Dedicated to @AbbyWatson4, @Robby2Keene, @NewYorkDoll, LOVESTODOODLE, and @CamrynKissel for their fantastic support on my Cobra Kai stories :)

And a special shoutout to my two new writing supporters, @Krystal1601, and M_Mazariegos for their amazing support of my work! It means a lot to me :)

"So, you're the one who's been bullying my little brother?" demanded Shawn as he and Eli locked eyes amongst the many enemies that surrounded both fighters.

Out of all the dojo members that had stood across from him, Shawn's gaze immediately had fallen upon the fighter known as Eli, the very person whom his brother couldn't defeat. He cringed slightly, the memories of his days as the menacing Hawk rushing back to him like a raging river, temporarily washing away all thoughts of the good times with his friends.

He knew all too well that he'd never be able to live down those awful times, just as he would never forget the bullies who'd tortured him for his lip deformity for all those years.

The best thing I can do is to accept those feelings so I never hurt anyone again. Because seeking revenge got me nowhere, I just wish I could've seen that earlier.

"Look, I'm sorry for that, all of it, but I'm not that person anymore," explained Eli, shifting his feet uncomfortably.

"Next time, say that to my brother before you beat him down," snapped Shawn, fury crawling its way into every word he spoke.

"Then, I guess I'm gonna have to kick your butt," stated Eli, fiercely readying his fists.

He was the first to strike, grabbing Shawn's right arm and twisting it to the side. He preferred to use his Miyagi-Do skills but he could tell his enemy relied far more on brute strength than actual skill so, the way of the fist might be a more ample choice this time.

"That really the best you got?" Taunted Shawn through gritted teeth, elbowing Eli in the ribs roughly.

He stumbled backwards slightly, releasing Shawn from his grip, though still remaining balanced on the heels of his feet.

"Not even close," smirked Eli, taking a second to calm his mind before once again charging his enemy head-on.

The two teenagers crashed through a refreshment table, their fancy clothing now soaked in various colored liquids.

Good thing Demetri chose those disposable plastic cups for these drinks instead of glass...

They both moaned quietly as they pushed themselves back to their feet, Eli rebounding several moments quicker.

"We don't have to do this, you can be better than Robby," reasoned Eli, honestly.

The whole cliche of convincing your enemy that they're a good person was usually Miguel's type of thing, but Chozen taught him to be more understanding of others, even if that involves someone like Shawn Payne. A lesson Johnny and Daniel had taken far too long to learn, unfortunately.

"Redemption can always be found, but you must be willing to accept it first," Chozen's words rang throughout Eli's mind as he faced his enemy with a look of compassion.

"I'm not one of those lost puppies on the street waiting to be saved by some sympathetic idiot. And don't you dare compare me to Robby!" shouted Shawn, lunging forward.

He wrapped both arms around Eli's upper chest, lifting him off the ground before slamming him roughly against the glossy tile floors that rested under them.

Eli coughed, wiping several broken tile shards off his bruised chest. His shirt was now torn in multiple places, revealing jagged cuts that shone red beneath the white glowing lights. As he attempted to stand up, his right leg was pulled aggressively, hitting his chin forcefully against the ground.

"I thought you were Miyagi-Do's best?" Questioned Shawn, looming over his injured enemy just as a hawk does its prey.

You have to get up and fight! Do it for your friends!

Eli used his exposed leg to sweep Shawn's, knocking him to the ground with a loud thud! He quickly willed himself to his feet, trying his best to ignore the pain currently emulating from his most likely reinjured ribs.

"I'm not Miyagi-Do's best because no one is. Miyagi-Do's a community, not a single person and if you can't see that then, you're even more stupid than I thought," stated Eli, determinedly.

Shawn looked up at him, reproachfully.

"You don't deserve to fight alongside my brother, anyway," spat Shawn, panting.

"Then maybe that's a good thing," declared Eli before spin-kicking Shawn powerfully in the face.

No one gets away with hurting my friends.

Out of the corner of his eye, Eli saw Chozen locked in combat with Terry, their fists clashing against one another's.

C'mon Sensei, you can do this!