Dedicated to @AbbyWatson4, @Robby2Keene, @NewYorkDoll, LOVESTODOODLE, and @CamrynKissel

you just let me kick Silver's butt, right then and there," demanded Johnny as he and Daniel slowly moved past the growing crowd towards their table that currently seated Amanda, Carmen, and Yaya.

Doesn't he know what would've happened if we'd just attacked?!

Simultaneous feelings of fear and determination had crested over Daniel's entire body the second he saw the lean figure of Terry Silver step through the ballroom's open door, Silver's head held higher than he'd ever seen before. This was the very moment Daniel had been waiting for since he'd asked Chozen to train him nearly two months ago. He wasn't just willing to fight like before, he was ready to fight.

"Trained enough you are to at least not die while fighting enemy," Chozen had stated to his fellow sensei/student the day prior.

He had been being both honest and humorous, something that was very hard for Daniel to distinguish the difference between.

Something he and Mr. Miyagi definitely shared in common.

But something inside Daniel had stopped him from engaging his enemy. The real question was if the decision was based on reason or merely on his fears of once again losing to Silver's ruthless hand?

"And how would that have helped, Johnny?" questioned Daniel, irritatedly.

"Shown that we were the stronger Senseis. Or at least, that we wouldn't just stand there and take his stupid jabs," argued Johnny, frustration carrying his heavy voice.

Why won't he just listen to me!

"No, all that would've done is given him exactly what he wants," stated Daniel, firmly.

"And what's that, LaRusso?" demanded Johnny once again, his anger building with each sentence Daniel countered with.

"For us to play into his hand, fighting him in an open brawl. Is that really the kind of example you wanna set for all of these kids? After everything they've been through these last two years?" reasoned Daniel, desperately.

Now would have been a really good time for some of your advice, Mr. Miyagi...

"What is going on over here? I just saw Terry Silver talking to Mrs. Alexopoulos in a friendly conversation, which could only mean one thing, he wants something. And I assume from your expressions he talked to you two first," commented Amanda, sighing as she looked at both Daniel and Johnny who were just staring at one another.

She might not have known Silver as well as Daniel, but there was always danger when one of Daniel's old enemies became involved in their lives.

"Ask your husband," answered Johnny, abruptly before walking over to talk to Carmen.

Another day, another argument between us.

Amanda raised an eyebrow expectantly at her husband. She was clearly asking for an explanation and Daniel would have gladly given it to her if only he knew the answer himself.

"I don't know what he's planning yet, but right now, our full focus needs to be on finding the kids and making sure they're okay," said Daniel, placing one of his hands gently on her silk-covered shoulder.

Even with as gentle a touch as it was, he still had to hold back the instinct to flinch from the pain that hadn't fully subsided from his injured hand.

I really need to use some more of Chozen's healing herbs when this is all over.

Amanda nodded, understandingly, sharing her husband's worry for their kids' safety.

Luckily, they didn't have to look too far because most of the Miyagi-Fangs were already grouped up close to the door.

"There has to be at least fifty of them now, right? I mean, just judging from the sheer number of footprints that were tracked in," They overheard Demetri exclaim in dismay.

Please tell me Sam and Anthony's are with them...

The group that stood before them consisted of Sam, Anthony, Miguel, Demetri, and Eli.

"There you kids are," sighed Daniel, relieved as pulled both his two kids into a tight hug.

"Pretty sure Cobra Kai couldn't have killed us that quickly," commented Anthony sarcastically, though he still took the hug from his dad generously.

Amanda followed up her husband's action with a similar response, only with a less worried expression on her face.

"We're okay, Mr. LaRusso, don't worry," reassured Miguel, smiling comfortingly at him.

"Thank you," said Daniel, nodding gratefully towards his student.

A quiet thought suddenly appeared in Daniel's mind as he spoke to Miguel.

I've been so busy trying to prepare myself for our battle against Cobra Kai that I haven't made any time to talk to Miguel since he returned from Mexico.

He'd originally thought it best to stay out of the argument due to the fact that Johnny was involved and nothing good ever came out of them getting in the middle of each other's family issues. He'd learned that lesson the hard way with Robby, unfortunately. But he could've at least tried supporting him a little more.

I want him to think of me as more than just a Sensei, and not just because I'm Sam's father.

But it wasn't the time to dwell on his past mistakes when Silver's plan was coming to fruition as they spoke.

I know he'll understand my reasons later.

"So, what's the plan, Sensei?" asked Eli, awaiting Daniel's words with eagerness.

"We're going to stay here and wait for the fight to come to us, right?" confirmed Sam, looking at her father.

A unique fire always lit up in her eyes whenever she stood up for what she believed in, a trait she shared with her father.

"Okay, everyone just calm down," stated Daniel, politely as he watched his students talking rapidly, oblivious to any words that he attempted to calm them down with.

"He said quiet!" yelled Johnny as he walked up next to Daniel, nodding for him to continue his plan.

Did he actually just help me without throwing an insult?

Daniel nodded back in gratitude. It was a simple gesture that showed one another at least a little bit of respect.

"Thank you, Sensei Lawrence. Sam's right, we need to stand our ground. If we just leave the party then, we're giving up, but that doesn't mean we have to start the fight," started Daniel, confidently.

There was a sense of strength he'd always gained when teaching his students.

"Just be ready to finish it. Just like we've spent the last few weeks cramming into those heads of yours, " finished Johnny, jokingly.

Miguel laughed lightly at Sensei Lawrence's words, a small smile creeping onto his face.

"Not to question you guys or anything, but couldn't that just lead to another injury, like what happened with your hands?'' Demetri questioned, nervously as he eyed the large group of Cobra Kai students laughing together at a far off table.

"Yeah, I have to side with this guy because I don't wanna face Kenny Payne again," agreed Anthony, gesturing at Demetri.

Daniel looked at his son, concern once again covering his face, only this time it was over his son's panic.

He shouldn't have to feel scared to face a bully and it's on me if he does because I know that feeling better than anyone.

"I'm fine, dad," reassured Anthony, rolling his eyes.

Amanda patted Daniel on the shoulder, comfortingly.

"Oh, thanks, Anthony! No one really ever sides with me on the whole "no fighting" stance," smiled Demetri, happily.

"Eh, just figured you could use a win," shrugged Anthony, a small glint of kindness in his eye.

"He always can," teased Eli, playfully bumping shoulders with his friend.

"Just because we're scared, doesn't mean we shouldn't stand up for what we believe in. In fact, it's the exact reason why we should because everyone gets scared sometimes, but standing up to that fear is what makes us brave," stated Miguel, determination carrying his firm voice.

"That's exactly what I was going to say," added Daniel, smiling proudly.

He really has learned some great things from Johnny these past few years.

"Attention, everyone! It is with great honor that I'd like to make a speech on behalf of dear Yasmine's birthday," announced Terry from atop the stage, his arrogant voice shooting through Daniel's ears.

All of them turned around to face the stage, awaiting for his or his students' next attack.

Whatever he does, we'll be ready...

Rambunctious streams of claps echoed across the congested room, very few refusing the offer for such an exciting activity.

"Thank you, thank you, you're all too kind," waved Terry, modestly as he breathed in the praise of his audience.

I wish everyone could just see him for the monster I know he is.

"Now, as I was saying, this beautiful young lady is turning eighteen this year," continued Terry, gesturing towards the embarrassed Yasmine who'd isolated herself far from the stage in order to avoid any unneeded attention.

She might not have really cared about the whole karate craze that was passing around LA, but she still respected her boyfriend's feelings enough to avoid one of his enemies.

"Oh, how cute kids can sometimes be," laughed Terry, insincerely.

Sam rolled her eyes in annoyance at his stereotypical joke.

He literally just said how grown-up the kids are becoming and now he's calling them cute?

"Now, when you're as old a man as I am, you make a lot of mistakes, especially in your youth, that you grow to truly regret. Maybe even some that end up hurting you in more ways than you'd expect them to," said Terry, his sinister eyes meeting Daniel's.

"But I believe that there's always room for change and improvement so long as you're willing to sacrifice a few things for a better future. Which is why I am officially starting a new chapter in my life and it's one which involves all of you. I'm opening twenty new dojos across California this very weekend and I want all of you to come join in the celebrations by enrolling your kids in my class because trust me, they'll come out stronger than ever before. And hopefully in no time, I can expand even further!" explained Terry, talking with a passion that only a true advocate of the cause could.

He immediately gained a standing ovation for his speech (Yasmine's parents particularly praising their friend). But as he exited the stage, Daniel noticed his eyes meet a stranger's from deep within the crowd.
If that stranger is working with Silver, he can't be good news.

Daniel knew that if he let Silver overrun the rest of the dojos in California then, Cobra Kai's expansion would become even worse than he'd feared.

"Wow, some build-up for just a promotional speech," whispered Eli, unimpressed.

"But a scarily convincing one, nonetheless," added Demetri, nervously.

Aside from Demetri's usual nervousness, the kids seemed mostly unfazed by this new reveal, though he doubted they were being completely honest with their Senseis.

"How's that for a speech, Danny Boy?" Terry teased, knowingly as he and his students proudly waltzed over to the Miyagi-Fangs.

Daniel was sure that their overly confident expressions said more than enough for what Terry had been teaching his students recently.

Unless this isn't overconfidence and they know about what Silver's planning too?

He wouldn't put it past his enemy to involve kids in their disagreement because after all, he was doing the same thing, wasn't he?

"Why don't you just cut the (expletive) and tell us what you really want?" demanded Johnny, his eyes darting towards Robby as he spoke.

Daniel had to admit, he admired Johnny's unbreakable spirit in the face of danger when in proper quantity, that is.

"Simple, to teach all of you a lesson about which of us are the ones in control," stated Terry, winking at Daniel, menacingly.

What is he planning?

Bam! Sounded the front door to the ballroom as a man flung it wide open. The force of the user was so strong that it nearly flew off its bolted hinges and slammed the unexpecting Bert against the wall.

"No, you are the one who will learn who is in control," shouted Chozen as he stormed towards Terry.

"What are you doing here?" asked Daniel, confused, though his question would go unanswered as Chozen punched the smirking Terry in the face as hard as he could, knocking him through a nearby serving cart.

Author's Note: Sorry for the one-time use of expletive. I just didn't know how to sub out Johnny's swear word in that particular sentence. Lol.
Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this chapter because in the next one, things start to get really heated ;)