"Where is he?" thought Terry as he sat at a battered wooden table in the back of a bar, tapping his foot impatiently. The air smelled like a mix of cheap beer and fresh sweat. As Terry looked around, he saw people rangeing in various appearances sitting at cramped tables or on wobbly bar stools as they talked incessantly about their daily problems. The whole place brought back memories of his days as a cocaine-obsessed con man.

"Those were the days," muttered Terry as he took a generous swig of the beer he'd ordered (plainly out of courtesy of the brewer).

He was immediately met with a refreshingly cold taste which seemed to demand another chance to impress.

"Surprised you wanted to meet at this joint," scoffed Mike Barnes as he dropped into the chair opposite of Terry.

"I figured you'd be more "friendly" if we met somewhere a little closer to home," commented Terry, a grin slowly forming on his face.

Mike just smirked before calling a waiter over and requesting another set of drinks to be delivered to their table.

"So what's the plan?" asked Mike as he popped the cap off of his beer, letting it carelessly drop to the floor with a distinctive clank.

"You'll find out on a need to know basis but for now, your job is to train a student of mine," explained Terry.

Mike looked at him inquisitively before pouring some of the beer into his mouth.

I have to say, I admire his curiosity.

"Okay, what's their name?"

"He's a younger student but even so, he has much more talent than most. His name is Kenny Payne," answered Terry, swinging his arms outward for dramatic effect.

Mike stared at him questioningly for a few seconds, deciding whether or not he trusted him.

Well, if he's questioning my honesty then let's give him a prize for his time, shall we?

"Don't worry, Mr. Payne will be an excellent student. Plus, when all is said and done, Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang will be no more. And your son will shed his weak exterior and become a fierce cobra once more, just as his father is," stated Terry.

Through Mike's stern facial expression, he could see a shimmer of hope.

Good. Let him hope.

"Let's get a move on then," smirked Mike, gulping down the last sip of his beer.

Once a cobra, always a cobra.

Terry immediately drove them to the dojo so Mike could get acquainted with his new trainee.

What's the point in wasting time when there's goals to be achieved?

The doorbell softly rang as the two sensis entered the dojo with an air of certainty. All his students (with the exception of Robby Keene) were already warming up for the day's lesson.

"Class, I'd like to meet your newest Sensei, Mike Barnes," announced Terry proudly as Mike stepped forward.

His muscular shoulders paired with his cold expression gave him just the look of intimidation that Terry had hoped for. The students all quickly got to their feet and respectfully bowed.

Nice to see they've learned their lesson.

"Hey, are you the famous wrestler, Mike Barnes?" commented Piper eagerly as she made her way to the front row.

"In the flesh," smiled Mike proudly as flexed his arms boastfully.

"Nice," smirked Kyler, nodding his head.

"Mr. Payne, you should find extra use of Sensei Barnes' lessons," stated Terry as he gestured for Kenny to come forward.

"Yes, Sensei," nodded Kenny, appreciatively.

As Terry examined his class approvingly, he noticed that Tory Nichols wasn't paying attention to Mike Barnes at all. In fact, she was staring out the window, a distant look on her face.

I have you right where I want you, Mz. Nichols.

"So I see that Mr. Keene couldn't join us, today," remarked Terry pointedly.

"I already told you, Sensei, I haven't seen him in two weeks," replied Tory, turning her attention to Terry.

"And I have no reason to question your honesty," admitted Terry, sitting down on the foam gray mat next to her.

Tory held eye contact for what felt like hours without saying another word, almost concerned about what he might say next.

"I used to be just like you. Strong with a spirit of intense fire," consoled Terry as he broke their stare to look out the window, just as she had mere minutes prior.

Tory just sat next to him, her legs crossed as she intently listened.

"Undoubtedly loyal too. Unfortunately to the wrong person," sighed Terry, pretending to close his eyes in pain.

"Yeah, Sensei Kreese, right?" confirmed Tory, knowingly.

"Of course, but to Cobra Kai in general. It led me down a dark path of misery. But I was able to persevere past it! Do you wanna know why?" asked Terry, dramatically.

Tory nodded.

"Because I learned that the only person you can count on in this world is yourself."

"Do you understand?" questioned Terry, sternly.

"Yes, Sensei," responded Tory as she got to her feet, a look of determination on her face.

"Good. Now go join your fellow cobras," commanded Terry.

Tory nodded thankfully before heading over to the rest of the group.

And so, it begins.