soul-self and psionics among most things, he told me my hand to hand combat was lacking and while I am a pacifist by heart I should learn to defend myself. While he was willing to teach me what Batman taught him, he felt I had to start small. He recommended me this place in Conaga park. I haven't explored much of California outside of missions, but to blend in, I wore my street clothes and travelled on foot, carrying a large bag with some of my personal things over my shoulder. He told me that he would have recommended I joined Cobra Kai, but it got shut down last year. Though I probably would have avoided that place anyway. The name alone sounds like something Trigon would be interested in. I was just at the park, but all I could see was a small green house and an oil refinery. As well as a set of Railroad tracks. While I looked around I bumped into someone. It was a boy. From the looks of him he was around 17 - 18. With black hair, a blue coat and white pants. He also had a headband with blue Japanese themed markings around his forehead. "I'm sorry." I said. "I should have watched where I was going." Surprisingly the boy was sweet. "It's alright." He said. "You looked like you were lost. I'm Daniel LaRusso." He reached out to shake my hand. I smiled and shook his. "Rachel Roth." I said. The second I touched his hand, my empahtic abilities kicked into overdrive. This kid went through absolute hell and I saw it all. Getting beat up by teenagers, ran down a hill on his bike, beat half to death by one psychotic fighter after another, while dealing with two psychotic former soldiers. I knew what that was like. However what I saw also intrigued me. He trained very hard with an old man along side him and triumphed over every foe. It was like I saw a balance of good and bad in his life. I didn't know how to react. So I kept civil. "Nice to meet you Mr. LaRusso." I said, letting go of his hand. "I think maybe you can help me. I was looking for this place in Conaga park. It was recommended to me by a friend, who said this is the perfect place to learn martial arts." Daniel was confused at first, but he couldn't help but smile. "Well you did come to the right place." He said. Pointing at the green house. "That house over there, belongs to my teacher, Nariyoshi Miyagi. I won't grantee he'll teach you, but I could at the very least try to help you." I sigh a bit. Relieved that I wasn't lost, but I was confused to how this little house would be a Karate Dojo. I follow him to the fence leading to the backyard. What I saw amazed me. In the backyard there was a long crooked bridge as well as a coy pond and a few Bonsai trees leading up to the deck. I wish I saw this place before, it'd be a perfect spot to meditate. I see the old man in my vision trimming one of many trees at a work station nearby. He looks up at us, happy to see Daniel as always, but kind of cautious at me. "Daniel-San." He says. "You know what I say about bringing visitors to Miyagi House?" Daniel looks down in shame. "I know." He said. "They have to learn how to trim the Bonsai." Miyagi smiles and laughs. "Exactly." He says. I couldn't help but chuckle, before composing myself. He steps out from behind the work table and bows to me. I bow back in respect. "I'm Rachel Roth. You must be Nariyoshi Miyagi." she says. "Call me Miyagi, everyone does." Miyagi says. "Come try." He offered me the trimmers for the Bonsai. Initially I was reluctant, because I felt like I should tell him why I'm here, but Nightwing did tell me to take all the time I needed, so why not. This could double as a little vacation after all I been through. I take the scissors. "You know, I heard of trimming these trees as a hobby." I say. "But I never tried it myself."

He instructs me on how to do it: I close my eyes, clearing everything I could out of my head except the tree and what I want it to look like. Once I got the perfect picture, I start to cut it. To my surprise it was exactly how I wanted it to look. Miyagi and Daniel were both in awe and shock. "She's a natural at this." Daniel says. Miyagi nods "Hai. There more to Rachel-San than meets eye." He says. After I finish I show them the result. "What do you think?" I ask. Miyagi smiles at me and says "Not matter what I think. If come from you, always right. However it does look good." I smile putting the tree down. I turn to them. "Well I suppose I should tell you, why I'm here." I say. "You want to learn Karate." Miyagi says. To which I nod. Miyagi thought for a moment, before asking. "Well first things first, what you learn for?" "Well for starters." I begin. "I work for a group. This group is dedicated to stopping crime among most things. While I do have other talents for this sort of thing, my supervisor told me I lack in skills with hand to hand. Now mind you Mr. Miyagi, I do not like fighting. I think there's always should be a better way to handle things without resorting to violence. However I have been in situations where my talents could get suppressed leaving me no choice, but to resort to hand to hand. However I was recommended to you for a reason and I feel it has more to do than just learning how to defend myself." Miyagi listened attentively and then just asked one more thing. "May I ask, who recommend you?" Initially I wanted to come up with a fake name, yet for some strange reason, I felt I trusted them to let them know. "Richard Grayson." I said. "He told me this place would be a good place to start." Miyagi nodded. It may have been my imagination, but it seemed like he heard that name before. "Daniel-san. Keep Rachel-san company. Miyagi need to go indoors to think." He says. Daniel nodded obediently as Miyagi retreated into the house. "So what now?" I ask. To which Daniel said "Beats me, I never seen him have to deliberate on something before. Though in my opinion, you must have made some impression on him." After some time, Miyagi steps out. "Miyagi been thinking long." He begins. "Miyagi hate fighting. Fighting always last solution to all problem. You seem like nice girl, you on same wavelength when come to that subject. However I feel there more you're not telling me. So Miyagi propose this: I teach you, in exchange for honesty. Tell Miyagi and Daniel-San more about self. You must be good friend to know Bruce Wayne's ward." My eyes widened in shock. Did he know Bruce? How much did he know? I'll admit there was more to this old man than he lets on. However I needed the training. So I nod. "Ok." I said. "While I will share with you, what I know. I only ask, you give me a time and place to do so, because I never had an offer like this before and there is so much to tell." Miyagi smiles. "Ok then." He says. "We start tomorrow. Early morning. Until then, you have Daniel-San's room, while Daniel sleeps in living room." I look to Daniel. "Is that alright with you?" I ask. To which Daniel responds "It's fine. I lived in rougher places in Newark than a simple sofa."

We go inside the house. My eye seemed to get caught by the sight of the rosewood frame, displaying a Medal of Honor. Daniel took notice of that. "That's Mr. Miyagi's. He won it during WWII." He said. "The 442nd?" I asked. To which he nodded. "You know your history." He said. I chuckle a bit. "Well I read a lot." I said. I reach out to touch it, mostly to check it's authenticity, but to see what kind of life this man lead. I saw visions of him in Europe, along with other Japanese and Okinawan Americans in Europe. Visions of war didn't scare me as I seen plenty when I read the likes of Slade. However what really threw me off was the post-war party. Miyagi, a young adult at the time was having drinks with a man named Jack Pierce. He receives a note. The note says "We regret to inform you that your wife and unborn son died of complications at birth." The vision ended and I found tears going down my eyes. Daniel took notice. "Rachel." He says. "Are you ok?" I quickly wiped the tears off my eyes. It was a reflex action, even though I promised to be honest with them. However I turned to them. "I figure I should make a down payment on my side of the deal." She said. We all sit down at a table, Miyagi pouring us a cup of Ice Tea each. I sip mine and begin to explain. "I am what is known as an empath." I say. "Everything and everyone I touch, I can see and feel their most emotional moments. When I shook your hand, Daniel I saw everything those people did to you. Johnny Lawrence, Chozen, John Kreese, Terry Silver, Mike Barnes." Daniel shook a bit, his hand trembling just from hearing those names. Miyagi listens intently. "So..." He says "When you touch medal, you saw everything relate to it. Myiagi's time in army, Miyagi's friend Jack...Miyagi's wife and son." I nodded "Yes." I said. "I am very sorry if it felt like I was prying into your life, but much like you told me there was more to me than I let on, it felt mutual. I was curious and I am very sorry." Miyagi nods "It ok, Rachel-San." He says. "Some people can't help but use gift to satisfy curiosity." While Daniel was still shaking, he nodded. "It's fine Rachel, I bet it probably hurt you just as much as it hurt us." I couldn't help but nod, surprised they understood that. "Ya. It does." I say. "I try to learn to deal with it, but it's often proven to be difficult. The best I can do is let it hurt until I go numb to it. Plus, that ability is only the tip of the iceberg. I'll explain tomorrow."

I go to Daniel's room and help him move his things. There wasn't much to move other than emptying his wardrobe. I unpack my own. First taking out my robe and uniform. Placing it in the empty drawer. As well as my other street clothes for when I was outside the dojo. Daniel takes notice of the former. "What's that? Some kind of Halloween costume?" He asks. I can tell by his tone he's joking. "It's a ceremonial robe." I say. "Part of my religion." Daniel seemed intrigued as though it's not the first he's seen religious formal wear. Which he seemed to be right, since the last article of clothing was a Red smooth jacket with the same patch as his Gi. I avoided touching that one as I seen it in my vision. "And this?" I ask. To which he responds "That's my Miyagi-Do Kimono. It was formal wear from when I attended an O'bon dance in Okinawa. Though something tells me you saw that." I nodded. "Yes." I said "Among your memories, I saw your fight with Chozen. Good thing you were wearing red." Daniel burst out laughing surprising me. "I didn't think you had a sense of humor." He said. I smile at him. "You'd be surprised." I said. I help him carry his stuff to the living room before going back and sorting my things out. Among my things I had some books, Incesne for meditation and some odds and ends for my rituals. Since the day wasn't quite over yet, I decided to spend time getting to know Daniel. "So.." I began. "What's your story?" I sit beside him on the couch. Daniel took a moment to think. "You're the empath, I'm sure you know." He says. I chuckle, this boy wasn't very sharp. "That's not how it works Daniel." I say. "Much of why I was able to read you, was because the stuff you had, both good and bad, was always on your mind and heart. Same with the medal. All Miyagi felt regarding it was it was a constant heartbreak. Killing other soldiers, losing loved ones in unjustifiable ways. It imprinted onto that medal." Daniel listens attentively. "I see." He says. "So You want me to fill the blanks for you." I nod. "Yes." I say. "I could read you, but it could cause you to physically relive those memories and that would be bad for both of us." Daniels eyes widened in slight fear. "Point taken." He says.

He explains to me all the events in his life. Losing his father, moving from Newark to Reseda, his first three loves, his conflicts with Johnny, Chozen and Barnes as well as his heroics in Tomi Village. If I didn't know better, this kid would be Titans material. "So." I interrupted. "You were about to get intimate with Kumiko, only to be blocked by a Typhoon and on top of your many deeds, you had to pry a little girl off the top of a storm bell." Daniel chuckled "Ya, she almost choked me to death hanging on to me." He said. "But if not for her, I'd have made a lot of mistakes at O'Bon." I smile back retorting "If not for you, she wouldn't have been there to dance." "She said the exact same thing." He said. We share a laugh and I find my hand accidentally resting against his knee. We both notice and I take my hand off looking away embarrassed. I could sense he was also embarrassed. "Sorry, my hand slipped." I said covering. He also covered. "Ya, I was more worried you'd read something embarrassing while my guard was down." he said. We both share an awkward laugh. "Let's just go outside. I need some fresh air after all that unpacking." I said. We go outside and tend to our Bonsais when someone shows up. I recognized him from my vision. It was Mike Barnes. Only he was alone. No Kreese, no Silver and a half empty whiskey bottle in his hand. I knew this wasn't gonna end well and Daniel looked pissed. "Well well well." Barnes said, slurring. "Seems you got yourself another girlfriend, there Danny boy?" "What do you want Barnes?" Daniel asks. Barnes chucks his bottle at the fence, the contents of it shattering and leaking whiskey all over. Ruining the paint. "I want to finish what we started at the tournament." He said. "Because of you, I lost my one chance for financial greatness, I lost my rep as Karate's Bad Boy and to top it off, I lost to a snot nosed punk like you and his slope teacher."

I step between them. Looking at Barnes. "I think you better go home Barnes." I said "You're drunk and in no position to fight. A child could beat you." Barnes looked at me, a slight lustful grin stretched from ear to ear. "Well." He says. "Maybe I should spar with you instead. You look like you could enjoy it." I glared at him my eyes, slightly glowing. "You know." I say. "You sound like a rapist. I hate rapists." My eyes glow even darker as he's surrounded by a an aura of similar darkness. Mike starts to twitch and convulse before screaming bloody murder. When I feel like he's had enough I let him go. He gives one apologetic look at us both and without saying a word he runs away. Daniel looks on in shock. I turn around my glow fading before looking at him. I seen that look many times, but I'm used to it. "It's ok." I said. "He won't come back for a while at least." Daniel shook his head a bit. "You sure you need to learn Karate?" He asks. I laugh a little as we go back inside. Miyagi seemed to be doing dishes as we sat in the living room. "Oh hi Rachel-San." Miyagi said. "I just saw Mike Barnes run away. Did Daniel-San fight him?" I shook my head. "Mr. Miyagi?" Daniel said. "You know how you always said, fighting is the last answer to problems?" "Hai." Miyagi said. To which Daniel continued. "Let's just say Rachel found answers even we never thought." "Talk tomorrow about it." Miyagi said. It was strange, I feel like he somehow knew what I did.

It was night and I couldn't sleep. So I decided to meditate outside instead. Daniel came out to see me. "I hope I'm not interrupting." He said. "Not at all." I respond. "Do you meditate as well?" He nods. "Yes." He said. "But not in that way. Since you showed much more than you intended to, I figured I owed you at least one lesson." I blinked confused. "Since when did the student become the teacher?" I asked. Daniel smiled at me and said. "Well there have been things I've helped Mr. Miyagi out on." He reached his hand out helping me stand up. He then stood beside me. "I understand with your gifts, you struggle to keep them in check. As though you go out of focus whenever you use them." He says. I nod. Shocked that he would understand such detail. "Ya." I said. "Even with my own routine it takes a while for me to get back to my center." Daniel places his hands together in prayer position. "Miyagi told me." He said "That when you feel life goes out of focus, you must always return to basic of life." "Praying?" I ask. He chuckled. "No." He said. "Breathing. No breathing no life. Watch." He exhales before moving his hands and arms out. Then pulls his arms back in as he breathes in. He then moves his arms upwards, breathing out and moving them back as he breathes in. After watching intently I do the same until we are practically in sync with each other. Surprisingly this felt much better than my usual routine. Maybe Nightwing was on to something after all. It's like he knew they'd be good for me. When we finished I noticed something. My aura surrounded my body once more. I panicked at first, but strangely this was different. Like it was more pleasant. Like it was more part of me rather than working against me. This didn't go unnoticed by Daniel either. "There. You see?" He says. "Practice that every day and you'll be breaking ice with one hand one day." I smiled as my aura faded back. I noticed Miyagi was watching us, with a smile in his face. He seemed proud that Daniel was helping me.

The next morning comes and Miyagi has us meeting at his parking lot. While I was not much on Cars, even I was amazed at the collection he has. I think Bruce would get envious if he saw it. Miyagi brings out two buckets. One filled with soapy water and a sponge, the other filled with bottles of wax and a cloth. He puts them down and then turns his attention to me. "Walk on road..." He begins. "Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, you get squished like grape. Karate same thing. Either you Karate do, yes or you Karate do no. You Karate 'guess so.' Squished like grape. Are you ready Rachel-san?" "I'm ready." I said nodding. He takes out a handkerchief similar to the one Daniel was wearing around his head. He wraps it around my head. "First make sacred pact." He said. "I promise to teach Karate. That my part. You promise to learn. I say, you do. No questions. That's your part. Do you understand?" I nod once the headband is around me. He hands me the sponge. "First wash all cars." He says. "Then wax. Wax on, wax off." I was initially confused, but I honored his no question part. I noticed when he said "Wax on, wax off." He was making clockwise gestures with his hands. My intuition told me this had something to do with the lesson so I went to work. Washing the cars with my left hand and waxing the car with my right hand." "Don't forget to breathe." Miyagi said. Daniel looked like he was about to burst out laughing. So I washed and waxed the cars, breathing as I did. I could overhear their conversation. "She natural learner." Miyagi said. "Ya, but how long until she gets impatient? I seen her angry, you do not want that." Daniel said back. Miyagi then said "Have faith, Daniel-San. Got good feeling about her." Night came and I was finished, my arms were sore. I went to let Daniel and Miyagi know, but Miyagi was meditating and Daniel was half asleep on the couch. I woke Daniel up. Making him jump. "Sorry." I said. "That's ok." He said back. "You finished already." He asked. Which I nodded. "Ya." I said. "Not gonna lie if this is meant to give me a workout, it's working. I never felt my arms so sore before." Daniel couldn't help but chuckle. "That's part of it." He said. "I can't tell you the rest, but I can tell you this. The number one lesson in Miyagi-Do Karate 'Not everything is as it seems.' " I listen attentively as Miyagi comes outside finished with his meditation. We sit at the table, my arms still sore, but I get used to it. "I guess you probably want to know more about my life." I said. To which they nod. "Ok." I begin. "First off, what happened to Barnes. I am not just able to feel emotions. I'm able to transfer those feelings onto others. Say for example, hypothetically you punched Daniel in the face. I would take the feelings he felt, the pain, the sadness and the fear and transfer it back to you. When he went after Daniel I took everything Daniel felt during their encounter. The fear, the helplessness, the pain. Not just what he inflicted, but Silver as well and I put it all into Barnes. Now Barnes has to live the rest of his life knowing how much pain he caused." Daniel nodded understandingly, while Miyagi shook a bit. While I still think he knew, I don't think he knew all too well. "So that what Daniel-San meant, by other solution." Miyagi said. "You say 'talents' can be suppressed by enemies? They must be very powerful." I nod back to him. "They are. Some of which nearly killed me." I say. Miyagi nodded signalling for me to keep talking "As for my life in general, my mother was a reckless teenager. She looked for many places to fit in and she happened to stumble upon a satanic cult. While most cults were often just people getting drunk and doing fake rituals, this one managed to be the real deal. She was chosen as a bride of Satan. He appeared as a charming man at first, but once they began to consumate, he turned out to be something much worse. She was raped violently. Which began my conception. When she found out what I was to be used for. She fled. She intended to kill herself, but the Monks of Azar arrived. A pacifistic group lead by a goddess, took us in. They taught me everything I knew about my life and what I was destined to do. However when I found out what a monster my father was, I vowed to stop him. With all the help I can get. While like you, I don't like fighting. This monster is an exception to that." While they were understandably shocked, I didn't feel anything judgmental from them. Miyagi was the first to speak. "Miyagi understand why. You can save the rest after next lessons." He said. "Miyagi will say this. No matter where you come from. Matter what you do with your life. Life so far good for you Rachel-San." Tears welled up in my eyes. Daniel grabs a tissue handing it to me. "Thank you." I said. Daniel let out a small chuckle. "It seems every girl I meet in my life has something." He says. "Ali and I couldn't work out, Kumiko and I left on good terms, but I felt I should have went with her. Jessica had an on again off again boyfriend. Though me breaking that other guy's nose didn't help matters either." Even Miyagi, couldn't help but chuckle at that. Daniel continues. "Then there's you. I should be honest. What you said was the mother of all bombshells. Makes my past relationships look trivial by comparison. I know we just met, but I kind o-" "You like me?" I say. "I'll admit, I do kinda like you too Daniel. Very few humans have a balance of light and darkness in their hearts. Some believe trying to overwhelm one or the other is the way to go. I've only known a handful of people, including my own friends who have that kind of balance in their life, but I never for the life of me would think someone like you would have it. It's intriguing and it draws me to you." I take him by the hand. "Consider this a gift." I say. My eyes glow slightly. A thin light of my aura surrounds him causing him to twitch slightly. When he stops, all he could do is giggle. A joyful, happy giggling sound, which lasts a minute or two before it stops. Daniel shakes his head slightly. "Daniel-San, you alright?" Miyagi asks. To which Daniel said "It's hard to describe, it was like I was pumped full of pure joy." I winked at him. "Negative emotions aren't the only thing I know how to use on people." I said. "What you felt was how I feel when I'm among close friends. Just don't tell anyone." "You full of surprises Rachel-San." Miyagi said "Hope to see more tomorrow."

The next morning Miyagi, Daniel and I are on the bridge. Miyagi hands me two circle shaped japanese sanders. "Left circle, right circle. Breathe in, breathe out." Miyagi says. Much like yesterday's "Lesson" it took me until tonight to finish. Doing it properly. They were awake this time. Watching my progress. My shoulders were sore as well as my arms. I would have healed myself, but Nightwing always told me "No pain, no gain." I've been so used to relying on my abilities and my soul self I had no idea a workout would be this hard. I retreat to my room this time resting my arms. Daniel knocks at the door. "Come in." I said. Daniel shows up with a cloth and a large bowl of some kind of liquid. I had no idea what it was, but it smelled awful. "What is that stuff?" I say as he places it on the nightstand. He takes the cloth and dips it in the liquid "Trust me." He said. "This stuff will smell bad, but it will help your sores." I sit up talking my over shirt off. With only my T-shirt underneath. It was a painful move, but I got it off. I could see my arms were beginning to bruise. I must have hurt myself more than realized. He takes the cloth and presses it on my left shoulder. Leaving it there for a few seconds. I could feel my tight aching muscles already loosening up. He then moves down to my arm. It was like the pain was going away with each touch. He then repeated the motion on my right shoulder. After he was done he moved the cloth and the bowl away and took it out before returning. "Even I can't stand that smell for too long." He says. "What was that stuff?" I ask. To which he replied. "Dit Da Jow. Hit wine. Good for bruises, sprains and sore muscles. Miyagi used it on me when Johnny beat me up the third time." I lay back down to further rest my arms. "I'm beginning to understand what these lesson's are." I say. To which Daniel smiled. "You have a better understanding than I did, but you still have a long way to go. That's all I can say." He said. "Get some rest. You're going to need it."

As I tried to sleep I kept hearing strange noises. One was a buzzing noise, followed by two snapping noises. It was morning, but it was too early for me to get up, but the noises drove my curiosity away. I see Daniel and Miyagi at their coffee table with a pair of chopsticks in their hands. A fly was buzzing between them and they were trying to catch it. I couldn't help but giggle at them as I sat down with them. "What are you doing?" I asked. To which they say in unison "Man who catch fly with chopstick, accomplish anything." I find myself laughing a little. "Have you ever caught one?" "I caught one once." Daniel said. "He says he caught one too, but I don't believe him. So we decided to catch them together. Wanna try?" I nod. Taking a pair myself. We each take turns. The fly buzzing around frantically. As though it were toying with us. After several tries I managed to catch it. They both look at me, disappointed in themselves. "You're beginners luck." Daniel said. "Beat me to it Daniel-San." Miyagi added.

A couple of hours went by and we went outside. We were at the starting gate of the fence. There were paint cans and a large hand brush on top. "I know where this is going." I said. "You want me to paint the fence." "You catch on quick." Miyagi said. "All in wrist, up, down. Small board left hand, big board right hand." I was getting kind of frustrated, but I didn't question it. "Let me guess." I said "Both sides?" Miyagi nods. Much like before it took me well into the night. I was back in my room resting my arms again. Daniel came in with the hit wine to help me. "I'm starting to get it, but it still comes across as cheap labor to me." I say as Daniel treats my arms. "You still got one more thing to do." He says. "Don't worry, it'll be made clear soon." I wanted to protest, yet I felt I could trust Daniel. "So what happened after the monks took you in?" Daniel asked. "Well." I began "They took me to a place called Azarath. Initially only a few of the monks took to me. However it was Azar, the Goddess and head of the monks, who took me under her wing. Where they're routine was prayer, Azar encouraged me to take on meditation. Teaching me personally. One of the monks believed I was to be the cause of the end of the world. Something that was on their minds, but he decided to take matters into his hands. He tried to kill me. Azar had him executed. While they're pacifists by heart, I knew they weren't afraid to get their hands dirty. A life lesson." "I know those lessons all too well." Daniel said. "I try not to fight, but the fight always comes to me." "It sucks when it happens to the best of us." I said. I laid down to get some rest preparing for the next morning.

The next morning comes and there's no sign of Daniel or Miyagi. I look around and find on the front door, a note from Miyagi. Along with more paint. This time the color of the outer walls of the house...no. You gotta be kidding me. I read the note and it says. "Paint house! Not up down. Side to side. One half left hand, one half right hand." I grab the note and throw it away. Night comes and I've finished painting the house, going side to side like I was instructed. Miyagi and Daniel come home. With a bucket full of fish. The smell was pleasant compared to the smell of paint that invaded my nose the past hours. "Missed spot." Miyagi said. I was infuriated. They went fishing without me. That's it I'm gonna give them a piece of my mind. "You two were fishing, while I was painting this house? I thought I was supposed to be learning Karate here." I said. "Not everything as seems Rachel-San." Miyagi fired back. I dropped my paint brush and began to leave. "This is bullshit. I don't know why Richard recommended me to you two." I say to myself as I am about to reach the gate. "Rachel-San come back here!" Miyagi said in a firm voice. For some strange reason, I stopped at my tracks and came back. He stands face to face with me. "Show me sand the floor." He says. Initially I thought he meant for me to kneel down and sand, but he makes me stand up. Repeating what he said. I stood up but recreated the motions. He corrected me making sure my thumb was locked as he does. As well as maintaining eye contact. He then tells me the same with "Wax On, wax Off.", "Paint the fence." and "Paint the house." I recreated each movement. Then that's when it happened. He threw punches and kicks at me. I never seen him move so fast, yet I was able to block every single one. When all is said and done we bow to each other. Daniel burst out laughing. I glared at him. "You knew didn't you?" I asked. "You knew, because he did the same thing to you. That's why you two went out fishing together." "Ya." Daniel said. "I was gonna stay and watch how you were doing, but I figured, Mr. Miyagi owed me a fishing trip after doing it to me." "Miyagi apologize for not telling you right away. Daniel-San had to keep quiet for it to work, but that didn't mean he not allowed to give hint." Miyagi says. I smiled at them both. Giving them each a respectful bow. I go to my room and sit down resting my arms and legs. Daniel comes in with the hit wine like clockwork. This time however I take the cloth and apply it like he showed me before. "I get the feeling I've only seen the beginning of these lessons." I say. Daniel smiled and nodded. "I admit." He said. "You learned much faster than I did. I questioned it every step of the way before I snapped. However, yes. This is only just the beginning. What Miyagi did was known as Muscle Memory. The idea to defend without thinking." I listen attentively. "So what's the next one gonna be." I ask. Daniel flashes me an evil grin. "You'll see Rachel. You'll see." He says.

The next morning we were away from the Dojo. Instead we were on the beach. As instructed I stood in the shore line as the tied came in and out. "Learn balance!" Miyagi said. "Go in water, make kick. Learn balance!" I was relieved that he didn't make me do chores, but this wasn't a good alternative. I went into the water more, just when the waves are beginning to rise. I try my hardest to make my kicks, getting hit with the waves as I do. I was tempted to use my powers to shield myself, but I didn't. I just let the waves hit me and work through it as I do. When I was too exhausted to continue I get out of the water. I then see the two, on the stumps. Practising some kind of strange pose. Their arms were in the air with one leg up and they jumped into a kick, while switching legs. When they were done, Daniel hands me a towel to dry off. "What were you doing on those stumps over there?" I ask. To which Daniel responds "That's the crane technique. If you can do it right, no one can defend...well almost no one." "How do I do it?" I ask. "First learn stand, then learn fly." Miyagi said. "Nature rule Rachel-San, not mine." Just as we approach their truck, we see a bunch of men drinking beer and placing the bottles on the truck. "Look at that, the kid's got his pet nip and a wet chick this time." One says. The other says "Shouldn't we get out of here? Remember what happened last time? We lost our bottles." The first guy then says "I can take this guy." "Not this crap again." Daniel said. It seemed they had a history. "Look, we're trying to get the girl home so she can dry off." He says. "Could you please take the bottles off?" One of them gives a smug grin at me. "Why don't you two take a hike and I'll take the girl home." He says before making a face at them. I was about to do something, but in my surprise Daniel beat me to it. He chopped the heads off the bottles, then round kicked them off for good measure. They wisely backed away. "Seems I'm not the only one with tricks up my sleeve." I said. We get into the truck and head back. Miyagi smiling in pride. "Miyagi impressed Daniel-San, but round kick was too much." He said. Daniel smiled back saying. "I know, but I figured they were ready for the bottle tops. Surprise is often a great element." Miyagi nods in agreement.

We arrive back home and take a breather. I found myself sitting beside Daniel as he gets pieces of the glass off his hand. There were no cuts, but the chunks were glued to him from the beer residue. Miyagi was sitting across from us. He already heard from Daniel what I told him last time I mentioned the story. This was the hardest part. Though. "Take you're time Rachel." Daniel said. "I understand if there's a lot to tell." Miyagi nods with him agreeing. "Ok then." I say. "When I found out who my father was and what plans he had for this world, I couldn't stand idly by. While the Monks of Azarath believe in pacifism. Their branch of pacifism borders on suicidal. Even you two at least try everything before you eventually have to fight. So I decided to leave Azarath. I went to the Justice League of America, but they refused my help. Believing me to be as evil as my father. So I sought help elsewhere. The Teen Titans. A superhero group originally founded by the sidekicks of every famous Superhero on this planet and others. With some reluctance they helped me out and we've been a team ever since." Daniel was perplexed, but Miyagi remained stoic. "So wait a minute." Daniel said. "You mean to tell me, that we've been training a Superhero this entire time?" I nod. "Allow me to reintroduce myself." I say before I leave the room. After some time I come out, with my ceremonial robe and my blue uniform underneath. My hood over my head. "I'm Raven." I said, before taking my hood off. Daniel looked like he was about to faint, while Miyagi smiles. "You still have more to learn, Raven-San." Miyagi said. "But Miyagi grateful you kept word." Daniel and I looked at him both asking in almost unison. "Did you know?" Miyagi nodded "Hai." He said. "Miyagi didn't just go inside to think. Gave Richard Grayson a call. Richard-San explain everything. Miyagi knew him as Robin. "If you knew." Daniel said. "Then why were you ok with training her. Wouldn't training Superheros be teaching fighters?" "Hai." Miyagi said. "However, these heroes fight to preserve life. They not soldiers. They ordinary people. Beside, it wasn't just defence Richard-San asked. Richard-San felt you need spiritual training too." I nodded attentively. "Is that why Daniel taught me that exercise?" I asked. To which Miyagi said "Hai. I recommend it after seeing you scare Barnes. Next lesson, tomorrow morning." "I'll be there." I said. Daniel shook nervously. "If you're gonna do what I think you're gonna do, you're gonna need a bigger boat."

Night comes and I put my uniform away, putting on fresh clothes. Daniel didn't have to bring hit wine to me this time, but he showed up anyway. He sat next to me on the bed. A little nervous. "I heard about your exploits in San Francisco. Though I never believed it. It was like it wasn't real to me." He said. "Well." Raven said. "After my father's second attack we made a conscious decision to make sure the citizens don't remember it. They'd still remember us and that we saved them, they just didn't know what." "To think." Daniel said. "This whole time I've had a teen crush on a superhero." I couldn't help but slightly smile. "A crush huh?" I said. Daniel blushed nervously. "Did I say that out loud?" he said. "What's that? You're right. You're right. I know." I was confused it looked like he was talking to air. "Oh don't mind me." He says. "That's just this little voice in my head. He says I gotta be some kind of yo yo to even think I'm in a superhero's league. Then again you met the Justice League so..." I chuckle at that. I didn't know if he was being charming or insane. I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I can assure you..." I say. "You're not the first person to have a crush on superhero. I'm pretty sure Lois Lane is the first person. But you're one of the few that might get some reciprocation." I leave the room and we go to the table. Miyagi served us some fresh cooked fish and I ate some with Daniel. "What kind of reciprocation?" He asks. "Let's just say." I begin. "The feeling's mutual. Granted you do have some flaws. You can be a bit of a hot-head and I know you've made mistakes in the past, but deep down you're a good person at heart. Plus you're one of the few outside my team I've opened up to." Daniel smiles a bit. "That makes sense." He says. "Were you in relationships before?" to which I reply. "One or two. I also almost ruined a couple of relationships with others. I'm just glad Richard and Kori forgave me on that one." Daniel nodded. He seemed to know what that's like.

The next morning comes and we all go to a lake on Miyagi's fishing boat. Miyagi instructs me to stand on the edges of the bow, while I practice my blocks as Daniel throws the anchor. Miyagi says. "Learn balance, balance is key. Balance good, Karate good, everything good. Balance bad, better pack up and go home. Understand?" I nod attentively. "Miyagi." I say. "I'm sure you got this covered, but when am I gonna learn how to punch?" I notice Daniel face palming. I didn't have to be psychic to know I said something I shouldn't. Miyagi smiles at me and says "Learn how to punch, but first learn how to KEEP DRY!" He start to shake the boat and I topple over. However using my telekinesis I stop just when I was inches away from the water. For once I made Miyagi look shocked as I floated back onto the boat. "I watched Starfire and Wonder Girl in a sparring match and the first thing they tried to do was knock each other into the water." I said. "I was not gonna fall for that old trick." Miyagi cackles loudly. "Almost got you, Rachel-San." He said.

We finish the training for the day and get back to shore. "We learn punch tomorrow." He said as we go in. I go to my room and wait for Daniel to check on me as usual. However rather than ask for my life story like the last lessons he couldn't help but look at the collection I had. "Incense, books, candles." He said. "What kind of Superhero are you? If I didn't know better, you were some kind of witch." I was irritated when he said that, but even my friends call me it, so it was more of an annoyance. "You're not the first to make that assumption." I said. "My empathic and psychic abilities aside, I know various magic spells and collect various spell books. I suggest you don't touch anything in those books." He wisely stays away from the books. "So what happened after you beat your father the first time?" He asked. "After Trigon's defeat." I begin. "We started to go after other villains, to further establish ourselves. We took down Brother Blood, nearly exposing his cult and we had a violent encounter with Deathstroke and Ravager. The latter of which is his son. We didn't kill him, but the powers he was given took a heavy toll on his body. As a mercy I gave him the illusion that he destroyed us all, so he could die happy. What I'm about to tell, you, you must never utter a word to anyone outside this house. Miyagi can know, but no one else. Understand." Daniel nodded. "I understand." he said. I then continued. "We recruited a superhero named Terra. She was related to fellow hero Geoforce. Like him, she had the power to control the earth with her mind. However, she was a traitor. We didn't know why, she was in on it, but she worked for Deathstroke as part of his ploy to avenge Ravager. Since then we've been very cautious on who we recruit in the future. Make no mistake, this wasn't some ordinary betrayal. This put Judas Iscariot to shame. He at least felt guilty about his betrayal. We opened up to her, we gave her all our secrets. We treated her the same way Miyagi treated you. Like we were family. Changeling loved her very much. She threw it all away because she enjoyed using her power to hurt rather than help. She really had it out for me too. Eventually she ended her own life. We covered it up for the sake of her brother." Tears trickled down Daniel's eyes, he knows what it's like to feel betrayed by someone he thought was his friend. "When Silver decieved me." He said. "Much like Terra, he made me think he was a friend to count on. However like Deathstroke, he was in it to avenge someone we defeated." I placed a hand over his shoulder, using my power to read him. I seen what Silver did to manipulate him and the pain he put him through. Especially making his knuckles bleed. "He really did a number on you, didn't he?" I ask. "It still kind of hurts." He said. "My knuckles twitch just from thinking it." "I won't take the emotional pain, because you need that." I said. "But I can help you get over the physical pain." "How?" He asks. "Don't say it has anything to do with accupressure, because I got a guy for that." I chuckle. "No." I say. "But you do have to close your eyes." Daniel closes his eyes. I take him by both of his hands and I kiss him on the lips. He was shocked, causing him to open his eyes and see my glowing eyes staring into his. He closed them back again letting it happen as I focused my energy onto his hands. Taking the pain of his broken knuckles away and bringing it into me. I let his hands go and let the kiss go. Causing him to gasp and catch his breath. He takes a look at his hands and flexes them. To him, it was like they weren't broken at all. "Amazing, they're like new." He said. I smile at him as he rubbed his lips. "Was the kiss necessary?" He asked. To which I said "No, but it was fun." He walked away rubbing his head. Apparently talking to that voice again. "I can't believe it." He said. "She made the first move. A superhero made the first move on me. I must be dreaming. Am I dreaming?" "DANIEL-SAN!" Miyagi shouted. "Talk to voice tomorrow! Miyagi and Rachel-San need sleep." I went to sleep smiling.

The next morning we were in Miyagi's backyard he was wearing a catcher's mask and vest. Daniel stands watching the both of us as Miyagi explains "Rachel-San. Secret to punch, make power, whole body fit inside, one inch, your knuckle. Whole body, legs, hips, feet, back. Make Kiai." I nod and get into a stance. With one swift move I twist my feet, legs, hip, back and arms focusing all my body's power into that one punch. Ending with a Kiai. The force of which pushed Miyagi a few feet away, causing him to stagger. "Very good. Rachel-san." He says. "Keep going, don't worry about Miyagi." I kept practising while he tried powering through it. He signals for me to stop while Daniel's jaw drops in disbelief. We take a breather. "Miyagi too old for this." He says. "You have lot more power than you give credit." "Ya she's a natural." I say. "It's amazing she never sought this out sooner." I took Daniel's words before he even opened his mouth. Miyagi chuckles. "You sound like Daniel-San before he says word." He says. "Daniel-San speechless." Daniel glares at me while smiling. "You're precognitive too?" He asks. "Yes." I say. "But you've been saying that to me in the other lessons. I just predicted what you were gonna add next." Then as both a romantic gesture and a teasing blow I kiss him on the cheek. It was amazing, I was barely like this around the Titans, yet I'm like this more around them. It was like an inner peace I never knew I had.

That night I was in for a surprise. While my birthday wasn't for a few months, they gave me a cake anyway. It seemed to be my uniform's color scheme. Normally I don't like to celebrate my birthday, but I've been around them so much that I couldn't help myself. I blew out the candles and I made the first slice. As we enjoyed the cake, Miyagi and Daniel give me a huge box to open. "Number one, birthday present." He said. I open the box and find inside my very own Gi. It was the same color as my robe, while the back had the en emblem of a red sun over a Bonsai tree. The symbol that was on Daniel's Gi. I guess this means they officially see me as their student. "This is great." I said as I try it on. "How did you know my size?" to which Miyagi responded "That was difficult part." I take it back off and put it back in the box. "Thank you. Thank you both." I said. "I came here to defend myself, but you two showed me there was more to it than that. I have never felt so peaceful in a long time." "It's not over yet." Daniel said as I put the box down. "You've all given me enough." I said back. The were relentless though, they took me outside at the parking lot. "Choose." Miyagi said. "Except that one, because Daniel-San already have it." He was referring to the yellow car, which I already knew was Daniel's since I saw it in my vision. I looked at each car, seeing which one would suit me and my eyes locked onto the 1951 Black Cadilliac. Miyagi tosses me the keys in a fast motion and I catch them. No telekinesis, no use of my powers. Reflexes from my own natural skill. Before I have a chance to try it out I see three people show up. I recognize them as part of Johnny's gang. Bobby, Tommy and Jimmy. I was wary of them at first, but I didn't sense anything malicious on them unlike Barnes. Daniel caught wind of them and although he was still shaky, he didn't feel like causing trouble. He remained civil. "Hello guys." He said. Bobby was the first to speak up. "Hello Daniel." He said. "Long time no see." They see me. Tommy's jaw drops at the sight of me. "Whoa, who's the babe?" He said. I laugh a bit, approaching them. "I'm Rachel." I said. I go to shake his hand. Upon touching it, I see a vision. It was after Daniel's first tournament, there was an argument between Johnny and Kreese, which he and the gang witnessed. Kreese in a fit of anger strangled Johnny. Bobby and Tommy tried to get him to stop before Miyagi intervened. When Miyagi demands that Kreese let Johnny go, Bobby tries to add to it "Mr. Miyagi's right, let him go." He says. The vision ends and I maintain my friendly smile so they don't notice. I let go of his hand. While I know they mean no harm, I felt I needed to assure Daniel. "You must be the Cobra Kais." I said. "Daniel's told me all about you. You're not here for a rematch are you?" They laugh a little, remembering the tournament. "No no." They all said. With Bobby chiming in "No, Daniel fought well, we don't want any further trouble. We just haven't seen him for a while and we wanted to patch things up. Not sure if you heard, but we're no longer Cobra Kais." Daniel smiled at them. "Well that's good to know." He said. "Where's Johnny and Dutch? I thought they'd be with you." Tommy looked down, with a concerned expression. "That's what we wanted to talk to you about." He said. "Dutch got picked up by the cops. Unlike the rest of us, while he quit, he couldn't let go of the creed." I heard of the creed. "Strike first, Strike Hard, No Mercy." It's a good thing I didn't join that place instead. "As for Johnny." Jimmy said. "After Miyagi taught Kreese a lesson, he went to therapy. While Kreese taught us all, Johnny saw him as the father he never had. So that choking was a huge shock for him." "Well I hope he's ok." Daniel said. "But what does this have to do with seeing me?" "Well." Bobby. "It's a bit belated, since we haven't seen you since senior prom, but we wanted to apologize. For everything we did." I could tell, Daniel was still pretty sore from what they did and I don't blame them. They beat him up, ran him down an escarpment. Bobby here, whom I can sense is the more nicer one of the group, injured his knee. However his sour look changed into a warm smile as he bowed to them in respect. They in turn bowed to him. "You know." Miyagi said. "We come from two different way of Karate, but we both pass golden rule." They all look to him and Bobby is the first to ask. "Really? What's that." Miyagi smiles and says "Make enemy into friend." He bows to them and they bow back. "Well speaking of friends." Tommy said. "What's the story on your friend here." We all didn't want to tell them what I was really here for so we came up with a lie faster than the Grinch. I telepathically led them. Just follow my lead. I think to them. "Well..." I said. "I was mostly travelling abroad and I found myself here. Daniel met me and I was curious about what they do here. When he told me that Miyagi trained him in Karate, I asked if I could train." Miyagi chimed in. "Miyagi reluctant at first." He said. "But she proven to be good student." They listen attentively. "I see." Tommy said. "While I know you don't like to fight, do you think we could spar with her. If she's as good as you think she is, I believe she'd be able to take us on, just like Daniel did." Miyagi thought for a moment and even Daniel was wary of the request. However he nodded. "Since this special circumstance for her. It up to Rachel-San." He said. I thought for a moment, before answering. "Well I should see where I'm at so far, who should I try first?" Tommy volunteers. "I'll do it." He says. They clear some space for Tommy and myself. We face each other. "Just do me one favor." I said. "Don't go easy on me just because you find me attractive." At first Tommy laughed, but when he saw how serious I was, he had the sudden need to respect me. "Ok." He said. "But I warn you, we break things in our training." We bow to each other and get into a stance. At first I wanted to test my defence. So I backed up allowing him to strike at me first. I blocked every punch and kick. When the timing was right, I gave a well good punch in the chest. It stunned Tommy for a moment, causing him to reel back. "You're good." He says, smiling at me. He looked like he was gonna enjoy the fight. He has a go at me again, taking a left hook at me. I fall back dodging, but grabbing his legs with mine. Tripping him down and giving a chop to the back of his head. He gets up and concedes defeat. We bow to each other, before he leaves. "How long has she been training here?" Bobby asked Daniel. To which Daniel responded. "A week. I'm just as amazed as you are." It was Jimmy's turn next. However I was able to best him pretty quick. Leaving Bobby for last. I decided to have some fun with him. He gives me everything he has. Throwing punches, kicks, jumps, the works. I knock him back, then I pick him up, raising my leg as though I was gonna strike his knee. He was scared. Remembering what he did to Daniel. Daniel and Miyagi were worried I was losing control of my emotions. However I stopped my foot just inches from his knee and honk his nose. Daniel, Jimmy, Tommy and even Miyagi burst out laughing. "That was not funny." Bobby said, while holding back a laugh on his own. I help Bobby up and bow to him in respect. "Sorry if I scared you all, but I wanted to show you I could restrain myself as well." I said. "Miyagi worried there for a second." Miyagi said. We all come inside and share my cake with the gang. "So." Daniel says. "Now that you're no longer Cobra Kai, what are your plans?" Tommy was the first to speak up. "Well." Tommy said. "I plan to live life to the fullest. I had so much aggression in me, that I felt like it was killing me inside. After Miyagi saved Johnny from Kreese, I realized there was more to life than showing No Mercy." "I see." I said. "So how are you gonna live life to the fullest?" "I'm glad you asked." Tommy said. "I'm gonna try my best to help others in need, but most of it is gonna be nothing but parties. I know that seems like a slacker thing, but that's how I wanna go out. I want my last moments to be in the company of my friends." "And you Jimmy?" Daniel asked. To which he replied. "Well I'm probably just gonna go to college, get a steady job. Maybe get married and have some kids. Teach them not to be the reckless kid I was." "Simple man, with simple plan." Miyagi says. Causing them all to laugh. "What about you Bobby?" I ask. "Well." He said. "It's a little embarrassing, but..." "He wants to be a priest." Tommy said out loud. "Not a priest." Bobby snarked back. "A pastor. Priests don't get laid. I want to make sure no kid ends up like us again, I figured that's the best way to start." "Well. I lead a life of spirituality myself." I said. "So I wouldn't judge. If it helps you and helps others, I say go for it." Bobby smiled at me warmly. "Thank you." He said. After they finish their slice. The trio gets up to leave. "Well it was nice seeing you Daniel." Bobby said. "And it was great to have met you Rachel." They all bow to us and we bow back. As soon as they leave we all clean up the place. "You knew they were coming." I said. "Hai." Miyagi said. "You still have, few lesson to go, but Miyagi want you to understand vital importance." After I put my plate in the sink, I turn to him and ask. "What vital importance?" To which he smiles and says. "Trust quality in what you know. Not quantity."

It was the evening and we all sit around the table. "Rachel-San. Daniel-San." Miyagi said. "I think before tomorrow lesson, you two should go have fun." Now that I think of it, the day's have only been for training, we could all use a break. "So what do we do?" I ask. Daniel smiled at her. "I have a good idea." He says.

We went into his car, and he drove me to this amusement park. The sign on it said "Golf 'N Stuff." We spent most of the evening, playing miniature golf, table hockey and the arcades. We won so many tickets and we swapped them. I gave him a stuffed bear and he gave me a stuffed chicken. "A giant chicken." I said. "I must be the luckiest girl in the world." We take the prizes to the car when I run into a familiar friend. Richard Grayson was waiting. Taking his time to admire the car. Daniel was confused at first. "Can I help you?" He said. To which Richard replied "You got nice wheels kid. Bruce would definitely want this in his collection." "Richard." I said. "What are you doing here?" "That's Dick Grayson?!" Daniel said. He shakes his hand surprising Richard. "It's an honor to meet you." He said. "Rachel's told me a lot a bout you." "I hope not." Richard says jokingly. "So you must be Daniel LaRusso. Mr. Miyagi has told me a lot about you too." Daniel lets go of his hand. "Well there's not much to tell." He said. Richard composes himself though. "I came here to check on Rachel. See how her progress was going." Richard says. "I must say I like the result so far. I never seen her so happy." "Oh ya." Daniel says. "She's made great progress. There's still a few things she needs to learn, but other than that, she's a natural." Richard smiles proudly. "I knew Miyagi-Do would be the right fit for her." He says. "Hey Daniel. I understand if she told you everything, but there is something I need to talk to her about in private." Daniel nods understandly as Richard takes me away from the parking lot. "Seems the training worked too well. You and him?" He asked. To which I said. "I admit that's not what I intended when I arrived, but he has a charm to him. He's a good boy at heart." I said. "I may as well show you." I take Dick by the hand and I glow slightly. I show him the images of everything Daniel went through both good and bad. When they ended I let the hand go. "I see." He says. "Well if you trust him, so do I. Let's go tell him." We return to him. "Since Raven vouched for you." He said. "I trust you won't reveal our secrets. While I trust Miyagi, I barely know you, so forgive me if I didn't seem to trust you at first." "It's fine." Daniel said. "Believe me, I would never do anything to hurt her." Richard smiles warmly. "I believe you." Richard. "But I should give you the brother talk anyway for good measure. If you do anything to hurt her. Especially break her heart, I will come after you. Batman is merciful compared to me." Daniel was naturally scared stiff, but he nodded. Shaking Richard's hand. "I promise." He said. "And trust me your secret is safe with me." "Well I must be going." Richard Said. "I promised Kori I'd win her a stuffed Cat." "Good luck." I said. "Those games can be tricky."

We leave Golf 'N Stuff. As we drove back to Miyagi's house, Daniel began to speak. "You showed him my past didn't you?" He said. Which I nodded "It was the only way I could get him to trust you. He may not admit it, but there's too much of Bruce in him." I said. We arrive at the lot and turn in for the night.

I slept in and my alarm clock was off, so I missed the morning. I woke up to the sound of hammers. I step outside and see Daniel and Miyagi working on a large framework. Presumably making an extension. I notice a bunch of wooden panels leaning against the wall. They look at me. "Ah. Rachel-San." Miyagi said. "We turned alarm clock off, you look like you need more sleep." "I'm ok." I said. "What are you two doing." "Well we were just preparing your next lesson." Daniel said. I was afraid he'd say that. "Another chore lesson?" I said. "Ok I'll bite, what am I doing now?" Miyagi takes one of the panels and places it against the frame. He takes a nail and lightly hammers it until it sticks out on it's own. And in one swift move he hammers the nail right in. I was amazed at the prescision and power. He hands me the hammer and another nail. "Come. You try." He says. "Must focus." I put the hammer down for a moment and start practicing my breathing first. Miyagi and Daniel look on in pride. When I finished I take the hammer back and nail it through. I continue until I finish nailing the entire panel on. "So what am I building here." I ask. To which Daniel responded. "Oh nothing much. Just an extra bedroom for a refugee." I stop suddenly. "A refugee?" I ask. "From where?" "San Francisco." Miyagi said. I realized then and there, they meant me. "Only if wish." He said. "Miyagi and Daniel-san been talking and we see you as family too." Tears flooded my eyes that I forgo bowing and just hug the two. I let go and stop, drying my tears. "Ok. But I'm not gonna finish this room by myself." I said. Because all three of us were working on a side, it didn't take long for us to finish the room. Daniel and Miyagi helped me move my stuff in, while I help Daniel move his stuff back in his own room. My room was a little bigger. On top of a bed, I had a spot to meditate in. It was perfect. Daniel enters the room checking on me. "How do you like the new place?" He says. To which I reply. "It's not bad. Much more roomy. Come sit with me. I want you to meditate with me." I sit down in the lotus position and he sits in turn. "Miyagi's out working on something for the last two lessons. So I got time to kill." "I see. So I'll be ready to go soon." I say. "Don't worry I will visit you two every chance I get. It's why I wanted to show you this."

I instruct him to keep his legs crossed and to take deep breaths and follow my mantra. "Azerath, Metrion Zinthos." We go deep into meditation and my soul self leaves my body. It was at first in the shape of a Raven. However I changed the shape into a shadow form of myself. I then take his soul self out. It looks like him in his Gi, but bathed in a combination of light and darkness. He was shocked at first seeing himself outside his own body. "What is this?" he asks. "Am I dead?" I laugh and shake my head. "No. Just simple astral projection." I say. "That's what your astral form looks like and this is mine. I use it to travel the world when I'm in deep meditation. This way, no matter where we are, we can still see each other." Daniel floats around excitedly while I just hover. We go back into our bodies. Daniel gasping from the shock. "That's how I felt when I first tried." I said. "It's normal." I stand up helping him up, before he goes to his room for the night. Before he left he handed me something. It was a small toy drum. "That's the secret to Miyagi-Do Karate." He said. "You'll see."

The next morning I go out into the yard and see what he built. I was dressed in my Gi for the first time. As I figured since I'm with them now I should show it more. It was a platform in the middle of the coy pond and on the other side was a large pole with a lever and couple of lines and sharp hooks. Daniel knew exactly what it was for and stood at the pole. While Miyagi stands in the platform. "Father told Miyagi 'Best way to avoid punch no be here.'" He said. Daniel pulls the lever causing the hook and line to fly towards Miyagi. I feared the worst, when I saw in one smooth stroke, he dodged it while moving his hand in the direction of the Hook's trajectory. "Drum Technique." He said. I realized that's what Daniel meant. Daniel re-positioned the hook as Miyagi stepped off the platform. I step on and brace myself. "You ready?" He asks. I nod. At the count of three he releases the hook, however it went too fast in my view and I fall off the platform and into the pond. I float out and stand back on there while they check and see if I'm ok. "Rachel-San, you alright?" Miyagi asks. "I'm fine." I said. Using my telekinesis, I get all the water off my Gi and reposition the hook. I then start slowly mimicking the movements I seen before, to get a better understanding of them. Daniel looked at me as though he knew what I was gonna do next, but said nothing. I used my power to pull the lever and I do the technique this time. However I hear a scratch. A chunk of my Gi was ripped off from the hook. I was lucky it didn't cut me. "I'm sorry." I said. "That was stupid." Daniel giggled to himself. "I said the same thing to Miyagi when the same thing happened." he said. "He mentioned he did the same with his dad. His father agreed it was stupid. His father was right." Miyagi nodded. First he seemed stern, but he smiled, knowing Daniel learned from his own experience. "Miyagi fix that for you later." He said. He goes inside the house leaving me and Daniel alone. "I may as well let you in on another lesson." He said. "Oh?" I said. "And what is that?" He smiled at me and got into a stance. "Take a swing at me." He said. I was hesitant at first, but I did as I was told. I go at him with a punch and not only does he dodge it, but the raised hand just stops, inches away from my face. "A counter hit?" I ask. He nods. "Yes." He says. "It took me a while to learn that one, but I realized the raised hand could easily double as a strike. That move saved my life in Okinawa." "I'll use it wisely." I say. I go to my room and change out of my Gi. After I put new clothes on, I bring the wrecked Gi to Miyagi, for him to fix. We then sit at the table having dinner. I insisted on pizza this time. As we ate Daniel asked me a question. "While you've told us everything in your life, there was one thing you didn't mention." He said. "How did you stop your father?" I'll admit the question threw me off guard as we stopped him more than once. "Well." I began. "The first time was a team effort. It was difficult to get us to work together, because I went through disturbing lengths to bring them together. I was desperate, so I used my power to get Kid Flash thinking he loved me. When he found out it was already too late and Trigon stepped in. While some didn't agree, we worked together and Kid Flash along with my mother Arella, were key to keeping him sealed in limbo. Unfortunately she was trapped along side him. The next time was much more horrible." I shook my cup nervously, before continuing. "As a result of his second arrival, everyone except us was petrified. I was turned Evil and forced to serve along side him. My friends on the other hand, went through much worse. Each and every one of them was subjected to their own personal Hells. To make an example, if you were put there, you'd have all your foes tormenting you for eternity, with even Miyagi too powerless to stop it." Daniel listened attentively imagining how horrible that would be. I continued. "Azarath was destroyed and the souls were lingering on. As part of a ritual, the Titans killed me. Allowing the souls to use me as a vessel and seal Trigon for good. The result of which purified me from his influence." Daniel dropped his glass in shock. "You came back from the dead?!" He said. Even Miyagi was surprised at this. "It's not something I brag about, but yes." I said. "They found me in Brother Blood's Cult and brainwashed myself as well as Nightwing. Because he looked out for me the whole way, I was initially enamored with him and I thought the feeling was mutual. However I realized I accidentally used my power to make him think he was. Something I deeply regret. Part of me still loves him, but I respect that he's with Kori now." "Huh." Daniel said. "That does explain why you too are so close. I'd feel the same way if I ran into Kumiko even if she was tied to someone." We finish our lunch and retreat for the night. I was sitting in my room reading a book. Daniel comes in and presents my Gi, all stitched up. "Thank you." I said. "It looks good as new." As he puts it in my drawer, he sits on the bed with me. We stare at each other for a moment, but before anything happens, I hear singing. It was coming from Miyagi's room. "What's he singing?" I ask. To which Daniel laughs a bit "Japanese Blues." He says. "It's a song he sang to both Yukie and his late wife." "It sounds lovely." I say. "Kind of romantic." I find myself holding his hand. I could take it anymore. I won't bore you with the details of our romantic encounter, but let's just say we didn't get much sleep last night. I wake up and find myself in bed alone. Not that I felt I missed him, but I assumed he was getting ready for our last training. I get dressed and find what looks like a climbing harness in my room. A note reading "Put this on and meet us at the driveway." I put it on and I meet them at the truck. As we drove we make small talk. I hope we didn't make too much noise last night. I telepathically whisper to Daniel. To which he responded If we did, Miyagi would have told us to cut it out. I chuckled to myself. "You two have pleasant night?" Miyagi asked. We both blushed in embarrassment. "Um...ya." I said. "Sorry we broke my room in like that." Miyagi chuckles. "Miyagi not bothered." He said. "Although time and place for that." His laugh turning into a cackle. We arrive at a place called Devil's Cauldron. The name scares me more than Cobra Kai. "What are we doing here?" I ask as we get out of the truck. They point to a large Canyon. Handing me a pair of Binoculars, while they take out a pair for themselves. I look where they're looking and I see with my own eyes a Bonsai tree growing in the wild. "I don't believe it." I said. "Did you plant that there?" "Replanted." Miyagi said. "Long story. Want see up close?" I nod excitedly.

We each get a rope hooked onto the cliff. Each one climbing down. "I don't get it." Daniel said. "You have all these powers. Yet you prefer to do things normally." I chuckle saying "I'm used to blending in with people that don't know about my powers. I figured this will help me learn along the way." "Rachel-San learn as she go along." Miyagi adds. We stop when we see the tree up close. "So this is a wild one?" I say. "It looks gorgeous. Not to make a comparison, but it looks way better than the ones you have at home. " "Not just gorgeous. Valuable." Daniel says. "This tree alone is worth $10 000." My eyes widened in shock. If petty crooks like Snart knew the value of that tree, they'd steal it without thinking twice. "Well your secret is safe with me Daniel-San." I said, winking at him. "So why did you bring me down here? I know it wasn't just to show me the beautiful tree." We make our way back up the cliff and we get the harnesses off. "Final lesson for training." Miyagi said. "Miyagi Kata. Foundation of all Miyagi Family Karate. Like our Kata and like our bonsai, inside you have strong roots. No need nothing except what's inside you to grow. You choose how you grow from roots. While my Karate is root to you karate. It up to you how you choose to grow and bud from it." I listened and nod as I heard what he said. "Poison Ivy would love to hear a speech like that." I say. "So how does this Kata work?" Daniel, myself and Miyagi stand on a spot on the cliff. The Kata itself seemed pretty straight forward. The arms representing the roots and growing branches of the bonsai tree. It didn't take me long to master it. After everything was done, we go home.

It was the final night in the Miyagi Household. That night we had Hamburger Teriyaki for dinner. "I really wish you didn't have to go." Daniel said. Miyagi nods. "Hai, but Rachel-san on her own journey Daniel-san." He says. "You must respect if truly care for her." "Besides." I say. "I have my ways to keep in touch with you." Daniel smiles to me, knowing exactly what I mean. We finish our lunch and go out for some fresh air. "I am gonna miss this place though." I say. I then sense something. I move Daniel out of the way. A stray bullet hitting the ground where Daniel was. No. It couldn't be. Not now. Slade Wilson, Deathstroke the Terminator. He arrives not too long after. Clad in his armor. his rifle pointed at us. "Slade." I said. "I thought you retired." Slade chuckles. "Nice to see you too Raven." He says. "I can assure you, this has nothing to do with you this time. I came for him." He says as he aims the gun at Daniel. I stand in front of him. "Now what would a mercenary want with a 17 year old boy? Was Terra not enough for you?" I say. My words dripping with venom. "Call it a special favor from a friend of mine. You may know him Daniel. Terry Silver." He said. Daniel shaking in fear. "It figures he'd hire a hitman." Daniel says. "Was he too scared to face me himself? Why don't you just shoot me and get it over with so I wouldn't have to deal with this crap anymore." I was impressed. This kid was definitely fearless. However what threw me off guard was Slade actually put his gun down. "That first one was a warning." He said. "I never miss and I knew your girlfriend here would be fast enough to move you out of the way. While I would love nothing more than to just shoot you and collect my fee, he paid me extra to take you out hand to hand. His associate Mike Barnes told him about your little encounter so I even came prepared for you devil girl." He threw a gas bomb at us. I moved Daniel out of the way as I breathed in most of the smoke. I tried to stop him with my powers, but they seemed to shut down. "NANITES!" I shouted. "You son of a bitch!" Slade knocks me over and keeps a foot on my leg to pin me down. "It's just a precaution. I wouldn't want you to interfere with this one Raven. Without your powers, you're useless." He lets me go. Daniel gets into a stance. "Rachel. Go get Miyagi, tell him to call the police." He says. "I'll hold him off as best as I can." While I couldn't read his mind anymore, I knew he wasn't really asking me that. I nod and go. "Very brave of you, to get her to leave." Slade said, but foolish. Daniel tried his best to hold him off. Defence was his only strategy against the more experienced Slade. While he held him off I changed into my Gi wearing my robe over me to hide it. I come out and see Daniel on the ground. Slade taking his time kicking him while he was down. "OI!" I shouted. Getting Slade's attention. He turns to me. "Don't make me laugh." He says. "I seen you fight before. You were never good at hand to hand. The second your powers get supressed, a child could knock you out." I then open my robe showing off my Gi. "You must have just arrived. I've been learning to improve myself here." I say. Slade was taken aback. It's rare to surprise a man like this, but worth it when it happens. "So you've mastered Karate." He said. "If you learned the way this kid learned, you have no chance against me." "I don't need to beat you Slade. I just need to stall for time until the cops show up. Even you know better than to stick around when they arrived." I say. I get into a stance. Slade leaves Daniel be and faces me. He tries to strike me, I block and punch him in the ribs. Sending him staggering back. "Not bad." He said. "I'll admit that one winded me, but that was a lucky shot." He swings at me again. I dodge it and give him a swift kick in the face. Knocking him back again. "Dammit." He said. "You broke my nose you bitch." He gets serious and while I block his blows waiting for the right opportunity, he manages to surprise me. Punching me in the face, kicking me in the stomach. Throwing me on the floor. Miyagi steps out and sees the fight. "Rachel-San!" He says. "Stay focused! Not matter what he knows." I get up and get into the Crane Stance. "Seriously?" He says. He fakes a lunge at me causing me to follow through, but he catches my leg. I however improvised. using my standing leg to jump and flip kick him, before recomposing myself. He goes for a punch and I counter with the Drum Technique. Giving him 5 good hits before he blocks and throws me down. He kicks me in the ribs for good measure. Leaning down at me. "You fight well." He says. "But you won't stop me." He turns around ready to strike Daniel, when Miyagi comes between them. Kicking him down. "You leave boy alone Slade Wilson." He says. To which Slade looks in fear. "Nariyoshi Miyagi." He says. "Sgt. of the 442nd. Why would you lower yourself by defending the weak?" "Why you think harming weak makes you strong?" Miyagi fires back. While all this was going on, I was already up and doing my Kata. I could feel the Nanites wearing off slowly, but I felt I had to finish it how it started. "Slade!" I said. "We're not done yet." He turns around and points a gun at me. "You're done." He says. "I'm through with you interfering." Before he could fire I kick the gun out of his hand, breaking his hand explosively. I then toss him onto the ground. My foot just raised over his head. He looked to me in fear. I stepped down. But not on his head. Just a few feet beside it. The cops arrive and pick Slade up. "This isn't over Raven." He says. "You may have surprised me, but I have already adapted to it." "And I promise you Slade." I say. "I will be ready for you." The nanites wear off and I find myself glowing again. They take Slade away and I help Daniel up. I carry him to his room and heal him. His injuries briefly becoming my own. He sits up. "I can see why you needed improvment. That guy packs a wallop." he says. "That guy." I say. "Will not stop until you're dead or until someone kills him. So consider yourself under Titan's protection. If I don't personally stop him, my friends will." Daniel smiles warmly. "Thank you." he says. "You know I never fought a supervillain before. It was interesting." I laugh. "Well you fought bravely." I say. "You may be Titans Material after all." He looks at me, chuckling nerverously as he does. "Well what would my Superhero name be?" He asks. "Well." I say. "We usually pick our own based on our experiences in life. Myself, Raven is my born name, but it's also because my soul self takes the form of a Raven." Daniel thinks for a moment. "Now that you mention it." He says. "When I lost my first fight with Johnny, the local kids gave me a degrading nickname, that I now think would make a Superhero name. 'Karate Kid.' " I burst out laughing. "Sorry kid. That name's been taken." I said. "Although, since he's from the future odds are he may have gotten it from an older you." "Time travel." He says. "Just my luck." "You sound as if you've had experience in this." I say. Daniel smiled. "Not quite, but I had this strange dream after the tournament." He says. "I woke up in the 16th century in China, around the year that the first Miyagi discovered Karate. It was very weird. I couldn't tell if what I was dreaming or if I was really there." I smile as I listened. "Maybe it was some kind of past life? It could explain why you're so adept at Karate." I said. Daniel shakes his head. "It could make sense." He says. "Get some rest. It's almost time for you to go." I placed a hand on his head and stroked his hair. "Goodnight Daniel LaRusso." I said.

I left the room and retreated to my own room. I heard a buzzing sound. It was my communicator. I took it out and answered it. "Raven!" I heard a voice shout. It was Kori. "I heard about Slade, are you ok?" She asked. "It's alright Kori." I said. "I was able to fight him off long enough for the cops to arrive. However it's not me you should be worried about." Richard takes the communicator. "You weren't the target were you?" he asks. I shake my head. "No." I say. "He was after Daniel. You should have seen him, though. Not only was he able to hold his own against Slade, but he was completely fearless." Richard smiles in pride. "Sounds like you did well also." He said. "Is there anything you need our help with?" I thought for a moment and said. "As a matter of fact yes. I would like you to run two names for me and see if you can crop up any connections to Slade. The names are John Kreese and Terry Silver." "I'll see what I can do. I'll let you know what we found when we come get you tomorrow." He says. "Nightwing out." The communicator is shut off and I get some rest. Morning comes and I enjoy one last breakfast with Miyagi and Daniel. We didn't really say a word throughout the whole thing, just enjoying our pancakes peacefully. After breakfast. I put my robe and my uniform on, while I pack my clothes and Gi into my bag. Just before I walked out the door, Daniel and Miyagi stop me. "We weren't gonna let you leave without this." Daniel said. Presenting me the Bonsai tree I worked on. "Take home, practice." Miyagi says. I take the tree and place it on the table, before putting my bag over my shoulder. I then give them each a kiss on the cheek. "It's been fun. For once I feel like myself and not something I have to be." I said. "Come see us sometime. Miyagi always have lesson to teach." Miyagi said. "I'm gonna miss you Raven." Daniel says. Giving me a hug. I pick up the tree and all three of us step outside. Here we see the Titans in their uniform greeting us. Nightwing, Starfire, Cyborg, Changeling (Beast Boy), Wonder Girl, Kid Flash and Danny Chase. "Daniel LaRusso, Nariyoshi Miyagi." Nightwing said. "In recognition for your bravery in the face of danger. You are now Honorary Titans." He hands them a communicator for each of them. "Miyagi don't know what to say." He says, touched by the gesture. "Just know, that when there's trouble. You know who to call." He says. "We hope we become as good friends to you as we are allies." Starfire adds. "We won't let Slade or anyone go near this place again." Cyborg says. "Maybe you can repay us by teaching us those sweet moves." Changeling jokes. Causing Cyborg to dope slap him. "May Hera protect you as well." Wonder Girl says. "Just know we'll be here if you need us. In a flash." Kid Flash says. "There's no way anyone will mess with you, not while I- We're around." Chase finishes. Daniel and Miyagi bow to them and they bow back. "Raven-San has good friends." Miyagi says. "Miyagi wait inside while you and Daniel-San say goodbye. Sayonara."

I take Daniel by the hand. Looking into his eyes. "We'll see each other again. I'm sure of it." I say. "Whatever we had together, how we go from here, just know this bond will not break." Her hand glows. It's aura going into him. "Be safe." I said. It fades. after I let go. Tears well up in Daniel's eyes. "I'll never forget you Raven." He says, before kissing her goodbye. Much to the shock of all except Nightwing and Starfire. "What just happened?" Changeling said. "Beats me, sounds like Witch found love." Cyborg said. "I'm one of the smartest people on this team and yet even this has me stumped." Danny said. "Please tell me you didn't mess with his emotions." Kid Flash said. "I think this is the real deal." Wonder Girl said. "It seems my plan worked too well." Nightwing said. "You came to learn to defend yourself and improve your overall life and you did more. I bet you have a hell of a story to tell." "One you all wouldn't believe." I say back. "The T-Jet is not too far. We should go." Starfire says. I smile at her and said "Actually guys. I think I want to drive there." I reach in my pocket and take my keys out before going into my Caddie. Changeling drops his jaw in shock while Cyborg could only stare. "How...what...I call shotgun!" He shouts as he sits beside me. I glare at Cyborg. "I know what you're thinking Victor." I said. "But you're not modifying it. This is a personal car and it's mine." "Witch, what do you take me for?" He asks. "I would never modify such a classic...ok I at least want to bulletproof it." I grin and shake my head. The rest go into the Jet and take off while I start the Caddie and pull out. "BANZAI!" I shout as I get out of the driveway. It took me an hour or so to get back to San Francisco and Titans Tower. I was in the computer room with the Titans filling them in on the situation.

"Well. I checked, like you asked and I found the connection." Nightwing says as he brings up the pictures on the screen. Slade I recognized, as I seen him unmasked. Kreese and Silver I saw in my vision. Nightwing continues. "Seems that Slade and those Cobra Kai goons have been buddies together in 'Nam." He said. "Silver now owns a company called Dynatox, which seems to be going under after the incident between him and Miyagi-Do. Despite that, it means he does have the cash to finance a hit from Slade and to even offer special requests." "That explains why he held back." Cyborg said. "The man has to be very loaded if he could get Deathstroke to do what he wanted." "Check this out." Changeling said pointing at the section marked other interests. "Silver and Kreese were the founders of Cobra Kai Karate. A style that mixes Tang Soo Do and Military Hand to Hand. Slade must have gotten his start with them." He says. Everyone stares at him blankly. "What?" He says. "I watch a lot of martial arts movies. I know which style comes from where. Tang Soo Do was the foundation for Chuck Norris' American Style." We all nodded in agreement. If there's one thing Garfield Logan knows, it's action movies. "That does explain why Slade wanted to get Daniel so badly." I said. "He probably took Cobra Kai's loss as his loss too. The cops can't hold Slade for long. We have to stop him before he decides to swap fists for guns." Nightwing used the computer to monitor Slade in the holding cell. He seems to be staying still for now. "That bull pen won't hold him." Nightwing said. "The fact that he's staying there this long, shows either he's up to something or he won't give up his client." "Which means Silver and Kreese may get off scott free." Kid Flash says. "That sucks. These guys are ganging up on a teenager and an old man. I don't care how well they could handle themselves in a fight, these people are bullies. We gotta do something about it." "Wally." Nightwing said. "I don't like this anymore than you do, but unless Slade makes another move or these guys reveal themselves, there's nothing we can do yet." I think for a moment. "What if they call off the hit?" I ask. They all look at me funny. "That's very wishful thinking Rachel, but it's not that simple." Kid Flash says. "Now hold on." Changeling said. "Maybe she's on to something." "I remembered what Daniel told me." I begin. "When he first started his training, that was when he initially caught the attention of Kreese. Miyagi decided to settle things in the tournament and Kreese in turn threatened open season if they didn't show up. He told Daniel 'Wacko teacher's attutide rest in fist. Stupid, but fact of life. Win, lose, no matter. You make good fight. Earn respect and nobody bother you.' Kreese and Silver despite their underhanded tactics, love a good fight. Maybe we should give them one. They won't leave Daniel alone, but they will keep the conflict between them and Miyagi-Do." "But we can't just go around challenging fights." Kid Flash said. "We're superheroes, not a martial arts team." I smile at him. "I never said we had to come dressed as Superheroes." I go to my room and come out moments later dressed in my Gi. Changeling was the first to rush over to me. Looking at my uniform at all angles, much to my annoyance. "Wait a minute." he says. "Where's your belt?" I burst out laughing. "I left it on my street clothes. Canvas. J.C. Penny $3.98." I say. Changeling looked nervous about my sudden sense of humor. "That's not what I mean." He said. To which I respond. "In Okinawa, belt means 'No need rope to hold up pants.' " Even Changeling was chuckling at that one. I calm down and explain seriously. "Miyagi-Do." I say. "Has a policy. Karate is in the heart and the mind. Not your waistline. Besides we're not entering a tournament, so I don't need one as an entry fee." Nightwing smirks at us. "Well Raven, it's your idea, so what do we do?" He asks.

"First we need our martial artists." I say. " Ones that don't have mechanical enhancements. So sorry Victor, you're out." Cyborg nodded. "Understood." He said. "The team." I begin. "Will be composed of myself, Nightwing, Starfire, Changeling, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash. Now we can use our powers to enhance our attacks, but we don't want it to look like we can whoop them easily. Slade didn't reveal my identity to Kreese and Silver, but they are aware of my description and abilities. So they'll see me coming. However they won't see you coming. We need uniforms that match our style. So if you're willing to empty your wallets for some custom clothes, now's the time to do it. We'll discuss the plan when we get suited up." They all break away and I sit and wait for them in the meeting room. They show up each one wearing a uniform that composed to their style. Richard dressed in a black and blue Eskrima uniform. "I been getting into Eskrima lately. So I thought this would work." He says. Wally showed up in Yellow and Red Boxing trunks "Aunt Iris is a boxer, so I thought I'd honor her while I was at it." He says. Changeling in a red and white Kung Fu uniform. "It makes sense that I'd use this one since I can turn into the animals the forms are based off of." Starfire in a purple and green Kickboxing uniform. "They didn't have anything for my style so I found an earthly equivalent." Last but not least was Wonder Girl in a red Greco-Roman Wrestling Uniform. "In Greece, they used to fight naked. I was not doing that." She said. "Ok." I said. "Now that we're all here, I shall tell our plan." "You seemed to have missed one." I hear from across the room. I see Daniel dressed in his Miyagi-Do Gi. Headband and all. I was at first happy to see him, but at the same time I was worried. "What are you doing here Daniel?" I asked "Wouldn't Miyagi be angry that you've come to fight?" He looks at Nightwing. "You didn't tell her yet did you?" He said. I turn to Nightwing as well. "Tell me what?" I asked. Nightwing sighed. "I called him over. He knows them more than we do and I think he might be of help. Miyagi's ok with it so long as we try to get him back in one piece."

While I was calm on the outside, I didn't like this. Daniel took a beating from Slade just last night. Who knows what other tricks Kreese and Silver have up their sleeve.

"So what's the plan." He asks. Getting my attention. "Well." I said. "We can't get them to leave you alone, but we'll try to get the hit called off. That way whatever conflicts happen later aren't nothing you and Miyagi can't handle. We're going by your example here. Challenging him, Silver and anyone else they have in their roster to a fight. We win, he calls off the hit." "And if we lose?" he asks. "We won't." Nightwing says. Daniel takes a moment to think about all this "Ok." He says. "But Raven and I go in first, full Gi. We need Silver's address though. I only have the address to his Cobra Kai Studio. If we're gonna drop a challenge to him it's gotta be directly to his house. Practically pissing on his lawn." "I like this guy." Changeling says. "Why didn't we recruit him sooner?"

I wait in the hallway as everyone gets ready. Daniel comes out first. I approach him. "You sure you're up for this?" I say. "Once we cross this, there's no turning back." Daniel smiles at me. "I've spent most of my late teenage life having Miyagi fight battles for me that I couldn't go against. It's high time I handle my own problems from here on in." He says. "Besides, none of this wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for me." "Slade should never be your problem." I said. "No." He says. "But the people that hired him are."

We both leave the tower first. Keeping our communicators on standby. To be incognito we use my car to get there. Nightwing gave us the home address for Terry Silver. He rings the doorbell. An old servant comes out. "May I help you?" He asks. To which Daniel responds "Ya, I'm Daniel LaRusso and this is Rachel Roth. We're here to see Terry Silver." "Oh yes." He says. "Mister Silver has been expecting you for quite some time." He let's us in and we go to the main dojo. He was busy sparring with two of his trainers. After beating them, he sees us. Flashing a smug grin at Daniel. "Well well well." He said. "If it isn't Danny boy. I know it's been a year, but it feels like decades." He takes a seat in his chair. I catch his eye too. "And you must be the girl that beat Barnes without even touching him." He said. "I must admit, that is a great feat. Something even the most passive martial artists dream of being able to do." "We know you sent Slade to kill me Silver." Daniel says. "We know you, him and Kreese go way back in Nam and he was your Proto Student." "Not one for small talk anymore huh Danny Boy?" Silver says. "Yes, I did send him to kill you. I specifically told him to use his hands, because I wanted to prove a point to you. Needless to say I failed." "You're a terrible liar, Silver." I say. "If you failed, he'd stop. I know Deathstroke The Terminator and he doesn't stop unless the job is called off or his target is dead." "Your girlfriend here, is very clever." Silver said. "I can see how she was able to best him. You're right, I can easily call him off if I wanted to. He gave me that gift. It's just a routine job compared to his exploits with that group in San Francisco, so he wouldn't lose a night's sleep over it. So what are you here for?" "We come to offer you a deal." Daniel said. "But before we even talk about it, bring Kreese out here, I know he's hiding nearby." Silver smiles at us and gives a signal. John Kreese steps out. Standing beside Silver. "Hello Daniel." He said. "And you must be Rachel. Never thought that slope would recruit women." "Call him a slope again and I'll show you horrors that make 'Nam look like a funhouse." I say glaring at him with glowing eyes. Kreese wisely keeps his mouth shut. "I challenge you." Daniel says. "Not to a tournament, a street fight. Me, Her and 5 of our best fighters against you, Kreese and 5 of your best fighters. No Holds barred knock out. If we win, you call off the hit and leave this conflict between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do." They look at each other and burst out laughing. "Wow, that's very offensive of you Daniel." Kreese says. "A huge contradiction of your defensive ways. What would Miyagi say?" "Miyagi knows all about this." I say. "And for your sake he's sitting this one out. I know how much he scares you. How are those knuckles by the way." I see Kreese clench his fists in anger, but keeping his calm. "I accept." Silver says. "However, Slade is joining the fight. I'll see what I'll have to do to get the other fighters. I don't know what you did to Barnes, but something tells me he's not in mental shape to fight. I'll have to deal with that. Time and place?" "The beach." Daniel says "2 Weeks from today. Where it all started." "Just one more thing." I said. "Leave us alone to train. If I so much find a sniper bullet from Slade, I will make you eat it." "You're a fiesty one there Miss Roth." Kreese said. "But I like that. I like that. Terry, make sure Slade doesn't do anything stupid, I don't care if he does have 90% of his brain working overtime." "Will do John." Silver says back. They half-heartedly bow to us and we bow back, before leaving.

As soon as we get in the car. Daniel puts his head in his hands. "You ok Daniel?" I said. "I'm fine Raven." He said. "I still haven't forgotten what they did to me. Were you serious about that threat?" I nod "Yes." I say. "I don't know what came over me, usually I can control my anger, but something about those two rubbed me the wrong way. It was one of the few times I wanted to take a chapter from my father's book." Daniel's eyes widened in shock. "That bad?" He said. "I didn't even have to touch him to see what he is." I said. "I saw it in his eyes. I saw how many people he hurt. Johnny, Bobby, Tommy, You. It was like a knife was driving into my guts."

We arrive back in Titans Tower. Daniel and I arrive in the gym first while the rest come in.

"It's on and we have two weeks to prepare." I say. "This is a free for all no-holds barred fight. Knockouts only. Meaning we're all gonna take on their best fighters. Now we've faced foes before, from petty crooks to interdimensional monsters. So fighting together shouldn't be a problem. However since this is a street fight, aside from using our strengths and speed to our advantage we can't use our powers." "So what do we do?" Kid Flash asks. Daniel steps in.

"Ok, it's been a while since I was in a free for all." He said. "Last time that happened, was in New Jersey. Back then the only thing I had in my belt was a few Karate lessons at the Y and my Uncle Louie teaching me boxing. My cousin was a hell of a punching bag. Now a free for all means there are no rules. You could take on one opponent, or multiple. Whatever the case may be, the advantage of winning the fight is not trying to knock everyone else out. The true victory is having each other's backs. If there's one merit these guys have is as former soldiers, they have each other's backs. The second you have one on the ropes, the other's gonna try to get you off them."

"I see where you're going with this Daniel." Nightwing asks. "We fight as best we can and we bail each other out every chance we get. Since you're new to the team Daniel, we're gonna spend most of the training in the simulator. So that you can get used to working with us. The rest is basic sparring, team play and fitness training." Daniel nods.

As the first week went by Daniel finds himself resting on the couch. Sore from his first week in the simulator. I go to check on him finding him laughing through it. "Nightwing pulled no punches on the difficulty here." He said. "I never had a workout like this since I first started training in Miyagi-Do." "He just wants to make sure you're at your best." I said. "You did well here." "I kinda wished I had the hit wine with me right now." He said, laughing through his sores. I placed my hands on him healing him once more. He sits up cracking his neck. "No kiss this time?" He jokes, causing me to chuckle. "After we face these guys." I say. Nightwing comes in with a tray of tea cups. One for each of us. Daniel takes his, sipping it as though he was just given water in a desert. "Is that Matcha?" He asked. To which Nightwing nodded "I figured you'd want one you're used to drinking." He said. Daniel smiled. "Last time I had Matcha this good, was in Okinawa." He said. "It was part of a ceremony me and Kumiko were doing." I heard the story before myself, but Nightwing listened attentively. "Ya." He said. "Raven told me all about your exploits. Two-time Karate Champ, rescuing people in a Typhoon, suriving a battle to the death without having to kill your enemy. I'm even surprised you heald your own against Deathstroke. It's amazing we didn't recruit you sooner." Daniel's eyes lit up. "Well." He said. "Not that I wouldn't want to, but my teacher Miyagi, he hates fighting. He'll do it as a last resort, but we often look for ways to avoid conflict. Something I took for granted last year. I'm actually surprised you convinced him to let me come here." Nightwing and I sat down next to him placing our empty cups on the coffee table. "Well." Nightwing began. "He was initially reluctant to let you go. His policy aside, he didn't want you to get hurt. However I told him, that if you're ever gonna have balance in your life, you'll have to face this man sooner or later. On your terms of course. He seemed to know what that was like." Daniel nodded, I could tell by his expression that he knew what Nightwing was talking about in that respect. "Last year." Daniel said. "We were going to Okinawa to visit his dying father. I went with him because I felt like I owed him after all the times he's been there for me. I knew what it was like to lose a father, so I thought for once I'd help him out. Plus it would give me a chance to get to know him outside of California. He left Okinawa because his best friend challenged him to a fight to the death. Rather than accept and either die or live with the fact that he killed his friend, he left Okinawa. When he returned with me, the feud reignited, only quelled slightly from Sato's respect for Miyagi's father. Allowing him to see him and giving him time to mourn. However after that, he went through great lengths to make sure Miyagi accepted that challenge. They trashed his house, tried to kill me. None of it worked. Until he threatened to sell and tear down Tomi Village. It was then and there Miyagi reluctantly accepted." Nightwing and I finish our tea as we listen in. "Then what happened?" He asked. To which Daniel smiled. "Let's just say fate happened in the form of a typhoon." He said. "Satos house collapsed on him, Chozen initially thought he was dead. We saw otherwise. However he was angrier than ever, thinking that Miyagi was cowardly and gonna finish him off while he's helpless. Instead, using his strength he broke the board pinning Sato down in half and took Sato to a Pillbox we used as a storm shelter. Since then, Sato regretted his actions and his first act of kindness was helping me rescue Yuna. The little girl that was on the warning bell at the worst of the storm. After the storm ended, he helped rebuild the village. Ending the feud once and for all." Tears welled up in my own eyes, ones of joy. "If only all conflicts ended that easily." I said. "The last thing Miyagi wants me to do is fight again." He said. "However, he knows that if it's the only way to settle this, then what choice do I have? I look forward to the next week." "I won't lie to you Daniel." Nightwing said. "Next week is gonna make this week look like child's play. Bruce never went easy on me when I started training with him and I can't promise the same for all of you." Daniel reaches his hand out. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't know the risk involved." They shook hands before he left us alone. "I must admit." I said. "You're taking this a lot better than I expected. I could literally smell the fear off you." He chuckles nervously. "You got me Raven." He said. "I have never been so scared in my life. I now know what it was like for Miyagi whenever he had to fight for his life. I guess that makes me kind of an empath. Or at the very least a sympath." We laugh a little at his joke before I leave him be as well.

As the next week went by, we all worked out, execercising every muscle in our body. When we recovered. On the last day we sparred with one and other. Honing our abilities, but also learning how to bounce off each other. We started with one on one, then team fights. Daniel seemed to have gotten the idea as the training concluded. The week was over and we get ready. Using two cars to fit us all in, we wait at the beach dressed in our Gi. Daniel shaking as he looked around. "You ok?" I ask. Daniel nods. "Ya, it's like taking a stroll down memory lane from Hell." He said. "This was where it all began." Two luxury cars show up. Terry and Kreese step out of the first one, with a very weery Barnes, behind them. His two goons, Snake and Dennis. I remember them from my vision. 4 more people come out of the car. One was Slade. Two were fighters I never seen before. Probably extras that Silver hired. The last is...no it couldn't be. Bleach blonde hair, tall, has a look of anger on his face. It was Dutch. All of them in Cobra Kai uniforms.

"Hello Danielle. Long time no see." He said. Daniel had a look on his face, that was a mix of fear and anger. He told me about when Dutch hassled him in the tournament locker rooms. Daniel gave a smug smile. "When did they let you out of jail?" He asked. To which Dutch smiled and said "2 Weeks ago, Silver paid my bail and filled me in. I see you got yourself a gang too." "They're not a gang." Daniel spat. "They're my friends. I'm not surprised you kept in touch with them." Starfire, Nightwing and I stand next to him, backing him up. "So why aren't we pounding on these wimps yet?" Barnes asked. Shaking his head a little. Even I seemed concerned. "We're waiting until sunset." Kreese said. "This was where you and Johnny started this war, it's fitting that we end it the way it began. At night. So you all have a chance to take a breather. Or back out when you can." "What did you do to him?" I asked. To which Terry Responded. "Undid the damage you did to him. We figured your little ability was no different than that of hypnosis. So we deprogammed him. Using resources I copied from Brag." "You drugged him didn't you?" Nightwing said. Silver lets out a chuckle. "Yes I did." He said. "Drugs, strobe light therapy and everything we could to make him angry again. I must admit, I'm surprised to see you here Grayson. I wouldn't think the first heir to the Wayne Foundation would be hanging around with a peon like Daniel. Let alone fight alongside him." Nightwing glared at him. "Then you don't know Bruce well enough." He said. "I was but a poor acrobat before he took me in and when I make it through this fight, I plan to become a police officer. Just so I could put scum like you where you belong. Behind bars." "Wait a minute." Dutch said. "Is that Kory Anders the Supermodel? I didn't know she could fight." "Maybe I'll give you an autograph later when this is over." She said. "Only if you behave after." I felt a buzz in my head. It was Daniel talking to me telepahtically. Is she always nice to everyone? he thinks. To which I respond. You get used to it, but don't let that fool you. She can and will kick your ass. "And you must be Garfield Logan." Kreese said. "Heir of the Dayton estates and frequent collaborator for the Doom Patrol. If you were planning to hide you should have picked a color other than Green." "Don't think I haven't heard of you, Kreese." Changeling. "Cobra Kai may look cool and badass, but I can actually change into Cobras." I was shocked. Changeling is never serious unless these people pissed him off royally. "Donna Troy." Barnes said. "For what it's worth I am a fan of your photography." "I'm flattered." Donna says. "But that's not gonna save you from me." She cracks her knuckles loudly. The Cobras all stare at Wally before staring at Kreese and Silver. "I have no idea who this kid is." Silver says. Wally shrugs and says. "Wally West. Nephew of Iris West and Barry Allen. The best reporter and forensic scientist team in all of Central City." "How mundane." Silver says. "So the best fighters you picked are two rich kids, a Super model, a photagrapher and a nobody in boxing trunks." Wally couldn't help but flip Silver off. "This is gonna be easier than I hoped." he said. "Slade do you have anything to add?" Slade looks them over. Knowing full well, that the Titans are not one to be messed with. However he answers them. "This should be an easy win for us." He said. "Granted they had time to train, but it doesn't matter in the long run. When this is over I will kill you Daniel and anyone that stands in my way."

"Remember what I said Danielle." Dutch said. "Points or no points, you're dead meat. Pat Johnson won't bail you out of this one." Changeling looked at Daniel "You knew Pat Johnson!?" He asked. "He was the referee at our tournament." To which Daniel replied.

As the sun begins to set, by Nightwing's orders we get into position. Me and Daniel take the lead, with Nightwing and Starfire standing beside each of us. Wally and Donna stand beside them with Changeling at the furthest side. The Cobras take their own formation as well. Just 20 feet across from us. Silver and Kreese take the center. With Barnes and Dutch taking Silver's and Kreese's side. The two extras taking either side as well with Slade on the furthest side across from Changeling. As we waited we glared daggers at each other. "Remember." Daniel says "No matter what, have each other's backs. If they gang up on one of us we even the odds." We all nod to each other. The sun finally set and night officially fell. We charge at each other. Daniel and I were heading for Kreese and Silver. Starfire and Nightwing head for Barnes and Dutch. Donna and Wally head for the extras and Changeling heads for Slade. We trade blows to each other, beating each other senseless and blocking each other on one occasion to the other. Changeling using his abilities to enhance his strength and reflexes to surprise Slade. Donna manages go get an extra to the ground using a suplex. Kid Flash using his speed on the other to box the other into submission. While Nightwing and Starfire take on Barnes and Dutch. Kreese and Silver seemed to be the hardest, blocking everything we throw at them and even surprising us with a couple of strikes sending us back. Silver mananged to get a hold of Daniel in a headlock. "Go to sleep!" He shouts. Prompting me to knock down Kreese and kick Silver off of Daniel. Kreese backs him up trying to strike me from behind, but Daniel gives a well timed strike to his ribs. Barnes sees that Kreese and Silver are in danger and tries to ditch Starfire to join them. Prompting Nightwing to give chase. He knocks Daniel off. His rage 10x worse than what it was before. "You can't Kata your way out of this LaRusso!" He shouts as he starts striking Daniel. I tried to stop him, but Kreese and Silver had me outflanked. Kid Flash and Donna make short work of the extras and knock them out before out flanking Kreese and Silver. Making me free to kick Barnes off. "Remember me?!" I said. Barnes glared at me. "How could I forget?" He said. "Last we met, you messed with my mind. I'm gonna enjoy this." While Daniel backed me up. Just as he was about to strike, Dutch tackles him. Pinning him on the ground. "I waited a long time for this." He says. Changeling managed to get the upperhand on Slade, knocking him down. "That's for Terra. You one eyed son of a bitch." Changeling said. Slade can only smile at him. "Too bad you can't save your new friend." He says. Using his hearing he hears Daniel get pummelled on. He kicks Slade down and runs after Dutch. The sound of a Tiger's roar can be heard when Changeling knocks him off. Daniel gets up as Changeling knocks Dutch out. "That's three nothing so far." Changeling says. "Don't get cocky, Garfield." Daniel fires back. Next thing he knows, Beast Boy falls down. "Make that three one." He says before passing out. It was now Slade against Daniel. "I'm ready for you this time Wilson." He said. getting into a stance. They charge at each other, Daniel doing surprisingly well, holding his own against the mercenary. Barnes catches me by surprise and knocks me down, before trying to sneak to Daniel. I give chase and push him away before he could. Nightwing and Kory dodge and punch at Silver and Kreese. Gaining the upperhand. While Barnes and I are practically in a slug fest with each other. Kreese not one to accept defeat throws sand in Nightwing's eyes, before knocking him down and tying to beeline it to Daniel. He kicks Daniel and the two take turns beating him. Keeping him conscious so he'd feel every bit of suffering. "Your Slope teacher can't save you now Daniel." Kreese says. Before knocking Daniel on his knees. Daniel looks like he's suffering from the blows and ready to keel over when he realizes he's just inches away from Kreese's Crotch. With one good strike he punches Kreese so hard in the groin he falls over in pain. He tries the same on Slade, but Slade catches his hand. "I must admit kid." He said. "I never knew you had it in you to fight Dirty." Daniel smiles at him. "One of Miyagi's lessons's of defence." he said. "Always go for the primary target." Slade flashed a smile at him. It's almost as if they both gained a respect for each other. "I'm gonna miss you when you're dead." He says. "If it's any consolation, I'll make sure your teacher gives you a proper burial." Daniel glares at him, his smile turning to anger. He pulls his hand away from Slade's. Slade takes a swing at him, causing him to fall back but catch his leg with his own. Tripping Slade and causing him to fall down. Wasting no time, Daniel chops the back of Slade's head, knocking him out for good. It was now just Barnes and Silver. Nightwing gets up and gets the sand out of his eyes. Silver knocks down Kid Flash while Barnes tries to throw Me off him. Since there was only them two left, the others just stood by and watched. I grab Barnes and throw him to Donna while Daniel runs up to Silver giving him a well timed Fly kick to the chest. Knocking him down and out. When all was said and done, Nightwing, Daniel and I pick up Kreese, Silver and Slade. Slapping them to wake them up. "Remember our deal." I said. They look at each other and look back at us. "Fine." Silver said. "Slade the hit's off. I'll pay you extra for your troubles." Slade nods. "Sure. This mess aside it was good seeing you two again. It was like old times." "Defeat does not exist." Kreese said, still woozy from his balls getting busted. "Give it a rest John." Slade said. We leave them be and move back to Titan's Tower, but not before making a pits stop at Miyagi Dojo. We inform Miyagi of the win and ask to borrow his hit wine. I could only do so much with my own power, but even I have my limits. We go to Titan's tower Danny and Victor playing the orderlies and applying the hit wine to our bruises. "I gotta admit." Changeling said. "It was not like the movies at all. It was much better. We oughta do this again sometime. Maybe not a free for all, but tournament career. We need a strategy." "I already thought of one." Daniel said. "Early retirement." Changeling's jaw drops. "Are you kidding me!?" He shouts. "You were so good out there." "You weren't so bad yourself." Daniel said back. "You listened to what I said and you even improvised with that growl." "You're no slouch yourself." Nightwing said. "You showed great strategy, leadership abilities and you even earned the respect of one of our most hated foes. I wouldn't be surprised if the Legion's Karate Kid lived by your example. However, it's your decision." Daniel smiled at Nightwing and said. "Maybe one day I may join this group, or god forbid start my own. I'll take it under consideration. However, after surviving death twice now, I really got a chance to rethink my life. I think maybe I'll go to College, get a business degree. Maybe sell cars for a living. Give people the same joy I got when I got my first." "I know how that feels." I say. "Well, you're not going without one more surprise." Daniel blinked in confusion. "What kind of surprise?" He asks.

The surprise, was an all out BBQ feast with Victor working the grill. We invited Miyagi over and we all stuffed ourselves silly. Changeling seemed to get along with Miyagi the most. Entertaining him with the different animal forms. Taking on the form of a fly to see if Miyagi could catch him with the chopsticks.

Daniel and Miyagi left Titans Tower and made their way back home.

As the years went by we barely kept tabs on each other. My later Death and Reincarnation didn't really help matters in our relationship since he was now the older one. I heard he achieved his dream and got married, having two kids and a chain of dealerships. Miyagi went to Boston where he helped and trained Julie Pierce his war buddy's granddaughter. However upon returning to California he passed away in 2011. I laid some flowers at his grave.

Cobra Kai eventually came back when his former rival Johnny Lawrence restarted it. Intending to change it for the better. After a series of events, mainly caused by their rivalry, Kreese took over once again. Prompting Johnny and Daniel to put aside their differences and work together. With Johnny founding a new Dojo called Eagle Fang.

I was just about to head over to their house myself, because I heard some of the members of Kreese's dojo tried to assault his daughter Sam. However she has proven to be just as tough and resourceful as he is prompting Eagle Fang and Miyagi-Do to work together before even their teachers did. I visited the Dojo just after the students take a break from their lesson together. Daniel recognized me right away and prompted his daughter Sam, Johnny and his student Miguel to approach me with him. Much to their confusion and Daniel's delight. "Sorry where are my manners." He said. "Johnny, Sam, Miguel. This is Rachel Roth. We go way back." Johnny looks confused. "How do you two go way back?" He says. "She looks younger than you." "Actually she's older." Daniel says. "Nice to see the LaRusso Humor never died." I say. "We got some catching up to do."

We all go to the Dojo and sit down in the common room. "Your choice." Daniel said "Want me to tell them everything before we start?" Initially I was reluctant, but I feel I could trust Sam, Miguel and Johnny. Especially since Daniel vouched for them. So I nodded. Daniel explained everything, who I was, how I became a student for Miyagi-Do as well as the rumble we participated in between us and Kreese. "I still can't wrap my head around this." Johnny. "Neither can I." Miguel said and Sam just face palms. "There's no way my dad dated a Superhero." She said. "How can they date when she looks like she wasn't born at his age?" "Well." I began "When I first met your father we were around the same age. 17, however some circumstances lead to me dying once more. I was then reincarnated into a young Teen. Your dad would have been 40 the year that happened." "Look." Daniel said. "I think it's best we keep this between ourselves here. No one outside this dojo should know about this. Wait a minute." He looks around and sees Demetri standing there with a post training snack in his hand and his mouth open in shock the entire time. "How long have you been standing here?" Miguel says. To which Demetri replies. "Long enough to hear everything. Don't worry your secret's safe with me." He bows to me in respect. "I'm Demetri by the way." He says. "If there's anything you need to know that you don't know, let me know. Though if what you're saying is true. You probably know this dojo more than I do and..." He just prattles on. I talk to Daniel telepathically. My God he's more annoying than Garfield. How is that possible? To which Daniel responds Beats me, but his heart's in the right place. "Demetri." I said. "There is something I need you to do. I used to live in this dojo. My former room is just down the hall and on the right. I hidden some items in there, could you be a dear and find them? They should be under a loose floorboard." "Sure. I'll do that." He said. "I love a good treasure hunt." He leaves. "Sorry." I said. "The kid's nice, but damn does he talk to much." Johnny, Sam, Daniel and Miguel laughed a little. "What exactly did you want him to look for." Daniel said. I smile. "Nothing fancy, I hidden some items under the floor. On the off chance I came back and we needed to face Kreese and Silver again." We could hear the floor boards loosening up. "Found them." Demetri shouted. "Wait there's another thing in here." Sam looked at me shocked. "Plus." I said. "I figured your friends and family wanted proof." Demetri brought out three boxes. One big one and two small once. Placing them on the floor between us. "You can stay." I said. "You found them for me, so the least you can do is see what they are." I open the first box. It was just a pile of incense plus a stand for them. "I use these for meditation." I said. "The aroma is 10x more powerful than the ones you find at the dollar store. Good for putting you all in a proper state of mind." "I was never really into meditation much." Johnny said. "To be honest the inner peace stuff is still hard for me to grasp." "And yet you used to smoke pot in the bathroom. I'd have thought that would give you some peace." Daniel said. Miguel looked at him and said "You used to smoke pot? Why didn't you say so? Yaya could have hooked you up." I look at them both. "Damn." I said. "Now I feel like the old one. I was around back when it was illegal. We used to take down major drug rings in the 80s. Well I can tell you, aromatherapy is no drug, but if you're not careful it could make you see stuff you wouldn't believe were there." I open the second small one. This one contained one of my spell books. "I only kept that just to have something to read while I was there, do not even touch it." I mostly said it to the others, since Daniel knew better. They even looked at him "I'd listen to her." He said. The big box was my old Miyagi-do Gi. It still looks like it fit. "Wait." Demetri. "You had yours custom made? I didn't know we could do that." "I like the color." Johnny said. "Granted Indigo is not my thing, but it seems to fit well with the Bonsai." We all stare at him. "What?" He asked. "I used to watch fashion shows, because the models were babes. Doesn't mean I don't learn fashion." I shrugged and moved on. "Things are different though Rachel." Daniel said. "Before this was a fight for life and while we all had our fair share of street fights, this is more of a tournament thing." "Make no mistake Daniel, this is just in case Kreese backs on his word this time. I don't trust him any further than I can throw him and I can throw pretty damn far." I said. "She's right Daniel." Johnny said. "This was the same guy who ordered both myself and Bobby to cheat and you know how that happened." Daniel still felt sore over the injured Knee. "Alright." He said. "You can help us Rachel." "One condition though." Johnny said. "You have to spar with me. I want to see if what Daniel says is true." "Uh Johnny." Daniel said. "I wouldn't underestimate her if I was you." Daniel still remembered what I did with his friends, but Johnny was already going out the door. I take the Gi to my old room and get changed. Coming out and meeting him in the yard. Daniel, Sam, Miguel and Demetri go out to watch. I wink at Daniel and Sam, before Johnny and I bow to each other. I raise my leg up preparing for the crane kick. Johnny looks at Daniel as though wondering why I would so somethign so obvious. He fakes a lunge causing me to follow through allowing him to catch my leg. "Fool me once, shame on you." He says. I flip kicked him, just like I did Slade, causing him to fall over. as I land. "You got fooled twice." I said. Even Miguel laughed at that. He gets up rubbing his head. "Ok." he said. "She's who she says she is." "By the way." I said. "My condolances. Sorry about Tommy." Johnny was shocked. "How did you know Tommy?" He asked. To which I replied. "He, Bobby and Jimmy came to our Dojo to formally apologize to Daniel for their part of what you all did to him. How could I forget? The guy wouldn't stop hitting on me." Johnny laughed "Ya that's definitely him." He said. "You're alright Rachel."

Just as we're about to go back inside, Bobby shows up. I barely recognized him without his full head of hair, but I knew it was him. "I hope I'm not disturbing you guys. Amanda told me I'd find you here." He said. He gets one look at me. "Wait a minute." He said. "Rachel? Shouldn't you be about 40?" Daniel chuckled "It's a long story Bobby." I said. "What are you here for?" "Well when I heard that Robby joined Kreese I was looking for Johnny right away." He said. "Did you know?" Johnny solemnly nodded. "Ya I knew." His son? I asked Daniel. Ya. It's a longer story. He said. "We tried to get him to come home, but he didn't want to speak to either one of us." "I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about." I said. "Daniel can I talk to you for a moment?" Daniel nodded. "Sure." I then turn to Sam, Miguel and Demetri, smiling at them, but that was just a front so I could talk to them telepathically. They each felt a buzz on their head. Bobby doesn't know, so don't talk about it around him yet. Besides I don't think a pastor would get along with a witch. They all nod to me. Just as I left I hear Demetri whispering "Am I going crazy or did we just read her mind?"

We step back in the dojo and sit down. "Ok spill it." I said.

Daniel filled me in on what went on in his life. Johnny starting Cobra Kai, Daniel training Robby, the High School Brawl. Kreese taking over Cobra Kai as well as Robby getting arrested for crippling Miguel. His business nearly going under, his reuinion with Kumiko. Ending his rivalry with Chozen. His business saved by the girl he rescued in Okinawa. His reuinion with Ali. Last but not least the brawl at his house and his partnership with Johnny who is now the sensei of a new dojo called Eagle Fang. "Well I'm sorry your life took a few swerves." I said. "However, I'm glad you're able to reconcile some of the bad in your past. Just when I thought Kreese couldn't sink any lower he tries to have your daughter killed?! I'm tempted to go through with my threat." "What threat?" Johnny said as he walked in. "Years ago." Daniel said. "Kreese and Silver hired a hitman to have me killed. We agreed to keep the conflict between us if I bested him in a fight, with 6 of my best fighters. When Rachel and I made the challenge, he insulted Miyagi and her retaliation was to threaten to do things to him that would make 'Nam look like a funhouse." Johnny takes one look at Me and back at Daniel. "She's good fighter and I understand she's magical in a way, but she doesn't seem like the type to-" My skin turns red and two extra eyes appear where my eyebrows used to be. I then turned back to my normal self. Johnny was understandibly freaked out. "Ok..." He says. "Demon chick. I stand corrected...wait, were you holding back!?" "Would you have fought me if I cut loose. You look pretty scared." I said. Johnny chuckles nervously. "I won't lie, that is some scary shit." He says. "But I don't back down from a fight." I was impressed. The man was either very brave or very stupid. Daniel smiled not at all affected by my look. Which makes sense he did see it during training at Titans Tower. As Johnny stared at him I could hear his thoughts. Daniel banged a demon chick. I don't know whether to be proud of him or scared of him. I smiled. "Don't worry." She said. "I won't try to take your soul or anything. Are you ok?" "I'll be fine." Johnny says. "Though I do owe my pastor friend a huge apology. So what else can you do?" "I'm an empath." I began. "I can move things with my mind, read thoughts and feelings of others as well as make them feel the thoughts and feelings of other people." "Wait one moment." Johnny said. "You mean you can pretty much take how someone feels and make someone else experience. Their pain and everything?" I nodded. "For example, I understand you two want to end your feud." I say. "But there are some things neither one of you can get over. Even if you can stand to be in the same room together." Both looked at me and each other before nodding. "What I am about to propose." I said. "Will shock, maybe even scare you, but it may help you understand each other. I am gonna take the feelings you have against each other and I'm gonna let you both feel each other's pain. It won't last long, but it's gonna hurt." Johnny was a little hesitant, but Daniel had nothing to fear. "Well if it helps us work together better, then I'm in." Daniel said. "I seen her use this power before, against Barnes, I'm not gonna lie this may terrify you. It scared me at first too when I saw it." "I trust your word on her Daniel." Johnny says. "Let's do this thing." I take them both by the hand my eyes glowing black. "Now I want you to close your eyes and think of all things that hurt you." I say. "All the bad memories. The heartbreak. How your loved ones must have felt when they saw your bruises or your vulnerable moments." They both nod as I spread a little of my aura to each of them. I looked into their minds so I could keep track of how they're feeling. That way when I feel they've had enough I can stop. I look into Johnny's mind first, since I wanted to see how he felt to be in Daniel's shoes. He first experienced Daniel's angst regarding moving to California, experienced meeting Ali for the first time and experienced every punch, kick and emotional compromise that Daniel felt as though he was the one on the recieving end. The motorcycle incident and Halloween being the most traumatizing. I then looked into Daniel's mind. Watching him experience Johnny's moments before and after meeting Daniel. From his troubled Childhood to his life post Kreese ruining it. When all was done I let them go. Tears were already welling up in their eyes, but they wiped them off. They look at each other, with pity and remorse. "I had no idea you had it so rough Daniel." Johnny said. "It was strange, it was like I knew what it was like to be you." Daniel in turn said. "I had no idea you had demons beyond Kreese. I am so sorry Johnny." They both tearfully hugged each other, while I smile on. I look behind me and saw that Miguel, Demetri and Sam were watching. Each one smiling widely. "I guess, we don't need that sensei dispute protocol after all." Demetri said. They let each other go instantly. "I'm sure we'll have things to dispute over kid." Johnny said. "You didn't see me cry did you?" "Sensei Lawrence." Miguel said. "Johnny. If there's one thing I can teach you after everything you taught me, is some of the best badasses in the world cry the hardest. You've seen Rocky." Daniel smiled at Johnny and said. "He's not wrong. Rocky cried a lot in his movies and yet no one thought less of him about it." Amanda shows up not too long after. This is the first time I've met her and while I felt a little jealous, I didn't hold it against her. "I take it you two had an emotional moment. Don't let me stop you." She says. She gets one look at me. "Is that a new student?" She asks. "It's a long and complicated story Amanda." He said. "This is Rachel Roth an old friend of mine back in 1986." Much like Johnny, Amanda was just as confused. "Old friend?" She said "What did you meet her when she was an egg?" "That's the complicated part." I said.

We filled her in on how we met, who I was and the fight. To prove we weren't lying I showed her a small demonstration of my power. "So let me get this straight." She said. "You dated a Superhero. You two were the same age at the time, she died and is now just a few years older than how old she was when she met you. And I thought you were the only one that looked younger than your age." We all share a laugh. "Still." she said. "That does explain why you flipped out when Cobra Kai came back. Before I thought it was just blowing a high school feud out of proportion. But this Kreese guy seems to have it out for you." "I hope you're not mad he didn't tell you." I said. "Secret identities and all that." "I understand." Amanda "If I'd have known this before, I would have been able to be well prepared for Kreese, but then again if I heard my husband dated a Superhero back in the day, as well as had a price on his head from an assassin, I wouldn't have believed him." "Believe me Amanda." Johnny said. "I would have been on the same boat if I hadn't saw what I saw. Plus powers aside, she's a Miyagi-Do Student. There are only two others in America that have learned from Miyagi himself. Your husband and Julie Pierce." "How do you know Julie?" Amanda asks. Johnny explains to her what my powers were and that their "emotional moment" allowed him to see all of Daniel's memories. Including meeting Julie at Miyagi's Funeral. However all the talk about superpowers prove too much for Amanda. "Ok." she said. "Well you have fun catching up. I just wanted to let you know, the house has been cleaned. No blood, no broken glass and Alexa replaced all the furniture. It was nice meeting you Rachel, I hope you have some embarassing stories to tell me about Daniel." Please for the love of God no. I heard Daniel think to me. To which I thought back. I might have a few. Daniel did his best to maintain his smile, but I could tell he was groaning on the inside. "I'll let you know. It was nice meeting you too Amanda." I say, shaking her hand and getting a quick view of her memories and feelings. She leaves the dojo. "She's a good woman." I said. "Sane, but naive. Though I will always put her slapping Kreese on replay." Johnny and Daniel look at me both say "Can we see that?"

After an hour of unpacking my things, I finally got my old room back. With everything set up. Daniel and Johnny help me with some of my things. "I still can't believe this was your room." Johnny said. "I always thought it was some storage closet." "Well like Miyagi always said." I say. "Not everything is as seems. I'm surprised it was still in shape after all these years. Loose floorboards aside." "Well let me know if you want to hear embarassing stories about your Ex." He says. Daniel just glares at him. I smile and said. "I seen enough through both of you." "Good point." Daniel said. "Johnny, be advised she can read whatever you're thinking and feeling at the time, so if you have any fantasies about Carmen you want to keep under wraps, that she hasn't seen I suggest you block them." Johnny looked like he was gonna take a swing at Daniel, but stopped when he realized Daniel was right. "Great." He said. "Well there has been something on my mind. This concerns all present. How are we gonna make sure Kreese doesn't fight dirty this time? You were lucky he kept his promise 3 times, but he still would do something that will cripple our kids. And Robby, I love him, but I know he can be pragmatic." "Leave that to me." I say. "He doesn't know I'm back yet." I teleport to Cobra Kai Dojo. Walking in the door, I recognized Robby, Tory and Kyler from reading Daniel and Johnny. They all look at me glaring, as they recognize the patch on my Gi. "Who are you and what do you want?" Robby says. I could tell he's on the steps to becomming their leader even though Tory was in the dojo longer than him. Tory was already prepared to fight me. "Kid." I said. "Don't start what you know you can't win. Besides I didn't come here to fight." I glare at her, my eyes glowing black. She backed off a little. "Answer his question, Miyagi-Do bitch." She said. To which I respond. "I wish to speak with your sensei." I said. "We're old friends." They look at me in disbelief. "Liar." Tory says. "Sensei Kreese would never be friends with a Miyagi-Do student." "Just tell him Rachel Roth is here." I say commandingly. Robby looked at me, with some suspicion. "Keep her here until Sensei comes out." He says. "I'll be back." He leaves the room, but I use my abilities to follow him without moving through remote viewing. "Uh Sensei Kreese?" He says. I could see Kreese has gotten much older, yet is still the vile creep I seen in the 80s. "What is it son?" He asks. To which Robby replies. "There's a Miyagi-Do student here to see you, she says you know him." "Interesting." Kreese said sipping his cup of Sanka. "What is her name?" "Rachel Roth." He drops the coffee mug in shock, the mug shattering into pieces. "I'll be right out." He says. "Keep her busy until then." Robby was at first concerned, but didn't question Kreese's orders. I stopped my abilities as Robby comes back out. "He'll be out to see you in a minute." He says, turning to Tory. "We need to talk." He says. They both move to the next section of the dojo, but I could hear their conversation while Kyler, looks me over. "Are you kidding me?!" Tory says. "Sensei is afraid of this bitch?" "I know, it's hard to believe." Robby said. "But when I mentioned her name, he dropped his favorite mug. There may be more to her than she let's on." They stop their conversation and approach me again just as Kreese steps out. Maintaining his composure despite me already knowing, he was afraid of me. "Rachel Roth." He says. "I must be going senile, because you look like you've only aged a few years. The last time I saw you was in 1986. You should be as old as Johnny. To what do I owe this visit?" "I heard your Cobra Kais stormed the LaRusso Residence and attacked Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang." I said. "That one of your former students personally threw a kid through a window and your best student tried to kill Daniel's Daughter." "Oh that." He said. "Mr. LaRusso and I already made plans to settle that." "You didn't tell me that you went after Sam." Robby said to Tory. "What do you care?" She asks. To which he responds. "I don't, but you risked probation over a grudge? You're lucky they didn't call the cops yet." "If you two are done bickering like a married couple." Kreese said. "I believe our guest wants our utmost attention." I could tell Robby was lying about not caring about Sam, but I let it slide for now. "I heard." I said. "You plan on settling it the old fashioned way. Which I believe is for the best." "That's it?" he said. "You used to be so threatening back then." "I'm not finished." I said, my voice deepening into a demonic growl. Causing everyone to reel back in fear. "However." I begin. "I know you more than your students do. I know that even in the walls of the tournament, you are a sore loser who will cheat to win. I haven't forgotten about when you threw sand in Richard's eyes. Nor has Daniel and Johnny forgot what you had him and Bobby do to Daniel's leg." With the exception of Tory and Kyler, everyone looks disgusted at Kreese. Even Robby, whom from Daniel's teachings fought fair. "While I know you'll keep your word about not bothering them during training." I continue "I'm a superstitious woman. Should they get injured before they reach the All Valley Arena, or should your psychotic terminatrix here decides to go against your orders and assault the house or the dojo to satisfy her petty grudge. Or if god forbid they get struck by lightning. I will be there, I will stop them and I will make good on the threat I gave you in the 80s. You know the one." Kreese took a step back. Sweat was pouring from his face. "I'm glad we can reach an understanding John." I bow to him mockingly and back away from the dojo until I reach the front door. Just as I was about to walk away, someone grabs me from behind. It was Tory, who caught me off guard with a punch to the face. I stagger back. Robby was just behind her. "Tory don't." He says. However Tory doesn't want to hear the end of it. "You think you can walk in my Dojo and threaten my Sensei?! Who do you think you are!?" She says. I smile at her, rubbing my cheek. "You only got one free shot Tory." I say. She takes a swing at me and I use the drum technique to dodge and strike her. The other students come out and drag Tory back in. "This isn't over!" She shouts. I could hear Kreese reprimending her, but also complimenting her on getting the drop on me as it was just Robby and I that was out. "I want to talk to you." He said. "But let me get changed first." "Meet me at the convenience store." I go in there and I see a big latin man running the till. As I look for something to buy, I see the pizza slices on display. I decide to brush up on my linguistics while I was here. "Cuatro rebanadas de pizza, por favor." I say. The man impressed that I spoke his language. He spoke back "Claro, pero debo advertirte que no están muy limpias. Sure, but I must warn you, they aren't very clean." I smile and say. "Viví cosas peores que la comida sucia. I lived through worse things than dirty food." I pay him the money they cost and he puts them in two bags for me. One for two slices each. I come outside and see Robby in his street clothes. I hand him a bag. "Hungry?" I ask. He politely takes it. "I hope you don't think I'm here to spy on you." He said. I chuckle a bit. "If you had any malicious intent against me, I would have sensed it by now." I say. We take a walk to the nearest bench and have a seat eating our pizza. "So." He said. "You knew Mr. LaRusso back in the day?" To which I reply. "For someone who seemed to wash his hands of Daniel, you seem curious to know more about him." He stared at me for a moment, before smiling. "Well." He said. "It's not every day I meet a friend of his. I'm so used to hearing stories from my dad, as well as stories from Kreese. I can't help but wonder if there is more to it."

I filled him in on our past, but embellished some details. I didn't want him to know I was a Superhero just yet. "So wait." He said. "You, Daniel and a couple of friends, challenged Kreese to a Rumble?" "Well when you put it like that, it sounds ridiculous." I said. "But that's the jist of it." He chuckled a bit trying to imagine what that's been like. "You know for a guy that tries to avoid fighting." He says. "Mr. LaRusso seems to attract fights. You knew him and Sensei Kreese back in the day, yet you look like you're old enough to be my sister. I'd question how, but this is California. What was Daniel like as a kid?" "Well." I began. "I'm not gonna lie, he can be a real hot head sometimes. He's a nice guy, but people have pushed him around so many times, that he feels like he's always gotta be on guard. However deep down, he means well." "He certainly didn't mean well when he had me arrested." He said. "I heard about that." I said. "However, if you kept running or god forbid left town, you would have gotten worse than what you had. I heard about the juvie fights. You're lucky you only were there for a short time." I could tell Robby didn't think that far ahead, but he started to realize a few things. "Look." he said. "I have to go back, or they'll think I'm fraternizing with the enemy." "I understand." I say. I then shook his hand. Using it to read all his memories and feelings, before he left. I wait until he leaves, before teleporting back to the Dojo. "How'd it go." Daniel asked. To which I said. "Well, he agreed to my terms. He won't fight dirty, nor would his students disappear. I also found two weak links in his group." "Ya?" Johnny said. "Who are they?" "You're not gonna like this." I said. "Robby and Tory." Daniel and Johnny both look down in shame. "Robby is a lot smarter than he let's on." I said. "He knew better than to try to mess with me right away. However he has conflict within him, which I believe gives a great advantage. Tory on the other hand, oh my god. If anyone is likely to break Kreese's word for the win, it's her. She already took a swing at me, when my back was turned." "Doesn't surprise me." Sam says as she enters the room. "She always fights dirty."

"So what do we do?" Miguel asks, following Sam. I smile and say. "Well let's just say there are a few friends I know, that are itching to put their gi's back on."

I take my communicator out and pressed the alert button. In an hour, Dick, Wally, Garfield, Donna and Kori showed up. All dressed in their respective martial arts outfits. "I'm surprised they still fit you guys after all these years." Daniel says. To which Dick replies. "It's been a long time, Karate Kid." Daniel smiles at him before shaking his hand. Much to Johnny's shock. "You knew Dick Grayson?!" He said as he looked at the both of them. Dick glared at Johny. "Isn't that the guy that..." He asked. To which Daniel cut him off. "Relax Dick, he's cool. He put that shit behind him and when it comes to Kreese we need all the help we can get." Dick drops his glare and goes up to Johnny. "Lawrence." He said. "This man lead us well in battle, so I'll trust his judgement. However, if you do anything to remotely betray him, I'll hurt you without thinking twice." Initially Johnny was about to get tough, but he saw how serious Dick was and for once did nothing. "I understand." He said. "I can't promise we won't butt heads, but I would never do that." "So what do we do?" Starfire asks. To which Daniel responds. "We train these students with everything we know. Since we have enough teachers now, it should be easier to train them in groups, then switch the groups so they learn everything. Until they're ready, the groups you pick are under your guidance and protection. That includes you Johnny." Johnny nods in agreement. "That's surprisingly strategic of you Daniel." He said. "It makes sense though, with multiple styles it makes us more unpredictible. When do we start." "Tomorrow morning." Daniel says.

And so, we trained our students hard. Having them hone their styles before swapping them with each other. It wouldn't be long until they were ready for the All Valley, but with our help, they were ready to take on the world as well.