For three months, she sailed across endless azure waters, guided by the unerring needle of the Eternal Pose. The small boat, weathered but steadfast, became both prison and sanctuary. Days blurred into nights under the vast, star-strewn sky, the horizon a constant companion. Storms tested resolve, waves crashing like titans, yet the Pose never wavered, its needle a beacon of purpose. Brief stops at remote ports were fleeting—restocking supplies, mending sails, and stealing moments of rest on solid ground. Many nights were spent with just her thoughts and the box of letters left to her by her mother. She studied the journal as best she could, but the only thing she could decipher was Golem Island. Having no idea where that could be, how to find it, or what she would even be looking for, she files it away, hoping that maybe the island the eternal pose is leading her to will have some answers.
Cloaked in solitude, she spoke little, her eyes fixed on the Pose, as if it whispered secrets only she could hear. The sea's monotony was broken by fleeting wonders: bioluminescent tides, breaching leviathans, and islands shrouded in mist. Each mile brought her closer to her unknown destination, the journey a testament to endurance and the relentless pull of destiny.
"Finally," she announces as the island comes into view. "I didn't think I would ever get here." Smiling, she tightened her grip on the well-worn handle of the small rutter as the wind billowed against the sail. Closing in, she notices the island, covered in tropical green foliage, appears uninhabited.
The jagged silhouette of the Petrified Titan, a towering, mangled stump the size of a mountain, dominates the island's horizon. Its broken form juts unevenly into the sky, resembling a shattered fortress. Cracks run through its stone-like surface, glowing faintly with an eerie, otherworldly light. The surrounding landscape is barren, with twisted roots sprawling like skeletal fingers across the ashen ground.
Her eyes fall on ruins that rise like broken teeth against the horizon, their jagged silhouettes cloaked in mist. "Was there some kind of conflict here long ago?"
A current takes hold of the rudder, snapping her from her observations. Using both hands to navigate, she rides a wave to the beach. She drags her small boat onto the sand so the tide will not pull it back. Scanning the swaying palm trees, she cocks a hip, "Well, I am here. Guess I should take a look around." Securing her sword and her treasures, she enters the forest.
There is nothing spectacular or unique about this forest. It is a typical forest with nondescript vegetation. The only exceptional thing about this island is the massive, towering titan overpowering the horizon. Eventually, she finds the ruins that caught her eye from the ocean but are just as underwhelming as the rest of the island.
Disappointed, she sighs as a wave of exhaustion washes over her. "What the hell?" Leaning against a collapsed stone wall, "This turned out to be an epic waste of time." Rolling her eyes, "I can only imagine the long lecture waiting for me when I get home."
Snap! She jets upright. Back rigid, she reaches behind for the hilt of her blade. "Hello?" she calls out. "Is anyone there?" Brush rustles to the right of her, holding her attention. The ground shakes, followed by thundering hooves as a massive boar the size of an elephant breaks through the tundra behind her. On instinct, she unsheathes her blade. She spins with one effortless, flowing move, slicing the boar in half. Blood sprays as the beast crashes to the ground in pieces. Towering over the corps, she Inspects her work, "Well, I don't have to go hunting now."
"Wow!" she whips around, "that was amazing! Did you see that?" Riggs, a tall, lanky, blue-eyed, blond-haired boy, says.
"Of course, I saw it," Jax, another not-as-tall, brown-haired boy, stepped out of the shadows. "It wasn't all that amazing. "I could have done that too if I had a sword like that."
Marya points her blade, still dripping red, with narrowed eyes, "Who are you?"
Riggs smiles, lifting his palms, "Whoa, we don't want any trouble. We are just out hunting." Twisting, he points to his quiver of arrows. "See, they are for hunting."
"We had a snare set up," Jax interjects, "but…" his hazel eyes shift to the side.
"Do you live here?" Marya asks, "I have not seen any towns or villages."
The boys share a knowing glance. "Actually," Jax's brow creases, "how are you here? This island is secluded."
Marya's lips pursed. "I know!" Riggs pounds an optimistic fist into an open palm. "Why don't you come with us?" taking a step forward. "I promise you, if you can take that boar down like you did, we are no match for your skill. We are not a threat."
Marya's eyes shift as she considers. "Are you hungry?" Jax rubs the back of his neck. "There will be food where we are going."
The potential of a cooked meal appeals to her since she has been living on sea rations. Making an audible breath, she nods her acceptance and sheaths her sword.
"Great! I am Jax," pointing his thumb to his companion, "This is Riggs." Marya steps away as Riggs moves past her. "We have to take this back with us. Otherwise, Master Gaius will have us running laps around the island." Stepping into her space, "So, what is your name?"
Tilting her head back to meet his gaze, "I am Marya."
Riggs smiles, "it's nice to meet you."
"Riggs! Come help me with this!" Jax snaps while bent over the bore's corps. When he is answered with silence, "Riggs!" Jax's head spins in response to the sharp tone. "Come on! Bring the rope."
"Oh, right. " Lifting the rope slug across him, he kneels, whispering, "Have you ever seen eyes like that?"
"No," Jax tightens a knot. "I wonder how she got here."
She grasps the kogatana around her neck and watches them heave the massive creature onto their shoulders. "Okay," Jax announces, "this way!"
"Just follow us!" Riggs smiles.
Moving through the forest, it is apparent how familiar the boys are. Sensing Marya's tension, they begin to banter with one another. Marya's footsteps faltered as she trailed behind the two boys, their laughter echoing unnaturally in the dense forest. Her palms grew clammy, her heart racing with every rustle of leaves. She clutched her kogatana, feeling like an outsider in their easy camaraderie. Unaccustomed to this interaction, she follows in silence, doing her best to take in her surroundings should she need to make a hasty exit.
The forest clears into a valley sprawled under an endless sky, its sea of tall, golden grass swaying rhythmically in the breeze. Scattered among the waves of green and gold stand ancient ruins—crumbling stone pillars and moss-covered arches—silent witnesses to a forgotten era—the air hums with the whispers of history, timeless and serene.
Looking ahead, a man reclined lazily on a sun-warmed rock, his broad shoulders relaxed but still imposing. His chin-length gray hair, swept carelessly to one side, caught the breeze while his short stubble framed a face etched with lines of experience. A weathered pipe rested between his fingers, its sweet-smelling smoke curling into the open sky. His piercing eyes, sharp yet calm, scanned the endless field before him as if surveying a life well-lived. Dressed in simple, sturdy clothes, he exuded an air of quiet strength, a man content in his solitude yet unmistakably shaped by a past full of stories. "Hey," Riggs waves his free arm, "Master Gaius!" The aged man knocks his pipe against the rock, clearing the soot, and stands. "Look what we got!"
"OH! Impressive!" he calls back. His pleased expression fades when he notices Marya following them. Marya jumps back when he suddenly appears in front of her. Without thinking, she draws the blade concealed in the kogatana around her neck.
Unthreatened, he peers down at her with her unwavering arm stretched to its full length. It is as if he recognizes something. His palm trusts forward, but her image fades away. "Devil fruit powers!" His eyes shift when he feels the razor edge of cold steel against his neck. "Impressive."
"That is so cool!" Riggs is giddy with excitement.
"I didn't come here to cause trouble," Marya's tone is stone cold, and her gaze is focused. "But I will not hesitate should you decide to do me harm."
Master Gaius crosses his well-muscled arms, resting his hands inside the fold of his robe. "Yes, I can see that. The blade does not falter. I suspect you have spent many hours holding it, and your use of Haki is impressive, but I dare say it could use some improvement. Tell me, young lady, what is your name?" After a long pause, "I mean you no harm." He pushes the tip of her blade away with two of his fingers. Noting her lack of resistance, he turns to her, "It's just you look very familiar to me."
"It's okay," she glances at Riggs, "He was just testing you. He does it to everyone."
Lips pressed to a thin line, she sheathed her sword. Holding his gaze, "Marya."
"Is that your full name?"
Sighing, she rolls her eyes, "Dracule Marya Zaleska."
"Dracule? As in Dracule Mihawk?" Riggs's eyes go wide.
Marya's eyes jet to the side in response to his enthusiasm. Master Gaius steps into her space, forcing her to focus on him. "Is he here?"
Holding her ground, she looks him in the eye, "No."
Smirking, "you are by yourself?"
"Yes."
"How did you find this place?"
"I followed an eternal pose that my mother had."
Eyes narrowed, "I see." After a long, dramatic pause and gust of wind, he tosses his hands in the air. "Well, I am sure he will be along soon enough!" Sounding chipper as he takes the lead of the small caravan hunting party. "Come on, boys, this pig isn't going to cook itself, and I am starving. I can't wait to hear how you took it down."
Marya stands stunned for a long moment at his sudden change in demeanor. "Keep up!" he calls out. "Daylight's wasting and the chef waits on no one!" She scurries to catch up, falling into the back of the line.
The well-worn path meanders through the valley, its dirt packed smooth by countless footsteps, leading to the remnants of an ancient ruin. Moss-covered stones and broken pillars hint at a forgotten civilization. At the heart of the ruins, two massive flat boulders lean against each other, forming a natural archway. Crossing the threshold feels like stepping into another world—the sunlight fades, replaced by the cool, damp air of a dimly lit cavern. The walls glisten with moisture, and the faint sound of dripping water echoes in the distance. Not noticing the gradual incline, Marya stumbles. "You okay back there?" Master Gaius calls out.
"Yes." The light shifts as she finds her footing. She is taken back when the cavern falls away and their destination is revealed. The petrified titan forms a natural fortress of glittering lights through windows that line the walls from floor to ceiling. A roaring waterfall cascades from above, splitting into a shimmering river that winds through the city's heart, its waters glinting with flecks of gold. Bridges of polished wood and stone arc gracefully between balconies, forming an intricate transit system. Lanterns hang from the walkways, casting a warm glow on bustling markets, homes carved into the bark, and temples adorned with ancient runes. "What is this place?"
"We are inside the petrified tree?" Riggs grins. "You can't see it from the outside, but…"
"Boys," Master Gaius interrupts, "the chef is waiting on you."
Nodding, "See you later," Riggs takes a long look over his shoulder.
"Just go already," Jax shoves.
"Let's go this way," Master Gaius gestures up some steps that lead to a bridge bending over the whole community. He gives her an encouraging shove since she keeps wanting to look down and take it all in. From time to time, a passerby will stop and gawk. "Nothing to see here. Carry on." Master Gaius waves them past.
"Ah, here we are." The bridge ends on the top of what would be the tallest building if entered from the bottom. Opening the door, Marya's jaw dropped. Gleaming marble floors reflect the soft glow of enchanted lanterns suspended from vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate mosaics. Towering shelves of polished mahogany, meticulously organized, house countless volumes—ancient tomes with gilded spines, scrolls sealed in crystal tubes, and illuminated manuscripts that seem to shimmer. The air is crisp and faintly scented with lavender and cedar, a testament to those who protect the collection from decay. Scholars move quietly through the aisles, guided by floating orbs of light. At the library's heart lies the Celestial Atrium, a domed chamber where a massive, rotating astrolabe projects constellations onto the ceiling, symbolizing the eternal pursuit of knowledge.
"Oh, you're not ready for that." He takes hold of her shoulders, guiding her down a hallway.
Slam! The ominous sound echoes through the library. Both Master Gaius and Marya search for its origin as they walk. Master Gaius grins as a woman that exuded elegance, her figure draped in a flowing gown of deep emerald silk, embroidered with intricate gold patterns that shimmered with every movement. Her neckline was adorned with delicate lace, and her sleeves billowed gracefully, and she cinched at the wrists with jeweled cuffs. A velvet corset accentuated her waist, its silver filigree catching the light. Her raven hair was swept into an elaborate updo, pinned with pearls and a single emerald hairpiece that matched her earrings. Her skin was bronze, her lips were painted a rich crimson, and her piercing eyes, framed by dark lashes, held an air of regal confidence. She carried herself with poise, every step a statement of grace and authority. Back straight, she follows them, calling out to Master Gaius. "I think she is calling for you." Marya tries to look back, but Master Gaius's grip tightens on her shoulders as he pushes her onward.
"Pay her no mind; we are almost there." Bursting through elaborately designed, arched double doors, Master Gaius stops in a room with vaulted ceilings, glowing chandeliers, plush tiered seating, and a marble stage framed by golden arches full of important-looking people. "I have an announcement!"
"Master Gaius!" The woman stands panting in the doorway.
"Oh good, Nanette, you will want to hear this too!" Sweeping his arm grandly, "Allow me to introduce Dracule Marya Zaleska." Crash, dishes shatter as they impact the ground. The room that was humming with chatter is now dead silent. A cat screeches in the distance as Marya stands, blinking awkwardly at the group of stunned adults.
Knox, a rugged man with weathered charm, rushes toward them, "What the hell are you doing?" His dark, shaggy hair tousled as if perpetually caught in a breeze. A short, neatly trimmed beard framed his jaw, accentuating a strong, angular face. His most striking feature was his handlebar mustache, meticulously groomed and curled at the ends, giving him an air of both sophistication and roguishness. His piercing eyes, lined with the faint creases of experience, held a mix of warmth and mystery. He carried himself with quiet confidence, his presence commanding yet approachable, like someone who had seen much but still found joy in the simple things.
"Isn't it obvious? I am introducing Mihawk's daughter." His impish grin reveals his true intentions.
Standing nose to nose, "What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?"
"Of course not, Knox!" Grabbing her by the collar, she stumbles as he jerks her to him. "Just look at her. The evidence is as plain as her face."
Knox's brow furrows as he inspects the referred-to evidence. Returning his attention to Master Gaius. "Where is he? Is he here?"
Wack! Wack! "What the hell is wrong with you two?" Nanette snaps as both men rub their heads. "She is not a thing! She is a person, and clearly, she has been traveling for a long time to get here! She must be exhausted and overwhelmed." Composing herself, "I swear, the two of you!" She glares scoldingly at them before shifting her attention to Marya. Reaching out her hand, she says in the most charming tone, "Hello, Marya. I am Nanette, the head librarian. Welcome."
Hesitantly, Marya takes her hand. "Hi, it's nice to meet you."
Nanette beams a beautiful, gracious smile with gleaming white teeth. "You must have been traveling for a long time. Why don't we get you in a bath with fresh clothes?" Draping her arm across her shoulders, she guides her away from the room. Looking back at her two male counterparts, her tone turns dark. " We will finish this conversation later."