Chapter 31: Night of Blood, Part 2

I do not own One Piece! That will always belong to Eiichiro Oda! I only own my OCs.

Destiny fought her way to Poseidon with Mars' help. "We have to recapture this compound, or all will be lost!" she said.

Poseidon nodded, but they were still outnumbered. Suddenly the air was filled with gunfire as Captain Ronald and Captain Wolfe along with the surviving marines joined the fight.

"Give them hell!" Wolfe yelled. "Don't give these devils any mercy!"

The captain's words gave all who heard the courage to continue as the battle raged on. By morning, it was over, and the victory was with the defenders, but they had suffered heavy losses.

Destiny sat feeling tired as she looked at the scene before her. The Protectors loyal to Longtooth with the marines tended to their dead and injured. How many more will die before this is over?

Mars and Shen joined her. Mars placing a hand on her shoulder while Shen gave her best friend a hug. Mars looked around and remembered the battle Enis Lobby when Death Root with their friends and allies went and fought against the World Government as he looked at the carnage before them. The mime looked up as Captain Ronald came limping up to them. Let us hope he does not recognize me.

"Are you okay?" the captain asked his attention to Destiny.

"We are thank you," Destiny said. "I'm sorry for what happened out in the harbor."

Ronald sighed. "It was a great loss, but that's what happens during war. What shall you do now?"

"What I need to do is rejoin my brothers and our crew."

"And then?"

Destiny gave Ronald a dark look. "Then we are going to find this Stryker and when we do, we are going to kick that son of bitch's ass from the East Blue."

~~.~~.~~

Stryker glared at Riptide. "What the hell will it take for you to damn die?!"

Riptide glared back at him. "Sorry," he said. "I'm too damn stubborn to die especially when I still need to take your fucking ass down."

The black tiger shark looked at him before he roared with laughter. "You keep saying that and you have yet to even succeed," he said as he gestured to the giant metal doors. "Do you know what lies behind these doors? Do you even understand?"

"I know what is beyond those doors," Riptide said. "But they are not all there. One of those Dark Guardians is missing."

"Missing?" Stryker looked at him. "How would a stupid hybrid like you even know?"

"I know because M told me," Riptide said. "Also, we won't let you free those Dark Guardians."

"We?" The black tiger shark looked at him confused. "What do you mean we?"

"Thrash, Hammer, Kaiju, Mate, Growler!" Riptide called. "To me!"

Everyone that was present stood in a state of surprise and awe as the five remaining Guardians slowly materialized all hovering above Riptide and looking non to happy as they stared at Stryker.

Bruton, who had gone to help the clan elder, Choro out of the cell stood in awe before he shifted his attention to Riptide. "Choro, he is the one," he said. "He is our new chief."

The sawtooth elder shook his head. "Do not believe that he is the one," he said as he looked at the tropical sawtooth. "Just because he summoned the Guardians do not make him the one, we seek. He may not be able to even control them."

Bruton glared at his clan's elder. "I know he is our new chief, Choro! I know I am right because I can feel it in my heart."

The old clan elder snorted. "Your heart?" he said. "Bruton, you are still young and still very, very foolish. Even if this one is our future clan leader, he is not from the clan. He is an outsider."

Drake was staring at the Guardians realizing this was beyond the very realms of science and everything he knew, had done over the years was nothing compared to this. This is scientifically impossible! The man thought as he adjusted his glasses. I thought Stryker was crazy when he talked about these Guardians, but they are real! They are not just a story created by a primitive race. Wait!? If these Guardians are real then…

The air was suddenly filled with the sound of pounding and it was coming from the metal doors. Riptide shifted his attention to those giant doors that shook with each strike that was so hard that it caused the earth around the doors to start to fall. "Get back!" he shouted. "Fall back! Now!"

Alice, Jones, and the rest of the prisoners retreated to the far side. Even Stryker's guards followed Riptide's orders as two of them hurried Drake to safety. Only Stryker remained and he turned to the giant doors which started to buckle underneath the assault of whatever was on the other side and whatever it was, it wanted out. Now.

It is them! Mate said with a snarl. They have awoken and are determined to get free!

'Them?' Riptide looked at the great white Guardian shark speaking to him as he could with Saw. 'The dark Guardians!'

Not good! Not Good! Thrash said. The door will not hold much longer!

'We have to do something,' Riptide said as he glanced back at the others. 'I will not let anyone get hurt because of them!'

Kaiju the megalodon shark Guardian growled as he circled high above his brothers and Riptide. We can, but this place is too confined for us to fight.

Before Riptide could ask what, the Guardian meant the metal doors exploded off their ancient hinges and went flying only the quick reaction of Kaiju saved those in danger. The megalodon knocked the doors away with a powerful swipe of his tail.

"Well done Kaiju," Riptide said before he turned to the doorless cavern.

Stryker stood unharmed as he stared at the entrance of the cavern and he grinned as from the darkness came a deeply monstrous growl and a four pair of eyes glowed from within. "Come out my beautiful Guardians of darkness," he said in a fatherly tone. "Come out and show all your magnificent glory."

What emerged what a creature that pure nightmare. The creature had the body of a shark but it way more muscular with long arms that roped with muscle with powerful muscular legs. What made it frightening was that it was a mixture of different species of sharks. The head was that of a hammerhead with a snout of a great white with the dorsal fin from a tiger shark and the long tail was that of a thresher shark. The creature's skin was the color of a moonless night and the leopard and tiger shark markings on its body were a pulsing purple light. The eyes were probably the most disturbing to see which reminded Riptide of a spider with its multiple eyes.

Riptide could only guess that the beast was huge if it were able to rise to its full height but being in the place it was, it could not do so. He watched as the monstrous beast lift its head sniffing and growling. It was clear it was searching for something, but what?

They cannot sense their missing brother, Growler said.

'The dark sawtooth Guardian,' Riptide said. 'M said he was not on the island at all.'

That one is not here at all? Hammer said. What of our little sister?

'She is safe, and she found me first,' Riptide told the hammerhead Guardian

The merged forms of the dark Guardian growled deeper before it unleashed a great powerful roar the caused Riptide to drop to a knee his hands clutching to the sides of his head, but he heard one single word.

BROTHER!

~~At the temple~~

Riptide's kiribachi vibrated as Saw reacted to the roar that was too far to be heard but she had felt it. The sawtooth Guardian emerged from the saw bladed sword taking the form of a child and her tiny hands clutched to her chest.

Saw looked around the room she was in knowing her daifu needed her, but she could not sense where he was. The poor sawtooth Guardian could do nothing but wait and hope she would soon sense Riptide. Daifu! I want to come to you, but I cannot feel you.

~~At an inn~~

Darkness awoke with a roar of pain as he clutched at his left breast.

"Dark!" Nyx sat up just as quickly the bedsheet falling from her naked body. "Darkness, what is it?!" she asked hands gripping his arm.

'I can feel them calling me, Nyx!' Darkness said clearly in great pain. 'They're calling for me to return to them!'

"Who?" Nyx was clearly frighten and scared for her beloved dark Guardian.

He looked at her. 'My brothers.'

Nyx threw her arms around his neck clinging to him tightly. "No!" she said. "I won't let them have you. You belong with me, Dark. I won't lose you to them!"

Whether it was because Darkness had been gone for so long or the very strength of the bond he had with Nyx, the summoning cry of his dark brethren faded and soon it was nothing. The dark Guardian breathed easier and the only sound in the darken bedroom was Nyx's sobbing.

'My dream,' Darkness said lifting her chin to stare into her sea-green eyes. 'No more tears. My brothers' hold on me is too weak for them to call me back to them.

"Really?" Nyx asked as her dark Guardian brushed her tears away.

"Really. I belong to you and only to you,' Darkness said before he captured her lips in a deep passionate kiss.

~~.~~.~~

Riptide gritted his teeth as the maddening roar finally ceased. They had called out for the missing brethren and all he could do was hope that it failed. That the missing dark Guardian was too far or if he was lucky, dead. One thing was clear, the other dark Guardians were incredibly angry and it clear to see.

Shit! This is not good! he thought. 'Kaiju, whatever you thought of doing before I suggest you do it.'

The space here is too confine and it will be like fighting in a small box, Kaiju said.

'Well, I hate to say it, but those sons of bitches are not going to give us the option and all of you know it as well as I do. So, we have no choice.'

Kaiju, Growler, Thrash, Mate, and Hammer all began a pulsing fiery red before they merged growing and changing shape. When the light faded there was another white version to the version of the nightmarish creature behind Stryker but unlike Destroyer, the Guardian processed two eyes.

Stryker turned to look at Riptide and his Guardian and he smiled evilly. "Well, well," he said. "Looks like you someone to play with, Destroyer."

The dark Guardian looked down at him. Destroyer? Is that the name you have given us?

"A name worthy of you, my dark Guardians," Stryker said.

The dark Guardian stared at the black tiger shark before he took notice to Alice and the others and he sniffed the air with a growl. He could smell their fear and that he liked. Stryker saw that and he grinned.

"My present to you, my dear Destroyer."

Destroyer gave what appeared to be a smile before he roared which caused screams from Alice and some of Stryker's guards. They smell delicious!

"No!" Riptide shouted quickly putting himself between Destroyer and those in danger. "Guardian we can't let him hurt any innocent lives!"

Destroyer started to charge only to have Guardian slam into him. The two Guardians crashed in the far wall that was one big cell destroying it. Guardian and Destroyer snarled as they bite and slashed at each other. Riptide was concerned for whoever was inside the cell, but he could not check on them not with the two Guardians battling.

'Guardian, you need to get Destroyer away from the cell,' Riptide said. 'There could be innocent people who need rescuing.'

I will try, Guardian said. But the bastard is proving to be a pain.

Guardian dragged Destroyer from the cell and the two Guardians went at each other despite they were forced to remain on all fours. From the ruined cell came an angry screeched which was followed by an angrier roar.

Drake hearing the sounds turned to Riptide angrily. "What have you done?!" the scientist yelled. "Are you that stupid?!"

Riptide did not have a chance to ask the man what he meant when the two dinosaurs stepped from the destroyed cell and everyone feel back in pure fear at the pair. The velociraptor was seven feet tall and was from the top of the head to the very end of the tail was covered with a mixture of fur and feathers that was a very dark brown and lightened up as it went down. The feathers that went from the wrists down the length of the arms were black and white striped. The leathery skin was also a dark brown with muddy red stripes on the face.

The other dinosaur was a nightmare as the fifty-nine-foot-long Spinosaurus followed the raptor. Standing at thirty feet tall the predator was a mix of colors. Grayish green back, dark brown back crest with gray stripes and red-orange jaw. The two predators moved together before the velociraptor looked up to the Spinosaurus who had its attention on Riptide and the others. The velociraptor followed it companion's gaze and the large, sickle-claw which made it famous tapped on the stone floor much like the tapping of a finger.

Shit! First this dark Guardian and now two fucking dinosaurs that are no doubt from Little Garden, Riptide thought as he moved carefully toward Alice and the others. "Alice, you know anything about our new friends here?"

"I…I don't," Alice said trying not to be afraid. "I didn't even know they were here."

Riptide glanced at Drake who had slipped into his little room and slowly came out. "How about you nut? You know them?"

Drake glared at him. "They're my most successful experiments yet," he said. "And your foolishness has freed them."

"Experiments?" Jones said. "What have you done now?"

"Nothing you're small and simple mind would ever understand," Drake said with a smile.

The Spinosaurus seeing Drake snarled, the sail on its back trembling as the eyes narrowed with pure hate as did its companion. It was clear that Drake had done something to them. They moved toward Riptide and the others their eyes glued to Drake who decided to hide among the guards and other prisoners. Riptide realized what the scientist was doing, and he got between the two angry dinosaurs.

"No!" he shouted keeping his arms spread. "Back!"

The velociraptor's copper-colored eyes locked on Riptide and cocked its head. Riptide remembering reading in a book about Little Garden and how the raptors were highly intelligent. He held his breath praying they backed off or that they did not attack because Drake was hiding like a coward.

"Matey be careful," Jones said. "Those two don't look so agreeable and they might be willing to kill ya!"

"Good lord," the velociraptor said making a face. "We are not barbarians! Butch, did you hear that insult?!"

The Spinosaurus sighed as he shook his head. "Sunflash, ya need to calm down," he said. "Ya be over reactin'. Ya lookin and actin like a chicken without its head."

The velociraptor, Sunflash turned on Butch looking absolutely furious. "Are ye callin' me a bloody damn chickin?!"

"Well… if da feathers fit," Butch said with what could be called an amused grin.

"Ya rotten ole snake hide-," Sunflash screeched.

"LOOK OUT!" yelled one of the prisoners.

Everyone ran as Destroyer slammed Guardian into the walls causing the guardian beast to howl in pain which caused Riptide to drop to his knees, screaming in horrible pain.

Stryker saw this and started laughing. "Destroyer! Kill that guardian and his master will die as well!"

Destroyer roared as his claws tore open Guardian's right shoulder open. Riptide screamed as he grabbed at his shoulder which felt like it was on fire. Alice was his side checking him. Four parallel marks were clearly visible and when Alice touched them, the marks felt hot to the touch. The woman looked over at Guardian who was clearly losing and then at the black tiger shark who was clearly enjoying this. Was there a slight chance that Stryker could have a similar connection to Destroyer?

"We need to cause injury to either Destroyer or Stryker," Alice said.

"Ya all want hurt or dead?" Sunflash asked.

"She said injured," Butch said with a snort before he charged at Destroyer.

The dark Guardian was focused on eliminating his opponent that he ignored the charging Spinosaurus. Butch sank his fearsome teeth into the dark Guardian's ankle which did not seem to do anything but annoy him. Destroyer turned his head as Sunflash leaped bring his sickle claw into play and slashed the dark Guardian's left eye. A roar of pain filled the cavern and it was quickly joined by a scream of pain as Stryker reeled back in agony.

'Now!' Riptide yelled.

Guardian roared as he tackled Destroyer and the two guardians went crashing into then threw a weakened wall into the outside. Now outside they rose to their full heights which were a little taller than a giant. The air was filled with mixtures of bellows and roars of challenges and defiance as both Guardians circled each other.

Riptide, Alice and the other now freed prisoners gathered at the opening as the two Guardians slammed into each other with such force that it actually generated a shockwave that everyone off their feet.

Stryker was still recovering from the pain that he shared with Destroyer. "What the hell is this pain," he muttered.

"Call it a downside to being bonded to a Guardian."

Stryker looked to see Riptide staring at him and the tiger shark Fishman snarled. "If that is true then if you die then your Guardian should cease its miserable existence," he charged for the hybrid who seemed to actually vanish in thin air. "What?! Impossible!"

He started to look around when Riptide delivered a roundhouse kick that was up there with Sanji's powerful kicks catching him in the side. Stryker screamed in pain as did Destroyer as he landed before rolling to a stop.

You! You have caused us this pain!

Stryker looked up as Destroyer staggered from the pain the dark Guardian shared with him. His dark Guardian was glaring at him with absolute hatred. "I have not," Stryker wheezed as he managed to rise to a knee. "Our enemy is the cause!"

Destroyer shifted his attention to Riptide who was looking at the dark Guardian. Yes…this one has caused us pain," he said before he lunged jaws open.

NO!

Riptide screamed in horrible agony as he dropped to his hands in knees. Through the tears of pain, he looked to see that his Guardian had gotten between him and Destroyer. "No," he said. "Guardian…"

Alice and the others looked on with horror as Stryker started laughing madly. Destroyer's sharp fearsome teeth were sunk deep into the back of Guardian's neck as green blood ran down the loyal Guardian's skin dripping onto the ground. The dark Guardian seemed to smile evilly as he flung his opponent aside. The ground shook as Guardian's body hit the ground. Destroyer threw his head back roaring in victory.

"Well down my dark champions," Stryker said as he got to his feet. "Now let us-,"

WE ARE NOT YOURS!

"What?!" Stryker was taken back by the dark Guardian words. "What do you mean by that?!"

We refuse to be bonded to you, Destroyer said. We do not like sharing pain with you. We have never had a master, nor do we need one.

"I found you and you dare to refuse to aid me in my dream?!"

Destroyer narrowed his eyes at the being who dared to claim them as his. We are darkness! We are carnage! We are…CHAOS! We shall set this cursed island aflame and feast upon its children as they try to flee! The dark Guardian became transparent before he disappeared.

Stryker was furious that the dark Guardians refused him, but he would not let them go. They belonged to him and they would learn how to obey. The black tiger shark stormed off ignoring all his enemies and nearly all his guards were quick to follow him as he left. He paused when he saw Drake who decided to take the opportunity to decide that leaving would be a wise decision and had in his hands all the notes he kept on Riptide. His eyes narrowed as he pulled a 12-inch Kunai throwing knife that he keep hidden in a pocket.

"DRAKE!" Stryker shouted as he threw the deadly weapon at the scientist.

Drake looked up just as the kunai sank deep into his throat. The man was dead before he hit the floor and seeing her father Alice screamed, rushing to him. Riptide glared up at Stryker who smirked before he left.

~~.~~.~~

Destiny, Shen, and Mars sat on Poseidon's right shoulder as the megalodon shark man headed to the temple. What had a been a week's worth of travel was now only a few hours with Poseidon Having no idea was happening it was decided to best join her brother and the rest of the crew. Of course, it took a lot of convincing to make Momoo remain somewhere safe and to wait until he heard from either Destiny or Riptide. The loyal sea cow gave a sad moo of agreement finally. Ronald promised that no harm would come to him during their absence.

Destiny though could not shake the uneasy feeling she was getting. Something was wrong, very wrong, had something happened to her brothers or even their mother? The feeling seemed to grow more and more as they headed toward the direction of the temple. Without warning Poseidon stopped so quick that he nearly sent Shen, Mars, and Destiny tumbling from their perch.

"Poseidon what gives?" Destiny asked annoyed.

"Look," Poseidon said as pointed to the billow of smoke that rose is the distance. "That is coming from a mountain town called Carta,"

The female saw shark hybrid felt a sinking feeling in her stomach and knew something terrible had happened. "Poseidon, we have to go and help", she said as she did her best to remain calm.

Poseidon acted as if he had not heard as he stared at the road ahead and soon a group of heavily armed Protectors slowly came into view with what appeared to be the townsfolk. Leading the group was Blade, Kaiuleale, Masta, and the black tiger shark who tried to kidnap Riptide.

"Blade," Destiny shouted.

The old sawtooth blinked and was surprised to see not only Destiny and Shen, but Poseidon. Covered with fresh scars, Poseidon looked like he had gone through hell. As he brought his left hand up to his right shoulder letting his companions step onto his hand. Slowly and carefully brought it down to the ground.

"Destiny?! Is it really ye?" Blade asked as he came closer.

The silver grateful to see a familiar face threw her arms around the old Protector. "It is," she said.

"Why the fuck did you and Shen take the hell off?" Kaiuleale demanded. "You two caused enough fucking trouble especially with Riptide being taken prisoner."

"What?!" Destiny looked at the young tiger shark. "Riptide a prisoner? There is no way in hell he would have allowed that to happen! Not that brother of mine!"

"It did happen and that was over two weeks ago," Blade said bitterly said. "Where have ye been?"

"We received a message saying that we were requested to join everyone at the Protector's base," Destiny said as pulled out the folded-up piece of paper that had the message on it.

Blade took it and glanced at it. "That little shit certainly fooled ye," he said before he crumbled it up. "Overbite told ye girls a lie."

"We figured that when we got the warm greeting," Shen said before she hugged Mars. "Uncle Mars took care of them though."

Blade looked at the mime in confusion, "A mime?"

"He's actually a devil fruit user and a member of Death Root," Destiny said.

"He's with Death Root," the black tiger shark said looking afraid.

"Yeah and you're the bastard that came after my brother when he was poisoned," Destiny said. "Why the hell are you with our friends?"

Kaiuleale got between Destiny and the other tiger shark. "Please," he said. "He's with us now and…he's my father."

"Your what?!" Destiny looked from Kaiuleale to the other tiger shark.

"No offense," Shen said as she pointed to the older tiger shark. "You two don't look anything alike and he's a different color too,"

"Ryder is an old shipmate from back when Longtooth and I were pirates," Blade said. "He stood up to his brother and our young Capn decided to have him join the crew."

Destiny sighed. "That sounds like my brother," she said. "He let Shen join."

Shen laughed as she hugged Destiny annoying the hell out the silver. "I couldn't leave my bestie friend all alone!"

"Shen! Will you stop with all the hugging!"

Mars watched with amusement. Yep, this looks so familiar…

"We're heading for Port Town," Blade said.

"Port Town is not safe at the moment," Poseidon said.

"Not safe," Ryder said. "How is that possible?"

"Try a surprise attack by pirates," Destiny said. "Who seemed to have been recruited with the aid of Skarn."

"Skarn!" Kaiuleale snarled. "God I'm really hating that fucking piece of shit! Why would he help pirates?"

"I wish I knew, but all I know he was seen with two other people when he attacked marine bases," the silver said. "I know that my father is no longer a prisoner and that my brothers and mother need to know."

"We have no choice now," Blade said. "We need to head to the temple before another attack happens,"

"Carta was attacked," Poseidon said. "By whom?"

"I fear my brother may have found them and if he did then all is lost," Ryder said. "Unless your brother has found the other ones."

"Time out," Shen said. "Rewind this up because you're talking some wild and really crazy shit."

"Can we go because I'm getting the creeps being out here," Destiny said.

"Least I'm not the only one," Kaiuleale said. "We can tell you what happened along the way. Blade, is there a way past Carta?"

"There is but it is too dangerous for us to go," Ryder said.

"Why?" Destiny demanded.

"It will take to the other temple…and my brother," the black tiger shark said.

"Isn't that where the Capn was taken?" Blade asked.

"Yes."

"Then let's go!" Destiny said.

Ryder looked at her. "Are you mad? I said it was dangerous and we should not go anywhere near it."

Destiny snorted. "Fuck you," she said. "If Rip is there then I'm going to get my brother back no matter how fucking dangerous or crazy. My brother is there, and I am not leaving him there not when there is a chance, he needs us. Poseidon, Shen, Mars let us go!"

"Ye are really serious?" Blade asked. "Ye be willing to face-,"

"To get my brother back. Hell, yes!" Destiny said. "Riptide told me and Long something that our Uncle Luffy told him."

"And that was?" Kaiuleale asked.

"That you must protect your friends as all costs which include family," Destiny said. "That's what I'm planning to do. No matter the cost I am getting Riptide back."

It was funny how something Shanks had told Luffy would in turn be told Riptide before he and his siblings left to live Cocoyashi Village and then Riptide passed it onto Destiny and Long. Now Destiny was passing those very words on.

Blade nodded. "Ye won't be going alone," he said. "I'm going with ye."

"So am I," Kaiuleale spoke up as well.

"No," Ryder said looking at his son. "I just found you and I refuse to lose you."

Kaiuleale looked at him. "I owe Riptide," the young tiger shark said. "He saved me and not only is he our captain, but he's my friend. I'm not going to be a coward when a friend needs me."

Blade turned to the Protectors with them. "Take these people to the temple and let Longtooth that I'm going to help and get the captain back," he said before he looked at Ryder. "Are ye coming with us messmate?"

"I…can't," Ryder said. "I'm sorry Blade. I just can't do it."

"You are fucking coward," Kaiuleale shouted at him. "You had the fucking guts to challenge that fucking nut of a brother and now you're too scared?!"

"Ease off on yer father, young one," Blade said placing a hand on his shoulder. "He has his reason for not wantin' to go. Ye need to be respectin' them."

Kaiuleale spat at Ryder's feet before he turned to join Destiny and the others. Blade looked sadly at his old shipmate placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder and gave him a mere nod then the sawtooth hurried to catch up with the others. The Protectors had already left with their charges leaving Ryder alone to his thoughts and haunting memories.

~~Over Twenty-seven years ago; Grand Line~~

"CAPTAIN! THEY"VE FOUND US!" came the shout of the lookout from the crow's nest.

The captain of the crew, a zebra shark Fishman gripped the railing of his ship, eyes full of rage and disbelief. "How did the navy bastards find us?!"

"Capn'," Ryder said as he and his brothers joined their young promoted captain. "What are your orders?"

Marco shook his head mentally cursing his damn luck. He did not need this after he became the new captain of the Blood Shark Pirates, but if the fucking navy wanted a fight, well he would give them one. "If those bastards want a fight then we'll teach them a lesson," he said. "Prepare for battle!"

Stryker and Strider grinned one Ryder did not. He looked to his left as Longtooth and Blade came hurrying up to them. "Fight?" Blade said. "Please Marco listen to reason. We need to flee before we lose more of our men."

Stryker snarled at the two, "Are you defying the orders of our captain? Sounds like mutiny doesn't, brothers?"

Strider gave a harsh rough laugh. "Aye it does, and you know what happens to those who dare defy the orders of the captain."

"When are words of caution the words of mutiny?" Ryder asked. "Captain, we should do as Blade advises."

Stryker glared at Ryder. "Run like cowards?!" he said. "God, you are weak!"

"Quiet!" Marco said as he faced his men. "We do as I ordered! No more running like children. Today we show those fucking humans the savage strength of the shark!"

Ryder was as startled as Blade and Longtooth. How could Marco forget what happened two weeks ago? This same naval fleet had attacked them and during a bloody battle their captain, a great white named Bloodfin had been gravely injured and Marco who was First Mate took command. The Blood Shark Pirates' fleet managed to escape but not before they lost four of their six ships that made the fleet. Bloodfin passed away three days later and at age seventeen, Marco became the youngest captain ever to assume command. What made it worse, Marco had only recently married and his young wife, Ariel was waiting for the fleet's return home.

"Please captain," Ryder said urgently. "Think of your wife. Engaging the enemy is unwise and surely you do not wish for her to become a widow?"

Marco turned to backhand Ryder so hard that he stumbled back into Blade and Longtooth. "One more word from you, Ryder, and I will gut you," he said. "I AM THE CAPTAIN AND WE WILL DO AS I ORDERED!"

"Aye captain," Ryder said as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "Blade, Longtooth ready the cannons and the crew."

Blade was still startled by Macro's actions but did as ordered. "Ready the cannons!"

Ryder glanced at Stryker and saw the evil look that flashed across his brother's face. What was going through his brother's mind? He did not like how Stryker had suddenly become First Mate and he began questioning some of his brother's actions.

"Don't you worry captain," Stryker said. "Ryder and Strider will make sure your orders are followed to the letter." He grinned in a manner that unnerved Ryder as he motioned his brothers to follow.

"Stryker, to engage the navy is suicide," Ryder argued.

Strider nodded in agreement. "Ryder speaks true," he said. "Didn't Marco learn anything from the last encounter? Bloodfin died because he thought we could defeat them."

Stryker grin became more sinister as he looked at his brothers. "You're both worrying for nothing," he said with a low chuckle. "I made sure that the navy found us."

"What?!" Ryder looked Stryker. "Are you mad?! You sold us out!"

"My such an ugly use of words," Stryker said. "I merely secured our future."

"Our future?" Strider said. "What do you mean brother?"

Stryker only smiled as he looked at the other ship that was part of the fleet and Ryder took notice that it was sailing dangerously closer to them. "What is Blu-," he started to say when their fellow shipmate opened fire upon their ship.

Ryder never did recall the shot that had hit the quarterdeck nor the explosion that sent Longtooth and few others flying into the air. The black tiger shark saw them come slamming hard onto the waist deck of their now crippled ship.

"Longtooth!" Ryder shouted as he rushed to the help him and their other crewmates.

Longtooth had managed to get to his feet his jaw was clearly broken. Ryder reached him just as the marines swarmed their ship adding more chaos and confusion. Even though he was injured the mako thoughts were on the safety of their captain and headed for the quarterdeck throwing any marine who dared to get in his way aside. Ryder soon saw Blade rushing to join them and was sickened at the sight of the sawtooth's nose which was now a short blood stump. He recalled how the males took pride when it came to their noses and how females of their species always seemed to swoon over the proud males. Blade was now scarred for life.

"Where's the captain?" the wounded sawtooth asked.

"The last we had seen him, he was still on the quarterdeck," Ryder said.

"What?!" Blade had seen the explosion on that part of the ship and he like the others, feared for their young captain. "We need to get him and then take him to safety."

"If he even listens to any of us," Ryder said just as his brothers ran past the three. "Stryker, Strider wait for us!"

Ryder, Blade, and Longtooth hurried to the torn-up quarterdeck and witnessed the murder of their captain. Stryker grabbed the young zebra shark Fishman from behind twisting him around so the three were looking at him and Marco and with an evil savage grin, he slit their captain's throat.

"NO!" Ryder screamed as he watched Marco's body fall to the deck a pool of blood forming underneath him.

Stryker's laughter filled the air as the rest of their crew now fought for their very lives before he and Strider turned on their crewmates.

~~End of Flashback~~

I did not stop them back and our captain was murdered not before my eyes, but Blade and Longtooth's as well, Ryder thought. I should have stopped Stryker when he told Strider and me of his plan, but I did not because he was my brother. I have lived with this shame since then.

His son's words echoed in his mind. You are a fucking coward! You had the fucking guts to challenge that fucking nut of a brother and now you are too scared?!

Ryder knew Kaiuleale spoke the truth. He had challenged his brother and after getting hurt by Nanee, he was scared to even think about challenging Stryker. What of Ruby? She was still at that temple, hiding and waiting for his return. Was she even still alive? He needed to know. He had to find out if his beloved was still alive and if she was still waiting for him. Taking a deep breath, he ran to catch with Blade and the others.

~~..~~..~~

Neeta entered the infirmary where Long had been placed and went to his bed. She had done this since the day Riptide had been taken prisoner by that wretched bastard Stryker. Her beloved Long through the bond he shared with his brother suffered every painful moment. Screams would echo in the infirmary and it was horrible to hear it. The female kuda had been there for the last one. The copper hybrid was screamed at the very top of his lungs as his body seemed to endure electrocution. Neeta felt so powerless as she could only watch that horrible hell Long had gone through and yet it was over, he had passed out drenched in sweat.

"Are you well, my love?" she asked as she took a seat by his bedside.

"No pain," Long replied his head turned away from her. "Can't feel Rip's pain."

Neeta was quick to become alarmed. "You can't feel him at all?" she asked. "Do you…think he is dead?"

Long reached up resting a hand over his heart. "Not dead," he said. "Just can't feel his pain."

"Forgive my intrusion."

Neeta looked over her shoulder to see Lady Shella and she narrowed her eyes at the elder female sawtooth. "What the hell are you doing here?" she hissed as she bared her sharp needle teeth at the elder sawtooth.

"I wish to see how the young one is fairing," Lady Shella said.

The female kuda placed herself between Long's bed and the temple elder her silver eyes reflecting the burning rage she was feeling as her blue-green skin seemed to gleam in the light of the lanterns that hung along the wall. The sharps claws on her hands more than ready to tear the other female's throat out as she could barely contain the rage she was feeling. "I'm sure you are," Neeta said with a hiss. "Do not think you can fool me, you sneaky lying bitch! You know that Long has a strong bond with his brother and all his suffering has been through that."

Lady Shella expression neutral as she spoke. "I can understand your anger and desire to protect his brother," she said. "What I do not understand id why one such as yourself is here. You're of the clan of the Kuda as is the other male who is with your group, but he is different."

"Gaff is a hybrid," Neeta said. "His is a mix of a sawtooth Barracuda and mako. I fail to see what difference it makes if he and I are part of this crew."

"Your clan are known to be killers and conquers of other clans and races something your clan tried to do when my father led the shark clans," the elder sawtooth said. "Now two of you have oddly left your clan's protection."

"I left after learning my own brother and…my betrothed planned to kill me," Neeta said. "I swore loyal to Riptide and I will defend my new family even if it means killing my own clan."

Neeta expected Lady Shella to say something more but instead, she quietly turned and left. The other female was very bewildered by that. What was that about?

"Betrothed?"

Neeta turned her head and saw the look on Long's face. Damn that clan sawtooth to hell! Long was hurt knowing that she was betrothed especially since she said nothing of it. It should not matter since Slatafang died in the fight with Riptide.

"It does not matter if I was betrothed to Slatafang for he is dead and for which I am glad that he is," she said.

"How say that?" Long asked. "Were supposed to marry."

"Not for love, my sweet Long," Neeta said. "My marriage to Slatafang was never for love, it was a position for power to understand it to my family."

Long sat up looking at Neeta with curiosity. "Power?"

The female kuda carefully ran her clawed hands through her light silver hair thinking how to explain this. Long was not stupid, no he was far from that but to explain the order of a kuda's life could be a little complicated. "The Kuda clan is ruled by a matriarch but we call her our queen," she said. "It is she who decides how all of us are to live."

"She says who lives and dies?" Long asked.

Neeta nodded. "She also decides who may be allowed to mate and bear offspring the families of the chosen have no say."

"Not right," Long said shaking his head. "Wrong to live like that."

"It may be, but it has been like that for generations and non-have challenged the law unless you take into the account of Gaff's father," Neeta said.

"Gaff's father challenge law?" the copper hybrid asked.

"Some say he did but others say he did not, but either way he fathered a child with a mako mermaid," Neeta said. "It did not go well for Gaff's father who was to be punished severely for disobeying the law of the matriarch."

"What happen?"

Neeta looked away sadly recalling what Gaff had told her long ago. "He was given a choice; to abandon his cursed son or lose his rank and be torn to shreds by his own soldiers."

Long was horrified at that. "Gaff said father left him," he said. "He picks duty over love."

Neeta snorted as she rolled her eyes. "If you can even call it that," she said. "He was the last I knew captain in the personal guard of the queen. Gaff was forced to live on his from age five which is not easy for any young kuda."

"Gaff survived though," Long said.

"Only because I helped in his survival. Gaff would have died but I couldn't stand aside and watch that."

"Did well helping him."

Neeta stared off into space. "Gaff and I became friends and we grew close until Slatafang decided that I should join the ranks of his hunters with my brother," she said. "Gaff didn't like it but the moment he voiced his thoughts…it was a mistake. I knew Gaff would never be strong like the other males but god, he proved to be the biggest coward ever. All Slatafang had to do was bare teeth and Gaff ran away. I never saw him until the day I joined forces with your brother."

"Gaff no coward," Long said in a very defensive manner. "He has heart."

Neeta looked at Long. "Gaff? Are you sure we are speaking of the same Gaff?"

"He fight Riptide some."

"Gaff had the courage to fight your brother?!" Neeta shook her head. "I'm surprised he even survived that."

"Not real fight," Long gave a small laugh. "Rip knock Gaff into old fishing nets. Gaff got tangled rather good."

"That I believe," Neeta said with a small giggle.

"You said betrothed earlier," Long said going back to the earlier matter. "You meant for Slatafang, yet you no speak of it."

"I saw no reason to," Neeta said. "Long, that was decided long before Slatafang decided to leave our home and I am actually glad that he died to your brother's hands."

"Glad? No, understand."

"Slatafang claimed he loved me, but I had no love for him," she said. "I loathed him. I couldn't stand his damn touch." She shuddered. "I would be his first wife until he decided who his next one would be and then I would be either killed or sent away."

Long said nothing but Neeta could see he was listening the way he looked at her.

"Of course, my suspensions were finally confirmed when Slatafang admitted that he was planning to get rid of me and we hadn't even married yet. A despicable snake is what that bastard was," she said with a hiss a fury. "He planned to have me killed…when that joke was on him since it was, he who ended up dead."

"Why me?" Long asked. "Never truly said why."

Neeta knew he was asking for good reasons. Especially now after learning that she was betrothed to Slatafang. There had been something about Long that drew her to him and it was strong since the day she saw him. Is Long my actual soulmate? I have never felt like this, not around Gaff or even that bastard Slatafang.

"I think…no, you're my soulmate Long," she said. "I always felt like something was missing and since the day we kissed I no longer felt like that. I'm sure that you've felt the same as me."

He nodded not daring to speak.

Neeta moved from the chair to the bed taking Long's hands into hers. She knew what she wanted and though it was always the right of the males to ask she decided she would reverse such a role. "Long, we both know that we love each," she said looking at him in a serious manner. "I cannot see myself with anyone but you. When this hellish nightmare is over…will you be my mate?"

Jade eyes widened as Long looked at her not sure that he had just heard Neeta right at all. Did she just ask for him to be her husband? Surely this had to be a dream. It had to.

"Me? As husband?" he asked with a small stammer.

"Yes, you."

Long was not expecting this. Not by a long shot and yet this unique beauty of a different race thought so much of him that she asked him to be her life partner. How could he turn his back of one such as her? Especially with the way he felt about her. "Yes," he said. "I be a mate for you."

Neeta caught him by surprise as she threw herself upon him kissing him deeply and passionately.

~~.~~.~~

The Dark Guardian that was named Destroyer was angry and still in pain when he entered the realm of shadows that were controlled by their brother. Still in their merged form the dark Guardians called out to Darkness.

Brother! We know you are here!

The dark sawtooth Guardian appeared before the merged form of his brothers but in the form of a sawtooth Fishman. You are trespassing in my realm, he said angrily. I gave you no permission to come here!

You dare speak to us in such a matter?! You are our brother! Destroyer said with equal rage. You allowed us to enter before!

That was exceedingly long ago and in a different time as well! Darkness said. You are no longer welcome here!

HOW DARE YOU!

Destroyer roared with rage spit flying and landing on Darkness who wiped it away with disgust. The monster Guardian's multiple eyes shifted to pierce the shadows farther and saw the reason for their brother's rebellious toward them. They saw the room of the inn and the bed where a naked Nyx lay sleeping unaware of what was transpiring between her Darkness and his brothers.

YOU LAY WITH THAT CREATURE?! UNCLEAN! TAINTED!

CREATURE?! YOU DARE CALL MY SWEET DREAM THAT! Darkness shifted to his shark form his good an ablaze with unending fury. NO ONE CALLS MY NYX THAT! NO ONE!

His brothers were not prepared for Darkness to attack them. Darkness slammed into Destroyer head on with such force that the monster Guardian was sent flying. The shadow realm had nothing but thick low ground hanging mist that was thicker than the thickest fog and Destroyer circled wildly searching for their rebellious brother. This was his realm and only he could control what happened here this they knew.

Why?! Destroyer hissed in anger. You dare to mate with such a weak puny creature? Disgusting!

Hold your thick lying tongues you wretched offspring of whores of hell! Darkness' voice sounded from all around.

Destroyer was shocked by such insulting words that came from their brother. You dare insults us, brother?!

Brother?! I am your brother no longer! I am myself and free to live my life the way I choose.

Is that so? Destroyer focused his attention once more upon Nyx. Do you prefer to lay with that little whore?

With a roar of pure rage Darkness leaped from the mists itself catching his former brothers off guard as teeth sank into thick skin blood gushing forth. Destroyer roared trying to shake himself free of Darkness' jaws. The monster Guardian body slammed himself onto Darkness causing him to release his hold. Destroyer staggered some steps unsteady as blood flowed down his body, dark and thick as tree sap. A growl rumbled forth just as there was a fiery glow as Darkness rose. Like Saw, the dark sawtooth Guardian took on a stronger form designed for fighting.

The two different dark Guardian forms circled each other looking for a weakness, an opening to end the battle. Roars, snarls and hisses echoed through the shadow realm as the sounds of battle filled it. Destroyer though merged from the other five dark Guardians sharks was easily superior in size and strength than Darkness, but this was his realm and here the dark sawtooth could call upon the strength and he needed. Darkness had one more strength one that even Destroyer could never understand: his love for Nyx.

With a howl of pain, Destroyer fell to the ground blood flowing from numerous wounds. Darkness himself was also bleeding from numerous wounds and struggling to remain on his own feet. He knew he was close to passing out and he had to get his brothers outs before he did lose consciousness.

Leave before I kill you, Darkness said.

Kill us? You dare threaten us?" Destroyer said looking none too well himself.

Do I like I am making such a joke? Darkness narrowed his eyes baring his teeth in a threatening manner.

Destroyer looked at him before slowly getting to his feet turning to go. Bah! Keep to your wretched little plaything! We have no interest in your pathetic affairs.

With that said Destroyer left the shadow realm just as Darkness sank to the ground slipping into unconsciousness. He remained that way until Nyx entered and found him that way.

~~.~~.~~.

Ryder had gotten up with Destiny and the others and since he knew of a backway to the temple of the Dark Guardians, he was allowed to lead. The black tiger shark's heart was still heavy with guilt knowing that he could stopped all this long ago and he did not even after Stryker's betrayal to their old shipmates. He glanced back at Kaiuleale who looked away and with heavy sigh, he turned his attention back to the path before them. He could hear Destiny talking to his son though.

"Kaiuleale you said you would tell us what happened at Carta," Destiny said.

Kaiuleale rubbed his head that had finally grown some of his back giving him a military look at the moment. "I don't know how to describe what happened since it feels like it was all a very bad dream," he said.

"How bad can it be?" Shen asked as she jumped onto Destiny's back.

"What the fuck Shen?!"

"I'm feeling a little tired so I thought you could give me a piggyback ride."

"I wanna one too!"

"Shen! Malice! Both of you get the fuck off my damn back! Now!"

Mars watched the interaction between Shen and Destiny with much amusement. The certainly reminded him of Endo and Siamon. Cannot say she is not daddy's little girl, but so funny that Nami's daughter is so much like Si by the way she acts with Shen.

"The lass is waiting for ye to tell her," Blade said.

"Right, right," Kaiuleale said nodding as he gathered his thoughts. "As I said, what happened felt it was a bad dream. It was quiet then next thing we all know the ground was shaking and it split open, flames just shooting high into the air. It was madness as we rushed just to get away, but sadly not everyone made it."

Destiny felt sick to her stomach even Shen and Mars looked uneasy. "What caused it?" the silver hybrid asked.

"No idea," Blade said. "I know one thing it was not natural. It was far from that."

"If it wasn't natural," Kaiuleale said. "What could have caused it Blade?"

Ryder had quickened his pace getting a little farther ahead of the others. He was still uneased by the events that had happened. Blade was right to say what was not natural and as old shipmates, he, Blade, and Longtooth had seen many things both natural and unnatural. What happened certainly was unnatural. Very unnatural. The black tiger shark came to the old bridge that led to the rear entrance to the temple and he froze at the sight of Guardian who lay unmoving.

That cannot be rea! It Cannot! Ryder rubbed his eyes and shook his head as well. Never had he ever wished that he were damn drunk as he did now. I thought Stryker was talking pure madness, but if what I am seeing is real then that insane brother of mine spoke the truth. It was then he spotted Riptide who seemed unsteady on his feet. The white hybrid had by some miracle escaped death at his brother's hands.

"CAPTAIN!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. He turned to face the direction of the path cupping his hands around his mouth shouting the joyful news. "HE'S ALIVE! I SEE OUR CAPTAIN AND HE' S ALIVE!"

Ryder's shouting was heard by Blade and the others. Hearing that her brother was alive Destiny took off in a run needing to see him, to hold him. The silver hybrid saw Ryder who was just reaching the bridge and beyond that was indeed her brother. "RIP!"

~~.~~.~~

Riptide staggered out to Guardian who in all appearance appeared dead. He felt guilt creeping into his heart as he rested a hand on the blood-stained neck. This was his fault. He found Saw's brothers only to get them killed trying to stop their evil counterpart and now Destroyer was loose somewhere on Unity Island. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean for this to happen to you. What am I going to tell Saw?"

"RIP!"

His head jerked at the voice calling his name. It sounded like…no, it could not be! Destiny was supposed to be at the temple with the others. He barely turned when he was tackled to the ground hard and he gave a cry of pain.

Destiny, of course, paid no mind as she hugged her older brother tightly sobbing and hiccupping. "Rip," she said burying her face into his chest. "You're alive."

"Des, what the fuck are you doing here?" Riptide asked. "Why aren't you at the temple with Long and the others?"

"Why you insolent jerk!" Destiny punched him in the head knuckles first.

"Damn it Des that hurt like hell!"

"Good! It was supposed to, you ass!"

The deep menacing growl drew he attention and Destiny let a scream of fright as Butch and Sunflash came toward her, both looking ready to cause her harm. They might have if not for Poseidon who was before them with a snarling roar. Despite the height difference, Butch roared back claws at the ready.

"Butch! Sunflash!" Riptide shouted getting between them and Poseidon. "Stop! They're family!"

"Got a weird family," Sunflash said.

"What the fuck?!" Shen said. "A talking dinosaur?"

"I take offense to that," screeched Sunflash looking comical as his feathers became all ruffled.

Malice giggled wildly. "Overgrown feathered chicken!"

Sunflash really lost it at that. "I AIN'T NO FEATHERED CHICKEN!" he shrieked.

Butch calmly reached down getting a firm grip on his tail. "Now ya' all need to calm yerself down," he said pulling a hyped-up Sunflash flash backward whose claws dug into the dirt.

"Dang gum it Butch! Let me go!"

"Lad, ye be alright," Blade said more than happy to see his young captain very much alive.

Riptide looked up more than happy to see familiar faces well until he saw Mars. "Who are you?"

"That's my Uncle Mars," Shen said with a slight shrug.

Mars placed a hand of his heart and gave mock act that his heart was hurt which got a humored laugh from Riptide who got to his feet with help from his sister. Seeing him up close now, the mime was actually shocked how much resemblance Riptide had with Arlong except the white sawtooth hybrid had a more muscular build and he actually wondered how strong he really was. Sparring matches would be very entertaining to see especially if he went against Mac or Siamon.

"Riptide, what is that?" Destiny asked staring at Guardian.

"That's is…was Guardian," he said sadly. "My Guardian…"

"What are ye saying?" Blade asked.. "Ye saying this is one the Guardian sharks?"

"No, it's all five of them merged into that one form just like Destroyer."

"Destroyer?" Ryder said. "Are you saying my brother…"

"No, Stryker has no control of those dark Guardian sharks," Riptide said. "After killing poor Guardian, Destroyer rebelled against your brother. He disappeared after that."

"Wait?! There are dark Guardians and they're loose on Unity?" Kaiuleale said alarmed.

"Yes."

~~.~~.~~

Lady Shella was strolling the hall of the temple when there was a great boom shook the entire temple and screams filled the air. The ancient female sawtooth gripped the closest pillar and wondered what was happening. The temple shook so hard that she feared it was an earthquake, but soon it ended. Everyone within the temple hurried into the halls all looking frightened and bewildered. Chizzara came rushing with Tarlong; the two were rattled pretty well.

"Lady Shella, you must come with us", Chizzara said urgently.

"Has something happened?" asked the ancient elder.

"It's...you just have to come and see yourself", Tarlong said.

Lady Shella nodded as she followed the two out to the courtyard which was now becoming crowded with people from the temple and arrival of the Protectors and the survivors of Carta. There was a small mountain range near the temple and the nearest and tallest mountain exploded belching forth flames with thick plumes of dark smoke into the air. Everyone stood silent watching the terrifying sight until a massive explosion came from the mountain destroying half of it. The powerful explosion caused a quake so incredibly strong that the whole island felt it. Livestock went wild in a mad panic as the horses and oxen struggled against their tethered halters in their stables Wildlife fled the safety of the forest and those that had borrows dove into them. Messenger birds screeched taking flight joining the other birds of the island.

~~Temple of the Dark Guardians~~

Riptide and the others were thrown from their feet as the quake went through. Butch and Sunflash roared in terror fighting their animal instincts to flee as various snakes and lizards, big and small did so.

"What the hell was that?" Ryder said. "An earthquake?"

"I believe so, but I never felt one this powerful," Alice said as she and others were quick to join Riptide and his companions outside.

Kaiuleale looked toward the direction of the temple. "Holy shit! Riptide! Look!"

Even from the great distance of the two temples Riptide and the others all saw the destruction of the mountain. "Destroyer," Riptide said. "That's where he is!"

"That's near the temple!" Blade cried out in fear. "Everyone there is in terrible danger!"

"Mother, Long, and the rest of our family is there as well," Destiny said. "Rip, what are we going to do?!"

~~At the Temple~~

In the courtyard, screams of fear filled the air as the ancient stone walls began to crack and one wall fell onto some of those who stood too close. Protectors and Temple guards started digging to free those trapped.

"What's going on", Tarlong shouted as he struggled to stay on his feet. "What's causing all this?" As if to answer him, a roar that seemed to shake the heavens filled the air as a monstrous form rose among the flames and smoke. "Me and my big mouth," he muttered.

~~.~~.~~

Marcus for no explained reason checked on Riptide's kiribachi and his eyes widen seeing the sword trembling wildly against the hooks on the wall and the marked blade where Saw was pulsing brighter and brighter in an almost blind white light.

"Oh shit!" The old mako was quick to grab the blade from the wall.

All Marcus knew was to get Saw outside before she accidentally caused some real damage. He just made outside of the temple when Saw burst forth from the shark tooth designed blade. The sawtooth Guardian shark circled clearly aggravated and seeing the distance form of Destroyer who roared out a challenge, responded with her own roar of defiance.

~~.~~.~~

Riptide cried out pain staggering and falling back against Guardian.

"Rip what is it?!" Destiny was at her brother's side.

"Saw," he said struggling against the pain. "I can…feel her."

"Ye can sense yer Guardian this far?" Blade asked.

Sister…

Riptide looked at Guardian just as the powerful form of Guardian started to stir and his eyes opened slowly. "Guardian! Are you okay?"

Bastard…has a nasty bite…

Riptide rested a hand on him, and Guardian suddenly seemed to come to life as he rose up SISTER!

Guardian glowed so brightly that Riptide and the others shielded their eyes. The bright glow faded, and they lowered their eyes and were shocked and surprised to find themselves in the courtyard. There was a howl of pain and Saw came slamming down onto the ground destroying a good part of the courtyard.

Riptide ignoring the danger he was putting himself in, ran to her. "SAW!"

Daifu…?

"Yes," Riptide said hands resting on her bloody head. "I'm here. Daifu is here, my little one."

The Guardian opened her eyes and seeing Riptide, she painfully turned her head. DAIFU!

DIE!

Riptide looked up just as Destroyer raised a clawed hand up and without warning the dark Guardian was knocked away. "Guardian!"

Saw's eyes widened at the sight of the merged form of her brothers. Brothers!

Little sister, Guardian rumbled as he turned his attention to their injured sister. You fought bravely little one now rest.

Brothers, he is hurt but still stronger.

"What?" Riptide looked and true to Saw's words, he saw the injuries inflicted by Darkness. "Who the hell did that?"

Doesn't matter," Guardian growled as he turned to face Destroyer who slowly got to his feet. This fight is ours.

The ground shook as Guardian charged slamming into Destroyer with such force that the dark Guardian went flying backward. Destroyer came to a skidding stop and Guardian leaped high into the air. He landed onto of Destroyer causing him to howl in pain. Guardian slashed him across the face claws tearing into his hide as black blood oozed from his wounds. Destroyer was struggling wildly, howling in pain as he tried to free himself and he managed to finally shake his berserk opponent off and rolled onto his feet, shaking his head.

Destroyer was a bloody mess as his breath came out in wheezing pants and staggered. Guardian stayed a distance watching as the dark Guardian moved away from the temple. Destroyer barely had the strength to climb the mountain he had emerged from and was almost at the opening when he gave an agonizing roar toppling backward. The dark Guardian came rolling and tumbling down causing a rockslide as well. He came to a halt among the pile of stone and lay still. Destroyer the Dark Guardian was dead.

~~.~~.~~

Stryker had watched it all. The black tiger shark was trembling with absolute rage as he saw Destroyer fall. His dark Guardian had been defeated! He turned his madden eyes toward the temple and to Riptide who stood with HIS GUARDIANS! "They dare to slay my precious Destroyer…" he said with a growl of hate.

Behind him and keeping a relatively safe distance from him was an army of reptilian men that was made up of different species of crocodile, gator, and Komodo dragon and Gila monster and like the Fish-men race showed traits of their reptile kin. There was also the rest of Stryker's ninja and other no-good sleazy lowlife's he had recruited. All of them sensed Stryker's mood and they all stayed clear of him. As he watched, Stryker saw a beautiful golden opportunity and he refused to pass it up.

"Give me a bow and a single arrow!"

"H-here my lord," said of his ninja handing him a bow and a single arrow.

Stryker took the items and with a grin of pure madness took careful aim.

~~.~~.~~

Riptide breathed a sigh of relief. It was over. Destroyer was dead.

"RIPTIDE!"

He turned just as Skie flung herself onto him and he held her tightly against him. "Skie…Oh Skie." He said kissing her. "Oh, my sweet beautiful Skie I thought I would never see you again."

Skie was crying and clinging to him tightly. "My love," she said. "My Riptide."

"Destiny!"

Riptide glanced up to see Slashback get a very surprise hug and finally a well-deserved kiss from his sister. The young sawtooth was blushing so badly that he was beet red in the face. Finally, he saw his mother who ran to him tears flowing. He scooped her up as if she was nothing and Nami wrapped her arms around his neck crying nonstop. She had her baby back.

"I thought I lost you," she said her body shaking. "I thought…I was never going…"

"I thought the same thing," Riptide said as he held her. "I thought I was never going to see you or the rest of my family."

Daifu.

Riptide put his mother down and turned to Saw and her brothers who were now in their true forms. All six Guardian sharks looked tired and drained.

"I think you'll be wanting this," Marcus said as he held out Riptide's kiribachi.

"Thanks, sofu," he said taking his blade.

He held the Kiribachi up as all six Guardians became a mist drifting into Sea stone blades of the kiribachi. Lady Shella moved through the gathered crowd of onlookers until she stood before the white hybrid.

"Well done", she said. "The Guardians are with their rightful master."

There was a whooshing sound followed by screaming. Riptide dropped his kiribachi as he rushed forward…

I know but I had to do a cliffhanger! We are nearing the end of Children of the Saw. So remember to Read and Review!