Newbie's Skill

Seventeen

I looked down at my shoes. No one liked me anyways. It wouldn't matter. Pops sighed, shaking his head.

"Sit, my son." I sat on his bed. "What can I do to help?" Those words meant the world to me. More than he'd ever know. I sniffled, rubbing away the few stray tears running down my cheeks. I've been crying nonstop since last night. Everything seemed to be hating me now.

"I'm a mess," I whispered. He put a gentle hand on my head. "Can...I tell you something, Pops?" He hummed in agreement. "My family. My parents. My four brothers. They're all evil. I was nothing but a slave to them. They will be after me. They know where I am now. I have no doubt about it. The ship will be in grave danger. They are affiliated with the Marines. I don't want to lose you all. You've been nothing but kind to me since I came aboard, and it's time I paid my rent."

"Ashlo," he called, and I silenced, looking at the floorboards. "My son, your brothers and I will protect you. You will be safe. Just run wild under my flag, and let us keep you safe. You're not alone anymore."

"I'm afraid something bad is coming, and I won't be able to stop it."

"I will keep my children safe. Now, go, my son. Run wild." I smiled at him.

"Thanks, Pops." I got up to leave.

"And remember, Ashlo. You are a Whitebeard Pirate. We are family." I nodded at him, and I stepped outside. It felt like a new day all of a sudden. I looked around, trying to find something I could help with. I took a deep breath, walking towards a group of guys.

"Do you know if I can do anything around here to help?" I asked quietly. One of them looked at me. He had black hair and a black beard.

"Well. Finally ready to do some man's work?" he asked. I flinched slightly.

"Nevermind." I scurried away. What was with that aura? It felt deadly...and it frightened me. I glanced back to make sure I was safe and out of his reach. I huffed. So much for that. I looked up when I neared the end of the ship. I guess no one wants me near them after all. I'm the plague of the ship. Even the doctor didn't like me. I will be friends with them for Pops' sake. Even if it kills me. I sat on the railing. Why does this have to happen?

"Hey! You're...Ashlo, right? Our new crew mate?" I glanced to my right to see three guys fishing. I nodded hesitantly.

"Nice to finally meet you," the second said.

"You're always around Ace or Marco, so we never really got a chance to actually say hi to you," the third explained.

"Welcome aboard," the first smiled. I waved slightly. Was everyone this friendly? If I just talked to them?

"What are you guys doing?" I asked.

"Fishing."

"C-can I join?"

"We should have another one in the barrel right over there." I stood up, walking to the other side of them. Sure enough, I found a fishing pool. I picked it up, sitting next to the first guy. "Name's Chuck. That's Lucky and Grape."

"Yo," Lucky and Grape greeted.

"I'm Ashlo, but I guess you already knew that."

"Yeah. The Black Cap Pirate, right?" Grape asked. I sighed, with a nod.

"That's me."

"I hear that you can singlehandedly take down armies of Marine soldiers, bandits, and pirates at the same time!" Lucky gushed. I shrugged.

"I do what I have to to survive. I don't do it for games."