alchemenace | week 5, thursday w/ sanji

[This is not the betrayal Sanji expected to find after betraying his roommate and slipping out of the fire nation unsupervised.]

O-oi! Shoes off! At least shoes off!!

[His kitchen! His counters!!

Varian why would you do this to him?!]

[ Varian grabs onto the cupboards to not fall off as he turns to look at sanji with the wide-eyed guilty look of a caught child ]

Ummm-- I was going to-- I was going to wash it after, I swear!

[ which, well, he was. he just. needed that one extra inch from the boots ok. also he is. still on that counter. ]

Varian I swear if you fall and crack open your head right now--

[Luckily for both of them, getting angry just means he'd pass out, so time to reign in that temper! ... And admittedly Varian looking guilty is a good balm for his annoyance]

... Well, you're up there. Get what you're reaching for and get down!

Edited 2018-07-13 04:06 (UTC)

Relax! I've fallen from higher places than this. [ that's the opposite of reassuring and he seems to realize this because he just. laughs awkwardly. ] A-anyway, yes, sir.

[ he jumps up (why.) to grab the thing, finally getting it in his hand ... only for both sanji and himself to be trapped in a bubble. varian only has time to mutter an "oh no" before they'll see a memory from his pov. aw look rapunzel is in it. and not dead. yay. can't wait until sanji's hell happens ]

[God that was so sad and terrible and wholesome, my crops are watered, my acne is clear--

Sanji meanwhile is just. Standing in rapt attention, even knowing he shouldn't be watching someone's memories like this -- also what a way to prove the adults in Varian's life are well-meaning but kinda assholes. Sanji should not be doing better than them.]

Ah.

...

[Glancing away for a hot second]

Rapunzel-chan had told me about the rocks.

[...]

I didn't realize that was where you lived, though.

[ Varian has a surprisingly dark look on his face for a hot second before he jumps off the counter, avoiding Sanji's eyes. ]

Of course she did. [ did that sound bitter? ha ha, it's probably sanji's imagination. varian clears his throat and shakes his head, grabbing onto his arm ] They're not just in Old Corona. They're, they're invading everywhere in the kingdom. It's not ... great.

[ a slight. slight. understatement. ]

I, my dad's not-- he's not a bad person. [ there's something just a tad desperate in that statement ] I think he knew telling the King wouldn't have mattered. I found out, later... The King was aware of the problem already, but didn't want to do anything about it.

[A soft noise. It's at least free of judgement, and in response to Varian's plea that his father not be the bad guy in this situation.]

Of course he's not bad -- just desperate, likely. [Folding his arms.] People don't always make the smartest decisions when they're stressed and looking out for others.

[Like yelling at your son for perhaps not seeing the larger picture, even if your own actions are hardly fixing the issue.]

... Can't really cut the King slack, in that case. [SORRY RAPUNZEL, Sanji is absolutely judging your dad] The fuck didn't he wanna do anything?

... Yeah.

[ he seems a bit mollified by sanji agreeing about his dad, at least. but he sighs at the question about the king, looking away with a grimace ]

It's... I think it's because the rocks are connected to Rapunzel? I, I don't know the whole story. And he's definitely not about to tell me. [ it's wry, but bitterly so. ] But I honestly don't care what his reasons are. He's endangering everyone.

[... Some shit makes sense in context, suddenly.]

... What will happen if you don't return with Rapunzel-chan?

[There's a heavy emphasis on if, because Sanji is banking very hard on that idea that they can get the dead back with enough tenacity.]

[ there's a reflexive, humorless laugh before he clams up. it's not actually funny, it's just ... he keeps thinking the same thing. ]

I'm dead. [ it's said pretty bluntly, all things considered ] She expected it, you know? She gave me these letters, "just in case", but. She has a lot more faith in the King than he deserves. I, I know it won't matter. If I come back without her, I might as well not come back at all. And that's-- that's not an option.

[... This poor kid.

Sanji's heart hurts for him.

Part of becoming an adult is realizing there's no easy answers to anything, but shit, this is just unfair]

... Well, Rapunzel-chan is that kind of girl. She believes in the good of others... not surprised that includes her father.

[...]

There's no other option, is there? We gotta get her back.

... Yeah. [ he looks away ] Yeah, it's the, it's the only option. But I, I think... I think I might know how?

-- Really?

[Listen, Sanji is all ears. Varian has his attention.]

What do we need to do?

I, I think this will be made public knowledge soon? But you can't, you can't tell anyone you heard it from me, it was told to me in confidence. [ he looks a bit desperate, staring at sanji with wide eyes ] They told me because of how worried I was about... yeah. Promise you won't say?

Alright, alright, I promise.

[Honestly he looks worried now]

[ he should probably be worried! because the first thing out of varian's mouth is: ]

It's not great. But, to accomplish what Dragon called the "happy ending"... The amount of ink we need... All three factions have to complete at least seven objectives each. [ oh that's not so ba-- ] And they have to be down to three survivors. Any more or less and it won't work.

[ but yea sanji should've been worried ]

[THAT'S A LOT OF DEAD PEOPLE, VARIAN.]

Oh.

[Um.

What.

Does one say to that???]

... We're down a lot of Villains, aren't we?

[THAT IS HONESTLY THE ONLY THING HE CAN THINK TO SAY. Please hold.]

[ he agrees! he agrees completely. he just laughs nervously at the villain comment. he has anxiety about that. ]

Yeah. Yeah, we are.

[ and we lose another one on friday!!!! thanks, backtagging!! ]

[WHOO BOY OKAY

Now that he's a little more in control of his emotions, Sanji smooths his hair back, expression grim but at least not screaming, either.]

And the person who told you this -- they're sure this is all true?

[A pause]

Well, as certain as we can be, given the shitty circumstances.

They used a token and got it confirmed by the well. They're certain. Believe me, they weren't any happier about this.

... Alright.

[He'll trust Varian.

Even though doing so just weighs heavy on his heart, given the circumstances]

... I don't know if everyone's going to be on board for this shit, though. It's basically demanding we figure out who dies, and hope it works out.

I don't expect them to be.

[ there's a finality to it until he shakes his head ]

I, it, it kind of freaks me out, too. But people have to keep dying every week as per this game anyway. The other options won't bring people back. So ... so, it's the best we've got.

[... A part of him really wants to put out that Sanji would be someone most willing to sacrifice himself to the cause, no fighting necessary.

He also suspects that might upset Varian, so.]

We'll just have to see what happens.

Regardless, best we discuss everything as a group. Keep everyone on the same shitty page.

[ what doesn't upset varian. but also. yes. ]

... Right. That's why the information is supposed to go out soon. I just... don't know when, or how? Or... how we're going to manage if everyone is too afraid to share titles in case they'll die. We can't keep guessing.

... I'll be honest with ya.

I don't expect it to go well.

And it might start coming down to people betraying their friends in order to get us the best possible outcome.

[Which he's... not holding his breath for, either.]

... I thought that might have to be what it comes to, but...

[ there's a beat. but is about all there is to say to that. there's no easy solution to this. ]

Anyway. I guess if I'm telling you these things, I should tell you-- I'm a villain, too.

[ so you know at this rate either he lives or his death is inevitable no matter what? it's fine. ]

[Wow so Sanji does not like this and looks shocked, then ready to spit fire, and--]

Like hell I'm letting you die!

[WOW HE MAD]

[ wow he obviously didn't expect so strong a response and he just. looks genuinely shocked. and, well. speechless! so he's just standing there, staring. ]

Listen, three villains can survive, right?

Then there's no reason you have to die.

[He's fuckin serious about this.

Varian is a kid who doesn't deserve this, so. Fight him, castle.]

[ he smiles fleetingly, a bit touched, but. ]

... That's if we actually succeed in getting the good ending. And... you can't guarantee that. Or that no one will ever target me. Especially if people decide they'd rather end it quickly than let it go on for that long.

[...]

Depending, I might.

[...]

I know who the Shield is. Can't give their name away, but they told me if there's someone I need to keep alive, they'd consider using their gift.

[Running a hand through his hair, though. Because Varian isn't... wrong, is he?]

Well, at least you're well-liked around here. And it seems like a lot of the Blotters would prefer to leave the kids alone.

[No guarantees, but Sanji needs to hop for something.]

That's ... the same person who protected Natsuo, right?

[ he knows that much, but he has. no idea whomst the fuck it could be. and also varian looks so genuinely confused about being well-liked for a bit. really???? this is entirely news to him???????*

*varian is great at reading people ]

... Maybe that'll be enough. It's not like-- [ laughs, a bit, but it's humorless ] it's not like I want to die. So. ... I hope you're right.

... I hope I'm right, too.

[He really, really does.]

... By the way.

... How long is this bubble supposed to be here?

[DRAMATIC CONVO IN A BUBBLE]

[ ... honestly... ]

I have no idea. Usually they go away by now?

[ LET US OUT ]

[RATTLE THE BARS, SET THEM FREE.

Oh but wait, after a couple of seconds of them deadeyeing their prison, the scene seems to change.

It opens to an impossibly tall man of large girth, with practically a lion's mane for hair. And though Varian won't see Sanji, given whose perspective this is, he'll absolutely hear the chef.

Given he's screaming insults and lunging at the guy, viciously kicking him in the arm.]

You started this fight, so I'm gonna finish it -- and furthermore!

[Another kick. The perspective lunges around during the battle.]

Don't you dare call yourself my parent anymore!

[The man he's fighting looks irritated by this, asking why Sanji cares so much when he's being allowed to come home at long last -- of course he is his son, a rightful heir. And he best behave as such]

Screw you, I don't care what happens after I leave! I came to protect my crew, that's it!

[There's a crowd around them, filled with clapping and yells and the usual chaos of onlookers. For a second, it looks like Sanji will have the upper hand.

Until the larger man whistles out a name, and out of nowhere, a person jumps in the way of Sanji's attack. The chef swears and stops dead in his tracks -- only to watch as his father stabs the man in the middle, just to get surprise jab with his spear.

... Sanji is blown back, landing on his side. And with the crowd cheering their delight, the scene finally fades to nothing, this time taking the bubble with it.]

[ well, that's... mildly horrifying. varian might not know what it's like to not unconditionally love a parent (ha ha, disney), but he can tell this? was definitely not a healthy relationship ]

... Sanji, was that... who was that?

[ it counts for both men in the memory, though he knows realistically the first was sanji's father. still, it's ... horrible, to think of a dad doing that to his kid. whatever that was. ]

... Not my father.

I'll never consider a monster like him to be related to me.

[Welcome to Sanji's daddy issues, Varian. Perhaps the reason he didn't immediately denounce Varian's own kin.

Sanji knows what a true asshole looks like.]

[ Varian hesitates before raising a hand to put on Sanji's elbow to try to. comfort him.

the elbow is all he can reach. ]

Who was he using against you?

[ because that's what that was, wasn't it? in the middle of the fight, and why sanji stopped. ]

[A brief, if grim smile at Varian's attempt to comfort. He appreciates the gesture.]

... It was a soldier.

[Does it matter if Varian knows the truth? Sanji never meant to hide it, and it doesn't change anything by sharing this. Back straight, he folds his arms, staring to the side.]

I was born a prince.

[...]

I left, for a couple of... reasons. In any case, those soldiers will give their lives at the word for any member of the Vinsmoke family.

That bastard wanted to take me by surprise, so he sacrificed someone to make that happen.

[ jfc ]

... That's awful. I'm glad you got out of that okay?

[ because the rest is. still awful. but sanji is standing here, so. ]

You don't deserve to live through something like that, just because of what you were born as.

[One Piece ain't Disney certified, that's for sure]

You'd be one of the few to think of it like that.

[A humorless smile]

That bastard, my brothers, the entire nation... they don't get why I'd wanna cook like a commoner. I'm wasting my royal potential or some shit.

[God he hates the Vinsmokes]

... No changing it, though. I'll have to... deal with it when I get home.

[ there's a beat where varian just looks sad on sanji's behalf before he gives a chuckle ]

Eh, royalty. What can you do? Either they're terrible or they break off and renounce it forever.

[ this is clearly the appropriate tone to use in this convo to try to cheer sanji up ]

[TERRIBLE but then again, Sanji looks sufficiently cheered, too.

He's more than happy to leave this conversation behind them.]

I suggest the latter myself. Get to become a pirate and all.

[Anyway]

Don't worry about it. We got enough problems here to work through first.

... Right. But you're ... going to be okay when you go home, right?

[ just. making sure. ]

Yeah, I will be.

[A warm smile.

So long as Varian believes it, good enough.]

[ sanji no don't lie to him. unfortunately this bitch sucks at reading people so. he just. smiles. ]

Good. I'm glad.

week 5, thursday w/ sanji

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject