Ashes To Ashes | One Piece

𝟏𝟓|False Hero

( Alabasta Arc )

Fighting was futile.

Ashe could only watch and struggle, the toxic feeling of being useless swarming under her skin, as Chaka fell at the hands of the Warlord. He barley stood a chance. He fought desperately as he swung his swords with deadly precision but each hit went straight through Crocodile and didn't even leave the smallest of marks. It was if he hadn't even hit him in the first place. Not even when he activated his Jackal model Devil Fruit. He took the form quickly but fell just as fast. Even when an elite squad joined Chakas side, breaking the palace gates down, the fight was over before it could properly begin. The soldiers bodies fell to the floor in heaps as Crocodile stood above them triumphantly. Not even a fur on his jacket out of place. Ashes forehead scraped against the ground as she looked away from the bleeding palace guards, teeth digging into her lower lip.

"Weakness is a crime punishable by death" The Warlord chuckled, gold hook glittering in the sun light. Ashe glared at him harshly, looking up at him through her curtain of wild hair. She looked feral.

"Vivi?!" A new voice called out. Ashes head snapped up, whipping in the direction of the young man as he stared at what was happening in shock and wonder. He was filthy, sword strapped to his back, as a scar slashed across the corner of his left eye. His gaze traveled across the courtyard. Across the bleeding and bound king, to Ashe on the ground, before they fixated on Vivi.

"Koza!" The blue haired girl gasped.

"It's you!" The kings whispered in shock "I see you came through the short cut you used to use"

"This can't be, what am I seeing here?!" The revolution leader barked "I came in hope of persuading the royal army but..., and the king is about to be killed by this countries hero. I can't believe my eyes."

Crocodile only laughed madly as he leered down at them all "Now things are starting to get interesting! Here we are in the midst of an epic war yet the leaders of both sides aren't on the battle field, fate has placed them squabbling at my feet. A fight to the death between two broken titans bleeding out the last remnants of their power!"

"You seem lost and confused, don't worry, it's a natural reaction" Miss All Sunday hummed as she crossed her arms "let me help you. Relax and open your mind, then imagine being faced with the worst possible scenario."

"Koza, listen..." The princess commanded as she stepped towards her friend.

"Vivi" the blonde barked "who is responsible for the drought ravaging this country? Tell me!"

"It was..." she hissed only for Crocodile to speak over her.

"That honour belongs to me. Over the past two years, each and every malicious deed you attributed to the kings doing was in fact perpetrated by my company. A trap that saw you playing right into our hands. It was a flawless systematic plot of deception. I must say, it was entertaining watching as the royal family and its mighty army desperately chased our shadows. Pity, you probably would of died in ignorant bliss not knowing these brutal facts"

"Koza, listen!" Cobra cried "There's still some time if you have the courage. You must act now, save as many citizens as you can!"

"In less than...half and hour" Chaka suddenly choked out, blood slipping past his lips "the whole...palace square will...be blown...to kingdom come"

"What do you mean?" Koza yelled back as Ashe once was more began to struggle. Robin didn't tighten her choke hold, she instead simply watched in interest as the bounty hunter pushed through the pain to get a better grasp on her gun. Subtly, the blue eyed woman loosened her grip.