Chapter 146: Vivi`s Declaration

While Ben, Zala, Robin, Mikita and Alvida had gone with Cobra to the Tomb of Kings, Vivi, Kaya and Nojiko headed back to Vivi`s room. 

They reached Vivi`s room and entered it. "You did not have to be with me," Vivi said.

"You did not want to tell Ben your plan so we are here to make sure to help," Nojiko said.

"That pervert is a pervert but he can be reliable," Kaya said.

"I know but this is something I need to do," Vivi said.

She added, "If I leave right now, like this then there will be two outcomes: either I will be declared missing or kidnapped by the Love Pirates or the other nations and WG will assume that I have joined you and Albasta is now a rogue nation supporting pirates."

"I want to join so I will make a declaration that I have rescinded my Royal duties and will be joining the Love Pirates," Vivi stated.

Nojiko and Kaya were in shock. "Vivi, that is a big decision," Kaya said.

"Yes, you would lose your royal status forever," Nojiko added.

"I know and I thought about this," Vivi said. She added, "I love my country and I am willing to do anything to protect it." 

Vivi paused and said, "But Ben is someone I love, I want to be with him and support him. I can't explain that feeling but I know in my heart I will be sad without him," Vivi said.

"I know, there is something warm and fussy about him. He knows what we want and always does his best to protect and prepare us from danger," Nojiko said.

"He is worth it but Vivi, are you sure?" Kaya asked.

Vivi nodded. "After last night, I am definitely sure but I need to talk to a few people first and let them know," Vivi said.

"Okay, we will come with you," Kaya said. Nojiko nodded. 

"Thank you both," Vivi said. 

"We are crewmates now," Nojiko said.

"Your problems are our problems," Kaya said. 

They headed out of Vivi`s room and to find the Royal Guards first. They walk around the palace. They saw various servants cleaning the palace and guards at their positions. 

"It's a nice palace," Kaya commented. 

"Thank you," Vivi said. 

They saw Pell and approached him. Pell had fought Robin and lost. He was a bit angry when he learnt that Robin had changed sides and King Cobra had allowed her to stay. Pell had a few bandages around him after his fights with Robin and members of Baroque Works.

"Pell," Vivi said. 

"Princess Vivi, I am glad you are well and I am sorry for failing to protect you," Pell said.

"You did your best and I thank you for your service and dedication," Vivi replied. 

"It was my duty Princess Vivi," Pell replied.

"I wanted to tell you an important matter," Vivi said. 

"What is it Princess Vivi?" Pell said. 

"I will be joining the Love Pirate crew therefore I will be leaving my position as Princess Vivi," Vivi stated.

Pell took a second to process this information. "I will not let you," Pell said. 

"I have made my decision, Pell," Vivi said.

"Is it that Ben and Alvida who are leading you down this path, I will kill them," Pell said in anger. 

 Kaya and Nojiko both got angry hearing that. Vivi saw this and put her hand up. This managed to calm them down.

"Pell, I know you have protected me but it is time for me to go on my own adventure. I am an adult and I am capable of making my own decisions," Vivi said.

"It is dangerous," Pell said.

"I have my friends to support me," Vivi replied.

Pell was not happy but he agreed. Vivi can be stubborn. 

"Okay, take care and it looks like you have some strong friends," Pell said. They said their goodbyes for now.

"You both are crazy," Vivi said.

"I got a bit angry when he said he will hurt Ben and Alvida," Nojiko said.

"I only cared about Alvida," Kaya said.

They both looked at Kaya. "Okay Ben as well," Kaya meekly said.

Vivi and Nojiko laughed.

They walked around until they saw Chaka. Chaka was a tall, dark skinned man with black hair and a long broad nose. He wore a long, light-green tunic, revealing his muscular chest. He carried a large sword, with a blue hilt and sheath, on his right hip.

"Chaka," Vivi called out.

"Princess Vivi and you must be her friends who helped take out Barque Works ," Chaka said.

Kaya and Nojiko introduced themself. 

"So what can I help you with Princess Vivi?" Chaka said. 

"I will be joining the Love Pirate crew therefore I will be leaving my position as Princess Vivi," Vivi stated. 

Chaka looked at Vivi, she had a seriousness to her face. At the same time she had a glow as well. 

"Princess Vivi, you have responsibility to the throne," Chaka said. 

"I have something calling to me, I can't put my finger on it but being with Ben and the rest will help me find it," Vivi stated. 

"You are not going to change your mind are you?" Chaka said. 

"No, I am telling you so you can be ready," Vivi said.

"Okay," Chaka replied. He sighed. "Be careful," he added.

"I will, I have strong friends who will be with me," Vivi said. Chaka looked at Vivi and she felt different. She had the presence of a queen now. He thought that was strange. 

"We will be with Vivi," Nojiko said.

"No doubt our per…I mean Captain will protect her," Kaya said. Chaka looked slightly suspiciously however he did not object now. They said their goodbyes and left. 

They walked down the corridor and saw Igaram. "Princess Vivi," he yelled as he ran towards Vivi. 

"Igaram, I am glad you are safe," Vivi said.

"I am glad you are well," Igaram said and added, "I got here and told the King about the rebellion coming, he just walked out to address at the right time."

"Thank you Igaram, my father being there made the difference," Vivi said. 

"Igaram, I will be joining the Love Pirate crew therefore I will be leaving my position as Princess Vivi," Vivi stated again.

Igaram was silent. "You had joined Baroque Works for our country, why are you joining them now?" Igaram asked.

"I want to, I think I can do something big there. I have made good friends with Ben, Nojiko and Kaya and the other girls, I want to travel and see the world as well," Vivi said.

Igaram smiled. "You already did something as dangerous and reckless as joining Baroque Works, this can't be worse," Igaram said. He looked at Vivi who had become more mature since he first met her. She has grown up. 

"Thank you," Vivi said. They said their goodbyes and left. 

Vivi walked outside the palace. "It is a nice day," Nojiko said.

"It's too hot," Kaya added. 

"I want to meet one more person and then I will make the big announcement. Nojiko, Kaya could you get the other girls ready to leave, once I make it, it will be time to leave," Vivi said. 

"Okay, I will get Honey and Marianne," Nojiko said.

"I will round our stuff off from our room and carry them," Kaya said as she changed to her beast form and went towards the room. Nojko walked inside and upstairs to find the rest. 

Vivi saw Karoo with the Super Spot-Billed Duck Troops. They were quacking to each other. Vivi approached Karoo and hugged her. Karoo looked up and smiled with its beak. 

"Karoo, listen I am going with Ben and the rest. I want you to stay here and protect Alabasta for me," Vivi said.

Karoo looked very sad hearing that. "Don't be sad, we will meet in some shape or form later," Vivi said. 

This cheered Karoo a bit. They both hugged for a while. Vivi saw the position of the sun, it was almost mid-day when it would be the busiest in the market. "Okay, I need to go now. Take you all," Vivi said. The other ducks waved.

"Keep it safe for me to return," Vivi said. Karoo saluted Vivi and nodded.

Vivi made her way to the front of the Palace. She walked up the stairs to the balcony. The people were busy shopping, laughing and celebrating together. The civil war had ended. The real villain was exposed and defeated. The country was healing and united. 

Vivi stood on the balcony. "Everyone look it Princess Vivi," a man said.

"Where?" another man asked.

"Up there," the third man said.

"Our brave princess," a woman said.

"Quiet down all, she is addressing us," the first man said.

"But I did not hear of any announcements," said another woman.

"Lets listen," said the third man.

"Thank you all for allowing us to serve you again. It's been a difficult few years with the turmoil and deception. We have been lied to and manipulated however the truth always comes out. I thank you all for your bravery and courage in those times. Let us work together to bring our nation forward," Vivi said. 

The crowd went wild. "Go Princess," a man shouted. 

She continued, "My dear people, I stand before you not as your princess, but as a woman following her heart's true course. I have now chosen to embark on a different voyage, one beyond these castle walls, with a pirate crew which helped us. I will leave the throne behind, my love for our kingdom remains steadfast. May you continue to flourish, guided by the same bravery and resilience that I take with me on this new adventure. Farewell, for now." 

"What!" the first man shouted.

"No you can't leave us Princess Vivi," the second man said.

"It's that pirate crew," the third man said.

"She said something about being a woman," the woman said. 

Ben, who had just returned to town, heard the speech.

"Alvida, Zala, Robin and Mikita, head to the outskirts of the city, we need to leave now," Ben ordered. They nodded and left.

"Nami, you should get the Strawhats out as well," Ben advised. She nodded.

"Take care, until the next time," Ben said.

"I wish to never see you again," Nami said, however she did not mean it. She ran towards the palace. 

Ben transformed into his hybrid form and flew towards the balcony. 

"That was some speech," Ben said.

The citizens saw a black wing demon near their Princess. "It is a demon who has corrupted her," the second man said.

"Let's take him down, so we can save our Princess," the first man said. There was no malice in any of their voices. They were angry but for different reasons. 

"Thank you, we should go now," Vivi said. 

"You sure?" Ben asked.

Vivi jumped and Ben caught her in his arms. She was in the princess carry position. "I am," Vivi said. 

"Okay," Ben said. Ben flew towards the edge of the city. He saw Lexie at the bottom of the stairs. Kaya was in her beast form standing outside the tank.

"Ben here," Kaya said. 

He landed near Kaya with Vivi in his hands. "Pervert," Kaya said. 

"Hi to you as well my angel," Ben teased.

"Hey," Kaya said. 

"Hi my love," Alvida said standing on the tank. 

"BM, Honey, Nojiko Marianne, Zala and Robin and Mikita are already in Lexie. It was a tight fit but we managed to get everyone in there. Our light luggage is also there," Kaya said. 

"I can stay on top, my love," Alvida said. Ben nodded. They need to get another vehicle he thought. 

"Lets move out," Ben ordered. Vivi who was still in Ben`s arms looked at Ben. She smiled and thought about her adventures ahead with the man she loved.