"Wait a minute!" A rebel shouts out. "You can't erase everything that has happened! The nightmare is not over! We saw King Cobra destroy Nanohana! The royal army even shot Koza!"

"You expect us to forget all the terrible things that have been done to us by the royal army!?" Another rebel shouts out. "The souls of the fallen demand revenge!"

"Throw down your weapons, soldiers!" A man calls out from up at the palace.

"Lord Chaka!" the royal army exclaims.

"You," a man's voice that I've heard before clears his throat. "Mi-mi-mi! You too, rebels!"

"Lord Igaram!" the rebels shout.

"Commander!!" the royal army adds.

"It's the weird dude from Whisky Peak!" Zoro blurts out.

"But we saw him blow up!" I sway on my feet.

Igaram is standing before us all with a small child in his arms. "Can you speak?"

"Yes," the poor boy nods.

A mumble of recognition for the kid runs through the rebels.

"You've got it all wrong! I wasn't beat up by the king's men! Listen to me! The king's soldiers that attacked Nanohana were not real! They were imposters! Even the king! It was all a trick!"

"He's right," a young man that is in such bad shape that he has to be held into a sitting position, speaks up. "We've been manipulated from the start."

"Koza!" both sides exclaim.

I softly smile, remembering all the stories that Vivi told Nami and I about the boy that she knew as a child. The boy that was leading the rebels through this terrible time. The boy that she cares deeply for from the way she talks about him.

"I will explain everything," Igaram says. "Everything that has happened to this country the past few years. All you have to do is throw down your weapons!"

The clank of weapons all throughout the crowd ring out. The nightmare is truly over. These men are not going to fight against each other anymore.

"We should probably get out of here," Nami says.

"We've done all that we can," I sigh.

Usopp starts to walk forward, and then falls down.

"Get up and walk!" Zoro demands.

"I can't! I have...um, 'If I take another step I'll die' disease!"

"Then stay here," he rolls his eyes.

"Wait! Please!"

Zoro grabs Usopp's leg and starts dragging him as we make our way out of the square.

"I'm not a sack of potatoes," he whines.

"Now all we have to do is find Luffy," I glance down at Chopper as he sticks close to me.

"Actually, I think you spoke it into existence, Akari," Sanji says.

A man with a hatless Luffy passed out on his back is walking right towards us. The man is almost as bloody as Luffy, and his clothes reveal him to be someone important with how regal they look. His long hair is pitch black, including the long facial hair that only hangs down from his chin. He's tall and powerful, which isn't something we need to deal with right now. "Who are you people?" his deep voice rings out.

"Um, that boy you're carrying, he's our friend," Sanji points as he scratches the top of his head. "We will take him off your hands now, but thanks for getting him here."

"You all must be the pirates that brought Vivi back to Alabasta."

My eyebrows furrow as I tilt my head slightly to the side. "Who are you?"

"You guys!" Vivi's voice has us all looking over at her standing a little ways down the street.

"Oh, it's Vivi," Chopper says.

"Papa!?"

"You're Vivi's father!?" Sanji screams at the man.

"That makes you the king," Zoro says.

King Cobra walks over to place Luffy up against the side of a building. "I was prepared to die, but this young man saved me."

I take a seat next to the heavily sleeping Luffy. My fingers tracing over the scar on his face. "You fought well, Luff. You deserve a good long rest."

"Even after the beating he suffered from his duel against Crocodile, he carried two people out of the rubble," King Cobra explains. "His strength is remarkable. He was poison, but he still fought through all the pain. I've never seen anyone push through all of that."

"All the poison is out of his system?" Usopp asks, now on his feet.

"It has been neutralized, yes, but he still needs medical attention. All of you could use medical attention, now that I look at you."

"Don't worry about that right now, Vivi," Zoro takes a seat, leaning up against the building. "Go on ahead."

"He's right," Usopp nods. "With the rebellion over, the only thing left is for the king and princess to address their people. Then the true celebration can begin."

"You're right," Vivi nods. "And I will let everyone know what you did."

"Sorry Vivi, but you can't do that," Sanji lights a cigarette that he's place between his teeth.

"Have you forgotten that we're infamous pirates?" I widely smile. "We might be unlike any other pirates on the sea, considering we saved your country, but we are still pirates all the same."

"We can't get tangled in politics," Sanji grins as he holds his cigarette between his fingers.

"I'm hungry," Chopper pants.

"We'll just head up to the palace," Nami huffs as she takes a seat. "We are exhausted."

Vivi softly smiles, giving a small nod. Then her and her father are walking back towards the square.

The moment they are all out of view, we all collapse. Our bodies no longer able to keep us up. All that we've done in the days since reaching Alabasta have come crashing down on us. Even if we are hungry, and thirsty, and begging for a bath, the exhaustion can't be fought off any longer.

I place my hand on Luffy's stomach as I lie next to him. The rain steadily falling down on us. There's nothing else to worry about right now. All of us can finally relax, and it feels so damn good. My eyes fall shut as sleep takes over in mere moments.

+~*~*~*~*~*~+

When I woke up a day later, the scrapes on my arms and legs were bandaged up, my body was only slightly sore, and I was wearing a pale yellow Alabastan nightgown. My head was resting on Luffy's chest as he was star-fished in the bed we were occupying. All the others in the other beds that were in the line. Vivi entered the room with a tender smile on her face, and then everyone but Luffy was getting up to understand what had happened for us to end up in the palace after we passed out in the street.

Vivi explained that she sent some soldiers to retrieve us, knowing that we probably had passed out where she last saw us. Once we were back in the palace, she had the best doctor look us over. After that, she left us to sleep off the battles we had been in. There was all the time in the world now.

With everyone awake besides Luffy, we filled our stomachs and got to talking. I learned that Chopper and Usopp took out a mole-lady, a slow man that was an amazing batter, and a gun that ate a dog devil fruit; Nami went up against a lady who could create spikes on any part of her body; Sanji battled Mr. Bon Clay, leaving with respect for each other when Sanji won; Zoro learned how to cut steel thanks to a man whose whole body was a sword. I was able to fill them in about what happened on the first Crocodile fight, and I filled them in on how I told Luffy that I loved him. Other than Sanji pouting, everyone was grinning at that news.

And then I broke into tears. Everyone but me went through some kind of battle in order to save the day. I was dragged away by Luffy, offered a spot next to Crocodile, and then made it to Alubarna where the only fight left was for Luffy. My wounds are because of Vivi tripping and taking me down with her. I felt horrible.

But no one would allow me to get much farther in my rambling about what a terrible crewmate I was. They brought up the fighting I did in the end, and the fact that Luffy needed me by his side more than anything, and that my loyalty showed by never even thinking about joining up with Crocodile. They also reminded me that I thought I saw Luffy die in front of me, which sent a pain through my body unlike any other. Sure, I didn't get into a one-on-one fight, but there are going to be plenty of chances in the future. Plenty of times to show just how strong I am. Again and again and again.

Once that was all settled, it was a waiting game until Luffy would wake up. After the blood he lost, the poison that ran through him, and how much he pushed himself, it wouldn't surprise anyone if he slept a couple more days. That left the rest of us doing whatever we could to pass the time. Zoro has been working out, Nami has been scouring the palace's library and collecting the books she wants to take, Sanji and Usopp have been out getting supplies, Chopper has been taking care of Luffy to the awe of the palace's doctor, Vivi has been helping with Luffy's care alongside our doctor, and I have been conversing with the palace blacksmith and helping him make weapons frequently. Two days have passed since we woke up, and Luffy is still out cold.

"I want to thank you so much for letting me help out while I've been here," I smile at the blacksmith as I look over the five swords that I made. "Not only does it mean a lot that you would trust me to make these swords all by myself, but that you would help me make some new shurikens," I pat the bag at my hip. "It has been an honor, truly."

The blacksmith smiles back, "Well, you are extremely talented, and I can always use the help. You did more in three days than I expected, and I think you produced five great swords. I'm sure that one day you'll reach your dream," he nods. "I hope that you enjoy your upgraded shurikens."

"Anything to cause more damage," I chuckle. "I don't think we'll be here much longer, but I want to say that if you need any more help, please find me."

"You've done more than enough. Please, go join your friends."

I wipe my hands off on a towel, and then I rush from the room.

"Akari!" Sanji gushes as I catch him and Usopp with supplies. "My darling, you look adorable today. How was blacksmithing today?" The three of us making our way to the room where we've been staying.

I giggle, making sure that the two buns I've made with my hair are still secure on top of my head. "Only did some polishing of the swords today, but it was good, nonetheless. I was afraid that my skills would be too rusty, but I was actually better than I remember. Not that I mean to brag."

"We'll have to team up to look over the ship's damages," Usopp says. "You must have some skill in patching things up like that, right?"

"She does need some love and care after all she's been through."

"I wonder if Luffy is going to wake up soon," Sanji says. "We shouldn't stay here longer than we have to."

"Three days of sleep for a body that was pushed to the brink, I would hope that is enough," I sigh. "Everything seems kind of boring without him."

"You're just saying that because you love him," Usopp teases, giving my shoulder a small shove. "Honestly, everything is a bit boring after what we just went through."

I softly smile, "Hm, love, yeah."

"I can't believe that idiot is lucky enough to have an amazing and beautiful girl to love," Sanji grumbles.

"Oh, I don't think luck really has anything to do with it. Even though that boy is lucky beyond belief at times. We've known each other our entire lives, so I have grown up with him right by my side through everything. It just so happens that it turned into love."

The three of us enter into our room, with the boys heading off to place the supplies with our other things. Nami is sitting on her bed with multiple books around her, while Chopper and Vivi are sitting next to Luffy's bedside.

"How is the patient?" I ask, tossing my shuriken bag next to a pile of clothes that have been gifted to me. I've been loving the breathable t-shirts and jean shorts that I can't stop wearing.

"Good, good," Chopper looks over at me as he jumps onto the end of Luffy's bed. "His fever has stayed away, so that is a good sign. Nothing abnormal to report when sleeping?"

"Nope. He's been stable all through the night."

Sanji takes a seat in a chair nearby, smoking a cigarette like always. Usopp plops down on the couch in the room. The only one missing is Zoro, who I know is off training even if his wounds should keep him from doing so.

I grab Luffy's hat, but I'm unable to place it on my head with the hairstyle I've adopted since helping the blacksmith. "I've never seen him that beat up before, so I guess we have to be patient."

Luffy stirs, and then shoots up with all the energy in the world. "Oh yeah! I slept great!" He lets out a laugh.

I step up to the end of Luffy's bed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at seeing him awake and as lively as ever.

His hand runs through his hair, "Wait! Where's my hat!? And where's breakfast!? I'm starving! But where's my hat!?"

"Calm down, here you go," I lean over to hand the straw hat to him. "It was found in front of the palace by a solider. I've been keeping it safe."

"The instant you wake up, you make a racket," Sanji blows out some smoke. "And it's time for dinner, not breakfast."

"Thanks Akari," Luffy flashes a smile, placing the straw hat on his head.

"Oh, I'm so glad to have you better, Luffy," Vivi smiles.

"Better? What do you mean? Was I sick?"

"Dumb-dumb, you had a high fever!" Nami shakes her head. "All of us were freaked out! Vivi and Chopper took care of you the whole time."

"Really!?" Luffy looks between Vivi and Chopper with a huge smile on his face. "Thanks you two!"

"Not only is Chopper the cutest doctor, but he is the best," I firmly nod.

"Hey, cut it out," Chopper wiggles around as he goofily smiles.

Then the door creaks open, and we all turn to see Zoro strutting in. "Oh, Luffy, you woke up."

"Hey Zoro! Long time no see, right?"

"Hey!" Chopper hops off the bed, rushing over to Zoro as the swordsman pours himself a glass of water. "Where have you been!? Have you been training!?"

"Hm? That's my business, not yours."

"It is my business! I'm your doctor! Where are your bandages!?"

"They were hindering my movement, so I took them off."

"Then don't move!"

I climb onto the bed, sitting on my knees in front of Luffy. "You've been out for a while, Luff."

"Really?" Luffy tilts his head to the side. "How long?"

"It is no surprise that you're confused, Luffy," Usopp stands up. "It's been three days."

"Three days! I've been sleeping for three days! That's fifteen meals I've missed!"

"Did he really calculate that fast?" Nami sighs.

"That's five meals a day, too," Usopp says.

I chuckle, "At least we know you're still the same after three days out cold."

Vivi giggles, "You don't have to worry. I told the kitchen staff to be ready to feed you at a moment's notice."

"We've tried not to eat too much as we wait for you."

"I hear that the captain is awake!" a woman's voice calls out, getting us all to turn and see a female version of Igaram. "We will have dinner ready for all of you in thirty minutes! A meal with friends tastes even better!"

"Hey, Igaram, you're alive!?" Luffy blurts out.

"What is with your outfit!?" Zoro glares at the woman. "You look like a woman, you weirdo!"

"No, guys, this is Terracotta!" Vivi jumps out of her seat, rushing over to stand next to the woman. "She is Igaram's wife, and housekeeper of the palace."

"Thank you, all of you, for everything you've done for us," Terracotta smiles.

"There are lookalike couples, that I know, but this is a little much," I grimace.

"I understand that you have large appetites, so enjoy this fruit until the meal is ready," she waves as some servants wheel in a large cart full of fruit.

"Sounds good," Luffy exhales and the fruit is gone.

"Luffy!" I scramble closer to him. "How do you even do that!?"

"That was magic!" Zoro and Sanji scream.

"Hey! Lady! I will need three days' worth to eat, okay?" Luffy calls out.

"Wonderful!" Terracotta flexes her arm. "I have been doing this for thirty years, and no young man's stomach has intimidated me yet! Eat up!"

I'm not sure how thirty minutes goes by as quickly as it does, but at the first whiff of food, Luffy is grabbing my hand and rushing us in the direction of the dinning room with everyone hot on our trails. Along with the crew and Vivi, King Cobra, Igaram, Chaka, and Karoo join us for a huge dinner with more food than I can comprehend.

I luckily get a seat next to Luffy, with Nami on my other side. "Don't forget to chew, Luff," I chuckle as he instantly starts to shovel food into his mouth while also pushing food towards me.

"Eat fast before it's gone!" Zoro shouts.

"Luffy! That's my plate!" Usopp screams as he slaps Luffy's hand.

"There's plenty to go around!" I laugh, tossing whatever ends up on my plate into my mouth.

"Here's some more meat!" Terracotta announces.

"Will you stop it!" Nami groans as she looks at Luffy.

"It won't mean anything if you don't chew and swallow," I poke his stretched out cheek.

"I'll show you," Usopp grumbles, pouring something onto the meat on his plate that Luffy quickly shoves into his mouth.

"Ah! That was a dirty trick!" Luffy exclaims as fire escapes his mouth from the spice that was placed on the meat.

I shake my head as I can't stop laughing.

Luffy turns to King Cobra at the head of the table and right next to him. He then proceeds to talk with his mouth completely full of food, which means nothing can be deciphered. Even from me who has seen him in this state before.

"We can chat after dinner," King Cobra softly chuckles.

"Can we please get some more beer over here!?" Zoro shouts.

"Water please!" Chopper and Sanji add.

"Is there any desserts!?" I giggle as Luffy inhales more food.

Vivi starts to laugh, a beautiful noise that has been locked away