A guitar was strummed.
Music began to fill the air.
Her eyes were closed as she moved her fingers over the strings. She was frowning, though was it in concentration or frustration?
She pressed herself further into the music. No one stood on the deck with her; there were no waves moving the ship.
The ghost of a voice joined her strumming.
"Let's go home tonight," it sang.
"It's been so long since I've seen your face."
"Show me what went wrong tonight. Was it something that I did?"
One, single tear rolled down her cheek.
She strummed the guitar harder as she was pulled through the music and the memories that followed.
"Let's go home tonight."
"I heard you're making supper for me."
"When did I become so lucky? How did I find you?"
Her music changed, becoming harsher and faster. The voice disappeared from her ears into the wind.
A small tap sounded behind her, but she drowned herself in the music. The moon lit up the surface around her, acting as her stage light. How long had it been since she stood on a stage?
Her face became angry and upset. The music was engulfed in the sudden silence as she raised her guitar above her head.
An arm was suddenly gripping hers and bringing the instrument safely back down. She began to cry, letting the guitar be set to the side for her.
Arms encircled her and she cried into them. "She's never coming back. Why can't I ever see my sister again?"
The arms slowly rubbed her back. "Sometimes we don't have a choice." Luffy's eyes were hard as he looked into the distance. "Promise me something, Chia."
She pulled away slightly so she could look up at him, her sobs quieted for a moment. "What?"
"Don't break any of your instruments. Your sister wouldn't want you to break them. If you don't play them, then how will she ever be able to listen to your music again?" he smiled.
Chia began crying again. She gripped Luffy tightly as she hugged him.
A couple of their crewmembers watched from the shadow of the doorway. Sanji lit a cigarette and took a deep breath. Usopp watched them quietly, a small look of sadness crossing his face.
Sometimes it takes a person who's hurt to help someone who's just been hurt. Chia would never be able to see her sister again, and Luffy will never be able to see his brother.
Here's the next one to join the group. I am currently working on one and I am also searching for ideas for a Marco-centered shot. Feel free to send ideas for plots or characters.
-Levvi