Chapter 14: Blood and bones
**Shiva's POV**
Kid still stared at me. ˝Do you need anything Captain?˝ - he chuckled ˝yes?˝
˝Can't get over the fact that you call me Captain but I like it˝ - he says with a smirk and I roll my eyes.
I stare at the island, it had a jungle in the centre, pale sand beaches around it. Looks like paradise.
˝Follow me˝ - Kid says and I see Killer joining. He's still refusing to even look at me. Sighing we enter the jungle.
Everything seemed so big and green, even the flowers which should have all kinds of colors. A small monkey appears in front of me. Green. He glared at me with his big teal-green eyes and hissed. It was a weird jungle.
I heard Kid cuss, rushing over I saw three green tigers in front of him and Killer.
˝Dinner.˝ - Killer said and using his scythes sliced them down. What's gotten into him? He was much calmer before.
I shake my head nad drift around. So lush but so green. It was getting boring.
I was walking for a while and couldn't hear Kid or Killer anymore. I should head back but something caught my eye. A glimmer down further. Couldn't hurt to go some more. I continue in the direction of the glimmer and the scenery becomes darker, less green. Tones of gray and darkness before me.
My foot almost slipped on a rock and I face stone pillars. But much more smaller and better adorned.
Neatly stacked in rows. My eyes widen – It's a graveyard. So there were other humans here. But the graveyard was huge! My eyes didn't see the end of it, only rows and rows disappearing into the darkness.
I walk a bit around and see bones. Everywhere. I recognize their smell – some animal but mostly human. Some chewed and some intact. What in the world could have done those bite marks? I shiver and pick up a bone, it looked like a femur. My fingers skimmed over the smooth surface of the bone.
˝Shut up, it's irrelevant. They make the most dangerous weapons. Out of human bones. I heard the Navy confiscated a dagger made entirely of children's teeth!˝
˝Maybe she makes weapon's out of bones! Look at them! They're the sharpest blades I ever saw in my life! And we sailed the Grand Line!˝ - grunts of approval were heard.
The crew wondered if I made my weapons out of bones but it was just the Chimera fire that made them special. I knew the theory of course, every Chimera smith knew it, but I never met a bones smith. I don't think they exist anymore.
Suddenly a hand on my shoulder broke me out of my thoughts.
˝OI! Didn't you hear me? And why are you kneeling around bones?˝ - Kid asked me and I flinched. When did I kneel? I stood and brushed dirt of me.
˝I was looking at the graves and these bones are animal and human. Look at the bite marks!˝ - I replied.
˝How do you distinguish them?˝
˝My nose tells me˝
˝Whatever we're going back to the ship˝ - I nodded and followed him suit. He seemed different. I kept trying to catch his gaze but he averted his eyes everytime I lamost succeeded. Giving up I walked behind him.
I had actually walked more than I realized and I still didn't know what that glimmer was.
**on the ship **
˝It's almost dinner time Master Kid˝ - Heat greeted us and we went to the galley. My stomach grumbled, I haven't eaten since the fight! Or even before that?
I was starving. Hope Danny made something good.
The crew settled back in it's usual routine. Laughter, food and booze. In that order. I was sitting next to Wire and Heat who were discussing the graveyard I found. My mind drifted back to those bones.
What was that glimmer?
Who were those humans?
**Kid's POV**
The crew was noisy as Hell. As usual. Shiva was inhaling her food, guess she's hungry. Smirking I continued to watch her.
She was normal until Heat mentioned the graveyard. Her eyes fell and she looked lost – like she wasn't here.
What was so fucking fascinating about graveyards, corpses and bones?
Bones. What is she up to?
**Shiva's POV**
I finished my meal and watched the crew. Kid was observing me the hole time. What was he up to?
Slowly everyone went to their places – some to sleep and rest some to the night crew. I was lucky, I didn't have to do night watch, still never understood why.
Killer brushed against me and I lifted my gaze. He said nothing as he went out. Kid declared it a night and barked some orders.
˝Oi Shiva?˝ - he called
˝I'm gonna sleep, tired as Hell˝ - I lied but he didn't notice.
Lying in my bed I tried to rethink my plan. Was I really going to do it?
If I failed – nothing would change. No one will ever know that I tried it but If I succeeded – I would have to tell Kid.
Fuck. This was frustrating. The moon shone above me, crimson tinted. It reminded me of the moon I'd gaze out of my old room, back in the castle.
Before everything happened.
I'll just give it try.
Clothes. Door. And I was out in the jungle. In what direction was I going again? That glimmer. How?
Nevermind. I followed the same glimmer and soon arrived at the graveyard. It looked even worse in the night, illuminated by the moonlight, spooky. I shivered and went to the pile of bones.
Just a couple – not much.
I took what I wanted and sprinted back.
Sprint to the smithy. I have work to do.
**time elapse**
I brushed sweat off my forehead and smiled. The sun was getting up. I still have some more things to finish.
**Kid's POV**
Where's that woman? It will be two days this evening. Growling I stood on the main deck.
˝How long till everything is repaired?˝ - our shipwright, Tom came.
˝Master Kid! Still a day! The Conqueror took a beating so we're reinforcing it as well as repairing.˝ - he said covered in dirt, probably working since we came here. I nodded and walked off to my cabin.
Where is that damn woman?
**Shiva's POV**
I think I've done it. The blade shone back at me in a peculiar way. My own colors, red and plum shone, but there was something more to it. Like a special light radiation out of it.
I grinned, shower first then show them.
I put my cloak on and hid them inside. Reaching for the door knob I felt butterflies in my stomach. How will they react to it?
I arrived at the main deck, Kid and Killer were talking. Both of their heads shot up and they gave me a confused look. Killer looked away.
˝I have something, for the both of you.˝ - that got their attention.
˝ I had a little experiment. And I...succeeded.˝ - my hands went to my cloak and I pulled out a sword and a scythe. The sword shone proudly and the hilt had dragons embeded on it. I gave that to Kid ˝I'm sick of your daggers˝ - I smiled.
The scythe had a long hilt that ended in a semi blade making it double featured. That, I gave to Killer. His stance showed me his confusment.
˝Do you like them? They're special. Not made from metal˝
˝The feel so light but I can feel their strange power˝ - Killer mumbled and I smiled.
˝That's because they're made of human bones˝
Both of them stopped what they're were doing an stared at me.
˝But you said..˝ - Killer started.
˝I know what I said. To tell you the truth I knew the theory but never met a real bone smith or have done it. I just listened to my gut feeling and followed the steps my old sensei told me. Guess I was lucky˝
˝The sword seems powerfull˝ - Kid finally said. ˝But will it break like a human bone?˝
I smirk ˝Try it then˝
˝Attract˝ - a huge steel plate appeared before our eyes. It was half Kid's size. Truthfully not even I knew if the blade could slice and remain intact. I bit my lip and waited.
He swinged the blade and time stopped. The blade sliced through the steel like butter and resonated with a prefect ring. It was as the blade itself sang.
The steel was cut in half and fell between us. The blade of the bone sword shined, more beautifully than I first made it.
So that's how it works, every time the blade slices something it's beauty increases. I grinned.
˝Woman you're turning out to be more and more useful˝ - he says with a smirk. Is that a praise?
˝Your turn Killer˝ - I turn to the masked man
˝I use only my spinning scythes˝ - he complained.
˝Well you can keep this as a present then!Urgh˝- whatever he won't ruin my mood. I made it!
*stomach growls*
˝Have you eaten anything after dinner?˝ - Kid asks. I shake my head ˝Noup I worked all night long on these, kinda forgot about breakfast˝.
We take off to the galley to eat something and leave Killer standing there. I turn and see him observing the double scythe I gave him. I sigh.
˝He likes it he's just not used receiving gifts˝ - Kid says. I snort.
˝Yeah that really doesn't have to do with the fact that he ignores or avoids me.˝
˝He does that?˝
˝Yeah haven't you noticed? Since we started talking again he avoids me like the plague˝- I complain. And there I thought we became friends. Guess not.
**Killer's POV**
I watched them go. Not for the first time, together. Lowering my gaze I looked at my gift. It was magnificent. Nobody ever gave such a thing. The blade was perfect, light and accurately made for my hand. She gave a lot of effort in this.
I haven't even thanked her for it. I would have but...I can't look at her and see her smile without thinking she's only smiles because of Kid..
**Shiva's POV**
Kid seemed frowning more than usual even after getting his new gift.
˝You know what's tonight?˝ - he asked. Yes I know I just choose to ignore it.
˝You worry about it more than me, you know. Relax.˝ - I said hugging his arm. We didn't show affection or anything that sorts after the incident by the baths but I needed it. I need his touch and the feeling I get around him. He might as well get used to that.
He stiffened but relaxed eventually getting his arm out of my grasp and putting it around my waist.
˝Do you remember Shiva?˝ - he asked.
˝What exactly?˝ - what now?
˝Mine˝ - he whispered in my ear as we entered the galley like that earning stares from our crew. They wouldn't dare to say anything in front of him.
**later that night**
Our dinner ended up in a party. Someone suggested we haven't relaxed in a while and before you knew it the whole crew was either drinking or dancing. They sang and behaved like monkeys. I was laughing along Kid who didn't leave my side.
He kept his gaze on me and his crew.
˝Are you glued to me today?˝ - I asked after sipping some sake for both or us. He chugged it down.
˝No, but...˝
˝I know.. relax okay?˝ - I said in a reassuring voice. He cared for me. I smiled and leaned into him.
˝Thank you for saving me that day...˝ - I said.
˝You thanked me already, what's with the mushy stuff woman?˝-
˝Why do you call me „woman" all the time?˝
˝It's a nickname˝
What?! ˝Well find a better one gogglehead˝ - I bit his arm that was around me and he pinched my side ˝Ouch˝
˝That's for the nickname˝ - he snickered and drank more. I wanted to frown but ended up giggling.
I was insane to have fun like that with him.
˝I see you're relaxed Shiva˝ - an icy voice said and everybody stopped doing whatever they were doing.
In the mist of the party a hooded figure sat with a glass in hand. The tail and strong pale blue legs of the creature could be seen. It rose and put his hood down.
Y'datos.
He was pale blue, muscled and with mischievous green eyes. His smile broadened and he came to us.
I bowed to the God.
˝A-a no need for that. Would you like to continue or get on with my fun erm your sacrifice darling?˝ - His smooth voice froze me. A hand came to my face and he caressed my cheek. ˝Such beauty even with that mixed blood˝ - he said with disgust in his voice.
Don't glare. Don't glare. I inhaled and nodded.
˝If you don't mind I'd like to get over with it˝ - I replied making sure my voice was ridden of emotion. Last thing I want is anger him.
˝Mmm yes, you two get two ceramic bowls now˝ - he ordered two crew members and they looked at Kid. ˝Please˝ - I said to him and he nodded.
˝AH YES!˝ - Y'datos said and moved to the main deck. ˝Follow me dear˝
His smile was psychotic and his eyes glazed with madness. I really didn't like him. He was the maddest of them all. Not that the 3 remaining gods were better. Sighing I kneeled in front of him.
He smiled and inhaled my scent.
˝I see you're informed how we like you˝ - he murmured and I tried my best not to shiver. I could feel Kid and Killer staring at us.
Ready to pounce. Please remain where you are.
**flashback – arriving at the Island**
˝Kid?˝
˝What?˝
˝When he comes, promise me you or anybody else won't interfere. Whatever happens.˝ - I pleaded. He turned to me surprised ˝Please promise me that˝
He stared back at me ˝Okay˝
Please remember your promise Kid.
Two ceramic bowels were placed at my sides. A dagger appeared.
˝Now darling, do you remember Sidero-sensei?˝ (a/n: Sidero – iron, greek)
˝Yes, he was my sensei˝
˝Do you remember what your trial was?˝ - Please no.
˝Yes˝ - I said shakily.
˝Good, take your dagger. You will cut your arms 6 times vertically and 6 times horizontally. Then we will revive that memory.˝ - I shivered ˝And as bonus, the crew you pleaded me to save, will see it all, you and the memory. And I promise you...I will be real˝ - fear must have shown in my eyes because he started to laugh like a maniac.
His eyes widened and I nodded. What else could i do?I wasn't sure if I would survive this. Barely survived it the first time.
I took the dagger, it was one of mine. The first I made for Kid. So Y'datos knew, of course he was a God.
I closed my eyes and sliced. Right – Left. Putting the dagger down I brought the bowels closer and turned my hands so the blood would run freely.
˝Ahh it begins˝ - I barely heard his voice in the mist of my memories.
**Memory***
Entering an old shed smoke entered my lungs and I started coughing.
˝A new pupil I see˝ - a ragged voice came *cough* ˝Come closer child˝ - I was barely standing but forced myself to the center. A chair, tools and an old dragon. Literally a dragon, dark green scales and withered wings but a sharp stare. Sidero sensei – the last of the times before the great wars. He was at least 400 years old.
˝Child do you wish to learn my skills?˝
˝Yes˝ - came my hoarse voice. His opaque eyes stared at me.
˝Halfling. You may not survive this˝ - I glared.
˝Ahhahaha brave are we? Or stupid?˝ - I was losing my patience. He was the best and oldest but age surely took a bite on his sanity.
˝Do you see that well there? Take out a bucket full and bring it here˝ - I stood and made my way to the well. It was scorching hot, melting everything near it. Magma.
What in the?
I brought him a full bucket of magma without question.
˝Drink it whole. ˝ - he said simply making me stare wide-eyed.
˝A pure blood would get injured by it but you...oh you my dear I don't know if you can survive it.˝
˝Then why are you making me drink it? If you refuse me as your pupil just say it˝ - I said.
˝SILENCE!˝ - he yelled and everything shook around us ˝This is the trial. If you survive you are suitable and I will teach you everything I know.˝ - with that he turned and returned to his unfinished business leaving me to stare at the bucket. The sides of it were gnawed and it could barely stay in one piece.
I will die. I lifted my gaze to the room I was in. Weapons all around me, magnificent and beautiful. Remember...
Closing my eyes my hands went to the bucket. It wasn't so heavy. I brought it closer to my mouth and poured.
Never in my life did I feel such pain.
My mouth, my tongue, teeth and throat were burning. I swallowed and poured more. The magma burned its way into my body and the bucket fell out of my hands.
I've done it, drank all of it.
Everything became fuzzy. My vision blurred and my body heating. I screamed. Screamed until blood ran out and I coughed so hard it made my heart hurt. Screams turned to howls and my tears burned away on my skin. Evaporated.
Blood was seeping out, making a poodle around me.
My neck bled and I could feel skin melting. Sensei came with something shiny.
˝Ohh fascinating. Look˝- A mirror. My neck. My left side was open, the throat sliced open. Magma and blood mixed together and I howled.
I couldn't take it no more. Screaming I fell to the ground.
˝You are a strong one – stubborn ye are. Sleep. Tomorrow we start˝
**end memory**
Screaming. I couldn't stop. That pain. The heat. The pain.
**Kid's POV**
She was fucking bleeding everywhere. Who's that fucking dragon? I stared at my woman, what was she thinking?
The thin scar she had on her neck. This made it?
Killer was shaking next to me. He lunged but I stopped him.
˝You bastard don't you see she's in pain!?˝ - he yelled at me.
˝I promised her. We will not interfere˝
˝She might die Kid! No one can survive that˝
˝She already has and she will again˝ - I said giving him an order.
He was still shaking. I clenched my fists. If she dies, God or no God I will kill him.
**Shiva's POV**
I screamed as I felt it. My old wounds reopened. Y'datos was sitting there, amusement in his eyes.
˝Oh I see, you're conscious. That's good. KNEEL!˝
I couldn't, if I did I'd lose it.
˝KNEEL!˝
Do you want to lose him, darling? His silky voice echoed in my mind. No. Please no. I turned and saw him.
Kid. Barely managing. He was white as paper, a frown on his face. Fists tight.
Killer. He was shaking. The scythe I made in his hands. I smiled at that and turned my head.
˝Yes your highness¨ - I whispered and kneeled barely keeping myself together.
Y'datos got up ˝Marvelous! You're so fun dear! Be sure to call me often!˝ - and with that he left.
Leaving me in my blood and agony.
I wanted to post right after the last chapter and got writer's block, so here darlings extra long :3
this story will be over in 2-3 chapters. And I want to thank you all for reviewing so far! *gives out cookies*
Hope you like this chapter Read and Review