Treasures Of The Line
Chapter 3
The next day, Hancock woke up and walked to the kitchen to cook breakfast as usual. As she set the plate down, She looked toward the doorway wondering why Sylvia had not awoken yet. After a few minutes, Hancock walked up the stairs and quietly opened the door to Sylvia's room. After looking to the bed and seeing it empty, Glancing at the open window and gasping loudly, Hancock ran down the stairs and left the house.
Meanwhile
Sylvia sighed softly as she looked out over the ocean. Thoughts of the day before flooded her mind as tears formed in her eyes. After a moment, Sylvia shook her head and looked out over the ocean again. After a moment, Sylvia closed her eyes as she did in training and felt the tingling sensation course through her body. As she looked down at her crystal covered hands, Sylvia sighed softly and stood up before closing her eyes again and focusing on the crystals. As she concentrated, Sylvia's breathing and heartbeat slowed. After a moment, The crystal covering her skin glowed with a soft pink light as she opened her eyes.
Sylvia sighed softly before clenching her fists as the pink crystal on her arms seemed to flow down and over her hands, Forming two long blades of crystal. As Sylvia swung her arms to get a feel for them, The crystal hummed softly. The blades felt weightless as she swung her arms again and again. After several minutes, Sylvia closed her eyes again and concentrated on the crystal once more. As the blades receded, The crystal once again flowed over her hands, This time forming in to large war hammer like shapes. These crystals were heavier than the blades as Sylvia swung them. Sylvia sighed softly as she continued trying to concentrate. She tried so hard to forget the pain and anger she felt for what Hancock and her sisters had said but it loomed over her mind like a rain cloud.
After several minutes, The pink crystal receded and Sylvia's body returned to normal before she sighed heavily and walked toward the forest near the village.
The Village
Hancock, Sandersonia and Marigold ran through the village frantically searching for Sylvia as Marigold spoke.
" You don't think she ran away do you? " Marigold had a tone of concern and worry in her voice as tears built up in Hancock's eyes.
" I hope not... We didn't really mean what we said... " Sandersonia spoke with concern as Ajiya and Lolly walked toward them.
" Of course she will want to come to the hot springs. It's her favourite place! " Lolly giggled happily as Ajiya spoke.
" I know... But she is hurting so much. I don't honestly know if she will want to see anyone let alone leave the house. " Ajiya spoke sadly but in her heart she understood why Sylvia was hurting so much.
As they walked along, Hancock called out to them. " Girls! Have either of you seen Sylvia?! "
" We were just on our way to ask her to come to the hot springs with us. She isn't home? " Ajiya gasped nervously as Hancock shook her head before speaking.
" I went to her room to wake her for breakfast and she wasn't there. I don't know when she left but I can't find her anywhere. " Hancock clenched her fists as tears built up in her eyes. " I am so stupid... "
" Don't overthink sister. She may just need some space. " Sandersonia spoke soothingly and Hancock sobbed for a moment before nodding.
" I... I'm not so sure... " Ajiya spoke nervously before everyone looked to her. " You really don't understand just how much your words broke her heart. You really don't know how much pain your words caused. "
" I... " Hancock motioned to speak but fell silent as Ajiya looked up at her ferociously.
" YOU JUST DON"T GET IT! " Ajiya turned and ran toward the village entrance with tears streaming down her face as Hancock trembled slightly.
" I... I can never understand... " Hancock fell to her knees and hid her face in her hands as she cried loudly.
Meanwhile
" I need to get stronger. I can't do that down here... " Sylvia spoke softly as she looked up at the large snake heads carved into the towering mountain that surrounded the Kuja village. " I need to get stronger... "
Sylvia ran toward the base of the mountain with determination as the sounds of the forest echoed around her. Once she arrived at the base of the mountain, Sylvia closed her eyes and focused on the crystals within her. As the tingling sensation rippled over her body, Sylvia focused again and thought of ways to climb the mountain. As she opened her eyes the crystal on her arms flowed over her hands and formed into two pickaxe shapes. As Sylvia smiled, She looked up at the snake heads looming over her and began to climb the mountain.
A Few Hours Later
" Captain! " Lolly burst in to the palace breathing heavily with a look of terror on her face. " We found her! "
Hancock leapt to her feet and ran out the door with Lolly in tow. As she stopped and looked around, Lolly spoke.
" No Captain... Up there... " Lolly looked up and pointed to one of the mountain spires the stood over the village. As Hancock looked up, A bright pink glint flashed overhead. " She is climbing up the mountain. It looks like she is headed for the caves. "
" We have to stop her! No one has been in there for nearly a hundred years! She could get hurt or die... " Hancock looked up and motioned to move but as she stepped forward, She felt a tug on her dress. As she turned, Ajiya spoke sadly.
" Leave her alone. " Ajiya looked up at Hancock with sadness and anger in her eyes as she continued. " She has a reason for going there. After what you put her through, You have no right to interfere. " Ajiya looked toward Hancock with defiance on her face as Hancock sighed.
" I know... " Hancock fell to her knees as tears built up. " I just want her to be safe... " After a moment, Ajiya hugged her gently.
" She has a reason... We need to give her time... " Ajiya sobbed softly as Hancock put her arms around her gently.
Atop The Mountain
Sylvia sighed exhaustively as she looked down over the village. " Everything is so tiny from up here... Well no sense going down now. Might as well keep going. "
Sylvia turned to look at the nearest snake head before walking toward it and climbing in to the mouth. As she stepped in to the darkness, The crystal covering her skin started glowing softly, Shedding a soft light in a small circle around her. As Sylvia stepped forward, She gasped as the ground seemed to disappear beneath her and she fell forward before landing and sliding quickly down what seemed to be a tunnel that twisted and curved through the mountain.
After what felt like hours, Sylvia hit the bottom of the tunnel with a resounding thud and groaned softly. " As fun as that was... I could have done withou... " Sylvia froze as a loud hissing sound emanated from ahead of her. As she stood slowly and dusted herself off, A pair of golden eyes glowed as they stared toward her in the darkness. After a moment, A shape moved toward her.
As the soft pink light emanating from the crystal on her skin brightened slightly, Sylvia saw what was there. A long, black snake with diamond shaped scales trimmed in red and large blood red spines running down the length of it's back reared up and hissed at her slowly before lunging forward and latching on to her leg. As Sylvia realised the snakes fangs had easily bitten through the crystal covering her skin, She screamed loudly as the pain of the snakes fangs sinking into her skin shot through her body like a lightning bolt.
As the snake let go of her leg and moved away, Sylvia stumbled sideways and collapsed against the wall of the tunnel before falling to the floor as her vision darkened.
Some Time Later
Sylvia groaned hazily as she opened her eyes. As she motioned to move, Her body gave no response. Sylvia breathed heavily as fear and panic filled her mind. As her eyes darted around the small area she was in, Sylvia screamed loudly as the pain of the snake biting her shot through her body again before her vision once again went dark.
After a few hours, Sylvia once again awoke hazily and looked around the room. This time, The snake slithered toward her face as it's tongue darted in and out of it's mouth. As the snake reared back and hissed, A single word escaped Sylvia's lips as tears rolled down her cheeks. " Please... "
For a moment the snake hesitated and it's gaze met Sylvia's before it lunged forward and latched on to her neck as Sylvia's eyes went wide from the blazing wave of pain that shot through her. As her vision darkened, Sylvia felt the snake nuzzle her face gently.
As time passed, Sylvia flitted in and out of consciousness. Each time she awoke, The snake bit her again and she fell unconscious once more.
The Village
" Do you really think she would just leave without a reason? She needs to be alone. We can't just go and bring her back without knowing what her reason is. " Ajiya spoke softly as Sandersonia looked toward her with concern.
" Ajiya, She has been gone nearly a week. We have no idea what is even down in those caves let alone why she went there. " Sandersonia spoke with worry in her voice before Ajiya spoke with fierce determination.
" Which is EXACTLY why we shouldn't just barge in there! This is Sylvia's choice and Sylvia alone dictates when it ends. We cannot interfere! " Ajiya spoke calmly but with determination before Hancock spoke softly.
" Sometimes... Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. We do nothing. Sylvia will come back. " Hancockspoke calmly but her voice trembled as she stood and walked to the window before looking up toward the snake heads on the mountain.
" And if she doesn't? " Marigold spoke hesitantly but sighed as Hancock shook her head.
" She will. " Hancock stared up at the snake heads as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Meanwhile
Sylvia awoke groggily and groaned painfully as she sat up slowly. As she sat up. The numerous bite marks on her skin all stung simultaneously before Sylvia sighed softly and looked around the area she was in. The cave she was in was small as far as caves were concerned but large enough to fit at least twenty people in. As she looked around, Sylvia saw the snake coiled up a few feet away from her in the soft pink glow of the crystal still covering her skin. As she looked toward it, The snakes eyes shot open and it looked toward her.
As it slithered over to her, Sylvia shuffled backwards until her back was against the wall of the cave as she spoke softly. " Please... Don't... "
The snake hissed for a moment before lunging and biting Sylvia's shoulder. After groaning in pain, Sylvia fell unconscious.
The Village, One Week Later
" You cannot seriously expect us to continue sitting around doing nothing! She has been gone for two weeks now. What if she is hurt? What if she is starving to death because she can't find a way out? " Marigold spoke sternly before Hancock rounded on her with ferocity in her voice.
" Do not talk to me if all you have to say are what ifs! Sylvia will come back to me. She will. Now unless you have something constructive to suggest or say then leave me to my thoughts. I have enough worry of my own! " Hancock turned away as Marigold sighed softly and left the palace without another word.
Hot Springs
" Sylvia will come back... Won't she Lolly? " Ajiya spoke shakily as Lolly put her arms around Ajiya slowly.
" Of course she will. She loves you too much to leave you behind indefinitely. She will come back... Hopefully soon. " Lolly held Ajiya as she started sobbing softly.
" I... I miss her so much... " Ajiya cried softly as Lolly hugged her tightly.
The Cave
Sylvia awoke hazily and sat up slowly. As she sat up, She looked around as her jaw dropped slowly. Where there was pitch black darkness before, Everything around her was now a soft shade of grey. As she looked toward the snake, It appeared to be a tone of white against the monotone grey of the cave around it. As she looked at the snake, It reared and slithered toward her as she sighed. " We are just going to keep doing this aren't we... Get it over with... " Sylvia groaned softly as the snakes fangs sunk in to her skin and she slumped sideways on to the ground.
A Few Weeks Later
" Two and a half months she has been gone. I am NOT waiting one more damn second sister! " Marigold stormed out of the palace but as she opened the doors, Her jaw dropped. " Sister... You need to see this... "
Hancock walked to the door quickly and followed Marigold's gaze slowly. Standing in the middle of the pathway was Sylvia, A long black snake coiled around her from her left ankle, around her waist and chest and had it's head resting on her shoulder. As Hancock stepped forward, The snake reared up and hissed loudly. As it hissed, The other snakes in the crowd standing around cowered away cautiously. Even the huge snake that accompanied Hancock seemed to shy away. As Hancock motioned to speak, Sylvia spoke in a language that no one understood. As Sylvia stopped speaking, The other snakes in the area slithered toward her before bowing their heads slowly.
Sylvia looked around slowly before stepping toward Hancock as the snakes scattered back to their owners. As Sylvia walked up the steps, Hancock stared at the snake wrapped around her with fear in her eyes as a few words escaped her lips. " Th... That snake... "
" Is the last of her kind. One of the ancient serpents that once dominated this island. She is my partner now. " Sylvia spoke calmly and smiled as the snake nuzzled her cheek affectionately.
" Those marks... " Hancock pointed toward a set of the numerous bite marks dotted along Sylvia's skin. The marks were small scarred dots but were still visible against Sylvia's normal skin tone.
" What about them? " Sylvia ran her finger over one of the bite marks as Hancock spoke.
" That snake bit you didn't it... You... " Hancock's eyes darted between Sylvia and the snake as she continued. " You... You were given the snakes abilities... "
" Well yes and no... I'm not about to start shedding my skin or growing fangs but I can see in the dark and speak with snakes now. I am also immune to her venom. I have spent the last... Honestly I don't know how long it has been... In her cave... Being bitten over and over again. Every time she bit me, The effect lessened. At first it knocked me out for what felt like forever... I don't know for sure... Maybe a few days... But each time I woke up sooner. Now she bites me and... It... " Sylvia blushed lightly as the snake flicked it's tongue against her cheek. " It almost feels good... "
As if reacting to Sylvia herself, The snake wrapped around her twisted it's head and sunk it's fangs in to Sylvia's neck. As the snake bit down, Sylvia sighed softly with a tone that almost sounded as if it was pleasurable.
" No! Let go of her! " Hancock motioned to move forward but froze as Sylvia raised a hand toward her.
As the snake let go, Sylvia fell to her knees and sighed contently. " It sounds weird... But... I... I kind of enjoy it when she bites me... "
" You are right. That sounds deranged. But... I am not exactly in any position to be judging you sweety. I am just glad you are back. " Hancock moved toward Sylvia slowly and froze for a moment each time the snake hissed at her, Eventually allowing her to touch Sylvia slowly. " I have missed you so much. "
As Sylvia stood up slowly, Ajiya walked forward cautiously. As the snake reared up to hiss, It immediately hesitated and unwrapped itself from Sylvia as she whispered something before coiling next to her and watching Ajiya cautiously. Sylvia sat back on the ground as Ajiya edged closer carefully. Once she was within arms reach, Ajiya put her arms around Sylvia slowly. " I missed you so much Syl.. "
Ajiya was silenced as Sylvia quickly pulled her forward and pressed a passionate kiss to Ajiya's lips. After several moments, Sylvia broke the kiss and spoke softly as tears flowed down her cheeks. " I have missed you more than words can say. I am so sorry if I made you worry or scared you. But I had to leave. I had to get stronger. "
" Of course I was worried you idiot! You have been gone for two and a half months! What have you been doing?! " Ajiya burst in to tears as she pushed Sylvia away from her forcefully. As Sylvia fell backwards, Her snake reared up quickly and hissed fiercely at Ajiya but fell silent again as Sylvia raised her hand toward it.
" Please be more careful Ajiya. Shika is very protective of me. She will bite you if you are a threat to me. I can promise that you will not enjoy it as much as I do. " Sylvia spoke calmly as she moved back to Ajiya's side. " As for what I have been doing... I spent the first... Seriously I really don't know how long.. Just working through Shika's venom. Once it stopped effecting me, I started training with my powers. I trained every day and night to get control of my crystals. "
" And did you? Did you get control? " Ajiya stepped back cautiously with a nervous look on her face as Sylvia stood.
The moment Sylvia stood straight, Pink crystal instantly covered her body. Her crystal form had changed since Ajiya last saw it. The crystals on Sylvia's shoulders were taller and there were more of them, The spikes on the back of her elbows were now sharply edged with fine points, Her hair fell to her waist in intricately braided dreadlocks, Two large horns growing out of her forehead curled backward around her ears and pointed parallel with her jaw line, the tips of her fingers were sharply pointed claws and down her spine were spines that matched Shika's spines perfectly. " Control is an understatement. I learned a few new tricks too. " Sylvia smirked impishly as she pointed her arms forward and the crystal covering her arms flowed quickly over her hands and formed long sharp blades.
" For one I learned how to manipulate the crystal covering my body into a form that I desire or need. " Sylvia smiled and giggled playfully as Ajiya looked her up and down with awe in her eyes. As the crystal receded and Shika coiled herself around Sylvia once more, Ajiya spoke softly.
" You... You did this to get stronger? " Ajiya looked away sadly as Sylvia spoke.
" Yes... And no... I didn't just do it to get stronger. I did it... I did it so that I could protect you when we leave the island with Mother. I did it so that I can keep you safe Ajiya. " Sylvia spoke soothingly before tilting Ajiya's head up and pressing a tender kiss to her lips before turning to face Hancock. " We need to talk Mother. "
" Of... Ofcourse. Come with me. " Hancock spoke nervously before turning and walking back in to the palace. As Hancock sat down, Sylvia spoke urgently.
" When I was climbing back down the mountain, I saw Marine ships on the horizon. They are about a day away but they are heading toward us. I have a feeling they are not coming here for sightseeing. " Sylvia spoke sternly as Hancock shook her head.
" They are not. Before we found you, The Marines offered us a choice. Join them and serve as an Oka Shichibukai or be destroyed. Warlords Of The Sea. I have been a Warlord for some time but have grown tired of the stupidity the World Government often comes out with. The problem is that the Sea Kings are no longer our protection. The Marines sail right past them without reaction. We are... For lack of a better word... Defenceless. " Hancock sighed heavily before Sylvia spoke.
" We are not. I will not bow to the Marines just because they can sail past the Sea Kings. I will fight them. Even if I have to do it alone. " Sylvia turned and walked out of the palace and toward the hot springs with Shika wrapped around her as Hancock sat in silence with a look of shock on her face.
" She can't be serious... Fight the Marines? " Marigold spoke with surprise in her voice before Sandersonia spoke.
" She is serious. She really will fight them. " Sandersonia turned to face Hancock as she continued. " What should we do? "
" What we should have done long ago. We remind the World Government that we are not their personal lapdogs. I am tired of bending to their demands. From here on we will show them just how willing we are to be pirates. We fight with Sylvia. Screw the marines and their precious World Government. We are the Kuja Pirates. Time to act the part. " Hancock spoke with ferocity and courage as Sandersonia grinned widely.
" Well it's about time. I was getting tired of resisting the urge to punch that Admiral. " Sandersonia hissed happily as Marigold spoke.
" This is gonna be fun. I'll get the warriors ready for a fight. " Marigold walked out of the palace and began shouting orders to the villagers as Hancock smiled devilishly.
" Let us see what that almighty Admiral Sakazuki is made of. He will regret coming here and threatening my people. " Hancock grinned as Sandersonia hissed again playfully.
Hot Springs
" Isn't this lovely Shika? I love the hot springs. " Sylvia sighed contently as Shika hissed happily as she coiled herself in to a bundle on one of the warm rocks. After a moment, Sylvia gasped as she felt something graze her leg and opened her eyes to see Ajiya sitting on her lap.
" Surprise. " Ajiya blushed brightly as Sylvia giggled.
" Surprise indeed. I am glad you decided to join me Ajiya. " Sylvia put her arms around Ajiya gently as Ajiya sighed softly.
" I am sorry I pushed you earlier... I didn't mean to... " Ajiya looked away sadly before Sylvia kissed her cheek lovingly and giggled.
" If I thought you meant it you wouldn't be sitting on my lap Ajiya. " Sylvia giggled as she pulled Ajiya's body against her own roughly and kissed Ajiya's neck lightly as Ajiya rested her head on Sylvia's shoulder.
" I missed you so much. You could have taken me with you. " Ajiya spoke shakily but relaxed as Sylvia ran her hands up Ajiya's back slowly.
" I could have and I wanted to but I needed to do my training alone. " Sylvia smiled as Ajiya sighed contently.
" You are here now. Don't leave me behind again. " Ajiya sighed softly as Sylvia nuzzled her neck lovingly.
After a few minutes, Lolly walked over to the hot springs, Patting Shika as she passed, Who shivered slightly and looked up as Lolly got in to the water as she spoke. " Hey lovebirds. "
" Hiya Lolly. Good to see you. " Sylvia smiled brightly as Lolly waded over and kissed her forehead gently before sitting down next to her.
" Good to see you to. I was worried for a while there. I thought maybe you weren't gonna come back. I would have missed you too much if you were gone any longer. It's a pity I suck at climbing. I tried to follow you a couple of times but I just couldn't climb any higher than a few feet before falling. " Lolly smiled brightly as Sylvia giggled happily.
" I am glad that you tried to follow me Lolly but I did need to go alone. Sorry if I scared you. " Sylvia smiled but gasped painfully as Lolly thumped her on the head.
" Of course you scared me idiot! " Lolly pouted as Sylvia rubbed the top of her head and Shika hissed as if she were laughing. Shika fell silent as Sylvia glared at her and turned to Lolly before speaking.
" I said I was sorry! " Sylvia gasped loudly as Lolly thumped her again.
" That doesn't make it alright! " Lolly pouted and turned away with irritation on her face as Ajiya moved off Sylvia's lap so she could move. Sylvia stood and walked up behind Lolly before hugging her tightly.
" I am really sorry Lolly. I didn't mean to scare you. " Sylvia spoke soothingly as Lolly relaxed and turned to face her.
" Sylvia I love you like you are my sister. You basically are my sister. So next time you run off I swear I will thump you so hard that your brain leaks out of your ears. " Lolly pouted angrily before tackling Sylvia and dunking her under the water playfully. As Sylvia popped up, She giggled happily before hugging Lolly tenderly.
" I love you to Lolly. We are sisters. Even if we aren't literally, We are sisters. " Sylvia smiled as Lolly hugged her lovingly before Ajiya tackled them both in to the water and the three of them laughed happily as they splashed and played.
After a few hours playing in the water of the hot springs, Ajiya, Lolly and Sylvia dried off and got dressed. As they walked back toward the Palace, Sylvia waved at the other villagers as they passed, Some of them stopping to examine Shika.
As they arrived at the Palace, Sylvia waved goodbye to Lolly and kissed Ajiya goodbye before walking inside to find Hancock waiting for her. As Shika uncoiled herself from around Sylvia and slithered over to a shadowy corner, Hancock spoke with urgency in her voice.
" Sylvia. We have decided to fight the Marines. We will need you if we are going to win. The Admiral that is coming is a Devil Fruit user. I have seen his power once before. He can turn his body into Magma. It burns everything he touches. I am not sure we can defeat him. " Hancock spoke cautiously but smiled as Sylvia shook her head.
" We don't need to. Get me close and one bite from Shika will knock him out for days. Then we can deal with the Marines. " Sylvia giggled playfully as Sandersonia picked her up and tossed her in to the air before catching her and hugging her lovingly.
" Aren't you just the fiercest little thing around. I missed you sweetheart. " Sandersonia smiled brightly as Sylvia hugged her tightly.
" I missed all of you as well. Especially Mother. She was so upset when I left. " Sylvia looked toward Hancock who had a look of surprise on her face as Sandersonia put Sylvia down and she ran to Hancock before hugging her lovingly. " I missed you so much Mother. "
Hancock gasped softly as tears built up in her eyes and she picked Sylvia up quickly and hugged her lovingly. " I missed you more than words can say my sweet darling. I am so happy you are home. "
Hancock cried softly as Sylvia kissed her cheek gently. " I love you Mother. "
" I love you to sweetheart. I am so sorry for upsetting you. " Hancock cried softly as Sylvia moved back and shook her head.
" I don't care about that. I care that you want me here and love me. I care that you regret what you did and I care that you admit it was the wrong choice. But most of all I care that you were waiting for me to come back. I love you with all of my heart Mother. Even if you hurt me or break my heart, That won't change. " Sylvia leant against Hancock's chest as Hancock sobbed softly.
" You are such an amazing girl Sylvia. I am so lucky to have a daughter as wonderful as you. " Hancock held Sylvia tightly as tears streamed freely down her face.
" You are the best Mother that I could ever wish for. " Sylvia smiled brightly and sighed happily as Hancock pressed a loving kiss to Sylvia's forehead as Marigold walked in to the Palace.
" The warriors are ready. The Marines should be here tomorrow. " Marigold spoke sternly but smiled and giggled as Sylvia jumped up and ran towards her.
" Marigold! " Sylvia laughed happily and hugged Marigold lovingly as Marigold picked her up happily.
" I am so happy to see you sweetheart. I am glad you have come home at last. " Marigold held Sylvia tenderly before putting her down and walking back to Hancock with her.
Sylvia has new control and a new companion but the Marines are coming.
Is this the start of a war with the world government?
Read on to find out!
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