Chapter 18
-Land ahead! – Joshua warned the pirates as he spotted in the distance the spring island they were supposed to go to.
The crew was standing at the ship's deck, preparing the Red Force to dock at the island. Shanks walked up to the edge of the ship, looking at the cheerful looking island.
-Turn the ship a quarter to left! – Shanks commanded. – We'll need to dock somewhere not near the village ahead.
-Aye aye captain! – The men answered and took their places in order to change the ship's course.
In about fifteen minutes they had docked the ship near a forest that was a few miles away from the island's town.
-Okay men! – Shanks finally spoke once the pirates left the ship and stepped on the land. – We're here only to steal away those jewels, nothing else! If you find any kind of animal in these woods… you can hunt a few since our meat stock is running low. – He then looked at both Alexis and Joshua. – You two will go to town and buy the masks and get info about the ball. Joshua you need a suit so you get extra money to get one. – The young pirate nodded in agreement. – Be safe both of you.
-Don't worry Shanks. – Alexis said and gave him a quick kiss on his lips before leaving with Joshua towards the town.
There was an awkward silence throughout most of the trip until, finally, Joshua let out a sigh.
-I don't remember the last time I wore a suit. – He commented earning a chuckle from the red haired woman next to him.
-You never wore a suit?
-I wore it once… It wasn't the best of experiences to be honest. – He smiled at the memory. – I was stripped down by some bullies because they said I was too girly to wear a suit.
-They were twats. – She quickly spoke making Joshua laugh loudly.
-Someone's straight forward with things.
-Why hold back your thoughts or sugarcoat situations? – She raised her shoulders carelessly. – I was never fond of doing that so I always spoke what was on my mind, even if it hurts other people.
-Good point.
-As much as people try to hide it away, truth and reality can be bitches. – She laughed lightly.
-I like your way of thinking. – Joshua stated and joined her laughter.
In a few seconds they had reached the cheerful town. Everywhere they looked there were perfectly green trees filled with light colored flowers. The houses had bright, vivid colors and people were cheerfully chatting on the streets. The only thing that was ruining this comfortable visage was the presence of numerous marines.
-Let's just get this over with. – Alexis tone turned bitter as she rushed her pace a bit.
-You don't like marines very much, now do you? – He whispered at her, trying not to call too much attention to them.
-I was never fond of them besides, what pirate in their perfect mind would trust the marines?
-Shichibukai?
-Fuck. – She had to admit he was right about that little detail but she was still never too fond of the marines.
They entered a shop that had a couple of male suits so the two decided to purchase one. Joshua picked one that made him look like a butler. If it wasn't for Alexis stopping him he would end up being a waiter at the ball.
Alexis offered to choose a suit for him. In the meantime, Joshua waited at the shop's counter, trying to get some information about the ball.
-Do you know where the ball will be attended? – He asked, casually resting his elbow on the counter.
-Yes I do. – The shop keeper said and headed towards the door, Joshua not far behind. She pointed at the street that headed north, that lead to a large white mansion with colorful gardens. – It's up there. You'll need to purchase entrance tickets.
-Where can we buy it? – He asked, heading back inside the shop.
-The marines in town can sell you those but be quick! They are almost sold out. – The shop keeper cheered, clapping her hands together. – I've managed to buy tickets for me and my husband. I'm just so happy for attending such a fancy party. – The woman smiled kindly at Joshua. – You and your girlfriend are going to?
-What!? – He felt somewhat embarrassed at the woman's question.
-We're brothers. – Alexis quickly answered as she headed towards the counter to buy the suit. – He never went to a masquerade ball so I offered to take him here.
-That's wonderful! – The woman cheered. – You won't be disappointed.
They purchased the suit and said goodbye to the awfully chatty woman before heading towards a mask shop. Alexis stayed in the shop, picking the masks for both of them while Joshua talked to a marine to buy tickets.
He quickly returned with no luck.
-Let me do it. – She stepped out of the store. – Which one was it?
-That one. – He pointed out to a tall, blond marine.
-Go back inside and buy a mask for yourself. I already have mine. – With that she headed towards the marine. She pulled her hair back, in order to show some of her cleavage before tapping the shoulder of the marine. – Excuse me?
-What is it? – He sounded cold but his expression changed when he set his eyes upon the red haired woman.
-I wanted to buy two tickets for the masquerade ball that will occur at that mansion up there – She pointed out at the white majestic mansion – and I was wondering if there were any left.
-I b-believe we s-still have some l-left. – He stuttered as he searched his pocket for the tickets. He pulled out a small set of tickets and pulled out two, handing it to her.
-Thank you handsome. – She winked at him and twirled around heading towards the shop where Joshua was waiting for her. – I've got the tickets. – She waved the two golden papers in front of his face, a smile plastered on her face.
-How? – He was impressed at her ability to get those tickets.
-I bit of seduction always worked. – She chuckled lightly. – I got them for free.
-Teach me your secrets. – He said as they exited the shop and quickly headed towards the ship.
They had everything prepared for the ball that night.
~Afterwards~
Alexis exited the captain's bedroom with the aqua blue short dress and headed towards the deck. It was kind of hard to walk on heels because she wasn't used to it and also because her captain wanted to have some fun before she left so, as a result, she was somewhat sore… but a comfy sore.
Her scarlet hair was caught up in a high bun with a hairpin that held three aqua blue flowers on a string, falling to the side of her head. Only two thick locks of red hair were loose and it fell over her forehead. She had a black mask in shape of crow wings, covering half of her face. As she stepped on the Red Force deck she heard the men whistling and clapping at her.
-What? – She chuckled nervously.
Benn was the first one to approach her and tap her head.
-You look good, kid. – He said, a smile on his lips.
-Thank you grandpa. – She smiled sweetly at him, looking like a small child under his look. The next one to approach her was Yasopp and Roo, who held her in a tight hug, slightly messing her hair. She could only laugh at their actions. She wasn't even bothered about her slightly messed image now. She would take care of that later. They let her go and opened a path that lead to her captain. Shanks walked up to her, a smile on his face before he planted a kiss on her forehead. – Is it good?
-Perfect. – He purred out and held her in his arm. He breathed in deeply before letting her go and caressed her chin. – It's almost time and you need to get going. – He took a step back and looked at both Joshua and Alexis. – Be ready for our signal to begin the distraction. You know what to do next: keep them entertained and distracted while we steal the jewels.
They all nodded.
Alexis and Joshua went on ahead towards the large white mansion.
Her heart was beating quickly and she could feel it on her throat. She was too nervous for this and something in her gut told her something was going to go wrong.
After ten minutes of walking, they reached the mansion. There were wide green gardens, drawing labyrinths with high brushes. A large lake was in front of the mansion, two angelic statues in the middle of it. The two countered the lake and headed towards the large doors. Two marines were at the entrance, accepting the tickets. Joshua and Alexis casually handed it to them and quickly entered the large ballroom.
It was wide with large windows to the right side, covered with long red curtains. On the ceiling four crystal chandeliers hanged down, candles lit up, lighting up the large room. At the far end of the room was a stage, just like Shanks had predicted, with a band playing some songs. To the left side of the room there were long tables filled with various types of food and, next to those tables, a few rows of chairs for whomever wanted to sit down.
As expected there were various admirals and marines scattered around the large room. With a quick glimpse over the room she only noted two Shichibukai present: Crocodile with his all too familiar hook and Boa Hancock. She was rather easy to recognize since she emitted some strange attractive aura around her.
-I'll be near the windows, peeking out for the signal. – Joshua whispered at her ear and she nodded. – Go have some fun or something.
-I'll try. – She shivered. It was hard for her to have fun when she was in a room filled with marines. She slowly walked over the room, towards the tables filled with food. She inspected the scent and look of the plates, trying not to fall into the strong temptation of filling her mouth with every single plate. She was about to reach out to a plate of meat when she felt a presence behind her. She turned on her heels and faced the broad chest of a Shichibukai that always gave her the creeps: Crocodile. Even if she thought the fights against him on the anime were cool there was something eerie about him that gave her the shivers.
-I recommend you try the shrimp, my sweet young lady. – He suggested, a smile appearing on his face. Just like her, he was wearing a black mask, a simple one that covered half his face. On his lips was the always present cigar.
-I'm allergic to seafood. – She lied, smiling at him as well. – But thank you for the offer mister…
-Call me… Crocodile. – His voice sounded like a sick poison to her ears and she was not very fond of that sound. – I see you came accompanied by a young man. – He raised his hook towards Joshua who was leaning against a window frame, chatting with some marines. – He isn't fond of dancing?
-No. My brother has two left feet. – She chuckled trying to sound as convincing as possible. – He prefers to chat with people than to actually dance around. I'm the one that usually dances in balls.
-Then why did he come with you?
-I didn't want to come alone.
-Care for a dance? – He asked, taking a bow at her.
-You won't hit me with your hook? – She said in a joking tone.
He smiled at her deviously.
-I wouldn't dare to hurt a lady like you.
She took his hand and he led her to the middle of the dance floor. A simple waltz was playing and Crocodile quickly took the lead. He took her left hand in his right one, while his hook rested at her back, the tip dangerously brushing her naked skin. She placed her right hand on his shoulder and took a deep breath before following his lead on the dance. She had to admit, for a brutal man like he was, he knew how to lead the way in a dance and that amused her a bit and actually helped her relax more. Whenever they would take a twirl, the smoke from his cigar would torture her nose, making her twitch it lightly. Luckily the song ended quickly and, once over, Crocodile took a step back and bowed at her.
-Thank you for the dance mister Crocodile. – She gave him her best smile.
-My pleasure. – He returned to his relaxed poise. – I never got your name.
-I didn't say it. – He laughed at her remark. – You can call me Alexis.
-It was a pleasure miss Alexis.
She bowed at him with her head and walked away, towards the food table once again, this time to actually eat something. Her stomach was grumbling even after eating large amounts of food at the previous banquet with the Red Hair Pirates.
She took a small amount of food and headed towards an open seat. She noticed Joshua glancing out once in a while, searching for the night flare to light up the night sky. She took two quick bites on the meat she had picked up, quickly finishing it.
A man came into her line of sight so she looked up and smiled.
She could easily recognize that interestingly cut beard and the golden eyes that were gazing down at her.
-Nice to see you here – She smirked and leaned back – Dracule Mihawk.
A/N:
Chapter 18 OUT!
And the ball has begun :DDDD ooooh I'm so excited for this chapter :D and proud of myself don't know why XD
I hope you enjoyed this adventure so far :D
I do not own One Piece
Only own Alexis and Joshua