#fearinducing ; writing sillygum

[fearinducing]

—> @sillygum

Starter : Playing God

"And that nearly concludes today's meeting. Our last subject is the introduction from the world's most brilliant mind. Innovation.. technology. I'd like to show our state of the art cloning." The marine scientist rambled on and on upon deaf ears. Often, this is precisely how the warlord meetings would go. Only a few care to listen, most lounged, and one came along to pester the other victorious lords.

All in all, it's a waste of time, and a pathetic attempt of the government trying to keep treaties amongst thrives.

The man in a lab coat nervously pushed up his glasses before finally beckoning a hand.

"Here.. we'll begin with S-Snake. Come here,"

The atmosphere dropped in an eerie silence as metallic boots stepped into the room. The sight of the creature alone definitely brought something uncomfortable to linger. S-SNAKE, completely identical that of Boa, stood as a demonstration. She brought together her hands to form a heart before smiling all too sweetly. It would've been cute had this not been some sick experiment.

"We were able to take a DNA sample from all of you.. a mere drop of blood.. added Lunarian coding and a few adjustments of our own.. to create the most impressive human yet. The S in all their titles stand for Seraphim."

There was something about playing God that the goverment truly shouldn't do, but the man carries on.

"The idea was to create.. another you! Once we're certain of their stability, we plan to use them rather than you.. but please don't misunderstand! All of your immunity and peace will remain intact. If not more so, we will be able to rely on them rather than interrupt your time."

"They can taste without ever feeling hungry. They can bleed without feeling pain. Most importantly, they obey and only take their orders from designated individuals. In fact, they are on a mission now... and that's to observe you in your retrospective lives. Call it studying the source material up close. Memories aren't as easy as creating bodies are. All we ask is allow them to watch for a few days. You'll hardly notice them around."

Horrifying. Corrupt. Evil.

Even as the young creature stands beside her counterpart, it's all too.. odd, unspeakable. Boa does her best to take the initiative by offering her palm to the child. Surprisingly, a small hand rests within hers, and the little touch is enough to have her squeak. How cute she was!

Reactions vary as one by one come to interact. It feels like a surprise visit from a previously unknown and unwanted child... but the chemistry was there. Who knows you better than yourself?

The snakes were smiling, the bats were laughing, the sharks were more observant, and even the crocotilians put effort to eye one another.

The last to follow in suit was S-HAWK. Golden eyes thoroughly examined the room in a mere glance. He isn't very outgoing himself. The most he does is walk, stop nearside his counterpart, and look into the loud crowd. It's unpleasant. He doesn't like the noise, mainly caused by Doflamingo calling everyone hideous, looking children and barking out laughter like the devil he was.

He seems a bit focused on what he had considered an oddly comforting acquaintance of his. S-CROC was engaging just fine. He's touching that golden hook with morbid curiosity. An object the two could bond over.

And here's... him. Them. It's the most quiet introduction of them all. The boy turns his head towards Mihawk and stares. He isn't shy about it whatsoever. Those inhuman peepers are gawking outright. Star enchanced pupils are simply focused on the normal ones infront of him.

Not a word spoken, no touch to be had.

He'd like nothing more than to leave now.

[fearinducing]

It's only in character that he would try to stop any tears from shedding. His two weaknesses compound together was a difficult opponent indeed. One the water, but more so a heartbroken little boy who balled up his fists and stomped his feet.

Of course, he doesn't want him upset. It's far different than a smack on the hand for stealing from the cookie jar... this was about adventure.

And he's always known it'd come to this. Having one father as a bloodthirsty pirate and the other as.. a pathetic, useless, worm thing, marine. Both shared the devotion of the life on sea. And their kin was bound to desire that just as much.

Thank god Luffy hasn't eaten a devil fruit like the both of them.

"Yes...yes, I mean it, yes already."

Crocodile responds multiple times with flat eyes. Here comes the onslaught of questions. He can't figure out where the boy had gotten his talkative nature... or perhaps he did and refused to link the similarities to a very anti-pirate old man.

"A regular island.. a ship that floats.. You'll probably see fish." The most bland answers imaginable for the sake of trying to kill the hype. It won't matter. Luffy would probably ask again and again and... traveling on sea together suddenly seems like a torture sentence. Lord have mercy on his patience.

The embrace is abrupt but welcomed. It's enough to cause him to sigh off his coarse nature. His hand pats along the other's back in reassurance. This was nice... and maybe the trip would be an opportunity to bond.

"Pack for the heat. We'll be under the sun more than what you're used to." He advised. Hopefully, it gets through before the cheerful little lad goes bounding off. He watches him practically bounce off with pure joy. He, himself, needed to pack an entire crate of smokes just to put up with his energy.. and booze wouldn't hurt either.

As the sun began to dip, the preparations were well in order... all expect for one. A soft knocking beckoned upon Luffy's door. A soul too kind for her own skin.

"Luffy, have you finished packing yet? We're ready to depart soon." Robin spoke with her usual calm and collective manner.

She's perhaps one of the few who did her best to befriend him.

@sillygum

Gator mother.

Already, whisps of smoke escape his lips in a silence sigh of grievance. Only one dared to interrupt his burdened schedule of paperwork. Crocodile remained hunched over the desk. His eyes didn't even bother to acknowledge the antsy lad.

"Hatchling," is the most he responds. It wasn't necessary for him to ask what the surprise visit was about. Luffy would always fill whatever silence with that big mouth. God, did that boy talk.. and talk.. and talk.

Usually, his words didn't manage to catch him off guard, but the sudden request had him absolutely baffled. Enough so that his papers lay to rest along expensive wood, his back pushes into the seat, and his eyes are now fully concentrated on him.

Why was raising a young rambunctious teen this difficult? He dreadfully missed when Luffy was much smaller, the size of a ball, and would happily coo in his arms. Why must babies grow? More importantly... why did he stop growing? The other wasn't intimidating at all. Small, short, compared to those in his genetic gene pool.

His thoughts aren't... completely invested in this fun trip idea. He's just listening to him ramble on and on. Ah las, it's the mumbling words that cause his brows to knit together; frustrated.

"How many times must we have this talk? Doesn't chasing your own tail become exhausting?" His hand rubs at his own face, an attempt to wipe off the settling irritation.

"You have everything you need and more here. You're allowed to travel this island as much as you'd like. I doubt you've explored every inch and corner of sand yet," Crocodile tries to reason upon deaf ears. The world out there was risky, unsafe. No place for his own kin to travel.

"I'm afraid sailing around for fun isn't in this life time of yours. My answer is no. And no, you're not doing it anyway. Now, go play with the banawani or something, they always enjoy your company."

No, they do not, whatsoever, but it's a nice attempt to stop the whining fest from happening.

[fearinducing]

Congratulations, Luffy, nineteen was still considered a TEEN.

Crocodile dreads this debate between themselves every time. He can't exactly be honest as to why he's building sand castle walls around him. It was too much of a liability; a risk. Being sliced beneath the eyes and lacking one hand was merely an inconvenience if the boy ever became a target. He'd never be able to endure that pain... the pain of being a failure.

"You can come up as many excuses as you'd like. No."

He repeats, his voice firmer this time around, and his cold eyes suddenly sharpen into a glare. It's like talking to a wall.

"The world isn't as beautiful as the books illustrate. At your age, I would've killed for the luxuries you have. Whenever you're hungry, you're fed. Whenever you're tired, you have a bed to call your own. You should be more grateful!"

Yes, his tone climbs a bit louder than it should. Something he tries to keep at bay whenever he's around Luffy. It's difficult. His past wasn't exactly a fond memory to be reminded of. It's a cold, cruel time of thieving and murdering for the sake of berry... and enjoyment.

The most he can do at the moment is seethe in his seat. The large, golden hook is now pressing along the desk top.. idly scratching into the wood. He's gritting his teeth in pure irritation.

The backtalking, the arguing, the lack of respect a child should never show a parent.

For the longest moment he's just mean mugging him for his resilient attitude. Although, it's short lived, and somehow he's never felt this much of 'the bad guy' before.

If something were to happen to me...?

Was that a legitimate fear? Did Luffy truly expect him never to return from his usual insignificant trips? The threat of the waterworks has him caving. The large man finally stood, placing his cigar in the porcelain bowl, and moved to close the distance between them. He kneels, of course he must, in order to cut the height between them. He wants to offer him only a face to face can manage— sympathy.

"Don't even begin with the tears," It's a soft hearted threaten. Yes, he's many awful things, but a horrible father wasn't one he wanted on the list. Even if it puts him in an unfavorable dilemma. He sighs at the thought. Meanwhile, his large palm cups the other's cheek, and is already dragging a thumb underneath a watery eye.

".... you're right. It isn't very fair of me, is it? You crave what any other young adult would.. freedom, adventure, friendships." It's hard caving in like this, but it's all strategic. For one, he doesn't want a bawling child on his hands... and two, maybe giving him what he wants once would put an end to this delusion? Perhaps a planned fright would forever put him the animal back within safe, caged walls? If the world wasn't all rainbows and sunshine... there would be nothing to crave.

"Something I craved at your age."

"I'll be traveling tonight to attend another business meeting. The only issue is... that this island is far, far away. Days of sailing indeed. Will you be able to compromise on a longer trip instead?"

@sillygum

Gator mother.

Already, whisps of smoke escape his lips in a silence sigh of grievance. Only one dared to interrupt his burdened schedule of paperwork. Crocodile remained hunched over the desk. His eyes didn't even bother to acknowledge the antsy lad.

"Hatchling," is the most he responds. It wasn't necessary for him to ask what the surprise visit was about. Luffy would always fill whatever silence with that big mouth. God, did that boy talk.. and talk.. and talk.

Usually, his words didn't manage to catch him off guard, but the sudden request had him absolutely baffled. Enough so that his papers lay to rest along expensive wood, his back pushes into the seat, and his eyes are now fully concentrated on him.

Why was raising a young rambunctious teen this difficult? He dreadfully missed when Luffy was much smaller, the size of a ball, and would happily coo in his arms. Why must babies grow? More importantly... why did he stop growing? The other wasn't intimidating at all. Small, short, compared to those in his genetic gene pool.

His thoughts aren't... completely invested in this fun trip idea. He's just listening to him ramble on and on. Ah las, it's the mumbling words that cause his brows to knit together; frustrated.

"How many times must we have this talk? Doesn't chasing your own tail become exhausting?" His hand rubs at his own face, an attempt to wipe off the settling irritation.

"You have everything you need and more here. You're allowed to travel this island as much as you'd like. I doubt you've explored every inch and corner of sand yet," Crocodile tries to reason upon deaf ears. The world out there was risky, unsafe. No place for his own kin to travel.

"I'm afraid sailing around for fun isn't in this life time of yours. My answer is no. And no, you're not doing it anyway. Now, go play with the banawani or something, they always enjoy your company."

No, they do not, whatsoever, but it's a nice attempt to stop the whining fest from happening.

[fearinducing]

@sillygum

Gator mother.

Already, whisps of smoke escape his lips in a silence sigh of grievance. Only one dared to interrupt his burdened schedule of paperwork. Crocodile remained hunched over the desk. His eyes didn't even bother to acknowledge the antsy lad.

"Hatchling," is the most he responds. It wasn't necessary for him to ask what the surprise visit was about. Luffy would always fill whatever silence with that big mouth. God, did that boy talk.. and talk.. and talk.

Usually, his words didn't manage to catch him off guard, but the sudden request had him absolutely baffled. Enough so that his papers lay to rest along expensive wood, his back pushes into the seat, and his eyes are now fully concentrated on him.

Why was raising a young rambunctious teen this difficult? He dreadfully missed when Luffy was much smaller, the size of a ball, and would happily coo in his arms. Why must babies grow? More importantly... why did he stop growing? The other wasn't intimidating at all. Small, short, compared to those in his genetic gene pool.

His thoughts aren't... completely invested in this fun trip idea. He's just listening to him ramble on and on. Ah las, it's the mumbling words that cause his brows to knit together; frustrated.

"How many times must we have this talk? Doesn't chasing your own tail become exhausting?" His hand rubs at his own face, an attempt to wipe off the settling irritation.

"You have everything you need and more here. You're allowed to travel this island as much as you'd like. I doubt you've explored every inch and corner of sand yet," Crocodile tries to reason upon deaf ears. The world out there was risky, unsafe. No place for his own kin to travel.

"I'm afraid sailing around for fun isn't in this life time of yours. My answer is no. And no, you're not doing it anyway. Now, go play with the banawani or something, they always enjoy your company."

No, they do not, whatsoever, but it's a nice attempt to stop the whining fest from happening.

@fearinducing

Is now a good time? Maybe over dinner would be best? Luffy's sure if his father has any say ( which he has most of) he'd never leave the house or think of leaving. It's not fair and they both know it. Luffy isn't a child anymore and the world is a huge place, filled with more people than assassin's.

The deep scar on his cheek twinges like it wants to itch.

No, he's not a child, that indecent was nearly eleven years ago and it wasn't his fault. He'd done as his father said, kept busy, kept quiet and — no. Luffy shakes his head and takes a deep breath. He's nineteen, basically a man with no life experience and he's outgrown this place buuuut what if something happened again?

Slim fingers pull at his cheeks, the circular thinking liable to drive him crazy instead of a no.

Don't give him a reason to say no. Do you wanna die here?

“Wani.” He clears his throat, back a little to straight and hands stiffly at his side. Luffy slinks into his father's office like a inchworm, doesn't mean to make himself small but he is. The young man is lanky, sharply dressed in light green button down and cool color argyle sweater vest with his grey house shoes on. He's always been on the smaller side and has always wondered when another growth spurt would attempt to lessen their height difference.

“I wanna—” he takes another breath, hands gripping the side of his slacks. “I wanna go to another island.” It's out and the flood gates on. “Not a far one but ya know, I wanna explore ‘n obviously not alone.” He laughs. “Oh course not alone but ya know we've been on Arabasta forever, all the books you bring me has all these cool places ‘n I wanna go there!” His anxiety is somehow under control, excitement even bubbling into his words. “I'm old enough now and—and I think it'd be fun. Sailing looks fun and all of it looks fun!” The food, the people, the wildlife, all of it's outside those doors. A life of adventure, glory, treasure … friends.

“Again, not a far one.” Throws his hands up to emphasize his point he pats the air. “And not alone.” As many guards as it'd take, even if it's a buzzkill he's willing to compromise. “If you don't say yes well…” The anxiety is back, dark eyes quickly darting away from the man to look at the wall then the floor. When he speaks again it's mumbled, words barely moving his lips. “I'll do it anyway.”