❝ the moment of truth. ❞

━━━━━━━☆

   REINA walked into Miyagi-Do Karate, her steps measured as she made her way toward the outdoor dojo. Once a girl uninterested in martial arts, she was now training in two different styles. She spotted Robby working on a punching bag and Sam stretching nearby. Neither of them noticed her as they began chatting about the previous night.

    "Maybe we should take a video of us sparring and post it on Instagram," Robby suggested.

    "Everyone already saw us at Valley Fest. No cared," Sam replied.

    "You know what the problem is? Miyagi-Do's all about defense," Robby said.

     "Defense wins championships," Sam countered.

     "Yeah, but people show up for the offense. That's why Cobra Kai is more popular." Robby defended. "All right? We need to show them we can fight too."

    "So what exactly are we supposed to do?" Sam asked, skeptical. "Go to the mall and pick a fight? Record us defending ourselves?"

   "It's not the worst idea," Robby shrugged.

   "It's a terrible idea," Sam scoffed.

    Reina cleared her throat, stepping into their conversation. "Actually, I think you're missing the point."

    Both Robby and Sam turned toward her, surprised to see her there. Robby raised an eyebrow. "Reina? Where've you been?"

    She answered, her voice steady. "I was in China for the last two months. But I'm back now." She paused, glancing between them before continuing, "And I'm here to join Miyagi-Do."

    Sam blinked, clearly shocked. "Wait, really?"

    Reina nodded. "Yeah. I've had some time to think. I've realized that defense isn't just about protecting yourself—it's about knowing who you are and standing your ground. I want to learn that, and I want to be part of this."

"Weren't you in Cobra Kai?" Sam asked.

"Ehhh, as an assistant, technically," Reina replied.

"And isn't your best friend... both of them... in Cobra Kai right now?" Sam pressed.

Both of them? Miguel isn't her best friend anymore so really it's just one—Caridad. "What are you trying to say, Samantha?" Reina asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

"Are you trying to be a mole or something?" Sam outright accused, narrowing her eyes.

    Reina's expression softened but remained firm. "I'm not here to spy on anyone, Sam," she said calmly. "I'm here because I believe in what Miyagi-Do stands for. And let's be real, Johnny isn't that calculated enough to put a mole in Miyagi-Do."

     "That's true." Robby couldn't help but agree. Reina couldn't help but look at him in surprise, wondering how he knew Johnny. Nevertheless, Robby exchanged a look with Sam, a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Okay. This is... unexpected," Robby said slowly. "But if you're serious about it, we can help you. Miyagi-Do's all about patience and discipline."

Sam smiled warmly, though there was a hint of forced sweetness to it, her initial shock fading. "It's good to have you back, Reina. I think you'll fit right in," she said, her tone overly polite but with a hint of something more guarded underneath. Reina returned the smile, feeling a flicker of relief. She wasn't sure what Sam's true feelings were, but she wanted to believe the words were sincere. She hoped, at least, that her presence wouldn't cause trouble.

"My dad's out front. I'll go tell him you're here," Sam continued, still wearing that fake pleasant expression. She stood up from her spot and gave Reina a tight, almost rehearsed smile before heading toward the entrance of the dojo.

Reina watched her leave, a sense of anticipation and unease stirring inside her. She could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken question hanging between them. Robby, still by the punching bag, was eyeing her with more scrutiny now. His expression was guarded, his posture less relaxed. After a brief moment of silence, he took a step closer to Reina, breaking the quiet.

"You sure about this?" he asked quietly, his tone a bit more serious now. "I mean, it's not like before at Valley Fest. Miyagi-Do's a lot more than just learning moves-it's about discipline, balance, and a whole mindset. It's not just some trend."

Reina met his gaze, her determination clear. "I know. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't serious."

Robby nodded, seeming to accept her answer. He paused for a moment before adding, "Well, if you really want to be a part of this, we're here to help. But it's gonna be hard. It's not just about what you can do on the mat-it's about what you carry with you outside of it."

Reina nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "I get that. I've changed a lot in the last few weeks. I'm ready for it."

Robby gave her a small, approving nod, then turned to focus back on the punching bag. "Alright. Welcome to the dojo."

Just then, Sam returned, walking back into the dojo with her father, Daniel LaRusso, by her side. He looked at Reina with a mixture of curiosity and concern, but after a moment, his expression softened. "So, you're back," Daniel said, his voice friendly but also gauging. "And you want to join Miyagi-Do?"

Reina nodded again, a little nervous but determined. "Yes, Mr. LaRusso. I want to learn."

Daniel studied her for a moment, then glanced at Sam and Robby, both of whom nodded in silent agreement. After a beat, he smiled warmly. "Alright, then. We'll start you off slow, just like we do with everyone. Miyagi-Do isn't just about the moves-it's about learning balance, respect, and how to carry that with you in your life."

Reina nodded, grateful for his acceptance. "Thank you, Mr. LaRusso. I'm ready."

Daniel's smile widened. "Good. Let's get started, then."

By "getting started," Daniel meant having Reina repaint the fence that desperately needed a fresh coat. As she dipped the brush in the paint and began to work, Reina couldn't help but be reminded of what Mr. Han had taught her in China-the "jacket on, jacket off" technique. At first, she hadn't understood its purpose, thinking it was just an odd, tedious task. But eventually, she realized it was about more than just movement; it was about control, discipline, and muscle memory.

Now, as she stood there, brushing the fence in steady, deliberate strokes, she saw the same lesson in what Daniel was asking her to do. It wasn't about the task itself-it was about the process. And she could tell Daniel was testing her in the same way. He wasn't giving her yard work; he was giving her a lesson in patience and perseverance.

Unlike the two boys who had tried and quit, grumbling the moment things got tough, Reina didn't complain. She didn't question why she had to do this. She simply got to work. Daniel noticed this immediately. He was used to people assuming that this kind of task was pointless or beneath them, but Reina didn't flinch. She just focused, making each brushstroke intentional, as if she were already learning something more than just how to paint a fence.

"Reina! You're on break!" Sam called out from across the dojo. "My dad's gonna take us for a drive." Reina glanced up, surprised. Without hesitation, she followed Sam toward the car, where Robby was already inside. Daniel LaRusso was at the wheel, and soon enough, they were cruising toward the beach club.

The silence in the backseat was broken when Robby glanced over at Reina. "I still don't understand how going to the beach is supposed to help us get students," he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with confusion. Reina leaned back, feeling the breeze rush past her as the hood of the car was down. Sam sat in the passenger seat next to her dad, her attention fixed on the road ahead.

Daniel chuckled, keeping his eyes on the road. "It's not the students I'm after," he replied, his tone light but confident.  "It's the parents."

"So you're counting on kids listening to their parents?" Sam asked, incredulous, her brow furrowing as she looked at her dad.

    Reina, without missing a beat, turned slightly toward the front seat and said bluntly, "Because if so, this promotion isn't gonna work, Mr. LaRusso."

"No," Daniel said, shaking his head. "I'm counting on parents doing whatever it takes to protect their kids. Look, I've tried everything else to promote Miyagi-Do." He glanced at Reina through the rearview mirror. "The Valley Fest brought us one more student, but we need more. If this doesn't work... nothing will."

They pulled into a hotel that was part of the beach club. The plan was simple: Daniel would network, hopefully making some important connections, and the teens would have the day to relax. That was it.

They had only been at the beach club for a few minutes when Reina decided to break away from Robby and Sam. She moved over to the dessert table, scanning for something that looked appetizing. As she searched, she suddenly felt eyes on her. Turning over her shoulder, Reina saw Caridad, Aisha, and a girl with dark brown roots and blonde ends watching her. Caridad immediately broke away and headed toward her, leaving Aisha and the mystery girl still chatting.

"Girl, I knew it was you! What are you doing here?" Caridad asked, giving Reina a big hug.

Reina chuckled, returning the hug. "I could ask you the same thing."

"Aisha invited me and Tory," Caridad said with a shrug, grabbing a sugar cookie from the table.

Reina's brow furrowed. "Tory?" She didn't recognize the name at first, but when she glanced at the girl with the dark roots and blonde tips, the name clicked into place.

"Oh yeah, she's new around here and just joined Cobra Kai today. She's pretty cool," Caridad added with a smile, taking a bite of the cookie.

"Anyways, you didn't answer my question. What are you doing here?" Caridad asked, raising an eyebrow as she took another bite of her cookie.

Reina hesitated for a moment, then shrugged casually. "Just here for the day. Daniel LaRusso's trying to drum up some support for Miyagi-Do. You know, get more students." Reina glanced around the club, not sure if she should add more.

Caridad's eyes widened in surprise. "Miyagi-Do? You? I didn't expect that."

Reina smiled faintly, not quite meeting Caridad's gaze. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it. Figured I'd give it a shot." She paused, glancing toward the rest of the group. "Seems like everyone's got their own thing going on, right?"

Caridad raised her brows, a tight lip smile tugging at her lips. "I guess so. But damn, I never thought I'd see the day you'd join the dojo." She glanced over her shoulder at Aisha and Tory, who were still talking. "Guess I'll see you around then."

"Wait, Caridad, are we cool?" Reina asked, reading the subtle tension in Caridad's body language. She could tell the girl was trying to mask some annoyance with a smile.

Caridad paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Did you not see the YouTube ad of Miyagi-Do dissing Cobra Kai? Calling us a snake in the grass? I just feel a little iffy that you joined them, not gonna lie," she sighed, clearly holding back frustration. "Why not join Cobra Kai?"

"No, and you know why," Reina replied flatly, her tone not giving Caridad any room to press further. Caridad opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by the arrival of Aisha and Tory. "Hey, Reina!" Aisha said, wrapping Reina in a hug. "How was China?"

"Hey girl. It was pretty good." Reina smiled, though she could feel Caridad's tight-lipped smile watching them. She then turned to Tory. "Hi, I'm Reina."

"Tory." The girl replied, giving Reina a blank look before squinting at her. "You're Reina? Like the Reina? The girl Miguel's been sulking about?"

Reina's eyebrows shot up. "You know Miguel?"

"Yeah, Tory's in Cobra Kai with us." Caridad reminded, a bit impatient.

Reina tried to downplay it, though she felt a slight knot in her stomach. "I'm sure he hasn't been sulking."

Aisha chuckled. "She isn't exaggerating. He really has. I'm not gonna lie, he seems more upset about you guys' friendship break-up than his breakup with Sam."

Reina's expression stiffened. She looked between Caridad, Aisha, and Tory, feeling the weight of the conversation shift. "I didn't realize it was that bad," Reina murmured, trying to process the shift in dynamic.

"Anyways, Caridad, we came over here because we're trying to see if you wanna get wasted with us!" Tory giggled, pulling a vodka bottle from her bag and holding it up proudly. "Tried recruiting that Sam girl you mentioned, but she's acting like such a nun," Tory rolled her eyes in mock frustration.

"Bitch, you already know I'm down!" Caridad hyped, her excitement clear as she flashed a grin. Tory laughed, wrapping her arm around Aisha and Caridad's shoulders, the three girls suddenly moving away, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they walked off together.

Reina watched them go, the tension from the conversation lingering in the air. She couldn't help but feel a bit left out, not quite sure how she fit into this new dynamic. The vodka bottle in Tory's hand, the carefree energy of the group-it was a different world from what she had just stepped into with Miyagi-Do.

When Reina finally made it back to Miyagi-Do, the dojo was quiet, with only the sound of Reina's brush sweeping across the fence. She was focused on the task at hand, trying to perfect the delicate strokes of paint on the weathered wood, when the faint sound of footsteps broke her concentration. She turned, surprised to see Demetri walking toward her, his face partially covered by a bandage over his nose.

"Demetri?" she called out, her voice laced with concern. He winced slightly, touching the bandage as if it pained him just to acknowledge it. "Hey, uh, Reina. Before you ask about my nose, some crazy old guy over at Cobra Kai attacked me," he said, his tone sharp with irritation. "And, trust me, he's lucky I didn't call the cops."

Reina's brow furrowed in confusion. "Who? Who attacked you?"

"Some old guy named Kreese," Demetri muttered, still looking annoyed. "He's one of their senseis, I guess. Total psycho."

Reina's mind clicked into overdrive. Kreese? She remembered Caridad's cryptic text about a man named Kreese being a powerful figure in Cobra Kai, and she had a nagging suspicion that this wasn't just some random encounter. "Did you tell anyone about this?" she asked, her voice a little quieter, tinged with caution.

Demetri looked at her, almost surprised by the question. "Yeah, I told Eli. But he just said, 'Snitches get stitches,' like it was some kind of joke. So, I guess... no big deal?"

Reina's eyes narrowed. Eli. She had a sinking feeling that this was a deeper issue than Demetri was letting on. "He threatened you," she said slowly, trying to control her rising frustration.

Demetri's defensiveness was immediate. He shrugged, the anger in his posture barely masking his uncertainty. "I know what you're thinking but what as I supposed to do, Reina? It's Cobra Kai. You think I could've taken on some psycho sensei and come out unscathed?"

Reina's gaze softened a little, but her frustration remained. "You don't have to just take it, Demetri. You don't have to let people walk all over you."

He exhaled sharply, the weight of his words hanging between them. "I'm just trying to stay out of trouble, okay? I came here to train, not to end up in the hospital." His shoulders slumped, and for a moment, he looked far younger than his years.

Reina's expression softened, a mix of empathy and determination in her eyes. "You can learn here," she said, her voice steady. "You can be stronger here. Not just physically, but mentally. This place is different from Cobra Kai."

Demetri looked up at her, a flicker of hope crossing his face. "Yeah?" he asked, his tone lighter now, though still cautious.

Reina nodded, a small, reassuring smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. Here, it's about balance. About learning control, respect, and how to fight for the right reasons. It's not about beating people up or throwing punches to look tough." She motioned toward the dojo's entrance. "Come on, I'll introduce you to the others."

Demetri hesitated for a second, his gaze shifting to the ground, then back to Reina. There was an uncertainty in his eyes, something vulnerable. He took a small step forward, and then stopped again, his voice quiet. "This is different from Cobra Kai, right?" he asked, almost as if he needed reassurance.

Reina paused, catching the uncertainty in his question. She met his eyes, her expression softening. "Yeah, way different," she said, a warm, reassuring smile curving her lips. "Now come on. The sooner you get inside, the sooner you start learning."

Demetri nodded, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He followed her toward the dojo, but for a moment, his attention wandered. He stared at the koi pond that surrounded the entryway, lost in the serene movement of the fish beneath the surface. After a moment, he shook his head, snapping out of his reverie, and jogged to catch up with Reina.

Inside the dojo, Demetri's nervousness began to fade as he was introduced to the others. They were friendly, welcoming, and most importantly-not threatening. A few of them were already practicing, but there was a calmness in the air that felt different from what Demetri had experienced in Cobra Kai. He could feel himself starting to relax, something he hadn't realized he'd needed.

As the afternoon wore on, Demetri found himself caught up in the flow of things, his nervousness easing with each passing moment. By the time they sat down for a quick break, he turned to Reina, who was still overseeing the training, her face full of calm encouragement.

"You know," Demetri began, his voice thoughtful, "I think I might actually want to join officially. I mean, this place... it's not like what I thought. It feels right, you know?"

Reina turned toward him, her smile widening. "I'm glad to hear that. It's not always easy, but you've got to want it. And I think you do." Demetri gave her a small nod, his confidence slowly building as he realized that, for the first time in a while, he felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.