After everything settled down, there were two people who couldn't settle. Zoro was using Lashes the camel as a weight, while Luna was pacing. Even with their confidence in Luffy they still couldn't stop their worry for him.
"Zoro, you're just wasting your energy doing that, aren't you?" Nami scolded as the swordsman continued to lift the camel with his sword.
"Just leave him alone, Nami-swan," Sanji said to her. "If those guys aren't doing something, they can't keep focus. They're not that adept. Especially..." he trailed off, while looking towards the green haired man. "...that muscle freak,now that he's had a taste of the level the Warlords have."
"Hey, you, what are you trying to say?" Zoro demanded, as he stopped lifting Lashes. "Go ahead and spell it out."
"Ah, you want me to say it? You're scared. You're worried that maybe Luffy might lose..."
"Who, me?!" Zoro roared angrily. "Scared, you say?! Why, you...!!! FANCY EYEBROWS!"
"That does it! Now I'm mad!" Snarled Sanji. "You... MOSS HEAD!"
Zoro stood up as Sanji moved to meet him, they were forehead to forehead. Locked into a death glare staring contest.
"YOU WANNA GO AT IT?!" They yelled in unison.
"Cut it out!" Nami yelled punching the two in the head.
"Take it easy, everyone," Vivi pleaded. "Luffy-San won't lose. I mean, we promised him, didn't we? That we'd be waiting for him in Alubarna?"
"You seem more worried than any of us, don't you?" Usopp pointed out, earning a punch in the head from the navigator.
"You should just worry about the rebellion. Switch your minds over to 'Alubarna'! Let's go, Pincers!"
Chopper voice what everyone was avoiding, "is Luna okay?"
The group looked over to the white head, who hasn't spoken since they started. Her focus was on the horizon where Luffy was fighting alone.
Without looking back at them Luna said softly, "I'm fine... Luffy Will Not Lose. Please just focus on getting to Alubarna."
Everyone tension seemed to melt away before they all refocused their attention to the up coming battle.
Nightfall slipped in without much notice, the air cooling being the only stand out. Luna had finally came to rest next to Zoro, as their new crab friend had made a great distance through the desert. Everything seemed calm until...
"What?! We can't crossed the river with the crab?!" Panicked Usopp.
"Moving Crabs are creatures of the desert, so they don't take to water," Vivi explained to the crew.
"But it's a crab, right? A crab! Not a lobster! Do something! Hey, this is a problem. Not good!" The sniper cried as he pulled a map from his sleeve. "Look here. If we just causally swim across this river, as wide as a sea, we're not going to make it in time! And look! After we cross the river, there's still dozens of kilos worth of desert! If this crab can't get to the other shore, are we supposed to run from there on?!"
"We don't have any choice," muttered Nami.
"THERE'S NO WAY WE'LL MAKE IT IN TIME! IT'S ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE-"
"Hey, I can see the Sandora river," called out Sanji pointing forward.
"Do something, Pincers-kun!" cheered Nami.
"I know! Pincers love dancing girls!" Chopper said aloud.
"Will this do?" The red head questioned as she pulled off her cloak, revealing the dancer outfit Sanji had bought them.
The crab's eyes switched to look towards Nami, it's pupils turning to hearts along with the cook and camels. On cue, the crab speed up.
"IT ACCELERATED!" exclaimed Chopper.
"NAMI-SWAN!" Sanji yelled, going noddles.
"You're now messed up two animals with this nonsense!" Cried Zoro. Luna couldn't help a giggle that escaped her lips.
"Alright, pervy power!" Chopper cheered happily.
The crab ran out onto the river able to run on water with it's speed. Luna move to be closer to Chopper waiting for the momentum to run out, Zoro noticed before standing as well.
"WHOA! WAY TO GO!" Usopp cheered. "It's a miracle! Just stay on the water, and run! Run, run, run all the way! You can make it! Keep going! This crab can do it!"
Luna took this opportunity to pick up the reindeer and set him on her shoulders. The doctor noticed two things, first Luna had removed her cloak, and second the water was quickly rising.
"Eh! We're sinking!"
"CHOPPER! THINK POSITIVE- WAIT, WHAT'S THIS?! ARE WE SINKING?! STOP SINKING YOU CRAB!" The sniper cried as everyone ended up in the water.
"No tie to whine about it. Keep moving forward." Grunted the swordsman as he plucked Chopper from Luna's shoulders.
"EH?! Wait, aren't there any boats? How many kilos to the shore?" Usopp looked over at Vivi.
"About 50 kilos." Was her reply.
"WHO CAN SWIM THAT?!"
"Thank you, Pincers!" Chopper called out waving at the crab, who climbed out behind everyone.
A giant fish looking like a carp broke the surface. Usopp, Nami, and Chopper started to scream.
"It's a rare Sandoran catfish! They're only very rarely seen!" Said Vivi.
The fish dived into the water causing waves, "humans are it's favorite food!"
"YOU MIGHT TELL US THAT FIRST!" Usopp screamed.
The fish opened it's mouth allowing water to flow into it's mouth, including the crew. Before everyone could be dragged too close to the fish Luna made a whip from water. Snapping it caused the fish to jerk back with it's mouth closed. The catfish looked confused as it focused on Luna. She stood on top of the water with her water whip.
"Now that I have your attention. Get down here."
The catfish followed her instructions, not breaking eye contact with the catfish Luna called over her shoulder.
"Everyone climb on."
No one questioned her as the climbed on the massive catfish's back. Luna shortly followed as she kicked the catfish like you would a horse.
Zoro moved closer to her, "thought you couldn't control Sea Kings?"
"I can't. This isn't a Sea King, just a normal catfish. I truly wasn't sure if it would listen to me. If not I was planning on washing it away."
"At least you had a back up plan." Zoro replied.
They arrived on shore with no other problems. Luna shooed the catfish off after everyone was off it's back. Zoro walked up to Vivi.
"Things have been going smoothly. Can we make it?"
"That's a tough one... even riding Lashes-kun, I'm not sure there's enough time," Vivi responded looking at her map.
"What's more, he can only carry, uh... two of us! And if Baroque Works is going to attack us, it will be from here on," added Usopp. "Isn't there any way for all of us to act together?"
Luna's head snapped towards the city, "incoming."
The group look to where she was facing, readying for an attack.
"What, is it the enemy? A-a-are they here already?!" stuttered Usopp.
"N-no!" Vivi cried happily. "It's Caruel! And the Supersonic Duck Squadron! You've come to get us, haven't you?!" She asked when they stopped before her. They saluted.
"Alright! Let's go to Alubarna!"
It only took one night to reach Alubarna, and the rebel army will arrive soon. The cloud of dust on the horizon showed they were close. Since some agents of Baroque Work would be guarding the entrances, the plan was to divid and conquer. Chopper and Sanji were team one, Usopp and the camel were team two, and Zoro and Nami were team three. The left Luna to go with Vivi and Carue, it was decided Luna would be better to protect Vivi with her power. Luna climbed behind Vivi on Carue in case of a rear attack, Luna could defend better.
"Thank you, everyone..." Vivi whispered, watching as they split up. Luna gave the princess a reassuring squeeze to her shoulders.
"We should hurry. The rebel army is already at the city's doors."
"Right! Let's go, Carue!" The duck quickly gained speed running towards where them army and rebels would meet.
"We have to stop them, at any coast! If we don't, then this will all be for naught!"
"We won't allow Crocodile to destroy your home Vivi. Even if we don't stop the beginning of the fight, we will finish it."
Reaching the center Luna climbed off Carue, as they faced the oncoming rebels on the horizon. Carue was shaking in fear, unsure about the situation.
"It's okay, Carue. You don't have to be here." Vivi said after she slid off Carue petting his neck. "You too, Luna-San. You both could get trampled."
Luna look harden, "and you think I would leave you to be trampled? My job is to protect you so you many finish your part." Luna grabbed Vivi's free hand. "You're not alone Vivi, and I believe I speak for Carue as well. We will stand by you."
The duck nodded sternly, Vivi smiled at the two before turning serious.
"I hope the leader will listen to what I have to say."
The moment the rebels came into view, Vivi stretched her arms, as if she was defending Alubarna.
"Stop, rebel army! This fight is a set-up!" She yelled loudly. The army continued. "Please! Listen to me! Rebel army, Stop!!"
A cannon shot came from behind the three, it created smoke obscuring the field, no visibility.
"What was that for?! There's no visibility now!" cried Vivi.
"Looks like Baroque Works isn't taking chances. They've done this to keep the rebels from seeing us." Luna climbed on to Carue, "sorry princess the war has begun. We need to move to plan two and get you away from the field."
Luna pulled the girl onto the duck before taking off towards the city. Half way there someone called out to the trio.
"Vivi!" Usopp called out riding up to Carue with a horse.
"Usopp?!" Vivi said in disbelief.
Before anything else was said Luna throw water into 'Usopp's' face. Quickly the facade was exposed, Usopp was Bon Clay. He fell off the horse coughing as Luna push Carue passed him.
"Luna how did you know? Did you see our tell?"
Luna scoffed, "no I know Usopp and I highly doubt he could obtain a horse and meet back up with us in the middle of a war. Plus Lashes wasn't with him."
Carue ran towards the stairway, "no Carue if we go for the stairs we'll be cornered!"
The duck listen to Vivi and turn to run for a cliff, "Vivi is Carue able to climb cliffs?"
"No, why..?"
Before Vivi could fully understand what was happening Carue started to scale the cliff. At the top Carue lost his footing and tried to fly until he grabbed the edge. Luna wasted no time jumping off the duck and helping him onto the flat ground. Vivi fell to her knees next to him.
"Carue! That was amazing! You just flew! Mr. 2 can't follow us after we've come this far."
Luna ran a hand over the duck, "rest now Carue I'll take over from here. You did well."
Luna stood before moving to the edge once again, looking down she made eye contact with Bon Clay.
"Bon Clay!" Luna yelled to the man. Holding her hand out a large sphere of water gathered above the man. "You seem thirsty."
The man's eyes widen understanding what she was about to do. "Please No!"
Luna smile wickedly, "oh I must insist. Enjoy."
The water was released falling on the devil fruit user. The effect was immediate as he fell from the wall. Turning Luna clapped her hands together, "let's go we don't have time to dally."
Before the girls could start out Sanji burst onto the scene.
"I've come to rescue you, ladies-"
Luna smiled sadly at the chef, "sorry Sanji I've taken care of the threat."
"OR SO YOU THOUGHT!" Bon Clay jumped up from the cliff.
Luna didn't even seem fazed, "oops? Guess not?" Luna started to usher Vivi past Sanji. "Will you be able to handle this Sanji?"
Reinvigorate Sanji jumped at this chance, "of course, My lady. Please move on while I handle this okama."
"Thank you Sanji! Make sure you look after Carue too."
With that Luna and Vivi rushed into the fray of the battle to find Chaka before the rebels reach the town center. The two were able to avoid fights and bombs before reaching several royal army men.
"Halt! Are you with the rebel army?"
"If you're not here as part of the battle, leave this area of town at once!"
"We need to enter the palace!" Luna called out.
"And who are you?!" Demanded one of the soldiers, only for his eyes widen. "Princess Vivi?! It can't be..."
"Where is my father? Where is he now?" Vivi was panting through raged breaths.
"W-well, the thing is..." one of the soldiers stammered out.
"In that case... take us to where Chaka! There is something I want him to do!"
Luna followed behind Vivi weary of her surrenderings, knowing there will be Baroque Works agents moving around the royal army. Vivi went into a room with Chaka for privacy. Luna listened from her place to the conversation.
"Are you insane, Vivi-sama?! If we did that..." Chaka tried to dissuade her.
"If we did that, what?! This land would be finished? It wouldn't, would it? This place isn't Alabasta, after all? The Kingdom of Alabasta... is the people who are hurting each other now!" Vivi exclaimed. "It's because of them that this place first became a country! If we can stop this war, then that's good enough! Please! If we draw everyone's eyes over here for a few seconds... then I will come up with something from there. I swear I will. Destroy the palace!"
"W-what are you saying, Princess?! This palace has a 4,000 year history!" Cried a soldier. "Please don't go through with this foolish idea, Vivi-sama!"
Luna couldn't stand by any longer, "you're country is about to be history to the world. Buildings crumble away everyday and can be rebuilt. No one else is coming to help!"
That silenced the chatter as Vivi looked back at Chaka.
"Vivi-sama..." Chaka said before bowing. "I shall do as you say!"
It didn't take long for the soldiers to execute their orders and flee the palace. All it needed was Vivi making a speech to both armies, gaining their attention for only a moment. Luna stayed out of view waiting for Crocodile to appear.
"Crocodile!" Vivi yelled out.
"Your Majesty!" Chaka yelled once he saw Cobra in the Warlord's grasp.
"It sure is nice to have a palace, huh? It's a fine place to look down on the filth below." Crocodile chuckled.
"W-where is Luffy-San?!" Vivi demanded.
"You mean Strawhat? That puny rookie? He's dead!" he answered laughing cruelly.
"You're lying!" She shouted back.
"It's not a lie. Strawhat is buried in the sands of Rainbase, 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!"
"Well, it's thanks to their sacrifice that you're able to rant right now." Crocodile continued with his smug smirk. "Give them your deepest thanks, so at least the dead can..."
"WHERE'S LUFFY-SAN?! WHY'RE YOU HERE?!" Vivi cut him off.
"...rest in peace..." he finished.
Noise came from the front gates as Miss All Sunday came to stand next to Crocodile, mumbling something unheard. They noise was cut short as the two made their way down the stairs.
"I hope we can have some peace and quiet now."
Crocodile throw the king against the wall, nailing him there through his arms. Vivi cried out while Chaka looked agitated.
"Let His Majesty go, Crocodile!" He ordered.
"Hey, hey... you really think that I'd agree to let him go after going through all the trouble to immobilize him like that?" Crocodile huffed as he lite his cigar. "Seriously... try and use your head..."
Crocodile began to monologue once again. Luna shook her head as she moved to higher ground.
'What's with villains and monologues? Get to the point!'
She heard Crocodile ask about Pluton. Luna continued to ignore the exposition, him going on a tirade about being king. As Crocodile went on this angered Chaka who attacked the Warlord. Luna allowed the scene play out waiting for Robin to leave with the King. Koza reached the plaza they were at, Crocodile claimed responsibility for the lack of rain. The bomb was revealed and Koza was able to get away. Luna chose this time to face Crocodile. Luna was finally at the highest point, looking over she was lined up with the 'Warlord.' She made herself comfortable on the ledge.
"Of course that's your plan how original."
Her voice carried gaining the group bellow's attention. Crocodile eyes fell on her recognization crossing his features.
"Ah we have been graced by the Lunar Reaper. I didn't know you were in the country."
Luna scoffed at the man, "not much of a king if someone like me could slip into the country unnoticed."
Crocodile gave a slight flinch at her dig, "what pleasure do we owe your visit?"
Luna crossed her legs, "well it seems you and I have a problem Crocodile."
Confusion crossed his features, "and what would that be?"
Luna summoned water behind the two devil fruit users, "you seem to have crossed a dangerous boundary with me."
Crocodile was becoming agitated, "well I can't fix it if you don't tell me what it is."
Luna looked down her nose at him, "you will never be able to fix this. It's the ultimate sin in my eyes. You hurt Monkey D Luffy, my younger brother."
Crocodile's eyes widen before Luna jerked her hand stabbing Crocodile with water spears. She left Robin untouched but shaken by her attack.
Chaka took this time to attack the shocked sand user. Luna jumped from the ledge kicking Crocodile in the back of the head. Crocodile was able to avoid Chaka's attack, but not Luna's kick.
"W-wait you said hurt. I killed him."
Luna raised an white eyebrow, "that's what you're hung up on? And no someone as weak as you couldn't kill Luffy."
"Weak?!"
Luna tisked, "still hung up all the wrong detail." She held out her arm causing water to rise around Robin. Looking from the corner of her eye, "right now Crocodile is my target. Don't make me regret that."
Robin stepped back before letting her hands fall to her side, as they did the water fell. Luna focused back on Crocodile, "take King Cobra to the Poneglyph."
"What?! Luna what are you doing?!" Vivi jumped in at the woman's comment.
Luna didn't break eye contact with Crocodile, "Vivi trust me. When have I been wrong about my choices?"
Vivi bit her lip thinking, the woman has always been calculating and seemed to know how things were going to play out. If she said her father had to go to this Poneglyph, then there must be a good reason. Though she was scared for her father... she knew she could trust Luna. The princess nodded to Chaka before looking at her father.
"Please father, you can put your trust in Luna."
Robin and Cobra left the plaza, as Crocodile chuckled. "You siding with me now Reaper?"
Luna rolled her eyes, "why would I? I'm just stopping some unnecessary wounds and trauma." Luna turned away from him shrugging. "Other than that I'm just stalling you."
"Stalling? Stalling for what?"
"CROCODILE!!" A familiar yell filled the air.
Luna smirked as she picked up Vivi, who gasped in surprise.
"That." With that the woman jumped off the side of the palace.