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slowcatsisland · 4 months ago

Note

Your Thoughts on dating Zoro? Would he fall for women or men? Thinking about popular ships like Zoro x Sanji or Zoro x Robin/Tashigi/Hyiori? ❤️❤️❤️

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Roronoa Zoro Thoughts: Emotional Intelligence and Ability To Date

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Tw guys my opinion don’t hate me☝️

Okay so ima explain my understanding of Zoro’s character and his possibility of being romantically involved with another person and then my thoughts on Zoro’s popular ships.

To me, Zoro is a physical representation of a protector, a predator, and loyalty (and death but that’s not fully realized). He prioritizes the safety of the people important to him, burdens himself to evolve into a stronger swordsman for the people close to him, and sees more value in actions rather than words.

He used to be someone that was living for himself, until Kuina. Then he was living for his shared promise to become the greatest swordsman, until Luffy. Until Thriller Bark, Sabaody, and his exile in Muggy Kingdom. Now he lives for his crew, to ensure Luffy’s dream and through Luffy achieving his dream Zoro will achieve his own (plus him actually having another duel with Mihawk). Yk what I’m saying? He still has a goal, but it has changed to encompass the Strawhats as a whole with a special bond towards Luffy.

There’s this tiktok editing account called ._avxmvx_ and they have such good edits that I feel like speak for Zoro’s character- just a side note hehe

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Okay guys, me personally, I don’t see Zoro being interested in dating. It’s not anywhere near the top of his list in canon. Plus he’s sort of the newest addition to the characters that embody death in One Piece and he has that whole ‘walking Asura’s path’ thing going on.

Although I do like reading about/the dynamic of Zoro with a person that is either the representation of a higher being (ie, Luffy being the god Nika through his devil fruit yk smth like that) or of things associated with gods (example being person with relations/undertones of say wine, grapes, floral, earthy colors, with a personality summed up in a few words as indulgent, capricious, joyous, and fiendish because all of these things are alluded to the Greek god Dionysus.)

Zoro being paired with someone with religious and spiritual energy and ties is something I personally enjoy because Zoro is a character that is morally grey, has no belief in a higher being, has accepted damning himself for the sake of others, and actually has in canon relationships that have religious implications (guys Luffy and Zoro trust me bro)

I like dynamics like those paired with Zoro because I think it’s something that challenges his way of viewing the world when he’s surrounded by someone that encompasses a higher influence that’s not attainable by people but it’s not forcing him change yk??

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Zoro is also a character with a stunted emotional understanding and capacity for empathy in my opinion.

I say this because of his parent’s death at an early age, a heavy training focused childhood, the death of his only close friend, and the isolation of his teenage years when he left Shimotsuki village up until he met Luffy.

This isn’t to say that he doesn’t feel emotion and can’t joke around (pre time skip funny Zoro come back to me pls) but overall I think it’s easier for Zoro to not engage with others on a highly emotional level and in emotional situations Zoro is most comfortable looking at things rationally as best he can without adding subjectiveness onto the situation (think Water 7, his opposition to Usopp rejoining the crew without properly apologizing and atoning.)

Zoro also actively tries to squash his feelings imo which is kinda sad. (Think how in drum island he tells himself to squash instincts and so now he’s not shown to be cold even in punk hazard and the beginning of egghead he was just toughening it out.)I think he does this because his mind associates the best swordsman with strength and not being influenced by your surrounding.

Which is why I think Mihawk is the reason for his stoicism post timeskip.

Now, this relates back to his ability to be with someone romantically because it probably wouldn’t be easy for him to. Especially not emotionally. It probably would be uncharted territory for him and if he wanted it his partner would have to work with him and teach him and build up his ability to understand others emotions and the ability to sympathize/empathize.

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Now, gender wise, I actually can’t give you a clear answer on what I think Zoro’s preference would be. I feel like Zoro’s preference is more of a scale that looks at character traits and actions rather than identity and appearance.

In all honesty, I could see Zoro having an easier time becoming involved with a man rather than a woman. I don’t have much reasoning for it though, it’s just a feeling.

Perhaps his comfortability in his masculinity? Maybe because of how obviously dense he is when it comes to women? Maybe his past relationships of Saga and Kuina? Idk

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So, in canon Zoro being in a relationship is a no go imo. (Edit: asexual man) Now let’s discuss my thoughts on Zoro’s popular ships.

I don’t ship Zoro with anyone, however I do appreciate the dynamics of some of his ships because I view them as something deeper than romance.

To me, a lot of Zoro’s ships are understood as a soulmate- you feel right in my life and I want to be around you type of way I’ll protect you no matter how bloody the future is- not a -I really like you I wanna kiss you and have sex with you and you can talk to me all about your feelings about the world- type of way

Not saying that the ladder can’t or isn’t presented in fandom media, it is just something that I don’t prioritize seeing in Zoro ships.

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Zoro x Luffy: I appreciate Zoro x Luffy again in a more subservient dynamic.

(Omg I saw a post like a year ago saying smth about how Zoro is Luffy’s in a way none of the other strawhats are because he hasn’t ever betrayed or left the crew and out of the romance dawn crew he’s the only one that hasn’t done so ugh I wish I could find the creator I’d love to tag them)

I like exploration on how devoted Zoro is to Luffy and I do think that they have a bond that is deeper than just friends or captain and first mate.

But I wouldn’t call it romantic or sexual. It is natural, it is inherent and instinctual, it is almost religious imo

I also don’t think that Luffy is interested in dating.

Because of this, I do think that the ship works in certain ways. (u understand what I’m saying?)

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Zoro x Sanji: I feel like this has potential as a ship but there’s things that need to happen before yk.

First, Sanji needs to acknowledge and heal through his trauma. Of his childhood, guilt, body, Germa, and especially his relationship/perspective of men, masculinity, and women.

I think Zoro could help him through it, if they ever talked about it. But I doubt they would. At least not explicitly. Maybe roundabout but something so minimal the implications could be lost easily on either of them.

But Zoro’s lack of emotional understanding is also called into play here. This is something that Sanji is very good at. He’s emotionally aware and attune to those around him. They are opposites in this way. But pairing them together isn’t good imo in a ship way. Yk?

I like the ship dynamic in how they complete each other in different ways. I read a post before about Zoro’s association with the number three and Sanji’s representation of the number three. Sanji’s humanity compared with Zoro’s brutalism or strength. They are strong in different ways. They are vital to the crew in different ways.

They work as a duo more than a ship to me though. I don’t see them romantic, I don’t see them sexual, but I do see them as sort of kindred flames or something of soulmates.

They belong in each other’s world and they do need each other but they won’t admit it. Yk?

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Zoro x Robin: guys no.

I’m sorry but I just don’t support this ship at allllllll.

I do understand the evidence that Zorobin shippers bring up. They are alike, they do have a good dynamic, they respect each other, they are vital to the crew, but it’s just mid.

I feel like I don’t like it that much because regardless of Zoro’s loyalty to Robin as shown, Zoro doesn’t really interact with her fondly. Yk? Like I don’t remember seeing them just kinda chit chat for a second. There’s always something that is the catalyst for them to interact as far as I understand.

I also don’t think that Zoro is the best significant other for Robin. He isn’t what Robin would want nor need.

I say this due to his emotional intelligence, his aloof personality overall, and his dedication to training. I also say this because of Robin’s intellectualism, childhood experience, and personality. I feel like Franky is just so much better for her (sorry guys rip Frobin from my dead body.)

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Zoro x Tashigi: I do not see this as a ship. I don’t like it particularly as a ship either.

I liked Tashigi and Zoro’s first dynamic when they first interacted with each other in Loguetown when Tashigi and Smoker were originally introduced.

The way that Tashigi was a female swordsman that looked just like Kuina, Zoro’s dead friend. The way that this made Zoro uncomfortable and he couldn’t handle it.

I loved it. I thought it was so interesting for Zoro’s character. I wish they kept it in post timeskip because it would’ve changed their behavior (or at least Zoro’s) towards each other in Punk Hazard.

I feel like this also ties into Zoro’s emotional capacity as well because he understands why he’s uncomfortable but he doesn’t try to change it- he only ever tries to run from her and increase their distance.

So, I don’t see nor support this as a ship, but I liked it a lot when Zoro was uncomfortable around Tashigi.

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Zoro x Kuina: I do not view this as a ship either.

I think that Kuina was best as Zoro’s friend and the added complexity of romantic feelings at such a young age plus her death is just a lot. It’s a lot for Zoro.

I also don’t feel like it suits Zoro either. Loving her like that would better suit and origin story for Sanji ykwim?

Plus I like how Kuina was his goal and it intentionally wasn’t romantic. I liked the friendly deep connection between two swordsman.

I also don’t think that Kuina would have viewed Zoro like that even if she properly grew up.

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Zoro x Hiyori: Hmmmmmmmm.

I kinda have mixed feelings about this one.

At first I didn’t like it. I didn’t understand why Hiyori liked Zoro and to be honest I still don’t.

The only reason I really see is because he wasn’t attracted to her and protected her physically. Plus he’s a strong swordsman like her father.

I actually really really like Hiyori’s character, but I feel like it might’ve been a mistake to add her feelings towards Zoro into Wano by Oda. But I do really like how she didn’t necessarily act on it. Sure, she had some damsel in distress moments and did flirt with him, but she kept her priorities straight and helped free Wano.

I really respect her for that. I wish that more female characters were done properly like her.

Zoro also clearly showed no interest towards her. The most he cared for in relation to her in my opinion was her father, Oden, her brother, Momonosuke, and the blade Enma.

Zoro also wouldn’t be willing to have feelings for her. She isn’t a part of the Strawhats and has no future with them. She isn’t hugely impactful towards the Strawhats as a whole. His loyalty wouldn’t ever be able to be in two places at once like it would be if he loved her yk??

I like Hiyori, I like Zoro, but I don’t like them together

So. The ship is okay I guess. I don’t ship it and I don’t support it however. I also don’t ever see it happening in canon. I also think Hiyori wouldn’t like Zoro if she really got to know him and would be better with a different person.

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Heheh this was nice to write about I enjoy Zoro’s character. Kinda long too

Thanks for reading

Mwah 😽

#one piece #slowcatsisland #slowcats #op #sci:headcanon #sci:blurb #one piece x reader #one piece manga #one piece zoro #one piece roronoa zoro #op zoro #zoro x you #zoro roronoa x reader #roronoa zoro #zoro #zoro x sanji #zoro x luffy #zoro x robin #zoro x tashigi

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kaizokuou-ni-naru · 10 months ago

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I love seeing your posts about the naming conventions when it comes to Nika and Oda showing how good he is at name games lol. I think it makes it even better considering that Nika’s other epithet, “Joy Boy” is an actual Haitian deity associated with happiness and drums, seen as a general bringer d good times. Not much is actually written down about Joy Boy unfortunately and it could be because these were oral traditions passed on slave ships.

There’s a book though that was published in 1987 called “The Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were: Creature, Places and People” that talks about Joy Boy and his origins in Africa and Haiti!

Seems like Oda really likes his research! :]

a friend of mine was recently trying to find any references for the existence of this legend besides this one book, and wasn't able to turn anything up, so this does seem a little dubious to me. if anyone can by any chance point me to any sources about joy boy predating 'the encyclopedia of things that never were', i'd be really interested.

to be clear, i find the concept of nika being inspired by a haitian deity to be extremely compelling and thematically resonant. however, i'm hesitant to repeat poorly-sourced claims about religions that i'm not well-informed on, especially when it comes to african religions, where there's a lot of bad information and broad misunderstandings already out there.

that being said, even if the legend isn't real, i do think it's quite possible that the 'the encyclopedia of things that never were' entry is itself an inspiration for nika!

#jonny answers #not japanese #one piece #nika

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mellyssageversee · 1 month ago

Text

Eclipsed - Chapter 12

A ZoLu/LuZo fic (AU Nika Sun God)

AO3 Link

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.

For links to other chapters, please view My OP Story Masterpost

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Doflamingo lounged on the throne of the Underworld; a seat of power in a kingdom of wailing shadows where only the strongest survived. Long inky strings unfurled and danced from his fingertips, pulsing with a restless hunger. They longed to slither into the mind of their chosen prey, to burrow into dreams, to twist them into nightmares. However, there were no dreams to invade.

Because the swordsman had not slept.

Doflamingo clicked his tongue, leaning back as the strings snapped and dissolved into nothing.

Soooo close. He had been so damn close!

He could still taste it, the sharp tang of fear melting into sweet honey on his tongue. That delicious primal terror had driven the swordsman’s hand and forced him to strike.

For a moment, Doflamingo had thought it was over. That the swordsman, pushed past his breaking point, had cut down the Sun God himself. Yet three days had passed, and the silence told him otherwise.

Three days without sleep.

Either his prey was too afraid to close his eyes… or he had somehow steeled himself against the tricks of the God of Nightmares.

Doflamingo sneered.

It didn’t matter. Mortals were fragile creatures. No one could last forever without sleep.

His fingers twitched, conjuring a leopard's claw with a flex of his wrist. He could feel a Lucci’s power pulsing through him.

If visions wouldn’t break the swordsman, then another method was required. Something with a bit more brute force.

He let his head tilt back against the cold obsidian throne. His throne. He had fought for it, killed for it, and he would gladly do so again to keep it.

Doflamingo’s mind churned through the pieces of information he had gathered.

The Sun God and his swordsman were headed for Ohara. That much was for certain.

The waters were warmed from Syrup Village, but they had no ship to reach the Island’s previous location. If they did, they would have been long gone by now, but the swordsman gave no inkling that they were on water, which meant they were still looking.

Doflamingo grinned, baring his teeth like a predator that had just caught the scent of wounded prey.

He knew exactly where to look for them.

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“This stuff smells really good!”

Nika’s overly bright voice cut through the thick fog of Zoro’s exhaustion.

Zoro blinked blearily, barely processing the words. His body felt leaden, his limbs moving on sheer instinct rather than conscious effort. Each step was a battle, his boots dragged against the earth, carving uneven jagged trails in the white snow. The cold air bit at his face, but it did little to keep him awake. Even the river beside them, frozen solid, let out the occasional creak and groan. Its muffled current ran deep beneath the surface, whispering like a lullaby that only made his eyes droop lower.

His head dipped forward, the pull of sleep almost winning, before a jolt of awareness yanked him back.

Nika was beside him, sniffing at an open vial Hancock had given him. Zoro had to admit that the scent was pleasant. It drifted through the air, sweet and warm and tickled the edges of his mind. It reminded him of the effect her love powder had on him, although not nearly as potent.

Zoro scowled at the memory. Maybe it was the exhaustion making him irritable, but he found himself more annoyed than usual.

“Just cork it. You’re gonna drop it and waste it all if you keep opening it to sniff like that.” Zoro grumbled.

“I can’t help it! Hancock said the smell was sensational.” Nika beamed, completely unbothered by Zoro’s mood.

Zoro’s frown deepened. He remembered exactly what Hancock had said.

“I believe the word she used was sensual.” Zoro replied flatly, not bothering to hide the irritation in his tone.

Hancock had seemed a little too eager when she gave Nika that vial. Sure, she had claimed it was to prevent the cut under Nika’s eye from scarring, but Zoro wouldn’t put it past her to lace it with something else. Some last-ditch effort to make the Sun God fall for her.

Nika, oblivious as ever, simply hummed.

“Well, whatever you call it, it’s nice! It doesn’t stink like her powdery one.” Nika finally popped the cork back in place and stuffed the bottle into the pouch hanging from his belt. The same belt that now carried Wado at his hip.

Zoro’s gaze flickered to his sword. Seeing Wado in someone else’s possession should have unsettled him, but strangely, it didn’t. Not when it was Nika.

“I still feel kinda bad about leaving.” Nika admitted, his eyes lifted upwards as if he was recalling the memory. “Hancock looked so sad when she hugged me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone look that housebroken before.”

Zoro blinked. The words barely registered through the sluggish haze of his mind.

“Heartbroken…” Zoro muttered after a pause, his brain taking longer than usual to catch up. “You mean heartbroken.”

“That’s what I said!” Nika turned his attention back to Zoro with a pout, crossing his arms. His bottom lip jutted out, irritation flickering in the warm auburn eyes of his human disguise.

Zoro exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. His eyelids felt impossibly heavy again, the edges of his vision blurring in and out of focus. He clenched his jaw and straightened, forcing himself upright. How long had it been since he last slept? Days? A week? No… weeks was too much, wasn’t it? It didn’t matter. However long it took, however much it cost him, he would endure.

Nika had been insisting, even pleading, that Zoro rest, but he couldn’t. Not when closing his eyes meant opening the door to that bastard’s influence. If this Doflamingo, this God of Nightmares, was using Zoro to track them then he would notsleep. He wouldn't let that conniving monster worm his way into his head, wouldn't allow him to twist his mind into a weapon against Nika. He wouldn’t let him steal Sun from this world or steal Nika away from Zoro.

Zoro’s eyes snapped open.

When had he closed them?!

A spike of panic shot through his chest. How long had they been shut? Seconds? Minutes? His feet were still moving, his body running on stubborn instinct alone. Nika was beside him, Wado cradled carefully in his hands, his expression lined with worry.

Zoro blinked hard, trying to focus. The world around him was warped, blurry at the edges, as if he were wading through a fog thick enough to choke him. His thoughts felt tangled, slipping from his grasp.

Where were they going again?

Zoro shook his head, trying to clear it. If he could just… rest his eyes for a second, maybe he could think more clearly. Maybe if he got a little sleep, just a moment’s worth, he’d be more alert. He would be more capable of protecting Nika… if he… just… got…

Zoro’s eyes dropped shut. The second he closed them, darkness invaded his vision. That darkness that he now remembered was eager to swallow him whole!

No!

A snarl ripped from Zoro’s throat as he forced himself down, knees crashing into the snow. His hands plunged into the frost, and before Nika could react, Zoro buried his face into the ice-cold bite of the earth, rubbing his skin against the freezing surface until the jolt of cold shocked his senses back to reality. His breath came in ragged gasps, his fingers digging into the snow until the frozen earth packed under his fingernails.

Above him, Nika let out a long frustrated sigh.

"Zoro really needs to sleep."

Zoro slowly sat back on his heels, lifting his head to meet Nika’s worried gaze. Snow clung to his skin, melting against the heat of his face. Before he could shake it off, Nika was already reaching out. His hands brushed the frost from Zoro’s cheeks with far too much care for someone who was supposed to be frustrated with him.

Zoro scowled.

“I'm not sleeping.” The words came out more angry than Zoro intended, but he didn’t take them back.

Nika frowned, lips pressing into a thin line as his auburn eyes searched Zoro’s face.

“Why is Zoro so stubborn?”

Zoro let out a rough bark of laughter, shaking his head as he struggled to his feet. His body swayed, the world tilting dangerously for a moment, but he planted his feet firmly.

“That’s rich coming from you.” Zoro muttered under his breath.

Nika’s jaw dropped, eyes going wide with offense.

“What?! I'm not stubborn!” Nika snapped, stomping his foot into the snow.

“We haven’t even been traveling together that long, and I already have a list of times you’ve been stubborn.” Zoro replied, shooting him a flat look.

Nika huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Oh, really? Name one.”

Zoro didn’t hesitate. “Before we left Hancock’s, you had an argument with Sonia about artichokes.”

“That wasn’t me being stubborn! That was me standing up for my principles!”

“Oh, so you had to argue for twenty minutes because she said artichokes are ‘meaty’?”

“They’re vegetables, Zoro!” Nika shot back, eyes blazing with righteous fury. “Vegetables don’t have meat!”

“This is exactly what I mean.” Zoro groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “The center is the ‘heart’ of the artichoke. When it’s cooked the texture resembles meat…”

Nika narrowed his eyes, still looking unconvinced by the explanation.

“Fine.” Nika muttered through gritted teeth, brushing the discussion to the side. “Can we just agree that we’re bothstubborn, and then Zoro can take a nap?”

Zoro squinted, seeing right through the God’s ploy. “Nice try, but no.”

As the edges of Zoro’s vision became fuzzy again, the creeping fog of exhaustion curled around him. With a sharp inhale, he brought both hands to his face before slapping his cheeks hard. The sting barely registered, but it was enough to jolt him back from the threatening call of sleep.

Nika’s irritation wavered the moment Zoro did it. His expression darkened, displeased by the extremes Zoro was going to just to stay awake.

“Why are you like this?!” Nika said with a frustrated growl, throwing his hands in the air.

Zoro looked at him, really looked at him. Despite the oil, the crescent scar below Nika’s eye stood out against his otherwise unmarred skin. A mark left behind because of him. The sight of it twisted in Zoro’s gut, a fresh stab of guilt lacing through the exhaustion.

“I just don’t want you getting hurt…” Zoro muttered. It wasn’t an excuse. Just the truth.

Nika’s expression softened, the fight leaving him.

“…And I don’t want you hurting yourself to keep me safe.” Nika murmured.

For a long moment, they stood there, both of them too stubborn to yield; not because they didn’t care, but because they did.

Zoro exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to focus.

“If you’re that concerned, then make this easier on me. Just… keep talking. Keep me alert. Remind me what we’re doing.”

Nika let out an exaggerated sigh, but the worry still lingered in his eyes.

“Hancock told us to follow the river.” Nika reminded him. “She said we might find a boat in better condition than the last place we went to.”

Zoro blinked slowly, forcing the sluggish gears in his mind to turn. Right. Hancock had mentioned that the morning after his last nightmare. After she’d spent an infuriating amount of time yelling at him. The woman had practically lost her mind when she found out what he had done to Nika in his sleep.

Zoro shook the memory away. He had enough weighing on him already, he didn’t need to dwell on that too.

Zoro pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to force the haze out of his thoughts. Everything felt out of order.

“Weren’t we getting a boat from Syrup Village?” Zoro asked.

Nika’s mouth pulled to the side, his expression half sympathetic, half exasperated.

“Zoro’s memory really sucks right now.” Nika said bluntly. “We already tried that. Remember?”

Zoro frowned, trying to think past the exhaustion. He dug through the murkiness of his thoughts, dragging up fragments of memory: yelling, angry voices, rocks being thrown…

They had been chased out of that village.

“Oh, right.” Zoro let out a heavy sigh and readjusted the bags Hancock had forced Zoro to carry. She claimed the exercise would help keep him awake, but he had an inkling that it was because she didn't want Nika to bear the burden of carrying anything. “Let's just keep walking then.”

As Zoro walked, he couldn't help but notice how unsteady the ground felt beneath him. He stepped forward, boots crunching against the frost, but his legs nearly buckled under him. Warmth curled around his arm, steadying him before he could stumble. Zoro leaned into Nika's steadying hold, his touch radiating that ever-present comforting heat. It made him feel safe. It wrapped around Zoro like a lull, urging him to rest, to let go.

Panic spiked in his chest, causing Zoro to yank his arm free.

Nika flinched, the light in his eyes dimming.

“M’sorry.” Zoro’s guilty words tumbled out before he could stop them. “I like when you hold me… but your warmth makes me sleepy.”

Nika’s eyes widened.

“Zoro likes when I hold him?” Nika repeated, hesitant, like he was testing the words out loud.

Zoro barely registered his own confession. He was too tired to care or filter himself. It was just the truth, plain and simple.

“Yeah.” Zoro’s voice came out sluggish, his head dipping slightly before he forced himself upright again. “I thought that was obvious.”

Nika blinked at him, tilting his head looking completely puzzled.

“Most people tell me to back off.” Nika admitted after a beat. “But sometimes I forget.” He rubbed at his arm absentmindedly. “My brothers tolerate it, even if it bugs them too.”

Zoro’s brows furrowed.

How could anyone look at the way Nika reached out and want to push him away? The warmth of his touch wasn’t something to be “tolerated”. It wasn’t something to push aside. It was something to cherish.

“If I wasn’t so sleepy, I would never want you to stop.” Zoro murmured with a yawn.

Nika stopped walking completely, staring at Zoro like he was speaking another language.

“Really?” Nika’s fingers twitched at his sides, like he wanted to reach for Zoro again but wasn’t sure if he should.

“Yeah…” Zoro blinked, confused by the disbelief in Nika’s tone. He halted his own steps, studying Nika’s expression. Why was that so surprising? “Hancock liked hugging you too.”

Nika looked even more confused.

“I thought you said Hancock let me ‘cause she loved me.” Nika set his hands on his hips as he tried to piece together what Zoro was trying to say.

That was when Zoro realized the predicament he walked himself into.

He was being honest. Too honest. His sleep-starved brain had stripped away all hesitation, leaving him perilously close to revealing his own feelings for the God.

Zoro stared at Nika, who only stared back, waiting for an explanation.

Think, dammit, think!

The silence stretched to the long where it had become awkward, but his mind failed to come up with a way to pivot the conversation.

Zoro’s eyes landed on Wado resting against Nika’s hip. The familiar white hilt made him think of Kuina and her presence in his dreams.

“What happens to us when we die?” Zoro blurted the question before he could stop himself.

The question sucked the air from the conversation. Nika stiffened, his expression shifting in an instant. His confusion melted into concern. It was the same fragile look he had given Zoro when he refused the offer of immortality.

That wasn’t the topic Zoro had meant to change the conversation to, he didn’t mean to make Nika worry, but now that it was out he didn’t take it back. However, it was a question that had lingered in the back of his mind for a long time. Maybe the answer would explain why Kuina still felt so close.

Nika was quiet, his fingers tightening in the folds of his cloak.

“The God of Death leads lost souls to their resting place, but they don’t disappear.” Nika said at last. He lifted his gaze to the sky, eyes shining. “They become the stars.”

“Stars?” Zoro blinked in surprise. He raised his own gaze, staring at the vast endless sky above them.

The stars flickered, pulsing like distant heartbeats. Beating with life.

Nika nodded.

“They watch over the people in this realm, over their loved ones.” Nika continued, his voice softer now, more serious. He understood the weight of what he was explaining. “Even when the world is at its darkest, they’re still there. Still shining.”

Zoro let that sink in as his eyes continued to scan the darkness above. The sky stretched vast and empty, a hollow void where the Sun should have been. Their world had been swallowed by shadows, and yet the stars had never left.

Kuina had never truly left.

A deep breath escaped Zoro, the tension in his chest loosening like a knot finally unraveling. A weight he hadn’t realized he was carrying had lightened, just enough to breathe easier.

“…So even if we can’t see them, they’re still with us.” Zoro murmured, his lips twitching into the faintest smile.

Nika nodded. “Always.”

Warmth spread through Zoro’s chest. Kuina was still there. Maybe she always had been.

When Zoro finally lowered his gaze, he found Nika was already watching him. The wind stirred between them, rustling his cloak, carrying with it an odd sense of closeness; as if the world itself was nudging Zoro forward, urging him toward the light standing beside him.

“Thanks for sharing this with me.” Zoro said earnestly.

Nika’s face lit up, his smile as radiant as the stars above them. The kind of light that made the darkness easier to bear. For now, that was enough to keep Zoro moving forward.

With that, they continued walking along the river’s edge, their footsteps crunching softly against the frost-covered ground. The frozen surface reflected the stars that managed to pierce through the void. Nika stayed close, his watchful gaze flickering toward Zoro every time his steps faltered. Each time, the God reached out, steadying him.

It was a strange feeling, realizing someone was looking out for him so openly. For years, Zoro had relied on his own strength, carrying burdens in silence, never expecting a hand to reach for him when he stumbled. Yet Nika never hesitated.

The river twisted and curved as they moved further inland, the landscape opening into a wide, desolate clearing. Here, the water split off into multiple branches, each snaking into different directions like veins across the earth.

Nika let out a long sigh, hands on his hips as he surveyed the scene before them.

“That’s a lot of different paths to take.” Nika’s shoulders slumped. “I really wish we still had Nami’s map.”

Zoro frowned, scanning their options. The lack of direction was frustrating, but turning back wasn’t an option.

“We just have to pick one and stick with it.” Zoro replied firmly despite his exhaustion. His gaze swept across the branching paths, finally settling on the southernmost route. His gut told him it was the right choice. “We can try going that way.”

Nika let out a loud dramatic groan.

“Zoroooo, we just came from that way!” Nika whined, his entire body sagging with exaggerated frustration. He slumped forward, head lolling to the side, knees bending as if the weight of Zoro’s poor navigation skills was physically crushing him. The display lasted only a second before he straightened with newfound resolve, his expression turning serious.

“New rule,” Nika declared, jabbing a finger toward Zoro. “Zoro isn’t allowed to pick which direction we go anymore.”

Zoro bristled. “What?! What kind of stupid rule is that?!”

“One that will keep us from getting lost.” Nika stated firmly.

Zoro scowled, opening his mouth to argue, but then promptly shut it. One, because he was too damn tired to get into a pointless debate, and two… ugh. He was too tired to even remember what the second reason was.

Nika hummed thoughtfully as he turned his attention to the frozen river. His sharp eyes scanned the ice before pointing toward a stretch where the water seemed undisturbed beneath the frost.

“The water under the ice is calmer over there.” Nika observed, nodding toward the furthest path. “If we find a boat down that way, it should be in better condition to sail.”

Zoro followed his line of sight, narrowing his eyes. The area Nika pointed to did seem more stable. It seemed less cracked, less broken apart from the shifting currents below. However, there was one glaring issue…

“And how exactly do we get across to there?” Zoro arched a skeptical brow.

Nika sucked in his cheek, clearly mulling over the issue. His gaze flickered to the river, then back at Zoro, before settling on the ice once more.

“I think the ice is still thick enough to walk across.” He nodded to himself, exuding confidence that made Zoro immediately wary.

Zoro frowned, shifting his gaze to the ice. “Are you sure about that?” He studied its surface. It was white but marbled with patches of gray. A clear warning sign. “It’s melting. Probably because of your powers stretching from the ocean.” He tilted his head, straining his ears. “I can still hear the water running underneath it.”

Nika hesitated, considering this. Then, with his usual lack of concern, he stepped right up to the river’s edge and pressed a sandaled foot against the ice. Zoro tensed, watching closely for any sign of weakness. The ice held. Nika then placed his full weight onto it.

Snap!

Instinct overrode thought.

Zoro lunged forward, grabbing a fistful of Nika’s coat and yanking him back onto solid ground. His arms wrapped tightly around him, holding him close, bracing for the inevitable collapse of the ice, yet no cracks formed. No splintering, no sudden plunge of ice into freezing water.

Nika’s warm back was fully pressed against Zoro’s chest. He tilted his head back, auburn eyes lifting to meet Zoro’s with pure confusion.

“What did Zoro do that for?”

Zoro’s heartbeat pounded against his ribs.

“Didn’t you hear the ice cracking?” Zoro questioned. His voice came out rough, edged with lingering adrenaline.

Nika blinked. Then, he shook his head.

“The ice is fine. It still looks the same. See?” Nika gestured toward the river.

Zoro’s gaze snapped to the ice. It was… untouched. Unbroken.

“But I heard it…” Zoro’s brows furrowed as his mind struggled to make sense of it. “I know I heard it.”

Nika raised a hand and patted Zoro’s cheek in a soothing motion. “I really think Zoro is just tired.”

Zoro exhaled sharply through his nose, finally loosening his grip. Maybe his exhaustion was getting to him. Now that he thought about it, the sound hadn’t quite been the sharp splintering of ice, it had been more like a snapping branch. Or maybe his mind was playing tricks on him, twisting his senses out of paranoia.

Nika took the opportunity to slip free from Zoro’s grasp and step onto the ice again, moving with an ease that only made Zoro’s nerves prickle. He walked further out this time, his sandals gliding smoothly over the frozen surface. No creaks, no cracks. The ice held.

Zoro watched with narrowed eyes as Nika inched closer to one of the gray-colored patches.

Grooooaaan.

The ice let out a deep, warning sound. Nika instantly stepped back, his arms raised slightly to steady himself.

“I think we’ll be safe as long as we don’t walk on the gray bits.” Nika declared, looking to Zoro for confirmation.

Zoro’s brow twitched.

“You think?” Zoro’s arms crossed as he eyed the ice warily. “I’m gonna need a bit more certainty than that.”

Nika puffed his cheeks out, his lips pursing into a small heart-shaped pout.

“It’s fiiiiiine!” Nika insisted. “If we fall in, we just swim to shore and I can warm us both up!”

Zoro let out a long-suffering sigh. That was not reassuring. He had no doubt Nika could heat them up, but that didn’t mean he wanted to go plunging into freezing water. Still, he trusted Nika’s instincts. If he said it was safe enough, then Zoro would believe him. Decision made, he stepped onto the ice.

Nika beamed at him, his whole face lighting up with happiness.

Despite the tension curling in his gut, Zoro eased into the process of crossing. The ice creaked under his weight, but it held. It was nerve-wracking, but not impossible. At least if something did happen, Nika would be there to help him.

As they neared the center of the river where it branched off, Zoro could feel the ice beneath them grow thinner. It wasn’t just the sight of the gray patches, there was a different tension underfoot, a fragile quality that set his nerves on edge. Every step carried a new risk. Even Nika, normally so carefree, was moving with more awareness. His tongue poked out from the corner of his mouth in concentration as he strategized his next step, his eyes flicking between the ice and the path ahead.

“AaaggGGHhh!”

Nika’s strangled yelp immediately caught Zoro's attention. His head snapped toward Nika just in time to see dark strings coiling around the God’s limbs, tightening like snakes. Before Nika could react, they yanked him down onto the ice with a brutal THUD. The impact sent cracks spider-webbing outward beneath him.

“Nika!”

Zoro surged forward, but before he could reach him, more strings shot out. Thin blackened threads that lashed around his wrists like shackles, jerking his arms back. He growled, yanking against them with all his strength, but they held firm, biting into his skin.

Nika gritted his teeth, his auburn eyes darkening with fury the second he saw Zoro struggling. Heat flared around him, brown hair flickering to white as his body steamed with power. The strings smoked where they touched his skin, one snapping completely as the sheer force of his power burned through it. The ice beneath him sizzled.

“I’d be careful if I were you.” A voice as smooth as silk drifted from the treeline.

Both Zoro and Nika snapped their heads toward the source of the sound.

A figure stepped out from the shadows, his tall frame catching the faint glow of the stars. The garish pink feathers of his coat shifted with the wind, and with them came a scent that made Zoro’s stomach churn. That wide unnerving smile and that putrid scent.... He’d experienced both in his dreams.

The God of Nightmares.

“Lose your temper and the ice will melt.” Doflamingo continued, his voice dripping with amused malice. His fingers twitched.

Zoro’s restraints tightened without warning. The strings dug into his wrists and pulled. His body lurched backward against his will, his boots scraping the ice as it groaned ominously beneath him.

“You wouldn’t want your swordsman to fall in, now, would you?” Doflamingo mused, tilting his head. “I hear drowning in freezing waters is an unpleasant way for mortals to go.”

The moment the words left his mouth, Nika’s flames extinguished. The fire vanished as if snuffed out, but his wide furious eyes remained alight, locked onto the newcomer with burning intensity. His pupils had shrunk to pinpricks, his breath heavy with restrained fury.

“You’re the one that's been messing with Zoro’s dreams.” Nika seethed.

Doflamingo’s grin grew wider.

“I couldn’t resist once I learned you were traveling with a mortal. And one with blessed weaponry no less!” A dark, mocking chuckle rumbled from Doflamingo’s chest. “Such a weak mortal… easy to manipulate as any other.”

Zoro’s jaw clenched. His teeth bared in a silent snarl as he yanked violently against the strings binding him. He refused to be controlled, but the moment he struggled, Doflamingo’s fingers twitched.

Zoro’s body moved, but not by his own will.

His limbs jerked against him, like a marionette on invisible threads. His muscles strained as he fought back, but the more he resisted, the more his body betrayed him. His arms locked up, his legs wobbled forward, dragging him across the ice. Each step brought him closer to the God of Nightmares.

A furious roar shattered the night.

“KNOCK IT OFF!” Nika’s voice boomed across the frozen landscape, shaking the icicles from the nearby branches above. His entire body jerked as he fought against his own restraints, his struggles causing the cracks beneath him to lengthen. “YOU DON’T GET TO TREAT ZORO THAT WAY!”

Doflamingo let out a cold, amused hum.

“Why not?” The repulsive God mused. “You got to have your fun with the mortal. Now it’s my turn.”

Doflamingo yanked Zoro closer, but the swordsman dug his heels in.

Every ounce of strength he had went into resisting. The strings tightened so brutally that they cut off his circulation, numbing his limbs, but it was enough. His boots scraped against the ice, slowing his movement just enough to halt his advance.

Doflamingo stumbled forward with the unexpected resistance, stepping fully onto the frozen river. His grin faltered into a frown.

Zoro ignored him. His gaze snapped straight to Nika.

“Do what you need to do to break free.” Zoro ordered. He didn’t care if the ice shattered beneath him. He didn’t care if Doflamingo prevented Nika from saving him. All that mattered was that Nika escaped. “Don’t worry about me.”

The wind howled around them, as if the very world itself rejected Zoro’s words.

“Oh, but he should.” Doflamingo sneered, his composure returning as he straightened. He took another step towards Zoro, his sharp gaze appraising him like a mere object to be toyed with.

“I came a long way to end this, and I expect a proper show to make it worth my while.”

Zoro bared his teeth and yanked hard against the strings. The sheer rage burning in his chest was almost enough to dull the pain.

He hated this. He hated being used. Being strung along like a puppet, and from the pure seething wrath burning in Nika’s eyes, Zoro knew he hated it just as much.

“STAY AWAY FROM ZORO!” Nika thrashed, his entire body jerking violently against his restraints. His legs kicked out furiously, as if it could break him free. “IF YOU HURT HIM, I’LL MAKE YOU REGRET IT!"

Doflamingo let out another low, satisfied laugh.

“Oh? You don’t seem to be in much of a position to make threats.” Doflamingo said gleefully. “You should be more worried about him hurting you.”

With a flick of his wrist Zoro’s hands moved against his will.

His fingers curled around the hilts of his swords. His body obeyed the pull of the strings, slowly unsheathing his blades. Metal scraped against metal until both swords gleamed cold in the starlight. The edges aimed directly at Nika.

Zoro’s heart twisted. His hands shook from the sheer rage bubbling in his chest. How dare this God force Zoro’s blades against his Sun God. Even if Zoro knew these weapons couldn’t harm Nika, the very disrespectful act of pointing them at him was enough to make Zoro’s blood boil.

Nika’s expression darkened.

“You’re really pissing me off!” Nika snapped at Doflamingo.

Doflamingo tilted his head back with a mocking laugh.

“Really now! I can’t believe you’d get so angry over a mortal like this. Such a creature is hardly even fit to use as a toy for amusement,” Doflamingo jeered, hardly bothered by the seething words thrown his way. He waved a hand dismissively, sending another sharp pull through Zoro’s restraints. “More than anything, I find it unusual that a God would bother to keep a beast like this close.”

Nika ground his teeth. “Zoro is not a beast!”

Doflamingo’s smirk only deepened.

“Isn’t he, though?” Doflamingo took a step forward, circling Zoro. His sharp gaze gleamed with cruel amusement as he looked the swordsman up and down, as if he were less than human. “He claims to be loyal to you, even going as far as to follow you around like a well trained mutt, and then what does he do?”

His fingers twitched.

Zoro’s arms swung, his swords lashed out in a deadly arc, blades gleaming in the dim light, cutting through empty air.

Zoro’s stomach turned. He was a puppet, forced to perform against his will.

Doflamingo laughed at his obvious distress, reveling in the way Zoro’s face twisted with revulsion at his own movements.

“He strikes you. Wounds you. Leaves a mark upon your Celestial face.” The blonde practically sang, delighting in the fury that burned in Nika’s eyes.

A fresh wave of nausea roiled in Zoro’s gut as the words sank in. No. He’d never meant to hurt Nika. He wanted to stop this, to swipe that smirk from the God’s face, but Doflamingo’s voice continued to slither through the air like poison.

“Such intense feelings burn in this one towards you, Sun God.” His tone was sickly sweet, like a twisted lullaby, meant to soothe and shatter all at once.

Zoro paled, his heart dropping into the pit of his stomach.

This God had been in his head.

The God of Nightmares intended to bare Zoro’s secret to Nika, to unravel everything!

A protest fought to claw its way out of his throat, but the moment his mouth parted, the strings tightened. The words choked off before they could even form. Held captive by the strings that held him prisoner. Just as he couldn’t move his body, he found that he couldn’t even speak.

All Zoro could do was watch in silent horror as Doflamingo wove his trap.

“Feelings?”

It was such an innocent question, yet asked towards such a despicable being. Yet, Zoro knew by that twisted smile that Doflamingo hardly intended any well being with his answers.

“Yes, feelings. Do you not understand, Sun God? Can’t you figure out what kind of feelings it could be that would lead this mortal to strike you down himself?!”

No… NO!

That was wrong!

Zoro’s entire body screamed to move. To shake his head, to deny it, but the strings held firm. He was trapped.

“Zoro didn’t attack me on purpose! That was you!” Nika argued, shaking his head furiously. “You made him do that!”

“Can you really be so sure?” Doflamingo crooned, clearly goading the other God to the wrong impression. Zoro saw the flicker of doubt in Nika’s eyes. Doflamingo saw it too, and pounced. “Humans are liars. They look to us to fix their wretched little lives, and turn on us when things don’t go their way. Has that not happened to you more than once, especially recently?”

So many half truths and lies spilled effortlessly from the God’s lips, and Zoro so furiously, so fearfully, wanted to fight them, deny them, anything at this point! It was cruel, and so purposely woven in just the right way to really tear at Nika’s worries.

Zoro needed Nika to know that he wasn't hated!

The Sun God looked so furious, so hurt, and yet Zoro could see doubts starting to burrow their way into Nika's heart. It was such a devastating thing to see, and Zoro longed to hold Nika, to assure Nika that he genuinely held no hostility towards him.

Zoro’s jaw tensed as he fought against the strings.

“N-Nika…” Zoro rasped, forcing the words out. “Don’t… listen…”

Doflamingo yanked on the strings, causing Zoro to collapse.

His knees hit the ice with a painful crack, his swords slipped from his hands, clattering uselessly beside him.

The sound seemed to snap Nika out of his spiraling thoughts. His expression twisted, not with doubt, but anguish.

Doflamingo tutted disapprovingly. He loomed over Zoro, casting his shadow over him as if to physically press him into submission.

“Know your place.” The God sneered. His voice dipped lower in condescension. “You do not get to speak in the presence of Gods. You don’t get to address us when such blasphemous thoughts consume your mind.”

Zoro’s chest heaved, his eyes squeezing shut. He prayed to no one in particular that Doflamingo wouldn’t reveal more.

With a dismissive turn, he stepped away from Zoro, his attention returning to Nika.

“I don’t like getting my hands dirty if I can help it,” Doflamingo mused, his tone almost conversational. He stepped over Zoro to creep closer to Nika. “Even when I wanted my father dead, I convinced Lucci to do the job for me.”

Zoro’s eyes snapped open.

His own father?

Shock rippled through him, but it was nothing compared to the sheer devastation in Nika’s expression.

“The God of Death is dead?!” Nika questioned in disbelief.

“Ironic, isn’t it?” Doflamingo laughed. “But it was necessary.”

The God of Nightmares crept even closer, his smirk sharpening.

“I could have had an easy route to Ascension if he hadn’t thrown away his status.” Doflamingo’s voice turned venomous, his calm façade cracking with resentment. “Instead, he forced me to live beneath the very creatures we Gods look down upon while you took his place.” His smile completely vanished, twisting into a snarl. “MY PLACE.”

Nika’s hands clenched at his sides. His entire form trembled.

“You bastard…” Nika growled. “I never wanted to be considered for Ascension!”

Doflamingo’s lips pulled back, baring dangerously sharp canines, his cool demeanor shattering.

“YET YOU ACCEPTED IT!” Doflamingo’s voice boomed with seething rage. “You took what was rightfully mine while I was left to rot in the Underworld, surrounded by death and sulfur and filth!”

His rage bled into the atmosphere, crackling like a storm about to break. His chest heaved, his fingers twitching at his sides, as if barely restraining the power surging beneath his skin. His pink feathers billowed unnaturally around him, shifting like living shadows as his darkness seeped into the air.

“I came here to end this.” Doflamingo spat. “To see you slaughtered by your own disciple before I take the blessed weaponry for myself!”

Doflamingo’s gaze flickered downward toward the swords at Zoro’s knees. His expression dropped.

“Where is the blessed sword?!” The God’s sneer turned to confusion.

Zoro’s eyes flickered to Nika, only to see him shifting, curling over Wado protectively.

Doflamingo his gaze and saw.

With an exasperated sigh, the God of Nightmares yanked his arm back, dragging Nika toward him. The ice groaned beneath him, cracks forming in his wake as the Sun God’s body scraped across the frozen river, a trail of icy dust left in his path.

“I don’t understand how someone as stupid as you has survived this long.” Doflamingo sneered, pulling Nika closer and closer until he loomed over him entirely.

Nika gritted his teeth, thrashing against the unseen force, but the more he struggled, the stronger Doflamingo’s hold seemed to become.

The God stomped. The impact sent a sharp crack through the air as Doflamingo’s boot drove into Nika’s chest, pinning him down against the ice.

A strangled sound tore from Nika’s throat, his body arching against the force. He tried to brace, to lift his chest against the crushing weight, but Doflamingo only pressed down harder, grinding him into submission.

Zoro’s vision went red. Heat surged through his veins, scorching through his limbs with a fury so consuming, it burned.

“I’ll be taking what’s mine.” Doflamingo bent low, reaching for Wado.

That sight… that unbearable sight ignited something in Zoro that turned his blood molten.

It was fury.

It was instinct.

It was unacceptable!

A roar tore from Zoro’s throat, hoarse and raw, until his lungs were emptied of air. He wrenched against the threads binding him, his entire body straining with enough force to send fresh blood dripping from where they dug into his skin. He didn’t care. The pain didn't matter. He refused to watch. He refused to let Doflamingo touch them.

Nika.

Wado.

Not a single filthy finger of his was allowed near them!!!

The wind howled, twisting unnaturally around Nika.

Before Doflamingo could close his fingers around Wado’s hilt, the sword moved.

No one had touched her. No hand had drawn her from her sheath… and yet, she slipped free, faster than the eye could follow. In one perfect motion, she cut.

The strings that bound Nika snapped, unbinding him from the hold.

Nika didn’t hesitate. He rolled free in an instant, fist flying, and with all the wrath of the Sun itself, he drove his knuckles straight into Doflamingo’s jaw.

The God of Nightmares staggered back, his threads dissolving into nothing.

Zoro lunged.

In one fluid motion, he seized his fallen swords, rolling to his feet just as Nika did the same. Without exchanging a single word, they both moved in tandem, their bodies reacting as if they had fought side by side for years.

Doflamingo recovered quickly. His sneer returned, eyes bulging in anger.

Zoro and Nika advanced, ready to strike.

Doflamingo’s hands shifted. In an instant, his fingers morphed into clawed paws, covered in golden fur.

He swiped.

A shock-wave of force slammed into Zoro and Nika, forcing them both to skid backward across the ice.

Zoro’s eyes widened in recognition.

Those claws. That shape. That power.

“Those are the stupid Cat God’s abilities!” Nika barked in disbelief. His lips curled into a frown. “How the hell did you get them?!”

Doflamingo rose to his full height, rolling his shoulders as his transformed hands flexed. His grin stretched impossibly wide.

“Power is easy to come by,” he drawled, “if you have the guts to take it.”

Zoro’s grip tightened around his swords.

That wasn’t just stolen power. That was Lucci’s power.

“You killed him.” Zoro felt stunned.

“Lucci was weak.” Doflamingo scoffed, eyes flashing. “Weak for running. Weak for losing. He was undeserving of the powers of a hunter.”

His claws gleamed.

“As you can see,” Doflamingo continued, stepping forward, “I put it to much better use. Hunting you down myself.”

Heat curled off Nika’s skin. Steam hissed where it met the ice, rising in ghostly wisps around his feet. His expression darkened, his eyes burning like twin embers.

“You’ve always manipulated other Gods,” Nika spat, he was shaking like he was ready to explode. “Always acted like you were above everyone else. But now you’ve gone too far!”

Nika suddenly moved forward at a speed that Zoro could barely see. One moment, Nika stood still, the next, he was a blazing force. A streak of fire that struck with the speed of an oncoming solar flare, fire licking at his skin.

However, Doflamingo’s new feline speed let him dodge the onslaught effortlessly, his body twisting and bending with an almost sickening ease. The golden claws gleamed as he moved, weaving between Nika’s attacks like a shadow slipping through cracks of light.

Zoro’s heart pounded.

Doflamingo wasn’t just a threat. He wasn’t just cruel.

He was a monster, starving for power.

He needed to be ended.

Zoro tore his gaze away from the fight, scanning the battlefield. His eyes darted across the ice, past the splintered cracks and the curling frost, until he found Wado. Her white hilt stood out against the battlefield, lying in the center of a gray patch where the ice was at its thinnest.

Zoro ran to her.

The moment his foot hit the ice, the world tilted. The frozen river buckled beneath him, cracking like brittle glass. He forced himself to stay balanced, weight shifting with each step as he sprinted toward her.

His breath came in sharp, burning huffs. His limbs felt too heavy, his coat dragging against his movements, but he didn’t stop.

The ice moaned in protest beneath him. It was too thin. Too unstable.

Zoro didn’t slow down.

At the last second, he threw himself forward, diving into a slide. His body skimmed across the frozen surface, the cold searing against his skin, but he ignored it. He reached, his fingers closed around Wado’s hilt.

“AGH!”

Zoro’s head snapped up. Relief barely had time to register before that strangled choke broke through the battlefield.

Nika was pinned beneath Doflamingo, his body struggling against the other’s weight pressing down on him. Nika’s hands pushed back against the one golden-clawed hand wrapped around his throat.

Doflamingo’s other claw was raised, ready to strike the final blow.

NO!

Zoro moved, or tried to, but the ice cracked. It was too unstable. Nika was too far. He’d never reach them in time. There was no way to block the attack!

Unless…

His gaze darted downward. The cracks. The craters. The fractures running like veins through the ice. This battlefield had lasted longer than it should have, but Zoro would ensure it wouldn’t last another second.

Zoro tightened his grip on Wado. Then, with all his strength, he plunged her into the ice.

A sharp crack rang out.

The frozen surface shuddered beneath him. Splinters raced outward from the point of impact. The cracks widened in a chorus of sharp snapping bursts, until all at once, the river gave way.

A deafening whoosh roared through the air as the ice shattered, the frozen world beneath them breaking open.

Gallons of water rushed free like an unchained beast.

Zoro barely had time to suck in a breath before the current swallowed him whole.

It was so cold, not only that, it was suffocating. Blinding. It pushed all of the air from his lungs.

The world was nothing but an endless sea of white, ice and water mixing into one consuming abyss. Even as the current yanked him downward, even as his limbs numbed and his breath was stolen from his chest, his grip on Wado never loosened.

Wado seemed to pull at him, or perhaps it was the current trying to break her free from his hold, but moments later Zoro’s head broke the surface with her.

Zoro gasped, dragging in a lungful of air that seared as it went down. He twisted, scanning the churning water, calling the name screaming in his mind.

“NIKA!”

He strained to listen, but his own voice barely reached him over the rushing current.

“ZOROOOOOOO!!!!!”

Zoro whipped his head toward the sound.

Nika’s head was barely above the surface, struggling against the merciless pull of the river. He was alive. There was no Doflamingo in sight, but the current was tearing them apart.

Zoro’s stomach dropped. They couldn’t be separated! Not now!

Zoro pushed forward, battling against the surging water, but the heavy fabric of Zoro's coat kept tangling around his legs. He frantically kicked, yet it did no good. The more he fought, the harder the river fought back.

Zoro’s muscles screamed, his limbs growing heavier with each second.

Another wave surged over him, slamming him under.

Cold. Too cold.

It swallowed him whole. His lungs burned. His body screamed as he struggled upward, fighting… clawing… but the damned river wouldn’t let him go.

Everything was heavy.

Everything was white.

Everything…

Nika.

Even as darkness crept in, he could see that reckless, infuriating grin burned into his mind…

Zoro’s back slammed against something solid and rough. The riverbank…

The impact jolted him enough to force him to hold on. His fingers clawed at the frozen earth, dragging himself onto the shore. Everything was numb. Every breath hurt.

He tried to call out again, but no sound came.

His body refused to move.

He was alone.

Lost.

His world faded to black.

[Next Chapter]

#zolu fanfic #luzo fanfic #zolu #luzo #zoro x nika #nika x zoro #mellysageverse writing #mellyssageverse

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vimse · 3 months ago

Note

Clone OC “Apex”?

Thank you for asking Nika, as well as @wings-and-beskar!!

Apex is a clone trooper OC conceived in this post, in which I basically brainstormed a bunch of CT numbers and names based on UN numbers and explosive devices/substances, respectively. I wanted to design the looks of these clones since forever but nothing has ever felt right. Then I saw the picture below and was like…oh yeah. What if Apex’s design was based on a tiger (because, you know, apex predator)? What if he has tattooed stripes? So uhh yeah that’s all I have for him right now, unfortunately. Unsure what the next step is. Kind of torn between giving him shaved hair or short curls. Maybe bun with undercut?

#wip tag #his theme song is animals by martin garrix lol #if he wasn’t a clone he would probably be a gym bro #probably #not sure about his personality yet #or story #just vibes #clone oc apex

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annieandro · 6 months ago

Text

Executive Producer: Cassie Kitchen

Story Editor: Doug Tennapel

Line Producer:Joshua Slice

Production Coordinators: Craig McCracken, Noah Z Jones

Production Assistants: Butch Hartman, Eric Coleman

Script Coordinator: Jose Chavez

Executive Assistant: Maddie Manges Character Designer: Lankybox

Layout Designers: Speekygeeky, Riffcoms Prop Designers: Eric Robles, Colors 358

Background Painter: Nikki Karlsson

Color Key Stylist: Dre Higbee

Final Checker: Nickcheezy Clean-up Artist: Carl Jung, Henry Miller, Sir Francis Bacon

Storyboard Revisions: John Erwin, Nancy Priddy, Michael Bell

Starring: Annieandro: Cassie Kitchen

Maisy: Gracie Jones

Little Miss Cassie: Phoebe Fortney

Zapper: Tom Kenny

Tetro: Doug Lawrence

Prowler: Bill Hader

Pouncer: Wizardzwiz

Predator: Gooseworx

Mailman Pelswick: Rob Paulsen

Umberta: Jocelyn Clark

Tyler: Darrell Stern

Chatters: Tara Strong

Jumper: Allan Trautman

Giggle: Leslie Carrara Rudolph

Bumper-oo: Kevin Clash

Nizzie: Stacy Gordon

Lotta: Grey Desleslie

Crossbone: David Kaye

Nimble: Kevin MacDonald

Zap-Zap: Frank Oz

Cozy: Lizzie Freeman

Puddles: Michael Kovach

Buckthorn: Robert Tinkler

Tutu: Sonya Leite

Katie: Cindi Milo

Pavo: David Hornsby

Aquila: Christian Jacobs

Ursa Major: Lara Jill Miller

Orion: Ariel Winter

Hercules: Wayne Knight

Flutterbutter: Amanda Hufford

Eden: Gary Yudman

Aquarius: Paul Wensley

Pisces: Jo Vannicola

Aries: Nika Futterman

Taurus: Steve Little

Gemini: Lucas Slice

Cancer: Hynden Walch

Leo: Dee Bradley Baker

Virgo: Ellie Ellwand

Libra: Billy West

Scorpio: Fred Stoller

Sagittarius: Cree Summer

Capricorn: Sean Chiplock

Casting By: Ryan's World Casting Coordinator: EventubeHD Casting Assistant: Allison Gatewood Supervising Recording Engineer: AJ Lyles Recording Engineer: Trainlover16

Production Dialogue Supervisor: Devinurdog Dialogue Editor: Tweeterman287

Picture Editor: Zee's Branch Assistant Editor: Dimon CamiPost Production Supervisor: Kan and Aki's Channel Big Scanning Department: Mr.George, Genevieve's Playhouse

Additional Post Production Services: Craig Mario Fan, Nostalgia Cat Picture Editior: My Friends Assistant Editor: My Family Post Production Supervisor: My Classmates Bg Scanning Department: Arlene Klasky, Tom Yohe Additional Post Production Services: Gabor Csupo, AJRaider Post Production Services: Teri Weiss Telecine Colorist: Rico Hill

Animation Production Services: Public Broadcasting Service Special Thanks To: Steve Burns, The Wiggles, The Return Of Cakey, The Beatles, and The Sesame Street Rock and Roll Request Show, and The Children's Hospitals From All 50 States

Production Executive: Aubrey Cox Executive In Charge Of Production: Joe Biden

CTW Provides Partial Funding For Annieandro Pinkpaws Through Its Self-Support Activities.

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deadnamedblog · 1 year ago

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Some One Piece Theories and Hypotheses from the reread (that have yet to be confirmed or infirmed - I'm still in W7):

Christianity exists and predates Nika and some sects have merged the two religions.

"Christianity" in universe is about Nika. But the name is not in the Bible.

Nika was crucified

All principal real world religions exist in One Piece.

4 circles around 1 - not linked is a symbol for energy/power (like electricity), whereas 4 circles around 1 - linked together is the current world governement. Short circuit ?

Weaker hypotheses :

Water rings and/or anchors hanged as decoration are hidden symbol of faith. (evidence against : all OP world exemples are by the sea. Real world by the sea towns have a lot of those decorations without it having to mean anything.)

Zunisha started walking from Eneis Lobby.

Strongest Evidence to consider so far :

The cross of the church in Kuma's backstory

The illustration of Kuma's printed Bible

Nami comes from an island with at least a church in the neighbouring village and readily invokes god to pray if needed, but never heard the name "Nika".

A 1000 years old altar was used 400 years ago in Sun God worship associated with Nika. (But I have no proof of continuity)

Elumaru's cathedral in year 308 Sky Calendar. We are currently in years 1500something Sea Calendar. I don't have a calendar correspondance yet.

The damned number of crosses with sun pattern in their center

#one piece reread #one piece theory

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chaos0pikachu · 1 year ago

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So I'm gonna go against the grain here a bit b/c this is a rant that's just built up for to long, but I actively dislike the "Luffy loves like a child/Luffy is a big kid" infantilization of Luffy. It reduces down all the best and most interesting parts of his character, feels like an excuse for ship wars not to ship him with specific characters and removes him from his own cultural context.

Like, Luffy is pretty clearly, and obviously based loosely around Son Goku both the character from Dragonball but also Sun Wukong from Journey to the West, aka the Monkey King. Dragonball is a hugely influential piece of media on shounen in general, and it predates One Piece by almost a decade - publication for Dragonball started in 1984 and ended 1995 whilst One Piece wouldn't start serialization until 1997 in Shounen Jump. Oda even details how influential Akira Toriyama's work was on him growing up and also this bit:

There's even a whole bit in Sun Wukong's history about him fighting a Dragon King (Kaido anyone?):

"Sun Wukong immediately leapt through the waterfall and traveled up the stream to find its source. His mission was successful, and he quickly returned and declared himself king. With the support of the forest monkeys, Sun Wukong quickly established himself as a powerful forest demon that would go on to battle the Dragon King and other sea demons." (source)

Now I'm not saying Luffy is like, a direct reference/incarnation of Sun Wukong or Goku, just that Oda takes a lot of inspiration from a lot of places and blends them all together in a protein smoothie and splatters it out on page.

With the Nika reveal and honestly, the most current chapters, Luffy is is meant to be seen as a liberator, but also a shounen char that goes against the standard. Oda specifically didn't want Luffy to lose "the expressions" that he found to be important to manga. Which is why Gear 5 looks like it does.

"Battle mangas have to keep getting more and more serious in order to meet the fans expectations and I've always hated that." (source)

It has nothing to do with Luffy being "child like" which, just ew everybody needs to stop this. What makes Luffy childish? That he's openly physically affectionate? That he's loud? That he's joyful? That he's reckless?

Y'all have never been to a Latin party and I can tell. (hey did everyone know that Oda said Luffy would be Brazilian "in the real world"? Now ya do!).

Luffy has a ton of emotional intelligence, if he didn't where would the crew be? Who would have known to go after Nami even after she rejected the crew? Or Robin? Or Sanji? Would Water 7 hit as hard if Luffy was just a kid "playing pirates" with Ussop? Would Alabasta or Drum Island work as much if Luffy didn't understand Chopper and Vivi on an emotional level? Dressarosa? Wano? Would Luffy punching the Celestrial Dragon work as well if he wasn't a highly emotionally motivated and intelligent character?

Luffy's whole thing is he goes to an island, meets a person, adopts them (like a true latino), learns about their issues, and decides to fight somebody in the streets b/c they made their new bestie cry.

Oh hey Robin the government is bullying you? Ussop burn the fucking flag.

People think Luffy made that decision on a whim? Luffy's dumb but he isn't stupid; Robin didn't want to live more so she didn't think she deserved to because of what the world government did to her. She needed assurance that the Straw Hats were ride-or-die for her, that they weren't going to abandon her, that not only were they going to rescue her, they were going to sail with her. Luffy knew Robin needed a commitment, and Luffy is a char of action it wasn't enough to simply say "we're going to rescue you" (as he already tried talking) Robin's trauma went to deep. She needed proof, an action, a commitment and Luffy understood that.

Same with Nami; Luffy simply waited, he knew Nami wanted to be with them, but she couldn't bring herself to admit it, to be 'weak'. So he waited, he knew she wasn't just not a bad person but that she wanted to be crew. But she needed to ask for help herself so Luffy could assure her him and the crew would be there for her.

Same with Sanji during Whole Cake (which I would go into but I don't think OP has gotten to Whole Cake yet); Luffy knew what Sanji needed to hear to come back.

"Luffy is a child" no he's not Luffy is mi chepito, mi que lindo mijo. He's a thoroughly interesting character who represents hope, joy, and liberation (like, literally, in the narrative). He'd also 100% eat a donut off the floor after an hour because it's free food and has totally tried to fit his fist and Zoro's in his mouth before.

I just wish people would give Luffy more credit this isn't the 90s anymore, stop channeling the 4kids dub energy y'all.

like idk idk idk but its a little weird the way that parts of the fandom infantilize luffy and reduce him to a dumb kid who punches hard. 'oh he's so childlike' 'oh he doesn't understand' 'oh he's so naive'. babes. he's SILLY. he views the world with a childlike wonder and prioritizes freedom n fun but he KNOWS the worst parts of life. he's seen it. his crew are a bunch of suicidal strays with tragic backstories who he gives a home. he fights oppression with his fists. he destroyed the map room at arlong park because he knew it was the physical representation of nami's trauma. when he wants to be he is so perceptive its scary (figuring out how a person ticks, his emotional intelligence, figuring out weaknesses like crocodile's (water) in minutes). he can be grim and gravely serious when necessary. but his default is his love for life and the adventure ahead of him

#one piece #chaos pikachu speaks #anyway in this essay i will outline why luffy is latino is the peak headcanon #need some of y'all to decolonize the way you think about these chars #y'all brushing them with the whitest coat of paint

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drachonia · 6 months ago

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𝐚 𝐮 𝐭 𝐮 𝐦 𝐧 .

Kinktober 2024 Day 16 Nika Schwarz x OC (Sigrid)

𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: I love this fictional man too much. 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬: @candiedcoffeedrops @candied-boys 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: mild predator-prey/chasing plot, mostly outdoor sex, couple being goofy.

Brunette curls ducked beneath a low-hanging branch, the scent of oak and cedar hanging heavy in the autumn air as paws turned to delicate feet that sunk into the earth.

That should shake him, the young werewolf thought to herself as her muscles relaxed, looking for the clothing stash she had put nearby, only to find the spot had been uncovered and clothes missing.

“Looking for these, wölfin?” A smooth and lilting voice called from behind her.

“Merde.” Sigrid cursed under her breath as she looked in exasperation over her shoulder at the haughty smirk of her partner as he gently tossed the rolled bundle of clothing in his open palm with a wide smirk, his own fangs showing. As smug as he looked, she couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes roamed her bare skin.

“Fine, you win,” She huffed, rolling her bi-colored eyes at him, “What do you want, tres chère?” She sighed as he edged closer to her, his arms encircling her waist and pulling her roughly against him as his tongue brushed over his lips hungrily, “Can I do whatever I want to my darling mate?” A ringed hand traced down her spine as she sank further into him, her breathing relaxing into a steady rhythm while his sped up.

“Of course, but don’t treat me like a doll, or I’ll knock your fangs straight from your skull.” She glared at him, her lips pulled into a pout as he laughed softly, fingers digging into her skin, “Good, I wasn’t planning on letting you go easy.” He hummed as his teeth dragged over her skin lightly, but didn’t sink in. It was so easy to bite into a human or animal for feeding, but Nika was all too intrigued and entranced by the way her skin was slightly more resistant to every bite of his. He thought of it like biting into gelatin versus a frozen dessert, they were both soft, but one was far easier to bite out of than the other. And for some reason the vampire enjoyed that feeling mixed with how addictive her blood was. Her scent almost drew him back into his memories when he felt her fingers drag over his chest through his thin shirt, “Nn!” He grunted against her throat, lifting his head to look in her eyes, muted red hues only growing darker in desire as he delved in to kiss her lips.

The embrace was sweet at first, but turned as deep and wild as woodland surrounding them. Sigrid growled against his mouth, running her tongue over his fangs and gently pressing against them until she tasted the tang of copper with each kiss, holding the vampire close to her.

“You really…shouldn’t have done that..” he huffed with heavy breaths, eyes narrowing to slits as he turned his head and ran his fangs over her collar as a warning.

“I shouldn’t have, but if getting what I want means I have to play dirty with you, I’ll do it over and over again.” Sigrid hummed beneath his lips as he brushed them over her soft skin, growling possessively and sinking his teeth into her neck as he tugged at his belt roughly, tossing it to the forest floor and pinning her against a nearby tree.

“You’re an expert at driving me wild.” Nika breathed as he braced his hands against the bark of the large pine, pushing into her and biting into her neck once more as he slowly thrust deeper and deeper, until he was fully inside her. The steady pace he’d set mixed with the comforting warmth of her body and the taste of her addictive blood pushed against any restraint he had, the vampire moaning and whimpering into her skin.

“Mmph! Nika…ah!” Her nails dug into his back and clawed at his loose shirt while he pumped his hips faster, finally releasing her neck like he’d resurfaced from drowning. Of course for him, it was the most savory kind of asphyxiation.

“Sig…ngh!” He gasped into the crook of her neck and lapped any dripping blood from her skin as he rutted into her wildly, the soft smack of skin echoing through the woods as he lifted her thighs around his hips and against his sides, “Cum for me first, please…” he groaned in her ear, feeling her flinch slightly as she dragged her nails against the tree bark behind her, resisting the urge. Nika growled at this, pressing his hips flush against hers with a harsh thrust and making sure to grind against every bit of her folds as he did, “Cum, Sigrid.” His crimson eyes stared into her slightly teary ones as she whimpered his name in a breathy voice and let go, soaking him enough that it dripped around the base of his length.

The vampire followed his lover with a strained moan and gave one last thrust, nice and deep as he filled her to the brim, arms winding around her and pulling her flush against his chest once he’d pulled out. The pair flopped down among the mass of fallen leaves, curling up together for a moment to catch their breath.

“Damn, I love you.” He chuckled breathlessly, cradling her head to his chest and reaching across the ground for her bundle of clothing he’d dropped. Untying the cord, he pulled the articles out for her, pausing when he caught sight of a familiar shirt, “Is this one of mine?”

Sigrid froze up for a second, snatching it from him and pulling it on before he could get a better look, but the flush on her cheeks gave it away.

“It is my shirt! You naughty girl!” He laughed and pulled her close, a bright and boyish grin on his face as he pulled her back to him and pressed an adoring kiss to her cheek while she groaned in embarrassment.

“Uh huh, make fun of the werewolf for coveting her favorite scents, go on!” She snapped, unable to dampen her mate’s chuckles and smiles as he nuzzled her sweetly.

Ah, autumn.

#kinktober 2024 #drac writes #ikemen villains #ikevil #ikevil nika #nika schwartz #ikevil nica #nica schwarz #ikevil oc

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rabbitlord · 2 years ago

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Poor Nika, seen barely avoiding suffocation by Dread Chuchu's hairpuff.

#gundam #witch from mercury #nika nanaura #chuatury panlunch #suffocation by hairpuff is the dread chuchu's primary mode of predation #contrary to the popular misconception of it hunting by punching

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nika-vincent · 8 years ago

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Predator's trophies in Mortal Kombat XL.

Skulls: Human, Mileena, Reptile, Yautja, Alien.

#mkx #mkxl #mortal kombat x #Mortal Kombat #mortal kombat xl #predator #skull #nika-vincent #mine #photomode

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nikaxrootless · 2 months ago

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There was something to be said of the way violence and pleasure often blurred for Nika. Violence — the prenecessitated foreplay to pleasure, pleasure— the aftercare of violence. Balancing both was an art and Nika was the artist. Yes, she thought as Reyna shoved her away and yet kept their distance the same, stepping forward with unchecked fury, unleash. There was release in the way she let Reyna think she was in control here, let herself be pushed back, grabbed, kissed again. Reyna was rage and Nika was the vessel that could contain it. Her lips parted, her hands wrapped around the back of Reyna’s neck to keep her close. Then, unprompted and without warning, she pulled back and raised a hand to strike Reyna across her cheek, hard. Violence.

Pleasure again as she stepped back into her space and yanked Reyna back into a kiss that was almost more teeth than lips. In this her hand softly caressed where she had just hit and the other dug fingers into the flesh of Reyna’s hip. She could taste Reyna’s blood in her mouth from her bite, hungered for more of it. She wanted to consume Reyna and she was done being tender about her wants. There were no more gentle requests, she would take and she would give and would not stop until both of them were satisfied.

Nika was relentless, hooking a foot behind Reyna’s before using her grip and the force of her own body to push, to throw Reyna off balance and send them both to the ground. A brief reprise as her hips pinned Reyna’s own down to look at her, they were two predators circling bloody water and Nika adored her in this moment for the pleasure of inflicting pain and baring it. She raised an eyebrow as if to say, well come on then. Reyna could do more, hurt more, feel more. Gauntlet thrown, she held her breath and waited for the snap she knew was coming.

tenderness was an easy thing to surrender to—a fleeting comfort, a warmth that smoothed over the jagged edges of her despair. in the wake of horror, it softened the sharpest wounds, dulled the echoes of catastrophe. reyna could see no escape from this that didn’t spiral into ruin. she felt herself teetering on the precipice, a breath away from falling. her knuckles no longer blanched with strain; she wasn’t clinging anymore—just waiting for the last grip to loosen, the final tether to snap. the same knuckles that nika had kissed. how many times had reyna nursed those hands after they split against wood, stone, flesh—after fury had consumed her whole ? how often had she patched herself back together, only for her own reckless hands to tear her apart again ? nika had seen them. held them. brushed lips against bruised knuckles like they were something of light.reyna no longer noticed where the lines blurred—if they had ever existed at all. even now, with her vision so close to nika’s that their breaths tangled, she didn’t flinch. blue irises bled into the other woman’s, lost in the pull of something inexorable. perhaps nika was drinking her in. perhaps it was just the drug unraveling her further at the seams. nika's fingers traced the delicate slope of reyna's neck, curling around. it seemed not to harm, not to push away—just to feel.

there was no fear. no instincts screamed for retreat. no alarms blared in her mind. reyna was letting go. nika could take her. end this. snuff out whatever embers still smoldered inside her, and reyna would let her. would hold their gaze together until she faded out. as nika’s fingers tightened around her throat, a static hum crackled in reyna’s bones. the voice. did it protest ? did it fear ? the puzzle of its triggers had never been solved. this was it. a kiss of death. a final surrender. the pressure at her throat stole her breath, her body stiffening as if submerged beneath a tide she could no longer fight. she inhaled sharply, instinct kicking in like a baby thrown to water sucking in a sharp held breath—a final, desperate gasp. and then... she kissed her. as much as her lips would allow, she kissed nika back. sinking into the inevitable, offering herself to it.

reyna felt blue. distant. fading. until teeth sank into her bottom lip, and the taste of iron shattered her daze. bitterness snapped through her like a live wire. her brows furrowed, frustration clawing its way to the surface. nika wouldn’t finish it. wouldn’t let this be the end. she was still here. coaxing her. molars ground together, the question gnawing at her mind: how hard could she bite back ? how deep could she sink into nika ? heat boiled beneath the guards skin, blistering with anger, with something raw and uncontainable. she had no name for it—only the weight of the feeling pressing against her ribs, coiling in the pit of her stomach. breath returned in sharp, ragged bursts, her cheeks flushed with more than exertion. reyna didn’t speak.

nika’s fingers toyed at her waist, light, teasing, infuriating. reyna’s jaw locked at the provocation. played with like a fragile thing.. to be tested. a sound escaped her, caught between fury and something more primal. a groan. reyna's hand slapped nika’s away before shoving her back, forceful, unrelenting. the same unchecked rage that had driven her fists into trees, that had cracked her own bones just to feel something. to release what she felt that she couldn't explain verbally. the tangled, frayed wires inside her sparked wildly, erratic, senseless. too much. reyna surged forward, two palms shoving nika back again, harder this time. a scream clawed at her throat, raw and aching to be unleashed, to rip through the air. ..but her head swam—whether from the voice, the drug, or the tempest of emotions writhing inside her, she couldn’t tell.

reyna lunged once more, her breath ragged, her hands trembling—and then—metal. the sharp, unmistakable taste of blood against her tongue. where nika had bitten her, and reyna felt it, deep and visceral. something inside her snapped. she moved without thought, hands seizing nika’s hips, yanking her close. ..and then she kissed her again. this wasn’t surrender. it was fury. it was hunger. it was everything she had left to give.

#threads.#reyna.#reyna1.

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atimefordragons · 4 years ago

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10 Signs That You’re in a Clara Novel/Project/Writing Collab/Rp/~Thing~

tagged by @ayzrules thanks for the tag! I love tag games and talking about myself XD

1. DRAGON MOTIFS - [svea, Vera, deevi, shiera, rhaella, ilyana, aurora, literally all of them] lmao, every character and thing ever of mine. I always loved dragons, but the obsession really just clicked in my soul when I watched emilia clarke emerge unharmed from fire with three new dragon hatchlings. after that it was forget whatever witchy and murder shit I was obsessed with as a gothic and macab tween, dragons only now and forever. the dragons can be either literal or figurative, but they are always there. The Dragon does not fear bby.

2. FIRE & ICE DICHOTOMY - [vera, shiera, raya, svea, zlata] almost always in one person, this kind of happened by accident, I’ve always loved winter and the cold, so naturally, all my characters and worlds end up like that too, but I am also hot headed, and the obsession with dragons results in my winter princesses/queens/etc having a fire dragon while also being ruler of the snow and ice. Sometimes more metaphorically with WRC/FTC Vera, who was ruler of the coldest nation on earth and also had a bunch of nukes and wars, but also ITU Vera, again, ruler of the coldest nation in the realms, but her nuke was a literally dragon this time, she also supernaturally caused a volcanic eruption (spoilers).

3. HATING ON/JUDGING AMERICA - [all characters] this is intrinsic to my personality. I hate America and so do all my characters. even characters that exist in realities without america, they still hate it. I will not elaborate.

4. RUSSIANS - [ilyana, zhenya, nika, katya, marena, zlata, vika, vitya, dima, kolya, raya, vova, etc] honestly, I don’t know where my russian obsession started, predates eurovision, post-dragon, but not by much, like, I just woke up one day and decided 80% of my characters are gonna be russian from now on. They tend to be oligarchs, FSB/KGB, bratva is a newer trend for moi. I dunno, but I, a person who has never been to Russia and is not remotely Russian in any way, got brainrot for Russia and Russian history, hmu with them imperial, communist, and modern facts. See you all at Blue Light next year.

5. BOURGEOISIE - [99.9% of all my characters] moi: fucking hates capitalism and finds a way to blame everything on capitalism, also me: makes 99.9% of my characters ungodly wealthy. it’s about the financial security and desire for things. probably. idk, but tis my thing, probably one of my oldest things, always loved royalty and nobility, I tend to make vieux riche as opposed to nouveau riche characters, defunct titles, lost glory and all that.

6. THINLY VEILED REFERENCES TO PPL - [lol, not gonna out myself] this isn’t always a negative, this is something that started in like middle school when I would name characters after my friends and just base their personalities on them without having to think, as I got older, this shifted into being references to other characters, like I’ve made an Oikawa and an Ushijima, etc, and still do that, but on the flipside, also use this to create characters based on people I detest and vicariously act out vengeance.

7. SASS MASTER MEDIEVAL FEMINIST - [élodie i] there were others, but I like to think I’ve grown past this a little, like, don’t get me wrong, I still got my medieval snarky ass ladies who are all for the girl power, but that exact level of my writing at the time was pretty white feminist, and I’m woc, so pathetic me. hopefully, you can find more dynamic and evolved versions of this trope in my writing now, but whatever. I write for me and my friends to enjoy, my bad writing is your problem guys.

8. DESTRUCTION OF A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION - [into the unknown, for the crown, serve or burn] this isn’t as common as the other things, but in a setting where I have full control of the world, there’s always something like this, either it is christianity, or is a thinly veiled reference to it. Look, while I do technically agree that there’s no such thing as an “evil religion”, there is nothing more evil than the christain organization, usually I mean catholism, but the evangelicals and mormons are weird and fucked up cults too. Anyway, imma die bitter about all the damage christanity has done to the world, so in my worlds, it gets burned to the ground. I am not sorry.

9. MALE LOVER BOYS ARE JUST A MANIESTFATION OF JOHN MULANEY’S “MY WIFE IS A BITCH AND I LIKE HER SO MUCH” - [nika, lucas, ademir, vorian, kolya, etc ] listen, the only type of male lover I want are those who are deeply devoted to the subject of their affections, no “I lie to protect you” bullshit, they’re pretty, usually buff, but not necessarily, that’s just a common aesthetical attraction choice of mine, and they have like skills and talent I guess, but most of the time they stand behind their wife while she does whatever is plot relevant and hold her hand when she’s sad.

10. A WORLD THAT’S TOO BIG AND TAKES TO LONG TO DEVELOP - [see; into the unknown] listen, listen, I know this is like, a problem with me, okay? I make the world too big and get buried in all the plots and the calendars and the timelines and the history and it’s all an exhausting mess that I never quite finish. but, whatever. I can’t have a basic ass world with no detail, I hate that shit, I’d rather take forever building the world, than the world being empty.

tagging: @celestialfairies @kzombi3 / @thots4daze @themonsterslut @turquoisesiren @heartless241 @alittlebitluna @eternalsailorstar @themadmonarchist @forebodinq + anyone else who wants to do this

#tag games #mine

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clearnightmarepizza · 5 years ago

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Why has Nika changed her first name to Paris and why is this “Paris” following and friends with a MINOR(Asiapoohvu) on imvu???

CRAVEYDIVAxBH user = 241132489

She’s 28 and is friends/following 16-13 year olds on vu... she’s kind of doing a predator move and that’s not allowed on vu... she’s a creeper for sure. awareness is important, please don’t let her get away with these crimes. because in real life, a 28 year old going after a 16 year old or 13 year old is ILLEGAL.

#CRAVEYDIVAxBH #CRAVEYDIVAxBH imvu #CRAVEYDIVAxBH is a child predator #imvu drama #imvu #imvu blog #imvu omg #imvu wtf #wtf #holy shit #Asiapoohvu #Asiapoohvu imvu #imvu next #imvu pulse #imvu related #imvu news #imvu users

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randomnessunicorn-imagine · 6 years ago

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Hi there! I was hoping I could request a little writing/drabble from you where the female reader and Dukat are in a bit of a sudden argument over something and in the heat of everything, the reader accidentaly confesses that they have romantic feelings for him and...he's actually kind of surprised because he feels the same way about them. If you're not interested or you can't think of anything good, that's quite alright! Thank you~~

{ Uhm, interesting.

I took the liberty of using oneof the bad things happen prompts, because I really want to use them.

Then I have something specific inmind and, honestly, with Dukat I don’t imagine anything good, romantic orhappy, so this story doesn’t have an happy ending.

Here the reader is a Bajoranwoman named Laha Herjea, you can also see her as an OC. It takes place during the occupation of Bajor. Herethe station is still called Terok Nor.

I’m satisfied of this fanfictionand I took several hours to end it so I hope you guys will read and like it. Ihad fun writing it and I needed some angst. Yes, there is a lot of angst here! }

ASK FOR OTHER PROMPTS

Don’t forget to tell me your opinion about and leave a like or share if you liked it, it would make the writer very happy.

Prompt: Grief / Mourning

Challenge by @badthingshappenbingo

Words Count: 4171

Fandom: Star Trek DS9

Pairing: Dukat x Female! Bajoran Reader / Bajoran OC!

Triggers: Cardassian Oppressors, occupation of Bajor, angst, death, suicidal gesture, prisoner. But Dukat acts strangely nice.

– The beauty and the Reptile

~ PART 1 ;

A terrible fate fell on Bajor; afate of terror, destruction and desolation because Bajor wasn’t the planet of atime anymore but something else. It was infected by a virus, it was justdestroyed and usurped like the population who lived here. They had been treatedas slaves, strangers of their own land by the invaders of another planet, theirunexpected oppressors.

Cold-hearted aliens had stolentheir home, plundered their fields, killed their children and abducted theirwomen for their own pleasure, because they just felt superior. The Cardassian,their slavers, felt like real gods, they had even desecrated their temples anddishonoured their Prophets, but the Prophets were still there for Bajor,because nobody would have been able to stole their faith, it was immortal,immense and warm. This was the only thing the Bajoran people possessed, theirfaith in the Prophets.

The end of Bajor seemed near butthere were still people who fought for its liberation, who fought for what theybelieved, for their freedom and faith. Faith for prophets, for life and hope.Things the Bajoran cared a lot, things that had been stolen from them. Someday,they would have taken them back, no matter how hard and painful it could be,they would have won. Someday.

Laha Herjea was one of thosewomen who had been brought to Terok Nor, the space station of the Cardassians,to become the lady-in-waiting of one of them.

Actually, entire groups ofBajoran women had been stolen from their family and conducted there for thesame reason.

She didn’t even want to thinkabout her fate because it didn’t appear bright or worthy to be lived, it seemedterrifying and all the women around her were crying, were lost and scared andsome of them would have wanted to die rather than face this terrible destiny.

Laha didn’t live a long life, shewas only 19 years old when she was taken and brought to Terok Nor.

She lived with her father and herbrothers in a little town in the South of Bajor. Her mother Zaha died when shewas 15 years old because of an illness, while her father Janal was a farmer,just like her big brother Nika. Her other brother Paarya was a professor ofBajoran history and this was the subject she would have desired to study, thepath she would have liked to follow, because she estimated a lot her brotherand she wanted to spread her culture all over the universe. This was her dreambut it had been broken before it could even start.

“What do they want to do withus?” a woman said, looking around.

Laha didn’t know either of thesewomen but she could perceive their fear and preoccupation because she felt thesame feelings but she didn’t say a thing because the question of the woman wasabout to be answered.

A group of Cardassian soldierscame in, their looks were curious, they started scrutinizing the Bajoran womenas predators who were chasing after their prey.

Laha tried not to be scared bythese reptile men and she just looked at the void in front of her, but she wasable to hear the deep breaths of her companions, the way they trembled andsighed.

Some of the Cardassians laughedseeing the young women so terrified and vulnerable until a voice scolded them.

“Sirs, get a hold of yourself!”and then all the Cardassian soldiers became serious, standing at attention,“Can’t you see? These poor ladies are completely uncomfortable. They shouldfeel like home here.”

Another Cardassian man walkedinto the room, he was the possessor of the voice, that rough and severe voicewho was able to stop their laughing.

The man grinned, tall and fierce,admiring the line of women and studying them as if they were kinds of pieces ofart.

Laha supposed he was their bossbecause all the other Cardassians looked at this man with respect and fear,even she felt intimidated from this sinister character.

There was something in his eyesshe could not define, maybe it was lust, a malicious curiosity, or maybe it waspride, the kind of hubris of someone who felt better than anyone else, maybe hetruly felt superior, perhaps even more superior than the other Cardassians,this was the first impression she had of this man.

Soon, she even learnt his name,“I’m Gul Dukat, nice to meet you, my gentle ladies. I’m the one who controls this Station, you can consider me as your mentor, your new family because thisstation will be your new home.” He smiled, “Terok Nor is very big andlonely, and your job is to keep it warm and lively. Don’t see yourself as mereslaves, you’re more than that. You’re guests.”

Yes, guests that had beenkidnapped from their land and given to these malicious and merciless reptiles,she thought, it could not be defined as a gentle act of courtesy.

Dukat appeared veryself-confident, austere but kind in his strange ways but she didn’t trusthim.

Nobody trusted him.

Then he placed his glance on her,Laha didn’t look in the other direction, she just stared, serious and cold. Herlast desire was to lose her integrity and honour because of some Cardassian.

Dukat smiled, and then spoke,still looking in her eyes, “Let’s get to know each other better.”

He still didn’t take his eyes offof Laha, it seemed he was speaking with her and maybe he had already taken hisdecision and in that moment, when Dukat spoke to her, she understood she was inserious trouble.

“What’s your name?” he asked witha soft tone of voice.

“Laha Herjea.” She answered, coldbut polite.

“Oh, such an adorable name.You’re very young.” Then he got closer and raised her chin with his thinfingers, “And very beautiful.”

Dukat caressed her cheek, histouch was cold but soft, and then he moved a lock of her light brown hairbehind her ear.

His grin made her shivering as ifsuddenly the temperature got lower, it was not a pleasant feeling but shenodded, trying to stay calm and do not lose her mind.

Dukat still smiled, something ofhis smile frightened her but also made her wondering what was hidden behindthat mask of charm and self-confidence.

The meeting with the Cardassianslasted ten minutes and everyone left after they all chose their lady-in-waitingand ordered to their Bajoran counsellor –a traitor, she would say- to dress thewomen up in a more decent and delightful way, as if they were real dolls, just little toys that had to satisfyevery kind of fantasy of their oppressors.

Then Laha’s fate was clearer thanbefore, her preoccupation became reality and she just could not escape from thissituation. The only thing she could do was hoping, hoping the Prophets wouldhave given to her the strength not to fall apart.

~ PART 2 ;

Laha had been chosen as Dukat’smaid, he said it was the greatest honour and she was lucky. She had privilegesall the other Bajoran maids didn’t have. She wondered which privileges theywere.

It was her first day of work as maid, she was in his office, he was reading some documents without paying herany attention, and maybe he didn’t even know she was there and that she wouldlike to be somewhere else.

“Oh, sorry, my dear. I was sodistracted by these bureaucracy documents, it’s so boring but job must bedone.” He said, placing his papers on his table, hands joined and his usualconfident smile on his face. Laha found all of this disgusting but she didn’treply.

“I’m such a bad host, I haven’teven offered you a proper meal, you must be hungry.” Then he stood up, reachingthe replicators, “What would you like to eat? Some typical Bajoran plate?Unluckily, I’m not an expert but I could ask to our chef to prepare something specialand real. I don’t really appreciate these food simulacrums. It doesn’t do anyjustice to the original flavours of our dishes.”

Dukat kept speaking, he was agreat talker, and his tone was always so courteous and soft, Laha asked herselfif he was really the person he appeared to be. She didn’t know enough about himyet.

“So, dear Laha, what’s youranswer?” he asked again and then he looked at her, getting closer.

“Honestly, I’m not hungry, atall.” It was a lie but it wasn’t, too. Because her hunger went away the moment shecrossed the door, it vanished and she only was confused and mad. Even if on herface any emotion could be read.

“Are you sure?” he asked,suspicious.

Laha just nodded.

He didn’t appear angry and heseemed understanding, then he asked to his Bajoran Counsellor to accompany Lahato his quarters where she should have prepared herself and waited for him tohave dinner together since it was still morning and he had a lot of work to do.

Laha didn’t like this idea but,at least, he didn’t insist and left her alone.

Dukat’s quarters were very big,comfortable and elegant, they had the typical Cardassian décor but she didn’tcare a lot about it. She still found her out of place.

Then she admired the space out ofthe window and she observed Bajor, her home planet, how beautiful it was fromup there, she thought, and she could not reach it. She could not break thisglass and jump there. Warm tears crossed her cheeks as she contemplated herhome, she sighed, sad and alone. Then she fell on her knees and prayed theProphets to look after her family, to help her people and herself to believe.Help her to be strong and do not give up.

Then she put herself on the couchand she fell asleep.

Laha stood alone there, asleepand annihilated, for the rest of the day.

***

Dukat found Laha still sleeping,traces of tears still wet her face.

His expression was mortified, buthe didn’t wake her up but he just relaxed himself, reading a book and observinghis sleeping guest.

Laha was not tall but not evenshort, she was about 1.7 metres tall, but she looked so delicate, thin andinnocent there.

After some minutes, she moved andshe woke up.

“Oh, welcome back in reality,dear Laha.” He said, his tone seemed ironical, because this was not the realityshe wanted to live.

She had had a very beautifuldream, she dreamt of her family, she was gardening with her father, it was asunny day and Bajor was luxuriant, free from every oppressor but it was only adream.

Then Dukat stood up and seatednext to her, caressing her cheeks and realized, she had cried.

“You haven’t cried because youmissed me, haven’t you?” he asked, whispering and she blushed, she hatedherself for it.

Laha didn’t answer because it wasa stupid question, she had thousands of reasons to cry.

“You’re not so talkative, I’msorry, I’m just impatient to know you better.” He said, smiling, “But you don’thave to worry about your family.” And she opened her eyes wide.

“Oh, I’ve caught your attention.”He grinned, “By the way, they’re fine, I don’t want you to be sad, they’ve notbeen hurt.” His voice was gentle but Laha didn’t smile back.

How could she trust the man whohad abducted her and forced her to live in this station?

“Should I believe you?” sheasked, serious and wary.

“Oh, finally, you’re speaking.”He seemed satisfied, “I’m telling the truth and, since I don’t want you tomistrust me, I’ll permit you to speak to them and ask them in person how dothey feel.”

Dukat’s words surprised her, shewould have never expected such a proposal.

“Really? Can I see my father?”she asked.

“Yes, you can… But then you haveto stay and enjoy your permanence.”

It sounded more like a threatthan a gift, even if Laha didn’t have any choice, she had to stay here, she waslike a prisoner, so she just nodded because if she would have the chance to seeher father, how could she refuse.

“Now that you feel morereassured, can we have dinner?” he asked, smirking.

Laha forgot about her hunger, andshe felt a little better after his promise.

She guessed, he could havechanged his mind if she would have refused his invitation and it was only a dinner.

In fact, it was just a dinner andLaha was surprised how good he behaved. Dukat didn’t make her uncomfortable ortouch her, he just spoke a lot, he spoke so much but she didn’t care and shejust nodded, faking smiles and filled her stomach.

This man was kinder than shethought for being a Cardassian and maybe she had judged him too fast.

***

Several days passed and Laha wasable to speak with her father. He was fine and her brothers as well.

The Cardassians didn’t hurt themand this was a miracle because she heard so many bad stories about otherfamilies she knew. Maybe she was truly lucky. These were the privileges Dukat hadtalked about.

“Are you ok, dear?” her fatherasked.

“Yes, I’m fine, they didn’t hurtme, they give me food, a bed to sleep…” She smiled at her father.

“It would be better if you wouldbe here.” he said and then the signal started freaking out until the video communicatorblacked out.

“Dad! Dad, what happened?” shespoke to the black monitor and she sighed.

At least, she had the chance tosee him, for some minutes but she was glad he was fine. Now she had to keep herpromise too and just appreciate her forced permanence on Terok Nor.

***

“Have you seen your father?”Dukat asked.

“Yes, but not for a long time, thevideo blocked at a certain point.” She explicated.

“Oh, I’m sorry, you’ll try againanother time.” he smiled and then he took her hands, delicately.

His skin was so cold, it wasstrange, she could not define this feeling.

Somehow, she found it pleasant,different from the first time she met him. She wasn’t afraid anymore.

Since now, he had only treatedher as a special friend, a real guest, with respect, kindness and a sort ofdevotion as if he was afraid of offending her.

Dukat always had that sinistersmile on his face, the one that hid something, but she learnt to ignore it andjust appreciate his company. Laha would lie to herself if she said she feltuncomfortable with him.

Then Dukat got closer and hetouched her cheek and kissed her lips gently, so delicate, chaste, she barelyperceived it, Laha didn’t move and the Bajoran let him to get further. His kissbecame more passionate until she was unable to resist and Laha just kissed himback, her senses were completely lost, and her mind possessed by her lustingemotions.

He embraced her in a strong hug,even if his skin was cold, she could perceive warmth and her entire body washeating up.

Everything happened so naturally,with no pressure, no excuse and she felt good, loved and satisfied.

She had to trust him, she had noreason to misbelieving and she was glad, if any prisoner could feel fine in itsprison but she didn’t feel as a prisoner anymore.

Laha had found her new home hereon Terok Nor, here in Dukat’s arms.

~ PART 3 ;

A month passed and Laha evenforgot about her previous issues.

She still missed her home and so Dukatpromised her they would have visited Bajor but this promise had not been kept yetbut she knew he had a lot of work to do.

Despite her beautiful days, thesituation on Bajor was still hard because people still died of hunger, childrenwere still killed, cities were destroyed and nothing really changed. Bajorbecame a hell and the Cardassians were the demons who ruled it.

Laha was used to spend her daysin Dukat’s quarters reading, writing or sewing clothes but some other times shewas even able to take walks through the promenade or talk with the Constable Odo.Laha didn’t go so far because she didn’t want to meet other Cardassians, shecould trust Odo but walking with all those Cardassians around made her veryuncomfortable.

During one of these walks, sherealized an awful truth, the truth she had ignored until now. The reality sheleft behind, the agony every Bajoran was living. She forgot everything and afeeling of doom and guilt took possession of his mind and heart. Because shefelt like a traitor, like an enemy.

She was living carefree, safe andsound in Dukat’s quarters, while her people were fighting and dying for theirplanet.

A peculiar fact had opened her eyes,because that day took place a riot in the middle of the promenade. Some Bajoranworkers revolted against the Cardassians, it seemed, it was an organizedassault. They were three members of the resistance of Bajor but they had beencaught and executed.

Laha was there, on the top of thepromenade and she observed the scene from above as the men screamed, fought andthen fell on the cold ground as dead weights but they were not dead yet. Thiswas not the end they deserved, it would have been too gentle for theCardassians.

Those men had been hanged infront of everyone, their last words had been prayers dedicated to the Prophets.

Laha saw, she saw all of it andshe was left speechless as the men died, but they didn’t cry, they were proudand even glad to die for their people. They didn’t lose this battle becausethey became martyrs.

Then she understood. Lahaunderstood it was unfair, she lost her mind, her dignity. She was just anobject, a little toy, she lived in a golden cage and those people, the peoplewho had killed her compatriots, had put her in that cage. She could not be gladof it anymore. Could not be blind anymore.

Laha started crying and then sherun away to her quarters, she could not stand it anymore.

She wanted to forget the terriblescene she had already seen and just disappear and sleep forever.

***

Dukat tried to comfort her but hefailed

“I didn’t want you to see that,it was awful…” he said, “I’m sorry, dear.” He spoke, kissing her wet cheeks, sogentle, so mortified.

“What did they do?” she asked,sighing.

“They have injured a Cardassian guard andtry to escape.” He said, his tone was neutral and it seemed, it was a logicalreason to execute someone.

“Why kill them?” she asked andher tone was harsher, because she could not still accept it. She could notunderstand it.

Dukat seemed confused and thatquestion was strange because it was the normal procedure. Killing Bajorans wasnormal for any Cardassian. Especially for him.

“Who gave the order? Who hasdecided the execution?” she asked and Dukat’s face freeze.

Laha understood, it was soobvious and she felt stupid, naïve and scared because she was facing the personwho had condemned those men. The person who had killed so many Bajorans and shehad even loved that person. She felt dirty, outraged and she stood up, shaking.

“No, it’s not me, they haveassaulted a group of Cardassians, they were dangerous. They were members of theresistance.” Dukat explained as if it was not a real problem.

“No, they were not dangerous.They were slaves, all we Bajorans are slaves for you. I’m just a slave foryou.” Laha burst into tears.

“No, dear, you’re not a slave.Believe me, you have nothing to do with that. You should have not stayed thereand seen that scene.” Dukat seemed anxious but he didn’t lose his temperament.

“No, you have lied to me untilnow. How could I be so blind? So stupid?” Laha didn’t want to listen to hislies any longer.

“No, Laha, it’s not truth, I’venever lied to you. I truly love you.” Dukat said and she could not understandif those words were lies or maybe he truly felt something for her.

Only echoes were crossing hermind, the voices of those Bajoran men who hung on the promenade, their prayersand the cries of all the Bajoran who were dying.

Then she just hid inside her roomand there she stayed for several days, before she took a decision.

If Terok Nor was her new home, itwould have been her grave, too.

***

Laha spent three days locked inher room and Dukat was very worried about her

He didn’t pressure her or forcedher to invite him to enter, he also called his Bajoran counsellor but it was useless.Laha didn’t want to talk with anybody.

The execution of those men hadshocked her so much that she became even unable to fall asleep without hearingtheir screams, the words of hatred the Cardassians told to them as they hang tothe rope. She could not save them, she could not do anything, she just watched themdying.

The next day, Laha decided to goout of her room, she took a sonic shower and then she kneeled and she prayedthe Prophets for her people, for Bajor and for herself. She asked to theProphets to forgive her because she had betrayed her compatriots and she feltas if she deluded the Prophets, too. She didn’t feel as a true Bajoran no more.

“Oh, dear, finally you came outof there. How are you?” Dukat asked, he seemed truly worried.

For once, his voice appearedsincere and even his grin was not sinister or lascivious. He didn’t even smile.

“I’m fine.” She said, withoutlooking at him, she just observed the space in front of the window.

“What are you doing?” he asked,he was not used to see her like that.

“I’m talking with the Prophets.”Laha said.

Since she knew Dukat, she hadstopped praying so often and she hadn’t realized it at first. Staying in thisplace made her forget about her true values. What she was before had stopped existingthe moment she fell in love with him. It was true, an awful truth.

Dukat didn’t answer and he lether pray, totally unaware of the world she had inside, of the thoughts she washaving that moment.

Laha understood. The moment hadcome.

***

Laha stood up, leaving herquarters and then she kept walking through the promanade.

She stood there, in the sameplace where those men died, where their bodies were hanging and she still feltsad for them but nothing else. She just felt anything at all.

The young Bajoran placed herhands on the handrail and she climbed it, it was a sort of ledge, she couldobserve the Cardassian guards who walked under her.

She stood up on the handrail andshe closed her eyes.

No sounds could be heard, no morevoices of desperation or cries, but only the warm embrace of the Prophets, ifthey would have ever forgiven her, was waiting for her on the other side.

Then she jumped, her body aslight as a feather but her mind so heavy, full of thoughts and worries.

Everything just disappeared.

May the Prophets forgive hersins.

***

Everything happened so fast,nobody realized it at first.

Some Cardassian guards hadpointed to her and other Bajorans that were there started screaming.

Surprisingly, the most shocked onewas Dukat, he was not there when it happened and he just saw the corpse of thewoman he loved in the sickbay, lifeless, cold and broken.

He should have known, maybe he hadsuspected it but he just ignored the signals because he was still too selfishto care about somebody else.

That same day, Dukat made Lahacorpse transported to her home on Bajor, giving Laha’s body to her father.

That was the place where sheshould have been, where she should have returned.

Dukat hoped he would haveaccompanied her there, and maybe even the occupation would have stopped and anew era would have come but reality was different from his dreams.

He was not welcome in in thathouse, nowhere on Bajor, but he felt glad he had been able to love someone likeher. Maybe she saw something good in him, not everyone was able of this, butnow everything was over and he could only mourn the death of a person he trulyloved. Because it was not a lie, not an illusion or a Cardassian trick. It waslove and it was dead, it was resting with her, in her grave.

It was more than that.

It was the love of a marthyr.

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