Chapter 59: How Do I Train Someone.
Ava walked through Green Arbor, her mind heavy with thoughts about Callie’s training and the weight of mentoring a Ronin. Her feet eventually led her to the school, where Lucas was in the middle of a lesson with a group of bright-eyed children. He stood at the front, speaking animatedly as Echo projected pictures to bring the history of Green Arbor to life. Ava leaned against the door-frame, her face softening as she watched.
Lucas spotted her and grinned. “It looks like we have our own Ronin Sentinel here! Kids, say hello to Ava!”
A chorus of “Hi, Ava!” erupted, and Ava chuckled, stepping forward as the children waved, their excitement contagious.
“All right, all right,” she said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “Hello, everyone.”
Lucas smirked, then turned to the class. “How about we let Ronin Sentinel Ava answer some questions? I’m sure you all have a few for her.”
Eager hands shot into the air as kids leaned forward, practically buzzing with anticipation. Ava laughed, pointing to a boy with wide eyes and a serious expression.
“Where’s your sword?” he asked, his voice full of awe.
Ava smiled. “It’s safe at home,” she answered, giving a reassuring nod. “Too sharp to bring to school, don’t you think?”
The kids giggled, and another little girl piped up, “I saw you riding a motorbike! Can you teach me?”
Ava laughed, nodding. “Of course, when you’re a bit bigger. Maybe we can set up some bike lessons.”
This sparked a round of excited responses: “Me too!” “Can I learn, too, Ava?” Ava found herself chuckling as they looked at her, wide-eyed and hopeful.
“Okay, okay, we’ll have a whole motorbike class!” she teased, making them laugh even more. She looked around the room and pointed to another hand in the back.
A small voice, shy but clear, asked, “Did you… did you ever have to fight bad guys here?”
Ava’s expression softened, her voice growing thoughtful. “Yes, I have. This village, Green Arbor, is our home. And sometimes, to keep it safe, we’ve had to stand up to some pretty tough enemies.” She paused, then smiled warmly. “But the best part? It wasn’t just me. We all stood together.”
Another child, catching her tone, eagerly called out, “Can you tell us about the Siege of Green Arbor?”
A hush fell over the room as the kids waited with bated breath, their eyes wide with fascination. Ava took a steadying breath, letting herself remember that day—the fear, the bravery, and the strength of everyone who had fought alongside her.
She began softly, “That was a rough day. We faced a powerful enemy, led by a man named Goran. He was big, strong, and ruthless,” she said, her eyes momentarily distant as she remembered the fierce battle.
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Little Ava, sitting at the front, couldn’t help but add, “But you had Uncle Talon!”
The entire room erupted into laughter, and even Ava grinned, nodding. “Yes, I had Uncle Talon—and everyone here in Green Arbor. That’s what made us strong. We didn’t just fight alone; we fought as one.”
The children were riveted as she continued, weaving a story of courage and unity. She shared how, even though Goran was a formidable opponent, the people of Green Arbor had each other’s backs, and that’s what made them unbeatable.
When she finished, a burst of applause filled the room, and Ava felt a sense of pride and warmth as the children looked at her with admiration.
Lucas leaned in, nudging her with a playful grin. “You should consider storytelling full-time.”
Ava rolled her eyes, nudging him back. “Leave the stories to you, bookworm and Talon,” she said with a laugh.
Echo’s screen flashed, capturing the moment. “Thank you, Ava. We’re recording this for the history of Green Arbor.”
Applause broke out, and Lucas joined in, his smile warm and proud.
As the children filed out, Lucas turned to her. “Thank you for that,” he said, his voice soft with admiration. “The kids loved it.”
Ava nudged him playfully. “They had better. It’s not every day they get to hear war stories from an actual Ronin,” she replied, a trace of humor in her tone.
As they settled into the quiet classroom, Ava’s smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. “Lucas… I came here because of Callie. There’s something I need to tell you.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in her mood. “I’m listening.”
She took a breath, unfolding the letter she had tucked into her pocket. “Command sent this today. They’re giving Callie a choice—either to stay here and train under me as a Ronin, or to return to base and follow a different path.” She paused, her voice barely above a whisper. “They’re asking me to mentor her… if she chooses to stay.”
Lucas’s eyes softened with a knowing glint. “I was wondering when that would arrive,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone.
Ava blinked, her surprise evident. “Wait… you knew about this?”
He chuckled, his expression sheepish. “Well, I may have had a word with Alaric a while back. Suggested that Callie’s growth here had been remarkable, and that perhaps it would be worth considering a Ronin path if she showed interest.” He shrugged. “He argued, of course, but it seems he saw reason.”
Ava stared at him, processing this new revelation. “So you were planting ideas?” she asked, half-amused, half-irritated.
“Call it… strategic nudging,” Lucas replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips. He sobered, noticing her hesitation. “You’re worried about training her?”
Ava sighed, rubbing her forehead. “It’s not just training her, Lucas. It’s… everything. Being a Ronin isn’t like other paths. It’s solitary, relentless. I had to fight for every skill, every lesson. I don’t know if I’m ready to teach that, or if she’s ready to learn.”
Lucas regarded her thoughtfully. “Ava, being a mentor isn’t just about teaching someone the technical skills. It’s about sharing your experience, guiding them through the trials. It’s about helping them find their own strength, and from what I see, you’ve already been doing that.”
Ava fell silent, his words resonating with her. “I just… I don’t want to break her. She has so much heart. What if this path is too hard for her?”
Lucas shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “She’s tougher than you think. And you’re not doing this alone. You have all of us to support both of you. Trust her, and trust yourself. You’ve already shown her what it means to be strong.”
Echo chimed in, his digital voice filling the room. “I’ll help too! Callie’s my friend. I’ve even been teaching her some chess moves.”
Ava managed a small smile. “I’ll take all the help I can get, Echo.” She looked at Lucas, her resolve firming. “Thank you. I needed this.”
Lucas gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “You’re going to do great, Ava. Callie’s lucky to have you.”
As she walked back through Green Arbor, her mind still weighed with thoughts of the conversation, Ava glanced up to see the golden light filtering through the trees, painting the village in hues of warmth. This place, with its laughter, its strength, had given her more than just a mission. It had given her a home.
And now, she would do her best to guide Callie, hoping to give her the same gift—a place in this world and the strength to make her own way.