Chapter XII: Ambushed Lies
The trek through the desert proved to be a lot more difficult than what Vivi remembered. Of course, her previous trip was a strikingly different affair. A royal retinue followed her with all the comforts becoming of her status; people came out in droves to cheer for the Royal House of Alabasta, throwing flowers on their path.
They loved us then and loathe us now; she thought wistfully remembering the warmth in the eyes of her beloved people.
Now the only warmth around her came from the blistering heat of the blazing sun high above.
I was so naive back then, a ghost of a smile crossed her face as she remembered her childhood. She clenched the soft fabric of her dress. I will bring that peace back! Even if it kills me...Alabasta deserves nothing less!
Vivi squinted looking ahead at the vast dunes before them.
"Chaka! You must be exhausted by now, let's switch and I will be on the lookout." Vivi called out to her companion.
"Vivi-sama, we didn't help you at all in the past four years, the least I can do is ensure your safe arrival to Katorea. So don't worry about me please." Chaka voiced his resolve.
Vivi sighed, but out of respect for the Head Guard refrained from any further comment.
The merciless desert sun beat down on the tiny "caravan", as the day progressed Chaka noticed that the wind began to pick up. Winds could be useful forewarners in such harsh, isolated environments.
As Vivi used part of her cloak to veil her face from the sand particles disturbed by the wind, Chaka paused to use his acute sense of smell.
He froze in an instant, motioning for Vivi to wait behind him, she quietly complied.
Someone else is here; the zoan jackal unsheathed his sword in anticipation; his large paws gripped its handle tightly.
As if on cue, a towering figure rushed out at them from behind a dune. The incredible speed of the individual made it almost impossible to discern any identifying features.
But the instant clash of a blade against Chaka's sword solved this mystery. The clank of steel rang out across the desert.
Mr.1! Vivi was horrified, one of the top agents was sent after her.
I guess they were expecting me from the moment they discovered the fiasco at Jaya. Or they must have spies in every corner of Alabasta.
She remembered the hostile look of the loader from the market in Nanohana.
I blew my cover the minute I set foot on our shore. Grinding her teeth in anger at herself and the situation, Vivi wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to assist Chaka but feared to become a hindrance in his fight.
Chaka seemed to have read her line of thought as he shouted, "RUN NOW!"
Not wasting another second, Vivi gripped the reins and directed the Duck Squad member towards Nanohana.
She wanted to cry, to turn back and help Chaka, but the apparent futility of the situation practically screamed at her face.
I couldn't even defeat the lower number agents that night, what chance do I have against Mr.1? The best thing I can do is stay out of Chaka's way...
So she did as he asked her to. Ran. On foot or galloping on a duck, none of it mattered anymore. This was a cycle, her life of the past four years. The last thing she saw was Chaka's sword blocking off Mr.1's attacks; their weapons gleamed in the sunlight.
Please don't die.
"Bourbon please go as fast you can."
The loyal duck needed no further encouragement as he picked up the speed towards Nanohana.
Maybe it was the heat, her frustration or exhaustion, if not all three combined, but the young woman found herself at a breaking point. Beyond self-control. Chaos engulfed her reason.
Throwing off her hood , she let the tears of anger roll down her face.
"When will this all end?!" Vivi screamed in rage.
How many more sacrifices will it take to satisfy that despicable Shichibukai?!
Even his name carried a somewhat negative connotation. Crocodiles were revered and respected throughout Alabasta for their viciousness and strength.
Instilling fear into our hearts, just like his namesake! That's all these Shichibukais are good for!
Vivi didn't notice that the force of her grip on the reins caused their leather to dig into the thin skin of her palms. She saw a few thin lines of blood...their crimson streaks looked especially bright against her dust and dirt caked skin.
So this is why that Donquixote Man is so interested in me? My blood huh? Is it really worth that much to him? She pursed her lips, ignoring the searing pain in her palms, she gripped the reins even tighter; concentrating on the road ahead.
It was almost as though she punished herself for the crisis and the current situation that she found herself in.
Ever since that night on Jaya, a small voice of doubt at the back of her head, kept rearing itself every time she looked at the current Alabastan crisis.
The never-ending "what ifs" loomed there, constantly taking a jab at her principles.
If I agreed, Chaka wouldn't be risking his life like this right now, right?
Lost in her thoughts and weakened by stress, her sleepless nights and the harsh climate, Vivi didn't notice a shadow lurking behind the ruins of an ancient granary. Upon entering its perimeter, something snapped and Vivi was flung forward, off the terrified duck.
Landing on the scorching, but thankfully soft sand, she winced in pain as the sand grains stuck to her bloodied palms.
"Tsk, how reckless for a Princess to travel all by herself."
Vivi heard a husky female voice behind her.
Who is it?! Slowly turning her head to the side, she gasped.
Almost anyone with an iota of intelligence at Baroque Works, would know who the woman with the blue afro and cutout black leather suit-is.
"I don't believe we have met before Miss Wednesday, allow me to do the hono—"
"I know who you are...Miss Doublefinger." Vivi cut off the other woman.
"I am sure you do." Miss Doublefinger's bee-stung lips curled up into a smile, she stretched her hand out to Vivi. "I think you need some help there..."
"I am fine tha—ttsss!" Vivi hissed in pain as the older agent disregarded her refusal and forcibly squeezed her injured palm. Miss Doublefinger pulled her up with surprising strength.
"Now I am not in the mood of hurting anyone at the moment. So be a good girl and come with me. Our Boss is just...dying to meet you." Despite the woman's seemingly calm demeanor, Vivi knew better than to argue with her.
She is the third strongest agent under Crocodile!
"It's not like you're giving me much of a choice." Vivi steeled her voice and yanked her hand back from the other agent's grasp. Maybe I could lose her on the way to Rainbase, she was hopeful at least.
"Very well then, I'm gonna take that as a 'yes' haha." Miss Doublefinger folded her arms, sizing up Vivi and Bourbon Jr., the duck gave her a fierce look, which only amused her further. Although to be fair his "fierceness" would have the same effect on anyone else.
"Your friend here, seems upset, tell him to go back to Nanohana or I will send him there myself...in multiple pieces." Her lighthearted tone did little to lessen the gruesome threat.
Ah, there they are, your true colours. No amount of civility will ever mask these top agents! Vivi realised that her chance of escape will be greatly diminished without Bourbon Jr., but she assented to Miss Doublefinger's costly demand.
I don't want anyone to get hurt.
Sighing Vivi ruffled Bourbon Jr.'s smooth feathers, "Go back to Nanohana-" seeing the intelligent bird hesitate, she gently pushed him in the direction of the port town. "Please go, I insist." she gave it a soft smile.
And off he went, but not before kicking sand into Miss Doublefinger's direction.
"Pesky chicken." the woman rolled her eyes.
Thank you, Bourbon.
"So how do we go to your Boss now?" Vivi confidently gazed at the woman before her, a hint of condescendence-remnant of Miss Wednesday's personality—tinged her voice.
"I got it sorted, don't worry." Miss Doublefinger sashayed towards Vivi and grabbed her by the elbow.
She sneered at the Princess and using her free hand, pulled out a transponder snail from between her breasts.
How on earth does that even fit there?! Vivi opened her mouth in surprise, the agent proceeded to speak into the transponder.
"I got her, we are not that far from Nanohana, should be along the way for you."
"Alright, I'll see you soon." Miss All-Sunday's unmistakably smooth voice, could be heard on the other end of the line.
"THAT woman again! I don't know what goes through that head of hers..." Vivi huffed irritably as she tried to wriggle out from Miss Doublefinger's hold, who stuffed the transponder back into its improvised storage space.
"I wouldn't struggle if I were you. Besides she will be here soon, so you can save your complaints and insults and say them to her face." Miss Doublefinger issued a warning as a sharp spike burgeoned out of her wrist, a few centimeters away from Vivi's hands.
The bluenette watched in a mixture of shock and disgust as the spike went back into Miss Doublefinger's skin. It was left smooth and spotless, without a hint of the danger that "lurked" beneath.
"See? I can add even more if you like, to any part of my body." she grinned at the Princess, pulling her along.
"All you have to do is wait with me for our ride to Rainbase." the senior agent said calmly.
"Whatever." Vivi tried to sound indifferent.
Miss Doublefinger smirked and led the younger woman by the elbow, towards the ruins.
"We can wait here in the shade...your Majesty haha." Her green eyes twinkled with mirth.
"I'm glad I could amuse you." Vivi gave the other woman a dirty look.
What a vulgar outfit, not to mention impractical in the desert heat. Who wears leather in such a climate?
She remembered Sir Crocodile's fur coat...Ah yes..just like her Boss.
Miss Doublefinger noticed the young woman's disapproving look.
"Don't like my outfit?" she swayed her hips to annoy Vivi even further. "Haha, it's quite comfortable you know...suits my ability."
"I can imagine," Vivi replied dryly.
"I didn't take you for a prude your Majesty, I'm sure you must have seen far more scandalising things out there as a frontier agent." Miss Doublefinger commented in amusement.
Vivi ignored her and looked out into the distance.
Scandalising huh? The most recent "mission" ended with a compromising situation, Vivi wouldn't deny that.
I suppose being practically fondled by a Shichibukai-Tenryuubito and asked to bear his child in return for his help can be classified as "scandalising." Or worse...
She sighed looking at the hot sand beneath her feet.
They have been waiting for some time now and Miss Doublefinger let go of her elbow, opting to watch her captive like a hawk instead.
Ironically Vivi didn't find her captor to be as riling as Miss Valentine, nor too complex and unpredictable like Miss All-Sunday. As the time went by, they both settled into a comfortable silence.
Vivi swirled the sand with her finger, she wanted to know if Chaka was alright. Miss Doublefinger showed no hint of worry for her partner.
She must be confident in his strength then. Vivi pursed her lips, mentally cursing her physical weakness against the top agents.
If I had more time to train as an agent I guess I could have a better chance in a battle against them.
Persuasion and diplomacy were her only viable weapons against Baroque Works.
But how could I get to Katorea now? Her fingers curled into a fist and she slammed the ground.
Maybe if I knew Miss Doublefinger better, I could bribe her to let me go?
This seemed like a logical approach, being a legitimate heir to the throne of the actual ruling dynasty would technically allow Vivi to pull some strings, instead of a promise of a high position in a nonexistent society.
Why didn't I think of this earlier?!
"Miss Double-"
Unfortunately, the sound of creaking wood, and a vibration in the ground around them signaled someone's approach.
Miss Doublefinger got up in an instant, Vivi peaked out from the crumbling wall.
A large reptile was approaching them and behind it the all-familiar hatted turtle that Vivi saw back on Whiskey Peak. This time it was pulling a mushroom shaped carriage.
How many people did they send here?! Vivi felt the beads of sweat trickle down her forehead.
The odd transportations eventually came to a halt near the ruins, as the clouds of dust settled down, Vivi saw Miss All-Sunday climb off the F-Wani. She patted his head before walking towards their rest stop.
Vivi narrowed her eyes and clenched her fists. Miss Doublefinger pushed her forward towards her superior.
"Behave yourself." she said amusedly.
"Don't tell me what to do." Vivi's voice was beginning to get hoarse from thirst and panic.
"Hmph, brat." Miss Doublefinger pulled her along towards Miss All-Sunday.
Finally reaching the woman, she practically threw Vivi at her.
"Here take her, babysitting was not in my contract after all." She folded her arms looking at Miss All-Sunday.
"Fufufu, fair enough. Get some rest in the carriage, Banchi will take you to Mr.1, while I wi-"
"WHAT DID YOU TO CHAKA?! TO IGARAM?!"
"Shh, don't yell, I am right in front of you. Here, get on F-Wani and I will be more than happy to answer your questions." the brunette's tone was almost amiable as she gestured for Vivi to climb into the brown seat on the nonchalant reptile's back.
"I take it you won't need my help for now?" Miss Doublefinger peeped out from the carriage.
"No, I can handle it. You can lead the way."
Vivi heard the carriage door shut and watched it move away with surprising speed.
What kind of turtle is that?!
She cautiously sat in the comfortable seat on the F-Wani, the squeak of the leather unsettled her.
"You look like you could use some rest." Miss All-Sunday climbed up into the adjacent seat.
"Answer my question." Vivi ignored her comment.
"You're so impatient." The older woman patted their "transport".
"Bani follow the carriage please."
Vivi heard a grunt and stifled a yelp when the F-Wani bolted in the requested direction.
"What a good boy." Miss All-Sunday smiled, adjusting her hat in the breeze.
Vivi turned to her again.
"Don't worry, Chaka will live, like your roller-haired nanny." She appeared to ignore Vivi's scrutinising look.
The Princess really wanted to believe her but naturally, she had her doubts.
"I don't believe you, you appear like you're doing me a favour, heaven knows why, but then you send me to Jaya...to be captured."
"I'm just doing my job Princess...or do you prefer 'Miss Wednesday'?" noting the scowl on Vivi's face, she smirked, "I am sure Her Majesty knows how hard it is to juggle multiple careers."
"Multiple careers?" Vivi gave her a puzzled look.
"What do you mean by that?" she demanded.
"That your loyal servants are fine."
That smirk again! Vivi wanted to wipe it off the cocky woman's face.
"They are like FAMILY to me!"Her voice began to rise again.
"Whatever you say. Anyway, you have my word for it. They will live unless you question my decision in front of the other agents." Miss All-Sunday concluded apathetically.
"Why would y-"
"Shh, enough about me. I heard an interesting rumour about you..." she gave Vivi a sly look
"Which is?" Vivi tried to sound indifferent.
"I heard you got yourself an ally already. And a very influential one at that! Donquixote Doflamingo huh? I knew you'd be fine in Jaya fufufu." Miss All-Sunday gave a mischievous laugh.
And just like that, she skillfully kicked the ball into Vivi's direction, thereby ending her own interrogation by the Princess.
Upon hearing that name, spoken out loud by someone else, Vivi became flustered and struggled for words.
"What has this got to do with anything? He's not my...ally or anything else." She replied clumsily.
"Anything else? Oh my, but what else could he be to you hmm?" Miss All-Sunday was entertained by her reaction.
Idiot. Vivi almost slapped her own forehead at the blunder.
"Obviously nothing else!" Vivi shot back, biting her lip as she looked away from the other woman.
She's so cunning!
"And yet here you are blushing like a young bride, I had my suspicions but what an unexpected turn of events." she gave Vivi a knowing smile.
The latter tilted her head, her brows furrowed in annoyance.
"It seems the attraction was mutual, he even removed Mr.5 and Miss Valentine for you. You learn fast." The seriousness of the situation didn't seem to fit the top agent's sanguinity.
"You got it all wrong," Vivi replied coolly.
"Did I? Well, enlighten me then." Miss All-Sunday replied in mock surprise.
If I disclose it, I will lose my only trump card. Vivi was startled by her own line of thought. These past four years have taught her to survive in the most unexpected scenarios it seemed.
"He was annoyed by the noise made by Miss Valentine and then Mr.5 must have offended him." she explained quietly.
"Some of the onlookers said he talked with you for a long time after that." the older agent was sceptical.
"That didn't happen. He doesn't even know my real name." Vivi lied.
Oh, I am sure he doesn't, Miss All-Sunday snorted at the Princess's poor attempt to mask the truth.
"You know, it doesn't matter to me whether you lie about your alliance or not, but it will to the Boss. And here's my advice to you-" she nodded at Vivi "-speak the truth the next time you're asked about it, or it will be harder for you...my colleagues won't be as merciful as I am right now."
The gravity of Miss All-Sunday's words forced the two women into a tense silence, as Vivi mulled over the advice given to her.
Banchi eventually stopped in the area where Vivi last saw Chaka, she watched in horror as Mr.1 calmly went up to the carriage to greet Miss Doublefinger. Chaka was nowhere to be seen and that could only mean one thing.
"NO!" Vivi jumped off Bani and ran in the direction of the carriage, her eyes frantically searching for her brave bodyguard.
Miss All-Sunday sighed before setting her foot down onto the sand.
"Tres Fleur."
Vivi was immobilised as two arms locked her own and a third covered her mouth.
She panicked finally realising Miss All-Sunday's power. That's how she managed to put out all the lights in Nanimonai.
Chaka! Please let him live! He didn't deserve this!
Miss All-Sunday walked up to her, "Remember what I told you, he will be fine but don't you dare tell the others that you are aware of that." she lowered her hands and Vivi's "restraints" were gone.
As Mr.1's form moved towards them, Vivi caught sight of Chaka's body.
She ignored Mr.1 one's curious gaze and ran towards her loyal friend.
"Chaka!" she let her tears fall uncontrollably. She hugged him, he groaned.
"F-f-orgive me...Vivi-sam-a." he whispered.
"No, no, no! Don't apologise!" Vivi haphazardly tore a piece of cloth from her cloak and pressed it to one of his bleeding wounds.
The injured man gave her a small smile.
This is all my fault! If I was stronger and smarter, I could have helped him! If I swallowed my pride he probably wouldn't even need to be here right now!
Vivi blamed herself for all the trouble she assumed she caused her Father, Igaram, Chaka and now of course Alabasta.
How can I speak to the rebels now?! I failed everyone! I
As Miss All-Sunday dragged her away from Chaka, she blamed her pride and her naivety for exacerbating an already dismal situation.
"So if you ever change your mind, know that I will be more than happy to help my little desert cat."
His voice rung clear in her head again.
Her eyes glassy with tears never left the scene before her, but her mind was distant. She saw something twinkle near Chaka but she couldn't make out its form.
"If you fail...rethink my offer."
Her eyes hardened with a new-found resolve as Miss All-Sunday pushed her into the carriage.
"You have a lot of tricks up your sleeve." He was right. I do.
Vivi wiped her face and fixed the dark haired woman sitting opposite her, with a murderous stare.
The woman in question, seemingly oblivious to the hostility, peered out of the carriage at Mr.1, "Yes, Alubarna. Take care."
She settled back into her seat.
"You better not try to fool me again...Miss All-Sunday." Vivi issued a warning but her voice was dead.
That seemed to amplify her threat because Miss All-Sunday looked visibly shocked.
Hmm...something feels different.
There was a slight pause in the small space between them.
"I did give you my word. He will live, I sent your other bodyguard a note with his whereabouts," she said simply.
"Why would you help me and then drag me to Crocodile? Why did we switch to the carriage?" Vivi spat out her enemy's name.
"We need to pick up another agent on our way to Rainbase so I figured we could use some extra space. Get some rest."
But Vivi folded her arms and continued to stare daggers at the other agent.
"Don't try anything funny." Miss All-Sunday smiled.
"I won't trust a single thing you say until I have concrete proof," Vivi replied firmly.
"Suit yourself." The older woman was unfazed.
The carriage creaked and rolled towards Rainbase.
After a few hours of tense silence and cold stare-offs, Vivi struggled to stay awake. Miss All-Sunday silently read a book, occasionally looking at the Princess from the corner of her eye.
You're survivor aren't you Nefertari Vivi?
Miss All-Sunday's-or, in this case, Robin's- mind moved to a personal matter. She genuinely hoped to earn the young woman's trust by saving the two members of the Royal Guard. If I have her trust, eventually she can tell me more about the poneglyphs...the rest doesn't matter.
Now it was just a matter of time before news of their survival will reach her. Robin made sure that in both cases Crocodile will not be able to trace it back to herself. Thus she sent an anonymous note to Pell and threw a small bottle of painkilling tonic towards Chaka. Igaram lived because she blasted his boat before he even got on it.
He seemed clever enough to figure out the rest on his own...if he managed to tip off the Palace about her arrival.
She looked at her watch and then the window of the carriage.
Vivi tensed observing her actions.
"Banchi dear, stop here."
They stopped in front of an old water tower, next to a simple wooden building.
Vivi looked out the window.
"Spiders Cafe" she read out the text on the wooden signboard.
"We will just have to wait here. Don't go anywhere fufufu." Vivi moved back as an arm blocked the carriage door.
"Un, Deux, Trois..." someone's voice drifted into the carriage.
"Mr.2 we don't have much time, please hurry." Robin removed her sprouted arm from the door.
"All-Sunday-chan did you miss me? Coming wa-yo!"
Vivi almost screamed in shock when the carriage door flung open and she came face-to-face with a large man, with flamboyant makeup and short dark hair.
"Ooh what a cutie you are! I could just eat you up!" he cooed at her.
Vivi flinched in disgust moving further into the carriage.
Mr.2 climbed in, the decorative swans on the back of his coat dragged along the lilac ceiling of the carriage.
He sat next to Miss All-Sunday, facing Vivi.
"Excuse me, Mr.2, this is Princess Nefertari Vivi or Miss Wednesday." The brunette politely made the introductions.
Vivi's eyes widened. The man with the Mane Mane no Mi!
"Princess, this is Bo-"
"You can call me Bon-chan, Cutie!" Mr.2 interrupted the "ceremony" before giving Vivi a wink.
"Do you like ballet?" he asked her enthusiastically.
Vivi could hear Miss All-Sunday sigh in the background.
"I do actually." she replied quietly looking at man's outfit, "but I don't know much about it, ballet is not very popular in Alabasta you see."
He clearly adores it, since I failed with Miss Doublefinger, I guess I could try to "befriend" him at least.
"Oh, then I can tell you all about it! I trained with the very best choreographers and prima ballerinas in Water 7 wa-yo!"Mr.2 said proudly.
"Water 7? My mother was from there, please tell me more." Vivi enthused.
Miss All-Sunday's eyes narrowed as she observed the two chatter the rest of the way to Rainbase.
What are you up to this time Princess?
They arrived in Rainbase after dark. Mr.2 snored in the carriage as Miss All-Sunday led Vivi out of the carriage surprisingly in the opposite direction of the famous casino.
"Don't say a word or I will go back on my promise." she whispered to Vivi.
She reluctantly obliged.
Looking around the empty street, Vivi was surprised by the order and cleanliness of the area.
Of course, Crocodile uses Rainbase as his cash cow, he has to keep it looking well.
They walked towards the older part of the opulent city, Vivi had an inkling of their direction.
Surely Father wouldn't let them...
She never finished her thought as Miss All-Sunday stopped in front of an intricately designed golden gate. It was hidden by a row of towering palm trees.
No. How does she know the back entrance?!
"I think you know the way better than I do." the older woman paused to look at Vivi. This must be unpleasant, she thought while waiting for her companion to respond.
"This was my Grandfather's favourite residence, I played here as a child...don't tell me?"
Crocodile lives here?!
Miss All-Sunday nodded.
"You take over my kingdom! Pit my people against one another and now live in my Grandparents' home!"
"Keep your voice down. Your Father let the casino management stay here as a token of gratitude for helping us enrich your kingdom..."
"I will get you ALL OUT OF HERE!" Vivi shouted.
"You leave me no choice, Princess." Miss All-Sunday used her ability to restrain Vivi and open her mouth.
Taking a small vial out of her pocket, she poured a shiny liquid down her captive's throat.
Vivi tried to spit out the cold liquid but the strong pressure on her mouth, prevented her from doing so, in her struggle she felt it trickling down her throat.
Miss All-Sunday patiently waited for the sleeping drought to work.
She watched Vivi's eyes falter and then felt her body go limp in her arms.
"I am sorry it had to be this way," Robin whispered sympathetically before proceeding to use her devil fruit ability to whisk the Princess into the Summer Palace.
Their path took them down into the ancient dungeon cells. Unused for centuries, they were recently refurbished by the savvy casino mogul to safeguard Operation Utopia.
The Next Day in Alubarna
King Cobra was steadfast in his principles, he believed in Alabasta's people and if they wanted him out—he would gladly do it.
Just like the nobles of Water 7, he thought wistfully, forgive me Titi, I failed to protect our little girl.
But what the wise man didn't expect, is his daughter's tenacity and strong desire to protect their country.
To say he was proud of her would be an understatement. Of course, he was shocked when he read her letter.
I truly believed this man was satisfied with his wealth and unprecedented privileges we gave him here. But he wants more.
He warily eyed the greedy Shichibukai sitting across the table from him.
They were alone now after Sir Crocodile requested a private audience with him. King Cobra now regretted not informing the Palace staff of his treachery earlier, but he didn't want to add oil to the fire brewing between the Rebels and the Royal forces.
The situation was reaching a boiling point as it were. Pell had to urgently leave and the two guards posted outside his study will be of little help.
"Your Majesty, I strongly advise you to tell me the location of the Kingdom's poneglyph...while I am still asking you for it." Sir Crocodile eyed the King before him with an annoyed look, as though the latter was nothing but a mere fly.
"I told you there is no such thing in Alabasta. Where did you hear about this nonsense?" King Cobra asked him. Who told him?
"I have my sources...reliable sources. Are you sure you don't know?" Crocodile tapped the table with his fingers, the precious jewels on his rings sparkled in the sunlight streaming through large windows.
"It's the first I hear of that." King Cobra replied calmly, his dark eyes looked directly into Crocodile's own.
"I see. Very well then." Manipulative snake! Crocodile smirked at the irony.
"Your parents sure picked a suitable name for you...King Cobra kuahaha."
The older man raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?" he asked suspiciously.
"You're an excellent liar, but I am just as a good at knowing when someone lies to me."
"I am not. If there is a poneglyph in this Kingdom, then I want to see it myself." The King's voice never faltered.
"Perhaps you will, when your daughter asks you to tell me of its whereabouts...or we can beat it out of her." Crocodile got up from his chair.
"What did you do to Vivi?!" Cobra exclaimed.
"Don't worry, she's alive and well...for now. In Rainbase." He smirked walking to the door.
What if this is a hoax? Vivi is supposed to be with Chaka...I need proof. If he finds the Poneglyph now, then millions of lives will be in danger.
"I told you everything I know. Let her go. What else can we give you? More land? Titles?" The King asked in an agitated tone.
"I will give you one week to give me the location. If you don't comply, then bid farewell to your daughter and watch your precious kingdom fall apart." Crocodile was walking towards the door before he stopped and looked over his shoulder at the sombre man behind him.
"Oh, and don't you dare leave the palace while I'm gone. Tell your people you're sick or something. If I find out you stepped out, I will send you your daughter's head. You were right, she really does look like her mother kuahaha."
And with that, the Shichibukai casually left the palace.
King Cobra was stunned, he pressed his hands against his face.
"What can I do now?"
He was stuck with a terrible dilemma. On the one hand, he could give Crocodile what he wants and save his daughter, at least that's what he was told, and effectively seal the fate of millions of people in Alabasta and beyond.
On the other, he could refuse, Crocodile will not find the poneglyph and then what? Vivi will die and if the people clash so would more Alabastans follow suit.
But if the people found out that Vivi was killed by Crocodile...no. The Nefertaris sacrificed a lot for this country. My daughter is all I have left. I can't...
King Cobra walked up to the window, scanning the horizon for any sign of Pell.
Maybe this is all just a cunning trick. He gave me no proof that he has Vivi.
Let it be so.
Dressrosa
Doflamingo possessed a terrifying temper that could level entire cities and kill thousands of people, and yet, it will have to take a lot of effort to trigger that level of destruction. Thankfully, today was not one of those days, but to say that he was in a good mood will be a blatant lie.
Looking at the file on his desk again, he slammed his fist on it. It has come to his attention that one of his biggest, longstanding customers, chose to purchase their weapons from Baroque Works. And they went right under his nose to do that!
"Ne,ne what should we do Doffy?" Trebol's nasal voice and proximity were not particularly welcome in that moment.
"Kill them," Doflamingo growled.
"And what about Baroque Works? Ne,ne, ne should we report Crocodile's activities to the Marines?"
"No. I will pay him a visit."
"Let the others do it, your schedule is tight this week." Trebol stepped closer to his leader.
"I said no. TOO CLOSE!" Doflamingo got up and paced his study. "This is a personal matter, so I want you all to stay out of it...for now at least."
That seemed to have intrigued Trebol even further.
"Personal? Ne, ne, ne tell us Doffy!" he asked excitedly.
"I will soon enough fufufu. Tell the other executives I will be gone for the rest of the week. Not another word about it." His mood began to improve.
"Okay, I will take care of it. Have fun behehehe!" Trebol knew Doflamingo would be fine by himself.
"Thank you." Doflamingo grinned at his loyal 'family member'.
Well, Croco-man, I didn't expect you to begin aiming at my business territory so soon...it's about time I had a look at your domains fufufu...or are they technically still hers?