Chapter 13: The Beginning of a Nightmare

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

Pele was bored. Bored out of her mind as her ship sailed, she searched for more members to recruit, and by recruit in her means was hypnotizing victims. The forty-some-year-old woman sighed before she rubbed her temples.

Pele had an agile body with dark skin and short dark green hair tied up with a red ribbon in a fan-like hair bob style and reddish-violet colored eyes. She wore a red sleeveless ninja tunic cut off midway down her thighs, exposing her cleavage. A red sash held the tunic in place. In addition, she wore thin tight black gloves bolstered by her middle fingers and extended beyond her wrists, stopping short mid-arm. Black cloth acted as footguards on her legs, starting midway up her shins to the middle of her toes. Thin straps held each at the bottom arches of her bare feet. Finally, she wore a tan cloak that covered most of her body as various pieces of jewelry made from obsidian.

"Someone get me tea, coffee, or alcohol!" Pele yelled.

One of the crew obeyed and soon returned with a bottle of rum which Pele snatched from him. She drank half of the bottle before there was a yell from the Crowsnest.

"Ship off the starboard bow!"

"Finally!" Pele said as she went to the starboard side to look.

Though they were still a reasonable distance from the other ship, Pele was relieved it wasn't the Dragon Soul Pirates. She had enough of them and that damn captain of theirs, Malchoir "The Draco."

Pele had once belonged to the Black Hunter Pirates, led by Oroku Sancho, who perished, as did several of their crewmates at Draco's hands. Besides her, four other members of the Black Hunter Pirates survived the encounter with Draco and his pirate crew.

"Move it, you lot," Pele said. "We must capture that ship's crew and return to the others!"

~~.~~.~~

Ryder felt miserable as he tried to focus on lookout duty, but his thoughts were too troubled. First, he had to speak with his son. The wind shifted slightly, and the black tiger shark caught the sound of creaking wood, and he turned in the direction of the noised to see the grapple hooks landing onto the railings of their ship.

"ATTACK! WE'RE BEING ATTACKED!" Ryder bellowed at the top of his lungs.

Seeing the first attackers climbing over the rails, the Fishman went on the defensive, boldly leaping from the Crowsnest and landing right among the enemy. Ryder was like a bolt of black lightning as he slashed through the invaders with his karambit knives, blood spraying him and the deck. Kauileale, having heard the commotion, had emerged from the kitchen and saw his father facing imposing odds. Although he did not love his so-called father, Kauileale could not stand by and watch. The young Fishman pulled from a leather sheath he had strapped to his side a Haladie, a double-edged dagger with two curved blades attached to a single hilt made from bone and a black bull horn. With a roar, he was stabbing and slashing through another wave, starting to come aboard.

"Kauileale!" Ryder shouted. "Sound the alarm!"

"But-"

"Do as I say!" Ryder roared.

Kauileale mutely nodded before he started ringing the alarm bell. Down below, on each deck level and in the cargo hold, another bell rang, alerting the Saw crew.

Riptide had been making notes for a new map when the alarm rang. He emerged from his study, which was adjourned to his and Skie's quarters. There was no sign of Skie, and though they fought, he was worried about her. He hurried from his quarters just as Marcus emerged from his.

"Bloody hell!" the old shortfin mako said, still tightening the belt on his pants. "Can't a person get a wink of sleep?!"

"Sofu, we're being attacked!" Riptide said as he went for the stairs. "Rouse the others!"

Marcus hurried down the steps for deck 2 and was met by Grinder, Jimbei, Nami, Trapper, Thor, Zanfar, Van, Longtooth, and Blade, who came up from deck 3.

"Wat be happenin?" Blade said.

"We're being attacked," Marcus said. "Riptide has already gone off to join the fight."

"Da Capn' still be recoverin' from his injures," Blade said, eyes wide in alarm.

"Then we best get to him before something worse happens!"

"And we will, but first, I want the ladies taken to safety," Grinder said.

"I can fight!" Nami said, determined and knowing her oldest would need to be protected.

"That might be true," Grinder said. "But there of those who do not, and we also have the youngest members who need protecting." Leilani stood in the back, holding Wailele and Mo'o. Both were crying. "We need to ensure that they are kept safe."

Nami gave no argument, for it was known that she had a soft side for children among her crewmates; besides, Riptide would want her to look after mother and children. "I'll do it, but I will not be alone."

"You won't," Grinder assured her, looking over his crewmates. "I need volunteers to aid her in guarding Leilani and the babies."

"I'll help," Gaff said. "And Destiny can come with me."

"Wha- " Destiny looked at him in annoyance. "I'm not hiding like some coward!"

"Protecting the little one is not the act of a coward," Marcus said. "Those that might attack them are the cowards. I'm sure you recall those that attacked you and your brothers when you were small."

Destiny fell silent, remembering that day; their lives changed. She felt Gaff take her hand, giving her a light squeeze. She glanced at him and saw his brief nod. He would be there for her. "Okay…"

"Ah will go wit dem," Blade said.

"No, we will need you to handle the cannons," Grinder said. "Pick some of the crew to help you."

"I'll go with Nami with Tarl and Garth," Marcus said.

Grinder nodded.

~~up on deck~~

Ryder was fighting like he was possessed. Outnumbered, the black tiger shark refused to give an inch of ground to his enemies. Haunted by the betrayal of Stryker, the failure to save his young captain drove him. He was breathing hard as blood flowed from wounds received.

"Surrender or die!" Yelled the woman from the safety of the enemy ship.

"Surrender?!" Ryder laughed. "I don't know the meaning of the word! It's you who should be the one surrendering!"

"Why should I do that?" the woman said.

"Because of that!" Ryder retorted, nodding to the alarm bell being rung. "That's your death being sounded!"

The woman laughed. "Abrahaha! That bell is so weak in sound that no one will hear!"

Then the forward cargo hold hatch opened, followed by an angry roar. Ryder grinned as Butch came forth, looking as mad as a Spinosaurus. Then, seeing Ryder in trouble, the dino bent forward, charging into the enemy, sending them flying. Next, he whipped his tail, sending more flying.

~~.~~.~~

Pele stood on her ship watching. The sight of the Spinosaurus excited her. She wanted him as her new pet/mount!

"Don't harm that dinosaur!" she screamed as her men tried attacking Butch. "Capture him, you idiots!"

Another group with nets and ropes tried doing that, only to have Butch sidestep their attempt. Instead, he roared, terrifying them. Pele cursed, deciding to take matters into her own hands. She jumped onto the railing of Wavecutter as Butched turned to face her.

"I can't wait to take you into battle," Pele said as she held up her necklaces. "Un, Deux, Cristal!"

Butch snarled as the woman started swinging her necklaces. She might be a woman, but he was finding it hard not to want to kill her. 'How can a woman be so annoying?!' he thought before he started feeling strange.

Pele smiled as Butch started swaying, his head drooping as his will started slipping. "That's a good boy," she cooed.

"Butch! What's wrong?!" Ryder yelled, seeing his companion looking strange.

"Attack him, my pet!" the woman said, pointing at Ryder.

Butch's eyes snapped open, and he turned, growling as he moved towards Ryder.

"Butch!" Ryder yelled. "Butch, don't you recognize me?!"

Butch roared as he lunged.

"Itazura Shoot!"

The Spinosaurus looked up as Riptide jumped high, landing a powerful kick to his neck. Roaring in pain, Butch staggered but did not go down.

"Butch, have you lost your mind?!" the captain of the Saw Pirates yelled. "Why are you attacking one of our family?!"

"That woman did something to him!" Ryder yelled, pointing to Pele.

"What?!" Riptide looked at Pele. "What the hell did you do to my Nakama?!"

"Why should I tell you?! Especially when you're about to be his first meal!"

"Capn, look out!" Ryder shouted.

Butch was on the attack again just as screech filled the air, and he roared in pain as Sunflash leaped onto his brother's head. Sickle claws cut open the Spinosaurus' snout driving Butch crazy with pain. He twisted around, trying to bite Sunflash, who kept moving, clawing, and biting.

"What in tarnation has gotten into ya, Butch?!" Sunflash yelled. "Snap out of it! You're attackin' family! Our family!"

~~.~~.~~

Pele was surprised when she heard Sunflash. The velociraptor could talk! How was this even possible?!

~~.~~.~~

Sunflash was doing his best to avoid his brother's teeth as he continued to attack him. What was wrong with Butch? Why the hell was he attacking their friends? He had to snap Butch out of whatever was wrong with him!

"Butch, ya got to come to yer senses!" He screamed. "What's gotten into ya?"

Butch's eyes were glazed over and different in color. Sunflash couldn't understand it. But, whatever it was, he had to find a way to stop his brother before he seriously got hurt or part of their family did. So the mind-controlled Spinosaurus twisted around in a different direction, a move that caught Sunflash by surprise. The velociraptor screeched in pain as Butch's teeth bit down on his lower back.

"NO!"

Pele screamed at the same time Riptide. Butch bit down harder, Sunflash screaming at the top of his lungs as his brother shook his head back and forth.

"BUTCH! LET YOUR BROTHER GO!"

Butch's eyes shifted toward Riptide, who was charging at him.

'Pup! What are you thinking?!'

'Uncle Luffy!' Riptide said to Chief before he leaped into the air.

Riptide had seen Luffy fight, so he went on the offensive without thinking. Using the speed of his Hidden Fury, the hybrid leaped into the air, high above Butch's head.

"TSUNAMIKIKKU!"

All fighting had ceased, eyes now on Riptide, who used both legs to deliver a rapid series of kicks to Butch's body. The Spinosaurus staggered before he still refused to go down. Butch was hurting, though, as his grip loosened on Sunflash.

"Damn it, Butch!" Riptide yelled. "Let your brother go, or I'll make you!"

Butch snarled in defiance.

"Fine! Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

For Riptide to copy, Luffy's signature attack was mind-boggling as he used the speed and strength of Hidden Fury. However, Riptide's version was more potent as he struck Butch across the snout with such force that Sunflash flew from his brother's jaws. Finally, the velociraptor crashed on Pele's ship among barrels and netting. With Sunflash free, Riptide continued attacking Butch, coping with another of his uncle's signature attacks.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatoringu!"

Riptide's punches were a blur, and like Luffy, it appeared he was throwing a barrage of powerful punches. Butch roared in pain as he was getting struck.

~~below deck~~

Grinder's plan to get those to safety was not going as he had wanted. Instead, coming down the stairs was the enemy forcing the crew to go on the defensive. The Helicoprion Fishman ordered Nami, Destiny, Chizzara, and Leilani to stay behind as he and the others stood between them and the invaders. Gunfire echoed as Tarlong brought his shotgun into the play.

"Who are these bastards?!" Tarl said as he dropped a few more pirates who managed to come down the stairs. He raised his priced weapon only to hear a click. "Ah, shit! Garth! I'm out of ammo!"

"Don't look at me!' Garth signed quickly. "I didn't bring anything!"

"Are you fucking me?!" Tarl snapped before he dropped his saw-off shotgun to the floor. "Looks like we do this old fashion way!"

"Tarl, Down!"

Tarl ducked just as Marcus cracked his whip over his oldest son's head, skillfully taking out one invader after another.

"Push them back!" Grinder barked.

"Wit pleasure!" Blade said as he and Longtooth rushed past Marcus and his sons. "Ah don't wantiin dese bastards damagin Wavecutter. Da Capn be not forgiven me if dat happens."The two seasoned pirates barreled into the mob, still coming down the stairs.

Grinder turned to Nami. "You need to get to the cargo hold," he said. "I fear we may be unable to hold them back for long."

Nami knew they had one chance, and she looked at the back of the imposing figure of her fellow Straw Hat. "Jimbei! Send them flying so the guys to get to Riptide!"

Jimbei calmly glanced over his shoulder at her, giving a firm nod before he moved forward. Longtooth gripped Blade by the arm, pulling him back as the whale shark stepped past them.

"Karakusagawara Seiken!" Jimbei shouted using his Fishman karate.

When Jimbei used his attack, two of Pele's men hurled metal balls that landed near and past Jimbei. Marcus saw them and shouted a warning as the balls went off, releasing thick smoke into the air and causing everyone to cough. It was hard to breathe, and there was a thump as Tarl fell to the floor, followed by Garth. Marcus struggled to keep his eyes open as he dropped to a knee, hearing more of his friends hit the floor. Finally, someone fell against him, and he saw Longtooth struggling like him.

"Fucking cowards…. " The longfin mako wheezed. "They used sleeping gas…. "

"Fucking hell…. " Marcus said as he and Longtooth succumbed to the effects of the gas.

~~On Deck~~

Riptide continued his attack on Butch, despite for his Nakama to regain senses. "Butch, stop this!" he yelled, dodging the Spinosuarus' snapping jaws. "I don't make me hurt you!"

"Wait?! You're holding back?!" Pele yelled at the hybrid.

Riptide turned his attention to Pele, and she cringed at the sight of his eyes. She had never seen such a look besides that of Draco when he attacked them and their ship when she sailed under the flag of the Black Hat Hunters. Pele watched as Butch lunged, only to get backhanded so hard that he finally fell, crashing down upon the deck and some of her unfortunate crew.

"Who the fucking hell do you think you are ruining my fun?!" Pele screamed.

"Fun?" Riptide growled as he gave her a murderous look. "You're a fucking coward! How dare you attack my ship while we slept?!"

"Hello?!" Pele yelled, gesturing to the Saw's flag. "You're a pirate, right?! It's what pirates do! Attack, loot, and steal from each other and islands! For a pirate, you're pathetic!"

"Not all pirates are bloodthirsty bastards!" Riptide snapped back. "Some have the thirst to be adventurous."

"Who gave you this bullshit belief?!" Pele said.

"My uncle, Monkey D. Luffy!" Riptide said.

Pele had no time to react to Riptide's declaration, for her ship rocked, smoke rising from the starboard of her boat.

"What the hell?!" she screamed, rushing to the ship's side.

She saw the Wavecutter's cannons aimed at their boat's sides, and Pele was no damn fool, for another blast from the guns would damage and either cripple or sink the ship. Pele knew it was time for such a retreat, but not empty-handed; she refused to do it.

~~.~~.~~

Since his captain arrived, Ryder's sides heaved as he regained his breath. The black tiger shark was tired, and his body ached. He never realized how out of shape he was; it had been long since he had fought. He caught a faint whiff of something and glanced toward the cargo hold grates where smoke rose.

"Capn!" Ryder screamed. "Fire!"

~~.~~.~~

Ryder's cry of alarm made Riptide turn his attention from their enemy to the smoke rising from within their ship. "No!" Riptide rushed to the doors that led to the lower decks, his mind on the lives of his Nakama, who were in danger. When they opened, he had just reached the doors, and some of Pele's crew came out. They were wearing gas masks, and before he could react, Riptide was overwhelmed by the smoke. The hybrid coughed as his eyes burned, and he staggered back, fighting the sudden feeling of sleep.

'CHIEF!'

Pele burst out laughing as she watched as both Riptide and Ryder dropped. She was unhappy that her crew had used sleeping gas, but it became a win for her; not only did she have more slaves, but now she processed a bigger and more powerful ship. Her men carried some of Riptide's crewmates and were passing Riptide's unconscious form when one of them was grabbed by his arm. The man looked as Riptide rose to his feet and was sent flying by a powerful punch.

"What the hell?!" Pele blinked, unsure she was seeing what was real. "No fucking way! You can't be awake!"

"Let go of my pup's friends!"

Pele backed away some as she was overcome by the presence she sensed. "Who the hell are you?!"

"Your worse nightmare in this world and the next," snarled the voice of Arlong the Black.

"Stop him!" Pele screamed.

During his time, the chieftain was no weakling when it came to a fight, and this was something Pele's men were learning. It was like facing an army as Arlong the Black knocked them aside. He was unstoppable, and this even Pele knew as she watched the ancient chieftain turning the tide of battle.

"Gas him, you idiots!" she screamed. "Gas him until he drops!"

~~.~~.~~

Seeing and feeling Riptide drop and hearing the desperation in his pup's voice roused Arlong the Black's fighting spirit, and he unleashed his rage upon the enemy of his pup. Not since his youth and his final day among the living had anyone witnessed the strength of the shark clan chieftain. As before, Arlong the Black proved that he was a nightmare, a force to reckon with as he set one man after another off over the decks of the Wavecutter. He had turned his attention to the woman who led the attack, eyes reflecting his fury as he was bombarded with metal balls that contained the sleeping gas. The eruption of the balls going off made it look deck of the warship was draped in a thick fog.

~~.~~.~~

Pele was surprisingly shaking as the saw Shark Fishman turn to face her. His eyes sent a cold chill to her very core, and his eyes had changed. They were dark, and she felt like he was staring into her soul. The sleeping gas enveloped the whole ship's deck, and Pele waited fearfully. She didn't know how much had passed, but she still heard the Fishman fighting those who remained behind. Her men were safe, for they wore their gas masks, but it was screaming that followed that caused Pele to decide.

"Grab whoever you can and get back here!" she screamed.

"But captain-," one of her men started to speak only to get hit.

"DO AS I ORDERED YOU TO DO!" Pele screamed wildly.

~~.~~.~~

Arlong the Black may have been able to control Riptide's body for the fight, but the sleeping gas was taking its toll on him. He was slowly slipping into unconsciousness as he dropped to a knee. Arlong the Black heard the woman screaming, yet she sounded so far away. The ancient chieftain saw through the fog, the enemy grabbing whoever they could, and he spied one of them, throwing Skie over his shoulder.

"No-," he said, struggling to get his feet. "That is my pup's wife. I won't … let you-"

"Shut up!"

Arlong the Black felt the blow across the side of his head, enough to render him unconscious.

~~.~~.~~

Pele watched as her men brought their newest prizes aboard, not paying much attention. "Get them secured and cut the lines," she ordered. "I want to get the hell away from that ship."

Her men obeyed, leaving Pele alone on deck. She noticed the destroyed barrels and saw her prize, Sunflash, lying among the ruined barrels. She ordered her men to get Sunflash quickly into one of the animal cages aboard her ship. Seeing her new mount/ pet delighted the former Black Hunter.

"I can't wait to break you in," she said happily as the velociraptor was taken below. "Let's set sail!"

Pele's ship, free from Wavecutter, sailed off, leaving Riptide and his remaining unconscious crew behind.

Not good news for the Saw crew, with some of their team now prisoners. What fate awaits them? What does Pele plan to do once they reach whatever destination she has planned? Remember to Read and Review.