Disclaimer: I own the same characters, no change here…

A Cat's Instinct

Chapter 5: New Friends

As Kaya slept, Kuro had a bit of time to reflect.

"It couldn't be true. That Usopp is up to his miserable lies, again." He said to himself/

Kuro then examined the bloodied piece of cloth. He sighed,

"Maybe it is true." He thought, "I'll have Django contact Sekorie and Edan. They were supposed to take care of him…"

He then grabbed a piece of stationary, and started to write,

"Dear Epahte residence,

I am writing about the boy James, who has been in your household. I am a friend of the boy's father, and wish to know how he's doing.

Sincerely, Namir"

He then mailed the letter.

Kuro waited patiently for that letter's answer, and soon, he got a reply.

"Dear Namir,

I'm sorry, but he no longer lives here. Young James is on his way to be a pirate, gaining back his father's honor. He set off with a female friend from the village, but I'm sure he's fine. He's a bright and strong kid. Besides, he has his father's cat claws with him. Bless Kuro's soul.

Sincerely, Sekorie and Edan"

Kuro almost dropped the letter, but was able to compose himself.

"Alright, he is somewhere, I don't know. That doesn't mean that he got himself killed." He said.

He headed back to Kaya's room, and collapsed into the chair by her bedside. He couldn't believe that Usopp may have been telling the truth. James was dead or injured, and there was nothing he could do about any of it.

Kuro was surprised to feel tears form in his eyes at the thought. He closed his eyes, unwilling to let them fall.

James was the one person in his life that he had hoped for. After his wife's death, he had almost given up hope, and committed suicide, but because of his love for his son, he kept at it, and continued on his way of being a pirate. It broke his heart and dreams to realize that his son was never able to sail the seas and reach the greatness, as he once had.

Sighing, he wiped his eyes, and rewet the cloth on Kaya's head.

Meanwhile, James was working and he tripped over Keiko's foot.

She laughed, as he stumbled to reset his footing.

"What the hell was that for?" he asked angrily, brushing himself off.

"I was bored." She replied casually, not taking her eyes off Mocha's sleeping form.

James growled slightly,

"You're really ticking me off, y'know that?" he said.

"Well, I still can't believe that you're the son of Captain Kuro. It's amazing how different you are." She replied.

"I don't think we were that different." James said, through clenched teeth.

"Did you live in a hole? He was one of the most feared pirates ever to sail the water!" she said, "You're utterly pitiful!"

"If you weren't a girl, I'd hurt you." James said.

"No, you're just a wimp, who's afraid I'm gonna kick your ass." Keiko shot back.

James tightened his fists, but took several deep breaths to calm down his raging temper.

"My father said that I should never fight recklessly, but that I should have a plan before doing anything in life." He replied, fixing his glasses with the palm of his hand.

"Well, that's a Kuro kind of philosophy." Keiko said, "But you didn't do a very good job of it, did you?"

James sighed,

"I guess not…" he said, "But I'm determined."

"I'm sure you are." She said sarcastically, as she sat down.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"What does it look like I'm doing, moron?" she said, "I'm sitting down because I'm tired."

"Alright, let's have lunch, there's nothing to do anyway," he said.

"For once, I agree." She said, heading into the below deck, to get some of their supplies.

She grabbed several fruits, a few pieces of bread, cheese, and two rice balls, and headed to the deck, where James was laying back, enjoying the sun.

"Once again, you're on your lazy ass doing nothing…" she said.

James looked around.

"That's funny…" he said, "I don't see any donkeys around here…"

"Ha, ha, ha, very funny. You should be a comedian, y'know that?" she said, her voice dripping with mockery, "Anyway, you being lazy, is a definite male characteristic."

"Hey, I'm doing something." James answered.

"What?" she asked, rolling her eyes.

"I'm enjoying the sun." he answered, a smirk on his face.

"Don't be a smart ass." She growled.

James couldn't help but chuckle at her anger.

"Stop laughing, you bum!" she snarled.

James only laughed harder,

"I'm sorry…" he said, panting, "You look so funny when you're mad."

A slight redness came over her face, and she glared daggers at him.

"Shut up! I can't believe I'm stuck on a ship with you, of all people! I never should've come!" she said, yelling at the sky.

"You didn't have to come y'know." James replied, "You almost gave me a bruise because you wanted to come so bad. Am I that good looking?"

"Oh, you wish." She answered, turning her back to him, her arms crossed, "You're the dumbest, stupidest pirate, I've ever met."

"You thought I was cute, the first time you met me." He said.

Mocha then came, and jumped into Keiko's arms again, before she could say or do anything.

"Right Mocha, he's only a dumb pirate, who shouldn't be allowed to live." She said in a baby voice to her cat.

Mocha meowed softly, his tail swishing in the air.

"See, even Mocha thinks you're stupid. "'She said, sticking her tongue out at him.

James looked up, and shook his head.

"Don't roll your eyes!" she demanded.

"What are you, my wife?" he asked.

She started to blush, but regained her stubborn aura.

"Me, marry you? I'd rather lick a cactus." She said.

"That would be rather painful, don't you think?" he asked, fixing his glasses.

"Shut up. I'd be less painful than being stuck in a house with you for the rest of my life!" she shot back.

James shrugged,

"Your loss." He said nonchalant.

"Loss of what? I'd think of it, as a gain…" she replied, "A gain of my sanity."

"Whatever…" he said.

Well, weeks passed, and pretty much went on the same, until one day.

"Hey James, look at this!" Keiko called, as she stared out into the distance.

James yawned.

"What is it?" he asked tiredly.

"I see land! We can stock up on our supplies, and get something to eat!" she exclaimed.

James' stomach growled loudly, and he held it in embarrassment.

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" he asked, "As the Captain, I command hat we head for that land!"

The pair paddled towards the town.

As the ship landed, James paid the dock owner, and helped Keiko get off the boat.

"Get your paws off me!" she growled.

"Sorry, I was just trying to help." He replied.

"I don't need your help." She said, jumping onto the dock, "Where are we, anyway?"

The dock owner smiled,

"Why young lady, we're in Portstown!" he said happily.

"Portstown…" James said to himself, "Never heard of it…"

"What did you say?" Keiko asked, grabbing Mocha from the boat.

"Oh, nothing." He answered.

The pair walked into town, their stomachs growling.

"Let's get something to eat…" James suggested.

"I guess I could go along…" Keiko said stubbornly.

James walked into a nearby restaurant, Keiko right behind hi

"Table for one." James said.

Keiko flashed him a dirty look, and interrupted him.

"He means a table for two…" she said.

James looked at her,

"I thought you wouldn't want to sit with me." He said.

"Well someone has to watch you, in case you start drowning in your soup or something like that." She said,

James was going to shoot back a comeback, but the waitress returned and interrupted his thoughts.

"Hello, how may I help you?" she asked, as they sat down.

"I'll have a sandwich, whatever the chef wants to make. What about you Keiko?" he asked.

Keiko thought for a second,

"I'll have the same…" she said.

James gave her a curious look.

"You said that we could never agree on anything," he said.

"Well, it's not my fault that you decided to steal what I wanted to eat." She answered

"Sure, whatever." He said, thinking better of asking.

When their food arrived, both ate it hungrily.

"It feels good to have a full stomach." James said, thoroughly satisfied.

"What's wrong with you? I could eat loads more than that!" she said, "It's been at least two months since we ate, and all you get is a sandwich. Where are the ice cream and chocolate sprinkles?"

"What do you mean two months? It's only been three weeks, and two days." He corrected.

"Why do you bother keeping track, nerd?" she asked.

"Well, it's two weeks until the anniversary of my father's death." He said sadly.

"Yeah, yeah, don't get all sloppy about it…" she said.

"Well, I'm sorry that I cared about my father." He said slightly annoyed.

A large explosion caught their attention.

"What the hell was that?" Keiko asked.

"I was wondering the same thing…" James said.

He paid for the food, and ran out of the restaurant.

Their eyes widened at the sight. Half the town was destroyed.

"Let's check it out!" James exclaimed.

"What, are you crazy!" Keiko asked.

"No, just curious." James said, running off.

"Well, you know what they say, 'Curiosity killed the cat!'" she muttered.

James ran, until he was a crew of pirates, and a captive.

The captain (who was literally a clown) looked at James.

"Captain Kuro! I thought you were dead!" he said, startled, "But I suppose you aren't. Oh well, I'll take care of you, either way. You're not getting my treasure!"

James sighed, but decided to go along with it, unsheathing his claws.

"You're Buggy the Clown. My fa…I mean, I've heard of you." James said, "Let that boy go!"

"I didn't know you had a compassionate bone in your body!" Buggy said, "Anyway, I'll take care of you later. I have more important things to do."

James lunged for him, when he had his back turned.

James cat claws successfully diced the captain.

Keiko stood, utterly shocked.

"I can't believe you did that!" she said.

James walked over to the boy, who was stuck in the cage.

"Are you alright?" James asked, kneeling down.

"Yeah, and when I get outta here, I want you to join my crew!" the boy said.

"Look out!" a female voice called from behind him.

James turned, but too late. He felt an intense pain in his back.

"So Kuro, you bleed like any other human being. I guess you didn't plan that." Buggy mocked, as James struggled to breathe, "It's impossible to slice me! Now Nami, blow both of them away!"

James clutched his chest, as he tried to stand, using the cage for support.

Nami, the red-headed female, who tried to warn James, hesitated.

"Let's just drink some more. They're not worth it!" she said.

"Just to show your loyalty, I want you to blow them up." Buggy said.

Then a green-haired swordsman came, almost out of nowhere.

"Wow, he's hot." Keiko thought, as she watched him.

He tried to slash Buggy, but failed.

"Zolo, he has the power of the Devil Fruit!" Nami said.

"That's right kiddies. You can slice me and dice me, but you can't kill me! I'm a chop-chop man!" Buggy laughed, "Your swords and claws can't harm me!"

"You heard him, James! You're totally useless!" Keiko called.

"Thanks for rubbing it in." James muttered angrily, but then fell back to his knees.

"So, you're not Captain Kuro. You look like him, and you even have some of his skill. Well, who are you then his son!" Buggy asked sarcastically.

"Yes. I am actually. My name is James Eriko Neko, son of Captain Kuro Neko!" James announces, trying again to stand up.

"Well, your talent is nothing like his, and it is pathetic!" Buggy said, "I should've known."

Buggy then stabbed an unsuspecting, and distracted Zolo.

He fell, in pain, but was able to stand.

He picked up Luffy's cage, and brought them to an isolated area, as Buggy and the others laughed at his pain.

Keiko walked by Zolo's side, as Nami helped James stagger along.

"Don't move too fast, James, you'll hurt yourself more." She said.

"I'm alright." He said weakly.

Zolo set down Luffy's cage, and turned to James.

"You stupid kid! What did you think, pulling a stunt like that! You could've been killed!" Zolo yelled, "How old are you, anyway?"

"I'm fifteen." James said, "Why?"

"You're way too young to be on your own! Go back to your parents!" Zolo argued.

"Didn't you listen to a word I said?" James asked angrily, "I'm the son of Captain Kuro, and he's dead!"

"I thought you were lying!" Zolo said.

"Zolo, leave him alone! He needs rest." Nami said, interfering.

Zolo snorted slightly,

"Don't worry Zolo. I appreciate you." Keiko said.

"And who are you?" Zolo asked, sitting down.

"I'm Keiko." She said, grinning widely.

"Well Keiko…It's nice meeting you." He said, nervously, trying to shift over, "Anyway, what are you guys doing around here?"

"We're pirates. I'm planning to win over my father's honor." James explained.

"Interesting…" Luffy said, "You should join us, we're pirates too."

James pondered it.

"I dunno." He said.

Keiko (terrified by the idea of being separated from Zolo) spoke up.

"What the hell is wrong with you! Of course we're gonna join their crew!" she yelled at James, clutching Zolo's muscled arm.

"Speak for yourself! I have to think about it. Go with them if you want." James said, walking away.

"James! Where are you going?" Keiko asked.

"I have to go for a walk." He answered.

They let him go, as he walked away, the bag containing his claws in one hand, the other hand in his pocket.

"I'm never gonna understand him…" she thought.

Meanwhile, James pondered deeply.

"If I join their crew, I have to give up my title as Captain…not that she ever obeyed me. But if I set out on my own, I'm probably not gonna get far…" he thought.

"James, wait!" a voice called.

He spun around, to see Nami running after him.

"Nami? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I was worried. I mean, you're still hurt." She said.

"I know…" James said sarcastically.

"Well, you also kinda stalked off." Nami said.

"I'm sorry, but…" James paused.

""But what, James?" she asked.

"I'm reluctant to give up my title as Captain…It may sound stupid, but I have to fulfill my dream, and find my father's crew. I think I have to work alone." James said.

"You don't have to go about it alone. All of us joined Luffy's crew; because all of us agreed to help each other fulfill our dreams. It's up to you though." Nami explained.

He gave her a smile.

"My mind is made up." He said, "Let's head back to the others."

Nami lit up, as she walked by his side.

"James, there you are!" The crew exclaimed.

"So, have you made up your mind?" Keiko asked

James nodded,

"I'm gonna join your crew, Luffy." He said.

Luffy cheered enthusiastically.

"Great, we could use a strong fighter like you!" he said happily.

Zolo couldn't help but smirk.

"Welcome aboard, James. Just don't screw anything up." He said.

"I'll try." He said.

"I'll make sure he doesn't!" Keiko said, still clinging to Zolo's arm.

"Well, I still have to et out of this cage." Luffy said.

A/N: Sorry this one took long to post too. I had lots of school work…