Crocodile Down! Alabasta Safe!

"I'm gonna kick your ass, Crocodile!" Luffy shouts, cocking back seconds later. "Gum-Gum...Pistol!" His fist flies towards the Shichibuki, who dodges quickly, avoiding the incoming attack that strikes the building behind him hard enough to demolish the remains. "Crap, I missed!"

"You're just using the same attack," Crocodile says, hand shifting quickly. "Desert Spada!" He jams his hand into the stone, sending a line racing towards the young Captain who dodges to his side, avoiding it by the skin of his teeth. It barely misses his crew, gathered close together behind him by Run.

"Aah! Crap!" Luffy looks back quickly, just in time to see his crew running up the stairs towards the palace with Zoro carrying their First Mate over his shoulder as if it were nothing. Zoro huffs and puffs as he carries the red head, taking the stairs two at a time as they retreat. "Alright...it's just you and me now, Crocodile." The Shichibuki's breathing is heavy, his body aching. Between the gaping slash on his chest, and his still buzzing head, his fight with Run has certainly taken it's toll, and it's beginning to catch up with him.

This man may not be capable of using Haki, but he's certainly capable of thinking outside the box...and he has an annoying Devil Fruit ability to boot. He needs to finish this fight as quickly as possible...time is not on his side. He glances up at the clock tower standing in silent vigil over the city. Just ten minutes left...he needs to put an end to this. A low growl resonates in Crocodile's chest.

"Alright, now! Gum-Gum..." He cocks back and launches his fist towards the Shichibuki again.

"Do you think just using the same attack over and over again will--"

"--Buckshot!" He plucks on his stretched arm as if it were a guitar string, and the ripple sends his fist flying in all directions. Crocodile's eyes widen in surprise moments before he's struck numerous times by Luffy's unorthodox attack. The Shichibuki pitches backwards from the punches but finds himself suddenly suspended in air by Luffy's grip on his shoulders. "Gum-Gum..." Luffy begins spinning in place like a pin-wheel before suddenly rocketing towards him. "...Buzzsaw!" It's a headbutt on par with some of the strikes he's suffered lately, and his mind briefly goes blank as he goes crashing across the pavement. Luffy stares at the prone form of Crocodile, his smile still firmly in place. "C'mon! Get up! I'm gonna keep kickin' yer ass until you give it back!"

"Hah...give it back...you say?" Crocodile asks, slowly standing up. "And just what do you want, exactly? Wealth? Fame? Trust?" Crocodile actually starts laughing at him. "You'll need to be more specific! I've taken so many things that I don't know what it is you're looking for!"

"The country...give it back! This is Vivi's country!"

"The country?" echos the Shichibuki. "That's an odd thing to ask for, when I'm just about to take it, after all!" Luffy growls in response to the man's taunting.

"Fine...then I'll just have to make you...!"

- - -

"We should be safe up here," Nami says, looking around the area in front of the palace. The place is nearly destroyed entirely. It doesn't take her long to realize that the fight between Run and Crocodile must have started up here before ending up down in the square below. "Aah! Run!" She turns to look towards Zoro who rather unceremoniously drops him to the ground beside him. Even Chopper panic's when he see's what Zoro has done, quickly rushing to the injured man's side.

"What the hell, Red?" Zoro asks, watching him slowly roll onto his back. "Did you put on weight or something?"

"Aah, that hurts!" Run complains. "Is this because I held you down for that doctor? I gave you a bottle whiskey. I thought we were square." Zoro is suddenly struck in the top of the head by Nami hard enough to raise a knot.

"Aaah! What the hell, Nami?! Why did you do that?!"

"Are you an idiot?!" Nami asks him. "Why would you drop someone who's injured like that?!" While the two continue their argument, Chopper quickly pulls out his little doctor bag from...somewhere, to begin his treatment. Run's wounds are terrible to be sure but it's made worse by the sand embedded into all of them. Of course, that's somewhat of a blessing in disguise as the packed in sand has somewhat staunched the flow of blood. "Is he going to be alright?"

"A little wound like this isn't gonna do me in," assures Run. "That aside...looks like you won your fight, huh, Nami?"

"Y-Yeah! Thanks."

"His wounds aren't bad," Chopper assures them. "But there's a lot of sand in all of them so I'll have to clean it all out before I can bandage him up." While Chopper is busy fussing over Run's wounds, and the rest of busy listening, Zoro is the only one who notices Robin and Vivi approaching quickly.

"We got it!" shouts Vivi. "We disarmed the bomb!"

"Bomb?!" Usopp echos, panicking quickly. "There's a bomb?! Where?!"

"It's been taken care of," Robin tells him. "Even if Crocodile tries to detonate it, it won't be possible." Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. "Where's Crocodile?"

"Luffy is fighting him," Run says, pushing himself up and pressing a hand to his stomach. Vivi and Robin both breathe a heavy sigh of relief. Luffy is alive...of course he's alive! There's no way that he would be done in by Crocodile after all! He's the man who will be King of the Pirates!

"Waaah! What are you doing?!" demands Chopper. "You can't stand up! I need to clean and dress your wounds!"

"Aah, I'll be fine, doc." Run reaches down and gives him a pat on his head. "I just needed to catch my second wind, that's all." Hearing running foot-steps rapidly approaching all heads turn to find not just the King but Chaka and another man quickly approaching. From the bandages covering the king Run assumes that Chaka must have carted him off immediately for treatment...without his permission it seems if his sprinting is any indication.

"Vivi!" Cobra shouts, running towards them. Without waiting for her response he quickly embraces his daughter, and she hugs him back just as fast. Of course, when they separate, he immediately begins scolding her. "Why would you go running off like that?! Do you know how worried I was?"

"I-I'm sorry, father," Vivi says sheepishly. "But I had to go find that bomb."

"Then...what now?" The sounds of fighting still echo through the city. "How can we stop this before more lives are lost?" The red head approaches the edge of the shattered platform, staring down into the square for several moments before grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm going," Run tells them. "If we're gonna stop this fight...we've gotta stop, Crocodile, right?"

"You can't go fighting right now!" Chopper shouts at him. "You're in no condition to--" Without waiting for him to finish, Run leaps down from the platform quickly.

"I'll leave it in your hands, then...!"

- - -

"Straw-Hat!" bellows Crocodile, watching Luffy rush towards him, arms stretched back.

"Gum-Gum...Bazooka!" exclaims Luffy, slamming both palms into the Shichibuki's stomach. It sends him sailing back, and smashing into the ground hard enough to smash the concrete. "I got you now!" Luffy rushes the downed Crocodile while grasping the barrel on his back and raising it over head. "You can't do anything if you're completely soaked!" He leaps up and tosses the barrel straight down.

"Not happening, Straw-Hat! Sables!" A rush of wind and sand send Luffy and the barrel spinning skyward. "You think I'll let you do something like that when it's so obvious?" Luffy stretches his arms out, reaching for the barrel and pulling it back safe before he goes crashing into the ground. Crocodile sits up, glaring at the rubber Captain across from him. Why is this taking so long?! Why wasn't all of this just going according to plan?! "I don't under stand why you're doing all of this."

"I'm doing it for Vivi," Luffy tells him, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "What other reason do I need?"

"For Vivi? That doesn't make any sense! Why would you help someone who is just going to burden you with their problems? Doesn't it make more sense to cut that kind of person loose?!"

"If Vivi is going to fight for her country...then we're going to help her! As long as she's willing to fight, we're going to help her do it! No matter what! Because that's what friends do!" Crocodile grinds his teeth in his fury, and looks fit to spit blood as he slowly stands.

"I've had enough of this nonsense already! Ground Death!" Luffy watches as all the excess water that he'd spilled across the ground immediately dries up, followed in short order by the pavement! Cracks spiral out across the ground in all directions, immediately drying the landscape, and even those unconscious rebels and royal guard soldiers who are near him. Everything below is reduced to little more than barren, wasted land. "Now...Sables: Pesado!" A ball of compressed sand is slung at the rubber Captain, and it collides with his chest hard enough to send him smashing into a building, which promptly collapses on him in it's brittle, and dried state.

Several long moments pass without any sound or movement before the Shichibuki actually smirks. It seems as though that's taken care of things. He turns on his heel to face the palace...he has to finish off that annoying red head before he's treated. He takes only a single step before a soft sound reaches his ears. He glances back slowly, just in time to watch the rubble rise.

"Safe!" shouts a familiar, and now extremely irritation voice. It seems as if the entire building is being lifted, and through the dust he can plainly see both Luffy and Run. The red head hefts the building skyward as if it doesn't weigh a thing, a grin splitting his face from ear to ear. Both Luffy and his barrel of water appear as though they weren't bothered in the slightest by his attack.

"Aah! Good timing, Run!" Luffy laughs, dropping the barrel by his side.

"Dahahaha~! Well, you know me, Luffy!" laughs Run, stepping in Crocodile's direction. "Alright! Now, take...THIS!" Run then actually throws the building in his direction. Crocodile is dumb-struck for a moment...after all, who has had an entire BUILDING thrown at them before? Unfortunately for them shock wears off as the building nears the Shichibuki, and his eyes narrow in response.

"Desert Grande Espada!" exclaims Crocodile, as a blade of sand erupts from the ground to pierce and shatter what's left of the building. "Do you think--" Through the storm of rubble and debris, flying like a bullet fired from a gun, comes Luffy, fists raised and grin splitting his face. "Wha?!"

"Good throw, Run!" Luffy exclaims, stretching an arm back. "Gum-Gum...Bullet!" His fist connects with the Shichibuki's jaw hard enough throw him straight back. Luffy grasps his shoulders as he flies away, and yanks hard back towards him. "You're not going anywhere, Crocodile!" As soon as he's back in range, Luffy sends him sailing skyward with a powerful kick. "Run!"

"Right!" exclaims Run, grabbing the water barrel and dashing in his Captain's direction. Luffy takes a deep breath while Run draws near, inflating himself like a ballon. Run jumps and actually uses his inflated Captain like a trampoline to send himself sailing skyward.

"You fucking PESTS!" bellows Crocodile, twisting in air to face down at Luffy. "Why won't you just give up and die?! Huh?!" A snarl escapes the Shichibuki as he notices the rapidly incoming red head. "Desert La Spada!" Sand flows rapidly off of the man, forming a set of blades as a barrier between them.

"Comin' in hot!" A powerful blow scatters the blades, his Haki infused kick punching right through them as if they weren't even there. "Heads up!" A wooden barrel sails through the scattered sand, smashing into Crocodiles chest and exploding on contact to drench him in water from head to toe. It's a hit hard enough to rob him briefly of his breath, and results in Run losing his momentum and starting his fall back to the ground below. He glances back briefly, a smirk appearing on his face. "Tag out, Luffy!"

"Gum-Gum..." Luffy twists himself up like a pretzel, and suddenly exhales all the air, sending himself sailing skyward past Run and towards Crocodile like a spinning top. "...Storm!" His fists are a blur of motion to a stunned Crocodile, each one hitting his battered body like a blow from a sledge-hammer and propelling him further into the air. The red head can only smile as he watches on. Luffy would always find a way to even the odds against an opponent. Even if he didn't help out, he was sure that he would have beaten Crocodile with ease. The attack culminates in a final powerful punch, propelling the man into higher into the sky.

Luffy stretches an arm out, and grasps the unconscious man by the front of his shirt before spinning and throwing him straight down to the ground below. It's an impact hard enough to crush the already cracked stone, and embed him in the rock. Both Run and Luffy follow moments later. If Luffy's body wasn't made of rubber, and Run didn't reinforce himself with Haki, they might have broken something in the landing. As it was, though, it was simply uncomfortable for both of them to take the landing.

They stand beside the defeated Shichibuki, both staring down at his unconscious body in silence. Neither one of them notice the running foot-steps, the sounds of battle drawing closer...or the gathering clouds over-head. It isn't until Run feels the first drop of rain that he slowly turns his head skyward towards the dark clouds. He extends a hand, palm facing the sky just in time for several more drops to fall.

"It's raining," Run says with a chuckle.

"Huh?" Luffy grunts, looking up quickly. "Oi, oi! Run! Look! It's raining! Look! Rain! Rain!" Luffy seems to forget entirely about the battle they'd just had with Crocodile as he begins laughing. Run turns his attention to their surroundings. The men he'd knocked out with his Haoshoku Haki, and whom had been summarily dried out by Crocodile were finally beginning to come to; revived by the rain, apparently. Not just them, but more rebels and members of the royal guard, too, were beginning to swarm the square.

Though their tempers seemed to be temporarily cooled by the rain, it didn't seem like everything was said and done. Their tempers could flare again at any moment. Then, as if reading his thoughts, they all heard a voice echoing across the now silent battlefield.

"PLEASE! NO MORE FIGHTING!!"

It's a call to peace that echos across the silent square and beyond. Tempers cool, and anger falls by the wayside, as all heads turn to Vivi, standing bold as brass in front of the palace. More people crowd the square, some to listen to or to get a good look at Vivi, others to stare on at a defeated Crocodile...and others curious about the two men standing next to him.

"Luffy, we should go," Run says, slowly scanning their surroundings.

"Aah? But why?" Luffy asks, confused. "We won, didn't we?" He laughs and then begins slapping Run on the back. "C'mon! We should celebrate!"

"Aaah! My wounds, Luffy! Watch the wounds!" No sooner has he said that then they find themselves suddenly surrounded on all sides by Marines.

"O-Oi...oi, oi! What's going on? We're surrounded?!"

"Uhh...time out?" ventures Run, raising his hands as if in surrender. The Marines don't seem to be buying what the red head is selling, continuing to point their weapons at the two men. "C'mon, fellas, I'm sure we can talk about this. There's been enough fighting, so let's just--" Run carefully reaches out towards one of the Marines, intending to push the barrel of his rifle down until he moves the weapon and points it at him once again. "--alright, alright! Calm down. No need to get testy."

"You two!" exclaims a woman's voice, attracting their attention to someone they both vaguely recognize. They recall that she was with Smoker before...what was her name? Tashigi? The woman grips the saya of her katana as she stares them down. "'Straw-Hat' Monkey D. Luffy, and 'Red' Run! You're under arrest! You..." She finally seems to notice the unconscious Crocodile embedded in the stone behind them. "What happened here? What did you two do?!"

"Well, we're just passing through, so if you'll excuse is we'll--"

"W-Wait!" calls a voice urgently. The crowd of people part for the trio of men coming through, and both Luffy and Run watch Cobra, Chaka and the same strangely dressed man from before approach. "Just hold on for a moment!" Tashigi seems to recognize the man as the ruler and politely bows to him. Cobra wastes no time in explaining everything, down to the last detail of what has happened. Even though Luffy and Run are already aware of all it, it's still quite a story to hear. The minutes tick by as everything is laid bare, and at the end of all of it Tashigi is staring intently at the unconscious Shichibuki.

"I see," Tashigi finally says after several moments of intense silence. She surprises everyone by slowly walking forward towards Luffy and Run...and passing by them completely to stop beside Crocodile. What she says next surprises everyone. The woman proclaims that for his crimes, by order of the Navy he is to be stripped of his title as a Shichibuki; his privileges revoked, and his freedom forfeit. She motions to several Marines, who immediately approach and place a pair of hand-cuffs around his wrists.

"What should we do with these two?" asks one of the Marines.

Tashigi turns to face them calmly, and Run smiles at her while offering a friendly wave. Truthfully, he's hoping that a fight can be avoided, especially given the state of his wounds. But even if they did go out of their way to save this country, they're pirates and these are Marines. It's something that's impossible to forget about.

"Leave them."

"W...What?"

"I said, leave them. We're going."

"B-But, now is the perfect opportunity! While they're injured we can--"

"I won't allow it!" Her raised voice, and glare silences any other argument that they might put up. "Let's go. We're leaving now." Both watch as she starts walking towards the two of them in the direction that they've come from. She pauses for a brief moment between the two of them, in a voice barely audible over the rain, both would swear she whispered a 'thank you' before continuing on. Neither of them had expected any form of gratitude and it must have been really painful to actually thank two pirates for protecting a country from someone supported by the World Government.

As soon as they've disappeared from sight both Luffy and Run collapse to the pavement. Their wounds have finally gotten the best of them...

- - -

"Aaah, that hurts like hell!" Run shouts, struggling even as Zoro holds him down. "Aaah! You using a scouring pad, doc?! I know the sand's gotta come out but...can we take a break here?" Chopper sighs and swivels on his chair away from the red head who finally relaxes in the bed. "Whew. It's over. It's finally over."

"Quit your belly aching, he's just cleaning the wound," Zoro tells him, earning a glare from the red head.

"You're enjoying this, aren't-- gaaaah!" Run shouts in pain as Chopper dabs a cotton ball against the wound on his stomach. "What is that, liquid fire?! I thought we were friends, Chopper?!" The little doctor ignores his complaints as he finishes disinfecting his wounds, and quickly bandages him up.

"Alright, we're all done," Chopper tells him. "Remember that you need to rest for the wounds to heal well. So, that means no training--" He quickly looks at Zoro. "--both of you! So, don't go taking off your bandages again, Zoro!" With that, their little doctor spins on his chair again.

"Yeah, yeah," Zoro tells him, turning away and then returning with a bottle. "Here, Red. NOW we're square." The red head chuckles a bit in response, taking the bottle from him quickly and then turning it up to take several long pulls before handing it back. Zoro does much the same, at least until Chopper turns around to find the two men drinking.

"Aaah! No alcohol!" The two men quickly spring into action, dashing out of the room with Chopper chasing after them with Run laughing the whole way. Cobra had taken them in after their final battle with Baroque Works, shielding them from the Navy and putting them up in the palace to recover. Chopper had quickly set about treating all of their wounds, although Zoro had developed the habit of removing his dressings. However, while most of the crew had woken up, Luffy still remained asleep. Chopper explained to them that it was a result of his wounds being the most severe out of all of them, and that with time he would wake up on his own. So, while Luffy slept the crew found ways to keep themselves occupied while he recovered.

Chopper seemed to have found himself a kindred spirit in the form of an elderly doctor, Nami and Robin occupied themselves by reading books from the extensive library within the palace, Sanji cooks often despite there being a number of other chef's serving in the palace and Usopp would often accompany him in his shopping trips. Zoro occupied himself with frequent trips into the desert to train. It wasn't exactly the grand celebration that they'd expected but it was enough for them.

After shaking Chopper and losing sight of Zoro in their mad dash Run finds himself wandering the halls of the palace. He doesn't really have a destination in mind but...it is nice to take in the sights. He's never actually had a chance to spend any time in a royal palace, after all. He stops in front of a painting, some abstract art piece he doesn't quite understand. Run cocks his head as he stares at it, trying to make out just what it might be off...and he's so engrossed in it that he doesn't hear footsteps approaching.

"It's unique," Robin says, watching Run jump in surprise.

"Jeez!" Run shouts, turning quickly to find the woman standing behind him. "You know I don't like that."

"Mm, that's why I like it." Run chuckles a bit in response. "How are you wounds?"

"Well...I don't think Chopper will be happy until he's scrubbing away with a piece of steel wool. But other than that, I'll live." Run gently pats his stomach with a grin. "I'm made of pretty tough stuff, after all."

"I'm surprised that Crocodile managed to piece your Haki."

"Well, a strong enough blow can punch through. Once he figured it out, it wasn't surprising that he hammered down on it...Logia's can be a real pain in the ass, huh?" The red head motions down the hall. "Walk with me?" Robin nods and the two slowly begin to stroll down the hall. "You've been locked away in the library lately. Read anything interesting?"

"A few things here and there. But, more importantly, I spoke with Cobra and I've received his permission to see the Poneglyph protected by the royal family." Run arches a single brow in response. "I was as surprised as you are. I was on my way to meet them there when I bumped into you so...join me?"

"Always." It's a short walk to the Tomb of the Kings, and one made all the shorter with pleasant conversation and company. But eventually they arrive outside of the tomb to meet with Cobra and Chaka. The two men turn as they approach with Cobra even offering a smile in greeting.

"Robin, Run," Cobra says. "As promised, and as a thank you for all you've done for my people, I'll show you to the Poneglyph that my family has protected for generations." Cobra steps towards one of the nearby pillars, and presses on one part of it. Both Robin and Run watch in surprise as a hidden door suddenly lifts right in front of them. Cobra motions towards the door and Chaka steps forward.

"I'll lead the way," Chaka says, slowly beginning to descend with Robin on his heels. Although she's not showing it, Run can tell that she's as excited as a child on her birthday. Cobra and Run follow after the two as they slowly descend a flight of stairs into the tomb proper. Following behind Chaka they make their way to a large center chamber where they're greeted by the sight of an absolutely massive black cube, covered in writing that Run has only seen scrawled in Robin's journal. "Here it is."

"Take as much time as you need." Robin quickly produces her journal, and begins writing down what's on the surface. "We'll wait for you at the entrance."

"Thank you," Run tells on behalf of Robin, who seems almost dead to the world. The two men leave them alone and Run approaches closer now, staring at the surface as he stops beside Robin. "Well, don't leave me in suspense. Is it really what Crocodile was after?"

"Mm...more or less," Robin tells him. "Although, I won't be recording it in my journal."

"Aah, a battle ship that can conquer the world...some things are better left forgotten." Several minutes pass as Robin records the information on the surface of the Poneglyph...and when she's finished she closes it with a soft 'thump!' that echos through the tomb. "Finished already?"

"Yes." Robin stares at the stone for several moments before sighing softly. "Thank you, Run."

"For?"

"For helping me...and for stopping Crocodile."

"Of course."

"C'mon. Let's not leave them waiting..."

- - -

Three whole days. Luffy has been asleep for three whole days now...and then without warning, he simply awakened. They'd all gathered in his room to fill him in on what had happened while he'd been sleeping but rather than show interest, he only seemed to focus on the three days he'd been sleeping.

"Aaah! Three days?!" Luffy exclaims. "You mean, I've missed fifteen meals?! No wonder I'm so hungry!" The doors to the room are suddenly thrown wide open...to reveal no only Igaram but a woman who looks almost exactly like him. "What the?! It's the old tube haired guy! You really were alive the whole...what the?! Who is that?!"

"That's...that's a hell of a magic trick," Run mutters, looking between Igaram and his double. Vivi, who had been sitting quietly the whole time decides it's finally time to speak up. She tells them that Igaram had returned to the palace after they'd passed out...something that was extremely strange considering the fact that they'd seen him get blown up. She also tells them that the woman standing beside him is called Terracotta, and is in fact, Igaram's wife and head of the palace servants.

"I'm so glad to finally meet all of you!" Terracotta says by way of greeting. "I just wanted to thank you all for helping Princess Vivi and my darling husband."

"Alright! I'll ask then...I thought the Unluckies blew you up?" Everyone looks immediately at the red head who is staring at the man as if he's seen a ghost.

"Aah, yes," Igaram begins. "It seems I survived."

"YEAH NO KIDDING!!" exclaims everyone in unison. The man explains that it was through sheer luck that he managed to survive the explosion, and that even though he'd been heavily injured he managed to swim to shore and patch himself up before pursuing them.

"Well, now that that's settled, I heard you were hungry!" Terracotta says, motioning to a man behind them. He wheels in a huge cart filled to the brim with fruits of all shapes, sizes and colors. "Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes, but in the mean time I hope this will hold you over." Luffy seemingly inhales everything in the cart almost faster than any of them can see.

"That was a good snack," Luffy tells her. "But I'm still hungry, so get ready! Cause I'm gonna eat fifteen meals worth!"

"I plan on it! I've been cooking here for quite so time and no one has ever left hungry, so I don't plan on losing to some youngsters stomach!" She and Igaram leave the room with the cart a few moments later, leaving just Vivi and the crew alone in the room. Robin leans against the red head, not taking her eyes of the book in her hands.

"Find a good book?" Run asks her.

"Mm, I believe so. It's the history of Alabasta." While she allows him a peek at the pages, it doesn't mean much to him since he hasn't read even a single thing about the country or it's history. "It's quite an interesting read if you're interested."

"I'll take your word for it..."

- - -

Dinner at the palace is...lively, to say the least! There's plenty of laughter, singing and joking going on the whole time they're eating. Luffy shoveled food into his mouth like there was no tomorrow, Zoro and Run were drinking cup after cup of booze, Chopper almost choked and everyone else just seemed to be enjoying the dinner. The guards watch as their Captain stuffs dish after dish into his mouth, assured that the man had never learned any kind of table manners...and that may not have been too far off the mark, as Run well knew.

After they'd eaten their fill, Cobra invited all of them to enjoy themselves in the bath. Even Igaram comes to join them in the bath. To call the bath 'extravagant' simply wouldn't do it justice at all. It was a true work of art, and large on top of it.

"This is the palace's proud main bath," Cobra tells them. "It's normally only used during the rainy season but since this is such a momentous occasion, it seems only right to use it." Luffy and Usopp go charging forward, each on calling that they'll be the first one in. Unfortunately, both end up slipping and bouncing around the bath quickly. After they get themselves together, rather than simply soak in the bath they begin splashing about like a pair of children.

"Luffy, Usopp, it's a bath not a pool," Run tells the pair, listening to them splash around while he scrubs Chopper with a pair of brushes.

"Aaah! Zoro, look, look!" Usopp calls, earning the swordsman's attention. He glances over to see them standing under the spray of water in the bath. "It's training! Training!" Cobra seems to be amused with their antics, laughing while they spend most of their time goofing off.

"Oi, oi, Igaram," Sanji says, elbowing the man slightly. "Where's the women's bath, hm?"

"Are you stupid?!" Igaram asks him. "Why would I tell you? Princess Vivi is in there!"

"C'mon! Live a little, will you?" Before he can tell off the cook, the king surprises them all by pointing at the wall beside the bath.

"It's behind that wall!" Cobra tells them, much to Igaram's irritation. Everyone goes running over immediately, and jumps up with surprising ease to take a look over the wall into the women's bath. The women's bath is just as extravagant as the men's...but it's not the decor they're interested in. Though they can't see much considering the fact that the girls are busy scrubbing each other's back while facing away, it's still not bad. Robin is the first to notice them, and chuckles slightly in response.

"Enjoying the view, boys?" Robin asks, drawing attention to them.

"Very much so," Run tells her quiet plainly, ignoring the glares from Vivi and Nami.

"Those idiots," Nami mutters. "Hmph. Alright...it's be one-hundred thousand Beli per person!" She surprises them all, even Robin and Vivi by suddenly standing and flashing them. "Happiness Punch~!" Everyone but Run immediately drops back to their side, nose gushing blood. Run drops down with the others while laughing, and they quickly recover from the sight with Sanji apparently over the moon.

"All of you...while I have this opportunity, I want to thank you," Cobra tells them.

"Dirty old man," laugh the crew in response.

"Not for that! I want to thank you for everything you've done for my country." He actually bows to all of them.

"Oi, oi...is it alright for a King to bow so easily?" Zoro questions him. Igaram protests as well, saying that a King shouldn't lower his head to anyone. Cobra brushes the protests aside, telling them that he's not a King but just a grateful father here in the bath. All of them nod in understanding, telling him that it was nothing. Everything starts winding down, and they leave the bath to head back to their room. When every has settled in, they decide that since Luffy has woken up and everyone has recovered it's time for them to leave.

"Leave, huh?" Zoro asks. "Well, it's probably for the best."

"Well, we haven't really go much reason to stick around," Run agrees. "Everything has been sorted out."

"I'm worried about what the Navy has been up to as well," Sanji adds. "If we don't get back our ship could be in danger."

"So, if Luffy is alright with it, let's leave tonight, then." Naturally, Luffy decides they're ready to leave but only after eating some more Alabastian dishes. This is immediately over-ruled by nearly the entire crew, and they decide that they'll leave tonight. Vivi sits quietly through the whole talk, not saying a single word while they gather their few possessions and make ready to leave. Before they've even finished, however, there's a knock on the door and it's suddenly opened. An Alabasta guard steps in carrying a transponder snail on a silver platter.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's a call for you," the guard tells them.

"For us?" Sanji asks. "From who?"

"About that, he says he's a friend of yours but he wouldn't tell me much else." Sanji picks up the receiver and holds it up.

"Hello?"

"Hello~!" calls an annoying and familiar voice. "Everyone~! It's me!" Sanji immediately slams the receiver down, cutting the call off. Unfortunately, rather than take the hint the transponder snail begins ringing rather loudly as he calls back. Luffy stretches his arms out, and snatches the transponder snail off the platter and over to himself to answer it.

"Oi, it's you, huh?" Luffy questions. "So, what do you want?"

"Aaah! Straw-Hat! Long time no see! I was surprised that you managed to defeat Crocodile! You're really strong, huh?" He pauses for a moment before continuing. "Oh! Make sure not to call me Mr. 2! If the Marines intercepted our call it would be really bad!"

"I hate to be rude but just tell us what you want," Run tells him, yelling at the receiver.

"Oh! Right! About your ship...I took it." This immediately pisses off every one of the crew. However, the man explains that he did it to hide their ship from the Navy, which has since looked down all the ports in Alabasta to prevent their escape. He tells them that he sailed it up the Sandora River in an effort to hide it and that he's waiting for their arrival. So, they decide that even if there's a risk involved in going to get it back, they can't exactly abandon the ship and they just have to chance it.

"Say, everyone," Vivi speaks, finally breaking her silence, and earning everyone's attention. "What...What should I do?" Nami tells her that she has twelve hours to decide. They'll bring the ship around to one of the ports, and if she has decided that she wants to come with them, that will be her only chance to get on board. They cast a rope out one of the windows, and begin scaling down. Vivi watches them all go in silence until only she and Run, the last one going down, remain. "Run...can I ask you something?" He nods in response, and turns to face her. "Was it difficult? Leaving your father and his crew, I mean."

"Of course," Run tells her, offering a smile. "But leaving home...it doesn't mean LEAVING home if that makes sense. You're just parting ways for a while."

"So...how did you decide?"

"I just made my decision, and I didn't look back."

"I was really hoping for some advice."

"Dahahaha~! Sorry. I'm just a pirate, Vivi." He surprises her by reaching out and actually patting her on her head. "It's not a choice I can make for you but no matter what...we won't ever think less of you..."

- - -

Thankfully, Vivi was kind enough to offer them the duck squadron for transportation back to the Merry. Along the way, the subject of Vivi potentially coming along with them as a part of the crew. No one is sure whether or not she'll actually join them or not, Luffy and Sanji are hopeful that she'll join...for completely different reasons, Run is sure of that. They make it back to the ship several hours before dawn, and just like he said, Mr. 2 is waiting for them on the Merry. Anchored off shore several meters away is his own ship.

While they were more than a bit upset with the man for taking their ship without permission, they still offered him a begrudged 'thanks' for keeping their ship out of harms way.

"Oh, while I appreciate your feelings, true friends don't require thanks," Bon Clay tells them, giving them a thumbs up. Naturally, the next second Luffy, Usopp and Chopper are dancing on deck with the man. Zoro, Sanji and Run continue loading the ship while they goof off, ignoring it for the most part.

"In other words, Mr. 2," Zoro says, while dropping a heavy crate. "You couldn't get off the island either, and so you went fishing for allies."

"O-Of course! In a time like this...we must all gather in the name of friendship!" Zoro shakes his heads slowly in response while watching the man suddenly leap the distance to his own ship as if it were nothing at all for him...

- - -

"Oh, c'mon, fellas, give us a break!" exclaims Run, glaring at the ships in the distance. They were ambushed immediately after leaving the Sandora River by these Navy ships, all of which surrounded them and began firing large metal spikes into the hull of the Merry. Normally, it would have been no problem to deal with them no matter the number but they're at a severe disadvantage when it comes to naval warfare.

"Fight like men!" Luffy complains. "Aah, if only I could bounce them back!"

"I told you, Luffy, you'll skewered if you try!" Chopper suddenly pops up from below deck, a number of boards balanced on one shoulder. He tells them that the ship can't take much more, and he can't do much more than try to patch the holes. "We need to do something." A sudden explosion from the Merry's stern, and the summery sinking of two Navy ships draws their attention to Usopp. Apparently, he'd fired at one of them and actually managed to sink both.

"Ohhhh! Good job, Usopp!"

"A-Ahh! Of course, it's exactly as I planned!" Usopp laughs. Cries of 'It's her!' suddenly rise from Bon Clay's ship and crew, as they point towards the horizon, and the Navy ships sailing quickly in their direction. "Who is that? Who is 'her'?!"

"It's Hina!" Bon Clay shouts. "It's 'Black Cage' Hina! She's the Captain in charge of this area! If she catches us it'll be trouble! We should hurry and--"

"No," Luffy says simply.

"What?!"

"If you wanna go, you can. But we're not. We made a promise." Bon Clay stares at the crew, all of whom seem completely adamant about standing their ground and going the way that they had intended. Why not just sail south and escape as quickly as possible? "Noon at twelve...we've got to be there for a friend."

"A...A friend?"

"We don't have time to go around," Nami tells him. "We have to go straight through if we want to keep our appointment." The very thought of them risking their lives for their friend brings tears to his eyes, and he suddenly turns to face his crew.

"Listen up! Running away now would be like us at all! If we don't help our friends, who are willing to risk their lives...then can we really enjoy our meal tomorrow?! Just the thought of it is enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth, men!" Bon Clay decided immediately, that he was going to sacrifice himself for the Straw-Hats, having his men impersonate, the rest of the crew while he used his powers to mimic Luffy. With that plan in his head, he took his own ship and sailed off away from them. The Navy takes the bait, and they wait the three minutes he'd specified before they go sailing off again.

"He's braver than I gave him credit for," Robin murmurs.

"You and I both," Run agrees.

"Think she'll come with us?"

"Aah, what will be will be." Unfortunately, while the majority of the Navy had taken the bait, it seems that there were still a few ships on stand by to interfere with them. Luffy made quick work of the few ships, batting aside cannon balls and Marines as if they weren't even there. After sinking the ships, they arrive at the meeting spot, and begin slowly sailing up the coast. They're just in time to hear Vivi giving her speech to the country.

"It doesn't look like she's gonna show," Zoro says, staring at the far shore. "I guess she made her decision."

"She'll come," Luffy says confidently. "I know it."

"Luffy...this life isn't for everyone," Run tells him, patting him on the back. Usopp suddenly calls out that they have Navy ships hot on their tail. "Jeez, just how many ships did they bring? Cut us some slack!" They sail hard to starboard, having no more time left to wait for Vivi.

"EVERYONE!!" calls a familiar voice, attracting their attention back to the shore.

"Aaah! Vivi! See, I told you she'd be here!" Luffy bellows, laughing. "Let's turn the ship around!"

"I...I can't come with you!" Zoro, Robin and Run seem to be the only one's not surprised by her decision. "I want to come with you! I want to have more adventures and have more fun but...there's no ignoring that I love my country! So, I cannot go with you! I have to stay here but...but if we ever meet again somewhere...will I still be your friend?!"

"You'll always--" Run surprises his friend by suddenly clamping a hand over his mouth.

"Don't," Run says quickly. "If the Navy hears that we're connected with her it'll only cause trouble, Luffy. It'll be best for everyone if we just leave without saying anything." Luffy nods in understand as Run lowers his hand. The next moment, however, Luffy suddenly rolls up his sleeve and thrusts his arm into the air, revealing the 'X' they'd all drawn on there. The whole crew follows suit, showing off the mark on each of them arms. The red head even lifts Chopper up onto his shoulders so he doesn't have to keep jumping to be seen.

It's a mark between friends...one that each of them will carry no matter distance between each other...