Chapter 24: Black and White
I do not own One Piece! That will always belong to Eiichiro Oda! I only own my OC's.
Zanfar in his demon horse form walked down a hidden foot trail that led to one of the many roads that connect the towns and village of the island. He snorted shaking his head as a light rain started to fall and the hiss of the flames as the rain fell upon him, was enough to bother him. He had learned that he could douse his flaming mane and tail that it could easily be replaced with the hairs of both mane and tail. So naturally, Zanfar looked like a very large horse that appeared to be lost.
Ryder had told him to see if he could find where the white sawtooth and his companions had gone. The zoan user knew they couldn't have gotten far especially since the mako was very badly injured. He had returned to the stream where they had seen the guardian and for some unexplained reasoned Zanfar decided not to stay long moving off to the walking trail he was now on. His mind though was on his sister and her twisted desire for Stryker. How could she even want to be with him? he wondered as he paused at the road. Even the thought of Zanee and Stryker together caused him to visibly shake.
The snapping of a twig caused him to swing his head toward the direction and he moved back until he felt he was hidden enough that he could still keep watch. A few minutes passed before he saw the ones that were known as the Protectors and it was a mixed group of Peacekeepers, Trackers, and Fighters, but it was clear to him that something was wrong, very wrong. The group seemed very jumpy and he noticed that some of them were injured. What had happened?
He debated whether or not he should follow them and even help them. Zanfar shook his head wondering why he even considered such a thing. Ever since his encounter with the white sawtooth hybrid, he found himself at a crossroads. He wasn't the only one either.
A day ago...
"I want you to see if you can find where this hybrid and his friends may have gone," Ryder said.
"After that?"
Ryder remained silent as they walked to where Ruby was recovering. Zanfar was horrified when he saw the sawtooth mermaid and how badly injured she was. He watched as Ryder went to her bedside and took her hand, caressing it in a manner that was very intimate. Ruby managed to open her eyes and gave the black tiger shark a weak smile.
"Are you feeling better, love?" Ryder asked.
"A little," she said weakly. "When will we leave?"
"Soon love," Ryder said. "Soon I promise and then we can live somewhere safe."
"I would like that," Ruby said suddenly tired.
"Rest my heart and trust me to handle this," Ryder said leaning down to plant a kiss on her lips.
Zanfar followed the Fishman as they left Ruby. The zoan user looked Ryder and he began to wonder what the tiger shark was planning. They walked through the temple until they reached the main entrance and once Ryder made sure they were alone did he speak his mind.
"My brother is becoming more and more dangerous and it will be only a matter of time before he clearly loses it," Ryder said. "I want you to find that hybrid."
"When I do?" Zanfar asked.
"Return to me and we plan our next move."
~~.~~.~~
"Ryder is planning a revolt against his own brother," Zanfar said to himself.
He decided to follow the Protectors to see where they would go. He stayed a safe distance from them but soon became aware that they were being followed. Zanfar looked back and saw nothing but he knew that someone or something was following. Was there a chance it was one of Stryker's ninja? No, that would be unlikely because Stryker made sure his ninja eliminated anyone that followed. If it was not them then who else could it be?
Wait? This OVerbite that was once mentioned. Zanfar thought as he stood in the road still watching. Stryker said he was becoming a problem. Could it be him that is following?
Knowing he delayed longer than he should have the zoan user picked up his pace and once more caught sight of the group of Protectors. They were just on the outskirts of a mountain town and Zanfar paused lifting his head. His nostrils flared as he caught a scent that he actually recognized and there other scents that he remembers as well. The white sawtooth. He is here!
It was late into the night before Riptide and Skie decided to call it a night. Tarlong soon decided to call a nite himself and the three of them had hardly stepped outside the tavern when Hoji hurriedly came up to them. "I need you to come with me," he said.
"Is something wrong?" Riptide asked.
"I am afraid so."
"Uncle could you-,"
Tarlong nodded. "I'll get dad and we'll meet you."
The white sawtooth gave him a nod and he followed the old manta ray to what was a building meant for storage. He led Riptide inside where there were at least thirty-some Protectors and they looked like they went through hell. They looked up at him the moment he entered.
"What happened?" Riptide asked as he looked at Hoji.
"I do not know, but it is clear that they were attacked," he said. "Some of them are in need of medical treatment."
"I need you to bring Skie so she can tend to the injured."
Hoji bowed. "As you wish."
The ancient karate master left and soon returned with not only Skie but with Tarlong and Marcus. Marcus had even brought Riptide's kiribachi and the white sawtooth was grateful that his grandfather did so. Those Protectors that were not injured just stood to stare at Riptide as if he held some answer to whatever had happened to them. He motioned them to follow him and he led them to the tavern and to a back room where they would have privacy.
"What happened?" Riptide asked.
The Protectors all hung their heads some of them looked at one another. It was clear that they were unsure if they should even speak. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Marcus growled. "You won't speak because Longtooth and Blade are not here? You need them to hold your hand? Well too damn bad, you damn bunch of pussies! No one is going to hold your hand here."
Tarlong looked at Marcus in shock. "Dad!"
The mako shook his head. "Don't even think about giving me, 'that is mean to say' speech," he said. "I have been here for a damn good part of my life and believe me, some of this lot is damn little girls. I don't know how Longtooth or Blade even put up with some of them."
"Is it true?!" one of the Protectors, a peacekeeper suddenly blurted out. "Is it true that Longtooth is dead?!"
"What?" Riptide looked at the poor Protector in shock. "Who told you that?"
"Bet ya fifty beli I can tell you who said it?" Tarlong said.
Riptide looked at his uncle and he knew as well who would say it. "Overbite," he said angrily.
Another Protector, a woman who was barely out of her teens spoke up with tears in her eyes. "Overbite told us that Longtooth was dead," she said. "He told us that we had two choices. We were to swear loyalty to him or we could leave and if we did...he would hunt us down."
"Damn him," Marcus said.
"Longtooth is not dead," Riptide said and the room was filled with gasps and some of the Protectors broke down crying tears of relief. "I had him taken to a temple where his injuries could be properly attended to. What I need from all of you is to tell us what happened."
"We left when we had a chance only to take what we could." answered one the trackers. "Some of us though left with their families so no harm would befall them."
"Where did they go?" Hoji asked.
Another Protector, a fighter answered. "They went to Lady Shella."
"Lady Shella?" Riptide said. "Who is she?"
"The leader of the temple where Longtooth was taken," Marcus said. "I have no doubts that ole' snag tooth will get word of what has happened and he won't take this shit lying down either."
Riptide was quiet as he thought. "I need to send word to Longtooth and have him and Blade meet us here."
"Rip, let me do it," Tarlong said. "Garth will need to know that dad is okay."
Riptide opened his mouth when Marcus placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let him," he said looking his grandson in the eye. "His needs to clear some of the guilt he's been feeling and better to let Garth know that I am still among the living. You need to check on the injured and let them know that Longtooth is far from dead."
"What will you do, Sofu?"
"Hoji and I will find out what happened to them on their way here."
"Okay," Riptide said. "Get me when you have the answer."
Hoji bowed. "Of course."
~~.~~.~~
Riptide was almost to the building where Skie was looking after the injured when Saw spoke. He is here. '
"He?"
One of the flames.
"The demon horse." Riptide looked around searching for him. "Saw, do you know he is?"
Yes.
The marked blade glowed and the guardian emerged in her shark form clearly agitated. Riptide could feel her agitation and it was clear she had not forgotten that the zoan user was a threat to him. "Saw, I think it best if you take your other form," he said. "I do not know how the town's folk will react if someone happens to see you in your true form."
Daifu, would you feel better?
"I would, my little one."
Saw glowed changing her shape and shrinking until she was that of a little sawtooth girl. Riptide gave an encouraging smile as he placed a hand on the top of her head.
"Amazing."
The white sawtooth hybrid swung his head in the direction of the voice. Standing just near the wooden fence that surrounded the meadow was a human male that stood 5' 8' ' tall with skin that was almost pale and a scrawny build. His face was long with bony cheeks and a short beak-like nose. His eyes were beady and were an interesting golden red color and short windswept hair that was a blood-red in color which even matched his Norse skipper goatee. He wore a brown leather jerkin with a stand-up collar with buckle straps that were fasteners for the front. His pants were knee-length brown knickers that were held up by a black leather belt with a steel loop and he had leather wrist bands on both arms.
Riptide glared at him as he recognized the voice of the zoan user, "What are you doing here?"
"I wish to speak with you," he said.
"Speak?" Riptide bared his teeth at him. "Why should I speak with the likes of you? You nearly killed my sofu!"
To his own shock, the zoan user fell to his knees keeping his hands raised. It was clear that he surrendered but still, Riptide did not trust him. There is a good chance that his sister could be nearby, ready to attack if I dare let down my guard.
As if reading his thoughts the zoan user shook his head. "My sister is not with me," he said. "She is with...Stryker."
Daifu, he is not bad.
"Saw, are you saying...that he is good?" Riptide looked bewildered.
Yes, Daifu. Saw looked at the zoan user. He is sorry for hurting Hiijiji. '
"I have no reason to doubt you." the white sawtooth hybrid said. "Saw says you are not bad and I trust her. So we may speak."
"Zanfar."
"What is that?" Riptide said.
"I am called Zanfar." he said. "I hope to know your name. I am finding the white one very boring."
"White one? Is that what I am being called?" Riptide asked.
"By Stryker, yes," Zanfar said as he slowly lowered his arms resting his hands on his knees. "He is very interested in you."
"Why am I not surprised? I am known as Riptide."
Zanfar nodded. "Riptide. A good name." He suddenly got to his feet and looked behind him. "I think the ones who attacked your Protector friends may be close by."
"What?" Riptide strained his eyes searching. "I see nothing."
"I can hear them," Zanfar said. "They are keeping a safe distance. I have yet to figure out who they may be."
"We best fall back and hope that Longtooth and the others arrive before we have trouble," Riptide said.
Zanfar nodded. "If there is trouble, you can count on my aid."
Riptide looked at him. "I hope so, Zanfar."
~~.~~.~~
Longtooth was up and about and he was getting concerned that they had yet to receive word from Riptide. The mako was strolling the temple grounds with Blade. "It's been over a week," he said. "We should have heard something."
"I know." Blade said. "Ye don't think something bad has-,"
"Belay that talk!" Longtooth said. He looked at his friend. "You know better than to talk like that."
Blade hung his head. "I didn't mean to..."
The mako rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know, old friend, I know," he said.
The two leaders continued on and both taking note that nearly all the crew were doing what they had been asked to do. Of course, they took note of Destiny's absence as well as Shen's. Longtooth frowned on the young silver's lack of willingness to train. The mako had been told by Chizzara that Riptide had asked his sister to be his first mate and it seemed to him that she didn't really care at all that she was the second in command especially with Riptide's absence for the time being. I will need to speak with the captain about this. he thought. Destiny maybe his sister, but sadly lacks respect toward him as captain.
They paused to watch Slashback who was under the training of a master of various throwing weapons and the young sawtooth was improving every day in his skill which was good since he was staying away from Destiny for the time being. "I take ye heard about the little quarrel between the two?" Blade asked.
Longtooth nodded another sign Destiny needed some proper discipline and soon. Perhaps he should oversee her before it got out of hand. He made a mental note to speak to Riptide or even Nami about it. Before they could move on there was someone shouting and Blade looked up just as some of their Protectors came onto the grounds and their families.
"Longtooth," he said.
"I see it too, Blade." his friend said before they hurried over to the Protectors. Seeing Longtooth some of the Protectors started crying while others looked as if they weren't sure what they were seeing. "What is wrong with all of you?"
"We were told that you were dead," Jewel said as she wiped the tears from her little niece's eyes.
"Dead?" Blade said. "Why that little piece of shit. Ye own son is telling lies about ye."
Longtooth closed his eyes and never had he felt such anger as he did now. His own son, his own flesh and blood had told his Protectors a lie. He loved his son still but it appears that wasn't felt by Overbite. His son was proving to be as dangerous as Stryker and he couldn't allow either to threaten his island home. "Jewel, are there more with you?"
The dolphin shook her head. "I do not know where they are," she said. "I hope they are safe."
It was then a messenger bird arrived landing on a nearby stone marker and it cocked its head. It seemed to be looking for someone and it would wait until whoever the message was for arrived. Blade and Longtooth at one another before the sawtooth gave a small nod leaving to get the crew. He returned with not only the crew but with Lady Shella and Granler along with the elders who were always at her side.
"Okay, bird." Blade said to it. "Find yer person that ye message is meant for."
The bird took his time before he settled his eyes on Garth. He beat his wings hovering a few inches before he settled on the stone again. "Garth, Dad is okay and he is eager to see you." the bird said perfect imitation of Tarlong. "Longtooth, Riptide has requested that you come as soon as possible with whoever you feel needs to come. Some Protectors arrived and there were a few injured. Once you're ready tell the bird and he'll lead you to where we are."
Longtooth looked at Garth who looked so relieved to finally receive news about Marcus. "Garth, you're coming," he said to which the mute bounty hunter nodded to. The mako looked over the crew thinking who else he wanted. "Blade, Chizz, Neeta, Gaff, Kaiuleale and Trapper you're coming as well. The rest of you, I advise that you continue training and I do mean training." He focused his attention on Destiny.
"I'm going with you as well," Nami said.
I'm fine with that." Longtooth said.
"We come too?" Long asked, looking at his mother.
"Honey, what did Longtooth ask you to do?" Nami said.
"To train," Long said. "Just miss Riptide.
"Before you know it, he'll be back here." Blade said as he gave to hybrid a gentle pat on the back.
"I hope you do not mind if I send Granler and Masta with you." Lady Shella said.
"Of course not," Longtooth said. "Let's gather what we may need so we can join the captain. The faster the better as well."
~~.~~.~~
Stryker was in a very good mood and Nanee had indeed pleased him, far more than his past lovers. He turned his head to the zoan user who lay sleeping next to him. How odd that it was this human female that pleased him. The black tiger shark propped himself up on an elbow as he trailed fingers lightly down her arm before he gently kissed the same arm. Nanee stirred as she woke and looked over the power-hungry Fishman.
"Did you sleep well, my huntress?" he asked fingers caressing her cheek.
"I did my lord," Nanee said.
"Lord Stryker!" said a voice outside his chamber.
Stryker gave a low throaty growl, he did not want to have any interruptions at the moment. "What is it?"
"Forgive the interruption, my lord." the speaker said. "I bring you news about the one you seek."
"You have news of this white sawtooth?"
"Hai."
"Go and speak with your messenger, my love," Nanee said as she traced her fingers down his scarred chest. "I shall wait here."
"I shall try not to keep you waiting too long, my fierce huntress." the black tiger shark whispered as he gave her a light kiss on the lips.
Once dressed Stryker stepped from his chamber where one of his more elite ninjas was kneeling. "Tell me what you know," he said just as Stryder arrived.
"The one you seek is in the mountain town of Carta." the ninja said as he slowly raised his head. "I also found of the ones called Protectors as well as the Zoan user, Zanfar."
"Zanfar?" Ryder looked at the ninja. "Are you certain that you saw him?"
"I am."
"So my love's brother thinks he can betray me?" Stryker said as he rubbed his chin. "Well, we shall see about this foolishness." He glanced over his shoulder with a truly evil grin. "Come, my huntress, we have a hunt that will soon begin."
Nanee emerged from the chamber in her full demon shark form. The ninja seeing her gasped in pure fear and his whole body shook. Smelling his fear was causing Nanee to growl and snarl with savage blood lust as her tail thrashed back and forth. Stryker was enjoying the sight of her in a primitive manner. She was indeed eager and willing to kill all who stood in his way. He rested a hand upon her head and she looked at him, waiting.
"Go ahead love," he said with a twisted grin. "Satisfy your hunger for you shall have more to hunt."
The ninja looked at Stryker in horror. "My Lord, I am loyal," he said as Nanee turned her attention back to him.
"I know," Stryker replied. "But she's hungry for the hunt."
Nanee roared as the poor ninja scrambled wildly before the zoan user pounced on him as a cat does with a mouse. Ryder looked away as the ninja's screams filled the room followed by the sound of crunching bones. His brother was truly mad and this he did not doubt any longer.
"Brother, gather up what ninja you feel we will need as well as a few more of my elite," Stryker said.
Ryder looked at him. "You do not plan to go to Carta, do you?"
Stryker looked at him briefly before turning his attention to Nanee who was feasting away from the body of the messenger. "Yes, I do," he said with a chuckle. "I did promise Nanee a hunt and I do not plan on denying her that." Nanee looked up with a short growl. "See? She is eager as I am."
"As you command, brother," Ryder said with a bow before he left.
~~.~~.~~
It was a full day before Longtooth arrived with the others and the reunion was well received. Seeing Longtooth alive was the most emotional reunion for the Protectors that were there. Some went as far as to hug the mako with others who lost it emotionally. Riptide stood off to the side with Skie with Saw between them watching.
"Riptide!" Nami was relieved to see her firstborn and threw her arms around him. "I was so scared when you sent that message about being attacked."
"I'm okay, mother," he said hugging her back. "Sofu is doing well."
"Where Tarl at?" Chizzara asked looking around for cigar-chomping sawtooth.
Riptide nodded to the tavern off to their right. "Sofu and Uncle Tarl are in there." he looked at Garth. "He really wants to see you."
"Come on Garth," Chizzara said and the pair hurried off to the tavern.
"Hey Rip," Gaff said, taking notice of Saw. "When did you have time to have a kid?"
"Really?" Neeta said giving the kuda hybrid a hard smack alongside the head.
"Hate to disappoint you, but Saw is not what she appears to be," Riptide said as he hugged the guardian closer to his leg.
"What are ye talking about?" Blade cocked his head some. "I'm seeing a little sawtooth girl and a pretty little one as well."
"Yeah, how can she be different?" Kaiuleale asked.
"Kaiul, you remember the old stories we used to hear when we were little?" Skie asked. "The ones about the six guardians?'
"Yeah," Kaiuleale said then he looked at Saw. "Wait? Are you telling me-,"
Daifu, am I allowed?
"Go right ahead," Riptide said. "Just remember to do as I have asked you to do."
I will Daifu.
No one was ready for the little girl to become almost ghost-like before she grew, changing her shape. There were startled cries as Saw took her true form but she stayed to the true size of a nearly five-foot-long sawtooth and circled quietly above. Masta was shaking his head unsure he was really seeing one of the guardians.
"The legend is true," he said as he stared awe.
"It is indeed," Hoji said as he appeared at his old friend's side. "It seems the boy is more gifted than old masters of the past."
Granler who had brought Zieg and Ore, young pike Fishman was staring at Saw before he turned his attention to Riptide. "Lady Shella spoke truly," he said. "You are indeed the one in her visions."
"What do ye mean by that?" Blade asked.
"Lady Shella spoke of the guardians return and when they did return, their new master would make them far more powerful."
"How?" Trapper asked.
"She did not say." the moray eel replied. "That is only known to the master of the guardians."
"So far I haven't done anything that would make Saw anymore powerful," Riptide said. "How I would do that is pretty unclear to me. If no one minds I rather we go inside to talk." He looked at Saw. "Let's go, Saw."
The guardian dipped her blade like a nose before resuming the form of a little girl who was more than happy to be picked up by her father.
~~.~~.~~
Tarlong was quietly going over his father's revolver while Marcus played a tune on the guitar. They glanced over once and while over to Zanfar who was sitting over near the fireplace eating a meal. They were both leary of the zoan user, but Riptide ensured them that he was on their side and Zanfar went as far as to beg Marcus' forgiveness.
"Once I know you are not a threat to my family will I give it to you." the mako said.
It might have been harsh, but Marcus was not so willing to take a chance with the one who nearly killed him. I pray my grandson does not regret his decision with this zoan user.
"Tarlong!"
Both Marcus and Tarlong looked up just as Chizzara and Garth came in and seeing Chizzara, Tarlong was on his feet. "Chizz!" The giant of a sawtooth was on his feet and he easily scooped the woman he loved so much into his arms. "I missed you, woman!"
"I missed you too, you big lug," Chizzara said before she kissed him deeply and passionately.
"Perhaps you two should get a room," Marcus said with a light chuckle.
The two lovers blushed as Marcus rose to his feet giving the pair a humorous grin. Garth seeing their father rushed over to him and hugged him tightly. Marcus hugged him back. "It's okay, son," he whispered to Garth. "Your brother looked after me. I think he does deserve some forgiveness from his brother."
Garth looked over at his brother and he walked over, hand signing to Tarlong. "It's okay Lil brother," Tarlong said before he pulled his brother into a hug. "I still love you."
Riptide with the others came in and the sawtooth motioned for Zanfar to join them. The zoan user kept near the hybrid his head bowed. He nearly jumped as the hybrid rested a hand on his shoulder and he glanced at Riptide. "Are you sure about this?" he asked.
"Trust me," Riptide said.
"I do."
"Who is this?" Kaiuleale asked.
"That is the guy who tried me," Marcus said giving Zanfar a hateful look.
"Again I am sorry for what I was ordered to do." Zanfar.
"This the zoan user?" Neeta asked giving him a look over. "How could he almost kill you?"
"His demon horse form is a little impressive," Riptide said. "I can assure you him and I had a nice long talk. Zanfar wants to join us."
"Is that so?"
Riptide and the others whirled around as a black tiger shark covered with scars came in with several armed men. The sight of him caused Longtooth and Blade to glare at him with pure hate. "How dare you show your face here, Stryker," Longtooth said.
With a grin, Stryker looked at Longtooth and Blade, "Come now how can you-,"
Longtooth drew his sword, snarling. "Don't you dare speak to us as if we're still shipmates, acting as if nothing has happened!" he said.
Blade nodded as he touched his metal nose, "I lost part of my nose." His voice was seething with rage. "Ye led the crew into a trap, one ye planned with the navy."
The tiger shark placed a hand on his scarred chest, looking surprised and hurt, "Me? My old shipmates think-,"
"THINK!" Longtooth was on the verge of snapping, "THINK! We know! I saw what you did."
Arching an eyebrow, Stryker looked at the mako. "What I did," he mused. "What have I done?"
The mako was shaking as tears spilled down his face at the memory of that night, "You….murdered him. The captain had a wife and you took his life!"
Riptide and everyone gasped, eyes glued to the black tiger shark. The shark chuckled and soon he was laughing, his innocent look became demonic. "He was a fool," he said. "A weak-minded fool as was his dear wife."
"What does that mean?" demanded Blade.
A cruel smile crept on Stryker's face, "That's right. You never knew what became of poor Ariel."
"What did ye do to her?" Blade said.
Stryker gave them a sick twisted smile. "I made her my wife until she bored me then I got rid of her."
"Ye-," Blade screamed in rage.
"-bastard," Tarlong lifted the heavy table and hurled it at Stryker and his men striking them. The force took them across the room and actually through a wall.
"Holy shit." Marcus looked at his son. "Remind me to never piss you off."
"Same here," Longtooth said.
Before the crew had even moved more of Stryker's ninja came charging yelling wild war cries to face Longtooth, Blade and their Protectors. "Captain, ye best see if that piece of shit is damn dead!" Blade yelled as he broke the neck of one the ninja. "We got these bastards!"
~~.~~.~~
Ryder sighed as he sat with the rest of their men, waiting. "Let's go, brother," he muttered.
Suddenly the side of the tavern exploded as something came crashing through where it smashed into a chicken coop destroying it. As their men rushed inside, Ryder went over to the remains of the destroyed chicken coop, chickens scattered squawking their heads off. He looked back toward the destroyed section of the tavern wall wondering if this had been caused by the white hybrid until he saw Tarlong emerge first. Ryder's eyes widen at the very height of the bounty hunter. He's a giant of a sawtooth!
Hearing a noise behind him Ryder looked to see his brother emerge from the wreckage looking beyond pissed. Stryker was covered from head to toe in feathers, broken eggs, and crap and Ryder bit his own bottom lip so he did not burst out laughing. It was one hell of a funny sight as the whole town gathered and upon seeing Stryker broke out laughing which made the tiger shark madder.
"Kill all in this town!" he screamed.
Ryder paled at his brother's rage. "The whole town," he said. "Brother, there is no-,"
Stryker seized him by the throat, lifting him off the ground, "You dare question me?" He hurled his brother across the street right into Tarlong. Both sharks fell backward. "NO ONE DARES QUESTION MY ORDERS! I WANT THIS TOWN SPILLING ITS BLOOD!"
"No, brother!" Ryder said as he scrambled back to his feet, his karambit drawn. "I will not let you spill any more innocent blood!"
Stryker glared at his brother. "Are you challenging me, brother?"
"I am!"
Riptide blinked at the other black tiger shark who now stood in front of them. This was Stryker's brother and he slowly remembered him. I wanted to kill him and I would have if Sofu had not stopped me. The white sawtooth grabbed Ryder by the arm drawing his attention. "Don't be a fool in challenging your own brother," he said.
"I may be a fool but I can't stand by and let his madness continue." the other tiger shark said. "Stryker has hurt enough people especially the one I grew to love."
Stryker heard him and laughed. "Who would that be?" he asked with a sneer. "Ryder, do not tell me you were foolish enough to fall for that little whore, Ruby?"
"Don't you dare call her that in my presence, you cold-hearted power-crazed fool!" Ryder yelled before he charged.
"Stop!" Riptide yelled.
"NOW NANEE!" Stryker yelled.
Ryder realized too late his mistake as Nanee in demon shark form came charging from out of nowhere. He screamed as the female zoan user sank teeth and claws into his flesh and they hit the ground. Nanee showed no mercy as she brutally attacked Ryder.
"RYDER!" Riptide screamed as he started toward the black tiger shark
"Riptide stop!" Marcus yelled.
"Blazing Knuckles!"
Zanfar in his hybrid form past Riptide. His right hand forming a hooven fist and with his hoof on fire, delivered a power punch right into the side of his sister's head. Nanee howled in pain as she felt like getting struck by a red hot iron. The attack sent her rolling over and over on her side until she stopped. The zoan user touched the burned side of her face and glared at her brother who now in his demon horse form, in pure hate.
"You dare attack me?" she hissed.
Zanfar returned her glare ears flattened back against his head. "I dare," he said as he lowered his head, all his legs spread out some. "Ryder is right. You and Stryker are truly mad and you both must be stopped." And then his whole body was surrounded by intense flames. "Stop you, I will."
Looks like Zanfar and Ryder have switched sides. The big question is can Zanfar even stop his sister?
