After giving Kevin a few simple instructions, Scathach disappeared into the shadows of the forest.
When she returned a week later, she found a simple yet sturdy wooden hut nestled in the clearing.
"Not bad," Scathach commented as she approached the structure. She ran her fingers over the smooth edges of the door frame. "Did you build this entirely by yourself?"
Kevin, who was returning from fetching water at the nearby stream, placed the bucket down and nodded. "Yeah. I brought over most of the furniture from home, though. I didn't want to waste time carving chairs and tables."
"And what did you tell Cu Chulainn and the others?" Scathach asked, sitting down on a rock near the hut. She reached out to ruffle Kevin's hair, a gesture that had somehow become routine.
"I told them I'd be training outside the village for a long time," Kevin replied. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Cu Chulainn helped me convince Connor and the others to let me go without too much trouble."
Scathach chuckled lightly. "That boy is as bold as ever. Well, don't worry. I'll have a word with Kaisba to keep them from bothering you while you're here."
"Thank you, Master," Kevin said earnestly, bowing his head.
Scathach waved his gratitude away with a small smile. "A week has passed," she began, her tone shifting to something more serious. "Have you decided what weapon you want to specialize in?"
Kevin straightened up, his expression resolute. "The spear."
The response caught Scathach slightly off guard. She raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"
Kevin met her gaze with unwavering determination. "You didn't offer any suggestions, Master. I assume it's because you believe disciples should choose their own path. If that's the case, then I might as well aim for the best."
Scathach regarded him for a moment, her lips curling into an approving smile. "Clever boy," she murmured. "I assumed you would pick the sword—it's the more versatile choice for someone of your... modest talent."
"Master, I know my limitations," Kevin admitted. "But I also know that if I want to stand beside Cu Chulainn, I have to aim higher. There's no room for half-measures."
For a brief moment, Scathach's crimson eyes softened. Then, with her trademark sly grin, she said, "You don't want to be a hero, but you also don't want to be left behind. How wonderfully contradictory."
Kevin remained silent, his expression resolute.
"Very well," Scathach declared, her voice ringing with finality. "You've chosen the hardest path, but it's also the most rewarding. Just remember one thing: don't die easily."
Her dazzling smile was equal parts encouraging and cruel.
From that day forward, Kevin's training officially began. And it was hell.
Scathach did not hold back, not even slightly. She pushed Kevin to his absolute limits and beyond, testing not only his physical endurance but his mental fortitude as well.
He sparred with Scathach daily, though calling it "sparring" was generous. More often than not, Kevin ended up sprawled on the ground, bruised and battered, with Scathach's spear hovering inches from his throat.
"Again," she would say, her tone calm but merciless.
Kevin would grit his teeth, force himself to his feet, and pick up his weapon once more.
Death became a constant companion during these sessions. Scathach's strikes were precise and deadly, her intent clear: to train Kevin as if his life depended on it—because it often did.
Were it not for the magic sword Fragrak, Kevin would have died countless times.
The sword's ability to reverse cause and effect saved him repeatedly, turning fatal blows into near misses. Still, each brush with death left Kevin gasping for air and questioning his choices.
"Why do you hesitate?" Scathach's voice would cut through the haze of pain and exhaustion like a blade. "Do you think Cu Chulainn would hesitate? Do you think the gods will hesitate?"
Her words stung more than her spear.
And yet, Kevin endured. He endured because he had to.
...
Five Years Later
Deep within the forest, the sound of a mighty roar echoed through the trees. A massive beast with the body of a snake and the head of a lion thrashed violently before collapsing in a heap.
Standing atop its lifeless form was Kevin.
The young man, now fifteen years old, had grown tall and lean, his once-short hair tied into a neat ponytail that fell to his shoulders. Sweat glistened on his brow as he planted his spear into the ground and called out, "Master! It's done!"
From the shadows of the monster's cave, Scathach emerged. Her long, dark purple hair flowed like silk, and her crimson eyes gleamed with approval as she surveyed the scene.
"Not bad," she said, her lips curving into a faint smile.
Kevin jumped down from the beast's body and approached her. Scathach reached out, intending to ruffle his hair, but paused when she realized she would have to stand on tiptoe to do so. With a soft chuckle, she pinched his cheek instead.
"You've come a long way," she said. "It only took you half a day to kill it this time."
Kevin grinned sheepishly. "It kept trying to use its ultimate move on me, so I stabbed it with the magic sword a few times. That seemed to do the trick."
Scathach laughed, a rare and genuine sound. "You've become more resourceful. It suits you."
She stepped back, her gaze sweeping over him with pride. "You were my least talented student, Kevin, but also the one who has impressed me the most. You've earned the right to be proud of yourself."
Kevin blinked, startled by the unexpected praise.
Scathach's expression softened further. "It's time for you to return to the world outside. Luger has visited me several times, and Cu Chulainn is preparing to join the Knights of the Red Branch."
"Already?" Kevin's eyes widened. "He's still so young!"
"He's completed ten warrior trials, including the Colosseum beast fights and the 100-man challenge," Scathach explained. "He's ready."
Kevin fell silent, his gaze dropping to the ground.
"What's wrong?" Scathach asked, her tone teasing. "Are you afraid to leave me, or are you afraid of what awaits you out there?"
Kevin forced a smile, but the weight of her words lingered in his chest.
As they prepared to leave the forest, Scathach handed Kevin a weapon she had crafted from the bones of a slain monster.
"It's crude, but it will serve you well until you earn something better," she said, her voice steady despite the faint shimmer of exhaustion in her eyes.
Kevin accepted the spear with both hands, his heart heavy. "Thank you, Master."
Scathach reached out one last time, pinching his cheek with a fond smile. "Don't think you're done with me yet. When you're ready, come to the Kingdom of Shadows. I'll be waiting."
Her words carried both a promise and a challenge.
As Kevin carried her out of the forest, he couldn't help but glance down at the spear in his hand.
He knew the journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but for the first time in years, he felt ready.
Back in Ulster, Cu Chulainn returned to the cottage he had once shared with Kevin. The now-dusty room brought a wave of nostalgia.
"I wonder how that guy's doing," Cu Chulainn mused aloud, running a hand over the old leather sofa. "He must have gotten strong by now."
Almost as if on cue, the back door creaked open, and a familiar voice called out, "Ah, you're back."
Cu Chulainn turned, his eyes widening in disbelief.
Kevin, now a young man, stood in the doorway, his hair still damp from a recent wash. "Wait a minute," Kevin said with a grin. "I'll go make dinner."
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