Updated: 8/6/15

Chapter 25: Pure Fantasy

"So that's what you discovered huh? I suppose you must have questions then. In fact, why don't I just fill the two of you in right now? More tea?" Merida offered.

Liara glanced down into her tea cup, surprised that she had drank all of her honey-leaf tea so quickly. Whether it was because she had been really thirsty or simply found the tea delicious she couldn't say. Either way, she was craving more for some reason. "Yes please," she responded with a polite nod of her head.

Merida glimpsed at Brook to see how he was coming along. The skeleton opened his jaw to answer, but instead let out a protracted burp. The two ladies simply stared at him as he expelled flatulence through his mouth for about five seconds before he held out his cup. "Sure."

Merida smacked him across the front of his cracked skull, propelling him backwards and off his chair. A cracking sound could be heard as soon as Brook landed on his rear, causing Liara to outwardly cringe. Brook languidly reached down and held up the cup, which now had a modest chip on its blanched surface.

"You senseless, impolite skeleton! You chipped my cup!" Merida screeched. "This wouldn't have happened if you only had more manners!"

"I was going to excuse myself, but you hit me first!" Brook defended himself as Liara lifted her mug up to her lips and tried to drink the last remaining drops in order to evade the suddenly tense atmosphere.

Merida shook her head, clearly irritated with the skeleton. She snatched his cup away from his bony fingers before extending out her unoccupied hand for Liara's, which she mutely handed over. "So, did you have any problems breathing in the water?" Merida inquired as she ambled over to her stove and picked up her crimson kettle.

"No, none at all. It was fascinating down there, and to see such a story drawn out was rewarding. Might I once again ask what you know about it?" the Artist requested, attempting to distract herself from what had transpired earlier.

Her and Brook had traipsed over to the guest house after their swim in the lake so they could change out of their bathing suits and dry off. During this time, both had lingered in their rooms for several minutes, contemplating what to do with their relationship. They each had feelings for the other, but were unaware of just how mutual their feelings were. The encounter they'd had in front of the lake, both before and after the swim, had really intensified their situation. While on the way to her room, Liara had bumped into Nami, who had just taken a shower and was planning to go and map the island out some more. One look at Liara's crimson face had told Nami that something happened.

"Hey you okay? "

"Oh, um yes. I just-Brook and I went to the lake and now things feel even more strange and wonderful." Blue orbs glistened in wonder while Nami studied her with a knowing smile. Liara didn't have to say anymore for the Navigator to pick up that there had certainly been a moment between the two.

"We'll definitely be talking later."

"Certainly. In fact, why don't I just explain the story as I know it?" Merida reverted back to her kitchen table where all three of them were seated. [Brook had propped himself back onto the chair, rubbing his aching bottom in the process.] A bowl of fruit and a platter of fresh-baked cookies both decorated the middle of the table, persuading guests to have a snack. Brook reached forward and grabbed his third cookie as Merida initiated her tale.

"The abandoned village you discovered is the place where the story begins," Merida started as she took her seat distributed the stocked mugs. "The village was once full of people that smiled every day. Each year the village would get bigger and bigger as families grew larger. It was just a happy place, one that most people would love to live in." She gave a content sigh. "Two people, a man and woman, fell in love. They were young, probably around 17 or 18 at the time, but both understood what love was." Liara briskly gazed at Brook and then returned her attention to Merida, trying to ignore the heat spreading in her cheeks. Brook peeked over at the brunette and turned away just as rapidly so she wouldn't catch him staring.

"The man wanted yearned for nothing more than to depart from the island and explore the world with his love. He wanted to visit Cerulean Lake to make a wish, but remembered that each person could only have one within their lifetime. He had already made his wish when he was but a child, which was to cure his little brother of a serious illness. The man was a good person, and decided that maybe the lake would make an exception since he had brought no ill-will onto anyone. He stepped into the lake and wished for a boat to take him and his love away from their home."

"He didn't get his wish." Liara wistfully stated, already deducing the outcome of the story.

Merida shook her head, her expression just as mournful. "No. In fact, because he willingly requested more than one wish, an evil spirit emerged from the lake, one that was born of greed. One of the island's codes had been broken, creating a demon that tipped over the scale of balance. He possessed the poor man, determined to suck away all pure hearts of the villagers and control their souls as a means of power. The bewitched man returned to the village, and used his power to obliterate hearts without mercy. His love was so distraught that she flew from her village so she could weep alone for the rest of her days, unaware that her love hadn't betrayed her, but had been possessed."

"What a sad story!" Brook wailed as he set his chipped cup down. "One of romance and tragedy! It-it's awful!"

"Yes, it is," Liara wistfully agreed. "I just wish I could make things better."

"Ah, but you can, my dear."

The young woman regarded her host with bewilderment. "But how can I accomplish that? 999 souls are walking around this island, asking for help because they don't want to be lost anymore, and the demon who sealed up the lake is still in possession of that man, right?"

"Correct," Merida confirmed. "However, as you discovered earlier, you can't just swim in the lake and battle him there. You must travel to the spirit world and then confront him. Only then will this island and its souls be free, and wishes can be granted again."

"Ah, but Miss Merida, shouldn't the lake be unsealed if the creature wants so much power?" the skeleton observed in confusion.

A far-off look glazed over the faerie's eyes. "And that there is the missing piece of the puzzle. It seems that the demon wants 1000 souls exactly, and is waiting for one in particular." She sighed and took a sip of her tea. "He will eventually be defeated, but I just need a plan. I think your crew might have a chance at defeating him, but acting without thought would be foolish."

Fear crawled all over Liara's skin like unwanted bugs. The demon sounded like an absolute monster, and she couldn't say just how useful she would actually be in such a difficult battle. Although she had the basics of swordsmanship down, she was still far from an actual fighter. "I'll do the best I can," she sincerely promised. She wasn't sure how much assistance she would be, but she had to try. "I really want to free everybody so they don't have to be afraid anymore. I saw so many children and babies who didn't get the chance to live a life, and that's completely unfair. I'm going to fight for them."

"We'll all help," Brook chimed in. "We'll all do this together." He and Liara exchanged smiles and then looked back at the fairy for approval. She grinned and clapped her hands.

"Alright! Well, I'll think of something and then let you folks know when we're all good to go!"

[][][]

Dinner was ready by the time the pair ventured back at the house. Since the weather was pleasant, Sanji suggested they eat outside, to which everybody enthusiastically agreed. They all spread out in the shade beneath one of the hefty tress looming over an extensive area of grass. Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, Franky, Zoro, and Brook all played cards while trying to keep Luffy's rubber hands away from their food. Liara was asked to joined, but she politely declined as she wanted to talk to Nami and Robin. The two ladies listened intently as Liara filled them in about the events at the lake.

"No way! You felt his heart?!" Nami discreetly squealed so the boys couldn't hear them. "I didn't think it was possible!"

"Never underestimate love, Miss Navigator," Robin stated with a twinkle in her eye. "The most unexpected things can happen."

Liara pulled her knees up to her chest and pushed her barren plate aside. She'd taken very little food, as she was so peaked with emotion that she couldn't focus on eating. "He looked so happy when he felt the vibration in his chest. It was unbelievable, not just because we couldn't actually see it, but because he'd gone so long without noticing anything."

Nami affectionately smiled, intrigued that such romance was occurring in her crew. Usually she didn't care about such things, but she adored the brunette and wanted her to be happy. "I bet it didn't beat until you came along." She smirked at her friend's darkened face. "We just need to push you two a little so you can both confess. I mean, there's no way he doesn't feel the same!"

"Perhaps I can help," Robin offered, catching her companions' attention. "First, let me talk to Mr. Skeleton and then we'll go from there. Nami, here is what you can do." She leaned over and whispered in the orange-haired woman's ear while Liara curiously tilted her head and observed their hushed exchange. The Navigator's face lit up once Robin pulled away, and she gave a thumbs-up to indicate understanding.

"Leave it to me!" Nami swiftly grabbed the young woman's arm, inducing the brunette to squeak as she was abruptly yanked to her feet. "Let's go Liara! We've got some work to do!"

[][][]

Brook paced in front of the guest house, his phalanges linked together and concealed behind his back. He had changed into an ebony suit that resembled the one he commonly wore, but this one didn't possess a single hole or ripped piece of fabric. Underneath the suit was a navy blue dress shirt that ruffled at the top, completing the defining presentation of a "gentleman". The suit had been gifted to him by Robin as she enticed him away during dinner and informed him of the plans she had for him later in the evening. She had instructed him to be present in front of the house by a specific time, promising him that Liara would join him later.

He simply couldn't postulate what the Archaeologist was up to.

Ever since the lake his mind had been cluttered with absolute chaos. The feelings he had for Liara were wonderful and made him happy, yet tore him apart at the same time. He knew he had to come to a decision soon, but that all depended on how she felt about him. He couldn't just think of himself, but of Liara's happiness too. He stopped pacing and sighed. Oh, what was a skeleton to do?

"Hey, skull-brain. Come here," Sanji requested as he shuffled through the house's door way and ignited a cigarette. Speculating what Sanji could possibly require, he sauntered over to the chef and patiently anticipated for him to speak. The blond took a drag on the cigarette and exhaled a puff of smoke through his mouth.

"I know you and Liara have gotten very close lately, so I'm just going to send you a little warning: you hurt her, and I'll hurt you. Are we clear?" He threateningly glowered at the Musician to justify he was dead serious. All Brook could do was bob his head and gulp, well-aware that Sanji meant every word. Satisfied with the reaction, he nodded and began ambling further away from the house.

[Tangled- Campfire 0:00-2:32]

"Oh Sanjiiii!" Nami sung out as she sauntered through the front door, instantaneously ensnaring the cook's attention. He spun around, his eye transform into a heart as he mentally devoured her sweet-sounding voice.

"Yessss my sweet?" he cooed out, his legs metamorphosing into jelly as his entire body wiggled around. Nami smirked and stepped to the side.

"Check this out."

Brook's eye sockets widened as Liara emerged through the door.

Thick strands of her chestnut her hair had been pulled back and pinned together while waves of curls cascaded down her back. She had slipped into a lengthy, sapphire spaghetti-strap dress that barely covered her feet, with a lighter shade of blue wrapped around her waist. The whole gown was bejeweled with glitter, bringing out the cerulean in her eyes even more. Her cheeks shone beautifully, and her lips were coated in crimson red. She peered at Brook beneath her thick eyelashes, and blushed by how taken back he looked by her appearance.

She looked like a goddess to him, and it took Nami elbowing him in the ribs to snap him back to reality.

"Liara, you-you're really a...a magnificent sight," the dumbfounded skeleton stammered out. She truly was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, and for him to spend an evening with an angel like her seemed like a miracle.

Her loveliness increased when she smiled at him, her cheeks a faint pink. "Thank you Brook. You look quite handsome."

Sanji himself had to be dragged away from Liara as his heart had apparently ceased to beat from witnessing such "captivating beauty". Nami gave Liara a wink and shambled away with a protesting blonde in her grip, causing the pair to look down at the ground and then back up at each other, nervous smiles evident on their faces.

At last Brook cleared his throat. "Shall we get going?" he asked with his usual skeletal grin. He felt like he would burst with happiness at any second.

Liara nodded and the two initiated their expedition, unaware of the rest of the crew simpering and smirking from in front of the house.

"Good luck," Robin whispered, pleased with how everything was proceeding. Nami held out her hand and the older woman softly slapped her palm against it with a smile.

[][][]

Liara beamed as she enjoyed her stroll with the person who had unknowingly captured her heart. "So, where are we walking to?" she curiously questioned. She didn't have a clue as to what was going on, as Nami had just kept reassuring her that all she needed to focus on was enjoying herself.

"Yohohoho! I'm afraid I don't know either. I'm just going by Miss Robin's instructions. I suppose we'll find out when we get there. But first..." Brook reached out to a nearby bush and plucked a flower with violet adorning the inside of the seven petals while white stained the edges. He placed it behind Liara's right ear, bringing out even more of her beauty.

"There," he whispered, "now you look absolutely radiant."

Her dimples heated as she shyly smiled and extended her hand out to his. "Thank you Brook."

The skeleton's fingers wrapped around her petite hand. He was grateful for not having skin, as he knew he would positively be as flushed as a tomato. He gently guided her forward and lead her through the forest, examining their surroundings for the landmarks Robin had notified him would act as beacons for their destination.

[+]

[ Peter Pan-Fairy Dance]

On and on they drifted, reveling in each others company and the atmosphere of the forest as night ascended. At last Brook hindered his movement, confident that they had finally attained their decided destination. He scanned their environment as they accessed a humble open space of grass. He reluctantly let go of Liara's hand so she could also observe the area, her whole face glowing in delight when she noticed the wall of trees and a narrow stream running across one side and vanishing back into the verdant sea.

And that's when she perceived a ball of light radiating from one of the trees.

She stepped towards the tree, her eyes glittering as she gaped at hundreds of fairies emerging from the trunk of the tree, as well as from the stream surrounding them. The faeries swiftly flew out, their golden wings fluttering as they glided around Brook and Liara and cloaked both of them with golden dust.

Liara held out her hands and giggled as the particles tickled the palm of her hands. She paused her laughter when she looked down and realized she was hovering about the ground.

"Well this is a true delight!" the skeleton jovially mused as he allowed himself to be carried up. He eyed the brunette, the vibration within his chest increasing at the cheerfulness and laughter radiating off of her. If he didn't know any better he would've assumed that she was a faerie herself with how gracefully she spun in the air like she belonged.

An idea infiltrated his mind as he observed her.

"Ahem."

She ceased her twirling and regarded her lanky friend, only to blush and gape at him as he angled himself into a bow.

"Liara, I was wondering if you would do me the honor of sharing a dance with me tonight?"

Butterflies pulsated around in Liara's stomach as her surprise metamorphosed into exhilarating blissfulness. Her eyes glittered as she curtsied. "I would love to."

Brook straightened his posture and deliberately skimmed forward until he was directly in front of her. He enveloped a boney hand around her waist, and offered out his barren hand for her own palm. She peered up at him with vermilion cheeks, and slipped her hand into his while using the other one to clasp onto her dress and extend it outward.

A pair of eyes below them mutely observed the exchange.

They inaugurated their waltz into a passive circulation without breaking eye contact, gradually increasing their distance from the mossy detritus beneath them. Brook twirled her around, and when she recoiled back to him she was at a level where she could perch her fingers on his shoulder while still maintaining hold of his other hand. He spun her out again, only this time when she reverted. her back pressed against his ribs while his arms securely crossed over the front of her, pushing her elbows up as he intertwined his hands with hers. They swayed back and forth, basking in the passion of their embrace before he released his hold and purled her outwards once more.

Their dance was not so private. The form analyzed their movements, drowning in remembrance of similar times.

He dipped her down, and then elevated her in the air so she could slide bridal style into his arms. She playfully smiled and slipped away,only for his lanky arms to extend out and bring her back to him. They whirled around in a circle again, ascending in height with each turn until they were in front of the moon. The fairies encircled them, displaying a light show for the couple and appending an even more romantic atmosphere. Brook stared intensely into Liara's eyes, noticing how the lights brightened her azure orbs and pallid face.

It's time.

Affection, tenderness, and friendship sparked between them. They focused on each other like they were the only ones who existed, hearts hammering beneath rib cages and ecstasy dominating them.

And that's when she knew the moment was proper.

She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and reached up to caress his cheek bone. "Brook," she steadily breathed. "I need to tell you something."

Brook nodded, all of a sudden powerless to speak. They nonchalantly began their descent, her nerves becoming unbearable as he patiently waited for her to speak. Her hand slipped from his cheek when they at last touched the ground, her eyes sincere as they longingly bore into his sockets.

"Brook, I just wanted to tell you that...I'm in love with you." She exhaled after her confession, the burden of emotions she'd lugged around now free from her shoulders. She beamed at him, cheeks pink and smile wide.

He should have been prepared for that moment. He wanted to sing and dance around in euphoria because of the honesty of her words. She'd been brave to admit to her feelings, and he longed to admit to her that he felt exactly the same.

But he'd reflected long and hard about their relationship, and while he understood he was about to say something he'd regret for the rest of his life, he also knew he was doing her a favor.

"Liara, I'm sorry, but it won't work."

The figure sharply drew in a breath. Things weren't supposed to turn out like this.

In one moment, her happiness shattered.

Liara gawked down at the ground in disbelief, blinking back tears as her heart painfully throbbed. Her wounded gaze abruptly focused on him, completely in disbelief because she'd been so certain he'd felt the same. "Why?"

To see her look so heartbroken disgraced him to no end, but he had to remain strong. "You won't be able to be happy with me," he tried to explain, overlooking the wound within his chest. "You won't be able to have a family with me, and people will stare at you and think you're strange for being with a skeleton. Your family probably won't accept it, and I won't be able to give you the warmth that flesh provides. I'm just a skeleton who plays instruments and cracks bad jokes," he dismally finished, hating himself for hurting her so much.

Her lower lip trembled, and tears spilled out of her eyes. "But Brook, I don't care what people think. I love you for you. You do make me happy, and your bones feel warmer than any human flesh ever could. I don't want anybody else to hold me, just you Brook. Just you." Her entire frame trembled as she fought to not break down and remain composed.

Brook prolonged his hand and gently stroked his thumb on her cheek to dry away the watery trail. "I'm sorry Liara. I don't deserve you. You deserve happiness...and I just won't be able to give it to you." With that, he turned away and ventured back into the forest, leaving her alone and facing ahead in shock.

And that's when she broke down.

"Brook! Please, don't go!" she emphatically sobbed as she dropped onto her knees and buried her face into her hands. It was the worst pain she'd ever felt.

As she continued to hysterically cry, Brook himself had fallen in front of a great boulder and quivered as he wept. He propped a hand on his forehead and grieved in self-disgust. He was supposed to be a man, yet he had completely crushed the heart of the one he loved. He repeatedly told himself it was the right thing to do, but the more he heard her cry, the less sure he was of his decision. Eventually he forced himself to stand up, only to blindly stumble away as more tears blurred his vision.

He was a broken, worthless skeleton.

This was awful. How could this happen?

"Brook! Brook!" Her shouting halted as she bawled into her hands, her voice dropping into a whisper. "I love you so much. Don't leave me."

How could she possibly sail with the Straw Hats now?