Chapter 11

Alexis' eyes shot open before she quickly sat up, only to be pulled back down to the unfamiliar bed by a jolt of pain and two precise and studying hands. She let out a sigh of complaint escape her lips and looked to her side only to see a familiar figure that shocked her very much: a man with short, messy, black hair; a black goatee on his chin; small sideburns and familiar tattoos on the back of his palms and forearms.

Trafalgar D. Water Law.

What was he doing still on land!? Wasn't he supposed to be cruising the seas with the Heart Pirates? Maybe he became a pirate a bit later than Luffy did. Alexis couldn't be sure since it was not specified in the anime when he became a pirate.

She was confused! But this could also be a side effect of her being transferred to this world. She couldn't be sure.

-What happened?

-Minor wounds over your arms. A more worrying wound on your torso, between your ribs. Whatever you were doing you should be more careful next time. – Law informed her as he was messing through some files that were on the desk in the room.

-Shit… - Like she could've be more careful in a fight where she didn't know anything about her opponents. Not that it would've made a difference since she was a bit too reckless sometimes. – When can I go? I have people waiting for me.

-Once I see there's no harm to let you walk without you bleeding out, you'll leave. – He eyed the red haired woman that was on the medical bed before returning his gaze to the files. – Care to explain the tremendous amounts of iron and carbon found in your blood?

-What?

-Steel. Iron and carbon are the components of steel. – He placed the files on the desk and walked up to the woman. – How come you have such high levels of it in your body. It's not normal.

-I have no idea… - Deep down she did. She vaguely remembered summoning a blade from her arm, unconsciously. Anything after that she had no memory of.

-I see… - His face took over a dark expression, as a sadistic smile appeared on his face. – May I dissect you for more information and data collection?

-What!? – She got up and placed her back against the wall. She ignored the pain she felt on her side because, right now, Law was scaring her. He took one step closer to her. – Stay back. – She mumbled. He took yet another step. – Don't come near me. – He reached out his hand to her. – Get away! – She shouted as her hair suddenly turned white and a blade appeared on her arm. Law jumped back and smirked evilly at her.

-Interesting… - He mumbled to himself as he stared at the panting woman before him. Her eyes had a deadly grimace as she kept her arm raised in a defensive position. Slowly, but surely, her hair returned to its previous red color and the blade returned to her arm. Alexis could only stare in amazement at her arm, a smile slowly growing on her lips before releasing a loud and jolly laugh.

-This is so cool! – She said between chuckles.

-You weren't aware of that? – Law seemed confused as he stared at the suddenly interesting woman before him.

-Not really.

-You haven't eaten any Devil fruit to get that?

-Nope. – She laughed happily and launched her legs over the bed, slowly standing up. Law rushed to her and pushed her towards the bed.

-I told you not to get up.

-But I'm not bleeding. – She pointed to her side and she was absolutely right. She was not bleeding.

He began to unfold the bandage around her torso, in order to inspect the wound only to find out a nearly healed wound with a pinkish color on it.

-Amazing… - He really wanted to dissect her now and try to understand what was going on in her body. A scientific smile appeared on his face and Alexis recognized it very well.

-Don't dissect me please. – She said, making him stand back. – I'm okay now. I'll be going. Thank you for everything you've done Law, but my crew is waiting for me.

-How do you know my name?

"Shit".

-I… have my sources…? – It was a half question/half statement since she did have the sources to know his name but couldn't quite manage to explain that to him. The raven haired man didn't even bother to question this weird yet interesting woman. Before she exited the room, she looked back towards Law. – Oh, when you decide to leave this land and join the amazing life of piracy, make sure to find a polar bear with kung-fu skills on your crew. Bye bye! – With that she rushed outside towards the exterior of the clinic. It was night time already and Alexis was worried about the crew's state. She tried to search for them but there was nobody outside so she rushed to the nearest pub. She found, sitting around a large table, a cloudy and sad looking crew, staring blankly at their booze. – What are you doing weeping your sorry asses in this pub without one single cheer? – Her voice echoed through the silent bar, making the head of the Red Hair Pirates lift up in sudden happiness. They all rushed to Alexis pulling her into a tight hug, cheering and laughing in pure happiness thank to her return. She made sure to pay attention to everyone's words before turning to Benn and giving him a tight and child-like hug. – Thank you grandpa. – Her voice sounded too innocent and cute it make Benn laugh.

-You're welcome kid. – He answered, patting the top of her head, affectionately.

She giggled in response before turning to her captain that was expectantly waiting for her to look at him.

-I'm alive, yes. – She said, waving a hand in front of his face. – It's not like a minor wound like that will take me down. – She raised an arm in the air, showing her muscle that was hidden under layers of clothing. – I'm strong.

Shanks couldn't restrain himself, so he pulled the red haired woman into a tight hug, inhaling her scent deeply.

-I'm so glad you're okay. – He whispered in her hear, sounding almost desperately relieved that she was really there with him. – Who did this? I'll make sure to make him pay. Tell me who did this. – He quickly stepped away from her, placing his hand under her chin and turning her head from one side to another, inspecting for other wounds.

-You won't make anyone pay. – She pointed a finger at him, reassuring that her message would pass through that stubborn head of his. – It's my vengeance and I want it… although you can join in on the fun. – She placed a finger under her chin, lost in thought. After a few seconds she let out a sigh and placed her best smile. – Let's go celebrate to my recovery and to mine and Benn's safe return!

-YEAH! – The men cheered before taking their places at the large table and ordering large amounts of alcohol. Finally the pub was getting noisy with the all too familiar sound of cheering pirates to Alexis' ears.

And she enjoyed it so very much.

-Here, Alexis-san… - It was Joshua and he was holding a cup of sake towards her.

-Thanks Joshua-boy. – She smiled at took the cup from his hands. He bowed at her respectful by shyly. – Someone's awfully different today. – She tilted her head to the side, trying to get a better view at the boy's face. – Is there anything bothering you Joshua-boy?

-No, not at all.

-Did you miss me that much? – She gave him a wide smile, showing her perfectly white teeth, making him smile weakly at her.

-A bit, yes… - He mumbled and quickly received a strong slap on his back, making him cough out in surprise.

It was Yasopp.

-Can't you see Alexis? The kid likes you! – He stated, making Joshua's face turn bright red. She only chuckled in amusement.

-The alcohol is going to your head quickly Yasopp. – She waved her hand in front of her face and smiled at Joshua. – Don't be like that Joshua-boy. He's only joking around. There's no need to be too red about this. – She chuckled when his blushed turned a bright red. From the corner of her eye, she saw Shanks analyzing the situation attentively, making sure the young pirate didn't do anything he wouldn't be pleased about. Looking straight at her captain, Alexis smiled at him and winked deviously, making the red haired pirate blush ever so lightly. She then turned her gaze to Benn, who was casually drinking from a large mug filled with ale. – Hey Benn!

-Hm? – He looked at her once he finished drinking the ale all at once.

-Where are we going to sleep in this place?

-This pub as an Inn on the upper floor. I've rented rooms for all of us. – He informed her, earning a trustful smile from her.

-What would we do without you?

He smiled in response and asked for another mug of ale to the bartender, who rushed to the counter to answer the pirate's need.

The celebration continued throughout the night with loud cheers and drunken songs. They were having the time of their lives and it was a great feeling indeed.

At a certain point, Alexis began to feel too enclosed so she rushed outside, to the cold night air and the gentle snow that was no longer in the rushing blizzard.

She breathed in deeply and lost herself in thought.

Shanks noticed her rushed exit so, after some time and a bit of encouragement from his first mate, he followed her.

She was sitting on the cold, snow covered street, gazing at the sky. The long, silky red hair was brushing ever so lightly on the snowy floor making small snowflakes to get attached to it and melt away.

-Are you okay? – He questioned, capturing her attention and making her look over her shoulder.

She smiled at him affectionately.

-Yes. – She returned her gaze at the night sky. – I was feeling too closed up in there after some time.

-So you needed to come outside and look at the sky, searching for the moon.

-Exactly. – She chuckled lightly. – You already know me so well, Shanks. – Her voice sounded sweet and inviting, making him walk up to her and sit beside her. She smiled at him before resting her head on his shoulder. – It was always my safe haven, you know?

-The night sky.

-Yes… and the moon. – She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, feeling his sweet scent of alcohol and sea. She enjoyed his company so much. It soothed her heart so easily and that cheered her up. – I used to just look at the sky and create stories and fantasies with the moon and stars. I used to try and find constellations and make up their stories and adventures. I even invented some of them. – She chuckled at the memories of endless nights escaping through her bedroom window and climb up to the roof, only to find comfort in the night sky. – I felt sad every time the sky was cloudy or it was raining… - A soft smile grew on each one's lips, Alexis looking at the snow covered floor and Shanks looking at the red mess that was her hair. She finally raised her head towards the sky once again, letting Shanks have a clear view to her face. – The stars here are so different and they tell me so different stories. I love it so much. – Her expression lit up in pure happiness, making Shanks' smile grow wider. Her cheerfulness was so contagious and he adored it.

-Can you tell me one of their stories? – He asked.

-One day, Shanks. – She smiled at him and sighed. – You know, when I got lost with Benn in the snowstorm and faced those mountain bandits – Shanks' figure slightly tensed up but she placed her hand over his, calming him straight afterwards – the only thing I could think of was… well… you. – She chuckled inwardly. – Specially if you were alright and didn't get lost.

-I don't have a bad sense of orientation. – He sounded offended but happy.

-I can't be sure of that. – With that statement they both laughed. – I've made up my mind Shanks.

-About…?

-Like I said, all I could think about was you. – She smiled at him, fondly. – And when that bandit managed to get a hit on me, the only thing I could think about was still you and how much I missed your smile and your touch, even after being away from you in a short period of time. – She opened her eyes and stared into his onyx gaze. – I want you Shanks. I want to be with you and I want to protect and be protected by you.

-I'm glad. – It was the only words he spoke. He raised his hand, brushing a strand of red hair and brushing it away, behind her ear. Caressing her jaw, he leaned forward and planted a tender kiss on her light pink lips. They were cold but tasted so sweet, even after the amount of alcohol she had drank, Shanks couldn't find a single trace of that strong flavor on her lips. She wrapped an arm around his neck at the same time as he brushed his hand to the back of her head, deepening the kiss, making it last as long as he could.

She was his and he was so happy that words could not express his feelings towards her. He had grown attached to that woman in a matter of days.

Breaking away the kiss, he took the opportunity to look at her blushed face and, smiling at her, planted soft kisses on her cheeks, her nose, her forehead, before planting on more kiss on her pink lips.

She giggled sweetly against his cold lips, warming them with her breath.

Suddenly a sudden cold met his head, making him open his eyes in shock. She had placed a snowball on his head and now she was laughing loudly at him. He couldn't help but laugh at her childish attitude he loved so much and got influenced by so easily. He quickly took hold on a chunk of snow and swiftly molded into a ball as best as his only hand could manage before throwing it at her face.

She swallowed bit of snow but it didn't bother her much when she used both her hands to throw a large amount of snow against Shanks. He blocked most of it with his arm but some managed to get attached to his cloak and his red hair.

As he lowered his arm to have a look at her next move, he was thrown back to the snowy floor by her. Now, as Alexis was resting on his torso, laughing, she could hear the calm heartbeat that enacted from Shanks' chest, telling her that he was real and that she wasn't dreaming.

As they were cheerfully playing in the snow, Benn was watching at the pub's entrance, smiling kindly at them.

Now there were two children in the ship and he was responsible for both their well-being but he didn't mind at all.

He liked being bugged by those two and he knew, deep inside, that as long as his captain was happy, Benn was happy as well.

A/N:

I'm sorry I took longer: it's easter cleaning and I only come here to write late at night so, I beg your forgiveness if in the following days I'll miss some days in publishing a new chapter.

Anyways: I simply LOVED writing this chapter, specially the ending part... it was so CUTE! X3

About Law, since I didn't know when he began his life of piracy, I decided to give him an appearance on this chapter :D he'll be present on future chapters so no worries!

Joshua is so shy that it makes him so adorable! x3 but I adore Shanks more _ gomen Joshua-san. I'll find someone for you!

About the stars and telling stories-FUN FACT! It is based of me as well xD yes I did escape from my house a couple of times just to go to the roof top and tell myself stories about the stars and constellations :3 it was fun and still is.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter!

I do not own One Piece!

I only own Alexis, Joshua and the Seppen Bandits!