9 You're a Land-ho!
In the hush of midnight, a lone boat glides effortlessly across the gentle waves, moving to the rhythm of the ocean's gentle melodies.
Its silhouette stands out against the expansive water, silently venturing into the unknown. A solitary figure leans over the ship's edge, softly humming a melody.
♫ Windmill, windmill for the land ♫
♫ Turn forever hand in hand ♫
♫ Take it all in on your stride ♫
♫ It is ticking, falling down ♫
♫ Love forever, love is freely ♫
♫ Turned forever, you and me ♫
♫ Windmill, windmill for the land ♫
♫ Is everybody in? ♫
'It's been a rough day for her,' Kasper reflected, glancing at the girl he rescued earlier, Maria. She lay on the hard wooden floor, softly snoring, perhaps finding solace in dreams amidst her ordeal of facing so much death.
--------------------------
*POV: 6 hours earlier, post pirate clean-up*
Maria stood before Kasper ahe stole a glance at him – a stark contrast to the monstrous display she'd witnessed moments ago. He was tall and lean, his features, though hardened by experience, held a hint of youthful vulnerability.
Hesitantly, she met his gaze. Gone was the fear, replaced by a cautious curiosity. He'd saved her, in a way, and now offered her a chance at escape.
Kasper, seemingly sensing her hesitation, addressed her again. "So, Maria, any idea which sea we're in?" he asked, a thoughtful crease forming on his brow. "I had a feeling it might be the East Blue, but this island doesn't seem to exist in the knowledge I have."
Ten years on this isolated island had left him with more questions than answers. It was a strange limbo, a place seemingly untouched by the outside world.
Maria, gathering her courage, spoke. "I believe we're still in the East Blue," she ventured, her voice barely above a whisper. "The pirates mentioned a sudden fog disorienting them before they found this island. Seems there are rumors swirling around it."
Kasper nodded, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Looks like we're just picking a direction and hoping for the best, then," he replied. His tone suggested a desire to lighten the mood.
"Hopefully, we'll find a safe place for you until you figure out your next move."
Maria simply let out a noncommittal hum, her mind racing. This wasn't the liberation she'd envisioned, but freedom, even in this strange company, was a welcome change. Her gaze drifted towards the stolen ship, a battered beast of a vessel bobbing in the waves.
Kasper, seemingly sensing her apprehension, grinned. "Alright, let's get this show on the road! Give me the captain's crash course in wrangling this little monster. She may be a bit dusty, but she'll do the trick for now."
--------------------------
*MC POV: Present*
'I reckon we'll come across some sort of town or civilization by daybreak,' Kasper thought. 'Hopefully, we're heading towards Loguetown; it wouldn't feel like the beginning of my adventure if I didn't pay a visit to the place where Gol D. Roger met his end. Who knows, I might even cross paths with that cloud of smoke known as Smoker. Maybe I'll even manage to snag a cigar from him... hehe.'
--------------------------
A guttural yell shattered the morning calm, jolting Maria awake with a jolt. "OI MARIA. WAKE YOUR ASS UP, COME LOOK!" Kasper's voice boomed from above, echoing across the deck with the force of a rogue wave.
Maria scrambled out of her makeshift cabin, hair a tangled mess and sleep clinging to her like cobwebs. Grumbling curses under her breath, she stumbled towards the sound, squinting against the harsh morning light that assaulted her eyes. "What's with all the racket? Are we under attack or something?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.
Reaching the deck, she found Kasper perched on the railing, his body practically vibrating with excitement. With a whoop that startled a flock of seagulls into flight, he leaped down, landing beside her with a flourish.
"Look at that!" he bellowed, gesturing towards the horizon with a sweeping arm. Maria followed his gaze, squinting through the salty air. In the distance, a smudge on the horizon slowly grew into a distinct shape – a city. The distinctive silhouette of tall buildings and a bustling harbor stirred a memory deep within her.
"Yeah, we nailed it! We actually navigated past the fog?" Maria exclaimed, a hint of disbelief coloring her voice. "Remember our deal. I help you get this ship sailing smooth, and you cough up a nice chunk of that pirate bounty."
Kasper scratched his head, a sheepish grin splitting his face. "Not like I, uh, didn't save your life and all that… but whatever. Sailing just ain't my cup of tea, you know?"
--------------------------
As the ship began to dock in the bustling port of Loguetown, Kasper paused to soak in the significance of his arrival.
Delving into the depths of his memory, he recalled the vital information about this pivotal location thanks to {World Knowledge}.
'Loguetown, a port town nestled along the coast, it's a significant place in the world of pirates as the starting point of the Grand Line. Its streets are filled with many people and lively markets, with its most iconic landmark being the gallows where Gol D. Roger met his end. Despite its reputation for danger, Loguetown also offers many opportunities.'
Before joining the throng on the docks, Kasper retreated to his makeshift quarters on the captured ship. There, hidden from prying eyes, he accessed his internal storage. With a grimace, he ejected two limp figures – the unfortunate pirates who'd crossed his path.
He secured their lifeless bodies with rope, slinging them casually over his shoulder before heading back on deck. "Maria," he called out, his voice carrying over the bustle. "Stay put on the ship for now. Once I get back, you'll get your cut. Then you're free to do whatever you want."
Maria, having spent the journey familiarizing herself with the ship's systems, emerged from the cabin. Kasper's cargo elicited a raised eyebrow, but she offered no comment. This strange, powerful savior was also a pragmatic one, it seemed.
With a quick nod, Kasper disappeared into the throng, heading towards a plain, square building emblazoned with the word "Marine." A young guard, barely out of his teens, challenged him. "Halt! State your business."
Kasper grinned. "Yo! Just your friendly neighborhood pirate… er, I mean, bounty hunter! Seems I, uh, took care of a couple of pirates. Think you could help a guy out?"
The guard's eyes widened, then narrowed. He scanned Kasper, taking in the nonchalant way he held the bodies and the raw power that seemed to simmer beneath his skin. With a curt nod, he gestured for Kasper to enter.
Inside, a cheerful receptionist awaited. After a brief exchange and the presentation of his grim cargo, the formalities were complete. "There's a 30% penalty since they weren't apprehended alive," she explained, her voice chirpy despite the gruesome business. "Still comes out to a hefty sum – 12,000,000 Beri. Mind telling me your name for the records?"
Kasper hesitated for a moment. "Kasper," he replied finally, leaving out the last name he no longer felt connected to. Pocketing the hefty bag of Beri, he exited the Marine base with a newfound sense of purpose.
Back on the docks, he found Maria by the railing, her gaze fixed on the bustling town. He tossed her a pouch filled with a generous share of the bounty. "Best of luck out there," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Maybe try finding work in town. But avoid the sea for a while; things are about to get crazy."
Maria caught the pouch, her fingers brushing against his. A warmth flared in her chest, a strange mix of gratitude and a budding sense of… something more. But before she could voice it, Kasper turned and strode away, his figure quickly swallowed by the teeming crowd.
"Hn," she replied, a single word that held a universe of unspoken emotions.
