Chapter 33: "Sabaody Archipelago"

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After their escape from the battlefield at Mary Geoise, William soared through the night sky with his massive dragon wings. The wind was cool, but the tense battle still hung in the back of his mind. He and the girls needed a place to lay low, somewhere they could catch their breath and plan their next move.

As the lights of Sabaody Archipelago began to appear on the horizon, William made a quick decision to descend. It was a chaotic island but perfect for laying low for a while. Even though it was crawling with Marines and World Government agents, the island was filled with pirates, criminals, and all manner of outlaws. It would be easy to blend in—at least for a night.

Landing softly in a secluded area of Grove 24, William let the sisters out of his space pocket. The moment they touched the ground, Sandersonia stretched and yawned, while Marigold glanced around, keeping an eye out for anyone watching.

"Finally out," Hancock sighed, shaking her head. "It was stuffy in there."

William grinned. "Better stuffy than being incinerated by magma."

The sisters nodded in agreement, but now that they were on solid ground, they all realized just how exhausted they were. They had been on the run for what felt like days, and the intense battle against Akainu had pushed William to his limit. He had only escaped by a hair's breadth.

The streets were dark, and only a few lamps flickered, casting long shadows across the cobblestone walkways. The shops were closed—it was well past midnight, and Sabaody's bustling marketplace had long since shut down. William, noticing the looks on the girls' faces, could tell they needed more than just rest. Their clothes were torn and dirty, and they looked like they could use a change of attire.

"I think we all need a fresh start, don't you?" William said, rubbing the back of his neck. "New clothes might help."

"But it's 2 a.m.," Sandersonia pointed out. "Everything's closed."

Marigold nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the street. "Even the shady merchants are done for the night."

Hancock smirked mischievously, clearly having something in mind. "Who said we need to wait for them to open?"

William raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"

"We don't have to wait for the shops to open," Hancock said with a wink. "Besides, we always pay our dues."

With that, they all headed to one of the nearby shops, sneaking in through a side door that Sandersonia skillfully unlocked with ease. Inside, the shop was dark, but the moonlight filtered in through the windows, just enough for them to make out rows of clothing hanging neatly on racks.

Hancock immediately found a section filled with elegant dresses, while Sandersonia and Marigold gravitated toward more practical outfits. William, standing off to the side, grinned at their excitement.

"This place is practically untouched," Sandersonia said, holding up a striking red outfit with golden embroidery. "Not bad for a little night shopping."

Hancock found a beautiful, long flowing dress in dark blue, and her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "We'll leave some money behind," she said, tossing a handful of coins onto the counter. "A generous donation."

William chuckled, pulling a gray pair of pants and a black shirt from a nearby rack. he took a shower in a small bathroom in the shop and changed into his new clothes, and he waited for the girls to take a shower and change their clothes.

After a while, they all changed into their new clothes. William, now in gray pants and a black shirt, ran his fingers through his damp hair, feeling more refreshed after the long fight. The sisters, each in their own stylish outfits, looked like they had stepped out of a high-class event rather than an intense battle.

But despite the brief respite, they knew they couldn't stay in the shop for long. Especially after what happened at Mary Geoise. The Marines had connections everywhere, and word of their escape from Mary Geoise would eventually spread.

After leaving the shop, the group walked through the quiet streets of Sabaody, careful not to attract any attention. William's mind raced, thinking of a safe place to regroup. The hotel they had scoped out earlier seemed like a temporary option, but it wouldn't last long. 

"We're not safe here for long," William muttered, his voice low but filled with caution. "The Marines will come looking. If we want to avoid a full-on fight, we need somewhere more secure."

Hancock thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up with an idea. "We can go to Shakky's bar. It's a safe place—at least for the time being."

William frowned, unfamiliar with the name. "Shakky?"

"She's a former empress of the Kuja tribe," Hancock explained. "She used to be the captain of the Kuja Pirates, and now she runs a bar here at Grove 13. It's not just any bar—she keeps it well hidden from the Marines and anyone else who might come looking for trouble."

William raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying she's an old pirate?"

Hancock nodded. "Exactly. She's not one to meddle in other people's business, but she can be trusted. If we go there, we can at least lay low for a while."

William considered the suggestion. Grove 13 was on the other side of Sabaody, but it was worth the risk. He didn't like the idea of staying in a hotel where they were easily tracked.

"All right," William agreed, his voice firm. "Let's head there."

The four of them donned cloaks to cover their identities and quietly made their way to Grove 13. As they walked through the shadowy groves of Sabaody, the sound of their footsteps echoed on the empty streets. The island had an eerie stillness to it at this hour, and only a few shady figures moved in the distance.

William remained alert, his senses heightened from the previous battle. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease as they passed by the numbered trees, each one marked with a number that signified the groves of the archipelago.

As they neared Grove 13, William noticed the small, almost nondescript bar. A simple wooden sign above the door read "Shakky's Rip-Off Bar."

William stared at the sign for a moment before letting out a laugh. "Shakky's Rip-Off Bar? Seriously? That's what she called it?"

The sisters chuckled. Even Hancock, usually serious and composed, couldn't help but smile at William's reaction.

"Well, the name speaks for itself," Marigold said with a smirk.

"I think it's fitting," Sandersonia added.

William grinned, still shaking his head. "I'll have to ask her what's up with the name when we get inside."

The door was closed, but the dim lights flickering inside suggested that someone was still awake. The group stood outside, glancing at each other.

Hancock stepped forward, raising her hand to knock on the door, but before she could, William placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Let me," he said softly, pulling his cloak tighter around himself.

With a gentle knock, William rapped on the door. The sound echoed through the quiet grove, and they all stood in silence, waiting for a response.

Inside, they could hear faint shuffling, and the door creaked as it slowly began to open.