Ice Machine
Law stayed several minutes after Neo fell asleep before finally pulling himself away from her. With his hands in his pockets he left his room to find where his crew was. Figuring they were probably out on the deck keeping a look out in case the pirates they defeated decided to come back, he headed upstairs. Halfway there Penguin appeared on the stairs. "The crew up there?"
"They are." Penguin nodded. "I was just coming to check on Neo."
"She's sleeping," Law said.
"She got stressed," Penguin said.
Law nodded despite the man's words not being a question. The two headed back up to the deck together. When he had everyone's attention he told them what he over heard on the island.
"You can't be serious! An ice machine?!" Archer all but shrieked.
"That's going to be a serious pain," Conner said. "It's bad enough that Aokiji has the ice ice devil fruit."
"Captain, are you sure those weren't just rumors?" Bepo asked.
"It's possible that they are," Law said. "But I don't want to leave the island not knowing. So I'm sending out the scouters to find more information on this." He looked at his five scouters. "The machine's suppose to be on the northern side of the island. Go there and see what you can find. If you fine it or any navy, do not engage them. Come back here and report to me what you find. You have four hours. If anything happens, call on the transponder snail."
"You got it, Captain." Five men saluted before leaving the sub.
"What do we do until they get back?" Shachi asked.
"Whatever you want," Law said. "We're going to be staying here a few days at least. I don't want to pull Neo out of here to soon. We'll be sleeping on the sub unless you feel like paying for a room on the island."
"It might be nice to seek out some companionship," a crewmate said with several agreeing with them.
"Do you think Neo will be all right with us not being on the sub tonight?"
"She'll be fine," Law said. "Most likely she won't even know or understand why you're gone. She didn't even pick up on the waitress flirting with me."
"She's still a child." Penguin smiled, earning a round of agreements from the crew.
"If you want to go seek companionship, then that's fine," Law said. "But before you all run off its time for mandatory check ups. Bepo, Penguin, I'll check you two out right now. By the time we're done Neo should be awake. You two can keep her busy while I take care of the rest of the crew."
"Aye aye, Captain!" the crew said.
"How long do you think she'll sleep?" Archer asked.
"Probably just an hour," Law replied. "That seems to be about how long she sleeps when she's stressed. Archer, in about an hour go to my quarters and see if she's awake. Once she is escort her up to the medical bay."
"Sure thing, Captain," Archer said.
Law nodded at his first two patients then turned and headed back inside the sub. "Let's get started."
"Aye, Captain." Bepo and Penguin followed after their captain up to the medical bay.
…
Neo shifted in the soft bed before opening her eyes. Remembering what happened she sat up with a startled gasp. "Captain?! Captain!"
"Neo."
Neo glanced up when Archer called her name and stepped into the room. "Where…?"
"You're a bit disoriented. Just relax. You're on the sub," Archer said, walking over to the bed. He held out his hand for her. When she took it, he guided her off the bed and pulled her to his chest. "The captain's up in the medical bay. He wants you to come up there. I'll escort you."
"O-okay." Holding on to his hand, she followed him out of the room and up the stairs until they reached the medical bay. Just as they reached the floor, Law and Penguin wandered out of one of the exam rooms. She broke away from Archer and ran to Law, clinging to his hoodie. "Captain…"
"Is something wrong?" Law asked, placing his hand on her head.
"She was disoriented when she woke up," Archer explained.
"I see. Neo, did you have a nightmare?" Law asked.
"No." Neo shook her head before looking up at him. "I got scared. I forgot what happened then I woke up and you weren't there."
"I'm sorry," Law said, rubbing her back. "I was giving Penguin and Bepo a check up."
"It's okay," Neo said. "I'm with you now."
"Let's get your check up done," Law said, guiding her into the exam room. He closed the door behind them before guiding her over to the exam table where a gown was already waiting for her. "Go ahead and change into this gown. Remove your bra as well."
"Yes, sir." Neo pulled off her clothes, placing them neatly on the end of the exam table before slipping the gown on her body.
"Hop up here." Law patted the exam table.
Hopping up on the table, she placed her hands in her lap and patiently waited for Law to do his check up.
"Let's check your temperature first." Law slipped the thermometer into her mouth then tried to check her pulse. He chuckled when she tensed at his touch, her pulse thumped wildly. "I think I'll check your pulse and heart beat when you've settled down a bit." He took the thermometer out of her mouth, looked at it, and then wrote the results down in her chart. "Ninety seven. Good."
Placing the chart down, he pressed his fingers just under her jaw, causing her to tense again and giggle at his fingers dancing across her skin. Her cheeks flushed when he smiled. "Sorry, Captain."
"Nothing to apologize for," Law said. "You're just a bit ticklish there."
Neo continued to sit patiently as Law proceeded with his exam, obeying his commands without questions when he told her to do something. But suddenly, she started to fidget nervously. She swirled her index and middle fingers around her thumbs before picking at her skin.
"Something wrong?" Law asked while he pressed her abdomen.
"I don't know," Neo said. "I don't feel right."
"You feeling sick?" Law asked.
"No, it's not a sick feeling," Neo said.
"Can you explain it to me?" Law asked.
"I'm more worried than anything," Neo said.
"About what?"
"I'm not sure." Neo glanced around the room, noting it felt cool and smelled of antiseptics. "The crew's still here, right?"
"All but for the scouters. I sent them to check something out," Law said. When he noticed the worry in her eyes, he quickly added, "They'll be fine. It's just a quick look to check out a rumor. They're only to check it out and come right back here. They also have a transponder snail with them so they'll call if anything happens. Try to relax."
"Yes, Captain," Neo said.
"Let's get your weight and height," Law said.
Neo sat up and slid off the exam table. She followed Law over to the scales.
"Step up on it," Law said.
Neo obeyed. Her eyes locked onto the little square devices that he moved around until the bar balanced evenly.
"Hm." Law hummed.
"What is it?" Neo asked. "Something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong," Law said. "You've put on quite a lot of weight since you've been here. And you are definitely healthier than you were. Still, you only weight a hundred pounds. I guess you're just natural small." He took her height next. "And you're still only five foot two. I suppose you could just be passed the growing age despite looking so young."
"How old do you think I am?" Neo asked.
"I don't have a clue," Law said. "I think I'm going to go ahead and take some blood to be safe."
"Okay," Neo said, frowning.
"I promise it'll be as painless as possible." Law led her back over to the exam table. He signaled for her to sit back down on it while he gathered up the necessary items for taking her blood. He then sat the tray down on the table and sat down beside her. "Just relax."
Neo exhaled.
Law grimaced when she flinched at the needle inserting in her skin. He hated himself for hurting her, but reminded himself that it was necessary. He drew the blood as quickly as he possible could. Setting it aside he held a cotton ball to the pinprick to stop the bleeding before placing a bandage on it. Then, out of nowhere, he lifted her arm and placed a kiss over the bandage.
Neo squeaked. Her cheeks flushed as her body tightened up like a coiled spring.
Law chuckled, loving how he was the only one who could make her have that reaction. "Get dressed now."
Neo managed a slight nodded before mindlessly sliding off the exam table. She fumbled with her clothes but managed to put them back on. "Um, n-now what?"
"I'd like you to go spend some time out on the deck," Law said.
"Near people?" Neo pouted. "And without you?"
"I have the rest of the crew to preform checkups on. I'll be right up here if you need me," Law said. "Besides, Penguin and Bepo are waiting for you. They won't let anything happen to you. You need to spend some more time without me. And now would be a good time for that."
"Okay," Neo said. "I'll go."
"Good girl," Law said. "I'll see you later."
Neo nodded before heading for the door. While walking down the stairs, she fingered the bandage on her arm mindlessly. Stepping back out on the deck she found Penguin leaning against the rail and Bepo laying on the deck. "What's Bepo doing?"
"He's attempting to take a nap," Penguin said.
"But it's not working," Bepo said. "Too much noise."
Neo paused to listen to the world around them. People were talking from the town, seagulls were crying above as they circled masts of ships or dove into the water for lunch, and the waves swooshed against the ships and beach. "I guess it is a bit noisy out here."
"I guess your done with your exam," Penguin said.
"I am." Neo nodded, still fiddling with the bandage. "The captain took blood."
"Same here." Penguin showed her his own bandage. "I don't know anyone who likes getting poked with needles."
"I sure don't," Neo said. "I'm glad it doesn't happen very often now."
"You don't have to worry about that," Bepo said. "The captain only takes blood when necessary. And he's going to take precautions with you."
Neo tilted her head at Bepo sprawled out on the deck.
"What is it?" Bepo asked.
"I'm sorry." Heat rushed to her cheeks. "I, um, just think you look like a fluffy pillow."
Penguin laughed. "He might as well be! The captain leans against him all the time!"
"He does?" Neo asked.
"You haven't seen him since you've spent more time in the sub," Penguin said. "But, yeah, the captain often reclines against Bepo when they're both out here."
"Do you get to do that?" Neo asked.
"Nope," Penguin said. "Bepo only lets the captain. He's selfish."
"Hey! I am not!" Bepo protested.
"You never let us lean on you," Penguin said.
"I'll let Neo," Bepo said.
"Really?" Neo's eyes widened.
"Of course," Bepo said. "You're cute, unlike these other morons on the sub."
"Hey!" Penguin protested.
"Come here." Bepo padded the deck beside him.
Neo timidly walked over to him and sat down, her right side to his. She leaned against his side finding it very warm and soft. "You're so soft."
"I am a bear," Bepo said.
Neo smiled and relaxed against him. "I like having an animal around."
"Oh yeah?" Bepo asked.
"I love animals," Neo said just as a seagull landed beside her. She stroked its soft feathers before it rubbed its head against her thigh.
"We noticed," Penguin said, eyeing the bird.
"They were your only friends until we came along," Bepo said.
Neo nodded somberly. "I remember some of them took care of me. They brought me berries and other stuff. But I didn't eat it. I couldn't. I was too sad and scared."
"You poor baby," Penguin said. He crossed the deck before squatting and wrapping his arms around her. "You don't have to worry about that anymore. You're with us and no one is going to take you away."
"I'm glad," Neo said. "You're my family."
"We sure are," Bepo and Penguin said.
Neo, feeling secure and safe, placed her arms over Bepo's stomach. "You're so fluffy."
"You can lay on me if you want," Bepo said. "You've probably slept with animals before."
"I have." Neo nodded. Biting her bottom lip in uncertainty, she climbed upon Bepo's stomach and laid down on her own. She smiled. "You make a nice pillow. Every big, cute, fuzzy one."
Penguin chuckled.
Bepo blushed.
Blushing herself, Neo reached for Bepo's ears. Upon brushing her fingers against his fur she paused, hesitating and contemplating if she should do it.
"It's fine," Bepo said. "I don't mind."
Neo licked her lips, placed her fingers behind his ears, and gently scratched him. She started to giggle but caught herself in time when a couple men shouted to each other. Instead her smile grew. Soon she had her feet kicking in the air while playing with Bepo's fur.
"Looks like the captain has lost his favorite reclining spot," Conner said, having stepped out onto the deck. The seagull took of to the sky at his unexpected appearance, squawking in annoyance at being disturbed. "Same to you, birdbrain!"
"I think you might be right." Penguin, now sitting on the deck propped back on one hand, smiled at Neo and Bepo. The two seemed oblivious to their presence now, even when more of the crew came out on the deck.
…
Law sighed, satisfied the exams were finally over and that his crew seemed to be healthy. Tapping the small pile of his patient files on the counter, he placed them back in the filing cabinet and closed it with a firm push. After being away from Neo for a little over two hours, he grabbed his sword and headed out to find her. Making it down to the main floor he heard voices coming from the deck so decided to go there first. He squinted upon having the bright sunshine in his eyes. First he saw Conner and Penguin sitting on the deck playing a card game. Then lifted his eyebrows when he saw Neo was lying on Bepo's stomach beside them. "Well, you seem to be having fun."
"Captain!" Neo smiled at him. "Bepo's so cute! He's letting me lay on him! But he fell asleep over an hour ago!"
"I see," Law said.
"I think Bepo favors her over you, Captain," Conner said with a smirk. "You've never laid on Bepo before."
"I think we all favor her over anyone else on the crew," Law said, surprising his subordinates with his honesty. He ignored their shocked faces and took his normal spot beside Bepo. Glancing over his shoulder he smiled as he watched Neo brush her fingertip over Bepo's nose.
"His nose is wet," Neo said.
"Do you know why?" Law asked.
"Um…" Neo hummed and kneaded her eyebrows, trying to recall her lessons on animals. "It's because…rhinarium. It's the naked skin surface surrounding the external openings in most mammals."
"That's correct," Law said.
"Looks like your tutoring lessons worked," Conner said, picking up another card.
"She's a bright girl," Penguin said.
"You're biased," Conner said.
"I am not!" Penguin snapped. "Neo is a bright young woman! She's just had a hard life!"
"I know, I know," Conner said, rearranging his cards. "We're all biased when it comes to her."
"At least she's more relaxed now," Penguin said. "For a moment there I didn't think she'd stay out here with us."
Law nodded in agreement. It was a bit surprising that Neo didn't come running back into the sub to find him.
"Captain! Captain!"
"Hey! One of the scouters has come back!" Archer announced.
"Only one of them?" Shachi asked.
"He doesn't sound very happy," Archer said as he and Shachi watched their crewmate scramble up the ladder. "What's going on? Where are the others?"
The scouter opened his mouth to reply but quickly shut it when he saw Neo looking at him.
"Neo, go to the rec. room," Law ordered. "Now."
"Yes, sir," Neo said. She stood from Bepo's stomach and entered into the sub, giving them all a curious and worried glance.
"What happened?" Law asked when Neo was out of their sight.
"The rumor is true," he said. "But the details were all wrong. It's not just one machine. It's a whole bunch, at least ten. The navy soldiers are wearing them on their hands with a hose leading back to the actual machine on their backs. They were waiting for us since they knew we were here."
"They knew?" Shachi asked. "But how? There are no navy ships around here."
"The scientists that are working on the machine saw us and other pirate crews. They were hoping one of us would come looking for the device," he said. "A navy ship was on the other side of the island where the research has been going on. I have no idea how long they have been there. But I know the ship is full of navy soldiers and a couple captains."
"It was a trap," Penguin said.
"And I sent them right into it." Law gritted his teeth.
"We were ambushed. I barely got away but they frozen my transponder snail so I couldn't call you," the scouter said, showing them the frozen creature.
"Let's go get them!" Conner said, heading for the ladder.
"Wait," Law said.
"What for?!" Conner asked.
"I've already put five of my men in danger from a stupid mistake," Law said. "I'm not going to let that happen again. And there's going to be at least a thousand soldiers on that navy ship. We need a plan before barging in there."
"So what do we do?" Bepo asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Law said. "I'm confident that we can handle the soldiers easily enough as long as they don't all come at us at once. It's the ice machines that I'm the most concerned about."
"Too bad we don't have the flame flame devil fruit," Shachi said. "That would easily be able to handle the ice."
"We have our own fire wielder," Law said.
"Captain! You can be serious!" Penguin jumped to his feet, his cards falling from his hands. "She's just a child! You can't subject her to one of our battles!"
"I know that," Law said. "But what choice do we have? My powers can't unfreeze the ice. And I could cause more harm than good trying to warp them out of the ice. They're going to have to be thawed out gradually."
"We can bring them back to the sub for that," Penguin said.
"I have to agree," Conner added. "She's not ready to fight anyone yet. She's not even use to just being around people yet."
"She's not going to fight anyone," Law said. He took the frozen transponder snail from his scouter and examined it. "I won't let her. All she's going to do is keep us from getting frozen."
"But, Captain…" Penguin dropped his eyes to the floor.
"I understand your concerns," Law said. "And I know this is going to freak her out quite a bit. But if we lose any member of the crew at this point it'll only be worse for her."
"I understand that," Penguin said. "But putting her in the middle of a fight?"
"I'm not going to put her in the middle if I can help it," Law said. "We're going to keep her out of the sight of the navy as much as possible."
"So she'll hold a distant position," Shachi said.
"As long as the fight remains outside," Law said, "that will be best place for her. Bepo and Penguin will stay with her while the rest of us try and destroy the ice machines and get our crewmates back."
"They'll most likely have our crewmates on the ship already," Bepo said. "If I remember correctly the brig is on the fifth floor. It's the entire floor as well."
"Or have them sitting out for another ambush." Shachi rubbed his chin in thought.
"Both are a high possibility," Law said. "But we have to do it. I'll go talk to Neo. We're going to have to buy a little time. The navy most likely expects us to come rushing over to them right now. I believe a night strike will be best. While we're waiting for nightfall mentally prepare yourselves. We'll search the area outside of the navy ship before I warp some of the crew onto the ship. Once the others are located contact me with a transponder snail with the location and I'll warp you all back out. Then Neo can lift us up to the sky and back to the sub. Archer?"
"Sir?" Archer straightened up.
"I want you to stay with the sub," Law said. "Have it ready and waiting to depart once we're back."
"You got it, Captain!" Archer said.
"Will this work though?" Penguin asked.
"The area has a lot of cover," the scout said. "She'll easily be able to hide in the trees and position her crystals where the soldiers can't see them."
"All right," Law said. "Prepare yourselves."
"Aye, Captain!" the crew said.
Law nodded to them before heading into the sub. With each step he took he mentally kicked himself for using Neo like this. He knew she wasn't ready to fight. But he just couldn't think of another way to get their crewmates back. And he was right. If Neo lost anyone at this point it would do more harm than good having her get involved in the fight. He hated it. He hated himself. How was he going to pull this off and not have Neo fall into a mental break down?
Far too soon he had reached the rec. room. He stood in the hall, not wanting her to see him yet. But it was impossible to delay this for long. He forced his feet to move and stepped into the room. There Neo was sitting on the couch, hugging her knees to her chest. His stomach dropped. Her sad, worried eyes revealed that she knew something bad had happened. Sticking the transponder snail into his pocket, he walked over and sat down beside her.
"They've been captured," she said. "Haven't they?"
"They have," Law said.
Neo tightened her arms around her legs. "Are they going to…?"
"No, Neo," Law said. "They're not going to die. I won't let that happen. The navy is only holding them for the time being. We're going to get them back." He paused, hoping a better plan would come. It didn't. "We're going to need your help."
"Me?" Neo looked up at him.
"They've created these ice machines," Law said, pulling out the transponder snail. Neo gasped and gathered the frozen creature into her hands. "The scouters have been frozen. And the rest of the crew could be as well. Use your fire crystals to heat it back up. Just summon two and place it on each side of the snail. Light it and gradually raise the temperature."
Neo summoned two fire crystals. She hovered them close to the snail and gradually warmed the creature up as she was instructed. The ice slowly melted away from the snail until it was all gone. The snail sneezed. "You poor baby." She summoned an earth crystal and created the snail some algae to eat while still warming it with her fire crystals. "Here, have a snack."
"We're going to keep you away from the navy as much as possible," Law said. "But if we do get frozen like this transponder snail we'll need you to heat us back up or destroy the machines."
"I don't know if I can," Neo said. "I'm scared. I don't want you all to get hurt."
"I know." Law put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. "I promise that everyone is going to be fine. But we can't pull this off with out you. You're going to be in a tree with Penguin and Bepo. Once we get the scouters back you're going to fly us back to the ship. All you have to do is keep us from getting frozen while we free the crew. And you'll need to keep your crystals out of their sights."
"Can't you just warp the scouters away from the navy?" Neo asked.
"I'm not sure where they are," Law said. "Remember I have to know or see where I'm aim or who I'm warping are. I could accidentally warp soldiers instead of our crew."
"So how are we going to get them?" Neo said.
"The rest of us will fight the navy," Law said. "I'll warp a few crewmembers on the navy ship. Once they contact me after finding the scouters I'll warp them outside. Then you'll fly us back to the ship where Archer will be waiting to depart. Just be careful to not let the navy see you."
"You think I can do this?" Neo tilted her eyes up to him.
"I know you can," Law said. "Just look at it as another training session, or a game, with the crew. Only there are more players in this game."
"A game?" Neo asked.
"Yeah." Law nodded. "Think of it like tag. Only this time you're tagging the ice machines with your fire. You don't even have to attack or tag the navy soldiers. Most likely they'll be more confused at your fire to do any sort of damage to use. As far as they know our crew doesn't have any fire wielders on it. So we'll have the advantage here."
"Okay," Neo said. "I think I can do it."
"That's my girl." Law gave her a gentle squeeze. "You'll have a few hours to get use to the idea. We're not going after the scouters until the sun sets."
A knock came on the door. It was followed by, "Excuse me."
"What is it?" Law looked up to see his scouter standing there.
"If it would help," he said, "I have a drawing here of what I remember of the area where the navy ship is. Neo could be a bit more familiar with the area before we go there. Bepo drew it a few minutes ago from what I told him about the area."
"Come in," Law said.
The scouter nodded. He walked over and handed the paper to Neo.
Neo took the paper and held it where they all could see it. Running her eyes over it, she found a thick forest surrounded a square near the edge of the island with a seagull flag she figured represented the navy ship. Beside the square the words Research Base was scribbled beside it.
"This square here is where the research base is located," the scouter said pointing to it. "And this seagull flag is where the ship is anchored. The sea is deep enough that they were able to pull right up to the island." He pointed to the trees to the west of the ship and building. "I think it would be best for Neo to wait here. She'll have a clear view of the ship and the research building and us."
"You understand that, Neo?" Law asked.
"Yes, sir." Neo nodded.
Law glanced up at his scouter with a silent signal to leave them alone for now. He watched his subordinate nod in understanding before leaving the room. His attention dropped back to Neo when she laid her head on his shoulder. His heart skipped a beat. Her sweet smell floated up to his nose, relaxing him into a light trance.
"Will you stay with me?" Neo whispered.
"Of course I will," Law replied. He laid his cheek onto her hair, breathing her scent in more. "We can stay here until we get ready to leave. The crew's getting ready now. We'll meet them up on the deck about fifteen minutes before leaving. I'll make sure you're secure in your hiding spot before we begin our attack."
"Okay," Neo said.
The two went quiet after that. The only sounds were from the crew who passed the door or headed down to the next floor. When he sensed Neo getting a bit stressed out and shivering against his side, he gave her a comforting squeeze to relax her. Then their time was up. He took her hand in his and led her out of the room. Back up on the deck the crew was already waiting for them. The lights of the town shimmer behind them, as they stood ready to get their friends back.
Penguin was the only one who looked nervous. He stepped over to Neo and smiled. "How you doing?"
"I'm scared," Neo said. "But I want my family back."
"And we'll get them back." Penguin nodded.
"All right," Law said a minute later. "We're heading out."
The crew cheered, making Neo jump.
"It's all right." Law brushed his thumb over her skin. Her hand trembled in his then tightened. "Let's go, Neo."
Neo nodded. With a slow exhale, she summoned a couple wind crystals and lifted them all into the air. Heading north, she carried them to the spot the scouter showed her on the map Bepo drew for them.
"There." The scouter pointed to the thick trees lining the edge of the island.
Neo guided them into the trees. Keeping below the leaves, she carried them until Law told her other wise.
"Keep us, Penguin, and Bepo in the air while sitting the rest of the crew down," Law said. Once she did, he added, "Now lift us into the branches."
Neo did. She waited patiently as Law scanned the area and guided her around with hand signals until he found a place he believed would suit their purpose. She looked out through the leaves. As the scouter had said, she had a clear view of the area while remaining hidden behind the leaves and branches. Several navy soldiers were standing out in the clearing; all ready with their guns and swords. Knowing he was going to leave her side, she tightened her hand on his and looked up at him with wet eyes.
Law smiled. Leaning over he press a kiss to her forehead then whispered, "This won't take long at all."
Neo nodded. Wrapping her winds around him, she reluctantly lowered him back to the ground. Her heart took a sharp beat in her chest. Tears burned her eyes before leaking over her eyelids. Remembering her training, she took in slow deep breaths to keep herself from crying. Heat from both Penguin and Bepo's bodies surrounded her. Then, without warning, Law's Room extended out from the forest and the crew was warped into the middle of the navy soldiers. The air was instantly filled with clashing of swords, gunfire, and shouts. Her body trembled. A soft whimper escaped her lips as her eyes locked onto the battle before her. Her stomach spun violently as she watched her family disarm as many soldiers as they could. Then a cold shiver floated over her senses. Her eyes zeroed in on a medium size navy soldier sneaking up behind Shachi. The man was wearing some sort of device on his back with hoses leading to the gloves on his hands. Summoning a fire crystal, she placed it right behind the soldier's device and melted it just enough so it wouldn't work.
"Whoa," Penguin said. "I didn't even see him use the thing."
"I can sensed the ice before he could use it," Neo said.
"That's right," Penguin said. "I forgot you could sense nature like that."
"Can you destroy the others before they're used against the crew?" Bepo asked.
"I think so," Neo said. Narrowing her eyebrows, she forced herself to block out the sounds of the battle focus only on finding the ice. She found them. Nine other ice machines were scattered throughout the battlefield. Placing her fire crystals behind the devices, she melted them just like the first one.
Penguin and Bepo chuckled at the confused looks on the soldier's faces as they struggled to get their machines to work.
"You did beautiful, Neo," Penguin said.
"Thank you," Neo replied, her eyes locked onto Law. His Room spread out around him. Several guns disappeared from the soldiers hands before some of their crewmates disappeared. "They're in? Did they make it in?"
"They did," Penguin said. "The captain never misses."
"This'll be over soon," Bepo said. "You're doing really well, Neo."
"I can't stop shaking." Neo wrapped her arms around her body. "I want to go back to the sub."
"We will." Penguin slipped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to his side. "Just a few more minutes. As soon as the crew comes back out, we're out of here."
Neo leaned into Penguin's side. Her eyes remained on Law as she waited for him to warp their crew back outside. Time slowed so much that her body physically hurt. She cringed each time she saw one of her family get hit with a punch, kick, or nicked with a sword and tucked herself farther into Penguin's side.
"Come on," Penguin said. "Where are they?"
"Maybe the navy had more soldiers inside in case this happened?" Bepo suggested.
Suddenly they all gasped when a large navy soldier punched their captain and ice covered his chest and hands and sent his body flying towards the edge of the island.
"What happened?! I thought the ice machines were destroyed!" Bepo shouted.
"They must have been hiding one!" Penguin said.
The soldier moved with striking speed and hit their captain again, sending him flying off the island and into the deadly sea.
Neo screamed and jerked away from Penguin's side. "No! Captain!"
"Neo, stop!" Penguin grabbed her wrist before she could fly away from them. He pulled her back to his chest, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and praying that she wouldn't become conscious enough to use her crystals to escape him.
"You have to stay here!" Bepo put his hands on her shoulders to help keep her pinned. His nose twitched at the smell of Neo's blood. He looked down. Blood spotted the bark of the limb. "You've cut your feet on the branch. Calm down."
"No! The captain! The sea will hurt him!" Neo screamed. Hot tears streaked down her cheeks. Her breaths came in short, sharp gulps. The bark bit into her feet as she struggled to get away from them. "I have…save…him!"
"Do it from here!" Penguin said. "You know the captain doesn't want you to be seen by the navy!"
"I don't care! I need to help him!" Neo struggled violently against them.
"What do we do?!" Bepo shrieked.
"Neo! Use your crystals and lift the captain back to the island!" Penguin said. "Please! Listen to me! You can save him from here!"
Neo stopped struggling. She hiccupped before summoning her water crystals. Closing her eyes, she tried to feel out for their captain. Her pulse hammered against her skin. She couldn't find him. Another whimper slipped passed her lips before she said, "Please, help me. I need to find my captain." Sending her feelings out to the creatures of the sea, she locked into the emotions of a passing whale. In her soul and mind she hear the whale responding to her pleas. "Please, my captain is in trouble. He fell into the sea. He's hurt. Lift him to the air. Please, help him."
The whale sang at her, telling her he found her captain. It then lifted the unconscious man to the surface.
"Thank you," Neo whispered. She opened her eyes and saw the whale and Law. Using her wind crystal, she lifted Law onto the island and dried him off and melted the ice from his body. "Thank you so much."
The whale sang at her again before diving back under the water.
Neo glared at the large navy man when he started walking towards her captain. Moving her fire crystals to the man's back, she melted the machine just before Law spread his Room out and sliced the man into multiple pieces.
