砂漠の王 // DESERT ✸ KING

I don't think an introduction is necessary.

[thekillerbones]

Sitting down, maybe it was harder to spot him, but once Crocodile crossed the street Daz instantly knew it was him. The huge mass of the coats he wore made sure that the sihlouette was instantly recognizable- maybe intimidating to the right person. Daz didn’t dwell on it for too long. He remained silent, slowing and then matching step with Crocodile as the older approached him and started to ask him things as usual.

"Errands." was all Daz replied, glancing for a moment at Crocodile. He reached in his breast pocket and pulled out a larger, nicely wrapped box- a smaller package of cigarillos stayed in his pocket. "You mentioned something about your case being light…" It was just something he did every now and again, so there wasn’t much else to it. It had been a while since they landed anyways- both were out. Priorities and all of that.

"….Nothing is of much importance here." he said, in his usual practical monotone as they continued to walk. Daz deftly unpacked a cigar and a fresh lighter came out of his pocket as well. "…It’s a tourist trap for pirates. Aside from some larger-name pirates… all familiar names… Not much in terms of bounties either."

His forefinger and thumb made a quick “swft” as they cut the cap clean off the cigar.

[rexdeserto]

Idly, Crocodile wondered what sort of errands could have been keeping him. He knew Daz to be a simple man so he doubted it would have been anything too terribly out of the ordinary, but he deigned not press further and instead, he let the topic drop.

As it was, he didn't need to ask--before the question would have even been able to pass his lips he was looking at a finely wrapped box that sat in his comrade's hand. He didn't need to ask what it was. Instead, a half smirk crossed Crocodile's face and he nodded in thanks. "I did mention that, didn't I." He hadn't even been thinking about replenishing his supply; after running into both Strawhat and Nico Robin (as well as a plethora of others) the fact had completely slipped his mind.

"You're right, there isn't. Save for some of the names that have landed, I'd say. Though none of them are of very much importance to me." Once upon a time, he might have cared about Strawhat's presence, but that was no more. There were others, as well, that he would have liked to forget about running into.

But, no, there wasn't very much for the two of them there, save for the promise of refills. 

"I don't expect us to have any trouble while we're here. I'd hope that most of the people here--pirates and civilians alike--would know better than to try anything funny," he quipped, watching Daz work with the cigar a bit distractedly. Crocodile was lucky he had someone like the assassin around--where would he be otherwise?

[thekillerbones]

"P-Please, if you need any help, don’t hesi, hesitate to, um…"

The poor shopkeeper was used to pirates. He’d seen plenty on the island. But from what he’d seen on the transponders two years ago, this was one of those- and uh, well, the bounties posted, they-

"I’m taking these." The man set an uncounted amount of coins- too few but, what was going to happen? This one, no expression on his face but a powerful stature, made absolutely no noise as he slid the few small items into the inner pocket of his jacket.

"Ah, well, you see si-" the shopkeeper stammered, but the man just continued walking out, and honestly, he felt ridiculous for even thinking he’d be able to confront a pirate like that.

Daz Bones walked evenly and quietly down the cobbled main street of the island, keeping an eye out just in case the other man was nearby. It wasn’t like there was loads to do in the small town, probably nothing for anyone Daz was the slightest bit concerned about. It wasn’t like the other man needed a babysitter, either.

"…" Daz pondered the validity of that last statement for a brief second as he continued walking, adjusting the items in his pocket.

[rexdeserto]

His coffee was cold. Crocodile had almost forgotten that he'd gotten it; when the server had brought it to his table he had looked up very briefly and the young, lanky boy had instantly scrambled away. He hadn't touched it once--he hadn't wanted it, honestly, but if he'd wanted to sit on the cafe patio he had to order something. 

Instead, he had focused on the newspaper. The pages were crinkled and as he had turned the pages, he had speared them on the point of his hook--though not until he was sure he had read everything of interest on that page as well as its opposite side.

Because, after all, the pages became a bit difficult to read after they were pierced.

As he finished up with the newspaper, he set it down on the table he was seated at. The table itself was minuscule compared to himself, as was the thin-legged iron chair that he was less than comfortable in. Crocodile glanced up as he forgot about the paper and as he did so, he spotted a familiar form on the street before him.

He watched as Daz exited the shop and stepped out onto the street, and seconds later the older man had decided to rejoin his partner, setting a handful of coins down on the table to pay for the untouched coffee.

It didn't take him long to come up beside the other man, and Crocodile paid him a sideways glance. "I was wondering where you'd gone off to," he murmured, his voice quiet, but still audible. He knew that Daz didn't need to be watched, the questions were more due to simple curiosity. "What were you doing?"

[rexdeserto]

allbluecook:

[Sanji flashed a grin seeing Crocodile’s reaction] What are you doing here? [Sanji had heard how Crocodile had helped Luffy during the War but still was wary of the ex-shichibukai. He remained poised, ready for any attack as he waited for an answer]

[Wasn't that the question of the day? It seemed that everyone that he came across asked him, accusingly, "What are you doing here?". Crocodile was getting tired of repeating himself, though he knew everyone who had posed the question had every right to be suspicious of him.] Traveling. The same as you lot, likely. 

And, before you flatter yourself too much, this is a simple coincidence. [He paused, chuckling quietly.] I've got no need to be trailing your motley crew.

[rexdeserto]

eustass-metal-kid replied to your post “Crocodile, remember me. Its Mr. Prince...”

(Now kiss)

( WHAJKT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! )

[rexdeserto]

Crocodile, remember me. Its Mr. Prince...

[At the mention of the name, Crocodile's jaw clenched instinctively--Mr. Prince was not a nickname that he associated good memories with.] 

How could I not remember.

[greenharpy-deactivated20131114]

"My name is Monet. As you probably already know I'm also a pirate and it's normal that you don't know me, after all, in the midst of all my powerful crew members and allies I'm just someone who passes unnoticed, though that comes in handy sometimes."

[rexdeserto]

"Monet ... I'll remember that." He made a mental note of the name, tucking the information away. "Such anonymity can be a good thing, I agree. I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish for it myself, sometimes. After all--traveling can be a bit of a hassle when you've got a well-known name and face and no Shichibukai title to hide behind."

[greenharpy-deactivated20131114]

"Practical and deadly. What I'd expect from a high rate pirate. Though a hook seems like something out of an old pirate tale."

She chuckled lightly before adding "And you really are an old school pirate, so it suits you."

[rexdeserto]

"An old pirate tale, perhaps, but I think it's been modernized decently." After all, it had multiple functions--there was a blade within it, as well as the poison beneath the gold cover.

"I'll choose to take that as a compliment." Crocodile paused for a moment before opting to speak again. "You know my name, but I don't believe I caught yours."

[greenharpy-deactivated20131114]

"None of those, actually. They were recently acquired trough the abilities of a pirate whose name you have probably heard of: the Surgeon of Death. A description that fits its owner very well. I think they were a great addiction to my fighting abilities and once I got used to them it’s like I always had them.

But it seems like you also have some artificial additions. What’s with that hook?”

[rexdeserto]

So it was that boy's doing. Part of Crocodile's mind was telling him that he shouldn't have been as surprised as he was, but his eyebrows raised questioningly anyway. "Yes, I've met him. That's quite impressive. The look of a harpy suits you, I think--though that could just be because I've never seen anything else." 

She questioned his hook and he paid it a glance, raising his left arm slightly before habitually palming the base of it. "Well ... I lost my hand. So rather than having nothing there I opted to have it replaced with a weapon."

[rexdeserto]

"Indeed, as you can see I have a couple of appendages that once belonged to a bird. I should also apologize, as my reply was far more aggressive than required in the situation. Maybe it's just that I'm used to seeing you as my Master's rival and have learned to expect the worse from you."

"No need. I understand—I think many have learned to expect the worst from me," he agreed with a chuckle. And, as it was, it was for the best to expect the worst from him. He was far from a good man. “Were you … born that way? Or did those come to be through some of that scientist’s experimentation?”

[tenyashaaa]

He paused, a slight frown on his face. “I haven’t.” He was capable of it but he wasn’t that desperate. Whatever he wanted always came to him one way or another. “Well…” A silence followed during which he tried to recall a situation when they were actually doing something together. “Let’s call it our shared experiences…”

"Parasites can become quite lovable if you give them a chance." Wait, did he just call himself a parasite? That wasn’t how it was supposed to sound. "The excitement you get from me is so much better than anything else you could find. Promise~"

[rexdeserto]

"I don't think I'd call any of the circumstances where I've been forced to suffer through your presence anything worth reminiscing." His words were blunt, to the point, and hopefully successfully driving just how much he didn't want to be there. He'd have preferred Strawhat's company to this, though he wasn't sure if that was anything he'd be comfortable admitting.

"Biological definitions aside, a parasite is defined as someone who takes advantage of others while providing nothing in return," he quipped, shooting the blond a look. "I believe that suits you well. You could also call yourself a sycophant, if you'd at all prefer." Crocodile let out a sigh, knocking back the rest of what was in his glass. "I'm not interested in your brand of excitement."

[tenyashaaa]

"Come now, Croc! Do you really think that I would lower myself to such a level?" He followed it with a laugh, not at all helping him deny the accusation. Finishing his drink, he motioned for another one. "And here I was thinking you’d care after all we’ve been through together." 

Hearing those terms used to define him would’ve affected him if he didn’t always have such a positive attitude. “A nuisance maybe to you, but not all parasites are that bad and at least, as a menace, I can add some excitement in your life.”

[rexdeserto]

Crocodile didn't find the statement all too humorous. "I absolutely do." He didn't keep his eyes trained on one spot for too long; instead, he examined the bar around him as well as its current occupants. Most were too drunk to care about the pair at the bar, which he supposed was a good thing. "I can't even begin to fathom where you'd ever get that idea." 

He nursed at his drink for a moment as he only half-listened, shaking his head in response. "Always looking for a loophole, aren't you." He stared at the liquid in the glass for a few long seconds before speaking again. "Your type of parasite is far from good. And if I wanted excitement I'd find it myself."

[devilsarchaeologist-deactivated]

“We would hardly have let him go to war alone, had we been in any position to assist him,” Robin retorts, not liking Crocodile’s tone. Even now, the knowledge that Luffy had needed to take on Marineford and its fallout without his crew still hurt—he and the rest of her crew had been there for her at Enies Lobby, and yet when he had needed them…

[rexdeserto]

"I understand." Something told him that he wasn't going to get any of the information he was looking for out of Robin (at least not at this time), so he opted to drop the pseudo-interrogation for now. "But, of course, just because your group wasn't there doesn't mean that he was without his own brand of backup."

[devilsarchaeologist-deactivated]

“So that we would know when to meet him,” she confirms with a slight nod of her head. “We would have gone to him immediately, otherwise. After… Marineford.” And all it had entailed.

[rexdeserto]

While Crocodile wasn't quite aware of exactly how Luffy had fared after the war, he believed he was right in assuming that the answer would have likely been 'not well'. "I was surprised to learn that he had returned to the battlefield alone. I thought it odd for him to be without his beloved crew, though it makes a bit more sense now."

[tenyashaaa]

"Then you’re going to leave me here at the mercy of strangers?" He lifted one of his legs up to rest on the stool between them. "That’s heartless of you. What if something happens to me?" It was hard to say it in a dejected tone and expression but he was almost sure he nailed it. He grabbed the glass that appeared in front of him and quickly drank half of the liquid. "What would you consider me if not a friend?"

[rexdeserto]

Crocodile deadpans at the question, as though such a thing should be obvious. "Of course I would. How many people have you done something similar to?" Try as he might, he was unable to stifle a mocking chuckle and he peered over, wrapping his hand around the glass as it was presented to him. "You'd be better off presenting that question to someone who would care."

The final question made him pause. A plethora of words came to his head, it was difficult to choose one. "A nuisance, perhaps. Parasite. Menace. Any other word that you can think of to that effect."

[shinogekai-blog1]

[After a moment of thinking it over, Law figured there was no harm in telling him — after all, Crocodile seemed to share a distaste for the same man] .. [He folds his arms and crosses his legs as he leans back in his seat.]

[Looks straight into Crocodile’s eyes.] My goal is to defeat Donquixote Doflamingo.

[rexdeserto]

[Crocodile allows himself the tiniest of smirks; the expression graces his angular features and he even goes so far as to chuckle. He doesn't respond to the declaration immediately and instead tends to the cigar, and as he releases the smoke he removes it from between his teeth and finally speaks.] How interesting.

[He shrugs further into the coat upon his shoulders, adjusting it slightly as though it was bothering him somehow.] A valiant goal, if I say so myself. Something I could surely back and with great pleasure. I'll be sure to leave the honor to you, though, of course.

[shinogekai-blog1]

[Realizes somewhat that he perhaps chose a poor topic of conversation and, as often happens, he spoke his unwanted opinions without tactfully thinking things through. Normally this wouldn’t bother him, but for some reason he found himself feeling a bit self-conscious in front of the older pirate.]

[Stays quiet for a long while…] Our goals are not quite the same. Initially I decided to from the alliance mostly out of convenience on my part — his crew happened to land on an island where I was operating. I figured I could use his assistance and involved him in my plans… but as things progressed and began to head in different directions I decided that the alliance was unnecessary. Fortunately, our actions will continue to be mutually beneficial.

[rexdeserto]

[Their goals were not the same ...? That particular statement stumped (hehe) Crocodile for a good couple of minutes. That implied that one of them wasn't necessarily after the title of king--and he knew for certain that Luffy wasn't planning on giving up that goal no matter what happened to him. So that could only mean that ... this surgeon's ultimate goal was not to claim the kingship.]

Interesting. [He was silent himself as he listened to the explanation, as though trying to put two and two together mentally. He supposed he didn't know enough about Law to make any decisions, so he tucked those thoughts away for the time being and promptly focused his full attention on the discussion at hand. Perhaps he would just outright ask.] If your goals are not the same ... then what would yours be? 

[devilsarchaeologist-deactivated]

“We had elected to train separately for a while, to hone our respective strengths before entering the New World.” Technically a lie, though it rolls off her tongue easily enough. Their ill-fated encounter with Kuma is not something Robin wants to relive, least of all to Crocodile.

[rexdeserto]

"Mmn ... I see." He wasn't sure he believed it, but he didn't press on the matter. Instead, he remained silent for a moment and he debated changing the topic altogether--but another thought crossed his mind before he could actually make the decision. "Is that what his display after the war was about? That picture in the newspaper?