Title: Brats Don't Belong at Sea

Word Count: 2540

*Recap: Aislynn and Redd lost Odette in a town at Kokoroshima while they were gathering information regarding of their new crew member. While Aislynn and Redd search for Odette, Odette runs into a stranger who ends up helping her.

Rating: T

Genre: Action, Adventure & Humor

Warnings (in this chapter): Language and violence.

Disclaimer: You know the drill. -_-

A/N: You know what sucks? Homework over summer break. Why would I decide to take 5 AP classes? Am I right in the head? You know what also sucks? While I fixing this little bit up, my internet died, so when I tried to save it, it didn't save because the damn internet connection died! And let's not forget about references (you'll understand off you go down to the side notes section) Sigh...that's life for ya.


They followed a narrow dirt road to a hill, but it abruptly ended. However, they continued walking; they walked up the hill and a beautiful sight lay in front of them.

Many flowers blossomed around a cottage that sat near a cliff. The distant sounds of waves crashing merged with the sound of chirping birds and the rustling leaves in the breeze; they created a song. The smell of plumerias and the ocean mixed, and the clear midday sky contrasted with the colorful flowers. This place felt peaceful and cheery.

As the two went in the cottage through the tiny door, a small living space laid in front of them. There were two windows: one window at the left of the door and another to the right wall. A closet and a square table, that could seat four people, stood in the far left corner, a kitchen space was at the entrance's immediate left, and two beds were situated at the farthest right corner. On their right are several shelves that held jars of spices with a fridge right next to it.

A woman of her mid-twenties stood by the kitchen counter with a welcoming smile. She had orange hair up in a bun and clear, blue eyes; her bright shirt and jean shorts hugging her body. In her hand was a spatula, and she raised it up to wave at the entering people. "Welcome back Tatsuyoshi!" she greeted merrily.

The young man nodded and returned her greeting politely, however apathetically. "Kon'ichwa Satomi onee-san," he bowed and headed to her, while pointing at the table and looking at his little companion. He pulled down his hood to reveal his pale face and maroon hair. The back of his hair were spiked up in different directions, imitating the rays of the sun, a rat's tail went down to his mid-back, and bangs covered his right eye mostly. Tatsuyoshi moved his bangs away from his golden eyes and he rolled up his sleeves. "Do you need any help onee-san?"

Satomi shook her head and pushed him to the table. "No, no; this time your useless nee-chan will cook!"

When he sat down, he gazed at her knowingly. "Onee-san, you're not useless." he stated.

His older sister smiled tenderly and then noticed the small child. She clapped her hands and held it by her cheek. "Who's this?" she inquired curiously.

The little girl was startled at the sudden outburst, and backed up a bit on the chair, staring at her with apprehension.

Tatsuyoshi sighed and placed a hand on Satomi's shoulder. "You're scaring her," he stated matter-of-factly.

Satomi pouted and stuck her tongue out at her younger brother.

Ignoring his sister's childishness, he spoke to the little girl. "Onee-san is silly, isn't she." he stated more than asked.

"I am not silly!"

The little girl relaxed a bit a leaned closer to him. She giggled quietly, earning a smile from the two older people. Now, she felt comfortable and Tatsuyoshi asked for her name. The little girl pondered for a while, and decided the people before her were good people. After all, they made her laugh and sent good vibes; you could always trust a child's judgment on people…well, most of the time. The girl replied with a grin. "My name is Odette!"

The three smiled and then Satomi announced with another clap, "Well, I'm sure you are hungry, so I'm going to make some lunch!" When Satomi's blue eyes gazed at Odette again, she noticed her dirty clothes, face, and hair. "Odette, what happened to you?" She shook her head and gestured the little girl to follow her out the door. "Wait, wait—never mind that, let's clean you up right now! Tatsuyoshi, can you make lunch please?"

The golden-eyed boy nodded and went over to the kitchen area after taking off his black jacket. Then, the two females went out the door.

At the back of the cottage was a small bathing house. Near the small bathing house was a roofed area for drying and washing clothes, with screens closing off the area so the laundry will not fly away in the wind.

The females headed to the bathing house and once inside, Satomi washed the little girl clean. After accomplishing the task, she went to the laundry area and took the bag in a corner. In the bag was a tiny dress and necessary clothing for Odette. Once retrieving them, she returned to Odette, who was drying herself. Once Odette was sufficiently dry, Satomi dressed the child in a yellow, knee-length dress with the other necessary clothing.

Odette looked up at the older female and asked, "Do you have shorts onee-san?"

Satomi looked at the little girl with confusion, and stood up straight. "Ne, you don't like the dress?"

The little girl shook her head violently and bowed. "Gomennasai, I don't mean any disrespect!"

Satomi chuckled and gently patted Odette's head. "No, no, it's okay. You don't have to apologize, it's just that I think…" Satomi embraced the little girl and kept her in a tight grip. "…you're so cute! You should wear more girly clothing like it!"

Odette struggled to get out of the grip. "O-onee-s-san…"

Realization hit Satomi and she released the little girl. "Gomen, I just love cute things. Plus, I've always wanted a kid." The older female smiled sheepishly and went to the door. "I'm sure Tatsuyoshi is done with the cooking, so we should hurry and eat before it gets cold!"

Odette nodded and they left bathing house and went around to get to the entrance, finding that Tatsuyoshi and two others were engaged in a battle; the other two familiar people. "Oi, have you seen a little girl around?" the tall young man asked.

Tatsuyoshi was sweeping the small porch and eyed him suspiciously. "Why should I answer you?" He continued his sweeping.

A small girl next to him punched the tall redhead and bowed, the redhead following the gesture reluctantly. "Please excuse my companion's rudeness, but our little friend seems to be lost. We were wondering if you saw, since a person we passed by earlier said that he saw the person we're looking for, here." she explained politely.

Tatsuyoshi wasn't satisfied and didn't trust them. "A friend you say?"

"Hai, a friend."

Tatsuyoshi placed the broom gently against the wall and picked up the sheathed swords. "What if I don't believe or trust you?" He rounded the porch rail and stood some distance from the two people; his hand rested on the hilt of one of the swords.

The small girl could tell he meant business, so she watched him carefully. "That'd be bad for us." The young man next to the black-haired girl took notice of her actions and eyed Tatsuyoshi carefully.

"Very much so." Without another second to think, Tatsuyoshi rushed towards Aislynn and drew his sword in a flash. However, before he could slice at her, the taller companion blocked the hit with his double-ended scythe (1).

The young man commented, "Interesting sword; I've never seen a kalis (2)before—except in pictures."

Tatsuyoshi didn't respond and jumped back. He dashed at the young man, but slid underneath him through the opening between his legs. Before the young man had time to react, Tatsuyoshi thrust his semi-wavy sword into his opponent's shoulder, and then he quickly pulled it back out.

"Crap! It's a sea stone sword!" His opponent remarked before clutching his bleeding shoulder.

The girl now became more aware and made sure not to get hit by the sword. Her face lost emotion; she's now concentrating.

Tatsuyoshi held his sword at his chest and thrust the blade at his new opponent, who was quick to dodge it with a backwards flip. While in the air, she swung a chain at Tatsuyoshi's sword hand and gripped it tight once she landed. Then, she rushed at him with a kama (3) that was on the other end of the chain.

His eyes grew wide and tried to swing the girl with the chain, but she had a surprisingly strong grip. Once she was close, he kicked her, but to his surprise, it went through her body and his leg was covered in a crimson liquid. What the hell- before his thought was finished, he backed up and only a scratch was made on his right arm. Then, he felt the chain loosen on his left arm after she backed up from his leg, and he cut the girl's arm; a shallow gash was left.

The girl instinctively clutched her right arm, and stayed some distance from him. He thought he won from the looks of things, but she was suddenly creating hand gestures, and he noticed the blood from the cut flowing out and floating in the air. Soon, it wrapped his legs in a chain, immobilizing him.

"Aislynn nee-san, Redd nii-san!" Odette shouted with surprise.

The black-haired girl and her companion glanced at Odette and Satomi. A grin appeared on their faces and they began chuckling. "Odette-chan!" Aislynn called. The effects of the sea stone seemed to have worn off of Asiylnn, and the wound scabbed over. Before she went to Odette, she made sure to stop Redd's injury from bleeding more. Then, both Redd and Aislynn went over to Odette, Aislynn letting the little girl embrace her.

Tatsuyoshi watched in confusion at the scene. Satomi noticed him, and walked to him to put a tender hand on his shoulder; he was still immobilized.

~X~

The five people entered the cottage and sat at the table, except for Tatsuyoshi who was leaning against the wall behind Satomi. He had his jacket back on, his eyes watching the floor.

"Aislynn nee-san, Redd nii-san, this is Satomi nee-san and Tatsuyoshi nii-san; Satomi nee-san, Tatsuyoshi nii-san, this is Aislynn nee-san and Redd nii-san." Odette introduced happily.

Aislynn and Satomi smiled and nodded, while Redd only nodded. "Arigato gozaimasu," Aislynn thanked politely. "I'm glad she was in capable hands. I actually can't believe we lost her though…"

"I lost you guys!" Odette interrupted.

Aislynn nodded and chuckled. "My, my, gomen Odette-chan!" the two exchanged grins.

Satomi smiled tenderly and asked, "So Aislynn-san, what brings you and Redd-san to our dear island."

Aislynn gazed at Satomi and grinned widely. "I'm looking for my third crew member!"

"Oh, so you're a pirate?" Satomi asked playfully.

"Hai! I'm going to the go around the world, search for One Piece, and be the Pirate Queen!" Aislynn explained further.

Satomi giggled, amused by the girl's dream. Tatsuyoshi on the other hand, seemed irritated. He scoffed and remarked, "What a stupid dream."

"Now, you don't have to go there." Redd stated with a chuckled.

"Che. Stupid people like you will drown in the sea—aren't you Devil Fruit users?"

Redd was about to get up, obviously annoyed by him. However Aislynn spoke up. "Hai, we are Devil Fruit users: I ate the Shinku Shinku no mi(4)…" she started.

"…and I ate the Basa Basa no mi: Model, Vampire Bat (5)." Redd finished.

"That's quite the pair; your Devil Fruit abilities compliment each other!" Satomi commented. Aislynn and Redd smiled at the known irony. She continued, "Ah, how did you know Odette would be here?"

Aislynn and Redd ran down a street, and saw a person walking by humming a merry tune. Aislynn went up to the person and smiled innocently with her hands behind back, hiding the weapon. "Excuse me sir, but have you seen a little girl?"

The person looked curiously at Aislynn and laughed. "Shouldn't a little girl like you be worried about yourself? Even though this place is pretty peaceful, I think you should go home little kid."

As the man was about to continue, Aislynn quickly grabbed him, and held a small dagger at his throat. "I'm very irritable right now, so please answer my question."

"I'd tell her what she wants," Redd chimed in with a snicker. "She won't hesitate!"

The man began to panic and started flailing his arms. "I-I-I s-saw a little girl with brown hair with Tatsuyoshi-kun! They probably headed to his house at the east end of town!"

Satisfied, Aislynn dropped her hand and smiled. "Arigato gozaimasu!" she said politely. She turned on her heel and motioned Redd to follow. Before leaving, she looked back at the man and added, "Also, don't ever mention this to anyone, or else. Okay?" The man nodded violently and Aislynn smiled. "Good."

The black-haired girl continued smiling. "Someone we passed by saw Tatsuyoshi and Odette going this way."

Satomi nodded in acknowledgement. Then, Aislynn suddenly asked, "Ne, Tatsuyoshi-san, want join my crew?" Tatsuyoshi glanced at Aislynn, but did not reply. "Hm? Do you want to join?"

Tatsuyoshi sighed in discontent and replied coldly, "Why should I join your crew? Brats don't belong at sea." Satomi shot a glare at her little brother, but he ignored it and went out. "If you need me, I'll be outside."

A moment of silence settled in, but Satomi was quick to break it, before it became too uncomfortable. "I apologize for my brother's rudeness," Satomi said with a tinge of sadness.

Aislynn noticed Satomi's tone and replied with her usual grin, "It's okay! Although I don't know what it's like to live with brothers—since I lived with girls for the most part—I understand, sort of." She smiled sheepishly, earning a giggle from Satomi.

"Oh my!" she commented. "Anyways, you want my brother to join your crew, correct?" Aislynn's ears perked up and she nodded slowly. "Well, how about you prove to him that it's worth it? All you have to do is pass this test, and I'm sure he'll go along with you guys!"

"How sure are you?" Aislynn questioned with apparent suspicion.

"I'm very sure!"


Omake! (Number Two .)

REDD: (Running with Aislynn to the east end of town) By the way, where'd you get that dagger from, 'cause I don't remember that when we first met.

AISLYNN: (Snickering) You actually remembered the first time we met and what I had and didn't have? How creepy.

REDD: (Scowling) Shut up brat and answer the damn question!

AISLYNN: I hope you realized you contradicted yourself, thus I can make no answer to your question.

REDD: You smartass, little bit—

AISLYNN: Now, now, calm down and don't get your panties in a bunch.

(Silence)

REDD: Have I ever told you that I wanted to kill you?

AISLYNN: (Sarcastic) Really? Well, I love you too.

REDD: Just answer the fucking question!

AISLYNN: Geez I will, be patient! Have you ever heard of "patience is a virtue"?

REDD: (Veins are popping. Gritting teeth) Well?

AISLYNN: Well, if you must find it so important as to know where a measly dagger came from…I received from a very generous person. He apparently didn't have any use of it, since he couldn't handle it; he wasn't very handy. (6)

REDD: …Did you get into another fight?

AISLYNN: (Sarcastic) How could you say such a thing? I'm very hurt.

REDD: …

AISLYNN: Okay, I got into a little fight—but it was for a good cause!

REDD: What could honestly be considered a "good cause"?

AISLYNN: He spilled my coffee.

(Silence)

REDD: (Mutters) Dumbass…


Also, some side notes…

(1) Should it be double-edged or double-ended? I don't know how to word his weapon, but you get the idea, right? _

(2) Kalis: a part wavy part straight sword. Go look it up on wikipedia, because this damn thing is pissing me off, not letting put up a fucking simple address for reference use. ! #$^&* #¨¥©øÎÁÔ˝!%#ÒˆÎÁ‰ !^#Î∏·ÏˆÁÒ! (replace symbols with colorful profanity).

(3)

-Kama = sickle (look it up on wikipedia if you must)

-Kusarigama = sickle + ball + chain (same as above)

(4) Shinku Shinku no mi = Scarlet Scarlet Fruit. I could've called it Aka aka no mi (Red Red Fruit), but I like shinku better.

(5) Basa Basa no mi = Flap Flap Fruit: Model Vampire Bat, which explains his transformation into a bat and bloodlust. Basa basa is the Japanese onomatopoeia for flap.

(6) If you understand, congrats. So yeah, she cuts his hands off...over coffee. Yes, her sanity is questionable.


A/N: Like always, reviews/feedbacks are always welcomed with open arms! :D (If you spot errors of any kind in any chapter, let me know please!)