Ken's p.o.v.

A sigh escaped me as I rested on Smoker's ship as I reflected the last three days. The war had ended with a cease fire as soon as rain appeared for the first time in a few years. Heh, usually that would up the stakes, but not this time. It was Crocodile's scheme all along. Why? Because he wanted some ancient weapon and that is so powerful it could destroy the world. Then he would use that to control Alabasta.

I'm not happy Strawhat beat him, I wanted that reservation for myself. He literally pounded the guy through bedrock. That kid is strong, super strong. Strawhat has earned my respect for his strength, even if he picked a fight with a warlord, meaning the Government will be keeping an eye on him. Since Crocodie is one of the weaker warlords it's not a big problem and he can be replaced, but if he fought the others and beat them, then I guess he would be enemy number one.

But the big dogs covered it and made us the heroes that beat Croc. Yep, we achieved a higher rank and everything without doing anything important. When I found out I went out to the desert and screamed my head for three minutes while fighting those monster animals, including those dumb birds that thought they could trick me.

Crocodile insulted me, Nico Robin beat us and Strawhat solved the problem for his own reason. Speaking of the kid, me and my men came across them unconscious on the ground. They all looked as if they had gone through a blender, fought it, and then burned the remains. I ordered them to not do anything, they were unhappy, but one dark glare from me shut them up. I'm sure the men are happy we got an increased rank. I'm no longer a lieutenant. Now I'm a Lieutenant Commander. Smoker is a Commadore, Tashigi and Miyako upped to Ensign.

We didn't earn them, I don't like it, Smoker doesn't, Tashigi is upset, and Miyako looked extremely… unhappy. Miyako's frown was more distinguished from what I'm used to.

Now we have to prove we are the rank we were given.

Strawhat was not the only who got a bounty increase. Lavender Lancer did by beating Liz the Ripper. That crazy psychopath was screaming about how 'weak purple haired wench' beat her when she woke up. Roronoa Zoro? He beat Das Bonz; another assassin. So, he got his first bounty and became 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro. There's also the fact Lancer and him beat 100 bounty hunters at Whiskey Peak. They all say he did the work while she lounged around and fought some mooks that came after her. Who cares, the strawhat crew have three noticeable bounties and their lives are in more danger than before.

Heh, this just means I'll get better. Lancer proved herself not to be a joke and now I'm waiting for our fight. Oath and all.

"What do you think?"

My attention turned toward Tashigi

"I don't know." I replied. "It's one of those… things I think."

"Still…. it's justice, but."

"It makes the game more appealing."

There was a chuckle, good she's laughing. "The game huh? I guess so."

Miyako walked up and gracefully sat down in front of us with a book in hand. Then Smoker walked up and sat down in a chair.

"You all know what to do from here on out?"

We all nodded.

"We will resume our duty, when the opportunity presents itself we will capture the strawhat pirates."

I nodded and gazed out toward the sea, wondering what else life has in store. Then thought to Hina and how she stayed in Alabasta to help with the repairs. I guess she wants her shot at those kids.

"Where are you going?" A small purple haired girl yelled at the startled boy with blonde hair. The kid was wearing worn out noble clothing and top hat.

"Anya!" He staggered away when she smacked him. "Ow! What was that for? Wait! You're alive? What about the fire and…"

She looked down sadly. "Luffy-nii and I ran and ran." Tears poured down her eyes. "I heard the big nobles burned our territory for some dumb dumb noble. Ace and Dadan are no where to be found. Luffy cried, I cried. Now you are leaving!?" She gazed at the boat. "Why are you leaving/ Why don't you like us?"

"Of course I do… it's just I can't break free if my old man is on my back."

"Then hide forever with us." She grabbed his hand. "We'll be together with Luffy-nii and Ace."

"I can't. My bastard of family will hire more dangerous goons to find me and hurt you. Listen, I am going out there to become a pirate. THE greatest pirate."

The girl stared at him in sorrow, she clenched her fist as her face flashed to anger. "You bastard, I hate you. Dummy."

"You don't mean that." He chuckled. Then leaned forward and gave her a hug. "Find me out in the ocean. You, me, Ace, and Lufy will reunite and take the seas."

"…Don't die okay? I'll watch you here until I can't see you no more. You got it."

He gave a snarky grin. "Got it?"

-Alabasta Palace-

"AAHHHHHHHHH!"

A bloodcurdling scream escaped my throat as I shot up from my sleeping position. My breathed intake increased greatly, my heart pounded as fast as a bullet, my eyes remained unfocus, and sweat beaded down my face. I felt scared, lonely, afraid. What happened next was watching my brother die to a ship belonging to that asshole. I clenched the soft fabric tightly as I tried to calm myself down as I felt tears dripping.

"Anya! Calm down!" that voice… was it Nami?

"ANYA!" Huh.. brother?

I slowly started calming down as my eyes started to adjust. I saw my friends looking at me with concern. I looked around and noticed my brother gazing at me with the same expression. Then I saw someone who looked like… that curly butler guy in drag... so he's okay, cool.

"You okay?" asked Sanji. "Was it a nightmare?"

I didn't say anything until I finally noticed something. I was in a bed, in spacious well decorated extravagent room. "Where are we?"

"The Palace," replied Vivi as she sat next to bed. "Are you okay?"

"…." I sighed, not wanting to talk about it. "I'm fine... just had dumb dream."

After I calmed, Vivi told me they had to hide us in the castle after the situation was over. I was surprised that none of the Marines captured us. Igaram's wife, who frightening had his exact appearance, is going to make us all food and Igaram is alive. That's good news!

"Anya there was something we wanted to ask you." The blue haired princess stared at me seriously.

I blinked and tilted my head curiously. "Yeah?"

"You're awake."

Our attention turned toward a red head man standing in the doorway while holding a… Devil Fruit? Where did he get that? He seemed to notice where my attention lingered.

"You noticed this? Okay, that makes it easier. Where did you get this?"

"That?" I stared at it. "I never picked up Devil Fruit let alone want to use one. I love swimming."

"It was found inside your cloak after we were brought here." said Sanji. "We were asked the same question, but we figured you knew the answer. I take it you never picked one those things up?"

"You want powers like me?" Luffy said.

"No, I don't remember picking up any cursed fruit. The only fruit I found were in a home where I devoured 3 of them and took one for later, none were cursed fruits. Who are you?" I asked in a tactless manner.

"Ezekiel." He narrowed his eyes and deep thought. "I guess it is true." I turned to everyone else in the room who looked sadden for some reason, except Luffy who remained oblivious.

"We can talk about this after the feast." Said Vivi.

"Yeah!"

"No." I interrupted my brother. "You guys are sad, asked me why I have a Devil Fruit, and then decide to wait until after a feast? What happened?"

"Miss Lancer." My eyes turned toward the red head. "What do you think happens to the power after a fruit user dies."

I tilted my head. "Um.. It disappears and…. goes to a magical tree where… it births the same devil fruit?"

"So that's where they come from. I see." said Luffy.

"No you blockhead." grumbled Nami. "Anya you said you had an apple on you at the time. Well.."

"To you they are rumors, but out in the Grand Line, both in Paradise and New World, it has been confirmed. The fruit's design is similar to..." He sighed. "Miss Lancer, when a fruit user dies their power is transferred to the nearest fruit available. Namely your apple you had in your possession."

"Really cool!" I smiled for the moment, but something clicked in my head as my happiness dropped. The explosion, that bird man… I don't think anyone could survive that. I had hoped he had let go and used the shockwave from the wind to guide him to safety…. Damn it. "So… he's…"

"Who died?" Luffy face looked serious. "What happened?"

"You remember Pell? The bird user who flew you in."

"Yeah! He's a nice gu-." It then clicked in my brothers head. His face flashed to anger. "HOW!"

We told him about the cannon/bomb Crocodile planted in the clock tower and how Pell sacrificed himself by lifting the bomb over the city before it caused any real damage. You can repair buildings… mostly, but a human life cannot be brought back. Now what's left of Pell… his legacy is now transferred to a fruit. The atmosphere lowered down to insufferable levels. I don't like it, it's like something crushing you underneath its weight and never getting off.

"You honestly think Pell would want us to see us in this state." We all shifted toward Luffy. "I say hell no. He wanted to protect the country, he wanted to protect you Vivi. His sacrifice wasn't in vain so we will honor him in someway."

We all stared at him for a bit until I laughed loudly, causing everyone else in the room to smile and chuckle a bit.

"Hn, the captain surprises me sometimes." Sanji grinned. "Despite his stomach and simplicity he knows where to hit."

Zoro nodded with a grin.

"Alright!" shouted Luffy. "LET'S FEAST!"

"YEAH!"

The feast was enjoyable. Everyone had fun and we made sure to honor Pell for his sacrifice. After that we washed ourselves in the castle. It had been awhile since I enjoyed something so good, it would have been more enjoyable if the men had decided NOT to peek on us. Nami decided to show them her figure causing them all to fall back on their side. The king should be ashamed to spy on us, even if he OWN DAUGHTER IS THERE! Luffy… ah, he probably went along with it because everyone else was… he better. The only who didn't participate was Zoro and I think his reason it would break his warrior code to peak on naked women. The king thanked us before we left the bath. It was honorable of him, but we're pirates, it's not something royalty would do. He and Vivi are the only royal types I will ever like in this lifetime.

We got to the room and talked amongst ourselves, mostly about what to do next.

"Leave." responded Nami. "It's no good for us to wait till morning."

"I agree." Zoro said. "Marines are everywhere, our hides will be visible for them and sneaking around like we did was little of use. We were all lucky to get here."

"When do we leave?" asked Usopp. "Right now or wait till midnight?"

"If we leave now we could rest up on the ship." spoke Sanji. "We also have our ship to worry about too. We did leave it at a safe place right?"

"Not to worry." I chuckled. "Our invincible army should take care of any intruders."

"The same ones that couldn't handle Luffy?" Zoro looked at me with amusement. "Right?"

"Bah, the power of their cuteness overcomes anything."

"Besides, I'm their boss!" Luffy grinned. "There's no way they'll lose."

"Right!" Chopper chimed in.

"No, I'm their boss." I scoffed at him

"Nah, I am."

The group gave a groan before we resumed discussing our plans.

-Ezekiel's p.o.v.-

I stared at the documents that came to my hand. I read them again and again and it was still mindboggling how these papers got here quickly… sure they can report and document these, but with what happened here I thought it would be another 4 days. I raced down the corridor and found Sir Igaram and Sir Chaka and showed them the documents. Their expressions were a repeat of my face a moment ago.

"This is.. bad." Igaram replied with sweat beading down his face. He then raced out of the room to tell the strawhats. It's obvious the government isn't happy about a warlord causing a fuss and covered it up saying the 'White Hunter' uncovered the secret plot However, they can't ignore a pirate under their wing had been soundly defeated by an up and coming pirate crew.

'Strawhat' Monkey D. Luffy: 100,000,000 beli

'Lavender Lancer' Monkey D. Anya: 75,000,000 beli

'Pirate Hunter' Roroanoa Zoro: 60,000,000 beli

They're not just children anymore, in such a short time they became a nefarious crew. They'll become more troublesome as time goes on, which means the Government won't turn a blind eye for much longer. Princess Vivi mentioned them looking for Gold Roger's treasure, that in itself insane. If I knew him in the beginning I would not take him seriously in his claim, but now his claim is more bold and dangerous. Many will seek them out and they will challenge them their right to sail the seas.

However, there is another matter I have. It has to do with my late mentor.

"Sir Chaka." I said. "What are going to do with Master Pell's legacy?"

He turned toward me with me with a thoughtful look. He then formed a smile. "Do you want it?"

"Huh?"

"You wish to become just like him. Pell took you under his wing to train you. I do see it reasonable to give you such a fruit, but not right now. Come back in a year and then we'll see."

"One year…" I thought about the offer. Pell was my mentor, my father figure. He taught me many lessons and trained me to be the man I am today. The war I fought in gave me new insight on what it means to fight for a cause and see the darker side of humanity. If I am able to live up to Pell and his legacy it means I must work hard to protect my country and train the next generation to follow our example. Both sides wanted what was best for the country and it took one man to nearly break us down. Now we have move to rebuild our society and raise moral. I think they need to see the Wings of Alabasta once more. The falcon guardian of Alabasta will return once more.

"Alright." I told him. "I accept."

Anya's p.o.v.

I'm glad we're finally leaving this place. I don't like the sand, I don't like the heat, and I don't want to be around any perverted animals like the camel and giant creepy eyed seafood dish. On another note we're riding on the adorable duck bill squad, courtesy of Vivi-chan! The journey won't take long with these guys.

Before leaving, Vivi-chan asked us what she should do. She wanted to come with us, but she wanted to stay with her father and the city the most. It would be awesome for her to come. We would explore the world and meet interesting people and see tons of places. There would be more cute animals, interesting dances, and sweet foods. Not to mention facing our rivals out on the big blue ocean.

On the other hand, if she joined us her country could be in danger of supporting pirates. Hell, even associating with us is guaranteed a loss of face. She's a princess, a noble, and people like that shouldn't be out adventuring. Hmm… Vivi could take it. She risked her life to dig deep into Baroque works to find out who was endangering her country. She's a tough girl, she coud take it. She'd be the Peacock of Chaos!

Nami told her we'll give her 12 hours for her to come. By midday tomorrow we'll pass through the east coast, during that time and up to that point we'll know if she can travel with us again.

Whatever choice she makes I'll support her. If she she stays… it will hard to say goodbye.

"Nami, Are you okay?" I heard Chopper say. I turned toward our navigator who had a sadden look on her face. She's obviously didn't want to leave Vivi behind.

"She doesn't look okay, it's about Vivi isn't?" I replied.

She still didn't say a thing.

"I'll give you one of my meats," Luffy said while eating some food. "Just one okay?"

"I understand what you are feeling," said the chef. "It's useless to worry like that. Vivi wouldn't want your spirits crushed, life them up."

"…. I…" She opened to say. " forgot about…." She sighed and then formed a sad smile. "I didn't ask Vivi….. about the….10 billion beli."

"WHAT!" I was deeply astonished… no…. no. DISTURBED WITH PASSION! Money!? Was it about money all this time? Was our friendship a lie? Zoro mentioned something about money witch and Usopp fell off duckbill, but come on Nami…. or was that your way of hiding the fact of you missing her? Ah, this is Nami she loves money more than us.

There was one other thing that pissed me off. The other reason we escaped was due to a snail phone message from Mr. 2. That bastard took our ship and told us to meet him at Sandora River. He's holding poor Merry hostage, I bet he took off the goat figurehead and replaced it was something disturbing like his face or a swan or the symbol of the Okama island. When I get there, I'm kicking his ass.

-Palace guest room. Vivi's p.o.v.-

This is it. This is how it ends… no I have until tomorrow, but I have already decided. I would love to travel with each of them, but can I keep up with them? I relied on their strength, tenacity, and hope to help me get through my journey. If I were to travel with them then I would be labeled a pirate and become the Peacock Wonder or other names they would come up with. My country would be in danger of the World Government and they, at least the Celestial Dragons. Unfortunately, if what my father tells me is true, the World Nobles already see Alabasta as traitors because my ancestors did the right thing and stayed in their country to be with the people and not high above them.

It would give them the to right to strip Alabasta of its rank and sanctions... at best. At worst, I don't want to think about it. I don't want to put pressure on my kingdom or my friends if I traveled with them. They would be labeled as kidnapper, I don't want that. Perhaps in the future, I can see them again. They are not typical pirates, they are journeymen. They seek adventure for their dreams, not to cause harm to civilians.

I have no doubt Luffy will become the Pirate King nor the others accomplishing theirs. I'm sure they will be fine without me and I might get in the way through their constant battles, but... should I train myself for the day I meet them?

Morning will come, they will hear my answer and I hope they will forgive me.

-Anya-

The incredible super awesome alpha duck league gallantry dropped us off near the ship. I gave my stallion a nice hug before it returned to the castle. I still want one and someday I will have one. If only I could steal an egg.

"HEEEYYYYYYYYYYY! YOU ALL KEPT ME WAITING"

I cringed at the loud annoying noise that struck my ears, It felt that a puppy died somewhere. Our attention turned toward the flamboyant moron that had the gull to show himself after nearly destroying Vivi's home. The ex-member of the Baroque Works, Mr. 2 Bon Clay danced around like a fool, yet let out a shriek when he saw our glares."

"Those looks! That's the first thing you do when you arrive? You glare like I'm the bad guy. I thought we were friends?"

Luffy snorted. "Who would be friends with you? We're enemies."

I snorted as I climbed aboard. "Besides you helped Crococrap with the kingdom siege."

The man crossed his arms and closed his eyes as he appeared to be in deep thought. "True, but that's all in the past, let's forget about that." One look from Zoro had him move aside. "Baroque Works has been disbanded so we are no longer enemies."

"That doesn't mean I have to allow you onboard MY ship." Luffy tone sounded defiant and that caused me to grin.

"Hn, and to think I did you favor."

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?"

"Think about it, if I wasn't here then what would have happened to your ship?"

"It would probably be confiscated," Nami spoke causally as she climbed aboard. I blinked and smacked my face upon the revelation. How dumb could I be! Leaving Alabasta will pose a problem with the marines prowling around like dogs and marking their territory. If they stumbled across our ship they would either keep it or destroy it. All bad.

"EXACTLY! 100%! IF I WASN'T HERE THEN THE MARINES PATROLLING WOULD CEASE YOUR SHIP AND YOU WOULD BE LAND DWELLERS FOR LIFE!"

Luffy had realization dawn over him and gulped. "W…what!? Then you took Merry because of that."

I sighed as I walked to the side of the ship while Luffy, Usopp and Chopper showed shocked faces of realization. I looked at the ex-agent who flashed a big smile and gave a thumbs up.

"It's because… we're friends."

I giggled as the three instantly appeared next to the man and started dancing around like a bunch of buffoons. Okay, so he did good... kind of. He must want some in return... nah.

"So in short." said Zoro. "You need our help to escape the marines. Is that right?"

Of course! The flamboyant man reacted humorously to Zoro's comment.

"IT'S TRUE!" He shouted and produced the ever famous manly tears… or maybe he's crying. "IT'S THE RIGHT TIME FOR ENEMIES TO JOIN FORCES AGAINST THE COMMON THREAT! WE SHOULD TAKE UP ARMS AND ESCAPE OUR FOES TOGETHER! RIGHT!?"

I gave a smile at the speech and the others joined the idiots by shouting in agreement. I don't consider him a friend… maybe a frenemy. For now, we're allies. The mission: Get out of Alabasta

We rested for a bit before deciding to set sail. We had to be careful about our path because the marines were sailing these waters. Watching, waiting, justicing, and doing whatever dogs of the military do when they were waiting for pirates.

Then we were attacked by marine ships. We were flanked from the left, to the right, to front, back, above and below… heh not from below or above, but it would be terrifying if they had aerial ships and underwater ships.

BUT! They surrounded us from all sides. We all fought back by either blocking or deflecting their cannon balls. The ships in front of us fired several black spike things that pierced our hull. What the hell were these things? I tried to cut one, but they were hard and indestructible. Luffy took a few of them and sent them back at the marines in front of us and Usopp destroyed two ships with one cannon ball. ONE FREAKEN CANNON BALL! Usopp you are truly a man among men, the most manliest man that is man. I'll be your wingman whenever we go to a bar and say 'Hey, have you met Usopp?'"

Hell, if he somehow destroyed a whole fleet with one cannonball, I would shine his shoes for life.

Bon Clay informed about the attacking unti was from a commodore named Black Cage Hina. I never heard of her, but he told us she was a troublesome fruit user that binds people with black material from nowhere.

We don't have time to pick a fight with her when Vivi is waiting for us. When Mr. Clay learned about our plan he got overemotional again and told us to go on ahead while he distracted soldiers. He and his crew disguised themselves as us and acted like a decoy. That idiot, he's going to get himself killed, but he insisted. I and the others watched his crew collided with Black Cage's ship and engaged them. A tear rolled down my face, wondering how such a bad guy like that turned about to be an emotional noble guy who was willing to die for his friends. Friends he just met, friends he only knew for a day.

"I'll never forget you!" I roared as we pressed further away. Luffy, Sanji, Usopp, and Chopper were in tears as well. Despite his outrageous character he was a passionate person. Someone that passionate should not be forgotten.

We kept pressing onward to our destination, but three more marine ships caught up with us, forcing us to engage them. They weren't too strong, but it got annoying. Overwhelming us with numbers was all good, but we are not going let a bunch of grunts knock us from our schedule.

"I recently… went on an adventure."

I heard a familiar voice ring in the air as I repelled a cannonball. That was Vivi and she must be broadcasting her speech throughout Alabasta as a way letting her people know she had returned.

Fortunately we managed to make it to our destination as she was delivering her speech

"It was an adventure over deep oceans and dark tides in search of hope... the ocean that I faced was vast the day I left this country. It is full of unbelievable islands which hold many things."

That's the truth, I don't know where she had been before she met us, but the others islands we traveled were amazing and terrifying. Mostly amazing.

"There are creatures I had never seen, incredible sceneries, and sounds of waves… they are sometimes so peaceful… it's as if they were trying to cover up all the trouble around us. However, they can be violent at times, as if they were mocking at the weak. Fortunately, there was a light in the darkness. I found a tiny ship that helped pushed me forward and told me to cling to the light."

No Vivi, no don't tell them about us. You're risking it. Don't let that blueberry head of yours tell the people about us. You'll be labeled as an outlaw. Damn it!

"That ship will always find its way to escape the darkness. A most fascinating ship. It was as if it was dancing, sailing through gigantic waves. Despite them seemingly drifting, they only move forward, even against strongest winds. In the end it will raise its finger and say, 'Look there is light!' Even if history will make this light seem like an illusion, they will always be real to me."

You're making me cry. We're nothing more than pirates, enemies to justice, but it feels so good that you, a noble, a princess, sees us as inspiration. If my brother and I joined the marines we would've done the same thing all over again.

"It seems she decided not to come." spoke Sanji. "It's better that way."

"If she were to come, she will be labeled as an outlaw and nowhere to run." spoke Zoro.

Nami sighed and gazed toward us. "We should go, it's almost 12."

"Wait." My brother looked at her desperately. "She'll come! I know she will. Let's look for her by the dock."

"She will not!" I grumbled.

"Don't be negative! She'll make it!"

"Do you really think so?" I scoffed. "This is what she fought for and it would be petty and childish to throw it away just to travel with us."

We both glared at each other, our eyes were never unwavering from the other. He wanted her to come, but there was something in his eyes telling me he too believe she would not come, but maybe she might. I didn't want to leave a friend either…, but

"CRAP! THE MARINES HAVE CAUGHT UP TO US!"

"Then let's get out of here. FULL SPEED!" Nami roared.

"Luffy, forget it." Sanji came between us. "Anya's right. Vivi is not coming we have to let her go."

Luffy shifted his gaze between us and let out a snort. He sent one last stare toward land and turned around to face me with a disappointed look. I gave him an apologetic look as I patted him on the shoulder.

"EVERYONE!"

Vivi? I, and everyone, looked ahead toward the large cliff and spotted two figures, Vivi and Carue-kun, standing before us and waving. She came! Now we have to go over there and..

"I'VE COME… TO SAY GOODBYE!" Then all that joy dropped like a sack of bricks. Of course… what was I thinking? She' a princess.

"I can't go with you all." No, no, why use a speaker. Why use it and reveal to everyone you teamed up with pirates. You stupid blueberry. "Thank you for all that you done for me. Even though I still want to go with you, but right now… I really love this country."

Yeah… I wouldn't trade sailing the seas for anything. Being with my brother and the others… it's home to me. A small smile stuck to my face and then a tear rolled down my face. I will miss her.

"So I can't come along… even though I want to stay here…., but….*sniff*…. IF THERE IS ONE DAY WHERE WE MEET AGAIN WILL YOU TAKE ME AS A FRIEND!?"

Silence rang after that… I thought I heard squabbling over by the marines, possibly thinking why the princess would associate with pirates. I turned to my brother as he continued staring, I slapped him across the cheek, he grunted and glared me. I shook my head no, prompting a raised eyebrow from him. He looked at Vivi an then back at me.

"Luffy…" spoke Nami, "It's better not to answer or else she would be tied to us, then everything we have done for would be worthless."

"Correct." sighed Sanji. "The marines saw her, so there will be suspicion. We have to part ways quietly."

I frowned and turned around. No doubt Vivi would understand…. Would she? There has to be a way for her to get our point across. I scratched my right arm and then looked at the bandage.

-Vivi-

They… they didn't answer back… I expected this, but… who am I kidding. The tears coming from me has me feeling more hurt about them leaving me behind or just not caring, but if they did I'd be a traitor, it's for… the best to part quietly. Perhaps I should've said…

"QUACK!"

Carue? I gazed down at him he handed me a telescope in hand and pointed at their ship. I took and narrowed in on the ship and… there they were… with their backs to me and their arms raised. Wait they're showing me the X's on their arms. They actually replied back to me!

To all it meets death, but to us… it's a symbol of our friendship. They do care… they do. It was foolish of me to expect them to reply, but the action they showed me was much more powerful than words. I raised my arm, showing the X, telling them I enjoyed our time together and that I will always remember we are friends. No matter what the world thinks, nothing can break our bonds.

As they continued off I got back on Carue and rode back to the palace. Now a new beginning is about to unfold. I'll help bring Alabasta into a new era.

-Anya's p.o.v.-

"From now on no matter what happens, this sign on our left arm will be the symbol of our friendship."

Remembering those words from my brother the first time we marked ourselves brought a chuckle to me. I lowered my arm and turned toward my brother who tried hard no to cry. He walked forward, took a deep breath and shouted.

"LET'S GO!"

"AYE!" we shouted. Then we continued on toward our next destination. I wonder what other surprises are in store for us."

A/N: It's been proven that when a user dies their powers go to the nearest fruit available. I know what some of you are thinking, why kill off Pell? Because despite every character surviving wounds that could kill a man and those getting lighting point blank, no matter how dexterity they have, I kind of find it hard to believe this dude survived what could be a nuke. I'm sorry and I believe I read somewhere that Oda regretted Pell living. So… Ezekiel will take over whatever roll Pell may have in the future, if we see Vivi and the others again.