It's Not Much...

[dethorats]

Title: A Destiny Deferred
Pairing: Okay, if you squint you might get Shanks and Ben but probably not really
Rating: PG
Word Count: 299
Note: I played fast and loose with Norse mythology so er, this probably doesn't make too much sense.



It guarded the island, drawn by bonds of fate. The Sea was a fickle goddess, bestowing gifts that came at a heavy cost. The Sea Monster came from the uncharted wilds of the Grand Line into the mellow waters of East Blue. This island had no distinguishing features, nothing to set it apart. Its fishing grounds were soon wiped clean of larger species by the creature’s predation and ships learned to be wary when approaching the shore.

Dragon-prowed and flying a rogue’s colors, the ship sailed into port with little care for the island’s unwanted guardian. Its red-maned captain had even dared to feed the beast, tossing choice tidbits over the side and calling out to the monster as if it were kin. A brave man, a scion of the pirate era, and a foolhardy one if the frowns and rebukes from the tall, dark man by his side were any way to judge. The Sea Monster could smell the Sea on them, on the bounty they carried with them into town. The moment it had been born for had arrived.

Slavering jaws and eyes glowing with the Sea’s rage bore down on the young child, threatening to make sure that he could not escape. Even as he thrashed, struggling against the wide wet arms of the ocean, the Sea Monster approached to swallow him down. Teeth like knives, strong enough to break through iron, closed and tore through flesh. But it was not the destined boy whose blood dyed the waves crimson. A gaze more fierce than its own drove the beast away and it retreated to bide its time. One day the eater of the forbidden fruit would venture forth again and his protector would not be there. And the Sea and its creature would have vengeance.

Comments

[rab-rumrunner.livejournal.com]

It made sense to me. And I like your idea a lot.

[shuraiya.livejournal.com]

Hot damn. Em, this was really powerful, I loved it. ♥

[orange-smaug.livejournal.com]

I'm not as familiar with Norse mythology (something I'll have to remedy!), but this was interesting to read anyway. What is it based off of?

[(Anonymous)]

It's primarily based off of elements of the story of Fenris Wolf and Tyr, with bits and pieces of other myths thrown in. I've always liked Norse mythology because of the idea of Ragnarok and that all the gods will die. It's kind of fatalistic in spite of the fact that hope is supposed to win out in the end, with humanity emerging from chaos able to support themselves without any need for deities.

[yuki-kokoro.livejournal.com]

I really like this take on the Shanks saving Luffy moment, as well as the fact that Shanks fed it on the way in. Even though I'm not familiar with the Norse aspects of it.