"You have concerns about us joining you for a mission?", Master Hollow broke the silence during their walk. "I saw that you got tents and sleeping bags for everyone, it's a perfect chance for us to try them out…"
"This is not about sleeping arrangents.", Sarah responded. "The poachers have guns. Soone might get hurt or die."
How Sarah sees it (and Aiden agrees), the two of them and Haru and Nala experienced many missions and know what to expect. Taking Bo, Souta, and Wing with them is a risk they are not willing to make.
Master Hollow confird. "Yes. They have guns. It is good that you are aware of that. But we are still going." Master Hollow paused and looked at Sarah and Aiden. "I see that Haru is doing well. I am grateful that you are taking good care of him."
Master Hollow resud his steps and continued with a heaviness in his voice: "Bo, Souta, and Wing are grown up and eager to explore the world. Their restlessness increased when Haru left and I can see how they are looking at you."
"You think that they will leave you?", Aiden guessed.
Master Hollow nodded. "It's only a matter of ti. And I can tell that their ti with is running out. This will be good practice for everyone because training grounds have limitations. And while we are together, they will get to know you and can ask questions…"
"When they leave, what will you do?", Sarah asked when Master Hollow ended his talk.
Master Hollow turned toward the campfire which danced in the distance and he smiled. "I am eager to explore the world as well. Maybe I find more kids who need my guidance and I can take care of them…" He paused and sighed. "But I am old. It would be better if I find soone to take care of ."
"You can stay with us.", Sarah suggested.
Aiden shook his head inwardly. Is she planning to adopt an old man? Other than adopting people (kids) and animals, she is expanding to elderly people.
Master Hollow laughed and refused with a wave of his hand. "Thank you, but I still have the energy to move."
"The offer will stay, Master.", Sarah said seriously. "Whenever you are ready, use the coin I gave you last ti, and we will find you. Our family is large. We have more than fifty kids who would benefit greatly from your teachings and wisdom. Don't think that you will be freeloading. And when you think about our backgrounds, you can get an idea that you will not be bored."
Sarah glanced at Aiden and he realized that he should say sothing. Well, no matter how surprised he is that Sarah wants to adopt the old man, having a Master like him nearby can be beneficial for everyone.
"It does not need to be permanent.", Aiden added. "You are free to stay with us and leave anyti you want. We will be glad to provide you with transportation to any part of the world. We have a number of properties that can provide you solitude whenever you need it. Talk to Haru, he can tell you how our family works. And I agree with Sarah. Our kids would be lucky to receive guidance from a Master like you."
Master Hollow glanced at Sarah and Aiden suspiciously and bobbed his head. "The two of you are luring into sothing. I can tell. But when one day you get a notification that I used that coin and you co to pick up… don't regret it." He ended with a smug smirk.
They all laughed.
When they returned to the campfire, Sarah and Aiden took their seats and joined the group. Master Hollow excused himself and went to his cabin. He was not sleepy but he knew that the youngsters will interact freely without him present.
They spent the evening talking about the life outside this mountain and Haru was full of stories about how they all live together and train and study and play, and how he is sharing an apartnt with Nala, and Nala added her inputs occasionally.
Sarah and Aiden mostly listened and observed that Bo, Souta, and Wing are extrely interested in every detail, confirming Master Hollow's words that they are eager to leave.
The evening trickled away without anyone noticing.
Bo, Souta, and Wing had trouble sleeping that night. They were too excited and unable to calm down so they ended up discussing things that Haru and Nala told them.
All three of them arrived on this mountain as small children, and their mories of the ti before Master Hollow took them in are hazy at best. Things like a flight simulator, a variety of topics they are studying, working in a big company... all that sounded like science fiction. But they believe that it's true because it ca from Haru, who was one of them until one year ago. He has no reason to lie. He even showed them photos on his phone! None of them saw a cell phone before.
All three of them agreed that Haru changed significantly. He was a nosy troublemaker and now he is confident and reliable. And he even has a woman!
They knew that Haru changed because he left this mountain and ventured into the world and they all wondered how they will change once they leave. But at the sa ti, they were reluctant to leave Master Hollow. If all of them leave, who will stay to take care of Master?
In the morning, at the training ground…
Sarah was happy to see that Kitty is present. Last night, the adventurous leopard decided to explore, and she probably slept in the tree sowhere. Kitty was not asking for food, so Sarah guessed that Kitty hunted sothing for herself. And that should be a good thing. After a few head scratches from her mommy, Kitty found herself a spot in a nearby tree to rest.
Master Hollow demanded sparring sessions before they head out.
"Training, breakfast and then we head out!", Master Hollow announced. He wanted to see how Haru is doing and also Sarah and Aiden, and he was surprised when Nala joined in the lineup.
Haru went first, taking turns against Bo, Souta, and Wing.
Master Hollow praised Haru's progress. "You learned unusual moves…"
Haru puffed his chest like a peacock. Only the colorful tail was missing. Sohow, returning to this place drew out so of his old personality. Nala found him to be funny.
Nala was next, and Master Hollow praised her as well. "Based on your moves, I see that you practice with Haru often."
Nala confird with a smile. "We start our morning with a run and a spar."
Master Hollow called Sarah and Aiden to co together and told Bo, Souta, and Wing to attack the two of them at the sa ti.
The trio didn't appreciate that it's two on three. Why is their Master underestimating them? But they didn't dare say anything, so they attacked Sarah and Aiden who were standing back to back.
A minute later, Master Hollow interrupted the spar. He glanced at Aiden. "You are not using your legs…", and then he turned to Sarah. "And you are not using your hands."
"I'm not using my legs in a friendly match.", Aiden said.
Master Hollow made a face and looked at Sarah. "Let guess, you are not using your hands in a friendly match?"
Sarah confird. "The left one. But if I use my right hand, I forget myself so it's safer not to use any of them."
Master Hollow gestured toward the exercise dummy. "Show why."
Aiden went first. With a sudden twist in his hips, he rotated on his left foot and his right one landed on the exercise dummy with a loud thud followed by the sharp sound of the wood snapping.
Bo and Wing approached the exercise dummy to inspect it and confird that there is a crack.
Master Hollow nodded and gestured to Sarah to use another dummy.
Sarah balled her hands into fists and took the attack stance.
After a deep breath, she delivered two swift punches, the first one with her right hand, and the second punch with her left one and people from the side heard 'thump-thud-boom'.
The 'boom' sound ca at the sa ti when the dummy exploded into fine debris.
Sarah flexed her fingers and she saw Aiden mouth to her silently: 'show off'.
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