Sick

Neo barely registered Penguin's body relaxing against hers. Her mind and body was buzzing so hard he sounded like he was miles away from her when he said, "That was way too close for comfort."

"You did it, Neo!" Bepo said. "You saved the captain!"

Neo nodded, brushing her tears away as she watched Law's Room appear again. Then in a blink the missing crewmembers were back outside.

"That's it!" Penguin said. "Let's get out of here!"

"O-okay." Neo wrapped her winds around her crew. Lifting them up, she made sure to keep herself hidden behind the leaves and trees as they made their way to the edge of the island to meet up with the rest of the crew. Out of the tree line, she couldn't stop herself from looking back at the soldiers. They, plus their ship and the research building was completely destroyed and scattered about the island and sea. She figured the captain must have used his powers again when she couldn't see him. It made sense. This way the navy wouldn't be able to follow them so easily. Her eyes shot to Law. She flew over to him and grabbed a hold of his hoodie. Pressing her face into his chest she noticed he smelled of sweat. "Captain! Are you okay?! You fell into the sea!"

"I'm just fine. You got me out of the water in time. You did really well tonight, but I need you to focus on getting us back to the sub. I took care of their ship but another one could be close by," Law said. "We need to get out of here before they try and stop us."

Neo obeyed but with her body still shaking from the events her eyes kept drifting over to the crew. She scanned their injuries, cringing at how the scouters were all froze from their chests down. "Are they going to be all right?"

"They'll be fine once we get back to the sub," Law said.

"Y-yeah, Neo, we're f-fine," a scouter said.

"We j-just c-cold," another one said.

"I'll warm you up in the sub," Neo said. Picking up her wind speed, she had them on the deck of the sub within a few seconds. She kept the pirates in her winds as she flew them up to the medical bay and into an exam room. All now on their feet she stepped closer to the frozen pirates; the cold from the ice radiated off their bodies.

"I guess we're getting another check up," Shachi said.

"You're hurt," Neo said, eyeing the cut on his cheek. She reached out and turned his face a bit so she could see it better. A drop of blood was trailing down his face.

"We're fine," Shachi said. Taking her hand from his face he placed a kiss on her palm. "These are just minor. Only a little disinfectant and a bandage are needed. You focus on the scouters."

Neo frown but accepted his words.

"Let's warm the men up," Law said. He rushed over to the voice pipe in the room. "Archer, take off now!"

"You got it, Captain!" Archer replied just before the engines hummed and the sub started pulling away from the dock.

Neo's shoulders relaxed as the mast of the ship beside them began to disappear in the porthole.

"Neo, summon six fire crystals for each scouter," Law said. "Warm them up just like you did with the transponder snail."

"Yes, sir." Neo, pulling her attention from the porthole, summoned her crystals. Hovering them near the scouters, she watched carefully as the ice began to melt off their bodies and onto the floor.

"Let's get some mops and towels in here to soak up the water," Law ordered.

A couple pirates nodded then left the room.

"I can just use my water crystals," Neo said.

"You focus on warming them up," Law said. "I'm going to check the others to make sure no one gets an infection."

Neo kept her eyes on Law for several seconds. She watched him wander around the room to gather up disinfectant and bandages before checking his men out one by one. Any that didn't have any injuries were dismissed, giving them more room to move around. She then turned her eyes back to the scouters. Increasing her fire crystals, she continued to warm them up without cooking them. The ice snapped at the treatment of her fire and began to fall off in small pieces. Before long all of the ice was off them. Summoning a couple wind crystals she dried them off while scanning her eyes over their bodies. "How are you feeling?"

"A lot better," one said, flexing his muscles.

"I just hope we don't get sick from that," another one said bending his knees to make sure they worked properly.

"Thanks a lot, Neo," a third one said while hugging her. "You're the best."

"I'm so glad you're all alright," Neo said, hugging him back before giving the rest of the scouters a hug. She then walked over to Law and stood beside him; watching him as he dabbed some disinfectant on Shachi's cheek with a cotton ball. She waited patiently for Law to finish up with checking the crew. Her head bobbed as her eyelids grew heavy from the stress of the day.

"You should go lie down," Penguin said. "You're about to fall asleep on your feet."

"I'm fine," Neo said. "I don't want to leave the captain."

"Well, all right," Penguin said. "Will you be feeling up to cooking with me later?"

"Yeah." Neo nodded.

"All right then." Penguin headed for the door. "I'll see you later."

Neo yawned.

Bepo walked over to them. Leaning towards the captain he whispered into Law's ear. Law's eyebrow rose before he nodded. The bear nodded back and left the room.

"I'll be finished in a minute," Law told her.

"I'm fine," she said, her body swayed.

Law chuckled. "You're not fine. You're stressed and about to fall asleep because of it."

"It was hard, Captain," Neo said.

"I know it was," Law said. "But you're safe now. We all are." He placed a bandage over the cut he was tending. "There. Keep an eye on it for infections. If something pops up, come tell me immediately."

"Sure thing, Captain." The pirate rolled down his sleeves and left the room.

Neo tried to rub the sleep out of her eyes as she watched Law turn and then step over to her. "Now what?"

"You hope up here on the exam table," Law said. "Bepo told me you cut your feet on the tree branch."

"Oh…yeah." Neo scanned the small trail of blood she left on the floor before climbing upon the exam table. "I'm sorry. I'll clean that up."

"Don't worry about it," Conner said pushing the mop over the floor. "I've got it."

"I'm sorry," Neo said again.

"It's fine," Law said. Pulling a chair over, he sat down, placed his medical tray on the exam table, and picked up her foot. Examining the slightly ripped skin he added, "Bepo told me that you got upset. I'm just glad you didn't do too much damage here."

"I didn't even realize I hurt my feet," Neo said.

"When we're scared we often can't feel pain until the fear is gone. It's the rush of adrenaline," Law said. "You'll probably feel it in a little while. I'll give you some pain medication for it."

"Adrenaline..." Neo said. "That's a hormone secreted by adrenal glands, especially in times of stress. It increases the rate of blood circulation, breathing, and carbo…carbo…" She huffed.

"Carbohydrate," Law said.

"Carbo-hy-drate," Neo pronounced.

"Continue." Law nodded.

"Carbohydrate metabolism and preparing the muscles for exertion," Neo concluded. "Is that correct?"

"It is." Law nodded while moving on to her other foot. "Good job."

Neo nodded, wiggling her right foot to make sure the bandage wasn't too tight. She watched as he cleaned her left foot, put some antiseptic on the broken skin, and then wrap white bandages around her foot.

"There all done," Law announced. Standing up he took the tray and put the remaining supplies back in the cabinet. He grabbed the painkillers and a cup of water before walking back over to her. "You're fine to walk on them. They'll be healed in a few days if you take it easy and don't stand on branches again. Here's your medication."

"I won't do that again," Neo said taking the two white pills he was holding out for her and swallowed them. Handing the cup back to him she yawned and glanced down at the feet. She didn't see Law moving back over to her until he was right beside her. She looked up just in time to see his arms go around her.

"You…" Law swept her in his arms, sword skillfully in hand. "…are going to take a nap. You are far beyond tired."

Neo squeaked and tensed at his closeness. A minute later, she curled her fingers on his hoodie and relaxed against him. Timidly, she peeked up at him "Stay with me?"

"Of course I will," Law said. Stepping out into the hall, he carried her down to his room and placed her on his bed. As she moved over to her side, he sat down, propped his sword against the wall, and removed his boots before laying down himself. He couldn't help but chuckle when he looked at Neo. She was already fast asleep beside him. Rolling onto his side, he propped up on his elbow to watch her sleep. A swell of pride gathered in his chest. She had done a lot better with their rescue mission tonight than he expected. And he was over joyed that they were all back and safe in the sub.

A soft whimper from her prompted him to move closer to her. When he did her fingers curled around his hoodie once more. He tucked her hair behind her ear, hoping being this close will prevent her from having a nightmare as she slept. Reaching back to his chest, he pressed his fingers to the pulse in her wrist. Counting the beats he found her blood pressure was over 140 over 90. He frowned. He didn't like that but reminded himself she was stressed and it would go down once she woke up from her nap.

Law had no intention of falling asleep himself but as he laid there watching his youngest charge sleeping peacefully, he couldn't help but nod off himself. The next thing he knew he felt Neo stirring beside him. He opened his eyes to see her stretching out. Rolling over onto his back he stretched out his body as well then looked back at her.

"Hey, Captain," Neo said, rubbing her eye sleepily.

"How you feeling?" Law asked. He reached out and pressed his figures against the pulse in her wrist. A smile crept across his lips as she tensed at his touch. Despite the movement her pulse didn't speed up.

"A lot better," Neo said.

"Your blood pressure is back down," Law said. "That's good. You still feeling up to cooking with Penguin?"

"Uh huh." Neo yawned. Still rubbed her eye, she reached out and curled her fingers around his hoodie and tugged. "Will you come with me? Just for a little while?"

"If you need me to," Law said.

"Just for a few minutes," Neo said. "I have to use the bathroom."

"All right," Law said. He didn't move. Her fingers were still curled around his hoodie. "I'll stay with you for a while. You ready to get up?"

"Yeah." Neo nodded and released his hoodie.

Law pushed himself to edge of the bed while Neo crawled passed him and headed for the bathroom. He leaned down and pulled his boots on then waited for her to come back out. When she did he stood up and left the room with her. With his hands in his pockets he walked beside her all the way to the galley. He separated from her there. Sitting down at his typical spot, he crossed his legs and watched her and Penguin move about the room. He ended up staying with her the whole night until they went to bed later.

Neo curled more into herself before she opened her eyes. Her eyebrows shot up in confusion upon seeing her captain still lying in bed beside her. Pushing herself up, she took a closer look at him. His cheeks appeared a bit red to her in the dimly lit room. And his breathing was raspy. "Captain?"

Law didn't move.

Neo tilted her head before crawling to the end of the bed. She climbed off the mattress, grabbed her a change of clothes, and then headed to the bathroom. Stepping back out into the room she found Law was still sleeping on the bed. Unsure of what to do she walked over to the edge of the bed, knelt down, and crossed her arms on the mattress. She rested her chin on her arms when Law rolled over to face her. She expected him to wake up but he didn't. So she reached out and poked his cheek. "Captain?" She poked him again. "Captain." Law stirred. She poked him once more and he finally opened his eyes. "Captain, are you going to wake up? You're always awake before I am."

"Sorry," Law whispered hoarsely. "Did I over sleep?"

"I guess so," Neo said. "Your cheeks are red."

"Yeah." Law's eyelids fell closed. "My body aches."

"Captain?" Neo blinked when Law started snoring lightly. Her heart strummed in her chest. This wasn't like him at all. Jumping to her feet, she ran out of the room and down to the third floor. Busting into the galley she said, "Penguin! Something's wrong with the captain!"

"Huh?" Penguin glanced over at her from the stove. "What's wrong?"

"He's not awake! He's always awake before I get up!" Her eyebrows drew together in worry. "He woke up for a second, but fell back asleep! Is he hurt?! He said his body aches! His cheeks are red! And…and he's breathing funny!"

"Calm down." Penguin placed his spatula down and walked over to her. Slipping his arm around her waist, he led her back towards the captain's room. "Let's go see."

Stepping into the room, they walked over to the sleeping man and Penguin placed his hand on his forehead. Law coughed into his blanket then shivered.

"What's wrong? Is he okay? Is he hurt?" Neo asked, tugging on Penguin's boiler suit.

"He'll be fine," Penguin said. "That dip in the sea with ice around him just gave him a little bug."

"A bug?" Neo tilted her head. "A bug is making him act different?"
"I mean he's sick," Penguin said. "It's possible he's caught the flu with that little unexpected dip with the ice on him. He has a fever, a cough, the chills, and is sweating a bit. Those are all flu symptoms."

"You sure that's all it is?" Neo asked.

"Of course," Penguin said. "Being one of the first few who joined the crew, the captain gave both Shachi, Bepo, and myself lessons in basic health care. All he needs is a little rest and plenty of fluids."

"How long is he going to be sick?" Neo asked.

"It's hard to say," Penguin said. "We'll keep an eye on him. He's always been rather healthy so it should only be a few days at the most."

"That's good," Neo said. Relieve washed over her body allowing her to smile.

"I'd hold that thought if I were you." Penguin turned to her.

"Why?"

Penguin rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, you're not going to be able to sleep in here while the captain's sick."

"What?!" Neo gasped. "Why?!"

"The flu is contagious," Penguin explained. "And you know the captain wants you to remain healthy. Your immune system is most likely weakened from how unhealthy you were when you came to live with us."

"But I…I don't want to be away from the captain," Neo said, picking at her shirttail. "I'm…I want to stay here."

"Neo…"

Neo and Penguin turned their eyes to their captain when he spoke.

"You listen to Penguin," Law said pushing himself up into a sitting position. "He's right. I've caught the flu. I don't want you to catch it. That's an order."

"Yes, sir," Neo said, dropping her eyes to the floor.

"Penguin, you know the drill." Law laid back down.

"Aye, Captain." Penguin nodded. "I'll inform the crew and we'll minimize visits to your quarters."

"Gather up some clothes and Neo's supplies," Law said. "She's to sleep with Bepo. And no one is to use the bathroom when she's in there."

"Sure thing, Captain," Penguin said. "Come on, Neo. Let's get your things and get out of here."

"Okay." Neo turned from the bed and led the man over to the closet. "How many clothes should I take with me?"

"Take a week's worth," Penguin said. "The captain should be better long before then so it should be plenty in either case."

Neo nodded. After getting her clothes she went into the bathroom to get her stuff from there then reluctantly left the room. Pausing at the door, she gave Law one last look before stepping into the hall. "I don't like this."

"I know." Penguin closed the door. "But it's only temporary. Plus, you'll get to sleep with Bepo. You'll like that."

Neo nodded lightly.

"Come on," Penguin said, taking the lead. "Let's get you some new bedding for Bepo's room. We'll have to wash the ones you use in the captain's room later."

Neo followed him without a word. They stopped at a supply room first. She remained in the doorway while Penguin pulled out everything she needed. They then headed back down to the third floor. Stepping into Bepo's room, she looked around. Maps were scattered all over the room, on the beds, the walls, the floor, and the small desk he had in the room. It smelled like him and ink.

"I can't believe he lives like this," Penguin said, shoving some papers off one of the spare beds. "Do you mind the bottom or would you like a top bunk?"

"Bottom's fine," Neo said.

"You can put your stuff in the closet if you want," Penguin said, tucking the sheet into place. "Or would you prefer the drawers here?"

"I guess I'll just shove them in the drawers," Neo said. "I shouldn't be here long. I hope. I don't want to have a nightmare without the captain."

"It'll be fine." Penguin moved from the bed and hugged her. "Bepo will be right here beside you. And if you need me and Shachi and the rest of the crew we'll move in here, too, until the captain gets better."

Neo giggled. Her bells brought a smile to Penguin's face. "I might do that. But I doubt you'll all fit in here. There are only four beds."

"I'm sure some of the men won't mind sleeping on top of each other," Penguin said.

"I know a few that would," Neo said.

"At least you laughed." He gestured to the bed. "Let's finish up here and go tell Bepo he's got a new roomie for a while."

Neo nodded. While Penguin spread the blanket over the bed, she put her clothes and other items in the drawers. They then headed out to find the navigator. Passing through the halls, Penguin informed the crewmates they came across of their captain's illness. Heading on through the sub the quite hall was soon filled with the beeping controls inside of the control room. Stepping inside the two found the pirate they were looking for along with Archer.

"Hey, Bepo," Penguin said. "We've been looking for you."

"What for?" Bepo asked.

"The captain's caught the flu," Penguin said.

"He all right?" Archer asked.

"He's fine," Penguin said. "Or he will be. I'm just telling everyone about it and initiating protocol. And we're here to let Bepo know that Neo will be sleeping in his room until the captain's feeling better."

"Oh," Bepo said, eyeing Neo.

"Aw, nuts." Archer snapped his fingers and frowned but with a spark in his eyes. "I was hoping she could sleep in my room with me."

"I'm sorry," Neo said. "The captain wants me to stay with Bepo."

"He's kidding, Neo," Penguin said.

"Oh," Neo drawled.

"I hope the captain doesn't stay sick for too long," Bepo said. "How are you doing with all this?"

"I think I'll be fine," Neo said. "As long as I don't have a nightmare."

"Right." Archer leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head. "I almost forgot about those."

"We'll be there to comforter if she needs it," Penguin said. "And if they become too bad I'm sure the captain will allow her to see him long enough to calm her down." He looked at Neo. "We should get back to breakfast."

"Right. I forgot," Neo said.

"We'll see you later then," Archer said.

Neo waved to the two while following Penguin out of the room. The beeps faded away from them with each step they took. A minute later they were back in the galley. A few crewmates were already there, looking a bit annoyed.

"What's going on?" one asked. "Why isn't breakfast ready yet?"

"Sorry," Penguin said, stepping into the kitchen. "The captain's sick. I helped move Neo into Bepo's room."

"He's sick?"

"He caught the flu from the ice and dip he took into the sea apparently," Penguin said. "Be sure to wash your hands really good, Neo."

"I will." Neo stepped over to the sink. After lathering up her hands, she washed them off with warm water then grabbed an apron.

"How about you scramble the eggs?" Penguin asked when she stepped over to the stove.

"Okay." Neo nodded. Summoning her wind crystals, she opened the egg cartons that were already set out on the counter. She broke them into the pans while turning on the stove. The fire lit up. As the pans warmed the eggs started sizzling. She grabbed a couple spatulas and started stirring them around. Using her winds she picked up the salt and pepper; lightly seasoning the eggs. "Will the captain be able to eat?"

"Maybe later," Penguin said. Bacon sizzled in the grease, filling the air with its mouth-watering aroma. "Right now he's too sleepy to eat."

"All right," Neo said.

"The newspaper's here," Shachi said as he walked into the room. "And guess what? The captain's bounty is now up to 200,000,000."

"That's great!" a crewmate cheered.

"The navy must be seeing red for what we did to their precious ice machines," another said.

"Too bad the captain's not well enough to enjoy this," Shachi said.

"You know the numbers don't matter to him," Penguin said, flipping the bacon. "I'm more concerned about Neo. Do they mention anything about her?"

Neo scooped another pile of eggs onto the tray before looking at Penguin. She had almost forgotten about her part in that incident. Her eyes drew over to Shachi.

"They're questioning the strange melting of their machines," Shachi said, eyes roaming the paper in front of him. "But there's no mention of her in any kind of way. They don't even mention her crystals. I guess they weren't seen."

"That's good," a crewmate said. "Then they know nothing about her still."

"The captain will love that," Shachi said. He smiled at Neo. "We get to keep our girl safe for a while longer."

"That's true," Penguin said. "But it probably won't happen for much longer. We're going to be arriving at the archipelago before long."

After setting their meal out on the table, Neo took her normal seat. Her eyes went to Law's empty chair. A sigh passed over her lips as her shoulders dropped.

"So, uh, what's on the agenda today?" Shachi asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Laundry," Penguin said, causing some groans from the crew.

"I can help," Neo said. "I did mine the other day."

The crew cheered but was quickly cut off by Penguin's glare. "You all are just so lazy. You know the captain doesn't want us to use her like that."

"Relax, Pen," Conner said. "The captain won't know. And what the captain doesn't know won't hurt us. Plus, she offered."

"She offered to help," Penguin said. "She didn't offer her crystals."

"I don't mind," Neo said.

"See?" Conner said, pointing his fork at her. "She doesn't mind."

"Neo, you spoil the crew too much," Penguin said.

"Um, sorry?" Neo offered.

"All right," Penguin said. "I'll allow it this time. But only this time."

"You're the best." Conner smirked.

"Shut up," Penguin snapped.

Neo stabbed her fork into her eggs. Shoveling the bit into her mouth, she mindlessly chewed on it while thinking about the captain.

"You going to finish that?"

"Huh?" Neo looked up, unresponsive to the fact she was staring at Penguin.

"The rest of the crew finished eating ten minutes ago," Penguin said.

Neo blinked. Scanning her eyes around the galley, she indeed found they were the only ones left in the room. "I'm sorry. I didn't realized."

"It's all right," Penguin said, sitting back down beside her.

"Why do I feel like this?" Neo asked. "My chest feels like there's a hole in it somehow."

"You're just lost without the captain around." Penguin placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand.

"Is that why?" Neo looked at him.

"It sure is," Penguin said. "You're just use to having the captain around. It feels a bit weird to the rest of us as well, but it's going to make you feel a lot worse because you're bonded with him in a different way than we are." He placed his hand on her head. "Finish up your breakfast then go help the others with the laundry. Keeping busy will help you not think about the missing captain."

Neo poked her eggs again. She winkled her nose at how cold they were now before lifting the plate up into the air with a wind crystal. Heating the bottom she placed it back down and finished her meal.

"I'll do the dishes," Penguin said, grabbing her plate.

"I can help," Neo said.

"You go help the others with their clothes," Penguin said. "I'm sure they're waiting for you now."

"Well, okay. See you later," Neo said. Jumping up she ran towards the door and up the stairs. The musty smell of unwashed clothes greeted her upon reaching the main floor of the sub where seven of the crewmembers were waiting for her.

"Why did you bring those up here?!" Bepo demanded. "They stink!"

"We brought them here because we're going to wash them," Conner said. "We're moving them outside. Neo's here now."

"You could have moved them out to begin with." Bepo waved his paw in front of his nose.

"You could have just stayed downstairs if you're that sensitive!" Conner snapped.

Neo whimpered and shrunk back from their argument.

"Hey, now," Shachi said, placing his hand on her back. "Settle down, you two. Neo's feeling vulnerable without the captain around."

"Sorry, Neo," Bepo and Conner said.

"It's fine," Neo said. "Are we going to wash them now?"

"Sure," Conner said. Grabbing his pile of clothes, he led everyone outside. A gust of salty air quickly replaced the smell of dirty clothes.

Neo waited patiently as the crew set down their clothes. Summoning her wind and water crystals she picked up the detergent and began to mix them together. She then picked up the clothes and spun then around and around, pushing them every which way. "Um, how do I know when they're done?"

"Just a bit more then wash out the soap," Shachi said.

Neo did as she was told. She washed the clothes a couple times with clean water before spinning them around in the air to dry them. She then lowered them so the crew could pick out their clothes.

"This is great," Conner said. "You're the best, Neo."

The crew mumbled their agreements while folding their laundry.

"You're welcome." Neo twitched nervously. "And thank you."

"How about we go to the rec. room and play a few card games?" Conner suggested. "Want to, Neo?"

"I guess so." Neo rubbed her hand on her arm.

"Then let's go," Conner said, heading back into the sub. "We'll go put up our stuff and meet you in the rec. room."

Neo nodded. She followed the crew until she separated from them. Meeting Penguin in the hall, she linked her arm with his and walked to the rec. room with him. They settled in at the table and waited for the others to come back up. Bepo, Shachi, and Conner came walking in a few minutes later. After shuffling the cards, Penguin passed them out and they started their game of Go Fish.

"One of these days we're going to have to teach you how to play poker," Conner said arranging his cards.

"You know the captain won't approve of that," Bepo said.

"Well, he's sick now." Conner smirked. "He'll never know."

"Don't you dare," Penguin warned. "You've used her enough for today. I won't have you teaching her a game the captain doesn't want her to play. Besides, she'll tell that captain anyway. And if she doesn't he'll eventually figure it out. You know how smart he is."

"You're just being a stick in the mud," Conner said. "Who dubbed you her big brother anyway? Do you have any sixes?"

"Go Fish," Shachi said.

Conner picked up a card and tucked it with the others.

"It just happened," Penguin said. "Someone has to keep her safe from you morons when the captain's not around."

"I'm still going to teach her poker one day," Conner said. "Then we can really have some fun."

Penguin glared at him. "You better not be thinking of strip poker."

"Strip poker?" Neo asked. "What's strip poker?"

Conner opened his mouth to answer.

"It's an adult game," Penguin said, cutting him off.

"I can read if you want to play poker," Neo said.

"That's all right," Conner said. "We'll play that later. For now I'm having fun with you playing Go Fish."

For two hours the group played Go Fish before switching to playing Spoons for another hour. It was at the time Neo got a little bored with playing cards and decided to read. Pulling herself away from the table, she left the men to play poker while she plucked a book off the shelf and curled upon the couch to read. Another hour later movement in the room caused her to look up.

"I'm going to go check on the captain," Penguin said as he stood up.

"Could…could I come with you?" Neo asked. "I'll stay out in the hall."

"Of course." Penguin smile.

Neo placed her book down on the couch and rushed to his side. She followed him up to the captain's quarters. Her eyes locked onto Penguin as he entered into the room. Waiting she leaned against the wall, tracing her toes over the smooth floor. She straightened up when the door opened. "How is he? Is he all right?"

"His fever is still up," Penguin said. "But he's resting comfortably. He's also a bit hungry. So why don't we go make some chicken soup for him?"

"Will chicken noodle soup make the captain better?" Neo asked.

"Well, probably not. But it helps," Penguin said leading her to the galley. "Plus, chicken noodle soup is easy to digest when one is sick."

"Oh," Neo said. "I guess I still have a lot to learn about cooking."

"You're doing fine," Penguin said.

"Thank you, Penguin," Neo said. "If it would be all right, I'd like to get more books on cooking when we dock again if possible. Think the captain will allow that?"

"I'm sure he will," Penguin said. Stepping over to the cabinets he pulled out the big pot and sat it on the stove. "Since we're making some for the captain who about we make some for the whole crew?"

"Okay." Neo nodded.

"The chicken breasts are in the freezer," Penguin said. "Think you can cut them up for me?"

"Yes, I can," Neo said. Stepping over to the fridge, she opened it up and pulled out the frozen chicken breast. Their frozen bodies stung her hands. Summoning a wind crystal she placed them down in the sink while pulling out the cutting board and a knife. Carefully angling the knife away from her and Penguin, she stepped over to the counter and laid it down. Summoning two fire crystals she thawed them out over the sink then placed them down on the cutting board. Picking up the knife she pressed it to the meat and cut through it. "How should I cut up the chicken?"

"Shred it," Penguin said.

Soon the galley was filled with the warm smell of chicken broth, bringing some of the crew into the room. Conner walked over to the stove where Neo was stirring the soup. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and twirled a fork in the noodles before eating them. "So yummy."

"Hey! Stop sampling the soup!" Penguin snapped and slapped his crewmate's hand with a wooden spoon. "It's not ready yet!"

"So? You sampled it," Conner said.

"Of course we did," Penguin said. "We have to make sure it's seasoned correctly."

"Lame excuse," Conner said.

"Perfect reason," Penguin said. "If you don't think so, then you can take over cooking."

The crewmates turned pale. "No!"

"Hey! I wasn't that bad!" Conner said.

"Yes! You! Were!" they replied.

"You about set the galley on fire," Penguin said. "If it wasn't for the captain warping the fire outside the whole sub could have gone up in flames."

"The sub would have?" Neo asked.

"Yeah," Conner admitted. "I'm terrible as a cook."

"Lucky for us we have Neo," Shachi said, entering into the room.

"Hey! I've been cooking here a lot longer than she had!" Penguin said.

"She's cuter than you." Shachi smirked.

"Well, I can't argue with that." Penguin tapped the spoon on his shoulder.

"Is it about done?" Shachi asked. "It smells great."

"Um, I think so," Neo said.

"Yes, it's about done," Penguin said. "Then you impatient morons can eat."

A few minutes later, Neo filled a bowl full of the hot soup and placed it on the tray Penguin had set out. She then rushed over to the pantry and pulled out a few crackers and placed them on the tray. "Uh, is it all right if I give the captain some crackers?"

"It's fine," Penguin said placing a cup of water on the tray. "I'll take this to him."

"May I come with you?" Neo asked.

"All right," Penguin said.

"Thank you." Neo followed him out of the room. Again she waited outside as Penguin took the tray inside. A minute later he came back out.

"Let's go back to the galley," Penguin said. "The captain will eat what he can. I'll pick up the tray later."

"How's the captain?" Neo asked, heading back to the galley.

"He's fine," Penguin said. "Like always, he's more concerned about you eating."

"I'll eat," Neo said.

"Neo, are you ready to go to bed?" Bepo asked later that night.

Neo looked up from her book. "I guess so."

"Shall we go then?" Bepo asked.

Neo nodded. Standing up she placed her book back on the shelf and headed out of the rec. room with the navigator.

"Good night, Neo," some crewmate said.

"Good night, guys," Neo replied.

"No one's in the bathroom right now," Shachi said when they met with him near the crews' quarters. "So get your toothbrush."

Neo nodded. Stepping into Bepo's room, she grabbed her toothbrush, toothpaste, and clothes then headed for the bathroom. Stepping into the bathroom she was greeted with the harsh smell of cleaning chemicals. Rubbing her nose she looked around to find several stalls and a line of shower heads on the far wall. She placed her items down on the sink before stepping into one of the stalls. She then brushed her teeth, changed her clothes, and headed back to the hall. There Penguin and Shachi were standing on each side of the door. "Did I take too long?"

"Not at all," Shachi said. "We were just guarding the door so no one would walk in on you."

"Oh," Neo said. "Well, I guess I'll go to bed now. Good night, guys."

"Good night, Neo," Shachi said.

"Remember," Penguin said, "if you need any of us you can come wake us up."

"I know." Neo nodded. She gave them a small smile before headed back to Bepo's room. Stepping inside she found Bepo wearing a pair of striped pajama bottoms. Taking her dirty clothes she placed them neatly on the floor by her bed and sat down.

"You need anything?" Bepo asked.

Neo shook her head.

"I'm going to go brush my teeth," Bepo said. "I'll be back in a minute."

Neo scanned her eyes around the room. The hole in her chest grew. She started to stand up to run back to the captain's quarters, but stopped herself. Law's order echoed in her mind. She had to stay here. So she pushed her blanket down and curled up under it. The bed was a lot harder on her body than Law's. She shifted multiple times before finally finding a comfortable position. A few minutes later Bepo walked into the room. He flipped off the light and laid down in his bed.

"Good night, Neo," Bepo said.

"Good night, Bepo," Neo replied. She glanced over at him when he instantly started snoring. With a sigh she settled into her pillow and closed her eyes. A chill rushed over her arms. She pulled the blanket over her arms and curled into a ball. Closing her eyes she tried to sleep. When none came she rolled over onto her left side. The dark wall stared at her. For hours she stared at the wall until her eyelids fell closed.

"I'm sorry for having to come wake you up," Bepo said.

"Don't worry about it," Penguin said. Kneeling down beside Neo's temporary bed, he placed his hand on her shoulder. Her restlessness persisted. She whimpered and fidgeted in her restless sleep. "How long has she been like this?"
"I only know for about an hour," Bepo said. "I woke up to her like this. I don't think she's slept at all since we went to bed."

Penguin hummed. "I guess we should have known she'd have trouble sleeping without the captain. She's become so use to having him around her."

"Too bad we couldn't bring a part of him to her," Bepo said. "That would surely calm her down. Then she could rest."

"That's it!" Penguin said a little too loud. Neo whimpered in her sleep and curled tighter into herself. "Sorry, little sister."

"What's it?" Bepo asked.

"We can bring a piece of the captain to her," Penguin said. He stood up and headed for the door.

Bepo watched him go, unsure of his crewmate's meaning or if he should stay with Neo or follow the man. With Neo's restless flip-flopping in bed he decided to stay. A few minutes later Penguin came running back into the room with a dark blue hoodie in his hands. "What's that?"

"One of the captain's hoodies," Penguin said. Lifting up Neo's blanket, he tucked the hoodie close to her, making sure to put the hood right beside her nose. Instantly, Neo's body relaxed. Her arms wrapped around the hoodie and she fell into a peaceful sleep.

"Wish I thought of that," Bepo said.

"She should be fine now," Penguin said. "But I think I'll stay in here anyway."

"I'm going back to bed then," Bepo said.

Penguin nodded. While the bear crawled back into his bed, he sat down beside Neo's. Crossing his arms over his chest, he let his hat fall over his face and fell asleep.