(A/N: Thank you to OneWhoReadsTooMuch for your review! :) And to everyone who has followed and favorited this story. It always makes me happy to see so many people enjoying my random stories.)

By the time Toffee and the others caught up with Nami and Vivi, night had fallen. The desert had gone from a scorching inferno to that of an ice cold tundra the moment the sun had set, and Vivi smiled reassuringly at her new friends knowing this trek and drastic change in weather must be making them all weary.

"Yuba's just ahead. There! Do you see the light?"

Removing the dark blue hood that helped cover and protect her face, Nami frowned and brought up, "Why is the earth rumbling?"

Vivi's eyes widened, small beads of sweat appearing on her frightened features. "Something's wrong with the town...!" The sound of rushing wind made the princess panic further. "A sandstorm! Yuba is being attacked by a sandstorm!"

Having to wait until the clouds of sand died down, the group made their way into what must have once been a bustling town. That wasn't the case any longer. Buildings and houses were covered or buried beneath the sands, the leaves of trees were brown and unhealthy, there was no oasis to be found, but what was worse was the lack of people.

"This can't be..." Vivi whispered out distraught.

"This is bad. It's almost no different from that Erumalu city!" Zoro voiced with a deep scowl.

"Wasn't this supposed to be an oasis city, Vivi-chan?" Sanji murmured, sticking his hands in his robes pockets while he watched Luffy scout out the area for any signs of liquid.

"The sand has raised the ground! The oasis has been swallowed up!"

Hearing the sound of someone digging caught Vivi and the others by surprise, and they walked closer to find a rather bony old man standing within a deep hole-who didn't turn around despite having noticed their presence. He seemed to be completely focused on what he was doing.

"Travelers, eh...? You must be tired from your trip through the desert. I'm afraid this town's a little dried up," When the man wiped at his brow and began to face them, Vivi quickly concealed her features better. "But you can still rest...We have plenty of inns...that's what we're known for."

"Um, we came because we heard the rebel army was in this city..." Vivi spoke.

These words caused the white haired old man's eyes to turn red from anger. "What business do you have with the rebel army?!" The next thing the Straw Hat's knew, they were having to dodge barrels and other items the elderly man flung at them. "Curse you! Don't tell me you're hoping to join the rebellion?!" Huffing after one of the barrels collided with Luffy's forehead, the man continued, "If you're looking for those fools, they left town long ago."

"They what?!" Luffy exclaimed, gawking.

"No!" Vivi gasped out, casting her troubled gaze downwards.

"A sandstorm hit the town just now, but it certainly wasn't the first," the irritated man explained, going back to his digging. Toffee found herself frowning noticing how his body shook. Just how long had he been out here working? "The sand has dried up after three years of drought, and sandstorms began to frequent this town ever since. Little by little, the oasis of the past was swallowed up, leaving what you see now. With the towns flow of supplies gone, not even the rebel army's protracted struggle would have worked out. So the rebel army moved its base to Katorea."

"Where's that, Vivi? Is Katorea close by?" Luffy questioned, glancing over at the pony-tail haired girl.

Vivi frowned as she returned his gaze. "It's an oasis next to Nanohana..."

"So the rebels were actually close to the place we first docked at...?" Toffee sighed out, causing Nami and Usopp to unleash groans. They had made this journey for nothing.

The old man had stopped in his plowing, turning to look sharply at Vivi. "Wait? Did you just say Vivi?"

Luffy quickly moved in front of a worried Vivi, waving his hands. "Wait, old guy! Vivi isn't the princess!"

"Don't tell him that, moron!" Usopp scolded, walloping Luffy across his head.

An elated look appeared on the elderly male's face, tears forming in his dark eyes. "I'm so glad you're alive...! It's me! Don't you remember? I guess not. I've lost some weight,"

Vivi slowly blinked, her brown orbs soon widening and a hand moving to cover her mouth when realization came to her. "No...Mr. Toto...?!"

Toto nodded happily, yet he gripped at Vivi's shoulders in a desperate manner. "Listen to me, Vivi-chan...I believe...in the king! He would never betray our country...! Isn't that right? This rebellion is absurd...! Please...I beg of you! Stop those fools! You're the only one who can do it!"

"Who is this man?" Luffy questioned, looking at a misty eyed Vivi in confusion.

Toto was a man from Vivi's past. He had been asked directly by the king to oversee the town of Yuba along with his then young son, Koza. This boy happened to be a good friend of Vivi's-having even once protected her from kidnappers-so it was difficult to believe he was the leader of the rebels, the very man that they were seeking.

"It's only been three years...Who cares if it hasn't rained?! I believe the king...The majority of the people still do! We've stopped them...over and over again...But you can't tell them anything! The rebellion will not be stopped...Their power will soon overtake ours'...They plan to end this with the next attack! They've caught up with us...They're prepared to die!"

Grabbing a handkerchief, Vivi put on a bright smile and said, "Mr. Toto, we can stop this rebellion!"

Toto sniffled, dabbing at the corner of his eyes where he managed to crack a smile. "Yes...Thank you! I'm sorry you had to see me in such a pitiful state...And what a terrible host I'm being to your friends! Come. I'll show you all to your rooms for the night."

"Good work today, fellows! Let's take a rest to replenish our strength for tomorrow. Goodnight!" Usopp chirped out, jumping into the nearest comfy bed.

"You were sleeping the entire time!" Zoro scoffed out. He ended up having to carry Usopp when he passed out part way on their journey. In fact, Luffy and him both ended up being major pains. Their so called captain had ended up hallucinating after drinking on some cactus juice, causing them to lose ground and for Chopper to have to tranquilize the guy.

"Of course I was, you jerk! I was exhausted, dammit! I'm not a monster like you!" Usopp growled out, flinging his pillow at Zoro and pelting him right in the face.

"That's it!" Zoro snarled, cracking his fists.

"And your king of the exhausted, bluenose!" Usopp continued to rant, throwing a pillow at Chopper this time and making him stumble backwards.

"I can't stand the heat!" Chopper shot back with teary eyes.

Vivi gave a tired smile, turning her attention on Sanji who was lounging on her bed. "Um, Sanji-san, that's mine..."

"Yeah, I figured you didn't want to sleep alone tonight..." Sanji said with a charming smile while lifting up the covers for Vivi to climb in beside him, twitching when a pillow connected with his face. "Hey, which one of you jackasses just threw that at me?!"

"Good one, Heartless!" Usopp cheered, giving the shadow a high-five. Chopper giggled behind his hooves at Sanji's now reddened face. The little monster must have used some force behind his throw.

"Why you...!"

Nami let out a low growl. Pillows were flying all over the room, and one had hit her. She retaliated by flinging pillows at all of the men's heads, something that actually knocked each one of them to the ground. "Don't you idiots understand the meaning of the word sleep?!"

"They're always so lively. I think Luffy had the right idea to stay outside," Toffee mused with a small chuckle considering the pillow fight was far too violent. She had moved to stand by Vivi, giving the younger woman a firm gaze. "That was a pretty big promise you made to Mr. Toto...Are you sure that was the right thing to do...?"

Vivi bit on her lower lip, thinking it over for a moment before saying, "I know nothing is certain, but I have to believe we'll stop them...That I can reason with Koza..." A faint smile then formed on the princesses pink lips. "And if not, that 'someone else' you mentioned will stop this rebellion, correct?"

Placing her arms behind her back, Toffee gazed up at the ceiling. "Yes. They'll make sure this rebellion ends by killing the one who started this chaos to begin with. But are you certain you want Crocodile to die...?"

Vivi's eyes grew large at the startling subject. "That's...difficult to answer. I want Crocodile to pay for the atrocities that he's done to this country and its people...but death seems wrong to me. I've never liked that word...It feels more justifiable for Crocodile to be locked away and to never experience freedom again. Where he has to sit alone and atone for his crimes..."

"B-but perhaps that's a bit harsher to say!' Vivi gasped out, looking a tad guilty for uttering what she did.

Toffee shook her head and smiled in understanding. "No. What you said makes a lot of sense...The people they killed...perhaps they did get off far too easy...This just means we'll have to reach the rebellion and stop them before they make it to the target."

I'll just leave out the fact that my brothers' sometimes torture their more dangerous hits...Where many have ended up begging for death...

"Stop...Please stop...AGGGGGH!"

Deimos grinned while holding a bloody fingernail in front of the bearded males face. "That's the fourth one I removed. Not bad! Especially 'cause I told you it becomes more painful the more I rip off. Maybe you're growing used to this? What do you think, Theo? Should I go for chopping off the fingers next~?"

"N-no! Anything but that! I'll talk! I-I really don't know much...I was just told by our leader to head for Alubarna with these weapons. And to make sure I was there before noon tomorrow..."

"And the king wasn't the one who gave you these orders?" Theo inquired with a raised brow.

"..."

Holding a kunai close to the man, Cain chirped out. "You really shouldn't shut down like that. I'll start poking you with this, and that'll really hurt, you know!"

"No...I mean, none of us have met the boss before. He works from the shadows...We always receive our orders from his partner, Miss All Sunday...This is really all I know. I won't interfere so will you-"

The Baroque Works agent wasn't able to finish for a bullet had connected with his head, killing him in one shot. Blowing the smoke away that emanated from his pistol, Ashley then twirled it before bringing up, "This isn't good. We won't reach Katorea in time to inform Koza...Should we look for this Miss All Sunday? She does sound like she'll be a real cutie..."

Theo shook his head. "We'll make our way for Alubarna. We should be able to reach it faster and intercept the rebels...We're just lucky we caught this cart in the middle of our scouting. We know the truth now. The only question is if we can stop things before they grow too bloody..."

"I think we might be deterred here for awhile," Deimos brought up, placing his arms behind his head. At his brother's curious looks, he pointed toward the distance. He could make out a great number of shadowy figures. "The big boss must have realized we were assisting the rebels."

"My my...I thought this lone man out here was peculiar. It must have been a trap," Ashley said with a click of his tongue.

Theo sighed at this, removing his Chinese sword from its sheath upon his back. "Looks like we don't have a choice...Take them out quickly."

"We're going now, Mr. Toto," Vivi said gently. Everyone had awoken bright and early to make the journey.

"Yes...Luffy-kun, please take this," Toto spoke, handing a mini barrel to the dark haired male. He had even placed a straw in it along with a rope so Luffy could carry it better.

"Wow! Water!" Luffy exclaimed, his tongue sticking out in excitement. "You found some?"

"Right after you fell asleep digging last night. We made it to the water level. I managed to squeeze out this water and distill it. It's genuine Yuba water. I'm sorry that's all I can give you..."

"Thanks! I'll drink it carefully!" Luffy said happily with a bright grin, something that made Toto beam. Vivi smiled softly herself, waving goodbye to the kind and hardworking old man.

It seemed they hadn't traveled very far from Yuba at all when Luffy sat down beneath a leafless tree. And he didn't make any sign of moving. Toffee didn't think he could be tired already, but the lanky male did seem agitated about something.

"Luffy! What are you doing?!" Usopp yelled out. His question was only met with silence, much to the snipers annoyance.

"What's wrong, Luffy-san?" Vivi asked, feeling baffled by the pirate captains strange actions herself.

"I quit."

"You 'quit'?" Nami murmured out.

"Luffy-san...what do you mean?" Vivi asked in a lighter voice.

"C'mon, Luffy! We don't have time to put up with your whims, you know! Get up!" Usopp chastised, his hands moving to rest on his hips.

"Aren't we going back?" Chopper inquired, slowly blinking his eyes.

"Yeah. If we don't go back to Katorea the way we came and stop the revolt, a million citizens will clash and things'll get ugly quick!" Sanji voiced sharply. "This is for Vivi-chan! Now let's go!" Sanji stomped over, grabbing at the front of Luffy's shirt to yank him up, only to have Luffy toss him to the side.

"That's boring!"

"What are you saying, Luffy...?" Toffee inquired with a small frown before a snarling Sanji could lash out.

"Vivi! I want to kick Crocodile's ass!" Luffy spoke curtly, taking the princess by surprise. "If we stop the people rebelling, will that stop Crocodile? Besides, we won't be able to do anything in Katorea anyway. We're pirates, you see. Things are better off without us around."

"He can really get straight to the point without thinking sometimes..." Sanji mumbled.

"Despite being Luffy," Usopp chimed in with a shake of his head.

"T-that's-" Vivi tried to speak up.

"You want it so nobody dies in this fight. None of the citizens and none of us! Even when we're up against a warlord of the sea and a million people are going wild, you hope everyone will stay safe and sound. Don't you think that's too soft-hearted?"

"Hold on, Luffy! At least show some sympathy for Vivi!" Nami scolded, having noticed Vivi trembling with her hands balled into tight fists at her sides. Luffy's rather harsh words had clearly struck a nerve with the princess.

"Wait, Nami-san," Sanji interjected, extending out an arm to stop the orange haired girl from rushing to Vivi's side.

"But..."

Tossing off her hood, Vivi shouted out, "And what's wrong with thinking that? What's wrong with not wanting people to die?!"

"People die." Luffy said rather bluntly, his unblinking gaze staring into Vivi's furious eyes.

Unleashing a snarl, Vivi slapped Luffy hard enough that she sent him spinning and tumbling to the ground. "Stop talking like that! Say that again, and I'll make you pay! That's exactly what we're trying to stop here! The rebel army, the royal army, and the people of this kingdom haven't done anything wrong! So why do people have to die when it's all Crocodile's fault?!"

Leaping up, Luffy delivered a hard punch to Vivi's face that caused her to yelp out in pain, falling to the ground this time. "Then why are you putting your life on the line?!"

"Whoa, Luffy! You're going too far!" Usopp gasped out, staring at his captain in shock.

"Damn it, Luffy!" Sanji growled out, looking ready to sock Luffy himself.

This does seem like a bit much, but I suppose Luffy must have a reason for his actions Toffee pondered, peering over at Zoro who had remained silent and wore a solemn expression. Zoro looks like he understands something the rest of us don't...

Despite her body shaking as she pulled herself up, a glaring Vivi wiped the dirt away from her mouth and lunged at Luffy where she landed on top of him.

Luffy simply scowled up at her. "One look at this kingdom and even I can tell..."

"Tell what?!" Vivi screamed out shrilly, punching Luffy in his face over and over again.

"...what most needs to be done! As if putting your single life on the line is enough!"

"Then what should I be putting on the line?! I don't have-" Vivi's words were halted for a moment when Luffy grabbed at her wrists to cease her relentless attacks, and the princess continued mournfully, "I don't have anything else I can put on the line..."

Shoving Vivi to the ground, Luffy quickly sat up and said fiercely, "At least try putting all of our lives on the line together! Aren't we friends?!" Watching the princesses body grow limp, tears filling her eyes, Luffy picked up his fallen hat and repeated a bit more softly, "Aren't we friends?"

Vivi could only sob, having fallen to her knees, but this seemed to satisfy Luffy for he said a bit more cheerfully, "Oh, so you can cry those kinds of tears...I know you actually hate this and want to beat him up the most!"

Nami moved over to gently hold onto the weeping Vivi, allowing her to cry on her shoulder, a firm look set on her face. The same expression was on Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, and Toffee's faces as well. They all wanted to make Crocodile pay for causing Vivi to hide her feelings and suffer in this silence for so long.

"Now tell me...where Crocodile is!" Luffy yelled, placing his hat back in its rightful place on his head after dusting the sand from it.

Vivi nodded her own head, taking in a calming breath and wiping at her puffy eyes. Seeing the concern still on Nami's face, Vivi sent her a reassuring smile to let her know she was okay, and she pulled out a map which she spread across the ground. "This is the oasis called 'Rainbase' which is where Crocodile is. Straight to the north of Yuba. It will take a whole day to walk through the desert."

"Will there be water there?" Chopper panted out with a hopeful look.

"Yes, it will be safe. It's a gambling town separate from all of the fighting."

"Ooh, gambling?!"

"I-I don't think now is the time to be thinking about money, Nami-chan..." Toffee brought up sheepishly seeing the dollar signs that had formed in the navigator's eyes.

"I guess there are towns like that even in Alabasta," Sanji muttered, turning his attention to Luffy when hearing him shouting at Usopp. "What are you going on about now?"

"Come on, Luffy! Just give me one sip...He gave us that water to use!" Usopp whined out, tears even trailing down his drained face.

"No way!" Luffy exclaimed, extending his arms high above his head when Usopp tried to take it from him. "Old Mr. Sandy-Guy gave us this water after digging all night! We can't just drink it right away, you moron!"

"So you really can restrain yourself when you need to," Nami voiced, looking mildly impressed.

Luffy puffed up at this. "Of course I can! How rude!"

Zoro rolled his eyes, walking ahead where he called back, "All right already, let's just go..."

"Why are you heading east, Zoro?" Toffee brought up in confusion.

"Because he's even more of a dumb ass than our captain sometimes, Toffee-chan," Sanji spoke up with a mocking smirk.

"Sh-shut up!"

"Aaaaaaaah!"

Nami turned to scowl at both Luffy and Usopp who were propped up on sticks once again, their forms looking almost like a corpses from how sunken their faces were. "I thought I told you two to stop doing that!"

"Shut up! Your riding on a camel!" Usopp complained, shaking his fist at the girl.

"Yeah! Let us ride too!" Luffy joined in with a own shake of his fist. "Camel woman!"

"Nami camel!"

"SHUT UP!"

Zoro snorted at the odd conversation, turning to Chopper with a small smirk. "You aren't all wiped out today, Chopper,"

"Nope. I'm sticking out today," Chopper stated rather maturely, something that made Sanji grin at him. Usopp and Luffy could certainly learn a thing or two from their youngest crew mate.

"Luffy-san...Thank you," Vivi brought up a tad shyly, having chosen to walk alongside the others. "I never could have made that decision without you..."

"Then feed me," Luffy wheezed out, taking the princess a little by surprise at his request. "Once I whoop Crocodile, you gotta feed me until I explode!"

Vivi smiled at this and laughed. "Okay. I promise!"

Toffee looked fondly over at Vivi and Luffy. It was hard to believe they had been fighting an hour ago, you couldn't tell now just by watching them. Gazing up at the cloudless sky, her pink eyes furrowed. Tomorrow would be the day when they would finally confront Crocodile, and she couldn't help but wonder just how strong he was? And if they could really handle him?

But I suppose Luffy will be the one who faces him...That leaves the rest of Baroque Works to us...