John wick in one piece

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The Eclipse glided across the calm seas, its sleek black hull cutting through the water effortlessly. Michael leaned on the helm, scanning the horizon as Lia worked on organizing the supplies they had salvaged from the wreck. The maps and journal had given them a wealth of information, but it was clear that they were still far from being fully prepared for the Grand Line.

"We've got enough food and water for a few more weeks," Lia called out. "But we're low on medical supplies."

Michael nodded. "We'll resupply at the next island. Keep an eye out for anything unusual."

The sun climbed higher in the sky as they sailed, the day passing uneventfully until a small island appeared on the horizon. It wasn't marked on their maps, but it looked promising—a small port, a scattering of buildings, and a dense forest in the background.

As they docked, Michael's senses were on high alert. The island seemed peaceful enough, but the quietness felt almost unnatural. The port was sparsely populated, and the few people they passed avoided eye contact, hurrying about their business.

"This place feels… strange," Lia said, sticking close to Michael.

"I feel it too," Michael replied. "Let's keep it quick."

They made their way to a small general store near the edge of the port. Inside, the shelves were sparsely stocked, and the shopkeeper—a frail-looking older man—watched them warily.

"Looking for medical supplies," Michael said.

The shopkeeper hesitated, then shook his head. "Don't have much of that here. Not since the doctor left."

"Doctor?" Michael asked, his interest piqued.

"A wandering healer," the man explained. "She showed up a few months ago, helped a lot of people. Then she vanished into the forest. Some say she's still out there, helping anyone who finds her."

Michael exchanged a glance with Lia. "Do you know where we could find her?"

The shopkeeper shrugged. "If you're lucky, she'll find you. But the forest isn't safe. Strange things happen to people who go in there."

"Thanks for the warning," Michael said, paying for what little supplies they could find.

Back on the Eclipse, Lia looked up at him, her brow furrowed. "Are we going into the forest?"

Michael nodded. "If she's still out there, we need her. A doctor isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity."

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The forest was dense, the sunlight barely filtering through the thick canopy. Michael and Lia moved carefully, their footsteps muffled by the soft undergrowth. The air was damp and heavy, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant birdcall.

"Do you think she's really here?" Lia asked, her voice hushed.

"We'll find out," Michael replied, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife.

They followed a faint trail that wound deeper into the forest, the path growing narrower and more overgrown. Hours passed with no sign of anyone, and Lia's unease grew.

"Maybe we should turn back," she said. "What if—"

A sharp cry interrupted her, echoing through the trees. Michael's head snapped toward the sound, and without hesitation, he moved toward it, Lia close behind.

They emerged into a small clearing where a woman stood over a fallen figure. She was tall and lean, her hair tied back in a loose braid, and her sharp eyes darted to Michael and Lia as they approached. She held a knife in one hand and a satchel in the other, her stance wary but not hostile.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

"We're not here to hurt anyone," Michael said, raising his hands slightly. "We're looking for the doctor."

The woman's expression softened slightly. "You've found her."

Michael gestured toward the fallen figure, a young man clutching his leg where a crude splint had been applied. "What happened?"

"Bandits," the doctor replied. "They ambushed us. He's lucky they didn't do worse."

Michael crouched beside the injured man, inspecting the wound. "You patched him up well. Are the bandits still nearby?"

"They fled when I fought back," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "I doubt they'll come back, but it's not safe to stay here."

"Then let's move," Michael said. "We can take him to our ship."

The doctor hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But if this is some kind of trick…"

"It's not," Michael assured her.

With Lia's help, they carried the injured man back to the Eclipse. The doctor worked quickly, cleaning and dressing the wound with supplies from her satchel. Her movements were efficient, her focus absolute.

"What's your name?" Michael asked as she worked.

"Amara," she said without looking up. "And you?"

"Michael. This is Lia."

Amara nodded briefly. "Your ship is impressive. What are you doing out here?"

"Preparing for the Grand Line," Michael said.

Amara's hands paused for a fraction of a second before she continued. "The Grand Line? You know how dangerous it is, don't you?"

"We do," Michael said. "That's why we're looking for people to join us. People with the skills to survive."

Amara glanced up at him, her sharp eyes assessing. "You're asking me to join you?"

"Yes," Michael said simply. "We need a doctor. You're clearly capable."

Amara sat back, studying him. "Why should I trust you?"

"You don't have to," Michael said. "But think about it. You're a healer—how many more people could you help if you weren't wandering alone?"

Amara's gaze shifted to Lia, who watched her intently. Then she looked at the injured man, who was resting peacefully thanks to her work. Finally, she stood, her expression unreadable.

"I'll think about it," she said. "But if I join you, I have conditions."

"Name them," Michael said.

"First, you don't question how I do my job. Second, you protect the ship and its crew at all costs. Third… you don't ask about my past."

Michael nodded. "Deal."

Amara's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Then I'll join you. At least for now."

Lia grinned. "Welcome aboard."

As the Eclipse set sail once more, Michael felt a sense of relief. With Amara's skills, they were one step closer to being prepared for the Grand Line. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but with each new ally, their chances of survival grew stronger.

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