150 Desert Sands #150
Seven days had passed in a flash since Cedric and Khalifa bid farewell to Cricket and embarked on their journey toward Alabasta. The vast expanse of the Grand Line stretched before them, its treacherous waters swirling with unpredictable currents and mysterious phenomena.
As they soared through the sky atop Cedric's fiery cloud, the wind whipped against their faces, carrying with it a sense of exhilaration and anticipation. The cloud, a brilliant amalgamation of vibrant hues and ethereal wisps, responded to Cedric's command, effortlessly navigating the turbulent skies.
The peculiar weather of the Grand Line revealed itself in all its glory as they neared the borders of Alabasta. The heat grew more intense with each passing moment, suffusing the air with a scorching embrace that threatened to overwhelm even the most resilient travelers. Beads of sweat formed on Cedric's brow, a testament to the sweltering conditions that awaited them on the desert kingdom's shores.
Once clear and radiant, the skies danced with swirling sandstorms that cascaded down from the heavens. The sandstorms, driven by the whims of the unpredictable weather, painted a surreal tableau against the backdrop of the vast ocean. Cedric and Khalifa braced themselves against the biting gusts, their eyes shielded by protective goggles, their bodies enveloped in loose garments to shield them from the relentless assault of windblown sand.
Cedric's determination remained unyielding through it all, his eyes fixating on the horizon where Alabasta awaited. Khalifa, ever the astute observer, marveled at the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Line, the untamed wilderness that lay before them, and the indomitable spirit that drove Cedric forward.
As the desert kingdom's territory loomed nearer, a sense of anticipation mingled with the desert heat. Cedric adjusted his grip on the reins of the fiery cloud, guiding it with practiced ease through the shifting winds and turbulent currents. The cloud responded to his touch, its fiery essence pulsating with energy, a symbol of their journey's intensity and purpose.
Her senses sharpened by years of training, Khalifa scanned the horizon for any signs of the approaching land. The shifting sands, the distant silhouettes of towering dunes, and the shimmering heatwaves that distorted the air painted a mesmerizing vista that blurred the boundaries between reality and illusion.
Finally, the vast expanse of Alabasta's desert sprawled beneath them, a seemingly endless tapestry of golden sands and unforgiving terrain. Cedric and Khalifa descended from their aerial vantage point, their feet touching the scorching ground with a mix of exhilaration and caution. The desert's embrace welcomed them, its arid beauty a testament to the endurance of life in the harshest of environments.
...
Inside Alabasta, in the vibrant city of Rainbase, the Rain Dinner Casino stood as a beacon of extravagance and indulgence. The grand establishment exuded an air of opulence, with its ornate chandeliers casting a warm glow over the spacious gambling floors. The clinking of chips, the shuffling of cards, and the occasional burst of laughter created a symphony of excitement.
Crocodile, one of the notorious Seven Warlords of the Sea, stood on the highest level of the casino, overlooking the bustling activity below. He exuded an aura of calculated authority as he leisurely smoked a cigar, the wisps of smoke swirling around him. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, observing the countless people engaged in their vices.
Interrupting his contemplation, Miss All Sunday, known as Nico Robin, approached Crocodile with measured steps. She maintained a composed demeanor as she relayed the information he sought. "The pirate you asked about has recently departed Jaya," she stated, her voice laced with a hint of intrigue.
Crocodile's attention shifted towards Nico Robin, his gaze fixed upon her as he silently nodded, his interest piqued. His stoic expression betrayed little emotion, but his mind was undoubtedly processing the implications of this newfound information.
Seizing the opportunity to gather more details, Nico Robin probed further, her tone laced with curiosity. "Based on his trajectory so far, he seems to be traveling the third line of Paradise backward... his next destination will most likely be Alabasta," she suggested, her voice filled with astute observation.
Crocodiles' eyes narrowed, a flicker of interest dancing within them. The pieces of the pirate's grand plan were falling into place, and this pirate's arrival in Alabasta didn't align with his intentions. He raised an eyebrow, acknowledging Nico Robin's insight without speaking.
Frowning at Crocodile's lack of reply, Nico Robin pressed on, her persistence unwavering. Her voice carried a hint of faked concern as she continued to unravel the threads of information. "I heard he's acquainted with the royal family from his marine days... in the last Reverie meeting, he even attacked one of the kings and took a demotion to protect Princess Vivi," she divulged, her words carrying a weight of significance.
The lines on Crocodile's forehead deepened, a subtle indication of his growing interest. The revelation of Cedric Strode's connections to the royal family sparked a glimmer of concern within him, momentarily unsettling his composed demeanor. He absorbed Nico Robin's words, contemplating the implications of this newfound knowledge.
Nico Robin, ever the perceptive observer, continued to offer her insights. "I hear he's quite powerful too... shouldn't you be making preparations just in case?" she queried, her voice laced with a tinge of mocking cautionary tone.
Crocodile's expression softened, his lips curling into a sly smile. He let out his slow-paced iconic chuckle, a sound that exuded confidence and a touch of arrogance. "Kuhahah... you seem to be even more interested in this pirate than myself, Miss All Sunday," he remarked, his tone tinged with amusement. His sharp gaze met Nico Robin's, a glint of curiosity dancing within his eyes.
Crocodile's grin widened, leaning slightly closer and revealing a glimpse of his cunning nature. "Even if this Cedric Strode character is friends with the royal family... even if he tries to help them, it will be of no use," he asserted, his voice dripping with certainty. His conviction held firm as he shook his head dismissively. "He'll never discover my plot, and even if he does, I wouldn't mind putting some brat in his place," he added, his words laced with a hint of veiled menace.
Nico Robin's gaze remained unwavering, her analytical mind processing Crocodile's words. She understood the depths of his ambition, his unwavering determination to see his plans through to the end.
"I see. Well, don't say I didn't warn you..." She said, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension stirring within her as she walked away, leaving the warlord to his contemplation.
The atmosphere within the Rain Dinner Casino grew taut, as if the very walls held their breath, secrets lingering in the air. Crocodile and Nico Robin stood as formidable figures in the midst of an intricate game of power and deceit. Their words danced between them, each statement a subtle move in the intricate chessboard of Alabasta's fate.
As the casino patrons continued to indulge in their vices below, oblivious to the dangerous currents swirling above, Crocodile and Nico Robin engaged in a silent battle of wits and hidden agendas.
...
"Looks like we're here..." Cedric said, gazing at the silhouette of a massive, bustling town in the distance. "We'll stay here for some time, rest up, gather information, and move on..." He instructed, to which Khalifa shrugged, content to follow his lead.
Having followed the Sandora River across the Sandora Desert, Cedric and Khalifa finally arrived at the port town of Nanohana. The scorching desert sun beat down upon them, casting shimmering waves of heat across the sandy landscape. The town's silhouette emerged in the distance, its architectural style reflecting the vibrant culture of the desert.
Nanohana, a bustling hub of trade and commerce, resembled a typical Middle Eastern desert town, exuding an exotic charm that captivated the senses. The buildings stood tall and proud, adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors that mirrored the rich tapestry of Islamic architecture. The facades were embellished with delicate arabesque designs and geometric patterns, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of the locals.
As Cedric and Khalifa ventured deeper into the heart of Nanohana, they found themselves immersed in the vibrant chaos of the bazaar. The air was thick with the fragrant scents of spices, incense, and freshly brewed tea. Stall owners called out their wares, their voices blending into a symphony of melodious chaos.
The streets of Nanohana were narrow and winding, offering respite from the blazing sun. Canopies of colorful fabrics stretched overhead, casting welcome patches of shade upon the bustling crowds. Shopfronts displayed an array of goods, from intricate carpets and handcrafted jewelry to exotic fruits and tantalizing sweets.
"Eh.. might as well do some shopping while we're here..."
