Is this destiny?

After Sarah's show of strength, it took some time for Master Hollow and for his disciples to recover.

Haru and Nala are used to see Sarah crush and crumble things with her left hand, so they were cool about it.

"I understand Aiden's improvement but what did you do to get this explosive power?", Master Hollow asked Sarah while his sight didn't leave her left hand.

Sarah sighed. "Shortly after we parted ways the previous time, we encountered some problems. Aiden was in a coma for three months and my left arm was practically useless from the elbow down. I had procedures done to regain my functionality and as an addition, it's stronger and faster."

"Can I see?", Master Hollow gestured toward her left arm.

Sarah extended her left arm toward him, silently giving him her permission.

He touched, pressed, pinched, lifted her arm and moved it in circular movements.

"It feels sturdier but lighter.", he mumbled.

Sarah confirmed. "The bone was shattered, and part of the surgery was to replace it with an artificial bone which is lighter. That is why my speed increased as well."

Master Hollow was obviously curious. "Any side effects?"

"I have nerve damage. My sensitivity is reduced. The feeling reminds me of being numb, but I am used to it now. My sister told me that it might come back in time because my nerves are not severed so it's up to my body how much it will heal.", Sarah explained.

"Your sister?"

Sarah smiled. "My sister is a surgeon who did the procedure."

Master Hollow looked at Sarah and Aiden. "It's good that you don't have serious consequences. Three months in a coma and lost the functionality in the arm. I hope that you can tell my disciples how that happened, so that they know how the outside world is not all about junk food and having fun."

Master Hollow shook his head and told them that exercise is done. "Wash up and let's eat. Then we can set off…"

…

Sarah and Aiden were happy to see that Master Hollow, Bo, Souta, and Wing are carrying their things in new backpacks that they got them. The backpacks are sturdy and spacious with many pockets all around and straps on the bottom where a sleeping bag and a folded tent can be attached.

The group of eight and Kitty made their way through the forest slower than expected.

As they went deeper, they found more traps. Some traps easy to disable, like the ones where the animal was lured with food on the ground and tugging on the meat would snap the mechanism which releases the cage from above on the unsuspecting animal. And the others were much more difficult to spoil, like when a piece of meat is suspended from the branch and a deep hole on the ground below the lure is covered with thin branches and leaves, for the animal to fall in. These needed to be filled with soil, rocks, and branches, at least partially, so that if any animal falls in, it can get out.

Kitty was not happy that she didn't get to eat the lures, but Sarah didn't want to allow it in case there are some drugs in the meat which would make animals docile.

While walking, they kept distance between each other in order to cover more ground. Every trap which is missed will be troublesome because they don't kill the animal, but only capture them. If no one releases the animals, they will starve. And that is a horrible way to die.

A few traps had animals captured, and those animals were happy to be released.

The group made stops every few hours for snacks and resting. They are not in a hurry.

In the late afternoon, they reached a creek and decided to camp there for the night.

Sarah and Aiden had a tent for two (they planned to stay overnight in the woods), but the other six had four single-person tents.

Master Hollow decided on sleeping arrangements: "Nala and I get a tent each, and Haru will sleep with Bo while Souta and Wing will share the second one."

"I want to sleep with Nala.", Haru objected.

Master Hollow rejected firmly. "It's not appropriate."

Haru frowned, unwilling to give in. "How can Sarah and Aiden share a tent?"

"They are married.", Master Hollow said sternly with a look that told Haru that he needs to accept his fate. 

Haru cursed internally. He was sure that this is karma because last time he tattled on Aiden who was sneaking around to sleep with Sarah.

Food was not a problem. They packed enough for a few days. Food, spices, and tools included. Between eight backpacks, they got all the necessities.

By sunset, Aiden was working on a vegetable stew and Sarah was watching him with hearts in her eyes. The way the fire lit up his face and created shadows was mesmerizing. He looked like a wizard mixing a magic potion, and she was so smitten that whatever he is making she will take it willingly. 

Haru and Nala collected enough wood to last through the night and they decided on a schedule of rotations to keep the fire going and to stand guard in case any wild animal approaches them or maybe a poacher.

After dinner, they didn't stay long around the fire. Everyone was tired from the day in the woods and they have a long way to go tomorrow. If they don't bump into any obstacles, they will take care of two smaller bases and approach the main one by the end of the next day.

Sarah and Aiden were on the watch until midnight.

Aiden noticed that Sarah's mood was off. "What is on your mind?"

"Kitty is not here again.", Sarah said dejectedly.

Sarah really-really hopes that Kitty didn't leave and that she is sleeping on one of the nearby trees. After all, she was also on the move during the day and had short naps while they rested. Usually, Kitty sleeps for at least sixteen hours a day.

Aiden knows that Sarah is concerned that Kitty will answer the call of the wild and leave them. "We spoke about this. She is at the age where she would leave her mother if she is raised in the wild. Be prepared that she might not return."

Sarah sighed. "I know. But that does not mean that it's easy. And if it actually happens, that means that we need to get rid of all those nasty traps. What if she gets caught into one and starves?"

Aiden hugged Sarah and pulled her to lean on him. He rubbed her back gently and spoke softly: "Everyone chooses their path in life. Even leopards."

Sarah was about to respond when they saw Haru's head peek from one of the tents. He put his index finger on his nose, gesturing to Sarah and Aiden to be quiet and then tiptoed into Nala's tent.

Sarah shook her head. "Why is he provoking Master?", she asked Aiden in a whisper.

Aiden looked at her with a dreamy smile that reached his eyes. "Do you remember the last time we were here?"

Sarah sank into Aiden's embrace and a smile lingered on her face while she remembered how last year Aiden sneaked into her cabin and the next night Master made Aiden sleep in the storage room as a punishment. And then she sneaked through the window to sleep with him. And they went to the hot spring. Happy memories.

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