SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 49 out, this is Chapter 50 of this fic. For everyone who put this fic on your favorited and followed lists and/or story alerts, thank you, but remember everyone, a lot of authors, myself included, sustain on readers' reviews.

Pairings: Ace/Sasha, familial Luffy/Sasha, patriotic Law/Sasha

Disclaimers: One Piece belongs to Oda Eiichirō-sensei. Me, on the other hand, own absolutely nothing, except my OC.

Chapter 50: Arc 4: Confrontation At the Royal Palace

"What can I say about this situation we are in?" Chaka mused.

"It's okay." Vivi assured. "I understand. There was nothing you can do, except to intercept the rebel army. Igaram aside, you've done well in suppressing the the uprising for over two years. But I was not wrong. I met some true friends who are going to save Alabasta."

"Vivi-sama," Chaka voiced. "Over the two years that I have not seen you, you have become quite beautiful. Not to mention," he turned to bow slightly to Sasha. "I would never have expected to be graced by the presence of the Lord of Beasts. Once we have seen this war through, I would like to hold a banquet for those pirates."

"Chaka-sama!" two guards burst through the door. "Is it true that you are going to blow up the royal castle? The soldiers are getting the explosives ready."

"I am the one who gave the order." Vivi interjected. "Please use as much explosive as there is. In order to stop the senseless fighting, and to save the lives of the people of Alabasta, we will blow up the royal palace."

"Everything here is okay!" one of the guards reported, a fire torch in hand. "We can ignite at anytime."

"This castle has taken in Alabasta's history for 4000 years." Vivi looked up at the palace's roof. "It has been a source of pride for me. But if we destroy the royal palace, the people will stop fighting and pay attention. I will be able to tell them the truth in my own words. Okay, light them!"

"What is this?" Chaka gasped when a sudden whirlwind of sand blew the guards away.

"We can't have that." Crocodile drawled, manifesting on top of the palace. "That was quite a treacherous thing to do, wasn't it, Miss Wednesday? This is soon to be my house."

"Crocodile!" Vivi hissed. "Father!" she recognized the unconscious king in Crocodile's arms.

"It sure is nice to have a palace, huh?" Crocodile mused. "It's a fine place to look down on the filth below."

"Where is Luffy-san?" Vivi glared.

"You mean Straw Hat?" Crocodile inquired. "That puny rookie? He's dead."

"Luffy-san's dead?" Vivi retorted. "You're lying!"

"It's not a lie." Crocodile corrected. "Straw Hat is buried under the sands of Rain Base, Miss Wednesday. If only he hadn't gotten involved with you, he could've lived a long life."

"There's no way he could be killed by someone like you!" Vivi argued.

"Well, it's thanks to their sacrifice that you're able to rant right now." Crocodile shrugged. "Give them your deepest thanks, so at least the dead can..."

"Aniki losing to the likes of you would be a serious disgrace to the 'Will of D', Crocodile." Sasha cut in.

"'Will of D'?" Crocodile's grin turned into a scowl.

"Ace would probably melt aniki's rubbery butt once he finds out." Sasha added.

"I hope we can have some peace and quiet now." Robin noted, having barricaded the palace doors to prevent the guards outside from charging in.

"Father!" Vivi cried out after Crocodile nailed Cobra to the wall.

"Let His Majesty go, Crocodile!" Chaka demanded.

"Hey, hey." Crocodile tsked. "Did you really think 'd agree to let him go after going through all the trouble to immobilize him like that? Seriously, try and use your head."

"I'm sorry, Vivi..." Cobra muttered. "I couldn't make use of the chance that you risked your life to create..."

"Father..." Vivi sobbed.

"You..." Cobra's attention was turned to Sasha. "Those eyes... the aura you have... you really are... I've been waiting for you, Dragon Queen..."

"Anyway, Miss Wednesday," Crocodile cut in. "Let me tell you something first. I don't intend to keep you or your father alive. When a kingdom dies out, it's just as natural for a royal family to die as well. However, before I take the throne, there's something that I need to ask you, the current king." he walked towards Cobra. "In fact, this is indeed my biggest goal. Cobra, where is the Pluton?"

"How do you know that name?" Cobra was stunned.

SailorStar9: Any OOC-nes is regretted. *Sighs* Don't you just hate plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.