#and everything about haki is plump

[onedivinemisfit]

We did a dress competition on the discord~ I posted a dress and we started discussing which of these four would suit it best, I drew them, and we did a final vote between Kageya and Haruto (as Kiki and Haki were eliminated upon posting, with everyone in agreement)

And darling Kageya won in the end~

AnS (c) Akizuki Sorata

Art: Me

[macbethsymphony]

The Swordsman and the Blacksmith | Chapter 2

Roronoa Zoro x Reader

Chapter wc: 3.2k

Chapter rating: SFW

Content/Warnings: NSFW, 18+, Fem!Reader, Enemies to lovers, SLOW slow burn, Eventual smut

Summary: Your skills as a blacksmith have made you desirable to both the government and pirates. You know you have to leave this island if you want to escape your fate, but that doesn't make the choice of leaving any easier. Roronoa Zoro is intrigued by your skills as a blacksmith. Your work is like nothing he's ever seen before. Unfortunately, you're hot-headed and he's rude and you both definitely hate each other.

Chapter [1]

Masterlist

Slowly crossposting from AO3 Feel like binging the rest of it? it's all there!

Chapter 2: Join my crew!

Nothing could have prepared Roronoa Zoro for what he was about to witness. He wasn’t sure what he’d imagined when he’d heard about the blacksmith woman. Maybe something along the lines of tall and muscular. Someone a little gruff in attitude, rough at the edges. Someone a little older, stern, dedicated to their craft. Someone a little like that old man from his childhood. Well, anything but the woman who was standing before him he guessed.

Here was the witch, so many had warned him about the night before. Small in stature, chubby cheeked and hammering steel with the intensity of a demon. A scowl adorned the otherwise soft features of her face, plump lips muttering something inaudible through the sounds of the forge. What shocked Zoro was not the disparity of his imagination to the reality before him but the sheer display of power present before him.

Dark spirals buzzing with red filaments flowed around the woman in an eerie spectacle. The air was thick, hard to breathe in, and it wasn’t because of the heat of the fires. It felt as though the weight of gravity had doubled and yet, the hair of the blacksmith seemed to float in some kind of wind, flowing in an unnatural underwater-like movement. The woman’s gaze didn’t shift from her work, not registering their presence. The block of steel she was working was the same familiar black as Shusui. It was clearly infused with haki. But everything he knew told him that should be impossible. What in the hells was he seeing? His breath hitched in awe for a second. This display of power… it looked right out of a fairy tale illustration. The control she exerted. It was beautiful. Luffy was just as speechless as he was, beads of sweat forming under the rim of his straw hat.

Zoro took a step forward, standing next to his captain. The air crackled, the tyranny of the aura surrounding the woman doubling in intensity as proximity increased. He suddenly had a hard time regulating his breaths, sweat forming on his brow. Deep down he knew this was haki. He knew this wasn’t some mythical demonstration of power. But rationality had no place in his mind right now. A witch. Magic. It was the only way he could describe the manifestation of raw power this woman was conjuring.

“I’ll wait outside,” Robin said blood slowly draining from her face. Zoro grunted, unable to peel his eyes of from the woman.

“Is that? Is that conqueror’s haki? Armament haki? I can’t tell.” Luffy pondered in amazement. Zoro wondered the same, the questions he’d had multiplying.

The blacksmith’s relentless hammering continued, still oblivious to their presence. Each strike reverberated through the air with the intensity of a war drum. Thumps carrying hypnotizing waves of raw energy that hummed right through their bodies. Luffy, ever the curious fool, took a step closer, his eyes wide with wonder. Despite the oppressive aura emanating from the woman’s presence, he couldn’t contain his fascination with the incredible mastery of haki presented before him. The pirate captain reached out a hand, drawn to the block of steel being forged before him.  Every cell in Zoro was telling him that this situation was dangerous. He quickly grabbed his captain’s collar dragging him back.

“Oi! Luff-” Zoro started.

“Hey! Witch!” Luffy cut him off, unable to restrain his excitement. “What kind of haki are you using? It’s amazing!”

Her strike halted midair, hammer dropping with a loud clang to the floor. The clear surprise on her features didn’t last long, her previous scowl returning with a vengeance.

“Huh?” She shouted. “Witch?” her tone was almost indignant. Crackling red followed her eyes, leaving a faint line in the air as her gaze settled on them. Zoro couldn’t help the flinch in his shoulders at the pure look of rage directed to him. Abrasive had been an understatement.  This woman was clearly insane. The red and black energy intensified, seemingly matching the intensity of the woman’s anger. “The fuck did you just call me?” She shrieked, taking a step forward.

“Ah! Sorry, sorry” Luffy rubbed his neck sheepishly. “I’m Monkey D. Luffy, the man who’s going to become king of the pirates. And this is Zoro, the man who’s going to become the greatest swordsman in the world,” he continued completely oblivious to the situation. “You’re the witch, right? The one they speak about in town? You should join my crew!”

The scowl on her face deepened at that last part, clearly hitting a sensitive nerve. Zoro twitched at his captain’s antics. They didn’t know this woman. No way he’d let her join just like that.

“Your crew? The fuck are you pirates doing barging in MY workshop anyways?” she asked, hand moving towards a knife at her belt. The movement didn’t escape Zoro’s eye. His stance widened, hand reaching towards his swords, ready for a fight.

“(Y/n)! That’s enough!” The woman from outside barked, quick strides carrying her in front of him and Luffy in a protective stance.  Zoro’s hand froze on the hilt of his sword, eye not leaving the blacksmith’s form. “This tantrum of yours needs to stop. NOW! (Y/n)!” she pleaded to the blacksmith before turning to Luffy. “And you. You,” she started indignantly, her index poking the rubber man in the chest repeatedly as she tried to find the words she wanted to say. “I literally told you not to get in here. Show an ounce of respect, would you?” She chastised.

Zoro watched as the small woman took in a deep breath, visibly calming herself down. A look of guilt passed through her eyes before they dropped to the floor in embarrassment.  The heaviness in the air dissipated quickly, black spirals disappearing into thin air as if they had been an illusion. She took off her leather apron, letting it fall to the ground before quickly stepping past them and out of the building. He watched as she disappeared through the trees. With her presence gone, he lets his hand drift away from the hilt of his sword, stance relaxing.

Luffy grinned at the taller woman lecturing him, seemingly unfazed by the recent events. “My bad! Maly” he exclaimed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

“It’s Mary! M-a-r-y” she corrected him in annoyance.  Luffy laughed.

“Luffy, Zoro” Robin, kicked in, clearly uncomfortable with the events that just transpired. “Should we get going?”

“Ehhh, already?” Luffy complained. “But, we just got here,” he kicked his foot in the dust, pouting, clearly having absolutely no intention of leaving.

The woman named Mary sighed. “Would you like some tea? We don’t have much, but I made cookies this morning. If you’d like some before going on your way back, you’re welcome to stay for a while. After all you’ve trekked all the way here, just for this to happen,” she gestured to the surroundings with her hands.

Mary's offer of food seemed to brighten Luffy's spirits instantly. His eyes lit up with excitement, and he nodded vigorously, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Cookies sound great! Thanks, Mady!" The woman groaned at her name being butchered once again.

As she led them into a makeshift living space, the atmosphere shifted from the darkness of the forge to a warm, cozy environment. Fresh flowers were scattered all over the room, the scent of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air, and a plate of cookies sat invitingly on the table. Mary gestured for them to sit, and Luffy wasted no time, grabbing a handful of cookies and shoving them into his mouth. Robin smiled politely as she took a sip out of the cup presented to her.

Zoro stayed standing. He couldn’t help but remain alert, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He half-expected another unexpected turn of events, a rage induced return of the blacksmith girl. He wasn't one to easily trust the calm that followed a storm, especially when it came to powerful and unpredictable encounters like just now.

Mary took a seat across from them, her eyes glancing towards the door as her gaze followed Zoro’s eye. "I apologize for (Y/n)'s behavior,” she said, pouring herself a cup of tea. “My sister's passionate about her work and doesn't take kindly to uninvited guests, still this was heavily uncalled for on her part," she continued, pouring tea into her own cup. “She’s just on edge these days,” her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “She’s not usually like that,” she added under her breath, a whisper barely perceptible they all heard.

Luffy, momentarily paused in his cookie feast, looking genuinely curious. "These days?” he asked at the same time as Robin.

Her gaze dropped down to the cup in her hands, thumb rubbing the edge in a soothing movement. “We’ve had quite a few unwelcome visitors, these past few months,” she explained, gaze filled with sadness. “(Y/n) has to take a decision she doesn’t want to take, you see. It’s been keeping her on edge for the past weeks.”

“Visitors?” Robin inquired, voice calm, encouraging the woman to speak on.

“I’m not sure I should be telling you this” she mumbled, tears starting to fill her eyes. The woman’s hesitation was palpable, the weight on her shoulders threatening to crush her at any moment.

Zoro sighed. Another sob story. He honestly wasn’t really interested in getting involved in whatever was happening here. He leaned down to take a cookie, listening from one ear as he decided to explore the surroundings instead. The small black iron objects littered all over the room seemed far more interesting to him than the conversation that was happening in the background.

“I’m sure you’ve noticed, (Y/n)’s skills with steel are somewhat special” Mary explained. “These past few months, both the government and pirates have been showing up demanding she joins them.”

Zoro picked up a small letter opener. The black blade felt strange in his hands, as though the object had a soul of its own. He twirled it absentmindedly in his fingers as he continued his tour of the small room. The balance of the blade was immaculate. He couldn’t help the little smile of satisfaction that donned his lips at the well-crafted blade.

“It’s been taking a toll on her,” Mary carried on. “The constant threats, the demands – It’s pushing her to a breaking point. At first it was nobodies, but ever since that admiral and that Yonko visited, she’s been afraid of the consequences her choices might have on us all.” Her hands dropped to her knees, fingers fiddling with the ruffle of her dress.

“A Yonko came here?” Luffy couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes,” she answered softly. “Red-haired Shanks… He’s not a bad ma-”

“Shanks was here??” Luffy cut her off, incredulous. “Woah, she must be really special,” he mused.

Zoro’s eye settled on a pair of daggers. Even from afar the craftsmanship looked beautiful. He picked one up. He’d been right, flawless balance once again. As he put the dagger back, he noticed a wanted poster.

“Oi! This can’t be for real,” he couldn’t help but turn back to the conversation, poster in hand.

Luffy sauntered over, ever so curious.

“1 billion berries!” he screamed, snatching the poster from Zoro’s hand.

“Yes” Mary answered sadly.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Robin began, a soft frown on her brow. “The way your sister imbues steel with haki is certainly impressive, but it can’t be the only reason the government wants her so badly.”

“You have good instincts,” Mary responded. “It’s… complicated,” She admitted, voice quivering slightly. “You’re right, her ability to infuse haki with steel is impressive but not as impressive as the strength of the weapons she crafts,” her gaze went to a sword mounted over the mantle of the fireplace.  “Those swords,” she clarified, “you could say they have a will of their own. The power they give their owner is immeasurable,” she paused. “But in the wrong hands, they’ve also made people go mad,” she finished a dark look in her eyes.

Mad? Zoro was intrigued.

You’d been standing outside the door for a while now. At first, you’d thought you’d hide and wait until they’d left to come back in but they’d been talking for a while now. Listening to your sister’s worries broke your heart. All your life you’d done everything you could to shield her from the burdens you had to carry. Your talent came with a price, you knew that. But it was yours to pay, not hers. The both of you had already had to run from island to island ever since your childhood to make sure you were safe. You didn’t want to impose this level of uncertainty to her ever again. This island had been a haven you’d never imagined you could have. And yet. Yet, your selfishness to create had shattered this peace. Your greediness had not only failed to keep her safe, but you’d endangered everyone who had welcomed you here.  Your heart shattered in a million pieces as you heard her explain the situation.

Taking a deep breath, you pushed open the door and stepped back into the room. Your gaze met the curious stares of the boy and woman sitting at the table. You then spotted the taller man reaching for one of the swords mounted above your fireplace.

“I wouldn’t touch that if I were you, swordsman,” your tone was sharp, the warning clear in it. His movement halted. “The last idiot who tried to unsheathe this one almost lost his one remaining arm to it.” You added as matter of fact.

“What?” He asked incredulously.

You rolled your eyes. Was he fucking dumb or something? You’d literally just explained. “You’ll lose your arm,” you repeated. “You’re too weak for this one,” You stated. His stance shifted a little, frown furrowing his brow.

The tension in the room was palpable as your words hung in the air. The swordsman's gaze narrowed as he regarded you, his hand slowly retracting from the sword as if realizing the gravity of your warning.

"Too weak, huh?" he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.

You didn't flinch at his tone, holding his gaze steadily. "It's not about physical strength," you replied evenly. "These swords have a will of their own. They choose their wielders. And trust me, this one has a particular dislike for those who aren't worthy."

The swordsman's expression hardened, his jaw clenched as he absorbed your words. Beside him, the pirate captain shifted in his seat, clearly wanting to say something.

"Zoro, let's not start a fight," the woman interjected, her voice calm but firm. "We're guests here, remember?"

The swordsman, Zoro, glanced briefly at her before turning his attention back to you, his gaze still sharp. "Fine," he grumbled, reluctantly backing away from the sword.

Your eyes shifted back to the table. You sighed as you took a seat next to your sister. You weren’t so good with words. “I’m sorry,” you said simply. You felt your sister’s hand on yours, encouraging you to continue. “What happened earlier. It was uncalled for on my part. I apologize.” you blurted out with gritted teeth.

Mary’s expression softened as she looked at you, her eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and relief. “Thank you, (Y/n),” she whispered gently, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Don’t worry about it,” the woman in front of you said. “I’m Robin, by the way, I don’t believe I introduced myself to you before.” The smile she gave you was kind, you felt shy under the empathy in her gaze.

“(Y/n),” You responded.

“Nice to meet you (Y/n),” her tone was friendly. “The interaction between haki and your craftsmanship is truly remarkable. It’s quite the unique skill,” Robin commented. You couldn’t help but feel pride at her comment.

“It’s not that special really,” you mumbled reluctantly.

“Nonsense,” she laughed.

“Yeah!” The boy who had introduced himself as Luffy earlier added. “I’ve never seen someone control haki this way before.”

You felt uncomfortable under their interest in your skills. They seemed genuine but again you weren’t sure of their intentions. People rarely ever had genuine intentions when it came to your skills. You could feel your reservation towards these people coming back as uncertainty clouded your mind again.

“You should join my crew!” Luffy offered after it was clear you weren’t going to say anything. You cought the swordsman’s flinch from the corner of your eye. You couldn’t help the little pang of hurt at such a reaction. It doesn’t matter, you told yourself. You didn’t like the asshole either.

“No,” You answered his proposal bluntly.

“What? But why?” He asked.

“You should go,” you stood up abruptly, the conversation done in your mind.

As you made to leave the room, Mary’s voice stopped you. “Wait, (Y/n),” she said gently, her eyes pleading with you. “They don’t seem like bad people. You should give them a chance!”

“I said no!” you snapped as you left the room.

“It’s alright,” you heard Robin say faintly. “We don’t want to overstay our welcome.” The tone of her voice was considerate.

They were making their way back down the mountain in silence. The condescending tone of your voice as you’d told him he was too weak replayed over and over in Zoro’s mind. He was really annoyed.

“Wait!” he heard a feminine voice shout after them. They stopped in their tracks allowing Mary to catch up to them.

“Here,” she muttered between pants, handing a wooden box to Robin. “As an apology for my sister’s behavior.”

“There’s no need,” Robin tried to hand back the box to the woman.

“No! I insist! They’re just nails, if you ever need to repair your ship or something, nothing will work better than those!” It was clear to Zoro that arguing with the woman was pointless.

“Thank you, then,” Robin accepted with a smile. “I’m sure our shipwright will love them!”

“You should come back tomorrow!” Mary added. “If you have time that is.”

“Why?” Zoro couldn’t help but ask.

“I’ll try to convince her, so please ask her again tomorrow,” she said looking at Luffy.

Zoro could feel the irritation threatening to cloud his mind at the thought.

Luffy, oblivious to Zoro’s irritation, grinned widely. “Sure thing! We’ll come back tomorrow and talk to her again! Right Zoro?” he nudged the swordsman with an elbow.

Zoro grunted in response, not bothering to hide his annoyance. Mary smiled brightly at the captain.

“Thank you!” She yelled running back towards the house, waving farewell energetically.

Luffy was unusually silent as they made their way down, Robin being the one to break the silence instead.

“Luffy,” She started, her tone serious. “I’ll rely on your judgment, but I think we should take her with us.”

“I disagree,” Zoro interjected. “She’s quick to anger and we don’t know her, I vote we leave her here.”

Robin ignored his comment. “I’m worried about what the government wants to do with her,” she admitted. “If anything, we should try to get her out of here. Drop her off somewhere else if she really doesn’t want to tag along,” She continued. “But here… On this island I think she’s in danger.”

Luffy hummed in answer. He looked at Zoro. “I like her,” he said. “She should join our crew.”

Zoro sighed defeated. He hoped you wouldn’t.

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Masterlist

[quinntamsin]

One Piece: Amazon Lily Arc

Kizaru tore through the pirate Captains and their cfews without abandon. SHe watched as the Supernovas did their best to fight the strange giant humans. Light flshed so brightly she had to cover her eyes. A loose growl in her throat as she used her zoan form to leap from her hiding place atop the giant mangrove. Landing on her feet she dodge an oncoming blast of fire as a Marine company sent a volley of bullets her way. Each movement she did required all of her enhanced reflexes, Only when she went sailing over the edge, though, did she truly know fear. --- The Amazon Lily Arc, whoa! WE got this far! Luffy is sent flying after a moment of pure gut- wrenching despair. His body is struck by the power of Kuma's Nikyu Nikyu no Mi and on his way at high speed through the air. After he strikes the ground we find him in the one place perhaps he shouldn't be. Amazon Lily, home to the all-cisfemale (YES I AM INCLUDING OKAMA and NEWKAMA IN THIS ASSESSMENT!) Kuja Tribe. We get to meet Marguerite and her friends as they discover poor Luffy after he stupidly consumes a parasitic mushroom. Bouncing forward and skipping over the anime dick jokes with the Kuja, what is most important here is how Luffy reacts. He wakes up, freaks out and yet as he gets chased he doesn't intentionally try to ruin a bunch of stuff. Instead, he nearly dies and get's saved by Marguerite while her friends, Sweet Pea, and Aphelandra do their best to support her. A few things about the Kuja I like. One yes, some have the pretty curvy designs of the typical One Piece women, but many also have pretty different body types. WE see broad-chested women, short, plump and more. Plus, yes, they all wear bikini's in a pretty blunt manner which is all the better when Luffy ignores everything. I love how Luffy is easily this lovable Ace motherfucker who just wants to make people happy. Now skipping through all the shenanigans Boa Hancock comes in after turning entire Marine Crew to Stone. After Luffy pops into her bath and sees her back she flips out (with good reason). The Snake Princess is shown in parts of this arc as cold and distant. Her looks and her fruit make people love her without any really deeper feeling. They see her as an object, and this makes her painful backstory all the worse. Plus I wanna say that I love her sisters, Sonia is just a fucking darling. And, Marigold is just this awesome fat goddess who can kick serious ass. The scene after they take over Luffy's execution after he defeats their giant panther is, funny and interesting. It sets up the Boa sisters as cold, and brutal. They use their Haki to easily defeat and toy with Luffy. When they move to smash the stone forms of Marguerite, Sweetpea and Aphelandra I was calling for Luffy to destroy them. There is a point to this brutality though, the sisters have been shaped by their society which forbids men, and they were tortured. So just as Luffy first unleashes a mega Conqueror's Haki burst and soundly starts kicking their asses I cheered loudly for him. One Piece is a show I can just watch for Hours and just feel good about. With gusto! I was lost in writing when I saw Sonia knocked toward the sharpened spikes and heard how her mark would be exposed. Seeing Luffy just leap onto Sonia's back even after she eagerly threatened to smash one of her own people was a clincher for why I love him. Wait no, it was him say, yup fuck my freedom, save your people please! Yeah, Luffy has a level of goodness that just makes me feel better. Boa Hancock's Backstory So, I didn't go much into my feelings on the Celestial Dragons, but lets ignore the fact that they are literal caricatures of what rick people really do! SO. All three young girl were captured as cabin girls on their own ship and then branded with the "Dragon's Claw". Let that sink in, these were young teens sold into slavery for some monsters. I swear if these fuckers were wearing crosses and were part of a mega-church or even a republican meeting! Yup, the girls got away after they were experimented on and wow. The amount of trauma they all went through and the fact they can still lead a country is pretty impressive. All of the stories and the coldness they show to their people is kind of explained in their trauma. Honestly, I am so glad they ran with how blunt the story was. Because any other idiot would have turned this into a tragic villain scene. Instead, we got a scene that shows us how a ruler can easily become distant from her own people. If they show weakness they think the people will turn on them. Damn, you think that the kids making a homemade statute would prove the opposite. I think the dissonance I felt as I watch them threaten to smash Marguerite versus revealing their trauma was surreal. It really shows how much emotional distant and masking the three do. All to maintain the false story of the Gorgon Sisters. Preparing For Impel Down After Hancock acquiesce to Luffy's request to save (and yes I realize I'm skipping a plot beat or two) she gets a pretty thorough verbal comment from Granny Nyon. As Luffy prepares to leave Hancock becomes suddenly sick. WE learn that all of Luffy's compassion has given her reason to fall head over heels in love with him. This was a bit of a weird scene, that her cold heart would come to fixate so much she could die outside his presence. The scenes where we see Luffy and her traveling aboard the ship alone was strange. Hancock's lovesickness seems a bit out of left field for me, I would have preferred if it was a little less sudden. Now,  know beforehand she had a thing for Luffy. Hell, I even tried to find a few fanfics that played around the relationship. The problem is I couldn't find any really shorter than 50k words that kept my interest. Please don't blame me that I prefer Nami and Luffy. Please note, I headcanon Luffy as a nonbinary ace hero. Overall This setting does a good job of showing more abilities derived from Haki. The idea that up until now we've barely seen it becomes more realistic as it seems it's not a widely practice gift outside of the New World. Sentamarou was a master of Armament Haki and it appears the Kuja use it as well to empower their attacks. This was a decent continual show of what Haki can achieve and it was a nice way to show how Devil Fruits can be defeated by Haki users. If Luffy didn't have his experience in battle he wouldn't have dodged all those Kuja arrows. If he didn't have Second Gear, he wouldn't have defeated Sonia or Marigold without it really. The increased speed was the only way he really got around Sonia's observation Haki and the increased velocity for his strikes assisted him against Marigold. This is a big change from when we first saw a certain annoying Skypeian using "Mantra" (Satori) against Sanji. Or hell, Shank's in episode one from the get-go. Conclusion This Arc focused on Luffy regaining a sense of hope. Watching him break down in Saobody when everyone disappeared was nerve-wracking. As someone who has felt a sense of despair, I will never reach Luffy's level. The poor kid loses his entire found family and finds out his brother is to die not long after. The actual way they emphasized each disappearance by Kuma by a bubble popping was tightened the anxiety I felt as I watched. Switching suddenly to something a bit more filled with hope was a nice change of pace. I say hope because both Hancock and Luffy brought it to each other. Luffy brought about the physical beating of two Celestial Dragons. Plus saving a friend of his from slavery ups the reality of how much Hancock can show some trust. Hancock, on the other hand, and as she treats her people better gives Luffy stability. It also seemed to give him time to remember his crew wasn't dead. They were all just sent flying everywhere. A pause to recover from watching everyone almost die. Hottakes:

That poor giant boar at the beginning, he deserved better.

The entire scene with Luffy being considered a girl was, so weird for me.

Like I was happy that the girls were like "ah yes another woman", but then the mushroom jokes and body washing. eeeww.

Mageurite deserves a bigger part in a side story, watching her help Luffy was interesting.

Sweatpea was a fucking amazing bean.

Aphelandra really shows how people in One Piece can be super tiny or fucking giants, and NOT BE ACTUAL GIANTS.

Momonga, wtf is up with the naming of this world.

The Mero-Mero no Mi is such a weird fruit, it's a fruit that creates a great sense of attraction and can turn people to stone if they have lewd thoughts.

THE FUCK ODA?!

The snake forms on Sonia and Margold into big titty nagas, shows that furries are well loved in ONe Piece.

I like how they are emphasizing this weird sort of fated pairing of Luffy almost in a folkloric way. He and her have Conqueror's Haki which is pretty damn rare.

Hancock needs a good Polyam ship with Vivi and Nami.

Robin would adore Amazon Lily since it appears to have constant sense of archaeological history.

[touhoubox]

Tio Bio

Demographics Name: Tionia D Matt Nickname(s): Tio, Puff,  Age: 18 Pre-Timeskip: 15-16 Post-Timeskip: 17-18 Gender: Female Species: Dragon Human Race: Human Birth Date:  May 5 Star Signs: Taurus Looks

Appearance: Tio is depicted with red eyes and blonde short hair with yellow antler-like horns. She wears a light blue shirt and a turquoise pleated skirt. She has a pair of orange scaly wings on her back, the scales extend to her long tail with segmented underside.

-Childhood: Tio is seen with a petite, short frame that gives her the appearance of an elementary student. Her lightly curled blonde hair is normally worn in pigtails, with one held by a hair ornament. Her eyes are bright blue. She usually prefers feminine dresses and attire, usually playing up her youthful appearance in comparison to the others.

-Pre-Time Skip: Tio, In her human form, has long blonde hair with flaming orange tips and red-orange eyes with dilated pupils, and a buxom figure with large thighs and plump, bouncy breasts, as an act of social defiance towards her “family.” Tio strongly prefers wearing a maid outfit around. As a Zoan type Devil Fruit user, Tio wears her tail, wings, and horns out almost constantly. On the Inside Personality: Tio is an easygoing, charismatic woman. She enjoys playing pranks on her crew. Despite her carefree and lively persona, Tio was filled with sorrow and a deep hatred she carries even now when she was casted out from Mariejois as a child for not only burning down her old home, but her parents as well after consuming the Ryu Ryu no Mii. Were it not for Aislin and the Morgue Pirate crew rescuing her from her fate, Tio would’ve ended in a much more precarious position. Strengths: Dragon transformation, Awakened Devil Fruit abilities, Fire breath of varying levels of heat, plasma breath [Only usable when in her fully transformed state. Can be used in her human form but the drawbacks are infinitely worse] flight, enhanced strength, enhanced defense thanks to her scales, armament haki Weaknesses: Water bad, insta drown, VERY short temper, weak back, as mentioned earlier, Tio’s plasma breath has repercussions if used outside of her fully awakened state. That includes, a complete drain of her stamina, and complete body shutdown for several hours. Likes: The Morgue Pirates crew, the Strawhats, Sengoku, Tsuru, flying throughout the world, quiet islands, resting under the sun, big meals, Garp, and The Silk Pirates Dislikes: The Celestial Dragon’s influences and actions over the world and the government, Celestial Dragons, G-5 Marine branch, Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru, Blackbeards entire crew Fear(s): Body horror due to the nature of Aislin’s devil fruit Dream(s): A true government that adheres to an honest form of justice and not some unseen hand puppeteering everything. Relationships Love Interest(s): Aislin Family: The Morgue Pirates Friend(s): The Strawhats, the Silk Pirates, and The Morgue Pirates Enemies: The Celestial Dragons, and anyone stupid enough to test her. Background Birth Place: Mariejois Back Story:

“I’ll tell this myself.”

“I was born in Mariejois and stayed until I was nine years old. Before then, I dreamed of touring the world. I wanted to see everything...I wasn’t satisfied with just living in books. Naturally my folks felt I was “acting out.” But our maid at the least gave me the time of day. When it was just us, she’d tell me about life on the island she was originally from. I really did love hearing her stories...but it wasn’t meant to be~ A little before my ninth birthday party my father left me with our maid to go prepare a few things. He also left a strange fruit as well. Being a curious child I figured it was a gift from the outside, so when he wasn’t paying attention, I stole it then left with our maid.”

“We ended up spending time in the library while we waited. A few hours rolled by and I started feeling hungry. Problem was, the maid was nowhere to be seen. There were others, obviously, but I was picky. That’s when I remembered that fruit... One bite was all it took. The taste was repulsive, but I forced it down regardless under the assumption that it was some fancy adult food. Not even three minutes later my body started to change. Horns grew from my skull, my stomach felt like an inferno was lit inside it, and was quickly demanding release. The maid...and my mother were the first to succumb to my fire... Apparently they had wanted to wait till I was showing signs of being hungry to give me my cake.”

“What I intended to say was “Mama help me...” But what came out of my mouth...was a stream of fire... My mother, my friend, my home...everything was burned to the ground. I could end my story there but sadly that’s not all. When the other Celestial Dragons put out the fire and caught sight of the disfigured dragon child they were repulsed by my appearance. I was stripped of my clothes, branded, and then thrown into a cage and thrown to the sea below. No matter how much I pleaded or screamed or begged...they either ignored me, laughed, or doubled their efforts to make me wail louder.”

“Anyway, when I hit the water, I thought that was it. I tried to close my mouth to keep the water from coming in, but my body refused to listen... I think it was around the time I lost consciousness when Aislin and her crew found me. Because instead of seeing the other side when I woke up, I saw a red headed woman cradling me in her arms. She didn’t treat me like a freak or anything of the like. Just a scared little girl... Aislin became Mama Aislin shortly after that. I still remember the shock on her face when I first called her that...and then how gentle her smile looked soon after.”

“I stayed with the Morgue Pirates for a good chunk of my life. Honestly, the best years are definitely with them. Aislin and Izzy taught me how to control my Devil Fruit a little better. That big stream of fire I did back home was off the table, instead all that came out of my mouth was little ember clouds. Hence the nickname Puff after a while... Flying however, wasn’t too hard to learn. Once I had fluttering down, anyway.”

“Anyway, around my 15th birthday Zhihao and I went  into Sabaody to get a good meal. I don’t remember who it was but I saw one of them trying to haul off some mermaids while all the islanders just watched...even other pirates just pretended not to see while the mermaids pleaded for help. Before I knew it, I was in the Celestial Dragon’s face, and in the next few minutes I decided in my mind what I wanted out of life, these people couldn’t be suffered to exist anymore. More and more people would be made to suffer with nary a single soul to give them the of day.”

“He tried pointing his little gun at me, so, I responded in kind by turning them to an ash stain on the ground. The guards, the hired muscle, I didn’t stop until any and everyone stopped coming forward. When it was all said and done, I let the mermaids free and carried them off to the sea. Aislin was...not happy with what I did, even if she did understand. But, I refused to be talked out of what I decided. I spent one more year on the Errant Marie before finally leaving for two years. That was around the time I met Luffy. Now, I’ve heard about the boy prior to this. But I always figured he was just someone who happened to be in the right place at the right time. I was waiting on Aislin back in Sabaody when I heard the commotion in the auction house. Something about a Fishman being shot. Fearing the worst, I took off in that direction. But by the time I got in there, I saw it...Luffy digging his fist right into Charlos’s face~ That was when the rubber boy got my respect.”

“I wish I would’ve hanged around a little longer, but my ride was there, and it was time to go~ Where my story goes now is still up in the air.”

On the Job

Alias(es): Epithet(s): Occupation(s): Affiliation(s): Crew: Bounty:

Combat

Devil Fruit: Zoan type: Ryu Ryu no Mii

First transformation

And Awakened State

Haki: Armament Weapon(s): Her own body and abilities

[sabraeal]

The Sword Between, Chapter 2

Chapter 1

The second fic of the Holiday Rare Pair series! Hakizana was the second most popular pairing you all voted for, and choosing this fic really came down to the wire-- but here it is!

Morning comes far too soon.

If she were to consult only her own memory, Haki would posit, with no little confidence, that she had not, in fact, slept a single wink during the night. Instead, she had lain awake, the ghostly pressure of Lowen’s hand warm upon her palm, and attempted to die from mortification.

She had been bold-- brazen, truthfully. Acting in a manner unbecoming of a lady. Not that she could pinpoint the exact moment they had crossed from their usual witty rapport to a-- a flirtation. But they had. And they had because she wanted to, from the moment he had walked her to her door and followed her inside. Her hands itched to take that mask he wore and crack it down the center, as if the barrier between them were no more than the shell of an oyster, waiting to be pried open and be plundered for its prize.

Even now she could feel his breath fan across her lips, the way his eyes had fixed upon them, growing dark as a cat stalking its prey. And she, she--

She had leaned in. She had closed her eyes and waited for a kiss than never came.

A mad laugh bubbles up from her belly. If only her dandy of a prince could see her now. Even he would turn her away; too impure a woman to make a wife. Or perhaps--

Well, perhaps he would find her quite a match indeed. At least maybe then they could presume upon each other, instead of the innocents in their employ.

Her hand blindly slaps the bed beside her, swiping over the flannel of her sheets until she finds it-- a pillow, plump with down, plush to the touch-- and promptly smothers herself, groan and all. To think, if she suffocated here and now, she wouldn’t have to face Lowen and his implacable mask in the cold light of morning. What a pleasant thought.

It’s not to be. If only her problems could be so simple as to be solved by a very convenient yet tragically aesthetic death.

Chill settles into her fingers, joints stiff and numb as she fists them in the silk. Strange; the last she checked, the fire had been burning merrily in the hearth. And yet, when she finally pries the pillow from her face, it’s easy to see through the wrought-iron screen that the fire has died.

She had slept, it seems. And Ami had not seen fit to come start the fires this morning. Silly girl.

No-- she’d told her it wouldn’t be necessary. That Sir Lowen would be staying the night, and she could take a late morning, so long as she arrived to dress her in time for breakfast.

Heat licks up her neck; not the pleasant spark and smolder that kindled when Lowen’s fingers brushed hers, oh no, but the scorching scourge of shame. She might have made a good show as a seductress to a lord as inexperienced as herself, but to a man of the world-- well, he must have had a hearty laugh on the way back to his rooms. The silly duke’s daughter, making herself ridiculous over him.

Cold palms clap to flaming cheeks, and Haki expels a full-bodied groan. There’s nothing for it; she’ll just have to get up and soldier on as if nothing untoward occurred at all. And hope that Lowen would oblige her.

The cold stings her even through the flannel of her nightgown; she levers herself upright, blankets and furs pooling around her hips. A shiver settles just beneath her skin, waiting for her to move, to bare enough of herself to earn it. It’s clear: if Ami isn’t going to light her fire, she will-- unless she’d like trembling hands to tie her corset.

A chill wafts off the stones of Wirant like ice itself; her soles hover indecisively above it, toes curling before she sets one out to snag a slippers. They are not the fashionable sort; a southern lady might encase her feet in silk, sleek and delicate, but here Haki wrangles wool and fur and still hisses as she sets them on the ground.

It’s best to keep moving; ice forms from still water, not streams. An easy thing to say when it’s an academic proposition, less so when she is hurrying across the stones, trying to find where Ami squirreled away flint and steel. It’s not obvious-- the embers are supposed to be regularly stoked and fed, not allowed to burn out completely, and when they do, Ami is quick to pinch a coal from the kitchen’s hearth-- but there’s always a set, just in case. And though some ladies consider themselves above such tasks, Haki would rather dirty her hands than lay abed, helpless.

“Curse you, you clever girl,” Haki grumbles, pitching up to her toes to search the mantel. “The point isn’t to make it impossible, it’s to-- ah!”

The sharp scrape of stone pricks her fingers, and she wins her prize free: flint and a metal curve, hidden inside a sweet porcelain shepherdess. The stone itself rattles out with little issue, but the steel protests, fixing itself in every awkward angle it can devise to keep from being prized out of its hideaway.

So of course that’s where Lowen finds her, fingers two knuckles deep into a hole, trying to coax her wayward hook from a shepherdess’s bottom. How else would her day start but with this.

“Good morning, Lowen,” she murmurs with great indifference, affecting a pose to imply that if he found anything amiss, it was his own personal failing. “I trust you slept well?”

“My...lady.” The words are mild and even, savoring of both reverence and wryness in equal measure. The way he usually speaks, as if he sees nothing wrong with the tableau before him. As if nothing has changed between dinner and this very morning.

And if she does not look up, it could remain so. But therein lies the rub, doesn’t it? The hero always peeks.

Lowen is not the sort of man who wear his emotions as a badge on his sleeve; were she any other lady, she’d think nothing of the polite mask he wears. But she is accustomed to his face now, of the way it sits when he’s truly at ease, and oh, she cannot miss the slight rise of a single brow, or the way the corners of his mouth subtly twitch.

She lifts her chin with an imperious tilt. It’s impossible to look down her nose at a height like his, but Father does not raise quitters. “Is there something you need, Sir Lowen?”

“Oh no,” he rumbles. “It seems that my lady has everything well in hand.”

His gaze dips pointedly, and if she hadn’t been aware that her housecoat was still slung over the winged back of a chair, she certainly is now.

“I was trying to light the fire,” she mutters. “This is where Ami hides the flint.”

He hums, impassive, but Haki does not miss the way incredulous creep of his brow. “I came to bear a message from your father, but I suppose I might start the hearth, if my lady wishes.”

Her hands hurriedly press the figurine into his. “If you insist.”

A corner of well-formed lips curls. “I suppose I must.”

“It would be the gentlemanly thing to do,” she advises, skirting out of his way as he steps past. She’ll never admit it, not where he possibly might hear, but there is something quite pleasing about the way he kneels on the hearth. His own long finger slips inside the shepherdess, and quite suddenly Haki is taken with the pattern on the settee.

“W-what was it my father wished to say?” she asks the small foxes prancing across the silk. “He must have told you.”

Lowen hesitates. “No.” The word sits heavy on the air for a moment before he adds, “Only that he wanted you to see him.”

Mercenary though he might be, Lowen did not tell lies-- he merely said just enough truths for the mind to paint a different picture of it. As he was doing now, though for what reason Haki could hardly fathom. “Now?”

He takes a moment-- not the fetch the steel, but rather to unfold the knife from his pocket. His long fingers coax the steel blade from its nest in the handle and-- ah, yes. The flowers on the throw are quite last season. She’ll have to have that replaced.

“He did not stipulate a time.” He strikes the flint, sparks jumping into the air like stars; still not enough to catch the tinder. “Though it was implied sooner would be preferable to later.”

“Am I to take it you’re to dress me as well?”

Steel skips over stone, clanging onto the hearth. “Ah--”

“I meant because Ami hasn’t-- she isn’t--” Haki refuses to clap her hands over her cheek, but that doesn’t help with the heat kindling there-- “I can dress myself.”

“Haah.” If Lowen were the sort to laugh, she’d say that sound was the beginning of one. His hand reaches out to pluck the handle of his knife from the ashes. “I take your meaning just fine, my lady.”

One last strike catches the tinder, and with a deft hand, he sets it into the hearth’s. His back bows as he leans it, mouth rounding gently to blow--

“I should do that,” she blurts out uselessly, turning her back to him. “Dress, I mean. Since father wants me presently.”

“It would be prudent.” She chances a glance over her shoulder and catches his grin. “Not that anyone would mind if you roamed the halls in your nightgown.”

Her mouth opens, rounds, and then, with no other sound, she flees behind her screen. The water at her vanity is ice cold, but there is nothing for it; Haki strips down to her skin and muffles a hiss as the cloth touches her.

“You know,” Lowen calls out, strangely loud in the silence. “I do not think I have ever noticed this shepherdess. Is it new? A gift from one of your admiring suitors?”

Haki blinks, grimacing as she scrubs off the night’s leavings. “Perhaps you have not heard, sir, but I am engaged to the prince of Clarines. There are few men who would dare to compete with him.”

“But not none.”

Her hand hovers over the chemise left out for her, linen soft against her fingertips, and remembers how the wool of his coat had scratched her palms, how his breath had washed over her face--

“No,” she agrees, wishing she could sound less breathless. There was no need to stroke this man’s ego, when he was so adept at doing it himself. “Not none.”

He hums, thoughtful, and stone rattles against porcelain. She shrugs on her chemise, ignoring his playful perusal under the guise of rolling on her stocking.

“It’s not new, anyway,” she informs him loftily, once she’s finished. “It was a gift from my fiancé, upon the occasion of our betrothal.”

The rattle quite suddenly stops.

“Is that so,” he says. Somehow, it’s not a question. “It must mean quite a lot to you, if you keep it--”

“I hate it.” A hand claps over her mouth, but it’s too late, the words have already escaped her. “I mean, Ami is the one who chose her hiding spot, not me.

He’s silent again, and she reaches for her corset, eager to have some armor around her if they are going to speak like this, forever circling closer to what they mean to say. She pulls the laces, working them closer and closer until the boning sits snug against her body, protecting all her soft parts from the world outside.

There’s a soft thunk, the sound of porcelain settling against wood, and Lowen says, “Where is your woman this morning? I don’t imagine the duke will be happy to hear I’ve been playing lady’s maid while she’s been laying abed.”

“It’s not her fault!” Haki insists, steadfast. “I told to to take the night--”

Her teeth click down hard, but even bitten off, her words lay thick in the air between them. Or rather, the implication does.

“You told her...?” Lowen’s quips are always quick, but when he speaks the words run like treacle from his tongue. “...Last night...?”

“If I could borrow your hands,” she says, too high, too quick, dragging a gown on over her head. “I would...”

Ah, but what she had just said-- and following the moment before-- and now--

Well, the connotation is certainly different. “...I cannot button the back myself.”

A sound not unlike a laugh but kissing cousins to a sigh bursts from his lips. “Haah. Yes. Of course, my lady.”

Lowen always walks softly, the sort of man who moves more like a ghost than a mercenary, but every sense of hers is attuned to him now. The clack of his boot heels might as well be canon fire for the way her breath jolts with every step. She’s all nerves when he rounds the screen, his shadow swallowing her whole.

“You know, of course,” he murmurs, conversational, “that I am always your servant.”

He touches her, tugging at her gown. Haki is not a small woman, but against her back his hands seem enormous. They do not touch her, not more than is necessary to pull the wool tight around her and button it closed, but every shift of fabric is hesitant, intimate, as a caress. Her hands flail out to grip the vanity; the only thing that keeps her upright as her knees fail beneath her.

“There.” He’s far too close, voice far too low. “How is that?”

Not enough.

“Fine,” she pipes, too loud for the space between them. “You make an admirable lady’s maid.”

“Good to know.” He steps back, and she dares to face him, heart fluttering at the wry curl to his lips. “I’ll be sure to apply for the position, should it ever open. Perhaps, after this morning, it will sooner than I thought...”

“Father won’t do any such thing,” Haki huffs, pushing past him. “I’ll explain it to him, in--”

“Full?” Lowen offers, and oh, she should know better than to glance back, but she does, she does--

If she imagined the heat in his gaze last night, then her madness is complete, for there is no missing it in the light of day.

Her fingers tangle behind her back, trembling. “As much as needed. Come along, sir. You know how Father hates to wait.”

Father isn’t known for a comely face, though Haki has never found much wrong with it; he is not known for his piles of dir nor vast tracks of land. He has not made himself a reputation as a leader of men or as a courtier concealing a knife, a dandy or a miser, a fool or a wiseman. In no way could any man say that Arleon was a man of extremes.

Instead, he has built his house on prudence. On knowing the exact moment to act. Many a lord would rally to the Bergatt’s cause, should Father join them. Rugilia knows it. And Rodatrad.

And Wisteria.

“Finally.” Father glances up from his parchment, and ah, yes, there is the other thing he is most known for-- his stare. Even used to it as she is, Haki’s heart leaps into her throat as steel gray pins her in place, as fast as any blade. “Sit.”

He waves his hand vaguely toward the chairs in front of him. At least, the only one left-- her brother has dragged the other to abut the domineering expanse of his desk, already glowering from his perch.

Her stomach twists, but she keeps her legs, alighting to the cushion with an elegant pace that sets Makiri’s teeth to grinding. “As you wish, Father.”

The hard veneer of her father’s mask cracks, a sigh softening the lines of his face. “There’s no need for all that. There’s been news.”

“News?”

“Yes.” His eyes dart up, mouth bowing into a frown. “Lowen, you stay.”

Haki dares a sly glance from the corner of her eyes; her guard lingers at the doorway, wide-eyed.

“My lord,” he says, stilted. “it isn’t necessary for me to--”

“It is.” Father’s thick fingers knit above the dark wood of his desk. “Your insight on this...situation will be invaluable.”

Lowen hesitates, gaze trained longingly on the hall beyond. “If that is what you wish,” he manages, closing the door. “I am ever your man, my lord.”

In the spare light of her father’s study, shadows cling to the circles beneath his eyes, haunt the hollows of his cheeks. His skin has always had the look of painted porcelain, just like her shepherdess-- delicate in appearance though not in skill, her father had said when he first bested Makiri years ago-- but as he takes his place behind her, he has never looked more pale.

“We’ve had a letter from Wistal.”

Her attention snaps back to her father, taking in his stiff posture, the way her brother lurks sulkily next to him, like a gargoyle placed on a particularly unnoticed buttress.

“Ah.” She allows her lips to take on the slightest hint of slyness as they cant. “So my fiancé has finally deigned to send his regrets?” A stubborn silence takes hold, and she ventures, “Or shall I take from these dour countenances that he means to evince himself at last?”

“No.” Father’s mouth twitches; unlike with Lowen, it is never a sign of good humor. “It did, however, pertain to the marriage and its...particulars.”

“Strange that His Majesty would be so eager to move forward with the arrangement,” she muses, ignoring the strange pang of disappointment that shoot through her, “especially when the groom cannot be produced for any price.”

Father stills, and so does her heart, right where it used to beat in her chest. Oh, this cannot be-- he cannot mean--

“Unless...” she begins haltingly, dread dragging at every word, “you mean to tell me that our understanding is to be...dissolved.”

Father does not answer, not with anything more than a tightening of his lips. Truly, that is answer enough.

She should be elated. She’s never wanted this betrothal, never wanted to be a prince’s wife. Every morning since its announcement, she had prayed that today would be the day it would be dissolved, that the next few hours would deliver her from the clutches of her marital misery.

Haki doesn’t remember when she stopped. When being the first prince’s betrothed became a part of her, like being Arleon’s daughter or Makiri’s sister. When the thought of her freedom could leave her so bereft.

Freedom. That’s what she should be thinking of: no longer tied to the throne, able to cast her gaze elsewhere--

It’s no surprise that it lands on Lowen. Lowen, whose eyes are not alight with heat, whose gaze is not even on her but wrenched away, eyes shuttered and closed. His breath hisses from his nose, pained.

Ah, so that-- that isn’t all.

“The king does not wish to lose the alliance,” Father says, “merely change the object of it.”

Her eyes fix on her father, wide as coins. “To who?”

“The second prince. Prince Zen.”

There’s no air in her lungs. Zen. “He’s a child.”

“Three years difference,” Father says evenly, “the same as Prince Izana and yourself.”

It’s true, but still-- Haki suddenly understands why Izana might have chosen to go on a continental tour rather than meet the child he was promised to marry.

“You can’t be serious,” Makiri scoffs. “He’d need a stool to kiss her at the wedding.”

Father grunts. “And what say you Lowen? You served in Wistal.”

Lowen hesitates. “It has been some time, my lord.”

“There’s no need for false humility in this.” Father’s fingers drum absently on his desk. “A man like you must have taken the opportunity to get the boy’s measure. I’d like to hear it.”

“I...” His mouth works, and oh, she had never though to see Lowen at a loss for words, not like this. “He is an idealist, obsessed with the tales of chivalry his nursemaid would read to him before bed. The sort of child that thinks all of a kingdom’s problems could be written off as easily as a storybook’s end.”

Father nods, mouth taking a thoughtful bent. “A fool, you mean.”

“No.” The word comes out loud, so forceful even Lowen pauses to blink. “I mean only that he is inexperienced, my lord. He has not yet learned to bend the way a leader must. But he is fair, even to a fault. He believes that a king is meant to serve his people, even at risk to himself. He is...”

Lowen laughs. Not in the bombastic way of her father’s men, or the quiet snicker of a lord, but-- a soft, self-deprecating chuckle, only meant for his own ears. “Prince Zen is everything a commoner thinks of a prince. A character straight out of a children’s tale.”

Haki stares at him. “Is that all you have to recommend him, sir?”

His mouth ticks up as he stars down his long patrician nose. “He’s pretty too, if you care about that sort of thing.”

She sniffs, turning her chin away to hide the sting. To think he would believe her vain and shallow, and not--

Ah, it doesn’t matter. At least, not to him.

“So.” Father observes Lowen carefully, palm running at the beard on his chin. “You think it a good match.”

She’s not watching him, or at least not closely, but even she can see the green that colors his pale face. “There are...worse ones, my lord.”

Father hums. “Interesting. In any case, it is His Majesty’s desire that the boy join us for your birthday fete.”

Lowen nearly jumps from the wall. “What?”

Haki only barely restrains from doing the same. “But that’s in days! The guests have already begun to arrive--”

“Which means His Highness is almost certainly on his way,” Father says, even. “I expect that his arrival will follow swiftly. There is no reason to give us more time to prepare out arguments.”

Her fingers knot in the fabric of her skirt, her breath rasping from her chest. “Arguments.”

Father spares her a knowing look. “I presume his visit can only be to force us to accept him in his brother’s stead.”

It shouldn’t matter. She never wanted this, after all. She hasn’t even met Izana, and he’s certainly never shown an interest in her. But still-- “I haven’t agreed to this.”

“Oh, my daughter.” Pity blooms in her father’s eyes. “I am afraid your opinion hardly matters at all.”