Chapter 16: Pirate's Guide To Teasing And Trouble

Sabaody looked surreal.

Skyler knew that it held a human auction house, a place where people were bought and sold like objects. Yet, if she hadn't known, the island could have easily deceived her. It was a vast mangrove, its massive trees intertwining to form a stable surface. It was lush, with vibrant green grass and a comfortably mild climate. At first glance, it looked like paradise.

Adding to its whimsical charm, enormous soap-like bubbles floated all around, drifting lazily through the air before popping against the treetops.

In the distance, a giant Ferris wheel loomed over the landscape, surrounded by smaller buildings with doomed rooftops, their architecture reminiscent of Arabic designs.

Skyler noticed numbers etched into the trees. Heat explained that Sabaody was divided into numbered sections, totalling seventy-nine numbered trees. These, in turn, were split into eight larger sections: smaller islands interconnected with each other with manmade structures.

Despite its beauty, unease settled in Skyler's stomach. A dull, twisting discomfort churned inside her. She just didn't understand whether it was because of the horror that Sabaody hid or if it was something else.

The pirates had left the ship in between some trees, one of them having the number thirty-nine imprinted. Eustass called out to his men to disperse so they could cover more ground on the island. Some stayed behind, keeping watch over the ship.

Skyler had wanted to talk to Killer about what he had said on the ship but he was evading her. To help with this, Quincy had dragged her away, telling their captain they would meet up at the auction house. The mention of it made Skyler's skin crawl but she tried to push away the eerie feeling.

Emma had followed them as well, but the rest of the girls had stayed behind to guard the ship. The three walked at a leisurely pace, taking in the fantastical beauty that Sabaody provided. It was a feast for the eyes, that was for sure.

Skyler felt like she wanted to clarify something with Quincy. And maybe this was the time to do so.

"Quincy, you still need to explain one thing to me." Skyler spoke out, catching the ginger's attention. "That day where you were taking care of that dress and you basically dismissed me when I had said that about Killer… Were you setting me up?"

"I don't know what you mean." She looked away, whistling absentmindedly, avoiding Skyler's analytical gaze. Quincy knew if she made eye contact, Skyler would immediately understand.

"You set me up!" Skyler pointed accusingly at the ginger and then turned to Emma, who was also looking away. "You both knew he was there! You set me up to meet with Killer!?"

"Well…" Emma rubbed her arm, clearly uncomfortable. "You do get along with Killer."

"He is more cheerful with you!" Quincy highlighted, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "And you can make him laugh and he never laughs in front of anyone!"

"We get along, that's it." Skyler minimized it, but the lump in her throat betrayed her words. The memory of his words on the ship, the weight of unspoken feelings hanging between them, made it hard to brush it off. She could still hear his voice, casual but deliberate: 'Who says we aren't?' She swallowed, forcing herself to sound casual. "Nothing more."

"Hmm-hmm… sure, if you say so." Quincy squinted at Skyler, slowly nodding her head. "You're not fooling anyone! Besides, it seems even the captain is comfortable with you!" A mischievous smile crept onto her features. "Are you interested in both of them?"

Skyler's face burned. She scrambled for words but couldn't find any.

"No! That's—! No! Not! Can't—" She stammered, burying her face in her hands as she exhaled hard, trying to steady herself.

"Oh, Skyler!" Emma joined in, skipping next to Quincy, reflecting the same enthusiasm. "No need to hide! Killer is so charismatic!"

"And our captain is… something." Quincy did her best to find the words, but nothing came up. She shrugged. "He has… his charm…?"

"That sounds very convincing, Quincy." Skyler muttered, her voice muffled by her hands. "Good god… what did I get myself into?"

"Into a lovely sandwich with the captain and his first mate?" Quincy wiggled her eyebrows and dodged a playful smack from Skyler.

Emma laughed, adding, "With you right in the middle!"

"I swear… it's nothing!" Skyler insisted, stomping her foot. "Killer's just being friendly and Kidd is being… well… Kidd."

"Sure…" Quincy continued to tease, barely avoiding another playful slap.

"I think Quincy's dress will change that for sure!" Emma pointed out.

"I think I should be scared of what'll come out of that…" Skyler groaned. She trailed off when something caught her attention — a wall covered in wanted posters. Some were peeling at the edges, displaying low bounties, but the highest ones were front and centre, glued over the rest.

And there he was: Eustass Kidd.

Multiple copies of his poster, his wild grin staring back at her, with 315,000,000 printed beneath his name. The words "Dead or Alive" sent an uncomfortable shiver through her. Her stomach twisted, that same uneasy feeling crept back.

A wave of dizziness hit fast. She inhaled sharply, trying to steady herself, but the world tilted. Her feet faltered and she collided with someone.

"I'm sorry…" she mumbled, turning to see who she had stumbled into.

A tall man, but not as tall as Kidd. A longsword rested against his shoulder, the curved blade gleaming in the light, with the word 'DEATH' tattooed across his fingers. He looked familiar – maybe from one of the posters – but her mind felt hazy, her vision unfocused.

"You're pale," he noted, his cool eyes scanning her. "If you're gonna faint, don't do it on me." His lips curved into a playful smirk before he stepped past her.

Skyler blinked, still unsteady but irritated enough to respond. "Such a charmer."

That got his attention. He glanced back, amusement flickering in his expression, but all he did was wave before continuing on his way. She exhaled, bracing her hands on her knees.

"Skyler, are you okay?" Quincy was suddenly at her side, rubbing her back. "Sit down, please."

Emma was already there, helping her lower herself.

"If I sit, I won't get up." Skyler leaned against the wall, trying to gather her bearings. Another strong cramp tore through her belly, making her crouch down. "Oh, for fuck's sake…"

"What is it?" Quincy frowned.

"My period…" Skyler grumbled, dropping her forehead against her knees. "Now, of all times…"

"Well, that explains the mood swings." Emma sighed, shaking her head.

"Do not test me." Skyler lifted her head just enough to glare.

Emma chuckled but didn't push it. She scanned the area and spotted a small store. "There's a general store nearby. They should have pads or something."

"And a bathroom…" Skyler groaned, resting her forehead against her knees again.

"Actually…" Quincy grabbed Skyler's arm, helping her up. "Come with us. I don't want to leave you alone after what just happened."

"What do you mean?" Skyler didn't have enough energy to frown.

"That was Trafalgar Law you just taunted," Emma said, excitement flashing in her eyes.

"With that look… should I be concerned?"

"Probably." Quincy smirked. "But hey, you're consistent, at least. The type of men you attract all seem to be dangerous with questionable morals."

Skyler snorted. "Consistency is my middle name, Quincy."

"I know. That's why you're so head over heels for Kidd and Killer," Emma continued to tease as the three walked into the store. "And now Law?" Emma joked but got another glare from Skyler. "It's a stretch, I know. Plus, he's mine!" She was practically blushing as she said that. "He's so dreamy!"

"Quincy… you said I was the one who liked dangerous men with questionable morals?" Skyler asked, amused by the dreamlike stare Emma had.

"Yeah… we're pirates… We're all dangerous with questionable morals." Quincy smiled kindly at Emma. "We'll need to get one of those posters for her. And we'll get one for you too, Skyler."

"Sure…" Skyler could only agree, feeling another cramp that took her breath away.

As they walked into the store, the dimly lit space barely let in any natural light. Fortunately, they found the hygiene section quickly – and there was even a small bathroom Skyler could use.

One thing was taken care of, but the dizziness and cramping would only get worse. She needed to find some painkillers, at least.

Quincy and Emma were already ahead of her.

Emma had stayed with Skyler while Quincy tried to find a pharmacy of some sort. She came back with a handful of different bottles. One was, in fact, the painkillers while the others she didn't have the chance to ask Quincy about. She stuffed them away in a small purse she had around her waist.

"Those are for later! And this is for now," Quincy informed, taking out a painkiller before putting away the rest of the bottle in her purse. "Take it and hopefully it helps."

"Yeah…" Skyler swallowed the pill dry, grimacing at the taste that lingered on her tongue. "Thank you for your help."

"No problem." Quincy waved it off as if it were nothing. Emma nodded as well, a kind smile on her face. They didn't have to go out of their way to help but they did it anyway.

They were her support in that world and had become an anchor. They had become her friends, and she was thankful to have them with her.

They continued to chat, walking away from the store only when Skyler felt better. She wasn't feeling as much pain anymore, and some of the dizziness had faded away.

They walked absentmindedly until they found themselves in an open space.

Skyler's eyes widened as she saw a giant before them. A man, dressed in black, with white-feathered wings on his back, stood in front of them, his back turned. On the other side of the open space, Skyler could see the tattooed man, Law, sitting in a box. Behind him were three people.

Well… two men and a polar bear. They were watching the scene unfold before them.

And then Skyler saw him. Killer sprang up, jumping higher than the giant's height, his punishers out and swinging down to strike. The much larger man swung what looked like to be a black pillar to protect himself from the hit.

The force of the hit sent a shockwave, lifting a cloud of dirt around the two. The pillar was sent flying back in Skyler's direction.

"MOVE!" Skyler shouted, turning to Quincy and Emma and pushing them out of the way.