Newbie's Skill

Seven

"Do you want me to take a look at it?" a guy asked. He had slowly approached me, careful not to "spook" me. "I'm a repairman. I should be able to get it working again."

My eyes never left his hands as he reached them out cautiously. His eyes soon held mine steadily. I thought he was safe, so I unclipped my log pose, handing it to him. He disappeared for a few minutes. Marco and Ace glanced at each other before the guy came back, and my item worked again.

"Just needed a little repairman's love," he chuckled. He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck when I didn't do anything. He cleared his throat.

"Thanks," I mumbled when he gave it back. I resealed it on my wrist, looking at it.

"Sure thing. Oh. The name's Yama." I debated on his unasked question. He gulped, wondering if he crossed the line. I glanced at Champ, who licked my cheek. I guess it didn't hurt. It's better than being called "Kid" all the time.

"Ashlo," I mumbled. He seemed stunned for a second.

"What?"

"My name. It's Salom D. Ashlo." Ace and Marco smiled at each other. I guess they got their first accomplishment. Whitebeard smirked happily. I looked down as my pup curled into my lap again. I stroked his fur gently, ignoring the others. I didn't know what they were so happy about, but I didn't need to know. All I wanted was a boat to get out of here. I wasn't a people person, and they were about to learn that fateful truth.

"So, what do you do as a pirate," Yama asked, sitting on the ground across from me. He left a comfortable space between us. I could work with that.

"Steal and eat. That's it."

"Awe. That doesn't sound too fun."

"What? Should I be doing other things?"

"What about your crew?"

"You're looking at the entire crew." He was speechless for a moment before glancing between me and Champ. He just stared at me like I grew a million heads.

"You can't be serious..."

"I am. Why should I joke?"

"He has no humor," Marco chuckled.

"Let him be," Whitebeard ordered with a small laugh. Yama stood up, waving as he left the deck. I began to slowly doze off. How annoying. I fought against the drowsiness. I would be vulnerable in my sleep. I had to stay awake and find a boat when everyone was asleep. Oh, what does it matter? I would just end up getting eaten again. I was too far from any shore. Might as well get some shut eye.

"Sleepy?" Ace murmured. I felt his arms around me. I didn't have the energy to throw a fit right then and there. Honestly, it felt nice and warm in his arms. I could tell he definitely had experience with something like this...being a big brother. I wonder if he actually had a little brother. "I'm not going anywhere. You can rest easy, Kid." He picked me up after Champ hopped off, and he held me for a moment. "Marco, mind if he sleeps with us tonight?"

"Go for it," Marco agreed. "Just be careful. I'll laugh if he bites you."

"Meh. He wouldn't be the first." Whitebeard snickered at the comment.

"Go rest, my sons."

"What about you, Pops?" Ace worried. I subconsciously cuddled into his warmth. Perks of his devil fruit, I suppose.

"Go to sleep. I'll be fine. Take your little brother to bed, too. He's probably exhausted."

"Sure thing," Marco agreed. Marco walked with Ace to an almost private-looking quarters. There were about a dozen bunk beds, and I knew this must be the commanders sleeping area. I fidgeted in Ace's arms, but he bounced me, shushing me softly. He laid me down gently, and I passed out immediately.