c4 - The Boy Without Fear
Green winked at House, signaling their usual escape plan. House understood instantly, but this time, he stubbornly refused to acknowledge it. He stood firm, gripping his weapon tightly, eyes locked onto Mullen.
Green's silent message was clear: Run! He would hold back the pirate, giving House a chance to flee and meet later at their usual hideout. They had done this before during hunts House would escape first, while Green used traps and terrain to stall the enemy. Every time, Green would return, battered but alive, waving off his wounds as "just scratches."
But this time was different.
House wasn't as sharp as Green, but he wasn't stupid either. He could tell if he ran now, he might never see Green again.
Green clenched his jaw in frustration, then stepped out from the shadows, fully exposing himself in the moonlit clearing.
"Captain Mullen, you want to recruit us?"
Mullen didn't bother hiding his intentions. He grinned, his rough face twisting with amusement. "That's right! You brats have skills. Join my crew, and we'll chase treasure across the Grand Line. You'll be free rich beyond your wildest dreams!"
Green wasn't fooled by the grand promises of piracy. He smiled slightly. "I heard only pirates are truly free. Is that true?"
As he spoke, his right hand moved behind his back, signaling House once more: Go! Now!
But House stood as firm as an anchored ship.
Mullen suddenly bared his teeth in a cruel grin, revealing stained, rotting canines. "Trying to hold me back so your friend can escape? Smart, but pointless. No one runs from me." His voice darkened. "Last chance join, or die."
Green lowered his head, appearing to surrender. His voice was calm. "Alright, Captain Mullen, we accept"
Before the words even finished leaving his lips, he suddenly snapped his head up, eyes icy, bow already raised.
Fwip!
Three arrows shot toward Mullen in rapid succession the fastest Green could fire.
Not waiting to see the results, he spun on his heel and dashed into the forest.
House stood frozen in shock.
"What are you waiting for? Run!" Green roared.
House jolted awake as if struck by lightning. He turned and bolted, running like a prey animal sensing the predator's breath on its neck.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Three sharp metallic echoes rang out. Green's heart clenched. Not a single arrow had landed. He couldn't even tell if they had slowed Mullen down.
House wasn't fast enough. He was lagging behind.
Green didn't hesitate. He stopped, spun around, and fired another arrow, aiming directly for Mullen's throat.
Mullen had already closed the distance between them, his large hand reaching for House's back.
The arrow flew toward his head, forcing him to swat it aside. He sneered, unfazed but it gave House precious seconds to flee.
Green nocked another arrow, taking aim once more.
Mullen's expression twisted with irritation. "You first, then."
The pirate captain lunged. His sheer size and speed made him seem more beast than man. He swung his massive fist toward Green.
Green remained steady. He had long lost the ability to feel fear traded it away in a deal he barely understood, exchanging terror for soul refining.
He released his arrow, then threw his bow forward, buying himself an instant to roll backward.
Mullen barely flicked his steel-clad hand. The arrow deflected, the bow shattered.
"You're just an ant struggling before death," Mullen growled.
Green hit the ground hard but scrambled back to his feet, pushing his body beyond its limits. But Mullen was too fast.
A shadow loomed behind him.
Then
BAM!
A force like a cannonball struck his back. A sound like breaking bamboo echoed through the air.
Green felt his ribs snap. Pain shot through his body like white-hot fire. His vision darkened.
But he refused to black out.
He coughed blood, splattering the grass red.
With sheer willpower, he stumbled forward.
Behind him, Mullen watched with a mocking smile, raising his fist again.
"Hey, other brat," he called out lazily. "Come out now, and I'll let this one live. If you don't…" He cracked his knuckles. "I'll crush him."
Green spat more blood, then forced out weak but firm words.
"Run! Pirates never keep promises. Avenge me in the future!"
But then
His heart nearly stopped.
A shadow stepped out from the trees.
House.
The boy stood against the moonlight. Small, frail yet his presence carried a weight that even Mullen noticed.
His steps were slow, deliberate. No hesitation. No fear.
Green's stomach twisted in frustration.
"Idiot," he whispered.
But House didn't stop. He raised his wooden shield, hiding his body except for his calm, focused eyes. His other hand gripped a stolen machete, hidden behind the shield out of sight, waiting.
A coiled snake, ready to strike.
Green wiped the blood from his lips. If House wouldn't leave, neither would he.
He slowly crouched, melting into the darkness. His staggered steps became light, his presence vanishing into the shadows.
Mullen's face hardened. He watched them closely. Their movements were too polished. Too experienced.
Two kids shouldn't move like this.
If he didn't take them under his command, they'd be a threat in the future.
"It's a shame," Mullen muttered. His gaze turned cold.
"You should've accepted my offer."
...