Devil's Luck Pirates

Luckily, Atom left their ship intact. I guess he didn't expect the crew to survive against a giant dragon.

After coming aboard the Yogi Pooh, the crew starts to discuss their next destination.

-Trying to find a pirate crew is almost like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But since we got their flag, it should be easier to get information on them if we speak with the right person... – William ponders as he looks at the map that led them to the Devil Fruit. The only person they know is from this area is Pear. But she already admitted to not knowing anything about the pirate crew that raided Ragnar's village.

-Atom said that a group of pirates told him about this island. Maybe those guys were the ones that raided the underground village. And since their flag was also on Ragnar's village, they all might be the same. – Verona comments.

-Yeah… I'd also love to meet that guy again. – William says clenching his fist. He is no stranger to betrayal. But even so, he won't let the bastard get away scot-free for what he did.

The closest island is one by the name of Krendor. Going by the map, the island is almost completely covered by a desert with a single village on its southern coast. Considering their dire situation, the crew decides to go straight to Krendor even if they have to pass through a Navy checkpoint. They will worry about it when the time comes.

And so the Yogi Pooh sets sail with Krendor is its destination for supplies and luckily some information about Atom or the pirate crew they are after. Whichever comes first.

William examines the map for a bit longer as he ponders how far they will have to go to find Atom and the pirate crew until he feels Pearl tugging his sleeve from behind to get his attention.

-William… – She says with an unexpected shy tone.

-Don't worry. We'll also get you some new clothes. – He says after giving her a quick glance and seeing her with Duros' shirt, Verona's jacket and a pair of pants that William fortunately had lying around his cabinet. She also has a pair of unmatching boots that she took from the huge pile she fished in the past few days.

-Oh! Yeah… I need some clothes… – She says with a soft giggle as she adjusts Verona's purple jacked – …I also wanted to say something that I didn't wanted to say before because I was being stupid but now I'm not sure if I should say it either after all that happened-

She stops after noticing her nonsensical rambling and takes a deep breath.

-I just wanted to say that… – She continues – Would it b-be possible if I c-could… – It seems that she's struggling to get her words out – I-If I could maybe j-j-join… Yo-your crew…

Duros is almost jumping of excitement after hearing Pearl's request. He looks at William with anticipation in his eyes.

William, on the other hand, doesn't seem to notice her struggle. He simply folds the map, puts it back on his pouch and gives her a simple look. Pearl's face is as red as a tomato right now. Trying to avoid eye contact with him at all costs. It's as if she just confessed her love for him or something. William stands up and walks over to her.

-…Alright. Let's go. – He says giving a pat on her shoulder and walking past her.

Pearl takes a giant sigh of relief as she smiles. Honestly, the worst he could have said is "no", but that in and of itself was enough to make her very nervous.

She looks back at the rest of the crew to see Verona and Ragnar smiling contently while Duros quickly comes to her and gives her a big hug.

-OH! I'm so glad you decided to join us, Pearl! – He says.

-CHAHAHA! I thought she already joined us! – Ragnar says merrily as he pats her on the back quite hard.

-Thank you every one… – Pearl says, blushing – I'll do my best to not let you down! – She declares with determination.

-I knew you wouldn't let the opportunity to have a dragon on the crew pass, Captain… – Verona says behind his breath. William is really trying to hold back his excitement.

A bear and a dragon on his own crew… If only Rick were here to share the joy of this moment…

Ragnar brings the ale and the meat so they could have a much deserved party to celebrate finding the treasure they were after, and to welcome their new crewmate, Pearl.

After everyone is served of ale and meat cooked by Pear in front of everyone this time, William stands up and raises his mug.

-Alright men! This has been a weird couple of days. Filled with death and more death. However, now is time to forget the hardships and celebrate the acquirement of the treasure we've been after! And of course, to welcome our newest crewmate, Pear! CHEERS!

-CHEERS!! – The crew shouts in unison as they clank their mugs together.

This party could have been a lot livelier if they had a musician on the crew. But their poor attempt to sing Bink's sake acapella and laughter is enough to liven the mood so no one is able to notice that Navy ship approaching them…