John wick in one piece

---

The days in Skypiea passed with an almost dreamlike quality, the crew of the Eclipse embracing the rare chance to rest and recharge. The island's serenity seemed to seep into their bones, smoothing the rough edges honed by years of survival and danger. They spent their days exploring the lush cloud forests, learning from the locals, and enjoying the freedom of a sky untouched by chaos.

Michael found himself waking earlier than usual, drawn by the tranquility of the mornings. The crisp air and soft glow of the rising sun painted the island in hues of gold and white, a sight he had come to treasure. This morning, as he stood at the edge of the island, he wasn't surprised when Amara joined him.

"Becoming a habit," she said, her voice light as she leaned on the railing beside him.

Michael smirked, his eyes on the horizon. "Yours or mine?"

"Both," she replied with a faint chuckle. "Not that I mind. It's nice up here. Quiet."

Michael nodded, the weight of the moment grounding him. "It is. Makes you think about how small everything else feels compared to this."

Amara glanced at him, her sharp eyes softening. "You're getting philosophical on me, Captain."

Michael shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe this place is rubbing off on me."

They stood in silence for a while, the only sound the faint rustle of the wind through the nearby trees. Michael found himself stealing glances at her, noting the way the morning light caught in her hair, how her guarded expression had softened during their time here. It was a side of Amara he hadn't often seen, but one he appreciated all the same.

"What happens when we leave?" she asked suddenly, her tone quiet but thoughtful.

Michael turned to face her fully. "We keep going. Same as always."

Amara met his gaze, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "That's not what I meant."

He held her gaze for a moment, then nodded, understanding what she wasn't saying. "We figure it out as we go. Together."

Her smirk faded, replaced by something deeper. "Together," she echoed, her voice soft.

---

The rest of the crew had embraced the island's slower pace as well. Lia spent her days exploring the far corners of Skypiea, sketching the unique flora and fauna in her journal. She had taken a particular interest in the dials the locals used, marveling at their versatility and potential applications.

"These things are amazing!" she exclaimed one afternoon, holding up a flame dial she had acquired. "Do you realize what we could do with these on the Eclipse?"

Amara raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the ship's railing. "Do they come with instructions? Or are we going to set ourselves on fire trying to figure them out?"

Lia stuck her tongue out playfully. "I'll have you know I've been taking lessons from the locals. I'm practically an expert."

Michael, watching from the helm, smirked. "Just make sure we don't end up flying off the edge of the island, Lia."

She waved him off, her enthusiasm undiminished. "Trust me, Captain. I've got this."

The lighthearted exchange was a reminder of how far they'd come—not just as individuals but as a crew. The bonds between them had deepened during their time in Skypiea, strengthened by the peace they'd found and the rare chance to breathe without the constant weight of danger pressing down.

---

That evening, the crew gathered around a fire near the edge of the island, the sky above them a tapestry of stars. The locals had joined them, sharing stories and songs that filled the air with warmth and camaraderie. Plates of unfamiliar but delicious food were passed around, and the gentle hum of a stringed instrument added a soothing rhythm to the night.

Lia, ever curious, peppered the villagers with questions about their culture and history. Amara, meanwhile, was content to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, her sharp eyes occasionally flicking to Michael as if to gauge his mood.

Michael sat beside her, his posture relaxed but his mind turning over the weight of their journey. The peace they had found here was precious, but it couldn't last. The Grand Line awaited them, its challenges as vast and unpredictable as the sea itself.

"Thinking again?" Amara asked, her voice breaking through his thoughts.

Michael glanced at her, smirking faintly. "Always."

She nudged his shoulder lightly. "You should try not thinking every once in a while. It's good for you."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind."

Amara leaned closer, her voice dropping to a softer tone. "You've been good about letting go lately. I've noticed."

Michael met her gaze, the firelight dancing in her eyes. "I've had help."

She smiled, her expression uncharacteristically open. "You're welcome."

The moment stretched between them, the sounds of the gathering fading into the background. Michael reached for her hand, his touch deliberate but careful, as though testing the waters of something fragile. Amara didn't pull away—instead, her fingers tightened around his, her smirk softening into something more vulnerable.

They stayed that way for a while, the world around them slipping away as they found solace in each other's presence. The bond that had grown between them during their journey had solidified here, in the stillness of the sky, where the burdens of the Grand Line felt distant and unimportant.

---

As the night deepened, the crew gradually drifted to their quarters, the quiet calm of Skypiea lulling them into a peaceful sleep. Michael and Amara lingered by the fire, their conversation low and intimate as they talked about everything and nothing.

When they finally stood to leave, Michael hesitated, his gaze meeting hers with a quiet intensity. Amara raised an eyebrow, her usual smirk tempered by the vulnerability she had shown earlier.

"Goodnight, Captain," she said, her voice carrying a teasing edge but softened by something deeper.

Michael smiled, his grip on her hand tightening briefly before he let go. "Goodnight, Amara."

As they parted ways, the connection between them lingered, a quiet promise of what was to come. For now, they were content to let the moment stand, knowing that the Grand Line would test them again soon enough.

But here, under the endless sky, they had found something worth holding onto.

---