Chapter 4

-Save me Benn. – Alexis pleaded, reaching her hand out to the dark/grey haired man that only smiled at her in amusement, gently biting down his cigarette. Roo laughed loudly before biting down a chunk of meat that he always had with him. Yasopp was sitting on the ground, slapping his knee and laughing loudly at Alexis' appearance. – Not funny! – She shouted the complaint at Yasopp.

The inhabitants of that island had managed to put their hands on her and made her "pretty". Thanks to that, she was shoved into a bring red and pink dress that shown her left leg; around her neck a feather pink scarf covered her neck; her hair was caught up in a sloppy Greek-like braid with light pink ribbons in the middle of it; the inhabitants had managed to cover her face in brink red make-up and made her walk on high heels.

-But you look so different and it's so funny! – Yasopp continued to laugh, slapping his leg before letting his back fall against the ground. – Wait until the captain sees you. – He continued to laugh and Alexis only blushed.

-He will not see me like this! – She shouted.

-See whom like what? – A voice came from behind her. Alexis shivered and swallowed dryly before turning to face the red haired captain. He looked at her from top to bottom taking in her image. His cheeks were suddenly filled with air before releasing a loud laughter. He placed a hand on his belly as he began to feel that it was hurting because of laughing too much. – What happened? – He managed to speak out between laughter.

-Nothing. Happened. – She said the words carefully as she began to rise her fist in the air before hitting Shanks weakly on his head. She turned her back to the laughing pirates and began to head back to the Red Force.

-Where-where are you going Alexis? – Yasopp managed to laugh out these words, tears appearing on his eyes.

-Change! – She shouted and began to run towards the ship.

-But you look so lovely. – Shanks laughed out, sitting down on the perfectly white floor that was filled with flowers along the sides.

-No I don't! – With those last words she disappeared to the interior of the ship and, moments after, came out wearing a green, sleeveless shirt, a black leather jacket, black pants and comfortable black boots. Her make-up was now gone but the kept the sloppy braid, taking only the pink ribbons out of it. She approached the pirates that still had bright smiles on their faces. – Let us all forget what happened, please. – She sighed hoping that the pirates would follow her words, which she highly doubted.

-We'll try. – Shanks spoke out, voicing everyone's opinion. – We won't promise anything.

-Why you… - She mumbled under her breath before breathing in deeply and relaxing her body. – I need a proper weapon, does this island have anything interesting?

-I've spotted a weapon shop on the outskirts of this village. – Benn commented, pointing in the direction ahead of them.

-Lovely. – She mumbled with a smile showering her features.

-I'll leave that to you Benn. – Shanks stated, raising his hand in the air in a "see you later" wave. – We'll be investigating the island for information and showering ourselves in alcohol without you.

-Don't you dare do that, captain. – Benn gave him his signature smile before leaving with Alexis. They walked for about 20 minutes until they finally reached the outskirts of the village. It looked rather… dead when compared to the bright warm colours of the centre. Alexis looked at the grey houses and the frightened people that rushed to get in them quickly as both Benn and herself passed by.

-What happened here? – Alexis mumbled at Benn whom just stared at her from the corner of his eyes.

-These people are under the control of some newly formed pirate crew and in all honesty I'm rather worried about them. – Benn answered as he continued to walk towards the weapon shop.

-We should talk about this to Shanks. – She stated and Benn nodded in agreement. – I'm curious as to what this new crew did to these people.

-We'll take care of that later. You need a weapon to buy. – He stated as he came to a stop in front of a blue door, opening it for her to pass.

-Thank you Benn. – She smiled as she entered the shop that was empty at the moment. – Where's the shop keeper?

-He was here yesterday and it is open. – Benn stated as he walked up to the shop's counter. – Oi! Shop keeper? – He called out. In a few seconds a bald man appeared and launched an analytic glare over the two pirates.

-What do you want? – The shop keeper questioned in a rather cold manner.

-Do you have any scythes or small knives? – Alexis quickly questioned as her eyes passed by every corner of the shop until they stopped on a scythe that was her size: the holder was black and shaped into an "s"; the blade was completely black with a steel glow and in shape of a crow's wing. Alexis walked up to it and, with her fingers, brushed the edges of the blade. A smile played on her lips. – How much for the scythe? – She turned happily at the vendor.

-3.000 belly. – The shop keeper answered.

Alexis seemed a bit disappointed at the low price for such a wonderful weapon but even so she took it with her. As she walked up to the counter, Alexis grabbed two curved daggers, with spikes on the holder and placed all of her new weapons on the counter.

-How much for all of these? – Benn questioned, intrigued by the young woman's weapon choices.

-7.000 belly.

As Benn was getting his pouch to pay for the weapons, Alexis analysed the shop keeper, trying to find out anything wrong in him.

-One quick question, sir. – Alexis began, catching both the shop keeper and Benn's attention. – What happened to this part of the town? I mean all the rest is… Lively. – She shivered under her words which caused Benn to smile at the image of her ridiculous self in make-up and lively colourful dress. – Why is this part so… dead?

The man looked at the entrance door in hopes that no one would pass by before calling them closer to him and beginning to talk in a whisper.

-A few months ago a group of pirates called the Plushie Pirates, led by Ilumero, arrived here and began to put high taxes on the outskirts on the city while the ones in the centre lived the good life, leaving us to starve. – He began, his voice loud and cautious.

-Plushie… Pirates? – Alexis couldn't help but laugh at the crew's name. She placed her head on the counter and slammed her hand against the wood, laughing out loud. – Plushie Pirates!? What hell of a name is that!?

-They are very dangerous. – The man continued, trying to ignore the laughing woman. – They killed the people that opposed them and tortured the ones that supported the rebels' ideals.

-Did they torture them with hugs? – Alexis commented but received a deadly stare from the shop keeper. She raised her hands in defeat and breathed in deeply, regaining her poise. – I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound that insensitive.

-I beg your forgiveness for her attitude. – Benn placed a hand on the top of her head making her feel like a child. – She's somewhat childish but she has a kind heart.

-I'm not a child. – She complained as she crossed her arms and pouted, yet deep inside, she felt honoured that Benn said that she was a kind hearted person. She smiled softly as a response to her thoughts and looked at Benn kindly. He was a great man.

-Can you tell us anything about their location? – Benn asked, a smile reaching his lips as he noticed the one on the young woman's face.

-They are currently situated at the mountain top just behind this village. – The man pointed out at a window to his right. The two pirates looked at the small mountain in the distance and what looked to be a rather large house on top of it. – Some of his men patrol the area collecting fees and debts that don't even exist.

-I see… - Benn mumbled and placed a hand on his chin, deep in thought. – Anything that can be identifiable on them?

-They usually have small toys attached to their weapons on pieces of clothing.

-Thank you very much sir. – Alexis bowed at the man as she gathered her weapons.

Benn paid the man 10.000 belly as a reward to the man's information.

-Keep that extra money in a safe place. – Benn said as he walked out of the shop, right behind Alexis.

-Thank you very much. – The shop keeper bowed in deep respect towards the two pirates.

Alexis attached her two daggers to her belt and carried the scythe on her hand. Until she found a method to put away the scythe she would have to carry it around on her hands. A somewhat strong presence made itself clear as it passed by the two pirates and headed to the weapon shop. She looked at Benn who nodded in response of her thoughts about that person that just passed by them: he was a threat. They heard a loud commotion in the shop so the two Red hair pirates headed towards the shop once again.

-Watch my back Benn. – Alexis informed and Benn nodded, placing himself against the door frame, his riffle in hand, once Alexis kicked the door opened. The two men stared at Benn and Alexis, the shop keeper in hopes that they would save him and the other man in curiosity and annoyance. – What do you think you're doing? – As she took a close look at the man that was attacking the shop keeper, she noticed a small teddy bear attached to the rapier that was resting at his waist. The man was taller than her, yes, but that didn't bother her at all. He had light pink hair and his earlobes were adorned with multiple golden earrings. The strange man was wearing a pink blouse with small letters in red stitched to it saying "Plushie Pirate"; around his waist a red haramaki was holding his rapier; his thin legs were covered with pink corsairs and on his feet red slippers.

-I would like to ask you the same thing. – The Plushie pirate spoke out, spiting his words at her in disgust. – What is a woman doing here?

-Excuse ME!? – She was feeling rather annoyed by this man's superior attitude towards her.

-Just get out of here. – He spat once again before lunging himself towards Alexis, rapier in hand as he braced himself to pierce her heart.

Alexis casually stepped aside, making the pirate miss completely and losing his balance. She just hit his belly with her knee and hit the back of his head with her elbow, making his face crash against the floor.

-And I thought I would get a proper warm up. – She mumbled and walked towards the shop keeper that was sitting on the floor, staring at her in amazement and relief. Alexis reached out her hand towards him which the man took it gladly. – You okay?

The man just nodded and got up from the floor.

-Thank you. – He managed to say and bowed down at her.

The pirate behind her silently got up and started to lunge his body towards the woman but his face only slammed against the cold metal of Benn's riffle. Alexis looked behind her and saw the hilarious image of the Plushie pirate on the ground with his bottom raised in the air and face slammed against the floor.

-Should we take him with us for questioning? – Alexis questioned making Benn look at her.

-We need to warn the captain of the situation but it would be for the best if we let him go. His crew my start to wonder why he's away for too long.

-Good point. – She placed a finger on her chin before beginning to walk towards the man on the floor that sat up after some time. Alexis crouched down in front of him and placed her pointer finger under his chin, smiling at him. – Now, you'll be a good boy and march outside of this place like nothing has happened. You won't tell anyone about this and when we come back to you, you'll have to answer our questions. – Her jolly expression turned into a dark and amused one. – If you don't, I'll make sure I'll be the one to torture every inch of you until you spit out all the information we want. Probably take away some nails and teeth before skinning you alive, slowly. Maybe even open you up and poke around your insides… – The pirate looked somewhat scared at her. She recovered her former happy expression rather quickly. – Is that clear?

-Y-yes. – He stuttered as he attempted to crawl away from her.

-One more thing. – She said as she got back up. – What's your name?

-J…Joshua. – He answered in fright.

-Good boy. Off you go now. – She gestured towards the door and the pirate quickly stumbled outside of the shop. She smiled widely and began to walk away from the shop, followed by Benn. – Stay safe sir. – She said as she waved at the shop keeper.

-You are scary. – Benn commented as they proceeded to walk down the street, towards the Red Force.

-Only when it is needed. – She chuckled and hopped beside him in a childlike manner. Benn only smiled at her, amused by her actions. Once the two arrived near the docks, their eyes were graced with the image of Yasopp, Shanks and Roo in tuxedos and with perfectly brushed hair. Alexis couldn't hold herself back, therefor, she unleashed a loud laughter that made the pirates in tuxedos shiver. – What happened!?

-We were caught… - Roo began seeming somewhat traumatized but yet they were amused with Alexis' contagious happiness.

-Please do keep that on. – She asked the men before her in amusement.

-Only if you wear that dress you were wearing before. – Shanks stated, crossing his arms over his chest.

-That's blackmail! – She complained although she would enjoy seeing Shanks on a tuxedo. He did look really handsome as always.

-It's only fair. – He raised his hands in the air with an amused smile on his face.

-Fine. – She brushed a red lock of hair away from her face but didn't budge from her place, looking at the pirates from the corner of her eye. – I'm not going to change into that dress if that's what you're thinking.

-Very well. – With that they pulled the tuxedos out from their bodies revealing their normal pirate outfits. Benn casually handed Shanks his black cape and smiled when he saw Alexis' surprised face.

-Have you found anything interesting about these people? – Alexis suddenly asked as she remembered what had happened on the weapon shop.

-Not really. Only that they want to put us "pretty". – Yasopp commented as he messed his hair back to its original place.

-We found something that might interest you. – Benn commented, turning to his captain. Shanks became somewhat serious when he saw Benn's dark expression. – Apparently there's a group of pirates that took over this island. They call themselves the Plushie Pirates.

-Plushie… Pirates? – Shanks mumbled, an amused smile adorning his face. Alexis couldn't contain a chuckle that managed to escape her lips. The red hair captain breathed in and regain his composure. – What do you know about them?

-Very little about abilities. The only way to distinguish them is thanks to the fact that they carry a toy attached to them: either it is on a weapon, jewellery or clothing.

-I'm not sure but if they follow the pattern they have "Plushie Pirate" written on their clothes as well. – Alexis added winning a glance from Benn. – I've noticed that when I was fighting the guy.

-You fought them? – Shanks inquired.

-Yes. One decided to beat up a shop keeper so we went there and beat him up instead. – She explained and crossed her arms over her chest. – I've made sure to scare him enough to not say anything and give us info if we… you – she quickly corrected herself – want to question him for more info.

-Very well. – Shanks answered and began to walk towards the place where Alexis and Benn had headed before to get the weapons. – Benn! – He called, capturing his first mate's attention. – Prepare my men for any kind of confrontation. I'll return in a few. – Benn nodded, trusting his captain's decision before disappearing in the Red force followed by the Red Hair Pirates. – Alexis! With me. – The woman nodded and followed right behind him, scythe in hand, as she took in the incredibly sexy and dangerous look from her captain. – You remember his face?

-Perfectly. – She said calmly, looking ahead of her. – His name is Joshua. He fights with a rapier but he seems rather clumsy at it. He's probably a newbie. – Shanks took in every bit of information his crew member was giving him. – He didn't seem to have any special abilities nor any devil fruit power. He might be hiding it but I highly doubt it. He seemed too easy to break.

-Break? – He looked at Alexis, surprised by her statement.

-Psychologically, yes. – She continued to inform her captain, ignoring his intensive stare. – I only threatened him rather softly and he almost pissed himself. – Shanks only chuckled at her statement and returned his gaze to the street. As they reached the outskirts of the town, the red hair captain began to analyse his surroundings, his face winning a dark expression towards the decaying structures that these people called home. Alexis, on the other hand, sought to find the scared Plushie Pirate quickly finding him resting against a grey wall of a store. When his eyes set upon her, his poise tensed lightly. Alexis raised her finger, calling him to her and continued to walk to a hidden place of that damaged town. Shanks followed suit as he found whom his crew member was calling. A few seconds later, Joshua appeared at the dark alley somewhat scared but more confident than when he had run away from the store. A feeling deep in Alexis gut began to form, telling her something was wrong so she kept her guard held high. – My dear Joshua – she began with her innocent voice but deadly stare causing the pirate before her to shake lightly. Even Shanks seemed surprise at her sudden change of personality – you can begin to unwind everything you know about the Plushie Pirates. My captain and I will be glad to hear about it.

-It's not going to work that way. – Joshua answered earning a surprised yet amused look from Alexis. He was trying to fight back his fear of her. – You two are going to tell me everything about your crew and your reasons here before we annihilate you. – With that being said, a group of 10 Plushie Pirates appeared beside Joshua. – Now, wanna play a bit?

-If you give me a better warm up than before, sure! Be my guest. – She answered back. Both Shanks' and her attitude made the pirates before them to quiver lightly. The Red Hair Pirates looked so relaxed and calm that it was unnerving to the Plushie Pirates.

A/N:

New chapter is out and a new crew is introduced! :D

I hope you enjoy this chapter as well! Reviews are appreciated

As usual I don't own One Piece. I only own Alexis and this new crew that I've added to this chapter and for the following ones.