Eira Onboard
Eira sighed as she heard the Heart Pirates trip over themselves, literally, as they made their way through the forest below her. Three days have passed since they have started this little game. The Navy had come and moved the bombs and traps out so they were free to move about half of the island. She was surprised at how fast they actually were. They were a crew of ninjas basically. Okay so that wasn't the correct term to use. But they were skilled in the martial arts therefore making them quick on their feet. It surprised her how some of them could move so fast. They all weren't skinny.
Looking over towards the town, she could see the people were running around. Their moods have lifted since they were liberated from the thieves. But it wasn't them she was searching for. She could still feel Law, Neo, and Topaz in the town. Usually she sensed them in their precious little yellow submarine. They always seemed to be more in the sub than in the town. It made her curiosity get to her. She wanted to know what they were doing in that sub. Some of the time she knew Law and Neo were together, probably kissing, or making love maybe since they were obvious lovers. She could smell the love on them. It made her sick. But some of the time they were apart. She wondered what there was to do on a sub that would keep them apart. All the ships she's been on didn't seem to have much of anything to do.
"Gotcha!" Bepo roared as he leaped up from out of the trees.
So much for her perfect hiding spot. This bear could easily sniff her. He was the main one that's been tracking her. She fell backwards of the branch she was sitting on and down to the ground, just missing being tackled by the bear. Falling upside down, she watched him scream and flail his arms before dropping back into the forest.
She had to admit to herself that if she were going to like anyone it would be the bear. He appeared to be shy and meek but held an incredible strength that she would love to explore someday. She had never seen a creature like him before and wondered what exactly he was.
"Oh! Come on!" a Heart Pirate screamed from below.
Hanging by her knees on the branch she was perched on, she glanced down. She still didn't know their names but were become more familiar with their voices. He was one of the few who spoke the most. He wore a hat that looked like a whale. And he always seemed to be yelling at the bear with his friend, Penguin. Okay so she knew Penguin's name and half hidden face. But he was easy. His name was literally written across his hat. Plus, he had a very close relationship to Neo. Something else that made her sick. Neo was clearly loved by her crew. She just didn't know why. There didn't appear to be anything special about Neo that would garner such affection from so many men and two women. It just didn't make any sense to her at all.
"Come on!" another Heart Pirate growled. "How are we suppose to have a fair chance at catching you if you keep going high into the trees?!"
A growl vibrated through her throat. She hated to admit it but they were right. If she continued to stay up here they would never catch her. And getting on the sub was her goal. So releasing her legs, she plummeted down towards the ground. Halfway there she vanished from the air then reappeared on the ground. "Fine. I'll stop going so high. But I'm not going to stop using the trees."
"How the heck did you just pop in front of us like that?" Penguin asked.
"Like what?" Eira tilted her head. "I just do it. Are we going to continue this or not?"
"Fine," one of them said. "Just go."
Eira looked at the man who spoke. He was a black haired man that didn't like doing this game at all. Still she turned and ran off into the forest, leaving the pirates behind to catch her.
…
Penguin stood still. His mind running over what had just happened while some of his crewmates took off after Eira.
"What's wrong, Penguin?" Shachi asked.
"Did you think it was weird how she just popped in front of us like that?" Penguin asked.
"I think we all thought it was weird," Shachi said. "But what difference does that make? The captain does that all the time."
"But how is it possible she can do it, too?" Penguin asked.
"Now that you mention it," Bepo said. "That was almost identical to how the captain warps."
"What are you saying?" Shachi asked.
"Are you suggesting that she had some sort of Devil Fruit powers like the captain?" Jean Bart asked. The large man sat down to rest.
"Not really," Penguin said. "I just find it odd how she's able to do that and how much she looks like the captain and Neo."
"I think we're all a bit spooked with how similar she looks to them," Shachi said. "But it shouldn't matter. It's probably just a coincidence."
"A coincidence that she looks like them and was following them?" Penguin asked.
"Sounds like it's more than just a coincidence," Bepo said.
"So she was looking for them all along?" Jean Bart questioned. "Come to think of it, we didn't know anything about her until a short time ago."
"So why now?" Penguin asked. "Why has she suddenly showed up? And why is she following the captain and Neo?"
"We can also add the question of why Neo wants her on the crew so badly," Bepo said.
"Neo's instincts are always sharp and on point," Shachi said. "She never would let anyone on the sub that she felt was a threat to us. She's too protective of us to do that. And the captain is too protective of her."
"So we all feel that Eira's a threat but for Neo," Penguin said.
"Maybe she's going to change?" Bepo offered.
"I suppose that's possible," Penguin said.
A ruckus of cuss words floated back to them. Jean Bart sighed. "We might as well get back to it."
"Yeah." Shachi nodded. "We need to make sure the crew doesn't do anything that'll upset Neo."
"Which way did they go, Bepo?" Jean Bart asked.
Bepo sniffed the air then pointed to his right.
"Let's go." Shachi took off with Bepo following close behind.
"Don't worry about Neo," Jean Bart said as he stood up. "She'll be fine."
Penguin nodded. He followed after the large man.
…
With her chin resting in her hands, Neo blew bubbles into her tea. The sub was quiet, far too quiet for her liking. She missed having her brothers and sisters around through the entire day. Now she only saw them when they came back to eat. She sighed heavily and said, "Law! I'm bored!"
"I'm sorry, love," Law said as he walked into the galley with a newspaper under his arm. He headed to the fridge, poured him a glass of tea, and then joined her at the table. He placed a kiss in her hair before sitting down. "Why don't you play with Topaz?"
"She's sewing right now," Neo said. "She said she could get more work done with the crew off the sub."
"They do get noisy," Law said opening the newspaper.
"Law," Neo whined.
"Want to kiss?" Law asked.
"My lips are dry from doing that a lot these past three days," Neo said.
"You couldn't always go for a swim," Law said.
"Already done that," Neo said. "When will the crew finally catch her? What's taking so long?"
"She's probably using her abilities against them," Law said. "We don't know what all they are. All we know is what we've heard about her in the newspapers."
"I wonder where she came from," Neo said.
"Maybe she'll tell us that at some point," Law said.
"Maybe," Neo said. "Maybe we should go check on them. They might be hurt."
"You know they're fine," Law said, his eyes scanning over the words in front of him. "If they were hurt you would know it. And they would have returned by now."
"I don't like that I don't get to see them often," Neo said, the whine in her voice still prominent.
Law couldn't help but chuckle at her.
"What?" She pouted.
"You're adorable when you whine," Law said. "But remember this is your fault."
"My fault?!" Neo sat up straight and glared at him. "How is this my fault?!"
"You wanted her to join the crew," Law said. "And you agreed to her terms of the game."
"Oh." Neo's shoulders slumped. "I knew that." She dropped her chin back into her palms. "I should have kept Penguin here with me. Or maybe Bepo. He's always fun to play with."
"Just wait a little while longer," Law said. "It's about time for the crew to return for dinner."
"They'll be hungry from all that running," Neo said. "I wonder what I should make for them."
"They'll be really hungry so you better make a lot of it," Law said. "Whatever it is you decide to make."
"Maybe I should go catch a sea pig," Neo muttered.
"You could," Law said. "It would give you something to do."
"And you," Neo said. "You know I don't like killing them nor cleaning them. The crew usually handles that and they're not here right now."
"I can help with that," Law said. "Is that what you want to do?"
Neo hummed. "I guess so. I doubt we have enough to feed them as it is anyway. They've been eating quite a lot these past few days to keep up with Eira. How much time do we have until they return?"
"Probably about an hour," Law said.
"Ack!" Neo jumped to her feet. "An hour?! Law! Why didn't you tell me it was getting so late?! Our babies are going to return starving!"
Without giving him the chance to respond, she summoned two wind crystals and pulled him out of the galley, upside down. Busting out of the door she almost ran into Topaz.
"Whoa!" Topaz halted. "What's the hurry?" She looked at Law. "And why is the captain upside down?"
"I'm sorry." Neo turned him right side up. "We're going to catch some sea pig. The crew will be back in about an hour. What are you doing? I thought you were sewing."
"I was," Topaz said. "Then I noticed the time and thought I'd come help you with dinner since Basil and Penguin aren't here."
"That's great! Can you start on the vegetables while we get the sea pig?" Neo asked.
"Sure thing." Topaz nodded.
"Great! We'll be back soon!" Neo pulled Law up the stairs and outside. Floating above the sea, she looked around for some sea pigs. A few minutes later a pod of them swam by. She lifted one up to them and waited for Law to do the job she needed him to do. The death was quick and painless; they always were when it came to her. She really wanted it that way for the animal's sake. She watched as Law cleaned out all of its insides and sliced it up using his Room. Once that was done she pulled them back inside and into the galley. Keeping the sea pig meat in the air, she placed Law back down in his chair and kissed him. "Thank you, love. And I'm sorry for flying you like I did."
"It's all right." Law pecked her lips. "You were just excited."
"Wow. That's a lot of meat," Topaz said. "How many vegetables do you want to go with it?"
Neo kissed Law once more before walking over to Topaz to help her get dinner ready. "Potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, carrots, and let's do rice, too."
…
"This is too much." Eira heard a Heart Pirate say. "I don't know how much more I can take of this."
"Same here," another one said.
"You lot are just a bunch of babies," the female said.
"You're just as worn out as we are."
"Stop acting like you're stronger than us, Ikkaku."
"At this point, I am stronger than you all."
"Okay, settle down. You know Neo wouldn't like us arguing like this," Penguin said.
Eira rolled her eyes. Penguin's loyalty to Neo turned her stomach like a whirlpool. Though she did have to admit one thing. This was getting old. She was beyond bored with this little game. She paused on a branch. When the pirates got closer, she jumped down to the ground. While she wasn't out of breath yet, she placed her hand on the trunk of a near by tree and panted.
"Hey! There she is!"
"She looks tired, too!"
"This is our chance to catch her!"
Eira frowned at them then took off running. She started off at a fast pace then forced herself to slow down. When the pirates still didn't get close enough she slowed down even more.
"Come on, Bepo!" the whaled hat cheered. "You're one of the fastest! You can stop her now!"
"I can't!" Bepo said. "I'm too tired!"
"Come on, Bepo! Neo's waiting for us! She probably has dinner ready for us!" a pirate said. "Can't you smell it? She probably made fish or sea pig!"
"Fish?! Sea pig?!" Bepo dashed forward.
Eira looked over her shoulder when she sensed the bearing coming closer. Her heart fluttered with excitement. She hadn't had a thrill like this in a long time. But she wasn't able to enjoy it for very long. Within a couple seconds, the white and orange blur slammed into her. Her bag collided with the ground, protecting her back from the hit. She had been caught, sort of.
"Yeah!" the pirates cheered. "She's been caught!"
"I don't know," Tero said, rubbing his chin. "This seemed a little too easy."
"Easy?!" Conner gasped. "We've been chasing that brat around for three days! Three days! This was anything but easy!"
"I have to agree with Conner," Basil said. "It seemed too easy to have just suddenly caught her like that. She's always been way ahead of us. She could have easily jumped into the trees again."
"You two are out of your minds," Shachi said. "It's obvious she's just as tired as we are."
Eira started panting a mere second before they all looked at her.
"She does look tired," Bepo said, releasing his prey.
Eira's stomach growled.
"And hungry," Bepo added.
"I think we're all hungry," Jean Bart said.
"Then can we please go back to the sub now?" Penguin danced on his feet, ready to run back to his sister.
"Calm down, Pen," Shachi said. "Neo will be waiting for us when we get back."
"I know, I know!" Penguin said. "I just want to go now!"
"Then go," Conner said. "No one's stopping you."
Penguin paused. "Oh. Right." He bolted away from them.
"That guy." Archer shook his head.
"Well," Shachi turned back to Eira, "let's go. The captain and Neo will want to know that you're now part of our crew."
"Lucky me." Eira rolled her eyes. She stood up and brushed the dirt off her clothes.
"We haven't be formally introduced," Bepo said. "I'm Bepo."
"Eira," Eira said.
"I'm Shachi. The one who ran off is Penguin. But I'm sure you figured that out by his hat and us calling him that."
"Ikkaku's my name."
"Jean Bart."
"Archer."
"Conner."
"Uni."
"Clione."
"I'm Basil," Basil said. "I'm fairly new to the crew myself."
Eira, against her will, followed each pirate as they said their names. She really didn't care. She wasn't planning on staying very long to get to know them. "Yeah. Nice to meet you all or whatever."
"Oh, she's going to be a joy to have around," Conner said.
"Be nice." Archer elbowed his crewmate in the ribs. "She's part of our crew now."
"Doesn't mean I have to like her," Conner said walking away. The majority of the others mumbled their agreements and followed him.
"Don't worry about him," Archer said. "He's always a pessimistic."
"Whatever." Eira shrugged. "I don't care."
"So shall we go get your things?" Shachi asked. "We need to report this to the captain."
"I already have everything I own with me," Eira said.
"Seriously?" Archer scanned her body.
"I have no need to pull a bunch of junk around with me," Eira said. "I brought what I need. So let's just go to your ship."
"Sub," Shachi said.
"Whatever." Eira walked passed him.
Archer and Shachi shared a shrug before heading back towards the docks.
…
Neo was slow roasting the sea pig with her fire crystals when the thundering sound of boots came towards the galley. She looked over at the door just seconds before Penguin busted into the room. She smiled. Skirting around the counter, she rushed over to him while keeping the sea pig in the air with her wind crystals. "Penguin! You're back!"
"Neo!" Penguin opened his arms for her.
Neo leaped into his hold. "About time!"
"Sorry it took so long," Penguin said.
Neo pulled back from him when she sensed Eira coming their way. "You caught her?"
"We did." Penguin nodded.
"That's…good," Neo said.
"Neo, you're not having second thoughts, are you?" Law asked.
"No, I'm not." Neo looked over at him. Law was still sitting at the table reading the newspaper. She turned back to Penguin when Law nodded at her. Her eyes scanned all over his body. Dirt and minor scratches spotted his skin and clothes from running around in the woods. "Are you all right?"
"Nothing a nice hot meal and shower won't cure," Penguin said.
"Well, dinner is almost ready," Neo said. "You should get cleaned up."
Penguin nodded and left the room.
Neo turned back to finishing up the sea pig meat. A few minutes later more boots on the floor and talking floated into the galley as the crew returned and headed to their quarters to clean up. A few, who managed to stay clean, came into the galley and sat down.
"That was by far one of the most ridiculous things I've ever done," Conner said, plopping down in a chair.
"I'm sorry," Neo said.
"It's fine," Conner said. "I know you wanted this. And it's over."
"A little too quickly," Tero said sitting down beside Conner.
"What do you mean?" Law asked.
Neo and Topaz turned their eyes to the man.
"Not sure. I just think we caught her too easily today," Tero said. "She's been dragging us all around the island then suddenly she's caught."
Law hummed.
"Maybe she was just tired?" Topaz offered.
"Perhaps," Tero said. "But it just feels like she got caught on purpose after three days of easily avoiding us. She also has the ability to warp like the captain does."
"What?" Law asked.
"She fell down from a tree then just suddenly appeared in front of us," Tero said. "Something's screwy with her."
Law, Neo, and Topaz all exchanged confused and concerned looks.
…
"You're going to enjoy being on the Polar Tang," Bepo said just as they reached the docks.
"If you say so," Eira said. Her eyes locked onto the odd smiley face on the sub's wall. She wondered where such a Jolly Roger even came from. And why anyone would want such an unattractive thing on their ship.
"Well, here we are," Bepo said.
Eira pulled her eyes back to the Bepo. One of his paws was on a ladder building into the side of the sub. Looking up she found the rest of the crew had already climbed up, the last one disappearing onto the deck.
"Would you like to go first?" Bepo asked.
"Sure." Eira shrugged. She bent her knees and launched herself into the air, landing perfectly on the railing above.
"Wow! Not exactly what I meant," Bepo said.
Eira smirked when she found some of the Heart Pirates hadn't entered into the sub yet. They just stared at her with opened jaws. She planted a hand on her hip. "Really? You're surprised after what you saw me do in the forest?"
The pirates closed their mouths and entered into the sub.
Eira rolled her eyes.
"I guess you don't need a ladder after all," Bepo said as he reached the deck.
"I've always been a good jumper," Eira said.
"Does it have to do with your magic or whatever it is that you have?" Bepo asked.
"I guess so," Eira replied.
"So how long have you had this magic?" Bepo asked.
Eira blinked at him, her lips curling down into a frown.
"I'm sorry." Bepo bowed his head.
"It's fine," Eira said. "Let's just get inside. I don't feel like answering questions."
"Okay. Follow me," Bepo said, leading her into the sub. "It might be a bit confusing at first, but you'll learn where everything is soon enough. You can always ask one of us for anything."
"Right. I'm so sure your crew would love to help me," Eira said. Her eyes ran around the steel walls, mentally taking in everything incase. Incase of what she wasn't sure. She just wanted to know where everything was. This opened room appeared to not hold much of anything. There were some pipes running along the ceiling and walls but she had no clue what they were for. And she wasn't going to ask. She then noticed the tantalizing smell of sea pig meat floating around in the air. Her mouth watered. She swallowed, ready to eat.
"The stairs are here," Bepo said. "The ramp beside it is for loading crates and stuff. Though the captain often warps heavy stuff into the sub."
Eira looked at him.
"Those stairs lead up to the medical bay," Bepo said pointing to the other set of stairs. "As long as you're responsible the captain will let you get any medication you need. But if you abuse that you'll be punished."
"I never get sick," Eira said.
"Okay then," Bepo said descending the stairs to the next floor. "This floor is where the captain's quarters is located. It's also where some storage rooms and the laundry room are located." They continued on down the stairs. "This floor is where the crews' quarters are, the galley, the rec. room, and the showers. Neo has a lot of books you can read."
"I hate reading," Eira said.
"Oh?" Bepo tilted his head.
"Life is weird enough," Eira said. "Why bother reading a fake one when life can entertain you enough?"
"I guess you have a point," Bepo said. "But it can get pretty boring out here when landmasses are miles to days away from each other. You'll be glad to have them. Neo loves reading."
"Good for her," Eira said. "So which is Neo's room?"
"Neo sleeps with the captain," Bepo said.
"So they're having sex," Eira said.
"No, they're not," Bepo said. "They just share a room. Neo can have nightmares."
"Everyone has nightmares at some point," Eira said. "Why would she need to sleep with him for that? The big baby."
"Don't talk about her like that." Bepo frowned. "Neo's not a baby at all. I can't tell you every thing that's happened to her, but she's had a terrible past. The captain became her pillar of strength when she needed him the most. And she still needs him."
"Well, I can't wait to hear her backstory," Eira said. "We can compare notes."
"Did you have a bad childhood as well?" Bepo asked.
"Are we going to get to wherever it is we're going or are we just going to stand around here talking?" Eira asked.
"We can go. The galley's this way." Bepo turned to his left and walked down the hall. "The next floor is where the brig, the maintenance rooms, more storages, and the training room are. The floor below that is were the main control room and my navigation room are." His stomach grumbled to the roasted smell of sea pig. "Smells so good."
Eira resisted from agreeing. She focused on the walls again. This floor appeared to be the same as the first except for having rooms.
"And this is the galley," Bepo said as he led the way into the room. "I'd give you a whole tour but it smells like dinner is ready. And I'm starving. We can take a full tour afterwards."
"Whatever." Eira adjusted the strap over her shoulder. "It's your ship."
"Sub," Conner said.
"Whatever." Eira looked around the room until her eyes landed on Neo standing at the stove. She huffed. Of course the little blue haired darling was cooking. Reading, cooking, commanded a crew to which she wasn't captain of, that crew showing her unbreakable devotion. She bristled. The desire to plunge her dagger into Neo's heart hit her hard. She fingered the handle. Suddenly a blur stepped in front of her. She blinked. Looking up she found Law staring down at her with a displeased look on his face. She glanced over at Bepo. He took was giving her a displeased look. Apparently their senses were some of the strongest she had seen. They both could tell she wanted to kill Neo.
"Welcome aboard, Eira," Law said. "I hope you'll find it comfortable here. And get along with the rest of the crew."
"Sure," Eira said. "I'm sure everything will be just fine."
"Law, what are you doing?" Neo asked.
"Nothing." Law turned and went back to his seat. "Just welcoming the newcomer. Which reminds me, once you eat and put your things in your room you will come up to the medical bay for a thorough exam."
"What?" Eira asked.
"You heard me," Law said. "It's a mandatory requirement for all new crewmates. You will not be an exception."
"He's right," Topaz said. "We've all had one when we came onboard."
"Fine," Eira said. "I'll do your little check up. And I'll follow your rules. But you all have to follow mine as well. First, I refuse to wear one of those ridiculous boiler suits. Second, I don't want anyone coming into my room without my permission. Third, and most important of all, no one, I mean no one, is to ever touch my sketchbook or dagger. If they do I will kill them."
"We'll respect your property as long as you respect others," Law said.
"Then it's settled." Eira scanned her eyes around the room. She counted the chairs around the rectangular tables and recalled the number of people on the crew. There were more than enough places to sit. She just didn't know where she should go. "So, do you have assigned seating here or something?"
"No, you can sit where you want," Bepo said.
Eira walked away from the bear. She sat down at the opposite end of the kitchen where Neo and Law were. She needed some distance to keep herself from wanting to kill Neo. Now wasn't the right moment. Propping her chin in her hand she watched Neo closely with a bored look on her face. The sweet little female pirate lifting the necessary items for eating out of their assigned places and sat them on the table. Eira rolled her eyes at the multitalented pirate.
"Eira, what would you like to drink?" Neo asked. "We have water, tea, coffee, milk-"
"I hate the taste of milk, coffee, and tea," Eira said. "I'll just have water."
"Oh," Neo said filling a glass with water with a crystal. "Okay. Here you go."
"Great," Eira murmur when Neo sat the glass in front of her with her wind crystal. Her eyes floated over to the door when the rest of the pirates started filing into the galley. She watched them gather around the tables just as Neo was sitting everything out for them. A few wondered in her direction and sat at the table with her but none spoke to her. She didn't mind. She didn't feel like speaking to them anyway. Not that she had anything to say. Stabbing a piece of sea pig, she pulled it to her plate and started eating. The flavors tasted over her taste buds. She growled at herself as she silently admitted that Neo was a good cook.
"You ready to go to your room?" Bepo asked once they were all done.
"I guess so," Eira said. Standing up she followed the bear out into the hall. Her eyes roamed over the doors. A few were open, giving her the ability to look inside. They all were the same. Four beds, in bunk bed style, and two closets appeared to be the only things inside of them with the occasional desk and chair. "Please, tell me I don't have to share a room with someone."
"No, you can have your own room," Bepo said. "The captain has already approved it."
"When?" Eira asked.
"When we were eating," Bepo said. "You were in deep thought. Or it looked like it."
"Oh."
"Well, here we are," Bepo said. He opened the door and led her inside. "You can sleep on which ever bed you want."
"Great," Eira said. She tossed her bag on the lower bunk to her right then sat down on it, testing the mattress. "I guess this is a step up from sleeping in nature."
"Well, if you need extra pillows or blankets you can get them out of the storage rooms," Bepo said. "We keep plenty extra around."
Eira shrugged. "This is fine."
"Remember the captain wants you up in the medical bay," Bepo said, heading back out the door.
"Right." Eira stood up. She removed her cloak, bag, and dagger before leaving the room. She closed the door behind her. "Might as well get it over with." She turned to Bepo. "By the way, where's your room."
"Right there." Bepo pointed to the door right across the hall from hers.
"Well, that's convenient," Eira said.
"There a problem?" Bepo asked.
"No, no problem," Eira said. "I was just curious. At the moment you're the one I like at all."
"Oh. Okay. That's nice," Bepo said, obvious unsure about the whole thing.
"Relax. I'm just better with animals than people," Eira said.
"Just like Neo," Bepo noted.
"I'm nothing like her!" Eira hissed.
"I'm sorry." Bepo bowed his head.
Eira huffed. Spinning on her heels, she stomped away from the bear unaware of the confused look he was giving her. She turned and went up the stairs. Voices of the crew floated to her ears but she didn't bother to stop and listen in on them. She wanted to get up to the stupid medical bay and get this exam over with. Her body halted on the stairs. Or was that a good idea? What happened during a physical exam? Would there be something happening that would reveal something to her enemies? She continued up the stairs, wondering if this was a good idea or not. She stopped again when she heard Neo's voice. Looking around she noticed she had reached the medical bay and was at the room she had been ordered to come to. Slipping up to the door, she listened in on the conversation going on inside. She carefully snuck a peak inside to find Law sitting on a rolling office chair with Neo on his lap.
…
"Are you sure you want me here?" Neo asked.
"Yes," Law said.
"But why?" Neo asked. "You never had me around before for an exam."
"Mostly because the crew is made up of men," Law said, smirking at her. "I absolutely refused to let you be around a naked man. I'm the only man you'll ever see naked. Well, once we're married."
"Law!" Heat rushed to Neo's cheeks.
Law chuckled. "You had no problems look at the anatomy of men from my books."
"That's different! Those were just pictures! Drawings! They weren't a real person!" Neo said.
Law leaned back and smiled.
"Oh! You did that on purpose just to see me blush!" Neo pouted. "You're so mean!"
"Sorry." Law leaned forward and pecked her lips.
"Seriously? I thought this was suppose to be a medical exam for me not her," Eira said.
Neo's cheeks turned a deeper red. She glanced over at the door to find Eira leaning against it with her arms crossed over her chest.
"You're late," Law said with a frown.
'I didn't even sense her coming.' Neo thought to Law.
'Now that you mention it…I didn't sense her either.'
'I wonder why.'
'Perhaps you were too distracted.' Law smirked at her.
'I wouldn't have been if you didn't tease me like that!' Neo narrowed her eyebrows at him.
"Are you two having some kind of secret conversation?" Eira asked.
Neo turned her eyes to Eira and blinked. No one has ever come close to guess that close to the truth. 'Law…'
'Easy, love. It could just be a coincidence.' Law patted Neo's back, signaling for her to get up. Once she did he stood up and walked over to a drawer. Opening it, he pulled out an exam gown and held it out to Eira. "Put this on."
"Is this really necessary?" Eira snarled at the plan looking gown.
"It is," Law said. He tossed it at her. "Now get changed."
"Fine." Eira grabbed the gown from him and started removing her clothes.
Law turned his back to her and looked at Neo. He was expecting jealousy to come from his love but it never happened. 'You're not jealous?'
'Not really. I'm a bit annoyed at how she just stared taking off her clothes.' Neo blinked. 'That's odd. I wouldn't put up with that from anyone else so why isn't it bothering me with her? I know she doesn't like us, but still.'
Law thought over her words. He didn't have a clue either. Everything surrounding Eira just seemed to be one mystery right after another. It made him feel like he was back when he first found Neo. He hoped to get some answers during her exam, more answers than when he gave Neo her first exam. Forcing himself away from Neo, he grabbed his chart for Eira off the counter and walked back over to the new girl. "Let's get your weight and height first."
"Whatever you say," Eira said.
Law walked over to the scales and gestured for her to step on it. Once there, he fiddled with the device until her got her weight and height. "One hundred and five pounds for your weight. And five foot five with your height. Let's move on."
"Aye aye, Captain." Eira stepped off the scales and walked over to the exam table. "I assume you want me up here?"
"Yes." Law frowned.
'She's almost acting like a child.' Neo thought to Law.
'A spoiled brat is more like it.' Law placed the chart down on the table and proceeded with the exam. He tested her reflexes, checked her pulse, her hear, her lungs, probed her abdomen and other such things. While doing his work he noticed something peaking out from underneath her gown on her back. He tugged the grown string loose. His heart pounded against his ribs had enough he thought they were going to break.
Neo rushed over to him upon feeling his distress. She parted her lips to ask what was wrong but stopped when her eyes locket onto what Law was staring at. There on Eira's back was Law's tattoo, the one he had on his chest. The only differences was hers was a dark navy with crystal blue snowflakes and ice shards raining down on her back and right in the middle of the tattoo, where Law's smiley face should have been, was a snow leopard paw print. "Law…that's…"
"Something wrong?" Eira glanced over her shoulder at them.
"How did you get this tattoo on your back?" Law asked. "Who drew it?"
"I don't know," Eira said. "I've always had it."
"Always?" Neo asked. "Even as a kid?"
"Did I s-s-stutter?" Eira asked.
Law grabbed Eira's arm and twisted it behind her back, hard.
"Ouch! What the heck?!" Eira snapped. "Let go of me!"
"I won't tolerate you being so disrespectful to Neo like that," Law hissed.
"Law, it's fine," Neo said, placing her hand on his forearm. "Let her go."
Law glanced at Neo then slowly released Eira.
"Jerk," Eira said.
"What was that?" Law demanded.
"Nothing, Captain," Eira said. "Are we done yet here?"
"Almost," Law said, forcing himself to calm down. He stepped away from the exam table and over to a cabinet. "I need to take some blood."
"Whatever you say," Eira said.
Law clenched his teeth. With a deep breath, he walked back over and sat the tray down on the exam table. None to gently, he poked the needle into Eira's arm.
"Ouch! Be careful with that!" Eira said.
"You're the one who needs to be careful," Law said. His eyes turned sharp as daggers as he looked directly into her eyes. He searched them for any sign of fear. He found none. All he could see is hallow coldness.
"Eira, that's enough," Neo said.
Law blinked and found not only was her eyes full of coldness, but so was the exam room. It was radiating off her body. Ice crystals crackled and snapped as they spread along the floors, walls, and ceiling.
Neo lifted herself by her wind crystals so her feet didn't freeze on the ice. "Enough."
Eira growled but banished her ice.
Law pulled the needle from her skin and slapped a bandage on it. "Now get out of my sight."
"My pleasure," Eira said. She slid off the exam table, quickly pulled her clothes back on and ran out of the room.
"I'm sorry, Law." Neo lowered herself back to the floor as the room warmed back up.
"It's not your fault," Law said. "And it is better to have her here than out there were we can't keep an eye on her." His eyes looked down at the blood in the syringe. His eyebrows drew together in confusion when the blood started shifting and changing colors. It turned from red to an icy blue before disappearing all together. "What the…"
"She's not human," Neo said. "I wonder if it's possible for her to be completely magical to the point her blood isn't like ours."
"Completely magical?" Law dropped the needle back on the tray. "What do you mean?"
"I'm not really sure," Neo said. "It's just a feeling. Even the most powerful Devil Fruit users have issues when fighting large groups of people. Yet she seemed to have no trouble with that when the crew was chasing her." She ran her hand through her hair, releasing a frustrated huff. "I think it's well established that she's not a Devil Fruit user. She can jump extremely high, she can control and create ice and snow, and she has some warping ability. No Devil Fruit user has that many abilities that are unrelated to each other. I don't know. All I know is I need her here."
"Well, I won't put up with her trying to hurt you or being so disrespectful to you like she's been." Law crossed his arms over his chest.
Neo walked around to him. Just as she reached him, his arms unfolded and wrapped around her. "If you really don't want her here then you can kick her off."
"No, I'm not going to do that," Law said. "Like I said, despite her attitude, it's better to have her here with us. But I do not want you alone with her at any point in time. Do you understand me?"
"Aye aye, Captain." Neo smirked. "You've already said that by the way."
Law's frustrations vanished. He chuckled and leaned down to peck her lips. "Such a disrespectful girl you are."
"You love it." Neo closed the small distance between their lips. Closing the door with a wind crystal, she wrapped her arms around his neck then locked her legs around his waist when his hands snaked around her thighs and hoisted her up. She smiled against his lips when he laid her down on the exam table. The tray fell off the table and clanked onto the floor. Both stopped and looked down at it and its scattered contents. "I'm not cleaning that up."
Law smiled and recaptured her lips.
…
Eira stomped down the stairs. Anger spun white hot inside of her. Never, never has she ever been so obedient to someone's orders. So why? Why did she back off when she was told?! And that someone had to be her, it had to be Neo of all people. She hated herself. She hated that she listened. She hated that she agreed to come onboard this stupid place. Reach her new room she slammed the door closed. Reaching the bed, a sharp pain shot through her temples. She grabbed her head and fell onto the bed, curling into a ball. All of her past Death Memories flashed through her head at once as her breathing increased. Then people, her people, filtered into her head. One by one unfamiliar faces passed in front of her eyes until the vision stopped on one particular man with green hair. The young man's face faded. Her head stopped throbbing. Her breathing slowed back to normal.
She uncurled from herself when she knew the pain wasn't going to come back. Slowly, she reached for her bag and pulled it to her. Pulling out her sketchpad, she started etching every single detail of the green haired man's face. She then placed her pencil down on the bed and closed her eyes.
…
Neo opened her eyes. Carefully lifting herself from Law's warm side, she glanced around their room, wondering what had woken her up. The sub was quiet and oddly cool from what it usually was. Soft snores came from Law. She looked at him, wondering if he was trying to catch a cold. Soft snores from him usually meant a cold was coming on. Summoning her solar crystal, she engulfed him in its glow. She didn't want him to get sick with Eira onboard. Seconds later, the snoring stopped. He shifted in his sleep and settled back down, his arm tightening around her waist before relaxing against her. She smiled when his lips curled up slightly. He was having a good dream. Curious, she peaked inside of his dreams. He was fishing with Corazon off a small island. She loved it when he dreamed about Corazon. It always made him happy to see the man even if it was just a dream.
Her eyes turned to the door when something small yet magical scurried around in the hallway. Curious, she carefully removed Law's arm from around her. Summoning her wings, she lifted herself off the bed. As quietly as she could, she opened the door and slipped out in the hall. She glanced down both ways before walking towards the stairs. She jumped when something moved. Jerking her eyes to the stairs, she saw a tiny baby snow leopard. Or she thought it was a snow leopard. It looked like one but its fur was pure white with blue spots and rosettes and it's eyes a sparkling yet electric blue. It kind of reminded her of Eira's snow leopard form. "Oh, hello there. You wouldn't be Eira would you?"
The little leopard tilted its head, its big blue eyes staring curiously at the blue haired woman.
"Can you not talk like other animals?" Neo asked when she didn't get a reply. She reached out for it. "You're clearly magical. I can feel it inside of you. Are you making it cold in here? But where-"
It hissed at her before bolting down the stairs.
"Wait," Neo said. Lifting herself into the air with her wings, she followed it. "You shouldn't be running around here. There're a lot of dangerous places where you can get stuck or get hurt."
Neo landed on the third floor. She blinked in confusion when the baby snow leopard seemed to disappear without a trace. She couldn't even feel it's magic energy anymore. It was just gone. And it was very odd. Not only because it seemed to completely disappear, it seemed to not like her. All animals liked her. So why didn't this one?
She walked down the hall and found herself staring at the room where Eira was sleeping. She still couldn't sense the girl. Reaching for the doorknob, she carefully opened the door and stepped inside. She walked right to Eira's bed and looked down at the girl. Her mind raced over what had happened. No answers came to her. Rubbing the back of her neck, she left the room and went back to hers and Law's. She carefully lowered herself back down to the bed. His arm automatically went back around her.
"You okay?" he mumbled.
"Yes," Neo said. "Just checking on something. I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's all right." Law pulled her closer to him. His nose buried into her hair.
Neo snuggled down into his warmth. She wanted to tell him what she had seen but decided could wait until morning.
…
Neo sat on the counter of their sink, kicking her legs while Law shaved. "It was really weird. I know I wasn't dreaming. Do you think Eira can transform into a baby snow leopard?"
"It wouldn't surprise me at all if she can," Law said.
"Maybe I should asked her about it," Neo said. "She might answer me."
"She might, but don't count on it," Law said.
Neo hummed for a few minutes before slipping off the counter. "I think I'll go ask her anyway."
"Have at least one of the crew standing near by. And if she's in her room do not go inside," Law said. "That's an order, Neo."
"Yes, love," Neo said before leaving their bathroom. She exited their room and wondered down to the crew's quarters. Some of them were still inside of their rooms chatting or getting ready for the day.
"Neo, what's up?" Shachi asked when she passed his and Penguin's room.
"I need to ask Eira something," Neo said.
"Want me to come with you?" Shachi asked.
"Might as well." Neo shrugged. "Law doesn't want me alone with her or step into her room."
Shachi nodded. Stepping out of his room he followed Neo on down the hall.
Neo knocked on the door when they reached it.
"What?" Eira asked when she opened the door.
"I have a question for you and I'd like a straight answer," Neo said.
Eira crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe. "Well?"
"Can you transform into a baby snow leopard?" Neo asked.
"What?" Shachi asked, his eyes bouncing from Neo to Eira.
"What are you talking about?" Eira asked.
"Can you transform into a baby snow leopard?" Neo asked again. "I saw one on the sub last night."
"There was a baby snow leopard on the sub?" Shachi asked.
"No," Eira said. "I cannot."
"And why should we believe you?" Shachi asked.
"Because it's the truth," Eira said. "I only have two forms. This snow leopard form you're seeing now and my human form."
"You have a human form?" Shachi asked.
"Duh! Did you really think that I stay like this all of the time?" Eira waved at her body.
"Possibly," Shachi said. "It's not like you're telling us about yourself."
"I have no reason to," Eira said. "And I don't have to if I don't want to. I've answered your question. Is there anything else?"
"No," Neo said.
Eira closed the door.
"What a brat," Shachi said as they walked away.
"Maybe," Neo said. "But I believe she was telling the truth."
"If you say so," Shachi said. "I guess if she's lying we'll find out soon enough."
Neo nodded. "Well, I'm going to head on up to the galley now. See you at breakfast."
"Sure," Shachi said.
Neo waved to him before heading towards the galley.