𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔞𝔡 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔢𝔞 𝔖𝔭𝔯𝔞𝔶 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔉𝔩𝔞𝔤𝔰; one piece fic

v; a secret meeting & unexpected reunion

On the desert island of Alabasta, the wind always seemed to blow in trouble. The formerly-loved king seemed to be disregarding his duties to protect the nation.

However, there was was a certain pirate ruling behind the scenes. Sir Crocodile, the government-affiliated warlord, had been protecting the citizens of the country almost weekly from other pirates. As a warlord, he 'sided' with the marines, and was allowed complete freedom as long as he did their bidding.

One thing about Crocodile that was kept under wraps was the organization he was leading, Baroque Works. The group of power-users, millions, and billions secretly pulled the strings of the attacks, gaining the trust of those living in Alabasta. However, this wasn't completely hidden, and another pirate had come to warn the warlord of the risks behind his operation.

•—•••—•

"Jeez, it's so hot in this damn place." A woman moaned, baking under the desert sun. "That stupid sand man couldn't have picked a worse place." Even if it fit the man's powers perfectly, it was still a pain in the ass for her, so she called him a moron internally.

Docking her boat at the small pier, Raye hopped off of the grey raft and proceeded into the bustling town. It was a long journey to the city where Crocodile abided, and she wasn't looking forward to it at all. "I'm going to die if I don't get out of this fucking heat."

She found the closest clothes vendor, and picked out something to protect her from the raging sun. She had baggy, creme-colored pants on, with a tight, black tube top. A large piece of white cloth covered her head, arms, and shoulders, shielding them from the fiery light. The yellow scarf wrapped around her neck and the black sword sheath on her back completed the look.

"It'll have to do," she murmured. "But it constricts my movement quite a bit."

A few days later, she arrived at the casino owned by the reptilian warlord. She walked in the building, head up high, and found one of the attendants. She waved him over and whispered into his ear. The worker paled, nodding rapidly and scurrying off somewhere. Raye looked around the large room, observing all the machines clinking, calling out to people to use them. Crowds were gathered at lots of tables, playing different games. She hummed as she watched people gamble, tempted to do so herself.

Instead, she made her way to the bar, and ordered two shots. She figured she would need them before talking to her friend anyway, because he was a real bothersome jerk. She downed them both quickly, not cringing even a bit at the taste. Right as she finished, a woman walked over to her and sat down at the stool beside her.

"Sir Crocodile would like to see you now, Miss Black Panther." Raye nodded, annoyed that he couldn't even come out and greet her. She sighed lazily, and looked over the woman sitting with her. She had black hair with bluish highlights, and strikingly bright blue eyes to match. Her outfit consisted of a matching set of purple, a tank top and a skirt with white frills and a teal waistband. She had on a white coat with fur, and a corresponding white cowboy hat.

She looks awfully familiar, Raye mused, but didn't think any further. It would come to her eventually. "Thank you, dear. Lead the way!" she winked at the woman. The woman just smiled, and got up. "Please, call me Miss All Sunday." The two made their way to a staircase situated in the back. Slowing her pace slightly, Raye was behind Miss All Sunday, smirking to herself.

Now I recognize you, she thought. Not too bad, Crocodile. When they finished climbing all the stairs to the top of the building, the other woman left Raye behind, informing her that Crocodile was just inside.

She pushed open the door, and saw the man she was searching for, staring out the window. She took a seat on a sofa facing him, and rested her chin on her hands, elbows on her things. "Not even gonna say hi? So mean," she pouted, teasing the man. He grunted, "why did you come here, Raye?"