Treasures Of The Line
Chapter 1
The sun rose slowly over a small village on the Grand Line. As it covered the village in radiant light, One young girl, Sleeps alone on a bench. After a few moments, a group of children approach her with twisted grins on their faces.
" If it isn't the freak. What are doing sleeping here you disgusting abomination? You don't belong in this village. You should just leave. " A young boy with messy black hair and blue eyes spoke insultingly as he looked down.
" You know, I do have a name. And why do you guys always bully me? " The young girl's voice trembled as she prepared herself for the outcome that she knew was going to come.
" No one cares what your name is freak. You are nothing but a useless orphan. " The boy spoke again as he stepped forward and threw a punch that connected with the young girl's cheek, Slamming her face against the bench from the force of the punch.
" Please... Stop it.. " The young girl cried as the boy continued to beat her relentlessly for a few minutes before walking away laughing with the other children.
After they left, The young girl stood and ran out of the village and into the nearby forest. As she ran, She lost all sense of direction and time. It wasn't a concern nor was it important. She stopped for a moment at a small river where she washed the blood off her face and cried at the reflection she saw. Her eyes were black, her cheek sported a large, Angry looking bruise, her lips were split and bleeding, There was a cut above her left eyebrow and her nose was bleeding.
After crying for a moment and washing the blood out of her mouth to remove the taste, The young girl realised she was lost and sighed before she continued running. After a few minutes, She saw a cave ahead and decided it was a far safer place to sleep than returning to the village.
First, She decided to gather some wood to try and light a fire. After gathering enough wood for a small campfire, She walked into the cave. The sight before her was breathtaking. Inside the cave were several pink crystal formations and in the centre was a crystal formation that had something inside it.
As she walked forward, The crystal formation receded and revealed what was inside. It was a small, white, leafy piece of fruit. As the young girl looked at it, Her stomach growled. After sighing softly, She picked up the piece of fruit and took a bite. The taste was indescribably terrible. It was sour, bitter, tart and sweet all at the same time. Nevertheless, She ate the entire piece of fruit to satiate her hunger.
After a moment, She felt a tingling sensation and looked down at her hands before screaming in fear. " What's happening?! No... NO STOP! "
Pink crystals were growing out of her skin and covering her entire body piece by piece. As she motioned to run, She realised that her legs were completely covered in crystal and the cave was now filling with crystal formations. As she turned her head and screamed toward the entrance, Pink crystals formed a solid wall, Blocking the cave entrance as the crystals quickly and completely covered her and her screams fell silent.
Some Time Later
The young girl awoke what felt like hours later to her, And realised that the cave was now devoid of any crystal. After panicking, She ran out of the cave and in a straight line. After what felt like hours, She emerged from the forest and saw the village ahead.
As she entered the village, Panting heavily from running, She received many looks of shock or disbelief. After catching her breathe, She noticed that a crowd was starting to form. After a moment, She heard a familiar voice but the person it belonged to was taller and older.
" What are you doing back here freak? How have you not gotten any older since I last saw you? " The boy spoke with a tone of voice that echoed cruelty and malice.
" What are you talking about. I went into the forest like four hours ago..." Her voice was firm but in her heart she knew her words were not true.
" What a moron! You went into the forest five years ago! Now answer my question freak. Why haven't you gotten older? " His voice sent trembles down her spine before she responded softly.
" I was trapped in crystals in a cave after I ate a little, leafy piece of fruit. I have been gone for five years? Why didn't anyone look for me? " Her voice trembled as tears rolled down her face slowly.
" Because no one cared. You being gone was a blessing on this village. And what a load of crap. You think we are going to believe that you went into a cave and spent five years in crystal? Yeah right. And why would anyone want to search for you? " The boy laughed maliciously for a moment before she answered.
" You think I made it up? Made up the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced in my entire life? What the hell is wrong with you? And maybe you idiots should have searched for me to avoid being called heartless bastards that have never cared about anyone but themselves! " Her eyes filled with rage and heartbreak as the boys fist collided with her head and everything went dark.
The Next Day
The young girl awoke and quickly realised that her arms and legs were tied and that her body was tied to the mast of what appeared to be a flimsy excuse for a raft. As she struggled against the ropes, She resigned herself to the fact that she may not get out of them at all. The raft wasn't exactly inspiring confidence or feelings of safety.
Two Days Later
The young girl sighed happily as she fell to her knees on the raft after finally managing to free herself from the ropes as the sun was setting before realising that she had no food, No water and no clothes. " WHAT THE HELL?! Why would anyone send a little girl out to sea with no food, water or clothes?! Those bastards will pay for this. I will make them pay for everything they have done to me! "
After a few moments of anger and feelings of hatred, The young girl curled up as tears freely flowed down her cheeks. After a few hours of crying and cursing the people that tormented her endlessly even now, She fell asleep with tears still falling from her eyes.
Early The Next Morning
Lady Luck smiled upon the young girl as she slept and in the early hours of her fourth day at sea, She heard something that filled her heart with hope. A feminine voice, A voice that sounded no older than she was, Called out in the crisp, frosty air.
" Captain! Captain, There is someone in the water over here! Come quick! " The voice was soft and soothing to hear. As the young girl looked up and burst into tears, A massive ship bearing a Pirate's flag sailed past her and a rope was thrown over the side for her to catch. After tying the rope to the raft tightly, The young girl was pulled toward the ship and after reaching up and being lifted aboard, She looked up to thank her saviours. As she looked up, She noticed the crew was entirely female and were all dressed in strange outfits.
" Who... Who are you? And who saw me in the water? " The young girl spoke softly and with a nervous tone of voice before a girl no older than she was, Placed a coat around her shoulders from behind her before speaking soothingly.
" I did. My name is Ajiya. What is yours? " Ajiya spoke softly and smiled before she heard a response.
" I... I don't want that name anymore. I don't want anything to do with my past. " Tears formed in her eyes as she spoke. After a moment, The Pirate captain spoke.
" My name is Boa Hancock. I am the leader of the Kuja Pirates. I know it must hurt but I must ask... What were you doing on a raft, At sea, With no food, Water or clothes? " Hancock spoke gently as she knelt down.
" I was bullied a lot in the village I lived in. I got beaten up one day and ran away into the forest. While I was there I found a cave full of pink crystals. Inside one of the crystals was a little white fruit. I was so hungry, So I ate it. Pink crystals started growing all over my body and I got trapped in the cave, Covered in crystals. When I woke up, I went back to the village. They taunted me and told me that I was gone for five years. I asked why they didn't look for me and they said that nobody cared that I was gone and nobody ever would. I called them bastards and they knocked me out and I woke up tied to the raft. It took me three days to get the ropes off... " The young girl looked up at Hancock with teary eyes that were full of pain and heartache.
Hancock motioned to speak but stopped for a moment as she noticed the marks on the young girl's body from where the ropes must have been tied. After sighing angrily, Hancock spoke softly.
" How old are you little one? " Hancock looked into the girls eyes as she answered.
" I was eight years old when I went into that cave. I don't think I got any older while I was trapped in the crystals. " The girl spoke shakily before biting her lip gently. " I lost five years while I was trapped and no one cared..."
"So you are thirteen technically. That being said you still look like an eight year old girl. I too had a very hard upbringing. Neither of us deserved the pain and suffering we have been through. But that is in the past. You are one of us now. A Kuja Pirate. To mark the occasion and to start your new life, Why don't we give you a new name? " Hancock smiled as the girl nodded. Boa Hancock stood and looked around at her crew as she spoke. " So what shall we call her? Any thoughts? "
There were nought but sighs of disappointment and hums of people thinking hard. After a moment, Ajiya's soft voice sounded through the noise of the crew. " What about Sylvia? "
The girl looked toward Ajiya with a look of surprise and delight as she nodded happily.
" Sylvia it is then. Welcome to the Kuja Pirates Sylvia. Ajiya, Take Sylvia to your quarters and see about getting her some food and clothing. " Hancock spoke firmly before turning and walking toward a large door that had the word Captain on a plaque above it.
" Aye Captain! Come with me Sylvia. " Ajiya smiled and took Sylvia's hand gently before taking her to her quarters. As she stepped into the room, Sylvia looked around in wonder. The room was small but was filled with comfortable cushions, a tall cupboard full of clothes and a large bed with pillows and stuffed animal toys all over it.
As Ajiya walked to the cupboard, Sylvia fell quietly onto a pile of soft cushions and sighed contently at how comfortable and soft they were. After a few minutes, Ajiya walked over with two different outfits. One was a knee length dress with pink embroidered patterns on it and the other was a soft pink shirt with a small frilly purple skirt. As Sylvia blushed lightly, Ajiya spoke softly.
" I know they are both a little showy but I don't have any of our peoples normal clothes with me at the moment. When we get to our island I will get you some Kuja clothes. I promise. For now though... Would you like to try these on? " Ajiya smiled as Sylvia blushed brightly and nodded nervously.
Sylvia took the black dress and walked behind a screen beside the cupboard to put it on. After Sylvia stepped out from behind the screen, Ajiya sighed in excitement as Sylvia blushed nervously.
" Sylvia you look so cute! " Ajiya giggled happily before handing Sylvia the shirt and skirt. After a few more moments, Sylvia stepped out from behind the screen again and blushed slightly brighter as Ajiya once again sighed with excitement.
" So adorable! But I think the dress suits you better. What do you think? " Ajiya smiled as Sylvia silently pointed to the dress before picking it up and walking back behind the screen again. After another few moments, Sylvia walked out from behind the screen wearing the knee length black dress that fit her perfectly and handed the shirt and skirt to Ajiya. After Ajiya put them back in the cupboard, She turned around to see Sylvia with her face hidden in her hands and sobbing softly.
As she walked over to Sylvia, Ajiya spoke softly. " Sylvia? What I..."
Ajiya gasped suddenly as Sylvia put her arms around her neck and hugged her tightly. " Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. You saved me. I owe you my life... "
Ajiya smiled as she wrapped her arms around Sylvia and sighed softly as she hugged her tenderly. " No you don't. I didn't save you for something in return. You are welcome though. Now come with me. I will get you some food and then you can get some rest. "
" Food sounds wonderful but I slept for five years. Resting is the last thing that I want to do. " Sylvia continued hugging Ajiya for a few minutes before sighing happily and stepping back with a bright smile on her face. After wiping the tears away from Sylvia's face, Ajiya took her hand and lead Sylvia out of the room and down a set of stairs to the kitchen. As they entered, Ajiya spoke softly. " Cookie are you here? "
" Of course I am here my sweet! Wherever else would I... Oh... Who is this? " A tall, slender woman with flowing blonde hair and dark brown eyes smiled down at Sylvia." My name is Carrine but everyone calls me Cookie. And you are? "
" Sylvia... Ajiya saved me. The Captain said that I am a Kuja Pirate now. " Sylvia smiled happily as tears of joy ran down her cheeks uncontrollably.
" You have never known so much happiness before have you sweety? Well come in and I'll cook the two of you a nice meal. Perhaps a refreshing drink to go with it hmm? " Carrine smiled warmly as the two girls nodded excitedly and sat down at one of the tables. As Carrine went about cooking a meal, Ajiya spoke to Sylvia.
" Cookie is the best. Her food is the best in the world. And the drinks she makes are heaven. There is this one drink she makes where she puts ice, milk and crushed fruit into a jug and shakes it. It's so yummy and cold! " Ajiya squirmed excitedly as she hummed happily at the thought of the delicious drink.
" It sounds delicious. Who else is there that I haven't met yet? " Sylvia spoke happily with a smile before Ajiya answered her.
" There is Aphelandra, Ran, Rindo, Sweet Pea, Cosmos, Marguerite, Blue Fan, Daisy, Lilloria but we call her Lolly and the Captain's two sisters. Marigold and Sandersonia. They are really nice. But none of them are as nice as Cookie and Lolly. Lolly is our lookout. She doesn't leave the crows nest very often but she is really sweet. Cookie and Lolly are mother and daughter. They never used to leave the island but the Captain lets them come along now. No one is a better lookout than Lolly. That's why the Captain lets her come along. Lolly sees the things that everyone else misses. But I saw you before she did! " Ajiya giggled happily as Sylvia smiled.
" I owe you so much Ajiya... " Sylvia spoke softly but gasped as Ajiya leant forward with a devilish look on her face. After a moment of looking at Sylvia intensely, Ajiya smiled soothingly before speaking.
" No you don't. You don't owe me anything. "Ajiya giggled softly as Sylvia laid her head upon the table and sighed nervously.
" But I do... You saved me... " Sylvia smiled slightly as Carrine placed a plate of food in front of the two girls. On the plate was a variety of bite size bundles. There were tiny rice balls, small slices of meat rolled in thin rice paper with sliced vegetables and many other tiny assortments of food. As Sylvia sighed in amazement of the large variety of bite size foods, Carrine walked back to the kitchen and shortly returned with two tall glasses. As she set them down, Ajiya squealed in excitement.
" Sylvia this is the drink I was telling you about! Thanks Cookie! " Ajiya smiled brightly before sipping her drink. After a moment, Ajiya sighed contently and smiled happily before eating some food. Sylvia smiled happily and took a sip of her drink. As the ice cold drink flowed down her throat, Sylvia sighed happily at the pleasant mix of flavours before eating some food while Carrine smiled and giggled softly before walking back into the kitchen.
After having something to eat, Sylvia and Ajiya walked back to the deck of the ship. As they got to the top of the stairs, A soft voice called out from the crows nest.
" Land ahead Captain! " Lolly's soft voice echoed slightly as Sylvia and Ajiya looked toward the horizon and saw an island ahead. After a moment, Ajiya spoke softly.
" That is Amazon Lily. That is our home Sylvia. " Ajiya smiled happily as the two stood on the deck and watched as the island got closer and closer.
Once they had arrived at the island, Sylvia looked around in wonder and awe. The island was lush with plant life and animals. After walking through the forest for a little while, The group of Kuja walked through the main gate of the village they lived in. The buildings were beautiful with curved architecture and large sliding doors. In the middle of the village was a massive arena, To the far right side was a huge layout of hot springs, At the left end of the village was a huge building that had royal looking architecture. Throughout the village were many scattered gardens and flowerbeds.
As Sylvia took in the scenery, A large group of Kuja villagers ran forward to greet Hancock. As the villagers surrounded Hancock, Ajiya and Lolly ran over to Sylvia before Ajiya spoke softly.
" Sylvia this is Lolly. " Ajiya smiled as she introduced Lolly. Sylvia smiled happily as the small girl with long red hair and bright blue eyes smiled up at her.
" It's a pleasure to meet you Lolly. " Sylvia smiled as Lolly giggled happily before speaking.
" Pleasure to meet you to Sylvia. Ajiya and I are going to the hot springs. Wanna come along? " Lolly smiled happily as Sylvia nodded happily and the three of them ran off to the hot springs.
After getting undressed and stepping into the water, Sylvia sighed happily. " This is so nice... "
" Yeah. Lolly and I come here every day and relax. " Ajiya spoke happily will before Lolly spoke.
" Relax? Not with you around Ajiya. It's like relaxing in a room full of wild animals. " Lolly giggled mischievously as Ajiya sneered at her playfully. " Full disclosure Sylvia, Ajiya has no off switch. "
" I do so! I am quiet when I sleep! " Ajiya spoke softly and blushed lightly.
" You talk in your sleep Ajiya. No off switch. " Lolly giggled happily as Sylvia laughed.
" You don't have one either Lolly! I might talk in my sleep but you talk to the ship! And the ocean! And the sky! " Ajiya smiled teasingly as Lolly blushed brightly.
" You know why I do that... They speak to me... Maybe not the ship but the ocean and sky speak to me... " Lolly looked away nervously as Ajiya gasped softly.
" Lolly, I'm sorry... I didn't mean for it to sound like that... " Ajiya waded through the water before hugging Lolly tenderly. After a moment, Lolly stepped back and tackled Ajiya. Sylvia laughed playfully as the two thrashed about in the water, Tackling and dunking each other.
After about an hour playing in the hot springs, Lolly, Sylvia and Ajiya dried themselves off with a towel and got dressed before walking through the village. As they walked, The other villagers waved and smiled to them happily. As they walked, Sylvia spoke to Lolly.
" You forgive Ajiya quickly don't you Lolly? " Sylvia smiled as Lolly giggled.
" Of course I do. Ajiya is my best friend in the whole world. She may say things occasionally that hurt, But she always apologises for it and I always forgive her. " Lolly smiled happily as Ajiya stopped walking and turned to face her.
" I don't mean to say the things that upset you Lolly. I really don't... " Ajiya spoke nervously before Lolly hugged her tightly.
" I know you don't. That's why I forgive you when you do it. " Lolly smiled brightly as Ajiya smiled and hugged her.
" It must be nice to have friends like that... " Sylvia spoke sadly as she felt the weight of her scars. As Sylvia turned away, Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks as Ajiya spoke.
" Sylvia you have friends like that. Lolly and I are your friends. " Ajiya placed a hand on Sylvia's shoulder but as Sylvia turned to face her, Ajiya felt her heart breaking.
" Then why do I still feel so alone? Why do I feel like I am still just an outcast? Why Ajiya? " Sylvia cried heavily as she fell to her knees while Lolly looked like she was going to cry as well. Ajiya knelt down as Sylvia sobbed softly.
" It takes time for scars to heal Sylvia... The pain doesn't go away overnight. But Lolly and I can help you get through it. We are here for you now. You are not alone anymore Sylvia. You won't be alone ever again. " Ajiya spoke soothingly as she wrapped her arms around Sylvia's head and held her gently.
" I can't carry this pain anymore... It's too much... " Sylvia cried heavily as Ajiya tilted her head up gently.
" Then share it with me. Let me help you carry it. Let me help you make it go away. " Ajiya smiled as Sylvia looked up into her eyes.
" How do we do that? How do we make the pain go away? " Sylvia stopped sobbing for a moment as Ajiya leant her forehead against Sylvia's gently.
" Stay with me. Let me in Sylvia. Your so closed off to everyone and everything that we don't even know you need help. Open up... Please... " Ajiya opened her eyes slowly and gazed into Sylvia's eyes as she blushed lightly. After a moment, Sylvia put her arms around Ajiya and held her tenderly without saying a word.
As Ajiya held Sylvia, Hancock walked over to them and knelt down beside Sylvia before speaking softly. " Sylvia I would like to ask you something very important. "
" Okay? " Sylvia leant her head against Ajiya's shoulder as she looked toward Boa Hancock with teary eyes.
" I... I have always wanted to have a child. But I cannot. I would have to leave the island for too long and I have too many responsibilities here to go adventuring in search of someone to have a child with. So I have been talking to the elder of our village and... I... I was wondering if... If maybe you would like to become my daughter? " Hancock looked toward Sylvia hopefully as a look of shock and longing appeared on Sylvia's face before she burst into tears and moved over to Hancock quickly before hugging her.
" All I have ever wanted is a family... Yes... With all my heart yes... " Sylvia cried softly as Hancock held her lovingly as she smiled brightly.
" I was hoping you would say that sweetheart. " Hancock kissed Sylvia's head gently before Ajiya moved over to sit beside Sylvia. As Sylvia moved back from Hancock, Ajiya wrapped her arms around Sylvia tenderly.
" See? We all want you here. We all care about you. You belong here with us Sylvia. Not just the Captain. But Lolly, Cookie... Me. We are here for you and we want you to stay. " Ajiya blushed lightly as Sylvia burst into tears again.
" This is all I have ever dreamed and hoped for. To have a family that loves me and friends that care about me... Thank you... Thank you all so much... " Sylvia smiled brightly as tears of joy streamed down her cheeks freely.
After a moment, Hancock spoke softly. " Sylvia... Will you come with me please? I have something I wish to show you. "
" Yes Mother. I'll see you later okay Ajiya? " Sylvia stood slowly as Hancock blushed brightly at the sound of being called mother.
" Sure. I'll wait for you Sylvia. Promise. " Ajiya smiled brightly before hugging Sylvia tightly. As Ajiya waved goodbye to Sylvia, Lolly whispered in her ear.
" You are quite smitten with her aren't you Ajiya? " Lolly grinned mischievously as Ajiya blushed brightly.
" I... I... " Ajiya struggled to form words as she blushed brighter and brighter as thoughts of Sylvia flooded her mind.
" It's okay Ajiya. You don't have to be shy about it you know. You should tell her how you feel. I would be lying if I said that she didn't feel the same. Sylvia clings to you every time you hug her. Not to mention that she didn't take her eyes off you at the hot springs. Talk to her. " Lolly spoke calmly and smiled as Ajiya squirmed nervously.
" But we are still kids... And what if she doesn't really like me... What if she just wants me to be around because she thinks I'm her friend? What if... " Ajiya stopped speaking as Lolly put a hand over her mouth with an irritated look on her face.
" You are so oblivious Ajiya. She doesn't cling to anyone else the way she does with you. She doesn't look at anyone else the way she looks at you. Have you been paying attention at all? She is almost screaming her feelings out loud. " Lolly smirked as a look of shock and surprise appeared on Ajiya's face.
" Lolly I just... I... Alright! Yes I have feelings for her but I don't know her that well yet. I don't want to make her feel awkward or nervous around me. I want to get to know her before I start telling her that I have feelings for her. I don't even know why I have feelings for her! She has only been around a few days and we are still kids... " Ajiya sighed softly as Lolly giggled.
" That is what is called love at first sight Ajiya. It does actually happen. " Lolly put her arms around Ajiya gently as Ajiya sighed again.
" I know... I just... " Ajiya stepped forward before sitting down before pulling her knees up to her chest and resting her head against her knees gently.
" You just never thought it was more than a fairy tale. You never thought that it would happen to you. " Lolly knelt beside Ajiya as Ajiya nodded.
" I never thought this could happen to me Lolly. I don't understand... " Ajiya laid back on the ground slowly as Lolly spoke softly.
" Mom says that no one ever does understand. She says that love is confusing and painful and can be misleading but that it is still worth finding. " Lolly smiled as Ajiya looked up at her. " Just give it time Ajiya. If you don't feel ready to tell her than wait until it feels right. "
" Yeah... Maybe I need to. " Ajiya smiled nervously at Lolly as she stood up slowly.
Meanwhile
" What did you want to show me mother? " Sylvia spoke happily as she walked alongside Hancock and held her hand.
" I want to show you... " Hancock paused for a moment as she stopped walking and stood in front of a large building that looked like it was made for someone important. After Sylvia sighed softly in wonder of the beauty of the architecture of the building, Hancock continued. " Our home. This is where we live Sylvia. This is your home now. "
" It's huge! I get to live here with you? " Sylvia smiled and gasped happily as Hancock nodded before running through the large open gate as Boa Hancock smiled happily.
As Sylvia ran through the doors of the huge building, Her eyes glistened with awe and wonder. The building had a massive staircase that led up to a second floor, There were hallways branching off in different directions on the first floor and the open rooms that weren't blocked by walls and doors were furnished with extravagant looking furniture. The couch was adorned with decorative cushions and had a woven rug over the middle of it. The bedrooms were massive and had beds with very intricately woven blankets and pillows on them, There were tall cupboards full of clothes in the bedrooms, The bathrooms had beautiful tiles on the floors and walls with huge square baths in the middle of the room. Around the walls were mirrors and various towels rack, sinks and shelves with small colourful bottles on them.
The house was beyond anything Sylvia had imagined. After a few moments running around the house exploring the many rooms, Sylvia ran to Hancock and hugged her tightly.
" Thank you so much. This means so much to me... " Sylvia spoke softly as tears of joy flowed down her cheeks freely before Hancock picked her up and held her lovingly.
" It means more to me than you know. I have wanted a child for a long time and have been unable to have one. Now my dream has come true. " Hancock smiled brightly before hugging Sylvia gently. " I... I love you sweetheart. "
Sylvia shook gently for a moment before bursting into tears and whispering softly. " I love you to mother. "
Sylvia continued to cry happily for a few minutes before Boa Hancock put her down and told her she could wander around the village until night time. As Sylvia ran back outside, She saw Ajiya and Lolly waiting for her.
" You waited for me! " Sylvia smiled brightly as Ajiya nodded.
" I promised didn't I? " Ajiya smiled happily as Sylvia hugged her tenderly.
" I know you did... I was just worried you might get..." Sylvia spoke nervously before Lolly spoke mischievously.
" Distracted by something shiny? " Lolly grinned devilishly as Ajiya pouted and started chasing her.
" I'll give you something shiny! " Ajiya spoke in an irritated voice as Lolly laughed and ran away from her.
As Ajiya and Lolly ran around in circles trying to catch each other, Sylvia smiled and giggled happily before looking up at the sky. After a moment, Sylvia sighed happily before walking toward the hot springs with Ajiya and Lolly in tow.
A new home and a new life.
What adventures await ahead?
Read on to find out!
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