Prologue
The kingdom of Arabasta was a rich and wealthy country, some people called it one of the Grand Line's crowning jewels. The desert made it safe from attack, many people tried, but none have succeeded. But to ensure it, the land was patrolled.
One day, one guard was on horseback, riding along the river, it was foggy, and he could not see far. Suddenly, a great gust of wind appeared, so surprising that it knocked him off his horse. The horse stopped to wait as the guard stood up and looked out over the fog, and he could faintly see ships, warships. Normally, he would not signal, but something told him to. He rushed to the tower, and suddenly, an explosion knocked him down and his horse ran away. The guard turned around to see a man and woman standing there. The woman held an umbrella and a yellow skirt and lemon shaped hat. The other man wore a thick coat and glasses.
The guard stood up and ran towards the tower, and climbed up. The woman suddenly, jumped, floated, and then slammed down with so much force that it shook the ground. The guard managed to keep his footing and climbed up to the top. He grabbed the torch, but then a massive man appeared before him, he had a large coat, a scar along his face, sickly skin, and a hook. The guard gasped for a second, as he knew who that man was and what he was capable of, but then stood up and lit the oil torch, and everyone else responded by lighting their own torches. The guard stood up to face him.
"Now everyone in Arabasta knows that you are here, Crocodile," he said, glaring. Crocodile sneered, grabbed the symbol of Arabasta, threw it the ground, and crushed it underfoot.
"Just the way I want it," he said with an evil grin.
In the palace, General Dragon strode into the court of King Cobra and knelt.
"Your highness, the Baroque forces have been sighted on the river, and a beginning to advance," he said.
"That does not matter," said Igram," they will not make it through the desert."
"Sir Crocodile is their leader," Dragon stated. The king narrowed his eyes.
"I will summon my strongest troops to face them, I will station them along the brims of Alubrana," the general continued.
"No," Cobra said standing up," send them to defend the innocents, Igram!"
"Yes, your majesty," the king's majordomo answered.
"Declare a nationwide mobilization, I want as many capable men as possible sent to be trained, the army must be built up," Cobra stated, walking up to his general.
"Forgive your highness," Dragon said bowing his head," but I have some of the finest warriors on my side, both of my son's have a Devil Fruit power, and are very skilled fighters."
"I understand my friend," said the king," send you elder son to the second flank, and have him station them just outside of Yuba, he will command them and be prepared to support you."
"And my younger son?" asked Dragon.
"I shall you let be the best judge for your own family," Cobra said," but still have them trained, it is nothing but for the best."