Pirated Away! Toiling in the Boiling Bathhouse!

[Fox]

Plumes of white steam pillowed up from the onsen as Sedna, John and Icarus approached. The style of the building was distinctly very similar to the architecture in Wano. Sedna had wondered about it when she had first arrived the other day, but had left it as mere coincidence or cultural influences. The onsen itself was surrounded by several bubbling pools of water like a veritable moat. As such, there was a bridge to allow people to cross over. Sedna strode across it leisurely, walking across its length in long strides.

“Hm?”

Sedna frowned and paused halfway across the bridge. Lined up in front of the bathhouse was the proprietor of the establishment, a rather young - well, Sedna supposed that she’d be older than John by several decades, wouldn’t she? - Fishwoman and her brothers, an assortment of Fishmen and one Merman. They looked… less than pleased. Even more so when they laid eyes upon her. Oh dear.

Not one to delay the inevitable, Sedna continued her approach and stopped a few meters away from the proprietress and her siblings. The Fishwoman put her hands on her hips and looked up at Sedna who was much taller than her. One of the brothers held out the satchel of Wano silver that she’d given them in exchange for her stay.

“What is this supposed to be?”

“Payment.”

The proprietress sighed and put a hand to her temple. Sedna was being straightforward, but it was obvious that she was still discontented by the whole situation.

“This isn't Beri. And, regardless, it isn’t nearly enough for how long you’ve been staying, Miss Sedna. I’m afraid we’re going to have to ask for additional payment upfront now.”

“Oh, I see… Hm. I’m afraid that was all I had with me,” Sedna explained.

The siblings exchanged pained looks with one another. Clearly, it hadn’t been the answer that they’d been hoping to get. After a brief exchange, the proprietress turned to address Sedna again.

“Then, you’ll have to work your remaining balance off. Collect your things from your room and report to my office on the top floor. Are we understood?”

Her tone made it evident that this was not a request, but a threat. One of the beefier of her siblings rolled up his sleeves to make a point. In response, Sedna just smiled and nodded to the lot of them.

“Of course. I’ll be up shortly.”

The group of siblings seemed to relax as relief washed over them. This wouldn’t be a painful confrontation for them today. It was only right, after all. As the group ducked back into the bathhouse, leaving the beefier sibling by the door, Sedna turned to John and Icarus.

“Apologies, boys. It seems as though I’ll be caught up here for a while longer before we can begin searching for your family. You're free to go on without me, of course.”

---

Sedna | #2aaa8a | Post Count: 1

John Sharkbane

[John Sharkbane]

If John did not know better, he would have fully considered he had stepped into another realm upon seeing the towering Bath House before him. The very structure appeared as though it was summoned from the most fantastical of fairy tales. All the while, whether or not he imagined it, an otherworldly siren song echoed from within. Heavenly voices accompanied by instruments of wind, string, and percussions. He did not understand the language of the melody as it was foreign to him. Regardless, it was haunting yet bewitching, regardless if he understood the words. It certainly was not anything like the Sea Shanties he heard in his life.

John and Icarus accompanied Sedna across the wooden bridge. The Pirate’s eyes shifted to either side as people were coming and going in either direction in relation to the Onsen. There were mostly humans with some Fishfolk scattered about. The group that stood in their path would interrupt his silent observation.

His voice remained nonexistent in the duration of his new Crewmember settling her accord with the employees and proprietor of the Onsen. More Fishfolk. The Pirate and his bird companion had never seen so many gathered in one place. Their childlike sense of wonder tingled while he paid attention to the encounter.

Sedna had become caught up in a matter of payment—or lack thereof. Rather, a lack of proper payment. The Proprietor suggested that the large Mermaid would instead need to work off her debt. A task which Sedna appeared to be more-than-willing to accomplish on her own. This did not settle right with the man of the sea.

“Hey,” Icarus started, “hold on now. She has payment right there! It isn’t Beri, sure, but at least it should be worth something? Can’t you—”

John held up his hand to interrupt him.

“Now hold on, my fine-feathered friend,” he expressed. A light smile spread across the Pirates lips while his arms folded over one another.

“What sort of crew would we be if we didn’t stick together?” he inquired innocently. “It’s unfortunate, but the staff here have an established tender that they accept over others. Can’t be helped. Now. Sedna here’s my First Mate. I hereby offer my employment to help her pay off her debts. Would that be satisfactory?”

Icarus understood the Path which John was laying down. He nodded understandingly.

“I also offer my services to clear the debt,” the silver eagle chimed in. “Where John and Sedna go, I go.”

---

John Davis | #007ba2
Icarus | #c4d0cf
Post Count: 1

[Fox]

“I…” Sedna began to correct John, but swiftly gave up. She knew that he wouldn’t listen to her once he’d made his mind up, nor did she have the energy to refuse him. Icarus was swift to follow his captain’s example. Sedna sighed. Truly, the youthful were adorable at times. Their earnestness was one of the things that she was fond of. She shook her head and turned to the largest of the siblings who just looked down at John and Icarus and rolled his shoulders in a titanic shrug.

“Don’t see why not. Go upstairs too then.”

Why would they refuse free labor, after all? Sedna glanced down at John, feeling an urgency that she’d hadn’t felt in an age. With his fate tied to her own, she couldn’t exactly mill about here for long. John’s inadvertent insistence on keeping her rooted in the present was more than a little exhausting. She patted them both on their heads.

“Come along then. We’ll collect my belongings and see the boss lady, shall we?”

Moving past the large Fishman and into the bathhouse proper, Sedna took in the sights as a guest for the last time. The smell of herbal bath waters filled the air with a pungent aroma. Various employees milled about carrying cleaning clothes, buckets, food, and all sorts of other things for the guests. Guests rested in baths all over the main floor or walking around the hallways and balconies above. Music lilted through the air distantly.

Sedna led the way through the maze of corridors to her room. It was rather lavishly accommodated and looked as if it were fit for a party of ten. Or at least one or two royals. It had a private bath in the room with a luxurious bed fit for her size as well as a scenic view of the turtle’s mountainous shell and various gardens. In retrospect, perhaps she ought to have chosen different accommodations. They might be here a while even with the three of them working together.

Her possessions were meager and few. Just a small satchel tossed onto a table next to the bed. Sedna scooped it up in one hand and turned around, smiling somewhat apologetically at John and Icarus. Surely, the price tag for such a room wouldn’t be too egregious. She hadn’t been staying here for long after all. Well, not long by her standards might be a little skewed. How long had it been…? A week? Maybe two? Her gut feeling was that it couldn’t have been longer than a day or two, but Guiscard and Laplace were fond of reminding her that her day or two tended to be more in weeks.

“Are you sure that you still wish to help me?”

Sedna asked just to be certain even though she was pretty sure of what John’s answer would be. Regardless, Sedna kept walking through the bathhouse to a steam powered lift. She ducked her head inside and waited for John to either join her or leave her behind. She wouldn’t blame him if he left.

“Last chance to change your mind.”

---

Sedna | #2aaa8a | Post Count: 2

[John Sharkbane]

John and Icarus did not hesitate to steal glances at the incredible sights within the enormous bath house. Still, they did not dillydally. The pair ensured to stay close with their crewmate on their journey.

“I’m more than sure,” John answered quickly while the group meandered in the Mermaid’s accommodations.

And still the man and the eagle followed along before reaching the large elevator lift. It was a contraption which John had never witnessed before. Still, he did not falter despite the culture shock and climbed aboard with Sedna. Icarus, however, opted to stand back, as there was no room for him.

“Don’t worry,” Icarus assured while unfurling his wings. “I can fly up to meet you. Benefit of being a bird, I guess,” he stated with a light smirk.

John offered a light tilt of his head, then looked up to Sedna with a smile radiating with confidence and warmth.

“I told you,” he started, “we’re in this together. I wouldn’t be a good Captain if I left you behind to have some fun. We’re a family now.”

---

John Davis | #007ba2
Icarus | #c4d0cf
Post Count: 2

[Fox]

Oi, these children. Well, stubborn as they were, Sedna was almost certain that there was no way to convince them to leave her here. She’d just have to roll up her sleeves and hope that her debt wasn’t too egregious. It earned John a small smile from the mermaid as she pulled the lever to activate the elevator. It lurched to life, sending them up and up and up to the top of the bathhouse.

“Oh, you’re such a charmer,” Sedna replied to John.

When the elevator stopped, it opened up into a long hallway. One side of it was lined with windows to allow light into the space. Sedna was almost certain that she’d caught a glimpse of Icarus outside. She didn’t waste time, taking long strides toward the door at the end of the hall, which was, presumably, the office of the lady that ran the place. Sedna knocked.

“Come in,” came the muffled reply.

Sedna opened the door to allow John in first and then followed in behind. The office space was luxurious. A huge aquarium filled with fish lined one wall. Bookshelves lined the other along with a door that probably led to an adjoining suite. A huge window made up the back wall which led out onto a balcony. At a desk at the back of the room sat the woman from before.

“Ah. That was quick. Well, no matter. I’ve prepared the contracts for you. You’ll be working with us for a month, minimum to make up the wages we’ve lost… actually with the two of you, it can probably be shortened to two weeks. This time can be further cut down if you do extra work or an especially exemplary job. We provide food and board for our employees that require it, though it is modest to say the least. I’ll have someone show you the way once you’ve signed. Questions?”

“Are we allowed to leave the premises at all?”

“Yes, but don’t think about running. The ports have been informed to turn you away.”

“I see,” Sedna mumbled, glancing down at John to see if he had any questions.

---

Sedna | Post Count: 3

[John Sharkbane]

It was difficult to not take in the splendor of the Onsen's main office. The young pirate's eyes trailed toward one aquarium wall before glancing toward the other. A slew of fish swam within each environment; some he recognized, where others he could not even imagine in his wildest dreams. The sight of the watery wildlife stirred his passions for the sea and marine biology.

John fastened his gaze onto the Fishwoman the group met before. Finding her to be the proprietor had subverted the man’s expectations. He expected someone older, wiser, and, for some reason, someone with a colossal head and a gemstone betwixt their eyebrows.

Two weeks. That wouldn't be such a big deal, the man silently mused. Food and board would be helpful. John had no means of supplies let alone a place to sleep such as a vessel. He also had no intentions of leaving the island that was a living turtle. John gave his word to assist his new cremate in any capacity, so he would do just that.

With attention drawing to John, his stoic expression melted into a smile with warmth and brilliance that rivaled the breaking dawn. His right hand grasped his hat, which he plucked and used as an extension to a polite bow.

"John Sharkbane. Pleasure to meet you, madam. Just a few questions, if it pleases you."

The Pirate awaited acknowledgement before continuing on.

“I make it a personal policy to carry my weapons at all times. I’d prefer to keep them on hand, in the event I may need to protect myself and my friends. Will this be an issue? As for my other question. Are employees permitted usage of the baths at any point during breaks or while off-duty?”

Then, a gentle rapping on the door. Icarus had arrived, and, acting very much like a bird would, knocked gently on the closed door to the balcony while peering in with one eye after the other. Seeing the scene caused John’s smile to broaden..

“Ah, there is my other companion, Icarus. He will assist us with paying off the debt as well.” The Pirate quickly glanced up to Sedna to offer a smile to help melt her worries away, if she had any remaining.

---

John Davis | #007ba2
Icarus | #c4d0cf
Post Count: 3

[Fox]

“Yamato Izumi,” the proprietress introduced herself in kind. She stood up from her desk. She wore a black kimono, which accentuated her colorful skin patterns. She was a Fighting Fish Fishman, but her skin was reminiscent of the whites, oranges, and blacks of a koi. Long flowing black hair was tied up in a traditional style. She stared at John, nodding for him to continue with his line of questions.

“You may carry your weapons, but know if you wield them at a guest or one of my crew, there will be severe consequences. As for use of the baths, employees have their own private baths in a different section of the onsen. The public baths are off limits.”

All eyes in the room turned toward the giant bird perched on the balcony when there was a rap on the door. Izumi put a hand to her chin thoughtfully and frowned. What use could they have for a giant bird? Hm.

“I see… He might do well to load and unload supplies from ships. Is he a steady bird?”

Sedna exchanged looks with John as Izumi considered Icarus. He smiled at her as if to reassure her. She felt a twinge of something in her torpid heart as he did so. Ah, hm. She returned the smile out of courtesy, but chided herself for getting attached. After she helped him find his family, they’d be going their separate ways. Probably. Izumi tapped her desk, gesturing to two contracts on the table, which allowed Sedna a distraction from her growing discomfort.

“Please go ahead and sign here.”

Sedna stepped forward and kneeled down in front of the desk, picking up a brush and signing her name as Sedna Adlivun Cortez. Her married name was not something that she felt like she had any right to use. Setting down the brush, she moved aside to allow John to pen in his own signature.

“Good!” Izumi said as she wrapped up Sedna’s contract, “If you go down the elevator to the bottom floor, someone will show you to your quarters. It’s open air as well, so your feathered friend should be able to make it down without any difficulties.”

---

Sedna | Post Count: 4

[John Sharkbane]

Good, John thought, his mind now easing with an affirmation about the weapons policy. It wasn’t as though he needed them every waking moment of his life. The man could properly defend himself with his bare hands. And yet, having his swords on his person provided sentimental comfort. After all, the bladed weapons were reminders of his parents being the only objects of value he found after the shipwreck many years ago.

“You have my word that I shall not raise a weapon unless it is out of self defense,” the pirate assured Izumi.

The man brought his hand to his mouth to stifle a chuckle at the reception toward Icarus. The large bird would quickly nod and spread his wings to soar upon hearing the group’s new destination.

Now, it was John’s turn to sign the contract. He took care to read the parchment in its entirety as to ensure the wording would not entangle him in some everlasting contract for his soul. Thankfully, everything appeared to be in order. He could not find any fine print that would spell doom for himself and Sedna. Satisfied, John signed his name as Johnathon Davis.

“Thank you for the opportunity to pay off the debts,” John said with a smile as he set the pen back into its inkwell. “However long it takes, we will give our best performance.”

---

John Davis | #007ba2
Icarus | #c4d0cf
Post Count: 4

[Fox]

Once the contracts were signed, Sedna and John were both summarily shooed out of Izumi’s office. The ride down the elevator whizzed by for Sedna in the blink of an eye, and soon they were at the level where the employees lived. As the doors of the elevator opened, Sedna stepped out, stooping over so as not to hit her head, and looked around.

Somewhat amusingly, these were still far better accommodations than she was accustomed to. Her little shanty back on Memory Peak had been barely suitable for life. It had a kitchenette and a nice little pool tidepool in it that she’d used as a bed, and a table with some chairs, but that was about it. Large group sleeping areas filled the space with futons neatly tucked away into cupboards. Sedna could see a balcony on the other side of the sleeping quarters, and two different doorways that seemed to lead to outdoor baths.

“Well, at least we won’t be living in squalor, hm,” Sedna commented, tapping the side of her face with a finger.

“Ah! No customers down here, Miss Sedna!” came a familiar voice from in front of her. Sedna looked down to see the tiny form of a young Goldfish Fishman.

“Ah, Chiyo,” Sedna greeted the young Fishman, “No, no, I’m afraid we’ll be working here to pay off my debt to Miss Izumi.”

“Ehhhh?” Chiyo took a look at John before looking back to Sedna, “This is… AMAZING! Don’t worry, Miss Sedna! I’ll show you all the ropes!”

Chiyo jumped up and took Sedna’s hand, tugging her along for a tour of the quarters. She stopped suddenly and turned to look at John.

“What are you doing? Get into uniform! There’s spare outfits in the cabinet! Go go go!”

“Chiyo…”

“Oh, you’re going to have so much fun, Miss Sedna! We can do floor cleaning races, and see which one of us can clean out the furnaces the fastest, and we’ll eat dinner, and then we can stay up all night, and eat mochi!”

Sedna cast a pleading look back at John that seemed to beg for help.

~MEANWHILE~

“This is it?”

“Yeah. They got a casino here. In and out.”

“I hear there’s mermaids among the staff.”

“Might as well take who we can grab then, eh boys?”

A resounding cheer went up from the pirate ship. Their captain smiled, a crooked, wicked thing. The first mate threw the anchor onto the back of Fluffy’s shell, embedding itself into the grassy earth on the turtle’s back. From there, pirates spilled out onto Fluffy headed toward the onsen.

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Sedna | Post Count: 5