Chapter 10
-Are we close Yasopp? – Shanks questioned with his arm in front of his eyes, blocking the blizzard they were crossing.
-We should be about 10 minutes away if we continue this course. – He informed, walking a bit ahead of his captain to lead the way.
-Is everyone alright? – Shanks looked back, verifying if everyone was present. Someone was missing… Where on earth was Alexis and his first mate? – Yasopp…
-Yes Shanks?
-Where is Alexis or Benn? – He turned back in order to look at the sharpshooter. Yasopp's face was of disbelief: how could they get lost in this blizzard!?
-I have no idea captain. Should we go search for them?
-No. – He answered continuing to march forward. – They will probably head straight to the village. I trust Benn's orientation.
-Very well captain.
They carried on for what seemed like miles until a shimmering light was visible in the distance. It was the light that signaled the village they were supposed to go. Joshua was the one that rushed towards that light in pure happiness. He seemed incredibly exhausted from all the walking yet he was the first to go reach the village which amused the Red Hair Pirates very much.
-We should probably wait for them. – Joshua spoke out as the rest of the pirates approached the village.
-So happy that you offered to watch other the entrance! – Shanks chuckled and patted on Joshua's shoulder before passing by him, with his crew behind him. – We are going to head into that pub and have a drink.
-WHAT!? – Joshua's face was stunned: he was going to be left outside in the cold to see if either Benn or Alexis appeared.
-Thank you very much Joshua. – Yasopp passed by him and headed towards the pub that was right at the entrance of the small village.
-We'll owe you one. – Roo stated and rushed to the pub.
The rest of the crew passed by the astounded Joshua, thanking him for offering and saying that they would do anything he'd ask of them in the future.
-This isn't fair! – Joshua finally complained once the Red hair Pirates were inside the warm pub, drinking and laughing loudly while Joshua was outside freezing his ass for two distracted pirates that chose to get lost in this freezer of an island. He crouched down on the floor, brushing his arms, trying to warm himself more but it was no use: it was too cold for him to find any comfort in rubbing his arms with his freezing hands. – Hurry up… - He mumbled between chattering teeth. "And be alright."
~Meanwhile~
To the Red Hair Pirates it was a surprised that Shanks wasn't drinking the large amounts of alcohol he usually drank. He was too worried about Benn and Alexis to drink anything.
A sigh escaped his lips as he got up and headed to the pub's counter, ordering a warm beverage. Once a cup of hot coffee found its way to Shanks' hand, he exited the pub and headed towards the place he left Joshua before. He found the boy crouching down on the floor in a failed attempt to warm himself up.
-Oi kid! – He called making Joshua look over his shoulder, in search or the owner of the voice. Shanks walked up to him and handed him the cup of coffee. – Drink. It will keep you warm.
-Thanks captain. – He said, taking the cup away from Shanks's hand and took a long sip from the warm drink.
-Call me Shanks, please. – He crouched down next to the young crew member and breathed in deeply. – I hate winter islands.
-They can't be that bad. – Joshua smiled downward, looking at his blurry reflection in the coffee. – Sure they can be cold but the snow is amazing.
-I don't mind the snow. – The red haired captain answered. – I mind the cold. That is my biggest problem against winter islands: too cold.
-They aren't that bad once you ignore that little fact. – Joshua stated, looking blankly at the distance.
-You're from a winter island aren't you? – Shanks looked at the young boy in a friendly way.
-Yes I am.
-Do you miss home?
-Don't we all do?
-A bit.
Silence fell upon them.
The unforgiving wind was the only sound resounding around them.
-You're worried about them aren't you? – Joshua finally asked, capturing Shanks' attention once again.
-Of course! They are part of my crew. – He seemed somewhat surprised by Joshua's question but didn't bother to ask him what the reason behind it was.
-I'm worried about Alexis the most…
-How come? – He could feel a hint of jealousy for the kid but didn't show it much.
-I grew rather fond of her and, now that she is away, I'm realizing these feelings I have for her are something more than friendship. – The young pirate looked at the snow covered ground and began to draw shapes on it with his finger.
-I see… - Shanks looked at the grayish sky releasing a loud sigh. The kid had fallen for Alexis' charms as well. Well, who was Shanks to blame the young lad? She was a strong and willed woman and that attracted more men than she ever imagined.
-You have strong feelings for her as well, don't you captain?
Shanks head snapped in Joshua's direction. The boy was sharp in noticing people's feelings, he had to admit. He let out a small chuckle.
-Yes I have. – A wide smile took over the red haired captain's lips. – I have fallen for that woman and I don't regret it one bit. – Deep inside he knew that Alexis' feelings for him were true and that she wouldn't betray him, although he could not deny the small hint of jealousy towards the young boy.
-I'm going to make her mind. I don't care if you're my captain and you have feelings for her. She'll be mine. – Joshua's voice was calm and decisive, giving Shanks a silent challenge for the woman's heart.
-Very well. – A surprised look gazed over Joshua's features when a confident smile appeared on Shanks'. – I won't give her up that easily. – With that being said the challenge was on the roll and Shanks was determined to win against the kid. Joshua smirked at his captain and silently praised him for his comprehension and respect towards the young pirate's feelings. Suddenly Shanks got up as he spotted two figures in the distance and familiar cloaks floating around them. – They're back.
With that, the red haired captain rushed towards Benn as a sudden rage raised within him.
Alexis was hurt and whomever had done this, Shanks would make sure to make them pay.
A/N:
Yes this was a VERY short chapter...
On purpose xD I wrote this at night and I am tired!
But I wanted to make this short because it was somewhat during the return of Benn and Alexis to the village. I wanted to show the other side of the situation/the situation of the rest of the crew towards their lost comrades.
Yes a bit of a competition between Shanks and Joshua, HAZZAH! :D there has to be.
Oh an sorry for, in the previous chapter, Alexis calling Benn Grandpa. It was in a friendly and caring kind of way. Also I wanted to show her childish side (because I have it a lot xD)
The fact of Alexis being so fascinated about snow (i forgot to mention on the previous chapter) is actually based off a reality: I've never seen snow in my life! I want to though... :c
Well, I hope you enjoyed this very short chapter and have a very nice day! Or night, depending on where you are living in this dog eat dog world we call home
I do not own One Piece
Only Alexis, Joshua and the Seppen Bandits (Midori and Karasu included)