Title: Close Encounters
Spoilers: Set before the actual Alabasta arc, but slight mentions of Miss Wednesday, Baroque Works and Vivi's past are included in the story.
Summary: Vivi catches sight of someone in the crowds.
Vivi's eyes widened as she spotted a familiar face in the crowds near Crocodile's casino. She watched as Kohza walked through the area, studying his surroundings. There was only one person in all of Alabasta that had that particular scar, and she would recognize him anywhere. Vivi had to admit, the years had been rather kind to her old friend. Kohza had certainly matured since they had parted. A blush began to stain her cheeks as he turned and she caught sight of his eyes, always so full of emotion. For a moment she froze, certain that he had spotted her. Ducking into the shadows and holding her breath, she found it was hard to take her eyes off of him. He returned to studying the town and she felt an odd sense of regret. A dull ache reminded her she never had visited Yuba despite her promise.

Pulling her glasses over her eyes, Vivi prayed that he hadn't spotted her. A small quack broke into her thoughts and Vivi patted Karoo on the head, trying to assure the duck that she would be fine. Glancing through the crowded streets, disappointment filled her as she realized Kohza had disappeared. She knew it would mean death if anyone spotted her with her childhood friend, but for a moment, she considered the possibility. Shaking her head, Vivi motioned for Karoo to follow her.

The duck quacked in response, holding his wing up high and saluting. Vivi laughed at his antics and wound her hair into a tight bun before stepping from the shadows. It wasn't much, but hopefully the change in hairstyle would prevent any second glances if anyone else from the Suna Suna clan happened to be near the casino.

Making her way through the crowd, Vivi took a deep breath and prepared herself for meeting Crocodile. Today, she and her partner would be receiving an assignment. Entering the casino, she looked back one last time, silently vowing to save Alabasta from Crocodile and clear her father's name.