teaism | it's a long way forward

it's a long way forward

[It's been days since he left that village behind, and he hasn't had nearly enough time to stop and rest. Every village or town he's run across has chased him off for falling out of the sky, too poor to offer any help of their own and too afraid to attempt to question his state. Desperately, he's kept his presence disguised, hiding from those other colored entities that were part of this destiny he wanted nothing to do with. He slept in trees for a couple hours at a time, moving again before too long when it no longer felt secure enough.

He was running from something he couldn't escape, but each time he tried to find somewhere to go, it wasn't right. Maybe his predecessor was right. Maybe there wasn't anyone who would take him like he is, green leg showing in the spot that his shoes don't cover. Maybe he was too much of a monster.

No. Determined, Jae-Ha urged himself forward despite that worry. No matter where he ended up, or if he had to live alone for the rest of his life, it was better than existing and waiting in that prison of a village. He wouldn't become like his predecessor. He wouldn't wait around to take it out on the next generation.

When he spots a blonde boy crouched near something in a clearing of the woods, Jae-Ha's chest tightens. This could be a chance, couldn't it? He was his age— younger, clearly, but not an adult like all of the ones that have chased him off. And better than that, he was alone. Maybe, just maybe, he could say something to reach him, to get some food other than the occasional bits of bread or fruit he's stolen from carts or nabbed from trees along the way.

His appearance comes in a flash, a green blur dropping out of the sky and right in front of Sanji. He's a mess in his dirtied robes, his face and body still badly beaten from a few days prior, his hair dirty and sticky even tied back, and heavy bags beneath his eyes from the lack of rest. When he drops down to a knee, both to temporarily hide the green of his right foot and to humble himself, it's more of a fall of pure exhaustion.

He doesn't bow his head like you should with a gesture like this, instead staring directly at Sanji with determined eyes.]

Please, let me stay with you, at least for a night. I'll do anything.

[It's about time for a desperate offer like this, isn't it?]

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[Just that quickly, Jae-Ha's smile vanishes away. He recognizes the voices from what he's seen around corners and through windows, but it's been a month of managing to avoid them. Now, he stands up immediately and looks over his shoulder towards the sound, stiffening but listening to Sanji and jumping off immediately.

In a flash, he's up in one tree, and then to another one, burying himself in thick branches so that he can hide away and still peer down to see what's happening.]

[His little heart is beating so fast it might give out on itself, but at least Jae-Ha listens and disappears into the trees. His friend won't be discovered. That's the most important part.

He recites it over and over in his head, a spell to ward off anything his brothers might say to him, and with his fingers already clenched into fists, Sanji turns to stare down the three boys (and Reiju) who come marching up the hill, all of them laughing in delight at something Niji must've said.

-- And they keep right on laughing after they spot Sanji, too, except now the blond is pretty sure they're laughing at him for some reason. Not that it's very different for every other day]

Idiot, Father says we all need to come back to the-- ... what are you doing? [Yonji, the youngest, speaks first, and in typical fashion squishes his face into what he thinks is a sneer. Really, though, he just looks ugly.] Were you trying to get that apple?

Probably couldn't reach it. [Niji snickers and folds his arms, while Reiju giggles into her hand] Look at him, he's too scrawny.

Oi! I can get it! Just watch!

[It's rude, and it's infuriating to see Reiju giggling along, of course. Jae-Ha doesn't agree with how she works at all, and even if he can understand her position, he doesn't like the kind of person she's let herself become out of fear.

Still, even if he doesn't like any of this, none of them have raised their hands against Sanji, and so Jae-Ha stays silent and hidden. He won't interrupt or even make any noises.]

[Is Jae-Ha staying put? A quick glance at the tree shows no sign of him, and he nods to himself. Good. Please stay there. Besides, if jumping up and capturing an apple will make his brothers shut up, this won't be hard! Sanji was gonna get it anyway.

So focused on his mission, he doesn't notice the silent approach of his brothers, that they're now standing in a loose half-circle around him while grinning between the three of them. Reiju, for her part, remains in the back, and it's why no one (except the boy she knows must be hiding nearby), will see how her smile drops and she looks at Sanji with quiet attention. Not because he's about to jump for one measly apple, but because...

Sanji jumps. He puts his back into it, floods his muscles with determination, and leaps like he might touch the stars instead of that apple. His expression floods with delight when his fingers brush against the red skin and promptly bat it off its stem--]

[And when he's halfway down is when Ichiji, the oldest, darts forward and kicks Sanji in the torso, just enough to throw off his center so Sanji crashes on his side with a pained yelp.

All three of the boys roar with laughter at that, wheezing and doubling over. Reiju only joins in when any eyes fall on her.

And Sanji -- despite the pain shooting up his arm and how his side will soon bruise, he jumps on his feet with a snarl, and starts to yell:]

What was that for?! [Stamping his foot on the ground and then unwisely marching up to Ichiji, his fists ready for a punch] Jerk! I did what you guys asked!

You call that a jump? You barely touched it. [Still snorting through his nose, Ichiji smirks at the other before eyeing his fists] And what, you can't take a joke?

[If Sanji thinks he'll just stand by and watch this, he's in for a surprise. Jae-Ha's movement is quick, so that even if Reiju happens to be looking behind them, all she might see is a blur. But unmistakably, three apples are chucked straight at the back of each of the boys' heads.

Now Jae-Ha is in a different tree, silent, and holding the branches so they don't sway.]

[It's pandemonium by the time the apples find their targets, and while the force isn't enough to knock the boys to their knees, all three of them yelp and cry out from the sudden pain. Sanji's mouth drops open in dumb surprise.]

Wha-- who did that?

Who is it?! Who dares--

When we find you--!!

[These are boys being groomed for top positions in their father's personal army one day, and for all their bullying, it becomes clear why Sanji is never able to defend himself. They split up, honed in on the spot where the apples came from, and growl like murderous wolves when the search comes up empty. Ichiji rounds right back on Sanji when he's close enough, gripping the smaller boy by the front of his robes]

Who was that? They didn't hit you!

Or me. [Reiju pipes up, and her voice sounds disinterested. She stares idly at the trees with her eyebrows raised] Really, Ichiji. I bet it's some stupid village boy who thinks he can steal our fruit. [She gives a shrug of her shoulders] But even they wouldn't bother with Sanji. Look at how surprised he is.

[Ichiji turns to glare at her, but it's momentary. Apparently, Reiju still holds some authority as the oldest. She doesn't really defend Sanji so much as deflect further punishment, and with an angry shove, Ichiji sends the smaller boy toppling into the ground]

Yeah... no one'd be stupid enough to be friends with him. [He folds his arms.] Look at you. Father'll whip you good for those dirty robes. [And with a laugh and an added kick to coat Sanji with another layer of dirt, Ichiji turns around to address his siblings] C'mon, Father wants us back immediately.

[They're still laughing to each other when they start to leave; only Reiju bothers to turn around, once, looking at Sanji before her eyes glance about the trees]

[As tempting as it is to lean out and stick his tongue out at Reiju, Jae-Ha holds it in until they're all out of sight. It's easy to measure from up this high, and so he's confident enough to jump down and land gently beside Sanji.]

Are you okay? [If he hasn't stood up already, Jae-Ha is reaching to help him do so.]

M'fine.

[He'll let Jae-Ha help him to his feet, but his movements are stiff with pain. Only pride keeps him from clutching at his bruised side.]

You didn't have to help.

I told you before, I'm not going to let them do that to you.

[He doesn't care, he doesn't care...!! He doesn't want to see it happen to anyone. Moving carefully, he tries to brush the dirt from Sanji's robes. He'd heard that comment about him getting in trouble, so if he can reduce it as much as possible.] We stick together, right?

[Sanji... doesn't answer. Can't even open his mouth. His bottom lip trembles and abruptly he turns away from Jae-Ha, angrily brushing at his robes like he means to tear them off.

Whatever, they're gonna be stained anyway. Father might not beat him for this, but the boy knows he'll look disappointed that Sanji couldn't even fight back -- not one single punch. An embarrassment. His friend had to see it, too.

He's probably aggravating his mild wound, but he doesn't care, and keeps beating the cloth with growing fury, ignoring that tears have long since gathered at the corners of his eyes.]

[Mm. Jae-Ha is silent, watching for a quiet moment before the way he's going at it becomes too violent. Then, he steps around to face him, reaching out and grabbing both of those hands tight to stop him. Though he knows Sanji will try to turn away or look down, most likely, Jae-Ha ducks down to press their foreheads together.]

You're stronger than all of them, Sanji. [He speaks seriously, and low, trying to meet his eyes.] Did you see their faces when I hit them with that apple? And even your sister was hiding, afraid to do anything more than that. You're the only one who can be different, and they're mad at you for it.

But you have me. And I don't want to lose you, so don't ignore me. Okay?

[He doesn't feel like he's stronger. Jae-Ha telling him so feels too much like a lie, and it hits Sanji suddenly, the swell of anger and disappointment in himself. Jae-Ha brings their foreheads together, but then Sanji pulls away enough to hide his eyes in the length of his forearm so the other boy won't see him start to cry.

He didn't want him to see. They've been friends for a month but Jae-Ha's never watched his brothers hit him. All Sanji does is lose, and he can hear Father's judgment falling like a gravel around his ears. His shoulders heave in time with his sobs]

[He remembers that Sanji didn't care much for the first hug he tried, and so he doesn't want to try one now. He's not sure he can help at all. A monster like him isn't used to interaction enough. He's probably saying the wrong things, to receive no answer like that.

So, he goes silent and ignores the stinging in his heart. He doesn't turn away from Sanji, nor move to give him more space. He stands there with him, gently wiping away some of the dust as Sanji cries. That's all he can do.

This, and get better at keeping those siblings of his away from him.]

[He stands there as long as it takes him to get his tears under control, shamed by Jae-Ha having to clean him off, but knowing better than to open his mouth when all he'll do is wail like an infant. His arm scrubs at his face until he thinks his face is dry (it isn't), and that his eyes aren't puffy (they are). Then he lowers his hands to his sides, sniffling through his stuffed nose.]

You-- [sniff, and then he continues meekly.] You don't have to... [Another sniff] Father will be upset anyway.

[He wipes at his face again, to be sure the tear stains are gone] ... Wasn't ignoring you. My throat was itchy.

[Jae-Ha is quiet at first, considering all of those words. Father will be upset anyway... He doesn't want to know what that means, but he's going to sneak and watch, of course. But...]

If you ever want to, I can take you away from here. But we'd have to be on the run. [So. He can get it if Sanji doesn't want to do that. Still... He frowns, holding back from cleaning Sanji's face off. His brothers will probably expect the tears, and he doesn't want to wound his pride any further.]

But if you don't want to run away, you should probably hurry back.

I don't wanna.

[To which part, Sanji doesn't specify, and he'd only sound petulant if asked. Or defeated. He's just an eight year old boy, after all, and right now can only think of how much he wishes things were... different.]

You're not gonna leave... [Are you? If Sanji isn't sure what he wants? His eyes start tearing up again and he bites viciously on his lip to keep them from spilling]

No. Nothing could make me leave.

[He reaches to grab Sanji's hand again, squeezing it tight.] And next time they hurt you, I'm gonna kick them from behind instead. They won't know what's coming.

[The other boy really shouldn't; he'll get in so much trouble if he is caught.

... But there's a flicker of a smile, and Sanji's sniffles don't sound quite as defeated. After a moment, he squeezes Jae-Ha's hand back and slowly leads him back for the mansion]

M'sorry. I didn't get the apple.

They interrupted you. It doesn't count. We'll try again later.

[Following along with him back to the mansion, Jae-Ha keeps his eyes mostly ahead, just in case any of those kids had stayed behind or are trying to wait for Sanji. He'll have to disappear from view if that's the case... Unless Sanji ends up in danger. But he won't repeat that again, right now.]

[His brothers aren't waiting for him, no. Sanji isn't worried about it, either. The beatings are done for the day unless he pisses them off, so now it's only Father who he dreads seeing.

Who absolutely can't know about Jae-Ha, and even when they're still a couple of paces away from the main bridge, Sanji stops and turns to his friend.]

I gotta go alone. You should wait in my room.

Where are you going to be?

[It wouldn't be the first time Jae-Ha doesn't listen when he's told to go to the room. But he knows how to sneak! He needs to know Sanji is safe... He's too worried.]

Father's room.

[Giving Jae-Ha a look, but Sanji doesn't bother scolding him. They've had that conversation millions of times already]

I'll be waiting for you, okay?

[But of course he's going to end up sneaking nearby. For now, he'll squeeze Sanji's hand and then hop out of view, towards the mansion. He probably knows great ways to get in through the windows and where to avoid people now.]

[The honest truth is that Sanji wishes Jae-Ha wouldn't leave him, impossible a dream as it is. His brothers might hurt him, mock him, maybe even scare him occasionally, but the boy doesn't care if he loses or gains their respect. He doesn't really care about them at all.

But Father...

He watches the boy hop away and his hand twitches for something to squeeze before Sanji steels himself, forcing his legs to walk the familiar route that will take him to his Father's room. It's deep in the mansion on the second floor, practically a suite, and the door is cracked open. He gives an uneasy sweep of his clothes before slipping inside.

Everyone else is there - Ichiji, Niji, Yonji, and Reiju. The boys in particular sneer when Sanji comes to stand beside them. Reiju, at least, remains mercifully silent, and besides the way his father's nose lifts like he's smelling something foul, Sanji goes ignored by him. The large, towering man continues on without a hitch: in a few month's time, their household will be entertaining the Water Tribe's general, and during the occasion, he hopes for his sons and daughter to demonstrate their physical prowess to one of the highest-ranking officers in the land. It's the chance they've been waiting for, to prove that his specific line of work will benefit the country.

He will accept nothing less than perfection from any of them. Any of them.

... And after the pause, they're dismissed, with Judge not so much as looking in Sanji's direction. He turns away instead and only says this: for the boy to wipe the dirt off his clothes and face, for heaven's sake. He looks like a commoner, and it's exactly this kind of attitude that proves what a disappointment he is.

At least try to pretend you give a damn, Sanji. Act like a noble. He heard from his brothers already - jumping for apples, when he could be training? He'll be expected to work three times as hard to make up for this nonsense.

Sanji doesn't cry on the way back to his room. Frankly, the tears are already spent. Once he clears the doorway, he slips over to the bed and sits beside it, burying his face into his knees]

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