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One Piece: The City of Gold

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HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#1: Oct 14th 2011 at 9:54:07 PM

Melody Acres

A hair past noon.

The colony was situated, in the middle of the barren lands of the Dry Sea, on top of a large, wide hill with at least a dozen paths leading up to it. These paths, from every direction, eventually would combine, and by the time you reached the stone-brick gate of the town, decorated with festive, blue designs like tribal tattoos, you found yourself entering through one of four entryways. Such a peaceful town this was, not even the guards that watched over every entrance, be it at the door itself or from the small watch towers that were built at every exit - not even they would stop someone immediately for their identification when leaving of entering.

They, like most of the citizens here, were quite the laid back bunch. It was founded generations ago by a Union Pioneering Company that had a great liking for music. Since its founding, it has attracted a wide number of musicians who collaborate for the daily music playing. Everywhere you go, live entertainment is abound. Even on the farmlands, you can hear music being played in the barns, singing in the fields, and sometimes, even the animals join in.

Notably, the colony had a railroad. It was one of the many cities that was part of the Unionized Railroad Project, connecting a number of colonies together. Going throughout the town were smaller railroads, carts of several sizes traveling over them, easing the traffic. When they were first introduced, it was a spectacle all of its own, but now it was an everyday convenience. But the major railroad - the Iron Highway - was quite popular, cutting straight through Melody Acres and leaving both sides via a stone bridge, which would slowly lowered into the dunes of the Dry Sea.

Trotting up one of the several paths, turning a corner and going up a steep road, was a gray-white horse, his mane a shaggy purple (oddly enough), and his eyes wide and cheerful. A tongue was stuck out, showing stupidity, but it was more a lacking in grace as its semi-smile said otherwise. Large, ball-like knees were the deciding factor in its name, that of Kneecaps. It was rigged up with both wooden sides and leather reigns to pull behind it a wagon, fairly long but otherwise in shabby condition, cut with sandy winds and wheels rickety after extended travel. The tarp was white and hid beneath it barrels of water, crates of food, packs of supplies and gear, and two people.

"Ahh, you can hear the music already!" Cocoa sighed, brushing her hair back and letting the wind play with it. She was smiling wide, seeping with energy. She sat at the driver's seat, both reigns in one hand. "This is going to be fun! First, we get beer! Second, a new wagon! Third, a chef! Maybe a doctor. Something. You know?" She laughed at herself, like a child making a pretend list of fantastic things to do. "Then... more beer! And we'll be out of here! OK?"

As the wagon approached the gate, Cocoa's smile diminished to a little grin, and she playfully rolled back into the wagon, dropping the reigns. "You take the helm!" she said, her voice deepening for a second to sound like a commander of some sort, and her hand flipped to her forehead in some excuse of a salute. "It might be best to not draw a whole lot of attention the second we enter. If they saw my 10,000,000 berri face, they'd flip out!"

Her eyes rolled to the side, then, as if tilting her head off balance, her entire noggin, pointing to a crate of food, opened just a crack to reveal a half-full box of oranges. "Also, I'm hungry and I couldn't reach this back here, soooo..." She smiled wider again, grabbing a fruit and lifting into the air. "To the City of Gold!" she quietly toasted, then took a large bite into it, sucking the juices.

Alright everyone, get into position. Glint and Cocoa will split up soon into two different places, not too far off from each other. Whatever happens, happens. Word on the street is that a pilgrimage is coming through, so some festivities are starting to ready up. Have fun.

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#2: Oct 14th 2011 at 10:11:55 PM

A tiny sand ship also approached the small town, a rather lax man sitting at the "deck", and drinking some rather fine wine. He was glad he was able to prevent the sand from getting into his wine. This area had a pilgrimage coming through soon, so most likely there would be some festivities there, which meant there could be some fun to be had. Drinks! Women! And he hoped there was some nice food! It had been a while since he had a proper meal, most of the time nowadays, he had to subsist on beef jerkey containers and water jugs.

The main man on the ship, Bluenote Staglett, was just sitting there. He brushed some of his blue hair back, and sighed. When did his parents name him again? And did they think it was particularly funny to name a guy with blue hair "Bluenote"? He got where the blue came from, but the Note? Not so much.

No real taste to that, kinda bland and the water was way too freaking warm. He hated warm water, made him feel sick. Well, maybe the people here had some way of cooling their water and getting some nice hunted meats. He licked his lips and finished off his one wine. He had made a big mistake in only bringing one, due to underestimating the length of his voyage.

This town was just the first place he was passing through, but that was no reason not to enjoy himself.

BigDaddyP Be Legendary from England Since: Jun, 2009 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Be Legendary
#3: Oct 15th 2011 at 4:34:23 AM

A huge mound was lying on it's back. A huge mound wore easygoing clothes and had a tiny guitar resting in the pocket of it's shirt. The huge mound lay some miles away from the town Kids walked past and laughed, thinking the sleeping giant was quite a spectacle. It was unusual, but everyone there knew the giant, who called himself Tex, was a kind hearted soul who could play music. He didn't disturb anyone, and scared off the Pioneers and bandits that came to threaten the land.

The hot sun beat down, and a woven hat rested over the giant's eyes, his big chest moving with his inhaling and exhaling. Kids would bounce on it often, but not when he was asleep; that was too dangerous. If he had been sleeping closer to the town, he might roll over and crush it. The day passed, and still he slept.

A sign was stuck up facing the town with the words 'Don't disturb the giant' with the word '-Tex' underneath it.

edited 15th Oct '11 4:35:29 AM by BigDaddyP

Inspirational quote against powerful image of nature.
SimpleSAI Man of Wealth and Taste from Upstairs Since: Apr, 2010
Man of Wealth and Taste
#4: Oct 15th 2011 at 10:00:22 AM

"Be sure to save the seeds mam." said Glint as he jumped to the front of the wagon, grabbing the reins. His time spent with Miss Chiller had been short, yet exciting, Due to his inexperience with the rest of the world, everything was exciting to him. Still, she was interesting enough, even if she had a bit of drinking habit.

Coming up upon the gate, Glint put up his best innocent country bumpkin face, and gave a smile to both of the guards as the wagon passed by.

Anticipating no problems with them, he pointed the wagon towards the local saloon, hoping to get his "commander" some of the beer she asked for.

SaintDraze Merry Present Cycle Clone from within a white lie Since: Oct, 2011
Merry Present Cycle Clone
#5: Oct 15th 2011 at 5:06:18 PM

A rickety scavenger buggy rolls into town, it's driver ecstatic at his haul, An actual mummy he found lying haphazardly on a rock just out side of the settlement, Unbelievable!
It was a lucky find alright, Until Mr.scavenger heard a moan so dry and ancient that it drove him beyond fear, he just simply stopped the cart and walked away, never looking back.
What was in the cart was a certain scholar named Mondabellious cryptic, He was taking a nap when he was happened upon by the hapless scavenger.
Cryptic tumbled out of the cart and made his way into the town, slowly but surely in his awkward gait. Such a shame that the cart didn't pass the orphanage before the driver abandoned it and its cargo... Those luckless orphans will be traumatized for weeks...

edited 15th Oct '11 5:06:42 PM by SaintDraze

Sparks Make horrible santas... This one is no different!
BigDaddyP Be Legendary from England Since: Jun, 2009 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Be Legendary
#6: Oct 15th 2011 at 5:52:25 PM

"Oi, Tex!" called a man through a loudspeaker, trying to wake up the giant. After shouting once more, he decided another tactic. "Rigoler, please wake up your master!" he called up, and the guitar shaped bulge in the giant's shirt pocket changed into a different shape. It bit down on the skin gently, and Tex opened his eyes. "We're ready for the recital!" yelled the organiser of the fair, and let out a breath. It wasn't easy shouting to a giant.

The giant sat up, and began to shrink. At half human size, the guitar landed in his hand, and he became the same size as a human, testing a few guitar strings. "Is that right? Well, lead the way, cowboy" grinned Tex, adjusting his hat and walked back to the town.

Inspirational quote against powerful image of nature.
NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#7: Oct 15th 2011 at 7:17:14 PM

Bluenote got off at the gate, politely introduced himself and asked directions to a nice saloon where he could get something to drink. The guards seemed to be shivering...he pondered, was it suddenly cold out? Well, seemed like rep carried itself pretty far. He started to walk off, the guards letting out a long breath after he entered. He sighed, being feared was so much worse than being loved. That was why he liked being around beautiful women. As long as he played his flirtation cards right, he had some nice company around.

It looked like the town was absolutely full of some odd people, some of which were probably hiding out here. Well, without an assignment, no reason to go right to Dark Justice time.

He happened to go to the saloon where a certain wagon was heading. Looked a bit quaint, but there was probably some good beer there.

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#8: Oct 15th 2011 at 8:15:48 PM

"Alright, Glint!" Cocoa said, sticking half her body out the back of the wagon, lifting a light-blue veil to do so. "I can knock two birds out with one stone. I'm heading to this bar, where I'll get beer and possibly find someone to join our company. There's always adventurers at bars!" She snickered, then pointed in a random direction. "Maybe you should find an orphanage. Always strapping young lads there!"

Once the horse came to a halt, Cocoa hopped off from the wagon and onto the soil. She looked towards the swinging doors of the saloon, and catching her attention was a blue-haired man with very casual attire. Just looking at him made her feel exhausted by his lazy, tired walk. But she ignored him for now, moving to Kneecaps and strapping him among a couple other horses, who stood much more proudly than him. With a pet through its mane, she waved a farewell to Glint for the moment.

"Meet back here in an hour. And if you see a wagon for sale, buy it!" she announced, her mouths circling her mouth to amplify her voice as she strolled backwards to the entrance. A large, bulky fellow left, the two nearly collided, and the man apologized cheerfully, continuing his leave. "See ya'!" Cocoa added, entering the cozy bar.

It was a warm little place, but in the center of it was, to no one's surprise, a band. It was a small jazz band, playing quietly like a conversation but maintaining interest from the customers. After giving the place a few seconds of examination, Cocoa tipped her glasses up to her forehead, squinting as she adjusted to the light and approaching the bar, her hand digging into her vest pockets to manage up some coins and bills.

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#9: Oct 15th 2011 at 8:24:05 PM

Bluenote took notice of the girl, a very, very nice looking young chick. He smirked lecherously, Bluenote, you may have just gotten lucky today...

He started walking in toward the swinging doors of the saloon, his smile going back to something more modest. He tried to straighten his posture a little, and make himself seem a little more dignified.

The bar was a warm, nice looking little establishment, quite some nice music going on back there. Maybe a fellow named Spike would show up in here?

He nodded a little in tune with the music, and went over to wait for his turn to get a drink.

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#10: Oct 15th 2011 at 8:37:15 PM

The barkeep was an interesting character in himself. He was an older man, with a top-heavy posture that stood with his head nearly hitting the lamp hanging above him. His hair was black, practically polished, and a tiny mustache that must have been for a tiny mouth, covering it. His eyes were closed, or at least just a snip open. His clothes were extremely gentlemanly, with thin vertical stripes of blue for his shirt and overalls that seemed tight on his body. The sleeves rolled up to his elbows gave him access to fiddle with his drinks and hand them to the customers or the pretty maidens that went and served them to the people.

"Hi, excuse me!" Cocoa said, waving her hand lightly. "Beer. A mug-full, please!" In her other hand, a fistful of cash, placing it onto the table. It was crumpled and a coin nearly rolled off the table. "That's enough, right? I also need a couple kegs for later. Need to stock up, ya' know?"

The man gave her a look, behind him he waved a maiden off to a table. He didn't respond with anything more than a nod, grabbing a washed mug and taking it to one of the many barrels lined up on the wall behind him. "A traveler, eh?" he asked, filling it with the frothy drink.

"Naturally," she replied proudly.

"Probably came for the festival, eh?"

"Not really, but I'll stay for it, I guess. Is there food?"

"Tons of it," the barkeep chuckled, laying the drink in front of her. "Enjoy." He turned to Bluenote and asked, "And for you, sir?"

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#11: Oct 15th 2011 at 8:45:27 PM

Bluenote walked over and said, "Beer, mug-full, if you'd please."

He hoped the beer around here was good, might make the stay here nice if he could have a reliable place in his memories. Otherwise, he tended to get lost.

Damn his poor sense of direction. He supposed he was just too lazy to remember his way around.

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#12: Oct 15th 2011 at 8:59:22 PM

The man nodded and turned back to get another beer. While he did, Cocoa looked up and down Bluenote's body, still idle and to herself. While examining him, she noticed a group of three men at a round table giving him glances in common intervals. They'd whisper to themselves, nod, then take another look. It was a shady bunch, but as the song played by the band came to an end, they focused their attention to the musicians and applauded softly, as did most of the others in the saloon. Then she lost focus on them, pivoting in her seat to directly face Bluenote.

"Soooo, what, you're on vacation, mister?" Cocoa asked with a bland expression, pointing casually to his attire. "Must be a pretty big festival to get, ya' know, generic looking tourists like you." She chuckled, bringing her hand back to her beer and taking a drink.

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
SimpleSAI Man of Wealth and Taste from Upstairs Since: Apr, 2010
Man of Wealth and Taste
#13: Oct 15th 2011 at 9:38:26 PM

Glint sighed, and jumped off the wagon, taking a worn book and a map out of his satchel. Comparing the two, he sighed once more.

"Damn, nothing around here in the book. Guess I should find that new wagon for the Captain."

He closed the book, placed it and the map back into the satchel, and walked his way toward the general store. Seemed like a good place to start the search as any.

He swung the doors open and stepped inside, walked up to the man at the counter and asked, "Got any seeds for sale?"

NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#14: Oct 15th 2011 at 9:39:02 PM

Bluenote smiled a little, reclining some and he replied, "Well, I am just passing through on travels, but I decided to stay here for a while for the festival." Despite not acting like it, he knew the men back there were looking at him, and he had to wonder which enemies they were.

"And trust me when I say I'm anything but generic."

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#15: Oct 15th 2011 at 11:56:46 PM

"Well, OK, maybe not that generic," Cocoa replied, aiming her finger up to the man's blue hair. "That's kind of weird." She smiled brightly. "I have a horse with purple hair, though, so maybe you're not so weird." Finding her mug almost empty, she swirled what little was left in there. "What kind of festival is it, anyway? I'm guessing it's about music. Or... acres."

The barkeeper chuckled, amused by her curiosity but shushed himself, ashamed just an ounce for having been eavesdropping. He turned away from the counter he was cleaning and faced the two. "Everything here is about music, eh, ma'am," he began. "This particular festival is about the Crescendo Tower and its construction. It was built in the courtyard of the mayor's courtyard, and each floor reveals dozens upon dozens of musicians, playing their instruments." He shrugged, taking Cocoa's mug when she raised it and began shaking it side to side. Not the politest way to ask for more, but she didn't want to interrupt. "It's quite an amazing thing, eh. You should check it out this evening. Pioneers and travelers see it as a monument, for Christopher Meriweather."

Cocoa smiled at that name. "Really?"

"Yeah," he replied, bringing the drink back. "He came through here, once. This saloon didn't even exist then, eh. Some say he left a treasure behind in that tower when it was first being built, but I couldn't tell you for sure."

The group of men had approached the bar, their bodies so close together they looked like one, ogre-shaped being with multiple heads and limbs. "Excuse me," one of them asked, leaning over the counter to address the barkeep. "Do you have a Den-Den Mushi we could use?"

The barkeep nodded, and pointed around the corner with his thumb. "Near the restrooms." The men nodded and nervously backed away, a couple of them giving several looks to Bluenote as if he was the suspicious character here. They crept around the corner and hastily made their way to the phone.


"Seeds?" the store keeper replied, his focus having been on stocking the wooden shelves with materials. He was a chubby man with a green apron spread over his clean white shirt. "Like, gardening seeds or eating—" He stopped, looking past the man and outside the door. What hooked his focus was a zombie-like man, awkwardly moving through the dirt road, people actively making a path around him. "... Such strangers we get this time of year," he groaned. He shook his head of distraction, then returned to the gardener. "What did you need again?"

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
SimpleSAI Man of Wealth and Taste from Upstairs Since: Apr, 2010
Man of Wealth and Taste
#16: Oct 16th 2011 at 11:40:10 AM

Glint thought for a moment, nit even realizing that someone was shuffling along behind him. He then spoke up saying, "Any kind of seeds sir. I'm a drifting farmer, so anything will do. Also, do you happen to know where I could acquire a wagon?"

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#17: Oct 16th 2011 at 12:07:02 PM

"Seeds! Right, right," the clerk responded apologetically, nodding his head as he moved the conversation over to some shelves of baskets across the windowsill. For the rest of the time, his round, judgmental eyes stared out to the mummy. The sight alone felt like a huge concern to him. "These are all the seeds we have for gardening... I haven't seen you around here, though. Did you just move in?"

The baskets, which were there quite a number of, were separated loosely by category. Each one was full to the brim with cloth packets of seeds, their openings sealed with a paper label that explained the seeds inside. "Grape, sunflower, peanuts... They're all there. We do have a signature seed! It doesn't sell too well in other colonies, but in Melody Acres they're quite popular." Perhaps a very flustered man, while continuing to talk he turned around and began zoning his products on the opposite shelf. "Especially with the kids. They're called copycorn seeds. They sprout into these large, acorn-like seeds, and if you remove the cap, it can absorb noise and you can close it off for later. When you open it again, it will release the noise and you can do it as many times as you like, but if you break the shell, the noise will be amplified." He gave a thumbs up, exaggerated, as if trying to sell him the product. "Th-They're Melody Acres specialty!"

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
SimpleSAI Man of Wealth and Taste from Upstairs Since: Apr, 2010
Man of Wealth and Taste
#18: Oct 16th 2011 at 3:19:46 PM

Glint thought for a moment, and replied with an excited smile, "I'll take five of them!" He then coughed, regaining his composure, and said, "Also, do you happen to know where in town I can acquire a large wagon, and a horse to pull it?"

NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#19: Oct 16th 2011 at 3:37:50 PM

Bluenote leaned back, and thought on this girl and the barkeep. Apparently this festival was commemorating Christopher Meriweather, and was beloved by travelers and pioneers. Yes, it did seem there would be a lot of pioneers around here.

The girl had a distinct feel to her. She was different than the other pioneers, maybe a bit more dangerous. He noted the men going back to the Den Den Mushi, and just smiled. Those guys were not in her league. Just some schmucks, most likely.

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#20: Oct 16th 2011 at 9:13:03 PM

The store keeper looked through the baskets and located the copycorn seeds he wanted, smiling for his successful sale. "Have fun with them! There's quite a lot of potential for them." He moved the conversation over to the counter, thinking of how to answer his last question. "A wagon and horse? I don't know much about them. But down a couple of blocks there's a wagon maker. How far you travelin', anyway? Kinda weird for a gardener to be moving from place to place."

He pulled up the purchase on a loud, iron register. "But she should help you out. Horses, oxen, got it all." He whipped out a large paper bag, brown and with the logo on the front. Seemed much too big for such a small buy. "Enjoy!"


"Welp, that all sounds like fun," Cocoa said, smiling and slamming her mug on the counter. "I'm heading off. Before I go, I need four barrels of whatever this was." She tilted her head forward in a half-nod, and the barkeeper nodded back, going to one of his busboys to get the drink ready.

Cocoa turned to Bluenote and leaned over on the counter. "So, you're just traveling, huh, guy? Where you headed? I'm looking for a few people to travel with me. Some helping hands. Company. Friends. Wanna come along?"

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#21: Oct 16th 2011 at 9:27:58 PM

Bluenote sighed, as much as he wanted to, he had something else to do. Something significantly less pleasant.

"Sorry, I can't, I'm heading off toward Meleda Colony, a while away from here." Considering it was rather well known a powerful bandit group was virtually in control of Meleda, he understood if it sounded a bit weird if he was heading there.

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#22: Oct 16th 2011 at 9:47:05 PM

"Meleda?" she repeated slowly. "Never heard of it. Sounds... fun?"

"I hear there's some tension going on over there, eh?" the barkeeper said, coming back to the two. "Pretty much a war zone. Only people going in and out are bounty hunters and bandits. What business you got there, eh?"

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
NickTheSwing Since: Aug, 2009
#23: Oct 16th 2011 at 10:05:13 PM

Bluenote smiled, "I guess I'm just going there to help a friend get outta a mess."

Friend being the guy in charge, granted, who rumor said was thrown in jail by bandits.

HeavyDDR Who's Vergo-san. from Central Texas Since: Jul, 2009
Who's Vergo-san.
#24: Oct 16th 2011 at 10:15:07 PM

"Assuming your friend isn't dead, eh," the man muttered, then coughed. "Sorry. I hope everything works out, eh." One of the workers approached the bar and addressed him, informing him that the barrels are ready. He nodded and pointed him off to clean another table. "Miss, your purchase is ready."

Cocoa nodded and put more than a couple fistfuls of belli on the counter, sliding it towards the opposite edge. "Thanks!" she chirped, twirling in her seat an entire spin before hopping off. "Nice talking to you, blue hair!" She picked up her foot to step forward, but then stopped. "Oh, by the way," she picked up her finger and pointed to the corner, "those guys are aiming a gun at you."

The three men had huddled behind the wall, their heads sticking out one on top of the other. The barrel of a revolver was aimed, shakily mind you, at Bluenote. Becoming hectic at the sight of the pioneer pointing at them, the middle man holding the gun quickly fired. The trigger was pulled several times, not with any type of grace. The bangs came off as a slap across the face to the band, who came to an abrupt stop. Men gasped and ladies shrieked at the echoing fire, looking on with surprise.

I'm pretty sure the concept of Law having limits was a translation error. -Wanderlustwarrior
SimpleSAI Man of Wealth and Taste from Upstairs Since: Apr, 2010
Man of Wealth and Taste
#25: Oct 16th 2011 at 10:44:49 PM

Glint cheerfully ignored the yelling from the direction of the saloon. By now, he had learned that any shouting from wherever Cocoa was would be taken care of by the time he got back. If he had heard the gunshot, he probably would have felt more worried, but as he didn't, he just wandered off.

So he headed up the block, and arrived at the wagon store. He banged on the door, yelling, "Excuse me? I have come looking for a wagon."


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