Zene Oneshots

Swapped Identities

"But my good sir, I have fallen for your charm!"

Zane let out a huffing sigh as he turned to face the strange man, his arms crossed against his chest and chin raised high. This strange man had arrived only a few days ago, and was claiming to have an unstoppable passion for him. Zane, of course, would have none of that. He was loyal to his husband who was overseas, awaiting his return with the same flaming love in his heart every day.

"I belong to the people of Oroboros and to their lord, Lord Gene." Zane stated once more, dismissing the strange man with a wave of his fingers. "Be gone, you who seeks my betrayal to my husband."

"Oh, but you are far too appealing to one's eye to be left." The man argued, following him as he took his leave. "Please, oh please, just give me a week's time, or until your husband returns from the seas."

"I may be a servant to Lady Irene, but I am no blind fool." He sneered, narrowing his eye. "You are playing tricks!"

"If you remain loyal to your husband I will leave you be," he started. "However, if you are to be swayed by me, I take you as my own spouse."

"What cruel Divine has cursed this land with your presence?" He asked aloud to the walls around him, staring at the ceiling.

"Only a disloyal spouse would curse the Divines for such a challenge." He pointed out.

"You dare to challenge my loyalty to my husband!?" He hissed, glaring daggers. "Very well, Alejandro!"

"So you have accepted my challenge." Alejandro smiled, chuckling. "I cannot wait to carry you back to Phoenix Drop."

Zane scowled at him as he stormed off, heading for the church of Lady Irene to perform his services to her and her priestess. Alejandro stayed back in the palace, going to his guest suite that he had been offered at the hospitality of his host, Zane himself.

Closing the door as he entered, he stood before the mirror that reflected the entirety of his form. He reached up for his strawberry blonde hair, grabbing some and ripping the entire tuff off of his head.

To show jet black locks underneath.

He shook out his hair as he removed the wig, cracking his knucles as he did so. Oh, how itchy that wig had been! It was such a relief to have it off his head.

Zane was still under the impression that Gene and his crew were still out at seas or harbored in that city-state of Tu'La. He paid no attention to the ships are their own harbor, on request of Gene himself. How long he waited and wished each day to wake up to his husband.

Who had just confronted him.

"Either way you'll be coming with me, little ZuZu." He chuckled, throwing the wig on the bed. "Lord Gene and I are the same person, after all."

Many would call what he was doing a cruel thing, but he saw it as taking caution. While he had been in Tu'La, an oracle had warned him that his spouse would find another man or woman to love. Many people of the state had called that oracle a false, a rejected maiden of Enki who was seeking her own path to his prophetic powers. Still, Gene did not want to take any risks. He lived Zane with all his heart, and never wanted to lose the charm.

And so, he devised another part of his plan.

~~~~

Weeks had gone by and still no word had come to Zane about his husband and his crew.

"Oh, what if they don't come back? What if they were led astray? What if they're being held prisoner?" Zane fretted, pacing around his bedroom chambers.

"Whatever makes you worry so much, my lord?" A young maiden asked him, bringing in a tray with tea and crumpets.

"Nearly four months have passed, and still no word from the harbor or anyone!" He cried, sitting down with a pout. "Oh, where could my love be?"

"You worry far too greatly for what is healthy for you." She sighed, giving him an easy smile.

"How can I not worry?" He questioned, taking a sip of his tea. "Oh, how I miss him.."

"My lord!! My lord!!!" Another servant called from down the hall. "I bring news from the harbor!!!"

"You do!?" Zane gasped, ducking as the doors were broken down. "Please, do inform!"

The servant's eyes were saddened and he looked down, unable to meet Zane's gaze. He seemed hesitant, and the maiden knew exactly why. This was part of Alejandro's plan. The strawberry blonde could be seen walking up behind him.

"My lord, I'm sorry to inform you that... Lord Gene is dead."

Zane stepped back, taking a moment to register what had been said. He could feel the tears running down his face as he turned away, grabbing the sword from the weapon plague. He could hear his maiden gasp and he saw Alejandro run up to him, but he showed no care or acknowledgement. Perhaps he wanted Alejandro to be there, but his grief and overwhelming despair were too much for the mortal.

He brought the sword through his chest.

His pale, pierced body fell to the ground, caught by his husband and challenger. Alejandro removed his wig to show his true face, the husband Zane had so longed to see. The raven haired stared at him with small, dying breaths as Gene's tears fell on his clothes.

"I'm sorry.." Gene sobbed, holding him close as his blood soaked his attire. "I'm so, so sorry... I had been told by an oracle... you would betray our love for someone else... I'm sorry..."

"I... will always love you..." Zane breathed out, forcing one last smile.

Gene's heart stopped as Zane's eye closed, his body going limp in his arms. He sobbed helplessly, his own tears soaking Zane's raven black hair. He stayed like this, clutching his spouse's deceased body in his arms, repeating his apologies as though they would bring him back.

But they wouldn't.