Chapter 16: Kaya's Gift
"Yeah, we're heading to the Grand Line, so we need a really big ship," Luffy said, picking his teeth nonchalantly.
Nami pressed a hand to her forehead, sighing at her captain's lack of tact. She turned to Apollo with a pleading smile.
"What he means is... we were hoping to borrow a vessel from the young lady of this mansion. Usopp mentioned that you have a close relationship with her, so we were hoping you could put in a good word for us."
"Apollo, please!" Usopp clasped his hands together, looking desperate. "It's really important!"
He had already committed to joining Luffy, but without a ship, their "pirate crew" was just four people stranded on an island.
Zoro, meanwhile, sat with his arms crossed, his single eye scanning the room with bored detachment.
Apollo rubbed his chin, pretending to ponder the request for a long moment. The tension in the room grew thick enough to cut with a knife.
Finally, he nodded slowly. "No problem. I can agree to that on Kaya's behalf."
"Really?!" "That's amazing!" "You're a lifesaver!"
Nami jumped up, her eyes wide. "Wait, what do you mean you can 'agree directly'?"
Apollo offered a calm smile. "Exactly what I said. I can provide you with the ship you need. In fact, it's already being prepared."
Nami and Usopp exchanged glances, stunned. The surprise was almost too good to be true. They had come here hoping for a sliver of a chance, expecting to beg and barter, but the problem was solved in seconds.
Before they could start celebrating, Apollo raised a finger. "Don't get too happy yet. There is a condition. You only get the ship if you agree to my terms."
The smiles on Nami and Usopp's faces froze. There was always a catch.
Luffy, however, didn't blink. He grinned broadly. "Sure! We agree to whatever!"
"Luffy!" Nami hissed.
Apollo chuckled. "Relax. It's nothing sinister. I need a ride to the Grand Line. Until we reach my destination, you will be responsible for my food, lodging, and safety."
He leaned back, crossing his legs. "Think of it as a transaction. I am hiring you as an escort. The payment is the caravel."
"Hiring us? That sounds fun!" Luffy laughed, eyes sparkling.
"Wait, wait," Nami interrupted, her mind racing with risk assessment. She looked at Apollo cautiously. "Where exactly are you going? Is it dangerous? Is there a time limit? And what if—"
"Don't worry," Apollo cut her off gently. "I won't interfere with your adventure. The place I'm going is somewhere you have to pass through to enter the Grand Line anyway. Once we pass that point, I'll disembark, and the ship will be entirely yours. Simple, right?"
The Straw Hats looked at each other. A free ship just for giving a guy a lift on a route they were already taking?
"If that's the case, there's no problem," Nami said, a mercenary glint returning to her eyes.
"Okay! It's a deal!" Luffy cheered, throwing his hands up.
Since it was already late, they agreed to finalize the handover the next morning.
After seeing Luffy and the others off, Apollo walked toward the study.
Inside, Kaya was sitting in a high-backed chair, her chin resting in her hand. A medical textbook lay open on the desk, but her eyes were unfocused, staring blankly at a dust mote dancing in a sunbeam.
She didn't even hear the door open.
Apollo walked over and gently tapped her shoulder. "Hey. Earth to Kaya."
"Eep!" Kaya jumped, nearly knocking over her inkwell. When she saw who it was, she let out a breath and pouted. "Teacher! You scared me!"
"You were lost in thought," Apollo said, pulling up a chair to sit opposite her. "What were you thinking about?"
Kaya's face flushed instantly. Her eyes darted to her lap, and she fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "N-nothing. Nothing important."
Apollo smiled, enjoying her shyness. In his previous life, relationships were often fast and transactional. A girl who blushed this easily was a rare treasure.
After a moment, the smile faded from his lips. He hesitated, then spoke softly.
"Kaya. I'm leaving."
Kaya froze. Her head snapped up, the color draining from her cheeks. "Leaving? Where?"
"The Grand Line." Apollo's voice was steady but gentle. "There are things I need to do. Answers I need to find."
Kaya bit her lower lip, her hands clenching into fists on her lap. She lowered her head again, silence stretching between them.
Apollo sighed. He had expected tears, or perhaps anger.
Just as he was about to comfort her, Kaya looked up. Her eyes were shimmering, but her gaze was firm. "Teacher... will you come back?"
"Of course," Apollo said without hesitation. "I'm not like Luffy. I'm not chasing a dream that requires me to circle the world. I can come back to see you whenever I want."
A brilliant, relieved smile bloomed on Kaya's face, like a flower opening after a storm. "Okay. Teacher... after dinner, please come to my room. I... I have a gift for you."
Before Apollo could ask what she meant, she stood up and scurried out of the room, her footsteps light and quick.
"Stronger than I expected," Apollo muttered, rubbing his chin. He let out a wry chuckle. "Humans are contradictory creatures. If they cry, you worry. If they don't cry, you feel a little disappointed."
Dinner was a quiet affair. Kaya acted surprisingly normal, though she would occasionally steal glances at Apollo before quickly looking away.
At least she isn't crying, Apollo thought. Though now she's avoiding me.
After the meal, Kaya disappeared upstairs immediately.
Apollo finished his tea, feeling a mix of confusion and anticipation. He hadn't forgotten about the "gift."
He walked up the stairs and stood before her door. He knocked softly.
"Kaya? Are you awake?"
"Teacher... the door is unlocked," Kaya's voice came from inside, trembling slightly.
Apollo pushed the door open.
The room was dimly lit, bathed in the soft, silvery glow of the moonlight streaming through the window.
Apollo stopped in his tracks, his breath hitching in his throat.
Kaya stood by the bed. She had discarded her usual modest dress. In its place, she wore a thin, silk nightgown that clung to her frame, glowing ethereal white in the moonlight. She looked incredibly young, incredibly beautiful, and incredibly vulnerable.
Her face was flushed crimson, burning all the way to the tips of her ears, but she didn't look away. She met his gaze with a bravery that made his heart ache.
"Teacher..." Her voice shook, not from cold, but from nerves. She took a small step forward, her fingers trembling as they brushed the strap of her gown. "Do you like... my gift?"
Apollo exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding. His voice came out hoarse. "I love it."
He crossed the distance between them in two strides, pulling her into his arms. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling the scent of vanilla and lavender.
"Ah..." Kaya let out a soft, shaky gasp as he held her close.
The moonlight watched silently as the curtains were drawn.
Much later.
The room was quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of breathing.
Kaya lay nestled in Apollo's arms, her head resting on his chest. A rosy flush still lingered on her cheeks, and she looked exhausted but content.
"Teacher," she murmured, her voice muffled against his shirt. "I actually knew... I knew a long time ago. Someone as amazing as you... you wouldn't stay on a small island like this forever. You belong to the sky and the sea."
Apollo stroked her hair, his expression thoughtful. "Actually, staying here isn't bad. It's peaceful. I have respect, wealth, and a beautiful woman."
He paused, looking up at the ceiling. "I'm not ambitious, Kaya. I don't want to conquer the world or overthrow the Government. I don't even really care about being the Pirate King."
"Then why go?"
"Because I was given a chance," Apollo said, clenching his hand slightly. "The Great Sage granted me this power. If I don't use it to see the peak of this world... wouldn't that be a waste? I just want to see the view from the top."
Kaya didn't speak, simply tightening her hold on him.
"Listen to me," Apollo continued, his tone turning serious. "After I leave, you must be careful. The world is getting chaotic. Even the East Blue isn't safe anymore."
"I know."
"That pirate raid yesterday... it won't be the last. If anything happens, go to Swan Town. Find Colonel Cynthia at the Marine Base. I saved her life once; she owes me. She will protect you."
"Okay."
"And Georgina," Apollo added, referring to the capable head maid he had trained. "Make her your full-time bodyguard. Don't go anywhere without her."
Apollo rambled on, listing safety protocols and emergency plans. He had considered taking Kaya with him, but he had dismissed the idea quickly.
Her health had improved, but the Grand Line was a harsh mistress. Nami, the "weak" member of the Straw Hats, could withstand impacts that would shatter normal bones. Kaya wasn't ready for that life yet.
"And make sure you eat properly, and don't stay up too late reading medical journals, and..."
Apollo stopped. He realized the steady breathing against his chest had turned into a soft snore.
He looked down. Kaya had fallen asleep, a small, peaceful smile on her face.
Apollo chuckled softly, carefully adjusting the blanket to cover her shoulders. He looked out the window.
The moon hung high in the sky, weaving a tapestry of light with the stars. It was a breathtaking view.
He looked back down at the girl in his arms.
"Beautiful," he whispered. "But not as beautiful as you."
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