บท 5: Allies
Cain finished his relentless morning practice session, sweat dripping from his brow. He took a moment to catch his breath and surveyed his surroundings. Ensuring no one was nearby, he carefully hid his sword in a concealed spot, not wanting anyone to discover that he had been training and had a weapon.
As he walked back to the village, lost in thoughts of vengeance, faint cries and the sound of scuffling nearby broke his reverie. Intrigued and concerned, Cain cautiously approached the source of the noise. He peeked around a corner and saw a skinny, bespectacled boy with a shock of blond hair being beaten by a group of Enel's goons. The boy struggled against his attackers, his glasses askew and his clothes torn.
Cain's anger flared. He couldn't stand by and watch another person suffer. Summoning his remaining strength, he rushed forward, his feet pounding against the ground as he closed the distance between himself and the attackers.
The first goon barely had time to react before Cain's fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling backward. Cain followed up with a swift kick to the goon's midsection, doubling him over in pain.
The other attackers turned their attention to Cain, their eyes wide with surprise and anger. They circled him, their fists raised and ready to strike.
Cain's heart raced, but he stood his ground. He had spent countless hours training in secret, honing his fighting skills, and now was the time to put them to the test.
The goons attacked as one, their fists and feet flying towards Cain in a flurry of motion. Cain ducked and weaved, using his smaller size and agility to his advantage. He blocked a punch from one attacker and countered with a swift uppercut, feeling a satisfying crunch as his fist connected with the goon's nose.
Another attacker managed to land a glancing blow on Cain's cheek, but Cain barely felt it through the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He spun around, delivering a roundhouse kick that caught the attacker in the side of the head, sending him crashing to the ground.
The bespectacled boy, seeing an opening, scrambled to his feet and grabbed Cain's arm. "Run!" he shouted, and the two boys sprinted through the forest into the village and its narrow alleyways and hidden paths of Birka.
Their pursuers were relentless, their angry shouts echoing through the streets as they gave chase. Cain and the boy used their knowledge of the towns less-traveled routes to their advantage, darting through narrow passages and vaulting over low walls.
Eventually, they found refuge in an abandoned building, gasping for breath as they listened to their pursuers' footsteps fade away. They collapsed against the wall, their chests heaving with exertion.
As they caught their breath, Cain and the boy exchanged wary glances. Cain noticed the boy's eyes, filled with a mix of fear and gratitude. He introduced himself.
"I'm Cain," he said, extending a hand. "Who are you?"
The boy adjusted his glasses and shook Cain's hand. "Gearus, but everyone calls me Gear."
"What did you do to piss them off?" Cain asked, curious.
Gear sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I'm a bit of an inventor. My gadgets don't always work, and Enel's goons think it's funny to make sure they never do. They call me a mad scientist and a failure."
Cain felt a pang of empathy. "I know what that's like," he said quietly. "They think I'm a freak because I don't have wings. But I'm not giving up. They will pay for what they did. I will destroy them all."
Gear looked at Cain, his eyes widening. "Destroy Birka? That's a tall order. But… I get it. I've dreamed of leaving this place, building a ship full of dial technology to sail the Grand Line, away from all this cruelty."
Cain studied Gear, sensing a kindred spirit. "Maybe we can help each other," he suggested. "You help me train, and I'll protect you from Enel's goons. Together, we can make our dreams come true."
Gear hesitated for a moment, his uneasiness apparent. Destroying Birka was a daunting goal, and the thought of such widespread destruction was unsettling. But he knew how they had both been treated by the Birkans, and the desire for revenge simmered within him. Memories of being mocked and sabotaged flashed through his mind. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. Deal." They shook hands, sealing their pact. "I'll create gadgets and makeshift weapons for you. I've got some ideas that might help you in a fight."
Cain smiled for the first time in days. "And I'll teach you how to defend yourself. We'll train together."
Over the following weeks, Cain and Gear formed a strong bond. They trained in secret; Gear didn't focus much on strength; instead, he channeled his energy into inventing dial technology weaponry. He created gadgets and tools that enhanced Cain's combat style, allowing him to train with greater efficiency. Cain, in turn, helped Gear test his inventions, offering feedback and adapting his fighting techniques to incorporate the new gadgets.
One evening, as the sun set, Cain and Gear stood at the edge of a cliff, looking out over Birka. The sky was ablaze with colors, casting long shadows across the island. They discussed their dreams and plans, their voices filled with determination.
"I envision Birka reduced to ashes," Cain said, his eyes reflecting the fiery sky. "I'll kill every last one of them."
Gear nodded, his own eyes shining with ambition but still tinged with unease. "And I'll sail the Grand Line on a ship full of dial technology. We'll do this together."
They stood in silence, united in their hatred for Birka and their hope for the future. As the sun disappeared below the horizon, Cain and Gear made a silent vow to achieve their goals, no matter the cost.
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