Work Text
Chip wondered when the last time they actually cleaned the floor of their bedroom was. Come to think of it, he doesn’t think he has, ever.He was starting to regret that, huffing at the dust tickling his nose and covering his hands and knees. He might clean the floor, just after he finished counting what money they had left. Probably.Chip reached forward to where he saw a golden glint; He had dropped a coin when checking their gold, and it had rolled behind Gillion’s barrel. He scrunched up his face as he stretched round where he couldn't see, and clasped his hand around the cold metal.Just as he was pulling back, however, his hand brushed against wood.Now, this wouldn't normally be anything unusual, considering he was on a ship, but this was very much not normal. The wood felt far too smooth, and good quality, and his hand buzzed slightly when he touched it. Something magical, then? But he didn't have any magical wooden items, as far as he was aware. Which was not very far, clearly.Chip dropped the coin in his pocket, then shuffled around the barrel to see better, ignoring how he was now absolutely coated in grey dust.Behind Gill's barrel was a small wooden chest, about the size of Chip’s hand. It was a pale wood, nicely finished, with a wave pattern engraved on the sides. A small gold clasp sat neatly on the front, but there was no lock.Chip furrowed his brow and reached out to touch it.He knew that he probably shouldn't. It looks extremely important, and Gillion - It must be Gillion’s, what with it being behind his barrel and the wave pattern - had clearly not wanted anyone to find it, since it was hidden.He couldn't help himself, however. It was such a pretty box, and he absolutely had to know what Gillion had to hide. Gillion doesn’t hide things, he is the most disgustingly open, horrifically truthful person Chip has ever met. Ever. Gillion has nothing to hide. So why is he hiding something?Chip touched the box, a soft magical buzz jolting up his arm; warm, but sudden.
He pulled his arm back, then reached forward again to pick up the box. It was surprisingly light.He brought it towards himself, then stood up. He set the box down on his bed, brushed off most of the dust, and sat down on the mattress next to the box.
He pulled it onto his lap, then paused. Should he be doing this? Is this… right?Ha, like that had ever stopped him.He unlatched the clasp and opened the box, meeting no resistance.The inside of the box was lined with a deep purple material, similar to silk, but not quite. The bottom was spongy, with a small dip in the centre. And in that dip was a stone.It was round, and fit in his palm nicely, a little larger than a coin.It was warm.It reminded him of the ocean.It reminded him of Gillion.It was the most beautiful thing Chip had ever laid his godsforsaken eyes on.The inside seemed to be moving, flowing like paint in water, countless shades of blues and greens and whites blending together. It seemed to sparkle in the light from the moon shining through the window opposite him. It was hypnotising.Nothing else mattered, as long as he had this stone.He brushed his thumb gently over the top of it.He could have been there for hours if it were not for the bedroom door coming flying off its hinges, and making Chip scream absolute bloody murder. ─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ─── Gillion did not mean to scatter the chess pieces across the deck.He had anyway.He had been deep in the middle of a very intense match against Pretzel. She was winning, naturally.Just as he was about to make a move that absolutely would have let Pretzel win, he was overwhelmed with something feeling very, innately wrong.It was a feeling that he knew far too well.He had jolted up, knocking the chess table and sending all the pieces to the deck with a crash. Pretzel (who had luckily been settled on a chair, and not the table) looked at him. She was not happy.Gillion ran his fingers through his hair and clutched at his shirt.
Sobbing as he was forced to stand up again, knuckles paling as he gripped the too-big sword handle.
“Ha, Gill, couldn't handle losing again, huh?”
Chest burning, screaming, getting worse with every shaky swing.
“Gill? Can you hear me?”
The Elders looking down at him, no emotion in their cold eyes.
“Gill! Gillion!”Gillion was brought back to reality as a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder. He
looked up at the taller woman, red hair framing her concerned face.“Gillion, are you okay? What happened? You were panicking for a moment there.”
Jay searched his face, voice full of worry as she held his shoulder.Gillion took a deep breath and nodded.“I am alright, Jay, thank you. I simply remembered something important. I must go and deal with it. I appreciate your concern.” Gillion returned to his confident shout, a grin plastered on his face as he ignored the ache in his chest.Jay looked doubtful, but let him go.“Alright… but look after yourself. I’ll clean up the chess, you go handle whatever it is you remember.” Jay stepped back to let him pass. She didn’t probe, she knew well enough that if he didn't tell her, she shouldn't ask.Gillion appreciated that.He swiftly picked up Pretzel, hooking her back onto his belt. He rushed downstairs, struggling not to start full-on sprinting.He reached the door to the trio’s bedroom and barrelled into it at full speed.Looking back, that was probably not a great idea, but he wasn't fully in his right mind! Give him a break.The door did as doors do when they get slammed into, it broke. Right off the hinges, and onto the floor, splintered and very much broken.Gillion looked up, and Chip was screaming. However, Gillion was more focused on what Chip was holding.His stone.Gillion screamed back.Chip stopped.Gillion stopped.They stayed like that for a while.Gillion in the doorway, hyperventilating, looking a little bit mad.
Chip on the bed, stone clutched to his chest, absolutely terrified.Gillion was the first to speak.“Chip- Chip put that down. Please.” Gillion was begging.Chip looked confused.
“The stone? It's very pretty, but I wasn't going to steal it. Probably.”Chip didn't know what it was.As Gillion calmed a little, he came to a sudden realisation.It didn't hurt.
It felt strange, but it wasn't cold and harmful like it had been with the elders, it was warm and safe and comforting like with Edyn.
Somehow, this made everything so much worse.“Please, Chip, give me the stone back.”The air was tense as they both stayed stock still.Eventually, Chip slowly placed the stone back in its place in the wooden chest and held it out to Gillion.Gillion breathed a sigh of relief as he lunged forward and snatched the box from Chip, the feeling in his chest fading.“Thank you.” He whispered.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“So, uh… it’s a special stone then?” Chip was still sitting on the bed, hands in his lap, picking at his nails.
Since he had given Gillion the stone back, neither of them had said anything.
Gillion had held the box to his chest and then seemed to check it over.
Chip felt a little guilty. Just a little. He hadn't meant to upset Gillion, and if he was being honest he didn't like giving up the stone. He felt cold and empty without it, and he wasn't sure what to do with his hands anymore.
Gillion did not respond.
“Is it magical? It feels magic.” Chip tried again.
“How did you get it?” Gillion didn’t sound angry, more… confused.
“Ah, well, you see, I had dropped a coin, and- and I had been trying to get it back, and I found the box, and I was- I was a bit curious, I didn't mean to upset you, I wasn't going to steal it-” Chip stumbled through an explanation. He’s not normally this nervous, but Gill’s reaction had scared him.
“I believe I misspoke. I meant to ask how you had opened the box?” Gillion looked up at him and seemed to be staring into Chip’s mind. It was unsettling.
“Well, there wasn't a lock or anything. I wouldn't have opened it if it was locked, honest!” Chip was starting to get very confused too.
Gill nodded forlornly and moved back to the empty doorframe.
“Thank you for your honesty, Chip no-last name. I shall be in the crow's nest if you require my assistance.” Gillion stepped over the splintered wood on the floor and left Chip feeling bewildered.
“What the fuck…?” He mumbled to the empty room, mouth open a little.
Chip looked up at the room around him, and buried his face in his hands, groaning.
“Gillion. We had
just replaced that fucking door…
” He felt a little like screaming.
Just at that moment, Jay peered around the doorframe, looking just as confused as Chip was.
“What in the hell happened here?” she asked, voice a little higher pitched than normal as she took in the sight of a broken door and Chip with his head in his hands.
“Gillion.” Chip grumbled.
“I was gonna ask, what's up with him? He was playing chess, then had a bit of a panic attack, and ran down here. I heard you both scream but I thought I should give it a minute. I passed him on my way down but he didn't respond. Have you had another argument or something because I swear to the
gods
Chip I am not dealing with that again.” Jay ranted a little, hands on her hips, giving him a disappointed stare.
“No, I don't think? I'm not sure. Do you know anything about a stone?” He queried.
“A stone? You are going to have to be a bit more specific Chip, there are lots of stones.” Jay settled on her bed, opposite him.
“Gillion’s stone. I found it in a cool box and Gill came crashing through the door and took it back. He was really upset. It was really magic though, like, more than anything else I've encountered. Has he ever told you about that?” Chip continued to pick at the skin under his nails.
Jay threw a pillow at his hands. Naturally, she hit the mark.
“Stop that. And no, I didn't know there was such a thing on the ship or in Gill’s possession. You would think he would tell us.” Jay had a faraway look in her eyes.
“Yeah… maybe it’s a triton thing?” Chip speculated.
“Have you tried asking him? You guys aren't good at communication.”
“Yes, actually!” Chip looked a little offended. “He didn’t respond.
I
am great at communication, thank you very much.”
Jay scoffed. “Yeah, sure. But I guess if Gill didn't want us to know, he wouldn't say anything. He isn't going to lie, so it makes sense. Either way, he doesn't want us to know about that stone.”
“So, naturally, we are going to find out, right?”
Jay avoided his gaze. “I don't want to push, he has a right to privacy.”
“But, if it's such a magical item, it could be a danger or something.” Chip pointed out.
“Chip…” Jay looked at him.
Chip pouted. He knew it worked.
Jay sighed. “Okay, fine, but if we find any proof that it's
not
a danger, we stop pressing, okay?”
Chip nodded eagerly, and stood up, grinning. He took one step forward, then yelled as he stepped on a huge, sharp splinter.
─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───
Gillion stared at the box in his lap, magic thrumming through his fingers.
He could think about things later, right now he had to try and fix whatever was wrong with this box.
Chip shouldn't have been able to find it, let alone
open
it and remove the stone! The charms should have stopped that.
He might not have the magic to fully renew anything, but he could at least check for anything wrong.
Which there wasn't.
Gillion stopped his spell, and gently laid the box next to him. He looked up at the vast ocean in front of him and sighed.
He never fully gets used to the ocean from the surface. It's so different from what he had grown up in. The ocean had always seemed rather small from his kingdom, he had never gotten out much before his banishment. But from here the blue stretch was unequivocally, overwhelmingly vast. It stretched before him, blending into the darkening sky, and taunting his insignificance. Maybe that’s why he loved the view so much. After a childhood of being told daily that he was the most important person in the ocean, the most powerful being to wield a sword, it was a relief to be reminded that he was really not that great. He could look out over the waves and be reminded that no matter what happens, no matter who dies, who wins the wars, who he saves- or fails to save- the ocean will stay right here. In the grand scheme of things, nothing much will really change.
Gillion smiled, then turned his attention back to the box, mind refreshed.
What does he know about the enchantments on it?
The enchantments are there to stop anyone from getting his stone. The only people who can get to it are him, the elders, and his family.
Ah.
He definitely would consider the crew of The Albatross his family now, and he supposed that the enchantment changed to accommodate that.
Gillion breathed a sigh of relief.
Despite his panic, he did trust Chip. He supposed he should apologise, for lashing out at Chip and scaring him like that. And give both him and Jay a proper explanation, they deserved it.
─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───
Chip was sitting at his desk, a leather-bound book in front of him and Jay leaning over his shoulder.
“Here! Soul Stones, chapter 8, page 75. That's got to be it, right? There isn't anything else about stones.” Chip pointed at the line in the glossary and flicked back through the book to find the right page.
Jay nodded, now just as curious to find out what the stone is as Chip is.
“Alright, Soul stones. Yes, that's what it was.” Chip gestured to a diagram of a gemstone, similar to the one found earlier that evening.
“Soul stones are the physical essence of a Triton’s soul that usually form as a gemstone or shell. They are incredibly important to a Triton, as being damaged, lost, or broken can cause them intense agony, loss of self, or in some cases, death. It is a highly magical object and occasionally is used as an ingredient in spells. If anyone with ill intent gets a hold of a Triton’s stone it can be used as a torture device. Both uses are very illegal.”
Chip read out.
Jay reached over and shut the book quickly, taking a deep breath. Chip let out a low whistle.
“Well… that explains a lot,” Chip mumbled. “But why didn't he tell us? We would have helped him protect it!”
“Well, if there was an object that was able to kill you at any moment, you wouldn't want anyone else to get it, would you?” Jay reasoned.
Chip shook his head, and sighed, leaning back.
“But now we know it isn't a danger to us, and we don't need to push anymore. I think you do need to do something else, though.” Jay nudged him expectantly.
“What? I already gave it back!” Chip complained.
Jay whacked his arm. “Apologise, Chip! You need to apologise!
Oh, my gods, you are hopeless…”
Chip groaned but knew that Jay was regrettably right. Not that he would ever tell her that. He got up and began to move to the top deck, manoeuvring around the pile of wood on the ground.
“I’ll put the book away then. Honestly, this ship is sexist, always cleaning up after you idiots…” He heard Jay mumbling to herself but ignored it.
He turned a corner to the stairs but walked into a shorter figure.
“Ah, Chip, hello, I was just looking for you!” Gillion booms.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Yeah, Gill, me too-” “Chip, I wish to apologise- oh no, you first-” “Wait, why are you-” They stood there looking at each other awkwardly. Chip could feel his face getting warm. This was going about as well as he expected. The silence hung heavy in the air before Chip coughed. “So, uh, why are you apologising?” He mumbled, avoiding Gill’s gaze. Gillion looked confused and took Chip’s shoulders.“Why shouldn’t I apologise? I lashed out unnecessarily, and I had frightened you. I was not being a good friend-” “OI LOVEBIRDS! GEDDOUT THE WAY! EARLS COMIN THROUGH!” Chip and Gillion stumbled to the side of the hallway as a small old man stomped down, followed by a young boy with furrowed brows and a frown who rushed towards Chip.“S- sorry, Chip, he’s a little grumpy, I dropped a jug of juice…” Chip sighed and rubbed his face. “No, no, Ollie, it's fine. Don’t worry about it. Uh, Gill, maybe let’s go somewhere less… in the way?” Gillion nodded and turned to march to the top deck. Chip ruffled Ollie’s hair fondly, then trailed behind Gill reluctantly.Chip was slightly surprised when Gillion started climbing the ladder of the crow’s nest, but he didn't object. It actually was a good idea, nobody was going to be interrupting them up there. All alone. Talking. In a small space. Oh fuck what had he gotten himself into? “Chip, are you alright? You seem scared. Are you afraid of heights?” Gillion had turned his head and was looking down at him. “No! No, I'm fine! Just- get to the top, Gill.” Chip could feel his face heating up, again. Gods, why did he have to be like this? He hurried up behind Gillion, taking deep breaths. He's fine! He has to be fine. Absolutely nothing could go wrong here! It’s not like being around his crewmate made him feel all flustered and hot and nervous at all. That’s stupid, who said that? Because if that were the case, then having a serious conversation with said crewmate in a private space would be a horrible idea. But that’s not the case so he will be just fine! Once Gillion reached the top, he turned around and held a hand out for Chip. Chip ignored it, then regretted it when Gillion looked dejected- like a kicked puppy. Chip loved puppies. He met a stray one on an island once, and- No, no, Chip, stay focused. They sat at the top momentarily, looking out over the open ocean. Chip’s hands fiddled in his lap. He took a deep breath.“Gil- I didn’t know that it was special, like, that special, and, I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have touched your stuff anyway, but especially not that.” Chip sighed. “You know what it is?” Gillion turned to look at him, blue eyes wide. Chip nods. “I mean, I didn’t, but Jay and I were worried, so we looked for something in that book- red glasses, or something?” “Rose-Coloured Spectacles.” Gillion corrects. “Yeah, that. Weird book.” Chip shuddered, remembering the very detailed descriptions he had read. “But we saw the thing about soul stones, and-” He turned to Gillion, head tilted and gaze sorrowful. “Gillion Tidestrider, tell us these things!” Their eyes met, both tired and sad and relieved and a million other things neither could fully pick out. “I know, Chip, I should have. I apologise.” Gillion stayed frustratingly composed. “No, no, that came out wrong. You can keep secrets, we all do, and that's a pretty sensitive rock. What I am trying to say is; that you can trust us. We would never intentionally use it against you, and we might even be able to help. We’re a crew, Gill. That oath was more than just a few empty promises. We’re here for you.” Chip punctuated the last sentence with a gentle punch to Gillion’s arm. Gillion looked at him, softly. Chip didn’t even know that Gillion could be soft for anyone other than Pretzel , but you learn something new every day.“Thank you, Chip. It… means a lot.” Gillion whispered, which for Gillion was about the same volume most other people talk at. The thought was there. “And no apologising. Nope! Not allowed. Strictly forbidden. I’ll put it in The Pirate’s Code. ‘Gillion Tidestrider cannot apologise when he has done literally nothing wrong.’ Right at the top, above the no pants pissing rule.” Chip grinned. He gestured wildly as he spoke. “You- you can put things in the pirate’s code?” Gillion’s eyebrows raised. “No, Gill, I was joking. I just meant you don’t need to apologise. I won't actually add a new line to The Pirate Code.” Chip held back a chuckle. Gillion nodded pensively and turned back to the horizon. After a few seconds, he was smirking. Then he snorted, which quickly turned into laughs. Chip watched him, and it was infectious. Chip started to laugh too, and before long they were both clutching to the sides of the crow's nest, eyes tearing up. At one point they stopped, but then they met eyes and collapsed back into cackles once more. It took a few minutes for them to both properly calm down. Chip wiped at his eyes. “Fuck, Gill, my chest hurts…” He was then faintly aware of a weight on his shoulder. His heart stopped for a moment when he saw Gillion leaning on him, gazing out over the waves, the freshly risen moon causing the water to glitter around them like a million stars; Constantly changing, a new universe just for them every second. Chip sighed, and relaxed into it, resting his head on the top of Gillion’s. This was nice. They should do this more. Gillion hummed in agreement. Chip wasn’t even aware he had spoken aloud, but he didn’t really mind. ─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ─── Gillion blinked his eyes open as the early morning sun assaulted his eyelids. He groaned and tried to move, but stopped abruptly when he realised where he was. He glanced up and saw Chip above him, head tilted back against the wooden panels of the crow’s nest and drooling. Gillion exhaled sharply from his nostrils at the sight. He gently pushed himself away, being careful not to disturb the sleeping co-captain. He winced at the sensation; he was not used to sleeping on land- no, boat? Either way, his skin felt… less moist than usual. His joints clicked as he stretched out, enjoying the warmth of the early morning sun on his cold complexion. He blinked the tiredness out of his eyes but was startled by a groan behind him. “It’s fuckin… early, man…” Came the mumble from the sleepy-eyed pirate, who proceeded to fold forward so he was face down on the wooden planks of the crow's nest. Gillion chuckled. “It is a new day, Chip! Many new adventures to be had, chess games to win, evil to defeat! Destiny waits for nobody!” He said, proudly, sitting up straight and placing his hands on his hips. Chip grumbled at him. “You’re so loud Gill, inside voices or something.” “But we are outside? I do not understand.” Gillion frowned. “No- no, it’s an expression. Just means be quieter. If that is possible. Don’t worry about it, actually.” Chip sat back up, sighing, and patted Gillion on the knee. Gillion nodded and stood. He offered a hand out to Chip, who waved it away. “I’m gonna stay here for a bit until I wake up. Wait, can you see Jay?” He sits up. Gillion leans over the edge of the crow's nest and looks around for a moment. “I do not believe she is on the deck yet. She may still be sleeping.” Chip brightened immediately. “Okay, I’m awake. Can you make me some ice cubes?” Gillion held his hands out, and focused, eyes glowing a little. After a moment, his hands filled with water, and then they formed into a collection of ice cubes. He held his hands out. “What for?” “I’m gonna go wake up Jay. Come with?” Chip pulled off his bandana and wrapped the ice in it to protect his hands. “Ah, yes, we can give her a nice introduction to the morning! As a crew!” Gillion started to climb down the rope ladder again. “Sure, buddy.” Chip followed after him. They travelled down to the sleeping quarters, Chip snickering and Gillion as upbeat as usual. As they walked into the room, Gillion stopped, looking concerned. “Y’alright there, Gill?” Chip whispered. “The, uh, box. With my stone. I think I left it in the crow's nest.” Gillion (tried to) whisper back. “Shh, shh! And no, I grabbed it, don't worry.” Chip reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the ornate box, holding it out to Gillion with slightly wet hands. Gillion considered it for a while. “Ah, thank you. Can you, uh, hold onto it for a while?” Chip blinked. “Oh! Yeah, sure, if you want. I’m happy to.” Gillion smiled gratefully. He tried to shake off a feeling in the bottom of his stomach- guilt? Fear? Joy? He wasn’t sure. He pushed it to the back of his mind and looked at Chip’s sparkling eyes and uneven grin. “Right, now, watch this!” Chip snuck over to Jay’s sleeping figure on the other side of the room, who had somehow slept through Gillion’s ‘whisper’, and unwrapped the slightly melted ice cubes. Carefully, he dropped them down the back of her nightshirt. Jay awoke with a start, yelped and sat up hurriedly. In the process, she headbutted Chip’s face. She let out another cry, this time Chip joining her, as he flew back with a palm to his face. Gillion started laughing, but held it back as he moved forward with concern. “Are you both okay?” He laid a hand on Chip’s back and leant down to check on Jay. Looking after his crew was something he knew, safe and familiar. Chip just whined dramatically. “I just got ice down my back while I was sleeping and then headbutted a bastard, no I am not okay!” Jay complained loudly, rubbing at her head. Gillion silently picked up the ice cubes still lying on the bed and wrapped them back up in Chip’s bandana, then offered the makeshift ice pack to Jay. She took them with a huff and pressed them against her head. Gillion turned to Chip, who was now whining louder still. Gillion became more concerned when he saw bright red blood dripping through Chip’s fingers. “Oh dear, Chip, are you okay?” Gillion sat on the bed next to him and gently pulled Chip’s bloody hands from his face. Chip was looking rather pissed off, and although his nose wasn’t broken it certainly was bleeding profusely. Gillion chuckled, using one hand to cup Chip’s scrunched up face and he cast a spell to stop the bleeding. He then grabbed a wet rag from the bathroom so that Chip could wipe off his face. This care was a nice distraction from any complicated feelings he may or may not have. Chip paused for a moment, before finally accepting the rag from Gillion. He wiped himself off of blood, thanking Gillion quietly. Gillion noticed that his face was pink, and just guessed that it was blood rushing to his face to make up for the loss from out of his nose. He wasn’t a medical expert, but that sounded pretty logical. During all this, Jay had gotten up and gotten changed in the bathroom. She had put down the ice after getting changed, assumedly having healed herself. Gillion grabbed it off of the bedside table, magically pulled the moisture from the bandana, and offered that to Chip as well. Chip took it, and swiftly tied it back around his head. The blush in his cheeks disappeared, and various small details changed slightly. “Are you alright now, Chip?” Gillion boomed. “Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, Gill. Thanks, I’m not sure why that affected me so much. Just tired, I suppose.” Chip brushed it off. “Oh, dear, did you not sleep well? I apologise, I should have let you return to bed.” Gillion’s shoulders fell. “It’s not your fault, Gill. I chose to stay up there. I don’t want to hear any kind of apology from you, y’hear?” Chip stood and poked his finger into the shorter man’s chest. Gillion nodded firmly. Chip punched his arm gently as he walked past Gillion towards the door. “I’m gonna go get breakfast, I'll make you some toast.” Gillion thanked him, then watched Chip’s back as he left. He stayed staring at the empty door frame. He felt so… wrong. He wasn’t quite sure what was going on, or whether he liked it or not, but he knew one thing for sure. His stone was safer than it had been in a good long while. Hang on, who cleaned up the broken door?