Chapter 5-First turning point

**Point of View of Marcus Mars**

It was a cloudy day, as they all seemed to be in the last week, but at least today the rain had stopped. Marcus Mars was reviewing paperwork at his desk, but he had something else on his mind: his grandson and the scene he had just witnessed at the house entrance with his friend Alice. It was a real shame that the promise Ethan told me they made didn't seem like it would be fulfilled in the future, Marcus thought.

**Flashback of 1 Hour Ago**

The entrance to the Mars Family residence in Mariejois exuded opulence and grandeur, reflecting their absolute power and status. A pair of doors about 2.5 meters high, made of precious metal alloys, were adorned with intricate carvings that narrated the noble family's history. The gold and silver reliefs shone under the sunlight, depicting scenes of dominance and authority. However, on that particular day, the gold and silver didn't seem to shine as they always did. The residence didn't convey the sense of grandeur that characterized the Mars Family.

The property seemed to have lost its luster in a week. Anyone unaware of what had happened might think something was wrong, but the reality was that the Mars family had just experienced a devastating event, and the consequences were beginning to affect the 7-year-old, Ethan Mars, and his relationships.

The clouds grew darker as the minutes passed. Alice stood nervously at the edge of Ethan's yard, holding a small bag of candies they both liked and some flowers in a bouquet. She had picked the flowers from a store; they were Ethan's favorite color, blue. She hadn't seen Ethan in days since the tragic news about his parents. She missed her friend and hoped the flowers and candies would cheer him up.

"Ethan?" Alice called softly, stepping closer to the door.

Ethan emerged, his face etched with sadness and a hard edge of anger that Alice had never seen before. His eyes, once bright and blue, were now dull, clouded by dark determination. He seemed like a different person, far from the carefree child who was her best friend.

"What do you want, Alice?" he snapped, his voice lacking its usual warmth and distant.

Alice took a hesitant step forward, offering the flowers. "I brought you this. I thought they might cheer you up. We haven't played together in days, and I..."

"Play?" Ethan interrupted, his voice rising. "Do you think I want to go and play?"

Alice flinched, her eyes wide with surprise. "Ethan, I know you're hurt, but..."

"You know nothing!" Ethan yelled, his fists clenched in anger. "My parents are dead, Alice! They're gone, and it's all because of the pirate Shiki! I don't have time for childish games. I have to get stronger. I have to kill him and avenge my parents' death!"

Alice's eyes filled with tears. She had never seen Ethan like this. "But Ethan, we promised we would always be there for each other. We can face this together, let me help you with your pain."

Ethan shook his head furiously. "You don't understand. You'll just be a distraction. All you do is talk about adventures and dreams. This is real, Alice! My parents are dead because of him!"

Alice stepped back, her heart aching. "I just wanted to help you, Ethan. I thought you needed a friend."

Ethan's anger flared again. "I don't need your help. The only thing that matters now is getting stronger to get my revenge. Shiki will pay for what he did to my parents, and I won't let anything or anyone stand in my way. Not even you."

Alice dropped the flowers with trembling hands. She had never felt so helpless. "Ethan, please, listen to me..."

But Ethan turned away, his back rigid with determination and pain. "Go away, Alice. I don't have time for this."

Alice stood there for a moment, tears streaming down her face, before finally turning and running, leaving the forgotten flowers on the ground. As Alice walked away, it began to rain, wetting Ethan's face with a mixture of salty tears and rain. Ethan was left alone, the weight of his anger and pain pressing down on him, isolating him from the only person who had always been there. Now he felt even more alone than before, his body trembling, recalling the times they had spent having fun together, but he knew he couldn't afford those kinds of games; he had to devote himself to one thing: defeating the golden lion Shiki.

In the rain, the friends who were once inseparable now found themselves on opposite sides of an abyss created by loss and revenge. Their bond, strained but not broken, was destined to face many more challenges in the years to come.

**Mars Family Property**

Ethan awoke with the warm morning light filtering through his window, casting long shadows in his room. The silence was deafening. He no longer heard his mother's gentle humming or his father's loud laughter. The house, once full of warmth and joy, now felt cold and empty.

He slowly got out of bed, his small feet stepping softly on the wooden floor. As he walked through the house, memories flooded his mind. The kitchen, where his mother Casey used to make his favorite meals; the study, where his father Charles read him stories of great Marines and adventures; the living room, where they all gathered and played board games together. Each memory was a contrast to the present emptiness that enveloped him.

Ethan stopped by the large window overlooking the garden. He remembered playing there with Alice, laughing and dreaming about the future. But those dreams now felt distant, overshadowed by a dark determination.

**Flashbacks with His Parents**

*Flashback 1*

Ethan was five years old, sitting in the kitchen while his mother, Casey, prepared his favorite dish, meatloaf. Casey had a contagious laugh and a natural ability to make everything seem easy.

"Come on, Ethan, help me mix the ingredients," Casey said, smiling as she handed him a bowl full of meat and spices.

Ethan took the spoon and began mixing enthusiastically, laughing when a bit of the mixture splattered out of the bowl. "Mom, this smells so good!"

Casey laughed and handed him a cloth to clean himself. "Cooking is always more fun and delicious when done with love. And you, little chef, have lots of love to give."

*Flashback 2*

One night, Charles was sitting in the study, with Ethan on his lap. They were reading a book about the adventures of the Marines, stories of bravery and honor.

"Dad, will I ever be a powerful warrior like them?" Ethan asked, his eyes full of wonder.

Charles smiled and stroked his hair. "Ethan, you can be whatever you want to be. The important thing is to have courage and great motivation. Always remember that."

*Flashback 3*

On a rainy afternoon, the family gathered in the living room, playing a board game. Laughter filled the air as Ethan, Casey, and Charles competed playfully.

"I won!" Ethan shouted, raising his arms in victory.

Casey pretended to be surprised. "Oh no! He beat us again, Charles."

Charles laughed and hugged Ethan. "You're a true champion, son. You're always the best."

Ethan gave his parents a big smile and said, "Of course I am, Dad, as you always tell me, I'm very talented."

*Flashback 4*

On a sunny day, Ethan was running through the garden with his father, exploring every corner. Charles showed him how to identify different plants and flowers.

"Look, Ethan, this is a rose. Sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses along the way, no matter how fast you're going," Charles said, holding a red rose.

Ethan inhaled the scent and smiled. "They smell really nice, Dad. I promise to stop and smell them."