(I would like to apologize for my mistake...:sweatdrop: Becha' thinkin'..."What is she talking about?" I keep saying that Shanks has scars and an arm missing on the right side...when in fact it's the left. Forgive me...I won't get it wrong again.)

Chapter 4: Sunny Side of the Storm Part 1

" I hate the smell of grog..." complained Kyoko, holding her nose." Cap'n Eiwa's men would drink it all the time..."

Chuckling slightly, Momo knew this was true, but it was entertaining to watch them argue and pass out." You'll get used to it, Kyo...I had to. Look at me now...I can even cook with it." Pouring some into the stew that she was preparing Momo couldn't help but laugh as Kyoko ran from the room due to the smell." Kyo, don't cause trouble if you're not going to stay here."

Like she thought Kyoko stood for a moment then went around the corner to where the crew gathered. Helplessly smiling, Momo shrugged and continued to work. It was nice to have an assistant but the girl was just a child—she needed fun.

" Something smells great!" spoke Shanks, almost getting run over by Kyoko on her way out.

The cook by his side just huffed and crossed his arms," Not that great..."

Hitting the spoon on the pot Momo gave them a scolding glare," You're not supposed to be in here until it's finished. It's considered rude...at least to me."

" But it's my ship..."

" But I'm cooking for you and your crew, Shanks...temporarily of course." With an innocent smile Momo carried on, even when Shanks peered over her shoulder to see exactly what she was making. However when he went to taste it she whacked his outstretched hand with the spoon." If you don't ask for permission you won't get a single thing from this pot before lunch."

Stunned for a moment the red haired captain began to laugh," Hahaha! You sure are straight and to the point. I guess my first impression was right!"

Arching a brow with a sly smile Momo just shrugged, uncaring," Either way...without permission you get nothing."

By now the cook had gotten tired of the conversation and exited the kitchen, still steaming because of his temporary lose of a job. Shanks shook his head and smiled," Don't mind him...he'll get over it soon enough. Now...as for that stew I'd love to taste it—with your permission of course."

" Hm...sorry, no can do."

" WHAT?

Holding the spoon out, ready to whack if he made a move for the food, Momo grinned," You can't taste it if it's not finished."

" But where's the fun in that?"

" It is fun..." Smiled the girl, flinging her braid over her shoulder." For me at least."

Although both were unwilling to give up the sound of distress and Kyoko's cry, brought them back to their senses. A crew member drenched in water run inside," Cap'n there's a storm and it's gettin' worse by the second!"

Instantly Momo lef the kitchen in search of Kyoko, who stand holding onto Ben for dear life." Kyo.."

" You two ge tot safety," ordered Shanks walking up from behind.

Hesitating only slightly, Kyoko finally took Momo's hand, allowing herself to be lead to the quaters that they slept in. Rushing the girl inside she glanced over her shoulder to see the pirate captain shouting orders to his men over the wind. Each man performing the task given until everything seemed under control.

" Tidal wave!" cried one the men who were securing the sails.

The first thing that came to mind was to run inside but all common sense left as Momo slammed the door shut to keep water from reaching Kyoko inside the room—leaving herself victim to the massive wave.

————

Chapter 4 already finished! Woohoo! Good things are in store for the future! lol I'm half kidding and half not. ¬,¬ At this point you can tell there might be something there on Shanks behalf but Momo is so guarded it's hard to tell. Can't blame her though...when the one person that was supposed to protect her sold her to pirates. :shrug:

I sure hope I'm getting Shanks' personality right. :praying that all is well: Anyhoo...I'm shocked I'm writing three stories at the same time. Multi-tasking is fun::sarcastic laugh: And I'm still stuck on my Sly Cooper fic...:sweatdrop:

————————————————————————————————————