A/N: In this chapter I will sometimes refer to Miss All-Sunday as Robin, to indicate that she is acting outside her agent persona.
Chapter XIV:Conflict of Interest
Vivi didn't have a concrete escape plan, but now that the opportunity presented itself on a silver platter, how could she refuse?
Hmm...if I escape now I can still make it to Katorea, but I am further away now, she frowned.
Even if this is a trap, I could still do something about it later...as long as I am out of here!
Vivi looked up into Mr.2's eyes, "Bon-san, I'm ready. Let's go!" she smiled at him.
Bon Clay practically melted with delight at their new found camaraderie.
He opened the door and gestured for Vivi to go first.
"After you Cutie-chan!"
Vivi carefully stepped out of the cell, took a powerful inhale and walked towards the entrance gate. She knew the winding corridors of the underground complex beneath the sprawling grounds of the Summer Palace, like the back of her hand. This gave her more confidence.
Act as high and mighty as you want Crocodile—you'll always be an upstart pirate. No lofty title bestowed upon you will ever change that. Just because Doflamingo succeeded in taking over a kingdom, doesn't mean you will too!
She pursed her bitten lips and covered her head with the hood of her ruined navy blue cloak.
"Follow me Bon-san," Vivi whispered to a beaming Mr.2.
The air in the complex became drier as the two new-found friends ascended the stairs, leaving the cold, damp and ghastly dungeons behind them.
With every step she took, Vivi felt that she was getting close to the culmination of the crisis in Alabasta.
She tried her best to steer her thoughts in a more practical direction instead of fretting over the "what ifs" and "could haves".
I will need to get a faster transport to Katorea, Vivi glanced at Mr.2, maybe he can tell me where to get it. She surprised herself with that thought, when did I start using people like that?
They reached the level of the Summer Palace itself; it was strange to see the polished sandy marble floors and know what lay beneath. Vivi squinted as her eyes adjusted to the bright light outside.
I am so glad to be out of there.
The beautiful peristyle with its impressive columns surrounded an exotic garden in the middle of the vast space, Vivi could even hear birds chirp in the distance.
Grandfather was so proud of it, his "Green Alabasta."
Each plant represented a different region of the kingdom and others were the result of careful cross-breeding.
King Khafre wanted to show his guests that life could bloom even in the harshest climates on earth. This was the heart of the Summer Palace. Vivi understood that from that point onwards, every minuscule step she took, could mean life or death, for herself but and the people of Alabasta.
"Let's stay closer to the wall!" Vivi gently tugged at the sleeve of her companion's coat.
"Alrighty!" Mr.2 lightly hopped away from the colonnade.
Vivi lowered her head and clumsily rushed towards the wall. Mr.2 noticed her stumble and stopped in his tracks.
"You need to eat Cutie-chan, you're falling apart! Stop!" Mr.2 dramatically waved his hands in the air and walked up to Vivi.
"I am fine. What are you-" she was about to finish her sentence when Mr.2 lifted her into the air.
"Save your strength; I'll do the walking wa-yo!" He shook his head defiantly.
They certainly made a weird pair; a tall okama dressed as a ballerina, carrying a blue-haired woman in tattered clothes in his arms.
"Please put me down Bon-san!" she pleaded with Mr.2.
"Absolutely not!" the stubborn man huffed, he was practically sprinting by that point, his green eyeshadow smudged to his temple, and his mascara ran down his cheeks. Vivi gave up trying to hold up the hood to her face, her turquoise tresses cascaded down, swaying with every step her "carrier" took.
Fine, he's as stubborn as Igaram! Vivi held onto Mr.2's shoulder, further adding to the ironically comical situation- an oversized child with an oversized ballerina.
The corridors of the palace were surprisingly quiet and empty that only served to amplify the echo of Mr.2's heavy breath.
How does he manage to land so quietly for someone of his height?! A question Vivi wasn't sure she knew how to answer, not that it even mattered at this point.
The row of columns seemed endless, and the Princess was beginning to wonder if Mr.2 even knew the way out... or was he lost?
"Psst...Bon-san, please put me down. I can guide us out of here faster. I can walk, remember it's my hand that hurts." she gave her worried companion a reassuring smile.
"Fine, fine...my god you're like a stubborn, little bull, Cutie-chan!" Mr.2 gently set Vivi to the ground.
"Look who's talking!" Vivi tried to suppress her giggle.
Not the time nor the place for this but I am so glad I met you Bon-san.
Mr.2 paused to lace up his pointe before getting up and curtsying to Vivi. "Lead the way," he whispered loudly.
Vivi picked up her pace; her dress swished around her ankles, Mr.2 followed in its wake. They made a sharp turn round the corner of the peristyle, away from the colonnade leading to the gallery.
Yes, we're almost at the back door, just one more corner and-
Suddenly the Princess came to an abrupt halt; Mr.2 almost crashed into her back.
Vivi's eyes met a familiar, cold, calculative stare. Every fibre of her being froze in suspense.
Crocodile!
Vivi wanted to curse her luck at that moment, to think that of all times and places she would bump into him right now. Her ex-boss stood in the archway of the back entrance of the Summer Palace, with Miss All-Sunday right behind him.
His commanding gaze did little to release the tension looming in the hallway.
Vivi's eyes flicked to Miss All-Sunday. The latter seemed equally surprised to see her there.
Mr.2 inhaled sharply. "Oh dear..." he mumbled, breaking the fragile silence between the enemy quartet.
Sir Crocodile gave Vivi a questioning look. Pfft, daring brat.
"Your Majesty...or shall I say, Miss Wednesday? I am honoured that you finally decided to join us. And with Mr.2 as your escort, you two seem to be in a rush somewhere..." Sir Crocodile's voice dripped with mockery.
"Stop acting like you're surprised, I was brought here," Vivi replied icily.
"And now you're out and about I see..." The Shichibukai noted and gave Miss All-Sunday a reprimanding look.
Before either Vivi or Miss All-Sunday could reply, Mr.2 stepped in front of Vivi.
"Zero-chan, don't take this the wrong way, but my friend here needs my help wa-yo!"
"What the hell are you on about? You dare to betray me?" Sir Crocodile thundered before giving Miss All-Sunday a curt nod, "Escort our guest back to her room."
"No! " Vivi protested latching onto Mr.2's arm.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Baroque Works seemed to hesitate, that did not go unnoticed for Crocodile. He chose not to question her loyalty for the time being but made a mental note to himself to pay closer attention to her actions in the future. The Shichibukai turned to face the Okama.
"I won't let you take Cutie-chan back there!" Mr.2 bellowed as he poised himself for a strike.
Miss All-Sunday walked up to Vivi; Crocodile watched her gently take hold of the young woman's elbow and whisper something into her ear. Vivi looked visibly surprised.
What are you up to this time Nico Robin...I will have to question the brat myself!
"What are you waiting for?! Take her away." he barked at his agent partner, Crocodile then turned to Mr.2, "Sables," he growled and raised his arm.
Mr.2 charged at him, "This is the Okama Way! Cutie-chan don't worry about me wa-yo!" He gracefully dodged Crocodile's first attack.
Vivi was about to run ahead too, but Miss All-Sunday's words were still fresh in her mind.
"Just listen to me this once! If you try to leave now, I will not be able to get you out of here at all. He will bring in even more people. Besides, how do you expect to take on the Boss right now? Don't sacrifice yourself; the Okama will live, we need his ability. I asked you to be more compliant, please don't make this any harder ßthan it already is!"
At that moment the panicked tone in Miss All-Sunday's voice was so uncharacteristic for the woman, that for better or for worse, Vivi chose to believe her. It was a bitter pill to swallow but her words made sense.
Nonetheless, her selfless trait took over. "Bon-san, you don't have to do this! Please!" she yelled.
But no response came as Mr.2 continued to defy his Boss.
The last thing Vivi saw was Crocodile's ring clad fingers tighten over Mr.2's neck, and then Miss All-Sunday whisked her back into the detested dungeons.
Drip. Coldwater drops gently splattered around her. There she was, back to her feeble starting point.
Is this a joke? Just how much more defeat and humiliation do I have to go through?! Vivi clenched her fists in rage only to gasp in pain as her fingernails dug into her wounds.
Miss All-Sunday watched her quietly inside the cell.
"You're too reckless Princess," the brunette took a step closer to Vivi and noticed the blood-stained "calendar" on the wall. "Guess this marks the second day of your imprisonment..." She sighed.
Vivi looked up, her eyes a stormy grey at that moment.
She's a fighter,; somehowRobin pitied her.
"Do you think I will sit here idly while you destroy my kingdom?" the young woman demanded hoarsely.
Robin smirked.
"No, but I didn't think you'd try to escape so soon. I see why you were so friendly with Mr.2 back in the carriage. Poor fool, he fell for it. Frankly, I didn't take you as someone interested in ballet, I'd say your interests are rather...political...ambitious even." she folded her arms, studying the princess.
"I genuinely care about Bon-san! You don't exactly know me, so don't even try to 'analyse me'!" Vivi replied she was visibly irritated. Somehow, the older agent always managed to get under her skin and she didn't like that.
"You know, sometimes there's nothing wrong with using other people as a means to an end. Surely you should know this by now hmm?" Robin asked innocently.
"I do...I suppose. But too many people sacrificed themselves for me already." Vivi replied bitterly.
I refused the help of the one person who probably wouldn't even have to sacrifice himself! How could I be so stupid?! Why couldn't I think this through carefully?
Vivi eyed the decrepit cell walls.
"I learned my lesson already, but it's too late for that anyway..." she whispered.
"Perhaps you're right Princess." Robin took off her coat and laid out on the cold ground, she sat down on it and patted the soft fabric.
"Come, join me. You must be exhausted."
The events of the day were so overwhelming that Vivi's mind was tired of gauging and assessing every single step. She slowly slid down to the ground next to the older woman.
"Why are you still here Miss All-Sunday?" Vivi asked without even looking at her companion. I still don't know even know your real name...
"Well I am supposed to teach you a lesson here, but in all honesty, I don't enjoy hurting little girls fufu." Robin gave her a gentle smile.
"I am not a child anymore," Vivi mumbled awkwardly. She didn't expect to have such an open conversation with Crocodile's aide of all people.
"Oh, I am sure you're not! But I was young and helpless myself once..." Robin's eyes had a distant look about them, she turned to Vivi. "Punishing you might bring up those unwanted memories again," she explained simply. And I wouldn't want to relive that hell again! She shuddered at the thought.
"I see," Vivi said quietly.
"Speaking of memories, I better show you this then!" Robin took out a piece of paper and handed it to Vivi.
The Princess wearily unfolded the thin sheet. It turned out to be a torn out page from the local newspaper.
The headline read: "The Mystery Behind the Jackal's Injury" and was accompanied by a photo of a sulking Chaka inspecting the Royal troops, his arm wrapped in a medical sling.
He's alive! Relief washed over Vivi.
"Here's your proof, it's from today's paper. If you don't bel—" Robin began.
"I believe you in this particular case, "Vivi handed her the piece of paper, "but that doesn't mean I trust you." she raised an eyebrow.
"Fair enough," Robin answered indifferently.
"Back in the hallway, you said you would get me out of here...how? Or did you say that so it will be easier to get me back in here?" Vivi's voice rose with each word.
"I need a few more days because the Boss will go back to Alubarna by the end of the week. I could do it then, but once we're out, I will need your help." Robin let the last sentence hang in the air.
"My help?" Vivi had a hunch what this might be about.
"Show me the poneglyph."
I knew it. Vivi gulped before clearing her throat.
"Are you doing this for Crocodile?" Vivi looked searchingly at the other agent as if trying to read her mind.
Robin lowered her eyes and shook her head.
"No, I am doing this for..." her voice faltered, "for the people I met long before him and for Ohara!"
Vivi gasped.
"You're the-"
"Yes, I am. The Devil Child herself—Nico Robin!" she laughed bitterly.
Vivi was stunned. Now I know why she works for Crocodile! She's the only one who can read the poneglyphs.
"You..but how?" The Princess was perplexed by the turn of events. "If you're not really working for Crocodile, why do you need to see it so badly? Who do you really work for?" Vivi's voice lowered down to a hoarse whisper.
Before Robin could answer, the creaking sound of the dungeon gate cut any further dialogue between the panicked women; effectively silencing them.
Robin glanced at Vivi and pressed her finger against her contoured lips. The Princess understood the full gravity of their precarious situation.
If someone overheard us, it's over.
The echoing sounds of slow, measured footsteps and something dragging along the ground filled the silent corridors.
Robin motioned for Vivi to get up and quickly did the same, grabbing her coat and haphazardly pulling it on.
"So Princess, answer my question..." she drawled in Miss All-Sunday's signature tone before mouthing "Play Along!" to Vivi.
Okay, I can do this.
"I told you already! That thing is a myth! Are you too stupid to understand me?!" Vivi yelled shakily.
Robin smiled at her and used her ability to sprout several arms, she crossed her arms and clapped them synchronically to imitate a slap.
"Argh" Vivi faked a painful groan. I need to sound more realistic!
The footsteps were getting closer.
"I told you before, playing dumb doesn't suit you..." Vivi felt Robin's hand press to her cheek and two other arms on her shoulders.
"So let me repeat myself: where is the poneglyph?" Robin gave her a reassuring nod before using her devil fruit ability to slap Vivi's covered cheek.
The bluenette yelped in pain, this time it did hurt, although nowhere near the same level it would have, had Robin not placed her palm there.
The older woman sensed a familiar presence behind her and Vivi's narrowed eyes seemed to confirm her suspicions.
Her heart skipped a beat, did he hear our earlier conversation?
"Ah, is she still denying it? Tsk...just like her father." Sir Crocodile looked at the "interrogation" scene before him.
"What did you to my Father?!" Vivi shouted.
"Nothing...not yet at least kuahaha!" The Shichibukai looked at Robin," lock up this fool for now somewhere, but separately from our Guest of Honour." he commanded before throwing the body of a badly battered and unconscious Mr.2 in front of the prison bars.
"Bon-san!" Vivi cried. Robin quickly walked out of the cell, making sure to lock it behind her.
"I will speak with Her Majesty later." Crocodile said lazily, before turning around and walking out of the dungeon complex.
Vivi ran up to the cell bars and fiercely clutched them.
"YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!" Vivi shouted after him.
All she heard in return was his dry laughter.
The Princess slumped to the ground, her eyes filled with tears as she saw Robin lift Mr.2 off the ground with multiple arms.
"I will be back," Robin whispered.
Vivi ignored her and banged her forehead against the cold iron. Over and over again.
It's all my fault! My fault! MINE!
Her knuckles turned white as her fingers clamped down on the liquid iron ore. She ignored the burning pain in her reopened wounds and her forehead.
She sobbed, really letting herself go. It was as if someone opened the floodgates and Vivi couldn't hold back any longer.
How can I save Alabasta?! Or my Father?! "I CAN'T EVEN SAVE MYSELF!" she turned away from the bars and pressed her back against them.
Tears trickled down her skin, as she blamed herself, her naivety, her foolish pride for the current disaster that she found herself in.
I let my stupid pride and illusions of dignity endanger my whole country, my family. I could have agreed to Doflamingo's disgusting offer, and this would have been over. What is my honour even worth if millions of my people are about to die?!
"WHY?!" she howled, clutching the fabric of her thick cloak Vivi pressed her forehead against her knees.
Robin came back sometime later with a change of fresh clothes, hot wet towels and some herbal concoction.
"Here drink this. You will feel better," she said soothingly. Vivi felt numb and mindlessly obeyed her.
"Good, you can use the hot towels to clean yourself, and I left you some clothes there."
The younger woman nodded and mouthed a thank you.
"I patched up Mr.2, don't worry, he will recover. But I am being sent out another mission tomorrow, so I won't be able to interrogate you...someone else will. Most likely Miss Doublefinger."
Vivi's lips stretched out into a thin line.
"Try to be a bit more respectful with her, don't provoke her. I told her that we made progress regarding the poneglyphs so she won't question you about that, but...she will ask you about the alliance. It's up to your own discretion if you don't want to say the truth be more creative." Robin instructed her calmly.
"I am not in any alliance with Doflamingo," Vivi replied automatically.
"Like I said, use your own judgement there. Just don't provoke her. Oh, and one more thing"-she set a small jar on the ground-"stop opening your wounds! Use this to mark your calendar instead! This is all I can do for now...I trust you won't disclose my identity to the others?" Robin asked.
"I won't." Vivi nodded.
"Alright, I will leave now. Try to hold it out a little longer. I will be back soon." Robin stepped out of the cell. Good luck Princess.
"Thank you...Nico Robin." Vivi said quietly.
It felt strange not to address the brunette by her codename.
But Robin seemed to appreciate the gesture as she gave Vivi a warm smile, "Don't thank me just yet!"
Do you trust me now...Nefertari Vivi?
Day 3
Thanks to the small clock that Robin hid in the towels, Vivi knew that another day went by. Surprisingly she was left to her own devices, save for the brief moment when Miss Doublefinger brought her some food and a pen with paper for "Your Confessions." Remembering Robin's advice, Vivi was as civil as she could be, thankfully the other agent didn't linger there.
Vivi then spent a considerable amount of time writing out her "confession", which mostly consisted of her opinion on Crocodile and how much she hated working for him.
At the end of the day, Mr.1 came to collect the papers and left without a word. No one else visited her after that.
It was close to midnight, and Vivi sat in the corner of the cell when she heard a strange shuffling noise nearby.
Could it be a visitor? But the gate didn't creak.
"Psst! Cutie-chan, are you still here?" an all-familiar loud whisper pierced the ominous dungeon silence.
"Bon-san!" she exclaimed happily. "Yes, I am. How are you feeling?"
"You cried so hard a while ago. I thought my heart would shatter to pieces!" Vivi heard a metallic clash.
"What is that sound Bon-san?!"
"Ah, they chained me to the walls here. Seastone chains to be exact, so I feel a little bit...down wa-yo." her fellow prisoner groaned.
"I am so sorry. I wish I could get you out of here!" Vivi said guiltily.
"Nonsense, don't feel sorry for me! We are friends and since we're still alive...there's hope that we will be out soon! I am surprised All-Sunday-chan fussed over me like that...I charmed her!"
Vivi admired her "neighbour's" bravado, especially in the given circumstances.
"You did. That's why we will probably be out of here soon!" Vivi commented in a hopeful voice.
"That's right Cutie-chan!" Mr.2 chirped, but his voice sounded weaker and more distant.
Vivi squeezed her eyes shut to stop her tears, "Goodnight Bon-chan! Please don't strain your voice." she yelled shakily.
Mr.2 didn't speak, but he must have hit something in response, as Vivi heard three consecutive chain clinks.
The next day Vivi rose out of her slumber sometime before dawn, at least that's what it read on the pocket watch. She carefully placed the useful object into the hidden pocket of the simple, beige sweater dress with cutout sleeves, which Robin brought the night before.
Thinking of the woman, reminded Vivi of the small metal jar she saw on the ground. She carefully pried it open; it contained a bit of red paint.
How thoughtful.
Vivi dotted the wall etchings with another red circle.
Day 4.
As if on cue, the dungeon gate creaked again. Vivi quickly closed the paint jar and hid it underneath her old clothes.
Miss Doublefinger?
She strained her ears.
No.
The footsteps seemed heavier and slower, but then they stopped entirely.
Could it be? He did say he will speak to me...
Sure enough, sand particles passed through the bars, and Sir Crocodile materialised inside Vivi's cell.
She knew of his ability but to see it in reality—was another thing entirely.
It unnerved her, but so did the crisis in Alabasta and this man, its cause, stood right in front of her.
"Crocodile!" Vivi hissed.
"Good morning to you too, Your Majesty." He looked around, "looks like you made yourself right at home here kuahaha."
"You are the one in MY home!" she shot back.
"Well, your Father insisted that I stay...free of charge." Crocodile smirked and took out a cigar. I need a chair here...he frowned at the lack of comfort for himself.
"You are despicable! The people love you! Alabasta opened its doors to you, and you plan to destroy this country right behind our backs!" Vivi struggled to control herself as all of her pent-up rage and frustration began to spill out.
He is the reason for all our troubles!
"They do it willingly, I didn't force your stupid people to believe me." He lit his cigar.
"But enough with your little tantrums, tell me-" Crocodile pulled out some sheets of paper, covered in her writing, "does this look like a confession to you?" he passed the papers to Vivi.
She cast one glance at the papers, before snatching them out and throwing them upwards-into Crocodile's face.
"Yes, it does! Working for you was an insult in itself, everything I wrote there is true," she said as a matter-of-factly.
"Stupid girl, your childish scrawling wasted my time!" Crocodile puffed on his cigar and exhaled the smoke into Vivi's face.
She coughed and took a step back. Crocodile looked down at her through his hooded eyes.
"Where is the poneglyph?" he demanded firmly.
"I don't think that thing is even real. How many times do I have to tell you and your people that?" Vivi placed her hands on her hips and looked at him defiantly.
Why do you have to know so badly? What is your real plan?!
"Listen to me girl, parroting your Father will only make this situation worse, do you understand?"
"What did you do to him?!" Vivi was beginning to panic.
"If you don't tell me now, I will go back to Alubarna and force it out of him if I have to. So think carefully, and try to answer my question again." Crocodile didn't even deem it worthwhile to look at her, as he carefully examined his cigar.
Naturally, Vivi worried about her Father's safety, but she also knew him well enough to understand his strategy.
She sighed.
"I repeat. I didn't even know that poneglyphs existed until Miss All-Sunday questioned me about it!"
It looks like Father didn't say anything to Crocodile about the poneglyphs, and Robin's actions from the other day, her attempt to ingratiate herself with me, also prove that neither one of them have any location leads for the poneglyph so far. If Father didn't divulge any information by this critical point-then neither can I.
"What?!" suddenly Crocodile's earlier nonchalance evaporated without a trace.
Vivi readied herself for the worst.
This is my duty as a Nefertari, protect our people, our country and our heritage!
The older man stamped out his cigar and dissipated into thin air. Vivi frantically looked around the cell and paused when she felt the coarse grains of sand on the back of her neck.
"Don't lie to me." Crocodile growled into her ear, "or do you want me to mummify you?" he threatened.
Vivi felt like her feet were transplanted into the ground; she didn't dare move a muscle. Despite the cold air, she could feel beads of sweat begin to form on her forehead due to the stress.
"Good, you should fear me. Unlike the Flamingo-fool, I won't hesitate to kill you!"
Vivi's eyes widened in shock. Therein lay the difference. One Shichibukai wanted her alive for her bloodline, and the other—dead, to secure his power in Alabasta.
A flick of realisation passed through her mind. He is using me as a bargaining chip with my Father, to get the poneglyph location and vice versa—using Father's well-being to extract information from me.
He can't kill either one of us just yet. Father is buying time, and I should do the same.
Vivi let out a long exhale.
"Someone ought to put you Shichibukais back in your places. Back into the open seas, with the rest of the Pirate scum! I heard you managed to fail even there!" she spat, knowing full well that his ego wouldn't allow that insult to slide.
Without a second of hesitation, Crocodile hit Vivi across the face with the back of his hand. It sent her flying to the ground.
"That ought to cool your head brat. Like it or not, you're still technically my subordinate...Miss Wednesday. Keep this up, and you can bid your Father farewell."
Vivi glared at him from the floor. "Don't hurt her!" Mr.2's interjected in a shrill voice from the neighbouring cell.
"Shut up! Idiot!" Crocodile barked, I told her to keep them separate...he transformed into a cloud of sand again.
He slipped through the cell bars and back into his human form.
"Your interrogation will be continued by the other agents, but I will keep an eye on your progress too. You better pray my patience won't run out." he finished before leaving for the palace grounds above.
Vivi continued to lay on the cold floor, surrounded by the scattered sheets of her "confession."
Mr.2 occasionally whispered words of support, but all Vivi could do was wait for Robin, there was no way she would be cooperative with the other agents after that.
Three Days Later
Crocodile did not visit the dungeons again after that incident, but that didn't make Vivi's imprisonment any easier. She had only herself to thank for that. Zealously adhering to her vow to give Baroque Works hell, Vivi went on a hunger strike.
She eventually provoked Miss Doublefinger, to when the agent asked her about her alliance with Doflamingo. To which Vivi replied that she should ask the Shichibukai herself if she was so curious.
That incurred the Miss Doublefinger's wrath, resulting in more lacerations and painful gashes on Vivi's back, upper arms and back.
But oddly enough, this only served to enhance her determination.
In a crazy display of solidarity, Mr.2 adamantly refused to impersonate King Cobra throughout Alabasta thereby prolonging his stay in the dungeons with Vivi and earning her utmost trust. Crocodile personally instructed Mr.1 to give the Okama a severe beating.
Vivi cried hearing the blows dealt to her chained friend. He did not make a single cry of pain, opting to insult Mr.1 instead. The dismal situation only served to strengthen the iron-clad bonds of their friendship.
Robin visited them in secret and criticised the duo for their hotheadedness. "I warned you that it will be harder for me to get you out of here, now they increased the security around the palace." she shook her head.
"I am maintaining Father's tactic, are there any news of the rebels?" Vivi ignored her concerns.
"Last I heard they are held up by the sandstorms in the desert around Katorea. They are beginning their march to Alubarna."
That was the final trigger for the younger woman. "You have to get me out of here!" I might as well agree to show her the poneglyph, if I feel uncertain later on, I can prevent her from getting to it anyway.
Robin gave her an indecipherable look.
"The Boss is growing impatient with your shenanigans...I could give him a false lead for now, but he has been more cautious around me lately, so I think I might find myself on his hit list soon enough," she explained in a surprisingly amused tone.
She sure has a morbid sense of humour, Vivi tilted her head to the side. "Then you don't have much to lose? Why don't you go with us?"
"Us?"
"I can't leave Bon-san here!" Vivi answered incredulously.
"Hmm...I suppose you could leave now if Mr.2 acts as a decoy."
"Then let's do that!"
"Psst! Girls I'm ready wa-yo!" The man in question threw in his comment.
Robin gave an exasperated sigh, "I will have to check the duty shifts for all the agents as well as the Billions first. It's better to do this on a day when the Boss is out of town too. And that's not happening until next week."
What am I getting myself into? Robin was used to shifting her jobs and locations on a regular basis, but this time she felt the risk was a lot higher than usual. But that old, caring side of her won over.
She left the prisoners with a promise to check back on them the following night.
Crocodile woke up in a foul mood, the deadline he set for King Cobra was the next day and he still had no word on an update. His brat is not cooperating either, despite our efforts.
He paced his spacious office, oblivious to the vibrant colours of the desert vista laying beyond the windows.
Standing in front of his bureau, he poured himself a drink.
He didn't want to admit it, but he had to give due credit to the Royal Family though, especially the Princess.
Her refined facade is misleading. She's a stubborn, gutsy brat...did the pink bastard see it too? Or is he having a midlife crisis and chasing even younger women now?
Crocodile heard many rumours about his rival's amorous reputation, but he also had the first-hand experience of the man's ruthless and manipulative business methods.
No. He clearly needs something more important from her, but what? Does he know of the poneglyph here too?
This time Crocodile was determined to ensure that all his efforts bore fruit. I will not let it all go to waste like I did twenty years ago...curse you Whitebeard!
He finished the smooth glass of whiskey in one go and slammed the glass on his desk; he left his office. Crocodile swiftly walked past Robin's desk in the adjacent room, that served as both, her office and a reception room for important clients and employees.
Robin was puzzled by his behaviour but knew better than to question her volatile Boss in moments like this.
The brunet, was already at the door when he paused and turned to his subordinate. "I want that report on the Katorea situation on my desk in two hours!"
"It will be there." Robin nodded, but the brooding man didn't respond and made his way out, into the courtyard of the palace.
That Nefertari brat better give me the answer today!
"Get up!" Crocodile's impressive form manifested itself in Vivi's cell.
She wasn't sleeping, it was a rare feat to accomplish given her environment, but she hadn't experienced such a rude "awakening" throughout her confinement, up until that moment.
"What do you want from me?" she asked in a tired voice, her mood practically mirrored her captor's counterpart.
"You're coming with me!" The older man dragged her out of the cell and upstairs into the peristyle.
Vivi struggled to keep up with his stride, so he unceremoniously flung her onto his shoulder like a sack of flour.
"PUT ME DOWN!" she screeched into his ear, earning a few terrified looks from the guards who scrambled out of their Boss's way.
"Shut up! I've had enough of this circus!" he roared.
They reached Robin's office room, she was just heading to place the requested report onto Crocodile's desk, but stopped in her tracks when she heard the commotion.
"What is going on?" she asked, her professional tone stealthily hid her inner panic. Has he lost his mind?!
Vivi gave her a terrified look, Robin wanted to provide her with a reassuring nod but didn't want to draw anymore suspicion.
"I will bring you the report you requested in a few minutes." she tried to break the tension by reminding Crocodile of his professional duties.
"Whatever, make sure no one disturbs me." He kicked the door to his office with a struggling Vivi in tow and slammed it shut.
Robin did as she was told while using her ability to keep an eye on Crocodile and Vivi in the office.
They had a strange "interrogation", one moment they were in a heated row, with insults flying left and right, the next, there was an icy, stubborn silence as Crocodile paced the room and Vivi stared at the wall.
But at least it seemed like Crocodile wasn't going to murder the Princess. Robin slowly got up from the desk and walked towards the large terrace.
After opening the door to the terrace, to let in some fresh air, she went back to her seat, only to close her eyes to spy on the duo next door. The peaceful morning outside did little to detract from the drama inside.
Vivi happened to throw a glass bottle at the wall because Crocodile's head dissolved into sand upon impact.
"You will need to try a lot harder fool." Crocodile reappeared on a sofa behind a fuming Vivi.
"And I won't stop trying!" She looked around for more "ammunition", I wish I had my slashers with me. But she was stripped even of her hairband as Miss Doublefinger feared she might try to harm herself again; the senior agent didn't buy her calendar story.
Vivi noticed a traditional Alabastan dagger mounted on a golden stand, hmm it's a decorative souvenir probably.
"Do you still not understand how a logia devil fruit works? Even if you had a gun now, you wouldn't be able to kill me..." as if reading her thoughts Crocodile gave her a disparaging look.
"All you have to do is tell me: where is the poneglyph?!" He blocked her view of the dagger.
"I SAID I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT! ARE YOU DEAF?!" Vivi shouted defiantly.
Robin heard a strange noise outside and quickly shifted back to her act of document organization with her back facing the terrace.
Something ruffled again. She cautiously looked around the reception, but it seemed to be empty.
Strange, I thought I heard something, maybe a bird?
The sound of a slap followed by a heavy thud in Crocodile's office instantly shifted her focus.
What did h-
"Must be tough to work for such a temperamental man huh?"
Robin froze upon hearing an unfamiliar masculine voice; she turned around to look at its source; the useless paper file slipped out of her hand.
After the exhaustive research she conducted at Crocodile's behest, she would recognize the man before her anywhere. The ensuing silence in the reception room was in stark contrast with the cacophony in the adjacent office...
Leaning comfortably on the handrail of the terrace was the infamous Shichibukai—Donquixote Doflamingo.
Robin got out of her stupor when something hard hit the door from the other side of her Boss' room.
"You have a terrible aim for an agent of Baroque Works." Crocodile's feedback passed through the door, filling the bizarre silence outside.
"Well, my terrible aim was good enough for your company to hire me! I suppose that says a lot about your standards...or lack thereof." Vivi's retorted sarcastically.
"Watch it brat!" Crocodile raised his voice.
Doflamingo grinned.
It looks like I came right in time for the show, it's been a while...hasn't it? My feisty desert cat fufufu...