Chapter 3 – It Isn't a Dream
Kidd stood at the edge of the railing, staring down at the waves crashing against the ship. He didn't flinch when Skyler's scream faded into the distance, her figure swallowed by the ocean. He wasn't sure what he expected – some kind of reaction, maybe. But the woman was trouble, and maybe this was the best way to handle it.
"I barely fucking pushed her!" Kidd yelled, unaware of the force he'd used when shoving her. Killer stood next to him, eyes fixed on the water below, waiting for any sign but there was none.
"Want me to go get her?" Killer asked but Kidd clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"What's she good for? She's a pain in the ass." Kidd's grimace deepened as he stared at the dark waters. "I've got enough problems already without dealing with that smart mouth."
"She knows how to fight." Killer corrected, remembering the pain from her kick, a memory that still made him wince. "She's confused, she doesn't know how she got here, yes. But she can clean around the ship and, at the next island, we'll leave her there."
"And I care, since when?" Kidd snapped, but there was something in his voice that betrayed his harshness.
"Kind of hoping for a moment of reform here, captain." Killer's gaze sharpened. He saw bubbled rising from below. She wasn't coming up. "We have to do it now, Kidd."
"Fuck… fine, whatever," Kidd muttered, throwing his hands up in frustration. Without another word, Killer dove into the water, searching for Skyler in the depths.
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Skyler had no idea how long she'd been in the water. The cold seeped deep into her bones, and she cursed herself for slacking off in swimming lessons as a kid. But she didn't fight it. Maybe – just maybe – this was all a dream. Maybe if she sank far enough, she'd wake up, just like those dreams where you fall and wake up before hitting the ground.
Everything around her was dark, a void that seemed to swallow her whole. The water filled her mouth and nostrils, rushing into her lungs. She gasped for air, but the more she fought, the harder it became to breathe.
Then, out of the darkness, something stirred. A shadow. Her vision blurred, and she couldn't make out what it was. A tug on her arm pulled her toward it, while something else wrapped around her waist. The darkness was closing in, and she was on the brink of losing consciousness when, suddenly, she broke through the surface of the water, gasping for air. She coughed violently, expelling the sea water from her lungs.
"Don't go dying that fast on us."
Skyler blinked and saw Killer beside her, still gripping her arm to keep her from sinking back into the depths.
"Kidd!" Killer shouted, and an invisible force lifted them from the water, dropping them back on the ship's deck. Skyler collapsed to her knees, coughing more water from her lungs, her chest aching with each breath. "You could've at least tried to swim up," Killer grumbled, pulling off his drenched blouse and wringing it out before tossing it over his shoulder.
"This all feels so surreal…" Skyler gasped, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. The weight of her situation settled heavily on her shoulders. She was truly trapped in a foreign place, uncertain of the time, or even if it was her world at all. The fact that she and Killer had seemingly flown back onto the boat made everything feel even more out of this world – out of her world. "What do I do now…?" She mumbled, more to herself than to the men nearby. She had no idea what her next move was, and the uncertainty left her at a total loss.
This was uncharted territory. She didn't know where she was or how to survive. When they reached the next island, she'd be abandoned there. Then what? Skyler didn't know where to begin. Perhaps she should've bargained to stay on the ship. That way, she might stand a better chance of figuring out how to get back home.
Killer noticed the turmoil in her eyes. He understood what she was trying to work out – a way to escape. Maybe, just maybe, he could convince Kidd to let her stay and help her with her plan. But then, his thoughts faltered. Why did he care about her well-being? She had just arrived, and yet here he was, worrying about her fate. Maybe he was drawn to the underdog, wanting to root for her since everything seemed to be against her.
Kidd, on the other hand, was frustrated with it all. But, he couldn't deny that he was curious about how she had ended up here. Still, he had no time for this. He was determined to reach Sabaody and set sail into the New World as soon as possible. He didn't want to waste time on a random detour, even if it meant dropping her off on the next island.
But then again, maybe she was worth keeping around. Killer had said she could fight, and Kidd liked a woman with grit. From what he'd heard, she'd even managed to land a blow on Killer, which wasn't easy. Kidd was itching for a fight with her too, but she was injured, so that would have to wait. For now, she'd just be dead weight.
"Just hurry up and fix the fucking ship," Kidd snapped, turning to head below deck. "I'll keep an eye on you. Don't ruin Victoria."
Killer reached out and pulled her to her feet, noticing how she shivered from the cold wind. Both of them were still drenched from the ocean, and only now did Skyler realized how much the chill was affecting her. She'd catch a cold fast if she stayed in those wet clothes.
"Come on, I need to change too." Killer said, heading below deck and toward the door. Skyler blushed, confused by what he meant. Was he suggesting she change in front of him? A complete stranger? She mentally slapped herself.
Of course, that's not what he meant!
"Buy me dinner first, please." She retorted, a half-smile tugging at her lips. If it weren't for his mask, she would've seen the huge grin that spread across his face.
Killer composed himself and knocked on the door. It swung open to reveal a woman with a mass of curly orange hair. She wore a pink, striped coat that was too big for her and a pale pink dress with a massive bow. On her head sat a comically large crown.
She had a huge smile on her face, warm and welcoming.
"Killer! Sweetie, how can I help?" she asked, hands on her hips as she greeted them.
"She needs some clothes before she catches a cold. Think you can help, Quincy?" Killer leaned against the wall casually. He knew full well that Quincy was more than capable. She'd tailored and mended countless outfits for the crew, and they trusted her to work wonders with any fabric they gave her.
A tailor hadn't exactly been high on the list of priorities when assembling a crew, but for Quincy, it was a hobby – and one with its benefits.
"Oh, that'll be easy!" Her voice was bubbly, a stark contrast to Kidd's gruff tone. Skyler couldn't help but wonder why on earth Quincy had chosen to follow that redhead. Assuming she had a choice, of course. She could easily imagine Kidd not giving anyone on that ship much of a say. "Come on, sweetheart! I want to hear everything about you!" Quincy chirped, grabbing Skyler's wrist and pulling her into the room.
Skyler hissed as a sharp sting shot through her leg.
"Oh! I am so sorry!" Quincy quickly let go, hands hovering in hesitation.
"Have fun," Killer muttered before the door slammed shut behind them.
Skyler took in her new surroundings. It was some kind of dormitory, lined with bunk beds on one side and a storage closets on the other. Shoes were piled up along the floor, while the walls were plastered with posters, wanted notices, jewellery, and even musical instruments.
And the colours – oh, the colours. They clashed so violently it made her head ache. Every shade of the rainbow was present, and all of them were loud.
"As you heard, my name's Quincy! Nice to meet you!" Quincy beamed, shaking Skyler's hand with far too much enthusiasm before bounding to a closet and rummaging through the clothes. "We better get you out of those wet things before you catch a cold, sweetie." She suddenly perked up, orange hair bouncing with the movement. "Wait – what was your name again?"
"Skyler," she answered, still processing the overwhelming energy Quincy radiated. Compared to the hostility she'd encountered so far, this warmth was almost unsettling.
"Oh, Skyler! That's such a pretty name! Well, nice to meet you!" Quincy returned to her search, pulling out a mismatched assortment of dresses, tank tops, mesh shirts – just about everything. "I heard all the commotion earlier. Word is you kind of kicked Killer's ass! Or… wait – was it his balls and not his ass?"
Skyler choked on air, startled by the blunt phrasing, before a quiet chuckle escaped her.
"I'd say he kicked my ass more than I did his." She admitted, gesturing to the fresh bandages wrapping her arms and legs.
Quincy took note of them, hurrying to a nearby nightstand to grab fresh bandages.
"Nah, I think you won that one. That kick to the balls must've been a thing of beauty."
Skyler let out a genuine laugh, the sound echoing in the room. Quincy joined in, grinning.
"Quincy! Whose side are you on!?" Skyler teased through her laughter.
Quincy giggled, then grabbed a notebook, a small pen and a measuring tape. "Mind if I take your measurements? You know, just in case you need anything in the future." Her smile was so warm, so easy, that Skyler found it impossible to refuse.
She sighed, stretching out her arms in a T-pose. "I don't know if I have much of a future here. Supposedly, I'm being dropped off at the next stop."
"That's too bad…" Quincy murmured, her hands carefully measuring the length of Skyler's arms. "Do you have family or friends there waiting for you? Do you know where to go?"
The sincerity in her voice caught Skyler off guard. It was strange to have someone express concern after everything that had happened. Her throat tightened, eyes stinging with the threat of tears, but she swallowed them back.
Not here.
Not now.
"I don't even know where I am, Quincy." She forced a sad smile. Quincy paused, meeting Skyler's gaze. "I just… showed up here somehow. I don't know where I am or how to get back home."
"Oh, sweetheart…" The softness in Quincy's voice nearly shattered the fragile wall Skyler had built around herself. Gently, Quincy rubbed her arms in a comforting gesture before flashing another reassuring smile. "Don't you worry, we'll figure something out."
Skyler exhaled, tension she hadn't realized she was holding loosening ever so slightly.
Quincy resumed taking her measurements, moving down to check the length of her legs.
"Your captain doesn't seem too fond of the idea of me being here, though."
"Aw, don't mind him. That man is as stubborn as a mule, but he can be kind to those he cares about." Quincy paused, looking up at Skyler with her signature reassuring smile.
"He seems pretty impatient and hot-headed, though." Skyler raised an eyebrow.
Quincy nodded eagerly. "Oh, absolutely! He's impatient, stubborn, short-tempered, prone to violence – very, very temperamental!" She finished taking the last of Skyler's measurements and straightened up. "But he does care in his own way. He just wants us to be safe, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect us. Even if it means putting himself in danger."
That last part caught Skyler off guard. She hadn't expected such a sentiment about Kidd. So far, he'd seemed nothing but brash, impatient and violent. But looking at it from Quincy's perspective, she could see the possibility that he at least cared for his crew. It would be harsh if he didn't.
The way Quincy spoke about him made it clear she admired him. Even Killer, as sharp and calculating as he seemed to be, had a certain ease when speaking to Kidd – like there was an unspoken trust between them. Skyler had noticed how Killer tempered some of Kidd's rougher edges, balancing out his captain's volatility.
It was good that the crew had each other. They seemed to fit together like pieces of a puzzle, their strengths covering for one another's weaknesses.
"Quincy…" Skyler hesitated, drawing the woman's attention. "Do you think Kidd would let me stay?" For a split second, Quincy's eyes lit up with excitement, and Skyler had to admit – it was kind of contagious. "I think my best chance of finding my way home is by staying here, rather than being left on some random island."
"Oh, Skyler! We'll figure something out!" Quincy practically vibrated with enthusiasm at the idea of a new addition to the crew, even if only temporarily. "Maybe talk to Killer first! He's always been the best at buttering up the captain."
Skyler laughed, feeling some of her earlier tension ease.
Quincy helped her remove the damp bandages and replaced them with fresh ones before sifting through clothes in search of something suitable. Eventually, they settled on a pair of wine-red corduroy pants, which Quincy folded at the bottom for a better shape. A loose-fitting black three-quarter-sleeve top and a pair of short leather boots completed the outfit.
When it came to accessories, Quincy was eager to go all out, but Skyler quickly put a stop to that, opting for something simples – a long cord necklace with a green stone pendant.
After thanking Quincy for all her help, Skyler waved goodbye and stepped out of the room – only to be met by a now-dry Killer, arms crossed over his chest.
"Quincy ran her mouth, didn't she?" He deadpanned. Skyler hesitated before nodding. "She's like that with everyone." Killer exhale." Come on, I'll see what I can do to keep you around."
Skyler blinked. "Wait… You heard that?" Then as his words registered, her confusion deepened. "Wait – you'll help me?"
Killer started walking, and she quickly fell into step beside him. "Yeah, she's not exactly discreet when she talks." He glanced at her briefly before continuing. "Besides, I was already thinking about your situation. I agree with you – your chances of finding your way home are better if you stay with us. We move around, meet a lot of people. It'll be easier to find information."
Skyler considered his words, warmth spreading in her chest at the unexpected support. "But… why help me?"
At that, Killer came to a full stop and turned to face her.
"Honestly?" He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know. I guess I'm just curious – about what you know, what you can do." A small smirk played at his lips. "And, I want revenge for that kick you gave me." The crew's never gonna let me live that down." His shoulders slumped in resignation.
Skyler burst into a hearty laughter, the sound echoing down the corridor.
"I'll make it up to you, don't worry." She tapped his shoulder playfully.
Killer was suddenly very grateful for his mask. If not for it, she would've seen the faint shocked expression at the implications of her words.
"Right, come on before Kidd really loses his patience." Shaking off whatever that moment was, he picked up his pace, heading toward the damaged area of the ship. Skyler followed close behind.
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A/N:
So this will be the chapter with the first big change compared to the original version. I want to include more characters of the crew besides the main four that we've seen more times (Kidd, Killer, Wire and Heat). I'll be adding others from the crew and developing those relationships more. Before, Skyler felt like she was isolated to mainly Killer and Kidd and I think she needs a bit more of a support system within the crew. Quincy was the easiest for me to add in initially, her design seems to be a bit more cheerful and quirky so it's easy to translate that to writing, despite not seeing much of her if anything at all in the anime.