Dreams Across the Water - [Bulletin Board Post to Action]

[gomu_ningen]

Who: [OU] Monkey D. Luffy and if you'd like? You!
When: The afternoon of the 16th of December
Where: At the river bank where there should be (assuming) a number of boats docked and ready for use.
What: The call for adventure is too difficult to ignore. There's something out there. The Queen? Answers? It's all waiting to be discovered by some one.
Warnings: Possible language, but nothing else as of yet.

- - - -

Luffy is not known for his prose or his dictation, but thankfully Pakku is able to convey the urgency of his message with the sort of inflection and severity that the pirate wishes for. Upon the bulletin board in town is posted a simple scroll. No illustrations with the energetic hand so frequently used these days by Luffy, no assumptions or odd-ball questions that he was commonly putting to those he caught on Mognet's many deliveries. This time, at the height of the hour, the pirate is direct and to the point with his intent. To those who read, the post flows as follows:

To those whom it may concern, to the individuals who have met and befriended Monkey D. Luffy,

There is a voice which calls to people of the sea, the sort of siren that sings the sweetest of hymns that even the strongest will of the heart cannot ignore. This voice has been gripping at my soul since I arrived here, telling of a vast world to explore and an endless sea to chart. There's a scent of adventure, a hanging air that pulls at the very essence of my being that I am afraid is winning in a struggle that I have given great opposition to.

I have not met many here, but the few that I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with, for better or for worse, have been the sort of people that this world needs more of. Persons vying to fulfill their dreams, to seek out the answers which draw at both their waking thoughts and manifests beyond comprehension in their sleep. If ever we are to meet again in this world, I do hope it is over good drink and incredible food. One can never have too much of either in their lives.

I know not where this river will take me, or where my journey may end, but I know I do this with no regrets or fear. What I do I do so knowing that my life is on the line, but I would have it no other way. If I am not giving to this adventure fully, then what point is there in living? I'm setting out to see what it is that we've been brought here, to refuse this title of "hero" that's been given to me, and take charge of the pirate blood which flows inside my veins.

Pakku and I thank you for your generosity, your patience and your compassion.

Dearest regards,
Captain Monkey D. Luffy
Pakku the Moogle

- - - - - - -
Meanwhile, at the river bank
- - - - - - -

Pakku wipes away the tears in his eyes. It's been some time since the fluffy companion has set out beyond the continent, away from the comforts of home and the delicious food in which it provided. It takes a great deal of conviction to try and collect himself while he tugs upon the ropes which keep the small row boat in place. Having tiny mitts for hands isn't the most accommodating to the task, which only adds to his worry about what may lie ahead on the open waters.

Having to care for a pirate who cannot swim sends a whole different set of anxious shivers down his miniature spine, or what little of it actually exists, as far as courage is concerned.

"Almost done, Pakku?," the pirate asks from the head of the small boat.
"Can't-.. *SNIFF* Can't we stay just-.. Just one more night?"
"No can do! You can't hear that? The sea is begging for us to explore it, Pakku! You wanna' just stay here and get dusty and let them call us he-Ah! I mean, use that stupid word again?"

The boat certainly doesn't belong to Luffy, and in an rare circumstance where the self-proclaimed pirate actually commits and act of piracy, he hasn't chosen the best vessel for a long journey. He isn't bothering to keep quiet, either, drawing the attention of any and all who might be walking along the small pier and bank.

"Come on, Pakku! Wipe away those tears! You're a man, aren't you?!"
"I'm a Moogle.. *SNIFF*"
"That's the spirit!"

Comments

[not_most_days]

Kidd had almost walked past the notice, but Bonnie pointed out the word at the end and that alone seemed worth investigating. Luffy's name wasn't one she recognized from the Caribbean, but since it seemed like they were all from different worlds this was certainly something to investigate.

She was honestly a little surprised to see all the commotion he was causing and stopped a decent distance away. The seeming young man struck a dashing image against the river running behind her. "Permission to approach, Captain!"

[goddessofthesky]

She had seen the bulletin and then took off at a run to catch up. She didn't know how long it had been hanging there or if her friend was already gone. Zelda was faster than she remembers, her speed increased due to the skills she picked up in this strange world. She didn't want to stop him but to think that he would leave without saying goodbye first. She panted, stopping at the shores edge frantically looking for Luffy or Pakku.

"Luffy?! Pakku!?"

Zelda Yelled, not really caring if anyone stopped and stared at her. She had to at least catch him before he life. Her boots pushed against the ground hard as she ran towards the cluster of tethered boats.

"Luffy?"

Her voice was softer as she gasped for air. Running might not have been the best plan but she caught up.

[umslay]

Mimi had pulled down the notice from the board and handed it to Ales to read, who only raised an eyebrow in response.

"Think he'll be safe?" he asked the Moogle.

She shrugged. "I don't really know, kupo."

"We probably should head back. It looks like me might have already left." The pirate was an interesting fellow, but he was glad that he wasn't dragged along on an unwanted journey.

[charming_jerk]

Johnny really had no interest in being a hero. He knows he's not one, and never would be. How could a half demon be a hero? And for now, his time and experience in Exsilium had knocked some of the fighting spirit out of him. It was an overwhelming and traumatic experience.

He's not sure if he's a pirate, either, but after reading the notice, he can at least respect the idea. It wasn't like he had much else to do yet, so he figured he could at least investigate this.

When the strange-looking man approached, he stood back for a few moments before speaking up, watching Luffy ignore his weeping sidekick. Was this kid really the captain who wrote that notice?

"Hey. You Captain Whatever? The pirate guy?"

[gomu_ningen]

The Pirate Guy. Not as much a ring to "The Pirate King", but it still fills Luffy with some measure of confidence.

Doing his best Peter Pan impersonation, unintentionally, Luffy puts his hands to his hips and stands with his shoulders spread wide.

"Yup. I'm Captain Luffy. Who're you?"

[gomu_ningen]

Whoa. Wait. This was different. Someone was actually addressing him the right way here? Not even his own crew did that, at least not unless the impact of such a title was needed. He didn't care most times, but it was still surprising to be called out by his position.

"Huh? Sure. Why not?"

hello again

[red_planet_blues]

Someone had come to the police barracks with a complaint about a stolen boat. Just a small row boat, sure, but theft was theft. And so Sparks Nevada was the one to draw the short straw for this case, and he wandered his way down to the shore to investigate this situation. Sparks's moogle had taken notice of the memo on the bulletin board, and filled the marshal in. His only response was a quiet grumble.

After awhile he spotted Luffy with the boat, getting ready to leave. Sparks walked up, wearing his police uniform and badge. He folded his arms and gave Luffy a flat look. Chances were, this was his culprit.

"Kid. What're ya doin'."

[gomu_ningen]

Luffy turns about to see the blonde looking as if she'd run a marathon. Chuckling, he puffs his chest out and raises a single hand to wave at the pointed-eared girl.

"Oi! Zelda-!"

Pakku instantly brushed the tears from his eyes, leaping from the boat to flutter with a frenzy as he flew to jump into Zelda's arms.

"Z-Zeldaaaaa~! Don't let him take me out to sea! Moogles aren't made to be sea-creature food!"

[not_most_days]

One could blame Luffy's moogle, what with it being far more eloquent than the he himself is. Right now Kidd only has that to go on. Perhaps a meeting with the fellow pirate would change her mind.

She walks over, looking about for a proper ship before her eyes finally settle on the rowboat. "Don't tell me you're setting out to sea in that?"

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda caught the flying moogle with a smile. Pakku was adorable and she has grown equally found of him and Luffy. Her eyes looked up at the pirate readying to set sail. "You should have told me you were leaving. I thought I'd miss you."

Her eyes look down at Pakku. "You can stay here but someone needs to look after him." Even though that was a very hard task.

Re: hello again

[gomu_ningen]

The lad whips his head around the see the Officer standing with what looked like a tired, worn-out expression on his face.

"Oh. Sparky. What's up?"

A raises a single hand to wave, his lips going to a straight line as he gives the Marshal a vacant stare. Pakku, on the other hand, seems to be screaming internally as his sob-filled mug is overflowing.

[gomu_ningen]

"Awww come on, Pakku~! We're a team, aren't we?"

Luffy puffs his lips out, pouting as he watches the Moogle get chummy with the blonde-haired Goddess. A heavy sigh pushes from his lungs, settling on a gentle smile as he turns to look out upon the river before him.

"I want to go on an adventure, Zelda. There's gotta' be something out there. We won't find it just sitting here and getting comfortable."

[gomu_ningen]

Luffy flicks a digit at the expanded nostrils of his nose.

"Yeah. What of it? A boat is a boat. Gotta' start some where."

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda absently pets Pakku much like she did Kopula when he went flying into her arms. She smiled at his words, it really did sound like a fantastic dream.

"That's true and an adventure sounds wonderful. I wish I could go with you." Though she had so much to do here and until the observatory was set up she needed to stay. "My own adventure at home wasn't really fun. I'd like to go on a fun adventure some time."

[not_most_days]

Well that's a becoming appearance now isn't it?

"Aye, but a boat is no ship. Less you're planning to use that to take something more suited to the open seas, you're not going to get very far."

[gomu_ningen]

He nods his head. For the simpleton that he is, he knows the importance of Zelda's presence here in the city. He cannot help but be reminded of Vivi when he looks at her, the noble spirit of a Princess that would do anything to help and support her people. While she holds no royalty here, it's very much the same sort of compassion, doing what she can to serve those around her so that they may live a better life.

There's no need to try and persuade her. She'd just say "no" if he tried. Instead he grins, a bit of sadness taking him as he knows it might be some time until he sees her again.

"When I come back, you'll join my crew."

[gomu_ningen]

"Mmmn. I traveled in a row boat when I first started out. I'll have to do the same until I can find myself an actual ship."

He flexes an arm, letting out a boastful laugh.

"My punch is like a pistol! If my boat can't handle it, then my fists'll see me on my way."

[goddessofthesky]

Her smile widened and she was glad that he didn't ask her to stay. It was hard to watch any friend leave and she knew that she would miss him. She looked down at Pakku and stopped petting him. "You will keep him safe right? I know you might not like water but your fast enough to fly away."

Moogles had amazing abilities after all. She smiled back up at Luffy thinking over his words. "I'd like that but please be safe."

It hasn't even occurred to her that he might be stealing this boat.

"Oh! I had a present for you."

[not_most_days]

Kidd can only assume he means taking a ship with force. "Ah, so you're not just a dreamer then. Do you have a crew yet? Or is it just you and your moogle here?"

[red_planet_blues]

"Not Sparky. That's Captain Nevada to you." Someone got a promotion at work this week, and is eager to throw it around. Still didn't have as good as ring as "marshal" to him, though.

"Reckon I was about to ask ya the same thing. Where'd ya get the boat?"

[gomu_ningen]

"Just me and Pakku here. I've got an amazing crew back home, but nothing here just yet. Met a few people, but I think they'd rather not get involved."

[gomu_ningen]

"Huh? A present?"

He steps from the head of the boat back to the stern, standing right on the trim of the two-passenger vessel.

"What for?"

[gomu_ningen]

"This?"

He looks down to see the vessel he stands in.

"Pretty great, huh? There's lotsa' boats here and no one is using 'em. Thought maybe I'd set off and start looking for this Queen everyone is talking about."

[goddessofthesky]

"There is a celebration this time of here that involves gifts. So I thought to get one for you too. I have it here, somewhere."

Zelda dug through her pockets quickly trying to find the nicely wrapped gift. She had intended to give it to him at the party but now seemed to be a better time. Why she had it on her was because after reading his note she first ran home to grab it. It seemed silly and she thought she'd miss him but it felt important also.

[charming_jerk]

"My name's Johnny. Just got here a couple 'a weeks ago. And I'm not really interested in bein' a hero, either."

He notices that all Luffy seems to be working with is a small rowboat and a crying moogle, though, and he looks skeptical.

"I came to see what this was about, but, uh. Okay, what is this?"