章 100: Mermaid
Their journey to Fishman Island was a relatively easy one. The mysterious, submerged realm beneath the Red Line had always been an enigma to many above the waves, but Jack's determined nature ensured that he and his crew navigated the sea's depths with precision and confidence.
As the Bead Rider approached the colossal bubble enveloping the island, the shadowy silhouettes of two formidable fishmen guards emerged from the surrounding deep blues. One was a bulky fishman with blue-green scales, sharp, yellow eyes, and a pronounced jaw with sharp, predatory teeth. His strong, webbed hands gripped a trident with a grip that suggested a lifetime of battles. Beside him was a slightly slimmer but no less intimidating fishman, colored in deep shades of purple, with luminous, bioluminescent patterns tracing his muscles.
Aria's eyes widened. "Daddy, they look... different."
"They're fishmen, Princess," Jack replied, his voice neutral. His calm blue eyes assessed the two approaching figures, showing no hint of concern.
Robin, always eager to learn, pointed at them. "Fish...men?"
"Yes, Little One," Jack murmured, gently patting her head.
The two guards stopped a few feet away from the Bead Rider, their expressions stern. The blue-green fishman spoke first, "Halt! State your identity and purpose for approaching Fishman Island."
Jack, ever the stoic figure, retrieved a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to the guards. It was one of the many articles written about him; evidence of his reputation in the Grand Line.
"This should suffice," he said, his voice carrying the slightest edge of a challenge.
The purple fishman unfolded the article, scanning its contents. His eyebrows raised in surprise. "The Bounty Hunter... Jack?" He looked from the article to Jack, then back to the article, seemingly comparing the faces.
The blue-green fishman leaned in to take a peek. "That's him, alright. He's a big shot up there."
Titi, her adventurous spirit kindling with excitement, whispered to Ponis, "Seems like our leader's reputation precedes him."
Shakky, who had seen more than most in her journeys, watched the interaction keenly. "Even in the depths, Jack's name holds weight."
The purple fishman cleared his throat, still eyeing Jack with a mix of respect and caution. "Very well, you may proceed. But know that Fishman Island does not take kindly to any disruptions."
Guided by the gentle pull of an artificial river, the Bead Rider effortlessly slipped deeper into Fishman Island. Beneath them, the river's cerulean currents illuminated by ethereal light emanated from the enormous roots of Sunlight Tree Eve. It felt like gliding through a dream.
Aria leaned over the side of the Bead Rider, entranced by the luminosity beneath. "It's like we're inside a star," she whispered.
Robin, squeezing a tuft of Jack's shirt, tried to express the marvel she felt. "Bright... water?"
Jack chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a rare display of warmth. "Yes, Little One. The waters here get their light from the Sunlight Tree Eve."
Amelia gazed up at the towering tree, its branches reaching out in all directions, its leaves shimmering with absorbed sunlight. "It's magnificent," she said.
Liana nodded, lost in the memory of a time when she'd heard tales of the island but never imagined seeing it. "Legends spoke of this place, but words fall short."
Sophie grinned, her eyes reflecting the vibrant colors around. "And to think we're just at the entrance."
But as they approached the square, it was different than they expected. Yes, it was filled with mermaids, merman, fishmen, and fishwomen of different species creating a unique environment, but their faces were alert, their eyes fearful as they looked at them.
The jubilant atmosphere that might have graced the lively market square was noticeably absent. The underwater city's residents moved quickly, eyeing Jack and his companions with suspicion and trepidation. Stalls that would usually display colorful sea produce were hastily closed as they approached, and children were hurriedly pulled away from their view.
Aria, noticing the reaction, pulled on Jack's sleeve, her voice tinged with sadness. "Daddy, why are they looking at us like that?"
Jack looked down at his daughter, his eyes calm but understanding. "They're just a bit wary of us, Princess. Humans haven't always been kind to them."
Robin, pointing at the various aquatic beings, asked innocently, "Fish...people scared?"
"Yes, Little One," Jack answered, a hint of regret in his voice.
Hancock, her little face wrinkled in confusion, looked up at Shakky. "Why scared?" she asked, mimicking her big sister's question.
Shakky knelt down, trying to explain to the younger child. "People are sometimes scared of things they don't understand, sweetie. It's our job to show them we mean no harm."
Sandersonia, absorbing the emotions around her, simply clung to Jack's leg, repeating the word "scared" with a worried expression.
Liana, watching the scene with a somber expression, turned to Luna. "This distrust runs deep. Even the youngest among them seem to have inherited it."
Luna's eyes narrowed, focusing on a group of fishmen guards that were keeping a close eye on them. "It's not just distrust; it's a wound that hasn't healed."
Sophie, ever the optimist, tried to lift the mood. "Maybe we can change their minds. Show them not all humans are the same."
Isabella, though, shook her head. "Changing minds takes more than a fleeting visit. These fears are born from history, not mere prejudice."
Titi, her adventurous spirit dampened by the atmosphere, sighed. "It's a shame, though. Look at this place; it's like a living fairy tale. But the fear..."
Ponis, eyes wide with both wonder and realization, added, "Fear changes everything. It turns beauty into caution, curiosity into suspicion."
As they continued to make their way through the square, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts, a mermaid selling colorful shells approached them. Her eyes were cautious but curious, her movements hesitant.
The mermaid's ethereal appearance was juxtaposed with the tension that swirled around the square. She seemed to glow with an inner light, her golden blonde hair floating gently around her, held partially in place by the delicate orange headpiece. The white kimono she wore flowed gracefully with each movement, the carp-scale design shimmering slightly.
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