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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆, Johnny walked into Smitty's diner with his jaw set, shoulders tense. The fluorescent lights flickered against the chrome and cracked leather booths. He spotted Kreese already sitting in the back, posture straight, hands folded like he owned the place.

Johnny slid into the booth across from him, eyes hard.

"Thanks for coming," Kreese said smoothly, like he was doing Johnny a favor.

"Let's make this fast," Johnny snapped just as the waitress approached.

"Know what you want?" she asked, pen poised.

"I'm not hungry," Johnny muttered.

"How's the corned beef hash?" Kreese asked, giving the waitress that predator's smile.

"It's fine," she answered flatly.

"I'll have it well done. And bring me a cup of Sanka. Red-hot. Just like you, dollface." Kreese winked.

The waitress rolled her eyes and scribbled the order before disappearing into the kitchen.

Kreese leaned back, voice lowering as if he were telling war stories around a campfire. "Reminds me of a girl I knew in Panama. Spent some time down there in '89, helping the Delta boys take down that son of a bitch Noriega."

Johnny's glare sharpened. "What the hell do you want?"

Kreese steepled his fingers. "Are you familiar with brumation?"

Johnny crossed his arms. "No."

"In the winter, some animals bury themselves in a hole and sleep there for months."

"That's hibernation," Johnny cut in.

"No." Kreese's tone was sharp, correcting. "That's for warm-blooded creatures. For the cold-blooded—snakes—it's brumation. A snake buries himself in a hole. But he doesn't sleep. He stays awake. All winter. Waiting for the right moment to emerge. And that moment... is now."

Johnny cocked a brow. "Oh, is it?"

Kreese's eyes gleamed. "Kid, I've been all over the world. After Cobra Kai shut down, I had to fight to survive. Ran strikes in Desert Storm. Trained SEALs in Afghanistan. All off the books. Buried. Waiting. When I crawled out, the whole damn world had gone soft. Society's weak. Kids today are coddled—getting trophies just for showing up. Something's gotta change. Someone's gotta stop the ass-kissing and start the ass-kicking. That's why we're here. The world needs Cobra Kai."

Johnny leaned forward, sneering. "You know, that's a nice little speech. The problem is, there is no we."

"I'm saying I can help you," Kreese pressed.

"I don't need your help."

"You may not think so. But those students—"

Johnny slammed his fist on the table, silverware rattling. His finger shot out, jabbing at Kreese. "You stay the hell away from my students, you understand? You ruined my life."

Kreese tilted his head, calm, serpent-like. "Johnny, we've had our disagreements. But ruined your life? Come on. You had no life before you met me. Remember?"

Johnny's jaw clenched. "Yeah, I remember. I remember you back then doing exactly what you're doing now—trying to find my weakness. But I'm not a kid anymore. And you're not my Sensei." He stood, yanking his jacket off the booth. His eyes burned with defiance. "There's only one sensei in Cobra Kai. Me. That's how it's gonna stay."

For a moment, Kreese just sat there, smirking like the devil himself.

Johnny pointed at him one last time. "You're right about one thing. The world may need Cobra Kai. But we don't need you."

He turned and stormed out, leaving Kreese alone in the booth, his cold smile never fading.

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

Stella parked her jeep outside the Reseda apartment complex, pushed her sunglasses onto her head, and climbed out. The California heat clung to her as she walked up to the door and knocked. A moment later, Janette answered with a smile that lit her tired eyes.

"There's my beautiful granddaughter," Janette said warmly, wrapping Stella into her arms. "You don't have to knock, honey. Just get in here."

Stella hugged her back, grateful for the familiar comfort. "Hey, Grandma. Where's Dad? We were supposed to have lunch today."

As if on cue, Nathan walked out from his bedroom, a manila file in hand. His sleeves were rolled up, the weight of work written all over his face—until he saw Stella. His expression softened instantly.

"Hey, hon."

"Hey, Daddy." Stella smiled faintly, hugging him tight. "You ready to go? I even turned it on Prime Country for you."

Nathan frowned, brow creasing. "Ready for what?"

The question hit Stella like a sucker punch. Her breath caught, and for a second, she couldn't speak. He didn't see it—but Janette did. She didn't like what she saw one bit. Stepping forward, she draped an arm over Stella's shoulders and fixed Nathan with a sharp look.

"Nathan, you promised your daughter you'd take her to lunch."

Stella let out a scoff, trying to mask the hurt, her eyes burning. "You know what? Don't even worry about it. It's fine."

"Stella—" Nathan started.

"No, Dad." Stella wiped her tears, voice cracking. "You don't get to apologize and expect me not to get upset."

Nathan's chest tightened like a vice. "I'm sorry," he said softly, the weight in his voice betraying his heartbreak as he watched his little girl unravel in front of him.

"You know, after Mom died, I took on the parent role while you were out working. I made sure August got to school, made sure he had what he needed. When he was sick, I was the one who stayed up all night with him. Not you. You were gone. Always working." Tears streamed freely now.

"Stella, I was there—"

"Nathan, shut the hell up and listen for once," Janette snapped, her voice sharp as a whip.

Stella pressed on, her voice shaking with anger and grief. "Look, I know you're hurting, but August and I are hurting too. Do you even know why he joined Cobra Kai?"

Nathan shook his head slowly. "He wanted to try something different."

Stella scoffed. "No. He joined because he couldn't handle losing Mom. And me? I've been handling my own battles, but you wouldn't know, because you weren't here." Her voice broke as she headed for the door. "Anyway... when you're done with work, let me know. Or don't. I really don't give a shit."

The door slammed behind her.

Nathan exhaled hard, shoulders sagging, and set the file down on the table. He braced his hands on the back of a chair, head hanging.

Janette looked at him with disappointment etched across her face. "You know who you remind me of right now? Your father."

"Ma—"

"Your daddy worked harder than anyone I knew, sunup to sundown on that ranch. But even he understood family came first. Same as Ava. That girl lived for those kids. And she'd be brokenhearted if she saw Stella carrying weight that should've been yours."

Nathan dropped heavily into a chair, voice hoarse. "So why Cobra Kai?"

Janette's voice softened, thick with her own grief. "Because August was drowning after losing his mama. And Stella—she's fighting her own battles too. There's a pack of Beverly Hills girls, rich little things. They've been tormenting her, calling out that she doesn't have a mother. She gets it every single day."

Nathan's face crumpled, raw anguish flashing through his eyes. "Why didn't she tell me?"

"She tried. But she shouldn't have had to."

Nathan ran a hand over his face, his voice breaking. "Ma, I've got to fix this. I can't lose them too. Not after..." He glanced at the photo of Ava on the wall, his throat tightening. "God, I miss her so damn much, Mama. I miss my Baby Blue." His voice cracked, grief tearing out of him in waves as he pressed a hand over his eyes.

Janette slid beside him, pulling her rugged, brokenhearted son against her. She kissed his temple gently. "I know you do, honey. I know. But Ava's gone. And those kids? They're still here. They need their father. And you—you need them. Don't let your grief take you out of the fight."

Nathan nodded against her shoulder, silent tears running down his face.

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

Later that afternoon, August and Hawk rolled up to the Cobra Kai dojo, still buzzing about cars and the freedom that came with driver's ed.

"All right, so I get my license next week. My mom's gonna give me her Sentra. I think I'll slap a blue racing stripe down the middle, hood to tail," Hawk said, puffing out his chest.

"Subtle. I like it," August deadpanned, which only made Hawk laugh harder.

As they neared the door, they spotted a cluster of teens loitering outside.

"Looks like we got some new students," August said.

"Fresh meat," Hawk grinned, thumping his chest before swaggering over. August followed, head high but clearly less eager.

"Check this out."

"Don't. C'mon, man," August muttered.

Hawk ignored him. "Hey, mouth-breathers, move it."

"Sorry, I'll get the door," one of the boys stammered, fumbling to pull it open.

"So you wanna be Cobra Kais, huh?" Hawk sneered, throwing up a fist and lunging forward just enough to make them flinch. "You've got a long road ahead of you."

Inside, both boys froze. The big mirror at the back was shattered, glass scattered across the mat, and scorch marks scarred the wall.

"What the hell happened here?" August asked.

Aisha shrugged. "Looks like Sensei threw a party."

"Must've been pretty sick if fire got involved," Hawk said with a half-smirk, though his eyes darted uneasily.

August scanned the room, jaw tight. This wasn't a party. It looked like a warzone.

The chatter from the newbies grew louder until—

"QUIET!"

The dojo snapped to silence as Johnny stormed out of his office, black gi sharp against his frame. His eyes locked on the kids by the door.

"The dojo's closed to new students today." His voice was flat, dangerous.

"We just wanted to sign up, after we saw the tournament—" one of them tried.

"Do I need to say it again? Get out!" Johnny barked, pointing toward the exit. The group scattered.

"Move it! Come back tomorrow. And bring your checkbooks," he called after them, before turning on his students. "Everyone, fall in!"

The class lined up. Hawk grinned. "Must've been a rager, Sensei."

"Yeah, were you celebrating all weekend?" August asked carefully.

"Celebrating what? My students are a bunch of pussies." Johnny's glare cut through them. "Walker, Hawk. Up front!"

The two boys hesitated before stepping forward. Johnny began to circle them like a predator.

"Hawk, did you attack your opponent when his back was turned?"

"Yes, Sensei," Hawk answered, confused.

"Walker, did you purposely attack your opponent's injury?"

"Yes, Sensei," August said firmly.

Johnny stopped, glaring between them. "You think that makes you badass?"

The boys faltered, exchanging uneasy glances.

"What's the matter? Too tough a question?" Johnny snapped. "Maybe you need some help. Ms. Robinson!"

"Yes, Sensei," Aisha said, stepping forward.

"Two cobras in the jungle. One kills the strongest lion. The other kills a crippled monkey. Which cobra do you wanna be?"

"The one that killed the lion, Sensei."

"And why is that?"

"Because it killed a stronger animal."

"Correct!" Johnny's voice boomed. "Cobra Kai is about being badass. And the baddest badass is the one who beats his opponent when he's at his strongest. Not when his back is turned. Not when he's injured. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sensei!" the class roared back.

"That means no more cheating. No more fighting dirty. From here on out, those are pussy moves. And you don't wanna be pussies, do you?"

"No, Sensei!"

"Good. That's why I had you wear your white belts. We're starting over." Johnny's tone was final, cutting. He turned back to August and Hawk. "Walker, Hawk—fifty pushups on your knuckles. Ms. Robinson, warm them up."

Aisha nodded sharply. Johnny stalked back into his office without another word, leaving August and Hawk to drop to the floor, knuckles grinding into the mat as they started their pushups.

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

Nathan parked his truck outside Stella's complex. He got out and locked it behind him, he gripping a small box in one hand and her favorite flowers in the other. After taking the elevator up to the 17th floor, he took a deep breath before heading down the hall, praying she'd open the door.

When Stella finally did, she leaned against the frame, sarcasm cutting sharp. "Well, you showed up. Must be a big deal."

"Stell... I'm not here to fight. I just want to talk. No yelling, no fighting. Just us." Nathan's voice was low, steady—pleading.

With a sigh, she stepped aside, and he followed her into the apartment. They sat on the couch. Nathan set the flowers and the box carefully on the table, like they mattered more than they should.

"So?" Stella asked. "Why are you here, Dad? Thought we said everything already."

"I came to apologize," Nathan said quietly. "I didn't see what was happening at school. I should've. I'm so sorry. If you want to tell me now... I'll listen."

Her jaw tightened. "What's the point? It's over."

"Stell..." His voice cracked just slightly. "Please. I'm trying."

She looked so much like a lady
But she was so much like a child

Stella fiddled with the string of her blouse, eyes down. "There's this group—Rich Clique from Bel Air. It's like they've had it in for the girls and I since we moved here. Especially me, because I don't have Mom anymore. I get iced out, laughed at. Snubbed constantly."

Nathan's chest ached. "God, Stella, I didn't know. I was buried in my own grief, and I missed yours. That's on me. But you're my little girl. You always will be. I don't care how old you get. I just hope you can forgive me."

She always held it deep inside, but somehow I always knew, she'd go away when the grass turned green, and the sky turned baby blue

Stella's tears spilled before she could stop them. She threw her arms around her father. "Of course I forgive you, Daddy. I love you so much, and I never meant what I said before. I was just—hurt."

He held her tight, eyes burning. "I love you too, Stella Blue. More than anything. I should've been stronger for you."

Nathan looked at the photo of Ava on the wall, his voice soft. "I know I have to go on, but I can't bring myself to do it. How could I? She brought colors to my life that my eyes had never touched. How do you let go of that?"

Like a breath of spring she came and left, and I still don't know why so, here's to you and whoever holds my baby blue tonight

"There's no timeline on grief. It hits when it hits. You taught me that." Stella said

Nathan let out a watery chuckle. "How is it the kid's got more wisdom than the parent?"

"Because I was raised by the best." She smiled faintly.

Nathan held his daughter close as he smiled at the photo of him and Ava on the wall. "Your mom was so proud of you. And I am too. Don't ever doubt that."

"Thanks, Daddy."

Nathan smiled as the two stood up, and walked to the kitchen. "Picked these up for you. Knew they were your favorite." He said, as he gave the pink carnations to her.

Stella smiled, then walked to the cabinet to grab a vase. "Thanks daddy. Listen, there's something I need to tell you. Just... don't freak out."

Nathan leaned against the counter, one hand on his hip, already bracing. "No promises."

"You know Johnny—August's sensei?"

Nathan's eyes narrowed. "Yeah."

"Well... he came over last night. We talked. And... I like him. We like each other. We're seeing where it goes." Stella said

Nathan exhaled, his brow furrowing slightly. "Stella... out of all the people you could've picked... you like him?" His tone wasn't harsh or judgmental—just protective, concerned.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Don't get worked up just yet, Dad. We're not even dating. We're just... seeing where it goes."

Nathan dragged a hand through his hair. He'd seen it coming—the glances, the way Johnny's eyes softened when she was around, the way Stella lit up in spite of herself. Still, hearing it out loud twisted something sharp in his gut.

"You're sure this is what you want?" His tone was heavy, reluctant.

"Yes. At first, he drove me crazy. Now... I just want to be around him."

Nathan was quiet for a long moment, then he finally exhaled. "Well, if this is what you want, I'll support you, but if he hurts you, I hope he knows, I know how to use a gun."

She rolled her eyes, laughing through the tension. "Dad."

"What? Just making myself clear." He softened, standing. "I should get going. But... how about lunch tomorrow? My treat."

Her face brightened. "I'd love that." She hugged him tight. "Be careful. I love you."

"I love you too, Stella Blue." He kissed the top of her head before walking out into the fading afternoon light.

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

The house was still. Reseda was quiet in a way that never felt natural to Nathan—it was too far from the ranch life he once knew, too full of ghosts he couldn't outrun. He lay in bed staring at the ceiling, listening to the soft rhythm of his son's breathing down the hall and the faint hum of the refrigerator from the kitchen.

Janette was asleep in her own room, doors closed, her presence just down the hall. She had been his anchor more times than he could count, and yet tonight, that old ache pressed in so deep it felt like it might hollow him out from the inside.

He rolled over, checked the clock on the nightstand. 3:30 AM. The red digits burned in the dark like some kind of omen.

When his eyes opened again, everything was... different.

The room felt heavier and lighter all at once, humming with a warmth that shouldn't exist in the middle of the night. The sheets shifted, and that's when he saw her.

Ava.

Laying beside him, her golden hair spilling across the pillow like sunlight, her favorite nightgown—the ivory silk one he never could stop looking at—floating around her like a whisper. For a second, he forgot how to breathe.

"Ava..." His voice cracked like old wood.

She turned her head toward him, that same soft smile tugging at her lips, the one that always said you're mine, no matter what storms we've walked through.

"I'm here," she whispered, her voice like wind through the trees—light, but so real it shattered him.

He couldn't stop himself. He reached for her hand, fingers trembling when they brushed her skin—warm, impossibly real.

"I don't understand," he rasped, his throat tight. "Why'd you have to go? Why'd you leave me here to figure all this out on my own?" His chest heaved like he'd been running. "I can't keep doing this without you. I don't know how."

Her eyes—God, those hazel eyes—held him steady, the way they always had. She didn't speak, just waited, like she always did when he needed to get it all out.

"You can," she said softly. "You've been doing it, Nathan. Even when it feels like you're breaking—you've never stopped loving them."

He swallowed hard, voice rough as gravel. "August... he won the All Valley. You'd be so proud of him. He's got your fight. Your heart. Every time he steps on that mat, it's like I'm watching a piece of you out there."

Her smile deepened, tears glinting in her eyes. "That's because I'm still there. In him. In both of them."

His mouth quirked into a broken smile. "And Stella... she's about to finish nursing school. You'd love her grit. She reminds me so much of you when you were her age—wild and stubborn, but soft where it matters." His jaw tightened. "She's got someone now. Johnny. You'd hate that at first." A short, humorless laugh escaped him. "Hell, I do. But... he looks at her like I used to look at you. Like nothing else matters."

Nathan pressed his palms to his face, dragging them down slowly. "Why, Ava? Why'd you have to leave when everything in me still needed you?" His voice broke, raw and unguarded. "I'm doing my best for them. God knows I'm trying. But some nights... like tonight... I feel like I'm drowning."

Ava leaned in, her forehead touching his, and for one impossible second, he swore he could feel her breath. Her voice was steady, like a prayer:

She leaned in, her forehead touching his, and for one impossible second, he swore he could feel her breath. "Because you're stronger than you believe," she whispered. "And when it hurts the most... I'm closer than you think."

When he looked again, Ava was gone.

The sheets were cold. The clock still read 3:30.

Nathan lay there, staring at the ceiling, his chest aching like someone had carved out the center of him. He turned his head toward the picture frame on the nightstand—the one of Ava in the garden that summer, sunlight tangled in her hair.

His voice was a whisper meant for no one but her. "I'll keep going. For them. For you. But I swear, Ava... it'll never stop hurting."

A single tear slid into his pillow as the night stretched on, silent and merciless.

Baby blue was the color of her eyes, baby blue like the Colorado skies, like a breath of spring she came and left, and I still don't know why so, here's to you and whoever holds my baby blue tonight