And here we are! Over a month since the last update! I had to struggle with this one, a bit, since I didn't know what to put in it. But there's something in there to confuse and confound all you lovelies.
Read and Enjoy!
"Tie that down!"
"Secure the canons!"
"Look out!"
A huge wave crashed into the ship once more, and I braced myself against the sudden force. A dark blur swept past me, and on instinct reached out and grabbed it. The man, who had been about to fall over the edge, gave me a thankful look as I set him on the lurching deck, before running off to do a random task. The pirate crew I had managed to hitch a ride from were currently unnamed, as in they weren't known well enough to have actually earned a name.
I was soaked through, and my fingers were beginning to go numb, and my feet hurt, which was an odd thing, since I hadn't felt pain in my bare feet for months now, but I supposed that constantly kicking things and sliding along the deck would make anyone's feet sore. I shook my head in a vain attempt to rid the water from my eyes, and looked to the great cliff that was part of Reverse Mountain. While half the crew were trying to help steer the ship clear of the dangerous mountain edge, the others were running around trying to keep everything from falling over board. If only they could do that for themselves.
The ship moved suddenly, sending everyone to the floor, and suddenly that mountain side was getting a lot closer really quickly. I distantly heard the man at the helm yelling about some sort of tide pulling them to the cliff, but I didn't have time for that. Rolling onto my knees, I pushed off the deck. I hit the rocky wall a little harder than anticipated, but I ignored that in favour of sliding down at a controlled speed.
Then, with perfect timing, wedged myself between the cliff face and the ship before said ship collided with aforementioned cliff face. My hands were braced against the ships side above my head, while my feet were pressed against the cliff. The force quickly made me crouch and bend, but I refused to break. I tensed my muscles and pushed with all my might against the two surfaces I was pressed between. The wood under my hands creaked and groaned, and I prayed that the wood would hold. The rock beneath my feet cracked and I felt flecks of rock imbed themselves in my feet. I coughed out my breath and sucked in another before pushing out with my legs and torso again. I heard more than felt something pop in my shoulder, the left one, but with the icy rain numbing my skin and the cold piercing my flesh I could hardly feel anything.
With something that I could only call a strained war cry I gave a final shove and the ship was sent to open, raging, ocean once more. Finding a handhold, I swung myself up to the railing and flipped over it onto the deck. I could only stand for a moment before my shaking legs gave out under me, and I landed on my knees without an ounce of grace. I looked up as I felt a warm hand land on my shoulder, and didn't even react as I felt the joint be pushed back into place. Well, that can't be good.
I allowed the man, I think he was the first mate, pull me to my feet. He put an arm respectfully around my torso and my right arm over his shoulders to help my stay standing. I gave him a tired smile, because damn that had taken more out of me than I thought. I looked up, and saw the only gap in the mountain that lead to the Grand Line. Had I literally pushed the ship into the right position to actually traverse Reverse Mountain?
Apparently, yes, because as soon as the thought crossed my mind, the ship was pulled sharply forward as it caught the current and shot up the mountains river. The first mate and I clung to the side railing, but barely a moment later had I begun to work my way up to the bow. I had to see this from a good spot.
When I reached the bow, and consequently the highest point of the ship, I watched as the mountain blurred passed and the cloudy sky rushed to meet us. I smiled widely as my heart thudded in my chest and we pierced through the lower layers of the clouds, I looked down at the shrinking ocean and found myself laughing excitedly. Then, suddenly, we were above the cloud cover, with nothing but blue skies above us and a fluffy blanket of cloud below. The sun's rays seemed to burn against my cold skin, but I barely noticed as I stared about the beautiful scene.
'I wonder if Skypiea is anything like this' was my immediate thought, as a sense of weightlessness took over me, and then we were falling. I gave an excited cheer as we plummeted, and somehow managed to land on the other side of the mountains river with little problem. The landing was a bit harsh, but we didn't lose anyone so that was fun.
I don't know whether I was relieved or disappointed about Laboon not being right in the middle of the downward river, but I suppose I should be relieved. I don't think I could handle a confrontation like that right now. We landed with an almighty splash, and I'm pretty sure my stomach met my heart just then. For a good twenty seconds no one moved, firstly due to the sudden stop and secondly because they made it.
Staring up at the sunny –when did the clouds part? - Sky, I had landed on my back, I heaved out a disbelieving laugh. I had made it. I was in the Grand Line! Within my one-year deadline to boot! I still had at least, what, a month to go? Belatedly, I realised I missed my birthday, and that meant I was now eighteen, but considering what I had just gone through I was far too elated to care.
Cheers began to ring out among the pirates as they recovered their breaths and the realisation that they're alive and well truly hit them. They began to rise and help their comrades up, some were probably doing silly dances by the sound of it, and I heard more than one person call out to get the ale. I just stayed were I was, a huge smile on my face, the sun warming my skin and a completely different and thrilling elation filling me. I was excited and determined and full of hope despite the fact I know the next few months were not going to be easy. I was happy.
A shadow came over me, and I tilted my head to spy Captain Christopher Keys in all his glory. He was a dark skinned man, with a shock of short white hair, tall and broad with plenty of muscle in between. Between all that, and his huge blue pirate captains' jacket with the gold stitching and buttons, he truly was someone hard to miss. He was grinning brightly, obviously happy with not only their successful entrance to the Grand Line, but also for the safety of his men.
"Well, Traveller, we made it" he sat down next to me, cross-legged, and offered me a bottle of something. I laughed a little, and eyed him slyly.
"I don't think I can get up on my own" I stated easily, and the man gave a sigh and pulled me into a sitting position. I hissed a little at the tugging on my shoulder it caused, and my back was sore from the pressure, but beyond that I was okay, minus my ankle that looked distinctly broken. Taking the bottle with my right hand, I gave him my thanks and pulled out the cork with my teeth. I took a whiff, and after a moment of mental debate, shrugged and took a small swig, I was of age now.
I coughed and hacked as the liquid burned its way down my throat. Keys laughed and slapped my back a few times, mindful of my injuries, though that didn't really help. My eyes were glossy, and my stomach was oddly warm, I think it's from the alcohol. Keys was still laughing, and I lightly kicked his leg with my undamaged ankle.
Didn't do much, but I felt a little better.
"What is this stuff?" I coughed out, but still took another sip. Now knowing what to expect, I didn't experience such a bad reaction, but it still burned down my throat. At least I wasn't hacking, though I had to clear my throat a little to get rid of the weird tingle the burning left behind.
"Sake" the dark skinned man stated, a huge grin on his face, and he took a long swig. Now that just wasn't fair, how come he doesn't have a coughing fit? Meanie.
Music started playing down on the main deck, and I hummed out a random tune as they tried to settle on a rhythm. Little did I know one of the crewmen were listening in, and naturally in their merry state decided to let everyone hear what he was saying.
"Oi Traveller! What's that you're singing?" he practically yelled, I looked over my shoulder at the man, and stared at him for a moment. Realising what he was on about –boy this stuff is strong- a blush a bright red colour and stared down at my bottle.
"Just a song from my old home" I muttered, though Keys heard me easily enough.
"Well, let's hear it then!" he crowed, lifting me up and setting my on the railing parallel to the helm on the other side of the ship. I looked down at the deck, and saw everyone staring up at me with expressions of expectant excitement. Realising what just happened, I blush and cleared my throat.
"They come from the farms and the factories too
They all soon forget who they are
The cares of today, well they're soon washed away
As they sit on a stool by the bar
The girl with green eyes in the rolling stones shirt
Doesn't look like she works on the land
And a man at the end he's a very good friend
Of a man who sells parts second hand!"
I continued to sing, even though I was sort of embarrassed. I had never sung in front of an audience. I had to change a few of the lyrics otherwise they just may confuse the audience.
"Down at the Red Rose café in the harbor
There by the port just outside Amsterdam
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter
Everyone there is so happy to be there!
"While the salesmen relax with a few pints a beer
They try not to talk about trade
The poet won't write any verses tonight
But he may sing a sweet serenade
So pull up a chair and forget about life
It's a good thing to do now and then
And if you like it here then I have an idea
Tomorrow let's all meet again!
Some of the musicians started playing along to the song, and it sounded very similar to the actual song. A few differences, and few extra notes or a different instrument, but it wasn't bad, dare I say it made the song that little bit better.
"Down at the Red Rose café in the harbor
There by the port just outside Amsterdam
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter
Everyone there is so happy to be there!
To my surprise, everyone began singing along partway through the second chorus, and continued on through the third chorus, all our voices joined in as we complete the last stanza of the song.
"Down at the Red Rose café in the harbor
There by the port just outside Amsterdam
Everyone shares in the songs and the laughter
Everyone there is so happy to be there!
Everyone there is so happy to be there!"
I did an awkward little bow, and smiled shyly at the crowd. They all cheered and demanded another song, to which I obliged with a little more enthusiasm. As I sang I noticed the lighthouse by the entrance, and just as I opened my mouth to mention it, the world quaked as something crashed intot he side of the mountain.
Laboon.
I stumbled and limped over to the side of the ship and looked down into the depths, for a moment it was nothing but blue, but then a dark spot could be seen deep below and… oh my god itwascomingrightatus!
The ship tilted madly until it was practically vertical as a giant bulge of water shot upwards, I clung the too railing desperately as we followed the path of gravity. We hit something and everything violently went upwards before dropping down at a less acute angle and we slid down whatever we hit before crashing into the water with a fantastic splash. We must have hit his fin or something. When the world settled, I noticed a loud ringing in my ears and shook my head in an attempt to clear it. Leaning heavily against the splintered railing, I looked up to see the island whale that had hit us.
Well, they certainly got the name right. I rose on shaky legs, looking up at the wailing whale. Oh, so my ears weren't ringing, it was Laboon crying. The poor thing paused in its crying, and I sighed in relief, that was until I heard the canons being loaded.
"No!" I yelled, leaping down the stairs and putting my hand over the ignition vent "He's not attacking us!" the men gave me incredulous looks, and many looked ready to argue my claim, when a hissing sound stopped all movement. Looking behind me, I saw a… well what looked like a vault door that was imbedded in Laboon's flesh and skin.
The door opened, revealing a familiar man. He was balding, with white hair and wrinkled skin, and had strange petal-looking things rimming his temple. His clothing reminded me of those Hawaiian shirts. He looked at us in surprise, probably not expecting to see us, and the crew looked up at him in equal shock.
"Yo" I lifted a hand in casual greeting, and looked up into the sky to stare at the silhouette of the island whale. He really was huge. I looked back down at Crocus and smiled politely at him "We need to do some repairs to the ship, is it okay if we stay here until it's completed?" I asked, and the guy just stared at me for a long time. Eventually, he made a considering hum, before nodding to me. Well, that was easy.
And like that we set up on the rocky shore and, for the most part, just rested. Today had been, well, it had definitely been an odd one. While the men started unloading some things form the ship, the crews' doctor took a look at me. My ankle was broken, but it was only minor, and my shoulder would heal just fine. He bandaged both just to be sure, and I thanked him for his work.
Unfortunately, none of the crew members would let me help with the work. Keys outright ordered me to sit down and rest, I had done enough. I had huffed and unhappily plopped onto a large rock and watched the men unload the ship and prepare dinner, it was getting late. Just to have something to do, I pulled out my sewing kit and worked on repairing some of my clothes, most of them only had a bit of wear and tear, barely anything noticeable, but I was bored.
The smell of hot food brought my attention back to the real world and when I looked up it was dark, someone had placed a lantern next to me so I could work, and dinner was almost ready. In fact, the cooks were calling for everyone to 'come and get it!' as they served it out. My stomach growled at the realisation that I hadn't eaten since late morning, which was about when we sailed right into the storm.
I stood and started limping over to get myself a bowl, when everyone gave a distressed 'no!' and practically dog-piled me to the ground. I wheezed out an 'ow' as my shoulder and ankle throbbed painfully. I distantly heard someone yell something, I couldn't hear properly since there was about six-feet of people on me, and suddenly the weight vanished and I was gently set on my feet.
"What did I say about working in your condition?" Keys asked dangerously low, I rubbed my head as I looked up in annoyance and confusion.
"I was just heading over to get some food" I stated. Well, more grumbled but I doubt Keys would notice. The larger man blinked owlishly, before abruptly began laughing loudly and merrily. Slapping me on the back enough to make me stumble, there was gonna be a bruise there, and turning to everyone who was watching us.
"Bring out the ale! Start on the meat! We've crossed into the Grand Line! Let's celebrate!" the pirate captain raised his hands up into the air and his crew cheered, running about and pulling out random things from the crates and the ship itself.
I sweat-dropped as I watched the scene unfold, wondering how Keys had gone from growling and scolding to laughing and celebrating.
Between one blink and the next a crate was set behind me and food was shoved into my hands, someone pushed on my shoulder to get me to sit and a mug of ale was placed beside me. Another blink and music was playing and I was singing songs and learning a few as well. As the crew got deeper into their cups, I had stopped after my third mug, and more rowdy as the night went on, I stood and silently made my way from the group. Sitting by the water where Laboon was floating nearby, I smiled up at the great eye as he looked down at me.
"Nice night" I stated pleasantly, but otherwise allowed the silence to settle around us. The distant buzz of the party a calming backdrop to the dark night. I looked up and saw the stars, thousands and millions shinning and glittering against the inky canvas of the sky.
Suddenly, the music in the distance stopped and all was silently for a few seconds before it started up again. A familiar tune was carried by the breeze and brought a music-like pained whine from the Island Whale, one that I was familiar with. The ghost of an old scar long healed.
I looked up at the poor whale; the massive scars running over his head were truly something to attest to his prowess. I would've lost the use of my arms if I tried to beat down a mountain. The words to the familiar song came into being, but the voices were not of the crew. Confused, I turned back to the partying crew, and sucked in a breath.
It was the Rumbar Pirates. Keys and his crew were nowhere to be found, but the music still flowed and the singing was as cheerful as ever. Brook was playing the violin, his afro abundant and he was still actually living. A tiny Laboon was by the shore near them, singing and dancing happily with them. It was painful to watch, to see something so simply happy and purely joyous, and to know what was going to happen. The tragedy that would occur and the pain that would be suffered, and there was nothing I could do, nothing I would change here.
But how could I look away? It was like looking at a photo album full of old memories, full of old friends. I took a shuddering breath, but it caught when Calico Yorki turned and looked right at me. My eyes widened, not completely understanding what was going on, and watched as a confused yet slightly concerned look took over the blonde man's features. I gave a smile, shaky and brittle as it was, and raised a hand in greetings. Before he could react, though, I closed my eyes tightly and turned away. The voices instantly changed back to Key's crew, who were still alive, and the echoes of the Rumbar pirates, who were dead and gone, faded into the echo of my mind.
Laboon made a concerned hum, and when I opened my eyes I found everything blurry. I had been crying, and never realised it. I placed a hand to my cheek and pulled it back, staring at the liquid reflecting in the dim light of the half-moon. I gave another shuddering breath, but daren't look back to the celebration in fear of it happening again.
"I'm okay Laboon" I said softly, not caring that I wasn't supposed to know his name yet "I'll be okay"
The days passed quickly, and soon the ship was repaired and well stocked for the journey to the next island. Their navigator's Log Pose pointing in a direction I could guess was North-East, and Cronus was giving them a final farewell with a few warnings. I had grown to like the old man, but really I had truly bonded with the Island Whale. We were both sad to be parted, but I promised I would visit when I got the chance, and that he better not hurt himself too badly while I'm away.
"Don't worry" I said, sitting on Laboon's head and patting him affectionately "You'll see me again" he gave another whine, this one resonating pain and a little disbelief. I shifted until I was lying face down on the giant whale, my arms spread wide like I was trying to hug him.
"You'll see them again, too" I said quietly, and the whale froze under me. My voice had resonated with truth, with unshakable knowledge that what I had said was true and that it would happen. His eyes watered and he began to cry, but I don't think they were sad or anything, I think he was happy and maybe a little relieved. Happy that someone believed that they would return as well, and relieved to be reassured of it, this unimaginable loneliness he has endured and will continue to endure it truly something to admire. Brook better get his bony ass here as soon as he bloody well can, otherwise he's gonna need a shit ton of milk after I'm through with him.
"I gotta go know, okay? But I'll see you again, and I'll even send some letters so you know I haven't disappeared. Would that help?" I asked with a gentle sort of happiness, petting him slowly as I did. My response was joyous singing as Laboon danced a jig, a yes then.
"Alex! It's time to go!" I lifted my head and stared down at the tiny dot that was the captain. How his voice travelled all the way up here was a question that probably didn't have an answer. I sighed and allowed myself to slide off the Island Whale, and plummet down towards the ship.
Keys caught me easily and, since he was still adamant I walk on my ankle as little as possible, set me on the railing like a child. He turned to his crew and called out with a booming voice "Alright men! Set Sail!" and the crew responded with resounding cheers and quickly set themselves to work. A small smile made its way onto my lips, and for a moment I was tempted to stay. I wished I could be part of a crew, to have nakama, but I was sent here for a reason, a mission.
A mission I couldn't abandon.
Okay, while I'm not going to immediately explain what is going on with Alex's mystical 'sees ghosts of the past' thing, but it will be in later chapters. If you have any questions (not pertaining to Alex's new mysterious ability) I'll try answering them at the end of each chapter.
R&R my peeps!
Imma outta here!