A Beauty And Her Reptilian: Chapter 1
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So I'm finally posting the first Chapter of my Crocodile X Reader fanfic that's inspired by beauty and the beast! Please enjoy and I'll try and post chapter two as soon as I can!
Warnings/Tags:
Description of a body rapidly morphing and changing
Mention of a child being abandoned
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Narrator POV
Back in the mid 1700s, there stood a large manor, owned by a rich and cruel nobleman, Sir Crocodile, who gained his riches and status through rather unsavory manners... Though he didn't care what he had to do, all he cared about was the power he gained from it. Killing, stealing, sacrificing his own men, as long as he rose higher to the top, it would be worth it.
Currently a party was taking place in Crocodiles manor. Not for any serious reasons, but mainly for Crocodile to show off his wealth to other nobles and potential clients, a show to his power and status. While Crocodile sat on his chair, watching over the guests as they socialized and danced, when suddenly the doors burst open and everything went quiet, standing at the door was a dirty, weak, old lady. Torn and drenched rags covered her form as she shivered in the doorway. Crocodile scowled as he stood up and stormed towards the door, how dare some poor peasant interrupt his ball?! It was an embarrassment to his night! What would his clients think if they saw some old begger asking for charity on his doorstep?! Crocodile wouldn't have any of it, he would send this woman away even though it was raining rather heavily. Crocodile now stood in front of the old woman, his large and tall form completely covering her, keeping her out of sight from his guests. "State your business, hag..." He spat out as he glared down at the old woman. "Please sir, all I ask is for a warm room to stay in for the night.." The old woman pleaded. Crocodile scoffed and a cruel smirk grew on his face, "A room? In my manor?? Maybe if you can afford it I'll give you a room in the dungeon~" the old lady pulled out a single red rose and held it out too Crocodile, he took it and looked at her confused. "This is it? You really are a pathetic old woman..." Crocodile said, as he clutched the rose, pricking himself on a thorn before tossing the rose to the ground and stepping on it. "Leave my manor immediately, or I'll kill you, you pathetic old hag " He threatened. The old woman lowered her head and turned around.
But before she left, one of the guests screamed in fear. Crocodile turned around, wondering why the hell they screamed, but they were all standing frozen in fear and staring at Crocodile, he began to examine himself, trying to figure out what they were staring at, when he spotted, a large green crocodile tail protruding from his lower back. His eyes widened in shock as he felt the tail, it was real, and it was permanently attached to his back. He turned back towards the old woman, who shed her rags to reveal a pair of angelic wings. Crocodiles face went pale as he realized that this woman wasn't just a regular woman, but an angel. The woman began to glow as her form changed from an old dirty lady to angelic, she looked back at Crocodile, "You lack humanity, therefore you do not deserve to call yourself a human..." Crocodiles shock soon turned to pain as his body began to transform. His skin turning into smooth dark green scales, his face growing a snout and his teeth sharpening, nails turning into claws, his groans and grunts of pains turning into deep bellows as he finally opened his eyes, now a greenish yellow with w sharp pupils, he was now a monster.
He snapped back towards his guests, they stood in fear at the now scaly monster in front of them, he tried to reach out but it caused them to panic and run, even some of his own men ran and left him behind leaving only a select loyal few by his side to be transformed too, Crocodile could only watch as everything he built came crumbling down around him. He turned around back to the angel with a growl. "You WENCH! You tricked me!" the angel just stayed calm as she spoke again, "If you can learn to be a human again, you will earn everything back.." She picked up the rose that had a small stain of his blood and turned to Crocodile again, "But if you are not able to learn by the time the last petal falls off this rose, you will stay a monster, and be forgotten by all.." The rose began to glow, the blood being absorbed into its stem as if sealing Crocodile to its spell. The angel dropped the rose at Crocodiles feet, then disappeared without another word. Crocodile picked up the now magical rose in his hand, he clenched his teeth in frustration before letting out a haunting roar of anger as the last of his guests and unloyal men left, never to hear from Crocodile again...
~Six years later~
It was dawn in a small village. The rooster had crowed and everyone was getting up and starting their day. You begrudgingly rose from your bed, wanting to stay snuggled in your bed a little longer before the summer sun began to drench you in sweat. But you had errands to run, to get the best items at the market you needed to be there first. So you got up, put on your favorite clothes and grabbed you coins and a basket and headed out, the streets were already bustling with people in their way to work or on their way to the market.
On your way you heard a call, "Please.. Spare some money for bread.." you turned to see a rugged older man with a missing leg, most likely a disabled war veteran that lost his leg in battle and was left to rot in the streets because of his disability. Your heart clenched at the thought of people being left to rot for such reasons, no one deserves this treatment, and the fact that it has become so common to let people rot without help was disgusting. You opened your coin sack and gave him some coins so he could buy himself some breakfast, "Here, I wish I could give more..." the man eagerly took the coins and smiled, "Thank you kind soul.. I promise one day that I'll repay you." "It's fine, as long as you don't starve tonight, is all that matters to me..." the man bowed his head in thanks and you were back off towards the market. People had seen your interaction with the homeless man and scowled, why would you give your hard earned money to a waste of space man that would likely die to some disease within weeks? It was useless to care for those pieces of trash, and yet, you still cared...
You did your regular shopping, getting fresh veggies and meats for dinner, and as you were about to leave you saw a horrific sight, a young boy being shouted at and being beaten up by a stall vendor. You and a few others quickly ran over to see what was the problem. Apparently the young boy had tried to steal some meat from the butcher but failed miserably, seeing the young boy clutching a piece of meat while getting beaten made your heart just shatter, so you quickly grabbed the boy and held out a few coins, "I'll pay for the meat, you just leave the boy alone..." the butcher grunted but took the money, "Fine, but you don't want that boy around, he refuses to get an education or a job, and he's stubborn as a mule, he'll be a nuisance to you quickly, you'll see..." Him and the other people watching left, leaving you and the boy alone. You crouched down and reassuringly rubbed the boys back. "They're gone now, I've paid for your food..." the boy quickly uncurled and sat up, looking at you with puffy eyes, "Really? Thank you so much!" the boy stood up and so did you. "Where's your parents boy?" the boy shrugged, "My parents left me with my grandfather when I was born..." you frowned, "So don't you have anyone else?" the boy pouted and looked down, "My grandfather.. But he's a sailor and leaves me behind with a little money whenever he goes off on his adventures... I usually end up having to scavenge or steal until he comes back..."
Your heart twisted again, this poor boy left alone to fend for himself, his grandfather was an idiot. You knelt down to the boys level again, "You can come stay with me boy, my father and I can take good care of you while your grandfather is away" the boys lit up in hope and excitement, "Really? You'd take me in?" you nodded and the boy ran into you, and started hugging you tightly while thanking you repeatedly. You ruffled his hair and stood up, he stepped back and placed the meat you bought him into your basket. You picked it up and held out your free hand for him to take. He gladly took it and started walking with you back home, "Do you have a name boy?" the boy nodded and spoke proudly, "Monkey D Luffy!" "Well Luffy, tell me, why do you refuse to work and learn? You could do simple cleaning jobs and learning is important for many things" the boy casually started picking his nose and stated, "Most of these jobs are boring! I wanna be an adventurer or even a sailor like my grandpa! Maybe even a pirate so I don't have to listen to anyone's rules!" you chuckled at the boys carefree nature.
"You know, my father travels a lot, he gets to see many different places and and sometimes some new countries, I'm sure he could take you under his wing." Luffy's eyes brightened up again, "Really? He'd do that?? This is the best day ever!!!" Lufyy jumped around excited while still holding your hand. You laughed as the young boy jumped around and almost dragged you too the floor. His excitement was contagious and it made you walk faster, wanting to get home as soon as possible to further the boys excitement.
Meanwhile Someone had seen your act of kindness and was intrigued... Very intrigued.......
"Fufufu~ Did you see that? There is someone different in this small pitiful town. Someone maybe even worthy of myself" the mysterious figure spoke as he watched what direction you walked in, deciding to meet you later.
You opened the door to your father's cottage, Luffy burst in and began walking around investigating your home and everything in it. You chuckled before calling out to your father, "Dad! I'm back, and I've brought a friend" You said with fondness in your tone as you glanced at the curious Luffy who was currently usubg one of your fathers empty alcohol bottles as a spy glass. Your father, still partly hungover stumbled in clutching his forehead. Luffy looked up at your dad and was surprised to see, Red Haired Shanks, the town drunk. Luffy lowered the bottled and looked between you and Shanks, wondering how someone as kind as you came from some drunk old man. "Really? Is this the great adventurer you told me about?" Luffy asked still in disbelief at your father, "Yes this is my dad, and he's the best dad I could've asked for." Shanks stumbled over and ruffled your hair affectionately "Thanks dear.. I couldn't have asked for a better child." Shanks said as he put an arm around your shoulder to wrap you into a small side hug, and to use you for balance, "So, who's the boy?" Shanks asked as he and Luffy eyed each other curiously, "This is Luffy, he's supposed to be looked after by his grandfather, but said grandfather is a sailor that leaves the boy to fend for himself. So I'm letting him stay with us." you replied. Shanks chuckled and removed his arm from your shoulder to stand up properly now feeling a little less dizzy, "Oh, you decided?~ This really is becoming more your house than mine. Well I don't mind, as long as he doesn't smash my booze supply." Shanks said teasingly as he crouched down in front of Luffy.
"So, you don't mind staying with some strangers?" Shanks asked the boy, Luffy shook his head no and pointed to you, "They paid for my food, I trust them." Shanks burst into laughter at the child's trusting nature, "Well you're right, my kid's the nicest person in the entire village, it's good you found them, they'll be by your side no matter what" Luffy's eyes lit up at the thought of not having to be alone again and he began bouncing again. Shanks chuckled and stood up again, standing next to you as you both watched the boy bounce excitedly, "Cute kid." Shanks simply said and you nodded, "Very cute, it broke my heart seeing have to steal food because his grandfather is an idiot... Well, I can now rest easy at least now because he's got somewhere to sleep, and food to eat." Shanks ruffled your hair again and gave you an affectionate look, "You're just like your mother... Traveling the world and filling it with the kindness and bravery that made up her heart. You just need to learn to face your fears and start traveling, you can't stay in this village forever." your smile faded and you looked down, "I know, but I'm not sure I'm meant for travel. I can't leave you, this village and now Luffy behind. What if you all need me?" Shanks sighed at your excuses, everytime he tried to get you to travel, you'd come up with a new excuse. "My darling, you need to start thinking about yourself for once. This village doesn't deserve your kindness, I raised you by myself, I'm sure I can raise that boy too, and I'm not that old, I can take care of my damn self still!"
You chuckled at your father's sassy remark and he chuckled too, "Please, just think about some more, you deserve better." you quietly nodded, "I will father.." you let out a deep sigh to calm yourself down before looking at both boys, "Alright, the day's just begun, we need to start with chores. Especially you dad, you're not getting sympathy because you're hungover again," Shanks sighed dramatically as he grumbled and went to go start his chores, Luffy laughed and pointed at Shanks as he walked away but you soon interrupted, "Oh don't start laughing young man, now that you're staying here, you gotta do chores too." Luffy sighed just like Shanks as followed Shanks out the same door to go be told what to do. You chuckled and watched as Luffy mimicked Shanks' behavior. Putting your basket down in the kitchen and washed your hands before heading off to do your daily chores too.
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It was now late evening, You were dishing up stew for dinner, Luffy was bouncing in his seat with excitement while Shanks was already drinking a beer. Once dinner was served, you sat at the table and everyone almost immediately began eating. Everyone slurping down the stew and bread buns and it wasn't long before everyone sat back with a content sigh and a full belly. Shanks took a sip of his beer before looking at Luffy, "So, my kid tells me you want to be an adventurer? That's some big dreams for a young boy like you" Luffy nodded eagerly, "Yeah! I wanna see everything in the world! And I wanna try all the different food!" Shanks chuckled "Did they tell you that I'm a traveler? I've seen quite a few countries myself." Luffy began bouncing on his chair again, "Where have you been? What did you see?? What did you do??? What did you eat????"
The boys questions sent Shanks into a spiral of stories and tales of everything Shanks had done over the years, and Luffy was enthralled by the stories, listening intently as Shanks went in and on until you were all comfortably sat in the living room, Shanks telling another story to Luffy, Luffy sitting cross legged on the floor in front of Shanks, listening intently to the stories, and you sitting with them, half reading a book, half listening TO shanks' rambling. "And once I finally managed to wrestle the beast to the ground, I took my dagger, and stabbed it right through it's chest! Killing it, and ensuring the towns safety, and a feast too~" Shanks bragged and took another sip of beer. Luffy gasped and wowed as his eyes grew bigger if that was possible, "Man... I wish I could go on these adventures like you do Shanks..." Shanks smirked and leaned forward to look Luffy in the eyes, "You know, you could become my little apprentice, I'm planning on going off tomorrow and I could use a little buddy by my side, plus I'm getting old now for these adventures, it's about time I teach someone my ways."
Luffy lights up and jumps to his feet, "Really???" Shanks just nods and Luffy begins bouncing around excitedly before tackling Shanks in a hug, "Thank you thank you thank youuuuuu!!!!" Shanks chuckles and pats the boys head to calm him down, "Calm down boy, it's not as easy as it looks, it's also not always exciting. There's a lot of just riding on a carriage and listening to nothing but the sounds of nature... It can get boring at times, you sure you're up for that?" Luffy nods, "Yes! I don't care what, I'll do anything to become an adventurer like you!" Shanks took another swig of beer and stood up, "I like your enthusiasm kid. Well then Luffy, I hearby declare that you are my apprentice and will join me tomorrow for my next big adventure!" Luffy just hugged his leg excitedly. Shanks laughed and pat his head again before looking at you, "I swear it's like everything gets this kid excited, adventure, food, meat-" Luffy quickly perked up again at the mention of meat, "Meat?! Are we having celebration meat before our adventure?!?! Oh please say we are!!!" Luffy said excitedly looking between you and Shanks while giving you both puppy dog eyes. You both laughed as Luffy proved Shanks' point about being overly excited. "Well the best way to get your adventure started is to get some decent rest." You said as you picked up Luffy, "Awwwhhhh, but I don't want to go to bed!" Luffy whined, "Well if you don't get enough sleep you might fall asleep tomorrow morning and you might miss the adventure." You playfully argued making Luffy think, "Okay fine... I'll go to bed." He final gave in and let you carry him off to bed.
You carried him to the guest room and tucked him into bed, to which he instantly fell asleep. You couldn't help but chuckle again at the boy and left a gentle kiss on his forehead before leaving the room. You walked back to the living room where Shanks was still sitting in his chair and drinking, "C'mon dad, you too, you need to rest if you're gonna steer the carriage tomorrow." you said, as you took the beer from his hand and placed it on the side table. Shanks groaned as he pushed himself up onto his feet, "Alright alright, before you carry me off like a damm child too." He teased as he walked back towards his room. Before he entered he looked back at you, "There's still time to make a decision you know. You can come with..." you shook your head and lowered it, "No... My place is here, in the village", Shanks just sighed, "Just because you're comfortable doesn't mean you're where you belong my child. Just think about it some more. You need excitement." you nodded, "I'll think about it more dad..." you said softly as you walked towards your room. "Goodnight." Shanks called out before retreating into his room. "Goodnight father." you also called out as you went into your room, curling up into bed and going to sleep with a heavy heart.
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Shanks was packing the last few boxes of supplies onto the carriage while Luffy bounced excitedly on his seat. You were making sure the horse was in place when Shanks climbed onto the carriage and grabbed the reigns. "Alright I'm off. Last chance, want to come with sweetheart?" you shook your head, "No, I'll stay and look after the house." Shanks shook his head and smirked, "Fine. Then do you want me to bring you anything back?" "Can you bring me back a rose?" Shanks' smirk softened into a smile, "My child you ask me for the same thing everytime!" "And you get it for me everytime." Shanks smirked again and leaned over to ruffle your hair, "That I do. Nothing but the best rose for the best kid a dad could ask for." Shanks patted your head a few times before sitting up, "Alright, we'll be back in a week, stay safe, don't burn the house down and if someone's trying to hurt you then punch them in the face, okay?"
You laughed and nodded, "Of course dad, I will punch anyone in the face. Now you two get going so you can stop at the next town before nightfall." Shanks nodded and clicked his tongue to get the horses attention and lightly whipped the reigns to make them go. The horse began walking and pulling the carriage along with them. Shanks and Luffy looked back and waved, "We'll see you in a months time my child!" Shanks called out. Luffy jumped on his seat enthusiastically, "Bye bye! When you see me again I'll be a great adventurer!" you gave them a soft smile and waved back, "Goodbye you two! Come back safe!" you all continued to wave until the carriage was out of sigh, once they were gone you lowered your hand and dropped your smile, you hated it when your dad left, but you knew you had to stay here. It was where you were meant to be. It was home. It was safe.
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Alright so that's Chapter one down and hopefully chapter two will come soon! For now, I will write and post one-shots in-between writing chapter 2! So stick around and check out my other things while you wait.
Kelly🐸
















