Updated: 8/20/15
This is now the number one Brook story on this site so thank you! I'm ecstatic and beyond thankful! Not one unkind word has been directed towards this story. You've all been wonderful to me so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I hope that by reading this story you've learned that love really can happen to anybody, no matter what you look like or how old you are. If you feel alone then don't lose hope, as I truly believe that everybody out there has a soul mate, they just haven't been found yet.
Chapter 30: Together
Bodies ached, muscles throbbed, and the air reeked like a deplorable hybrid of fatality and transpiration.
For an hour straight the Straw Hats had besieged waves upon waves of the infinite shadow imps, refusing to let a single one stray away from the area. The battle was nowhere near their most laborious, but it had been taxing nonetheless to shield the rest of the island from annihilation without a moment of rest.
"Luffy, I don't know how much longer I can keep this up!" Usopp bellowed to his captain as he angled another Pop Green at the vulgar creatures. "My supply is starting to run out!"
The rubber man had resorted to using Bazooka and Pistol Shot just to keep the enemies at bay. Luffy was still disgruntled that their opponents weren't more challenging, but was savoring being able to fight all the same. He grinned as the rim of his straw hat cast a shadow over his eyes, giving him the appearance of a mad man. "Just keep going! Liara will kick that guy's ass in no time!"
"Damn straight she will!" Nami concurred as she activated Gust Sword, eliminating three of the negligent creatures with the edge of her Clima-Tact. Her bangs were slick with perspiration and stuck to her forehead, and her body felt drained, but she still couldn't help feeling empowered from the determination her nakama displayed. She glimpsed over at Brook to analyze how he was holding up, and was relieved to see him singing to himself as he lacerated all foes encircling him. At first, she'd been apprehensive that he would've still been condemning himself for Liara's death, but fortunately he was acting like his old self again.
The shadows abruptly exploded.
Robin and the others incredulously observed as the creatures comprehensively dispersed, and the pool of murkiness diminished to unveil the once again azure lake. She smiled as victorious cheers emphatically erupted all around her. "I suppose this means our Artist won, hmm?"
Usopp, Chopper, Franky, and Luffy wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders and kicked their legs up. "Guess who won? We did! Guess who won? We did!"
"Idiots," Sanji muttered as he lit a fresh cigarette and exhaled puffs of curled smoke from his lips. He tapped the toes of his shoes against the ground to make sure they were still placed tightly on his feet before he noticed Zoro laying comfortably out in front of the lake, vehemently snoring. He coyly simpered as he approached the slumbering Swordsman and swiftly kicked him into the lake.
"What the Hell was that for?!" Zoro sputtered as he forced himself up and glared at the cook while his drenched clothes dripped
"For being a lazy shit!" Sanji heatedly replied, only to be silenced when Robin's hand closed over his and Zoro's mouths. She raised a brow at them.
"Now, now. Mr. Bushido and Mr. Cook, something more important is about to happen." She gestured at the skeleton with her eyes, and the dueling men ceased their bickering when they remembered what their victory meant.
Brook rapidly slipped his sword back into its sheath, his fingers shaking in excitement. Liara, his Liara, had done it. He was so proud of her, and he couldn't wait to see her and tell her how much he loved her and-
Nami interrupted his thoughts with a nudge against his arm as she beamed up at him. "What are you waiting for? Go get her."
Brook eyed Sanji, who knowingly smirked and nodded his head. The skeleton's jaw widened into a grin before he turned around and bolted towards the cave, away from the heartening support of his friends.
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[Honor :Main Title Theme from "the Pacific"]
Liara's body radiated in a soft ivory glow.
Color was restored in her cheeks as her heart once again actively pumped blood into her veins. Bristling eyelashes fluttered before gradually lifting up to reveal twin pools of blue that were glazed over and hazy. Her whole body felt tense, but she supposed that was to be expected after being lifeless for several hours. She spread her arms up and yawned as if she'd just had the most divine nap, and enforced herself to sit up, gripping onto the Enchantress as it nearly toppled off her chest. She peered around and noticed that Merida was no longer next to her, nor any of her friends.
Her eyes suddenly lit up.
Brook! She had to find him!
She delicately slid off the slab of stone that had been camouflaged with flowers and wrapped the sword securely around her waist while trying to gain her footing again. She shook her head to rid herself of any leftover drowsiness and evacuated the chamber.
She briskly ambled through the tunnel, placidly shifting aside the suspended vines until she reached the entrance. She shielded her vision with a raised arm as she stepped out of the passage,almost blinded as her eyes gradually adjusted to the brilliant sunlight. Once her sapphire orbs had grown accustomed to the radiant illumination, she lowered her hand and focused on the direction of the lake.
Liara bounded forward, her dress swishing around her legs as she skidded around boulders, plants and trees, her heart intensely pulsing through labored breaths. "Brook!" she hoarsely shouted, her throat dry from the potion and protracted shut down of her body. Nearby birds ventured away in a flurry of feathers as her voice disrupted the usual serene atmosphere.
"Liara!"
Her face broke into a smile as his faint but still present voice carried across the wind towards her. She yelled his name again and picked up speed as their yelling increased in volume.
"Brook!"
"Liara!"
He was so close!
She hurdled over a modest boulder and propelled away the branches that snatched at her dress, refusing to allow anything get in her away. She finally emerged into a vast verdant clearing that was abundant with only grass. Her eyes darted around until at last she identified his lanky figure bursting out of the forest on the opposite side. Tears slid down her face.
"BROOK!"
Both of them were positively beaming as they sprinted at a more accelerated pace, breaths coming out in pants and muscles throbbing as they only pushed themselves harder, the desire to reach each other overwhelming.
Brook spread his arms as Liara finally vaulted into them, arms encircled around his neck as his enclosed securely around her waist. She sobbed happily into his shoulder as he pressed his face into her neck and just held her, breathing in her scent and spreading kisses over her head. When he pulled away he stared right into her eyes and caressed her face.
"I love you Liara. I've loved you for so long and I'm never letting you go again. Never." He pressed his teeth against her lips, bringing a blush to her cheeks as she blissfully pressed her mouth against his and teared up at the sincerity in his words.
"I love you too Brook," she whispered when they pulled apart, her lips pecking his forehead as her cheeks brightly glowed and eyes sparkled.
He rubbed his thumbs over her waist and set her gently on the ground, where he positioned himself onto his knees before her and held her hands. "I hope you don't mind, and I understand that this is rather sudden, but there is one last wish that can be granted, and I want to do it."
Liara regarded him with wonder but nodded as she squeezed his hands.
"I know it seems selfish," the skeleton continued, " but this wish will be wonderful for us both, I promise you." He kissed her fingers.
She knelt down to his level and embraced him. "I trust you."
[+]
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"Liara!" Nami squealed as she cantered over to the brunette and soundly hugged her, tears falling down her peach-colored cheeks. Liara returned the gesture with just as much fondness, overjoyed to be reconciled with her best friend. Robin also joined the embrace, expressing how happy she was to have their talented Artist back.
"Yeah, because Luffy can't draw worth a damn," Usopp heartily sobbed as he hugged Liara next, much to their captain's annoyance.
The group broke out into laughter as they comprehended how true it was, and even Luffy ended up chuckling. Each Straw Hat went up and embraced her, welcoming her back and acknowledging how much they missed her.
When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she found herself peering right into the eyes of Zoro.
"You will make one Hell of a Swordsman."
For some reason, his genuine words touched her, and she found herself pressing into his chest as she enveloped him in her arms. He owlishly blinked before awkwardly patting her back, a fond smirk tugging at his lips. When Liara pulled away, she bowed to him.
"Thank you."
He bowed back as a means of respect, and they exchanged smiles.
"Welcome back, my dear."
The reunion subsided as all heads turned towards the lake,where a young woman with golden hair and immense gray eyes stood in front of the water, her eyes brimming with happiness. The Straw Hats were perplexed until Liara sprung towards the unfamiliar lady and embraced her.
"Thank you so much, Merida."
A bewildered gasp reverberated within the group.
"Wait, you're the grandma?" Luffy exclaimed in disbelief, provoking Sanji to kick him in the back of his rubber head.
"Don't be so rude to a lady, you shithead!" Sanji snapped as he lowered his foot back to the ground. His serious expression suddenly morphed into one of infatuation as he clasped his hands together and fell before her. "Oh my sweet, pay him no mind! I'm here for you!"
Merida rolled her eyes. "Sweetheart, that doesn't work on me, but thank you. Also-" she narrowed her eyes at Luffy, who mindlessly picked his nose, "-I may be older than you but I'm still perfectly healthy and could kick your ass any day."
"How are you young again?" Robin inquired with fascination.
Merida beamed and draped an arm around Liara's shoulders. "When this young lady defeated the evil spirit that cursed us, the faeries got their powers back and turned me young again. That's not all though." She twisted around and lovingly simpered as a handsome young man stepped out from behind some bushes and linked his hand with hers. "They are allowing me to turn in my wings and leave the island with him. Friends, this is Adam, the love of my life."
Adam bowed his head politely and smiled. " Nice to meet you. Thank you all so much for breaking the curse and allowing us to finally be together."
Liara hugged them both. "I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed. "You deserve it!"
"But doesn't taking your wings out hurt?" Chopper squeaked out, unable to imagine the agony a fairy must feel in doing so.
Merida shook her head. "Not really. I'm sure there are faeries all over the world that you don't know about, but they've just removed their wings to fit in with the crowd. I turned in my wings to give back enough power for Adam's wish to come true, and luckily there happens to be just enough magic for one more wish." She grinned at Brook. "And I believe you'll be doing that, correct?"
[Pokemon 2000:The Power of One- The Legend Comes to Life]
Brook advanced forward and nodded in affirmation. "Yes, Miss Merida." He tenderly gazed at Liara as he reached for her hands and squeezed them. "Liara, I want us to be together and happy for a long time, so I've decided..." his eye sockets focused deeply into her eyes, "...to become a living young man again."
Her baby blues widened as she gaped at him in awe, unable to believe what she'd heard. "Brook! That's such a sacrifice! Are you sure you want to give up your powers? You really want to-"
"Yes," he firmly established. "Yes, I want to give up my powers so I can live and breathe and grow old with you. I would turn down all the powers in the world just so I can be alive with you, because I love you and that by itself makes life worth living."
Liara's eyes glistened with tears, her heart pulsating like it would explode from the love and happiness she felt. Even Franky's loud crying in the background didn't ruin the moment.
She sniffled and nodded before raising his bare knuckles to her lips and planting a kiss on them. "You're so beautiful Brook, skeleton or not." She took a steadying breath and reverently smiled at him. "Alright, let's live life together."
They quickly embraced before they disconnected, their friends observing the situation with a mixture of emotions. Liara stood away from him and watched as he sauntered over to Merida and Adam. The other couple gave him their blessing and advanced to the side to grant him passage. Brook turned around and viewed his nakama one last time as a skeleton.
The pirates grinned to show their support, enthusiastically encouraging him to follow his desires.
"Please still tell Skull Jokes!"
"This is totally awesome!"
"We love ya!"
"You go, Skull-Bro!"
He wasn't sure how he was able to get so lucky and have such superb friends, but he was absolutely gratified that it was their ship that had insisted on him joining. He bowed his head in gratitude, forced back the building tears, and proceeded into the lake with his skull held high.
The group fell into a hushed silence as they monitored their friend, his body disappearing beneath the water until he was swimming, gangling limbs thrusting forward in wide strokes. When he lifted his head up and noted he was in the center, he flipped so he was belly up with his skull facing the cobalt sky above him.
And that's when he proclaimed the words that would forever change his life.
"I wish to be a living, 24-year old man again!"
The ultramarine surface instantaneously blindingly blazed an argent white . His body elevated itself from the lake, droplets of the pool sprinkling off his frame. Multi-colored orbs mounted out of the water and encircled him, pursued by numerous beams of various vibrant lights. As he was rotated into a standing position, the lights commenced compressing into his physique.
Muscles shrouded his bones as blood, veins and organs formed in their proper spots. Pallid skin shielded his interior structure as bones joined together. Nails emerged, lips concealed pearly teeth, and ebony curls sprouted across his torso and chest. The whole process was almost overwhelming as he felt himself literally becoming alive again. Warmth spread throughout his body as he could feel his actual heart beating while oxygen infiltrated his nostrils for the first time in decades.
And then, it was over.
He was lowered back onto the lake, his back still turned toward his friends as they anxiously awaited to view his new look. Liara's hands were clasped together in front of her mouth, thumbs pressed into her chin as she scrutinized him standing on the water like it was a solid surface, his form straight and rigid. The orbs pivoted around him once more before dividing into tinier lights that plummeted back into the pool, and then he spun around.
Liara froze, lips parted and eyes widened. She heeded her crew mates gasping in shock, just as speechless as she was.
Brook was still lanky, clothed in a suit, and donning his trademark afro, but other than that he was unrecognizable. Pale flesh coated the bones that had once been so visible, while pink lips concealed his teeth and tongue, with a perfectly angled nose looming above his mouth. What really captured her attention though was his amethyst orbs, as they were the most beautiful pair of eyes she'd ever seen.
The new Brook began strolling towards her, keeping eye contact as she hesitantly advanced closer to him, her breath caught in her throat. They met each other on the edge of the lake, too preoccupied with the other to notice anybody else.
"Brook?" she whispered, intently studying his face for some trace of the skeleton she loved.
"Liara." His voice was younger and slightly deeper. He gradually raised a hand up towards her face, hesitating at first before caressing her cheeks. Her skin had felt soft before, but it felt even more incredible against his own flesh. "Told you my eyes were purple," he remarked with a grin.
Her face lit up. "Brook! It is you!" she exclaimed with utter joy. He swiftly bent down and claimed her lips with his, their cheeks darkening as Liara wrapped her arms around his neck and he picked up her bridal style. Brook had waited too long to savor her lips, and it was the sweetest taste in the world.
Chopper reddened at the display and hid behind Franky as the group began to cheer for their friends' happiness. Sanji became dramatic and cried over losing his princess while Zoro grinned and gave a grunt of approval. Nami sniffled, ecstatic that the two of them were able to find love. Robin chuckled, clearly pleased with how things were going.
Luffy jumped up and down, holding on to his hat. "What are we waiting for?! Let's party!"
"YEAH!"
"Come on guys! Celebration at my place!" Merida announced in excitement. Her and Adam intertwined their fingers and hustled, the others soon trailing after them. Liara and Brook were the last to go, as they were basking in the surreal atmosphere of finally being able to be together.
[+]
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The festivity lasted almost all night. There had been an extensive bonfire in front of the faerie's house, along with dancing, singing, eating, drinking and talking until the early hours of the morning. Just for fun, they all sang Bink's Sake while holding beer or food, only this time no tears were shed as Brook belted out the harmony of his old crew. It was the happiest day of Liara's life, and as she stayed up late into the night giggling and swapping stories with Robin and Nami like teenage girls, she realized that meeting the Straw Hats was the best thing to ever happen to her. She fell asleep with a smile on her face and a secret kiss on her lips.
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The next day arrived rather hastily, and brought with it sublime weather for sailing. Thanks to more magic, the Straw Hats and their belongings were transported near the ship to save time and energy. Merida and Adam escorted their new friends to the Sunny, as they themselves had their own vessel to depart on.
Liara was desolate to leave, but she knew there were other alluring islands on the Grand Line, and besides, being with Brook was like she had a piece of the isle all to herself. The thought made her smile in contentment.
The crew big goodbye to Merida and Adam before boarding the ship, happy to see their home again after several days. Liara was the last person to embark.
"You take care of yourself, okay?" Merida wrapped Liara into a hug. " Don't let that knucklehead be too idiotic, although I might be asking for a miracle on that one."
Liara giggled before pulling away. "I'll try." She furrowed her brows in contemplation. "Will the other faeries be okay?"
The blonde woman nodded. "Absolutely. Their powers are already starting to return. They just need a rest, that's all."
Adam also gave her a hug. "We will never forget what you've done for us. And-" he gestured behind him. "-somebody else wants to say thank you."
Liara's face lit up when she saw the little boy surrounded by his family and with a hefty smile on his face. He and the other souls lowered their heads to her, prompting her face to bashfully pinken.
"Liara, you've saved all of us. Now we can be free. Thank you so much!"
She bowed her head in return. "I couldn't have done it without you, so thank you as well." She observed as they all waved to her before morphing into orbs and floating upwards towards the heavens. Anxious to see them off, she dashed onto Sunny, her feet pounding against the ramp's surface.
[One Piece Movie 8- Yuuzora O Pell no Se ni Notte]
"Alright guys! Let's go!" Nami genially ordered.
Usopp and Sanji unfurled the sails from the top of the masts while Franky took the wheel and Zoro lifted the anchor. Luffy made his way over to his spot on Sunny's head and waved to Merida and Adam.
"Bye! Thanks for everything!"
"Good luck!"
"See ya later!"
Liara stood at the back of the ship, arms draped over the railing and a broad smile on her face as she waved along with everybody else. She then peered upwards and beamed when she saw hundreds of orbs ascending into the atmosphere.
"Looks like things worked out great huh?" Brook stated as he positioned himself next to her.
"I certainly think so." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "I'm a bit unsure of what to do now though."
"What do you mean?"
"The dream I've had for so long finally came true, so what's next?"
He smirked. "That's the cool thing; you get to have a new dream."
She gazed up at him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Then can living a great life with you be my new one?" she shyly asked as she brushed her nose against his.
"We can go anywhere you want sweetheart," he confirmed while tucking a stray chestnut strand behind her ear. "No bones about it."
Liara giggled as he hunched over and pecked her cheek. "Skull joke," he whispered, and then tenderly kissed her.