for those that sleep on the seas
i'm crying when i read ch1031 ;;---;;;
saaaaanjiiiiiiiiiii
not beta read because i'm too busy sobbing
[ao3]
brook is seeing a ghost.
spoilers for chapter 1031//
Sanji is dead.
That's the only thing Zoro told them when he returned from the war. Bloody and covered in injuries, his expression seemed shadowed in a heavy fog. He had returned with Sanji's necktie and lighter. No one wanted to believe his words; but it was to be expected that the journey to reach their destined dreams was never meant to be a smooth sail all the time.
Zoro had mentioned that he already let Sanji resting with the ocean. When anyone asked him how Sanji's last moments were like, he only replied with:
"You don't want to know,"
---
Zoro was with Sanji in his last moments, and he's their nakama. Perhaps it was too heavy for Zoro to witness his death, and it's weighting him to even talk it out with the crew. They wish they could've been there with their friend for his last moments too. But alas, it was too late to be dwelling on it now.
Even through, there's something sitting on Brook's mind that suspect there was something happening between Zoro and Sanji. The two has always been close, he noted. Brook had witnessed firsthand the strength of their bond during Thriller Bark. Sanji's death has hit everyone deeply, but he can clearly see with his own two eyes(none-eyes), that it had been hitting Zoro deeper than the swordsman tried to make it seems.
As it was displayed in Zoro's actions towards everything after the whole incident. From the way Zoro talked, trained- to the way Zoro had wrapped Sanji's last necktie on the hilt of Wadou.
There was nothing to really confirm that feeling, until Brook started to see Sanji appearing around Zoro constantly
Wait,
What?!
---
Brook's mouth gaped open. He's seeing Sanji-san! He's seeing Sanji-san!!
Brook is not sure what he is going to do with this. Is he going crazy? As nobody else reacted towards seeing things, not even Zoro-san. Sanji-san is a ghost and he's appearing on Sunny- Brook is so scared; maybe Sanji is here to drag him along to die!
Oh, nevermind- he's already dead.
The former cook does seemed a bit transparent under the sunlight, but overall looking the same in appearance. Sanji is a ghost, and Brook is the only one who can see him because he is, well, dead. He wondered if he could perhaps get some conversation with him; perhaps becoming the bridge between the life and death in this matter.
Brook collected himself and approached Sanji just as he was turning away from the railings and walked to a direction. He bowed.
"Good afternoon, Sanji-sa..."
Sanji passed right through his skeleton body and completely ignored his existence.
---
Brook has heard many times that the dead would only stick around if there was any form of regret and/or attachment. Which seemed to be the case, as Sanji's ghost only allowed himself to move in specific pattern and chose to be ignorant on everything else.
Ever since appearing, Sanji has been following Zoro around like a duckling following its mother. It might not have seemed as obvious at first as Sanji often seemed to be doing his own things. But he was always been seen beside Zoro. Gazing out to the sea when Zoro is napping, sitting closely when Zoro is training, and follows Zoro when he's getting up and moved from his previous spot.
Sometimes he disappeared, but when he reappeared it was always close by Zoro's side. Moving and treating things as if he's still alive in the moment. It's possible that Sanji himself hasn't realized that he has died.
Brook can't be sure what makes Sanji so attached to Zoro compared to his other friends. Perhaps something that happened during his death left a lingering emotions that connected the two together. Perhaps it was the way Zoro tied Sanji's necktie around Wadou that makes him follow him around like a puppy.
The only time he's not with Zoro is by nighttime, when he's just busy "cooking" in the kitchen or gazing out to the sea. Every single time, distraught and completely unaware of his surroundings.
When Sanji cooks, small rattling sounds could be heard. The sound can easily pass as the waves rocking the ship back and forth, making the kitchen utensils rock slowly. Sanji would always be focused, his hands working nonstop "grabbing" things left and right, even though there was nothing to be held or make.
After dinner, Sanji would always be found by the back of the deck, staring to the sea under the dimmed moonlight.
---
Brook decided he would company Sanji, even though the latter doesn't seem to ever notice him. He's wondering if he's just imagining his late friend in this point, but it doesn't mattered; as his respect for him is the same.
As the night breeze of the sea hits his skull and bones, Brook hummed.
He played a song.
---
Binks' Sake: a song of the seas; for those who decided to live by the law of the sea.
A song to company those who set sails, bidding farewell to the lands- until they reach the end of the sea.
Delivering Binks' Sake, as the pirates- flying the proud skull on flags and sails.
Following the sea breeze, riding on the waves. A song written for friends sailing.
Delivering Binks' Sake, with a DON. A song that marks today, tomorrow, and forever dreams.
Waving goodbyes, no matter who you are- as one day to reach the same end.
Never-ending, ever-wandering, full-of-laugh travelling tale.
---
It becomes one of his favorite past time. Each night Brook decided to stand by Sanji's side, playing him a song, lulling him to "sleep". His friend's ghost disappears when dawn nears, and reappear by Zoro's side whenever the swordsman wakes up in the morning.
Brook doesn't mind, after all his friend must have a lot of thoughts in his mind. The musician wished his tune could help to ease him, by a bit- even when the intended audience never seemed to be hearing it.
"What song will I play tonight?" Brook hummed to himself, going through memories of song list that reminds him of Sanji.
---
For those that sleep on the seas
The lullaby is Sea Moon
Bedsheets of waves that projects the night sky
Make the stars wave about,
and twinkle more than the sky.
For those that sleep on the seas
The lullaby is Sea Moon
The moon bleeds into each
To those they can't meet,
And guide them to their smiles.
"...Brook?"
To the skeleton's surprise, the song was interrupted by his guest.
---
Sea Moon See You: a song that's well-known in the North Blue, a song about sea- for those who die to the sea; who seek their childlike dreams in the sea. Quietly put to sleep under the blanket of sea, not being woken.
Sanji is seeing him.
His seemingly transparent visible blue eye staring straight at Brook, recognizing him for the first time. Ah, that's right. He should greet him, Brook reminded himself. He bowed.
"Good evening, Sanji-san."
Sanji was staring at Brook for a good amount of time, his face looking slightly confused.
"Brook?" Sanji looked to his surroundings. "Where... What happened?"
He seemed to be completely aware now.
"We're on Sunny. Everything is alright." The older bone replied. "We've won the war, all thanks to your hard work." He thanked him sincerely.
"What war? I..." His friend, however, was stunned. "I don't remember a thing..." The blond ran a hand through his hair, seemingly trying to remember. Perhaps he's not completely aware, Brook thought.
"It's okay, it has passed now." Brook told him. "We're continuing our journey now." He hoped his words could ease his mind. "Did you like the song I played?"
The moonlight shining through his friend's transparent look, giving him a certain glow. It took a bit longer for him to answer to this question, as he seemed to struggle remembering the song Brook talked about.
"You were playing a song?" Curiosity was in his tone.
"Yes, a song made for those who sleep on the seas..."
A spark of recognition appeared on Sanji's eye. "Ah," he began. "My childhood song."
Brook hummed to himself, so that's why he recognized the tune.
"I would love to hear you play it," The former crewmate said. "I really should sleep now, I have to prepare breakfast tomorrow."
Brook nodded. "I will play it to you again next time,"
"Good night, Brook."
"Good night, Sanji-san."
With that, the ghost of said friend turned to the direction of the cabin and disappeared for the night.
---
If I can see you again
After I make my dreams come true
Take those men who do not fear battles
And quietly, put them to sleep
---
The next evening, Brook played the tune again. As expected, Sanji turned to talk with him.
"Good evening, Sanji-san."
"Evening, Brook." Confusion plastered on his face as he don't understand the unusual politeness Brook is giving him for days straight now. His face looking distraught again.
"Is there something in your mind?" Brook asked him.
"I'm thinking about dinner," The cook said, bringing the topic into a rather casual one. "I want to prepare something different for tomorrow. I don't like having repetitive menus,"
"Everything you make is exquisite, Sanji-san."
"The rations seemed to be going out rather fast," Sanji commented. Which is true, Brook thought. As no one on this ship is as good as Sanji in keeping the rations. Their beloved cook is very good in doing their job, unparalleled.
Everyone miss him as much as they miss their food. Without Sanji, everything is different. There's no longer grand feast and/or dinner- no one on the ship is as good as Sanji to keep track of the meal time. They have found Sanji's notes for some recipes he's using for the crew, but no one could replicate it perfectly. Without Sanji, there's one less person to be called a crewmate.
"Would you like to request another song?" Brook offered him.
"I'm good, I'm going to wash my face and get my rest for tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, Sanji-san."
---
"Ghosts?" Robin asked curiously. "That's unlike you to be seeking me for this discussion."
The Straw Hats' archeologist and musician sit by the galley with a cup of tea on their hands.
"Your knowledge in things is unparalleled, Robin-san." He hereby replied, sipping his tea- not that he has any lips to feel the heat he thought to himself, skull joke! "I just wish to have some company researching said topics about... well... my thoughts. Yohohoho!"
"I think your Devil Fruit works pretty differently from these lores you're referencing." Robin nodded, she already knew her friend was not seeking her to discuss about his powers. However, to be curious of his answers- she was allowed to, right?
"Sharp as always, Robin-san." Brook replied. "I'm just wondering the possibilities about this friend of mine,"
"I miss him too, Brook." She said, with a sad smile. After all, he was her friend too. Robin pulled out a book, opening it to a certain page and showed it to Brook. "It says here ghosts are likely to appear if they have died from violent death and hold unfinished business- like regret and grudges... they seemed to be following the said person they're holding grudges to."
There was shouts and laughter coming from outside the galley, as Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper seemed to be playing around out there. From the window Brook could see Zoro was napping. A shadowed figure was leaning nearby the sleeping swordsman. Just as the swordsman was awoken by getting stepped over.
"...They also typically try to kill the person they hold grudge to, making them suffer before their death." Robin has finished reading the part of the book. "Sometimes, it's also possible that an item is possessed and the ghost was simply trying to gain the item back,"
The boys were laughing, Zoro was annoyed to be disturbed from his sleep- but they're messing around and having fun. The swordsman decided to play along and ran towards the gang, and the ghost followed him just as he got up from his previous spot.
"It's also possible a ghost to not pass on simply to a lingering thought," Robin closed the book.
Sanji was approaching Zoro, always stopping close by. He seemed to be watching Zoro playing with the rest of his friends. He doesn't seemed to be approaching him further than observation level.
"I thank you for your company for this wonderful tea time, Robin-san."
"My pleasure."
---
On those shoulders that don't know peacefulness.
A gentle blanket
I'll teach you
---
"A supply of fish could work for the marimo and Luffy," Sanji hummed to himself.
"Would you like me to pass on the notes to the others?" Brook offered. They have meet again the next night- the meeting always opened with the song and followed by a casual conversation. Just like nothing ever happened.
As always, Sanji never realized he was already dead.
"I can pass the notes myself." He quickly replied Brook.
"It's okay, I can always tell them to catch more fishes. Yohohoho!"
"I'm sorry for troubling you." Falling back to his habit of apologizing over simple inconveniences.
"There's no worries, Sanji-san." He reassured him.
Sanji calmed, and appeared to be thinking again, "The marimo likes it when he drinks sake with fish..."
"You seemed to be particularly fond of Zoro-san, Sanji-san." The musician couldn't help but to leave a tease on Sanji's words. There was an attention of detail; their cook always take notes of everyone's likes and dislikes. They found said slip of note along with other stuffs, the crew couldn't help but to cry when they found it.
"Wh-What?" Taken aback, the cook lost his composure. His transparent skin showed a sign of blush. Fascinating. "I keep notes for everyone- it's not just the mosshead!"
"Yohohoho...! I believe you, Sanji-san." Brook replied. "I just noticed you and Zoro-san has been growing closer these days," Thinking at how often Sanji follows Zoro around in the daytime. "Did something happen between you two?"
"Did something... happen?"
---
Brook thought they were just having a chill conversation. He thought he could tease Sanji-san a little about his affection to Zoro when he saw him blushing, and then it'll be just like the other nights they're spending. But, he was wrong. Sanji stopped on his track, his eyes wide. Neither of them know what's happening, but Sanji was holding his head and seemed to be in pain. His appearance seemed to be deteriorating a bit.
"...Sanji-san?"
"What... happened... between me... and the shitty swordsman?" Sanji closed his eyes, clutching his head- he's trying so hard to remember. He looked like he's going to be having a panic attack.
Is that a thing? Can the dead have a panic attack?
"Sanji-san," Brook called, trying to snap him back. And luckily, he did. "You don't have to think about it too much, it's okay."
Sanji panted, "You're right, Brook..." He said in between. His hand stopped clutching at his head, "Maybe I need some rest," Brook nodded.
"Good night, Sanji-san."
As curious as he is, he don't feel like pushing his friend for details right now. He plays a calming lullaby as his friend faded for the night.
---
Now Brook was more than sure there was something going on between Zoro and Sanji that Zoro is not willing to tell. And it's possible that's the reason Sanji has not passed from this world.
Did Sanji perhaps hold some kind of grudge against Zoro? That's impossible, he thought. Seeing how much Sanji followed Zoro around with care and he doesn't seem to be a bad spirit.
Instead, he seemed calm.
Other than how confused of his surroundings Sanji often seemed during his nightly visits, Sanji seemed to be content. It doesn't seem like Sanji was possessive of his necktie either, as he's been found in the kitchen and deck by night when Zoro nor Wadou is around.
Whatever that something that bothers Sanji enough to keep him around- and Zoro hid, it seemed like it's more of a lingering thought than a regret or hatred.
As a friend, Brook doesn't want his friends to be unhappy. So Brook wanted to help the best for both of them- whatever the conflict is. He hoped he could help them both.
---
If one is to sacrifice everything to the seas
One is bound to find everything in the same sea
---
"Good evening, Sanji-san."
"Hey, Brook."
So they were back to their usual nights. "Did you have a good rest?"
"I'm good," the cook replied. He seemed lost, again.
"Is there something on your mind?"
"I don't know..." Sanji replied. "I don't remember."
"Are you thinking about Zoro-san?" Brook asked, in a calm tone. Not wanting to make his friend upset.
"Perhaps," Sanji shrugged. His eyes don't meet Brook. "I don't remember." He repeated his answer.
"What was the last thing you remember about Zoro-san?"
"I-..."
---
Upon trying to remember, Sanji's appearance deteriorated further. He's holding his head. Blood seeping out from his chest and mouth. His eyes opened wide. There were bruises and cuts all over his body- seemingly fighting marks. He seemed to be in pain.
Brook was shocked upon seeing that, he didn't expected his question to trigger such a reaction.
"Sanji-san?!"
When Sanji looked up at him, he had noticed his eyebrow has reversed- much alike his siblings, Brook noted. Sanji seemed to be losing his focus on Brook and starting to not recognize him all over again.
However, the biggest shock Brook found himself surprised with was when he take a closer look to Sanji's wounds- and noticed the slash pattern on his chest was more than a familiar one; a mark left by Zoro's signature move oni giri.
The biggest amount of the blood, though, seemed to be coming out mainly from a hole in his chest. A hole seemingly made by a stab of a sword right through his heart. That seemed to be the cause of his demise.
He had realized Sanji has taken the appearance of how he looked like during his death.
---
Sanji's groaning in pain. "Z...Zoro..." He managed to mutter between his groaning.
Staring at his friend, he had find out the possibility- no, fact; that Sanji did not die during a battle with their enemy- but instead he was killed by none other than his own very dear friend.
Whatever the reason is, he's not sure yet.
Sanji seemed to be in pain, and calling his name has no avail. So Brook thought of one thing a musician could only do;
he played.
---
Soon enough, Sanji calmed down.
His look returned to normal. He was, also disoriented as ever.
"Brook? What happened?"
Doesn't seem to remember it, again. Brook finished up the last part of the tune, before he replied.
"It's okay, don't think about it too much. Good night, Sanji-san."
---
The next day, Brook approached Zoro. As expected, he was training alone by the crow nest. Sanji, however, was nowhere to be found.
He wondered if he was meddling around too much, but he also know his friends needed this.
"Good afternoon, Zoro-san."
Zoro perked up, surprised to see Brook by the crow nest. "Oh, Brook." He did one more weight pull before putting it to the side. "That's rare for you to be here."
"I just feel like having a company right now," He spotted Zoro's three swords by the seats. Taking his own seat nearby the said three swords.
"It's unlike you," Zoro mentioned. "But go ahead."
"Ah, I don't mean you, Zoro-san." Brook went straight to the point. He looked at his swords, attempting to giving the signal. Zoro quickly caught on.
Upon seeing the signs that Zoro catching on, Brook traced his long fingers along with Wadou's hilt- where Sanji's necktie was wrapped on. "May I?"
Zoro nodded.
Brook picked her up, gently. She is wonderful, after all. Unsheathing her slowly, he could admire the beautiful metal she was made of. She is so white, and the tie wrapped around her seemed to be complimenting her looks.
"If I may ask for the reason you had decided to wrap his memento by her side?"
Zoro closed his one visible eye. He walked up to them and picked her up from his hold, a tight grip- but also gentle. He looked at her with his one eye sharply, and answered.
"It's two separate dreams and promises turned into one." Intertwined.
He moved her, ever so gracefully. "It's about commitment, strength," Zoro explained. "It's never going to be forgotten with me."
Brook's eyes would've been hypnotized, but he doesn't have any eyes(Yoho!). As he watched Zoro sheathed her back, he could feel the determination flowing through his grip.
"I see," Brook nodded. "They are now one."
Zoro didn't object to that.
And so, he decided to ask him one last thing before he leave the nest. "Zoro-san, as a friend- I wanted to know if Sanji-san has said anything before he left?"
For a moment, Zoro didn't answer. He think about the question rather seriously. The wait seemed like eternity, but then he came up with one.
"He asked me for a request," Zoro mentioned. "...That's all I can say."
Brook hummed.
"Did you finish it?"
Zoro, once again- closed his eye. As if trying to calm himself down. "I did."
"Zoro-san, if you don't mind," Brook began, "May I borrow her for one night? I'll return her to your hand by tomorrow morning." He requested. "I would love to feel the connection between me and them,"
As the response, Zoro threw Wadou at Brook- who was surprised but just managed to catch her before she hit the floor.
"Thank you, Zoro-san." The undead swordsman bowed.
---
Brook was not sure if he would meet Sanji that night, as he has disappeared thorough the entire day following last night's incident. But he do what he does best; playing his song and hoping for his call. As Wadou is resting by his side, he played the tune.
For those that sleep on the seas...
---
When Sanji's figure appeared on that night, Brook was down to one knee and bowed gently.
"Good evening, Sanji-san."
Not even once getting up from his position, Brook greeted.
"Good evening, Brook." He replied his greetings too. Brook had feared Sanji might have not appear tonight, but apparently his connection to the song was more than his initially thought.
"I would like to show you something," The swordsman pulled Wadou from his side, and showed her to his friend. "Do you... remember anything?"
Sanji's eyes widen on seeing her, surges of images flashed into his mind.
And he remembers.
---
Brook half expected Sanji to began deteriorating again, but instead- he's not. His appearence was normal, he's not overreacting this time; but,
Sanji cried.
"I remember now," He said. "I'm dead, aren't I?"
Brook looked at those blue eyes, overflowed with transparent-looking tears. But never once, those eyes showed sorrow.
"Yes,"
His friend sobbed again. He recognized Wadou; he recognized his tie. He remembered everything. As he touched her hilt; wrapped by his tie, moving through the blades- even through his hand was passing through, he mouthed his friend's name. "Zoro..."
"Did he completed your request?"
If Brook has suspected right, Sanji's last request was having Zoro to kill him.
"Yes, he did." Sanji replied, this time with a smile. He was still crying. "He fulfilled my last request. I was not sure because I can't remember, but now I do-"
During his tears, Brook had noticed Sanji's eyebrow changed direction again. But other than that, he was staying the same as he was.
"I'm glad he did," He choked a sob. "I'm glad everyone is doing well."
"I'm glad to hear that you're glad."
"Thank you, Brook. I meant it, Thank you."
As the moonlight shine brighter, Sanji's form engulfed in it and disappeared.
---
For those that sleep on the seas
The lullaby is the Sea Moon.
Children who do not wake from their dreams
We don't wake them
---
Brook had returned her by the morning, as promised.
"Thank you, Zoro-san." He bowed, offering her with his two hands. "I think I could feel the connection deeply now,"
Zoro took her back with his firm grip. He stopped a bit after lifting her, concentrating on something.
"No need to worry, for I think they're now content." Brook told him.
Upon finishing his small "meditation", Zoro put her back along with the other two by his sash. He smiled. "I'm going to go on and carry the dreams,"
"Not just you," Brook stated. "All of us, too."
Zoro nodded.
The two swordsmen then walked towards the galley to grab their breakfast. It was not the same as now they have to take turns cooking for their meals. But as long as the sea breeze blew, and the waves projected the sky.
For those that sleep on the seas, the dream gets carried on.