Amidst the excited yet respectful silence that filled the chamber, Olvia began reading the text etched on the Poneglyph. Her eyes flitted across the ancient inscriptions as her mind translated each symbol into comprehensible language.
"To those who reach this secret chamber," Olvia began, her voice steady and filled with gravitas, "you stand before the echoes of an ancient civilization that once harmonized with the sky and the sea."
Lysa floated above the ground, captivated by the words. She felt the vibrations of the message resonate deep within her, as if it were part of her own Levitribe's lore.
"Our gift to this island, the Leviflora, was not born of mere chance but cultivated with purpose," Olvia continued.
Shakky and Jack exchanged a glance, both pondering the gravity of this revelation. The floating creatures and luminescent flora weren't random phenomena; they were intentional designs of a bygone civilization.
"We, the Sky People, descended upon this land to forge a sanctuary, a place where harmony reigns," Olvia read on.
Aria snuggled closer to her father, her eyes wide open in fascination. Robin clung to Jack's shirt, absorbing the unfolding narrative.
"The power you witness on this island—the floating creatures, the Levitribe—is a fragment of the grand design," Olvia elaborated, "Our intention was to create a sanctuary of balance, where elements blend into one."
For a moment, everyone felt as though the chamber itself hummed in agreement, as if the very stones were acknowledging the truth in these words.
"The great treasure too, is not an end but a means to bring balance to the tumultuous seas," Olvia added, capturing the full attention of every adventurer in the room.
Jack's eyes, those calm pools of blue, remained unchanging but alert. There was something in that message, a piece of the puzzle that connected dots he didn't even know were scattered.
"Finally," Olvia's voice took on a more somber tone, "heed our warning: a day will come when the seas rise in fury, the sky darkens with despair, and discord grips the land. In that hour, seek the island where the sun never sets and the moon never rises. Only there will you find the path to bring unity back to the world."
A hush fell over the chamber. Each person felt the weight of that prophecy, the gravity of what lay ahead. And yet, in that very moment, the sense of collective triumph overcame them.
"We entrust this knowledge to the future, in the hope that harmony will once again reign supreme," Olvia concluded, stepping back from the Poneglyph.
Jack stood up, his piercing eyes meeting those of each person in the chamber. "We've done what we came here to do," he announced, "Now we carry this knowledge, this responsibility, forward."
Retracking their steps, Jack and the others emerged from the cave, greeted by the faces of the rest of their family. Aria, brimming with excitement, leapt into Amelia's arms.
"Mommy, we found a Poneglyph!" she exclaimed.
That got everyone's attention. Faces lit up with intrigue, and eyes turned toward Jack for an explanation. He took a deep breath and summarized their adventure inside the cave and the secret chamber housing the Poneglyph.
"We found a chamber with ancient inscriptions," Jack began, his calm blue eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "It told us the history of the island, about the Sky People who came here to create a sanctuary. And it had a message for us—a warning about a day when the world will need balance."
Lysa floated gently near Jack, her weightless body emphasizing the gravity of his words. The Levitribe and the Leviflora weren't just natural wonders; they were the remains of a grand design from an ancient civilization.
Titi's eyes widened, her adventurer's spirit visibly thrilled at the mystery they'd uncovered. Ponis looked thoughtful, perhaps contemplating the history of her own Sky People in connection to what they had just learned.
Shakky's gaze met Jack's, the unspoken understanding of a shared mission evident in their eyes. Aria looked around, sensing the significance even if she didn't fully understand it.
"A message that can change the fate of the seas," Jack concluded. "It's our responsibility to carry this knowledge forward."
The one most taken aback by the revelation was Ponis. As a resident of Skypiea, her eyes widened at the idea that her ancestors, the Sky People, had been the architects of something so intricately beautiful. Fauna and flora that defied gravity—it was incredible, even to someone who had grown up amid the sky islands.
"So, you're telling me that the Sky People created the Leviflora and Levitribe?" Ponis finally spoke up, her voice tinged with awe.
"Yes," Jack responded, locking eyes with her. "They created this sanctuary as a harmonious balance between sky and sea."
"Ah, and to think I left Skypiea in search of adventure," Ponis murmured, clearly contemplating the implications of the newfound history.
Lysa floated by, her almost weightless body drifting a few inches above the ground. Her eyes met those of Ponis, and for a moment, there was a silent acknowledgment. The gravity of the Poneglyph's revelations felt intensely personal to her as well.
Titi's eyes glittered with excitement. "Well, isn't this the grandest adventure of them all?" She grinned at Ponis, then looked back at Jack. "A message that can change the fate of the seas is quite the treasure."
As Aria looked up at her father, she felt a surge of pride. Even though she didn't fully grasp the complexities of the situation, she sensed its importance.
Jack looked around at the faces of his crew and family, taking in the mix of awe, excitement, and solemnity that colored their expressions. "Our mission has always been the same," he began, his voice carrying a gravity that demanded attention. "Travel the seas, follow our whims, and for some of us, seek out Poneglyphs that could hold the key to world-altering knowledge. This message is now a part of that mission."
Nods and murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
Lysa felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. This entire discovery had been possible because of Jack's actions, after all. She remembered how he had carried her on his back through the treacherous Wind Chamber, and her face flushed slightly. Floating a bit closer to him, she nodded. "Let's go."
Leaving the cave hidden by the waterwall, the group merrily made their way back toward the Levitribe village. Hancock was perched on Jack's shoulder as usual, giggling at something Maria had just said. Maria, not wanting to miss out on the fun, asked to be carried. Sonia held Jack's hand, swinging it playfully as they walked.
"So, Captain, what do you call a pirate who skips class?" Hancock joked, her laughter infectious.
Jack smirked. "I don't know, what?"
"A hooky player!" Hancock burst into laughter, and Maria and Sonia joined in, their giggles filling the air.
As they continued walking, Jack's expression abruptly shifted. His smile vanished, replaced by a stormy look. The air was tinged with the acrid smell of smoke, and a dark plume rose on the horizon. He gently set Hancock, Maria, and Sonia down on the ground.
"Stay here," he commanded, his eyes flashing like a stormy sea. Without another word, he dashed toward the village, Shakky and Lysa floating swiftly behind him.
As they reached the village, their worst fears were realized. Houses were burning, their once-sturdy frames reduced to charred ruins. People were strewn about—some motionless, others groaning in pain. The smell of burning wood and flesh mixed in a gut-wrenching aroma. The once peaceful Levitribe village was unrecognizable, turned into a theater of destruction and despair.
Jack clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. "Who did this?" he growled, his voice barely above a whisper but carrying an undertone of palpable fury.
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