The Devil and his Fruit

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #1

The lawyer wasn´t in a good place. Since Mr. Loki died he felt a weird empty place in his heart he wasn´t able to fill. No matter how hard he tried to bury himself in work. No matter how many liars or traitors he hunt down, he wasn´t able to move on. This was a very new sensation for a man who´s personal history was filled with dead bodies. One, that he wasn´t handling very well.
Eve, his assistant noticed it and tried her best to cheer him up, but to no avail. And Michael himself was feeling lost. He didn´t slept much, barely ate and couldn´t focus even on the most elemental things. He wanted to do something big. He needed to do something big, some rite of passage, something, that would honour the memory of his oldest friend and allowed him to move on. Something like the biggest heist that happened in the recent history of the Loguetown.
The rumours were running through the local underworld for some time. That the Marines were transporting rare and powerful Devil Fruit there, for one of their officers picked for a further promotion. Obviously, no one would be crazy enough to try and steal it. Even Michael in his grief wasn´t suicidal enough to pick a fight with the fighting strength that was usually protecting shipments like these except, he got a word from a trusted source, that this time, the security would be relatively low. Not because the Marines would be running out of resources, but simply because that someone high in the chain of command decided to do it quietly. Masking the fruit as a regular shipment of documents and other stuff that was coming regularly from the Headquarters.
It would be a good plan if someone didn´t leaked that information and if it didn´t found its way to Michael.

[Bobbie]

Cro’s time spent with Gabriel was eye-opening and quite productive. He was able to learn an interesting technique from the martial artist while also helping out wherever he could on the ship or otherwise. Most shocking of all, however, was the stark contrast the personalities of these two brothers.

While Gabriel was an absolute delight, well-mannered, respectful, and friendly, Michael was a rude and had been nothing but hostile toward him from day one. Of course, Cro couldn’t entirely blame him for that, he knew he had made something of a nuisance of himself with his conditioning of the man to do good deeds, but the little dwarf couldn’t understand why it was so hard for the lawyer, whose name he had only recently discovered was actually Michael and not Johnathan, to be nice.

Croesus hoped to get to know a bit more about Michael from his brother, but the man did not reveal very much, and Cro thought it would be despicable of him to push that agenda forward.

Now, it was time to return to the cruel brother. It was quite odd, but although he was dreading the man’s usual foul mood, he was also looking forward to seeing Michael again. It had been some time and Cro always liked seeing familiar faces, and so, with a bright, beaming smile on his purple face while he hovered at the average person’s eye-level, his tiny little hand was raised and his knuckles softly patted the door of the lawyer’s office.

Above all, little Cro was excited to see Eve.

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Croesus: #ba00ca

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #2

Such gentle knocking on the door could be easily missed if Eve wasn´t already on her way to Michael´s office, carrying him some papers that needed to be signed by her boss. Even then, she was staying with her own hand ready to knock on Michael´s door, thinking whether she really heard something or if it was just her imagination. In the end, however, she decided to be a dutiful assistant and open the main door.
“Mr. CRO!”
She yelled in pure joy reaching forward to hug him before realizing, that he is too small for that, so she had to do with a simple head pat.
“Come in, come in, you have to tell me everything about your journey, how was it? Did you also train with Gabriel? How was it, I…”
Her questions were interrupted by Michael´s cold and snappy voice, that came from his office.
“Into my office, now!”
She sighed.
“Don´t mind it Mr. Cro. You know Mr. Loki died a few days ago and since then…Mr. Campbell isn´t really himself.”
Giving him an apologetical smile, she headed to her boss, only to be surprised by his dismissive sigh.
“Not you Eve, I was calling for Cro.”
To be honest, with everything that was going on in his life the lawyer completely forgot about the dwarf and frankly, he was the last person he would be missing but…since he did the mistake and returned, the lawyer could think about a way to get rid of him for a good. One that would allow him to make a big fat line behind his old life and move on as well.
As he was waiting for the obnoxious book to enter, he once again looked at the intel he got, before closing the folder and gesturing to Eve to put whatever she needed signed on his table.

[Bobbie]

Croesus was delighted to see Eve and his bright grin immediately showed it.

“Hello, Eve!” the dwarf exclaimed in response, “I’ve missed you!” Entering after her, as instructed to come in by Eve herself, he nodded along quite happily. He was eager to tell her all about his adventure with Michael’s brother, the contrast in their characters really quite astonishing! Prepared to leave no stone unturned in his narration of events, he didn’t get the chance to, however, as Michael’s command interrupted their conversation.

In an instant, Cro’s smile faded. Not only because he wasn’t looking forward to dealing with Michael’s grumpy attitude, but also because he would feel for anyone who has just recently lost a pet - even Michael.

With an understanding nod to Eve, he flew over toward the door with her, until it was made clear that she wasn’t being called in with him. Pausing, he looked at her, confused and slightly scared - he would either be in a terrible mood and take it out on him, or he was already angry at him for being here.

Then another possibility occurred to him.

He’s only asking for me because he’s happy I’m back! The optimistic dwarf thought to himself as a hint of a smile appeared on his face once more. I’m sure Gabriel also wrote to him and he’s excited to hear how things went!

As Cro flew into his office, he went right up to Michael’s desk to land on his little feet and gave a friendly wave.

“I’m back!” He announced, although it was clearly unnecessary. He considered asking if he missed him, but decided it would not be a good idea. Then, after taking a deep breath, he began! “I had the most amazing time with your brother! Very productive too. He has an extremely interesting crew around him as well, you wouldn’t believe the different kinds of people I got to meet! Okay, okay, I’ll tell you everything right from the very beginning!”

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Croesus: #ba00ca

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #3

Eve looked worried, when her employer dismissed her and called in Cro instead, but quickly reassured herself, that there is no way Michael would hurt someone so pure-hearted as the dwarf, even in his current state. So, she put the files she was carrying on his table and left the two men to talk about whatever Michael wanted to talk.
As for the lawyer, he was kind of…surprised, that the little pesky bug managed to forget all about his respect and fear for the killer, instead bragging about his adventures with Gabriel almost as if they were friends or something.
“Yes, I am well aware of his crew.”
The lawyer growled, as his brother was sending him letters every so often, mainly about new members of M.A.R.I. he managed to recruit.
“No need, to, I didn´t call you here for pleasantries. Frankly, I would be happier if you stayed with Gabriel, but since you are back…”
Michael sighed.
“There is a job you can actually help me with.”
He thought for a moment about how to frame the story so he wouldn´t have to lie to this little guy, while at the same time obscuring the reality.
“A few days ago, I found out that a certain group is going to smuggle a powerful weapon through the city. A weapon which could kill lots of people if obtained by the wrong people, so you...”
He pointed at the dwarf.
“You are going to help me to steal it from these people and make sure, they won´t find it ever again.”
Strictly speaking, he was telling the truth. If the Devil Fruit was as powerful as his source claimed it was, it would probably kill lots of people. The dwarf didn´t have to know that it would be pirates and other criminals of the receiving end.

[Bobbie]

Cro was so happy that he felt like he was actually missed, even by this wicked lawyer before him - only to have that notion shut down in an instant when he was cut off. Michael went so far as to openly state that he wished the dwarf hadn’t returned, causing the beaming smile on Cro’s face to disappear and be replaced by a sad and hurt frown.

Letting out a sigh, deflated, Cro sank to Michael’s desk to sit down, as if even just flying took up too much energy. “I thought you’d be happy I’m back…” he muttered in the most devastated tone he’s ever spoken in, but moved on.

“What is it that I can help you with?” Prompting Michael for more information, he sat with his legs crossed under him and watched his not so friendly friend speak.

However, as he listened to the lawyer’s words, life and colour seemed to gradually return to his disheartened face. What Michael described was the best possible outcome that he could have ever hoped for. It didn't matter if he was happy to see him or not! This man, a cold-hearted killer, was now finally taking matters into his own hands to do good, without having to be forced into it by this pesky little bug, as he was so frequently called!

“You want to help people?” He asked in disbelief, quickly rising to his feet as he was quit e literally glowing. Cro wasn’t entirely keen on stealing anything, but the premise of this job was all for a good cause!

My probationary tactic worked! Mr Laskaris was over the moon… He was so happy, he looked like he could burst into an explosion of colours any moment, delighted to hear that not only was he successful in his mission to convert the irredeemable, but also that there was hope for this cruel man and all the other cruel men and women out there! Perhaps there was a chance for redemption after all, and perhaps good really did prevail in a world with so much potential for evil.

“Very well! If you follow through until the end, this will be your third and final good deed! Then I will be out of your hair!” He exclaimed, a hand behind his back while the other was in front of him, holding one finger up to point at the ceiling in explanatory fashion.

“I’m so proud of you…” he uttered, his eyes seeming to double in size as they welled up with tears for a moment. Promptly shaking his head, he resumed focus on the task at hand.

“Okay, so… first things first! I need you to tell me more about this weapon. What is it intended for? What about the group smuggling this, uh… device? Who are they? Where are they?” Cro was now buzzing with excitement, his feet no longer on the desk and his wings beating the air once more to keep his body afloat and whizzing in all directions around Michael. 

“Where do we store it after we take it away from their evil grasp?”

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Croesus: #ba00ca

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #4

The lawyer watched Cro as he was beaming with happiness because of what he probably thought was his job. And frankly, he was maybe right. While Loki´s death put a deep scar on Michael´s soul, a scar that needed mending, the idea of getting rid of this pesky little nuisance was quite a strong motivator too.
“Yeah, happy as a cat whose flea returned.”
He muttered to himself, fighting with the urge to say these words aloud as just this once he needed that little fellow motivated and focused on the job at hand.
“It´s intended for killing people. Like all weapons.”
Said Michael instead with a rather unhealthy volume of sarcasm in his voice.
“If my information is correct, these people will try to smuggle it through the city the day after tomorrow, in the early morning masking their wagon as a delivery of fresh food. It should be only lightly guarded, so I will take the role of bait and make the guards focus their attention on me, while you will sneak in that wagon and steal the weapon from them.”
The lawyer reached into his file for a piece of paper with a drawing of something that looked like a simple linen bag with a logo of a shipping company on it.
“This thing.”
He pushed it towards the dwarf to give him an opportunity to take a closer look at it.
“Now three important rules. First, you won´t tell a single word about this to Eve. Second, you won´t open that bag, because if you´ll do it, what´s inside would probably kill you.”
This wasn´t a lie, at least form Michael´s point of view as the legends he heard about Devil Fruits all stated that if someone who already had one got into contact with another one an imminent death would result.
“And third, I will try my best not to kill any of the guards but if you´ll screw up or will take too long…”
He shrugged as there was no need to actually finish that sentence.

[Bobbie]

Michael’s sarcastic comment made the dwarf slow down and puff out his cheeks. His arms crossed, he hovered in the air over the lawyer’s shoulder.

“Well, you don’t have to be so sarcastic.” Cro said, his wings beating the air right beside Michael’s ear. Dropping onto his feet, he stood on Michael’s shoulder for a moment, and then sat down while he listened. His stillness didn’t last very long, however, when the explanation moved on to three rules.

Croesus stood and kicked off Michael’s shoulder to fly out in front of him and face him.

“Why can’t we tell Eve? She would want to help too, because she’s a good person, and she would appreciate honesty. I can’t lie to Eve if she asks me. Also, you haven’t told me what this weapon is.” As the winged creature moved on to his own second point, he flew down to the desk to look at the drawing of the shipping company logo again.

“Why would it kill me if I just look at it? Is it like… one of those creepy death mirrors or something? Will it kill you if you looked at it?” Cro’s questions were a clear sign of his excitement to be needed by Michael.

The third rule was one that he hesitated on the most and let out a sigh, glancing back at Michael once more. “You will not kill anyone, regardless of how things could go wrong with this plan, or how long it takes.” In a sudden wave of seriousness that washed over his features, Cro frowned. “You agree to that rule, or I’m not helping you.”

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Croesus: #ba00ca

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #5

The lawyer tilted his head to the side, as he was amused by Cro´s question about his sarcasm. Was he really away for so long, that he forgot, that sarcasm was the main method by which Michael communicated? A little piece of wisdom which he intended to remind that pesky little bug soon enough.
“That´s exactly why you can´t tell her.”
He growled as if it was the most obvious thing imaginable and Cro was just bothering him with useless questions.
“Eve is no fighter and the less she knows, the smaller the chance someone will go after her if things go south. Or…
The lawyer looked Cro in the eye, obviously mocking him and his naïve personality.
“are you planning to put Eve in harm’s way intentionally?”
Michael smiled, giving Cro enough time to process his words and come up with an answer, before continuing.
“And the same goes for you. If these bad guys captured and tortured you, do you want to know what did you steal and where it´s hidden if it could help them to take it back and use to kill people? Trust me, the less you now the better for both you and Eve.”
The lawyer concluded his speech, ready to move on to another topic, but Cro came up with yet another way to annoy him and that was the question of killing.
“No that´s not how we play this game little one. These people either killed or helped to kill someone. They are dangerous and I am not going to throw my life away because of your weird need to play a martyr. So this is my one and only offer. You will help me out and I promise you I try to not kill anyone if possible. Or you won´t and than you´ll live the rest of your life knowing that lots of people died because of you. Just like you hurt that young couple back then.”

[Bobbie]

Hearing that Eve would be in danger if he told her truth was an easy way to convince Cro to keep this secret. With a gentle huff, he nodded. “Okay… okay, we don’t tell Eve anything. I think I should know, but I suppose you’re right…”

Whether he was oblivious to the fact that Michael was mocking him or his genuine concern for Eve’s wellbeing overrode that, Cro was quick to change his mind on that with minimal sulking. The next topic, however, was different. The lawyer’s response to Croesus’ proposal was not unexpected and not much to be offended by initially - until he referred back to the young couple from their previous adventures.

It was clear that Michael made such a comment to strike, and strike he did. Cro’s face was ridden with pure sadness as he remembered. It was a memory that he would rather forget, though his reaction made it clear that the dwarf would never allow himself to.

Seeming entirely defeated for the moment, he lowered his little head and stared down at the desk where he stood, his eyes stung as the regret of that day’s events still weighed heavily on his heart.

Opening his mouth, Cro looked up at Michael, about to argue some form of defence, but he promptly closed it once more with teary eyes.

“Alright,” he uttered, his lip quivering slightly and he looked down again, twiddling his fingers. “I just don’t want anybody to get hurt.”

Cro didn’t need any reminders that Michael was not usually very sympathetic to his feelings or his cause. With a little sniffle, he took a deep breath and tried his best to straighten and toughen up. The man’s promise that he will at least try not to kill anyone was the best that he could get. Nodding, he agreed to help steal this dangerous weapon from the wagon said to be smuggled into the city in two days. However, one question remained…

“So… what do we do until then?”

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Croesus: #ba00ca

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #6

Whatever the little bug thought about his motives this time the lawyer was sincere with his concerns. While he was avoiding any strong words like friends, when describing their relationship, during these years he grew very attached to Eve and her open, cheerful and hard working personality. He trusted her as much as a serial killer could trust anyone and so he didn´t want to put her in any form of a danger.
Naturally, this was something he would never tell to that pesky creature in his office or he would never get rid of him and his nonsense about “setting Michael on the right path”
“You have my promise, I´ll do everything in my powers to not shed a single drop of blood.”
The lawyer said seriously, not really keen on revealing to Cro that his ability to cut the water in someone´s body allowed him to kill without drawing their blood.
Hopefully it would be enough for the little bug, at least for now.
“Now? You can get…”
Out of my office, Michael tried to say, but before could finish his sentence someone knocked on the door.
“Excuse me sir…”
Eve stuck her head in with a sheepish smile, too aware of the lawyer´s current mood.
“I...I know you two have something important to discus but I was thinking...since Mr. Cro returned after such long time we might celebrate a bit?”
Taking Michael´s tilted head as a encouragement to carry on, she opened the doors with a single push, revealing large paper box in her hands.
“I already grabbed cake…”
Her innocent smile almost melted the shell of bad mood and brooding the lawyer built around himself...almost, but it was enough to stop him from snapping at her nevertheless.
“Put it on the table…please”
He muttered, already regretting the decision as Eve presented them a large chocolate cake decorated with strawberries.

[Bobbie]

‘-Get comfy and keep me company’ Cro was sure the lawyer was going to say, but Eve knocked and popped her head in before Michael could finish his sentence and make such a request. Turning to face her, the dwarf blinked and couldn’t help smiling. Seeing Eve always brightened his mood - she was such a kind and genuine soul that he couldn’t stop the giddy feelings that bubbled within him at the sight of her innocent smile.

To top it off, she explained that she wanted to celebrate Cro’s return! The devil fruit user was delighted, his face turning a bright shade of pink as it warmed and became flushed.

“Really? For my return?” He asked, quite clearly swept away by her act of kindness and the simple fact that she thought of him and wished to celebrate his presence. Cro’s eyes teared up as they followed Eve’s stride to the table, obviously touched by the notion, and his little hands rose to touch his own pinked cheeks.

“That’s so thoughtful of you, Eve!” The moment the box was placed on the table, Croesus took to the air and flew up to Eve’s face, hugging it as best as he could with one arm going under her ear and the other across her chin, his tiny cheek pressed against hers. Upon pulling away, he perched himself on her shoulder, looking down at the cake in the open box, and gasped. “It looks amazing! Thank you so much!”

Then a realisation hit him, his body suddenly freezing and his eyes widening as it did. Cro’s gaze fell on Michael as he began thinking the unthinkable: Michael was in on this.

“I KNEW IT!” He leapt from Eve’s shoulder and flew right over to Michael to give his face similar treatment to that which he gave Eve’s a moment ago, his little arms wrapping around him as best they could. “I knew you were secretly happy to see me! This was brilliant! You distracted me while Eve went out to get the cake, then came in here and acted like it wasn’t all planned!” Releasing the lawyer’s cheek to stand on his shoulder with a silly grin, Croesus laughed and wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. “I’m really happy to see you both too… You’re both like family to me.” The emotional little creature sniffled and wiped another tear. “I really love you both.”

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Croesus: #ba00ca

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #7

The lawyer felt sick from his stomach just from the idea that he would be looking forward to this bug´s return, let alone threw a surprise party for him, but he needed, that little guy on his side for the upcoming heist, so he remained silent, letting his sour facial expression to do the talking.
Naturally Eve knew it wasn´t the case, but since she genuinely wanted for these two to get along well she remained silent too, beaming with happiness that her decision was received so well.
“Come on Mr. Campbell, there is no need to be upset.”
She smiled, putting the cake down, while heading to her office for three pates and desert forks. Seeing it, Michael couldn´t help as cringe suddenly realizing what these tiny, custom made plates and cutlery she ordered in his name were for.
“Well, I guess there is no way he´ll change his mind now…”
He muttered cursing his own carelessness over the past few week, when he was too absorbed by Loki´s death to pay proper attention to what was going on around him, or to think about these things with a clear head. Maybe, if he came to this realization under different circumstances he might started second guessing his heist plan as well, but right now, he was too focused on that little obnoxious bug to do that.
Watching Eve cutting the cake into pieces he took his own plate, grimacing as his free hand moved on its own to push Loki, who wasn´t there away from his food. Old habits were dying hard.
“So, any plans for tonight? Maybe we could do something together the three of us?”
Knowing her boss way to well, Eve noticed what just happened and so quickly came with something that she thought could distract Michael from any grim thoughts.

[Bobbie]

Cro was quite moved when Eve fetched tiny cutlery that looked like they had been made specially for him.

“Thank you, Eve, Mr Campbell… I don’t know what to say,” was all he could manage as he held back tears at the gesture. Taking his slice of cake, he was happy to sit down on the desk and dig in, but patiently waited till everybody had their dessert first.

Watching Eve and Michael, even Cro noticed the little grimace that came from the lawyer, though he didn’t fully understand what happened and so question it. In any case, Eve was quick to fill the silence anyway, and he absolutely loved her idea, indicated by a content nod of approval before he spoke.

“Yes! Do you have any board games? Every office should always have one cupboard stacked with board games in it… we can forget business for tonight and play some games together.”

He knew how to play a couple of the classic board games from back home - he used to have weekly game-nights with his immediate and extended family, and they were always a great time! Cro's face was practically glowing at the prospect of spending quality time with these people.

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Croesus: #ba00ca