#so i'll be gone into the wind again to try to avoid spoilers

[whereismywarden]

what it feels like to return to the fandom four years later after swearing i wouldn't

[miirohs]

in the middle of the night [r.n.z]

pairing: OPLA!Roronoa Zoro x Reader wc: 1.0k cw: there is a reference to something that is canon in the series, as well as one piece spoilers an: damn thats crazy my drive suddenly came back after years of being gone anyways this was inspired by swim by chase atlantic and middle of the night by elle duhé. note that if the tension is not tension-ing its bc i cant write tension.

Zoro felt more lost around you than anyone else.

You were chaotic and proud, kicking up dust and blowing it to the wind, and yet he liked you. He wasn't sure if he was in denial or acceptance about it.

Though for someone so loud, He knew almost nothing about you and anyone who asked you would only receive a smile, teasing them with tiny pieces dangled over their head like bait.

It irked him a little, if he was going to be honest.

No matter how hard he seemed to slash his sword at the pitch black sky, you seemed to linger in the back of his mind.

He paused for a moment, huffing as he turned the blade in his hand. Trying to cut air didn't seem to help a single bit.

As he leaned against his sword, the atmosphere seemed to have shifted. The wind was slowly dying down, the sound of crashing waves being the only thing he could hear for a heartbeat or two. He could have even fell asleep leaning against his katana if he really tried.

"Fancy yourself a little midnight training?"

He whirled around, tip of the katana aimed directly at your throat. You sat on the railing behind him, hair ruffling in the wind as you watched him with an amused smirk.

His grip on the katana didn't waver, but he lowered the blade slightly, still watching you. "What do you want?" He muttered, tone gruff as he sheathed his katana.

"You're always so serious, Zoro," you complained, swinging your legs idly over the railing. "And you're not, so i guess that balances out," He said, arms crossed in front of his chest.

"The way you talk to me , i makes me think you really do hate me," you hummed, leaning forward on the rails, trying to close the space, "Do you though, Roronoa Zoro? Or are you avoiding me for some other reason."

You both paused, and for the slightest moment you could have sworn you saw his eyes narrow slightly.

"Whatever. Anyways, I'm going back to bed," Zoro muttered quickly, turning his heel on you as you jumped down, light as a cat on its feet.

"Wait, Zoro. I have something to ask of you." He paused. You weren't just going to let him slip away just yet.

"What if we have a little duel? Just me and you." You said, traipsing to his side. "If you win i'll tell you whatever you want to know."

He stiffed up slightly and you grinned. You had him right where you wanted him. Bingo.

"Deal-" He muttered as you breathed a sigh of relief, holding out a hand. "But don't expect me to go easy."

You jumped, tumbling across the floor shocked by the sudden strike. Your hands reached for the sword behind you as you got up, leaning against the railing.

"You play dirty, Roronoa."

"We're not having an official match. After all, you're the one who wanted this," Zoro retorted, a menacing look on his face as you got up.

"You're right," you conceded, a smirk playing on your lips. "No official match. Just a little midnight sparring to lighten the mood"

He came for you again, but this time you were prepared, blade catching the moonlight as you struck him.

He managed to block, and from there you were stuck in a pas de deux.

Your swords continued to clang, and you continued to doge effortlessly, almost dancing on your feet as you got closer.

"Come on marimo, tell me this isn't all you have!" You said sing-songy, pushing him back once again.

It was obvious from the look on Zoro's face that he didn't expect the skill level you had from you. While you did gain a lot from watching him fight, this also wasn't your first rodeo.

As he swung for you again, you managed to hit his side with the spine, sending him back a foot or two.

"Oh you've done it now," He snapped, charging at you once again, "You just had to do that, didn't you?"

Out of nowhere, he striked harder, moving fast as you had seen him move in the field. You, for once, struggled against defending the blows, as he randomly disappeared and reappeared.

For a solid moment, his blade scrape against your eyebrow, and you stumbled. He managed to disarm you, forcing you back into the corner you had come slinking out of, sword to your throat.

You could feel the tip barely pressing against it as you breathed deeply, grinning.

"You got me," you conceded, your voice laced with a playful tone. "But you'll have to admit, that was a hell of a fight."

He grimaced, clutching his chest slightly as he watched you through hawk eyes.

"Where the hell did you get all that from? I didn't even think you knew how to hold a sword?" He hissed, pressing the katana a little deeper on accident.

The feeling of warmth trickling down your skin told you everything, and you reached up, holding the blade firmly into your hands. It dug into your skin, yet the smile never dropped off your face.

"I wasn't just a dancer. I use to be a pirate too." He pressed a little more, and you winced.

"I was... apart of the black cat pirates, three years ago. It was around the time Kahladore- or should i say, Kuro, went missing. I saw my chance and i ran." You whispered, watching him carefully. There was no telling what he would do with the information.

"Have you kept this a secret from all of us this whole time?" He gawked. You only blinked, taking time to process the question.

"Nami knows. She's the only one i told, except now i've told you too," You admitted, looking up at him through hooded eyes.

"How do i know you're not going to-"

"Betray you all? Do you think that lowly of me?" You refuted, pushing his blade away from your neck.

"Now let me ask you something, Roronoa Zoro? Do you like me?"

The silence seem to stretch on, thickening every moment you sat there. He didn't say anything, and you sighed. "Shame. I thought i might get something out of you, but i maybe i was wrong about it."

You sat up on the rails, arms outstretched as you leaned back, hair whipping wildly in the wind as you shut your eyes, "shame, it was a wonderful night."

A sudden yank back awoke you, a yelp escaping your mouth as you skidded and landed on him.

Wait.

You landed on him.

Your cheeks flushed as you scrambled back, at a loss for words.

"Uh... I'm- oh, i'm just going to go to bed-"

Zoro watched you with an amused glint in his eyes as you stammered out your intentions.

"Y/n."

"Yes?" You mumbled, burning feeling spreading to your ears as he called you back.

"Maybe i do like you."

"What?" You squawked.

"Maybe I have liked you," he repeated, his voice softer this time. You were sure if there was a little more light, you'd see a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

A smile spread across your face. "I just knew it."

"Don't rub it in." He grumbled, rolling his eyes as you sat up, gleeful.

"I won't," you replied with a mischievous grin, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "But I have to admit, it's nice to finally hear you say it."

Zoro shifted uncomfortably, his usual tough exterior momentarily cracked by his confession. "Yeah, well, don't make a big deal out of it."

You chuckled, warmth settling in as you got up from his side. "Of course not. This can just be our little secret."

He nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, our secret."

As you climbed down the steps, you paused, turning around.

"Also, if you tell anyone about the fact that i can use swords, i will find you and duel you to the death."

"Sure you will."

"Will too."

"Will not."

"Will too."

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Ikesen Prequel: Return of the God of War

𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 1

[Spoilers Ahead. Copyright belongs to Cybird.]

Five years before the events of Honnoji.

In the mountains of Echigo, far away from Kasugayama Castle一

Kenshin: "Mount Koya, huh..."

Kenshin is alone, riding a horse on his way to become a monk.

Kenshin: "By now, Echigo一no, it's none of my business."

(To stand on the battlefield in the future and experience the sorrow of losing loved ones again...)

Kenshin: "I can't stand it."

In response to Kenshin's muttered voice, the trees in the forest rustled in the wind.

(Even if, for me, life without fighting is equal to death―)

(If I can get away from the battlefield and never have to feel that sorrow again, then so be it.)

Kenshin heard a horse's hoofbeats as he continued on his way with an empty heart and eyes.

Vassal: "Lord Kenshin! Lord Kenshin!!"

The man on the horse, desperately holding the reins, is a Uesugi vassal whom Kenshin knows well.

Kenshin: "How did you find me?"

The vassal, who had caught up with Kenshin, immediately got off his horse and fell flat on the ground.

Vassal: "I have been ordered by the chief vassals to search for you, as you may have gone to Mount Koya."

Kenshin: "Oh? After Isehime's case, you dare to block me once again?"

Vassal: "I'm sure it was a difficult decision for all the senior vassals..."

Kenshin: "So why were you looking for me?"

Vassal: "Please! Stop being ordained and return to Kasugayama Castle!"

Vassal: "The confusion caused by your departure resulted in a rebellion. If this continues, many people will be killed!"

Kenshin: "What?"

Kenshin raised the corner of his eyebrows slightly, but took a small breath as he spoke up.

Kenshin: "Even without me, my vassals will do well. Kanetsugu is there, too."

Vassal: "Small-scale battles are happening everywhere at the same time, and we can't handle them alone."

Vassal: "Because of the rebellion, the people of Echigo are constantly looking for each other, and there's absolutely no one to protect them."

Kenshin: "..............."

(As more people are sacrificed, more people will experience the sorrow of loss. The same sorrow I feel...)

(I have to avoid that. But...)

Kenshin pulled on the reins of his horse and changed direction, despite his fading expression.

Vassal: "Lord Kenshin, where are you going..."

Kenshin: "I'll just listen to my vassals and give them orders. Don't expect me to fight on the battlefield."

Kenshin: "Let's go back to Kasugayama Castle."

In the land of Kai, at the Tsutsujigasaki Palace.

Yukimura: "My Lord. I heard that the god of war returned to Kasugayama Castle."

Shingen: "It's going well. I'll pass the news on to my informants and the three nobles in each region."

Yukimura: "It's Kenshin, our enemy, who we fought at Kawanakajima."

Yukimura: "I don't think you need any help but...."

Shingen: "Don't be so sure, Yuki."

Shingen: "In all the battles that have taken place on Kawanakajima so far, Kenshin never showed any interest in our territory."

Yukimura: "That's true... he looked like he was more interested in the battle itself than expanding his territory."

Shingen: "That's why I don't have any personal grudge against him. I'm just trying to be a little extra caring."

Yukimura: "If you're going to take care of him, you might as well take care of yourself."

Yukimura, with a disgruntled look on his face, took up the tray of sweets that was placed beside Shingen.

Yukimura: "You already ate too much. That's it for today!"

Shingen: "You're so strict with me."

Yukimura: "I don't know what you're talking about. Anyway, since you're the one who started the rebellion in Echigo..."

Yukimura: "Even though we are enemies, please try not to harm the people or fields if at all possible."

Shingen: "Yeah, I know."

==============================

Kenshin: "................"

(There were signs of fighting all over the place on the way here alone.)

(The situation is getting serious...)

When Kenshin arrived at Kasugayama Castle, he was greeted by Kanetsugu with a puzzled look on his face.

Kanetsugu: "Lord Kenshin..."

Kenshin: "Explain the situation. Then we'll talk."

Vassal 1: "Lord Kenshin! It's Lord Kenshin!"

Vassal 2: "You're really back?"

Vassal 1: "You lost someone important, but for the sake of us and our people..."

Vassal 2: "I'll do anything I can to help you!"

Kenshin: ".................."

When the soldiers and retainers saw Kenshin, their morale rose as well as their agitation.

Kenshin did not respond to them, but continued on his way through the castle.

Kanetsugu: "I only gather those who are trustworthy."

Several vassals and Kanetsugu gathered in Kenshin's own room in the castle, not in the hall.

Kanetsugu: "Sorry for asking you to return against your wishes, my lord."

Kenshin: "As I said before, I'm not going back to the battlefield. Your apology is unnecessary, Kanetsugu."

Kenshin: "More importantly, let me hear the details of the current situation."

Kanetsugu: "Ha!"

At the signal of Kenshin's voice, a map is prepared, and the places where clashes are currently occurring are marked.

Kanetsugu: "The number of attacks, the internal confusion caused by suspected insiders..."

Kanetsugu: "As a result, we are having a hard time suppressing the rebellion."

Vassal 1: "Please, Lord Kenshin!"

Vassal 2: "Lead us, please, and command our soldiers on the battlefield!"

As the vassals bowed their heads in deep supplication, Kenshin's face showed a hint of bitterness.

Kenshin: "..................."

(Traces of the fierce battle I saw along the way--)

(The grass and flowers were trampled and the soldiers were crushed in front of their wounded allies.)

In Kenshin's mind, there were voices and smiles that he had once cared for.

At the same time, even the memory of the day he lost them came back vividly.

(I wished that I never had to see that loss or that kind of scene again.)

(So why am I going back to the battlefield?)

Kenshin: ".................."

(Do I want to add more sorrow to my life, or am I just looking for a fight...)

(I don't even know what I want right now.)

Vassal 1: "Only the lands that are important for the defense of Echigo are being attacked."

Vassal 2: "If they fall, it will not only lead to rebellion, but also to invasion from other regions..."

Kenshin: "What...?"

(Even if it's a rebellion by someone who knows the inner workings of Echigo, how can they attack so accurately?)

Kenshin felt somewhat uncomfortable with the well-prepared movements of the rebels.

Kenshin: "Don't tell me一"

➜ Next Episode

[lumienyx]

I 100% want to know about both 'Hawke no' and the inquisitor hawke story because they both sound AMAZING

Yello there! answered about Hawke, No right here :3

And ahhhhh Reikah you asked about my favorite bb T_T Thank you so much💙💙💙 But can you forgive me if I ramble? Can you??? If not gosh just please ignore skhshsksk

The Inquisitor!Hawke fic is like years in the making... in my head lol. I’ve only recently started actually writing it now that I’ve got a passably decent writing style I’m satisfied with. It’s also a VERY self-indulgent fic, because:

1. FIRST AND FOREMOST I have yet to read an Inquisitor!Hawke/Anders AU where there’s copious amounts of porn interspersed with plot so I guess it’s up to ser thirsty ass over here to satisfy his own desires😔✊

2. I so would like to explore spirit lore & ancient elven lore and, uh, I do that a lot in this fic, which is why it gets downright... weird in places >.> Because I have yet to read a fic that goes with the theories I prefer soooo again it’s all up to me to write it, along with my own hcs thrown in XD To avoid spoilers, suffice it to say that Solas’ arc is pretty different in this story, and so is every spirit entity’s for that matter — from Justice to Cole and the Nightmare, and everyone in between👀 

3. Speaking of spirit entities, Justice is rightfully one of the three main characters in this one. It starts off with established Justhanders (because I can😤) (and they are very much in love🥰❤️), and Justice gets roughly the same amount of POV as Anders and Hawke, which is something that, again, I find lacking in other stories >:c also re: porn I MEAN JUSTICE AND HAWKE’S ANCHOR I MEAN THE POSSIBILITIES I ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

4. Samson (Anders’ long-time friend in this and I won’t pretend this wasn’t @rusted-pipe-of-wisdom​‘s influence) and Cullen are both in the Inquisition🙃 I considered switching their roles but couldn’t be bothered to develop Cullen as an antagonist. Considered ignoring his existence entirely or killing him off, but settled on exploring the hilarious shitfest of Cullen and Samson trying their best (or barely trying?) not to rip each other’s throats out while commanding the Inquisition’s forces😅 Their roles aren’t overlapping and there’s an in-story explanation of why they’re both there, but I’ll stop before I spoil.

Consequently, there’s Calpernia to deal with, but to further balance things out, I’ve gone and made the Cory much more of a threat in this story because the Clownypheus we get in Inquisition is just too much of a joke for me to bear😩 I mean fuck it. Give me danger. Give me High Stakes. Give me SACRIFICE AND DEAT—ooookay, maybe not death. Maybe🌚

5. RIP Hawke and Anders' anonymity very early in the story but for the little while they manage, their aliases are, respectively, Geralt of Rivain and Kyle Ren (short for Kyle Ferrenly) because the author is complete and utter dumbass ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sorry for rambling so much I’m just really excited about writing this but let’s face I'll prolly never finish it anyway ._. So if you are by any chance interested — have an excerpt (sorry it’s so unedited😥😥) from the beginning.

Scene from Chapter 1: Tragic Mark Upon Our Land

~

Hawke was dead.

No, Anders forcibly corrected his and Justice's shared thought. They couldn't afford such moments of weakness. Garrett wasn't dead. It couldn't be true.

Anders marched on, across the glaciers, through toppled trees and against the biting wind towards the little hints of civilization he could see among the mountains, the rocky landscape peppered with newfound rifts and rippling with demonic energy. The sky was torn apart, and he was too preoccupied to worry about the absolute disaster that this was as he normally would, because all that mattered was that—

Garrett was dead.

Anders shook his head, plowing through thick mounds of snow with an explosive burst of fire.

It couldn't be. His heart constricted in his chest. His stomach twisted in knots. Anders gritted his teeth, swiping away rapidly freezing tears and swallowing down the bile creeping up his throat, and walked on.

He drew strength from Justice, who brushed along his mind in comforting waves even as his very essence trembled with an echo of the fear that suffocated Anders' chest with an iron grip. Even so, he offered to take over. Anders refused. They could be spotted at any moment. Ambushed at any moment. Every piece of ice that broke under the weight of his foot could be a trap set by a mage, any particularly cold gush of wind the sign of a templar's aura nearby. They could not afford to be seen with Justice showing through. Anders was risking enough as it was, walking right into the Chantry's domain, like Hawke explicitly told him not to do, but now Hawke was fucking dead and—

It couldn't be.

Hawke wasn't dead and they needed to make sure of that, needed to feel Garrett's heart beat beneath his chest, to see the smile dancing on his lips, and so, with aching feet and an ever more aching heart, they trudged onwards.

Anders, the Grey Warden, possessed mage, the most wanted man in Thedas, wasn't the one supposed to outlive Hawke, whose only grave sin to date, really, was tying his life to Anders' in the first place.

Would this ever have happened if we'd never—

Justice, immortal as he was, would outlive both of them and that was a truth all three of them had to contend with...

We cannot allow him to die here—

...but not like this, never like this. It simply could not end this way. It wouldn't.

It was either a dream or a mistake.

An impossibility Anders and Justice wouldn't allow themselves to entertain in the slightest, because it was naught but farce.

Wasn't it?

Anders had to force himself to breathe at this point. Cold wind prickled in his lungs and yet the pain of it paled against the terror that flooded him whole.

Justice's power rushed through him again, muted and concealed but still invigorating, filling Anders' veins with the pure energy of the Fade that allowed him to take the next step. Then another. A jump down into a pile of snow, and yet another step, step, step, and there, finally, ramparts and makeshift ditches were visible ahead, placed along hastily trodden paths. The sound of distant voices reached Anders' ears even through the thrum of the staccato rhythm of his heart all but deafening him.

He tried to take deeper breaths. Only managed shallow near-sobs.

What if they couldn't find him? What if Garrett was—

It just couldn't be true. It couldn't, it couldn't, couldn't, could not. Justice had felt Hawke in the Fade, heard his cries for help, felt Hawke leave the realm, and they could only hope it was back to this world and not anywhere... beyond.

Anders bit back another wave of nausea.

Hawke wasn't dead.

He couldn't be dead.

Their love was waiting for them, in need of healing, maybe, wounded, probably, but alive. They needed to find him and they would, Maker damn the Conclave, the Chantry, and everything in between.

For now, they only found Varric.

~

sorry for making Anders suffer. Everything turns out fine! For the beginning at least... x)