Rider126: Ah-technically speaking, I guess you can say that he will get lightning magic in the future. Some of the heavenly spells I have set for Miguel are lightning based.
LiveMan: Wow, thanks a lot! This is really nice of you to say. I appreciate it-great to hear you like the story. Also, it makes me really happy to hear that you have such an opinion of Miguel.
Guest: Thank you, I'm glad to hear it.
NightBlood5404: Thanks, it's great to hear that people enjoy my work.
anzafay21: Thanks, good to hear from you again. I've got a few surprises for Miguel and Robin's interactions and there will be more uses of the bow sooner than later.
Luffy would admit that he was really glad Miguel insisted on healing him earlier, he would have been much worse off otherwise.
His third battle against Crocodile was proving to be as tough as the previous two. The fact that the tomb was falling apart because of the trap Cobra activated made the situation even more dire.
He had taken Crocodile by surprise when he landed the first strike, quickly using the chance to attack him again. The Warlord had been absolutely baffled by this, unaware that Luffy had used his blood. It was an unexpected measure but a very useful one.
''Just die!'' Crocodile spat, sending blades of sand at him from many directions. Luffy thought fast and grabbed a big rock nearby, tossing it at the blades before striking Crocodile with a Gum Gum Pistol.
''Gum Gum Bullet!''
''Sables: Pesado!''
Both combatants could only defend, surprised as the attacks affected them. Crocodil recovered first, trying to grab Luffy to dry him up like in the first battle. But Luffy was prepared for this and so was able punch him just as he came close. He followed this up with a Gum Gum Bazooka.
The battle kept going at this fast pace and neither was willing to let an inch. Though it was clear that both of them were weary from the day's events, sheer determination seemed to be driving them both forward.
''Amazing...'' Cobra uttered, staring at Luffy. ''...he's actually matching up to Crocodile.''
Miss All Sunday could agree to that-mostly because her traitorous boss was getting tired. He had clearly underestimated Luffy a great deal and now it was coming back to haunt him. She had worked with the Warlord for years and that was why she knew-Crocodile would rather die than lose here. It looked like the same went for Luffy. The former was reaching his limit even if he didn't let than show and she wondered how long he could go on.
Crocodile grunted, preparing his poison hook before speaking ''I'll finish you this time time for sure, Straw Hat!''
Even with the bomb dealt with, Vivi, Pell and the Straw Hats had plenty of trouble on their hands.
Why you may ask? The two armies were still fighting as if nothing happened. Even the explosion didn't faze them one bit, they were clearly intent on klling one another.
Vivi could only stare in horror, she may have expected trouble but nothing like this ''Why...?''
''I can't believe this-they're just going to keep up the fight?!'' Usopp exclaimed.
''I guess since they don't really know what's going on, it isn't important.'' Sanji remarked.
The sniper looked at him ''Why are you so calm?!''
''Stop fighting!'' Vivi called. ''Everyone, please stop fighting!''
But it was clear that they couldn't hear her, the noise and chaos of the battlefield blocking everything out. Regardless, the princess kept trying, wanting with all her heart to reach out to her people.
Nami's expression grew saddened at the sight of the anguish in Vivi's eyes ''Guys, come on, can't we do something?!''
''If you have any idea, I'm all ears.'' Zoro stated as Pell joined the princess.
''Yeah, I don't know what to do now...'' Usopp trailed off.
Chopper tried to think ''...If only we could make a diversion big enough to get their attention, it could give Vivi enough time to make them listen.''
Miguel's eyes widened at those words, his thoughts spinning fast as he realized that the idea could very well work...
Luffy and Crocodile's fight was still going strong. However, the tide was turning in the latter's favor ever since he had managed to blindside Luffy by turning to sand suddenly and striking his side with the poison hook.
Crocodile enjoyed taunting his opponent about his helplesness, expecting him to fall any minute now. But Luffy grit his teeth and kept going ''I told you, I won't lose again. I'll take you down here!''
''Empty words, Straw Hat! Do you even understand the difference between us? You're just an ordinary pirate and I'm a Shichibukai.''
''I told you, I don't care!'' Luffy took a stance, twisting his body around and jumpng high, grabbing Crocodile then. Surprised, the man was about to use his powers to turn to sand again but Luffy quickly punched him.
Gritting his teeth, Crocodile threw him back with a few waves of sand. The teen was able to land smoothly after a moment. ''Insolent brat, Desert Spada!''
A blade of fast moving surged towards Luffy, who was already about to dodge but that failed when the man quickly used another Pesado attack. The teen could only defend to the best of his ability as his opponent uses the chance to keep up the offense with sharp blades of sand.
The group stared at Miguel in surprise when he finished explaining his idea, Nami blinked twice ''You want to make it rain? Miguel, you remember the situation here-how are we supposed to do that?''
''Yeah, it hasn't rained in three years! If people could find a way out of this, it would've happened by now.'' Usopp stated.
''I don't think it's that simple.'' Miguel countered, confusing them. ''Zeke, that guy I was fighting-he mentioned something about this being part of Crocodile's plan. That somehow, he's causing the drought...''
''He can do something like that?'' Chopper stared.
Pell scowled ''That makes almost too much sense. These terrible circumstances have been so hard on our country-like a nightmare that didn't seem about to end. No one would stand to gain in this situation besides that monster...''
Zoro nodded ''It's looking like we were right to think that our newer plan was for the best and the way to end all of Alabasta's trouble is through Crocodile.''
''True, but that's not what I'm getting at. I'm not sure if we could end the drought without knowing how Crocodile's doing this...'' Miguel admitted. ''...but maybe we don't have to. What if we made it rain right here? At least for a short while enough to get the armies' attention-if this doesn't make them stop, I don't know what would. We've got two of the most respected figures in Alabasta here so I think this may give them a chance to actually get through to the rebels and the soldiers.''
Sanji hummed in understanding, he wasn't about to argue with that reasoning ''So how do you want to go about this?''
''I've got one idea...'' The wizard stated. ''...to be honest, I've never done something like it before but can you give me the water lacrima? They're important for this.''
Zoro, Chopper and Usopp returned theirs, watching him place them on the ground. Miguel looked at Nami ''I'll need your help too. I can control the lacrima's magic to regulate the amount of water-your new weapon lets you gain some control over weather, right? I admit, this is a long shot but...'' He glanced at Vivi worriedly. ''...the worst thing we can do is not try in the first place.''
''...You're right.'' She returned, preparing her Climatact. They were here to help Vivi after all. Why should they hold back now? They had to give it their all. ''Let's do it.''
Cobra and Miss All-Sunday could only watch as Luffy and Crocodile continued to battle.
Crocodile may have taken the upper hand for a while but Luffy remained undaunted, his confidence running strong as he kept up the struggle. Miss All-Sunda was admittedly taken aback by her former boss' behavior. She had worked with the Shichbukai for four years but this was the first time she had seen anyone make him lose his composure. He was barely even using the techniques he honed with his devil fruit anymore. Luffy was shaking him up far more than he realized, it seemed...
She was more right than she knew. Only Crocodile's experience with controlling his emotions let him hide it but he was beginning to panic due to Luffy's perseverance. He couldn't understand how the teen kept fighting despite the venom running through his veins. It was potent enough to kill grown men and yet it seemed to do nothing to Luffy-how was this possible?
''When are you going to understand that your efforts are futile, Straw Hat? You already lost to me twice, why do you keep fighting?'' Crocodile demanded.
Luffy glared ''You really don't understand anything. We promised Vivi to help her get Alabasta back. She loves this country so much-she would protect with all she's got, even if she sacrifices her life! I won't let that happen.''
''Pathetic.'' He sneered. ''Of all things-that's your reason? You're willing to die for something as ridiculous as friendship?''
''Shows what you know!'' Luffy fired back. ''You still think you'll win? Not a chance!''
Time was running short and the tomb could fall apart very soon. The rubble was already falling in many place-it looked like only a little time remained.
Both combatants knew that the battle would have to end soon...
Usopp watched their friends prepare themselves with apprehension ''Is this really going to work?''
''Let's just wait-Miguel's got the right idea. Anything's better than just standing around and doing nothing.'' Sanji stated.
Chopper nodded, glancing at Vivi. The girl clearly wanted nothing more than to stop the armies even if she had to do it all on her own, it was only their intervention that kept her from rushing over there and doing something reckless.
The reindeer's heart went out to the princess. As if she hadn't been through enough, now she had to watch her people fight all because of Crocodile's machinations. If all this fighting made him feel this bad, it had to be a hundred times worse for her.
He really hoped Miguel's plan could help fix things...
Miguel and Nami got to work. The first exercised his control over most of the water lacrima's magic to saturate the air with water droplets. Nami then made her move, using the Climatact's abilities to manipulate the weather. By heating it up first and then cooling, their efforts had created rain clouds. Finally, Miguel used the last of the lacrima's power to affect the clouds and the next thing anyone knew-it begain to rain.
Chopper perked up ''All right!''
At first, it looked like they had failed but as the rain grew more intense the armies began to stop. Mutterings of surprise and shock arose at this development as both sides finally stopped to take it in.
Vivi and Pell knew that this was their chance ''Everyone, please stop fighting!'' The first called at the top of her lungs.
''Princess Vivi?!''
''She's alive?'' Two of the combatants uttered and it was clear that the rest were just as puzzled by this.
Pell stepped up ''There's no need to continue this fight. This war-all of Alabasta's suffering-is caused by the cruelty of one man. The tyrant who seeks to destroy our kingdom!''
''That's right, we left to find out the truth behind all this!'' Vivi added.
A satisfied Zoro glanced to his left as Miguel and Nami rejoined them ''Nice work.''
Nami smiled in return, idly noting that the rain clouds had already dissipated. Well, that was fine, they had achieved their purpose ''Well, it's all thanks to Miguel.''
Aforementioned wizard smiled ''It's a team effort.''
They listened as Vivi and Pell continued to explain the situation to their audience. Many were understandably taken aback at the news about Crocodile and Baroque Works. But there were clearly skeptics amongst the crowd and they weren't afraid to make their voices heard.
''Hold on but Crocodile helped get rid of pirates all this time!''
''Yeah, he's even set up business that helped the country-why would he do this?''
''It's all part of his plan.'' Sanji stated. ''He's been amassing power all this time, waiting until he could be sure he was ready to kick things off.''
''Exactly.'' Miguel added. ''Crocodile's schemes were effective because he was so clever about all this. Vivi's been fighting all this time for the sake of Alabasta and its people.''
Nami really sympathized with the princess, the entire situation reminding her all too much of her own ordeal caused by Arlong. She knew Vivi could handle this but she could not stay quiet, she suspected her friends felt the same way. ''Vivi would never do anything to hurt any of you or Alabasta.''
''It's all true.'' A new voice cut in, revealing Chaka as he walked over to the scene. He was helping Kohza walk, the latter appeared to be in pain but clearly determined to keep going.
''It was a set up from the start-Crocodile kidnapped his majesty and planted a bomb here that could've destroyed all of Alubarna.'' Chaka went on, ignoring the shocked reactions this caused ''I'm sure you all saw that explosion a few minutes ago. None of us would be here right now if it hadn't been Princess Vivi and her friends. The princess worked so hard for the sake of our country, she was the instrument of change that could lead to its salvation. His majesty tried all he could to help the populace but with the situation as it were, there was only so much he could do.''
''Exactly.'' Kohza added. ''My old man tried to say it but I was too stubborn to listen...we all want what's good for Alabasta but we're going the wrong way about it. You've all seen what Vivi and King Cobra were lie over the years-heck even the Queen-haven't they proven themselves over the years? We were so angry-we couldn't see it but those times should be all the proof we needed over their character. Come on, Vivi spent the last three years doing her best to help Alabasta.''
''Kohza...'' Vivi began to smile, touched by his support. Knowing she had him and all her friends by her side left her heartened and she knew she had to go on. ''...please, try to understand. Ask yourselves this-weren't some of you friends? Didn't you study together-play together? Even learn from each other? Ask yourselves, is there any reason to continue this fighting? What good would it do?''
The princess felt a measure of relief as her audience began to exchange glances and murmurs arose. The armies seemed to be regarding each other with a new perspective. They had gotten through to them, at last!
Crocodile forced Luffy back with waves of sand, trying to push him back towards a swirling pit of sand. A bit like the quick sand trap he had forced Luffy in back at the first fight. The rubber teen quickly realized that as well, enabling him to jump a pillar and avoid the attack with ease.
The two struck once again at the same time, pushing the other back. Crocodile grunted, his eyes narrowed in rage as Luffy landed safely ''I've had enough of this, Straw Hat! I'll end you here!''
He proceeded to use Sables: Pesado once again, Luffy twisted around himself, blowing air up to launch himself up high, avoiding the first attack.
The rubber teen prepared to use one of his best attacks ''Gum Gum...''
Crocodile gathered a great amount of sand ''Desert...''
''...Storm!''
''...La Spada!'' The two cried. Crocodile launched a great amount of sand, forming blades that surged towards Luffy, who unleashed punches with all his might.
At first it looked like there was a stalemate, both attacks clashed in the air with no victor in sight. Naturally, there was no way either pirate would let it end that way. Crocodile waved a hand, sending more sand out while Luffy let out a battle cry, striking faster than he had in all their battles.
Soon, the winner became clear...
Things were certainly looking up for Vivi and the rest of the Straw Hats. It seemed that they had really made a breakthrough with both armies, both sides learning that there really was no reason to keep fighting. Especially not with the truth out in the open...
With Pell's quick thinking, they had even been able to find many of the Baroque Works agents amongst the audience. A few of them stood out by trying to discredit Vivi and the others, making it all the more easy. Those who had tried to run were taken care of by Chaka and Pell.
Vivi could barely believe how well things were working out. To think, it was just a few weeks ago that she had almost been in despair about her country's situation. And now she could really see that there was hope for Alabasta. All thanks to them...
Her eyes traveled to the Straw Hat crew, who were all observing in silence, Nami and Chopper smiled and waved at her. The princess smiled back, knowing she could never express how grateful she was to know all of them. They were the ones who had truly made all the difference.
''Princess...'' One of the soldiers spoke up, making her look back at the gathered armies. ''...I assume this means you all know where Crocodile is at the moment, correct? How do we handle this? There's no way the government would actually believe us, seeing as he's one of the Shichibukai.''
Kohza bit his lip ''That's true...''
''It's all right.'' The two looked at Vivi in surprise. ''I believe one of our friends should be fighting him at the moment. As much as I would like to take down that monster for all he had done, I know I can't do it alone. I trust him to end this-I know he can.''
''Damn straight.'' Zoro smirked while Usopp gave the princess a discreet thumbs up. They really had come a long way, it was good so see how much she trusted them. Everyone of them held full confidence that Luffy would defeat Crocodile.
As it were, their faith would be proven well-founded in moments.
Luffy triumphed in their clash, punching a shocked Crocodile through the bedrock and sending him flying. Many of the people gathered around Alubarna were shocked at the sight of the man falling from the air. Vivi, Pell and the Straw Hats on the other hand, were delighted.
''He did it!'' Usopp cheered.
''Hell yeah!'' Sanji exclaimed.
''Way to go, Luffy!'' Chopper beamed.
Zoro smirked ''Now that's what I'm talking about.''
''Well, Luffy always does it in the most unexpected ways but he comes through in the end, huh?'' Nami smiled.
Miguel chuckled ''That's for sure.''
Vivi smiled widely, recalling the teen's words earlier ''Luffy...thank you...''
Cobra hurried to check on the boy as he fell, only to stop when Miss All-Sunday held out a glass vial with liquid visible within ''Give that to him.''
He blinked ''Is that...?''
''I expected Crocodile to betray me so I've always had an antidote for his poison ready. He never did trust anyone after all.'' She stated simply.
Cobra gave her a searching look after giving the dazed and exhausted Luffy the antidote ''...I don't understand you at all. Why did you lie to him?''
Miss All-Sunday gave a bitter smile ''So you did know...how cruel...''
''There was nothing about the country's history on that poneglyph-Crocodile was right. It's all about information on the Pluton. Why would you lie?'' He asked again.
''...It doesn't matter.'' She stated, unwilling to admit that it was just a case of both of them having their own goals-and both of them failed. ''All I did want was to learn the true history of the void century and share it with the world.''
Cobra looked taken aback ''Do you mean...there is a way to learn that missing history?"
''I believed there was for years but...I see now that all my efforts were pointless-after all this time to get here and I find nothing about my goal. The information is entirely worthless in my eyes.'' Miss All Sunday admitted sadly. ''...You two should go, you might find enough time to escape before this place falls apart.''
The king was about to speak but then Luffy opened his eyes ''Ah, you're better now?''
''Yup, thanks old man!''
He chuckled ''I'm the one who should be thanking you-thank you for saving my country.''
Luffy grinned ''No problem! Now come on, let's go!'' Cobra and Miss All-Sunday looked at him in surprise. ''We're all getting out of here!''
''Wait! I already decided that I'm going to die here, there's no reason for me to go on!'' The latter protested.
''That's up to you.'' Luffy stated bluntly. ''But you can decide what to do about that once we're out of here-I'm not leaving anyone behind.''
With Crocodile's defeat being made clear, the Straw Hats decided to look for their captain. It was around then that Usopp spotted a figure that left him stunned, as it was someone he never expected to see again.
''Vivi!'' The princess blinked and turned as the sniper called out to her. ''Look over there!''
''What're you even being so loud for?'' Nami followed his line of sight, her expression turning into one of shock then. ''Is that...?''
Vivi looked stunned ''Igaram?''
It was indeed him, the man looked a bit worse for wear since they had last seen him on Whiskey Peak but there was no doubt.
He smiled warmly ''Hello, Princess.''
The girl felt her eyes water as a tremulous smile grew on her lips, amazed and delighted to see him again. Igaram started as she ran and hugged him, chuckling a moment later. ''I see the Straw Hats have kept their promise then.''
''Y-yes, more than you know...'' She returned happily.
Pell, who had decided to help the Straw Hats find Luffy, paused in mid-air as he found his King carrying said teen on his back, fast asleep.
''Your majesty!''
Cobra blinked and looked up, smiling at him then ''Oh, Pell.''
''Are you all right?'' He inquired.
''Oh, more than...'' Cobra chuckled, just the fact that Alabasta could be at peace again left him feeling better than he had in a long time. ''...if anything, you should be asking this young man.''
Pell gave a small smile when his eyes landed on Luffy ''So he's truly done it...''
The zoan paused as he felt something wet fall on his head, blinking and looking up again. ''...That's...''
Cobra's eyes widened at the sight of the clouds forming in the sky. Before he could quite react, it began to rain.
He couldn't contain the wide smile on his face at the sight, almost having forgotten what rain even felt like after all this time. ''At last...''
''Yes...'' Pell sounded just as delighted, hearing many cheers resound around them.
The Straw Hats were in a nearby area, with Chopper having detected Luffy's scent just before the rain fell. They were all relieved to see their captain having made it out safely in the end.
''Well, this is a sight for the record books.'' Usopp remarked, grinning as he saw how happy the people were now.
Sanji chuckled, blinking when they heard someone call out ''Everyone!''
It was Vivi, who gave a bright smile as she stopped before them ''I was wondering where you went. Were you looking for Luffy?''
''Yeah, we just saw him with your father. That idiot always makes everyone worry...'' Nami trailed off.
Vivi giggled ''Well, I certainly won't argue there. I was really looking to tell eveyone about all you did for us.''
''Ah, don't worry about that stuff.''
She blinked at Zoro's dismissive tone, hearing him go on ''It doesn't really matter-that kind of thing is the last thing we need. Being treated like heroes...'' He shuddered.
Usopp gave him an odd look ''I don't see the bad part but...honestly, Vivi, we're probably not up to it...I don't know about you guys but I'm beat.''
''Same here.'' Miguel returned, leaning against the wall for a moment.
Chopper nodded and Nami held back a grimace as she swayed. A startled Vivi quickly steadied her ''Yeah, sorry but we're all wiped out. Vivi, we could really use your help at this point...''
The princess smiled warmly ''Just leave it to me-I'll take care of everything. Get all the rest you want.''
The rain was enough to encompass Alubarna and even a portion of the surrounding area. It signified that Alabasta's drought was an end. Later on, this moment would be looked back on as the start of the new beginning for the country.
Well, let's stop here
I wasn't sure how to handle this part for a while. Then I thought, they never actually specified how Crocodile caused the drought and that line of thinking gave me this idea. The rain Miguel and Nami made only lasted for a short while because of Crocodile and because they were exhausted but it did the trick as you can see. Now that the war's finally over, all that's left is the aftermath and departure from Alabasta. I've mostly got that part ready so the next chapter could be sooner than this depending on how much time I have to write-things are kinda chaotic for me right now.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!