Before the Rain [Morgan]

[Hyde]

The day was rather nice, for the most part. It wasn't one that screamed 'Let's go out!' since the sky was grey signaling that it could rain at any moment, but it was nice since the air was cooler because of the impending rain and there was even a light breeze. It was also nice because the impending rain kept people inside, unless they had somewhere to go or enjoyed weather like there was.

A small form garbed in an orange outfit walked down the street. He was a sight to see. A cat walking on his two hind legs with a katana on his back. Happily, both of his tails swished behind him and his arms swang at his sides. Despite being a cat the thought of an impending rainstorm didn't bother him. Sure, wet fur was irritating to to dry, but that was what clothes were for, plus, the feline loved the smell of the air before it rained.

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[MORGAN BLACK]

The smell of pre-rain wasn't the only thing on the air as the feline walked. A man stepped out of hiding from behind him, a light cigar between his lips. It smelled strongly of sweet pungent vanilla, wafting through the air, chasing the felines heels. The man behind him was no other than that Morgan B. Black.

Morgan had no ill intentions, only those certain feelings of curiosity. Never had he seen a walking animal as he. He had heard of them, but this was his first time seeing one. A cat wearing clothes, walking up right. Heh, this was interesting.

With desire to make conversation and learn all he could, he would catch up behind the feline with steady footsteps, until he was close enough his voice could be heard. Morgan sounded friendly as it were, but you never knew about someone.

"Good day my feline friend."

[Hyde]

As soon as the feline caught the smell of the cigar smoke, he'd wrinkle his nose. While he had nothing against the smell of vanilla, he hated it when it smelled so strongly. It was one of the downsides of his feline form. Hyde didn't have to wonder for long where the smell came from. His ears swiveled back at the sound of footsteps behind him, though the sound was muffled slightly by the hood over his head. He would tense slightly at the realization that he was being followed. It was certainly an odd site to see a bipedal feline, so any number of traders might try and sell him off. Hyde didn't have the luxury of being a human, so it wouldn't be illegal to snatch him up. After all, besides his upright walking and ability to talk he wasn't any better than a stray cat.

Still, it might turn out to be that the one following him wasn't an exotic pet salesman and it could turn out to be interesting company, so even as the man tried to catch up and walk beside him Hyde did not flee. "Good day, sir." the feline would say in reply to the mans greeting. He wouldn't look to see whom it was walking beside him. Instead his gaze would focus in front of him. It would take up to much time to flee if he was looking at the man while he did so. "Lovely day isn't it?" he'd say making small talk.

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[MORGAN BLACK]

Morgan crossed his arms behind his back and let them rest. Of course, that did not mean he was not on guard. Two pistols sat neatly in holsters running down the back of his thighs and legs with stitched lettering with the names Helter and Skelter in them. Nothing about this tall man spoke danger for the time being however.

The smell of the cigar would be pushed into another direction, the breeze shifting to carry smells away from the two of them. Morgan would look up to the greying sky and smile. It would be a lovely day to set sail.

"Indeed it is, actually. Looks like it won't be long before the downpour though. Have any place to go when it does? I know a place to share drinks if that is your fancy."

Morgan looked down toward him and gave him a passing smile before looking back ahead of him, enjoying his little stroll beside his new feline friend. The tension was obviously there, in case something would go awry. Neither of them fools. But no move would be made to require immediate action.

"I've never seen such an interesting creature as you before. May I ask where you hail from?"

[Hyde]

Hyde was grateful to the wind when it shifted so that he didn't have to deal with the smell of the man's cigar. Sadly, the smell still lingered within his nostrils, but it was better than having the pungent smoke constantly blowing into his face. The man would continue on to use the impending rain as an excuse to invite the feline to a drink. Wasn't that interesting? The feline assumed that the male meant alcoholic drinks. While Hyde had nothing against alcohol, he found it amusing how a human could assume he'd like it. That is if it really was the sort of drink he was offering. "I'm a cat, I'm sure I could find somewhere." he'd say, a smile tugging at the edges of his mouth. "But, if the place you are suggesting has milk I'd love to join you." The milk thing was a joke, but it be interesting to see how the man would react to requesting such a stereotypical drink.

The feline continued to look forward and missed the for the most part. He did see that the man beside him looked down and did something with his mouth, but it wasn't clear. Hyde couldn't contain the smile when the human asked where he hailed from. A grin graced his feline face as he glanced up at the man from the corner of his eye, finally fully taking in the mans features. "Oh ho ho~ So, Just because I'm an 'interesting' creature means I can't be from this lovely town?" he'd ask, a laugh in his tone. "How rude~" he'd pause for a moment before saying "The place I hail from just so happens to be this very town." While Hyde still didn't completely trust the man, the mood was lightened slightly.

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[MORGAN BLACK]

"I'm sure we could scrounge up a saucer and a bottle of milk if that is what you wanted"

Morgan smirked. His words were said teasingly, in response to the felines own words. However, if milk is what he really wanted, no one would scoff at his taste. Morgan wouldn't, that was for sure. Morgan was strange in his own way, and had no right to pick at someones choices.

However, that paled in comparison to what he heard next. The little feline stated he was from this town as well. It had to have been a big town, or Morgan was just never much for one to leave the confided of privacy, because not once had he met or seen the cat before.

"For being a sharp eye, I guess there are things that even I can't see... It's a pleasure to meet you then. The names Morgan, and what may I ask is my feline friends name, eh?

Morgan looked down at him pleasantly, awaiting his response. If the feline had any curiosity as to what Morgan was, the guns and his statement would give a very good hint. Morgan couldn't help what profession a cat such as himself took though. He didn't wear marine garb, nor did he come across as a bounty hunter despite the blade on his back. (User just laughs and nicknames him puss in boots)

[Hyde]

"Oh really? Then I guess I'll join you." Hyde would say before his grin widened ever so slightly more. "Maybe we could get that milk and spike a bit?" The feline would proceed to wink as best as one could with an eye patch covering one eye. Despite the dangers of getting abducted and sold as a pet, the cat simply couldn't fight his friendly nature and felt himself gradually loosening up, bit by bit.

It really wasn't all that surprising that the two hadn't met. It wasn't like they lived in some small no name town where everyone knew everyone. While Hydes strange looks did make him a bit more obvious than anyone else, it was all really just a matter of timing. Today it turned out that their timing was good enough to have them meet. The man went on to introduce himself as Morgan. Inwardly, Hyde was amused by this name and it caused the felines grin to widen minutely. Morgan was to him a female name so it was funny. "My name is Mr. Prissypants. It's a pleasure to meet you." he'd say bowing slightly as he continued to walk. The bow was less of a polite gesture, and more of a way to hide his barely contained laugh. He wondered if Morgan would actually take him seriously.

The bow would last a moment before he gathered himself and straightened up. His grin still present though only slightly wider than than it was before bowing.

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[MORGAN BLACK]

"You have a deal my friend. Lets go grab something to drink."

By then, the rain started to sprinkle down above them. Not hard, but it would soon be upon them hard. They would need to find a spot soon enough to escape the rain. However, Morgan stopped in the middle of the street. Within a moments notice, laughter busted out from deep within and he fell to his knee's, his ribs hurt and he was crying almost.

"Mr, Prissypants, really?! Oh my god!"

Morgan almost went to choking. A few moments past, and he forced himself to his feet to wipe his watery eyes and calm himself. He reached over without realizing it and gave the feline a pat on the head.

"That can't be your real name, can it? Please, tell me it's not."

Even if it wasn't, Morgan now had a nickname for the feline creature. He was now going to call him Mr. Prissypants all the time. Morgan smirked at the thought, then pointed toward an area that had a nice little bar on the side. If he agreed, they would head there, and head inside for a drink.

[Hyde]

The mans reaction to Hyde saying his name was 'Mr. Prissypants' was absolutely and completely worth saying so. The laughter was contagious, and the feline found himself joining in on the laughter, but in a far more restrained manner. It must have been a sight to see. A grown man on his knees laughing and and a cat laughing right alongside him. It took Hyde a moment longer to cut off his giggles, but he eventually did so. "What don't think it's a good name?" he'd ask with that grin still wide on his face. "No, My real name is Hyde. I'd die if my parents actually named me that!"

When Morgan gestured to a bar they could go to, Hyde would agree and begin walking there. A spring had found it's way into the felines step, and most of the tension had left his body. The laugh between the two males had been a sort of 'bonding' moment that made the feline male far more relaxed in regards to the human one.

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[MORGAN BLACK]

"Pleasure to meet you Hyde... I think anyone would die if their parents named them that. Oh man, I think I would have to smack my parents if they even thought about that."

Morgan shook his head lightly, and opened the door for his new found friend to go inside out of the rain. Just as they entered, the downpour began and everything went to hell outside. Inside the bar, it was obvious it was your average get-up with tables, a bar, and some entertaining games in the corner.

Morgan walked straight to the bar with his new friend He dared anyone to try and make a scene with Hyde or attempt to cause him trouble. They wouldn't make it past go or collect 200 dollars.
Either way, Morgan ordered himself a drink then a large bottle of milk for his friend. Luckily, the bartender was female, thought it was cute, and attempted to reach over and scratch the cat under it's chin if he let her, before getting the drinks from them.

Morgan, wanting a new apple wood cigar, put out the stub that remained of the vanilla one, and lit up a new one. For some reason, he just liked them. They were expensive brands, and the lighter he used was worth a pretty penny being made out of pure silver with a princess cut emerald in the middle.

"So Hyde, what do you do for a living if you don't mind me asking?"

[Hyde]

Hyde would chuckle lightly at Morgans stating how he would smack his parents if they thought about naming him that. "I doubt any human would think of naming their kid that." he'd say walking inside. He was relieved that they got in before the downpour, while he had no issues with the rain, it sounded pretty bad out. Plus, getting his feet wet would be annoying. Once inside, Hyde paid little attention to the stares he got from any patron who cared enough to look when someone entered. The feline followed Morgan up to the bar and hopped up onto the stool to the right of Morgan with practiced precision.

When they sat, Hyde was passively interested in the bartender due to her being female. If a man ever tried to treat him like a cute pet and scratch under his chin or anything of that sort, Hyde might have attempted to find out what they look like with their guts spilled out. Women on the other hand, Well, He gladly allowed the bartender to scratch under his chin. The feline would lean his head back slightly and slit his eye. While she scratched, his focus was on her form which was bent over so she could reach him. The one good thing about being a weird cat beast, was that women found you cute and often times would bring you in for a nice hug or something of the sort. It was far easier to to feign innocence as a cat than a human male.

Once the bartender was done scratching and went about her business, Morgan would ask a question. "Oh, So I can have an occupation, but I can't be from this island?" he asked teasingly. After a short pause he would give a serious reply, though as always there was a light smile on the cats face. "I'm a doctor. Though, a closed minded man like yourself wouldn't believe me." Once again, he would attempt to playfully wink with a single eye.

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[MORGAN BLACK]

"Heh, I could see how being a doctor would work for you, but all good with your hands and all. Not that surprising, not as surprising as a talking cat"

Morgan chuckled teasingly before downing his drink after it was served. Hydes bottle of milk would be popped open for him. Soon, Morgan was asking for another drink, sliding money in front of he barkeep to keep them coming for a little while. Before long, he might even have a buzz.

"I'm a marksman as you can see. If my guns didn't clearly give it away. I'm the one that sends you patients! Heh heh!"

Morgan grinned before patting the cat on the shoulder once before going back to his drink and his cigar.

"Seems like fate has me in mind. I've met two interesting fellows now"

[drake delacroix]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: black; border-radius: 8px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 30px 0px 0px 10px;][STYLE=font-family: arial black; font-size: 128px; color: #EDEDED; line-height: 30px; text-transform: uppercase;]b[/style]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: black; border-radius: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 30px 5px 10px 0px;] [STYLE=font-family: arial black; font-size: 24px; color: #EDEDED; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: -3px; line-height: 24px; margin-left: -4px;]ANG BANG GO THE COFFIN NAILS. [/style][STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 9px; text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 8px; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #EDEDED; text-align: justify; padding: 0px 15px 0px 15px;]❝LIKE A BREATH EXHALED. IT SEEMED JUST LIKE YESTERDAY. HOW DID I MISS THE RED FLAMES? ❞ [/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=style,background-color: #EDEDED;][atrb=vAlign,top] [STYLE=width: 274px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; line-height: 11px; color: #737678; padding: 5px; text-align: justify; border-bottom: black 8px solid;] █ A soft breeze sighed through the land, carrying with it the sweet smell of pre-rain. The sky was lit up in a multitude of colors; however the color that stood out the most was semi-dark gray that was rain clouds. Most of townsmen were running about finishing their day’s business, fetching dinner, getting drunk, you name it. For the most part the place seemed dull, quiet safe from the red light type of towns the young man was use to; well, this part of the town. "What a bore." A lazy growl escaped from the crow crowned boy as he sat outside one of the many taverns in the town. Suddenly he started to rock back in forth waiting for his first mate who was supposed to meet him there. Morgan might have forgotten or got side tracked with financial matters; which annoyed Drake. Drake sat with his arms cross and rocked back in forth in the lone chair that sat outside the tavern. Suddenly, the captain’s first mate appeared with a feline walking on his hind legs. Drake grinned his evil grin and nodded asking himself Oh? A walking feline, I wonder if he has a sinister personality and what role would he be useful in? as he hurried after the two who had not noticed him. Once he was inside Smokey’s Tavern he immediately got close to the bar and listened in on the pair’s conversation. The cat had called himself Mr. Prissypants, to which Drake had to snort into his mug of liquor to stifle the giggle fit that started to overtake him. Coming to his senses he continued to listen to the conversation; Morgan had asked what the man’s profession was to which he replied doctor. ;= This piqued Drake’s interest in the feline. Standing up he straightened his hood which had been laying haphazardly and zipped up his hoodie halfway. Walking over to the pair he sat down next to Morgan, saying as he did so; “Oi. Where did you go? I thought we were supposed to meet at the interest. Hmph. Some first mate you are.” The first sentence was said in a respectful yet dark tone, while the second sentence was said in a playful fashion which was not Drake’s usual dark self. [/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style,background-color: #EDEDED;][STYLE=width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii329/IIGB-Atmosll/drakeicon.png); border-radius: 5px; border: black solid 10px; margin-top: -10px;] [/style] [STYLE=width: 100px; height: 256px; background-image: url(http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii329/IIGB-Atmosll/drakedelacroixstandup.png); border-radius: 5px; border: black solid 10px; margin-top: 15px;] [/style][STYLE=width: 120px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; line-height: 11px; color: black; padding: 0px 0px 10px 0px; text-align: justify;] █ TAGS crew █ NOTES --[/style]

[Hyde]

"Oh really?" he'd ask, actually a bit interested in the fact that it wasn't as surprising as him being a talking cat. The interest was soon drawn from the mans answer to his milk which had been placed before him. Happily, the cat would grasp the bottle with both paws and chug half of the bottle before setting it back down and making a contented sigh. His pink tongue flicked out of his mouth to catch any excess milk that may have lingered on his lips as he listened to Morgan stating that he was a marksman.

Hyde would chuckle a bit when he mentioned being the one to send him his patients. "And I hope you'll continue to do so." the cat replied. Though, he didn't really have an active practice. As a cat it was a simple matter to scrounge for food so he didn't have much need for a stable job, plus who would actually take a cat doctor seriously? Instead the cat went around the poorer areas and did his business, sometimes forcefully.

Just as Hyde was about to ask what Morgan meant about fate, a raven haired man appeared and acted like he knew his new friend, even going so far as to call Morgan his first mate. So, were they pirates? That seemed to be the most obvious conclusion given the fact that the town was quite popular for pirates who wanted to head out to the grand line. Hyde simply sipped his drink and watched the two interact.

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[MORGAN BLACK]

Morgan watched as his captain sat down beside the two of him. He raised his mug, then ordered one for Drake without needing to be asked. Morgan then grinned and chuckled at the way Drake spoke to him. Morgan simply nodded before leaning back a bit.

"It seems fate would rather have me here in this interesting fellows company this evening. Captain, this be Hyde. He's an alright fella if you ask me."

That pretty much meant he was cool and there was no need to worry about any possible issues with him. That and there was no problems on this end if he wished to acquire a new crew mate.

"Were just have a few drinks and chatting on about our occupations. Why don't you tell him yours, Eh Drake?"