curse of the oni | 𝖟𝖔𝖘𝖆𝖓

4 ♱ Selfish Ambition

But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

- Matthew 8:12

HIS father has always terrified him. To Sanji, he was the monster under his bed and inside his closet. How dare his humane and merciful mother marry a devil like his father? No, Sanji can't be indignant at his mother's forced marriage, and although she was wedded to someone she didn't deem cunning, she loved her children regardless.

Sanji's siblings, on the other hand, appear to the blonde as his father's henchmen. However, as for Reiju-- poor girl, Sanji merely thinks of her as a follower of their father, not of Christ. If she truly was, well, she wouldn't condone their siblings mistreatment towards the blonde seminarian, now will she?

She's just as scared of their father.

For these reasons, Sanji remains immobilized before his Father, forgetting to answer his inquiry of what the blonde's doing "in there"-- specifically, within the confession booth. Sanji knows well to only enter it when it's permitted and with a penitent. Well, Zoro counts, right?

"Father. . ." Sanji's throat has suddenly gone dry. The feeling dwelling within him is surreal. Why? What's happening?

"I asked you a question, Sanji." His Father's voice is stern, his words being delivered with malice. He's never been a man of patience.

Sanji gulps the unexpected lump in his throat. "Yes- I. . . I meant to say that-- I'm helping out. . . Well, showing, someone around."

Sanji's thoughts shift to Zoro. Not his humanized version, rather his demon form. Specifically, the time he'd attacked the blonde at the library, close to ripping him to shreds. What is he going to tell his Father? Traveling alongside a monster in scared grounds?

"Who?" His Father's voice booms, exposing his impatience nature.

Unexpectedly, a figure approaches from behind Sanji, and the said name quickly recalls Zoro's presence. The green hair man steps forward, urging himself to face Judge, a grim look on his visage, unyielding to his presence. He says, "Me."

Sanji feels his heart drop down to his stomach, taking a step back, prepared for any commotion to break out.

Judge cocks an eyebrow, peering at Zoro up and down, before he says, "You? I'm not familiar with your presence. State your name."

"I'm. . . Zoro," he introduces himself, sneaking a peek over at Sanji, a smile suddenly developing over his visage. "I'm a novitiate eager to join the religious order. Brother Sanji here was generous enough to show me around beforehand. Don't punish him for whatever it is that you deem. . . punishable. After all, I'm a big fan."

For odd reasons, Sanji didn't seem to appreciate Zoro's statement, let alone how he'd delivered it.

Nevertheless, it prompts a smile to grow over Judge's stern visage, the priest delighted to hear that the novitiate is a fan rather than a follower. "Well, Zoro, is it? I am grateful— as is the Lord— to have you here. I'm aware that Sanji has shown you around. . . but has it been enough?" He glances at his son.

Noting where Judge's eyesight lays, Zoro stands before Sanji's figure, blocking him from his Father's view. "Actually we were just headed to the dining hall to feast. All of the walking and talking has made me hungry. Isn't that right, Sanji?" Zoro looks over at a surprised blonde.