Shivered Timbers
by Kaline Reine

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of the characters/settings. This is just a fanfiction story. I do own Shiori, she is my character. I also own a few other original characters in this story (not affiliated with One Piece), which will be introduced as they are needed.

WARNINGS: This story contains (or may contain) graphic adult content and language, explicit sex scenes, possible violence, gore, cursing, adult themes, etc. I do not censor my writing, but I do my best to warn people about the subject matter and potential subject matter. So if you don't like that kind of thing or can't handle it, then I suggest not reading this story. You have been warned. Also, I know this doesn't follow canon but it doesn't have to, that's why it's a fanfic. xD

Also... The beautiful cover image for this story is by my friend, EzariaUmiko on DeviantArt. All credit for the image goes to her. c:

Chapter 39: A Storm's Fury: Arashikari!

Their noses nearly touched, as the kitten skidded to a halt just before the massive creature... A gigantic sabre-toothed lioness glared down at her.

Long strands of lavender hair with darker violet-tipped ends cascaded from her head and shoulders. Her plum colored fur was accented with cream swirl markings forming an intricate diamond along her back, where several quartz crystals could be seen shining brightly. Ice frosted the crystals, lending them even more of a glow. She had several vivid ice blue feathers in her hair, as well as some that protruded from the ends of some beaded ribbons woven around the crystals embedded in her back. She had some smaller crystals along her legs and a few heavily polished rounded ones adorned her forehead. Over-sized canines extended from either side of her powerful jaw like twin ivory daggers.

The beast's ice blue eyes scrutinized her every movement, narrowing, piercing, even seeming to follow her breath in and out of her chest. The storm raged outside and Shiori could see clearly that something raged within her too. It was also clear that she was no normal mortal beast, but something else entirely. The creature let out an impossibly terrifying growl. The low menacing rumble shook her to her core, and made her want to flee in terror. But her concern for her friend kept the Valkyrie's feet firmly in place.

She noticed there was something more to the ice column than she'd originally thought. The lioness was standing in front of it, as if guarding it in some sense, and in the very center, something shiny gleamed in the light. It was curved and pointed. Was it... a sword?

'Could it be...?'

Before she had time to truly ponder the various questions that raced through her mind and all of their implications, the gigantic feline creature bowed her head regally. The lioness's nose was nearly as blue as her eyes, and she gently nudged the kitten away with it. She then licked along her sabre teeth and let out a vicious snarl. Vanora squeaked and scampered back to her friend, hiding behind Shiori's legs.

"M-mew..."

Finally, she found her voice. "Wh-who are you?" The albino girl managed, shaking her hair out of her face bravely and looking the beast dead in the eye.

"I am only a spirit... A mere shadow of what I once was."

Her voice was haunting; alluring... It had a deep rich tone, something timeless about it. The lilting baritone rang out over the howling blizzard that raged on just outside, the contrast apparent as it echoed off the cavern's walls. The jewels along her forehead were lighting up as if by magic when she spoke, the one in the center radiating the tone outward as it lit the others with each successive echo.

Shiori hadn't even been expecting the animal to answer her back. She took a staggering step backward, shock running through her, shaking her to her core. It occurred to her that perhaps this feline creature was something similar to the strange willow tree spirit that she'd encountered as a child, but the lioness also seemed different somehow, although she couldn't put her finger on what it was exactly that made it appear so. She got the sense that if she dared to do anything at all, one false move was all it would take for her to die. And she would stand no chance at all against this kind of force. She knew nothing about it, but going by just her instincts her alone, she knew that much. She could feel the massive amount of power emanating from this creature. And something in the sabre cat's big slanted eyes told her it was true. Her terrifying growl made it even more obvious.

"Are you going to kill us?"

'Don't ask her that, baka!' Vanora chastised from her place behind her.

'I just want to know if those are her intentions...' Shiori sent her thoughts to her companion. 'If she's going to, I'd rather just get it over with quickly. I have no way to defend myself and it doesn't look like there's a way out anymore.'

The little cat went silent. There was nothing she could say to that. She knew the girl was tired of fighting when it was most likely a futile effort to begin with. She seemed so determinedly resigned to her fate, it was clear that there would be no swaying her. And she already knew that her friend had convictions of steel.

The lioness grunted, narrowing her eyes. "Many have stood before me, wondering the very same thing. Tell me, foolish human... Why should I not kill you?"

Shiori seemed to think about it for a moment. She hesitated, nearly choking on her answer several times before making up her mind. The lioness was encroaching upon them, licking her lips with hunger written everywhere; it was obvious even in her most minute of movements as she moved to encircle them.

"...You can."

She flinched, but was met with an amused smile rather than a bite, framed by the two ridiculously large ivory sabres. "Such a unique answer. Intriguing... Why... Why would you say that?"

Pink clashed with blue as their gazes locked in place, each being equally distrustful of the other's intent. The lioness was trying to read the girl, to sense her true intentions. She felt it as much as she saw it reflected in her eyes.

"There's probably nothing I can say that will change your mind anyway." Shiori's shoulders sank with a sigh of defeat, her own voice a dull monotone. "So it's fine. I only ask that you please not kill my friend, Vanora-chan."

"Why shouldn't I? Why should I bother to follow through with such an insidious request when I can easily take her life as soon as I've taken yours? You would be none the wiser."

A single tear flickered down Shiori's cheek, spilling from her right eye. "I would know it in my heart." Though her face remained expressionless.

There was a pause.

"What is it that you seek? Is there something you want, worthless girl?"

Ruby eyes flickered up to the column behind her, sight set on the strange object that shimmered there. She felt somehow drawn to it. There was something there that she wanted. And suddenly, the lioness's demeanor changed. She growled impatiently, sending yet another icy chill down her spine. Vanora was frozen in place, unable to move, due to fright or frost Shiori wasn't entirely sure. But neither of them moved even a single inch from where they were. Any sudden movements could send the beast reeling. It was common sense.

She searched deep within herself for the answer... "I seek only the truth."

She wanted to know whether what O'Hara had told her had been true at all. Was the treasure really already gone? What was her crew still doing on the island, if that were the case? Was Rita's sword truly the one she was after, the special legendary sword she had come here for? But more than that, she wanted to know what was in that column... Something was drawing her to it. What other secrets did the ice hide?

It made her wish for a moment that Ace was here. The ice wouldn't stand a chance against his powers... And after all, she knew all too well just how destructive flames could be. That weapon, whatever it was, could be hers in an instant. And maybe she could even use it to slay the fearsome beast in front of her, somehow.

"Countless people before you have come seeking this island's true treasure, just as I can see you have." The lioness dipped her head solemnly. "And countless have begged me for their lives. Yet, here you are telling me it is okay to end yours... You amuse me, human."

'A sword...' Shiori gasped, suddenly understanding her true purpose in having come here. Vanora saw her eyes dart over to the column and back again. 'It's there... I see it! Glowing brightly, shining in the light...'

"I want it..." She mumbled, falling to her knees and letting her head finally tilt downward.

(Flashback)

There was a voice. It held a deep-seated sadness that ate away at her heart.

"Arashi... You have abused your power..."

A wave of restlessness rolled through her, as she was bound, held captive... From a twisted past, she'd come all this way... Only for it to end like this.

"For shame..."

Cruel eyes glared daggers at her. Cold, uncaring... Heartless. Unfeeling for her plight.

"What a waste..."

There was a judgment being passed. She was... helpless. There was nothing she could do about it.

"You wound me with your words." She purred, licking her lips and striding forward toward the echoing voices.

"Quickly! She must be locked away! Before it's too late!" One of them sang out.

Arashi struggled, her instincts driving her onward. She bit at the shadows that loomed near her, haunting the edges of her vision... It was too difficult to pinpoint the exact location they were coming from. And attacks surrounded her from everywhere, sealing her inside with their magic. There was nothing she could do. The helplessness was back and her powers were waning fast.

"For your crimes, you will be imprisoned in this sword for all of time!" A thunderous voice boomed out over the rest. "...Never to return to the mortal plane. This cave shall be your tomb, demoness. For everything you've done..."

"No!" She protested, trying to find the words to explain, but the bitterness overtook her heart once again and she lashed out with everything that was left within her. "You can't!"

"It's too late..."

The darkness closed in around her, the shadowed voices melting into it. There was nothing but confusion... And pain. The agony was too much too stand, the weight of the blade bearing down on her heart the moment it was embedded into it. Crimson droplets spilled from her chest as the beast let out one final roar...

And was never heard from again.

The natives of the island lived in fear of the strange power that emanated from deep within the mountain's vast caverns. They'd sealed it away forever, vowing never to reveal it's location to anyone. And one by one, they died out. Many of them were overcome with curiosity and then slaughtered by the very demon that was said to inhabit the isle. No one ever returned.

Everything began to freeze, just as her heart had...

The cave had become her tomb, where she would lie in slumber, waiting only to slaughter those who dared to disturb her... Lashing out. Killing only to kill.

And yet, here she was... This girl... She sensed something in her. Something strange...

But she still remembered the blinding pain...

(End Flashback)

"I want it!" The girl locked eyes with the lioness again, not knowing how the words had found her. "I want it with everything within me! It's rightfully mine. Return it to me."

It was not a question.

With a devilish grin, the sabre toothed lioness made her way closer to the albino girl. She then turned her back on her and tilted her head with a look that told her to follow. Shiori walked several steps behind her, still on her guard in case anything happened. Not that she could do much against such an opponent, but she would still be ready to try. The lioness was taking her closer to the massive column that stood near a jagged crack in the ceiling, which was the only source of light.

"I am Arashi..." She explained as she led her closer to the sparkling treasure. "As you might have guessed, I am the spirit that inhabits this blade; guarding it, protecting it... It has been embedded into my heart and my heart is embedded within it in turn. Our souls are entwined."

"So you're not... Well, you're not real?"

Arashi snickered at her naivety. "I am very much real. You would do well not to insult me, girl. Now... Are you ready to show me what you can do with my power, or not?"

"Are you saying that... The ice sword... It's... you?" Ruby eyes blinked, and she wiped at them incredulously.

"That's precisely what I mean, yes." The lioness nodded and bowed her head, the turquoise feathers woven through her hair blowing in the wind. "From what I understand of the situation, you do not have much time left to claim the treasure that is yours. What will you do with this power? Will you tame it, or allow it to consume you?"

At a loss for words, Shiori reached toward the column, lightly sliding her palms along it, before piercing it with all her might. Powder white snow radiated from her fingertips, joining into the pillar and pressing into it sharply, the icicles like tiny needles, the cold cracking the glass around the edges... A series of fine hairline cracks reached outward from where she touched it. And as if frozen in time, one by one, they fell away.

Her eyes widened. She didn't understand how she was able to do this.

"The power has been within you all along..." Arashi seemed to know just the right words to say. "You are worthy. All you have to do... Is reach out and take it."

Silently, with trembling fingers, the Valkyrie shattered the column and grabbed onto the hilt of the blade that stood out from its center. Something about it beckoned her, shining like a glittering beacon in the scarce light that filtered in from above.

"What... What is..."

"This blade is named Arashikari. Take good care of it."

The lioness bowed her head, having told her all that she needed to know, before disappearing right in front of Vanora's eyes. The kitten sniffed the cold air in front of her, not catching the faintest hint of her scent. She had simply vanished. It was like she was never there... A calm blue light flitted over to the sword, covering all of it and disappearing within the metallic surface, where it slowly faded.

"Arashikari..." Shiori repeated, holding the magnificent sword up toward the hole in the roof of the cave from where they'd fallen in. "Stormfury..."

The sword itself was absolutely beautiful. Never in all of her wildest dreams could she have possibly envisioned such an amazing weapon. Technically, it was a scimitar. The curved blade extended outward where it came to a deadly point before drawing inward again, almost like a shark's fin. There were intricate runes carved into the icy blue blade, embedded within a teal and turquoise handle, with a fancy lavender tassel dangling from the end. The hilt was just as lovely, having been fashioned from some kind of ancient animal leather. A single feather was tied to it, matching those that were woven throughout the lioness's long tresses earlier.

She somehow knew that this was the blade the legends spoke of; it had to be... This was what Whitey Bay had wanted for her all along; what she had truly gifted her. The legendary ice sword, Arashikari!

'It's perfect...!' She gasped, in silent awe.

'Yes, that's nice but... Right now, we've got bigger problems. We need to focus on getting out of here!' Vanora reminded her, none too gently.

"I know that!" She answered out loud. "I just need to focus on one thing at a time... Finding an exit might be difficult, but making one shouldn't be too hard."

There was an evil glint in her eye.

'Shiori-chan... D-don't get any funny ideas! That thing is dangerous!' The kitten backed away, sensing that something was off. She still didn't fully understand where that pesky lioness had gotten off to...

The Valkyrie looked down at her friend, deadly serious, from her place near the column with her blade still in the air. "Sometimes you've got to raise your sword, and stand tall!"

'That just gave me goosebumps...' She muttered. 'Stop it, you're freaking me out!'

"Sorry... You're right though. Let's get going." Shiori released the sword, placing it into the matching sheath that was lying at the base of the column and securing it around her hips.

A creaking sound caused her to look up. The cracks were getting bigger and it didn't look like it would hold out much longer. Luckily the blade had come loose before she'd had to destroy it all the way through, but it had weakened it. Now the large crystal pillar, still partially encased in ice, was beginning to crumble. The cavern would soon collapse in on itself.

It was just as well. Shiori didn't see any viable way out.

She started walking, trusting her feet to carry her somewhere safe. After all, they'd already come this far... Vanora walked idly behind her, waving her tail lightly. At least it was warm down here. She stopped herself from purring, in case there could be other dangerous creatures lurking around in these caves. They had to be careful. As they turned around the corner and saw the rest of the adjoining cave, Shiori noticed there was a large rock just blocking what looked like it could be an exit.

"This way..." She led Vanora toward it, pausing long enough to take a hard swing at it with the ice sword.

Large icicles extended from the tip of the beautifully curved blade. They smashed through the rock with tremendous elemental force, the pieces scattering like dandelion petals in the wind. She felt her own power surging through the blade, mingling with it's energy and enhancing it. They worked together gracefully.

The small cat rushed to her friend, climbing her entire body in mere seconds, so that she sat once again atop her shoulders. 'Watch it with that thing! Be careful!'

"Yeah, yeah... I've got it." She started swinging it as they went, a little carelessly. One swing went a little too far to one side and caught another pillar. "Crap!"

Pieces of stone had begun to fall all around them. The large stone pillar crumbled to the ground with a loud boom. Shiori held onto Vanora tight and began running away from the cave in. She darted this way and that, trying to find her way out before everything fell. When she ran out of places to run, she had to open up another crevasse with the blade. That didn't help any, and now the walls were starting to come down in front of her as well...

Captain O'Hara had just finished commanding her crew to load up the last of the valuables that she'd found. It turned out that someone must have gotten here before them... They'd only managed to get a very small haul.

There was a low rumbling sound, almost like a growl, barely perceptible... But she'd noticed it just in time to steady herself. She kept getting thrown off balance, her feet slipping this way and that on the icy rocks. Her boots slid to one side and she quickly shifted her weight to counteract it, grabbing hold of a large rock to steady herself.

"Damn! What's going on here?" The redhead wondered out loud, glaring at her crew as if some of them might have the answer. "Stupid mountain's been unstable since our last trip. Oh well, at least we're almost done."

"Where do you want these?" A random member of her crew carried over one of the last few remaining handfuls of gold. It had been buried under the snow when it had fallen down the mountain earlier, but it was no big deal. They'd been more than happy to dig it up, avalanche or not.

"How much more is there? Is that it?" She squinted, trying to see through the steady sleet that pelted them almost constantly now.

"I think this is the last of them. Just got all of this and two more of the small chests."

"Alright, pack it all on top. We're loading up for the last time... Did we-"

She stopped short. There was another low rumble beneath her feet. They were getting closer together now... It registered on her face that these quakes weren't good. And whatever was causing them seemed to be getting closer to where their crew was. At least there wasn't much to go. It would have pained her to leave even these two minuscule trinkets behind, however.

"Grab them, hurry up before something happens!" She crossed her arms over her leatherbound chest, a sure sign that she meant business.

The woman gulped and hurried off to load her armful of treasure into one of the nearby carts they'd brought. No sooner had she made it there, however, than a loud crash was heard just behind her. She turned, but it was too late, and a large rock was knocked loose from the impact, crushing her instantly. Several more Pirates suffered the same fate, crying out in agony as some were killed and others injured badly. The snap of bones was heard echoing off the mountainside.

"No! Watch out!" O'Hara's grimace of pain was for more than just her fallen crew member... Her own leg had been hurt a little, but she recovered by walking it off. She glared at whatever it was that had caused this onslaught, directing her fury to the mountain itself. "Get back, everyone!"

Those that had somehow survived the sudden assault turned around to see a large wall of rocks being knocked over. A cave had opened up alongside the enormous mountain. Was it hollow inside? Rocks and snowy debris continued to fall, obscuring their view.

O'Hara approached the cavern and peered inside, looking around to see if she could find anything useful. Across a small bridge, she could see something shining a bold yellow color. She would know that color anywhere! It had to be gold. Her emerald eyes lit up the moment she spotted it.

"Hurry! Cross that bridge and load all of that into the carts too!" She commanded, instantly snapping back into leader mode. She noticed that many of her crew mates were gathering around their fallen friends to lend them help if they'd been injured, or to feebly attempt to aide those who were in the process of dying. "Leave them! They're done for."

"But Captain-sama, we-" One of the men said.

"But nothing! I said leave 'em!" She growled harshly, her attention suddenly turning back toward the newly-formed cave opening.

This got her crew's attention too. There were strange sounds coming from inside... They tilted their heads to listen, waiting for whatever it was to emerge.

'Damn it! What did I just say?!' Vanora hissed against her ear, her claws digging into the girl's shoulder a bit painfully.

"I'm sorryyyyyyyy!" Shiori cried, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "I d-didn't mean to, I- I n-never thought- Eeeeep!"

She swung the sword again, desperately holding onto the hilt, and knocking down yet another ice-covered stone wall... She needed to get a grip on her newfound power.

Ace had awoken with his body feeling refreshed... Yet somehow his mind felt hollow. Something was distracting him, gnawing at the edges of his psyche. It wouldn't have been so bad if he were left in the dark as to the reason. But he knew the reason why; knew exactly what was wrong.

"Shiori..." He muttered, taking only a moment to stretch his long limbs before getting to his feet. Looking around, pieces of last night invaded his memory. Apparently he'd passed out from drinking, it had been the only way he could have gotten to sleep. "We've got to..."

He stopped mid-sentence, letting it trail off. Many of his crew members had fallen around him, collapsing all over each other. He turned to address them anyway. There was no time to waste. "Alright, everyone wake up! We've got to get going. Be ready in ten minutes if you're coming. I'll be outside."

Their captain turned for the door before anyone could properly react. Most of their eyes were wide open though, his sharp tone having been far louder than it had to be. It took them a minute to process his orders.

"Ace-sama..." Artemis had just entered the room. Apparently she hadn't drank so much the previous night that it had affected her in the same manner as the others.

"You aren't asleep? I saw you drink more than most of these idiots. What gives?"

"Sharks' livers are much different from human livers. It'd take more than that to drink me under the fucking table! Hahah!" She laughed callously, as if nothing in the world were amiss. Then suddenly became serious again before he could even muster the energy to join her. "But you haven't even taken time to recover from your last expedition. Are you sure it's wise for you to be leaving again this soon?"

It was no secret. They all knew he hadn't gotten proper rest last night, and wouldn't have gotten any at all if it hadn't been for drinking himself silly. This was a surprisingly upsetting time for the Captain of the Spade Pirates. It was bad enough that they had yet to find any treasure, but now the girl was missing too. And they all knew what that meant.

Mitch rolled his eyes. It was painfully obvious. Another case of 'I'm not leaving without her because I have to be her knight-in-shining-armor'. It made him sick seeing his best friend like this, but he got up anyway.

"Look, I'll come along if you need an extra hand or something-"

"It's not necessary. You should stay here." Ace turned to lock eyes with him, expression as cold as the climate on this wretched island. "I'm not going to waste anymore time arguing over things. I can't stop you if you insist on joining us, but I'm not letting anything slow me down anymore. So if you're coming, come on."

The first mate sighed, looking down at the floorboards. What right did he have to go after her when they'd all played a part in making a decision to leave her behind? They had convinced themselves that it was for the best, but leaving a Nakama behind had still been unbearably painful. It was better than losing everyone to the frigid elements, however that still didn't make it any easier.

"Aye aye, sir... I'll keep an eye on things here while you're gone." Mitch's shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Good," Ace clapped a sturdy hand on his shoulder, startling him a bit. "Make sure the ship is ready to leave when we return. Anyone else who's coming, meet me on the main deck. Five minutes now."

He left without another word, disappearing into the faint morning light emitted from the sun coming up. The sky was painted the color of fire... He blended into it, a mere shadow before he was gone.

Artemis could only stare after him, her purple eyes squinting at the light from the galley's side exit. She was on deck in an instant, forgetting all of her senses that told her to stay put, that this island's climate would surely be no good for a cold-blooded creature like herself. But somehow, the thought of staying behind was even more painful.

Once she'd gone, several more crew members made their way outside. More than a handful of them had to drink one last swig or two of their chosen poisons before leaving, especially knowing that they might not come back. The alcohol left their throats with a pleasant burning. It reminded them that they were still alive and breathing now, and perhaps that was what mattered most in the moment.

Each of them stood solemnly behind the man they all equally respected and admired; the man known across all of the oceans of the Grand Line as Fire Fist Ace.

He tilted his hat down over his eyes, standing with one boot resting along the railing of his ship. "Let's get going."

A low rumble in the distance shook the island to its core...

"Well, that was ominous." Artemis quipped.

A/N: If you're wondering about the ice sword's name, it's a mix of two Japanese words: Arashi means 'Storm' (so that's essentially the lioness's name) and Ikari means 'Fury', so in English the sword would basically be called "Stormfury". Neat, huh? ;D In addition, Ikari can mean "anger" or "anchor" as well so it's especially perfect here! I love wordplay, lol. So those are the reasons I decided to name her blade Arashikari. I hope it's fitting.

Also, if you visit my DeviantArt account and find Chapter 39 of this story in my gallery (it has it's own folder), there is a link to Arashi's character design in the author notes there. Credit for her design goes to Kitease on DA. She was adopted, but I love her dearly and I've always planned to do this with her from the moment I saw her. This chapter was a long time coming, I had the idea years ago, and I hope it surprised my readers, at least a little. It was a really difficult scene to write because I'd spent so long building it up in my head I guess. ;w; And this is far from the biggest moment I have planned for this fic before it's over. It's been almost 40 chapters but there's still such a long way to go. I hope you'll continue to stick with me for the rest of the ride. Thanks everyone!

I'd really love it if some kind people decided to leave me some reviews... c:

-Kaline