Author's Note: I do not own One Piece. I just wish I could eat a Gum-Gum Fruit. Either way, One Piece is owned by Eiichiro Oda. This story does have a pairing of Luffy and Vivi, if you don't like it, don't read it. Please don't leave any comments complaining about the pairing. This story takes place after the Alabasta Arc but all arcs after that are null. All names and terms are now based on the Funimation dub. Thank you internet!

The Pirate and the Royal

Chapter 1: Life Goes On

The crew of the Going Merry was doing what they always do. Robin was reading an old book, Nami was looking over her charts, Zoro was napping, Sanji was below deck cooking, and Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp were well, being Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp. None of them could have guessed that that normal day could have led to anything but. It all started with a situation that caused Luffy to fall on his back from laughter. When he opened his eyes after laughing, he caught sight of something in the sky and sat up.

"I'm going to my room for a bit. Don't bother me." Luffy said, surprisingly serious for just being with the crew. The Strawhats where almost silent as Luffy disappeared into his quarters.

"Wow, I wonder what that was about." Usopp asked.

"I don't know." Chopper responded. Robin smiled to herself. They really haven't figured it out. She thought to herself, well I'm not going to explain it to them. After all, it could be funny watching them scratch their heads.

Luffy's Room…

Luffy locked the door, making sure that no one could barge in on him. Once he made sure that the rest of the crew wouldn't invade, Luffy pulled a folded up piece of paper out from under his pillow. The paper was a picture of him and a certain princess, and something he didn't want the rest of the crew to see.

"I miss you Vivi." Luffy said, "I understand why you had to stay behind, but I was really hoping you would come with us." Luffy started crying as he looked at the picture. He held the picture close to his chest as his tears increased. Meanwhile in the desert kingdom of Alabasta, the blue-haired princess wasn't in the best mood either.

Alubarna…

Vivi sat in her room in the royal palace, a piece of paper clutched tightly to her chest. Much like the captain of the Strawhats, she had a picture of herself and Luffy stashed away. When Luffy and the others left, she made a silent vow. No matter what, no matter anyone's opinions, she would remain single until the day he would return to her. When she pulled the picture away and looked into grinning pirate's face, smalls tears began to form and her recent feeling of regret for staying in Alabasta began to return.

"I swear Luffy, the only reason I stayed behind was because I had too." Vivi said, "If I had a sibling or never born into royal blood, I would have gone with you in a heartbeat." A knock at the door caused her to jump and quickly hide the picture.

"Princess, are you in there?" The voice on the other side of the door was non-other than that of the curly haired Igaram.

"Yes I am Igaram." Vivi said opening the door.

"Oh good, you're father was looking for you." Igaram said, "He said he wanted to talk to you."

"I'll be right there." Vivi said. Igaram thanked her and left. Vivi let out a small sigh. Well, I guess I have to get back to the real world and to stop thinking what could have been. Vivi thought.

Palace Throne Room…

Vivi entered her father's throne room to see Kohza was there as well.

"Kohza, what are you doing here?" Vivi asked.

"I don't know." Kohza answered, "Your father sent me a letter and told me to come here." It was at this moment when the king of Alabasta, King Cobra Nefeltari entered the room.

"Ah good, I'm glad you're both here." Cobra said, "Don't worry; I brought both of you here under good news."

"What is it?" Kohza asked.

"Well, Chaka believes that his injuries from Crocodile may never fully heal." Cobra explained, "He will be fine and be able to live normally, but it would be far too dangerous for him to ever fight again."

"No offense father, but that is far from good news." Vivi said.

"That's not why I called you." Cobra said, "Chaka believes that Kohza would be the best choice for his replacement."

"Me? Really?" Kohza asked in disbelief. Cobra nodded in response.

"That's great news Kohza!" Vivi said happily.

"And that's why I asked you to be here Vivi," Cobra said, "I figured you would like to be the first to congratulate him." Vivi and Kohza left the room.

"This is great!" Kohza yelled happily after they left the throne room, "How about we go out and celebrate?"

"Alright, but only as friends." Vivi said, "I already have someone in my life."

"Don't worry; I wouldn't do anything to take you from that pirate guy. What's his name again?" Kohza asked, "Oh that's right! Luffy." Vivi blushed ferociously at Kohza's comment. How did he figure it out? I thought no one knew. Vivi thought.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Vivi said.

"You say that, but your face says something else." Kohza said, "Just admit you like him."

"Alright so I like him." Vivi said, "But you can't tell ANYONE about it, understand?"

"Don't worry I won't tell." Kohza said laughing a bit, "You know, I wish Luffy was around when we were kids. I could have used him to keep you out of the Sand Sand Band!" Kohza took off laughing.

"Why you! Get back here!" Vivi said taking off after the fleeing Kohza.