Taken for Experiments

Neo stretched out her tired, achy body in the warm sun before looking out at the island. Her eyes landed on a welcoming sign just passed the harbor. "Welcome to Starfish Island. Starfish? What an odd name for an island."

"Not necessarily," Bepo said.

Neo glanced back at the navigator as he walked up to her side.

"This island is known for the all the starfish that are in the shallows," Bepo said. "Also because the starfish get washed upon the beaches during storms."

"Poor starfish," Neo said. Tears gathered in her eyes at the thought of helpless starfish lying around on the beach.

"Don't worry," Bepo said. "I hear the people here will take time to put the starfish back into the ocean once the storm has gone."

"That's great." Neo smiled. Her hand fell to her rounded stomach. "I'm glad. I was getting emotional again."

"I'm glad we're finally getting to get off the sub." Shachi walked over and slumped onto the railing as the sub pulled up next to the docks. "We've been on this thing for over a month without dry land."

"Give it a break, Shachi," Penguin said joining them. "You're only interested in looking for women."

"Like that wasn't on your mind." Shachi glared.

"Just shut up!" Penguin said. "I don't think about sex like you do!"

"I'm ready to get time away from you people." Tero walked out on the deck, a scowl was on his face. "You two have been arguing like crazy these past few days. It's gotten far beyond annoying."

"We have not!" Shachi and Penguin said before glaring at each other again. "Stop saying what I'm saying!"

"Oh dear." Neo pressed a hand to her cheek. "The crew has been arguing a lot more lately."

"Then it's a good thing we're taking a break here," Topaz said.

"And from the sound of it," Kailen then said, "we're making this stop at the right time."

"Indeed," Healer Zinnia agreed. "I was on the verge of sedating some of them just to get some peace."

Neo looked at her fellow elementals before looking back at Penguin and Shachi. The two best friends had gotten into another scuffle with each other. This one would make their sixth one since breakfast. Summoning an earth crystal she threaded out two vines and pulled the two friends apart. "Okay. That's enough fighting. I order you two to take some time away from each other. That means you two are to sleep in separate rooms and try avoiding going to the same places at the same time for a while. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Neo," Shachi and Penguin said.

"Such good boys." Neo released them.

"Any other orders you plan on giving my subordinates?" Law walked out of the sub, sword resting on his shoulder, free hand in his pocket, and a cocky smirk on his lips.

Neo smiled and turned to Law. "Law!"

Once close enough Law kissed her. "You're cute when you give orders."

"I know." Neo's smile grew.

"Just take it easy while you're out having run, Princess," Healer Zinnia said.

"I will," Neo said. "Are you coming or are you going to stay on the sub?"
Healer Zinnia looked to the island. "I think I would like to come as well. Ikkaku has invited me along to do some shopping with her."

Neo nodded. Without another word the pirates left the sub. She walked hand in hand with Law as they made their way to a hotel. After renting enough rooms for everyone who chose to stay there instead of the sub, they all split up and headed in different directions. "Think the crew will behave now?"

"They should," Law replied as he rubbed his thumb in circles over her hand.

Neo watched the people carefully, making sure they didn't get too close and touch her. But she didn't have to worry. Law made sure to pull her away from the people if any of them started to get too close to her. Soon the chatter of the town, and the houses and stores faded away from them. They were replaced with the revitalizing smells of the forest. Birds sang to them as they passed under the canopy of the trees. "It feels so good to be back out in nature."

"I could tell you were getting a bit sluggish," Law said. "And your wings are a bit tense as well."

"And that's why we're out here." Neo smiled and summoned her wings. She gave them several flaps as they walked along. "Much better. You always know exactly what I need."

Law squeezed her hand with a smile.

"I think Cora's enjoying the walk too." Neo rubbed her growing stomach. "He's kicking me."

"Well, as long as he doesn't kick too hard." Law brushed his fingers over her stomach. "Hear me, young man? Don't wear out your mommy."

Cora's kicking settled down.

Neo rolled her eyes.

"What? It's good to let them know whose boss at an early age," Law said.

"That was just a coincident," Neo said.

Law chuckled and continued walking. They walked long after the sun had set before heading back to the town. As they continued with their date, he took her to a nice restaurant before retiring back to the hotel for the night.

"Today was so wonderful." Neo stretched out on the bed, her body relaxing from the long day of walking around. "And now I'm sleepy."

"Then rest," Law said.

"Only if you lay down with me." Neo patted the bed beside her.

"Very well then." Law propped his sword up against the wall, dropped his hat on the nightstand, shoved off his boots, and laid down beside her.

Neo snuggled against his warmth. "Much better."

With one arm around her he ran his other hand through her hair as she drifted off to sleep. Once she had completely relaxed against him he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to wash over him as well.

…

He smiled as he watched the visuals the transponder snails were giving him. The people inside of the hotel were just about to fall completely asleep. His eyes locked onto the only one in the building with blue hair. Trailing a finger over the screen he said, "Yes. Soon you will be mine. And soon I will learn all of your secrets, Princess Neo."

"Are you sure about this?" the only other one in the room asked. "Can't she over come the gas?"

"You worry far too much, Lita," he said. "She's not indestructible. As you can see for yourself she's falling asleep as easily as everyone else."

"Or that could just be her being tired from being pregnant," Lita said. "She did laid down soon after they got back from their walk."

The man shot her a glare. "Just shut up." He turned back to the screen. A mere two minutes later everyone in the hotel was completely asleep. He packed up his gear and turned to his assistant. "Take my equipment to the ship and meet me at the back of the hotel."

"Yes, sir." Lita nodded.

The man got up and left the room. Stepping out into the rising moon, he adjusted his collar before heading down the darkened street. The few people that were still lingering in the streets ignored him. Why shouldn't they? Dressed in normal clothes he looked like a normal citizen who lived on the island. No one knew what he was planning. The very thought of it made him smile. His smile only grew when he reached the hotel. He stepped inside and placed a small mask over his mouth and nose to keep from breathing in the linger gas then headed up the stairs. He passed by the doors until he got to the room he was looking for: Room 214.

Rubbing his hands together, as if to warm them, before reaching into his pocket for his lock picking kit. Unlocking the door he stepped inside. They were asleep on the bed like he knew they would be. Chuckling he walked over, slipped his arms under Neo's unconscious form, he lifted her from the bed and Law's side. Swiftly, he left the hotel. Only this time he went through the back door.

"Success, I see," Lita said as she held the door open for him.

"Indeed." His lips curled into a bright grin.

"Dr. Cain, you are completely consumed by tunnel vision," Lita said. "Kidnapping a former warlord's wife, the ruler of a magical race, and the goddaughter of an emperor. That is a death sentence. And a painful one."

Cain scoffed. "Just shut up and do your job, Lita. And that does not include critiquing me."

"Yes, sir." Lita nodded.

The two figures rushed through the dark allies. Moving along like thieves in the night, they moved through the town until they got to the harbor. The only noise was the creaking ships swaying on the ocean. There they climbed into their own submarine, cleverly painted brown so at a quick glance anyone would see another ship. They rushed aboard. "Lita, submerge."

"Yes, sir." Lita's boots clunked on the floor as she moved to the control room.

Cain turned down the opposite hall. Reaching the medical bay he placed Neo down on the exam table. His fingers stroked over her hair and skin. "Finally. In just a few hours we'll be at my lab. Then, finally, I'll be able to see how you work. I can't wait. Don't worry, my dear. I'll be sure to take very good care of you."

The sub hummed to life. As he stared at Neo he could feel the sub moving away from the harbor. A minute later Lita announced over the voice pipe she was taking the sub under the water. Successfully submerged the sub increased sped.

…

"Hm?" Shanks hand paused midair as he brought his mug up to his lips. Confused he knitted his eyebrows. Leaning back against a log, he looked out towards the ocean. He could feel her passing by. Yet she made no attempt at contacting him. Worry washed over him when she didn't respond to his own calls.

"What is it, Captain?" Lucky Roo asked. The crew paused in their own drinking to look at their captain. The wind stilled. The birds stopped chirping. Nature had gone completely silent.

"It's Neo," Shanks said.

"What about her?" Benn asked, lowering his cigarette from his lips.

"She's close," Shanks said. Focusing his mind, he called out for her. His heart raced when she didn't answer once again.

"Is she coming to see us?" Yasopp asked. The pirates turned their eyes to the ocean, looking for the familiar yellow sub their sweet elemental princess called home.

"That'll be great," Lucky Roo said. "We haven't seen her since we met with her and her crew back when they entered into the New World."

"No." Shanks frown. "Something's wrong. She's not answering my calls." Dropping his mug, he stood up. "Get ready to set sail. We're going after her."

The crew instantly got to their feet, they scrambled around to gather their things, and then rushed towards the ship. Boots thumped on the deck. Sails unfurled with whaps, bellowing out as they caught the wind. Shanks stood at the helm, his eyes tense with focus as he guided his ship and crew towards Neo's direction. While they sailed he continued to call out for her, hoping she was sleeping so deep she didn't hear his calls. But he knew that wasn't true. He could feel she was in danger. And he was going to find her.

…

Cain strummed his fingers on the exam table as he watched Neo's heartbeat blipping across the monitor screen. His eyes scanned for details, big ones and small ones. When he saw something that believe was important he scribbled it down in his notebook. His eyes then turned to the machine monitoring the baby's heartbeat. He did the same; took notes of anything and everything he deemed important.

"Sir, we're coming up on the island," Lita said over the voice pipe.

"Very good. You know what to do," Cain said.

"Yes, sir," Lita said before going quiet.

Cain traced his fingertips over Neo's forehead. "So close. So soon you'll be in my lab. Then the real fun will begin."

"We've landed, sir," Lita said.

"Good." Cain unhooked Neo from the machines, lifted her up, and left the room.

…

Law's head pounded as his groggy mind started to wake up from his sleep. He pushed upon his arms, finding them like noodles. They trembled before giving into his weight. Too tired to move again, he waited a few more minutes before trying again. His arms wobbled again but he managed to sit up. "What in the world is going on? I didn't drink at all. Why am I so weak? And why is my head pounding so hard?"

His heart hammered when he felt Neo wasn't beside him. He reached for her even though she wasn't there. His hand only met with cold sheets from the bed. Shifting to the edge of the bed, he pulled on his boots. His body swayed and the room spun when he stood up. Stumbling his hand managed to find the nightstand. He stabilized himself. Once his head was clearer he grabbed his hat and sword and left the room. Half rushing, half stumbling, he made his way to the door next to his and pounded on it. "Bepo!" He moved onto the next door and the next. "Kailen! Topaz! Everyone, wake up!"

Slowly, the doors started to open. His crew stumbled out into the hall, all of them looking as bad as he felt. A few slumped against the wall.

"What the heck happened?" Shachi asked. "My head is pounding like crazy."

"So is mind."

"Mind too."

"I didn't think I had that much to drink."

"Well, we didn't have anything to drink," Topaz said. "And I feel like my head is about to explode."

"Then what happened?" Kailen asked before he and Topaz sensed their princess was no long close by. "Neo! Where's Neo?!"

"I don't know," Law said. "I woke up, feeling like you all do, and found she was gone." He cursed. "Someone must have drugged us."

"What?!" the crew shouted then moaned from the pain they inflicted on themselves.

"But how?! And why take Neo?" Penguin asked while pressing his fingers to his temples. "Ugh. I think I'm going to be sick."

"Scientists are going to be curious about us since our existence was revealed in Dressrosa," Kailen said. "And Neo will be targeted most because of her being a royal." He gripped his fists. "And there's the fact she's pregnant. Scientists will want to know all about human and elemental hybrids."

'Neo? Neo, can you hear me? Come on. Answer me.'

"Then let's go!" Penguin said heading down the hall.

Law slammed his fist into the wall. "No!"

"Why?!" Penguin turned back to his captain.

"We can't do anything until we know where she is," Law said. "I'm calling her, but she won't answer. That means she's unconscious or her magic is being suppressed."

Multiple curses passed through the Heart Pirates.

…

Neo opened her eyes. Her head spun, blurring the world around her. Closing her eyes she breathed in slowly. A few more breaths and her head stopped spinning. She opened her eyes to an unfamiliar grey ceiling. Her heart jumped. She shot up, instantly regretting it since the fast movement caused her stomach to lurch. Once her stomach settled back down she attempted to sense out Law. When she didn't find him her body turned cold. "No."

Neo pushed herself up, finding she was lying on a hard cold floor. Looking around she also found she was inside of a square room. The walls were painted dull gray like the ceiling. Small lights hung over her. She was trapped. Her breath became sharp and fast. Her crystals appeared. Their elements gathered around them. Suddenly, her body drained of all its energy and dropped back to the floor. Her crystals vanished. "Oh no."

"Oh, yes," a man's voice said.

Neo's heart leaped. She looked around but found no one was with her. "Who…who are you?! Where's…Law?! Where's my family?!"

"My name is Cain," he said. "And don't worry about your sweet crew. They're safely back on Starfish Island."

"Why did you…take me?" Neo asked. She glanced up at the ceiling. Small sections of the ceiling were now open, revealing six pollution stones. Her eyes roamed along the ceiling. She found a speaker system there. "What do you want?"

"I want you. I think that should be obvious," Cain said. "I brought you to this place to put you through some minor experiments."

"Minor?" Neo pushed herself back into a sitting position. "You have six pollution stones hovering over me. How is that minor?"

"Sorry." A swoosh sounded. The pollution stones disappeared back into the ceiling.

Neo exhaled when her strength began to return to her.

"Now, don't try to escape," Cain said. "I have pollution stones all over this facility. If you make any attempt to escape I will use them, full force, on you. You don't want that, now do you? You are pregnant after all. It would hurt your child too, won't it?"

Neo gritted her teeth. Her body trembled. She now knew she was in some kind of lab. It made her wonder if it was as big as the ones on Punk Hazard. "You are going to regret taking me."

"I highly doubt that," Cain said. "Not many come to my island for the large amount of pirates and bandits I have working for me. Plus, no one has a clue where you are."

Neo forced back an eye roll and a snort in case he could see her. That wasn't true. Law would know soon enough. 'Law? Law, can you hear me?' No answer. Her head was still a bit fuzzy so she figured that was causing the disruption. And there was the fact the man had taken her from Starfish Island. She had no idea where she was. She needed to get the name of this island then give it to Law. He would find her then. "Where are we? Where did you take me?"

"It matters not," Cain said. "Let's get started on my experiments. I've already taken some of your blood and your baby's blood."

"You did what?" Anger flared up inside of her. Hurting her was one thing, hurting her and Law's child was another.

"Don't worry," Cain said. "It was just a small amount. And the needled was extremely thin. And the gas I used on you and your crew won't hurt the baby at all." He chuckled. "At least I don't think it will. I've never used it on a baby elemental hybrid before."

Neo growled. She had to hammer down her desire to use her crystals and smash her way out of this place. But the second she summoned her crystals she knew he would use the pollution stones on her. She was stuck here. Stuck here playing his dumb games. She had to get a message to Law. Her heart cracked. If she didn't know where she was she wouldn't be able to tell him how to find her.

"Let's get started." A door whooshed open.

Neo looked at it. A hallway appeared to be out there and nothing else.

"These first experiments are going to be physical ones," Cain said. "Now get moving."

Neo wondered for a moment what he would do to her if she defied him. She knew she couldn't risk it. He might do something that could hurt their baby. So she forced herself to stand up. Stepping out into the hall he told her to go right. The hall was exactly the same as the room she was just in. No one appeared to be around.

Another swoosh and a door opened. She stepped inside and found a desert like area. "What the heck?"

"This is the start of your first test," Cain said. "You'll make your way through this desert and find the next area. You're only allowed to use one crystal at a time. And remember that I have pollutions stones all over this place. If you use more than one crystal at a time or try to escape again I will use them on you. Now proceed."

Neo forced herself to walk forward. The air was hot and stale. The sand beneath her feet was hot from the…She looked up, shading her eyes with her hand. There was no sun, but the lights in this room were bright enough they could have been. She proceeded through the desert. Dunes rolled out in front of her. Her brain worked over the terrain. It had to be about her physical endurance. "You're testing my physical endurance."

"Very good, Princess," Cain said.

"Don't call me that," Neo snapped.

"Oh, interesting," Cain said. "Are you snappy because of your pregnancy?"

Neo fumed. There was no way she was going to answer him. She was fairly sure her snappiness was because she had been torn from her lover's and her family's side. As she walked she noticed the heat in the room got hotter and hotter. She summoned a wind crystal and created a breeze around her for a while. Her still slightly muddied brain tried to work through her situation. She was alone, without her crew, some stranger was trying to experiment on her, she could only use one crystal at a time. There seemed to be no solution to any of this.

After a while she banished her wind crystal in favor of her water crystal. Turning the water cold she drank deeply before continuing on. A couple hours passed before she finally reached the other side of the room. Her legs slightly throbbed from all the walking. Another door opened. She stepped through and found herself inside of a forest. She sighed with relief. At least she was going to get out of the desert.

…

Penguin raced over the island, looking for anyone who might have seen who had taken Neo from them. The captain had them all spread out over the island soon after they discovered everyone in the hotel had been gassed like they had been. Surely someone outside of the hotel had seen something. But with each person Penguin asked, the less and less hopeful he was getting. He came upon another island citizen. "Excuse me."

"Yes?" She turned to him.

"I'm looking for my sister," Penguin said. "She was taken from us last night."

"That's terrible," the woman said.

"I know. We're very worried about her," Penguin said. "Did you see anything strange last night? Anyone who might have been doing something they shouldn't? Or who was out late? She has long light blue hair and tan skin. Oh, and electric blue eyes. If you saw her you'd know who I'm talking about."

"Come to think of it," the woman said. "I did see a couple people heading to the harbor late last night. Or maybe it was early this morning. I never can really tell."

"That doesn't matter," Penguin said. "Did one of them have sky blue hair?"

"Yes," she said with a nod. "There was a young woman with sky blue hair. She was being carried by the man. There was also another woman with them. He had black hair and she had brown. I think. It was dark after all."

"Do you know where they headed?"

"Not really. I only saw that they headed north in a submarine," she said. "But that could lead to anywhere."

"I see. Thank you!" Penguin rushed off to find his captain. It took far too long for him to locate Law. But when he did everything came spilling out of his mouth.

"A submarine, huh?" Law frowned. Submarines travel faster than ships.

"I know. He could be anywhere by now," Penguin said. "But at least we have general direction to look in. We are going, right?"

"We are." Law nodded. "We're going to find her. Gather the crew. We're leaving."

"Aye, Captain!"

…

Law turned from Penguin and headed for the sub. His mind going over the different methods he was going to be using on the people who had taken his love from him. Despite the red splotches from anger flashing in his eyes, he managed to make it back to the sub. He warped himself up onto the deck and waited for his crew to arrive. Finally, they all came running to the ship. Without a word, they went inside and the sub was soon pulling away from the island. The Polar Tang submerged, and they headed north at full throttle.

…

Author's Note: Well, the idea sounded better in my head but I'm going to post it anyone since it's just a couple chapters.