The Grand Line was merciless — a path of beauty and madness woven together.
The sun burned gold across the sea as Ada's ship cut through the waves, the wind swelling in its crimson sails. Crocus stood at the bow, his coat whipping behind him as the salt spray kissed his face.
Ada stood at the helm, one hand steady on the wheel, her short hair brushing across her face. Beside her, Crocus watched the horizon, his expression torn between awe and exasperation.
"You weren't exaggerating," he said, squinting at the storm line ahead. "This sea really is alive."
Ada stood behind the helm, her hands steady. "It tests you before it rewards you," she said softly. "That's why Roger loves it."
Crocus chuckled under his breath. "And that's why you follow him?"
Ada's lips curved faintly. "No. I follow the storm because it never lies and also I don't follow anyone. I walk beside him. That's the difference."
A pause hung between them — respect unspoken, understanding mutual.
For hours, the sea remained deceptively calm — until the horizon began to shimmer with heat.
Then, through the thinning mist, the golden dunes of Alabasta began to appear like a mirage blooming in sunlight. A golden stretch breaking through the endless blue.
Crocus whistled low. "Alabasta… Kingdom of the desert. You think we'll find anything here?"
"Supplies," Ada replied. "And a den-den mushi. I need to contact the crew."
Nanohana's port was alive with color and sound — merchants shouting over one another, camels braying, ships creaking beneath the dry wind. The scent of spices and salt clung to the air.
The port bustled with traders and caravans, the smell of spice and salt thick in the air. Merchants shouted prices in multiple tongues as dockhands hauled crates from foreign ships.
When Ada stepped onto the pier, the noise dimmed.
She wore her crimson dress — the same elegant, form-fitting one from her days in the New World. The slit down her leg revealed holstered pistols at her thigh, and the faint glint of her sword hilt caught the sun. She walked with the calm confidence of a storm that had already chosen where it would strike.
Crocus followed, his medical bag slung over his shoulder. People parted instinctively, whispers rising in their wake.
"Is that—?"
"Her dress… that's her! The Crimson Shadow!"
"She's here?"
"In Alabasta?! Why—why would she come here?"
"What's she doing in Alabasta?!"
Crocus followed silently behind, his coat fluttering, his calm demeanor stark against the fearful murmurs.
—————
Meanwhile, within the marble halls of the royal palace, Pell, still a young captain of the royal guard, dropped to one knee before his king.
"Your Majesty — reports from the harbor. A pirate ship has docked without clearance."
King Cobra, still young but already carrying the weight of rule, looked up from his maps. "A pirate ship?"
"Yes, sire. The ship bears crimson sails — and the one disembarking…" Pell hesitated, the weight of his next words clear. "She's been identified as Nyx D. Ada."
The room fell silent.
Cobra leaned back in his chair, brow furrowing. "The Crimson Shadow," he murmured. "The woman who fought under Rocks D. Xebec… now with the Roger Pirates."
"She's not causing trouble," Pell added quickly. "She's… shopping. Asking for supplies and a den-den mushi."
Cobra frowned deeper. "That doesn't sound like a raid."
"No, sire. But the people are panicking. I request permission to intervene."
Cobra shook his head slowly, his sharp eyes glinting. "No. I'll meet her myself."
Pell blinked. "Your Majesty?"
Cobra stood, straightening his robes. "If someone like her walks into my kingdom unprovoked, it's not a coincidence — it's a statement. Invite her to the palace. Politely."
—————
In the city square, guards were already moving. Word of her arrival traveled fast.
Ada and Crocus had just left the spice market when the royal envoy arrived — guards flanking a golden carriage, with Pell at the front.
"Nyx D. Ada," Pell called, his tone firm but respectful. "His Majesty King Cobra requests your presence at the palace."
Ada arched an eyebrow. "Inviting pirates now?"
Pell didn't waver. "Alabasta welcomes all who mean no harm. The King wishes to understand your intentions."
Crocus leaned in slightly. "Do we have time for diplomacy?"
Ada smirked faintly. "Always."
—————-
The palace gleamed under the harsh desert sun — towering white walls carved with ancient hieroglyphs, fountains glittering like gems.
Ada walked beside Pell and Crocus through the grand hall, her heels echoing on the marble. The guards followed at a careful distance, their spears trembling slightly though their faces remained stoic.
Within minutes, a young man dressed in royal attire, barely in his twenties, his sharp eyes wary yet curious appeared.
It was King Nefertari Cobra, newly crowned ruler of Alabasta.
Ada noticed him before the guards reached her. She stopped mid-stride, meeting his gaze head-on.
Cobra approached, hand raised to still his men. His voice carried a mix of caution and authority. "You're Nyx D. Ada — of the Roger Pirates."
Crocus stiffened slightly beside her, ready for conflict, but Ada's tone remained even. "That's right."
"So," he began, his voice steady. "The Crimson Shadow graces Alabasta. Tell me — what brings a woman like you to my kingdom?"
Ada met his gaze evenly. "Supplies. A den-den mushi. Nothing more."
Cobra raised an eyebrow. "That's all?"
She gave a slight nod. "I'm not here to fight. I'm only passing through."
The young king studied her for a long moment. Her poise was unshakable — too composed for a marauder, too dangerous for a liar.
"I've heard stories about you," Cobra said finally. "You've burned Marine bases, destroyed slave rings, and crossed seas most men fear. And yet you walk into a royal court as if you own it."
Ada's lips curved faintly. "Maybe I just prefer straight paths."
Crocus, standing silently behind her, fought the urge to smirk.
Cobra's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained cautious. "Then take what you need. But I'll warn you — my people fear pirates. I expect no… incidents."
"No promises," Ada replied dryly, "but I'm not here for chaos."
Pell stiffened, but Cobra merely sighed. "You speak like someone who's seen too much of it already."
Ada's gaze flicked toward the horizon through the open windows. "You have no idea."
Later, inside a shaded market, Ada leaned against a counter stacked with den-den mushi of different sizes. The merchant was sweating bullets, too nervous to look her in the eye.
Crocus examined a smaller, travel-sized snail. "This one should do. Compact, strong frequency range. You can reach the New World with it."
Ada nodded, sliding several gold coins onto the table. "Good. We'll use it immediately."
The merchant hesitated. "You… you won't bring trouble here, will you?"
Ada's gaze flicked to him — calm, but sharp enough to make him freeze. "Only if you give me a reason to."
Crocus sighed as they walked out. "You really do know how to scare people without trying."
Ada smirked. "It saves time."
They reached the dock again, the desert winds carrying faint whispers from the city. Crocus handed her the den-den mushi, already connected and humming softly.
Ada took it, turning the dial. The snail blinked, adjusting its eyes as static filled the air.
Then came the faint "Pero pero pero…"
Ada leaned against the rail, her crimson hair shifting in the breeze. "Come on… pick up."
Click.
"Cachak!"
"HELLOOOO?! WHO IS THIS?!" Buggy's voice exploded through the line, almost making Crocus flinch.
Ada's lips twitched in mild amusement. "Calm down, Buggy."
There was a loud gasp. "ADA?! YOU'RE ALIVE! I—I mean—uh, OF COURSE YOU ARE!"
Shanks' voice joined, full of excitement. "Big Sis Ada! Where are you?! Rayleigh said you'd been gone for months!"
Roger's booming laughter echoed faintly in the background. "GAHAHAHAHA! You found the doctor, didn't you?"
Ada's tone softened, the faintest warmth slipping through. "I did. He's willing to help — name's Crocus. Meet me at Sabaody in a week."
There was a stunned silence, then Rayleigh's calm, amused tone. "Crocus, huh? You really don't do anything halfway, do you?"
Ada glanced sideways at the doctor, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "Halfway doesn't get things done."
Roger's laughter rumbled again. "Gahahaha! I knew I could count on you! All right, Ada — Sabaody it is!"
Buggy's voice whined. "You better bring back souvenirs! Or at least some food!"
Shanks shouted, "Ignore him! Just hurry back, Big Sis!"
Ada's faint smirk returned. "Try not to sink the ship before I get there."
Click. The line went dead.
For a moment, the sea was silent — just the sound of waves and wind against the hull.
Crocus crossed his arms, watching her. "You really care about them, don't you?"
Ada didn't answer immediately. Her gaze remained on the horizon — on the endless, shifting blue.
"They're reckless," she said finally. "But… they remind me that even storms can laugh."
Crocus smirked faintly. "You're an odd one, Nyx D. Ada."
"So I've been told."
He adjusted his bag, looking toward the dunes fading into the distance. "The king was watching when we left. I think he was trying to figure you out."
Ada's tone held a hint of dry humor. "He'll lose sleep if he tries."
The two of them stood quietly for a moment — two wanderers bound by fate, the sun setting behind the dunes and painting the sea red.
Then Crocus spoke, his voice calm but certain. "If your captain is half as persistent as you are, I suppose I'll be meeting him soon."
Ada's eyes glinted like molten gold beneath her crimson fringe. "You will. And when you do, you'll understand why I came this far."
The sun had already begun to sink behind the golden dunes of Alubarna when Ada stepped out of the Docks. The air shimmered with heat, and the sandstone streets glowed like molten gold beneath her heels.
Then she heard the sound of armored footsteps behind her — steady, disciplined.
"Lady Ada, Mister Crocus" came a familiar voice.
She turned, hand brushing instinctively against the pistol on her thigh, but relaxed when she saw Pell, the hawk-eyed guardian of the king.
He bowed slightly, his tone respectful but alert. "His Majesty requests your presence again this evening."
Ada raised an eyebrow. "Again? I already told your king my business here is brief."
"I understand," Pell said evenly. "But His Majesty insists. He wishes to thank you properly for respecting Alabasta's laws… and to speak with you further. There will be a banquet in your honor tonight."
Crocus exchanged a glance with Ada. "The king himself?"
Ada tilted her head, the faintest hint of a smirk forming. "A banquet? For a pirate?"
Pell hesitated. "For a guest."
That drew a quiet chuckle from her. "Your king must be either very bold… or very curious."
Pell met her gaze without flinching. "Perhaps both."
"His Majesty insists," Pell said simply. "He values strength, and he values kindness when it shows itself. He believes you've shown both."
Crocus gave a low whistle. "Well, it's not every day I get invited to dine with royalty. What do you think, Ada? Might be better food than ship rations."
Ada's lips curved faintly, though her eyes stayed sharp. "Maybe. But kings don't invite pirates just for dinner. There's always something else."
Pell didn't deny it. "Perhaps. But if you wish to know what that is… come and find out."
For a moment, Ada said nothing, letting the warm desert wind whip past her crimson dress. Then she nodded once.
"Fine," she said. "Tell your king I'll be there."
Crocus stretched his arms behind his head, smiling lightly. "Guess I'll wear my clean shirt, then."
Pell bowed slightly. "We'll expect you both at the palace by nightfall." He turned sharply on his heel, the falcon crest glinting as he strode back toward the towering marble gates.
As his figure disappeared into the golden light, Ada glanced at Crocus, a quiet amusement flickering in her eyes.
"A dinner with a king," she murmured. "Not exactly what I planned when I came here to buy a snail."
Crocus chuckled under his breath. "Life's funny that way. Let's just hope they serve good wine."
Ada's smirk widened slightly. "If they don't… we'll just find something stronger."
Ada watched him go, the faintest smile touching her lips as she whispered to herself,
"Let's see what secrets you're hiding, Alabasta."