In My Blood (Eli Moskowitz/Hawk FF) (Cobra Kai)

Chapter 28: Ocean Wave Promises

A breeze slowly drifts across the skin of my face and instead of pulling away, I lean into it, stepping further into the ocean's hold. Just a couple steps. "You were right about choosing the right path and how it isn't always easy. But how do I help the people in my life that I care about most if I can't guide them to a path that's better for them in the long run? Like Robby and Tory. They both walked away with Kreese today again. Tory is just another weapon for him because she's got this admirable fire in her. She's intelligent and beautiful and so incredibly strong, but so angry at the world for taking away the good things in her life."

"And Tory is trying to understand, I saw it. But I offered her a final lifeline and she still chose Kreese." A sob escapes my lips, thinking about the way my father's lids had turned out- how mine how turned out- as a consequence of choosing that bitter, honorless, old man.

"And Robby," I sniffle, drawing my arms up to wipe away the tears that I can with my sleeves. "Robby is in so much pain. Between Sensei Lawrence, Mrs. Keene, and Mr. LaRusso he doesn't have an adult to look to besides Kreese. And I fear for him. He's a good kid. You would love him, momma." Another sob escapes my lips but I a small giggle follows, thinking of him and how sweet he really could be. All the times he'd worried over how to support Sam and be good to her after she'd broken up with Miguel. A deep inhalation is attempted to ease the pressure building in my chest. "He's such a sweetheart- so thoughtful and most of the time, gentle. Always trying to do what he thinks is right. I don't want Kreese to ruin that." I shake my head, trying to clear the darkened image of him from my head. Robby's facial features slowly morph into a different image, one mirroring my brother. "I don't want him to end up like Axel."

My right hand runs through my hair, pausing halfway down and grasping it in frustration. "I really hope he's up there with you. How's he doing?" The wind blows past again and a bitter laugh draws from my throat. "Right. Like you would actually answer me."

I sigh heavily, altering my view of the ocean to the beauty of the expansive, early afternoon sky. My head tilts back, watching the light blue intently for a sign. "I hope Axel's at peace finally. Tell him I said hi. Yea?" It's wishful thinking, talking to the sky and ocean to a woman who'd died eight years ago. But the beach was our ritual mother daughter time activity. I close my eyes again, just absorbing the sea salt spray, the soft crashing of waves upon waves, and the gentle breeze. My chest still racks with each silent cry and the tears shed all the same, but the burning sensation around my heart cools. The anger flaming my actions phases out and the tension it'd created in my muscles eases.

"Hey kid," Sensei Lawrence quietly welcomes, cursing slightly as a larger tide drenches the bottom of his pant legs. I release a soft chuckle at his attempt to cover up his use of 'Fuck'. Our eyes meet and the blue softens, the lines around them softens and they almost turn down at the outer corners. "How ya holding up?"

I gesture to my obviously tear stained face with shaking hands and a loud sniffle. I roll my eyes at the absurdity of crying once again. All I've done since I got out of the hospital is cry and hurt and burn. "I've seen better days."

He glances over his shoulder, but shakes his head and returns his gaze to me. "Can I ask you something?" Perhaps it's the darkening of my eyes as I mentally consider the type of question he has on his mind or maybe it's his own consideration of the events that just took place, but he quickly adds information. "It isn't about your dad or your family- well not directly." I furrow my eyebrows, slowly nodding in agreement. "Why did you join Cobra Kai?"

My eyes drift back to the ocean and the tides pooling around our ankles following their crash against the sand. The sand beneath my feet begins to give out so I shuffle to the left, nearing the tall, blonde man. And then Miguel's face pops into my head.