"So, it does exist?!" Luffy asked excitedly as he stared at Cricket.
"Hmm, I don't know," Cricket said causing Luffy to deflate ever so slightly. "See, no one knows if the Sky Island really exists or not. I know of only one man who claims to have seen the island for himself, but he's considered a liar of epic proportions."
Luffy slowly turned to look at Usopp with wide eyes, which had the sniper's eyes widening as well.
"What are you looking at?!" Usopp demanded.
"The liar in the room." Havel replied.
Usopp gave the feline a look as Havel had his head and front paws now resting on top of Zoro's green-hair covered head. Wren chuckled at Havel's words as she turned the page in the book she was still reading.
"There's an old fairytale that the people of the North Blue know very well." Cricket continued. "It's called Noland the Liar."
Again, Luffy turned to look at Usopp, which had the long-nosed lad getting mildly irritated.
"Stop looking at me, Luffy!" Usopp demanded. "My name's not Noland!"
Sanji let out a thoughtful hum as he poured himself some of the tea that Wren had made.
"And you're a descendant of his, right?" Sanji asked. "Wren pointed out earlier that you and Noland have the same family name."
"She even said Jaya was the one mentioned in the fairytale." Nami added. "Is she right?"
Cricket looked over at said young woman who seemed to care less about their current conversation as she read.
"Yes, she is," Cricket said. "Noland's my grandfather's grandfather's grandfather. He's a distant ancestor of mine. I am his descendant, but we're so far removed, I doubt that there's even a single drop of his blood in my veins."
He then removed his cigarette from his mouth as he turned his head towards Luffy once again.
"The Mont Blanc family was driven out of the North Blue country a long time ago, and we've managed to keep a low profile ever since." Cricket explained. "People still denounce the family name, but we've never despised him for this."
"But why?" Chopper asked curiously.
"Because Noland—contrary to popular belief—was a very honest person." Cricket answered.
Wren finally looked up from the book in her hand as her brow quirked at Cricket's words.
"That's not what the fairytale said." Nami pointed out.
"As the story goes," Cricket began. "Noland's last words were as followed, 'I can only assume the City of Gold sunk into the sea.' This line is accompanied by an idiotic face in the illustration, but Noland was no idiot. He knew what he saw, and I believe that he wasn't lying about it. Noland was sure that the island he had stumbled upon—where he found the ruins of the City of Gold—was Jaya. But when he returned with the king, there was no gold. Unsuccessful, he insisted the ancient city must have submerged due to shifts in the earth's crust. But everyone dismissed this as the last-ditch excuse of a doomed man. Noland was given a public execution. When he died, so did his discoveries. Only the legend of a liar remained."
Wren had to say that was a terrible way for anyone's life to end. She never liked Noland's story. Not just because her father used it to try and scare her into behaving, but because it always seemed so sad to her. The way Noland's life ended after so many grand adventures never seemed right to her. Even if he had been lying, death seemed too harsh of a punishment and even to this day—four hundred years passed—his family is still dealing with the aftermath.
"Oh, I get it!" Usopp exclaimed. "You're trying to find Noland's City of Gold in order to clear the Mont Blanc family name and prove Noland right!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Cricket said as he raised his gun.
However, before he could fire it, Wren appeared by his bedside and plucked it from his hands.
"Now, now, Cricket-san, use your words," Wren scolded. "Firearms seem highly unnecessary for the current conversation."
Cricket pulled a face as he frowned up at Wren who held his gun in one hand as her other hand rested on her hip. He then scoffed as he turned his glare back to Usopp.
"I don't really care if the ancient City of Gold exists or not," Cricket told Usopp. "The actions of my ancestor have nothing to do with me and my life. You can't possibly begin to imagine what it's like as a kid for everyone to laugh and ridicule you because you're a descendant of that idiot Noland! That what I've dealt with my whole life!"
As he spoke, Wren returned to the table with gun in hand. Making sure to keep it far away from the trigger-happy man. Cricket then took a calming breath as he took another drag from his cigarette.
"Anyway," Cricket began. "For the past 400 years, a great many have set sail to find the City of Gold, prove Noland right, and restore the Mont Blanc name. But each and every one of them went missing. I was ashamed to be a member of such a pathetic family, so I decided to leave home to become a pirate."
Luffy looked at Cricket with wide eyes as a large grin spread across the boy's face.
"Wow!" Luffy exclaimed. "So, you're a pirate just like us?"
"I really didn't even want to become a pirate," Cricket said. "I just wanted out of Noland's shadow—to be my own man! But over time, I came to assemble my own pirate crew. Finally, I was seen as a leader! Not a laughingstock. And I span the world looking for adventures!"
As the others listened closely as Cricket continued his story, Wren vaguely thought the man had a knack for storytelling.
"Then ten years ago as my crew and I sailed the calm sea, we discovered this island purely by chance," Cricket said. "And ironically of all my family members who sought out this place—who lost their lives doing so—it was I who found it. I who despised the Mont Blanc name."
To Wren that sounded as if Fate herself had intervened into Cricket's life. It was truly ironic indeed that he was the one to find this place when he wanted nothing to do with it. Though Fate is funny like that.
"We came ashore," Cricket continued. "But found no trace of the City of Gold. I stood on the cape of the island and felt as if I was destined to be there."
However, he explained that his crew hadn't felt the same way and had left him as soon as he had made his decision.
"I don't care if I find the city or not." Cricket said. "I'm not here to prove Noland right or wrong. I have no interest in rewriting history. All I'm doing to following what I believe to be my destiny. This is between me and Noland. I'm facing what I fear. And whatever the outcome, the act is all that matters."
Usopp, who was rubbing at the tears in his eyes, let out a few sobs as Cricket finished his tale.
"Wow, what a sad story," Usopp said.
"But what about the monkeys?" Luffy asked curiously. "How did they come to be on this island with you anyway?"
Wren, who had almost forgot about the two loud holler monkeys, was curious as well.
"I'm sure that's another story about bravery in the face of incredible odds." Usopp sniffled. "Your life reads like a great book, you know that, Cricket?"
"They were just fans of the fairytale," Cricket said bluntly.
As Usopp angrily expressed his disbelief, Wren actually had to cough behind her hand to try and contain her laughter. Havel wasn't trying to hide his amusement at all as he snickered so hard, he fell off Zoro's head. Luckily, the swordsman caught him by his scruff.
"Hey, watch it," the swordsman grumbled as he held the feline.
Havel just continued to laugh at Usopp's outraged expression causing Zoro to roll his eyes.
"How did they find you?" Nami asked as she sweat-dropped.
"I think it was five or six years ago," Cricket said. "They heard a rumor and set out to find me. Those two truly believe that the City of Gold exists somewhere, and they're helping me find it."
Wren supposed that explained why Masira is so protective of his salvages and why Shoujou was so keen on underwater search. The two picked professions and skills that would help them further their search for the City of Gold.
"The sea around this island is very deep, and in those dark, cold depths, you're surrounded by a profound sense of solitude." Cricket continued. "When I first arrived here, I spent my time searching the seabed alone. They entered my life without permission and assigned themselves as my crew without asking. And they do nothing but fight all the time. But having these idiots around, puts me at ease. And truthfully, I enjoy their company. You understand?"
Usopp, who was back to crying and sniffling, nodded his head as he covered his eyes with his arm.
"I understand completely," Usopp said. "True friends lift each other up and give each other strength in time of need."
"Are you just about finished telling us your life story?" Luffy asked sounding bored.
Havel went back to laughing as Usopp snapped at Luffy for being rude. The long nose even struck the young captain, but it wasn't as if Luffy felt it. Though he did frown at Usopp.
"Stop it!" Luffy ordered as he tossed Usopp to the side. "Look, all I really wanna know about is Sky Island!"
Instead of looking upset by Luffy's rudeness, Cricket chuckled as a small gin spread across his face.
"You're a pushy guy, aren't ya?" Cricket commented. "But like I told you earlier, the only person to have ever seen the Sky Island is Noland. And no one knows if he was telling the truth, or it was just another tall tale."
Cricket then reached towards his bookcase. However, he paused when noticing the book, he was looking for was missing. His eyes immediately looked to Wren as the young woman had said book in her hands.
"I hardly think the man could be lying with how much detail he put into these pages," Wren said casually as if Cricket wasn't giving her a look. "Noland has truly seen many interesting things."
Nami's eyes widened as she realized just what Wren, who was turning the next page, was holding in her hands.
"Is…is that Noland's logbook?" Nami asked Cricket.
"Yeah, it is," Cricket said. "Hey, girl, return that to me, will you?"
Wren lifted the book up and let it go. However, instead of falling, it floated over to Cricket whose eyes widened momentarily. He took the book after it made its way over to him.
"Is there a record of his trip to the island in that book?!" Luffy asked looking between Cricket, who was flipping pages, and Wren who had been reading it.
"Yeah, he mentions it in here," Cricket said as he found the page he was looking for.
He tossed the logbook at Nami, who scrambled to catch it since she wasn't expecting him to throw it.
"Read from the bottom of that page," Cricket told her.
Nami blinked curiously before looking to the bottom of the page as Cricket instructed.
"Amazing." Nami said. "This logbook is over 400 years old…June 21st—Year 1120, it was a sunny day on the sea…"
Wren, who had already read that particular passage, paid little mind to Nami's retelling as she stood up from the table. She was cleaning up the cups she and Sanji had used to tea as Nami read to the rest of the crew who were growing more excited. Especially a certain trio. Wren smiled when hearing how happy they were.
"Sky Island must really exist!" Luffy cheered when Nami finished reading.
"Just like Robin and Wren said it did!Now, we just have to figure out how to get there!" Usopp added as he bobbed back and forth.
It knocked Chopper from his shoulders, but the reindeer didn't seem to mind as he laughed happily.
"The Sky Island does exist!" Chopper happily shouted.
As they continued to cheer and celebrate, Wren looked out the window to the sky.
'So, it really does exist,' Wren thought. 'I can't wait to see just what kind of land it is.'
Sanji happily hummed to himself as he looked over his shoulder to see Wren chopping the vegetables that would go in the dinner, he was making for everyone. The rest of their crew—besides Robin who was still on the ship—were outside speaking with Cricket. However, Wren had insisted she help Sanji with preparing dinner.
—FLASHBACK—
"You don't have to trouble yourself, Wren-chan," Sanji told her gently. "I would hate for you to bother yourself, my dear."
Wren, who was pulling her long, wavy hair back into a bun, shook her head slightly.
"It's no trouble," Wren said. "I might not have the same fine skills as you do, Sanji, however, I can at least help with the smaller tasks. Though if I'll be in your way, I can step aside."
"No, no, of course not, Wren-chan," Sanji said. "You would never be in my way."
Wren nodded satisfied with his reply as she took the apron that Cricket owned to tie around her waist.
"Then it's settled," Wren said. "What can I help you with first?"
—END OF FLASHBACK—
'Wren-chan is so cute in that apron,' Sanji mentally gushed. 'Maybe I could buy her one and she'll help me in the kitchen on the ship.'
He could picture it now. Wren and him spending time together in the kitchen. Her wearing a cute apron and allowing him to feed her some of the food to taste test it. Her dazzling smile when she enjoys what he gave her. Maybe even making sweets together because she likes them so much. Sanji smiled liking these ideas very much. Though his blissful mood was ruined by a certain ape.
"Hey, is this how I'm supposed to do it?" Masira asked.
Sanji turned to glower at the monkey brothers who were also inside helping with dinner. He had tried to kick them out, but his sweet, kind-hearted Wren was allowing them to help her. Wren turned to Masira as well as he was holding up a butchered potato. Sanji went to reprimand his cutting technique, but Wren spoke first.
"It's not terrible, but you lost a lot of what could have been used." Wren said. "Even if not intentional, food should never be wasted. Now, if you skin it like this, you'll save almost all of the potato."
She showed Masira and Shoujou how to properly skin a potato as Sanji watched from his spot at the stove.
"See?" Wren said after she was done showing them.
"Yeah, we think so." Shoujou said. "You're really good at this, huh?"
Wren shook her head as she returned to her place at the counter to continue her task.
"Not really," Wren said. "I'm very out of practice. I haven't cooked too much in my life. However, I always try to mindful and use as much of the ingredients as I can."
"That's right, Apes," Sanji said as he pointed his spatula at them. "Never waste even the smallest amount of food. Especially not in front of me."
Sanji knows what it's like to go without food. He learned his lesson the hard way to be grateful for every meal that comes his way. Whether it be of the finest of quality or the lowest. He'd never turn away any food given to him.
"Now, one of you get to shifting through these fish," Sanji said as he pushed the bucket towards Masira. "They're part of tonight's main dish."
Wren eyed the bucket of fish while feeling bad for the poor, scaley creatures. They had probably been minding their own business when they had suddenly been caught and killed.
"Don't worry, Wren-chwan!~" Sanji said as he spun around. "I'll be sure to make something to your preferences! I was thinking a nice mushroom pasta or maybe a dish of pommes gratin. I can make a few, so there will be plenty to choose from~"
"I'm certain anything you make, Sanji, will be delicious," Wren said.
Sanji swooned at her words before going back to his task of starting to cook the ingredients that have already been prepared. As they cooked, Wren turned to Masira and Shoujou.
"Now, do you know what Cricket-san is telling them out there?" Wren asked as she gestured out the window where the others could be seen. "I assume it's how to get to Sky Island?"
"Yeah!" Masira said. "There's only one way to get there and it's definitely not an easy route."
"That's right," Shoujou with a nod. "The only way up to the sky is via the Knock-Up Stream."
Wren tilted her head because she believes she's heard of the Knock-Up Stream before. However, she wasn't certain.
"Please, tell me more." Wren requested.
As the brothers started to explain the Knock-Up Stream, the group of four continued working on tonight's dinner. Cricket mentioned maybe having a small party before they prepared to disembark for the Sky Island. Wren really didn't like the rowdiness of parties, but some nice food and company did sound appealing.
"This isn't how I was picturing tonight to unfold," Wren said as she walked alongside Robin in the forest.
She had wanted to eat dinner in peace—well, in as much peace as she could get considering how rowdy the company she keeps is—and then prepare for their departure. However, things turned out far more differently than that as all the crew was now out in the middle of the forest looking for a bird. A bird Cricket said they had to have to reach the Knock-Up Stream tomorrow.
"Same here," Robin said as the two women walked in front of Zoro.
The swordsman had been in front of them, but Wren had loudly pointed out that she'd rather not get lost by following the greenette. A comment Zoro had glared at her for. Havel was currently with Luffy's group to ensure the young captain wouldn't get lost either. Though Luffy did have Chopper, so he should be fine. Then the last group had Nami, Sanji, and Usopp. Wren had little worry that group would get lost in these woods.
"Whining about it isn't going to change things," Zoro pipped up from behind them.
Wren was going to turn around and retort but paused when hearing the distinctive sound of their crewmates screaming. It sounded like Sanji and his group to be exact.
'Should I be worried?' She wondered.
Robin, who had just jumped over some quicksand, paused as she looked up towards the sky.
"Wait, that sounded like someone screaming," Robin said.
"Really?" Zoro replied sarcastically.
He then sliced a centipede that had come up from behind him, which caused the large insect to fall to the ground. Zoro frowned down at the creature while reaching down to lift it up.
"A centipede," he said with his frown deepening. "And a big one."
He looked up to see both of his female crewmates giving him looks as he dropped the creature back to the ground.
"You don't have to kill every living thing we meet," Robin said. "It's kind of rude."
"Seconded." Wren agreed.
"Yeah, well, he shouldn't have snuck up on me," Zoro retorted.
Wren sighed shaking her head as her fellow swordsman turned away from them to walk away.
"Hey, wait," Robin called.
"Now what?" Zoro asked irritably.
"You're going back the way we came," Robin answered.
Zoro flinched at her words as he quickly realized she was right. His embarrassment grew as Wren let out a chuckle.
"Maybe you should hold one of our hands, so not to get lost, little swordsman." Wren teased as Robin moved on.
Zoro whirled around to glare at Wren as she was already following after the taller woman. Both Wren and Robin paused, however, when they heard the call of the South Bird. Wren looked up not spotting it. However, if she focused her haki, she could sense a few in the area.
"There it is again." Robin said. "Come on. And be careful not to step in the quicksand."
"There's one near to our location," Wren said pointing. "If we move quick enough, it won't be able to get away."
The two went to go in the direction Wren sensed the bird, but they had to come to a halt when they heard Zoro shout. They turned seeing the swordsman, who had begun to follow them, was sinking into the very quicksand Robin warned him about. As Wren sighed, Robin shook her head.
"That guy…he's truly special, isn't he?" Wren commented.
Robin made no comment as both women went back to help Zoro from the quicksand. Wren felt as if this was going to be a very long night. She probably should have made an excuse to stay back with the Saruyama Alliance. Though she hoped they'd find the bird they were looking for soon, so they could return back to Cricket and those two brothers.
'That took much longer than it should have,' Wren said.
In fact, she felt embarrassed by how long it took to get their hands on one of those birds. They were crafty to say the least and had sent waves of bugs after them to slow them down. However, thanks to Robin, they finally had one. One that Zoro was currently carrying. The group came back to the shoreline where Cricket's house was located, and as Luffy called out to the old man, Wren immediately took notice of the destruction.
A fight had obviously happened while they were gone. As the others finally noticed as well and went to help the fallen Cricket, Masira, and Shoujou, Wren took in every new detail to their surroundings. Cricket's destroyed house. The damage to the Going Merry. The blood on the ground and the disturbance in the earth as if something with a lot of force had pushed against the ground to put indents in the dirt.
"Ahhh, the Going Merry!" Usopp cried. "What happened to her?! Who did this?! When I find them, they're going to be sorry they ever laid a finger on her! The savages!"
His shouting seemed to wake Cricket who coughed as his eyes slowly began to open. As Luffy tried to ask him what happened, Wren moved into Cricket's home with Nami to take a look. As Nami seemed to be searching for something in particular, Wren's eyes landed on the mark painted on the wall.
"I don't think it's still here." Nami said. "Cricket's gold. Someone took it."
When Wren didn't reply, Nami looked to the older girl to see Wren staring intently at the Jolly Rodger painted on the wall.
"That…that's Bellamy's mark." Nami said. "He must have taken Cricket's gold!"
"Yes, he probably did," Wren said. "However, that isn't his mark."
Nami looked confused by Wren's words as Wren turned to walk outside of Cricket's ruined home. Nami hurried after the girl as the others were taking care of Cricket and the other two.
"Luffy! Cricket's gold…it's gone," Nami told Luffy.
Luffy's expression turned serious as his fists clenched into fists. He wasn't the only one looking angry when they heard this.
"It was taken by Bellamy," Nami continued as she glanced at Wren. "I recognize the mark painted in Cricket's house as the same one his crew had been wearing. But Wren said it doesn't belong to him."
The others looked to Wren as she crouched down next to Havel. Looking as if she had just finished telling the feline something.
"The mark belongs to the Donquixote Family," Wren said as she stood. "My former crew. Bellamy swore loyalty to the Donquixote Family and in return Doflamingo allows him to bare the family's mark. Due to my association with him, I ask you leave everything to me, Captain."
She looked to Luffy who stared back at her with an unreadable expression on his face.
"I feel as if it's my responsibility," Wren continued. "Even if I'm not part of the family anymore, Bellamy needs to be punished for his idiotic actions and I feel as if it's my job to do so. Besides, I have business with him I need to finish before leaving the island. After he's thoroughly taught his lesson, there's a message I need him to deliver to dear, sweet Doffy."
"So…it's personal?" Luffy asked.
Wren nodded her head once as Cricket looked between the two crewmates with wide eyes.
"I promise you that I will return with the gold, of course," Wren said. "Just please, let me handle Bellamy's punishment as I allowed you to deal with Crocodile. Trust in me as I did you."
It was silent for a long moment as Luffy stared into Wren's steady gaze.
"…okay…" Luffy said with a nod. "He's all yours then."
Wren gave a semi-bow in thanks as Havel sat himself besides Cricket and Luffy.
"So, you don't need any help?" Zoro asked.
"No, thank you," Wren said. "I am capable of handling everything on my own."
Zoro nodded his head since he knew if Wren said she would handle it then she would handle it. Sanji wasn't too happy that Wren would be going on her own but didn't protest because he knew it wouldn't change things. Cricket was a different story, however.
"Hey, where are you going?" Cricket asked as Wren began walking away. "Don't be an idiot! You can't possibly take on this Bellamy guy all by yourself!"
"I find your lack of faith in my abilities quite insulting, Cricket-san." Wren said as she kept walking. "Just rest and allow Chopper to take care of you. I'll be back by morning. I can guarantee you that."
Coco: And that is the end of the two-chapter update. I hope you liked them.
Now, until next time~ Remember to stay safe out there and keep being your beautiful selves~
