Chapter 141: Martial Arts training (2)

In the hut, the small family of four sat around the dining table that was already packed full of all the goodies they liked. While Granny filled his own plate with her usual mixture of fruits and vegetables, Aiden picked up a large slice of dark red wolf meat and placed it on his empty plate. Lily followed along with a smaller slice and healthy garnish of veggies. Meanwhile, Number 3 kept hers empty for the time being, and just smiled at the scene in front of her. 

Although her face kept the gentle calm as she kept enjoying the happy scene in front of her, her mind was being troubled by thoughts of a distant past. Ever since she saw those silver tinges… Those determined eyes, her strong determined heart was troubled by memories that she wanted to keep buried in the deep recesses of her mind. Alas, the heart was a tricky and fickle being, it didn't always do what you wanted it to.

Exhaling some air, she lightly shook her head and reached for the pitcher full of water to pour some for herself. As she picked up her mug and looked at the tranquil surface of the water in it, she couldn't help but smirk at herself. She was about to teach Aiden the art of controlling her emotions and using his own potential to enhance his own fighting style, but here she is, having trouble controlling her own aching heart.

As if noticing her troubles, Aiden swallowed the last piece of meat on his platter and looked at her. With concern clearly visible on his face and voice, he asked.

"Is everything alright Master? You seem… troubled?"

Her thoughts interrupted by his voice, Number 3 looked at the boy. Giving a friendly smile, she calmly answered.

"Don't worry, Aiden. I am okay." Her smile turning into a cheeky smirk, she continued with a pert tone.

"You should worry about yourself. The training we are going to start with the both of you is not easy." Facing the surprised Lily, Number 3 continued before she could voice her shock.

"Yes, you will be joining your brother as well. You need to be able to defend yourself, you can't just rely on your archery in combat. What if you run out of arrows? What if you lose your weapon? Will you just watch as your brother fights alone?" 

Lily's shocked expression turned sour, knowing that she is right. However, a moment later, her clenched right fist was up in the air, to give more power to her determined words.

"No! I will do anything to help brother! Right Sam, Biggy?"

Answering her call, two distinguishable loud barks came from the side, agreeing to her words.

"Right. That's why you will also train with Aiden after breakfast. With all the looming dangers, it is that much more important for the both of you to widen your repertoire."

"Master!" Aiden spoke up. "What will we do about the goblins settling to the north in the forest? They migrated here due to someone's command."

Number 3 smiled at his question. 

"Do? Why should we do anything? They are no threat to us. Don't worry, with Granny and me here, they will never have any ideas. Besides, didn't you were taught to value life? Did they directly hurt or threaten you?"

Aiden couldn't give an answer to these questions. His master was essentially right: they were no threat to them, only to the humans in the city. The city that housed so many demons in the shadows… Should he really care about them? 

However, there were a few good souls that were worth his attention, his care, his protection. Raising his right index finger, he looked at Number 3. He was about to voice these thoughts, when Number 3 continued, freezing his words in him.

"I know what you want to say. You want to protect those elders we saved the other day, and you think there are similar people worthy of saving amidst the shadows…" She looked at Granny who also was looking at her with a wry smile on her face. As their gazes met, they lightly nodded at each other, affirming their thoughts. 

Looking back at Aiden, she continued.

"These humans have to face the consequences of their actions, Aiden. The calamity that is going to befall on them is the result of their rampant racism and disregard for the other races. For centuries, these humans thought of themselves as some higher beings, above the rest of the world. This horde you spoke of is the hammer of justice that is necessary to wake them from their stupor."

Switching her attention to Lily, she went on.

"But don't worry. You will have a chance to save those you want to. There is still time. The goblins are still in the middle of settling down, it will take months, maybe a few years before their forces will be ready."

Turning back towards Aiden, she reached out and with the back of her hand, she gently caressed his cheek.

"What you need to worry about now is to gain control of your raging emotions. Losing yourself in every battle is very dangerous Aiden, you could even hurt those you love."

Hearing these words have shaken Aiden's already anxious heart. Back in that underground place, then in the forest… As the battle went on, he felt as if someone else slowly took control of his thoughts and body. He could feel his own pure self being pushed to the background to simply watch as this other 'being', this second, bloodthirsty persona took the 'wheels'.

With this shifted mentality, all of his thoughts were on the actual battle in front of him, he wanted to cause the maximum amount of pain, he felt enjoyment in his opponent's cries and sorrows. While this 'state' dramatically increased his combat potential, Number 3 was right; he wasn't in control of himself during those moments. He could potentially hurt even those that he cared about.

As his thoughts were running in circles about this issue, Aiden suddenly felt Granny's wrinkled hand as it gently grabbed his tightly clenched left fist. Waking up from his reverie, he looked at the elder's gently smiling face.

"Calm down, dearie, we are all here for you. These troubles you are having now… Don't try to wrestle with it yourself, you can count on us. The training you both will be having in the afternoon will be incredibly useful for the both of you." 

Turning towards Lily, Granny continued with a gentle smile on her face.

"Aaaand, if you do a good job, there are some delicious treats as a reward waiting for you all!"

"Aww yes!!! Brother, let's hurry, we have to do a good job!" With the potential reward of desserts, Lily was already sold on the idea and was eager to get started whatever they needed to do. Despite the years, she was still the same in this regard as in the past, her love for tarts and all kinds of desserts never wavered.

Seeing the care they have surrounded him with, caused his lingering doubts to fade, and a small smile to curve on his lips. Looking at the cheerful Lily, Aiden silently nodded with the barely perceptible smile on his face. Perhaps Granny is right, he doesn't need to face his problems alone…

---

As the breakfast eventually came to an end, the group of three made their way towards the back yard once again. 

Watching as they left through the back door and entered into the yard, Granny sighed, watching Aiden's receding back. 

"My dear daughter… If you are still out there somewhere… I will find you eventually… In the meantime, I swear I will take good care of your boy…"

As her tired old eyes lingered on the back of the boy, Granny's thoughts raced back to the past, to a much different era… Thinking back to the tragedy, a singular droplet of water escaped the corner of her left eye and slithered down, escaping towards freedom. 

"I will find you…" she muttered once again before standing up and taking her leave towards the kitchen.

After a few steps, however, she stopped and turned around facing the still full table. 

"Oh right… I'm starting to forget things... Can't leave such a mess…" She muttered. Then she waved with her right hand. As her hand continued this simplistic arc, the contents of the table gradually faded from existence as if they were never there. In the next moment, everything was gone, only the clean empty surface remained. 

"Much better. Now, let's prepare something good and energizing for those two…" Turning around she left the living room, entering the kitchen. 

---

As Granny started her own day, In the back yard, Lily and Aiden stood in front of Number 3, who was silently looking at them with a stern expression. 

The stifling, silent atmosphere was quickly becoming too much for the little girl. Squirming, after a few moments, she exhaled loudly, as she exclaimed.

"Don't be like this Master! Tell us what to do!"