Solo Pirating - Chapter 86

Chapter 86

30th of April 1522

Alabasta

On a large screen set up in the palace garden, the live broadcast from the Main Plaza of Alubarna began. Aramaki looked to the street through the screen, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him. The main avenue had been transformed, featuring a grandiose estrade covered in rich hues of crimson, purple, and beige. The colors swirled together in an opulent display, invoking a sense of ancient majesty and power. The crowd erupted into cheers as Moria and Vivi appeared on the platform.

Aramaki's gaze was drawn to Moria first. Tall and imposing, his unnaturally pale skin contrasted sharply with the deep, royal blue and gold robes draped over his form. The outfit was intricate, with wide, angular shoulders adorned with golden epaulettes and elaborate ornaments cascading down his chest in a series of overlapping plates. The robe was cinched at the waist with a thick, bejeweled belt, the gems reflecting the sunlight in dazzling patterns. Despite his eerie pallor, Moria exuded a dark, magnetic charm, his presence commanding and unnerving in equal measure.

Beside him stood Vivi, a vision of queenly sensual elegance. Her blue hair cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders, framing a face of striking beauty. Her outfit was a shimmering ensemble that clung to her curves with deliberate grace. The top was a fitted bodice made of translucent, gauzy fabric that pushed up her full, rounded breasts, adorned with intricate beadwork and golden embroidery that glistened in the sunlight. Her waist was cinched with a wide, jewel-encrusted belt, accentuating the swell of her hips and the seductive curve of her backside. A long, flowing skirt, slit high on one side, revealed her toned legs as she moved. The skirt was made of layers of sheer, iridescent fabric that fluttered with each step, creating an ethereal effect. Vivi's striking blue eyes and high cheekbones were highlighted by delicate makeup, enhancing her allure and commanding presence.

Hand in hand, Moria and Vivi stepped forward, and the crowd's roar of approval intensified. Aramaki watched as they saluted the masses, their popularity undeniable. He couldn't help but acknowledge the genuine adoration that radiated from the people. Around him, in the garden, nobles whispered compliments about the soon-to-be king and queen, their eyes fixed on the screen reflecting the grand scene outside.

"Look at them," a noblewoman nearby murmured. "Such grace and power. They truly embody royalty."

"Indeed," another nobleman replied. "Moria and Vivi will lead Alabasta into a new era. They are a perfect match."

"Do you think they can truly bring change?" Aramaki overheard a young noble asking his companion.

"They have already begun," the companion responded. "Look at the unity they inspire. Alabasta has never been more hopeful."

A very old man arrived, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was an ancient councilor of the late King Cobra and a revered priest, his long white beard flowing down to his chest. His robes were rich and elaborate, a deep red adorned with golden embroidery depicting ancient symbols and royal insignias. His frail hands held a golden staff, its top fashioned into a sun emblem that glinted in the afternoon light. The wrinkles on his face spoke of decades of wisdom and service to the kingdom, and his eyes held a depth of understanding that came from witnessing the rise and fall of rulers.

As he approached the estrade, the crowd hushed, anticipation hanging thick in the air. The old man raised his staff high, and his voice, though aged, resonated with strength and authority. "People of Alabasta," he began, "today we stand on the brink of a new era. An era of hope, prosperity, and unity. Under the guidance of Prince Moria and Princess Vivi, we have seen the rebirth of our nation. They have brought rain to our parched lands, food to our hungry, and hope to our hearts."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing with fervor. "It is with great honor and profound joy that I stand before you to anoint these leaders as our new King and Queen. By the grace of the gods and the will of our people, we crown them today. May their reign be just, their hearts pure, and their vision unwavering. May they lead us to a future where Alabasta shines as a beacon of peace and prosperity."

The old man then turned to Moria and Vivi, placing the golden crowns upon their heads. The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices a harmonious chorus of approval and joy. Moria stepped forward, his pale face set with determination and his eyes glinting with a dark resolve.

"People of Alabasta," Moria began, his voice booming across the plaza, "as your Prince, I have worked tirelessly to bring you rain, jobs, food, and water. I have listened to your needs and answered your calls. Today, as your King, I promise you even more. I promise you a future where Alabasta will be the safest country on earth, a land free from the grip of crime and despair."

His words were met with thunderous applause, the crowd hanging on his every word. Moria raised a hand for silence, his gaze sweeping over the gathered citizens. "I have a gift for you, my people," he declared, his voice filled with solemnity and power. "A gift to ensure your safety and peace of mind."

At his signal, twelve winged warriors of stone descended from the sky, their forms massive and imposing. These stone guardians, animated by what the people believed to be magic, had the heads of various animals and carried heavy bows and maces. Their wings spread wide, casting shadows over the crowd as they landed with a thundering impact.

"These warriors," Moria announced, "will patrol Alubarna day and night, ensuring the safety of its inhabitants. And starting tomorrow, more of them will be deployed across Alabasta, many in each city. The same will be done in Dressrosa. With these guardians, we will build a realm where you can live without fear, a realm where justice reigns supreme."

The announcement of stone warriors patrolling Alabasta and Dressrosa was met with enthusiastic applause. The nobles' faces shone with a mix of relief and greed.

“This will end criminality!” exclaimed Lord Amontillado, a rotund noble from a city in eastern Alabasta, his voice bursting with excitement. “Think of the savings on policing!”

Lady Circe, draped in silks of emerald and gold, nodded vigorously. “Indeed, and the funds saved can be redirected to more profitable ventures.”

The murmurs of agreement were unanimous, the collective sigh of relief palpable. Aramaki’s lip curled into a faint sneer as he turned to observe the nobles and kings of other nations, their reactions varied. King Jericho of the North Blue leaned forward with keen interest. “Perhaps we should inquire if Moria would be willing to sell some of these guardians,” he mused. “They would be quite useful for maintaining order back home.”

Aramaki snorted softly. Foolish, he thought, to place such trust in a pirate. He was a King…but a Pirate. These rulers, assuming their status within the World Government would shield them from Moria’s manipulative grasp, amused him. They failed to consider that Moria might use these constructs to infiltrate and dominate their lands subtly.

He turned his gaze back to the screen, his eyes narrowing slightly as they fixed on Queen Vivi. Her blue hair cascaded like a waterfall, framing her face with an ethereal beauty. The translucent fabric of her bodice clung to her form, accentuating her full, rounded breasts and the seductive curve of her hips. The sight of her stirred something primal within him.

It was decided : he hated Moria, this fucker. Such a fine babe!

"Quite the spectacle, isn't it?" a voice cackled beside him. Aramaki turned to see Morgans, his beady eyes glinting with mischief. "A union of power and beauty. The perfect narrative for our readers, don't you think?"

Aramaki inclined his head slightly, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, Morgans. Quite the spectacle."

Morgans' cackle grew louder, drawing a few glances from nearby nobles. "Oh, the stories we could weave from this! A pirate king and his queen, guardians of the realm, protectors of the innocent! It has a certain... poetic irony, doesn't it?"

Aramaki listened to Moria's final speech with half-hearted attention, his thoughts preoccupied with the grand implications of the spectacle unfolding before him. Moria’s voice boomed with promises of safety and prosperity, his words wrapping the crowd in a fervent embrace. The applause swelled, a wave of adulation that surged through the screen. As the ovation reached its peak, shadows began to swirl around Moria and Vivi, consuming them in an inky vortex. Aramaki watched as the darkness appeared in the garden, only to dissipate moments later, revealing the pair standing.

The garden erupted in cheers, the guests and nobles surging forward with a mix of awe and admiration, some go them determinate to brown nose. However, they let one of Moria closest - and intimidating - ally go first.

King Judge and his daughter Reiju approached.

"Congratulations, King Moria," Judge intoned, his voice resonant and commanding. His tall, imposing figure loomed over the crowd, casting a long shadow. "Alabasta is fortunate to have such a formidable ruler."

Moria inclined his head "Thank you, Father. Your support is most appreciated."

Reiju stepped forward, her black cocktail dress glistening under the lanterns' soft glow. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, flicked between Moria and Vivi. "Congratulations, my husband," she said, her voice softening as she turned to Vivi. "And to you, my sister. Your beauty and poise are truly captivating."

Vivi returned the smile, though her eyes held a guarded glimmer. "Thank you, Reiju. We are honored by your presence."

More nobles stepped forward, offering their congratulations in a chorus of flattery and well-wishes. Aramaki couldn't help but feel a twinge of disdain for the façade of unity and celebration, which masked the underlying hunger for power that pervaded the gathering. And for Moria…Why ? Why was this ugly pirate so lucky ? And he…Why was Aramaki still a bachelor ?

Beside him, Morgans, still cackling with delight, nudged Aramaki. "Quite the performance, wouldn't you say?"

Aramaki nodded absently, his thoughts wandering as the celebration buzzed around him. Then, through the throng of admiring nobles and guests, Moria and Vivi finally approached him. Relief surged through Aramaki—finally, he could say his piece, throw his weight around, and get the hell out of here back to HQ.

Moria greeted him with a cold, measured nod. "Admiral Aramaki," he said, his voice dripping with mock politeness.

Aramaki didn’t bother hiding his disdain. "Well, well, Moria. King Moria. Two kingdoms now? Dressrosa and Alabasta?" His tone was laced with thinly veiled contempt. "The Marines will be keeping a very close eye on you. For your protection, naturally."

Moria's laughter was a dark, rumbling sound. "Protection? Don't make me laugh, Admiral. I held the west front of Marineford alone. I don't need your watchdogs."

Aramaki's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with malice. "Sure, you're strong. But let's not kid ourselves. You're nothing compared to the real powers of this world." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "The Five Elders themselves told me to keep a close watch on you. And on Princess Vivi here."

Moria's expression faltered for a split second, genuine surprise flickering in his eyes. The mention of the Five Elders caught him off guard. His surprise quickly morphed into anger, a dark shadow crossing his face.

"So, enjoy your little reign," Aramaki continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Be a good little king—like the other nobles. Enjoy your power, but don't make any waves. Stay the World Government's obedient dog."

Moria's eyes burned with fury. "We'll see, Admiral. We'll see."

Aramaki straightened up, looking down at Moria with barely concealed disdain. "Don't forget who really runs the show, Moria. Step out of line, and you'll find out just how small you really are."

With a final, derisive nod, Aramaki turned on his heel and walked away. Finally, he thought, away from these snakes. He couldn’t wait to be back at HQ, where at least the politics were straightforward.