Brother Sharpens Brother

Mayhem

Cole:

    Cole stretched out his arms, tired from his run as he walked back up the gravel driveway. The weather was nice before dawn and he hadn't been exercising in a while. It felt freeing to be able to run nowhere in particular. He enjoyed spacing out for a few minutes before everyone else in the house woke up. Running wasn't as fun as climbing the mesa was, but it was still great for decompressing or getting rid of his morning tiredness.

    He wiped some sweat from his eye as he hummed along to the music on his earphones. The sun was just peeking out above the treetops, it was about 6:30 in the morning. Jogging up the winding driveway, Cole tried catching his breath as he took in the scenery. The farmhouse was coming together nicely, he and Wu had repainted the outside of the house a few weeks ago before Zane and Jay arrived and Cole was proud of how clean the paint job looked. He liked working on projects with his hands, it made him feel useful.

    He skipped a song on his phone, continuing his casual stroll until he spotted something perculiure and furrowed his brows in confusion. He could see Wu in the backyard, focusing his entire body into completing a few martial arts moves. Since when did the old man spar? Didn't he need a cane to walk around? Cole's curiosity got the better of him and he silently made his way over to watch him, even he had to admit that Wu seemed like a professional.

    Wu was lost in his katas, either ignoring or unaware of the teenager's presence as he started implementing his staff into his moves, kicking and flipping around in the grass, surprising the raven-haired boy in his ability. Cole stayed back far enough to give Wu space, assuming he was out here for the solitude. He stayed underneath one of the apple trees, almost hidden from Wu's line of sight as he observed in awe. 

How did he learn to do that?

    Besides the sounds of nature and Wu's occasional fighting cry both were silent and Cole was wondering how the old man managed to not make a sound with all of his movements. Maybe he should stop hiding and ask him? Cole looked back at the farmhouse, debating on whether or not to leave and not get caught spying on him or admit he was and ask Wu a million questions.

    Before he could decide, he turned back around and let out a startled cry as Wu stood directly in front of him, smiling almost smugly at startling Cole. "Wu! Uh, hi!" Cole chuckled nervously as he got to his feet and brushed off his pants, "I didn't see you there." Wu raised a brow before straightening his back and giving the boy a look. "If you wish to watch me, don't cower in the grass like a snake." The older man chided. 

    Cole laughed nervously before apologizing, following after Wu as he walked back to the house. "How do you know Karate?" He asked, keeping in stride with Wu. Wu chuckled before shaking his head and stroking his beard, "That, Cole, was Ninjitsu, and I have been learning for years. My father taught me as a child." Cole's eyes widened curiously and he looked at the grass before looking back up at Wu.

    "Have you ever thought about teaching anyone?" He asked. The elder nodded, saying he's had many students over the years. Cole stopped for a moment before setting his jaw and catching back up. "Can you teach me?" He inquired, looking excitedly at Wu as they reached the back porch. Wu raised a brow before shaking his head and chuckling. "If you wish to learn, I will teach you, but it will not be an easy path."