The first thing Finn did was search for Eddy, deftly avoiding his father in the process. He was already in a lot of trouble; a little more wouldn't hurt. Finally, he found Eddy in his quarters, methodically packing his belongings.
"Hey, kid," Eddy said nonchalantly, looking up from his task.
Eddy was in his 50s, bald, and of medium build—neither too big nor too small. His dark skin was etched with lines of experience, each one a testament to the battles and hardships he had faced. His calm, collected demeanor was a constant source of stability for Finn. Eddy's eyes, a deep, thoughtful brown, held a quiet intensity that spoke of years spent in dangerous and demanding situations. His physique, though not overly muscular, was taut and powerful, honed by years of rigorous training and combat. The scars on his hands and forearms were silent witnesses to the countless conflicts he had endured.
Finn hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of his mentor and friend packing his things. The room felt heavy with the finality of the situation. He stepped forward, his voice breaking the silence. "I'm sorry," Finn blurted out, his voice heavy with guilt.
Eddy paused, then gave a small, understanding smile. "Naw, no worries, kid. I heard what you did. You didn't need to defend me. We both know once your grandfather makes a decision, it's final."
Finn shook his head, his eyes filled with determination. "Yes, I did. You shouldn't get blacklisted because of training me."
Eddy chuckled softly. "Don't worry about it, kid. There are plenty of people who could use my services. Besides, I was supposed to retire a few years ago."
Finn looked perplexed. "Why didn't you retire?"
"You, kid," Eddy said, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken sentiment.
"Me?" Finn asked, surprise evident in his voice.
"Yes. I enjoyed training you. You never asked for praise or encouragement. You just kept coming back, looking for more. You're a tenacious kid," Eddy replied, his eyes reflecting a deep, paternal pride.
Finn felt a surge of emotion, a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "I'm going to miss you, Eddy."
Eddy's smile widened, though it was tinged with sadness. "I'll miss you too, kid. But remember, everything I taught you is now part of you. Keep pushing forward. Make me proud."
Finn nodded, trying to swallow the lump forming in his throat. "I will, Eddy. I promise."
Eddy gave a final nod, then returned to his packing, leaving Finn to stand there, absorbing the enormity of the moment. The bond they had formed over years of training was unbreakable, and despite the circumstances, it would guide Finn in the challenges ahead.
Finn watched as Eddy packed the last of his belongings into a worn duffle bag. The room, once filled with the sounds of their training sessions and quiet conversations, now felt eerily silent. Finn's mind raced with memories of the countless hours they had spent together. Eddy had taught him not just the physical aspects of martial arts, but also the mental discipline and resilience that came with it. Every lesson was a building block, shaping Finn into the person he was becoming.
As Eddy zipped up his bag, Finn couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. "Eddy, I—"
"Kid, don't," Eddy interrupted gently, sensing Finn's turmoil. "You did what you thought was right. That's all that matters."
Finn nodded, though the guilt still gnawed at him. "Where will you go?"
Eddy shrugged, slinging the bag over his shoulder. "I've got a few places in mind. Maybe somewhere quieter, where I can finally relax a bit. Don't worry about me."
Finn tried to smile, but it came out more as a grimace. "I'll miss our training."
Eddy gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "You've got everything you need inside you, Finn. Just remember what I taught you. Keep that fire burning, and you'll be just fine."
They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their farewell settling between them. Eddy extended his hand, and Finn took it, gripping it firmly. The handshake said more than words ever could—respect, gratitude, and a deep, unspoken bond.
"Take care, kid," Eddy said, his voice rough with emotion.
"You too, Eddy," Finn replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
As Eddy walked out of the room, Finn watched him go, feeling a profound sense of loss. But alongside it was a determination, a resolve to honor Eddy's teachings and prove himself worthy of the trust and effort his mentor had invested in him.
Finn stood there for a long time, staring at the empty space where Eddy had been. He knew his path wouldn't be easy, especially now without Eddy by his side. But he also knew that everything he needed was within him. Eddy had seen to that. With a deep breath, Finn turned and left the room, his mind already focusing on the challenges ahead.
The estate already seemed quieter as Finn made his way back to his room. The grand hallways, adorned with priceless artwork and elegant furnishings, felt empty without Eddy's presence. Finn paused at a window, looking out at the sprawling estate grounds. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns.
He thought about the meeting earlier, about his grandfather's cold dismissal and his father's harsh slap. The family's expectations were a heavy burden, but Finn felt a flicker of hope amidst the weight of it all. He would channel his frustration and sadness into his training, using it as fuel to push himself harder. Eddy's departure was a blow, but it wouldn't break him.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Finn made a silent promise to himself. He would become stronger, not just for his own sake, but to honor the bond he shared with Eddy. No matter what obstacles lay ahead, he would face them head-on, armed with the skills and lessons imparted by his mentor.
With renewed determination, Finn turned away from the window and headed to his training area. He had work to do, and he intended to do it well. Eddy might be gone, but his spirit and teachings remained, a guiding force for Finn as he navigated the challenges of his world.
---
As Finn walked back towards his room, he rounded a corner and found his father and mother waiting for him. He sighed, knowing he was in for a world of trouble.