Chapter 24

Alexis has been wondering One Piece world for quite some time that she had reached the point of oblivion to the passing time. Even being in a world she felt at home she actually missed her old world. Sometimes, memories would pop-up in her head, making her feel melancholic at the reminder of the good times with her friends and family.

The Red Hair Pirates had left the spring island as soon as she had arrived in the ship and they had been wondering the sea for quite some time. Nothing happened except for the information that reached Shanks that Portgas D. Ace had joined the Whitebeard Pirates and had been chasing a former pirate of the crew for the assassination of another crew member. Just the reference of the name made Shanks shivers lightly and quickly inform Rockstar to send a message to Whitebeard: Ace mustn't pursue Blackbeard or it would end up really bad!

As a new day approached, Alexis noticed that the crew was acting strange. They had been avoiding her throughout the day and that was somewhat annoying. Even Shanks was trying to ignore her!

Since no one actually bothered to talk to her, Alexis decided to train on the deck for a while, trying to figure out some new skill within her ability. She had narrowed her clothes to a pair of black shorts, a white tank top and caught her hair in a high ponytail. She decided to train barefoot so that she could have a better sense of footing and equilibrium… Also because she enjoyed to feel the ground under her feet.

Her new objective now was to be able to create a weapon out of her ability. Since she could transfer metallic shards into other people why not join those shards and create a weapon. It could be an advantage since, if she the weapon was taken away from her she could always dismantle the weapon into the small shards. It was a good plan but it would be had to actually do it.

She took a deep breath and released the metallic shard from the tips of her fingers and swirled them around in the air.

She did her best to join the particles but to no use.

Maybe it wasn't the best approach. After about an hour of trying she just stopped and decided to train her hand to hand combat and martial arts skills. She was thankful for taking both Kendo and Taekwondo lessons.

-Hey kid!

She recognized that voice quickly and a smile crawled her face: Benn Beckman was standing at the door that led to the interior of the ship. He was casually leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest and the casual smirk that was always present.

-What's up Grandpa? – She smiled at him and sat down on the wooden deck.

-How are you feeling today?

-Annoyed.

-How so?

-Everyone has been ignoring me so far. – She pouted and hugged her knees, pulling them close to her chin.

-You should be aware as to why they are doing so, kid.

-I should?

-Do you know what day it is?

-I lost track of time. – She gave him a warm and jolly smile.

-Come with me. – He laughed as he helped her up from the floor and led her to the mess deck.

As she entered she was presented with the view of a big, round and beautifully made chocolate cake along with the entire crew that cheered her and shouted in a perfect, drunken harmonization.

-Happy Birthday!

-How'd you know? – She laughed as she stepped in the mess deck, receiving hugs and congratulations from the crew.

-You told me your birthday was at the 17th of April so… I've been counting the days. – It was Shanks that had approached and said these words, making the red haired woman smile in delight. He was so perfect for her.

-Thank you for remembering! – She chuckled before hugging him tightly, pressing his cheek against her lips and kissing him continuously.

He could only laugh at her amusement and joy. She always looked so adorable when she acted somewhat childish and he enjoyed it so much. It was so amusing to having such a young and cheerful spirit in his crew.

She hopped towards the table with the cake and took a sniff at it.

-You like chocolate, right? – It was Yasopp that had stepped beside her and was smiling at her in a father-like manner.

-Of course! It's my favorite sweet. – She licked her lips, looking at the delicious looking cake. – Who made it?

-Myself! – Yasopp punched his chest softly before Roo and Benn stepped beside him.

-Don't forget about us. – Benn stated, biting his cigarette.

-Yes, of course. – Yasopp tried to calm down Benn's inexistent anger. – You obviously helped me out making the cake, nothing else. I've made the rest, obviously.

-What? – Roo took hold of Yasopp's neck and pulled him close to the fat man's chest.

-Nothing Roo. Nothing! – The sharpshooter shouted, releasing himself from Roo's tight grip.

-Thank you guys! – She smiled as she took the three large man into a tight hug. She quickly let them go and clapped her hands together. – Can we eat, pretty please? – Her eyes were shinning when she looked at the pirates in the mess deck. Once they nodded, she quickly transformed her index finger into a blade and began to cut the cake. Everyone laughed at her sudden attitude and laziness to get an actual knife but why should they judge her? It was her birthday anyway so they wouldn't say anything.

The pirates celebrated her 29th birthday with gallons of ale like they always did and lots of drunken singing. Alexis was filled with joy and amusement at the pirates' constant cheers and shouts.

As the party went on, Rockstar entered the mess deck in a quick pace and made his way towards the red haired captain, whispering something to his ear. The captain just nodded, his smile slightly fading away and got up from his seat, heading towards Benn. Noticing Shanks' approach, Benn turned his attention from Alexis' jolly form to his captain. Shanks whispered Benn the direction that the ship should be heading as quickly as possible. Benn nodded and rushed outside, leaving the birthday party.

Alexis noticed his leave, a sad expression clouding her face before her line of sigh was covered by a broad and tanned chest. Looking up, her eyes fell upon the onyx gaze of her captain.

-What's wrong? – She asked, her eyes washed with worry.

He just nodded at her before walking up to a table.

-Men! – He called, capturing the attention of the men inside the mess deck. – I have ordered to change the course of this ship. Rockstar has informed me that Whitebeard denied my request to stop Ace's chase after Blackbeard Teach. Therefor I have decided to meet up with Whitebeard based on the coordinates Rockstar has given to me. – The men began to mumble between them before Shanks finished with something that slightly amused them. – Marines will be expected there. It will be something that the world will tremble about… for no reason.

The men chuckled as Shanks jumped off of the table and headed towards Alexis.

-Whitebeard, hey? – She smiled even though she was fully aware that Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate was considered the world strongest man but she knew as well that he was a kind person deep inside.

-Intimidated? – He raised his eyebrow somewhat in a mockery and amused twitch.

-Not really. – She smiled and punched his right shoulder ever so lightly.

-That's good. – He smiled and hugged her tenderly against his chest. – How are you enjoying your party so far?

-It's good.

-Just good?

-You know what's missing. – She winked at him, letting a devious smirk crawl up to Shanks' lips.

-Want to take care of that now?

-Will they miss me?

-They're too drunk to notice.

She chuckled and followed Shanks to the captain's room to get her present from her captain. The moment the door was closed, Alexis was slammed against the wooden door before being kissed fiercely by the red haired captain that she adored. His hand was crawling and touching every inch of her body, driving her mad with pleasure and want. He pressed his hips against hers, causing pressure on his half hard erection. Alexis slightly moan in pleasure and amusement at Shanks' need.

He felt so good, his touch so perfect and fulfilling.

Shanks was the one for her and she was sure of it.

~1 Day Time-lapse~

It was just as Shanks' had predicted: there were dozens of marine ships that were waiting for him but the pirates had managed to fight their way out of there, completely annihilating the entire fleet.

The Red Force slowly floated over the ocean waves, making its way towards the Moby Dick. The ship was huge when compared to the Red Hair Pirates' Red Force. Alexis could only look at the enormous pirate ship, her mouth slightly opened.

-Shanks… - She called and the captain quickly rushed to her side. – I think I'm intimidated now. – He only laughed and received a childish grumpy look from Alexis. – Not funny! – She pointed at the enormous ship that was approaching the Red Force. – That thing is HUGE!

-Don't worry. – He pat her head, calming her down a bit. – Whitebeard is worse.

-Jeez! Thanks a lot Shanks.

-No worries.

As the Red Force slowly came to a stop next to the Moby dick, the WhiteBeard Pirates threw a ladder in order to let the Red Hair Pirates to climb up. The Pirates let Alexis go first but before she actually began to climb her gaze fell upon a familiar figure that was sitting on the large ship's rail, staring down at her in surprise. The tall and strong built, the scarlet hair that looked just like hers, the ocean blue gaze… it was all too familiar to her. Suddenly a light clicked in her mind.

-Brother…?

A/N:

Okay, sorry for the late update! I had midterms this week and it was a full on headache XD also I was having a writer's block at the beginning but HEY! IT IS OUT!

I wanted to celebrate Alexis' birthday this chapter xD she deserves it after all the near death experiences I think she deserves to celebrate her birthday with the Red Hair Pirates...

Before it's too late! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA *cough cough* sorry.

Anyways: I do not own One Piece!

Only own Alexis, Joshua, the seppen bandits and the Plushie Pirates