A radiant smile broke across Shakky's face, her eyes shining with happiness as she nodded. The simplicity and sincerity of Jack's words spoke volumes, and she felt a warmth in her heart that was entirely new to her.
With a swift move, Jack started transferring the items the women were carrying into the Bead's space. The process was smooth and seemed almost ritualistic in its execution.
The morning was filled with poignant emotion as Jack began preparations for the journey ahead. With every item transferred into Bead's space, it felt like a chapter was closing for Shakky. She turned to her people, trying to put into words the farewell she never thought she would have to utter.
"Kuja," Shakky began, her voice echoing across the beach. "You have been my family, my strength. Leaving is the hardest decision I've ever made. But every person has a path they must follow, and mine is leading me away from Amazon Lily."
Whispers broke out among the gathered women, some nodding in understanding, others unable to hide their tears. A young warrior stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mix of admiration and sadness. "Will we see you again, Captain?"
Shakky hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Someday. When the wind and tides lead me back."
The goodbyes were bittersweet, each woman stepping forward to embrace Shakky, some sharing laughter, others shedding tears. The emotional weight of each farewell settled deep in Shakky's heart. She took one final look at her homeland, etching every detail into her memory, before turning to face Jack.
Jack sent Shakky and his family to Bead's Space, a pocket dimension with an isolated island that they called home. The Bead Rider, a small craft designed for personal transportation, was too small to accommodate all of them after all. He carefully settled Aria on his shoulder, her small face brave and determined as she took in her surroundings. Robin was perched on one leg, her young mind absorbing everything with bright eyes. Hancock settled on his other leg, her eyes wide and curious, reflecting a hint of anticipation.
Sandersonia and Marigold were safely in Bead's Space with the rest of his family, too small to make the journey on the Bead Rider.
With his makeshift crew in place, Jack steered the Bead Rider away from Amazon Lily, his calm blue eyes fixed on the horizon. Destination: Fishman Island.
The Bead Rider hummed as it sailed across the endless sea, the waters a shifting palette of blues and greens, reflecting the clear sky overhead. Jack's calm blue eyes were fixed on the horizon, his face expressionless as he guided the craft. His makeshift crew, young and curious, absorbed everything with a sense of wonder and anticipation.
Hancock, seated on Jack's leg, her eyes wide and filled with curiosity, finally broke the silence. "Daddy, what's the Fishman Island like?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
Jack's eyes softened at the question, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He turned to Hancock, his voice gentle but still carrying that underlying strength that drew others to him. "Fishman Island is a unique place, Hancock" he began. "It's deep under the sea, and yet it's filled with light and color. Imagine a city made of coral and shells, with streets filled with fish of every shape and color."
Hancock's eyes sparkled with wonder, and she clapped her hands together in delight. "Wow! I want to see the fishies!"
Aria, listening intently from Jack's shoulder, chimed in, her voice filled with the bravery and curiosity that defined her. "And the mermaids, Daddy! You said there are mermaids!"
"That's right, Princess," Jack acknowledged, his voice warm. "There are mermaids and mermen, and they live in harmony with the sea creatures. You'll see them swimming through the water, their tails shimmering in the light."
Robin, perched on Jack's other leg, her young mind absorbing every word, added, "Fishies and mermaids... pretty!"
Jack grinned, ruffling Robin's hair affectionately. "Yes, Little One, very pretty."
Jack's calm blue eyes remained fixed on the horizon as the Bead Rider sped smoothly through the water. The rhythmic hum of the engine filled the air, punctuated by the occasional cry of a seagull or the splash of waves against the hull.
Aria, perched on her father's shoulder, gazed out at the endless ocean with wide, curious eyes. Her brave little heart was filled with anticipation and excitement as she looked forward to the adventure that awaited them. She didn't need to ask for reassurance; her trust in her father was absolute, and she knew that wherever they went, he would keep them safe.
Hancock, seated on Jack's leg, continued to chatter happily about the fish and mermaids they would see, her imagination ignited by Jack's description of Fishman Island. Her young eyes sparkled with wonder, and her innocent questions were filled with excitement.
"What color are the mermaids' tails, Daddy?" Hancock asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Jack's eyes softened as he glanced down at her, a hint of a smile on his lips. "All the colors you can imagine, Hancock. Some are blue like the ocean, some are green like emerald, and some shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow."
Hancock's eyes widened, and she clapped her hands together in delight. "I want to see the rainbow mermaids! And the fishies! And the big turtles!"
Robin, perched on Jack's other leg, joined in the excitement, her young voice filled with wonder as she echoed, "Turtles!"
Jack chuckled, ruffling Robin's hair affectionately. "Yes, Little One, there are giant sea turtles as big as houses, gliding gracefully through the water."
Aria's voice chimed in, her tone filled with the bravery and curiosity that defined her. "Are there big sharks too, Daddy? Like the ones we saw before?"
"That's right, Princess," Jack confirmed, his voice warm. "But don't worry, they won't bother us. Fishman Island is a place of harmony, where all creatures live together in peace."
Aria nodded, her face filled with determination. "I'm not scared, Daddy. I know you'll protect us."
Jack's eyes turned a deeper shade of calm blue, filled with pride and affection for his brave daughter. "Always, Princess. Always."
The conversation continued, filled with questions and excitement, as the Bead Rider sailed on towards its destination. Jack answered each question with patience and care, nurturing the curiosity and wonder of his young crew.
The ocean stretched out in all directions, a vast expanse of shifting blues and greens that seemed to go on forever. The sky was clear and bright, the sun casting a golden glow over the water.
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