My name is Monkey D. Anya…. and I dislike intense hot places. You will never catch me here again… except if I visit Vivi. I don't want to go traveling here, adventure or not. I feel like my mind is fading and all I see is sand, sand and more sand. Look there's a cow skull. A cactus. A dune. Some kind of figment of my imagination.

Ugh, we better get to that croc, but first we're going to Yuba to speak to those rebels and then we are going to find that Croc. But first…. Sand.. sand and more of this sand. A giant cat would have a field day here. A fluffy kitty… awww.

See? I'm losing me marbles! We still have water and supplies, but I'm going to get more and more annoyed. When I do I'm going to headbutt someone… maybe Luffy or Zoro.. or Sanji. Yeah, all three of those monsters can take it.

"Are you okay? You're laughing quite oddly."

My mouth shut tight as my face blushed with embarrassment, did I laugh out loud. Damn it. Zoro was staring at me as if I was insane.

"If you want to headbutt someone do it your brother or the swirly brow."

I spoke that out loudly didn't.

"Yes, I can read your face."

"Asshole."

"There we go, not crazy are we?"

I sighed. "I'm going lose my sanity and commit my foot to someone butt." I looked ahead to see Nami and Vivi riding on that stupid perverted camel: Eyelash. He won't let the men ride him, but was willing to let women on him. I gave it the cold shoulder when it wanted me to ride. The look on his face was priceless

"Um… Anya. You're getting that look again."

I noticed Usopp losing his distance to me while looking slightly apprehensive. What look?

"Careful Usopp, she might we want hit you with those feet of hers." Zoro taunted.

"No, no way. She's a male version of Luffy!"

"So no punching bag?" I asked curiously?

The sniper glared back at me. "Why do you sound so… unfeeling?"

I turned away. Not saying another word for the rest of the trip. We left Ace back there fighting that New World pirate. Badnis. From what I read he is quite dangerous. He did the usual like rob people, murder a guy, property damage at a marine base. I'm not worried, Ace is stronger... plus his Vire Card did not disappear and it's still intact.

We reached Yuba by nightfall and it was already being devastated by a sandstorm. Fantastic! A wind with sand mixed just because why not?. The sandy wind of chaos embraced us and made sure it was the dominant one. Heh, I like to see it going up against a hurricane.

Hurricane vs. Sandstorm, who will win?

When the storm cleared, Yuba looked more rundown than I thought it would. For all the talk Vivi gave I thought it was a bit lively. In the village we discovered this old worn-out man from Vivi's past. That's good, she found someone, but the bad news… the rebels relocated to some place near a town called Nanohara. Damn it, we came all this way and our trail ran cold.

The old man looked like he experienced a lot of hardships, but there was something in his eyes. Passion, despair, guilt, pride? I don't know what it was, but he seemed to have a varying range of emotions.

"They are fools." His eyes harden as he glared at the moon. "Every single of one of them. This country is about to collapse unless someone can tame those fools. I still believe in the king. He's still my king no matter what anyone says. Those rebels, they're damned fools. We told them to stop, so many times. They're too stubborn and hotheaded."

A weary sigh escaped his lips as stared at us, at Vivi mostly likely. "They're going to end everything. The next attack is going to end their lives. They plan to finish this war at all cost."

A deep inhale intake caught my ears and I peered over toward Vivi who looked utterly distraught. I believe she hates the idea of people sacrificing their lives. No matter what she seems to value life over death and never wants people to die no matter what the cause is. I get she wants to prevent a tragedy, but you can't expect people to not lose their lives in way. Sometimes it happens. I'm no fan, but don't people risk their lives for a goal or is that something different?

Much was said and everyone decided to turn in for the night. Luffy and I remained outside while talking to the old man. Nothing really happened except bonding. The two of us decided to help him search for water in this cruddy oasis.

I dug and dug with my bare hands and my shield. I felt the sandman plague me as I dug into the hole. I stopped and yawned. Traveling along that desert really takes its toll. Maybe I can sleep here tonight. I flipped myself over and stared at the night sky. The stars were twinkling and the moon was more breathtaking as ever. Not to some people, but to me it is. Not in a romantic sense, but something serene. Some nights when I look at the moon I imagine all the people I met are doing the same thing.

That brief moment had me wonder if Ace is watching the same moon and if he was close to catching that Blackbeard guy. Maybe gramps is watching the moon and cursing that we became pirates. Shanks is probably watching it all the way in the New World. Master Sakura, Dadan, Sonya, the villagers back in Lilac village, Boxer Sai, Laboon and the old man, the giants, those cute fighting dugongs, and a few others I met during my time away from with master.

I reminisced a bit more about other things like how Gramps is doing. Probably being a moron somewhere. Luffy and he are alike despite their occupations. They like to eat a lot and value freedom more than life itself. I don't understand Gramps reasoning for staying as a vice admiral. Aren't there some levels of restrictions? Master told me being one gives you the chance go anywhere you want as opposed to the lower and higher ranks. If it makes him the way he is then who am I to judge? No matter how much he scares the crap out of me and being a government soldier, he is still my grandpa. I still love him no matter what even if we're pit against each other in the future. It's going to be difficult, but I have to get stronger.

I felt a yawn about to escape my mouth and decided it was time to sleep. I took another glance at the moon as I started to make my way out. Tomorrow will be another day of travel. In the sun. In the hot dangerously burning sand.

….Wonderful….

-Beneath the Rainbase Casino. Robin's P.o.v.-

The meeting was adjourned with everyone knowing their duties. It was more eventful than I thought it would be.

Before the meeting they… no Mr. 2 was just behaving uncouthly. Mr. 1 was serious as anyone could be in his occupation and the rest… doesn't matter. I revealed myself and introduced Miss All Saint's Day to them. Later I was left amused by their reactions to Mr. 0's true identity being Crocodile. Crocodile explained Project Utopia to them as clear and carefully as possible. Before we could conclude the meeting a ghost in the form of Mr. 3 appeared.

He wasn't dead as Mr. 2 thought he was and Crocodile was not particularly thrilled. He was even more angry when he learned Mr. 3 never touched the Den Den Mushi the entire time he was at Little Garden, nor had he told them he killed the princess and her entourage. The person talking to Crocodile was obviously one of the Strawhats.

How amusing.

Interestingly enough, Mr. 2 revealed he met them before and showed us their appearances with his mimic ability. Looks like they added a pet to the crew, but where was that blonde man? Doesn't matter, either he's dead, kicked out, or was below deck when Mr. 2 discovered them. I don't feel obligated to tell Crocodile about missing crewmember. Not really important. However the boy in the picture is still intriguing to me.

Monkey D. Luffy. You are pretty unique for a pirate, but that doesn't matter. You need to not get involve with a problem that has nothing to do with you. What do you gain from this?

-Morning, Yuba. Anya's p.o.v.-

We said our goodbyes to the old man and continued our dumb journey through the burning hell of Alabasta.

Joy…

No! We must persist, we must be vigorous, we must have enough stamina to go where no pirate has gone before…. Wait.

"Vivi, pirates have crossed here right?"

She blinked. "Uh… yes?"

Where a pirate has gone before! Yar!

"Is she monologuing in her head?" questioned Usopp

Sanji chuckled. "Sometimes a woman as passionate as Anya-chan must make a narrative about a journey or else boredom will take over."

"Isn't it the other way around?" questioned Nami.

They're all mocking me.

"Careful, she might mutter something incoherently about violence against someone."

I glared at the green haired swordsman defiantly and turned my head toward the desert with a huff. The trek continued until my brother stopped walking and immediately sat in front of random dead tree. Were there trees here? Why did those things have to die here? Wait what why did Luffy stop?

"Oi, bro come on." I spoke.

"No." I blinked at his answer. There's this look in his eye that I rarely ever see. A look of wisdom. Something serious is happening and Luffy looks like he's considering some life changing event.

Usopp marched forward. "We don't have time Luffy. You can't just stop while we're on a trek."

"Don't care."

"What is it?" questioned the chef. "Whatever game you're playing, isn't funny."

"I quit."

"What?" Everyone was shocked by his answer, no one more shocked than me.

"Idiot!" I barked. "We're marching in this stupid desert. It's hot, dangerous, and annoying, but you decide to quit halfway!?"

"What has gotten into you?" questioned the princess.

Nami nodded. "What's wrong? Is there something you're not telling us?"

"We don't have time to cater to your ridiculous whims. We have to get to where we're going."

"Idiot." Sanji scowled. "You do realize if we don't head to Katorea, millions of people will clash. When they clash, blood will shed. Do you want to see that happening?" He marched up and grabbed the captain. "So get your ass up."

Then Luffy tossed him to the side. Sanji sat up, too peeved to speak coherently. The captain then gazed at Vivi.

"Vivi… I want to beat the crap out of Crocodile." I merely raised brow. Of course, he does, don't we all? "Going to the rebels and asking them to stop while Crocodile is around is a bad idea. Do you think Crocodile and his crew are going to stop if we convince the rebels to stop? We're pirates. Do you think they will listen to us? You're better off going there alone than with us.

My idiot brother was right. Despite his wild antics, hardheaded, stubborn, foolish, idiot actions there was a brain in there and it worked. Convincing the rebels to stop might be easy, but who's to say Crocodile won't? He might have spies in the Royal army and the rebels, so why not cut the head from the body.

Vivi wanted to say something, but Luffy cut her off.

"You don't want anyone to die in this civil war. Not your people and not any of us." No one said a word. We were silent as we listened to our enlightened leader speak. He really does surprise you sometimes, even me.

"You are about to engage in one of the Shichibukai, a pirate swearing his allegiance to the Marines, in a battle where millions are prepared to fight. A fight where you don't want anyone be injured." He gazed up at her with a hardened stare. "Only a fool thinks they can prevent that."

Vivi's form started to tremble for a bit before she clenched her hand. She didn't like what was said and seemed to be ready to deny. She started marching forward.

"What's wrong with trying to prevent death? What's wrong with not wanting to see people hurt!?"

Luffy's glare was unwavering. "People die."

Way to be blunt knucklehead, but still true. Not liking that statement; Vivi slapped Luffy… no that was more of powerful blow because it sent him flying across the sand. Not too far. But for such a frail girl, she was somewhat strong. I guess it's thanks to being in the Baroque Works I guess.

"I don't want to hear it. I won't tolerate you saying that stuff to me. I can do it! I can try to prevent this bloodshed from happening. It's not the fault of the rebel army, royal army, or anyone else in this country. It's Crocodile's fault. It's ALL HIS FAULT THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO DIE!"

Luffy got up and shot himself forward as punched her in the face, not too hard, knocking her down.

"Then why are YOU risking your life!"

Usopp was baffled. "Luffy what are you doing!"

Chopper gagged while Sanji looked ready to fight. "Bastard!"

With the whip of my spear, I positioned it in front of the three that looked the most willing to interfere. "Don't try to break this up. This spoiled princess needs to hear it or at least a punch to the face. Even you know that, Sanji."

Sanji snorted and turned away. "You know my stance, even if it is for a good cause."

Usopp gave a big sigh. "I see… "

Chopper just looked at me with a worried look and then back at spat. At this point Vivi pounced on bro and started wailing on him as he tried talking. Even he knew by looking at this country that trying to negotiate with rebels would not work. No there had to be another way.

"You think risking your life is the only way to help this country?"

"THEN WHAT ELSE AM I SUPPOSE TO DO!? WHAT CAN I RISK!?"

I jumped forward and grabbed both of her arms. She turned back at me in surprise and I gave her a small reassuring smile. "What about our lives with yours?"

"Huh?"

"She's right." We both looked down at Luffy who still had that unwavering stare. "You put so much effort to risking your life that you haven't thought about us. Our lives should be risked. Aren't we nakama?"

I gently moved the girl off my brother and let her go. She collapsed on the sand and started weeping. This princess considered us too important to risk our lives. She hasn't cried, not that I know of, a bit since starting this journey so I guess it was odd seeing tears pour from her eyes.

"You're the one who is suffering the most, and you want to beat the hell out him. More so than anyone."

Nami went to comfort the girl while the rest of us stood in silence and took in what we just witnessed. It wasn't everyday Luffy made someone think. There was this air around him that made you believe in him. I can't explain, master said there was something strange about me too, but I shrugged it off.

With renewed vigor and a change of direction we head toward Rainbase to stop that walking suitcase. Yeah, the crew of extraordinary misfits will walk onto his doorstep and kick the crap out of him and his army of misfits. Misfits against misfits. Criminals and a princess against criminals and Government dog pirate.

-Close to Rainbase—

"Is that it?" questioned Chopper.

"Yes!"

"ALRIGHT!" shouted my brother. "LET'S KICK THAT CROC!

I chuckled at him. I'm feeling the urge to cause untold destruction myself.

"We're pretty low on water and Luffy won't let anyone have the water the old man gave him." Said Usopp

"We need to get more food." Spoke Sanji

"We have to stop by the casino too." said the girl with Beli signs in her eyes.

"We're not going there to get money." growled the swordsman.

"I want to get into some shade real soon." panted Chopper.

"I feel like chocolate." I muttered

"She's being crazy again." Usopp made a perturbed expression. "Are you going to attack me like you did minutes ago?"

"Nah…" I then peered at Zoro who gave me a confused look. "I want some that can fight back."

"Just don't cry when you lose."

I snorted and kept my focus on the town in front me. Who cries when they lose? A lot of people do. I don't! I get right back up and yell at your face and then train. Oh, at some point Usopp made Nami some kind device called the climitact. I think it manipulates the weather to your liking or something. Whatever it is, it'll be useful to her. It wasn't long when we reached the town. As soon as we did, Luffy and Usopp ran off to get water as the rest of us took a breather. I wonder if we'll run into trouble.

Of course we will. We're at the base of the head honcho and who knows where these agents are hiding. If the gang from Whiskey Peak was any indication, they can be ordinary people, even children. They can blend in, be right in front of us and stab us. Then there are the marines. Smoker is here, so we'll probably see him and that blue haired idiot.

-Elsewhere in Rainbase-

-Ken's p.o.v.—

The captain believes Mr. 0 is Crocodile and that he's here… or so his 'feelings' say. I also have feelings. Despite the mood of the civilians, the looming threat of civil war can be felt through the atmosphere and there is nothing I can do about it right now. Not unless the higher ups tell us to put a stop to it. The princess is here, she must have some connection to the strawhats. So here we are at Rainbase. While Smoker and Tashigi, mouse as I like to call her, go their way. I was with Miyako, the redheaded laidback brat. Ow.

"Not… a brat."

She can sense me? Geez.

"You are younger than me." I replied to her

"Nonsense."

"Nonsense? You saying the age difference between us doesn't make you a brat?" It taking me a while to get use to how she operates. "Fine, then kiddo."

"Nope."

"Not a kid either? Fine ba-OW!" She kicked me before giving me a very scary glare. It so emotionless that it felt like killing intent was radiating off of her. "Okay, I won't call you babe…. can I call you.. Cherry?"

"Pervert."

I gave her a weird look. There was no way that was inappropriate... right?"

"Okay, red I'll call you that."

"Fine."

Anyway, the two of us decided sit at some table while drinking away the delicious juices this establishment provided. There's nothing here and the only thing that could get me some excitement is the civil war. Hrn, that sounds bad, sorry. Unless headquarters tells us to aid them, we shouldn't get involve. Man, there are too many things going on. People are suggesting that the king is using Dance Powder for his own personal worth. I can understand why there is a rebellion. Some rain producing powder that could damage the eco system... basically holding all the rain to yourself. Yep, they feel angry and threatened. But unless the higher ups say something, we can't do a thing.

This whole thing sucks balls.

"Everyone! This is Tashigi!"

I blinked and checked the wrist mount Den Den Mushi. Miyako peered over as well.

"We found Strawhat Luffy and a crewmate. Come at this location!"

As soon as she gave the coordinates, I rushed over with Miyako not far behind. Heh, looks like things are getting more interesting. Strawhat is here, which means his sister isn't far behind. We'll finish what we started girl.

There was more transmission that the strawhats split up. Odd, why would they do that? Doesn't matter, the whole 'splitting-up-and-meet-back-after-we-lost-them' plan doesn't always work. It has a 55% chance of succeeding, but then you lose a few people on the way.

The running was cut short when we spotted a group of marines attacking someone. I smirked upon seeing the girl I've been chasing. She was by herself. She kicked a marine away before looking around at the three others in her way. I noticed she did not want to be here, but that sucks for her. I jumped in front of the men and pointed my spear at her.

"Found you! Lavender Lass."

"IT'S LANCER! Call me lass an-." For some reason she cut her speech short and shook her head. "I don't want to deal with you and your goons!"

"Goons they are, but you still have me and Red here. Red can be just as good as you can be."

I looked down at red who gazed intently at monkey girl.

"Nope!" She dashed away before anyone could react. "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Red gazed at me and then chased after her. I followed with grin.

- Anya's p.o.v.-

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I yelped as I started evading these idiots. That blue haired neanderthal is here and that creepy looking girl he was with looked like a problem as well. Those are the eyes of a tiger… a fierce one. I can't waltz with her or else she'll be annoying. So, I can't just engage them now. In the future there will be a time, but I can't right now. No, I need to help Vivi.

"IT'S HER! LAVENDER LANCER!"

Are those civilians pointing at me? No, they're Baroque Works. I can't fight them either. I have two forces on my tail. The marines and these idiots. I punched one of agents in the face and ran further down the street. I have my blonde wig with me, but I need to find a place to hide. In the distance I noticed watermelon cart.

That gave me an idea. I dash forward and quickly grabbed the cart and knocked it over while the vendor launched insults my way. Then I leapt behind the cart and knocked over a cabbage cart nearby with another kick. While each of those goons were distracted, I made my getaway through an alley. As soon I as reached the other end, I stole a cloak and dashed inside a building. Great no one was home.

-Ken's P.o.v.-

Wow, look at all this mess. What started as watermelons and flying cabbages turned into a chain reaction that caused everyone to panic and knock over a whole bunch of stuff such as expensive jewelry and beli That made everybody dive in like leeches trying to take what they want. Genius.

"Sir! What do we do now?"

"She's around here. Hiding, plotting, and doing whatever. First, we need quell these people and arrest those who are thieving. All of them!" I glanced at Red. "Miyako, take a group and search around."

"Roger." She saluted. She pointed at a few of the men and walked away with them. I smirked at the remaining troops and walked around the unfolded chaos. My mood seemed to dim. I can't help, but feel there is more to this. What is the relationship to the Strawhats and the princess. Is there any connection between Crocodile and Baroque Works? It wouldn't surprise if there was.

Is he behind this civil war? Whatever happens, being in this carefree town doesn't damper the upcoming threat.

I sighed and motioned my men. "Come on guys, let's go!" I commanded.

-Anya's p.o.v-

I snuck away while wearing a blonde wig and replaced my cloak with a brown cloak I stole. I decided to steer clear from them and try to head on over to the casino as carefully as possible. The Baroque works know what I look like plus I have a bounty on my head.

Awesome…. Notice my sarcasm.

That dumb casino is where we are supposed to meet and storm in to find crocodile. The very casino that has a giant croc on it. How convenient and vain of him.

What should I expect? These people don't know that Crocodile is causing a mess behind the scenes. I can't go and tell them about that because why would they even believe a pirate like me? There's also the case that he's seen as a hero to the people. A HERO!

That's bizarre! Very, very, very bizarre. He's promoted as a royal warlord or some crap by the World Government and all of a sudden people treat him differently. Never mind all the crimes he committed and that rumor. What rumor? I don't know there's a rumor going around about some dark secret of his, yet no one knows. Not even master. It's a mystery rumor.

He's just another government dog who got a comfy job serving those so called 'justicephiles'.

Calm down Anya. No need to get worked up.

It's obvious he's using the government to fulfill his own agenda in Vivi's home. Heh, it will be so sweet to see the World Government be astonished and confused that their own trained lap dog just up and betrayed them. What do they expect from recruiting seven pirates under their command? I'm surprised they recruited Bartholomew Kuma and the Kuja Empress.

Focus Lancer. Keep your mind on the mission and get going.

-Alaburna, Ezekiel's p.o.v.-

The king is missing and Mentor Pell left for Rainbase. At the moment Chaka is taking command. If the king, my mentor, and Igaram aren't around it is Chaka who will lead us. Without him… NO! I refuse to think about it. As of right now I was assisting my fellow soldiers in looking for the king.

We searched far and wide in the castle, but no luck. I shook my head in disappointment and went to report to Chaka. I reached him and informed of my findings.

"No luck sir. The guards guarding him didn't know this?"

"No." He said with an exhausted tone. His face can tell tales. He looked weary and somewhat aged. This tension in the air has not been kind to him. I too feel a staggering increase of grief each time I anticipate the upcoming battle. I do wish there was some way to stop this. I wish there was some way quench this. Crocodile is mixed in the middle of it, no doubt. It is no doubt this upcoming chaos is his concoction. Princess Vivi's letter states this. I never trusted him or any pirate recruited by the government. This was bound to happen.

"Any orders."

Chaka glanced me wearily and opened up his mouth when…

"SIR WE FOUND THE KING!"

Our prayers have been answered. We turned our attention to a few soldiers advancing toward us, but the look on their faces told us something is wrong.

"Where?"

"He's…. in Nanohana!"

"WHAT?!"

I thought it would be fine, but I felt the next thing I hear would be beyond bad.

"Sir….he came there with an army and tore up the town."

"That's not true!" I shouted. "King Cobra would never do that!"

"It's true, witnesses saw him. He tore up the town, destroyed property and antagonized the rebels. People were hurt, some dead and…."

The more I hear about what happened the more I felt my king lost his mind. I'm sure Sir Chaka is feeling more and more despair and pressure than he ever felt.

"THAT'S INSANE!" Chaka shouted. He had every right to be angry. "HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT!"

"There's more. As soon as he left, a ship filled with weapons crashed into town and supplied the rebels with weapons." He sighed. "Sir, the king disappeared from his room and suddenly turned up in Nanohana. The time it would take to take to get there makes sense!"

This… I… the king has lost his mind.

"News of this event has spread through the country. Rebels in all the provinces are enraged at the king and demand for his head. The citizens who have held faith in their king have given up that trust and are now taking up weapons. This is adding fueled to the rebellion, and we cannot suppress them for there are too many. THE ENTIRE KINGDOM IS RISING AGAINST US AND THEY ARE COMING HERE! THEY CANNOT BE STOPPED!"

No…. it's like my biggest nightmare is coming true. This isn't happening. What has become of Alabasta. I turned toward my superior with worry. Chaka turned to me with an apprehensive expression. I shook my head and thought about what Master Pell would say. I steeled my nerves and continued

"SIR! WE NEED YOUR GUIDANCE! ALABASTA IS TURNING INTO HELL AND YOU ARE THE ONLY SANE PERSON HERE!" I positioned myself in front of soldiers. I saluted and the others followed. "WE WILL FOLLOW YOU SIR CHAKA!"

"CHAKA SIR!"

I watched him grab his head as if he was in pain, then after a few seconds, he slammed his hand on the railing and gave us a eye piercing glare. "ASSEMBLE EVERYONE! WE ARE THE ALABASTA GUARD! IN OUR KING'S ASBENCE WE WILL PROTECT OUR COUNTRY FROM FALLING! BELIEVE IN THE TRUTH WHEN YOU PROTECT OUR HOME! NOW GO!"

I nodded and followed everyone to assemble the troops. This will be our hour. This will be the battle that decides to the fate of Alabasta.

-Anya's p.o.v-

It felt like an hour had passed when I found Chopper and Sanji, with them we concocted a plan to lure out Crocodile and save everyone. Yep they are captured. We learned through a kind Baroque member that our friends fell for a trap and are being held inside, with Captain Smokie.

What Sanji did next was rigging the bridge to explode by using gunpowder we found. As soon as we lure out Crocodile, Sanji will destroy the bridge to buy him time to get the others. The next part of the plan required all three of us.. or two depending on how well we pull this off. Sanji picked up the Den Den Mushi and contacted our favorite warlord.

"This is the Shitty Restaurant." That sounds awesome for some reason.

"Shitty Restaurant… you… from then?"

"How nice you remembered. That makes me happy."

"Who are you?"

"It's Mr. Prince."

"Is the other girl with you? Lavender Lancer."

"YES!" I shouted. "Now release our friends!"

"First tell me where the two of you are."

"Can't tell you that," spoke Sanji "Otherwise you'll come and kill us."

"We're not as lame and small mind like you Mr. 0. It fits you." I jeered.

Suddenly the cries of our crew came through

"MR. PRINCE! ANYA! YOU HAVE TO GET US OUT OF HERE!"

They better not be in greater peril that we thought.

"Mr. Prince! It sounds like our crew."

"Indeed it does. If you don't mind, we wou-."

Here it comes, the next part of the plan. I raised a gun in the air and screamed a heart-wrenching girlish scream and fired two shots in the air. Then Sanji grabbed the bruised peon on the ground and had him get in the act. He had to or else he will never be the same person he once was again… that's dark for me.

"Heh…. Bastards… Boss what should we do with them?"

Good boy. Now hopefully…

"Spit it out. Tell me where you are."

"Yes sir, I'm in front of the casino called Rainbase Diner."

That was it, now comes the next plan. I grabbed Chopper as the two of us made our way to the front entrance. The next part was for Chopper and I to lay siege to anyone up in front while Sanji rescues everyone else inside. The cute thing became gorilla mode as we neared a group of Baroque Works members tending to their wounded.

"Who the heck is Mr. Prince?"

"Who cares, he's with Lavender Lancer. We have to find them."

"Hey!" I waved as the two of us approached the goon squad. They immediately growled our way.

"YOU! Who is that?"

"I…. I am…" Chopper had a glint in his eyes and charged forward and barreled into them. "I AM MR. PRINCE!"

I giggled at his overdramatic tone. He sooo cute! I love it. The two of us barreled through and charged across the bridge. As soon as we were far enough, we hid around the corner. I walked further and noticed a window. Perhaps we could hide in here? Chopper peaked around the corner to see if Crocodile was coming. Peaking is an understatement. He basically reverses the way you peak around the corner. It's dumb, but it's so ADORABLE!

"AHHHH! HE'S COMING!"

I jumped through the window on instinct and crashed into a table. Crud! I forgot Chopper and destroyed someone's property by accident. I peered through the window and noticing him running… actually he just blitzed right by like a cheetah… no faster than that. Man can he run when there's danger. I gasped and dropped to the floor when I saw Crocodile going by. Crap. I hope he'll be okay, but the plan was for Chopper to revert to his smaller form to get out of danger. I then heard an explosion going off and figured that was the bridge being destroyed. The next part is for Sanji to get the others out.

"YOU!"

Chills went up my spine thinking that Crocodile or some marine found me. I whirled around to find… a woman. Just a local…. A local with a really big cleaver.

"That's a really big knife you have there. Making dinner? If you are can I have some?" That was lame.

"GET OUT!"

I stuck my tongue at her, avoided the flying sharp projectile and made my way out the window. I ran to the other side of the street and sat down. I thought about the events happening so far and wondered what my next move was.

"It's terrible!"

Three people were conversing near me. Two men and one woman. The tone of their conversations didn't sound positive.

"King Nefertari destroyed Nanohana and now the rebels are about to attack."

"It figures. First the Dance Powder and now this! He has gone too far this time."

"I'm siding with the rebels for this."

No…. no. That…. That's bad. The way Vivi described him made him be a likable guy. He's also a royal and royals tend see others below them inferior and not worth living. No, that's a common stereotype… but Vivi and Sabo proved not all of them were jerks. Sabo… Damn it, now's not the time to get depressed. You couldn't do anything for him, that blockhead didn't listen to you on that day. I got up and walked around to look for Chopper. Moments later I found him and the camel.

"Anya."

I smiled when Chopper, in his smaller form, ran toward me and jumped into my arms and started shivering. I noticed Eyelash approaching with a look of… jealousy? Of course he is. Chopper deserves all the affection than it.

"How were you?!"

"He's scary! A guy like that is too dangerous to be around." He started. "Oh. Eyelash has a way for us to cross the desert easily." He face saddened. "I heard about the rebels from other people. It's starting now."

"I know, I heard about it. We have to get to Alburna, but how can Eyelash help us cross the desert."

"Eyelash knows a bunch of animals in the desert. He lives around here, but they're perverts." I shot dark piercing glare at the camel, who looked ready to keel over under my gaze. I scratched my head, wondering I want to ride on a bunch perverts. This is for Vivi, so I will swallow my pride.

"Lead the way."

Damn it, if I have to ride a pervert to get a to a destination... then why not. I can kick it's ass later."

Then I found our ride. A giant crab with a shifty looking face.

No, that's the face of a pervert. No, that's face of a pervert in overdrive. I don't like the way it's looking at me with that big lecherous stupid smile on his face. This was our best bet and he's supposed to be fast.

As I was climbing the giant pervert, my mind wandered to the impending disaster we'll be thrown into once we'll reach Alburna. I also wondered what would happen if we went to Katorea, would we be able to persuade the rebels? Maybe, but Crocodile would've found a way. What happened in Nanohana may made the rebels believe we were lying. My mind then shifted toward that Okama we ran into and how he could transform into one of us.

Could he have gotten close to the king and copied him? Vivi did mention one of his forms was her father. That makes it even worse and the king antagonizing the rebels makes sense. He probably transformed as the king and fooled the rebels into thinking he was a bad guy. Damn it, that's even worse. No matter where we go Crococrap is one step ahead of us and all Vivi can do is suffer and watch her country burn. No way in hell that's going to happen. That's the promise of a Dragoon. I swear on the oath I will cleave my way through Vivi's enemies to keep her country safe.

A/N: Next chapter will be entitled. "War. I swear on the oath of the Dragoon." Yep, Anya vs. Miss All Saint's Day.