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mellyssageverse · 1 year ago

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Noble Hearts - Chapter 1

Prologue can be found HERE

ZoSan Royal AU

I’m still working on the title, but I wanted to start sharing some of what I have written before I post anything on AO3.

Summary: The threat of famine looms over the Kuraigana Kingdom as resources dwindle. Suspicion grips the royal Mihawk family when the prosperous Germa Kingdom offers aid by means of a transactional alliance. As tensions rise, the unforeseen connection between two princes may decide the fate of their kingdoms.

Sanji strode with purpose through the cold stone halls of the castle, the familiar weight of his crimson cloak trailing behind him. Though he had traversed these corridors countless times, each journey to the throne room felt like a daunting pilgrimage through the echoes of his past. The portraits of his father that adorned the walls seemed to loom over him with silent judgment, their painted eyes a constant reminder of the expectations he could never quite meet.

Thirteen years had passed since the tragic loss of his mother, yet the ache of her absence lingered within him like an open wound that refused to heal.

The memory of that fateful day, when the guards returned with Queen Sora's bloodied cloak, still haunted him. King Judge Vinsmoke angrily directed the blame on Sanji for the tragedy that had befallen their kingdom. In his father's eyes, Sanji was the cause of their loss, and by running for help Sanji was the embodiment of failure and disappointment. Judge’s punishment had been swift and merciless. For leaving his mother behind, Sanji was locked away in the dungeons for a full week; an iron mask clamped around his head to prevent him from eating.

In those lonely moments, with only his hunger pangs as company for his grief, Sanji made a vow to never be helpless in protecting his loved ones ever again.

Once he was released from the dungeons, Sanji began to make good on his promise. Day after day, he immersed himself in rigorous training, his commitment unyielding. Alone on the training grounds, he honed his skills with a relentless fervor, pushing himself until his feet blistered and bled.

Then came Zeff, the seasoned veteran of the castle kitchens. Concerned by Sanji's absence from his culinary domain, Zeff sought him out. The old man found Sanji alone and exhausted on the training grounds. Zeff had not only offered Sanji the comfort of his company but also the invaluable wisdom of his experience. Under Zeff's guidance, Sanji's prowess as a fighter flourished, his dedication under Zeff's teachings molded him into a formidable adversary, surpassing even his own siblings in combat.

Despite his newfound strength, Judge remained unmoved, his disdain for Sanji was as strong as ever. Sanji remained a weak link, a fragile shadow threatening to undermine the foundations of the Germa Kingdom. No amount of training, no display of skill or strength could erase the empathy that his mother had instilled within him, a trait that his father viewed as a fatal flaw.

Sanji approached the imposing doors of the throne room, where he was met with the familiar sight of his siblings awaiting entry. Reiju's small smile offered a fleeting moment of warmth amidst the cold indifference of his brothers.

The doors to the throne room swung open and Sanji offered a nod of gratitude to the servants who ushered them inside, a gesture of acknowledgment for their service.

“You don't bow to the help, idiot. They're meant to bow to us.” Yonji jeered, elbowing past Sanji with an air of superiority.

"It wasn't a bow." Sanji retorted through gritted teeth, shooting an irritated glare at his brother's retreating form.

"Pft, any form of acknowledgment to the lower class is beneath us." Niji chimed in, trailing behind Yonji with a disdainful sneer.

Meanwhile, Ichiji, the eldest of the Vinsmoke brothers, frowned disapprovingly at Sanji's modest gesture.

"Your brothers are right. It's disgraceful to stoop to such levels." Ichiji admonished sternly. "Remember your place."

Sanji's hands clenched into tight fists, the pressure of his nails digging into his palms as he fought to contain his rising frustration. In an attempt to distract himself, Sanji let his gaze sweep across the throne room, taking in its familiar imposing grandeur with a sense of disdain. The stone walls loomed above him, adorned with Judge’s gruesome trophies of conquest: the twisted horns of the Dracon.

The Dracons, with their humanoid yet dragon-like forms, were unsettling beasts. They possessed the ability to summon wings and talons at will, had a resilience against fire, and sought to destroy any living thing that crossed their path. These were the monsters Germa was at war with, like many other neighboring kingdoms. They were also the same creatures responsible for Queen Sora’s tragic death.

Despite his hatred for these beasts, Sanji couldn't shake the feeling that it was morally wrong to have their scalped horns displayed as trophies.

Judge stood before his throne, his stern expression radiated an aura of authority that commanded attention. His gaze bore into his children with unwavering intensity as they each took their seats at a polished table located at the foot of the stairs below him.

"I have gathered you all here to discuss our next plan of action in the war against the Dracons." Judge began, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "As you know, Kuraigana is a well-established kingdom. The might of their army has shielded them from the Dracon threat, allowing them to remain isolated from neighboring kingdoms... until now."

Sanji observed his father closely, noting the darkening of his expression and the fervent gleam in his eyes. It was a look he had seen many times before… the telltale sign of Judge's unyielding determination to achieve his objectives at any cost.

"Despite their success in repelling Dracon attacks, the Kuraigana Kingdom faces a new challenge. They struggle to feed their citizens, and their King sees it fit to accept aid from other realms. I will admit that I care little for the plight of their people, but if we can secure an alliance with Kuraigana and absorb their formidable army into our own, we will become an unstoppable force."

Sanji clenched his jaw upon hearing Judge's callous disregard for the suffering of others.

"So we are to be in talks of an alliance with their King.” Reiju spoke up next to Sanji. “What role do you require of us in all of this?”

Judge’s smile twisted into a sneer.

“King Mihawk is an unusual ruler. He never found himself a Queen to rule beside him, yet he has adopted two children of lower status to be his heirs to the throne.” There was a bitter edge to Judge’s words as he spoke.

“Are you sure we want to align ourselves with commoners like them?” Niji smirked, his brow raised in disbelief.

“King Mihawk is of royal blood. That is who I am conducting business with. His brats are of no importance to us.” Judge retorted, his stern gaze settling on Niji, silently chastising him for his impertinence. Niji’s smirk faltered, replaced by a more serious demeanor in the face of their father’s disapproval. With a begrudging sigh, Judge continued, “However, King Mihawk seems to hold his ‘children’ in high regards. He thinks they play vital roles when meeting with real royals. It is for this reason that he intends to bring them to Germa. I may not approve of this, but we can’t do anything that would jeopardize us getting control of their military.”

Sanji blinked in surprise at the sudden turn of events, his thoughts racing as he processed his father’s words. He exchanged a glance with Reiju to find that her eyes mirrored his own disbelief. Judge must really want control of the Kuraigana army if he is inviting those of non-royal lineage to be their guests.

“I expect Reiju and Sanji to be the ones to keep Mihawk’s mutts occupied during their stay.” Judge directed his attention to the two. Sanji’s surprise deepened at the unexpected responsibility thrust upon him. His eyes rose to meet Judge’s piercing gaze. His father’s cold eyes seemed to be gauging his reaction before pressing on. “You both are the most likely to be civil to the low-status royals. We do not want to cause any offense before the alliance is made.”

“Seems a bit pathetic to cater to low-class scum.” Ichiji scoffed at his sibling’s assigned task.

Judge’s eyes narrowed in anger. Sanji tensed, bracing for his father’s reprimand.

“Mind your tongue! We aren’t here to cater to anyone!” Judge’s wild eyes snapped to Ichiji. He descended from his throne, advancing towards the table with a darkening air of authority. “Every move we make serves to strengthen Germa’s standing. With the Kuraigana army at our disposal, we’ll be unstoppable. Mingling with Mihawk’s brood is a minor inconvenience, but I won’t tolerate any missteps. You don’t have to be friendly, but I expect you, Niji, and Yonji to keep your distance. One wrong word could ruin the entire alliance!”

Judge’s fist crashed down onto the table with a resounding thud, leaving a small crater of cracked stone in its wake. His long disheveled hair shrouded over his face, creating a dark shadow from which his eyes blazed with fury.

The tense atmosphere forced a chill silence to fall over the table. It was an oppressive choking feeling that they all knew well. It had only taken them one mistake in the past for them to all learn what would happen if any of them spoke against Judge. It was not one that would be repeated again, even to this day. None of the siblings dared to even draw breath when Judge’s anger turned violent.

After a few moments of tense silence, Reiju, with her characteristic grace and bravery, spoke up again. "How do you expect Sanji and me to handle King Mihawk's heirs?"

With a grunt, Judge removed his fist from the table, opting to run his hand through his hair to straighten the flyaways.

"He has a daughter known for her sorcery skills and a son who leads a pitifully small fraction of knights," Judge began, his pacing around the table emphasizing his words, positioning himself between Sanji and Reiju. “Reiju, you’ll oversee the sorceress’s accommodations, while Sanji will attend to the other. Keep them away from my negotiations with Mihawk. It’s a task so simple and straightforward that not even someone as useless as Sanji could mess it up.”

Sanji angrily curled his tongue behind his teeth, a surge of indignation rising within him, yet he held his composure.

“The Mihawks will be our guests for a week, expected to arrive in two days. Prepare accordingly for their reception. You are all dismissed.” Casting one last sharp look over his children, Judge turned sharply to leave the throne room. His cloak billowed behind him as he exited through the grand entrance.

“Well, that seemed like a waste of time.” Niji remarked as soon as Judge was out of earshot, pushing back his chair and rising to his feet. “I don’t get why I had to be here if Reiju and Sanji were the only ones given tasks.”

“On the contrary; we were given our own task,” Ichiji pointed out, eyeing the crater left in the table by their father's furious strike. “We're supposed to keep out of Reiju and Sanji's way while they entertain those lowlifes.”

“How dull.” Yonji chimed in, propping his chin on his hand. Then, his expression turned mischievous. Looking towards Sanji, the youngest of the Vinsmokes tauntingly spoke out, “Hey, Sanji, why not suggest a trip to the beach for your visitor? Worked wonders for you last time, didn't it?”

Heat instantly surged through Sanji’s skin, causing him to stand so abruptly that his chair toppled over behind him.

Reiju was quick to reach Sanji’s side, her hand gripping his shoulder firmly in an attempt to stop him.

"Just ignore him," Reiju urged quietly. "He's just trying to pick a fight. Don't let him provoke you."

Sanji met his sister's gaze, seeing the concern reflected in her eyes.

With effort, Sanji swallowed back the torrent of curses that threatened to spill from his lips in response to his brother's callous words. Taking a deep breath, Sanji turned to leave.

“What a profound love you had for our mother,” Yonji’s mocking voice echoed after Sanji as he rushed out of the room. “To leave her behind while you saved only yourself.”

Yonji’s words landed through Sanji like an arrow to his heart, his steps faltered for a moment before he quickened his pace, determined to put as much distance between himself and his siblings as possible.

Finally alone, Sanji leaned against the cold wall of the corridor, his body shaking. Tears welled in his eyes, hot and stinging, as he struggled to contain the flood of feelings that threatened to consume him. With a deep, shuddering breath, he let himself surrender to the release of tears, allowing them to fall freely.

————————————-

“Other way, dumbass!”

Zoro felt a surge of frustration as Perona grabbed his shoulders, forcibly turning him in the opposite direction. He shook off her grip, irritated by her overbearing attitude.

"I know where the throne room is! You don’t have to lead me around!" Zoro snapped.

Perona, unfazed by his irritation, flipped her long, curly pink hair over her shoulder with a smirk.

"Of course I do! I swear, even though we’ve lived here most of our lives, you still get lost in your own home," Perona's playful jab hit its mark.

Zoro angrily swatted at his sister, only to miss as she effortlessly glided out of his reach. Her powers allowing her to float gracefully in the air, her long black dress trailing behind her like a dark cloud.

“Last week for dinner, Luffy had to lead you to the dining hall.”

“Luffy didn’t lead me. He was following me so Mihawk would invite him to join us.” Zoro retorted, his glare as sharp as his three swords that always hung at his hip.

Perona chuckled, thoroughly enjoying her brother's growing annoyance.

“Oh? What about yesterday when Nami and Vivi had to lead you? Were they fishing for a dinner invite too?” Her teasing tone danced through the air like a mocking melody. “Because they were on their way toward town when they caught you wandering around lost on the castle grounds. I’m pretty sure you messed up their date night.”

Zoro’s jaw clenched tighter, his stubborn scowl deepening at Perona’s continued teasing. Despite being familiar with the castle's layout, Zoro's tendency to get lost was a well-known fact among its inhabitants, and Perona took every opportunity to playfully rib him about it.

“I wasn’t lost. I was… exploring.” Zoro insisted gruffly. “Now stop your yapping and keep moving! Mihawk wanted to talk to us about something important.”

Perona’s laughter continued to echo through the corridor like the tinkling of wind chimes, her amusement evident in the playful glint of her eyes as she continued to glide ahead. The warm glow of the sun shone brightly through the windows, illuminating the rich gothic tapestries and plush furnishings that adorned the halls.

Though he's lived here for as long as he can remember, Zoro still finds himself marveling at the castle's grandeur with each passing day. It's a testament to the power and prestige of the man who rules over it, and Zoro can't help but feel a swell of pride at being a part of Mihawk's household.

Finally, they reach the throne room, and Zoro's heart swells with a sense of homecoming when he beholds the familiar sight before him: Mihawk's figure sitting upon his throne with a wine glass in hand. As Zoro enters, he knows that, despite his penchant for getting lost, he's found his place within the castle's hallowed halls.

“You both made it on time.” King Mihawk set his glass down and rose from his seat to greet his children. “How have your trainings gone today?”

“I’m getting a lot better at crushing souls,” Perona boasted, proudly puffing up her chest, “At this rate, I’ll be able to bring whole armies to their knees.”

King Mihawk chuckled softly at his daughter’s eagerness.

“That’s excellent to hear,” Mihawk replied warmly. “Our people are sure to benefit from your hard work and protection. Speaking of protection…” Mihawk's gaze shifted to Zoro, his eyes alight with pride and approval. "I heard how you led your band of knights to the southern border of Kuraigana. You stopped a herd of Dracon from attacking our citizens."

Zoro's expression turned serious.

"I cannot take credit for that," Zoro admitted. "Luffy was the one who took charge. Under his direction, we were able to stop the Dracon attacks."

King Mihawk regarded his son with a hint of amusement.

“Modesty suits you,” Mihawk remarked, his tone carrying a note of approval. “But remember, accepting praise when deserved is just as important. You and Luffy make a formidable team, but your bravery and dedication to our people haven’t gone unnoticed.”

Although Zoro tried his best to remain stoic, he could still feel the faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"I'm sure you didn't ask us to come here just so you could butter us up with compliments." Perona remarked, her arms crossed expectantly. "So what's so important that it couldn't wait to be discussed over dinner?”

Mihawk's expression grew solemn.

"As you both know, the constant attacks from the Dracons have interfered with the lives of our people for the last decade," Mihawk began, his tone grave. "Their numbers continue to grow, and despite our efforts to fend them off, our crops have suffered. I fear it won't be long before food becomes scarce."

Zoro and Perona exchanged a concerned glance, their worries mirrored in each other's eyes.

"The King of Germa has offered us aid through the formation of an alliance. They are known for their powerful armies and abundance of wealth, and they have reached out to extend their assistance to us in this time of need."

Zoro's brow furrowed in confusion as he processed his father's words.

"The Dracon attacks have been occurring for well over a decade, so why do they feel the need to form an alliance with us now?" Perona's skepticism mirrored Zoro's own thoughts.

"The King has expressed interest in our military might," Mihawk explained, his voice tinged with a hint of suspicion. "I have no doubt that he sees the alliance as a way to enhance his own military strength."

Zoro's frown deepened at his father's reply, his mind racing with questions and doubts about this alliance with the Germa Kingdom. But Mihawk pressed on, undeterred.

"Whatever their motives may be, I think we owe it to our people to see what comes from these negotiations," Mihawk continued firmly. "This war against the Dracons has not affected them as it has other neighboring kingdoms. They have the means to ensure our people do not go hungry."

“When are these negotiations meant to take place?” Zoro inquired.

“King Vinsmoke has invited our family to stay in his castle while we negotiate the terms of our alliance. We will leave tomorrow,” Mihawk’s calm reply was met with an exaggerated gasp from Perona.

“Tomorrow?! That’s such short notice! We barely have enough time to pack for the trip!” Perona exclaimed, her voice rising in frustration. “I’m not sure I have enough time to coordinate outfits. How long will we be staying there for?”

“All your dresses look the same. It shouldn’t take you long to throw a few in a trunk.” Zoro rolled his eyes.

Perona shot him a wide eyed glare. Lips pursed in anger.

“We are going to be around other royals. They give us enough grief for not being of royal descent. You want them to make fun of us for being poorly dressed too?!” Perona punctuated her point by elbowing Zoro in the ribs. In return, Zoro elbowed her back, casting a glare of his own.

“If they are just like all the other snobbish royals out there, then why should we care what they think of us?!” Zoro argued.

“Will you both please stop your bickering?” Their father's voice cut through their argument, and Zoro and Perona turned to see him pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“This is precisely why I wanted to meet with the two of you. We will be staying with the Vinsmoke family for a week, perhaps longer if negotiations drag on, and I expect you both to be on your best behavior.”

Zoro guiltily bit his tongue to stop himself from arguing further with Perona. He eyed his sister carefully and noticed that she, too, was attempting to stay civil.

“Now, go make any arrangements you need to before our departure.” Mihawk ushered the two out of the throne room. He gave them one last warning look, sternly expressing his desire for them to get along, then shut the doors behind them.

“You were the one who started that argument,” Perona hissed quietly to avoid being heard by Mihawk. She turned her nose in the air and set off down the hall, Zoro following closely behind.

“You should be more concerned about our people going hungry rather than how you look to other royals.” Zoro scolded.

Perona abruptly turned to face Zoro, her floating form bringing her angry face inches from his own.

“I care because we are representing our Kingdom, and I want to be taken seriously!” Perona snapped. “You should be a bit more concerned about your appearance. If we look slovenly and uncaring, then they will see that as a reflection of our leadership skills. Doesn’t that worry you at all?”

Zoro's brows furrowed as he contemplated Perona's words. He knew she had a point, but his concerns ran deeper than mere appearances.

“Appearance is the least of my worries. Most royals don’t see me as being a worthy heir to Mihawk’s throne and never will.” Zoro averted his gaze from Perona. In his mind he sometimes wondered if other royals were right… he still had a long way to go before he could call himself Mihawk’s equal.

Perona's expression softened as she regarded her brother. Despite their frequent disagreements, she understood the weight of the expectations Zoro placed on himself. She reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm.

“Zoro, you may not see it, but Father believes in you. He sees your potential, even if you don't,” Perona reassured him, her voice softening. “You're stronger than you realize, and one day, you'll prove all those doubters wrong.”

Zoro couldn’t bring himself to meet Perona’s gaze. Despite her reassurances, he still felt weighed down by his own insecurities. He knew that earning the respect of his people was just the beginning; he needed to prove himself worthy of his father's faith and the responsibility that came with it.

Perona sensed her brother's sadness and decided to lighten the mood. With a small smile, she changed the subject, diverting Zoro's attention away from his doubts.

“You know that jacket I made for you on your last birthday? The deep midnight blue one with the gold trimmings? You should wear that when we meet the Vinsmokes. It makes you look exceptionally regal.” Perona suggested, hoping to boost Zoro's confidence.

Zoro tried to suppress his amusement but failed miserably.

“Thanks.” he muttered gratefully. Despite their differences, he couldn't help but appreciate having Perona as his sister.

(Next chapter is on my new blog here)

#zosan #zosan fic #zosan fic rec #op zosan

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mellyssageverse · 1 year ago

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Noble Hearts - Prologue

ZoSan Royal AU

I’m still working on the title, but I wanted to start sharing some of what I have written before I post anything on AO3.

Warning: Violence and Angst

The midday sun bathed the tranquil gardens of the Vinsmoke Castle in a warm glow. Sanji, disheveled and bruised, was held in the familiar arms of his mother, Queen Sora. Tears streamed down his cheeks, dripping off his chin like soft raindrops.

"I'm so sick and tired of training," Sanji sobbed, his voice muffled against his mother's shoulder. "Dad is always comparing me to the others."

Sanji closed his eyes as his mother's gentle fingers combed the tangles from his hair. Moments like these soothed the sadness within him. In her embrace, there were no harsh demands to push his body to its breaking point and there was no relentless torment inflicted by his brothers.

"He just wants you to be the best you can be." Sora's words offered a feeble attempt at comfort, even Sanji could detect the hint of doubt in her voice.

“Why can’t I be like them?!” Sanji grit his teeth. His shoulders tensed and he curled into himself. “Not just the training. I hate that I have to care so much, and dad hates that I’m always crying.”

“Don’t dwell too deeply on such matters,” she urged, her hand cradling his tear-stained cheek. “Embracing your emotions can never be a flaw.”

“But mom…”

“Listen to me,” Sora insisted, her voice firm yet gentle. “Retaining your kind and empathetic nature is a strength, not a weakness. Though emotions may cause pain, they also grant you strength. You may not see it now, but our people will come to admire you for your sincerity and compassion.”

Sanji averted his gaze, unable to meet his mother's eyes. Despite her earnest plea for him to embrace his emotions, he found little solace in her words. He understood that her attempt to comfort him stemmed from her own need for reassurance. He couldn't shake the memories of his parents' frequent arguments, his father's harsh words directed at Sora for her gentle spirit and her inclination to help others. Those heated exchanges often ended with his father blaming her for what he perceived as Sanji's 'defective' personality.

Sora fell silent, as if searching for more words of solace to offer Sanji.

"How about we skip the rest of your training for the day?"

Sanji blinked away his tears, his gaze meeting hers shyly.

"Won't I get in trouble?" he questioned softly.

"Don’t worry about that. I’ll deal with your father." Sora said, firmly placing her hands on his shoulders. Sanji smiled, surprised by how much his mother’s reassurance temporarily eased the knot of anxiety in his chest. "Now, what would you like to do? We can spend some time in the kitchens if you like. Zeff tells me you are quite the little chef."

Sora playfully pulled at his cheek and Sanji couldn't help but swat her hand away with a giggle.

"I want to walk to the beach!" Sanji exclaimed eagerly.

"That’s a pretty far walk. Are you sure you wouldn’t want to take the carriage there?" Sora questioned with a raised brow, her concern tinged with a hint of amusement.

"I want to spend as much time with you as possible." Sanji replied with unwavering resolve. Although he longed for quality time with his mother, a deeper desire lingered within him; the long walk to the beach would provide more time away from his father’s overbearing nature, granting him a precious moment of freedom he desperately craved.

"My Sanji, you are too sweet," Sora reached for Sanji’s hand, offering it a gentle squeeze. Her smile radiating warmth. "If we leave now then we can be back in time for dinner."

The two left the garden to embark on their short journey. The sky stretched bright and blue above them, adorned with wisps of delicate clouds. The sun cast its warm rays upon them, a gentle breeze danced through the air, caressing their faces with its comforting touch. Tall grass swayed rhythmically, brushing against Sanji's knees as they strolled hand in hand toward the beach, Sanji's eyes sparkled with excitement as he shared his newfound interest with his mother.

"What nonsense is he filling in your head now?" Sora chuckled fondly.

"It’s not nonsense. It’s called the All Blue, and Zeff said that fish from all four seas reside there." Sanji insisted with a pout.

Sora’s eyes crinkled with amusement. Another bell-like laugh escaped her lips, the sound music to Sanji's ears.

“Sanji dear, I’m sure he meant it as a fairytale,” his mother attempted to reason gently. “Fish from one Sea can’t swim in another.”

“They can!” Sanji persisted, his determination unwavering. “Zeff said there is a current near Germa that pushes the fish from the East Sea into our Northern one. That’s how he is able to prepare us fish from the East! If fish from other seas can mix then that means it’s possible for the All Blue to be real.”

Sora looked thoughtful over this, actually considering if Sanji’s fantastical ramblings were possible. Then a small smile spread across her face, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

“Maybe we should sail on the course of the current together. See if it leads us to your All Blue.” Sora suggested, her voice filled with playful curiosity.

Sanji’s heart leapt gleefully in his chest at the prospect of embarking on such an adventure with his mother by his side.

“Really?!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. Before his mother could answer, her smile suddenly dropped.

Sora stilled, her grip on Sanji’s hand tightening painfully, causing her knuckles to turn white. Her eyes widened with fear, and Sanji's heart skipped a beat, a sense of apprehension prickling at the edges of his consciousness as he followed his mother's gaze. Then, he saw it; a dark shape lurking amidst the tall grass that was unmistakably predatory in nature. A faint glint of its coppery scales caught the light.

A wave of fear washed over Sanji, threatening to paralyze him where he stood, his breath caught in his throat as he watched the creature feasting upon its prey of deer meat. With bated breath, they watched as the creature continued its grisly meal, each rip and tear echoing through the stillness of the field, oblivious to their presence for the moment. Sanji's mind raced, scrambling for a plan of action, but his thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.

"We must go," Sora whispered urgently, her voice barely audible above the rustling of the wind through the grass. "Slowly, and without drawing its attention."

Sanji nodded, his heart pounding in his chest as they began to edge backward, step by agonizing step, their eyes never leaving the creature's form. Every movement was measured, every breath a silent prayer for escape as they retreated from the scene of impending danger.

They finally broke free from the oppressive grip of the tall grass, when Sanji’s heel inadvertently stepped down on a twig from a fallen tree branch, the sharp SNAP slicing through the tense silence like a knife.

The creature’s gaze flickered in their direction, its bloodshot eyes locking onto Sora and Sanji with an unsettling intensity. Crimson blood dripped from its mouth, curling into a predatory grin. Sanji’s eyes widened as he beheld the creature’s face, a grotesque fusion of man and beast, its eyes gleaming with feral intelligence, its long horns arcing like gnarled branches.

With a feral roar, the creature lunged at them, its claws slashing through the air with deadly precision as it sought to claim its next prey.

Queen Sora grabbed hold of the fallen branch, wielding it like a makeshift weapon as she desperately sought to fend off the relentless assault. With a cry of defiance, she swung the branch with a might Sanji had never witnessed his mother wield before. The branch connected with the creature’s snarling face, momentarily driving it back with a fierce blow.

The Queen then stumbled and cried out in agony. Blood welled from a deep gash on her leg left by the creature’s razor-sharp claws, staining the floor crimson.

“Run, Sanji!” she gasped, her voice strained with pain. Sora pushed her son away, her gaze, which remained on the creature, was filled with fierce determination.

“I won’t leave you!” Sanji cried, his heart wrenching at the sight of his mother’s suffering.

“You have to! You’re faster than me. You have to run ahead for help!” Sora’s voice cracked with urgency, her grip on the branch faltering as the creature rose once more, its menacing presence looming over them like a dark shadow.

Sanji’s mind raced with conflicting emotions. If only he were stronger, he wouldn’t have to flee. He could stand his ground and fight alongside his mother, face the creature head-on. But as the creature turned its gaze towards him, its eyes gleaming with malice, his mother’s voice pierced through the chaos.

“SANJI! Do as I say and get help!” Sora’s voice desperately demanded obedience, commanding him to act.

With a heavy heart, Sanji nodded, swallowing his fear and steeling himself for what lay ahead. Sanji took one last look at his mother the turned and ran, his feet carrying him away from the danger and towards the hope of rescue.

Choking back tears, Sanji ran faster than he had in his entire life. His lungs felt as if they had caught fire, and his heart was thrumming at the base of his throat. Each step felt like a struggle against the weight of his fear, but he pushed himself onward, driven by the desperate need to save his mother.

Finally reaching the castle grounds, Sanji’s frantic pace did not falter. He continued to sprint, feeling the jolt in his knees, the wind dragging through his hair. He could see guards in the distance.

“HELP!” Sanji’s scream ripped through his throat. The distance began to wane between them, and he pushed herself to run faster, faster, until it felt like his bones might melt from the exertion. He could see their faces clearly now. Their brows furrowed in confusion. Sanji collided into them, his hands desperately clawing at their clothes to keep from falling to his knees. His voice strained as he tried to explain through his panting breaths, “The Queen… by the beach… something is chasing her!”

Several guards began running toward the direction Sanji had fled while one stayed with him, attempting to provide comfort. The wait was agony, each passing second stretching out into an eternity of uncertainty and fear.

After what felt like ages, Sanji's heart leaped with hope when he finally caught sight of the guards returning in the distance. His eyes scanned the group frantically, searching for any sign of his mother's presence among them. Then, his gaze landed on a sight that turned his veins to ice.

Sanji felt the world around him begin to tilt, his breath catching in his throat as he beheld the remnants of his mother's cloak being carried back by the guards. The fabric was smeared with grime and blood, a haunting testament to the horrors that had unfolded in his absence.

In that moment, a weight of despair settled heavily upon Sanji's shoulders, engulfing him in a sea of grief and anguish. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he struggled to come to terms with the devastating truth of his mother's fate, his heart breaking into a million shattered pieces at the loss of the one person who had always been his guiding light in the darkness. Sanji knew that his life would never be the same again.

Chapter 1 can be found here.

#zosan #zosan fic #zosan au

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mellyssageverse · 1 year ago

Text

Eclipsed Chapter 1

Prologue can be found here.

Chapter 2 can be found here.

This is Chapter 1 of the ZoLu(Nika) fic I’m working on. I’m posting here until I complete the story for my AO3 account, so this is subject to some change.

Summary: Sun God Nika is accused of a crime he did not commit. Nika goes into hiding to avoid being hunted by other Gods who wish to have him replaced. This inadvertently plunges the world into darkness, triggering an ice age. Only one human has faith that Nika will return the Sun.

It was cold.

Snow swirled and danced menacingly through the air, stabbing at anyone daring enough to trudge through the storm. Zoro turned up his coat collar to fight against the wind that bit at his neck. How long had it been since the sun disappeared? Months?

The once vibrant world, now cloaked in a desolate winter landscape, had become a haunting echo of its former self. Ice-laden branches groaned under the weight, and the once lively flora lay dormant beneath a thick blanket of snow. The encroaching ice age, triggered by Nika's mysterious disappearance, cast its relentless grip on the earth.

Zoro trudged wearily through the icy terrain until he found what he was looking for. A weathered tavern nestled at the edge of the frozen forest. After hours of wandering lost, courtesy of one villager’s terrible directions, Zoro found comfort in the flickering lanterns that seemed to offer a feeble warmth that beckoned him inside. As he pushed open the creaking door, the tavern welcomed him with a blast of heated air that momentarily thawed his frozen bones.

Zoro found solace in the dimly lit interior of the tavern. The atmosphere was heavy with the collective weight of uncertainty and fear that lingered in the air. Patrons huddled around tables, their faces etched with worry.

As Zoro settled into a seat at the bar and paid for a room for the night. The woman behind the bar silently slipped a key in front of him, he couldn't shake the sense of loss that permeated the air. Nika’s disappearance had thrown the world into chaos, leading Zoro to a life of bounty hunting just to get enough money for shelter and food, which was growing scarcer the longer they lived in a sunless existence. With a heavy sigh, Zoro ordered a drink and food to momentarily drown the chill in his soul, hoping that somewhere beyond the frost, a flicker of warmth still existed.

"I was there when it happened," proclaimed a loud, older gentleman from across the bar. Zoro's eyebrow twitched in irritation. He couldn't fathom why some people felt the need to broadcast their conversations so boisterously. Downing his drink in a deep gulp, Zoro hoped to drown out the man's voice. "I was there when Nika destroyed Ohara."

A couple of listeners erupted in laughter at the old man's words. Zoro's jaw clenched, his irritation now palpable as he continued to sip his drink, attempting to distance himself from the disruptive tale unfolding across the bar.

“How could you have been there? That place was desecrated beyond recognition. Nika’s wrath left no survivors.” One of the listeners pointed out.

“I was on a fishing vessel not too far from the island when the attack took place,” claimed the older gentleman. Zoro glanced at the man from the corner of his eye. The man seemed to have captivated others as well. With little information about what happened to Ohara, claiming any details was sure to draw a crowd. Undeterred, the man continued to speak, “I had just started to reel in my netting when I noticed a change in the sky. Clouds began to swirl overhead, as if a storm was coming. I feared becoming caught in the unexpected storm and rushed to prepare to make my way towards land.”

Zoro maintained a stoic expression, his focus shifting back to his drink. The old man's tale stirred a storm within him, and while his curiosity was piqued, he chose to keep his silence. The entire bar had fallen silent, devoid of the usual clinking of silverware or the greedy gulps of alcohol. The only discernible sound for Zoro was the shifting of one patron in the corner, fidgeting uneasily in his seat.

“The swirling clouds settled over Ohara, an intense bright light emanated from the eye of the storm, bathing Ohara in a radiant glow that seemed to ignite the sea itself.” The old man paused to take a drink. His expression was pained, as if reliving the moment caused him great distress, and the only comfort for his nerves was found in his drink. He set the cup down with a trembling hand, foam from the beer still clinging to his mustache. “Then fire rained down. Nika’s solar flares snapped upon Ohara like flaming whips, scorching everything they touched. Another bright light burst from the clouds, Nika’s sunlight caused a massive wave to hit my boat and capsized it, plunging me into the rough waters. By the time I had climbed onto what was left of my ship, all of Ohara was already gone.” The man placed his head in his hands, the stress of reliving the situation seemingly overwhelming him. “I was on that damn debris for two days before help came. I know the Gods can be cruel, but nothing has ever been done to this extent before. Why would Nika do such a thing.”

The uneasiness in the corner persisted, the shifting patron seemingly absorbed in the tale.

“That wasn’t Nika…” Zoro huffed irritably into his food. Unbeknownst to him, the attention of the patrons had shifted towards him, but he remained focused on his meal, oblivious to the eyes now fixed on him.

“I beg your pardon?” An offended patron next to the old man confronted Zoro, drawing his attention. The sudden focus sent a shiver down Zoro's spine, the hairs on his back standing on end. “How can you sit there and say that the tragedy that befell Ohara wasn’t Nika’s doing? Only the Sun God can use the sun’s powers to rain down fire in such a way.”

Zoro glared up from his meal, his gaze steady and unwavering.

“Nika was becoming well known for his generous blessings towards mankind before the Ohara tragedy. Why would he change his kind nature so abruptly?” Zoro countered, addressing the fuming patron.

“Probably for the same reason why he disappeared!” The young man snapped back. “You didn’t find it odd that Nika plunged the entire world into darkness right after he destroyed Ohara?!”

Zoro's jaw clenched in response to the challenging tone.

"Disappearances and darkness doesn’t make someone guilty. Rushing to conclusions won't bring the truth to light." The intense exchange drew disapproving glares from other patrons now fixated on Zoro. Only the patron in the far corner looked at Zoro differently, his brown eyes wide with awe. “Nika will bring back the sun. He wouldn’t leave us like this.”

The younger patron stood so quickly that his chair was knocked over from the force.

“He never should’ve taken away the sun to begin with! Every day gets colder! Crops are dying! Food is becoming scarce! My sick wife couldn’t even survive one month in these freezing temperatures.” Angry tears welled in the man’s eyes as he stared Zoro down. “Nika was supposed to bring light into my world, not snuff it out!”

Zoro sensed the growing animosity from other patrons towards him, a common occurrence when he defended Nika.

"The sun will return. We just need to endure this darkness a bit longer." Zoro asserted, unyielding despite the hostile glares around him.

The woman behind the bar reclaimed the key she had placed on the table, returning his money with a cold demeanor.

“I don’t think it would be wise to accept your business,” she said sharply. “I suggest you find other lodgings for the night.”

Zoro gritted his teeth, his frustration evident to those around him. He would have to brave the cold again. At least this time, he wouldn’t be doing it on an empty stomach. Pushing away his finished plate, Zoro stood to leave. He sensed the intense hatred aimed his way. Without another word, he trudged out into the snow, oblivious to the fact that the fidgeting patron in the corner’s eyes followed his every move with great curiosity.

After seeking refuge in the warm tavern, stepping back into the freezing cold felt harsher. The winds were forceful, the snow sharper, and the cold seeped into him. Zoro walked forward. If he learned to keep his mouth shut about his opinions on Nika, he wouldn’t constantly find himself in this situation. Yet, it felt wrong to silence his thoughts on Nika. Others might have been quick to turn their back on the God, but Zoro never forgot how the God’s blessing on Isshen Dojo impacted so many lives or how Kuina held the God in such high regard.

To denounce Nika would be equivalent to dishonoring his friend’s memory, and Zoro couldn't betray the unwavering faith Kuina had in Nika. Wado seemed to weigh heavily on his hip as Zoro remembered Kuina. She passed long before this whole mess started, never knowing a world without Nika’s light. Despite the circumstances, Zoro believed that Kuina would’ve still loved Nika. Kuina had a way of seeing the good in others, and Zoro, honoring her memory, held onto that faith, believing there was still good in Nika too.

Amidst the relentless snowfall, Zoro walked through the small village and into the forest. His arms trembled, attempting in vain to shield him from the biting snow. Even the shirt on his back couldn’t keep out the chill. With no place to rest, Zoro wondered if he would have to walk all night to ward off the cold. Teeth involuntarily chattered at the thought. Pressing on, the moonlight became his guiding companion.

With no particular destination, Zoro resorted to his familiar tactic: letting the wind guide him to the next shelter. He wouldn’t admit it, but he wasn’t always the best at figuring out directions. However, allowing the wind to blow him from place to place felt like a more straightforward option. Besides, the wind at his back was preferable to biting at his face. Suddenly, Zoro stumbled upon a glimmer of hope… footprints etched in the snow like a magical trail. The swordsman followed them in desperate pursuit, yearning for any sign of shelter.

Weary and numb, Zoro pressed on, his limbs burdened by an icy weight. Despite his determination, Zoro found himself face planting into the unforgiving snow, the cold ice piercing through his skin like daggers. Darkness crept into the corners of his vision. The end seemed imminent. The forest began closing in, threatening to claim him. Yet, a sudden radiance descended from above, thawing the ice that seemed to seep into his very bones. In a feeble attempt to understand this newfound warmth, Zoro followed the luminous glow, tracing it back to its source.

To his astonishment, the footprints had led him to an individual daring enough to wear sandals in this freezing abyss. Zoro’s gaze ascended, widening in disbelief, when he beheld an otherworldly figure. A man with hair that danced like flames against the biting cold and a smile that emanated a warmth matching the radiant light that surrounded him.

It was the last thing Zoro saw before his vision went dark.

(Next Chapter)

#zolu fanfic #one piece zolu #ZoLu/nika #zolu

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mellyssageverse · 1 year ago

Text

Eclipsed

This is a prologue to a ZoLu(Nika) story I am working on. I’ll be posting about it on Tumblr before uploading anything to my AO3 account. You can find the post that inspired the story here.

Prologue

Zoro landed harshly on his back, the impact sending a jolt of pain through him. Standing tall above him, Kuina wore a smug grin, her wooden sword pointed mockingly at Zoro's chest.

"Another win, just like always." Kuina teased in that sing-song voice of hers.

Zoro's nostrils flared in irritation.

"Damn it! I would've had you if I wasn't nursing this stupid injury!" Zoro growled, swiftly rising to his feet and forcefully shoving Kuina's wooden sword to the side.

“Excuses, excuses…” Kuina tutted disapprovingly, shaking her head. Her sword rested casually on her shoulder, and her free hand found a place on her hip. “If you keep that up, how do you expect to become the world’s greatest swordsman? Attitude matters, you know.”

Zoro clenched his teeth in frustration.

“It’s not an excuse! I got sunburnt, and it’s messing with my movements.” Zoro argued. His face was turning redder than his sunburnt arms.

Kuina laughed and playfully pinched Zoro's cheek.

"Aww, you’re just sun-kissed, that's all.” Kuina teased. “Serves you right for taking a nap out in the garden.”

Zoro swatted Kuina’s hand away.

“I like the warmth.” Zoro crossed his arms, adopting a slight pout.

Kuina burst into laughter.

“You’re like a little kitten! Always finding a sun spot to nap in.”

Zoro gritted his teeth, reacting by grabbing his wooden sword and attempting to attack Kuina. However, she effortlessly blocked his strike.

“You’re too predictable when you get upset.” Kuina remarked, a wide grin on her face. Swiftly, she swiped her sword at Zoro’s feet, causing him to tumble. Sticking her tongue out, Kuina hurriedly darted away, leaving Zoro fuming on the ground.

Zoro sprang back to his feet, determinedly trailing after Kuina. Although Zoro had only been training at Isshin Dojo for a year, he was already second in the class… below Kuina. Her remarkable prowess fueled an unparalleled motivation within him. Witnessing Kuina effortlessly defeat opponents, even grown men, often left Zoro awestruck. He marveled at the fact that this young girl possessed such remarkable skills with her sword.

In the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, Zoro pursued Kuina, driven by a desire to emulate her strength. The main entrance of the extensive garden seemed to welcome the children’s friendly chase. Zoro finally caught up, panting slightly, as Kuina greeted him with her radiant smile. Seating herself in the middle of the garden's pathway, she invited Zoro to join her. Feeling slightly out of breath, Zoro settled down beside her in the warm glow of the sunlit garden.

“I can see why you enjoy napping in the garden so much.” Kuina remarked, running her fingers through the soil. “I don’t think I ever got a chance to tell you how it was blessed.”

Zoro, catching his breath from the run, attempted to feign disinterest, but his raised brow betrayed his curiosity.

“What do you mean by 'blessed'?” Zoro inquired.

Kuina gracefully rested her hands on the ground, leaning back as the sunlight embraced her face. With closed eyes, she spoke solemnly, allowing the warmth to touch her.

“A few years back, before you joined the dojo, it was a harsh winter. Our garden struggled,” Kuina recounted. “Others in the village depend on us for food, especially in tough times. But that year, even feeding ourselves was a challenge, yet people still turned to my father for help.”

Zoro sat in contemplative silence, his brows furrowed, reflecting on the hardships faced by Kuina and the villagers.

“One night, I couldn’t sleep. The cold and hunger were keeping me awake, and then I saw a light outside my window. At first, I thought the sun had risen too early, but then the light disappeared. When I looked out, there was someone standing in our garden.” Kuina recalled, a fond smile playing on her lips. “I thought he was crazy…”

“Crazy? Why?” Zoro asked, no longer attempting to hide his interest.

Kuina opened her eyes, turning to face Zoro.

“It was freezing, but he was wearing sandals and summer clothes!” Kuina shared, her eyes gleaming with delight at Zoro's interest. “At first, I thought he might be a traveler trying to steal from our garden in the middle of the night. With so little food to go around, I couldn't let him do that. So, I grabbed Wado-“

“Kuina, no!”

“Yes! And then I ran out to the garden-“

“Why didn’t you wake up your dad?!” Zoro interjected, his jaw hanging open in disbelief at his friend’s bold move to confront a stranger in the dead of night.

“I was worried the man would be gone by the time I woke him up! So, do you want to hear what happened, or are you going to keep interrupting?” Kuina pouted.

Zoro reluctantly closed his mouth, biting his lip to refrain from further interruptions. Pleased to see Zoro finally staying quiet, Kuina continued her story.

“So I grabbed Wado, jumped out my window toward the man, and pointed my sword at him. I warned him that if he took anything from our garden, I'd strike him down where he stood. He turned to face me and... and he laughed.” Zoro could only imagine how Kuina reacted to being laughed at, knowing well that his friend disliked being underestimated. “His grin was so wide… I was convinced he was a madman! Then, he plucked one of the unripe tomatoes.”

Zoro gasped, unable to suppress his reaction. Kuina, well aware that she had Zoro completely enthralled, purposefully paused for dramatic effect.

“What did you do?” Zoro eagerly pressed Kuina to continue.

Kuina smirked.

“I swiped my sword down, aiming to slash at the hand that dared steal from our garden.” Kuina leaned back, gazing at the corner of the garden closest to her window as if reliving the moment. “But I missed… he was so fast, I barely registered him bouncing over me. When I turned to face him again, I was blinded by the same light from before. Suddenly, the man looked different. His hair turned white, dancing like fire. I found myself surrounded by a radiant glow, and then it hit me... I had tried to strike down a God.”

Zoro felt his heart sink into the pit of his stomach. Threatening a God was unheard of, it was an act that usually led to merciless consequences. Entire villages had been wiped out in the past for displeasing Gods, and Zoro knew the gravity of the situation Kuina had unwittingly stepped into.

“I suddenly became so scared. Wado slipped from my grip, and I found myself on my knees, pleading for mercy. He laughed again, and I was certain I had just cursed the entire village.” Kuina's smile softened. “But then, he knelt down to my level. Can you believe it? A God... kneeling! He even patted my head. Though his touch was warm, I remained frozen in shock. He took hold of my hands and handed me the tomato. I couldn't believe my eyes! It was suddenly ripe.”

“He moved past me, strolling through the garden. His light grew brighter and brighter, casting a radiant glow. Turning to give me one last smile, he vanished into a beam of sunlight, absorbed by the rising sun.”

Kuina's eyes brimmed with happy tears as she recounted the memory. Zoro struggled to fully grasp the significance of his friend's experience.

“Are you telling me you met Nika?” Zoro inquired, recognizing that only the Sun God could wield the power of the sun to disappear in such a manner.

Kuina nodded.

“After he left, the garden flourished with growth. I rushed inside to share Nika’s blessing with my father, and we were able to extend that blessing to others.” Kuina explained, running her hands over the soft soil of the garden. “It still amazes me that, even after all this time, the ground blessed by Nika retains its warmth.”

Zoro couldn’t resist reaching toward the garden soil. The warmth he had enjoyed during countless naps turned out to be Nika’s blessing all along.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I wouldn’t have napped here if I knew the ground was sacred.” Zoro admitted, a tinge of guilt in his tone.

“I don’t think Nika minds. He seemed gentle that way.” Kuina reassured. “He's unlike what I've heard about other Gods. He’s unique, for sure, but I believe he genuinely wants to help others.”

Zoro observed Kuina's affectionate expressions as she spoke about Nika. If Kuina held the Sun God in such high regard, he must truly be an extraordinary deity.

“Nika is definitely my favorite of all the Gods.” Kuina declared, as if sensing Zoro's thoughts.

Zoro continued running his hand along the warm, blessed soil. In that moment, Zoro decided that Nika was his favorite God too.

Chapter 1 can be found here.

#one piece zolu #zolu #zolu fanfic

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