Homecoming

Honestly, being able to do things normally like everyone else is one of the best things in the world. People no longer look at you with pity and you are just that guy like everyone else. I know my rise to the top will eventually change this, but for now as an introvert, I savor this feeling of anonymity. I have successfully made it back to LA. I claim my bags and catch a cab.

"San Fernando valley, Reseda." I tell the driver. He acknowledges me and soon we are off.

I had informed mother that I would make it back on my own and she had accepted reluctantly. I did of course inform her that I was capable of walking on my own power and while she was thrilled, she hasn't seen it for herself with her own eyes as she seems to be waiting in anticipation.

30 minutes later I find myself back in Reseda. I direct the driver towards the apartment and then pay the cab driver once we are there, I then take my bags from the trunk and walk towards the apartment complex. The last time I was actually here, was the day of my murder attempt. I stop and just stare in distaste at this ugly place. I swear to move out of this hovel once I get some good amount of cash and just accept this dump for the time being.

I hear a door opening towards my right and I witness, Johnny Lawrence come out the building. I think he looks a lot better now to be honest, he's clean shaved, his eyes look well rested and he doesn't smell like cheap booze anymore and I immediately come to the conclusion that he may be on the road to fixing his cold relationship with that criminal he calls a son. I instantly feel some of the anger that I have buried rise up again in the form of an ugly beast. I quickly temper it with an icy cold façade.

He notices me as well and it is quite clear he is very surprised of the fact that I am already on my feet.

"Miguel.. it's good to see you man, and I see that you're up on your feet. That's awesome man". I hear his say in relief.

"Right. You look…clean? Made up with your son, have you?" I say back sharply.

He looked taken aback from my statement. He then says, "Yea. It's a work in progress thing really. But things have been working out. I heard Kreese help…"

I firmly interrupt him before he could go on a lecture I am in no mood to listen to, "How is that little criminal by the way? Has Juvie treated him well?" I say with a bit of malice. I know Robby is getting beat up by that beast Shawn and his group of hooligans at this point.

Johnny narrows his eyes a bit and then says, "He's fine. I know he can handle it".

'You're a shit liar' I think to myself.

"I see.. I guess he is not being treated well then. What advice did you give him I wonder? I certainly hope you didn't tell him to bend over in the showers, after all I do recall you being terrible at the whole giving advice thing." I say back to him in dark amusement.

I notice his face begin to redden in anger and also watch as he clenches his fist. I could fight him now and even surprise him with my new moves, but I am pretty sure he would eventually counter me and destroy me due the whole bullshit old man strength.

'Your time will come Johnny.' I swear to myself in determination. For now, I need to calm him down before things get ugly.

"What's the matter Johnny? Are you going to hit me? Are you going to beat up the kid who just got out of a wheelchair? Hmm? The same kid who was put into that wheelchair due to your own son and your worthless advice." My comments immediately sober him up and notice a guilty look flash in his eyes . I placidly watch him take a deep breath and unclench his fists.

"Look kid, I get it, alright; I get that you are angry with what happened. But you cannot allow this anger to consume you and make yourself an asshole, that is not what I taught you." He says with a heartfelt look in his eyes.

"Yes, you are right about that. But you also taught me to show mercy and have honor, and we all saw where that led me. I made the mistake of listening to you and that nearly cost me my life. I refuse to make a mistake like that ever again. You are NOT my sensei anymore." I tell him back without a shred of emotion.

"Miggy!!!" I hear the relieved voice of my mother. I quickly realize that she didn't go to work and was patiently waiting for my arrival. I look towards her with a smile and then tell Johnny in a clear voice, "I'll see you around Lawrence. Oh! And do tell Robby that I am waiting for him and that I haven't forgotten. Make sure to tell him that we still have a score to settle."

Johnny just looks back at me in some alarm. Before he could say anything, my mother comes into my arms and hugs me tight. I can feel her tears soak my shirt as she sobs in relief.

"Don't you have a son to visit, Johnny?" I say with a small tug on my lips essentially giving him the hint to fuck off.

He gives me a look that states that 'our conversation isn't over yet' and then leaves towards this car that has most definitely seen better days. He gets in, reverses and is out of the complex.

I turn back to mother and notice yaya coming out of the house as well. "it's so good to see you both" I tell them both as we all get into this shit hole we call home.

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A few hours have passed since my second confrontation with Johnny and my reunion with my 'family'. Naturally, both mother and yaya were thrilled that I was as good as new. We did have a discussion of when I should return back to school and karate. Mother was initially against the idea of me getting back into karate and was terrified of me getting hurt due to straining myself. But a little performance of some kicks and kata and she eventually agreed. Yaya obviously approved, but she was against me going to Kreese. She agreed once I told her that I would not break a promise made between two men. She still wasn't in approval but she did back down. We also came to agreement that I would start school again in another 4-5 days.

I realize that at this point in the time line, Daniel should be going to Japan soon, due that whole contract signing with Daytona. Unless, of course if he has met Silver already and that could potentially rattle him enough to not make the trip. Well fuck it, that stuff doesn't really bother me anyways. I do however come to decision to make it back to the dojo by the point of the new recruitments. I believe if I beat up Kyler or someone, it would prevent some of those bullies entering the dojo and could prevent Hawk from being lonely and then his eventual betrayal. It's half assed, but I cannot prevent Kreese from getting new blood. I should just try curbing their worst impulses and hope that I won't be carried along with them.

I also do need to tell Tory that I'm back. I didn't tell her, in the hopes of surprising her, but now I realize that it may have been a stupid decision. The girl has school, then dojo, then work and then get back home to take care of her mom and brother. Randomly showing up at her work would likely interfere with her work, which could get her fired. Showing up at her door step would likely piss her off.

'Fuck.. What do I do?'. I think to myself. I half heartedly decide to just meet her in the dojo then. Looks like I'll be spending the next couple of days chilling at home and working out can't let anyone else know that I am back.

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With the help of social media I find a recruitment advert for cobra kai. This is how I find myself in front of the dojo nearly five days after my arrival back home. I look to my watch and realize that I am already a few minutes late. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves, then put a smile in my face and then confidently walk towards the door. The bell rings as I enter and it is immediately clear that I have interrupted the class as all the students turn back and look towards me, I notice both Kreese and Silver standing at the head. I hear a couple of gasps and watch in some amusement as their eyes widen in shock and disbelief. I also notice both Hawk and Tory look at me with their mouths wide open. Understandable really, I was in no contact mode for the last five days. Pretty sure I would pay for that later.

"I hope I'm not too late to join in, sensei?" I ask with a smirk looking towards Kreese.

Kreese himself, I have noticed is standing there with his mouth slightly ajar. He quickly gathers himself, "No, not at all Mr. Diaz. you are right on time." I hear him say in that self-satisfied tone. I notice Silver observing me with a curious look in his eyes.

"So this is the boy you have spoken much about. I see why you are so impressed with him. For you to be back up on your feet after having what seemed like a life altering injury, I have to say I am impressed." I hear him say in a calculating tone.

"Thank you, Sensei…?"

"Silver. You may call me Sensei Silver." He says in a matter-of-fact tone.

I give a small nod in agreement.

"Well take your spot, Diaz. You are just in time for the initiation. I do hope you are well enough to take part in the activities?" I hear Kreese ask in an inquisitive tone.

"Yes, I'm ready sensei." I tell him back in utmost confidence.

"Good!! Class, prepare for combat."

All of us line up in a way that leaves the center empty, essentially forming a human barricade for the ring. I walk towards hawk and we do are standard fist bump greeting. Before we could say anything, the both of us notice Kyler and his fat friend walk towards us with a smug look on their faces.

"Hey look it's Rhea and is that Lip?." Kyler says in that self-satisfied tone, that makes you want to kick him in the teeth.

'Oh….it's fuckin on'