A/N:A big thank you to all my readers for taking the time to read this fic and to write to me. I apologise for the delay, I rewrote this chapter a couple of times, the title sums it lol.
Chapter XVII:Chaos
Charade?
Vivi could feel her heart pound violently against her ribcage, she held her breath and squeezed her eyes shut as she clenched the silk lining of the man's signature coat.
Her life, Alabasta, and its people have, up until now, been at the mercy of one cold-blooded Shichibukai- now another one is stepping in to claim a part of her being.
This was all too much to take, even for her.
Is he going to do that right now? He's committed so many crimes, not to mention that he comes from a line of Celestial Dragons, he probably thinks nothing of rape! But then if that's what he wanted, why would he spend so much time and effort getting here?
Her experience as a frontier agent of a criminal syndicate helped erase whatever naivety she may have had about men. Vivi could tell that he wanted her.
This fact awoke a conflicting cocktail of emotions in her; she let go of the silky fabric, allowing it to slide past her fingers.
"You're afraid of me aren't you?" Doflamingo enquired, as he relaxed his hold on her waist.
Am I?
She couldn't think anymore, all the stress and exhaustion of the past few days was catching up to her. In some ways, she was both: powerful and powerless, fearful and fearless.
Vivi was tired of this entire situation, and her life as Miss Wednesday threatened to suffocate her.
I need to end all of this.
She mustered up whatever was left of her resolve, what once seemed like an infinite pool of hope, was beginning to dry up fast.
He is right this is all a charade.
What if the Rebels left already? Or Kohza won't listen? Can I guarantee my people's safety?
Sadly she already knew the answer to that question. No, she will need a far more concrete plan or weapon to drive Crocodile out. Or better yet—destroy him.
Her gaze drifted back up to Doflamingo.
I can't spend the rest of my life being a pawn for random ambitious rogues. I can be powerful too but in a different way. I will secure Alabasta one way or another. There's no point in pretending that I can genuinely secure Alabasta on my own right now.
It was at this point that some sort of internal switch within her clicked- there was no turning back. She twisted and turned her body to face Doflamingo's chiselled visage. They were so close that she could feel his chest rise with every breath. He smelled of musk and something else, earthy and woody at the same time, she wasn't quite sure what it was exactly, but she didn't find it repulsive like the tobacco of Crocodile's cigars.
Let's see if I can use you, how you plan to use me.
As per her habit, Vivi immediately chastised herself for the thought. It all felt so forced and unnatural to her, the duality of her life as an agent and a princess created an identity crisis.
No, I just can't be that type. I need to stop, stop, thinking!
"Do you forget where I spent most of my time since I got back here hm? No?"
Before Doflamingo could even mouth a response, she beat him to it.
"Here, I will give you a recap. I was in a dungeon cell, beaten and tortured by your colleague's agents," she said coolly.
Doflamingo felt a growing sense of pride when he saw the young woman's resolve. But he had to remind her of her own mistake.
"That wouldn't have happened if you left Jaya with me. Besides, I already d-"
Vivi arched her back pressing herself into his body, Doflamingo momentarily paused. The "temptress" decided to use that as her cue.
"Do you know where I have been working for the past four years?! I did it all for this land, to protect my people and frankly, if you think you scare me...well I am way past that point. Yes, I was afraid of you in Jaya, but only because I didn't want to die before I had the chance to save my people. But when it comes to myself - I fear nothing. Not even death itself." she finished with a defiant gleam in her eyes.
" I see you've grown up.. since you don't fear me and can give such glorious speeches while being in my arms-" he smirked as he cupped her face- "am I to take that as an invitation hm?" Doflamingo asked humorously as he used his other arm to press Vivi even closer.
As her breathing shallowed, Vivi tried to steel her nerves and think of a quick answer.
If I want to have any power over my life, I can't let him toy with my emotions like this.
"Invitation? Do you still need one?" she asked him boldly but knew that her response came short on wit.
Idiot! I could do better than this.
Doflamingo raised his eyebrow. The sudden shift in her receptiveness to his offer surprised him.
In an attempt to distract him again, Vivi ran a finger along his arm. What the hell am I doing?!
"What's this?" he asked curiously. He could see past her act and was starting to find it amusing.
What sort of desert tricks are you trying to pull here girl? I know that you are not like the rest of them.
He removed his hand from her face.
Vivi panicked, her eyes searched his face for any clues. He seemed more distant to her now than he was before.
No, no I can't afford to lose his support. Not yet at least.
Doflamingo shifted his body and lay on his back, with his hands behind his head.
"Isn't this what you wanted?" she asked him quietly.
"What?" Doflamingo asked lazily.
"This!" Vivi sprung up, throwing off his coat that draped around her form.
"Have you lost your mind girl?" he growled.
"Isn't this what all men want?!" Vivi asked in a louder voice before ripping off the tattered sleeve of her dress.
She continued to try and undress; tears were streaming down her face.
I can't do this anymore. I want Crocodile out, all of you, leave Alabasta. I will sleep with you, and you can get out of here!
Her hands shook as she pulled the hem of her dress further up her thighs, but she dropped them abruptly and tried to smooth her hair.
It was as though her mind shut off and all her thoughts, emotions and memories were thrown into limbo. Frontier agent, princess, dutiful daughter, rational diplomat, and whatever other roles she had to adapt to please others and fulfil her responsibilities toppled her inner self.
All these duties and identities totalled into a paramount burden. In all these years, Vivi never had the chance to think of her happiness.
Doflamingo was beginning to understand that this was not mere desperation, but more of an indifference to herself.
Her whole existence is based around serving Alabasta. Tsk. So this is what Croco-man was complaining about earlier. Is this the secret to the Nefertaris' long rule? Pfft, your people should serve you, girl.
To his surprise, Doflamingo did not enjoy this state of affairs. Sure she was beautiful, but he was used to women flinging themselves at him or at least seem more passionate about it. And there was no joy in having a spirited young woman offer herself up as a sacrificial lamb to him.
You have so much more to learn Desert Cat!
"Take me. Do it! This is what you want right? An heir! Well, here you go. Now do it. Then kill Crocodile and get out!" she shouted.
"I can hear you; there's no need to shout girl. That's not a very flattering show you're putting on here, are you forget-"
"What?! Am I not attractive enough for you? It didn't seem that way when you had your hands all over me, a second earlier!" With dishevelled hair stuck to her tear-stained face, Vivi now tried to rip off her other sleeve. She was hysterical. With the remaining sleeve off, she proceeded to pull her dress down.
With dishevelled hair stuck to her tear-stained face, Vivi now tried to rip off her other sleeve. She was hysterical. With the remaining sleeve off, she proceeded to pull her dress down.
Doflamingo inhaled sharply when the drab fabric of her dress moved past her collarbone.
Crocodile, what did you do to her? Did you...?
No, that man was a calculative professional. Doflamingo didn't think he would abuse Vivi in that manner. Psychologically – yes. Physically – if provoked. Sexually – definitely not, but what about the other agents?
He folded his fingers into a fist and slammed it into the sand.
She was traumatised by whatever took place since she got here.
This was all too familiar to him. He scowled remembering the angry mob and the flames all around him.
It incensed him. No little fool, you must learn to harness your power and make them pay!
"That's enough!" Towering over Vivi, he grabbed both her hands in his hand; effectively stopping her "striptease".
"I'll do it. I'll do it. Please, I can..." she sobbed and mumbled incoherently.
She turned her head to the side in embarrassment. Doflamingo pulled her towards himself.
"You're a Nefertari. This behaviour doesn't suit you, I will make them all pay for every single thing they did to you, but for now," he ran his fingers through her hair, "do not say another word." He picked her up and gently lay her on his coat.
Vivi covered her face with her hands. None of this made any sense to her anymore.
Soothing warmth. Bitter cold. A paradoxical combination. But the heat, which emanated from Doflamingo's powerful form, surrounded her freezing body, and with its invisible rays—obliterated the piercing cold of the brutal desert night.
For the first time in years, Vivi felt safe. It was a bitter pill for her to swallow, but she was beginning to come to terms with the fact, that she simply couldn't bring herself to abhor the man before her.
This comforting sensation made the Princess uneasy, for she knew all too well how misleading this comfort could be.
Vivi now knew the cold, manipulative and cruel individual that dwelled beneath the glorious facade of a magnanimous, protective king.
He's like the desert itself, with its bright sun and blistering heat, and the cool moon and its chilly nights.
Have I lost my mind?! What's with these sappy metaphors?
She grit her teeth in annoyance. Doflamingo must have felt her tension as he smoothed her back. She relaxed.
"Shh...time to sleep Desert Cat, I need you to be in perfect health. Sleep. You need it." he stressed the last word with irrevocable finality.
The fact that he didn't mock her but subtly reminded her to be healthy for her upcoming duty – brought her back to reality.
No, of course, he will continue to be like this only because he needs something from me. W hat else did I expect? For him to fall in love with me and kill Crocodile expecting nothing in return?
She sighed. Whatever the hell this was, it would have to do, for now, it wasn't as though she had much to choose from anyway.
Thus Vivi let Doflamingo's "command" snuff out any impending protests on her part.
"Fine. But I would prefer to sleep by myself."
"Can't control yourself around me eh?" the blond chuckled.
"Whatever you say." Vivi sighed in exasperation.
"Fufu, very well then your Majesty." he grinned at her but didn't move.
Vivi arched her eyebrow in a silent question.
"I'll go. But first-" Doflamingo wrapped one around her waist to lift her slightly off the ground along with himself and used the other to cup her face.
Vivi pushed her hands against his hard chest.
"Wai-mmph"
In one fell swoop, Doflamingo pressed his lips against Vivi's own.
It took the bluenette a second to register what was happening, Doflamingo, however, wasn't losing any time.
He pressed his fingers into the back of her neck, giving him further access to her mouth.
To his credit, Doflamingo was surprisingly gentle at first, so much so that Vivi was taken aback by this uncharacteristic tenderness; her body visibly relaxed. Jaw slackened, eyes closed—vulnerability at its worst...or finest, depending on the perspective. Doflamingo took advantage of her state and deepened the kiss.
Vivi felt his hot, wet tongue probe her mouth as it passed between her teeth.
She tried her very best to at least attempt to resist his advances but her body moved on its own, paying no heed as to who and how it responded to.
Maybe this is for the best. Sooner or later it would happen anyway, or perhaps not?
Her hands were still on his chest except for this time she no longer pushed him away, somehow her hands fisted his shirt. Its crisp, white fabric tugged at the unexpected show of force.
So you're a passionate one too Desert Cat.
Slowly but surely, she was beginning to reciprocate, it was as though her body had disconnected from her mind. The turmoil of the dramatic events of the past few days was beginning to melt away into a quasi-past.
It all seemed surreal.
Doflamingo was well aware of the dangerously magnetic effect he could have on women, but frankly, he wasn't expecting for a woman—especially a young, inexperienced one at that—to have a powerful effect upon him. This was something new.
Whether it was her beauty, vivacity, lineage or all three (he couldn't pinpoint it exactly), in that moment- it simply didn't matter. Her delicate, pillowy lips proved to be an irresistible magnet. He was lifting her higher off the ground, savouring her taste, he breathed heavily.
Vivi felt lightheaded, her tongue battled his own as if to show that he is not the only one who can tease. If he wanted to challenge her, she was willing to give it her best despite her lack of experience in the area.
She gently tugged his lower lip with her teeth causing him to pause and inhale sharply.
I won, she looked up at him with a rebellious gleam in her eyes.
As if to prove to himself that he can overcome her innate allure—Doflamingo smirked and pulled away setting her gently on the ground. He went back to his previous resting place, away from the fire leaving a panting, flushed blue-haired royal mess behind him.
You didn't win yet fufu.
Vivi's eyes practically rounded to a pair of saucers, the stubborn remnant of her old self-clicked her mind back on.
What did I do?
He just walked away?
She was furious with herself and with him, but mostly with herself. She was ashamed of how her body reacted to his touch.
There was no denying that Doflamingo was an adept kisser but how did she lose herself in the process like that?
Fool, how did you expect to have any power over him when he just toyed with you like that?
"How dare you do THAT to me?!" Vivi yelled after him. Her voice was hoarse from the dry desert air and the oxygen-robbing "lip challenge" she just had.
"Good night Desert Cat! Sleep well ha!" the blond laughed as he waved his hand at her.
"You disgust me!" she blurted out.
"Are you sure about that?" Doflamingo shot back suggestively.
Vivi turned away and slumped down on her improvised mattress of the night—the Shichibukai's pink, feathered concoction.
Don't say anything.
She heard him chuckle in the background, sighing, she stared into the dying flames of their campfire.
Oddly enough, Doflamingo's actions did help her take her mind off her worries if only for a short moment.
I am going mad I guess if I consider kissing a Shichibukai a helpful remedy for stress.
She closed her eyes, trying to think of the speech she prepared for Kohza and the rebels, but the carefully crafted lines were broken by the far more intimate sensations she experienced just a few moments ago.
Vivi wasn't planning to sleep that night anyway, how could she? Alabasta's fate was to be determined on an ensuing day.
Little did she know that Doflamingo wouldn't be sleeping either, his sleeping draught of choice—alcohol-was in short supply in the desert after all.
Besides, it was more fun to imagine all the carnal activities he can engage the Princess in.
Her attempt to dominate him earlier, intrigued him, a tantalising sampling of what's to come if you will.
You're about to discover a whole new world Desert Cat fufu!
Meanwhile in Alubarna...
The broad, tree-lined streets of Alabasta's ancient capital were ominously quiet that night, save for the tall, brooding figure that walked its pavements with an unstoppable determination.
Sir Crocodile's expensive loafers clicked along the streets of this once grand city.
It has to be somewhere around here.
He could almost taste his victory, so close was he to finding Pluton and yet he still had to make sure that all the "components" of his meticulous plan were in their right places.
He already had a few undesirable mishaps in the form of Doflamingo, a disobedient employee, and the stubborn Nefertari father-daughter duo.
Nico Robin better stick to her end of the deal...
Crocodile knew that his brilliant partner in crime could not be trusted, but at the moment her archaeological and linguistic expertise were indispensable.
She even managed to narrow pluton's possible location down to two possible areas. Now all they needed is Cobra's "confirmation."
If she crossed the line, well, he'd make sure that was the last crossing Nico Robin would ever take in her life.
He scanned the familiar walls of the Royal Palace from beneath his hooded eyes. Who knows what could lie beneath those legendary golden domes?
The high walls surrounding the palace grounds were devoid of any helmeted outlines of the local guards.
This was the sign he needed, his lips curled into a satisfactory smile
At least Mr.1 knows what he's doing.
Time to pay old Cobra a visit kuahaha.
Thanks to the dynamic efforts of Mr.1 and Miss Doublefinger, King Cobra's state was reduced to that of a virtual prisoner within his own palace.
His once mighty loyal subjects—Chaka and Pell- were knocked unconscious and tied up
with sea prism chains back in the throne room.
The wise King himself was unceremoniously locked up in his study with the senior Baroque Works duo guarding the door outside. To make things even worse—the rebel forces taunted the royal guards at the city walls and he could hear it all.
He paced the room for over an hour, worried for Vivi, Alabasta and the possible consequences of Crocodile's poneglyph discovery.
I can't let that man, or anyone else for the matter, decipher the contents of that poneglyph. The Nefertaris protected it for millennia and we have to continue to do so for the sake of the entire world!
Cobra looked up towards the ceiling and ran his fingers through his hair.
How can I stop this chaos?
He walked up to the door and hit its aged surface with his fist.
"Where is my daughter?! How long are you planning to keep me here?!" he roared.
Miss Doublefinger sighed on the other sighed.
"Please save all your questions and ask our boss directly. He should be here soon," she replied nonchalantly.
"I see." he answered frustratedly as he slumped down to the floor with his back against the door.
Vivi, please be safe. This is not what I promised your mother. Forgive me Titi...
A sound of rapidly approaching, forceful footsteps on the other side of the door cut through his melancholic thoughts.
"Ah we've been expecting you." he could hear Miss Doublefinger greeting someone else.
Crocodile.
How do I lead him off course? Cobra slowly stood up and walked towards his desk.
He faced the door.
Here it comes. He braced himself for the worst.
The door swung open revealing a sneering Crocodile in its wake.
"Your Majesty, it's so good to see you again."
"Where is my daughter?" Cobra snarled.
"Tsk. Straight to the point eh? And here I thought you were renowned for your wisdom..." Crocodile turned around to gesture something at Mr.1. The latter nodded and left with Miss Doublefinger in tow.
He turned back to Cobra.
"Don't worry the Princess is alive and kicking-," Cobra sighed in relief, "for now that is kuahaha! My agents are bringing her here as we speak."
This last, partially confirmed situation, really bothered him, but Miss All-Sunday assured him she had the Princess with her. She even had her speak, well exchanged a barrage of insults, with him over the transponder snail.
So it seemed like the VP of his organisation knew what she was doing but something just didn't feel right. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Then there was the issue with that Flamingo bastard...
There was still no word on his colleague's whereabouts, Miss All-Sunday said she hadn't seen him as she left during their fight. The other agents haven't seen him but Mr.1 did mention that the Billions stationed there, were not responding to any calls.
Thus Doflamingo was currently unaccounted for.
That in itself was deeply troubling but Crocodile had no other choice but to press on as the rebels were already laying siege to the walls of Alubarna.
Time was running out.
"So you came to me because-" Cobra began but was silenced when Crocodile grabbed him by the embroidered collar of his royal robes.
"Look here I am done with all this tedious talk. So I will ask you again," he hoisted the King up by his collar. "Where is the poneglyph? Or even better, where is Pluton?" he shook Cobra in the air.
To his credit, the man looked unfazed despite his current predicament, his feet no longer touched the ground.
He looked down at his "interrogator."
"I said it once, and I will say it again: I have never heard anything about a poneglyph in Alabasta! And what is this Pluton?" he barked back.
"Don't lie to me!" Crocodile flung Cobra into a large bookcase.
The older man's frame shattered parts of the antique furniture, dislodging numerous books in the process.
He lay among them wincing in pain.
"I am not lying. I really don't know." he huffed.
"His Majesty leaves me no choice then." Crocodile rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck.
"Go ahead, kill me," Cobra said simply as he rose to his feet, pulling a rather large splinter out of his shoulder along the way.
"That would be too easy, you wasted too much of my time as it is. You Nefertaris like to throw your lives around, but we both know that I won't kill you or your daughter until I am certain that I squeezed every last bit of information out of you. Come, let's see who can crack first, the King or the Princess." Crocodile pushed Cobra out of the room.
"Where are we going?" the King asked.
Does he know already?
"Your tomb kuahaha!"
Meanwhile on the Outskirts of Alubarna...
Parched and exhausted Robin hopped off a disgruntled Banchi and used her devil fruit to create a makeshift ladder up the city walls for herself and Bon Clay.
They had to work quickly as the Rebel forces were centred at the city gates, this was one of the few deserted areas.
"Looks like the final showdown is about to take place if they can't even spare soldiers for this part of the wall. Do you think Cutie-chan is here already?" the hoarse voice of her travel companion rose behind her.
"She might be, but then they must have taken the traditional route if we didn't see any tracks on the way here."
If that's the case, there is no way she will be able to stop the Rebels now.
"We should have taken it too! I thought I will die wa-yo!" Bon Clay exclaimed dramatically.
"And yet here you are fufu, I told you I have to meet the Boss before noon."
"Even when he doesn't even try, that man still manages to give me hell!"
Robin simply laughed at the Okama's comment.
They rode all night along the shorter, less-traversed route between Rainbase and Alubarna. They had to be on alert as their path lay among cliffs and even Banchi struggled to navigate the serpentine roads.
Crocodile's numerous calls complicated things even further but luckily Bon Clay used his devil fruit powers to emulate Vivi thus convincing the paranoid Shichibukai that Robin had her in tow.
If it hadn't been for her devil fruit powers, they would have been dead by now, thankfully they made it out alive and on time but Robin was at her physical limit.
She scaled the walls and hopped lightly onto the other side. Bon Clay jumped down with his signature grace and quickly stood up into a fourth ballet position.
"Landed wa-yo!"
Robin gave him a pat on the shoulder with her extra limb.
"Now what?" he asked.
"First let's find some water, then I need to meet the Boss just near the Royal Mausoleum. But as for you, well yo-"
"I will go look for Cutie-chan." he blurted, effectively interrupting Robin.
"Try not to draw too much attention to yourself." Robin sighed.
"Don't worry I can blend in with ease remember?" Bon Clay touched his cheek and turned into a typical Alabastan citizen.
"My, how convenient! Your Clone Clone Fruit would have really helped me back in the day." Robin smiled sadly.
"Sunday-chan, can I ask you a question?" Bon Clay asked her suddenly.
They entered an empty guardhouse.
Robin nodded, as she looked around the dark space in hopes of finding some water.
"Why do you still work for him?" the Okama enquired in an uncharacteristically serious voice.
"Why do you ask?" Robin countered playfully as she took a break by sitting on a discarded sandbag.
"Well you clearly disobeyed his orders on a number of occasions, I wouldn't be out here today if you did as he told you to." Bon Clay spoke as he helped her search the area.
"We're in luck!" Robin grabbed a terra-cotta jug and drank hungrily from it before quickly passing it to Bon Clay.
The latter mirrored her actions.
"I work for him because I have no other choice at the moment."
"Pah." the tall man finally separated his parched lips from the mouth of the jug. "What do you mean? Is this about that poneglyph?" he raised his brow.
"How did you know?"
"I heard you both mention it in the dungeons."
Well, then you can put two and two together to guess who I am. Robin studied his face, anticipating the usual looks of terror and disgust when people recognised her as the Demon Child of Ohara.
But it looked like Bon Clay hadn't realised it yet because he stared back at her with a puzzled expression.
"Yes it is about the poneglyph." she answered shortly.
She waited. Still nothing.
"Okay, so what about it?" he asked.
"He wants me to read it for him." she folded her arms.
"Sunday-chan YOU can read them?!" he shouted.
"Shh! Yes, you still don't get it? I am Nico Robin."
"Oh, that's why." Bon Clay seemed unimpressed.
"That's it? That's all you can say? I am also known as the De-" she was beginning to find his ignorance amusing.
"The Demon Child of Ohara, yes, yes who hasn't heard of you? But you can read these things because someone taught you ages ago. That's not impressive. If you learned that on your own in the last couple of years, I would have been floored!" he pressed the back of his hand to his forehead imitating a swoon.
"So you're not afraid or disgusted by me?" she asked him in surprise.
"Pfft, why should I be? You're my friend. Besides, you helped Cutie-chan, another friend of mine. How can I be disgusted by you? The bonds of friendship are sacred to me. I don't care who you are yo!" he smiled brightly at her.
"Thank you." Robin gasped.
"So why do you need to read these poneglyphs?"
"I need to know what happened during the Void Century. And the only way I can get closer to that is by piecing together what all the poneglyphs are saying," she explained gravely.
"I see, so you had no interest in Utopia."
"Utopia isn't Crocodile's goal. He is going after a dangerous weapon, I don't know what he will do with it exactly but this is the real reason for him to set up this whole operation. I am sorry but I helped him dupe you and the other agents to join Baroque Works."
"AH so he was lying from the start, I was a fool to buy that! But even if this was his goal, I would be out of the race by now anyway ha!"
"I guess you can put it that way." Robin laughed.
"Well yours is a noble cause indeed yo." Bon Clay gave his admiring "verdict", "Let me help you!"
"Are you sure you want to?"
"Of course, I'd be honoured too, helping friends, seeking truth amidst a cruel society, that's the Okama way yo." Bon Clay pressed his palm to his chest and stretched out his other arm into the air.
"Then be on standby for now and don't yourself killed." Robin handed him a mini transponder snail.
"Roger that yo!"
They laughed and took a short rest in the guardhouse, Robin left soon after that to the meeting point.
I am one step closer to discovering the truth, for Ohara and you...Mother.
Robin made her way to the Royal Mausoleum on the outskirts of the Palace, if her deductions were correct, then the poneglyph would be in the catacombs below the tombs of the Nefertari rulers.
The maps she perused in the archives did indicate an additional floor there, although this may have been just a simple transcribe error.
But Crocodile jumped at the chance and said he will get the Nefertaris to confirm it themselves. Her real "Boss", the Revolutionary Dragon, cautioned her on the methods she was to use to extract this information from the King or his daughter but Crocodile and the other agents beat her to it already.
Talk about a difference in leadership skills. She sighed.
Robin walked past the panicked citizens, some barricaded themselves inside, others huddled together on the rooftops waiting for the Rebels and the Royal army to clash.
The air was thick with tension, cries and shouts could be heard in the distance.
This isn't fair.
Robin quickened her pace and rounded the corner before finally finding herself in the tree lined alley that led to the mausoleum.
It was completely void of any living soul.
How fitting.
The alley finally ended and she could see the entrance to the ancient crypts.
Sir Crocodile stood at its front, lazily puffing a cigar.
"You are late." he said sternly.
Robin was about to apologise to her Boss but lost her line of thought when she saw King Cobra behind Crocodile. His hands were pinned to the walls of the tomb, red blood streamed down the cream coloured walls of his ancestral burial ground.
"I apologise for the inconvenience but I had to pacify the Princess." she glossed her shock with as much professionalism as she could muster.
"Wh-what did you do to Vivi?" Cobra croaked, he had blood on his face too.
I am so sorry. None of you deserved this!
Robin really wished the Revolutionaries would have intervened at this point, but it was too late and Dragon was adamant about keeping a low profile.
"What do you think? his Majesty has graciously offered to guide us to the poneglyph. Took me some time to convince him though. I thought it was quite fitting to have him here, this is where all the Nefertaris go to in the end kuahaha."
"I guess it is. But I find it a tad macabre even by your standards Mr.0..." she responded in her usual manner.
"Shut up, has the battle started?" Crocodile asked as he adjusted his coat.
"Not yet, but the Rebels are about to break through the city gates." Robin noticed how the King lowered his head at her words.
"I see, well, in that case, I need to check the clock tower just in case. In the meantime take His Majesty down and wait for me here. We do need a Nefertari down there after all."
"Yes, I will do that." Robin nodded as she crossed her arms sprouting new limbs around the King.
"Oh and one more thing," Crocodile turned to look back at Robin and Cobra, "is there any news on the pink nuisance?"
"No, still no sights of him."
"Hmph. Well in that case, please excuse me, your Majesty, I have some more business to attend to before I finish you off, see you soon kuahaha!"
And with that, Crocodile's form dissipated into thin air.
Cobra spat out a blood clot in disgust. He hissed in pain when Robin pulled out the remaining nails from his palms.
"I am sorry that things had to come to this," she whispered.
"I am not going to thank you for this Nico Robin."
Of course, he would know who I am; they must have an archive of my wanted posters especially if they have a poneglyph here.
"I know, and you have every right not to," she responded apologetically.
"Where is my daughter?"
"Please give me a minute I will explain."
Cobra nodded as he watched Robin pull out a transponder snail.
"It's time, come to the meeting point." said into the device.
"Coming wa-yo!" Bon Clay's shrill voice rung out throughout the empty square around them.
Robin sighed and hung up.
"Alright, let's take a seat in the shade." Robin smiled at the older man.
"Is she okay?"
"Yes, yes, the Princess is incredibly strong and smart. Last time I saw her, she was alive and well."
"Last time?!" Cobra exclaimed.
"I am sure she is alive and well even now if she is still with her travel companion that is." Robin gave a soft laugh. She still couldn't quite believe it.
"Please elaborate!" Cobra demanded impatiently.
"She will be in Alubarna soon, with a powerful ally. You may have heard of him—Donquixote Doflamingo."
"WHAT?!"
Cobra was rendered speechless. He only recently came to terms with the fact that his daughter, his precious baby, infiltrated a criminal syndicate at the age of 14 to save her kingdom and now this!
"Yes, I still don't understand it myself, so that's something you will have to ask her directly. But I will tell you this, the infamous Heavenly Yaksha even fought Crocodile for your daughter."
"You couldn't even make this up." the King shook his head in disbelief.
Robin nodded in agreement. There was another topic she had to breach with him.
They settled into an uncomfortable silence. Robin noted Cobra's resolute expression.
She took a deep breath before clearing her throat.
"So there really is a poneglyph here?" she asked him hesitantly.
"You know the answer already. I guess you will be able to understand its contents easily," he said bitterly.
"Of course. But don't worry, I won't give Crocodile the exact translation." she gave him a mysterious smile.
"What do you mean?" Cobra asked her in surprise.
"I have to know what happened during the Void Century. I made a vow that I will complete the work of the Oharan archaeologists. The government knowingly destroyed Ohara and all our people, obviously, they are hiding something. And these poneglyphs are my only clues to what it could be."
The King was taken aback by the archaeologist's passion.
"What happened to Ohara was a senseless barbarity, but you shouldn't question the government so openly. Especially not on the poneglyphs."
"That is true, but then why do you endanger yourself by keeping it in your kingdom? Entire nations have been erased just for keeping it here, but you have it in your family's tomb. Why?"
King Cobra hesitated for a moment.
Can this woman be trusted? Obviously not, but why do I feel like she can be?
He sighed.
"To protect it." he concluded.
Robin's azure eyes widened in shock.
"This is unprecedented! Is this why the Nefertaris never left for Mariejois?" she gasped.
"Something like that. I myself wonder what happened during the Void Century, why my ancestor was so determined to protect this thing that he created a special vow for all his heirs to take upon their ascension to the throne. To protect I can't share its contents with anybody until I am on my deathbed."
He looked intently into her eyes.
"Nico Robin, whatever you do, I implore you, DO NOT tell another living soul about the message from that poneglyph. Can you do that?"
"You already know the answer, if you didn't think I could you wouldn't ask me to do so in the first place."
Cobra laughed.
"You're right."
He saw a tall figure in the distance.
"Is that your partner?"
Robin turned around.
"Ah yes Bon Clay, he will be our decoy."
Robin's plan was to whisk Cobra back to the now deserted palace and have Bon Clay impersonate him at the mausoleum.
"Find a safe place in the palace and wait for the Princess."
"Would he be alright?" Cobra asked with concern.
"Don't worry about me your Majesty, Sunday-chan and I will get out of there before Croco-yaro!"
Cobra nodded. He proceeded to describe the location of the dismantling mechanism inside the tomb and how it worked.
"Don't forget it's the irregular brick next to the entrance to the poneglyph. You will only have about 5 minutes to get out of there." He warned the rebellious agent duo.
"Thank you. I have a backup weapon." Robin pulled out a test-tube with water. "This will negate his devil fruit powers making him vulnerable to physical damage."
"Just water?" Cobra gave her an incredulous look.
"Yes, I was surprised too wa-yo!"Bon Clay interjected.
Robin laughed at their reactions.
"In any case, we better hurry, he will be back here soon. Mr.2, I am counting on you."
The latter nodded as he smeared some of the King's blood to give his impersonation "more authenticity."
Robin and Cobra finally reached the Palace, she left him on the spacious terrace of his throne room.
"I am sure that your daughter will be here soon." she said softly.
"I hope so too. Good luck." the King gave her a nod.
"Thank you." she whispered before giving him a small bow.
She headed back to the mausoleum. Leaving Cobra to tend to his incapacitated bodyguards.
Robin's heels clicked along the familiar, tree lined alley.
I have a bad feeling about this. Well, I guess it will be a death befitting an archaeologist, at an ancient tomb. Her morbid sense of humour found its moment to shine even at atime like this.
In the Skies above Alubarna
Doflamingo made the most of the sparse clouds that dotted the sky that day after Vivi insisted on going there faster.
The poor f-wani was supposed to follow them on the ground, but he just couldn't keep.
"See Desert Cat, I told you I will get you there faster than that reptile."
"Yes, yes. You were right. Can we just focus on finding the area where the rebels camped?"
"I am only letting you tell me what to do because you are under a lot of pressure fufu. But pretty soon I will relieve you of it." he let his large hand stroke her thigh.
Vivi, perched on his back, slapped away his hand away as she held onto his coat with her other.
"So violent fufu, I could just flip around and drop you."
"Then how will you get your heir?" she quipped sarcastically.
"Hmm, you're right. Perhaps I should drop you after you give him to me fufu."
I won't be surprised if you do. Vivi gulped.
"Can you just let me focus please?"
"Suit yourself, but how often did you fly through the desert skies? It's a rare opportunity you know." the blond smirked.
"Actually, growing up, I flew here almost every day." Vivi mentally wiped the smirk off his face.
"Is that so? And how did you do that?"
"One of our guards, Pell, would let me fly on his back." she smiled fondly at the memory.
"A flying zoan then. Impressive."
Suddenly Doflamingo spotted a large number of tents below.
"It's here! Let's descend!" Vivi yelled.
Doflamingo whooshed down at a teeth-jarring speed.
Under normal circumstances, Vivi would have been delighted to fly at such an incredible speed but now was not the time for enjoyment. Besides she had no desire to placate his enormous ego any further.
Doflamingo landed perfectly on his feet, Vivi jumped off his back even before he did so.
"You're even more impatient than me Princess."
He looked around.
Well, it looks like you missed them.
The camp was completely empty.
"I am too late." she whispered in horror, the blood drained from her face.
As if in a daze, she ran back to Doflamingo.
"Let's fly up again! They must be further ahead!" she shouted.
"You know what that means right? Further ahead could only mean one thing."
"No! Don't say it! We can catch up to them." Vivi pleaded.
Doflamingo stretched out his hand.
"Climb up."
She did as he told her.
Shortly after Doflamingo ascended the sky, they heard distant sounds of commotion, gunshots, shouts.
Time to accept my offer. Ah, war, let's see who will write the history today fufu.
"No, no, no!" Vivi screamed.
By this point, she could make out the tiny figures of the Rebels and the Royal Soldiers, their polished armour shining in the sun.
"STOP!"
"Let's get down to stop them!" she shouted at Doflamingo.
"Don't be a fool. They can't hear you, there are hundreds of thousands of people down there."
"Please, you can make it stop can't you?" she cried.
"Do you accept my offer?" his voice boomed over the cacophony of sounds below.
"..."
"Well?"
They flew over the city walls and that's where the cloud path ended.
But Doflamingo was not going to let her go until she gave her answer.
He aimed for the shiny domes of the palace, shooting out another string, he used it as a zip-line to shuttle them to there.
"I-"
"Hurry, your people are at each other's throat Desert Cat."
Vivi shut her eyes tight.
She could hear the clinks of metal in the distance and the voices got even louder.
"For the King!" "For a new Alabasta!"
For Alabasta.
Vivi exhaled sharply and opened her stormy grey eyes.
"I accept your offer," she spoke firmly into his ear.
"Good."
He landed with a loud thud onto the palace terrace.
The impact knocked Vivi off his back, but he caught her before she hit the ground.
He looked down at her as he held her delicate form in his hands.
She noticed how the sun lit up his hair again like before.
There's no turning back now. I will destroy you Crocodile and I won't let you control me Doflamingo.
"Vivi?!" a cracked voice called out for her.
She snapped her head to the side, towards the direction of the voice she had longed to hear for so long.
"Father!" Vivi jumped down and ran into her father's open arms.
"You're alive!" he hugged her tightly.
King Cobra beamed with joy at his daughter, he closed his eyes in an attempt to hide his tears from her.
"I am so glad you're okay," her voice was muffled by their embrace.
"I've missed you so much!" He gently patted her back before pulling away to greet the tall, infamous Shichibukai.
Cobra cleared his throat.
"Donquixote Doflamingo. I finally get to meet you. Welcome to Alabasta, although I wish it was under less volatile circumstances." King Cobra gave him a polite smile.
"Your Majesty, what an honour fufu." Doflamingo grinned and nodded in acknowledgement.
"What brings you to our Kingdom?" Cobra's eyes scanned the large man before him.
Why did you help my daughter?
Doflamingo threw his head back in laughter.
"Where do I even begin fufu?"