The night fell heavy over the town, and Frank could feel it—the tension in the air, the same weight that had pressed down on him during his first encounter with the hooded figures. But this time, he wasn't alone. Leo was beside him, ready to learn, ready to act.
"Remember," Frank whispered, "don't panic. Watch, listen, and wait for the right moment. We move together, or not at all."
The alley was dark, but Frank's eyes had adjusted. Shadows clung to corners, and faint rustling hinted at movement. Then he saw them: two hooded figures, gliding silently along the wall, clearly scouting.
Leo froze. Frank placed a hand on his shoulder. "Breathe. We've trained for this."
They split their positions, flanking the alley. Frank kept low, his stick ready. Leo mirrored his movements, cautious but steady.
The first figure paused, sensing something amiss. Frank stayed still, blending into the shadows, every muscle tight with anticipation. Leo, trusting his mentor, mirrored his stillness.
Suddenly, the hooded figure lunged at Leo. Reflex took over. Leo sidestepped, the stick moving just as Frank had taught him, redirecting the attacker into the alley wall with a solid thud.
The second figure attacked Frank. He moved with calm precision, using the wall to pivot, sweeping the stick in a controlled arc that knocked the figure off balance.
"Good!" Frank hissed under his breath. "Stay with me!"
The hooded attackers regrouped, attempting to corner them. But Frank and Leo worked in perfect sync: one moved to distract, the other struck strategically, always aware of spacing, timing, and the environment. Crates and barrels became tools, shadows became cover.
After several tense minutes, the attackers retreated into the night, leaving Frank and Leo alone in the alley. Both were breathing heavily, sweat dripping down their faces.
Leo turned to Frank, eyes shining. "We did it! We actually—"
Frank placed a hand on his shoulder. "Yes. But remember, this isn't victory. It's practice. Every encounter is a lesson. The real danger is still out there, and it will be smarter next time."
Leo nodded solemnly. "I understand. But… I feel… stronger. More confident."
Frank allowed himself a small smile. "Good. That's the point. Courage spreads, but strength grows with action. And tonight, you learned both."
As they exited the alley, the town seemed quieter than before. But Frank knew the truth: the shadows were watching, calculating, and waiting. And he knew that the real challenge was just beginning.