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By the time they returned to the desert town, night had fallen. Lanterns flickered in windows, and smoke from fires curled upward into the star-choked sky. But the warmth that once made the town feel safe was gone. Soldiers were patrolling the streets now—not ordinary guards, but men dressed in Baroque Works insignia.
Vivi ducked into the alley first. "They've tightened control since we left.
"Rael crouched beside her. "They know someone found the scroll.
They're looking for us."Kaya sighed.
"Then we need to move again."They slipped through the shadows, avoiding detection until they reached the old stable where their camels and supplies were hidden. But even there, something felt off. A faint echo of breathing. A ripple in the air.Rael grabbed Kaya and Vivi by the arms and shoved them behind a crate just as a blade came slicing down.A figure dropped from the rafters. Clad in black, eyes sharp as razors. Another assassin.Rael moved instantly.They clashed in a blur, their movements too fast for the eye. Rael blocked a flurry of blows, ducked under a spinning kick, and responded with a crushing elbow that sent the assassin tumbling into barrels.Kaya fired twice. One shot missed; the second clipped the attacker's shoulder. He snarled and disappeared into the shadows.Rael didn't chase. "He was just stalling."Vivi nodded grimly. "To give their men time to search the town."Rael gathered their things quickly. "Then we vanish before they get another chance."They rode out under the moonlight, heading east toward the rebel camp. The desert wind picked up, carrying sand and tension alike.Kaya, riding beside Rael, glanced at him. "They know we have the scroll. How long until Crocodile acts himself?"
"Not long," Rael answered. "Which means we need to hit first.
"Vivi pulled her scarf tighter against her face.
"The rebels need to see that we're not just another group with promises. They need proof."Rael nodded.
"Then we give it to them."Two days later, the trio arrived at the edge of a large oasis nestled between jagged cliffs. Smoke rose from the center—tents, campfires, and armed watchmen.The rebel camp.
Vivi dismounted and approached the sentries. They raised weapons until she pulled down her scarf, revealing her identity.Gasps followed."Princess Vivi?"
"It can't be..."
Within moments, they were escorted to the central tent, where the rebel leader—a burly man named Koza—sat hunched over maps.When he saw Vivi, he stood quickly.
"You're alive," he said, eyes wide.Vivi nodded. "And I have proof of Crocodile's betrayal."Rael stepped forward, unrolling the schematic of Pluton. Koza's eyes scanned it, then locked onto Vivi.
"Where did you get this?""A hidden ruin near Yuba. We barely made it out. Crocodile's men were already there."Koza clenched his fists.
"So it was true all along. He's been using the war to find this weapon."Rael pointed to the map. "He'll strike soon. You need to be ready."Koza looked at him. "And who are you?"Rael's eyes narrowed. "The man who will kill him."Later that night, the camp buzzed with new energy. Men and women trained harder, readied their arms, and spread word of the princess's return.Vivi stood at the edge of the camp, watching the firelight dance. Kaya approached, handing her a canteen."You okay?"Vivi nodded. "Just... thinking. It's strange. Being here again. I used to run through this camp as a child."Kaya smiled. "You're different now. Stronger."Vivi looked over at Rael, who sat alone near the largest fire, sharpening his blade. "He makes it feel possible."Kaya followed her gaze. "Yeah. He does that."Vivi turned back to Kaya. "You knew him longer. Do you think he cares? About all this?"Kaya thought for a moment. "He doesn't fight for glory or for show. He fights because he hates seeing people suffer. That's enough for me."Vivi smiled faintly. "That's enough for me, too."As the wind howled softly through the oasis palms, the rebels prepared for war.And far away, in the heart of Rainbase, Crocodile stood at his balcony, gazing into the desert night."So... you're finally moving, little princess," he whispered with a smirk. "Let's see how far you make it."
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