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heliantart · 3 months ago

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❝ENGRAVED BY THUNDER❞

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«Scars are not signs of weakness, they are signs of survival and endurance.»

― Rodney A. Winters.

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Soundtrack:

❝Wounds❞ by Tony Anderson

❝The Legend of Ashitaka❞ by Joe Hisaishi

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KAMAKIRI x OC

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The sheer extent of the battle taking place on Upper Yard was ineffable. Lightning rained down relentlessly, rendering its absolute judgement on all corners of the land, turned into an arena. The echo of detonations, scorching blasts and cracks of thunder, overshadowed almost completely the screams of men and the calls of the South Birds that flew above the canopy. The greatest sacrilege was to damage these lands and the ruins of the ancient city lying dormant in the depths of the island. But of course, the war took precedence over everything else. The anger of men and gods was almost palpable, weighing heavily on the atmosphere.

Hǣlan moved stealthily between the roots of the centuries-old trees. Her alert gaze darted around, aware that hostile members of the Divine Guard and the Guerilla were nearby.

Now certain that the coast was clear, she signalled to the figures behind her that there was no danger for the moment. A pack of celestial wolves emerged from the lush vegetation and joined her. Leading them, a young woman, ally of Hǣlan, leaned over the neck of her steed to discuss the situation.

The aforementioned nodded, and guided the pack forward, moving as one, before scattering into the forest, assisting the injured.

‘There are wounded further on.’ The red-head whispered, her gaze set on the unconscious bodies a few metres away. Following her elder's gaze, the wolf rider saw them too.

‘Esha, disperse the pack and get the wounded to safety.’

Hǣlan, in turn, moved towards the area where the main strike seemed to have occurred.

───────---───────

Celestial sharks were floating on the surface of the nearby Milky Road, all fried by lightning. She approached a motionless Shandian, lying on his back among the roots, severely burnt. ‘Sek'is.’ she called as she examined the man. A celestial wolf who had remained by her side stepped forward, and in turn laid eyes on the unconscious warrior.

She made sure that the young man's heart was still beating, then hoisted him onto her back, having secured his belongings on the back of the wolf accompanying her. Within minutes, Hǣlan, Esha and the rest of the pack had disappeared in the forest with the wounded.

When Kamakiri regained consciousness, it took him some time to recall the events leading up to his black-out. His defeat at the hands of Enel was the first memory that crossed his mind. A dull pain followed, numbing his already weakened body.

Kamakiri stiffened as he realised that he had never seen this woman before, and he couldn't work out which group she belonged to.

He could hear the distant rumble of thunder strikes and the tremors caused by the clashes raging across Upper Yard. When he opened his eyes, all he could see at first was a vast expanse of clouds, with only a glimpse of visible sky. He soon realised that he was between two layers of clouds covering the Vearth, close to the Giant Jack.

Turning his head to the side, his eyes fell on a woman with vermilion hair, sitting cross-legged against the roots of a tree, a mortar in her hands. Beside her laid a seemingly docile celestial wolf, with a deep scar across his right eye and two of his paws wrapped in thick strips of gauze.

The wings on her back revealed that she was not an inhabitant of the blue sea, and her tanned skin made her look similar to a Shandian. But Kamakiri was almost certain that she was not one of them. Her wings looked a bit too similar to those of the Birkans, associated with Enel.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his board and spear by his side. If he could reach out, he should be able to grab his weapon. She didn't seem to have noticed that he had woken up, so that was his chance.

His hand trembled with effort as he tried to move his fingers, reaching for his belongings with difficulty. But before he could even brush against the spear, he was interrupted.

‘You shouldn't move.’

The young woman's voice was calm and her tone impassive. Kamakiri froze, well aware that she knew he was awake. The healer got up from where she was previously sitting, and came to kneel down beside him. The celestial wolf, who had been asleep until then, opened one eye to watch them for a few moments, then returned to his nap.

Lying beside a campfire, Kamakiri was covered from head to toe in bandages. His pink jacket, neatly folded and tucked under the back of his neck, served to elevate his head. His tinted glasses, with their broken lenses, laid next to his makeshift pillow.

'You are lucky to be alive."

Kamakiri's gaze returned to her. The healer had been careful not to make a move in his direction, even though it was clear that the cataplasm she had prepared was for him. She placed the mortar by his side and looked into his eyes.

‘You're from the same clan as Aisa, I presume.’

Kamakiri hadn't expected her to know the girl. He remained wary, but relaxed slightly at the mention of a familiar name. Besides, she looked like a healer, not a fighter.

‘How do you know Aisa?’

She smiled at the reminiscences of the temperament of the little girl, whom she had helped some time earlier.

"I met her on Upper Yard. I treated her cuts after she had hurt herself. Since then, I've seen her a few times collecting vearth."

Kamakiri nodded, not at all surprised by the situation. He knew about Aisa's expeditions. The fact that she'd met someone on her outings wasn't all that surprising.

‘What about the others?’ He asked, remembering that the rest of his group had also been affected by Enel's attack.

"An ally brought them to safety not far from here. They should be safe for now, and so should we. The Divine Guard seem to have scattered across the island, so it's best to lay low for a while."

The wry smile she gave him showed that she already had an idea of the answer.

As she explained the current state of affairs, she worked on undoing the bandages firmly tied around her right hand. Kamakiri guessed that she was removing an impact dial. She glanced at him, catching his gaze.

‘I don't need this, do I?’

Kamakiri thought that maybe she wasn't just a healer after all. He simply whispered in reply. ‘I doubt that will be necessary.’

She gently placed the impact dial on the pile of carefully folded bandages next to Kamakiri's glasses. Then she picked up the wooden mortar again.

Kamakiri, having regained some of his strength, lifted his arm slightly in response, tacitly allowing her to administer treatment.

Reaching out to the Shandian's partially bandaged arm, she glanced at him.

‘May I?’

She carefully applied the balm to his lightning-burnt skin, marked by bruises and erythemas. A wave of relief washed over Kamakiri's body, as he felt the coolness of the ointment immediately alleviated the pain caused by his burns.

While she busied herself with this task, Kamakiri looked at her again, and took the time to observe her. Her wings were wide and neatly folded behind her back, unlike those of the Shandians, which were smaller and spread out. Aside from her crimson hair, the first thing that caught his eye were the pale fractals running across her tanned skin, starting at the hollow of her shoulder and spreading down her left arm, up her neck and grazing the edge of her jaw.

She seemed to wear her scar like a most prized ornament.

‘We match.’

Caught staring again, he saw the sidelong glance she gave him. He didn't immediately understand what she was referring to. Until she briefly pointed to her mark. ‘You have the same scar on your back.’ Kamakiri couldn't see the Lichtenberg figures left by Enel, but given the attack he had sustained, he wasn't surprised that it had badly scarred his flesh.

‘I survived too.’ She added thoughtfully, her gaze resting on her patient's arm, which she was now bandaging carefully. Kamakiri realised that she too had been the victim of one of Enel's attacks in the past.

"Yours will eventually wear off. Mine is still there because I had it tattooed before it disappeared."

She didn't seem to see her scar as a mark of Enel's utter victory over her, but as proof, etched into her flesh, that she had survived. In fact, she even seemed to be proud of it. Kamakiri saw, in the way she spoke and acted, the same resilience and state of mind as one of a warrior.

When she had finished treating him, she stepped back and sat cross-legged on the soft ground.

It was the first time since the start of the battle that she had allowed herself a little rest. Her fatigue was palpable. As Kamakiri watched her step back, he noticed for the first time that she too was injured. Her right shoulder was firmly wrapped in a white bandage stained with blood. He saw her lift her top slightly, to take a look at the state of the large gauze patch fixed to her side.

Noticing his stare, curious but silent, she commented as she arranged her bandages: "Three divine soldiers attacked us in the forest. Sek'is took care of them, but they left me a little souvenir." The aforementioned raised his head, giving the healer a curious look, before yawning and going back to sleep. A few hours earlier, one of the sacred guards had hit her directly with an impact dial, the brutality of the shock had taken her breath away. She was left with bruised skin and a diffuse pain in her abdomen. The guards, for their part, had been put out by Sek'is and the rest of the pack before she had time to use her own dial.

‘As for my shoulder, though, I have to say there are some good archers in your ranks.’ Kamakiri winced, feeling a little guilty about the situation. A guerrilla must have spotted her and, thinking she was on Enel's side, shot her in the shoulder with an arrow. She seemed to have escaped rather unscathed, given the circumstances.

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Kamakiri had fallen asleep a few times, giving himself the rest his body desperately needed. Hǣlan, for her part, had remained seated by his side, at a comfortable distance, preparing new bandages and ointments, also dozing off a little. When Kamakiri woke up, he would glance in her direction and notice that she hadn't moved. They would talk quietly to fill the silence and learn a little more about each other, until one of them fell asleep again.

‘What was life like here, before Enel?’ She had asked, turning her attention back to the sky. Kamakiri had seemed to ponder the question for a moment, before explaining to her that even before Enel’s arrival, the Shandians were fighting tooth and nail for their lands. Hǣlan understood that for them, whether it was Enel, Gan Fall or the Skypians, they were all enemies who had stolen their land. Although Enel had risen above all the rest over the years.

Hǣlan had listened to him in silence. What Kamakiri was telling her corresponded rather well with what Gan Fall had told her. ‘You seem to know Gan Fall well,’ Kamakiri noted, after a few minutes of conversation. "Where are you from if you're not affiliated with Enel?" This question had been nagging at him for some time. He was certain that she wasn't a Skypian; she didn't have the shape of their wings or their odd hairstyles. And no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't work out where she was from. She seemed to know Gan Fall, but was living with wolves and wandering around Upper Yard? He wasn't sure he quite understood.

A thoughtful smile stretched the young woman's lips. 'I know Gan Fall, yes, he's the one who sheltered me here." Kamakiri listened attentively, while Hǣlan seemed to be delving into her memories. "I am from Birka, the sky island that was destroyed by Enel, a few years ago. However, some of my ancestors were Shandians. So, when Birka got destroyed, I travelled for a few years until I ended up here." She took a deep breath, more thoughtful than moved.

"I thought that I could find my place here. But Enel was here too. I received divine punishment, and it was Gan Fall who saved me. I've been living with him, outside Enel's area of influence, for the last 4 years."

There was a small silence as she finished telling him the main lines of her story. Hǣlan thought for a moment that it might not be wise to reveal her links with the former god to a member of the Guerrilla, who clearly did not hold the old man in their hearts. But after everything the Knight of the Sky had done for her, it was inconceivable for her to deny that she knew him.

When she met Kamakiri's gaze, she saw no more hostility in his eyes than before. He had simply nodded thoughtfully.

‘So that's why you looked so familiar.’ He smiled at her, ‘You're one of us.’

Hǣlan's heart grew warm. She, who had wandered for years without being able to find a home, had perhaps just found a place amongst her people. ‘If you'll have me.’ She said, clearly moved by his words.

Even if she wasn't recognised by the rest of the Shandians, Hǣlan was simply happy to be accepted by someone who shared the same roots as her. She was, after all, only partly Shandian.

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'It would probably take Wiper some convincing, but I think he would get used to it." He said, perplexed but almost certain of his analysis. ‘If we win this battle, none of this will matter.’

The healer perceived a certain bitterness in the young man's gaze.

The lightning had stopped striking the forest, although the thunder still echoed in the distance. The fighting had not yet ceased, but the lessening of the lightning strikes gave them some hope about the outcome of this whole affair. Kamakiri had whispered that Enel could not be defeated. It was this certainty that made him hesitant about the outcome of this battle. But Hǣlan had replied with a smile that the Merbleusians might just turn the tide in their favour. She had only seen their captain from a distance, but he had the aura of a thaumaturge capable of turning the world upside down. Hǣlan was somewhat cynical by nature, but she was hopeful that these pirates would stand up to Enel and prevail.

Eventually they fell asleep again, unsure of what the future held.

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Then came the Armageddon: the thunderstorm increased in intensity and began to destroy one cloud-island after another. The Ark Maxim, real warship, was on the move.

Where they were, hidden in the clouds, they couldn't see clearly what was happening, but the Vearth was shaking from the impact of the lightning strikes and the movements of the ark. They could feel the vibrations in their bones. There was nowhere left on Skypiea where they could be safe.

At this sight, Hǣlan smiled wistfully. If this was the end that awaited them, then she was willing to accept it. It was too late to flee, in view of their injuries, they would not be able to leave in time. A glance at the Shandian beside her was enough to confirm that he was thinking the same thing. The Shandians had spent four hundred years fighting to reclaim their land. If this nation was destined to disappear, then they were ready to die with it. What's more, Wiper and the other guerrillas were still there, in the heart of the battle. Kamakiri would not have been willing to leave without his people.

‘I'm glad I met you’. She said, her tone even but sincere, eyes focused on the sky. She didn't know his name and he didn't know hers, but she was sure that if they'd had a little more time, they could have become good friends.

Sek'is came to lie beside them in a protective but resigned gesture. Hǣlan thought one last time of Gan Fall and Esha, hoping that they would survive. Then she laid down beside the young man, taking his hand in hers.

If they were going to be no more, they might as well share the warmth of one last embrace.

Kamakiri had simply smiled. It wasn't so bad to die with a beautiful woman by his side. He thought that despite their differences, they might have gotten along well in another life.

After letting out a long howl, echoed by the rest of the pack scattered in the distance, Sek'is snuggled closer to them, letting them rest against him, while he rested his muzzle against the young woman's arm. The three of them enjoyed this last embosom, snuggled up together.

Hǣlan thought about how tragic it was to see her second homeland ruined. By the same man who had destroyed the first. But at least this time, she could disappear with it, curled up in the arms of someone whose fate she shared.

It was a pleasant feeling.

The flame of Shandora was burning again.

And as they closed their eyes, ready to accept their fate, a melody, that seemed to come from another world, echoed through Upper Yard. A tune that had not been heard for almost four hundred years. The ball of the angels had stopped, and in its place rang the bell of liberation. The Vearth sang.

It had announced the start of a celestial conflict four hundred years ago, and was now declaring the end of it.

Hǣlan sat up. Upper Yard had held out, the Merbleusians had triumphed over Enel.

At the same time, the pack, called earlier by Sek'is, Esha still leading them, appeared between the clouds. Some of the wounded guerrilleros were secured on the backs of the celestial wolves, while those able to stand walked alongside them.

Kamakiri also got to his feet, assisted by the healer, who helped him up. He was reassured to see his comrades alive. Hǣlan, too, sighed with relief upon seeing that Esha and the pack were alright.

Hǣlan encouraged Kamakiri to put one of his arms around the back of her neck, so that she could help him walk. He leaned lightly against her even though he could barely stand.

After a brief reunion, and a conversation with Laki and the other lieutenants, they all headed to the forest, and spent a few minutes together, listening attentively to the symphony played by the flame of Shandora.

Laki left to join Aisa, whom she had seen near the Giant Jack. Kamakiri smiled at the sight of their reunion. Hǣlan decided to give him some space, and walked towards Esha, who came up to her. ‘I'm off to find Gan Fall.’ Hǣlan nodded. ‘Be careful.’ She nodded and broke away from the pack, heading off in the direction of the Giant Jack, letting her mount speed through the forest.

A short time later, the men that were able to stand had been rounded up by Kamakiri and Laki, to go and banish the Priests off the island, while Braham and Genbo had stayed behind with the wounded. Hǣlan, on the back of Sek'is, rode forward alongside Kamakiri and Laki. ‘Hop on, the pack will help you look for Enel’s vassals in the forest.’ Kamakiri grasped Hǣlan’s outstretched hand and sat down behind her, while Laki climbed onto the back of the other celestial wolf who had obediently stopped beside her.

Hǣlan felt Kamakiri leaning against her back as they rode through the undergrowth. They were all doing their best to put on a brave face, but the whole group was exhausted, physically and mentally, although their spirits had been alleviated by their victory.

The Miresse, clinging to the fur of her steed, spoke to the Shandian leaning against her.

‘What is your name? she asked.

‘Kamakiri.’ He replied.

‘Hǣlan.’ She said in return. ‘Nice to meet you.’

Kamakiri laughed at the late and unconventional introductions, but continued the conversation as he taught her the names of the rest of the Shandians who were with them.

A warm feeling invaded Hǣlan's heart and mind. She felt like she was where she belonged.

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After banishing the Priests from the island, everyone had gathered in safety to tend to their wounds and rest. Shandians and Skypians alike cohabited without difficulty and dutifully helped each other.

When Wiper awoke, he learned that his comrades had been helped by a Birkan healer, and a Merbleussian. In other circumstances, such an association with foreigners would certainly have angered him. But a climate of peace and cohesion had prevailed since the defeat of Enel and his vassals.

It no longer mattered.

Esha, the Merbleussian, had watched over him while he slept, and relayed Conis. The Birkan, for her part, had stayed by Kamakiri's side, reprimanding him for worsening his wounds by moving too much.

‘Hǣlan.’

The festivities that followed marked the definitive end of the conflicts.

Hǣlan spent the evening with Kamakiri. They both quietly watched the bonfire burn brightly in the dark night, surrounded by their companions who were joyfully celebrating their victory.

‘Hm?’

‘I'm thinking of getting that scar tattooed, too.’

‘We'll definitely be a match then.’

He smiled at the thought, then turned his head towards her, to see her smile, her gaze focused on the bonfire that burned proudly in the heart of the clearing. The flames reflected on the surface of her amber eyes, her expressions only enhanced by the glow of the embers.

Kamakiri found himself unable to look away.

Hǣlan had finally found her place, and Kamakiri, who’s scars she shared, made her feel legitimate in her desire to stand by their side.

‘Kamakiri?’

‘Mh?’

‘Thank you.’

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This OS was pretty much inspired by Princess Mononoke, in terms of vibes and in relation to the wolf pack and Esha (similar to San in many ways). (By the way, if you want an OS about Esha and a certain Shandian, I might just write something about them 👀).

I've been meaning to write about Kamakiri for a while, after recently rewatching the Skypiea arc.

I'm sure this OS won't get a lot of attention, given that Kamakiri is a background character, but that's the risk of writing about characters who weren't very prominent in the original story.

Regardless, I want to keep writing about underrated and/or forgotten characters, because I know how frustrating it can be not to be able to find fanarts or fanfictions about your current favourite character (no matter how anecdotic).

As for Kamakiri and the Lichtenberg figures, the idea came to me after seeing a fanart by @mequetrefis (@mqtrfs on Twitter), who illustrated Laki, Kamakiri and Wiper with those types of scars, left by Enel's lightning. Their fanart was just magnificent!

#heliantart #one piece kamakiri #kamakiri one piece #op kamakiri #kamakiri #one piece skypiea #don't know if I translated it well #I originaly wrote this in french #I love Kamakiri

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