Chapter 5
The Plushie Pirates rushed towards the two red hair pirates.
With sabres and rapiers in hand, the enemy pirates were just about to his Alexis and Shanks but missed instants afterwards because the two pirates had blocked their attacks with their own weapons: Shanks with his sabre and Alexis with her scythe. The pirates quickly lunged themselves backwards and decided to attack one at a time since they were in a rather narrow space. Two Plushie Pirates rushed towards Alexis and Shanks, attempting to pierce their hearts but failed when Shanks slammed their weapons to the ground and Alexis hit the back of their heads with her scythe's holder, leaving the two enemy pirates unconscious. Other three rushed towards them but, this time, jumped over the two red hair pirates, falling behind them and attempting to land a hit on them. Alexis turned around, resting her back against Shanks' and twirled her scythe as the enemies' blades crashed into her own weapon, making them loose balance. She gave them a quick kick, throwing them against the wall.
Three more pirates rushed to Shanks, seeing him as a weak link only because he had one arm. They were surprised by the amount of strength one swing of his sword had because the three Plushie Pirates were sent off, flying in the direction Shanks was facing.
There were only three left: two rookies and Joshua.
The two rookies seemed scared that they stumbled back and ran away from the place. Joshua was left alone and, when he attempted to escape, Alexis took hold of his blouse, keeping him in place.
-Where do you think you're going, my dear Joshua? – She questioned, her voice awfully calm.
-Let me go you witch! – The Plushie Pirate shouted at her, earning a kick on his back, making him fall to the ground flat on his belly. Alexis quickly sat on his back, taking hold of his left arm and twisting it backwards, locking on between her legs. A gasp of pain escaped Joshua's mouth.
-Like I asked you before, – she began to speak once again, her calm tone always present – you're going to answer my question. Is that okay dear? – With that question she twisted his arm once again receiving a rewarding shout of complaint.
-Alright! Alright! – He shouted out.
Shanks crouched in front of Joshua, capturing his attention.
-Now tell us everything you know about the Plushie Pirates. – Shanks asked in a kind manner. Alexis couldn't stop a small chuckle that managed to escape her lips. The pirate underneath her mumbled "bitch" but he quickly let out another painful gasp when she twisted his arm once again. Shanks looked at Alexis, questioning her actions.
-What? – She sang out. – He insulted me.
-I'll tell you anything just let me go. – Joshua cried out. Alexis loosened her grip on his arm, letting him breathe in relief. – We are at the top of mountain Plush. Our captain, Shun, he has some weird power that can control stone. He's the strongest man you'll ever face. – He smirked out.
-I highly doubt that. – Alexis mumbled, before looking down at Joshua.
-Someone sounds confident for a rookie. – Joshua commented, earning another angry twist at his arm.
-Says the one that lost seconds after lunging into a fight with me. – Alexis stated.
-Beginner's luck.
-Bull crap. – She mumbled. – Anything else we need to know about you Plushie Pirates?
-We are experts in torture. – He smirked in contentment.
-What do you do? Torture people with hugs and cuddles. I know I'm not a very "huggy" person but still…
-What idea do you have of us, anyway? – Joshua sounded more curious than in a mock spirit.
-The moment your crew name is Plushie Pirates, I just assume you are kind of like the "care bears" where you just go around defeating evil with your happy powers and give lots of love and hugs to everyone. – Shanks burst out into laughter and to Alexis surprised so did Joshua.
-Now that you put it that way, it does sound kind of ridiculous. – Joshua stated between chuckles. Shanks couldn't help but be amused at the whole situation and felt that this Joshua guy wasn't that bad after all.
-What's up with that sudden change of heart? – Alexis questioned still laughing lightly.
-I was never really fond of my so called crew. – Joshua admitted. That statement made Alexis' grip on his arm loosen. – They never liked me either so why even bother? I just went along because I always wanted to be a pirate.
-But still… - Alexis mumbled. – You should be somewhere you feel comfortable, no?
-Yeah, but all the other crews I wanted to go with didn't accept me. They said I was too weak. – Joshua smiled somewhat sad with the memories of previous pirates that denied his request of joining them. – I have to admit it is true. I'm crap with my rapier or any kind of weapon for that matter.
-Practice. – Shanks informed.
-Don't you think I've tried?
-Keep trying. – Alexis got up from his back and sat in between of Joshua and Shanks. Joshua finally sat up on the ground, feeling more comfortable than before. – If you want to do something so badly keep trying and never give up. Simple as that. – She smiled sweetly at him. – Do you think I got good at fighting from one night to another?
-The way you move makes me think that yes. – Joshua spoke out earning a smile from Shanks. She did move in a deadly manner that made him shiver in delight as he remembered the way her hips swayed at each movement she took.
-Well… No not really. I practised every day and did my best. To be honest I was the slowest to learn in my class and I was the one that constantly got beaten up. – Joshua lifted an eyebrow in disbelief. – It's true. My sensei liked to make other beat the crap out of me. But that didn't bring me down. – She raised her shoulders in a carefree manner. – To be honest I didn't give a damn. I kept practising and got to be the best in my class. – She chuckled sweetly. – If you don't feel comfortable with the crew you're with, leave them. Simple as that.
-They won't let me leave.
-Did you try? – Shanks questioned.
-No. Another crew member did and ender up impaled with a stone stake across the heart.
-Lovely… - Alexis mumbled causing Shanks to look at her in amusement with her statement.
-We'll figure out something. – Shanks placed a hand on Alexis shoulder making her look into his onyx gaze. – Come with us…
-Joshua. – He presented himself.
-I'm Shanks. – He smiled at him in a relaxed manner.
-I have a feeling I recognize that name… - Joshua mumbled more to himself. Alexis didn't notice at all but Shanks only smirked.
-Come with us. – Shanks cheered as he got up, bringing Alexis along with him. – We need to introduce you to the crew! We need to celebrate!
-Wh…what? – Joshua looked at the red hair pirate in surprise.
-This is perfectly normal. – Alexis helped Joshua get up and placed an arm across his shoulders, casually crossing her legs and leaning against him. – Shanks is always like this: prefers a celebration over a confrontation. – He looked at Alexis and Shanks, surprised, before being dragged down the street by the two red hair pirates. Both Shanks and Alexis were cheering, laughing and singing at the promise of ale. Joshua couldn't believe the welcoming spirit those two had. They were technically his enemies but that didn't really bothered Joshua since he didn't care much for his own crew.
Their happiness was very contagious so, in a few minutes, he was cheering with them as well. A few of his crew men looked at the three pirates as they headed to the docks. Probably they would go warn their captain of the occurrence. "Let them warn their captain" Shanks thought to himself, "We'll be ready".
As they reached the docks, Shanks, Alexis and Joshua were greeted with loud cheers from the Red Hair Pirates once Shanks announced that they were going to have a celebration. Joshua was dragged by two red hair pirates into the mess deck. Alexis was just about to enter when she looked back and saw Shanks looking out at the street.
-What's wrong captain? – She purred unconsciously as she walked towards Shanks. He looked at her in amusement and a slight presence of desire filled his eyes.
-I believe I should call Hawkie. He needs to celebrate as well. – He smiled at her widely. He felt, deep inside that he was slowly falling for her. That red haired woman was amazing. Either she was fighting or singing or torturing someone, she was always so… tempting in anything she did. Her grey eyes always shined whenever she spoke to either him or his crew members, in pure care and gentleness. It was something he admired the most in her: her kindness towards others but also her ability to turn cold when needed.
-Well, then let's get him. – She stated and began to walk but quickly stopped and turned to face her captain. – Aren't you coming? I don't know the way his inn is.
-Oh right. – He began to walk beside her and chatting along with her, in a relaxed and carefree manner, making Alexis smile in sheer happiness. Shanks was an amazing man that always seemed to amaze her in everything he did. He was so kind hearted and caring.
As they arrived at the Inn, they immediately saw the familiar looking swordsman sitting down on a stool of the Inn's bar, casually drinking a mug of ale but never letting his analytic look disappear. Or maybe it was the way his eyes always looked like. Mihawk noticed their presence immediately and turned to face them.
-What is it? – He questioned as his golden eyes set upon Alexis' grey ones.
-We're having a celebration and we want you to come. – Shanks said happily, capturing Mihawk's attention.
-Why me?
-Because you need to be present as well Hawkie!
-Please don't call me that.
-Why? – Shanks' smile disappeared, being substituted by a small pout that made him look a lot like Luffy.
-You know I don't like it.
-C'mon Hawkie. – Alexis complained as she pouted as well, earning a laugh from Shanks and an inexpressive look from Mihawk, although she did managed to see a glance of surprise slid by his eyes. She grabbed his coat and pulled him with her. – It isn't a celebration if you aren't there to scare away the guests.
Shanks laughed more and followed Alexis that continued to pull Mihawk with her.
Mihawk couldn't help but let a half smile adorn his lips.
She was a very amusing and loyal woman.
A/N:
Fifth chapter! :D I know I posted this later than the other ones. I'm sorry! I was having writer's block to be honest and it took me too long to write this chapter.
I kind of wanted to make Joshua a good guy so... yeah he begins to change here and he's going to help the red hair pirates! :D he will also be taught a few things by Alexis. This chapter also explains a bit about her good fighting skills.
Anyways, I'm already working on the following chapter! I beg your forgiveness for any spell errors, I usually miss those X_X
As usual: One Piece doesn't belong to me! Only Alexis and the Plushie Pirates... and Joshua