"I saw a ghost!"
Surprised, Marguerite looked up from the report she was composing. Her comrades Sweet Pea and Aphelandra also paused in harvesting fruit from the groves.
Across from her, a small child of the Kuja named Loosa hopped excitedly up and down. Her tiny hands were pressed against the trunk of a fallen tree, and she kicked her heels with every exuberant hop, looking from one adult to another in high spirits.
Marguerite couldn't help but smile at this sight. It would seem someone needed attention. She closed the logbook and crossed her arms over it, leaning forward. "Oh, really?" The blonde threw a quick glance at her friends to let them know she would handle this. Both women grinned in turn as they got back to their assigned tasks. "And what did it look like, this ghost of yours?" she asked in a mock serious voice.
"It was white!" Loosa insisted, still bouncing in one spot but obviously delighted someone was listening to her tale. "And spooky. It had a big ring around its head, and it was very tall…"
"Taller than Aphelandra?" The Kuja warrior interrupted, pointing at her giant colleague, who clapped hands to her cheeks and made a show of looking distressed at the thought.
The girl shook her head so hard her whole body went with it. "No!" She arched backwards for a second and came upright with a grin. "Just tall. And white and… it floated… and…"
Apparently their little storyteller had run out of steam and was now concentrating on jumping in place again. Marguerite took this opportunity to get back to business. Children of the Kuja were allowed time to play, but adults must need tend to their duties. Row upon row of fruit trees spread out beyond them. They had already garnered a tidy crop before lunchtime by her estimate. Friendly domesticated monkeys were used to load and transport the wagons. Maybe another half hour, and she judged it to be sufficient for their needs. Then it would be back to town.
Though shameful to admit, Marguerite was looking forward to getting her assignment over with.
This sort of bland work detail never used to bother her. But since encountering the man-pirate Strawhat Luffy a year ago, the young woman's bones throbbed with the desire to prove her mettle in battle and thereby sail under the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock's flag. Kuja culture prized strength above all else. While taking part in community activities was necessary for the island to flourish, only by distinguishing oneself in combat could you ever hope to earn that honor. Not all members of her fearsome all-female race roamed the seas. Only the strongest warriors claimed such a role, having proven their valor fighting in the arena against perilous adversaries both woman and beast.
Still, it wasn't like she could just go gallivanting off in search of adventure like little Loosa here. Only kids had that leisure. Those left behind on Amazon Lily made contributions to the wellbeing of the island's population in their own ways. In the past Marguerite approached such tasks with as much zeal as any member of her tribe. Nowadays, however, she found herself more eager than ever to taste adventure beyond what day-to-day life in her homeland had to afford. Rounds of competition were already underway this morning, and if she wanted a chance to distinguish herself, it didn't pay to miss any opportunity available.
A wistful smile crossed her lips as she scribbled down numbers. This much fruit must mean Empress Hancock would be practicing to make another smorgasbord for the sake of Luffy while he was training. They hadn't had a chance to speak since his self-imposed isolation on Rusukaina began. She hoped the strange and wonderful Rubber Man was strengthening himself under Rayleigh's tutelage. Marguerite intended to do the same, so that when he embarked on the return voyage to Sabondy Archipelago, she would be permitted to accompany him.
"Where did you see this ghost, then, Loosa?" Sweet Pea called as she settled down another basket in their growing collection.
The girl had sprawled over the log limp as a snake, but her head came up when she remembered her reason for being here. "Near the caves."
The pen halted in its scratching.
All three women now looked at one another in alarm. Swiftly Marguerite settled down her book and knelt across from Loosa. "You know you're not supposed to be there now, right?" she warned. "It's still the breeding season. We mustn't disturb the snakes." As she spoke her own reptile weapon Asiago unwound from around her waist and peered over Marguerite's shoulder, sensing his partner's distress. "This is a very delicate time for them. Promise you won't go back there, alright?"
"I promise." Chagrined, the child scuffed bare feet through the dirt morosely.
That should have been the end of it. Just a youngling looking to have fun and making up stories. But for some reason, Marguerite found herself perturbed at this revelation. She bent over to lock eyes with the small child. "Did you really see something up there, Loosa?"
The girl nodded back assuredly.
Marguerite drew upright, placing a finger to her chin in thought. There shouldn't be anyone near the caves at this time except the assigned guards, whom everyone knew by sight. No chance of this being a case of mistaken identity. Aphelandra and Sweet Pea took note of her distress and came over to confer. "What do you think?" the heavyset warrior asked, fists on her prodigious hips and face worked in a frown. "Should we check it out?"
"Maybe just to let the guards know," shapely Aphelandra suggested, bending down to be on a closer level to her tiny partners.
Marguerite looked between them. "Alright. We'll pop in and make certain nothing's wrong." She turned once more to Loosa. "I need you to head back to the city and tell the adults what you saw. Also let them know the three of us have gone to investigate. Understand?"
"Yes." Without another word the kid sped off into the jungle. Child or no, she was a Kuja, and they took orders seriously.
With that the trio of warriors stole away, racing over paths and leaping from one tree limb to another. Everywhere the sounds of the jungle filled their ears, hot and alive with danger. Marguerite managed to take the lead despite Aphelandra's clear advantage in terms of stride. She sprang from branch to fallen tree trunk, taking note of certain arcane marks left about to give warning that they were approaching restricted territory: the Den of Serpents.
Kuja Amazons had long ago formed a bond with the clever and malleable reptiles that called this island their home ages before humans set foot upon it. Legend told of the first female settlers defending the snakes against terrible winged foes who descended from the moon in search of eggs, which they believed to be holy icons of their homeland. In return for help in protecting their children, the serpent population became stalwart allies in battle and helped their human neighbors build a new way of life. That alliance enabled both to flourish 'til this very day. Amazons took any threat against the residents of their land seriously, be they limbed or not.
The sound of rushing water became audible. Soon after Marguerite spied a break in the trees. At length she came upon fallen rocks and sheets of slate where the island's abundant flora simply stopped. The jungle had reached its natural end. Before them now reared sheer cliffs that formed the vast mountain interior of Amazon Lily. Surrounded by a ring of lush tropical vegetation, these sweeping heights served as a natural barrier to guard the women's fortress nestled within its hollow core. Ancient stonemasons had carved the highest reaches into the forms of tremendous serpent heads as a warning to any who might approach unawares.
Somewhere deep below those impressive peaks, subterranean fires heated a huge underground water source blasting to the surface. This deluge came bursting out of a hole in the side of the mountain wall, cascading down the rocks to form Amazon Lily's mightiest river. The rough and wild rapids passed over a smaller hill like a giant stepping stone before descending to finally reach the jungle floor and on to meet the ocean. Far too savage to use as a means of transport, the whitewater rapids were considered a deadly peril and avoided for the most part. But atop this towering hill platform with its small patch of jungle was the Den of Serpents, where the island's snake population made their lair. Here when the time was right the reptiles went to join and produce offspring. That time was now. By this point the eggs would have been laid. It was the trickiest period for the serpents, and any disturbance would not be tolerated.
Marguerite drew up short. Sweet Pea and Aphelandra soon joined her. At a nod from her fellows, the giant beauty picked them both up. Cradled against her bikini-clad chest, she vaulted up the side of the cliff. Their titanic friend's unmatched height and great strength saw them scaling the mountainside far faster than had they been forced to go it alone. In just a few minutes she had reached the raised jungle plateau to place them down. Once more Marguerite took the lead on their way towards the caves.
Without realizing it, she had removed Asiago and curled him into bow form to prepare for battle. The blond maiden couldn't rightly say why this precaution seemed so necessary. All three could take care of themselves in case of real trouble, and likely they would just find some puzzled guards wondering what the ruckus might be about. Still, a warrior's instincts were not to be discounted.
The jungle held many dangers. But none could end your life quicker than carelessness.
They were only a minute away from their destination when sharp-eyed Sweet Pea gave a shout and pointed. Ahead a splash of color had drawn her attention. Marguerite recognized the bright green cloaks assigned to those on Den guard duty. Their comrade was resting with her back against a tree, one arm crooked to hold a spear in her grip.
"Oi!" she called. "Uri Ali, is that you? It's Ma–"
As they came close, Sweet Pea blanched. Aphelandra gave a gasp, hands flying to her mouth. Marguerite nearly bit her tongue as the sight before them caused her teeth to clamp shut.
Uri Ali, for that was indeed who it was, did not respond to them. She was dead. Her eyes stared straight ahead, jaws clenched and red. Arrows protruded through both shoulders to pin the older woman upright against the bole of the tree.
But it was the manner in which she had died that caused the three girls to freeze in momentary shock. Uri had been cut open. Her chest was split down the middle, starting at the throat and proceeding all the way down. Blood spilled across every inch of skin from stomach to calves. Flies and other insects were already feasting upon all these exposed viscera, the carrion feeders of the jungle having their way with the brave Amazon's remains.
Marguerite wrenched her head away from the almost hypnotic butchery. Her gorge rose, and she had to force it down. Kind-hearted Aphelandra was not so lucky; she could hear the big girl being violently sick overhead. After a few seconds Sweet Pea touched her arm. She looked at the pig-tailed fighter, eyes grim and mouth set in a defiant frown. "We need to find who did this now," Sweet Pea stated.
Her friend gave an affirmative nod. Black eyes spelled out a sentence of death for whoever was behind this atrocity. Off to one side Aphelandra came upright wiping a hand across her mouth. "Sorry. Let's go," was all she said.
This situation went beyond a mere desire to see action. Now out for blood, the three headed towards the caves.
It was less than a hundred yards off. But on their way through the jungle, they came across two more dead. One of them lay slung over a large protruding tree root, arms dangling loosely. Her half-severed head hung from a spare inch of muscle and skin. The next was close by, though they located her arms and legs before they found the body. Whether she died as a result of the amputations or from the thin hole that pierced straight through the roof of her mouth was unclear. Her expression suggested the latter. At least three other guards should have been in attendance. Marguerite couldn't rid herself of the thought that their corpses lay strewn elsewhere.
At last they reached the tree line. Here the mountain's face greeted them once more. Not far off the rapids went roaring and churning by. And further up the slope, safely removed from all but the most ardent predators, was the Den. A large hole with a shelf of protruding rock overhead penetrated the cliff face. Year after year, determined serpents braved the heights in their struggle to reach this secluded spot. Within those lightless depths the females were busily tending to their species' next generation. It was a holy rite that symbolized strength and solidarity, traits which the Kuja held dear.
Being far too large to wield a living bow, Aphelandra unclipped from her belt a snake-headed war hammer with an iron ball clenched between its jaws. Her colleagues had already strung arrows as they made their approach. None had missed the telltale droplets of blood which led upwards from the forest edge to reach that cavern. What they saw on the way here failed to discourage them. It was time to fight!
Marguerite slipped soundlessly forward on soft leather shoes. Her eyes remained locked on the cave, but senses long attuned to the perils of the jungle remained alert. She could hear Aphelandra's footfalls, impossible to hide completely, overridden by the ever-present roar of the river. All three girls made as little noise as possible on their approach. Nothing was discounted.
A shadow passed briefly over the sun, accompanied by a slight whoosh, and without hesitation the two archers spun and fired while the giantess swung her mace with a shout.
"C-CRAA-NE!"
Marguerite had another arrow notched and ready to fly as she dashed to one side. Taking aim, she found herself momentarily taken aback by the target itself.
What was that thing?
As Aphelandra continued to pursue the aerial menace, which bobbed and flapped in its efforts to evade both her and any incoming arrows, its form became clear. Their enemy proved to be a large white bird with long legs, pointed beak and an almost serpentine neck. Perhaps some type of crane? At first this was all Marguerite could make out, but after a time, something else became clear. The bird had a rider. Wearing a deep blue cloak reminiscent of the Kuja, it separated itself from them by also sporting black gloves, fluffy pantaloons and a powder-blue cambric overcoat with polished black boots. A cavalier hat with a great plume perched atop its head. This odd creature balanced on its mount's back while whirling a tremendous double-headed spear in defense of both.
All this was peculiar enough. But to make matters worse, two long white ears arose from the top of its hat. And unless her eyes deceived her, their attacker had the head of… a rabbit?
Despite the best efforts of all three warriors, the targets remained aloft. The determined young woman drew a shaft to her cheek, imbuing it with haki as she did. Asiago bunched his long muscular body to pull the bowstring taut. Both partners released the arrow to streak with the speed and power of a cannonball. Yet as it approached, the rabbit cavalier lashed out with its spear, deftly deflecting the incoming missile before it could find its mark in the winged steed's breast.
"CRAY! That was close!"
Marguerite narrowed her eyes. Did the bird just talk?
Loosa's description came back to her suddenly. And yes, seen standing atop the bird's back, the duo would appear quite tall. Plus they were both white, minus the clothes. The rabbit's plumed hat resembled a cloud of smoke, the wide brim like a ring around its head. And they were clearly skilled fighters, having successfully avoided all attacks sent at them.
But could these two have taken out half a dozen Kuja guards so effectively and… cruelly?
This feels wrong.
All of a sudden the duo of crane and rider swooped down to land on solid stony ground. The bird then came racing at Sweet Pea and Marguerite astonishingly fast. Its rabbit accomplice slashed with double-pronged spear as they shot by, forcing both women to spring aside. When they recovered and took aim, the monstrous animals had already come around for another charge. Aphelandra now took up position behind them ready to deliver a crushing blow. The opposing forces prepared to clash.
Then with an almost comical squawk, the bird skidded to a halt so fast its rider was launched off its perch. The rabbit-monster saved itself from falling by hooking the haft of its spear around its partner's neck and holding on with both hands. This desperate act nearly caused both of them to collapse. For a few seconds they hopped and swung around, cursing in strange voices.
Like this they should have been easy targets. Yet none of the Kuja took advantage of that fact. Their eyes were drawn towards the opening of the Den as something came forth. It wasn't a ghost that emerged from the darkness, though Loosa could have been forgiven for believing such.
It was a snake.
A white snake, unbelievably tall and weaving slightly from side to side. It had a great flared hood wider than a full-grown woman, the mark of a cobra, with red eyes that throbbed a subdued crimson. Marguerite and her allies stood petrified as this unearthly form drew out into the light of day and came to a halt.
Only then did she recognize the creature was human. The 'hood' transformed into a round hat with an unbelievably wide brim. Red eyes proved to be nothing more than scarlet flowers in a crown around its center. This colossal cap was so immense it prevented one from seeing anything about the face beneath it. Waves of light-blue hair fell well past slender shoulders. Marguerite could clearly make out a feminine form now, but the impression of a snake didn't leave her. This was almost entirely attributable to the length of the lady's neck, which stretched up to heights that hardly seemed possible. A black choker wound around that tree-trunk throat with what looked to be two red hearts tattooed just below it. There remained a haunting aspect to this phantom's appearance. She had the pallor of a corpse, with skin that might have been called fair on a figure less cold. The towering woman wore a full-length white dress that reached to her ankles with a red beaded sash wrapped around her waist. A sheath well over eight feet long was strapped to her right hip.
Standing there staring at this looming oddity, the most disquieting sensation descended on Marguerite. It felt as though she had reverted to a child. This wasn't a question of height. Marguerite knew several people who stood well above her own average frame; Aphelandra, for example, and the exalted Boa sisters Marigold and Sandersonia. Those last two filled her with awe, as was befitting royalty. But none of them had ever cowed her to this extent. Made her seem… small. Inconsequential. Immature, even. Like an underage girl no bigger than Loosa being confronted by a full-grown adult. Worse enough was the air of deadly peril which hung around that relaxed form, who looked no more perturbed at finding herself in the midst of pitched battle than were she out collecting flowers.
It was this idea that finally allowed Marguerite to notice the large wicker basket held in the crook of the long-limbed lady's arm. It was piled high with eggs. And in the other hand there rested an oversized sword that only someone of those astonishing proportions could wield effectively. Blood of an inhuman shade shone all along its steel.
They're stealing the eggs!
Despite this realization, she couldn't make a move to stop them. Unbeknownst to Marguerite her two comrades were experiencing the same sense of inadequacy as herself. The Amazon trio could only stare at this unearthly apparition. Smoke drifted around the lady's head. The arm holding the basket lifted up an end of that crimson sash, at which point she slid her prodigious weapon between its folds to wipe the blade clean, all trace of blood disappearing into those scarlet depths before returning to its scabbard. She then reached up to her hidden face. Delicate fingers came away holding a cigarette.
"Randolph," a low voice spoke. "Didn't I tell you only women are permitted to set foot on this isle?"
The rabbit warrior had reclaimed his spot on the bird's back by this point. "My apologies," Randolph said in grave tones, then pointed at the crane. "He made me do it."
"BASTARD!" The bird's head spun around in outrage. "You said it wouldn't make any difference! Liar! LI-AAAR!"
Both noticed at the same time their mistress appeared to be staring at them. The argument died in a set of guilty gulps, and with a few beats of his wings, the crane went airborne once more.
With the woman's attention off her Marguerite managed to take a shuddering breath. Her body acted on reflex then, drawing an arrow from her quiver. She bent back the bow until Asiago hissed in her ear. Shameful trembling made the arrow tip waver in a clumsy fashion as it pointed at the enemy commander. "H–"
The demon lady's posture turned once more until they faced one another. Further words caught in Marguerite's throat. She bit her cheek hard, hoping pain would get things working properly. The swordswoman's attention drifted away from her once again.
It felt ridiculous aiming a weapon at this monster. Marguerite was panting so hard she feared passing out. Cold sweat dripped down her sides. Remember what brought you here! The snakes are in danger. They murdered our people. Don't let them get away with this!
"HEY!" she finally bellowed, drawing in a shocked gasp at the same time as though a bubble had popped around her. Doing so seemed to fix whatever was wrong. Now a focused calm settled in, allowing her to take more careful aim. As if sensing this, the cobra-woman stilled and came back around.
"I AM MARGUERITE OF THE KUJA!" She could feel her teammates' fighting spirits now coming to life on either side, their strength serving to bolster hers. "You have slain our kin and trespassed in the domain of the Pirate Empress! Surrender yourself and the eggs you have stolen, or we will show you no mercy!"
The hand holding the cigarette slipped beneath the hat brim and came back empty. A stream of smoke blew out on a quiet exhalation.
"Randolph…"
Both animals flew closer to answer this summons. As they did, she held up the basket, which the crane grasped in one talon by the handle.
"Hold this for me. I'll deal with them."
"Of course, Lady Amande," the rabbit intoned. He and his partner then flapped up higher, bearing the stolen eggs into the sky. They circled around the confrontation with seemingly no intention of interfering.
Amande took a slow step forward, then another. As she did her left hand slid towards the sword handle.
The Kuja archers gave no further warning. They fired while Aphelandra bounded forward and swung her weapon.
"Adagio…"
Two arrows shattered stone, something brushed against Marguerite's cheek, and Sweet Pea screamed.
"…Tempo."
Marguerite whipped around. For a moment she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her partner still stood in the position of having just loosed a shaft. But behind her now there loomed the demon lady. She had placed a hand on Sweet Pea's shoulder as though to steady her, and with the other she was plunging that immense sword straight down into the spot where neck met shoulder. It was clearly not intended to be an imperceptible cut. The blade went in slowly, almost like it was in search of something.
Sweet Pea twisted in an effort to escape only to let loose another howl as the blade cut even wider as a result. If she moved at all, she would be maimed. Furious, Marguerite reached to string another arrow, only to realize with dismay that her bowstring had snapped in two. When she reached up to touch one cheek her hand came away with a smear of blood. Mouth wide in shock, she looked back at Amande. Did she…?
In desperation Sweet Pea thrust her bow blindly over one shoulder. The intelligent serpent moved to snap at their attacker's throat, however all the demon woman did was tilt her sword, drawing a scream from the bulky fighter even as her serpent partner found itself biting down on a razor-sharp edge. Before it could let go Amande simply reached over to grasp the snake's head and proceeded to pull languorously back, moving with the slow elegance of a cellist drawing a bowstring across her instrument. The valiant serpent could do nothing more than squirm as it was sliced in half.
An awesome roar sounded. With it came Aphelandra, her beautiful face savage from fury. Despite this rage she maintained her sanity, for rather than aiming a blow that would assuredly kill Sweat Pea too, she lashed out with one huge hand in an effort to snatch up the assassin coldly murdering her friend.
Amande vanished. Like smoke in a breeze she simply faded away, leaving the giantess to grasp hold of nothing while Sweet Pea collapsed pressing both hands to her wound.
A spare string halfway nocked, Marguerite raced to be with her friends. Where on earth did the witch go? She didn't know how any of what just took place could have really happened or even what she was feeling right now. Could it be fear? Or simple helplessness. It was like they were a bunch of novices trying to subdue an experienced fighter in the ring. Aphelandra spun wildly in search of a target. Then she noticed Sweet Pea, and a look of panic settled over her soft features as she knelt beside their fallen friend. "Are you–?"
She never finished the sentence. Without warning the titanic maiden's head snapped back, spine arching while both mouth and eyes went wide with shock. Her jaw moved up and down as choked utterances emerged. The war hammer slipped free to hit the ground with a boom.
At first Marguerite couldn't tell what might be wrong. Only as she sped closer did a flash of white offer an explanation. It was agony to change course from the seriously injured Sweet Pea. But when the frantic blonde slid to a halt beside her largest teammate, it became obvious which of them was in more serious danger. For there, crouched back to back holding onto a strand of spear-long hair, was Amande. Her sword slid infinitely slow between Aphelandra's shoulder blades, twisting as it did, like a small but no less deadly pin heading towards the young woman's heart. Large hands sought in vain to reach that far but couldn't quite make it.
With a shout of pure loathing she shot an arrow at that cruel form. In response Amande disappeared once more as the shaft came to rest in a thick mass of hair. Aphelandra nearly collapsed but stayed upright by hastily pressing a hand against the earth. There was a wheezing sound to her breathing as though she were unable to draw in enough air.
Marguerite watched her friend's suffering in dismay. What kind of monster was this? Two of us down in under a minute. She's beating us so easily.
A stab of fear, as real as any sound or smell, saw her notch an arrow in a split-second and spin around to take aim as the figure of Amande took shape only a few yards away. With casual slowness the invader once more reached up to wipe any trace of blood off on her sash, beads clacking together faintly as the length of fabric dropped down.
Marguerite's pulse pounded from fright and adrenaline. A strange sort of clarity came over the Kuja Amazon. She could hear the roar of the nearby river, feel a breeze against her skin, detect the sunlight shining off the bared sword that she knew would soon end her life. Overhead Aphelandra tightened one giant hand into a fist and glared at their opponent. Beside them Sweet Pea had clambered upright and pulled a knife from her belt to stand in battle readiness. They were prepared to take on this monster come what may. In response Amande took a step forward to renew the assault without regard for their heroics. Marguerite felt the unfamiliar sensation of despair stealing up on her.
We can't stop her. What can I do?
A shadow flew over the ground. Looking up, Marguerite spotted the crane-rider Randolph circling above keeping a watchful eye on his mistress. Seeing him, realization shot through her brain like lightning.
They're not here for us!
Quick as a flash she jerked her bow up and fired. The crane gave a squawk of alarm when the arrow shot towards it. Randolph lashed out with his spear to block the incoming missile, but even as he did his partner wobbled in midair, involuntary panic causing it to loosen its hold of the egg basket. The bird frantically flapped in a circle for a few seconds, its rabbit rider shouting and waving his arms to keep from falling. In desperation Randolph reached out and grabbed the bird by the neck, causing it to utter a choked, "CRAY!"
As it did, the basket came free.
Amande's hat twisted around to spy its fall. Marguerite didn't care. A mere glance at Aphelandra was all she needed. They were Kuja. They looked after one another, limbless or not.
So with no need for words, the huge warrior picked up her friend and threw.
Aphelandra's aim was true. Marguerite soared through the air straight at the basket. She snagged its handle before it had fallen more than ten feet. At the same time Asiago wrapped around her wrist and went soaring up high as he could. His jaws barely managed to clamp around the crane's splayed foot.
"C-CRANE!"
Her view of the world whirled about like she was rolling downhill while the bird spun in midair, plummeting earthward from their extra weight. Marguerite had a half-formed plan of drawing Amande and company away from her friends with what was clearly the real reason for their being here. She had no idea what a creature like that could want with the snakes' eggs, but she wasn't about to find out. If it was just possible to keep the madwoman occupied until reinforcements could arrive, they might have a chance. Her current predicament depended entirely on how low they dropped before someone took note.
Marguerite looked up in time to see Randolph stick his head over the side and jab down at them with his spear. Asiago curved to avoid the thrust. To her horror, the sudden jerk of movement caused the basket to slip through her fingers. An attempt to hook it with her foot failed. She watched that precious cargo plummet, breath catching in her throat. Please…
The great basket fell to land right in the river. For a moment she felt certain that was the end, it would sink and be lost. But then to her mingled relief and horror the woven craft bobbed up and went twisting down the churning waterway, heading downstream at rapid speed.
Marguerite didn't stop to think. She just let go.
Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, the crane's wild ride had already taken her across the river to the other side. Marguerite landed in a patch of giant ferns and rolled as best she could. Panic caused her to leap up and go tearing along the riverbed, ripping through branches and dodging trees as best she could. The basket, where is it…?!
THERE! To her abject relief the eggs were still being carried along and had not overturned. But unless she reached them soon that wouldn't stay true for long. The rapids emptied out in a great cataract not far ahead to reach the forest floor. Unless she could rescue them before they got that far, a whole generation of snakes might die because of her carelessness. I can't let that happen!
Wild though the river may be, Marguerite proved swifter. She powered along its course with all the strength and spirit she had available. In no time she had caught up to the basket, and then left it far behind. Past experience told her something lay up ahead that just might mean salvation. A mighty tree had fallen across the river from the other side and now hung partly submerged. It very nearly reached all the way across. If she could leap that far, it might be possible to grab the eggs before they could pass beneath.
Elation at this discovery quickly turned to fear as she spotted a white shape slipping along through the trees on the opposite side of the river. It remained indistinct, but she knew exactly who it was.
Marguerite strove not to think about that. Only one thing mattered: save the eggs!
In no time at all she had reached the fallen forest giant. Without giving herself a chance to realize how crazy this was the Amazon curved slightly off to her right and then went charging back at the river. With a wild yell she leaped off, aiming for that thick perch dark with water. It came speeding towards her, brutal and unforgiving as the torrent below. Marguerite could have sworn she had overestimated her jump and was about to go splashing into the river where she would probably drown.
But instead she landed cat-like on the slippery surface. Frantically the Amazon judged the position of the incoming basket and scrambled over to what she hoped was the correct spot. She then lay down on the trunk and reached out her hand, teeth gritted and striving to hold on. It would pass by in just a few seconds. If the current shifted too much, or it went by too fast…
"Legato Gavotte."
The wooden bridge gave an audible groan as it was cut clean through.
Moments later the great tree trunk dropped like a stone into the churning stream. Marguerite came sputtering up spitting out water after it rebounded to the surface. She clawed her way to the top of this shaking support as it was buffeted back and forth by the current. Once reasonably secure, she cast a desperate glance upstream. By some miracle the basket remained afloat and still bouncing along behind despite all the perils that lay in its path.
It was only then she realized something far more dangerous had joined her. Marguerite looked over towards the truncated end of the fallen tree. Sure enough, Amande came walking towards her along its length. That blinding speed from before was absent. Maybe she couldn't afford to use it under these risky conditions? Regardless the demon woman moved as though still on dry land, calm and regal with no trace of hesitation. Her blade rose on high, and the Kuja warrior reached for the knife at her belt.
All of a sudden Amande plunged the tip of her sword into the tree trunk and just stood there, the brim of that huge hat hiding everything from view.
Perplexed, Marguerite stared at her for a moment before looking downstream. Then with a gasp she unsheathed her knife and buried it deep into the wood, holding on for dear life.
Just in time, as their leafy ship slammed with bone-crushing force into a huge fence of boulders that stuck out of the river's edge right before it became a waterfall. The tree lodged there and refused to budge even with all the enormous water pressure now straining against its trunk.
Marguerite peered about in a daze. Her body ached horribly. She glanced off to one side and was momentarily mystified at the sight before her. Everything's so small. Far below them, the river fell hundreds of feet to form a roiling cloud of mist that hid it from view before rushing onward. She could see the ocean from here, catch the call of seabirds circling overhead.
When she turned back around it was to find herself confronted by Amande. Any dread this might have engendered was subsumed by a swift realization. The eggs…! She turned her head, and there they were, just a few yards away and rushing at them with the current's matchless force. Can't reach it in time!
Without even looking Amande hold out her great sword at arm's length and dipped it towards the river. As if guided by water sprites the basket handle slipped right over it upon approach, and in the same easy motion she lifted the container up to slide down the blunt end of the blade, slowing until it came to rest comfortably in the crook of one arm. Amande transferred her weapon back into her dominant hand and leveled its point right at Marguerite.
The Kuja fighter sat back panting with legs tucked up and arms resting against the wet bark. Her knife was sunk too deep into the wood to pull out. She was dripping wet from the spray, shock rendering her immobilized. From this angle she finally got a good look at the face of her destroyer. A cigarette was still held between full pert lips. Hoops made of gold hung off both ears. Disinterested pale eyes gazed down from a beautiful face that defied any attempt to guess its age. There was no trace of emotion to be found at all there: not eagerness, nor excitement, not even condemnation. Amande appeared more lifeless than the people she had murdered. It almost came as a surprise when her lips parted, and she spoke.
"Are you ready?"
The sword point hung perfectly still before her breast. Marguerite stared at it, then flicked a glance all around. She raised her head. Black eyes that held nothing but calm conviction locked with the demon lady's chilly orbs.
"Take your time," was all she said.
"I plan to."
The tip pressed in, and Marguerite gritted her teeth.
BOOM!
Something slammed into the tree trunk with the force of a missile. Amande staggered as the bole split behind her in a burst of splinters. As she did Asiago came bursting out of the water. At the same time Marguerite kicked the demon woman's long shins as hard as she could. Amande's arms flung out, and that horrible creature pitched off the edge of oblivion. A clutch of eggs was tossed up to spiral over the edge of the waterfall as the basket flew into the air.
Without hesitation Marguerite leapt after them. Time seemed to stop. The wickerwork frame hung there, in danger of losing more of its precious cargo. Her arm stretched out, and she caught it by the handle even as Asiago's tail encircled her wrist. Amande was directly below them. She saw when the monster drew back her sword arm. That enormous blade swept out, aiming to cleave through the Kuja warrior's neck even while plummeting to her death.
Too slow. It passed a bare inch from her exposed throat. The world restarted, and Marguerite watched as the white lady shot straight down, a broad hat leaving her head moments before she was swallowed up by plumes of mist to be lost forever.
For a few minutes the Kuja warrior just hung there. She looked up and spied Asiago had wound his neck around an outthrust branch that kept them a short distance from the inexhaustible force of water roaring right past her face. Their situation did not look good. With him being so slippery there was little chance she could climb up while keeping a sufficient grip on the basket. She could feel him struggling to maintain his hold on her and the limb in this predicament. Unless someone came for them soon, they would be joining Amande down below.
"OI! MARGUERITE!"
When she craned her head around it was to find Sweet Pea and Aphelandra atop one side of the falls. The smaller woman had wrapped some tough vines around her midsection, which the giantess used to carefully hoist her down over the edge. Once they judged the distance to be sufficient, Aphelandra began to swing her carefully back and forth, gaining height as she did. Sweet Pea drew closer to their position with every oscillation so that soon enough she could see the ironclad determination on the other woman's face. Waiting on her savior, Marguerite could only hope she made it in time.
Her prayers were answered as the pony-tailed pendulum drew close enough to finally grasp hold of her. Asiago uncoiled himself at just the right moment, and they all went swinging back together, gradually coming to a halt at which point Aphelandra pulled them back up.
"Thanks," she breathed once back on firm ground. The two of them smiled at her, though blood continued to stream down their bodies. She laid the basket down with great reverence and examined the contents. Precious few seemed to be cracked. She couldn't say how many eggs had been lost below. Though a terrible blow to the serpent community, it could have been far worse.
Scouts found them in under thirty minutes. After delivering the eggs back to their rightful home and being tended to, the trio explained what took place. Of Randolph and his mount there was no sign. The damage was worse than they had believed, as it turned out Amande killed many of the snakes still in the den. They died protecting their young. She hadn't taken all the eggs, thankfully. The snake population would endure.
The Pirate Empress herself appeared after a time along with her sisters. They conferred with elders of both women and snakes, allowing all to understand what took place. Then she and a delegation of serpents approached the three warriors who went to their knees before that paragon of feminine perfection.
"You have protected our people," Boa Hancock said, placing a tender hand on the mouth of her own reptilian ally Salome, thus making it clear she included more than just humans in that statement. "The enemy was powerful, yet still you worked together to achieve victory. Our island owes you its thanks." The raven-haired beauty tilted her chin up in a gesture that had nothing to do with looking down on anyone. "Marguerite, Aphelandra, Sweet Tea, from this day onward, you shall sail together with me as Kuja Pirates."
On the verge of euphoria, all three looked between one another in confusion.
"What? You are not pleased by this?"
Nervously Sweet Pea gave a cough and mumbled, blushing, "Ummm… Hebihime-sama… it's 'Sweet Pea'… actually."
Hancock stared at her.
Then those beautiful eyes sparkled, and she placed a hand to rosy cheeks. "Please forgive me… because I am beautiful!"
"OF COURSE, HEBIHIME-SAMA!" the trio chorused together, thoroughly enchanted by a sight that no living being could possibly help but be affected by.
The Snake Princess went sweeping by to be joined by her sisters. Behind them the Kuja Pirates happily welcomed their newest members with rowdy rejoicing, thrilled to have such brave compatriots upon the seas.
Meanwhile the Boa sisters took no part in this celebration. They conferred together quietly, discussing what transpired this day and how it might affect their kingdom. Regardless of your position in this world, one did not kill the daughter of a Yonkou lightly.
"I still can't believe on an entire island of women, there isn't one single solitary mirror," the Crane scoffed. "That just sounds ridiculous!"
"Lady Brûlée knows her business," Randolph stated with assurance. He looked back at the island behind them. "Though we could return. It would be little trouble."
"No."
"He made me say it." He obediently turned away, his crane companion wisely choosing to hold his tongue as they flew on. "He made me say it. He made me say it. He… MADE me say it?"
Sitting side-saddle on the bird's back, 'Mad Moiselle' Amande examined the pile of eggs nestled inside her upturned hat. She had managed to save every last one without damaging any of them by the time Randolph caught her. This amount should be more than sufficient for Head Chef Streusen's needs. The ingredients called for snake eggs because they supposedly imparted a bit of venom that added kick to the waffles. As Randolph stated, they could have gone back for the rest. But enough time had already been spent on this mission, and Mama would not take kindly if her breakfast came late as a result.
Food collection was of the highest importance in the Charlotte family. It was their first time trying this particular recipe. If Mama liked it, she could always go back for more. That was the duty of children.
FIN.