Testing the Pupil

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I sat in the middle of the deck completely alone. My upper midriff was exposed, revealing my robust frame covered with scars from battles and my time enslaved. The only weapon I had was Sanguinem, who was sheathed while resting on my lap.

Exhaling a jet of steam, I prepared for the upcoming fight. My ears twitched as I heard the rush of clothing, and I rolled to the left, unsheathing my sword and deflecting the throwing knife that dripped with a clear liquid.

Evos stood his small farm enclosed in a pitch-black coat, and I could just barely see his mask. Evos' hands emerged from his cloak in the blink of an eye, a knife grasped between each finger.

Breaking out into a full-out sprint, my pupil zig-zagged, trying to find an angle to land a hit. Blocking each knife throw with Sanguinem, I waited as Evos moved closer to me. When we were no less than a few feet away, Evos jumped, throwing all his remaining knives.

Flipping over, I spun, lashing out with my sword knocking away the poisoned blades. Righting myself, I stabbed Sanguinem into the deck, blocking the ten-inch dagger that tried to sever my Achilles.

As my foot came down to pin the dagger, I heard Evos curse as he rolled away, abandoning his knife, "Smart move, live to fight another day." Springing to his feet, Evos's chest inflated before he exhaled, his mask activating, and the deck started to fill with thick green clouds.

I felt the poison enter my system but nothing that could debilitate me, "You know that doesn't work on me." I said to no one in particular as Evos had submerged himself within the fog. I decided not to use my Haki to keep things somewhat fair.

Feeling the air move behind me, I turn, striking with the pommel of Sanguinem. Evos' clouds stopped my attack short from hitting him as the mist turned into a thick foam that didn't want to let go.

By the time I broke free, Evos had disappeared again. I could only feel pride in how far the teenager had come. "But it's time to use some of my own powers." Holding my hand out to the side, I started to vacuum up the poison mist, all of it going into the infinite void inside me.

In a few seconds, all of Evos's cover had disappeared, leaving the young boy stranded and exposed, "You're wide open." As I ran towards the panicking teen, I realized how out of character it was for his calculating mind.

Coming to a stop, I formed a bone knife and threw it at Evos and smiled when it passed cleanly through him. The cloud clone collapsed into mist, and Evos stepped out of the pool with a defeated look on his face, "I really thought you were going to fall for it. I almost had you."

"I wouldn't say almost, but you have come a long way," I said, sheathing my sword, knowing there were no cut's or nicks. "Most pirates would have some trouble dealing with your trickery. And that poison earlier would have done in anyone else."

Smiling, Evos started to collet his throwing knives and dagger, "So does that mean I can join you in the raid?" I tensed before smiling myself, "I don't know who told you, but yes, you can join." Evos did a silent fist bump, and I rolled my eyes, "But you still have to stay with Cal at all time. Follow her order. If she jumps into a vat of acid, you better do the same."

Tilting his head at me in question, I waved it away, "It's from a thing, you wouldn't understand." Sheathing my sword, I grabbed a toweled and started to wipe off my body, "Soren, can we talk?"

I recognized the voice and knew Robin was standing behind me, "Sure, what about?" This time Robin was the way I remembered her in the anime, calm and collected. "I want to apologize for attacking you earlier. There is no excuse for my actions."

"Well, I wouldn't say that. There were plenty of reasons why. Your mistake was attacking me head-on. There are not many ways I can die by that is defiantly not one of them." Robin blushed, and I sighed inwardly, 'It looks like another has fallen for my looks. Is this what women feel like?'

"But still, I am sorry, I was jealous. That someone could have the same gift as me without having to bear the curse." Robin bowed, which I found unreasonable, "There's no need for that. I have a strict now bowing rule on my ship, that is, if you still want to join my crew?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Robin nodded, "I would like that very much, thank you" Clapping her on the shoulder, I smiled, "Then you can help us with tomorrow's raid. I have a feeling that your abilities will be of some use."

"What raid!?" Continuing to smile, I tightened my grip a little, "While I might seem like a nice guy, I am a Pirate. And don't worry, we're going after the bad guys."

"And who are the bad guy's in your book?" My smile dipped for a second, "The ones who enslaved me and killed your family and loved ones." A look of relief passed of Robin's face, "That's fine with me. I assume then you're going to attack Enies Lobby?"

"Got it in one!" Robin and I talked for a little bit more before she left to go read her books, "I still don't trust her." I looked up to see Leana sitting in the riggings, "You don't have to trust her, just play nice and don't kill her."

Leana humphed and turned up her nose, "I'll give it a try." Knowing that was the best I was going to get out of her I sighed. "See you tonight, I'll be in my study if you need me."