~M~

Ace is such an idiot. Sometimes I wish his temper wouldn't flare so easily. But all it takes is a spark to ignite a wild fire. Still, he needs to learn to listen! He didn't have to go. The old man said so himself. I guess I can't blame him though. Everyone's angry. Every one of us here would very much like to go after Teach. However since even Pops was uneasy, we knew it wasn't such a good idea. I sighed. I didn't know what to do. One of my best friends is dead, and the other had left in a fit of rage to get revenge. If for no other reason, Ace should have stayed for Rory's sake. She hasn't been out of her room all day. And that was why I was on my way to see if she wanted something to eat.

I knocked on the door. "Rory...?" I didn't get a response. I tried the doorknob, and I found it was unlocked. I gently pushed the door open, the quiet squeak the only sound in the room, and leaned against the door frame. The sight saddened me. Rory was sitting on the floor with her knees pulled up to her chest and her back to the bed. She was hugging and burying her face in a pillow.

She seemed...smaller than usual.

"Rory..." I said softly. "You hungry?"

She shook her head silently without lifting her head. That was never a good sign on this ship. Turning down a meal was almost unheard of. I couldn't blame her though. To be honest, I wasn't all that hungry either.

I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. I didn't want to just leave her there all by herself, but I don't know how to comfort her. Ace would probably do a better job of that than me. Yet another reason he should have stayed. Since he wasn't around, I'd have to step in though. I stepped into the room, leaving the door open just a crack and took a seat next to Rory. I offered what little comfort I could and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into me and seemed to curl up into an even smaller ball.

I couldn't think of anything else to do beyond my small gesture. So I sat silently and hoped my presence was enough to console her.

~A~

I know it probably wasn't a good idea. I know they said I didn't need to leave. I know that I had Pops' permission to let it go. But i couldn't. I couldn't sit there and do nothing when Thatch's murderer was out there, laughing, relishing in his victory. I can't let Teach get away with this. What kind of friend would I be if I let it go? I had to avenge my friend. He was literally stabbed in the back, and I had to make things right! I had to erase the stain on my family's honor! The rule of the ship is that we don't harm our family. That rule was broken, and it had to have a punishment.

Also, I need to...to make it up to Thatch. I feel so guilty. What kind of friend am I? I knew his life was threatened. I knew something was going to happen. I knew my friend, my brother, was in danger. Even so the green monster had settled within me. I saw the way Rory was worried about Thatch and I got jealous. Jealous! How selfish of me...

I know he didn't even know about that, but I feel like I need to redeem myself. I feel like I need to show him that no matter what, he's still important to me. Teach took something important from everyone. He insulted the old man's pride. He betrayed his family. He made Rory cry.

I will never forgive him. I'll find him, and kill him. I'll do whatever it takes. For the man I've come to know as my father. For my family. For Rory. For Thatch... I'll find that murdering bastard.

My Striker slowed to a stop at the docks of an unfamiliar island. I tied up my sea vessel and stepped into the harbor. I looked around with determination putting a spring in my step as I headed into town.

My search began.

~R~

The whistle of my arrows sailing through the air, followed by the thud of hitting a target were the only sounds I focused on. Each arrow loosed sunk deeper into the wood than the last. No one came near me. They could tell ever since I came out of my room this morning that I was in no mood to talk. I didn't speak to anyone. They didn't speak to me. I focused on my bow. The arrows. The targets. I could feel one or two people watching me. I ignored them.

Anger bubbled inside me. At everything.

At Teach. He killed one of my best friends. Everyone was angry at him.

At Whitebeard. He's the one who let Teach be a part of the crew. I guess he couldn't have seen this coming, but still.

At Marco. He said he'd keep an eye on things. He didn't do a very good job. I know its not fair to blame him, but i couldn't help it.

At the crew. Where were they? Thatch wasn't alone on night duty that night. How come no one noticed Teach was up that night?

At Ace. Why is he so stupid? He shouldn't have left! I need him here...With me...

At myself. I knew something bad was going to happen. I should have tried harder to protect him.

I was even angry at Thatch. He said he'd be careful...But look what happened. He went and died anyway...

I ran out of arrows, and I kicked quiver. No one said anything. I had the right to feel the way I was feeling. I'm sure others felt the same way, and my way of dealing with it was significantly more tame than theirs. Some went around killing sea kings. Others drank themselves to oblivion. Some headed to deserted islands to blow of steam. I just had target practice.

I started pacing, started thinking. About lots of things. Whitebeard. Teach. Thatch. Ace. Marco. Everyone else. My mother.

Speaking of my mother, I think I understand something now. She seemed like the type who hated getting close to people. I think I know why. She has the same sense that I do. She knows the cold fear that comes when she senses a loved one in danger. She must also know the anger, grief and guilt that comes with not being able to save them. Her solution is to not get close to anyone.

I knew I could never resort to that extreme. Well, I didn't know that for sure. Maybe if I lost a lot of friends and family, I'd retreat into myself too. Maybe I'd hate myself for being so weak. Hell, I already do.

I got an idea. Would I be able to get stronger? Can I learn to protect everyone? I would try. But I couldn't do it here. The guys around here would go easy on me. But I know who won't. I just had to convince her to train me.

~G~

I can't remember the last time I took a day off. I suppose that's my own fault, being the workaholic I am. In fact, I'd rather be hunting pirates right now, but the higher ups are making me take some time off. I guess they caught wind of the fact that I haven't been completely focused lately. I won't blame that on anyone else. That's my fault too. I've been thinking about that kid of mine. That little girl who has some growing up to do.

I guess I'm not as cold as my subordinates think I am. But I don't have the right to worry about that girl's safety. I forfeited my right to call myself her mother. She can do whatever she wants. Its out of my hands. I don't know what I was thinking, giving her that vivre card... She probably wouldn't use it. Why would she? She runs with pirates. Whitebeard pirates, no less. If I see her, I'm gonna have to arrest her. I say that, but...

The knocking on my door grew persistent. I muttered a string of curses. I didn't want to get up. If I was going to have a day off, I'd spend it drinking and being lazy. But since the knocking didn't stop, I'd have to scare whoever it was off myself.

However I wasn't prepared to see her.

"I knew you were home!" She glared at me, a scowl reminding me of myself crossing her face. "You said I could come see you if I needed to." she said. Her eyes flashed with a resolve that I knew too well. "You're gonna train me!"

She certainly got to the point. I was at a loss for words for a moment. Who did she think she was, ordering me around like that? She's basically a pirate. And she came to a marine for help. Is she stupid?

No. She's not. She knows I won't turn her in. I can see it on her face. "Cheeky brat." I said.