"It will free man from the remaining chains,
the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet.
It will open to him the gates of heaven."
- Wernher von Braun
Sanji stood firmly on the hard martial arts mats that covered the entire expanse of the dojo like room. Shorts tied tightly around his hips as he absently flexed his hands to adjust to the weird feeling brought on by the white gauze taped around his hands for protection. Flexing his wings out of unconscious habit he shifted his weight to his left leg as he watched Zoro quietly.
The man was currently ripping his old gauze from his hands as the fabric was bloody and torn, barely able to stay on his hands. Tossing the ruined tape aside he pulled out a new roll and began taping up his hands once more, hands handling the tape with practised ease as he wrapped his hands up with quick, decisive movements. Once he had finished with his left hand he ripped the fabric away from the roll with his teeth and set about tying it up.
"I've already seen you fight and I can say that I'm not impressed." Zoro explained casually as he set to work on his left hand, "Not that you're completely hopeless; but you're style is sloppy and unpractised."
Sanji snorted indignantly at Zoro's accusation before sputtering, "Well sorry I haven't been practising. I was kinda tied up."
"I never said it was your fault." Zoro muttered looking up at Sanji respectfully, "I'm just saying we need to get you back into shape."
Sanji rolled his his and reluctantly let it go, knowing that that was probably as close to an apology that he'd get from the man. Instead he settled for dropping into a hamstring stretch, extending his leg as he warmed up the ligaments and got himself in a better zone for fighting.
Sanji had been assigned to team's by Rayleigh, though hadn't had the chance to actually talk to the man after the meeting. It seemed he was an extremely busy man, though Sanji really couldn't blame him since he was actually the brains behind this whole operation. Regardless, Robin had informed him later that he had been assigned under Luffy's jurisdiction, but as a cross over to Usopp's sniper squad.
The details he had been given were a little hazy but the bottom line was that he had needed training. His wings allowed for a large aviation advantage but it would be completely useless if he wasn't able to defend himself. That was how he ended up in this weird training hall about to fight Zoro.
Not that he wasn't gleeful at prospect of being able to fight the man without it being out of some sort of spat, but it was a little annoying that he had to treat Zoro like a teacher. Not to mention as the higher ranking officer that he was in this current situation.
"Obviously you've had some martial art training?" Zoro asked absently as he finished tying off his left hand flexed both his hands to get used to the taping job.
"No, I pulled it out of my ass." Sanji sniped as he rose from his stretch and began stretching his shoulders by extending his arms behind himself as much as his muscles and new wing joints would allow.
"Wouldn't be the first thing." Zoro sneered as he began stretched his own arms before continuing, "First we're going to work on hand-to-hand combat, after that we'll get into some more technical training. You have a lot of the basics so it won't take nearly as long as some of the other trainees."
Sanji ignored the insult and accepted the quiet compliment without much fuss knowing that any big reaction would just have the man revoke any nice things he had said. Besides he'd be able to take out his annoyance on the man in a few short minutes anyway.
"Now." Zoro said with finality as he straightened, done with his warm up, "You're going to actually learn to use those wings and not just have them be in the way."
Sanji's eyes narrowed just the slightest at Zoro's remark. He knew that since he had gotten them he had of course been a bit more clumsy than he usually was, but he wasn't completely oblivious to them. If anything he had gotten fairly good at using them to his advantage.
Zoro raised his arms in a offensive manner as he widened his stance, bending his knees readily, "Alright. Come at me."
Sanji snorted lightly before doing as he was told, though albeit reluctantly, as he launched himself into motion at the man. He'd show the man sloppy and unpractised. Darting forward he immediately planted his left foot securely as he drove several lightening quick kicks at the man. Aiming for lower vital spots that were usually harder to block, he kicked aside a weak knee block before driving in a sharp kick at Zoro's kidney's.
There was a pained grunt from the man but otherwise he kept his face impassive, already adjusting his fighting style to fit Sanji's. It wasn't long before Sanji's burst of energy was matched by Zoro's blocking skill and it became a struggle of overcoming the green-haired man's blocks and deflections.
The fighting hall was filled with the dull smacks of skin on skin as each of his kicks were caught by a strong arm or knocked aside by a just as agile kick from the man. Sanji held nothing back as he continuously switched up his style, switching from aiming for lower body areas before aiming directly for Zoro's head. Not that Zoro was having difficulty blocking the hits, but some of his blocks were rather slow as he seemed to be trying to figure out what Sanji's attack pattern consisted of.
Jumping up he swung his entire body into his next kick, sweeping by Zoro's face and just barely missing the man's cheek as he leaned out of range of the kick. Following through with the kick he landed and used his momentum to throw himself into a heel first roundhouse and managing to nick Zoro's shoulder. It hardly faze the man as he immediately stepped inside the kick and launched an open fisted attack straight for Sanji's chest.
Barely ducking out of the way he felt the hand close on a few stray strands of his hair and the subtle sting of them being ripped out as he quickly darted away from the man. It was clear that his earlier burst of energy had worn off and now Zoro was matching him move for move, he needed to start on a more strategical tactic.
They both took a small moment to catch their breathes before a silent look was passed between the two and they sprung into motion again. This time Zoro not only blocking but now taking advantage of any of Sanji's openings to strike, though he still wasn't acting on the offensive yet.
An open palm stopped a kick outright and Sanji quickly recovered and retreated his leg less it get caught in the man's grip. Instead opting for dropping low, weight resting on his hands as he swiped a foot sweep under Zoro's feet to knock him off balance. Zoro easily evaded the kick, jumping out of its range before regaining his stance and watching Sanji steadily.
Sanji remained crouching as drew his tongue across slightly parched lips, grinning up at Zoro. This wasn't like other fights they'd had when he had actually been trying to knock some sense into the man's thick skull; this was infinitely more intimate. And he loved it. It allowed him to release a certain amount of aggression that had built up over the years in Impel and be able to channel it into something productive. Not only was he able to sweat out his anger but he was able to drive each worry and fear out through his motions without having to worry about hurting Zoro.
Even before he'd gone to Impel he'd never been able to go fully out on someone because that just wasn't how practise matches were regulated. You were never supposed hurt; only incapacitate. But Zoro was able to take all of it and more; and he was able to return it back just as heavily.
Being this breathless for once was invigorating as each step he took slapped the mats heavily beneath him, each kick snapped out with as much force as his muscles could muster and each kiai[1] he released was from some deep, tortured part of him he wanted to get out. And throughout all the energy he poured into each attack Zoro stared back just as intently and returned just as good as he got.
A large roundhouse was executed smoothly and Zoro swiftly tilted his body back to avoid the kick, Sanji turned into it and meant to spin out of it to once more face Zoro before noting his mistake just as he was making it. Leaving his back exposed to Zoro for even a split second was practically suicide.
Shit!
Even as he heard Zoro's soft huff of victory Sanji refused to give up as he turned viciously to protect himself. A strong hand managed to grab hold of his wing, fingers digging in sharply to press and grind at the sinews and tendons with unnecessary force. Using the pain to his control Zoro completely twisted Sanji's wing until the blond was flat on the ground, desperately trying to turn into the motion to try and get away from the pain.
"Argh, fuck!" Sanji swore through gritted teeth as he twitched in the hold, trying to wrestle his wing from the grip but only allowing Zoro to tighten his hold and rip out a few feathers in the process. The over sensitized flesh screamed in pain but the adrenaline seemed to even it out as Sanji struggled to break the grip.
Zoro managed to contort the wing until it was fully folded back against Sanji's body as the other flailed uselessly at his side. Placing his full weight on Sanji's back Zoro bared down on him while keeping the wing pinned. There was moment of quiet struggling as Sanji refused to quite give up and Zoro seemed to be waiting for Sanji to accept his position.
"See?" Zoro pointed out rhetorically, "You let me get a hold of you and I basically win the fight. I get your wing and it's all over."
Sanji hissed angrily as he felt the hand tighten once more, pressing into the already created bruise. The inhumanely strong grip was careful however, and seemed to be only applying enough pressure to put Sanji in pain and not threaten to break anything. God damned, self inflated ego-head was just doing this to make Sanji admit he'd lost for once.
"It was one time," He gritted out, "You never even got close the other times."
"One time is enough." Zoro sniped back, pressing the wing uncomfortably close into Sanji's back before standing up and fully releasing the wing and the blond all together. Taking a few steps away from Sanji to let the blond know he was free to stand he continued, "One time is all it takes to end the fight."
Sanji remained on his front for a undignified moment, hiding the wince on his face behind his hair as he slowly extended his cramped wing and trying to shake off the stiffness Zoro had caused. Stretching and working the tendons loose he shook a few more feathers free and saw some blood staining the wounded area of his wing. Gritting his teeth he pushed himself to his feet and resolved to not let his pain show in anyway to the other man.
Zoro was watching Sanji silently as he pushed himself to his feet, remaining completely impassive even as Sanji sent a small venomous look his way. As much as he hated to admit it however, Zoro made a very valid point. His wings were an extreme weak point, not to mention sensitive enough that even a carefully placed punch hurt like hell.
"You need to learn to keep them close to your body, except for when you absolutely need them." Zoro explained and even as Sanji heard the reasonable words his stubbornness refused to listen to them. Instead opting for levelling Zoro with a baleful stare.
Zoro sighed as he noticed that Sanji's annoyance seemed to be blocking any attempt getting anything past that thick skull and sighed heavily. Trying for a different tactic Zoro asked calmly, "Your teacher; I'm assuming the he taught you the basics of having a guard and keeping yourself locked?"
"Of course."
"Not only does having a tight guard keep people from getting in a vital shot, but it gives you better speed when your body is less spread out, right?"
"Yeah." Sanji replied slowly, beginning to realize where Zoro was going with this whole spiel.
"Same with your wings." Zoro explained calmly, "They're just like your legs when fighting. Keep them close until, and only when, you let it out of your guard to attack."
Sanji internally struggled for a moment as he accepted that for once Zoro seemed to have made a competent point that he inevitably had to go along with. Zoro was smirking ever-so-slightly and was no doubt thinking that the struggle on the blonds face was his victory.
Without coming up with a valid excuse to call Zoro's explanation stupid he regretfully folded his wings in tightly against his back. It was always worse having to go along with something that you knew was right even after you'd already argued against the person about it. Like throwing salt in the wound, it was just adding the unnecessary justification that you were the idiot and the other person was correct.
Trying not to dwell to hard on it he turned to face Zoro and with a small beckon Sanji once more moved to attack the man. He wasn't exactly sure how long Zoro was going to have Sanji continuously fight him, but he assumed it was until he actually managed to knock the man over or get in a few decent hits. It was far too obvious from Zoro's defensive movements and his focused eyes that he was gauging Sanji's abilities instead of actually fighting them.
A shift in Zoro's focus had Sanji worried as the man's attention was drawn away and he barely had a moment to wonder what caught the man's attention before his hand was striking out at deadly speed. He realized that his wing was wide open for an attack and that there was no way he could dodge Zoro's attack.
Instead of grabbing it this time, Zoro's arm striked out and slapped the appendage sharply before shouting, "Keep it in!"
Snarling, Sanji spun around and launched himself at the superhuman making sure to fold his wings as tightly against his back as possible. It was absolutely frustrating as his focus was mostly on keeping his wings in and less on his fighting stance and Zoro was easily getting the upper hand. Zoro seemed to sense that Sanji's attention was off due to the distraction of his wings and began to go on the offensive.
It didn't take long to figure out that each decisive strike, and thrown punch was meant to either knock Sanji flat on his ass, or to get a hold of his wing and press his face into the mats once more. And as frustrating as it was he could hardly walk away from this stupid fight because it was Zoro's fucked up way of teaching.
Each kick and strike meant to connect with Sanji was getting closer and his dodges were getting clumsier as he was trying desperately to keep his wings locked without stepping on them. Launching himself backwards he found himself slowly getting cornered against the wall and quickly racked his brain for a quick escape. Zoro's foot shifted heavily out in front of him, leg tensing as Sanji recognized the motion perfectly and grabbed the opportunity.
As Zoro reeled back to throw his entire body into the next strike Sanji used the slow step up of the technique to his advantage and leaped up just as the punch was about to be followed through. Placing a hand on Zoro's shoulder, he vaulted over the man and landed carefully before swiftly turning to face Zoro.
A small curse could be heard from Zoro as the man swiftly spun on his heel to keep his back from being exposed and the small moment of dropped guard was enough time for Sanji to place his counter attack. Even as Zoro was righting his stance and bringing his arms up to defend Sanji was already inside his guard and executing his attack.
Throwing himself into the punch, there was a moment where Zoro frowned at the thrown punch in confusion before smirking and used a easy deflective move. Open palm of his hand knocked the punch off its path as his other preformed the practised motions of guiding the now off course punch into an inevitable arm bar. Just as Zoro got into position to lock the elbow Sanji smirked victoriously.
Abruptly, Sanji bent his arm – protecting himself from the arm bar – as he twisted his body sharply as though making to throw another punch, but instead the crown of his wing was brought around with vicious force. Zoro's arms tangled in Sanji's crooked elbow were useless as Sanji fully threw the man to the ground and thrust the crown of his wing directly into the man's throat with the same motion and force of a full fledged punch.
There was a deafening thud as Zoro slammed into the ground and a much more muffled grunt of pain as the man was punched directly in the neck. Not even bothering to wait to see if the man was okay, Sanji disentangled his arm and jumped away, snapping his wings directly into his sides while holding his arms out in a ready position.
A quietness hung in the air broken only by the heavy breathing of both men, Sanji panting lightly and Zoro drawing in slightly ragged breaths through his damaged windpipe. Though judging from the semi-shocked expression on the man's brow he wasn't nearly as injured as he should've been. Sanji silently cursed at how damned indestructible the man's defence was.
Zoro pushed himself up with a hand as the other gripped his throat in an effort to dull the pain, he winced up at Sanji for a moment before letting the hand fall away as a grin started to break out across his face. Sanji was thrown at the sudden fondness directed his way and only readjusted his fighting stance in case Zoro was trying to throw him off his guard.
"What?" He snapped quickly, raising his hands a bit higher, not putting it past the man to suddenly strike and throw him in a head lock or something equally as unpleasant in exchange for Sanji's attack.
"That was really good."
The tension in Sanji's body dropped away like the strings of marionette being released and his hands hung limp in front of him as he stared at Zoro with wide eyes. After pulling such a trick on Zoro he'd expected every form of response – cursing at him, attacking him just as roughly, even telling him to get the fuck out – but he hadn't expected Zoro to look up at him goofily and fucking compliment him.
"Uh..." Sanji stalled lightly as he fully let his hands drop to his sides, "Thanks?"
"If you can take me down; I think you'll be fine." Zoro chuckled lightly as he pushed himself to his feet, "But I still think we need to go over counter-strikes, bars and maybe some combos. We still have twenty minutes left until I need to train the next guy, so let's make this count."
Sanji slowly nodded as Zoro began talking about more technical stuff that he wanted to teach the blond as Sanji only stood in a silent haze of confusion. He'd always knew Zoro was a little weird, but Sanji had never hit a person before and then been complimented on it. Though he guessed none of them were really all that normal, but when it came to Zoro he was always thrown for a loop.
As Zoro happily ranted on about blocks there was something ecstatic shining in those violet eyes that made Sanji feel uncomfortable and instead he dropped his gaze to the man's hands. Watching quietly as they slowly began motioning out a few of the elbow blocks and deflections Zoro had used during their fight. Focusing solely on the hands in front of him he pushed that weird fluttering in his gut to the back of his mind.
~X~
In the bathroom after practise Sanji gingerly dipped a wing in the preheated water of the large stone bathing area. Swishing it back and forth he worked the appendage until the bloody area was soon washed away leaving only a few damaged feathers in its wake. Pulling it out he flicked it a few times before setting about gently dabbing the feathers dry with a towel.
As soon as they were dry enough he inspected the clean wound and found that besides a bit of bruising there was absolutely nothing wrong. The sensitive skin was akin to a head wound in that it would tend to bleed a lot even for the most miniscule of injuries. When Zoro had yanked out a few feathers it must have just torn the skin slightly. Content with leaving the bruise to heal on its own, he straightened out the feathers and made his way out and off to find Usopp.
As he exited the bathroom he paused for a moment outside the door, slowly looking back at his wings that hadn't clipped the doorway awkwardly this time. The wings were obediently clutched to Sanji's back, no longer tense like they were when he had been fighting Zoro, but still a lot more concealed then they used to be. Sanji allowed a small smile to work its way onto his face as he began making his way down the stone passageway.
Zoro was, well... He was a good teacher. Far better then Sanji would have originally thought of him. Granted he was still the annoying ass he always was, but he seemed to put aside all emotion, ties and prejudices and taught with a firmness and resoluteness that was inspiring. Instead of feeling like he had been being taught by that stupid muscle-head that tended to get on his nerves; it was like he had been taught by a completely different person. A different Zoro that was focused, serious and determined.
And as much as he hated to admit it; Zoro had a lot of things to offer. Sure he had taken karate and kick boxing when Zeff had given him the opportunity, but Zoro had a vast knowledge that was clearly applied in real life. Insults aside he had a real simple way of getting a person to learn things with relative ease. Taking into account the persons personality and molding it to make the person understand him better.
Another thing that regretfully attested to Zoro's teaching ability was that his teachings had already been slightly ingrained into his habits now. Not even a conscious decision Sanji's wings were already obeying the lesson Sanji had been taught by the man; keeping them protected. As much as he hated to praise the man; he was definitely good.
Trying to ignore his slight annoyance at Zoro's small victory he made his way down the fairly familiar path that lead to Urouge's base. Usopp had vaguely given him the directions to the hall that he would beginning training under the man, but he was still unsure as to what exactly sniper training detailed.
Usopp's directions were actually spot on and he found the room with little difficulty, luckily not having to run into any annoying redheaded lackey's from Urouge's base. Though Sanji was beginning to wonder just how many rooms were really inside these mountains as he entered the a vast training hall.
The room was almost exactly similar to most shooting ranges in that there were separate stalls for each participant, in line with each one was a target dummy at the very end of the range. Some were just a simple paper cut out taped to wall with a bright red three ringed target paint on top of the white canvas, whereas others had an actual fully stuffed dummy with the red ringed target adjusted over the fake persons heart.
Usopp grinned cheerfully and waved him over, standing near one of the stalls and already had a professional tactical bow laid out with several arrows. His eyes widened at that, vaguely remembering Zoro mentioning that Usopp had taught him archery, but he hadn't realized that this was what he'd be learning.
"How was training with Zoro?" Usopp jeered jokingly as he neared the man and Sanji just chuckled while rolling his eyes.
"I kicked his ass, obviously."
"Mhm." Usopp made a small noise in the back of his throat as he assumed exactly what had actually happened and choose not to say anything. "Anyway, ready to kill some imaginary people?"
"Oh," Sanji sighed happily, "You have no idea."
"Well," Usopp smirked and flicked a finger down the target range, "Let's see what you can do."
Sanji quickly snatched up the bow – silently surprised at how light the large bit of equipment was – before grabbing an arrow and stringing it up quickly. As he drew the arrow back sharply and focused in on the target he thought back to all the things he had been taught previously and corrected his stance slightly. Releasing a breath, he focused on the target and let the arrow slip from between his fingers softly. A slight whizz and a thunk announced the arrows travel and Sanji lowered the bow to glance at the target where the arrow was no where near the centre but definitely within the target.
Usopp made an impressed sound, glancing from target to Sanji, "Done this before?"
Sanji shrugged absently, "Once or twice."
"We can work with this." Usopp grinned, grabbing an extremely thick note pad from his pocket he began jotting some notes for his own personal reminder. It was probably the only way the man was able to keep track of all the different skill levels of the men he was currently teaching.
"So why bows?" Sanji asked in confusion as he held up the impressive bit of weaponry, still surprised at how light the structure was in his grip, "Why not guns?"
"Well there's two reasons." Usopp shrugged casually as he finished his scribbling and set it aside on the table at the front of the stall, "Since Kidd is going to be creating a magnetic field around the base, any and all guns will be useless. Kidd is fairly good at controlling his power, but even he can't distinguish between so many rifles in such a small range as well as control the building." Usopp explained simply, "And in the long run having stealth as our ally is much more preferable to guns, besides I'd much rather face the enemy with disabled weaponry."
"And these'll work?" Sanji enquired, "Isn't it metal?"
"Naw, titanium." Usopp waved a hand casually, "But even if we could use guns it wouldn't be a very good idea, even if we had silencers. Sound is too recognizable; the Blugory are trained to react at the sound of gun fire. Besides if they hear a shot fired they'll immediately know that something's up. They'd probably go into immediate lock down. With archery we not only catch them off guard but we also keep them confused and unsure of exactly what is going on."
Once again Sanji was thrown for a loop at how thought out this whole thing was, every single part of this break in seemed to be thought out to the utmost detail. It was almost scarey to think of the collective fighting power hidden within this base alone; let alone the powers within each individual. How Rayleigh had managed to maintain control over such a large populous was astounding; it only seemed to attest to what an amazing man he was.
"So what exactly will I be shooting?" Sanji asked absently as he glanced down at the piece of high tech weaponry in his hand.
"You'll be stationed somewhere on the outer building, Rayleigh will give the signal, then bam," Usopp made the mimicked motion of firing an arrow, "All guards in range will be dead before they know what hit 'em."
A rush of excitement hit him sharply at the thought that in little under a month he'd finally be able to get revenge on those bastards. Not that he was one for killing, but when it came to those guards he could make a very large exception. There was definitely a few of them in there he wanted to find and personally shove their damned electric wands so far up their ass they'd be spiting sparks.
"Anyway," Usopp continued, oblivious to the sadistic thoughts drifting through Sanji's mind, "Use up all these arrows. Then I'll start you on some basic training. Sound good?"
Sanji nodded absently as he set about stringing up the next arrow and happily imagining the target to be any number of the doctors that had stuck him with a needle. Keeping up a calm demeanour he made sure that his stance and everything was perfect before once more releasing the arrow. Stringing up the next arrow swiftly he glared down the barrel of the arrow at the target.
Sanji had never held a gun before but he could easily attest that holding a bow felt so much more raw and deadly. Instead of holding a piece of machine that relied on the science and creation of its ammo, archery felt akin to having an extension of your body strung up and ready to be released. Holding the arrow back with his arms tensing to keep the string taught he felt a distinct kind of adrenaline rush through him.
Releasing the arrow abruptly he felt the string snap sharply, the jolt rocked through him and echoed his own release of energy coursing through the weapon in his hands. The arrow soared swiftly down the range and imbedded into the wall with a dull thunk, within the second red ring and near enough to the centre to be considered a kill shot.
It took little time to use up the rest of the arrows, and after a halt on fire was called, a man went out and took down all the arrows currently imbedded into all the targets. With all the arrows used up he turned to Usopp, grinning happily, he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"Alright," Usopp grinned back, "Two things I want you to work on today."
The man walked over to a large barrel near the back wall and grabbed a handful of arrows as he made his way back over to Sanji, "First – obviously – I want you to work on hitting the target dead centre. Second, you need to make your loading time a lot quicker."
Sanji nodded in understanding, fair enough. They seemed the most basic, yet also the most important things need in a stealth operation. A call was vaguely made that the range was open for firing once more and other people around them already got back to practising.
Usopp scooped up Sanji's bow and loosely grabbed an arrow before looking at Sanji, "I want you to get so comfortable that your one single motion will be comprised of three swift steps."
"Grab an arrow." Usopp instructed as he waved the one he was holding out for Sanji to see, "String it up." He muttered as he expertly slid it into place on the bow at the same time he pulled back. Sanji let his eyebrows to rise at how fluid that man was able to make the action look.
Any time he did it he had to string up the arrow, make sure it was properly in the crook, and then pull it back against the string. Three whole steps that took Sanji several precious seconds took Usopp one simple movement. Sanji was slowly beginning to get a whole new level of respect for the usually lying boy.
"Find the target and release." Usopp muttered as the let the arrow go. It soared confidently through the air and imbedded directly into the centre of the target with little difficulty. At this point Sanji's eyebrows were in danger of getting lost in his hair line as he realized just how formidable Usopp was with a weapon in his hands.
"Simple, yeah?" Usopp asked, before repeating the three step mantra as he did each of the step. The first time pausing slight for Sanji to keep up and then the next couple times as fast as he seemed to possibly be able to do it. Hand almost a blur as he snagged an arrow, and barely made it look like he had drawn back on the bow before launching it at the target with deadly accuracy.
"Yeah." Sanji mumbled absently as he looked down the range at the several arrows imbedded into the target that formed a simple smiley face, "Simple."
Usopp chuckled and passed the bow off to Sanji who took it with a semi-numb hand. He always knew Usopp was a talented guy, but seeing him in action put him in an entirely new light. Staring down at the bow absently he realized that he was probably being taught by one of the best damned snipers on this planet.
~X~
Sanji left the target range tired yet extremely pleased with himself, not only had managed to make noticeable progress in a single day but by the end he could consistently hit within the target. Granted he still needed a hell of a lot more practise before moving onto mobile targets but he felt confident that a months worth of training would be more than enough.
Back in the main recreational room, he paused as he debated if he could slip in a quick bath before making something to eat for everyone. The room was completely sparse of any of the base members since they must all have been busy with something or other in preparation for Impel. He figured the least he could do was make something grab-and-go for them and leave it in the fridge for their own convenience.
Shower could come later, besides with this bit of free time he might even be able to slip in a quick fly before it got too dark out. Entering the kitchen he quickly got into the groove of handling all of his cooking equipment and lost himself in the act of creation. As his hands delightfully worked with the food his head was up in the clouds as he excitedly thought about finally getting outside after these few days stuck inside.
It wasn't long before everything was simmering, and about ready to be dished up. Searching through the mass of cupboards shoved into the small kitchen he managed to locate some saran wrap and set about dishing out equal portions for each person to be saved for later.
"Yo!" Franky pipped up cheerfully as he made his way into the kitchen, looking as ecstatic as always and Sanji vaguely wondered if he had some universal truth that kept him always grinning. His eyes lit up further when he saw the individual plates of poached potatoes and seared venison that were still out on the counter top. "Is that for us?"
"Of course!" Sanji grinned cheerfully as he placed his hands under the continuous water flow, scrubbing his hands intently as tried to work the scent of onions off his skin. Grabbing a spare towel he set about drying his hands as he turned to face the cyborg, "Grab anyone you want."
Franky wasted little time in grabbing a plate and fork, settling down on a stool by the counter and shovelling an exuberant amount of gravy infested taters into his mouth. As the cyborg was fairly groaning at the food, Sanji quickly wrapped up each of the plates in wrap and stuck a name to each, placing them in the fridge for the crew to find.
The cyborg was basically finished by the time Sanji had cleared up the entire counter and had left the heavier of the dishes in a basin to soak for a while. Franky handed the blond the plate with a boisterous thanks before asking, "Do you have a minute?"
"Yeah, I got a few." Sanji replied as he carefully set the plate in the basin along with the pots, "Why?"
"Got something that might cheer you up."
Sanji wasn't about to object to something that was obviously good news and quickly followed after the cyborg. Franky lead him over to the door that lead to all the dormitories, stepping through and leaving the door open for Sanji to follow. It took a few moments for Sanji to wonder what Franky could be showing him before he noticed the end room that Zoro had been working on a few days ago now had a fully functional door on it – hinges and all.
Making their way over to the door Franky gave a vague gesture with his hand for Sanji to proceed first and he took it as a sign that it was his surprise to open. Grabbing the rustic knob he twisted and pushed the oak frame in as he glanced around, taking in the furnishings that had been added in his absence.
True to Zoro's word a bed frame had been made and at some point they'd managed to get a mattress on the damned thing, with all the linens. A large ocean blue duvet was thrown cozily over top as two largely stuffed down filled pillows poked out from underneath. The sheets were tucked in tightly and had a matching baby blue hue that was comforting and left Sanji standing stock still in shock.
The bed had freaking sheets of all things!
Sanji would've been happy with a blanket and maybe a pillow and here he had been given a bed that was luxurious enough for a King to sleep in. After such a long day he could almost feel his bones groaning at the thought of falling into the bed and never moving from that spot ever again.
Casting a glance around the room he noted the other things that had been added in as well. A small dresser in the corner that seemed to already have some of his borrowed clothes within it, as well as a kerosine lamp perched on top. And the walls had been littered with several pictures, most of them with earthy feels and depictions of nature.
Looking up at Franky with wide eyes he couldn't quite believe that it was actually for him, mouth open slightly as he fought to get words past his disbelief. Franky's eyes warmed at the blond's overwhelmed expression and smiled softly as he patted the man on the shoulder.
"This is for me?" Sanji finally managed, his happiness and gratitude causing himself to choke and his throat to close against all coherent vocalizations.
"It's in your room, isn't it?" Franky boasted in a joking manner to try and ease Sanji's flustered state.
"Also," Franky added with a grin, shuffling around in his pockets before making a small sound of success as he found what he was looking for. Pulling out a fairly large tin he handed it to Sanji with a smile, "Papers are inside."
Sanji was confused for only a moment before he recognized the wonderful herbal scent escaping from the tin and an even broader grin broke out on his face. "Thanks man."
"No problem." Franky voiced as he casually made his way out of the room, leaving Sanji to take in his new surroundings on his own. The door was left open and Sanji watched the retreating cyborg with a stupid grin plastered across his face, unable to quite stamp down the happiness that was currently eating him alive.
It was so much more than just some simple tobacco and a room for him to sleep in. It was that fact that he had friends in this world now that selflessly helped him have these simple everyday luxuries. They did it without a second thought because they thought of him as another human being that simply deserved it. Let alone the fact that they actually cared about him as more than just a stranger; they actually made him feel like he belonged.
Sanji was left standing in the room alone with a surplus of emotions threatening to burst from his chest as he glanced around the small room reverently. It wasn't considered glorious by most people's standards but to Sanji it looked like the most luxurious place on the planet. Made by the hands of his friends because they actually cared about him. Nothing could be more perfect.
It was home.
~X~
Though the bed had been infinitely tempting Sanji was for more excited about getting a quick fly in before an amazing night's rest. Sanji sighed happily as he made his way out of the stifling tunnel and into the late afternoon air that was riddled with the scents of autumn. A slight chill was in the air but it was tolerable as a small breeze whipped up the scents of the slowly browning leaves.
Even though it was only days between when he was allowed to venture out and fly, it always felt like an eternity. The tenseness of his wings wasn't something that could simply be cured by flexing them, it was a reverberating energy that could only be released when he actually took to the sky and extended them to their limits.
Spreading them happily he rolled his shoulders in a quick stretch to loosen the muscles before he bent his knees readily and raised his wings high above his head. In one swift motion he brought his wings down in a large swoop and he kicked off from the ground with as much force as he could muster. Springing from the ground and up towards the clouds he allowed himself a moment of weightlessness to take over him before righting himself with a beat of his wings and shooting himself higher.
If there was one thing in the world that could describe this sensation it would be freedom. No matter what worries were on his mind, or tension that was wracking his body; as soon as he was up in the air and weightless, it was as though all his problems became weightless as well. Not a bad thought in the world could touch him as he was as close to the heaven's as he'd ever been in his life.
It was the most relaxing sensation in the world, like drifting on a lake in the middle of a hot summer's day. Body floating lazily along in the water as you were left with this amazing hovering sensation. Except this was something infinitely different, a complete sensation free of any ties to the earth. Any and all chains that held him back were broken as he was released from the tyranny of earth and became part of the sky.
Twisting around, he righted himself so he was right side up and he hovered in place as his wings kept up a steady beat behind him. Looking down he noted the trees of the valley far below that were almost indistinguishable from each other as they melded into a single ocean of weaving green. It was a sight like nothing he had ever really experienced before and left him breathless each him he stopped and looked down.
Though it was always the same valley that he flew over, it never for a moment became any less beautiful than the first time he laid eyes on it. Even long after he left this place, and this whole thing was over; he didn't think he'd ever forget the moment he had first stepped out of the mountain and seen the world for the first time in years. It was a like a mother, cradling and keeping you secure and only growing more beautiful the longer you looked up at her.
Letting his eyes drift shut against the evergreen sea below him he slowly tilted his head back, arching his body as he let his wings still behind him. A moment of stillness took of his body before he began to fall he first towards the earth silently, the only sounds were the rushing of wind in his ears.
Slowly opening his eyes he glanced at the ground steadily getting nearer as he gained speed, each tree becoming distinguishable from its counterparts. At a reasonable distance away Sanji finally decided it was time to get out of the free fall, turning himself in the air so he was right side up he snapped his wings out to full extension, catching the air with hard jerk. A bit of adjusting and he was easily floating along once more, skimming the tree tops as he lazily made his way back to the mountain.
Soaring casually, he noted a bright red by the entrance as got closer to the cliff side, and grinned broadly when he was able to make out the silhouette of the rubber boy and the green-haired menace. Righting himself a few feet from the cliff, he swiftly beat his wings as he placed a tentative foot out for the ground, mimicking a robin trying to land on a branch. Stumbling slightly after he managed to get his feet on solid ground he made a silent note to practise landing.
"Hey!" He grinned broadly at the two, Luffy already running up to Sanji, "What are you guys up to?"
"We're done training for the day and Franky said you'd be outside flying!" Luffy voiced in an excitedly hurried rush, almost tripping over his words as his brain seemed unable to keep up with his tongue, "And I really wanted to ask you for a ride!"
"Sure, why not?" Sanji grinned as he vaguely remembered Luffy bugging him about a ride before, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to repay the boy. Any excuse to stay up in the air longer was one that he'd gladly take.
Luffy bounced up and down excitedly, his face forming into the gleeful expression of a small child getting what he wanted for Christmas. Zoro seemed completely impassive at the idea but Sanji wasn't about to waste his breath on asking why the moss head was even out here. He knew that if the roles were reversed he'd be just as curious to see Zoro fly.
"C'mon then." Sanji conceded with a grin, turning his back to the boy as the rubber man gave an excited whoop and launched himself at Sanji's back. He glomped on tightly with his arms around Sanji's neck and his legs hooked around his waist in the most secure piggyback Sanji had given.
Placing a hand on Luffy's wrist for good measure, he held onto the boy as he released his wings and launched them up toward the sky. Holding onto Luffy's hands tightly he beat his wings forcefully, getting them as high as he possibly could in fast bursts. Luffy was screaming happily in his ear as they were beginning to crest the height of the nearest mountains and it wasn't long before Sanji was able to level out with Luffy still on his back shrieking in excitement.
"This is so cool!" Luffy exclaimed in almost a groan as his head snapped around to view the valley from all directions that he could managed, "I can see over those mountains!"
His eyes were wide with something that Sanji could easily place as awe – he knew exactly what it was because it was the same emotion that captivated him utterly and completely each and every time he got the chance to be this high above the world.
If Luffy's upbringing had been anything similar to Sanji's then he surely never had the chance to be up in an air-plane to see the world like this. But all the money in the world wouldn't make Sanji exchange this ability for the chance to fly in a man made machine. This freedom that he felt up in the sky was something that he wouldn't trade for the world.
And if the expression on Luffy's face was anything to go by, he surely thought close to the same as his eyes were turned to the horizon breathlessly. Mouth slightly agape as he watched the near to setting sun with the happiest expression he had ever seen on the boy's face to date.
"Never been up this high?" Sanji asked quietly.
"We can explore." Luffy explained casually as he climbed up onto Sanji's shoulders and sat on them happily. "But the mountains never go up this high."
Sanji smiled silently before dropping them into a dive, smirking evilly at the yell that left Luffy as he practically threw his hands in the air with glee. Taking the boy through several loop-DE-loops and other technical manoeuvres that had the kid giggling manically they finally levelled out as they drifted lazily toward the sun dipping behind the far off mountains.
Luffy's laughter slowly died down as a look of painful longing spread across the normally ecstatic face and Sanji watched silently as he could only guess the numerous things speeding through the boy's head. Instead he opted for staying quiet and altering their course as he began to carry them back to the direction of the cave entrance where Zoro was still standing.
The boy was quiet for most of the flight before he seemed to decide on something and leaned forward so his face dangled upside down in front of Sanji's, large brown eyes blinking owlishly. His black hair whipped Sanji in face lightly as the boy seemed to be searching for the right words, "Can you – would you give someone else a ride for me?"
Sanji chuckled lightly as he felt somewhat similar to a horse being passed around for rides, "Sure. Who?"
Luffy's lips pursed together as his eyes cast to the side nervously, finally he looked back up with a much more resolved grin, "My brother."
"Brother?" Sanji asked in shock, as he stared up at the boy in confusion. He had no clue that the boy even had one. Luffy had never said anything about having one, let alone bring him around to the base. It only took a moment of guess work to figure out where his brother probably was.
"Yeah." Luffy murmured with down turned lips, eyes looking significantly less cheerful as they glazed over for a moment in silent remorse, "He's still in Impel."
Looking up at the usually unflappably cheerful boy as he bit his lip sadly Sanji realized that it was not a look he liked seeing on his friends face. Not only did it not fit but it made Sanji's gut wrenched terribly at the fact that there were people out there who actually thought nothing of hurting people in this way. Luffy's brother, Apis, and countless others; did they honestly have no remorse for the families they destroyed in that damned facility.
"Well," Sanji grinned happily, resolved to do whatever it took to get the boy to at least smile again, "When we get him out I promise that the first thing I'll do is take him up here."
It seemed to be just the right thing to say as Luffy's face it up once more and his arms snapped back around Sanji's neck with affectionate fierceness. The kid's face buried in his neck as he mumbled, "Thank you, Sanji. You're a good friend."
Sanji tried to fight off how much the words actually affected him, covering up his watery eyes with a chuckle as he brought them closer to the ground. Damned rubber boy making him all emotional, last thing he needed was to have Zoro see him crying or something.
As he neared the ground he right his position, stretching a leg out for the dirt and reaching his arms up above his head as his wings fluttered. He stumbled slightly when he made contact – still not quite used to landing – his wings flapped once more with finality before folding and settling on his back.
The final gust of wind Sanji created had Zoro's clothes and hair rustling, his earrings clinking together like chimes in the wind as he watched the two quietly. Luffy hopped off of Sanji's back and ran over to Zoro with wide eyes and a thrilled expression. Grabbing the man's sleeve he tugged on it excitedly as he voiced happily, "Zoro it was so cool. You've gotta try it."
Zoro cast a weary glance at Sanji before muttering, "It's okay, Luffy. I'm more comfortable with my feet on the ground."
Luffy pouted angrily, jutting his bottom lip out exaggeratedly before muttering, "Boo!"
"Sure you don't want a ride too, mosshead?" Sanji asked cheekily with a large grin.
Something flickered in the man's violet eyes – darkening them to a deep purple – but before Sanji could place what it was, it was gone as soon as it came. Instead Zoro shrugged lazily and muttered, "No thanks. I'm good."
He turned and made his way back to the hidden entrance into the mountains catacombs leaving Sanji and Luffy out on the cliff edge with the rubber boy pouting. Sanji watched his retreating back for a moment before a large grin worked its way back onto his face.
Sanji grinned wickedly, unfurled his wings and rolled his shoulders, working the joints of his wings loose. He launched forward and hooked his arms under Zoro's armpits, and hefted the man up as he pushed off the ground and streaked right for the sky.
"Argh," Zoro screamed and struggled in Sanji's arms, "WHAT THE FUCK?!"
Sanji beat his wings as hard as he could, getting them as high as possible so Zoro couldn't choose to jump back to the ground. For his part Zoro had twisted until he had both arms around Sanji's neck and a leg hooked behind Sanji's knee, he'd stopped screaming but his head was now tucked into Sanji's shoulder and curses were being spewed at an incredible pace.
When they were high enough that Sanji deemed it safe to level out he let his wings expand fully and catch an up draft. He let a hand slide down to Zoro's waist just to make sure the idiot didn't accidentally let go at their current altitude. However, even if he cared about the guys safety, it was impossible to stop the chuckle that shook his frame and the grin that spread across his face.
"Aw," He crooned lightly, "Is little moss-head scared?"
Zoro made an indignant noise that seemed to come from somewhere in his throat and his grip tightened ever-so-slightly, "I'll break your neck, duck."
"And kill us both? Yeah right." Sanji laughed fully now, "If you're gonna bluff; make it believable."
"Indestructible. Remember?"
"And yet you're practically pissing your pants."
Zoro pulled back and levelled Sanji with a glare, "I'll de-feather you in your sleep, you fucking birdbrain."
It was Sanji's turn to roll his eyes in exasperation, "You suck at having fun. Why don't you take a look around instead of bitching."
Zoro scowled but nonetheless turned his gaze down toward the valley below. A shocked expression replaced the annoyed one, and Sanji enjoyed one of the rare moments when Zoro's face wasn't deformed by a scowl or ridges of concentration. In fact, when his face was smooth he looked a good ten years younger and his face was almost boyish.
Sanji grinned happily as Zoro remained mesmerized with the view below. It was similar to Luffy's look of awe upon seeing the view, but with a more melancholy feel to it. He knew the exact same things were rushing through the man's head that had ran through his the first time he had been up here.
Twisting his wings expertly Sanji abruptly flipped them over, so he was now hovering along with his back toward the ground far below. He crossed his hands behind his head and grinned up at Zoro who had righted himself somewhat and now sat on Sanji's midriff, hands gripping Sanji's torso like his life depended on it. Zoro watched Sanji apprehensively and Sanji's grin only widened.
"Okay there, moss-head?"
It was kind of strange how quickly Zoro's entire demeanour had shifted and now he looked utterly calm and collected, bored even, "Yeah, duck. I'm fine."
Sanji pouted lightly, it wasn't nearly as fun as when Zoro wasn't acting like a child. Though he had to admit it was a lot better than Zoro screaming expletives at him and demanding he be put back on the ground. Letting the teasing slide for once he let them both drift along in silence, knowing that part of the serene surroundings up here was the silence.
Zoro's eyes shifted to the horizon, and as Sanji began to feel the moisture on his bare chest he knew they were in a cloud line. A particularly fluffy looking expanse of water vapour floated by to Sanji's left and Zoro grip slackened as he watched in amazement. One hand let go of Sanji and he reached out toward the cloud. His hand slipped into the white expanse, and when he withdrew it his hand was damp and the cuff of his jacket was wet. The green-haired man looked at his hand in curiosity, glanced at the cloud and then to Sanji with a wide grin.
That look caught Sanji off guard and he could feel his cheeks throb with a blush. And there was that fluttering feeling again, the same one that had caught him after he had punched Zoro and the idiot had smiled at him. It was nothing at all like the fluttering of his wings and more like butterflies eating his insides; uncomfortable and magical all at once.
There was a large jerk as his wing caught an up draft and he was completely knocked off balance. Sanji had moment of disorientation before gravity once made itself known and they began to fall to earth. Sanji allowed Zoro a moment of terror before he righted himself abruptly, hands shoved in his pockets and legs hanging casually as his wings held them both up effortlessly. Zoro clung to Sanji; both legs and arms entwined around the blond and an eye twitching in annoyance.
"Damn, birdbrain." He muttered lowly before leaning away and shouting directly into Sanji's face, "Learn to fly why don't you?"
Sanji pursed his lips and looked away, "I was distracted."
"What ruffled your feathers, duck?"
Sanji scowled, opting for steering the conversation away from himself and more onto Zoro, "Who's depending on who, hulk?"
Zoro looked down before grinning, "You're right."
The green-haired idiot abruptly let go and dropped down to the forested area not too far below. Sanji watched in horror as Zoro fell and wondered what the fuck the dumbass was planning. He twisted and fell into a dive behind Zoro wondering if he was even going to be able to catch up.
Zoro neared the canopy and he looked in danger of breaking through and killing himself at terminal velocity on the forest floor. At the last second Zoro's hands grabbed onto the top of one of the highest trees, the thin, spindly top giving weigh under the strength of his fall and bent completely over to accommodate the sudden weight at its top. When the force from Zoro's fall ceased, the tree righted itself, Zoro poised at the top, smiling up happily at Sanji as he neared.
Sanji hovered beside the tree with a look of annoyance as Zoro gripped the tree and had one of his feet secure in a notch as he grinned cheekily at Sanji."Who am I depending on exactly?"
Sanji rolled his eyes, "Ass."
Zoro leaned forward – his weight causing the top of the tree to bend – he leaned and Sanji's eyes widened horribly as he thought for one panicked moment Zoro was making to kiss him. Instead a hand was extended and a flick was harshly delivered to his nose as Zoro's weight carried the tree top even further until there was a nice U-bend in the trunk. Zoro winked at Sanji playfully before releasing the tree and dropping down into the brush far below.
The tree top snapped back upright and Sanji narrowly evaded it, almost flying into another tree top in his haste to get out of its path. Putting a hand over his nose, he tried to rub away the sting of the flick as he slowly made his way back toward the entrance to the mountain. Trying desperately to not think about what he had just wanted Zoro to do.
TBC...
A/N:
[1] kiai; a Japanese term used in martial arts. It is essentially a battle cry; the release of air in your lungs as you preform the attack.
OH MY GOD! I feel so good being able to write this again. I'm so sorry for keeping you all waiting. T.T Can you forgive me? Also, if you can catch the title in the chapter; you get a cookie ;)