After the intense battle concluded, Garrick stepped forward, clapping his hands to gather everyone's attention. "Alright, the final trial is done! Everyone did a great job," he announced, his voice carrying across the pier. "Before we make any final decisions, we'll need a moment to discuss. So, stay put—we'll be right back."
The captains and crew members moved to a far-off area, ensuring they wouldn't be overheard. Drake stood by himself on the pier, catching his breath as the adrenaline from the trials began to fade. He tightened the bandana on his head and muttered to himself, "I hope I made it… after all that spectacle, I really hope it was enough."
Meanwhile, in the secluded area, the crew and captains gathered in a loose circle, their expressions ranging from thoughtful to animated as they began their discussion.
Kael leaned against a wooden post, arms crossed, his usual grin in place. "Alright, let's hear it. Who impressed you the most?"
Garrick was the first to speak. "The kid, Drake. He's got guts, creativity, and determination. Plus, unlocking two runic tattoos in the middle of a trial? That's not something you see every day."
One of the crew members nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but he's still rough around the edges. It's clear he's got potential, but he's going to need a lot of training."
Selene, lounging casually with her chin resting on her hand, smirked. "Rough around the edges is what makes him interesting. He's not just skilled; he's unpredictable. And let's be honest, he brought some excitement to the trials. That's more than I can say for most of the others."
Another crew member chimed in. "What about the others? There were a few solid performances, even if they didn't stand out as much as Drake."
Kael nodded thoughtfully. "True, there were some steady ones. But we're not looking for just steady—we're looking for extraordinary. We need people who can adapt, think on their feet, and handle the unexpected."
Garrick grunted. "The question is, who's going to be able to keep up with the Crimson Tide's standards? Steady doesn't cut it out there on the seas."
Selene chuckled softly. "The rookie, Drake, showed he can keep up. Hell, he almost took Kael down. If that's not proof of potential, I don't know what is."
Kael raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Almost took me down, huh? You're giving him a lot of credit."
Selene shrugged, her crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "Credit where it's due."
A quieter crew member spoke up, their tone measured. "Drake has potential, but it's risky. If he can't refine his skills quickly, he could be a liability."
Kael waved a hand dismissively. "Risk is part of the game. I'd rather have someone who's willing to throw everything into the fight than someone who plays it safe and holds back."
Garrick crossed his arms, glancing at the rest of the crew. "Alright, so it seems we're leaning toward Drake. What about the rest? Any objections?"
The crew exchanged glances, a few murmurs of agreement passing among them.
Selene stretched lazily. "If there are no objections, I say we take him. He's got fire, and I'd hate to see that go to waste."
Kael clapped his hands together. "Alright, it's decided. Let's go break the news."
As the crew began to move, one of them, a burly man with a mischievous grin, nudged Selene. "Hey, you've been awfully chatty about the rookie. Got a little crush on him, Selene?"
Another crew member laughed, chiming in, "Yeah, you were practically cheering for him during the fight. Didn't know you were into the spirited types."
Selene rolled her eyes, though her smirk didn't fade. "Please," she said with mock disdain. "I just appreciate talent when I see it."
Kael chuckled, his grin widening. "Sure, talent. Or maybe you're just entertained by his antics."
Selene leaned back against a barrel, her crimson eyes narrowing playfully. "And if I were? What of it? You boys need to stop gossiping like old merchants."
The crew laughed, but Selene's expression grew thoughtful as they continued walking. In her mind, her usual playful facade softened. He's different, she thought. Most rookies would have crumbled under pressure, but he didn't just survive—he thrived. And those runic tattoos… there's something special about him. Maybe it's more than just his potential that caught my attention.
She shook her head slightly, dismissing the thought. Focus, Selene. You've got a job to do.
Kael's voice snapped her out of her reverie. "You coming, Selene? Or are you daydreaming about your rookie again?"
She smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "In your dreams, Captain. Let's go make the announcement." The group chuckled as they approached the recruits, their decision finalized.
The pirate crew returned to the recruits, and Garrick stepped forward, clapping his hands to gather their attention. "Alright, everybody, we've made our decision," he announced, his voice carrying authority.
Drake swallowed hard, his nerves apparent as he stood among the remaining candidates. Garrick's gaze swept across the group before his face broke into a smile. "Alright, the decision is… the rookie, Drake Solace."
Drake froze for a moment, his mind racing. "Me?" he muttered, his voice barely audible. Then, as the realization sank in, his lips widened into a shocked but elated smile.
The crew members clapped and cheered, while Kael grinned widely. "Welcome aboard, kid," the captain said. Selene smirked, her crimson eyes glinting. "Congratulations, rookie. You've earned it."
Drake's smile grew, and he nodded firmly. "Thank you. I won't let any of you down."
The group laughed, offering their congratulations in their own unique ways, some with playful jabs, others with genuine approval. The camaraderie was palpable, but Garrick's tone turned somber as he addressed the remaining recruits.
"As for the rest of you," Garrick said, his voice steady, "I'm sorry, but you didn't make the cut."
Most of the recruits nodded solemnly, accepting their fate, but one candidate stepped forward, his face twisted in anger. "This is bullshit!" he spat. "I'm just as good as that rookie, if not better!"
Garrick's gaze hardened as he addressed the man. "You don't have the talent or the heart to be in this crew."
The candidate's anger flared, and he pointed a finger at Drake. "How about this? I'll prove it by killing him in a one-on-one combat battle. Only one of us leaves alive."
The crew murmured in surprise, but Selene stepped forward, her voice sharp. "You've got guts challenging one of ours, but let's not pretend you've got the skill to back it up."
The candidate sneered but was interrupted by Drake stepping forward. "Fine. I'll do it," he said, his voice calm yet firm.
Kael raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Alright. Get into position."
The two combatants faced each other, tension crackling in the air. Kael raised his hand and then brought it down sharply. "Fight!"
Drake vanished in an instant, his movement so fast it left the crowd stunned. The opponent, now visibly worried, looked around frantically. "Where is he? Is he scared?" he yelled, his voice trembling.
A calm voice echoed behind him. "Right behind you."
The candidate turned, but before he could react, his world spun. His last thought as he looked at his own body from a disembodied perspective was, Did I die? Why am I looking at my body?
His lifeless body crumpled to the ground, and Drake stood over him, his sword steady. "Sleep well in the afterlife," Drake said quietly, his voice carrying both respect and finality.
The dock fell silent as the recruits and crew processed what had just happened. Kael chuckled, breaking the tension. "Winner: Drake Solace."
The remaining recruits screamed in terror, their voices a cacophony of panic. "Did you see that? He's a monster!" one shouted as they scrambled away. Another cried, "I don't want to die here!" Their footsteps echoed as they fled in every direction.
The crew members exchanged impressed glances. One muttered, "Didn't think he had it in him to go that far."
Another nodded. "That kid's got the killer instinct."
Kael leaned against the railing, laughing heartily. "Well, that's one way to make sure there's no doubt about who belongs here."
Selene smirked, her eyes fixed on Drake. "Rookie's got a flair for the dramatic."
Garrick crossed his arms, shaking his head slightly but smiling. "He just proved he's willing to do whatever it takes. That's Crimson Tide material."
Selene's smirk faltered for a brief moment as she thought, He's more than just capable. There's something about him... something dangerous and captivating.
Drake, tightening his bandana, glanced back at the crew. "I had to do it… to show I was meant for this crew," he said, his voice steady and resolute.
Kael clapped a hand on Drake's shoulder. "And you did, kid. Welcome to the Crimson Tide."
To Be Continued...