The crew's ship sailed into the harbor of the once desolate island, the wind gently pushing the vessel forward as sunlight bathed the island in warmth.
The island, once devoid of color, was still dull, but the air had seemingly grown lighter. Yuma stood at the bow of the Golden King, staring out at the shore. The last time they had visited, the island had been a grim wasteland—its people crippled by the disease spread by Demon Lord Achlys. Now, hope was returning.
As the ship approached the dock, the villagers who had been hiding in their homes began to emerge. Their faces, once pale and sickly, now held traces of color. Weak but smiling, they gathered at the shore, watching the crew's arrival with cautious optimism. Yuma and the others disembarked, the vial containing the cure held carefully in Cani's hands.
The island elder, a short, elderly lady with a crooked back and a kind smile, hobbled forward to greet them. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude, tears brimming at the corners.
"You've returned…" the elder said in a voice filled with emotion.
"With the cure." Yuma nodded.
"We promised we would." Cani stepped forward, handing over the vial with a soft smile.
"This should be enough to cure everyone." The elder's hands trembled as she took the vial. She held it up for all the villagers to see, and a cheer rose from the crowd—a sound that had been absent from the island for too long. Mothers embraced their children, friends held one another, and the heaviness that had hung over the island for so long seemed to finally lift.
Ika slowly stepped off the boat, the village elder slowly walking up and hugging him tightly.
"I'm glad you made it back alive, Ika… I'm so proud of you" Ika tears up and hugs his grandma back.
One by one, the villagers received the cure. They lined up in the town square, taking careful doses, and within hours, the symptoms that had plagued them began to fade. The color returned to their faces, their eyes brightened, and the island, once shrouded in darkness and sickness, began to come alive again.
By the afternoon, the village itself seemed transformed. The thatched roofs were repaired, the homes freshly painted, and the once-dead fields now flourished with new crops. Vibrant flowers bloomed along the pathways, their bright colors a reflection of the renewed hope that filled the air.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm purple glow over the island, the elder approached the crew once more. Her voice, though raspy, was filled with joy.
"You have not only saved our lives, but you've given us hope again," She said, her weathered hand resting on Yuma's shoulder.
"The villagers wish to thank you… by holding a feast in your honor." Yuma hesitated for a moment, glancing at his crew. They had been through so much, and despite the victory, the weight of everything they had done still hung heavily on him.
"We don't need anything in return," Yuma said quietly, but the elder shook her head.
"Nonsense," She replied with a smile.
"You've done more than you know. Let us celebrate this new beginning with you." The crew exchanged glances, and slowly, Cani smiled, Boombox grinned wide, and even Moon's calm expression softened.
"All right," Yuma finally said.
"We'll stay."
-----
That evening, the village transformed into a celebration. Long tables were set up in the square, decorated with colorful flowers and lanterns. Plates of food—freshly baked bread, grilled fish, tropical fruits, and savory stews—filled the air with mouth-watering aromas. The villagers, once weary and sick, danced and laughed, their spirits lifted by the knowledge that they had a future again.
Cani sat by the fire, enjoying a plate of food and watching as Ika excitedly tried different fruits, his eyes wide with wonder. Boombox, always the quiet one, had somehow found a drum and began playing, adding music to the laughter and chatter around them. Moon, typically quiet and reserved, stood off to the side, but even he seemed more at ease, sipping from a cup as he observed the festivities with a small, content smile.
Yuma, however, found himself standing at the edge of the village, watching the celebration from a distance. The sounds of joy were a stark contrast to the battles they had fought. It was hard to reconcile the peace of this moment with the chaos and destruction that had led to it. Cani approached him, nudging his arm gently.
"You should be down there celebrating with the rest of us." Yuma sighed, crossing his arms.
"I'm glad we were able to help them. But… Achlys is just one step… There's still so much more to do… And even here, we can't undo the suffering that already happened." Cani exhales, sipping on her drink.
"You're right," Cani said softly.
"But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the small victories along the way... Look at them, Yuma." She gestured toward the villagers dancing and laughing, children playing, the once-diseased now full of life.
"This is what we're fighting for." Yuma followed her gaze, watching the villagers celebrate with his crew. A soft smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"I suppose you're right." Cani smirked.
"I'm always right…" There was a moment of silence as Cani exhaled.
"Ever since Kuza died… and you made it your goal to destroy the World Government… you've been pushing yourself harder and harder… but that strains your mental health… We'll find Kinsha and we'll also accomplish your goal… but we don't wanna rush it, there are things waiting for us that we aren't ready for… and we need time to rest and relax before we encounter those things…" Yuma looks up at the stars. Cani continues.
"Enjoy this peace, Yuma… while you still can… we just took out a Demon Lord so the other 9 will be out to kill us, we need to prepare… we need to rest and have some fun… Kuza's dream will never die, so there's no point in rushing" Yuma nods slowly.
"I guess you're right…" There was silence. Before Cani could continue, a small child ran up to Yuma, tugging on his sleeve. She had bright blue eyes and her hair tied back with colorful ribbons.
"Mister! Will you come dance with us?" Yuma blinked, surprised, and glanced at Cani, who raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying his discomfort. He knelt down to the girl's height and smiled.
"I'm not much of a dancer."
"That's okay!" the girl giggled.
"You can just stand there and sway!" Yuma couldn't help but laugh softly at her persistence. Finally, he gave in.
"All right, lead the way." As the girl grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the center of the square, the villagers cheered.
The island was alive again, filled with light, color, and hope. And for that night, at least, the weight of their journey lifted, replaced by the warmth of victory, the comfort of friendship, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.