บท 127: Cave Behind the Waterfall(!)
Feeling the pull of the cool water, Jack looked at his family and smirked. With a thought, he activated the bead within him, and soon the family emerged in their swimming attire. Jack himself discarded his shirt, revealing a well-sculpted physique, and donned swimming trunks.
Taking a moment to appreciate the stillness of the water, Jack then made a graceful dive into the lake. The splash echoed through the area, disturbing the glassy surface of the water, but creating ripples of laughter among the family.
Aria, never one to be left behind, excitedly exclaimed, "Wait for me, Daddy!" before plunging into the water beside him. Her fearless nature had her diving and swimming like a little mermaid, her laughter echoing through the peaceful surroundings.
Little Robin, wearing floaties on her arms, carefully entered the water, giggling as the cool sensation enveloped her. "Water is so nice," she said, looking up to Jack with sparkling eyes.
Hancock and Sandersonia, with the natural grace of the people from Amazon Lily, swam effortlessly. Marigold, being the youngest, was a tad hesitant, but with gentle coaxing, soon joined her sisters in the water.
Amelia and Olvia chatted as they waded into the shallower parts, with Luna and Sophie playfully splashing water at each other. Titi dove deeper, exploring the underwater beauty of the lake, while Ponis marveled at the sensation of swimming in such a magical place.
No one seemed more in her element than Otohime. The mermaid gracefully glided through the water, her every move an elegant dance, showcasing the fluidity of her aquatic nature. The lake, although fresh water and different from her oceanic home, seemed to enchant her just as much.
"The water here feels so refreshing," Otohime remarked, her voice filled with delight. "It's different from the sea, but in a fascinating way." She spun in the water, letting the ripples play with her flowing hair.
Children gathered around Jack, their playful antics brightening the serene atmosphere. Aria swam energetically around her father, challenging him to keep up, while Robin, gaining more confidence, began imitating some of Aria's movements, calling out, "Look, Daddy!" every time she managed a new swim stroke.
The adults were engaged in leisurely swimming and conversations, their voices echoing with laughter and camaraderie. Ponis, though initially hesitant, had embraced the thrill of the experience and was gleefully exploring the deeper parts of the lake. Luna and Sophie, meanwhile, had engaged in a playful game of tag, splashing water onto each other.
Amidst the merriment, Lysa seemed to glide effortlessly towards the group, her levitation granting her an ethereal presence as she moved just above the water. The soft glow from the setting sun made her silhouette look almost magical.
"Lysa! Are you joining us?" Aria called out, her enthusiasm infectious.
Lysa chuckled, her laughter light as the breeze. "Well, not exactly in the way you might expect," she replied. And with that, she gracefully let herself float just above the lake's surface, her feet gently skimming the water.
It was a sight to behold. Lysa's levitation combined with the serene backdrop of the waterfall and crystal-clear water created an almost dreamlike ambiance. The tribe leader, bathed in the golden light, looked like a figure straight out of an ancient legend.
Jack, ever the observer, remarked, "Your tribe has truly mastered the art of harmony with nature."
Lysa's eyes met his. "It's a delicate balance, one that we cherish and protect. But today, we share its wonders with you."
Aria's voice piped up, pulling them back to the present. "Come on, Daddy! Race you to the waterfall!"
Jack smirked, taking on the challenge. "Alright, Princess. On your mark!"
As they approached the waterfall, Aria's sharp eyes picked up on something unusual. Pointing excitedly, she exclaimed, "Look, Daddy!" Jack followed her gaze and noticed the hidden cave obscured behind the waterfall. Even more intriguing was the strange, metallic barrier blocking its entrance, engraved with unfamiliar symbols.
Recognizing the ancient language carved into the metal, Jack motioned for Olvia to come closer. "Olvia, can you decipher this?"
The scholarly woman inspected the engravings thoughtfully. "I believe so, but I'll need a moment."
Jack then turned to Lysa, remembering the respect required on this island. "Lysa, this is part of your island's heritage. We wouldn't want to trespass or disrespect any boundaries. Do you know anything about this cave?"
Lysa gazed at the entrance, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and reverence. "Centuries ago, our ancestors hid something valuable inside this cave. Legends speak of its importance, but the details have been lost to time. No one from our tribe has been able to decipher the writings or open the entrance, so it remains a mystery."
Aria looked up with wide eyes, her natural curiosity piqued. "It sounds like a treasure, doesn't it?"
Jack smirked at her excitement. "It might be, Princess. But treasures aren't always made of gold or jewels. They can be stories, memories, or ancient wisdom."
Lysa nodded in agreement. "Indeed. If Olvia can understand the inscriptions, perhaps we can unlock a piece of our history that has been hidden for too long."
Olvia soon straightened, her face a mask of deep thought. "The riddle reads," she began, her voice capturing everyone's attention, "'In the heart, the spirit lies, Not seen by eyes, but skies. Awaken the force that's deep within, To unveil the path that's hidden.'"
Jack contemplated the words, but before he could vocalize his thoughts, Lysa softly murmured, more to herself than to the others, "Could it be Haki?" A pause ensued, as her cheeks flushed with mild embarrassment. "I apologize," she added quickly. "It's just that the line 'force that's deep within' made me think of Haki. But our tribe has invoked its power here before, to no avail. There must be another layer of meaning."
Aria gazed at the barrier with a curious tilt to her head, her innocent perspective seeing the world differently. "Maybe it's not just about what's within us, but how we use it. Like the Leviflora – it's not just about the plant, but the nectar inside it. The Levitribe uses it in a unique way."
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