John wick in one piece

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The Eclipse sliced through the waves with precision, the wind filling its sails as Michael and Lia charted their course toward the location the merchant had marked on their map. The island was small, uninhabited, and surrounded by jagged rocks that jutted out of the water like teeth. The journey there was uneventful, but the closer they got, the more foreboding the atmosphere became.

Lia leaned over the railing, staring at the growing shape of the island. "It looks dangerous."

"It probably is," Michael said, adjusting the sails. "But we've come too far to turn back now."

The wreck the merchant had mentioned was supposed to be just off the coast, hidden among the rocks. If the stories were true, it might hold valuable information or supplies that could help them prepare for the Grand Line. If not, it would at least serve as a test of the Eclipse's capabilities.

As they approached the island, Michael slowed the ship, navigating carefully through the rocky waters. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks filled the air, drowning out all other noise. Lia stood beside him, her eyes scanning the water for any sign of the wreck.

"There!" she said suddenly, pointing to a dark shape just beneath the surface.

Michael followed her gaze, spotting the skeletal remains of a ship half-submerged among the rocks. Its masts were broken, and its hull was splintered, but it was still recognizable as a vessel that had once been powerful.

"Hold steady," Michael said, lowering the anchor. The Eclipse came to a stop, its hull swaying gently in the current. Michael grabbed a rope and secured it around his waist. "Stay here and keep an eye on the ship."

"You're going down there?" Lia asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"Someone has to," Michael said. "I'll be quick."

Without waiting for a response, he dove into the water. The cold shock of it stole his breath for a moment, but he quickly adjusted, swimming toward the wreck. The current was strong, but Michael's movements were deliberate, his focus unwavering.

As he neared the wreck, the details became clearer. The ship's name was barely legible on its side—The Sea Strider. Its broken hull was tangled in seaweed, and schools of fish darted in and out of the gaps in the wood. Michael pulled himself onto the deck, his hands gripping the slippery planks.

The wreck was eerie, its silence heavy and oppressive. Michael moved carefully, searching for anything of value. Most of the ship's contents had either been looted or destroyed by the sea, but in the captain's quarters, he found a sealed chest wedged beneath a fallen beam.

Using a knife to pry it free, Michael dragged the chest onto the deck and opened it. Inside, he found a collection of navigational tools, maps, and a leather-bound journal. The maps were water-damaged but still legible, showing routes through parts of the Grand Line and marking potential hazards. The journal was in surprisingly good condition, its pages filled with handwritten notes.

Michael tucked the items into a waterproof bag and prepared to leave, but a shadow passed overhead, drawing his attention. He looked up to see a massive sea king circling the wreck, its long, serpentine body moving with unsettling grace. Its eyes glinted with curiosity—or hunger.

"Damn it," Michael muttered, securing the bag tightly. He dove back into the water, swimming toward the Eclipse as fast as he could. The sea king followed, its massive form cutting through the water like a knife.

"Michael!" Lia shouted from the deck, her voice rising in alarm.

"I see it!" Michael called back, his strokes growing more frantic.

The sea king lunged, its jaws snapping shut just behind him. Michael reached the Eclipse and grabbed the rope, pulling himself up as the creature's massive head emerged from the water. It roared, sending a spray of saltwater over the deck.

"Get below deck!" Michael shouted to Lia.

Instead, Lia grabbed the wheel, turning the Eclipse sharply to avoid the sea king's next attack. The ship tilted, the sudden motion throwing Michael onto the deck. He scrambled to his feet, drawing his revolver, though he knew it would do little against a creature of this size.

The sea king reared back, preparing to strike again. Michael fired a shot, aiming for its eye. The bullet struck, making the creature roar in pain and hesitation. It thrashed, sending waves crashing against the Eclipse.

"Get us out of here!" Michael shouted.

Lia tightened her grip on the wheel, her knuckles white. "I'm trying!"

Michael grabbed the rope securing the anchor and cut it loose, freeing the ship. The Eclipse surged forward, the wind catching its sails as it began to pull away from the wreck. The sea king pursued, its massive body creating whirlpools in its wake.

"Faster!" Michael shouted, bracing himself against the railing.

The Eclipse responded beautifully, its sleek design and powerful sails giving it an edge over the lumbering creature. Michael fired another shot, this time aiming for the water near the sea king's head. The splash seemed to startle it, making it slow its pursuit just enough for the Eclipse to gain more distance.

Finally, the sea king gave up, sinking back into the depths with a final, echoing roar. Michael collapsed onto the deck, breathing heavily. Lia turned the ship onto a steady course, her face pale but determined.

"You okay?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Michael nodded, sitting up. "I'm fine. You did good."

Lia managed a small smile. "You too."

Michael pulled the waterproof bag onto his lap, opening it to reveal the maps and journal. He flipped through the journal, scanning its pages. The entries detailed the captain's journey into the Grand Line, the dangers they faced, and the mistakes that ultimately led to their demise.

"This is it," Michael said, holding up the maps. "This will help us. It's exactly what we needed."

Lia leaned closer, her eyes wide. "What does it say?"

"A lot," Michael replied, his tone serious. "Routes, warnings, everything they learned before they went down. This could save us when the time comes."

Lia nodded, her expression filled with determination. "Then it was worth it."

Michael glanced back at the island, the wreck barely visible now. "Yeah. It was."

As the Eclipse sailed into the open sea once more, Michael felt a renewed sense of purpose. The maps and journal were just the beginning, but they were proof that they were on the right path. The Grand Line was no longer just a distant dream—it was a destination, one they would reach together.

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