Author's Note:

Another really long chapter. Alabasta is going to be one hell of an arc. As always please review and let me know what you think.


Addy was ready to give up and die. She was pretty sure she would be dead if it wasn't for the blessing. Trekking through the desert was miserable. The heat, the sand, the air which sucked the moisture right out of her. Why couldn't Vivi live on an ice island?

At the current moment, they were hiking up massive sand dunes. Addy relying on either Ace or Zoro for support. One of them always by her side or sometimes both. Knowing that she probably wouldn't have made it to the top on her own. Her feet slipping on the sand. It was like the ground itself was trying to kill her. Ace currently keeping her upright.

Even Luffy was having a hard go of it. Tongue sticking out. Relying on a hiking stick for support.

"Burning up…" Luffy muttered. "Sweat won't even come out."

"Quit moaning so much Luffy," Nami snapped also annoyed at the desert. Fanning herself with her hand. "You'll only tire yourself out." Luffy let out another groan. "Guess he's not listening." That wasn't surprising at all. The others weren't faring much better.

Zoro had a grimace on his face. Pulling Chopper along on a sled. Who was the only one in worse condition than Addy. Completely unable to move. Usopp leaning on another hiking stick. Only faring slightly better than Addy.

"I can't go on," Chopper murmured. "I can't take hot weather. I'm fine in cold weather, though…"

"It's cause of all that fur," Usopp replied. "You should take off that animal suit."

That set Chopper off. Growing into his larger size. "What was that you jerk?!" He was standing over Usopp. Fists raised in the air. "Don't make fun of reindeer!"

Usopp screamed in response. Raising his own arms up. "Monster!"

"Chopper!" Zoro shouted turning to look at them. "Don't turn big! Or else I won't pull ya!"

"Who're you calling a monster, Humongo-Nose?!" Chopper yelled at Usopp completely ignoring Zoro.

Usopp legs were shaking. Arms raised as if ready to karate chop Chopper. "Don't be stupid!" he yelled back. "I-I'll have you know this nose-"

"Just turn back already!" Zoro interrupted slamming Chopper's head. Turning him back to the small version. Ace and Astrid walking past the three of them. Ace glancing at them as they walked by.

"They are always like this," Addy added on. Her arm slung around Ace's shoulders while his arm gripped her waist. "I would honestly be worried if they weren't acting like this."

Ace hummed in response. Still looking over her crewmates. He'll make his final judgments later.

"You don't seem to be having a hard time, Vivi precious," Sanji stated,

"I was born and raised here," she responded. "So it doesn't bother me much." Well, that made two of them. Ace didn't really seem to be affected either. But he was made out of fire.

"But's what's with all these hills," Usopp asked looking around. Addy was wondering that herself. "I figured the desert would be more flat." Luffy let out another groan. Addy now questions whether any of them were going to make it or if Vivi was going to complete the journey by herself.

"This is a very old desert," Vivi explained. "So some of the sand dunes here are over 300 meters high."

"Th-three hundred meters? No wonder this is like climbing mountains."

"Ocean, kill me now," Addy said whipping more sweat from her brow." She felt her feet leave the ground as Ace picked her up. Carrying her bridal style.

"Not going to happen," he replied with a smile.

Addy rolled her eyes. "I can walk you know."

"Uh-huh." She smacked him in the shoulder but that didn't affect anything in the slightest. She resigned herself to her fate. Glancing at Zoro to gauge his reaction. He seemed to be looking in any direction other than hers.

"It's too much," Luffy complained again. "It's so hot…"

"Just one drink, Luffy," Nami cautioned. "Just one mouthful." Luffy did just that. Stretching out his cheeks to hold more water. Usopp and Nami hitting him in the back of the head. Causing him to spit it all out.

"Don't drink so much!"

"Let us have some, too!" Usopp shouted. "That was 13 mouthfuls just now!"

"Hold on!" Sanji yelled also getting involved. Pointing directly at Luffy. "You just had some! I'm next!" The three boys started fighting. Fists flying every which direction. Nami had the brains to stay out of it. Her and Ace looking over at them. Addy mourning the loss of the water.

"Stop fighting!" Vivi interrupted. "You'll only waste strength."

"But she started it!" Luffy replied.

"It's your fault!" Nami responded.

"Yeah!" Usopp exclaimed. "This is because of you!"

"Enough!" Addy yelled drawing all of their attention. "I'll distribute the water. After all, I can determine who needs it the most." That caused the fighting to stop. She turned her focus to Luffy. "That alright with you Captain?" He nodded though not without some grumbling. At least it was enough to allow them to continue their journey. Soon they were bunkering down for the night among piles of tower rocks. Offering some cover from Wind. Zoro and Usopp setting up the tents while Sanji started a fire. Or tried to until Ace got involved. With a fire going Sanji started cooking. Sticking meat and vegetables up on sticks. Leaning them next to the fire.

Addy let out a sigh of relief. Lying down in the sand. Not caring anymore. Didn't even mind the fire. Not with Ace so close by. The first day of their journey had come to a close. And who knows how many more they had ahead of them. Ace sat down next to her. Addy moved in closer. Feeling the warmth radiate off of him. The others nested around the fire. Keeping warm from the cold desert air.

"So hungry…" Luffy whined reaching into the fire for the food.

"Don't be so greedy!" Sanji chastised. "It's still raw! Don't eat that!" Sanji turned his attention to Nami. "Nami dear! Just a minute, it'll be ready soon!"

"Oh. it looks pretty good!" Usopp remarked.

"Get away, you!"

"Oh, come on!" Luffy begged standing up over the fire. "Cheapskate! Let us eat!"

"Get away!"

Addy chuckled slightly. Sanji was always protective of food. Though he had a reason. Helping distract them from how cold it was. Addy sat up and leaned directly on top of Ace. Feeling warmer than if she was sitting right by the fire. He wrapped an arm around her. Pulling Addy in even closer. Catching a few envious looks from Zoro. Addy had to admit. She wouldn't mind being in his arms at the moment. Even if she would be colder.

"It was so hot during the day!" Nami stated. "What's going on?!"

"With nothing to block out the temperature, the desert scorches during the day but falls below freezing during the day. The desert is fraught with unpredictable dangers."

"Another reason deserts are terrible," Addy threw in. Earning several nods from the others. Wind started picking up as well. As if only to prove her point. Pushing them to eat dinner quickly. Before Wind ruined everything. The only good thing was all the stars in the night sky. Deserts perfect for stargazing.

"Oh!" Chopper said pressing his back into Usopp and Zoro. The two of them using Chopper to keep warm. "Look at all those stars!"

"Didn't you see stars on your winter island?" Usopp asked looking at Chopper

"Winter island skies are always covered with thick snow clouds. So I've never seen so many stars before!"

"Gorgeous isn't it." Addy pointed up. Tracing constellations with her finger. "The swordsman is clear as day. You can also make out Cuon Major, and Astra." She whistled. "You normally never see Astra this clearly."

"I don't have the luxury of looking at stars right now…" Usopp was desperately trying to keep himself from shivering.

"Cold weather doesn't bother me!"

Usopp started snuggling right into Chopper. "That's because you wear such a warm suit!"

"Hey, you! Get away!"

"I can't help that you're so fluffy."

Chopper grew to his big size. "Quit making fun of reindeer!"

Usopp started yelling. Eyes bugging out of his head. "Monster!"

"Chopper," Zoro stated turning to look at him. "Don't turn big. We need your warmth." He glanced over at Addy again. Probably thinking the same thing Addy was. When everyone else falls asleep the two of them would use their own method to keep warm. Really, really warm. Maybe not tonight but certainly at some point. The look didn't go unnoticed by Ace. Giving her a teasing smile.

"Yahoo!" Luffy shouted grabbing onto Chopper. Chopper shrinking back down. "So warm!" Both him and Usopp hugging him.

"Come closer!" Usopp beckoned. "See? Warm isn't it?"

"Yeah."

Addy smiled fondly at all of them. Wondering how she could have been such an idiot to have almost given them up.

"It must be a real surprise for you," Vivi said walking up to her and Ace. Both of them looked up at her. "I mean Luffy. I was surprised too, at first." They all turned to look at him. The four of them all wresting together. Trying to keep warm. "Maybe it's that he isn't captain-like. Or that normal pirate captains are respected by their crewmates. But just this afternoon, a simple drink of water caused that big fight. But, you know" The four of them had fallen asleep in a pile. "The longer I've been with them, the more I've come to understand."

Addy smirked. Shaking her head. "Welcome to the crew."

"That's how Luffy does things," Ace continued. "He hasn't changed a bit since he was a kid. Despite how he seems, people always gather around him. Including wayward water faeries." Addy lightly shoved him. Ace ignoring her. "Even though he's my little brother, he has a mysterious charm to him."

"Oh," Vivi remarked. "You already knew."

"He and I do go way back."

Addy rolled her eyes. "Well, I would hope so. The two of you are brothers." He shot her a grateful look. She knew the truth about his parents. And therefore, he's actual relationship to Luffy. But if he said they were brothers then they were brothers. No questions asked.

"But thanks," Ace stated looking back up at Vivi. "You were worried that I was concerned, right?"

"Yes," Vivi answered. "But it looks like I didn't need to worry after all." She really didn't. Ace knew Luffy better than any of them. After Vivi said her goodnights retreating into her tent. The others soon doing the same. Zoro giving her one last look before retiring. Leaving Ace and Addy to themselves.

"I'm glad the two of you have each other," Ace murmured. "He's going to need you."

"Not as much as I need him."

Ace hummed in response. Craning his neck up towards the night sky. "This reminds me of the time that we all got stuck in that cave."

Addy gave a small smile. "You mean the time that you, me, Riley, Marco and Thatch all got trapped during that cave in." She lightly chuckled. "Thatch kept running around trying to see who was the warmest. I'm surprised Marco didn't kill him."

"Or Riley." Ace grinned. "I think the only thing that saved us was the fact that we were only stuck for a day."

Addy nodded along though her smile turned into a frown. "I can't believe that they are gone."

"I know." He brought her even closer. "I can't even begin to think how you must feel."

She didn't have the words. Ace was right. He couldn't begin to understand. No one could. But that didn't mean they couldn't help. Addy leaned into his shoulder and let out a sigh. No more needed to be said. Falling asleep leaning into each other. Just as they had done several times before.

To Addy's surprise, she slept pretty soundly. Until Luffy woke her up in the morning screaming about shrimp. She opened her eyes before closing them again. Rubbing them and blinking several times. To confirm that what she saw wasn't a hallucination. Luffy crouched down holding a scorpion by its tail. Chopper standing next to him.

"So this is a shrimp?!" Chopper asked. "Wow!"

Addy groaned. "It is way too early to be dealing with this."

"You get used to it," Ace commented watching Usopp run up.

"Shrimp don't live in the desert!" Usopp exclaimed.

Luffy flipped around so he was facing Usopp. "See?"

"Oh, you're right! Is it a desert shrimp?"

"It looks yummy!"

"Hey, now! Are they edible?!"

"Probably! Crawfish are edible, after all."

"I've never seen a real shrimp before!" Chopper stated completely excited.

"Are you going to stop him or should I?" Addy asked Ace.

He leaned his head on top of hers. "He's your Captain."

"He's your brother."

Turned out that Vivi beat them both to it. Coming out of the tent and stretching out her arms. Only to notice what Luffy was holding.

"Stop, Luffy!" she shouted. "Throw that away!"

"No!" Luffy yelled back. "That'd be a waste!"

"That's a scorpion! It's small but it's very poisonous! You'll die if it stings you."

Chopper and Usopp immediately started panicking. Startled looks on their faces. Meanwhile, Luffy was completely unfazed.

"Oh. It's not edible?" Luffy remarked. "How boring." He held it up towards Usopp whose eyes started bugging out. Trying desperately to get away from it. "You can have it."

"Don't give it to me!" Usopp shouted at him.

"Then I'll throw it away." He tossed it over his shoulder. The scorpion landing somewhere in the desert.

"I'm sorry," Vivi stated. "I should've mentioned it earlier."

"That's for sure!" Usopp sputtered.

Chopper meanwhile was staring out in the distance. His ears twitching.

"What is it Chopper?" Luffy asked. Chopper dashed up some rocks to get a better view.

"Something's coming," he muttered causing Addy to stand up as well. Trying to sense out what Chopper was. But all she saw was sand. Wind starting to build.

"Something?" Usopp questioned. "What?"

It was then that Addy heard it. The roaring sound of Wind. She swallowed the lump in her throat. She always forgot how dangerous Wind was until moments like this. It was at this moment she wished for a blessing from Wind as well. Ace stood next to her. Watching the sand tornados came in. At least four of them from what Addy could see.

"Oh?" he muttered. "Is the wind picking up?"

"Apparently," Addy replied. It was beautiful in a way.

"Everyone!" Vivi shouted. "Hide behind the rocks!"

"What?" Luffy asked.

"A storm! A sandstorm is coming!"

"Oh?" Ace remarked holding his hand above his eyes to get a better view. Addy didn't want to chance it. Diving behind a rock and shielding her face. The sandstorm would rip through her skin with no problem. She heard it growing louder. Tearing through what sounded like rock. Barely hearing Luffy shout how cool it was.

"Addy!" she heard Zoro shout. It was like he materialized right next to her. Burying her face in his chest. Shielding her from Wind. Just in time too. It was on top of them. All she could hear was the massive roar. Clutching onto Zoro desperately. She could feel him holding on tightly to her as well. The was no way the tents were going to make it. She wasn't even sure they would make it. Addy could feel the sand pounding against her. Zoro trying to shield her as much as possible.

She wasn't sure how long it lasted. Felt like an eternity. But eventually, Wind died down. The sun now beating down on her. Both her and Zoro looked up. Seeing that everyone else was half-buried in the sand. It was only then that she noticed how close she was to Zoro. Pressed up right against him. His lips so close to his. Wondering what they would feel like.

Naturally Ace was the first one to rise. Sitting up with a yawn. Looking around before standing up.

"You okay Adds?" he asked.

"Oh yeah, great," Addy replied standing up with Zoro's help. "Time of my life." That earned her a chuckle out of Ace. Who went over to help Vivi.

"What the hell was that?!" Zoro asked gritting her teeth. Addy wasn't sure if he was referencing the storm or her interactions with Ace.

"One of the reasons I hate deserts," Addy answered turning to Zoro. "Thanks by the way. You really saved me." She placed a hand on her face. "I'll be sure to thank you later." She saw him blush. Placing her hand onto hers.

"I would do it again for you in a heartbeat." Was her heart supposed to be beating this fast? It felt like it was about to explode.

"Can't people get some rest?!" Sanji asked. He had shielded Nami as best he could from the storm. Usopp and Luffy also emerging from the sand. Once everyone had dusted themselves off they had set out again. Zoro staying even closer to her than before. Earning her a grin from Ace who was basically carrying her. She had no idea what was going through his mind.

Felt like barely any time had passed before Luffy piped up. "Hey! Sanji!" Luffy stated. "Let's have a lunch! A pirate boxed lunch!"

"Not yet," Sanji replied. "Not until Vivi precious says so."

Luffy wandered over to bother Vivi. "Come on, Vivi! Let's eat! I'm out of strength!"

"But we're only one-tenth of the way to Yuba, Luffy," Vivi replied. Addy was reconsidering her dying in the desert plan.

"You're so dumb! Haven't you heard of this proverb? If you're hungry, eat!"

"You liar!" Usopp huffed still using his walking stick. "Quit making stuff up!"

It didn't matter that the proverb was moronic. Luffy's puppy dog eyes won the argument. "All right," Vivi said. "Then what do you say we take a break at the next rocks we find?"

"Alright!" Luffy shouted. "Rocks!" He ran out in front of all of them. Pumping his fist up in the air. Standing on one foot. "Guys! Let's hurry to the next rocks!" Addy had no idea how he could have this much energy. "Whoever wins rock-paper-scissors has to carry everyone's stuff!"

"Quit deciding things!" Usopp yelled at him. If it was any captain other than Luffy Addy would have to argue with the statement. Instead, she was agreeing with Usopp.

"Shouldn't the loser carry the stuff?" Sanji asked. That was also a legitimate question.

"Alright, here goes!" Luffy stated. "Rock, paper, scissors!"

"Hold on, now!" Nami interrupted but it didn't matter. All the boys except Ace and Chopper threw in a fist. Astrid elected not to play. Same with Vivi. After some light bickering, Luffy was determined to be the winner. Everyone dumping their stuff onto a sled for Luffy to pull. More on his back as well.

"H-Heavy…" Luffy complained lagging behind the rest of them. "So heavy…And hot…" His tongue was sticking out of his mouth. "I won rock-paper-scissors, so why me?"

"It's because you won," Sanji stated. "Now shut up and haul."

"Don't drop it, now!" Nami reminded him. He continued complaining as they continued walking. Addy wondering if they had found the only rocks in the entire desert earlier. Usopp had resorted to scanning the area with his googles.

"Rocks spotted a small way ahead!" he called out.

"For reals?!" Luffy shouted. "Break time! Food!" He took off like a bullet. Leaving a trail of dust behind him.

Usopp's eyes started bugging out. "Whoa! He's fast!"

"We promised him food," Addy responded. "What do you think was going to happen?" The spent some time slowly catching up to Luffy. Not nearly having the same amount of energy he did. Since somehow he had enough energy to run back to them.

"Huh?" Usopp remarked. "He's coming back!"

"There's a lot of hurt birds that can't move!" Luffy called out. Well, that was strange. "Chopper!"

Chopper somehow found the energy to get off his sled. Started running towards Luffy. "Right!" he answered.

Luffy stopped in his tracks. "Alright! Let's go Chopper!"

"Yeah!"

"We gotta help the birds!"

"Birds?!" Vivi gasped her eyes going wide. Before it looked like she was pondering something. Whatever it was she seemed to have figured it out. "Wait, Luffy! Don't tell me these birds are…!"

"Eh?" Luffy turned back to look at her. Addy got a sinking feeling in her stomach. They really should have picked up a guide book.

Her bad feelings were confirmed when they made it to the shade of the rocks. All the supplies were taken. The only thing left behind were white feathers. Luffy letting out a cry of anguish.

"All our stuff is gone!" Zoro cried out giving Luffy a murderous look. Addy was also glaring at Luffy. They were all definitely going to die.

"We've been had…." Nami muttered.

"It's the truth," Luffy shouted pointing further along into the rocks. "There really were dying birds here!" Addy was at the point she wasn't really caring what was dying. Because they all were certainly going to be next.

"I'm sorry," Vivi brought up sitting where their supplies should have been. "I should've mentioned earlier. Warusagi birds are desert bandits that trick travelers and steal their belongings."

"What?!"

"Birds playing dead?" Usopp asked. "That's dishonest!"

"Yes, that's how they are."

Addy scoffed. "Not very practical. Just how many idiots go traveling through the desert?"

"You consider yourself in that grouping?" Ace asked with a smile placing her back down on the ground. Now that they were in the shade Addy could stand on her own two feet.

"Oh absolutely. Considering everything that has happened at this point."

"They tricked me?!" Luffy yelled holding up a fist. Addy got the feeling that if they saw the birds again they would become the supplies.

"Luffy!" Sanji interrupted grabbing his collar. "Is that all you can say for yourself?! There were three days of provisions in there! And you just had to let some damn birds steal everyone's stuff smack in the middle of this desert?! How're we supposed to cross the desert without food and water now?!"

"It's not my fault. They tricked me." This is why they should have never left Luffy alone with the supplies. It was asking for trouble.

Sanji got right into his face. "Is your brain less than a bird's?!"

"Say what?!" The two of them started fighting. Grabbing ahold of each other. Trying to gain the upper hand.

"Stop it, you two!" Zoro interrupted. Stepping into their fight. Though now it was Ace's turn to get involved. Grabbing Zoro's shoulder from behind.

"There's no use," Ace stated. "At times like this, it's best to let them have it out."

Zoro pushed the hood of his cloak back. Revealing a smile. "Yeah, huh?" He sat down on a nearby rock. "Let's take a short break. This heat is what has them fuming."

Addy sat down next to him. "I seconded that decision." She leaned her head on Zoro's shoulder. Maybe it was her imagination but she thought she saw Zoro's smile grow slightly larger. As well as a triumphant look in his eyes. "I'm sure we'll manage food wise. And Addy and I can look for water tonight." The words Addy and I sent a thrill down her spine. "It's nothing that'll kill us. Let's just put it out of our minds."

"Yeah," Usopp replied sticking his tongue out to the side. "Just thinking makes me thirstier." He pointed towards his tongue. Chopper nodding along in agreement. Luffy and Sanji were still fighting. Sanji managing to grab ahold of Luffy's mouth. Stretching it. When they suddenly stopped. Addy glanced at what they were looking at. She could see why they stopped. Before them were the birds that stole their supplies. One of them staring directly at them while it drank from the barrel. Luffy's and Sanji's mouths both dropped open. Eyes going wide. Unable to say anything as they watched the birds walk away.

"Give us our stuff back!" Luffy shouted running after them. Sending up clouds of sand in his wake.

"Luffy!" Vivi called out. "Don't chase them!"

"That idiot," Sanji muttered.

"Hey, you!" Nami shouted. "Will you be able to come back?!"

"Come back, Luffy!" Usopp added in. Addy watched as the dust cloud got further and further away from them. It was obvious he didn't hear them. The others settling down among the rocks. Waiting for Luffy to come back.

"What's taking Luffy so long?" Usopp complained, fanning himself with his hand.

"Yeah," Chopper added in. "Do you think he got lost?"

"Probably," Addy muttered wishing that she was anywhere else at the moment.

"He has a horrible sense of direction but always has to run off!" Nami brought up. Truer words could not have been spoken.

"And there are so many desert dangers he doesn't know about…" Viv mentioned. If Addy's brain wasn't melting she would bring up whose fault that was.

"Y'know isn't he hungry from not eating anything?" Sanji asked. Addy shot him a smile. Despite how he acted sometimes Sanji always put his nakama first. A sentiment Addy understood.

Zoro stood up, helping Addy do the same. "He's such a lost cause," Zoro brought up.

Sanji stood up as well. "You can say that again." Zoro shot Addy a look before preparing to head out into the desert with Sanji. Ready to look for their wayward captain.

"Sorry," Ace said causing everyone to turn and look at him. "For my little brother's ineptness. I apologize for the trouble." Sanji and Zoro didn't say anything. Shoot him smiles while they went to go look for his brother. Meanwhile Addy settled herself down next to Ace. Who put an arm around her shoulders.

"Good luck finding him!" Usopp called out. They didn't get very far before the earth started to shake beneath their feet.

"What's that?!" Chopper asked sitting up from the ground. Addy could see sand shoot up into the sky. Right behind the sand dune. Another cloud of it shot up. Almost like a geyser. The rumbling becoming more intense. She put her hand on her whip. She wasn't sure how helpful she would be in a fight but she wasn't going to sit back and do nothing. Everyone stood up and stared at it. Wondering what it could possibly be.

"What's this rumbling?" Usopp questioned.

"Good question," Addy replied tightening her grip on her whip. "I'm not sure I want to find out." It turned from one geyser into three. Luffy's laughter catching on Wind. Usopp slid down his googles to see if he could get a better look.

"Another sandstorm? No, wait! That's-! Luffy?!" And of course he was bringing trouble with him.

"No… It couldn't be!" Vivi muttered.

"Why is he on a camel?!" Nami questioned.

Addy had unfurled her whip at this point. Ready for anything.

"So?" Sanji asked. "What's that chasing him?!"

"I can't really see!" Zoro answered. Neither could Addy. Also, she could see was the tidal wave of sand coming closer and closer to them. "But it seems more like something's in the sand!" He had his hands on the white sword. Ready to pull it out in a moment's notice.

Addy thought she was prepared for anything. Though a giant purple lizard monster was really pushing it.

"It's huge!" Usopp screamed his mouth dropped open. Choppers was as well. Holding his face between his two hooves. Nami and Vivi were also screaming in the back.

"What is that?!" Zoro wondered as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"A Sandora Dragon!" Vivi answered.

"A what now?!" Usopp asked.

"They're the largest of the reptiles living in the desert and they wait under the sand for their prey! They have sharp claws and fangs, but they hardly ever use them!" Addy could see that. At the end of each foot were four pitch-black claws. Ready to tear them in half. Mouth full of white teeth. Enough to rival a shark. "The reason being they tend to swallow their prey whole because they're so large!"

"He really does have a gift for attracting trouble," Ace added in seeming completely unphased by this entire situation. Not even getting up from his rock.

"Setting aside the camel for a moment," Sanji stated

"What star was he born under to be able to attract trouble like this?!" Zoro continued finishing Sanji's thought.

Addy glanced back at Ace. "You sure you don't want to take him with you?"

"Nah, you're stuck with him," Ace replied with a smile. Knowing that Astrid would have it no other way. The lizard let out a huge roar. Blocking out everything else. She stood back and watched as Zoro and Sanji took off towards the beast. Knowing that she wouldn't be much help. All it took was a kick from Sanji, a punch from Luffy and a sword slash from Zoro and the lizard was down. Everyone else expressing their amazement. Even the camel. While all Addy could do was chuckle. What else could be expected from those three at this point?"

Sanji landed safely on his feet. Luffy's arm snapped back in place. Zoro sheathing his sword.

"Y-you didn't have to go that far…" Usopp cried tears streaming down his face. Nami looked sad as well.

"When they're fighting, you almost pity the monsters…" Nami brought up. The lizard had collapsed on its side. Letting out one last dying gasp. Almost as soon as it did that a column of sand burst forth behind them. Another series of screams as another purple lizard revealed itself.

"There's more?!" Nami shouted. Both Usopp and Chopper had their arms up. As if surrendering to the beast.

"I forgot to mention it, but Sandora Dragons hunt in pairs!" Vivi mentioned.

Addy scoffed. Shaking her head and rolling her eyes. "Vivi I swear. If we weren't friends, I would have killed you at this point.

"Mention these things," Usopp and Nami chastised.

Addy snapped her whip. Causing a crack to be heard across the canyon. "What do you say Ace? Just like the good old days." Ace stood up and walked right next to her.

"Seems like it wants to play." Addy shot him a smile. Jumping up so that she was right in front of the beast. "Lautan Lingkaran!" She did a somersault in the air. Lashing her whip forward. Leaving a deep scar down its face. The lizard let out a roar. Allowing Ace to jump straight into its mouth. Addy landing several meters back. Skidding so that she was right by the others.

Flames soon bursting from its mouth and nostrils. Soon a column of flame erupting from the lizard. Ace flying through the air. Landing perfectly while the charred corpse of the lizard collapsed behind him.

"Well that was fun," Addy said with a chuckle. Nudging Ace with her shoulder.

"Losing your touch Adds?" Ace asked. "Normally you would have ripped that things face clean in two."

Addy shrugged. "Alcoholism didn't help anything."

"Right." He gripped her shoulder tightly. "I'm sure you'll get back to yourself."

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know about that Ace." She looked over at her nakama. Who were already prepping the lizard the monster trio killed. "But as long as I can protect them when I need to it doesn't matter." The two of them walked over to the others. Settling down on another rock. Earning another sideways glance from Zoro.

"Check it out!" Sanji exclaimed showing Chopper out to cook. "These rocks are natural frying pans!" There wasn't even any need to heat it up. The rocks got that hot

"So, what's with the camel?" Zoro asked. Addy turned her attention to the camel as well. If she didn't know better it was almost like it was perving on her, Nami and Vivi. Addy was going to stay as far away from it as humanely possible.

"I dunno," Luffy answered. "It was getting eaten by a mystery plant when I was chasing the birds."

"It doesn't appear to be a wild camel," Vivi pointed out. The saddle and the harness on the thing kinda gave it away. "No. It even has a saddle."

Chopper trotted up to the camel. Who turned to look at him.

"I knew it!" Chopper exclaimed. "Oh! Good for you!"

Luffy also walked up to the camel. Piece of meat in hand. "Huh?" he asked. "You know each other?"

"Yeah! He gave me a ride when I escaped from Katorea!"

"That's great!" Usopp stated sitting up from the sand. "We can ride it?! That'll make things easier!"

"Yeah, that'll be a real help!" Sanji added on. "Looks like it could carry two people!"

"Camels do go hand-in-hand with deserts!" Zoro pointed out.

"Then I'll be the first one!" Luffy announced attempting to climb on the back of the camel. It immediate bit Luffy's head preventing him from climbing up. "What was that for?!"

"I am a freedom-loving, hard-boiled camel, compassionate camel!" Chopper spoke for the camel. "Thanks for helping me out of that pinch. I can give you a lift, but no men allowed!" Luffy, Sanji, and Usopp immediately started beating up the camel. Addy didn't blame them.

Addy felt Ace nudge her. "What do you say? Want to take a ride on the camel?"

"The only way I'm getting on that camel is if you kill me and make it carry my corpse," Addy answered not trusting the camel. "Besides you love carrying me."

They continued to beat up the camel until Nami put a stop to it. Placing her hand on the camel's face.

"I'm so sorry!" she said. The camel's eyes immediately turning into hearts. "My crewmates are so ill-bred!" She started stroking the camel. "You're a good boy! What should we call you?" It got down so Nami could climb on top.

"Idiot," Luffy suggested raising his hand, followed by Sanji who thought Moron and finally Usopp who suggested Doofus. All of them good names.

"Lashes it is, then!" Well that confirmed it. Addy was never getting on something named Lashes.

Zoro apparently agreed with her. "Uhh, that's the weirdest one of all."

Nami beckoned to Addy. "You want to get one?"

Addy looked the camel up and down. "I think I would rather walk."

"Really now?"

"Nami I wouldn't get on that camel even if you paid me."

Nami shrugged her shoulders. Grumbling slightly "Suit yourself. Get on, Vivi."

"No, I can still walk!" Vivi stated probably getting the same weird vibes Addy was from the camel.

"Just get on." Vivi clamored onto the camel. Knowing that she couldn't argue with Nami.

The guys were making fun of the camel. Calling it a perv. All of which was true.

Nami lifted her hood back over her face. "Now we should make a little better time! We need to get to Yuba as fast as we can to talk to rebel army!" Vivi nodded ready to get going once again. Nami beckoned the camel to start moving. Taking off without the rest of them.

"Hold on!" Everyone else called after them.

"'Hurry, guys!" Nami called out. "If you get separated, you'll never leave the desert alive!"

"Quit being stupid!" Usopp shouted back helping to gather all the supplies.

"I like this side of Nami dear, too!" Sanji exclaimed.

"After them! Hurry!"

Addy felt Ace pick her up once again. Ready to head back out in the desert. Everyone else was ready as well. As Addy looked out towards the sands, she swallowed the lump in her throat. Who knew what dangers lied ahead.


Lautan Lingkaran- Ocean Circle