Chapter 19:Lines Drawn in the Sand

Chizzara had made up her mind that she would not be spending a night alone especially after that would-be assassin tried to kill Tarlong. She made some inquiries and once she found out that her crewmates were at the Protectors base did she go and join them. She was relieved that Jimbei was not only alright but was looking after the young crew.

"Oi Jimbei," Chizzara said the moment she saw the Fishman. "I'm happy that you're okay."

"A slight headache if nothing else," Jimbei replied. "Where are Tarlong and his brother? I thought they would be with you."

"Tarl was until he decided to go and find out where Riptide was taken," The navigator said. "May I be honest with you?"

Jimbei raised an eyebrow as he saw the sudden concern written over Chizzara's face. "Something has happened that we need to know about?"

"A big something," Chizzara stated. "Tarlong and I were attacked earlier by an assassin,"

Jimbei's eyes widen. "Assassin? Who was it?"

"We don't know, but Longtooth recognized him," she said. "A black tiger shark name Stryder and he was connected to a group called the Order of the True Bloods."

The whale shark closed his eyes nodding. "This does sound like trouble. We better make that the others know so they can stay alert."

Jimbei lead Chizzara to the dining hall where the Saw crew was sitting and worrying. How could they not? All they knew was that something had happened to Riptide and that was all. Chizzara took notice that Poseidon was not with them which meant he probably somewhere else. Skie looked up and seeing the navigator was quick to her feet.

"Chizz, please tell me you have some news," she said. "Is Riptide alright?"

Yeah, and where is he?" Thor said.

"All I can tell you is that he was poisoned and was taken to a healer," she said.

Neeta looked alarmed. "Poisoned?! You mean those battle axes were coated with a poison?"

"I'm afraid so," Jimbei said. "Chizzara has more dire news to tell you."

"Dire?" Gaff looked to the navigator. "How dire can it be?"

"Earlier Tarlong and I were almost killed by an assassin," she said. "Tarl killed him thought but not before he told us, he was with this Order of the True Bloods."

"Order of the True Bloods!" Slashback spoke louder than usual. "Who the hell are-,"

Kaiuleale places a hand over his mouth really fast. "Keep your voice down, you baka," the young Fishman said before he quickly scanned the dining hall. It appeared no other Protector there had heard. "Are you asking for trouble?"

"Kaiul, what gives?" Slashback said the moment the tiger shark moved his hand away. "You act like this group is World Government or something."

"No, they're worse. A lot worse," he said.

"You know something, don't ya?" Gaff said.

Kaiuleale motioned for everyone to gather closer. "From what I have heard that they are lead by three black tiger sharks," the tiger shark held up three fingers, lowering each one as he spoke each name, "Stryker, Stryder, and Ryder and out of the three, I've heard Stryker is the worst."

Thor looked at his friend in curiosity. "Strange you know a little bit more than the rest of us."

The young tiger shark turned his head away as he gave a small sigh. "My mom...it was she who told me about them."

"What else did she tell you," Neeta asked.

"Sadly nothing else," Kaiuleale said. "She died when I was still a little."

"What of your father?" Chizzara asked.

"I never knew of him."

It was then that the group was approached by a young orca Fishman who stood 6' 12" tall with a broad muscular build and a slight beer belly on him. He wore a tattered tiger-striped vest, carpenter jeans, and sandals. He had the coloring and markings that were familiar with the killer whale except his was grey in color and his hair was a white short mohawk. He stood quietly looking around the dining hall before he spoke.

"Have you guys been shown around," he said. "I betcha you haven't been shown your sleeping quarters not surprised if they haven't."

"Just who are you?" Gaff asked.

"Oh yeah, sorry bout that," the orca said, rubbing the back of his head. "Name's Trapper, but my friends call me Trap."

"Trapper, huh?" Slashback looked at him before he grinned. "Pretty cool name."

Gaff as usual facepalmed, "I swear Slash there are times you can be so damn dumb."

"What," Slashback looked at his friend. "Ah come on, Gaff. You gotta admit it is a cool name."

"I swear I'm gonna smack you," Gaff grumbled.

Chizzara shook her head some before she turned to Trapper. "Not to sound rude, but may I ask why you are here?"

"Yeah sorry," Trapper said with a small chuckle. "I figured you guys might need some help and I'm the guy willing to help."

"What makes you think we might need help," Skie asked.

"Well, word is that your captain is the son of Arlong," the orca Fishman said.

"Riptide and his siblings are indeed Arlong's children," Jimbei said. "Why would this news be of interest to you?"

"Well, because both of our pops are famous," Trapper said. "Not sure if my pop is famous as he used to be."

"Just who is your dad?" Kaiuleale said very curiously now.

"My pops was a pirate known as Willy," Trapper said. He blinked at the blank looks he was getting. "Well, pop was a rival to Arlong."

"Rival to Arlong? Ah, now I remember," Jimbei said. " Willy and Arlong were always fighting with each other and both hating each other. So you're Willy's boy."

" Are you planning to start a rivalry with the captain?" Thor said slowly getting up. "Cause if you are-,"

Trapper held his hands up fast. "No no no," he said rapidly. "What would I want to fight with him? That's plain stupid. I want to be friends with him. I just haven't found him yet to properly introduce myself." The orca noticed the disheartened look from the crew. "I said something wrong, didn't I?"

"No," Skie said. "We don't know Riptide is." The nearly albino colored sawtooth girl was close to tears. "We were told he had been poisoned and we brought here after Tarlong had what looked like severe fainting spells."

"Let's face it, the whole incident at the market place did not help us at all." Gaff said. "No one is telling us shit and I'm starting to feel like a prisoner in this place."

"Agree with you there, mate," Kaiuleale said. "My hide has been itching since we come in here and that I'm not liking."

Thor looked at his friend, "I know you and that itching of yours and that means big ass trouble."

"Trouble" Chizzara studied both young sharks. "Are you saying that all of us are in trouble."

The tiger shark looked at her, "Yeah and honestly, I don't want to in this any longer. Especially since we have no idea where Riptide and his family were taken to."

"Then Destiny could be in danger," Slashback was wide-eyed at the very thought of his love is in terrible danger.

"As could be Long," Neeta added. "No way am I staying and sitting around if some kind of threat to my Long."

"I know where they are," Trapper said.

"You do?" Skie looked at him relieved to hear some good news.

The orca nodded. "Yeah. You said, Riptide was poisoned, right?"

To this Skie nodded to.

"That means he was taken to old Masta." Trapper said. "I know where that old crab lives too."

"Good, I'm up for leaving this place," Kaiuleale said. "Who else is coming?"

"We'll all go," Chizzara said. She looked at Jimbei. "Is that okay with you?"

"You have no argument with me," the whale shark said. "And young Kaiuleale wasn't the only one feeling uneasy about being here. Something within this place feels no right with me and I prefer that we are not here any longer than needed."

"Good," Chizzara said. "I'll go and Tarlong and Garth's stuff and we can go."

"I know a way back out," Trapper said.

"Wait, this place has a backdoor?" Thor said. "I swore this place didn't have one."

Trapper gave a big toothy grin. "It depends if you know all the secrets of getting in and out. Let's hurry before someone finds out what we're planning."

~~.~~.~~

Jimbei had gone with Chizzara to recover the bags that Tarlong and Garth brought with them. They found Trapper waiting with the others at the bottoms of the stairs and the orca motioned them to follow. He leads them through one corridor after another before they came to a corridor that had a cobweb-covered metal gate across it. It was clear that no one had been in this part for a very long time.

"Why is this part sealed off?" Skie asked.

"This was the very ill were brought to," Trapper said sadly. "People who could have been easily treated instead they were brought to this godforsaken place and left to die a slow death."

"That's horrible," Chizzara said.

"Yeah," Trapper said as he lit a lantern that hung on a nail in the wall. "I can understand why Marcus hates this place."

"Is there a reason he would hate this place?" Slashback asked.

Trapper handed the sawtooth the lantern as he pulled a lock picking tool set from his pants pocket. "He lost the one person who loved him more than anything," the orca said getting to work on the old padlock.

After a few nerve-wracking moments, there was a click and the lock opened. Trapper with Jimbei's help swung the gate open, its rusty hinges filling the air with their screeching noise. It was hard to not feel afraid as they proceed through the corridor which was lined with old rooms their doors open except one. The door was closed, but it looked different from all the others. It was clean of dust and cobwebs and it metal speaker grill on it which was open.

"You think it's locked?" Kaiuleale asked Trapper.

"Not really sure," Trapper said as he peered inside. "Shit this is it."

"What is?" Slashback said.

"Her room," the orca said. "This is Lilly's room because I see Marcus' belongings. He just left them."

"Then let's get them," Chizzara said as she placed Tarlong's knapsack on the floor and taking a step to the door.

"Maybe we shouldn't," Trapper said looking nervous. "I mean he left that all behind for a reason."

"I don't think he did," Chizzara said peering through the grill. "Look at the table off to the left. Tell me what you see, Trap."

The Fishman did as asked and he blinked twice. "There are very rare blue lilies in that vase and they look fresh. Marcus actually came here recently."

"He is still mourning her then," Jimbei said. "Do you know when this Lilly died?"

Trapper rubbed his chin thinking. "It might have been ten or twelve years ago, not really sure."

"Damn, he must have really loved her if he still brings flowers to this place," Gaff said. "Gotta feel sorry the guy."

"Chizz, what you doing," Kaiuleale said the moment he realized that their navigator had opened the door and went in.

The blonde walked up to the table a finger little tracing the lip of the one flowers before she looked around the room. She could feel the sadness that seemed to haunt the room as her eyes fell upon the dust-covered knapsacks and wait, was that a...guitar? It was and it was covered in dust. It was made in a traditional dreadnought guitar shape. She carefully wiped some dust off and she saw that the body is made out of mahogany back and sides with a spruce top, which were common woods used. The neck of this guitar is made out of Okoume wood, a lighter version of mahogany and had 21 frets which strips of brass that made up most of the guitar's neck. Marcus was a musician? the Saw pirates' navigator. It seems this man is a mystery.

"Trapper, could you bring all this all," she said turning to the door.

"Don't think we should be doing this," he muttered as he came in, but he did as asked. "Marcus is gonna pissed that we came here."

"We'll see," Chizzara said. "Let's go guys."

The Saw crew looked at each other than to Trapper, who could only shrug as he carried Marcus' belongings. They looked to Jimbei but he had moved off with Chizzara who retrieved Tarlong's bag again. Finally, they hurried to catch up with Jimbei and Chizzara.

~~.~~.~~

Blade and Longtooth were taking care of the bodies when Tarlong stormed past them, his mood foul as hell. How could his nephew and his brother so easily accept the old man? He had never been in their lives at all. Hell, He didn't know about them until this past day. It had been a day, right? "Damn I don't know how long we've been here," he muttered.

"A day."

The bounty hunter looked over his shoulder, glaring at Marcus who stood not far from him. "You following me now, you old bastard?"

The mako sighed, "You hate me that much, son?"

Tarlong turned around, the single shot revolver he carried drawn and cocked. "Don't...you...dare...call...me...your...son," he said through clenched teeth. "You don't have the right to call me or Garth that."

"What about the rest of your family?"

"What?" His finger was close to the trigger.

"Your niece and nephews," Marcus looked at him, eyes reflecting sadness. "Do you hate them as you hate me?"

"They have nothing to do with this," Tarlong said.

"No, they do. You're so willing to kill me and yet you would spare them," he said. "You can stand there and tell me that you have no hate toward them?"

Tarlong felt confused and angry as he stared down his estranged father. "Why would I hate them? They're my family."

"Really? So am I but to you that's no different isn't it?" Marcus shook his head. "Listen to yourself, son."

"I told you not to call me that!"

"Like it or not, you and your brother are my sons," Marcus said. "I admit I made mistakes in my life, mistakes I can't change." He shook his head. "Knowing what Arlong did to that poor girl...I blame myself for the monster he became. If I had been there for him and Shyarly maybe he would have grown up differently. As for you and your brother...I never knew about you two."

Tarlong snort, "Yeah right."

"It's true to damn it!" Marcus said angrily. "If you want to hate someone then hate your mother. I never even knew she gave birth to triplets. She wasn't there when I woke up that morning and believe me, I was scared. When I found her, she was weak from birth and so far from home that I couldn't understand why she did something so stupid. Seeing you and Garth...she abandoned you both, abandoned her own sons just because you both were different."

"And if you did know about us," Tarlong said. "Would you have up and abandon us like you did our siblings? Just up and dump us just because you felt like it. Well, guess what? That doesn't make you father, it makes you a damn heartless bastard. I can say Garth and I had parents, people who loved us for who we were. They gave us the one thing you know nothing about! You can fool Garth and maybe the rest of my family, but you can not fool me. I know you are a cold heartless-,"

Marcus moved so fast that he cut Tarlong completely off guard. He punched the taller Fishman in the face, hard before he slammed him straight onto his back. The mako had a tight grip on Tarlong's duster, anger flashed in his eyes. "THAT IS ENOUGH!" he said in a harsh angry tone. "Do you hear me, boy? Enough of this trash talk of yours. I know I screwed up as a father. I don't need to be reminded of that."

Tarlong swallowed as he stared into the face of the man who was his father. His gun slipped from his fingers as the fight left him. He felt Marcus' grip loosen and the mako rose to step back. His shoulders slumped. It was clear that the fight had left the mako as he looked at him, eyes looking so tired. "What do want of me?" Tarlong asked his voice hoarse for some reason.

"A chance," Marcus said. "A chance to prove myself to my family."

"I swore I told you not to cause trouble, Marcus."

Marcus looked at the snag tooth mako, who looked none to pleased. "When is talking with one of my sons' troubles, Longtooth?"

"Yelling and then striking him," Longtooth said. "I don't call that talking."

Tarlong had gotten to his feet and was placing his revolver back into the holster. "We didn't mean to start any trouble," he said. "Yet may I ask you something?"

"You may," Longtooth said.

"You say the old man has caused trouble before and yet since we arrived, all we have found is trouble," the bearded sawtooth said. "My nephew was attacked twice and I myself was attacked. Are you not concerned with this unknown trouble?"

Longtooth remained silent just as Blade came up to them. "Ye know he speaks the truth," He said. "Ye can't ignore the fact that Stryker is not dead no matter what we both believed."

~~.~~.~~

Riptide had no sooner dressed when he got that very familiar feeling and he knew something was wrong. Gaff and the others were in some kind of danger. He wasn't fully recovered from the poison yet he could not just stay away not when his friends needed him. He hadn't even taken a step outside the room when he saw his sister approaching him and she looked somewhat relieved to see him up and about.

"Rip, shouldn't you be resting more?" she asked.

"I can't," he said. "Not when I have that feeling again."

Destiny's eyes widened at his words. "Are you serious?"

Riptide nodded. "I need you to stay here while I go-,"

"The hell you are," his sister said. "Mother won't let you especially after what happened."

"I won't go alone. I'll have Uncle Tarlong and sofu come with me so there is no need to worry."

Destiny snorted, "Try telling Mother that."

Riptide looked over to Garth. "Would you be okay if you stayed here and made sure there was trouble," he said.

Garth gave him a thumbs up and the trio moved down the hall to the outside door. Riptide gave his sister a quick hug before he walked to where he saw both his uncle and grandfather. "Uncle Tarlong, Sofu Marcus." he called out to them.

Tarlong was a little surprised to see his nephew walking around. "Should you be walking around," he said concerned.

"I'll rest once I know Gaff and the others are safe," Riptide said.

"What do you mean by that," Longtooth said. "Your friends are with my Protectors so how could they not be safe?"

Riptide looked the mako in the eyes. "I can't explain these feelings I get, but they've never failed when it comes to the ones I love."

"Ye believe they're in danger?" Blade asked.

"What more do you want," Marcus said. "If my grandson believes the ones he cares for are in danger then I believe him. What do you need us to do?"

"Come with me," Riptide said. "I would feel better if you and Uncle Tarlong were with me."

"Of course, we come with you," Tarlong said. "I'm not letting anyone hurt Chizz not if I can help it."

"We'll come with you as well," Longtooth said.

Longtooth and Blade took the lead followed by Riptide, Tarlong, and Marcus. They travel in silence for some time when Tarlong broke the silence. "Longtooth, I took notice that you and Jewel wear a vest that is different in color. Why is that?" he asked.

"Each vest represents their rank," Longtooth replied. "Trackers wear a maroon color, fighters wear a navy blue and the peacekeepers wear a grey vest. The higher ranked ones like Blade and me wear a black with a colored stripe on the right side of their vest."

"Just right are the Protectors?" Riptide asked.

"The Protectors are what they are supposed to sound like, lad," Blade said. "They are supposed to protect and maintain the peace on the island."

"And yet you both are blind to the very danger that exists under your own noses," Marcus said.

Longtooth whirled around, glaring at the longfin mako. "Marcus, I am getting tired of your mouth," he snarled.

"You know I'm right, but you're afraid to admit to the truth," Marcus shot back.

"That's enough," Riptide was between the two, glaring from one to the other. "If you want to rip each other's throats out, do it another time! Right now we have more important matters to deal with."

Marcus and Longtooth looked away from both ashamed of their actions. Riptide shook his head as he moved past Longtooth taking the lead himself. Tarlong followed him as did Blade. Both makos looked at each other before they followed.

~~.~~.~~

Trapper pushed the grated gate open and stepped out. Once he made sure it was clear he whistle back in the tunnel. "Where are we?" Chizzara said.

"The outskirts of town," Trapper replied. "Not far from Masta's. A short walk mind you."

"How much of a short walk?" Gaff asked.

"About a half-hour," Trapper replied.

That's not a short walk, you baka," Gaff said.

"Gaff, stupid your bitching," Neeta said. "Trap, go ahead and show us the way."

The orca nodded and had barely taken a few steps when the group found themselves surrounded by Protectors all wearing the navy colored vests and heavily armed. They were lead by a mako who stood 8'2" in height. He wore a black hooded vest, which meant he was of a higher rank. He wore a red and black bandana with silver-colored eyes and black and white camo cargo pants with metal toed boots. He carried a spiked mace in each hand.

"Well, look what we have here," he spoke in a heavy Celtic accent. "Trapper and what appears to be some lousy pirates."

"Overbite," Trapper said nervously. "What do you want?"

"You're coming with me," Overbite said pointing one of the maces at him. "My Protectors, arrest them but bring the females to my chambers." He laughed which sounded like someone hitting a brass drum.

"I wouldn't try it," Jimbei said taking a fighting stance. "I'm a master in Fishman karate."

The Protectors with Overbite looked at each other unsure if they wanted to challenge the whale shark. Overbite growled as he moved forward his weapons at the ready. It appeared as if he was more than willing to challenge Jimbei.

"Get the hell away from my nakama!"

'Wha-," Overbite turned just as Riptide shoulder tackled him knocking away from Jimbei.

"Riptide!" shouted his friends as they rushed to him.

Still sore, he managed a grin as they literally hugged him. He was glad to see they were okay. "You guys manage to stay out of trouble during my absence," he asked.

"What are you talking about," Gaff huffed as he jerked his head to Slashback. "All trouble has to do is find him."

"Oi," the five gilled saw tooth said acting as if insulted, "As you should talk!"

"Who the hell do you think you are?"

Riptide looked over to Overbite who was indeed pissed. "I'm the guy who doesn't like his friends threatened, pal. Of course, I'm not the one who is in major trouble."

"What does that mean?" Overbite said.

"It means you are in serious trouble."

Overbite glanced over and he paled some. Longtooth stood not far with a look of rage on his face. "Is this how I raised you? Is this what I taught you?!" he said as he walked forward.

"You're old ideas and beliefs, Father!" Overbite said. "That's all I heard growing up and those ideas are ancient just like you!"

To hear Overbite's venomous words shocked all who heard. It was worse for Longtooth as he looked at his son unsure he just heard right. "Ho...how can you say that," he said. "You were eager to learn, wanting to take over for me."

"That just proves how much of a fool you are," Overbite said.

"Ye be an ungrateful brat to talk to yer father like that," Blade said. "He sacrificed so much for ye especially after yer mother died."

Tarlong suddenly felt guilty as he glanced toward Marcus. I've been no better toward my own father, he thought.

The tension between Longtooth and Overbite grew more and more and finally, Overbite yelled, charged at his father. Longtooth might have been getting there in age but he had experience and surprisingly speed against his son. Overbite's maces were easily blocked by Longtooth's blade and the two makos clashed again and again. It was soon clear that Longtooth was starting to tire and there was a grin of pure evil as Overbite managed to sidestep his father's attack and with a massive swing he struck his father in his side. Longtooth cried out as he went crashing near Riptide and his crew.

"Longtooth," Blade screamed as he rushed to his friend's side.

Overbite was grinning enjoying the sight of his father lying there, bleeding. "You're done, you old fool," he said. "I now lead the Protectors and as my first duty is to remove you and your old friend from my new Protectors."

"Why ye little shit," Blade growled at him. "Ye won't be the leader long that I promise ye."

Riptide knelt by Longtooth and inspected the injury. "Can you make it to Masta's," he said, keeping his voice low.

"I'll drag myself if I have to," Longtooth said.

"Slash, give me a hand," Riptide said.

"Gotta ya, captain," Slashback said as he moved to Longtooth's other side.

Together the two helped the injured mako to his feet. Blade and Tarlong guarded their backs as the whole crew walked away. They walked in silence and finally, they saw Masta's home. Blade want ahead and soon he returned with crab Fishman. Masta fussed and muttered as he looked at the wound.

"Get him inside so I can tend to this," he said.

Once Longtooth was inside Riptide called his crew together minus Poseidon. They were also joined by Blade, Skie, Thor, Marcus, Kaiuleale, and Trapper. Nami, and Jimbei stayed inside with Masta as he tended to Longtooth. They went inside another building which was vacant but would do for their gathering. Inside with carved stone carved bench seats that lined the entire thing and in the center was a solid handcrafted oak table to which Riptide leaned back against.

Riptide sighed so heavily that it echoed. "It appears this whole island in danger and it is dangerous from what little information we do have. As of right now, we need to train, all of us."

"What are you talking about?" Gaff asked.

"We got lucky when we faced Slatafang and his hunters," the white saw tooth said facing his original crew. "I'll admit I had a hard time against Slatafang."

"You won though," Neeta said.

"It wasn't a very easy one," Chizzara said. "I was there and believe me, Rip was lucky."

"Yeah, we were all lucky either way you look at it," Destiny said. "This is something different, far different."

"In what way is it different?" Slashback asked.

"We aren't strong enough, not yet," Neeta said. "To become stronger we need to train, isn't that captain?"

Riptide nodded. "So who's with me?"

Destiny was on her feet. "I don't know who these guys are, but I'm not waiting for them to get me. I'll get stronger."

"Agree with Des," Long said.

"Count me in." Slashback.

"And me." Neeta.

"I'm in." Gaff.

"Well, you can believe we're in this too," Tarlong said as Garth nodded in agreement.

"You called me, your nakama when saved my life so I'm in," Chizzara said.

"Anyone else joining this crew?" Riptide asked now curious to who else might join.

"Ye have a shipwright lad?" Blade asked.

"Hell, we don't even have a ship," Destiny said.

"That ye can leave to me." The old shark said. "Ye count me and Longtooth in as well."

"You sure he will go along with you?" Marcus asked.

"Don't ye worry about him," Blade said. "He'll come that I can tell ye."

"Anyone else?" Riptide's eyes fell upon his grandfather who stood near the entrance.

"Count us in too," said Kaiuleale said as Thor and Skie nodded in agreement.

"I've got you back as well, captain," Trapper said.

Riptide shifted his attention to the orca Fishman. "I don't think I got your name, friend."

"Oh that's Trapper," Slashback said. "His dad and your dad knew each other."

"Friend of father's?" Long asked.

"No, a rival to your old man," Gaff said. "Says he wants to be friends though."

"Who is your father," Riptide said.

"Pop's name was Willy and both our pops shared the same bounty," Trapper said with a good laugh. "Silly if ya ask me. As I said, I got your back."

"Well then," Riptide held out his hand. "Welcome to the crew, Trapper."

Trapper grin grew as he took Riptide's hand, "You can call me Trap all my friends do."

"How many would that be?" Shen asked.

"You guys are the first," Trapper said with a sheepish grin.

Riptide looked to where he saw his grandfather, but Marcus was no longer there. Chizzara saw the hybrid's look and she got to her feet. She looked to her captain mouthing the words, "I'll go and talk with him." Riptide nodded.

~~.~~.~~

Chizzara found Marcus leaning against a tree that was near a small cemetery. "You know Riptide will want to know if you're going to join the crew," she said.

"I know," Marcus said.

"If you know what will you tell him?" Chizzara asked.

Marcus acted like he didn't hear as he walked into the cemetery past the headstones and finally stopping at one that was away from every other grave there. Chizzara having followed looked at what was carved into the stone: LILLY. A GIRL WHOSE HEART WAS PURE AS HER SOUL.

"Every time I close my eyes I can still see her," Marcus said. "She was so beautiful and so full of love."

"What happened to her?"

"She became ill, so very ill," Marcus said. "By the time we learned it was cancer it too late. She died in my arms. I never felt so alone until that moment."

Chizzara looked at him. "Didn't she have family," she said.

"They disowned her because she fell in love with me," Marcus shook his head.

"Marcus, that was long ago," the navigator said. "Yes, you were alone until recently. You have a family. A family that needs you now more than ever."

The mako said nothing for a long time. "Riptide is still waiting for me to answer?" he asked.

"He is."

"I'll join for now," Marcus said before he walked off.

Riptide finally has his crew assembled, but Nami and Jimbei are only temporary members till the race. I'm planning to slowly reveal Marcus' past. Remember to read and review.