It started with a single drop of rain, the little drop came down from the sky and hit Usopp smack bang in the eye. At first he whined about it, but then the next drop fell, and the next, and the next so on so forth. The fighting ceased, the confused men and women stuck in a daze as the freshly fallen rain showered over their bloodied skin.

Cheers and screams of pure elation filled the air, the war they had fought only seconds ago was long forgotten as they basked in the refreshing rain. The reign of terror was over, they were free.

"The rain has fallen! The nightmare is finally over!" Vivi cried to her people, the men and women stared at their princess. The fat tears rolled down Vivi's cheeks, mixing with the blessed rain.

"Hey what's that?" some random called out. The massive form of a man came crashing down from the heavens, slamming into the centre square with his limbs spread out and his eyes rolled back.

Crocodile.

Tani felt the urge to walk over and kick the knocked out man. But she stayed with her nakama, waiting patiently for their captain to return.

The earth shook again, many toppled and fell over one another. A cloud of dust bloomed from the other side of the city. That had to be Luffy's doing. Nobody could be that destructive. So the crew waited... And waited... And waited. Chopper went over everyone's wounds, but he couldn't heal their worried hearts.

A single bell caught Tani's attention, her face lit up in the same manner as the towns people had, at the sight of rain. He was here! Luffy's back! She lifted her head only to be faced with a tall man with aged features, piggybacking a passed out Luffy. Zoro was quick to collect the sleeping captain, giving a thankful nod to the mystery man.

Luffy looked like he'd been through hell and back, his knuckles bloodied from the long fight, crimson stained bandages wrapped his torso, and his skin was tinted a slight purple. Wasn't Luffy unable to bruise?

"Father..." Vivi smiled. The man opened his arms, and the princess charged full force at him. Wrapping her arms around him tightly, sobbing happily for the millionth time that day. "It's over! We won!" she cried. The king lifted her face and wiped away her tears. He slowly faces the straw hat crew, who were crowding their wounded captain.

"Straw hat was badly poisoned during his fight, Crocodile's partner administered the cure so he should survive," the king informed. That would explain Luffy's normally sun-kissed skin being that sickly purple. "He also lost a lot of blood, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't wake up for another three days," Vivi's father finished, turning to face Vivi once again.

"The people are in need of our guidance," the king said softly. Turning his gaze back to the crew who had helped secure their victory. "You wouldn't mind if I stole Vivi for a while would you?" he asked.

"No no not at all, please take your time," Nami said, only those who really knew her could hear the strain in her words. The king gave her a nod, turning away with Vivi in tow. Once the royal pair was out of sight...

*Collapse*

The straw hats melted into a puddle on the wet sandy stone path, panting and groaning tiredly. They were completely and utterly exhausted! This was their biggest achievement yet, so they earned this nap. The crew curled close to one another, using each other for warmth and comfort. Sleep taking hold of them all.

...

Tani woke up in what felt like the most comfortable bed in the world, she didn't remember falling asleep in a bed so she jolted up and stared at her surroundings.

The room was a white walled room with rows of beds, each bed held its own straw hat crew member. Tani let out a relieved sigh, a small warm smile gracing her tired face. Zoro and Luffy snored loudly, Sanji was tangled in his blanket while falling off the bed, Usopp was drooling and Nami was hugging Chopper like a fluffy teddy bear.

A loud rumble bubbled from the lone girls stomach, her hands flying to clutch her demanding stomach. A bright red bloomed on her face, which was stupid because nobody heard her.

"You're finally awake,"

Never mind...

Tani lifted her head to find a baggy eyed Vivi rushing to her side. The princesses hair was out, laced with expensive looking jewelry. She looked like a real princess, and Tani found herself bedazzled.

"How are you? Do you feel ill? Does anything hurt?" Vivi fired a question a second. Tani blinked back her confusion before putting her hands on the frantic princesses shoulders.

"Food," Tani demanded. Vivi blinked dumbly before bursting into laughter.

"Of course of course, let me go grab Igaram," she stated merrily before gliding out the door to who knows where. Now that Tani was left alone with her thoughts, her first instinct was to check for her stuff. Her bag was safely placed on a bed side table, and rummaging through it she found that everything seemed to be in order... Except her camera.

The thing wasn't broken no, it had been used. Tani could tell because there was a smudged finger print on the button that was not hers. Her curiosity was peaked, who took photos while she wasn't paying attention again? How did any of them know how to use it? She wanted to get the film developed so she could find out.

"Mama maaaa!" that oh so familiar voice filled the room, as did the scent of mouth watering food! A few bodies stirred by her side. Nami and Chopper raised their tired heads, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. "Oh princess Vivi, it looks like more have awoke," the Mayor guy from Whisky peaks?! Entered the room... Wasn't he-

"I thought you exploded?" Nami stated bluntly with widened eyes. Chopper squeaked at that, turning to face the red head with half formed words spilling from his mouth.

"Well you s-" cough cough, "Ma maa! Well you see, I was saved right before the blast by a flurry of hands tossing me into the ocean," he explained. That was weird and down right creepy, but he's alive and that's all that matters. "Is any-" cough, "Maa! Ma! Anyone hungry?" he asks while revealing a plate of food that Tani wasn't familiar with. She took the closest thing to an apple (it was pretty sweet but had a sourish bite afterwards) and a couple of the flat breads.

Nami and Chopper ate as well, the smell that filled the air managed to wake up Usopp and Sanji. Who joined the group that was forming between Tani and Nami's beds. Last to wake up was Zoro, who let out a massive yawn and strolled over only to fall back to sleep on Tani's bed.

Luffy was still knocked out. But the damage he took from that fight with Crocodile was brutal! How he managed to survive being poisoned, dehydrated, drowned in sand and pierced clean through the chest was a miracle in itself! Tani turned her gaze to his peaceful face, no signs of pain or fear. It was calming... This whole ordeal was over.

After everyone had finished their breakfast, Vivi offered to show them around the palace and Alubarna. Zoro and Chopper stayed behind to watch Luffy (well Zoro was sleeping so really it was just Chopper) the rest of the crew was walked around the palace. It's what Tani was expecting when she thought Arabian nights meets Sahara desert.

What caught her ear though was the sound of her special bell ringing.

"Finally!" she cheered, pulling the bell out of her pocket and shaking it. Her crew plus Vivi looked at her with confusion. The girl just grinned at them, "Well looks like I'll be splitting from here, I got a store to find!" she stated excitedly, she couldn't wait for air conditioning! And water bottles! But mostly air conditioning!

Usopp was curious about this store she went to often, he wanted to follow her. Yet had to hold himself back, what if she was a witch or cursed him for following her? He couldn't risk it. Sanji gave a huff, it looked weird without smoke following but the doctors orders were no smoking for the next day or two. Nami didn't pay much mind to Tani's actions, she knew the girl just needed a slice of home. Vivi continued with the tour, sans one participant. Tani would find her way back, she had a weird knack for finding her nakama after all.

...

"Hello! Long time no see," Tani quipped as she entered the automatic doors of the IDCS, waving at the familiar clerk who smiled and waved back. "You wouldn't happen to know where I can grab some water bottles would you?" Tani asked. The clerk simply smiled and floated (yes floated!) over the counter.

"Right this way madam," they stated, waving their hand in a ghostly manner towards one of the many rows of shelves. The sign above the lane stated it was the 'water based products' lane, as she passed she found swimming gear and bottled drinks. Maybe Tani could find some bathers and a snorkel? Bottles were a priority though, Tani grabbed three reusable bottles of water, as she turned her eyes caught onto a device she'd never seen before.

It was small, in a bright peach colour with black parts poking out both sides of the small oval shaped centre. The black parts had holes in them, like a radios speakers kinda look if Tani had to compare it to anything. The clerk gave a chime like giggle.

"I see our exclusive scorkel device has caught your eye, they're rather popular in the 2100's," they remarked, standing in front of the product, "This scorkel is an IDCS exclusive item that allows the user the ability to breath underwater. Simply bite around the cushion like mouth guard and inhale through the mouth," they chirped with that infomercial voice, "Our line of scorkels come in a wide range of colours, and sell for the reasonable price of $50 per model," they ended with a grin.

Tani looked back at the item, it would be extremely useful in a situation where someone like Luffy or Chopper fell in the ocean, or they needed to go deep diving. Tani turned back to the clerk and asked a couple more questions. Which the clerk answered dutifully, each response making it very clear that this was a product that would aid Tani immensely. So she grabbed that peach one that caught her eyes, her three water bottles, a couple snacks and a one piece bathing suit and swim shorts. She wanted to go swimming after all this craziness.

Maybe the palace has a pool? Probably not since its a desert island and all. Swimming made her mind run back to those times when she'd visit the beach with her mother. The home sickness seemed to simmer in the back of her mind. She missed her mum, hoping that the woman was alright on her own.

"Will that be all for today," the clerk asked, floating back to the counter. Tani gripped her backpacks straps, realisation dawned on her face.

"Actually," Tani stated, pulling out her camera from her bag and handing it over to the clerk. "Can you develop these for me?" she asked. The clerk took the camera and with a flick of the wrist, opened and removed the film within.

"Of course I can, it'll take about 3 days for your photos to be developed, we shall send it to you via mail. As a thank you for using our services, please accept our IDCS brand film as a replacement for your camera," the clerk smiled, reloading the camera before Tani could say anything. "Now, will that be all for today?"

Tani gave a small smile while taking her camera back, she handed over her items and the card to proceed with purchase. A question on her mind.

"How exactly do I earn currency?" she'd been wondering this since Lougetown but forgot to ask. The clerk scanned an item.

"For every major plot point you complete successfully, you'll be rewarded with points," they answered. Tani blinked in surprise.

"What like? Like a movie plot?" she asked with a couple stars dancing in her eyes. The clerk snickered.

"It's more like a TV show or long running comic series, but yes," they said with a wink. Tani bounced on the balls of her feet. Does that mean future adventures would work with her movie logic way if thinking? That would be hella useful if that was the case. The clerk placed the neatly filled bags on the counter top, bells a plenty tied to the bags. Tani took them in her hands.

"Thank you so much, see ya later!" Tani waved, the clerk gave a grin that was a little bit wider than their average smile and waved back with a "Thank you, come again,".

Tani turned her back on the clerk and left the store... Now how does she get back?

...

Miraculously Tani found her way back to the palace infirmary, Zoro was still napping in her bed which meant she wasn't getting that back any time soon. Usopp was fiddling with a blueish staff that Tani hadn't seen before, was that a new weapon of his? Nami and Sanji were missing from the room, as well as Vivi so she was probably with those two. Tani turned her eyes towards the still sleeping captain.

His skin was much healthier now, that purple had vanished. Fresh bandages coated his knuckles and torso. He was recovering quickly, which was wonderful news that lifted the weights off the whole crews shoulders.

Tani sat on Zoro's bed, which was right next to Luffy. She pulled out a packet of chips, popped that sucker open and crunched on the thin potato chip. A small part of her hoped that the smell of food would wake Luffy up, but it was still only day one of his expected rest time. She could only hope.

"Hey whatcha got there?" Usopp asked from the other side of the room, dropping the blue staff and walking over. Tani held out the packet of chips for Usopp to take some. Hope he likes sour cream and onion. Chopper turned around and followed behind Usopp to inspect the snack. Soon all three of them were sitting on Tani's new bed and sharing the snack.

"These taste different from the last time we had them," Usopp observed. Tani thought back to when they'd last shared snacks... Oh! When Luffy lost half their stuff at the beginning of the trip! She had a packet of original chips last time.

"It's a different flavour, I got sour cream and onion rather than original," Tani informed. This felt like a conversation she'd have had at school with her classmates. This time however, she was surrounded by people that actually care about her. So they ate the chips together, enjoying each others company blissfully.

"Oh what were you working on over there Usopp?" Tani asked curiously. Pointing at the three blue poles left on his bed. He proudly puffed out his chest.

"That would be the first model of the clima-tact, a weather based weapon specifically catering to Nami's needs," he answered with pride. Tani felt her excitement bubble.

"What does it do?" she asked, shoving a handful of chips into her mouth. Usopp rubbed under his nose.

"It's main function is to produce heat or cool bubbles into the air. With the right combination, clouds can be formed to create thunder and lightning," he rambled. Tani bounced on the bed with glittering eyes. Chopper looked just as awestruck.

"That's so cool!" Tani said, throwing her hands into the air. Usopp rubbed under his nose again with a flustered expression. "I knew you made weapons but that's insane! All we have at home are guns, guns, and more guns," Tani pouted. It was true though, all the new weapons being produced were never as interesting as something like the clima-tact.

"Yeah, you gotta get real creative when you're competing with the likes of Luffy or Zoro," Usopp said with a snicker, though Tani heard an underlying tone to the statement. "Nami and I are the weakest members of the crew in terms of physical attacks... Actually you're part of that aren't you?" Usopp pondered aloud. Tani laughed.

"You're talking to the girl that takes about triple the time to recover from any injury. I'm the weakest one here," she laughed, and it was true. She was the weakest person on the crew, and it was a bother to her but...

"I don't really mind though," she said softly. Turning to look at Luffy who was sleeping peacefully, then back to Usopp and Chopper. "I have my nakama to keep me safe," she grinned. Usopp and Chopper both looked so touched. The reindeer threw himself at her face, hugging her tightly while claiming that he wasn't at all affected by the compliment "You shitty bastard" with a sway of his hips and a cute little face.

Usopp looped around her waist and wailed loudly about how sweet she was. Tani hugged them back.

She was so blessed to have found the Straw hat pirates.

...

"Oh there you are," Nami said to Tani, looking up at the girl who was holding a thick envelope in her hands. "What's that you've got there?" the red head inquired. Tani held out the envelope with a grin.

"I got my photos developed, now I have pictures of our adventures from the beginning of the Grand-line up until now," Tani grinned. Walking over to Nami and sitting next to her on the small couch, the navigator leaned into Tani to get a better look at the photos.

The first image was of Luffy standing atop the platform where the previous pirate king was executed. Now that was a day! Chased by marines, finding the dimension store, almost losing Luffy to a clown! And it only got weirder from there...

The next image was the top of reverse mountain, it was a really pretty view. Even if it was much too high for Tani's tastes. Everyone was so excited! That was also an adventurous day.

There were a bunch of random photos ranging from silly snaps of the crew relaxing on deck, to scenic shots of the islands they'd visited... Then Tani found them.

There was a couple of shots that she didn't take, because she was in the shot! She didn't know who took them (or knew how to use the camera for that matter) but there was a shot of her in the sleeping pile of straw hats from the first night in Alabasta. There was a few from that night actually, a lot of them focusing on Tani and Luffy (though it caught Usopp and Chopper since they were also attached to the girl). This had to be Ace! Or Vivi? But she seemed too innocent for that.

She skimmed passed many of the other photos, though gave a snicker at the one of Ace with his face planted in his meal from when they were split off from the crew. All of the photos made the girl grin, she'd be holding onto these for a while.

By the time she finished looking through the photos, Chopper and Usopp had joined the viewing. Zoro was still napping and Sanji would be bringing in lunch with Igaram's wife any minute now. Luffy had been shifting in his sleep so the crew hoped he would be awoken by the smell of meat.

As if on cue! Sanji hollered at the crew with a trolley of food being pushed in front of him. Igaram's wife greeted them kindly with her deep voice, the crew began chatting in hushed voices.

Tani kept her eyes on Luffy, because she knew this was gonna be funny. The captains nose twitched like a dog's, his eyes shifted behind his eye lids, fingers flexed and relaxed. All Sanji had to do was-

Sanji lifted the lid off a tray of cooked meat, and like a spring Luffy had flung up. Sitting as straight as a board as he stared at the tray, his first instinct was to grab and shove the whole thing in his mouth... So he did. The crew rolled their eyes and laughed.

"Geez... Not even a good morning? Hey how have you guys been while I've been passed out for three days?" Usopp chastised the captain who wasn't paying attention because he was sitting there with a quizzical look on his face. If you looked hard enough you could see the steam pouring out his ears. His face quickly changed to that of realization, his fist hitting the palm of his other hand.

"That's fifteen meals I've missed," Luffy claimed. Tani just blinked in surprise, as did Nami and Usopp. Who would have thought Luffy could count past ten? Sanji rolled his eyes and planted his foot into the captains face with a scowl. Chopper panicked and told Sanji off for being so violent against the patient.

"... Wait that's five meals a day!" Nami shouted, Tani and Usopp pat her on the back in sync. It wasn't worth it Nami...

"I'm hungry! Let's have that feast already!" Luffy declared. What feast? Vivi who had followed Sanji in with the meal, closed her eyes and gave her biggest smile.

"I'll let the chefs know that your reward is ready to be delivered," she beamed. Turning around and leaving the room with her smooth blue hair fanning behind her. It was so weird seeing it not in a pony tail. Igaram's wife wheeled the empty trolley away, promising more food for the rest of the crew.

Chopper jumped onto Luffy's bed and did a quick once over on Luffy's injuries. They'd all healed very quickly which was great for the crew. It meant they didn't need to stay around for any longer.

"So when are we leaving?" Zoro asked from his bed, everyone's eyes on him. That's right, they may have saved the country but they were still wanted criminals...

"Shouldn't we wait for Vivi? She hasn't been asked to join the crew yet has she?" Nami asked. Luffy gave a quick nod, attention now on their captain.

"We'll leave tonight, after our feast because I'm hungry," he declared. Some eye rolls and soft snickers littered the silent room.

"Than that's the plan," Zoro reconfirmed with a nod. Now they just needed to have their rewarded feast.

...

Arms reached over each other to grab meals off the dishes splayed across the massive table, plates and glasses handed to those too far away to reach. Luffy's limbs flew around the place, stealing from everyone's plates and shovelling fifteen meals worth of food into is gullet. Chopper choked on his food, Sanji asked for recipes, Zoro and Nami had a drink off (Nami won) and Tani was just trying to not get hit whenever Luffy retracted his arms.

Everyone had a pleasant time. It was as jolly as the small parties they had on the Going Merry... Tani missed the Merry, she missed her jacket and her spot near the Merry's figure head.

"You gonna eat that?" Luffy of all people asked her, pointing at her half finished plate. Normally the bastard would just steal it and be on his merry way. Tani just gave him a soft smile and handed him the plate. She could always just grab something else off the table. Nami and Usopp exchanged a look of 'what the hell, did that interaction actually happen?!' with each other before turning back to defending their food.

All in all, a great feast that was well earned for these rookie pirates.

"Oh! You all must feel filthy from the lack of proper showers," Vivi commented during the feast. Nami and Sanji listened in and spoke on behalf of the crew.

"Yeah, I haven't had a proper shower for ages," Nami said with pain in her voice. She was probably the cleanest person on the crew.

"Plus Luffy's been out cold for three days, he reeks." Sanji said with his tongue poking out in disgust towards the captain, who was still chomping away at a leg of meat.

"Well we have excellent spa baths and hot spring style baths, if you would like to join me? Men have their own half of course." the princess asked sweetly. Her cheeks a healthy glow of pink when staring at Nami. The redhead clapped her hands like she'd won the lottery.

"Of course! This is going to be so relaxing," she swooned. The crew continued eating, Vivi smiled sweetly at the city saviours.

...

Tani stood before the entrance of the girls spa room with her face heating up. A mix of the hot fumes and her own body shyness. A towel wrapped firmly around her chest that barely made it to her thighs. The room was female exclusive, so she didn't need to worry about that issue. Yet her gut said something would happen, and she probably wouldn't like it.

Nami and Vivi were already in there, she could hear them speaking to each other with sweet whispers and sheepish giggles. They were practically in their own little world. The two had gotten really close since Vivi integrated herself into the crew. It would be a shame if she didn't join.

Tani let out a deep breath, closed her eyes, and pushed past the thin cloth that worked as a door to the spa. A wave of steam hit her instantly, leaving her feeling a little dizzy while her eyes adjusted to the new environment.

It was massive, with half the space being used as a bath, with a fountain in the centre that provided more steaming hot water. There also appeared to be a couple fancy benches with buckets beside them. Tani had gotten used to having to clean herself up before entering the bath so that must be what those are for.

Nami was sitting on the ground in front of Vivi, her legs curled under her body while her hands rested in her lap. Vivi was busy rubbing shampoo into Nami's hair, a ruby red glow on the princesses cheeks that rivaled the colour of Nami's hair. The navigator took notice of Tani's arrival.

"You're here," she smiled with a relaxed sigh. Tani had never seen her so unwound, Vivi must be working wonders. Nami motioned for Tani to sit beside her. "Here, I'll do your hair for you," she said. Tani did as instructed.

Nami's hands slowly massaged the massive mound of hair that nested on Tani's head. Her fingers soothing the girls tired scalp. Tani wouldn't help but sigh into the massage, her limbs felt like jelly.

Her ears could pick up on the sound of splashing and laughing from Usopp and Luffy, of course they'd treat this like a pool party. The others were pretty quiet, give or take a couple of comments about the food, the spa, Chopper stop moving, taking a peek over the wall, the pala-

Take a peek over the wall?

Tani looked up at the side where the boys were situated, and yes... There was a gap in the wall up the very top, where the ventilation was whirling to stop the rooms from overheating.

Tani felt herself cling tighter to her towel, not risking to let it go for even a moment. She kept her eyes on the top of the wall, using her sensitive hearing to make out what the boys were saying.

"Take a quick look, we'll never get a chance like this again," said a voice that sounded suspiciously like Sanji... Honestly Tani wouldn't put it past him. Guy loved women way too much to not take up an opportunity like this.

"Isn't that an invasion of privacy," Chopper spoke up. Yeah, way to go Chopper!

"Well if we stay quiet, they'll never know," Sanji's voice said with a shrug. Sanji you're better than this... Tani felt herself face palm. Nami took notice of this.

"What's wrong?" she asked quietly. Tani pointed towards the boys side of the room.

"They're planning to be perverts," she said with a sigh. Nami clicked her tongue, before turning to Vivi.

"I should have known this would happen... They are boys after all," Nami said with an amused expression. Tani felt anything but amusement. Vivi took on a just as humoured expression as Nami.

"Perhaps we should make their peeping worth it," Vivi said with a sinister tone. That's the scariest Tani had ever heard her voice go. The dark skinned girl was utterly confused with their plan.

It was like Nami and Vivi were on their own plane of existence, knowing exactly what's going on in each others minds at all times.

Tani heard scampering, they were approaching. About... Three.. Four... Five pairs of legs scaled the wall.

"They're climbing now," Tani whispered. Nami and Vivi turned to each other with a wink. The girls played pretend, as if they didn't know that the boys would be peeping.

Honestly Tani was surprised that her own crew mates would be so dirty minded. Willing to perv on the girls when they least expected it... Well Tani expected it but she's an exception.

The climbing stopped, and Tani had to force herself not to make it clear that she knew they were there. Using her peripheral, she managed to spot Sanji, Vivi's father?! Igaram, Usopp and...

Holy shit was that Luffy?

Now that was a shocker. He had never even once shown any interest in any girls ever from what Tani had seen. Yet there he was, peeping over the wall with curiosity. God she hoped it was peer pressure or something.

"Well would you look at that," Nami said nonchalantly. "It appears I have too much soap on my fingers, and I can't hold up my towel much longer," she said to Vivi like this was at all an organic conversation.

With that warning, she stood up and dropped the towel, exposing her bare body to the audience of peeping toms. Tani looked up to find four of the five men holding their heads back as blood drizzled from their noses. All except Luffy, who kinda just sat their looking bored. Thank god he wasn't a pervert!

"Every man that just took a look now owes me 10,000 berri," Nami announced with a smug smile. Vivi snickered at this while the boys groaned at being caught.

Tani found herself nervously laughing, her hands still holding onto her towel. Luffy gave her a wave from atop the wall once he noticed her. She waved back.

That was an experience...

...

Puru puru puru

"Since when did we get a snail phone?" Tani asked, folding the blanket she was taking with her... What the blankets here were soft! Sanji pulled the small snail out of his suit pocket.

Puru puru kacha

"Hello?" Sanji answered cautiously. It was an enemy den den after all. There was a beat of silence before-

"STRAW HAT NYOOOO~?"

The sound of Bon Clay's voice bounced off the walls and struck the unsuspecting straw hats ears. Luffy got up and took the den den off of Sanji and answered.

"Yo! Who's this?" Luffy asked. Tani and Sanji exchanged a look. Both of them knowing exactly who it was.

"Straw hat! It's me Bon Clay," the flamboyant man responded. Luffy's face soured a bit.

"Didn't you beat up my nakama? Next time I see you I'm gonna kick your ass," Luffy growled.

"Yes I did, and I'm so sorry nyooo! I was just doing my job please forgive me Straw hat~" Bon Bon cried, the sound of his bell dinged on the other end of the line. Tani felt her face lift slightly.

"Oh ok then!" Luffy laughed. Many jaws dropped at their captain quick to forgive attitude. "Why'd you call?" Luffy asked.

"Ah well straw hat! I have safely secured and protected your ship from the marines," Bon Clay responded. Everyone tensed. "I've hidden your ship for now, but you don't have much time before they find it again," he informed seriously. Luffy hummed with a nod, eyeing the crew knowingly.

"Alright, keep Merry safe!" Luffy commanded. Bon Bon responded with a "Nyoo~" before hanging up.

The room went silent, everyone hurried to packing their bags again. Then she spoke.

"So you're leaving now then?" Vivi said with a teary expression. The crew turned to look at the princess standing in the doorway. The crew had already packed their bags and was using the windows as an escape. Luffy turned to the princess and grinned.

"Come with us," he suggested. It wasn't like how he normally asked people to join his crew. This was more of an invitation rather than a command. Vivi actually had a choice in the matter.

A colour of emotions filtered over her face, ranging from excitement to worry, gratitude to sadness. All of them until she settled on a close eyed smile.

"I'll need to think about it," she stated. Luffy gave a nod.

"We're leaving at noon tomorrow, you have until then," Luffy told her, turning back to the window to follow the rest of the crew who were slipping out. Tani was the second last to leave, her eyes lingering on the massive drop. Why of all the things she could have feared did it have to be heights?

Tani froze up as she stared down at the ground, her nakama waved at her and smiled as a way to assure her she was going to be alright... Then a Luffy got involved.

"Let's go!" the rubber man cheered, an arm coiled around the fearful girls waist. She tensed, knowing exactly what was to come. "Gum Gum," he shot his free hand forwards, grabbing onto something outside.

"No no no wai-"

"Rocket!"

The pair flew through the air, way faster than Pell did when he held Tani. Luffy aimed right for where Zoro was standing, the unlucky sucker didn't know what hit him... Well he did but he couldn't have reacted because it's Luffy! He's a force of nature in all honesty.

Tani rolled away from Luffy as soon as they landed. She gasped to fill her lungs with air, laying flat on the ground to embrace the sandy earth like it was her life source. Zoro, Nami and Sanji all thwacked their captain upside the head, though he just chuckled and recovered.

"Come on everyone! We gotta go save Merry," Luffy commanded, everyone let out a tired but determined sigh and followed behind their now fully healed captain.

...

"Luffy it's too early to leave!" Nami fretted. Only for the side of the ship to get pierced by yet another one of the marines harpoons.

The crew was in a panic at this point, Usopp and Tani were below deck trying to patch up the holes while Zoro and Sanji were pulling out the massive metal harpoons. Chopper had been put on steering and Nami was doing her navigator thing. Oh and Bon Clay had just pulled a self sacrifice move and got his whole crew captured to allow the straw hats an escape. Luffy having given the flamboyant man a tearful goodbye and promising to never forget him.

The crew had to leave earlier than planned, the Merry was taking on some massive damage. So with solemn expressions the straw hats pulled the anchor and set sail, hoping Vivi would forgive them.

"Luffy!" a voice called out through what sounded like an intercom. The crew had been so distracted with escape that they had failed to hear the wonderful words of their nakama. The tearful words of goodbye from Vivi, who had declined the offer to join in order to stay with her people.

"Are we still friends? Straw hat Luffy!" the princess hiccuped tearfully. Luffy went to shout back, but Sanji clamped a hand over the captains mouth.

"Shh, careful Luffy. If Vivi is associated with pirates she'll be an enemy to the world government," Sanji said lowly.

Everyone had gathered onto the back end of the boat. Seeing the princess in a beautiful white and red garment, her blue hair contrasting with the golden sands around her.

"Please... Are we still nakama?" she cried. Luffy turned away from her. Slowly lifting his arm in the air, the sleeve of his robe fell to reveal the white cloth used to cover up the X marks on their arms. He tore the cloth off his arm and held the X mark high and mighty for the princess to see. The rest of the crew followed. All of them standing in a row, showing off their declaration of friendship and silent promise of support for one another.

Vivi tearfully held up her arm as confirmation of her loyalty to the straw hats. Wishing them good luck on their journey.

"Set sail!" Luffy commanded. Everyone made a run for their positions. Nami catching a particularly strong breeze and zooming the boat away from the desert island. Their adventures on the Grandline resumed.

...

"What are you guys all moping about?" Zoro asked the six straw hats all lining the railing with gloomy expressions.

"We miss Vivi," they said in sync. Zoro rolled his eyes.

"She made her choice, we can't be upset about it," he stated matter-of-factly. Everyone narrowed their eyes at him.

"Shitty swordsman,"

"You neanderthal,"

"Heartless jerk,"

"Moss for brains,"

"Three sword style,"

"..."

"Luffy that's not an insult," Usopp corrected, Luffy thought for a moment before editing his insult.

"Four sword style," he improved, that seemed to strike a nerve that the rest of the crew didn't realize... That is except Tani who burst into laughter when remembering four sword style.

"Alright you idiots let's get going before the marines come back for more," Zoro took charge, everyone got up sluggishly and prepared to navigate this wild ocean.

"My my, you sure are a funny bunch," came the alluring voice of a woman... Wait a minute.

All attention was drawn to the raven haired woman sitting on the stairs of the Merry her head resting on her palm as she smiled a dangerously sweet smile. Weapons were drawn and held in the mystery woman's direction.

"What are you doing on my ship lady?" Luffy glared, crossing his arms as he stared at the woman. She gave a little huffed laugh.

"I'm here to join your crew of course," she said smoothly. Was she... Was she kidding?

"But you're the lady that was in that underground thing when I kicked Crocodile's ass, you're a bad guy," Luffy rebutted.

"Yes but you saved my life when I'd lost all will to live. Therefore I'm your problem now," she refuted. "Plus my previous organisation ceases to be," The cogs in Luffy's brain churned before he nodded.

"Yeah that makes sense, welcome aboard!" he cheered. Everyone but Sanji seemed to be against this. Sanji just did his usual women appreciation thing, while the rest of the crew strangled their captain.

"She's gotta be a spy or something! Maybe an assassin" Usopp shivered as he looked at the woman cautiously. She gave him a lazy wave which freaked him out.

"This is crazy! Luffy how can you trust someone so readily?" Tani said with her arms crossed. Luffy gave that unique "shishishi" laugh before shrugging.

"I dunno, just instincts," he snickered. Everyone rolled their eyes and groaned. "Plus I trusted you when you showed up on my ship out if nowhere," he countered.

Oh he has a point...

"Whatever, let's just follow the log pose and get to the next island, we need to restock soon," the navigator state, grabbing Sanji by the back of his shirt and dragging him away to help her with steering.

Tani and Usopp both exchanged a look, turning back to look at the woman. Hell they didn't even know her name! How were they supposed to trust her.

"What are we gonna do?" Tani whisper shouted to Usopp. The sniper held his chin in thought.

"Why don't we just interrogate her? If she's on the crew she can't refuse," Usopp clicked. Tani clapped in agreement.

So here they were now, two chairs pulled up to the woman's table and asking her questions.

"What's your name?" Tani was the first to ask a question

"Nico Robin, please call me Robin," she relied.

"Pleased to meet you Robin... Wait! Don't think you can butter me up like that. You're still suspicious," Tani angry pouted. The older woman just laughed.

"What's your occupation?" Usopp questioned.

"I'm an archaeologist," she answered simply. Tani blinked dumbly.

"But you were working for a crime syndicate? Like top dog levels, how the hell did you achieve that?" Tani prodded. Robin tilted her head.

"I can defend myself, I'm very good at not getting caught you know," she gave off an air that said this was very true. Usopp butt into the conversation.

"Do you have a devil fruit?" Usopp questioned suspiciously. She leaned back in her chair, her hands crossed over her chest in an X shape before she spoke.

"Tres fluer"

The scent of flowers filled the air, as did many little pink petals that were caught in the wind.

"Tani! You're head!" Usopp shrieked. Tani blinked confusedly. Her hands moving to touch her head, only instead of touching her curly hair or baseball cap, she felt soft skin. The arms that bloomed from her head bent to grab her hand in a friendly hand shake.

"I bare the Hana Hana fruit," she replied, her hands unfolding from her chest. The arms puffed into a collection of petals. "It allows me to sprout any part of my body onto any surface," she explained. Tani was in awe! What a creepy yet awesome power!

"She's a monster!" Usopp wailed, hiding behind Tani. The girl rolled her eyes and pushed the cowardly sniper away. "She could kill us all, or spy on us when we weren't expecting it!" he said with a pointed finger. Tani turned him away from Robin, the pair faced each other and began discussing.

"She could be a danger to the ship," Usopp whisper shouted.

"But she's also been approved by Luffy, and she hasn't harmed us yet,"

"YET!"

"Shh keep it down,"

"Hey Tani! Usopp look look!" Luffy interrupted their conversation. The pair turned in sync to find Luffy facing away from them, hands sprouted from his head. He turned around and pulling his best impression face. "Chopper!" he said in a Chopper voice.

"Pffft," Tani spat out a laugh, Usopp followed behind. Usopp rolled on the floor clutching his stomach while Tani wiped tears from her eyes. All that tension... And Robin was just as immature as the rest of them.

Tani turned back to find no malice in the woman's gaze, she looked relaxed. Far more so than she did when she was Miss All-sunday. Her ability to entertain Luffy and the others would also be a great asset to the crew. They needed an adult on this ship.

Maybe Robin wouldn't be so bad.