Chapter 9: The Echoes of the Past
The fourth day of training dawned with a mix of excitement and tension. Stella woke early, her muscles aching from the intense exercises, but her determination burning brighter than ever. She had started to see herself not just as a survivor but as someone who could truly make a difference in the world—a protector, a shield against injustice.
Michael, as always, was already awake, standing near the edge of Marineford's training grounds with his arms crossed. Rosinante leaned against a nearby wall, munching on a piece of bread, his usual cheerful energy contrasting with Michael's intensity.
"Today, we're focusing on combat awareness," Michael announced as Stella approached. "You've done well so far, but real battles are unpredictable. You need to learn to adapt to changing situations and stay calm under pressure."
Stella nodded, wiping sleep from her eyes. "What's the plan?"
Michael gestured to a series of obstacles and training dummies spread across the field. "You'll be going through a mock combat scenario. Rosinante and I will act as your adversaries. Your job is to navigate the course, deal with the obstacles, and neutralize your opponents. Remember: stay focused and use your abilities creatively."
Rosinante grinned, waving his wooden training sword. "Don't worry, Stella. I'll go easy on you."
Michael shot him a look. "No, you won't. If you go easy on her, you'll regret it."
Rosinante's grin faltered, and he straightened up, clearly taking the warning seriously.
---
The exercise started with a burst of intensity. Stella dashed into the obstacle course, her mind racing as she assessed the layout. The first challenge was a series of moving targets that swung unpredictably, designed to disorient and confuse.
Stella summoned a small cloud, using it to shield herself from the incoming dummies. She pushed forward, weaving through the targets with increasing confidence. Just as she cleared the first section, Rosinante appeared from behind a barrier, charging at her with surprising speed.
"Gotcha!" he shouted, swinging his wooden sword.
Stella reacted instinctively, creating a dense mist around herself. Rosinante's attack passed through the cloud harmlessly, and Stella used the distraction to slip past him. Her heart pounded as she reached the next section of the course—a narrow bridge suspended over a shallow pool of water.
Michael waited at the far end, his wings spread wide and glowing faintly. "You'll need more than tricks to get past me," he called out, his voice carrying an edge of challenge.
Stella hesitated for a moment, her mind racing. She couldn't rely on brute force—Michael's strength and speed were far beyond hers. Instead, she decided to use the terrain to her advantage. Summoning a series of small clouds, she sent them forward, creating a thick fog that obscured Michael's vision.
Michael smirked, unimpressed. "You're going to need more than fog, Stella."
But Stella wasn't done. She condensed the mist into a single, solid cloud beneath her feet, lifting herself off the bridge and gliding toward Michael from above. The move caught him off guard, and she managed to land a light tap on his shoulder before retreating.
Michael raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Clever. You're learning."
---
After the exercise ended, Stella collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. Rosinante flopped down beside her, his usual grin in place. "You're getting good, Stella. I didn't think you'd get past Michael."
Stella smiled weakly, still catching her breath. "I just… thought about what you said yesterday. About trusting my instincts."
Michael approached, his expression softer than usual. "You're improving, Stella. But remember, real battles are never this controlled. You'll face enemies who won't hesitate to exploit your weaknesses. Stay vigilant."
Stella nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I'll keep working hard."
As they rested, Michael's gaze drifted toward the horizon, his expression growing distant. Stella noticed the change and hesitated before asking, "Michael, can I ask you something?"
He glanced at her, his platinum-blonde hair catching the sunlight. "What is it?"
"You always talk about being prepared for the worst. Did something happen to you… before you joined the Navy?"
Michael's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he said nothing. Rosinante, sensing the shift in mood, grew quiet as well.
Finally, Michael spoke, his voice low. "Before the Navy, I was just a kid on a merchant ship. We were attacked by pirates. They killed most of the crew… including my family."
Stella's heart sank. "I'm so sorry…"
Michael shook his head. "Don't be. That's what pushed me to join the Navy—to make sure no one else has to go through what I did. But it's not an easy path. You'll see things that test your resolve. That's why I push you so hard, Stella. Because when the time comes, I want you to be ready."
Stella looked down, her hands clenched into fists. She couldn't imagine the pain Michael had endured, but she felt a deep respect for his strength and determination.
---
That evening, as the stars filled the sky, the three of them sat together near the edge of Marineford. The cool night breeze carried the sound of distant waves, and for a moment, everything felt peaceful.
Rosinante broke the silence with his usual cheer. "Well, I think we all deserve a break after today. How about some snacks?"
Michael rolled his eyes but didn't protest as Rosinante handed out small pastries. Stella smiled, savoring the rare moment of calm.
As they sat together, Stella felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in years. She wasn't just training to become stronger—she was becoming part of something greater. With Michael and Rosinante by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Her journey was far from over, but for the first time, she felt truly prepared.
---
[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]
*Thank you*