Balloon Island

[history_pirate]

The first thing one notices is the smell, akin to burning rubber, though not as acrid. Nor unpleasant, really. It's simply there. On the horizon, a strange storm cloud looms low over the sea. Then, as the ship draws near, one realizes it isn't a cloud at all, but a series of balloons, floating in the sky above the waves.

Obviously, the Log Pose doesn't register this floating "island", though it is large and quite heavily populated. It seems the civilization is rather advanced- perhaps outcast denizens of a future island somewhere. They've managed to keep these balloons afloat using cutting-edge technology. A stunning contrast, really, to the ultra-simple mode of transportation most common to the island- the pogo stick. In order to get from place to place, one simply needs to jump, using the buoyant balloons as a propellant. Pogo sticks intensify this effect, and it is possible to cross the city entirely in two to three giant leaps. Homes, shops, and recreational buildings hang in the air, suspended by enormous colored balloons- some so high that additional, smaller balloons have been set in the air at intervals, creating a path for one to hop up to the entryway. The people are friendly enough upon arrival, and it seems there is little, if any, Marine presence.

I suspect Luffy will get quite a kick out of this island, though the local food seems to consist primarily of fish and seaweed. I'm rather curious, myself, as to why these people decided to leave whatever island they may have come from and set up here, in the middle of the ocean, likely at great cost.

Comments

[black-hat-cat.livejournal.com]

Great cost and great inconvenience. If not for Geppou, I'd be spending my time entirely on the ship.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Indeed, it seems such an unlikely place. It isn't as if there are any useful natural resources here.

[deadgirldropout.livejournal.com]

You don't want to bounce around?

[needs-a-plan.livejournal.com]

...Yeeeah.

If anyone needs me, I'll be on the ship.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Suit yourself; I find it somewhat entertaining.

[deadgirldropout.livejournal.com]

...this place is fucking ridiculous.

Who wants to bet on how many people I'll have to reap because they've fallen to their deaths?

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Two.

[warriorothesea.livejournal.com]

...people don't actually seem that worried about falling. I guess they're used to it.

This place still makes no sense, though. A good strong wind, and the whole thing could end up halfway across the Grand Line.

[8deathtaed8.livejournal.com]

If anyone wants me, I'll be on a different island.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Is something wrong, Kid?

[regal-azure.livejournal.com]

It looks incredible! I'd love to go and explore, but I'm not sure I'd want to live in one of the houses, suspended by a balloon like that.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Mm, I prefer a ship on the sea, myself.

[serving-love.livejournal.com]

...I'm with Lucci, Geppou is way more convenient. Or...it would be if I wasn't fucking out of practice.

Interesting place, though.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Your cooking will likely be remembered as legendary, considering the usual diet.

[time-exorcist.livejournal.com]

...is there anyway you can take a picture, Robin? It sounds like a rather interesting place to visit.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

I'll send them as attachments in an email.

[hungrydino.livejournal.com]

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

[key-destination.livejournal.com]

How many balloons? That's gotta be a lot to lift an island.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Indeed. Though they aren't lifting the island, they are the island.

[warriorothesea.livejournal.com]

This place makes no sense.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

In what way?

[dragonaya.livejournal.com]

Balloons islands? That sounds... really different.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

Mm. Quite unique, in many ways.

[garotamalandro.livejournal.com]

When ya think things didn't get any shittier, Grand Line goes and shows us this crap.

[history-pirate.livejournal.com]

You don't think it's fun?

He needs to show these boggling faces more often.

[ishikawa-juusan.livejournal.com]

...Eh?

2/2

[ishikawajuusan.livejournal.com]

I first thought it incredibly foolish and suicidal for the existence of an entire community to rely on the support of balloons...

But, the fact that these people have lived long enough to erect buildings and have managed to keep them afloat, as well as prevented their entire 'island' from drifting apart, shows great intelligence and adaptability...