"LUFFY!" I shouted from the ship. I ignored everyone's cry out to me as I jump from the ship and ran after my brother.

Moments ago we arrived in Alabasta and already... I am unimpressed, no offense to Vivi. Before we I arrived, we saw Baroque Works ships approaching around us. We knew our plan, our motive and somewhat their intentions. Our war with Baroque Works had entered its third act and possibly the finale. We stopped by the port to get some supplies. If we're going to cross the desert, we have to be prepared to survive the trek. Now what happened? My idiot brother decided to go rush off to find food. He's a glutton and obviously wants to try new things. I'm just as guilty, but I'm not that giddy.

Now I'm chasing after him to make sure he doesn't get into any unnecessary trouble… plus he's bad at directions.

I managed to catch up to him outside of some bar. Correction, he was about to propel himself like bullet into the establishment.

"Why?"

"I want to try something new."

He shot himself forward before I could reply. The next thing I hear were screams of fright and property breaking. An annoyed groan escaped my lips. He's my brother after all, the human hurricane. A few moments passed before I walked in. I gave an impressed whistle at the size of the hole my brother caused. He most likely ran into a couple unlucky individuals. I calmly sat at the bar as Luffy started eating the food.

"Um… miss do you know him?"

"Yep." I replied to the bartender with a bored expression. "I'm sorry he caused this."

"You… two should run away. He rammed into two terrifying people."

I smiled innocently. "We're terrifying. You might see my cute face on a wanted poster." That got him to back away. "This idiot. His bounty is higher than mine. So you might want capture us if you want to pay."

"STRAWHAT!"

That voice…. I have no idea who that was. A large man with white hair, two cigars, and white jacket came out of the hole. He stared at him then gazed at me.

"Lavender Lancer. The both of you are here."

I stared at him for a second. "Yo." I said playfully. Luffy told me about this guy. His name was Smoker of the marines or smokey for short. Bro described the man as having greyish hair and smoked cigars. The guy had a devil fruit giving him the power of smoke which explains his fascination with cigars. He looks terrifying with that face of his. I wonder who the other person Luffy ran into. This is turning into a bad situation.

-Ken's P.O.V.-

Sand, sand, and heat. I'll never be stationed here. Never. When I arrived here, I knew I might have a part to play in this rebellion. I don't know how, but I have a feeling. I shouldn't let it bother me, but it does.

I walked through town while eating jerky on a stick. Good stuff. Hey, are those sweet rolls? Awesome! Wait, get back on track. You're a big bad military dude. Acting tough and being awesome.

Screw that, the power of tasty goodness compels me. "Hey, how much?" I heard something in the distance, but I ignored it. Mouse(Tashigi) and Miyako were around me they will let me know about some problem.

"KEN! TASHIGI! MIYAKO! STRAWHAT AND LANCER ARE HERE! STOP THEM!"

I whipped around lightning fast, spotting the twins escaping from my superior. A grin curled up on my face. Finally. "HEY GIRL! REMEMBER ME!"

The moment she saw me, her look was surprise before quickly turning to disgust.

"YOU!" she shouted with venom. Yeah, she still remembers.

Mouse and Miyako immediately tried to attack, but the twins leapt away. Strawhat leapt on the roof with Smoker in hot pursuit while the girl dashed toward another building and leapt toward the roof. Well… she had to grab on the edge to pull herself up, but that was nice. I immediately began my chase by jumping, much farther than her.

A rooftop run is a good way to chase.

"Hey! You can make it easier for everyone if you stop!"

"WHAT!? Can't hear you over me actually getting away!"

I'm not going to underestimate her like I did before. Nope, we're both going to say the oath and then fight. Why is she in a hurry?

-Anya's P.O.V.-

Crap, crap, crap, crap! I had to run into him here. Escaping from Smoker was bad enough, but this arrogant guy? When I get back, I am seriously going to.. AH! I missed a step and fell through a space between buildings. Luckily a balcony broke my fall. I quickly got up, busted opened the door and ran through the room while ignoring the screaming owners. Sorry.

I busted out the window, glass breaking everywhere and wall jumped myself to floor. I immediately took off in a sprint down the road to wherever I needed to go.

"THERE'S LAVENDER LANCER!"

I gazed back and laughed uncomfortably. The blue haired buffoon was advancing while leading a group of his marines. 10 of them I believe. DAMN IT!

The chase felt like a long time until I spotted the gang and Luffy. My brother was coming right toward me with a bunch of marines and that smoker guy. The two of us made a quick pivot and ran toward the others.

"LOSE THEM BEFORE YOU GUYS COME!"

That was Zoro, geez this is bad. We have a bunch of grunts and two supers chasing us and AH he's using that weird smoke power. Logia users are the worst people you can fight. They are too overpowered for their own good.

"HEAT HAZE!"

A wall of fire shielded us from the smoke. The two of us managed to meet up with the others and turned back to see who caused it. An ability user caused this, someone with fire did this. A smile curled up at the person who earned the title 'Fire Fist'. The Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard pirates. That person is…

"ACE!" I crowed with joy

"You two getting into trouble?" He shouted. "I was hoping you would keep him in line Anya!"

"Anya." Luffy laughed in excitement. "Ace is back!"

-Ken's P.O.V.-

I slid to a stop as soon as a wave of fire appeared before us. Who's the wise guy that produced this wall of inferno? Our ears peered at the wall when a figure emerged. I felt my throat dry when I saw that face. That never happens, but the thing is he's supposed to be in the new world and not here. Why the hell is 'Fire Fist' Ace here?

"Hey! What are you doing here?" I demanded.

"No reason." There's that arrogant smirk on his face. Typical of a Whitebeard pirate to have. They think there are untouchable with Whitebeard protecting them. "I'm looking for a few people. Although, that someone is different from who I am shielding."

"You let a group of people escape from us. People you don't even know." Smoker walked forward with all his smoke infested glory. "Either move and let us catch them or I make up for it by arresting you." Smoke started protruding from him, looks like a battle between logia is about to happen.

"I can't let you have them. Call it my way of putting a wrench to your pirate catching. Sounds fun right?"

Then in what seemed like an eternal standoff, fire and smoke collided and expanded the area. We shielded ourselves as it continued to expand. Coughing fits erupted from us inhaling fumes from smoke and fire. A few seconds later the battle seemed to have died down. My eyes opened and spotted Smoker standing at the spot he launched his attack. He turned toward us with his trademark face. Too serious and the most likely to give us second-hand smoke

"He got away."

"What? You had that punk!"

"Fire wins…. Against Smoke." spoke the red head

Miyako stared at me with dull green eyes. A twinkle in her eyes emerged for a few seconds before disappearing. Was that her way of laughing at me or… at our captain. I don't know, but… damn she did it again. She's just an odd girl.

"What do we do now?" wondered Tashigi, hand tightly gripped on her weapon.

"The strawhats are here, but I am more concerned about this uprising. The air here feels as if a storm is coming."

"You think Mr. 0 is here and could be the reason the princess has been missing." I asked.

"She may have resurfaced somewhere and probably making her way back to her home. She may even be here now and playing a dangerous game in eluding this Mr. 0." He turned his attention to the dwindling fire. "She may be in league with Strawhat. There are too many questions and not enough answers. This investigation and the strawhats are the goal. If you find the princess then she may give us insight to these Baroque Works and their plans for Alabasta."

"Sir!" One of the soldiers walked up with a snail phone. "Two our privates went back to the ship and discovered both Mr. 11 and Miss Thursday were killed. Signs point to gunshot wounds."

"Someone had the balls to kill them on our ship." I sounded appalled. Once you find out someone stepped foot in your comfort zone you want to make sure it doesn't happen again. Killing those two? I think these baroque agents don't want to leave anybody alive who would compromise their plans. Miss Thursday was cute. I hate seeing cute girls becoming outlaws and doing outlaw things. They could be joining the military and fighting morons who think girls are just tools.

"Lieutenant." I stood straight up after hearing his voice. "I sense arrogance in your tone. Things like this happen when your guard is down. You have learned about such incidences like Fisher Tiger?"

"Yeah…" My favorite part of history. World Nobles got their invincibility shot. "I am aware of that."

"Let's move we can't waste time."

Anya's p.o.v.

"That was your brother? A member of the Whitebeard Pirates is here?" gaped Usopp.

We were all back on the ship after escaping from the marines. This running away will have to be the norm when facing marines. Especially when there are power houses like gramps.

I merely frowned at the sniper. "You sound like he shouldn't be here."

"Obviously!" shouted Nami. "Look, I know you both like Ace, but what is a member of Whitebeard's second fleet doing here?"

Luffy scratched his head. "Doing Second Commander stuff for old man Whitebeard I guess. If Ace thinks he's cool, he has earned my respect. Can't wait to fight him and Ace."

I cackled. "Yeah, bring on the old geezer!"

"As of now you two can't even touch pops and me." Ace appeared right out of nowhere as he landed between the two us and smacked us on the back of our heads. "You're 100 years too early to take me on."

I rubbed the back of my head and turned my attention to the man I grew up with. The man who was... is the son of Gold Roger. Shhhh no one should know that. I took a full scan of him before jumping at him for a big hug.

"ACEEEE!" I squealed happily and embraced him. Ace and Luffy merely high fived each other. I knew he would be a famous one day, but never did I imagine him eating a devil fruit and under the authority of Whitebeard. Before he became a member. He was the captain of the Spade Pirates. Sadly his crew disbanded. I don't know the full details about what happened, but must've involved Whitebeard.

That doesn't matter, I get to see Ace again. It's been too long seeing family again. First Luffy and now Ace. This moment will be one of the happiest days of my life. I wonder if I'll see grandpa... hopefully when we're strong enough to counter his Fist of Love.

"It's good to see you both. Anya, I always thought I would see you and Sakura in the Grand Line."

"I stayed in East Blue for four years. Sakura and I secluded ourselves to an island to train most of the time before hunting and fighting pirates."

"Now here you are? The both of you." He grabbed Luffy and started delivering a noogie. "With bounties showing your threat level." He then gazed up at the crew assembled on the deck. "This is your crew? Not bad?" He spotted Chopper. "You got yourself a dog?"

"I'm a REINDEER!"

"It talks?" He gaped at it. "What else can he do?"

"His name is Tony Tony Chopper and he's a doctor." I informed him and puffed my cheeks. "Be nice!"

"Nice to see your love of animals hasn't changed." He chuckled at me.

"He can transform too." My brother added with glee.

"At least you got someone important rather than a musician."

"Hey!" snorted my brother. "I'll find one and he'll be the best musician ever. I bet Whitebeard does not have a musician."

"A few."

"No fair!" Luffy instantly collapsed to his hands and knees looking depressed. You can see a rain cloud forming above him. If only I had the world's tiniest violin.

"This is the rest of our crew." I pointed to the group in order. "Roronoa Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Vivi, and Carue."

"Hey!" he waved.

"I still can't believe you know this guy. He's your brother and member of the Whitebeard pirates." awed the sniper.

Sanji nodded. "Obviously more exciting things happen in the Grand Line, but what brings you out here and not in the New World? You want to come inside to talk?"

He nodded. "Sure, I got some business here. Oh." He then bowed toward them. That act surprised them and me. All those polite lessons from Makino paid off. "Thanks for taking care of these knuckleheads. Did you get my message back in Drum Island?"

Luffy shook his head. "Nope, were you there?"

"Hmm," He contemplated. "I guess that's unfortunate and lucky you came here. I was surprised when the bounties of you were shown to the world. I wonder how much damage you caused to get 30 and 19 million in the weakest of the blues." Ace jumped on to the deck. "I'm also here to find a man who committed a crime against Whitebeard."

"What kind of idiot would do that?" wondered the navigator. "He's one of the Yonkou, opposing him is suicidal. You would have to be another emperor."

"He murdered a close friend and it's my duty to find him since that man is… was under me. Pops takes murdering family close to heart than anybody else. Have you heard of Blackbeard?"

Nami shook her head. "We did hear about him wrecking Drum Island. Other than that no."

"Only time we heard of him." Spoke the chef

"He's not even in the bounty list." I added

Ace gave a smooth glance at us and chuckled.

"Awesome!" Luffy laughed. "Alright! Maybe you could travel with us until you find this Blackbeard guy."

"Sounds good and may be…" He looked at us thoughtfully. "Say would guys join the Whitebeard pirates?"

Usopp gasped. "Becoming a member of the whitebeard pirates? A..are you serious. He wouldn't just let anybody join."

Ace shrugged. "As long as I speak for you then it's no big deal. It's all on Luffy. Wherever you go your crew comes right?"

The captain sported his trademark grin. "Nope. I want to be my own Captain. If you trust him then he's not bad." The boy chuckled "He's closest to One Piece right? I want to fight him."

Ace nodded. "Well, good luck with that. I intend to make Whitebeard the King of the Pirates. If you want to fight him and me then get stronger… all of you. It'll be fun." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. He ripped off two pieces and handed it to Luffy and I.

"A Vire Card." A statement rather than a question.

Luffy chuckled. "Like the one Sakura gave you. Awesome. So, we can find you when we want?"

"Yep, that… raunchy woman told you about it?"

I ignored the comment about my master…. No matter how true it was. "She educated me about a certain things in the world. The Vire Card was a long line of important topics discussed." I smirked and placed the paper in my right boot. I'll find a better place later. "You met a bunch of people right?"

"Yes, even him." I knew who he hinted at. I wondered if Luffy knew as well. "Enough about that, we should get going."

"THERE THEY ARE! THE STRAWHAT CREW AND FIRE FIST!"

We all noticed a bunch of a baroque ships sailing toward us. They all wanted the bounty on us, but Ace mostly. His bounty could feed a family for a while. These guys are asking to get munched and crunched.

"Well." Ace smirked. "Before we begin our trek. I'll take care of any unwanted pests."

-Casino-

Robin's p.o.v.

Ever since the day Ohara was destroyed I always lived in the dark, going from place to place. Wherever I go I always feel a piece of me die. People I trusted ended up betraying me, so I ended up betraying them. I was sixteen was when I came crawling to Crocodile. He wasn't as dastardly as people say. The Government tends to exaggerate everything about pirates. There are nasty uncouth psychopaths and there's Crocodile. Many have reasons for piracy, some fame, others fortune, others wanting to live the life of the sea. Crocodile? He's just a coward who ran from the New World after some conflict with Whitebeard… or so rumors say. He doesn't talk much about his past only his vision for the future.

I respect his ambition, but that's not why I'm here. I'm using him just like I did everyone else, to find the Poneyglyphs scattered across the world. I heard there is one here and this civil war is the only thing that will get me closer to it. After that, I'll run away and leave on the next ship of low lives. Hm… I guess I'm a low life… someone who shouldn't live. Funny.

The thing is I'm getting tired. I don't know if I can do this anymore. My reason to keep going is to find a hunk of rock with the true history written on it… and then what? Like anybody will believe me… the devil child of Ohara, a country of betrayers. I'll likely die with knowledge of the true history. I'll be satisfied knowing my quest was not just for nothing.

I snapped out of my thoughts when a woman arrived. She had long mahogany hair tied in a single braid. She wore red tight pants, brown boots, and a red shirt barring her midriff. She held a a spear and a claw gauntlet that doubled as a shield. Her personality disgusts me. She acts like a child despite her age close to mine. She was well-known bandit in the North Blue. She gazed at me with her sky-blue eyes trying to display her childishness when she is just a killer like everyone else in this organization.

"Hehehehe, I'm HEEEREEE! It took a lot for little ol me to make it here and to cross this miserable desert." A smile curved up on her lips. "I've done my job now where's crocodile-kun?" She giggled for some strange reason.

She's a woman in her twenties and acts like a 10 year old. Miss All Saint's Day. Ironic as it's a complete opposite of what her character is.

"I already sent out the messages telling everyone to be ready. Once Crocodile comes back from his… errands, we leave with him to meet with the top members."

"Yay! Meet up! Meet up! Meet up!" I cringed, she's smarter than she looks, yet acts like this? I can't believe Crocodile kept this woman around. This woman was originally paired up with Mr. 2, but she didn't like his crew and he couldn't stand her behavior. That's why we paired them together. They're both crazy, but even the craziest of humans cannot get along.

Now she is my right hand and has to listen to everything I say. So she is somewhat my partner even if Crocodile and I are the true pairs.

"On standby."

"Gotcha old lady."

"We're in the same age range." I am annoyed by this child. It takes a lot for me to be annoyed.

"But… I don't have years shaved off of me from stress."

I glared, I know what she is talking about, but I can't snap her neck or else Crocodile will kill me. I simply turned around and walked away. If all went well; I should get a chance to see it, strike Crocodile down, and then leave to my next destination…. As it should.

After all

It's only right for an unwanted devil child in a world that wishes to snuff her fire.

-Going Merry-

"So? You're not going to help us?"

Inside the cabin Ace and Vivi were talking about the situation in Alabasta. Sanji was with them making some treats. Ace shook his head as a look of pity morphed on his face. "Sorry, I still have an obligation to take care of. If I get distracted with this civil war now I'll lose sight of my objective. I'm sorry and it may sound harsh, but…"

"You don't really care, do you? That's fine." She sounded dejected.

"… I'm not heartless… it just doesn't really concern me… unless I get orders from Whitebeard. I think you have plenty of help here with my young brats and their crew. I know Luffy is doing it for your sake. You convinced him and the others to help, but each have different reasons…. You know that right?"

"Nami wants money, I know Mr. Bushido wants a challenge. I know Chopper is in over his head. Luffy perhaps wants to challenge a Shichibukai, but he views me as a friend."

Ace chuckled. "When Luffy and Anya see someone they view important they'll go out their way to find the reason to make them feel better. His navigator told me he saved her village for her sake… most of the time he'll want to fight someone. That's how he and Anya reunited. He wanted to pick a fight with someone else on the East Blue before leaving the Grand Line." He scratched his head. "The most important thing is to save you country, whether they have pure intentions or not, your country still gets saved. Think of it this way, me finding Blackbeard is another way of stopping a future threat before he gets stronger."

"I guess you're right."

"It is." Sanji spoke as he gave both of them pie. "Everybody has their reasons. My reason is…. I can't stand a lovely flower like you wilting while a bastard abuses your country." He shook his head. "Sometimes people are selfish."

Ace figured the chef was a ladies man or something. There was a side of him to tell the blonde not to hit on his sister, but the dragoon may have told the chef, or his brother threatened him.

"Regardless, I am… using you." Vivi said sadly. "I'm sorry again."

Sanji chuckled. "Hey, our captain likes you. He'll get a decent fight and put a smile on your face. The very reason he got involved with Arlong was because Nami-swan cried."

Ace nodded. "I think that's a lesson that will play in the future. No one wants to see a precious person cry and not being able to solve the problem."

"Do…. You both think I could persuade my people? I could try to reason with the rebels."

Ace and Sanji glanced at the other and gazed back at Vivi. Ace was the first to speak

"You are a princess they should listen." spoke Ace. "You just want to stop the senseless violence… but are you sure that will work. From what I hear the rebels' dislike of the king grows more and more every day."

"It's that bad?" questioned Sanji.

"I listen." He stared at Vivi. "If you firmly believe that.. go for it."

"But then there's Mr. 2" spoke Sanji. "Another guy who can easily blend in and instigate a riot."

Vivi lowered her head. There was too much on her plate. If there was a way to stop the upcoming fight without death, she would do it. The last thing she needed was for people to fight to the death. The last time she heard someone declaring that phrase was when her friend Kouza and the Sand Clan were willing to sacrifice themselves to save her from bandits. Since then, she didn't want needless sacrifice

"Hey, relax." Ace tried persuading. "Whatever happens from here on out rests on you and these guys. Don't fall in the abyss early."

A smile formed on her lips. She still felt unrest, but it was nice to be cheered up. "Thanks."

Luffy quickly opened the cabin door followed by Anya and Usopp. The Monkey D. girl was wearing the same outfit as her other female peers, but she refused to let go of the boots on her feet, saying it made her unique.

"Hey! Is that pie? Sanji!"

Sanji snorted. "You already had some."

Anya smile cutely. "May I?" A pie was instantly in her hand. "Thanks."

"Come on!" Usopp waved his hand. "You can't just give her some just because she is flashing a smile." An idea struck. He tried to imitate the female D sibling. "May I?"

"No." Sanji said bluntly.

Luffy tried to imitate his sister. "Hey Sanji!"

"Never do that again." said the annoyed chef.

Ace chuckled. "You guys are lively, reminds of my crew."

"That's right." Anya got up in his face. "You have tell us everything, everyone. How did you get to be with him? Is it true he has a harem?"

Usopp pushed the girl aside. "Can he move mountains with a pinky? Is he a giant? If so then I also have to meet him!"

"What is his strength like?" Luffy asked.

Ace held up his hands for them calm down. "You guys are behaving like children. Pops has a devil fruit that can be like moving a mountain. The Quake Quake fruit."

Sanji looked intrigued. "That kind of fruit is one the deadliest powers in existence."

"True, but he's careful with it. He's not a giant, but he is one of the tallest men out there." Ace started contemplating. "Now for how I joined…"

As they were talking, Vivi left the room and onto the deck of the ship. She wanted to stay, but a part of her was still worried about her country and what Ace said.

"Will talking to them help? Will they listen? I'm sure of it…. Right?"

A while later the group docked on a spot close to Alaburna where Vivi asked Carue to deliver a note to her father. After that the group continued to sail until they docked on another area of the continent. Food was made, gear was packed, and water was a MUST on this hazardous trek through the blistering sands of the desert. Before they could, a group of kung fu dudongs appeared before them. These creatures were a bit territorial and wanted to prove their strength. If the crew wanted to park here, then someone has to show how strong they are. Usopp challenged them…. But failed. Then Luffy beat all of them and became their boss. That was the law for the kung fu animals. You become the student of the victor.

"DRAGON HEEL!"

BAM!

Luffy skidded across the sand away from an outstretched boot. Anya stomped her foot on the ground and formed a mad grin on her face. Then to her delight the creatures started looking up at her as the new boss.

"Yes, yes, YES! YES! VICTORY! I NOW COMMAND AN ARMY OF MARTIAL ARTS MASTER ANIMALS! MY DREAM IS COMPLETE!"

Everyone felt deeply disturbed and worried by how crazy she had gotten… over seal creatures that can kick your butt.

Nami pointed at her while staring at Ace. "IS THAT NORMAL!?"

"She once tried to adopt a bear cub, right in front of the mama bear."

Zoro stared at the purple haired girl. He was deeply amused about the dragoon wanting a bear cub as a pet. He also wondered what gave her the idea. It's a rule out there to not try to steal a baby from a mama. She did not listen. She just had to have a baby bear that would one day grow up to be a fierce predatory. Forget about it trying to kill her. Heck, she probably might do it now and fight the bear for the right to have the cub.

He gazed at her outfit. She had dressed in Alabastian wear for woman, the same clothing Nami and Vivi had. She looked... attractive, but the outfit did not look right. He expected someone to dress ready to fight at a moment's notice like she always did. She was a woman after all and possibly doing it to fit in. Nami must've rubbed off on her and the girl's master did not seem like the type to care.

But what did he care about how she looks? It's her own decision on whether or not something hugged her body and thick legs.

Damn, now he is acting like that perverted cook. She is cute, he can't deny that, but he refused to be a pervert. She did not behave too much like a traditional woman. No lust for money like Nami nor naivety like Vivi nor annoying like that blue haired woman. She was stubborn, passionate, and sometimes an idiot. Being a woman did not hold her back, probably because someone like Sakura instilled that belief that being a woman was not a setback. Kuina lacked the drive due to her father never believing she could be strong enough to wield a sword.

Both her and the marine woman had the complex that held them back. Anya rather blast through it laughing. Although, she had issues with women being prettier than her and have more developed areas of the body. She obviously had more quirks, but other than that she applied herself. That's what matters.

He watched as Luffy stomped over and argued with her. She shouted back for her right to claim these animals. The two started fighting over who had the right to be the boss. He sighed, someone had to break them up and they couldn't take those seals with them. She would be sad, but she will get over it.

-The palace. Ezekiel's p.o.v.-

My name is Ezekiel, a member of the Alabasta guard. My mentor is Pell. Right now, I am watching the king give a speech.

My king gave the civilians a speech about doing all he can about the situation. After the speech they departed to continue on with their lives. They came here asking for help and safety. I can't blame them for it. Famine, drought, the desert heat and this filthy civil war. Even if we stop the rebels will it end? It all started with the rain disappearing and then finding out Dance Powder was in use. A powder outlawed by the World Government due to it creating artificial rain.

It sounds wonderful right? It's not. The powder turns into a smoke like mist that disappears into an undeveloped cloud, which would be guided by the winds as it is forced to mature into a raincloud. Sounds great right? Wrong! It steals rain that would have fallen in another province or country.

Alaburna was always receiving rainfall and nowhere else. People had called it a miracle before, but now they blamed the king for the false miracle and it didn't help his cause when there were crates of Dance Powder in the palace. That was when the princess and Sir Igaram left to pursue the true culprit. That should've been me, but the princess is stubborn. I worry about her being killed and never finding out who killed her.

"Is something on your mind?" My mentor Pell questioned.

"A lot." I replied wearily. "Too much is happening. The tension is never faltering. Even if we win there will be scars."

"True. People will remember, but the wounds may heal in time."

"I wonder how they will view our kingdom, our leader. I feel this is all going straight to hell."

"When a man doubts he will lose. Don't overthink this and pray for something that will happen. Take an hour to meditate and go into the city. I have errands I need to run."

I nodded as he left. I turned around, thinking about all those people. People are suffering and every day we try to contain the situation, but with the rebel force increasing in number and rumors moving to and fro, it makes our job difficult.

I must find a way to make it right and stop this civil war.

-Desert. Anya's p.o.v-

Years ago, I had a dream about crossing a desert. A very bad dream. No matter where I went it was just sand, sand and more sand. Just sand. Nothing for miles. I had no gear, no brother, nothing. Just the clothes on my back. Here? I know that I will find joy dying here with the people I care about.

The clothes…. are okay, a bit on the skimpy side, but I'll keep them if I ever want to infiltrate a strong hold as an exotic dancer. It could work. People have said they thought my hair was exotic in a cheesy way.

Anyway, we trekked through the desert, leaving those poor fighting seal machines behind. Someday I'll come back and get one. Then I'll bring it with me and the two of us can fight our way through the Grand Line… no the whole army. With my training regime we'll conquer the ocean and I'll become the PIRATE QUEEN!

The intense heat is making me this way I swear.

We came across an abandoned city that looked as if it needed more than just a pain job. Vivi kind of broke down upon seeing it and a skull that used to belong to someone… yeah. She told us more of her reasons. Crocodile is a nasty man, using Dance Powder to frame the royal family. It broke my heart to see her shed tears. This put more drive in me to stop Baroque Works from hurting a friend further. I noticed Luffy, Sanji and Usopp drift off to another section and destroyed a building. Yeah that cool, but I want to keep my fury until the big fight.

I don't know what kind of plans Crocodile has, even if it's deeper than we realize, I… we won't let him cause Vivi anymore misery. I swear on the Dragoon Oath.

A/N: Why is Ace coming? I know the anime expanded his existence a little, but I'm not going to follow the anime filler with him and as I said before I don't want follow word for word of everything unless I have to. Ezekiel will have some roll and he's not designated to die like Miss Thursday. Ace will leave after the next chapter. He'll fight someone Luffy won't be able to handle… yet. Who? Find out.