Newbie's Skill

Thirty-Five

"How did the trip go?" Pops wondered.

"Awesome! They had a whole art store and everything!" I gushed. I gurantee I had stars in my eyes. I was still practically fanboying over that store.

"He's definitely not a cheap date," Marco huffed, plopping down on the ground. "He would have bought the entire damn store if we hadn't held him back."

"We have the room," I pouted. Pops just laughed in amusement.

"As long as he stays that innocent, I couldn't care less if you had to steal for him," Pops laughed.

"Your "innocent son" can lie through his teeth without batting an eye," Izo smirked.

"Do ya'll just hate me or what? Why do you have to throw me under the bus like that?" I complained. Haruta, Izo, and Marco snickered.

"My, my," Pops grinned. "He's growing up."

"Anyways," I waved them off. "Lookie what all I got!" I pulled out the stuff. "I got two new sketchbooks, and I got tons of pencils! I even got colored ones! And pens! And-" I paused when I noticed everyone smiling at me. "What? What is it? Did I do something wrong again?" My features saddened a little, and my happiness dropped. What did I do?

"It's so adorable watching you be all excited. It's the first time we've ever seen you this happy," Izo explained.

"I should have bought you the whole damn store if I would have known it made you this happy," Marco smiled. I cocked my head in confusion.

"What's in the other bag?" Lucky asked, eying it. A smirk formed on my lips.

"Explosives," I joked. Pops raised a brow, giving Marco that "You know he's not allowed those to play with" look.

Marco rolled his eyes, "Ash, if you get me in trouble, I'm taking your stuff back." I pouted, faking tears.

"I got a new knife and some books," I sniffled. Pops chuckled lightly.

"Marco," he said.

"I was just kidding, Bud," Marco sighed. "I won't let anyone touch your stuff."

"Pwomise?"

"Pinky promise." I grinned again, and I lunged for him. I knocked him back onto his back, and the ship burst into laughter. Suddenly, Pops stopped, causing me to flinch. I stood up when I heard gunfire. I darted for the railing, and I noticed Marines firing from the dock.

"He was right! That is Rogue!" a Marine announced. Guns were aimed for me. I scoffed.

"My name is Ashlo, damn it," I grumbled.

"That's what you're worried about?" Marco exclaimed in disbelief. I hopped onto the railing. The guns were fired.

"Imperium," I said, putting my hand up, and the bullets ceased midair. I flicked my hand, making them turn their aim a 180 and fired back at them. "They should learn my name," I snapped. I turned to the boys. "Get Pops out of here. I'll handle these guys."

"Don't be foolish, my son. How do you think a father would feel watching his son die before him?" Pops growled. "Stay on the ship." I smirked.

"I'm not gonna die, Dad," I promised. I leapt for the land.