Coco: Hey, guys...I'm back with another chapter. I need to work on my other stories, but I can't seem to stop writing for my One Piece story. So, yeah.
Anyway, as always, I hope you enjoy the story and without a further ado, let's get started!
"What do you mean she's gone?!" Luffy asked Nami as he and the others were staring at the navigator in shock.
Sanji wasn't, however, as he was looking down at the floor with a bothered expression on his face. His fingers tightened around the cigarette in his grip as he thought back to the somber expression on Wren's face last night.
"She says she has her own mission to complete…" Nami said as she read over Wren's note. "And that it was too important for her to ignore any longer."
Vivi's hands clenched into fists at her side. She was realizing now that she should have listened to Wren. The older woman had been right. She had been too blind to her goal of reaching Yuba without fail that she ended up wasting everyone's time. If she had just listened, maybe things could have already been over.
"She says she's sorry for leaving without a proper goodbye," Nami continued as her hands began to shake. "But she was afraid we'd stop her…she went to face Crocodile on her own."
Zoro frowned though wasn't surprised. He's noticed Wren become increasingly annoyed over the last few days. Especially after parting ways with Ace and the incident with Scorpion. He knew it was only a matter of time before she decided to do things her own way.
"We have to stop her!" Usopp fretted. "She'll get herself killed."
Chopper whimpered not liking the sound of that. He was worried about Wren and wanted her back with them.
"I doubt we have to worry about her," Zoro said. "Ace treated her as an equal in strength and he's a division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."
Though he said that, the swordsman still had a pensive expression on his face.
"…true, but still…" Usopp said. "What if she gets captured or something?"
He's learned from Vladimir that there's worse things than death for unique individuals like Wren. He was sure a man like Crocodile wouldn't hesitate to use Wren to his benefit. Even try to sell her off or something. Vivi had similar thoughts as her body shook slightly.
"…she wanted to join us…" Sanji finally spoke up.
Everyone looked at the blonde cook in confusion as he finally looked up from the ground.
"She said she wished things were different and that she could join the crew." Sanji continued. "She said it was best we never see her again…but she looked so sad when she said those words. She left for more than just to stop Crocodile even if she didn't want to do it."
It was quiet for a long moment before Luffy let out a laugh that had everyone looking to him.
"Then we'll save her when I go kick Crocodile's ass." Luffy said confidentially. "Wren's our friend and we're not going to leave her behind. And once all this is over, she'll join the crew!"
"But, Luffy, we…we have to try and catch up to the rebel army." Nami reminded the young captain.
Her words brought silence to the group once again. Vivi feeling an immense amount of guilt because if she chose to stay on her own path, Wren would surely be hurt on her own. But she was so worried about her people getting hurt. She didn't want anyone's blood being shed. She wanted to save everyone.
'But by trying to save all of them…I'm sacrificing Wren…' Vivi thought. 'But I…how can I do that? Was Wren right? I can't…I can't save them all?'
"Vivi," Nami said getting the princess to look at her. "It's your call…what do you want to do?"
Vivi's eyes widened as everyone turned to look at her. Her fingers shook as she tried to get her thoughts straight. She had to make the call. They were all here to help her…They all risked so much to help her…Vivi looked down with her hands curling into fists to control the shaking. She took a deep breath to control her nerves before looking up. Her decision made.
As the sun beat overhead the following day, Wren sat crouched on top of one of the buildings facing Crocodile's casino. Her gaze narrowed at the gaudy building as she watched people come and go. All happy and smiling and thinking they were safe.
"What fools," She said.
Her eyes then cut to a small hand mirror floating at her side when a chuckle reached her ears. The image showed the familiar form of Caballero with Church resting in his lap.
"Now, now, it's not nice to sneer at the innocent bystanders, Corazon," He teasingly chided. "Their obliviousness to the danger they're in shows they've had safe, nice lives."
Wren sighed supposing that was true. She just hoped they were all smart enough to get out of the way if a fight breaks out. She wants to deal with Crocodile as quickly and as quietly as possible, but he is a Shichibukai. Even if not as strong as her former captain, he wasn't to be taken lightly. He definitely wouldn't go down easily.
"Are you all almost close?" Wren asked.
She had contacted Caballero last night through the enchanted mirrors most of the officers and higher ups use in their organization. It was safer than using transponder snails since they could be tapped into if you didn't have a white transponder snail to block the signal. She needed him and his men here for cleanup before the marines or government realized her or the Chessboard's involvement. It's how they've remained so below the radar so far.
"Yes," He replied. "We'll be there very shortly. Just in enough time to help you fight if you wish."
"No," Wren said without hesitation. "This country is already at the brink of war; I don't wish to cause one of our own by bringing in too many soldiers. It won't be an easy task, but I will complete it."
Caballero grew quiet for a moment, which was unlike the young boy. He let out a sigh of his own as he scratched his faithful companion behind the ears.
"But at what risk?" Caballero questioned. "Are you even fully healed from the wounds you received during your escape from Dressrosa?"
"I am, actually," Wren replied. "And yes, I know there are many risks to this mission. Especially with…especially with Lorelei involved, but you know what is at stake. If we fail and Lorelei succeeds, Doflamingo grows even stronger and taking him down will become all the more daunting if not impossible. Even if she doesn't succeed, this country suffers if we don't take down Crocodile."
Caballero tilted his head at Wren before another chuckle left his lips, which had Wren's brow quirking in question.
"You always act so tough, but as always, you're a good person, Corazon." Caballero said. "Usually you'd say, what happens to the people here weren't our concern, and I would go along with your wishes if that was your decision. But you can never just leave people to suffer. No matter how much you try to detach yourself from everything."
Wren frowned at the boy though didn't comment. Not that she needed to. Her silence was answer enough.
"Just be careful." Caballero told her. "And try not to have too much fun without us...Oh, by the way, you should know that Obispo's in the area…in case you end up needing any assistance."
"What?" Wren practically growled. "She's supposed to be in the New World. What's she doing here?"
She honestly wasn't too surprised since the slightly older woman always did her own thing. She never really comprised a mission, but Wren would appreciate it if she wasn't so reckless.
"What do you think?" Caballero replied with his own question. "She's worried about you…and looking for a big scoop, of course."
Wren held back a grumble of annoyance before she caught the mirror, which fell as she and Caballero disconnected their call. She then looked to Havel as the feline climbed onto the roof to join her.
"Security doesn't seem that strong," Havel replied. "A few dozen human guards. However, I noticed many shady characters around the town with photos of some of the others in hand."
Wren supposed those were the billions. Crocodile probably expected Vivi and the Straw Hats to come here, so he called in the billions to keep an eye out.
'He'll probably be disappointed when he learns the others went towards Katorea instead.' Wren thought. '…They'll be safer going that way…so I needn't worry. I'll deal with him before he can reach the others.'
Wren then stood with Havel climbing on top of her shoulders to drape himself around her neck.
"First I need some fresh clothes," Wren decided. "Ones that will help me look the part. Havel, you'll need a change as well."
Havel looked at her curiously as he had to wonder what she had in mind for him.
"Being in this form, is uncomfortable," Havel complained as he stepped out of the dressing room. "And why people wear clothes is behind me. They're itchy."
Wren, who was adjusting her headwrap, looked back sympathetically at her familiar. Havel, who shifted his form to a human one, looked unpleased as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. Not all fae were capable of such transformation. However, older fae and/or fae who were familiars to mages gain more abilities compared to some of their brethren. Havel was an old fae. Not even he could remember how long he's been living, and along all those years he picked up a few special skills. Even some he wasn't particularly fond of.
"If it makes you feel any better, I think you look great." Wren tried to make him feel better.
Havel just made a scoffing noise as he ran a hand through his golden-brown hair. His eyes were still very catlike, but besides that he looked like any other human. He was lanky in build in his form and stood taller than Wren. He wore a simple black suit that had a high collar. It was embroidered in silver threat and beads ground the collar, down the middle, and around the sleeves. He then placed white turban around his head to cover his hair as it was something that could call attention to him.
"Let's just finish this, so I can return to my true form." He said. "Not being covered in fur is unsettling."
Wren nodded in understanding as she handed her familiar a pair of sunglasses to cover his eyes. He put them on before taking a look at what Wren had decided to wear. She switched over to wearing white loose-fitting pants that tightened around her ankles and a long, dark burgundy top with long flowing sleeves. Her headwrap matched the color of her top with gold accents. She had it wrapped around her head to cover most of her hair though she left enough to cover her scared eye as she removed her eyepatch. And then the headwrap wrapped around to hide the bottom half of her face. Black flats covered her feet as well and she had her sword hidden away. She looked like a true local.
"It shouldn't take too long," Wren assured Havel. "First we scout for information. We need the best intel to get us as close to Crocodile as possible. Then we strike. Hopefully before he realizes what's happening. You've already been in the casino, so you return to there. I need as much detail on the layout as possible. I will go to the streets and get as much information on the billions that I can. I'd like to know how many we're dealing with."
"Understood," Havel said. "I'll take care of it."
Wren thanked her familiar before the two went their separate ways. Havel out one exit and Wren out the other. As she walked, she made sure to remain alert.
'It's been a while since I've personally handled intel gathering in the field like this,' Wren thought while actually feeling a bit nostalgic. 'I hope I'm not too rusty. Though I can't be any worse than I was the first time…when I got sidetracked.'
—FLASHBACK—
Wren looked around the marine headquarters curiously as she wondered just where she needed to go. Doflamingo, who was at a Shichibukai meeting, was looking for very specific information on a scientist named Caesar. Apparently, the man's research interested her captain and he wanted to know more. More specifically, he wanted to know how to get into contact with the man.
When Wren didn't see anyone, Wren walked forward while adjusting the cap on her head. She had borrowed a chore boy uniform soon after arriving, but so far, she's run into no one, so the uniform hasn't really come in handy as of yet.
Things were going well. Now, all she had to figure out was where they kept the information on their science division. Wren was about to turn another corner when a shadow fell over her. She stiffened before turning her head slowly. Her eyes—even her blind one that she left uncovered—widening when she saw just who was behind her.
"Vice-Admiral Garp," She said as she straightened up and saluted the man to keep in character. "Good day!"
The old marine hero looked down at her with a quirked brow as he munched on rice crackers.
"Hmm, I've never seen you around here before, girl," He said. "Are you new to headquarters?"
"Yes, sir," Wren said with a nod. "I apologize because I know I shouldn't be wandering around, but I suppose I let my curiosity get the best of me. I…I heard the Shichibukai were here, so I came for a look."
Garp tilted her head at the girl as she inwardly began to sweat. If she was found out, it'd put Doflamingo in a serious bind. He was only recently made a Shichibukai. If the marines realize, he had one of his crew members infiltrate headquarters, they'll strip him of his title and try to arrest him. Wren knew the chances of him escaping here slim, but she didn't want to risk it. Since if she failed and he did escape, she'd never regain his trust again.
Besides, if the government could pardon a monster like him for his crimes, they couldn't be trusted and were just as bad. No, she'd only upset him and hurt her chances even more of defeating him if she fails her mission now. Wren came out of her panicked thoughts when Garp gave a laugh and reached out to pat her on the head.
"You're curious about those monsters, are ya?" He asked. "Trust me, a snot-nosed kid like you, doesn't need to be anywhere near them, you understand? Now come on, I'm sure there's some kind of training you need to be doing anyway."
He started pushing her along as Wren mentally cried. It'd take forever to shake this man. If it was even possible. Doflamingo was going to scold her for sure. But at least her cover wasn't blown. She can recover from this failure…she thinks.
—END OF FLASHBACK—
Returning to Doflamingo empty handed hadn't been pleasant, but she had definitely learned from the experience and grew to be more careful. Which is making sure she has enough information before infiltrating because it is essential. Though with what she's learned from Lorelei, it shouldn't take her too long. Maybe a few hours. Nothing drastic should happen within that time, so she didn't need to rush.
"There," Vivi said as Rainbase came into view.
The others looked up seeing the large city as they drew closer to it. Sanji felt the anxiety in his stomach build as he hoped Wren was there in one piece.
'We'll be there soon, Wren-chan,' He thought. 'I just hope you haven't already done anything reckless.'
"So, is that the city?" Chopper asked.
He was tired of walking in this desert. And he wasn't the only one as Usopp and Luffy were groaning out of weariness as well.
"That's it?" Nami murmured.
Luffy perked up at the sight of the large city with his tiredness completely forgotten.
"Oh, are we here?!" Luffy asked happily then threw his hands up. "Yeah, time to kick Crocodile's ass! And get Wren back!"
He was getting her back no matter what, and she'd join the crew. He wasn't letting her tell him no as an answer.
"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 questioned.
"It seems likely," Nami, who decided to walk on her own, said. "We did run into Mr. 2, so I think it's safe to assume that they at least some idea we were headed to Alabasta."
"Who cares about that?" Luffy inquired.
"They know exactly what we look like." Usopp reminded Luffy. "So, we won't be able to do much of anything while we're in Rainbase. Just lay low."
Luffy turned to frown at the sniper because he didn't like the sound of that one bit.
"And why is that?" Luffy asked.
"Because if we get spotted before we can find Crocodile, I'm sure he'll probably come up with all sorts of nasty ways to take care of us." Usopp told Luffy.
"Assassination is kind of their area of expertise." Zoro added.
"Not to mention, if we cause a scene, it could put Wren at risk too," Sanji pointed out.
They had no idea where she was in the city and how close she was getting to Crocodile. If they do something to cause him to go alert, it will expose Wren and put her in danger.
"Right!" Luffy shouted as he raised his fists. "Laying low, but we're coming for you Crocodile!"
"You weren't even listening, were you?!" Usopp demanded as he hit Luffy over the head.
Sanji just shook his head as his worry for Wren grew. He knew he could trust Luffy when the moment came to deal with Crocodile, but Wren didn't have that same trust in the Straw Hat captain. She'd undoubtedly insist on handling everything on her own.
'It's best you all never see me again. Goodbye, Sanji.' Her last words to him went through his head.
His jaw tensed as he thought about her sadden expression when she whispered those words. It was the most expressive he's ever seen her, and in just one look, it was like she showed him all the sadness and pain she was in. Even if she hadn't meant to, she dropped down her walls for that one moment.
'Wren, I don't know much about you.' Sanji thought. 'You always keep things so close. Hiding everything from those around you. But even so…I'm not going to let you face whatever it is your hiding alone. Not when it's causing you so much pain…so just wait for us…for me. I'll be your knight just like I promised.'
Sanji then came out of his thoughts as he looked up and watched Luffy charge forward while shouting.
"I'm going!" Luffy declared as he charged forward. "Waaah!"
Usopp called for him to wait up as he hurried after their simpleminded captain.
"Crocodile, Wren, I'm coming for you!" Luffy shouted as he kept running.
Wren sneezed into her sleeve then accepted the tissue that Havel handed to her. She thanked him as the two of them stood in a more secluded part of the casino.
"I counted nearly half of Crocodile's billions in the city." Wren said after she threw away the tissue. "But none of them are in this casino. They seem to be looking for the others. As you said, they had pictures of a few of them. However, it seems as if I've remained off their radar, which is good. The longer my face remains unknown the better."
That and the fact Doflamingo hasn't gone public with her betrayal helps as well. She had expected her wanted poster to be circulated by now, but it hasn't come to be. At least, not publicly. She was sure the higher ups in the government and marines knew she was off her leash. However, she could still use the name Corazon to her benefit for now at least.
"You found the path to the lower floors, right?" Wren asked Havel.
The fae nodded his head as he disposed of the tissue for her. He found the path some time ago, but not just one.
"There are a few ways down." Havel asked. "The question is do you wish to enter discreetly or with a grand entrance?"
"It would be best to get down below without causing a scene." Wren said. "I don't want anyone up here interfering. Or too many bystanders in the crossfire. It'll only make the job harder."
Havel hummed supposing that was true. On their own, they couldn't fight Crocodile and ensure everyone's safety.
"Then the best path for us to take is this way," Havel said as he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb.
Wren took a deep breath before letting it out through her nose. It was now time. She'd take Crocodile down here and end his plans of gaining power. One country ruled by a tyrant pirate king was enough. Even if the people were blind to the darkness in their country, they wouldn't truly be free. And those who do know the truth will suffer all the worse.
—FLASHBACK—
Wren walked through the streets of Dressrosa wearing one of her white masks. Gladius walked behind her while reading the latest paper dropped off by a news coo.
"It seems as if we've got a few hotblooded rookies causing a ruckus in the four Blues," Gladius said. "That damned Law being one of them. I'm sure he'll be making his way here soon. If he even shows his face near here, I'll make him regret it!"
Wren didn't comment though she was glad to hear Law was doing well. She hasn't spoken to him in sometime. Not since managing to sneak away and return to the North Blue during one of her missions for Doflamingo. He was starting up his own group then. Not exactly a pirate crew, but it seems as if he and his new friends have grown into something more.
"I'm sure you want to get your hands on him as well, Corazon." Gladius said. "Considering what he and that other traitor put you through all those years ago."
"Honestly, I don't care what that man does." Wren said. "Let him play pirate. As long as he stays out of Doffy-sama's way, I'll leave him be."
She then turned her head when a few people called out to them. A few citizens were waving at the pair and bidding them a good day.
"We hope you're having a good day, milady, Gladius-sama," A shop owner said to the pair.
Many shared his sentiment. Though Wren could see the living toys around only looked wary due to their presence. All of them growing quiet and not trying to make eye contact. They knew what kind of monsters stood amongst the unknowing citizens.
But they were unable to do anything about it. The fear long since beaten into them to not defy the Donquixote Family. If they did, their loved ones would suffer the consequences. All they could do is remain quiet and try to continue to their existences as they were now. The only way they could live amongst their loved ones is to play their roles as toys. One of the many charming attractions of Dressrosa.
For a moment a look of sadness came across the young woman's face though the expression was hidden behind the mask. She had a hand in her suffering, and she'd never forgive herself for the hell she's put them through. Though she pushed aside her heavy sense of guilt as she addressed those who bid her a good day.
"Yes, we are having a lovely day," Wren assured the citizens. "Thank you. I hope you all are having a wonderful day as well."
The citizens all smiled and thanked her for her kindness, but it only made the pain in her chest worsen. If they only knew, what kind of hell they were living in.
—END OF FLASHBACK—
The world doesn't need another Dressrosa. And while saving this country wasn't on the top of her to do list, she doesn't wish for it to fall. Vivi though naïve is a caring princess, and Wren was sure her father was a kind man as well. They were the people this country needed. Not a power-hungry pirate.
"Let's go," Wren said. "Crocodile dies today. I'll make sure of that."
And with his death, the others will be safe, and she won't have to worry about them any longer. Then she can move on. Never to see them again.
"Hey, Crocodile!" A familiar voice had Wren freezing in her tracks. "Show yourself!"
Wren turned her head slowly before her eyes landed on Luffy as he was shouting for Crocodile to come out. And behind him were Nami, Usopp, and Zoro.
'What…what are those fools doing here?!' She thought.
Coco: Oh, Wren, you didn't really think you could shake the Straw Hats that easily, did you? They're quite the stubborn bunch.
