The Good Ship Paradise Blue
A/N: Okay I'll be honest I'm not 100% sure what this is supposed to be. Started off with the intent for it to be a folk tale, and it is, but can be read more like a ballad? Or something like that? *screeches in this is what naturally came and I rolled with it* But the main point is, that I'm satisfied with how it is and so I'm publishing it!
Anyway, I will be adding this to my One Piece Folk Tales, since it is still supposed to be a story from the One Piece Universe. Expect more to come soon, I have a few idea's I will be writing out in between work and studying.
[originally posted to tumblr, also shared on Ao3 and wattpad.]
Long ago upon the seas, far from towns called home; sailed the good ship Paradise Blue, the richest ship in the world.
From whence she came n' whereto she went none could really say. But her timbers would carry you safe and true from the start to your journey's end.
Many a time did she embark; with many a crew did she sail. But the favorite crew of Paradise Blue was the last she delivered home.
The favorite crew of Paradise Blue was a kind and jolly bunch. They laughed and sang, and gave her praise, and thanked her for carrying them so.
Scamps and scallywags were they too, of the generous and rascally sort. They'd rob you blind then give you a smile and send you off with a lunch.
Now, what could be said of the loyal crew of the good ship Paradise Blue? Too many a time had they caused a fuss and now they were pursued.
When metal rang and fires roared they protected their Paradise Blue. Over blustering gale, over shrieking seas did they sail through the storm.
After the sea had calmed herself, and the foe was set to rest. They picked up their bandage, timber and nails, and fixed up their dearest friend.
The crew pressed on, for they wished to see the world and its tales untold. But Paradise Blue was becoming fatigued, from a lifetime of protecting friends.
Paradise Blue could feel it soon, it was nearly time to rest. So she trimmed her sails and turned her bow to the place they knew the best.
Homeward bound she carried them thence, though heavy it weighed on her heart. To know this was the final trip she'd bear her family home.
When the crew of Paradise Blue saw their island home. They wept and cursed, for in their bones they knew what was to come.
They called for the viol, a final tune, to honor their friend so dear. They sang and they danced, and they took a stance, and raised their drinks to the sky.
That final night they slept aboard their lovely Paradise Blue; the Captain swore he saw a form, strange but familiar too.
Morning came and all the crew knew the time was at hand; to bid farewell to their Paradise Blue, she wouldn't sail again.
They gave her gifts of precious things for which to remember them by. With solemn hearts they set the blaze then wet the sand with their eyes.
And then a voice, soft as silver, rose from their lament. With wonder and awe they saw a figure standing in the smoke.
"I thank you all, my companions true, for a lifetime truly well spent. I'm sorry to leave, please forgive me. I love you all. Farewell."