It didn't take long for Martel's injuries to heal and it didn't take long for Shaun to meet the crew. Once the latter had laid his eyes on the redheaded Cassidy he immediately started his flirting. But he was only shot down as quickl as he started and almost immediately. A group made of Tegami, Travious, and Luna scouted the area making sure the ghost was clear. They later returned for a meeting in the kitchen.
"Okay, Martel are you ready to explain what happened? Because all we know is that we're in Big Mom's territory." Says Crash.
"Of course I am, now let me try and remember…" Martel rubbed his bandaged eye. "Oh yeah, it all started after we got captured. I was sure me and Seiran would become dead meat, but then this woman appeared and that's where things changed."
Jerome pounded the table. "Who was this woman and did she take Martel?!"
"And what do you know about Kya and the other children?" Asked Shaun. "Remember dammit!"
"Don't rush me okay! It's not everyday that your hit over the head with a giant ass pan!" Martel Barked Back. "Now as I was saying; this woman, I didn't catch her name, but I've seen her before. It was most likely around my time working for the Underground Community."
"Underground community?" Questioned Lee, only realizing the second after he interrupted. "My apologies continue."
"Like I was saying; she's more than likely teamed up with Big Mom for business. That business more than likely involves the kids. Now as for Seiran…" He took another chance at trying to remember. "Apparently him and that woman have a past together and not only did she take the kids, but she took him as well. Now any questions?" Martel asked finishing his summary.
Silence went around the room as everyone tried to process on what was said. The silence was broken by a sudden smash on the table. "So what I'm hearing is that this woman took are cook and the only person that can find her is Big Mom." Katherine, Dante, Shaun, and Darrius turned to him one by one. "We need too talk with her, so she can tell us where to go."
"You can't be serious!" Martel jumped from his seat. "There's no talking with that monster! You'll get killed you idiot, we should just try are on luck. The top priority should be ditching this place." He tried to convince, but it didn't seem too convince his captain. "Look it looked like Seiran was pretty eager on going with her. Maybe we could let this one slip past?"
Jerome rubbed his nose. "No way, no man left behind. If Seiran does want to leave this family; I want to hear it from him" After making his final decision and defeating Martel Jerome turned to a select members of the crew. "Dante, Crash, and Cassidy I want you guys with me. The rest of you guard the Wolf and that's a captains order."
"I'm coming too. Remember I promised to bring those children back." Spoke Shaun
Martel sighed in defeat. There was nothing he could do to stop them. A lone hand of Tegami passed by and patted him on the back. "You should already known this by now considering how long you've been in New World. But when someone touches your own, it means war." Advised the lone member of the monster quartet.
Before they made a departure Darrius handed them some baby Den Den Mushi's. That way they could stay in contact whenever it was needed. Everything seemed alright for the time, but what everyone forgot about is a certain orange haired girl.
"So what's are game plan here?" Asked Cassidy. "We're really about to walk in and say 'Hey Big Mom, we want are friend back'?"
"I guess so, I didn't think this through too much. What's the big deal, she can't be that strong." Jerome says.
"Not that strong are you kidding me?" Cassidy asked, appalled. "She's one of the four Yonko of the sea and shouldn't be taken lightly. I not scared or anything, but this isn't a game here."
"You don't think I know that, I'm not a idiot." Jerome responded.
"That's debatable." Commented Crash.
"Besides I'm one of the Yonko too." Finished Jerome.
"Yes, but by default." Cassidy told him. "Tell him Dante."
Dante looked at her with confusion. "I can't really take your side because I don't know much about the system. Crash?"
The 'Feral Reaper' humphed. "I don't much about it myself and I don't feel like giving a big explanation. But for the most I know is that whoever controls the most territories can be deemed a Yonko. When Whitebeard died, his crew forfeited all his territory over to you. It was able to be done so easily because no one outside the Moby Dick could have known about Whitebeard's death at that time."
After his long explanation, Jerome looked as if he was hit by a confusion ray. "So confused."
Outside in the ocean a sea vessel drifted with the currents. Clara had just finished locking up the children and already set course for their next destination. She would probably be called the devils daughter for the deed she was about to commit, but who was she too care.
"Seiran my dear." Carla called coming through the door with a meal fit for two. Seiran rolled over from around the bed looking at his presented meal. "I've made you your favorite: Tuna casserole and crackers. Just for us."
Seiran smiled picking up the tuna with his cracker. "You know me so well Clara. I've missed having you around, but."
"But what dear, isn't everything alright? Don't tell me the casserole is over roasted." Clara says, starting to worry.
"It's not." Seiran swallowed his cracker; his tail twisting with delight. "I'm talking about the my friends. As soon as Martel gets back to them the first thing they'll do is look for me. Technically I'm your prisoner and most of them wouldn't hesitate to kill. Not that I'll let them, but you get the point."
Clara found realizing that she should've killed that fool when she had the chance. Knowing that she couldn't do anything about it now, she changed the subject. "Neko, do you remember the first time we met?"
"Of course I do." He mumbled over his chewing food. "That's how I got these." He pointed to his cat ears and had his tail appear visible.
(Flashback)
Grumbling, Seiran jumped from down the tree then dusting off his tattered clothes. Suddenly, Seiran's stomach grumbled demanding food. The last time he ate something was a salmon fish he was able to snag. In hindsight he probably should've noted the location of that stream. His stomach growled again and he rubbed it apologetically.
Then his eyes caught a berry bush in the clearing. He practically sprinted across the clearing to get a taste of those luscious dark blue berries. He grabbed a large bunch and gobbled them down like it was nothing.
"So good." Seiran swooned eating more of the berries. "Must. Have. More." Soon the entire bush was depleted of its berries; Seiran burped in satisfaction before falling asleep.
…
…
…
A few minutes passed before a blunt object hit him over the head. "Heck! What the…"
"You idiot you ate those berries didn't you?" Growled a younger version of Clara.
"I did and they were good. Can you make more?" Requested Seiran.
"I can, if you want too full blown cat?"
"Ug?"
"Look." Clara handed him a mirror; Seiran looked in, it hit him like a brick when he found cat ears and tail. "Your lucky I gave you the antidote before you got the full transformation, kid. Now you have to help me make more."
"Exsqeeuve me?" Seiran asked.
(End of flashback)
Clara and Martel laughed remembering such a childish moment. "So Seiran, can you tell me about your crew?" Clara requested starting to pour some tea.
"Why not, we have Jerome are crazy in training captain. Dante the first mate/sniper and loner. Cassidy, one of are doctors. Katherine, are musician. Then… uh?"
Clara shook in shock nearly cracking the teapot. "You have women in your crew?"
"Yeah and by the way your spilling the tea." Seiran told her.
The Lazy Wolf.
"Alright." Darrius said taking a stance. "Fire!" The sound of gunfire echoed around the ship. "Faster!" Darrius yelled commanding Luna to reload much faster. The memories of his training came back to him, Luna even reminded him how he first was. "Your enemies won't give you time to reload." Luna reloaded, but Darrius was already in front of her; his hand on her gun. "Looks like you need more training."
"Well I did just start today. It's not like I am going to be an expert." Luna told him with a sweet smile on her face. "Besides at least these time I didn't shoot down any birds."
"Your right about that much." Darrius forcefully admitted. "But, your aiming is still wayyy off. It doesn't work the same for you as it did for me, so now I'm stumped." Darrius and Luna came together trying to think of a solution.
"Can I offer a suggestion?" Katherine walked passed Darrius and came to Luna. She put both of her hands together and made sure she had a grip. "Good now keep it like that. Now close one of your eyes so you can have a better aim."
As instructed Luna closed her left eye. The smile on her face showed her it worked. "Thanks Kat, this is way better."
"Well this method is usually used for beginners. I never used one myself, but Dante seems to enjoy telling me how it started." Told Katherine.
Darrius nudged her shoulder and leaned into her ear. "So did you two have your tickle fight yet?" He laughed, twinkling his fingers.
Her face turned pink and out of her embarrassment; she punched Darrius in the gut. "I might like him, but…I won't…have tickle fights." She could barely get the words out her mouth. Even she had to admit Darrius got her good with that one. That's probably why he was still laughing.
Luna saw how embarrassed Kat is and decided to help her out. "Oh no, Darrius I think I saw someone go in your map room."
Darrius immediately stopped his laughing and dashed for his map room. After his departure Katherine's red face went down. "Thanks for that one Luna I owe you one."
"No problem, sis."
Inside the pitch black infirmary, Razzle laid on bed while talking into a transponder snail. While doing so, she tossed her knife up and down.
"Yes, captain." She spoke. "Yes, Big Mom is defiantly open for an attack. You can even come here know if you want. Your only real problem could be her lead ship and there's another Yonko here. The one that took over all of White beards territory. But considering him still being a newbie, you shouldn't have much of problem with him either. That way we can WAY more territories and closer to your dream." She stopped speaking when someone else on the other end started. Whatever it was she frowned at it. "Okay but before you attack, please send someone to pick me up…what do you mean I'm on my own!"
In a supernatural flicker of light are search party ended up ten feet from Charolett's floor. Jerome fell first, then Dante, followed by Crash, Shaun, and Cassidy. They all now ended up in a pile in the middle of the floor.
"Whoever has their foot in my face get it off." Growled Crash.
"I think there's a sword in my back." Says Jerome.
"That might be mine. I would get it if this arm would wrap off me!" Yelled Cassidy. "This is the last time I teleport all of you."
"You certainly have some entertaining power." Complimented Shaun.
"Don't even bother Romeo." Says Dante.
"His name is Pop Tart." Corrected Jerome.
"No it's not." Barked Shaun.
After a minute of bickering everyone eventually untangled themselves. No sooner that they did they found rifles pointed at them left and right.
"STOP!/CASSIDY!"
Cassidy froze, she clapped her hands together whipping her and her comrades away. They later appeared on the other side of the room and they found they avoided Charlottes acid attack. "Big Mom we need to talk!" Shouted Jerome. Charlotte looked at him with her eye glowing green for hunger.
As soon as he got to his feet Shaun charged his cards, about to attack Charlotte. Dante however shot them to pieces before he could do it. "What's the big deal!"
"Have some faith in are captain." Dante told him. "He might not be the brightest but his reliable."
Jerome began walking up to her, but Crash pulled him back by the shirt. "Remember what we talked about. Don't be reckless or else she will eat you."
Jerome smiled before giving a thumbs up at the shorter male. "Don't worry Crash, I got this. Also I think I'm going to try Cassidy's idea."
(Flashback)
"Actually I might have some information on Big Mom that can help us out." Cassidy spoke up. "My father says she might be powerful, but she is all too easy when it comes to negotiating."
"It wouldn't surprise me if that's how she got involved with the Underground." Crash said.
"But, what should we do if; she doesn't want to cooperate?" Shaun brought out two of his cards glowing in color. "I wouldn't mind blowing her to pieces."
(End of flashback)
Jerome approached the giant woman more like their sizes were reversed. His haki told him everything was fine at the moment, so that meant she wasn't planning anything yet. Now all he had too do was remember the manners his father thought him. Easier said than done when Sakazuki wasn't around.
"Big Mom, I want too know what happened with those children?" Jerome asked.
"Ugh," Charlotte growled picking her teeth with her finger. "I don't know what your talking about and even if I did. Why would I tell you?"
"This would be one pirate captain to another. After all one of my cooks Martel made a good meal for you. Then you repay him by donking him up. I wouldn't say that would be fair." Jerome continued now explaining the fairness.
Everyone noted on how Charlotte was slowly getting convinced. She stopped picking her teeth so that was a sign she was listening. "Fairness would be him staying here as my personal chef. But, noooo he just had to leave me."
Now that he had her on the ropes it was time to play his gambit. "Your just like me and like a good meal. About this, tell us where that lady's going and I promise you will give you a kings worth of food. Deal?" Jerome held out his hand.
Charlotte's large finger touched his hand. "Deal."
"Incompetent, loose arrow fool!" Shouted Crystal
"Oh yeah, well your yobo. See I can make up words to." Damita argued back. [1]
"Grrrr, don't dare call me that word! Crystal barked, wishing she could strangle her partner.
As it was decided they would search for any possible leads. Once they arrived on bounty hunters island, they found anyone that was alive from the attack as been moved to another island for healing. The duo followed that lead and ended up getting some pretty good information. Later on Damita decided to make a net trap for any passing animals. Crystal had accidentally got caught in and after laughing at her Damita tried too help, but got caught as well. They're both know trapped up in a tree. Back to back.
"Lookie what I found."
Crystal jumped in surprise and turned. Standing below them is a very handsome man, almost devilishly. He had golden sun hair and sea deep blue eyes. She wasn't one too blush, but this man made it impossible.
"Hello their, I came to ask you to shut the hell up." The man said bluntly. "I have been on the search for my sister, again. Its been awhile and I decided too take a break, but then your petty arguing interrupted me." The man snapped. The way he was talking, he couldn't see their predicament. Instead he stood their waiting for something. "I am waiting for an apology."
Just when they didn't need it, Damita made another smartass comment. "Whoever that is tell them too help us down."
"What?" The man asked just know noticing; his cheeks puffed before he burst out laughing. "Look at you two. If you were one of my man I would kill you for being stupid. That's funny because I just did that not long ago. My point is it's funny how stupid you are." He insulted as much as he could. Despite her angry glare he thought Crystal looked just adorable. He decided to give pity on the lesser beings and help them out. A yellow beam began too charge from his finger.
Crystal quickly realized what he was doing. "A devil fruit. That was admirals Kizarus before he was killed. Just who exactly is this man?"
With a few shots the man shot them down. Only for Crystal and Damita to hit the ground; his lips touching hers. Out of pure disgust they hopped up and began spitting out their mouths.
A sweat drop came over the mans head. "Who exactly are you two?"
Whipping his mouth off Damita turned to answer the man. "We are bounty hunters. We work for are boss and he sent us to capture a pirate named Luna Light." Damita explained with pride; he really did love his job.
Crystal walked up to the blonde gripping her arm. "Thank you for your assistance. My name is Crystal, your name please?"
The blonde grinned. "You can call me Jesse Cross. Heir to the throne of the kingdom Anemone." Damita and Crystal gritted their teeth knowing he is a prince. Not only that, but the fact he could kill them right now and get away with it. He even had that smile saying 'I can kill you any time I want.' "Now funny thing is my sister happens too be allied with your target. I say we start an alliance."
"That wasn't a question. We should call the boss." Crystal thought.
The sails opened up and the Lazy Wolf set sail. Jerome and Dante sat on the figure head looking out for Seiran. It would have been the perfect getaway except there were tons of fleet ships behind them that nobody noticed.
A/N: Not much too say other than the lack of action. It's all really to move the story along.
[1] He thinks he making up a word. Even though yobo means sweetheart in Korean.
V God22: Yep, that's exactly what I was going for.
Carolyn12: I was planning on her being a snipper for awhile now. Yes, Dante will kill anyone when it comes to Nakama even if it means something more.
iamgoku: I don't mind really, even if they help with motivation. Sorry for the lack of action this chapter, but bear with me. This is all leading up to something big. Shaun will show what he gots when it comes to it.
DaLightning Kid: No one ever said it belonged to Crash, they could be anyone's. Thanks ;) Luna is going to be amazing I just can't wait. Also I wouldn't say there's a wake up call since more than most of everyone on this crew already knows what their involved in. I was thinking on explaining this later.