(I lied, one more chapter after this one.)

Ace and Sabo held their hands in the bucket of water until small bubbles began to form. They withdrew their hands; Ace picked up the bucket and poured the hot water into Franky's open hatch. A minute later, Franky whirred to life, sitting up and looking around.

"What happened?' he asked.

Robin quickly explained.

"Wow," Franky said. He stood. "So . . . now both members of the royal family are . . ."

"If I could find that necromancer again . . ." Brook mused aloud.

"No, Brook," Sabo scolded. He sighed and turned to Vivi. "Hey, is it possible Chopper was mistaken?"

"I'm not sure," Vivi admitted. "But either way, we should see him for ourselves. If he truly is dead . . . he deserves a proper burial, doesn't he?"

"Not to sound impatient, but can we go inside already?"

Everyone looked at Zoro, who was standing near the door, clearly agitated.

"Of course," Usopp said, looking around. Everyone went inside and, after removing their shoes, slowly went upstairs.

". . . correct, then to bring him back—"

They found Luffy still lying prone on the bed. Chopper and Sanji were kneeling on either side of him, and Sanji cut himself off in the middle of saying something to look up. He gave an exclamation of surprise and stood suddenly.

"You're back!" Chopper exclaimed happily. He looked at Zoro. "And you're Herr Zoro, right?"

Zoro nodded, but his eyes were on Luffy. Everyone came farther in, spreading out around the bed.

Sanji looked around, taking in their strange appearances. "If I'm correct, you . . ." he bowed. "Thank you for taking care of me."

"You've recovered?" Vivi exclaimed.

"You, too!" Usopp said, smiling. "Thank goodness!"

"Usopp," Sanji said, ashamed, "I'm so sorry for what I did . . ."

"It's okay," Usopp said quickly. "I'm sure Luffy would forgive you, after all . . ."

He looked at Luffy and his smile faded.

"Then he really has passed," Ace said, just above a whisper.

Zoro had not moved since seeing Luffy lying still on the bed. His eyes were fixed upon him.

Sanji cleared his throat. "I was just saying to Herr Chopper . . . I think we can bring him back."

At this Zoro finally looked up. "Oh, it's you," he said, apparently noticing Sanji for the first time. "You've come back to your senses?"

Sanji scowled. "Where were you all that time? Listen, I think we can bring Prinz Luffy back."

"Are you a necromancer?" Brook asked curiously.

Sanji eyed him up and down. "No," he said. He looked around at everyone again. "What are—? Well, we'll save that for later."

"We can bring him back?" Robin prompted. Everyone looked at Sanji hopefully.

Sanji nodded. "According to Chopper . . . he stopped breathing when he took a bite of that apple, correct? The apple was green, and afterwards, Königin Nami set out to kill you." He looked at Zoro, and then glanced around. "Come to think of it . . . where is meine Königin?" he frowned. "If the spells were lifted . . ."

Usopp coughed. "Long story . . . in the meantime, go on."

Sanji frowned with worry, but quickly recovered. "In any case, I've seen this poison in one of meine Königin's spellbooks. It's a powerful poison, and there is only one antidote."

"Which is?" Ace prompted.

"True love's kiss."

Silence engulfed the room. Everyone slowly turned to look at Zoro.

"Why are you looking at me?" he demanded, eyeing Luffy. "Shouldn't . . . we be trying to learn who Prinz Luffy loves?"

The others exchanged exasperated glances.

"It might not work if it's not reciprocated," Sanji remarked. "Herr Pennbruder, sorry to be blunt, but do you love Prinz Luffy?"

Zoro opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

"I think that's a yes," Franky said.

"I—what—"

"Answer the question," Sabo said sternly.

Zoro swallowed nervously. "Of course I love him," he murmured. "But he doesn't love me back. How could he? I'm just a homeless peasant, I'm not good enough for someone like him . . ."

There was another round of exasperated glances.

"You're an idiot," Franky said at last. "How do you think we knew your name?"

Zoro frowned. Evidently he hadn't considered this.

Usopp sighed. "Do you know how much he's talked about you?"

"He talked about me?" Zoro repeated, stunned.

"Look," Ace said, running out of patience. "Give it a try, won't you? If this doesn't work . . ." he trailed off. A few of his fingers began smoking.

Zoro looked at Luffy nervously. He swallowed and knelt by the bed (Chopper and Vivi clearing the way for him).

Luffy looked so peaceful, though he was without breath or movement. With one final look around at everyone, Zoro pursed his lips and lowered his face—

"Wait!"

He jerked back and everyone stared at Robin indignantly.

"What?"

"Herr Zoro, move aside, if you will," she ordered. He stepped back, very confused, and she approached the bed. She balled all of her hands together on top of each other into three fists and promptly slammed them with great force into Luffy's chest.

The portion of apple Luffy had swallowed, too big for his throat, came flying out from its previously stuck position and sailed across the room, hitting the ceiling and bouncing to the floor. Luffy gasped, opened his eyes, and sat up suddenly.

"Wow, I thought I was going to die!" he exclaimed, breathing in deeply and coughing. Once he recovered, he glanced around. "Hi, everyone! What's going on?"

"IT WAS STUCK IN YOUR THROAT?!" the others yelled, half-indignant and half-relieved.

"I only just noticed," Robin admitted.

Chopper began to cry. "Why didn't I notice . . . ?"

Vivi patted his head, choking back tears herself. "Herr Luffy, thank goodness you're alive . . ."

"I hope I didn't break any ribs," Robin remarked with a relieved smile.

Luffy felt his chest. "No, I'm fine."

"Do you need water?" Ace asked. "Sabo, come on, let's get some water for him—"

"Mein Prinz, thank goodness," Sanji said happily.

"Sanji!" Luffy exclaimed. "You're well again?"

Sanji nodded. "I must sincerely apologize for . . . my previous actions."

Luffy grinned. "You're forgiven! I apologize for punching you!"

"I can't believe it was just stuck in your throat," Usopp groaned.

Luffy looked at him in surprise. "You're not rhyming?"

Usopp grinned. "I'll explain later. I'm glad you're fine."

Brook cleared his throat as Franky pretended to wipe away tears. "Herr Luffy, if you would look to your left . . ."

Luffy glanced to his right.

"Your other left."

Luffy looked the other way and gasped, finally seeing Zoro.

"ZORO!"

As Ace and Sabo returned with water, he leapt up from the bed and jumped on Zoro in a hug.

"Zoro," he cried. "I'm so glad you're okay, I missed you so much!"

Zoro cleared his throat, choking back tears of his own, and managed to get Luffy off of him. "Mein Prinz," he said formally, conscious of the others, "I'm glad to see you well again."

"Don't be so stuffy!" Luffy exclaimed, hugging him again and laughing. "I told you to call me Luffy!"

"Don't you two have something to tell each other?" Robin asked with faint amusement.

"Of course!" Luffy exclaimed. He backed off and grinned. "Zoro, I love you!"

Zoro's hand flew to his mouth and his eyes widened. He seemed at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you earlier," Luffy explained, "but then this whole mess happened with stepmother, and I couldn't meet with you . . ."

At Zoro's continued silence, he frowned. "Oh . . . I'm sorry, you . . . don't return my feelings, is that it?" he sighed. "That's okay. I just . . . wanted to tell you."

Before he could turn away, Zoro finally lowered his hand.

"No!" he exclaimed. "Luffy, I . . . I didn't think you'd ever love me back. I . . ." he smiled. "I love you, too."

Luffy's sunshine smile burst back onto his face. "Zoro!" he cried happily.

Zoro laughed in delight and, on some impulse, picked Luffy up and spun him around.

"I'm going to be sick," Sanji muttered, though he too was smiling.

Zoro finally put Luffy down and pulled him into a crushing hug. The others applauded; Usopp cheerfully offered a dance to Sanji, who respectfully declined.

"Move one muscle, and I'll blast you into the wall."

The party froze and turned to the stairs.

Nami stood there, her appearance disheveled. The bloodstain was still visible on her shirt, but the wound seemed to have healed. She clenched the bloody dagger in her hands, aiming it threateningly at those gathered.

"I will not," she hissed, "let this plan fail. Give me Prinz Luffy and I shan't harm anyone else."

"Meine Königin," Sanji exclaimed, relieved to see her. "You're alright, thank goodness—"

Usopp's legs shook so much they were heard knocking together. "How?" he stuttered. "I killed you—"

"And you'll get your punishment soon enough," Nami said sweetly. "But first, Luffy. Hand him over."

Vivi frowned. She slowly approached Nami, who turned the dagger to her.

"Herr Usopp," Vivi said, standing in front of Nami, who made no move to harm her. "You said the spells upon you would break by three ways."

"Move, faery, or I'll be forced to move you myself," Nami said shakily.

Usopp frowned. "I . . . the spells would break if . . . if she removed them herself, if she died, or . . . if she lost her magic."

Nami flinched.

"What's going on?" Luffy exclaimed.

"Usopp, you said you killed her?" Sanji asked dangerously.

Usopp gulped. "It's a long story . . ."

Vivi suddenly seized the knife and threw it away. She spread her arms and stood in front of Nami.

"Do your worst," she challenged.

Nami stood frozen in front of her. Vivi made a sudden motion and Nami flinched again.

"Then . . ." Usopp said slowly. "In order to heal the wound, you . . ."

Nami was clearly scared now. "So what if I lost my magic?" she exclaimed suddenly. "It took all I had to save myself from dying . . . but with or without my powers, I'm still the ruler of this land!"

"Zoro," Luffy said, turning to Zoro abruptly. "Marry me."

"Okay," Zoro agreed with a dazed smile.

Luffy turned back to Nami. "You're not the ruler anymore," he declared. "Zoro and I are married now. We'll hold the proper ceremonies later, but as of now I'm officially the König. What say you?"

"What—you can't marry a peasant!" Nami exclaimed indignantly.

"There isn't anything in the law that says I can't," Luffy pointed out. "Oh, before I forget . . ."

He approached her and delivered a swift uppercut to her chin. She tasted blood and covered her mouth, wincing.

"How dare you," she hissed.

Luffy folded his arms. "That was for what you did," he said sternly.

Nami flinched from him and lowered her hands.

"Looks aren't everything, you know," Luffy said. "But if you changed your attitude, you'd be that much more beautiful, you know?"

She stared at him indignantly, but before she could retort, he clapped his hands.

"I think we should return to the castle," he said cheerfully. He looked around. "If you want to, you may all come live with us."

The part-humans shook their heads.

"We already have a roof over our heads," Franky said. "But you're very kind, thank you."

Luffy turned to Sanji and Usopp. "Usopp, would you return to your old job? Either way, you're coming back to the castle. And Sanji, you're coming as well, aren't you?"

Usopp agreed with a smile, but Sanji frowned and looked at Nami.

"Oh, you're coming, too," Luffy added, eyeing Nami.

Nami stared at him.

"You don't have anywhere else to go, and I need to keep an eye on you," Luffy explained. He grinned. "Just because you're not the Königin anymore . . . and besides, you need to get cleaned up with the rest of us."

She scowled heavily.

The twelve made their way down the stairs, keeping a close eye on Nami to make sure she didn't pull any tricks.

At the door, hugs and thank-yous were exchanged, as well as a few tears. And then it was finally time to go.

"I'll send someone to give you an invitation for the ceremonies!" Luffy exclaimed as they left, waving his arms vigorously. "Goodbye!"

"Meine Dame?" Sanji said, offering his arm. Nami eyed him and accepted warily. He smiled and was happy to lead her just behind Luffy and Zoro, Usopp bringing up the rear.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Zoro murmured, walking next to Luffy arm-in-arm.

Luffy grinned. "I'm glad you're okay!"

"I'd gone to the castle, but . . ." Zoro said, stumbling over his words. "I couldn't find my way through the woods, and then . . ."

He glanced back at Nami, who scowled heavily. He turned back to the front.

"First thing's first," Luffy declared, clutching Zoro's arm, "you're going to have a bath when we return."

Zoro smiled. "That sounds good."

Luffy looked back at Nami. "And you need to learn to treat people better."

"Excuse me?" Nami snapped.

Luffy frowned. "Sanji's so loyal and kind, but you took away his senses. Usopp's one of the greatest guys I know, but you cursed him for two years. You also tried to kill me," he added as an afterthought.

"I forgive you, meine Dame," Sanji said quickly. "I'm sure I deserved it."

"No, you didn't," Luffy said sternly. "Stepmother, if I catch you treating anyone badly when they don't deserve it, I'm going to take away your dinner for a week."

Nami stared at him, speechless with indignation. Luffy grinned and turned back to the front while Sanji whispered, "I'll still bring you food."

"I heard that," Luffy said cheerfully. "Speaking of food, Sanji, do you feel up to cooking?"

"Always, mein König," Sanji declared. "I'll whip up a grand feast when we return."

Luffy grinned. "Thank you!"

He leaned against Zoro as they walked. Zoro held him tightly with one arm as if afraid he might slip away, and they spent the rest of their walk back just like this . . . in loving silence.