Ch. 1- A Hungry Front

Part 2

One Piece © Oda

Blizzard, Monkey D. Aika, Crystal, and Raptor © Me

Aika gasped as she suddenly sat up in her bed, sweat beading down her forehead. She put a hand to her forehead as she panted breathlessly, then she looked down at the dog house where Kumi would sleep. She sighed as she hugged her legs and rested her chin on her knees.

"...Kumi..." she whispered before she got out of bed and headed to Luffy and Nami's room. "Maybe Big Brother and Big Sis will let me sleep with them."

She then knocked on the door.

"Big Brother, Big Sis," she called. "Can I come and sleep with you guys, please?"

No answer came.

"Big Brother?" Aika repeated as she opened the door. "Big Sis?"

When she entered, she found no one inside. Just an empty bed.

"Huh?" she muttered before she closed the door, then headed up to Zoro and Robin's room and went outside to the deck. "Big Brother? Big Sis Nami? Hello?"

No answer.

"...Chopper?" Aika called out as she looked around. "Blizzard? Brook? Carrot?"

Still no response.

"A...anybody?" she asked...and soon after, she heard something thump behind her, causing her to turn and see that it was Pedro, who had jumped down from the Crow's Nest. "Oh! Mister Pedro!"

"Aika," Pedro greeted. "What are you doing out of bed?"

"...I had a bad dream," Aika answered. "I dreamed that...that...never mind. It's nothing." She then fiddled with her hands, nervously. "Umm...where are Big Brother and everyone else?"

"Pekoms is resting in bed," said Pedro. "I am keeping watch until your-gara brother, his cohorts, and Carrot return."

"Oh," Aika muttered. "Where did they go?"

"That island," Pedro answered, pointing to the island ahead. "They've gone there to replenish our food supply."

"...I see," Aika said. "I guess there's nothing to worry about, then."

"Yes," Pedro agreed. "I'm sure they'll be back."

A pause...but then, the Jaguar Mink heard the sound of the hatch opening, causing him to look back and see Aika going down below deck.

"H-hey!" he called. "Aika, wait! Where are you-gara going?!"

Aika ran into the Soldier Dock System, where she entered the dock containing the Mini Merry II. She then put on her seatbelt, turned the boat's engine, and drove off, just as Pedro came in to try and stop her...but he was too late.

"Aika!" Pedro called after her. "Come back here! What if your brother and the others come back and see that you're gone?! AIKA!"

Aika was too far away to hear him, by now, causing him to sigh in exasperation.

"I was told she was a bit of a problem-child," said Pedro. "I just didn't think it was true because of how sweet she looked."

XXX

A little while later, Aika had managed to reach the island, and as she approached the shore, she gasped silently as she saw theShark Submerge.

"The Sharky Sub!" she exclaimed as she moored the Mini Merry to the shore, as well. "If it's here, that means Big Brother and the others are here, too!"

"Hey, did you hear something?"

"Yeah. I think it came from over here."

Aika gasped before she got off the Mini Merry and hid behind a bush, and soon after, two Marines appeared, looking around while holding lanterns and arming themselves with firearms.

"That was weird," said one of them. "I could've sworn I heard a voice come from around here."

"Maybe it was your imagination," said the other.

"...Yeah, maybe," said his partner. "I think working the night patrol is starting to get to my head."

"Or maybe you're just hungry. It is almost dinnertime in the mess hall."

"Yeah, maybe I could use something to eat. Let's go!"

With that, the two soldiers left, while Aika came out of her hiding spot. Soon after, she cautiously climbed up the steep incline, but when she saw the sight that was waiting for her...she gasped in horror before she ran and hid behind a tree. All she could see were many Marines, out on patrol...and the very sight of their uniforms made her heart race in her chest and her breath go short.

"M...M-M...Ma...Marines...?!" she whispered...as the images of the Buster Call destroying her home raced through her mine. "W...why would Big Brother, Big Sis, and everyone else come here...when they know that the Marines are on this island?!"

XXX

Not too far away, in the forest...a group of soldiers, led by two captains, plus one Marine K-9 dog, screamed in horror before they all fainted. The cause? Brook's floating soul.

"Yohohoho!" he chortled. "Thank you very-much-expected reactions!" He then turned to the foliage behind him. "All right, everyone! Time to change into your disguises!"

A little while later, Nami was seen wearing a mahogany suit and skirt with a Marine cap and coat, while Carrot and Chopper had the standard uniforms for soldiers. Blizzard wore a Marine K-9 collar with the Marine dog tag on it, and as for Luffy? Well, he refused to take off his regular outfit, so he reluctantly wore the coat.

"This is so exciting!" Carrot exclaimed. "I never got to be in disguise as a Marine soldier, before!"

"Well, Gramps," Luffy muttered, "looks like you got your wish."

"Sorry, Luffy," Nami apologized. "I know how much you must hate this...but think about all the food we'll get afterwards."

"Oh, I'm thinking about it," Luffy replied. "Doesn't mean I gotta like doin' this, though."

"Well, I'm not happy about it, either," Blizzard said, "but we're doing it, anyway, so quit your whining."

"Psh..." Luffy scoffed. "Fine."

Grrrrrwwwwlll~! His stomach gave a deep growl, causing him to groan.

"Man, I'm so hungry~!" he whined.

"Hey, Luffy!" Carrot piped up. "I smell something yummy!"

Not too far away, Nami, Chopper, in Heavy Point form, and Blizzard were watching the Marines put out the fire on the battleship that Grount and Raptor had started.

"Looks like things are winding down," Nami said. "If we had gotten here a bit later, then we would've run into that Marine ship."

"Yeah, that would've been a close call," said Chopper.

"Miss Nami," Brook said, floating behind her. "If it's all right with you, I'm heading back to the Shark Submerge, now."

"Thanks for your help, Brook," Nami replied. "Keep a lookout for us, okay?"

Brook nodded before he floated away, heading back to the Shark Submerge, and that's when Blizzard seemed to spot something out of the corner of his eye before nudged Nami's arm to get her attention.

"What is it, Blizzard?" the navigator asked, causing Blizzard to point toward a tower, where some Marines were seen, carrying various foodstuffs into a large tower.

"Oh, Nami, look!" Chopper exclaimed. "I think that might be a food warehouse or something." He then noticed the base, nearby. "But the base is right nearby, so we might have to watch our step."

"Good eye, Chopper," Nami said. "You, too, Blizzard. All we have to do is sneak in, get the food, and sneak out real carefully." She then turned. "Luffy, you got that right- WHAT THE?!"

To her horror, she saw that Luffy and Carrot were gone.

"Oh, no!" Chopper whispered. "Where'd they go?!"

Soon, they spotted them, walking away, with Luffy following Carrot, who subsequently was following her nose.

"Food...!" Luffy groaned.

"Come back here, you two!" Blizzard called.

XXX

Meanwhile, at Marine HQ...

"GARP! YOU CRAZY OLD CODGER!" Prodi shouted. "THIS WAS YOUR DOING, ALL ALONG?! THAT INSANE BRAT AND HIS DAMNED TURKEY DESTROYED A WHOLE SHIP!"

CHOMP! Marine Vice-Admiral Monkey D. Garp bit down on his favorite snack: rice crackers.

"Well, that's not good, is it?" he asked, although with his usual nonchalant attitude.

"ARE YOU LISTENING?!" Prodi questioned. "ISN'T THAT BRAT YOUR DISCIPLE?!"

"Don't look at me," Garp answered. "Grount asked for the transfer himself. Take care of him for me, will ya?"

On that, he hung up.

"Vice-Admiral Garp, sir?"

"You know you shouldn't refer to me like that anymore...Coby," Garp said as he looked up to see Captain Coby and Crystal, the Shepherd from Marine K-9 Unit 1, standing next to him.

"I-I know, sir," Coby replied, "it's just...was Grount really transferred to Vice-Admiral Prodi's base?"

"Yeah, so what?" asked Garp.

"Why would he ever want to go somewhere so remote?" asked Coby. "It doesn't make sense."

Garp only grinned at him, to his and Crystal's confusion.

XXX

Back at Prodi's base, Grount sat on the floor with the same smug grin on his face while Raptor remained perched on his shoulder and preened his wings. Prodi's two bodyguards stood behind the boy and his hawk while the Vice-Admiral seethed, furiously.

"Damn that old geezer!" Prodi cursed. "Where does he get off?!" He then glared down at Grount. "Hey! Why did you ask to be transferred here, anyway?!"

"This island is near Big Mom's territory, right?" asked Grount. "Well...I'm gonna kick her ass."

"You?! Defeat Big Mom?!" Prodi questioned. "Don't make me laugh! She'll mop the floor with you in seconds! You're in way over your head!" He then glanced down at some papers that showed Grount's picture. "All-Hunt Grount...you're only 17, and yet you're a Marine Captain?! What is headquarters thinking?!"

Grount only scratched his head.

"Plus, you used to be part of Kuzan's unit, right?" asked Prodi. "There are two soldiers that have the same background as you. Do you know them, by any chance?"

"Depends," Grount muttered, not looking the Vice-Admiral in the eye.

"Hmph!" scoffed Prodi. "How did Kuzan ever leave such a troublemaker behind?!"

Hearing that finally got Grount's attention, for he glared up at the higher-ranking Marine.

"But then again," Prodi began, "Kuzan was just as worthless, since he left after he lost to Sakazuki in that old power struggle, two years ago. I hear he's been working for Blackbeard, lately! What worthless scum!"

"SHUT UP!" Grount shouted as he stood up, only for Prodi's bodyguards to hold him back. "HOW DARE YOU BADMOUTH ADMIRAL AOKIJI?!"

SKREEEEEEEEEEEEE~! Raptor screeched, but he was held back, as well.

"If I were you," Prodi started, "I'd watch myself so I wouldn't end up like him." He then looked to his bodyguards. "Now, you two...I'll be assigning him to duty soon, so take him to the mess hall to let him cool his head."

Grount only seethed angrily at this.

XXX

"Ahhh...!" Luffy moaned, his hands over his growling stomach and his mouth watering. "Are we there yet?"

"It's not much farther!" answered Carrot. "It's coming from that building, up ahead!"

Not too far away, Nami, Chopper, and Blizzard were hiding behind a tree to avoid getting spotted by the Marines (even though they were in disguise).

"Look, I see them!" Chopper whispered.

"And of all the places, they're headed right inside the base!" Nami whispered in exasperation. "Quick! Let's go after them!"

"Right," Chopper nodded before they began to head inside.

"I swear, Luffy's get the walloping of a lifetime!" Nami growled, but just as Blizzard was beginning to follow, he stopped before he glanced back at the forest. He paused for a moment, as if expecting something to come out...but then he shrugged it off and followed after Nami and Chopper. However, the bushes rustled, and not long after, Aika poked her head out from the foliage...her eyes wide with horror.

'They're...they're wearing Marine uniforms?!' she thought. 'No...this can't be...! It has to be a mistake!'

XXX

Meanwhile, inside the base, Grount and Raptor were being taken to the mess hall, where many Marines were seen, drinking rum, having arm wrestling matches, and eating delicious curry.

"Oh," Grount said with a sarcastic tone. "Kinda homely, huh?"

Raptor only preened his wings while he sat on his master's shoulder.

"Rest here until the Vice-Admiral assigns you a task," said the bearded bodyguard.

"Play nice with your new comrades," said the bald bodyguard before they both turned and left. At that moment, everyone's eyes fell on Grount, and the room started to go silent as he walked in, all casual.

"...Hey, rookie," said one of the Marines, holding a dagger in his hand. "Why the hell did you attack your own men, earlier?"

"If you don't care much for your comrades," said a girl Marine with a bit of a haughty attitude, "then get lost."

"Yeah, we don't need someone like you around here!" added a burly Marine soldier.

"Hey!" shouted another Marine girl. "Look at us when we're talking to you, huh?!"

But Grount didn't pay them any mind. He just kept walking...almost as if he were flaunting this arrogant attitude...and that only irritated his fellow Marines even more.

"You little punk!" growled one of the Marines, wearing a trench coat as he cracked his knuckles. "I'll show you what happens to big-headed rookies like you!"

He then rushed Grount, who growled before he slammed his right fist into his jaw, knocking him back.

"Hey, are you okay?!" the fallen Marine's friend asked as he ran to his side, then glared at Grount. "Why you...?!"

"You wanna fight, huh?!" questioned another Marine as they all began to surround the young Marine Captain and his hawk.

"I'll roast that bird of yours to smithereens!" added another Marine, but before anybody could make a move...a huge, burly figure appeared behind Grount, his eyes flashing a dangerous red, causing them all to gasp in fright.

"You still wanna fight, eh?" asked the figure, causing Grount to look back and see that it was a dark-skinned, thickset man with dreadlocks tied up in a ponytail. He had a short beard with some peaks on the top, as well as sideburns on his face. He wore an open yellow shirt with a green four-leaf clover pattern on it, a pair of dark gray pants, and black shoes, plus the Marine coat over his shoulders, signifying his high status. Plus, his arms were double jointed, thus showing that he was from the Long-Arm Tribe.

Grount only glared at the man before he turned and took a fighting stance.

"Bring it on!" he declared.

"Fine by me," the man answered, "but before I do...!"

Without warning, he grabbed Grount...and pulled him into a hug!

"AGH!" Grount cried. "H-hey, let go!"

"Heeheehee~!" the man laughed, gleefully. "It's so good to see you again, Grount!"

"Shut up!" Grount shouted. "Put me down, Bonham!"

"You better calm down," Bonham started, "or I might have to break your bones. Hahahahaha!"

"Dammit, I said put me down!" Grount cursed, causing Bonham to release him. Not long after, Raptor flew up to Bonham, cawing happily.

"Oh!" Bonham exclaimed as he held up his hand, allowing the hawk to perch on his fingers. "I thought that might've been you, Raptor! I see you haven't changed at all!" He then gently scratched the hawk under his chin. "Who's a good birdie, huh?"

Raptor cooed pleasantly at the affectionate touch.

"Hey," Grount said. "If you're here, Bonham, does that mean Zappa's here, too? Where is he?"

"Up there," Bonham replied as he pointed to the top of a staircase, where a very thin man with long and wavy, pale rose colored hair, wearing a purple coat over a white plaid shirt, and a Marine coat with the sleeves tied around his neck, sits on the railing...sobbing as he ate a plate of curry, which was soaked with his tears.

"...Oh, no," Grount muttered. "Lemme guess. Girl troubles, again?"

"Yep," Bonham replied. "As soon as he got here, he started proposing to every female Marine in the base, and they all turned him down."

Zappa glanced back at the two before he went back to lamenting over his broken heart.

"Sheesh," Grount muttered. "I see he hasn't changed at all."

"Don't worry about it, for now," said Bonham as he took Grount and Raptor up the stairs. "It's been a while since we last met! We should do some catching up, don't you think?"

"Well...sure, I guess," Grount muttered. "H-hey, wait a minute! Let go of me!"

However, unbeknownst to any of the Marines present...the cafeteria lady was serving to peculiar Marines.

"Here you go," she said as she held out two plates of curry. "Enjoy."

"Oh, it looks so good!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Can I have lots of carrots on mine?!" asked Carrot. "Pretty please?!"

XXX

Concurrently, out in the forest, the soldiers were out on patrol when suddenly, they found something...or rather someone: their comrades, tied to a tree, unconscious, and stripped right down to their undergarments.

"Hey! What the hell happened here?!" asked one of the soldiers.

"I dunno!" answered his partner. "We better report this to base, immediately!"

As this was happening, Brook's soul was headed back to the Shark Submerge...but when he got there, he gasped when he saw the Mini Merry moored next to it...and little wolf paw prints going back into the direction from whence he came.

"...Oh, dear," Brook muttered with dread. "Oh, dear, oh, dear, ohhhh, dear!"

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 3...

Review, please!