45~ Rebels

Mira 

The next morning, the BarBar Pirates taught us how a sand ship operates. Honestly, it's not that different from its sea cousins. I worked with a couple of the men from the tournament and Rasa to keep the sails open and ready to catch the wind. This sure beats walking, one hundred percent.

"Slow down and drop anchor!" Barbarossa called out at about mid-morning. We adjusted the sails and slowed to a stop, Zoro dropping the anchor into the sands.

"Ahead is a village called Ido." Barbarossa said as he stared out to the horizon. Some rock walls poked from the sand, making a wide path to this village. "You should be able to get water there."

"Wait, you're not coming?" Luffy looked up at him.

"We sand pirates can't go any further." He explained as he helped us get ready to leave the ship. "This land belongs to the people who have lived and died here for many generations, you see."

"Is that how it is?" Luffy stared ahead.

"Yeah," Barbarossa smiled. "The desert is the land of the free. But not everyone can survive the harsh environment. The village ahead is a place where people eke out a living."

"So what are you gonna do?" Luffy asked as I followed Vivi's gaze. Rasa stood on one of the rope ladders, glaring down at Vivi. I took a step closer, daring her to make a move.

"Not much!" Barbarossa chuckled. "We've freely lived as we pleased on this ocean of sand, and that's what we'll keep on doing!"

Luffy returned the laugh. "That's just like us!"

"That's great!" The two shared another laugh as we finished preparing to head off. I claimed my place on Zoro's back as the girl's got on the camel, Zoro leading him. We waved and called out goodbyes as we parted, the ship growing smaller every passing moment. Soon, it was gone and we faced our next challenge ahead.

"Hey, where's your brother?" Sanji asked suddenly. "I thought we would have met back up with him by now."

"Dunno." Luffy shrugged. "But he's Ace. Nothing to worry about. He'll suddenly show up again out of nowhere!"

"Why do you keep making such groundless claims?" Nami sighed.

"Anyway," Luffy brushed the question off with a chuckle. "Let's head to this Udo village!"

"You mean Ido." Nami and I corrected him at the same time.

"Ido?"

"Yeah, that's what it's called. Were you not paying attention?"

"Was too!"

"Then what's it called?"

"Udo."

"Ido!"

"Right.

"Anyway," I pinched the bridge of my nose. "The village shouldn't be too far from here. We can stop for fresh supplies, water, and an idea of where we need to go next. Vivi, where would that be?"

"Hm? Oh, right! That would be-"

"Hey!" We looked at a familiar voice in the distance. A weird, bipedal purple lizard thing raced towards us. It carried a small sled of cargo behind it. Ace leaned over and waved to us.

Luffy was the first to race towards his brother.

"That's where he was?" Vivi asked, confused.

"I guess." I peered around him to see the walls of a village. "But how did he get here before us?"

We caught up with Ace as he pulled his lizard thing to a stop and hopped off. "So you're the sand pirates, huh?"

Luffy tilted his head. "What do you mean? We just left the sand pirates."

"Oh, really? Well, whatever." He shrugged. "Anyway, good news, Luffy! I brought plenty of food and water!"

Sanji stepped up to inspect the haul. "Much appreciated! This should be more than enough for a good while."

"Ace is incredible." Usopp whispered from beside me as Nami began climbing down.

"That's for sure!" She pointed a thumb at Luffy. "He's nothing like a certain little brother we know!"

"I mean, Luffy's done some pretty cool stuff." I pointed out.

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"Erm... let's see... He, uh, stretches real good. He's defeated some powerful people. Save a bunch of others-"

She crossed her arms. "But has he brought food and supplies back for us?"

I raised a finger to offer a counterpoint, but found I had nothing. "Point taken." I looked back at Ace and the others as he offered a mug of water to Chopper, who happily drank from it.

"Um, Ace-san?" Vivi called out to him. "I assume you don't have the money for that. Don't tell me you stole it from that village..." She slid off Lashes, worry in her eyes.

I held back a scoff. Ace wouldn't steal, would he? He doesn't seem like that kind of guy.

"Nothing of the sort!" He gave her a reassuring smile. "The rebel army gave it to me."

"The rebel army?!" She took a staggered step back.

"Well," He gave a half shrug. "I should say 'clearly fake rebel soldiers' to be more precise."

"Fake? What do you mean?"

"Yeah, what Nami said. How fake are we talking?" I asked to clarify. "Fake as in they aren't part of it at all, or they were once part of it, dipped, but still claim to be part of it?"

He pointed at me. "Basically, they call themselves rebel soldiers and were hired to protect the village. The villagers are so grateful that they've been completely fooled. They're really just some hoodlums."

"Tch!" I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes in the direction of the village. "What scum."

"They're bodyguards? Wouldn't they get found out right away?"

Ace placed a hand on his side and shook his head at Nami. "Apparently, the mere mention of the rebel army will send most bandits running. It's real convenient. Makes money and prestige come rolling your way on its own."

I noticed Luffy stand from the water barrel as Vivi lowered head, visibly upset. "Rebel soldiers aren't hoodlums, nor does the title serve as decoration." Her hands shook.

"Vivi-chan," She turned to Sanji. "Should we teach 'em a lesson?"

I smirked. "Ooo, that sounds fun."

"I dunno. Duping the villagers isn't so different from what bandits do." Ace stated. "At the very least, the villagers live in peace with them around. Should we get them just the same?" I mean, I guess he's got a point. I kicked at the sand as I pondered this.

"Big brother, consider it from Vivi-chan's perspective." He took a puff from his cigarette. "Surely you'd want to pulverize people like them."

"Yeah, she should do what she wants. I only gave my own thoughts."

"Vivi?" She didn't acknowledge me. She gave a thousand yard stare, her mind elsewhere. "This is your home, your people. It's up to you."

Sanji stared back at the village. "There's no reason to cover for those bastards."

Ace scratched at his head. "I'm not. I just know you guys are in a hurry here-"

"Now that the kingdom can't keep watch over every little place, there's nothing wrong with villages upholding public safety on their own whenever possible." Vivi cut in.

"Then... should we let them be?"

"No," Vivi grinned at Nami. "I want to test them first.

Nami and Usopp blinked in confusion. "Test them?"

"Yes," She faced the village again. "If these impostor rebel soldiers truly wish to protect the villagers, I don't think it matters what they call themselves."

Ace grinned. "So you want to test what's in their hearts, huh?"

"Dibs!" My hand shot up as high as I could get it.

"I hate to ask, but there's something I'd like you all do to." Vivi looked to all of us in turn.

"Well, I already said dibs, so..." I got a tiny giggle from her.

"Don't sweat it, Vivi-chan!" Sanji stepped up.

"Alright! Things are getting interesting now?"

I turned to Luffy. "Wait, that whole thing with the sand pirates wasn't interesting? And neither was your trip into the desert?"

"That was yesterday. Let's go!"

"Hold on, Luffy! This isn't going to be a game! Understand?!" Nami tried in vain to stop him.

"Yeah, I got it! We're basically gonna beat these fake rebel guys up, right?!" Yeah, I figured he didn't understand.

"He doesn't understand a thing at all! Someone do something about him!"

"Ace you know how to talk to him! Do your thing!"

"Huh?" He crossed his arms, full confusion covering his body. "My thing?"

"You know!" I gestured between the two. "You know him best! Give him brotherly advice or something! Every time we think of a plan, he goes and does his own thing."

He laughed. "That he does. I'll see what I can do."

"Alright, here's the plan." We all listened to Vivi as she began to explain.

~~~~

The sun beat down on the six of us as we waited for the fake soldiers to exit the village walls. We stood before the entrance, an archway depicting a cat's face with its right paw raised ticking a tongue out. Luffy took his position right in front about twenty feet from the doors. Usopp and Sanji took the right side about ten paces from each other while Zoro, Chopper, and I took the left side. I stood the closest to the while, Zoro in the middle, and Chopper just a bit farther to his left in his larger form.

We each took imposing stances, knowing that what was about to happen was going to work.

Soon, the doors opened, revealing four men looking as if they were packing up to leave, and a mass of villagers behind them. The men began to sweat, and not from the heat, as the villagers began cheering and rooting for them. "Go get them, rebel army!"

"What's that?" Luffy put on his best intimidating voice, not raising his head. "You're a rebel soldier?"

"N-no! Nothing of the sort!" The man in front of the other three raised his hands as he stammered. "We're just travelers passing through!"

A portly man ran to the top of the entrance, most likely the mayor. "Say your prayers, sea pirates!" Oh, so they know who we are? Interesting. "These rebel soldiers are gonna make mincemeat out of you!"

"Be quiet, you!" The leader of the men snapped up at him.

The man was suddenly all apologies. "Right! How utterly rude of me! Good luck, Camu-sama!"

This Camu person seems pretty spineless and unable to defend a sandwich from a bird.

"Get them, rebel soldiers!" More people began to climb onto the wall. "You can do it!"

"Hey!" A deep shadow cast over Luffy's eyes. "You really are rebel soldiers after all!"

A steady stream of tears began to run down their cheeks as the gravity of the situation began to crush them. "N-no, it isn't, uh..."

"Wh-what now Big Bro?" The one with a painted diamond asked fearfully.

"We lost our chance to escape..." Another with pink goggles whimpered.

"Hey, you guys!" Ace's voice came from his hiding spot. The four men began desperately looking around for him as the people of the village continued to support them. "This is your fight. Try to get through it on your own.

"We can't do that!" Camu kept glancing around. "We're fakes!"

"If you're men, act like it! How long are you gonna keep up this petty crap of yours?"

"What do we do, Big Bro?" Pink goggles asked, desperate for an answer.

Camu faced his compatriot. "Wh-what do you mean, what do we do? We have no choice now but to lie our way out of this, imposter-style!"

"Impostor-style?" Diamond stared questioningly.

Camu stepped forward and called out to Luffy. "Listen, you! Don't be shocked by what I have to say! We're not the only rebel soldiers here! In the village, there are 100 million more soldiers like us!"

Dead silence. Damn, that lie is worse than any of the ones Usopp came up with. It took all my willpower not to facepalm.

"What?!" Ah, crap... "100 million?!" Of course Luffy would fall for something like this...

"That's not even believable!" Sanji and Usopp snapped at him.

"He can't be serious..."

"I'm afraid he is." Zoro whispered back to me.

"He's obviously bluffing!" Usopp continued. "There's no way there could be so many rebel soldiers in there!"

"What?! It's a lie?!" Can't Luffy just be smart for once in his life?

"Oh, it was a lie?"

"Oh, come on, Chopper!"

"Geez, man!" Zoro sighed heavily.

"You!" Luffy growled. "How dare you trick me!"

"Damn!" Camu staggered back a step. "They realized I was lying!"

"Did you really think that would fool them?" Diamond slumped forward a bit.

"Gomu Gomu no..." Ah, shit... I had a feeling this would happen... "Pistol!" Luffy shot his arm out, clocking Camu straight into his nose. He went flying back, tumbling a few extra feet when his face came free from Luffy's fist. He won't be getting up for a long while.

"He has Devil Fruit powers!" A villager gasped. "One hit knocked him out!"

"Not even rebel soldiers stand a chance against something like that!" This plan has already backfired. Leave it to Luffy...

He strode forward confidently, the other three starting to panic. He took slow, deliberate steps.

"Big Brother Camu!" A few children rushed to the edge of the wall. "You can do it! The sea pirate is coming!"

"You can do it!"

"Big Brother! Stand up!" Jeez, now I feel kinda bad. These kids are terrified.

Luffy cracked his knuckles as he got even closer to the other three, laying it on thick. He's buying time for Camu to do something while still being as threatening as possible.

He reached forward, but was suddenly stopped as Camu raced forward and gripped Luffy's wrist, which had been reaching forward for Diamond. I'm honestly impressed. Usually it takes a while for someone as weak as him to get up after a hit like that.

Camu panted heavily as he stared down Luffy. "Yes, we're fake rebel soldiers. Even if all we want is to be as strong as the heroes we saw as a kid, we're just a bunch of scoundrels now. But, even if my  dream never comes true, I can't take those kids' dreams away! Even if I'm no match for you, I'm going to fight so that someday those kids can beat you all! If my only other choice is to remain a punk in those kids' memories, then i'd rather die as a hero right here!"

I'm touched. That was a beautiful, moving speech- oh shit he just socked Luffy. Was that fall real? Do we step in? I glanced to Zoro and Sanji. I know we're supposed to help these guys out, but are we still going with the plan, despite how much Luffy went off script?

"Bastard!" Sanji turned to face the men, but stopped as the forth one in the triangle pattern kimono stared them down, fists clenched. "What's your deal?"

"I'll fight, too!" His voice didn't waver a bit. "Your dream is my dream, Big Bro! We've done all sorts of petty things since we were kids, but you were always there to protect the weak! Hyaaaa!!" He raised a paddle shaped club and swung for Sanji's head. He dexterously jumped out of the way from the concussive force. I silently rooted for him, even as tears and snot ran down his face.

"I-I'll always be there with you, Big Bro! I'm gonna be a hero with you!"

"He's... right..." Punk goggles and Diamond suddenly squared up and faced the three of us.

"That's for sure!" Diamond stared right at Zoro as he pulled a sword out. "What do we have to lose?! I can show you my spirit, too!"

"Yeah!" Pink goggles punched the air with huge gloves. "There's no running away now, anyway!"

I glanced over to a large rock formation where Vivi and Nami are hiding. I hope this is enough for Vivi. They may be cowards, but they're willing to lay down their lives to protect the village, even if it's just because they're backed into a corner.

A second later, Usopp began giving the signal.

"Sea pirates or not, bring it on!" Camu entered an offensive stance. "Over my dead body will I let you take one step into this village!"

Luffy sat up and began a hearty laugh. "Now that's more like it!" Uh-oh. Has he taken this too far? "Now I can go beat up Crocodile without worrying! Whew! What a relief!" He stood and dusted himself off. Crisis averted- wait, what did he just say?

"Shut your trap and come on!" Sanji scooped him and rushed off. The rest of us were quick to follow. "Those bastards! Those are rebel soldiers for ya!" He called over his shoulder.

"I've never seen such strong people before!" Usopp chimed in. 

"I suck at play like this!" I giggled and nudged Zoro, who was blushing hard from having to act weak.

"Screw this! I'm never testing my luck here ever again! Not with these strong men around! See, it's easy?" I whispered to him.

"Wait for me!" Chopper called after us as we disappeared from their sight over a sand dune. I could hear the loud congratulatory cheers from the village fading in the distance.

"Hey, Luffy!"

"Oh, Ace!"

"How long are we gonna run? The act's over by now, right?"

"The way they abandoned their lives was scary!" Zoro chuckled. Luffy just laughed as Ace proudly smiled.

I looked up as Nami and Vivi rode up beside us on Lashes. Vivi no longer had that thousand yard stare, but she still seemed determined, and little more at ease. I'd say it's almost a hundred yard stare at this point.

After a while of running and nearly wearing ourselves out, we slowed our run to a labored walk. Maybe running was a bad idea. I had found my way back onto Zoro's back as he pulled Chopper on his sled. Usopp pulled himself with his stick as Luffy loudly panted. Thankfully, we weren't threatened with the possibility of running out of water and other provisions, thanks to Ace.

Luffy came to a stop after a bit and took a swig of water, sloshing a lot out of the straw. "Hey, quit it!" Usopp quickly took it from his grasp. The water that spilled out instantly turned to steam as it hit the sand. "Look at how much you spilled! You big waster!"

Luffy placed his hands on his hips. "What's the big deal?! Ace brought a whole bunch with him!"

"There's a limit to everything!" Usopp tried to reason with him. I attempted to add my two sense, but my dry mouth prevented me from doing so. I don't even have the energy to fight back. Instead, I took a quick sip from my canister and offered a bit to Zoro. He took just enough to wet his throat.

As Usopp and Luffy went back and forth, I carefully leaned back. "Hey, Chopper. Open." He widened his mouth a bit more and stuck his tongue out of the way. I splashed a bit into his mouth, only spilling a few drops onto his fur. He let out a relieved sigh and smiled.

"Thanks, Mira..."

"Nami-san! Vivi-chan! Would you like some water?"

"Don't be dumb! I'll drink it!" I lazily rolled my head to see Luffy rush up to Sanji, who had a separate water skin for the two girls. "Gimme that!" They began fighting over it.

Usopp joined in the mix. "You're gonna spill it! Quit it!"

"Do you need any more?" Zoro offered his canister to Chopper.

"Thanks. I'm fine." He smiled up at us.

"Should we stop them?" I laid my chin on top of Zoro's head.

"Nah, it's not worth it."

"Well, while those three duke it out, let's catch up with the others. Onward."

"I'm not your steed." He pinched my thigh.

"Meanie..." I splashed a tiny bit of water on a couple fingers and wiped them on Zoro's neck. He flinched at the sudden wetness, but relaxed as I gently blew on where I spread the water. It's the least I can do for having him carry me.

"It was eleven years ago..." Oh, cool. We caught up just in time to hear Vivi tell a story. She began telling us about her time as a child, and how she had met another kid who had come from one of the dried up villages. She spoke about how they interacted with each other at first, and how they fought for leadership of their little clan. She had lost, but was given the title of vice-leader. She spoke fondly of their little escapades.

"Sounds like it was a nice country."

Vivi nodded at Nami. "It was."

"Gimme the water!" Looks like Luffy won that battle.

"You wish!"

"But a lot happened," Vivi continued.

However, I was distracted by Luffy. "What is that?!" He pointed to a large, deep purple colored hook-like object sticking out of the sand. "What is it? What could it be? Poke, poke, pokey, poke."

"Luffy, put the stick down. It could be dangerous." I don't think he heard me. Suddenly, a huge creature with six legs and thick pincers shot out of the sand. The hooked object is actually a long tail poised to attack. And Luffy is standing right on its back.

I sighed heavily. "Here we go again... Can you put me down, Zoro?" I slid off his back as he, Sanji, and Chopper jumped in to help their captain while Usopp ran around screaming.

Ace adjusted his hat as he glanced down at me. "You not gonna join them?"

I shook my head and fanned myself. "Nah, they've got it. It should be over soon." I could faintly hear Nami and Vivi as they slowly walked on, Vivi still going over her story. Eh, I've missed too much at this point. This is pretty entertaining. 

Finally, they defeated the creature. Sanji wasted no time sectioning it and determining what was edible. Soon it was cooking for our consumption. I was given part of its middle section and used its hard outer skin as a bowl.

Sanji rushed over to the girls with one of the pincers. "Nami-san! Would you like some too, Nami-san?" The two girls cried out in shock at just now realizing what they were doing.

"This desert shrimp is yummy." Luffy said around a bite of food.

"It's not a shrimp!" Usopp pushed him. "It's a scorpion!"

"It's kinda gamy." I slurped at the stew Sanji had made for me.

Luffy collapsed over the large skin section he had consumed. "I can't eat anymore..."

"Knock that off, you guys!" Nami snapped at us. "Let's go, Lashes!"

"What did I do?" I mumbled around a bite.

"What's got her so mad?" Luffy stared after the camel as he walked off with the girls.

"Beats me," We all replied in unison.

"Well, we should probably finish eating and get going before they get too far ahead." I set my hard skin down and stretched. "I don't wanna get left behind. You know how Nami gets when she's mad for no reason."

"Yeah," They stood and finished their food and followed after me.

"Hey, where are we going again, Vivi? I missed your story because of these guys." I asked as Zoro knelt down and let me climb onto his back once more.

"We're heading to Yuba. It's where the leader of the rebel army is. And... an old friend."

"Sweet." I wrapped my arms tightly around Zoro and sighed softly. "Let me know when we get there. How much further?"

"It shouldn't be too long now."

"Anything else we should be worried about in the desert?"

She thought for a moment. "Nothing I can think of at the moment."

"Cool, fantastic. So if something weird happens, I'll just shrug it off as normal shenanigans."

I heard a soft chuckle. "I'll try to warn you before it happens."

"Heh." I lifted my head to wink at her. "I'm just playing." She smiled back as I relaxed into Zoro to rest a bit. I'm going to need my strength just in case anything weird happens. Hopefully we're in the clear from now on.

~~~~~~

Hey, guys... Sorry I left you all in the dark for so long. I honestly tried to not take so long to get this next chapter posted, but I'm in a job that is pretty demanding and has long hours. I've been pretty focused on that and other adult responsibilities.

But! There is hope! I've finally found some time to squeeze into my schedule to work on this story! I should be able to post more chapters a bit more frequently. Hopefully there won't be years difference between chapters again. Maybe a few months or so, but nothing like the time between the last chapter and this one.

Again, sorry for the long wait.

~M12