Chapter 10
Sanji thought it was real, but it was only a dream. He dreamt that he and Zoro were lying in the long grass side-by-side on a big blanket. They watched the clouds pass above as the gentle sounds of nature surrounded them. But they weren't in the long grass anymore. Sanji found that the long grass became stone cold and he woke up. He was still in the dungeon. His situation hasn't changed. He was trying to keep himself calm, but it started to feel as if the walls were closing in on him. He kept telling himself not to panic, but the urge was still there.
He was distracted from his panic as he heard the dungeon door open. Footsteps approached his cell. He got up and went to the bars, gripping them in both hands. It was his sister, Reiju. She was the only one who cared for him, even when they were children. Although Reiju was a princess, she never wore a dress, only pants and form fitting tops. She was beautiful like their mother, and sometimes Sanji saw their mother in her. She stopped at the cell door and gave him a small, calm smile.
"It's good to have you back, Sanji, though I know you don't want to be here. I don't blame you,"
"They haven't changed one bit," Sanji said. "I can't stand them, Reiju!"
She nodded. "Yes, I know. Well, I'm here to try and talk some sense into you, and maybe get you out of the dungeon."
"Don't tell me you're on their side?" Sanji asked.
"No. But I think you're making things too hard on yourself, and you're not thinking straight. You won't be married to Blackbeard right away. It's going to take a few days. There's no way to escape if you're in the dungeon. But, if you were out of the cell, you could find a way to escape. You should obey Father until then. I will help you in whatever way I can."
Sanji knew that she was right. He would have more ways to escape if he were out of the dungeon. But pretending to be nice to his family was going to be near impossible to accomplish.
"Should I tell Father you're now willing to cooperate?"
Sanji was still for a moment, then nodded his head. "Yeah…tell him."
Reiju left and Sanji waited anxiously for her to return. After a while, he was ready to give up when a guard came and unlocked his cell. Sanji was relieved to be free, but his tiny bit of happiness fell when he saw Ichiji. He glared at his brother but said nothing.
"So, you're finally prepared to accept your duty as an omega?" Ichiji asked with a smirk, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I just don't want to be in the dungeon anymore," he said. "But don't think I'm ready for a happy family reunion, because I'm not. I was just thinking, married to Blackbeard, I can get away from all of you for good,"
"Aw, but we want to see our nephew. I say that because you'd better make alpha boys and not fail Father further with bearing girls or omegas."
Sanji put his hands in his pockets. "I hope I have all girls, that way, you would have no interest in seeing them. It works out for me,"
Ichiji frowned at him. "Why make yourself useless to us?"
"Because I don't like any of you," Sanji said. "The fact that I'm even here disgusts me."
"Ouch. That hurt my feelings," Ichiji mocked. "You've gotten stronger, though. I'll give you that much. But you're still just an omega."
"I'm tired of talking to you," Sanji said. "Get me wherever I need to be,"
"That would be Father's office."
His Father was the last thing he would want to see. Sanji followed Ichiji out of the dungeon and went to their Father's office. Ichiji opened the door and shoved Sanji inside. He closed the door, leaving Sanji alone with their Father. Sanji saw his Father at the desk writing something. Judge didn't seem to know he was here. Then, Judge spoke to him.
"Come here," Judge demanded, though his voice held no anger. Sanji approached him, his hands still in his pockets because they were trembling. Judge finally looked up from his writing, putting down his quill. "I said come here. Closer." Sanji stood a few feet away from the desk. "I hear you're going to change your behavior."
"Yeah. I guess." He answered flatly.
"You've cost me a lot of money, you know,"
"Yeah, and you keep reminding me. What do you want me to do about it?"
Judge handed him the paper he'd been writing. Sanji took it and read it. His eyes widened and he almost dropped the paper. It was an official death warrant for Zoro written and signed by Judge. Zoro was being accused of raping a royal, noble-born omega. The sentence was death by burning without a trial.
"If your alpha lover comes to save you, he will be arrested, have no trial, and he'll be burned. This is all your fault, Sanji. A man is going to die because you let him have your innocence, the only useful thing about you. It might as well have been you who signed his death warrant."
Sanji had thought they were only threats, but this document proved that the threat was real. He knows Zoro will come to rescue him, but there's no way Zoro can fight off all the soldiers in this castle. He would help Zoro fight, but there's a big chance they won't win with just the two of them. Their only other option was Luffy coming to save him and get revenge for Law. His father won't be expecting a large attack from Luffy and the other banners. He wished he knew what was going on- where were Zoro and Luffy?
"At least we know you're fertile," Judge said. "You'd best hope you only birth alpha boys. That's what he wants; for you to give him strong sons."
The whole thing was so stupid that he wanted to shout at his father for what he said. Shouting was not going to win him anything. Like his sister suggested, he needs to find a way to escape, which means he'll have to play along with this game until he can find a way out. But that was the least of his worries. He thought about Zoro and knows the stupid Moss-Head is on his way to save him. Sanji didn't want to see Zoro get captured and die by burning. If only there was a way to reach him.
"If I do what you say and don't resist…would you consider tearing up that warrant? It wasn't rape. I wanted it, and so did he. Just leave him alone."
"Hmm. It seems like you've caught feelings for this swordsman," Judge said, threading his fingers together on the desk. "Let that make it easy for you. Just think of your swordsman when you're intimate with Blackbeard. Keep in mind, Blackbeard will not tolerate the competition of another alpha male. If your swordsman challenges him for you, he will still get death."
Sanji feared for Zoro coming to save him. He can't let this happen to Zoro. He HAS to find a way out!
"You can have a very comfortable life if you just accept that Blackbeard is to be your alpha husband," Judge said. "You'll have shelter, food, wealth- it's a very good deal. You should be flattered that Blackbeard still wants you. Your whorish behavior has embarrassed us, but you'll make it up to us by marrying Blackbeard."
'I don't want all that! I want Zoro!' Sanji couldn't say those words out loud. He did feel the sting of tears that threatened to fall. That is something he couldn't do! He cannot cry in front of his Father. But he couldn't help it. He thought about Zoro tied to a pyre with flames all around and the tears started to fall.
"You really are a worthless failure,"
Ichiji had been silent from the start, but then he joined in, standing next to their father.
"Why don't you just cry about it, baby!" Ichiji mocked.
Sanji remembered his brothers always saying that to him whenever he cried. He was always punished for crying, and his brothers didn't get beat like him. Sanji felt like he ruined everything for himself. He has lost so much already, his unborn child, Zoro, his freedom…all are gone. But he has to keep Zoro from the pyre. If that meant being forced into marriage, then that's what he'll do. He wiped at his eyes with his sleeve.
"Fine…I'll do it without complaint." Sanji said in defeat.
"Finally, you're doing something right," Judge said. "You will get to run your own castle, only answerable to your husband. That should make you feel good."
"There's nothing I can do," Sanji said. "I have orders that I need to follow."
"Let's keep it that way," Judge took the death warrant from Sanji, but he didn't crumple it or throw it away. "You have my leave to go." He ushered Sanji away with his hand.
Sanji was glad to leave the office, but he still had Ichiji following him. If his brothers were going to take turns watching him, it would make escape harder. He had to think of something, and think it fast.
"Damn it! That's the third time I've passed this mossy tree!" Zoro said to no one and kicked the tree.
He didn't want to admit it, but he was lost. He was lost and Sanji needed him. To give the horse a break, he held its reins and walked it. At least they were on a road. If he followed the road, he should come up somewhere. Then, he happened to see a wooden post with signs. He hurried over to it and looked at the signs. He couldn't read very well, but he could read these words. One read Germa and that is where he had to go. He jumped onto his horse and ran in the right direction, staying on the path.
He stopped to sleep and rested his horse when it got dark, but he didn't sleep well. He was worried about Sanji and what he must be going through right now. Sanji was his mate even though they haven't fully bonded. He won't let Sanji get married off- he'll fight for his mate. If he has to go up against Blackbeard, then he will.
He thought back to that time they were fishing and lying in the long grass together. He wanted more of those moments. Then, he couldn't help but think of their first time together. Zoro closed his eyes and thought about Sanji's perfect naked body. He slid a hand into the front of his pants to grip his growing erection. He saw Sanji calling him towards him. Zoro stroked faster as he thought about those pert pink nipples that had Sanji writhing. Sanji's insides were so warm and soft, like his omega body was made only for him. His cock was nearing climax. He pictured Sanji riding, arching that pale and beautiful body with hardened nipples and his own arousal. Zoro grit his teeth and came hard. His hand was dripping with cum and he wiped it away on the grass. He was more relaxed now and started to fall asleep against the trunk of a tree. He would need all this strength to fight for Sanji.
Sanji woke up from a fitful sleep in his old room. He kept thinking about Zoro getting tied to a pyre and burned to death. There was no way to tell Zoro not to come. He got up and looked out the window to see that it was raining. He had to wonder if Zoro was out there in the rain. The stupid Moss-Head might catch a cold. That made Sanji smile for a second. He rested his forehead on the glass and imagined seeing Zoro riding down the road to save him.
The door clicked open and Sanji turned to see who it was. He sneered when he saw Niji and turned his attention back to the rain outside.
"I was told to get you to come down to breakfast," Niji said.
"I'm not hungry,"
Niji laughed. "Don't worry, we didn't put any bugs in it or anything!"
Sanji remembered when his brothers did that to him. They said they made a raspberry tart just for him. But when he started eating it, there were dead bugs inside. He threw up from disgust and then one of his brothers kicked him and he fell into his vomit. Sanji grit his teeth but stated again saying that he wasn't hungry.
"Don't make me have to get Father to bring you down,"
Sanji didn't want that, so he would have to go with Niji. He was still dressed from yesterday and he followed Niji out. They went down to the main feasting hall where his brothers, sister, and Father were already eating. Sanji took the seat next to his sister and didn't say a word to anyone. An omega was seen and not heard after all.
"Blackbeard will be visiting again today," Judge said to Sanji. "He's eager to see you again. It's very rare for an alpha male like him to desire any omega. He can have as many as he wants, that's something you need to get used to, Sanji. Alpha's like him have harems."
"Good. Maybe he'll sleep with them and ignore me,"
"You're going to be ignored anyway," Said Yonji. "You're only good for one thing, and he can get that anywhere at any time."
"Again, I don't care." Sanji repeated.
"Have some food, Sanji," Reiju said.
Sanji looked down at the plate of food. He really wasn't hungry. And the food did not look too appetizing.
"He's watching his waistline," Niji chuckled when Sanji pushed the plate away.
"Sanji, eat!" Judge demanded. "You're too skinny to bear multiple sons. Don't make it hard on yourself because of your stubbornness."
"Nothing's going to happen if I miss one meal. Can I go back to my room now?"
"No," said Judge. "You need to wait here for Blackbeard to visit."
Sanji managed to make himself eat but he didn't like the food at all. It was bland, but he didn't say anything. The others talked to one another but he kept silent. By the time they were finished, his brothers and sister left the room but he had to stay with his Father and wait for Blackbeard. They both sat in silence, and the tension was high. At least for him. He didn't want to talk to his Father either.
Eventually, Blackbeard's arrival was announced and Sanji felt a shiver run up his spine. Blackbeard was wearing the same outfit from last time, and Sanji remembered that it smelled. He hoped he wouldn't get groped again. Sanji found it difficult to look in Blackbeard's direction.
"There's my little spitfire!" Said Blackbeard. "My little untamed filly!"
Sanji wanted to correct him about being called a filly. A filly was a baby girl horse. Or Blackbeard did know that he was just insulting him. Blackbeard took a seat at the opposite end of the table and demanded food. Judge already had the food on the way and the servant came in holding a plate full of different cuts of meat. Blackbeard wasted no time in eating.
"So, we're here to discuss the matter of payment," said Judge.
"Yeah, I got the money, but only half," Blackbeard took the sack he had carried in and tossed it on the table in front of Judge. "I won't pay any more than that,"
Judge took the bag of gold coins and picked one up, biting it to make sure it was real, and it was.
"Hey, little filly! Come over here!"
Sanji didn't want to move or be anywhere near Blackbeard. But he remembered his sister's words about how he'll have more means of escape if he just goes along with it. So, he got up and went over to Blackbeard who pulled him onto his lap. The pants Blackbeard wore were tight around the crotch area and Sanji could feel something poking at him. Sanji knew what it was and felt sick. Between the body odor and uncleanliness, Sanji might just throw up all over him. Blackbeard touched his face and Sanji felt the grease from the meat on his skin. Sanji fought the urge to vomit.
"Nothing snappy to say, little filly?"
"What am I supposed to say?"
"I guess there isn't much an omega needs to say anyway," said Blackbeard.
Sanji felt Blackbeard's free hand rest on his back and slowly creeping down towards his ass. Sanji resisted the urge to jump off Blackbeard's lap and run for it.
"All you need to say is 'more' and 'harder' and 'faster,'" Blackbeard grinned and slid his free hand into Sanji's pants to cup his ass cheek while still chowing down on greasy meat. "Don't worry, little filly, this stallion will mount you hard and you'll be begging for more. This stallion will show you what a real alpha is capable of doing."
"He's more stubborn than a mule rather than a filly," said Judge.
"It's fine," said Blackbeard. "I'm no stranger to taming wild horses." he pulled his hand out of Sanji's pants and gave his ass a slap. He heard Sanji gasp softly. "See? It's already starting,"
"So it is," said Judge. "When will you take him?"
"In a few more days," replied Blackbeard. "I still have some business to take care of while I'm here," He shoved Sanji off his lap. "Make sure this filly stays in the stable,"
"He's not going anywhere," Judge said.
"Good! I'll be back to take him a few more days. But we still have other business to discuss." he looked at Sanji and said, "Omegas don't stay when their alphas are doing business,"
Sanji did not have to be told twice. He gladly left the room to let them talk. Then, he realized this was his chance to escape! He didn't have an escort! He took off for the door when he crashed into someone. Sanji fell backwards as did the other person. Sanji looked to see that it was Yonji he ran into. He jumped to his feet and attempted to run but Yonji caught him by grabbing his ankle and he fell forward. Sanji landed hard on the floor. Two guards rushed up with spears and pointed them at Sanji. He had lost his chance to escape!
Yonji and the guards walked Sanji back to his room and locked the door. Sanji had to wonder why they all have keys to his room. He went to the window and stared out at the field and the road. Something moving caught his eye. He squinted his eyes and saw a patch of green. It was Zoro! Sanji's heart started to race at the sight of his lover. Zoro had come for him! But he might get caught! Sanji ran to the door and tried forcing it open. The door wouldn't budge. Then he looked for something to break the window, but he found nothing. Zoro was riding closer and closer. Sanji shouted Zoro's name but he was too far up for him to hear.
"Go back, Zoro…go back, please!" Sanji closed his eyes tight and slowly went down on his knees. "Don't come here…I can't help you!" Sanji felt the tears sting his eyes and he let himself cry. He was aching for Zoro, and he was worried about his alpha. Yes. Zoro was his alpha. But they're going to burn him alive if he loses. There are just too many soldiers and his wild brothers to handle alone. All he could do was sit and sob. How has everything gone so wrong? Zoro will die because of him. 'Please, Zoro, go back! Forget about me…I don't want you to die!'
Zoro jumped off his horse and pulled out his swords as a handful of guards came after him with spears. He easily passed through them with his swords slicing them. The front of the castle came into view and more guards came rushing at him. Zoro's blades cut through all of them. He knew that Sanji was in here somewhere, and he was going to find him. But as he rushed to the castle door, it opened to reveal Sanji's three brothers. They were armed with swords and shields. Zoro narrowed his eye at them for they wore matching cocky smiles on their faces. The shields will prove difficult for a cut, so he would have to aim low.
He ended up taking all three of them in a fight. He used all his strength and skills to strike at the shields. He made a few attempts to swing low, but the brothers all dodged it. Zoro was fighting Ichiji and Niji but lost sight of Yonji. The brothers were a challenge. Then, something struck him in the back of the head and pain exploded behind his eye. He fell forward but was kicked by Niji's foot under his chin. Zoro attempted to get up but one of the shields hit him on his back. Another shield slammed into the back of his head again and he fell to the grass. His right arm was laying out and one of the shields struck his fingers, breaking four of them. Zoro grit his teeth in pain and still tried to move. He had another hand that could still hold a sword. He quickly went to reach it but Ichiji kicked it out of range.
The brothers took to kicking him and he was slowly falling unconscious. He tried to move but couldn't. Zoro felt his hands tied behind his back and then a length of rope was forced into his mouth like a bit for a horse. They pulled his head back with the rope and Zoro felt the roughness of the rope bite into the corners of his mouth. Zoro still has use of his legs but the brothers were not in range. He was lifted to his feet by the rope in his mouth. Zoro noticed that their swords and shields were gone. His own swords lay out as well. He struggled in his binds as the brothers roughly began pulling him inside. Another punch to the back of the head had him seeing stars before he blacked out and collapsed.
Sanji saw everything that happened to Zoro while screaming and banging on the thick window glass. They had captured Zoro and were taking him to the dungeon. Sanji tried not to panic, but he couldn't help it. Zoro is due to burn! His father would see that it happens quickly. He wanted to see Zoro, needed to see him, but he knew he wouldn't be allowed.
He didn't know how long he cried on his bed thinking about Zoro in the dungeon. When he heard the key unlocking the door, he sat up quickly, hoping it was Reiju with news of Zoro. Instead, it was Niji.
"Look at you, crying like a little bitch," Niji said.
"Where's Zoro? I want to see him!"
Niji chuckled darkly. "You will see him tomorrow in the center of the courtyard tied to the pyre. They're already starting to build it."
Sanji went to his window and saw that Niji was right. They've already started building."
"Would you like your alpha medium rare or well done?" Niji laughed at his own cruel joke.
"Shut your mouth before I shut it for you!" Sanji threatened. He would do it too.
"Aw, did I strike a nerve?" Niji taunted. "I'd like to see you try!"
Sanji went up to Niji and took the first swing with his leg. Niji jumped over his leg and landed a punch in Sanji's face. Sanji swore he would never use his hands for anything other than cooking. But right now, he needs to use his hands. Sanji punched Niji in the mouth, just like he said he would. Niji's mouth was bleeding, and Sanji took his foot and kicked Niji in the gut. As Niji bent over, Sanji used his heel to strike the back of Niji's neck, rendering him unconscious. Luckily, the door was slightly left open and he rushed out. He wasn't sure what he was going to do, but he had to get to Zoro.
He darted through the halls, heading towards the dungeon when Blackbeard stepped around the corner. Sanji tried to quickly get around him but the alpha stuck out his meaty arm and held him back.
"Let me go!" Sanji shouted, struggling in Blackbeard's grip on him. Blackbeard pulled him fully into a bear hug to keep him still.
"Just where do you think you're going?" Blackbeard demanded.
"To the dungeon! I have to see Zoro!"
Blackbeard let out a bellowing laugh. "He's the one who 'raped' you? I know that was a lie told by your father. You're my omega mate now, and I won't allow any other alphas to stand in my way!" He started to squeeze Sanji tighter, further proof of his growing anger. "He's being treated as a rapist by your brothers!"
Sanji frantically started to struggle after he heard about his brothers. They were likely torturing Zoro! "Please…let me go!"
"You'd best forget about him, little filly. He'll be burnt meat tomorrow."
"NO! DAMN IT, LET ME GO!" Sanji shouted as Blackbeard threw him over his shoulder. "ZOROOOO!" He called out his lover's name.
Zoro swore he heard Sanji's voice calling his name. He lifted his tired head and glanced around the room. His whole body ached from the wounds he endured at the hands of Sanji's brothers. Currently, his hands were in shackles by a thick chain that runs to the wall. His arms were spread out like that of a birds' wings. His back was aching and bleeding from the whipping. Despite the beatings, Zoro never let out a sound. He did not give them the satisfaction.
But there was another bigger issue-he is to be burned at the stake tomorrow. Zoro didn't want to die, but he would face his demise calmly. Again, no reason to give them the satisfaction. His only other hope was Luffy. If Luffy can get here with the army, they can storm this castle and save both him and Sanji. He shouldn't have been caught like this in the first place. He would need to train harder…if he got out of this place alive. What kind of alpha was he anyway? He couldn't even protect his mate. It was shameful.
'Come on, Luffy. You're our last hope!'
Footsteps came down the stairs and Zoro tensed in the chains. It was one of Sanji's brothers. This one had red hair, and he was holding a bottle with some kind of liquid in it.
"You are a feisty one," Ichiji said. "We can't have you causing problems, so you need to drink this,"
Zoro shook his head 'no'.
"Do it, or I'll make you do it," Ichiji threatened.
"Hey! You didn't tell me we were doing this," said Yonji, coming to join him.
"He's not cooperating. Pull open his mouth for me. He needs to drink this."
Yonji did just that, but Zoro bit down on his finger and wouldn't let go.
"OW! The bastard is biting me!"
Zoro stopped biting when Ichiji backhanded him with his gloved fist. Zoro smirked, ignoring the blood in the corner of his mouth as he spat out a tooth. That was the third tooth. Yonji gripped his upper and lower bottom teeth and pried his mouth open. Zoro tried to resist but in the end the foul tasting liquid burned his mouth and throat. He coughed and sputtered, but the horrible taste was still there.
"What the hell is that stuff?" Zoro demanded.
Ichiji smirked. "You'll see in a minute or so,"
Suddenly, Zoro felt his body start to go numb and he was now hanging forward in the chains. His brain was foggy, his vision blurry, and it was hard to take deep breaths.
"You won't be putting up much of a fight now that you've had our secret formula," Ichiji said. "We'll give it to you tomorrow as well. Call it a small mercy,"
Zoro couldn't move his body at all. He heard the both leave and he wasn't feeling as angry anymore. He felt lighter. Calmer. But he still couldn't move. He just hung there, limp.
Sanji was locked away in his room after having a horrible time with Blackbeard. Luckily, nothing big happened, but he was stroked and fondled with those large hairy hands. Sanji almost threw up everywhere he was so disgusted being touched like that. And he doesn't have a choice in the matter because he's the omega-only alphas get to say 'no'.
He forgot about Blackbeard and went to the window where the pyre was finished. Sanji's heart raced in his chest. He was so upset and so nervous that he was up all night long, pacing the floor and making repeated trips to the window. Everything was looking hopeless until he remembered that Luffy was coming to save him and avenge Law. Luffy was their only hope.
When dawn came, Sanji had only slept a little. He went back to the window and saw the servants tossing tied bundles of sticks around the pyre. Tears started streaming down his cheeks. Luffy wasn't here, and Zoro would be going to the stake soon. Sanji refused to leave the window as he watched some people starting to gather. They were here to watch the execution. The execution of his lover.
He wanted to save Zoro. He wanted to save his mate on a beautiful white horse and gallop to the flower fields and lay in the long grass. That's where they belonged- not here in this dreadful place.
Then, Sanji heard the people start to get louder. He started to cry as he saw Zoro being walked out to the pyre. Two guards with spears pointed at him walked backwards while another pair of guards pointed their spears. Sanji wondered why Zoro wasn't fighting back. He banged loudly on the window hoping to get Zoro's attention, but it seemed no one heard him. He started to cry fresh tears as Zoro was tied to the pyre stake. The executioner appeared with a flaming torch and Sanji had to look away. He slid down to the floor, unable to stand and watch any longer.
'Zoro…I'm so sorry…'
TBC