Chapter 39
30th March 1522
Alabasta
Vivi sat alone in her boudoir, the day of her marriage finally upon her. The room was bathed in the soft glow of morning light filtering through the intricately carved wooden shutters. The distant hum of the gathering guests reached her ears, a reminder of the ceremony that awaited her. As per tradition, she was not to appear in public until the wedding itself, leaving her secluded from the opulent cocktail party outside. The air was filled with the scent of blooming jasmine, mingling with the aroma of freshly polished wood and the faint hint of incense.
She stood before an ornate mirror, her wide blue eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She had finally chosen the fourth design, the simplest for her wedding dress. The gown was crafted from the finest white linen, exuding a quiet elegance that aligned perfectly with tradition. The robe, modest in front and back, was designed like a large sheet of fabric, open at the sides, revealing tantalizing glimpses of her tanned skin and the curves of her breasts. The high neckline and flowing sleeves added to its conservative allure, while the soft, slightly sheer linen hinted at her natural form beneath, draping gracefully over her gentle curves.
Her hair, styled in a melon cut with soft bangs framing her face, shimmered like spun silk in the light. A simple crown of gold rested atop her head, its delicate filigree work catching the light and casting intricate patterns on the walls. Around her neck lay a single, resplendent diamond necklace, the gem sparkling with an inner fire that mirrored the light in her eyes. Golden bands encircled her upper arms, their metallic sheen contrasting with the soft, creamy texture of her skin. Vivi's beauty was reminiscent of a siren, the mythical enchantress whose allure was said to be irresistible. Her deep blue eyes, framed by dark lashes, held a depth of emotion. They were eyes that had seen much, endured much, and yet remained hopeful. Her lips, soft and full, were slightly parted as she breathed in deeply, trying to calm the fluttering of her heart.
She traced a finger along the delicate embroidery of her gown, the intricate patterns a testament to the skilled artisans of Alabasta. As she stared at her reflection, a blush crept up her cheeks. Would Moria find her cute? A beauty? Sexy? The thought sent a thrill through her, quickly followed by a wave of embarrassment. Tonight would be their wedding night, a night she had secretly longed for. The image of Moria, his commanding presence and enigmatic smile, filled her mind. She wondered what it would be like, his touch, his kiss, the way his hands would feel against her skin.
Her thoughts drifted to more intimate imaginings, and her blush deepened. She envisioned him making love to her, the way he would undress her, the feel of his lips tracing a path along her neck, his hands exploring the curves of her body. The thought of their bodies entwined, of becoming one with him, sent a shiver down her spine. She averted her gaze from the mirror, trying to regain her composure. The very idea of their wedding night was both terrifying and exhilarating, a step into the unknown that she desired.
"Princess Vivi, everything is ready. Is there anything you need?" one of her maids asked, bowing respectfully as she entered the room.
Vivi smiled, a radiant, heart-stopping smile that seemed to light up the room. "No, thank you. I'm ready."
She turned back to the window, inhaling the fragrant air deeply, the scents of blooming jasmine and distant festivities mingling in a heady mix. Humming softly to herself, she allowed a moment of tranquility to wash over her.
"Princess Vivi."
She jumped, a startled scream escaping her lips as she knocked over a delicate vase, which shattered on the floor. Spinning around, she found herself face-to-face with a very tall man in a yellow suit, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.
At her scream, the maid rushed back in. "You…! Who are you? You have no right to be here!"
Pell, her royal guard, burst into the room instantly, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He paused, his tension easing slightly when he saw the intruder. "Admiral Kizaru," he said, recognizing the high-ranking Marine. Turning to Vivi, he explained, "Princess, this is Admiral Kizaru. He is a high-ranking Marine officer."
Pell then faced Kizaru again, his tone respectful but firm. "Admiral, with all due respect, you are not authorized to see the bride before the marriage. And certainly not to surprise her in this manner. If the Marines wish to request an audience, they must follow the proper channels."
Kizaru drawled lazily, "Ohhh…." His voice trailed off as he regarded Vivi with a curious look. "Princess Vivi, I need to ask you something important. Is Moria coercing you in any way? If he is, you can tell me. I can deal with him right now. You have nothing to fear."
A surge of anger welled up in Vivi at his words. She straightened, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Admiral Kizaru," she began, her voice formal and unwavering, "I assure you, this marriage is my choice. Gecko Moria has shown me nothing but respect and kindness. He is a remarkable man, and I have willingly chosen to marry him, as my Father choose to marry my mother. Your insinuation that I could be coerced into such a decision is deeply offensive, not only to me but to the honor of my family and to Gecko Moria."
She took a step forward, her voice growing even more firm. "As a princess of Alabasta, I expect the same respect and deference from the Marines as any royal figure. If you have concerns or need to address matters of state, you will do so through proper channels, not by barging into my chambers unannounced."
Kizaru blinked behind his sunglasses, taken aback by her intensity. "Ohhh... I see," he murmured. "Just ensuring everything is as it should be."
Vivi's eyes narrowed. "It is. Now, if you'll excuse me, Admiral, I have a wedding to prepare for."
Pell stepped forward, guiding Kizaru out of the room. As the door closed behind them, Vivi took a deep breath, her heart still pounding. She glanced at herself in the mirror, her thoughts once again drifting to Moria. Would he find her beautiful, even desirable? The thought made her blush, her mind racing with the possibilities of their wedding night. But for now, she focused on the present, determined to face the challenges ahead with grace and strength.
30th March 1522
Skypeia
"Fuck!" she muttered, frustration palpable.
Selena stood resolute in her heavy, rubber-reinforced armor before the Necrosphinx, gazing at the frozen corpse of Enel. They had crafted elaborate contingency plans, and even contingencies upon those contingencies, anticipating a protracted battle against one of the most potent Devil Fruit users in existence. Yet, all those preparations seemed superfluous now, redundant in the face of a single successful gambit by Isabella and Nami's mind-fucking Monet, and sending the Haki-bearer snow logia to fight someone without armament Haki.
"Fucking bitch...". She had envisioned herself at the forefront of the confrontation, her new axe glinting at her side, untouched and untested. How was she to be scratched behind the ears by Moria if she did not fight! Instead, she was left standing victorious but unfulfilled, the thrill of battle denied by the unforeseen success of a simpler, more elegant plan—and that had seemed fucking stupid. Which Haki users were so dependent on it? So arrogant? And she had not even been able to test her new battle axe! "Fuck!" she growled.
Selena turned away with a sigh, her armor clinking softly. In the distance, Absalom surveyed the scene with a satisfied smile. Moria's order had already been fulfilled. There would be other battles, other opportunities to test her mettle. For now, they had won, and that was enough.
But at least… Before her, the golden city of Skypiea shimmered in the waning light, a breathtaking spectacle of opulence. Golden spires reached towards the heavens, their surfaces gleaming with the reflected glow of countless treasures. Streets paved with gold wound through the city like rivers of molten sunlight, and the walls of buildings sparkled with encrusted gems and precious metals. Statues of ancient gods, cast in pure gold, stood sentinel over the city, their cold, indifferent gazes fixed upon the horizon.
In the distance, she heard the faint, desperate screams of the Skypieans as the massacre began, but she did not care. There was so much gold! Moria would be so happy with so many riches. She could almost feel the comforting scratch behind her ears that he always gave when she pleased him. Yes, there would be other battles, but for now, the spoils of victory lay before her, and that was would be more than enough to satisfy her boss.
30th March 1522
Alabasta
Through the soldier hidden in Vivi's shadow, Gecko Moria listened intently. Ah! Take that, Borsalino! She really was a good girl…The sound of Admiral Borsalino's drawl faded into the distance as the Marine left the palace grounds. Perfect. With Kizaru gone, his only remaining concern was the other Warlord.
Turning to Doflamingo, Moria said, "I must attend to my guests. Enjoy the festivities."
Doflamingo's grin sharpened "Of course, Moria. Don't let me keep you from your…duties."
Seizing the opportunity, Moria summoned three Shadow Soldier Assassins. He ordered them mentally, and they silently melted into Doflamingo's shadow, unseen and undetectable. He guessed the other Warlord had not learnt yet for the disparition of Caesar…Or else, he wouldn't be here. Adjusting his coat, Moria strode toward the gardens. Sunlight filtered through the ornate arches. The murmur of conversations and clinking glasses grew louder. The moment he stepped into view, the crowd hushed, then erupted in recognition and admiration. Nobles and dignitaries turned toward him, faces lighting up with smiles and nods of approval. His towering height and broad frame commanded attention.
"Lord Moria… Well, Prince Moria!" a duchess called, her gown shimmering as she approached with a graceful curtsy, a cocktail glass delicately held in her hand. "Congratulations on your wedding. Princess Vivi is truly a vision."
Moria inclined his head, his smile courteous. "Thank you, Duchess. Your kind words honor us both."
A baron from a neighboring kingdom, his mustache meticulously twirled, extended a firm handshake, his other hand holding a glass of fine wine. "This union strengthens not just Alabasta, but the entire region. A commendable alliance."
"Indeed," Moria replied, his grip strong and steady. "A step toward greater stability and prosperity for all our lands."
Main Quest [A Court, a Kingdom and a Champion]
[A Court] : 9/10 → 10/10
Subquest completed ! [A Court] - 10/10
Nami: 2,922 Dourikis
Selena Whitefang: 2,691 Dourikis
Roronoa Zoro: 2,311 Dourikis
Caesar Clown: 2,154 Dourikis
Monet: 2,035 Dourikis
Trafalgar D. Water Law: 1,800 Dourikis
Absalom: 1,396 Dourikis
Lily Perona: 1,266 Dourikis
Isabella von Carstein: 1,023 Dourikis
Daz Bones: 1,000 Dourikis
Moria smiled as more guests approached, their congratulations and well-wishes flowing like a river. He responded with practiced ease, blending courteous charm with reserved authority. Each interaction was meticulously polite, the epitome of bourgeois etiquette, accompanied by the soft clinking of crystal glasses and the gentle hum of refined conversation.
30th March 1522
Skypeia
The sun casted a golden glow over the cloud-soft beach of Skypiea, where Pagaya and his daughter, Conis, played. The billowing, cotton-like clouds felt like pillows beneath their feet as they ran along the shoreline, their laughter mingling with the gentle whisper of the breeze through the towering wisteria trees. Conis, with her flaxen hair catching the sunlight, twirled and spun, her giggles a melody of innocence and joy. Pagaya watched her with a tender smile, his heart swelling with love and pride. This was their sanctuary, a place where the world's troubles seemed to vanish beneath the endless blue sky.
Suddenly, from the sea of clouds above, three monstrous figures descended, their forms emerging from the darkness like nightmarish phantoms. They were serpentine in shape, their bodies undulating with a sinister grace. Each was adorned with bone and stone, a grotesque amalgamation of skeletal remains and ancient, enchanted rock. Their heads, crowned with fanged maws and hollow, glowing eyes, evoked an aura of death and decay that sent a shiver down Pagaya's spine.
"Whaaa…"
Conis clung to her father's leg, her small body trembling as the first of the creatures landed with a thud, sending ripples through the cloud-ground. The second and third followed, their eyes scanning the landscape with an unearthly intelligence. Pagaya's heart pounded in his chest as he took a step back, shielding Conis with his body.
"Stay behind me, Conis," he whispered, his voice shaking.
The creatures moved with a predatory elegance, their bodies coiling and uncoiling as they advanced. One of them fixed its glowing gaze on Pagaya, and he felt a cold dread seep into his bones. He reached for the only weapon he had—a simple, ornate staff—but he knew it would be futile against such horrors. With a sudden, terrifying speed, the first creature lunged. Pagaya swung his staff, but the beast was too quick. Its fangs sank into his shoulder, and he screamed in agony as the other two closed in. Blood splattered onto the cloud-ground, staining the pristine white with crimson. Conis's screams joined her father's, high-pitched and heart-wrenching.
"Run, Conis! Run!" Pagaya managed to choke out, but it was too late.
One of the beasts, moving with a speed that belied its size, caught Conis in its coils.
30th March 1522
Alabasta
"Lord Moria," an elderly countess said, her eyes gleaming with curiosity as she sipped from a champagne flute. "You must be very pleased with today's proceedings."
"Absolutely, Countess," Moria responded, his smile concealing his inner machinations. "It is a day of great joy and significance."
The crowd continued to gather around him, voices buzzing with excitement and admiration. Moria navigated the sea of guests with the grace of a seasoned diplomat. Fuck. He was…good at that? Who knew?
30th March 1522
Skypeia
The Shandians gathered around their campfires, celebrating a rare moment of peace with feasting and song. The air was filled with the savory aroma of roasting meat and the hearty laughter of warriors. Children played games under the watchful eyes of their elders. The Shandians, with their long braids and fierce tattoos, embraced the festive spirit.
Suddenly, an unnatural screech tore through the air. Dark shapes descended from the sky, monstrous and otherworldly, landing with thunderous impact. The festive atmosphere turned to stunned silence. The creatures, forged of stone and with gem-like eyes, advanced with chilling synchronization. The Shandians roared into action, activating their Dials and raising shields. The air filled with the clash of power against stone and the screams of the dying.
Wyper, a veteran warrior, charged with a Flame Dial, unleashing a torrent of fire. He shattered a creature's wing, but more monsters took its place. The Shandians fought valiantly, but the beasts were relentless. Warriors were torn apart, their bodies littering the camp.
From the shadows, knights of pure darkness emerged, their spectral forms gliding silently. Wyper's heart pounded as he attacked with a Thunder Dial, the electrical surge causing a shadow creature to recoil before regenerating. A warrior unleashed a blast of wind from a Breath Dial, scattering monsters, but they regrouped. The relentless attacks left no room for rest. Exhausted, the Shandians fought on, driven only by sheer determination.
As dawn approached, the camp was a scene of horror, filled with mutilated bodies. Wyper, bloodied but unbroken, activated a Flash Dial, blinding the enemies for a moment. But the reprieve was short-lived. A shadow spear pierced his chest, cold energy spreading through him.
Wyper fell to his knees, watching his comrades fall. The shadow knights and stone monsters closed in, their victory complete. The dawn broke over a silent, desolate battlefield. The monsters faded into the shadows, leaving only death and destruction. The Shandians had fought bravely, but in the end, they were all lost to the darkness.
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