Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece, but plot and OCs are mine.

Chapter 9: The Light House

The scratching of his pen was continuous as the navigator jotted down notes into the ship's log. He preferred to make more detailed accounts of the islands they visited; he was sure the record would be helpful in the future if or when they returned. Buffaloon Ranches, for example, would go under the useful list since Wily Vaults proved to have quite the savings tucked away in that vault. In due time, the navigator was sure the bank would flourish once more and—

Chamberlain paused mid-thought and a mildly annoyed expression overtook his usually blank one. With a light scoff, the navigator nudged the butt of his pen to the sole of the masked blonde's boot that was getting too close. Killer sat upon the desk in the office as he threw up the log pose, then caught it in the palm of his hand, and then he repeated the cycle. Chamberlain loathed when Killer or Kidd played with the log pose; it was not a toy. Sadly, he did not get a chance to reprimand the masked blonde because the door to the office abruptly burst open.

Matt stormed into the room, a cocky grin pulling at the corner of his lips as he slammed a piece of wrinkled paper atop the desk. "Read it and weep."

Chamberlain merely rolled his eyes. He already read the morning paper and was well aware that the treasurer's bounty had risen above his own due to the Hatter's counterfeit bills crashing the market briefly, which caused a few dozen worldwide business to go bankrupt. "Do I look like Kidd or Killer?" The navigator droned. "I don't give a rat's ass about bounties. To be honest, I wish I didn't have one. Do you know annoying it is going into a bookstore and the owner suddenly closes shop?"

The log pose in the masked blonde's grasp settled in the palm of his hand for a brief moment. "Just kill 'im." Killer was blunt and then threw the log pose up in the air once more. "Then take what you want."

"Really, Killer?" The navigator sent the masked blonde a dull look. "Really?" and then he rolled his eyes and snatched the log pose away from the masked blonde's hand. "You're worse than Kidd."

"Speaking of the Cap…" Matt's brows furrowed and he slowly glanced around the office. "Where is he?"

~…~

"Where the fuck is Roland?"

Laddie stared up at the agitated redhead, his large eyes like round azure lights that blinked rapidly when the young cabin boy was put into the limelight. He shifted uncomfortably on his heels as Kidd waited impatiently for an answer. The harsh taps of the redhead's boot against the dock made the young cabin boy flinch and he hugged the brown sack of potatoes closer to his chest. "I—I don't know, C—Captain."

"She's ain't pulling her weight!" Razor's voice rung out behind the younger cabin boy as the older one walked by. There was a dark scowl on his features as he struggled to carry a large crate that was labeled carrots in bold black paint. "That's for sure—ow!"

Crack.

Thom had whacked Razor upside the head, glaring at the older cabin boy that spoke out of turn, and also for dropping his load to clutch the back of his sore head. The stocky cook shook his head with a sigh and then he picked up the crate, balancing it upon his shoulder with grace. "I gave her a break, Captain." Thom then answered the redhead. "She's been cleaning the galley the past three days by herself, even after dinner so these two can go to bed early."

Kidd's brows knotted in irritation and he crossed his arms over his chest. "And why aren't they cleanin' the galley?" He questioned, the icy tone in his voice cold enough to make the two cabin boys shudder at the sound of displeasure. "That is their job as cabin boys."

"To train," Thom was frank with the reply.

The aggravated expression on the redhead's features lightened as he pursed his lips into a thin line and then nodded, accepting the excuse.

"Won't be cabin boys forever," Thom continued. "They've been waking up early every morning to spar and using any spare time to practice. Gabriella takes care of the cleanup so they aren't exhausted or overworked." Then the cook closed his eyes, a fond smile crossing his lips. "Kind one she is, isn't she?"

The once supportive look quickly warped to a snarl of mild disgust, the redhead eyeing the cook warily.

"Anyway," the cook ignored the stare as he shrugged the crate into a more comfortably position. "She went to that there lighthouse," and the cook jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "The older lookin' one."

In the distance was two lighthouses, the distinct structures on the far side of the beach away from the portside city. The closest one was perched upon a peninsula that jetted from the island, the ground high above sea level as the strong waves couldn't even come close to touching it. It was painted with navy camouflage, and shielded by a matching wall riddled with square holes that housed artillery. The beacon constantly swirled around in a circle against the cloudy grey sky, the tall lighthouse still active unlike the tinier one behind it. The smaller lighthouse was further out on the horizon and it was too hazy to depict any details. A light fog obscured the image of the smaller lighthouse, making it seem like a withered shadow of what it used to be.

"Said something about that tracker of hers," Thom went on. "She left a few minutes ago, so you could probably catch up to her."

Kidd glared at the building in the far distance, but nonetheless, he made his way to the old lighthouse. He walked along the paved streets of the bustling city, the narrow roads slowly growing wider as he got closer to the old lighthouse. Soon, the cobblestone deteriorated to loose gravel and then the path melted to wet mud. The waves lapped against the shoreline, eroding the ground slowly. Yet, the redhead could still see a set of shallow footprints in the grim that became fresher as he approached the old lighthouse.

The old lighthouse was surrounded by an old chain-link fence, the thin metal covered in a thick layers of red rust. The summoner mage stood at the foot of the fence, her arms crossed as she stared at the gate locked with a shiny new padlock that had a tiny blinking red light in the center. Her concentration was then shattered, her ears twitching as she turned away from the lock and gave him a curious look.

"Roland." His tone was harsh. "We need to talk."

Her brow rose, piquing her interest even more. "I assume that it can't wait since you're here in person."

Kidd nodded and opened his mouth, but the words even came as a crack of lightning resonated in the distance. He looked up at the dark clouds that rumbled and specks of water clung to his cheeks.

The summoner mage grimaced and pulled at the fabric of her cowl, trying to shield herself from the rain. "Mind getting this?" She jerked her head towards the padlock. "We can talk in the lighthouse."

Kidd eyed her suspiciously, but he complied because he didn't want to get drenched. The padlock was rigged with an alarm, probably by the marines stationed on the island to make sure no one trespassed. Not that anyone in their right mind would want to, beside his strange summoner mage.

The magnetic powers of his devil fruit sparked against his open palm, the padlock trembling as a violet current passed through the inner mechanics to alter their positions. The red light then flickered to green and the padlock fell into the mud. The summoner mage pushed open the gate, the old joints creaking under the pressure and flakes of rust fluttered to the soaking ground.

The waves grew wild with the pending storm, rolling up onto the tiny peninsula that held the old lighthouse. The water touched the black leather of his boots and the redhead hurried to the building's entrance. The wooden door had a yellow caution tape strung across it, but when the redhead turned the handle, the metal hinges squeaked as they moved.

The light clicks of her heels followed him as he walked through the open entrance that led into the lighthouse's main floor. A giant spiral staircase engulfed the center of the room, the wooden boards vanishing behind the stone wall that followed the circular motion. Despite the odd layout, it looked like an old foyer that had seen better days. Small windows were accompanied by thin curtains, the little glass squares covered in water as it poured from the heavens. There were a number of benches that surrounded the inner wall, the cushions laced with a thick layer of dust and the tattered material had old patches, the original colors distorted from a smoky effect.

Roland sighed as she walked past him and removed her cowl, releasing her ginger locks from the confines of the hood. Then the black fabric of her cloak began to bulge from her back, the tiny head of her familiar popping out and the creature crawled out of the damp cloth. It shook its body similarly to a wet dog, casting off water before it rested comfortably upon the summoner mage's head like a hat.

Kidd ran his hand through his wild crimson hair, the water slicking it back. "Something's been bugging me." He finally spoke up.

Roland leaned over and bunched up the cloth of her cloak, wringing out the water that clung to the threads. She looked up at him, her brows knitting together. "Oh?"

Kidd leaned back against a sliver of exposed wall beside the stairwell. "That succubus…Roche, she said you're fickle with using magic," he stated. "It's something we're all aware of. Why am I not aware of it yet?"

Kidd had noticed she avoided using magic; the last time he saw her use magic was when they first met. There were many occasions where she could have easily opened a portal, yet she chose not to. For example, just a few minutes around, she wasted time staring at a locked gate instead of opening a portal to bypass it. Something was off, and it left a bad feeling in his gut.

Roland crossed her arms and glanced away, a concerned look in her eyes. "I see…" She replied, pursing her lips in thought. There was a moment of silence, and he watched as a large crease formed along her brow. "Magic…" she started, yet paused as her brow nervously twitched. "Magic…can be tracked, and I don't wish to be tracked." The words flew from her lips and she quickly turned away from him. "Does that satisfy your question?"

"Babe," Kidd glared at her, feeling his muscles suddenly become tense. "You just opened a whole new can of worms. Who's after you?"

"No one is after me," She countered, but there was little confidence in her tone as she focused her attention elsewhere: her hand digging through the pocket of her cloak. "If I don't use magic, then everything should be fine," and she pulled out the large white gem known as the tracker. With that, she ended the conversation and swiftly made her way to the staircase.

Kidd had other ideas, and his hand slammed against the wall to cut her off from. "How 'bout you give me a straight answer, eh?"

Roland made direct eye contact with him, a nervous glimmer in her golden irises. Gently, she placed her hand atop his arm, the pads of her fingertips applying light pressure to his skin. A frown tugged on the corners of her lips. "Kidd, this is a warning," her tone was soft, not a shred of menace in her tone, only concern. "The questions you want me to answer in detail can't be. I was raised with a tradition in…solitude. Privacy is secrecy; it's something I would like you to respect. However," she paused to take a breath in and then out. "If something does come up, I will tell you what you need to know without hesitation."

Kidd hated this feeling; the gut feeling that he couldn't argue with her. In the back of his mind, he knew he could claim that knowing beforehand was always better, yet he didn't even try to debate. She had a way with words, an uncomfortable way with words that made him listen and agree because it felt compromising.

He scowled from the frustration and he leaned in close to her. "You and that silver tongue," he hissed venomously, jabbing an accusing finger to her nose. "Are gettin' cocky."

The concern that her eyes once held vanished as Roland glared at him, annoyed. "Hmph," she then huffed and turned sharply on her heel, climbing up the stairs when the way was clear.

The creaking from the wooden steps was unsettling as he followed her up the narrow staircase. The lighthouse's age was groaning out in agony, the screeches morphing into violent cracks. Swift on her feet, the summoner mage avoided the appearance of a sudden gap as a board splintered under her heel. She stepped over the darkness with an attentive hum and proceeded with caution, her steps delicate and slow until they reached the top of the lighthouse.

Panels of glass replaced the stone walls, framing the grey clouds that flickered with pulsing lights in the distance. The storm raged on outside, making the windows quiver from the force of the raindrops that pounded against it. Then in the center of the room was the beacon, old and broken. There was a large hole in the bulb, the edges melted and warped from the burn marks. The glass crunched under the weight of their footsteps, breaking into smaller pieces as they strolled alongside the metal railing that surrounded the broken beacon.

The summoner mage leaned against the thin railing, her attention glued on the tracker. The gem blinked sporadically, the hallow glow illuminating her features.

The redhead mimicked the posture, resting against the banister that made the metal creak. "Thought you needed to walk around the island," he commented, his eye drawn to the glowing gem.

"That's one way," Roland replied with a shrug. "Standing on high ground is another, which is good because I didn't want to get caught in the rain." Then the crackle of lightning and the boom of thunder emphasized her point.

The redhead head's attention was drawn to window briefly before it returned to the tracker, his gaze slowly drifting with the glow radiating from the gem. The white light clung to the summoner mage's soft expression and also the slumbering goblin upon her head. The creature's emerald wings shuddered, spreading out wide before they withered away and fell down to cover the summoner mage's pointed ears. Roland ignored the tiny claws that knotted her ginger bangs and she scoffed at the tracker that became lifeless in the palm of her hand.

Her gloved hand tightened around the tracker. "Ceh," and then she shoved the gem into her pocket and stormed away.

Their shoulders collided when the redhead leaned away from the railing, but she disregarded the scowl he sent her way as she marched to the staircase. The clicks of her heels were forceful and echoed off the walls as he followed her back down the steps, but then her stiff stance abruptly broke. Instinctively, the redhead lashed out and wrapped an arm around her. She was weightless in his grasp, her back pressed against his chest. Then he gently placed her on the step beside him, the dull sound of rotten wood ringing out below them.

Kidd gazed down at the gaping hole and then he turned to look at the summoner mage. His brows furrowed together in confusion when he saw that she gave him such a bewildered stare. "What?" He snapped, slightly irritated.

"I'm…" She murmured, scratching her pink-tinted cheek. "I'm just kinda surprised. In an odd way, you can be rather…kindhearted."

His eyes shot open wide and his jaw went slack because he couldn't grasp her words nor actions. They were foreign to him and it made the situation weird. He couldn't understand how it was weird: he was the captain, she was a member of his crew. It was normal for a captain to protect his crew, not weird. He wouldn't be so irresponsible and just let her drop through a hole and, what, break her leg.

A look of deep concentration crossed his features as he tried to figure out why she was acting like it was weird. Was it a g—?

Oh. His eyes went wide once more. Oh.

She was a girl.

He knew she was girl; he wasn't an idiot. However, as he gazed down at her in astonishment, he realized that this was the first instance that shattered the boundary between captain and member.

Kidd was a boy, and Gabriella was a girl.

Heat engulfed his cheeks and he felt steam hiss from his ears. The redhead was flustered and he didn't know how to deal with the emotion. He could have screamed, but his voice was lost. So, he allowed his actions to takeover. He scowled at her darkly and shoved her away from his presence. He watched as she tumbled away, but then he felt a weight pull on the collar of his coat and his weight followed the motion.

Thump, thump, thump.

He was surprised the stairs supported their weight as they plummeted down the steps all the way to the first floor with a loud smack.

The redhead groaned in agony, his body aching from every new sore that bloomed on his skin. There was a buzzing in his ear that he tried to ignore, but when something pulled against at the back of his coat, he peeled himself away from the floor. Though, instead of tiled stones, he saw the summoner mage gasp for breath.

She rubbed her red nose with a sour look in her golden eyes, grumbling soft curses under her breath. Her familiar that tugged on his coat landed beside her head, squeaking nervously about her condition, but the summoner mage continued to spur profanities. Then she grabbed the collar of the redhead's coat, heaving herself from the floor with a loud groan.

Kidd leaned back the closer she got. He tried to make distance between them, but her fingers clinging to the fur of his coat limited how far he could move. An uncomfortable wave of surprise washed over him when he felt her brow gently tap the tip of his nose. It was just a small touch, but his early revelations instantly made the situation…weird. So, he sneered at her, frustrated with the fact that she was toying with him. He opened his mouth to speak his rage, but his attention was forced to the creak of front door when it was suddenly burst opened.

A familiar silhouette stood in the open doorway, a flash of lightning blacking out the details of the person that stood there. When the bright light vanished, the image of the masked blonde was drawn forth as he walked into the shelter of the lighthouse.

Killer shook his head, his long locks drenched with water and his clothes sopping wet. His appearance resembled a drowned cat, but it was disregarded as he stared down at the pair on the floor. "Ahem," he cleared his throat.

Kidd felt a harsh warmth swarm his skin like a million needles piercing his flesh and he slurred: "Itsnotwhatyouthink," in a long muddled sentence.

"Riiiight," was Killer's response.

Kidd scowled when he heard the disbelief in the masked blonde's tone and nimbly shot to his feet. "We fell down the fuckin' stairs!" and Kidd jabbed a finger towards the staircase, the wooden boards riddled with cracks and splinters to prove his point. "That's all that happened."

Killer lazily looked around the redhead's body and barely gazed over the remains of the staircase. "Uh-huh," was his reply, and then he swiftly turned on his heel. "I'll just leave you—" he paused, a crack in his voice caused by a chuckle that he quickly covered up by clearing his throat. "I'll just leave." Then the masked blonde walked away.

Kidd stared at the retreating back of the masked blonde, processing what was just said. The gears of his brain wildly whirled, creating sparks within his mind as he tried to understand and then he saw it.

His bewildered expression morphed to furious rage, making him howl: "Get back here, you fucking little blonde pansy!"

~…~