151 Fleeting Reunion #151

Sipping the rare bottle of date wine he purchased from a market stall, Cedric savored the rich and fruity flavor that danced on his palate. The warm desert breeze swept through the bustling streets of Nanohana, carrying with it the scent of exotic spices and the lively chatter of merchants and locals. Cedric leaned against a wooden pillar, his gaze fixed on Khalifa as she meticulously examined the vibrant fabrics and ornate garments hanging in the nearby stalls.

With a content smile, Cedric watched as Khalifa's fingers gently grazed the fine silks and intricate embroidery, her eyes alight with curiosity. It was clear that she sought attire that resonated with the local culture and allowed her to blend in with the people of Alabasta.

After careful consideration, she chose a flowing ensemble that showcased the rich colors and patterns reminiscent of the region.

Leaving the vibrant bazaar behind, Cedric and Khalifa ventured through the winding streets until they found an inn tucked away amidst the bustling town. The exterior of the inn boasted traditional Middle Eastern architecture, with intricate mosaics adorning the walls and a welcoming courtyard shaded by palm trees.

Entering the inn, the coolness of the interior provided a respite from the scorching desert heat. Cedric approached the front desk, where a friendly innkeeper greeted them with a warm smile. After a brief exchange, they secured a couple of comfortable rooms, ensuring a peaceful and restful stay during their time in Alabasta.

Making their way to a cozy corner of the inn's common area, Cedric and Khalifa settled down at a small table, their surroundings adorned with colorful tapestries and traditional lanterns. Cedric placed the bottle of date wine on the table, its golden hue catching the soft glow of the flickering candles.

"Now, then," Cedric began, leaning in slightly, his voice low yet filled with determination. "We have two tasks at hand-- getting King Cobra, the ruler of this kingdom, to hire us, and then exposing the people responsible for stirring shit in his land..."

"We already established that Baroque Works is the most likely suspect, and since you want to take over the organization, you'll have to look into it yourself..." He instructed. "Dig deep, gather information and evidence, and uncover their true intentions..."

Khalifa nodded, her eyes reflecting a shared determination. "Leave it to me... they might pride themselves on secrecy, but I'm still a former CP9 agent..." she replied and paused momentarily. "What will you do, though?"

Cedric grinned mischievously in response to Khalifa's question. "Oh, not to worry. I don't intend to sit on my ass and laze around..." he replied, his voice laced with playful enthusiasm. "After all, I'm here to secure the funds for my beloved ship."

He took another sip of the date wine, savoring the sweet notes that danced across his tongue, before continuing, "I have an acquaintance in the royal palace, King Cobra himself. But as you can imagine, it wouldn't be a good look for the king of a World Government-affiliated nation to welcome a pirate into his grand palace openly."

Khalifa raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in her eyes as she leaned in closer. "So, what's your plan, Cedric? How do you intend to meet King Cobra and offer your services without raising any suspicions?"

Cedric shrugged nonchalantly, a glimmer of confidence in his eyes. "Simple... I'll just sneak into the palace," he explained, his voice filled with certainty. "Just cause I go around drinking and signing in the streets from to time doesn't mean I can't keep a low profile. I'm no stranger to avoiding unwanted attention."

He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing, "Once inside, I will find an opportune moment to approach King Cobra discreetly... he won't say no. I have a knack for persuading people..."

Khalifa let out a weary sigh, her voice tinging with a hint of skepticism. "Well, that's quite the optimistic plan you have there, Cedric," she remarked, her tone bordering on amusement. "Almost naively optimistic, I'd say."

Cedric chuckled, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Oh, ye of little faith," he teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Trust me, Khalifa, King Cobra won't be able to say no. I'll have him eating out of the palm of my hand in no time."

Khalifa crossed her arms, a bemused expression on her face. "And what if he simply refuses to hire you? What's your backup plan then?"

Cedric's laughter filled the air, his amusement is evident. "It'll be even simpler then..." he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If King Cobra proves too stubborn to listen to reason, I'll just help myself to the royal treasury on my way out.

"A little compensation for my time and effort... I did come all the way here from Water Seven with the best intention at heart, you know?" He concluded with a chuckle.

Khalifa shook her head in exasperation, a mixture of disbelief and amusement on her face. "I should have expected something like this from you," she muttered, unable to suppress a grin. "Robbing the treasury as a plan B... It's audacious, but I'll admit, it's as effective as plans B go..."

With their plan and backup plan in place, Cedric and Khalifa set aside their discussion for the time being and turned their attention to the tantalizing aromas wafting from the nearby tables. The rich and diverse flavors of Alabastan cuisine filled the air, enticing their senses and beckoning them to indulge.

They savored each bite, savoring the delectable spices and aromatic herbs that enhanced every dish. The culinary delights of Alabasta's local cuisine provided a momentary respite from their mission, allowing them to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and appreciate the simple pleasures of a well-prepared meal.

...

Nefertari Vivi, disguised as Miss Wednesday, walked discreetly alongside Igaram, currently posing as Mr. 8. Their steps were measured and their voices hushed, aware of the need for secrecy amidst the bustling streets of Nanohana. The air crackled with anticipation as the Baroque Works Frontier Agents, their fellow operatives, arrived in the town alongside them.

Vivi glanced around, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of suspicion. The vibrant colors and bustling activity of the market stalls provided the perfect cover for their clandestine discussions. She leaned in closer to Igaram, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Igaram, have you noticed how everyone was called back to Alabasta, even the Millions and Billions?" Vivi inquired, a slight furrow forming between her brows. "It's highly unusual. Something doesn't feel right about this situation."

Igaram's expression mirrored Vivi's concern, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Indeed, Princess. It is very strange that the higher-ups in Baroque Works have summoned all their agents back to Alabasta," he mused. "They might be up to something big...."

Vivi's frustration grew, her voice tinged with determination. "We cannot afford to underestimate them. If there's a grand scheme at play, we must uncover it and stop it," she declared, her eyes shining with resolve. "We need to intensify our efforts to unveil the true identity of whoever is behind Baroque Works and reveal their true intentions before it's too late...."

Igaram nodded, messaging his throat. "Ma~ma~ma~ You're absolutely right, Princess. We need to up our efforts and protect the kingdom of Alabasta at all costs," he affirmed, his voice filled with loyalty and duty.

As Igaram and Vivi walked through the bustling streets of Nanohana, engrossed in their conversation, they found themselves passing by a tall, enigmatic figure. A sense of familiarity washed over Vivi as she caught sight of the man's towering frame, golden hair, and piercing blue eyes.

He had done a good job of disguising himself, but the young man's most prominent features were unmistakable as the princess instantly recognized him for who he was, the marine soldier who had helped her in the Reverie meeting some years ago.

Before Vivi could utter a word of recognition, Cedric subtly tipped his hat in her direction, a playful glimmer in his eyes. Sensing his silent message, she stopped in her tracks, curiosity piqued. Cedric brought his index finger to his lips and spoke, indicating that their encounter should remain discreet. "I'm here to help... I'll find you later, princess..."

Acknowledging his request, Vivi nodded in understanding, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

With another tip of his hat, Cedric resumed his stride, melting into the ebb and flow of the busy street. Vivi watched his retreating figure, a mix of intrigue and gratitude filling her heart.