Back in the saddle..../again/. Really, this time.
Started writing this in 2007 (I accidentally overwrote the original file, so, sometime before September, as that’s the ‘recent’ one). Got stuck, and let it sit for ages - then Kuma landed in my lap, and that took care of the ‘how it happened’ problem, which had been written, but I didn’t like. Then I sat on it again for a while, because I was just having trouble writing anything past the middle, and lo and behold, I go looking for something else I wanted to finish and start working on this. That seems to be how things work with me. If I get stuck? Wait 4 or 5 years, then get blindsided with the urge to finish it.
Title: Promise
Pairings: Usopp+Mihawk, Zosopp (or some serious nakamashipping, depending on your perspective)
Word Count: 3062
Notes: Inspired by a line from ‘Trials’. Also, clearly AU because we all know Zoro can't die. He's too damn stubborn. ;)
Warnings: Still melodramatic as all hell (even though I edited the heck out of it) Also unbeta’d as I was too embarrassed to show this to my husband… *blushes* Er, point out any major problems, would you? Suggestions always welcome.
He had spent nearly a year searching, and finally, he'd found what he was looking for. The man’s ship had not changed after all this time, and there was no one else who could possibly have that taste. For once the rumors had led him true. Docking himself nearby, he allowed himself a small feeling of triumph, and did not let himself think too hard about where it would lead him.
Usopp divested himself of all his weapons, carefully stowing them on his small craft. In his reasoning, it would be rude to carry anything like a threat into this meeting, and very possibly suicidal- in any case; if it came to a fight with this man, he would lose, he was sure. His target had bested Zoro in the past, and he doubted very much he'd even have a chance to run from what he’d seen of the man’s skills.
Knowing that made it difficult to continue, but he had a duty here, and as much as his stomach rolled with anxiety, he wouldn't let himself shirk it.
Gathering his courage, and ordering his thoughts, he started walking slowly towards the copse of trees ahead. He did not try to move lightly, or sneak in- but neither did he make unnecessary noise. Best to proclaim his presence naturally, rather than run the risk of seeming a threat, or insincere in his request. If he looked like a man walking to the gallows, it was only because he knew how real the possibility that he would not return, was.
It did not take long to reach his destination, and part of him wished he had more time, just to settle his nerves - even if he knew it was best not to delay. He had just missed this man thrice before, and it would crush him to be this close and miss out, again.
When he arrived, it was obvious the other was waiting for him. There was nothing in the clearing to hold his attention, or cause him to pause there. It was perhaps a strategic choice, but in the end, it didn’t really matter. He was here.
"I finally found you..." The words were whispered faintly, in half-hearted disbelief- but the way golden eyes snapped to him told him they'd been heard, anyway.
The imposing figure he'd searched so hard for reclined with grace, lounging on stone with deceptive ease no more than ten feet ahead of him, seemingly relaxed even in the face of this intruder. Usopp, for his part, was warring between relief and dread.
He stood, pinned for long moments by the gaze of the other, mind still coming to terms with his goal being so close. Finally, he found his tongue. Falling to his knees, he bowed deeply, forehead lightly touching the dirt between his hands.
"Please..." He swallowed thickly, praying this would be received well. "Please teach me."
Long moments of silence stretched out from his request, the only noise the wind in the leaves above. His nerves wanted him to talk- about anything, fill the space with sound, but he bit his tongue, knowing better. He stayed as still as possible while he waited, trying not to seem too nervous; trying to be as respectful as he could.
If this were Zoro...
He almost choked on that thought, but let it linger- let the pain wash through him, to remind him why he was here; what was so very important about him succeeding. If this were Zoro, he would appreciate the silence; he was most comfortable when he wasn't being pestered, in those quiet moments when no one else was around. If Mihawk is anything like him, then my best move is to wait patiently for an answer... however long that takes.
His resolve was tested, anxiety ratcheting higher for every silent moment that passed. Finally, there was a slight shift ahead- the faintest rustle of cloth, and a deep, thoughtful voice resonated through the still air.
"Why?"
Well, that was a good sign, right? "Do you... do you remember Roronoa Zoro?"
The merest of pauses, slight suspicion flavoring the word, "Yes"
"He... he died- protecting the captain; Luffy had just won, worn himself out on another battle - had fallen unconscious at the end, completely helpless... but it was fine, because he won…" He swallowed hard, trying to keep frustrated tears in check- “…then, another shuchibukai showed up, wanted his head. Luffy was out, and we were exhausted, and no match besides. He knocked us out, one by one, until- I was out, but somehow - two of the others, they weren’t our crew - they saw what happened: Zoro offered his life in exchange, if he’d only leave us and the captain be, he’d let himself be killed-he-“ He stopped, unable to continue that story, "but it’s done, now. He... he had a dream; I think I remember back then, he told you about it, right?"
Another pause, then, "He did."
"I... it felt wrong to let him fail, he'd worked so hard; was so focused... he would have made it, I'm sure; but he traded it all to protect Luffy- to protect us... so I decided- I promised to finish it for him."
There, he'd said it. Now it simply remained to see if he would survive this conversation, to keep his promise.
The pause this time felt different, dangerous. Then, "You would like me to teach you... how to kill me? Is that correct?"
He swallowed hard, wanting to disagree but knowing in truth that he couldn't. Wanting to point out that he held the man no ill will, and would never seek his life in what only needed be a contest of skill, but not wishing to clutter what should be a straightforward reply. If the other was as good as Zoro had been at reading people's intents, he'd know it already, anyway- so out of respect, he answered simply:
"Yes."
Long heartbeats were drawn out, and he waited on the cusp, wondering if violence would be his answer, or if he still had a chance at Zoro's dream. His dream, now- for how could the worlds greatest swordsman not also claim to be a brave warrior of the sea?
He tried to calm himself, accepting what would come. The ball was no longer in his court.
Finally, he heard the soft sound of steal, whispering as it was released of its bonds. Moments later, cold metal touched the bare skin of his neck, and he assumed the worst- stomach tightening in fear- but did not move. He had been at Mihawk's mercy from the moment he'd stepped onto the island- he wasn't going to try to fool himself about that.
"I have never taken a student, nor have I had any desire to do so." The words were oddly flat, holding no inflection one way or another; as if the thought were too distant to even contemplate.
Usopp sighed softly. "I see", he murmured, closing his eyes as he waited- expecting the blade to do its work. This had been a gamble all along; a longshot at best, but still his best chance to fulfill his promise to his friend. Zoro... I'm so sorry... I tried.
"You are afraid"
The words almost startled him. It was more of an observation, than a question, but he answered anyway, "Of course."
"And yet you do not attempt to flee?"
An ironic smile touched his lips, and perhaps, faintly colored his words. "I'd never make it, and I won't die a coward."
He chuckled once, words from a lifetime ago on his tongue. “’Scars on the back are a swordsman’s shame…’”
There was a considering pause. "You do not have a weapon?"
"I left everything on the boat; I didn’t want to be disrespectful- this was too important." He paused for a moment, before adding, "I’m not a swordsman, I use a ranged weapon - and that would be pointless at this distance. Honestly, I doubt it would make a difference, anyway."
It was difficult, keeping his answers truthful and short; discarding the comforting words and embellishments that served him well over his lifetime, but with all that he was asking of this man- whether he accepted or not- he could not in good conscience do any less. The request was for Zoro, not himself- he wouldn't feel right if he didn't at least try for honesty.
Time passed, and he could feel those eyes on the back of his neck.
"You came here, knowing this could happen."
"Yes"
"Do you want to die?"
His mouth formed the word automatically, but he froze, shocked to find it reluctant to leave his tongue. It deserved due consideration. As much as he'd always feared everything, it had felt like he'd had his heart ripped out when they'd lost Zoro... Was that something he could really want? Him of all people? Some part of his mind had been entertaining that thought during this entire search- flippantly thinking how likely it would be; in the end, could that have been his real motive?
No. No, that's not what Zoro would want and it would be dishonoring his memory to allow that selfless action to be his excuse, even if he did.
He wanted to live, he was certain - and he wanted to make the swordsman proud; to fulfill his quest if he could, because Zoro was no longer able to.
"No", he said firmly, finally confident in that answer. Slowly, he leaned back, working gradually to his feet; movements measured and unhurried. The sword stayed with him, shifting with him to stay whisper-light against his skin the entire time, but never impeding his motion.
He faced the other man for the first time, standing tall- all doubt gone. If he was going to die, he'd die, but he'd do it on his feet. Zoro would do no less. Zoro had done no less.
"Please teach me- or, do what you feel you must."
His eyes met the swordsman's steadily. The blade at his throat no longer mattered; the outcome inconsequential; he would not bow and scrape- Zoro would not have respected that, and likely neither would this man. His life may be in the other's hands, but his dreams were all his own, now, and he was not about to supplicate himself for them any longer.
The swordsman watched him, waiting for something, it seemed. How would Zoro react? What would he do? He had always been better in these sorts of situations... Thinking of the green haired man, who had always been a quiet strength among them, he drew himself up straight and tall.
"I place my life in your hands; take it at any time if you desire, but I will not leave until you teach me. I'm sorry, but without you I cannot fulfill my promise, and I refuse to fail him while I'm still alive."
Golden eyes narrowed slightly, and the blade pressed more firmly into his flesh, but he did not flinch. He could feel a thin rivulet of blood run down his neck, but he continued to stand his ground.
"You try to force my hand with this. Do you know how many lives I've taken?"
And that was it. Something shifted in his head, and the anxiety faded: there were only two ways this could go - he would get what he came for, or it wouldn’t matter to him anymore, anyway. He almost smiled. "No, but I can imagine."
Gold eyes grew cold, menacing. "I don't think you could."
Usopp smirked, then, finding humor in this. "You'd be amazed at how good my imagination is."
The reaction seemed to give the other man pause. After a moment, he queried, “And why should I put my time and effort into such an undertaking: what could you possible offer me that would be worth it…?”
"Anything you want that is within my power."
Those words met the slightest raise of an eyebrow, and experience told him that said, ‘I doubt very much anything in your power could be worth it’, but still there was a pause, and then a slightly calculating look before he responded, "Strawhat's head?"
Usopp almost balked at the question, but remained calm, impassive, answering without hesitation, "That is not within my power to give."
A slight twitch of the lips and Mihawk only looked more predatory. "If I train you, it will be."
The sharpshooter took a breath, released it, and relaxed. "You misunderstand me- it is not within my power, because I am not capable of raising a hand against my nakama." This was a test, he was certain, but it didn’t affect his answer, and whatever the other wished to do with it, he felt the end of this verbal sparring match approaching.
Mihawk’s expression muted, disinterested again. "Then I cannot train you."
Usopp, for his part, smiled slightly - a wry twist of the lips, and offered the only answer he had left. "Then you should kill me, because I'm not backing down."
There was a long pause, then the swordsman took a step back and looked at him. For a long moment, golden eyes weighed him, calculating his worth, and then somehow, without changing expression, dismissed him. The man sheathed his sword abruptly and turned, walking away.
“You are not worth dirtying my blade”, he decided, continuing as he left the clearing, “however, if you are still here when I leave, I will be inclined to introduce you to my knife.”
The ominous words lingered, long after the speaker disappeared. They were a chance, he supposed, the only one he was going to get, but Usopp never really considered them. He had made his decision and declared it openly - there were only two options now, and they lay in the other man’s hands. It was obvious what it would be, now, but he refused to back down. This was his obligation.
He stayed where he was into evening, and through the night.
Most of his time was spent reflecting, and trying not to think too hard about every sound he heard. What did he really have to fear at this point?
When dawn arrived, he was trying not to think too hard about how Luffy would react, whenever he found out - if he ever found out - but when he explained what he was going to do, the captain had given his blessing. He didn’t like it, but he understood, and that did much to assuage his guilt over leaving the crew with another loss. It was something he had had to try, at least - make the effort to give something back to Zoro, who had given them everything in the end.
Suddenly, there was a woosh, and air buffeted him as it rushed by, then the crack and whine of a tree as it went down behind him. He flinched at the noise, but did not move, focused again on the here and now. There was another woosh, and displaced air rushed by his other side - claiming another tree that loudly protested its descent. The display was unnecessary - he’d seen what that sword could do to a ship, two trees were small by comparison.
Still, it was an effective gesture.
Wondering what would be next, he closed his eyes briefly against the urge to run: it would be pointless, but some instincts were hard to kill. Taking a calming breath, he forced himself to relax. With a turn of the head, he glanced behind to find two of the larger oaks now blocking the path. Well, he hadn’t really expected to use it again anyway, so it didn’t really matter.
He looked ahead, again, waiting patiently.
After a time, Mihawk came into view, walking slowly, leisurely towards him; the pace of a predator, with cornered prey. The sword was once more on his back, but his hand strayed towards the weapon hidden in his necklace. “I believe I told you”, he said as he moved, freeing the small blade as his eyes pinned Usopp in place, “that I would introduce you to my knife if you remained here when I was to leave…”
He nodded into the dwindling distance, refusing to panic. “You did.” Not much further, now, it was almost over.
“Did you not believe me?”
He smiled slightly, shaking his head once at the thought, “Of course.”
He was not looking forward to this, but still, it was somewhat liberating to know he was standing by his word, to have already decided he couldn’t back down. What did he have to lose, now? “But I told you my decision yesterday: did you not believe me?”
Mihawk came to stop an arm’s length away. “No.” He said, bluntly, “I did not.”
“Ah.” His smile faltered, but he only shrugged. “Well, I meant it.”
“I see.” The swordsman looked him over again, before meeting his eyes once more, then… nothing.
Usopp waited for a few minutes, feeling awkward, before finally gesturing vaguely at the knife. “So…”
The other man smirked, one eyebrow rising. “Anxious to die, after all?”
“Not really”, he shrugged, grimacing, “Just more… might as well get it over with, kinda thing.”
The smirk broadened into… something else. A strange, enigmatic kind of smile. “As you wish…”
His arm moved, and Usopp winced, but managed to keep his eyes open, fists balled against the pain, and- Mihawk flipped the knife, offering him the handle.
Confused, Usopp relaxed slowly, tentatively reaching out to take the proffered weapon, as if expecting some trick. “Um…?”
“Had you offered me your captains head, yesterday, I would have taken yours, and returned it to him with my compliments.” Mihawk let go, and Usopp held the knife awkwardly as the other man stepped back and surveyed the forest floor.
“Had you left after thrice declaring I would have to train or kill you, I would have hunted you down. Made you true to your word.” He bent down to grasp a sturdy, but short stick. “Presently, you interest me. As it is… I suppose I will train you, instead.”
He tested the feel and balance of the stick, and took a stance, waiting to be copied. “At least until you bore me, and I am forced to kill you, after all.”
He smirked again, lunging forward as Usopp barely scrambled out of the way. “Do try your best until then.”
And thus, his training began.
End?
(When I realized I actually wrote ‘as you wish’, I couldn’t help picturing Mihawk as the Dread Pirate Roberts - at which point, I just have him in my head saying ‘good night, sleep well, I’ll most likely kill you in the morning…” Which 1.) I could see, and 2.) I have not been able to stop laughing about. Dear lord I might spin a parody of my own darn fic….
Title: Promise
Pairings: Usopp+Mihawk, Zosopp (or some serious nakamashipping, depending on your perspective)
Word Count: 3062
Notes: Inspired by a line from ‘Trials’. Also, clearly AU because we all know Zoro can't die. He's too damn stubborn. ;)
Warnings: Still melodramatic as all hell (even though I edited the heck out of it) Also unbeta’d as I was too embarrassed to show this to my husband… *blushes* Er, point out any major problems, would you? Suggestions always welcome.
He had spent nearly a year searching, and finally, he'd found what he was looking for. The man’s ship had not changed after all this time, and there was no one else who could possibly have that taste. For once the rumors had led him true. Docking himself nearby, he allowed himself a small feeling of triumph, and did not let himself think too hard about where it would lead him.
Usopp divested himself of all his weapons, carefully stowing them on his small craft. In his reasoning, it would be rude to carry anything like a threat into this meeting, and very possibly suicidal- in any case; if it came to a fight with this man, he would lose, he was sure. His target had bested Zoro in the past, and he doubted very much he'd even have a chance to run from what he’d seen of the man’s skills.
Knowing that made it difficult to continue, but he had a duty here, and as much as his stomach rolled with anxiety, he wouldn't let himself shirk it.
Gathering his courage, and ordering his thoughts, he started walking slowly towards the copse of trees ahead. He did not try to move lightly, or sneak in- but neither did he make unnecessary noise. Best to proclaim his presence naturally, rather than run the risk of seeming a threat, or insincere in his request. If he looked like a man walking to the gallows, it was only because he knew how real the possibility that he would not return, was.
It did not take long to reach his destination, and part of him wished he had more time, just to settle his nerves - even if he knew it was best not to delay. He had just missed this man thrice before, and it would crush him to be this close and miss out, again.
When he arrived, it was obvious the other was waiting for him. There was nothing in the clearing to hold his attention, or cause him to pause there. It was perhaps a strategic choice, but in the end, it didn’t really matter. He was here.
"I finally found you..." The words were whispered faintly, in half-hearted disbelief- but the way golden eyes snapped to him told him they'd been heard, anyway.
The imposing figure he'd searched so hard for reclined with grace, lounging on stone with deceptive ease no more than ten feet ahead of him, seemingly relaxed even in the face of this intruder. Usopp, for his part, was warring between relief and dread.
He stood, pinned for long moments by the gaze of the other, mind still coming to terms with his goal being so close. Finally, he found his tongue. Falling to his knees, he bowed deeply, forehead lightly touching the dirt between his hands.
"Please..." He swallowed thickly, praying this would be received well. "Please teach me."
Long moments of silence stretched out from his request, the only noise the wind in the leaves above. His nerves wanted him to talk- about anything, fill the space with sound, but he bit his tongue, knowing better. He stayed as still as possible while he waited, trying not to seem too nervous; trying to be as respectful as he could.
If this were Zoro...
He almost choked on that thought, but let it linger- let the pain wash through him, to remind him why he was here; what was so very important about him succeeding. If this were Zoro, he would appreciate the silence; he was most comfortable when he wasn't being pestered, in those quiet moments when no one else was around. If Mihawk is anything like him, then my best move is to wait patiently for an answer... however long that takes.
His resolve was tested, anxiety ratcheting higher for every silent moment that passed. Finally, there was a slight shift ahead- the faintest rustle of cloth, and a deep, thoughtful voice resonated through the still air.
"Why?"
Well, that was a good sign, right? "Do you... do you remember Roronoa Zoro?"
The merest of pauses, slight suspicion flavoring the word, "Yes"
"He... he died- protecting the captain; Luffy had just won, worn himself out on another battle - had fallen unconscious at the end, completely helpless... but it was fine, because he won…" He swallowed hard, trying to keep frustrated tears in check- “…then, another shuchibukai showed up, wanted his head. Luffy was out, and we were exhausted, and no match besides. He knocked us out, one by one, until- I was out, but somehow - two of the others, they weren’t our crew - they saw what happened: Zoro offered his life in exchange, if he’d only leave us and the captain be, he’d let himself be killed-he-“ He stopped, unable to continue that story, "but it’s done, now. He... he had a dream; I think I remember back then, he told you about it, right?"
Another pause, then, "He did."
"I... it felt wrong to let him fail, he'd worked so hard; was so focused... he would have made it, I'm sure; but he traded it all to protect Luffy- to protect us... so I decided- I promised to finish it for him."
There, he'd said it. Now it simply remained to see if he would survive this conversation, to keep his promise.
The pause this time felt different, dangerous. Then, "You would like me to teach you... how to kill me? Is that correct?"
He swallowed hard, wanting to disagree but knowing in truth that he couldn't. Wanting to point out that he held the man no ill will, and would never seek his life in what only needed be a contest of skill, but not wishing to clutter what should be a straightforward reply. If the other was as good as Zoro had been at reading people's intents, he'd know it already, anyway- so out of respect, he answered simply:
"Yes."
Long heartbeats were drawn out, and he waited on the cusp, wondering if violence would be his answer, or if he still had a chance at Zoro's dream. His dream, now- for how could the worlds greatest swordsman not also claim to be a brave warrior of the sea?
He tried to calm himself, accepting what would come. The ball was no longer in his court.
Finally, he heard the soft sound of steal, whispering as it was released of its bonds. Moments later, cold metal touched the bare skin of his neck, and he assumed the worst- stomach tightening in fear- but did not move. He had been at Mihawk's mercy from the moment he'd stepped onto the island- he wasn't going to try to fool himself about that.
"I have never taken a student, nor have I had any desire to do so." The words were oddly flat, holding no inflection one way or another; as if the thought were too distant to even contemplate.
Usopp sighed softly. "I see", he murmured, closing his eyes as he waited- expecting the blade to do its work. This had been a gamble all along; a longshot at best, but still his best chance to fulfill his promise to his friend. Zoro... I'm so sorry... I tried.
"You are afraid"
The words almost startled him. It was more of an observation, than a question, but he answered anyway, "Of course."
"And yet you do not attempt to flee?"
An ironic smile touched his lips, and perhaps, faintly colored his words. "I'd never make it, and I won't die a coward."
He chuckled once, words from a lifetime ago on his tongue. “’Scars on the back are a swordsman’s shame…’”
There was a considering pause. "You do not have a weapon?"
"I left everything on the boat; I didn’t want to be disrespectful- this was too important." He paused for a moment, before adding, "I’m not a swordsman, I use a ranged weapon - and that would be pointless at this distance. Honestly, I doubt it would make a difference, anyway."
It was difficult, keeping his answers truthful and short; discarding the comforting words and embellishments that served him well over his lifetime, but with all that he was asking of this man- whether he accepted or not- he could not in good conscience do any less. The request was for Zoro, not himself- he wouldn't feel right if he didn't at least try for honesty.
Time passed, and he could feel those eyes on the back of his neck.
"You came here, knowing this could happen."
"Yes"
"Do you want to die?"
His mouth formed the word automatically, but he froze, shocked to find it reluctant to leave his tongue. It deserved due consideration. As much as he'd always feared everything, it had felt like he'd had his heart ripped out when they'd lost Zoro... Was that something he could really want? Him of all people? Some part of his mind had been entertaining that thought during this entire search- flippantly thinking how likely it would be; in the end, could that have been his real motive?
No. No, that's not what Zoro would want and it would be dishonoring his memory to allow that selfless action to be his excuse, even if he did.
He wanted to live, he was certain - and he wanted to make the swordsman proud; to fulfill his quest if he could, because Zoro was no longer able to.
"No", he said firmly, finally confident in that answer. Slowly, he leaned back, working gradually to his feet; movements measured and unhurried. The sword stayed with him, shifting with him to stay whisper-light against his skin the entire time, but never impeding his motion.
He faced the other man for the first time, standing tall- all doubt gone. If he was going to die, he'd die, but he'd do it on his feet. Zoro would do no less. Zoro had done no less.
"Please teach me- or, do what you feel you must."
His eyes met the swordsman's steadily. The blade at his throat no longer mattered; the outcome inconsequential; he would not bow and scrape- Zoro would not have respected that, and likely neither would this man. His life may be in the other's hands, but his dreams were all his own, now, and he was not about to supplicate himself for them any longer.
The swordsman watched him, waiting for something, it seemed. How would Zoro react? What would he do? He had always been better in these sorts of situations... Thinking of the green haired man, who had always been a quiet strength among them, he drew himself up straight and tall.
"I place my life in your hands; take it at any time if you desire, but I will not leave until you teach me. I'm sorry, but without you I cannot fulfill my promise, and I refuse to fail him while I'm still alive."
Golden eyes narrowed slightly, and the blade pressed more firmly into his flesh, but he did not flinch. He could feel a thin rivulet of blood run down his neck, but he continued to stand his ground.
"You try to force my hand with this. Do you know how many lives I've taken?"
And that was it. Something shifted in his head, and the anxiety faded: there were only two ways this could go - he would get what he came for, or it wouldn’t matter to him anymore, anyway. He almost smiled. "No, but I can imagine."
Gold eyes grew cold, menacing. "I don't think you could."
Usopp smirked, then, finding humor in this. "You'd be amazed at how good my imagination is."
The reaction seemed to give the other man pause. After a moment, he queried, “And why should I put my time and effort into such an undertaking: what could you possible offer me that would be worth it…?”
"Anything you want that is within my power."
Those words met the slightest raise of an eyebrow, and experience told him that said, ‘I doubt very much anything in your power could be worth it’, but still there was a pause, and then a slightly calculating look before he responded, "Strawhat's head?"
Usopp almost balked at the question, but remained calm, impassive, answering without hesitation, "That is not within my power to give."
A slight twitch of the lips and Mihawk only looked more predatory. "If I train you, it will be."
The sharpshooter took a breath, released it, and relaxed. "You misunderstand me- it is not within my power, because I am not capable of raising a hand against my nakama." This was a test, he was certain, but it didn’t affect his answer, and whatever the other wished to do with it, he felt the end of this verbal sparring match approaching.
Mihawk’s expression muted, disinterested again. "Then I cannot train you."
Usopp, for his part, smiled slightly - a wry twist of the lips, and offered the only answer he had left. "Then you should kill me, because I'm not backing down."
There was a long pause, then the swordsman took a step back and looked at him. For a long moment, golden eyes weighed him, calculating his worth, and then somehow, without changing expression, dismissed him. The man sheathed his sword abruptly and turned, walking away.
“You are not worth dirtying my blade”, he decided, continuing as he left the clearing, “however, if you are still here when I leave, I will be inclined to introduce you to my knife.”
The ominous words lingered, long after the speaker disappeared. They were a chance, he supposed, the only one he was going to get, but Usopp never really considered them. He had made his decision and declared it openly - there were only two options now, and they lay in the other man’s hands. It was obvious what it would be, now, but he refused to back down. This was his obligation.
He stayed where he was into evening, and through the night.
Most of his time was spent reflecting, and trying not to think too hard about every sound he heard. What did he really have to fear at this point?
When dawn arrived, he was trying not to think too hard about how Luffy would react, whenever he found out - if he ever found out - but when he explained what he was going to do, the captain had given his blessing. He didn’t like it, but he understood, and that did much to assuage his guilt over leaving the crew with another loss. It was something he had had to try, at least - make the effort to give something back to Zoro, who had given them everything in the end.
Suddenly, there was a woosh, and air buffeted him as it rushed by, then the crack and whine of a tree as it went down behind him. He flinched at the noise, but did not move, focused again on the here and now. There was another woosh, and displaced air rushed by his other side - claiming another tree that loudly protested its descent. The display was unnecessary - he’d seen what that sword could do to a ship, two trees were small by comparison.
Still, it was an effective gesture.
Wondering what would be next, he closed his eyes briefly against the urge to run: it would be pointless, but some instincts were hard to kill. Taking a calming breath, he forced himself to relax. With a turn of the head, he glanced behind to find two of the larger oaks now blocking the path. Well, he hadn’t really expected to use it again anyway, so it didn’t really matter.
He looked ahead, again, waiting patiently.
After a time, Mihawk came into view, walking slowly, leisurely towards him; the pace of a predator, with cornered prey. The sword was once more on his back, but his hand strayed towards the weapon hidden in his necklace. “I believe I told you”, he said as he moved, freeing the small blade as his eyes pinned Usopp in place, “that I would introduce you to my knife if you remained here when I was to leave…”
He nodded into the dwindling distance, refusing to panic. “You did.” Not much further, now, it was almost over.
“Did you not believe me?”
He smiled slightly, shaking his head once at the thought, “Of course.”
He was not looking forward to this, but still, it was somewhat liberating to know he was standing by his word, to have already decided he couldn’t back down. What did he have to lose, now? “But I told you my decision yesterday: did you not believe me?”
Mihawk came to stop an arm’s length away. “No.” He said, bluntly, “I did not.”
“Ah.” His smile faltered, but he only shrugged. “Well, I meant it.”
“I see.” The swordsman looked him over again, before meeting his eyes once more, then… nothing.
Usopp waited for a few minutes, feeling awkward, before finally gesturing vaguely at the knife. “So…”
The other man smirked, one eyebrow rising. “Anxious to die, after all?”
“Not really”, he shrugged, grimacing, “Just more… might as well get it over with, kinda thing.”
The smirk broadened into… something else. A strange, enigmatic kind of smile. “As you wish…”
His arm moved, and Usopp winced, but managed to keep his eyes open, fists balled against the pain, and- Mihawk flipped the knife, offering him the handle.
Confused, Usopp relaxed slowly, tentatively reaching out to take the proffered weapon, as if expecting some trick. “Um…?”
“Had you offered me your captains head, yesterday, I would have taken yours, and returned it to him with my compliments.” Mihawk let go, and Usopp held the knife awkwardly as the other man stepped back and surveyed the forest floor.
“Had you left after thrice declaring I would have to train or kill you, I would have hunted you down. Made you true to your word.” He bent down to grasp a sturdy, but short stick. “Presently, you interest me. As it is… I suppose I will train you, instead.”
He tested the feel and balance of the stick, and took a stance, waiting to be copied. “At least until you bore me, and I am forced to kill you, after all.”
He smirked again, lunging forward as Usopp barely scrambled out of the way. “Do try your best until then.”
And thus, his training began.
End?
(When I realized I actually wrote ‘as you wish’, I couldn’t help picturing Mihawk as the Dread Pirate Roberts - at which point, I just have him in my head saying ‘good night, sleep well, I’ll most likely kill you in the morning…” Which 1.) I could see, and 2.) I have not been able to stop laughing about. Dear lord I might spin a parody of my own darn fic….