hiding

Well that... accelerated quickly

Marco jerked forward in his chair, snapping awake. Light flooded into the room, showing it was morning, he had fell asleep in the middle of doing reports. Looking at the bed, he was amused to find Alexia still burrowed in the pile of blankets, not seeming to have moved an inch. Going forward, he nudged her back.

"Lexi yoi," He shook her shoulder lightly, "We have things to do today."

Alexia mumbled something he couldn't hear, and rolled away from him, clutching the blankets closer to her.

"Alexia come on. Pops wants to see you." Marco said a little more firmly, shaking her shoulder a little harder.

"Marco pleeeease, I don't wanna." Alexia whined, almost disappearing in the blankets completely.

"You don't wanna? What are you five?" He laughed at her, "Come on, up. Maybe you can find time for a nap later. Pops wants to see us before breakfast, which is technically now."

"Maybe I'm not hungry. If I don't make it to breakfast I don't have to go right?" Alexia sat up, stretching her arms out and yawning. Her stomach growled loudly, making it obvious she was not missing breakfast, "Besides I'm not ready to die, at least not by any means that you guys would put me through."

"Why do you keep thinking we are out to kill you?"

"I mean, I am being held hostage. Although you guys really suck at doing the whole hostage thing. Starting with the fact that you don't use a cell, or handcuffs. Pretty sure you aren't supposed to let an enemy walk around your home freely." Alexia said nonchalantly.

"No one is holding you hostage yoi. We just happen to be out at sea so you can't leave the ship at the moment." Marco looked offended, "I mean would you rather we lock you in a room."

"Well no..." She muttered.

"Now stop being ridiculous and let's go. You're our guest, not a prisoner." Marco motioned for her to follow as he walked out the door.

Alexia reluctantly followed him, walking around the ship until they came to Pops room. Marco opened the door without knocking, gesturing for her to enter. The room needed more lighting, but it wasn't like she needed any more light to see Whitebeard himself. It took every bone in her body not to show any fear. This was supposed to be one of the most powerful pirates on the seas, and he was right in front of her.

"How are you getting along brat?" His voice boomed in amusement. The deepness of his voice sent chills through her body.

"I'm not a brat!" Alexia shot back, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"Guararara, of course you are!" Whitebeard burst out laughing, "Tell me, are my sons treating you well?"

"Yes... actually." She mumbled, shuffling her feet.

"Aye brat, I think I know of you somewhere," His eyes looked at her curiously, "You have an association with the marines no? Your name is Alexia Ka..." He was cut short.

"Don't say that name, EVER." Her eyes turning deadly, "I am nobody, that's all."

"You sure are high on the World Government's priority list for a nobody."

"Wait, what are you talking about? How are you involved with the World Government?" Marco said, becoming concerned and weary.

"I'm not!" Alexia snapped, "At least not anymore. I have no reason to tell anyone about it, nor would I trust you enough to tell you to begin with."

"Of course, brat, all in due time." Whitebeard agreed, "Will you join our family and be my daughter?"

If Marco hadn't been used to Whitebeard, he would have been shocked at how casually he asked, especially in the middle of a heated conversation. Alexia starred at Whitebeard with wide eyes, looking confused.

"What are talking about?"

"Join my family, become my daughter." He smiled as if it was such an easy concept.

"You don't even know me! What's wrong with you? I could harm your whole family just because you don't know me."

"I'll take that bet brat. You won't kill anyone here."

"I'm weak, a burden, I'm damaged. There is absolutely no reason for you to have me on board." Alexia defended, "I only had a mother, never a father. And that will never change. I made it this far without one, I think I'm good."

"You'll accept eventually child, they all do."

"You also know something." She glared knowingly at him, "Something no one outside the World Government should know, and nothing I will ever discuss with you. Are you seriously telling me, this isn't some ploy to get me back into their clutches, to gain something from them due to having me?"

"Child, one thing we do not do, is betray family. You are not a burden; you are not weak. And even if you are at some point we will be there. Family is supposed to be strong for your weak, to support where you fall behind. Just because you have physical and emotional scares, doesn't make you damaged. That is what makes you grow physically, mentally and as a person in whole."

"LIAR!" Alexia was furious, "Like I'd believe that. Your either naive or blind. I will never join your family." She stormed out of the room. Leaving a speechless Marco behind her.