Sin was delighted as he found that the armor from the vintage shop was in amazing condition though this type of style had fallen into disuse, he dressed himself in a dark grey material formed from leather and around his face he dawned his a half mask once more. Along his waist hung a newer utility belt simply because it had been enchanted to hold more in their pouches, it was through the use of Counterfeit that Sin had supplied himself with a healthy stock of his favorite gadgets though they were old school he would find them effective.
Fire bombs, Frost bombs, and many other assorted little pyrotechnics filled his utility belt along with knives and traps.
This was something that didn't really fit his role in the Party but back then he didn't have an offensive type Esper power so he tried to branch out to fill in as many roles in the party as possible, having trained in ranged weapons as well as melee so he could fit the missing role for any Party. It was something he had to do as he was only a child at the time and many people wouldn't risk bringing a child with them thus he had to prove himself capable in multiple fields.
As he stretched and tested his movements he found himself pleased, this is what he liked about this apparel. It wasn't bulky or flashy and allowed him to move in any way he pleased, he had just flipped to a hand stand and showed amazing flexibility as his spine bent and his feet touched just behind his hands.
'Feels good to be back in action' thought Sin before he decided to go ahead and see if he still had the moves.
Stepping out of his room he went to find Ari, he still didn't know what her ability was but based on what he had seen from Sherri and Clare he assumed it would be chains or something similar. Looking around he couldn't seem to find her, or her sisters for that matter.
He however was able to find Darwin, the mage sitting by himself in the dining room fiddling with something.
"Hey" called Sin causing Darwin's eyes to widen as his hands had jumped before his little experiment blew up in his face.
Darwin sat there for a moment with soot covering him as he reached up and pinched a flaming lock of hair, he released a heavy sigh before speaking.
"What is it" asked Darwin restraining himself from flipping out.
"Where have Ari and the others gone, I can't find them" asked Sin resisting his urge to laugh at the man.
"Sherri and the girls have gone to register for the upcoming semester at the academy, Sherri is going so she can enroll you. They will be gone for some time as they are also planning to pick out gifts for my son who is returning today for the same reason. Now is there anything else or will you insist on interrupting me further." explained Darwin intending to turn back around and start all over.
"Not unless your up for a bit of practice" suggested Sin causing the mage to turn back around with a bit of interest.
"Oh, so you wish to train a bit. Very wise considering where you've been" stated Darwin though he wasn't aware of just how long Sin had been in prison but then again neither was Sherri.
"So your willing to assist me" asked Sin curiously.
"I can put you through the paces but I ask that you try your best, Sherri has said many good things about you. As such I have high expectations" answered Darwin as he stood up and wiped his face with a handkerchief.
"Well then I'd hate to disappoint" laughed Sin as he and Darwin stepped into the Estates rather lavish yard.
The two stood away from each other and Darwin finally took notice of Sin's gear.
"I must admit, I'm a bit put off by your wardrobe. I would suggest that you change into some better gear" started Darwin with a bit of sincerity.
"Nah, newer doesn't always mean better. Besides it feels more natural this way" responded Sin before he suddenly dashed forward with a much higher than normal speed surprising Darwin but he didn't realize that though Sin may look young he was a few years older than even the mage. This gave him plenty of time to build up muscle while he was in his cell.
Darwin quickly rose an earth wall but found Sin to have jumped over it before it could finish rising, the mage launched himself backwards and made use of the opportunity to raise three more walls intending to box the thief in. However he had forgotten about Sin's special talent and only two more walls raised while Sin had taken the spell from him on the last wall, Darwin didn't have time to think as he blasted a torrent of water at the old youth.
Sin collected this as well before planting a solid kick into Darwin's body but the mage was still strong in his own right and returned with his own strike knocking Sin's smaller frame away.
"Not bad Sin, not bad at all. Let's turn this up a bit" chuckled Darwin as he was actually having a bit of fun, he liked to tinker and play brain teasers and each time he found Sin stealing one of his spells it became more like a game of chess.
Several different spells were flung of different elements some of them forming creatures made from the elements but as they came up the spells were stolen providing more ammo for the thief.
Soon Darwin found himself running low on Mana causing him to smile, he hadn't been worked like that since he was younger. It was refreshing and he found his mind clearer than it had been in a long time.
"Sin, let's call it a day. I must thank you for this distraction, it has done wonders in clearing my head and it is the most fun I have had in a long time. Perhaps you would be interested in doing this again some time" asked the Mage with a genuine smile.
"Sure, though honestly I should thank you. I benefited the most today" smiled Sin, it felt good to to get some swings in while being forced on the defensive. It was a rush to feel his heart hammering against his chest from the workout and he was honestly looking forward to the next time though he would be lying if he didn't hope for the man to use different spells.
"I must say, you've gotten rusty haven't you father" laughed a cold looking youth with a venomous gaze while looking at Sin.
"Oh your home already, well let me introduce you to Sin. He's been staying with us while he gets back on his feet. Sin, this is my oldest child, Donovan. He is an Esper as well but he is the special one of our little family" smiled Darwin while Donovan basked in the praise.
"I don't know, I think Sylvie is the special one. Only mage out of four, that's pretty unique" answered Sin causing Donovan to instantly glare.
"What would you know about special, some urchin off the street" started Donovan before Sin cut in.
"Who said I came off the street, I'm fresh out of prison kid. As for special, heh. You don't know the meaning" laughed Sin causing Donovan's eyes to widen as he looked for confirmation from Darwin.
"Sin, you shouldn't brag about things like that. It'll give people a bad impression" started Darwin causing Donovan to widen his eyes, Sin seemed to be younger than him. They wouldn't lock someone as young as him for no reason, he either had a terrifyingly cruel ability or he did something just as bad.
"If you say so, hope we can talk some more in the future Donnie" stated Sin patronizingly as he went to go and take care of something in the meantime as another form of practice and an assurance of remaining anonymous to those who hadn't looked to closely at his files.