Chapter Text
After your rude session with your Captain, you were mentally exhausted. As much as you'd like to crawl back into your hiding hole, you figured it would be best for you to continue to keep yourself busy. You still replayed Kid's advice to you, and made mental notes to make adjustments for your next attempt.
You were quick to get working, it helped you process things in your mind. You returned to the bathroom this time offering a deeper clean to the often used room. Then you made a quick trip to Xylo, checking on him again, but also dusting and cleaning the barracks as well. You were used to cleaning empty rooms, so it was a little odd to have to manuever around the guys, or ask them to move. But for the most part they complied, seemingly excited to be dwelling in a standard of cleanliness. Heat caught sight of you working like a well-oiled machine.
"Yeah, we're definitely going to have to get you a proper maid outfit if you keep this up." He said paired with a solid thumbs up.
You playfully threw the rag you had been dusting with at him, "Oh keep it to yourself."
"If I could, I would," he chuckled, "how was mentoring?" He said motioning to follow on a casual walk.
"Well, other than having the fact that I'm stupid and useless drilled in my head, I actually got some decent pointers." You shrugged as you walked aside him. "Oh, also I seem to have an open nightly invitation to our lovely Captain's bedroom."
He almost snorted, "Honestly, I'm surprised it took that long for him to even offer it. Sure it's not a surprise, but the boss is no gentleman."
You feigned shock with hands on your cheeks, "Reeaally?? And here I thought he was a runaway prince."
"Hey now," he said giving you a side glance. While he was find of light jokes, he was still loyal, and wanted to make sure it wouldn't go down a path of belittling.
"I know, I know." You offered raising your hands to mean no harm, "He really did give me something to think about though. He's says I've been going about my power all wrong. So I'll try it his way next time."
The two of you walked and talked everywhere, the kitchen, the deck, near the cannons, at the bow, made a few tours around the barracks again. You were grateful for him yielding to your desire to have some sort of companionship in your newfound home. Certainly, he could much better spend his time alone or with his real friends, but you knew if you were to thank him, he'd just brush it off. So you kept your appreciative feelings to yourself. You did wish that the crew was more receptive to you from the jump, but you had time to win them over. You didn't necessarily need to become anyone's favorite, but being viewed as respectable addition would be nice.
But before long, he had to depart from you. He had the next watch atop the Crow's nest, leaving you once again to your own devices. Now burnt out on cleaning, you decided to investigate a place you visited earlier. Back to the gun deck, where the cannons were mounted, and boxes of metal weapons were stored.
After heading up the stairs from the deck, you reached the deck. The cannons truly carried no interest to you, you were much more intrigued by the array of weapons you and Heat had passed by earlier. You approached the first wooden box with a tinge of excitement. Spears, swords, sickles and the like, stretched out of them. At the end of the day, you'd be expected to take care of yourself, and it's not like a weapon wouldn't help with that. Although, you weren't quite sure which, or what, would be best for your means of protection. So you figured at least to get acquainted with the feeling of some of them.
You carefully pulled out a spear first, it's blade had a slight curvature. It wasn't particularly heavy, you could only assume it was cheaply made, but it was ideal for a light carry. Because of its curve assumed it wasn't quite the javelin, a throwing style spear, so you played around with it for a bit.
Next, was a sword, thin and pointy. Almost a little too elegant for the ship you were on. Definitely loot. Good for small slices and direct stabs you could assume. You weren't sure you'd ever have the accuracy for this one.
The deeply curved sickle caught your attention next. You had to be careful even grabbing it, and after doing so immediately assumed you'd not be very proficient with it. It was clear you'd need skill just to not injure yourself with it. It also seemed like a more violent weapon as opposed to something good for defense. You carefully returned it to the box.
You continued peeking through the box, intrigued by weapons you couldn't describe, careful not to impale yourself on anything. You noticed a small dagger lazily thrown on top, and carefully you dodged the maze of blades to grab it's handle. Serrated on a portion of it's backside, but a sharp curved point. You grabbed the handle, blade pointing down, making a few casual downward stabbing motions, then followed by a few horizontal swipes.
"You're holding it wrong."
Startled, you fumbled and dropped the blade into the wood with an audible sound of surprise. "O-Oh, I wasn't aware", was all you could muster to your unexpected observers.
Both with folded arms, Killer and Wire stood at the entrance of the gun deck. Now aware of their presence they approached you.
"It's better if you hold it with your fingers, not gripped by your palm. Hold it almost like a regular knife." Wire informed you in the monotone voice only he could offer, motioning his head to the blade embedded into the plank of wood.
You complied with his silent suggestion, and picked up the dagger. This time holding it almost as if you were going to slice food with it, but making slight adjustments as far as finger placement to accommodate the fact that it wasn't a kitchen utensil.
"You'll have better control. It's easier to disarm you the other way you were holding it." Killer offered.
"Um. Thanks." You replied to them, honestly surprised that they would give you any hints. You began to set the dagger back in the box.
"Keep it. It may work well for you." Killer said folding his arms casually. "At the very least, a hidden defensive item wouldn't be a bad idea."
You gave a slow nod of agreeance, just slightly unsure. But he was a combat expert, so who were you to disagree.
"When I start your training, it'll be weaponless, so don't bother attempting to use it." He also informed you.
Another nod is what you could muster. And after a few more seconds of silence, you slowly dismissed yourself, trying not to have a look of dread at the upcoming event. A sigh was all you could muster upon descending back to the deck, then back down to your pantry.
Hours passed quickly, almost too quickly. Before you knew it, you'd be face to face with a monster of a man. You felt that your chance of survival was plummeting as time continued on.
The evening came, and night followed. Surely you had sailed into a section of the New World where time was sped up, that was the only way you could explain why it seemed like the next day had already begun as you retired to your pantry bed.
The morning came all too soon. You rested well, but could hear the sounds of footsteps and movement from your safe spot. As you were previously warned by Heat, it's best to clear out as early as possible. So you re-did your morning routine. Latching up your bed, you then made way to the door to head to the bathroom. But upon swinging open your door, you were in for another shock, as your combat trainer was just about to knock on your door.
He stood silent for a moment, almost seeming surprised that you suddenly appeared. "I was coming to wake you. It's best to get started early." He informed plainly.
"A-Ah I see. I'll meet you on the deck shortly." You said ducking down a bit to slip past his large form blocking your exit. "Just going to the bathroom!" As you continued your trek, not looking back, you tried your best to keep your heart inside your chest. He was right though, the sooner you started, the sooner you'd be free of him. At least for today.
You quickly resumed your activities, then returned to the pantry for a quick change of clothes. Shorts and a tank, easy. The shorts were a little longer than what you would normally wear, and had conveniently deep pockets. Very comfortable, suiting an uncomfortable day.
Ascending to the deck felt like walking towards your own gallows. Fear rattled your insides, as you attempted to remain calm and righted your fists. The light of the sun was ironically welcoming despite the fading cloud cover, that being said you did not allow it to become a false sense of security for you.
Upon reaching the deck you noticed your instructor standing near the center, arms folded as per usual when dealing with you. You kept your fists to your side, and did your best to keep your head up, trying your best not to give off the sense that you were now relying on fight or flight instincts.
As you approached, he spoke, "The purpose of this is solely for you to strengthen your defensive skill at this time. There's no point in fighting back, it won't do you any good."
Not the pep talk you would have preferred, but perhaps few words were the best. "I understand."
"Minimizing the chance to get knocked out is always of high importance." He said as he rose his arms in fist in what you could understand as a boxer's main defense stance. "Your posture will change overtime, it'll also depend on whether you're holding a weapon, or the kind your opponent has."
You mimicked his placements, grateful that you weren't being taught to throw punches at this time, due to your extremely tight shoulders.
"Are you ready?" He asked, almost taking a bored tone.
"U-Um, N-"
But before you could fully answer, a quick fist was thrown in your direction. Instinctively you crossed your arms to block it. His hands were so much larger, you knew you'd need to at least have some force pushing against him to stop it from knocking you completely back.
The impact was painful, but you knew it could've been worse. It might not have felt like it, but the fact you weren't flying overboard meant he was pulling his punches.
Another punch hit your arms, immediately following it, was a swift kick from the side. While it carried much speed, it was also quite forceful, so much so, that knocked you off of your balance.
You tried to regain it as quickly, but by the time you registered to do so, his forearm was coming down towards your head. You answered with another X-shaped block, now holding your arms over your head, struggling to not get crushed by the pressure he was continuing to press.
All you could see was his mask and hair as they seemed to block out the warm sun. If you had started with any bearings, they would be lost by now, especially since another side kick came your way. You weren't quick enough to react, the force strong enough to put a few feet of distance between you. You couldn't hold back your groan as you tumbled against the deck.
In your peripheral you could see him stalk you, all you could respond with however, was deep and tired breaths. You were becoming frustrated at the scene you found yourself in.
You weren't being taught anything. Was he just using this as an excuse to pummel you?
You stumbled to your feet, like a new fawn. His approaching figure causing an immediate blocking reaction from you. He threw another punch once he was in range, this time, instead of getting stuck in your blocking motion,you side-stepped a bit, allowing it to graze you. Another punch came, from his left arm this time, not being able to dodge it completely you took the hit against your arms, knowing the ugly bruises you'd be marked with.
After the impact, you felt a sharp pull at your right side. He managed to grab you and quickly threw your body to the side. The slam against the deck was a lot harsher this time, resulting in a significantly slower response in getting up. You could hear his footsteps approach as you barely started to get up, but unfortunately, you just weren't quick enough.
Another grab, this time to your right arm as he forced you upwards, your feet dangling in the air. If you didn't already feel like gum at the bottom of a shoe, this would've put you there. You tried to yank your arm, but to no avail. His grip was iron tight, and it was beginning to be painful.
You needed him to release you, since slipping from his grasp wasn't an option. You mustered all your remaining strength to pull your feet up enough to rest against his chest, where you desperately tried to push off of for him to let go. Yet again, no success.
At this point he didn't react at all. No movements, comments, no sudden pushes or throws. You then moved your feet to his arm, attempting that way, but when it didn't quite work out. You had a change of mind. If he was going to be this awful to you, then it would only be fair to do the same.
Taking advantage of his stomach-turning decision to watch you struggle and suffer, you tried lifting yourself up a bit, using your minimal core strength and the force pushing against his arm from your feet, you slowly raised yourself up, using your free hand to grab onto his arm. Almost hugging it.
That's when you decided, to make him let you go.
With a widened jaw you,
Chomped in desperation.
A sound of shock escaped his mask as he more than harshly whipped you to the ground. It was at that time, you realized how...unpleased he was by your action.
Rolled over, palms on deck, but soon on your back as he flipped you over with a fast kick. You couldn't take anymore of what he was dishing out. Heat was right, if you survived you'd be as battered as the rest of them.
He reached out for you again. It seemed so much faster this time, but you were fed up with this game he was playing with you.
Just as he was getting ready to grab hold of you, you spoke, "Enough!" Your voice was tired and frustrated, quite frankly, even a little annoyed.
Although, your voice isn't exactly what halted his movement. You had slipped your hand into your conveniently lengthened pocket, and drew the dagger you were gifted.
He froze for barely a moment before pulling his hand back and standing up straight. "No weapons is what I told you."
"Well...I'm learning, that pirates don't fight fair." You huffed.
He stood silent for another moment, almost thinking. "Next time, I mean it." Then turned and walked away from you.
You laid down against the deck in defeat. Closing your eyes to the slow moving sun and clouds. You couldn't pass away the rage in your heart though, even if you dwelled on the fact that this was good for you in a twisted way.
"You should take it easy a while. I'll walk you back to your room."
You opened one eye to see a slightly concerned face. It was Xylo, now coming to your aid. He offered a hand to you, and you took advantage of it.
"Thanks." You mustered as you got to your feet.
"It must be hard for you...I mean...this isn't your element right?" He said as the two of you started to head back in.
"Yeah. It's... difficult. I'm 100 paces behind the rest of you. And I know no one on this ship is going to backtrack for me." You said, gripping your abused side gently.
"Yeah, you're right. We won't." He said plainly, earning a side eye from you. He chuckled lightly, "But, instead of backtracking, we'll catch you up. The hard and painful way. Pains a fast teacher, you just need to be a quick learner."
A curve formed in your lips, he was right. As brutal and mean as the lesson being taught was, you were going to learn it.
When you reached the pantry door, he began to depart. "If you need anything, let me know. I still owe you."
"I'll let you know." You said before closing your door back to him. You didn't bother even locking it. If someone came in and killed you now, that would be improvement on the current situation. You plomped onto your bed, sore and throbbing.
You began to think back. You didn't even realize that you had an audience on the deck. You were too focused on surviving the onslaught. But you realized that was a flaw too. Had someone else wanted to hurt you, you were completely unaware. You had a lot to learn before being labeled combat ready.
You groaned. You didn't even have a proper breakfast this morning! A knuckle sandwich is no way to start the day! Your stomach was making it's disapproval known. But you'd be damned if you open the pantry to see that masked monster at the stove. Quite frankly, you'd much rather starve it out.
Almost half an hour passed, stomach loudly declaring it's issue. Lucky for you though, a knock met your door.
"Y/N, it's Heat. Is it unlocked?"
"Y-Yes! Please come in." You said as you began to sit up.
Upon seeing his unique face a smile grew on yours. Albeit small considering your trial today. He quickly closed the distance between the two of you, almost excitedly. He was also carrying a plate of food.
"Eat." He said handing it to you as he sat on the floor casually with one knee up.
"You're a lifesaver." You said tiredly before beginning to stuff your face.
"Yeah I know, I know." Leaning forward a bit, he gave a faux whisper. "I heard our Killer was bit by a pantry mouse today."
Mouse!? Mouse!?
"Those your words or his?" You asked furrowing your brow and lowering your lids slightly.
An exaggerated shrug and an all too ironic zipper motion over his mouth is what you were given. "I just know that if the Boss didn't find it funny, Killer was mad enough to be an exterminator."
"Hmph!" That ruffian tattled! "I-It's not like I did anything wrong! If he didn't want to get bit, he should've let me go." You said before taking a few more bites.
"Hey, there's no rules in pirate fights." He said with another shrug. "I just wish I would've seen it." He leaned back on his hands, "He's getting over it."
Great. You painted a bigger target on your back. "Well, that's not my fault. He needs to work on his defense skills."
A louder laugh escaped him, it made you laugh too. Heat was easy to make smile and light hearted. Sometimes it made you wonder how he managed to be apart of this crew. But then again, you didn't want to know either. You didn't want to know what made your friend fit in with the rest of these monsters.
You placed your empty plate on a nearby rack before loudly sighing. "I'm going to look like spotted octopus when these bruises start show." You whined.
"Mmm...pantry octopus doesn't have a ring to it." He mused.
"I didn't ask." Preceded sticking your tongue out.
He started to get up. "I should let you should rest though." His hand found its place atop your head again, giving your hair a ruffle.
"I'll see you later then." You replied as he began to leave the room. When he exited, you laid back down on your cot. Tired breaths leaving you. A mid morning nap didn't sound bad at all right now. It's not like you had any other current task at hand anyway.
And just like that, you dozed off for quite a bit. Unknowingly, hours passed as you rested. That seemed to be okay today though, you clearly weren't suitable for any kind of sea-bearing work as you were still untrained.
A knock at the door startled you a bit. It wasn't heavy or disruptive, but you'd fallen into a deep recovery sleep.
But after the knock came no introduction. Just silence. And then more knocks. That led you to believe, it was one of two people. After all, everyone didn't mind voicing themselves to you, but Wire and Killer were definitely more vocally reserved.
Was Wire here to delegate information? Or was Killer here to rub salt in your wounds?
Without waiting for an answer, the door cracked up, having not been locked earlier. You didn't actually bother sitting up, you knew it'd be a physical strain. You just watched the door open, revealing your barbaric mentor. He continued in silence as he got closer to you.
In a cocktail of anger and fear, you decided to stay still, almost ignoring his presence. As much as you wanted to completely turn your back to him, you assumed he wouldn't take the disrespect very well, especially not after earlier events.
"Before you came aboard this ship, it would've been fair for you to could consider yourself average." He said, breaking the silence of the room, his tone even as it always seemed to be. "That's no longer the case, and were too far into the New World for us to carry along deadweight."
Was this his excuse for dealing so harshly with you?
"You now know what pain, fear, and helplessness feels like. Perhaps you've learned something to prevent that the next time?" He asked as he turned around and began his exit. "Evening, two nights from now, we'll go again."
So it seemed that dealing with the brute was going to be a regular routine for you to some extent. Not news you were excited to have confirmed for you. But you slowly sat up, and pondered on his question.
Learned something? You thought back to the beating you'd endured early. You didn't learn he was strong or fast, you could already deduce that information. The blocking you managed still caused pain, and if he hadn't been pulling his punches to an extent you'd be worse off. You continued to think back.
That's right! There was only one attack that didn't fully connect. You side-stepped it and it only grazed you. All of the other times you took the blow, you were rendered immobile because of the force he pushed against you. That's why he was able to continue making contact.
Dodging would have to be your primary defensive manuever at this time. He was much faster than you, but if that's what you were practicing with a focused intent, then no doubt you'd get faster too. Evasion would be your key to survival.
You thought more about it. It made sense he'd push you in that direction. You had no real strength or power, so other forms of defense might be a hindrance, especially because of the tier of enemies you'd be up against in the New World. So as to not waste any time, the focus was for you to learn how to stay alive. The rest could come later.
You sighed, laying back down, wondering if you'd really ever get the hang of anything on this ship. It seemed like the more you stayed aboard, the chasm between you and the rest of the crew widened.
It was...lonely.