Knitting Nightmare! R&R Gone Wrong!

[Fox]

The bright sunshine was almost blinding, bathing the world in all sorts of vibrant and colorful hues that Mina had never seen in her entire life! She ran out onto the hot sandy beach and spun around with her arms stretched out wide, her wings catching the light. She jumped in place and whirled back around to look at her Papa and Miss Julep, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Are we really going to stay here?! It’s so amazing, Papa! Look!” She pointed up at the tree that resembled an umbrella that shaded the interior parts of the island. “It’s so big! Is it an umbrella or a tree?! And over there!”

Mina pointed at one of the huge luxury resorts that lined the island. This one in particular looked almost like a castle with a huge water slide rising up from behind it. She wasn’t really sure what it even was, but she wanted to know! Everything was just so amazing! So different from their castle back home. While part of Mina was sad that they’d had to leave everything behind because of her mistake, she took it as an extended vacation. They were going to see a lot more incredible places like this! Mina couldn’t wait to see what this place offered.

Scurrying back over to her Papa’s side, Mina tugged on his hand and tried to pull him further into the island, wiggling one arm excitedly. “Come on, Papa! Adventure awaits!” She was a little nervous about wandering off on her own since the last time. Still, her natural curiosity had every little thing catch her eye. Her ears twitched and tilted to the side as a weird sound floated faintly through the air. It… sounded like music! Letting go of her Papa’s hand almost as quickly as she had grabbed it, Mina ran off in the direction of the sound.

She made a beeline for it, flapping her wings to get her over any obstacles or bushes in her way. It was pretty easy to do. She eventually came to a fence with iron bars preventing entry. She could probably just flutter over this too, but she’d caught sight of the source of the music! A band was playing on a stage by the pool. Some of them had instruments that she’d never seen before… a long golden snake looking horn, a weird kit of cylinders… oh! Those were probably drums. Um… one guy had a trumpet. And! Oooh! A piano! Mina perked up and bobbed along to the beat of the music. It sounded so strange! Like nothing she had ever heard before. It had this weird rhythm… like it was swinging its feet!

[Sam]

The day was a sunny one with rays of sunshine pouring over Klaus' golden mane of hair glazing it an almost ethereal glow. Kyuka Island, the vacation island to be exact... after running away from the Bourgeois Kingdom with his daughter and his most trusted servant maybe it was time to rest. Taking a day off or two here was probably for the better. Klaus put on a pair of black sunglasses to cover his crimson eyes from the intense sun that kissed his face. Maybe he should have packed up sunblock he thought to himself as he looked around the island.

There was also a matter of a plot. The Grand Line was a treacherous place one where powerful individuals roamed. He couldn't see himself roaming from island to island like he was now without eventually running into a wall. Klaus needed a boost to his power he needed to get stronger and fast. The former Archduke let out a sigh, this was not a time to think about business. It was time to enjoy himself with his family.

“Are we really going to stay here?! It’s so amazing, Papa! Look!”

His daughter exclaimed taking him out of his train of thought. Something that perhaps was for the better... the well-dressed man now wearing sunglasses patted his daughter on the head gently. For a man who typically was cold, this was a warm sign, there was something about his treatment of Mina or rather something about her that melted through the thick ice that seemed to compose his very soul. Klaus went to open his mouth, to answer his daughter's questions but before he could she spewed out a thousand more. Anyone else and Klaus would have perhaps told them to be silent, but not with Mina instead a warm smile appeared on his face along with a sleepy gaze on his eyes. When she grabbed his cold hand the man knelt down to be on a more even ground with her.

"We'll be here for a while Dearest... maybe a week or two."

He said with a smile, however as he gave his answer his daughter ran off. Saying something about adventure... something that came off as a bit unexpecting for Klaus. At first, he wasn't all too worried but then she began to fly over bushes and obstacles to reach an undefined destination. The former Archduke's eyes went wide!

"Mina wait!"

Klaus exclaimed, extending his hands forward in hopes to grasp her. But it had already been too late... she had runoff. He stood up letting out a sigh. Klaus turned to view Julep as his most trusted servant.

"Miss Quartermayne please assist me in retrieving Mina! I hope she doesn't get into trouble..."

He said, his voice changed when he spoke to Julep... the glossy kindness that he gave to Mina was no replaced with a more formal and respectful demeanor of speech for Julep. However, when it was all said in done he gave her a smile a friendly reminder of her place in the family as well. Immediately Klaus turned around and ran after Mina. His ears listened in closely for any signs of her voice but all he heard was a Jazz swing emanating from the corner she had run toward

"Minabee! Where are you, dearest!?"

[risaka]

One beat, two beat, a one two rhythm got the people moving their feet, those listening couldn't help but to feel the charm, whenever  a highnote flew through their ears a firm step on the on ground was given, with an upbeat jazz style like this no one could stay still! A small band of men in black suits, black headwears and even blacker thick shades played with their hearts out. It was hard to tell, but beneath the mysterious dresscode you could see they were infact fishmen merely hiding their identity. This performance was by no means official, they were a temporary stand where tips could be given to their snappy entertaiment.

However, the sound of piano, while indeed smooth, but lacked that impact like the rest of the instruments, he one playing the piano did not seem to be too familiar with that instrument and acted more like an idle pacer in the music's background. However the audience did not pick up that fact, one among the crowd even were clapping to the beat, a young boy with a blue cap and green overalls, and in his grasp was an oversized flat swirly lollipop. Giggling and swaying along he watched the show with clear amazement, although his expression gave the impression he couldn't be anything other than happy, a fake gleamy smile.

Then the performance ends, with a rapid drum solo that got the watchers all clap satisfied, and of course tipping into the hat laying infront of the temporary stand. The performers began to idly chat with eachother after the show, they seemd rather secrective.

''Hey, how long are we gonna keep up this act?''

''Be quiet, we have to trust our orders, we'll gather as much info as possible.''

''But what if he doesn't return? Today's the last day!''

''He will return, have some faith will ya? Besides, you've gotten better at the piano, we will continue scouting.''

Their whispering conversation probably were in the hearing range of those with amazing ears, maybe someone like a bat? Indeed, their conversation was loud and clear, but they cut it short and began to pack their instruments, probably on their way to a new spot. The boy from the audience was still clapping and giggled with a big grin, he sure was entertained wasn't he? He does eventually stop and begins to take long hard drags over the lollipop, the flavor based on the colours was probably a cherry type, red and pink, with some vibrant magenta.

[Fox]

Mina tapped her feet along to the beat, swaying back and forth behind the iron fence. When the performance was over, she felt a little bit disappointed. She had only caught the tail end of it! She had wanted to hear more. She wasn’t sure, but she hadn’t heard the piano all that well during the performance. The other instruments had kind of overshadowed it. Her huge ears twitched again as she caught little snippets of the performers’ conversation. Act? Orders? She didn’t really put it together until they mentioned the piano. Oh! Maybe their band’s leader normally played piano, and he was off somewhere else? Maybe that was why the piano didn’t sound as good.

The small crowd pretty quickly dispersed, going about whatever vacation business that needed doing. Mina, for her part, was dying to get her hands on the piano keys before they wheeled the big thing somewhere else. While the performers were wrapped up in their whispering, cleaning and putting away their instruments, Mina clambered over the side of the fence, only faintly registering the sound of her Papa’s voice before she forgot that she had even heard it. With a quick scamper up behind the stage, she was on the piano bench before anyone was the wiser.

Of course, that didn’t last long. Mina hummed to herself softly what she remembered of the tune that they’d just been playing, tapping her feet to be beat. Once she got a good enough idea of the feeling of the music, she tried playing out her own version of the piano part, trying out the weird swinging tempo. It felt a little weird to try and play something like that, but it didn’t sound bad! She bounced on the bench as the music carried her away. Her tiny fingers danced over the keys happily as she tried a whole bunch of different things.

Of all the things that Mina missed from home, piano had been the one that Mina missed the most. They couldn’t exactly bring one onto the small ship that they’d brought along, but Mina hoped that they’d get a bigger ship that could hold one soon. There was still a lot more that she wanted to learn. Mina was so absorbed by her own playing that she didn’t even notice the reactions of the remaining crowd or the musicians packing away their instruments.

[Sam]

Running through the grass and jumping over small thickets Klaus seemed like an eccentric madman to the people the looked onto him. The scene if anything was quite comedic as Klaus seemed completely out of place in this beach resort being well dressed in his typical noble attire meanwhile everyone around him was dressed in swimming clothing or simple tropical attires. The women wore bikinis or swimsuits while the men wore swimming trunks and flowered shirts. It was a sunny vacation spot after all that was the norm.

Finally, the desperate father arrived at the iron bars his daughter had stopped at. The jazzy music that was once playing now stopped... Klaus looked left and right. He didn't quite see Mina but his fatherly instincts told him she couldn't be far. The former nobleman got close to the black painted iron bars looking across at the band from where the music came. There wasn't much in the way of people anymore as most who had been around beginning to leave moving on to do whatever vacation thing they had come here for. The only person that now remained was a child licking on his lollipop he seemed to be staring intently at the group. Klaus narrowed his eyes at the kid, he wondered where that grotesque creature's parents were.

Probably enjoying themselves in the water... or sunbathing themselves like pigs. What terrible parents. After sneering at an innocent child, Klaus continued to look through his eyes finally settling on the stage once more, Mina now on it. How she had managed to stealthy sneak up on it was beyond him... but at least the fact she was more or less safe and just exploring the piano calmed him down a bit. He looked around for a clear entrance finally viewing a proper gate not too far away. Klaus walked past the various bars and opened the iron gate that had one of those simple levers like locks... the nobleman lifted the lock and pushed the gate open entering the premise.

"Mina!"

He called out, the kid with the lollipop turning around to see him walking over. Klaus paced toward the stage looking at the crew above and then at his daughter. He gave his child a smile. The sun brightening up his golden locks of hair brightly.

"Mina, dearest... what are you up to?"

Klaus asked, his voice soft when referring to his daughter. He rose his right hand up majestically his hand arched down as he spoke to his daughter. A gesture aimed at Mina to point out he spoke to her and only her. After his daughter was safe then and only then would he acknowledge the jazz crew apologizing to them for Mina's interjection. Not that he felt he should apologize it wasn't something out of good nature. Rather it was something out of politeness... a Nobleman must after all treat all with respect if he wishes his subjects to respect him back. For after all fear alone does not a powerful man not make.

[risaka]

Most of the set up and instruments had been locked up and carried on the sturdy backs of the tall men in black. With the piano with the need of at least two to carry it was put to last, and to their surprise someone was occupying it! One rubs at his left temple, lowering his shades to take a look at the mighty eager girl with bat ears. He immeditaly noticed she is a mink, and stared more curious than protesting, if there is one thing his boss has told him it is that music is a language everyone can understand. Her fingers danced across the ivory keys like a real charmer. First it was him staring, then another noticed the unexpected guest, then another. Eventually, the whole band were listening to Mina and followed along to the solo play. 

''Now this is a rhythm!''

''Mmmmhm~''

Being absorbed by her play one even began to play along with smooth finger snapping to highlight the high-tones, together him and a few others got the swift melody more depth.

''Hey, seems we got a new pianist!''

The whole band laughed except for the backup pianist who grumpily shuck his fist at the comedy genius. Soon enough Klaus caught up and approached the scene, the boy with lollipop took a good long moment to stare at the stoic looking man, then at Mina who was having a grand time at the piano. The boy let out a chuckled laughter and disappeared into the background while everyone else was occupied. The band did not mind Mina one bit, infact they adored her sudden performance.

''It's quite alright, we're musicians, we love those who appreciate music! And this little batgirl seems to have a good touch with those keys. But as much we'd like to hear you play more we have to go now.''

He clapped his hands twice, and as soon Mina was off two of the band members hoisted up the piano with much ease.

''But if you don't feel satisfied yet then keep an eye out for us, we'll perform around the island, and maybe let you have a go with us for a session! But for now I'll bid you adieu~''

He took off his hat, fully revealing his fin head and shows a bowing gesture to both Mina and Klaus. The band walks off, leaving the space they once performed at completely empty, just a flat surface of fresh green grass, but not too far away from the place was the boy walking with hops and skips. He held a Den Den Mushi as he slobbered the lollipop, hooking up a conversation with someone.

''Granny granny! I found another trophy! Do I get a reward?! And does that mean I am your favourite grandchild, right right right???''

[Fox]

Mina perked up when she heard her Papa’s voice calling her name. She snapped out of her trance and smiled brightly up at him. “Papa! I saw this piano, and I- OH!” Mina hastily scrambled off the bench as the musicians finally moved it away. She bowed and then curtsied, getting her manners all mixed up in her haste to apologize. After all, she’d just hopped up there without asking permission or anything. Her cheeks blushed a bright red as her Papa apologized to the musicians for her. “I-I’m sorry too! I… just got excited…”

Pressing two of her fingers together, Mina relaxed completely again when who she presumed was their stand-in leader said it was alright. She was even further reassured by his potential offer to have her join them for a little bit. She waved enthusiastically, a little sad to see them go, but happy to maybe see them soon. That man sure had weird looking hair though! She turned to her Papa to apologize to him as well.

“S-Sorry, Papa. I just wanted to play piano again! It’s been so long. Um!” Mina tilted her head to one side. “Where are we staying? I hope it has a piano! And that we can see those nice people again. That one guy had really weird hair.”

Mina bounced on the balls of her feet even though it wasn’t ladylike. Her eyes just couldn’t stay on her Papa’s face for too long as they drifted and wandered over to the variety of attractions around every corner. Mina couldn’t swim, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t do a lot of fun beach things. They could make sandcastles together or play some kind of game. She was pretty sure that she’d seen some pigeons or maybe seagulls over by the beach. It would be a lot of fun to feed or chase those around.

When nothing immediately caught her eye to go running toward again, Mina looked back up at her Papa and smiled wide. “Maybe next time we see those guys, their boss will be with them too! I wanna meet him, Papa. Maybe they can teach me more about piano!”

---

Elsewhere on the island, a teenage girl was looking down at the beach through an open window. She idly tossed breadcrumbs out to the congregation of birds on the roof just outside. Resting atop the windowsill was a den den mushi that sprang to life with an annoyingly shrill boyish voice. The girl snarled and snapped up the receiver. “Nuh-uh! I’m the one that brought granny her last trophy!”

---

#82d7ff - Mina
#cd19e6 - Gretel

[Sam]

Klaus smiled at Mina's apologizing, once she arrived close to him he knelt down and put his arm on her shoulder. She was a handful... but a handful he loved. In the end, this was the desire he longed for long ago, and raising Mina was one of the few things in this universe he considered truly fulfilling.

"That's fine Mina, I am just happy you're safe. Please don't run from Papa again like that ok?"

The pale-faced man looked up a group of musicians now packing up their stuff. They did pose a nice suggestion... viewing their concert. Jazz wasn't Klaus' personal type of music he was more of a Classical type guy. But that did not say he wouldn't perhaps enjoy nice bebop here and there...

"I'll take you all on the offer... I'll view your show later."

He said before turning back to Mina, looking into her big round eyes. She too had asked him about the concert, he had already made up his mind about going beforehand but Mina did cement his idea of going.

"Yes dearest, we'll be going and maybe! Maybe the boss will teach you. God knows I can't play the piano."

The formal noble chuckled, he stood up offering Mina his hand. He'd have to regroup with Julep since he had left her behind. Although, maybe this private moment was best spent with Mina... he'd leave the hotel service shenanigans to her. He'd call her and let her know as soon as he could. Meanwhile, he began to lead Mina toward the sandy beach. They were not quite dressed for the occasion but that didn't matter to the man.

"I am not sure where we will stay... wherever money can take us perhaps."

He turned his head slowly to view his daughter. His red eyes obscured by the sunglasses... Klaus let out a sigh, wishing he had worn a hat. Maybe he could get one later.

"For now let's have fun! Let's go play with the sand and make a castle! I bet mines will be better than yours!"

Klaus teased, he let go of his daughter's hand and ran for the sand passing by umbrella and beachgoer until he arrived at the shoreline. He then turned around to see if Mina had followed him.

---

On the other side of the island and old granny sitting on a couch was knitting a pink sweater. The article of clothing had the words 'Kiss Grandma' inside a big red heart on them. Various cats near her play around with the yarn balls around her. Nearby, her Den Den Mushi began to ring she instantly picked it up and listened in.

"Hello?"

She said, shortly after her Granddaughter who was not too far away commented on the situation as she looked out the window. The Granny frowned a bit, but soon replaced it with a sagely smile.

"Gretel, my sugar cube treat your brother nicely. Will you do this for me?"

She asked, her voice soft and smooth like melting chocolate. Too sweet in fact.

"What is it that you found Hansel my handsome boy? Tell me and I'll send Monsieur Boots to help you. Oh, Monsieur Boots!!"

From her crowd of cats came one dashing in, it had a typical bicorne hat that you'd expect a military man to wear. The rest of its attire was composed of a blue jacket with varying medals strapped onto it. The cat approached the granny and saluted her with one of its paws.

"Le Miaou!"

It simply uttered, awaiting his master's next command.

---

Klaus - #654d6e
Baba Yaya - #ee6e9d
Monsieur Boots - #0f1ce6

[risaka]

Hansel hopped in place by the sudden and rather unexpected comment from Gretel, his sister and lifetime rival, although Hansel rarely reacted to Gretel's less friendly demeanor. He adjusts his blue cap into place after his shift of movement, then brings his Den Den Mushi close to his wide smiling mouth. He inhales and preparing one long and mighty annoying speech ramble to get it all out of his system. Once he gets going theres no one stopping him.

''Granny granny granny! Gretel Gretel Gretel! There is no way we can skip this opportunity! This is an once in a life time chance on getting a fuzzy oddball that looks like a humanoid bat! A bat! How crazy is that?! She's fluffy, she can play piano AND she only has one bodyguard! He looked a bit scary but nothing I can't manage! Also I think Boots should bring one of your special Surprise Sweaters, Granny! The fuzzball is attracted to music and totally would wear something pink! AndalsoBoots-Iamgonnaneedoneofmysurpremesizedpops! Theonewithblueflavor-whatwasitcalled?Hmmmmmmm-OH THAT'S RIGHT! Blueberry, sweetsweetblueberriesyumyum!- Andmakeitposthaste! Iamdownnearthebeachplaza! Alsoalsoalso-''

''SHHHHHUUUUT-UP! YOU DARN BRAT!''

From behind Hansel's position was a small stand for mochi balls, and the owner of the stand truly had enough of the unbelivably annoying ramble happening behind his stand. Coming out from the white covers of the back he shouted at Hansel, who jumped twice as higher from Gretel's surprise. Hansel of course let's out a yelp, a jolly one though as he began to laugh at the stand owner's reaction.

''AH-AHAHA! Gomeeeee mister stand owner!''

Hansel without much hesitation ran away on the spot, his legs going faster than the eye could see, he is someone one could call a child on too high of sugar levels.

--

Somewhere In A Distant Basement

Sitting lonesome in a cage, with fellow creatures and individuals of all kinds in their respective prisons, was a fishman with quite the sharp sense of fashion to his attire, although being bruised up and locked up tight in a mighty ugly sweater he was rather lively with his movements. He sighs with his head grinding against the wall, trying his bext to eavesdrop stuff happening behing wall, the fishman grunting annoyed at the sweater, which in truth was more like a restraint jacket.

''C'mon c'mon, how long are they gonna keep me in here? I just need to know where the ship is, grrr...''

His name is Diango, Porchez Diango, and currently he is exhausted due to the constant attempts on tearing the sweater off, his undercover job did not seem effective at this very moment.

''Ngh, what is this stuff made out of anyway? Feels like compact rubber rather wool!''

[Fox]

Mina liked holding her Papa’s hand. It always felt nice and cool in her warm fuzzy hand. He led her back toward the beach, answering her flood of questions. Her ears twitched curiously as she considered it. She didn’t really want to sleep on the little boat that they’d been traveling on, but she didn’t want to complain either. After all, it was her fault that they lost their big home. Her face scrunched up a bit sadly for a second until her Papa suggested that they go play on the beach. She smiled up at him sheepishly. Until, that was, he challenged her sand castle making abilities! Her jaw dropped.

“No way, Papa!”

Scurrying after him, Mina was right behind him when he stopped, looking indignant. Stretching out her arms, beeswax poured out of them and formed into a honeycomb. It took another couple of seconds, but soon, little Beeats popped out of some of the cells and flapped their bat-like wings to hover around Mina. She raised a hand to her mouth imperiously and laughed a haughty laugh.

“Kikokikokikokiko! Give up, Papa! You stand no chance against my army of Beeats!”

As if to punctuate their queen’s words, the Beeats buzzed and squeaked in agreement. With a quick command from Mina, they got to work, shoveling sand up into a great mound for Mina to mold. One of them carried a hexagonal cell over to the sea and filled it up to the brim with water that it brought back to Mina so that she could pack the sand how she saw fit.

---

Gretel mumbled to herself, cowed by Granny’s request. She eventually offered mutterings of agreement to be nice to her annoying brat of a little brother. As if to highlight just how much of an utter brat he was, Hansel screamed into the Den Den Mushi. Gretel scowled and held it at arm’s length away from herself. It was so loud that it scattered the birds on the roof below. After the screaming was done and before Gretel could snap at Hansel for being a big dummy, he actually answered Granny’s question. A fuzzy bat girl? That did seem like a really good trophy. Shoot. She had to get down there too! She didn’t want to get stuck with prisoner duty again!

“L-Let me go too, Granny! I promise I’ll feed the trophies after we get this bat girl. Please? Pretty please?!”

---

#82d7ff - Mina
#cd19e6 - Gretel

[Sam]

"Blehahaha! No way my Minabee! Even with your unfair advantage, I'll be victorious!"

Klaus teased, he knew he would likely lose this contest, but that was something that mattered very little to him. He chuckled seeing the beeats buzz in agreement with his daughter. It was quite the comical scene all things considered. In the end, Mina's entertainment and enjoyment of the vacation was victory enough for Klaus so he didn't need to win this one. Using his dexterous hands Klaus began to dig a hole near the shore. The hole was deep and not exactly wide... after a few minutes of digging, he finally hit a layer of wet sand and water.

Perfect, this was exactly what he needed a source of wet sand and water. He, unlike Mina, only had his hands to work with... any expert sandcastle maker knew however that dry sand was as good as useless! So a source of water to wet sand with was needed. He began to wet the dry sand until it felt like patties layering piece of wet sand after wet sand onto of each other. Before he could mold and chisel the piece to his liking.

"You watching Mina? This is how a true master does it! Blehahahaha!"

He said, not even looking up to check on his daughter's work. Klaus figured he had to put the effort into this work even if he was to lose! That way Mina would have a challenge! Challenges were fun. Right? The work began slowly, first the making of a foundation and then the job moved on to a tower... then walls then more towers. As he prepped up his sandcastle he wondered if he could perhaps find seashells and feathers to decorate it... using the feathers as small banners or flags to put around the castle.

---

Meanwhile...

Baba Yaya, the old lady was called. Despite her pleasant exterior, she was a wicked woman capturing rare creatures and selling them in the black market for high monetary value. Mina was seemingly her next target... she narrowed her eyes and stopped knitting after hearing her grandsons ramble. She remain silent... a furry critter that looked like an animal? Could this be? A mink!? Baba had always wanted to capture one of those. They sold for good money in the black market. The old crone finished her sweater rapidly the dexterity in her fingers being super keen despite being in her twilight years.

"That sounds good my handsome knight Hansel... I'll send Monsieur Boots immediately with a Sweater-Gun."

The old lady gave her cat the sweater, immediately the militant feline grabbed in its mouth and ran to a corner pulling out a wheeled cannon in which he placed the sweater. He then saluted his master once more awaiting her next command! Boots was well aware he was about to be deployed but he wanted to make sure there was more first before hastily going.

"Gretel, you may go as well... but please don't let your rivalry get the best of you... remember what your job really is. This is not a contest, my sugar cube. Now off! Go bring granny a new friend. Babababababa!"

The hag cackled. Boots saluted again he grabbed a whistle within his coat and released an ear-piercing screech from it. Immediately every cat in the room paid attention... each of them dressed like a classic soldier wearing simple blue coats with pickelhaube on their heads. They all formed a line behind Boots and began slauting him. Boots nodded giving another whistle as he put himself at one end of the line and began to march. All the cats followed the militant tabby out of the room their paws clattering against the ground. Two cats in the back pushed on the wheeled cannon as the troupe began to march out of the room.

[risaka]

Hansel listened silently like a good boy after hearing the appraise he recieved from grandmother, if there was one thing that could soften the already soft kind even more it'd be stroking his ego. While with a seemingly innocent look, Hansel is by no means a normal kid, being the right hand of Baba Yaya, the ferocious knitter, he possessed an unexpected prowess with his energetic personality. Licking his lollipop he got the confirmation of the cat army marching onwards, only a matter of a few minutes until Hansel had an army of adorable cats in military uniforms. He giggles deviously and switches the channel of the Den Den Mushi, directly connecting to Gretel.

''Hey hey hey! Gretel! When you get here wanna play a game of leapfrogs? I promise I won't get my lollipop stuck in your hair this time! Oh oh! How about we play some hide n seek? After we capture the fuzzball we can bet some money too on who wins the most times!''

His commenting quickly turned grim once he included gambling in mere child games. He brings the Mushi much closer to his face and lowers his tone and voice, almost a threatening remark.

''Or, we can bet on our prides, whoever wins gets full credit for every single trophy, all in!''

Despite his awkwardly smiling expression, he got a real knack to his greed, he wanted that juicy reward promised by granny, to be acknowledged by her seems to be the big goal. Both him and Gretel has always lived with granny, and whoever got her good side got the most privileges, and those privileges were some real good stuff, such as candy after eight pm!

''Anyways! I am certain the target went down from the street, likely to relax by the beach. Hey! When we are done we should see who captures the biggest shark yes yes yes!''

After forgetting that there was no need to continue monolouging with Gretel he kept on talking and talking to her while walking down to the beach. Soon enough the fuzzball was about to experience one mighty tight situation!

[Fox]

Heading out with Monsieur Boots and the rest of the cat brigade, Gretel sighed as Hansel’s voice came over her Den Den Mushi again. What he was suggesting wasn’t a bad idea. She was pretty sure that she could beat him in a game of hide and seek. She had to say she was intrigued by his idea to bet with their pride on the line. The winner would be granny’s new favorite. If she got that privilege, she’d get to jump on the bed and stay up all night! Stupid Hansel would probably stuff himself with candy and pass out before ten. Bringing the receiver up to her lips, she smiled a nasty smile and answered him.

“You’re on, twerp! Hang on! I’m almost there!”

A minute or two later, and Gretel had arrived on the beach with the platoon of pussy cats in tow. They were carrying a bunch of odds and ends that she had asked them to get. She spotted Hansel pretty easily, but didn’t see their prize anywhere. Reaching up and taking a small pigeon off of her head, Gretel fed it a bread crumb. “Okay, Nugget! It’s showtime! Find that batty fuzz ball!” With a coo in reply, the overweight pigeon fluttered into the sky as Gretel marched over to Hansel. “Alright, kitties! Let’s get set up! I’ve got a plan.”

Gretel took a moment or two to explain it to Hansel as the cats set up what was vaguely reminiscent of a lemonade stand. Basically, they would lure the little fuzz ball over with the promise of sweet treats. Who didn’t like sweets? Snow cones specifically. Gretel helped Monsieur Boots get the sweater gun into position behind the stand and all was ready. Nugget just had to find the little trophy. All the while, Gretel started shouting.

“Snow cones! Free snow cones! Come get your sweet frozen treats!”

---

Mina was making good progress on her sand castle. The Beeats were dumping water where she needed it to go, although they sometimes spilled too much and basically melted the sand away. The castle was almost as tall as her! As she stood back to admire their work, she felt something land on her head. She lifted up a hand to feel… a bird? It cooed at her, making her giggle. Flapping its wings, it pulled and tugged at her fur, making Mina squeak and spin around. When she did, she saw something that hasn’t been there before! Some kind of stand? Curious, Mina immediately scampered off in that direction, leaving her Beeats to work on the castle while she was away. She wouldn’t be gone long!

Over at the stand were two other kids, and she could hear them saying something about free icy treats! Ooh! She hoped that she could get two so that she could bring one back to her Papa. Oh! Maybe three. One for Miss Julep too. Scurrying up to the stand, Mina smiled at the two and held up three fingers. “Three pretty please!”

[Sam]

When Mina approached the cart she was wholly unaware of the cats who were hidden directly under the compartment. In reality, it was just three cats... Monsieur Boots and two of his soldiers readied up the sweater-gun placing the pink woolen article of clothing within their cannon-like device.

"MIAOW!"

Monsieur Boots exclaimed a clear sign that meant FIRE! As soon as Mina was given her fake snowcones the cannon would he shot! Hitting her directly and trapping her within a pink sweater.

BOOM

Not just that but soldier cats from nearby buildings jumped down in parachutes all around Mina... they tugged on the loose threads of the woolen sweater tightening it up so that she could not move! Those very para-cats would grab her and make a stealthy run for it taking her away to Baba Yaya their true master.

Klaus still invested in his castle that now reached little less than a meter in size heard the loud boom. He had been so tangled up in trying to make his masterpiece of a castle that he had forgotten to keep a constant lookout on Mina... truth be told he didn't believe it was a necessary thing. She was safe! Nothing could happen to her... but boy was he wrong. The man looked left and right not seeing his daughter within sight. He looked up ahead and saw the stand! Seeing Mina being taken away by a bundle of militant felines.

"NO! STOP!"

He yelled toward the stand where Hansel and Gretel stood. Quickly he stood up and tan after them full force. His heart sinking at the sight he had just beheld.

---

Meanwhile in the hotel basement...

Baba Yaya took it upon herself to feed her creatures. Being of different kinds were around in cages and wrapped up in woolen sweaters. Animals of different types and some odd-looking people too... after handing them all a cold porridge she walked up to her biggest trophy so far. The one who'd give her a pretty penny.

"Diango Porchez... a wanted Fishman... not just that but a rare breed. How are you doing my trophy?"

The old hag asked leaning on her cane. She gave Diango an evil grimace as she fixed her glasses a bit.

"Hope you're enjoying your stay because it'll only go downhill from here once I sell you up in Sabaody! Bababababa!"

The woman cackled, Diango was a special case... many criminals were sold as slaves in the Sabaody Archipelago to be slowly tortured by world nobles. To be treated like pack dogs and fishmen especially gave a good amount of cash. It would seem she had gotten a big catch this time if her grandchildren were at all successful. After all, minks sold for a hefty amount as well.

[risaka]

Staring past the solid thick iron bars the tall fishman intended to not answer the old geezer anything, giving her a long ugly stare the shark man gritted his teeth enough to create a sharp noise of a friction. Oh she simply had no idea just how much he hated the sound of that, for not only does he despise the act of slavery he very much hate Sabaody in his very core. From past experience Sabaody is the one and only single place he wants to see burn down into nothing, but he did not feel the need to tell her such a fact, for what she was doing was more than enough reason for him to bite her face right off, and doing so would be a real breeze considering his large maw and set of teeth.

''I want none of your gross food or listen to your husk of words, pweh!''

Living in his own world of thoughts he imagined a large anvil just smattering her head, or even better, see that horrendous hairstyle of hers be set on fire. Such a thought made him chuckle under his breath, exhaling between his teeth and lowering his head. Letting his hat cover his face was his way of ignoring stuff, and people.

--

Back at the beach, mission Capture Fuzzball went into motion! Hansel did not do a whole lot to stay in character of a stand owner, he giggled and held his mouth wide, clapping his hands as Mina was approaching the front of the stand. The very moment the cannon launched it's incredibly clingy knitted sweater at Mina the boy couldn't help but to jump all joyful, cheering for the sweater wrapping Mina up in a flash.

''Go go sweater! Catch catch!''

But he had to cut his celebration short, his eyes nearly popping out from his face when seeing the dashingly fast Klaus coming from the distance. Curses! Seems like this opreation went from stealth mode to action mode! Hansel jumped down from the stool located behind the stand's front and quickly went out from the backdoor. Around the corner he waited for Klaus to pass by the stand. With the intention to cut their chase to a halt. Raising his arms her held his lollipop high and swung it with some real might, crashing at both of Klaus' shins and tripping him so hard that he gets a face full of sand!

''AAA-HAHAHA! You don't eat sand you silly man! You eat candy and stuff like that! Anyway, see ya! Let's go Gretel!''

Hansel ran over Klaus' faceplanted body and sprang away in a hurry to follow up Boots and his squad of kitty cats, laughing all the way as an obnoxious brat can be.