Author's Note: All right, so here's the next chapter. I've been busy lately with family and spending time with them, since we're just getting back. It's been so long, I nearly forgot what it was like to be social. xD Either way, I've been stealing away moments to be able to write. I think I would have finished the whole story by now, if it wasn't for being so social. Been watching a lot of movies and such. Like tonight, we go to see Riddick. YEAH BABY! I love Vin Diesel, and I love Riddick! :D I will try my best to write tonight. If not, it will be tomorrow. I gots shopping to do right now, after I post this. Anyways, I've got 17 chapters completed, so far. It's all beginning to come together. ;) Anyways, enjoy this chapter! :D
Faceless Mask
Chapter 11
King Cobra and Princess Vivi both stepped in together with Vivi's arm through her father's. "Thank you, everyone, for coming," Cobra said and smiled to his guests. He then turned to Sanji and his group and smiled even wider. "Ah! The guests of honor!" he said and headed right for them with his daughter.
"It is a great honor indeed to be a guest in your house, your majesty," Sanji said and bowed deeply to father and daughter. Everyone else followed and bowed or curtsied to the king and princess.
"It's so good to finally meet you in person, Sanji," the king said, releasing his daughter's arm and clasp Sanji's hand with both of his to shake. "You've done so much for us; for all of us, to which we are forever grateful and forever in your debt."
There were a few voices in agreement, though heartily spoken, and all were smiling at Sanji. "Thank you, your majesty; to all of you. I did it for us all; for this world we all live in. We must always stand united and help to keep support of one another. We must live, and we must also live together. I expect no debts be paid for this, your majesty," Sanji said and bowed his head to him. There were cheers of applause for his words.
"An honorable man," Cobra said and clutched his shoulder in his appreciation, and then he shifted his eyes to Red. "And you, young sir, you assist Sanji in all of these endeavors. We are grateful to you as well."
Red chuckled and said, "It's no problem!" Sanji elbowed him. "Ah, your majesty."
Cobra threw his head back and laughed, now clapping his hand down over Red's shoulder. "It's quite all right, my boy! Thank you both for indulging this old man in coming here!"
"It was our honor, your majesty," Sanji said and smiled to the man.
"Yeah, what he said-Ah, your majesty!" Red said and chuckled as well.
"Please, I would love for the both of you to meet my daughter, Vivi," Cobra said and motioned to the princess.
"It's the greatest honor to meet you, Princess Vivi," Sanji said with a bow and held his hand out for hers. When she placed it in his, he kissed the back of it.
"Thank you, Mr. Zeff. I was very thrilled to meet you as well as your companion," Vivi said and smiled to him with a soft, genuine smile as her cheeks flushed. "I was very excited about this dinner."
"Princess," Red said, bowing half-hazardly to her, and he did not offer his hand, as Sanji did.
She smiled brightly to him anyway and said, "Thank you for coming as well, Mr. Red. I was afraid you would not. I had heard you usually don't come to these events. I'm so very glad you did." Her cheeks tinged a little brighter in color.
"Ah, yeah… I don't like people-Oof!" Red started, but was cut off from Sanji elbowing him in the ribs again.
"I must apologize for my friend, your majesty. He lacks manners. I must remember to reeducate him," Sanji said and chuckled nervously.
Vivi chuckled as well and said, "It's all right. Large crowds make me nervous. I can see where you're coming from, Mr. Red. I hope you can learn to be comfortable with us."
"Yeah, I guess so… Oof!" Red grunted, "Your majesty."
Vivi giggled this time and smiled more brightly to Red with an even deeper flush. "Please, everyone have a seat!" Cobra said and motioned towards the very large table, where everyone was directed to a seat. Sanji and his guests were directed to eat towards the head with the king and princess.
"It's a pleasure to meet Mr. Zeff and Mr. Red's acquaintances. We've heard what you did for them, Miss Tange. What you did was incredible and brave. The whole world would have mourned, had anything happened to them. We are also in your debt, and we're thrilled you were able to make this dinner," Vivi said and smiled softly to Nami.
Nami smiled to her as well, feeling comforted by such a warm smile. "Thank you, your majesty. I think anyone would have done what I did. The world would have indeed mourned such a great man."
"It really is a pity there are some in this world, who would want to do you harm, Sanji," Cobra said with a deep furrow to his brow. "I hope whoever is responsible is brought to justice soon."
"As do I! Such a cruel person. How is it that not everyone is happy about what you've done, Mr. Zeff.? It's a true tragedy," Vivi said and frowned sadly.
"I honestly couldn't say, your majesty. Perhaps they are no longer making the profit they were before. Greed can do this to people. They were most likely preying and taking advantage on those less fortunate," Sanji said with a slight frown as he gazed down at the table. "It can be anyone, and it might be near impossible to find out whom."
"That's terrible," Vivi muttered and shook her hand. "Perhaps we can all lend a hand in this person's capture," she said and looked to her father.
"Yes, perhaps," Cobra agreed immediately and nodded. There were others, who agreed along the table as well.
"It would be I, then, who would be in your debt, your majesty," Sanji said and bowed his head.
"Nonsense, call it repayment, if you like," Cobra said and smiled brightly.
Sanji grinned in return and said, "Then that is what we'll call it, your majesty."
"If you could help find these guys, that'd be great, uh, your majesty!" Red said and grinned to the king. "I don't want Sanji to die."
Sanji's eyes softened as he regarded the young man, and then he tenderly placed a hand on his head. "I wouldn't want this brat to die either," he said and smiled, making Red snicker.
The king chuckled affectionately and said, "Then I will make arrangements right away."
"Thank you, your majesty," Sanji said and bowed his head in appreciation to the man.
"Yeah, thanks! Ah, your majesty," Red said and grinned as well.
In Another Kingdom…
"Your majesty," a man called and quickly moved to kneel before his king.
"What is it?" the king asked, draped with pink feathers and with his back to the room to gaze out of his window. Beyond it was a crystal blue lake, where many pink exotic birds nested.
"The ones associated with him seem to be in the kingdom of Asteron with King Cobra."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, your majesty. We checked and double checked."
The blonde king turned a smirk to his man and said, "Excellent. Make the proper preparations. It seems we'll be paying a visit to his majesty, King Cobra."
"Yes, your majesty! But there's more, your majesty," the man said and looked up to his king.
"Oh is there? And what more could there possibly be?" the king smirked, looking very interested.
"The orange haired woman the men mentioned is with them," the man said and bowed his head.
Losing his smile, the blonde king turned around to gaze outside again. It started out small before turning into full blown laughter. "Even more excellent! We'll get multiple birds with one stone!"
"Yes, your majesty!" the man said, bowing even lower to the floor.
"You've done very well. You will be rewarded, but first, make those preparations I asked for," the king said and turned to him again.
"Yes, your majesty!" the man said and quickly stood to do as his king bid.
The king watched as he left and smirked as he turned back to the window.
"We'll see you soon, King Cobra."
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Dun dun DUN! Uh ohs! Oh noes! I wonder what will happen! D: Oh wait, no I don't, because I already know. SNICKER. :P Stay tuned for the next chapter! :D