Christmas Special
2017
Neo hummed as she examined Cora's clothes. She barely registered Law walking into their room. "Do you think he needs another coat? Or maybe another shirt? What about pants? Maybe I should put different gloves on him. Do you think he's gloves are warm enough?"
Law glanced down at their toddler. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of their boy. Little Cora was standing with his little arms straight out to his sides while he tried to shuffle around the room. "I think you have too many clothes on him. He can barely move."
"But it's freezing outside," Neo said. "He needs to be warm."
"It's not that cold out," Law said. He bent down and started pealing off a few layers of clothing their son was wearing.
"Daddy, I stuck," Corazon said.
"I know. We'll get you out of some of these clothes," Law said removing a second shirt. "Then you'll be able to move."
"He's not wearing that many clothes," Neo said crossing her arms over her chest.
"Yes, he is," Law said. "Two jackets, three shirts, two pants, four socks…"
"I just want him to stay warm," Neo said. She dropped her arms to her side, tears glistening in her eyes.
Law removed one more layer before walking over to Neo. He kissed her forehead while rubbing his hands on her arms. "Love, this isn't the first time he's been out in the snow. And he is an Elemental, a fire one at that. He's not going to get cold at all. Even if he does you know someone will bring him back into the sub to warm up. Or Topaz will warm him up with her crystals. And there's always Bepo. You know Cora likes snuggling up to him when cold."
"I know, I know," Neo said. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine," Law said. "You're doing great as a mother."
"You mean a mother hen," Neo said with a lift of her eyebrow.
Chuckling, Law hugged her. "It's just your way of showing you care. Are you ready to go out side now? The others are waiting for us."
Neo locked her eyes on their son as he scampered around their room. Now he was only dressed in fuzzy pants, a shirt, and a black jacket with their Jolly Roger on the left sleeve, his snow boots, gloves, and a hat. "I guess so."
"Let's go then. I'm sure Straw Hat is getting impatient," Law said. "I'm surprised he hasn't come to get us already."
Neo grabbed her coat that Law had made for them both for when they went to Punk Hazard. She pulled it on and headed out towards the door.
Law scooped Corazon into his arms and took Neo's hand. With everyone already outside, the sub was quiet as the three headed up to the main floor. A cold blast of air washed over their exposed skin when Law warped them out onto the deck.
"Wow!" Neo exclaimed upon seeing the white winter wonderland before them. Three mountain rose high in the distance, trees were covered with snow and scattered all over the base of the mountains, a pond was fifty yards away from where their ships were anchored, the snow looked to be a foot deep in places, and the crews were scattered about the island already engaging in wintery fun. "So amazing! I always forget how beautiful the snow can be."
Law nodded.
"Neo!" Chopper cried out.
Neo looked down. Some of their friends were standing near the sub. Bits of snow spotted their hair, clothes, and fur suggested a snowball fight had already broken out.
"Hey! About time you three got out here! Come join the fun!" Luffy said.
"Do you think you can freeze the pond for us?" Usopp asked. "Some of us would like to go ice skating."
"Sure thing," Neo said just before Law warped them down to the island.
"So how's Little Cora doing?" Penguin asked brushing snow off his boiler suit as he walked over to them. "And what took so long? Neo decide to put multiple clothes on him again didn't she?"
"I'm not that bad." Neo's cheeks flushed pink.
"Yes, you are!" the majority of the crews said.
"Thanks a lot," Neo said.
"Oh, we love you anyway." Penguin put his arm around her shoulder and kissed her cheek. "No matter how protective you are of Cora and the rest of us."
"Bepo! Bepo!" Corazon cried out while wiggling his arms out towards the bear.
"Okay, okay." Bepo walked over and took the child in his arms. "Is it all right if I take him to play for a while?"
Neo opened her mouth to reply but Law beat her to it. He said, "Yes, it's fine. Just keep an eye on him. If he gets too cold take him back into the sub."
"Aye, Captain." Bepo nodded then walked away.
Neo growled at Law.
"Don't give me that attitude," Law said. "Let him have some fun for a while. The cold weather won't kill him."
"Fine," Neo said.
"Why don't you freeze the pond so the others can skate?" Law asked.
"All right," Neo said. "You coming?"
"Of course I am," Law said.
Neo lifted an eyebrow at him. "Why do I get the feeling you're up to something?"
"Because I am," Law said as he pulled her towards the pond. "And don't bother trying to look into my mind. You won't be able to get it out of me."
"Oh, you are so mean," Neo said.
"Hush and freeze the pond," Law said.
"Fine." Neo summoned her wind and water crystals. She lowered the temperature on the water until it eight inches of ice formed over the water to ensure no one would fall through. "That should do it."
"So cool!" Luffy said.
"Yeah! It looks great! Let's get our skates on!" Usopp said holding up their skates in his hands.
"Yo, Trafalgar!" Franky called out. "I have them all ready for you!"
"Ready?" Neo blinked at the cyborg walking over to them. "What's ready?"
"These little beauties." Franky held out two pairs of ice skating shoes.
"Okay." Neo tilted her head.
"You can be so clueless at times," Law said. He took the shoes from Franky and pulled Neo over to a wooden bench. He sat down and placed Neo's shoes down on the ground. "Put them on."
"You can't be serious." Neo sat down and stared at the shoes near her feet.
"I am," Law said sitting beside her. "You're going to ice skate with me."
Neo picked them up and looked at the thin blades on the bottom of her new shoes. Her eyes then drifted to Luffy and Usopp who had already had theirs on and were out on the ice. She watched as they slipped, slid, and collided with each other. Their laughter erupted into the air when they collided. But it did nothing to ease her nerves about it. "How in the world can people actually do this? These blades are so thin. And I hate wearing shoes as it is. These look a lot less comfortable."
"It's actually a lot easier than it looks," Sanji said.
Neo looked up just in time to see the cook step out onto the ice. Her eyes locked onto him as he skated around with ease doing several spins and jumps. "Easy for you to say. You've clearly have done this before." She turned back to Law. "And how can you even do this? You've never mentioned it before."
"Never had the moment to," Law said. "Besides we never really had the opportunity to do this anyway. Now we do. So we're going to do it here and now while we have the chance. Consider it a lesson."
"But we really should be watching Cora," Neo said. Her eyes drifted over to their son. Corazon was still with Bepo and several other crewmates. They were rolling around a large snowball in an attempt to make a snowman, but Cora was scraping away at the ball to destroy it.
"Cora is just fine," Law said.
"Fine. But I'm blaming you if I fall and break something." Neo bent down. She pulled off her boots and started to pull on her ice skates. "I'm getting a foot rub later for this. My feet are already screaming."
"I'll give you a rub later then. And you won't fall. You know I won't let you," Law said. "Besides, you can fly."
Neo paused as if realization hit her. "Oh. Right."
"Don't worry, Neo," Chopper said walking up to them. "You'll do just fine."
"Thanks, Chopper," Neo said. "You must really be enjoying this weather."
"I am." Chopper nodded. "It reminds me of my home."
"I'm sure it does," Neo said.
"I'd like to build a snowman with you later," Chopper said.
"I'd like that, too," Neo said.
"I can't wait until we can decorate the tree," Chopper said. "I wish we could do it now but we have to wait for-"
"Chopper!" Sanji skated over to them. He picked up the reindeer and skated off. "Come skate with me!"
"What was that about?" Neo asked. "Why did he interrupt our discussion?"
"Never mind him," Law said.
Neo looked at her husband then up at Franky. Franky refused to look at her. Instead he shifted into his tank for and rolled out onto the ice. "Franky! What was that about?"
"Never mind him." Law stood up and stepped out on the ice. "We have plenty to entertain ourselves until later."
"Until later?" Neo blinked. "What are you all planning?"
"You'll have to wait and see," Law said holding out his hands. "Come on."
Neo huffed but placed her hands in his and stood up. Wobbling, she slowly made her way onto the ice. Her feet slipped in all directions, threating to slip out from under her. She grabbed onto Law, summoned her wind crystals, and squeaked.
"Don't worry," Law said. "I've got you. Remember you have your crystals and wings to help you, including me. So just trust me. You're not going to fall."
"Yeah, I know," Neo said. She contemplated on using her winds but decided to trust Law. "This is crazy. How can people think this is fun?"
"This is so much fun!" Luffy, holding Usopp's hands while they spun in large circles, screamed as they passed by.
"Never mind," Neo said. After a several more minutes of slipping, her body stabilized on the blades and she stood up straighter. "Okay, so this isn't all that bad. But I'm still not sure about it."
"You're doing wonderfully," Law said.
"If you say so," Neo said. "My feet don't think the same. We've only been doing this for about half an hour and they're already very sore."
"We can stop if you want," Law said.
"Only if you want to," Neo said snuggling into his arm. "I know you wanted to do this together. And I've already admitted that it's not been all that bad. It is kind of fun. I'll want to do this again before was leave this island. I think."
"How about we spend some time with Cora then go for a walk?" Law asked.
"Sounds good to me," Neo said.
Law guided her back to the bench. They traded their ice skating shoes for their more comfortable boots then headed over to the area where their son and several pirates were still making snowmen. Neo said, "Looking good."
"Mommy!" Corazon called waddling over to her in the snow that the crew had stomped down for him.
"Hey, baby." Neo picked him up and kissed his cheek. "Have fun?"
"Yes!" Corazon tosses his little hands in the air before putting them around Neo. "Snow fun!"
"Yes, it is," Neo said. "How's he been?"
"Behaving," Penguin said.
"As long as no one gives him the idea of…" Shachi imitated lighting a match. "…you know."
"Indeed." Neo shot Law a knowing look.
Law smirked. "I'll wait for Straw Hat to start building a snowman to suggest that."
"You are such a child when you want to be," Neo said.
"Snow play, Mommy," Corazon said. "Snow play."
"You want Mommy to play in the snow with you?" Neo asked.
"Yes!" Corazon sang.
"Okay," Neo said. "How about Daddy? Can he play too?"
"Yes!" Corazon repeated.
"Come on, Law. You heard our son," Neo said kneeling down.
Law knelt down beside her. They scooped together some snow in their hands and started to mold it into balls to form a line of small snowmen.
Neo couldn't help but shape the snowmen into their crewmates, especially Bepo.
"Bepo!" Corazon said when she finished with the bear.
"Yes, it is Bepo," Neo said.
"Make big!" Corazon cheered. "Make big Bepo!"
"Look what you started now," Shachi said with a chuckle.
"It's like he knows what Neo can do with her crystals," Zoro said.
"Of course he can," Kailen replied. "He can sense it just like we can. It's our natural."
"So you have said," Zoro said. "But I still find it amazing how he seems to be so smart."
"Seems to be? Our son is smart," Neo said.
"He sure is," Penguin said.
"I'm not so sure if that's a good thing considering who his dad is," Zoro said.
Law couldn't stop a proud smile from blooming across his face. The smile caused shivers to run down everyone's spine, but for Neo.
"You behave," Neo warned.
"I always behave," Law said despite them all knowing it wasn't true.
"I'm worried," Nami said.
"The next generation of pirates seems to be off to a wonderful start," Robin said with a smile.
"If he becomes a pirate," Nami said.
"He probably will," Neo said.
"You worried?" Kailen asked.
"Of course I'm worried," Neo said. "But I know I won't be able to make that decision for him."
"Mommy! Big Bepo!" Corazon said impatiently.
"Okay, okay." Neo patted his head. "Big Bepo it is." She stood up and summoned her wind and water crystals. Working them together, she rolled up three different, but very large size snowballs, piled them on top of each other, and then rounded out ears for the bear. All the while Corazon cheered happily as it was being constructed. "There. All done."
"Big B-Bepo!" Corazon giggled. "Bepo!"
"You look good as a snowbear, Bepo," Shachi said.
"I prefer the way I am," Bepo said. "But it does look good."
"A perfect likeness," Penguin said. "Well, with the exception of the size of course."
"So cool!" Luffy screamed as he, Usopp, Sanji, Franky, and Chopper came running over to them.
"Yeah! So cool! I want to make one, too!" Chopper transformed into his human form.
"I'll help!" Usopp said. The three started rolling together some snow.
"Looks like everyone's having fun," Sanji said.
"We always do!" Franky said before joining his three friends in making snowmen as big as they possibly could.
"And I'll entertain everyone with a song," Brook said. He pulled out his violin and started playing Bink's Brew. It didn't take long for the pirates to start singing.
A few minutes later, Law slid his hand into Neo's. "Come on, love. Cora is in good hands. Let's take some time for ourselves."
"Okay." Neo sighed as Law led her away from the rest of the group. She kept her eyes locked onto their son until he led her around a tree where she couldn't see him anymore. Then she had no choice but to look where they were walking. The trail was oddly worn down for an island that had no people. "This trail is well worn. Did you have the crew walk this when we got here?"
"I did." Law nodded. "I knew I wanted to go walking like this with you. So I had them and some of the Straw Hats form us a path."
Neo eyes lifted up when some birds flew off some branches. Their movement caused snow to rain down on them. "Wow. So beautiful."
"I thought you'd like it," Law said. "With Cora around we don't get much time alone."
"I'm sorry," Neo said. "I probably don't help much with my constant worrying over him."
"It's fine," Law said. "You do it because you care. But sometimes you need to take time off from him. Like right now would be a good start. You're thinking about him too much."
"Sorry." Neo grinned sheepishly. She took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay. It's just us for a while. Is there anything in particular you're wanting to do while we're out here besides walk?"
"There might be," Law said sending her some suggestive thoughts.
"What?!" Neo's cheeks flushed. "Are you serious?! Here?! Now?!"
"Well, not now," Law said. "We're still too close to the crews. But soon."
"I should have know you had something like that in mind," Neo said. "Sometimes it seems all you think about."
"It's not like you weren't thinking about it either," Law said. "And it's not like we haven't done it before in the snow. Remember Punk Hazard?"
"Hm," Neo hummed. "That was a good time despite where we were." She sighed.
"What is it, love?" Law asked.
"I'm just missing Godfather," Neo said. "I really wish he could have come here with us, too. It's been a year and a half since we last saw him."
"I know you do." Law squeezed her hand. "And you know he would come if he was able to."
"Yeah, I know," Neo said. They walked alone their snowy path for another half and hour before Law finally pulled her to him. Smiling he placed kissing on her lips and neck.
…
"We should head back now," Law said. Leaning up against a tree, he raked his fingers through her hair while watching the snow falling around them. "It's starting to snow again."
"I suppose so," Neo said snuggling against his chest.
"Oh?" Law looked down at her. "I figured you'd be flying us back as soon as I said that."
"Well," Neo lifted her eyes to his, "you did this to get me to relax. You said I needed to spend more time away from Cora."
"True," Law said. "And you did. And you didn't even think about him."
"How could I when you had me very well distracted." Neo ran her hand over Law's coat. It blocked her from his skin, but that didn't stop her from placing a kiss over his heart. "I love you so much."
"And I love you," Law said.
"Feels like the temperature is dropping little," Neo said.
"That's just your body cooling down," Law said.
"I still want some hot tea," Neo said.
"Blackleg and Basil probably already have some made," Law said. "Let's go."
Neo nodded. The two pushed themselves to their feet and headed back to the group. Halfway back to the crews, something caused her to look back the way they came. "Huh?"
"What is it?" Law asked.
"Nothing I guess," Neo said. "I thought I heard something. But I guess I was imagining things."
"Perhaps it was just an animal," Law said scanning the woods himself.
"You're probably right," Neo said. "There're a few rabbits nearby playing together."
"Then it's nothing." Law resumed guiding her back to the group.
When they got back they found that someone had cleared an area of snow and created a fire with several logs around it for them to sit on. Sanji and Basil were stirring two pots that were nested in the fire. One she knew was filled with hot chocolate as she could smell it and the other one was no doubt hot tea. The heat of the fire washed over them once they were close enough. She smiled when she found Corazon wrapped up in Bepo's arms sleeping. "Poor baby. He wore himself out, didn't he?"
"Yup. He fell asleep a few minutes ago," Shachi informed them.
"He's been running around in the snow like crazy," Penguin said. "It's a good thing. He'll sleep now then be up later when we eat and decorate the tree."
"He was also hungry," Basil said. "So we have him a small sandwich. Ate it all up."
"I think we might have a hard time keeping him fed when he's older," Topaz said. "He's already growing like a weed."
"Thanks, guys," Neo said. She sat down beside Bepo to watch Corazon sleep. When Law sat down beside her, she leaned against him. "So how's everyone else doing?"
"Great," Nami said. "This was a fun idea. Too bad we couldn't go shopping for gifts though."
"Ah, we don't need gifts," Luffy said. "We have each other. That's the best gift of all."
"It sure is," Usopp said.
"I have to agree," Kailen said smiling at Neo.
Neo smiled back at him.
Chopper ran over to Neo and crawled in her lap. "I'm glad to be with you all too. It's so much fun when we travel together. I hope we can do it for a long time."
Neo nodded. "So do I."
"Here you go," Basil said handing Neo and Law a cup of hot tea. "One for the captain and one for Neo. Both lightly sugared."
"Thank you, Basil," Neo said. She let the heat of the tea wash over her before taking a small sip. "So yummy."
The crews settled in, listening to the crackling of the fire and talking about whatever popped into their minds.
"What the…" Neo's voice trailed off as she stared off towards the sea. "It can't be."
"What is it, Neo?" Penguin asked with a bright smile.
"I can sense Godfather and there's a ship coming this way with Elementals on it," Neo said.
"What?! You can sense Shanks?!" Luffy said. "I thought he wasn't coming!"
Neo looked at her friends and family. It took her several seconds to register their bright smiles. "You knew! But how? Godfather said he couldn't come!"
"What?!" Luffy asked. "Is this true?!"
"We ran into a few wind Elementals shortly after you had your conversation with him back on Leash Island," Topaz said.
"We went ahead and told them where we were going to be and they took the message to him," Kailen added. "Just incase he was able to get free and come. It was all Law's idea."
"Why didn't you all tell me?!" Luffy demanded.
"Because you wouldn't have been able to keep this a secret," Usopp said.
"I would have!" Luffy said.
"Not likely," Nami said.
"Not when Shanks is involved," Sanji added.
"I should have know," Neo said, tears dripping from the corner of her eyes. "You're all so amazing. But how dare you keep this a secret from me."
"Merry Christmas, Neo," they all sang.
"Thank you," Neo said, drying her tears with her hands. "I love you all so much."
"You should go greet him," Law said.
"You are so amazing." Neo hugged and kissed Law.
Law wrapped his arms tightly around her before releasing her. "Go on now. I know you want to go see him."
"Thank you, Law," Neo said. "Thank you, everyone." Summoning her winds, she flew towards the familiar ship of her godfather. Her smile brightened when she saw him standing on the deck of the ship, waiting for her. "Godfather!"
"Hey!" Shanks waved.
Neo flew down and wrapped her arms around his neck just as his arm wound around her waist. "You! How dare you keep this a secret from me!"
"Sorry," Shanks said. "I wanted to surprise you. I know how much you've been missing me."
"I should be upset with you!" Neo said, her tears streaming down her cheeks. "But I'm too happy!"
Shanks chuckled.
"Princess," four wind Elementals said as they took to their knees. "It's an honor to meet and serve you."
"Thank you for bringing my godfather and his crew safely to me," Neo said, her royal tone coming out automatically. "Please, take us to the island. I'm sure you all are tired from your journey. You should rest."
"Thank you, Princess," they said before doing as she asked.
In a few seconds, they had the ship pulled up next to the Sunny. The anchor was dropped and they pirates were lifted to the island by the Elementals.
"Shanks!" Luffy cried as he ran over to them.
"Luffy, it's good to see you," Shanks said.
"I can't believe you're actually here!" Luffy said.
Shanks nodded while they made their way over to the fire.
"Grandpa! Grandpa!" Corazon wiggled his hands towards the Emperor.
"How's my little boy doing?!" Shanks pulled Corazon to his chest. "You been a good boy and causing all kinds of havoc for your parents?"
"Yes!" Corazon chirped.
"Godfather!" Neo scolded.
"Sorry." Shanks laughed.
"You're such a child. Just like Law." Neo shook her head.
"But a loveable child," Shanks said. "Isn't that right, Cora?"
"Right!" Corazon agreed.
"He doesn't even know what you're talking about," Zoro said.
"Stop being so stupid! Of course Cora knows what Shanks is talking about!" Sanji said. "He's smart unlike you!"
"What did you just say?!" Zoro demanded.
"You heard me! Cora has a better sense of direction than you do!" Sanji said. "That makes him smarter than you!"
Neo sighed. Summoning a wind crystal she pulled the two Straw Hats apart. Despite the separation they still tried to hit and kick each other while hurling insults.
"Fighting," Corazon said.
"Yes, your Uncle Sanji and Uncle Zoro are fighting again," Neo said.
"In any case, you made it just in time," Basil said. "We're going to be eating soon then decorate the tree."
"That's great!" Shanks said. "My cook will gladly assist you in any way possible!"
"Tree?" Yasopp asked looking around. "You going to pull one over?"
"No, Dad," Usopp said. "Neo's going to grow one for us once we're ready to decorate it. She doesn't like cutting down trees unless it's absolutely necessary."
"I should have known. Elementals are like that," Yasopp said. He put his arm around his son. "You're looking good! Glad to see my boy's doing all right for himself."
"Thanks, Dad," Usopp said. "It's good to see you too."
The pirates and Elementals wondered back over to the fire. They gathered around in groups and started talking about their adventures on the sea while the cooks got started on their meal.
"Huh? Hey who's that?" Usopp suddenly asked. The pirates and Elementals all turned to see an old man dressed in ragged old clothes walking over to them.
Neo picked up and hugged Corazon tightly to her chest and eyed the old man warily.
Law took step in front of Neo.
"I'm sorry," the man said. "I seemed to have startled you all."
"Nothing personal, old man," Zoro said, his swords partway out. "We didn't think anyone lived on this island."
"I live on the other side of the forest here. Just a couple miles from the base of the mountains," he said. "I was just out for a walk when the delicious smells of your meal reached me." His stomach rumbled. "I'm sorry. It's been a hard year. I don't have much food at home. I was out looking for some animals I might be able to catch."
"You're not carrying any packs," Shanks said.
Neo held Corazon tighter.
"My traps are set up throughout the forest," he said. "The ones I've check so far are empty."
"So what's your name?" Kailen asked.
"Forgive me," he said. "I'm not use to being around people so much. My name is Jean." His stomach growled again. "Oh dear."
"You should come eat," Sanji said.
"I don't want to intrude," Jean said.
"Neo?" Sanji turned to Neo.
"It's fine," Neo said slowly. "I wouldn't want him to go hungry."
"Thank you so much," Jean said. "You're very kind."
"Come sit by the fire," Nami said. "You're probably cold."
Jean nodded. He walked over to the fire and sat down.
"It's ready!" Sanji announced. "Time to eat!"
The pirates cheered. It didn't take long before they all had their plates fill and their bellies following soon after.
"Here we go!" Neo called out. Summoning her earth crystals, she grew a ten-foot tall cedar tree.
"Yeah!" Luffy cheered.
"We have the decorations!" Nami announced. She, Robin, Ikkaku, and Topaz were already digging through the boxes. The crews started filtering through the boxes and stringing up the decorations.
"Where did you get all of these?" Benn asked.
"We made most of them from stuff we could find on the ship," Nami said while holding up a wooden reindeer. "Some we bought on islands."
"They're so cute," Neo said holding a wooden penguin.
"That Penguin!" Corazon said.
"I guess you could say that," Penguin said with a laugh.
"You want to hang penguin on the tree?" Neo asked.
"Yes!" Corazon took the decoration from Neo.
"Here we go." Neo lifted Corazon into the air with her wind crystal. She flew him close to the tree where he placed the decoration on it with a giggle. They all got lost in decorating the tree after than. Everything was going fine until a horrible feeling swept over Neo when she sense Corazon moving farther and farther away from them. "Corazon!"
"Where did he go?" Basil asked. "He was just right here."
"Anyone seen Jean?" Sanji asked. "He's missing too."
"Don't tell me," Zoro said.
Nature erupted. The winds howled, their fire flared up, the waves rocked the ships, vines started lashing out at the sky, and wild animals cried out.
"Oh crap!" Usopp said. "Neo's ticked!"
Neo shot into the air. She flew in the direction of their son. Two seconds later, she landed in front of Jean, her eyes full of rage. "Give me back our son!"
"Mommy!" Corazon cried out. Tears pooled in his eyes.
"Give me back our son!" Neo snapped. "Don't make me say it again!"
The pirates landed with the Elementals. Those with weapons pulled them out while everyone stood ready to fight.
"I'm sorry." Jean dropped to his knees, releasing Corazon.
Corazon wiggled out of the old man's arms. Neo scooped him up in her winds and pulled their son into her arms. "Mommy."
"I've got you," Neo said, her own tears dripping down her cheeks. "Mommy's here."
"You have three seconds to explain yourself." Law pressed the blade of his sword to the man's neck.
"And it had better be a good explanation," Shanks said. "Do you know who you just tried to kidnap?"
"Yes, I know who all of you are. I'm so sorry. But I had to do it. They took my family," Jean said tears pouring down his cheeks. "They said if I didn't try to kidnap your son they would kill my family. I'm so sorry. I didn't want to do it."
"That's no excuse," Law said. He pressed his sword into the man's neck, ready to kill him.
"Law, wait," Neo said.
Law paused.
"I believe him," Neo said. "I can tell he's telling the truth."
Law withdrew his sword.
"You…you do?" Jean looked up at Neo. "But why? Why aren't you trying to kill me? I know you're furious."
"Neo has very good instincts," Law said sheathing his sword. "If she trusts you really mean no harm then I believe her."
"I don't understand," Jean said. "I stole your son."
"I'm not happy that you did that," Neo said. "But being a mother myself I can understand why you did. I know I'd do anything to keep my family safe. So we're going to help you."
"You are?" Jean asked.
"We are?" several others asked.
"Who put you up to this anyway?" Topaz asked.
"They're a group of bounty hunters," Jean said. "They showed up here a few days ago. All they were doing to do is rest then move on. But you all showed up. That's when they took my family hostage."
"So they're just cowards," Sanji said. "Let's go teach them some manners."
"Where are they?" Nami asked, twirling her baton.
"At my place," Jean said.
"So what's the plan?" Franky asked.
"I'm staying here with Cora," Neo said. "Elementals, please take my crews to Jean's house."
"Yes, Princess," the Elementals said.
"I think I'll stay with Neo," Robin said.
"Same." Topaz nodded.
"We'll I'm going," Luffy said cracking his knuckles. The rest of them agreed. The three women headed back to the fire while the pirates and Elementals headed off to Jean's house to deal with the real kidnappers.
"You okay?" Topaz asked kneeling down beside Neo.
Neo nodded but her tears disagreed. "I can't believe that just happen. We could have lost our son."
"We never would have let that happen," Robin said. "So don't blame yourself."
"I got distracted," Neo said.
"We all did," Topaz said. "But you know Cora wouldn't have let Jean take him very far."
"That's right," Robin said. "He would have used his crystals long before Jean got him to the bounty hunters."
"Mommy," Corazon said.
Neo loosened her hold on him. She looked down into his large beautiful steel colored eyes. He looked so much like Law to her. He smiled at her and patted her cheeks with his hands.
"No cry," Corazon said. "I am fire."
"I'm sorry," Neo said. "I know you are." She hugged him. "You're such a good boy."
"Good boy!" Corazon chirped.
A loud boom erupted in the distance.
"Guess they arrived," Topaz said. "That'll mean they'll be back in just a few minutes. I actually feel a bit sorry for those bounty hunters. I wonder what possessed them to try and kidnap the captain and Neo's son."
"People will do some stupid stuff for money," Robin said. "I guess this was just one of those moments. Of course, you know they didn't count on an Emperor being here."
"They deserve what they're getting," Neo said. "I just want Law, everyone, to come back soon."
And they did. Five more minutes later, the wind Elementals were lowering them all back down to the ground, including Jean's family. Law immediately went to sit down by Neo. She leaned into his hold. "Law."
"We're safe now," Law said. "They won't try that again."
Neo nodded.
"You all right, Neo?" Shanks asked.
"Yes," Neo said. "I'm fine now."
"We can't thank you enough," Jean said. He had his arm around his wife and his other arm around his oldest daughter. His youngest daughter was standing beside them but her eyes were sparkling with awe at the pirates.
"We invited them to stay with us for a while," Sanji said. "They're hungry as well."
"That's fine," Neo said.
"You all are too kind," Jean's wife said. "But why are you doing this? After what my husband did?"
"Don't worry about it," Law said. "It's over and done with. Neo just knows when someone's good or bad. Just eat then you can go home or whatever."
The family nodded. The cooks gathered and prepared them a hot meal.
"Neo, got a second?" Franky asked.
"What's up?" Neo asked.
"I wanted to talk to you about them," Franky said.
"Oh?" Neo tilted her head.
"Jean was right when he said it's been a hard year," Franky said. "They had very little goods. And what they did have the bounty hunters ate it. Some of the cabinets were opened during the fight."
"I see," Neo said. "You want to help them."
"Yeah." Franky nodded.
"Then we'll help them," Neo said. "I'll grow plenty of fruits and vegetables for the winter. Can you make a shelter for them?"
"Ow! You got it!" Franky said.
"We should probably catch some fish for them as well," Topaz said.
Neo nodded. They then spread the word through the pirates and Elementals what they were planning on doing. Franky took Usopp and some Heart Pirates with them to fix up their house with the help of one Elemental flying them, while others stayed around the fire and did some fishing. The Elementals easily pulled out fish from the sea. Working together it didn't take long before they had everything ready for the family.
"Wow!" Jean said. His and his family's eyes locked onto their new two-story house. "It's amazing!"
"I thought I might spruce it up a bit for you," Franky said. "It was far too drafty before. We also made you a new fireplace and cut you enough wood to last you all winter."
"So amazing!" the girls screamed as they checked out their new house.
"I have a slid from my room to the ground outside my window!"
"So do I! I love it!"
"Thank you so much," Jean said.
"Yeah!" Corazon cheered.
"You settle down," Neo said bouncing him in her arms.
"Okay," Corazon said.
"So, it all turned out fine after all," Law said.
"It did." Neo nodded. "And thank you so much for being you. You always know what I need when I need it."
"Any time, love." Law leaned down and kissed her.
"Gross," Corazon said.
"Yeah, gross!" several pirates echoed.
"Oh, hush." Neo summoned a wind crystal. In a flash she threw an entire wave of snow over the pirates.
"Snowball fight!" Luffy cheered. Snowballs started flying back and forth between the three different groups of people.
Well, not the best, but I got it done. Merry Christmas.