Master Hollow observed four young people and the leopard and asked reluctantly: "Is this a social visit?"
"Yes and no.", Aiden responded. "We each have a reason for coming here… Can we talk about it over dinner? We brought food."
Sarah looked at Aiden and smiled. They didn't have lunch yet, and she knows that the snacks they had in the helicopter are not enough for him.
Master Hollow agreed. He rembers that when the last ti Sarah and Aiden visited, they enjoyed rabbit and quail and he was eager to taste what they brought with them now.
Haru introduced Nala to his brothers: Bo, Souta, and Wing, who carefully observed Nala. They had so many questions for Haru! But they will ask later when Nala is not around. Because their questions are related to her.
Other than the food, Aiden and Sarah got out of the helicopter several cooking vessels which are perfect for using on an open fire, and utensils, and a clay pot with a lid which is just right for cooking food underground (with fire on top of it).
The food they brought was half-made, and Aiden needed to reheat it and give it a few finishing touches.
Sarah helped Aiden with the food and Haru and Nala started unloading things from the helicopter.
Kitty was sniffing around while gradually increasing the circle within which she is comfortable. That is normal for a cat who is getting to know her environnt.
Haru and Nala were getting things from the helicopter, and Bo, Souta, and Wing were checking the items and taking them into the cabin used for storage. There were sleeping bags for everyone and also blankets, clothes, toiletries, snacks, and study aids like papers, notebooks, and pens. They even got so survival essentials like multitools, thermal blankets, tarps, and compact water filters.
Sarah was thinking of bringing chickens as well. They are easy to keep and they can provide them with eggs and at.
Aiden told her that is not a good idea. "What if he does not like chickens? Or taking care of them? They didn't have any animals there when we visited. In the forest where they live, having small animals will be like an open invitation for the predators to co…"
Sarah had to agree that Aiden makes sense. That killed her idea of getting a goat. In her opinion, goats are easy to keep and they eat grass and provide milk. But they are also easy prey for dium and large size predators.
Back to the present…
Master Hollow watched a small mountain of things which ca out of that helicopter and he had to ask: "Why did you bring all this?"
"Gifts.", Haru said. "You took care of for fifteen years. Allow to show my gratitude. These are things that I use now, and I think that my brothers and you will find them useful."
Master Hollow didn't refuse anything. He smiled when he saw that his three disciples are excited about sleeping bags and blankets. Haru explained that they can open the sleeping bag and put it on top of the current bed as extra padding, and they were eager to try them out. Sleeping bags didn't go to the storage, they were carried to the cabin where disciples sleep without delay.
...
During dinner, Sarah, Aiden, Haru, and Nala explained the purpose of their visit.
Sarah and Aiden said that in the morning they will head out to take care of the poachers who killed Kitty's mother and they plan to complete that in three-to-four days. At that ti, they will return here and then head ho with Haru and Nala in tow.
"Taking down one base is not enough.", Master Hollow said. "Destroyed traps will be replaced, and even if you kill everyone, within a week new people will take their places, and you wasted your efforts."
Sarah agreed. "We will shut down three bases and all the traps they have in the area. And another team will cut off their supply chain and finances. People who support them will go to jail."
Master Hollow agreed that this is a good plan.
Haru said that he will stay here with Nala during that ti so that she can see where he grew up.
Master Hollow nodded while listening and observing four young newcors and their leopard.
When Haru finished talking, Master Hollow asked: "So, you all made these plans, without asking if I agree?"
Sarah, Aiden, and Haru blinked and Nala lowered her head in embarrassnt. They didn't ask him, because Sarah and Aiden are technically spending one night and parking the helicopter here, and Haru lived here for fifteen years, and none of them thought that this will be an issue.
Even if they wanted to ask him, how are they supposed to do that? Master Hollow lives off the grid!
Sarah cleared her throat awkwardly. "We apologize for making assumptions. Last ti you said that we can stop by anyti. If it's a problem, let us know and we will adjust our plans."
Master Hollow broke into a smile. "I am old, and I need entertainnt."
Sarah could not believe that the old man is ssing with them!
Master Hollow laughed seeing stupefied expressions of Sarah, Aiden, and Haru. Nala was too shy, so she looked on the side.
When Master Hollow stopped laughing, he spoke seriously: "Here is how this will go. You stay tonight here and rest. Tomorrow, we will all go and hunt down those poachers. They are bothering as well and you will need help. We will get so action outside our training grounds and you get manpower."
Sarah wanted to say sothing, but Master Hollow raised his hand and asked: "Can we continue this after we finish food? Arguing will cause indigestion…"
Sarah nodded in agreent and focused on her food.
Later that evening…
Kitty is relaxing between Haru and Nala who are sitting by the fire with Bo, Souta, and Wing. The five of them are chatting in a good atmosphere.
Sarah and Aiden joined Master Hollow for a walk. They are making a circle around the clearing where Master Hollow and his disciples are living.
"I am glad to see that after one year the two of you are together… and alive.", Master Hollow said. "Based on the rings, I assu you are married?"
Sarah and Aiden confird.
"I also assu that Lebedev and Voronin families are not aware of your marriage?", Master Hollow added.
"How much we know, they are not aware.", Aiden responded.
Master Hollow nodded and didn't bring up that topic again.
"Is the young man who was with your last ti doing well?"
Sarah understood that Master Hollow is asking about Michael. She was not sure how to answer this question.
Aiden answered: "He was hurt during a mission a few days ago. His life is not in danger, but it will take so ti for him to heal."
Master Hollow was surprised. "He is a good fighter."
Aiden confird. "Yes. But he was lured into a trap and tortured. He had no chance of fighting back."
The old man pressed his lips into a line, and they didn't speak for so ti, each lost in their own thoughts.
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