A/N:Hello! Please note that the next couple of chapters (including this one) will be more or less transitionary ones. So you may not see as many interactions between Doflamingo and Vivi.
Chapter XI: The Return
Seafaring was never meant to be Vivi's speciality, her hometown-Alubarna, was landlocked after all. And yet, there she was, ever the helms-woman, calling all the "navigational shots" aboard Baby King. Her target was the ancient port town of Nanohana, the gateway to Alabasta.
They were just a day's sail away from there, and Vivi could already feel the adrenaline course through her veins.
Standing with Carue on deck, the Princess let the fresh, crisp sea breeze envelop her. Stretching her arms out, she basked in its force. Taking a deep breath, Vivi tried to pacify her nerves.
This is it. There is no turning back now and failure can't be an option.
She let out a powerful exhale and walked into the galley.
My last breakfast with Mr.9. Who knew when they'd meet again? If they even did that is.
Inside the galley, Mr.9 was solemnly silent as he prepared the pancake batter.
His special recipe, Vivi smiled sadly.
"Good morning! Have a seat, breakfast will be ready soon!" his voice strained under the weight of his forced cheerfulness.
Vivi nodded and sat down at the small table. Mr.9 came back with their plates.
The former agents weakly picked at what was meant to be a delightful breakfast; uncomfortable silence hung in the air.
Mr.9 cleared his throat.
"So...what will you do once we reach Alabasta?" he asked quietly.
"Well first, I will need to send a letter to my Father, after that, I plan to go meet the rebel leader."
"Sounds like a solid plan to me...well I am sure you can fix the situation! I would know, I worked with you for all these years after all!" he exclaimed.
"Thank you! But what about you? Are you sure that Whiskey Peak is a safe bet?" Vivi asked him apprehensively.
"Yesh." he replied through a mouthful of pancakes. She waited for him to finish, before he continued, "between the recent debacle with that crazy pirate hunter and his crew, and now a second raid from the headquarters, I don't think anyone would care to invest time, people or money there. So it should be a quiet little town, at least that's what Miss Monday says." he smiled at the mention of the other agent.
"That's good to hear and did uh...Miss Monday say anything about Mr.8?"
She mentally braced herself for the worst.
"All she said was that he didn't visit her at the infirmary recently, but...that's about it," Mr.9 explained awkwardly.
"I see... " she replied pensively.
Maybe that's a good thing, he's probably in Alabasta then. Vivi still held a sliver of hope for Igaram's safe return.
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay and help hm?" Mr.9 changed the subject.
"Yes, I will be fine, don't worry! I know my kingdom like the back of my hand, I was born there after all." she smiled.
"Still, you haven't been in Alabasta in years...tensions run high during civil unrest Miss Wed-Princess I mean. I packed extra ammunition for you, Carue has it."
"..."
Overcome with emotion Vivi stood up and walked around the table to hug him.
"Thank you so much! For everything, your life is in danger now, because of me. I—I am so sorry!" her voice cracked with emotion.
"What are you talking about?! Oh please, I was in danger the minute I signed that employment contract with Baroque Works, baby! Believe me, I know what I got myself into haha! Besides, I can take care of myself!" he reassuringly patted her back.
Poor girl, what a terrible burden to bear! He hugged her tighter.
"Once this is over, I request a royal tour of Alabasta." he pulled back and smiled at her.
"Roger that, Mr.9!" she smiled tearfully.
"Good! Now let's make sure you have everything you need."
Vivi spent the rest of the day preparing for the arduous trip through the desert that lay ahead.
The final item on her checklist, "Explanatory Letter", was perhaps the hardest task on there thus far.
Trying to keep it short and straight to the point, Vivi's hand trembled when it was time to sign off on it.
"I will see you soon! With love, Vivi"
A tear rolled down her cheek and she quickly wiped it before it hit the paper.
I haven't seen him in four years, and instead of a proper greeting, I send him a report?
She sighed in frustration and ran her hands through her long hair.
This will have to do, for now, she thought, before carefully sealing the letter.
She went on deck to hand it to Carue.
"Once we reach Nanohana, I want you to go straight to Alubarna and give this directly to Father. No one else!" She placed the sealed letter into a leather pouch around Carue's neck.
"Kwehh" he nodded gravely.
"Be careful!" Vivi kissed his forehead, Carue squirmed in delight. The sun had gone down a little while ago and she could already see tiny specks of light dotting the horizon.
"We're almost home Carue!"
They docked in Nanohana before sunrise, and a few fishermen were just beginning to set up their stalls for the busy day ahead.
Vivi quickly donned her disguise—a long dusty blue dress, with a dark blue cloak and a black belt with pouches. She fastened the cloak with a simple twisted fibula brooch. Her life as a frontier agent taught her to live out of a small suitcase, so she always travelled light.
Stepping out of her cabin, Vivi hugged Mr.9 one more time.
"I hate long goodbyes...and so I will keep it simple," the flamboyant man spoke in a brittle voice, "Bye, bye-"
"BABY!" Vivi chimed in and they cried in unison.
After promising to see each other again soon, the two agents finally parted ways, and Vivi disembarked with Carue onto the familiar shores of their homeland.
The warm, dry air hit Vivi with its nostalgic force; it felt so good to be back home.
I wish I were absent for an entirely different reason.
Turning to Carue, she gently tapped his beak.
"Remember to drink sparingly and if you see anything suspicious...just run or hide!"
Carue gave her a gentle head butt.
She laughed and hugged him, "Be careful!"
Vivi watched her beloved companion zip around the perimeter of Nanohana, straight into the heart of the desert until he was out of her sight.
Holding the hood of her cloak to prevent the light wind from blowing it backwards, the young woman slowly walked through the port.
To Vivi's relief, apart from a few posters decrying her father's reign, Nanohana remained much the same. People were going about their daily business; the signature Alabastan resilience and openness evident in their faces.
Hearing their voices, seeing her native surroundings proved to be of great comfort.
It looks so peaceful, just like on the day that I left...
But Vivi knew all too well, just how precarious and elusive this "peace," or its illusion to be exact, could be.
The hustle and bustle of the port town, allowed her to blend in seamlessly with the crowds. Weaving her way through the narrow streets to a transport hire shop, Vivi kept her head lowered, to avoid drawing any unwanted attention.
She planned to hire a camel, or if she was lucky, a super spot-billed duck and head for Katorea. With additional provisions for her journey of course.
I should get some extra water for the trip...
Vivi rounded a corner, down a narrow pathway to the local bazaar for that purpose.
A group of loaders, carrying large crates of fruit blocked the arched entrance to her destination.
She hid beneath a portico of a nearby house, waiting for the men to pass through. One of them, a short, broad-shouldered brunet, with greasy hair, eyed her with suspicion. Tilting his chin, the man narrowed his beady eyes at her.
He could be with Baroque Works...Vivi pressed herself against the wall. Her heart thumped as she felt her palms become slick with sweat, her nerves teetered on edge.
Come on, come on, move along, please.
Finally, the loaders moved along, Vivi lingered under the portico for a little while longer, before following into the archway.
The town's market was shielded by bright, colourful awnings made from a variety of silks. They hung from the domed roofs of the surrounding buildings. This was the heart of Nanohana's mercantile activity.
Vivi's ears were met with a cacophony of loud shouts as well as the sound of goods being stacked and hauled to and fro.
Personal space was limited, and Vivi worried that she was being watched amidst all the activity. She shuddered thinking of the possible consequences.
I am a walking target.
Someone bumped into her with a formidable force. Before Vivi could even identify the person, he or she disappeared into the crowd, eliciting a few murmurs and gasps.
It was hard to determine the number of voices around her or to pinpoint the speaker.
"Wait isn't that...it can't be can it?"
"The Princess? What would she be doing in the marketplace? Don't be a fool now."
"Hey, buffoon watch where you're going! Who could hurt such a lovely lady?"
To her horror, Vivi realised that her hood must have slipped after she was shoved by the passerby.
More onlookers began to gather around her, not sure how to react, Vivi was about to make a bungling excuse and make a run for it, when a strong arm yanked her backwards.
Vivi almost tripped.
"What's the mea—"
"Shh...not here, please follow me." a familiar, steely male voice requested.
Realisation flicked through her eyes.
How did he know I'd be here?!
Smiling, Vivi obliged and followed the tall, cloaked figure in front of her; careful to hold her hood tightly over her head.
The duo walked at a brisk pace through the winding streets, gracefully avoiding the numerous obstacles that came along the way.
Her guide finally stopped in front of an inconspicuous, sandy beige house. Its ancient wooden door was decorated with a simple geometric pattern and secured by a rusty padlock. The latter was swiftly unlocked by the imposing, cloaked figure, who stepped aside to let Vivi first into what, turned out to be a simple storehouse.
He still sticks to the protocol, even in a situation like this?
Checking the street outside, to make sure no one tailed them, the familiar figure stepped back into the building, carefully closing the door behind him.
He then prostrated himself before Vivi on the dusty, wooden floor. The wooden planks creaked beneath his weight.
"It is a blessing to see you alive and well Vivi-sama," he said respectfully.
"Please rise Chaka, and there's no need for any ceremony here. I am so glad to see you! But why are you in Nanohana?" she asked him nervously, despite her initial joy at seeing a sorely missed face.
"Likewise, you've grown up your majesty!" He gave her a traditional royal salute, before continuing. "Three nights ago, we received a letter from Igaram that you would be here soon, His Highness immediately dispatched me here, to be on the lookout for your arrival."
A sense of relief washed over her. He's alive!
"Is Igaram back?!" Vivi's voice was full of hope.
"As of now, we can't verify his whereabouts and all our attempts to contact him...were unsuccessful," Chaka explained regretfully.
Vivi received his words with a crestfallen expression.
"But of course, that doesn't mean we have to expect the worst. His Majesty requested that I escort you back to safety, to Alubarna. Our Duck Squad is on standby waiting for you in the northern part of town."
The current commander of the Royal Army hesitated to bring up any more sensitive subjects.
"I can't go to Alubarna." The bluenette adamantly refused.
And I did not expect anything less from you Vivi-sama. You blossomed into a remarkable young woman.
Chaka's heart swelled with pride at the mere thought of the tremendous effort that the Princess put in for the benefit of their Kingdom.
But his reserved nature and reverence of the Nefertaris did not permit him to give into these sentimental affections, at least on the outside.
"I promised His Majesty that I would bring you back safely, he is anxious to see you."
Vivi pretended to look around the room while blinking back her tears. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat.
I can't let him see me like this. I am sorry Chaka, Father...but I have to finish this.
"I sent Father a letter that will explain everything, it is on its way to the palace with Carue now. I doubt Igaram was able to fill you all in on the details of our crisis, but we are in a dire situation. Our country is falling apart as I speak, my safety should be the least of our concerns." Vivi spoke with a newfound confidence.
"But-" Chaka began.
Folding her arms, Vivi tilted her head to the right, her face set in determination.
"I am going to Katorea to speak with Kohza. Please send Father my sincere apologies," she said with finality.
Chaka was taken aback by her fortitude. Sighing he bowed his head in defeat.
Ever since she was a little girl, Chaka, together with Pell, always struggled to turn down her requests.
He smiled remembering how she asked him to be a referee in one of her numerous fights with the other children. That landed him in hot water with Igaram. His other role as her "Trusted Secret Dessert Taster" for her early creations in the palace kitchens, sometimes sent him to the doctor.
Her Majesty hasn't changed at all.
"Please allow me to accompany you then, Vivi-sama." He gave her a conspiring grin.
"Alright. Let's go to Katorea." Vivi smiled warmly at the older man.
The fierce blaze from the midday sun threatened to sear their skin, as the duo ventured out into the desert.
Thankfully, Chaka had conveniently prepared all the necessary provisions for their trek.
I am so glad he found me, Vivi thought as she watched the loyal subject lead the way in his Zoan Jackal form.
Both travellers walked in silence, to avoid exacerbating their thirst any further; water was a precious commodity out here.
Initially, Vivi was glad that she wasn't alone on this journey, but naturally, she feared to endanger anyone besides herself.
Well except maybe Crocodile and HIM. Argh.
She grimaced as images of blond hair, and pink feathers flashed through her mind.
Either way, she wouldn't mind endangering the two Shichibukais, even though one of them hadn't done anything wrong to her or Alabasta. Not yet at least.
In a way, he even helped me...well given his offer and the strings it came with, it can't be considered as genuine help, can it?
She mentally berated herself for not focusing on her upcoming meeting with Kohza. Her mind scrambled to recite the speech she prepared for him on the way to Alabasta.
But the result of her sleep-deprived lifestyle reared its ugly head in the form of utter exhaustion. She felt sluggish and dizzy.
The hot air warmed her right down to her bones, it was pleasant at first, but it quickly became unbearable to be surrounded by it.
Just like his ridiculous coat...she frowned.
Anyhow, the rebels are currently in Katorea, and I need to get there before they clash with the Royal troops.
Hmm.. that man did say that Crocodile will be at a particular meeting, so his absence might buy us some extra time to get there.
Vivi reached for her flask to quench her thirst.
Closing her eyes, she tried to shed all thoughts of her encounter with Doflamingo.
A single drop of cold, fresh water trickled down her neck.
She quivered remembering the unexpected gentleness of his touch and the heat of his skin against her own. Vivi was ashamed to admit it, but a part of her enjoyed the sensations the Shichibukai's touch triggered in her.
She was repulsed by the entire situation, but one couldn't deny the immense benefits that his deal could provide.
If I said "yes" back there, would I still have to sneak back home like a fugitive? Would Father and everyone else be prepared for a civil war?
Vivi gave up her inner debate for the moment. She rested her forehead on Bourbon Jr.'s neck, one of Carue's friends.
"That's enough, please stop," she whispered to her troubled mind.
The sympathetic duck cooed softly.
Chaka noticed the change in her mood but refrained from commenting on it. Despite the fact that it bothered him to see Vivi like this. But his current protective duties were paramount, hence he vigilantly scanned the horizon of the endless sea of sand before them.
The monotonous landscape looked utterly still, desolate and void of life, but as a native, Chaka knew that this was not the case. The barren-looking environment teemed with life and a plethora of dangers lurking all around them.
So far his acute zoan senses did not latch onto anything suspicious, but he had an inkling it was only a matter of time before this situation changed.
They still had at least another 20 kilometres to cover before the sun set.
The Following Morning in Rainbase
Sir Crocodile saw himself as a fairly rational man, one who knew how to keep his cool even in the most uncomfortable situations. Yes, he was arrogant and sometimes his ego got the better of him. Normally he would swiftly deal with anything that provoked or offended him.
But that was not the best course of action at a Shichibukai Meeting, and so maintaining his self-control proved to be a herculean task.
His lips stretched into a thin line, as he grabbed the door handle to his office in a vice-like grip.
How dare that Sengoku orders me around like some ordinary mutt?! Who the hell does he think I am?!
And that pink bastard just had to poke his nose into my business, shoving his book in my face like a circus monkey! He must know something about that Nefertari brat...how did that happen?! Does Cobra have a secret deal with him?
He yanked the door open, ripping out the jewel-encrusted handle in the process, it rattled onto the green marble floor. Crocodile ignored the damage and furiously slammed the door shut.
The loud noise and commotion sent the Vice-President of Baroque Works straight to her Boss' office.
This is going to get ugly, Nico Robin or Miss All-Sunday thought, as she adjusted her short skirt and white hat, before walking through the damaged entrance.
Guess the meeting didn't go so well, she noticed the destroyed door handle.
"Welcome back." She greeted the angry man before her.
"Brief me on the current situation here, NOW!" Crocodile thundered.
"Our spies in Nanohana reported a sighting of the Princess at the local market yesterday." she calmly gave him the update. The top agent's innate professionalism wouldn't allow her to be swayed by the man's volatile temperament.
Crocodile grit his teeth in annoyance. "I asked you to bring her to me, not for her to come to me!" he barked.
"I am about to head out to the desert to do just that. Miss Doublefinger and Mr.1 are already there. But there's one more thing-" the enigmatic woman paused in hesitation.
"SAY IT!" Crocodile roared.
"It appears that someone tipped off the King and the other Royalists of the Princess' arrival. They got there before we did," she responded dutifully.
"I expect you to sort out this mess before the end of the day. Do I make myself clear?"
"You do." she nodded.
Crocodile thought he caught a hint of mockery in her tone.
"What's that? Do you forget your place 'Demon Child'? I am sure if I hand you over to the Marines they will be more than happy to remind you of it." He fixed her with a murderous glare.
"Calm down; you had a long trip, get some rest. I will bring the Nefertari Princess here." she sighed.
Robin was on her way out.
"Wait!" Crocodile demanded imperiously.
"Yes?" she stopped in the doorway.
"Tell me, how does Donquixote Doflamingo know of the brat's possible presence here?" he asked menacingly.
"I am not sure I understand what you mean." Robin was confused.
Hmm...she might be telling the truth; Crocodile thought as he assessed her body language.
"That man presides over an enormous underground network. I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps tabs on you too," she explained, as do they...she carefully gauged Crocodile's reaction.
He rolled his eyes at her obvious explanation.
"Hmph. Whatever. Doflamingo might be eyeing my turf; I'll have a look into the matter. But you better stick to that schedule, without any delays."
"What about the King?"
"I will deal with Cobra myself." he tapped his fingers against the desk.
"As you wish," she smirked.
"Get out," he growled.
Robin knew better than to waste another minute, she went out immediately and didn't stop until she approached her F-Wani.
Patting the animal's banana-shaped snout, she climbed into the comfortable leather seat strapped to its back.
So you got yourself a powerful ally already? I knew you'd surprise us again Miss Wednesday. But a notoriously cruel Shichibukai like Donquixote Doflamingo?
Robin was genuinely intrigued by this development.
The Boss probably ran into Doflamingo in Mariejois. Hmm...how did the Princess get someone like that on her side?
Guess I will be able to ask her this question myself, she smiled.
"Bani dear, go faster."
The reptile obeyed its favourite mistress, leaving clouds of dust in its wake.