Chapter 567 - First sparring session (1/2)

~ White family property ~

It's close to midnight. Full moon is illuminating the White family property.

In the quiet night, noise of destruction from the training grounds is spread easily. Loud sounds that resemble wrecking ball smashing the ground and tearing into the trees woke up recruits whose sleeping quarters are close to the training grounds. Because it's night, in the absence of regular daytime activity, all sounds seems to be much louder than usual.

Recruits are peering from windows of their sleeping quarters while trying to see what is going on, but the only thing moonlight is revealing is a huge cloud of dust. Whatever is making that noise is hidden within it. They are curious what is going on, but no one dares to go and check.

Seven kids from central Africa are on the rooftop of the women's dorm, because that dorm is closer to the commotion. They can vaguely see two shadows moving inside that dust cloud. Based on the commotion caused, they can guess who those two people are. And they are right.

Those two shadows are Sarah and Aiden. Two of them are sparing, if you can call it that. For the first time, they are going at it. Seriously. At this point it's a stalemate, and it can't be determined who has the upper hand.

Their hits pack such a force that the ones which miss their target are causing damage to the training ground.

Sarah is faster while Aiden is stronger. Their technique, stamina, and precision are about evenly matched. For now.

He wanted to spar with her badly, but she always refused. He had to trick her (a bit) in order to get her here.

About one hour earlier…

Aiden convinced Sarah to go for a night run, while mentioning that moonlight is perfect. She assumed that he got something romantic on his mind, and she got giddy from excitement. She put her running gear on, because he said it's a run, and she saw him wearing his running gear as well.

Sarah was curious why did they stop on training grounds.

She found it strange when he suggested a game of tag. ”You know I'm faster, right?”

If there is something else involved, he might have a chance to even the odds, but just running? She won that match before it even started.

He wanted to say something, but she knew that he is up to something. And by now she dismissed any romantic possibility. ”Why don't you tell me what is this all about? Why are we here?”

”You know I want us to spar…”

”Not happening.” Her rejection cut him off.

”Why?”

”I told you. I never had a 'friendly' match with anyone other than my mother. I don't know how to. With my mom I don't need to hold back, I know she is much stronger than me. And honestly, with her, I'm mostly defending and trying to avoid major injuries. I don't know how to hold back.”

Aiden can tell that Sarah means what she said, and part of him got vexed when she implied that she is stronger than him. ”You think that you need to hold back against me?”