Chapter XXII: Life Lessons
"You can teach a viper to eat from your hands, but you cannot take away how much it likes to bite."-Madeline Miller, Circe
Vivi cared little for dinner parties and other social events held among the upper echelons of Alabastan society. "Frivolous," was the laconic verdict she gave them. Years ago, King Cobra thought she did well to stay away from all that, believing that it kept her grounded and in tune with the populace.
The Alabastan nobility must have thought otherwise, for a number of prominent figures threw their support behind Crocodile, even before the war broke out.
As Miss Wednesday, Vivi uncovered their names, and the means through which they supported the former Shichibukai, she even handed a list of those people to her Father. Who told her to "wait and see" and that "forgiving them will curry more favour in the years to come."
Previously, Vivi would have been a staunch supporter of her Father's benevolence, but after seeing and knowing what Crocodile did first hand, she wasn't so sure anymore. The time she spent with Doflamingo also opened her eyes to the scope of possibilities and ways of handling power.
How would Doflamingo deal with them I wonder? Would he punish them himself?
She shuddered at the grim image of maimed bodies stacked at his feet, like a hawk her mind swooped back to the present. Another trick she began to perfect from her days as an undercover agent.
I need to focus on the reception.
Standing before a large mirror, Vivi was taken aback by her own reflection.
The events of the past few months left little time for matters of personal comfort let alone any sartorial variety. She knew how to appreciate beauty but it was not a quality she actively cultivated in herself nor searched for in others.
Yet here she was with her hair up in a chignon and clad in a form-fitting dress that reached just above her ankles. It looked anything but Alabastan. The bodice was made of delicate lace interspersed with pearls and crystals. Long silk tassels cascaded down the shoulders, revealing and concealing her alabaster flesh at the same time.
All this was cinched by a sheath skirt layered with shorter tassels that swayed to and fro with every step she took, creating an elegantly provocative illusion that there was nothing else beneath them.
Vivi had to admit that she liked it.
That blond pervert will probably tease me into oblivion. Or would he react differently this time?
The skin on the back of her neck tingled as Vivi recalled the electrifying sensation that rippled through her body when his lips pressed against her neck a mere few hours ago.
She shivered thinking of what he could do to her in that gown. When did she start seeing him through this prism of carnality?
If Terracotta noticed Vivi's distraction she chose to keep her observations to herself.
Our Princess has been through so much already.
Sensing the elder woman's atypical silence, Vivi cleared her throat in a feeble attempt to liven up the quiet atmosphere.
"Where did you even find this?" she smiled back at Terracotta.
"This was one of the many gowns your Mother brought over from Water 7, she never wore it here and kept putting it in the back for a special occasion but-" her voice trailed off.
But she never lived for it. At least a part of her can be with Vivi today. Sighing wistfully, Terracotta's eyes met Vivi's grey ones in the mirror.
No words were needed for this.
Blinking back tears Igaram's wife clucked in approval.
"Their designs are very different to ours of course but by the Gods do they suit you!" she exclaimed trying to quickly cover up the old wound.
"Ah, that explains the cut, I've never seen anything like it in Alabasta, or anywhere else really." Vivi spun around to see the fluid movement of all the tassels.
It was a clever colour choice too, a pale aquamarine that could almost pass for white if it weren't for its luminous icy blue sheen that complemented her hair. Not quite the bridal dress but then this was not a "wedding" and she wasn't exactly a bride either.
Wearing her mother's dress gave her the courage to face some of the traitorous nobles as if her spirit would protect Vivi from the power hungry and duplicitous guests below.
Mentally chastising herself for the lewd thoughts that involved this beautiful keepsake and Doflamingo moments earlier, she brushed off the imaginary dust off the smooth silks, as though she wanted to purify them.
"This will be my amulet for tonight then, you chose well Terracotta, thank you!" she felt her throat constrict as she wondered what would her Mother think of her and this entire marriage situation.
Having raised Vivi herself, Igaram's wife knew just how much Vivi cherished whatever fleeting memory she may have had of Queen Titi.
"Her Majesty would have been so proud of you! We all are!" Terracotta blinked back the tears that threatened to spill out of her droopy eyes.
Vivi reached out to hug her.
"I missed you!" she whispered into the older woman's ear. And you Mother, I wish I could have known you better.
"So did I, dear girl! You have done so much for us! More than I could ever imagine. Please live your life for yourself now." Terracotta gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Vivi's ear.
"Don't worry I will be alright." Vivi beamed at her.
"Please don't sacrifice yourself for the sake of this Kingdom anymore," was what Terracotta wanted to say, no, beg of her, but King Cobra came in to pick up his precious daughter.
The distinct soft rustle of his royal robes alerted Vivi to her father's presence, who froze in the doorway.
There was so much emotion in his dark eyes at that moment that even Terracotta failed to offer him the customary greeting as befitted his station.
"Father, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Vivi panicked.
Cobra shook his head, as the remnants of the memories he so carefully buried deep within the vestiges of his mind, flooded his consciousness. He would only ever dare to reminisce in his quiet moments of solitude where no one can catch him off-guard.
A habit he adopted to honour the pledge he made to his late wife.
"Promise me you will never show her any remorse or sadness over the time we had together? That if you ever mention me, it will be done so with mirth in your eyes or a smile anything but the look you are giving me now. Please!
When Vivi is upset—comfort her for the both of us, when she is happy—rejoice for the two of us, when she is in danger—protect her as though I am still here and can sacrifice my life for her along with yours. Do whatever it takes to lift this shadow off her childhood, I know you can do it, Dear. I am sorry that I failed you both."
An ailing Titi would fervently whisper in his ear while a 3-year-old Vivi wailed outside the closed doors, wanting to see her mother.
Like fragments of a broken vase, the pieces of their short-lived idyllic family life flashed before him.
There was Titi, the first time she caught his eye, her radiant smile and the challenging spark in her eyes.
There she was again helping a little Vivi take her first steps around the gardens.
Soft, pudgy fingers of his toddler daughter wrapped around his head and Titi's melodic laughter.
Vivi's uncanny resemblance to her mother was as clear as day but Cobra knew the differences better than most of course.
His daughter had a very different bearing, graceful but without the gentleness her mother had, her eyes despite their colour still carried his intensity, the way her brow furrowed when she would get angry or chewed her lip when lost in thought. Her voice was lower and of course, there were moments when she got herself into so much trouble and mischief that had most definitely come from him and not Titi.
But none of these differences took away from the fact that Vivi was still a living memory of her mother and he was about to lose her all over again.
Perhaps in another life and time, we could all be reunited again as a family, but not this one. This is the price I paid for this Kingdom. This is what it means to be a Nefertari...in eternal service of Alabasta.
A tear ran down his cheek.
"I—I am sorry I failed you both." his voice cracked.
Vivi ran up to him, "Father! What are you talking about? You didn't fail anyone!" she led him gently to sit on a chair, terrified of just how frail he had become since the last time she left him four years ago.
Terracotta fetched him a glass of water while wiping her own face.
Vivi had never seen him like this. Not even after her mother's death. She did hear shouts and the sound of breaking glass from his study but as soon as he came out, his eyes were red but there were no tears.
She would never forget what he told her then, as small as she was.
"Your Mother had to leave for the Field of Reeds before I could. But she made me promise that you and I will have the best possible life that we can have before we can join her. So what do you say? Are you in?"
He'd ask her with a forced smile.
It must have hurt him in ways I could never imagine, Vivi cradled his head in her arms and kissed his forehead. It dawned upon her that her Father never even had the chance to even properly mourn for the love of his life because Queen Titi's last will requested no formal mournings or anything of the like that would remind Vivi of her "early departure."
She was so selfless just like you, Father.
"Papa, you gave me the happiest childhood I could never even dream of, you taught me so much, I-I don't even know where to begin! The only thing you failed at is caring about yourself for once!"
"Princess Vivi is right, H-his Majesty can be a stubborn old oaf sometimes!" Terracotta chimed in.
Both father and daughter snorted at that.
"I can see why Igaram always volunteers on these long-distance assignments now ha!" Cobra quipped.
"Oh! I can't believe you'd say that!" Terracotta huffed in mock indignation as she playfully 'stormed out' of the room to give the little family whatever time they had left together.
She pitied their King, knowing what he went through and how he came out of it and now to lose his daughter to another Shichibukai but on a more permanent basis must have been heartbreaking.
"You shouldn't have said that Papa!" Vivi giggled.
Cobra loved it when she addressed him the same way she did as a child.
"Vivi, you are everything I have left in this life." He tapped her on the nose, she smiled at the familiar gesture, "regardless of what happens please come back home. I respect traditions but you really do not have to marry anyone against your will. Is this really what you want?" he searched her face for answers.
A resolute glint in her eyes said all he needed to know. He knew it would be useless to try to talk her out of this again but when it came to his daughter, King Cobra was willing to forgo lots of sensible actions.
"Father this is my decision, I agreed to Doflamingo's deal myself. Let it be one of the first decisions that I make as Alabasta's future ruler. I do not wish to lay to waste all the hard work that you and our people have put into this country. This is a learning experience for me too, and one I and this Kingdom stand to gain from."
Cobra sighed in defeat. I couldn't have said it better myself. You were born to rule...better than I ever could, just as your crazy Grandfather always said.
"Fine, it pains me to do this but I will respect your decision."
Vivi squeezed his hand.
"But you better come back here as soon as you can."
"Of course, there is no need for me to stay there longer than necessary and Doflamingo thinks so too." she assuaged his worries. Did Doflamingo even think so? Actually, how did he think any of this will work later on? Maybe he doesn't really intend for this to be long anyway.
The latter seemed highly probable to Vivi, she wished she had a Devil Fruit like one of his subordinates to see through his mind. I wonder what that woman saw in there...
"Good." Cobra nodded fishing her out of her reverie, "in that case we better head to the waiting room before the guests arrive."
Ever the gentleman despite his injuries, he got up and opened the door for her.
Doflamingo lounged upon a windowsill couch overlooking the vista below.
He grew to appreciate all the varying shades of golds, oranges and whites that the desert dunes possessed. The environment wasn't as vibrant nor forgiving like Dressrosa but it had a magnetic, raw charm nonetheless.
It was as though the thick blankets of sand hid layers upon layers of history and secrets lost to time and waiting for someone to uncover them.
Poneglyphs? Weapons? Secret cities? Anything can be hidden here. How fascinating!
The heat was intense even for someone like him, his long fingers moved down to expertly unbutton his shirt again, only to pause and move back to the cool, smooth surface of the windowpane.
Not one to normally conform to any societal standards, Doflamingo uncharacteristically opted to button up, not all the way, of course, his usual, crisp white shirt (a fresh one tailor-made for him this morning) he paired it with cropped black trousers. A little too informal for the occasion but he stopped wearing suits about a decade ago..the day after he shot his brother.
They're too constricting, or at least that's what he told himself.
Pressing his fingertips against the glass, something he did even as a child in Mariejois, Doflamingo closed his eyes in contemplation.
Once I have an adequate heir, I can expand further into the New World, but I will need to deal with the others first...
As he went through his plans for the umpteenth time, Doflamingo's azure eyes drifted to the cerulean sky and then down to the way it contrasted with the sand below.
Just like her hair against my skin.
He smirked remembering how her body felt against his. She wanted more eh?
His mind conjured up another set of images in place of his complex plans. These featured more "mortal" subjects with a fixed colour palette of turquoise, ivory, grey, pink and gold.
It didn't help that he hadn't had his release since Dressrosa, Doflamingo was a man of many passions and sex was rarely denied him nor could he remember a time that he abstained from it.
What kind of lover will the Desert Cat turn out to be? I could mould her into anything I want...but where's the fun in that fufu!
As if on cue, the object of lustful musings opened the door to the waiting room, closing it softly behind her.
"Hello again." she greeted him dryly.
"Well aren't you a punctual little Desert Cat," Doflamingo teased as he glanced over his shoulder, something about her look must have caught his eye because he turned to face her.
"You got here before I did." she rolled her eyes.
Ah, there's the first thorn. He loved their little verbal duels.
"Well there's not much to do around here, until now that is." his tongue flicked across his lips.
He didn't expect her to wear something so daring for a formal reception.
"You never cease to surprise me." his way of complimenting her.
"How? I didn't do anything." Vivi countered.
"Looking like this, you don't have to."
"That's all it takes with you?" she scoffed.
He closed the distance between them a little too fast for her comfort.
"Maybe."
A large warm hand pressed against the small of her back, as he led her towards the couch.
"Sit with me," he demanded. Or on me fufu, he wanted to add but didn't.
"Don't see the need to." she denied him by opting for an armchair, crossing her legs she looked up at him defiantly.
"You do know that I can always make you come to me and a lot more than that right?" he snapped his fingers to remind her of his devil fruit abilities.
"And yet you still haven't done that."
Come to think of it, he really didn't, just once on Jaya...when we first met.
"Oh, do you want me to?"
"Obviously not." Vivi was growing impatient with him.
"Then why do you sound so bitter about it eh?"
"Bitter?!" she growled, remembering how he laughed at her in the royal suite of the library.
"Are you still mad at me for arousing you Princess?" he raised his voice.
"Shhh! Someone might hear you!" Vivi hated how easy it was for him to rile her up.
"So what?" he pressed his hands into the armrests of the chair she was in, effectively trapping Vivi beneath him, "it's only natural that my fiancé has a strong URGE TO RIDE MY-"
Acting on an impulse, Vivi still in her chair, got up to her knees and pressed her lips against his. Sure there were other ways she could use to silence, like her pressing her hand against his lips, but her body moved instinctively before she could process her actions.
It was an angry kiss, Doflamingo could feel her pent-up rage and it thrilled him.
Vivi pulled away before it could escalate any further.
"Shut up! Don't you dare to embarrass me in front of my own Father and my people." she hissed.
"Did you just threaten me?" he snapped.
"Yes, I believe I did," Vivi replied.
"I will make sure you regret it," he growled.
"Then you will never have an heir." she countered.
"I will find another woman." he rebuffed her.
"Go ahead, start looking now and end this marriage nonsense immediately," she demanded.
"And let you off so easily? That I won't do."
"Why not?" her breath hitched in her throat.
He ran his thumb across her lips.
"I don't want to." he gave her a suave smile.
"Oh how could I forget, I am a good source of entertainment for you," she remarked surly.
Vivi knew he was staring right into her eyes and she could see the outline of his own behind those optical abominations he never took off. Were they a feline shape? She really wanted to know.
"That's right and also because I don't know who to replace you with, do you?" he taunted her, unaware of her desire.
What colour are they? She wanted to reach out and take them off but remembering how he jokingly rejected her previously stamped out her curiosity.
She sighed in exasperation.
This can go on until tomorrow.
"I don't care. Anyway," she pressed her hands against his chest, the hardness of his muscles didn't escape her notice "there was something I wanted to ask you about tonight-"
"Don't worry I'll be gentle," he took one of her hands off his chest and brought it to his lips.
No, I am not going to react this time, her eyes widened slightly at the intimacy of his gesture. His ability to turn even the banalest conversations into a lustful farce was beginning grow a little old.
"Not that...How do you deal with traitors?" she disregarded his banter.
The sudden shift threw him off for a short instant.
"It depends, some I deal with personally, others are sent to someone else," he answered nonchalantly as though he was talking about the weather. "Why do you want to know?" he stood up abruptly startling Vivi.
"Some of the guests tonight actively supported Crocodile behind our back, hoping that he could usurp the throne and end our dynasty."
"How did you find out? " he asked with interest.
"I gathered their names myself while working for Crocodile..."
Doflamingo nodded pensively, his bravado replaced with a calculated seriousness, much to Vivi's relief.
"Usually I kill them, but in your case, you should just let them be. They might be of use to you."
"And that's it?" Vivi gawked at him in astonishment, she knew he could kill anyone at the drop of a hat, it was the other half of his sentence that elicited her reaction.
"That's it, if they get out of line, blackmail them, and if they still don't redeem themselves then kill them. They are born followers who happen to cling to anyone who can give them an advantage like a flock of mindless sheep going after the best shepherd. But their numbers are also used to fill up the treasury and maintain one's power. Use your imagination Desert Cat." he explained pragmatically.
"Thank you for your advice," she mumbled awkwardly, thosewords seemed so foreign to her when she directed them at Doflamingo.
"I'll charge you for it later," he replied comically.
Of course, you would, Vivi grit her teeth.
Shortly after, the duo was invited to join King Cobra in the adjoining Royal Reception Hall.
King Cobra anxiously watched as his daughter entered the celebratory hall with Doflamingo at her side.
A wave of excited whispers ran through the gathered crowd, which was considerably larger than in the years before.
Despite all the apparent differences between the, it was undeniable that they made for a striking royal couple.
Everyone was supposed to play their role to perfection today not just for the aristocracy and numerous foreign dignitaries, but also for a few members of the press.
King Cobra, Vivi and Doflamingo had to act as a united front.
Vivi understood this more than anyone and even though it ate away at her pride, she did her best to present the required impression.
Doflamingo gets to be a hero after all...she watched him ante up his charm drawing in everyone around him.
There they were with their gleaming eyes and taut, saccharine smiles plastered on their faces. Bowing and looking so smug in their rich robes while standing in the palace of the King they were plotting to dispose of a few days ago.
"Congratulations on your victory and impending wedding Doflamingo-sama! Princess Vivi is so fortunate to have met you!" gushed a tall woman in a peacock feathered turban.
"It is such an honour for us to welcome you to Alabasta!" someone picked it up.
"I have heard so much of your bravery!"
"They say your Kingdom prospers under your rule!"
Vivi looked away in disgust.
And on and on it went like a chain reaction, Vivi wanted to rinse her body after hearing their syrupy dithyrambs*, she glanced at her Father, he was animatedly discussing something with a foreign ambassador and then back at Doflamingo.
The latter was so unperturbed by the fawning throngs of people gathered around him, he looked like an arrogant ancient god, who deigned to descend to this world and listen to worthless mortal babble.
Where did he get such confidence?
She continued to make her way among the crowd and accepting endless congratulations and invitations to various social events in Alabasta and Paradise, all the while glancing up at the large wall clock.
At this rate I won't be able to see off Robin, I should leave right after they serve dinner.
"Vivi!" Doflamingo called out to her, "come, join me." he demanded.
His fawning groupies redirected their attention on her, no way to excuse herself now.
Giving him a dazzling smile, that evoked a few "oohs" and "ahs" from their improvised audience she made her way towards him, her heels clicked upon the polished marble floors.
That's right, come to me when I tell you to fufu. Little did she know that his eyes followed her throughout the evening, admiring her graceful movements and mannerisms. Just as he had expected her conduct was impeccable thus far, so he decided to test her.
He offered her his arm, she took it.
His newfound sycophants proceeded to pepper Vivi all sorts of compliments and questions.
"Oh you are a sight to behold Princess, so like your mother!" one cried out.
"How many children are you planning to have?" asked another.
Doflamingo caught on.
"Yes Darling, how many?" he turned to her.
I will kill you, she fumed on the inside, her diplomatic facade was about to crumble.
"I am not sure Dear," Vivi shot back, "as many as the Gods give us." she laughed while pressing her nails into her wrist hoping it'll draw blood.
"Then I hope they give you a dozen!" someone yelled.
"Hahaha, you are too kind!" Vivi bowed, Doflamingo stroked her back.
"To our Princess and Her King! Nefertari! Donquixote!"
"Nefertari! Donquixote! United!" The crowd around them chanted.
"To a new dynasty!" Doflamingo boomed and raised his glass.
The rest of the guests joined in with their thunderous support.
Cobra raised his too, he is so different to Homing. Vivi what did we get ourselves into?!
Vivi looked back at him with a strained smile and Doflamingo's arm around her waist.
I am sorry Father.
Members of the press salivated at the prospects that this scoop could bring them, one had to be escorted out because he disturbed other guests with his incessant camera snaps.
The dinner continued without a hitch, Vivi and Doflamingo sat on either side of Cobra.
The Dressrosan King was his most charming self, discussing ways in which he planned to invest in Alabasta, his interest in its history—all the right things that pleased the people around him. Thus strengthening their loyalty to the Nefertaris.
The wine seemed to unhinge him even further, but at least it made him more vulnerable to distractions.
Vivi kept looking at the clock, I have to leave now.
"Father, I will be right back," she excused her self. Cobra simply nodded in understanding.
Rounding the table she passed Doflamingo, who caught her hand.
"Where are you going Dear?" he emphasised the last word, knowing that it would rile her.
"I will be right back." she stroked his cheek momentarily disarming him.
Well played, he smirked at her audacity.
None of this went unnoticed by Cobra and virtually everyone else at the long table.
"Did you see that? Princess Vivi has blossomed into such a caring woman"
"Yes, His Majesty raised her well."
"To King Cobra!" someone got up to make a toast.
Perfect, this going to go on for a while.
With Cobra and Doflamingo essentially "trapped" at the event, Vivi sneaked out of the palace in a simple black cloak with Carue in tow.
They travelled via the back alleys to draw as little attention as possible.
Telling Carue to hide somewhere, Vivi ran across the wharf towards a row of dinghies.
Robin was supposed to be waiting for her somewhere nearby, but she was nowhere to be found.
I came too late! Vivi sighed in frustration pulling her hood further over her head.
"You run pretty well in those heels Princess." Robin's husky voice drew Vivi towards a couple of stacked cargo crates.
Robin stepped out and waved at Vivi.
"I was worried that I'd miss you!"
"Not a chance, I knew you'd come." Robin smiled.
"When will I see you again?"
"I will be in Water 7 for the time being. Here you can reach me on this." Robin handed Vivi a small, charcoal snail transponder.
"I'll use our codenames." Vivi giggled.
"Fine by me Miss Wednesday," Robin complied, she noticed the silk tassels poking out from the bluenette's cloak. "So how did it go?" she gave Vivi a knowing wink.
"Just as Doflamingo wanted it too. Everyone is fawning over him, you should have seen it! The nobles were like putty in his arms, I never saw them behave this way."
"I heard the people in Dressrosa hold him in high esteem too. Learn from him." Robin suggested.
"I am trying but he just loves to provoke me, but enough, enough about him! Why are you going to Water 7?" her eyes flickered with excitement.
"He certainly has a strong attraction to you, take advantage of that." Robin walked towards her dinghy and motioned for Vivi to follow her, "As for Water 7, well I am going there for work you can say..."
"Are the...you know, Revolutionary headquarters there?" Vivi whispered she was so intrigued by them.
"No just the Commander of my division is based there," He is in for a big shock, poor fellow. Robin also noted Vivi's interest in her work, she even offered to investigate for us, well me, in Dressrosa last time what if... "So feel free to drop by for a visit." Robin finished cryptically.
"I hope your commander is better than Crocodile,"Vivi began, Robin couldn't stifle her laugh when she imagined Crocodile and her Revolutionary Commander side by side.
"Oh, they couldn't be any more different!" Apart from their tobacco addiction that is.
Robin's infectious laughter cheered Vivi up, "I would like to meet him." she said boldly.
"Whatever for?" Robin paused looking around.
"I find your line of work to be err-rather interesting you know..."
Robin pressed a finger to her lips, if anyone finds out she can be summoned by the World Government and accused of treason.
"Right, being a tour guide in Water 7 can be a lucrative career during the holidays," Robin answered a bit louder.
Vivi got the message.
" Yes, so I was hoping I could visit Water 7 on my way to Dressrossa, to see where my Mother grew up perhaps we could meet altogether there?"
"Of course, I can arrange that just let me know a few days in advance." Robin felt another presence nearby. "I think you should head back now before they start looking for you, Vivi."
"Yes, I hope I will see you soon," the Princess spoke quietly.
"You most definitely will, if you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask!" Robin reassured her and gave Vivi a warm hug as they separated, something soft swooshed past them.
Robin's eyes widened in fear, one look at the looming shadow on the ground and Vivi knew why.
"I knew you were up to no good again Desert Cat," Doflamingo gently pulled the hood off Vivi's head, "good evening Nico Robin." he glanced at Robin, who nodded a cautious greeting.
"Good evening."
"I said I will be back soon." Vivi reprimanded him.
"Yes you will, that's why I am here."
Vivi caught a whiff of alcohol, she remembered how he behaved on Jaya after copious amounts of wine. He is even more unpredictable when drunk.
Robin carefully untied the anchor while the pair continued to argue for several minutes.
That's one hell of a send-off...the archaeologist noted the fact they were so engrossed in each other that they paid her no attention in that moment made her smile, this will be interesting down the road.
Vivi finally turned away from him, seemingly offended by the something he said.
"Robin,I am sorry about this please stay safe!" Vivi called out to her.
"You have nothing to apologise for, you too, but I know you will be." she laughed.
"Yes, do take care of yourself and send my regards to my little brotheri fufu." Doflamingo chimed in.
Vivi gasped in surprise.
"I-I am not sure I understand what you mean..."Robin felt her heartbeat quicken.
"Don't even bother denying it, I know everything, he's your Commander. You know he is good at that sort of thing, duplicitous, lying, deg-"
"Okay, that's enough let's head back." Vivi interrupted his tirade. "How much did you drink anyway?" she began to lead him away.
"Kiss me and you'll find out." he quipped.
"No thank you." Vivi looked back to wave at Robin.
"Good luck Miss Wednesday!" Robin cried out as her boat drifted away, this will be a long report, an entertaining one though hehehe, she smiled sardonically thinking of Rocinante's reaction when he reads it.
"Thank you! You too!" Vivi yelled back, they were back on the wharf now.
The distance between grew larger.
"Ha! Miss Wednesday! Was that your codename? Did Crocodile give it to you himself?"
"No, he didn't, it was assigned to me by Robin."
"Miss Wednesday, Desert Cat, you are a woman of many faces."he mused.
"Perhaps, but you have even more titles and names than I do. Shichibukai, King, Pirate, Broker, Tenryu-?"
"See? We complement each other," he interjected.
"In your mind perhaps, you followed me didn't you?" she changed the topic.
"Wasn't hard to do."
He stopped to bend forward. "Get on my back" he ordered.
"I was going to go with Carue." Vivi protested.
"The duck right? I told him to go back to the Palace."
"And he obeyed you?" Vivi asked cautiously, worried for Carue's safety.
"He ran away the minute he saw me, fufu."
"That coward!" Vivi fumed as she wrapped her arms around Doflamingo's neck.
"No, he's smart...for a duck that is." Doflamingo joked as he ascended into the night sky.
It reminded Vivi of her flights with Pell, even though they didn't glide with the same smoothness as the hawk zoan.
They settled into a comfortable silence, the fresh night air sobered Doflamingo up somewhat.
Vivi's cheekbone grazed his.
"You should be careful around that woman, I know you want her to teach you how to read the old texts but you may fall into a trap with her. She has a reputation for that you know." Perfect match for her Commander, he sneered.
Vivi didn't know how to respond to his warning, he sounded so concerned at that moment as though he cared about her beyond her lineage and heir-producing capabilities.
"I don't want to." He said to her earlier, could it be? A part of her carried a small flickering hope that he could genuinely love her, but Vivi was realistic and rational enough to understand how foolish it would be to expect something like that from him.
Is he even capable of love?
"Did you hear me?" his sharp voice cut through her thoughts.
No, he isn't.
"Y-yes, I will be careful. I will let you know the next time I meet her." she lied.
"Good."
"Can I ask you something?" she hesitated.
"You just did."
"It's about your brother."
"What about him?"
Vivi felt the muscles on his neck tighten.
"What is he like?" she could already make out the terraces of the Royal Palace. That was fast.
"He is the opposite of me. You will find out yourself soon anyway, I heard you wanted to meet him just now."
"I can't believe a man of your age and rank will bother to eavesdrop on a young woman." Vivi teased.
"Knowledge is power fufu."
"And you are fine with me meeting him?"
"Why wouldn't I be? If I say no, you will do it anyway. As long as you stick to our contract, you can do whatever you want. This also means no Revolutionary business, I hope that is clear for you. Well, I know that my brother won't try to recruit you, he doesn't have the guts for it, the others might try though...but I know you're not a fool Desert Cat." he warned her.
"The only business I have in my mind is Alabasta, I just want to learn from Robin." she murmured, choosing to sidestep his comments about his brother his answer raised even more questions..
What happened between them for Doflamingo to hate him so?
By the time they reached the Royal Palace, most of the guests have left and the few remaining people moved to the garden, socializing amongst themselves.
Vivi led Doflamingo to his set of rooms in the residential quarter.
It was all so surreal for her.
"Well you should get some rest, we leave for Karnak at dawn."
"Then why don't we spend this time in a more productive manner." he opened the door beckoning her to follow him.
"I am tired." she rejected him.
"That's a real shame because I have come up with a few ways to help you out of that dress." he purred.
"That will be disrespectful to my Father."
"Fair enough." He leaned against the doorframe.
He admired how the moonlight danced about her dress and the shadow of her silhouette on the floor.
Karnak it is then fufu.
They separated for the night, but not before Vivi lingered in front of his door.
She didn't know why she did that.
Sleep evaded her that night. She tossed and turned thinking about the fleeting moments of comfort she felt with Doflamingo, the Revolutionaries,Robin working with Doflaming's brother, Water 7, and all the events of the day. By the time she stopped analysing them the first rays of the sun lit up the sky.
Two wanis (confiscated from Crocodile), waited for the royal duo. They had enclosed seats akin to palanquins so that the travellers won't be able to remember the way to the temple and to keep their mind clear before they reached the holy place. All those ritualistic requirements intrigued Doflamingo to no end.
He watched Vivi say her goodbyes to Cobra and their tearful staff.
People naturally gravitated to her and he liked that quality about her. It was strange for him to see someone have such a strong love and reverence for her father. A foreign concept for him given his relationship with his own father.
Cobra is a schemer with an actual backbone unlike my Father, strange that they were even friends.
The previous night, Doflamingo lay staring at the ceiling thinking about his past again. Vivi's questions about his brother triggered a series of rather unpleasant flashbacks, but then he distracted himself. He imagined what his life would have been like had Homing been sent to Alabasta instead of that hell hole in North Blue.
Mother would have lived, he thought bitterly.
He looked down at a jackal zoan who was supposed to guide them to the Ancient Temple, he was instantly reminded of all the work he had to get through back in Dressrosa and Punk Hazard.
"As I told Doflamingo yesterday, once you both complete the Purification Ritual, your marriage will be officiated right here in the Palace. And only after that can you depart for Dressrosa." Cobra explained to Vivi, unaware of his daughter's correspondence with the old priests at Karnak.
"Understood, thank you, Papa." They embraced, Cobra watched her depart, it wasn't easy for him to let her go off like this but he trusted her enough to know that she can hold her own against anyone who stands in her way. Doflamingo on the other hand...well that was another story, but the walls of the temple and its priests were powerful enough to protect Vivi.
Vivi climbed on board one of the wanis, while Doflamingo and Cobra shook hands.
Chaka helped her secure the door of the seat.
An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach when Chaka was closing the door to her seat, he gave her a warm, reassuring smile before shutting her off from the outside world.
A few seconds later Vivi felt the Wani rise up and pick up its pace for their destination.
She hoped the priests would agree to help her.
This is my chance to gain influence over him.
But even as she thought about it, something didn't feel right, she couldn't put her finger on it.
There is no turning back, of that she was certain.
A/N: *dithyramb: from Greek, originally an anthem to honour Dionysos, and then later a flattering speech or text.
For Vivi's dress, you can refer to the latest post on the Celestial Bonds tumblr.
The next chapter will only feature the reactions to the news from around the world. No Vivi or Doflamingo directly.
Also chapter 30 will be the final chapter for this fic. I decided to split the story into two parts because I want to write the next half from a first-person POV.
Thank you!