Amazon Lily

Left to his own devices, Jack leisurely closed his eyes, the cacophony of his past slowly fading away. The whisper of the wind and the steady rhythm of the waves lulled him into a brief respite. When he opened his eyes again, a lush, untouched island was within sight.

"Where are we?" Jack asked, stretching out his well-built arms as he stifled a yawn. He had expected another mundane location, not this tropical paradise seemingly untouched by the havoc he had left in his wake.

Shakky approached him, the hard line of her mouth indicating her annoyance. However, Jack noticed the earlier disgust and hatred were gone from her eyes, replaced by something else entirely.

"Due to your reckless actions, the world is in turmoil," she began, poking a finger at his chest for emphasis. "Admirals are scouring the seas, searching for the kidnapped World Noble. No corner of the sea is safe now."

"Oops," Jack chuckled, showing an air of nonchalance that further irked Shakky.

"You..." Shakky started, her anger apparent. But she sighed helplessly, giving up on any attempts to berate him further. "This is Amazon Lily, our home."

"Are we in the Calm Belt?" Jack asked, noticing the lack of wind. The sea was eerily calm, not a single wave disturbing its serene surface.

"Yes," Shakky nodded. "Our island is hidden within the Calm Belt. It should be safe here. But men are forbidden."

With an exaggerated roll of his eyes, Jack responded, "So what am I supposed to do then?"

The stern facade Shakky had maintained until now cracked, giving way to a small giggle. "You are to live on the shore. You are not allowed to enter the city. This is only because you saved one of our sisters. You should be grateful."

"Trying to lighten up the mood, are we?" Shakky's voice dripped with sarcasm as she crossed her arms over her chest, her deep brown eyes staring at Jack with a combination of disbelief and annoyance.

Jack, on the other hand, was as cool as a cucumber. His icy-blue eyes, that were now as calm as the serene sea around them, held a mischievous glint. "I'm sure there's a place for me to stay in the city," he started, his lips curving into a small smirk. "Can't we ask one of the girls if they want to have me as their guest?"

His suggestive question did not sit well with Shakky. Her face darkened, and without a second thought, she moved to punch him. However, Jack was quick, his reflexes honed to perfection through countless battles and close encounters. He caught Shakky's hand mid-air, her slender fist halted mere inches from his face. His calm demeanor remained unshaken as he reversed their positions, leaning Shakky against the mast of the ship.

With a fluid movement, he lifted her hands above her head, effectively locking her in his firm grip. His cold, indifferent mask was replaced with a wild grin as he brought his lips to her ear. "Come now, I don't mind being hit, but only in bed," he whispered, his voice low and teasing. "Otherwise, I don't take it lightly."

"Are we in bed?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Shakky shook her head, her face pale from the intensity of his gaze. "Thought so. It would be nice though," he said, his voice laced with teasing mirth.

The smoky look in his eyes, that deep blue that resembled the raging ocean in the midst of a storm, spoke volumes. It was a stark contrast to his usually calm and composed demeanor, and it sent a chill down Shakky's spine.

Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, Jack released her hands. He then stepped back, once again resuming his relaxed stance as he took in Shakky's flushed face and wide eyes. His grin widened, his eyes lighting up with amusement.

"Behave, Jack," Shakky warned, regaining her composure. Her face still held a faint blush, a testament to their earlier close proximity.

Jack merely chuckled, that sound carrying across the calm sea. "Of course, Shakky," he said, his voice holding a hint of mockery. He then turned to the rest of the women. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I promise I won't cause any trouble."

The women watched him, their eyes wary. Despite his cold demeanor and occasional flashes of anger, there was an undeniable charm to Jack. His strength, his calmness, and his unpredictable nature were oddly attractive.

"Can I at least let my family out so they can see the island? Don't worry, they're all females," Jack requested, his voice carrying a note of anticipation. Shakky frowned, thrown off by his sudden request. The idea of Jack having a family was something that never crossed her mind, making her feel strangely uncomfortable.

Jack's words brought a change in the atmosphere. The women who were previously on guard relaxed, curiosity painting their faces. With a casual wave of his hand, Jack activated the Bead embedded in his body, a part of his heart containing an isolated island where his family resided.

Aria was the first to emerge, her face lighting up as she jumped into Jack's embrace. "Daddy!" she squealed with delight, hugging him tightly. Jack's lips curved into a gentle smile, his icy-blue eyes softening considerably as he wrapped his arms around her. "Hello, princess," he greeted, patting her head lovingly.

Following Aria, Amelia came out, a warm smile etched on her face as she watched the father-daughter duo. Amelia, followed by Olvia, carrying Robin, Liana, Luna, Sophie, Isabella, Titi, and lastly, Ponis.

Robin was looking around with wide-eyed curiosity. Shakky watched as the little girl mimicked Aria's earlier squeal of "Daddy!" but her attention was quickly diverted by the fascinating new surroundings.

Shakky felt a weird twinge in her chest as she took in the scene, unable to comprehend what she was feeling. The sight of the imposing and fearsome Jack, who had single-handedly turned the world upside down, being so gentle and affectionate towards his family was unexpectedly disarming. It was an entirely different side to him that she hadn't anticipated.

Jack was a warrior, the strong and composed figure that guided them through the stormy seas. His personality was magnetic, making others naturally gravitate towards him. Seeing him so tender and gentle, his icy-blue eyes soft with love, was a stark contrast to his usual cool demeanor.

"Daddy, look!" Aria broke the silence, pointing towards the island with uncontained excitement. Her innocent enthusiasm was infectious, prompting a gentle laugh from Jack.

"I see, princess," he replied, his gaze following Aria's pointed finger to the lush green island. There was a hint of pride in his voice as he watched his daughter's excitement.

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