Match in the Gas Tank || Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz

41 Nature vs. Nurture

"Weakness is unacceptable," Kreese said, facing his class of Cobras as they stood in neat rows on the mat. All of them were in their white training gi's, prepared for the day's lesson, no matter what it was.

Evie stood in the front, listening to her sensei intently. She knew that he held the most vital lessons for them and she didn't want to miss a single syllable. It was too important.

"The fight at the school was an embarrassment. You lost soldiers and you lost the battle, but you will not lose again," Sensei Kreese continued. Now that most of his students were back in school, he had an idea of what was to come, so he was going to prepare them for it. There would be no more lost battles. "Diaz was one of our own. What they did to him, they did to all of us and it will not go unanswered.

"We will show no mercy. We will show no weakness. We will strike back and we will strike hard! Is that clear?"

Evie grinned as she answered with her fellow students, "Yes, Sensei!"

"I can't hear you!" he yelled.

"Yes, Sensei!" they shouted back.

~

After their lesson, the Cobra Kai students were cooling down in the dojo. It had been a hard day of work, but no one was tired. If anything, everyone was elated; they talked about the lesson and what was potentially coming next or practicing the new moves they had learned. Hawk was helping Bert with a block while Evie did some stretches to let the tension out of her muscles.

Everything had been fine until Sensei Kreese came into the room.

He congratulated them on the day's work, then took a hamster from behind his back. It was a cute, fluffy little thing that squeaked in his large hands. It was a stark contrast against his black gi with its white fur and shining eyes. He was handed over to Bert, who had named him Clarence as opposed to what Hawk had suggested: Hawk Jr.

The students had fawned over the creature for a moment before Sensei mentioned that it was almost feeding time. Then came the twist.

Evie stood still as the snake was revealed, hearing the astonishment and gasps of the students behind her. She stared at the scaly, slithery animal as it hissed in its terrarium, then cut her eyes to Clarence. She knew his fate before Bert even asked about the pet's diet.

As Bert was ushered forward to give Clarence over to the beast, Evie looked at Hawk, seeing the thrill in his eyes as he marveled at the creature. However, the closer their friend got to the glass cage, his smile lessened as he wondered if he was really going to do it. Was Sensei Kreese serious?

She reached for Hawk's hand behind their backs. He spared her a quick glance, but her eyes were on their teacher, and he took her hand, holding it tightly. She leaned into him, her face hardening to stone while Sensei took the hamster back.

Anyone who objected to the task was promptly kicked out of the dojo. Bert hung his head as no one spoke out against the unfair ruling and followed the others through the door. No one turned to watch them leave, but that didn't mean the remaining Cobras didn't feel tense.

Evie touched Hawk's shoulder, catching his attention again. Neither said a word, but they were in silent agreement that something was up. It wasn't a good time to be losing numbers. If anything, they should be trying to keep as many people on their side as possible. They had already lost people because of the fight a couple of weeks ago.

Shrill squeaking came from where Sensei Kreese stood and Evie closed her eyes, telling herself that it was the circle of life. People came, people went; just like predators ate prey.

The class was dismissed after that and Kreese retreated to his office. However, the entire situation didn't sit right with Evie and Hawk. As they gathered their things, they talked in hushed tones to each other.