A/N: Hello! Multiple POVs in this chapter, I decided to use an idiom as this chapter's title since I thought it sums it up nicely.
As always, thank you all for taking the time to read this story! And in general, thank you for the wonderful support:)
Chapter XV:Better The Devil You Know
Robin's complicated, and often unpredictable life schooled her in the intricate and lifesaving art of deception. Whenever it came to masking her thoughts or feelings, she was quite simply a natural, most of the time. But on that particular morning, it took her some effort to find the right "mask" for the man before her.
Donquixote Doflamingo ruined entire cities and kingdoms for the most minor transgressions, why is he here now?!
She could hear something slam in the other room followed by an unusual silence.
Did Crocodile kill her?!
"Good morning, I certainly did not expect such a..." distracted by the uncertain fate of the Princess next door, she struggled to find the right word.
Brushing her disturbing thoughts aside, Robin cleared her throat before continuing," such an illustrious guest so early in the day. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Hmm..is he here because for the Boss or the Princess?
Robin was unaware of any dealings between the two men, although she did sense a degree of animosity from Crocodile, whenever the blond's name was brought up anywhere.
Doflamingo smiled and casually walked towards the reception area. He paused in the mahogany door frame that led to the terrace.
What an interesting choice for a secretary Croco-man, Doflamingo tilted his head in Robin's direction.
"I have something I need to discuss with your Boss in person...but he seems to be rather preoccupied at the moment." He assessed the brunette in front of him. Surely he knows of her background; he must desperately need her skills.
Robin felt his eyes on her, she wasn't sure what to expect, and that uncertainty alarmed her. She hoped Crocodile would be closer to the entrance to catch his "colleague's" voice and deal with the situation himself, but given the spaciousness of his office, he probably wouldn't hear them anyway.
"The Boss will be here shortly. Would you like something to drink?" she let her polished professionalism gloss over her apprehension.
Doflamingo looked around the room and ran his hand over the rugged surface of the ancient stone walls of the Summer Palace. His fingers traced the hieroglyphics inscribed there. I wonder what they say, she might know...He glanced at Robin again.
Robin tensed up by the absence of any notable response. Did I offend him?
"I heard rumours that he hired a famous criminal, but frankly I am surprised to see it was the Demon Child of Ohara. A pleasure to finally meet you, Nico Robin."
Upon hearing the Shichibukai's seemingly polite tone, Robin visibly relaxed.
"That's understandable; likewise, it is an honour to meet you. I will inform the Boss of your visit. Please allow me to escort you to our meeting room first." Robin gave him a curt smile.
Anxious to go back into Crocodile's office, she looked for any excuse to get Doflamingo out of there. I hope the Princess is alright!
Doflamingo's response was cut prematurely by a muffled scream. He turned to look at the door. That's her voice.
He was beginning to feel the first signs of his impending rage.
Panicking, Robin dialled Crocodile's transponder snail, in hopes of drawing his attention away from Vivi; he didn't pick up. It sounded like the argument between the hot-headed duo, escalated even further.
"I will be with you in a moment," she whispered, with an awkward smile plastered on her face.
Robin walked towards the Oakwood door. Her hand was on the jewel-encrusted handle; recently fixed, after Crocodile tore it out.
There she heard Vivi's voice again; it was more distant now. In the background, Doflamingo strained to listen to what was said behind the heavy door as well.
Crocodile's office at the Summer Palace was smaller than its counterpart at the Rain Dinners Casino, but it consisted of two levels. Robin suspected he relocated to the upper floor after he somehow managed to silence the Princess.
Bracing herself for the worst, the tall brunette slowly opened the door. She looked around marbled space.
What happened here?! She gently shut the door behind her.
It looked like someone swept everything off the grand desk, the leather sofa was overturned, glass shards littered the marble floors. Even Crocodile's beloved cigars were out of their precious container, soaking in some spilt whisky.
Now I know why he didn't hear anything outside. Robin stepped on some shredded pieces of paper, covered in sand.
She suppressed a relieved sigh when she spotted the Princess.
Vivi was standing on the narrow staircase with her back to the entrance. Her form was rigid and tense.
"Watch what? I am not afraid of you CROCODILE!" Vivi yelled at him, her voice was hoarse at this point, but it echoed throughout the entire space.
Sitting on Robin's desk with a random file in his hand, Doflamingo heard it too.
Looking down at Vivi from the railed second level, Crocodile adjusted his golden hook, "Does it look like I care? Frankly, I am sick of hearing how much you love your damn country! Every single day I had to listen to the same idealistic drivel you Nefertaris have spewed for centuries!"
He moved towards the staircase.
I should head out to Alubarna soon, Cobra has the answer, and this brat is the key to it. He wanted to end this useless interrogation and focus on the King instead.
Vivi's eyes followed his every move; she was readying herself for another hit. She gripped the Alabastan dagger-pilfered from Crocodile's desk earlier in her hand.
"Take another step, and I will kill you," she growled.
"Go ahead." The brunet responded nonchalantly.
Robin thought it best to intervene at this point.
"Ahem, there's an important guest here to see you," she announced her presence.
Vivi whipped her head around in her direction.
"I told you to keep everyone out of here! I will be out shortly, now get out." Crocodile replied irritably.
"Alright." Robin nodded, her eyes scanned Vivi. Apart from her ripped sleeve and bleeding knee, the Princess seemed unharmed. That gave Robin a sense of short-lived relief.
Before closing the door, she caught a glimpse of Crocodile's polished shoes take the first step down the stairs—towards Vivi. She wanted to linger around, but there was another, impending issue on hand.
I need to keep an eye on Doflamingo as well.
Robin gasped when she saw the statuesque Shichibukai sit in a cross-legged position on her desk. He smirked at her reaction.
"How's the Desert Cat?" he asked.
"Pardon me?" she gave him a puzzled look.
"I meant the Nefertari Princess, how is she?" he sounded more impatient this time.
Oh. A ghost of a smile graced Robin's lips. He has a nickname for her already? Well, well, Princess looks like you caught a big fish! She wanted to find out more, but her Boss' booming voice next door, certainly didn't make it any easier to have a conversation with a guest of this calibre.
"THAT'S IT! I've had it with you! If you don't give me the location by the end of the day consider yourself dead!" Crocodile unintentionally answered Doflamingo's question. Robin was almost embarrassed for him at this point.
"The Princess...is fine." she tacitly responded to the question.
"MY PEOPLE-" Vivi's outburst was unceremoniously snuffed out.
"Doesn't sound like it." Doflamingo countered Robin's answer. He got off her desk and took a step towards the closed door the only barrier between himself and Sir Crocodile.
"Don't worry, your people will join you in the afterlife shortly. That's what you Alabastans still believe in right?!" Crocodile was approaching the entrance too, his voice rung loud and clear now.
The door swung open. Robin stepped to the side.
"Miss All-Sunday," Crocodile began in his assertive manner but stopped when he caught sight of Doflamingo.
He narrowed his hazel eyes. "What is the meaning of this?!" he hissed.
"I could ask you the same qu-"
"GO TO HELL!" Vivi hollered from behind.
In that exact moment, she hurled the dagger with all her might, like a boomerang. It whooshed through the air and cut through Crocodile's neck—effectively decapitating him.
Vivi stood triumphantly, her hands spread on the railings of the second floor. The higher vantage point really helped her hit the target.
"How is my aim now? Good enough for you?" she taunted Crocodile.
The dagger lodged itself on the side of Robin's desk; narrowly missing Doflamingo's leg.
"Oh my..." Robin whispered. This will not end well.
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow, curiously touching the dagger's golden handle... and burst out laughing.
"Had she used armament haki, you would be dead Croco-man fufufu." he said proudly. She's a wild one, he smiled.
Vivi was about to run down the stairs, towards the opened door, her only escape, but she staggered and almost fell when she heard his familiar voice.
It can't be! She hesitated to come out.
But Crocodile already "regathered" his missing body part, and blocked her way out with his intimidating form. The room settled into an ominous silence.
Blinded by fury Crocodile, did not say a single word in response to the belittling taunts of the other Shichibukai and Vivi's mockery.
Instead, he dashed back inside his office; Robin ran after him.
Within seconds Crocodile had his strong fingers around the Princess' throat.
Vivi winced in pain, and her nails dug into his hand. But that had little effect, as he dragged her out by her neck. I could snap it in half!
"Aren't you overdoing it?" Robin tried to reason with him.
"Shut up." he pushed her out of his way. Vivi gasped for air; her feet no longer touched the ground.
"I will let you have one final look at your beloved country before I throw you off the balcony," he spoke with a threatening calmness. Robin knew that he meant it this time. I can catch her with my safety net; she hoped she could at least.
Vivi was beginning to feel lightheaded. Her eyes landed on Doflamingo. She was at a loss for words. Not that her current predicament made speech possible.
Why is he here?
She would never admit to it, but seeing him there gave her a peculiar sense of satisfaction. He evoked the most unexpected reactions from her.
The man in question frowned, the second he saw Crocodile drag Vivi out towards the terrace.
He blocked Crocodile's passage like he did at the meeting in Mariejois.
You asked for it sand scum!
A few veins protruded on his high forehead. He clenched his jaw; he could almost feel his blood boil in anger. Suddenly the atmosphere in the room was saturated with tension.
Crocodile noticed the blond's ominous silence. I knew it. Vivi squeezed his wrist with both of her hands to pry it off her. But to no avail.
"Put. HER. Down." Doflamingo commanded thunderously.
"Go to hell." The other Shichibukai snarled. His grip loosened slightly during the short verbal exchange, giving Vivi a chance to breathe. Her chest heaved as her lungs filled with oxygen.
Doflamingo didn't utter another word; he sliced Crocodile's arm off with his strings. Having predicted the attack, the brunet instinctively dissolved his limb into the sand.
It took Vivi a second to realise that she was falling. Crocodile seemed even taller and missed an arm. When did that even happen?!
Her back never hit the cold marble floor, thanks to Robin's devil fruit—soft arms enveloped Vivi instead; the other agent rushed to her side.
"Now's our chance," she whispered into Vivi's ear.
The younger woman nodded, Robin helped her up. Vivi glanced back at Doflamingo; his back was turned to her, it felt strange to see him again.
I should go.
Crocodile launched an attack on Doflamingo.
"Sables!" he used the sand as a distraction manoeuvre so that he could hit his opponent with the poison-dipped end of his arm hook.
"Why are you so concerned about the Nefertari girl?" he lunged forward.
"Just felt like it," Doflamingo smirked as he dodged the sand attack.
"But what about you Croco-man? What are you really here for hmm?" the blond blocked Crocodile's unsheathed arm hook with his leg.
"None of your business. Get out." the shockwaves of their clash, sent Crocodile back onto the terrace. He landed effortlessly onto the tiled floor.
"You're saying this is none of my business and yet you had no qualms about meddling in my operations. Tsk, you're so uncouth." Doflamingo suddenly stopped his attacks.
"Is this what you are here for?" Crocodile folded his arms.
"I am here to protect my professional interests. You would do the same if you were in my position." Doflamingo approached him.
"If it's about those stingy clients of yours from the North Blue, they came to me themselves. Apparently, the price you Donquixote Family charge for the weapons was unjustifiably high. So they begged me for the goods, what idiot will refuse that? These are the basic rules of business, Doflamingo. Grow up." Crocodile explained in a cold, clipped tone.
"There's also the issue of customer loyalty; I understand that's a foreign concept to you Croco-man since you barely have any. But that doesn't mean I am prepared to share what is mine with you." Doflamingo's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Crocodile's deep-set eyes stared off into the distance; I should have gone straight to Alubarna, if I waste another hour here, Utopia will be delayed...he just had to show up here! He must want compensation for his lost clients...greedy bastard!
He made up his mind.
"Alright. How much do you want?" The older Shichibukai questioned Doflamingo, in a voice one might use to mollify a disgruntled child.
Doflamingo threw his head back in laughter.
"I don't need the money, not the pitiful sums you can give me at least...I want a dynasty you see. I doubt you can give me that either fufu."
It all makes sense now. Crocodile looked at him in disgust.
"So you want to use the Nefertari brat to help you with that? Pfft. I knew there's no limit to how low you can go..." his voice trailed off.
Crocodile spotted Robin leading Vivi out of the reception room, but he didn't stop them. The last thing I need is for him to get his hands on Alabasta's Princess! I still need her, and stubborn Cobra won't relent any other way.
Doflamingo was irked by the man's habitual condescendence.
He grinned sadistically, "How low can I go? Fufufu, you seem to forget your place! Even at my lowest, I can finish you off with ease." Doflamingo shot a string bullet, Crocodile's body reflexively disintegrated into sand absorbing the shock.
"Do you want to die? Barhan!" Crocodile swung his arm forming a massive trail of sand in the process. It created a temporary barrier between himself and Doflamingo; he used this momentary opportunity to transform himself into the sand.
The Flamingo can wait, Pluton—cannot. Crocodile knew that if he didn't get the poneglyph soon enough, the World Government will be on his tracks; especially now that Doflamingo was in his territory. And he wasn't prepared to fight it, not yet at least. Thus every minute was crucial; Operation Utopia had to be on schedule regardless of the current circumstances.
It's either all or nothing, I've invested way too much time and effort in this. With that thought, Crocodile disappeared into the desert landscape without a trace.
Doflamingo knew something was off, his hunch was confirmed when the massive, crescent-shaped sand trail, finally acquiesced to gravity. The entire terrace was covered in hues of orange and yellow, but Crocodile was nowhere to be seen.
Coward! He looked down from the balcony at the endless desert before him, looking for the man in his own element was a futile task.
The skies were clear too, so "flying" after him with the Ito Ito No Mi was not possible.
Doflamingo understood the fact but it vexed him to no end. He knew that both Robin and Vivi had left earlier.
They couldn't get away too far, especially without the sort of advantage that Crocodile possesses.
He strode out of his rival's quarters, into the peristyle of the palace. Shocked guards barely put up any resistance, he took his anger out on them anyway.
Someone must have seen them pass here. It's hard to not notice bright blue hair after all! A few of his victims gave him clues on the women's whereabouts.
Meanwhile, Robin and Vivi ran to the F-Wani stables in the northern part of the palace.
The guards stationed around the sprawling territory made way for the two women. Even though some of them suspected her dubious actions, they knew better than to question the Vice President of their organisation openly.
Robin asked Vivi to pause in an alcove near the palace kitchens. She tried to catch her breath. Still shaken by the recent developments, Vivi looked around with caution.
"What is it?" , she asked Robin quietly, the latter glanced at her watch.
"The guards in the northern wi will change shifts soon. Let's wait here until they head back. That gives us a small window to get there without any unwanted attention."
Vivi didn't want to linger around any longer, but she acknowledged the soundness of that decision. She ensconced herself further into the alcove; its cool walls pressed into her back. She rubbed her bruised neck.
Robin noticed her action, a sense of guilt crept into her conscience.
"I will take you to Alubarna, but we will have to enter the city separately. The Boss expects me and the other agents to gather there tomorrow. Most of them are there already." she whispered. Except for Mr.2...
"For Operation Utopia?" Vivi felt the recognisable sensations of panic and dread wash over her.
"Yes." Robin cast her blue eyes down. Time is running out; I need to find the poneglyph.
"I see..." Vivi replied with a hint of disappointment. So she will still help Crocodile overtake Alabasta. A part of her was glad that she withheld the poneglyph's location from the enigmatic woman. Robin sensed the change in her attitude, but there wasn't much she could do at this point.
There was one other thing, well person to be exact, that Vivi worried about.
"What about Bon-san?" she asked suddenly.
Robin sighed. "I am afraid we can't go back to the dungeons right now, who knows what Crocodile or that other man will do to you." Although it doesn't seem like Doflamingo wanted to hurt her.
She was surprised by the Shichibukai's ferocity and protectiveness, although Crocodile's deduction—that Doflamingo wanted to use Vivi to establish a dynasty—was not a pleasant revelation either, if not even worse.
"But we can't just leave him there!" Vivi protested.
Robin looked at the Princess with sadness, poor girl, you didn't ask for this lot in life did you? And yet you still care about other people despite all the things you've been through. She genuinely pitied her.
"Fine. I will bring Mr.2 to the stables; you have about five minutes to get there before the next shift arrives. Do you know the way?" Robin asked agitatedly.
"Thank you! Of course, I do." Vivi replied with newfound confidence.
Perhaps it is not too late to stop Crocodile? Maybe Doflamingo defeated him already... It all seemed so surreal to her, but seeing the cocky Shichibukai again, gave her a sliver of hope.
Robin was beginning to worry, it looked as though her mission might be unsuccessful this time around, but maybe saving Bon Clay will finally secure the Nefertaris' trust? It was worth a shot, besides Robin liked the Okama too.
They both agreed to meet at the stables within the next half hour. If either one of them failed to show up, then they would have to continue the journey individually.
Thankfully it looked like luck was on Vivi's side, for the path to the stables was unguarded, the area around was shrouded in a tranquil silence.
It was almost midday and the second shift was supposed to be there shortly. So Vivi picked up her pace.
Not a single soul, human or animal, were to be found. Everyone must have left for Alubarna, hopefully, the F-wanis are still there.
The soles of her flat shoes crunched on the pebbled path until she approached a long, rectangular building. Its bricks, once yellow, were bleached by the sun into white.
The gates to the stables were wide open, Vivi stopped near them, the area seemed clear. She took a deep breath and instantly regretted it, the stench of the giant reptiles housed inside, hit her nostrils.
Covering her nose with the back of her sleeve, Vivi stepped inside. The first two rows were empty, with no signs of the F-wanis, but she caught a glimpse of a few reptilian tails at the end of the third row, towards the back of the building.
As she neared the occupied row, she noticed a dark green snout peek out from behind the very last, shiny, metallic wall. These walls subdivided the long space into individual compartments for each animal.
Vivi instantly settled on that particular specimen.
I will lay low and wait for Robin and Bon-san. She took a look around, the area seemed clear so she broke into a run towards her chosen F-wani.
She stopped in front of the giant reptile's sleeping form, it lazily opened one eye.
Huff. Huff.
Vivi was out of breath.
"Please wake up!" , she pleaded with the reptile. It opened its other olive e and blinked a few times.
At least he's calm. Vivi smiled in gratitude, she didn't have much experience with F-wanis or any wanis for the matter. Save for the human equivalent, she thought with resentment. She gave it a gentle pat, the reptile close its eyes in content.
Something shifted behind her.
"You shouldn't run so fast, I don't want you to hurt yourself fufu." Vivi felt a chill run down her spine.
Slowly, she turned in the direction of the voice, she thought she could recognise among hundreds of others.
Her eccentric "saviour," comfortably lay on the back of another F-Wani, whose snout faced the wall of its metallic compartment.
"Doflamingo." she muttered quietly.
"Missed me Desert Cat?" he chuckled, his hands were folded behind his head.
"Thank you for helping me...again." she dodged his question. Doflamingo disapproved of her frigid tone.
It displeased him to see her being so cold and distant.
The only attributes that reminded him of the untameable spirit he encountered on Jaya, was her hair loose and matted in places and her eyes. Those wondrous orbs blazed with a determined fervour he had not seen before.
Good, that sand scum couldn't break her will, not yet at least.
He slid down the terrified F-wani.
"I told you I am more than willing to help you, remember?" Doflamingo crossed the well-trodden path that divided the space between them.
"I do." she assented in a soft voice. I remember a little too well! She eyed him sceptically.
"So where do you think you're going then hm?" he studied her features. She was clearly exhausted if the dark circles under her eyes were anything to go by.
"I am going to Alubarna." Vivi steeled her voice, her annoyance evident in the raised arch of her brow.
She turned to look at the F-wani behind her, the sunlight from the open gateway, hit her neck.
"What is that?" he asked her in a gravelly voice and pointed to her neck. The sight of the angry red marks incensed him.
His rough voice took her by surprise, Vivi swept her blue tresses to one side, revealing the full extent of her injuries from Crocodile's vice-like grip.
"I think it's pretty obvious what this IS!" She arched her neck and ran her fingers along the newly formed bruises. The soreness was a solid reminder of her confrontation with Crocodile.
Doflamingo furrowed his brows.
How dare he taint her like that? He seethed, almost ignoring the sensual angle of her demonstration.
"You're coming with me," he said with an inarguable finality.
I regretted turning down his offer before...but maybe if I pit him against Crocodile he will kill him before I even agree to the deal?
That way I wouldn't even have to go through with it and in return, we could send Dressrosa some kind of tribute?
Vivi knew that the likelihood of that kind of scenario was next to zero. But surely there could be a way to bargain with him?
"With you? Are you going to Alubrana?" Vivi asked him cautiously.
Where is Robin? She pulled out the pocket watch from her pocket, hitching the hemline of her dress in the process.
Doflamingo's eye wandered to the newly exposed expanse of her flesh.
"And what if I am?" he smirked.
Vivi shot him a disapproving look and readjusted her dress.
"Then I suppose I could join you, once Miss All-Sunday and Bon-san arrive here."
Robin should have been here fifteen minutes ago! Did she abandon me? Vivi wanted to give the other woman the benefit of doubt and decided to wait for another ten minutes.
"No. You will go with me this instant," he said simply.
"I won't." she reaffirmed confidently.
"Why do you trust that woman so much? You don't get enough trouble from Crocodile and your Rebels, that you decide to bring in the Revolutionaries here too?" Doflamingo tilted his head to the side, showing his sharp jawline.
"What?!" the bluenette was shocked by the new discovery. But her reaction only lasted for a few seconds as things began to fall into place.
Of course, Robin did state that she wasn't working for Crocodile, that it was for Ohara and "them". Them being the Revolutionaries; that's why she wanted to see the poneglyph and work here for Crocodile. They share a common goal.
Vivi tapped her index finger against her delicate lips, pondering over her options.
I don't know much about the Revolutionaries and I saw no evidence that they wanted to overthrow our government, but their dangerous reputation precedes them. But I don't even know their motives.
She gave Doflamingo a quizzical look, he seemed to take it as an invitation and closed the remaining distance between.
Vivi wanted to look away, but his close proximity made it extremely hard to do so.
She bit her lower lip. If Robin is with the Revolutionaries then trust—is out of the question! Doflamingo made his intentions clear from the start, at least of that I am certain.
She gave a frustrated exhale, the blond felt her breath on his skin.
Better the Devil you know, than the Devil you don't...how sad that it must come to this, she thought.
Like most hot-blooded men, Doflamingo appreciated beauty in all its conventional glory, but that appreciation was usually short-lived. Mainly because it was rarely accompanied by a sense of challenge, a promise of something beyond the realms of mundanity.
The Nefertari Princess was unusual in the sense that she possessed that aforementioned beauty, with all the other respective accompaniments.
He sensed it the moment she landed at his feet and looked up at him with those stormy grey eyes of hers. In short, he found her intriguingly irresistible.
"Well?" he bent down and whispered into her ear.
Don't hold back now...
Lifting her chin, Vivi looked up into his face; the tip of her nose almost grazed his own.
"I will allow you to accompany me to Alubarna, but that has nothing to do with your offer," she said firmly.
"Setting your own rules already? You know you're quite the despot, Desert Cat, fufufu. Very well then, show me the way." He placed his palm on the small of her back, gently pushing her towards the larger F-Wani he previously lounged on.
I am probably going to regret this...Vivi looked at the stables again, in hopes of catching a glimpse of Bon-san at least. But they were empty like before, even the guards did not arrive on their scheduled shifts.
She tried to settle down into the leather seat atop the F-Wani, but the heat of the desert made the material unpleasantly hot for her bare skin. She kept fidgeting.
Doflamingo, being too large for the seat, opted to lay on his quintessential coat, on the lower back of the enormous reptile, right behind Vivi's seat.
"Relax, we will have a fun trip fufufu." he laughed.
Vivi pursed her lips at his comment. She wanted to ask him about Crocodile, but remembering his earlier reaction to her bruised neck, she decided not to breach the topic. Not for now at least, I need to ingratiate myself with him first.
Despite her predicament, Vivi was glad to move on to Alubarna. She cast one final, wistful glance at the Summer Palace, the golden rays of the sun caressed her skin.
Doflamingo admired the effect.
"I will be back!" she whispered to herself.
Her companion overheard it.
"You will," he replied solemnly.
Vivi felt her face flush with embarrassment. She did not turn back again until Rainbase was left far behind.
A/N: Doflamingo is going to be more of a permanent fixture in this story from now on.