Crocodile Tears
Title: Crocodile Tears
Rating: T
Fandom: One Piece
Summary: [Alternative Ending to The Tale of Crocodile and Alligator] Alligator died at the War of Marineford, protecting Luffy. His last request was for Crocodile and Daz Bones to join the Straw Hat Pirates. He wanted Crocodile to learn how to care about others again.
"Aura-chan," One of the members of G-5 asked as the group began to run while Vergo was recovering. "Was that really Vice-Admiral Vergo?"
"Yeah," Aura nodded. "But I don't understand why he stopped his attack when I stepped in,"
"Huh?" The G-5 soldiers looked to her. "Aura-chan, we have a bit of a theory on why,"
"They've been shipping you and Vergo for a while now," Tashigi said.
"EH!?"
"Daz, we're going back!" Crocodile growled. "I'm gonna kill that bastard!"
XXX
Vergo managed to recover and escape the poison gas, using Geppo to get to his destination faster.
Fourteen years ago…
Twenty nine year old Aura was getting a new person transferred to G-5. "What's your name?"
Vergo put his two heels together and saluted. "My name's Vergo, mam!"
"Hey newbie, I got a question for you," Aura asked. "What's with the food stuck to your cheek? You woke up in the fridge or something?"
Vergo peeled the food from his face, revealing part of a sandwich. "I'm a messy eater," He then proceeded to finish the sandwich.
"Most of the time we go on missions, we're always in groups or partners," Aura informed. "You'll be partnered with me, kay?"
"Yes mam," Vergo nodded.
Thirteen years ago…
A year passed. During that year, Vergo had gotten to know more about Aura. He learned her favorite foods, color, and music. He also learned her dislikes. He didn't know why, but he enjoyed Aura's company. Vergo just told himself that he found her intriguing.
One day, they received word that they were going on a mission to Minion Island for a deal with the Op-Op Fruit. "Accompanying us will be one of my best friends," Aura told G-5.
"Yo," Alligator greeted. "My name's Alligator,"
"Why is he joining us?" He meant for his tone to stay flat and emotionless, but there was a twinge of annoyance (or was it jealousy) in his voice directed towards Alligator. It was enough of a change for the others to notice, except for Aura and Alligator.
"The Devil Fruit is worth five billion berries," Aura pointed out. "He's a commander. Besides, I have a feeling that the Donquixote Pirates might be there too. I know Tsuru-san will meet us there at some point,"
'How does she know that Doffy and the others might be there?' Vergo thought. 'It's as if she knows they'll get the information,'
XXX
Vergo had just finished his phone call with Doflamingo and quickly blended in with his group. They eventually found Corazon lying in the snow, covered in blood. "No…" Alligator whispered as he fell to his knees.
"Alligator, it'll be alright," Vergo felt a bit of anger well up inside of him when Aura tried to comfort Alligator. 'No, I'm not angry at Aura comforting Alligator,' Vergo thought. 'I'm angry that she's comforting him over that traitor's death,'
Alligator screamed. "ROCI! IF ONLY I HAD GOTTEN HERE SOONER! IF ONLY I HAD DISSUADED YOU FROM INFILTRATING HIS CREW!"
A few minutes later, Tsuru and her team arrived. She knelt down beside Alligator. "It's going to be alright, Alligator,"
Alligator sobbed in her arms. "I'm his older brother…I should've been there to protect him…"
'Older brother?' Vergo mentally questioned. 'Rocinante's older brother is Doffy, whom he betrayed. What is he talking about?'
XXX
Aura and Alligator were in a depressing mood the whole trip back. Aura wouldn't eat most of the time. The G-5 Marines tried to coax her into eating just a little, but she refused. Finally, they went to Vergo. "Captain Vergo, Aura-chan won't eat anything,"
Vergo took the bowl of soup and went to Aura's quarters. Aura was curled up in bed. "Aura, you need to eat,"
"I'm not hungry," Aura mumbled.
"Aura," Vergo repeated, walking to the side of her bed.
"I promised their older brother that I'd protect Al and Roci," Aura told him. "But now…Roci is dead…"
Vergo had to prevent himself from showing anger. He didn't want that traitor to be sympathized, especially from Aura. "It's not your fault,"
XXX
Before Vergo could reach Law, he encountered Smoker and the two began to fight. Vergo was stronger and had the upper hand. Meanwhile, Eric approached Law in the SAD Room. "Huh?" Eric asked. "Where's Croc?"
"I'm afraid he's not here with me, Eric-ya," Law answered.
"Shame," Eric exhaled. "Guess I'll have to fight you instead. Maybe harming his nephew will draw him out,"
XXX
Crocodile noticed Law's heart beating rapidly. 'It can't be Vergo since he wouldn't get there this quickly. Maybe it's that bird woman? No, I can feel her Haki elsewhere and Caesar's is in a different building. That means he's fighting Eric!'
"What's wrong, Boss?" Daz asked.
"Daz, protect Aura," Crocodile ordered. "I'm gonna go on ahead and help Law. His heart has taken enough damage already from Vergo,"
Aura imbued her fist with Haki and punched Crocodile. "Idiot!"
Crocodile put a hand to his cheek. "Aura, what the hell was that for!?"
"What about the state you're in!?" Aura snapped. "Both Smoker and Law need help against Vergo and Eric. I know Vergo's Haki is stronger than Smoker's. You can't handle both at the same time!"
"Aura…" Crocodile whispered.
"You think I want you to die!?" Aura yelled, tears welling up. "You're the only one left, Croc…Roci and Al are gone…I don't want to be alone…" She furiously wiped the tears away. "Tashigi, you're in charge,"
Crocodile sighed. "Daz, you and Fang go with G-5. Make sure them and the kids escape,"
"Yes Boss," Daz nodded.
"Tashigi-swan! Aura-swan!" Sanji called, joining the group. "Do you need help with anything?"
"Black Leg, I need you to come with me," Aura said. "I'll need your help,"
"Anything for you, Aura-swan!"
Crocodile meanwhile glared at Sanji.
The next chapter will involve Eric VS Law & Smoker and Vergo VS Crocodile and Sanji.
Yes, I attempted to ship Vergo with an OC, but it'll most likely be one-sided.
Should it be Croc X Aura romantically or more like a brother-sister bond?