Chapter 33: The Journey Begins

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

A few days after Lady Shella's funeral, Meko and Mars were preparing to leave and were going to take Shen with them who in turn was far from thrilled about going back home.

"Sensei-Meku!" the girl whined. "I don't want to go back! I'm having too much fun being with my friends."

"Really?" Meku said before he bobbed the girl on the head with his staff causing her to yell. "You, I will say have caused much grief for your parents and we've all heard it. They've been worried sick over you especially since you left no note."

Nami sat with the three listening since she was one of the few who earned the trust of the members of Death Root "Meku is right, Shenna," she said. "Besides, I think it's better if you do go back home. You'll be safer and no one will be worrying over you getting hurt."

Meku nodded in agreement. "And you have lessons that need catching up on," the blind said.

Shen groaned in defeat. "Fine but I'm doing this under protest," she said as she folded her arms.

"Good," Meku said. "Now come, you'll doing some training."

"Shit…" Shen moaned as she walked ahead of Meku.

After they left Mars handed Nami Penny's letter. Surprised and curious, she opened it and this is what it read:

Nami,

Luffy sent word to us the moment Robin and Chopper returned, telling us what happened. It was decided by both Endo and Axe that we would all meet at the Dead End Race since everyone wants to give it another shot. Endo though asked that you say nothing to the kids since he wants to surprise them, well if you ask me the surprise will be on him.

From what Luffy has told us about Riptide I think Endo wants to challenge him for fun as does Axe. Is he really stronger than Arlong? Since Endo has made brag that he would win, SI has claimed the win would be in Riptide's favor since he has been training for a long time. I bet Si will challenge Riptide sometime just wanting to see how strong he is.

I can't wait to see you since I've missed you so much. See you at the race.

Penny

Nami folded up the letter. "I'm surprised Luffy told Axe and Endo," she said. "He must've had a good reason for doing it, but then again this is Luffy we're talking about."

Mars nodded. He did.

"So, you be leaving soon then?" Nami asked him. Another nod. "Well, you best make sure to tell Destiny goodbye. I think she grew fond of you."

Mars grew fond of the silver as well. She certainly had potential when it came to fighting and if she got more training, she would be very deadly. Maybe he could have a little chat with Siamon some about that.

~~.~~.~~

The Saw crew all gathered outside finally together after the nightmare they went through. It had been incredibly stressful on all of them especially with Riptide having been a prisoner of Stryker's.

"How's the arm?" Longtooth as Tarlong.

"Hurts like fucking hell still," he growled as he lit a cigar. "Going to take time for it to heal so I can damn shot again." He had barely got a single puff out when Chizzara reached up and took the cigar right out of his mouth. Her action took the giant of a sawtooth by actual surprise. "What the hell Chizz?!"

"You need to lay off on those cigars of yours," she said as she put the cigar out.

"B-b-b-but you never complained about it before," Tarl stammered in a state of shock. "Why now?"

"The last time you got hurt," she said looking up at him with her hands firmly on her hips. "You went through a three months' supply of cigars in less than two weeks."

"Two weeks? Chizz, that's bullshit!"

Now Tarlong was literally a giant compared to Chizzara who was just a hair under six feet, but that did not stop her from getting a firm hold on his tank top and pulling right down to eye level with her. "What was that mister?" she said.

Now Garth knew his brother and how he was not scared of anything…well until that moment. He saw honest to god fear in his brother's face as he swallowed nervously. Tarlong was absolutely terrified of Chizzara and everyone saw it.

"Chizz…sweety," Tarlong was really trying to sweet-talk her.

"Don't sweet talk me," she said knowing full well what he was planning. "Now are you calling me a liar?"

Tarl's eyes widened in fear. "L-liar? Y-you?" he said the fear clear in his voice. "N-n-never my sweet angel."

Chizzara smiled sweetly at him caressing his bearded jaw which Garth swore he saw tremble. "That's my good shark," she said giving him a light kiss on the cheek.

Marcus gave a low chuckle that only Garth heard, and he looked at their father in curiosity. "So, it begins," he said with amusement. "She has him by the balls and he knows it."

Riptide, Destiny, and Long all sat on the grass all with the same thought; Someone as scary as Mother. Snickers came from Gaff and Slashback who thought the whole scene was funny until the navigator whirled on them and made them yelp in fear.

"Right up there with Mother," Destiny whispered to her brothers who nodded in silent agreement.

"Capn' how have you been feeling?" Ryder asked wanting to change the subject.

"I'm slowly recovering from all that testing I was forced to endure," Riptide said.

"Testing?!" his sister looked at him. "What testing?"

He sighed before he slowly retold the hell he went through with Drake's experiments and the drugs Stryker had. The look on his crew's faces did not surprise him. He did not bring up his meeting of Arlong the Black and M nor his bond with the ancient shark clan chieftain. "Jones is one of the humans that Drake had experimented with," he said.

"I can't believe that the World Government would do something so…inhuman." Trapper said with a shudder. "To even think about turning innocent humans into their twisted versions of a Fishman."

Marcus gave a snort. "And they call us monsters? Perhaps they should take a nice fucking long look in the damn mirror."

"This Alice," Skie said. "I think I saw her walking around the temple."

"If it wasn't for her I would have died," Riptide said. "I consider her a friend, a dear friend."

"Even though her father tortured you?" Kaiuleale said.

"Alice was the one who looked after me, tended to my wounds, and made sure no real harm came to me," Riptide said.

"So, what are our plans now?" Butch asked from where he and Sunflash were laying not far from the crew.

Gaff looked at the Spinosaurus in surprise. "Our plans?" The Kuda hybrid said. "What would a couple of talking dinosaurs want to join our crew for?"

Sunflash looked up in annoyance. "Wat makes ya all think that we are normal?" he said. "We didn't look like this, hell no!"

Riptide looked at the pair. "You were humans and Drake experimented on you both. Correct?"

Butch gave a heavy sigh as he lightly dragged his talons across the grass. "Sunflash and I both ran a very successful beef cattle ranch." He said.

"Beef cattle? Really?" Zanfar remarked.

Sunflash beamed with great pride. "Hell yeah. My brother and I were the best at raising beef. We practically owned that market, and our buyers knew we raised the best and best-tasting beef around."

"What happen? Why you look like that?" Long asked.

"Seems our success drew the attention of one two-faced, backstabbing money greedy judge named Norise," Butch said. "At the time, we didn't understand why he was so interested in our ranch."

"Until it was too late," Sunflash growled angrily. "That son of a bitch learned there was a nice big ole oil deposit right under our ranch and he went to the dirtiest lengths to get it."

"What did he do?" Chizzara asked.

"Found a way to seize the ranch," Butch said. "Before we knew it, Norise owned the whole thing and my brother and I were arrested and sent to some island called Kinmotsu."

"The place the World Government had set up for their sick experiments," Riptide said.

"Yeah," Butch said. "Sadly, Flash and I don't remember much except waking up after to be turning into this."

"I'm sorry for what my father did to you."

Everyone looked up to see Alice with Jones approach and it was clear to all that she felt ashamed for what her father had done. Even though he was now a prehistoric carnivore Butch's reptilian features in a way soften like they would have when he was still human.

"Now a pretty lady like you shouldn't be sayin' sorry for the crimes of her father," Butch said. Sunflash opened his mouth but was quick to close it after his brother gave him a warning look. "You had nothing to do with what happened to us or anyone else who were victims of your father."

"Aye," Jones said. "Matey, might we be having a word with ye?"

Riptide nodded and got to his feet. "I'll be fine." He said seeing the concern reflected in the eyes of his crew. "There's nothing to worry about."

"If that's true then you don't mind me coming along with you," Skie said taking a hold of her beloved's hand.

Riptide could have argued the matter but decided against it. Skie had been worried enough over him and had tended to the injures he had gotten from his battle with Stryker and she was after all the crew's healer. "If that is what you wish." He said.

~~.~~.~~

"I was going over my father's notes and what he did to you," Alice said the moment they entered the infirmary. "I learned something that you need to know." Riptide nodded for her to continue and the woman held up a vial of amber-colored liquid. "According to his notes if you don't take this…your body will shut down slowly and you'll die."

"What?!" Skie was not accepting such a thing. "You're lying!"

"I wish I was, but I've read these notes over and over," Alice said pushing the notebook across the table. "Believe me my father was in his own way a genius. All those tests he put Riptide through along with his drugs-,"

"Drugs! What drugs?" The hybrid asked rattled. "I don't recall him injecting or even forcing anything done my throat."

"It was in the food." Alice looked sick. "My father had all your food laced with his specially created drugs that would never affect the taste of food."

Skie had started reading and saw that Alice spoke the truth. Drake had indeed laced everything Riptide had been given with drugs that would affect him. "This man," She said. "He was a monster. A sick twisted monster of a human. How could he do this to anyone?"

"My father was a man of science and he was always fascinated with the Fishman race," Alice said. "He believed they were a missing link to our ancestors, a race of humans who somehow evolved. When he learned they could breed with not only merfolk but as well as human and even giants…he became obsessed with creating the perfect hybrid."

"So, he decided to make my Riptide his guinea pig?" Skie said tears starting to rim her eyes. "Why? Why did he choose him?!"

"Because I look normal even though I am a hybrid," Riptide said. "I show no signs of being a hybrid at all."

"Which in my father's eyes made him the perfect candidate for all his experiments," Alice said. "My father pushed Riptide beyond all the normal abilities for Fishmen and hybrids alike though I am still concerned over his idea of using electricity on you."

Skie looked at Riptide eyes wide knowing the fact he had been electrocuted. What kind of sick man had this Drake been to do something so horrible to her beloved? She had heard the horror tales of the shock collars the Celestial Dragons put on their slaves and how many slaves had died to that cruel treatment. How could he have even done this and not think what the results could be?

Riptide took the vial from Alice looking at it. "Drake's notes clearly said I needed this, or I will in time die?"

"Yes."

Without another thought or hesitation, Riptide opened the vial and swallowed the liquid. His actions shocking Alice as well as Skie who was gripping his onto his arm. "Are you insane?!" The female sawtooth said.

Riptide said nothing before he doubled over in pain dropping to the stone floor. Skie almost touched him when Alice pulled her back just as sparks of electricity crackled off of Riptide's body. Jones backed away making a cross over himself. The electrical sparks became more intense and brighter before slowly dwindling and then ceased. Several heartbeats passed before Riptide stirred. Slowly he pushed himself up into a sitting position as he breathed heavily his body shaking some.

"Riptide?" Skie whispered as she reached for him.

"G-give me a sec." He said. "Need to collect myself."

"Matey, what happened to you?" Jones asked his voice a little shaky.

Alice was glancing through the last of her father's notes which were more of a jumble of words, but she understood enough to realize what had happened. "All those drugs somehow changed you and the last experiment he did gave you the electric abilities of an electric eel."

"Are you fucking serious?" Riptide said. "God that man-made me into some kinda freak."

"According to my father, his greatest achievement," Alice said sadly.

"Hate to say this but Drake wasn't aiming for that," Riptide said as he stood up. "He wanted to see how well I could endure being electrocuted." He self-consciously reached up to touch where the shock collar had been, and his body visibly shook from the memory of being electrocuted.

"My love," Skie said taking his hand carefully.

"Forgive me but I need time to be alone," Riptide said as he withdrew his hand from hers and left the infirmary.

Skie stood feeling hurt and alone.

~~.~~.~~

Riptide sighed as he walked the halls of the temple wishing he did not feel the way he did. He felt like a freak because of those experiments Drake did on him. How could Skie still call him her love?

"My chief." Riptide jumped at the sound of Chöro's voice and he turned to look the new temple leader. The sawtooth elder bowed his head to the hybrid. "My apologies my young clan chief."

"Chöro," Riptide said. "May I speak with you?"

"Of course," Chöro said as he sensed the uneasiness in his young chief. "Your thoughts are troubled, are they not?"

Riptide nodded and he told what had happened with Drake and his experiments as they walked through the temple halls including what Alice had just told him. Chöro looked at him with concern when he said he had taken what was in the vial.

"My chief was that not wise?" The sawtooth elder asked.

Riptide stopped walking. "Chief? Why am I being referred to as chief?"

"I see there is much for us to discuss," Chöro said.

"My chief! Elder Chöro!"

Riptide and Chöro turned to see Bruton hurrying to them. Chöro smiled in a fatherly way to the younger sawtooth. "Ah, Bruton." The elder said. "I am glad to see you."

Bruton blinked in surprise. "You are?"

Chöro nodded. "Yes." He rested a hand on Riptide's shoulder. "Do you not think it is time that we as members of the shark clan welcomed our new chief in as a brother to the clan?"

"Of course!" Bruton said. "I will gather the rest of our clan brothers and-,"

"Wait," Riptide said. "I did not agree to be part of your clan nor to be this new chief."

'Pup, we must talk, and we must ask the clan elder to be part of it.' The voice of Arlong the Black spoke.

'Talk? Talk about what?' Riptide said.

'You will understand. For now, you must trust me.' The old chief said

'If that is what you want.' Riptide sighed mentally.

"Are you alright chief?" Bruton asked.

Riptide nodded. "I am. My thoughts…drifted some." He said. "Chöro, may we talk? Privately."

"Of course, we can," Chöro said. "Bruton say nothing to the others until you hear from me."

Bruton bowed his head. "As you wish elder." He said before glancing at Riptide with a small sense of sadness.

~~.~~.~~

"I upset him, didn't I?" Riptide asked as he entered Chöro's meeting chamber that was once belonged to Lady Shella

"Do not worry yourself over Bruton," Chöro said before he gestured to the sitting cushions. 'Now come and make yourself comfortable while I see that drinks are brought to us."

"You don't have to do that really," Riptide said.

The sawtooth elder paused to look at the younger before him. "True I do not have to, but as one of the elders in the clan it is a duty to offer a drink to a visitor even if he is my new chief."

Riptide gave a frustrated sigh. "Chöro, I said- "

The elder silenced him with a wave of his hand. "I know I know. Do not call you that, but perhaps you will accept it better once I have told you the very history of the clan you are part of now as well as the very threat that now endangers us as well…"

~~.~~.~~

The evening dinner bell rang out and the great dining hall slowly filled with those of the temple and the Saw crew, included temporary members Jimbei and Nami. Seeing the meal, they were given which was a bowl of plain cooked rice and fried fish did not help anyone's mood.

"Seriously?" Gaff said as he stared at the meal before pushing it away. "Are we prisoners or something?"

Even though they were born on the island, Thor and Kaiuleale had to agree with Gaff as they pushed their food away. "How does anyone live on a meal like this?" Kaiuleale asked.

Destiny was feeling depressed some since Shen left with Mars and Meku that late afternoon and she merely stared at the food before her. "Rather have Uncle Sanji's cooking right about now…or Long's!" She looks to her brother. "Why didn't you cook?"

"Not allowed in kitchen," Long said. "You tried to enter the kitchen?" Neeta said and Long nodded sadly. "Wanted to cook. Was thrown out. Not much there. Poorly stocked."

Tarl sniffed the air just then. "Poorly stocked my ass!" he said keeping his voice in a low growl. "Someone is getting a far better meal than us."

"Indeed, they are." Growled Blade as he and the others caught the change of aroma. "I say let us find out." Making sure no one took notice of them leaving the Saw crew left the dining hall.

The scent of the hidden meal was easy to follow which led the group to another great hall where they were shocked and surprised to find Riptide with members of the sawtooth clan sitting at two massive long heavy tables that were filled with different kinds of meats and fish with plenty of other side dishes, Not all the members were there. Chöro and Bruton were at the moment not present.

"What the hell Rip?!" Destiny said. "Why the hell are you eating better than us?!"

This caused him to look up and see the upset looks of his own family and crew Riptide rose from the table he was at. "No, I wasn't eating I was waiting for all of you to come and you did. Please come there is more than enough for everyone."

Happy to hear that Long had barely taken a step when a knife struck the floor in front of him, scaring him. "Long!" Riptide rushed to his brother. "Long are you hurt?"

Long shook his head. "No. I do no bad." His brother said though he was clearly frightened.

Riptide turned to face the members of the sawtooth clan. "Who dares threaten my brother?!"

"Outsiders are not allowed to eat with us!" Spoke a five gilled sawtooth with a slender body whose dark uniform brown with a pale white on his ventral side. "They are not clan!"

Riptide looked at him. "Neither am I, but yet you would allow me to eat with you."

"Only because Bruton claims you to be the new chief of our clan." Said another sawtooth, a short nose male.

"So, you would allow me, but you would not allow them?" Riptide asked.

"In all truth, we don't want you here either!" Spoke another tropical male sawtooth.

"Why you greedy! – "Gaff said moving forward only to be stopped by Riptide. "Rip! You heard what these stupid bottom feeders said!"

"BOTTOM FEEDERS!" Roared the assembly. "HOW DARE YOU!"

"I called you stupid bottom feeders!" Gaff shot back. "Get it right!"

"Kill 'em!" yelled the five gilled sawtooth.

He charged at Riptide and the others on to have Bruton appear. The tropical sawtooth caught the younger by his dorsal fin slamming him to the floor. He glared dagger at the rest of his clan brothers who dared not move.

"What is this?!" Bruton roared at them. "You dare to attack our chief?!"

"That one." Said the other tropical sawtooth pointing to Gaff. "He dared to call us bottom feeders."

"I could care less about what he called you." Bruton shot back. "Who threw that knife?! Do not deny it because I saw it strike the floor. Now, who was it?!"

"Funny that you're acting so high and mighty Bruton." Said a short nose sawtooth. "What makes you think we've even accepted this outsider as the so-called chief?"

Bruton narrowed his eyes. "Do not call that." He said. "He is the chief we've been seeking."

"Who says?!" Shouted another of the clan. "Who says we are willing to accept this outsider into the clan! I say we should kill all in this temple and take it for ourselves!"

"Any of you even try it and I swear I will end every last one of you," Riptide said in a dangerous tone.

Only to have Bruton speak again. "And if that happens what will become of your wives and children? Are you all that quick to dismiss them?!"

At the mentions of their loved ones, the assembly of males was quick to lower their heads, all of them looking away and feeling ashamed. Bruton stood up letting the other up as well. The silence that filled the hall was heavy before it was broken by a strangled sob from a young six gilled sawtooth whose skin was almost a light pinkish white, soon another joined him then another followed by another. Soon they all were shedding tears shocking the Saw crew.

"What is going on?" Trapper asked. "Why are they crying like babies?"

"I learned that the shark clan is in serious trouble," Riptide said. "The current clan leader…he decided that only he should be allowed to mate, and he claimed every female in the clan as his."

"He stole their wives from them?" Gaff asked.

"Yes," Riptide said sadly. "He didn't stop there. He's even taken their children away from their parents, making the males slaves while the females…you get the idea."

"My god!" Chizzara exclaimed looking sick. "That sick bastard plans on making those poor girls his future brides."

"Tell me we're going to stop him," Neeta asked as her lips pulled back revealing her fearsome needle-like teeth. "Because I'll gladly tear this one's throat right out along with his heart."

Long looked at his beloved Neeta before her actions and words would have upset him but after learning about how the Kuda society was he understood Neeta's reaction. It sounded very much like that but with a sad twist. "We help?" He asked his brother hoping Riptide would.

"If they were in the East Blue…yes," Riptide said before he gave a sigh of frustration. "But in all truth, it will be impossible to do so."

"why not?" Slashback asked. "You yourself said that they're in serious trouble. So how can you turn your back upon them?"

"Because of where they are," Jimbei said as he looked at the son of his once friend/ brother. "They are somewhere within the Grand Line and those that are here will not reveal that very location."

"Try forbidden to do so due to fear for their loved ones," Riptide said. "Even if they did, there is still dangers of slavers. The island has no real protection not with this crazy bastard as a leader and if the slavers found it…"

"They would have easy pickings," Marcus said with a growl. "It would be a gold mine to those sick fucking Celestial Dragons and those that serve them."

Jimbei nodded. "The World Government would turn the other cheek since this island is not part of the Ryugu Kingdom."

"So, what do we do then?" Tarlong asked. "Pretend we don't know their plight? Ignore the very fact these guys had their wives and children taken from them and they're outcasts?"

"For now, we have no choice as much as I hate it doing it," Riptide said.

"How can you be that damn cold?!" Destiny asked, glaring at her brother. "You've always been the one willing to help and defend those that are helpless just like Uncle Luffy and now you're turning your back on them! Why?"

"Have you forgotten what we learned about the Grand Line?" Her brother asked her. "Have you forgotten that it is called the Pirates Graveyard for a reason? Besides, we still have no ship and until we do, there is no way that we can enter the Grand Line."

Destiny gave a small growl of frustration. Riptide was right about them not having a ship and besides, they had no idea where…wait! She remembered the ship that the marines were moving and how the attacking pirates had avoided hitting it for a reason. "I think I know where we can get a ship."

"A ship?" Blade said. "Ye say ye know where it is?"

Destiny nodded. "During the attack in Port Town, I remember the pirates avoided hitting this one in particular ship as if it was very important to them."

"Do you remember anything about it?" Marcus asked his granddaughter. "Think carefully."

Destiny thought for a moment and then spoke. "There wasn't really anything special, but it was odd-looking."

"Odd? In what way?" Longtooth asked.

"The wood was dark, and I mean dark like it was stained and for some reason, it had had four rudders all of them different."

Hearing the description Marcus seemed to become suddenly excited. "Are you sure it had four different rudders?" he asked. "You are positive that is what you saw?"

"I'm positive that is what I saw."

Nami was looking at Marcus as she herself realized what her daughter had seen and there was one other ship that was similar in appearance, Goshou Musabi, Death Root's ship. If this ship was indeed similar to Death Root's ship, then how and where did the marines find it?

"Well it sounds like we should check out this ship," Blade said. "What do you think Cap'n?"

Riptide nodded. "It does sound promising and Ronald did promise to help us get a ship when we first met. Hopefully, he keeps his word."

"Forgive this interruption my young chief," Chöro said as he approached the crew. "But surely you will join us for dinner?"

Still bothered by the treatment of his Nakama by the clan Riptide shook his head. "No," he said turning to leave. "I refuse to share a meal with those who threatened the ones I hold dear. I'm an outsider as stated by them and only members of the clan are permitted to eat."

Shocked reflected on Chöro's face before he turned to face the males of the Saw clan who now looked like frightened children knowing what they had said and done was wrong. "Outsider? Is this what you all think of the one who may be your hope of returning home to your mates and children? Is this your sudden belief and desire?! To shun the one who can truly help our clan? Is this what you all believe?!"

None dared to look upon their elder as he moved among them with eyes glaring making them each feel worse than they ever did. Even with this happening Riptide motioned for his Nakama to go and they all quietly left the hall.

"So now what?" Thor asked. "We left one meal hoping to find one better and we still have nothing."

"We go to the kitchen and see what we can find," Riptide said.

"Checked kitchen," Long said. "Got chased. Nothing there."

"Little brother, who said there was only one kitchen," Riptide said. "I know of a second one and it is fully stocked."

~~.~~.~~

True to Riptide's words, the second kitchen was indeed stocked and more than the first kitchen.

"Holy shit," Trapper said as they all saw the amounts of foods that were stocked. "Talk about being a little greedy."

Long was more than to work in a that was beyond fully stocked. "Can cook now," he said.

Riptide smiled patting his brother's back. "Then we'll leave to your abilities."

Though the crew was hungry it was worth the wait, for Long made a meal that was up there with Sanji's capabilities. Once dinner was over and dishes along with the kitchen was cleaned up, everyone decided to relax.

~~.~~.~~

Tarlong and Chizzara strolled the temple grounds and it had been a long time since they held hands something they now did. Yes, he could annoy the living hell out of her at times, but Chizzara would not trade her big lug for anything. She loved him despite his bad smoking habit and she even returned the cigar that she had taken from him earlier. They walked in silence with Tarlong contently puffing on his cigar. Chizzara glanced up at him and took notice that her big lug was distracted, very distracted. Not only that he looked a tad bit upset.

"Tarl." She said. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

He was silent for a few more moments before he reached for the inside pocket of his duster pulling out a folded piece of paper. "Yeah, something is fucking wrong." He grumbled as he handed her the paper. "Fucking marine bullshit."

Chizzara unfolded the paper and her eyes widened as she read what was on the paper. "Arlong." She said as she looked back at him. "This is a contract for you and Garth to hunt down Arlong and actually kill him. He broke free of prison after all these years?"

"Broke free my ass," Tarlong said. "The marine that delivered that to Garth and me told us that Stryker hired some people to break into marine base prisons and free those there."

"So, what will you guys do?" Chizz asked.

Tarl took the paper and pulled out the lighter from his duster's inside pocket lightning it. Chizz watched as he set the contract on fire.

"The World Government and their lapdogs can finally kiss my damn ass," Tarl said watching the contract burn before he let it fall to the ground. "Arlong despite being the arrogant asshole he is, is still our little brother and dad deserves to find him."

~~.~~.~~

Destiny was with her mother and brothers as they retired to a quieter part of the temple's library. Nami wanted to see if there were ancient navigator charts as well as any hidden treasure maps. That was the plan but that soon changed the moment Nami sat down on a pile of decorated cushions and being separated from his mother for way too long, Riptide laid down on the cushions resting his head on his mother's lap. Having endured hellish torture all, the tiger-striped hybrid now wanted was his mother's love and attention. Something Nami did not deny him at all.

"Mother, there is something that I need to tell you, Long and Rip," she said nervously as she took a seat on a pile of cushions across from her mother and Riptide.

"Des, can't it wait?" Riptide asked with a small yawn.

"Father is no longer in a marine prison!" Destiny blurted out.

The news shattered the mother-son moment as Nami looked at her daughter in surprise. Riptide was quick to sit up and Long plopped down beside his sister eyes glued to her. Had they all heard Destiny correctly? Arlong was now free?

"Care to explain that?" Riptide asked.

Destiny told what she had learned during the battle at Port Town. "From what the former members of father's crew said," she said. "Father was still suffering the injuries he received from the fight with Uncle Luffy."

Nami found it hard to believe. Surely Arlong had recovered from those injuries. Hell, he survived every one of her assassination attempts on him. Was it possible that the marines had found a way to keep him from getting better?

"If father free," Long said. "Why he no come here?"

"I didn't hear if he was even alive after being freed," Destiny said. "For all, we know he could be dead."

"He's not," Riptide said. "He's alive."

"How do you know?" Destiny asked. "Rip, how can you possibly know that he is among the living?"

"I…I can somehow sense that he is," Riptide said. "I can sense that he is alive."

~~Somewhere within the Grand Line~~

The lemon sharp tooth shark Fishman entered the lower decks and entered a cabin that was near the stern of the ancient galleon. He lite the glass lantern that hung on an overhanging beam near the bed.

"How are you feeling today brother?" he asked as he turned his attention to the occupant of the bed.

"Why…are you…helping me?" rasped out the voice that was clearly not well.

Dressed in ragged prison clothes was a light blue saw shark whose skin could have easily been mistaken for grey. His long black hair that was a widow's peak was filthy and greasy. On his left forearm was a tattoo of a red saw nose shark that was turned left with the tail curving inward and surrounding the shark was a semi-oval with three curves emitting from it.

"You are a brother to us," the other Fishman replied. "Even if you are not part of the shark clan, you are still a brother to us."

"How is he?"

The lemon sharp tooth turned his head as an older shark clan, a silvertip shark entered the room. "Not well I'm afraid," he said bowing his head in respect to one of the clan elders. "The humans have kept him in this condition far too long and I fear that he may yet meet Ukupanipo."

The silvertip shark Fishman hushed him. "Do not speak so quickly, Drusk," he said. "Have you already forgotten that the same was said of you when you were a mere pup?"

Drusk bowed to his elder. "Forgive me on my foolish memory," he said.

The elder silvertip demised his apology with a wave of a hand. "Forget it for it was a long time ago," he said as he moved slowly to the bed. "Now my sawtooth brother I believe we have not had a proper introduction. I am Treyal one of the elders of the shark clan. What name were you given?"

Icey blue eyes bore into the elders. The eyes though full of pain still reflected deep smoldering anger and hatred. Treyal remained quiet patiently waiting for their bedridden brother to reveal his name.

"Captain Arlong…. of the Arlong…Pirates."

"Arlong!" Drusk looked at his elder. "Elder Treyal, he bears the name of our ancient shark clan chieftain. We all thought the name Arlong the Black was lost to those who were the descendants of the ancient members of the shark clan!"

"Shahahahaha! You'll have…ask my bastard…of a father…on that," Arlong said before he broke out into a horrible coughing spell.

"It is clear that you are in need of serious medical attention," Treyal said worriedly. "Drusk, see that he moved to the adjoining room near the kitchen and see if you find him proper clothing."

Drusk bowed respectfully to his elder. "I shall see that it is done, my elder."

Arlong watched as the younger shark clan member left before he weakly shifted his eyes to the elder who remained behind. "You said…I bear the name of…some old chief." He said.

"Indeed," Treyal said. "Perhaps it is best that you know why such a name is important to us."

~~A few days later on Unity Island, Port Town~~

The saw crew stood looking at the ship Destiny had told them about. It was a giant of a ship a little larger than a naval warship and like the observation room on the Thousand Sunny, there was an immense glass dome that was at least a story and half in height and lined with gold trim. The wood was very dark and going up the sides of the ship were the rib bones of some type of ancient animal. Laying on the ground not far from the bow was the destroyed remains of the figurehead which caused Marcus to be upset.

"Fucking idiots," the old mako said. "How could they do this?! I will be lucky if I can even identify this ship."

"Ye saying ye could have identified this ship?" Blade asked.

Marcus looked back at the ancient warship. "I still might if I can find her unique features," he said. "She's defiantly an ancient warship of Dave Jones since all his warships were built with four rudders."

"Let's climb aboard so we can explore her," Thor said eagerly.

"HALT!"

The crew turned just they were surrounded by marines that had been under the command of Captain Williams with their rifles pointing at them. Riptide narrowed his eyes and let out a low menacing growl that unnerved some of the marines forcing them to step back a foot or two.

"Stand down! All of you stand down!"

"What the hell is the meaning of this Ronald?" Longtooth said. "Planning to arrest us after we fucking took care of the threat to our island?"

"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding," Ronald said. "It's just been a few weeks after that attack here. I'm still trying to get these poor men calm and under new command."

"Sir, what are your orders for these pirates?" asked Williams' second in command.

"For god's sake man," Ronald said. "They're friends and two of them are the leaders of the Protectors."

"You mean leaders of the traitorous Protectors!" Shouted another marine. "I lost many of my friends when the blew up our ship!"

Longtooth looked at Ronald for an explanation. "It seems the enemy had infiltrated your Protectors." The marine captain said. "

"Damn it!" Longtooth said with rage. "How the hell was that allowed to happen?"

"Longtooth, take Blade and go see to this situation," Riptide said. "We'll handle things here."

"Are ye sure Cap'n?" Blade asked.

Riptide nodded. "I am."

~~.~~.~~

"Please sit," Ronald said the moment he, Riptide, Destiny, Nami and Jimbei entered his cabin aboard the Justice.

"I prefer to stand," Riptide said firmly his arms across his chest.

Ronald sat down with a small sigh. He already knew this meeting was not going to go well. The young hybrid was already displeased with being treated like he was an enemy and he did not blame him. What made it more worrisome was two members of the Straw Hat Pirates had joined him and his sister. Who knows how this was going to go now?

"I'm sure we discuss this in a civilized manner," the marine captain said.

"We should if you answer our questions," Riptide replied.

Ronald nodded. "Of course, of course."

"First off, where and how did the marines come into possession of that ancient warship?" Jimbei asked.

"That would have been the late Captain Williams' doing," Ronald said. "My friend was killed during the battle here as were several good marines. I can only guess that he found that ship hidden at the other smaller islands that surround Unity."

"So, I take that it was he who had plans for the ship then?" Riptide said.

"I am afraid so."

"Then it is only fair then that we should be allowed to lay claim to her," Riptide said taking everyone in the room by surprise.

Ronald frowned. "I am not sure," he said.

"Let me ask you this," Riptide said. "Did your friend reveal his intentions for the ship at all?"

Ronald thought carefully before he gave an answer. "Strangely Williams never did," he said. "I do not even know if he told headquarters of this find."

"So, then we can assume that he probably did not," Riptide said. "When we first met in Lougetown, you gave us your word that you would help us get a ship. Am I not correct?"

The marine captain nodded. "I do remember giving you my word."

Riptide nodded in turn. "Then why should we not be allowed to claim that old ship? She was built by our ancient ancestors and it is only fair that my crew and I have her."

Ronald rose from his desk going to the huge stern window looking out toward the dry dock where the ancient Fishman warship was. Riptide joined the marine captain and they stood in silence for the longest time.

Pup, I have a suggestion if you are willing to hear me out, Arlong the Black said.

Let us hear it Chief, Riptide said to his spirit partner.

A trade, the ancient clan chieftain said. The marine captain said pirates attacked and what do pirates usually have aboard their ships?

Treasure.

Aye. Offer to do a salvage operation on those sunken pirate ships and give any and all treasure found to the island.

We do that in trade for that warship. Chief, that is brilliant!

"Captain, might I propose a suggestion to you?" Riptide said.

Ronald looked at him with a slight turn of the head clearly listening.

"You said all the attacking pirates had their ships destroyed. I propose that I savage any and all treasure from those wrecks," the hybrid said. "In return for the savage of treasure I give all of it to the island in trade for the warship."

Nami could not believe what she was hearing. They could use that treasure and her oldest child was going to give it all to the island? How could he think that? Clearly, Luffy had made a big impression on Riptide when he was young. Jimbei had seen Nami's reaction and gave his Nakama a pat on the back.

"Trusts in his judgment," The whale shark Fishman said. "Riptide knows what he is doing."

Ronald thought carefully and knew that the young hybrid spoke the truth. Any treasure found and savaged would indeed help out not only in the rebuilding of Unity but also to help out those who lost loved ones. He turned to face Riptide and held out his hand.

"Agreed!"

Riptide smiled in return as he shook Ronald's hand.

~~Two months later~~

Riptide called out as he stepped onto the deck of the Wavecutter which was a bustle of activity. The ancient warship was getting a modern upgrade in living conditions something everyone was looking forward to. The hybrid stepped down on deck one which housed the kitchen/ dining room where Long and Neeta had their bedroom, bathroom one, and two sleeping quarters one being Riptide and Skie's and the other for Marcus. Decks 2-4 each housed a bathroom and bedrooms.

"Where is Blade?" Riptide asked one of the many carpenters who was helping on Wavecutter's upgrades.

"The last I saw him," the man said. "He said he was going to the gun decks."

Riptide nodded and moved on. Deck 2 was the medical ward and the bedrooms for Tarlong and Chizzara, Garth, Destiny, Slashback, and Gaff. Deck 3 had bedrooms for Thor, Blade, Longtooth, Ryder, Zanfar, and Kaiuleale. Deck 4 had Trapper's bedroom as well as a few others. Decks 5 and 6 were the gun decks where the cannons were housed below that was the cargo hold and the ship's stores. The cargo was remodeled so it could house Poseidon, Butch, and Sunflash.

"Blade, you here!" Riptide called the moment he reached the first gun deck.

The shipwright emerged from the bow coated in dirt and grease surprised at his captain's arrival. "Cap'n, is there something wrong?" Blade asked.

"Nothing is wrong," Riptide said resting a hand on the older sawtooth's shoulder. "I wanted to see how everything is going with our beauty."

Blade smiled as he rested his webbed hands on the cannons. "I can certainly say our Wavecutter is a unique warship for her to have cannons like these."

"Oh?" Riptide said.

The shipwright nodded. "We have a total of forty thirty-six pound cannons," he said. "She is dangerous but what makes her really dangerous is located in the bow. Come I'll show ye."

Blade lead Riptide through a door into a small room where there two triple barrel five-pound cannons that were similar to a Gatling gun. The hybrid was to say shocked as he studied the cannons. They were designed to fire individually but with the rotation, each cannon could be reloaded for their next firing round. The room was well thought out as there was a track that ran on either side of the room that would bring the cannonballs to the cannoneers. Riptide studied the room more and was sure that the gunpowder was stored within the room unless there was another way that it was brought to the cannoneers.

"We discovered two more of these triple cannons in two smaller rooms in the stern," Blade said. "They're built to swivel from one direction to another."

"What," Riptide was looking at him with eyes wide. "Blade you are joking right?"

"I swear I'm not lying to ye," the older Fishman said. "I'll show ye if ye like."

"I would like to see this very much," Riptide said.

Blade showed him to the separate rooms which on the outside of the warships looked like decorated towers with curved doors that could be slide open for the triple cannons to be used. Wavecutter was designed to be a warship that could defend herself from any surprise attack. Like the cannons at the bow, there was a track set up to move cannonballs to the cannoneers. Riptide though was concerned with how many cannoneers were needed for the whole operations. His crew was not very big at the moment.

"Don't be so downhearted Cap'n," Blade said patting the hybrid's shoulder. "We'll get more shipmates."

"I know you're right Blade," he said. "So, you have an idea for a new figurehead?"

Blade grinned, "Aye. That I do, Cap'n. I hope ye don't mind if I leave it as a surprise ye."

Riptide laughed. "I don't," he said as he pulled out a folded up piece of paper and handed it to the shipwright. "If you don't mind taking care of the jolly roger. It took me some time to think of one that would be worthy of us."

Blade unfolded the paper. "I'll say ye did." He said with a whistle. "Mighty impressive if I say so."

"How soon will she be ready to sail again?"

Blade tapped his chin, "I would've said maybe a week, but with the supplies, we're getting and the workforce we have, I'd give ye three days at best."

Riptide patted the shipwright on the back as he left him to carry on with his work. The hybrid was eagerly looking forward to entering the Grand Line.

~~.~~.~~

"Chief!"

Riptide looked to see Chöro and Bruton coming toward him and wondered what they wanted. The members of the sawtooth clan had much to his surprise actually offered to help with the recovery of the treasure which proved extraordinarily successful and after that, they had remained to themselves.

"Chöro, Bruton," he said respectfully. "What a surprise to see you both. I take there is something you wish to discuss with me?"

They looked at each other before looking at Riptide. "Adoption," Chöro said.

"Adoption?" Riptide looked at the elder in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"We can make you a member of the clan by adopting you in and then we have the ceremonial ritual that all young males of the clan have which recognizes them as members of the clan," Bruton said looking and sounding excited by the whole idea.

"And if I may ask who is the one adopting me?" Riptide asked though he had a good guess who it was.

"I would," Chöro said. "I have no children of my own and to adopt our future chief as mine is looked upon as a great honor by all of the clan."

Riptide was silent for a moment. "If I agree to this then would you do something in return for me."

"What would that be Chief?" Bruton asked.

"Chöro, you have certain duties as an elder to the clan am I right?" Riptide asked.

"Of course," the elder said.

"Then I ask that you marry Skie and me before we leave the island," Riptide said.

Chöro smiled proudly at that. "Chief I would be more than honored to perform such an honorable duty along with any others who wish to be married."

That evening the sawtooth clan gathered on one of the smaller islands that surrounded the main island. Their bodies were painted in colors of red and blue with tribal markings of the shark clan and they surrounded a huge bonfire, chanting and singing in an ancient tongue that was only known to the clan. Riptide stood before Chöro naked from the waist up. His upper body was painted with markings of passage for the young members of the clan. He felt the strong presence of Arlong the Black as the old clan chieftain reflected and shared his time of passage with his spirit partner.

Repeat everything I tell you, he said to Riptide.

What? Riptide was a little surprised.

Pup this is your passage into the clan and there are words that you must say.

Chöro said nothing to me of this!

He did not because I made my presence known to him the day Stryker fell, the chieftain said. He knows that you and I are spirit bond and that I will tell you the words.

Isn't that…I do not know cheating?

Riptide heard the chieftain hearty laugh echoing in his mind. Pup you certainly are something.

How about you finally call me by my name instead of Pup.

Alright, alright. A fair deal, Riptide.

That is good to hear, Chief.

As promised Chief recited every ancient word for Riptide to say. The words of promise and duty as a member of the clan. When the words were all recited the sawtooth clan cheered loudly welcoming the adopted son of Chöro the elder into the clan.

Three days later...

The docks were crowded as nearly every inhabitant on Unity had come to see Wavecutter's launch, but not all were there for the ceremonial launch of the ancient warship. It was a day of three weddings; Riptide, Tarlong, and Long were to marry their loves.

I never thought I see the day you would actually settle down and without a cigar in your teeth too, Garth signed to his brother.

"Don't tell me you're jealous?" Tarl said with a laugh.

Garth snorted as he cleaned his glasses. Why should I be jealous? The odds of me finding someone would be like finding Gold Roger's treasure!

Tarlong looked at his brother with sadness. It was not easy for Garth being mute and all. Garth was good looking but born mute was a downer because no woman wanted to be in a relationship with someone, they had to speak to using sign language. The older Swordblade pulled his brother into a tight brotherly hug.

"You'll find that special someone," Tarl said. "She's out there, Garth. You just have to find her that's all."

Garth sighed. He hoped Tarlong was right. He did not want to spend his days alone.

"Are you trying to be late to your own wedding?"

They looked to see Marcus standing in the doorway. "Sheesh dad," Tarl said shaking his head. "I'm going to be late to my own wedding."

Marcus raised an eyebrow at Tarl. "How about you make yourself a little more decent looking?"

"Decent? I bathed damn it and I have no cigars on me," Tarl said. "Or my gun."

"You didn't shave."

"Shave? You want me to shave my beard off?!" Tarl said. "I'm so not doing that!" Marcus gave his oldest son a look that made Tarl swallow nervously. Even Garth back up. "Sit your ass down so I make you look damn decent," the old mako said. "Besides, you could use a change in beard styles."

~~.~~.~~

The sun was starting to set as the crowd that had gathered for the wedding and the Wavecutter's launch started to wonder if there was even going to be a wedding. Riptide and the crew were waiting for Tarl, Garth, and Marcus to arrive. Chizzara was pacing restlessly stopping now and then to see if her big lug was coming.

"Where is he?" Chizzara muttered. "He better not have gotten cold feet."

"Sorry for the holdup," Marcus said as he and his sons arrived. "Took a little longer to make this one look a little good looking."

The whole crew was looking at Tarlong's new look and Chizzara certainly approved of her big lug's look. Tarl now had a standard goatee and it certainly made him look way better than his old full beard look. With Tarl finally there the weddings took place, and the air was filled with the cheering of the crew except for Marcus who remained a little distant. Jimbei took notice of that and went to the old mako.

"Just like Arlong," he said.

"What?" Marcus said looking at him.

"He did that," the helmsman said. "He would watch from a distance and I never understood why he did it at times. Now I know why."

"So, my son inherited some of my habits," Marcus said. "I know what I did to him was wrong, but I thought I was giving him a better life."

"If you had known?"

"I would have…" Marcus paused as tears rimmed his eyes. "I would have come back for him. I would have taken him with me and tried to be a damn father."

"Would you still try?" Jimbei asked. "Would you still try and be the father he needed back then?"

Marcus looked at him. "I would, but-,"

Jimbei gave Marcus a look that caused the old Fishman to visibly swallow. "You have no reason nor excuse to stay here," he said in a commanding tone. "It's time you faced your fear. Arlong is out there and it is time you fixed your broken relationship with your other son. You gained two sons back now it's time for you to regain the one you left."

Marcus nodded. Jimbei was right. He needed to do that, or he would never forgive himself. He had to make things right with Arlong, explain why he did what he did back then. He owed all his children that.

"They're launching Wavecutter!" Zanfar shouted.

The Saw crew gathered on the dock where their ship would be docked until loaded. Everywhere you looked there were huge crowds gathered and even on ships out in bay including the marines who crowded the Justice. The hull of the Wavecutter was greased as she sat poised on the launch cradle. The ropes holding her were cut and the ancient warship slid down her stern hitting the water with a great splash. The air vibrated with loud cheers and the ringing of bells as Wavecutter was once more afloat after countless centuries. Captain Ronald had his ship tow Wavecutter into position alongside the ancient stone dock where she would be loaded and furnished with furniture.

"Damn if she doesn't look beautiful," Longtooth said. "Shame we couldn't figure out what the original figurehead looked like."

"I think she looks good either way," Blade said. "Besides, she deserved a more fitting one."

The new figurehead was that of a sawtooth shark that had a nose made from metal that appeared to be leaping from the water. Blade and the woodcarvers that worked on it designed in such a way that the triple cannons with their doors were cleverly hidden and the moment they were needed the shark's mouth would open as would the cannon doors making the cannons a very nasty surprise.

"This will probably be our last night here," Riptide said. "We should-,"

"Be celebrating three marriages," Gaff said. "Who's up for a party?"

"I hear ya!" Slashback said with a grin. "Let's party!"

"Much I would love to," Riptide said wrapping an arm around his wife. "I think I'll spend my wedding with my wife."

"I second that," Tarl said with a grin.

Long and Neeta had already left sneaking aboard their ship and to their bedroom, locking the door. Destiny also retired to the ship but headed straight for the dome which housed the ancient library. While everyone went to celebrate Marcus decided to spend his final night at Lily's grave.

He placed a vase of her favorite lilies by her gravestone along with two small candles that he lit. He sat crossed-legged his guitar resting on his lap his heart hurting with the decision he made.

"I always thought I would have spent my remaining days here with you raising a family, but that was never meant to be," he said as silent tears ran down his face. "I never dreamed that I had two other sons when Arlong was born let alone grandchildren." Marcus managed a small laugh. "My oldest son and both my grandsons were married today. Can you believe that my sweet Lily? That I would see the marriage of one son and both grandsons."

He started to wonder if he would live long enough to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marcus in truth was not particularly good in health and he knew it was only a matter of time before his time came to an end, but he knew when he did die that he would be with his Lily again. For now, he would do what he could for his family and the rest of his Nakama when they all left the island. Gathering his thoughts and taking a deep relaxing breath Marcus started playing his guitar filling the night air with music.

Late in the night, the Saw crew all returned to their ship which was ready to sail for their next adventure.

~~.~~.~~

The morning sun was rising over the horizon as Wavecutter sailed toward Reverse Mountain. Under the advice of Captain Ronald, Riptide made sure that their colors nor the Saw Pirates' symbol which was still not revealed to the crew were flown. Jimbei offered to be the helmsman until they reached the Dead End Race. Of course, Riptide planned to find a helmsman before that.

"Oi Cap'n!" Blade shouted from the crow's nest. "Reverse Mountain dead away!"

In the distance was an extremely tall mountain and as Wavecutter sailed closer toward the mountain the crew started to see the river entrance and the ten square arcs that went up the river entrance. Riptide did not know why but he just started singing his Uncle Brook's favorite song.

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Going to deliver Bink's sake

Following the sea breeze

Riding on the waves

Far across the salty depths

The merry evening sun

Painting circles in the sky

As the birds sing

Farewell to the harbour

To my old hometown

Let's all sing out with a Don

As the ship sets sail

Waves of gold and silver

Dissolve to salty spray

As we all set sail to

The ends of the sea

Going to deliver Bink's sake

We are pirates

Sailing through the sea

The waves are our pillows

The ship, our roost

Flying the proud skull

On our flags and our sails

Now comes a storm

Through the far-off sky

Now the waves are dancing

Beat upon the drums

If you lose your nerve

This breath could be your last

But if you just hold on

The morning sun will rise

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Going to deliver Bink's sake

Today and tomorrow

Our dreams through the night

Waving our goodbyes

We'll never meet again

But don't look so down

For at night the moon will rise

Going to deliver Bink's sake

Let's all sing with a Don

A song of the waves

Doesn't matter who you are

Someday you'll just be bones

Never-ending, ever-wandering

Our funny traveling tale

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Riptide had not actually realized that his voice had even rose not until he heard Blade and Longtooth sing right along with him. They sang with pride in their hearts and soon they sang it once more as the entire crew joined in. Riptide looked at his crew and smiled proudly. Yes, they were small for now, but like his Uncle Luffy, he would find other Nakama to join them.

We've so far, he thought as he wrapped an arm around Skie's waist. We saved an island that is hidden in the East Blue from tyranny, recruited a few more Nakama, and even found our two uncles and sofu. We have one hell of a ship. I know once we get to the Grand Line, we'll face even more challenges, but we'll face them all just like Uncle Luffy has!

As Wavecutter started up the mountain Riptide threw his head back and howled his cry, his challenge to the world, "SHAAAA!"

It was their time, it would their legend as the children of the saw.

A special thanks does out to all those who have read, reviewed, and made Children of the Saw their favorites. The song, Bink's Sake is no doubt the most recognizable song from One Piece, and to me, I thought it would fit for the end of this story. Rest assured this is not the end and there is a sequel that will so follow. So, Read and Review.