I DO NOT OWN COBRA KAI OR THE KARATE KID. THIS IS CHAPTER IS INSPIRED BY THE SCENE FROM ROCKY V.
Once it was decided that Ellie was going to participate in the All Valley Karate Tournament, she and Daniel spent every day training. They began every session with a healthy dose of kata and ended every session the same way. Ellie began getting stronger and faster every day. Daniel was having to really push himself in their sparring sessions.
"That's right Ellie, you got it, stay focused, find your balance." Daniel said as Ellie had lighting fast moves and managed to knock her sensei down.
"Are you OK Mr. Larusso?" Ellie asked as she helped him up.
"I'm all right, you were great." He said. "I tell you, Those Cobra Kais are not gonna know what hit them."
"Yeah, I'm gonna kick Miguel's ass." Ellie replied.
"Just remember the first rule of Miyagi Do karate Ellie." Daniel reminded her.
"Karate is for self defense only." Ellie repeated as Daniel gave her a fist pound.
"You're ready, Miguel won't know what hit him." He assured her. "You'll kick the competition."
"Just like Larusso Luxury Auto." Ellie chuckled.
"You know, Ellie...I know how you feel about the tournament; I was nervous when I went up against Johnny Lawrence in '84."
"Yeah."
"But Mr. Miyagi was there for me." Daniel said. "I know that a lot of people have let you down, but i'm not one of them, you know?"
"I know Mr. Larusso." Ellie replied.
"I'm gonna stay alive and I will watch you do good...and I'll never leave you until you're ready." Daniel promised. "Because when I leave you, you'll not only know how to win on the mat, but you'll know how to win in life too. Is that OK?"
"It's OK, Mr. Larusso." Ellie said, tearing up a bit.
"OK." he said. "Look Ellie, I was gonna wait until the tournament, but...I got a gift for you."
"Ah, Mr. Larusso, you didn't have to." She protested as Daniel opened a drawer.
"Wait a minute, this here is one of my most prized possessions." He said as he unveiled a white head band with a black sun pattern on it. "Mr. Miyagi gave me this and now I'm givin' it to you."
"Thank you." Ellie said, wiping a tear away as he tied the band around her head.
"It's gonna be like an angel on your shoulder." Daniel explained. "If i'm not around and you get hurt and you feel that you can't go on; that you're afraid, I mean. This headband is gonna be like me, coaching you. It's gonna whisper in your ear: Get on your feet man, cause Danny loves you! OK?"
"I love you too, Mr. Larusso." Ellie replied as they both hugged and shed tears. Daniel Larusso was more of a father to her than Campbell Wheeler ever was. He always cared about her and she loved him for it.
WE ARE DOWN TO THE LAST TWO CHAPTERS. NEXT TIME: THE ALL VALLEY KARATE TOURNAMENT. WHICH DOJO WILL BRING THE CHAMPION? REVIEWS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.