"This could be a problem." Wren said calmly as she looked at the large turtle.
She then glanced towards where Theodosia was in the tangerine trees while sensing her unrest. Wren couldn't blame her. Zoro was just eaten by a giant turtle. Wren then frowned while knowing Luffy and Sanji were eaten as well. But she could still sense all three of them meaning they weren't dead.
"Theodosia, there is no longer any reason to remain in hiding." Wren said. "Join us."
Theodosia immediately jumped from the trees to return to Wren's side with her hand gripping one of her hook swords tightly. Samba rested on her shoulder while worried about the boys as were the others.
"Hmm, I wonder how we should tackle this obstacle." Wren said as Masira's men were crying out for their captain.
"Tackle it?!" Nami asked as she dropped to her knees to hold onto Wren. "Don't you see that one tooth is the size of our boat?! We're done for, Wren!"
Wren sighed then looked down at Usopp and Chopper, who was in his smaller point, as they clung to her legs like frightened children as well.
"There's no monster, right, Wren?!" Usopp asked as he turned his head from the scene. "This is just one big stupid dream that we're having together for some reason!"
"A dream, right!" Chopper was quick to agree.
The cowardly trio then let out sighs of relief as if the danger as passed while leaning into Wren.
"Just a dream." They said.
However, their calm didn't last long since Robin decided to speak up about the obvious problem they had at hand.
"You know, our boys just got eaten." Robin said.
"Yes, and considering one of the boys is our captain, I do see this as a problem." Wren added.
They needed to find a way to get the boys from the turtle's mouth and back onto the safety of the boat.
"That ship we tried to salvage was eaten as well." Robin said looking to Wren.
Wren hummed wondering just how much trouble this crew can get into. If it wasn't one thing it was another.
"How can you two be so calm?!" Usopp asked as he jumped to his feet.
Nami and Chopper jumped to their feet as well as Theodosia looked to Wren wondering what they were going to do.
"Yep, most definitely eaten." Robin said. "I can see the air hoses dangling from its jaws."
"True, but I still sense their presences even if they are a bit muffled by the large turtle's presence." Wren said. "So we know they're alive. We just have to devise a plan to rescue them."
Theodosia nodded in agreement while ready to do anything to get her crewmates back.
"Should we try attacking it?" Theodosia questioned as Chopper started to run around in a panic.
Samba jumped on top of the tiny doctor's hat as he ran around screaming about the boys being eaten.
"No that might only cause it to submerge, which wouldn't help the boys or us considering we're attached to those air hoses as well." Wren said.
Theodosia nodded in agreement as Usopp turned to point an accusing finger at Nami.
"This is all your fault." Usopp said. "You're the one who said it'd be safe at the bottom of the Grand Line. And you!"
He turned to point a finger at Wren who blinked wondering what she had done.
"You happily sent them to their doom just to get the information you wanted!" Usopp said. "Now look! They're gone!"
Wren and Nami were silent for a moment before exchanging a glance with each other. They then looked towards deck.
"You're right." Nami said with Wren nodding in agreement.
Usopp's eyes widened in their quick acknowledgement of their mistakes while seeing what looked like true remorse on their faces as they looked up at the turtle.
"Sorry/My apologies." Nami and Wren said in unison with no sign of remorse anywhere.
Usopp hit the deck in tears though supposed that was about as good as it was going to get. Of course, those two devils weren't really sorry about what they did. They're evil. Suddenly the turtle started to move, which caused the Going Merry to go with it. Some of the others tripped over due to the tug, but Wren remained on her feet while frowning. This wasn't good at all.
"If we don't cut the air hoses that beast will drag us down to the bottom of the ocean." Robin warned.
"I don't care what you do!" Usopp said. "Just do something! You're the super smart lady! And, Wren, you're the super scary one! Scare the monster away!"
Wren's brow quirked as she had her arms cross over her chest. She was so scary that she could scare a monster? She wasn't sure if she be flattered or insulted. However, now isn't really a good time to ponder over his comment.
"Give me a minute." Robin said as both ships started to be dragged. "I'll see what I can come up with."
The ships continued to be dragged along as the turtle moved forward with obviously no intention of staying put.
"Unfortunately we don't have a minute." Wren said. "The beast is just moving forward at the moment, but it's only a matter of time before it decides to dive back under the water."
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper all gulped fearing they were getting less and less time to do anything as Wren and Robin debated on what to do.
"I understand we can't necessarily fight it, but what if we just startle it a bit?" Theodosia asked. "Enough for it to loosen its hold on the ship?"
Wren and Robin looked to consider this idea as Masira's men all prepared to fight and get their captain back. Usopp listened to them while inspired by their bravery to safe their captain.
"They're right." He said. "It's these challenging times that proves the strength in which we are made!"
"Usopp!" Nami called.
"Yeah?!" He asked expecting her to have some idea of attack.
"Cut the air hoses and get us out of here!" Nami ordered.
Usopp fell face first into the deck out of shock as Chopper's mouth fell agape not believing her words. Theodosia sweat-dropped though wasn't that surprised.
"This is what we're made of?!" Usopp asked.
"Coward!" Chopper accused.
Nami didn't seem that offended by being called a coward as she crossed her arms waiting for her order to be carried out. Wren sighed though supposed they did need to hurry and do something. However, before she could suggest something, darkness suddenly fell over the entire ship. Her eyes widened at the sudden change as she stiffened with her hand already on the hilt of her sword.
"What is that?" Usopp asked. "It's like everything got dark."
Wren looked around wondering what the cause could possibly be of this sudden darkness. She didn't sense any threats nearby expect maybe the turtle, but it couldn't be causing this.
"Scary." Chopper murmured as he held Samba close.
"Teky-tek." Samba whimpered holding him back.
Nami frowned in confusion as she looked at her watch to see what the time was.
"There's no way." Nami said. "Why is it so dark? It's not that late."
Nami then looked to Wren wondering if she might be causing this, but Wren was on edge, which wasn't a good sign. It also means this isn't her doing.
"It's time to leave, guys!" Usopp shouted. "Now! Luffy, Zoro, Sanji!"
Wren turned towards the edge of the ship while relaxing her stance a bit though kept her hand on her sword.
"They're coming." She said.
Usopp looked at her in fright thinking she might have meant some kind of enemy. However, he was proven wrong when Luffy was thrown out of the ocean and onto the deck of the ship.
"Luffy!" the group exclaimed before Nami ran over to him.
She knelt down beside him as he laid on the deck with a large sack tied around his shoulders. It looks as if they did find something.
"Tell me what happened!" Nami demanded as she smacked him repeatedly. "Are you dead? Where are the others?"
"Nami-san, they're right here." Wren said from by the railing.
Nami turned her head and watched as Theodosia and Wren both helped Sanji and Zoro back on board. Theodosia's eyes roamed over Zoro's body to see if he was okay, and besides being soaked, he seemed to be alright. This had her letting out a sigh of relief. Sanji let out a breath before lifting his head to look up at Wren who had a slightly amused smile on her face.
"You gave us all quite the fright, Sanji-san." Wren said.
Sanji grinned in return while just glad to be back. He was so ready to get away from this place.
"Set sail now." Zoro ordered. "We gotta get out of here."
"Yeah, that guy's crazy." Sanji added as he set down the sack he had with him.
Wren blinked in confusion wondering who he meant as Chopper and Usopp just looked so happy at their return. Behind them Nami was expressing her happiness by repeatedly slapping their captain and asking him question after question.
"I'm so glad you're okay." Usopp said. "Now let's get away from this stinking turtle as fast as can."
"No," Zoro said as he pointed at Usopp. "It wasn't a turtle. It is was a monkey."
Oh, he must be speaking of Masira. Wren will admit that she is a bit curious as to where the monkey man went.
"Yeah, bona fide sea monkey." Sanji said.
"Can't say I'm surprised he and Luffy got along as well as they did." Zoro added.
"Well, they're both monkeys." Sanji reasoned.
Wren tilted her head wondering if now was the right time to debate their captain's standing in the evolutionary line.
"But when he caught a glimpse of all the stuff we had taken from his ship, he totally flipped out and went on a rampage!" Zoro said.
"I've never seen a primate act like that before." Sanji said.
Wren was starting to think these two were scarred for life after their little encounter with Masira. It had her worried for them, honestly.
"Yes, yes, we can see it was a very traumatic experiences." Wren said. "However, how did you get away from the turtle?"
She has been wanting to know, and she wasn't the only one since Usopp nodded along with what she was saying.
"Why do you guys keep talking about a turtle?" Zoro asked.
Theodosia tugged on his shirt to get his attention before pointing behind him and Sanji. Both men turned with their eyes widening when seeing the turtle the size of an island.
"Hmm, his mouth is open now." Wren commented as she stood beside Usopp.
"Yeah, you're right!" Usopp said. "That must have been how they escaped."
Wren nodded because that made complete sense to her. Zoro and Sanji just continued to stare before the little gears in their mind clicked and made a connection.
"We were in that thing's mouth?!" Zoro and Sanji asked in unison.
"Nothing gets past you guys, does it?" Usopp asked sarcastically.
Theodosia looked to Wren as the slightly older girl shook her head almost seeming exasperated.
"How did they not know they were inside its mouth?" Theodosia asked. "The entire ship they were inside was crushed."
"They're idiots." Wren said simply then clapped her hands together. "Well, now that we're all here, I suggest we prepare to leave as quickly as possible. The turtle doesn't bother me. This unsuspected darkness does. The sooner we are away the better."
"Right!" The crew said with the boys—minus Luffy who was unconscious—getting to work.
As they readied the Going Merry, Wren stood on the deck with her hands behind her back. This darkness unnerved her since she couldn't tell the cause. Yes, there were some heavy clouds around, but not enough to cast this much darkness. And she couldn't sense any living thing causing it either, which had her frowning.
"Wren-sama?" Theodosia questioned as she was helping Luffy who still wasn't completely conscious off the deck.
Wren remained quiet at first before finally just turning away from the front of the ship.
"Stay sharp." Wren ordered as she walked down the steps. "We don't know what might happen next."
"Hai!" Theodosia said then followed after Wren while dragging Luffy.
They both made it to the lower deck as the boys continued to work. Theodosia was about to set Luffy down to help, but their captain finally came to. He gave a cough before looking around in confusion.
"Hey, when did night happen?" Luffy asked.
"Captain, glad you're away." Theodosia said grinning.
Luffy blinked looking at her still not sure what was going on as he stood up on his own.
"Attention, all hands!" Zoro shouted. "We're getting out of here now."
A shape then flew out of the water with a shout probably to attack, but Wren, who already sensed him coming, snapped her fingers. The moment the snap sounded, Theodosia disappeared in a blur causing the crew to gasp as the blur that was Theodosia hit the figure coming out of the water. Theodosia twisted in the air and drew one of her swords as she planted her feet into the back of Masira, who had been the one to pop out of the water. She twisted one of his arms behind his back then slammed him into the deck with the pointedly curved end of her sword pressed dangerously close to his neck.
"Holy—!" Nami gasped in shock.
Masira grunted not believing the position he was in as he as easily overpowered by a little girl.
"Captain!" His men called out in worry.
Masira wanted to tell his men not to worry, but the sharp edge already poking against his skin had him remaining as still as possible.
"Well done, Theodosia." Wren said as she walked forward to stop in front of the downed Masira and Theodosia who was now sitting on his back.
Theodosia bowed her head with her gaze completely different from her usually warm-eyed gaze. Zoro actually felt his heart stop for a second when seeing the cold as steel look in her eyes that showed she'd finish off the prey she had captured for her mistress. She might not act like it, but Theodosia was a dangerous woman.
"Sorry about the rough treatment." Wren said. "However, we don't have time to be squabbling with you. We plan to leave before anything else happens. So let us return you to your ship, so we all can be on our way."
She said this with a pleasantly polite smile, but coupled with the almost sinister curl of her eye and the darkness around them, it only made her look like a monster. A monster in the form of a beautiful woman. Masira gulped actually fearing for his life. When he made no move to retaliate, Wren nodded to Theodosia. In a flash, Theodosia was off of Masira and sending him flying with a strong toss back to his ship. He landed on the deck with his men happy to have him back.
"Captain!" They cheered.
As they rejoiced his return, Theodosia placed her sword back where it belonged as Wren looked to the crew.
"We should probably leave quickly." Wren said. "This darkness doesn't set well with me."
Before the crew could agree, Samba started freaking out and chittering as she jumped up and down on the deck. The crew turned towards her as she continued her fit while pointing towards behind the crew.
"What's wrong with her?" Nami asked looking concerned for the monkey. "Chopper?"
"She said there's monsters behind us." Chopper said then realized what he said. "Monsters?!"
The entire crew whirled around with their eyes widening when seeing the hundred foot shadow figures behind them. Theodosia gasped while certain she's never even seen giants that tall. Wren felt her heart stop for a moment because how could creatures so big get so close without tripping her haki senses. It should be impossible. Everyone else—even Masira's crew—just kept staring in fear before Luffy and Masira broke the stillness.
"Monsters!" They shouted snapping everyone out of their stupor.
Everyone hurried into action with the guys bringing out the oars to start paddling out of there. As they hurried away, Wren kept her eyes on the shadow figures feeling no life from them. What was all that? An illusion?
Once the crew was far enough way, the crew sat around the Going Merry's deck to catch their breaths. Wren sat on the stairs a bit a way's away from the others with a thoughtful look on her face. Those "monsters" were still bothering her. She's never met a monster or other being for that matter that had no presence. So they couldn't have been real, could they?
"That couldn't have been real." Zoro said breaking the silence amongst the crew.
"Those things were taller than the sky." Usopp whimpered.
Wren's brows furrowed as she crossed one leg over the other. There had to be some explanation. Even if things on the Grand Line seem impossible at first there is always some explanation even if it isn't a logical one. Sanji just let out a sigh as he lit a new cigarette. He took a puff from it then let out the smoke.
"The Grand Line is an endless parade of mysteries and annoyances." Sanji said. "I mean, just look at the nightmare of making it through today."
"First there was that huge galleon that fell from the clouds on top of us." Zoro said.
"The Log Pose's needle started pointing towards the sky." Nami added.
"A psycho makeup wearing monkey shows up and blocks our way." Usopp continued.
"And then a gigantic sea turtle came and ate our salvage ship." Chopper said.
"Then darkness fell." Robin carried on.
"Because the biggest monsters I've ever seen in my life blocked out the sun." Luffy finished.
It was definitely an eventful day. One the Straw Hat Pirates would never forget.
"I wish I could say it gets better, but it doesn't." Theodosia said with a sigh as she cradled Samba in her arms.
Samba chittered along with her master as if in agreement while just seeming glad to have a moment's rest. The crew grew silent for a moment before Wren finally stood getting all their attentions.
"Wren-chan?" Sanji murmured. "Is something wrong, darling?"
Wren didn't seem to really hear him as she tilted her head with a thoughtful look on her face.
"None of this makes sense." Wren said mostly to herself. "No sense at all. Need more information."
She kept muttering to herself with the crew watching her curiously. They've never seen her even slightly stumped before, but it seems as if she doesn't like being unsure of something. Or lacking so much information.
"Wren, what's wrong?" Nami asked.
Wren stopped muttering while turning to look to her crewmates who were watching her. She then sighed while tilting her head to the other side.
"Things do not add up." Wren said. "Those creatures shouldn't have been able to sneak up on us. I should have sensed those things seconds before they even appeared. Yet I sensed nothing even when they were right in front of me, I couldn't tell what their purpose was for being there."
It grew silent amongst the crew since that was odd. With Wren's haki sensing those monsters should have been easy. Unless they had a way to keep themselves hidden from haki, which was something Nami didn't even want to think about.
"Now that you mention it, I didn't sense anything either, Wren-sama." Theodosia said. "It was as if those creatures weren't even there."
"But how can that be possible?" Usopp asked. "We all saw them with our own eyes."
"I'm not sure what we saw." Wren said. "However, I don't believe we were in actual danger back there. But I cannot be certain until we know more."
She looked to Zoro, Sanji, and Luffy while placing her hands on her hips. The three of them blinked in return.
"Now, gentlemen, if you would be so kind to show the group what exactly you learned from that wreckage, I would be extremely pleased." Wren said with a smile.
Sanji was quick to snap up onto his feet while saluting Wren as if she was a commanding officer.
"Yes, ma'am!" Sanji said. "Anything for you! And when you see what I have brought, I will surely get that kiss~"
"Hmm, perhaps." Wren said. "If you brought back anything useful."
Sanji nodded while still looking lovey-dovey as he twirled in place.
"This…is all useless." Wren said as she looked at the collection of junk that the boys had brought back.
Nami nodded in agreement with an annoyed frown on her face as the two women stood side-by-side. Zoro nearly rolled his eyes. How did he not notice how much alike the two of them were earlier?
"Come on, you guys." Nami said. "Tell us you at least tried to find something down there we could actually use."
Wren saw nothing of importance from where she stood, but Luffy, who was strutting around in rusted armor, seemed pleased with their haul.
"All you brought back was a bunch of scattered junk." Nami said. "There's not a single clue here about how to get to Sky Island."
Which means they haven't learned anything new at all. This bothered Wren. She was so used to having the information she wanted almost at the snap of her fingers. Of course, she had to remind herself that her crewmates weren't trained like her informants. They didn't know what to look for, or know what might have more value than what it seems at first glance. She supposed she'd just have to live with what she can get now. Though still…it almost had her breaking out in hives at how little progress they were making.
"There wasn't anything there, believe me." Zoro said. "We looked."
"Yep, if there was something else down there, we would have found it." Sanji added.
He then took another drag from his cigarette before letting out a small wisp of smoke.
"The ship was in terrible shape." Sanji continued to explain. "All jacked up as it if had maybe been attacked and raided. Or perhaps a mutiny had broken out, and they had all killed each other in a violent struggle for power and survival."
Wren frowned because if she had been able to go down there, she might have been able to deduce if it was a raid or a mutiny. Another reason why she wanted to see what was inside the ship in person.
"Look around, boys, this is exactly why we need more information!" Nami said. "If we've learned anything from Wren it's intelligence can mean life or death for this whole crew! Have you not been paying attention?!"
Theodosia sweat-dropped while leaning back away from the angered redhead as she and Samba watched from the sidelines. Nami could be scary.
"We do need to learn more." Wren said with a slight sigh. "Considering what did happen to that crew and its ship, we could face many dangers once reaching Sky Island—if we even reach it. We don't even have enough information to give us a clue as to reach the island above us in the sky."
Nami nodded affirmatively with what Wren was saying as Wren rested her elbow in the palm of her hand then her chin in her other palm.
"And we definitely can't get any clues from all this junk!" Nami screamed in frustration.
She started kicking and stomping on it, which had Sanji and Zoro freaking out since they were nearly killed by a monkey and eaten by a turtle to get that stuff. Wren sighed shaking her head before looking to Luffy as he stopped in front of Wren and Nami.
"What is that, Luffy?" Nami asked.
Luffy pushed open the slit in the armor to reveal his face while looking pleased with himself.
"Armor." He answered simply.
He didn't get a chance to say anything else since Nami gave one of her famous punches, which sent Luffy and the armor crashing onto the deck. And due to the armor's fragileness it shattered easily. Still…it was a bit scary how strong Nami could be when she put her mind to it.
"Whoa, she crushed the armor!" Zoro exclaimed.
As Luffy laid stun on the deck, Wren turned away while pinching the bridge of her nose. She was getting a headache. All this lack of information was really getting to her. If only Lily had been around, he could have dived down into the ship himself to retrieve the information they needed. She does love her crew of misfits, but right now she could use a moment onto herself.
"Wren-chan~" Sanji called causing her to actually flinch. "Look, darling, I brought back some lovely sea shells for you~"
Wren turned to look at Sanji, who was smiling ear to ear, as he held up his hands to show the pretty sea shells. Wren felt her brow twitch in annoyance. He could bring her back sea shells, but nothing useful?
"Sanji-san," She began sweetly.
"Yes, my sweet?" He asked leaning in.
"I normally don't say such things since it would be unladylike." Wren said. "But could you perhaps…cram those sea shells up your shorts?"
She then walked away shaking her head while supposing they would have to find another way to get the information they wanted. She started walking up the stairs towards Robin as Theodosia was trying to calm Nami who was still steaming mad.
"Bad day, huh?" Robin asked with a small smile on her face.
"Yes, it has been a bit…tiring." Wren said sighing.
Robin chuckled while seeing how Wren was trying to keep her temper in check. Robin then pulled out the log pose she has been keeping since before they hurried away from those monsters.
"Perhaps this will cheer you up." Robin said holding it out to Wren.
Wren blinked then took the log pose from Robin to see it was an eternal pose to an island known as Jaya. Wren's eyes widened a bit because she knew that island. The island that was rumored to hold the city of gold. The island where Noland the Liar supposedly made a great discovery, but it had turned out to be false. It was a story she had heard often as a child in the North Blue, and later on she had learned Jaya was the island that Noland had taken the king to find the city of gold. However, when they had gotten there they had found nothing. However, knowing that any clues that could point to Sky Island could be found at that island of all places was intriguing.
"Well, things have become a bit more interesting." Wren said.