Chapter 27
They have managed to arrive to Marineford.
On the way, The Red Haired Pirates had fought against Yonkou Kaidou and it was a tough battle but, in the end, the Yonkou retreated and the Red Hair Pirates continued their steady course. As much as they wanted to rush there to stop Ace's execution, a feeling inside said that they were too late but they held their trust on Luffy's skill held high, their hope at full strength.
Alexis was aware of the course of events, of course, and it pained her to be aware of it. She didn't want to know what was about Ace's death but, at the same time, she was somewhat glad she was aware of it. It would be for the best that she was mentally prepared to face his yet warm body against the frozen ocean. She didn't like the fact that his death was bound to happen but at the same time she knew it was needed: Luffy had to grow stronger.
He had to be prepared for the New World that awaited him.
As the Red Force floated on the ocean, towards Marineford, her mind dwindled to her brother. Was he alright? Sure Whitebeard was supposed to be killed on this battle but… Akbal didn't belong to this world so… anything could've happen to him. She felt her stress fill her up so she began to tap her foot on the boarded floor as she began to bite down her nails, impatiently.
-Relax Alexis. – She looked over her shoulder as a hand was placed on her shoulder. It was Joshua.
The boy had developed quite a physique thanks to the constant training plans she had given him. He had developed more muscle but, despite his almost beastly poise, he hid an almost inhuman speed along with amazing stamina. He had become a walking threat to anyone who opposed him. The pirate was even able to knock down Alexis and Benn in a fight which was something worth celebrating for and oh they did that indeed! They celebrated for two days Joshua's development with gallons of ale and sake. One day's hangover was cured by another drinking competition. Of course after the second day of celebration, the headache was terrible they had to make a stop in an island to recover and not enter any fights… To no use. The islanders knew the Red Hair Pirates and, since Joshua had been the grown-up to understand his drinking limits, he was the one to constantly practice his fighting skills.
One thing that he hadn't been able to overcome was the fact that he STILL had a crush on Alexis. Every effort the men and herself had made to find him a proper woman to lay with, Joshua would always deny her and say that his heart belonged to the red haired woman.
-I'm relaxed, can't you see? – She tried to give him her best smile but to no use. A weird and awkward grin took over her lips, making the boy laugh.
-Nope.
She could only chuckle at his relaxed poise.
The boy had indeed grown. If she hadn't been transported to this world and met Shanks, and if the boy was from her world, she might've fallen for him.
But now she had Shanks and she felt complete with him.
-Joshua! – A voice was heard from far away. It was Roo that called for him and apparently he needed help with the sails.
The boy rushed to the large man as Alexis returned her gaze to the ocean and the fog ahead of them.
-We're approaching. – Turning around once again, her gaze fell upon her beloved Shanks. As to answer his information she activated still unnamed skill, forming two Chakram that she quickly held onto.
-What's your plan?
-An epic entrance? – He raised his shoulders in a relaxed manner making Alexis laugh. – I'll go ahead and see what's going on. You'll stay in the ship with the rest of the gang.
-No. – Her gaze took a determined shine, making Shanks tense up a bit. – I'll go with you. I want to go with you.
-But it's safer here.
-I'll always be by your side to protect you. That was my promise.
-There's no way I'll convince otherwise, right? – He said before a sigh when she nodded her head. – Very well. Men! – He called, capturing the pirates' attention. – Alexis and I will be off and you'll follow behind. Prepare for anything! - The men "aye'd" and began to prepare the ship for a quick stop at Marineford. Shanks turned his back to Alexis and lowered himself a bit. – Climb to my back. We'll be quicker this way.
-Piggyback ride? – A child-like smile found its way to her lips, making the red haired captain chuckle lightly. She quickly obliged, jumping onto his back and holding onto his neck. A gush of wind slapped her when Shanks made his move and she was astounded by his amazing speed. He was truly a Yonkou and a very strong one.
In a split second they made contact with the frozen surface and, in a blink of an eye, she was standing at the heart of Marineford's battle. She noticed Akainu to her right, preparing to strike Coby, the pink haired marine but Shanks put it to a stop by holding onto his saber and blocking the strike. Instantly his gaze became shadowed by his "professional pirate" look that gave Alexis the chills.
-You did well, young marine. – Her captain's voice was steady and precise. She remembered his speech in this arc and, as he continued, Alexis could only mumble along with him Shanks' words – You risked your life to create a brief moment of courage… - Smoke was floating away into the air, the source being Akainu's magmatic fist. - For better or worse, that has greatly changed the fate of the world. - With that, Shanks put away his sword and walked up to the place Luffy's hat was laying, picking it up off the ground. The marines were impressed that The Red Hair Pirates had arrived so early, even after knowing he was technically in a war against another Yonkou. – I've come… To end this war.
As Alexis watched the scene unfold before her eyes she heard a creepy, multi-voiced laughter behind her that gave her the creeps. Turning around on her heels, her gray gaze set upon the BlackBeard Pirates and to the laughing figure that she nearly didn't recognize. Standing high and tall, feathers attached to his long and buffed arms, an 8 foot tall monster-like figure was standing in front of the pirates, his familiar raven hair flowing down his hunched back.
Karasu at his finest.
-Fuck me… - She mumbled under her breath before seeing the monster twisted his body backwards, cracking every bone of his spine.
-FUUUUUUUUUUCK YOOOOOOOOOU! – Karasu shouted, his high pitched scream resonating throughout the ocean, making the Marineford's walls shake vigorously.
Alexis was offended by his shout so she took a step towards the figure.
-Fuck YOU! – She shouted before Karasu jumped towards her, taking hold of her shoulders and throwing her across the frozen platform. With her abilities, she transformed her Chakram into two daggers in order to stab them on the icy platform, holding her in place. With all her strength, she pushed her body forward, transforming her daggers into a naginata, stabbing Karasu on the chest. The monster growled and grew bigger, twisting his body in unnatural angles.
She jumped back, waiting for his next move.
-You killed Midori! – Karasu shouted, his now red eyes glowing like two strong fires.
-She asked for it. – Alexis mumbled in response before switching her naginata into a kilij, preparing herself for battle.
-FUCK YOU!
-Is that your punchline of the day? – She chuckled before the crow lunged himself towards her once again, clawing at her with all his strength.
She dodged it quickly, trusting her speed and developed stamina for each blow she did to Karasu's arms and chest. The creature could only give her high pitched shouts, never ceasing his attacks. She switched her weapon to her familiar Chang Dao sword and prepared herself for a constant stab sequence. Focusing her full strength on her right leg, Alexis jumped in the air and kicked Karasu's head, making him stumble back. With this opening she quickly crouched on the floor before lunging her body towards Karasu's head, her right hand opened on the bottom hilt of the Chang Dao to give her more strength and a strong boost with each quick stab.
Relying on her speed, she accurately stabbed Karasu's forehead thirteen times but the monster seemed indestructible. It almost looked like with each attack he would only grow stronger and taller.
Looking to her side, she saw Shanks handing Buggy the straw hat and, before she could return her gaze to Karasu, a dark blur covered her sight.
Feathers.
Black, steel, raven-like feathers.
She generated blades around her body in an attempt to protect her but some managed to hit her sides. Inhaling, she released small shards of steel from her fingertips before sending them flying towards Karasu. They successfully infiltrated the feathered creature, making it growl in pain as she twirled her hand in the air, ordering the shards to slash Karasu's insides.
Twisting in pain, the monster's limp body fell to the floor, blood flowing out of his mouth. Suddenly she closed her fist in the air, making a shower of blood to cover the pure frozen floor.
She turned her back to the dead creature as her gaze set upon Shanks.
-Are you alright? – He questioned, a quick shade of worry crossing his eyes. Of course, he couldn't let his "professional pirate" look slip away from him. He had to keep up his serious Yonkou figure in front of the Marines.
-I'm alive still. – She chuckled and crouched down on the floor. – Tired… but alive. – Her head snapped up, searching for her brother after that fight, finding his figure in the middle of the WhiteBeard Pirates. He was weeping for Whitebeard's and Ace's death. He needed it. He was part of the WhiteBeard Pirates and it was only natural to weep for a friend and fellow crew member.
His gaze fell upon his sister.
For a moment his gaze was of relief and happiness but suddenly his gaze became of fear and worry. He began to rush towards her but to no avail.
She felt it.
The cold black claws of Karasu across her chest, pain washing over her but… She didn't fall to unconsciousness.
Instead… Time froze.
A/N:
Chapter 27 :D Yes fighting scene! Yes Karasu is nearly immortal but I'll take care of that in ... one of the endings which will be on the next chapter!
Is this interesting enough because the grand finale is just around the corner!
I hope you have been enjoying this fanfic so far!
As usual, I do not own One Piece
I only own Alexis, Joshua, Seppen Bandits and Plushie Pirates.
Akbal belongs to my friend XD