Chapter One: Stood up

I do not own One Piece! That will always belong to Eiichiro Oda!

AN: This is a complete AU; there is no connection to my CoTS series. Having seen the trailers for One Piece live and Arlong at the Baratie, I wondered, like many fans, what is Arlong doing there?! Yes, I did watch the series, and I will admit the live version of Arlong is unique, especially with the tongue-clicking. So, taking some of his characteristics, I combined them with the Arlong we are familiar with.

This story is just for fun, and I hope my fellow Arlong fans enjoy this.

Arlong Park was decorated with festive lights as Arlong strode around the banquet starting to be set up, dark blue eyes glancing towards the seats from where he stood, ending just before the doorway of the towering building that his base. Good, good, Arlong nodded in satisfaction. Everything would be perfect, and his precious navigator would be his wife in a few hours.

Oh, how Arlong smirked as he announced his engagement to his brethren, but not all his men cheered. No, Kuroobi voiced his thoughts and plain out told Arlong that not only was it foolish, but a dangerous mistake that he was making.

"There's no way that traitorous witch would agree," the ray Fishman said. "She would either kill you or herself before agreeing to that."

"Perhaps," Arlong said. "But that isn't the case. The girl knows she's getting the finest example of Fishman's superiority as a husband."

Kuroobi wasn't accepting that, and he knew Arlong. No, he had no doubt made a new deal with Nami, one she couldn't turn down.

Of course, that had been a few months ago, and now the wedding would soon occur. Kuroobi still wasn't pleased with the idea, but Arlong was in a beautiful mood. Hell, he even cleaned up, making himself more presentable for Nami. Everything looked good when Hatchi approached Arlong, whispering something to him. His cheerful look turned ugly quickly as he stormed past his brethren and went inside the building that was his fortress.

Arlong was in a foul mood, a nasty mood. He had been stood up at his wedding! And by Nami, of all people! He had heard that the groom usually stood up for a wedding, but the bride? He didn't think she dared to do that to him, especially when she agreed to be his wife, the queen of his empire!

He stormed the steps, questioning Hatchi, who was following him.

"You want to her quarters, knocked on the door," Arlong said.

"Yes," Hatchi said nervously.

"She didn't answer, so you entered and found the room empty?"

"Yes."

"The wedding dress I bought her was still there?"

"Yes."

"But Nami was not?"

"No."

Arlong entered Nami's room, which was her map room. The dress he bought her was right where he placed it, hanging near her bed. The sawshark looked around, his temper rising as he searched for a clue to where Nami might have gone. He found nothing.

"She dares to do this to me?!" Arlong roared. "Hatchi, get in here! NOW!"

The octopus Fishman yelped in fright but obeyed Arlong. "Y-yes?"

"Has Nezumi arrived for his monthly payment?"

"Not yet," Hatchi said.

"The moment he arrives, I want him brought to me," Arlong said. "Understood?"

"Yes, Arlong-san," Hatchi said.

Arlong dismissed him with a wave, and Hatchi hurried out. Arlong paced the chart room like a tiger in a cage, his mind repeating the deal he offered Nami.

~~Flashback~~

"I'm prepared to make you a new deal, Nami," Arlong said casually.

Nami said nothing, but Arlong watched her as she focused on the newest map. He knew she was listening, so he continued.

"No doubt you are close to bringing me the 100 million beri we agreed upon," he said. "But how about I offer you a far better deal you can't refuse."

Nami paused in her work, finishing up a part of the map and placing the ink pen back in the inkwell. She looked at him with a questioning expression as Arlong moved closer, his jeweled fingers brushing her orange hair. She stiffened, her heart racing something the saw shark sensed.

"Relax," he said, moving behind her. Webbed hands rested lightly on her shoulders as he leaned in, inhaling her scent, fear, and the faint whiff of oranges. She had grown into quite the beauty, something that Arlong noticed and had claimed. Yes, he had claimed Nami as his and had continued to. "There's no need to be afraid of me, Nami."

"You said you had a new deal to offer," Nami said, daring not to look at him.

"I do indeed," Arlong purred in her ear. "I've been thinking long and hard on this one, and honestly, we both would win on it."

"How?"

"Nami, Nami," he said, giving a light nip on her neck, being careful of his nose. "Always so serious. You need to relax; enjoy life."

"Get to the point, Arlong."

He chuckled lightly. The girl was so fiery and fierce, and he liked that. "How about I release Cocoyashi, letting you keep whatever beri amount you've collected?"

He stepped away, allowing her to turn and look at him. "In exchange for what?" she demanded.

"Nothing really except becoming my wife."

"Your wife?! You've lost your mind if you think I'll agree to something like that?!"

"Nami, how can you say no?" he said, remaining calm. "Surely you see the benefits?"

Nami gave a short, harsh laugh. "Benefits? What benefits would there be being married to you?"

"No more going out to steal to buy back your village," Arlong said. "Your life would be better, and you would have everything you want: clothes, jewelry, whatever your heart desires."

Nami looked away, muttering, "Not everything."

Arlong heard her, though. "What else do you want?"

"What?" Nami looked at him again.

"You want something," Arlong said. "What is it?"

"You'll never let me have it," she said.

"You don't know that."

"Arlong, don't try fooling me," Nami said. "I know you."

Arlong grinned as he chuckled heartily. "As I know you."

"You don't know anything about me!" Nami yelled in anger. "You don't care about me or what my dreams are. All you care about is your stupid maps, your dreams of ruling all of the East Blue, and your stupid ideas of how Fishmen are the superior race!"

For the first time in his life, Arlong was surprised. Nami glared at him, and her brown eyes were rageful. He was sure that if she had a knife or sword, she would no doubt attack him like it would do any good. He decided to make a wise move and give himself time to think.

"Why don't you go and take a walk?" he suggested. "Fresh air will do you some good."

Arlong left after saying that, leaving Nami alone to consider the deal. He waited until she left Arlong Park before he followed her. He was curious about what she wanted, as he kept a reasonable distance. Nami went to her sister, Nojiko, and Arlong moved near a window so he could listen.

"He what?! God, what an arrogant bastard! Surely you're not considering marrying him?!"

"You and everyone in Cocoyashi Village would be free."

"We would, but you wouldn't," Nojiko said. "Nami, you'll give up on your dream if you do this. Do you think Belle-mere would want you to do this? To give up your dream of making a map of the world?"

'how interesting,' Arlong thought as he slipped off. 'Nami wants to create a map of the entire world.'

He waited in the map room for Nami to return before he approached her again.

"Have you considered my offer, Nami?" he asked the moment she entered.

She merely glared at him.

Arlong decided to play his ace. "I was thinking we go on a long honeymoon," he said. "I'll show you the Grand Line, including Fishman Island. You have to admit it would be one hell of a honeymoon."

Nami was staring at him, but he knew he had her. How could she say no now?

"If I agree, you'll keep your word?"

Arlong smiled, "Of course. Cocoyashi will be free."

"Not Cocoyashi, but every village you have under control," Nami said. "Not only that, but you will leave the East Blue."

"Nami, are you making demands now?" he said. He wasn't expecting this.

"Do we have a deal or what?" she said, refusing to back down.

"Shahahahaha! Oh, Nami, you've grown into a good woman," he said. "A wonderful woman worthy of being the queen of my empire. I accept your terms."

~~End of Flashback~~

"Arlong-san, I brought Nezumi as asked."

Arlong turned to see the rat-faced marine captain standing in the doorway with Hatchi behind him. "Leave us," he snapped.

"Looks like there was going to be a celebration," Nezumi said.

Arlong was in no mood for any friendly chitchat. He closed the distance between him and Nezumi, daring to seize him by the throat. "Listen well, rat," he snarled. "I want you to see if there are any reports on an orange-haired woman who is undoubtedly robbing good people left and right."

"And if there are any reports?" Nezumi said, wheezing.

"You'll tell me, won't you?" Arlong said.

"Of course."

Arlong nodded. "Good. Now go."

Nezumi hurried out, eager to escape Arlong, whose mood was fouler than his breath. Hours later, the marine captain returned with the news the saw shark was waiting for.

"There's been a sighting of a woman fitting the description," he said.

"Where?" Arlong said.

"The floating restaurant that is known as the Baratie."

Arlong gave a smile that frightened Naezumi. "Looks like I'm going out to eat."

How much trouble will Arlong cause? Remember to Read and Review.