Updated:10/20/16
Chapter 6: A New Place
The Straw Hats proceeded off of the Thousand Sunny in an orderly line to avoid falling off the gang plank, each member standing with the person they would be promenading around the city with. The only one who remained aboard the ship was Zoro. He had volunteered to do guard duty, stating he'd much rather explore the town at night so he could check out the bars. Apparently this satisfied Nami, as she explained to Liara that the swordsman was directionally challenged and would probably only fall asleep and be a nuisance anyway. Zoro mouthed the word "bitch" at her, which earned him a swift kick in the head from Sanji.
The modest faction of companions stood adjacent to the ship on a ligneous pier, discussing amongst themselves about what they would do with their funds while Nami ventured off for a moment to gather some information. Liara still felt awkward about all the Beris she currently had secured within her pocket, but was also enthusiastic over all the unlimited imaginable things she could possibly achieve or purchase on the first island she'd ever visited. Her eyes scanned the city, eventually landing on a hefty sign that read "Welcome to Sea Breeze Island". She had to admit that the name was perfect, and fit the place quite nicely. Her thoughts refocused as Nami approached and declared that the Log Pose would reset in 5 days, which gave them a decent amount of time to explore the isle.
"There is a firework festival scheduled to take place the night before we leave, which I wouldn't mind seeing. Apparently it's a celebration to mark the birth of this place," the Navigator mentioned before making sure her log pose was firmly fastened around her slim wrist. At the mention of the commemorative event, Usopp and Luffy draped their arms across each others shoulders and paraded around eagerly while kicking their legs up and repeatedly yelling out "Fireworks! Yahoo!"
"Be warned that there is also a Marine base here, so watch yourselves," Nami advised. "Liara, you're a pirate now, which means the Marines are your enemy. Let's just hope none of them know who your parents are and spot you."
Liara nodded her head in understanding, nervous and yet feeling a satisfying rush of adrenaline to know she now had enemies. "Luckily, my parents didn't really introduce me to anybody else in their work force, so I should be okay. I'll make sure to be careful though."
"Yay! Let's go!" Luffy impatiently yelled as he pumped a fist in the air, anxious to get moving and discover what unusual meat he could stuff his face with.
"Alright!" Franky, Chopper, and Usopp chorused.
[To the Spacesport- Treasure Planet]
As the group shouted bye to each other and ventured their own separate ways, Liara found herself stiff and not budging an inch. She honestly had no idea which path to stroll first, as there were hordes of buildings and scenes encompassing her that it was all almost overwhelming. A marble water fountain with two curved fish at the top spouted alluring cerulean water into the circular pool cored within an extravagant basin. Sitting on the fountain's rim were couples, friends and families who were either engaged in discussions or flipping coins into the water. Architectures of varying altitudes and diameters loomed over the city, countless ones decorated with signs that flashed an extensive amount of distinct colors to draw attention. The effect was staggering.
Brook peered down at the new Straw Hat, his boney finger poking her gently on the shoulder. "Liara?" he asked, wondering what could possibly be going through her mind.
Aqua eyes traveled upwards to meet a devoid pair of concerned eye sockets. "I'm alright. I've just-" her eyes ogled at all the spectacular sights enveloping her, "-never seen so buildings and people before."
The skeleton chuckled and motioned Liara forward. "Let's go. I've never been to this island either you know!"
Beaming, she trailed after the lanky musician, and together the pair initiated their novel adventure on Sea Breeze Island.
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Liara lugged Brook to a copious amount of shops, not necessarily to purchase a specific item, but to examine everything that she possibly could. Brook's mind was pleasantly occupied by how youthful she appeared to be, with eyes that lit up every time she came across something interesting or how she would just seem to glow at the fantastic atmosphere she had merged into.
The two even started acting frivolous in the shops. While in a jewelry store, Liara came across a pair of substantial beryl diamonds that sparkled magnificently under the sunlight that poured in through the shop's colossal windows. Not being able to help herself, Liara carefully picked up the two jewels and placed them in front of her pupils, giving the illusion that her eyes had shrunk and multiplied. Both of them laughed as Brook took them from her and placed them in his eye sockets to bring about the misconception that he had diamonds for eyes. They blatantly chortled as they forced themselves to take off under the shop owner's intense glare.
[+]
Eventually the duo came across a weapon shop. Swords and guns of all shapes, sizes, and colors were orderly arranged along the walls; gunpowder and cleaning oil were stacked neatly on lower shelves. Liara trailed after Brook as he trekked towards the rear of the store, doing her best to avoid all the intimidating customers who carefully analyzed the merchandise.
After winding their way through the aisles and examining a multitude of swords and guns, Brook suddenly halted and pointed upwards. "What about this one?" he asked as he motioned towards a sword that wasn't too long but not too short either. Liara had to admit that it was quite nice looking, with a large rose etched professionally into the center of the handle. However, there was a part of her that worried about whether she would even be able to pick it up.
"Do you think it might be too heavy for me?" She gaped at the weapon, trying to imagine how it would feel within her grasp.
Brook reached up and took a firm hold of the sword before slowly lowering it. "Tell me how this feels to you." He held the weapon out over his open palms.
Liara took hold of the saber, expecting to buckle underneath its weight. Instead, she felt balanced. Her fingertips tingled, as if she had made some personal connection with the blade. Its weight wasn't the least bit burdensome, and the way it gleamed beneath the shop's lights made it look like some long lost treasure that she'd been lucky enough to stumble upon. Something was special about this sword, and she knew at that moment that no other weapon would feel so perfect to her.
As Brook studied her facial response, he found himself grinning, as that was the same look he knew he'd had upon receiving his current weapon. He angled his head to get a good look at the price, which to his relief wasn't that high."Shall we buy it then?" he teasingly asked, knowing full well what her answer would be.
With eyes as wide as saucers, Liara gradually looked at Brook in disbelief. "Can I? Are you sure?"
He chuckled. "Why of course! You two were meant to mind find each other."
Her face broke split into a blissfully sweet smile, one that could melt anybody's heart. Brook watched Liara with gentle eyes as he saw the passion she had for the weapon, and decided then and there to personally instruct her.
Sword polish was grabbed on the way to the registers, which was "a necessity for any swordsman," Brook explained. After the purchase was made, the duo left the store feeling quite accomplished. "This is mine. My very own sword." Liara beamed at the thought, and felt rather disappointed that she had to tuck it away into its sheath. Even though she knew she wasn't the only person on the island with a sword, a part of her just wanted to show it off. As she continued to think about it though, she realized that while it was convenient she had sword, she still needed to learn how to use it.
"I will help train you how to use it, though only the basics. After all, a swordsman must put their own heart and soul into their blade." It almost seemed as if Brook was reading her thoughts, as if he could sense her train of thought. Was her face really that traitorous to her emotions?
"Thank you." Her words were sincere and appreciative. Brook patted her on the head, his phalanges halting as a growl emitted from her stomach.
Liara's face flushed as he snickered. "I suppose it is lunchtime. Shall we get something to eat then?"
They eventually came across a dainty but inexpensive restaurant. Much to their surprise, the other Straw Hats were also inside. Luffy and Usopp had plates piled on top of each other and cheeks so full that it was a miracle they didn't pop.
Upon Liara and Brook's arrival, Sanji promptly jumped out of his chair and raced to her side, where he held out his arm and looked at her with heart-shaped pupils. "Liara, my dear! I'm so glad you could make it! Won't you allow me to escort you?" The look on his face was so hopeful that Liara couldn't find it in herself to reject the cook's offer, even though the table was only a few feet away.
"Of course!" Liara accepted, much to Sanji's pleasure, and linked her arm with his. Brook followed and seated himself next to Franky, while Liara sat between Nami and Robin. She felt relaxed with the other two women of the crew, already feeling like they were sisters to her. Growing up without siblings, Liara had often found herself feeling lonely, so just even the idea of being able to call somebody sister or brother was enthralling to her.
"Oi? Is that a sword?" Franky inquired from across the table, his ginormous hand reaching upwards to push his sunglasses up in an attempt to get a better look. At the observation, everybody looked over at Liara, who hastily pulled out her concealed weapon and displayed it with an air of dignity.
"Wow, that is gorgeous," Nami murmured as her fingertips lightly trailed along the sword's surface.
Robin hummed in agreement. "The metal seems to be strong and reliable. Of course, I'm not an expert on swordsmanship like Mr. Bushido, but it does look rather commendable."
Usopp, who had finally managed to ease the abscess in his belly and cheeks, leaned across the table to examine the weapon even closer. "Looks like it'll slice nice. Good choice. Did you or Brook pick this?"
Brook raised his boney arm into the air, his suit cuff sliding down his arm to reveal skinless wrists. "I did after we looked at several weapons, but Liara is the one who felt the connection with it." He nodded towards the brunette, who smiled proudly. If everybody else seemed to approve, then she knew that she had made the right choice.
The group once again split up after the meal, though this time Nami dragged Liara along to go clothes shopping. "If you are staying with us, then you need your own wardrobe!" the Navigator cheerfully exclaimed, positively ecstatic when it came to hunting for the latest fashion trends. What started as window shopping evolved into buying at least one outfit at every store. Nami seemed to be quite the shop-a-holic, along with being skilled at bargaining. Eventually the girls ran into Chopper and Robin, who agreed to join in on the shopping [although Chopper was forced to go into Heavy Point and carry almost everything.] Much to Nami's satisfaction, she managed to encounter Franky and Usopp and impose them to tote bags as well. The Shipwright and Sharpshooter were against the idea, but once Nami hinted that their debts would only increase, they let out a simultaneous sigh and realized they had no choice.
After what felt like hours of shopping, the group arrived back on the ship to drop off all the bags, much to the men's relief. The women swooped up their purchases, with only Liara and Robin giving sympathetic and grateful smiles to the men who were now face down in exhaustion on the deck. Zoro had been sleeping, as usual, but he did manage to prop his good eye open and burst out laughing when he saw how worn out his fellow crew mates were.
The women were also tired, but the only ones who settled on taking a nap were Liara and Nami. Robin decided that she probably couldn't fall asleep, so she headed off to the kitchen to brew a new pot of coffee. Nami snuggled up into her bed, while Liara relaxed in Robin's. Nami fell asleep in no time flat, her gentle breathing echoing across the room. Bags upon bags of clothing lay heaped together in a corner of the bedroom, as the girls simply weren't in the mood to put their attire away at the moment. Liara focused on the bags and their different colors and designs in an attempt to lure herself to sleep.
Luffy's boisterous laughter could suddenly be heard from above deck, the sound swiftly carrying into the girls' room and bringing a tired smile to Liara's face. She pressed her face into the pillow, and allowed the sounds of her new found family to lure her off into a welcome slumber.