Here's the next chapter. Enjoy.
Arrival at Rainbase, the City of Dreams!
After the whole dispute with Luffy and Kent, Vivi is on her knees still crying as the crew allow her to do so. She stops as she looks up at them all. Kent is facing his back towards them as he is standing next to the dead tree.
"You all…" She says as everyone, excluding Luffy and Kent, looks at her.
"Luffy was right. I've made up my mind. Changed of plans, we're going to go find Crocodile." She says with a determined face. "Right." Luffy says as he stands up and walks to them.
"That does seem like the quickest way to stop the fighting from happening." Nami says.
"And we can quit wandering around the desert. It was beginning to get old." Zoro says.
Vivi looks at them as she sees Kent is standing next to the dead tree. "Uh Kent?" She says as she walks to him.
"Hey Kent." Luffy says as he also walks to him.
"AAAAAGH!" Kent cries out as he suddenly kicks the tree so swiftly and so hard that it causes the tree to break into little tiny pieces. As the splinters fall to the ground Kent looks at them with a determined look.
"I feel like what Luffy said makes sense and he's right. So…" He says as he raises his head and now looks at them all with a grin. "What do say you show us the way to the bastard Crocodile Vivi." He says.
Vivi is surprised by this mood of Kent as she was expecting him to be mad at Luffy.
She smiles as she pulls out a map and gets on her knees as everyone also gets down forming a circle around her as they look at the map she unfolds.
"Let's see… this is the capital city of Alabarna where my father rules. The rebel army is camped here getting ready to invade Alabarna." Vivi says showing them.
"So we just need to get to Crocodile before the rebels can get to Alabarna." Sanji says.
"Seems like it." Kent says.
Vivi points to a location labelled Rainbase. "This is where Crocodile lives. Over here…Rainbase." She says.
"Lives or inhabits? So what is this place?" Kent asks.
"It's a city to the North of us. About a day's journey from here." She says. Kent grins. "Whelp looks like more walking is needed." He says.
About 6 hours or so the crew have been walking in the desert heading on their way to Rainbase. Luffy and Usopp groaning from being exhausted Kent ignores them as he walks next to Eyelash who is carrying Vivi and Nami.
Zoro looks at Chopper with a grin. "Hey Chopper you managed to make it all day without collapsing." He says sounding proud.
"Yeah, I'm trying hard not to." Chopper responds sounding tired. Chopper looks at Vivi. "Vivi, does this Rainbase city have a water supply?" Chopper asks her.
"Oh yeah no shortage there. It's a gambling town, almost completely isolated from all the fighting." Vivi says.
AS she says that money signs appear on Nami's eyes as she rubs her hands together. "Ah! Gambling?" She says happily.
"No way Nami, we're not going gambling." Zoro says.
"I guess some people need a places to relax even here in Alabasta." Sanji says.
Kent crosses his arms. "It's just like that bastard Crocodile to do this. Have a city that's filled with water and isolated while the rest of the country is suffering and even ruining the people by having them lose their money. It really sickens me." He says in his head.
Vivi notices Kent's angered look. "Uhm Kent…how are you feeling?" She asks him. Kent snaps out of it and looks at her. "Oh…well I'm fine no need to worry about me." He says.
She looks at him with a smile. "I want to say…thank you." She says. Kent smiles at that. "There's no need. After all we're friends." He says.
She smiles. "Despite what happened Kent is the same mood as he is. Does he really have no memory of his life?" Vivi says wondering on this.
"GUM-GUM…GET AWAY!" They hear Luffy scream as they see him moving his arms everywhere as to keep Usopp away from the small keg he got from Toto.
"Please just one sip. Isn't that why the old man gave it to us?" Usopp asks him. "The old guy in the sandstorm place gave to me. he had to dig all night just to get this much of it. We can't go drinking it like it's regular water or something so no way." Luffy says.
Everyone is surprised by this. "Wow, you can restrain yourself sometimes." Nami says.
Luffy looks at her annoyed by that statement. "Well yeah, of course I can Nami. That was a rude thing to say you know." He says.
Luffy looks at Vivi. "So, how long till Rainbase Vivi?" He asks her.
Vivi gets off of Eyelash as she looks at him. "Hey Luffy…thanks a lot." She says.
"I've never would have been able to make this decision on my own." She says.
Luffy looks at her while his tongue is sticking out. "Okay then give me food." He says.
She looks at him confused by that.
Luffy punches his fists together. "After I beat up Crocodile give me food. I'll eat till I explode." He says.
She smiles at that request. "I promise I will." She says.
A few more hours later
After traveling more in the heat of the desert a city starts to appear in the horizon. "There" Vivi says confirming that they have arrived at their destination.
"So is that the city?" Chopper asks her.
"Seems like it." Kent says. The most clearest building they can see is a giant pyramid with a golden alligator statue with a banana on its head.
Luffy holds his hands in the air as he yells. "Yeah! Time to kick Crocodile's ass!"
Kent looks at the city with a determined look. "Hope you're ready Crocodile…we're coming for you."
Mere moments later
They finally come closer to Rain Base as they are just mere distance away from it.
"So that's Rainbase, huh?" Luffy says.
"So after all that's happened are we operating under the assumption that Baroque Works knows that we're here on the island with them?" Zoro asks.
Kent crosses his arms. "Knowing their tactics and organization I wouldn't doubt it. I mean you guys did run into Mr. 2 so it would seems they would have some idea that we're heading to Alabasta and what our mission is." He says.
Luffy looks at him. "Who cares about that?" Luffy asks him.
"They know exactly what we look like so we won't be able to do much at Rainbase. So just lay low." Usopp says.
Luffy looks at him annoyed. "And why is that?!" He asks.
"Because if we get spotted before we can find Crocodile I'm sure he can come up with all sorts of nasty ways of taking care of us." Usopp explains.
"Assassination is kind of their area of expertise." Zoro says.
"Laying low but we're coming Crocodile!" Luffy shouts as Usopp punches his head. "You weren't even listening, were you?!" He says.
"Well no matter what happens I will take it upon myself to protect Nami and Vivi from any harm. I'm always happy to play prince charming for a lady." Sanji says with a big smile.
"More like prince perv." Kent says.
Sanji looks at him annoyed by that comment. "Shut it Kent!" He says.
"Need…water." Chopper and Usopp say at the same time as they are really exhausted.
"There is none." Zoro says annoyed.
Luffy gets impataient as he screams. "I'm gooiiiiiing!" As he runs to the city.
"Wait for me Luffy!" Usopp yells running behind him.
Kent grins as he shakes his head. "Might as well go after them." He says as he runs after them.
After a few moments the three manage to find a restaurant where Luffy and Usopp cheers in excitement as they both quickly sit on some chairs in front of the counter as they bang their hands on the table. "Hey old lady give us some water okay?!" Luffy exclaims going nuts. "A whole barrel, no make it five barrels!" Usopp says acting the same.
Kent takes a seat next to them as he looks at the lady. "Sorry about these two idiots. I'll take a small keg please." He says politely as he hands her the money. The lady smiles at him and glares at the other two as she quickly grabs two barrels filled with water handing one each for the two and the keg to Kent who thanks her.
Kent starts to drink as he just notices the heavy smell of cigar.
"The only thing I know for sure is that Straw Hat is out to get Crocodile, one of the seven warlords of the sea." Kent hears someone say as starts to get a chill down his spine.
His eyes drift to his left as he sees a bulky man wearing a white coat and has white hair as he has three cigars in his mouth and has a young blue haired woman with purple rimmed glasses sitting next to him as they are both looking at Kent who is also looking at them.
Luffy and Usopp stop drinking, or rather stop having more water in their mouths, as they look directly at the marine commander Smoker with their mouths filled with water.
None of them react to each other as they observe.
Luffy and Usopp finally realizes who it is as they both spit take at Smoker and the girl.
Drench in water the motionlessness continues…that is till Kent slowly gets up from his seat grabs keg and casually walks out of the restaurant whistling non-chalantly.
Just as Kent is outside the restaurant he hears. "Run away!" from Luffy as Kent high tails it out of there.
As Kent runs he sees Usopp and Luffy have caught up to him as they run away from the large group of marine soldiers chasing them.
"What are the damn marines doing here?!" Luffy yells.
"How should I know you idiot?! Just keep running!" Kent yells as they run.
As make the turn they see the others are sitting under a tree as they see the marines behind the three and also start running.
"Hey guys I think the marines are here!" Luffy yells to them.
"Oh thank you, we've hadn't noticed Luffy!" Zoro says sarcastically in an angered tone.
"After them men! We can't let them escape!" One of the marine soldiers says.
They start to run down the alleyway. "This is bad! Baroque Works will see us if we run through the city!" Usopp exclaims.
"I think it's a little too late for that Usopp." Zoro says as Kent looks and sees random people the pass hold up pictures of them in their hands. "So much for laying low!" Kent says.
"Then it's decided. Let's go!" Vivi hears Luffy say as she looks to him. "What do you mean?" She asks him.
"Wherever Crocodile is. How about it, ready?" He asks her.
She nods as she points forward. "Do you see that building up ahead with the alligator on its roof? That's the casino that Crocodile runs. It's called Raindinners" Vivi says.
Luffy looks at the building with determination. "I see it. So that's where Crocodile lives, huh?" He says.
Sanji looks behind him looking at the marines as he looks back at the others. "It would be better if we all split up now." He says.
"I was just thinking the same thing." Kent says.
Luffy grins at them. "Right, see you later." He says.
"Right" Everyone say in unison as they split up. Sanji, Nami and Usopp go up the stairs on the right while Vivi, Zoro and Kent take the stairs on the left and Luff…just jumps on a shade cover and bounces in the air as he yells "Don't die!" to the rest before disappearing behind the building.
Kent, Zoro and Vivi have managed to get the marines off of them…however they hear running as they stop and look around them as they see mercenary like people running towards them in all directions.
"Damn it." Zoro says.
Vivi looks at them and notices them. "Oh no, look over there." Vivi says as Zoro and Kent look at the thugs running to them.
"It's them alright." One of them says as they all appear to be carrying photos of the crew.
"No doubt. Kill them!" Another says.
"It looks like it's the Baroque Works Millions." Vivi says.
"Whelp we were going to have to faced them sooner or later." Kent says.
Zoro grins. "Well then I guess we're stuck between a rock and a hard place." He says.
He looks at Vivi and Kent as he pushes Vivi away. "You two go on without me." He says.
Vivi and Kent look at him. "Hurry!" He says. "Okay" Vivi says sounding a bit worried as she runs off. Kent grins at him. "Have fun Zoro." He says giving him a salute before following Vivi.
Kent and Vivi run across the street as they hear the fighting behind them. Kent looks at Vivi and notices her worried look as he smiles. "Hey, don't worry about him." He says to her as she looks at him.
"He'll be fine." He says with a smile. This makes Vivi a bit calm as she nods her head and they both continue to run on.
"This way" Kent says as he makes a right turn out of the alley while Vivi follows.
Kent suddenly stops as his face has the 'oh crap' look.
They see more of the Millions have been waiting for them as they turn around and try to run the opposite direction only to see more behind them cutting thier escape.
One of them grins menacingly at Kent. "Thought you could get away from us, huh?" He says.
Vivi and Kent move their backs towards each other. "Hope you are ready Vivi." He says with nodding at that.
They both charge and attack their enemies.
After a few moments of fighting it doesn't seem like it would stop as just more and more of the Millions appear though Kent is managing to hold them off.
"Aaaagh!" Kent suddenly hears Vivi cry out as he looks to her. He sees her fall to the ground as he sees she has been hurt.
"Vivi!" Kent shouts. He kicks the attacker in the face and send him flying as he stands in front of her to protect her from the enemies before them.
Many of the Millions points their pistols at Kent. "You got some very sweet moves there buddy I'll give you that." One of them says as Kent looks at him determined.
"Of course I'd expect no less from one of the main targets our boss send to kill." He says.
"You will not lay a finger on her. You hear me?!" Kent shouts.
The thug just smirks. "Enough talk. Time for you to die, the boss is waiting for her." He says as all of the Millions cock their pistols. "Say goodnight"
Before they can even pull thier hundreds of bullets start raining down from the sky hitting the enemy and missing Kent and Vivi.
Everyone is surprised by this suddenness.
All of the Millions look up. "What is that thing? Some kind of bird?" One of the Millions say.
After that another hail of bullets comes flying down on them.
The Millions panic as they run away and try to avoid the shots. Vivi and Kent look up as they can see it is a giant bird
"It's a falcon!" Another Million says fearing for his life.
"A falcon with a machine gun, are you out of your mind?!" Another one exclaims.
Vivi smiles as she recognizes the giant bird.
"Hurry up and shoot it!" A Million yells.
However before they can even fire the falcon swiftly dives down as it flies just above ground level quickly past the thugs and heads towards Vivi and Kent.
Vivi happily holds her arms in the air while Kent finches back. "Hold on!" Kent exclaims.
Too late as the falcon grabs them both with its talons and carries them up as it lands on top of a building with them.
"Crap! The princess!" A Million says.
The Falcon drops the two as it stands in front of them as they look at it.
"Pell! It's you!" Vivi says happily.
The falcon starts to morph as it changes from a bird into a normal human who is wearing a white robe and head band both with star symbols on it as he also has a orange beaded necklace.
He looks at Vivi happily. "It's very good to see you princess Vivi." He says.
"How is my father?" Vivi asks him.
"He's doing well. Your father and I both read your letter and he sent me on ahead to scout out the situation." He explains.
"You mean… Karoo made it safely to Alabarna? He's alright?" She asks.
"That's right you. You got quite a duck, you know?" He says to her.
"Alabasta owes you a great debt. Thanks to you and Igaram we know who we're fighting." He says.
Vivi nods to him.
Pell now turns his attention to Kent who was in a fighting stance but is now stands normally now that he sees the person is friendly.
Pell bows to him. "You have my eternal gratitude for keeping the princess safe during the long journey to her home." He says.
Kent rubs the back of his head. "Don't mention it. Though I didn't do it alone but thanks nonetheless." He says feeling a little bashful.
Pell looks down the building at the Millions. "Now if you'll please excuse me." He says with his back to the two.
"The Bird-Bird fruit. Model: The Falcon. Just five types in the world have the power of flight." Pell says as he transforms into his Falcon form.
"The power which you shall now bear witness." He says as he takes off.
Vivi and Kent watch as they see Pell annihilate the Millions.
Kent smiles. "Well looks with your father's bodyguard with us we should have an easier time with Cro NAAAAGH!" Vivi suddenly hears Kent scream.
"Well you seem over-confident. You two have certainly been a thorn in our sides." Vivi hears a woman's voice say as she turns around.
She sees Kent on his knees with his arms behind his back as an arm is around his neck in a choke hold as he is struggling to get out.
However even though there is an arm around Kent's neck there isn't anyone that the arm is attached to.
Vivi's eyes widen as she sees behind Kent is…
"Ms...Ms. All Sunday." She says as Ms. Sunday looks at her with a grin.
"I'm just in time. It seems like our precious employees are not longer of much use." She says.
"You know, as much as I like a helping hand this is not what I had in mind." Kent says.
Ms. Sunday looks at him. "Now now they'll be all the time for jokes later." She says.
Pell looks up as he sees her. "And who are you?" He asks her.
"That was marvelous, I've never seen anyone who had the power of flight before." She says impressed.
"Even so, do you think that you're stronger than me?" She asks him.
Pell looks at her with a serious expression. "Princess Vivi… this arrogant girl, is she one of those threating our homeland?" He asks her.
"I'm simply here as a messenger. To invite the princess and Ryo Kent to a little gathering at our mansion." She says as Kent looks at her confused that he would also be invited.
"That is if you have no objections." She says.
Pell clutches his sheathed sword. "Sorry I'm afraid the princess and her helper have a prior engagement." He says.
"I see" She says.
Vivi gets mad as she launches herself at Ms. Sunday with her weapon. "Stop screwing with us!" Vivi yells.
"Vivi stop!" Kent yells as he tries to break free but failing.
Ms. Sunday just smirks as effortlessly grabs Vivi's arm and shifts her away. "Now really, do you think it's proper for a princess to use such course language? Do you Ms. Wednesday?" She asks her.
Kent keeps trying to break free but the gripping is too strong.
Vivi looks at Ms. Sunday with anger. "Igaram… you killed him." She says.
Ms. Sunday looks at her confused. "Igaram? Ah yes Mr. 8 of course." She says.
Pell looks at her shocked. "What's this? The one that killed him was you?" He says.
Ms. Sunday looks at him. "Oh come now, why are you getting so worked up about it? It's really no different from what you did to our employees just now." She says as she holds Vivi up. "Don't be childish." She says.
Suddenly Vivi's eyes widen as an arm springs out of her back as if like a sword went through her.
Everything grows silent as Kent and Pell scream in silence for Vivi as she falls to the floor.
Pell gets enraged as he instantly turns Falcon and swiftly flies towards Ms. Sunday.
"Damn you! Your bones will be the sands of Alabasta!" He screams.
Ms. Sunday just smirks. "Really? Trace fleu." She says.
Then unexpectedly three arms sprout out of Pell's body. Two appear on his back as they arm lock his wings while the other holds his hand.
Pell crashes on the roof changing to his normal form.
Kent looks at the scene. "Vivi!" Kent says still struggling.
"P-Pell…" Vivi says weakly as she coughs.
Pell looks at her. "Princess Vivi, you're alive." He says.
Ms. Sunday looks at him with the same smirk. "Oh dear, did it looks to you both as if I killed the girl?" She says.
"Damn you! What did you do?!" Pell says angrily.
"Oh lighten up a little. I was only teasing you." She says.
"You devil fruit powers it's the only explanation." Pell says to her.
She grins. "That's right, I ate the Flower-Flower fruit. The power to make body parts bloom like flowers. That is my ability." She as a couple of arms sprout out from her body.
Kent looks at her and chuckles weakly. "Kind of a bit overkill." He says.
She looks at him. "Ironic coming from the one with the power of speed." She retorts.
"Touche" Kent says as Ms. Sunday looks back at Pell.
"Anyway even with the power of flight you cannot escape my reach for my limbs can bloom anywhere." She explains.
Pell looks at her determined. "Who's escaping? I'm staying right here and taking vengeance for the life of Igaram!" Pell shouts as he unsheathes his sword.
Ms. Sunday just looks at him non-chalantly. "I'd love to stay and play hands with you but time doesn't wait." She says.
Pell now charges at her. "Oh don't you worry. This won't take long!" He says.
Kent looks at him. "Pell stop!" He shouts only for his warning to fall on deaf ears as Pell charges on.
"I'm afraid you don't understand. Ses Flue!" Ms. Sunday says as multiple arms suddenly sprout next to Pell. Two sprout under the floor and grab his legs while another two spout on his back and grab his neck and pull him back arching him while two more sprout and grab his arms.
Vivi looks at the sight in terror while Kent looks at it in anger.
"Power, speed, these things mean nothing to me. My reach is limitless." She says as she walks to the incapacitated Pell whose whole back is bent backwards.
She grabs his chin. "And…Butch." She says as she push him as this makes him completely bend back as the arms disappear and he falls to the ground motionless.
"No! Pell!" Vivi cries out to him. Kent looks at the enemy in anger.
Ms. Sunday looks at them both. "Oh my, was he really Alabasta's greatest warrior? How sad." She says unfazed by what she did.
Vivi is filled with horror at seeing someone she knew for long time is now no more. "It…it can't be." She says unable to comprehend the moment.
Ms. Sunday walks over to them. "Well time to go. Our boss is waiting to see us and so are all your friends." She says to them both. "Inside a prison cell at Raindinners."
Kent looks at her in anger.
Meanwhile at Raindinners
"Hey look, I'm Sanji. So which one of you ate the meat?" Luffy says as he imitates Sanji while having two fingers in front of mouth like holding a cigarette. Usopp laughs as he claps his hands enjoying this. Usopp, Luffy, Nami, Zoro and even Smoker are trapped inside a big cage where in front of the cage is a dining table already set in the middle of the room as at the end of the table enjoying a glass of wine sits Crocodile.
Nami gets annoyed by Usopp and Luffy. "Oh really?" She says her eyebrow twitching.
She then punches them both hard on their heads as big bumps appear on them. "Would you two get serious?!" She yells at them.
"How can you two screw around when we're in this desperate situation?!" She says to them.
Luffy looks at her. "Well we can't get out so what else is there for us to do?" He says to her.
"The fact that we can't get out is the reason it's so desperate!" She says to them.
"If we don't do something soon we're gonna wind up dead." She says as she then looks at Zoro who is sleeping. "And why are you sleeping?!" She yells as she punches Zoro on the head as a bump appears.
He immediately wakes up rubbing his eye. "Oh, is it morning?" Zoro says casually as he doesn't even feel the bump.
"It's afternoon you moron!" She says to him with shark teeth.
"You're certainly a high spirited young lady." Crocodile says to Nami while holding his wine glass.
Nami turns her attention to him as she looks at him confidently. "Whatever, you better go ahead and enjoy yourself while you still got the time mister. Because when these fellas get out of here they're gonna kick your smug butt down the Grand Line like a flabby beach ball, right Luffy?" She says.
Luffy raises his hands in the air as he has a hyped attitude. "Yeah! You better believe we will buddy!" Luffy says.
Crocodile looks at them unfazed by that threat. "Your crew members seem to place a lot of trust in you Straw Hat Luffy. " He says as he takes a sip and looks at the glass. "How foolish." He chuckles. "I think trust is completely unnecessary." He says with a grin.
Nami gets perturbed by this. "Who does he think he is sneering at us like that?" She says. Usopp places his hands on her shoulder. "Quiet Nami you're just gonna make him angry." He says afraid.
Crocodile just smirks at them.
"Crocodile!" Crocodile hears someone yells his name as he looks up the stairs and sees princess Vivi standing on top with Kent, whose hands are bound behind him thanks to Ms. Sunday's arms, next to her and Ms. Sunday standing behind them.
"Vivi! Kent!" The crew exclaim happily.
Crocodile faces the two as he opens his arms and smiles. "My humble greetings Vivi, royal princess of Alabasta. I mean Ms. Wednesday. I compliment your efforts in evading our assassins to get so far." He says sounding sincere.
Vivi looks at him. "You have no idea how far I would to see you dead Mr. 0." She says.
Kent looks at her. "Vivi please don't do anything rash, just talk, don't act." He says to her.
Vivi clenches her fist as she tries to hold back. "This country would still be peaceful if it wasn't for you." She says. "I may have lost my brother but that just means I'll keep fighting until you are no more and the people are safe." She says determined as Kent smiles at her.
The smile soon fades as they both hear Crocodile chuckle.
Kent looks at him annoyed. "What's so funny you sociopathic jackass?" He says.
Crocodile takes the cigar in his mouth out as he puffs a smoke cloud. "My my such ignorance. Tell me princess, do you know what happened to your brother?" He asks her puffing another smoke.
Vivi looks at him angrily. "He was kidnapped and taken away from me." She says.
Crocodile grins. "Very good, now do you know that I was the one you took him?" He asks.
This gets Vivi extremely mad as she is about to charge at him but Kent swiftly moves in front of her with his back to her as he looks at her and shakes his head.
Vivi clenches her fist but remains behind him. Kent looks at Crocodile. "Where is her brother Crocodile? Or at least where is his body?" Kent asks calmly.
Crocodile just chuckles again. "Ryo Kent, do you really think I would kill the kid. No, I just kidnapped him in order to keep the meddlesome brat away and to shortened the heritage." He says.
Vivi gets even madder as she is REALLY trying to remain where she is.
"Where is he then? Where is prince Zikko." Kent asks.
"He is in this very room." He says.
"Where?" Kent asks.
Crocodile smiles.
He lifts his hook points it to the right then slowly moves it to Vivi and Kent's direction.
Time begin to slow down as the hook moves slower and slower and slower.
Slowing down more it stops. Right. At.
Kent
"Welcome home…Prince Zikko."
Hot damn what a twist.
Hope you all had fun readying.
As always thank you all so much for reading I really as always truly appreciate it. Thank you so very much hope to see you all in the next chapter. Bye.