Disclaimer: I only own James, and them, but not Luffy and the others, but if you've been reading these disclaimers, you know that already, and getting sick of seeing it…

A Cat's Instinct

Chapter 7: Homeward Bound

Soon Portstown was out of sight, and Keiko shot up.

"Damn, we forgot our boat!" she barked angrily.

"It's not that big of a deal." James said calmly.

"Well, you didn't leave our supplies on that ship, did you?" she asked.

James looked around, and almost panicked.

"Oh Crap, we really did forget it!" he exclaimed, "I had my Uncle's sword in that supplies!"

Keiko then laughed, as she held Mocha.

"Calm down, I have it." She said, "You're such a loser."

James scowled at her,

"I was concerned…My uncle gave that to me, just before I left." James said defensively.

"Okay, but we have it." Keiko said, showing him the pack she was sitting on.

"Geez, I made a mistake, big deal…" he said.

"Well, your father would've noticed it." Keiko said.

James was silent for a bit, and looked away.

"He made his share of mistakes…" he finally said softly, "But his aren't as big as mine." Keiko didn't answer, and slightly regretted bringing up his father.

"Look James, I'm …"

James interrupted,

"It's alright. You were angry, I understand," he said.

Luffy, Nami and Zolo sat quietly, minding their own business, unwilling to get involved in the conversation.

James looked at the water, from the bow of the ship, as he let the breeze brush his hair.

Zolo then spoke up,

"So, you're the son of Captain Kuro..." he said, "The son of a rich, successful pirate should be living the good life, right?"

James looked at him,

"I'd expect the same from a famous bounty hunter." He answered calmly.

Zolo shrugged,

"I guess you got me there." He said.

Keiko growled at James,

"Leave Zolo alone! He's very successful." Keiko said, cuddling next to him.

Zolo sighed,

James then went to the pack, and grabbed the sword.

Zolo looked at it.

"That's the blade your uncle gave you." He said, "Who is your uncle anyway?"

"He's Edan Ephante." James answered coolly.

Zolo's eyes widened,

"Is he really tall?" Zolo asked, trying to remember the body to the familiar name.

James nodded,

"Yeah, with brown hair." He added.

"I think I know your uncle from somewhere…" Zolo said, seemingly deep in thought.

The crew continued to be silent, but then Luffy spoke up.

"I'm hungry…" he complained, as he held his stomach.

"Don't rub it in..." Keiko said, "We're all hungry."

James continued to sit quietly, his hunger didn't bother him, he then got up, to put Edan's sword away.

Nami then stood, making the boat shake a little bit,

"What is it?" James asked, almost losing his balance.

"There's land over there!" she exclaimed.

Everyone's head turned, as their features brightened.

"Oh boy, we can get some meat!" Luffy exclaimed joyfully.

"You never change, do you?" Zolo asked.

"Hold on, I know this place… "James said, looking at the island, "This is exactly where we started!"

Keiko looked startled for a second, but then scowled,

"You mean, I spent an entire, torturous year with you, to just go around in a !$ circle! You've got to be kidding me!" she snarled.

She lunged at James, like an angry panther, but Zolo held her back,

"Calm down, at least we can get something to eat." He said.

She then turned to Zolo,

"That's true. Zolo, you're so smart." She said, beaming at him.

He sighed once more, as the ship started to land on the beach.

"Wow, this brings back memories." James said, fondly.

"Oh shut up, James." Keiko snapped.

They then spotted a figure by the trees.

James recognized him immediately, and he became almost instantly raging.

"You!" he snarled, unsheathing his claws.

"AH! It's that monster!" the figure, known as Usopp cried out, "But this time, I have a thousands men, prepared to stop you!"

Nami looked at James,

"You know this guy?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, he hit me with his slingshot!" James growled.

"I-I thought I had killed you!" Usopp yelled.

"Liar." Nami said.

"AHH! She saw right through me!" he said, "Oh no, no she knows I lied... She's a master of interrogation!"

James sighed,

"I don't have time for this, I just want to kill him now…" he said.

"Now, you're starting to be like your father." Keiko said.

"I'm still hungry…" Luffy said, " Don't hurt him."

James sighed, obeying the Captain's orders.

Usopp sighed, and wiped his forehead,

"Well, I know a place, where we can get something to eat." He said, "But you have to keep that guy away from me."

"Sure." Keiko said.

"Alright, let's go get something to eat." Zolo said.

Keiko followed Zolo, Mocha in her arms, as James lagged behind the others.

They reached a small restaurant, and got something to eat, finally.

James quietly munched on a sandwich, but then stood suddenly.

"I have to visit my aunt and uncle. I'll meet you guys." He said, going to walk off.

"Hold on, we'll visit them later, but right now, we have to get a ship." Nami said.

Usopp spoke,

"I know someone you can visit who may be able to help you. There's a mansion where you can go. The owner of the mansion is a young girl, and she's bed ridden." Usopp explained.

"How'd she become owner of the mansion?" Nami asked, curiously.

"Well, her parents died of mysterious causes, and they left her the mansion, the money, and hundreds of servants." He said,

That jogged James' thoughts,

"Hold on, did one of those servants look a little bit like me, with slick black hair, glasses, and was pretty tall?" he asked.

Usopp's eyes widened,

"That's Klahadore!" he cried out, "Oh, that reminds me, I have to go. See you guys later!"

Usopp then bolted out the door.

They watched him leave, but then went back to their conversation.

"So, it's a nice town." Nami said.

Then, some local kids burst through the doors.

"Where's our captain? What have you done with him!" they demanded timidly.

Zolo looked at them, with a menacing glare.

"You really want to know?" he asked.

The three children shrank back; they were shaking like leaves in a breeze.

Keiko and Zolo exchanged looks, smirked, and spoke,

"We ate him." They said in unison.

The kids then screamed, and were frozen with terror.

"Ah! Ogres!" they cried, as they stared right at Nami.

Nami then grew angry noticing this,

"Why are you looking at me!" she yelled angrily.

Zolo and Keiko laughed, while James tried to stifle it. Luffy was to busy stuffing his face with food.

"Anyway, why do you guys hang out with that guy?" James asked, "He's such a loser."

The boys scowled,

"He's not a loser! He's a great guy!" one said.

"Yeah, we really like him." Another said.

"Yeah, leave the captain alone. He's really brave." The last one said.

James laughed at the thought of Usopp being called "brave"

"So, who are you three anyway? "Keiko asked.

"We're the Veggie pirates! I'm Pepper! That's Carrot, and that kid over there, is Onion." Pepper explained.

"Veggie Pirates?" James asked, amused, "You've got to be kidding me, it sounds like some kind of stew…"

"Hey, you came from a crew that idolized cats…" Keiko said.

"You did too…" he answered,

"Well, I'm not criticizing Usopp, or his crew." She replied.

"He shot me!" James argued, "And it really hurt!"

"Stop being such a baby! You got over it, didn't you?" she said.

James sighed, as Nami patted him on the back.

Luffy then stood up,

"Come on, let's go get our ship." He said.

They nodded, and stood.

James looked at the owner of the restaurant, and laid the money on the table.

He then bowed, and followed the others.

They walked up to the mansion, and people looked at him.

"He looks like Klahadore…" some of them whispered, "Maybe they're related."

James sighed,

"Who the hell is this guy? I have to meet him." He thought annoyed.

They reached a large gate.

"Now how are we gonna get over that?" Keiko asked, annoyed.

Luffy started to climb over the fence.

"I have an idea!" he said, "Hold on to me."

James shook his head,

"I'll pass." He said, leaping over the fence.

"How does he do that?" Nami asked.

"Lots of spare time…" Keiko said, "And practice."

They then held onto Luffy, as he flung himself over the fence, using his "Gum-Gum Rocket" Technique.

The group screamed as they landed.

"What are you guys doing here?" Usopp asked.

Kaya, the owner of the mansion, looked at them curiously.

"Who are they?" she asked.

At the same time, Merry ran over to Kuro.

"Klahadore, there are intruders on the property!" Merry exclaimed.

"Intruders? Where are the guards?" Kuro asked, fixing his glasses.

"They're on their lunch break." Merry explained.

Kuro sighed,

"I'll go take care of the problem." Kuro said, walking towards the front of the house.

Usopp looked at Kaya, and walked next to Luffy and put an arm around him.

"They're the newest members of my crew. They heard of my reputation, and came to find me." He said.

"You wish…" James scoffed softly.

"We have a favor to ask you." Zolo said.

Kaya looked from her window,

"A favor?" she asked.

"Yeah, we need a big ship!" Luffy exclaimed.

"What is the meaning of this!" Kuro asked, emerging from behind them.

All of them turned,

"That must be Klahadore…" James wondered, "That's the guy I met in the market that day!"

"Klahadore, you see, those people, they're…" Kaya started.

Kuro stopped her with his hand,

"Save your excuses for later." Kuro said, "All of you must go immediately."

He turned to Usopp,

"You're Usopp aren't you?" he asked.

James put his head in his hand,

"You've got to be joking…." He thought.

"I've heard of you. You're the talk of the village." Kuro said, in his slimy tone.

"Thanks! Call me 'Captain Usopp' if you please." Usopp said proudly.

"The guards have told me of your trespassing. What business do you have bothering Miss Kaya?" he asked.

"Well, I saw a legendary mole enter this estate, and I'm trying to capture him." Usopp lied.

James rolled his eyes,

"This guy's a total moron…" he thought.

Keiko just stood next to Zolo.

"Hmph, you're defiantly good at lying." Kuro answered, "I've heard about your filthy pirate blood. Stay away from Miss Kaya."

James' head shot around,

"What the hell did he say?" he asked angrily.

Kuro continued,

"You and Miss Kaya are from completely different worlds. Is it money you're after?" Kuro asked, "How much do you want?"

"You've gone too far, Klahadore! You owe Usopp an apology!" Kaya yelled.

"But Miss Kaya, I'm only speaking the truth. I, however, feel bad for you. You're father gave you up to go treasure hunting." Kuro said.

James went to unsheathe his claws, but Nami and Zolo held him back.

"I'm gonna kill him!" James snarled.

"Don't do anything stupid. You're gonna get hurt!" Zolo said, "Whether by him, the police, or me."

"Klahadore!" Kaya screamed hysterically, as she leaned out the window.

"Stop bad mouthing my father…" Usopp growled.

"Don't get so worked up. Just make up some lies about him, like you usually do, or pretend that he's not your real father perhaps." Kuro said, fixing his glasses once again.

Keiko's eyes widened as she saw this.

"Who is this Klahadore fella anyway?" she wondered.

Usopp felt his rage boiling, and he then punched Kuro out of anger.

"Shut up!" he screamed.

Kuro fell to the ground, and fixed his glasses out of their crooked state.

"I'm proud that my father is a pirate! He's a brave warrior of the sea!" Usopp shot back, "It's true, I do make up stories, but my father is something I will never lie about!"

When Usopp started to calm down, Kuro started to stand.

"A brave warrior of the sea, huh? You see, you're starting to morph the truth already." He said.

Usopp then grabbed him by the shirt collar.

"That's enough!" he said angrily.

Kaya then became frightened for Kuro's safety.

"Please Usopp, no more violence!" she called out, "Klahadore isn't a bad person. He takes care of me; he's just over protective, that's all."

Usopp loosened his grip,

"Leave the grounds, now. There's no place for people like you. Never come back to this estate!" Kuro barked.

"Fine, have it your way. I'm leaving, and never coming back." Usopp said, trudging off.

"Captain?" the boys asked worriedly.

Kaya looked on, tears forming in his eyes.

"You're stupid! Our Captain is a great guy!" Pepper said.

"Yeah, meanie!" Carrot added.

"Yeah, fool!" Onion yelled.

"Knuckle-head!" Luffy said.

Zolo whacked him in the back of the head.

"Not you too, Luffy." He said.

Kuro snarled,

"Get off this property at once!" he demanded.

They sighed, and walked off.

James watched as Kuro entered the mansion, but then reluctantly followed the others,

"That guy seems so familiar." He said to himself.