Updated:11/22/16

Chapter 21: Wondrous

The fresh rays of dawn filtered through delicate ivory curtains, speckling the bedroom in a yellow color as gold danced through lace. Liara tranquilly lounged beneath her white comforter, enjoying the harmonious conversation of bird whistles from the comfort of her mattress. Eventually she roused herself out of her drowsiness and sat up. Regardless of her experiencing only about six hours of sleep, she felt wide awake, almost as if she had slumbered for an entire day. It could've been due to the fact that she had descended into a heavy rest the moment her head had hit the pillow, or maybe because she couldn't wait to start exploring Fantasia Island. Either way, she felt stimulated.

She removed the comforter off of her legs and placed her feet on the smooth timbered floor. Her hair fell in tangled waves over her shoulders, and when she lifted her foot up, she grimaced at the abnormal skin color of green and brown. She wrinkled her nose in disgust, aware that her scent was probably equally as unpleasant. She'd been too tired the previous night to shower, so now was the perfect time to wash all the grime off her.

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Liara scrubbed every inch of her body, especially her feet, as the igneous water relaxed and eased the tense muscles in her back and neck. Thankfully, towels, shampoo, soap, and even conditioner were all supplied to give the full satisfying feeling of cleanliness. The soap smelt of vanilla , and she found herself closing her eyes as she rubbed the bar all over her smooth, wet skin. Once the suds had completely dripped off of her, she applied the matching scents of coconut shampoo and conditioner into her hair, relaxing as her fingers massaged her scalp and soaked into her thick curls.

About ten minutes later she emerged from the bathroom wrapped securely in a thick, peach towel with a smaller one piled on top of her head. She waited a few moments for the moisture to be absorbed before proceeding to thoroughly brush the knots out and dispose of the towels. She slid open the door to her modest closet in habit, mentally chiding herself at first for fully knowing that her clothes were still on the ship, only to stare in absolute awe as she saw that somehow almost her entire wardrobe had been transported to her temporary room. It was a question she would need to ask Merida later, but for now, she decided on blue-jean shorts, a black spaghetti strap top, white socks and a pair of black tennis shoes with blue strips at the bottom. Once she looked in the mirror and felt satisfied with appearance, she exited her compartment.

Boisterous snoring bounced off the corridor walls, causing her to giggle as she inaudibly crept down the hallway, silently praying that her footsteps wouldn't cause any floor boards to creak and disturb her companions. Robin, Nami, Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper were all upstairs with her, while the remaining four members had taken the bedrooms on the first floor. She was thankful that the walls were thick and that her room was in the very back corner, as it would've been difficult to sleep while encompassed by a chorus of snores.

She descended down the stairs and entered the kitchen, where she observed Sanji standing at the stove and preparing ingredients and tools for breakfast. Instead of donning his usual ebony suit, he was now wearing an orange short-sleeved shirt, beige shorts, and white tennis shoes. As was typical of the blonde, he had a cigarette perched in the corner of his mouth.

The moment he saw Liara enter, he spun over, swooning and wiggling his arms around ecstatically. "Good morning, Liara my sweet!" he cooed. "You look lovely as usual!"

Liara smiled. His compliments never failed to flatter her. "Good morning Sanji. Thank you."

He escorted her to the dining room, where he pulled out a chair for her from the rather lengthy dining table. Robin, unsurprisingly, was already seated with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. She acknowledged Liara's presence with a bob of her head.

"Well, you're up rather early."

Liara placed her forearms on the table. "I know, but I actually slept really well last night. I guess I'm just so excited to explore this place that I couldn't stay asleep any longer."

"Quite understandable." Robin tilted her head to the side. "I must say, I'm impressed by your dream. You alone led us here, and I think it was well worth the trip. Quite odd how we seem to have our things. Even the kitchen seems stocked." She nodded towards Sanji's work space while Liara murmured in agreement. The Archaeologist set her book down, placed a bookmark firmly between the pages, and picked up her steaming cup. "So, what do you plan on doing today?"

Honestly, it was a question Liara hadn't really thought about in great detail. She was just so elated to have finally arrived that she couldn't possibly even comprehend what do do first. Her lips twisted and her eyes rested on the table for a moment as she began running ideas through her head. Robin said nothing, only watched with an amused expression.

"I want to see as much as I can," she casually responded. " I want to interact with the faeries and try to discover all of the island's hidden secrets. But I think what I want, more than anything, is to find the wishing waters." She timidly beamed. "Even if wishes no longer work, I really want to find the heart of this place."

"Then we shall find it."

Liara peered up to find Brook positioned at the head of the table. She was surprised that she hadn't even heard him coming, nor noticed him standing there. Just like Sanji, he had also decided to wear something else besides a suit. His skeletal forearms were no longer hidden, but instead stuck out from the sleeves of a short-sleeved burgundy shirt. His legs remained unseen though, as he was wearing obsidian pants and matching-colored shoes.

After he exchanged good-mornings with both ladies, he took his usual spot next to Liara. Recently, sitting next to her had become a routine for him, and as Robin watched him take his seat, she couldn't help but simper and wonder if anybody else besides her and Nami had noticed just how close the two had become, and by close, she meant really close. Liara certainly didn't look displeased about the daily seating arrangement. If anything, she appeared jovial, with her cheeks a rosy pink and a smile always on her face.

Brook also appeared cheerful, as he displayed his skeletal grin the way only a skeleton could. The base of his eye sockets curved upwards, almost as if he had dimples. Robin merely took another sip of her coffee and returned to reading her book.

Everyone was awake and present at the dining table no later than eight-thirty, as Sanji had emphatically broadcasted that breakfast was served. Zoro, as usual, was one of the last to arrive. He could sleep through a hurricane, so ignoring the chef's boisterous yelling wasn't a problem.

Breakfast went by in the customary manner, full of merriment and yelling as everyone attempted to keep Luffy's snatching hands from reaching their plates. Even when his hand was slapped away he just laughed and continued to repeat his foiled attempts. Liara inhaled her meal so she could finish and impel a zestful day of scouting the unfamiliar landscape, even permitting her captain a few swipes of her food just to hurry the process.

Once breakfast was consummated and the dishes spotless, the crew assembled in front of the complex to determine groups. Nami proposed breaking off into factions, like they frequently did whenever they traveled to an unfamiliar area. She had confidence in all her friends to take care of themselves, but the island was enormous and could cause them all to quite easily get lost. Therefore, she suggested mini groups so that nobody was venturing around alone. While the isle appeared peaceful for the most part, there was certainly no question that at least chunk of the place was dangerous, especially since a dark curse had been executed and managed to kill up to 999 people in the process.

The first group consisted of Zoro, Nami, Franky and Robin. Since Nami was the finest when it came to navigating and Zoro didn't have any skills in the field, it only seemed fitting for the two to be near each other. Nami would be mapping out the island as they trekked and Robin planned on keeping an eye out for hidden ruins. Zoro grunted, knowing full well that he was deemed incapable of finding his way back to their home, but decided that arguing with Nami just wasn't worth it. Besides, Franky would be with them, and the cyborg at least could make the situation a tad more tolerable. Perhaps him and the Shipwright could wander off and get away from the girls.

Chopper and Sanji were the next group named. Chopper would analyze plants that could possibly go towards making medicine, which would also allow Sanji to gather ideas for new recipes. He would also note the different animal species they come across, whether it be fish or birds. The Straw Hats had to eat, and there was absolutely no way Luffy would settle for just eating fruits and vegetables. The blonde chef was disappointed to not have any of the ladies in the group, but went along with Nami's idea anyways because he would do anything for his "angel".

Finally, Usopp, Luffy, Liara, and Brook were placed together. Liara didn't mind in the least. Not only would it give her some more time with Brook, but Luffy was just as anxious to explore as she was. Usopp was hesitant, but perhaps he'd relax a little more once Luffy dragged him around. It was agreed that they were to all meet back at the house for dinner before the sun set.

The group finally disbanded, and once again Liara found herself partnering with the dead musician. Luffy sprinted ahead with Usopp running closely behind as he yelled for his captain to wait. The two eventually disappeared from view as they ran straight, not knowing at all where they were going. Liara just observed her companions' behavior with amusement, not worried at all about them because they could most definitely take care of themselves.

Brook chuckled. "Well, looks like it's just the two of us now, Miss Liara."

Liara beamed as she clasped her hands behind her back. "I guess so."

The pair strolled along in silence for a moment before Brook proceeded to hum a tune. It was in no way familiar to Liara, but she found it to be quite catchy. She swayed her hips slowly back and forth, adding a bounce to her step as she moved her body to the music. The humming stopped however, as they both began noticing their surroundings.

[Atlantis the Lost Empire- Milo Meets Kida]

Their surroundings were completely verdant and dotted with bright cardinal, amethyst, and beryl star-shaped flowers. Paralleling bird calls could once again be perceived, establishing a beauteous atmosphere. The audibility of trickling water could be heard adjacent to the pirates as a diminutive waterfall flowed over jutting rocks. Specks of sunlight flickered on the dirt floor as the sun peaked through the dancing leaves of upper tree branches. A charming silver fox bounded out of nowhere, its thin fur reflecting the sunlight. Liara gaped at the beautiful creature, and found herself wanting to just step forward and run her finger through the argent strands of fur adorning its body. The fox only looked at the two of them for a moment before it departed back into the forest.

The placid moment was disrupted by a yell from Luffy.

"THIS IS SO AWESOME!"

Usopp's terrified scream followed subsequently.

Curious and worried, Liara and Brook bolted towards the noise. They both nudged away any leaves and branches that stuck out while making sure not to trip over rocks or tree roots. A confined stream emerged from the side and surged along in the same direction they were headed.

"Do you think they're okay?" Liara gasped out as she pushed herself to keep up with the skeleton's long strides. She ducked below a tree limb, hoping that a leaf hadn't buried itself amidst her chestnut locks.

"Yo-ho-ho! Who knows with those two!"

They emanated through giant leaves, only to find themselves on the edge of a cliff. Luckily they had halted their jog before teetering off the ledge.

Usopp had fallen onto his behind in shock, backed up against one of the bushes the duo had just transpired from. He was gaping ahead, his eyes unblinking as he focused on what was transpiring before him. Luffy was nearby with stars pulsating out of his pupils and an awestruck grin on his face. Liara and Brook hesitantly turned around, and gasped.

Colossal creatures with generous beaks, boundless tails, and extensive feathers glided together in perfect unison. Some of the unique animals possessed turquoise wings with crimson tips, while others had the colors reversed. Liara eyed the winged species in complete awe and fascination, her lips gradually forming into a smile. She was completely entranced.

"Yahoo!" Luffy stretched his arms out so they latched securely onto one of the bird's feathered backs and flung himself forward, boisterously whooping as he landed. The soaring beast merely rolled an eye at the childish behavior, but continued flying on as if it didn't notice the new presence.

Usopp's mouth dropped open in shock as he sprung to his feet and watched his captain take off. "Lu-Luffy! You get back here right now!" the sharpshooter shrieked.

Brook chuckled, as Luffy's actions weren't anything unusual. Liara shuffled forward so she was standing next to Usopp. "Beautiful," she murmured, her gaze not leaving their captain's form.

[+]

Brook strode up beside her, bobbing his skull in agreement. They regarded Luffy as he tugged on the animal's neck feathers so they could fly higher. Unfortunately for him, the bird didn't seem to enjoy having its plumage so roughly pulled. It turned its head around to snip at the rubber man, who only laughed and swung his head around to avoid having his face stuck between a beak. As the skeleton man continued watching, he couldn't help but look down at Liara and notice just how envious she seemed. She beamed in excitement and delight.

An idea suddenly occurred to him, one that he could only hope would work.

He tapped Liara's shoulder, causing her to be released from her trance of astonishment. She peeked up and tilted her head slightly to the side, wondering what the skeleton required her attention for.

"Want to take a ride?"

Her heart jumped in a giddy whirl as her eyes widened. "Do you think we could?!"

Brook laughed, charmed by her enthusiastic behavior. She was almost like a mature, calmer version of their captain, but the similar eagerness definitely showed through. He encircled an arm around her waist, hoping she wouldn't be disturbed by his exposed boney arms.

Instead, she blushed and secured her arms of ivory flesh around the lower part of his torso. She wasn't sure what he had in mind, but she had enough faith in him to entrust him with her safety.

He eyed the pattern of the birds carefully until he witnessed the perfect opening. "Ready?" he whispered to her. She eagerly nodded and gripped onto him ever tighter.

[Escaflowne- Final Vision]

In one swift movement, he lowered his other arm and swept Liara's legs up so he was carrying her bridal style. With a burst of speed he vaulted forward and off the cliff, much to Usopp's horror. She watched Usopp's figure decrease in size as they gained height. With a soft thump they landed on the back of one of the airborne animals. Slightly startled, the bird tilted a bit before straightening itself out and continuing to fly with the rest of its flock.

The feeling was mind-boggling. Cool wind swept through her curls and cooled her heated scalp. Her back sunk into Brook's chest, while his arms had stretched forward to gently grab a patch of feathers on the neck area. Her heart pounded as she leaned comfortingly against him.

They soared high above tree tops and absorbed the astounding view. Liara blissfully sighed as she closed her eyes and stretched her arms out like she herself had wings, Brook chuckling as he observed her.

The creature suddenly dived down, and for a moment Liara thought they were going to crash into a tree. Much to her surprise, the trees suddenly parted away to reveal a hidden beach. Pillars of rock rose up in front of it, many with arches that the birds seemed to take delight in flying through. The water grew closer to them until the creature was nearly skidding along the ocean's surface. Brook lifted an arm up so Liara could crawl under it and dip her hand into the azure water, the cool liquid pleasantly tickling her fingertips, trailing off in minuscule droplets as the flock ascended upwards.

The fleet circled around, passing in front of the familiar cliff the pair had been standing on only mere moments ago. Usopp continued to watch them with absolute disbelief. He yelped as a hand stretched outwards to him, yanking him forward and landing him on a bird that was next to Luffy. Too terrified to yell, the long-nosed man held on for dear life for several seconds before finally relaxing and even chortling with his rubber friend.

Leaning back against Brook's chest, Liara gave a content sigh, not at all minding the slight bump of rib bumps pushing against her head. She gazed up at Brook, who just happened to be looking down at her. She smiled sweetly, and gave one of the skeleton's arms a squeeze. "This was a great idea. Thank you." She eyed their surroundings once more, attempting to ignore the heat on her face.

"You're welcome, my dear," Brook happily responded, his arm somehow tingling from her touch. He realized that he would do just about anything to make her smile, and something about that made him feel both blissful and worried.

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