Hey everyone, I'm back.
I want to offer an explanation here for something maybe one or two of you may have noticed. If you did, I'm glad because I did my best to fix the format of my last two chapters. The line breaks on this site are a thick piece of work to get through.
Long story, I was finishing up the rest of my second chapter in a nice and cozy haunt that I frequently go to for reading and writing. And it was getting late, the shop was about to close so their coffee shop closes about a half hour before the entire book shop does. Had to sit on the carpet floor and when I finally uploaded, I was proud and everything. Until I realized that the spaces between lines and paragraphs were all silly looking and ridiculous. And by then the book store was about 15-10 minutes away from closing. Quickly, I tried to correct the error. But it wasn't enough and I learned that night the importance of placing the line breaks. Stupidly, I didn't even realize that my first chapter probably had the same line break missing too. I finally got back home and irritably fixed both chapters.
Short story, I've learned my lesson, always place the line breaks and check the enter space points. But yeah, hope you readers enjoy the better formatting now.
Anyways, continuing these chapter date markings, here they are. Definitely want to keep my consistency and my most ideal would be at least two chapters per week. But the writing takes some time to do. Kind of like how you want to perform something in a proper and spectacular way. In a way that'll interest others. But you only get that hook or plot twist on the following day, at the most random time. Whether you're at school, or out for a walk, or about to sleep, etc. That's how I get most of my ideas for the story here. And I write them down immediately. Finally, I tie down all the ideas I have saved for a chapter in an understandable and coherent manner whilst also keeping things fresh.
Chapter 2: Uploaded on 9/5/2024
Chapter 3: Started on 9/8/2024
I understand if the two chapters which already have nearly 11,000 words put together, don't seem like they've given the story any plot so far. But it's intentional. Some of it is worldbuilding. In my own opinion, most One Piece fans are hooked on the latest chapters and watching theories about which character will return and the genius of Oda's foreshadowing that's beyond reality itself. But, for this story, you'll note how it isn't focusing on Luffy, the Strawhat Pirates' journey in the main time period. And so far, I have no intention to include any of them as they aren't relevant here. Not that people are requesting any of them, I just want to explain some things here.
The story is based on Enel after all. And his own backstory. The environment isn't on the blue sea. Not the East Blue, Paradise or the New World. So, just to conclude, the regular main characters won't have any relevance. It only focuses on the Sky Islands. A sort of "microcosm" of One Piece. It's also, as said in the Jaya Arc, a fairy tale. To the vast population in the One Piece world, Skypiea and the existence of the sky islands are myths and tall tales. The sky islands by themselves & the White, White-White sea are their own "self contained worlds".
It may not seem like a lot to work with but I've got a bunch to work with. Their history, politics, culture may as well be a blank slate since they're explained in so few details. Just enough to make sense of the Skypiea Arc, nothing more. I won't spoil anything, but I've got a few things cooked up later on.
Took a small break to sort of theorize on this chapter. I think I've got something here.
Anyways, onto the third chapter here.
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece. One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda.
"Good Evening, everyone. As I am sure you're all aware, it is that time of year again. If there are any notices to voice before the summit officially begins, please. State it now or withhold it until the summit has been concluded."
None of the village attendees spoke up. Rimbert continued.
"Then I officiate this summit meeting!"
All the heads around the table nodded in recognition.
"I am pleased to say that as of recent times, our village and the various other outer settlements are still in working order. Now with that said, the most pressing news comes from the capital of Birka, New Björkö." Rimbert paused to make sure everyone was listening. A couple heads turned his way. One coughed.
He continued. "The news was given to me not too long ago. It was decreed by Councilman Unni. The-," there was suddenly a loud collection of sighs as he expected. The Councilman Unni was quite unpopular among the settlements, especially those who'd valued the very difference between the city and the villages. He was immensely popular among the Birkans in the capital who'd gladly expand the city beyond its perimeters to enforce a more "modern and efficient" society. Rimbert would happily talk the council's ears off about why it shouldn't be done but with the recent news, that was neither here nor there. Something was happening, probably sooner than he'd like.
"Attention, attention my brothers and sisters." There was still some chatter.
"ATTENTION!" All noise halted immediately.
"I understand your feelings on the councilman Unni. But please, let us continue the summit. It does us no good to bemoan his name whilst doing nothing to continue a dialogue." The villagers listened once more, one coughed and some shushed him quickly. Rimbert chuckled.
"As I was saying, the councilman passed a decree which greatly affects the relations between us and our fair city. The news is as follows. He took a deep breath. "The council has seen fit to expand the city beyond its current grounds. They plan to create a small neighboring settlement that can, from their letter, provide a bridge between the city and us."
Sahatori spoke up. "I don't like the capital expanding anymore than y'all do. But this ain't such a bad deal if you think about it. Travel points between here and the city aren't the safest around, heck, I got my weapons but natural predators hunt in packs of two or more. Ever faced a fully grown three-length bird? Not a fun time. If there's more than one, I'm screwed. Some treasures I sell only have value in the city and this would really help out the scavengers too." He paused. "But I sense there's a catch to this pretty offer. Ain't that right, Rimbert?"
Rimbert sighed a knowing sigh. "Indeed there is. To bring this small outpost about, physical labor is required. They request our help to get it done."
At this sentence, the attendees were indignified. Heck, Rimbert would be too. Being seen as workers rather than fellow Birkan in arms by your fellow men just because you lived a more rural and difficult lifestyle. Such was the arrogance of the city dwellers, he lamented. But the meeting wasn't over yet. He cleared his throat loudly enough so the villagers would sit back down and he could continue.
"I understand and sympathize with each and every one of your frustrations. But there is still more to this."
"Oh dear," Entle said.
"Please continue," Fuza added. "We may as well rant and rave once we have a full picture."
Rimbert nodded. "Of course. They request physical labor from the villagers here in order to pass material onto the newly settled location near the forest. They request a patch of vearth and transport from Birka's cloud quarry to build the settlement. In return, they offer a dial package for the worker's families as well as a selected few for mantra training in the capital. Now, those of you who have queries please raise your hand. I'll do this all night if I have to if it means easing your hearts of worry," he added with a hopeful smile.
The villagers smiled back, pleased that Rimbert, one of the few monks who took their roles as overseers of their villages very seriously, also took the peace of mind and hearts as important too. Truly, how lucky they were to have him.
One man whose hand was raised was called on by the monk. "Forgive me for saying this, but has the bloody council gone mad?! They'd have us deprive ourselves of our most valuable resource, the fishermen, who are the greatest role en masse for Sigtuna, work as laborers for the construction of an invasive effort by the city folk to take some vearth as their own, offer what would most likely be a small dial package which we most definitely can get by without, and offer roles to serve their own army under the thumb of the council themselves? This sounds like a fool's deal."
Rimbert listened as did the others with even some nodding. He acknowledged some of the points were fair and here came the second tricky part. The reasonable response as his status as a monk meant him to be an emissary for the council in a way. Even if not wholly subservient.
Rimbert thought for a moment and responded. "Well, I must say…these are fair and reasonable concerns given the current political state of the council in these current times. To answer, firstly the leader of the Birkan Warriors, the Sky Knight, is the only true Vassal who is under direct orders of the council and more so to the Holy Elder. So the opportunities they offer would be mere trainees, not decorated warriors. Secondly, the dials they offer have included some rare ones which include Iron Shell Dials, Heat Dials, and Ball Dials. Make of those what you will. Lastly, they clarified that they would be looking for scavengers and such. Not any fishermen as they are aware of the importance they provide for the rest of Birka. They fish all the, well, fish, for the surrounding settlements of course. But as for the vearth, I suppose they simply see it as an easy grab, I can't say or really think of anything more than that."
The man sat down and grunted, understanding him. Fuza raised a hand and Rimbert hummed for him to continue.
"Thank you, monk," he said with a bow of his head. "If what they want is a simple job recruitment, why can't they ask the Mälaren tribe for help. They are the main providers of vassals in training for the Birkan Warriors. Why, the last Sky Knight was of mälaren descent if I remember correctly. Plus, they'd be able to protect themselves while transporting the materials from the cloud quarry to the new settlement. We do have natural predators both on land and sea. Why not them and us instead?"
Rimbert sighed. "I can only imagine that they want to keep their relationship pristine and clean with the Mälaren tribe as they're too important to Birka's military force to upset. They added that Birkan Vassals would be provided without fee for the worker's protection. I…," he paused. "I will be frank with you all. With a portion of your villagers gone, the council may believe they can ease on territory for expansion, vearth is a heavenly blessing, after all."
"Tch, why not have the Councilman Unni and the city folk armed with spears and dials shipped off the fight in that damnable war in Skypiea for Upper Yard? If all they want is more vearth, they'll find more there than they'll ever see in their lives with their fat, beady, and greedy eyes." The man wasn't pleased with this development and Rimbert remembered he was a scavenger. One who knew the value of objects, but also how far to go and when to stop in their pursuit of trinkets and treasures.
Entle spoke up. "Please calm yourselves. Rimbert here is just the messenger, not the adjudicator." Rimbert smiled but knew this report wouldn't be easy to digest. Entle continued.
"But I must agree with them. This doesn't sound like a good proposition, and in my humble opinion, I say Sigtuna should decline this offer." The others mumbled their agreement.
"Question. Did Hovgården receive the same offer as us? I assumed so if we got a notice through you and they do border the other side of the forest we share technically."
Rimbert scratched his chin, pondering some things. "Yes, I believe Adam of Bremen, Hovgården's monk, received the news as well. I imagine he's already discussed the news with his village. I'll have to meet with him to get his response to the matter. I'll of course let you all know what becomes of that."
The doors to the small town hall were opened and some servants offered tea and water for them. Once they were gone, Rimbert spoke once more.
"Well, this is normally where I'd end a summit but I received a second piece of disconcerting news and while it is not wholly relevant to our situation at the moment, I feel it necessary to bring it up nonetheless."
He waited until they all had their fill of their refreshments.
"Now, to some it may not seem like dire news or our business as a whole but I want to keep you all informed. As of yesterday night, I was informed via an advisor of a councilman of a serious debacle." He stopped to make sure they were all paying attention. They were. Good.
"Some time in the last week or two ago, there was an attack. A pirate attack. On Angel Island over in Skypiea. It was a brutal one that lasted for a few minutes, I was told. There were not too many casualties and were thankfully stopped but one family lost their lives. Their child is the only survivor. The White Berets have them imprisoned, pending judgement. Most likely awaiting Gan Fall's judgement."
Several eyes widened at the news and even Entle, one whom Rimbert never pegged to have an evil bone in his body, looked revolted and even furious, fists clenched. No doubt sympathizing as he could only imagine his poor family in that tragedy. He gave them a moment to take the news in and he did so for himself. A tragedy it was, simply put.
Finally Fuza spoke up. "Vile vermin of the blue sea. They never learn. I'll never understand the appeal to a life piracy. Do they feel like some kind of pride or a king amongst themselves?"
Another agreed with him, adding, "What treasure could be so great so as to justify or reason with such a barbaric display? Nothing, that's for sure".
Rimbert saw his friend still upset by this and decided to wrap things up. Once they all collected themselves, he called the servants to collect the drinks and stood up. "I believe that is all I have to bring for this summit. I bid you all a farewell and shall see you all the next time. Good day."
They nodded and bid farewell to each other and left the town hall. Rimbert saw Entle slowly getting up and headed to the door, each step seeming heavy for the young man. Rimbert sighed.
"Entle," he called to him. Entle stopped and turned around to look at him.
"Yes, Rimbert? Is there something else you need from me?"
"Not exactly my friend. I just want you to clear your mind. I apologize if I startled you," he said with a sigh at the end. "I should've known this would affect you more than anyone else here. Forgive me, for disturbing your peace of heart."
Entle sighed. "Well, I suppose I would rather have not known this unfortunate news. My mother did say ignorance is bliss, that some things are best left unknown. I wasn't ready to hear this so soon." Rimbert opened his mouth to reply but Entle raised his hand to stop him. "But, perhaps this will be an omen to me somehow. Regardless, it was not I who actively played detective. I'll take this news in slowly. Please, rest assured I'll get through. This happened far away in the far northwest in Skypiea. Quite a distance away I might add." He smiled, even if strained.
Rimbert closed his eyes, saying, "If some rest will help, then please, go on home. I will go back to the monastery."
Entle gave a small chuckle and bid his goodnight to the monk.
"So how did the summit go this evening?," Khel asked once Entle had settled down. She'd already set Enel to sleep in his crib and run a kettle of steaming water for a tea. Pouring herself a cup she walked over and placed one next to her and another for Entle.
He smiled at her, but it was a glass smile. One hiding something. She didn't like it. He took his cup and sipped a bit before placing it back down. "So?...," she started, asking him to continue with telling him to.
He didn't say anything for a moment and simply sighed. Khel frowned, knowing it took a lot to get her husband's high spirits down in the ground like that. "What's wrong Entle? Tell me."
He opened his mouth but nothing came out. He closed his eyes, inhaled, opened them, and finally, exhaled. He stared at his dear, into her eyes. No doubt her mantra already told her he was scatterbrained. After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke. "The summit was…eventful." Before she could ask what about it, he went on. "...the news Rimbert shared. It was…rather…grave."
Khel narrowed her eyes and mind deeply over those words. Grave…? What did he mean by that?
"I…I just…how? And why?"
Khel's mind had been thoroughly scatterbrained by the time Entle had finished recounting the events of the summit. Suffice to say, she was drained by the end of it. All of it, the expansion of the capital, the pressure of the council, the horrible recounting of the pirate attack on Angel Island…That one had nearly left her in tears. Just the thought of her own family…no. No. It was all…she needed a rest. 'Yes,' she thought. 'A rest will do us good. We can focus on our concerns in the coming days or weeks.'
"I think a rest is now due. I can see it in your eyes, Entle. I can sense in myself as well." She took the now empty kettle of tea back to the kitchen and cleaned up before heading to their quarters.
Entle, still sitting in their living room, pondered while sat with his hands stapled together. He let out a sigh and got up. 'She's right. No time to worry, it solves nothing. We will live to fight and fix another day. At least I'm tired enough to enjoy a long sleep now. She is likely as well.'
They got ready to head to bed and Khel went to check on Enel one last time before she went to sleep. He was sleeping soundly, a small river of drool slowly pouring down his little mouth. She smiled and wrapped his disheveled blanket up around him. The nights would be getting colder now. Birka was heading for winter soon. And she would face whatever came to their village, friends, and family head on. Together.
She left his crib and went to her bed where Entle was already dozing off. She took the opposite side from him, kissed him goodnight, and took a long needed sleep.
Everything would make sense soon.
Their dreams would be an ignorant bliss.
Trekking through the forest, Rimbert carried his body and conscious, both of which felt equally as heavy this time around. The summit news was not an easy one to break but it was done now. About a week had passed since then and the villagers were thinking about his words. All he had to do was to deliver an official response to the council as the designated spokesperson for Sigtuna.
Brushing some branches aside, he decided to head to Hovgården, east of Sigtuna. His work colleague of sorts would be mewling on his respective village's reply to the expansion offer. Adam liked to get things done in an efficient but quick manner. Organized and fast-paced, he had finished the vows of the Birkan monkhood before Rimbert had, yet they got along. Both had grown up in different settlements close to New Björkö, Birka's capital, up until the original expansion took place and their homes were swallowed up by it. Well…perhaps swallowed was exaggerating, that said, their home villages were offered a choice to remain outside the city's range of protection, or to join them with a list of material comforts. 'The point still stands regardless,' he thought.
Adam had taken it harder than him and once told him in passing about how he had disavowed his village and had spoken poisonously of their names. He'd come to regret it but his sentiments of their joining the city still remained steadfast.
Once they'd been admitted into the monk order, they were given a choice of where to serve and they had jokingly said to be placed in the most "backward, backwater, and square settlement on the sky". Surprised were they, and even shocked was Adam when the advisor on behalf of the council found them actual requests of two monkless villages, each needing a successor, that both close to each other and far out of the city, even residing on the coasts. 'An actual coastal fishing village, I couldn't believe my lying ears,' Rimbert said to himself as he chuckled, nearing the settlement just across the forest edge.
"What?!," Adam exclaimed. He was dumbfounded upon hearing that a coastal settlement, both next to another and far out in the island, had opening positions for monks.
"W-Well…I was only jesting just now," Rimbert said to the advisor who merely looked up from the papers he held, an arm resting on the table and supporting his head with his eyebrow raised lazily. "Yes, sir. We have two villages in need of overseers to report directly back to the council. Would either or both of you like to ac-"
"Rimbert!," Adam said loudly to him, scooting his seat over to him. The advisor simply sighed and continued skimming through reports to examine. Adam continued. "This is just what we are looking for, a DREAM come true!" Rimbert nodded as he listened. "Listen" he was listening "This blessing, it must be divine providence. It has to be! By the name of Saint Ansgar, if you accept one, I'll take the other. We won't get a better hand in life than this."
Rimbert hummed in thought while Adam waited in anticipation. Inwardly, he grinned as he was only delaying his agreement to heighten his friend's anticipation. After a minute and what was probably forever to Adam, he replied. "Yes, I agree, old friend. Excuse me, advisor. I'd like to accept this village here" he squinted at the map of the island "This village of Sigtuna, please."
The advisor nodded and stamped his file and identification together. "Take this" he handed him the file "Bring this to the temporary village head and you shall start work soon". They both turned to Adam. "Sir, would you li-"
"I accept!," Adam said with a shout, standing up and with a stoic look on his face. Rimbert laughed. The advisor blinked wearily. "I'll take this here village of…of…Hov? No, Hoovegar…? Hovgarn? The garden one, I'll take my assignment there," Adam finished with a confused but confidant visage. "Hovgården, I'll get your file ready now then."
Once he finished and gave Adam his papers, he told them to stand straight and heads up as he brought a vision dial in front of them to take their picture. They each smiled and had their individual photos taken, and before they left, they requested one last picture of them together for memories' sake and the advisor obliged. They posed with a smile, waving at the vision dial.
The dial flashed brightly.
And so did their new lives ahead of them.
Rimbert laughed at himself as he walked through a small crowd, heading to Adam's residence in the village. Some gave him an odd look, a few older folks waving at him and greeting him. Rimbert returned the greeting and headed off to the small monastery.
Once he arrived at the doors, he knocked and waited. A lock clicked and it opened.
"Adam of Bremen"
"Rimbert of Hamburg"
They stood opposite to each other, an invisible tension building. They stared at each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. For a brief minute, none did.
Then, the standoff was broken. Rimbert broke first, laughing with a hand to his chest. Adam's grin stretched from ear to ear and opened his arms wide. They shared a good, long, and brotherly hug.
"Ah Rimbert, it is so good to see you again. After all, it's been a few years. How has life treated you thus far?," Adam asked as he invited Rimbert inside and walked down a hall.
"Things have been rather well, old friend. Well…up until the recent news from the council. But all in all, things have been peaceful and prosperous. Why, not too long ago, a dear boy whom I took an interest in looking after just became a father, Entle. I'm sure you remember his name from the letters I've sent over the years." Adam nodded. "Yes, I remember, that's some good news," he said and sighed. "But we've more to discuss since the recent news…or command for all intents and purposes by Councilman Unni has reached our towns." Rimbert nodded gravely. "Yes indeed."
They sat down near a window and spoke of recent events within the past few years ranging from the personal to the political and eventually reached the topic of the capital expansion. Rimbert then told Adam of his summit's event. Adam listened and followed on with his meeting as well and his people had similar reactions to Rimbert's. Now was the cream of the crop. How did they proceed?
"Well," Adam said, "I believe that with our village's outspoken disagreement in the matter, it is only natural we respond with a denial to the council's plans. Perhaps even the Holy Elder, if we must." Rimbert pondered and thought up ways they could do so.
"Well, we can report directly to the city and go through with our final word to them."
"That may be best saved as a last resort there. Councilman Unni knows of our private disagreements with him. After all, he was the advisor with whom our group was first paired with and we were staunchly against many of the city's practices. Remember how we used to question his dreams? Dreams never die, including his." Adam stopped and closed his eyes, recalling those younger times.
Rimbert skimmed through Adam's report and eventually, Adam spoke once more. "They eventually separated us and selected a different advisor for convenience sake. I don't think he ever forgot that. A man forgets but doesn't forgive. A woman forgives but doesn't forget, I was once told. But a man like Unni neither forgives nor forgets. How could he? A city is all he's ever known. We came from the settlements, he did not."
"Still," Rimbert said, now looking up from his papers, "To give what is effectively a deadline to the villagers to work as laborers, in the pursuit of slowly eroding the very positive that village life offers is underhanded. How hollow of him!," Rimbert finished off as he took a breath to center himself. Adam hummed in agreement.
"Then perhaps, we need an alternative response. One that the Council won't expect from us. Thinking outside the box for a moment."
Rimbert raised an eyebrow. "You propose an alternative then?"
Adam smiled and nodded.
"Then what is this solution?"
Adam's smile grew larger.
"Wait for a bit. I have the idea. It's perfect, and fitting too. Ironic, I might add." Adam got up from the table and walked to the window, the sun slowly setting in what would be one of the last pink & orange sundowns before the winter came in on the island. He stood in front of it, watching the villagers he oversaw go about their last work before heading to sleep, apart from the scavengers who worked day and night, far out at the cloud seas., just beyond the island. "I have just the idea. Unni wants to pressure our way of life? He is either arrogant or simple minded. I know how to bite back in an equal and fair manner. And he'll never see it coming," Adam said as he laughed.
"Now I'm interested in your plan Adam. But…it is not immoral or near the occasion of harm to the councilman, correct?," Rimbert attempted to clarify.
"No Rimbert, of course not. It's a fitting response to him and will best get the point across to him, in my view." He chuckled.
"He just won't like it at all."
The office was clean, the records all in their place. The lamp dial shone bright over the room and he was pleased with his work. Another day of desk sitting, but such was the routine he'd grown accustomed to. It was, his dream of course, to make it to this position and further his ambitions to properly bring Birka to a new age.
A knock came to the door. "You may enter," Councilman Unni answered. The door was opened and a servant came through. "Councilman Unni, I have an update to your letters to Sigtuna and Hovgården."
"Oh? Please, go on." The servant nodded, his goat ears flapping above his regular ones. "The monks, Rimbert and Adam, serving Sigtuna and Hovgården bahhh, have formally invited you to their villages."
The Councilman raised his eyebrow. 'Hmmm?'
Author's notes.
And that's the third chapter now! Now we have some actual plot progress, things should be expected to pick up from here.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I put a lot of work into it and I have a couple of things planned for the upcoming plot points. I have some notes to look back to and I'm just now realizing how useful they are. I do have some points to add in before I finish typing and submit this.
One is the servant here at the end. If you rewatch Skypiea, You'll notice that the army Enel employs during the survival games, apart from his priests, the Divine Squad he said he enslaved, and the like, you'll see they all have goat features. Like little goat horns, goat ears on top of their regular ones. They even made "bahhh" sounds in their dialogue in the anime. It's kind of funny. They honestly remind me of the faunus of RWBY, with the animal traits along their seemingly human selves. But these guys would have two faunus traits technically. Or three, with the wings included as well. Birkans seemingly have more genetic variation than the Skypieans or Shandians. Heck even Satori's brothers have goat features.
Anyways, I think the idea Oda had was for us to realize that the followers of Enel were all like sheep and goats. Always ready to obey any order of his at the drop of a hat. They even had small bells like sheep have in farms! But yeah, I decided the servants, at least to the council, would fit in just well as followers too. They do technically count as Birkans since their wing shape also matches the regular humanoid priests of Enel. And they're Birkan too.
Don't be afraid to post a review, as long as it's not just complaining or hating. Or requesting stories. I prefer to write my own ideas as those are the kind I can write about passionately and feel excited to theorize on.
I do still have another story I want to write about but I think I'll save it for later as I don't want to get these two confused. And as for the early upload, I suppose the ideas just came to me and I wanted to work on it as soon as possible. Don't expect another upload so quickly again. Though I will work on that. I think a week or two should suffice for at least one chapter upload.
As usual, here's the date for the upload of this one.
Chapter 3: Completed on 9/12/2024
The Error Destroyer, signing out. :)
