Coco: Hey, guys, I'm back. Sooner than probably expected lol but anyway, I was going to upload this chapter yesterday but then my laptop's keyboard started crapping out on me, so I thought I'd turn it off and leave it be overnight to see if it was just a glitch or something but nope, still not working. So I'm trying to upload this using my phone. I'm also proofing on my phone and trying to correct mistakes but I feel like I'm going to miss a lot so sorry in advance. Lol
Wren walked out of the door onto the deck after being in the woman's quarters. She had grabbed a straw sunhat along with a large scarf to wrap over the hat then under her chin. She also added sunglasses to place on her nose. Then she had a small messenger bag with the strap going across her chest as the bag rested against her hip along with her sword. She saw that Usopp, Nami, Vivi, and Karoo were the only ones on the ship. She could tell Zoro, Sanji, and Chopper were next to the ship…but no Luffy. Should she be concerned?
'Best not to concern myself,' Wren decided. 'He probably just ran off on his own.'
Havel padded out after Wren with a matching sunhat on his head. He didn't look happy with the hot sun burning overhead at all. Not that Wren was surprised. The heat probably didn't feel good when he had such a thick fur coat. It had been perfect for Magus's chilly atmosphere, but would be a nuisance for him here.
"Wren, what are you doing?" Usopp asked. "Afraid to get some sun?"
He then sweat-dropped when seeing Havel, who jumped onto the railing on the ship's side, was wearing a hat as well.
"My identity hasn't been made out by anyone from Baroque Works," Wren said, which was a partial lie as Lorelei knew her face. "I would like to keep it that way."
Usopp made an "ah" sound of understanding as Wren made it to the side of the ship. She got up onto the railing then jumped down to land on the ground near Sanji, Zoro, and Chopper. Havel jumped after her while landing on Wren's shoulders.
"Though I will need another outfit if I plan to blend in with the locals." Wren said then glanced at her crewmates. "All of you as well."
"That makes sense." Zoro said as he scratched the back of his head. "Anyway, we should get going. Vivi said she and Karoo can't come because they'd be easily noticed."
Wren nodded her head because that made sense. They'd be more recognizable here, so it was safer for them to stay here. The crew then heard Karoo freaking out, which had them looking at the duck.
"What's wrong, Karoo?" Vivi asked.
The duck pointed his wing over towards a ship docked not far from theirs. Wren blinked at it while tilting her head. It certainly had an odd design…not that she really had room to talk considering she used to sail around in a pirate ship with a flamingo theme.
"Mr. 3's ship!" Vivi exclaimed.
"I thought we took care of that creep for good already." Usopp said.
"Mr. 3 is the fellow you fought in Little Garden, yes?" Wren asked.
At least that's what she believed Zoro mentioned before when they were discussing the system of Baroque Work agents.
"That's right." Zoro said nodding. "He nearly turned some of us into wax statues."
Wren had heard Mr. 3 did have the ability of the Doru-Doru no Mi, which made him a wax man. She was a bit curious to see how it worked.
"I'm certain it's him." Vivi said. "That ship couldn't even run without Mr. 3's Doru-Doru powers."
"The bastard's here." Sanji said.
If he was on the ship at the moment, it'd be easy to deal with him quickly by sinking it immediately. However, Wren didn't sense anyone on that ship. Not one single person.
"This isn't good." Zoro said. "Cause he's seen most of our faces."
"Usopp's got a plan." Usopp said. "It's going to be alright. All we need is a tarp."
Wren frowned while having a feeling just where this plan of Usopp's was heading.
"No, your plan is overruled." Wren cut in.
Usopp looked at her with wide eyes since he hadn't been expecting anyone to reject his idea before he could even say what it was.
"Covering ourselves with a large tarp to walk through town would only gain more attention than if we went without any sort of disguise at all." Wren said causing Usopp to flinch as he realized she did figure out his plan. "Now, I'm sure you have things you can use to cover your faces in less conspicuous ways."
"Yeah, we should have somethings we can throw together as makeshift disguises for now." Nami said with a nod.
As she went to collect those things, Usopp pouted off to the side due to his idea being so bluntly rejected. Wren really held no punches.
Wren walked beside Sanji, who didn't bother with hiding his face as no one from the Baroque Works Agency knew him, with Chopper, who was in his walk pointing, walking behind them. The others walked along with them in their own disguises, which Usopp would begrudgingly agree were better than his tarp idea. No one was even looking their way. It didn't take long to find a spot on the edge of town to hide out, so they could decide their next move.
"Good call with these disguises, Wren." Nami complimented as she and the others took theirs off.
Wren gave a modest shrug as she at least removed her sunglasses from her face. She would leave the hat on for now as she planned to head into town soon enough to try and collect some intel.
"Well then, it looks like you should be safe from prying eyes for a while, Vivi-chan." Sanji said as he smiled at the princess.
Vivi didn't seem to hear him however, which had Wren looking at the princess curiously. It was obvious that something was on her mind.
"Hello there." Sanji said when Vivi remained silent.
"Ah, yes!" Vivi exclaimed as she jumped. "Sanji, what were you saying?"
Wren's brow quirked in question towards the younger girl as the others looked at her as well.
"What is it, Vivi-chan?" Sanji asked. "Something wrong?"
"Sorry for that, but I'm just really relieved now." Vivi explained. "Nothing else. From what I've seen so far, I can at least see that this town is doing alright. I can't exactly be resting easy, but it's a good sign."
"It does seem like this is a real peaceful town." Nami said.
She said this to give some kind of reassurance to Vivi, but the bluenette still looked worried.
"Vivi, you said you had a plan to stop the rebel army, didn't you?" Zoro asked.
Vivi blinked then nodded her head to answer Zoro's question. Wren wanted to hear what this plan was. To be quite blunt, she wasn't expecting much.
"Well, what are you gonna do?" Zoro asked. "What do we need to do to help? If you really want to stop this thing before it starts, it's better to act quickly."
"Well, I agree with that, but the only agreement I made was for you to bring me here to Ala—!" Vivi was cut off when Nami bonked her head.
Wren knew somewhat of the agreement between Vivi and the Straw Hats, but she was under the assumption these pirates were planning to fight Crocodile all along. Luffy has been going on nonstop about how he was going to beat Crocodile.
"Quit it." Nami said sternly. "Are you still thinking like that?"
"Nami." Vivi lightly whined.
She then lightly rubbed her head as if it hurt a bit where Nami had bonked her.
"We traveled this far together after all." Nami continued. "We're not going to run off and leave you now."
"Yeah, Vivi, come on." Usopp added. "You're practically one of us now."
Vivi looked at the two of them in surprise as she continued to hold her forehead, which did have a small red mark.
"And I want to see this Shichibukai." Zoro added.
"You didn't need to bring that up." Nami said as she glared at Zoro.
He didn't seem fazed by the glare though since he didn't even blink. Nami turned back to Vivi place placing her hand on top the younger girl's head.
"Now listen, we're not going to abandon you." Nami said.
"They're trying to kill us too." Sanji said. "Well, everyone except for me and the lovely Wren-chwan~"
He gestured to Wren as the young woman had her hands clasped behind her back.
"And shall I remind you that I came here to take down Crocodile to begin with?" Wren pointed out. "Whether you wish to work together or not, I won't be going anywhere until Crocodile is taken care of. Besides, Vivi, the people you made a deal with are pirates, and pirates only do things if they wish to or if it benefits them in some way."
"She's got a point." Zoro said smirking.
Usopp and Sanji grinned in agreement as Nami smiled at Wren thinking it was nice Wren was trying to make Vivi feel less guilty.
"Too true." Nami said as her expression turned dark. "Besides, if this country gets destroyed then we'll be out a big reward for bringing you here in the first place, you understand?"
Havel blinked at that sudden change in Nami's demeanor as Vivi leaned away from the orangette.
"Eh, yes." Vivi said nervously.
"Okay, good!" Nami said as she was back to smiling sweetly as if a switch was flipped.
"And people call me scary." Wren said casually.
She then pulled out her pocket watch to check the time. It wasn't too late in the day, but she shouldn't waste too much time. They needed to hurry and get what was needed, so they could leave this town and continue on. Meaning she'd have to be quick with trying to gather any available information. As she wondered where she should start, Nami and Zoro were discussing something about a debt in the background.
"Well, while you discuss the plan, I will head into town to see what I can find out about the current happenings in Alabasta," Wren cut in. "While I am gone, I will get the other supplies and clothes we need."
Havel frowned as he didn't feel like leaving the shade these rocks provided. However, he didn't need to leave Wren's side either. He stayed behind on Drum, and she had ended up in trouble. Yes, she handled it, but it was best to not take any more chances. As her familiar, he needed to stay close.
"I'll go with you, Wren-chwan!" Sanji said as he swayed back and worth. "All that supplies would be very heavy, and I couldn't allow you to carry all of it. In fact, I'll carry all of it for you!"
Wren sweat-dropped though supposed having someone to help carry the supplies would be good.
"But what about Mr. 3?" Vivi asked.
She was worried since he could be anywhere in town at the moment, which could spell trouble if he were to see any of them.
"Mr. 3 hasn't seen my face or Wren-chan's beautiful face." Sanji pointed out.
"Yeah, you two really haven't into many of the Baroque Works agents so far." Nami said smiling.
That meant Sanji and Wren could move freely in town without any worries of being recognized by Baroque Works. Well, Wren would have to be wary of Lorelei, but she wasn't about to concern the Straw Hats with that.
"And there's someone else too." Zoro said as he looked down at Chopper.
Everyone turned towards Chopper while realizing the exact same thing as Zoro. The little guy has met Mr. 2. However, Chopper could change form, so he could tag along too.
"That's right! Chopper!" Nami said smiling even more.
As long as those three could move around without drawing attention, it should be easy to get what they needed.
"That'll be perfect." Sanji said. "We're going to have a lot to carry. That alright?"
"Yeah, I got it." Chopper said as he nodded his head in determination.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Chopper said. "I want to do whatever I can to help out."
Chopper then transformed back into his walking point, which made him look like a normal reindeer. Granted normal reindeer don't wear shorts and a hat or carry a backpack, but still a reindeer. Havel left Wren's shoulder to jump onto Chopper's back. Chopper didn't seem to mind, so Havel made sure to get comfortable.
"I should blend in like this, shouldn't I?" Chopper asked.
"Alright," Usopp said as he gave a thumbs up. "Now that's what I call a brave reindeer!"
Vivi thanked them for their help then brought out a list to show what they'd need in the desert.
"And like Wren-san said earlier, we'll need clothes native to here to blend in." Vivi added.
Sanji nodded his head in understanding as he took Vivi's list to place inside his pocket.
"And perfume too." Nami added.
"Of course, Nami-chan~" Sanji said.
Wren sweat-dropped while certain that they didn't need perfume to cross a desert. However, she decided not to weigh in her two cents.
"And food and water." Zoro said.
Usopp asked for hot sauce, which confused Wren, but she decided not to ask why.
"Yes, yes." Wren said as she nodded. "We'll be sure to get all of that."
She then took Sanji by the arm to start leading him away, and he didn't resist one bit. In fact, he grinned in that love struck manner of his while fantasying that it was like he and Wren were on a date. Well, it would be a date if Chopper and Havel weren't tagging along.
"Don't forget to keep an eye out for Luffy!" Nami called after them.
Wren, who let go of Sanji's arm, turned around to wave to let Nami know that she heard her before they continued towards town. As they were walking, Wren put the sunglasses back on, so to hide her face.
"It would probably be best to split up." Wren said.
"May I ask why, my dear?" Sanji asked.
"We don't have a lot of time before we need to move on." Wren reminded him. "If we split up, we can manage to finish our tasks more quickly, which is why I suggest you and Chopper go retrieve our supplies as I search for any intel that might prove useful to us."
Sanji nodded his head understanding that, but it worried him to leave Wren alone in an unfamiliar place. Anything could happen.
"Will you be okay, Wren?" Chopper asked. "On your own, I mean?"
"She won't be on her own," Havel pointed out. "I will be with her. Besides, Misce isn't a push over."
Chopper tilted his head. He isn't saying he thinks that Wren is weak. However, he hasn't really seen her fight either. The same could be said for Sanji as well. He saw her get in a few little scrimmages since they've met, but Wren usually settled those by talking things out. Then the fight with Musshuru…well, Sanji had slept through it all, and Wren had taken the fight elsewhere to begin with.
"Have a little faith, gentlemen." Wren said as she turned away. "Besides, it isn't as if I plan to cause any trouble. I'm just going to go around and ask some questions."
"Yeah, well, still be careful out there, Wren." Sanji pleaded.
Wren nodded her head before she and Havel took their leave. As they walked away, Havel was quick to climb back onto Wren's shoulders as the heat of the sand did not feel good on his paws in the slightest.
"So, where do you plan to start?" Havel asked the young mage.
"While I lost most of my information web after I was outed from Doflamingo's crew, I still have those who are loyal to me." Wren said. "People I intergraded into the branch of Doflamingo's army that I controlled. A few of those people are based here in Alabasta. A few scattered amongst the towns, which means there are even a few here in Nanohana."
And Wren knew just where to find all of them, so she'd be stopping by their posts first. No reason to waste too much time just trying to see if the locals knew anything of importance.
Wren, who now bore a white half-mask over her face instead of glasses, sweat-dropped not sure how to handle her current situation. The mask she wore stopped below her nose and was mostly white. However, where her blinded eye was there was a black heart instead of an eyehole. Though even on the other side of the mask, there was a white fill over the eyehole to prevent anyone from seeing the color of her eyes. And it was probably best her eye couldn't be seen as she was sure it would give away her uncertainty of having to deal with the crying man in front of her.
"Corazon-sama, I am so happy that you're okay—wah!" Reggie sobbed with snot dribbling from his nose. "When I heard the report that your true intentions had been found out, which resulted in a fight with Joker, I feared the worst. Especially when hearing that you had gone missing afterwards! Buwahhh!"
Wren's brow twitched. She was certain she had sent word out to her branch officers that she was fine and to inform their comrades as soon as she had gotten to a safe place.
'Did they just keep that information to themselves?' She had to wonder irritably.
Well, while that did sound like something Caballero and Obispo would do, Torre was more responsible and followed orders to the letter.
"I am sorry to have worried you, Reggie-san." Wren apologized. "I have just been trying to keep a low profile since the incident occurred."
Reggie, who was trying to dry his tears, nodded along with her words. Havel, who had ducked down under the table to avoid the man's snot show, peeked up over the table top to see if it was safe to come out.
"No, no, I understand." Reggie said. "I am just so grateful to Corazon-sama for so much that the thought that you might have perished and I wasn't there to help you…it was a hard thought to bear."
Reggie looked down at his lap while still remembering to this day how Wren—who he only knew as Corazon—saved his life. Being born as part of the Long-Arm Tribe, Reggie didn't have an easy life growing up. Even amongst their fellow Long-Arms, things were tough as even some of his own kin participated in selling off those who were different to the auction house to be sold as slaves. Reggie had almost met such a fate, but the ship carrying him and others, who were kidnapped to taken to Sabaody, had been liberated by Corazon and the officers of their organization. If it wasn't for them, Reggie was sure he would have been dead by now.
"It was nothing, really." Wren said. "Though I do appreciate your loyalty for all these years."
Reggie smiled happy to hear it. He thinks what he respects about Wren the most was how she wasn't above even talking to her lowest ranked subordinates. She always treated them all as equals even to her officers and herself. No one was ever made to feel less for any reason—especially not their race.
"I would also like to thank you for sticking to your post even after my brief disappearance." Wren continued.
"I knew you would come back, Corazon-sama, which is why I had to stay here to be as helpful as I could be." Reggie said. "Now, I believe you're here for an update, yes?"
Wren nodded her head as she was looking for anything, he could tell her that would prove helpful.
"Well, not too much has changed since our last report to you before the incident you went through on Dressrosa." Reggie told her. "However, I can tell you that the Rebel Army should be leaving Yuba to prepare for their attack against the capital. They might have even left Yuba already."
Wren hummed at this information. It means if they follow Vivi's wish to go to Yuba they might miss the Rebel Army all together, which means it would be for nothing. However, if Wren remembers correctly from the map of Alabasta that Lorelei sent her, Rainbase is north of Yuba. Rainbase being the town that Crocodile's casino was located in. So, while she might have to break away from the group later on, she can follow along with the Straw Hats for a little bit at least.
"I see," Wren said. "And Crocodile? Is he still making his public appearances?"
Reggie nodded his head as he brought out the local Alabasta newspaper. He set it in front of Wren who saw the main article was of Crocodile who recently took down a group of pirates causing trouble.
"Yes, he's out showing the Royal Army at every turn." Reggie said. "The people are losing hope in those meant to protect them as Crocodile has been the one keeping the peace. The lack of action by the Royal Army is also fueling the Rebel Army's movement."
Crocodile certainly was playing things well. Having the people of Alabasta lose faith in their king and look to him as a hero is a sure way to get himself seated onto the throne. Doflamingo did the same. However, he upturned Dressrosa in much less time than Crocodile. Everything changed in one night.
—FLASHBACK—
Wren stood with Baby5 and Buffalo as they watched the city of Dressrosa fall into chaos. People were running around screaming and begging for help as King Rikku was slaughtering the citizens left and right.
"Looks like things are going well for the Young Master." Baby5 said with a giggle.
Buffalo laughed along with her as Wren remained silent. This was a scene she's seen before. It was much like the day those pirates pillaged Era. The heat of the fire warming her skin and the scent of blood invading her nostrils…not to mention the wailing voices of the victims reaching her ears. She remembers how such a situation used to cause her such fear. Now…she was completely numb to it.
"Looks like Doflamingo-sama is getting ready for his part." Buffalo said as Doflamingo was swooping onto the scene.
As Doflamingo came to stop the rampaging King Rikku, the commanders stepped up as well.
"After this there will be a new king in Dressrosa." Wren said. "Long may he reign."
Her words were cold and her face full of loathing for the man wearing the pink-feathered coat. However, it didn't seem as if Baby5 nor Buffalo noticed. Both completely unaware on the hate brewing underneath their companion's skin nor aware of her goals of revenge.
—END OF FLASHBACK—
Wren had even participated that night in helping secure the throne for Doflamingo. Of course, why wouldn't she have? She needed back on Doflamingo's good side, and no better way to do that than help him take over a kingdom. That night had been the start of Wren's path of becoming the next Corazon, which allowed her to build up her own army led by her own trusty officers—Caballero, Obispo, and Torre.
On an island to the east of Alabasta, a storm was brewing with heavy rain and wind causing many of the townspeople to seek shelter. However, there was one individual who seemed unbothered by the harsh weather. This individual appeared to be a young man—perhaps in his early to mid-teens—and had white hair and piercing burgundy-colored eyes—not that anyone could see that due to the hood shadowing his face. Despite his young appearance, he was rather tall and with a fit physique. He was tanned skin and dressed in all black with a sleeve tattoo that appeared to be of runes on his left arm.
"Caballero, sir!" A man addressed the white-haired male. "We recently received word that Corazon-sama reached Alabasta. It appears she'll be making her move soon, sir!"
The white-haired man—or Caballero as he was known as by his men—sat up from his leaned back position in the chair he was in.
"Oh?" He asked with a grin. "Finally, huh? I was beginning to think she'd never show up. We've been sitting idly here for what feels like months."
"It's only been two days, sir." His soldier informed him.
Caballero blinked while giving a thoughtful hum as he scratched the back of his head.
"Really?" He asked. "Feels like it's been so much longer than that. Isn't that right, Church?"
He looked over his shoulder where a growl replied to his question. The growl belonged to a large, black down that had a long, wispy looking tail and dark eyes.
"But whatever," Caballero said with a shrug. "Shouldn't be long now. Once we get the word, we'll move in and strip Crocodile's resources dry, so get ready, men! We can't let Corazon down now, can we?"
"No, sir!" His group of soldiers replied as they saluted their commander.
As his men prepared to leave at a moment's notice, Caballero looked up at the dark, rainy sky thoughtfully.
"I wonder if those two will be making appearance." He said. "I'm sure they're worried about Corazon just like the rest of us."
"Huh, you want to head to Alabasta, York?" Morgans asked the young reporter.
The woman standing in front of him looked to be in her early twenties. Her long sandy, brown hair was pulled back from her face and her bright, blue eyes showed with determination as she nodded her head.
"I can tell there's a big scoop there, Boss!" She said. "Crocodile is up to something big. We've known that for a while, and with the Rebel and Royal Armies at each other's throats, I feel like Crocodile is getting ready to make his move. If we don't take the chance now, we could miss something that could make the whole world spin!"
Morgans hummed as he tilted his head to the side. York's hunches were usually right. Ever since the girl came to him here when she was younger and looking for work, she's always managed to sniff out a good story. Besides, even if something big doesn't happen, what's happening in Alabasta can still be used as filler for some other pages in their paper.
"Fine," Morgans said as he grinned. "You can go to Alabasta, but I expect a big scoop out of sending you there."
York grinned as she held up her fist in excitement. She knew Morgans wouldn't pass up the chance for a headlining story.
"I won't let you down, boss!" She promised.
She was then dismissed to get things ready for her departure. As she left the boss's office, she was met by a shadowy figure in the hall.
"So, Obispo-san, are we going?" The figure asked. "To Alabasta?"
"Damn straight we are." York—who is also known as Obispo; one of the leaders of Corazon's underground army—replied with a grin. "Not only could this lead to a good story, but we'll get to see our fearless leader again. Bet she'll be so happy when we show up."
The figure with her sweat-dropped while not so sure about that. Their boss didn't like surprises. Especially surprises that could cause trouble to a mission, but he also knew trying to talk York out of it would be impossible, so…he guessed he'd just have to go along with it for now.
"Things in Alabasta don't seem to be getting any better recently, huh?" Aokiji commented as he was reading over some reports that had been laid out on the desk in front of him.
However, the desk was not his, and the person, who did own the desk, didn't seem pleased that he was helping himself to her work. The marine officer behind the desk was a tall, slim woman with pale skin. Her eyes were a cool grey and her hair was two toned. Most of it was black, but then her bangs were white and stuck up like two cowlick antennas and at the top of those odd cowlicks two black dots. Though the most peculiar thing about her wasn't her hair, but the odd markings on her neck that seemed almost like gills.
"What's got you so interested in Alabasta anyway, Rochen?" Aokiji asked as he looked up. "Crocodile's there keeping somewhat of a peace, and it's not like the Royal Family has called for assistance, you know?"
The woman—Rochen—sighed as she very pointedly plucked the papers from the Admiral's hands. He might out rank her, but she wasn't about to let him keep snooping.
"As you know, I don't trust any of the Shichibukai, so as far as I'm concerned, Crocodile is only helping the people of Alabasta for his own gain," Rochen replied. "That and I heard Smo-chan is heading there. Something about the pirate he's chasing might show up there for something."
Aokiji chuckled while pretty sure if Smoker was here, he'd be growling about that ridiculous nickname Rochen has stuck him with.
"Worried Smoker might be running into trouble?" Aokiji asked.
"I'm always worried that man is running into trouble." Rochen retorted. "He's a stubborn one after all."
"Pretty sure he learned that from you; his beloved senior." Aokiji said as he leaned back into chair he was resting on.
Rochen's brow twitched at his words, but she didn't reply as she let the man settle in for a nap. Just her luck he'd come here for some sleep. He must be skipping out on his work again, and needed a place to hide. As Aokiji started snoozing away, Rochen looked out the window in her office that gave her a good view of the sea outside Marineford.
'Corazon-sama, while I wish to see you again and ensure you are doing well, I think it best I remain here,' Rochen thought. 'After all, I'm sure those two children have already left their posts, which means I—Torre—need to stay put to continue my duty. Even so…I do wish things were different and that we could meet face to face. Until that day comes, I hope the best for you.'
These three individuals are Caballero, Obispo, and Torre, and they are officers of the organization known simply as the Chessboard. Not much is known about this mysterious organization except that is headed by someone only known as the Monarch. At least that's all she's known as by outsiders. Those within the organization know her as Corazon, and the officers with whom she trusts know her by her true identity—Magier B. Wren.
The true motives behind this organization are unknown. However, some would say their ideals and action align closely to those of the Revolutionary Army, which is headed by the most dangerous criminal in the world—Dragon. Though unlike the Revolutionaries, those of the Chessboard Organization do whatever it takes to achieve their goals—whatever those mysterious goals make be—even if it means others have to suffer.
They do what others will not and have caused a lot of trouble for the Government since their founding. They are kept mostly out of the public eye, but rumors have started to spread recently of their existence. Whispers are being spoke about possible motives behind their actions, but no one—not even those of the highest of Cipher Pol Agencies can figure out just what is their purpose. Just what is the Chessboard after?
