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1.) writing the thing✨

For brainstorming ideas, I use the notes app on my phone. For the fics themselves, I write on google docs! I like it because it works both on my phone and pc.

I have a specific format, but it's not actually the margins that I change. I write with the pages halved using columns! These are how my files look like on pc:

You can do this by going Format > Columns > 2! I like to write in TNR 12 like a research paper lol. (Though, I can't remember if you can do the columns on the docs app, because everything looks like it's just one column there. But once you set a doc in this format, you can just duplicate the file and it'll still show up with columns on pc.)

Like you said, this helps me gauge how a fic will look like on mobile, since that's where most people are reading. It also helps my peace of mind since a full, blank page without columns can be a bit intimidating. It can feel like you have to fill up the entire thing, when you really don't!

Another brilliant thing about google docs (on pc) is that, if you use italics or bold in the file, when you copy paste it onto Tumblr, it retains those italics and bolds. This saves me so much headache and I consider it a lifesaver.

2.) formatting (and by extension, branding)✨

I feel like this is really vital on Tumblr, since an established aesthetic can help readers remember and recognize your blog better. My advice would be to pick one or two colors and always use them on your posts.

You can also pick an emoji and use that with your aesthetic! For example, I associate the sunflower emoji 🌻 with the wonderful @songsofadelaide. (hi Mari! hihi)

If you want to use them, have a default divider. Mine is just a png of a blue line haha, but you can get creative with it. Though I suggest you keep the photo thin so that it doesn't eat up too much space.

Off the top of my head, I think the most important things on a post are: the title, header, and preview. (I'll make a separate point for preview since it's a lot.)

TITLE : Self explanatory!

HEADER : A header does more than make the post look pretty, it helps you differentiate fics when Tumblr only shows you the fic thumbnails on archive or on notifs. I have a folder of manhwa screenshots that I save for headers, and I add an overlay with my blog's signature color using a drawing app. Gifs are also fine as headers, though I don't personally use them because gifs make Tumblr crash on my phone sfhlsdjfkl, but that's just me!

3.) the preview ✨

(I don't think preview is the official term for this, but it's what I've started to call it.)

When I say preview, I'm talking about everything below the header and above the fic. Mine looks like this:

It's up to you what you want to add, but I would say to always keep the blurb/short summary, genre, and word count. Everything else is optional, and you can play with whatever suits your style best.

For the blurb, you can go one of two ways: keep it short, or go more in-depth with the summary.

If you keep it short: One sentence is the best, but two should also be okay. It doesn't have to summarize the whole fic, but give a preview of what readers can expect from your work. I use my blurbs to hook in readers, then use the content notes to make up for what I didn't add in the blurb. If you go in-depth: This would be a standard summary, and you can get away with not needing content notes.

AH. Can't believe I almost forgot, but always add warnings and MDNI tags if your fic needs them! (Some people also use a banner for warnings. Search 'mdni banner' on Tumblr and you'll see examples.)

Once you have a preview format you want to stick with, always use it and keep it consistent! I have a draft with just my preview format so I can just copy paste it whenever I post a new fic.

I'm sure you can find guides for anything specific you're curious about if you search here. But of course I'd be happy to answer more questions if you ask! Also feel free to shoot me a dm <3

You bend down to peer at your reflection in the waves. No matter how much time passes, you’re still not used to seeing a feathered creature look back at you.

In the distance, fireworks sound. They spring high towards the clouds, bursting into golds, reds, and a thousand sparks. You can’t help but gaze at them longingly. The festival begins today. What a shame that you can only visit at night. 

If you’re lucky, that is.

Compared to the town, the lake feels desolate. Stretching your wings to shake out your feathers a bit, you try to remember the last time someone visited. No one dares to come here. Not anymore.

But you can’t really blame them, you think as you watch tiny fishes swim below. Anyone who would go here now would have to be brave or stupid. Or both.

And so, you almost fall back on your tail feathers when a group of strangers emerge from the treeline. What are the odds?

“Wow!” A boy wearing a straw hat exclaims, practically bouncing towards the water. “This place is prettier than you described, Sanji!”

“I know that we’re surrounded by water all the time,” Someone else notes, his dark hair is tied back with a bandana. “But man, this place is something else.”

There are others. A swordsman with three blades, and a girl whose hair reminds you of the orange dahlias that grow at the base of the mountain.

But your attention is entirely captured by a man in a suit, taking in the lake with admiration in his eyes. Something flutters in your stomach. He looks like a prince in those fairy tales you used to read as a child. That is, if princes carried fishing equipment with them.

A bag holding various contraptions—rods and nets and other things—is slung over the prince’s shoulder. He adjusts his hold, pulling the strap tighter as he joins his companions at the shore.

“It’s just like how Zeff described it.” He says. “Waters clear as crystal, no gem could compare.”

“Right. Well,” The green-haired swordsman lays down under a nearby tree, crossing his arms over his chest. “Wake me up when you guys catch that legendary goldfish.”

“Golden trout.” The man in the suit corrects as he sets up his equipment. “Best in the East Blue according to legend. And I’ll cook the best dish out of it.”

Ah, so he’s a chef. Without even realizing, you find yourself paddling towards their group. His eyes seem to shine as he speaks of their dinner plans. You don’t think you’ve seen anyone so passionate about cooking before.

There’s a prickling sensation at the side of your head, as if you can sense someone’s gaze. You look up to find the straw hat boy staring at you with a dangerous glint in his eye. Uneasy, you attempt to discreetly paddle back towards the center of the lake.

“Sanji, do you know how to cook swan?”

What?! You turn and look at them incredulously. Don’t they dare.

“Do swans even taste good?” The girl asks, tilting her head as she observes you. 

The chef, ‘Sanji’ you put together, laughs and throws his head back. “They do when I’m the one cooking.”

Oh no. No. You need to get out of here. 

“It’s swimming away!” 

“How do we catch it?”

“We can use this net!”

You may only be a swan half the time, but you’ve picked up a few things since you were cursed. Diving into the water, you paddle as hard as your webbed feet can go—speeding past fish and aquatic plants as you swim.

Once you’ve reached a considerable distance, you rush upwards—out of the water, and spread your wings. You almost let yourself breathe out a sigh of relief as you fly; but then a net whizzes by your head.

You gasp when you see that the boy’s hands have stretched far towards the sky, holding a net he’s trying to catch you with.

He tries again, swooping the net up from beneath you. You squawk, and just when you think you’re done for, you spot a shadowy figure on the edge of the water.

You feel like crying. The last thing you want is to rely on your captor, but this situation doesn’t leave you much choice. Beak pointed down, you fold your wings into yourself, letting yourself plummet.

You were aiming to land behind him, but Rothbart steps back—catching you with one arm. His glare is intense as he snaps his fingers. 

The net you were being chased with catches fire, flames burning and consuming it until nothing remains. Its ashes fall to the water, breaking the surface into ripples that collide with each other.

The group of strangers appear as though they’re gearing up for a fight. They stand, ready to defend themselves should Rothbart pose more of a threat. You huff. They should go before someone gets hurt.

“You are not welcome here.” Rothbart warns menacingly, leveling them with a glare. “Leave my property. Do not return.”

The boy with the bandana rushes to pack up the fishing gear. No one speaks, and they begin to back away. They seemed to have gotten the message, but for some reason, Sanji lingers. His eyes watch you, and an unreadable expression blankets his face. Why is he—

Rothbart brings a hand up to cover your eyes. He only removes it when the strangers are gone. An unfamiliar feeling blooms in your chest as you stare at the path they took; though it’s quickly overshadowed by disgust as Rothbart caresses the feathers of your back.

You break free from his hold, landing softly on the lake once more. He tsks.

“See how others treat you, my dearest?” Slowly, he kneels, facing you with a hand over his heart. “Only I can protect you, only I can provide for you…” He snaps his fingers again. 

A perfect rose manifests out of thin air. It levitates towards you gently.

“...If only you’d marry me.” 

You respond by pecking at the rose, shaking your head to tear the petals off and spitting at his feet. Rage fills you when he only looks amused. This man is evil, even though he smiles like he isn’t.

Flapping your wings, you take to the air. Just because you have to return to the lake at sundown doesn’t mean you should tolerate his presence more than you have to.

Rothbart stands, watching you fly away. He brushes down his clothes as he mutters, “Go ahead… I’ll always find you, my love.”

The Straw Hats make their way back to the town, each of them feeling differing emotions as they trek through the forest.

“That guy was so creepy.” Usopp shudders. “He was so protective of that bird.”

“I guess he would have been really angry if we ate it, then.” Luffy says. “Maybe we could go back and ask nicely?”

“We left too soon.” Zoro comments defiantly, “We could have taken him.”

“That would be too much trouble for lunch, if you ask me.” Nami responds before she notices Sanji being quiet. “Hey, you okay?”

Stopping in his tracks, Sanji looks back at the way they came. The others pause too. 

Between the trees, the shimmering waters of the lake could still be seen faintly. How come a place so beautiful is so… empty? Why did things change from how they were in Zeff’s tales?

“It just… It doesn’t make sense.” Sanji frowns, voice quiet and unsure. “Zeff never mentioned anyone owning the lake. And even if someone did, why isn’t anyone allowed there anymore?” 

He sighs, glancing up.

“And, why did—wait. That swan—”

“We’ll catch you a chicken or something if you’re so upset about it.” Zoro quips, already continuing on his way.

“No! It’s that swan! Look!” Sanji points to a bird gliding over their heads.

“I’ll get it!” Luffy yells, and before anyone can stop him, he reaches for the sky.

The swan squawks loudly as Luffy grabs one of its legs. It struggles, wings flapping haphazardly, but fails to escape. Triumphantly, Luffy grins and hugs the poor thing before handing it over to Sanji.

“Is that really the same swan?” Nami asks.

“Yes.” Sanji answers immediately. “I’m sure of it.”

Unlike his usual self, instead of the possible dishes or flavors he could come up with, Sanji’s mind is blank. The bird trembles in his hold. It—...she?—seems to gawk at him in fear.

Sanji squints at her. He isn’t even sure how he could tell the swan was a girl, but she was clearly terrified of them, and that unsettled him more than it should.

Her feathers shiver. She breathes erratically, body inflating and deflating quickly like a heartbeat. And speaking of heartbeats, he can feel hers—tiny and frantic at the tips of his fingers.

Bending down, Sanji sets the bird on her feet. She freezes and looks up; as if she’s checking for his reaction. 

He nods, gesturing towards the lake. “Go, love.”

Zoro shakes his head incredulously as the swan scurries away. “Weren’t you going to cook it? I can’t believe you.”

“Maybe he just doesn’t want to deal with that creep. He’ll be a headache if he finds out we messed with that swan again.” Nami counters. “We should get something to eat at the tavern.”

The Straw Hats resume their journey out of the forest. But once again, thoughts of pearlescent wings shimmering in the sky haunt Sanji’s mind.

You practically throw yourself into the water.

This cannot be happening. How many times are you going to run into trouble today?

It’s cold and soothing here. The soft push and pull of the waves calm you down little by little. The world seems so peaceful underwater, like everything is a million miles away. Like Rothbart doesn’t have any sort of hold on you.

But the glittering waters remind you of a certain chef’s eyes.

Suddenly, the water isn’t helping cool you down anymore. In the months you’ve been cursed, you never learned that you could get so flustered as a swan.

You spend hours swimming, trying to forget about Sanji and his strange companions. It did cross your mind to ask them for help, but you hold back. It’s uncertain if their capabilities will hold up against Rothbart’s powers. You’re also not sure if the curse would stay, even if he’s gone.

After the sun has set, and the moon begins to ascend, you rush towards where the moon’s image is reflected in the water. The moment moonlight casts over your form, you begin to change into your old self.

An invisible force lifts you up. The water glows gold as it rises in swirls, encasing you. It’s too bright, and you have to hide into your wings. When the light fades, and you open your eyes, you see your hands. 

You’re human again—if only for the night.

A robe drapes over your body. The edges are lined with feathers. All of it is white, and soft as silk. It’s a far cry from your usual attire when you were fully human; Rothbart always did have a flair for the dramatic.

The path to your captor’s manor is hidden by a barrier that conceals it from outsiders. It’s less traveled, therefore the ground is rough and uneven. Over time, however, you’ve gotten used to it. After all, he forces you to have dinner with him each night.

“Darling,” Rothbart reaches for your hand once you arrive, kissing the back of it as he bows dramatically. “What a magical sight you are.”

That fear is one of the reasons you play nice during these dinners. Why you tolerate his musings—as if he can’t snuff out you out on a whim.

He leads you inside. The further you go, the more grotesque the manor becomes. The intricate tiles go from marble to obsidian. In the deeper halls, marble statues are replaced with taxidermied birds. You could never look at any of them directly.

It’s disturbing how he has an affinity with avian creatures, and yet he hunts them for sport, and uses them to decorate his walls. You wonder if he’s saved a spot for you somewhere, for when he gets tired of your antics.

A luxurious cloth drapes over a round table for two. There are petals strewn all over it; and a golden, intricate candelabra stands as a centerpiece. In almost every aspect, Rothbart spared no expense… 

Though in all the evenings you’ve dined together, you never have a goblet of your own. And your plate is always devoid of utensils.

“What’s on your mind, my dearest?” Rothbart asks, bringing his fork up to your lips. You don’t respond, only letting him feed you in silence. 

“Are you mad at me for chasing those pirates away?” He sighs, the knife in his hand cuts meat into pieces for you. “Would you have liked to be someone’s dinner?”

A window with a view of the lake extends from floor to ceiling. You count clusters of water lilies as you will for time to move faster. Three lilies near the path. Four towards the river. Two directly in the middle.

“Ah, I know.” Rothbart’s brows raise at a new thought. “I’ll hunt those miscreants down like they did you. How does pirate for tomorrow’s feast sound?”

It's getting harder and harder to not snap at him. You’re gritting your teeth in frustration when you realize what he’s doing. He wants a reaction from you.

Do you give it?

“One of them appeared quite taken with you. The chef, was it?” He remarks, raising his goblet for you to drink. The wine is tart, your lips stain red. 

“I’m debating whether to burn him first, or save him for last.”

Fuck it.

“Leave them alone.” Rothbart goes still. Despite feeling a chill in the air, you keep going, “What difference does it make if I am eaten as a swan, when you consume everything I am? Everything I had?”

“Do not compare me to those ruffians—”

“Of course not. No one compares to you, Rothbart.” You scoff, “After all, you’re the biggest pain in the ass—”

“My love,” The silverware clatters onto the table. For anyone else, they wouldn’t see the rage in his eyes. But you know better. He’s seething.

“You will learn to be grateful.” Rothbart growls. “You will marry me.”

“I’d rather die first.” 

His jaw clicks as he sits back, regarding you with a piercing stare. “...Perhaps you’re more shaken up by today’s events than I thought.”

“Rothbart—”

“I’ll have your room prepared.” He stands, running a hand over his face. “Some calming tea will do you good.”

“I’m begging you, let me go—”

Suddenly, the table is flipped over. Glassware breaks and shatters. Candles are flung to the wall, lighting the curtains on fire. Smoke overwhelms your senses, but no one moves. You stare each other down in the midst of the burning elegance of it all.

“I gave you a gift, my love. You’ll learn to appreciate it eventually.” When he caresses the side of your face, his touch is too cold. Despite the flames he can command, he lacks warmth within himself. 

Rothbart doesn’t love you. He cannot love anyone. What he desires is control, to be the master of every choice in your life. You will never give in to him.

A pair of crows escort you to your room. They’re observant, making sure you don’t try to leave. You feel their stare until your door shuts behind you.

You make a show of blowing out all the candles in the room. After a few minutes, you retrieve a piece of steak from the pocket of your robes. Stationed to watch your window is a barn owl you’ve affectionately named Fleur, since she made a nest out of the flowerpot in the corner of your chambers.

“Here you go,” She gobbles up the meat eagerly as you make for the window. “Keep quiet again for me, won’t you?”

The forest path reminds you of the day you were cursed.

You felt no relief when you turned human that first night. It was gloomy and somber as you wept on your knees until your entire being ached. You were outside, but breathing didn’t come easy at all. 

You despaired, thinking that the only way to become fully human again was to become Rothbart’s bride. Unknowingly, your cries were heard by the spirits of the forest. They were few and rare now, since Rothbart tormented their kind, but those remaining couldn’t bear to leave you suffering alone.

“We cannot lift your spell, dear lady of the lake.” A tiny, shimmering wisp spoke to you, as if a star had fallen from the sky to answer your prayers. “...but we can light the way to your freedom.”

“…under the sun’s golden glow,

soar and glide with wings of snow;

only with an oath of love sworn true,

shall this curse on your heart heal through.”

Since then, you’ve pieced together that a true love can undo Rothbart’s false one. But where on earth are you supposed to find someone who will fall for you within a night?

“In all my days, I’ve never been bewitched as I have when I first saw you.” It’s him, Sanji sidles up beside you the moment you step foot in the village. The streets are alive with music, lights, and laughter.

But you can barely hear any of it. Is he serious right now?

He holds out his hand as he introduces himself. Then, he bows slightly, repeating your name when you give it. 

“Would you give me the honor of accompanying you on this lovely evening?” 

Your captor would have grabbed your hand without asking what you thought. He wouldn’t consider your opinion at all, because he believes that his presence is a blessing in that of itself. In fact, he thinks festivals and common celebrations are beneath him.

But this is Sanji. Granted, he thought about cooking you just a few hours ago, yet you find yourself toying with the idea of him becoming your true love. You remember how careful he was as he let you return to the forest. How would he react if he knew that was you? 

And really, what do you have to lose? 

“Okay.” His hand feels warm against yours. “You better make this worth my while.”

The way he grins rivals the string of lights hung up over the streets. “Of course. You deserve the best, after all.”

‘The best’ is comprised of dancing like no one’s watching, laughing so much that it makes your stomach hurt, and eating street food you’ve never seen before.

“I promise you’ll love it.” He insists while pushing something skewered into your hands. You recognize some parts as meat, but the rest seem to be unfamiliar fruit… and it’s been grilled?

“I’m a chef. I swear by my excellence—” That pulls a laugh out of you. “—that you will not regret trying it.”

“If you’re wrong, you should cook for me.” You dare as you relent, fingers clasping around the stick.

Sanji throws his head back as he cackles, “I’ll cook for you even if I’m right.” Biting into the skewer, you muse that you’ll be fine with anything he cooks, as long as it’s not you.

Flavors explode on your tongue. The fruit isn’t overpowering or too sweet like you anticipated. Instead, it compliments the meat perfectly. He was right, you do love it. You attempt to fake an unimpressed expression, but there’s no fooling Sanji.

“What did I tell you?” As he eats his own, a bit of juice drips down the side of his mouth. You have to avert your gaze. Why does he have to make eating look so sinful?

“How do you know so much about this town?” The more he leads you to hidden nooks and crannies, the more you get the feeling that he’s been here before. You ask him if he has.

“I haven’t, but I know someone who’d traveled here before. Wouldn’t shut up about the place. I was always jealous I never got to go.” Sanji answers, tugging you gently towards him as a group of drunks pass by. He continues explaining, as if acting like the perfect gentleman was something he did without thinking about it. 

“It wasn’t on the plan to drop by, but my crew needed to restock on supplies, and it’d be a shame to miss the festival when we’re already here.” He’s smiling at you now, brushing your hair away from your eyes. “And it would have been most unfortunate if we never got to meet.” 

Words get stuck in your throat. He has no idea how right he is.

Thankfully, you’re saved from responding when Sanji asks you a question. “How about you? Do you live here?”

“Well,” It’s complicated, isn’t it? But you can’t exactly say that. “I’ve been here for several months. About… wait—” You stop walking to count the months in your head, frowning when the number exceeds your fingers.

“…It’s almost been a year.” The realization makes you a little dizzy.

A year since your father took you fishing up in the lake. A year since Rothbart cast a spell that made him forget about you. A year since you’ve been turning into a swan when your skin meets sunlight.

“Come here.” Sanji calls your name softly, pulling you into a secluded area behind a flower shop. His thumb gently swipes your cheek, and you’re surprised to see that it’s damp. You’re crying.

“I’m sorry.” You sniff, pressing your palms into your eyes. “I—it’s… It’s a lot.”

“You don’t need to tell me right now,” He reassures you while rubbing circles into your back. “I’m sorry if my question brought up bad memories.”

“No, I just didn’t realize how long I’ve been away from home.” Taking deep breaths, you try to pull yourself together.

Being very considerate, Sanji’s tone is soft and careful, “Can’t you go back?”

Your heart throbs. “…Not right now.”

Minutes pass with the two of you in that shaded corner. He waits and listens when you want to speak, but never forces you to explain anything. When Sanji retracts his hold, you subconsciously look up at him, silently asking why.

“Wait here.” He says, giving your arms a squeeze. He only goes after you nod.

Sanji’s not gone long. He returns, hiding something behind him—and you notice that he might be trying not to smile. You attempt to lean to the side and peek, but he swivels to keep whatever it is concealed.

“Close your eyes.” And you do.

Your wrist is lifted by his. Your hand closes around something, feeling the crunch of wrapping paper and softness of ribbons. When he lets go, you open your eyes to see the prettiest bouquet you’ve ever seen.

“Oh Sanji…” You might be crying again. “No one’s gotten me flowers before.”

There’s an assortment of them. Pinks and whites; baby’s breath, chrysanthemums, and roses. “I love them, even though I’m not sure where I’m going to keep them.”

“A vase or a tall glass with water should do the trick.” Sanji caresses your cheek again, wiping away all the tears left.

Right. You’ll have to plant them somewhere, since Rothbart would never lend you a vase for flowers given by another man. Clearing your throat, you begin to ask him about other things you’ve been curious of.

“So, who are you, Sanji?” You ask, as the two of you make your way back to the main street. He intertwines your fingers with his like they’re supposed to be together like that.

“What do you want to know?” He smiles, silently thankful that he was able to cheer you up.

“What are your dreams? What keeps you up at night?” You prod, and he laughs.

“Oh, we’re going there, are we? At least let me cook you dinner first, darling.” Sanji swings your clasped hands back and forth playfully, but stops when he sees you grimace slightly at the pet name.

He answers the question hurriedly, wanting to distract you, “I dream of finding the All Blue. I want to cook with the finest ingredients the world has to offer.”

“Is that why you’re traveling with your friends?”

“Yep, we’re pirates—but not the typical kind, I assure you. We’re all working towards our dreams together.” There’s a beat of silence before he throws a question your way, “...What about you? What do you dream of?”

You dream of walking as a human under the sun. Of seeing places beyond the lake and the town. Of crying and laughing and everything in between—like this. If only everyday could be like this evening with him.

With a sad smile, you answer wistfully, “I wish I was free.”

Sanji isn’t able to hide his troubled reaction. “What do you mean by that?”

The clock tower tolls. It must be around three in the morning now. There are still people enjoying the festival, but the crowds are beginning to dwindle. Behind a group of musicians packing up their instruments, you gasp as you see him.

Fuming, Rothbart glares daggers at your hand that holds Sanji’s. Hiding the flowers behind you, there’s an impulse to think that you should pull Sanji back and run. But your feet remain frozen. Where could you even go that he wouldn’t find you?

Sanji steps in front of you, trying to get you to look at him and tell him what’s wrong. “Are you alright? Do you need to sit down—”

Rothbart’s chilling voice interrupts him, cutting through the air and instilling fear into your heart. Sanji turns around to hide you protectively.

“Ah. Thank you for finding her. I was getting worried.” Your captor raises an arm, calling you to him. “Come along, darling.”

Sanji’s eyes widen in realization. He was about to tell the shady man to fuck off, but the touch of your hand makes him stop.

“I…” You hesitate. “Sanji, thank you for worrying about me.” 

The chef looks at you incredulously. “What? You’re going with him?”

“I’ll be fine.” He needs to leave. You’re not sure if he stands a chance against Rothbart on his own. It would be impossible to forgive yourself if Sanji got hurt now.

His blue eyes plead with you. They’re so pretty, you realize. Like the lake surface in the spring. He doesn’t want to let you go.

“He won’t hurt me.” This, you’re sure of—as long as you’re still able to appease him.

Rothbart coughs loudly, and you begin the journey back to the forest. You don’t look at Sanji again, fearing that you might beg him to take you away if your eyes meet.

Rothbart stays behind, still very clearly angry. “You’d do well to heed my warning, and stay away from what’s mine.”

“Yours?” Sanji scoffs in disbelief. “How does she feel about that?”

“...Let me give you some advice, boy.” The strange sorcerer approaches him, poking a finger to his chest. “If you’re not going to be staying, which, you obviously aren’t... don’t go filling her head with preposterous notions of dreams you cannot help her with.”

“You—”

“Have a pleasant evening.” Rothbart sends him one final glare, “This is my last and final warning.”

Sanji stands there long after you and your captor are gone, staring unbelievingly at the space where you had been. An ache in his chest blooms, it nags at him; feeling like he’d just lost something precious.

He decides to go back to the Going Merry for now, perhaps the others have ideas on how they can save you.

A pair of crows surveil him as he leaves, returning to the forest when he reaches the harbor.

Quickly, while Rothbart is still preoccupied with Sanji, you take apart the bouquet. The flowers are sloppily replanted by a large tree. Despite wishing you could place them somewhere nicer, you knew you’d be testing Rothbart’s patience if he found them.

But Rothbart doesn’t speak to you the rest of the night. It’s in the next morning, when the sun is up and you’re back as a swan, that he finds you.

He brings an ominous, large cage with him.

Fearing for your life, you try to fly and escape—but it’s no use. He commands other birds after you. Countless crows block your way, screeching into your ear. One pecks your wing violently. You yelp, and sadly realize that there’s no other choice but to give in.

A large metal lock clangs as it shuts and secures the cage. It was foolish to think that you could get away with spending time with someone else. You curl up into yourself; wishing you could just wake up from this nightmare.

“My dear,” Rothbart coos, placing your cage in your chambers. “I didn’t want to do this, but you left me no choice. You need to be reminded that your only place is beside me.”

He fluffs a pillow for you. With a snap of his fingers, it teleports into the cage next to you.

“You’ll stay there until I fetch you for dinner.” He traces up your neck, under your beak. You recoil in disgust at his touch. 

“Oh, and… If you try anything like that again, ” Rothbart adds, pausing at the door.

“I’ll make sure to end all of them.”

Come nightfall, Rothbart carries you into the spacious bathroom. A clawfoot tub gleams, filled with lakewater and humming with enchantments. Moonlight perfectly glows over the surface. When you wade through it, water floats in rivulets and encases you. You emerge, human once again.

“The most beautiful, you are.” Rothbart helps you out of the tub. “The only one worthy to be my bride.”

Dinner is a suffocating affair. You don’t act out, only nodding and listening as he rambles on. It passes by in a blur, and you dread to think that this could be the rest of your life.

You think you might have run out of tears by the time you get to bed. Fleur, the sweet owl, hops to your side and snuggles into you tenderly.

Giving her gentle pats, you joke, “Maybe I should just stay a bird forever. You seem to be living a good life, right?”

Fleur hoots, and you swear that she’s looking at you disapprovingly. As if she’s asking, ‘is this where you’re giving up?’

. . .

No. It’s not.

Rising, you rush to the window where you had escaped the previous night. Rothbart may control your life now, but you’re not going to just sit there and take it. Not anymore. Not after a year of this. Not after Sanji reminded you of how beautiful the rest of the world is. 

“Shit.” You curse after seeing that the windows have been fortressed. Everything has a magic-imbued lock on it. What should you do?

A clinking sound reverberates around the room. Fleur is perched on a curtain rod, pecking at the hinges of a window.

“Oh, you are brilliant!” You exclaim cheerfully when the top hinge breaks.

Taking an empty candle holder, you shatter the other hinges. Good thing Rothbart didn’t think to check these. A lock is only as good as its weakest link, after all.

The first thing you should do is try to contact the spirits of the forest again. While it’s romantic to think that true love can save you, you’re not going to risk not having some sort of backup plan. Maybe they know of a new solution that can help.

You take a deep breath, navigating through the darkness and trying to recall where exactly you found the wisp all that time ago.

A light flickers behind a bush. It’s unmistakably a wisp, but it’s gone in the next second.

“Wait!” You call for it, catching up to where it faded.

There it is again, turning towards a hollow tree. But it fizzles out when you reach it.

Suddenly, you bump into someone when you’re following the traces the spirit left behind.

The person holds onto your arms. You almost scream, thinking it might be Rothbart, but the stranger’s hands are warm.

“Sanji.” You breathe out his name in relief.

“It’s you!” He’s grinning, then he wraps his arms around you in a tight embrace. “I’ve been looking for you all day, I was so worried.”

“You were?” You ask, your chin on his shoulder. You could melt into him.

“Of course.” Sanji pulls back to get a good look at you. “How could I not? You just… I—well,”

Words seem to fail him as he looks into your eyes. He bites his lip, unsure. “I wanted to find out if you were okay. He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

A cough interrupts your response. You just about jump out of your skin in shock. 

Sanji’s crewmates are gathered behind him. Except for the boy with the straw hat, who is smiling at you warmly, most of them are wearing amused expressions.

You back away from Sanji immediately, blushing as if you had just been caught. In a way, you were.

“They, er—came along to help.” Sanji explains bashfully.

“Yeah. Doesn’t look like you need it, though.” The girl with orange hair remarks with a smirk.

Sanji introduces them. You do your best to remember their names and faces. Nami, Usopp, Zoro, and… Luffy—who leans into your face abruptly, sniffing the air around you.

“You smell familiar…” He murmurs, breathing deeply through his nose.

“Alright, enough of that.” Sanji holds onto your shoulders and pulls you to him, putting distance between you and their captain.

“So,” Zoro says, glancing around. “Where’s this wizard guy?”

“I escaped, Rothbart doesn’t know I left the manor.” You explain.

“Cool!” Luffy cheers. “Should we just go then?”

You balk. They would take you? Just like that? But then you’re hit with the weight of your reality. You can only turn human with Rothbart’s magic, and water from the lake.

“I…” A lump forms in your throat. “I wish I could.”

“Why not?” Usopp asks. “Is he hurting you?”

“It’s… complicated.” You sigh, not knowing how to tell them.

Nami’s eyes soften in sympathy. “...I know a thing or two about not being able to leave.” She approaches you carefully, hesitating at first, but she pats your arm. “What’s important is that you have people on your side now. You can lean on us.”

Oh, her words. While you’re still here—still cursed, it feels like you’ve been waiting forever to hear someone say them.

“Thank you.” You smile. She gives a small one back.

“Do you have a plan? I mean, if we can avoid a confrontation—” Usopp is cut off when Sanji lets out a sarcastic laugh.

“I won’t back down from a fight. I want to beat some sense into him if I can.” Sanji grumbles.

“There’s something I need to test out.” Remembering the wisps, you propose, “I’ll let you guys know if I can find a way, but you don’t have to wait for me.”

“What are you talking about?” Luffy asks, tilting his head at you. “Sanji cares about you, so we all do. Right, guys?” They all nod, albeit with varying degrees of conviction.

You feel incredibly grateful that they’re willing to support you even though you’ve only just met. You make a mental note to try to keep everyone safe if anything goes wrong. It’s the least you could do, since this is your fight to begin with.

“Should we meet tomorrow afternoon to go over your plan?” Sanji asks, and you hurriedly reject the idea.

“That—that might be problematic for me.” You say, coming up with a haphazard excuse you hope that sticks, “I can only get away from Rothbart at night.”

Sanji winces, disgruntled. “Fine, but promise you’ll  reach out to us as soon as something comes up, okay? Our ship is at the docks, you can’t miss it.”

“Okay, I promise.” Worst case scenario, you might be going with them as a bird, but you decide to not focus on that right now.

The Straw Hats watch you go even deeper into the forest, closer towards the mountains. Sanji offers to accompany you, but you say that whoever you’re seeking might not be open to strangers.

Face impassive, Zoro hums, “She’s hiding something.”

“We just met her today, of course she’s hiding something.” Nami deadpans. “She’ll reach out to us when she’s ready.”

“No,” Luffy shakes his head and presses his lips together in thought. “I think she’s already ready… but there must be something she can’t leave without.”

“You mean that Rothbird guy is keeping something of hers?” Usopp scratches his chin.

Luffy claps loudly, expression brightening. “Bird! The bird! She smelled like that pretty bird!”

“The swan?” Sanji frowns, you never mentioned anything about a swan. And if it had been that simple, he would have stolen it for you in a heartbeat.

“We don’t know what she’s trying to protect yet.” Nami interjects. “We should be careful if we try anything.”

“I say,” Sanji begins. “We should look into Rothbart tomorrow. She mentioned a manor, maybe we could sneak in.”

“Good idea.” Luffy nods. “Get some rest, everyone. Be prepared for a fight.”

Sanji couldn’t sleep a wink. It was difficult to rest knowing that you weren’t free. He couldn’t wrap his head around your situation. Freedom to live and make your own choices should be a given, but that’s not the case for you.

Something in his gut told him that he wouldn’t be able to rest at all until he spoke to you again. It was dangerous, but he gets up, and heads back to the lake—hoping to find you there.

A row of plants by a tree catches his eye. With the dawn, and the sky beginning to brighten, he recognizes the flowers he had given you.

Though he meant well, it must have been a bother to you if you had to hide it. What a shame. But when they get you out of here, he’ll treat you to anything and everything you could ever want. The best food, the finest jewels… He’d find a way to get you all of them if you asked.

Then, something from the lake glows blindingly.

It’s you.

…

You searched and wandered for as long as you could before the sun rose, but no spirit appeared before you.

Why would the wisps show up then vanish so quickly? Were they being cautious of the Straw Hats? You sigh, realizing that your feet took you to the lake you’re beginning to resent.

Just in time for the sunrise too, you think bitterly. Exhausted, you close your eyes and let the spell take its hold on you.

…

Sanji can’t believe his eyes. You had sparkled. Like a star. Like an angel. 

But then you were gone, and in your place…

You—in your winged glory—flutter to the lake, drifting gently in the water.

His legs almost give out on him. He talked about cooking you, and yet you still went out with him? 

Something else in the air shifts, his blood runs cold when he looks up to find dozens of crows watching him from the trees.

“I warned you.”

An invisible force sends Sanji flying. He crashes onto the lakeshore, thumping his head on a rock—he’s bleeding. 

Then, he meets your gaze. You look the same as when Luffy had caught you midair. You look so afraid.

Rothbart conjures balls of fire, aiming them at the chef. Sanji rolls on the ground, trying to dodge them. 

Despite his efforts, that same invisible magic returns to trap him in place. He’s hit on the shoulder; the fabric of his suit jacket is eaten by flames. It burns his skin, and he roars in pain.

He hears the splashing of water and the beating of wings. When he opens his eyes, he sees you standing between him and the sorcerer. Your wings are stretched out protectively to shield him.

“You… dare pick some lowlife pirate over me?” Rothbart scowls, the air becoming dry with heat. Steam bubbles on the lake surface.

“If I cannot have you… no one will.”

Without warning, the invisible force lets Sanji go. However, it grabs you instead, throwing you into the boiling water.

“NO!” Sanji screams, jumping in after you without a second thought.

The water stings his wounds, but he pushes through it. He has to get to you. He won’t lose you like this.

He dives, hanging on and undeterred by the heat; but Rothbart’s magic keeps pushing you to the bottom. When he finally wraps his arms around you, the spell only causes the both of you to sink further.

In that same moment, the other Straw Hats arrive. Luffy punches Rothbart square in the face, breaking the sorcerer’s concentration. Now able to pull you up, Sanji swims to the surface as fast as he can. 

Everyone charges at Rothbart. No matter how powerful he is, his anger hinders his rationality. Your captor struggles to fend off everyone at once.

Sanji emerges from the water, gasping for air. Luffy spots him, wildly gesturing for him to run.

“Go!” The captain yells. “Take care of her! We’ll handle things here!”

He runs, not caring where, only wanting to get you away from that lake and that bastard. The only concern on his mind is how much you’re burning up. You’re barely breathing, and an unexplainable sadness washes over him. His heart breaks a little.

Sanji reaches a cliff at the mountain, setting you down gently by a small stream that leads to a waterfall. The water is cooler here, untouched by any foul magic. He cups water with his hands, carefully laving your form.

A tiny, dim wisp hovers over you. It flies up, meeting Sanji’s eyes. He almost thinks he’s imagining it, but then, it asks him a question.

The wisp speaks to him in a hushed tone, like a child asking to keep a secret. “Do you love her?”

He doesn’t even blink. “Yes.”

“Can you swear it? Can you make an oath?”

Glancing down at you, he bares his heart as he answers, “...Before her, I don’t think I could.” Swallowing the lump in his throat, he turns to the wisp again. “But for her, I’d do anything.”

“My angel…” He leans down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “I swear to spend the rest of my life giving you the love you should have had since the beginning. It won’t ever be enough, but I’ll never stop trying.”

The wisp fades into you, as if it had sunk into your heart. Light pulses, faintly at first, but then it glows brighter—pulsing along to the beat of your heart as it strengthens again. Then, the spot Sanji kissed begins to shimmer as well, until all of your frame is glowing like a mythical being.

The light burns even brighter, and strangely enough, he feels no need to protect his eyes from the glare. Sanji feels rejuvenated, and finds that his injuries had healed under your radiance.

…

You’re human again when you wake up. Sanji’s battered and bruised, but looking at you so lovingly that it makes you cradle his face in your… hands.

Stunned, you look from your hands, to him, the sun, and back. You’re human under the sun. But as you cry, Sanji grins, and it’s much more dazzling than any sun ray.

Rothbart sees the light in the mountains. It gleams brilliantly as he feels his powers over you fade. “No... NO!”

“Eyes on us, asshole!” Nami attempts to hit him with her bo staff, but Rothbart catches it. The staff burns, igniting in flames under his grip.

A heavy burst of energy sends everyone back. Rothbart runs to the mountains, burning the path behind him.

“Shit!” Zoro hisses, almost falling into the fire trying to chase after Rothbart. 

The flames seem to have a life of its own, moving every time they try to go around it.

Distressed, Nami asks if they can somehow use water from the lake against it, but Luffy only gazes at the mountain gravely.

“This is their fight now.”

“We got him. It’s over.” Sanji peppers kisses on your cheek. “Our friends will make quick work of that oversized crow.”

“Wait but,” You press a palm to his chest. “Where are they? Are they alr—”

The sorcerer appears suddenly in an explosion of fire. His power is wild and unrestrained. You watch as the grass under his feet fade from green to ash—shriveling up and dying.

Fear creeps up on you, despite knowing in the back of your mind that you’re so close to being free of him. You stand, holding Sanji’s hand to keep steady. 

Things will be okay. If not, you’ll make them to be. If you defeat him, you could travel the seas. You could eat that dinner Sanji promised he’d cook for you. Maybe you’d even find your family again.

No way in hell you’re giving any of that up.

Rothbart points at Sanji, eyes crazed and mad. You’ve never seen him like this, practically falling apart at the seams. 

“THIS IS YOUR FAULT.” He howls, voice sounding broken. “I WAS SUPPOSED TO SAVE HER. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO LOVE ME.”

In tragic slow motion, an intense surge of power from Rothbart’s hands pushes Sanji away from you. Your hold slips.

He falls off the edge of the waterfall. You scream.

“Sanji!” You bellow, crying—but then your heart stops, and it comes back so much stronger.

It was magic that healed you; a mix of Sanji’s love and the nature that has looked after you all this time. You feel it in your bones. You will it to come alive as you jump after him.

The spirits hear you. They give you wings.

Sanji half sobs and laughs when he sees you falling towards him. Like he knew you’d do it, but desperately wished you didn’t. He holds out his hands, yelping in astonishment when you pull him up and fly.

“You’re an actual angel now?” Sanji laughs. “How amazing are you, love?”

“I couldn’t let you take all the credit for beating him.” You jest.

“We should work together, then.”

“I like the way you think.”

You soar, swooping down and launching Sanji at Rothbart. His kick flings your has-been captor against the mountain face, the earth caving in under the force. Your wings flicker, glittering out of existence when you touch down.

The chef is about to beat Rothbart up further, but you pull his arm to stop him.

“Sanji, look…” You point to the increasing number of wisps gathering around Rothbart’s weakening form.

“No, no. Get away from me! I—AGH.” He scatters, trying to brush away the spirits. “I SAID GET AWAY, YOU LITTLE DEAD THINGS.”

The wisps drain Rothbart of his magic. A few of them, however, stray and flutter playfully around you and Sanji. One asks, “What do you wish to do with him, lady of the lake?”

For a long moment, you stare Rothbart down. You’d imagined this ending in so many ways, but you never could have predicted this. Getting to decide his fate almost feels overwhelming, but then you get the most perfect idea. 

“Would it be possible to turn him into a bird?” You ask the wisp.

“No—please,” Rothbart begs. He looks frail, already a shadow of his former self. “You’re free, you can leave! I won’t do anything else. Please, let me go.”

Maybe you should feel sorry for him, but you find that you really don’t. Leaning down, you give him your parting words…

“Don’t worry, Rothbart… We’re giving you a gift.”

After that grueling hour, the others caught up with you and Sanji once the fires subsided. With Rothbart defeated, the magic he stole from the wisps returned to them. You were able to watch in awe as hundreds of lights danced in the air, restoring the forest and the lake to its original, beautiful state.

A wisp bumps softly against your cheek, like it was giving you a farewell kiss. “We wish you every happiness, lady of the lake.”

After one last look over your shoulder, you bid your prison goodbye. It feels surreal, being free. You’re exhausted and admittedly, still a bit shaken up—but it’s already so much better than your dreams.

The Straw Hats decide to stay one more night in town, taking it easy and celebrating your freedom at the tavern.

“Wait, so what happened to him?” Nami asks, “Did you finish him off?”

“Oh, we did better than that.” Sanji says, biting back a grin. His shoulders shake as he remembers what became of the sorcerer. “Let’s just say… he’s not himself.”

“Nice. Gave him a taste of his own medicine, I like it.” Usopp sniggers. Then he gasps, hands slamming on the table in excitement. “Please tell me he’s a cockroach or something.”

“Damn, we should have thought of that.” You smile as you lean on Sanji’s shoulder. “...but no, the spirits turned him into a pigeon.” Everyone bursts out laughing. Usopp wipes tears from his eyes, and Nami looks happy and relieved that it all ended well. You feel the same way.

“I would have paid to see that.” Zoro chuckles before taking a swig of his drink.

That evening, they offer you a small room in the Going Merry. Luffy gestures at the door enthusiastically, “It’s yours if you want it! You’re more than welcome to stay with us.”

And so, here you are, laying wide awake on your hammock. Sleep does not come easy. The fear of something going wrong causes your heart to hammer erratically. You watch the sky through the tiny round window of your cabin.

There’s a knock at the door, and you have to take deep breaths before you answer it.

Opening it and peeking outside, you see Sanji in the hallway. He doesn’t need to ask before you’re letting him in.

After the door shuts, he embraces you, allowing you to bury your face into his chest. “Couldn’t sleep?”

“No,” You whisper, “I’m scared I might wake up as a swan.”

“That won’t happen.” Sanji’s tone is firm. He rubs circles into your back like he did that night behind the flower shop. At this point, It feels like second nature to have you in his arms. “And no matter what’s thrown at us, we’ll face it with you. Together.”

The sun threatens to emerge from the horizon. You dread it, curling into yourself. Sanji pulls back, bowing with a flourish and extending his hand to you.

“Would you give me the honor of accompanying you on this lovely morning?”

He guides you outside to the forecastle deck, the sails look grand and breathtaking above you, giving you a feeling that you’re about to head off on the adventure of a lifetime. If only you could avoid checking the sun every five seconds. 

You wince when a bird caws; praying it wasn’t something negatively foreshadowing your fate.

“Hey, look at me.” Sanji grips your shoulders. “Don’t look at the sky, look at me.” His hands move to hold the sides of your face, the tip of his nose brushes against yours.

He’s so close. The sounds of the ocean and the rest of the world fade into the background. None of them are as loud as your heartbeat. Sanji tilts his head lower, glancing to your lips then your eyes—silently asking for permission. You give a tiny nod.

Sanji kisses you like he’s pouring every promise and emotion into your soul. His lips feel delicate, pressing softly and sweetly. Your mind feels muddled, unable to think about anything else but him. His arms around your waist, the softness of his hair under your fingers, the spark that comes alive with each touch.

And when you part, Sanji is painted with an aura of bright, burning colors. The sun has risen.

Sanji was right, you’re still yourself. You step towards the edge of the deck, basking in the morning rays and letting it soak your skin. It’s the most breathtaking sight, and it’s made even better when Sanji hugs you from behind.

“We have the rest of the world ahead of us, love.” He kisses the back of your head. And then, you feel it—truly feel it—for the first time.

You’re free.

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