Chapter Text
Sending letters was easy. That was something that hadn’t changed in Brook’s fifty years of solitude. Receiving letters, however, was just as hard as it had always been.
The News Coo were only so capable. Deliver a letter to an island? Easy. Deliver the newspaper to any boat that floats? Even easier. Deliver a letter to a specific boat that could be anywhere on the seas? Not so much.
It was something Brook had made peace with long ago. He’d sent letters back to Crocus and Laboon, knowing he’d not be able to get any in return. He’d restarted the practice once joining the Straw Hat Pirates (though he hadn’t been able to send any while with his managers; he hoped the Soul King TD he’d been able to send afterwards helped make up for that.) Of course, Brook didn’t know if any of his letters actually made it back to Crocus and Laboon. But he hoped desperately that they did.
Brook wished he could receive letters from them as well. He wanted to know if they were well and if they’d received his letters. But alas, for all the changes the world had gone through in the past fifty years, pirates receiving letters at sea was not one of them.
Which was why it was particularly perplexing when a package labeled ‘Soul King’ appeared on the deck of the Sunny one morning.
“I think it’s for you,” Usopp said.
“Well, it would appear so,” Brook mused. He tried to lift it. It was possible, but heavy. “You don’t suppose this could be a trap of some sort, do you?”
Usopp backpedaled three steps.
“I doubt it.” Robin peered up from her book. “If someone got close enough to the ship to leave a package, they could just have ripped our throats out themselves.”
“Robin! Don’t say things like that,” Usopp whined.
“I suppose that’s true.” Brook reached to open the top. “Only one way to find out for sure.”
The inside of the box was full of letters. And smaller packages. And… clothes?
“Hm.”
“Is it a trap?? Oh gosh it is, isn’t it?” Usopp stood on his tiptoes to try and see the contents.
“No, no. It’s…” Brook lifted an envelope from the top of the pile. It was gold with big letters printed on the front. “Fan mail.”
“Fan mail?” Usopp questioned.
Robin laughed. “Oh, they’ve found you.”
Brook tilted his head. “Found me?”
“Your fans.” Robin smiled, setting her book to the side to give the conversation her full attention. “Fans can be more persistent than the navy. If anyone can get something to your location, it’s a fan.”
“It sounds like you speak from experience.”
“I do. Baroque Works had a fan club. Ms. All Sunday’s fans had a better time tracking me down than the navy ever did.”
Brook was proud to actually understand the words she’d used. He hadn’t been with the Straw Hats when they’d gone to Alabasta, but he’d heard some of the stories.
“Man, this is really all for you?” Usopp must have decided against the trap theory, as he’d made his way back to the box and was sifting through its contents. “How famous were you?”
Brook shrugged. “I saw lots of people and went to lots of places. I think I remember Thanklin saying that I’d sold at least a million TD’s.”
“A million?” Usopp’s eyes were wide. “Brook, that’s a lot.”
“I guess?” Brook knew it was a lot, but the numbers had never really mattered to him. He loved his fans, of course, but he would play for three fans just as excitedly as he would for three hundred.
“Does the golden envelope have a letter in it, by chance?” Robin asked.
“Oh, ah… let’s see.” Brook opened it and read the letter contained aloud.
Dear Mr. Soul King,
We, your biggest fans, have figured out how to send you mail! Due to the illegal nature of your current activities, we can’t tell you our names or where we’re from in case this gets intercepted. We’d rather not be interrogated on how to find your whereabouts. But we want you to know that we support you, pirate and all! We’ll try to spread our knowledge to other fans and fan clubs so they can send their fan mail too. Don’t worry, though! We’ll be super careful; it wouldn’t do for our favorite rockstar to be caught because of us. We think you’re the best and hope you enjoy the mail and gifts!
From, Soul King’s biggest fans
“And then there’s a cute little doodle that looks like me,” Brook finished.
“So, you’ll be getting even more mail?” Usopp asked.
“Possibly,” Brook mused. He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that his fans had wanted to send him mail; he hadn’t even gotten to wondering how they’d done it. “Passing information between islands would probably take some time, though. And that’s assuming there’s other people who would want to send me mail.”
“Are you going to go through it?” Robin had left her seat to kneel beside the box, peering in with interest.
Oh, right. These are gifts for me. Sent by my fans.
That… was very touching.
“Yes, I will,” Brook decided. “It was very kind of them to send me anything at all, and I can’t imagine the trouble they went through to get this here.” Brook looked at the box. There was a lot in it. “Would you two like to help me sort through it?”
“Sure,” Usopp said.
“Of course.” Robin smiled. “I’m curious what’s in it myself.”
(What was in it turned out to be many letters. Plus some trinkets and accessories, most handmade. Brook was both incredibly touched by the sentiment and baffled that his fans had gone through so much trouble for him.)
The next package arrived on the Sunny a few weeks later. It was just as big, if not bigger, than the first. This one was sorted through on the dining table, with Luffy and Chopper wanting to help. Luffy had more interest in the trinkets and accessories than the words. Chopper was happy just to be included.
“I can’t believe you’re getting all this attention,” Sanji whined from the sink. His sleeves were pushed up to his elbows, and he was washing the dishes. “Seriously, you sung a couple songs and now you have the attention of all these girls?”
Brook couldn’t help but silently agree, with the disbelief over the attention at least. He loved his fans, sure. But he’d never gotten much time to talk to them. His managers had an iron grip on where he’d been and when. A metaphorical cage of time limits in place of the physical bars they’d once used.
Though he had been glad to make people happy with his music while separated from the Straw Hats, and to improve for their journey into the New World, Brook had never really cared about the attention of a crowd. It was important to him to play for the people he loved most instead of playing for the most people.
“They aren’t all from women,” Chopper piped up. “This one says it’s from a Mr.”
Sanji sighed. “My point still stands.”
Over time, as the letters had stated, more mail started appearing. From more places, presumably. Brook and whoever wanted to join him that day would help him sort through it on the dining room table. Somehow, even though Brook hadn’t played a show in months, his ‘fandom’ as Zoro had told him, was growing.
Zoro had also had to explain ‘fanart’ and ‘fanfiction’, things that Brook had also started receiving in the mail. Zoro said he only knew anything about the terms because someone named Perona wouldn’t shut up about the stuff.
Robin had unsuccessfully hid chuckles throughout his explanation until Zoro got fed up and left Robin to finish it.
All in all, though, it was pretty cool. Usually.
“Oh my, that is quite vulgar.”
“Can I see?”
Brook passed Robin the paper he was holding.
“Oh my.”
“Can I see?!” Luffy piped up from across the table.
“Sorry, captain,” Brook said. “I’m afraid this isn’t- um. For young eyes.”
“But Robin gets to see!”
“Robin is an adult.”
“Can I see?” Franky asked.
“No,” Brook and Robin replied simultaneously.
Franky pouted. “Hey, I’m an adult.”
Brook ignored him. “Honestly, I think I should burn it.”
“Or frame it.” Robin chuckled.
Sometimes Brook got sent covers of his music. He always loved receiving those. It was wonderful to hear others singing his music with such joy. He could hear it in their voice and feel it in his soul.
One such cover had come from someone who had called herself ‘Your #1 Fan’. Her cover had been beautiful, and she’d also sent a bracelet she’d made herself. It had a purple band and a bone charm; Brook quite liked it.
All the envelopes Brook received had a ‘From’ on the front of them. But, to everyone’s surprise, some started appearing with a ‘To’ as well.
“Zoro, this one’s addressed to you.”
“To me?” Zoro glanced over.
“Yes,” Brook said. “She sent two letters, one addressed to me and one to you.”
Zoro frowned and tilted his head. “Who’s it from?”
“Um… does ‘Princess of the Underworld’ ring any bells?”
Zoro blinked. “Burn it.”
“Wha- Zoro, you haven’t even read it yet!”
“Fine,” Zoro grumbled. He held out a hand. Brook passed the envelope over, and Zoro read the letter within slowly and with a frown. Once at the end he sighed and stuffed the letter in his pocket.
“Still want me to burn it?” Brook couldn’t help but ask.
“Nah.” Zoro looked away with a frown. “Guess it’d be less trouble to keep it.”
Dear Mr. Soul King,
You aren’t very cute, but I can appreciate your death aesthetic. The sparkly boa and heart glasses are a nice touch too. Your music is very good, I’m a fan! Though I think you should have written more sad ballads interspersed with your happier releases. Sad songs really highlight death and the futility of life, you know? Also, I have sent a second letter that is for Zoro. Don’t let him burn it.
From,
The Princess of the Underworld
The number of letters only seemed to grow. And so did the locations those letters seemed to be being sent from.
“Franky,” Brook turned the envelope in his hands, “would you happen to know a ‘Monster Granny’?”
“Monster Granny?” Luffy perked up.
Franky blinked. “Granny Kokoro?” He reached across the table to take the envelope. By the time Franky had finished reading his letter his eyes were watering and libs wobbling. Opening up a folded piece of paper that had been sent with the letter was the final straw in making him burst into tears.
“Everyone’s doing well,” Franky sobbed. “The Franky Family and Iceburg and Granny Kokoro-“ Franky sniffed loudly. “Look at this picture Chimney drew for me!” A crayon drawing of a girl who Brook imagined must be Chimney doing the ‘SUPER’ pose next to a guy who looked vaguely like Franky was then shoved into Brook’s face.
“Isn’t it beautiful?!” Franky sobbed.
“Yes, very much.” Brook patted Franky’s arm consolingly. “It sounds like your family-” I assume it’s his family, he did say the word granny in there, “-cares about you a lot.”
That had the opposite of the intended comforting effect and made Franky burst into more tears.
Dear Soul King,
Guess Luffy found that skeleton musician he was looking for after all! I’m not surprised; I’ve seen what that boy can do. I imagine he can do anything he sets his mind to. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we’re big fans of your music over here. I play it all the time on the train and people love it. Good luck with your adventures!
From,
Monster Granny
“Chopper. This is for you, it says it’s from a ‘Witch Doctor’?”
“A witch doctor?!” Chopper’s eyes widened. “But I don’t know any witches! You don’t think it’s a trap, do you?” Chopper’s eyes were wide and fearful.
“Oh, I’m sure it’s fine,” Brook was quick to reassure, giving Chopper a pat on his head. “Do you want me to read it to you?” He suggested when that didn’t seem to waylay Chopper’s nerves.
Chopper nodded.
“Okay,” Brook opened the envelope, “here goes.”
Dear Chopper,
The Straw Hats are still alive, except for the musician one, so you must be doing a good job as their doctor. That’s good, I’d expect no less from someone I spent so long teaching. I didn’t appreciate you going missing for two years. It made buffalo butt worry. I have a copy of your bounty poster, great job on becoming a real pirate. I’m sure the doctor would be proud of you. Buffalo butt is proud of you. And worried about you. I know you’re a doctor, but make sure to keep yourself safe too.
From,
The Witch Doctor
“Hm, it’s a very kind letter,” Brook said after he finished reading it. “Do you have any idea-” A crying Chopper launched himself into Brook’s arms.
“It’s from Doctorine,” Chopper wailed. “She sent me a letter!”
Brook was only half sure that he knew who Doctorine was, but he rubbed Chopper’s back regardless. “Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m sure you’re very happy to hear from-” your family? A teacher of some sort? Probably not his mother, I’m pretty sure his mother would be a reindeer? “…her.”
Chopper sniffed. “Can you read it again?”
Ah, something Brook knew the answer to. “Of course.”
Dear Skeleton,
Guess you’re traveling with my Chopper now. If anything happens to him, I’ll kill you twice dead. I’ll have you know I can name every bone in your body as I shatter them under my heel. Your music is okay, I guess. Buffalo butt loves it.
From,
The Witch Doctor
Dear Soul King,
I’m a very big fan of your music! You never got to play a concert in these parts, but I have all the different TD albums you’ve sold and they’re all great! Hopefully I’ll get to meet you in person when the Straw Hats come back around here so Chopper can see the Doctor again. She was really worried about him after he disappeared from the news after the war at Marineford. I seriously thought she might take to the sea herself to find him. I’m glad everything’s worked out.
From,
Not A Buffalo
Something even more surprising than the fan mail that showed up every few weeks was finding out his fans extended even beyond the Grand Line. Brook was already surprised at the amount of fans he had, so he certainly hadn’t expected to have fans in the Blues as well. He’d never even gone to any of them for a concert! Yet he found himself getting letters from the Blues as well as the Grand Line.
“Sanji, this one is addressed to you. It says it’s from ‘Eggplant’s Father’.”
Sanji dried off his hands and approached the table with a raised eyebrow. “It’s from Zeff? I’m surprised he’s heard of your music, he’s all the way in the East Blue.”
Brook shrugged and handed the envelope over.
Sanji scanned the contents of his letter, a frown growing on his face. “…eggplant head?” he muttered. By the time he got to the end of the letter his face was in a scowl. “You had better be lying you old geezer,” Sanji muttered, sticking his hand into the envelope and pulling out a picture.
(Whatever was on the picture, Sanji did not like it. And, after practically exploding upon seeing it, spent the rest of the day grumbling about it.)
(Brook did see Sanji looking at the letter itself with a small smile later, though.)
Mr. Soul King,
Heard you’re traveling with my little eggplant now. I’m sure he’s quite the handful. Your music’s real good, all the patrons of the Baratie love it. I did send a picture to the eggplant; I know part of this whole shtick requires anonymity, but I assure you don’t need to worry about it. To be honest, I have no idea how these letters are getting to you. Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell the navy. I’m just as stubborn as the little eggplant, so you can be assured I mean it.
From,
Head Chef of the Baratie, Zeff
“Usopp, does the name, ‘A Merry Doctor’ mean anything to you? I have a letter here addressed to you… Oh, and one from a ‘Vegetable Trio’ as well.”
Usopp perked up. “From Kaya? And Carrot, Pepper, and Onion?”
Brook recognized only one of those names. The rest just sounded like food. “Maybe?”
“Gimme, gimme,” Usopp reached out with grabby hands.
Usopp read over his letters quickly and with a big grin. He shook Luffy by the shoulders once done. “Kaya’s studies are going well! She’s on track to becoming a doctor and she’s gotten all my letters, too! She’s excited to see me again and can’t wait to hear the stories behind my bounty posters!!”
Luffy, who was snacking on some food Brook had been sent, spoke with his mouth full, “I fought you only had one bounty pos-?”
“And Carrot, Pepper, and Onion have kept the Usopp Pirates alive! Pepper is getting better with his aim and Onion says he can spin a good tale. They’ve been being Kaya’s little bodyguards and Carrot is even taking an interest in doctor stuff too!” Usopp let go of Luffy to wipe a tear from his eye. “I trained them so well.”
“That’s so wonderful for Kaya!” Nami piped up from her end of the table. “I’m glad she was able to pursue what she wanted after all that cat pirate business.”
“Captain Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates.” Usopp puffed up proudly. “Who I defeated, by the way. With, uh, a little bit of help. Who wants to hear the story?”
Nami rolled her eyes. “We’ve heard that one a million times, Usopp.”
“I haven’t,” Brook piped up. (He’d heard it at least a handful of times, but he liked how excited Usopp got when telling stories.)
Sure enough, Usopp’s already face-splitting grin widened. “Okay, so it all started back in my home village…”
Dear Soul King,
I’ve heard that you’re traveling with the Great Captain Usopp now! I hope he isn’t causing too much trouble; just enough to have some good stories to tell. I really like your music, it’s very upbeat and helps me focus while I’m studying. I hope you and the rest of the Straw Hats have a wonderful time on your adventures. I can’t wait to hear about them!
From,
The Merry Doctor.
Nami got probably the most letters. The first she received was from a ‘Still Searching For A Husband’, and the next had been from a ‘Sister Tangerine’. Both people had started sending Nami letters regularly. Today’s letters, though, were from new people.
“Nami, you have more letters. Today is a ‘Not in a fish’s stomach’ and a ‘Princess Wednesday’.”
“Can I see?” Nami’s grin was bright and Brook handed over the letters. It wasn’t until after the letters had left his hand that he realized the one about a fish was probably from Camie. His suspicions were practically confirmed when the next envelope he picked up was from a ‘So fashionable it’s practically criminal’.
Brook opened his envelope so he could read his letter while Nami read hers. ‘So fashionable it’s practically criminal’ (Pappagu, Brook’s mind supplied) had sent Brook some Criminal brand items in a package alongside the letter. Apparently, it was good for the brand if celebrities wore them. Honestly, Brook doubted that a pirate wearing Pappagu’s brand would be the good publicity Pappagu seemed to think it would be. Brook was going to try anyway of course. Pappagu was his friend, and Brook quite liked the clothes.
Whatever was written in Nami’s letters must have been good, because she finished them with a huge smile on her face and watery eyes. “Wow, I can’t believe I can get letters from Camie and…” Nami stopped, and her smile turned just a little bit evil. “Brook, the princess of Alabasta has heard your music. Do you know what that means?”
“Considering the look on your face, I’d say the answer involves capitalism-“
“We have a celebrity on the crew and we’re not monetizing you near enough! Think about all the berry we could make!”
“I prefer not to, but you can.”
“We could throw impromptu concerts on islands- Usopp could help get the word out- oo I wonder how much people would pay for a signed wanted poster?!”
The conversation sounded very similar to ones he’d heard over the two years he’d been away from the Straw Hats. But somehow, it didn’t sound like a bad thing when coming from Nami. Maybe because he was with the Straw Hats this time instead of being separated? Whatever the reason, Brook grinned.
“Of course. Whatever you say, Nami.”
Heyy Soul King,
Been a while since you were here, yeah? Hope you still remember your old friend. I’ve sent some items from a very famous brand. I imagine it would help this brand out a lot if you were to wear these items. Not that I have anything to do with this brand, obviously, as that would be identifying information. Though the brand has many people working for it that could be sending a letter, so it would be pointless to try and pin down which one sent it.
Anyway, congrats on the stardom! I knew you were a star (I know a thing or two about stars XD) but it’s crazy how your popularity has only grown! Things were a bit crazy last time you were around, I hope things will be more chill next time so I can show you more of the sights. A night on the town would be pretty fun! I get a lot of discounts too for reasons that aren’t identifying at all so don’t try to find me if this gets intercepted.
Good luck on your adventures! Remember to wear the brand!
From,
So fashionable it’s practically criminal
“Robin, this one is for you.”
“Oh?” Robin raised an eyebrow. “Who would be sending me a letter?”
Brook shrugged. “A ‘Fishy Karate User’ it would seem. Does that mean anything to you?”
“It does.” Robin took the letter with wide eyes.
“There’s one for you too, Luffy.” Brook held a letter in Luffy’s direction. “From a ‘Forged in Fire’?”
“’George on Fire’?” Luffy tilted his head.
“It’s from Sabo,” Robin supplied. Her letter was open and her eyes were wet, there was a light smile on her face.
“Sabo!?!” Luffy snatched the envelope from Brook’s hands, practically tearing it apart in order to get to the letter. Luffy’s eyes went over the paper hungrily and a huge grin lit up his face. “It is from Sabo!! He says he’s doing well and he’s glad he got to see me in Dressrosa!!”
“That’s wonderful, Luffy.” Brook smiled. “I’m glad you got to hear from him.”
“Me too!” Luffy grinned. “Robin, was yours from Sabo too?”
“No.” Robin wiped tears from her eyes with a smile. “Mine was from Koala. She’s doing well.”
“So is Sabo!” Luffy grinned. Robin chuckled at his enthusiasm.
(“I’ve never received a letter from a friend before,” Robin told Brook later. “It’s something special, isn’t it?”)
(“Yes, it is.” Most of the letters Brook had received came from people he didn’t know, but a few came from friends he’d made alongside the Straw Hats. “I’m glad Koala is able to reach you.”)
(Brook really was glad. He was glad that people had been able to find joy in his music at a time when he’d been struggling to hold on to joy himself. He was glad that he’d finally found happiness again with the Straw Hats. And he was glad that his fans’ joy had been able to overflow onto the Straw Hats as well. It truly was a gift that they were able to get letters from their loved ones.)
(Robin smiled. “Me too.”)
Dear Soul King,
I’ve heard you’re traveling with my little brother. I didn’t get to meet you on Dressrosa, but Luffy told me about you and the rest of the crew in the time afterwards. Thank you for taking good care of him. He’s wanted a musician forever, you know? I’m glad he’s finally found himself one. My little brother’s quite the handful, good luck!
From,
Forged in Fire
Brook appreciated (almost) every piece of mail that he was sent. Picking a favorite wasn’t really a possibility, though Usopp had asked on many occasions. Of course, traveling with the Straw Hats had made many things Brook once considered impossible turn out to be quite the opposite.
Surprisingly, picking a favorite piece of mail was one such thing.
It was a very regular day, a surprisingly quiet one, when Brook received another huge package of fan mail. Usopp and Robin opted to help him open it. Brook was expecting more of the usual: letters, trinkets, art of the drawn and written variety, maybe some snacks. What Brook wasn’t expecting was a light blue envelope near the top that made his brain short circuit and long-dead heart ache.
It took a few moments for Brook to get his limbs to cooperate. He reached in and picked up the letter delicately. It can’t be- can it? Could it really?
“Who’s that one from?” Usopp asked curiously.
“The Whale Watcher and the Whale,” Brook said softly. He repeated the words in his head. Again and again.
Usopp’s eyes widened. “Do you think…?”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Robin put a supporting hand on Brook’s arm. “Are you going to open it?”
Brook took a shuddering breath. He felt like hope was building up into an enormous swell in his hollow chest. So much it just might kill him. Still, he hesitated.
I could be wrong.
It might not be Crocus and Laboon.
Might. Might. Might.
Brook took a deep breath. He was tired of waiting, and like Robin had said, there was only one way to find out.
Brook tore open the envelope.
Dear Brook,
It’s been a while. Thank you for the letters you sent. Laboon never gave up hope that you were coming back, I’m glad he’s been proven right. I can’t believe you ended up with the Straw Hats, funny how things work out isn’t it? Laboon’s all grown up now, and he’s doing well. We both are. Laboon loves the tone dial you sent of your music, by the way. He makes me play it at least a hundred times a day. It’s a good thing I like your music or I would be sick of it by now.
Laboon can’t wait to see you again. The rest of the Straw Hats too. And I suppose I’m looking forward to it as well. Don’t make us wait fifty years this time, yeah?
From,
The Whale Watcher and the Whale.
Brook didn’t notice his tears until Robin gently took the letter from him so he wouldn’t drench it with them.
“Was it from Crocus and Laboon?” Usopp leaned forward.
Brook nodded, finding words after a few moments. “They received my letters. They’re doing well.”
“That’s great!”
“Yeah.” Brook’s hands were shaking, and he couldn’t stop himself from crying. “I’m so glad…”
“Did you see the message on the back?” Robin asked.
“The what?”
Robin turned the letter around and showed it to Brook, holding it far enough away that he wouldn’t get it wet.
P.S. I included a package at Laboon’s insistence. It was an absolute pain to get my hands on an unused tone dial, so I hope you enjoy it.
Brook was incredibly grateful to his fans. Their love for his music had given him a way back to the Straw Hats when they’d been separated. And even now they continued to help unite the Straw Hats by letting them receive communication from their loved ones.
Just a handful of years ago Brook would have never even considered that he could be this happy, that he would have a new crew and would get to see Laboon again. But he was, incredibly so.
Brook continued to write letters to Crocus and Laboon and continued to receive them in return. Brook’s favorite, though, was the first one he’d received from them.
There were two tone dials in Brook’s head now. One that was meant for Laboon and contained the Rumbar Pirate’s last song for him. It was a promise that Brook would return.
The other was from Laboon, and it contained whale song. Loud and beautiful and full of so much soul. It was a promise that Laboon was still waiting.
Laboon had never given up hope, and Brook was so, so glad that he hadn’t either.
---
“Laboon, that was your thirtieth take. For the love of everything can this please be the one we send?”
“…Chirrup!”
“Frickin’ finally. Brook better like this.”