First Island!

As the Bead Rider skimmed effortlessly across the water, its ethereal glow casting reflections on the sea's surface, Jack manned the helm with his signature calm. Hancock was perched on his neck, her tiny hands gripping his collar as she leaned forward to peer over the bow. Mari and Sonia, full of toddler curiosity, occupied his lap, their eyes wide as they took in the unfamiliar sights.

Aira, no stranger to these voyages, was engrossed in a little game with Robin. The two girls dashed from one end of the boat to the other, their laughter ringing out above the sound of the sea. "Daddy, look! I'm faster!" Aira exclaimed, glancing over at Jack.

His eyes, the calm blue of the ocean, met hers. "You're doing great, Princess."

All the while, Otohime stood near the edge of the boat, her eyes drinking in the splendor of the world above the sea. It was her first time seeing the sky, the clouds, and the distant horizon that seemed to go on forever. The awe in her face was unmistakable.

"You've never seen the sun before?" Robin asked, having stopped her game to notice Otohime's fascination.

Otohime turned her eyes toward the little girl and nodded. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Robin gave a small smile and returned to her play, leaving Otohime to her thoughts. There were no words to describe the emotion welling up in her chest as she looked at the sun, its golden rays dancing on the water. She felt as if her heart could burst with the sheer joy and wonder of it all.

Sensing Otohime's profound connection with the world above, Jack moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The two of them stood side by side, allowing the sun's rays to bathe them in warmth. The silence between them was comfortable, filled only with the sound of waves gently lapping against the Bead Rider's hull and the distant laughter of children.

"It's different from what you're used to," Jack observed, his voice carrying the subtle undertone of curiosity.

Otohime took a deep breath, "Very different. But it's so vast, so... free."

Jack nodded in understanding. "The surface world has its own kind of beauty. Every time I'm out here, I'm reminded of that."

She glanced at him with a smile, "I'm grateful for this opportunity. I never thought I'd see such sights."

Aria's voice broke their quiet reflection, "Daddy, can I steer the boat?"

Jack turned to his daughter, the faintest of smiles tugging at his lips. "Alright, Princess. But remember what I taught you." He handed over the helm to Aria, who took it with an excited grin.

Robin toddled over, pulling at Jack's trouser leg. "Me too, Daddy?" she queried, her wide eyes shimmering with anticipation.

He bent down, ruffling her hair affectionately. "You can help Aria, Little One."

Hancock, hearing the commotion, toddled over and reached out, her tiny hands patting Jack's leg. He lifted her up effortlessly, letting her perch on his other shoulder, while Sandersonia and Marigold watched, their innocent eyes filled with wonder at the world around them.

Otohime's gaze shifted to the children, and she whispered, "They are truly fortunate, you know? To have a father who shows them the wonders of the world."

Jack glanced at her, the calm blue of his eyes meeting hers. "They are my world," he replied simply.

As the Bead Rider slowed, Aria strained to control the boat, her small hands gripping the helm tightly. The waters ahead were uncharted territory, even for Jack, who had journeyed through countless seas.

Jack pointed to the panel at the front, where three log poses lay. Each one glowed faintly, their needles dancing with subtle movements, capturing the unique magnetic fields of distant islands. "Each of these poses points to a different island. Remember, Princess, in these waters, we can't always rely on just one."

Aria looked up, her eyes full of curiosity. "Why three, Daddy?"

Jack met her gaze. "The islands here can be unpredictable. Their magnetism can change, or they might hide it completely. With three, we have backup options. Always be prepared, especially in the New World."

Aria nodded, determination in her eyes. "I'll remember."

Robin, always eager to learn, trotted over. "Daddy, why do the needles move like that?" she asked, pointing at one log pose with an erratic needle.

Jack squatted down to her level, explaining patiently. "That needle's movement tells us about the island's magnetic field. When it moves unpredictably, it might mean there's danger on that island. It's nature's way of giving us a warning."

Robin's eyes widened in understanding. "So we choose carefully?"

"Exactly, Little One," Jack replied, ruffling her hair.

From the corner of his eye, Jack noticed Sandersonia repeating his words softly to Marigold, who watched the needles with her large eyes, fascinated by their dance.

Meanwhile, Hancock approached the helm, looking intently at the log poses. "Which one we go?" she asked, her speech still marked by the simplicity of youth.

Jack considered for a moment, his fingers brushing over the log poses. He selected the middle one, its needle pointing steadfastly in one direction. "That one seems stable. We'll follow it."

Aria nodded, adjusting the Bead Rider's direction accordingly. The boat began to pick up speed again, moving smoothly over the water, the destination set by the chosen log pose.

The waters gleamed as the Bead Rider navigated effortlessly. Aria, taking charge of the helm with newfound responsibility, steered the boat according to the chosen log pose. The island it pointed to was Spring Island, reputed to be a floating paradise, the last known location detailed in Crocus's journal.

Jack watched the sea's vast expanse, aware that they were on the threshold of the unknown. Crocus's notes had been invaluable, a guiding light on their journey. But beyond Spring Island, they would need to rely on intuition, skill, and the three-pronged log pose.

Robin, always the inquisitive one, piped up, "Daddy, what's special about Spring Island?"

Jack then explained, "Spring Island is home to some of the most unique flora and fauna in all the seas. The Leviflora, for instance, is a plant found nowhere else. Its nectar secretes a compound that's lighter than air, and the animals of the island feed on it."

Robin's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So the animals... they can float?"

"Yes, Little One," Jack responded, pointing out towards the island where several creatures could be seen hovering mid-air. "From the tiniest Levibutterflies to the grand Airbison, these creatures have evolved alongside the Leviflora. Over generations, they've adapted, and now, they can control their buoyancy, making it seem as though they're dancing in the air."

Aira, always eager to learn more, chimed in, "Is that why it's called Spring Island? Because everything springs up into the air?"

Jack nodded. "That's one way to think of it. But remember, Princess, with such unique abilities come unique challenges. The island has its own set of dangers, and while it might seem whimsical, we should always be on guard."

Robin gazed at the floating animals in wonder. "They look magical, Daddy."

Aria, steering the Bead Rider expertly, added, "I can't wait to see them up close!"

As they approached the island, the unique properties of Spring Island became even more evident. The air around them seemed lighter, and the Bead Rider itself appeared to glide even more effortlessly on the water's surface.

Otohime, still in awe of the world above the sea, remarked, "It's like a dream. I've never seen anything like this."

Jack glanced over at her. "The world is full of wonders, some hidden in plain sight. Spring Island is just one of them."

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