Cerberus Fleet

The large bonfire burned brightly in the middle of the tiny village, and the large crowd of pirates gathered around the blaze. Thick chunks of pork and beef on the bone sizzled over the open flame, the sweet aroma of exotic spices invading the atmosphere as the grease dripped onto the scorched logs in the center of the fire pit.

Thom was having a lively conversation with the three chefs from the Rust Company Crew, which forced Razor and Laddie to tend to the meat as the cooks exchanged the recipes they collected over their travels. The friendly and hospitable exchange helped the pirates from both crews relax, and slowly begin to mingle until the were drunk off of cheap booze and singing old sea shanties about a chicken on a raft.

Kidd along with Killer and Chamberlain were pulled aside, leaving the festivities because Owen wanted to speak on Block's behalf.

At a little campfire at the edge of a party, Block sat on the ground with a huge bowl of red rocks in his lap. The large golem tossed bite-sized stones into his mouth like fluffy popcorn, but then there was a horrible crack as he ground the hard material into dust with his teeth. Owen remained perched on Block's shoulder just like a parrot, and the tiny golem was just as noisy as one of those mimicry birds.

"—so then we—and next—and that's why—it would be—right, Block?"

"Hmph."

"Exactly! Then it was like this—the Sea King was huge!"

Kidd only heard bits and pieces of the conversation, but he got the gist of it. Owen was recounting the legend of Eustass Xcalibur Dagon, and how he and Block helped his grandfather steal the relics from the Athenian researchers decades ago. However, after the initial story, Owen turned to bragging about all their triumphs in the New World, and Kidd had honestly tuned out Owen because his mind was far too busy combing through his own issues dealing with a certain someone and also a certain something. Luckily, Killer and Chamberlain we're listening and could relay any important information, if there was any.

Kidd absentmindedly stared over Block's uninhabited shoulder, watching his crew easily celebrate their victory, but his eyes naturally drifted to the only female member of his crew.

Gabriella sat off to the side with Vana, a member of the Rust Company Pirates, avoiding the drunken members of their respective crews. Kidd had no idea what the women were talking about, but he could see the bright smile on Gabriella's pretty features as she laughed when Vana whispered something in her ear. Then Kidd and Gabriella locked eyes, and Gabriella giggled, which made Kidd's eye twitch.

"She's real pretty."

Kidd blinked, flinching when he heard an annoying little whisper in his ear, and then he mechanically turned his head to glare at Owen's cheeky grin. The tiny golem must have noticed that Kidd was no longer listening and had hopped over to investigate.

"You two an item?"

Kidd scowled as veins of irritation pulsed against his brow when he suddenly felt the extremely nosy presences of Killer and Chamberlain looming over his shoulders. Kidd growled and lashed out, ramming his palms into the two men's faces to shove them away.

Then he boldly declared: "No."

Owen tilted his head to the side, but shrugged indifferently, and he hopped away, gracefully landing back onto Block's shoulder. "Anyway, so, whadda ya say about the idea?"

Kidd pursed his lips. He knew what the tiny golem was talking about. "Dunno," he answered bluntly. "I'm not good at…working with others."

"Hmph," Block grunted, glancing toward the tiny golem on his shoulder.

"Yeah, that's true, Block," Owen nodded firmly. "I guess alliance wasn't the word I wanted to use for a teamup. It would be more, like…like, I wanna make a fleet under your banner."

Kidd's brow arched, his curiosity finally snared. "I'm listening."

"We gotta do your old Pops proud," Owen explained, grinning fondly. "He's the one that inspired us to be pirates. He even gave us our Devil Fruits. Said it'd be worth the investment rather than selling them to the blackmarket, but he retired before we had the chance to join his crew. So, his grandson would be the next best choice to return the favor, yeah? If ya came, like, five years earlier, we'd probably wudda just joined your crew…but, we ain't giving up our crew. Right, Block?"

"Hmph," Block nodded, glancing over his shoulder at the impressive crew he created.

Kidd blinked, slightly taken aback. "You're just willing to give up power and authority to a stranger? You might of known Pops, but you don't know me at all."

"We got a pretty good idea from the papers, 'specially if the stories are as true as you want them to be." Owen replied, smirking coyly. "You're just like Pops, but your age is really showing 'cus, dude, you need help."

"..."

"Don't glare at me like that." Owen scolded, wagging a finger toward the redhead. "Despite my looks, I am older than you, but that's beside the point. You lot were totaled by Big Mom's Fleet 'cus you charged head first into unknown waters. We've been sailing the New World for five years now, and we know the politics 'round here. Right, Block?"

"Hmph," Block grunted and he held up two fingers.

"Yeah, yeah. These waters are divided up between two groups: the World Government or the Emperors, and even then, it's sliced up even more between the different Emperors." Owen continued on, a serious look in his eyes. "Think of it like spheres of influences, one moment you're in safe waters, then you're being chased by Big Mom's kids, then a second later you're knee deep in Marine territory. If you know where the spheres are, you can trek through the waters without being beaten by surprised, but right now, the New World has gone to shit. All of Whitebeard's territories are now up for grabs, so they are like warzones and it ain't pretty."

Kidd glowered, the heat from mockery boiling in his stomach. "I—!"

"Stop," Chamberlain suddenly held a hand in front of the redhead's face. Then he stepped over the stone bench and sat beside Kidd. "This is a good proposal."

Killer nodded in agreement as he took a seat on the other side of Kidd. "It will remove all the trial and error if we have someone with knowledge supporting us."

Kidd looked between the two repeatedly. He didn't like the idea that someone questioned his strength, but he couldn't deny that the first few days in the New World were…eye-opening. He realized that he was a very small fish in a large pond. It was something he didn't like to openly admit, but he did acknowledge it to himself. However, agreeing to the idea of a fleet would display that fact in the open. He didn't like it, but he couldn't disagree either.

"...Right," Kidd grumbled. "Fine."

Despite the obvious hint of annoyance in Kidd's tone, Block smiled in approval and held out his hand. Kidd stared at the large hand for a long moment, but then he accepted it, the two captains shaking on the deal.

"You're the Boss," Block smirked, sending the redhead an encouraging thumbs up.

Kidd stared in shock; that was the first time he's heard the large golem speak. He honestly thought that Owen was the one that pulled all the strings because Block appeared to be mute.

"Block is a Golem of little words," Owen clarified with a mischievous grin when he saw the bewildered look on the redhead's face. "He only saves his breath when he means business. You should be flattered."

Kidd rolled his eyes in response, but Owen ignored the irritated look.

"Soo," the tiny golem chattered on, a curious twinkle in his eyes. "What're you gonna call the fleet? Something cool? Something badass? Or something simple, like the Kidd Fleet?"

"The Kidd Fleet sounds dumb as fuck," Killer was frank.

"Hey!" Kidd snapped, scowling at the masked blonde. "It's my name!"

"That's why it's dumb."

Kidd growled at Killer, his vision turning red, but then the navigator placed a hand on the redhead's shoulder.

"Why not Cerberus?" Chamberlain suggested calmly. "The heads of Cerberus protect Hades, after all."

"Huh," Kidd hummed in thought, a smirk spreading across his lips the more he mulled over the name for the fleet that accompanied the name of his ship. "I like it. Yeah, that's what we'll call it: the Cerberus Fleet."

Kidd was pleased with the name. The idea of having a grand fleet of his own was exhilarating and made him impatient because he desired the greatest of grand fleets. Eustass 'Captain' Kidd was aiming to be Pirate King, after all, and every king needed to have an army. Block and Owen were just the beginning, there were more captains out there that were willing to sail beneath his banner. He just needed to look for them.

A man stood in the middle of a cold room, harsh wisps of icy air lashing against the pale skin of his cheeks. He gritted his teeth through the chill, and he held his ground despite the fallen bodies that laid at his feet. The snow covered tiles were covered in the tainted color of red and oil.

"Kyle!"

Only his bones could hear his voice, the wind too strong to project the name he howled. The freezing wind rippled through the thick fabric of his black overcoat and his long red scarf fluttered wildly behind him. Through the red tint of his goggles, he anxiously watched the creature drag its mechanical feet across the floor.

"T-T—Tr—Tr-Tr-Tr—Trolley…"

The squeal of grinding gears echoed off the walls, making him flinch and cover his ears to block the agonizing sound that pierced through the wind.

"K—Kuh-Kuh-Kuh—Key…"

He stared in horror has two crimson eyes watched him from the snow, a black silhouette becoming more defined as the creature roared at the top of its artificial lungs.

"WHERE—WHERE—WHERE IS IT!?"

Then the man readied himself for battle, the fear a distant gleam in his eyes as he saw a familiar shadow flicker across the snow behind the tall creature. "There you are, Kyle…" he mused to himself, smirking from ear to ear. "Let's get ready to roll!"

"Anna? Anna? Anna!? Where are you, woman!?"

He stormed through the halls of his galleon, peering through the open doorway, but all he saw was emptiness among the lifeless furniture. Then a flicker of movement came from a closed door that opened, and he sighed in relief when he saw a familiar face that could help him.

"Warren, have you seen your mother? I can't find her anywhere."

The young man pursed his lips in thought and scratched the back of his head to probe his mind. "Actually, I don't think I've seen her since breakfast."

"Is that so…"

"Ah!" Warren put his hands up, a tiny bead of sweat on his brow. "Don't worry, Dad! She probably just went out shopping like usual. I'm sure Hazel knows. She's in her room."

"Alright."

He pivoted on his heel, his son following quickly behind. They reached the pink door, and he gently knocked and a muffled voice rang out from inside. Invited to enter, he opened the door to see his young teenage daughter sitting at a decorative vanity braiding her long pink hair.

"Hazel, dear, have you seen your mother?"

Hazel stopped braiding her hair for a moment and nodded. "She was upset and went to Fort Beatrix."

Warren's eyes went wide. "Alone?"

"Alone," Hazel repeated.

A large drop of sweat slipped down his cheek. "Oh bother, Anna…"

Kidd was in a blur. There were so many ideas that rushed through his mind at the thought of having a grand fleet of his own. He felt a bit of childish glee at the thought. It honestly hadn't crossed his mind that other captains would want to work under him, but it was a good thought indeed after he considered the idea.

"Keep an eye out for any potential commanders, Boss."

Owen's voice broke the redhead from his trance, and Kidd was somewhat startled to see that he was now on Hades, his ship anchored alongside the Rust Company's galleon.

"Pick the best you can find," Owen advised before the crews went their separate ways. "Of course, Block and I will be your right hand men for the Cerberus Fleet; your No.1 Commanders. I'll start recruiting more crews to sail under your banner. Just show some strength in the paper. It'll be like good advertisement, yeah?"

Kidd nodded toward the two golems. "Chaos is always a good idea."

"Just don't get cocky," Owen warned. "No one wants to work for a lunatic."

"Tch," Kidd clicked his tongue. "You are."

"Hmph," Block grunted.

"Yeah, that's right," Owen agreed with his captain. "Pops was a clever guy. I will assume you got some of those genes."

"Tch," Kidd clicked his tongue again and turned on his heel. "Whatever."

Owen and Block didn't seem deterred by Kidd's attitude; they probably chalked it up to him being young and stubborn, which was accurate.

Kidd knew he could be as stubborn as an ass, and he showed no shame expressing it. However, he learned that he couldn't be as stubborn as he wanted and compromise was needed for some situations, especially when it was something delicate he needed to handle.

As the mighty galleons sailed their separate ways on the sea, Kidd stalked into the belly of his ship, ready to do one last thing before the day ended.

The loud snores of the hellhound under her bed filled the empty room with noise, but it didn't prove to be a good distraction like Gabriella wanted.

She laid on her side in her bed, curled underneath the covers as she stared through the darkness, eyeing the tiny black box. It sat like a miserable little eyesore on the shelf beside canned fruits and vegetables; it made her want to scream. She was given the box to examine it, but even she was stumped. She thoroughly examined the documents, but found that the pages were written in an ancient text she couldn't decipher. The only thing she could remotely understand were the dozens of diagrams. They were hand drawn and arranged in a step-by-step order for something. What that something was she had no clue, but it appear unrelated to her mission, nor would it affect the crew.

With that in mind, she didn't want to think about it anymore, but she couldn't get that damned black box off her mind because it still worried her.

Diamonds had nothing to do with summoning, but she did know that mages who studied the Light Arts would grind up diamonds for certain spells, which included powerful rituals to lock away and release creatures. That left the pending question of what.

What in the hells did they want to summon or lock away?

Gabriella never thought she would cross paths with others mages, with the small exception of her companions who were also looking for the gem. It wasn't unheard of that mages left the island of RC, but it was extremely rare to see one in the Grand Line where there was a high concentration of government officials. It was more common to see mages traveling in the West Blue, especially for trade.

"Just what are they up to, especially you, Hebe…?" Gabriella mumbled aloud, scowling at the box.

Hebe was an alumnus from Calamity's Academy for Warlocks, the school Gabriella was currently attending. So, it was baffling to see another warlock in cahoots with an enchanter and pyromancer in the Outside World. Those three were acting suspicious, very suspicious because they were actively using nullifying hexes which would hide a magical imprint. That meant they couldn't be tracks, which sounded like they were up to something illegal or possibly traitorous.

Gabriella sighed in frustration, covering her eyes with her hands. "I hope she knows what she's getting into. The Council will try and take her head if they find out she was doing something against their rules…"

"She probably acted out because of jealousy."

"Jealousy…?" Gabriella sat up and lifted the blanket, staring at her familiar that laid beside her. "Do you actually think she was that mad she didn't get chosen for the mission?"

"She was very huffy when she wasn't picked," Musket pointed out.

Gabriella sighed in disappointment, remembering how Hebe had acted at the meeting nearly a year ago…

…she had been rather surprised that she and a few of her peers had been invited to join.

The four of them were seniors, but still students nonetheless. Most of the warlocks present were old and new alumni from the academy, the men and women adore in the school's traditional black robes with chain-link decorations. The only difference between them and the alumni was the presence of the golden mask upon each warlock's face.

They sat quietly in the grand hall at the long table, every elegant seat taken save for the head of the table. Gabriella and her three peers sat at the end of the table, watching as the alumni grew impatient and started to whisper among themselves.

"What do you think Calamity needs?"

"It must be important if so many of us have been asked to come?"

"Do you think it has to do with…him?"

"Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that it has to do with Copy Cat."

Gabriella's eyes flickered open wide when she heard the name, and her head snapped in the direction of the woman who said it. She recognized the voice. It was a Hebe, the young woman two years her senior and they had a few advanced classes together, though they never got along.

"I heard a rather nasty rumor that Copy Cat escaped the Devil Handler's grip, the butterfingers, hmph," Hebe scoffed. "I am certain that Calamity gathered her greatest to challenge him and destroy him once and for all."

"D—Do you think we can really do that?"

"I don't know about you, but I know I can," Hebe replied smugly as she puffed out her chest with pride. "Even Calamity has complimented me on my skills, saying they are like no other."

Gabriella rolled her eyes, knowing that her teacher had said that to all her students because each of them were uniquely different depending on what demons or devils the made pacts with.

"Ssssh! Here she comes!"

The large doors to the grand hall opened a crack, allowing a slim woman draped in a red robe to drift through the opening. Her bare feet peeked beneath the crimson hems, her emerald painted-nails glowing faintly against her pale skin. Then she sat down in the empty chair, pulling down her hood to unleash her wild ebony curls and showcase the satanic mask covering her face. The black material was made of a foreign substance that shifted and warped into cloudy shapes, like a small portal that travelled deep into the abyss of hell.

"Thank you all for coming," Calamity spoke calmly, folding her hands on the table. "There is much I have to discuss…"

Calamity spoke about that incident that accidentally unleashed that horrible devil upon the world, and she gave each warlock a task to help prepare for the inevitable battle to confront that creature of our evil. Some were given a simple task, some were given a difficult one, but all were just as important as the other. Then everyone was given their jobs, safe for the four students on the other side of the table.

"Now, for my final mission…" Despite the mask, Gabriella could tell her teacher was looking directly at them. "This will be a very dangerous task, my children, but you are the only ones who can handle the challenge, that I am certain of."

Gabriella and her three peers all exchanged a knowing look before turning back to their teacher, nodding firmly.

"Thank you…" Calamity's voice was soft and full of relief. "I need the four of you to leave this island and journey around the world and search for it. The Ruby Bane. He has taken it and hidden it somewhere I can not sense it. You must—"

"Master Calamity!" Hebe shouted, standing up from her seat so violently that her chair crashed to the floor. "That task is far too difficult for mere students! It should be given to an alumni that is suited for such a journey for the Outside World such as—!"

"Hebe," Calamity interrupted, her tone as sharp as a blade cutting through steel. "Each task I have given was suited for the warlock. You were all my students at one time. I know all your strengths…and all your weaknesses."

"…" Hebe was stunned into silence.

Then Calamity rose from her seat, staring directly at the dazed warlock, her black mask morphing into the shadowy image of a face with ivory horns and piercing red eyes. "My seniors have the skills that far exceeds the alumni in this room. They are my elite, so they shall be given the task for the elite."

Hebe was silent for a moment, but then she quickly turned on her heel and stormed out of the room…

…and she never forgave Gabriella or her peers for humiliating her in front of everyone, even though it was her own fault.

Hebe was an excellent warlock, even Gabriella would admit that, but she let that get to her head. Hebe was the overly confident type, and when she wasn't considered the best option, she could lash out like an irrational child who had to be put in her place or ignored. However, Gabriella would never have expected Hebe to join a shady operation out of spite, but the summoner mage had to worry about herself.

Unless she could magically decode those documents, they were considered useless. Plus, she was already treading thin ice with her magic and the Council was aware she left the island, and she feared that Calamity's explanation wouldn't be enough to cool the fires, no matter how many times Bedros tried to reassure her. She had many enemies and organizations working against her. It wouldn't be long until the power of money brought her to ruins so far away from the protection of her homeland; it felt like she had no allies in this world.

Then she pursed her lips when new a thought crossed her mind. She had the crew now. The crew was surprisingly her safe haven, and she felt like they would defend her is something were to happen. There was even a small thought in the back of her mind that she could possibly tell Kidd everything and he wouldn't give a damn about her heritage, and the danger it could bring would be like a challenge he'd eagerly accept.

Then suddenly the hellhound's head popped up, alerted to a strange sound. The dog's long snout twitched as he sniffed the air, and his pointy ears flickered toward the door. There were heavy footsteps in the hallway, and the stomps got louder and louder as they got closer and closer. Then she saw the doorknob jiggle.

Gabriella thought the door was about to burst open, like usual, but it didn't. Instead, the doorknob went silent and then a minute later, she heard two knocks on the wood before the door slowly cracked open and Kidd peered his head in.

Kidd scanned the room, his brows furrowing when he saw her in bed. "Were you sleeping?"

"No," Gabriella shook her head. "I can't sleep, so a talk would be nice. What's up?"

Kidd walked into the room and closed the door gently behind him. Under his arm, there was a small white plastic box, and he tossed it to her.

Gabriella caught it easily and then she stared at it, examining the bright red cross stamped on the front before she looked back up at the redhead, confused. "What's this for?"

"A first-aid kit," Kidd was blunt and he shrugged nonchalantly. "I had Doc fill it with basic stuff. Ointment. Bandages. Stuff like that."

Gabriella tilted her head to the side, her brows knitting together. "Why?"

Kidd's calm composure started to crack under her perplexed gaze and questions. He glanced away, biting his lip in thought before he spoke.. "So…if you get hurt, you can patch yourself up," he answered, sheepishly scratching the back of his head.

Gabriella blinked. "Isn't that Doc's job?"

"...Ugh," Kidd groaned in frustration. "I just—ugh, look. I'm sorry, okay? I realize, that, I'm probably too rough with you and treating you too much like a, like a guy. I shouldn't do that 'cus you're a girl. So, I'll try better not to…hurt you, and if I do…you have—you have that."

Gabriella stared at him, bewildered by the sudden change, but then she remembered how Dio had provoked him during the battle. She didn't realize just how much the enchanter's taunts affected him.

"You know I'm a lot tougher than I look." She tried to comfort his worries. "I'm not going to get my panties in a bunch because I'm treated like one of the guys. I mean, I saved your ass today, remember? I think we're even now, by the way."

"What?" Kidd snapped his full attention on her, scowling angrily. "No. Th—That didn't count! I could have handled that myself!"

"I'm only teasing," Gabriella chuckled, amused by the reaction. "I think I'll hang around here for a bit longer. I'm in deep water already so you gotta suffer the consequences of harboring a mage now~"

"Is that a challenge?" Kidd questioned, his brow arched in curiosity.

Gabriella smirked. "You bet."

"Tch," Kidd looked away, scoffing at the comment. "Fine, whatever. I can handle whatever comes my way. You'll see. I'll keep you safe."

Gabriella watched him for a moment, observing him closely.

Kidd shuffled on his feet, his head turned to the side to hide his expression and avoid looking at her, but she saw that his pale ears were stained a light pink hue. He appeared embarrassed by the comment, which seemed odd because he had made it clear that it was normal for a captain to keep his crew save, as long as they remained loyal and obedient to him. Then she gasped, covering her mouth with her hands, and her eyes popped open wide when she realized it. He did mention that he wanted to treat her more like a girl rather than a member.

How could she not realize sooner? His confusing actions made so much sense when she put them in that perspective. The poor dear just had trouble expressing them properly. He probably didn't even realize his feelings yet, and the thought made Gabriella grin mischievously.

She slipped out of bed and slowly stalked closer to Kidd, watching him fidget uncomfortably on his heels when she purposely invaded his personal space. She leaned up against his broad chest, resting her hands against his bare skin. She looked up at him, eyeing him sweetly.

Then she asked: "Do you think I'm cute?"

"What?" Kidd's eyes popped open wide in shock and he tried to take a step back, but he rammed into the door with nowhere to go. "N-No! You're too annoying to be cute!"

Gabriella wasn't fazed by the insult, if anything, her smile widened when she saw his ears prickling a darker shade of red. Then she asked: "Do you think I'm pretty?"

"Uh, well, maybe…" Kidd shifted awkwardly against the door, glancing away to avoid eye contact. "Maybe I do find you to be pretty. I—I mean, I already said you have a good ass and a nice pair of tits—sorry."

Gabriella chuckled, amused that he kept his word to try and treat her like a proper lady. However, she took his crude phrasing as a compliment; she felt it was a fitting way for Kidd to express his feelings in a brash, but honest way. "So, you are attracted to me, Kidd."

"I—um," Kidd stuttered, sweating bullets. "Uh, what?"

Gabriella smiled softly as she stood on her tippy toes to reach up and gently boop the tip of his sharp nose with her finger. Then she boldly declared: "You have a crush on me."

Kidd's face went blank. Gabriella could visibly see the gears of his brain processing her words. Then his eyes opened wide when he received the conclusion to the review and his entire face turned red from embarrassment.

Gabriella took a step back, giving him some space. "You may have wild hair, horrible fashion sense and a weird nose, but you're nicer than you let on. Like…the cuddly side of a grizzly bear."

Kidd's expression morphed into rage, his brows furrowing into a tight knot at the bridge of his nose. "Don't mock me," he seethed bitterly.

"I'm not mocking you," Gabriella was blunt, smiling innocently.

Kidd glared at her coldly, but then a smug smirk crossed his lips as he reached down and gently cradled her chin, forcing her to look him directly in the eyes as he coolly said: "Do you want to play with this fire, babe?"

Gabriella opened her eyes wide. She didn't think he would suddenly try and turn the tide by being assertive in the conversation. His words may have been a warning, but she was eager to accept the challenge. She gingerly wrapped her tiny hands around his wrist and leaned into his touch.

Then she sent him a flirtatious wink and replied: "A little burn never hurt, sweetheart."

Kidd's coy expression shattered and he stared at her, his face void of expression. He didn't appear prepared to handle such a comeback and it rendered him speechless. He pulled away from her quickly, then he pivoted sharply on his heel, opened the door and stormed out of her room, slamming the door shut in her face.

And then promptly screamed in pure frustration.

Gabriella chuckled lightly, a smile on her lips when she heard him howling. A little blush crossed her cheeks. She couldn't get over how cute Eustass Captain Kidd's reaction was, but she hoped she hadn't ruined her chance at a new and budding relationship.

She decided to give him some space the following days and not tease him about his little crush, especially since he actively tried his damnedest to avoid her. The crew quickly suspected something was amiss because it was similar to his outburst a few weeks prior, but not as violent as long as they didn't talk, look or touch Gabriella the wrong way.

With time, Kidd was able to smooth out his emotions and he started to treat her as he declared he would: like a girl. It was hardly anything romantic and nothing that made her heart swoon, which Gabriella found disappointing. She didn't expect him to be a charismatic casanova, but she had wanted him to try and attempt to flirt with her in a bumbling-idiotic way that made her heart flutter from cuteness, sweetness and rainbows. All Kidd did was tone down his harsh attitude towards her, and that was just plain boring, which in turn confused the redhead when she would get huffy with him.

The odd dynamic was something the crew instantly sensed, but dared not confront it. They actually enjoyed the calmer version of their captain, channeling his rage solely into defeating their enemies and not at the loyal members of his crew. The men were afraid that questioning their captain or the summoner mage would instantly revert Kidd's personality back to his very angry side. They learned from experience that Gabriella was a catalyst for his violent behavior once, there was no reason not to think that it wouldn't be so again. Therefore, the men did anything to make sure their captain remained calm and chipper, which means keeping the summoner mage happy, too.

"I'm heading out to scan the island."

Kidd looked away from his late-morning breakfast, the large metal plate filled to the brim with scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. "Sure—" and then he paused.

His brows wrinkled in confusion when he saw the entourage behind Gabriella. As always by her side was Bedros, the stone devil practically glued to her hip. Razor and Laddie were also with her, the cabin boys equipped with short swords on their backs because they began training with her whenever they could. They wanted to eventually use an enchanted sword, but the summoner mage wouldn't allow them anywhere near her flame-enhanced weapon without the proper training. However, those three weren't strange to see with Gabriella, the actual strange group behind was Bram, Silo, Lucien, Finley, and Eon. The five men and the summoner mage had got off to a rocky start, but it did appear they patched up any animosity between each other, but Kidd didn't think it was enough that the men would join in on her little expeditions. The five men were armed to the teeth with weapons; revolvers loaded in their holsters, sabers attached to their hips and and large packs stocked with food and other supplies were strapped to their backs.

Kidd stared at them, dumbfounded.

Bram swiftly saluted his captain, a serious look on his grimy features. "We're gonna make sure she stays safe, Captain!"

"Aye-aye!"

Kidd blinked, glancing at the summoner mage.

Gabriella eyed him curiously, and then leaned forward with a tiny smile gracing her lips. "Would you like to come, too? I would feel extra safe with you."

"Nah," Kidd declined the offer and returned to his meal, grabbing his pint of morning ale. "You'll be fine with the guys. Sure you'll keep 'em safer than them tryin' to keep you safe."

The sweet smile disappeared from her features, annoyance warping Gabriella's expression as she leaned away and puffed out her cheeks.

Killer snorted.

Chamberlain looked up from his bowl of grits, his brows furrowed and he stared at Killer. "Did you just laugh?"

A bright red exclamation mark appeared above his head, alarmed by the question. "What? No. You know I don't laugh, bitch."

Chamberlain rolled his eyes. "Whatever," and he returned to eating his breakfast.

"Anyway…" Gabriella grumbled, sharply turning on her heel and moving to the door. "We'll be off. After I'm done scanning—and if the gem isn't here—then I'll be training with Razor and Laddie on their swordsmanship."

"Okay," Kidd nodded.

Then the door to the tiny tavern closed, allowing a brief moment of silence before it burst open fifteen minutes later, a disheveled Eon and Finely barreling through the open entrance.

"We got a codblem—!" Finely shouted as the ever silent Eon smacked him upside the head for the horrid fish pun.

Kidd stood up quickly, knocking over his chair, and he slammed his hands against the table. "Oh, c'mon!"

To be continued on Ao3...

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